Disclaimer: Chapter 10 has some dialogues from the Miraculous Season 4 Episode: Mega Leech. I do not own those few dialogues, the rights to those dialogues belong with the original creators.

Note: This chapter aims to highlight the importance of peaceful protests and the urgency of addressing climate change as a key issue in contemporary society.

Chapter 10 - Courage & a Peaceful Protest

October 16th, 2016

"Adrien's up to something, Nino, I can feel it. I can't even believe that you two are friends now," Alya muttered as she walked briskly beside Nino, her voice low but sharp with suspicion.

The Sunday afternoon air was warm and calm and the sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the path as they made their way forward.

Nino adjusted his cap and sighed. "Come on, Alya, you're being too hard on him. I've been hanging out with Adrien more lately this week and he's not as bad as you think. The guy's just lonely, you know? He needs genuine friends."

Alya shot him a skeptical look, her brow furrowing. "Lonely? He's always got Chloe clinging to him like a leech. Speaking of which, what's he doing hanging around with Marinette? Chloe's supposed to be his girlfriend."

Nino stopped in his tracks, turning to face her with a puzzled expression. "Girlfriend? Wait, I thought they were just friends. You mean Chloe's actually his girlfriend?"

Alya rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "You don't remember? Chloe's been parading around, telling everyone that Adrien is her boyfriend. She even announced it in class on the first day of school. I thought you were paying attention."

Nino scratched his head, thinking back to the moment Alya was referring to. "Yeah, I remember that, but…" He trailed off, considering. "Chloe can be a bit of a drama queen, you know? Maybe she's just exaggerating, trying to make herself look more important."

Alya snorted, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Exaggerate? Chloe? You don't say!" Her sarcasm was thick, but she quickly turned serious again. "Even if Chloe's just making stuff up, I still don't trust Adrien. There's something about him that doesn't sit right with me."

Nino shrugged, starting to walk again as they neared the park's entrance. "Maybe, but you should give him a chance. He's always been nice to me, and I'm starting to think he's just misunderstood."

Alya kept pace beside him, her expression softening slightly. "I don't know, Nino. I get that he might be lonely, but there's more to being a good person than just being nice. I mean, why is he hanging out with Marinette all of a sudden? That's not just him being friendly, that's him playing with her feelings."

Nino frowned, considering Alya's words. "I don't think Adrien's that kind of guy. He's not like Chloe. I think he genuinely likes Marinette, maybe even more than he realizes. And Chloe… well, she's probably just being Chloe."

Alya sighed, feeling the frustration building up again. "Maybe, but I'm still keeping an eye on him. I don't want Marinette to get hurt, especially not by some rich kid who doesn't know how to treat people right."

Nino chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "You're too protective, Alya. Marinette can handle herself. Besides, Adrien might surprise you."

As they continued their light bickering, the path opened up into the park's main area. Alya spotted Ivan and Mylène sitting together on a bench and talking about something. The sight of the couple made Alya smile, pushing aside her concerns about Adrien for the moment.

"Looks like we're not the only couple out for a walk," she said, nodding toward the couple.

Nino grinned, his earlier thoughts about Adrien fading as he caught sight of his friends. "Yeah, let's go say hi."

Alya's lingering doubts about Adrien were still there, but for now, she was content to let them rest as she and Nino headed toward Ivan and Mylène.

As Alya and Nino approached Ivan and Mylène, they noticed the couple holding signs and engaging in a passionate discussion. The signs bore slogans like "Save Our Trees" and "Stop the Destruction!" The urgency in their voices was unmistakable, and it was clear that they were deeply invested in something important.

"Hey, Ivan, Mylène!" Nino called out, waving as they hurried over, his tone warm but concerned.

Mylène looked up, her eyes blazing with determination, though there was a flicker of relief as she saw her friends. "Nino, Alya! Thank goodness you're here. We need all the support we can get to stop the Mayor's Oxygen project. It's going to destroy so much of the green space we have left in Paris."

Alya frowned, her gaze shifting between the signs and the troubled faces of her friends. She could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "This is about the Mayor's new Oxygen project, right? I heard about it on the news, but I didn't realise it was this bad."

Ivan nodded gravely, the tension in his shoulders visible as he spoke. "It's worse than you think, Alya. The Mayor's plan isn't just about building a complex—he's going to cut down a massive number of trees and put up a giant concrete structure right in the middle of the park. It's not just the trees that will suffer; the wildlife here will lose their homes. It'll completely ruin the ecosystem."

Mylène, her voice tinged with frustration and a hint of desperation, added, "We can't just stand by and let that happen. This park is more than just a place to hang out; it's one of the last green spaces in the city where people and animals can coexist peacefully. The environment is too important, and we can't keep destroying it like this. We have to think about the future, about what kind of world we want to leave behind."

As the gravity of the situation sank in, Alya clenched her fists, her heart racing with a mix of anger and resolve. She could feel the fire igniting within her—a fire that always burned brightest when she was fighting for a cause she believed in. "You're right. We can't let them get away with this. It's more than just a park; it's a symbol of what we stand for—respect for nature, for our environment, for the city we love."

At that moment, Marinette arrived, her breaths coming in quick, but her eyes were full of resolve. "I'm so glad you called me, Mylène," she panted, her cheeks flushed from rushing over. "When I got your message, I knew I had to come. This Oxygen project… it's horrible. We can't let this happen. We have to do something, anything, to stop it."

Alya, always quick to think on her feet, immediately pulled out her phone, her mind racing with ideas. "We need to get the word out fast. The more people know about this, the stronger our protest will be. I'll call the rest of the class right away, and I'll make a vlog about this to spread awareness. We need to rally as many people as we can. If we all stand together, there's no way the Mayor can ignore us."

Nino, feeling a surge of determination, pulled out his own phone, ready to lend his support. "I'm with you, Alya. We can't let the Mayor just bulldoze our park like this. If we all work together, we can make sure everyone knows what's going on and how important it is to stop this Oxygen project. We've got to protect our city."

As Alya began recording her vlog, her voice strong and unwavering, Ivan and Mylène continued holding their signs high, the words on them blazing like a battle cry. The determination in their eyes was stronger than ever, fueled by the presence of their friends. Marinette stood beside them, her heart swelling with a sense of purpose.

Soon, the entire class—except for Chloe, Sabrina, and Adrien—arrived at the park, accompanied by Ms. Bustier, who had a look of quiet resolve on her face. Other people from the vicinity, noticing the gathering, started to join in as well, holding signs and banners. What began as a small protest quickly grew into a sizable, peaceful demonstration, the park filled with voices calling for justice and the preservation of their beloved green space.

As the protest gained momentum, the first news vans pulled up, reporters and cameramen spilling out, eager to cover the story. Microphones and cameras were aimed at the crowd as they chanted slogans and waved their signs high in the air. The noise and energy of the protest attracted even more attention, and it wasn't long before the Mayor arrived, flanked by a group of stern-looking policemen. Among them was Roger Raincomprix, Sabrina's father, his expression serious as he surveyed the scene.

Marinette, standing beside Alya and Nino, couldn't help but glance around the crowd, her brow furrowing with concern. "Why hasn't Adrien shown up?" she wondered aloud, biting her lip.

Alya scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I didn't call him," she admitted, her tone dismissive. "Adrien's just a spoiled rich brat. He probably wouldn't care about something like this anyway."

Nino frowned, looking over at Alya with a hint of disapproval. "Babe, we need to include him," he said gently but firmly. "Adrien's not like that. He might surprise you."

Marinette nodded in agreement, her concern deepening. "Nino's right, Alya. Adrien deserves a chance to be part of this. Maybe he just doesn't know what's happening yet."

Alya huffed as Nino quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Adrien's number, his voice urgent as he explained the situation. "Adrien, it's Nino. Listen, man, we're all at the park protesting the Mayor's new project. It's really bad, dude. We could use your support down here. The whole class is here—well, except for Chloe and Sabrina, obviously. You should come."

Just as Nino hung up, the atmosphere in the park suddenly shifted. Roger Raincomprix, who had been speaking with the Mayor, turned toward the crowd with a stern expression. His voice boomed over the noise of the protest. "Attention, everyone! This is an unauthorized gathering, and you are disturbing public order. The Mayor has ordered that this protest be disbanded immediately."

The crowd fell into an uneasy silence, tension rippling through the air. Marinette exchanged worried glances with Alya and Nino, the situation suddenly feeling much more serious.

Just then, the Mayor raised his loudspeaker, his voice slicing through the growing tension in the air. "Some time ago, I promised Parisians the end of pollution. And now, I'm keeping that promise with Project Oxygen!"

Before he could continue, he was interrupted by a chant, loud and clear: "Stop Project Oxygen! Stop Project Oxygen! Stop Project Oxygen!" Ivan and Mylène, standing at the forefront of the crowd, held their signboards high, their voices resolute.

Mayor Bourgeois sighed in exasperation and turned to Officer Roger. "Please deal with those protesters," he ordered, his tone dismissive.

Roger's gaze shifted to Ivan and Mylène, who were now the focal point of the protest. Their youthful faces were set with determination as they continued to chant. "But Mr. Mayor, they're just sixteen-year-olds," Roger said, his voice laced with hesitation.

The Mayor's response was cold and unyielding. "They're protesters. Just do your job."

Roger sighed, clearly uncomfortable, but he stepped forward and addressed the two teens. "You two," he barked, pointing at them, "You and everyone here need to leave now."

Mylène's voice trembled with a mix of fear and anger as she responded, "We can't, Officer. This is too important. They're planning to cut all these trees down."

Roger tried to reason with her, his tone softening slightly. "But ultimately, there will be less pollution," he insisted, trying to sound convincing.

Mylène's eyes flashed with anger as she stepped closer, her voice rising. "No, there won't! That's just what the Mayor wants you to think."

From a distance, Mayor Bourgeois's voice cut through the air again, dripping with irritation. "Roger! Your job is not to chit-chat with the troublemakers but to maintain order."

Roger turned back to Ivan and Mylène, his expression torn. "Come on, kids. Let's be reasonable," he urged, his voice quieter now. "Now step forward."

Ivan and Mylène exchanged a glance, their faces pale but determined. With a shared nod, they reluctantly stepped forward, though their grip on the signs remained firm.

As the Mayor continued his speech, his voice dripping with political rhetoric, Kim turned to the others, a look of slight confusion on his face. "Rehabilitating the entire thing... it actually sounds kinda cool," he admitted.

Nathaniel nodded in agreement, his brows furrowed in thought. "Yeah, what's not ecological about it, Mylène?"

Rose, ever the optimist, twirled around in excitement. "It's super eco-friendly! It'll de-pollute the air in Paris and make it fresh!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with enthusiasm.

Mylène sighed heavily, the disappointment in her eyes clear as she looked at her friends. "You're letting yourselves be fooled by pretty pictures," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. She turned back toward the Mayor, her words growing firmer. "Project Oxygen seems great, but when you look closer at the details, it just doesn't hold up. In reality, they're cutting down our best natural filters—trees—and replacing them with artificial ones, their tower, and making us pay for all of it."

She faced the Mayor directly, her voice carrying the weight of her conviction. "Mr. Mayor, instead of destroying all these trees, wouldn't it be better to build more parks?"

"That's it! You're under arrest for instigating this unauthorized protest," Roger announced, his tone uncompromising.

Mylène gasped, her eyes widening in shock. "What? But we didn't do anything wrong! We're just standing up for what we believe in!"

Ivan, usually so gentle, clenched his fists, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance. "You can't do this! We have the right to protest! We're not hurting anyone!"

Roger's expression softened for a brief moment, but he quickly steeled himself. "I'm just following orders. The Mayor has decided that this protest is illegal, and I have to enforce the law."

Ms. Bustier stepped forward, her voice calm but firm as she addressed Roger. "Officer Raincomprix, these are just kids standing up for their environment. Surely there's another way to handle this without resorting to arrests. We can talk this out."

Roger hesitated, his gaze shifting to the Mayor, who gave him a curt nod. With a resigned sigh, he turned back to Ivan and Mylène, pulling out a pair of handcuffs. "I'm sorry, but I have to do this."

As the handcuffs clicked around Ivan and Mylène's wrists, the crowd erupted in protest. "This isn't fair!" someone shouted, while others began chanting, "Free them! Free them!"

Marinette's heart pounded in her chest as she watched Ivan and Mylène being led away, her mind racing for a way to stop this.

The tension in the air was palpable as Ivan and Mylène were led away in handcuffs, the crowd's protests growing louder with each passing second. Marinette's heart was racing, her mind scrambling for a solution. She couldn't believe what was happening—her friends were being arrested for simply standing up for what was right.

Just as the situation seemed to be spiraling out of control, a sleek black car pulled up at the edge of the park. The door swung open, and Adrien stepped out, his expression a mix of determination and apprehension. His heart was pounding in his chest, knowing full well that his father would be furious if he found out he was here. But something deep inside told him that helping Ivan and Mylène was the right thing to do, no matter the consequences. Nino's urgent text about Ivan and Mylène's arrest had made it clear—he couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

Adrien quickly made his way through the crowd, his presence causing a ripple of surprise and curiosity. He reached Roger Raincomprix just as the officer was about to lead Ivan and Mylène away.

"Wait!" Adrien called out, his voice firm but respectful. Roger paused, turning to face the young Agreste with a raised eyebrow.

"What are you doing here, Adrien?" Roger asked, clearly taken aback. "This is no place for someone like you."

Adrien straightened his shoulders, trying to project confidence even as his stomach churned with nerves. "I know this might seem like a mistake, but Ivan and Mylène don't deserve to be arrested. They're just standing up for what they believe in—protecting the environment. There's no harm in that."

Roger frowned, glancing between Adrien and the Mayor, who was watching the exchange with an impatient scowl. "Adrien, this protest is unauthorized. The Mayor has given orders, and I have to follow them."

Adrien took a deep breath, knowing he was about to step into dangerous territory. "I understand that, Officer Raincomprix. But maybe there's another way to handle this. My father has a lot of influence in the city—if you release Ivan and Mylène, I'm sure he'd be willing to… overlook this situation."

The Mayor's eyes narrowed as he recognized Adrien. "Adrien Agreste, I presume? I'm not sure your father would appreciate you meddling in city affairs. This project is crucial for Paris's future."

Adrien held his ground, his gaze unwavering. "Maybe so, but arresting people who are just trying to protect the environment isn't the answer. Please, let them go. I'm asking you to consider the bigger picture here."

Roger hesitated, clearly torn between following orders and listening to Adrien. The crowd had quieted down, all eyes on the exchange. After a long, tense moment, Roger sighed and nodded. "Alright, Adrien. I'll let them go, but this better not cause any more trouble."

The crowd erupted in cheers as Roger removed the handcuffs from Ivan and Mylène, who were both visibly shaken but relieved. Marinette's eyes welled up with tears of gratitude as she rushed forward to hug Ivan and Mylène.

"Thank you, Adrien," Marinette whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "You have no idea how much this means to all of us."

Adrien managed a small smile as Marinette expressed her gratitude though his heart was heavy with the knowledge of how his father would react. "It's nothing, Marinette. I just did what I thought was right."

Before they could celebrate for long, the Mayor stepped forward, his face twisted in annoyance. "Enough of this! You're all are being ridiculous. I'm trying to help you people. This construction project will bring countless benefits to Paris—jobs, economic growth, and a better future for all of us!"

The crowd quieted down, listening as the Mayor continued his speech. "This park is outdated and underutilized. My project will revitalize the area and turn it into something truly spectacular. Imagine a state-of-the-art complex that will attract tourists from all over the world! We need to move forward, not cling to the past."

Just then, Chloe arrived, striding confidently through the crowd with her usual air of superiority. "Who cares about a lame, ugly tree?" she scoffed, flipping her hair dismissively. "Besides, there'll be a tree on the label, much prettier than the real thing."

Adrien rolled his eyes in frustration, the irritation clear on his face. He knew Chloe well enough to expect this kind of shallow response, but it still irritated him.

Mayor Bourgeois, eager to regain control of the situation, jumped in. "And the floor in the tower will be built with recycled wood from the trees we cut down. Very eco-friendly."

Chloe chimed in again, her voice dripping with disdain. "And real trees have to be watered. Talk about wasting water!" Mylène's face flushed with anger, her fists clenching at Chloe's callousness. Before she could speak, Marinette placed a calming hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring look.

Taking a deep breath, Marinette turned to face the Mayor. "Mayor Bourgeois, perhaps Mylène and Ivan have misunderstood your project. Do you really want to take away the trees, a natural and cost-free air filter, and replace them with a tower that will absorb polluted air? So that afterwards, you can clean the air and sell it back in plastic bottles. The same bottles which will become trash and pollute our oceans?"

The Mayor, caught off guard by Marinette's sharp logic, stammered, "Yes, that's it." A collective gasp rippled through the crowd at her quick thinking and Adrien smiled as he found himself being impressed by her cleverness. Realizing his mistake, the Mayor quickly backtracked. "Uh, I mean, no. Of course not! It's not that simple. Ecology is complicated, especially for children your age. Leave these things to the adults."

Alya, who had been quietly filming the entire exchange, zoomed in on the Mayor's flustered face. She raised her phone higher, her voice steady as she addressed her audience. "So actually, your project is all about cutting down our trees and closing our favorite park."

The camera panned to Ms. Bustier, who stepped forward, her voice filled with calm authority. "And if Mylène and Ivan are trying to stop this, then we are on their side."

Marinette nodded in agreement, her voice carrying the conviction of someone who knew she was doing the right thing. "It's true. The Mayor's solution for fighting pollution is misguided."

Mylène, finding her voice again, added with passion, "Like so many other so-called miracle solutions that are supposed to deal with ecological problems, the thing is there's never just one simple solution that can fix everything. What we need are lots of small solutions that can tackle the problem all at the same time. That's why there has to be a lot of us all working together."

Adrien strode over to Marinette, Ivan, and Mylène, his face set with unwavering determination. "Sorry, Mayor Bourgeois, but we can't let you do this."

The crowd murmured in agreement, emboldened by Mylène's words. The Mayor, sensing the tide turning against him, turned to Officer Roger in desperation. "Roger, do something, will you?!"

Roger hesitated, a conflicted look on his face. He glanced at the determined expressions of the young protesters, then back at the Mayor. "To tell you the truth, Mr. Mayor, I've been thinking and it seems like these kids are onto something."

The Mayor's face twisted with frustration. "You're not paid to think, Roger, but to obey!"

Mylène, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and resolve, looked to her friends, her voice trembling slightly. "Ivan, Marinette—I'm getting scared now..."

Marinette placed a reassuring hand on Mylène's shoulder, her gaze steady and encouraging. "Do you realize how many fears you've managed to overcome? You fight every day to defend a cause without anyone noticing. True courage is not the absence of fear. It's persevering even though you're scared."

As Marinette spoke, Adrien couldn't help but smile at her. There was something profoundly inspiring in her words, and he admired her more with each passing moment. Her bravery in the face of adversity was like a beacon of hope, and it made him feel even more connected to her.

With a newfound resolve, Mylène stepped up to the Mayor, her movements firm and purposeful despite the trembling of her hands. She snatched the loudspeaker from him, her fingers gripping it tightly as if it were a lifeline. The crowd fell silent, their eyes turning toward her with a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

Mylène took a deep breath, her heart pounding, and began her impassioned speech. "Ladies and gentlemen, we're here today because we care deeply about our planet. Climate change is a reality, and it affects us all. Cutting down our trees and replacing them with a tower might seem like a quick fix, but it's not a solution. Trees are not just a part of our landscape; they are vital to our survival. They provide us with clean air, combat climate change, and support biodiversity."

Her voice grew stronger with every word, reverberating through the park with an earnest clarity. "We need to recognize that true environmental progress comes from sustainable practices that respect and protect our natural world, not from superficial fixes that ultimately harm it. We have the power to make a difference, but only if we listen to the voices of those who truly understand the importance of preserving our planet."

As Mylène spoke, the crowd listened intently, their murmurs turning into a rising chorus of agreement. The atmosphere was charged with the collective energy of a community united in a common cause, each person feeling the weight of the moment and the impact of Mylène's words.

Alya stepped forward, her eyes shining with admiration. "You've been incredibly courageous today, Mylène."

Ivan nodded in agreement, his voice filled with genuine respect. "You should be proud of yourself."

The Mayor, clearly succumbing to the mounting pressure, sighed heavily and addressed the crowd. "Parisians, I have heard the voices of our young people. They are our future, and in their future, the Place des Vosges will remain. The trees will continue to clean our air."

The announcement was met with a wave of cheers and applause from the crowd. Chloe, standing to the side, let out a frustrated grunt, clearly displeased with the turn of events.

Miss Bustier stepped up to the Mayor, her tone warm and appreciative. "On behalf of your constituents, Mr. Mayor, I'd like to thank you for the wise decision you've just made."

Mayor Bourgeois gave a curt nod, his face inscrutable. "I only did what was right, Miss Bustier."

With that, the Mayor turned and walked briskly toward his car, Chloe trailing behind him with a sulky expression. As they drove off, the crowd continued to buzz with relief and excitement, their earlier tension giving way to a sense of victory and hope.

Marinette's face lit up with a radiant smile as she looked at Mylène and Ivan, her eyes shining with heartfelt pride. "Congratulations, Mylène! You and Ivan won the battle."

Mylène's eyes softened with gratitude as she returned the smile. Her relief and joy were palpable. "We all won together, Marinette. It was a team effort, and I'm so glad we made a difference."

As the crowd began to slowly disperse, Ivan and Mylène walked over to Adrien, their faces alight with genuine appreciation. Ivan extended his hand, his grip firm but friendly. "Thank you, Adrien. You really came through for us today. I have to admit, I didn't expect you to be so… supportive. I guess you're not so bad after all."

Adrien's smile grew, and a warm flush of satisfaction spread through him at their kind words. "I'm glad I could help," he said sincerely, his voice steady and earnest. "It was the right thing to do, and I'm happy I could be there for you."

Adrien then turned his attention to Marinette, his gaze softening as he spoke. "Would you like a ride home, Marinette?"

"Sure, Adrien. That would be great. Thank you."

As they began to leave the park together, the evening air felt lighter, charged with the success of their efforts. Nino, who had been chatting with Alya nearby, glanced over at Adrien and Marinette, a thoughtful expression on his face. "See Alya, Adrien's not so bad. He really does care."

Alya, still holding onto her reservations, shrugged with a hint of skepticism. "Maybe, but I still don't trust him completely. He's still the same Adrien Agreste with all the baggage that comes with him."

Nino's brow furrowed slightly as he sighed.

Adrien and Marinette reached her home, and as Adrien helped her out of the car, Gorilla, Adrien's imposing bodyguard, waited by the vehicle, his presence as steadfast as ever. Adrien turned to Marinette, his eyes warm with appreciation. "Thanks for today, Marinette."

Marinette tilted her head, a puzzled smile playing on her lips. "Thanks for what?"

Adrien hesitated, searching for the right words. "Well... umm, kind of similar to what happened with Juleka. Because of you, Ivan and Mylène don't think I'm bad anymore." He looked at her, a touch of vulnerability in his gaze.

Marinette's eyes softened with understanding. "Adrien, Juleka, Ivan, Mylène, and Nino want to be your friends because of your own efforts. You're not bad, Adrien. So don't think that way for even a second."

Adrien's heart fluttered at her words, and a genuine smile spread across his face. The warmth of Marinette's kindness was both surprising and comforting. Before he could respond, he heard Marinette's mom calling from inside the house.

Marinette glanced back with a hint of reluctance. "See you at school tomorrow," she said, her voice filled with promise.

Adrien watched her retreat into her home, a strange sense of contentment settling over him. As he drove away with Gorilla, the familiar hum of the car provided a soothing backdrop to his thoughts. Adrien knew that his father wouldn't be pleased with his involvement in the protest. The prospect of facing him was daunting, but for the first time in forever, it felt less overwhelming.

Seeing the joy that the end result of the protest had brought to Marinette, and knowing he had played a part in that, gave him a strange sense of courage. The knowledge that he had done something good, something that mattered to others, made his heart lighter and his resolve stronger. As the car drove through the streets of Paris, Adrien felt a newfound determination and he felt ready to face whatever consequences awaited him.

Thanks for reading, please review : )

Chapter 10 published on: August 14th, 2024

That's a wrap for the month of August! I'm going to be busy for a while, so I'll get back to posting chapters around early September ; )