Miraculous Ladybug Secret Santa 2024!
Hello @ladybug-love-square-enthusiast! I apologize for the (really) late gift, but I am your giftee for this years @mlsecretsanta (and by this year, I mean 2024)
I noticed you seemed like a big fan of the Re-Verse so I thought I would give you my version of what happens after the special! I hope you enjoy!
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Going through the portal this time felt longer, taking what felt like minutes instead of a blink of an eye. Maybe it was the adrenaline of the chase that made the initial trip to the other universe quick, but this time, it felt time was folding in on itself. By the time they landed in their own universe, all the exhaustion hit Marinette and she stumbled out of the portal, Paw Noir managing to catch her before she could fall. “Be careful.” He said gently, pulling her back and lending himself to lean against. She waved him off, a quick thank you before looking at the scene around her.
The room was dark, save for the large screens next to them, different news channels playing across each screen. Looking at them, Ladybug watched at the carnage her and her partner caused right before leaving, before seeing what life could be like and she felt her heart drop. Paw Noir also stood silent next to her, and the two were glued to the screens, a compilation of their crimes flashing on the news.
Betterfly, who was just starting to recover from the trip himself, hurried over to the panel to turn off the screens. “Don’t worry about that! Everything is okay. We’ll fix it up.” With a smile, he turned on the lights, and illuminated the damage they caused in the base. The glass elevator was ruined, the glass panels shattered and littering the floor. The metal frame work was rusted and nearly disintegrated. Paw Noir clenched his fists and looked over to Ladybug. “I imagine your lucky charm won’t be able to fix this up?”
She shook her head. “I’m not sure. To be completely honest… I’m not really sure how to use my powers for good.”
Betterfly rests a hand on their shoulders. “That’s okay. You guys are turning over a new leaf and we’re here to help you.” He smiled at them, giving their shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Now, let’s introduce you to the team.”
Releasing Alya from the Kamiko, he waves over her and Nino, who was on the other side of the catwalk looking over the elevator, over to the duo. “Alya. Nino. I would like to reintroduce you to Ladybug and Paw Noir. They will be joining us in our fight against the Supreme.”
Alya gave them a glance over before holding out her hand to shake. “It’s a pleasure to be working with you both this time.” She winked. She looked over at Nino, who held his laser gun still. “You can drop that now, you know.”
Nino, still holding his laser gun, stepping closer with uneasiness. “Are we sure we can trust them?”
Paw Noir choked a bit, seeing his former best friend pointing a gun at him and bit his lip. Can he really be trusted? He thought as he nodded slowly. “I- We… want to help.” He said slowly, looking over to Ladybug, who was standing there, arms wrapped around herself.
“We’re sorry about everything. I- I don’t know how I can fix it, but I want to.” She said, looking around.
Nino, finally placing the laser down, walked over to them and wrapped them into a hug. “This is a start.”
Ladybug and Paw Noir froze at his touch, not expecting the sudden warmth. While Paw Noir leaned into it, Ladybug stepped back, nervous. “Uh… sorry. I’m a little…” she trailed off, looking down.
Nino pulled back and held out his hand. “Is a handshake okay?”
Smiling, she nodded and shook it.
Betterfly cleared his throat to catch everyone’s attention. “Thank you everyone for your hard work today. Alya, Nino. Thank you for everything you have done and the hard work you have put in.” Looking over to Paw Noir and Ladybug, he smiled. “And you two. I’m proud to have you on the team now. But I’m sure all of you are very tired and deserve some much needed rest.” He gestured to another corner of the base. “You can find another exit over their. All of you, go get some sleep and let’s connect again in a few days. We need to make up a new game plan to take down the Supreme.” With a smile, he sends them off.
Nino and Alya, hand and hand, make their way out without a moment’s hesitation, expression their desires to sleep the weekend away. Paw Noir and Ladybug make their way out, and the sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, bathing the world in a soft hue of gold and red. Despite all the exhaustion, they felt hopeful for what was about to come.
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