Marinette was sitting in the design room, making a little dress for Tikki. They had the room to themselves and Tikki was trying it on to see how it looked on her in a mirror. While her hands were busy with needle and thread, Marinette was talking with Tikki.
"So, when do you think Zoe's siblings will strike?"
Tikki took a moment to answer, examining herself. "I think you know what they are likely to do, Marinette."
Marinette knew she was right. They would allow the hurt to fester in their sister and then appear as the saviors, offering her their assistance in exchange for her to return home again. Marinette, however, knew that could not happen. Zoe did too. It was late November when Marinette finally confessed to Zoe what their mother had tried to do to Chloe. The men that Ladybug and Chat Noir had to fend off to get the girl home again. Neither of them wanted those men anywhere near Zoe.
"This on top of the Tomoe problem. I'm starting to wonder if this was planned in some way."
Marinette had spoke to Tomoe two days ago and thought she had made progress on getting the woman to relent. However, Kagami had told her while her mother had been more apologetic about it, she was still planning a move back to Japan.
"You can't fix everything, Marinette." Tikki said firmly as she snuggled against Marinette's cheek. "Just do your best. Have Zoe and Kagami's backs. The solution will present itself."
Marinette nodded. "I wonder if this would count as personal for my powers? I mean, the siblings are clearly bad. Seeking a way to take them down must be justified."
Tikki hummed as she floated there. "You're right, but I don't know how helpful it will be. You don't have a clear goal. Your path is shrouded with multiple possibilities. The Lucky Charm might accidently lead you to a path you don't want right now."
Marinette sighed. The doors opened and Zoe came in, Pollen rubbing her cheek. Zoe flopped down in the chair next to Marinette, laying her head on the table.
"What's wrong, Zo?" Marinette reached over and rubbed her partner's back.
"Acting class hit a sore spot today. I played a victim in the scenarios."
Marinette helped Zoe into a hug, and she felt her partner nestle into her warmth. Pollen and Tikki went to another corner to admire the dress.
"I'm sorry, love. Do you want to talk about it?"
Zoe shook her head. "It wasn't anything specific, just overwhelming given the current situation. I just need to recharge my batteries for a bit and then I'll be fine."
Marinette dropped a kiss on the top of Zoe's head. "Ok. If it gets worse, please talk to me about it."
Zoe nodded. "I will. We can go to the hotel and play therapist."
Marinette rolled her eyes. "I would lose my license due to having an affair with my client. But I'd never regret a moment of it."
Zoe blushed and they started to lean in close to kiss when Zoe's phone vibrated.
Marinette felt her heart racing as she let Zoe check the message.
"It's from Mylene! She and Nathaniel are approaching New York now. She asked me to let you know, she knows how you hate to be bothered when creating."
Marinette laughed. "Nathaniel already texted me that a little bit ago. He has no such concerns."
Zoe rolled her eyes. "Always a step ahead."
Marinette giggled and leaned in close to Zoe again, drinking in her sweet scent. "Always, my love."
Pollen and Tikki sighed in happiness as they girls started kissing again.
"Can we go to your house tonight?" Zoe asked. "I feel safer there than at the hotel."
"Of course, Zo. I want you to feel safe and secure. I don't mind where we sleep, if you are happy and next to me."
Marinette could feel Zoe's gratitude as they clung together, sharing each other's warmth.
Zoenette-October*
Caprikid was not used to being given assignments. His powers were very niche in nature. He was glad Marinette had trusted this important assignment to him and Mylene. Even if it meant he had to be away from Marc for a while.
"Sorry you got stuck with me instead of Roosterbolt, Caprikid." Mylene said as they flew at speeds that should have made talking impossible. Luckily, they had their earpieces in.
"What are you talking about?" Nathanel looked over at Mylene. "We're friends and teammates. Plus, your powers are super amazing, Polymouse. If we get into trouble, I'll be counting on you to have my back."
He saw Mylene smile before she turned her head away. "I just know I wish Ivan was here with us. I feel safer with him around."
"Yeah, I can understand that. I know I feel better knowing my partner has my back. Still, we all need to learn to work with each other. What if there is a new threat and one of our partners is stuck in a class or meeting and can't come out to help? We can't tell the bad guy to go away and wait until our preferred back up is available."
His friend nodded her head. "Thanks, Caprikid. How are things with Roosterbolt going?"
He smiled widely. "I suspect as good as you and Minotaurox, though maybe not as cozy as Ladybug and Vesperia. I didn't know I was bi before Bolt kissed me."
Polymouse flushed next to him. "I'm glad you two are happy together. After Marinette came out as gay, I thought you and Nino were going to die of heartsickness. Then Nino got with Alya and you with Bolt"
Nathanel sighed. "Yeah, it was a hard time… Polymouse, look out!"
At that moment, two missiles shot up from a boat below them and nearly collided with the Mouse themed heroine.
Caprikid grabbed her just in time and they flew to the side as the missiles missed their mark. They watched the projectiles fall to the water blow, making two massive splashes.
"What gives, who is firing on us?" Caprikid asked. He could see Polymouse starting to panic. "Go small. They won't be able to target you in your mini forms. I have an idea to create an opening. When you see it, get down there and disable the ship."
She nodded. "Multitude!" She called and eight tiny Polymouses' flew in different directions.
Once she had dispersed, Caprikid pulled out his tool. "Genesis!" He created a flare in midair and ignited it.
He recalled reading once that some missiles track heat. Their space forms generated a ton of heat so they would be easy to track if that was the case. He hoped he was right about this.
"Power down." He called and lost his space power-up as he aimed the flare.
The missiles fired as he shot the flare above him as he fell. The missiles changed course, going right for the flare. Then there was a sheering noise as the ship was disabled.
Caprikid landed easily on the deck of the ship and spoke the command to release Ziggy. The Kwami spired out of the hair pins and he tossed the god some food before heading to the cabin. A whole Mylene, feeding Mullo some cheese, was looking at the control board.
"Good work, Polymouse. Did you get everything?"
Mylene nodded. "Disabled every electronic on the ship to be safe. It seems to be a drone ship of some sort. And Caprikid, look at what is on the wall!"
Nathanel turned and gulped as he saw a large and familiar crest on the wall.
"Oh, Ladybug is so not going to like this."
A/N: And the plot thickens even further! I really should have my flour taken away from me lol. See you tomorrow for another chapter!