Notes: This chapter has been in my head for a while. The hard part is getting it all down.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Miraculous franchise
Miraculous Universe
Ch. 33: Lila and the Ladybird Slayers - Part 2
The heroes stayed up late running through the details of their plan, but so did the villains. It was almost noon when Monarque awoke the Ladybird Slayers. Catalyste, Argos, and Camalepolpo were behind him.
"Rise and shine, my friends," he said, tapping his cane on the ground.
"Slugabeds, aren't they?" Argos said.
"We're already awake, you upstart," Mr. Big said, "You really expect us to sleep well in a place like this?"
"You'll feel wide awake once I'm through with you."
He created an Akuma and directed it to Catalyste.
"Catalyste, if you would?"
Her hand crackled with red energy as she reached out with one finger and touched the Akuma. The purple and black coloring was now mixed with red. The Akuma split into seven and merged with each gang member. In a flash of magic, each of them was taller, more muscular, their costumes had red accents, and their eyes were red.
"Now this is more like it," Punaise said.
"You want those Miraculous? Say no more, Monarque," Araignée said.
"I await the news broadcast," Monarque replied, "You'd best get going."
Voleur nodded, "Fourmi, make a door."
"Right away, Boss."
She easily smashed through the side of the building.
"Let's get moving!"
Voleur took off into the air, followed by Libellule and Guêpe. Fourmi did a few stretches, and then ran after the others. Punaise did his best to keep up with her. Araignée and Assassin climbed up the nearest building and began leaping from rooftop to rooftop.
"Your turn to run along, Lila," Monarque said, "You are the team lead, after all."
"What about my power boost?"
He drew his sword on her, causing her to back away.
"I gave you shapeshifting. I gave you camouflage. Now you dare to ask me for more power?! If you can't even handle what you have now, what makes you think more will compensate?"
Catalyste was smirking, while Argos had his fan in front of his mouth to hide his snickering.
"Get going before I bench you for this mission!"
She bowed, "My apologies, Sir."
She went stealth mode and climbed up a wall, muttering under her breath the entire time.
"One of these days. One of these days, I'll be the one with all the power. I'll leave you to rot in prison with these other jerks, while I take over Paris. Enjoy your position while you can, Gabi."
The remaining three villains continued staring out through the hole in the wall.
"Don't bother engaging the heroes," Monarque said, "Just keep a close eye on everything, but especially Lila."
Argos sighed, "Well, I wasn't doing anything else. Optigami, let's go."
He flew off into the distance.
"Let's get back to the mansion."
"Do you think they'll succeed?" Catalyste asked.
"I can only hope, but it's a small hope. I don't trust them in the slightest, so I'm already making another plan. If you want something done, you've got to do it yourself."
—
The three fliers landed on the roof of the news building. They were soon joined by Assassin and Araignée.
"You two stay here and wait for the heroes to show up," Voleur ordered, "We'll go down there and get their attention."
Down on the first floor, Fourmi smashed through the front door. Punaise and Camalepolpo were right behind her.
The stinkbug sneered at his teammate, "Oh, you're here, too."
"I'm the leader," Camalepolpo growled.
"Keep telling yourself that, tifi," Fourmi said.
—
Voleur and his cronies made his way to the broadcast room. They knocked out any security guards as they finally arrived. They then swaggered up to the desk.
"Nadja Chamack," Voleur said, "So nice to see you again."
"Hey, Clara Contard," Libellule said, wiggling his eyebrows, "Big fan, baby."
"Stop creeping them out and let's get this over with," Guêpe said.
Voleur continued, "Ready for a big story, Nadja?"
—
Soon, Monarque and Catalyste were back in the lair.
"Good thing the city's so preoccupied with the hostage situation," Catalyst said.
"You know," Monarque said, "A part of me hopes they lose. It's a setback, to be sure, but honestly, they deserve to be in prison. This beating should stave off any chances of escape they might've had. You'd better get the monitor ready. You just know Amelie and Tomoe will be here soon. They have somewhat of a personal stake in this."
"Yes, as they love to remind you, this gang was their best client."
—
The heroes were still half-asleep, save for Luka. Everyone had woken up early and washed up, but they all gradually fell back asleep. All that is for Kagami, who had gone out on the balcony.
"I'm not sure if she's really sleeping, or if she's meditating or something," Luka thought.
He stayed awake so he could start flipping through the TV channels, with the sound muted of course. Chloé was leaning against his shoulder.
"They'll do something crazy, and there's bound to be a news report."
No sooner had he said that, every channel was now broadcasting the same thing. Nadja, Clara, and the rest of the news crew were being forced to make an announcement. Luka quickly cranked up the volume, which woke everyone up.
"This is Nadja Chamack. Don't be bemused, it's just the news. The infamous Le Gang des Griffe has taken over the building with the intent to challenge the Miraculous heroes."
"I'll take it from here, lady," Voleur said, "Good afternoon, heroes. Lovely day, isn't it? Unless you want us to start killing hostages, I suggest you get here as soon as possible and hand over your Miraculous without a fight."
Everyone was quiet for a minute.
"I'm ready when you are, Nette," Adrien said.
"Okay, team," Marinette said, "Let's do this thing."
They made their way to the roof.
"I can't wait to teach those jerks a lesson they won't forget," Alya said.
"I want these morons out of my life forever," Chloé said.
She pushed ahead of the group to look out at the roof.
"No one's out here. Come on."
They all transformed and did some stretches.
"Allow me to give you a lift, Vipèrion."
"I'd appreciate that, Ladybird."
"We can take my vehicle," Tortank said with a wink.
"I guess that means you're driving," Zorrua replied.
"Shell-ter!"
The force field appeared around Tortank and Zorrua like a giant hamster ball. With a movement of her hands, it began moving forward through the air.
"Can you see any of them from here?" Apireine asked.
"I'm good, but not that good," Bateleur replied, "I'll give the signal as soon as I can make them out."
The Bee patted her on the shoulder.
"Careful out there. I'll try to watch your back when I can."
"Wait, are you nervous about this? Even after all we've been through?"
"What? Of course not. Are you?"
"I mean, these guys have a grudge against us, so they're bound to be a lot worse than the other people we've fought. It would be foolish not to be a little worried," she hugged her sister, "But we always look out for each other, don't we?"
"Always. Let's get 'em."
The pair flew towards the building. Seiryū was inspecting her sword.
"It's magical, so I'm pretty sure it's always sharp," Matou Noir said.
"Force of habit. Are you confident in our machinations?"
"Sometimes it's just a leap of faith."
He then ran to the edge of the building and jumped off. He quickly began using his staff as a pole to move across the city.
She smiled, "Showoff."
She sheathed her sword and took off after him.
"I think this is high enough, Ladybird," Vipèrion said.
"Thank goodness. You're heavier than you look. Must be those trips to the gym."
She let him go and he opened his wingsuit. She quickly followed after him. As the team got closer to the news building, Bateleur spotted the two gang members on the roof.
"Looks like the spider and the assassin bug are waiting for us."
"Time to make our move," Seiryū said, flying off in another direction.
—
"Here come the pests," Assassin said.
"About time," Araignée said, "I was getting bored."
"I doubt they're giving up their Miraculous that easily."
"I say we wrestle them from the brats now. If we wait, they'll just come up with a plan."
"How do you know they don't already have a plan? They tricked you, didn't they?"
"You listen here you -"
"Wind Dragon!"
A strong wind blasted the two women. Assassin grabbed into the edge of the roof, while Araignée shot a strand of web to hold onto. The Dragon hero kept the wind going to prevent them from getting back onto the roof. Bateleur landed next to Assassin and began stomping on her hands and arms, as well as kicking her in the face. Apireine landed next to Araignée, a smug smile on her face.
"It would be a shame if something happened to your webbing."
"I will kill you when I get the chance!"
"Venom!"
Apireine had to grab her before her paralyzed form fell off the building. Vipèrion showed up to help her hold on.
"Thanks, but we won't be doing this for long. Help the Eagle."
"By your leave."
"Hey, Azure Dragon, you can cut the power!"
As soon as the wind stopped, Assassin scrambled back up and began attacking the Eagle and the Snake.
"Oh, spider woman," Apireine said, "Whom do you serve?"
"You, My Queen," came the robotic reply.
"Your Queen commands you to tie up Assassin in your webbing."
"By your command."
Bateleur and Vipèrion jumped out of the way as the spider lady fired a mass of web as her teammate and subdued her.
"What are you doing, you weak-willed witch?! Get me out of this!"
"Ignore her," Apireine continued, "You're doing a fine job. Now I want you to grab her and take a walk to the edge of the building."
"Yes, My Queen."
Araignée grabbed the webbing and pulled her teammate along as she walked over to the edge of the building and stopped at the precipice.
"Bateleur, if you would please?"
"My pleasure, Queenie."
Bateleur delivered a well placed kick to the spider woman's back, sending her into the air, falling off the building, and dragging Assassin with her.
"That should deal with them for a few minutes," Matou Noir said.
"Sometimes a few minutes is all it can take to change things," Ladybird said.
"Well, then what are we waiting for?" Tortank said.
—
Everyone went inside except Apireine, who stayed on the roof.
"I hate not being down there, but this is an important role, and I'm just so darn brilliant."
She used her trompo to summon a second Miraculous for every teammate. The last one she pulled out was the Mouse Miraculous, which she placed around her neck.
"Not my first choice, but… Bee, Mouse, unify!"
The yellow parts of her costume turned a silvery-gray. The bottom of her boots and the fingers of her gloves became pink. Her hair changed color to a silvery-white, and it was styled into a bob haircut.
"I look good, as always. Say hello to Multireine!" she paused for a second, "Oh, right. There's no one else here. Okay, so, making more of me is probably a bad idea, but…Multitude!"
There were now seven tiny copies of Apireine, each one 2 inches tall.
"Wow, this feels weird."
"Yeah, you're telling me."
"Right, so everyone grab a Miraculous and drop it off with a teammate."
"We know that. We're you."
"I can't wait to sting someone."
—
"How long are they going to take?" Guêpe griped.
"Oh, they should be here about ten minutes after you STOP ASKING!"
"Don't snap at me, you stupid fly, or I'll sting you instead!"
"Hey, come on," Libellule said, "Let's all be cool."
The doors to the room swung open as the heroes strode inside.
"About time you showed up," Voleur said.
"Let the hostages go," Ladybird said, "And we'll all give up our Miraculous."
"Do you think we're stupid?" Guêpe snarked.
"Yes," Apireine said, "But I hardly see what that has to do with anything."
"You know, wasps eat bees as well as ladybugs, you punk," she sneered, her stinger twitching.
"Yeah, well enough bees can kill even a wasp."
"Ladies, please," Libellule said, "No need to fight. Let's just go through with our transaction. You pick up what we throw down, yeah? We're criminals, but we'll keep our word, right, Boss?"
"I've no use for hostages. Once I have the Miraculous, I'll leave and rebuild my empire elsewhere. All of you, place your Miraculous on the floor, back away, and get down on your knees with your hands where I can see them."
One by one, they removed their Miraculous and placed them before the former kingpin.
"They do look like a bunch of kids," Guêpe said, "How irritating. Make sure the Miraculous aren't fakes."
Voleur walked over and looked at the eight Miraculous.
"I know we're supposed to give the Cat and the Ladybug to Old Man Butterfly, but he can have his turn after I'm done."
He picked up the ring and looked it over.
"When that dumb broad the Countess tried this, she said they disappeared when she tried to grab them."
He walked over to one of the heroes and picked him up by the neck.
"These are real, right?"
He said nothing.
"Answer me, you little punk. Are you trying to trick me?!"
The hero only stared back at him. Voleur threw him down.
"Stubborn to the end, huh?"
He put on the ring.
"Transform me!"
Suddenly, the lights went out.
"It's a trap!"
"Yeah, no kidding, stupid!" Guêpe snapped.
"Shut up and head for the door!"
Someone tripped Voleur, and while he was down, kicked him in the face.
"What's going on?!" the wasp shrieked.
She was struck in the abdomen, and then the face, and then she was tripped.
"Hey, what's going on?!" Libellule shouted, "This is so totally un-cool!"
He was smacked in the face with something hard.
"Don't you ever shut up?" came a voice.
The voice came from Zorrua, while Matou Noir and Vipèrion dealt with the other two. Seiryū was there as well. She led the hostages towards the door. Ladybird, Tortank, and Bateleur were there to meet her.
"Is this everyone?" Ladybird asked.
"Yes, thank you," Nadja replied.
"Can we go out the back way from here?" Tortank asked.
"Yes, but is it safe?" Clara asked.
"We'll escort you," Ladybird replied, "Only three of the gang members are up here, and two are outside, which means there are three unaccounted for."
"I'm willing to bet they're in the lobby," Bateleur said.
"Let's get moving. If we see them, we can distract them long enough for the civilians to escape."
—
Araignée's paralysis finally wore off.
"That brat forced me to jump off a building. I will kill her!"
"Oh, shut your trap and help me get out of this stupid webbing!" Assassin snapped.
She had mostly cut her way out, but the webbing was sticky. Araignée removed it like it was nothing.
"I was tempted to leave you there."
"Yeah, right. You can barely fight as it is."
"Let's just get inside."
The pair walked up to their comrades.
"What are you doing down here?" Fourmi demanded.
"The heroes showed up and made this idiot drag us off the roof," Assassin replied.
"Zip your lip, girl!" Araignée growled.
"The heroes are going to sneak out the hostages!" Camalepolpo said, "Get ready to intercept them."
"Why don't you go hide in a corner and take credit for everything?" Punaise said.
"That's rich coming from you."
Just then, the elevator arrived.
"That must be them. Go get them!"
Fourmi rolled her eyes, "Just get out of the way, little girl."
"I'll look inside," Punaise said, "You're too big to fit properly."
"You'll look inside?" Assassin said, "It's an elevator. There's nowhere to hide."
"Au contraire," he replied, pointing to the roof, "I know one of you is up there. Just surrender, why don't you?"
The hatch opened.
"Water Dragon!"
The force of the water pushed the villains away and encircled them.
—
Ladybird, Tortank, and Bateleur had gone to check the upper levels first, and then made their way down, collecting more civilians along the way. Bateleur peeked out from the stairwell.
"Now's your chance. Get them out of here."
"What about you?" Ladybird asked.
"I'll stay behind so they don't chase after you."
She unfurled her wings to get the attention of any civilians that were in the area. The few that were quickly rushed over to join their coworkers.
"There they go!" Camalepolpo shrieked, "After them!"
The water pressed the villains together.
"Lightning Dragon!"
Streaks of lightning tore through the villains. They all collapsed in a heap. Seiryū stood over them with her sword drawn.
"I know that wasn't enough to incapacitate you already. Which of you has the guts to take me on?"
Assassin sprung to her feet and began swiping at her with her bladed gloves. The Dragon did her best to parry the attacks. Camalepolpo noticed that Ladybird was leading the hostages out the back.
"I'll sneak around back and deal with her myself."
She stealthed and ran off. Fourmi stomped over to Bateleur.
"I remember you, ti zwazo. I'll teach you to trick me."
She smirked, "You don't have to teach me. I know how."
Fourmi reached her huge hands towards Bateleur. The Eagle folded her wings as Tortank charged out from the stairwell. The Turtle leapt into the air and smashed her shield into Fourmi's face. The ant woman staggered, so Tortank quickly hit her in the abs, and then in the legs, causing her to fall over. Fourmi quickly picked herself back up.
"You again? I'm getting sick and tired of your interruptions."
"Menm pou ou," Tortank replied, shield raised.
Fourmi reached one hand forward. Tortank smacked it away, but she was grabbed by the ant's other hand. Fourmi was so large now, her hand practically wrapped around Tortank's waist. She picked her up and slammed her into the nearby wall, and then the floor, and then she threw her into a farther away wall. Tortank was winded, but she got up and headed for the exit.
"Why are you running, ti fi? I thought you wanted a fight?"
"Well, unlike you, dam foumi, I'm actually going to use my brain."
Fourmi snarled and gave chase. Tortank sprinted out the doors, only for Fourmi to smash through them and the rest of the wall they were attached to.
"Now that they're out of the way," Araignée said, "Hey, bird girl, where's that arrogant bee?"
"Calling her arrogant is pretty funny coming from someone who's a fake countess."
The spider woman was grinding her teeth.
"But if you want her so badly, follow me."
Araignée tried to shoot webs at her, but Bateleur was too fast. She flew out the hole in the wall.
"This way, itsy bitsy spider."
Araignée rushed after her, only to see her flying back to the top of the building.
"So that's where she's hiding, huh? So be it."
She started climbing. Punaise had ducked behind the reception desk.
"I'll, uh, hold down the fort here, if that's okay."
—
Meanwhile, the beatdown in the broadcast room was ongoing.
Voleur snarled, "Turn the lights on and fight properly, you cowards!"
Matou Noir spoke, "Only because we won't really get anywhere if we don't change things up. Allow me to shed some light on this situation. Cataclysm!"
The entire back wall of the room began crumbling apart. The sunlight streamed through to give everyone a good look around. Noir flexed his claws.
"Ready to continue getting beaten up?"
Voleur looked ready to attack, but Libellule was quicker.
"Let's take a long flight, kitty cat!"
The dragonfly grabbed Noir by the front of his costume and flew off into the city. Guêpe and Vipèrion stood still while eyeing each other up. As for Voleur, he looked over at Zorrua and started moving closer to him.
"It was you, wasn't it, fox boy? You made those fake Miraculous."
Zorrua bowed, "Guilty as charged."
"But how? How could an illusion be so real? I could touch it!"
"What can I say? I practiced. You shouldn't be so concerned with illusions. You should think about delusions. Like the idea that you'll ever get back all that money and power you lost when you rightfully went to prison."
Voleur rushed forward and grabbed him by the neck.
"Quite the brave little chatterbox, aren't you? Let's see if you're still so bold when you're dangling off the edge of a building."
He walked over to the hole in the wall, stood on the edge, and held Zorrua out in mid-air.
"What, no sarcastic remarks? No bold taunts?"
"Why should I waste my breath?"
Voleur scowled, "I'm sure you'll survive the fall, but I can always fly down, pick you up, and drop you again."
At the same time, Bateleur was flying up. When she saw Voleur, as soon as she got close enough, she flipped upside down and had her boots connect roughly with his chin. He stumbled back inside while letting go of Zorrua. Bateleur quickly grabbed her teammate's hand and kept flying.
"Can I give you a lift?"
"Oh, come on. That joke was too easy. I appreciate the save, though."
—
Voleur stopped himself from falling over, but he had to regain his composure. Guêpe was laughing at him.
"That's what you get, you fool!"
Vipèrion grabbed her by the stinger and began swinging her around in a circle. He managed to hit Voleur, which knocked him out the hole. As he fell, he hit Araignée on the way down.
"Watch what you're doing, you idiot!" she screamed.
She managed to use her webs to hold onto the side of the building. She then continued her ascent. Before he hit the ground, Voleur snapped himself out of his stupor and flew back up.
"I'll get that stupid bird."
—
Vipèrion was still swinging Guêpe around.
"Let go of me, you pathetic snake!"
"Good idea!"
At that moment, Araignée was climbing into the room. The Snake hero let go of his opponent, sending her crashing into the spider woman, and once again knocking her down the side of the building.
"Oh, come on!"
Once again, she used her web strands to stop herself and keep climbing. Guêpe had to pause and recover from being dizzy. Vipèrion took the opportunity to head elsewhere.
"Hey, where do you think you're going? We're not finished here!"
"Sorry, madame wasp, but I call timeout."
He then ran through the door.
—
Bateleur swooped around a few buildings.
"Just drop me off here, thanks," Zorrua said.
"Happy to oblige."
Bateleur flew away, while Zorrua listened for any sounds of battle.
"I can help whoever's outside the building."
There was a loud crash.
"That must be the signal, so to speak."
"Not so fast!" came a small voice.
His ears twitched, "That voice sounds familiar."
"It should, genius, because it's me!"
She flew into his face.
"Apireine?"
"Actually, it's Multireine, and I don't know why you're so surprised. You were using this Miraculous when we fought those last prisoners."
"That doesn't make it any less strange seeing you so small."
"Yeah, whatever. This is for you."
He quickly attached the new Miraculous.
"Fox, Dog, unify!"
With his previous costume, the colors were neatly separated. Now, though, the brown-orange, white, and black was in more of an uneven blend. Also, while one ear remained pointy, the other was now floppy.
"Not bad. Now how about a name?"
"This one's easy. Call me Foxhound. Now I'd better get going."
He rushed off to help.
"Likewise," she replied, as she completely disappeared.
As he got closer, he could see Fourmi tossing Tortank around like a ragdoll. The oversized ant held Tortank over her head.
"I will break you!"
Foxhound grabbed his ball and used his flute like a bat. A quick swing, and the ball went shooting through the air and struck Fourmi in the eye. Fourmi let out a feral scream. Foxhound then sprinted over and used his flute to strike her other eye. With a pained howl, Fourmi released Tortank, who fell to the ground.
"My eyes! I'll kill you both!"
"You'll have to catch us first," Foxhound replied.
He quickly scooped Tortank into his arms and jumped away to a distant building. He gently set her down.
"Babe, are you okay?"
"I'll walk it off. You saved me."
"Oh, well, you know…I mean…you'd do the same for me."
She pulled him into a passionate kiss.
"Hey, break it up!"
Tortank stopped, "Huh, that shrill voice sounds familiar."
Multireine flew into her face, "Yeah, very funny. Take this."
She grinned, "Now we're talking. Turtle, Ox, unify!"
Her outfit was now a dark blue-green that was almost black. It had more padding as well. A pair of forward-facing horns were on her head. Her hair was now stylized into a long braid. She also had a shiny golden belt buckle, and a pair of gold-tipped cowboy boots. She held her shield in one hand, and her hammer in the other.
"Beautiful as ever," Foxhound said, "It really would take a miracle to style your hair that way, though."
"Thanks. I've gone from Tortank to Torterra."
"Well, here's your chance to try out your new skills," Multireine said, "Because here comes the gi-ant."
With that, she disappeared. Torterra gave Foxhound a quick peck on the cheek.
"I'll take it from here, darling," she said with a wink.
He winked back at her, "You go, girl."
Fourmi was practically running on all fours to catch up with the couple.
"Get down here, or I'll bring down the building!"
"Careful what you wish for, lady," Torterra replied.
—
Seiryū and Assassin continued their fight, slicing anything that got in their way into pieces.
"I wouldn't go as far as to call you a worthy opponent, but I will say that you're a challenge."
Assassin knocked her sword away and gave her a kick that sent the Dragon through the wall. The assassin bug paused and focused. The metal claws on her hands became bigger and longer.
Seiryū quickly picked herself up, "Those weapons look cumbersome."
Assassin leapt towards her, but Seiryū dodged, causing her opponent to punch a hole in the wall.
"I agree. We should move this fight outside. More room to move around."
Assassin hissed, "Are you always this talkative?"
"It's a recent development, actually."
She kicked a chair at the insect, who promptly smashed it into pieces. She then threw a desk at her. Assassin ripped it in half.
"Now you're really asking for it, Komodo girl."
She charged forward, claws first. Seiryū flew over her, causing her to get her claws stuck in the wall. Before Seiryū could make another move, Multireine interrupted her.
"Here," she said, dropping off the Miraculous, "Carry on."
"Dragon, Goat, unify."
Her mask was half black/half white. Her boots now had steel toes designed like hooves. She had a fur collar around her neck. One horn was long and straight, while the other looked sawed off. She held her sword in one hand, and her paintbrush in the other.
"You may call me Kaichi."
Multireine nodded, "I'll make a note of it. Later, dragoness."
With that, she disappeared. Kaichi saw that her opponent was still stuck despite her constant thrashing.
"Dear me. It looks like those rather impractical weapons of yours are stuck. Allow me to assist you."
She hovered into the air and gave Assassin a hard kick in the rear that sent her through the wall and into the street.
Assassin snarled, "I'm gonna enjoy cutting your limbs off!"
She clawed at the concrete to prove her point. Kaichi stretched, popped her arms and neck .
"You'll dull your weapons that way."
—
"Aurore, Mireille, Nadja, Clara, Alec…"
Ladybird was in the back alley making sure all the hostages had evacuated the building.
"Is this everyone? What about M. Roth?"
"He called in today, again," Nadja explained, "He's been spending most of his time in various bars lately."
"Don't worry, Ladybird," Alec said, "This is everyone."
"That's a relief. Now you'd all better get going."
As soon as everyone else left…
"The mighty hero," came a familiar voice, "So concerned with the well-being of others."
"You sound pretty confident today. Why not prove yourself by coming out of hiding?"
"I'm not stupid. I'm going to outsmart you this time."
"Oh, so you admit you suck at fighting."
Ladybird received a kick in the back. She looked around for any movement. She was tripped and then kicked in the ribs.
"Fighting like this is the only way you can hope to win."
The Akuma growled, "You just don't know when to keep your mouth shut, do you?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
Camalepolpo screamed and tackled her. She began pummeling her.
"I hate you! I hate your friends! You ruined everything!"
She could feel her hands wrapping around her neck.
"I'll make your head pop off! Or maybe I should gouge your eyes out!"
Ladybird could feel her intense breathing. She gave a headbutt.
"OW!"
She pulled out her yo-yo and quickly wrapped her up before she could move.
"This won't hold me long! I'm too slick."
"Lucky Charm!"
A large object was created overhead. Ladybird crawled away as fast as she could.
"Yeah, that's right. Run away!"
CRUNCH*
Camalepolpo was now crushed underneath a very large, ladybug patterned, army tank.
"Are you okay under there?" Ladybird asked.
"When I get out from under here, you are DEAD! DO YOU HEAR ME?!"
"She's fine," Foxhound said.
"Where'd you come from?" Ladybird asked, "Love the new suit."
"Torterra said she had her fight covered, so before I went back into the building, I thought I'd better check to make sure how everyone was doing. Since I'm here…"
He tapped the tank with his ball.
"Smart move, Rex," Multireine said.
"When did you get here?" Ladybird asked.
"Just after Fox Boy. Here, this is for you. It's time you embraced chaos."
She smiled, "That sounds like a great idea. Ladybug, Monkey, unify!"
The red parts of her suit were now a brownish-orange. Her hair was a bit shorter, and the ends were brown. A length of rope around her waist gave the impression of a tail. She held the Rúyì Jīngū Bàng in her hands and gave it a twirl.
She gave a big smile, "Look out world, because here comes Lady Sūn!"
"I'll leave you to it then," Foxhound said.
He jumped to the rooftops and headed back to the news station. Just then, Camalepolpo had finally emerged from under the tank.
"I'm going to rip you a new one for that. Feel free to call your little friends to save you."
"My friends are busy with their own battles. If anything, I should be going to help them. Before I do that, I can't have you getting in the way."
The Akuma was seething, "I'll make you eat those words!"
"Bring it on."
—
As Libellule flew on, he intentionally slammed Matou Noir into the sides of various buildings.
"Having fun, cat boy? I know I am!"
He began punching Noir repeatedly.
"I thought this would be a tougher fight."
"Is your sense of fashion horrible no matter what you're wearing?"
He gasped, "You take that back!"
Noir bit down on his opponent's arm.
"OUCH! Let go!"
The dragonfly began spinning and flipping in an attempt to shake Noir off. He let go of the Cat, but Matou Noir dug his claws into the Akuma.
"AAAH! You mangy alley cat!"
He hovered over to the Eiffel Tower.
"Let me help you admire the view!"
He grabbed Noir's head and started banging it against the metal.
—
Bateleur was fully aware that Voleur was chasing after her. The buzzing of his wings was a dead giveaway. So she flew as fast as she could through the city, maneuvering around the various buildings.
"You may or may not be faster, Mr. Fly, but I'm far more acrobatic. I didn't choose this name for nothing."
She swiftly banked back and forth, and at the same time, performed elaborate acrobatics. Voleur eventually started to catch up. He was almost about to grab her by the boot, but she did a loop-the-loop to end up above him. She gave his head a kick and flew off.
"Wait a minute," Bateleur said, "What do I spy with my eagle eye?"
—
Libellule smirked, "Maybe I should just fly into the air and see how long you can really hold on. What do you think, bro?"
"I think that for someone designed after a dragonfly, you kind of suck at flying."
"Let's see if you land on your feet, tomcat."
Matou Noir wrapped his legs around the nearest beam of the Tower.
"You can't hold on forever!"
"That's the great part. I don't have to."
The Cat let go of his opponent. Before Libellule could act, Bateleur's boot collided with his face. The hard hit made him dizzy, and he started falling. He was at least conscious enough to occasionally buzz his wings to slow his fall.
Matou Noir waved at Bateleur, "Thanks for the assist!"
She gave a salute as she continued her flight. That's when Noir noticed Voleur was after her. He took his staff, extended it as far as he could, and then swung it down. He managed to give the robber fly a good smack as he flew by. He then used his staff to lower himself to the ground.
"That should slow M. Voleur down a little."
"I appreciate that," came a small voice.
"Is that my shoulder angel?"
"Very funny. It's me, obviously."
"Oh, a mini-bee."
"Multireine is my name, and don't forget it. Now take this and deal with these jerks faster."
"Cool. I'll put these on and get back in the saddle."
She sighed, "I hate you."
He put on the glasses, "How do I look?"
"No comment."
"Ouch, okay. Cat, Horse, unify!"
His hair was now a sandy blond and styled into a small ponytail. The gold trimming on his costume was more prominent. The toes of his boots were capped with gold. The horseshoe and his staff were also gold.
"You didn't change your costume too much."
"That's because I'm a black stallion, or should I say? I'm Étalon Noir."
"Not bad. Ride like the wind."
She disappeared with a snap of her fingers. Libellule shook his head and stood up.
"Hey, bro, what's going on? You changed your suit, eh? Looks almost as good as some of my suits."
"Considering what some of your suits looked like, that's rather insulting."
"Bah! I doubt you know a thing about fashion. Someone probably gave you pointers."
"I may not know a lot, but I know what I like. Anything worn by a scumbag like you is automatically terrible."
Libellule shrieked, "LET'S DANCE!"
—
Vipèrion snuck into the restroom. He could hear Guêpe buzzing around outside.
"Where are you, you little punk?! Come out and face me!"
Various smashing sounds followed
"She'll find me sooner or later. I have to be ready."
"I couldn't agree more."
He looked around, "Queenie? Your voice has a higher pitch than usual."
"Gosh, I wonder why?"
She landed on the sink next to him. He leaned down to get a better look.
He gave a devious smile, "Hello, little lady."
"Watch it, King Cobra."
"You look tasty," he said, flicking his tongue out.
She struck a pose, "I always do. Now quit flirting and focus. Take this Miraculous."
"Snake, Rooster, unify!"
The shafts of his boots now reached his shins. They were yellow-green, with spurs on the heels. His entire suit now had a metallic sheen. His pants were black with a scale pattern. His torso was dark green with a feather pattern. Part of his hair stuck up like a bright red comb atop his head. The rest of his hair had turned a pale purple, while the ends were light blue. He also had a pair of bronze-colored bird wings.
"Wings? Chickens can't fly."
"Correction: domesticated chickens can't fly."
"Right…I must say, you put a lot more thought into your costume than when the others used the Rooster."
"I'll have to attribute that to you. I've learned to be a bit more creative with my…let's call them fashion choices. Now my name is Cockatrice. What's yours?"
"Clever name. I'm Multireine."
"I'd better get going. See you soon, honey bee."
He gave her a kiss that covered most of her body.
She smacked his nose, "HEY! I'll get you for that later!"
"I look forward to it."
She flew into the air vent.
He flourished the quill pen, "Sublimation! The power of poison immunity."
"Where are you, you stupid snake?!"
"Hark, the sound of an approaching wasp."
He peeked out the door. Guêpe was breaking down doors and punching holes in walls in her search for him. He plucked his lyre to get her attention.
"Bad move, Snake," she growled.
She followed the sound to the restroom. She kicked the door open.
"Ah ha!"
The door swung back and smacked her. Cockatrice then kicked her in the abs.
"You're causing me more trouble than you're worth."
"If you'd stayed in prison, we could've avoided this."
"Get ready to feel my sting!"
He avoided her strikes, and then used his katar to cut her arm.
"OW! What the…?"
"You mess with a snake, you get the fangs."
—
Araignée finally reached the roof.
"Where's that arrogant bee girl? I know she's here somewhere."
She suddenly heard a buzzing sound.
"Where's that coming from? It sounds too soft to be any of my moronic teammates."
Something sharp jabbed her in the nose.
"OUCH! What was that?"
"You wanted me, you old crone, and here I am."
"So you're using the Miraculous that Élodie used to have. Now you're the perfect size for swatting."
She tried to do so, but Multireine was quick.
"Have you ever tried to swat a flying insect? Now try it against one that's smarter than you."
"Why you little…"
She shot a small web at the Bee hero and trapped her.
"Not so tough now, are you?"
"Why didn't you do that sooner?"
"I ought to crush you like the bug you are. Or…perhaps I should embrace my spider instincts and just eat you."
"That's disgusting, but I'm sure you've had worse."
"Shut up! I'll squeeze the life out of you unless you give me your Miraculous."
—
Bateleur flew higher so she could get a better look at the city.
"You think flying higher will help you?" Voleur shouted.
"I've got more important things to worry about than you, M. Fly."
"Did you forget who I am? How dare you brush me off?!"
Bateleur finally spotted what she was looking for.
"You want to fight me so badly? Come and get me."
She folded her wings and spiraled into a steep dive. Voleur couldn't keep up. The Eagle aimed right for Araignée. At the last moment, Bateleur spun herself around so that she landed on top of the spider woman.
Araignée moaned, "My back…"
Another Multireine freed the one that was encased in webbing.
"Psst!"
Bateleur and Multireine looked over at the door. Foxhound poked his head out. Before anyone could say anything, a loud buzzing drew closer.
"I'll show that stupid robber fly," Multireine said, "Come on, other me, let's get him."
The Multireine twins flew into Voleur's face, giving him pause.
"Get out of my face, you little pests!"
Bateleur wrapped her bullroarer around him and yanked him down. He landed on top of Araignée, and Bateleur placed her boot sharply onto his neck.
"This won't hold me long."
Bateleur smirked, "It doesn't have to hold you long."
Foxhound threw his ball high as he could and said, "Fetch."
The tank was now falling from the sky.
"Just long enough."
Voleur's struggle to free himself was in vain as the tank crashed down and sent him and Araignée down through the building.
—
Cockatrice was waiting for Guêpe to make a move. He received a message and looked at his weapon.
Bee: Heads up!
"I don't know what that means, but it gives me an idea."
The wasp whipped her stinger towards him, but he didn't dodge. The stinger dug into his left shoulder.
"Looks like you're not as smooth as you thought. Don't worry, though, my venom won't kill you. Where's the fun in that? It'll just make you dizzy and slow you down. Which means you'll be easier to beat up so I can take your Miraculous."
"You know, it's a wonder how you managed to stay under the radar for so long with how much you like to shoot your mouth off."
He pulled out her stinger.
"Why isn't it affecting you?!"
"Oh, well, you see, the reason is…"
He pulled her closer and kicked her in the abs. He then shoved her stinger into the wall. In a few quick movements, he struck her in the face and kicked her legs out from under her. As he walked away, he could hear a loud thud that seemed to be getting closer. Guêpe frustratingly pulled her stinger out of the wall.
"Get back here! I'm not finished with you!"
She tried to grab Cockatrice, but he avoided her grasp, and then bit her on the neck.
"OW! You bit me? Seriously? What were you trying to do, poison me? I'm immune, you little fool! What is that noise?!"
The tank crashed through the ceiling and took her with it as it continued its descent. Cockatrice headed for the stairwell.
—
Punaise had dozed off while in his hiding spot. The crashing sound woke him up.
"I wasn't asleep! I wasn't hiding! Where's that noise coming from?"
His eyes darted to the hole in the wall.
"It must be outside. I'd better pick a new hiding spot. I hope the elevator still works."
He became more nervous as the loud noise seemed to get closer.
"What's taking this stupid thing so long? Where is that noise coming from anyway?"
He never saw the tank coming when it landed on top of him.
—
Bateleur saluted, "That was quick thinking, uh…"
"Foxhound, and thanks. I'd better get going and help the others."
"Need a lift down?"
"I don't want to bother you, but -"
"I can help with that," Cockatrice said.
Bateleur pointed at him, "I see you've joined the flying club."
"Oh, yeah, I think I like them. These aren't just for show. I'll give Foxhound a ride."
"I appreciate it, mec."
"Then we'd better get going. That tank won't hold them forever. I have so much time and so little to do."
"Shouldn't that be the other way around?"
He tapped on his Miraculous, "Not for a Snake."
He flapped his wings and rose a few feet above the ground.
"Grab on."
Foxhound nodded and grabbed him by the ankles. The duo then headed for the street below.
"Finally, we can talk."
Bateleur looked around, "Bee, is that you?"
"Who else?"
"Why do you sound so different?"
Multireine landed on her shoulder. A smile crept onto her face and she started to snicker.
"What's so funny?"
"Oh, nothing, little sister."
She rolled her eyes, "I knew that was coming. Joke all you want, but put on this Miraculous."
"Works for me. Eagle, Tiger, unify!"
Her entire outfit was now decorated with thin, cream-colored stripes. The bolas wrapped around her waist like a tail. Her right glove was thicker, dark red in color, and tipped with gold claws.
"How do I look?"
"Almost as good as me, as usual. What's your name?"
"I don't even know your name."
"I am Multireine!"
"Well then, I'm…Griffon."
"I thought a griffon was an eagle/lion hybrid?"
"Well, we don't have a lion, do we? What does it matter, so long as it's a big cat?"
"Fair enough. Now let's get back to work."
"Aren't you a little short for this kind of work?"
With a snap of her fingers, Multireine immediately returned to her normal size.
"There! Now enough with your small attempts at humor."
"Ha, now you're doing it."
"Yeah, whatever. Now come on."
—
"You DARE use my own Miraculous against me?!" Fourmi shrieked.
"I like to think I'm putting it to better use."
Fourmi charged at her and sent a punch her way. Torterra quickly raised her shield to block the punch. The impact sent her reeling back. Another punch came her way. This time she jumped back to avoid it. Fourmi leapt into the air, intending to hit her with both fists. Torterra ran forward to dodge the impact.
"Is running all you can do?"
"Is missing all you can do?"
Fourmi grabbed a nearby lamppost and swung it at her opponent. Torterra blocked the attack with her shield and then threw her hammer at Fourmi's face. As the hammer went back, she grabbed it by the handle.
"Let go of my hammer, ant woman, you are far from being worthy."
Torterra ran up to her and slammed her shield into her face. Fourmi managed to grab her by the arm and took a deep breath.
"Resistance!"
Fourmi shot a stream of fire from her mouth. Torterra looked mildly inconvenienced.
"You should be careful where you point that thing."
High above, Cockatrice and Foxhound were getting closer to the ground.
"Thank goodness she's got the Ox Miraculous," Foxhound said, "But I've got to help her."
"In that case, I'll go help our draconic companion."
He dropped off Foxhound and turned around.
"Save your breath, literally," Torterra said.
"You may be immune to my fire, but I still have you in my grasp."
She slammed her into a nearby wall, and then into the ground. She was about to punch her when Foxhound jumped onto her back and struck her in the eye with his flute.
"AAGH!"
She dropped Torterra and instead reached behind herself and grabbed Foxhound. She then immediately threw him roughly to the ground.
"You're not nearly as durable as your little mennaj."
Torterra smacked her in the face with her hammer, and then began repeatedly hitting her with her shield.
"Keep your giant man hands off him!"
The constant blows caused Fourmi to start stepping backwards. Foxhound dashed behind her and tackled her legs, causing her to fall over. As soon as she was on her back, though, she quickly leapt back to her feet and grabbed both heroes. She began striking them against any nearby surface. She then held them up by their necks and banged their heads against each other.
"If you care about each other so much, I'll just kill you both at the same time."
"Liberation!"
A feather shot at Fourmi, causing her to release the heroes.
"What was -"
"CLOUT!"
Griffon swooped down and punched Fourmi in the face, sending her flying into the distance. She hit the ground several times before she came to a sudden stop upon impacting against a building. Griffon looked at her two teammates, both laying on the ground and breathing heavily.
"Are you guys okay?"
"Oh, yeah, we'll be fine," Torterra replied.
"Yeah, what she said," Foxhound added, "Just give us five minutes."
—
Assassin scoffed, "My weapons can't be dulled, but let me show you what else I can do."
The ground around her cracked, and rose into the air. She sent two large chunks at Kaichi, who smashed them into pieces with her weapons. Assassin kept alternating between attacking with her claws and trying to hit her opponent with pieces of earth.
"It would seem that direct combat isn't your strong suit. Would you prefer it if I turned my back?"
"Oh, you're funny."
"Am I really? I'll have to tell my friends. I didn't even make a pun."
The two engaged in direct combat for a while before they paused to catch their breath.
"We could go on like this all day, dragon goat. It's all down to endurance."
"That's where you're wrong. I have two things you don't have."
"Yeah, right."
"The first one is reliable teammates."
Assassin let out a yelp as pain ran through her legs. Cockatrice had snuck up from behind and attacked with his katar.
"I'll get you for that, you stupid chicken!"
"The second thing," Kaichi continued, "I'm not just a master of the blade, but also of the brush. Genesis!"
She created a bazooka and pointed it at Assassin. Said Akuma was focusing on Cockatrice, but she noticed the weapon immediately.
"Is that a bazooka? I've seen René use the Goat Miraculous before. You can't make a fully functional weapon."
"It's not meant to be a weapon. It's meant to give focus to the actual weapon. You see, my friends have encouraged me to, as they say, think outside the box."
"Okay, Miss Snarky, then where's this so-called weapon?"
Kaichi rose into the air, "You're looking at her."
Before Assassin could react, a feather flew into her face.
"Hey, cut it out!"
Cockatrice stuck his katar into one of her boots.
"OW! Why you -"
Multireine flew onto the scene and plunged her épée into Assassin's other boot.
"I'LL KILL YOU FOR THAT!"
Kaichi landed and pointed the bazooka at her.
"Lightning Dragon! Wind Dragon! Water Dragon! Kanpekina Arashi!"
She channeled her power through the bazooka and fired. Assassin managed to pull the blades out of her boots, but was unable to get away fast enough. The beam struck her and she was sent blasting off into the distance, all while screaming in pain. Multireine and Cockatrice picked up their weapons.
"I don't normally say this," Multireine said, "But that was pretty hardcore."
—
Libellule was shooting water at Étalon Noir.
"Cats are experts at avoiding water. I hope you can do better."
The dragonfly pulled a large amount of water from the Seine, spread it apart, and rained it down on the Cat hero like bullets.
"Hey, not so smart mouthed now, are you, cat boy?"
Noir took a few hits, but he managed to find some cover.
"No fair hiding, bro!"
He was about to go after the feline hero, when he spotted something out of the corner of his eye. He barely managed to dodge an attack from Griffon.
"Nice try, bird girl! You wanna play rough? I'll take care of you first. We don't need flying heroes getting in our way."
"You think you can stop me? Then try and catch me."
Griffon led Libellule on a chase around the city. As before with Voleur, while the insect was fast, he wasn't good with sharp turns.
"Hey, come on! Quit with the running and fight back, meuf!"
"Don't blame me that you're too slow."
"Slow?!"
He flew faster than ever and was inches away from catching her.
"Too easy, sister."
Suddenly, from a nearby building, Cockatrice flew out and used his katar to slice off two of Libellule's wings.
"So very uncool!"
He spun out of control and was heading for the ground. That's when Étalon Noir jumped out, a Chesire cat grin on his face.
"Voyage!"
—
Inside the building, the four Slayers that were currently underneath the tank were lifting it off themselves.
"Cyrille, where have you been?"
"I assure you, Louis, I was strategizing."
"Don't lie to me!"
They finally flipped the tank on its side.
"Since you've been doing nothing but hiding, I'm keeping an eye on you. Now let's go!"
"Wait a minute," Guêpe said, "They might be waiting outside with a trap."
"Good point. Cyrille, you go outside first and see if the coast is clear."
"You can't make me!"
Voleur, Guêpe, and Araignée all glared at him.
"I mean, of course I will."
He went up to the hole in the building. He stuck his head out and looked to the left, and then to the right. He cautiously stepped outside. It was quiet.
"Ha! There's no one out here."
Suddenly, a portal opened up above Punaise.
"What in the world -"
Libellule fell through and crashed on top of Punaise.
The stinkbug managed to croak out, "Not again…"
Étalon Noir came through the portal and landed on top of the two villains.
"Are the rest of you just going to stay hidden indoors? Because it'd be easier if you'd just surrender."
—
Your new outfit looks ugly," Camalepolpo said.
"I suppose you'd be the expert on that."
"Laugh it up while you can. I still have the advantage."
"Uproar!"
A stress ball that looked like a peach fell into her hands.
"That's the best you can do, huh?"
She shrugged, "You can't win them all."
The Akuma kicked her in the abs. Then twirled around and kicked her in the back. She then punched her in the face.
"It is SO sad -"
She kicked her in the shin.
"- that you're not even bothering -"
She slapped her across the face.
"- to fight back!"
Suddenly, Lady Sūn's costume began glowing. The light became so bright that Camalepolpo, had to shield her eyes.
"Hey, you idiot, turn off that light!"
The heroine threw the toy peach in the direction of the voice. She saw that it bounced off an invisible figure. She smiled to herself as her light faded.
The Akuma rubbed her eyes, "That was a waste of time."
Lady Sūn picked up her Rúyì Jīngū Bàng.
"Do you seriously think your stick is going to help you?"
She began laughing maniacally as she paced around the hero. In one swift movement, Lady Sūn swung her staff around and smacked her opponent hard in the face. So hard, in fact, that she flew backwards into the nearest wall.
Camalepolpo shook her head, "How did…? You got a lucky hit, that's all."
She quickly walked behind the hero and was about to grab her, but the staff struck her once again.
"How is this possible? I'm…" she looked down at herself, "... invisible…?"
Lady Sūn turned around to look at her.
"I must've de-cloaked when you hit me. I'll fix that!"
Her entire body began flashing in an assortment of colors.
"Just like a kaleidoscope," Lady Sūn thought.
"Why isn't it working?"
She now had a plaid pattern all over herself.
"Plaid?! I hate plaid!"
Lady Sūn hit her in the gut with her staff.
"Oof! How dare -"
She then struck her on the leg.
"Ow! Why you -"
She smacked her in the face.
"Cut it out! I'll fight you regardless!"
She charged at the hero, who leapt over her. Camalepolpo shot her tongue out at the hero's leg, but she dodged and smacked the tongue away with her staff.
"OW!"
She turned her hair into a mass of tentacles and reached towards the heroine. Lady Sūn spun the Rúyì Jīngū Bàng to deflect the tentacles.
The heroine taunted her, "Is that all you got?"
The two opponents stared each other down. Just as it looked like Camalepolpo was about to attack again, she instead sprinted off towards the news building. Lady Sūn sighed, shrugged, and flew after her.
—
Voleur flew over and tackled Noir to the ground. He began to strangle him and leaned in close.
"All alone, cat boy?"
He clawed at the robber fly's face, "Never."
The other six heroes arrived on the scene. Just then, from around the corner, Fourmi came plodding back.
"I'm coming, Boss," she said between heavy breaths, "They ganged up on me."
"I'll handle the Cat. The rest of you, hurry up and deal with these pests."
Fourmi, Araignée, and Guêpe looked at each other, and then at the heroes.
"I'll take the wasp," Griffon said.
"I'll finish my fight with the ant," Torterra said.
"I think the spider's still got it out for me," Multireine said.
As the opposing teams moved towards each other, Camalepolpo ran between them.
"Where do you think you're going?!" Voleur demanded.
Something smacked him on the side of his head. Lady Sūn landed next to him. She was twirling her yo-yo.
"You? You have my Miraculous!"
She calmly put away her yo-yo and grabbed her staff. She then clocked him in the back of the head.
"It's not yours. It never was, you common thief."
"Common?! Why you miserable -"
Lady Sūn jumped onto him, and then maneuvered herself so that she was latched onto his back. She wrapped an arm around his neck.
"You okay, Chaton?"
He pried off his opponent's hands, "Better now, thanks."
Meanwhile, Guêpe took to the air. Griffon did as well, and the two began to grapple. Multireine was tempted to join her.
"This ugly spider woman won't let me out of her sight," she thought.
Araignée quickly shot several strands of webbing at her.
"You're not going anywhere now."
"I wouldn't dream of it. I thought I'd stay here and beat you senseless again. I liked seeing you cower in fear."
She snarled, "You're the one who's going to be begging for mercy."
She began shooting electrical currents through her web strands. Multireine was overwhelmed by the power.
"Had enough yet, stupid bee?"
"Is that all you've got? Come closer so I can reach your aging face."
Behind her, Cockatrice was analyzing the situation. He twirled the quill pen between his fingers.
He whispered, "Sublimation! The power of electrical resistance."
Araignée covered Multireine in more webbing and kept electrocuting her.
"Feel free to cry or scream if it makes you feel better."
"I'm not giving you the satisfaction!"
The spider was now looking overhead on her four long legs.
"Defiant to the end, are we? The only mercy I have left to offer you is death."
"I'm too young to die, but if I was going to, I doubt it would be because of a two-bit hoodlum like you."
"You pathetic little insect! I'll -"
A shiny flash rushed at her and sliced off her front left leg.
She screamed, "What was that?! AH!"
Her back right leg was cut off. She was forced to stand on her human legs.
"I know this is somehow your fault!" she snapped at Multireine.
She shocked her again. That's when Cockatrice jumped at her, his wings flapping wildly.
"Let her go, or I'll rip all your limbs off!"
"Get out of my face, chicken boy!"
She grabbed his wrists and shot him with electricity. When he didn't react, she started to panic.
"How could you possibly…?"
He wrapped his arms and legs around her, making to dig his spurs into her sides, and took to the air. Despite her struggling, he held on tightly until he was high enough. He then spun around and threw her to the ground. As he glided back down, he used his katar to slice off her other two spider legs. As she picked herself up, she saw that Cockatrice was coldly glaring at her.
"Had enough yet?" he asked.
With a sneer, she shot a pair of web strands at him to pull him closer. She then began slapping and kicking him. He retaliated by biting her arm.
"EW! That's disgusting!"
He gave her a headbutt and then tripped her. As she lay on the ground, he grabbed her by the ankles and spun around.
"Let…me…go!"
"Glad to oblige."
He let go and sent her flying. He looked behind himself to see that Multireine was in the process of cutting away the webbing. With a few quick movements, he cut the rest off of her. He held out his hand.
"Are you okay?"
"She's coming back."
Cockatrice activated his timer and turned around. To him, it was as though the spider woman was moving in slow motion. He punched her in the face, and then kicked her in the midsection. She now appeared to be moving normally to him.
"Stand down, fake countess, final warning."
"Do you have feelings for that pathetic girl? Are you going to come get me? Oh, I'm so scared."
"I'm not warning you about me. I'm warning you about her."
Multireine wrapped her up in her trompo and pulled her into the air. She swung her around and then kicked her. She proceeded to do so several times.
"It's like watching someone attack a piñata," Cockatrice said to himself.
She finally sent Araignée smack into the side of the building. She then loosened the trompo and let her fall to the ground.
Araignée groaned, "I hate that bee."
Multireine landed next to Cockatrice.
"I feel better now, thanks."
—
Guêpe was trying to stab Griffon with her stinger. The heroine grabbed it before it could touch her, but that left her open to being punched.
The wasp snickered, "You think you're so strong and fast because you're an eagle, but you have your limits."
"The trick is," she replied, "To recognize those limits. There are things I admit I can't do, but that's why I'm part of a team."
Kaichi zoomed past them and swung her sword. Guêpe was screaming as her stinger fell to the ground.
"You cut off my stinger! Do you have any idea how much that hurts?!"
Griffon kicked her in the chest and then wrapped her up in her bullroarer. She then dived down to the ground, dragging the wasp down with her. Guêpe fell face first into the dirt. As she lay stunned for a few seconds, Griffon grabbed her wings, while Kaichi sliced them off.
Guêpe shrieked again, "You horrible little brats!"
Griffon grabbed her by the ankles.
"Excuse me for a moment."
Kachi nodded, "Take all the time you need."
Griffon took to the air, did a few elaborate spins, and then threw Guêpe into the side of the news building. The wasp Akuma fell to the ground like her fellow teammates.
"Now that she's taken care of…"
Griffon looked out across the city.
"What do you see?" Kaichi asked.
"The fight's not done yet."
—
Torterra and Fourmi were once again trading blows. Étalon Noir noticed Foxhound running across the rooftops when he got an idea. He sent his teammate a message.
Cat: My portal is still open. Lead the ant there.
Fox: Copy
He caught up with the fighters and played a tune Torterra recognized from a video game. She glanced over at him, and he pointed behind her.
"Portal," he mouthed at her, while at the same time drawing a circle in the air.
"Pay attention to me!" Fourmi snapped, "Never mind that useless mutt!"
"Don't call him that!"
She hit her with the hammer. This time, though, Fourmi just chuckled.
"Did that strike a nerve? His powers are useless in direct combat."
"We all help each other in different ways. That's what a real team does."
"Yeah, unlike you creeps," Foxhound said.
"You keep out of this, mongrel! This is between me and the tòti."
Torterra hit her legs with her shield, and then struck her in the chin with her hammer.
"You're never fighting just one of us."
Griffon flew over and kicked Fourmi in the face, "If you mess with one of us!"
Multireine flew past and also delivered a kick, "Then you mess with all of us!"
Cockatrice kicked her in the chest, "All for one!"
Fourmi turned to see Torterra standing arms akimbo.
"And one for all!"
"Oh, shut up!" she snarled as she threw a punch.
Her fist passed through the heroine.
"An illusion?!"
She was barely able to catch herself before she fell through the portal.
"No, no, no! Not this again!"
Foxhound gave her a light push, causing her to lose balance.
"Orevwa."
Fourmi fell through and landed roughly atop her teammates.
—
Voleur was flying around, attempting to get Lady Sūn off his back.
Étalon Noir got an idea, "Cataclysm."
Lady Sūn noticed he activated his power, so she loosened her grip. Voleur grabbed her arm and threw her off. He began zooming back and forth, delivering punches and kicks to the Cat and Ladybug. He finally managed to pin down Lady Sūn.
"I'll be taking that Miraculous back."
"Yeah, I guess you'd better, because as soon as you get the Ladybug and the Cat, Monarque will take your power away. You can't even rebuild your so-called empire without outside assistance."
"Butterfly man is simply a means to an end."
He suddenly felt a shooting pain in his back that caused him to fall over. He saw his wings were disintegrating.
"I'll kill you!"
Noir struck him in the face with his staff.
"Be thankful it was just your wings."
"I oughta cut your hand off!"
Lady Sūn struck him in the back of the head.
"What would you have done if Monarque hadn't decided to break you out of prison?"
"I always find a way."
"Wow, and here I thought I was pretty good at gymnastics, but your mental gymnastics surpass anything I could do."
Noir split his staff into two smaller weapons. He and the Lady were almost playing ping pong with Voleur as the ball. Meanwhile, Camalepolpo was assessing the situation.
"They're going to win again! I have to do something to improve the odds."
After checking to make sure her camouflage was working again, she looked over at the villains still laying in a pile. She reached down and pulled out Punaise.
"Bleuchamp, you useless imbecile, it's time that you did something worthwhile."
"Huh? What? Get your hands off me!"
"Oh, shut up!"
She threw him towards Voleur. As soon as he hit the ground, a massive cloud of gas erupted from his shell. Sūn and Noir had to cover their eyes as they broke down coughing. Voleur was unaffected as he backed away. The heroes could barely make out another shape moving through the gas.
"Now's our chance," Camalepolpo hissed, "Let's get out of here before we're caught!"
Voleur ran as fast as he could.
"Being a coward as always, Lila."
"Sometimes cowards survive, former boss of mine."
Cockatrice blew the gas away with his wings, while Kaichi, Torterra, and Foxhound kept an eye on the other villains. Multireine and Griffon were high in the sky.
"It's so cute that he thinks he can get away," Multireine said, "Shall we?"
"After you," Griffon replied.
She zoomed off and quickly caught up with Voleur.
"Surprise, big man! Multitude!"
Now that she had become her own army, she swarmed around Voleur.
"Get away from me, you stupid bee!"
"I guess you wouldn't like it if I did this."
She kicked him on the nose.
"Or how about this?"
She yanked on his ears.
"Or maybe this?"
She went straight for his eyes, causing him to stop running.
"I'm going to swat you!"
"I don't think so."
She became her normal size again.
"Venom!"
She jabbed him in the back as hard as she could. He tried to run again, but his body was now paralyzed.
"Whom do you serve?"
The usual reply came, "You, My Queen."
"Stand at attention."
He did so.
"Turn around and face your queen."
Cockatrice landed next to her.
"Ah, a fellow artist. What do you think?"
She held up her fingers like a picture frame.
"You know, Queenie, I think it's missing something."
"I quite agree, M. Cockatrice."
She waved at Griffon, who went into a dive. At that moment, Assassin was walking up on unsteady legs.
"Is that the boss?"
"CLOUT!"
With a mighty punch, Voleur was launched backwards, colliding with Assassin and knocking her into the Seine. Voleur continued to fly through the air until he finally crashed into a building. Griffon flew over to pick him up and take him back to the others. Assassin crawled out of the water only for Multireine to wrap her up in her trompo.
"Need any help, Queenie?" Cockatrice asked.
"I think I'm good."
As she flew back, she made sure that Assassin hit the side of several buildings along the way. She dropped the Akuma onto the pile of the other villains. They had all been rounded up, but they were starting to stand.
"Boss?!" Fourmi gasped, "We're not done yet. We won't go down so easily!"
"Shell-ter!"
A forcefield surrounded the villains. Multireine snapped her fingers to release Voleur from his paralysis. He immediately let out an agonizing and angry scream. They all began pounding on the forcefield.
"Let us out and we'll make it a fair fight!"
"What do you know about fair?" Kaichi asked, "You have no honor! Water Dragon! Wind Dragon! Lightning Dragon!"
Torterra opened a single hexagon at the top of the forcefield. Kaichi sent her massive storm inside and bombarded the villains. They were soaked, electrocuted, and banged around inside the barrier. Kaichi arranged them into a pile once again before she stopped her assault. Once they were incapacitated, Torterra dropped the forcefield.
"My turn," Foxhound said, "Fetch!"
The tank appeared above the villains and smashed them once more.
"I think I wanna give up," Libellule muttered.
"Do you think they've had enough?" Lady Sūn asked.
"Well, I suppose," Noir replied, "Shall we?"
They fist bumped, "Miraculous!"
All the damage was fixed, and the Ladybird Slayers each spat out their Akuma.
"Thank goodness for that," Torterra said, "If that didn't work, I don't know how we'd ever pay for the damages to the news building."
"Hey, what happened to that slimy octopus girl?" Multireine asked.
"Looks like she ran away again," Lady Sūn replied, "But we'll get her next time."
—
Camalepolpo was sneaking through the alleyways in an attempt to get as far away from the fight scene as possible.
"Cowering again, eh, Lila?"
She flinched and looked around.
"Up here."
Argos landed next to her.
"What are you doing on the roof?! They could see from a mile away in that outfit!"
He rolled his eyes as he de-transformed, "Stop worrying so much. I thought ahead, unlike you."
One of Tomoe's self-driving cars pulled up.
"Hurry up and get inside."
She practically jumped into the back seat as he calmly slid into the passenger side.
"I can't wait to see Gabriel throw a temper tantrum," he snickered.
—
"While we wait for the police to pick up the, uh, Ladybird Slayers," Étalon Noir, "I think we should all join in on a fist bump. We have to cement this moment. These guys were no match against Team Miracle!"
"I'm sorry, what?" Multireine said.
"Since when were we called that?" Torterra asked.
"I've been thinking about it after I saw that the villain team had a name," Noir said, "It's nice, isn't it?"
"It's pretty cool," Foxhound said.
"It does roll off the tongue," Cockatrice said.
"Then it's settled," Lady Sūn said, "From now on, we're Team Miracle."
"Of course she'd immediately agree," Multireine whispered to Griffon.
"Now as I was saying," Noir continued, "Let's have a Team Miracle fistbump!"
"This is so cheesy," Multireine grumbled.
They stood in a circle and all touched fists.
"There. Happy now?"
"Rest would make me happy," Kaichi said.
"Couple it with some food and I'm with you," Griffon said.
The police showed up and dragged the exhausted convicts into the back of a prison van. Multireine tapped on the window.
"Remember, if you try anything…we'll know."
Some of the gang shuddered, while others just seethed.
"We can't thank you enough," Roger said.
"All in a day's work, officer," Noir replied.
Nadja then showed up with a camera crew.
"This is Nadja Chamack. Don't be bemused, it's just the news. Today, the news building was held hostage as the infamous Le Gang des Griffes escaped and ran amok throughout the city. Thankfully, the entire building was vacated and the villains were apprehended. We owe it all to you, heroes."
"Team Miracle," Lady Sūn said.
"Yeah, that's us," Toterra said, "Remember that name, all potential evil-doers!"
"Yes, well, we're glad everyone's okay," Multireine said, "But even superheroes can get tired."
"Especially after a long battle," Griffon added.
"So, if you don't mind," Kaichi said, "We're off to get some rest before we continue our vigilant watch over the city."
"Are you sure you can't answer any questions?" Nadja asked.
Noir shrugged, "Can you just pick the one you feel is most important?"
"Weren't any of you afraid?"
"Us, afraid?" Foxhound replied, "A team who's fought against giants and monsters? Of course we were."
"But true courage means you do what has to be done regardless," Tortank added.
"Oh, and if Monarque and his cronies are watching this," Multireine said, "You're next. Ciao!"
She quickly flew away, and was immediately followed by Griffon, Cockatrice, and Kaichi.
"Allow me to arrange transportation for the non-fliers," Noir said, "Voyage!"
A portal opened behind him as Torterra and Foxhound jumped through. Noir gave a bow to the camera as he hopped through.
Lady Sūn waved at the camera, "Enjoy the rest of your day, everyone."
She then joined her teammates on the other side of the portal, and it quickly closed behind her.
—
Team Miracle each took a different path back to the hotel so as not to arouse suspicion. Chloé and Zoé were the first to arrive. To their surprise, there was a box of chicken and two pizza boxes.
"Food!" Zoé exclaimed as she grabbed a piece of chicken and started tearing it apart.
"You don't have to act like a pig, Zo."
She noticed a note on the table.
Mlle. Chloé,
I assumed you and your friends were out and about, so I took the liberty of ordering all of you some food that still tastes good despite being left sitting out. Help yourselves and get some rest.
Your faithful servant, Jean-Armand
"How did he know we'd be out?" Chloé wondered aloud, "Did we tell him anything?"
"Not that I can recall."
"Don't talk with your mouth full. Hey… you don't think he knows, do you?"
She shrugged, "If he does, he's not telling."
"Oh, well… now for pizza."
Luka and Kagami arrived and dug into the box of chicken. Nino and Alya arrived soon after them, and finally Adrien and Marinette stumbled into the room. All four of them grabbed a slice of pizza. Chloé went over to the mini-fridge.
"What does everyone want to drink?"
The drinks were passed around. No one said anything for a while. Once they were all done eating, everyone took a spot and started to pass out. Chloé grabbed a blanket and went onto the balcony.
"Don't wake me up until it's time for dinner."
She grabbed Luka and pulled him along. Adrien and Marinette shared one sofa, Nino and Alya shared another, while Zoé and Kagami shared the bed. As Chloé laid down on the outside sofa, Luka began massaging her.
"Oh, yes, I needed that. I know you're tired though."
"Let me do this one thing before I fall asleep."
"Hey, there is one thing I wanted to ask you. When the spider countess managed to tie me up, the way you just flew in and attacked her, no comments or distractions…you were angry, weren't you?"
"I know it's hard to believe, but the way she kept…hurting you, something inside me snapped."
"I can only recall one other time I've seen you get mad. I'm going to tell you a secret," she leaned in close to his ear, "It's kind of a turn on."
He almost laughed, "I'm sorry, what?"
"Well, I mean, you're usually so calm and collected. To see that coolness turned into cold determination, it's like a whole different side to you. It helps that you're already handsome."
She began to massage him now. Luka practically melted into her arms.
"Oh, man, that feels really good. We'll have to pick it up later though, because I'm about to pass out."
"No arguments there."
She pulled the blanket over and they fell asleep.
—
As the news report came on, Gabriel said nothing. Nathalie kept looking between the television and Gabriel to see his reaction. Amelie and Tomoe just shook their heads. Just then, the door opened and Félix strode into the room. Lila was right behind him. Sensing her, Gabriel snapped his fingers to release her Akuma. Tomoe stood up and walked out with her robot dog.
"Come, child. I shall take you home. There's nothing else to do here."
Lila said nothing and followed her.
"Félix, my darling," Amelie said, "Let's get out of here. It stinks of failure."
Félix gave Gabriel a smug smile as he tapped on the Peacock Miraculous. Now that Gabriel and Nathalie were alone, he began kicking and knocking over everything in his atelier.
"Sir, calm down."
"No, Nathalie! I have HAD it with her and I've had it with those heroes being a thorn in my side! Keep Amelie and Tomoe away from me until my final plan is ready."
"Your final plan?"
"I've been at this for nearly four years! Apart from mastering control of the Butterfly Miraculous, what have I got to show for it? Well, no more being patient, and certainly no more relying on idiotic Akumas to get the job done. Preparations are already underway. I'll show all of Paris, nay, all of France, exactly what I'm capable of, and what I'll do to get what I want. This shall be my pièce de résistance! This…is the endgame."