Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir

Chapter 17: Homecoming

Kagami's return to the Earth realm signals a new chapter in the lives of Ladybug and Chat Noir. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an unmixed blessing; another arrival, one of a much more sinister nature, may signal the end.

Don't own, of course. Do I have to say that every time? I do? Well, okay.

Damien was on his red phone. "Okay, so she should be here in…thirty minutes or so? Where's the transit point? Yeah, that's a good spot, lots of wide open spaces, privacy…what? Yeah, I guess we'll inform her mother. She'll probably want to be there. At least, I guess she will." Damien's last conversation with the formidable Tomoe Tsurugi had not gone well. "What? Oh, uh, yeah, that's probably best." Ladybug saw him glance at Better, and guessed this last had something to do with the reality bender's proposed visit to this Lord Morax's realm, who wanted to run some tests on her, to try to determine her origin and how she came to be in this "Darkness," that Damien had promised to explain. And, perhaps most importantly, how she got out. Judging by dropped comments, muttered in what he hoped were too low a voice for Better to hear, she'd gathered the general consensus was that it was not a good idea for Kagami and Better to meet, at least not yet.

Turning somebody into a toad is about as bad a first impression as you could make.

Better, meanwhile, was clearly not happy with being parted from Damien, but had accepted the necessity of it. One thing she clearly did not want, evidently, was to somehow fall back into this "Darkness," and, as Damien had put it, as long as they didn't know how it happened the first time, there was always the danger of it happening again. So, yeah, good idea. "Okay, so we'll meet you and Lord Morax at the park in…give us half an hour. That ought to be plenty of time for Ms. Tsurugi to get there, if she's coming. And…he'll escort Better downstairs. What about you? You'll be bringing Kagami, okay. You-what? You are?" Oh, grief. "Okay, then. Right. Okay. See you there." He hung up, turned to the others. "Okay. Half an hour from now. Ladybug? Would you mind calling Ms. Tsurugi and letting her know when and where? I'm afraid our last conversation didn't go over so well. Okay. Better? Lord Morax will escort you back down to his University, and Dee said he's arranged for you to get special protection from the elements. You'll like him; he's strict, but really a nice guy. If anybody can figure out these things about you, it's him. Just remember to be respectful; courtesy is a really big thing in Hell. And," he said, seeing her expression, "this shouldn't take long. He just wants to run some tests, that's all. The training regimen…well, that's gonna be optional. You seem like you can already control your powers pretty well, so, if anything, it'll be mostly tactics. And Dee's said he's implied he'll grant you a scholarship in his University. I wouldn't toss that away, by any means. The University of Hell deals with beings from all over the multiverse. Getting an education there is really a big thing. So…give it some thought, okay? That's all any of us are asking. It's not like you'd be gone for years or anything. Just like with Kagami, time is more fluid in Hell, so you could return here after only a little passage of time there. Oh, and the rest of you? Be, uh, be ready for a surprise or two."

Red Wasp was just then putting her phone away. She sighed. "I suppose I'll go, too, if the rest of you don't mind. I may not like Kagami, but she is a human being-I think-who's been through an ordeal. But I can't stay long.

"Seems I've got a few things to do."

….

The park outside of town: Tomoe Tsurugi's self-driving car arrived just after Ladybug's party did, and Ms. Tsurugi stepped out, her walking stick-which Ladybug knew could double as a weapon-enabling her to walk over the uneven ground. Also, she was wearing state-of-the-art VR spectacles, that linked directly to the optic center of her brain, enabling her to see, albeit in a limited fashion. That was new, thought Ladybug, then shrugged. Technology marches on.

Damien scouted out one particularly large cleared area, finally nodding acceptance. Why such a large area? Ladybug asked herself, then shrugged. He had said this "Lord Morax" would be accompanying Kagami "up here" (sooooo…Hell really was "down there"?), and maybe the demon lord required more space than she would've normally thought.

Tomoe Tsurugi showed no interest in making any sort of conversation whatsoever.

"Alright, here they come," announced Damien, turning to face the cleared area, which suddenly came alive with light and fire. A large pentagram made entirely of fire appeared on the ground in front of them, surrounded by fire, fire that curiously didn't seem to actually burn anything. Through the brightness of the fire, Ladybug and company could see shapes materializing within. Three shapes approximately humanoid size-and one very much larger than any humanoid.

The fires abated, and Kagami, accompanied by two demons (shadonai, Ladybug and company reminded themselves) stepped forward. One of the demons was an imposing figure, one who naturally commanded respect, and another, a short, incredibly cute girl with wavy brunette hair parted to either side of her horns. This must be the sister, thought Ladybug. The sister was pretty imposing herself, especially given the assumption that she was the one on Damien's red phone that Day of the Great Debacle, as Marinette and Ayla were both calling it. Both demons were wearing what Ladybug supposed were basic demon uniforms: red pantsuits and tunics, with a wide leather-seeming belt around the middle. Both, she noted, had, like Damien, some sort of night-black choker around their throats, and both were carrying golden tridents as tall as they were. Kagami was wearing her usual white-jacketed, plaid skirt outfit that, to the others, had become her signature dress.

And behind them…

The trio moved up to Ladybug's group. "Kagami!" exclaimed Cat Noir, "You're safe!" He pumped her hand.

"Uh, y-yes, I am, Cat Noir. Thank you for your concer-*

"Kagami!" This from Rena Rouge, "What happened to your skin?"

Now that their attention was drawn to it, they could see that Kagami's skin had turned a bright, crimson red.

They were struck speechless. Even Tomoe Tsurugi, who'd joined the group, seemed to be suffering from paralysis of the vocal cords. Apparently, her VR headset allowed for her to perceive color.

Kagami honestly hadn't noticed. But Red Wasp was circling her, looking her up and down. "Hm. I've got some cream that ought to fix that right up."

"It's okay." Damien had broken away from whatever he had been desperately trying not to discuss with his sister, "It's a temporary thing." At least, I hope it is.

And behind them…

"Kagami!" exclaimed Ms. Tsurugi, speaking up for the first time that evening. "What is that, that…that thing behind you?"

Kagami sighed. May as well get on with it. She stepped back, laying her hand alongside the creature's immense head. It closed all of its eyes, and rubbed its head gently up against her. "Everyone, I'd like to introduce my…friend."

"Your fr-* Oh, I sincerely hope you aren't considering taking it back home with you!"

"As a matter of fact, I am. A purely tactical move, Mother. This creature, although it meant me no harm, is the reason I found myself in Hell in the first place. It makes logical sense to presume that the only way to keep it from doing that, or something similar, again, is to keep it by my side. It's also the main reason I survived the ordeal.

"And…there is another matter which I'll have to discuss with you in private."

But Tomoe Tsurugi was shaking her head. "No. Just no. And I say that from purely practical reasons. There is no place in the townhouse large enough to quarter the monster."

"On that," said Morax, breaking away from his conversation with Better, and coming up to them, "I may be of assistance." He produced what appeared to be a small crystal pyramid. "This device will expand the dimensions within any room, while not affecting its dimensions as perceived from the outside. In short, the room will be bigger on the inside than on the outside. Much bigger."

"Still no. Kagami, it isn't just about having enough space. There's the matter of upkeep. What does the creature eat, even? I doubt we'd be able to find a litter box big enough for it, and, even if we did, it would require a forklift to empty it. Maybe more than one.

"No, keeping it is simply not practical. We simply can't do it."

"There is another matter," Morax said. "We have reason to believe your daughter-and perhaps you, yourself-may be targeted by a rogue organization, more about which, Kagami can tell you. And," he looked back at the creature, lying on its stomach, its head moving back and forth with the conversation, "I can think of no better bodyguard for your daughter, or for yourself. This creature has proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it would lay down its life for her. That is…highly unusual, to put it mildly."

"I don't believe you. I'm told you are a demon. Demons are noted for their…loose connection with the truth."

Lord Morax kept his temper. "Very well. I had not wanted to bring this up, but you leave me no choice." He produced a rolled-up parchment, handed it to her. "When I announced Kagami's decision to the Black Throne, they accepted it, albeit reluctantly, and remanded custody of the creature to her. The Black Throne is the ultimate power in Hell, and a power on this world as well. Your daughter is now responsible for the creature-whether you or she likes it or not."

She grabbed the parchment and tried to tear it up, only to find that she couldn't. It seemed indestructible. "I would not," he said, quietly, "antagonize the Black Throne, were I you."

"Ms. Tsurugi?" said Damien, who'd come up nearby, "If it means anything, I'll be glad to help your daughter care for the creature. For that matter, I think we all would." He glanced behind him, to see a few heads nodding. "And really, such creatures as these are actually very low maintenance."

She turned to him. "And you would know this exactly how?"

"Let's just say, I'm not unfamiliar with creatures such as these."

It was amazing, thought Ladybug, how someone could be seen to glare, even at night, behind dark, VR glasses. Then, "I might've known. Somehow, you've orchestrated this entire debacle."

He nodded, looking thoughtful. "Yes, I suppose it will be a nice day if it doesn't rain." Then his gaze hardened. "Believe whatever makes you happiest. My offer stands." Then he turned and followed Morax back towards Better.

Ladybug, Rena Rouge, and, surprisingly, Red Wasp, were there with her. The short demon girl-Damien's "Dee"?-seemed to be dividing her time between Morax's discussion with Tomoe Tsurugi and the others. Oddly, so did Cat Noir, who seemed extraordinarily concerned about Kagami. Why was that? "Don't worry, Better," encouraged Ladybug, "From what I've heard, this place you're going to really rocks!"

"Er, 'rocks'?"

"I mean, it's an exciting place to be. You know, in most, if not all, human mythologies, Hell's always been the most interesting of all the afterlife destinations. And you'll have special protection. And, from what Damien is telling me, an education in Hell's University tops anything here on Earth. It'll be fun!"

"But I'll be away from Damien!"

Ladybug clasped her hands around the reality-bender's. "It's only for a little while. You heard: time doesn't pass the same there as here. You could be back next week. Maybe even with a diploma. Wouldn't that make Damien so proud?" Though I'm not exactly sure what a diploma from the "University of Hell" would be worth here on Earth.

I mean, who'd believe it?

"Well, Better," said Morax, rejoining them. "Are you ready?"

Better sniffled. "Not…really. But, but I know this is something I have to do. I don't want anyone else to fall into that awful place, and I sure don't want to fall back into it myself."

"That's the spirit, Better," said Damien. "And you'll be back in no time; you'll see."

She embraced him, a tight hug. "Then…would you do me a favor?"

"What favor?"

She smiled a naughty smile. "Wear that male chastity belt. Until I get back, that is. I want to be the one to take it off of you." And with a quick peck on the lips, she turned and followed Lord Morax back to the center of the clearing, the pentagram of fire already taking shape. A shy wave, and both their forms disappeared from mortal view.

Looking after them, he became aware of a short form standing next to him. "Uhm, h-hello, Dee."

"Hello, Bane of My Existence."

"Uhm, yes. Hey, guys! Come meet my sister!"

Ladybug, Rena Rouge, and Red Wasp gathered around. Even Cat Noir broke away from the Tsurugi's to come say hello. "Uhm, yes," said a clearly nervous Damien. Guys, this is my little sister, Deanna. Deanna, this is Lady-*"

"We've met," spat the girl. She nodded towards Rena Rouge. "You, too."

"Really?" said Cat Noir. "How'd that happen?"

"Never mind." She took Damien by the elbow and led him off a ways. "We need to talk," she whispered fiercely. "And why aren't you in uniform?"

He looked down at his normal attire. "Guess I…forgot."

She face-palmed. "Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi." He stood there. Deanna could always make him the most nervous. She was just so perfect. She looked up at him, still standing there. "Well, put it on, for grief's sake! I can't believe you just stood around here in your civvies with Lord Morax meeting your 'friends.'

"Oh, yeah, you're right. I, I really should've…" But her expression was saying just do it, dammit!

He concentrated, and was suddenly enveloped in a whirlwind of flame, that coalesced into an outfit much like what she was wearing: a two-piece pantsuit and tunic combo made of some red material. Reflexively, he checked his right thigh; yes, his trident, collapsed into its form of a golden rod, of course, was securely locked into its plastoid holster. "There. Better?"

"Would that you had remembered to do that before Lord Morax arrived. Now he's gonna think you've 'gone native' or something. Er, you haven't, have you? 'Cause I swear if you have-*"

"Dee," he said, his expression firm for the first time since she arrived. "I think you know that's not something I'm going to do."

She put her fists on her hips. "Without knowing what actually happened, I couldn't say it's impossible. And that's another thing: the Black Throne has been making inquiries. They want some answers, though why now, I have no clue."

He straightened up and looked off, his expression resolute. "I've given them all the answers they're going to get from me."

Her own expression softened, and she leaned up against him, placing a hand on his chest. "Brother…look…we'll…have to discuss this, and some other things, later. In private. For now, introduce me to the rest of your…'friends,' why don't you. Especially Mr. Eye Candy, there, in the black suit. Then, let's go check out your what I'm sure is a pigsty of an apartment."

…

The Tsurugi's: in the very back of the carport was a small compartment, little more than a closet, used mostly for maintenance and storage of needed supplies for the Tsurugis's self-driving cars. In the midst of her fussing and fuming, Tomoe Tsurugi directed Kagami to place the crystal pyramid there. "Now I guess we'll see if your friends' magic can be relied upon." There were some backup computer relays in this same compartment; Damien had assured them that they wouldn't be seriously affected, if at all.

What followed was remarkable. Even Tomoe Tsurugi could feel a difference. Her sighted daughter stumbled as the walls and ceiling simply seemed to recede from each other, growing farther and farther apart, until what used to be a small compartment was the size of an aircraft hanger. Nor did it stop there. The doors also expanded. Well, that makes sense, thought Kagami. He's got to get in somehow. In the back of her mind, she wondered: was this magic or some form of super-science?

Or did it make a difference? From what she'd gathered, during her time in Hell, super-science and magic were essentially one and the same. Who was the English author who'd said, "Any technology, sufficiently advanced, is indistinguishable from magic"?

Tomoe Tsurugi tapped her cane on the floor, the echoes indicating the new dimensions of the compartment. She nodded. "Impressive." The inside of the previously-small closet now sounded to be nearly the size of a soccer stadium. "Your…friend…should have plenty of room." She turned to Kagami. "I trust you'll see to his…installation? Has your young man offered the help he promised?"

Kagami sighed. Her mother still hadn't changed her mind. "Ah, mother, he is not 'my' young man. He's simply a friend. And he didn't have to 'make his offer.' Yes, he is bringing some supplies by today. But first things first." She waved her hand, gesturing at the enormously expanded room. "He had to have some place to put it all."

"Hmm. Logical. But," she turned her sightless gaze upon Kagami, "know you that I will be keeping a careful watch on him…and on you. You would not be the first young girl who fell for someone whom she shouldn't. You do not seem able to recognize such maneuvers yourself, therefore it falls to me to do so." She raised her hand, forestalling Kagami's retort. "He may be perfectly innocent. Indeed, that seems quite likely. But the alternative, the possibility…is simply one I am not willing to risk.

"You both may hate me as much as you wish, but I have seen this sort of thing happen far too often to young girls of your socioeconomic status to think it cannot happen to you. And seeing the pain those young girls go through…no. It will not happen to you. That is final.

"Now. What was this that you felt could only be shared with me in private?"

Kagami began to perspire.

….

On the distant outskirts of Paris: it was a good thing the old house was uninhabited, because what crashed into it would have eradicated any form of life known to man, and many unknown. The fireball spread out, encompassing a wide area…and an observer, of which there were none, would have found it curious that even the bricks and mortar of the old house caught fire, a strange-looking fire of a colour that no one could have described. In seconds, the old house, as well as much of the ground around it, was reduced to ashes and dust.

And from the very heart of that weird fire, a figure stood up, almost as though coalescing from the fire itself. No human could have withstood that flame, but this figure was human only in appearance. "Damien! My one true love!" it said, spreading its arms wide. "You're here! I can sense you! I can almost see you!

"Soon, soon, we'll be together! Forever!" it shouted, gleaming trident in hand.

To be continued...