And here's another chapter. I do hope you enjoy.
Let's begin
Scene: Jaiye Manor.
In the dining room, Edna was setting up breakfast on the dining table. Just then, the twins were seen not too far behind, hidden from view in crouched positions.
They both exchanged mischievous grins as they stealthily crept behind their mother with little to no sound and just as she sat down, they stood up while taking a deep breath in an attempt to scare her–
"Don't even think about it, you two." she suddenly said without turning back.
The sudden turn of events had forced them to hold it back at the last nanosecond, wide eyed. Knowing their cover was blown, Toby had to release the wasted air in a raspberry.
"Aw man, how did you know we were there?" said Camilla as she and her brother took a seat at the table.
"I'm your mother, I know most things if not everything," she replied as she looked up at her kids, "So, how has school been for you?"
Toby and Camilla exchanged a quick, almost imperceptible glance. Toby cleared his throat, trying to sound casual. "Oh, you know, the usual. Classes, homework, the whole deal."
Camilla chimed in, "Yeah, it's been a bit hectic, but we're managing."
Edna continued to fix them with a knowing look. "Hectic, you say? Interesting choice of words. The school did send me some reports about a couple of mysterious absences. Care to explain?"
Toby and Camilla exchanged a quick glance.
"Uh, well, you see, Mom," Toby stammered, trying to sound nonchalant. "We, uh, had this... school project. Yeah, a super-secret project that took up some of our time for a bit."
Camilla chimed in, "Yeah, it's like a top-secret thing. The school wanted us to represent them in a special international competition, and they told us not to say anything until it was all official."
Edna narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "A secret project? International competition? Nice try, you two. I may not know the specifics, but I can tell when you're hiding something."
Toby and Camilla exchanged a worried glance, realizing they needed a more convincing story.
Camilla leaned in, her tone more conspiratorial. "Okay, Mom, but you really can't tell anyone. We were selected for a special exchange program. It's, like, super exclusive, and we had to undergo intense training. That's why we've been absent from school."
Toby nodded eagerly, adding, "Yeah, they said it's all hush-hush, and we couldn't even tell our own parents until it was official. You know, national security stuffs like that."
Edna eyed them skeptically, "You're not joining some spy organization, are you?"
The twins exchanged a glance, realizing they might have ventured too far into the realm of the unbelievable.
"No, Mom, nothing like that," Camilla assured with a nervous laugh. "It's just a really special opportunity, and we wanted to surprise you with the news when everything was confirmed."
Edna sighed, a mixture of amusement and concern on her face. "You two and your surprises. Just promise me you'll be careful and keep me in–"
Next thing she didn't expect was a clap on the shoulder by a beefy hand belonging to her husband, Victor who had walked in without anyone noticing. The sudden action caused her to yelp in surprise before covering her mouth with both hands.
Victor grinned, leaning down to plant a quick kiss on Edna's cheek. "Surprise, sweetheart. Didn't mean to startle you."
Edna shot him a playful glare. "You and the kids both. I should have known better."
Toby and Camilla struggled to maintain their composure while trying their damnedest not to laugh, exchanging amused glances.
"So, what's the big secret, you two?" Victor asked, eyeing his children with curiosity.
Camilla and Toby shared another quick look, silently communicating. "It's, um, a surprise international project thing," Toby replied.
Victor raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "International project, huh? Sounds fancy. What's the real story?"
Camilla chimed in, "Dad, it's super secret. We can't spill the beans just yet. You'll find out soon, promise."
Edna chuckled, giving Victor a knowing look. "Guess we'll have to wait for the big reveal then. At least tell me you'll be back for dinner."
Toby nodded, grinning. "Absolutely, Mom. Wouldn't miss it for the world."
As Victor and Edna exchanged a look that hinted at years of shared conspiracies, the twins couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and excitement.
It was then that Toby's phone rang. When he picked it up, he saw the caller's ID was Nino. He looked at his sister who looked back at him as they both remembered what day it was.
Timeskip.
Scene: TVi studio.
A live TV show called 'The Challenge' was going on air.
"Welcome back to everyone's #1 live game show: The Challenge!" Alec announced. "Let's give it up for our awesome contestant, Nino!"
Nino looked slightly nervous but, with the encouragement of Adrien and who had made it on time, made his way on stage.
"So Nino, you're a student and a DJ. That's pretty awesome!" said Alec as a stagehand boarded DJ's table onto the stage. "Check out the decks we got for you!"
At the same time, Marinette had been given the unfortunate information that she was now grounded.
"Grounded? For what?!" Marinette demanded.
"Let's jog your memory, Marinette," said her father, pulling out a list. "Monday morning, absent from PE…"
Marinette remembered that day, she and Sky Falcon had to rescue a helicopter.
"I was in study hall with TJ," she lied.
"Friday evening, absent from study hall," the father continued.
She had been busy rescuing a kitten from a tree at that time.
"I was at P.E.!" she lied again.
"You're never where you're supposed to be, Marinette!" said her father, looking exasperated. "The only way we can keep track of you is by keeping you here, grounded."
"But I was invited… Nino is my friend; he was counting on me."
"So, the challenge the viewers have chosen for you is…" said Alec, looking at the challenge card. "To get the mayor of Paris, André Bourgeois, to dance!" Appearing on the screen was Mayor Bourgeois sitting in his office. "Thank you for agreeing to play with us today, sir. What are Nino's chances tonight?"
"Zero," he said bluntly. "I despise dancing. The last time I set foot on a dance floor, Madonna was in kindergarten."
"I know Nino's your friend," said Tom to Marinette. "But until your habit of unexcused absences comes to an end, that's the way it's going to be."
"Awesome," Marinette muttered and sadly went to her room.
Once inside, she sat on her chair and groaned.
"Can you blame them?" Tikki asked. "How are they supposed to know that you're missing class to save the world?"
"I guess being grounded comes with the territory of being a top-secret superhero," Marinette sighed. "Doesn't seem fair, though."
"It's not," Tikki admitted. "But hey, if Nino wins, you're not grounded next week. You can go see him at the show!"
"Yeah, but Adrien was there today!"
Marinette then turned on her computer just in time to see Nino doing some DJing.
Scene: Hawk Moth's lair.
Hawk Moth opened his window at his lair upon seeing the opportunity this contest offered.
"The Challenge… what an interesting concept," he smiled. "A TV show with such potential with negative emotions. Oh, the destructive mayhem we could cause…"
Scene: Marinette's room.
Marinette was still in her room and was now talking to both Camilla and Alya on, and while they sympathised with Marinette's situation, the latter did agree with her father's decision.
"Wow, Alya. nice way to cheer someone up," Camilla deadpanned sarcastically.
"Seriously? How can you say that, Alya?" Marinette asked.
"Sorry, but I kinda get your dad, Marinette. You're never where you say you'll be, even you, Camilla. Showing up late, splitting mysteriously and all, especially at the same time. I'd almost suspect you guys were leading…" She then narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "…a double life."
Marinette looked at her, shocked. "Gimme a break! You're being ridiculous."
"Yeah, where did that theory come from?" the older twin denied.
Scene: TVi studio.
Nino continued DJing when a man in a purple suit approached Adrien and Toby. Upon seeing Adrien, the man extended his hand, but before Adrien could shake hands, his bodyguard pushed through and stood protectively in front of him.
"No! It's okay!" Adrien assured him.
Nino continued DJing, and while Alec was moving his body to the beat, he noticed that Mayor Bourgeois was doing the same.
"Victory!" Alec announced. "Challenge conquered by Nino. You moved your head to the beat, Mayor Bourgeois! That counts as dancing!"
Mayor Bourgeois looked at him in shock. "What?! That's not true! My neck was… itching, that's all."
"Relieving an itch to the beat counts as dancing, too! Nino, congratulations. You'll return in one week to meet your next challenge! And now, for our next contestant, welcome Simon Grimault!"
Nino made his way backstage where he was greeted.
"Awesome, dude!" said Adrian as they bumped fists.
"Yeah, nice one," said Toby who had wrapped an arm around Nino.
The man in the purple suit then made his way on stage.
"Mr Grimault, you are a hypnotist," said Alec. "You use cards to hypnotise people to get what you want from them!"
"Well, yes, I'm a hypnotist," Simon admitted, looking rather uneasy. "But, uh, I don't use my skills to get anything."
"So, your challenge today, Simon, is to use your talents to bring a very elusive celebrity to this very TV set!" said Alec, pulling out his challenge card. "Give it up for the king of fashion, Gabriel Agreste!"
Then, suddenly appearing on the screen, Gabriel was not looking particularly happy. "What is this show? I was told this was an interview."
"Uh oh," said Toby.
Nino stared at Adrian. "Dude, your dad!"
"Do your thing, Grimault; let's see if you can bring Mr Agreste here with your hypnotic persuasion!" said Alec.
"I told you, I don't make people—"
"Ha! A shy hypnotist! How funny is that, Gabriel?" said Alec, turning to the screen.
"Hilarious," said Gabriel dryly. "Your show is pathetic. And so is your contestant. Control me? Never."
Gabriel then cut the transmission, leaving the screen blank.
"That's my dad, all right," Adrian sighed.
"Looks like Mr Agreste has turned down your challenge. Game over!" Alec announced.
Simon looked crestfallen. "But… that's not fair! I didn't even get time to…"
Simon then was dragged off the stage. Disappointed, he looked at his cards and dropped them.
Scene: Hawk Moth's lair.
Hawk Moth smiled upon this negative emotion.
"Yes. Humiliation and anger. The perfect elements for transforming a loser into a winner," he said, turning one of his butterflies into an Akuma. "Fly away, my little akuma, and evilize him!"
He then released the Akuma.
Scene: Back in the TVi Studio.
Simon was in the middle of picking the cards he dropped when the Akuma entered one of them.
"I am Hawk Moth. You are now Simon Says. I will help you be the most powerful hypnotist ever. You will help me in return when the time's right. So, do we have a deal, Simon Says?"
Simon smiled. "Simon says yes."
He then began to transform; he was now completely bald, and his skinhead turned into a purplish white. He wore a vivid green top hat with the bottom of the bill being black and a purple ribbon around the crown. His suit was now purple on one side and green on the other, and he wore a large black bow tie.
He then entered the studio. "Simon says the show is not over!"
"What on earth?!" Alec stared.
Simon Says, then pulling out his cards. "Silence! Simon says you're lame! As lame as a duck!"
He then drew one of his cards with an image of a duck on it and tossed it at Alec; the moment it made contact, he began quacking and flapping his arms like a duck. Adrien's bodyguard then charged to stop him.
"Simon says stop!" He then tossed the car with a pause sign on it, and when it struck Adrien's bodyguard, he froze in place. "Simon says you are a Gorilla!" He tossed yet another card, this time with a gorilla mark on it, and the moment it struck him, he began acting like a gorilla.
The bodyguard charged that the boys, who immediately separated and went in different directions. Adrien ran towards the closest door so that he could transform while Toby ran to look for his sister.
Scene: (smooth transition, the last scene was shown on Marinette's computer screen) Marinette's room.
The girls were still chatting when Tikki noticed the shenanigans going on in the studio on Marinette's computer.
"Marinette, look!" Tikki pointed.
Marinette's eyes widened upon seeing the screen, then turned back to Alya. "Ah! I gotta go!"
"Have a good one! I'll get back to my babysitting," she said.
"Yup, we'll talk later," said Camilla before hanging up.
Marinette turned off the phone and looked at Tikki desperately. "Tikki, what am I gonna do? I'm grounded!"
"You don't have a choice! You must transform! We just have to be extra careful!"
Marinette nodded, and they both climbed onto her bed.
"Use that pillow under your sheets," said Tikki.
Marinette got the idea and grabbed her pillow; she then rearranged her bed to look like she was sleeping beneath the sheets.
"Lookin' good," Tikki nodded.
"Tikki! Spots on! Ha!" Marinette yelled and then transformed into Ladybug.
Once she got outside, Ladybug swung towards the TVi Studio as quickly as she could.
Scene: TVi studio.
Adrien, who had already transformed into Cat Noir, had snuck into the studio, and was now sitting upon the ceiling attached, batten. From there, he could see Simon Says was talking live on TV.
"Gabriel Agreste turned down my challenge, and he will pay for it!" he announced. "By midnight tonight, he will entertain us in this very TV studio. Gabriel, I'm coming to get you!"
"Dad?" said Cat Noir worriedly.
Hawk Moth rubbed his chin, pondering. "It's risky, but it's given me an idea. Good luck, Simon Says."
Cat Noir then spotted Nino hiding close by, who noticed him. He quickly put his finger to his lips, telling him to be quiet before jumping on Simon Says.
"Cat Noir says: Zip it and gimme those cards!" said Cat Noir, pinning him to the ground and placing a finger over his mouth.
Simon Says, tossing all his cards onto the ground, and Cat Noir immediately dashed to them.
"My gorilla will take care of you," he said, getting to his feet. "Simon Says… knock him out!" He then tossed a card at the bodyguard with a boxing glove mark on it.
The gorilla then charged towards Cat Noir as he threw a punch only to hit a metal wing belonging to Sky Falcon who had arrived just in time to shield his teammate and then moved to attack.
"Oh ho, it is on like donkey–" he was cut off by the gorilla grabbing him by the neck and then swinging him like a ragdoll to hit Cat Noir, sending both of them out of the studio.
"I may not always land on my feet, but I always bounce back!" said Cat Noir.
The two of them quickly jumped out of the way just in time to avoid a massive fist heading their way. The gorilla punched with so much force against the wall that he actually broke through it, but he easily pulled back his fist and attacked them again.
Inside the studio, Simon Says was picking up his cards. "I could use an army."
Scene: Outside the studio.
A group of people were waiting for the elevator and when it arrived, Simon Says stepped out.
"Simon Says… you are all soldiers!" he announced, pulling out cards with soldier icons on them. All the people immediately began to run away, but Simon says, tossing his card at them, and they stopped right in their tracks. "Simon Says… search all over Paris, my army, and find Gabriel Agreste!"
All the people then followed his orders like an army of zombies.
Meanwhile, the gorilla was having a brief fistfight with Sky Falcon who was dodging and parrying his blows before the latter counterattacked with his own punches which scored their targets before the gorilla caught the last one. He then proceeded to headbutt his feathered opponent before hoisting up into the air only to be interrupted by a staff to the face from Cat Noir, forcing him to drop Sky Falcon.
The feline once again swung his staff at the bodyguard who caught it and yanked it out of his hand, tossing it to the other side of the corridor.
"Better watch out. My sensei taught me that…" said Cat Noir confidently until his bodyguard grabbed him and squeezed him tightly. "…size doesn't matter!"
Sky Falcon drew his sword, "Sorry, big guy, but this might hurt…" he flipped it into a reverse grip, "… a LOT!"
He proceeded to stab the blade on the gorilla's arm, causing him to roar in pain before backhanding Sky, sending him across the room.
At the same time, Ladybug had met with Gray Wolf as they both arrived at the studio and kicked the door down, only to find the place completely deserted.
Nino then emerged from his hiding spot when he saw her. "Ladybug!"
Ladybug quickly rushed over to him. "Oh… Hey! You okay?"
"I'm fine, but my friends are still here somewhere!"
"Don't worry, we'll find them," Ladybug assured him.
Outside, the bodyguard slammed Cat Noir into the wall.
"I'm not taking karate for granted again," he groaned. Then the elevator opened, and a lady walked out, but upon seeing the situation, she regretted doing so.
"Oh, hey there, Ladybug!" Cat Noir called.
His bodyguard turned, thinking that Ladybug was there, which allowed Cat Noir to break free from his grip by kicking him off. Just a second after the bodyguard recovered, he was dealt with a powerful wing propelled flying kick by Sky Falcon that sent him flying into the elevator.
"Enough already. Cataclysm!" Cat Noir yelled, and destructive energy formed around his hand.
He then quickly pressed his hand against the elevator controls, causing it to malfunction. The elevator fell several floors down, with the bodyguard still inside.
"Nice one." Sky Falcon said as they high fived when they sensed someone behind them. Drawing their weapons, they turned around only to see it was Ladybug, Gray Wolf and Nino.
"Nice seeing you too, guys," said Ladybug.
"You guys sure did take your sweet time," said Sky Falcon.
"Oh, sorry," Cat Noir apologised. "I thought you were Simon Says."
"I saw him!" said Nino. "He's got a whole army together!"
"He's looking for Gabriel Agreste," said Cat Noir. "We better get to him faster than they can!"
They then heard his Miraculous beeping.
"Cat Noir, you're about to change back," Ladybug noted. "I'll take one last look around for Nino's friends."
"No need, I saw to it that they're all out of harm's way," said Gray Wolf.
"Perfect. I'll leave you guys and recharge, let's meet up at Gabriel Agreste's place later on."
Then, before anyone could get a word in, he quickly reached the nearest door and closed it behind him.
"Finding Adrien will be a piece of cake!" said Cat Noir as he ran down the stairs and turned back to Adrien.
"Plagg, hide," said Adrian, opening his jacket and Plagg hidden inside his jacket pocket.
A few moments later, he met up with the M-Team and Nino.
"Nino!" said Adrian, looking relieved.
"Adrien!" said Nino, running up to him and hugging him. "Dude, you okay?"
"I'm fine," Adrian assured him. He then suddenly remembered Simon Says' threat, "But we've got to get to my house now! My father's in danger!"
"Let's go. Cat Noir will meet us there," said Ladybug, leading them away.
Scene: Agreste mansion.
They soon arrived at Agreste Mansion and were soon greeted by Nathalie.
"Nathalie, where's my father? He's in danger!" Adrian asked frantically.
"He knows already," she said calmly.
They then noticed Gabriel looking down at the top of the stairs. "Good evening, M-Team."
"Father, you've gotta get outta here," Adrian pleaded as his father walked down the stairs. "The hypnotist Simon Says is coming after you!"
Gabriel scoffed. "What? And be dictated by a madman? Certainly not."
"But father, he's dangerous! Who knows what he'll do?"
"Head up to your room now," Gabriel ordered. "You've had enough excitement for today. Nathalie, make sure they stay there." Once Nathalie escorted Adrian and Nino away, Gabriel turned to the team, "I have to apologize for my son. He's like his mother. Way too overly dramatic."
"But he's right, you know," said Ladybug. "Simon Says is a real threat. You're in a lot of danger!"
"What could possibly happen with you people here to protect me?" he said confidently.
"You sure your old man isn't some robot or something?" Nino asked as they climbed the stairs.
Adrien sighed. "When my father's concerned, I'm never sure of anything."
They entered Adrien's room about a minute later, and Nino stared at its size.
"Hoho! Dude! I've seen stadiums tinier than your room!" he said in amazement.
"Make yourself at home. I'm gonna take a shower," said Adrien, making his way to the bathroom.
Nino looked at him with a puzzled look. "Now?!"
Adrien shrugged. "What can I say? It's the model in me!" He then closed the bathroom door and let Plagg out of his jacket. "Why doesn't my father ever listen to me?" He then raised his ring. "Plagg! Claws out!"
He then began to transform into Cat Noir.
The M-Team were in Gabriel's atelier as Sky Falcon was standing idly with arms crossed, Gray Wolf was sitting down and Ladybug looked at some pictures of Adrien's modeling.
"Isn't he flawless?" said Gabriel, appearing alongside her.
"Huh? What? Flaw-what?" Ladybug blinked.
"Adrien, my son," he said, gesturing to the pictures. "He's the image of perfection, don't you think?"
"Oh, yes, he's perfect," said Ladybug, mesmerized by Adrian's photos. "I mean, um, I don't know him very well, but he seems…"
"I don't know, maybe he's so breathtakingly stunning that even the greatest heroine turns into a real stuttering scatterbrained mess when thinking of him," spoke up Gray Wolf with a cheeky smirk, causing Sky Falcon to snicker at that remark as the twins low fived.
It was right then and there that a very reddened and flustered Ladybug barely had to keep a neutral expression while having a mental image of strangling both the twins alive.
Gabriel then noticed Ladybug earrings. "I've never noticed your earrings before. They really are quite unique." He then slowly began to reach up towards them. "May I?"
"Why? You wanna wear them or something?" asked Sky Falcon, earning a smack from his sister.
Ladybug then heard her bug phone ring. "Excuse me." She then quickly answered her phone. "Cat Noir, where were you?"
Cat Noir was currently outside, sitting on top of the mansion. "I, I was… keeping Simon Says at bay!"
"And? Cat Noir?" Ladybug asked frantically.
Cat Noir noticed a huge crowd of hypnotised people at the gates. "I couldn't keep him away. He's coming. He's got company."
He then quickly jumped down and entered Gabriel's atelier. "Close off all exits!" he ordered, closing the window. "They're coming from another direction! Do as I say! Engage the self-defence system; we need total lockdown!"
Gabriel approached the security console and activated the mansion's defences.
"Lockdown engaged," said the computer.
Suddenly, blast doors began sealing all the doors and windows; they were now completely isolated from the outside world.
Gabriel looked at Cat Noir seriously. "How do you know so much about the system?"
"Uh…" said Cat Noir.
"Duh, this is a modern expensive mansion," said Gray Wolf, "What builder in their right mind would build this place without a security system?"
"Exactly," Cat Noir smiled.
"They won't get in," said Gabriel confidently. "This house is built like a fortress."
Scene: Outside the mansion.
Simon Says stood upon Adrien's bodyguard, looking at his hypnotised army.
"Simon says, destroy!" he said, throwing several bull cards at the hypnotised people.
The moment they touched them, they all started to go on a rampage, and it didn't take long to knock the gate off its hinges.
Scene: Gabriel's atelier.
Red lights began to flicker.
"Emergency power on," the computer warned.
The lights returned to normal, and they saw Simon Says and his army swarming into the mansion.
"There are too many of them," said Cat Noir, looking at Gabriel. "Your defence system is failing!"
"Here, Nathalie," said Gabriel and the picture slid open, revealing a set of controls. "Pick the controls in case you need to unlock an exit. She's coming with you."
"Sky and I will reinforce the outer defences," said Cat Noir, turning to Gabriel. "Go hide in the atrium. It's not safe in here."
"No one tells me what to do. Not even a superhero," said Gabriel firmly.
"You're in danger, like everyone else!" Cat Noir reminded curiously, him taking the other control. "So stop pretending you're above us all; just do what I tell you to!"
"Quite a temper. You remind me of someone," Gabriel smiled.
Cat Noir then opened the blast door, allowing him and Sky to leave. Once they were gone, Gabriel turned the portrait of his wife, Emilie.
Scene: Outside the mansion.
Sky Falcon took to the skies as he saw the hypnotised citizens banging on the front door and climbing the walls.
Simon Says was smiling as his minions continued to assault the mansion.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Simon Says," Hawk Moth warned.
"Gabriel is here!" Simon Says, reminded.
"Yes, but don't forget our deal. I feel the M-Team nearby. Once you've got them in front of you, you'll be able to honour our agreement. Just take their jewels, the Miraculouses."
"It's as good as done. Simon says we'll defeat them!" Simon Says promised.
Scene: Agreste mansion.
Both the M-Team and Nathalie had just entered Adrien's room.
"Ladybug! What's going down?" Nino asked.
"We need to move to safer ground," said Ladybug and noticed that Adrien was missing. "Where's Adrien?"
"Taking a shower."
Ladybug looked at him bewildered. "What?"
"It's the model in him," Nino shrugged.
Ladybug made her way to the bathroom door and knocked, but when no one answered, she pressed her ear against the door but couldn't hear a thing, not even running water.
"Natalie, take Nino back to Adrien's dad, we'll bring him to his father." Gray Wolf said as Natalie handed her the controls as Ladybug knocked on the bathroom door again. "A—drien?"
Cat Noir had just entered the bathroom and quickly turned on the shower.
Ladybug then poked her head around the door. "Adrien?"
Her eyes widened as he poked his head out the corner to the showers. "Yeah?"
"Oh! Must… it-eh, to go! Hehe. Too dangerous… to leave!" said Ladybug nervously.
"Yeah, sure."
Ladybug then closed the bathroom door, sighing relief.
Scene: Gabriel's atelier.
Both Nathalie and Nino entered Gabriel's atelier.
"Where's my son?" Gabriel asked.
"He'll be here," Nino assured him. "He's with the M-Team."
"Mmm," Gabriel frowned.
Scene: Adrien's room.
Ladybug was looking when she noticed pictures of a woman on his computer who had to be his mother. She was beautiful with platinum blonde hair and stunning green eyes, exactly like Adrian's.
Adrian then exited the bathroom with a towel around his neck. "My mother on her 17th birthday. She was pretty, huh?"
"She's… got your eyes," they said in unison, and they both gasped and blushed simultaneously.
"Well, if you two need some privacy, I'll leave you two to it," said Gray Wolf.
The mansion's doors burst wide open, and Sky Falcon retreated as several hypnotized people stormed in. The Peregrine Falcon Miraculous holder entered the room before slamming the door and holding it back as it shook from the relentless pounding, "Sorry, guys. Couldn't hold them off."
"I believe now is the time for a change of wardrobe," said Gray Wolf, looking at Adrien.
Said blonde model nodded and went back into the bathroom.
"Oh my! What was that all about? Sweet love?" Plagg teased as he flew out of Adrien's jacket pocket.
Adrien blushed and then shook his head. "…Gotta help them! Plagg! Claws out!"
"Oh, not again!" Plagg moaned as he flew back into the ring.
Adrien then transformed back into Cat Noir.
Scene: Gabriel's atelier.
Gabriel could see that the hypnotised people were swarming his mansion, tearing the place up.
"Are they coming?" Gabriel asked.
Nathalie was trying to keep the door locked, but the hypnotised civilians outside were just too strong and easily knocked it down. Nathalie quickly hid behind her desk while the soldiers grabbed Gabriel.
Simon Says, then walking into the room smiling. "Gotcha."
Meanwhile, Cat Noir rushed out of the bathroom, only to find a good number of hypnotized civilians flat on the ground, incapacitated and unconscious as he could see Sky Falcon and Gray Wolf dispatch them one by one.
"Guys, what are you doing?" said Cat Noir as he avoided a Wilhelm screaming goon that was sent flying in his direction, "These are innocent people!"
"You worry too much," said Sky as he knocked one of them with a roundhouse kick, "They'll live."
"Go while we'll handle this," said Gray Wolf.
Using their incredible athletic skills, Ladybug and Cat Noir easily somersaulted over them and quickly rushed to Gabriel's room but saw nobody there. and the place was completely ransacked with paintings and security terminals knocked over. Cat Noir arrived a few seconds later by the window.
"Well, that's just great," said Cat Noir.
Scene: TVi Studio.
Simon Says was now live on the air on every TV and computer screen in the city.
"Welcome to another exciting hour of "The Challenge"!" he announced. "Good evening again from Simon Says. Viewers, I've kept my promise. Here's Gabriel!"
Gabriel then was dragged onto the stage by Adrian's bodyguard.
"Simon says… you are a butterfly!" said Simon Says, tossing a card with a butterfly on it at him.
The moment it touched, he began flapping his arms around and jumping around. "Flap flap, flutter flutter, flutter flutter, flap flap!"
The M-Team had reached the studio and saw everything on the computer screens. It would be amusing if the situation weren't so serious.
"We've gotta save Mr Agreste!" said Ladybug.
"Tomorrow, Butterfly, you will be no more," said Simon Says, holding up his cards.
"The Akuma's gotta be in one of those cards," Ladybug deduced.
"But which one?" Cat Noir asked. "There are so many of them."
"We're just gonna have to wing it," said Sky Falcon.
"And play our cards right, M-Team! Let's do this!" said Gray Wolf as she kicked the door open.
The M-Team stormed in with their weapons drawn.
Simon Says smiled at them. "M-Team, you can save him by giving me your Miraculouses. Do the right thing…"
"In your dreams. Lucky Charm!" Ladybug yelled, tossing her yo-yo into the air.
A few seconds later, another yo-yo appeared and dropped into Ladybug's hand.
"A regular yo-yo?" Cat Noir frowned. "But you've got a magical one!"
"I'll figure it out later," said Ladybug, wrapping her other yo-yo and spinning it around.
"Simon Says… your weapons are useless!" said Simon Says, tossing two cards at both Ladybug and Sky Falcon.
The first card struck Ladybug's yo-yo, which then instantly fell to the ground. Ladybug then tried swinging her yo-yo again, but it just went limp. She pulled the yo-yo up, and the 'unbreakable' cord snapped. The other hit Sky Falcon's wing he used to block it only for the appendage to then fall apart in pieces.
Simon says then pulled two more cards as Cat Noir and Gray Wolf charged at him, "Simon Says… your weapons are–"
However, before he had a chance to toss the cards, Cat Noir knocked them out with his staff and Gray Wolf slammed her bow into his chest, knocking him back.
"Useless?" said Cat Noir. "We don't think so. I'm not gonna let you get a word in edgewise!"
The two of them immediately began fighting Simon Says at close range, dodging his cards and attacking him with speed that he could not say a single word. While this was happening, Ladybug began ripping all the cards he was dropping, hoping to find the Akuma.
Simon says, then drew out another card. "Simon Says…"
Cat Noir then quickly swooped in swinging his staff and yelled loudly. "Na-na-na-na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na-na!"
"It doesn't matter whether you can hear me or not; all that is important is what Simon Says! Simon Says remove your Miraculous and give it to me!"
He then tossed tons of cards straight towards them.
"Alpha's Howl!" Gray Wolf let out sonic howl which blew the cards away from them and to the ground.
"…Flap, flutter, flutter, flap…" said Gabriel, still jumping around and flapping his arms.
Simon Says smiled at him and drew out a card. "Simon Says… take off like an aeroplane!"
He then tossed the card with an aeroplane at him. He began acting like an elevating, running around the studio, making aeroplane noises when it struck. The M-Team's eyes widened as they saw him exiting the studio and heading towards the roof.
"Please tell me he can fly," said a wide eyed Gray Wolf.
"He's headed for the roof. We got to stop him," said Cat Noir, who began to chase after him.
Ladybug quickly grabbed his belt, pulling him back. "This is our last chance to capture the Akuma, and we need to do this together! If we free Simon Says, we free Mr Agreste too!"
"And if we're doing it, we're doing it fast," added Sky Falcon.
Cat Noir didn't like it, but he knew they were right. "Then, let's not waste another minute."
The M-Team then turned to face Simon Says.
"And how will you defeat me without your yo-yo?" Simon Says asked confidently, "And what are you gonna do now with your wings useless?"
"That's where you're wrong, Gambit," said Sky Falcon, "I don't need my wings to curb stomp your ass."
Gabriel had already reached the room and was still running around, acting like an aeroplane.
"Simon Says… it's over!" said Simon Says who began throwing black cards at them.
Cat Noir, Sky Falcon and Gray Wolf began using their weapons to hit back the cards.
"Follow my lead," said Ladybug.
The M-Team then charged at Simon Says from all directions.
Ladybug then suddenly hit the deck of cards out of Simon Says' hands with the regular yo-yo. Sky Falcon and Gray Wolf then moved in, simultaneously landing a Spartan kick to his chest, sending him back. As Sky Falcon ran out of the way, Gray Wolf bent down in a crouched position as a spring board for Cat Noir to run and leap from towards the deck of cards.
"Cataclysm!" Cat Noir yelled at his ring, charged with destructive energy.
He then grabbed the deck of cards, disintegrating them. He then landed on the ground and tossed them over to Ladybug, who threw them onto the ground, smashing them to pieces and causing the akuma to fly out.
"That's not possible! I made your yo-yo useless!" Simon Says stared.
"This one, yes…" Ladybug held out her normal yo-yo, "…but not that one…" She then held out the yo-yo she created with her Lucky Charm and immediately tossed it into the air. "Miraculous Ladybug!"
The moment she tossed her Lucky Charm into the air, the magical ladybugs swarmed over the city, dehypnotising everyone, including Gabriel. Unfortunately, he had just jumped off the TVi tower and that caused him to scream.
Magical ladybugs then also began to fix Ladybug's yo-yo and immediately after they fixed Sky Falcon's wings,
"Sly Dive!" He vanished in a blur after Gabriel. At the same time, Ladybug wasted no time opening it.
"No more evildoing for you, little Akuma. Time to de-evilize!" She then swung her yo-yo around and caught the Akuma before bringing it back to her. "Gotcha!" She then released the purified Akuma, and it fluttered away. "Bye-bye, little butterfly."
Simon Says, then reverted back to simple Simon.
They quickly went to the roof where Sky Falcon dropped Gabriel as he landed and were glad to see that the latter was all right, though he looked rather shaken.
"I'm afraid your flight's been cancelled, sir," Cat Noir joked.
Gabriel stared at them. "You?"
"Prefer Ladybug?" said Cat Noir, placing his arm around Ladybug's shoulders. "Can't say I blame you."
Sky Falcon then raised his fist, prompting the M-Team to then bump fists, "Pound it!"
Then they heard their Miraculouses beeping.
Ladybug quickly looked at Cat Noir's finger frantically. "Cat Noir, your ring! You better get out of here."
"Like a cat on a hot tin roof. See you again soon, Mr Agreste," said Cat Noir and extended his hand to Gabriel, who shook it and then looked at his ring curiously.
Cat Noir then bowed, "And you, guys."
He then promptly dashed off, and Gabriel frowned, looking annoyed.
Scene: Adrien's room.
Adrian was back in his room looking at pictures of his mother on his phone with Plagg sitting on his shoulder while they were facing the window. Plagg then heard the door opening and quickly hid inside Adrien's jacket.
Moments later, Gabriel entered; the two of them looked at one another for a brief moment before Gabriel hugged him, much to Adrian's surprise. Gabriel then noticed Adrian's ring and probably separated from him.
"I've never noticed your ring before," he said, examining it.
Adrien pulled away from him. "Is that the only thing you've never noticed about me?"
"I'm glad everything worked out for the best," said Gabriel, then turned around and left.
Adrian looked at his ring, rather upset that the only thing his father bothered to note was his ring. Plagg popped out of Adrian's jacket and looked at him with great concern.
*Time skip*
Scene: TVi Studio.
At TVi Studio, the game show 'The Challenge' was back on the air again.
"Welcome back to everyone's #1 game show, The Challenge!" said Alec. "Last week, our cool DJ friend Nino won the challenge. So, let's welcome him back again. Come on out, DJ Nino!
Nino stepped onto the stage.
Marinette was currently in the sitting room with her parents. They looked at her report card while listening to the game show.
Her father looked extremely pleased as he went through it. "Looks like you weren't absent or late all week! Excellent news, Marinette. You can go join your friends on the set."
"I think I'd rather watch with you guys," said Marinette as she sat beside her parents. "That's… if you and Mum'd like that?"
All of them immediately hugged one another, and they turned back to look at the TV.
"So we upped the challenge for you tonight, Nino," said Alec, holding out the challenge card. "You're gonna have to get two celebrities dancing instead of one! However, this time, you can choose your opponents."
"Oh, I've got this one in the bag," said Nino confidently. "I'm gonna pick four buds I know who won't let me down. Ladybug and Cat Noir!"
Marinette gasped, quickly got up and started making her way to her room. "Uh… On second thought, I'm wiped. I'm gonna take a nap. Don't wanna be late for school tomorrow! And, you know, mess up that perfect school record! Tell me what happens, 'kay?
"Sure," Tom nodded.
"Of course, honey," said Sabine.
Once she was gone, they then looked at one another.
"Sometimes, I just can't figure that girl out," said Tom.
"Oh, give her a break. You know there's nothing more demanding than going to school!" said Sabine, hugging her husband.
Marinette transformed into Ladybug, and once she was on the roof, she began swinging towards the studio.
And that wraps up the chapter for this week. And I promise, more are coming.
It's quite disappointing I didn't get a review the last time I updated. Makes me wonder if anyone is reading.
So kindly leave a review and a like and I'll see you next time.
PEACE!