Chapter 61: Desperada
Hey everyone, I'm back with a new chapter. Sorry about the wait, but recently I went to a convention and got to meet Keith Silverstein the VA of Gabriel/Hawk Moth and I even got him to read some lines from this story. Needless to say when that happened I got hit with major inspiration to finish this chapter. And I'm thrilled to say this story has over 500 favorites! Thank you all for your support! I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves at Juleka's houseboat as Marinette, Alya, Alix, and Mylene come to check out Luka's band and prepare for a show they are doing tonight.
"You're so talented, Luka. How long have you been playing?" Marinette asks bringing Luka a drink.
"Since I was in diapers." Luka jokes making Marinette giggle.
"I got a feeling Marinette likes Luka a lot," Alix whispers.
"At least she can have a normal conversation with him without getting all blahblahblah." Alya babbles mimicking Marinette.
"I guess you mean not like when she's with Adrien." Mylene points out.
"And at least Luka gets to go out whenever he wants," Alix adds.
We see Sam waving up on deck as Adrien and Kagami approach the ship.
"You guys made it." Sam smiles.
"Thanks for helping make our excuse believable." Adrien smiles waving to his driver who drove away.
Inside the boat, we see Luka letting Marinette strum his guitar.
"They're so cute together." Mylene sighs.
"So true." Alix agrees.
"Sure are," Alya said as Adrien, Kagami, and Sam entered the room.
"You think?" Adrien asks making them gasp.
"I agree. That boy and your friend seem to get along very well." Kagami nods while Sam has an unsure look on his face.
"Ehh I don't know. Maybe as friends at least." Sam ponders.
"Adrien?! Kagami?!" Alya said surprised to see them here.
"Your father let you out?" Alix asks in disbelief.
"We're officially at fencing practice right now, but oh no Kagami isn't this the wrong address?" Adrien gasps pretending to be worried.
"Oh dear, I think you're right." Kagami plays along causing both to chuckle making Marinette frown.
"I take it you knew?" Alya asks looking at Sam.
"Adrien asked me to help. It's a lot more believable if 3 people are in on it than 2." Sam shrugs.
"It's a good thing Adrien's found someone he can get out of the house with at last." Luka smiles happy for him.
As Adrien glances over he and Kagami wave, but when Luka waves back Marinette nervously gives him back his guitar.
Grabbing the tray, Marinette made her way over.
"Hi, Adrien. It's cool you couldn't come alone. Oh-I mean, you came with someone. Hey Kagamoo, Kamogi, ugh I mean Kagami." Marinette greets.
"Nice to see you too, Marinette. Have you come to watch your boyfriend rehearse?" Kagami asks.
Stammering Marinette looked to Luka and then Adrien, but they heard something before she could answer.
"I will not be your second choice!" Anarka's voice echoes from the upper deck.
"What the heck?" Sam pauses.
"Mom?" Luka and Juleka said confused as they made their way up.
As everyone follows the siblings, Alya looks at Marinette.
"Kagami might be onto something," Alya said.
"Luka? He's just a friend." Marinette assures making her way up.
Up on the main deck, everyone saw Jagged Stone sitting atop his band trailer playing a grand piano with his crocodile Fang sitting on it.
"You know perfectly well you were my first choice. You're the only one, Nanarky." Jagged calls out.
"Nanarky?" Luka and Juleka pause glancing at their mother.
"You can't fool me, pirate. I bet you threw your guitarist overboard again." Anarka assumes.
"No, I swear, I didn't. She sailed away from me, she left me in the lurch." Jagged defends.
"Uh excuse me Anarka, how do you know Jagged Stone?" Sam asks.
"We once sailed on the same ship together. Performed a few songs." Anarka said.
"That's an understatement." Taking out an album we see Jagged and Anarka in retro leather rock outfits with techno masks on their faces. "Look how perfect we were together. Come back and play with me, Nanarky" Jagged smiles blowing her a kiss before playing on the piano.
"Jagged and our mom?" Luka and Juleka said in disbelief.
"That seems like a little more than just a few songs," Sam noted.
Smiling softly, Anarka looks at her children and immediately snaps out of it. "We're not co-captains anymore. I sail alone now, skipper!" Anarka declares walking away.
Frowning Jagged thought he was done for, but when he noticed Marinette he smiled widely thinking she could help. "Marinette, you're here!" Jagged said playing the keys enthusiastically. "The awesome designer of these rock 'n' roll shades of mine. I'm sure you can help me. I need a guitarist like yesterday. Do you play guitar?"
"Me? Guitar? I mean, I can play a few notes on the flute." Marinette mumbles turning to Alya who hints with her head towards Luka and Adrien making her smile. "No wait, Jagged. I know the perfect musician."
"Really? You rock Marinette!" Jagged smiles.
Walking over, Marinette ended up going straight to Adrien.
"I'm sure you know Adrien Agreste. He's the cutest uh the greatest model I mean, musician in the world!" Marinette declares as everyone gasps confused.
"Well, I know a few chords, but I'm more of a pianist actually," Adrien admits as Jagged lifts up his glasses to get a closer look.
"Uh, okay, you sure? How 'bout that young dude with the awesome T-shirt? Don't you think he's better equipped for the job?" Jagged asks pointing to Luka who had his guitar strapped to his back.
"Luka does know how to play Marinette. He was showing you just a few minutes ago." Sam hints.
"Of course, Sam you and Jagged are right." Marinette smiles making everyone sigh relieved. "Luka can let Adrien borrow his guitar, can't you, Luka?"
"If you like Marinette." Luka nods making all her friends groan while Sam facepalms. "Put it to good use, Adrien," Luka said handing it to him.
"I'll do my best, thanks," Adrien said.
"Marinette that was not what I—" Sam starts.
"Jagged Stone!" A voice calls out interrupting him. Looking atop a sign they see a woman with white skin and music notes on her face, black mascara around her eyes, resembling a skeleton, black hair, wearing a leather and gold outfit with a star-shaped guitar case in her hands. "So you fire me, and now you want to replace me with what? A school kid?!" She asks gesturing to Adrien.
"Vivica? Is that you?" Jagged said in disbelief.
"There ain't no more Vivica! There's only Desperada now." Opening her case, she pulls out a trumpet in the shape of a gun. "If I can't be your guitarist anymore, I'm gonna make sure nobody can!"
"Aha!" Anarka said overhearing that. "You ship rat! I knew you were lying. Vivica didn't leave you. You dropped her just like you would drop me before!"
Cringing Jagged covered his face embarrassed.
"What?! You were thinking of replacing me with her?!" Desperada said in disbelief.
"Hey, I'm a much better guitarist than you! And I was his first choice!" Anarka points out.
"In that case, you'll be my first choice too!" Leaping down, Desperada fires from her trumpet hitting Anarka and making her disappear in a puff of yellow smoke and a sticker of Anarka appears on her guitar case. "I never miss a note. Vivica always hits her targets!"
Growling in anger, Kagami grabs a mic stand and swings it at her but Desperada dodges and fires a note hitting Kagami making her sticker appear on the guitar case.
Panicking everyone tried to make a break for it as Desperada fired at them.
Looking around Alya saw Sam needed to transform to deal with this but she needed to get him away from her.
"Sorry about this Sam," Alya said pushing Sam overboard.
"Alya!" Sam yells falling into the water.
"Love you!" Alya called out before she was blasted by Desperada.
Sneaking down to the lower deck, Marinette let Tikki out.
"I never should've given that guitar to Adrien. Why did I do that, Tikki?" Marinette asks.
"You have a troubled heart, Marinette," Tikki said making Marinette groan.
"What is happening to me?! Tikki, spots on!" Marinette said transforming into Ladybug.
Running for cover, Adrien was about to enter the control room when Luka stopped him.
"Not there. You'd be a sitting duck in that cabin." Luka warns.
Turning around they tried running off the boat only for Desperada to spot them.
"Where are you running to, wannabe?" Desperada calls out.
"Stop it, Vivica, you're giving rock 'n' roll a bad name." Jagged calls out only for him to get blasted.
"Jagged?" From the trailer, Penny exits concerned only to get blasted by Desperada.
As she turns to get Adrien and Luka a yoyo flies in and knocks her back making her trumpet disappear.
"I may not play a guitar, but I do play the yo-yo. Care for a duet?" Ladybug asks joining the fight.
Reaching into her case, Desperada pulls out an axe-shaped guitar.
"Solo," Desperada said clashing with her allowing Adrien and Luka to run off.
Across from them near the steps along the river, Sam gasps for air resurfacing away from the ship.
"Oof that's the second time you've been knocked off that houseboat. Ever consider looking into a life jacket?" Faang suggests.
"The first time was an accident. This time was so Alya could get me space to transform." Sam coughs. "Maybe I should ask Kim to give me some swimming tips," Sam said.
"Come on, we got a fight to win," Faang said as Sam nodded in agreement.
"Faang, Teeth Out!" Sam said as his bracelet glows and he transforms into Silver Claw.
Leading Adrien down some steps they hid behind a wall.
"We'll be safe here," Luka assures.
"Thank you, Luka." Adrien smiles grateful.
Up above, we see Ladybug being knocked against a car as Desperada approaches her.
"Perfect Desperada. Ladybug's Miraculous is within your grasp." Hawk Moth said telepathically.
"I always keep my end of the deal, Hawk Moth." Desperada grins charging in.
Suddenly at the last second, a sword blocks her strike.
Gasping she sees she is in a lock with Silver Claw.
"Your timing is perfect as always." Ladybug grins as Silver Claw pushes back.
As Desperada swings her guitar at him, Silver Claw deflects the attack allowing Ladybug to swing in and kick her in the chest.
When Desperada tries to counter, Silver Claw slams his sword down sending her skidding back.
"Where's Cat Noir?" Luka asks noticing the feline hero was missing from the group.
"He might not make it here in time." Adrien assumes.
"Then we must help Ladybug," Luka said noticing Adrien still holding his guitar. "May I?"
Adrien hands the guitar back to Luka and starts strumming it getting Desperada's attention.
"Another new guitarist?" Growling Desperada switches out her guitar for two mini trumpet pistols.
Firing from both ends, Ladybug and Silver Claw use their weapons to deflect the attacks coming at them, but when Depserada fired at Luka, Adrien leaped in and tackled him out of the line of fire.
"Moon Call!" Taking a deep breath, Silver Claw releases a sonic howl blasting Desperada flying away from Adrien and Luka and crashing into the river.
"Good move. Come on, follow me." Ladybug said as the two heroes and two civilians made their way into the sewers.
Resurfacing Desperada was beyond pissed. "You won't get away for long!"
Down in the sewers, Ladybug and Silver Claw led Adrien and Luka to safety.
"You shouldn't have put yourself in danger like that. But... thank you." Ladybug said gratefully.
"Yeah, that took guts." Silver Claw smiles.
"You can count on us whenever you need help," Luka said playing an uplifting tune with his guitar.
"I appreciate it, but when you're dealing with a supervillain, it's better to have a partner with superpowers. Speaking of any idea where Cat Noir is?" Ladybug asks.
"Cat Noir?" Silver Claw pauses. "Uh, why don't you just call him?"
Taking his advice, Ladybug dials him.
"Cat got your tongue? Leave a message." Cat Noir's voice mail said.
"Okay, plan B. Lucky Charm!" Throwing her yoyo into the air, a gong appears in Ladybug's hand.
"A gong? What are you gonna do with that?" Luka asks.
"Maybe Deperada's weakness is Takeout." Silver Claw jokes but Ladybug knew what it meant.
"I'm gonna have to leave you guys for now, but I'll be back soon," Ladybug assured when Silver Claw's bracelet beeped.
"Uh oh." Silver Claw cringed when they heard loud music from the streets above.
"I'll find that brat guitarist sooner or later, Ladybug!" Desperada's voice echoed.
"I wish I hadn't used my Moon Call so early." Silver Claw growls.
"I'll handle her," Ladybug said glancing at Luka. "Can I borrow that?" She asks pointing to his guitar.
"You know how to play?" Luka asks.
"Let's just say I have my own personal style," Ladybug said running off.
"I'm about to transform back, you guys find a place to hide and stay there." Silver Claw said going in the opposite direction.
Climbing out of the sewers, Ladybug looks around and notices several pigeons by a horse statue giving her an idea.
Opening a door, Adrien and Luka entered a locker room.
"You can hide in here. It's a bit tight for the two of us. I'll go in another one." Adrien suggests opening a locker for Luka.
"Okay, see you later," Luka said as Adrien closed the locker on him.
Walking across from him, Adrien opens and closes a locker to give the illusion that he snuck away.
"How about a little nap while we wait for Ladybug to come back?" Plagg asks coming out.
"Sorry Plagg, it's time for Cat Noir to make his entrance. Plagg, Claws Out!" Adrien said as his ring glowed and he transformed into Cat Noir.
As he ran through the sewers he turned a corner and ran into someone.
Groaning Cat Noir saw he had run into Silver Claw.
"Silver Claw?" Cat Noir smiles.
"Cat Noir? About time you showed up. Good thing you didn't catch me in the middle of my snack." Silver Claw said revealing he had refueled.
"Where's Ladybug?" Cat Noir asks.
"She'll be back soon. I think she has a plan." Silver Claw said.
Up on the streets of Paris, Desperada was on the hunt for them when she heard a loud screech of a guitar.
"Ugh! Who is torturing that poor guitar?!" Desperada groans.
Following the noise, she saw pigeons trying to get at the loaf of bread that Ladybug had placed between the guitar strings which was causing the noise.
Taking out her large trumpet she fired making the pigeons disappear.
"That's better." Desperada grins relieved.
Using that as a distraction, Marinette made her way to Master Fu's place.
Entering his secret combination, Fu opened the secret compartment in his music player to reveal the Miracle Box.
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng. You must pick an ally you can trust to fight alongside you on this mission. Once the mission is over, you will take the Miraculous back and return it to me." Fu instructs placing the box in front of her.
"Desperada's relentless. There's no room for error with her there'll be no second chance." Marinette said noticing one Miraculous in particular. "Or maybe this one." Bending down she picks up a teal bracelet.
"The snake's power is a very strong one, Marinette. Whoever uses it must be wise enough, not to be tempted to manipulate time for their gain." Fu explains.
"I understand, Master Fu, I know just the perfect person. I can't believe I didn't think of him before a perfect match." Marinette declares.
Back in the sewer, Cat Noir runs to a ladder, but when he climbs up the entrance opens and Ladybug falls on top of him.
"Okay, what is with you and running into us today?" Silver Claw asks catching up with them.
"We really need to stop running into each other like this Milady." Cat Noir groans.
"So how do we deal with this guitarist?" Silver Claw asks when he notices her looking around for something. "Uh, you okay?"
Looking around Ladybug smiles finding the Miraculous box.
"Phew! Yeah, I have to find Adrien Agreste!" Ladybug declares standing up.
"The model? Why him?" Silver Claw asks as she shows them the box.
"You want to entrust him with a Miraculous?" Cat Noir asks.
"You're not supposed to know, but, yeah! He's the perfect guy for this mission." Ladybug smiles.
'He can't be the perfect guy Ladybug, because he's something else.' Silver Claw thought before clearing his throat. "Uh, maybe you should just let me borrow it. I mean I've worked with unification before so I know how it works."
"Sorry Silver Claw, but the user of this Miraculous needs to be hidden and out of sight. And I need you on the front lines for this fight." Ladybug said making the wolf hero whimper.
"Well…then we have a problem because I don't know where he is." Silver Claw said.
"Well, luckily you have me and my incredible nose. If Adrien's down here, I'll find him for you." Cat Noir said leading them away.
Entering the locker room, Cat Noir opens one.
"Adrien's in there." Cat Noir declares only for them to see the locker is empty.
"Your incredible nose failed you this time," Ladybug smirked while Silver Claw just shook his head relieved.
Behind them, the locker opens revealing Luka.
"Cat Noir, Silver Claw, Ladybug. Have you defeated Desperada yet?" Luka asks before noticing the empty locker. "Oh, where's Adrien?"
"Um, maybe he took off and hid somewhere else. Let's split up and find him." Cat Noir suggests as Ladybug and Silver Claw walk out. Turning to Luka, Cat Noir gestures to the locker. "Hide in there for the meantime." Cat Noir winks.
Running out of the room he turns a corner. "Claws in!" Cat Noir said turning back into Adrien.
"Plagg, Ladybug needs me. She needs Adrien." Adrien said excitedly.
"If you asked me, this whole idea is worse than cheese in a can," Plagg said.
"She thinks I'm the perfect guy for this mission." Adrien sighs.
"You can't be Cat Noir and another superhero at the same time! Which means that you're not the perfect guy for this mission." Plagg points out.
"The lucky charm told her I am," Adrien said.
"That's now how this works," Plagg said turning to Adrien only to see a lovestruck look on his face. "Why am I bothering? You're not even listening."
"This is my chance to get her to love me as myself! "Adrien"! I don't care what costume comes with it; I have to try. Ladybug chose me!" Adrien said totally lost in his thoughts.
"Adrien! Adrien!" Ladybug calls out getting Adrien's attention.
"Ladybug?" Adrien calls out getting her attention.
"Where were you? Is everything okay?" Ladybug asks concerned.
"Yeah. I was just hiding a bit further down. I thought it'd be better if Desperada couldn't find us both in the same place." Adrien explains.
Taking a deep breath, Ladybug held the box close.
"I need you." Ladybug declares.
"Me?" Adrien asks faking innocence.
"Adrien Agreste, here's the Miraculous of the snake, which grants the power of Second Chance. You will use it for the greater good. Once we defeat the supervillain, you will return the Miraculous to me. Can I love, uh I mean trust you?" Ladybug asks holding the box out for him briefly acting like Marinette.
"Yes, Ladybug." Reaching out Adrien opens the box revealing a green snake Kwami. "Amazing," Adrien said in awe.
"Greetings. My name is Sass, and I'll be your Kwami." Sass introduces.
"But what am I supposed to do?" Adrien asks.
"All you have to do is say Sass, Scales Slither," Sass instructs.
Reaching inside, Adrien takes out the bracelet and in the corner of his eyes, Plagg waves his hands and shakes his head telling Adrien not to do it but Adrien puts it on anyway.
"Sass, Scales Slither!" Adrien said as his bracelet glowed transforming him changing his outfit to a green and turquoise skin-tight suit with hints of yellow, a snake skullcap on his head with green and yellow eye holes, and a lyre strapped to his back. This was Aspik.
As Ladybug and Aspik ran down the sewer line, Plagg watched them in worry.
Looking ahead Plagg spotted Silver Claw and paused. If he had his Miraculous he could give it to him and become Dark Claw again but the problem with that plan was Adrien still had his Miraculous.
'Sorry Silver Claw, but I can't scold Adrien if I'm unified with you and dogbreath.' Plagg thought following after them.
"Silver Claw!" Turning around Silver Claw saw Ladybug and Aspik approaching her.
"Wait where's Cat Noir?" Ladybug asks.
"I…thought he was with you." Silver Claw pauses noticing Aspik.
"It's a pleasure to be fighting alongside you." Aspik smiles.
"Yeah...you too. Try to stay close to me or Ladybug." Silver Claw suggests.
"Ooh. He can stay close to me." Ladybug said eagerly before clearing her throat. "I mean I'll watch after him."
"I hope I won't disappoint you Ladybug," Aspik said.
"I know you won't. You're perfect. Uh, perfectly capable of defeating Desperada! We need all the odds in our favor. Desperada is a fearsome opponent." Ladybug said.
Cringing as much as Silver Claw didn't like this, he had to make the most of it.
"Lucky Charm!" Using her power again, Ladybug threw her yoyo into the air creating a horse saddle.
"A saddle?" Silver Claw said confused.
"I would have preferred a horseshoe for my first mission." Aspik jokes making Ladybug giggle.
"I love your sense of humor." Ladybug smiles.
"Really? Thanks." Aspik smiles.
"Alright, you two. No more talking. We got a villain to beat and we're down a teammate." Silver Claw said.
"Right. Right sorry. If anything goes wrong, the Second Chance allows you to go back in time to the exact moment you activated it." Ladybug informs.
"Got it. Second Chance!" Aspik said activating his bracelet and a timer went off.
"We now have five minutes. Within this time range, you can go back in time as many times as you want. But after that, when the head of the snake goes back in place, you'll detransform." Ladybug explains as Aspik notices the snake head timer moving to the end. "Still no Cat." Ladybug looks around before turning to Aspik. "Come to think of it, we're okay without him. Now that we have your power, you and I are gonna make an awesome team."
"What am I chopped liver?" Silver Claw asks reminding her of his presence.
"Oh Silver Claw of course. Right. Sorry, the three of us are gonna make an awesome team." Ladybug corrects herself.
"Listen Ladybug I'm not questioning your choice, but do you really think we should be going into battle without a full team? Cat Noir could be a big help." Silver Claw asks.
As Plagg floats in, Aspik notices Plagg nodding his head vigorously and pointing to Silver Claw signaling for Adrien to listen to him.
"Don't worry Silver Claw, I promise you I'll help you save the day." Aspik nods.
"See? We're fine. Now let's go kick some butt we're on the clock." Ladybug grins as they climb up.
Exiting the sewer, they ran behind a car for cover only to see the streets completely empty with no sign of Desperada anywhere.
"Where is she?" Silver Claw asks drawing his sword.
Slowly Ladybug came out of hiding to try and find her. Little did she know Desperada had her trumpet-shaped like a sniper rifle as she was perched atop the Eiffel Tower.
"Nobody can escape me from here." Desperada grins firing a shot that flies towards Ladybug hitting her in the back.
"No!" Silver Claw gasps as Ladybug's sticker appears on the guitar case.
"Very nice, Desperada. Once you've captured Silver Claw and Cat Noir and you don't need your powers anymore, these stickers will release the heroes and their Miraculous will be mine." Hawk Moth grins at this evil plan.
As more shots rained down, Silver Claw grabbed Aspik and pulled him out of the way.
"Don't stop! Keep moving!" Silver Claw said only to be blasted.
Gasping Aspik ran for cover only for Plagg to appear next to him.
"Awesome team, all right." Plagg mocks.
"Give me some time," Aspik said using the power to go back in time and they were back in the sewers.
"We now have five minutes…" Ladybug starts.
"Before I transform back. I know." Aspik interrupts.
"Wait, did we not make it?" Silver Claw asks.
"No, but I used my power of second chance. No time to wait for Cat Noir we're fine without him. You'll see, we're gonna make an awesome team Silver Claw, Aspik and Ladybug." He declares.
"Aspik? Wow! You've only just started being a superhero and you already seem to have all of this down." Ladybug smiles impressed.
Silver Claw on the other hand was more worried than impressed.
As they made their way up Plagg groans following after.
"Where is she?" Ladybug asks about to get up only for Aspik to grab her arm.
"No wait. The first time Desperada's fire came from there." Aspik hints gesturing to the Eiffel Tower.
"This way." Silver Claw said as they ran in the opposite direction to hide but as they did Aspik noticed a flower bouquet on the floor.
"Here," Aspik said holding out a rose for Ladybug. "As thank you for choosing me."
"Oh uh, thanks." Ladybug blushes taking it.
Blushing Aspik was also happy but that moment was ruined when Desperada dropped in and struck Ladybug making her disappear.
"Look out!" Silver Claw said tackling Aspik out of the way. "What the hell was that?! We're in the middle of a battle and you distracted her?!"
"I just wanted to do something nice," Aspik said as they ran.
"Then do it after! Not during! Get your head in the game!" Silver Claw said only for Desperada to blast him making him disappear.
Gasping Aspik ran down a subway as Plagg appeared alongside him.
"Awesome team, all right," Plagg said sarcastically.
"I just need a little more time," Aspik said.
"To do what? Charm Ladybug or defeat the villain?!" Plagg asks.
"Second chance," Aspik said activating it and appearing back in the sewers.
"We only have 5 minutes before—" Ladybug starts.
"Come on!" Aspik said grabbing her arm and leading them down the tunnel.
"What's going on?" Silver Claw asks following them.
"Trust me, we've been through this before," Aspik assures.
"What about Cat Noir?" Ladybug asks.
"No need, let's try a different exit this time," Aspik suggests leading them to another exit.
"So you saved my life several times already? I knew—" Ladybug starts.
"We'd make an awesome team. I hope you're right." Aspik finishes.
He can read my mind too." Ladybug sighs but Silver Claw is once again not impressed.
"What the heck was that?!" Silver Claw asks ramming into Desperada and knocking her back.
"Ladybug had my attention," Aspik said.
"Yeah that's all you were focused on!" Silver Claw snaps only for Desperada to blast him.
"Awesome team." Plagg mocks.
"I know," Aspik said using Second Chance again.
However, Aspik went through a series of failed attempts at not only beating Deseprada but also wooing Ladybug. But each time Ladybug got blasted.
Then one time after Ladybug disappeared Aspik ran down an alley.
"I just wanted to impress Ladybug but I can't do anything right," Aspik said about to do Second Chance when Silver Claw grabbed his arm surprising him.
"Because you don't have your priorities straight!" Silver Claw snaps startling him.
"Silver Claw?" Aspik gasps.
"Listen I get you want to prove Ladybug was right to choose you and seem like a good guy but when you're a hero sometimes you have to focus on what's better for everyone than what's best for you." Silver Claw said.
"I didn't mean to cause so much trouble." Aspik apologizes.
"You know…you kinda remind me of Cat Noir in a way." Silver Claw said getting his attention. "I mean that guy is head over heels in love with Ladybug. Always going out of his way to do dumb things to impress her."
"You don't say." Aspik deadpans.
"But no matter how ridiculous he was. He also put helping us first. I could use that furball's help right now." Silver Claw admits.
"Wow thanks, Silver—" Before he could finish Desperada blasts him making him disappear.
"Second chance!" Aspik said using it one last time and appearing back in the sewer.
"We now have five minutes. Within this time range, you can go back in time as many times as you want." Ladybug starts.
"Sass, Scales Rest." Aspik declares turning back into Adrien.
"But?" Ladybug said confused as he gave the Miraculous back to her.
"It didn't work. I'm sorry. I wasn't the right choice for you after all." Adrien apologizes as Plagg and Silver Claw sigh relieved.
"No! You have to be the right snake. I guess I must've done something wrong." Ladybug assumes she is the problem.
"No, it's not you. I just can't protect you. I never managed to save you." Adrien admits.
"We can try again." Ladybug insists.
"I had been trying for almost a thousand times. I might have gone longer but…" Pausing Adrien glances at Silver Claw remembering what he said. "Sometimes being a hero means putting what everyone else needs ahead of what you need."
"But who could possibly wear this Miraculous besides you?" Ladybug asks when Luka runs over.
"Ladybug? Oh, I see you found Adrien. I'm glad, I was worried." Luka smiled grateful to see he was okay.
Seeing Luka, Adrien smiled getting an idea. "Brave? Determined? Caring? Why don't you give him the Miraculous?"
Smiling softly, Ladybug was sad to see him go but understood his reasoning.
"Thank you for saving me so many times Adrien." Leaning in Ladybug pecks Adrien on the cheek surprising him.
"I'll go and hide. I'm sure you guys will succeed, Ladybug." Adrien said turning to leave.
"Hey if you run into Cat Noir send him our way." Silver Claw calls out.
"Definitely." Adrien nods giving Silver Claw the thumbs up before leaving.
"Did I miss something?" Luka asks confused as Ladybug turns to him.
"Luka Couffaine, here is the Miraculous of the snake, which grants the power of Second Chance. You will use it for the greater good if you're willing. Once we succeed, you must return the Miraculous to me. Can I trust you?" Ladybug asks handing him the box.
"Desperada attacked my family and my friends. So if I can help you anyway, I will." Luka nods opening it and releasing Sass.
"Greetings. My name is Sass, and I'll be your Kwami." Sass introduces.
Running through the sewer, Adrien turns a corner and Plagg appears next to him.
"At last, you've come to your senses," Plagg said.
"I'm not sure Ladybug will have very fond memories of her experience with Adrien Agreste." Adrien frowns.
"Then make up for it as Cat Noir," Plagg suggests making him smile.
"You're right. Plagg, Claws Out!" Adrien said as his ring glowed and he changed back into Cat Noir.
Back with the others, we see Sass giving Luka instructions.
"All you have to do is say Sass, Scales Slither," Sass instructs.
"Sass, Scales Slither!" Luka said as his bracelet glowed and a green and turquoise suit similar to Aspik's appeared but his had a snake-styled mask appeared on his face.
"And the gang's all here." Silver Claw said as Cat Noir joined them.
"Just in time. Cat Noir, I'd like you to meet…" Ladybug starts.
"Viperion, can't wait to work with you." He declares.
After using her lucky charm to make the saddle, Ladybug used her yoyo to peek out of the manhole allowing her to see Desperada atop the Eiffel Tower.
"What are we supposed to do with a saddle?" Silver Claw asks as Viperion holds it.
"Perhaps you would've preferred a lucky horseshoe for your first mission." Cat Noir jokes but unlike Aspik, Ladybug was not amused.
"Cat." Ladybug groans.
"No need. Ladybug brings enough luck for all of us." Viperion said handing the saddle back to her.
"So what's the situation?" Silver Claw asks.
"Thanks. Desperada's at the top of the Eiffel Tower Let's take her vantage point away from her!" Ladybug suggests as they run to a new spot.
"Sounds like we're gonna need your Cataclysm for this one." Silver Claw said glancing at Cat Noir. "Good thing you made it back."
"Our team would be lost without him." Ladybug smiles grateful as well.
"At your service, Milady." Cat Noir smiles as they stop right under the Eiffel Tower. "Here. Cataclysm!" As his ring glowed dark energy appeared on Cat Noir's hand.
Pushing his hand to the wall, the entire ground under one corner of the Eiffel Tower broke causing the tower to lean on a slant which was enough to knock Desperada off and to the ground.
Growling Desperada took out her two trumpets unaware that Ladybug, Silver Claw, Cat Noir, and Viperion were hiding nearby.
"All her weapons come from her guitar case." Ladybug noticed turning to her teammates. "We have to prevent her from using them, then destroy the case! Ready?"
Nodding the 3 boys took stances.
"Second Chance!" Viperion said activating his Miraculous and the snake head timer went off.
With the second chance activated all 4 Heroes charged with weapons at the ready.
Throwing a yoyo at one arm, Ladybug tries to subdue her but when Cat Noir leaps in Desperada yanks Ladybug in sending her crashing into Cat Noir allowing her to blast them both.
"Second Chance," Viperion said resetting to their original position.
This time instead of charging in, Cat Noir threw his staff at her forcing Desperada to block it.
Using this opening Silver Claw charged in and slashed her trumpets in half but just as Ladybug moved in with the saddle, Desperada summoned her axe and slashed Ladybug making her disappear.
Cringing Cat Noir turns to Viperion.
"Second Chance!" Viperion said resetting time.
As Silver Claw was running around dodging Desperada's blasts Ladybug threw her yoyo tying up her arms and yanked her arms downwards.
Leaping in, Cat Noir attempted to stop her with the saddle but Desperada used her trumpets to fire at the ground making a cloud of yellow smoke.
Unable to see through it Cat Noir stopped mid-attack only to be struck down by Desperada.
"Second Chance!" Viperion said resetting again.
This time Viperion watched from above as Desperada fought off all 3 heroes.
Testing a theory, Viperion strums his lyre getting Desperada's attention enough for Silver Claw to land an attack.
Seeing this Viperion smiles finally having an idea.
"Second Chance!" Viperion said resetting things one more time.
"Wait this time I know what to do," Viperion said stopping them before they went out into battle.
With her trumpets at the ready, Desperada suddenly heard a melody being played. Looking up she saw Viperion playing his lyre.
Enraged at the sight of another musician Desperada set her sights on him when suddenly Ladybug's yoyo and Cat Noir's staff flew in knocking the trumpets out of her hand.
As Cat Noir came in with the saddle, Desperada tried to summon something to counter but Ladybug and Viperion restrained her arms allowing Cat Noir to slide under and use the saddle restraints on her legs.
Grabbing the case, Cat Noir threw it into the air as Silver Claw rushed in and slashed the case in half with this sword releasing the Akuma.
"No more evil doing for you little Akuma. Time to de-evilise!" Spinning her yoyo, Ladybug captures the Akuma and turns it back into a butterfly. "Gotcha! Bye-bye little butterfly. Miraculous Ladybug!" Throwing the saddle into the air, Ladybug undid all the damage and freed everyone that Desperada had captured before finally returning Desperada to normal revealing a girl with tank skin, dark hair, and wearing a green jacket. This was Vivica.
"What am I doing here?" Vivica asks confused.
"Pound it." All four heroes fist bump.
At his base, Hawk Moth was not happy with another failure.
"History repeats itself, Ladybug! But rest assured, one day I will be the one who rewrites it!" Hawk Moth vows.
In an alley, Luka gave Ladybug back the Miraculous.
"Thank you, for trusting me." Luka smiles.
"You were the right choice, Luka. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon. Bug out!" Ladybug said leaving to return the Miraculous unaware that Luka had a smile on his face.
Nearby Cat Noir and Silver Claw were about to go their separate ways.
"Man, what a mess." Silver Claw said.
"Tell me about it." Cat Noir said when his ring beeped.
"You better go find a place to transform back." Silver Claw said about to leave.
"Hey wait. Silver Claw." Cat Noir calls out. "You're a real pal. Any chance if I'm having trouble with stuff you and I could meet up and talk?"
"Sure, what are friends for?" Silver Claw said leaving.
"Yeah…friends." Cat Noir smiles not forgetting it was thanks to his advice that he was able to make things right.
Back at the houseboat, we see Vivica performing her guitar alongside Anarka while Adrien is where he belongs on the piano while Luka has his guitar back.
"Vivica," Jagged said approaching her. "I know I wasn't very rock 'n' roll to you, Vivica. And even if you did eat my cereal and drink Fang's milk, I should've never fired you that way. You can come back if you want, but get your own breakfast, okay?"
"I promise Jagged." Viviva smiles.
"Besides, I get why Anarka no longer wants to play with me. And I respect her decision, what's past is past, isn't that right, Nanarky?" Jagged asks and Anarka nods.
As they performed Sam stood with Alya, Marnette, and Kagami.
"I was wrong about you and Luka, wasn't I?" Kagami asks making Marinette freeze up. "But you'd better hurry up and choose, Marinette. You don't always get a second chance when it comes to love.
"Everyone has their own way of doing things Kagami." Sam points out.
"Yeah, Adrien and Luka can choose too, right? And they haven't made their choice yet, either." Alya pointed out as Marinette looked at both boys.