Chapter 5: The next guardian of the miracle box
Musutafu Streets - Morning
in Mustafa, Japan, during the morning, a motorcycle zoomed through the streets. The motorcycle was shaped like a snake, dark green with red highlights all over it. The rider wore black pants, green boots, and a black biker jacket with a snake symbol on the back. They also wore a dark green biker helmet with a black visor. This was Viper, and his quirk was called Petrifaction. He could turn people into stone just by his gaze alone. Viper stopped at a hospital.
"It's been a while, old friend," Viper said with a sigh as he walked into the building.
Musutafu Hospital - Morning
Viper walked into the hospital, looking around until he saw a lady at the front desk.
"I'm here to see Gin, please," Viper said.
"Last name, please?" the nurse asked.
"Ookami. Gin Ookami," Viper replied.
"He's in room 58. And sir, please take off the helmet," the nurse said.
"Fine," Viper said with a sigh as he removed his biker helmet, revealing his brown skin and slicked-back black hair. His real name was Naja Naja.
Naja tucked his helmet under his arm and made his way down the corridor to room 58. He paused at the door, taking a deep breath before pushing it open gently.
Inside, Gin Ookami lay in a hospital bed, surrounded by beeping monitors and sterile white sheets. The room smelled faintly of antiseptic. Naja approached quietly, his footsteps barely making a sound.
"Hey, old friend," Naja said softly, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "It's been a while."
He pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed, looking at Gin's unconscious form. The sight of his friend, once so full of life and energy, now lying helpless, filled him with a deep sense of grief.
As he sat there, lost in thought, the door opened and Fang entered the room, looking surprised to see Naja.
"Naja? What are you doing here?" Fang asked, his voice a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"I came to see Gin," Naja replied, standing up to greet Fang. "I heard about what happened. How is he?"
"Still the same," Fang said with a heavy sigh. "No change."
Naja nodded, his expression serious. "Listen, Fang, I need to ask you something important."
Fang raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I know about Jake's secret," Naja said, glancing at Gin. "About him being Beetle. I need you to keep it that way. If anyone finds out, he'll have to give up his Miraculous. Without it, he's just a quirkless kid. He needs it to protect himself and others."
Fang's eyes widened in surprise. "You know about that?"
Naja nodded. "Yes, and I know how important it is. Promise me you'll keep it a secret."
Fang hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I promise. I'll keep it a secret."
"Good," Naja said, his expression softening slightly. "Thank you."
They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their promise hanging between them. Then, Naja turned back to Gin, his gaze filled with determination.
"We'll find a way to help you, Gin," he said quietly. "I promise."
The bathroom door opened, and Jake walked out, seeing Naja sitting next to Fang.
"Uncle Naja, what are you doing here?" Jake said, running to him and giving him a hug.
"Hey, little pup. I came to see your dad. I heard what happened after the sludge villain incident," Naja said.
"You mean Grim Sludge," Jake corrected.
"Yeah," Naja said.
"I also know about the Miraculous and you being Beetle," Naja continued.
"How do you know?" Jake asked, glancing over at Fang. "Did you tell him?" Jake asked his brother.
"No, no, I didn't," Fang said quickly.
"The old man told me. The one you saved," Naja said.
"The old man? He's the one who gave me my Miraculous, who gave me Kwasi," Jake said as Kwasi flew out of his pocket and sat on his shoulder.
"His name is Master Fu. He's the guardian of the Miraculous who gave you and Shadow Claw your Miraculouses," Naja explained.
"Why are you telling me this?" Jake asked.
"Because Master Fu passed away yesterday," Naja said.
"What?" Jake and Kwasi exclaimed in surprise.
"He wants you to be the new guardian of the Miraculous and the Miracle Box," Naja said as he pulled out the Miracle Box.
"The Miracle Box is a magical jewelry box used for containing dormant Miraculous when they're not in use. Each box is linked to a specific owner and changes according to its new guardian's desires. It also contains a whole parallel world for kwamis within," Naja explained.
Jake stared at the Miracle Box in disbelief. "I... I don't know if I'm ready for this," he said, his voice shaking.
"You've already proven yourself, Jake," Naja said gently. "Master Fu believed in you, and so do I. This responsibility is yours now."
Kwasi floated closer to Jake's face, looking at him with determination. "Jake, we've been through a lot together. You can handle this."
Jake took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay. I'll do it. For Master Fu."
Naja smiled and handed him the Miracle Box. "Good. I knew you would accept. But remember, this also means you have to keep your identity as Beetle a secret from everyone else. It's a huge responsibility."
"I understand," Jake said, looking at Fang. "And Fang, you have to keep this secret too. If anyone finds out, I might have to give up my Miraculous, and I can't do that. Not when there are still people who need me."
Fang nodded solemnly. "I promise, Jake. Your secret is safe with me."
"Thank you," Jake said, feeling a little more at ease.
Naja placed a hand on Jake's shoulder. "You're not alone in this, Jake. We're all here to support you. And with your new responsibility, you'll need all the help you can get."
"Yeah, I know," Jake said, managing a small smile. "Thanks, Uncle Naja."
Naja stood up and ruffled Jake's hair. "Now, let's go see your dad. He needs us too."
Jake nodded and followed Naja and Fang down the hallway, the Miracle Box clutched tightly in his hands. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew he had the strength and support to face it.
As they walked down the hallway, Jake felt a strange warmth emanating from the Miracle Box. He stopped and looked down at it, noticing that it was starting to change shape and color. The once traditional design began morphing into something more modern and sleek, aligning with Jake's personal style.
"Whoa," Jake said, his eyes wide. "The Miracle Box... it's changing."
Naja nodded, smiling. "Yes, it's adapting to you. Each guardian's Miracle Box takes on a unique appearance that reflects their personality and style."
The box transformed into a more compact, high-tech version with a sleek black and green design, resembling something out of a futuristic spy movie. Jake could see intricate patterns that looked like circuitry glowing softly on its surface.
"This is incredible," Jake whispered, running his fingers over the box. "It's like it's alive."
Kwasi hovered next to him, also looking at the box with awe. "This is a good sign, Jake. It means the Miracle Box recognizes you as its new guardian."
"Wow," Fang said, equally amazed. "That's so cool, Jake. It really suits you."
Jake smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. "Thanks, Fang. And thank you, Kwasi."
Naja placed a hand on Jake's shoulder. "Remember, with this new role comes great responsibility. You have to protect the Miraculous and their secrets. But you won't be alone in this."
Jake nodded. "I understand. I'll do my best."
They continued down the hallway until they reached Gin's room. Jake took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Inside, Gin lay in a hospital bed, looking weak but stable. Jake walked over to him, the Miracle Box still clutched in his hand.
"Dad," Jake said softly, trying to hold back his emotions.
Gin slowly opened his eyes and smiled weakly when he saw Jake. "Jake... it's good to see you, son."
"I'm here, Dad," Jake said, taking his father's hand. "We're all here."
Naja and Fang stood by the door, giving them some space but ready to support Jake in any way they could.
"I'm going to make you proud, Dad," Jake said, his voice determined. "I'm going to protect this city and keep our family safe."
Gin nodded, squeezing Jake's hand. "I know you will, Jake. I know you will."
The room was filled with a sense of hope and determination. Jake knew the road ahead would be challenging, but with his new responsibility as the guardian of the Miracle Box and the support of his family and friends, he felt ready to face whatever came next.
Okay, you two," Naja said, looking at Jake and Fang. "The U.A. entrance exam is 10 months away, and I'm going to train you guys. Are you up to the challenge?"
Jake and Fang exchanged determined glances before nodding in unison.
"We're ready," Jake said confidently. "We'll give it everything we've got."
"That's the spirit," Naja replied with a smile. "Let's get to work."
The brothers knew that the road ahead would be tough, but with Naja's guidance and their own determination, they felt prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.