The author sits in front of a giant screen, holding a game controller. The sound of 8-bit music plays in the background as various characters from the fanfic pop up on the screen.
Author: (mashes buttons) Alright, gamers—I mean, readers—welcome to the next level! Before we dive into this chapter, I just want to say I've been thinking a lot about video games lately. And what better way to pay tribute than to take you all on a wild, action-packed, button-smashing adventure, right?
Screen flashes with "NEW CHAPTER LOADING…"
Author: This next chapter? It's going to feel like you're dropped into a video game yourself—think RPGs, boss battles, power-ups, and maybe a cheat code or two. (grins) Oh, and expect some serious video game references. From the classics to the modern-day hits, we're covering it all. So, if you're a fan of exploring dungeons, collecting loot, or unleashing epic special moves… well, buckle up, 'cause you're in for a ride.
Author's Avatar on Screen: (jumps in a victory pose) "Player 1 Ready!"
Author: Now, no spoilers, but I hope you're ready to hit 'Start' and level up with this chapter. Let's get those health bars full, grab your best gear, and jump right into it! Thanks for all your support, and remember—this is one game you won't want to quit. (presses 'Start' on the controller)
The screen fades to black, revealing the words: "MISSION START."
Scene: Marinette's room.
Marinette was seen writing her diary when Tikki approached.
"Hey Marinette, weren't you meeting Alya back at school this afternoon to research your term paper?" Tikki asked.
Marinette quickly grabbed her phone and saw the time. "Oh no, I'm late! Again!"
Marinette then quickly put her diary back in its box, grabbed her purse and dashed off to school.
Scene: Collège Françoise Dupont.
Marinette had just entered the courtyard when she heard something coming from the library.
"What's that noise?" Tikki frowned.
"Hide, Tikki!" Marinette hissed.
In the library, the students were playing Ultimate Mecha Strike III. Adrien and Max are currently playing while Alya was recording them.
"Come on, Max," Kim encouraged.
Marinette entered the library and approached Alya. "What's going on, Alya?"
Alya quickly shushed her and continued to record.
"Tryouts for the Paris Ultimate Mecha Strike III Tournament!" Rose explained rather excitedly. "This school sends the two students with the highest scores!"
"Actually, the tryouts offer a partner to team up with Max in the Tournament," said Kim, resting on Marinette's shoulder.
"Why, Max?" Marinette asked.
"'Cause he's unbeatable! He's a total Rockford! He's got the highest APM over anyone!"
"APM?" Marinette blinked.
"Actions per minute? This Tournament is his whole life! He's been grinding all year to level up."
They just watched as Adrien's robot used his special attack on Max's robot. This resulted in Adrien gaining more points and narrowly reaching the leaderboard's top.
"Adrien is now in the lead," Caline announced.
"What happened, Max?" Kim groaned.
Everyone immediately cheered for Adrian, though Max looked slightly crestfallen but regained his composure.
"Awesome job," he said. "We're gonna make a killer combo."
Adrien then gave him a high five, and Marinette and the rest of their class cheered for them.
Marinette then got an idea. "So let me get this straight. If someone manages to beat Max's score, they'll team up with Adrien at the Tournament?"
"Doesn't have to be with Adrien," said Toby, "It can only be two people with the highest points in the leaderboard."
"No one can beat Max," said Kim. "Or rather, Max and Adrien. It's a slam dunk. They're our school's dream team!"
Alya took Marinette by her hand, and she quickly dragged her over to a bookshelf where Camilla was reading a novel.
"I see where you're going with this, Little lady," said Alya, looking at her disapprovingly.
"Just imagine teaming up with Adrien!" Marinette beamed.
"It seems you haven't fully grasped the gravity of what you're getting yourself into," said Camilla
"Thank you!" Alya agreed, "This is about stepping up and representing! Not snuggling up and snogging! This is serious business!"
Marinette rolled her eyes. "Seriously, girls, you think I'd actually go through with that?"
Then, before they could stop her, Marinette ran off.
"Well, I think we have our two champions lined up for the Paris tournament," said Mr Damocles.
"Wait!" Marinette yelled, raising her hand. "Uh, Is it too late… to try out?"
Both Kim and Rose gasped.
Mr Damocles pondered for a moment. "Well, the library is closing up in five minutes, but…
Marinette then stepped up despite Alya waving her off.
"Oh, boy…" Alya groaned.
Marinette then sat down and extended her hand for the joypad. Adrian then handed his joypad to her.
"Is she serious? There's no way!" said Kim.
"Unless the particular player has a particular motivation," said Alya.
Max then sat down next to her and began giving her a brief tutorial. "The rules are elementary; you battle each other's robots with your own and…
Marinette rolled her eyes. "Please… Every time you win, you loot its items and gain XP, which upgrades your mech. I'm not a noob, thank you very much."
That was quite true, given the many times she played against her dad and won.
Max was taken aback. "Ah, sounds like you have a sufficient amount of knowledge. Let's see if it's enough to beat me."
"Yeah, this will be funny," said Kim as the two shook hands.
Looking down at them from the top floor were Chloé and Sabrina, not taking much interest in the Tournament.
"Seriously? How could anyone spend so much time in front of a screen?" Chloé scoffed.
"I know, as if," said Sabrina.
The two of them held up their phones and began texting.
Both Marinette and Max selected their robot avatars and started to play.
"Come on, Max, you can do it!" said Kim.
However, to everyone's utter astonishment, Marinette was actually mopping the floor with Max. Max struggled to keep up with Marinette, who remained perfectly calm.
"What?!" said a wide eyed Toby.
"Holy…!!!"
"And now, a quarter super plus heavy kick and Flying Hyper Storm! Triple hit combo, Marinette style! Booyah!" Marinette smiled as she had just won the game and started to do a little dance. Woo! Yeah! Woo hoo! I win! Uh-huh!"
Kim stared openmouthed. "Wha! I can't believe it! She… she beat him?"
"Beat him? She pulverised him!" said Alya.
"Marinette Dupain Cheng, where have you been this whole time?" said Camilla.
"The king's been knocked off his throne!" Rose cried.
Max felt utterly humiliated as he looked at the words 'Game Over' as Marinette took first place, knocking Max all the way down to third.
"I-I accept this defeat," said Max, looking depressed. "I relinquish my position at the Tournament. Congratulations, Marinette. And Adrien."
"Max, wait!" said Adrian as Max walked away.
"Oh, Max…" said Kim, trying to comfort his best friend.
"Look. I'm fine; I lost fair and square," said Max. "But if you don't mind, I'd like a little solitude."
He then left the library, though it was clear to everyone that he was not fine.
"So, Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste will represent Françoise Dupont High School at the Paris Ultimate Mecha Strike III Tournament," Mr Damocles announced. "Good luck to both of you."
"Well, I guess I'll be coming over to practice," said Adrian, looking towards Marinette. "With my new partner. See you later."
"See… ya…" said Marinette dreamily as Adrien walked away.
Alya quickly approached. "Now you gotta win and you're gonna be representing the school, not just hanging out with Adrien."
"I know, right?" said Marinette with a grin.
"What does that mean?"
"Al, I don't think she heard you," said Camilla.
"Oh, brother…" Alya moaned and facepalmed.
Scene: Streets of Paris.
Max was walking down the street angrily; he knew in his head that Marinette had won fair and square, but he was just so frustrated that he didn't care.
"This is a travesty. An unequivocal travesty!" he yelled.
Scene: Hawk Moth's lair.
Hawk Moth opened his window at his lair, sensing this uncontrollable anger, knowing he had a perfect victim lined up.
"Ah, a competition," he said. "I know you like that, my little evil Akuma. Where there's a winner, there's always a loser." He then turned a butterfly into an akuma and released it. "Fly away, my little akuma, and evilize him!"
Scene: The streets.
"I should've been going to that tournament," said Max angrily. "I was the chosen one! I worked so hard for it! Inconceivable!"
The Akuma landed on his glasses, and Hawk Moth contacted him telepathically.
"Gamer, I am Hawk Moth," he said. "I'll help you win the Tournament of your life. But in return, you must help me achieve my high score."
"Absolutely, Hawk Moth. Game on! Now to see who's the greatest gamer in Paris!" said Max.
He then started to transform, and appearing around him was a floating black pyramid with a glowing green eye. Max was inside, but now he was wearing a black bodysuit, and his glasses were now tinted green and shaped like a butterfly. His skin was pale, as if he had never been in the sun.
He laughed as he operated his controls, ready to turn the entire city of Paris into a giant video game.
Scene: Outside Collège Françoise Dupont.
Unaware of this, Marinette was making her way back home as she was absorbed in a conversation with her kwami.
"What are you getting at, Tikki?"
"You know how much Max wanted to be in that Tournament. Kim said he'd been training for it all year."
"Okay, maybe I got a little carried away," admitted Marinette, "But I didn't mean to. I just wanted to do a lot for the school."
"There are other ways to do that," said Tikki who then adds with a knowing look, "As is spending time with Adrien."
"Yeah, but hey, this is the first time Adrien's coming to my house in person," she then gasped in horror at the prospect. "Adrien's coming to my house! No, this is a total disaster! I have to… clean my room!"
Scene: Marinette's room.
Marinette didn't waste a second and then rushed towards a bedroom filled with photos of Adrien. She could not allow Adrian to see them, or she would die of embarrassment.
"That's what I've been trying to tell you all along," said Tikki.
"Oh, this… is not… happening!" Marinette panicked.
"Calm down, Marinette," said Tikki calmly. "You still have time. It's not like he's gonna show up this very minute."
As if the universe wanted to screw them over, they heard the sound of the doorbell ringing and knew instantly that it was Adrien. The two of them quickly rushed around the bedroom, taking down every picture of Adrian they could find.
"Marinette! Someone's here to see you!" her mother called downstairs.
"Uh… Coming!" Marinette yelled in a frantic voice.
Adrien was already downstairs talking with her parents.
"Marinette and I are finalists in the Paris Ultimate Mecha Strike III Tournament," Adrien explained.
"No way," said Tom, stunned. "Well, she did learn from the best Tom style! Booyah!"
"Marinette never told us about this Tournament," said Sabine.
"We were just paired up today," Adrien explained.
"You two are a pair, huh? I'm not surprised. Marinette talks a lot about you, you know?"
"Mum!" Marinette glared as she descended the stairs and quickly turned to Adrian. "…Come up, Adrien!"
"Uh, very nice to meet you," said Adrien as he followed her.
"Ohhh…" said Tom and Sabine in unison.
Scene: The streets of Paris.
Gamer's ship was flying around.
"Gamer. It's time to get to the next level and show everyone that you're the best!" said Hawk Moth.
"No time like the present!" said Gamer and then fired a beam from his ship, turning people into green spheres and absorbing them. "Hahahahaha!"
Scene: Dupain-Cheng House,
Marinette and Adrian began practising for the Tournament. They reached out for a controller and accidentally grasped each other's hands when they went for the same one.
"Oh! Hahaha. Sorry," said Marinette, quickly pulling her hand away.
"No, you go," said Adrian.
"I'll use the other one," they said but only ended up taking each other's hand again, and they quickly looked away from one another, embarrassed.
Finally, they managed to take their own controller and started to practice
"Your parents seem nice," said Adrian.
"Oh yeah, they are. But… sometimes…" she was cut off by her father opening the hatch holding a plate of croissants. "Everything going good? I thought, just in case you wanted something to eat…"
"Uh… no thanks, Papa. We're training," said Marinette, gesturing to the control.
"Well then, uh, maybe you could use a few tips, you know… dad style."
"Thanks, but no thanks! Papa!" Marinette glared.
Her father then took the plate and closed the hatch.
"Sometimes my parents could be a little nosey," Marinette explained a fact that was proven a second later when both her mother and father opened the hatch to spy on them. Marinette quickly turned around and glared, and they quickly closed the hatch. She then quickly turned to Adrian and gave him a reassuring smile. "Where were we?"
Scene: The streets of Paris.
While this was going on, Gamer's ship was still absorbing people.
"I'll be at level 2 in no time! My skills are indisputable!" he said. She absorbed more people and then began absorbing vehicles as well. "I am unstoppable! Hahahaha!" His ship then began to evolve until it was now a two-legged robot. "Excellent!"
He then carried on absorbing more people to gain more power.
Scene: Game Store
Camilla's eyes widened as she saw the enormous robot stomping through the city. She nudged her brother, Toby frantically, trying to get his attention.
"Uhh, TJ, bro, there's a giant robot outside," she said urgently.
Toby, however, was completely engrossed in his decision-making process. "Hmm... should we go with 'God Of War' or 'Final Fantasy VII Remake'? What do you think, Camilla?"
"TJ, seriously, there's a huge robot out there!" Camilla said, shaking him by the shoulders.
"Yeah, yeah, robots. How about this one?" Toby held up a game with a flashy cover, oblivious to the chaos unfolding outside.
Just then, the robot fired a laser, vaporizing a nearby hotdog stand. The vendor, now a part of the robot's energy reserve, was zapped up with his hotdogs scattered in the air like confetti.
Camilla facepalmed. "TJ! If you don't look now, we're going to be toast—literally!"
Toby finally glanced up from the games, just in time to see a hotdog splat against the store window. His eyes widened as he saw the towering robot.
"Oh! That kind of robot," Toby said, finally understanding the urgency. "Why didn't you say so?"
Oh it was times like this that she wanted to kill him right then and there but sadly couldn't.
"What do you think I've been trying to tell you for the past five minutes?!" exclaimed Camilla before grabbing Toby's arm and dragging him towards the exit, "Let's go!"
As they dashed out of the store, Toby glanced back wistfully at the games he had to leave behind. "So close... yet so far..."
Outside, the streets were in pandemonium. People were running in all directions, trying to escape the robot's path. Camilla and Toby sprinted through the chaos, dodging laser blasts and falling debris.
"Quick, this way!" Camilla shouted, pulling Toby down an alleyway just as another laser beam zapped the spot where they had been standing.
"Man, this feels just like 'Metal Gear Rising'," Toby panted, trying to keep up with his sister.
"Except it's real, and we don't have extra lives," Camilla retorted, rolling her eyes.
Suddenly, their path was blocked by a wall of debris. They skidded to a halt, looking around desperately for another way out.
Toby spotted a manhole cover and pointed. "Down there!"
"Are you serious? It's filthy!" Camilla protested.
"Would you rather get zapped by the robot?" Toby countered.
"Good point," Camilla conceded. "Let's go."
The siblings quickly lifted the manhole cover and climbed down into the sewer, just as another laser blast obliterated the pile of debris behind them.
As they splashed down into the murky water below, Camilla couldn't help but mutter, "This day just keeps getting better and better."
Breeze then flew from Toby's hood, "Hey, look on the bright side. At least now we know what it's like to be in a real-life video game."
"Yeah, which is real," said Luupa, flying out of Camilla's jacket, "So we beat him and we get extra XP and loot."
Camilla rolled her eyes, wiping some grime off her face. "Extra XP, huh? Where do we cash that in? The sewer gift shop?"
Breeze flitted around, looking unbothered by the foul surroundings. "Hey, just think of it as a bonus level. Besides, nothing like a good boss fight to make the day interesting."
Toby grinned, finally catching the excitement. "Yeah! And the best part? No respawn time!"
"Look, if it's any consolation, we're all gonna have a nice warm bath after this," said Luupa.
"That I can agree on," said Camilla as she held up her ring, "Luupa! It's Full Moon!
Luupa flew into Camilla's ring as she transformed into Gray Wolf.
Toby held up his cuff bracelet, "Breeze! Take Flight!"
Breeze flew into Toby's bracelet as he transformed into Sky Falcon.
Scene: Marinette's room.
Both Marinette and Adrian were still practising. Unlike Marinette, who remained calm throughout the match, Adrian was frantically pushing buttons.
"Wow! We won again, thanks to you!" said Adrian as they won yet another match.
"Yeah, um, yes, we did," said Marinette.
"We? That was practically all you," said Adrian as he leaned back, looking slightly exhausted. "You're amazing, Marinette. I guess you wouldn't even need me. I'm so lame compared to you…"
"Um, no, no, no, I… No, you're so good. I mean, I'm the one who's not good. I mean… I'm lucky, that's all," said Marinette getting tongue-tied.
Her father then opened the trapdoor, this time carrying a tray of cookies. "Anyone want cookies? They're hot from the oven!"
Adrian's face lit up, but Marinette looked immensely frustrated.
"Papa, we're trying to work here!" Marinette pointed out.
Adrian looked disappointed when her father closed the trapdoor, taking the cookies with him.
"Actually, you know what? I've got a secret," said Marinette and then pulled out a lucky charm. "This is why I win."
Adrien looked at it and then looked at her. "Are you messing with me?"
"Try playing a match with it."
Adrian then took the lucky charm, but her parents opened the hatch before they could start another match.
"How about a delicious salmon and spinach pie?" said her mother, holding out a pie. "You can tell me what you think of it?"
Adrian could see that Marinette was starting to get very annoyed with her parents and to be honest, he was also dying to eat something.
"Uh, Marinette. A little snack wouldn't hurt, would it?" Adrian suggested.
Marinette calmed down and smiled.
Scene: The Place des Vosges.
They then made their way to the Place des Vosges and began eating the pie that Marinette's parents had made.
"Uh, I'm really sorry," said Marinette. "It's impossible to get anything down with my parents around."
"That's okay," said Adrian, eating the rest of his pie. "I didn't know your dad made such yummy pie!"
"Oh, uh, I… yeah!" said Marinette, turning slightly pink. "So, shall we go back?"
"Let's see if it works," he said, holding out her lucky charm.
Then suddenly, they saw Gamer's robot appear, absorbing several people.
"Tell me this isn't some kind of publicity stunt for the tournament!" said Marinette, looking rather frantic.
Gamer then looked down at Marinette. "Well, well. Marinette, let's see who's victorious this time."
"Doesn't look like a publicity stunt to me," said Adrien.
They then saw its eye beginning to glow and was about to fire a laser down at them.
Suddenly, multiple arrows hit one of the legs as they set off a huge explosion that blew off a piece as it staggered.
It was then that Sky Falcon landed, "And Player One enters the match!"
"Followed by Player Two," said Gray Wolf from the rooftops, "Sky, get those two to safety!"
"Right!" Sprinting forward, Sky Falcon scooped both Marinette and Adrien in his arms as he took off and flew up to the roof of the Grand Paris Hotel.
"Giant robot has it out for you guys, who did either of you piss off this time?" asked Sky Falcon, dropping the two teens as their respective kwamis flew out.
"I don't know, but he knows my name," said Marinette, puzzled, and her eyes widened when she recognised the voice. "Max! I guess he really did want that spot in the tournament!."
"Don't worry, Marinette. It can still be fixed," said Adrien.
"He's right, and if there was a game to win, this is it!"
"Time to transform," Adrien said and held out his ring. "Plagg! Claws out!"
Adrian then immediately transformed into Cat Noir.
"Tikki! Spots on! Ha!" Marinette yelled.
She then began to transform into Ladybug.
Scene: The streets.
Sky Falcon soared through the sky, his eyes scanning the chaos below. He spotted Gray Wolf, agilely dodging Gamer's relentless attacks while keeping the civilians out of harm's way.
As Sky Falcon observed the robot approaching a nearby bus, he realized Gamer's next target. Without hesitation, he swooped down and landed next to the bus. "Get away from here! As far as you can! Hurry!" he shouted.
The bus passengers quickly evacuated, running to safety. Gray Wolf landed next to her brother, her breath heavy but determined.
"So, any ideas?" Gray Wolf asked as Gamer's robotic form loomed closer.
Sky Falcon's eyes lit up with sudden inspiration. "I got it!"
"What?" Gray Wolf replied, ready for a battle strategy.
"I know just what the robot should be called: Giant Armored Mecha Enhanced Robot! G.A.M.E.R for short!"
Gray Wolf stared at her brother, blinking in disbelief. "Seriously? Now's the time for naming?"
Sky Falcon grinned. "Hey, it's a good name! Plus, it's accurate!"
Gray Wolf rolled her eyes. "Fine, you focus on names. I'll focus on not getting us squashed."
"Okay!"
Gamer looked down at the two of them. "My calculations indicate that your systems are about to crash!"
Ladybug then appeared, wrapping the robot's legs together with her yo-yo.
"You're the one crashing, robot!" she yelled, pulling on the string and causing the robot to topple over.
Cat Noir landed next to them, "He's a life-size robot from Ultimate Mecha Strike!" Cat Noir explained.
"And it's nearly at level 3. 4 is the highest level!" Ladybug added.
Gamer turned his eyes towards the bus, fired his laser, and absorbed the bus. His robot then evolved once more; it grew twice as large, stocky and now had a pair of arms.
"Uh, I think our problem just got a whole lot bigger," said Cat Noir.
"Level 3," Gamer laughed.
"G.A.M.E.R X3," muttered Sky Falcon.
"If you want to be the most powerful robot in the world, you must capture the M-Team's Miraculouses," Hawk Moth ordered. "Then it really will be Game Over."
"Those Miraculouses are mine!" Gamer roared.
He then swung his fist down towards the M-Team, forcing them to jump back. Then he began firing his laser as the team ran away. They then jumped onto one of the nearby buildings and ran across the rooftops.
"We have to get him out of here before he destroys all of Paris!" said Ladybug.
"Keep running! Definitely love the sound of that!" said Gray Wolf.
Ladybug's eyes then turned towards the billboard advertising for the Tournament. Cat Noir followed her gaze and got the idea.
"The stadium!" they said in unison.
They then started to make their way toward the stadium.
Scene: The Parc des Princes Stadium.
It didn't take them long to reach the stadium.
However, there was no sign of Gamer.
"Where has Clunky got to?" Ladybug frowned.
They then heard the ground shaking. When they turned around, they saw Gamer's robot towering over them. The M-Team then threw their weapons at him, but they merely bounced off his armor.
Gamer laughed and then swung his fist down towards them, but thankfully, they were able to dodge it. Sky Falcon unfolded his wings to fly around Gamer while dodging his lasers.
Ladybug turned to Cat Noir. "Attack the robot with your Cataclysm Power! It might be enough to shock him!"
"My pleasure. Two can play this game," said Cat Noir, coming to a stop. "Cataclysm!"
With his hand charged with destructive energy, Cat Noir ran towards the robot and placed his hand against it.
"Nooooo!" Gamer roared as his robot was destroyed.
"Smackdown, Cat Noir!" Ladybug smiled, giving him a high five.
"Cat Noir Style! Booyah!" Cat Noir smiled.
Then, suddenly appearing between was a floating red sphere.
"Whoa, haha! Check out that loot!" said Cat Noir.
"Huh, what do you know?" said Gray Wolf, "We really can collect loot after all."
Ladybug then turned to Gamer, who was flat on the ground. "System crash, Gamer!"
Gamer merely laughed as he rose to his feet. "You've forgotten the rules. I saved my last level!" He then touched his glasses, and then reappearing around him was his robot. "Respawn!"
"Aww, not the old spawn point glitch again," Cat Noir moaned.
"Yeah, but did you see he pushed that button on his glasses?" Ladybug asked. "I bet the akuma's in there."
"I'm sure this can help us fight on even ground," said Sky Falcon as he touched the sphere and appearing out of thin air was a red black and silver robot. This robot had a lanky yet muscular build. It had a silver wolf head with red eyes, the upper torso, shoulder pads and forearms were red with black polka dots. The rest was black and silver, had a cat tail and digitigrade legs, each one having four clawed digits.
The M-Team then landed on the robot's shoulders.
"Ha! We've leveled up too!" Ladybug yelled.
"Oh my gosh!" yelled a giddy Sky Falcon, barely able to contain his excitement, "WE'RE ON A MEGAZORD! A LITERAL POWER RANGERS MEGAZORD! IT'S SO AMAZING!!!"
"Focus, Sky Falcon!" Ladybug called, trying not to laugh at his enthusiasm. "Let's take this bot down, M-Team style!"
"Right, right! Just… couldn't resist!" Sky Falcon grinned as he steadied himself, "I'm definitely calling this the Miracuzord."
Cat Noir then heard his Miraculous beeping. "Okay, but I only got a few minutes left."
The M-Team quickly entered the cockpit. Inside, there were two seats positioned back to back. Below the seats in front are two platforms with devices and harnesses designed to control the robot via body movement. The right platform controls the right hemisphere while the left platform controls the left hemisphere.
"Gray Wolf and I'll man it, you guys shoot," said Sky Falcon as he stepped into the right platform, allowing the harness to automatically adjust to fit him, the chassis securing his arms and legs as a set of cables were plugged into his wingpack.
"Why do you get to man it?" Ladybug asked.
"It's either one of us or the kitty cat. Pick a lane," said Gray Wolf from the left platform, her harness and chassis fastened around her as what appeared to be an oxygen mask was fitted where her mouth was.
Ladybug sighed, "Fine, you guys steer. Cat Noir, let's give them some firepower."
Cat Noir nodded, "Got it."
They positioned themselves at the seats, securing themselves.
The cockpit lit up with holographic displays and controls as the Miracuzord powered up.
"Let's make this interesting," said Gray Wolf as she opened up her playlist, scrolling through some various songs and places 'Chicks Dig Giant Robots'. As the heavy metal music started to play, Sky Falcon flexed his right fingers, the robot doing the same and then the twins got into a synchronized battle stance which was mirrored by the robot.
Sky Falcon and Gray Wolf moved in sync, controlling the robot's movements although it appeared to move sluggish as they were trying to get used to it.
Gamer took advantage of this and punched them in the face. They then crashed onto the ground, knocking Ladybug and Cat Noir right out of their seats.
"That was a lucky hit," said Sky Falcon.
"Look out! Here it comes again…" Ladybug yelled.
"Roll!" yelled Gray Wolf.
Sky Falcon and Gray Wolf quickly maneuvered in their platforms, causing the robot to roll to the side just in time to dodge a stomp. The Miracuzord spun in a windmill, leg sweeping G.A.M.E.R off its feet before springing back to its own feet to gain distance. The M-Team watched as the G.A.M.E.R got up.
"Round two, Gamer," Ladybug smiled.
"Arrrghhh… Gamer Missiles!" Gamer roared, firing several missiles from his shoulders.
"Forcefield, Cat Noir!" Ladybug yelled.
"Got it. Forcefield activated!" said Cat Noir, activating the Miracuzord's force field on their wrist, blocking the missiles. "Cat Saber!"
A holographic sword materialized in the twin's hands while outside, the Miracuzord's tail was detached and shifted into a saber.
They then moved in, swinging their blade at G.A.M.E.R who quickly jumped into the air.
"Gamer-Drill!" Gamer yelled, forming a giant drill on his robotic arm.
He then dived down at their robot, who quickly used a shield to block the attack. However, it wasn't long until they felt themselves getting overwhelmed by the attack. Eventually, both robots found themselves flung backwards, but G.A.M.E.R managed to land on his feet while the Miracuzord instinctively deployed a pair of black metallic wings to catch itself.
"Okay, didn't see that coming," said Gray Wolf, noticing the holographic wings behind her.
"This Gamer's way powerful," said Cat Noir, noting that they had just lost their force field. "He just took out our forcefield!"
"We're gonna have to manage without. Lady Bombs!" Ladybug yelled, firing several bombs out of their robot's shoulders.
"Laser Wall!" Gamer roared and created a laser wall that destroyed the bombs, giving the M-Team the window to somersault behind him.
"Lady Helix!" Ladybug yelled, and spinning blades flew from the shoulder pads over to the G.A.M.E.R, but it spun around, knocking them away.
"Bullet!" The twins yelled.
The Miracuzord's arms shot towards Gamer's robot, but his robot merely broke apart, and the fists went right through him. Then, both the arms and shoulder blades returned to their robot and reattached themselves.
"Ear Thunder!" Cat Noir yelled, and lightning shot out of the two cat ears on their robot, but Gamer counted with his own bolt of lightning from his hands.
"He's anticipating all of our attacks!" said Ladybug.
"Then let's see him anticipate this!" said Sky Falcon before he and Gray Wolf then ran forward, their robot mirroring their movement.
And with that, both robots charged at each other at full speed and soon, they began trading blows with one another.
"Gamer Fire!" Gamer yelled, firing a blast of energy. His robot broke apart, reassembled directly behind theirs, and then pushed them into the energy orb. He then attacked them and quickly fired a laser from his eye before they had any time to recover. "Hahahahaha! Today, I shall be victorious!"
The robot jumped back onto its feet and then began channeling a massive burst of energy before firing it at Gamer.
"Catouken!" Cat Noir yelled, and then they quickly kicked Gamer's robot to the floor. Then, just as Gamer recovered from the attack, they grabbed him and then pile drove him into the ground.
Gamer's robot then disassembled and reassembled next to them. "I am the strongest player in the world! Hahahaha!"
"How are we supposed to beat him if we can't even catch him?" Cat Noir asked.
"We have to beat him harder and jam the system!" said Ladybug, "Sky, Gray, your powers have been connected to the Miracuzord. Let's see if you can put it to good use!"
Sky Falcon grinned, "Right! Gray, you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Our minds are linked, so I'm thinking what you're thinking," replied Gray Wolf.
They synchronized their movements, and the Miracuzord powered up for a devastating attack.
"M-Team," said Sky Falcon.
"Let's do this," said Gray Wolf.
"Apex Strike!" the twins yelled in unison.
The Miracuzord's fists began to glow with immense power. They launched the robot forward, delivering a powerful uppercut that sent G.A.M.E.R flying into the air.
"Sky Dive!" Sky Falcon yelled as the Miracuzord's wings unfurled and it took off at incredible speed into the sky after G.A.M.E.R with claws extended.
Reaching the same altitude as G.A.M.E.R, Sky Falcon and Gray Wolf maneuvered their robot to fly around in a silver blur, delivering a series of rapid, electrifying slashes all over Gamer's robot, each slash leaving a trail of sparks.
As G.A.M.E.R began to fall, Gray Wolf called out, "Alpha's Howl!"
The chest panel of the Miracuzord opened up, revealing a massive sonic emitter. The robot emitted a powerful, focused sonic blast, sending shockwaves that not only disoriented Gamer's robot but also caused visible cracks to form along its surface. The sheer force of the blast sent G.A.M.E.R hurtling towards the ground at breakneck speed.
The M-Team's robot followed through, diving down with incredible speed. As G.A.M.E.R crashed into the ground, the Miracuzord landed with a tremendous stomp right on G.A.M.E.R's chest, creating a massive crater and shaking the surroundings.
While all that happened, in a distance far from the stadium, a random kid with glasses and a baseball cap was drinking a smoothie while watching the whole scene unfold.
"Cooooooooool," he said in awe.
Meanwhile, back in the stadium,
"We did it!" Cat Noir cheered, but their celebration was short-lived.
Gamer's robot began to reassemble, its pieces flying back together. "You fools! I can do this all day! You'll never defeat me!" Gamer laughed maniacally.
"OH COME ON!!" Sky Falcon yelled, exasperated.
G.A.M.E.R got back up onto his feet, and their robot clashed. They then continued to trade blows with one another, but it seemed as if they were evenly matched. They soon found themselves wrestling with one another, trying desperately to overpower the other.
"Try to hold him as long as you can, guys," said Ladybug as she exited the cockpit. "I'll be right back."
"Right back? Where are you going?!" Cat Noir yelled.
"She's going to do something either brave or stupid," said Gray Wolf knowingly.
Ladybug then stepped outside. "It's just us two now, Gamer!"
Gamer frowned. "What are they…"
"Lucky Charm!" Ladybug yelled, tossing her yo-yo into the air. Then, appearing out of thin air was a red can of spray paint with black spots. "Huh? Graffiti? Spray paint? Arts and crafts?" She then looked around and looked at the two robots' left arms and the eye belonging to Gamer's robot, getting an idea. "Bingo."
Ladybug began running across the robot's arms before finally reaching the eye belonging to Gamer's robot. She then shook the can of spray paint and sprayed the pain all over the eye, blinding Gamer.
"Aghhh! You won't get away with this!" Gamer yelled and poked his head out of the cockpit so that he could see, but Ladybug was standing over him and quickly grabbed his glasses.
"Game over, Gamer," said Ladybug and broke the glasses, freeing the Akuma. "Game's over for you too, Akuma. Time to de-evilize!" She quickly opened her yo-yo and spun around, catching the Akuma. "Gotcha!" She then released the now purified Akuma, and it fluttered away. "Bye-bye, little butterfly. Miraculous Ladybug!"
She then tossed her Lucky Charm into the air, and the magical ladybugs returned everything back to normal. Gamer then turned back into Max.
"What am I doing here?" Max asked.
The M-Team bumped fists. "Pound it!"
"The M-Team wins!" said Sky Falcon.
"Flawless Victory!" finished Gray Wolf.
"Such pitiful insolence! The moment you challenge me is the moment you seal your fate! This battle is not yet over…" Hawk Moth vowed as he closed his window.
Scene: The Parc des Princes.
It was now night, and everyone had gathered at the Parc des Princes as the gaming tournament was about to start.
"So remember, the High Score to beat is 24,500, so gamers, hit those consoles," the announcer yelled at the cheering crowd. "Game on!"
Alya and Camilla stood with Marinette, who had just made a surprising decision to drop out of the competition.
"You bent over backwards to be on the team, and now you wanna pull out?" Alya asked, stunned.
"It's just that I feel so bad for Max," said Marinette, glancing at the fuming Max. "And well, it just wouldn't be right."
"When you put it like that," said Camilla, "then morality calls it a right choice."
"Yeah," agreed Alya, "but honestly, it's not like you get the chance to play with Adrien every day…"
Marinette took a deep breath and approached Max. "Max? I've thought about this a lot, and…"
"And now, representing Françoise Dupont High School…" the announcer began.
"Max, I think you should be playing tonight," Marinette said firmly.
Max turned around, stunned. "What?"
"Don't get me wrong! I love gaming, but it's not my heart and soul," Marinette admitted, handing him the controller. "This is your baby. It's your tournament, Max. I don't wanna take that away from you."
"Dudes, make up your minds," Nino said, glancing at the stage. "They're waiting for you."
"I insist!" Marinette repeated, pushing the controller into Max's hands.
"I don't know how to thank you," Max said, taking it gratefully.
"By winning the tournament… with her," Adrien added, placing a hand on Marinette's shoulder.
Marinette turned to him, shocked, as Adrien gave her his controller before she could say anything else.
"Go on, Marinette," Adrien encouraged. "You're a hundred times better than me. You belong on the team. Win the tournament for the school. I know you can do it."
"Go on, dudes! They're waiting for you!" Nino said as Max made his way to the stage.
"No, uh, I… only with you?" Marinette stuttered, but Nino gently nudged her forward.
"Let's show them who's gold," Max said with determination.
Marinette nodded, and she and Max entered through the gates with their classmates cheering them on.
And there you have it, ladies and gents. I am so sorry for the wait as school was very busy. Plus, I was working on my other fanfic. If you haven't seen it, please do check it out.
Guest: I know what you're trying to say, but someone already beat you to it. So, that's why I'm going to quote the same thing I told them:
The concept of having similar Miraculous based on closely related species opens up a lot of interesting narrative and thematic possibilities, the very concept I'm trying out. These "variant" Miraculous could differ in power, personality, and purpose, yet still share a fundamental connection to their base animal counterpart.
Just like saying you want to create a western dragon miraculous when there's already THE dragon miraculous, or create a hornet miraculous when there's already a bee miraculous.
Rayceviking: I know what I said and if you must know, things have gotten way busy in my private life. Thank you for your patience.
So, that's it for today, let me know your thoughts on this chapter in the reviews. Leave a like, subscribe and I'll see you next time.
PEACE!