Chapter 23: Simon Says
Hey everyone, sorry about the wait. I had some debates on whether or not I needed to use this chapter but in the end, I chose to use it. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves at the TV station where we were in the middle of a live broadcast.
"Welcome back to everyone's favorite game show, The Challenge. We got to our next contestant Nino!" Alec said as Adrien and Sam pat Nino on the back as he made his way on stage. "So Nino, you're a student and a DJ, that's pretty cool. Check out what we have set up for you." He said as a DJ station was set up for Nino.
Zooming out we see that it was on TV at Marinette's house and Marinette was in trouble.
"Grounded? For what?" Marinette asks.
"Let's jog your memory. Monday morning, absent from PE." Her father said as Marinette remembered she had to save a falling helicopter.
"I was in Study Hall." Marinette said.
"Friday evening, absent from Study Hall." He read as Marinette recalled saving a cat stuck in a tree.
"I was in PE." She shrugs.
"You're never where you should be. The only way we can keep track of you is by keeping you here, grounded." Tom said.
"But I was invited. Nino's my friend and he's counting on me to be there." Marinette said gesturing to the TV.
"Alright Nino, your challenge is to get Mayor Bourgeois to dance." Alec said as a video image of the Mayor appeared. "Thanks for agreeing to play with us today. What are Nino's chances?"
"Zero. The last time I danced Madonna was in Kindergarten." Mayor Bourgeois said.
"I know Nino's your friend, but until your unexcused absences come to an end that's the way it's going to be." Tom said.
"Awesome." Marinette sighs making her way to her room and throws herself into her chair frustrated.
"Can you blame them? It's not like you can tell them you're a superhero." Tikki said.
"But it's not fair. I doubt Silver Claw or Cat Noir have to deal with this. I guess being grounded comes with a superhero identity." Marinette said.
"Look at it this way. If Nino wins and you're not grounded next week you can go see him at the show." Tikki said.
"Yeah but Adrien was going to be there today." Marinette sighs.
At his unknown location Hawk Moth was looking at the Game Show.
"The Challenge…what an interesting concept. A TV show with such potential for negative emotion. Oh, the destructive mayhem we could cause." Hawk Moth said.
Back at her house Marinette was watching Nino on her computer and tried to call Alya for support.
"Seriously? How can you say that Alya?" Marinette asks.
"Sorry but I get your dad. You're never where you say, being late, splitting mysteriously. If I didn't know any better, I would say you're leading a double life." Alya said.
"What? Don't be ridiculous." Marinette said.
At the TV station, a man walked up next to Adrien and Sam meaning he was next after Nino. This was Simon Grimault. On the screen Mayor Bourgeois moves his head to the beat.
"Victory! Challenge has been conquered by Nino. You moved your head to the beat Mayor Bourgeois that counts as dancing." Alec said.
"What? That's not true. My neck was itchy that's all." He denies.
"That counts as dancing too. Nino congratulations you'll be coming back next week for the Challenge. Now for our next contestant, please welcome Simon Grimault." Alec said
As Simon made his way on stage Nino walked back to his friends.
"That was so cool buddy." Sam said.
"Awesome job." Adrien said as they fist bumped.
"Mr. Grimault, you're a hypnotist who uses cards to get people to get what you want." Alec said.
"Well yes I'm a hypnotist but I don't use my skills to get anything." Simon said hinting he wasn't a criminal.
"Your challenge today Simon is to use your skills to bring a very elusive celebrity to our TV set. Give it up for the King of Fashion Gabriel Agreste." Alec said as Gabriel's face appeared on the screen.
"What is this? I was told this was an interview." Gabriel asks.
"Whoa didn't see that coming." Sam said.
"Dude, your dad." Nino said pointing it out to Adrien who was surprised to see his dad was involved.
"Alright Simon, do your thing. Let's see if you can bring Mr. Agreste here with your powers." Alec said.
"I told you I don't use my—"
"Ha! A shy hypnotist, isn't that funny Gabriel?" Alec interrupts.
"Hilarious. Your show is a joke and so is your contestant. Control me? Never." Gabriel said ending the connection.
"That's my dad alright." Adrien said.
"Looks like Mr. Agreste has turned down your challenge. Game over." Alec said.
"But that's not fair. I didn't even get time to do…" Before Simon could finish, they had him escorted out of the room.
Frowning Simon drops his deck of cards to the ground feeling completely humiliated.
At his unknown location, Hawk Moth saw the whole thing.
"Yes, humiliation and anger the perfect elements for transforming a loser into a winner." Hawk Moth said as he turned a butterfly into an Akuma. "Fly away my little Akuma and evilise him!" The Akuma flies out the window towards the TV studio.
At the station, Simon picks up a card with a heart on it and the Akuma flies into it.
"I am Hawk Moth you are now Simon Says. I will help you be the most powerful hypnotist ever and you will help me when the time is right. So, do we have a deal Simon Says?" Hawk Moth said telepathically.
"Simon Says yes." Simon said as he transforms into a man with grey skin and a purple and green suit with a top hat.
Walking back into the TV studio, everyone looked at Simon Says in shock.
"What the?" Alec said.
"Silence! Simon says you're lame, lame as a duck." Simon throws a card at Alec and once it hits him he starts acting like a duck.
Adrien's bodyguard rushes towards him but Simon Says pulls out another card. "Simon Says stop!" He threw a card at him and he ended up stopping in his tracks. "Now, Simon Says you're a gorilla."
Pounding his chest Adrien's bodyguard rushed towards them like a gorilla causing Adrien, Nino and Sam to split up.
At Marinette's house, Tikki points out the two people acting out on screen causing Marinette to hang up on Alya.
"What do I do Tikki? I'm grounded." Marinette asks.
"You don't have a choice, you need to transform. We just have to be extra-careful. Grab that pillow and put it under your bed." Tikki said as Marinette took her pillow and hid it under to make it look like she was sleeping under the covers.
"Alright Tikki, spots on!" Marinette said as she transformed into Ladybug and made her way to the TV station where Simon Says was on screen.
"Gabriel Agreste turned down my challenge and he will pay for that. By midnight tonight, he will entertain us in this very studio. Gabriel I'm coming for you." Simon Says said when different areas of the room Cat Noir and Silver Claw hid from him.
"Dad?" Cat Noir said.
"It's risky, but it's given me an idea. Good luck Simon Says." Hawk Moth said.
From the lighting above Cat Noir looks to see Silver Claw behind the stage and Nino behind some set boxes. Looking to both of them he holds up his finger indicating for them to be quiet.
"Cat Noir says zip it and give me those cards." He said jumping down and landing on top of Simon Says.
Shooting some cards away Cat Noir lunges to them.
"My gorilla will take care of you. Simon Says knock him out." Throwing a card, the Gorilla roars as he throws a punch but at the last second Silver Claw jumps in and kicks him in the face.
"Let's see how you do against two of us." Cat Noir said as the Gorilla knocks them into the hallway.
"I'm going to need some help." Simon Says said while picking up his cards.
Making his way to a crowd waiting for an elevator he appears with multiple cards in his hand. "Simon Says you are all my soldiers." He threw the cards and they all started acting like zombies. "Simon Says search all over Paris and find me Gabriel Agreste."
Running into the TV studio, Ladybug looks to see it's empty except for Nino.
"Ladybug." Nino said standing up.
"Are you alright?" Ladybug asks.
"I'm fine but my man Adrien and Sam are still out there." Nino said.
"Don't worry we'll find them." Ladybug said.
Back with Cat Noir and Silver Claw, they were fighting off the Gorilla when an elevator opens to reveal a woman.
Thinking quick Silver Claw got an idea. "Hey Ladybug."
When the Gorilla turns Cat Noir kicks him the face and the two heroes judo throw him into the elevator.
"Enough of this! Cataclysm!" Cat Noir's hand glowed black as he rushed towards the elevator controls causing the elevator to fall to down multiple levels.
"Nice one." Silver Claw said as they high fived when they sensed someone behind them. Drawing their weapons they turn around only to see it was Ladybug and Nino.
"Nice seeing you guys too." Ladybug said.
"Sorry we thought you were Simon Says." Silver Claw said.
"I saw him. He's got a whole army." Nino said.
"He's after Gabriel Agreste. We better get to him fast." Cat Noir said when his ring started to beep.
"Cat Noir you're about to change back. I'll look around for Nino's friends." Ladybug said.
"No need. He's probably hypnotized." Cat Noir said.
"But Sam and Adrien are my buddies." Nino said.
"Did one of them have black hair and a grey hoodie?" Silver Claw asks.
"That was Sam! Where is he?" Nino asks.
"I saw him when I made my way inside. I got him out of the building just in time." Silver Claw said.
"Perfect. I'll leave you guys to look for Adrien. We'll meet up at Gabriel Agreste's place later." Cat Noir said running off leaving the three of them confused.
"Finding Adrien will be no problem." Cat Noir said as he turned back into Adrien. "Plagg, hide." Adrien said as Plagg went into his jacket.
Running down the stairs and down the hall Adrien runs into Nino, Ladybug and Silver Claw.
"Nino." Adrien said.
"Adrien!" Nino smiles hugging his friend. "You're okay."
When Adrien notices Ladybug he walks over to her. "H-Hello."
"Hello, are you sure you're okay?" Ladybug asks.
"I'm fine, but my father's in danger." Adrien said.
"Let's go. Cat Noir will meet us there." Silver Claw said as they left the studio.
At Adrien's house, the four of them walk in to see Natalie waiting for them.
"Natalie where's my father? He's in danger." Adrien said.
"He knows." Natalie said as Gabriel looked down at the two heroes.
"Good evening, Ladybug and Silver Claw." He said walking down.
"Father, you've got to get outta here! Simon Says is coming after you." Adrien warns.
"What? And be dictated by a madman? Certainly not." Gabriel refuses.
"But he's dangerous. Who knows what he'll do?" Adrien said.
"Head up to your room you've had enough excitement for one day. Natalie see to it that they stay there." Gabriel said as Natalie escorted Adrien and Nino to his room. "I have to apologize for my son. He's like his mother, too overly dramatic."
"But he's right. Simon Says is a real threat. You're in danger." Ladybug said.
"What could possibly happen with you two here to protect me?" Gabriel asks.
"You sure your old man isn't a robot?" Nino asks.
"Where my father is concerned, I'm never sure." Adrien sighs as they enter his large room.
"Seriously dude? I've seen stadiums smaller than this room." Nino said.
"Make yourself at home. I'm gonna take a shower." Adrien said moving towards the restroom.
"Now?" Nino asks.
"What can I say? It's the model in me." Adrien said closing the door and letting out Plagg. "Why doesn't my father ever listen to me? Plagg, claws out!" Adrien's ring glowed bright as he transformed into Cat Noir.
Climbing out the bathroom window Cat Noir made his way around the house.
In Gabriel's study, Ladybug was admiring some pictures of Adrien while Silver Claw was sitting down.
'Wait…is Ladybug a fan of Adrien? That stare she's making I swear I've seen it somewhere before.' Silver Claw thought.
"Isn't he flawless?" Adrien asks snapping Ladybug out of her trance.
"Huh? Who?" Ladybug asks.
"Adrien, my son. He's the image of perfection, don't you think?" Gabriel asks.
"Yes, he's perfect." Ladybug said in admiration before snapping herself out of it. "I mean…I don't know him but he seems…"
"I've never noticed your earrings before, but they really look quite unique. May I have a look?" Gabriel asks Ladybug takes out her yoyo beeps.
"Sorry hang on a second." Ladybug said stepping away.
"Cat Noir where were you?" Ladybug asks.
"I was keeping Simon Says at bay." Cat Noir said.
"And were you able to?" Silver Claw asks as Cat Noir looks to see the mob of people at the gate.
"I couldn't keep him away. He's coming and he's got company." Cat Noir said coming in through the window. "They have the house surrounded, activate the total defense system."
Gabriel makes his way to the computer and activates the lockdown mode closing off all exits.
"How did you know so much about this system?" Gabriel asks.
"Well I just assumed with a house this big." Cat Noir said.
"They won't get in. This house is a fortress." Gabriel said.
Outside Simon Says takes out some cards.
"Simon Says destroy." He throws them at some people, and they bring the whole front gate down.
"Some fortress, they've made it in." Silver Claw said.
"Emergency power on."
"Adrien and Nino…Silver Claw we got to get them." Ladybug said.
"Natalie, take the controls to unlock the exits. She's coming with you two." Gabriel said as the three of them left.
"I'll reinforce the defenses, go hide in the atrium." Cat Noir said.
"No-one tells me what to do, not even you." Gabriel said as Cat Noir grabbed a control.
"You're in danger, stop acting like you're above us all and do what I tell you." Cat Noir snaps causing Gabriel to gasp.
"Quiet a temper, you remind me of someone." Gabriel smiles as Cat Noir left. Turning around Gabriel looks at a painting of his wife.
From his unknown location, Hawk Moth was watching Simon Says' minions scale the house.
"I don't think that's a good idea Simon Says." Hawk Moth said.
"But Gabriel is here!" Simon Says said.
"I feel Ladybug, Silver Claw and Cat Noir nearby. Once you get them in front of you, you can honor our agreement. Just take their jewels, the Miraculoses." Hawk Moth said.
"It's as good as done. Simon Says will defeat them." He declares.
Running into Adrien's room, Silver Claw looks to see Nino waiting.
"Silver Claw, Ladybug what's going on?" Nino asks.
"It's not safe where's Adrien?" Silver Claw asks.
"In shower." Nino said.
"Seriously? Now?" Silver Claw raised an eyerbrow.
"It's the model in him." Nino shrugs.
"Natalie, take Nino back to Adrien's dad, we'll bring him to his father." Silver Claw said as Natalie handed him the controls.
Jumping in the bathroom, Cat Noir hears Ladybug knocking and quickly turns on the water.
"Adrien?" Ladybug opens the door to hear the shower running and Adrien pop his head out.
"Yeah?" Adrien asks.
"Uh danger…gotta move…now." Ladybug said nervously.
"Can I get dressed first?" Adiren asks.
"If you must…I mean of course." Ladybug said closing the door only to reveal Adrien was pretending to shower.
"Hey Ladybug are you okay?" Silver Claw asks.
"I'm fine, what do you mean?" Ladybug asks.
"It's just today you've been acting weird." Silver Claw said.
"Weird? Silver Claw I think the stress of today is getting to you." Ladybug said when she noticed a beautiful woman with blonde hair on Adrien's computer.
"That's my mother." Adrien said walking out. "She was pretty."
"You have her smile." They both said before acting nervous around each other causing Silver Claw to narrow his eyes when suddenly all the mind-controlled soldiers burst in through the doors.
"Stay here!" Ladybug said pushing Adrien into the bathroom and closing the door.
"Oh my. What was that all about? Sweet love?" Plagg asks.
Adrien smiles softly at the thought before snapping out of it. "Never mind that. Plagg, claws out!"
"Not again!" Plagg said as he was sucked into the ring and Adrien turns into Cat Noir again.
In Gabriel's study, Natalie was pressed against the door.
"Are they coming?" He asks when Natalie was knocked backwards and the soldiers grabbed him.
"Gotcha." Simon Says smirks causing Gabriel to growl.
Fighting off the zombies Silver Claw made his way back to the study with Ladybug right behind him only to find the room was empty and Gabriel was gone.
"Well that's just great." Cat Noir said appearing by the window.
At the TV studio, Simon Says turns on the camera and set it for record.
"Welcome to another exciting hour of The Challenge. Good evening again from Simon Says. Viewers I've kept my promise. Here's Gabriel." Simon Says said as Gabriel was forced on stage. "Simon Says you're a butterfly." Throwing a card at him Gabriel starts flapping his arms pretending he was butterfly flying around the studio.
Just outside, the three heroes look at the screen.
"The Akuma has to be in one of those cards." Ladybug said.
"But which one? There are so many." Cat Noir said as Silver Claw kicked the door opened.
"Ladybug, Cat Noir, Silver Claw, you can save him by giving me your Miraculous. Do the right thing." Simon Says taunts.
"In your dreams. Lucky charm!" Ladybug throws her yoyo into the air and from it a regular yoyo appears.
"A regular yoyo? But you have a magic one." Cat Noir said.
"I'll figure it out later." Ladybug said taking out her yoyo.
"Simon Says your yoyo is useless!" Simon throws a card as Ladybug throws her yoyo causing it to fall back and snap.
Growling Silver Claw takes out his sword and charges alongside Cat Noir.
"Simon Says your weapons are—" Before he could finish Cat Noir whacks cards out oh his and Silver Claw slices them in half with his sword.
"Useless? I don't think so. I'm not gonna let you get a word in." Cat Noir said.
"None of these cards hold the Akuma." Silver Claw said.
"Then I'll just have to get you more cards to slice." Cat Noir said fighting Simon Says.
"Simon Says—" He started but Cat Noir let out a loud annoying chanter. "It doesn't matter if you can't hear me. Simon Says give me your Miraculous!" Throwing a ton of cards at them.
"Moon Call!" Silver Claw's bracelet glows bright as he took a deep breath and released a sonic howl which blew the cards away from them and to the ground.
Turning to Gabriel he took out another card. "Simon Says take off little airplane." Hitting him with another card Gabriel acts like an airplane and runs out the door.
"He's going to the roof we have to save him." Cat Noir was about to run after him when Ladybug grabs his tail.
"This might be our only chance to beat him and we can't do it alone now that Silver Claw has used Moon Call." Ladybug said.
"If we stop Simon Says we can save Mr. Agraste." Silver Claw said.
"Alright." Cat Noir nods.
"Simon Says it's over!" Simon Says said as his cards turned black.
Throwing them at our heroes Cat Noir and Silver Claw deflect them with their weapons while Ladybug runs in and uses the yoyo her lucky charm gave her to whack Simon Says' deck of cards into the air.
"Cat Noir!" Ladybug said as she cupped her hands together and Cat Noir jumped in the air.
"Cataclysm!" Cat Noir's hands glows black as he grabs the deck of cards before tossing it to Ladybug who drops the ashes to the ground releasing the Akuma.
"But your Yoyo." Simon Says said confused.
"You ruined this yoyo, not this one." She smirks. "Miraculous Ladybug!" Throwing the yoyo into the air it undoes everyone under his control and repairs Ladybug's yoyo. "No more evil doing for you little Akuma. Time to de-evilse." Ladybug throws her yoyo and captures the Akuma turning it back into a butterfly. "Gotcha! Bye, bye little butterfly."
As Simon Says turns back to normal the three heroes look to each other and smile.
"Pound it." They said before making their way to the roof where Gabriel Agraste was.
"Your flight's been canceled sir." Cat Noir said.
"You?"
"Prefer Ladybug? Can't say I blame you." Cat Noir said when his ring started to beep.
"Cat Noir your ring." Ladybug warns.
"Like a cat on a hot tin roof. See you again Mr. Agareste." Cat Noir said as they shook hands and Gabriel took a good look at his ring before Cat Noir left.
Back at Adrien's house, Adrien was looking at pictures on his phone when Gabriel walks in. There was a brief silence between the two of them before Gabriel hugs his son surprising him. Until Gabriel notices his ring on his hand.
"I've never noticed your ring before." Gabriel said.
"That's the only thing you've never noticed?" Adrien asks.
"I'm glad everything worked out for the best." Gabriel said walking out of the room.
Next week, Nino was invited back onto The Challenge.
"Looks like you weren't absent or late all week. Excellent news Marinette. You can go watch your friends on the set." Tom said causing Marinette to smile.
Meanwhile at Sam's house, Sam was undergoing the exact opposite treatment.
"Late for PE on Monday?" Lily asks.
"I was uh in Study Hall." Sam said.
"Late for Study Hall on Friday? Sam what are doing? Why aren't you where you should be?" She asks.
"It's complicated." Sam sighs.
"Well I'm afraid until you fix your attendance you won't be going to the set to see your friends." Lily said.
"What? But Nino is counting on me to be there." Sam said.
"I'm sorry Sam, but my word is final." Lily said as Sam made his way to his room.
"Sorry Sam." Faang said.
"I wish I could tell her I was off being a hero to Paris." Sam said before groaning. "I bet Ladybug and Cat Noir don't have to deal with this."
"Don't worry Sam, she'll drop this soon." Faang assured him as Sam turned on his TV to watch the challenge from his room.
As Nino stepped on stage, he couldn't help but wonder about Ladybug and why she acted so familiar around Adrien.
"Have I met Ladybug before and not realized it?" Sam asks.