Hello! Fellow American's how was your genocide day erm...I mean...thanksgiving? Other countries, how was your week? Classes were canceled today due to heavy snowfall, so I avoided working on homework to give you this chapter. Yay to my GPA.

Did everyone get to watch the season finale of season 2? Crazy right? I know the question...will the Queen Series & the season finale be in this story will be asked, so to answer before you type. Yes. It will go very differently and I may push it all the way towards the very end of this story. Or not, it depends what season 3 shows us. I may or may not include season 3.

Speaking of season 3. The trailer for ep 1 is coming DECEMBER 1ST! Like WOW. If it does drop, then I bet we'll have months until the next one. If not, then a year for the next season. It doesn't bother me as much as I've seen it bother others in the fandom. Considering the fact that the DGM Anime was on Hiatus for...10 years or so? I'm not phased by the waiting period for Miraculous.

Elogane: I am deceased because of Mayura X). And I am so proud of Marinette, you have no idea.

EllaWaterfall2: You, my friend, are pretty dark. But that part with Esther was my favorite to write. She's such a sweet girl who doesn't deserve any of this.

Because I need another filler before the next Arc, This is my stab at Riposte with Kanda involved. Enjoy.

Chapter 15: Riposte

Doctor's Notes: Patient experiencing symptoms of common cold.

The doctor clicked his pen and set the clipboard down. He wanted to think that this whole time it was just a cold that his patient was dealing with. But the facts didn't add up. None of it made sense. Was her problem psychological or physical? Was it both? He had recently drawn blood from her for a test. It would be a clue. A huge clue into what the girl was dealing with. He had to know. For his own sanity. He was currently in his office and leaning back in his chair. He was waiting for the results from his co-workers. He didn't know how long he had been waiting for. Had it been an hour or five? The doctor sighed.

"Léon!" he jumped at the mention of his name. The man turned his chair around. It was the American Intern, Dr. Lambert. He really needed a reminder of the proper way to address him. Léon was his Resident. His superior. No first name bases!

"Lambert, how many times do I—"

"I know I know, but the others wanted me to come to get you! The blood test revealed something…unusual."

"Unusual?" he got up from his seat. "How Unusual? Was there low red blood cell count?"

"No.."

"Low white blood cells?"

"Not quite…just come on!" and with that, the kid raced away.

He sighed and went after him. His mind raced with all the possibilities that could classify as unusual. Maybe they had found some trace of Esther having a blood disorder. That could be it. It would make sense right? He turned the corner and walked down another hall. At the first door, he stepped in and found the Intern and two of his co-workers. They were crowding around a microscope and writing furiously down on their own notepads.

"What's going on here?"

"Ah! Léon!" his friend/Co-Worker, Pierre, addressed him. "You've gotta see this! It's unlike anything I've ever seen."

Léon walked over to the table. The others cleared out the way for him as he leaned down and peered in the scope. Now, he knew what to expect. He expected blood cells both red and white. Maybe too many or too few. Maybe even a deformity of the red blood cells. But nothing prepared him for what he got.

Stars. He saw stars. Black stars to be specific. They were floating about as if they belonged. Whenever they came into contact with another cell, stars appeared on it before it shriveled up and died. It was unusual. He's never seen anything like it in all his years as a doctor.

Whatever it was, it was the reason behind her illness.

Whatever it was, it didn't seem possible to stop.

Marinette decided to keep going on with her life after speaking with the newbies. Part of that meant going forward with her big plan. It was Saturday morning and the fencing team was having try-outs. Her plan: join the exclusive fencing team and impress Adrien. She already had the scenario played out. She'd rise above the crowd and get placed on the team. Adrien would swoon at her ability, ask her for a date, then they'd get married, have three children, and a hamster. It was perfect. Or at least it will be if she could just find a right helmet. The amateur fencer was searching through the locker room for a right helmet. A bunch of them had been laid out for them to choose. She swiftly picked one up as Tikki spoke up.

"This fencing gear really does suit you, Marinette."

She smiled and giggled, "Thank you Tikki! Let's hope wielding a saber is a lot easier than finding a helmet that fits!" She placed the helmet on her head. It didn't take long for it to slip. She heard the jingle of Tikki's laugh before taking it off. "I gotta ace these try-outs! D'Argencourt is the most prestigious fencing academy in all of Paris! I've only got this one shot to show them what I've got and got onto the team!"

Tikki hummed and nodded in agreement, "You've been reviewing the fencing rules all week, it's going to be great!"

That was right. As soon as she heard of the opening she went for it. A chance to be closer to Adrien was always welcomed. With a lovesick smile, she proceeded to make a minor mess of the helmets. Thankfully, she was lucky enough to find the right helmet. With her helmet at her side and a magical being in her pocket, she joined the rest of the beginners. They were all socializing before D'Argencourt called them to attention. They all lined up as he paced back and forth. She looked across at the fencers. They were all wearing their helmets so it was hard to tell which was Adrien.

"I am the fencing master, Mr. D'Argencourt." He introduced himself. Although that was hardly necessary. "As I'm sure you're aware, we have only one open spot on the team this year. So, in order to select the best possible candidate, I will observe the beginners performing a number of attacks on the experienced students.

Marinette glanced around, "Where's Adrien?" she muttered. Her eyes raked over the lineup, That guy at the other end looks promising. Maybe he's Adrien…She kept looking even when her opponent walked towards her. I don't see him…

A familiar voice called. "Seems like you're looking for someone?

Her attention turned onto him. He sounded familiar. Too familiar. "Yeah, I thought Adrien was here. You know, a boy this tall—" she gestured to about Adrien's height then puts her hand to her cheek. Staring off fondly, "—blonde, nice, super handsome?"

Then, to her ultimate embarrassment, the student revealed himself to be…Adrien! "Thanks for the compliment." She yelped in surprise. "I didn't know you were into fencing, Marinette."

Marinette did as she always would've and panicked slightly. "A-Adrien! Nice to fencing, I'm totally into you! Uhh, I mean, nice to see you! Yeah, I'm totally into fencing." Seeing his smile and laugh made her giggle. Nice save!

D'Argencourt ordered them all into position. Something she knew, but with Adrien in front of her, she forgot. Thankfully, the boy helped her to position herself. Even putting his arm around her waist and holding her hand! She could've died right then. Once, she was in position, he returned to his spot with a smile. Marinette was sure her face was red.

"Greet each other!" The teacher ordered. Adrien kept eye contact as he crossed his saber arm over his chest and then snapped it out to his side. She mirrored his motion. "En garde! Prêt, allez!" In an instant, the class lunged at each other. Adrien got ready while she found herself stuck staring at him. He was just so perfect. In every way.

He lifted his helmet and looked at her slightly confused, "Go on, Marinette. You're supposed to touch me."

Her mind raced at the line and she couldn't help but giggle. "Touch you?! Yeah…" she sighed. That would be a pleasant thing for sure! While she daydreamed, Adrien lunged at her. Quickly, she knocked his saber away before striking back. It was reflex, but damn did it feel good. However, she hadn't noticed the teacher there.

"Attaque! Touche. Point!" with his arm raised, he gestured to her, "Continue!" he called before walking away.

With her helmet raised, she thanked Adrien, but the modest boy praised her instead. Is this what heaven feels like? The two continued on. Sabers clashing before they got the hit on each other. It confused her how she got the point, but with his explanation, she felt like she understood. Maybe. They were about to continue when a voice echoed throughout the courtyard. Everyone turned to see a guy dressed in red on the point machine. In their hand was a red saber. It was all personal equipment, Marinette could tell. The school provided white gear not red.

"Hey, you! Are you Monsieur D'Argencourt, the fencing master? I wanna join your team." they stated their purpose quick enough.

D'Argencourt did not look pleased. With a huff, he said, "Only the best are admitted here, you knave."

They crossed their saber over their chest, "And I was—" with an expert twirl, they snapped the saber to their side, "—everywhere I went." they spoke with such confidence.

The teacher greeted them back with a smirk, "Part le fer! This whippersnapper has some nerve!" He pointed his saber at them as they walked up to him. With it resting on his shoulder, he gave in, "All right! I may consider your admission, shall you defeat one of my students."

The figure strode forward to the silent students. "Which one of you is the best combatant?!" they sounded fierce. Everyone looked around before sliding out to way to reveal Adrien.

D'Argencourt smirked, "Adrien, please give our visitor a lesson in chivalry."

Adrien smirked and lowered his helmet. "I shall, Master."

The two confronted each other before being hooked up to the machine. The crowd looks on with excitement. As per usual, they tested the box before walking away. Watching the red one's movements with their saber was enough to make Marinette lose hope.

"Great. There goes any chance I had of making the team. This guy's obviously better than everyone."

A voice refuted her claim. She turned and noticed one of the students shaking his head and watching. "It's not over yet, he still has to beat Adrien."

With his arm raised, the instructor called out, "Prêt... allez!"

The speed they ran at each other was remarkable. It wasn't long before the buzzers sounded off. They returned to the start to do it again. This time Red won. Much to Marinette's confusion. They restarted and lunged at each other again. This time it was extremely hard to tell who won. Marinette could see her spot on the team fading. Along with her plan and dream.

"Wait. I request that we do it the old-fashioned way. We'll be much more at ease without the machine." so they did. Leaving everyone with no choice but to watch closely to see who won. With them free, they clashed at each other. The fight was on! They pushed back and forth on each other. She watched Adrien get pushed into the post before dodging Red. They fight continued up the stairs until Red decided to wow the audience by flipping onto the second level. Amazing…

"Is this what fencing's all about?!" she spoke aloud. Her attention turned to the instructor. He was more excited than anyone there.

"Part le fer! This IS what fencing's all about!" Everyone raced to the stairs and looked on. Considering her height, she was unable to watch. So, she ran to the opposite side of the stairs and ran up them. She watched Adrien push Red away before bolting up to Library. The designer quickly followed after them. When she arrived, she had to dodge a book and cart. They were going all out.

The whole match was leaving her in a daze. They were on fire. Skilled and swift. Marinette tried to zero in on the tips of the swords. She had to watch to see exactly who won. However, with her luck, it seemed that they both struck each other at the same time. Suddenly, the spotlight was on her as everyone demanded to know who won. Maybe it was due to the fact that she held a natural bias to Adrien or the pressure? But she pointed him out as the winner. Or maybe it was Red…It was impossible to tell. No one but D'Argencourt seemed pleased with the decision. The fencers shook hands in a show of sportsmanship before Red walked away.

Adrien removed his helmet and looked to Marinette. "Are you sure, Marinette?"

"Uh, um... Well, I'm not entirely sure. I mean, it looked like it was you, but it went so fast."

He turned to the teacher, "I think he touched me first."

D'Argencourt dismissed him. "Referee has the last word." Adrien looked away before running out the room. He leaned over the railing before leaving. Not wanting to see him go, she followed after. Unknown to them all, an Akuma was released onto the world…

When Marinette finally arrived on the scene. She was shocked to see that Red was a girl. She looked on as Adrien offered to have another match.

The girl shook her head, "What's the point? You won. There's no such thing as a second chance in my family. Goodbye." She slid into her car and closed the door. Instantly the car drove away.

"H-Hey! What's your name?!" Adrien called after them, but it was no use. He ran to his car, which also sped off.

"You might have a chance on the fencing team after all!" Tikki reminded her. Yeah, but she didn't feel good about how she was able to have that chance again. She watched Adrien go by when she saw a familiar black butterfly.

She let out a horrified gasp before narrowing her eyes in anger. Of course Hawkmoth (or Earl or whatever) would send out another Akuma! The girl raced after it. If she could reach it before someone was transformed, then that would be great. It swiftly flew to its target while she ran into the metro station. Hiding behind a wall, she opened her purse for Tikki.

"At your service, Marinette!"

"Tikki, Spots on!" in an instant Marinette became Ladybug. She then raced to the other side of the metro. She was about to zip out when she saw a certain swordsman leaning against the brick wall. Some people were around him snapping pictures at a safe distance. She had forgotten it was his day to Patrol. But that's odd, I said we only patrol at night.

"Kanda!" She called out to him. He opened his eyes with a glare and looked her way. The patrons flinched and backed away from him. She ran up to him. "What are you doing out here?"

"Patrolling." he bluntly stated.

She looked around and saw one of the people filming them. Great. Looking back at him, she rose an eyebrow. "It doesn't look like you're patrolling."

He huffed, "Break."

She sighed, "Well you're on duty now. An Akuma is loose." that snapped him out of his break. "We have to go before it hurts anyone."

Kanda scoffed, "Too late for that." He said as distant screams were heard. Quickly, the two ran from the metro.

Skipping how amazed she was when he could keep up with her, Ladybug quickly made it to the scene. Where she saw an Akuma standing in front of Adrien. They were decked out in all silver. The villain had a silver helmet with angular sides and a red circle on the center of the forehead with a red logo. Her outfit was completely silver armor, including a breastplate, pauldrons, and tassets. On her feet, she wore silver high-heel shoes. Her left hand held a sword that had a triangular guard and a red circle bearing the same logo on the center of the guard. Seeing her point her sword at Adrien, a protective instinct rose in Marinette.

"Where do you think you're going? Stay there. Nice and Patiently." Ladybug threw her yo-yo and it wrapped around the sword. With her attention now on Ladybug.

"How'd you like to start a duel with me?" She tugged, but the sword did not come with her. Her yo-yo slipped back in her hand to her shock. "It's merged with her hand," she muttered. She noticed Kanda run towards the Akuma. "Kanda! Be careful! Her sword is merged with her hand!" The villain hauled her sward-arm back and swung. Ladybug and Adrien leaped away from the swing as it sliced the poster display she had been on. Kanda only brought his sword up to block.

"Give me a moment, Adrien. I must finish these two off, first! But don't worry- I haven't forgotten about you! I won't be long." She lunged towards the duo, but Kanda intercepted her. They clashed back and forth with such speed that showed no sign of letting up. Ladybug, wanting to help, threw her yo-yo and it wrapped around Riposte's ankle. With a tug, the girl fell. However, Kanda was in mid-swing. So it caused him to miss. He looked over to glare at her.

"Sorry?" she said sheepishly.

Riposte took advantage of the situation and spun herself up. She sent a powerful kick to Kanda's stomach that sent him into a parked car. The impact created a large dent. In the distance, Ladybug heard someone yell "My car!". As quick as lightning, Riposte slipped from her grasp and ran towards her. Ladybug quick pulled her yo-yo back and spun it. The villain rapidly attacked her.

"Don't let her close in on you! Fight back!" Adrien shouted and threw the red saber towards her.

Riposte swung hard as Ladybug dodged each time. She flipped back and caught the saber. She looked towards Adrien, "Thank you, but now get out of here!" the heroine directed. With a spin of her yo-yo, she ran at the fencer. She noticed Kanda closed in from behind her. Riposte sliced at Ladybug, who dodged out the way. Kanda took a swing at the fencer, but she moved away just in time. She didn't leave without a scratch, however, a piece of her helmet was lopped off.

The three of them clashed back and forth before Riposte sent another heavy swing their way. Kanda and Ladybug leaped out the way as cars and posts were mowed down. Adrien had been in the line of fire, but he rolled out the way in time. Kanda engaged the akuma while Ladybug raced to her love's side. He was safe but holding his ankle.

Kneeling at his side, she placed a hand on his back. "Are you hurt?"

He spoke in a slightly pained voice, "I'm fine."

She frowned and glared over the at the Akuma. Riposte and Kanda seemed to be on equal speed, but for how long? "I need to get you as far away from that girl as possible."

"Sounds like a plan," they stood up and were ready to go when Adrien looked back at Kanda, "but what about your friend?" he pointed to Kanda. Something told her that he would rather not have her help at all.

"He'll be fine. You, on the other hand, won't if we stay here much longer. Let's go!" She pulled him close. The action stunned them both for a moment. She looked up at him with twinkling eyes and a tiny blush before they laughed nervously and looked away. Riposte noticed that they were leaving and flipped away from the battle. She lunged towards them, but Ladybug carried them up to the rooftop before she had the chance.

She held Adrien before setting him down behind a concrete chimney. He leaned against the support and she kneeled down next to him. "What kind of fencing was that?"

He held his ankle, "Nothing like I've ever seen."

"Even with K—I mean my…friend here. It'll be hard for me to fight and protect you at the same time." She brought her yo-yo up and slide it open. A picture of her partner lit up the screen. Yet the call button turned red and a loud beep was heard between them. This meant that Chat was not transformed. Or out of service. Though, she doubted that magical phones/weapons abided to things like service connection.

Ladybug huffed in annoyance, "Where are you, Chat Noir?"

"M-Maybe he's busy?"

Before she could answer, swift slices cut through the air in a flurry before the chimney was cut to ribbons. That was fast! "Allow me to explain the rules to you—you're not allowed to call it quits at any time! Adrien is mine!" Ladybug quickly stood up and shielded Adrien while aiming the saber towards Riposte, "I will defeat you. All of you! I am the best fencer!"

"Nobody's denying that. My friend Marinette made a bad call earlier." he scratched his head momentarily.

"He's right. Referee errors can happen in fencing. You don't have to get so bent out of shape about it." In response, the girl just glared at them and growled in anger.

"I'm sure Marinette wasn't trying to humiliate you."

She looked at him feeling slightly offended. "Of course not!" He rose an eyebrow at her reaction. She backpedaled (I'm ladybug at this moment, I'm ladybug at this moment, I'm lady-) "I mean, I'm sure that was the case…" she laughed nervously.

"It's too late! The damage has been done! This time, I shall be the referee!" that doesn't sound…fair. Riposte lunged towards them.

"Stay back, Adrien!" She lunged forward and engaged Riposte in battle. She blocked and dodged out the way before Kanda decided to grace them with his presence again. He landed on the roof tile and stopped Riposte's sword before pushing it away and slicing at her. He cut a diagonal line right from her shoulder to her hip. From the cut, out came purple bits of electricity. Riposte held her hand up to wound and stepped away. It wasn't deep enough to cause mortal harm. Kanda looked annoyed at his attempt. Wait…is he trying to kill her?! I can't let that happen! She threw her yo-yo to one of the chimneys and gave it a tug. It sliced the concrete in pieces and fell onto Riposte.

"We have to get Adrien as far away from here as possible."

"Who?"

"Uh…Adrien Agreste?" He didn't look impressed or showed any signs of recognizing the name. She sighed, "The blonde boy who was with me."

"Oh…okay then go. I'll finish off the Akuma." He turned towards the pile. Ladybug reached out and tugged on his shoulder to stop him. He glared daggers at her and she quickly let go.

"The goal is not to kill her, we're trying to save her, Kanda."

He looked at her in disbelief before rolling his eyes. "You are just like the Moyashi."

"Like…" er. She thought back to who he had said that towards before. "Allen?...Well Good! There are rules! Now, I have to check on Adrien. Don't do anything." She turned away and raced towards where Adrien could be.

"Utterly ridiculous." She heard Kanda mutter.

"Adrien, you okay?" She spoke before peeking around the chimney. He seemed to jump before smiling widely at her. He was bending his arm a few times.

"Uhh, yeah, and you?"

"I'll feel better once you're safe, far away from that girl. Come on, let's go." Ladybug swung her yo-yo and pulled Adrien close. They shared another nervous, blushing smile before swinging away.

"Utterly ridiculous," Kanda muttered. These short stacks and their morals were so annoying. At that moment, he heard loud slices before rock crumbling. He turned and lifted his blade. The Akuma was glaring him down. He had to admit. It was a very odd looking akuma. The face, while silver, looked very human. It was like someone dipped this girl in a pool of molten silver. He concluded that it had to be a Level 2 or 3.

She—It growled, "Where did they go!?"

"I don't answer Akuma." He bluntly stated.

It growled again before a butterfly-like symbol appeared over their face. He only briefly wondered what it was for. It huffed before crossing its sword over its chest and swinging it to its side. "I don't have time for you! Move out my way!" it raced at him and sent a flurry jabs at him.

Kanda swiftly blocked each blow before using his sword to push it. At that moment, where there was an opening, he brought up his foot and sent it through the concrete chimney. As expected, it leaped up in the air and twirled down him. He flipped out the way as its sword was sent through the roof. He went to lop the damned things head off when it dislodged itself and leaped behind him. He turned to deliver a swing and it flipped away.

"Fight!" he was getting frustrated with the constant dodging that it was doing.

"We can have a match, once I defeat Adrien Agreste!" the Akuma turned and leaped away. It followed the distant red dot.

"God Damn it." Kanda wasted no time following after it.

Ladybug took Adrien all the way to the Louvre. It was the safest place she could think of at the moment. She carried him through the corridors until they reached the famous Egyptian exhibit. She looked on to see the sarcophagus display. Perfect. She carried him to the sarcophagus and carefully placed him inside. He looked a bit nervous, but she understood why. It wasn't often that Villians targeted Adrien, but it was always so nerve-wracking when they did.

"I'm sorry, but at least you'll be safe in here." she started to close the lid before he stopped her.

"Please be careful, Ladybug." her heart skipped and she nervously smiled.

"Oh…I'll be fine. Thank you, and you stay out of harm's way, okay?" she closed the lid. Ladybug gazed at the old relic with a fond smile of the one inside it. She leaned forward and placed a butterfly kiss on it before turning and running from the exhibit. She made her way towards the entrance. Everyone had cleared out and she could hear the sounds of the police's sirens.

I hope Kanda's okay. The man had been left behind with the villain. Wait, no. I hope that girl is okay. Ladybug couldn't understand this "Kill All" tactic that Kanda was presenting. It seemed like he viewed the villains as irreversible monsters. Which was impossible. Maybe I should go back…She pulled out her yo-yo when a loud sound shook the earth. She looked up and noticed the top of the Pyramid was sliding off. A silver dot spun into her view before it landed in front of her. She's here….did she defeat Kanda? That was a nervous thought.

"Where did you hide Adrien?!"

Ladybug smirked and huffed, "You actually think I'd tell you? This is just between you and me, Riposte!" She aimed the borrowed saber towards Riposte.

Riposte smirked and shook her head, "You can't cut it? Fine. I'm going to defeat you and take your Miraculous! Then I'll go and find him!" She aimed her sword at her.

"I won't let you lay a hand on him!" She punctuated her sentence by racing towards her enemy.

Ladybug dodged most of Riposte's attacks and blocked others. Each blow caused her to be pushed back. As for her saber, it was useful in beating back Riposte, but she doubted it would make as much of a dent or cut. The two battled their way to the Painting Gallery. When their swords clashed, Riposte twisted hers around and flung the saber from Ladybug's hand. It flew and lodged itself into a painting. With a swift unsuspecting kick, Ladybug was thrown to the ground. It seemed she was about to meet her maker as a silver blade aimed for her. Suddenly, a blur of black appeared before a loud clanking noise echoed through the room. It was Chat Noir! He blocked Riposte's sword with his staff. The fencer backed off and glared at them

"Chat Noir!"

"A fencing tournament at the Louvre? How come I wasn't invited." With a smile of relief, Ladybug flipped onto her feet and took back the red saber.

She smirked as she glanced over at her partner, "Let me guess: you were late because you were at the groomers again?"

"I was preening myself, My lady. You know how long it takes cats to get ready."

Ladybug spun her yo-yo and they were off. The duo came down on Riposte with no mercy. They attacked her simultaneously. Riposte was forced on the defense and was cornered. They backed her into a wall and held her at the end of their weapons.

"Checkmate, Riposte!" the spotted heroine smirked.

"You've got the wrong sport, Ladybug! I think you mean: attaque toi!" The silver fencer brought her sword up and pushed their weapons out the way before lunging at Chat. She slammed her forearm into his chest and let him fly to the floor. The cat was about to get up when he let out a hiss in pain and held his ankle. The sound drew his partner's attention.

Ladybug turned to him, "You okay, Chat?" Riposte took this to her advantage. She laughed evilly before running towards Ladybug. The girl was only able to turn to look in time before she was sent flying out the hall. Riposte followed after her. The villain stabbed the alarm button. It brought the bars on the door down. Successfully separating her from her partner.

Chat ran to the bars and held them. "Ladybug!"

"Ready to lose, Ladybug?" Riposte rushed towards her. Forcing the heroine down the stairs in her pursuit.

Chat grumbled at his situation. His lady was in danger and he was stuck here. Not for long. He smirked and held up his hand. He was ready to call on the magical words when he heard a rush of footsteps. They halted his action as he looked out the entrance. To the side, he saw Kanda running towards his location. With a smile, he stuck his arm through the bars and waved towards him. This was perfect. If Kanda could get him out, he could save his cataclysm for a plan that Ladybug would soon devise.

"Kanda! Over here!" the exorcist ran over and noticed his situation.

"Where'd the Akuma go?"

"Downstairs with Ladybug." he pointed to the staircase behind Kanda, "be careful she's—" Kanda ignored him and ran off. "Wait! Are you going to at least try to get me out?" the exorcist had already been gone from his sight. Chat sighed and muttered, "Okay then." The boy stepped back and stared at the bars. Well, back to plan A then.

Chat lifted his arm and called forth his power. The familiar toxic magic danced between his fingertips. Without hesitation, Chat ran his hand across the bars. They rusted instantly. The cat hero brought his bad leg up and kicked the bars down. They clattered to the ground as he leaped out. His ankle cried in protest. The boy slowed down and limped his way to the staircase. Silently cursing his affliction.

Damned…stupid...ankle.

Ladybug kept dodging Riposte's shots and swings. She was going too fast for the hero to handle. At this rate, there was no way she was going to be able to land a decent hit. They reached the end of the staircase when Riposte threw her into the King Tut exhibit. She landed on her back on the ice cold floor. The saber flew from her reach. Ladybug glared up at her before looking over at the sarcophagus. She had to stop her, here and now.

Riposte locked her eyes on the ancient coffin. "Of course—Ack!" The girl was sent tumbling down the stairs. Ladybug looked up and saw Kanda with his foot out. Riposte flipped to her feet and glared at him. "You!"

Kanda said nothing and instead flew down at her. Their swords clashed as Ladybug swiftly got to her feet. She threw her yo-yo towards the alarm and the bars came down. Now…Adrien is safe. Just in time for her partner to rush down.

"Reunited once more, My Lady!"

"At last, let's give the rookie a hand, shall we?" she raced towards the battle.

"Agreed!" Chat followed after her.

Now with three opponents, Riposte was forced on the defensive. She couldn't land a hit, but neither could they. It was like back and forth. Ladybug could tell that the girl was actively trying to avoid Kanda, but she kept running into the original duo. Riposte growled and flipped onto a display case before pushing off and landing on the large pillars. She stabbed her sword into the stone and let herself hang there.

"Running away are we?" Chat taunted, "Not fitting for a fencer!"

"Let's finish her!" They all nodded their heads in agreement. Ladybug threw her yo-yo into the air and called out, "Lucky Charm!" red and pink light collected together before revealing a polka-dotted radiator. It fell into the hero's waiting arms. She looked at it with confusion. What would she even do with a radiator? Even Kanda was looking at it weirdly.

"Great, that should really heat things up." Chat joked.

"No kidding." they didn't need warmth right now.

A familiar flicker of a butterfly symbol hovered over Riposte's face before it faded away. The girl growled and pushed off the pillar. With her sword free, she heaved it behind her and let it flew. Out came a wave of light that caused them to duck. It sliced through the iron bars, the floor, and display case. As well as…oh no.

A gasp left Ladybug's lips. Time seemed to slow as she watched long strands of jet black silk fall from Kanda's head. He bounced up and glared at the Akuma. Around him were piles of his hair and a red rope that held it together. He seemed to finally notice when the now cut ends brushed against his neck. Kanda lifted his hand up and placed it on his hair. The air suddenly shifted.

"Why is it so cold all of the sudden?" Chat spoke as a shiver ran down everyone's spines.

Hawkmoth, who was watching all of this take place felt a shudder run through his bones. I think this akuma was a mistake.

Alya was forced to stay in the safety of her home. Far away from the fight. Her eyes were glued to the news screen. It was stuck on the destroyed Louvre. No one dared to go inside. Suddenly, she felt a strange chill down her spine. She wrapped her arms around herself. Even the anchorwoman did as well.

"Did someone turn the air-conditioner on again?" the woman looked away at the camera. Alya turned to her mother. The world-class chief was on the phone.

"Maman, is the radiator on?"

The woman looked at her, confused. "Yeah."

"Why is it so cold?"

There was silence. No one seemed to move as Kanda felt for his lost hair. Ladybug almost thought she could see a purple cloud emerging from him. Something was about to go down. She could feel it in her bones. The man slowly looked down to see the pile around him.

"You…." he spoke low.

"Hey! Kanda! Don't worry, I can fix it!" she tried to mend the damage, but it was too late.

Kanda placed a hand over his sword and muttered. Suddenly, it glowed an eerily blue before he was gone. He was too quick. It was like he teleported straight in front of Riposte. If the man ever knew mercy, this would be where he would've killed it. He swung at the poor girl with such fury. It was hard to keep up. All they could see were sparks and streaks of blue flying across the air. Suddenly, Riposte was sent flying through the air and into the sarcophagus.

"No!" Adrien is—It broke apart and revealed no one. Ladybug's panic died down and was replaced with confusion. "He's gone!"

"Uh, who?" Chat sounded nervous.

She looked over at him, "Riposte was after Adrien Agreste. I hid him there—" she pointed the ancient coffin out, "—but now he's gone!"

"Maybe he was feeling a little...claws-trophobic?" She stared at him with wide eyes and said nothing.

A shout of pain drew her back to the fight. Riposte had another cut. It was on her arm this time. It was sparking like crazy, but she pushed on. They clashed back and forth. But it all ended when Riposted tried to block one of his attacks. It seemed the continued assault did no favors for her sword. So that last blow sliced right through it. The long silver blade clattered to the floor. Out of its stump came a pure white butterfly.

Yet Kanda didn't stop. He brought his blade up and was ready to deliver when Ladybug sprinted forward and grabbed his wrist. "Yield!" he glared over at her. "You've won. She's been defeated. Now calm down!"

He snatched his hand from her grip. "Do not tell me to calm down, insect."

She glared at him, but ignored the comment, "Your hair can be fixed. Just wait for a second." Kanda snapped his gaze to the fallen warrior. She flinched and backed away. "Kanda…" Ladybug warned.

"Then get on with it!" he snapped.

She wasted no time. "Miraculous Ladybug!" the radiator was thrown in the air before exploding in a burst of ladybugs. They fixed everything around them. Kanda's hair disappeared from the floor and reappeared back on him. Riposte melted away and was replaced with Kagami, who was rightfully confused.

"What happened?" Kanda pointed his sword at the civilian. She looked up at him in fear.

"Kanda!" Ladybug and Chat called out to stop the man. Ladybug slid in front of Kagami while Chat ran up next to her.

"I don't understand. Why are you protecting the Akuma?"

"Because she's been defeated. She's back to normal again. We purified her—er well you did."

"No, she just reverted back to human form! Are you idiots blind?"

Reverted back to human form? Something in her gut turned. She had a suspicion. She didn't know nor believed it. But this was strange. "Just step away Kanda." She said as Chat's ring beeped. The two parties glared at each other before Kanda huffed. He slid the katana at his waist.

"If we were back home, I'd throw you both aside before finishing the job." she shuddered at the image that created. "Whatever," he turned away, "it's your funeral." the samurai walked off and suddenly everyone felt like they could breathe again.

Uh oh. The differences are starting to show.

Ciao-su~!