Chapter 11: Hopping on Time

Sabrina the Sheep is meeting with a certain wolf in Sheep's clothing, how will that fair? Chloe is still not a big fan of a certain Turtle Kwami, and it shows. How does Hawkmoth intend to use time to his advantage? we about to find out.

Hey, everyone! As always, sorry that you have been waiting a while now, but I have been busy with life and stuff. But, I ain't quitting on this story until I am satisfied.

Chapter 11: Hopping on Time

-Dupain-Cheng bakery-

It was a beautiful Saturday in Paris, the kind where the sky was clear, and the sun cast a gentle glow over the city. People were out enjoying the warm weather; the streets were quiet except for the occasional passerby. The Dupain-Cheng bakery, located on 12 Rue Gotlib, stood out in the serene calm of the morning. Its white walls and gold accents framed the windows, where the bakery's logo, a croissant, grains of wheat, and a peel, could be seen. The door, matching the clean design of the building, invited customers inside with its warmth and charm.

Exiting the bakery was none other than Sabrina.

If you had told her, a few months ago, that she'd leave Marinette's bakery with a bag full of cookies, chocolate croissants, and a muffin, she would have laughed. Back when she was friends with Chloe, she would never have even considered stepping inside, unless it was a scheme.

But now, standing up to Chloe had given her a new sense of freedom. She could finally breathe on her own, without the shadow of Chloe's influence hanging over her. Sure, there had been moments of doubt, but over time, Sabrina had learned to be proud of her choices. She even made a new friend, someone who made her feel valued and happy.

Walking down the street, she was lost in thought, when she suddenly spotted someone. "Hey, Lila!" she called, waving at said girl, who was approaching.

Lila gave a sweet smile and waved back. Sabrina walked over, greeting her. "Hello, Lila! I hope I'm not late for our hangout."

"No, no!" Lila waved her off. "You're fine, Sabrina. I just got here myself. I was actually out this morning, helping my mom with some errands. We had to go pick up some rare spices at a market, which took forever. These people just take ages to find anything!" She rolled her eyes dramatically, looking at Sabrina for sympathy.

Sabrina nodded, curious. "Oh wow, what kind of spices?"

"Oh, you know," Lila continued, quickly coming up with an excuse. "Just some rare herbs for my mother's famous risotto. I was going to make it tonight for my other friends, but they're all so picky, they always have something to say about it!" She paused and added, "But that's just how it is when you're a world-famous chef's daughter, right?"

"World-famous chef's daughter?" Sabrina asked, blinking. "I didn't know your mom was also a famous chef. That's so cool!"

Lila smiled proudly, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Well, you know, she keeps a low profile; she doesn't like to brag. But it's like, people from all over the world come to her for her cooking. Last month, we had a famous celebrity chef from Japan visit just to learn some techniques from her. He said my mom's risotto could win any award!"

Sabrina's eyes widened in awe. "That's amazing! Do you ever help her with the cooking?"

"Oh, I try," Lila said with a shrug, "but honestly, I'm still learning. My mom's such a perfectionist, you know? But I'm sure I'll be able to take over someday, once I'm older and more experienced. It's a lot of pressure, but someone has to take the family legacy, right?"

Sabrina nodded enthusiastically, her eyes bright with admiration. "That's incredible, Lila. You're going to be an amazing chef just like your mom!"

Lila flashed a quick, sly smirk that Sabrina didn't catch. "Thanks, Sabrina," she said smoothly. "But enough about me, let's talk about you today. I really want to get to know you better."

Sabrina blushed, stammering, "Oh, um, okay…I'd love that…"

"Great!" Lila then hooked her arm through Sabrina's and grinned. "Let's go find a spot to sit and relax. And by the way, thank you for the snacks. You're such a good friend."

Sabrina beamed. "No trouble at all! They're from Marinette's family bakery, by the way. I hope you like them."

Lila's smile faltered for just a second, turning into a brief scowl, before she quickly composed herself, her voice sugary sweet again. "Oh, thank you, Sabrina. You know, I wish I could've made you something... maybe one day I'll bring over some of my pastries, though I can't promise they'll be as good as mum's!" She said with a slight chuckle.

Sabrina, not catching the subtle jab, grinned. "That sounds amazing, Lila. I can't wait!" Lila smiled and began walking, still holding onto Sabrina's arm.

-Fu's Massage Shop-

Chloe sighed as she wiped down a shelf counter. "Argh… I can't believe it's a Saturday, and I'm here cleaning the kitchen of a certain old man!"

Pollen zipped up beside her, trying to cheer her up. "Think of it like this, Chloe, it could have been worse."

Chloe didn't even look up, rolling her eyes. "Oh, pray tell, what could be worse?"

"Your Miraculous could have been repossessed, after that stunt you pulled last week," Wayzz said, his tone pointed, as he flew into the room, getting a cup of water.

Chloe spun around to face him. "Oh, zip it, you little turtle."

Chloe and the Kwamis were in a kitchen in Master Fu's apartment, which was small and simple, with beige walls and one white wall that stood out. The room also featured a traditional Chinese wooden cabinet, and in the center was a red countertop surrounded by shelves filled with glass jars and a figurine of a green elephant. Some of the jars contained ingredients of animal origin, including snakes and insects.

Now, the reason Chloe was in Master Fu's kitchen was due to her showcase as Queen Bee at the theatre, and both Master Fu and Wayzz couldn't overlook it. Wayzz, in particular, was still upset by her actions. So, they contacted Chloe, much to her dislike, and gave her the punishment of cleaning and organizing the kitchen. This meant dusting behind jars, wiping down shelves, and even handling areas filled with jars containing creepy-crawly ingredients, such as insects and snakes. Needless to say, Chloe hated every moment of it, but she had no choice but to comply.

Wayzz didn't flinch. "I'm just saying, Ms. Bourgeois, it was a pretty selfish thing to do."

"Yeah, yeah," Chloe grumbled, moving to clean another jar. "You don't have to remind me."

Pollen fluttered close, trying again. "Come on, Chloe, cheer up! You'll be done soon, and then we can relax."

"Yeah, I guess." Chloe sighed dramatically before smiling, "While on the subject, did you hear about Thomas Astruc? The guy's been online lately, going on and on about being assaulted by some guy before they magically disappeared." She rolled her eyes at that, finding his claims ridiculous, "He's been all over the internet."

Pollen tilted her head, intrigued. "Really? That sounds serious."

"Please. If you ask me, he's just doing this for the attention." Chloe scoffed. "All that talk about being attacked? It's a pity act. A publicity stunt to promote his next movie, or whatever."

Wayzz, who was filling a cup with water, interjected, "Maybe the poor man was still shaken by Queen Bee's... transgressions at the theatre. Perhaps that was a moment of delirium, caused by their selfishness."

"Oh, please, Mr. Grouch." Chloe shot him a look. "That man had it coming when he insulted Queen Bee. Besides, it's not like many people liked him anyway. His popularity polls were terrible at best."

Wayzz gave her a disapproving look, then silently flew off to carry the glass of water to Master Fu. Chloe groaned after him. "Eish, that little brown-noser makes me crave turtle soup right now."

"Chloe, that's not nice." Pollen admonished but chuckled all the same

"What?" Chloe smirked, her mood lifting slightly. "If you want, we could get some later," she teased.

Pollen laughed softly. "Let's finish this off, first," flying over to Chloe's side.

Chloe smirked back, "Fine, fine. Back to work," then sighed, getting back to the cleaning. Pollen fluttered around to help, and the two of them continued cleaning, the mood lightening a little as they worked together.

In the other room, Wayzz came flying in, his earlier expression of annoyance and disappointment morphing into one of concern and fondness for his master. He hovered near the bedside, his small wings fluttering anxiously. His eyes softened as he looked down at Master Fu, who was still dramatically lying back in his bed.

Master Fu lay on his bed, his face contorted in exaggerated discomfort. The room was dim, with only a small sliver of light peeking through the curtains. Every now and then, he let out a dramatic, low groan, like someone who was struggling against the inevitable. His breathing was shallow, his raspy voice slipping out with each exhale.

"Here, Master," Wayzz said, his voice gentle as he came around to the other side of the bed. He held out a small glass of water. "Drink this... at least it will help you stay hydrated before the doctor arrives."

"Wayzz..." Master Fu muttered weakly, his hand hovering above his chest. "I think... this might be it, my old friend." He coughed, struggling to catch his breath. "I've lived a long life, but perhaps... perhaps my time is finally... coming to an end." His voice cracked, sounding almost pitiful.

Wayzz flew around the bed, looking at his master with panic in his eyes. "Master Fu, no! Please don't say that! You've been there for me through everything, you can't go now!" Wayzz darted from side to side, his tiny wings buzzing anxiously. "You're strong! You'll pull through, I know you will!"

Master Fu gave a raspy chuckle, his hand pressing to his forehead. "You've always been there for me, haven't you, Wayzz?" he said softly. "Such a loyal companion... always by my side, never once wavering. It's hard to say goodbye, but... I've had a good life."

Wayzz's eyes filled with concern as he hovered near Fu's bedside. "Stop talking like that, please! You're not going anywhere, Master Fu!" His voice trembled as he added, "I don't want to lose you. You've been my friend for so long."

"Please, my friend, hand me a pen and paper…" Master Fu looked up at his Kwami, his gaze soft but weary. "I've lived with so many regrets... missed chances. Time is cruel, my friend. It can slip away from us without warning." He let out another pained sigh, his voice quieter now. "I've always been too afraid, too lost in my own head to say what I needed to say. To tell her... how much she meant to me."

Wayzz, frantic, flew closer, his tiny face filled with worry. "Who, Master? Who do you mean?" His voice faltered. "Are you writing your will? Is that why you're so—"

"No, no." Master Fu cut him off gently but firmly. "It's not a will, Wayzz. If that was something I had to do, I already did it long ago... with everyone in mind. No, it's something different." He looked up, his gaze distant as if he were seeing something far beyond the room. "I just need to write a letter. Something I should've written a long time ago... but I was too afraid." His voice dropped to a whisper, "But now... I can't keep putting it off."

Wayzz hovered in confusion. "A letter?"

Master Fu smiled weakly. "Yes, a letter... to her."

The Kwami was silent for a moment, then nodded, still nervous but trying to hide it. "I'll go get you the pen and paper," he said, his voice soft. "You need to rest."

Wayzz darted out of the room, leaving Master Fu to think. He leaned back against his pillows, his mind drifting to memories of a woman who had meant so much to him—

'Marianne...'

He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of her name on his heart. He remembered her warmth, her patience, the way she never pushed him, but instead waited, waiting years for him to be ready. She had been there for him, even when the world was falling apart. Her bravery during the war, her selflessness in staying in Paris to help the resistance... it was something he could never forget.

'She's always been there, hasn't she? Waiting for me. While I... I let time slip away.'

Wayzz returned with the paper and pen, his face still showing concern. He handed them to Master Fu, who smiled faintly. "Thank you, my friend. Now, I just need to put my thoughts into words." Master Fu's hand trembled as he began to write, his thoughts flowing onto the paper.

"Dear Marianne, I've always admired your strength, your courage. Even when the world was at war, you stood by your beliefs. You sacrificed so much for me, for the Miracle Box, for the greater good. And yet, you never once asked for anything in return."

Master Fu paused, thinking of the years she had spent coming to the same spot in Paris, waiting for him. The years of patience, of waiting for him to be ready. He realized then that he was the one who had been holding them both back.

"Time, it seems, has a way of slipping through our fingers when we're not paying attention. How many chances did I let slip away? How many times did I let fear stop me from reaching out, from saying the things I should have said? But no more. I've wasted enough time."

As Master Fu wrote, his mind wandered back to the woman he had always loved but never told. He imagined a day when he could be with her again, when time would no longer stand in his way. He could see her smile in his mind's eye, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace.

Just as Master Fu finished writing, a sharp pain suddenly coursed through his stomach. He groaned and clutched his abdomen, his face contorting with discomfort. He let out a dramatic sigh, sinking deeper into his pillows. "Oh, Wayzz... I think this is it..." His voice was weak again, like he was preparing for the end.

Wayzz, seeing his master in pain, freaked out. "Master! What's happening? Should I call the doctor? You're scaring me!" His tiny voice was full of panic.

At that moment, a knock came at the door, and the sound of a woman's voice broke the tension. "Is Chan Wu in there?" she called, her voice calm but firm.

Wayzz quickly flew away to hide. Master Fu quickly folded the letter and tucked it into his pocket, attempting to sit up and look frail again. "Come in," he said weakly, trying to control his dramatic flair.

The doctor entered, a professional smile on her face. When she saw Master Fu dramatically lying on the bed, his hand to his forehead, and his labored breathing, she rolled her eyes inwardly. 'Another dramatic case,' she thought to herself. Sighing, she put on her best smile and closed the door behind her.

"Well, sir, let's get started," she said, her voice calm and efficient. "I'll check you over, but we need to be sure about your condition before we proceed." Master Fu let out another exaggerated sigh as she approached, and the scene ended with the doctor going to work, still mildly unimpressed by Fu's theatrics.

Minutes passed before the doctor left, having gone through the motions of checking on Master Fu, who, despite his dramatic flair, was still very much alive. Chloe stepped out of the kitchen, with Pollen floating behind her, her voice filled with an exaggerated relief.

"Finally!" Chloe groaned, shaking her head. "Here I thought I was going to sleep in that kitchen."

She paused for a moment to stretch her arms, then her eyes landed on the sight in front of her, Master Fu, still lying dramatically on the bed. He groaned and moaned, clutching his stomach as though he were on the verge of death. Chloe raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by the theatrics.

"So, if you're dying, does that mean I can keep Pollen forever?" Chloe said, a sly smirk playing at her lips.

Wayzz, who had been hovering nearby, gave her a disapproving look. "Young lady, must you always be so rude?" he chided, his voice laced with annoyance.

Pollen sighed, rolling her eyes at her owner's unserious remark. "You really should take things more seriously, Chloe," she muttered as she landed on a nearby shelf.

Chloe, having finished her "punishment" in the kitchen earlier, had come to Master Fu's room as instructed by Wayzz. Although she had completed the cleaning some time ago, the flying green pest, as she called him, insisted, well, more like ordered, that she stay put until Master Fu dealt with certain clients. She didn't like being ordered around, but Chloe had learned when to bite her tongue, most of the time.

And in the meantime, she'd found Fu's secret stash of cookies and treats, indulging in a "snack break" with Pollen, even though she had initially chided her for sneaking food, but eventually, Chloe's pout had convinced her to join in.

Master Fu lifted his head just enough to look at Chloe with feigned hurt. "So," he said in a raspy, mock-hurt voice, "you're only concerned with the Miraculous after I pass, huh?"

Chloe, rolling her eyes with amusement, shot back, "Oh, please. Even if you do go, and that's a big if—" she paused dramatically, eyeing him up and down with an exaggerated gesture, "—you're freaking wrinkles you got there, tells me you are immortal, and yet your supposed years, didn't leave with you with any style." Gesturing to his Hawaiian shirt. Wayzz was shaking in indignation.

She continued, "You'd obviously hand over the Miracle Box to Ladybug," Chloe spat the name sarcastically, "And we all know she was gunning for my Bee Miraculous before I gave her the slip." She said this with pride, as if her quick thinking had outsmarted Ladybug herself.

Master Fu slowly propped himself up on his bed, rolling his eyes as he retorted, "You mean before I directed her not to take it from you?"

"Yeah, yeah." Chloe waved him off with a casual, dismissive motion. "Before I won you over with my charm, old guy." Master Fu, despite his "illness," couldn't help but chuckle softly, despite the rude girl's attitude.

Chloe went to sit by the window seal, lazily scrolling through her phone, when a sharp beep suddenly echoed through the room. Her eyes instantly shot wide open as the Akuma alert popped up on her screen. "Oh no, not again!" she groaned, her voice filled with genuine annoyance, her mood shifted.

Everyone in the room, having been chatting or observing quietly, immediately turned their attention to Chloe. Pollen, who had been hovering nearby, flew closer, her voice filled with concern. "Chloe, what's wrong?"

"This!" Chloe didn't hesitate to hold up her phone, showing everyone the footage. "It's an Akuma attack," she muttered, her tone exasperated. "And judging by its hideous design, it looks to be really bad." The screen showed Ladybug and Cat Noir locked in battle with a new villain, one whose power seemed to be overwhelming them.

"Nadja Shamack, here," she said, as she was on a live broadcast, appearing on the screen with a concerned look. "This just in, if you're just tuning in, we've got a new villain on the loose. She's calling herself 'Backwarder,' and she's got powers unlike anything we've seen before."

In the background, the cameraman caught Ladybug and Cat Noir as they struggled against their foe, who moved with nimble and agile moves. Backwarder's clock-hand blades were cutting through the air, leaving barely a moment to react. With every swipe of her weapon, Ladybug and Cat Noir were knocked back, unable to land a blow on their enemy. The wind-up key on Backwarder's helmet began spinning faster, pulsing with energy that, when shot out, caused the target to be in stasis, even in mid-air, which would indeed make it harder for the heroes to get close.

Pollen's wings fluttered in confusion as she narrowed her eyes at the villain. "What is she doing?"

Master Fu, observing quietly, spoke up with a worried tone. "Her wind-up key... It's like a ticking time bomb," he murmured. "She must be able to control time with it."

Cat Noir, ever agile, tried to leap at her with his staff, but with a graceful flick of her clock-hand sword, Backwarder parried his attack and knocked him into a nearby wall, leaving him groaning in pain.

The camera zoomed in on Backwarder, and everyone in the room fell silent, especially Fu, whose eyes were glued to the screen. Backwarder had pale purple skin with yellow eyes, light pink sclera, and light lilac-colored lipstick. Her helmet is black and teardrop-shaped, with a yellow circle in the center of each side. Her teardrop-shaped black helmet featured a large wind-up key atop her head, constantly spinning, its motion slow but deliberate. She also has a small nose with two black dots beneath each eye hole, and a golden heart on the forehead, resembling a porcelain doll's face.

The yellow circles on either side of her helmet looked like gears in constant motion, adding to the mechanical aesthetic of her entire costume. The main body of her costume is yellow and black, with a rounded shape resembling a clockwork doll. On each of her shoulders, there is a yellow spherical pauldron.

Master Fu was more interested in what was on her chest. On her chest, there was a stylized clock face with a familiar-looking brooch acting as the dial. That would be where the Akuma lied.

With a commanding shout, Backwarder proclaimed, "Time is a game, and I hold the clock!" Her voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the screen.

Chloe, impatient and already on her feet, grabbed her jacket. "I'm not just gonna sit here. We need to help them! Ladybug and Cat Noir are having trouble and—"

"Sit down, Chloe," Master Fu said firmly.

Chloe opened her mouth to protest, but stopped short at the serious look Master Fu gave her. She scowled but reluctantly dropped back into her seat. "Fine," she muttered, crossing her arms. "But if I were there, I could've helped already."

Chloe's eyes returned to the screen, squinting as she noticed something odd. "Wait a minute," she said, pointing at the screen. "Ladybug just called her Lucky Charm, but... is that... a rabbit and a turtle?" She asked incredulously. "I mean, the rabbit's cute, but that turtle? Tacky." She glanced sideways at Wayzz, who, despite trying to hide it, was vibrating with irritation.

Wayzz, his antennae twitching, muttered under his breath, "I don't appreciate that comment."

Before anyone could respond, Pollen's voice cut through the air, "Guys, look!"

The group turned their attention back to the screen just in time to see the wind-up key on Backwarder's helmet spin even faster, releasing a pulse of energy that rippled through the air. A strange, shifting bubble began to form around Ladybug, Cat Noir, and other unfortunate civilians. It expanded outward quickly, engulfing everyone within its reach.

"What's happening now? What is this pow—" Nadja's voice cracked through the static, still broadcasting live.

Before she could finish her sentence, the energy reached her and her cameraman. They froze mid-sentence, suspended in the air within the time bubble. The camera feed flickered for a moment, wobbling as if the very fabric of time around them had warped, and then everything went still. The screen abruptly cut off, leaving the room in stunned silence.

Chloe was the first to speak, her voice trembling with disbelief. "So... that just happened?"

"This is not good, Master," Wayzz murmured, his tone quiet but filled with concern. "Ladybug and Cat Noir have never faced a villain like this before. That bubble... it trapped everyone inside. And from what we've seen of the villain's powers, it could be that time moves differently within it."

Fu gave a slight nod but remained focused on the screen, thoughts on everything going at once. "Ladybug's Lucky Charm always has a solution to the problem, but it…was a keychain," he said quietly, his eyes studying the image of the charm that was in Ladybug's hand.

"Yeah, a rabbit and a turtle," Chloe's voice, ever sarcastic, finished the thought. "Real cute."

Master Fu's face shifted with a sudden realization, and Wayzz, sensing the change, watched him closely. "Master, what are you thinking?" Wayzz asked, his voice cautious yet curious.

Fu looked up, his gaze focused and intense. "The Lucky Charm—" He paused, turning back toward the Miracle Box. "It always provides a solution, even when the odds seem impossible." He began walking over to the box, his hands moving swiftly over the box.

Chloe raised an eyebrow, her patience already running thin. "What are you getting at, Fu? Shouldn't I be going to help them right now?"

Fu didn't look up as he continued to unlock the Miracle Box. "What I'm getting at, Ms. Bourgeois," he said, his voice steady, "Is that the Lucky Charm didn't just give Ladybug some useless object. It gave her something more. A chance to ask for help." He finished entering the last code, and with a soft click, the Miracle Box opened, revealing a collection of miraculous items, each one linked to a different animal symbol.

Chloe's eyes widened in surprise as the items shimmered in the dim light of the room. She took a step forward, studying the intricate designs. "So, what? You think we need backup?"

"I believe so, yes…" Fu nodded slowly. "Time to make a difficult choice."

Wayzz, seeing where Fu was heading, immediately voiced his concern. "Are you sure about this, Master? There's no time to look for another holder. It could be too risky."

Before Fu could respond, Chloe, already on edge, interrupted. "Excuse me," she said with an exaggerated sigh. "But like I've said before, I can help. Pollen and I can go out there and—"

"Chloe," Pollen interrupted gently, her voice calm but filled with understanding. "I don't think I'll be helpful to you on this mission."

Chloe blinked, shock spreading across her face. "What? You're not going to help?" She stared at Pollen, unable to hide the confusion in her voice.

Pollen, hovering quietly, gave a soft shake of her head. "This isn't a mission for me, Chloe. I can't join you."

Chloe opened her mouth to argue, but Master Fu's voice cut through the air, returning the group's attention to the Miracle Box. He was now standing in front of it, studying the items with a deep focus. Chloe, curious but anxious, walked up beside him, still eyeing the miraculous items in front of her.

Fu hesitated, his expression conflicted. There was a palpable tension as he carefully examined the choices before him. Was he doing the right thing? Was he being selfish, risking everything by following his heart's desires? Chloe placed a hand gently on his shoulder, breaking his train of thought. He looked up at her, meeting her steady gaze.

"I am going," she stated softly but with undeniable seriousness.

"Yes, Ms. Bourgeois, you will…" Fu sighed, his posture sagging as he nodded slowly. "But I will be going with you as well."

At that, "What?!" everyone in the room, Chloe included, exclaimed.

Wayzz flew over to Fu, his expression filled with doubt. "Are you sure this is a good idea, Master? Shouldn't we discuss this first?"

"No, Wayzz," Fu shook his head, his expression hardening with resolve. "This is the plan. The Lucky Charm was specific; it's calling for backup, and two miraculous holders at that. There's no time to waste."

"The Lucky Charm called for a little story trope, featuring the Turtle…" he took a breath as his fingers brushed the surface of the bracelet, triangular carvings on it and shaped like a turtle, with a black string tied through holes in the turtle's head and tail to make a loop. "And the hare, or rather…"

Then, with a deliberate movement, Fu reached into the box once more. He pulled out the second miraculous, the Rabbit Miraculous, a blue and white ribbon bow tie. As he held it in front of Chloe, a familiar spark of energy flickered from the item. The glow grew brighter, and suddenly, a small, soft form materialized before them.

"Oh, I can feel it in my little ears! It's my time! I'm so excited to meet you all!" Out of nowhere, the Kwami, Fluff, appeared. She was only about 10 centimeters tall, with a round white body, pale pink eyeshadow on her eyelids, and fluffy pink ears tipped in blue. Her long, rounded ears twitched erratically as she zipped around, barely stopping before hovering in front of Chloe.

"Hello!" Fluff greeted energetically, her voice high-pitched and quick, her words practically tumbling over one another. "You must be new! I haven't seen you before! Oh, you're so beautiful!" She zoomed around Chloe, her tiny feet kicking the air.

Fluff paused for a second, then whizzed over to Pollen and Wayzz. "Oh! Hello, Pollen! And Wayzz! Hi, hi, hello! Is it time? Is it time for me to go out and do awesome things?"

"Yes, Fluff," Master Fu smiled slightly at her energy, but kept his composure. "This will be your temporary holder," he said, pointing to Chloe, who froze at the sudden turn of events.

Chloe, already overwhelmed by the situation, let out a sharp gasp. "Wait, what? Me? I get to use the Rabbit Miraculous?"

Fluff squealed with excitement. "Yippee!" She immediately zipped over to Chloe, rubbing against her with enthusiasm. "You're going to be amazing! I can feel your heart beating so fast! You're excited too! How grand! This is going to be the most awesome day I've had in years!" She flitted around Chloe, clearly enjoying the chaos.

Chloe stood there, in shock, her eyes wide. She wasn't sure if she was more surprised by Fluff's overwhelming energy or by the sheer weight of the situation. "Wait, wait, wait. I don't understand. Why me, though? What's going on?"

Master Fu, noticing her confusion, looked at her with a steady gaze, his voice calm yet firm. "The Lucky Charm was specific. It didn't just want one new holder, it needed two. And seeing as I can't go looking for any other candidates." He turned back to the Miracle Box, his hands moving with purpose. "This is the only way. Together, we can help Ladybug and Cat Noir."

Fu extended his hand toward her, holding out the Rabbit Miraculous item.

Chloe glanced at the Miraculous, which, when in her hands, began to shift and change. It morphed into a beautiful, elegant ribbon bow tie, with a circular pendant in the center. Chloe stared at it, mesmerized for a moment, but then tore her gaze away, her eyes landing on Master Fu.

She crossed her arms, clearly hesitant. "Okay, okay. I'll accept it, but…" She took the Miraculous from her hands and held it back out toward Fu, surprising him. "Put it on properly, you know? The whole 'using it for the greater good' speech, yadda yadda."

Fu blinked in confusion, but before he could respond, Wayzz's voice cut through the air, sharp and impatient. "Chloe, we don't have time for this!" he chided. "We need to help Ladybug and Cat Noir right now! Don't waste—"

Master Fu raised a hand, silencing the room. He turned his attention to Chloe, the weight of his words drawing her back into focus. With a deep, steady breath, Fu spoke again, this time with more authority in his voice.

"Chloe Bourgeois," he said, holding the Rabbit Miraculous out to her once again, "This is the Miraculous of the Rabbit, which grants the power of Vibration. You will use it for the greater good. Once the job is done, you will return the Miraculous to me. Can I trust you?"

Chloe took a long look at Fu, his serious tone matching the gravity of the situation. For a brief moment, she felt the weight of responsibility. But then, with a small, mischievous smile, she shrugged and held out her hand to take the Miraculous from him.

"Sure, I've got nothing better to do," she said playfully, as she confidently placed the ribbon bow tie on her shirt collar. The Rabbit Miraculous gleamed brightly against her outfit, and Fluff squealed again with excitement, dancing around Chloe in circles.

Fu's gaze softened, but his eyes remained focused on the task ahead. "I trust you, Chloe," he said quietly, as he turned back to prepare for what was next. Master Fu then held up the Turtle Miraculous and said, "Wayzz, shell on!" A brilliant light enveloped Fu's body, and his clothes began to shimmer, transforming into the Jade Turtle's armor.

The suit he wore was striking, green armor that glinted in the light, with a dark green chest plate and light green accents. His pauldrons and tassets matched, while his elbow pads and collar completed the protective ensemble. His pants were a dark brown, and loose, while his boots were dark green with light green toe-caps. The mask that covered Fu's face was split down the middle, dark green on the upper half, light green on the lower.

Fu stood there, fully transformed, looking ready for battle. He took a steady breath, his calm, wise presence unchanged by the change. "I'm ready," Fu said. "Let's go."

Chloe, still trying to process everything, took a step forward. "This is... definitely not what I expected to come of today," she muttered under her breath, before turning to Fluff, who was buzzing with excitement.

- Place des Vosges-

The scene outside Place des Vosges was tense. Civilians had gathered, nervous and whispering to each other as they stood in the safety of the perimeter set up by the police. They peered into the strange, shimmering bubble that surrounded the park. Inside the bubble, no one could see what was going on, only flashes of light and the occasional muffled sound. The air was thick with confusion and fear.

Lieutenant Roger Raincomprix, in his usual blue police uniform, stood with his men, trying to keep order. He walked up to a group of civilians who were anxiously watching the bubble.

"Please, everyone, stay calm," he said in his authoritative voice, though the unease in his eyes betrayed his usual confidence. "We're doing everything we can to figure this out."

Turning back to his team, Roger began discussing possible strategies. "We need to figure out what's inside the bubble. Those who go in haven't been able to come out. We can't just rush in blindly. Any thoughts?"

One of his officers spoke up. "Could it be an Akuma? Something's definitely wrong, but we don't know how to neutralize the bubble. It's like nothing we've seen before."

Roger nodded, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "We may need backup for this. There's no way we're getting through this with just our hands." As he spoke, two figures appeared through the crowd, moving towards him.

Roger looked up, surprised by their sudden appearance. "Wait, are you, are you backup?" he asked, eyes scanning the two of them.

"Indeed, Officer," Jade Turtle spoke up. "I am Jade Turtle, and this is my partner-"

"Lady Lapin." She cut in, "Lapin, officer," Lapin said with a playful smirk.

"Yes, and we are here to help." He placed a hand on his shell as he surveyed the situation. "We will assist Ladybug and Cat Noir in dealing with this Akuma."

Roger nodded, though still visibly surprised by their sudden involvement. "Well, we could certainly use all the help we can get. The situation is serious. We've tried everything we could think of to break through the barrier, but anyone who enters... they don't come back. We have no idea what's going on inside there."

Chloe, crossing her arms and giving a glance around the bubble, scoffed lightly, her British accent cutting through the tension. "Quite a bother, isn't it?" she muttered, with a hint of exasperation, though her words were almost playful, as if the absurdity of the situation struck her more than the danger itself.

Jade Turtle gave a side look at Lapin's remark, before turning back to Lieutenant Roger. "Thank you, Officer. We'll handle the rest. Stay back and stay safe."

Roger hesitated for a moment, glancing at the two figures as they moved toward the bubble, then turned to his men. "Let's hope they know what they're doing," he muttered under his breath as he observed them step forward.

Inside the bubble, the atmosphere was heavy and eerie. The park inside the bubble was a strange and unsettling sight. The ground was a dull yellow-brown dirt, interspersed with patches of yellow-green grass. The air was still, as though time itself had been frozen in place. Tall metal fences surrounded the park, creating an impenetrable boundary. There were trees, their leaves a rich green, offering ample shade. Green benches were scattered throughout the park, and there were lamp posts that, like the trees, appeared completely motionless.

In the center of the park was a large, ornate fountain, its water frozen mid-splash, shimmering with an ethereal glow. The carousel, typically a symbol of joy, stood eerily still. The once colorful horses were frozen in mid-ride, their once bright eyes dull and lifeless. But what was truly unsettling was the light that seemed to emanate from the objects and people within the park, casting long, unnatural shadows.

Most shockingly, there were people frozen in time, scattered across the park. Some stood as if caught mid-step, others were frozen mid-laugh, their faces blank and unaware of what had happened. The frozen figures all glimmered with a strange light beneath them, an eerie glow that suggested they were not merely frozen, but suspended in a state of unnatural stasis.

Nearby, Ladybug and Cat Noir were locked in combat with the villain responsible for the chaos, Backwarder. The villain, a being who could manipulate time, wasn't giving the heroes any space. Every attack she launched sent shockwaves of distortion through the air, her words cutting through the battle like sharp blades.

"You think you can win?" Backwarder's voice was cold and mocking, a twisted grin spreading across her face. "You're nothing but ants to me! Time is my domain, and you will lose. I am the master of time! Nothing you do can stop me. I will make sure of it!"

Ladybug, fighting with all her might, barely dodged another blast. "We'll never give up! We'll find a way to stop you!" she shouted defiantly, but even her words sounded forced, as though she were trying to convince herself as much as her enemy.

Cat Noir was equally determined, though it was clear that he was struggling. "You're not getting away with this, Backwarder! We've got you cornered!" He leaped to avoid another blast, landing beside Ladybug, but it was clear they were being overwhelmed.

"We need to regroup!" Ladybug hissed, eyes darting around for a way to get the upper hand. "I can't keep dodging like this! We need to find a way to break her hold on time."

Backwarder sneered at them, her eyes glinting with malicious amusement. "You think you can hide from me? You're already losing, and you don't even realize it."

With a swift movement, she sent a blast toward them, causing the ground beneath their feet to crack. The shockwave sent them both stumbling backward, but they quickly regained their footing, slipping out of her line of fire as they scrambled for cover behind the frozen fountain.

Ladybug and Cat Noir had found what little cover they could behind the frozen fountain, trying to stay out of sight from their relentless adversary, Backwarder. The park, with its eerie stillness and unsettling glow, seemed to mock them, trapping them in a corner. The air was thick with tension as they crouched, trying to catch their breath, their minds racing for a plan.

Cat Noir, his usual carefree attitude dampened by the gravity of the situation, leaned in close to Ladybug, his voice low but filled with urgency. "So, my lady… what are we going to do now?" His green eyes searched hers, looking for answers that seemed as elusive as the villain hunting them.

Ladybug was racked with stress, her thoughts spiraling. She exhaled sharply, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know, Cat. I don't know what to do. If I use my Lucky Charm again, I… I don't know if I'll get the same result as last time." Her eyes flickered with doubt, something she rarely allowed herself to show.

"Yeah, what was that?" Cat Noir frowned, brow furrowing in confusion. "I mean, I get that the Lucky Charm gives you crazy items that help out in situations like this, but what on earth could that thing even do?" He gestured to the vague memory of the strange, chaotic tool that had appeared last time.

Ladybug shook her head in frustration. "I don't know, Chat. I've tried thinking of all the possibilities, but I just couldn't come up with anything that made sense. It's like the Lucky Charm just threw me something random, and I had no idea how to use it."

Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the still air, cold and mocking. Backwarder's voice echoed across the park as she searched for them. "Where are you two? Hiding in the shadows? Come out and face me!"

Ladybug and Cat Noir froze, barely daring to breathe. They exchanged glances, knowing that their hiding spot was not going to last forever. Time was running out.

Cat Noir broke the silence, his voice a little more hopeful. "Well, why don't you call out the Lucky Charm again? We're trapped in here, and there's no way out, so maybe the Lucky Charm will give us something that'll help us escape."

Ladybug hesitated for a moment, but the desperation in Cat's eyes made up her mind. She nodded, her expression firm. "You're right, Chat. It's worth a shot." With a swift motion, Ladybug launched her yo-yo into the air and called out, "Lucky Charm!"

A burst of red and black polka-dotted light filled the air as a strange object materialized in her hands. She blinked, staring down at it in disbelief. A small, perfectly round love letter, its edges embellished with delicate swirls and a bold, red heart on the front, appeared before her. Her brow furrowed in confusion. "A letter?" she gasped, completely thrown off.

"Uh, what am I supposed to do with this?" Ladybug mumbled, turning it over in her hands, trying to make sense of the odd item.

"Maybe the Miraculous wants you to confess something," Cat Noir teased with a grin, winking at her. "Hopefully, me."

"Now's really not the time, Chat," she said, trying to stifle an eyeroll.

But just as they were trying to make sense of the love letter, Backwarder snuck up on them, her taunting echo reverberating across the park. "Your time is up, heroes! There's nowhere left to hide! You cannot escape me!"

The key on her head spun and released an energy beam at them. They prepared themselves for the inevitable, "Shell-ter!" but nothing happened. They opened their eyes and saw that they were surrounded by a green hexagonal shield that had now kept them safe.

"I hope both of you are okay?"

Both Ladybug and Cat Noir were surprised by the person in front of them. "Master?" Ladybug murmured under her breath, her voice filled with both relief and confusion.

"Greetings, Ladybug and Cat Noir." Jade Turtle nodded respectfully to them both. "We've come to help."

"We?" Cat Noir asked.

"Quite right!" At that, they turned towards the voice.

The hero stood confidently, clad in a bunny-themed suit. The top featured a corset-style design in arctic blue, accented with silver details, and a subtle bunny motif stitched at the center. Over this, she wore a white Tail Jacket, extended down to her wrists, where blue gloves with silver accents hugged her hands. Small sapphire blue circles adorned the sides of each shoulder.

Her white tights went all the way into her blue boots, with black soles and silver buckles, balanced practicality with flair. A sleek blue and white mask matched the overall color scheme, and her hair cascaded in soft curls around her shoulders. On her head, a small white top hat, with bunny ears on either side, with white ears outlined in black and baby blue on the inside. A fluffy white cotton tail, attached at the back, added the final touch.

At the center of her chest, the Rabbit Miraculous appeared as a blue and white ribbon bow tie, with a pendant featuring a black rabbit hind paw print when activated. Attached to her back was an umbrella.

Ladybug blinked in disbelief, her eyes wide as she caught her breath, while Cat Noir tilted his head, completely intrigued.

"Uh…Ladybug, I think we're in a bit of a bunny situation here," Cat Noir quipped, trying to lighten the tension. But even he could sense the gravity of the moment.

"Watch out!" Jade Turtle called out sharply, raising a hand. The green hexagonal barrier surrounding them dropped just in time for everyone to scatter. Backwarder's eyes narrowed as she adjusted her stance, sneering at the new arrivals.

"Well, well, well… I see the Guardian has brought out more superheroes to play," she taunted, her gaze fixing on Jade Turtle. Then, her eyes shifted, landing on the figure of Lady Lapin. Recognition flickered across her face. "Oh, Fu, so you have come to save me... and brought the Easter bunny with you."

The others stiffened at Backwarder's comment. It was clear that the villain had just dropped a bombshell, revealing Jade Turtle's true identity as the Guardian. Fu's face remained calm, but the atmosphere grew tense.

Lady Lapin's lips curled into a defiant smirk, her posture full of confidence as she twirled her umbrella between her fingers. "I ain't no mere bunny, madame," she scoffed, eyes narrowing. "Call me Lady Lapin." With a flick of her wrist, she propped her umbrella under her arm like a sword.

Backwarder chuckled darkly to herself. "Yes, Hawkmoth… I know. You are the Guardian, and when I finish with you, I'll deliver the other Miraculous' to you." Her smirk twisted into something darker, filled with contempt.

Lady Lapin took a step forward, shaking her head. "Not by a mile, love," she said with a sly grin. She glanced over at Jade Turtle, who nodded in agreement.

Jade Turtle, his green armor gleaming, charged forward, his feet pounding the ground as he sprinted straight at Backwarder. His movements were quick, his focus sharpened to a laser point as he rushed toward the villain.

"Master Fu, wait!" Ladybug cried out in alarm, her voice full of concern as she watched Jade Turtle charge headlong into the fight. "Don't do this alone!"

Before she could move, a familiar sound stopped her in her tracks, a soft click of an umbrella's handle, followed by a gentle yet firm pressure in front of her. Lady Lapin stood before Ladybug and Cat Noir, her umbrella held out like a barrier.

"Watch and don't interrupt, darling," Lady Lapin said, her British accent dripping with calm authority, her gaze fixed firmly on the battle unfolding before them.

Ladybug opened her mouth to protest, but Lady Lapin's expression silenced her. "This is part of the plan. Let's see how it unfolds."

Backwarder's lips curled into a smirk as she saw Jade Turtle barreling toward her. Her grip tightened on her lance blades, and her eyes gleamed with twisted anticipation.

"Well, well, well," she purred, her voice dripping with malice. "Let's dance like old times, Jade Turtle."

Just as she lunged forward, poised to strike with blinding speed, Jade Turtle raised his hand. "Shell-ter-Armor!" he called out, his voice steady and controlled.

A green force field erupted around him, expanding with an intense surge of energy before compressing in on him like a second skin. The shimmering, green armor wrapped tightly around his body, becoming invisible.

Backwarder's lance blades collided with his side, but instead of piercing his skin, the weapons clanged off the invisible armor with a high-pitched, metallic screech. The strike had no effect.

For a moment, Backwarder's eyes widened in surprise, but the smirk quickly returned to her lips. "Clever," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "But let's see how long you can keep this up."

And with that, the battle erupted in full force. Backwarder attacked relentlessly, her lance blades slashing through the air with vicious speed, aiming for Jade Turtle's invisible armor. But every strike hit either the turtle shield or his invisible armor, the sound of metal scraping against energy echoing in the tense air.

Jade Turtle remained unshaken, his stance steady, the weight of each attack absorbed by his defense. His shield pulsed with each blow, but it held firm. His breathing remained controlled, his focus on nothing but the fight ahead. With a swift motion, Backwarder summoned a blast of energy, aimed directly at him. Jade Turtle raised his hand, and a ripple of energy surged outward from his shield, deflecting the blast harmlessly to the side. His barrier flickered but remained intact.

"You're getting predictable, Backwarder," Jade Turtle said, his voice calm and unwavering.

"Predictable?" Backwarder hissed, her eyes burning with rage. "Let's see how you handle this!"

She spun, creating a series of jagged energy blasts, each one targeting Jade Turtle from different angles. He moved fluidly, his shield expanding slightly to cover him from every direction, absorbing each attack with no visible effect. But with every hit, Jade Turtle felt the weight of the battle wearing him down, his energy was being drained little by little. But he didn't show any falter.

Meanwhile, Ladybug and Cat Noir observed from their vantage point. They could see that Jade Turtle was handling the battle well, but the strain was starting to show. His shield flickered with each strike, the invisible armor around him growing dimmer with each passing moment.

"We have to help him," Ladybug said urgently, "He can't keep this up forever."

"Yeah, he's holding his own, but he's only human," Cat Noir added, his voice grim. "We need to jump in."

Lady Lapin's voice stopped them cold. "Hold on, you two," she said, her umbrella twirling casually as if she were watching a performance. "There's no need for you two to rush in just yet, without a plan."

Ladybug and Cat Noir turned to her, confusion in their eyes.

"What are you talking about? He's going to wear himself out!" Ladybug protested.

"Not happening, love. We have a plan, and you two are part of it. But if you keep rushing in, you'll just throw off the whole thing."

"But he's—" Cat Noir started, but Lady Lapin cut him off.

"He's fine," she said with a wink. "But let's not do something rash, darling. You'll see. Best to make a quick introduction, seeing as you will need my powers for this."

Cat Noir glanced at Ladybug, her frustration clear. "Okay, fine. What is it?"

Lady Lapin gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Now, my name is Lady Lapin, a pleasure."

Jade Turtle was still holding off Backwarder, but it was clear he was running out of steam. Backwarder noticed this and smirked. "Feeling tired already?" she mocked. She struck again, her lance blades cutting through the air. This time, she hit him. The blow knocked Jade Turtle back, and the invisible armor around him shattered, dissipating into sparkling light.

Backwarder laughed, her voice filled with triumph. "It's over, sweet Fu. Now I'll finish this!"

She raised her lance for the final blow, but just as she swung it, she was blocked by an open umbrella.

Lady Lapin stood in front of Jade Turtle, the umbrella held out to deflect the attack. "Oh, dear," she said with a retort. "I think it's time to change dance partners, don't you?"

Backwarder sneered. "Do you really want me to take your Miraculous that bad, little Wabbit?"

Lady Lapin smirked. "I want to switch things up." She shoved Backwarder back with all her strength.

She raised her umbrella, her eyes narrowing. "Let's see what's inside my basket, shall we?"

With a single motion, Lady Lapin activated her powers, "Thumper!" she called out. Her bunny ears twitched, and her umbrella spun rapidly before she tapped her foot three times. A surge of energy rippled through the air, and her eyes flashed red.

Backwarder dismissed it with a sneer. "Really? You think you can handle me alone?"

"Nope," Lady Lapin tapped her umbrella, humming thoughtfully. "But with them…."

Just then, Ladybug and Cat Noir jumped in, ready to battle. Ladybug's earring beeped, signaling the countdown. "We'll have to hurry," she said.

Backwarder grinned. "Fools! No matter how many of you come, I'll defeat you all."

Lady Lapin smirked. "We'll see about that."

The battle began. Backwarder attacked fiercely, but Lady Lapin was always one step ahead. Using her power to see five seconds into the future, she anticipated every move.

Each time Backwarder launched an attack, whether it was an energy beam or a strike, Lady Lapin called it out before it happened. "Duck! Now, Ladybug!" she yelled as Backwarder aimed a blast at Ladybug. Ladybug dodged, spinning her yo-yo to strike back.

"Left, Cat Noir!" she shouted as another blast came toward him. Cat Noir used his staff to deflect the energy.

With each attack Backwarder made, Lady Lapin continued to predict her moves, making it nearly impossible for the villain to land a hit. Frustrated, Backwarder shouted, "This isn't going well!"

Seeing a few openings, Lady Lapin turned to Ladybug. "Now!" she commanded.

In perfect coordination, Ladybug and Lady Lapin worked together to immobilize Backwarder, holding her in place just in time for Cat Noir to charge in.

"Cataclysm!" Cat Noir called out, and he pressed his attack against Backwarder's chest.

"Nooooo!" she screamed as the Cataclysm destroyed the brooch pin she wore. The black butterfly flew out, the Akuma escaping.

Ladybug swung her yo-yo open. "No more evil-doing for you, little Akuma." She swung it with precision and "Time to de-evilize!" she said, as she captured the butterfly inside, "Gotcha!" sealing the Akuma. "Bye-bye, little butterfly!" The Akuma was purified and flew away as a tiny, white butterfly.

With the battle over, Ladybug took out the Lucky Charm object, holding it in her hands. "I still don't understand what I was supposed to do with this," she said, looking at the red-and-black spotted letter in her hands.

Jade Turtle slowly walked over, his voice calm. "Don't worry, Ladybug. I believe I know the answer."

"Oh o-okay…" confused but trusting him, she complied and with a quick flick of her wrist, Ladybug said, "Miraculous Ladybug!" as she threw it into the air. The Miraculous powers fixed all the damage done, unfreezing the people who had been captured, and the barrier around the park came down. Ms. Lenoir turned back to normal.

As everything returned to normal, Ladybug and Cat Noir raised their fists, ready to bump. They looked at Jade Turtle and Lady Lapin, inviting them to join in.

With smiles on their faces, they all bumped fists together. "Pound it!" they cheered.

Just then, Ladybug's earrings beeped again, signaling that time was running out.

Lady Lapin smirked. "I'm off now, love. I'll guide the lady away."

With that, it was agreed. Ladybug and Cat Noir made their exit, and Lady Lapin and Jade Turtle followed, leaving the park behind as peace returned.

-Fu's Massage Shop-

Chloe, now de-transformed, removed the Rabbit Miraculous, and out came an excited Fluff. The little Kwami floated around in circles, exclaiming about how much fun she had and how nice it was to finally stretch her little legs with a giggle.

Fluff flew over to Chloe and nuzzled her cheek, hugging her with a bright smile. "You were a fun holder, Lady Lapin," she giggled.

Chloe smiled softly, tapping her finger on Fluff's little head. "Quite right," she said with a grin, enjoying the moment. She handed the ribbon back to Master Fu, who took it gently and placed it back into the Miracle Box. Fluff flashed back into the box as the lid closed with a soft click.

"Thank you, Chloe." Master Fu smiled at Chloe with appreciation. "You did your job perfectly. I am glad that I was able to trust you with this."

Pollen, who had been quietly hovering nearby, flew over to Chloe's shoulder and gave her a little nudge with her antennae. "I agree. You were a great Chloe," she said, her tone a little wistful. It was clear she missed her owner.

Chloe smirked and flipped her hair, proud of herself. "Naturally, I can adapt to any situation." She turned, walking toward the door.

Wayzz, who had been silently watching the exchange, rolled his eyes. "Is that why you had that phony accent the whole time?" he muttered dryly.

Chloe shot a quick side glare at him. "Shows what you know, greenie," she said, flipping her hair once more. "Lady Lapin is high society, and it shows in my speech and actions."

She reached for the door but paused, turning back with a smirk. "Oh, I forgot," she said with a wink, "Don't you have a certain lady friend to go to, Romeo? I told her you would be there, no later," Master Fu blushed, and Chloe chuckled as she opened the door. "See you around," she said, closing the door behind her.

(-)

-At the banks of the Seine-

Mr. Ramier sat on the park bench, feeding pigeons, while Master Fu and Marianne sat beside each other. The mood was quiet, peaceful, but there was an unspoken sadness hanging in the air.

Master Fu broke the silence. "Marianne, I—"

Ms. Lenoir spoke at the same time. "Fu, I—"

They both chuckled softly, but the lightheartedness quickly faded into a quiet sadness.

Master Fu turned toward her, his expression sincere. "Marianne, I'm sorry. I never wanted to put you in danger. When I took up the role of Guardian, I thought as long as I was in charge of the Miracle Box, I'd be a danger to everyone I love… but I couldn't bear being away from you."

Ms. Lenoir sighed softly, reaching over to place her hand on his. "I'm the one who should apologize. I never should've given up your name, caused you to come looking for me. I never wanted to cause you such trouble."

"For you,"Master Fu took her hand in both of his, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I would do it again. I would face any danger to keep you safe."

They shared a quiet moment, eyes locked, as a soft breeze ruffled their hair. Marianne smiled, a little sadly. "I know you would, Fu. But now, we can't be together until Hawk Moth is defeated. You know that."

Master Fu's voice softened, yet held a firm conviction. "I have full trust in those I have chosen. They will succeed."

Ms. Lenoir squeezed his hand gently, her eyes filled with longing. "Now it's my turn to hide, my sweet, darling Fu."

Master Fu nodded, his gaze tender. "Marianne, I've never told you this, but I—"

She placed a finger gently on his lips, silencing him with a soft smile. "Shh. Save it for when I get back."

Master Fu gazed at her, his expression bittersweet. He pressed a gentle kiss to the back of her hand. "I will never stop," he whispered, his heart heavy with words left unsaid.

Ms. Lenoir smiled, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She stood, giving him one last lingering look. "Goodbye, my dear Fu."

She turned and walked away, disappearing into the distance, leaving Fu with a quiet, sad smile.

As they walked down the street, Chloe looked over at Pollen, who was hovering nearby, looking back at the peaceful scene they'd just left behind.

Pollen let out a soft "Aww," her voice filled with sympathy. "It seems like Master Fu won't confess today after all."

Chloe, putting on a brave front, gave a small sigh. "Well, at least she won't be in danger anymore. That's the important thing."

She opened her purse and looked inside, her eyes brightening as she remembered something. "Well, let's go, Pollen. I still want that Turtle soup. More than ever."

Pollen giggled, darting into the purse. "Yum! I'm coming!"

With a playful smile, Chloe walked on, heading toward their next destination, leaving the scene behind them.

Chloe walked down the street, her mind still occupied with the conversation she'd just witnessed between Master Fu and Marianne. The tenderness in the air had been almost palpable. But as she rounded the corner, she came across something that caused her to halt in her tracks.

She turned quickly, trying to blend in with the crowd, her back facing the approaching figures. The last thing she wanted was to be spotted.

It was Lila and Sabrina, laughing and chatting together as they walked down the street. Chloe could hear their voices clearly from her position.

"Today was awesome, Sabrina. Thank you for hanging out, you're sweet," Lila said with her usual smooth charm, a smile spreading across her face.

Sabrina, a little bashful, blushed and smiled back. "The pleasure is all mine, Lila. I should be thanking you. It was really nice hanging with you."

Chloe's fingers tightened around the strap of her purse, her heart skipping a beat as she continued to eavesdrop. Lila's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with some hidden intention.

"Well, I'd better be going. I'll call you when I get home," Lila added sweetly, stepping closer to Sabrina.

Before Sabrina could respond, Lila reached out and pulled her into an embrace. Sabrina was momentarily caught off guard but quickly hugged Lila back. Chloe, still turned away, narrowed her eyes, not buying Lila's sweet façade.

The hug broke, and they exchanged a few more goodbyes before walking off in opposite directions. Chloe stayed still, her back still turned to them as she watched them leave. Her mind churned with questions. 'What is that Lila up to?' she wondered.

Once she was certain Lila and Sabrina had both gone, Chloe slowly turned around, her brow furrowed. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on with Lila. She wasn't friends with Sabrina, not anymore, but she knew firsthand that Lila is sneaky.

'I need to keep an eye on this,' Chloe thought, walking away.

Author's Notes:

Hello everyone! I'm back and excited to share my version of Backwarder and the changes I made to the Rabbit and Turtle Miraculous. In my AU, I've reimagined the Rabbit Miraculous. Instead of the power of Evolution, which allowed time travel, I've given it the power of Vibration. This power allows the holder to see an opponent's next move five seconds in advance, sensing vibration waves, giving them an advantage in battle. To activate it, they open their umbrella, call out, Thumper, and a flash goes off as their eyes turn red, signaling it's activated.

However, the Vibration ability has its drawbacks: it only works on one opponent at a time, and once it's used, the holder has a 5-minute timer, unlike the canon power, and will de-transform. This change shifts the Rabbit Miraculous from a time-travel ability to a combat-focused power with a limited scope, perfect for strategic fights but with its own set of challenges.

For the Turtle Miraculous, I've added an advanced ability exclusive to Master Fu, or any adult who shares a strong bond with their Kwami. This ability grants the user an invisible protective armor that surrounds them, offering powerful immunity. The armor is mobile, moving with the user, but it requires focus and maintenance to remain active. It provides excellent defense, though it comes with the need for constant attention to keep it functioning properly.

Hope you enjoy this take!