{+}{+}{+}
Ladybug's P.O.V
"Oh no..." I gasped under my breath.
The Akuma was at the hideout. Vesperia and Pegasus were fighting valiantly to hold off the creature. Yet, they seemed to be having a difficult time. I immediately leaped into action and grasped my yoyo.
"Lucky Charm!" I shouted. A red and black-dotted object fell from the sky into my hands.
"Is this...are these..." I trailed off, clutching the hilts and pulled out two short-bladed swords from their scabbard. Even though they were decorated with a ladybug-themed design, I was able to recognize the shape.
"Are these húdiédāo, also known as butterfly swords!? A short dao or a single-edged sword with a hook extending from the guard, and fitting into a single scabbard. Originally from southern China and made by Shaolin Monks," I squealed in joy.
I could not help it! These swords were just splendid to look at, let alone, be held in my hands. With the blades being short, they were easier to maneuver and swift through the air. I have never wielded such a sword before. It is much different from the longer blades I have practiced with.
I was brought out of my joyous haze when something crashed into the hut near me. I jumped away from the sudden scare and was brought back to the reality of the situation we are currently in.
"There is no time to be an idolizing fool. I have to stay focused. Many lives are in danger right now," I thought.
I attached the scabbard to my hip. I have to figure out how to defeat this monster once and for all.
My eyes glazed around the area, searching for the answer needed to win. Flashes of a strategy began thrumming to life in my mind, building a map to our victory.
The Akuma was clever enough to know what our abilities do. It catches Pegasus and throws him while Vesperia is swatted away to not get stung. Even though it was quite a massive creature, it has quick reflexes. It has high senses to detect an attack from behind it and is very tough.
Yet, I believe that I figured out a way to defeat it. It may be clever but it was also as blind as any enraged human. It would not expect something that it was not suspecting.
I was obviously going to need the butterfly swords. I am also going to need Pegasus, Vesperia and Rena Rouge for this to work.
I smirked with confidence and started putting my plan into motion.
Opening my communication option, I alerted the specific three teammates I needed.
"What is the matter? Do you need me? I will be there as fast as I can-"
"Woah woah woah," I eased Rena's restlessness, "Calm down, Rena. I shall explain my plan before you hurt yourself again."
"What is it?" Pegasus asked before Rena could reply.
"Pegasus, I need you to deliver Rena somewhere nearby but a decent place to hide. We do not need her to get overrun by angry civilians or spotted by the Akuma," I explained.
"What would you like me to do?" Vesperia questioned.
"I will notify you once Rena arrives," I assured her.
"Alright, I am activating my location," Rena responded, "Pegasus, would you mind?"
"It would be my pleasure, madam," Pegasus replied. It took almost five minutes (due to the Akuma distracting Pegasus and it took complete concentration to accumulate a portal to specific areas) but a portal opened near me. I rushed over to the portal to help the limping fox hero and leaned against me for support.
"I think this spot is a good place to hide and do my magic," Rena said, scoping the area.
"Yes, but I think you should be atop the building. I have seen a few enraged citizens pass by but they did not notice me. I do not want to take the chances," I informed her.
"Not if they cannot see me," she slyly said, twirling her flute.
"Clever idea but will it tire you out holding three illusions?" I questioned.
"So long as you are quick, I will be fine," Rena answered, "What is the plan?"
"I need you to make Vesperia look like Pegasus and Pegasus to look like Vesperia," I said.
Rena raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by my instructions.
"Alright, I can do that," she confirmed with a wondering tone of what I have in mind.
"We heard it as well," Vesperia informed, "What is your plan?"
"The Akuma will not grab Vesperia because it knows her power. But it will grab at me and Pegasus," I explained, "We will make it think it grabbed me and "Pegasus." Before it throws us, Vesperia will use her power to paralyze the monster. Then, I will retrieve the Akuma."
"That is a brilliant idea," Rena commented, earning compliments from the other two heroes.
"I will distract the Akuma. Pegasus and Vesperia, be ready to switch identities," I ordered.
I made my way into battle. I threw my yoyo at the beast, grabbing its attention. The Akuma cried in displeasure at my presence and hurled a crate at me. I managed to dodge. I glanced over to see Pegasus hide then reappear as Vesperia.
"So far, so good," I thought, "Now, onto the next step of the plan."
"Together now!" I yelled at Pegasus and Vesperia.
The three of us charged at the creature. Once again, it showed its speed by slapping away "Vesperia." Then, it captured me and "Pegasus" in each hand. The Akuma began to wind up its arm to throw "Pegasus."
"Venom!" "Pegasus" called, forming a bee stinger around her hand. She quickly stung the Akuma, freezing it in place. I shimmed out from the Akuma's grasp and ran up its arm.
I unsheathed the butterfly swords and leaped at the monster's mask. I sliced the mask in an x shape before landing on our hideout's rooftop. The monster let out one last terrible shriek before disappearing.
I kept my eyes out for the tainted wisp. My only source of light was the fire and the dark purple color would blend exactly with the night sky. As fate would have it, I caught sight of the menace and captured it.
"Farewell, little wisp," I bid my goodbye, releasing the ghostly orb to float away into the air.
My knees buckled under me as a breath of relief passed my lips. I could still feel my adrenaline pumping but was bathed in glory.
Finally, we did it.
We defeated the Akuma just in the nick of time.
My earrings alerted me that I only had one minute left.
"I better fix everything before I de-transform," I thought, standing from the dirt
I grabbed the butterfly swords and fondly looked at them one more time. Then, I threw them up into the night sky.
"Miraculous Ladybug!" I shouted. All the damage and infliction began being restored. The huts that were demolished were fixed, fires that roared were extinguished, and people consumed by negative energy were released from its grasp.
I let out another shaky sigh.
Even though we saved the poor section...it did not mean we saved everyone. My cure can heal the wounded as if they did not acquire a scratch.
Yet...I cannot bring back the dead. That was beyond my powers and nature's laws.
There were civilians beaten to death by the enraged people, burned by the fire, or crushed by toppling buildings...like that mother.
I gulped a hard-to-swallow lump in my throat. The feeling of victory was immediately swept away and replaced by a mournful one. This...this suddenly did not feel like a battle won. It was a battle of loss and hardships.
"Hawkmoth, wherever you are. I will find you if that is the last thing I do and stop your reign of terror. This war is not over yet," I thought, glaring at the ground. My hands clenched into fists before I let out a breath.
For now, I will check to see where everyone is at and how they are doing. I hid away quickly, fed Tikki a cookie and reappeared out in the open. I searched for any of my teammates.
"We did it!" Vesperia cheered, launching herself at me and wrapping me in a hug.
"Excellent work, Ladybug," Pegasus congratulated, applauding me.
I gave him a grimace, returning the hug Vesperia was giving me. Pegasus seemed to notice my disdain and frowned.
"Is there something wrong?" he asked.
"Oh...no it-it is nothing," I lied, being pulled back an arm's length away from a now worried Vesperia.
"Are you certain? You can talk to us if there are any issues," she assured me. I opened my mouth before rethinking my decision and shaking my head in denial.
"I do not have time. I need to do something quickly before anyone notices my absence," I told them. Vesperia and Pegasus glanced at each other.
"Very well," Pegasus agreed.
"Can you two please go check the poor section and help anyone?" I asked.
"Of course," Vesperia said, turning to the holder of the horse miraculous, "Let us go."
With that said, the two disappeared across the rooftops.
I used my yoyo to zip onto the top of our hideout and opened the skylight. My ears caught the sound of two people talking inside. I poked my head in and paled at the sight before me.
Chat Noir was sitting on a mat while staring down a gun pointed at him. The holder of the gun being Gabriel Agreste.
I leaped into the hideout and shot directly at Gabriel's gun. Before the criminal could react to my presence, his weapon was knocked out of his hand. I quickly brought the yoyo back and flung it at Gabriel.
He managed to dodge and make a run for his gun. Yet, the man had tripped from the purposefully placed baton Chat set. As Gabriel scurried to his feet, I took my chance in catching him again. This time, the yoyo wrapped around Gabriel and trapped him. He growled in frustration at the predicament.
"Chat, are you okay?" I asked.
"Yes, I am. Perfect timing as always," he said, using his baton to help him stand.
"Indeed," I agreed, "Would you please keep an eye on him for a moment?"
He gave me a nod before I removed the mat. I opened the trapdoor, revealing the elderly woman and the baby still in her arms.
"Is it safe?" she asked.
"Yes, the Akuma has been defeated," I informed her. She handed me the child before climbing the ladder out of the hole. I stared down at the small baby with a heavy heart and burning eyes. This little one did not have a clue—did not understand what had happened—with who she lost.
She was happily nibbling on her fingers and curiously staring back at me.
My main concern with this baby was who was going to take care of her now.
I would if I could. My mother had trained me on how to care for a baby (even though she mostly made the servants take care of me instead of using those lessons herself). But I obviously could not take this baby home with me due to many reasons. She would have to be raised here in the poor section.
With my extensive knowledge, I would not mind helping to raise the baby if needed. But she would still need a home.
Looking back on my lessons, I estimated how old she may be. She seemed to be around six or seven months old, I presumed. So, she might be able to crawl and at least eat mushy foods.
I let out a sigh. What am I going to do with her?
"Ladybug, is there a problem?" Chat asked. My mind must have been far off in another land. I had not noticed that Bunnyx and Polymouse had returned.
They were returning an unconscious Gabriel to his cell, hopefully with a more reinforced lock. Chat Noir was now nearby me, strength seemingly returning as he was not using his weapon as a walking stick anymore. He was handing me my yoyo which I gratefully took.
"Where did you get a baby?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow. I could feel the lump in my throat start to rise. I was about to say something but was unable to.
I shook my head in denial.
"I..." I started, handing over the baby to him, "I am sorry to place this burden on your shoulders but just...just please take care of her until tomorrow. I have to go."
"Wait what?! Ladybug!" Chat Noir called but I had already left. I feel terrible for leaving Chat Noir to watch over the baby in my stead but I really had to go.
I had been gone for some time—hours. It was probably early in the morning right now. The party had to have been over by now. Someone must have noticed my absence.
"I am in big trouble," I thought, swinging by the Rossi mansion and seeing it dark inside. I changed in the direction of my house, wondering how my parents were doing with my disappearance.
I landed on my balcony and noticed the light coming from inside.
"Strange," I thought, "I do not keep the candles lit after leaving. Is there someone in my room?"
Looking through the glass, I scoped out my room and was taken aback when seeing...me? My copy was sitting on the bed and drawing something on a piece of paper. I was very confused, tired, and quite frankly ticked off.
I have had enough on my plate from the last two days. I do not need another problem layering the cake of trauma I have endured. Whoever this was, it was the wrong time to tick me off.
Though, I am slightly relieved that my parents (especially my mother) did not know of my disappearance from the party. That was the only good thing out of everything else.
Another lucky thing...
I walked over to the doors and quietly turned the knob.
...I usually forget to lock my balcony doors.
Before I could push the door open and surprise attack the copycat, the door flew open on its own. This caught me off guard.
"Come in, Lady Dupain-Cheng," the other me invited me in. I walked into the room, holding my yoyo and glaring at the imposter.
"Who are you and how do you know who I am?" I questioned.
The other me seemed surprised before realizing something. She giggled as if I said a funny joke.
"My apologies. It is me, Rose," other me—Rose—assured, "I did not realize my transformation had not worn off yet."
I relaxed before astonishment took over.
"Wow," I said, mystified, "You look exactly like me. If I were someone else, I would have not known any physical difference. Magic is truly incredible."
"Indeed, it is," Rose agreed. She smiled just as her disguise wore off and returned to her normal look.
"Again, I apologize for the confusion. I was at the party and saw the Akuma. I thought you would need someone to pretend to be you while you went to fight," Rose explained, "The hardest part was trying to act like you but it seems there were hardly any differences. I just had to act like a lady."
"It is more than okay. You saved my skin from my mother and father. I owe you one," I said.
"My only wish is Hawkmoth's defeat," Rose replied, "I have everything else that I have ever wanted."
Rose's cheeks tinted a shade of pink, earning an amused look from me. I smirked and sat next to my blonde friend. I knew that look too well...for I have the same one when thinking about my partner. The dazed, happy look. It was pretty obvious.
"So...who is the lucky prince who stole Princess Fragrance's heart?" I teased. Rose's demeanor turned more sheepish and flustered. She fiddled with her fingers. This was a nice change of pace from...everything. It was just me and Rose having a nice girl talk.
Yet, I could tell she was somewhat distraught about what she had to say.
"Well..." Rose began, not knowing how to start, "You see...the thing is...it...it is not...a male..."
{+}{+}{+}
Chat Noir's P.O.V
I watched Ladybug flee through the skylight before looking down at the baby in my arms.
"What am I supposed to do with this thing?" I thought. I had no idea how to take care of a child, much less an infant. I unknowingly searched the training area as if the answer was written somewhere in the room.
Suddenly, the baby started to cry. I jumped at the sounds of distress and began to panic. I tried to rock the young one like I have seen many mothers do to calm down their babies.
It was not working.
"Why are you crying?" I asked, feeling stupid for even saying the question. I am obviously not going to get a reply.
"Is this baby hungry? What do I feed it?" I thought, "Out of everyone, why did Ladybug leave me with this task?"
"What is going on?"
I turned and was relieved to see the two heroines, Polymouse and Vesperia. Polymouse must have finished locking Gabriel back up and Vesperia with her patrol duty.
"Chat Noir, why do you have a baby?" Vesperia asked.
"Ladybug asked if I could take care of it...but I do not know anything about babies," I confessed.
"May I?" Polymouse asked, reaching out for the baby. I handed over the small human to the mouse hero. Polymouse rocked the baby in deep thought of the issue before patting the baby's back. The baby let out a burp and began to calm down.
"She just had an upset stomach," Polymouse informed.
"She?" I questioned.
"That is the gender of the baby," Polymouse said, handing the baby back. Yet, I held my hands up in denial.
"Could you not take care of it for one night? I do not know a thing about infants," I told her. Polymouse shook her head, "I unfortunately cannot. I live with another person and they will question me about this young one."
I turned to Vesperia, who also shook her head.
"I am unable to as well but I cannot go into detail on why. But I would have. She is an adorable little girl," Vesperia cooed, tickling the baby's tummy. In return, the baby smiled.
"I am sure you can handle one night with her," Polymouse assured, once again returning the baby to me. I hesitatingly took the child and hoped that Polymouse was correct.
After all, Ladybug was the one who assigned me this task, not the other two.
"I suppose I will try," I unsurely replied.
"Good man. If she gets hungry, mash some fruits enough where she can eat it and not choke," Polymouse began, giving me a few tidbits on how to care for the baby for a night.
Vesperia had left through the skylight but Polymouse lingered for a moment. She looked at me, making me wonder what was on her mind.
"The next time you see Ladybug, you may want to talk to her. She seemed pretty upset earlier," Polymouse informed me.
I perked up at this information before recalling her odd behavior before leaving me with the baby.
"I will," I agreed.
Polymouse then left through the skylight.
Left me all alone with a baby.
"Well, let us go to bed. I am sure you are exhausted from all the action," I said before yawning, "I know I am."
My mind strayed to what could be eating at Ladybug. What had made her upset? Was she still sad about Master Fu? I know I am but I feel like there is a thicker trauma than before.
With a sigh, I carried the baby to my quarters and prayed I could keep her alive for a few hours.
{+}{+}{+}