Dick looked around the ally way the portal had opened up to. The City had a grime to it back home as bad as things where the world still felt clean in comparison.
"Uncle Pete!" Cried out a man in a blue suit with a number four on it.
"Franklin," Peter accepted the hug as the young man looked incredibly fit.
"I am sorry about what happened, you know I could fix it right." He offered as Richard looked at Peter not sure what he was getting at.
"I appreciate the offer kid, but it wouldn't be the same, your mom wanted me to join them I couldn't say no." Peter pulled back as Franklin noticed him.
"Who, Peter please tell me you didn't," he looked at Peter concerned.
"Adopted thanks to fading universe," Richard spoke up,
"I was hoping your dad might be able to help to be honest,"
"Hmm," Franklin squatted down and tried to focus on him. He felt like the guy could see his soul or something. This Richard seemed to be otherworldly. "Ah, I see you just can't help yourself, you are nothing if not kind to lost kids." He put a hand on Peter's shoulder as the fifty-something blushed at the comment.
"What's up?" He glanced at Felicia
"Reality warper, he kinda sees things differently," she explained as Richard squinted a bit at her, not familiar with the term.
They entered the building as a monument to four people in a similar costume to Franklin stood in the center.
"You still have that thing?" Peter shook his head.
"Ben thought it was cringy but the rest of the building goers made a stink when we tried to remove it." He laughed a bit.
"Who put it there then?" Richard asked as he glanced at them.
"This guy." Franklin pointed at Peter, "He bought the place after my family lost it during a hard point in the family he put it up to remind everyone about the Fantastic Four and their contributions.
Richard noticed Peter was looking around a lot as well. Richard was surprised that Peter at one time owned the building.
"Reed!" Peter treated as a very grey man walked up to them. He looked young outside of the grey hair. "You haven't aged a day," he commented,
"You try getting wrinkles when your skin is made out of rubber." The man laughed at the joke.
"Pete!" "Peter!" "Web-head" the giant man of stone that walked in was a bit of a surprise as almost looked like they were much older easily in their twilight years, except for the guy who looked closer to Peter in age. The stand out was a massive orange rock man who reminded him a bit of his first time being Chat Noir but he radiated a calm kindness that erased any concerns.
"Thanks for letting me and my, family crash for a few nights I only have a few things I promise I won't be any trouble." Peter had an uncomfortable look one he was familiar with when he felt like he was asking for too much.
"Nonsense your family, web-head, just happy to see you that old wizard told us you were okay but that doesn't stop us from worrying." Ben slapped Petter in the back and Peter's knees bent a bit at the slaps.
"So what have you been up to?" A Blonde man about Peter's age spoke up.
"Two steps forward two steps back, it's going to be a conversation so why don't we find a spot to sit down I need some help." He admitted,
"That's Parker for you," the blonde shook his head. Richard remained near Felicia. Venom shifted as as he realized that the symbiote was uncomfortable with the situation.
"Bad memories, can we walk around these guys are going to be catching up," Venom sniffed as Richard walked around the building. The place looked like an inventor's wet dream filled with all kinds of machines. He was stopped when the rubber man found him a clam kind smile on his face.
"There you are, come along kid, the old men need to check on something. Venom," Mr. Fantastic noticed as the black form curled up on itself like a snake. "You may want to separate for a second don't need you interfering with the results."
The process was a weird sci-fi version of a doctor's visit. It wasn't long before he was standing in a tube as lights glowed around him seemingly scanning him. The two stood in front of a computer.
"I am not picking anything up, so far. His body seems stable." The older man frowned as he glanced at Peter.
"It was magic-related," Peter pointed out
"Hey, where did that thief go?" Johnny walked in looking around suspiciously
"That thief is reformed, and she is now going to start hiding your stuff." She walked behind them as Ben laughed at his teammate who cursed and scrambled out of the room.
"I am taking that into account I am no Victor but I know a thing or two," Reed explained,
"Okay I have a small thing I need to do I'll be back kid stay safe the city has settled down but it still has its teeth.
"Pete-Dad," he was still getting used to well he wasn't in Paris.
"It's okay son, he's just making an old pilgrimage," Reed explained.
pov shift
"Hey MJ, I remember when you had left. I thought you died. "I selfishly wish had taken the opportunity to get all of this. I honestly expected to die first, either doing something crazy like saving a satellite from orbit, or you know maybe Sand Man wising up on how to use his powers. Or some last stand on the lawn against the Green Goblin. Or I don't know Deadpool shooting me," he snorted at the stupidity of his spider sense somehow not working just to let the merc kill him. "Something stupid like that, I never expected to outlive you let alone our kids." He looked at the grave.
The grave didn't respond, "I picked up a stray though, he Um, well he's not that bright but he's got heart, I tried to stay out of things. But you know me, Felicia is helping out, it's bringing back old emotions. Not sure how you would feel about this, but I moved on from Gwen, I can move on from this, and this will be the last one regardless. I'll be back one way or the other M.J. I love you."
pov sift
Richard went from bored to overwhelmed, the second he left the holiday preparation went Into full effect, and when he thought Ben was the oddest person he ever met he soon found himself eating his preverbal words.
The weirdest by far was someone who looked like a person with transparent skin. A blue demon-looking person who had the confidence of a model, and all manner of crazy costumes when the woman who casually walked through a wall walked in he had long since forgone any sense of shock. It seemed more shocking when normally-looking people walked in.
"Hello there young man not familiar with you," said a man with a walking stick.
"I am Peter's adopted son technically," he shrunk a bit as the man brightened.
"That's good to hear young man after that tragedy even I was worried my the spiders-man had truly lost his spirit but the young warrior still has not lost what made him him." He got a hard slap on the back.
"Who was that?" He wondered as the man walked up to an older but no less beautiful black woman talking to a man with red shades.
"Just Thor, nice to meet you," said a rather big man with well-combed hair kinda reminded him of a much older man with his dress sense.
"Norse Thor?" He glanced at him.
"Yep, how are you doing son, not to overwhelm I hope." He altered his stances and set a drawing book off to the side. (1)
"Just feeling out of place," he admitted,
"You from France that would be far from home not including the universe thing." He realized,
"How? I learned young to avoid the accident." He was surprised at being found out after only a few sentences.
"I was there on business back in the day," he said in near-perfect French "Steve Rogers." They shook hands,
"Can I see your work?" He nodded as Steve smiled,
"Sure," he agreed the pictures were really good the man had talent and he even talked about a few of them.
The work was very American-centric in his opinion but there was a good chunk of foreign locations including the Eiffel Tower.
"That's the shield Peter made he said he wanted to dress up as a real hero called Captain America. Said he fought in WW2 that must have been a sight,"
"It was something that's for sure." the man nodded in agreement however something in the man's tone implied something far darker.
Pov shift
A red, white, and blue shield impacted his chest. "Give it up son you're not getting in here." the patriotic eye sore was an affront to fashion not even in the 1930s should such an outfit exist.
"You're a long way from home you walking recruitment poster." Gabriel gritted his teeth as he stood up.
"And you're a long way from sane especially if you think I am the only security feature." the flag man responded as Gabriel growled as even the guy's systems seemed designed to mock him.
"Some time today Tinkerer," he growled as he used his cane to protect himself.
"I am working on it," she called back,
"I gave unrivaled intelligence why is it taking so long?!" He glared back only to get decked for not paying attention.
"Yes, but I can only work so fast this guy designed this with the understanding that someone smarter than him would try to break in." She explained calmly as he nursed his jaw.
"I told you this was a bad idea," Norman appeared on the screen, on the Tinkerer's back. The image was cleaner and just showed his face and chest as he steepled his fingers.
"I'll have you know I don't trust you so unless you have a way to feel with this," he was cut off as he was shouldered into the wall.
"try, Dgfampesand435876534545435," he speed through. She did so as Gabriel pried himself free.
"Nope," she answered,
"I figured he would have changed it, and most of his passwords are more complicated, so you are going to have to think. Just be thankful this isn't the genuine article. Captain America may be flesh and blood but he probably would have you taken down by now. No, you would have been downed way before."
"Osborn," Captain America acknowledged as he sent the shield at the screen.
"Change," Gabriel watched as the sheiks changed dissipating into butterflies as they scattered.
"Interesting," Osborn watched as Gabriel looked at his hand. "I wonder," Tinkerer glanced away from her work.
with this the android shifted his tactics, keeping his distance. "You are right to fear me," Gabriel glared forward.
"Change yourself make yourself faster," Osborn spoke up.
"Change," he was wrapped in a purple cocoon, he shot forward however his new speed surprised him as he hit realized he had to stop himself from hitting the wall.
"You know I am not sure if this is a new low or an improvement," Ladybug swung in, as the pest showed up.
"I don't have time for this," he growled
"Be warned he has learned how two change!" The android started as Gabriel cut him off as he altered his cane's properties and when it was thrown it hit home cutting off the machine even if could still move.
"No cat today? You seem a bit short-handed how unfortunate," as his confidence swelled as he had so many advantages it was time to put an end to this little girl.
"He's a bit occupied but if you think I need him we can wait," she looked particularly annoyed.
"I am not one to," he was cut off when suddenly he felt the droid grab him from behind.
"You just, Hawkmoth why are you struggling," Osborn looked particularly annoyed.
Ladybug pulled something out of her Yo-yo and threw it at the device. The claws blocked it however the AI split before anything impacted as she snapped her fingers.
"Bastard has an answer for everything," Gabriel thought to himself.
"Yeah and as soon as you realize that maybe you'll mature and move on with your life," Tinkerer said as he shot her a look.
"Translating," she pointed out as he realized the droid was signing
"I wonder if that man ever grew out of his teenage years." Ladybug sighed only to nearly fall as He blitzed her nearly slamming her into the wall.
The two had now only each other to fight each other it felt weird while they both had an extra set of hands but hers was crippled and he was occupied. This was probably the closest they had ever been to a true one-on-one conflict.
"Yes he does have a childishness to him but from what I gathered I am more disgusted by the fact that he hasn't taken your earrings and that boy's ring to return his wife shows a failing as both a father and husband." He taunted as she paused, "oh I suppose I was vague about why I wanted those to objects of power." He approached her slowly if he could talk her around all the better.
"I kinda assumed world domination but enlightened me," she readied herself crouching down.
"I want my family returned to me, what you do if your mother or father was sick? Would you not move mountains for them?" He spread his hands it was almost like a sales pitch.
"Then what let someone else take on your pain!" She accused as she readied her weapon.
"For all, I know that's what happened to me and I am just paying it back, we have no idea the Kwami is not exactly telling when it comes to such things, maybe I am putting things right!" he argued
"I can't argue something that, but even true that doesn't make what you're doing right." She pointed out as he again had to admit Ladybug was smart or maybe he had surrounded himself with too many fools.
"I guess but what if I were to cut a deal, hear me out I will take all the blame. You just stop, I give you everything you want to be a hero I'll give you an enemy with no sympathy, maybe a dream I can get you any job, or maybe a loved one needs help or maybe love does the Lady's heartbeat for someone? I can give all of it, I can give you any out you want you just need to put down your weapons and let me take on all the responsibility." She glanced back to see the Android not moving her back against a wall.
"I can't do that I can't do that to Chat Noir, and considering my classes I wouldn't be sure if the version of myself after this wish would be the same woman standing here against you." She stepped forward the truth steeled her resolve as as Hawkmoth glared down at her.
"Not my place this is your journey," Tinkerer translated.
"Something hit a nerve but if only I knew what," he cursed to himself. "Think about it hero, let's go," he waved at his minion as she gave him a look.
"You're going to release her right," she was back into combat mode.
"Of course, I even compensate her for her time I am not a monster." He answered as he readied to leave only for the yo-yo to wrap around his wrist.
"Sorry if I don't take your word." She had ironed herself and he adjusted his grip on his staff.
"The hard way it is." He decided only to realize something he was weaker he was faster but when he changed things he hadn't just gained something. He returned to normal as he managed to keep his feet under him. A snap echoed in the brief moment of silence as the robot had found the Akuma.
He thought fast and in the brief second as the droid pinched the wings together he harpooned the droid to the wall as it finally slumped to the ground. Only to get blasted by something that repulsed him across the room.
He watched as her left arm seemed to grow something and her balm had a bright glow as another blast came her way.
"Where am I what is going on!" Screeched the woman as she clawed away almost forgotten as the two
She slowly was cased in the armor something he had never seen before. This girl had to be a genius of unparalleled intellect.
"Transition!" He recalled the true representation of his Kwami. His staff hit the ground as a wall erupted and as his plan grew so did the wall. He had bricked off the area and slowly grew it in. "I don't know if you can hear me Ladybug but I am going to crush you, Parker is a fool cause once I have yours I'll be too powerful for even him."
But as he drew closer to his victory he heard nothing. Scream the cry for the lucky charm something. "Think," he cursed himself as he tried to figure out what was her next move. Only for it to stop he frowned, as he stepped back. "Did I crush her?" He wondered to himself. He had expected something but," turned the wall into butterflies as he grabbed one to energize it just in case. The area was clean but a door was off to the side he hadn't noticed with light filtering in. He stepped into a command center.
"Hello this a," Peter spoke up as he nearly jumped out of his skin.
"What?" He glanced at him expecting another android only for his cane to go straight through him.
"-This is a shadow program to help spar against and test yourself in foreign locations. I wouldn't mind going full danger room but we are working on that." He explained as Gabe wondered what a Danger room was. "We have a list of locations to choose from." The Dumb AI went silent.
He heard nothing, and in a moment of realization, he used his growing frustration and transformed it into heightened hearing. He felt calmer and quickly and could hear what he was sure was the yo-yo zipping somewhere. He turned to see the map location changed as a massive group of heroes suddenly appeared before him including the flag man. He soon found himself on the bad side of a beating as the system suddenly glitched out flashing red Ladybug found herself with the largest amount of backup he had ever had the misfortune of seeing as everything twisted into a mass of bright lights, pain, and vertigo then the alarm went off adding to the sensory overload.
"Ahhhh" he clamped his hands over his ears as an alarm went off he felt pain. Had she already found out what he was doing was she that smart that fast? He needed to retreat if backup arrived he was on his own. He rushed back for the door.
"Damn this situation," his anger and frustration grew as he broke free the world seemed bent on stopping him all he wants was his wife back his life back and it felt like everyone and everything hated him for it. "How dare they keep me from my happiness this world can burn if it means I get her back!" He raged inside as he changed everything back to normal and vanished into the night.
POV shift
Why can't I fly faster?" Alya pushed her flight to its limits as she dropped down I. Front of the Felicia mansion. The doors had been broken open as she rushed in thunder crackled above her as she flew towards the mansion.
"Ladybug?" Adrian called out as She turned to see the Blonde model rush in behind only to pause at her being there. "I Um know fencing," he got out as he quickly moved for his phone.
"No, I am here to help Ladybug set out an alert." She put up both hands
"Oh I was asked to house sit and well no phone so I hopped they had a landline," he admitted as she blinked at the boy's naivety to admit to that.
"And the idea ladybug was there wasn't a factor," she smirked.
"Well, I mean who doesn't like Ladybug." He pointed out Alya felt bad while Nino had told her about Adrian's feelings, In confidence, Marrinette had hard competition.
"This is probably not safe," she reminded as despite first impressions he seemed far too comfortable with the situation.
"Ah!" A cry hit her ears and before she could say anything Adrien was already running. She flew past him as she found Ladybug limping.
"Ladybug, wait where is Chat Noir?" She asked as she dreaded the worst.
"Identity issues, that's all I'll say," Ladybug got out. Alya found Adrien already moving to help her out just as she was.
"I lost my Charm just get me that." She pointed out, she glanced around, and found what looked like a brace of some kind. Alya watched as Adrian nodded and headed off to find it.
"Sorry, I was late." She apologized to her hero.
"I probably could have handled this better," she admitted. "Hawkmoth could still be around," her expression softened as Adrian set the brace down.
"I checked the security, he took off before I arrived," Adrian tapped at his wrist.
"Why haven't I gotten any toys?" Alya grumbled playfully only for Ladybug to hand her one. "Um that I," she tried to explain that she hadn't expected to get one.
"I haven't used it for personal reasons, it's fine." She insisted.
"Okay," she was both happy and felt awkward taking something intended for her. "So why doesn't Nino have one?"
"I would chalk it up to forgetfulness Professor Parker is usually pretty, busy," his he explained as he called up the man himself. "Hey yeah, Ladybug chased him it's cool I checked everything, okay? Yeah, what do you mean by spending too much time? Fair enough of Um Alya asked about AI helpers, wait you had them done? slipped your mind yeah I can drop one off to Nino. No problem I wasn't even thinking about wild parties," Adrian blushed, "I'll show you who is no fun I'll hire Rose to come do up your room." He threatened as Alya chuckled at the idea of Peter dealing with a room designed by the girl who loved pink. "Bye, no problem," he hung up as he shook his head.
"Parties huh?" Alya joked as Adrian shook his head.
"Parker is so weird," he smiled, "He seems convinced that I am going to go wild one of these days."
"Last I heard you were robbed of a birthday party," Alya glanced at Ladybug hoping she would play along if nothing else.
"Maybe later," he smiled as Ladybug shook her head and grabbed her charm putting everything back.
"I expect this won't make it to the blog." Ladybug tested her foot as Alya playfully rolled her eyes.
"So I don't want to be missing from home too long," Adrian spoke up as both heroines allowed themselves to be ushered from the house as he re locked up.
"Why Adrien?" Alya wondered out loud.
"Professor Parker has a funny sense of humor," Ladybug muttered to herself as Alya glanced at her in confusion.
"Oh don't tell me you got a thing for Models as well," Alya sighed, "well good luck, I know a girl who I think has a better shot at him than you is already chasing him." Alya joked as Ladybug gave her a confused look. "Well see you around," she flew off she had to check on Nino as he should have gotten an alert as well. She flew past his house only to see him in front of his computer his phone going off as he slept there. She rolled her eyes and turned it off as she gave him a slight peck on the cheek.
"Alya?" He asked groggily as he perked up,
"It's okay try to get some sleep okay." She told him as he grunted as she picked him up and put him to bed.
pov shift
Lila got up for school as she took a deep breath she grumbled as she took the time to get ready. Her mom smiled however she could see the text letting her know that school was on. She disliked Mr. Parker however he was only an issue for this school year as she had to get her mom back to her preferred mindset. However, the teacher was disgustingly smart, and other teachers started to crack down checking on things and not taking things at face value. It hadn't spread to the students but plans to limit going to school were shot at least for now.
She sat down with the usual gullible group. She spotted Marrinette running towards school as Adrian waited for her she quickly stopped nearly falling over as she gritted her teeth. The two were disgusting they weren't in a relationship but they almost always acted like it, they were a perfect couple and the girl didn't deserve Adrian especially since the girl would be happy with so much less.
Rose gushed over them it was practically an open secret at this point and she wished she could just stay home rather than deal with the two who seemed to know her for what she was, an opportunist. She glanced at her phone she had tried putting some rumors around to split the two up but she hadn't had much luck and Marinette hadn't so much as acknowledged anything outside of a dirty look if she had to deal with her. Her sympathy points were drying up so she had to think of some way to regain the class's overall attention, which Marinette and Chloe seemed to gain far too easily to be fair one was rich and the other was impossibly talented.
She pulled up her favorite sit a small one dedicated to Ladybug's secret identity. She didn't post but it was filled with information and speculation, lots of hopefuls who wanted to be heroes. However, that's not why she followed.
"Did you hear about this Juleka? Someone on Robin has been tweeting against Ladybug." She pointed out. She got very close to her dark friend as she glanced over.
Weird, so is he saying, we should give up?" She asked her interest peaked
"No, he's upset they haven't won yet that Paris needs better heroes or at least adults in charge."
Lila glanced over their shoulder at a user named GreenandPurpleKing. "Really?" The two jumped as Juleka moved closer to Rose. She mentally rolled her eyes.
"Yeah he's not getting a lot of support but he is very loud." Rose pointed out as the man seemed to have no life constantly shouting into the void of the web.
"Sounds like he doesn't have much of a life." Juleka almost whispered.
"He's not wrong," Lila said as the two glanced at her. "We don't know anything have they had any luck tracking him? Each day feels the same this could go on until Hawkmoth dies of old age."
"Well I have faith," Rose chirped as Lila soon found herself being ignored as she sat down at her seat. When she realized she hadn't brought a gift for their teacher's birthday. She sighed as she started to spin her excuse. Once class started she pinned an excuse of her mom taking her to see her Uncle who was a traveling chef. Everyone ate it up asking to try his food however Marinette looked less than convinced.
Her phone went off as she glanced at it. "If you are feeling down and overlooked I have an opportunity for you"
"Spam," she waved off as she headed to school. She sat down as she rolled her eyes at the gifts. However something did catch her eye,
"A ring?" Miss Bustier paused, "who gave the ring?" She looked it over as she checked the box.
"keep your eyes open" Her phone went off. She frowned this couldn't be spam. She slipped her finger on when the normally calm teacher suddenly gritted her teeth as if some kind of headache. Nearly every student rushed to aid but it was too late as the butterfly showed up and the class was interrupted.
pov shift
"Her emotions feel off," Hawkmoth frowned as he slowly turned to the AI.
"I wanted to try something out and looks like it works. A new tool for your arsenal something that forces emotions let's test this out shall we if this works we could start eliminating possible Ladybug suspects." The AI explained as Gabriel nodded.
POV shift
Zombizou quickly moved as Max got tagged with a kiss. The class was so used to trouble that nearly everyone was headed for the door. Ivan got tagged next as Kim got tagged the two cut off about half the class as Lila glanced back to see Adrian still in the room. She got a bit of distance only for the blonde to leap into the hall.
"Hit the Alarm!" He shouted as he pointed at her. She hit the alarm as the school erupted. She had to admit it was a move she could see the benefit but she was soon very crowded.
It was a problem cause some how the infestation had started below so now her class had headed upstairs. Chloe was the last person as she slammed the door to the roof. Nino and Alya shouted from below them as The door broke and Chloe shoved her sister out of the way only for a poll to prevent her from being kissed. A coated Chat Noir dropped down and started to escort everyone as Ladybug and Chat Noir swung down after the source.
It wasn't long before a massive web wall started to appear around the school blocking the kissing fiends from spreading as a massive tornado seemed to spear sucking everyone into an area the Spider got to work thinning the numbers as Chat Noir got anyone he could out of range as the area started to look like a haunted house with a very enthusiastic spider. The chaos died down almost as quickly as it started before the ladybug swarm moved past she was ready to help her poor teacher only for her foot to hit something metal. Not one to give up an opportunity she pocketed the item.
The day ended as it always did the team of four heroes with one mystery hero unaccounted for it said a lot as everyone moved back to class she lingered back in no hurry to return to the dull classes.
"So you didn't see anything?" Alya asked,
"Some kind of ring, she seemed fine like negative emotions are a must right?" Nino agreed "She put that ring on, but I can't find it do you think it disintegrated?
"We need to talk to Chat and Ladybug if this is an issue then it will remove our only shield." She spoke up as Lila glanced at the ring.
Her phone suddenly rang as an unknown caller contacted her.
"I have been looking for someone like you, Miss you and I have one little thing in common a burning hate, thankfully it's not the same person. If you are interested in a few opportunities to act on that keep my contact saved."
"I am interested," she admitted as a knock at the door drew her attention. A box at the door as she adjusted her phone.
"Good, consider this a down payment if you can bring in a few self-interested individuals I don't much care why so long as you are okay with dealing with any fallout."
"I can work with that." She agreed as the phone went off and she cut into her gift. A white mask with two eye slots looked back at her.
POV shift
Kagami watched she was silent and as vigilant as a statue. Even more so has her Rival continued sparring. To most, he would be an amazing talent worthy of going to the Olympics with more time and effort. However she could see something even their esteemed teacher could not, he was holding back. She had seen him move into the school and knew she couldn't unsee it. It made her angry to realize he was holding back like his opponent wasn't good enough like she wasn't good enough. After the lessons were over he walked out of the locker as pristine as ever. "I need to talk to you," she stated as Adrian paused to look at her, it was moments like these that she realized it was impossible to read him.
"Sure, is this something private, or is anywhere fine?" he asked as he looked at her.
"At least away from the rest of the fencing class," she said as he seemed even more confused however that was confusing. It meant he hadn't considered something with fencing to be the issue and that meant there were in his mind more obvious things she could be asking him at least in his mind.
"Peter's class is always open to me, and he should be doing something else." he offered as she squinted at the back of his head,
"You, really are closer with Mr. Parker," she pointed out,
"Yeah, he's a great teacher, and I don't just mean as a science teacher if you ever need any help with anything he's your go-to," He shrugged as he entered the room.
She closed the door, "You are holding back the class," she pointed out as Adrian froze, and sometimes he was an open book. "I don't appreciate you not giving your best," she glared at him, as Adrian sighed as he glanced around.
"It wouldn't be fair if I did, he opened up a window and glanced around," he explained as she felt her eye twitch in annoyance,
"I am not buying that,"
"How far could you throw an eraser?" he asked, as she glanced at him her anger twisting into confusion as she tried to figure out what he said.
"Well I would say most normal people could toss it at least 19 meters if not more if well trained." she figured, as he looked down the road, it was clear of anyone at least from what she could see. He gave the eraser a testing toss then it was gone she could only just see his arm move it was like a blur. She could only look at him in shock, He pointed and the distance shocked her as she watched it bounce. "That's incredible," she said as she looked at him, "So did you have this when we first met?" she asked as she glanced at him her blood cooling.
"No not at all," he flailed, "I only held up against your fencing persona cause of a suit I was demoing, the powers are a new addition which is why you noticed it recently, in fact, you are the first person to even suspect," he admitted,
"So could you inverse the suit so that it puts you back to your normal during competition," she considered
"I am not sure that would, well worth a shot I guess there are something I can't take away," he mused,
"Honestly Adrian I wonder if you are you are your own worst enemy," she shook her head
"Probably," he admitted sheepishly as he glanced at his phone, "Wednesday is that possible?" he asked,
"Yes, however, there might be some consequences to this," Wednesday, pointed out as Adrian blinked in confusion,
"Oh like weight training from my manga only not damaging, your body will be working out, so you would probably get stronger," she figured,
"That or hurting himself," Wednesday pointed out
"Yeah but that sounds so cool I could be a Superhero!" he realized Wednesday didn't respond,
"Hmm well I guess, but there is no way you could ever replace Chat Noir," she quickly came to terms with the situation, "And considering the nature of Hawkmoth might be best not to add the extra stress to your life in most of my comics a double life is always stressful and you often find yourself being ignored by your true love because of Identity issues which would make you a perfect target,"
"That was surprisingly well thought out, you know you're probably right,"
"Yeah and if you do you could stumble in and find out Chat Noir was body snatched and end finding yourself on an Alien planet with a tentacle monster sucking your brains out of your skull through your ear," she continued,
"What are you reading?" he asked her as she held up a manga about the Z-men, "Oh," he blinked at it.
"Still you would make an incredible sparing partner," She considered the idea if it did work. The realization was sitting with her rather well considering, she was satisfied with the improvement. It was a bit surprising but Adrian was fencing like his old self again, the idea was if he kept the setting the same his improvements would be his own. It felt cool being informed of something like and getting to help. She glanced over to see a flyer for a city-wide music festival, and feeling a bit braver she took a quick picture of it
Pov Shift
"That was an amazing meal, Reed, however, I can't help but worry," he frowned as Dr. Strange meditated, the three of them had enjoyed a good meal but were back to business.
"I miss the old cartoon computers where you pop something in and it tells you everything." Peter frowned as he looked over the computer screen.
"Computers can tell you what and find patterns in things but they can't give you back anything you didn't already feed them."
"I have a theory, from what both boys could tell me the universe he came from was in the process of fading." Strange opened his eyes.
"That would make it magic in nature, but his body seems to be flickering out of reality the trouble is his reality is gone so is he fading?" Reed hypothesized
"Possibly it would explain the tumble through reality but this still bugs me." Peter paused on the shift between Chat Blanc and a dark-haired female variant.
"What makes this reality different?" Reed asked as Stephen went over his knowledge.
"Nothing works via the same rules as Adrian's original reality, in fact, it's so similar that there are no changes. Oh, this is different, it seems that this reality has a girl as Chat Noir," the Doctor realized (2).
"Reality was trying to connect, and with the universe shift possibly with him existing in a separate universe reality was trying to fix a paradox. But in most cases realities just split off, not trying to right themselves." Reed hummed,
"I hadn't considered that possibility, so he either fads slowly like I told you or he fades into the Prime Adrian, or if the split lasts long enough for one of them to die he could take over unfettered. Might keep that last one out of earshot less we have a problem in terms of well you know." Dr. Strange amended his original assessment.
"Okay this I can work with," Reed smiled "Relax Peter go let the boy know I got this." The world's smartest man got to work.
"I sometimes forget this man's talent," Strange shook his head.
"This is temporary, if my device gets damaged it could spell the end that being said he could vanish at any given time so. Just be aware this isn't going be a complete fix." Reed interrupted, as Peter nodded it always slipped his mind that Reed wasn't foreign to dealing with magic with scientific solutions.
Reed glanced over the Data as he started to work on the bones of the stabilizer. Peter hummed as he found Richard
"We have something," he told him, as Peter tried to figure out the best way to handle this before settling on the truth. "We know what's happening kinda. But neither option is good. Reed is working on a fox however we are concerned if you use it is permanent if it's damaged or lost it might fast-track what's happening. So you would take a gamble one way or the other." He explained,
"What do you think I should do?" He asked
"This is your life son and we are in uncharted territory if all goes well your going to be living with this decision longer than me." Peter pointed out. Richard pulled him into a hug.
"Thank you for everything," He whispered,
"Don't thank me too much kid I don't have the best track record when it comes to saving people close to me," he admitted but didn't fight the hug. The item was a choker the idea being it be hard to remove and damage to it would mean you had bigger problems than its well-being, the closer to the head the better and a headband would be a bit too easy to remove.
"Not sure I like this too much," Peter frowned however Richard was more or less Adrian and he had envisioned a bell for his cat suit so not exactly off-brand. As the party continued on the kid was more than happy to listen to the stories around him, it was a testament to the heroes of his universe that they didn't bait an eye on needing to explain details, he even got a few demonstrations as Antman and Hawkeye demonstrated their team up move and the idea behind it. By the time the night had ended the young hero probably had accumulated more secondhand knowledge on being a hero than most considering the spread of heroes. It was weird to see them all together to see so many peers it reminded him how connected he was. At the end of it all he was content to know that at least one problem was dealt with.
pov shift
Wung Fu was a man who had been around the block but he was worried. During the early 1900s when technology spiked and communication bloomed, he knew he had to be more careful. However, with the turn of the millennium, he was now even more concerned.
He looked over the paper about an inspection concerning his small business the city was cracking down on businesses that might be mistaken for health and planned to look into them to make sure they were not misrepresenting themselves.
He glanced at the inspector he looked rather odd "It's nothing crazy I asked a professional customer to be your customer so I can make sure you are on the level." He waved off as a random stranger walked Fu did his job but he made sure to keep an eye on this individual if they got close to his record player. However, at the end of the day, nothing happened.
"Everyone is here Master," Wayzz pointed out however something was bothering him. The individual in question was so un-suspicious that it bothered him.
"Good stay on alert," he picked up the tablet and got to work on his translations. The turtle nodded as the guardian felt his age.
POV shift
"So why not steal from him?" She asked as she scrolled over the book scans.
"If one goes missing from Fu it will put heat on you Parker is already working on removing me from this universe. If you want my continued help none of the known miraculous he has will help but I know Hawkmoth has one that can. The problem is it's broken.
"So this will explain how?" She asked,
"Yes and while Hawkmoth has the book I will not be wasting our time trying to decrypt it." He explained as Lila frowned it was kinda annoying that she tossed the book originally and to see that it had some value was irksome.
"What is next?" She asked,
"How comfortable are you with stealing?" He asked,
"If I get what I want." She shrugged,
"well this is going to be a big ask, but I am going to leave the door open for you. The safe is hidden behind the picture I'll send you the code via phone you shouldn't have any trouble and feel free to blend in with your new skills." She grabbed the white helmet and smiled as she got to work.
pov shift
The Agreste mansion was as clean as ever but as Natalie watched Adrian walk up to his room the growing time that the boy had remained silent was getting to her. What Peter said was eating at her and the final message Emilie left her she had to admit it she wasn't living up to that last request.
"Gabriel, we need to talk," she found him at his computer.
"Can it wait, Natalie? I need to finish this so I can sit in on Adrian's piano." He dismissed her as she had to shake her head that of all the times he acted like a parent. "I feel that he has been very quite as of late."
"That's probably cause he's given up Sir." She said and sadly took a second for the words to hit him.
"He's an Agreste he never gives up," he dismissed,
"I mean Sir, he's doing what Emilie did," she pointed out, Gabriel frowned but it was one of confusion as if his own wife's life was something he had completely forgotten.
"He's going to run away with a Fashion designer that's going to go on to be a massive success?" He asked confused as to how Adrien could pull that off.
"Not that part, the part where she movedaway from her family to pursue her dreams and love rather than do what her rich father wanted." She explained,
"Excuse me?" He looked at the door as the typing stopped, "No son of mine," he growled only to find his path blocked. "Natalie," he warned,
"You going to try and replace me?" She crossed her arms and returned a look of her own.
"It would be difficult and expensive but not impossible." He gritted his teeth.
"I appreciate the value but there are two issues one I can call the cops about, and two I have a second job lined up."
"A second job?"
"Your wife left a fund for me to act as caregiver for your son separate from your wealth and unfortunately for you, she tied up a good chunk of your wealth which can be dragged into a Lengthy legal battle if you try anything."
"My wife would do no such thing," he snapped but the confidence in her voice spoke volumes.
"Technically it was your late father-in-law, which he set up just in case his Grandson pulled a rebellion on his Daughter. What he called the "irony clause," she smirked, you didn't think you could "steal" his daughter and he would put something in the fine print due to Adrian being under age it stays in effect, and if things go south your son, will find himself with a majority stake in your company. So you want to play this game?"
He opened his mouth and closed it as pressed her finger into the miraculous under his tie. "So behave and hope he's not too much like his mother are we clear? Mr. Agreste." As she let that last threat hang.
She sat down and Adrian played and she felt good, it was probably too late but at the end of it all she like Emilie would be happy.
"Dad my friends are getting together to start a band I wanted to help," he forced a smile,
"I," Gabriel started only to be elbowed, "Sure, Natalie has to escort you," he forced a smile of his own.
"Thank you," Adrian nodded as Gabriel stood up as if he was made of stone and walked off. "Is he okay?"
"About as well as he can be, come on I'll let G know we are on our way." Natalie adjusted her suit.
"It'll be nice not to have to sneak out for a change," Adrian muttered,
"You've been sneaking out?" She looked at as Adrian froze. "You are your mother's kid alright," she stifled a laugh."
"You're not going to tell Dad?" He asked,
"What? sorry I seemed to have gone temporarily deaf come on," she sent a text, to get the car ready.
"Can we pick up a friend?" Adrian asked as she nodded. The friend looked familiar to the girl from the hat contest. She sat back and while not showing was beginning to wonder how on the mark she was on the similarities.
"Natalie, what a surprise," Felicia spoke up as Richard walked past them onto the houseboat.
"Miss Hardey," she glanced at him as she noticed the owner of the ship handling the young adults.
"I am surprised to see you here," she glanced at her.
"I did some soul searching," she admitted, "weren't you on vacation?" She asked,
"We just got back actually, Mr. Parker wanted to return home quickly to avoid the memory of the place after the holiday, thanksgiving." She explained casually
"I know what Thanksgiving is," Natalie responded. The two glared at each other as the two boys walked onto the boat.
(1) This little weird fact Captain America drew comics but stopped due to outward appearances. Peter tried and to a little degree convinced him to pick up the hobby. I am pushing Peter's positive influences a bit farther to show the little good things he's done.
(2) Kwami swap universe is nothing too wild however it's often my favorite variation when it comes to Miraculous fanfic
AN:
I wanted to make this chapter a bit longer but this chapter already felt like it was a hodgepodge of things I might look over the next chapter and add to it, as for the deaths if your a bit of a Spider-man fan those are deaths he has suffered in other comics outside of 616 he shares my opinion on the stupidy of a few of them.