Alright everyone we're inching ever closer to the end. This week is the calm before the storm and next week we'll be entering the final battle. Time to get everyone on board and up to speed because Zhan Tiri has achieved her final form and she is not going down without a fight.
Content warning: Strained relationships, mental exhaustion, stealing and more. (Not much this week, next week however…)
Chapter 31
Spots On, Claws Out, Mix it Up
Vee, Luka and Eugene had returned from their mission at the hospital which was a success. While they couldn't evacuate all the patients the building was secure, at least for now. They returned to the rendezvous point waiting for word from the others praying the hostages were alright.
Suddenly the sky goes dark and it takes them a few minutes to realize it's just a solar eclipse. Luka was a little embarrassed that he had forgotten but he was in a coma for a long time and lost track of the days. Vee shielded his eyes as he looked out the window with an ominous feeling in his gut.
That feeling proved to be correct.
Minutes later Ladybug, the rescue crew, hostages and the Brotherhood come crashing in through the door. Several people were injured like Gabriel whose hands were burnt. Rapunzel was barely conscious and Varian was straight up passed out in Chat Noir's arms. Both of them were noticeably missing their colored hair. Eugene ran to Rapunzel taking her from an exhausted Cassandra.
"Alright, what happened back there?" He asked, seeing Chat Noir lay Varian down on a table who was joined by Luka. He went on to explain everything that happened. Everything was going according to plan when Rapunzel somehow unlocked the Ultimate Sun Incantation. She started fighting Frederic and afterward a demon by the name of Zhan Tiri claimed both the Sundrop and Moonstone for herself.
Eugene was disturbed by this new development. He went on to explain that Zhan Tiri was a powerful sorceress who was obsessed with obtaining the Sundrop and the Moonstone. Lord Demanitus then sent her to the Lost Realm through a portal but her followers have been trying to use Rapunzel to bring her back to this realm for some time now.
"Somehow she managed to not only return but she got both the stones." Rapunzel was awake enough to fill in how she was told where to find the spell of the Sundrop by the spirit of a child.
"It must have been Zhan Tiri in disguise. She led me to the incantation and when I used it and fought Da-the King it gave her what she needed to fully come back to this world. Then the eclipse came and…it was all just so fast. A stone left my body and the moment she took it…" she took a deep breath. "I'm worried she'll try to take over this world and target Corona next."
"I fear she may have already been doing so for quite some time." Everyone turned to Gabriel whose hands were now bandaged by Vee.
"I was able to see her somehow and she told me she was in fact brought back from the dead as a child by the power of the Miraculous wish. She came to your world when she went through a portal made by Lord Demanitus." Edmund put a hand under his chin thoughtfully.
"That would explain why she needed the power of the Sundrop and Moonstone to return to the mortal plain."
The explanation made sense to everyone in the room. The question was how were they going to stop a demon who just obtained two of the most powerful objects in multiple worlds.
"I'm calling in as many holders as I can." Ladybug announced. "We need to be prepared to fight and we'll need as much help as possible.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
In a pocket dimension somewhere between time and space Bunnyx and her new friend were looking at the various outcomes for this fight. Then they went further and their fears were confirmed. Bunnyx turned to the visitor.
"Are you sure this is the best way?" she asked knowing in her heart what needed to be done.
"Provided the first part works out then yeah." She sighed.
"You better get going then so you'll have time to set up."
Despite the dire circumstances it was nice to have someone to share her troubles with. As the holder of the Time Miraculous secrets were a part of the job. Sure she worked with Ladybug and the others but this was one part of her life that got a little lonely.
If this worked out as planned however they would not be seeing each other again.
"Alright then, stay safe!" They agreed as they gathered their belongings. Bunnyx opened the portal even though it was starting to get a little shaky.
"You too, good luck!" And with that they were gone.
All she could do now was watch and pray things went their way. She hated not knowing what was coming next.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
The holders had been coming in one by one and updated on the situation. They had already been informed about Shadow Moth and Tanuki being unmasked so many were shocked to hear that not only was Gabriel Agreste here but Varian was as well. He was apparently from another world and discovered he was connected to the black rocks and had some control over them. Or at least he did until he was attacked by a Mad King and his life energy was drained so badly he was still unconscious.
During this time Ladybug asked Cassandra for the Miraculous back. She was hesitant at first but ultimately decided to honor her agreement. The moment she did she collapsed to the ground, the magic no longer shielding her. She had been warned that using a Miraculous would mask any pain and weakness she had but was not expecting it to hit her so suddenly.
As they helped her to bed Pigella looked around.
"Where's Tanuki? Oh, I guess it's just Varian now?" Chat Noir pointed to the room at the end of the hall warning her he was still out. He hated leaving him but he needed to talk with Ladybug about a few things before they came up with a battle strategy.
She quietly made her way in and was treated with the sweetest sight. Gabriel was passed out on a chair beside his foster son on one side while Luka was on the other gently brushing the hair from his face.
"How is he doing?" she asked in a whisper.
"Physically he's doing OK but…mentally he might have shut down a little." She wasn't too surprised. In just barely two days he had gone through so much it must have been overwhelming.
"Poor Varian." she glanced back at the teal haired boy with a knowing smile. "Is that why you haven't told him yet?" Luka blinks and turns his gaze away from the sleeping boy.
"Told him what?" he asked as if he didn't know what she was implying.
"That you like him of course!" Luka, normally so calm and collected, felt his face heat up at the implication.
"Of-of course I like him. He's a good friend." She gave him a disapproving look.
"You know what I mean." He sighed and looked back at the sleeping boy.
"Yeah, I know what you mean but…it wouldn't be fair to tell him now when there's so much going on. Even if we somehow manage to defeat a demon he may have to go back to his home world." he took Varian's hand in his. "It would be cruel to add that to everything else he has to deal with right now."
Pigella understood even if she was sad for them. I was clear that they liked each other and were good for one another. Still she held out hope that things would turn out alright in the end.
A quiet groan suddenly caught their attention. Slowly Varian pried open his eyes and pulled his consciousness back to the world of the living. The first thing he saw was Luka which was comforting but also confusing. The last thing he remembered was king Frederic sucking the power and life out of him, or was it Rapunzel asking him something? Pigella was there as well, still transformed but there was another figure besides his bed.
He craned his neck to see Gabriel sleeping beside him in an uncomfortable chair. He suddenly remembered seeing the man trapped in a cage battered and bruised and held hostage as a way to control him. He shot up much too quickly making him dizzy in the process. Luka gently laid him back down.
"Take it easy Varian, Gabriel's OK. Everyone got out." he sighed in relief and let himself relax a bit.
"The last thing I remember was…Frederic stealing the little bit of Moon powers I had left." He brushed his bangs a little disturbed that he didn't see his ever present teal hair strip. "What happened after that?" Luka and Pigella looked at each other not liking the idea of stressing him out even more than he already was. Still, they knew they couldn't keep this from him.
"So…here's the situation."
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Zhan Tiri basked in the glow of her long, long awaited victory. Looking out at the rock covered city put a smile on her face. The power of the Moonstone alone was exhilarating but combined with the Sundrop she felt absolutely invincible. She knew the warriors of this world would try and stop her but they were no threat. It would be a good excuse to exercise her new powers and test their limits.
Afterwards she would see about fixing the dimensional barrier once she returned to Corona. She was sure she could fix it but didn't see much point in saving the other worlds that were also connected. She had little love for her home world and she needed to finish off Corona once and for all. It was fun playing with it and corrupting it from the inside but it was time to crush Demanitus's beloved kingdom once and for all. Speaking of which. She glanced down at Corona's king currently imprisoned by the black rocks with only his head showing.
"It won't be long now, My King." she said in a mocking tone. "Once I dispose of the opposition your beloved Corona will be next on my lists of conquests." For his part Frederic looked unafraid if not completely insane.
"You think you've won but as soon as Rapunzel completes the sacrifice Corona will be secured and your reign will be over before it begins." She gave him a dumbfounded look. Surrey he couldn't be this stupid.
"You're still buying into that sacrificing nonsense? Haven't you figured out I was the one who's been tricking you and all of your ancestors? There was no protection on Corona, just a fun way of ruining Demanitus's favorite Kingdom." But for some reason Frederic was still not deterred.
"You can't fool me again demon! You know the sacrifice is the only thing that can stop you. That's why you appeared to me in the form of my ancestor." She was waiting for the punchline but when it never came she realized he was serious.
"I guess you really are that stupid after all. I might be doing Corona a favor by killing you off. Oh well, I'll just have to be satisfied with having you watch as I kill your daughter." He started to scream and protect which amused her for a time. When she grew tired of his whining she sealed his mouth shut with a gag made of black rocks.
She looked at the horizon as the sun was beginning to set. It wouldn't be long now.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Varian didn't think he could take much more. From the moment he decided to steal Chat Noir's Ring it's been one disaster after another. He wanted to go back to sleep, sleep and just…not wake up for a while. But he couldn't do that. After facing his tormentor and nearly being killed by him twice he now had to face an actual demon.
On the plus side an actual demon was pretty much the worst thing they could face so things couldn't possibly get worse…could they? He decided to stop that train of thought. Knowing his luck Lucifer himself would decide to stop by and make an appearance.
He tried to put on a brave face but he suspected Luka and Pigella could see right through him. He ran his fingers through his bangs again as if he could make his hair strip return. It was just so bizarre, he only just found out he had these powers a few hours ago but after losing them it felt like he was missing a part of himself. At least he still had his-he reached for his goggles on top of his head only to remember they too were taken away.
"My-my goggles!" he said in a panic, fearful they were lost in the museum when it collapsed. "R-ruddiger! Where is-" His shouting had awakened Gabriel who put a calming hand on his shoulder.
"It's alright Varian, Cassandra brought your goggles back. Ladybug borrowed them to help with the rescue but she left them for you on the table." He pointed to the work table on the side of the room. Pigella fetched them for him, happy to see him calm down once they were in his hands. He immediately put them on and a very worried Ruddiger popped out.
"Varian!" The Kwami practically jumped into his arms and both of them were so happy to know that the other was safe. Pulling back Varian raised an eyebrow at his little friend.
"I hear you let Ladybug be your new holder." He made sure to keep his tone teasing, not wanting the Kwami to think he was upset. Ruddiger blushed a little.
"She wasn't bad but I still prefer you." Varian smiled.
"I'd take you over the Moonstone any day." The two hugged again, happy to still have each other in this chaotic situation. With Varian now awake many of the other holders came in to talk with him. He had been expecting this even if he was dreading it. Nevertheless he knew most of these people outside of their costumes and felt they deserved an explanation. He knew he would likely not be offered forgiveness but then again it wasn't like he deserved any.
"I'm sure most, if not all of you know the truth by now. I've been the villain Tanuki all along. I'm not going to try and justify my actions, I wanted the wish to save my Dad. Even when I started to think that maybe the wish wasn't a good idea I still stole the ring from Chat Noir. So I understand if none of you want anything to do with me anymore." There was silence for a moment when Monkey King of all people spoke up.
"So…you were Tanuki the entire time?" Varian nodded. He saw Kim coming up to him and so he braced himself for the inevitable punch. He was not expecting to be picked up in a bear hug.
"What the-"
"You saved my Nana!" Varian was more than a little stunned.
"Your what now?" Kim put him down and looked him in the eye.
"When I thanked Chat Noir for saving her when the rocks first attacked he said it wasn't him. Ladybug then said Tanuki was the one who got her out of her apartment before it collapsed."
'Who was he'- And then it hit him. The old lady he carried out of the building. The one who thought he was Chat Noir.
"Oh, I didn't know she was your Grandma." King Monkey looked at him more seriously than ever before.
"You may have been a villain but real bad guys don't save other people's Nanas." Not…the most logical argument but at least he wasn't getting punched in the face…at least not right away. Fortunately Pigella spoke up for him next.
"You were pretty brave when we had to stop the red rocks too. I'm still grateful you saved me from getting trapped by the amber." Several of the others who hadn't known about that were looking curiously at him now that they had this new information.
"But that amber solution was my invention. So it was my fault that-"
"Enough of that Tanuki-I mean Varian." she countered more sternly. "You almost got caught in it yourself trying to save me. I will hear nothing to the contrary." Purple Tigress agreed.
"I also heard you protected some kids when that crazy lady came at them with a sword." Varian couldn't help but glance to the next room where Cassandra was. This is going to be awkward when she wakes up. Purple Tigress then looked at Luka and smiled. "And you saved Luka's life."
Luka smiled back at him and confirmed this to be true. Varian looked around and even the other holders: Carapace, Multimouse, Vespaqueen, and Ryuko. Weren't looking at him with disgust like he thought. Ryuko came forward to say her peace.
"Since Chat Noir does in fact have his ring back and Ladybug is still letting you keep you Miraculous I can only assume you have given it back and are now fighting on our side." Leave it to Kagami to come up with a well thought out and logical argument. Even he couldn't find any holes in it.
"Well, yes, that's all true. I really am sorry for stealing it and I've told Chat Noir this as well. I've left my fate in Ladybug's hands. If we somehow manage to fend off a demon and I'm not forced back to my home world then I'll accept whatever punishment she sees fit."
The others looked almost sad at this idea. He had done a lot of bad things in the past but also a lot of good. Surely there was a solution that didn't involve sending their friend back to jail. It would have to wait right now because there was another elephant or moth in the room.
"And what about him?" Carapace asked, turning his attention to Gabriel. "What are we going to do with Shadow Moth?" Varian cringed. There wasn't much he could do to protect the man who had taken him in. He was a bit further behind with his good deeds than Varian.
"I've decided to leave my fate with Ladybug as well. I wish I could say it was because of a change of heart like Varian but the truth is the wish is too dangerous to use. That being said, I wish to offer my help against this demon in whatever way I can."
Varian glanced at his bandaged hand knowing he was sincere but with his Miraculous still missing somewhere in the museum there wasn't much he could do.
And as relieved as he was that the majority of his friends didn't hate him he couldn't help but notice there was one missing.
"By any chance has anyone seen Pegasus? I…I was hoping to apologize to him too." Monkey King nodded looking conflicted.
"Yeah, he wasn't too happy when he found out you were Tanuki for some reason."
"Oh…ah, yeah I guess he wouldn't be."
Varian knew this was a possibility, a very likely one in fact. Still he would have liked the chance to talk to him before the battle.
"He said something about needing to get something but he'd be back before Ladybug's briefing." It was an excuse, he was trying to avoid him, Varian knew it.
"Oh, well it…it must be very important than." Most of the others in the room could feel the uncomfortable stress coming from the Raccoon holder but they didn't have much time to dwell on it. Ladybug was calling everyone together to discuss their plan of attack.
Luka guided Varian in offering him some comfort. Varian went to take his hand but thought better of it. He didn't want to think about anything else, especially complicated things like feelings that might not be reciprocated. Better to focus on the task at hand. He took solace in the notion that one way or another this would all be over soon.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
The story Willow heard from her sister was so outrageous she almost thought it was a joke but she knew Arianna would never joke about something like this. Seriously, ritualistic sacrifices? And the notes written by Frederic she'd managed to dig up were…horrifying. Even that didn't feel like a strong enough word.
"Seriously Anna, that's just…" Arianna wrung her hand with nervous tension.
"I know, I have no idea how I'm going to face Frederic when he gets back."
"Where is he anyway?" Arianna scowled.
"On some kind of top secret errand only Nigel knows about!" she started pacing back and forth racking her brain on what to do. "I…I don't know where to even start trying to fix things, this goes back generations. I'm also worried that this mysterious errand has something to do with Rapunzel and her quest. What if he tries to convince Rapunzel to go through with this crazy tradition?" Willow touched her arm to help ground her sister.
"Hey, Rapunzel is…still a little new to her role as Princess but you know she'd never kill someone, especially someone she cares about." Arianna bit her lip.
"Frederic can be very…persuasive when he wants something." She wrung her hands again. "I just wish I could be there with her. I barely got my baby back after 18 long years before she had to leave again, maybe I shouldn't have let her go." Willow sighed.
"From what you told me there wasn't much of a choice." She handed her sister a cupcake. "We can't do much for Rapunzel until she gets back but we can still gather evidence to get Frederic kicked off the throne." And maybe a divorce if she could convince her sister. Arianna took a deep breath and a huge bite out of the cupcake.
"You're right. I'll have to be careful, Frederic still has allies but more than a few enemies." She turned to her younger sister still wearing her dress.
"I hate asking more of you Willow but I could really use your help." Willow smirked.
"Will this be dangerous?"
"Very much so I'm afraid."
"Then count me in!" Arianna rolled her eyes.
"Of course the danger would excite you. Still, thank you for the help." They hugged and the queen pulled out an old list. "Here's where I think we can start."
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Ladybug had gone around explaining where she wanted everyone. She needed at least a few holders to keep the citizens who haven't been evacuated safe and to prevent as many buildings from collapsing as possible. Ryuko, Vesperia, Polymouse, Carapace, Pigella, and Monkey King would take care of that and serve as back up if they needed it. Monkey King argued his Chaos powers would work on the Sundrop and Moonstone but Ladybug was afraid of the unpredictable nature of his powers on that level. Rena Furtive would secretly be keeping an eye on the battle and evacuation in case either team needed reinforcements.
Purple Tigress might be able to do some real damage if she could get a shot off before Zhan Tiri has a chance to block it. Viperion and his Second Chance would be good in case something goes wrong. She couldn't talk the Brotherhood or the Corona crew out of fighting so best to work with them then against them. Cassandra was asking for the Ox Miraculous back which Ladybug reluctantly agreed but only when they were ready to fight since she was still weakened from earlier. Gabriel was asking how he could help and while it was a good sign she wasn't sure if he could.
"Maybe you should evacuate as well, without your Miraculous-"
"Oh I almost forgot!" Lance exclaimed, bringing out his ball. "While I was looking for that Mind Trap Stone like you asked I found something just as nice." Everyone looked on excited that he was able to find-
"Is that the Venus de Milo?" asked Chat Noir, confused. Lance turned red for a moment.
"Oops, must-must have brushed against it on my way. This is what I was talking about!" Another statue appeared.
"Dude that's Winged Victory" Exclaimed Nino as Ladybug was growing more and more distressed. Lance chuckled again.
"I may have dropped it once…twice…a dozen times." Piece after valuable art piece was fetched until finally…
"THE MONA LISA!" Ladybug shouted almost losing her cool all together.
"Now I know what you're thinking."
"That you used the Miraculous I GAVE YOU to steal some of our nation's greatest treasures!"
"I'm sure it looks that way…" Seeing Ladybug and many of the other French citizens stare daggers at him he switched tactics. "But…I got these out of the museum before they could be destroyed."
It was technically true even if none of them believed that was his true intention. Lance used his fetch power one more time and low and behold the Butterfly and Peacock Miraculous appeared.
"And as promised." She was still fuming but he could still be useful in the upcoming fight. He was very good at using his powers…a little too good.
"I should make you give your Miraculous back but we don't have time." She took back the other two Miraculous he managed to recover and looked over at Gabriel. As much as she wanted to believe he was no longer after her and Chat Noir's Miraculous he had burned her too many times.
Gabriel could see she wasn't going to be giving back. He'd honestly be surprised if she did. He said nothing and allowed her to continue with the plan. He would find some other way to help.
As she stowed the Miraculous away Lance gave Gabriel a reassuring pat. He was surprised but it was a nice gesture and the man did save his life. He smiled and nodded back..
Suddenly a portal opened and Pegesus stumbled through.
"I'm here, I'm here! Sorry I'm late!." He panted, clutching something in his hand. He then stood up and walked over to Varian. "If you worked with Shadow Moth then you know who I am." It wasn't a question. Varian forced himself to meet Max's gaze.
"Yes, I knew from the start." It was hard to get a read on him through his shades but he doubted he was happy with him.
"And you planted a virus in my best friend." Varian wanted to hang his head in shame but once again looked him in the eye.
"Yes, and I'm so sorry. I regretted it the moment I did it. I knew it would hurt you but I did it anyway. I-" Pegasus held up a hand.
"You also upgraded his firewall to block any magical viruses." Varian wasn't surprised that he found out. Maybe he was hoping he'd be discover so he wouldn't have to keep that secret any more
"I know it doesn't make up for the virus-"
"It doesn't…but I can't find myself to hate you for it. I'm still mad at you and very disappointed. I think we need to have a proper talk once we get back to a semi-normal world." This was more than Varian felt he deserved but he'd take it.
"I think that's a good idea." There was finally a smile on Pegasus's face.
"In that case, I have something that may help you and by extension all of us." No one was sure what he was talking about so he went on. "I heard about how you discovered you were connected to the Moonstone and how that evil king stole your powers from you."
"Yeah apparently when I passed out at the museum it was because there was a moon rock on display."
"But don't you remember? The first time you got a headache that bad was when you came with me to meet my mother." Realization hit him like a truck.
"Of course! Your mother had just come back from the Moon!" Eugene waved a hand in the air.
"Wait wait! I know I'm missing something about you infecting his friend and then setting his wall on fire…" Varian face palmed while Chat Noir chuckled. "But there's no way someone can actually go to the moon." Most of the Corona crew were in agreement but some weren't as sure as they were in the museum. "Can they?" Pegasus just ignored them.
"I never got a chance to tell you since Gabriel rushed you off but my Mom brought me back a souvenir and…I want you to have it." He held out the box opening it revealing an unassuming rock, but Varian knew better. He could feel it and what little power that was left in his body reacted. A small strand of hair was turning blue again. But he was hesitant.
"But this was a gift from your mother, I can't possibly-" but Max cut him off.
"I'm sure my Mother would approve of how I choose to use her gift. And if that demon has the power of both the Sundrop and the Moonstone we're probably going to need it."
Varian wasn't sure what would happen when he took the moon rock but the moment it was out of the box both his and Rapunzel's hair started glowing and flickering. It wasn't the Moonstone but it looked like it would give them enough power for one final battle. Varian turned it over in his hand and suddenly had an idea.
"Step back a moment. I want to try something." He slipped his goggles over his face signaling Ruddiger. "What do you think buddy? Will it work?" he said holding up the stone and instantly Ruddiger understood what he was trying to do.
"I think it will." Before anyone could ask what he was trying to do Varian placed the moon rock on one of his lenses.
"Ruddiger, Mix it UP!" He transformed but this time was noticeably different, his outfit had completely changed. His old lab coat was replaced with a gray tailcoat and top hat. It had a white shirt with his colored alchemy ball attached like buttons. The goggles were now on the top hat and the stripes lined the inside of the tails. He also had an eyepiece that held the moon rock now powered by him. His hair was now glowing blue, more stable then when he was just holding the rock. Rapunzel came up to him, her hair still flickering as she got close to him.
"Varian, you look so different. Oh sorry, I mean Tanuki." Varian paused for a moment before coming to a decision.
"I think it's time Tanuki stepped down. You can call me Ringmaster." He did an experimental gesture and made a rock shoot up and disappear on command. "It's not a lot of power but my Miraculous makes it more stable." Ladybug looked at Varian's new form and then to Rapunzel.
"Do you think I'll work for Rapunzel too?" Varian thought for a moment. "If you had a spare Miraculous I could give her some of my power. It's not going to last long without the actual Sundrop and Moonstone but it's enough for a fight."
Rapunzel seemed to like the idea, she didn't want to sit on the sidelines while her friends were off fighting a monster.
Ladybug pulled out a pair of horned shaped hair clips and gave them to Rapunzel.
"Rapunzel, this is the Miraculous of the Goat. It holds the power of Passion and will give you the power to create anything you want." Rapunzel eagerly clipped them into her hair and a tiny goat Kwami appeared.
"Hi, I'm Ziggy."
"Hi Ziggy! I'm Rapunzel."
"To transform, say Ziggy Bleat it!"
"Oh, I have so many ideas." Rapunzel exclaimed eagerly as Ziggy beamed.
"We're going to get along just fine."
"OK, Ziggy Bleat it!" And like Varian Rapunzel transformed into a goat superhero. Her outfit consisted of a black bodysuit and matching skirt. It was lined with white fur and the clips formed a horn like crown on her head.
"Oh wow I feel so much stronger! I think I'll call myself…" she paused for a moment before officially deciding. "Capriqueen." Varian nodded in approval and held out his hand.
"Alright Rapunzel-I mean Capriqueen, take my hand." Instinctually Varian released some of his power to Rapunzel. Her hair became blond again and this time it wasn't flickering. "It worked!" She even summoned her new weapon, a giant paint brush.
Moments later they all felt the ground shake.
"We're out of time!" Ladybug exclaimed. "I need the Paris party to get as many citizens out of the danger zone as possible. Pegasus you're with them." The rescuers all headed out and she turned to the rest."
"I won't lie, this isn't going to be an easy fight but we have an advantage Zhan Tiri doesn't know about." She looked at Rapunzel and Varian as she said that. "After everything she's done, wrecked, destroyed or hurt to get here we'll let her know we will not lay down and take any more. Now let's get out there and take back our city!" A cheer went up and the battle party headed out to face a literal monster.
One way or another this ends tonight.
To be continued…
Next time: The final battle begins.
