Notes: Shall we play a game?
Disclaimer: I definitely don't own the Miraculous franchise
Miraculous Universe
Ch. 28: WarGames
About a week had passed, and Lila was biding her time until an opportunity presented itself. It was after school when Max started making an announcement.
"I don't wish to sound like I'm bragging, and I know this is last minute, but I've been working on a new project. I've been designing my own video game."
The crowd murmured.
"I need someone to beta test what I've made so far."
"Sorry, buddy," Kim says, "But I've got a date."
"I got my dad to let all aspiring artists into the behind the scenes of the Louvre," Alix said, "Call it a school project."
"I've got a project going as well," Mylène said, "Some of us are going to plant trees and flowers."
"What genre of game is it?" Marinette asked.
"At the moment it's a fighting game," Max replied.
"I'd definitely help you if I hadn't already signed up for another activity. Maybe next weekend?"
"Oh, of course. After all, it'll still be a while before everything's ready. My game will still be there. Far be it from me to steal you away."
"You can count me in for next weekend, too," Adrien said, "I love a good fighting game."
"I appreciate it. Thanks, everyone for hearing me out."
Everyone said their goodbyes and left. Everyone, that is, except Max and Lila.
"It's so sad when all your friends make up excuses to not spend time with you. I don't play video games myself, but if I did, I'd gladly volunteer."
"What are you talking about, Lila? Everyone's reasons are clearly legitimate. It's easy enough to check. Still, why would that many people lie?"
"Well, it seems quite the coincidence that all these activities happened to fall on the same weekend. Perhaps that was deliberate."
"That seems highly unlikely."
Max was now looking at his phone, while Lila was inwardly seething.
"I have to change tactics. He's smarter than Kim. Let me see…"
Lila now had a devious smile on her face.
"Maybe deep down, the reason they don't want to hang out with you is because they're jealous."
"Excuse me?"
"They don't like how much smarter you are than them."
"I'm aware of my intelligence, but there are others in the class that are far more gifted in other areas. I'm not perfect."
"You know that, but do they? Oh, sure, maybe they're nice enough not to say anything, but how do you know that deep down they don't resent you?"
"... What?"
"Such talent and intelligence breeds jealousy, you know. Didn't I hear that your mother is trying to be an astronaut?"
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"There are plenty of bakers, and rock stars, and mayors in the world, but not everyone can be an astronaut. On top of that, how many people can say they've designed a video game or built a robot? Maybe without intending to, you've come across as arrogant. Asking them to beta test your game could be construed as if you're saying that playing your game is the only thing they're any good at."
Max wasn't sure what to think, "Do you really think all this is possible?"
"That's just my opinion, Max. Take it with a grain of salt. Just don't be surprised if your so-called friends come up with more excuses the next time you ask."
"I shall take your insight into consideration, Lila. I must be going now."
"Okay, bye!"
Lila quickly walked away and texted her boss.
LR: May I pay you a visit, Sir?
GA: I'll have Nathalie open the gate.
As Lila walked inside the mansion, Amelie and Félix were leaving.
"Lady Graham de Vanily, you're looking sharp as always."
"Why thank you, Lila."
"Where are you off to today?"
"Not that it's any of your business," Félix said, "But we're taking a short trip back to London. We can only take all this French rubbish for so long."
"Well spoken, my darling," Amelie said, "You will make sure that Gabriel doesn't do anything stupid, won't you, Nathalie?"
"I'll do my best."
"See you later!"
The ladies entered the atelier.
"Tsurugi-san, what a pleasant surprise," Lila said, "What brings you here?"
"Just a funny feeling that I needed to be here today…loathed as I am to do so."
"I so enjoy your company, Tomoe," Gabriel snarked, "Now what news, Lila?"
"I left a perfect target for you, Sir. He's still by the school, and currently stewing in self-doubt."
"Is that so? Then let us reconvene in the lair."
The four of them filed into the elevator. As soon as they stepped out, Gabriel transformed and created an Akuma.
"Now who is this target?"
"His name is Max Kanté."
"Ah, yes, that young man who thinks to challenge me," Tomoe said, "I had nearly forgotten about him. He's the only other person in Paris who's built his own robot."
"Well now he's making his own video game," Lila explained.
Tomoe scoffed, "What nonsense. He's far too talented for such things. If he's defeated, I'll be sure to extend an internship to him this time. Unlike my daughter, he can clearly be molded into a proper mechanical genius."
"If we could focus on the task at hand?" Papillombre said, sending out the Akuma.
"What's your brilliant plan this time, Gabriel?"
"What better way to de-motivate the people of Paris than by broadcasting the defeat of the Miraculous heroes? I'll have this genius use his technology to our advantage…without any repercussions this time."
The Akuma quickly flew to the school and merged with Max's glasses.
"Good day, young man. I am Papillombre."
"You're the guy who screwed up big time with my robot."
"Never mind that. I'm here to help you."
"What could you possibly do for me?"
"I can feel your conflict, but I know you're a genius. You're worried that maybe your friends resent you. That perhaps you come across as a know-it-all. Well I'm here to tell you this - so what? Of course you're smarter than they are. You build a robot. You're creating a video game. Instead of holding back, you should show the entire city what you're capable of!"
Max's resistance faded away as the villain's words poisoned his mind.
"You're right. They're all against me. They're all just jealous of me. As well they should. I am a genius! None of them could possibly match my intellect!"
"I can't think of a better way to show everyone what you're made of than by eliminating the Miraculous heroes"
"What a brilliant notion."
"Well then, let the games begin. All of Paris will know you as Le Gamer."
The dark energy transformed Max. He was now at least a foot taller, he wore a visor instead of glasses, and his costume was very dark purple with glowing green Tron lines. He turned his laptop to face himself and disappeared into the monitor. Every screen in Paris now bore his face.
"Citizens of Paris! I am Le Gamer! You shall all bear witness to my magnificence! I challenge the Miraculous heroes to meet me at my lycée and face off against me in a series of games. If you somehow win, I'll surrender willingly. If I win, I will take your Miraculous, by force if necessary! This is non-negotiable."
Marinette and Alya were in Marinette's room when the broadcast went out.
"Time to get to work, Als."
"This is way less strenuous than normal work, Nette."
Nino and Adrien were in Nino's room.
"Break's over, Nino."
"Guess so, mec."
Chloé, Zoé, and Sabrina, were all in Chloé's room.
"Duty calls, girls," Sabrina said.
"Why does it always have to be on the weekend?" Chloé grumbled.
"Don't act like you don't enjoy it," Zoé said.
"I'd enjoy it more if it was more considerate with my time."
Luka was already about to leave the houseboat when he ran into Juleka.
"Shouldn't you be working?" she asked.
He smiled, "I'm not here."
The team was now heading for the school. At that same time, Kim was out with Ondine when he saw the broadcast.
"I've gotta do something," Kim said.
"That's what the heroes are for, Kim," Ondine replied.
"I know, but he's one of my best friends. He's always helping me out. How can I call myself his friend if I don't do the same?"
"I love how honest you are. Let's get going."
Everyone on the team, save for Ladybird and Tortank, we're at the school. Just as the duo were getting close, that's when Ladybird spotted Kim and Ondine.
"Give me a second, Tortank. You go ahead."
"Sure thing, Ladybird."
She flew over to the couple.
"You probably shouldn't be here."
"Yeah, I know," Kim said, "But I don't like the idea of doing nothing. Max has always put up with me and my athletic endeavors. He helps me out all the time. I want to help him now."
Ladybird smiled, "That's exactly what I wanted to hear."
She activated her yo-yo and pulled out a Miraculous. She presented it to Kim.
"This is the Monkey Miraculous. In case something happens to us, I'd like for you to use it to provide backup."
He took the circlet and looked it over.
"How does it work?"
"You put it on, you think of a cool costume, and then you say, transform me. Like I said, though, only as a last resort. Until then, I'm trusting you to hold onto it for me. You'll keep an eye on him, won't you, Ondine?"
"Count on it."
Ladybird waved at them and joined her team.
"Where were you?" Noir asked.
"Just covering our bases, as they say. Now, to business - where are you, Gamer?"
His face appeared on the laptop.
"So good of you to join me. Shall we play a game?"
"I understood that reference," Bateleur said.
"Oh, hush," Apireine said.
The laptop screen became blindingly bright, and it began sucking in every team member.
—
They were now all in a white void.
"Oh man!" Zorrua exclaimed, "We just digitized into the computer. Just like in that movie Tron."
No one said anything.
"Oh, come on! Nobody else here saw Tron?"
"No."
"No."
"No."
"No."
"No."
"No."
"Yes!"
Everyone was now looking at Bateleur.
"What? It's an interesting movie."
"That's what I'm talking about," Zorrua replied, a big smile on his face.
"Can we focus please?" Ladybird asked.
"I quite agree!" came a voice from the void.
A large screen appeared out of nowhere, and Le Gamer was looking down at his opponents.
"Let's make this game interesting. It shall be separated into three parts. For this first part, you will be divided into two teams at random."
He snapped his fingers, and in a flash, they were now on opposite sides of the screen.
Team 1: Ladybird, Matou Noir, Seiryū, Bateleur
Team 2: Apireine, Vipèrion, Zorrua, Tortank
"You will now be separated once again. Your task is to find your teammates, and then come and challenge me to a battle. Let the games begin!"
Everything went black…
—
Ladybird's eyes opened.
"What happened? Where am I?"
The area was very cozy, with an obvious eastern type of flair in the décor.
"What am I wearing? Why do I have fur? What am I?"
She stood up and looked around.
"What's this on my back? A staff? Isn't there a mirror anywhere?"
She reached out in front of her and a screen appeared. It showed her new appearance. She looked like an anthropomorphic panda.
"Is that really me?"
She reached up and felt her head.
"I have little bear ears. I guess that is me. I'm a pandaren. Okay, don't panic. Le Gamer said I have to find my teammates, so I need to go where everyone else is bound to be. If I recall correctly, there should be a portal to the main capital city."
She started looking in every adjacent room for a portal.
"Ah, here it is. I'm on my way, guys."
—
Seiryū opened her eyes and leapt from her bed. She looked around at her new surroundings.
"This place seems way too normal."
She looked at her body. She was a fairly tall elf with purple skin.
"If we're in a video game, there must be a UI somewhere."
She pressed an invisible button and the screen appeared.
"So I'm a night elf monk. That figures. I'm glad I still have a sword. Where's the map?"
She pulled one out of nowhere.
"I thought so. I'm in the main capital city of Stormwind. That means everyone will be coming here. I just have to keep an eye out for them."
—
Bateleur's eyes snapped open and she shook her head. The room was large and adorned with crystals.
"Wow, this place sure is shiny. Wait, why do I have an accent?"
She stood up and heard what sounded like the clip clop of hooves. She was quite tall, had blue skin, a pair of horns, and a tail.
"I have hooves? Where's the screen? Here we are. So, I'm a draenei then, and a warrior to boot. Well, I'd best get to Stormwind so I can find the rest of the team."
In a flash of magic, she was now astride a large elephant-like beast with enormous tusks and adorned with armor.
"An elekk for fast transport. Let's go!"
—
It was now Matou Noir's turn to wake up.
"Where am I? Where's everyone else? Hey, wait a second. This place looks familiar."
The area seemed normal, but there was a hint of magic in the air. He checked his picture. He looked like a human.
"I don't feel completely human. Wait a second."
He transformed into a werewolf.
"Just as I thought. I'm a worgen. That's cool. Let me see the map. So this is Dalaran. Which means I'm in Azeroth. I'd better get to the portal and find everyone."
At that same moment, on the other side of Dalaran, Vipèrion came to.
"That was a trip. Wait, do I have an accent?"
He looked at his body. He was very tall and lithe, with spiky hair, and a pair of tusks.
"No shoes, three fingers, tusks…okay, so I'm a troll. I'd better head for the portal to the main capital city of Orgrimmar. Everyone else on my half of the team should be there."
He stepped outside and building, stretched A bit, and then shapeshifted into a spirit wolf.
"I'm a shaman as well. This should make things faster. I wonder though…anybody else here?!"
Matou Noir's ears twitched.
"Someone else is here?"
He rushed out the door and shifted into a storm crow for a better view of the city. He spotted something running around the buildings.
"Who's there?"
"It's me, the Snake. Mr. Cat, I presume?"
"Looks like we're opposite factions."
"Maybe so, but we'll all have to join forces once we reach the boss fight."
"It's so weird there being no one else here."
"I'm guessing the Akuma makes his own rules. We'd better get going."
"Any idea where Le Gamer could be hiding?"
"I have a hunch, but for now, let's find our teammates."
They headed back to their sections of the city and stepped through their respective portals.
—
Apireine woke up in a fancy bed.
"If I wasn't so sure that I'm inside a computer, I'd swear this bed was mine. Wait a minute…am I taller? What am I wearing? This is leather."
She stood up and looked around.
"My skin looks like I've been tanning way too long."
She looked at herself on the profile screen. She was an elf, similar to Matou Noir, but darker.
"I'm one of the nightborne. Wow, I look amazing. According to the map, I'm in Silvermoon City. I'd better get to Orgrimmar. That's where everyone else will be."
She walked outside and summoned her mount, which was a large purple cat wearing elaborate armor. Astride her manasaber, she made her way to the largest building in the back of the city. In a room off to the side was a portal.
"Thank goodness this is here, otherwise I'd have to take the zeppelin."
—
Tortank now awoke to an unfamiliar setting. In a different part of the same city, Zorrua also woke up.
"Something's definitely off about this," Tortank said.
She stood up and started to walk, but noticed a few things.
"Hooves, a tail, horns…let me see a mirror or something."
A screen appeared in mid-air. She was a very tall minotaur.
"I'm a tauren? That's so cool!"
Meanwhile, Zorrua was looking around outside.
"I can't believe it. I'm in Azeroth!"
Tortank shook her head.
"Focus, girl. Is anyone else here?!"
"Turtle Lady, is that you?!"
"Fox Boy?! Where are you?!"
"I'm over by the front gate!"
"I'll be right there!"
Tortank headed for the gate atop a large dinosaur-like creature called a kodo. Zorrua was excited to see her. Although as she got closer, he noticed a big difference.
"Aw, babe, you look so cute!"
Zorrua was a small anthropomorphic fox.
"How come you're a tauren, while I'm a vulpera?"
"What does it matter? We're close to the portals, right?"
He sighed, "Yeah, the others should be here soon."
In said portal room, Apireine and Vipèrion arrived.
"Snake Man?"
"Hey, Queenie. How did you know it was me?"
"Call it a hunch," she glanced at his tabard, "Keepers of Time… That's clever."
"I thought so. I love your outfit. Very fitting."
"I thought so."
"There you guys are," Tortank said.
"Oh, geez, you're almost as huge as Snake King over here!"
"You're all huge compared to me," Zorrua said.
Apireine looked around, "Where did that come from?"
"Hey, don't make me use this hammer," Tortank said.
"Calm down, cowgirl. Now that we've found each other, what are we supposed to do now?"
"I just assumed he'd tell us once we met up," Zorrua said.
"Maybe we have to wait for the other faction to meet up with each other," Vipèrion said.
—
Ladybird, Matou Noir, and Bateleur all came through their respective portals.
"Is that you, My Lady?"
"Chaton? Your voice is so deep now."
"Plus I have a different accent. And you must be Bateleur."
"How could you tell?"
"You have a mace for a weapon. Seiryū always uses a sword."
"Speaking of which," Ladybird said, "We should go find her."
The trio headed out of the tower and were about to spread out.
"I've been waiting for you."
Seiryū was waiting at the foot of the tower.
"You're a night elf monk, I see," Noir said, "Very cool."
"Thank you. Now where do we go from here?"
"The Akuma never did say, did he?"
Just then, in both capital cities, the voice of Le Gamer seemed to come from everywhere.
"Well done, players! Your teams are complete. Now onto the next task. Both teams must meet me atop Icecrown Citadel where we shall begin our battle! Don't keep me waiting too long."
"So we have to go right back through a portal?" Apireine asked, "Well that's annoying."
"Let's go so you can beat some sense into this Akuma, Queenie," Vipèrion said.
Both teams, Horde and Alliance, went through the Dalaran portal.
—
The Alliance team looked around.
"So where to from here?" Ladybird asked.
"Due east, My Lady," Noir replied.
"Lead the way, Chaton."
He shapeshifted into a large storm crow and flew off. Bateleur summoned a gryphon. Ladybird summoned a large, winged, white creature that was similar to a gryphon, but half owl instead of half eagle. Seiryū summoned an enormous, blue, eastern dragon that was brimming with electricity. They all followed closely after Matou Noir. On the other side of Dalaran, the Horde team was about to leave.
"The Alliance are already leaving," Zorrua said, "Let's get moving, team."
"Is your enthusiasm here to make up for the fact that you're the same height as our legs?" Apireine asked.
"Quit poking fun at him," Tortank said, "We need to work together."
"We've been teammates for a while now, Turtle Lady…or should I say Tauren Lady?"
"You can argue later, girls," Vipèrion said, "Let's finish the game first. After you, M. Fox."
Zorrua summoned a large creature called a wolfhawk that looked like a wolf, but with feathers on its head, legs, and tail. Vipèrion summoned a giant vampire bat. Apireine summoned a giant raven. Tortank summoned a large creature that looked like a lion/bat/scorpion hybrid called a wyvern.
"Onward and upward!" Zorrua exclaimed.
Both teams made their way over the Crystalsong Forest and into the barren landscape of Icecrown. As they flew across the area of rock and ice, the temperature seemed to be continuously dropping.
"It's freezing here!" Apireine shouted.
"All of Northrend is cold," Vipèrion replied.
"Yeah, but this feels unnatural."
"Of course it's unnatural. It's magical in nature," Zorrua explained, "We're heading straight for the Frozen Throne."
"Technically we still have to go the long way," Tortank said, "We have to start at the bottom of the citadel."
"Glad you guys could join us," Noir called out.
"Mec, you're a druid!"
"Where's everyone else?" Vipèrion asked.
"I told them to go on ahead, while I checked to make sure you guys were on your way. Being able to shapeshift so easily speeds things up a bit."
He dove down and landed next to the other Alliance players. The Horde players landed close by and walked up. Zorrua looked around at how much taller everyone else was compared to himself.
"This is so not fair."
Tortank bent down and gave him a playful headbutt.
"I think you look adorable, Fox Man."
"Let's just get inside and get this over with!" Apireine snapped as she ran inside.
The team filed through the doors and into the citadel.
"I think it's actually colder inside than it is outside!"
"We're in the enemy stronghold," Zorrua said, "It's only going to get worse."
"Hey, wait a second," Noir said, "Apireine, your outfit."
She started striking poses, "It's simple, but suitable, no?"
"That's from the Wailing Caverns, isn't it?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, I guess."
"Where's that again?" Ladybird asked.
"Kalimdor, the Northern Barrens," Tortank said, "There's an oasis with an expansive cave system. It's full of reptiles and slimes."
"Yes, and the Druids of the Fang are a group of corrupted night elves," Seiryū added, "That's their uniform."
"Why are you wearing an outfit that's for druids when you're a rogue?" Noir asked.
"What does it matter? It's just for transmog anyway!" Apireine said.
Bateleur leaned over and nudged Zorrua.
"I think I know why she's wearing that outfit," she said with a smirk.
The entire outfit was purple with a gold snake pattern. Everyone started to chuckle. Apireine stomped her foot and started walking away.
"You've got no right judging me! I look gorgeous! Once we're done here, I'll wipe those smiles off your faces!"
Vipèrion shook his head and smiled.
"Queenie, come on, wait up."
"You know," Zorrua said, "It's kind of eerie being here when there aren't even any NPCs."
"I know what you mean," Seiryū said, "It's not natural for a game like this to be so empty."
Vipèrion caught up with Apireine, but before he could say anything, she attempted to use the teleporter. They were both sent to a different level of the citadel.
"Wrong room, sorry," Apireine said, "I guess I should've read the names of the floors more closely."
"Wait, before we go… I am flattered that you wore that for me."
She scoffed, "It's no big deal."
"If I could, I'd kiss you."
"If only you weren't so darn ugly."
"Hey!"
"Besides, people might be watching."
"After what happened with Dislocœur, I think everybody knows we're an item, Queenie."
She sighed, "Okay, fine. Just try not to move too much. Those tusks could put an eye out. Plus there's the fact that you're now over a foot taller than me."
He bent over and she gave him a fairly brief kiss.
"Don't you two ever stop?" Seiryū asked.
The rest of the team was looking at them. Apireine nudged Vipèrion.
"I told you this was the wrong floor. Let's keep looking," she walked back to the teleporter, "And whatever it is any of you are thinking about saying, DON'T!"
"We better hurry," Zorrua said, "She might take another wrong turn."
Tortank started to snicker. They were soon close to the exit when suddenly…
"You didn't think it was going to be that easy, did you?" Gamer said.
Undead monsters began swarming into the room.
"ZOMBIES!" Zorrua screamed as he ran behind the others.
"Everyone get ready!" Ladybird shouted.
They all drew their weapons. Vipèrion threw down four shaman totems. Before the zombies got too close, a rain of bullets took out a good chunk of them.
"There! Pretty as a picture," Zorrua said, continuing to fire.
"Way to go, Foxy!" Tortank said, "Now it's my turn!"
She charged forward and ignited the floor with holy magic. She began swinging her mace at every zombie within reach.
"Hey, don't take them all!" Bateleur said, joining her.
With one large swing of her mace, she sent several zombie parts flying. A vampire came floating towards the group, but it was sent flying backwards by jade-colored lightning. Seiryū then joined the fray, punching and kicking the undead masses.
"This is very cathartic!" she shouted.
One zombie that lunged at her was hit with a fireball.
"Not bad, Kingsnake," Apireine said, "But try and top this."
She disappeared in a cloud of smoke. She reappeared behind one of the larger zombies and stabbed it in the back several times. Vipèrion swung his maces, freezing or burning any zombies he struck. Matou Noir shapeshifted into a bag cat and clawed at every zombie in his way. Ladybird was zapping the undead with her holy and shadow magic, while also taking time to heal her teammates. Eventually, all the zombies were eliminated.
"Well done, heroes," Gamer said, "Now ascend and prepare for the boss level!"
"Bring it on, nerd boy," Apireine said, running to the next area.
They were all now at the very top of Icecrown Citadel, with the Frozen Throne looming ahead of them. Le Gamer was lounging across the throne.
"Took you long enough."
"Look, pal, if you wanted this fight to happen so quickly, you could've just had us start at this stupid castle in the first place!"
"I suppose you're right. Oh well, enough of that," his voice became much deeper, "Shall we begin?"
His body was now covered in heavy armor and he wielded a large broadsword. He tapped the sword on the ground, which produced a loud clang. There was a loud roar, and a humongous skeletal dragon flew up and landed next to the throne.
"I never said this would be a fair fight. If you get past my draco-lich, then you'll have the honor of fighting me! Attack, my servant!"
The dragon zombie was inhaling deeply.
"Everyone move!" Zorrua shouted.
The dragon let loose a stream of ice breath.
"That was too close," Ladybird said, "There's barely any room up here. You're good, right, Minou?"
Matou Noir was gone. Ladybird worriedly looked over the side of the citadel.
"Please no, not that. He couldn't have been knocked off."
The dragon was now moving closer. Suddenly, Matou Noir leapt out from behind it in his cat form and began clawing at its back. The dragon spun around in an attempt to knock him off. The others were quick to avoid the tail. Bateleur then jumped high into the air and came down with a slam. This caused Le Gamer to flinch.
"How dare you attack me?! You've yet to even defeat my dragon!"
"Well then you're not going to like this," Tortank said.
She threw her shield at Le Gamer, striking him with the power of light. It then ricocheted off him and struck the bone dragon. Zorrua produced a hail of bullets that hit both targets. Seiryū placed a statue nearby that healed her as she went right up to the dragon and began delivering a flurry of punches. Vipèrion summoned a totem that began shooting fireballs at the dragon. He then started sending bolts of lightning at the beast. Apireine suddenly appeared behind Le Gamer and attacked with her daggers.
"You dare attack me when my back is turned?!"
"I'm a rogue, genius. That's my job!"
"You insolent -"
He was hit with a fireball before he could finish. Apireine winked at Vipèrion. Bateleur charged at the dragon, while Tortank summoned a magic golden hammer to strike down the monster. Apireine and Le Gamer were trading blows back and forth, when Seiryū performed a flying kick at the Akuma, striking him in the chest. Bateleur, Tortank, and Vipèrion charged their weapons and attacked the dragon all at once. At last, the draco-lich was sent tumbling over the side.
"You'll pay for that, heroes!"
He was blinded by a blast of light magic.
"I can heal and hurt all at once," Ladybird declared.
Now that the dragon was gone, everyone concentrated their attacks on Le Gamer. He summoned a few weaker zombies, but they were easily disposed of. At last, he fell to his knees. Apireine held her dagger to his throat, while everyone else pointed their weapons at him.
"It seems you're tougher than I thought. I yield…"
Everyone backed up slightly.
"...but this is only round one."
He snapped his fingers and everything went black.
—
Ladybird opened her eyes.
"I feel funny. Where am I? I don't feel quite like myself. Wait, what is that?"
A huge figure in the distance was walking closer. Her eyes went wide as the figure became clear.
"It's a T. rex. That's a Tyrannosaurus rex headed right towards me! Nice dinosaur…I, uh, I'll give you a treat if you don't eat me."
"My Lady, is that you?"
"What? Chaton? You're a T. rex?"
"Looks that way. I'm a rather nice shade of dark green, no? Have you noticed yourself?"
"What do you mean?"
She suddenly became aware that she had a pair of large horns on her head.
"Am I a Triceratops?"
"You certainly are. Look over there."
Two more dinosaurs came out of nowhere.
"Hey, guys, look at me," Tortank said, "I'm a Spinosaurus! Isn't that awesome?"
"She's the one with the shell," Zorrua said, "Yet I'm the one who becomes an Ankylosaurus."
"I think you're quite handsome."
It was an odd sight, seeing a Spinosaurus playfully nudge an Ankylosaurus with her snout. Just then, a Stegosaurus came walking up to the group.
"Hey, all, it's me."
"Vipèrion? You're a Stego?" Ladybird asked.
"Yeah, and brace yourselves, because she's right behind me."
A loud roar rang out in the distance, and a large bipedal dinosaur came stalking out of the distance.
"I'm guessing that's you, Apireine," Tortank said.
"Only I could pull off being an Allosaurus. Aren't I magnificent?"
"I thought maybe you were roaring because you didn't like being a dinosaur," Noir said.
"Are you kidding? I'm just annoyed that the Akuma got away. As for me? I'm better than a Velociraptor or a T. rex! Do you know why? Because I'm optimized. I'm efficient!"
"Uh huh, and where's Bateleur?" Ladybird asked.
"Oh, she'll be here in a second. She's just showing off."
A large shadow passed over the group.
"Whoa, what was that?!" Zorrua exclaimed.
The enormous shape landed on the ground and began walking forward.
"What is that?" Ladybird asked, "It's like a hybrid of a stork, a bat, and a giraffe."
"I'd also like to point out that it's not a dinosaur," Tortank said, "It's a pterosaur."
"Very true," Bateleur replied, "But a Quetzalcoatlus is just too dang cool!"
"That just leaves Seiryū," Noir said, "Where is she?"
Out of the shadows emerged a large bipedal dinosaur with a long neck, a small head, and very large claws.
"What in the world is that?" Ladybird asked.
"I am a Therizinosaurus. They're famous for the 3ft claws on their hands. Said claws are used for display, defense, and foraging."
"You mean to tell us this thing is an herbivore?" Noir asked.
"Do you know how much more dangerous herbivores can be compared to carnivores?"
"She's right, you know," Tortank said.
"If you're through chatting," Le Gamer said, "We can have at it."
Real world
"Do you think I could do something if I messed with that laptop?" Kim asked.
"If the Akuma really is Max," Ondine replied, "Then I'm sure he's taken precautions."
"I feel like I should do something. Ladybird gave me this Miraculous. Maybe if I have superpowers, I can help."
"Well… I guess it couldn't hurt."
Ondine did a quick look around.
"Okay, everyone's busy watching the screens. Go ahead, Kim."
He placed the circlet on his head, "Transformez moi."
He was now wearing a tan and yellow outfit with dark brown pads on the shoulders, elbows, and knees. He also had a staff on his back, and a piece of rope for a tail.
"That looks pretty good," Ondine said, "What's your hero name?"
"Uh…let me think…I'll go with, uh, Singe Ngộ Không."
"How did you come up with that?"
"Well, Tôn Ngộ Không is the Vietnamese way of saying Monkey King, but I also want to denote my French heritage, so I put the French word for monkey in front instead."
"Wow, that's…very learned of you, Kim. You surprise me more and more every day."
"Thanks, beautiful. Now I must be off."
She gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
"Be careful, Monkey Boy."
Singe ran over to the laptop and looked it over. He then tried to press some of the buttons, only to receive a shock in response.
"Ow, that…barely hurt."
He kept trying to pick up the laptop, getting shocked every time.
Inside the PC
"Would you excuse me for a moment?" Le Gamer said, "I have to take care of something."
Singe was sucked into the laptop and fell next to the other heroes.
"Whoo-ee! That was a rush!"
When he stood up, he had been transformed into a Pachycephalosaurus.
"Uh, who are you?" Apireine asked.
"Huh? Oh, hey, everyone. I'm the backup. I go by the name Singe Ngộ Không."
"Wow, that's actually pretty clever," Ladybird said.
"Thanks, I… Am I a dinosaur?"
"We all are, if you hadn't noticed," Seiryū said.
"Oh, yeah, right."
"Well, new hero," Gamer said, "Since you saw fit to interfere, you shall partake in the game from this moment on. Now prepare for round 2!"
A large paddock appeared from out of nowhere. The door began to automatically open. A new dinosaur stomped forward. His body was black and gray, while his head and feet were red.
"That doesn't look right," Ladybird said.
"Is that even a real dinosaur?" Matou Noir asked.
"No, it's not," Tortank said, "That's some kind of chimera."
"Correct, dear lady. You're clearly well educated in this field. In order to make this a proper fight, I combined traits from several dinosaurs to make a challenging boss fight. Behold! I possess the head and body of a Tyrannosaurus rex, the horns and frill of a Triceratops, the arms and feet of a Velociraptor, the back armor and club tail of an Ankylosaurus, and the thagomizer of a Stegosaurus."
"The what?" Zorrua asked.
"The four spikes on its tail," Tortank replied.
"However, I'm much larger than any tyrannosaurid or carcharodontosaurid. I am an Ultimasaurus!"
"It doesn't seem very fair that we're all real dinosaurs, while you're a hybrid," Vipèrion said.
"Yeah? Well I say it is fair, and what I think is all that matters. Now get ready!"
"Wait, you mean we're just flat out fighting each other like animals?" Noir asked.
"Yes! Now stop asking stupid questions! You've gotta be on your toes for this game!"
He charged forward with a roar. Once he was close enough, Apireine was the first to engage. She clamped her jaws around his neck, taking care to avoid the one part covered with armor. The two mighty theropods began struggling. Tortank rushed forward and bit down on an arm. Matou Noir did likewise on a leg. Gamer desperately tried to wrench himself free from his opponents. Bateleur now came forward and attempted to stab him with her beak. Singe charged forward and rammed Gamer in the chest. Gamer used his free arm to swipe at anyone close by. Ladybird ran up and clamped her beak on said arm. Gamer was now trying to spin around to smack anyone he could with his tail. Zorrua stomped forward and swung his club tail at Gamer's free leg, causing him to stumble. Now that his head was lower to the ground, Vipèrion struck him in the face with his thagomizer. He was released, and he fell to the ground. As he attempted to get back up, Seiryū clawed his side with her massive claws. Bateleur jabbed his other side with her massive beak. Apireine pounced on him and knocked him over. Gamer let out a rather pathetic roar of frustration and pain.
"Had enough yet, hybrid man?"
Seiryū displayed her claws, while Matou Noir let out a roar. Everyone else stood in a circle around Gamer.
"Actually," he said between breaths, "I think it's time for…round 3!"
There was a flash of bright light once again.
—
The team was now back in their ordinary costumes. A large screen bearing Le Gamer's face appeared.
"Time for a much more tactical fight."
"What is it this time?" Apireine asked, "A Pokémon battle?"
"Tempting, but no. It has to be something a bit faster and more exciting for our audience. So instead…I'll turn you all into Digimon."
"Boy, you don't hear that very often," Zorrua said.
"Feel free to choose whatever evolution line you prefer. It probably won't help you. Still, let's try to give the people an entertaining show."
He snapped his fingers and everyone turned into data. After about a minute, everyone reappeared, now in the body of a Digimon.
"Aw, you look so cute," Bateluer said, "You're a bee."
Apireine looked like a bee the size of a dog. She was yellow with brown stripes, blue antennae, and a large stinger.
"Oh, put a sock in it," Apireine replied, "As if there was any doubt I'd look nice or look like a bee. Just call me Funbeemon. Meanwhile, I already know what you are. You're a Hawkmon."
Bateleur was a small bipedal, red and white hawk. She took a bow.
"That's my name. Don't wear it out. If this is like the games and shows, we should evolve pretty soon."
Vipèrion walked up as a small, bipedal, gray dragon.
"Hello, ladies. The name's Monodramon."
"Here I am," Ladybird said, now looking like a small beige puppy with floppy ears, "I'm a Plotmon."
"How fitting, My Lady," Matou Noir said, "Because I'm a Tentomon."
"A ladybug. How sweet," Seiryū said, "Ryudamon is what I am."
She looked like a small, furry, bipedal dragon clad in samurai armor.
"Looks like we had the same idea, Ladybird," Tortank said, "As you can see, I'm Renamon."
She was now a tall, lithe, bipedal, yellow-furred fox.
"What do you mean by that?" Ladybird asked.
Zorrua walked up in the body of a bipedal turtle wearing a helmet.
"Look at me! I'm Kamemon!"
"Calm down, turtle boy," Apireine said.
"Where's the new guy?" Bateleur asked.
"Here I am!"
Singe came running up in the body of a bipedal red and white lizard. He held an old-timey microphone in his hand.
"The name's Shoutmon!"
"Just because your name has the word shout in it," Apireine replied, "Doesn't mean you have to yell everything you say!"
"Sorry!"
"Now then, let's waste no time," Le Gamer said, snapping his fingers, "Ogremon…
Ogremon was exactly what you'd picture when you hear the word ogre - a tall, muscular, green monster wielding a bone club.
"… Blossomon…"
Blossomon was a large yellow flower with blue petals. It moved along several large roots. It snapped its jaws and waved its vines at its opponents.
"... Cockatrimon…"
Cockatrimon was a rooster larger than the average man. It had shiny eyes and a tooth-filled beak.
"... Gekomon…"
Gekomon was a bipedal frog that was smaller than the average human, but the trumpet around its neck played music that could injure or knock out its opponents.
"... Tortomon…"
Tortomon was an elephant-sized yellow turtle with a spiky shell.
"... Tyrannomon…"
Tyrannomon looked like a red T. rex with green spikes on its back.
"... Raremon…"
Raremon was a huge living pile of sludge with mechanical parts sticking out.
"... Attack!"
The team scattered and began dodging attacks.
"This hardly seems fair!" Matou Noir cried, "They're all way bigger than we are!"
"Just try and evolve and we'll even the playing field," Zorrua said.
"I've never been a Digimon before," Singe said, "So how am I supposed to evolve?"
"It's all down to instinct really," Vipèrion said.
Apireine flew over to Blossomon.
"What better opponent for a bee than a flower?"
Blossomon lashed out with its vines in an attempt to hit Apireine.
"This is why I love flying. Gear Stinger!"
She began firing stingers at the monstrous flower.
"Hey, don't hog all the fun," Bateleur said, "Feather Slash!"
She grabbed the feather on her head and threw it at the Blossomon.
Over with Ladybird, she was running away from Ogremon, who kept trying to hit her with its club.
"Why would anyone want to hit a puppy?!" Ladybird cried.
"Petit Thunder!"
A shot of electricity struck the Ogremon, giving it pause. Matou Noir flew over to help.
"Now, My Lady!"
She charged forward, "Sledge Dash!"
She tackled the Ogremon in the chest. It was pushed back slightly, but it quickly retaliated by swinging its club. Ladybird and Noir backed away. Meanwhile, Zorrua was fighting with the Gekomon. It kept blowing painful-sounding music from the trumpet around its neck.
"Buddy, that is not music."
"You're telling me," Vipèrion said, "Beat Knuckle!"
He delivered a punch to the Gekomon, shutting it up at least for a few seconds.
"Let me help you out!" Singe yelled, "Soul Crusher!"
He shot a stream of fire out of his mouth that engulfed the Gekomon.
"I think we've got this, Zorrua," Vipèrion said, "You'd better go help Tortank."
"Right."
"Hey, what's that smell?" Singe asked.
Raremon was crawling towards them.
"Charge…backwards!"
In another part of the battlefield, Seiryū was dodging the paralyzing eye beams of Cockatrimon. She dashed ahead and turned around to face the monster.
"Iai Blade!" she called out, firing a blade from her mouth.
The oversized rooster let out a squawk as the blade met its mark. Nearby, Tortank was caught between Tyrannomon and Tortomon. The two massive monsters charged at them from opposite ends.
"Get ready," Tortank said.
As soon as the monsters got closer, Tortank leapt into the air, while her two opponents collided with each other.
"Aerial Fox Leaf Arrowheads!"
She summoned a barrage of leaves as sharp as diamonds and rained them down upon her foes. However, as she fell back to the ground, Tyrannomon was waiting with its jaws open.
"Uh oh."
Zorrua ran up, "Shell Attack!"
He launched himself into the gut of the Tyrannomon, knocking it off balance. Tyrannomon retaliated by snapping Zorrua up in its jaws.
"No!" Tortank cried.
Before she could help him, Tortomon began firing spikes from its shell at her, forcing her to run. Back with Bateleur, she was dodging attacks from the Blossomon.
"Hey, you're supposed to be fighting me! I'm a bee and you're a flower. Quit attacking her and pay attention!"
Blossomon continued focusing on Bateleur.
"That does it! I'm getting really annoyed!"
Apireine began glowing.
"Funbeemon evolution… Waspmon!"
She was now a large, yellow and brown, half robotic wasp. Her entire lower body was an abdomen that ended in a laser rather than a proper stinger.
"Turbo Stinger!"
She fired a beam from her stinger that sent Blossomon flying several feet.
"Wow," Bateleur said, "You look cool…and a little creepy."
"That's how I'm supposed to look, honey."
"Was that supposed to be a joke?"
"Look out!" Vipèrion shouted.
Blossomon was getting up and was about to strike.
"Monodramon evolution… Sunflowmon!"
Vipèrion was now a large sunflower with a dinosaur-like body and a pair of large leaves that acted as wings.
"Sunshine Beam!"
He fired a beam of light from his petals, knocking Blossomon away.
Apireine laughed, "You look so ridiculous! You're a sunflower!"
Back with Ladybird and Matou Noir, Ogremon fired a blast from his fist that struck Noir.
"Back off, you jerk!" Ladybird screamed, "Plotmon evolution…Black Gatomon"
She now looked like a black bipedal cat. She leapt on Ogremon's face and began scratching.
"Cat Paw!"
Ogremon fell over.
"My Lady, that was amazing!"
"I've always liked cats," she said with a wink.
Ogremon staggered back up.
"My turn," Noir said, "Tentomon evolution…Stingmon! Moon Shooter!"
He began firing projectiles at the Ogremon. Tortank was still running from Tortomon. She kept looking over at the Tyrannomon. It still had Zorrua in its mouth and was shaking him around. Bateleur flew over to help.
"Help is on the way! Hawkmon evolution…Aquilamon!"
She was now a large red and white eagle with bull horns.
"Blast Laser!"
She fired a beam from her beak that struck the Tortomon.
"Thanks for the save," Tortank said, "I have to go."
She sprinted over to the Tyrannomon.
"Renamon evolution…Kyubimon!"
She was now a quadrupedal horse-sized yellow fox with nine tails.
"Fox Flame Dragon!"
She covered herself in blue flames and charged at the Tyrannomon. The impact caused it to drop Zorrua.
"Thanks, babe."
"My pleasure, handsome."
The Tyrannomon was getting back up.
"Allow me. Kamemon evolution…Gawappamon! DJ Shooter!"
He was now a kappa with a CD on his head. He spun the CD and fired it at the dinosaur, knocking it back down. Singe was running from the Raremon, while Seiryū ran towards it.
"Ryudamon evolution…Ginryumon!"
She was now a larger eastern style dragon covered in samurai armor.
"Armor-piercing Blade!"
She fired a spear from her mouth at the Raremon, stopping it in its tracks. Singe was heading straight for the Cockatrimon.
"Okay, I can do this. Shoutmon evolution…Scumon…?"
He now looked like a large pile of yellow excrement.
"Well this hardly seems fair."
Since the evil bird was getting closer, Singe did the only thing he could. He threw some Poop at the enemy. Cockatrimon let out an angry shriek in response.
"Oh, come on! That only made it madder."
Apireine flew high into the air so that she could see all their opponents.
"Turbo Stinger!"
She began raining down lasers from her stinger. Le Gamer was getting annoyed. He saw the Gekomon running away and snapped his fingers. It was now evolving. It became a very large red frog with twin trumpets on its back.
"TonosamaGekomon, get back in the fight!"
It turned around and hopped after the heroes. Gamer kept snapping his fingers.
"Mammothmon…"
A huge wooly mammoth charged forward.
"...Anomalocarimon…"
A giant arthropod that looked vaguely like a cross between a shrimp and a scorpion appeared.
"...Minotaurmon…"
A minotaur that had a cannon for a right arm stomped forward.
"...Arachnemon…"
A female spider-centaur joined the fight, a creepy smile on her face.
"...Mummymon…"
A male mummy tightly wrapped in bandages followed behind Arachnemon.
"...Infermon…"
A strange vaguely spider-like creature moved forward on six long spindly legs.
"...SkullGreymon…"
A humongous skeletal dinosaur with a missile on its back slowly made its way to the fighting.
"…MarineDevimon…"
A gigantic black devil creature with long white tentacles emerged from beneath a nearby pool of water.
"... Eliminate them!"
The Minotaurmon was heading for Noir and Ladybird, but they were still dealing with the Ogremon.
"Time to free some space," Noir said, "Spiking Finish!"
A laser sword came out of his right glove and he dashed at the Ogremon, stabbing it in the chest. This was too much for the monster and it disappeared into data. Ladybird did like before and pounced on the minotaur's face. Once again, she began delivering a flurry of scratches.
"Cat Paw!"
Meanwhile, Vipèrion was trying to attack the Infermon, but the virus was leaping all over the area, never staying in one spot for too long. Every time it paused, it fired a shot from its mouth. Vipèrion decided to wait. He stayed perfectly still while the spidery monster crawled rapidly across the arena. Every time it fired a projectile, Vipèrion managed to dodge it. Frustrated, Infermon got closer to its target. Unfortunately, it got too close.
"Cactus Tail!"
Vipèrion quickly spun around and struck the Infermon with his spiky tail, causing it to go flying through the air. Infermon steadied itself and charged at Vipèrion again.
"Sunflowmon evolution…Tropiamon!"
He was now a large draconic monster that seemed to be made up of multiple plants. When Infermon got close, Vipèrion used one of his hands to pin it down.
"Petally Carnage!"
He fired a barrage of exploding seeds at the virus Digimon. He then reached over and grabbed the Blossomon.
"Tropical Venom!"
He emitted a toxic gas from his mouth that melted the angry flower monster into data.
"Look out!" Bateleur cried.
Vipèrion was knocked over by the Mammothmon. The temperamental mammoth then shot a blast of ice at him.
Bateleur retaliated by charging forward, "Glide Horn!"
She rammed into the mammoth with her horns, causing it to cry out in pain. It then smacked her away with its trunk. In another section, Seiryū had Cockatrimon on one side, and Anomalocarimon on the other side.
"Ginryumon evolution…Hisyaryumon!"
She was now an even larger eastern style dragon with a crystal ball in each hand.
"Heavenly Dragon Crystal Sphere!"
She threw her crystal balls at her opponents, hitting them dead on target. Cockatrimon faded away, while Anomalocarimon was merely knocked onto its back. Over with Tortank, she held her ground as Raremon and Tortomon charged at her.
"Demon Fireball!"
Small blue fireballs shot from the tips of her nine tails and combined into one large fireball. It engulfed the two opposing Digimon.
Zorrua lent a hand, "DJ Shooter!"
The CDs collided with the two monsters, finally taking them out of the fight. Before the duo could react, Tyrannomon snapped at them. Ladybird dashed over to help.
"BlackGatomon evolution…Bastemon!"
She was now a tall, lithe cat-woman with long, red hair and two tails.
"Helter Skelter!"
She began to belly dance, and the Tyrannomon followed her movements…and so did Matou Noir.
"What a woman."
Ladybird then leapt onto the dinosaur Digimon and bit down.
"Vampire Dance!"
Tyrannomon was drained of its power and it faded into data. Ladybird then ran off, pursued by Arachnemon and Mummymon. Just then, SkullGreymon loomed overhead and let out a roar. It seemed to be getting ready to fire the missile on its back.
"We've got to stop that thing before it fires!" Tortank declared, "Kyubimon evolution…Taomon!"
She was now a tall, thin, humanoid fox wearing robes. She pulled a small bundle of paper out of each sleeve and threw the sheets into the air. They all covered SkullGreymon from top to bottom.
"Fox Seal Paper!"
The paper seals ignited and exploded. The skeletal beast ceased its firing sequence as it snarled in pain.
"My turn!" Zorrua said, "Gawappamon evolution…Shawujinmon!"
He was now a tall muscular kappa wearing robes and a cape. He wielded a blade shaped like a crescent moon. He leapt at the SkullGreymon.
"Crescent Moon Slash!"
He stabbed the great beast with his blade. Back with Bateleur, she once again charged at Mammothmon.
"Aquilamon evolution…Hippogriffomon!"
She was now a white eagle/horse hybrid.
"Heat Wave!"
She fired a blast of hot air from her mouth, causing the mammoth to flinch and melting any nearby ice. Ladybird was running on all fours as the Arachnemon and Mummymon kept pursuing her. Matou Noir flew over to help her.
"Stingmon evolution…Jewelbeemon!"
He was now a tall, shiny, green beetle man holding a large spear. He flew between Ladybird and her opponents.
"Spike Buster!"
He swung his spear so fast it created a shockwave that hit both the monsters. Seiryū flew up.
"Dragon-forming Blade!"
She transformed into a giant steel katana and sliced the Mummymon. Before the Arachnemon could react, Vipèrion lobbed the Infermon in his claws at the spider-like monster, knocking her back. Meanwhile, Singe was hopping away as fast as he could from the TonosamaGekomon. The large frog creature kept firing soundwaves from its trumpets.
"Come on, man," he said to himself, "Change again! Evolve or whatever! I can do this!"
His body began to glow.
"Scumon evolution…Etemon!"
He was now a tall, muscular, orange monkey wearing sunglasses.
"You want music, I'll give you a song. Love Serenade!"
The sound gave the frog monster pause. Singe then jumped at his opponent.
"Monkick!"
He delivered a powerful kick to its stomach, causing it to fall over. Elsewhere, MarineDevimon raised its tentacles and started taking swipes at Apireine.
"How dare you try to hit me?! Waspmon evolution…Cannonbeemon!"
She was now a giant robot bee with a laser cannon for a stinger. On her back was a set of honeycombs that housed missiles. She flew high into the air where she could see all the enemy Digimon.
"Sky Rocket Infinity!"
She rained a barrage of missiles down on all her foes. MarineDevimon had managed to swat away several of the missiles, and so continued to attack. Apireine turned to face him.
"Nitro Stinger!"
She fired a powerful laser from her stinger that pierced the giant monster's body. Le Gamer was now getting angry. All his monsters save for one were wiped out.
"Okay, that does it!" he began snapping his fingers again, "Diablomon…"
The surviving Infermon evolved into a large, thin monster with large shoulders, horns atop its head, and long stretchy limbs.
"...Apocalymon…"
A tall thin demonic figure atop a gigantic sphere appeared. The sphere had large points and multiple metal tentacles tipped with claws.
"...Imperialdramon…"
A large western style dragon with a cannon on its back flew onto the field.
"...LordKnightmon…"
A tall knight covered in pink armor flipped into the fight. It had a gold shield on its right hand.
"...Pharaohmon…"
A tall imposing figure covered in Egyptian clothes held a shield before itself.
"...BelialVamdemon…"
A gigantic demon in red and white stomped forward.
"...Lucemon…"
An absolutely colossal black dragon landed on the field. It created a black sphere that it clutched in its claws.
"... Wipe them all out!"
"You wanna get tough, four eyes?!" Apireine called out, "Now you're asking for it! Cannonbeemon evolution…TigerVespamon!"
She was now a tall humanoid cyborg wasp wearing a small red scarf. She wielded twin blades called Royal Meister.
Seiryū smirked, "I can't let you have all the fun. "Hisyaryumon evolution…Ouryumon!"
She was now a humongous eastern style dragon wielding a massive sword in each hand. She even had a pair of wings that were blades.
Apireine "May the best hero win, dragon lady."
"Likewise, wasp woman."
Apireine chose the Royal Knight as her opponent.
"That pink armor is an eyesore."
Seiryū charged at Imperialdramon.
"One dragon to another, don't get in my way."
The other enemy monsters were still heading for the rest of the heroes.
"I've gotta catch up," Tortank said, "Taomon evolution…Sakuyamon!"
She was now a tall woman in fox-themed armor of yellow and black, with purple gloves and boots. Her long silver hair was tied into twin ponytails. She held a golden staff called the Kongou Shakujou.
"Wait for me!" Ladybird called out, "This is going to be tough if we don't step up our game. Bastemon evolution…Dianamon!"
She was now a tall human figure in blue and white armor. She held a dual bladed scythe in her hands.
"Right behind you, My Lady," Matou Noir said, "Jewelbeemon evolution…BanchoStingmon!"
He was now even taller and red. His pants and coat were black. The gold armor on his arms each had a long drill for a weapon. Bateleur was watching as Apireine clashed with the knight.
"Apireine needs my help…to an extent. I can't let her fight alone. Hippogriffomon evolution…Griffomon!"
She now had a large, yellow cat-like body adorned with brown stripes. Her front legs looked like those of a bird of prey. The tip of her tail resembled a snake. Her helmet and top half of her beak were made of metal. She took to the air with a pair of large bat-like wings.
"Hang on, gang," Zorrua said, "Help is on the way! Shawujinmon evolution…JumboGamemon!"
He was now a gigantic, bipedal, robot turtle. He had cannons on his hands, tail, and head. Vipèrion noticed that Diablomon was trying to pull a sneak attack on Apireine.
"Not on my watch. Tropiamon evolution…Hydramon!"
He was now an enormous plant/dragon hybrid. His body was a mass of vines and roots, with thorns covered in poison. On his head were four yellow eyes and red petals arranged like a frill. There were also two large flowers on either side of his body that seemed to act as extra heads.
"I can't get left behind," Singe said, "Etemon evolution…KingEtemon!"
He was now covered in gold armor. He wore blue boots, a red cape, a red visor, and a red crown.
"Let's rock and roll!"
Apireine was fending off LordKnightmon's shield with one sword, and Pharaohmon's shield with her other sword. Seiryū dodged Imperialdramon's laser while trying to get a hit in.
"Intense Torch!"
Vipèrion fired beams from his three heads, knocking the dragon for a loop.
"Thank you, but now it's my turn. Eternal Dragon King Blades!"
She fired beams out of her swords that struck the wicked dragon. Bateleur charged at Pharaohmon.
"Supersonic Voice!"
She fired a high-pitched sonic beam at the pharaoh, knocking it back.
"I've always got your back, partner."
"Likewise, birdy. Pardon me a moment."
She flew into the air and zoomed around the knight.
"Mach Stinger Victory!"
She delivered a flurry of slashes at the royal knight, knocking it over. Ladybird was chasing after Diablomon. Zorrua called out to Apireine and Bateleur.
"You two help Ladybird, I'll deal with these clowns."
Apireine flew off without a word.
Bateleur started to snicker, "Are you guardian of the universe and friend to children?"
"Knock it off."
She flew off and shouted, "Thanks, mec!"
"Hey, that's my thing."
Pharaohmon and LordKnightmon were now heading towards him.
"Megaton Hydro Laser!"
He fired powerful beams from all his cannons, eliminating his opponents. Matou Noir and Singe Ngộ Không teamed up against BelialVamdemon. It fired balls of dark energy at them, but they managed to dodge.
"Me first, Cat Man. King Monkick!"
He delivered a powerful kick to the great demon's chest.
"Explosive Thunderstorm!"
Noir deployed a salvo of bug-shaped mines that exploded all around the demon lord. He then went in for the final blow.
"Bloody Finish!"
He skewered the demon with his two drills.
"And just to make sure you stay down…Redbutt!"
He gave the demon vampire a nasty headbutt that cracked its armor. Imperialdramon flew in to attack, but…
"Jumbo Jetter!"
Zorrua fired himself through the air to perform a tackle against the dragon.
Tortank pointed her staff at the mighty beast, "Izuna!"
Four dragons made of blue fire swarmed the giant dragon, finally taking it down. Ladybird was aiming at Diablomon.
"Arrow of Artemis!"
She fired an arrow made of ice at the virus, which froze it in place.
Apireine joined in, "My turn! Gear Stinger!"
She fired dozens of small needles at the monster.
"Me next!" Tortank declared, "Diamond Realm Mandala!"
She struck the ground with her staff and created a purifying barrier that dealt a large amount of damage to the virus monster. It tried to retaliate by stretching out its massive claw, but Bateleur intercepted it.
"Moebius Bite!"
She bit down with her bird beak and the snake mouth on her tail. Vipèrion now joined that assault.
"Biotoxin!"
A cloud of toxic gas spewed from his abdomen and engulfed Diablomon, finally wiping it out.
"Everyone!" Ladybird announced, "Focus your attacks on Apocalymon!"
"Monkey Play!"
"Eternal Dragon King Blades!"
"Izuna!"
"Megaton Hydro Laser!"
"Intense Torch!"
"Supersonic Voice!"
"Gear Stinger!"
"Explosive Thunderstorm!"
"Arrow of Artemis!"
Every attack at once was too much for the deformed virus Digimon. It too was eliminated.
"I'm surprised you took that one down so quickly. Lucemon, end their game!"
The great dragon started wildly firing attacks in every direction.
"Aim for that sphere in its hands!" Zorrua shouted.
The team charged forward, avoiding attacks from the demonic dragon. Zorrua and Vipèrion grabbed onto Lucemon on either side, holding it in place.
"Won't you join me, Ladybird?" Apireine asked.
"It's a pleasure."
They stabbed their weapons into the sphere.
"Royal Meister!"
"Crescent Harken!"
The sphere was starting to crack.
"Make way!" Noir said, "Bloody Finish!"
He bored into the sphere with his drills and the cracks grew. Seiryū plunged her swords into the sphere, which finally shattered. With a roar of pain, Lucemon collapsed. Le Gamer looked like he was thinking about something, but then let out a sigh.
"You've all bested me in battle. Three times no less. You truly do make a good team."
He snapped his fingers and there was a bright flash of light.
—
They were now all back in the real world. Le Gamer suddenly gave a sneaky grin.
"Bonus round!"
With a snap of his fingers, he disappeared and reappeared in a giant mech.
"We can still get in some bonus points!"
The heroes scattered as he began stomping around and firing lasers.
"Singe," Ladybird said, "Now's your time to really shine."
"Got it. Uproar!"
He now had a squeeze toy banana in his hand.
"Allow me to give you a lift," Bateleur said.
"I'd appreciate it," Singe replied.
He put the banana in his mouth and grabbed her. They took to the sky.
"Fly, my pretties, fly!" Apireine called after them, "Come on, people, they need a distraction!"
She, Ladybird, and Seiryū flew around the mech to divert Gamer's attention. He swiped at them with the mech's arms. Bateleur was over the mech's head.
"I'll just get off here, thanks," Singe said.
He let go and easily landed on the mech. He then climbed down towards the cockpit.
"You pests are getting on my nerves!" Gamer shouted.
Singe suddenly appeared in front of the cockpit.
"Hey hey!"
"Get out of my view, you idiot!"
"Sorry, I can't hear you!"
"I said move!"
"WHAT?!"
Le Gamer opened the cockpit window.
"Listen, you -"
Singe threw the toy banana at him.
"Did you seriously throw a stupid toy at me? What is that supposed to accomplish?"
Suddenly, the mech began to spaz out. Gamer himself looked like he was glitching.
"What…did…you…do?!"
Singe grabbed him and pulled him out of the mech.
"Game over, buddy."
As he leapt onto a nearby roof, Seiryū took charge.
"Wind Dragon!"
A massive blast of wind knocked over the unstable mech, sending it crashing to the ground. Singe was now on the ground with the Akuma. Gamer was still struggling to stand properly, but as he saw the remains of his mech, he fell to his knees.
"I've…lost."
Le Gamer took off his glasses and tossed them over to Matou Noir.
"Good game," Gamer sighed.
Noir smiled, "Cataclysm."
The glasses became ash, and the Akuma clumsily tried to fly away. Ladybird took Noir's hand.
"Miraculous!"
The Akuma was gone, and Max was sitting on the ground. Ondine came running up.
"Max, are you okay?"
Ladybird whistled at Singe and motioned towards a nearby alleyway. He followed her in and handed her the Miraculous.
"Thanks for your help, Kim."
"Thanks for trusting me, Ladybird, but now I've got another job to do."
Kim ran back to where Max was and pulled him into a hug.
"Uh, Kim, what are you doing?"
"I'm glad you're safe, buddy!"
The heroes each went their separate ways, with Vipèrion and Seiryū heading back to their homes. The others reappeared in their civilian identities next to the school.
"What happened, Max?" Alya asked, "You're usually not a very emotional person."
"I got this idea in my head that…maybe everyone else in class resents how smart I am."
"Why would we do that?" Adrien asked.
"Yeah," Nino added, "You always help us out with our work if we ask."
"You don't think I come off as a know-it-all or anything like that?" Max asked.
"While you do sometimes list off information no one asked for," Zoé said, "It's always interesting to listen to."
"Honestly," Chloé said, "Who put that bright idea in your head?"
"Well, you see, Lila was here, and we started talking."
"Lila hasn't even been here that long, Max," Marinette said, "She's a very presumptuous person."
Chloé scoffed, "More like intrusive."
"The point is, we're your friends, and friends don't sow dissent among each other."
"You're right. I don't know what I was thinking," Max said.
"We all need some reassurance now and again, Max," Adrien said.
"Which is why me and Ondine are taking you to dinner," Kim said.
"Wrong, pompadour," Alix said, walking up, "You don't have that kind of money, but I do."
"I'd appreciate that," Max said, "But first things first. I need to stop by home and see my mom. I'm sure she's worried."
"Can do, pal. Right, Alix?"
"Sure, I can call my brother to give us a ride."
Everyone said their goodbyes and went back to what they were doing. That night, the team had a meeting.
"I already didn't like her," Apireine said, "But now I'm sick of her. I just wanna punch her in the face!"
"Now hold on," Matou Noir started to say.
"No! Do not give me any of those excuses like she didn't mean to do it, or it was a misunderstanding. It's happened too many times now!"
"I agree," Bateleur said, "However, I will say that while Lila getting someone upset enough to get akumatized, and Butterfly Man taking advantage of that might be a coincidence, it's a very big might."
"It has to be a coordinated attack," Seiryū said, "First she targeted Ondine, and then she targeted Kim. That swan Sentimonster deliberately went after Ondine to keep her away from Kim. The only way the Butterfly holder could possibly have such information is if they were in league together. Even if they weren't, as they say, in cahoots, I won't forgive her for what she did to my friend."
"Be that as it may," Ladybird said, "We can't just go up to her and make such an accusation."
"Of course not," Tortank said, "Like any good investigator, we need proof."
"You sound like you've got an idea," Zorrua said.
"Apart from our prevailing theory about the identities of the Butterfly and the Peacock, there's not a lot we can do about them. Compared to them, Lila's not nearly as untouchable."
"If she is working with M. Papillon, won't he bail her out of trouble?" Noir asked.
"You seriously think he wouldn't hesitate to throw her under the bus?"
"What do you have in mind?" Vipèrion asked.
"At the moment, just another theory, nothing more. I'm following your advice and using my instincts. I think this whole thing is more connected than we think."
"What do you mean?" Ladybird asked.
"For years there were news reports about murder, kidnapping, and smuggling, and they wound up being connected to the gang we just put behind bars. What did all the prominent members have? Miraculous. What do our resident terrorists have? Miraculous."
"Sounds like our resident reporter is straight up becoming a detective," Zorrua said.
"Lila's going down, and her bosses are going with her."