It had been a few weeks since Ladybug and Chat Noir had made their debut.
While they were still starting out on the Superhero thing, they had both managed to make some decent progress stopping robberies, assaults, and the occasional car chase. And with no civilian injuries or casualties!
They were quickly picking up in so much popularity, that Alya decided to postpone her Spider-Man hunt and instead focus on the new heroes, which turned out to be far easier and safer. Children adored the brightly colored and outright very friendly duo, and some laughed at Chat Noir's puns. A few even said he was funnier than Spider-Man.
And there was also the copious among of 'shipping fuel' between the two; always quick to save the other from a fall or applaud the other. And of course, Chat's flirty puns and Ladybug gently telling him to focus but smiling at them all the same….and there was a blush or two, some said.
The new heroes hadn't met up with either Spider-Man or Batman since the battle with the Enforcers but so far, not for a lack of trying mind you: Wherever they were? Spidey was either on the other side of Paris or Batman wasn't active yet.
On the matter of the Dark knight, little did the Ladybug and Chat know that Batman was keeping a very close eye on them and things were about to come to a head very soon...
MIRACULOUS
But not all was sunshine and rainbows. The four heroes still had their critics, and not just Jameson and his admittedly hilarious rants and tirades.
"I'm telling you folks, its time to step up and change things!" Councilman Arthur Reeves demeaned."How many times are we going to let Batman and Spider-Man run rampant? How can Paris truly grow when we depend on the support of potential madmen?! They're even encouraging our children to follow in their example!"
The Press were eating the Councilman's words up, snapping pictures and some already planning and writing up stories about the four vigilantes. Papers and articles that attracted many readers…especially Chat Nori detractors, when the stories played up his destructive power and Black cats = bad luck….
However, the good news was that there were still plenty of people who showed their support which helped balance out the bad rap the heroes got.
"They've always been there when situations became too dangerous for the police to handle alone." Lieutenant Raincomprix pointed out to the councilman.
"And they work with us." Commissioner Gordon recounted, recalling how Spidey has worked with firefighters to save priority civilians and how Batman shared all the data he found with the PCPD. "And before any of you ask 'why the masks then?' Let me ask you this: What happens in 90% of all superhero movies when the identity is found out?"
"Loved ones in danger at best, killed at worst." Harvey Dent followed up. "Look, I'm not a fan of kids fighting what should be our battles, but they help and are making the city a safer place. So, unlike Reeves, until I hear and see with my own two eyes proof these four are a danger? I welcome the chance to work alongside them."
It also didn't hurt that Jameson's Editor-in-Chief, Robbie Robertson, firmly kept a lot of his boss' bad press on Spider-Man off the records.
"Jonah, where is the proof?" He'd always ask whenever his boss tried to make it seem like the heroes and cirminals they put away were working together. This usually at least delayed Jameson.
MIRACULOUS
Chloé Bourgeois knew for a fact that she was not well-liked.
She had often been mean, insulting, insensitive, and even cruel to people who she thought were beneath her. Why was she like this? Many blamed it on her upbringing. Her father, while not entirely dismissive, still spoiled her, and her mother had convinced her that she had to be harsh and unforgiving to get ahead.
Unfortunately, this left Chloé with few friends; Sabrina, her loyal 'lackey', Sally Avril the head-cheerleader and aspiring actress Mary Jane Watson were the closest she had at school and even then, MJ was really only there because Sally was obsessed with 'the hottest girls being queens and not interacting with geeks.'
Her words, not Chole's, although she agreed.
But among her social circle, there was one person who truly knew and cared for and she them: Adrien Agreste. They had been together since they were babies and despite it all, Chloe still had a soft spot for Adrien in particular.
It had taken some time, but Chole had finally managed to 'accidentally' bump into Adrian after he wrapped up a shoot, the two elated teens grabbing a bite together and Chole bringing Adrian up to speed on what to do for fun when he had the time.
It had been just like old times…minus the brief glare he'd given her after she suggested he stay away from Dupain-Chang and her friends…
That afternoon
"Chole, I know you've been busy and I have to, so I understand why it took so long for us toi reunite. But Marinette, Nino, Juleka, Rose and Peter were there for me as showed me around. I don't know why you don't like them…"
"I'm looking out for you, Adri-kins!"
"Well, what have they done to deserve the hate?"
Chole had growled, recalling Marinette's snarky remarks, Alya truthful reports…Rose and the other were fine, she guessed…
"…Lets not talk about that and enjoy this.:" Chole said. "Did you at least run back into Brucey?"
Adrian beamed and explained how Bruce had saved him from Carl…which had then driven Chole into a protective rage that 'that caveman dared bully (him).' She then paused the chat and called her father, who assured her Carl would be punished.
The two blondes then returned to their lunches and had a great time.
Present Day
Another person Chole was kind to was Bruce Wayne…Not that he didn't always deserve it, she wagered.
She recalled how he always looked after her and Adrien when they were little, being the big brother that she and Adrian had never had while their parents had their parties. Bruce had played with them, read them stories and even snuck a few toys their parents said 'no' to.
Then came the morning after his parents were killed.
She had wanted to hug Bruce at the funeral, try and make him feel better…but he was shattered, and her parents dragged her away, not wanting to sadden her anymore. And then Bruce had gone to travel the world, returning briefly once in a blue moon but otherwise leaving Chloe and Adrien with only each other.
For a while, Chole had been fine with this; The Waynes had always been nice people and Bruce needed time top grieve. But then her mother raught her that you have to move on, and those you care for in the now matter more than those you lost.
So, Bruce became an 'out of sight, out of mind' figure in Chole's world; she saw him occasionally but otherwise focused on her life, which was great, especially with him finally back for good and Adrien was making friends...but one of those new friends he made in particular did not make Chloe happy.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Chloe couldn't stand that girl and seeing Adrien being all cute and friendly hurt her. Yes, Chloe wanted Adrien to make more friends, but not someone who might turn him against her.
Yet, as Chloe watched the two interacting, she couldn't help but see just how happy Adrien was to have somebody to talk to, somebody to share interests with, someone who he could smile a real smile. Seeing all that left Chloe lost in thought, not even noticing her closest friend Sabrina Raincomprix coming over.
"Ugh! The nerve of Dupain-Cheng, making a move on your Adrien. You want me to dig some dirt on her? Show it to Adrien?" Sabrina asked, believing that's how Chloé was thinking.
Chloé took a deep breath. "No, Sabrina. It's fine."
This took Sabirna for a spin. Chole NEVER turned down a chance to ruin Marinette! Sure, they never really worked, but it was bonding time for the two girls!
"Are you okay, Chloé?"
"I'm fine," said Chloé as she messaged her driver to come pick them up. "I just… I just want to go home."
They grabbed their things and began to walk away and wait, Sally having left for a date with Randy earlier.
"Hey, can I get in on that?" Mary Jane asked, getting a gracious nod from the two. "Say…Chole? Anything on your mind?"
"Ha!" Chole laughed. "Only if you consider a need wardrobe update, and I…"
"Chole. I'm an actress. I KNOW bad acting." The red head frowned. "Spill."
There was also the fact that, smiles aside, Mary jane's home life was…complicated. The one upside is that it had taught her to read people. But that's for later.
Chole, knowing Mary Jane wouldn't let this go, shared what had happened. Mary Jane listened with intent and carefully thought it over.
"Well, that IS tricky." She admitted. "But…is it so bad if Adrian gets some other friends? I mean, stop me if I'm wrong, but he doesn't strike me a proud fashionista, jewellery collector…"
"But he's mine!" Chole retorted.
"Yours? Do you own him?"
Chole was about to respond…but then she thought it over. Yes, she wanted Adrian at her side and to be part of her life. She'd never hurt him like Bruce had them! Her mother would certainly tell her to say 'yes.'
Then again, he had seemed so happy with those geeks and losers…And to see him happy made her happy…
A hand on her shoulder as the limo pulled up brought Chole out of her thoughts.
"How about, just for now? You give him space but also be there for him?" MJ suggested. "And who knows? Maybe those 'geeks' aren't as bad as you think they are."
"Says the girl who lives next to Parker." Sabrina mumbled, Chole nodding..and Mary Jane smirking as she said:
"Peter is more Spectacular than you, or almost anyone else, realizes."
Her house now outside, the red head continued her smirk as she readied for another bout of drama at home….
MIRACULOUS
"Hey there, Bruce!"
It was at this moment that a rare sight occurred aty Lee Kane High; a shocked Bruce Wayne, who turned to see a beaming gentleman in a suit. Then another rare sight occurred:
"Harvey!"
Bruce beamed as he raced and gave the man a hug, which was returned. They then ended the hug and gave each other a look over. Many students were quick to snap pictures of the scene as the others made their way over.
"Guys, this is Harvey Dent." Bruce explained. "DA of the city and son of the late Judge Dent. He practically raised me."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that. Just kept his nose to the rgound" Harvey chuckled as a pretty blonde in a suit came out. "Oh! I'm sorry, sweetheart! Bruce, this is Grace, my fiancé."
"Ah, the famous Bruce Wayne." Grace smiled as she gave Bruce a hand for a shake. "Harvey's told me all about you."
"Well I hope it was all good." Bruce chuckled, kissing Grace's hand before remembering he wasn't alone. "Harvey, you remember Marinette, Adrian and Peter? The others are Nino, great filmmaker, Alya, journalist extarodinaire, Rose, a sweetheart and Juleka, the best kind of goth."
Harvey did indeed remember the first three, revealing he and Grace were actually about to have some snacks from the Dupain-Chang bakery before Harvey saw his little brother figure and decided to check in on him.
A car then passed by and stopped, revealing Arthur Reeves.
"Well, well. The White Knight and the secluded heir. Shame. You two could do so much better if you shifted priorities. What shame your folks must feel."
He then drove away, missing Harvey cringe, grind his teeth and tighten his knuckles.
"Wow. What a jerk," Nino mused.
"And people actually vote for him?!" Alya asked.
"Har…Harvey?" Grace asked suddenly. Everyone saw the man fighting back his anger. When he realized this, Harvey fearfully motioned for them to wait and took out a coin.
"Heads, he's not worth it. Tails, mudsling back at next debate."
He then flipped the coin and caught it in his hand, which landed heads.
"Just shows how sad he really is." Harvey, all signs of anger gone, mused as he recomposed himself. "Sorry you all had to see that."
Bruce just smirked and offered Harvey a hanky for his beading sweat.
MIRACULOUS
"Okay, so why did you bring me down here?" Peter asked the next morning in the Bat-cave, Alfred serving them some tea and breakfast sandwiches before he left to dust something.
"Because I managed to get a positive ID on the two new heroes making rounds lately," Bruce said as he typed away on the Batcomputer.
"Are you sure that isn't invading their privacy?"
Bruce rolled his eyes. "It's not like I'm gonna reveal it to the press, especially not the Bugle."
"Good point...and good call, too."
Finishing his scan, Bruce hit enter on the keyboard and the two heroes watched as the Batcomputer brought up the IDs on Ladybug and Chat Noir, making both their eyes widen in surprise.
"…Well. Guess I owe you lunch." Peter mused.
. Suddenly, the elevator to the Batcave opened up, causing Peter to panic but Bruce put a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry. I figured this was coming and invited them ahead of time."
Stepping out of the elevator were none other than Marinette and Adrien, who had been dropped off by the Gorilla on the grounds of a study session…and blushing like crazy the whole ride over. With a spare key from Marinette, they'd let themselves in and announced themselves…but got no answer.
"Alfred? Alfred?" Adiran called out before Marinette pulled him aside and pointed to the loyal butler turning on his I-pod to listen as he dusted. Smirking, they decided to give the gentleman a scare…
But then they saw where he'd come from: What looked like a secret entrance.
"…I don't remember this one from hide and seek." Marinette said. Leaning in, she could hear the clacking of a keyboard in an echo.
"Maybe Bruce has a supercomputer to help him with homework?" Adrian guessed. "In a secret section of Wayne Man…Okay, yeah that sounds weird."
Marinette tried to peak inside even more, but the entrance swung open and she nearly fell, Adrina joining her. When they were greeted by an elevator, they stepped in…Which brings us to now, when they saw Bruce sitting at the Batcomputer, clad in black and grey armor with a familiar black bat symbol, it all clicked in their heads.
"You're here earlier." Bruce smiled. "Good."
Marinette and Adrian's jaws dropped and they tried to speak, but no words came out. Peter leaned in and whispered:
"Should we maybe hold off on my reveal?"
The newcomers then finally realized Peter was also in the room, and seeing their eyes on him, Peter shrugged, released a string of webbing an hung upside down.
"Ta-da?" He weakly smiled.
"You…! Spidey…! Him! Bat…!"
"Master Bruce, Mr. Parker, may I…" Alfred started, carrying a tray of tea and and fruit before he saw Marinette and Adrian. "Oh….Um….Ms. Dupain Chang. Mr. Agreste. I…see you've uncovered our little secret."
The butler then let out a gentle sigh.
"Yes, children. It's true. I am Agent 007."
…
…
"PFFFT!"
Peter and Adrian cackled at that, while Marinette looked at Bruce desperately. Bruce just shrugged.
"Alright, old friend. You've had your fun. I believe the children are due an explanation."
Fu stepped out from behind Alfred, accompanied by a floating green creature not unlike Tikki and Plagg, who suddenly flew towards him, sobbing hap[pily and hugging him.
"WAYZZ!" The two managed, their sibling gently hugging them back.
"Hello Tikki. Plagg. Good to see you two again. And with such wonderful chosen, too."
Suddenly, the Batcomputer blared to life, alerting everyone to a major crime in progress. Apparently, a man calling himself 'The Looter' was robbing the national history museum.
"Looks like explaniations will have to wait." Bruce said, flipping his cowl on.
"Well, better get to work!" Peter said, donning his mask. "You two ready?"
Marinette and Adrian unshook themselves and wordlessly asked if they could. Batman smiled and revealed something the other three had heard of, but never seen:
The Bat-Moblie.
"First one in gets shot-gun…." He said, tempting the two, who then shouted out:
"Tikki, Spots On!"
"Plagg, Claws Out!"
Alfred and Fu watched as Batman jumping inside the Bat-Mobile as Ladybug and Chat Noir excitedly jumped into the shotgun and back seat (respectively) while Spider-Man clung to the roof of the car and held on as they sped off to thwart the crime.
"So, do you mind a spot of tea while we wait, old friend?" Alfred asked.
Fu smiled. "I would love nothing more."
Knightmare Lord A/N:The Heroes have now made their inner circle! What new foes will they face together going forward?
I know one such foe and she's a real PRETTY POISON.
What say you, Mrotrax?
Mrotrax A/N: I say…LETS GET THIS STORY ROLLING!
The reveal has come, Two-Face is hinted at and we've hinted at Mary Jane's big secret and given Chole some Hidden Depths/planted seeds of her growth?
I'd say this is a good chapter, even if we trimmed back a lore reveal or two for later.
Have fun, stay safe and be happy!