Author walks up to a wall with a large package in hand. He opens it and retrieves a framed picture of the M-Team which he looks at before fixing it on the wall before stepping back to marvel the masterpiece.
Scene: Le Grand Paris.
Ms Bustier's class was having a work experience field trip. Everyone was hard at work in the various jobs. Kim was outside taking the role of the bellboy and even got to wear the hat while others were working in the kitchen with Alya's mother, who was the head chef.
"Thanks to the generosity of Mr Bourgeois, we're able to have our work experience field trip today at the Grand Paris luxury hotel," said Ms Bustier. She was currently in a hotel room with Alix, Ivan and Sabrina, helping the maid. "Each of you will get hands-on experience with one of the many jobs here at the hotel." She then noticed that Alix and Ivan were having a pillow fight and sighed. "You'll be graded on your effort, which will affect whether you pass or fail the class."
Upon hearing this, both Alix and Ivan stopped their pillow fight and immediately went back to work, causing Sabrina and the maid to giggle.
Scene: The Hotel's main hall.
Chloé was working at the reception desk with Adrien, though she seemed to be spending most of the time clinging to Adrian's arm. The only people who had not yet been given their assignments were Marinette, Camilla and Alya.
"Do you have Marinette, Camilla and Alya on your list, Mr Bourgeois?" Ms Bustier asked.
"It doesn't look like it," Mayor Bourgeois frowned, looking at his list.
"I bet I know who helped Daddy make the assignment," Alya whispered to Marinette.
"Somehow, I find that poetically unsurprising," said Camilla.
"Of course, she gets to spend her entire day with Adrien… Ugh! This is gonna be the worst day ever!" Marinette groaned.
Mayor Bourgeois was still looking at the list looking for the three girls' assignments. "It must be an oversight."
"Daddy!" said Chloé, giving him an assignment sheet.
"Thank you, sweetie," said Mayor Bourgeois. "Oh yes! Alya, you're going to be… sorting trash at the main dumpster."
Alya gasped, horrified.
"Camilla will be on toilet duty," the Mayor continued.
"Wow" Camilla deadpans.
"And, Marinette will be-"
Before he could continue, the door opened as an unknown man and woman entered with a crocodile on a leash. Kim was pushing their luggage inside, and there was quite a lot of it.
"Wow!" said Chloé upon seeing them.
Marinette's eyes widened. "Hey! That's…"
Mayor Bourgeois immediately marched up to them. "Excuse me, but this is a luxury hotel, not a…"
He was cut off by the crocodile growling at him.
"Daddy!" Chloé yelled and quickly leaned in towards his ear. "That's Jagged Stone, the rockstar. He's sold millions of albums, he's very famous and is very, very rich."
With this knowledge, Mayor Bourgeois' tone immediately changed. "Mr Stone, welcome to the Grand Paris Hotel! I am Mayor Bourgeois, the owner of this luxury establishment, in fact, the most luxurious in all of Paris. How might we serve you?"
"How'd you think? I didn't just come here to admire your lobby," said Jagged.
"Jagged would like to check into your most luxurious suite," said his agent Penny Rolling.
"And Fang better get a real bathtub, not a tiny water hole like the one in that hotel across the street," Jagged added.
"We have everything you need, Ms Fang. Even a state-of-the-art entertainment center!" said Mayor Bourgeois.
Penny giggled.
"Fang's my crocodile," corrected Jagged, pointing at his pet.
Mayor Bourgeois cleared his throat. "Mr Stone, we have everything you require for your… Fang. Would he, um… enjoy a bubble bath?"
"Crocodiles don't like bubble baths. That dries their scales out!" said Jagged.
It was then that a familiar man entered the hotel and began to sneak his way to the counter on the far side. However, Fang saw him and followed him.
Marinette had also noticed the man and pointed her two friends towards him. The unknown man began taking photos of Jagged, unaware that Fang was standing next to him until the reptile scared him out of his skin as he jumped out of his hiding place, where everyone could see him.
"Oh, no. Not him again," Jagged moaned.
"Remember me, Mr Stone?" said the photograoher, "Vincent Aza! Just one photo to show everyone in the world that we're best buds! Come on, please! I'm your biggest fan!"
"I know; you've been to my last 36 shows," said Jagged, looking frustrated. "But we are not friends."
Vincent apparently did not hear that last part and rushed over towards him, pointing his camera at them. "There! Look into the lens!"
Penny then immediately put her hand in front of the camera blocking his shot, and took his camera away. "Didn't you hear Mr. Stone? You still haven't got it, have you?" She then placed Vincent in a handhold and dragged him outside. "No photos!"
Once he was outside, she quickly tossed his camera to one side, and he caught it.
"Good reflexes," said Penny. "Now, don't let me see you near Mr Stone again. Or next time, you won't get your camera back."
Vincent was very angry and frustrated.
Scene: Hawk Moth's lair.
Hawk Moth could sense these negative emotions and opened his window
"I sense brewing anger and frustration. Perfect father for my evil little akumas. It won't be long now," he said and began to corrupt a butterfly into an akuma and then released it. "Fly away, my little akuma, and evilize him!"
Scene: The streets.
The akuma flew all the way over to Vincent, who was upset about not getting his photo and then entered his camera.
"Pixelator, I am Hawk Moth," said Hawk Moth. "I'm giving you the power to capture your hero's smile forever. But in return, you'll need to do some capturing for me as well."
"Yes, Hawk Moth," said Vincent.
He then began to transform into Pixelator.
He now wore a full jumpsuit that was mainly black with blue areas and thin glowing light blue stripes, with his face being the only part of his body revealed. His hair was now light orchid, stuck out and brushed towards the right side of his head. His camera now transformed into a helmet covering his eyes, but an extended lens was over his right eye. At the center of his chest, there is a pixel image of a lens surrounded by light blue, with a black pixel outline and purple, blue, and white pixels making up the lens.
Scene: Le Grand Paris.
Jagged Stone and Fang were escorted to the elevator by Mayor Bourgeois.
"Mr Bourgeois, you haven't told Marinette what job she'll be doing," Ms Bustier reminded him once the elevator doors closed.
Mayor Bourgeois quickly went over the list. "Ah, yes. Of course, Marinette… Gopher." He then looked at her. "I've got a job for you already, Marinette."
"Gopher? What's that?" Alya wondered.
"I'm guessing it's about as bad as trash or toilet duty," Marinette assumed, looking back at Chloé, who was now taking a picture of herself and Adrien. All of them were ignorant of a surveillance camera watching everything.
Scene: CCTV control room.
Sitting at a table in front of dozens of monitors displaying live feeds of everything going on in the hotel were two people present. One was the CCTV operator and the other was Toby.
"So kid, what's in front of us is filled with all the activities and going-ons in this hotel. Nothing ever happens here unnoticed," said the operator holding a coffee mug, "The key requirements for this task is a keen eyesight of a hawk, accuracy, attentiveness, good reflexes, alertness, et cetera. I can go on."
"I see," said Toby eating potato chips, "But sir, do you always feel bored seeing nothing exciting always happening?"
"Sometimes, in some instances, drama happens. Other ones… yeah, you don't wanna know," the operator shuddered, "One just tend to see way more than what you're supposed to, which is one of the cons that clash with the pros."
"I hear ya," said Toby
"I didn't catch your name kid."
"My name is Toby, sir."
"Let's skip the formalities for now, 'Jeff' is fine," he said, "And just so you'd know, there's a time to eat and a time not to, which is now."
He said the last part as he shifted his gaze at Toby who was about to put a chip in his mouth. The latter stared back at him, blinking.
"Sorry about that," he turned to the bag and then back to him. He then held it out to him, "Want some?"
Jeff held his gaze before taking the bag, "Since I'm now hungry, thanks."
He proceeded to eat the potato chips as the two of them turned back to the screens.
Scene: A luxurious suite.
Jagged was playing with Fang trying to get him jump through a hoop.
"Mr Stone is going to need a new pair of shades for tonight's gig," Penny explained to Mayor Bourgeois and Marinette. "Red, white and blue with two large Eiffel Towers on them. Can you get that for him?
"Of course, we can!" Mayor Bourgeois nodded. "Marinette, here is our gopher. She'll take care of that for you."
"Huh?" said Marinette, confused.
Mayor Bourgeois leaned in towards her. "A gopher is an employee who goes for anything a customer needs. Anything at all. So go ahead… goph!"
She then watched as Mayor Bourgeois and Ms Bustier left the room, and she smiled at Penny awkwardly.
Scene: The Eiffel Tower.
Marinette soon made her way to the Eiffel Tower and bought a pair of shades with Eiffel Towers on them.
"These should do the trick," said Marinette. "Now I can get back to the hotel and hang with Adrien! Ugh… and Chloé."
"You know these aren't even close to what Mr Stone wants," Tikki pointed out.
"What do you mean, Tikki? There's some red and white on it and two little Eiffel Towers."
"Just saying, it's better, in the long run, to do it right the first time."
It was then that they noticed that a woman and her daughter were staring at Tikki openmouthed. Marinette slowly looked down at Tikki awkwardly, unsure how to explain this.
"Meow," said Tikki awkwardly.
Scene: Le Grand Paris.
Marinette then quickly made her way back to Jagged Stone and handed him the shades. Unfortunately, he didn't seem best pleased with the shades she had given her.
"Where are the Eiffel Towers?" Jagged asked.
"Um… here," said Marinette pointing at the sides.
"This is a joke, right? What are you doing, trying to ruin my career?" Jagger questioned.
"But, Mr Stone, the glasses you want don't exist!" Marinette pointed out.
"Do I look like I care?" he said disapprovingly, "Just get me those sunglasses!"
He proceeded to push Marinette outside.
"Great," Marinette moaned. "I'm gonna have to spend even more time away from Adrien!"
"That's what I've been trying to tell you!" said Tikki flying up to her. "Just do it right the first time."
"Yeah… You're right, Tikki. I get it now," Marinette nodded.
Tikki then sat on the shoulder. "Those sunglasses exist somewhere… Get creative!"
That gave Marinette an idea. "…Of course!"
She then began rushing outside the hotel, passing Adrian and Chloé.
"Failed as a gopher already?" said Chloé as she ran by. "Not surprised. Don't let the door hit you on the way out!"
Just as Marinette exited the hotel, Pixelator began to approach the entrance. Immediately both the bellboy and Kim blocked the entrance.
"Excuse me, sir, can I help you?" the bellboy asked.
"Look into the lens…" said Pixelator.
Both Kim and the bellboy looked at one another and then smiled at the lens. Pixelator then zapped them and digitized them, and Kim's hat fell to the ground.
"Photo finish," he said, stepping over Kim's hat and entering the hotel.
Scene: CCTV control room.
The two operators watched through one of the monitors to see Pixelator's entrance. Toby reaches for the mic only to be stopped by Jeff.
"Should we not alert the entire hotel that there's an akuma emergency?" asked Toby with concern.
"Now we don't know if he's a real akuma and not some guy wearing a cosplay in an attempt to prank people," said Jeff, "He's not the first to pull that off right here."
"Oh, look what the cat dragged in," said Chloé looking at Pixelator disapprovingly as he entered. "Let me handle this, Adrien. Watch and learn." Then before ageing could stop her, she quickly made her way over to Pixelator. "Excuse me… Excuse me! You can't be a guest at this hotel! My father only allows the most important celebrities. Like me."
Adrian narrowed her eyes at Chloé, knowing that it was not the best way to speak to clients.
"Well then, I am Pixelator. Your number one fan," Pixelator smiled
"Moi? Oh, my, you're flattering me. Keep going."
Pixelator then positioned his finger towards the button on his camera. "A photo of you, sweet miss…"
"Chloé, of course," said Chloé posing.
Adrien immediately realized that Pixelator was dangerous and quickly jumped over the counter. "Look out, Chloé!"
"Look into the lens, miss!" said Pixelator.
Adrian then quickly tackled Chloé, but it only resulted in him getting digitized along with Chloé.
The two of them then suddenly found themselves in unknown surroundings. There was absolutely nothing. It was as if they were on a blank canvas.
"What the…" said Adrian.
"What just happened?" Chloé asked.
"I think we've been like… digitized or something."
"What do you mean, digitized?"
"I don't really know, but I don't think it's a good thing," said Adrien, picking himself up.
"Well, I can fix this. Leave it to me," said Chloé pulling out her phone and began to call her father. "Daddy?... Daddy?... DADDY?!"
Scene: CCTV control room.
The two were staring at the screen as Toby shifted his gaze to give Jeff a pointed look.
"You know what, never mind," said Jeff, "He's real. You may proceed."
Toby grabbed the microphone as he cleared his throat before turning it on to speak in a business like tone, "Attention all guests, workers and residents of Le Grand Paris. This is security personnel speaking. We have spotted an akumatized villain in the hotel, I repeat, we have spotted an akumatized villain in the hotel. Please ensure you hide in the nearest area and remain there until the M-Team give the all clear. Thank you."
As Toby was talking, Breeze had snuck from his hood into Jeff's pocket.
After turning off the mic, He turned to the operator, "So how did I do."
"I'll give you a 'B' for effort," said Jeff, "Not the best and certainly not the worst. But you did try."
Suddenly his keys flew out of his pocket and slid towards the far side of the room.
"Did you do that?" asked Jeff.
"No, it wasn't me."
Jeff then went to retrieve his keys. Toby then used the distraction to operate the computer. As he was putting footages in the bathroom and one of the passages on loop just as he felt something small and familiar drop into his hood behind him. He just finished just as Jeff turned and walked back.
"Now this isn't gonna run away this time."
"Excuse me Jeff, Can I use the bathroom?"
"Okay, but be careful out there."
Toby walked out of the control room down the hallway just as Breeze flew out of his hood looking smug, "Now, now, there's no need to thank me for my awesomeness in distraction."
"No need for that," Toby rolled his eyes, "Breeze! Take Flight!"
As Breeze zipped into the Miraculous which glowed silver initiating the transformation, Toby proceeded to reach behind him to put on his hood just as it changed into its superhero counterpart. As soon as the transformation was completed, Sky Falcon was the one seen walking.
Scene: Bathroom.
Outside the bathroom door, a hand was seen placing a wet floor sign in front before retreating inside.
Camilla walked back while looking beneath the bathroom stalls and then looked around for any presence, when there was nobody, she exhaled in relief right before she heard a flushing noise and when she turned to the direction, phasing through the door was Luupa holding a straw.
"Luupa, what did I tell you about playing with the flusher?"
"Sorry, It was kinda fun," chuckled the Arctic Wolf Kwami, "But look what I had found.
Camilla noticed the straw in Luupa's hands as her eyes widened, "Don't tell me!"
"Eww, no I didn't if that's what you're thinking," cringed Luupa, "I mean I get it that the toilets are clean but to drink it's water? Who does that?"
"Why are you still holding that?!"
"I wanted to put it in the trash," replied Luupa before tossing the straw into the waste bin, "There. That should do it."
Camilla shook her head, "Luupa! It's Full Moon!
Luupa zipped into her ring which glowed before she transformed. When she turned to one of the mirrors, she could see her reflection as Gray Wolf. Satisfied, she walked out of the bathroom.
Scene: Dupain-Cheng House.
Marinette was currently in her room searching for something.
"Where did I put them…Oh!" she said, pulling out an old pair of shades with a pink frame. "Voila!"
"But they're pink," Tikki frowned.
"They won't be when I'm done with them," Marinette assured her as she walked to her desk. "This is either gonna be the most amazing pair or the ugliest pair of shades in shades history. Ms Bustier is grading me on effort, right?"
"Don't worry, I'm sure Jagged Stone will love them!" said Tikki as Marinette removed lenses. "Or hate them."
Meanwhile, both Adrien and Chloé were still stuck in a blank space, and they had been walking around for who knows how long. Chloé continued to call her father, but she wasn't getting a signal.
"Ugh! I still can't get through to Daddy!" she said frustratingly. "How can there be no cell reception here? Ridiculous!"
"It just goes on forever. No doors, no walls, no nothing…" Adrian noted.
Chloé's eyes widened, and she immediately grasped his arm. "You mean we're stuck here? Just…" She then smiled at the thought of them being alone. "…just the two of us?"
"Uh, no. There's gotta be a way out somewhere," said Adrian positively and looked down to discover that Chloé was hugging him. "I hope…"
Scene: Le Grand Paris.
Marinette had just returned to the hotel, noticing that both Adrien and Chloé were gone.
"Adrien? Chloé?" she said, but there was no answer. "Ughh! I bet those two have gone off together somewhere fun! Hmph! And now I'm here all alone without Adrien…
"Marinette, snap out of it; let's just focus on getting Mr Stone's glasses for now, okay?" said Tikki.
Marinette nodded and began making her way to Jagged Stone's room.
Scene: The hall way.
Meanwhile, Pixelator was searching every single room in the hotel for Jagged. He knocked on the door, and opening it was Alec Cataldi.
"Jagged Stone?" he asked.
"What?" Alec blinked.
Pixelator opened the door. "Look into the lens!"
Marinette had returned to Jagged's room with a pair of sunglasses of her own creation. The frame now resembled that of the Eiffel Tower and had the colours of the French flag.
"I'll give them to Mr Stone," said Penny as Marinette handed her the glasses.
"Can't you deliver them to him now?" Marinette asked.
"He's… resting."
In reality, Jagged was giving Fang a bath.
"Now, who likes having his belly scratched?" Jagged asked as he scrubbed Fang's belly. "Daddy's little Fang!"
"Okay, no problem," said Marinette. "Just trying to do the job right the second time."
"Got it," Penny nodded.
"Thank you…" said Marinette has Penny closed the door.
Marinette then made her way over towards the elevator just as Pixelator knocked on the door leading to Jagged's room.
"I hope Mr Stone likes them," said Marinette.
"Hard work always pays off," Tikki assured her.
Penny then opened the door and saw Pixelator. "Who are you?"
"Look into the lens!" said Pixelator zapping her.
Marinette heard the noise just as the elevator arrived; she quickly turned and saw Pixelator, immediately realising that he was a new villain.
"Time to transform!" said Marinette, quickly rushing into the elevator.
"Tikki! Spots on! Ah!" Marinette yelled.
She then began to transform into Ladybug.
Scene: Jagged Stone's room.
Jagged was currently on his bed drying off Fang when Pixelator approached him.
"Hey there! Time for your photoshoot!" said Pixelator.
Jagged jumped and quickly jumped behind Fang. "How did you get in here? I don't know about any photos. Fang, attack!"
Sadly instead of attacking, Fang rolled over onto his back.
"See you later, alligator," said Pixelator and zapped Fang.
"What? Fang? Fang!" said Jagged, frantically feeling the bed for Fang, but there wasn't a trace of him. "Who are you?"
"I am Pixelator, your biggest fan, Mr Stone," Pixelator bowed. "Can I call you Jagged?"
"No!" said Jagged firmly.
"I want to immortalise you, Jagged!" said Pixelator stepping onto the bed and Jagged backed away from him until his back was against the wall. "I'll be your one and only fan! You will belong to me for eternity! Now, look into the lens."
However, before he had a chance to zap him, Ladybug entered the room. She immediately swung her yo-yo wrapping around Jagged's waist and pulled him towards her, knocking him over at the same time Sky Falcon and Gray Wolf joined her.
"Perfect timing," said Gray Wolf.
"Oh yeah, It's about to get real." quipped Sky Falcon.
"So, you're the M-Team," said Pixelator getting to his feet, "Where's Cat Noir?"
"None of your business, Kano!" retorts Sky Falcon.
"My name is not Kano. But nevertheless, I've heard such pathetic things about you. Look into the lens!"
Pixelator then zapped at the team, only for Sky Falcon to use his wings to reflect the beam. Ladybug then pulled Jagged across the floor to safety. The Ladybug and Gray Wolf began leaping across the room to avoid the zaps as Gray Wolf drew out and shot an arrow at his direction, but he dodged it, returning fire which she tried to block only for her weapon to become digitized.
Jagged quickly hid behind Sky Falcon as the battle raged on. Pixelator attempted to keep on zapping the two heroines as they dashed around the room. Ladybug was about to swing her yo-yo when her right arm got zapped.
Ladybug immediately clenched her arm, and as Pixelator was about to zap her, Gray Wolf pounced on him and pinned a taser tipped arrow on his shoulder, causing him to cry in pain as voltage ran through his body as he slumped down on the ground, twitching.
"You're welcome," she said to Ladybug.
Sky Falcon then folded back his wings as he noticed Ladybug's arm, "Damn. What happened to your arm?"
Ladybug immediately slowly reached out to her right arm, and her left hand went straight through it.
"Digitized," she answered.
"Guys, we don't have much time, Let's go!" said Gray Wolf.
Sky Falcon flew out the window while holding Jagged Stone who was clinging unto him for dear life as Gray Wolf leapt acrobatically from the window unto his back.
Ladybug, who retrieved her yo-yo, and ran to the window and jumped to grab unto his leg and with that, they took off with a screaming rockstar along the way. Pixelator had managed to pick himself up and rushed towards the window, but by which time they had gone.
"Ugh! Where did they go?" he said, annoyed as he pulled the arrow off.
"If you want Jagged, you must find the M-Team," said Hawk Moth.
"I don't have time to deal with this superhero team!"
"Yes, you do," said Hawk Moth clenching his fist, and Pixelator suddenly felt a massive amount of pain. "Plenty of time."
"Okay, okay! Tell me what to do."
Hawk Moth then released him. "I command an excellent photograph of the M-Team with their Miraculous. I want those powers! So listen very carefully."
Scene: Collège Françoise Dupont.
The M-Team hid Jagged at Collège Françoise Dupont, and they were currently inside Mr Damocles' office.
"I can't stay here. I have a show tonight." Jagged said.
"Don't worry, you'll get to do your gig," Ladybug assured him. "You'll even get to wear some awesome shades!
"Uh?" Jagged frowned.
Ladybug then smiled awkwardly, realising her mistake. "Look. While we're catching this guy, Pixelator, we need you to stay put where no one would think to look for you."
"Ladybug, is this safe?" Mr Damocles asked, looking concerned. "This is a school."
"Yes! Pixelator would never imagine his idol would actually want a day out at school," said Ladybug
Mr Damocles raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"
"I mean, isn't school awesome?" said Ladybug quickly.
"Yeah it is," said Gray Wolf but then muttered, "Sometimes."
"This is ridiculous," said Jagged. "I don't have time for this. First, I get practically hijacked by this crazed fan, and then, I'm attacked by some super weirdo, then…"
"Wait," said Ladybug who was resting her chin on her right hand, which then went through her chin. She then quickly switched to the left. "What do you know about this crazed fan?"
"He's come to every one of my shows this year. He's also sent me stacks of letters, gone through my trash, he even followed my mother to her weekly bingo night!"
"How creepy," said Ladybug.
"Uh, not really; it's just a bunch of elderly ladies getting together having fun."
"Now that just takes stalking to a whole new level," said Sky.
Ladybug then pulled out her yo-yo to search for Vincent's number. However, she attempted to type with her right hand, but it went through the yo-yo, and she glared at it frustratingly.
"I can do that for you," said Gray with an extended hand. Ladybug gave her the yo-yo as she begins typing, "Let's see, his name was Vincent… Aza," as she searched, his information came up. "Got his address."
"Then let's go," said Ladybug as they were about to leave
"You're not gonna leave me here, are you?" Jagged asked.
Mr Damocles raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"
"I mean, isn't school awesome?" said Jagged quickly.
Scene: The blank space.
Meanwhile, Adrian and Chloé were still wandering around the blank space.
"Daddy! Daddy!" Chloé cried.
Adrian opened his jacket and looked down at Plagg. "Plagg, I gotta find some way to transform."
"Come on, what's the rush?" Plagg asked, and Adrian glared at him. "Fine. If you insist, at least find me some cheese."
Adrien quickly hid Plagg when Chloé walked up to him. "I'm gonna see if there's a way out down there. Don't go anywhere. Could be dangerous."
"Dangerous?" said Chloé fearfully.
"You're not scared, are you?" Adrian teased.
"Scared, Moi? As if! No way!" she said confidently.
Adrian chuckled and began to run, but he had only gone a few steps when she suddenly screamed and jumped onto him. She immediately pointed towards Fang, and now, Adrien was rather concerned with the alligator who was now sharing space with them.
Scene: The Champs-Élysées.
Pixelator was now at the Champs-Élysées hunting for Jagged Stone.
"Ah, the Champs-Élysées. Perfect," Hawk Moth smiled. "May the photoshoot begin."
Pixelator then jumped down, causing cars to swerve out of the way. He then began zapping every citizen he could see until he saw someone snapping a picture of him.
"Amateur," he said and zapped him.
Scene: Vincent Aza's room.
The M-Team had arrived at Vincent's apartment, which was covered head to foot in photos of Jagged Stone.
"Oh, this isn't creepy at all," said Ladybug.
"Have you looked into the mirror?" said Gray Wolf.
They then began looking through all the photos on the wall and saw that most of them looked familiar.
"What?" Ladybug stared as she saw Chloé and Adrien; the former screamed in terror upon seeing her.
"Guys?" Adrian stared.
"What are you two doing there?" Ladybug asked.
"Ladybug! Remember me? Your biggest fan?" Chloé waved. "Please, please get us out of here. It's terrible here!" She then clung onto Adrian's arm tightly, causing him to sigh then she chuckled awkwardly. "I mean, it's only terrible when you're not around."
"Ladybug!"
"Sky Falcon, Help!"
They made their way to a photo of the couple, who looked extremely terrified.
"What happened to you?" Ladybug asked.
"It's terrible, this man, he… took a photo of us, and we ended up trapped in here!" said the man.
"While we were just simply strolling the Champs-Élysées!" the woman explained.
"Isn't there a way to free them by, you know, ripping the photos?" Sky suggested.
"Let's not test that theory," said Ladybug.
Scene: The Champs-Élysées.
Pixelator continued zapping people until he saw Nadja Chamack.
"Excuse me, sir, sir?" Nadja asked. "Are you for an interview with the reporter who spreads the villains' voice?"
Scene: Mr. Damocles' office.
Damocles and Jagged Stone watched the interview.
"I will continue my photoshoot until Jagged Stone turns up here in the flesh!" said Pixelator. "Where are you, Jagged? Your biggest fan awaits you! All I want is one photo! Otherwise, soon, the people of Paris will be nothing but memories." He then promptly zapped Nadja and her cameraman. "Hahahahahaha!"
"This is terrible!" said Mr Damocles.
"I've got to do what Pixelator says!" said Jagged.
Mr Damocles stared at him bewildered. "Surely, you can't be serious! It's dangerous out there!"
"Who cares about danger? Jagged Stone can't turn down a television appearance! Just imagine what it would do for my career!"
Mr Damocles rolled his eyes.
Scene: The Champs-Élysées.
The police had arrived to stop Pixelator. Officer Roger charged at him, but Pixelator zapped him before he got any closer.
"Got an itchy trigger finger, eh?" said a feminine voice behind him.
Pixelator turned to see the M-Team had appeared, standing across from him.
Upon seeing the team, the police and citizens cheered.
"I was expecting the three of you," said Pixelator and fired them.
Quickly, Sky Falcon formed a shield with his wings as he felt vibrations from the beam. Ladybug and Gray Wolf immediately took action trying to attack him while dodging his attacks. Ladybug swung her yo-yo to the nearest lamppost, but she still hadn't gotten used to fighting with her left, so the yo-yo hit a lamppost instead of wrapping around it, causing her to trip.
The photographer turned around just in time to notice Sky Falcon charging towards him. He immediately pressed down on his camera, releasing a bus that rammed into Sky, causing everyone present to wince at the sight.
Pixelator then advanced towards Ladybug, who was now cornered.
"I have a proposition to make!" she said quickly, causing him to pause. "If you free those innocent people, I'll organise a photoshoot with Jagged Stone!"
"No! Don't listen to her! She's trying to trick you!" Hawk Moth yelled.
"Why should I believe you, Ladybug?" Pixelator asked.
"Because you have no choice. We the M-Team are the only ones who know where Jagged is," Ladybug pointed out.
"How about I free half of them now and the other half after the photoshoot," Pixelator offered. "Deal?"
"'Kay. It's a deal. Yeah, right…" she said, whispering the last part to herself.
Pixelator pressed down on his camera, freeing half of the people he captured, including Adrien and Chloé, who end up in the Hotel. Nino was in the lobby leading his math book when they suddenly appeared, causing him to jump.
"Dudes! You just scared me!" he said.
Adrien dashed towards the TV and saw the situation. "Fill in for me, will you, Nino?"
"What do you think I've been doing this whole time?" Nino yelled as he ran off.
Fang had also reappeared in Jagged's room, much to the surprise of Sabrina, who had been changing the bedsheets at the time and probably fainted in fear.
Scene: The streets.
Once outside, Adrian quickly hit behind a billboard, so no one could see him while he transformed.
"If you want my opinion, I think someone's been akumatized," said Plagg.
"I think you're right. But where's the akuma?" said Adrien and held out his ring. "Plagg! Claws out!"
He then began to transform into Cat Noir.
"I've kept my part of the deal, Ladybug; now bring me Jagged Stone!" Pixelator demanded.
Ladybug rose to her feet and saw Cat Noir quietly approaching Pixelator from behind. "Pixelator, I know your akuma's inside your glasses!"
"Stop wasting time!" Pixelator growled.
Cat Noir nodded and slowly reached out for the glasses, but then the civilians spotted him.
"Yeah, go Cat Noir!" the civilian yelled.
"Do these people not know when to keep their mouths shut?!" said Gray Wolf, exasperated.
Pixelator turned around and saw Cat Noir, and seconds later, the two of them were wrestling and tried overpowering each other. Unfortunately, Pixelator was too strong for him and managed to overpower him. He then grabbed his ankles and began spinning him around, and he landed right next to Ladybug.
"Thanks for dropping in," said Ladybug, holding out her digitized hand.
Cat Noir went out to reach it, but his hand went straight through it. "Not very handy, I see."
"Please don't use that pun again," said Gray approaching them, "It's very insensitive to the disabled."
"What about our deal?" Pixelator demanded.
"I told you she would betray you," said Hawk Moth. "Capture them already; I want their Miraculous!"
Pixelator then began zapping them, only for Sky to arrive just in time to use his wings to reflect the beam back to him in which he dodged it.
"Together!" said Ladybug as they pulled out their weapons including Gray Wolf who pulled out her arrows, "M-Team! Let's do this!"
Gray Wolf took a deep breath, "Alpha's Howl!"
She released a sonic blast, sending a car flying towards Pixelator but moving quickly, he jumped out of the way. Cat Noir then swooped in, spinning his staff, but then he was zapped by Pixelator.
Cat Noir landed face-first on the black canvas. "Ahh! Oh, not again…" he moaned.
"When the cat's away, the mice will play," said Pixelator turning his attention onto the others, "Ready to become immortalized?"
"Can't wait to live it up," said Ladybug.
"Sky Dive!"
As his wings unfolded, Sky Falcon immediately flew forward in a blur to ram him before grabbing him, flipping over in the air and finally slamming him on the ground as the villain skids along the asphalt painfully. Pixelator recovered just in time to see Sky Falcon running towards him. He tried blasting him only for the latter to leap over the beam and land in a roll back to his feet as he went for a punch which he dodged. As Pixelator was behind him, he took the opportunity to zap him in time just as Sky Falcon was turning…
…to unexpectedly punch Cat Noir square in the face causing the feline to recoil in pain as Sky Falcon was surprised.
"Sorry, man," winced Sky as he took in his surroundings. In the blank space.
"Yeah next time, watch where you swing your punches."
Gray Wolf quickly moved to fight him up close and personal, but Pixelator blocked her left jab and swung a fist at her. Fortunately, she blocked it and went for a roundhouse kick which he digitized up to the knee, causing it to go through his head harmlessly and then gave her a push to the ground hard.
"My Leg!"
"Look into the lens!" said Pixelator, aiming at her.
"Hey there, Pixelator!" said a voice and Pixelator turned to see Jagged standing on top of a car. "I've heard you wanted my photo!"
He then looked back at a couple of girls hiding behind a tree and blew them a kiss, causing them to giggle.
"Jagged, it's about time you showed up," said Pixelator approaching him.
"Get out of here, Mr Stone!" Ladybug yelled, attempting to stop Pixelator, but was motioned to stop by Jagged Stone. Gray Wolf caught up to what he was trying to do.
"Ladybug, a little help here."
The insect themed heroine went to help up her teammate.
"It's me you wanted all this time, right?" Jagged asked. "Well, here I am. In the flesh."
Pixelator then got ready to take a shot. "Look into the lens…"
"Wait, wrong side. This isn't my best angle," said Jagged, taking a different pose. "No, no, wait. The lighting's all wrong." He then changed his pose once again. "Does my nose look shorter this way?" He then changed his pose again, much to Pixelator's frustration. "Oh, I know, this is better."
"Ugh… Hurry up already!" Pixelator yelled frustratingly.
"Lucky Charm!" She tossed her yo-yo up into the air, and then suddenly, a red and black spotted powder compact appeared. Gray Wolf caught it, "A powder compact?"
"There, I think I'm ready," said Jagged.
"No more moving! Look into the lens!" Pixelator yelled.
"Don't do it, Mr Stone!" Ladybug cried, trying to run after him.
"Wait, don't! I think he's trying to buy some time."
"Then what should we do?"
Meanwhile, Cat Noir and Sky Falcon were still trapped in the blank canvas, but Cat Noir had an idea.
"Cataclysm!" he yelled, charging his hand with destructive energy. He then slammed his fist into the ground, causing a massive crack to appear across the canvas. The crack was powerful enough to spread towards all the other people trapped in the photos, and it freed every one of them.
Pixelator was so focused on Jagged, who had his eyes closed, he hadn't noticed this. "Come on, open your eyes."
Ladybug and Gray Wolf then saw their teammates. Upon seeing them, Ladybug's eyes turned towards Cat Noir's staff and then to the compact and got an idea.
"Batter up!" she yelled, tossing the compact at Cat Noir.
Cat Noir hit the compact with his staff as if he was hitting a baseball. The compact was then sent flying towards Jagged, who began to open his eyes. Pixelator then zapped him, but his attack was reflected by the mirror on the compact, striking him instead of Jagged, leaving behind his visor.
Pixelator then found himself trapped in the blank canvas. "Huh… How did… Huh?"
Hawk Moth realized that he had been defeated again. "Next time, I assure you, it won't be a photo finish! I won't stop, Ladybug! I'll destroy you!"
"Miraculous Ladybug!" Ladybug yelled, following her Lucky Charm into the air, and the magical ladybugs began to fix everything, including her and Gray Wolf's bodies. She then quickly crushed Pixelator's visor, freeing the akuma. "No more evildoing for you, little akuma. Time to de-evilize!" She then swung her yo-yo, catching the akuma. "Gotcha!" She then purified the akuma and released it. "Bye-bye, little butterfly."
Pixelator then reappeared and then suddenly turned back into Vincent.
"Huh? What happened? Where am I?" he asked.
The M-Team then bumped fists. "Pound it!"
Scene: Le Grand Paris.
The work experience field trip was now over.
"Thank you very much for this work experience day, Mr Bourgeois," said Ms Bustier. "I'm sure we'll all remember it for a long time to come."
"So do I," Mayor Bourgeois nodded and then Penny tapped his shoulder. "Oh, wait, I almost forgot. Jagged Stone's giving a concert tonight, so I'm giving tickets to the students who demonstrated the greatest effort today."
Penny then began handing out tickets to everyone, and Chloé held out her hand, expecting to receive one ticket. However, Penny just passed over her, much to her frustration.
"Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!" she yelled.
"Please, do tell me you've done one meaningful thing outside of flirting with Adrien," Camilla said as Penny gave her a ticket.
Scene: Jagged Stone's Concert.
Later that night, everyone was now enjoying Jagged Stone's concert
"Good evening, Paris!" Jagged, who was wearing Marinette's shades, yelled at the crowd.
Everyone immediately cheered.
"It's my first live concert ever!" said Adrian to Marinette. "It's amazing!"
"Yeah, amazing!" Marinette grinned at him.
"I'd like to dedicate this song to the team of superheroes that saved my life," said Jagged. "This first one's for you, Ladybug."
Jagged then began to play his song that was dedicated to Ladybug and the M-Team, much to their surprise and joy.
And that's another chapter down, folks. Next chapter is Copycat. It might be tricky, but let me know how to approach it in the comments below.
SMG5–SMG6: I'm pleased You're enjoying it.
Rayceviking: You're right. The first author's note is a reference to an old animated cartoon. It's a hint: Four pilots (one is a dog) tried building different types of flying Machines in an attempt to catch a pigeon only for all of them to fail many times, some more spectacularly than others.
And I've updated a previous chapter, Warmonger. Feel free to check it out. and that's that. I'll see you next time.
PEACE!