Work Text:
“I…feel like such a failure…”
Chat’s heart broke hearing those words coming from her. “M’lady? It’s ok. We just need to defeat Hawkmoth and Mayura.”
~~~
Hawkmoth turned to them. Their emotions ravaged in the seine.
“What’s wrong?”
Hawkmoth turns to Mayura with an evil smile. “They are at their weakest. You can feel it too, can’t you?”
Mayura nodded her head.
Hawkmoth pulled the akuma from Queen Bee as he laughed.
“Hey! What gives?”
“Go on now little akuma. You know what to do.”
~~~
AquaBug held out the dragon miraculous. “I couldn’t even find Master Fu to give this back…”
AquaChat held his hand over it. “He must be where Hawkmoth is. Whatever it is M’lady, we’ll get through it. Together.”
Aquabug buried herself into Chat. “Thanks Chat. You’re always there for me…”
“Always little bug.”
The dragon miraculous was immediately blended with an akuma. Aquabug shoved Chat away from her as she clutched her head. AquaChat could only stare into the butterfly mask around his face.
“Ladybug and Chat noir. Are the both of you so down in the dumps? So lost that you have no idea what to do?”
Aquabug whimpered at the noise in her head.
“First Chloe abandoned you and you have no idea where the guardian is.”
Aquachat let out a breath as he stared at the bottom of the seine.
“I’m going to give you what you wanted. The chance to know what you want more than anything.”
“W-what?”
“Directions. It must be exhausting making sure the city is safe. So exhausting you wouldn’t know what to do
with your own lives. All I want is your miraculous in exchange for all the directions you need.”
Aquabug smiled. “You have a deal then Hawkmoth.”
AquaChat grinned.
“Well then Misfortune and Chat Blanc. I grant you the ultimate infinite power of destruction and creation!”
A purple mass takes them over as they both laughed.
~~~
Queen Bee was shaking with rage, staring at Hawkmoth. “Where’s my akuma?!”
“Well now Chloe, he just found a better use for it.”
Queen Bee gaped at Misfortune. “He akumatized you? Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous.”
Chat grabbed her face and smirked. “Is that anyway to treat my queen Chloe?” He yanked the miraculous out before letting go. Chloe fell to the ground.
“Hey! That’s mine!”
Chat presented it to Misfortune with a smile. “A gift for my queen.”
Misfortune picked it up and smiled at it.
“Misfortune, Chat blanc. I require your assistance in getting your Master out of his shield.”
Misfortune jumps up to him with a hum.
Jade Turtle sighs. “Ladybug. I understand you are upset. But think this through.”
Misfortune leaned on the shield and sighs. “You know Master… getting a bunch of teenagers probably wasn’t the brightest idea.” She tossed her yo-yo letting it surround the shield. “Then again… you were never really trained for it.”
The yo-yo crushed the shield. Chat walked up to him pulling the miraculous out.
Hawkmoth laughed. “Well then. Now all I requi-“
A yo-yo wrapped around him before he could continue. “Hm…. Nah.”
Hawkmoth looks at the yo-yo and back to her. “Nah? What do you mean-“
Misfortune held onto the miraculous with a smile. “Nah.” She ripped it off Gabriel standing in his place. “Gabriel Agreste, do you want to know the other problem with this city?”
Gabriel grunts in her grasp as he tries to free himself. Chat pulled a sword from mid-air as he held it to Mayura’s throat.
“It would be you. I wouldn’t have to suffer if it wasn’t for you.”
“How dare you! I gave you the power-“
“To find my direction?” Misfortune hummed. “I finally found it.” She pulled him closer with a smirk. “Thank you for your help Mr. Agreste.”
She pulled him over the building. “It was nice knowing you.”
“My queen! Wait.”
Misfortune stops herself turning to Chat. “Is there a problem Kitty?”
“Don’t finish him yet.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”
“He is my father, my queen.”
Misfortune smiles. “Looks like you live to see another day Mr. Agreste.”
Chat rips the miraculous from Mayura, before grabbing Nathalie.
“Let’s go Kitty.”
“I’ll follow you anywhere my queen.”
~~~
“A secret basement? Really? How have we never figured out where he is huh Kitty?”
Chat shrugged as he drove a hand through the butterflies.
“What was this all for Gabriel?”
Gabriel sighs. “To bring my wife back.”
Chat grabbed him and growled. “You kept mother in the basement?!”
Misfortune touches his shoulder. “Hey, don’t get too worked up.”
Chat let's go of Gabriel. “Of course my queen.” He landed on the floor with a thump. Chat sneered at him before walking up to her. “My queen? What are your plans?”
Misfortune cupped his head with a smile. “Did you need me to say it Kitty?”
Chat smiled. “I know what it is. But I’d rather hear you say it to me.”
“We are going to rule all of Paris Kitty. You and me.”
“That’s what I like my queen.”
“Now where’s the miracle box?”
“…. I thought you were holding it…”
Misfortune and Char stare at each other before both of them respond. “Fu.”
~~~
“My queen~”
Marinette scoffs as she closes the locker door. “Adrien… we need to act natural.”
“But I want to ravage you and your beauty. Besides… you’re a little too early. Marinette was always late.” Adrien leaned in with a smirk.
“Perhaps she just wanted to be closer with her boyfriend…” She rubbed his chin and smirked at his mewls.
Adrien shook his head as he slammed her onto the lockers. “Are you trying to seduce your boyfriend my queen?”
Marinette hummed. “Maybe I am…”
She closed her eyes when Adrien met her lips. Marinette held his head in as she kissed back. Adrien bit her lip causing her to moan into him.
“Marinette?”
Her eyes shot open as she broke the kiss. Alya gaping at the both of them.
“You… confessed?”
Marinette looks at Adrien with a smile. “I did.”
“And he accepted it?”
Adrien nodded his head. “Yeap.”
“The both of you… are together?”
“Yea?”
Alya grabbed her shoulders. “And you didn’t tell me?!”
“Ah…. I’m sorry Alya. We were just really busy….”
Alya pulled her away. “Marinette this is great! I was going to congratulate you on getting hired by Gabriel. But this is even better!”
Marinette smiled and nodded her head.
“Why don’t we go celebrate huh? Us and the girls.”
Marinette shook her head. “Wish I could Alya. But I-“
Adrien placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled. “Just go have fun. I can handle my father for a while.” His eyes darted to Alya. (You have to play along.)
Marinette kissed him on the cheek, Alya gawking. “Aw you’re so sweet Adrien.”
Alya grabbed her hand dragging her out of the locker room. “Celebrations all around!” Alya stops herself as she stares at Adrien’s hair. “Love the white highlights you got there sunshine.”
Adrien smiled and ruffled his hair. “Finally got my father to let me play around.”
Marinette smiled. “It suits you so much.”
Adrien winked at her as he went to his locker.
~~~
Marinette sat at the table holding a smile.
“So why did Gabriel hire you?”
Marinette shrugs. “He was impressed with the hat I worked on and was already planning on hiring me. He was just waiting to see what other works I came up with before he did.”
Alya grabbed her and pulled her in. “You’re going to do great!” Alya’s smile dropped as she sighs. “If only I can say the same for Paris…”
Marinette held onto her chair and tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
Mylene sighs. “I know what you mean… Ladybug and Chat noir akumatized? How are we going to make it work out?”
Alix snorts as she places her cup down. “Hey! Don’t get so bummed out about it. We are here to celebrate Marinette’s achievements. Not be sad over what happened.”
Marinette drinks from her cup.
“What do you think Marinette?”
Marinette looks at the girls.
“You’ve been awfully quiet about what happened.”
Marinette shrugs. “I’ve just been so busy with work I don’t actually have an opinion on them.”
Alya snorts. “Ladybug and Chat noir got akumatized. You have to have some thoughts about it.”
Marinette hummed. “I guess it is awful.”
Alya tilts her head at her response. She shook it. “Anyway, about you and Adrien. What happened? I want to know the deets girl.”
Marinette shrugs. “I confessed and we got together.”
Rose nodded her head piping up. “But what else happened?”
Marinette winces. “Ok ok. After Gabriel offered to hire me… Adrien came up to congratulate me. So I figured since I was just riding on a high I confessed.”
“And what did Adrien say?”
“He acted all surprised before he realized he had feelings for me too. And then we got together.”
Alya snorts. “How much stammering did you have to get through to talk to him?”
“None. I was just… bold.”
Marinette caught movement in the corner of her eye. She turns to the group and smiles. “Unfortunately I don’t know how long Adrien can hold Gabriel off. So I have to get going.” Marinette moved out of her seat. “It was nice hanging out.”
Without waiting for a response she walked away. She darted into a corner before leaning on the wall.
“….Fu. It’s so nice to see you around.”
Jade Turtle moved out of the shadows. “Mari-“
“Uh-uh.” Marinette transformed with a smirk. “You know that’s not my name.”
“Marinette. I know being akumatized has been harsh but you have to reconsider this.”
Misfortune hummed as she fiddled with her yo-yo. “I thought about it for a long time. Even back when my name was different. I would still choose this.”
Jade sighs. “The dragon miraculous cannot be destroyed without a cataclysm. And even then there would be no way of getting it back after. Marinette-“
His eyes widened as he held his shield up, the yo-yo wrapping itself around it.
“Fu, the name’s Misfortune.” She pulled the yo-yo letting the shield collapse by the side. “Where is it?”
“Where is what?”
“The miracle box. I think it’s time I claimed it as the new guardian.” She smirked. “Wouldn’t you say so? You’re getting a little too old… aren’t you?”
Jade only grunted as he jumped away.
“You can run Fu~ But you can’t hide forever.”
~~~
Marinette walked into the Agreste home. She slammed the door shut as she walked into the office.
Chat turned with a smile. “My queen. How was it?”
“Fu is spying on us. He was watching me.”
Chat cups her head up. “Are you worried my queen?”
“He might reveal us Kitty. I don’t want to lose you.” Marinette frowned, staring at Chat. She held his hand and sighs.
“Hey.” Chat lowered himself to meet her violet eyes. “We’ll find him. I swear on my nine lives my queen.”
Marinette pulled him closer. “Oh Kitty~”
~~~
“I want to burn this place to the ground.” Marinette grumbled as she slammed her locker door shut.
“My queen, you need to calm down. We just need to play along until we find the box.”
“Well we better hurry before he sends out more heroes to stop us.”
“Is my queen afraid of other heroes defeating us?”
Marinette hummed. “No, it will be the biggest annoyance ever. Now we have to pry the miraculous off of them with our own bare hands.”
“Ah come on my queen. We can have fun.”
“Hmmmmmm. Guess you’re right.” Marinette ruffles his hair. “Would have been better if we could just have the box.”
“Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste. Why are the both of you not in class yet?”
Marinette sighs as she turns around to look at Ms. Bustier. “Sorry Ms. Bustier. Adrien and I….”
Marinette looked over to Adrien as she wore a bright smile. Adrien narrowed his eyes.
“Actually Ms. Bustier. I’m sick of school.”
Ms. Bustier tilts her head. “Why do you think that Marinette?”
“Well…. I have more important things to do than go to school. I’ll just be dropping out and focusing on my career.”
Adrien slaps his face as Marinette walks out of school.
~~~
Alya walked up the steps to her room. Marinette was acting strange. She had never been interested in hero talk, but that doesn’t mean you ignore the heroes going rogue.
And yet she can’t tell… was Marinette’s eyes changing to violet or was it the light?
She opened the trap door, watching as Marinette packed a couple things into a suitcase.
Alya looked around her room. “Marinette?”
Marinette gave her a smile. “What’s up Alya?”
“You just… dropped out of school. Aren’t you concerned with your life?”
Marinette hummed and shrugged. “I have a job I can work my way up with.”
Alya nodded her head. “Yes, the one with Gabriel. But… aren’t you the least bit concerned?”
Marinette smiled. “Why would I be?”
“The Marinette I knew would never get so worked up about school.”
Marinette tilts her head. “What are you saying Alya?”
Alya hesitates on asking. “Am I… talking to Marinette?”
Marinette snorts. “Alya, don’t be ridiculous. Of course it’s me.”
Alya stared at her choker. “You seem to always wear that.”
Marinette clutched it and could only continue to smile. “A change in fashion accessories. I need to be on the know of these kinds of things.”
“It kind of looks like the one Misfortune wears all the time.”
Marinette stops herself at her desk. She gave a giggle. “What are you trying to imply… Alya Cesaire?”
“I’m not talking to Marinette… am I? Misfortune.” Alya watched her expression. She could detect the hint of surprise before her smile dropped entirely.
Marinette giggled. “Guess I got caught huh?”
Alya backed away from her. “You were akumatized.”
Marinette looked at her fingers and hummed. “I’m well aware… I was there Alya.”
Alya bolted out of her room. The only sound she heard was a cackle.
~~~
Alya barely made it past the first building before a yo-yo wrapped around her and pulled her to the top of a roof.
“Hey there Alya.”
Alya grunts in the string. “Marinette wait.”
Misfortune hummed as she leaned on her hand. “Marinette isn’t really here right now. Did you honestly think you could run away from me?”
A shield comes flying by cutting the yo-yo string.
Misfortune could only laugh. “Fu… saving someone else? How bold of you for an old man.”
Jade turtle stood in front of Alya. “Marinette, reconsider.”
Misfortune toyed with her yo-yo. “Hm…. No.” She launched herself forward.
Jade turtle threw the miraculous towards her before holding his shield up from her yo-yo exploding.
“Rena! You have to wear it!”
Alya snatched the necklace on the roof. Rena replaced her as she threw her flute at Misfortune.
“Time to run.”
Jade turtle grabbed her jumping away.
“What happened?” Rena jumped after him, trying to outrun Misfortune.
“They both got akumatized. The akuma is in the choker.” Jade turtle wheezed as he tripped on a roof.
Rena held him in her arms as she ran. “And now what?”
“You need to outrun her.”
Jade felt a snag on his leg as he looked down. “Rena Rouge.” He pulled his miraculous placing it on her chest. “You and Carapace need to find the miracle box before she does. I’m counting on you both.” Fu pushed himself off of her.
Rena didn’t look back as she clutched the miraculous and ran.
~~~
Rena crashed into Nino’s room. She locked the windows tight as she sighs.
“Alya? What’s happening?”
Rena turns around presenting his miraculous. “We’re all that’s left Nino…”
Nino opened his arms as she crashed into him. “Marinette… she’s-“
Nino shushed her. “Hey. Breathe first. Just take a breath. Alright?”
Rena shook her head. “Marinette is Misfortune.” Rena sobbed into him. “How are we supposed to help Paris?”
Nino puts the bracelet on and shushes her. “It’s ok babe. It’s ok.”
~~~
“I’m sorry about the way I acted yesterday Ms. Bustier.” Marinette gave a laugh. “I was just so stressed out with work and school. But don’t worry I’ll work out my schedule.”
Alya narrowed her eyes as Marinette walked past her. Marinette only gave a wink as she left.
“We’ll find them first Marinette. Just watch us.”
Marinette gave a hum in response. “Be careful with your words Cesaire. Or your family is next.”
Alya reaches a hand out. “You can still fight-“
Adrien gripped it tight with a smile. “Uh-uh. No touching.”
Alya yanked her hand away. “The both of you can fight it.”
“Oh Alya~ Why would we? Come on Kitty~” Marinette held her hands together on her back as she walked away. Adrien in tow.
They walk to their seats as Alya snorts. “Doesn’t the new couple want to sit together?”
Marinette gave a hum. “Why? Would it be too much for you Alya? I thought you and I were best friends… unless, I’m not?”
Alya grumbled as she sat next to her. “You and I both know what you are…”
Marinette drummed her fingers. “Really? What am I?”
“An akuma bent on running Paris.”
“Oh Alya… you’ve got it all wrong. I just want to make sure Paris is safe. The only way to do that would be to take over.”
“Nino and I will stop you.”
Marinette tilts her head. “Unless I go after your sisters.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Can you imagine Nora going down first? How heartbroken would the rest of your family be?”
“Don’t you dare.”
“Unless you wanted me to go after the younger ones first.”
“Marinette…”
“Or would you prefer your parents.”
“That’s it!” Alya launched onto Marinette slamming her onto the chair. “Don’t you ever say anything about my family like that!”
Marinette winked as she broke off tears. “Alya? That hurt.”
“What…”
“All I asked was seeing how your family was. You didn’t have to push me down so hard…”
“Alya! Get off of her.” Alix pushed her off. “You made Marinette cry?” Alix rubbed her back. “How could you be so cruel?”
“Cruel?! She start-“
Nino grabbed her and put a hand over her mouth. “Sorry everyone. Alya’s just having a rough day.” He dragged her out of the class.
Nino lets go of Alya. “She threatened my family Nino.”
Nino nodded his head as he wiped her tears. “So what now?”
“We find the box and run.”
~~~
Alya pushed through the crowd as Anasi slammed someone to the ground. She walked up to Marinette with a frown. “What are you doing here?”
Marinette tilts her head. “Watching the fight?”
Alya grabbed her pulling her to the side. “If you’re here to threaten-”
“Hm, threaten is not the word I would use Alya. Think of it…. As hunting.” Marinette gave her a smile.
Alya narrowed her eyes looking around her. “Where’s the cat?”
“Adrien? Oh he’s back home. You don’t have to worry about him Alya.”
Alya tilts her head. “Home?”
Marinette smile. “The Agreste mansion. You are more than welcome to visit us. Can’t say I will be hospitable of course.”
“What happened to Gabriel?”
Marinette shrugged. She folded her hands behind her back. “See you around… Rena.”
~~~
“So you’re going to stay with the Agrestes for a while?”
Marinette nodded her head. “Yeap.”
Tom sniffled. “Our little girl is all grown up. Do you need us to bring you over?”
Marinette shook her head. “Bye dad bye mum. I’ll see you guys around.”
Sabine gave her a hug. “How long will you be staying over?”
“Depends on my work.” Marinette smiled. “I’ll miss you.”
Tom chuckled. “Miss us? You can come back anytime.”
Marinette stood by the door with a smile.
No, I don’t think I will.
~~~
Nino opened the door to Alya’s room. “Babe?”
Alya shot over. “Nino! Great you’re here.” She grabbed his arm pulling him in. “You remember the tibet temple thing?”
Nino looked at the piles of paper thrown around her room. “How… long have you been awake?”
“Not important.” Alya shoved a piece of paper into his face. “Remember the temple?”
Nino grabbed the piece of paper and nodded his head.
Alya rapidly drank from her bottle. “Great!”
“How many cups of coffee have you drunk?”
“So I was thinking. If that old man had the miraculous. That makes him...the guardian of some kind. Which means…” Alya rolled her hands, hoping Nino would catch on.
“That you need to take a nap?”
“No! It means there are other guardians. And they might be able to help Marinette!” Alya grabbed his face. “Isn’t that great!?”
“And Adrien?”
“Yea yea. Him too.”
Nino took in a breath. “So… what you’re saying babe. Is that you want to get the box, run away from our families. And then somehow travel to Tibet and ask the guardians for help?”
Alya vigorously nodded her head. She held his shoulders. “What do you think about that plan?”
Nino gently held onto her. “Ok first. Alya Cesaire needs a nap.”
Alya waved her hand. “I’m completely fine.”
“Second.” Nino placed her on the bed. “Is this really what you want? Running away?”
Alya sighs. “What choice do we have Nino? If we stay here she’s going to start attacking our families.”
“Alya, they are attacking all of Paris. Not just our own. Do you really think your plan will work if we leave to find them first? Besides the third point is, where are we going to get the money to get ourselves to Tibet?”
Wayzz flew out. “Actually there is a magical potion that can transform you into beings that can fly across the world. Ladybug and Chat have used it multiple times.”
Alya grabbed Wayzz. “Do you know how to make it?”
“No. But Master had the ingredients along with the box. You can decipher what he’s written and try to make your own.”
Trixx flew out from her bag. “But that would mean the both of you have to find the box and immediately transfigure the potion. Fly to Tibet, get the guardians and then come back to Paris.”
Alya sighs. “Which means we have to run away once we find the box.”
Nino sat on the bed looking at the floor.
Alya puts hand out to grab Nino’s knee. “Nino? I know this plan sounds stupid and just awful… If you don’t want to do it…. I understand. But I need to get them back.”
Nino looks over to Alya with a smile. “Babe. I’ll be with you to the end.”
~~~
Alix slammed open the door. “Alya! Get up!”
Alya shot out of bed, her eyesight still groggy from her lack of sleep. “Heeeeeey, Alix.”
“Come on, we’re going to visit Marinette. I think you should apologize for how you treated her.”
Alya choked on air. “Apologize?”
Alix nodded her head. “Yes apologize. You guys are best friends. Come on. Get out of bed.”
Alya sighs as she throws the blanket over herself. “Alix I’d rather not…”
Alix tossed the blanket away. “Uh-uh. The girls are all here. We even have a gift set up for her from you. Get! Up!”
Alya stares at Alix and shook her head. “No. Alix… We shouldn’t visit Marinette. Not right now.”
Alix snorts. “Being cryptic with your words won’t stop me Alya.”
Alya looks over to her locked window and sighs. “Alix do you have a miraculous?”
Alix freezes. “What?”
“Do you have a miraculous Alix?”
Alix narrowed her eyes. “Alya? I think maybe you should have more sleep after we visit her.”
“Alix I’m being very serious.” Alya lifted her necklace out of her neck. “Do you have a miraculous or not?”
Alix gaped at it before she ran to the door slamming it shut. “I do. How do you have that!?”
Alya sighs as she buried her head into her pillow. “Alix… I’m about to tell you something… but you can’t scream about it.”
Alix nods her head.
“Marinette is Ladybug…”
“So the reason you were yelling at her?”
“Was because she threatened my family…” Alya blinked her tears away. “I can’t see her Alix. I can’t see this version of Marinette without crying my eyes out.”
“...... Who else knows?”
“Nino. Alix you have to act very natural to her or she might start to threaten your family. I’m starting to lose my mind making sure mine is safe.”
Alix looks around the room at the crumpled pieces of paper. “I can tell Alya. We need to te-”
“No! Alix they can’t handle her after they know. Alix you can act chill enough. They can’t.”
“Woah, woah. Ok.” Alix pushed her back down. “Alya, I’ll tell them you’re busy or something. You should probably go back to bed…”
An explosion outside her home caused the ground to quake a little. Alya buried her head into the pillow and screamed. She pushed herself off and sighs. “Guess I can’t Alix.”
~~~
Misfortune grins at the destruction she saw. The Mayor’s office burning into dust. Chat held the sword against his throat.
“So Mr. Mayor. What do you think?”
Andre shielded himself with his arms. “Please don’t hurt me. The key to the city is yours.”
Misfortune laughs. “The Mayor of Paris. A weakling.”
Chat pushed the sword closer. “My queen? Do we still need him around?”
“We don’t need a weakling like him around Kitty.”
“Ladybug!”
Misfortune turns around with a grin. “Rena. How nice of you to visit us. Guess what? My first task is to cancel school.”
Rena snarled. “I know you’re still there Marinette. You have to fight it out.”
“Aw Rena. Marinette is dead.” Misfortune spread her arms out. “Now all that is left is destruction to cause.”
Carapace’s shield flew by knocking the sword out of Chat’s hand. Chat shook his hand and growled in his direction. “Nino.”
“Adrien.”
Misfortune launched her yo-yo. Carapace blocked it from hitting Rena. He grunted holding onto his shield.
“Look out!” Rena pushed Carapace away from Chat’s sword as he hit the roof.
Misfortune shot forward as she slammed Rena to the ground.
“Rena!” Carapace runs towards her before he raises his shield to block Chat’s attacks.
Misfortune smiled as she held Rena to the ground. “Do you want to know something Alya? I lied~ Marinette is still here. Do you want to know what she’s saying?”
Rena grunts as she tries to push her off.
“She’s begging.” Misfortune squeezed her throat a little. Rena choked at the pressure. “She’s begging me not to hurt you. Isn’t that sweet?”
“Marinette, we’ll save you. I swear.” Rena knocked Misfortune off of her as she pushed herself up.
“You swear? How are you going to do that?” She pulled the choker. “This thing can’t be destroyed. All of Paris will bow before us!”
“I will find a way! I promise! I know you can hear me Marinette. I promise.” Rena saw it, her eyes flashing blue for a second. Within that second she saw her expression shift.
“Rena… You can’t make promises you can’t keep~” The violet returned. Misfortune smirked.
Rena was slammed to the roof by Carapace landing on her. “Babe!”
Carapace shook his head. “Sorry.”
Chat let the sword rest on his back with a grin. “Nino, that was a pretty ridiculous fight…” He moved the sword to look at the tip. “I didn’t even make a scratch on you.”
Carapace held his shield over them. “Rena?”
“Grab the Mayor, we need to leave.”
Carapace nodded his head. He threw his shield towards them. Misfortune caught it.
Rena blew her flute as the three of them disappear.
“My queen?”
Misfortune shook her head. “Leave them.”
~~~
Rena paced the room. Carapace watching her.
“Babe?”
Rena nodded her head as she held a hand up.
“The fight was something huh?”
“I saw her.”
Carapace tilts his head. “Who?”
“Marinette, I saw her.” Rena turned to him, tears in her eyes. “She’s still there. She’s trying to fight herself out.”
“So what now?”
Rena smiled. “We don’t have to find the box. We just need to talk them out of it.”
Carapace pursed his lip for a second. “You realize we were losing the fight just now right?”
“We don’t need to go to Tibet.”
“We were losing the fight.”
“We just need to bring them back out.”
Carapace grabbed her shoulders. “Alya! We were losing the fight. We can’t keep doing that to help them.”
Rena scoffs. “So what? You wanted to run away like we planned?”
“As much as I hate to admit it. Yes! I’ll miss my family but we need to do that to save them.”
“But there’s another option! Another one that doesn’t require us to run away.”
“What if it doesn’t work? What happens if we fail miserably? Our families and all of Paris will suffer.”
“Paris is already suffering! They just destroyed the Mayor’s office and took over.” Rena slammed her hand on the wall.
Carapace took a breath and looked at the city. “Was this what they felt like everyday?”
Rena hugged herself without responding.
Her head shot up. “Nino that’s it!”
Carapace looked confused.
“What got them akumatized?”
Carapace shrugged.
“We don’t know what got them akumatized… We can ask the guardian.”
“Where is he?”
“Probably in the Agreste mansion.”
“Do you have a plan?”
“I do.” Alya pulled her phone. “Unfortunetely we need to visit them.”
~~~
Nino opened the door to the mansion with a smile. The rest of the boys in class followed after him. “Hey there dude.”
Adrien narrowed his eyes. “Hey…”
Nino leaned on Adrien. “Since school’s out, the guys and I decided to come hang out.”
Kim looked around. “Hey, where’s Nettie? Haven’t seen her in a while.”
Adrien smiled. “Marinette’s currently busy.”
Kim slapped him in the back. “Aw come on. We can ask her to join us. Your dad doesn’t seem like he’s in.” Kim pointed at a door as he walked over. “Is she in here?”
Kim opened the door to the office, looking around.
“Kim!” Adrien took a breath. “You guys can just go up to my room. I’ll go get her.”
Adrien pulled Nino closer, dropping his smile. “What are you planning?”
Nino smiled. “Nothing. Just wanted to hang out. You can’t exactly say no. Can you?”
Adrien growled before letting go. He put on a smile. “I’ll go get Marinette. Enjoy yourselves in my room.”
Adrien watched them walk up the stairs. He eyed Nino before retreating into his father’s office and taking the lift to the basement.
“Where is it Fu? I remember you saying something about a couple days of starvation when you were being trained… wait no. You didn’t train at all.”
Misfortune dropped the tray on the floor. “So tell me where it is.”
“My queen.”
Misfortune turned around with a smile. “Kitty.”
“The guys are here. They asked for Marinette.”
“Is Nino with them?”
“Yes.”
Misfortune growled. “They’re planning something.”
“I can turn them away-“
“No.” Misfortune drops her transformation. “You’ve said it before Kitty. We need to play along.”
Marinette gave him a kiss. “Come on. Let’s go see what they want.”
Fu watched them leave as he sighs. The tray was lifted quietly and moved closer. Fu squinted his eyes. “Rena?”
Rena dropped her illusion and smiled. “Hi there… I don’t actually know your name.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I needed something important. What got them akumatized?”
Gabriel sighs. “Because they were lost.”
Rena turns to him. “Gabriel? You’re here too?”
Nathalie coughs in the corner.
Rena shakes her head. “What do you mean lost?”
“Ladybug was lost. She had heartbreak, Chloe betrayed her. She couldn’t find the guardian. I akumatized her promising her directions. She betrayed me and trapped me here.”
Rena paced the floor. Fu sipped on his tea.
“Rena? Why did you need to know all this?”
Rena turned to Fu. “I saw her. I saw Marinette.” Rena shakes her head. “But if we fail… Our kwamis say you know the recipe for flight. Do you remember what it is?”
Fu tilts his head. “Where were you going?”
“To the Temple. To ask for help.”
Fu nods his head. “I can tell you what it is.”
Rena detransformed pulling her phone out. “Go on.”
~~~
“Nettie! It’s good to see you.” Kim slapped her on the back with a grin.
Marinette wore a smile. “Kim…. fellows. What are you doing here?”
Ivan messed around with table soccer. “Mostly to keep Adrien company. He did say it was rather lonely.”
Marinette hummed. “Who’s idea was this?” She shot Nino a look.
Max and Markov were messing with his computer. “Alix’s idea. She was saying something about visiting you guys.”
Marinette tilts her head. “Alix?”
Nino shrugged.
Marinette sat on Adrien’s bed folding her legs in. “Where is your lovely girlfriend anyway?”
“Oh you mean your best friend?” Nino shrugged. “She was sleeping I think. She is a little exhausted.”
Marinette snorts. “Where is she?”
Adrien placed a hand on her shoulder.
“You know… I missed her a little. So where is she?”
Nino smiled. “You guys saw each other yesterday. I didn’t actually think you missed each other just yet.”
Ivan nods his head. “You guys made up? Mylene said Alya hasn’t apologized to you yet.”
Adrien sighs. “Depends on who you ask Ivan.”
Markov flew over. “Alya had a fifty percent chance to apologize. Has she apologized?”
Marinette looked at Nino. “Has she?”
“She has. And she made a promise about it.”
“A promise~ How interesting to hear.”
“I mean Alix did try to ask Alya to come here and apologize to you and ev-”
Marinette shot out of the bed walking towards Nino. “Where is she!?”
Nino smiled. “You know exactly where she is.”
Marinette backed away. Nino only grabbed onto her. “Hey Nettie? Where were you going? The guys and I want everyone to hang out.”
“Let. Go.”
“Why? I don’t believe you have any work to do that’s important. Considering no one has seen Gabriel Agreste for months.”
Adrien walked closer, a frown on his face. “Let go of her.”
“Nettie, Kim and I were childhood friends. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind some close contact. I didn’t realize your boyfriend would be jealous of that.”
Marinette relaxed a little and smirked. “How’s Chris? He must be so bored at home now that school’s out.”
Nino smiled, trying not to tighten his grip. “He’s fine. He does miss his babysitter.”
“You mean Lila?”
“I mean Marinette. He misses her. He doesn’t admit it to anyone. But he misses her more than anything.”
Kim snorts. “Nino you could have brought him along.”
Nino shakes his head. “Nino misses Marinette. I just want my Nettie back.”
Adrien reached out. Marinette held a hand out to stop him. “What are you talking about Nino? I’m right here.”
Nino smiles. “If only I was talking to Marinette huh. Misfortune.”
It was an instant. Nino dodged her attack as he transformed and held a shield out to protect the guys from a sword being thrown at them.
Carapace activated his power as he grinned at the rest of them. “Sorry… Rena and I needed to get in….”
Kim pointed at himself. “So we’re the bait?”
“Yea? Sorry. Rena’s kinda doing something important.”
Max looked at the pair. “How much more time does she need?”
“As much as she can get?”
Max turned to Markov and nodded his head. The mansion was immediately locked down. The group were locked in Adrien’s room. “I hope that helps?”
Carapace nods his head as he blocks another attack. “You guys ok being trapped here with them?”
“We’ll help however we can.”
~~~
Alya lifted Fu up. “Come on. We can get you guys out.” They heard the sound of crashing. Alya looked up and frowned.
“I don’t think you can protect us and yourself from them. Go.”
Alya transforms. She pauses herself as she turned around. “What is your name?”
“Master Fu.”
Rena nodded her head as she took the elevator up. “I’ll save them Master. You don’t have to worry.”
Fu smiled. “Good luck.”
Rena bolted. She burst out of the doors. “Nino! It’s time to go!”
“Rena! I need help!”
Rena let out a breath as she jumped upwards. She stops herself when she sees Kim dangling from the yo-yo.
Rena narrowed her eyes. “Marinette. Let him go.”
Misfortune hummed as she dangled him. “Alya~ I made it clear what happens if you came here.”
Rena snorts. “Your hospitality has been wonderful.”
“You told Alix. Why? Didn’t want to see me?”
Rena shrugged. “I needed help. Alix seemed like the appropriate person I could trust. Considering she is going to get a miraculous anyway.”
Misfortune hummed as she tugged on Kim.
“Marinette. Let him go.”
Misfortune smirks. “Why should I?” She pouts as she leans closer. “Oh? Did you need help from King Monkey?”
Rena narrowed her eyes. “Marinette. You can hear me. I know you can. You need to fight it and let him go.”
Misfortune laughs as she tightens the strings. Kim made a grunt. Chat stood by the side watching them.
Rena sighs as she raises her hands. “Marinette, I’ll give you my miraculous. In exchange for Kim.”
“You… think I’m doing this because I want to trade?” Misfortune only laughed. “A trade? That’s what you want?”
Rena narrowed her eyes. “Then what is this for?”
“Because.” Misfortune pouts. “It’s fun. I’d rather rip the miraculous out of your cold dead body than to exchange it right now.”
Rena sighs as she blinks her tears away. “I know you’re not saying this on purpose Marinette. But you probably shouldn’t be squeezing your cat too hard.”
Her necklace flashes. Misfortune shots her head over as the illusion ends. Carapace standing by the side with Kim in his hands.
Misfortune lets her yo-yo free as she rushes to his side. “Kitty?”
Chat coughs as he looks at her. “My queen. That was a rather hard trap.”
Rena gestured to the exit. “Time for us to leave.”
~~~
Alya collapsed onto her bed. Nino standing by the side. The rest of the guys standing around her. She lifts her head up and sighs. “Sorry for dragging you guys in there…” She wiped her tears away. “We just needed to get in for something.”
Kim smiled as he sat on her bed. “I… didn’t know she was akumatized…” Kim slaps the side of the bed. “I wish I was there to help her.”
Nino sighs. “I did too Kim.”
Alya pulled her phone out. “Come on Nino. Master Fu gave me the recipe for the flight recipe.”
“So we don’t need the miracle box?”
“Oh… he told me where it is. We actually have to go get it.” Alya sighs as she buried her head in her pillow.
Nino smiled. “Rest first babe.”
~~~
Rena and Carapace looked around the abandoned building.
“Where was it?”
Rena shrugs. “He said he left it somewhere here.”
Carapace pointed at a gramophone. “Hey it’s those old timing music players.”
Rena poked it. “Is this it?”
A white figure grabs it from above as he jumps away with a smirk.
“Rena~ Carapace~ Thank you so much for leading us to the miracle box. You’ve been a huge help.”
Rena snarled. “Marinette.”
Misfortune smiles. “Like I said… hunting.”
Chat presented the gramophone to her. “My queen.”
“Thank you Kitty. Why don’t you go have fun?” She took the gramophone with a smile.
“Gladly.”
Rena narrowed her eyes. “I’m getting it back.”
Carapace nodded his head as he held his shield.
~~~
Rena pounded her desk as she screamed into her arms. Carapace sighs as he rubs her back. “I know where they live! How could I have lost her?!”
Carapace grabbed Rena and forced her onto her bed. “Take a break.”
Rena narrowed her eyes.
Carapace nodded his head. “Take a break.”
Rena shakes her head. “We need to get to the guardians. Now.”
“You’re rushing things a little too quickly Alya.”
“I just want to save-”
“I do too! But you need a break. You’ve been rushing everywhere. It’s time for a break!”
“I’ll take a break when I can hug my friend again!”
~~~
“My queen. They are yelling again.”
Misfortune giggled as she leaned on Chat. “Ah~ Kitty. This is so much fun.”
Chat hummed onto her neck as he gave a feathered kiss. “How much longer do you want them to suffer my queen.”
“Kitty~ We have all the time in the world to make them suffer. But if you want~” She looked in their home. “We can start something else?”
~~~
Alya sighs as she leaves her room.
“Oh Alya~ Your home has been wonderful to be in.”
Alya froze.
“Which one did I say I was going to hurt first?”
Alya slowly lifted her head. Her family all tied up with her yo-yo. Alya narrowed her eyes. “Where’s the cat?”
“It’s just me today Rena~ Why? Did you want him here?”
Alya held her necklace.
“Uh-uh.” She pulled the string tightening it. “I just wanted to chat.”
Alya tilts her head. “Chat? You have my family held hostage.”
Misfortune smiles as she relaxes the string. “What were you and your boyfriend fighting about?”
“Why does it matter?”
“Somehow I think it was important.”
Alya shrugged. “We were arguing about which ice cream flavour-“
“Don’t lie to me Rena! What were the both of you arguing about?”
Alya smiled. “We were arguing about how to defeat you.”
Misfortune narrowed her eyes. “How?”
“Can’t exactly tell you. It’s a surprise.”
Misfortune grabbed Etta. “Rena Rouge. Tell me. Or I drop her.”
Alya raised her hands. “Marinette, don’t.”
“So tell me what your plan was.”
Alya tilts her head. “Why are you here? You have the miracle box.”
“Can’t I visit my old friend?”
Alya stared at her for a moment before she snickered. “You’re scared.”
Misfortune scowls. “What?”
Alya smiled. “You’re scared that we actually have a plan. You didn’t think we would be around.”
“Alya don’t be ridiculous. I’m excited to pry the necklace off your corpse!”
Alya shook her head. “You wouldn’t be watching us that way. You say you were hunting. You’re not.” Alya walked up to her. “You’re trying to avoid being defeated. You already know what Nino and I are like together.”
Alya stood in front of her with a wistful smile. “You’re scared of us.”
Misfortune took steps away from her.
“Marinette…. You’re the one being hunted.”
Misfortune lets go of Etta as she cried. Alya pulled Etta away shielding her. “Marinette?”
“A-alya… I’m trying…”
Alya blinked her tears away. “I know you are. I promised. You have to remember I promised.”
Marinette held the choker in her hands. Alya snatched it as she held it close.
“Save me.”
Alya tightened her grip. “I will. You know I will.”
Aly saw her mood immediately switch as she dodged her yo-yo. “Trixx, let’s pounce.” She dangled the choker. “You want the akuma Misfortune? Come get it!”
Rena jumped out of the balcony as she skidded on a roof.
“Alya! Give that back!”
Rena smirked. “Catch it.” She threw the choker.
Misfortune jumped after it before she grabbed it. It dissolved into dust. Misfortune screamed in frustration.
~~~
Misfortune smirks. “Aw, you tried to get out. It’s never going to happen Mari~”
Marinette pulled at the yo-yo that bound her.
Misfortune tilts her chin up. “You and I will watch you make your friends suffer while you scream into nothing.”
Marinette shakes her head. “She promised.”
“Aw, so hung up on her words. But you’re still stuck here.” Misfortune threw her chin. “Face it. You’re never getting out again.”
~~~
Rena caught her breath as she stared at the choker. “Well this was not part of my plan...”
“Holder of the fox miraculous. You have something I want.”
Rena shot her head up looking around her. “Who’s there?”
Su Han walked forward hands behind his back. “You have the fox miraculous and what appears to be the dragon miraculous. I ask that you return them to the rightful guardian.”
Rena’s eyes widened as she stared at him. “You’re… you’re…”
“Grandmaster Su han. Now I humbly-”
Rena shot up to him. “Do you know how to release an akuma from the miraculous?”
“What!?”
Rena jumped. “This is perfect! Now we don’t have to travel all the way to Tibet for help. Hey! The Ladybug and cat miraculous holders are currently under an akuma I was wondering if you could help us?” She presented the dragon miraculous.
Su han stared at her unamused. “You can’t possibly think I have an answer to that. Hand over your miraculous.”
Rena took a step back. “No. How else will Paris survive from Misfortune and Chat blanc?”
“I can find far more competent holders that won’t be dragged down by such childish impulses.”
Rena snorts. “Childish? You think I’m childish? I’ve been trying my best to make sure Misfortune doesn’t regret any decisions she makes. I just ran away from home to keep my own family safe. How is any of this childish?”
Su han remained impartial. “You are all just children. Adults can handle this much better.”
Rena snarled. “What adult?! Which adult isn’t hiding in their own homes away from the pair? Which adult is trying to make sure their children don’t see their heroes wreaking havoc on the city?!”
Rena took a breath as she wiped her tears away. “You guys are old…. I’ll try to save my friend by myself then.”
Su han shook his head. “Your friend? This makes it even worse! Return the miraculous this instant.”
Rena sighs. “I’ve had a long day asshole. I’m not going to fight you for it.”
“Ass-”
“It means butt.” Rena laid her back on the wall as she sighs.
“Are you staying here?”
Rena snorts. “I just told you I ran away. Probably.” She pulled up her flute. “Hey babe? I ran away, you probably should too before they wreck your home.”
“What are you doing?”
“Using my phone? Why?”
“You don’t send letters on pigeons?”
“No one has done that in years.”
“.... So you can call anyone?”
“Yes.”
~~~
Carapace carried a bag. “I figured you wouldn’t have gotten your things….”
Rena sighs. “Thanks babe.” She dangled the miraculous in her hands. “Marinette gave this to me.”
“Nettie? She came back?”
“For a little while…” Rena rests her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry babe. I just need a break.”
“Really?”
Rena snorts. “You don’t have to sound so surprised.”
Carapace pointed at Su han. “And who’s that?”
Rena snorts.
“I am grandmaster Su hann of the miraculous box.”
“He’s the asshole I was telling you about.”
“Ah.”
Rena looks over to him. “What? Not going to demand for the miraculous like you said you would?”
Su han opened his mouth before they heard the sound of an explosion beneath them.
Rena shot her head over to Carapace. “Were you followed?”
“I don’t know... I’m sorry babe.”
Rena shakes her head as she got up. “Time to go.” She turns to Su han. “Think you can outrun them? Or do I need to carry your rubbish ass to safety?”
Su han narrowed his eyes. “Holder of the Ladybug and Cat miraculous. I demand you return the miraculous back to the rightful guardian.”
Misfortune snorts as she stares at him. “Who’s the stick in the mud Rena?”
“The asshole I wish I can slap.”
Chat smirked. “Oooh, violent are we fox girl?”
“You have no idea…”
Misfortune smiled at her. “Rena~ I believe you have something that belongs to me.”
Rena dangled the akuma in her hands. “Oh this old thing? Didn’t you give it to me?”
“Give. It. Back.”
Rena held it tight. “You ready babe?”
~~~
Rena wheezes as she leaned on the wall.
“Your friend… she was violent.”
Rena tilts her head over. “You don’t say…”
Su han sighs. “I assume the guardian is elsewhere?”
“Captured by her.”
“.... I have a way to free her. But it won’t be easy.”
Carapace sighs. “We already went this far. We’d do anything to get them back.”
Su han nods his head. “We just need to get back to the temple. It would take about-”
“Yea I have potion ready. Think you can take the flight?”
~~~
Rena looked around the city. Carapace had agreed to bring the grandmaster back to the temple to get what they needed. But she couldn’t just leave the city unprotected. She blew her flute as she jumped towards the action.
Rena was alone in keeping Paris safe for now. Any minute now they would be back. Any minute to save her best friend.
“Rena. Carapace. When was the last time you visited your family?”
Rena smiled. “It won’t be long before I can go home Marinette.”
Misfortune scowls. “You still insist on calling me that name.”
“You ready babe?”
Her illusion nodded.
“Nino you don’t talk much these days.” Misfortune smirks. “Makes me start to think… that it’s not really Nino… is it Alya?”
Rena smiled. “You’d have to touch him to figure that out Marinette.”
“Kitty!” Chat launched forward as he tried to touch Carapace.
“Ready whenever you are Marinette.”
~~~
It was day four of Rena fighting by herself. She was starting to feel the effects of fighting alone. She longed for Nino to get back. Just to hear him tell her to take a break.
~~~
“What happened to your boyfriend Alya? Did he leave you?”
Rena smiled. “He’s pretty busy.”
“Where is he?”
“Who knows?”
Misfortune smiles. “You look tired Rena.”
“What can I say? You don’t give me much of a time to take a break.”
“You know you can just give up. It would be the simplest way. I won’t even bother you or your family when Chat and I start to rule all of Paris.”
Rena debated before shaking her head. “No. I’m going to save you.”
~~~
Chat’s sword was held against her throat. It was day ten of them separating. They should have been back days ago.
Misfortune smirked. “Any last words Alya Cesaire?”
Rena smiled as she saw a flash in the distance. “Duck.”
A shield flies by knocking Misfortune away.
“Sorry I’m late babe. Trials and all that.” Carapace tossed a miraculous to her. “You have to use it on her.”
Misfortune snarled. “What is that? I don’t recognize that miraculous!”
Rena places the brooch on as a bat flew out. “Hey there stranger. The name’s Jamm and I love jam. Strawberry jam, blueberry jam-”
“It’s nice to meet you. But what are your powers?”
“Mindscape can warp anyone into someone’s mind and let them stay there to do whatever you want.”
“Can it fight an akuma?”
Jamm shrugged. “You can try fox girl. All you have to say is-”
“Trixx! Jamm! Unify. Mindscape!”
~~~
Alya looked around. “Marinette?” Her voice echoed where she was. She sighs as she takes a step forward. “Marinette? Are you there?”
She heard laughter as she looked past the strings.
“Alya~” Misfortune poked her head through with a smirk. “You shouldn’t have come in here.” The yo-yo string snapped around her hands.
She was dragged into the strings. Her grunts barely made any sound. She noticed a figure bound in strings. “Marinette!”
Marinette barely took notice of her. Misfortune smiled. “Now then Marinette. Do you want to watch us make Nino suffer?”
Marinette was silent. Misfortune laughed. “I take the silence as yes.”
“Marinette?” Alya grunts as she tries to reach her. “I’m here.”
Alya was instantly dragged back. “Marinette!”
Marinette lifted her head slowly. “Alya?” She looked around. “What are you doing in here?”
Alya smiled. “I promised.”
Marinette smiled. She reached out a hand. Alya reached out taking it. “What do you say Marinette? Want to keep my promise?”
“She’s all yours.”
Marinette ripped the string off of her. Alya pounced on Misfortune as Rena with a smirk. “Hey there Misfortune.”
~~~
Carapace blocked another attack from Chat. He dodged another attack from Misfortune. He could only guard Rena’s… (was it Rena’s?) body from the both of them.
Misfortune made a cry as she clutched her head.
Chat turned to her surprised. “My queen? Are you alright?”
Misfortune collapsed onto the floor. Carapace watched both of them.
Chat dropped to the ground. “My queen? What’s happening?” Chat shot up and snarled. “What did you do!?”
Carapace shrugged. “Must be Rena.”
Chat launched himself towards her. Carapace blocked his attack. “No touching.”
Chat scratched his shield with his sword. “ Let me through! She’s hurting my queen.”
Carapace smiled. “She’s not. She’s helping. She’s helping you too Adrien. I just need you to stay cool dude.”
Chat roared as he pushed Carapace away. Carapace was slammed onto the floor. Chat dragged his sword on the ground and smirked at Rena. He raised his sword before an akuma flew out.
Chat’s eyes went wide as he collapsed to the ground.
Carapace slides to Rena. “Babe?”
Rena opens her eyes looking at Carapace. “Are they?”
Carapace nodded his head. Rena shot up as she ran to Ladybug’s side. The flashing of lights could be heard from both of them. “Marinette! I saved you.” Rena clutched her closer. “I saved you.”
~~~
Marinette groaned as she pulled her hand. It was locked to the bed as she let it rest.
“Did I kill anyone Alya?”
Alya walked over from her chair. “No.”
Marinette curled into herself. “I’m so sorry.” Marinette felt her tears reaching her. “I’m so sorry Alya.”
Marinette felt Alya reach a hand over, lifting her into a hug. “It’s alright Marinette. I know you were fighting too.”
Marinette sobbed into her shirt. “I’m so sorry.”
Alya nodded her head as she rubbed her back. “I know.”
“I didn’t mean anything I said.” Marinette hugged her tighter. “I didn’t mean any of it.”
“I know. I’ll be here for you Marinette.”
Alya closed her eyes as she held onto sobbing Marinette.