#alya as ladybug

[sheeoni]

Been thinking of drawing this for awhile, but I finally found the energy! My take on Alyabug and NinoNoir 😘

[ko-chan-the-blueberry-donut]

finally found the notebook where I started O fortuna chapter 11!

[ko-chan-the-blueberry-donut]

O Fortuna Chapter 9: Hell Hath No Fury

Chapter Nine: Hell Hath No Fury

Marinette remembered what it was like transforming with Tikki for the first time. She remembered the sensation of sweetness and warmth surrounding her form, encasing her being. Now with Duusu, she felt the rush of a gentle breeze upon her body, the softness of feathers brushing against her arms and legs, making her feel weightless. She felt the soothing presence of Duusu all around her, making her heart and body feel like it was air itself.

“Woah…” Chloe gaped, the light of Marinette’s transformation fading away, allowing her and Gabriel to see the new hero. Marinette’s feet softly touched the carpeted floor, and she looked down at herself to see her superhero suit. It was a lot different than her Ladybug suit. She wore a dark teal sleeveless leotard that ended at mid-thigh, her collar resembling a cheongsam. However, the main focus was the royal blue robes over the leotard. The robes were off the shoulder, with the sleeves bellowing out to show her royal blue sleeves take on an ombre effect from blue to light green peacock feathers at her hands. Around her waist was a teal sash to match the teal trim at her collar where the pin resided in the middle above her chest. The robes flowed down her legs, with a slit opening at the thigh to allow free movement. Darker teal wings were embordered into the trim of the lower part of the robes to match the trim of her hat, which was also a royal blue to match her robes. Her legs were covered in dark teal thigh-high boots and her mask was a regular teal, bringing out her bright blue eyes. The peacock pin glinted beautifully in the middle right above her chest.

Surprisingly, the robes felt like nothing upon Marinette’s form, who thought the robes would get in the way of her fighting. She examined herself curiously, not quite believing what she was seeing. Gabriel nodded in approval.

“You’ll find the Peacock Miraculous is not the same as her sibling Miraculous like Ladybug’s and Chat Noir’s.” Gabriel told her. “While not as powerful as theirs, it is certainly not a Miraculous to be messed with.”

“Where’s my weapon?” Marinette questioned, finding she had no weapon in her arsenal. Furrowing her brow, Marinette grew frustrated that perhaps she would be useless after all. Gabriel held up a hand to prevent her from her irritated thoughts.

“The peacock does not need one. As I have said before, this miraculous is different from the ones we’ve seen so far.” Gabriel gazed upon her intently. “A peacock is the essence of life and air itself. It is above material weapons.” He then gestured to her form. “Imagine you are weightless, and you shall see one of the peacock’s abilities.”

Marinette blew her bangs out of her face and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Like her transformation, Marinette found herself feeling weightless, the air currents breezing around her in a comforting manner. Chloe’s yelp roused her from her mind and Marinette found herself floating briefly through air before crashing to the floor ungracefully.

“Y-You were flying!” Chloe exclaimed. Gabriel gave her an exasperated look.

“Mademoiselle, if you would be so kind as to not interrupt so Marinette can actually get somewhere, that would be appreciated.” Chloe flinched at his harsh tone. Marinette dusted herself off.

“Okay… so I can fly. That’s good to know.” Marinette muttered.

“To use your power, you must use great concentration.” Gabriel advised her. “Your power is all around you. Your mind just needs to reach out to it and it will appear.”

“I’m sorry, Monsieur Agreste, but that sounds very cryptic.” Marinette spoke, not quite understanding his phrasing. Gabriel gave her a small smile and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“It will make sense when you do it. However, please remember you only have five shots until the countdown starts and you have five minutes to make sure no one sees you transform back.”

“Okay…” Marinette blinked. Deciding that she wasn’t going to get anymore answers, she took a deep breath and imagined herself being weightless. Her body lifted clumsily off the ground and she levitated to the open window where Ladybug, Chat Noir, and Volpina fled out of. Perching on the windowsill, she gulped at the drop she would make if she couldn’t fly.

“One more thing, Marinette.” Gabriel called. Marinette’s inquisitive blue eyes turned to his icy ones. “Never, not even in dire circumstances, say the command Eyes Open. It is too dangerous.”

Marinette, despite being confused, nodded in agreement. Then she leaped out the window, pushing herself through the air like a new baby bird who was flying for the first time.

-------------------

Ladybug and Chat pursued Volpina vigorously across rooftops. Chat Noir made a noise and skidded to a stop, with Ladybug following.

“Chat! What are you doing?” Ladybug exclaimed.

“Why are we chasing her so hard?” Chat asked his partner. “We know I’m right here.”

“Her powers are illusions, Chat.” Ladybug told him. “If we don’t pretend we don’t know that, it could give off suspicions that we know about our identities. We can’t let Hawkmoth know that we are aware of Volpina’s powers and our identities. We need to act clueless until we catch her off guard.” She readied her yo-yo, only to wince when she felt a sharp pain from her injured arm. Chat Noir gazed upon her worriedly.

“You all right, LB?” Chat Noir questioned. Ladybug nodded.

“Yeah, just a scratch. Come on, let’s put an end to this wannabe superhero.” Ladybug grinned at him. Chat smirked.

“Of course, LB.”

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Marinette skidded to a halt atop a building. Not being that great at flying yet, she had to take a break every couple of rooftops. She surveyed her surroundings, trying to locate where Volpina could have gone. Finding nothing, she glanced down at her hands, wondering what Gabriel meant about the Peacock not needing a material weapon.

“All around me? So am I like an airbender or something?” Marinette wondered out loud. Shoving her fist forward, nothing happened. “Well I guess that’s not it.” She tapped her foot impatiently. “What is something that is all around you besides air?”

She took a deep breath, holding up her hands and closing her eyes, her mind searching for something, anything, to visualize. She felt something stir within her, the air around her stifling, as she held her hands forward. Her thoughts raced to catch the feeling, to harness it, closer and closer—

A hot, crackling sensation sparked in her hands, and Marinette’s eyes snapped open to find glowing blue energy coming to life from her very fingertips. The energy sizzled and sparked, crackling like both lightening and a flame. However, Marinette gasped when she realized she wasn’t getting burned.

“Energy…” she whispered. “I can use energy?”

Nothing answered her except the cracking light in her hands. She tried to turn it off, but instead it ended up becoming bigger, flinging from her fingertips and destroying parts of the roof.

“Eep!” Marinette squeaked, hoping no one saw that. “Well I guess I have four more of those to go…”

A hiss of a wire being launched reached her ears and Marinette zeroed in on Volpina, Ladybug, and Chat Noir facing off at the Eiffel Tower. Her heart stopped when she saw Volpina dangling Adrien off the side of the tower with a malicious smirk on her face. Marinette snarled, energy summoning itself from her fingertips, burning with intensity, and she flew forward.

-----------------------------------------

Chat Noir and Ladybug glared up at Volpina, who was holding the illusion of Adrien in a threatening manner.

“Give it up, Volpina!” Ladybug growled. “You can’t win against the two of us!”

“Ha! Some talk! But I have the upper hand here!” Volpina grinned, dangling the illusion. “Give me your Miraculous or else he dies!”

“Yeah right!” Chat snorted. “You love him, right? You wouldn’t drop him.” At least he hoped she really wouldn’t consider dropping the real Adrien.

“Hmph. True.” Volpina admitted, but her smirk was back, even more insane than before, “But seeing the despair on Ladybug’s face at losing a civilian is more joyful to me!”

She loosened her grip on the illusion and Ladybug and Chat Noir readied their weapons to call her bluff. However, suddenly, a shock of energy blasted them. They coughed through the smoke.

“Is this Volpina?!” Ladybug coughed. Chat Noir couldn’t respond due to coughing up a storm.

“What the--?” Volpina yelled, the smoke making tears come to her eyes.

“How dare you!” the assailant bellowed. The smoke cleared, and three pairs of eyes widened at the newcomer.

‘Two akumas?!’ Alya and Adrien thought in disbelief.

The new akuma appeared to be able to fly, as she floated in the air with some difficulty. Her eyes were bright and vicious, as if they were a tsunami coming to wipe them all out. Around her eyes was a teal masked and she appeared to be peacock themed.

“How could you think of risking a hostage?!” the newcomer screamed. Ladybug and Chat Noir’s eyes widened when they realized the girl was purposefully aiming her attack at them to get them to stop attacking Volpina. They glared at her, steeling themselves to face two foes at the same time. Volpina smirked, happy that she had back up—not that she needed it, thank you—and gave off a taunting smirk.

“Well well, let’s like luck is not on your side for once, Ladybug.” Volpina sneered. Yet, her laughing was cut short when the newcomer summoned another ball of energy, her eyes zeroing on her.

“And you,” the girl snarled furiously, “Release Adrien Agreste or else I will make sure this light is the last thing you see before falling to your death.”

Volpina actually paused at the threat. The butterfly mask appeared on her face, signaling that Hawkmoth was communicating with her. It was clear both of them were not used to death threats made against them. Nevertheless, Hawkmoth seemed to have given Volpina the encouragement she needed, and she grinned evilly.

“Sure. I’ll release him.” Volpina conceded. Her fingers let go of the illusion heartlessly, the illusion screaming as it fell to its demise. “There—I released him.”

“No!” the girl cried and flew down to reach it before it hit the ground. Ladybug and Chat Noir took this distraction to their advantage and shot their weapons at the cackling Volpina.

-------------------------------------

Nononononono! Faster! I gotta go faster! Marinette pushed herself to reach Adrien with all her might. Tears rose to her eyes, heart pounding in her ears, and her hand was reached towards him like he was her salvation.

Adrien reached for her in desperation, and she sped up faster, hand stretched out—

She gave a strangled cry of agony as their fingers just brushed each other and he fell from her grasp, heading to the ground.

Marinette’s heart stopped.

Upon contact, Adrien dissipated into smoke, revealing he was not the real thing. She pulled herself up in the air to avoid meeting the same fate, and she panted heavily, tears running down her face. Her mind was at a standstill.

‘What…?’

That wasn’t Adrien…

Hands shaking, she brought them to cover her face as she cried at the trauma at having to witness one of her dear friends die. Her whole body convulsed with sobs as she felt her sanity slipping from her.

‘But… it was so real! How wasn’t that Adrien?!’

She had a hard time wrapping her mind around the fact that it wasn’t Adrien that was dead, but just an illusion. She brought her hands away from her face, studying her hands to retain herself in the present. That wasn’t Adrien… Adrien wasn’t dead… he wasn’t dead.

“But where is he?” she whispered brokenly. Her shaking hands gave her no answer. She heard the combat happening above her, registering Ladybug and Chat Noir fighting Volpina’s illusions. Her eyes focused solely on Volpina. Her smirk. Her cold eyes.

Fury filled her.

‘She wanted me to see Adrien die.’ Marinette hissed in her mind, her fist clenching so tight, her palms started bleeding. ‘She took Adrien, but that wasn’t the real one—she still has Adrien somewhere!’

The fury boiled in her body like a volcano waiting to erupt. She narrowed her eyes into the most hateful glare she has ever given another human being.

‘Hawkmoth is willing to make people think that he’s killed their loved ones…’ Energy crackled at her fingertips, the intensity of it like hot lava upon her skin, burning her fingers slightly, but she didn’t register the pain at all. All she could think about was all the times Hawkmoth has akumatized someone and put people in harm’s way just to get what he wanted. Volpina was a monster. Hawkmoth was a monster.

‘It’s time the monsters have something to be afraid of.’

Energy pulsed through her body as Marinette ascended towards the top of the tower with speed. It appeared the three heard her coming as Marinette flew closer, shooting a blast at all of Volpina’s clones. The real Volpina yelled as she was immersed in smoke. She tried to use her flute to summon more illusions, but Marinette was too fast for her and grabbed her by her necklace, yanking it hard. Volpina gasped at the dark expression on Marinette’s face. Ladybug and Chat Noir gaped in astonishment at her abilities.

“Are you listening, Hawkmoth?!” Marinette hissed furiously, grasping the necklace so hard that it was choking the akumatized girl. “Ladybug and Chat Noir may be playing your games, but I will not! I will surpass your Miraculous with my own and I’m coming for you, you hear me?!”

Volpina gagged and kicked Marinette in the gut, causing the girl to let her go. Volpina gasped for air.

“Another Miraculous?!” Chat Noir exclaimed. Ladybug’s amber eyes were wide as she looked upon the self-proclaimed Miraculous holder.

“There are more Miraculous?! More Kwamis?!” Ladybug shouted, not believing what she was hearing. Alya had always thought that it was just the Ladybug, Black Cat, and Butterfly Miraculous that existed. There were more?! And how many were there?! Were they also being misused?!

“What’s a Kwami?” Volpina coughed as she held her throat. Marinette appeared behind her, holding her hand out in front of her.

“It means god.” Marinette hissed, her hand conjuring up pure, thunderous energy, “Now bow.”

Volpina didn’t have a chance to dodge as the energy hit her square in the face. Volpina screamed at the burning sensation against her skin. She cried in agony while her skin melted off her face, the layers bleeding out. Marinette didn’t give her a chance to recover as she punched Volpina straight in the face, causing the akuma to fall down on the tower. The assault didn’t stop there as Marinette kicked her into the air, and then held her hands together in the giant fist as she brought her hands down and slammed them on Volpina’s back making a sickening crack.

Ladybug and Chat Noir came out of their stupor as they realized this girl was going to kill the akuma. Ladybug shot her yo-yo out to incase Marinette’s body in midair while Chat Noir caught the unconscious akuma, tearing her necklace off and destroying it with his cataclysm. The akuma flew free and Ladybug cursed, having to release the girl to capture the akuma. She purified the akuma quickly, landing on the top of the tower where Chat Noir brought Lila and used Miraculous Ladybug to restore everything and heal both Alya and Lila’s wounds. What was once melted off was perfect again, and the girl remained unconscious.

Marinette began to fly off, intending to look for Adrien, when Ladybug wrapped her yo-yo around her torso. Blue eyes surveyed the spotted hero peevishly.

“She’s healed now. We gotta find Adrien.” Marinette told them, but neither hero was having it.

“What was that?!” Alya screamed at the self-proclaimed hero. “You nearly killed her! What is wrong with you?!” Marinette’s eyes narrowed.

“What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you? You had no idea if that was the real Adrien or not! You could’ve killed an innocent person!” Marinette shouted, trying to free herself from Alya’s yo-yo, but the wire was latched tight. Marinette huffed angrily.

“But it was an illusion!” Chat Noir chimed in. “We knew it was an illusion the whole time! Adrien is safe!”

“Oh really?” Marinette snapped. “Then where is he, hm? If you two were aware that he was safe why didn’t you say so?!” That shut Chat up, for if he answered that, it would compromise his own identity. Alya spared her partner a glance before surveying the peacock hero again.

“We had no time.” Alya said, not letting this newcomer know anything. “Who are you?”

“No one of importance.” Marinette snipped back. Alya sighed in impatience, rubbing her temples.

“That isn’t an answer you should be giving right now. You claim you have a Miraculous—a big claim. Miraculous are given to those who will protect, not hurt. You proved that you seem to only know the latter.” Ladybug scolded, and Marinette felt the gravity of what she did hit her. Her shoulders slumped in defeat, eyes becoming clouded.

“I… you’re right. There was no excuse. I was not acting like a proper hero.” Marinette admitted guiltily. She felt the reality of what she nearly did sink in. Hawkmoth took control of his victims and they had no recollection or ability to control what they do while akumatized. She was going to kill a puppet, not the puppeteer. She clenched her teeth in frustration that even after all this time, Hawkmoth was just a phantom enemy who was able to escape all consequence.

“Who gave you your Miraculous?” Chat Noir asked Marinette, and she found it so weird that he was looking at her with caution and seriousness instead of his usual warm and inviting smile, but she knew that it came with the mask.

“Can’t say…” she finally confessed. The superhero duo furrowed their brows in confusion.

“Okay Miss Can’t Say, you’re not really helping your case here.” Chat crossed his arms as he observed her with suspicion. Marinette winced.

“I’m sorry but I really can’t say. It would give too much information away.” Marinette explained. “I didn’t get it from Hawkmoth if that’s what you’re wondering.” She added. Ladybug and Chat Noir glanced at each other unsure of how to proceed with this. Suddenly, Chat’s ring beeped, and he cursed.

“Go on, go recharge and then inform Monsieur Agreste Adrien is safe. I will take care of this.” Ladybug assured him.

“Yeah, but what about those energy blasts of hers? She could melt your face off if you’re not looking!” Chat protested.

“I only have one blast left.” Marinette admitted. “And anyway, I’m tied up by Ladybug’s unbreakable wire. Nothing could get me out of here unless she decides to do so.”

Chat Noir surveyed both girls warily. It wasn’t until Ladybug gave him a reassuring smile that he felt more at ease.

“Don’t worry. She’s right. She can’t get out unless I let her.”

He nodded his thanks and lept away from the tower, tail bellowing behind him. Ladybug turned her molten amber eyes to Marinette, squinting her eyes as she examined her. Marinette looked at her with a shy smile.

“Thank you for reminding me a hero’s main goal is to protect. I… when I saw Adrien fall and disappear into an illusion, I lost it.” Marinette told her, remorse lacing her tone. Ladybug eyed her in suspicion.

“How do you know about my yo-yo being unbreakable? And how do you know Adrien?” Ladybug demanded sternly. Marinette sweated as she thought about an explanation to give the other girl.

“Errr you could say I’ve been watching you for a while. As for the yo-yo, I think it’s kinda obvious how I know considering I used it before.” Marinette prayed her confession was the right decision. She needed to drive attention away from her being Marinette. If she could lead them off her trail into thinking she is someone else, then so be it.

‘Hopefully I am making the correct judgement call.’ Marinette thought.

Ladybug—Alya’s—eyes widened in absolute shock as the realization clicked in her mind. The wire of the yo-yo loosened, and Marinette sighed in relief at being released from its hold. She rubbed her robes to rid of the wrinkles as Alya gathered her thoughts.

“You’re her?” Alya whispered. “You’re the previous Ladybug?!”

“Eehhh… surprised?” Marinette replied sheepishly. Alya just gaped at her like she was a fish.

“I… you disappeared without a trace! Chat and I had no way to contact you! Tikki said you just gave up the earrings and left!” Alya told her. Marinette flinched at the mention of her abandonment of Tikki.

“Err yeah, I didn’t think I was right for the job…” Marinette responded. Alya raised an eyebrow.

“But you’re here again… with another Miraculous…”

“Circumstances have changed.” Marinette told her firmly. “I see now the city needs my help and I’m up for the task.” Alya felt insulted, and voiced her thoughts as so.

“The city is fine with Ladybug and Chat Noir!” Alya growled. “We are doing just fine!”

“I didn’t say you weren’t.” Marinette tried to placate her. “But there’s nothing wrong with there being more heroes to help out.”

“Ugh! You can’t just disappear and then show up with another Miraculous and say you’re here to help! Who are you really?” Alya exclaimed.

“I’m sorry, but I really can’t tell you.” Marinette repeated. Alya glared at her.

“But you know who I am! You gave me the earrings! It’s only fair you tell me who you really are if you want me to trust you!” Alya bit out. Marinette felt her heart seize itself in fear. Anxiety bubbled in her body at the very thought of revealing herself to Alya right now. She wasn’t ready.

“And I know I made the right choice!” Marinette insisted with conviction. Alya’s eyes widened at the certainty in the girl’s tone. “I… I wasn’t right for the Ladybug Miraculous. It needed a holder with confidence and a strong sense of justice. That wasn’t me…” Marinette looked down at her hands, clenching them, and rose her gaze to Alya’s again, “But it was definitely you. I know you don’t trust me, and that’s fine, but believe me when I say I didn’t make a mistake in picking you for Ladybug.”

The two heroes stared at each other, trying to read what the other was thinking. Ladybug was shocked, and touched, that someone believed in her so much, but that didn’t satisfy her yearning to know who it was under the mask that thought so highly of her. Meanwhile, Marinette wanted Alya to believe in her choice, and hoped she would accept that as an explanation for the time being. She didn’t know what she would do if Alya kept demanding answers towards her identity.

“I know I gave up the Ladybug Miraculous…” Marinette spoke finally. “I know that in your eyes that doesn’t make me fit to stand beside you as a hero, but I realized I can’t sit on the sidelines anymore and let innocent people get hurt. If I do that, that makes me just as guilty as Hawkmoth who’s misusing his Miraculous to hurt people. If I can just help you even a little in stopping him, then that would be enough.”

Ladybug observed the peacock themed hero silently, weighing her words in her mind. Finally, Ladybug sighed. She crossed her arms and gave her a serious look.

“Listen… I don’t trust you, but I’m willing to hear you out.” Marinette breathed a sigh in relief, but Ladybug continued, “But Chat and I both have to agree to let you on the team. It’s not just me. He’s my partner and you owe him an explanation even more so than me. You left him without answers and it’s caused a rift in our partnership. You’re responsible for putting this wedge between us, so I will allow you to try and fix it.”

Marinette nodded solemnly, showing she understood what Alya was demanding. Confronting Chat was definitely something that she couldn’t avoid, especially since she revealed she was the previous Ladybug Miraculous holder. Her heart hurt at the thought of Chat screaming at her and saying hurtful things to her for her absence, but Marinette knew it was necessary for them to accept her as part of the team. She would bear the guilt and the hurt for Chat, who always helped her in her times of need, and told herself she could do it.

To protect Adrien, and her loved ones, she would bear it.

“I understand.” Marinette told Ladybug.

“Good. Meet us when you’ve got your shit together.” Ladybug told her firmly. With that, the spotted hero flung her yo-yo out and swung off, leaving Marinette on the Eiffel Tower alone. A groan caught her attention and Marinette realized that Ladybug and Chat Noir, in their surprise at seeing her, had forgotten Lila. Sighing in guilt, Marinette picked the unconscious girl up and clumsily flew off towards the school. Making sure no one was around, she placed Lila gently on the courtyard ground, knowing a staff member would come across her while closing down the school for the night. Once that was finished, she retreated towards the Agreste mansion, accidentally landing in a bush. Blowing leaves out of her face, she released her transformation.

“Feathers fall.”

A blue light engulfed her and Duusu flew out of the pin, floating beside Marinette. The kwami had a shy smile on her face.

“How was it, Marinette?” she asked, nervous that Marinette didn’t like being the peacock after all. Marinette gave her an encouraging smile and stroked Duusu’s head.

“It was fine, Duusu. Just some stuff I need to get used to.”

Duusu’s smile grew at Marinette’s statement, glad that she hadn’t decided to give her up. The two then glanced at the Agreste mansion.

“What’s wrong, Marinette?” Duusu asked in concern. Marinette shook her head and gave her a tired smile.

“It’s nothing, Duusu, but perhaps it is time Monsieur Agreste and you give me answers, is it not?”

“I believe so, Marinette.” Duusu conceded. With that, Duusu hid in Marinette’s scarf and the midnight haired girl traveled to the front door. Natalie opened it, gazing down at Marinette in surprise.

“Adrien is not accepting visitors right now.”

“She’s here for me, Natalie.” Gabriel appeared, placating his assistant. Natalie’s eyes widened a fraction at Gabriel Agreste continuing business with a schoolgirl. However, she didn’t dare voice her inquiries out loud in fear of receiving his wraith. Stepping aside to let Marinette in, Marinette and Gabriel locked eyes, a silent message conveyed between them. Gabriel cleared his throat and gestured her to follow him.

“Natalie, I will be busy with Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng for the time being. Make sure Adrien is comfortable and doesn’t disturb us. He’s had a hectic day.” Gabriel instructed. Natalie nodded.

“Yes sir.” And with that, she was off to attend to Adrien. The two remaining occupants of the foyer journeyed to Gabriel’s office where it all began. Locking the office door tight, Gabriel gestured they sit down. He pushed a plate of fruit towards her.

“Here, Duusu must be hungry.” He said. As if summoned, Duusu flew out of Marinette’s scarf and began chomping down on some grapes. Marinette squirmed in her seat, memories of the first time she was in his office coming back to her. She tried to slow her anxious heart, but it seemed like it would continue to pound against her chest regardless of her consent or not.

“I understand you have many questions, Marinette.” Gabriel spoke evenly, observing her. Marinette took a deep breath to calm herself and nodded. Despite being in on Gabriel’s secret, he was still quite intimidating. “Please feel free to take some fruit for yourself. You must be hungry.”

“Thank you, Monsieur.” Marinette replied, shakily grabbing an orange and began peeling—anything to distract her while they talked. “And yes, I do have questions.”

“You decided to keep Duusu.” Gabriel said. It was not a question.

“Yes, I have.” Marinette affirmed.

“May I ask what made you change your mind?”

“You know why.” Marinette replied, cheeks aflame. “I couldn’t let Adrien be hurt.” She managed to put an orange slice in her mouth.

“I see.” Gabriel said, intertwining his fingers, “And what if I had told you that Adrien wasn’t in any danger at all?” Marinette choked on the orange slice. Duusu flew over and patted her shoulder as Marinette beat her chest a couple of times.

“I’m sorry... what?” Marinette coughed. Gabriel gave her a serious look.

“We both know that the Adrien Volpina took was an illusion, Marinette.” He said. Marinette gaped.

“You… how long did you know?!” Marinette exclaimed. Gabriel calmly studied her.

“Ever since the illusion was conjured.”

Marinette’s jaw dropped.

“Then—then why did you yell at Ladybug and Chat Noir to go get him back if you knew he wasn’t really there the whole time?!” Marinette yelled. Duusu offered her another slice and she declined—too confused by Gabriel Agreste.

“I couldn’t compromise my son’s identity. Especially with Mademoiselle Bourgeois around. Cosmos knows the girl has a mouth on her. The only reason she is quiet now is because I threatened to expose her father’s corrupt acts as Mayor if she didn’t keep silent about all of this.” Gabriel explained. Marinette gaped, cogs turning in her head.

“Your son’s… identity?”

“Yes. Which is why I knew it was an illusion. My son can’t make copies of himself to be in the same room as him after all. The Black Cat Miraculous doesn’t have that power.” Gabriel explained casually, as if he was talking about the weather. Marinette fell out of her chair in surprise. Duusu flew down to see if she was okay while Gabriel surveyed her dumbfounded expression from his desk. Meanwhile Marinette was gazing back at him, her eyes the size of dinner plates and her mouth opening and closing like she was a fish.

“B-B-B-Black Cat Miraculous?!” she shouted. Gabriel nodded.

“Yes, Marinette.”

“He-he has the Black Cat Miraculous?!”

“Yes. I’m honestly surprised you haven’t figured it out what with Chat Noir’s tendency to dote on you.” He stated. Marinette just gaped at him. Realization flooded her mind as she looked back on all the times Chat Noir was very familiar with her, all the convenient times he seemed to be around to address something with her when it came to Adrien and Gabriel. She remembered how he came to her balcony to thank her for saving Gabriel Agreste—his father—and when he came to comfort her after the dinner at Adrien’s—his—house.

“Holy shit…” Marinette murmured. She blinked a couple of times rapidly while her entire face became red as a tomato. It was Adrien this whole freaking time bestowing her with affection and pet names and flirtations! “Y-you! Why didn’t you say anything?!” she yelled.

“If I did, you wouldn’t have ever accepted Duusu’s Miraculous. You needed the push to realize your potential.” Gabriel told her. Marinette glared.

“I thought Adrien died! I thought I didn’t save him in time! I watched an illusion of him fall to his death!” Marinette cried, tears coming to her eyes at the memory of the despair she felt when she thought she missed Adrien’s hand as he was falling. She gave a hiccup and wiped her tears with her arm while Duusu comforted her. Gabriel gave her a look of sympathy.

“And that is why I chose you to wield Duusu’s Miraculous. He could very well die in the future.” The older man said solemnly. Marinette glanced up to see the face of a broken man. “I’ve lost so much in my lifetime. I… I couldn’t bear it if I lost my son to the Miraculous too.”

“You… you weren’t the one to give him his Miraculous?” Marinette whispered, eyes widening at the reality that Alya and Adrien weren’t connected to the Peacock Miraculous at all. It wasn’t some big ploy to get her to take a Miraculous. Their friendship was genuine!

“No. If it were up to me, he wouldn’t even have one or ever know of them.” Gabriel said firmly. “Sadly, my old mentor has a habit of meddling.”

“Old mentor?”

“The Guardian of the Miraculous. He selects wielders for the Miraculous to use for good.”

“Hawkmoth doesn’t use his for good.” Marinette reminded him. Gabriel sighed.

“Sadly, not all Miraculous end up in righteous hands…” Gabriel admitted, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Nooroo was lost to the Guardian years ago. It seems he was discovered by Hawkmoth and is used for his own devices.”

“So, this Guardian was the one who chose Adrien and Ladybug’s holder…” Marinette trailed off, recalling the hexagon box she found in her bedroom so long ago. It was nice to have answers to the persistent questions she’s had since that day.

“Correct. Wyazz, the Guardian’s kwami, must’ve felt Nooroo being activated negatively and it forced the Guardian to distribute the two most powerful Miraculous in order to combat him.” Gabriel explained. Duusu offered Marinette an apple slice and Marinette tentatively took it, patting Duusu’s head, who cooed softly.

“How many Miraculous are there?” she asked. “How are the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous the most powerful?”

“There are seven in total. The Turtle, the Fox, the Bee, the Butterfly, the Peacock, and you already know about the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous.” He answered. “Each represents an aspect of the cosmos they were created from: Creation, Destruction, Order, Chaos, Perseverance, Death, and Life. The Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous—creation and destruction—are the most powerful. Combining them would result the user to become a God able to warp our very reality.”

Marinette gasped, dropping the grape that Duusu gave her onto the floor. She stood up abruptly, slamming her hands on the desk.

“Then why give them to two separate people? They could easily stop Hawkmoth in his tracks!” the blonde-haired man shook his head.

“Sit down and calm yourself, Marinette. It’s not that simple. Yes, they can create a God, but if used together to warp reality to fit the user, something of equal value must be given in return to reset the balance. Ladybug and the Black Cat Miraculous are always at a balance. Everything must be maintained with balance. You cannot take too much without having to give something in return.” Gabriel advised. Marinette slowly took her seat, thinking hard.

“Then… if Adrien and Al—Ladybug have such strong Miraculous, why give me one? It sounds like they don’t need it.” All of this wasn’t making sense to Marinette. It didn’t seem necessary to give out more Miraculous when the two most powerful ones weren’t having issues.

“Regardless of everyone’s opinions of Ladybug and Chat Noir being invincible, that is not the case.” He told her. He picked up one of the grapes off the plate. “They wield the most powerful of the Miraculous, but they are facing off against a more experienced foe. They are young, naïve, and inexperienced compared to their enemy. They may have the advantage of power, but they lack severely in discipline. Hawkmoth has Nooroo to guide him. Adrien and Ladybug only have themselves and what their kwamis are permitted to tell them. This is not a game—something Ladybug and Chat Noir do not understand. They are strong on the outside, but if they present even the smallest weakness, Hawkmoth will crush them.” He ended his explanation by crushing the grape, the juices leaking out along his hand.

“Then why hasn’t the Guardian told them any of this? Better yet, why haven’t you?” Marinette countered back. Gabriel shook his head as he cleaned off his hand.

“The Guardian only shows himself when he feels they are ready to meet him.” Gabriel stated. “And me revealing what I know to Adrien will make him want to know things I am not inclined to share to my son.” He admitted, a sad glint appeared in his eyes, and the young girl wondered what this man had been through, and what he buried deep inside him.

“Then why not use the Peacock for yourself?” she finally asked. Her fingers gripped the fabric of her sweater tightly. “Why choose me instead of yourself?” heart pounding in her chest, Marinette waited with baited breath for the man’s answer.

“It’s quite simple—I don’t believe in the same convictions you do. I don’t believe good always triumphs over evil. I don’t believe in one’s will being the strongest against a foe—I am too jaded and broken to believe in those things anymore.” Gabriel confessed to her, his hand clutched at his heart, likely remembering what had made him become so fractured. “I needed a successor that would protect my son with the same ferocity I would myself. When you had stood against the akuma trying to kill me and proclaimed your devotion to my son the night of the dinner, I knew that you were the person I needed to be the next Peacock holder.”

Marinette stared at Gabriel across his desk. She stayed silent, processing what he had revealed to her.

“You really love your son, don’t you Monsieur Agreste?” she finally spoke, whispering the words, as if afraid speaking them too loud would shatter them. “People think you don’t care about Adrien, but in reality, he’s truly your greatest treasure.” Gabriel gave her a weary smile—his eyes showing her of the horrors he’s seen. Of the tragedies he’s witnessed.

“He’s the most precious thing in the world to me, Marinette.” He said strongly. “I… I lost my wife… he’s all I have left.” Duusu flew over to Gabriel and rubbed against his cheek, singing softly. Gabriel rubbed his hand under his eyes, to rid of tears that didn’t even get a chance to form. Marinette slowly got up from her seat to walk around the desk. Gabriel watched her curiously as she held out her hand.

“I’ll do it.” She said. “I will protect Adrien in your stead.”

Gabriel smirked, gasping her hand and giving her a firm handshake.

“Very well. I may not be able to put my faith in heroes, but I will put my faith in you, Marinette.”

[ko-chan-the-blueberry-donut]

O Fortuna Chapter 7: Aftermath, a Miraculous Ladybug Fanfiction

Disclaimer: Don’t own Miraculous

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“If you stand for nothing, Burr, what’ll you fall for?”

—Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton: An American Musical, “Aaron Burr, Sir.”  

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Chapter Seven: Aftermath

Chat blinked tired eyes, squinting a bit when the sun’s rays brushed up upon him signaling it was morning. He didn’t know how long he laid there holding Marinette’s form, but he knew he didn’t sleep one wink—too frightened that she may wake and run away like she had from his home.

He knew something was wrong when Marinette didn’t come to join them to hang out. The feeling churned in his gut and he discreetly called it a night with Alya and Nino, who were also curious about why Marinette wasn’t with them; however, it was late and they knew Marinette was still very shy—she could’ve called it a night without alerting them.

With Alya and Nino gone, he had went to find his father to see if he had answers as to where Marinette was since she last was with him. Yet, upon approaching his office, he heard some noises like someone was sobbing. Alarm seized Adrien, and he opened the door a crack to see what was going on, but just found his father sitting at his desk with a tired expression, his head in his hands, no sobbing to be found. His bad feeling increased after seeing his father so worn down, and he immediately brought out his phone to text Marinette. He received no answer no matter how many times he had sent her a message, and his worrying overflowed to where he decided “to hell with it” and transformed into Chat Noir.

Arriving at the bakery took no time and he hurried, not bothering to knock when he heard heart wrenching sobs like someone was being tortured, and tearing her trap door open and dropping on the loft of her bed.

Seeing her like that… Adrien had never been more scared in his life for someone else. She looked hysterical, like her mind wasn’t all there, blabbering to him about not wanting something and how she was a screw up, and how she shouldn’t be there. It honestly scared him. He didn’t know what to do, but his instincts took over and he found himself not wanting to ever let her go.

Compassion and sorrow flowed through him as he clutched her sleeping form closer. What had happened between his father and Marinette? He knew his father was an honorable man, despite being intimidating. He knew that his father wouldn’t ever hurt anyone physically. Perhaps he had said something? Nevertheless, something had happened to put Marinette in this state, and Chat vowed he would get to the bottom of it.

He stroked her messy hair softly, afraid to wake her, and looked down at the tear streaks stained on her face intently. Was this why Marinette distance herself from people? She thought she didn’t deserve companionship? Why would she think that? She talked about making a mistake—was this the thing that weighed her down? She thought she couldn’t do anything right?

Adrien wasn’t sure, and wondered if he would ever crack the puzzle of Marinette Dupain-Cheng. A part of him worried he never would—that she would be suffering in silence the rest of her life and no one could save her from it. He wanted to comfort her and hold her close always, assure her she was good enough, and chase the monsters away that seemed to haunt her. A part of him wanted to reveal himself and to show her, both as Chat and Adrien, that she mattered to him, but he knew it wasn’t possible or wise. Revealing himself would put Marinette in danger, and he didn’t know if he could stomach it if something happened to her because of him.

Reluctantly, he removed himself from her side, mourning in his features at letting her go. Regardless, he knew he had to return to the mansion or else his father would notice, and he could kiss his days as Chat Noir goodbye. Climbing to her trap door on her ceiling, Chat took one last look at Marinette before entering the open air.

No matter what, he would make sure that Marinette always smiled because she deserved nothing less than happiness.

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“He’s back…” Duusu announced quietly, sitting on Gabriel’s desk, looking absolutely devastated. Gabriel sighed and rubbed his temples, grateful that Duusu was on the lookout for his wayward son, and contemplated what a mess he got himself into. He had stayed up all night looking through the book of Miraculous Guardians for a solution, and finding none.

Of course, he didn’t expect Marinette to be all accepting and okay with a godly being giving her powers, but he didn’t expect her to scream like he sentenced her to a tortuous death either. He was shocked at how scared she was of Duusu, like he had summoned the hellhounds after her, but it was his fault for miscalculating the results. He should’ve done his research more before he jumped the gun on the girl. Now he wasn’t sure if she would ever come back to the mansion and claim her destiny. He had to get her to accept her miraculous, but how was he to do that, especially if his suspicions were correct and Adrien knew something, when not only would the girl be thwarting his plans, but his son would too?

Gabriel could already feel a migraine coming on, quickly searching his desk for aspirin. He knew Adrien had transformed and went to Marinette’s last night, but he did not know why nor did he think his son would fess up if he tried to get it out of him. He was on his own.

“Don’t worry, Duusu.” He soothed the kwami. “She’ll come around.”

Duusu gave him a weak smile, wanting to believe him, but finding that she couldn’t. Her chosen didn’t want her. Just like her last chosen left her… it brought tears to her eyes thinking about her last chosen, but she didn’t want to make Gabriel even sadder by bringing her up so she kept quiet.

Suddenly, Gabriel was jousted from his thoughts when the phone rang. Seeing that it was for work, he sighed tiredly, patted Duusu on the head, and answered the call.

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Alya yawned as she woke up to the sound of her phone ringing. However, seeing the caller ID, she perked up and grinned, not minding being woken up by her crush on a Saturday morning.

“Yo, Nino! What’s up?”

“Dude, did you see it?” he asked excitedly.

“See what?” Alya blinked. Nino made a noise and she could tell, despite being on the phone, that he rolled his eyes.

“Wow, this has gotta be embarrassing. Ladybug’s number one fan not in the know. Honestly Alya, guess you ain’t cut out for journalism after all.” He teased.

“Haha, very clever.” Alya replied, opening her laptop. “So what’s this news about Ladybug?”

“You should know. It’s on your Ladyblog.” Nino told her. Alya yawned and rubbed her eyes, clicking on her bookmarks to the Ladyblog and seeing what was posted. It looked like a video. Raising an eyebrow, she clicked on it. Immediately a girl, her age it looked like, with brown hair and grey eyes was giggling.

“Oh yes, Ladybug!” the girl said, smiling, and Alya narrowed her eyes at the coyness of her smile. “She saved me one time! Ever since, we’ve been like this.” The girl crossed her fingers symbolizing the hero of Paris and her were tight. Alya’s eyes continued to narrow. “In fact, I’ve given her a lot of inspiration and ideas on how to keep Paris safe!”

“What the…?” Alya whispered.

“What was that, Alya?” Nino asked. Alya jolted, forgetting she was on her phone, and spoke again.

“Nino, info. Now.” She commanded.

“Apparently her name is Lila Rossi and she’s from Italy—didn’t think LB’s influence went all the way there—but apparently her and Ladybug are best buds. I thought you would want an interview with her since you’re all about Ladybug and stuff.” Nino explained. Alya clicked her tongue in irritation as she rewinded the video and watched it again. She never seen this girl before. She usually remembers people really well, but this girl she is sure she has never seen or even met, yet this girl was claiming Ladybug was her best friend?!

“She’s lying.” Alya concluded. Nino laughed.

“Come on Alya, just because you didn’t know about her doesn’t mean she is lying.” Nino soothed her. Alya shook her head.

“No, trust me. I can tell. She’s too cocky.” Alya explained, feeling an intense dislike for the girl already. “Anyway she is in Italy so how could I interview her?”

“Well the thing is, she actually moved to Paris and is transferring to our school apparently.” Nino supplied. “Don’t worry, I’m sure she’ll give you an interview”

‘I don’t want an interview with a faker!’ Alya hissed in her mind. Ending the call, she turned to see Tikki awake and watching her curiously. “This girl is telling people Ladybug is her best friend to get popular! Can you believe that? No superhero would be friends with a conniving person—that’s not what good guys do!”

Tikki nuzzled her cheek affectionately. “I’m sure it will die down. She hasn’t ever met Ladybug so there’s only so far she can go with her story.”

“Yeah, but what if Hawkmoth were to hear this and think it’s true? She’d be putting herself in danger and me and Adrien in danger by saying she associates with us!” Alya exclaimed. “Saying you’re close friends with a superhero to the public is like putting a target on your back. It’s irresponsible and reckless!” Alya threw her arms up in the air. Tikki couldn’t help but agree at that statement.

“It is certainly not wise.” Tikki acquiesced. Alya blew a raspberry at the thought of dealing with a nuisance. Tikki patted her cheek comfortingly. “Cheer up, Alya, by Monday people will have forgotten the whole thing. It’s not like this girl is going to get a lot of attention just for that. It’s a fad—everything will fade in no time.”

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Monday came, and Gabriel was looking through the book of spells as he raged at his client through the phone. Duusu feasted on some fruit in the meantime, watching in interest at her old master’s lover hissing out orders. She couldn’t help but feel sad at how cold he has become.

Gabriel ended the call, and placed the Miraculous book in the safe. Duusu hid herself as his assistant entered, questioning him about something. Gabriel replied to her and the two were off. Duusu was about to come out from her hiding place to continue eating her fruit, but her eyes widened when she caught sight of her old master’s son entering without consent. She narrowed her eyes as she found the sneaky cat Plagg egging him on to open Gabriel’s safe. It appears that curiosity did kill the cat as Adrien ended up taking the book from his father’s safe and storing it in his bag.

“Oh no!” Duusu whispered, watching Natalie lead Adrien away, not knowing of what he possessed. “Gabriel’s not going to like this…”

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Marinette—wearing an off-shoulder pink sweater dress, white scarf, black leggings, and boots—blinked as she came upon to see many students buzzing around early in the morning. She quickly checked the clock, sure she must’ve been later than she realized, but found she wasn’t and caught snippets of conversations.

“I can’t believe Lila met a prince! Isn’t that amazing?” Rose gushed. Juleka smiled fondly at her friend and rustled her hair.

“I can’t believe Lila had a pet panther! That’s so cool!” Kim cheered to Max in another group.

“I can’t believe Jagged Stone wrote a song about Lila! He would’ve written a song about me but I’m too humble!” Chloe growled, walking by as Sabrina trailed after her.

‘Who’s Lila?’ Marinette wondered. She walked further into the entrance hall, wondering if she arrived into a separate dimension, and jumped when Alya called her name, appearing frustrated. Marinette eep-ed and shrunk into her scarf. Alya didn’t appear to notice as she approached, slinging an arm around Marinette’s shoulders.

“Can you believe this girl? She’s saying all this ridiculous stuff to get attention!” Alya showed her a video on the Ladyblog then, and Marinette was face to face with a pretty girl with long brown hair and shining eyes talking about her and Ladybug are best friends. Marinette raised an eyebrow in confusion at the girl’s claim. She’s never seen her around Alya as Ladybug at all. Then again, Marinette tried to stay away from the spotlight herself when it came to Ladybug stuff. Perhaps she didn’t know as much as she thought she did…

‘Like if she set you up or not...’ a voice sneered in her mind. Marinette blinked back tears as she squirmed out of Alya’s hold. She had the sudden urge to puke up her breakfast. She hasn’t been in contact with Alya or Adrien since the dinner, and she didn’t know if she could keep up this charade that she was unaware of them and Gabriel trying to force the peacock miraculous down her throat.

“Someone’s a little jealous someone is closer to Ladybug than she is.” Nino grinned, poking Alya’s cheek. Alya made a move to bite his finger and Nino squeaked.

“I’m telling you, Nino—she’s lying! She’s just trying to get popular so she made up tons of stuff about her life! No superhero would be friends with that!” Alya stated venomously. Nino put up his hands in surrender.

“Alright, I concede. Don’t need to bite my head off. Seriously, everything’s not black and white like in your comics, Alya.” Nino told her. Alya was about to say something when she heard a giggle that she was all too familiar with not liking from a certain video, and saw the very same Lila Rossi flirting with Adrien.

Marinette and Nino turned to see what she was looking at and Marinette felt her heart lurch when the new girl was getting cozy with Adrien. An ugly feeling bubbled in her stomach, but she squashed it. Adrien was not hers. And she wasn’t even sure if he was even her genuine friend after Gabriel tried to make her accept the Peacock Miraculous. It was best not to get involved with him or his friends anymore.

However, it seems Alya had other plans as she dragged Nino and her up the stairs to the library where Lila led Adrien to. Marinette could hear Nino groan at being manhandled. Marinette couldn’t help but relate to the sentiment.

They hid behind one of the book cases close to the table Lila and Adrien were sitting at. Alya hissed at how she was chatting up her best friend, feeling that Lila was treading into Marinette’s territory. She knew that Marinette and Adrien had some sort of unspoken thing going on, and she did not like that Lila was coming in to ruin it. Her best friend and crime fighting partner deserved the best of happiness, and she knew Lila couldn’t give it to him.

Nino made himself comfortable, not caring if Adrien gets with Lila or whatever. It was clear by now to him that Adrien was single, and NOT with Alya, so he didn’t see the big deal. He took out his phone and began looking up memes to pass the time. He beckoned Marinette closer and she apprehensively came, not sure about these three people now, but Nino just showed her funny memes Adrien had sent him before, and a part of her was beginning to feel at ease. Nino patted her shoulder, seeing her unease, and Marinette gave a weary smile.

“Sooo you like superheroes?” they heard Lila’s voice.

“U-uh yeah!” Adrien stuttered, jumping as Lila came into his personal bubble to examine the book he stole from his father’s safe. He felt like she was an intruder onto something sacred, but was too nice to back her off. “You’ve heard about Ladybug and Chat Noir, right? They’re amazing!” he praised. Alya nodded from behind the bookshelf. Nino and Marinette giggled from cat memes and Alya kicked Nino. He glared at her and she stuck her tongue out at him.

“Yes, but Ladybug isn’t as pretty as me, is she?” Lila cooed, placing her hand onto Adrien’s and leaning into his face. Adrien gulped at the proximity.

Meanwhile, Marinette was shown a particular funny cat meme and nearly lost herself in giggles. She had to lean against a cart to stifle her laughs. However, luck was not on her side as the cart ended up wheeling away from her weight and she crashed to the floor. Alya and Nino gaped at her.

Adrien turned to the direction of the noise and immediately got up from his seat when he saw it was Marinette on the floor. He raced over to help her, not noticing Lila’s eyes thin at the newcomer.

“Marinette! Are you alright? Do you need to go over to the nurse?” he fired questions rapidly, afraid she might break. Marinette flinched at his touch, not sure how to go about Adrien’s attention since she didn’t know if it was all an act or not. Nevertheless, she was cut off from her paranoid thoughts as Adrien hugged her, and she felt his soothing presence affect her in waves.

“It seems you’re okay, but I missed you through the weekend. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to see you.” The blonde-haired boy apologized. Marinette choked on her own spit.

“I-it’s fine, Adrien.” Marinette said shyly. She felt Lila’s glare on her and she couldn’t help but cough a little in awkwardness. “I… I kinda needed to be alone anyway.”

Adrien’s eyes widened in alarm at her admission, knowing she probably thought she deserved it, and wanted to reassure her, but Lila interrupted him.

“Who are you?” she approached, getting a little bit in Marinette’s space. This sparked something in Marinette, not liking the way the other girl was looking at her. She backed up a bit, sinking herself into her scarf. “Che cosa un topo.” She giggled, patting Marinette’s head. Marinette had the sudden urge to bite that hand.

“Marinette isn’t a mouse, Lila.” Adrien said, not liking the way the girl addressed his friend. Lila smiled apologetically.

“Mi dispiace, Adrien. She just reminds me of a mouse with the way she cowers from me like I’m a cat.” The statement was said good naturedly, but Marinette felt like it was a jab.

“I’d make a strange mouse then—as cats seem to line up to be my friend.” Marinette said mysteriously with a small grin in her scarf, as if she knew something Lila didn’t, and Adrien had to bite his lip from grinning at her little joke, knowing who she was referring to.

“You’re certainly a cute one.” Adrien added. Marinette, Lila, and Adrien’s eyes all bugged out at the statement. Adrien’s entire face glowed red, realizing what he said and coughed.

Hidden from their eyes, Alya was cheering him on from behind the book shelf while Nino just shook his head at what a fail whale his best friend was.

Lila surveyed the two, eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation. Marinette raised a brow in confusion as the girl looked her up and down, examining her, before seeming to come to a conclusion, and batted her eyes at Adrien.

“Well, Adrien, if you could, perhaps meet me at the park later?” Lila requested, inching closer to him. She averted her eyes shyly. “I have… something to tell you. Something important. It would mean a lot to mean if you came…” she spoke quietly. Adrien gave her an uneasy smile, but he didn’t want to judge her when he barely knew her, so he accepted the invitation.

“Sure. What time?” Behind the bookshelf, Alya was growling as she wanted to pound her best friend in for being so oblivious. Nino just sighed and wondered how his friend could be so dense. Lila grinned.

“Around 3. After school, please.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheeks, eyeing Marinette smugly. “Grazie, Adrien. You won’t be disappointed.”

Marinette narrowed her eyes, not liking the way Lila eyed her, but didn’t want to cause a scene since she wasn’t even sure about Adrien’s stance in their friendship, and stayed silent. While Adrien and Marinette were distracted, Lila snatched the book that Adrien was reading, and retreated away. Meanwhile, Alya was steaming at the girl’s actions, having seen her crime.

“That thief! I knew she was no good!”

Nino just nodded absentmindedly and wished he didn’t have such weird friends.

“So… Marinette…” Adrien started, realizing they’ve been left alone. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, his heart skipping a beat. “How... how was your weekend?”

Marinette averted her eyes, caution building up inside her. She fingered her white scarf out of habit, the soft material under her fingertips a calming mechanism for her.

“Marinette!” Alya chose this as a time to interrupt, and Marinette couldn’t help but sigh in relief at not being left alone with Adrien, but then her anxiety increased when she realized she was in the company of both Alya and Adrien. “There you are! I was looking all over for you! Good job, Adrien, you found her! Come on girl, we gotta go talk about girly stuff!” with that, Alya grabbed Marinette and whisked her away. “See ya in class, Blondie!”

Adrien just blinked in confusion at Alya’s actions, but shrugged. Turning back to the table, he went to retrieve the book, but his eyes widened when he found the table empty. Panic seized his heart.

“Plagg! Where is the book?” Adrien searched frantically. Plagg came out of his hiding spot.

“How am I supposed to know? It’s your book.” Plagg yawned. “I was having a splendid cap nap dreaming about cheese.”

“Come on, Plagg! Help me look!” Adrien commanded, anxiety building up in his stomach.

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“Why didn’t you tell Adrien the truth?” Marinette asked, having been dragged to the courtyard. It was empty now. Alya shook her head.

“I didn’t want to freak him out. Poor boy gets traumatized enough by fans.” Alya replied.

“You sure you aren’t just being overprotective?” Nino asked, tired of Alya’s antics. “It’s just a fangirl. Clearly she’s harmless.”

“She stole something of his! That’s not harmless!” Alya protested. “When they meet up at the park, we’re going to expose her for the lying thief she is.”

“You mean you will.” Nino said, putting his phone in his pocket. “I’m not taking part in these shenanigans, Alya. Adrien is a big boy. He can take care of himself. Plus, it’s kinda cruel to expose her like that. Just tell Adrien she stole the book and be done with it.” Nino picked up his bag. “You’re my friend Alya and so is Adrien, but I don’t want to push myself into Adrien’s business when we shouldn’t have been spying on him. That’s not what friends do.” With that he walked to class with Alya staring after him, her cheeks red with frustration. She sharply turned to Marinette, who jumped, and grabbed her wrist.

“Fine, Nino! Marinette and I will do it.” Marinette dug her heels into the ground, causing Alya to turn back to the girl in question.

“I’m sorry, Alya… I can’t do this.” Marinette confessed. She was too hurt already. She didn’t want to immerse herself in their group problems right now. She needed to be alone and to figure out what she was going to do about including them or not in her life. Alya looked hurt at her rejection, but Marinette stood strong. “I… there’s a lot going on right now. I need to be alone. I think you should just tell Adrien the truth and not involve Lila in it.”

Marinette didn’t wait for Alya’s reply as she ran off, scared at what her reaction may be. So many thoughts swam through her mind, and conflict apprehended her heart. She didn’t know what to do with any of this right now. What was true and what wasn’t? If only she could have insight into this issue.

Perhaps it was better to go with her original plan and distance herself. At least then she wouldn’t be hurt anymore. No more lies or falsehoods. She would be lonely, yes, but she would be safe. Her heart would be safe…

Rounding a corner, Marinette took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself. Her chest burned at the thought of parting with her new friends, but it had to be done. She couldn’t deal with falsehoods and being led on for something she didn’t want to do. She would only disappoint people.

“Well, if it isn’t Marinette.” A voice sneered.

Marinette looked up to see Chloe surveying her with her hands on her hips. A groan erupted from her mouth before Chloe yanked her scarf closer to her.

“Talk! I know I saw you and those two dweebs following Adrien when he was with that Lila girl! Tell me what you saw!” Chloe demanded. Marinette just wanted to slap herself. As if this day wasn’t bad enough…

“Let go, Chloe. They were just talking.” Marinette removed Chloe’s hands from her scarf, rolling her eyes. Chloe stamped her foot.

“That wasn’t just talking! She had her grubby paws all over him!” Chloe hissed. Marinette gave her a deadpanned expression.

“Isn’t that Adrien’s business what he does in his own time?” Marinette questioned. Chloe smirked and brought out her phone.

“That’s funny coming from the person that was spying on him. I wonder what Adrikins will think when he sees these security pictures of you all invading his privacy.” Marinette’s eyes widened at the threat, seeing the images of her, Nino, and Alya behind the bookshelf spying. She cursed under her breath.

“Fine, Chloe. She asked him out on a date—you happy?” Marinette conceded.

“That wench! She’s trying to put the moves on Adrikins! Not on my watch! Where is it?” she pressed Marinette for answers. Marinette sighed, feeling a migraine, that could only be caused by Chloe, coming on and answered.

“Park at three o’clock.”

Chloe growled and typed something in her phone. She waited for the phone to ring and someone answered on the other line.

“I’m cancelling shopping today, Jean-Claude. I have some fish to fry. Not literally of course since my nails would get dirty, but definitely getting rid of some smelly fish!” Chloe hung up the phone, not bothering to wait on a reply, and turned to Marinette. “You will accompany me to the park to spy on Adrien!”

“What? Why me?” Marinette spluttered. Was it possible for someone’s head to explode by a huge migraine? Because the throbbing in Marinette’s temples was hinting at it.

“For scapegoating if I get caught! I’ll say you made me do it.” Chloe smirked. Marinette sighed and rubbed her temples.

“Why would that make me want to go with you?” Marinette groaned. “No, Chloe. You’re on your own.”

“Nonsense! Unless you want me to tell everyone in school about your crush on Adrikins.” She said coyly, examining her nails. Marinette narrowed her eyes.

“Chloe…” she warned, but the girl only smirked wider. Marinette gritted her teeth in frustration, but knew that Chloe had the upper hand. She let out a sigh in defeat, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Fine. Fine. But if we get caught I’m telling the truth that you blackmailed me into doing it.”

“Hmph, as if anyone would believe you.” Chloe waved her off.

“You’d be surprised.”

------------------------------------------

Three o’clock came and Alya took her position in the park, spying Lila sitting at a bench by herself, examining a piece of jewelry that was like a foxtail. Alya raised an eyebrow at the peculiar piece of jewelry. She appeared to be comparing something in Adrien’s book to the necklace.

“What is she planning?” Alya whispered to herself. Tikki’s eyes widened at the sight of the book.

“Alya! That book!”

“Yes, I know Tikki—she stole it from Adrien! And I’m going to expose her for all the lies she’s told about Ladybug!” Alya vowed.

“No, no! It’s not just that—that book—” but she was interrupted from her explanation when Adrien arrived. Alya snarled at how Lila threw the book away in the trash.

“It’s showtime, Tikki. Spots on!”

------------------------------

Marinette wanted to bang her head against the tree trunk they were hiding behind. The throbbing headache from earlier was back at full force as Chloe stood beside her, hissing out insults under her breath at the brown-haired girl. How did she find herself in these messes?

She heard Adrien’s voice and peeked around to see Lila throw Adrien’s book away as he approached. She glared at the girl for not respecting someone else property. Did she not care about anything Adrien owned or liked or just cared for his looks? A protective surge flowed through her, not liking the implications of someone trying to use Adrien, but shook her head. It wasn’t her place to make that call anymore. For all she knew, Adrien could’ve been just like Lila and only buttering her up so his father could pass on the miraculous to her. However, she couldn’t help the pang of hurt in her heart at the thought of Adrien being conniving. Was he really bad? She didn’t see any lies in his eyes whenever he was with her, but perhaps he was just that good at hiding it? She was drawn away from her thoughts by Adrien’s voice.

“So, there was something you wanted to tell me, Lila?” Adrien asked. Lila smiled shyly, making Chloe and Alya jeer, unbeknownst that the other was there.

“Yes, I… I didn’t trust anyone else to reveal this to, and when your friend,” here Lila scrunched up her nose as if she smelled something awful, “came in. I knew I lost my chance to tell you then. But now that we’re alone…” she trailed off, holding up the necklace she bought. “Adrien, I’m like Ladybug and Chat Noir. I’m a superhero in Italy. My grandmother gave me this necklace to transform me into the powerful Volpina.” Lila explained, and if Alya didn’t already know she was full of horseshit, she would’ve actually fell for it.

“A Miraculous?” Adrien stared. His mouth went dry. There were more Miraculous besides his, Alya’s, and Hawkmoth’s? Why didn’t Plagg ever tell him this? Why didn’t Tikki ever tell Alya? His mind was trying to come up with explanations while Lila nodded solemnly.

“A Miraculous?” Marinette whispered to herself, eyeing it with suspicion. She knew there were other Miraculous other than the Ladybug, Cat, and Butterfly due to being exposed to the Peacock. She wondered, however, just how many exactly they are. And why would Gabriel Agreste give one to someone like Lila? As far as Marinette noticed, this was Lila’s first time in Paris. How could Monsieur Agreste give someone a Miraculous when they have never been to Paris? Did he give it to her in his travels? And wouldn’t Alya know about this Volpina? Wouldn’t Chat? After all, Ladybug and Chat Noir were famous across Europe. You would think Volpina would garner the same fame. “Something’s not right here…”

“Yes. It’s a Miraculous.” Lila stated proudly, showing off the necklace. “It allows me to transform into Volpina and save the day. I’ve come here to join Ladybug and Chat Noir in defeating Hawkmoth! I’ve decided to tell you because I can tell you’re a trustworthy person and won’t reveal my secret.” Lila smiled, inching closer to him so that they were five inches away from each other.

Adrien’s mind was spinning in a whirlwind. A new hero? It was almost too good to be true! He grinned excitedly, grabbing her hands. Ladybug’s eyes widened at what he was going to do and immediately stepped in. She sprung from her hiding place and landed in front of Adrien and Lila with a glower. Both looked shocked to see her, but Lila looked especially dumbfounded.

“Hey! Lila, right? I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize you since the last time I saved you,” here Alya’s amber eyes were like deadly flames as she landed in for the kill, “oh wait! My mistake! I never saved you! What were you thinking using my name to gain popularity?! Do you know how dangerous that is? How much that can jeopardize your safety?! No, instead you only thought of impressing handsome boys so you could be popular!” Alya ranted. Lila just gaped at her onslaught. Alya grabbed the necklace from her hands and broke it in half. “See? It’s a fake! No hero would ever want to hang with a liar!” she threw it to the ground and Lila hiccuped, embarrassed beyond belief at Ladybug’s attack. She rose up from the bench and gathered the two pieces of the foxtail necklace and ran away, sobbing. Adrien just stared at his crime fighting partner in shock. He glared, immediately rising up to challenge her.

“A—Ladybug! Why did you do that? She wasn’t hurting anyone!” Ladybug’s eyes narrowed at him, but Adrien stood his ground. His fists clenched at his sides.

“If I hadn’t stepped in, you would’ve told her our secret! Don’t pin this on me, Agreste! You can’t be so naïve as to believe everything people say!” Ladybug yelled at him. She was angry—livid that Adrien was defending Lila when he nearly compromised everything! That girl was trouble and Alya knew it from the start. No good came from her. “I can’t believe you would do something so stupid! She was only doing this so she could date you, Adrien!”

Adrien glared at her, before backing up and retrieving his bag, turning away from her.

“You’re right. I almost compromised us, and I’m sorry for that, but Ladybug,” here he turned to face her head on, “You used your position to hurt someone. That’s not what a hero does either. The previous Ladybug wouldn’t have done that.”

With that, he walked off, leaving Ladybug—Alya—to stare after him in disbelief. Her mouth opened and closed, as if she couldn’t believe Adrien, her best friend, said that to her. Hurt seized her chest and she felt like a wounded animal. He knew how she felt about being compared to the previous Ladybug. He knew how much it affected her.

Tears sprung in her eyes and she clenched her teeth, refusing to let out any sobs. She gave a frustrated cry and flung her yoyo into the distance, leaping wherever that wasn’t there. Marinette and Chloe stared after her. Chloe just gaped while Marinette’s bluebell eyes were wide.

“I can’t believe Adrien knows Ladybug on a personal level like that…” Chloe said in disbelief. “Why wouldn’t he tell me that? We’re best friends… why hasn’t he told me any of this?” Chloe fretted. Marinette was distressed for a very different reason.

With the way he addressed her, Adrien has to have known Alya in her Ladybug persona very well. Did that mean her suspicions were right after all that Adrien and Alya have something to do with the Peacock Miraculous? Also, Adrien mentioned the previous Ladybug… how did he know about her? Sure, she looked different than Alya and their suits were different, but she didn’t think anyone really minded the change with the new Ladybug keeping Paris safe. Why would Adrien hold onto that memory of the previous Ladybug?

‘He mentioned the Miraculous…’ Marinette remembered, furrowing her brow. Her stomach churned at what that could possibly mean. Perhaps Adrien was more aware of the Miraculous than she had thought, which means he could know something about her.

She bit her lip, drawing blood, at the thought of her being right about Adrien after all. Her eyes stung, alerting her they were tearing up, but she angrily wiped them away. This day couldn’t possibly get worse than it already has. Chloe seemed to have noticed Marinette wasn’t paying attention to her and glared.

“Marinette! I’m talking here! Listen to me, dam—” something caught her eyes and she squeaked in horror and disgust, jumping away from what she saw. Marinette blinked as Chloe jumped into her arms babbling. She growled, not liking Chloe getting into her personal space, before she caught sight of what startled her.

“Master?” Duusu surveyed the scene in confusion. “Master, what are you doing here?”

“Oh my god, what is that thing?!” Chloe screeched, holding onto Marinette tighter. Duusu only titled her head in confusion and floated towards them. Chloe yelped and buried herself in Marinette’s hair. “Marinette! Protect me! It’s some kind of mutant bird!”

Marinette just wanted the ground to open and swallow her up.

Apparently, things can get worse. Very worse.

---------------------------

Italian translations: (Sorry, my Italian is really rough at having not taken it in a such a long time)

Che cosa un topo- what a mouse

Mi dispiace- I’m sorry

Grazie- thank you

[ko-chan-the-blueberry-donut]

O Fortuna Chapter 4: It Begins, A Miraculous Ladybug fanfiction

Karin: Chapter Four, here we go!

Disclaimer: I don’t own Miraculous.

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“Come feel my heart It’s beating like a drum and I confess When you’re around It’s like an army’s Marching through my chest And there’s nothing I can do I just gravitate towards you Pulling on me like the moon.”

—The Cab, “La La”

-----------------------------------

Chapter Four: It begins

Chat Noir landed beside Ladybug, grinning in greeting. Alya quirked an eyebrow at him in suspicion.

“Where were you, you mangy cat?” she asked. Adrien just continued grinning.

“Nowhere! Just touring the city.” Chat Noir replied. Ladybug made a noise, not convinced, the journalist in her not satisfied.

“Hmm, right.” She spoke, “Were you touring around a certain bakery, perhaps?” a coy smile bloomed on her features. Adrien’s luminescent eyes widened.

“How did you—I mean, what makes you think that, LB?” he quickly covered up his exclamation. Alya continued to smirk.

“Oh, no reason,” she began, pretending to be nonchalant, “Except that all day you’ve been like ‘Marinette is so cool!’ and ‘Marinette is so brave!’ since we defeated Jackady.” Ladybug did an impression of Chat Noir’s fangirling for emphasis. Chat looked at her sheepishly.

“She is though! She totally saved my dad’s ass.” he said in praise.

“Yeah, but we do that all the time along with saving all the other citizens of Paris.” Alya smirked. “What’s so special about Marinette?” she teased him. Adrien blushed.

“Well, you know… it’s our job to save people, but she didn’t have to do it.” Chat explained.

“It wasn’t always my job.” Alya said, feeling the insecurities rise in her. She wasn’t originally chosen like Adrien. Chat waved his hands.

“No! That’s not what I meant—you were meant for this too! Look how well you do at protecting the city.” Chat Noir reminded her. Ladybug sighed.

“But she would’ve done better.” Alya said mournfully, laying her chin on her arms. Chat placed a hand on his partner’s shoulder.

“But remember—whoever she was—she chose you. She saw something in you that said to her that you were more fitted for the job.” He assured her. She gazed at him solemnly.

“You still think about her, don’t you, Adrien?” Alya inquired, already knowing the answer. Chat Noir looked away.

“Sometimes.” He admitted shamefully. He looked up at the starry sky. “I like to think she is watching over you and me and feels proud.”

“It isn’t your fault she left.” Ladybug told him.

“I know… I just wish I knew why she left.” Chat Noir said sadly. “I just want to know if she’s okay.”

“Well Tikki refuses to tell us who she is.” Ladybug told him. “Probably best to move on from it, Chat. You know how upset Tikki gets when you mention the previous Ladybug.”

“Yeah…” Chat deflated. He looked to the stars, melancholy. The red head furrowed her brow. A smile then developed on her features.

“Sooo… shall I expect you asking out Marinette soon?” she inquired. Chat made a choking noise.

“What?!” he exclaimed, his green eyes wide. If the mask wasn’t covering his face, Alya was sure she would’ve seen a blush across his cheeks.

“Come onnnn, you flirted with her every time you saw her today. Chat Noir having a crush?” she teased. She then took his hand and dropped her voice to mimic his. “’Oh Princess, you’re welcome to become a superhero with me so we can watch the stars together and then make kissy faces.’” Alya cackled. Adrien blushed even more.

“It’s not like that!” he denied embarrassed. “She just reminds me of someone!”

“Yeah sure, lover boy.” She said, not believing him. “You don’t flirt with just anyone. You don’t even flirt with me.”

“That’s because you’re like my sister.” Chat replied.

“So Marinette is definitely not like your sister then?” Alya smirked.

“Exactly!” Chat said, glad she got it. However, he realized that she tricked him and his ears reddened from shame. “I hate you sometimes.”

“Whatever.” Alya dismissed him grinning, standing up and readying her yoyo. “Just don’t be presenting me with any new kittens you two have too soon, okay?” with that she flew off into the air.

“Alya!”

------------------------

Gabriel breathed a sigh, hearing his son’s window open and close at long last, and pushed himself away from his son’s bedroom door. His heart was heavy as his mind was swimming with many problems, and half-solved solutions to meet them. Recalling that Plagg was a super cheese freak, he made sure the camembert was at the front of the fridge in the kitchens before his son snuck down there to feed his kwami.

Retreating to his office, Gabriel felt tired, but knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep that night. He gazed at the portrait of his wife, a dread filling him. Why now? Why did this have to happen to his son? Did Master Fu know that was his son when he chose him?

‘That insufferable old man doesn’t know when to quit, does he?’ Gabriel thought bitterly. His fists clenched at his sides, nails biting into his skin, making his palms bleed. ‘He’s already ruined my life enough and now he’s going after my son?’

Anger flooded him then, the memories assaulting him. He had the urge to go to the old man’s shop himself and give him a piece of his mind. He couldn’t believe Fu had the audacity to choose his son when he knew how much the Miraculous brought pain to Gabriel and his family. Did he have no remorse? No shame?

Gabriel let his frustration ignite with a flame as he punched the wall beside his wife’s portrait. The pain in his hand registered in his mind, but nothing compared to the pain in his heart.

He could go up to Adrien’s room right now and take the Miraculous away. He could throw it into the ocean and let it never be seen again. The more Gabriel listed off possibilities to be rid of the cursed item, the more inviting the opportunity sounded.

‘But what of Hawkmoth?’ a voice asked inside his mind. ‘If Adrien isn’t there to help Ladybug, Hawkmoth could seriously harm people…’

‘Let them be harmed,’ Gabriel thought back stubbornly, ‘I’m not allowing Adrien to suffer like I did. In time, he will see it was good for him.’

However, he remembered all the times Adrien has become miserable because of his decisions to keep him safe. About all the times he had begged Gabriel to be on the outside—to be free.

“I’m protecting him!” Gabriel whispered, banging his fists on the portrait. The sound shocked him, and he looked up into the painted image of his wife’s eyes. So gentle and kind. He sighed, laying his forehead against the portrait. “I’m protecting him, aren’t I…?”

Silence answered him. His eyes clenched shut—he refused to let tears fall. The loss of his wife was like a forever open wound. He didn’t want Adrien to ever feel this way. To lose someone he loved because he was a soldier for the greater good. Destiny could be cruel.

‘And if Hawkmoth finds him without his Miraculous, what will his destiny be then?’ Gabriel’s conscious sneered, the reality of what Gabriel had to let Adrien do sinking in. If Hawkmoth found out Adrien was Chat Noir, he would definitely target him. And if Chat Noir didn’t have his Miraculous, what then?

‘Death’

Ice blue eyes looked to the ceiling, wondering if this would be the time the Gods answered him at last throughout all the misery he suffered, but as always, the Gods were silent.

If he took away Adrien’s Miraculous now, it could spell doom for his son. He’s already in too deep, and there was nothing Gabriel could do about it. He opened the safe behind his wife’s portrait, determination in his veins. He’s seen Adrien be reckless as Chat Noir. It wouldn’t do for him to be this reckless anymore. Someone had to protect him.

The sparkle of his wife’s Miraculous met him inside the safe. He had forgotten how brilliant it shown under the light. He gently fingered the jewel, remembering how his wife had handled her miraculous with care, and held it close to his chest.

“Duusu,” he called softly, “Please Duusu, I need you right now. Your time is needed once again.” He told the jewel.

Nothing happened. The jewel stayed silent, as if mocking him. Gabriel slumped his shoulders in dismay.

‘It won’t work for you,’ the voice in his head mocked in mean spirit, ‘You no longer believe…’

Gabriel sighed, rubbing his temples. If he couldn’t go out into the field to protect his son, who could? Who would Duusu want to be her wielder if not him? He sat in his office chair, running a hand down his face in exasperation.

Who could he trust to protect his son if not himself?

They would need to be determined—to be kind and humble. Someone who doesn’t goof off at the job and understands the gravity of the situation. Someone who can think of their feet and be resourceful—wait…

Gabriel looked up, grabbing his laptop. He loaded up the Ladyblog by Adrien’s friend Alya, and searched for a certain article. The picture was from the Evillustrator incident, with Chat Noir holding a certain pigtailed girl to his chest during battle.

He clutched the Peacock Miraculous in his hand, resolve filling him.

If Fu could choose soldiers, so could he…

--------------------------------------

Marinette bit her thumb as she sketched out a new design. After yesterday’s disaster with Jackady, she was glad for a peaceful Sunday where she could work on designs. She hoped she could get this one done before she went fabric shopping with her family. She snuggled deeper into her knitted red and black infinity scarf. She wore an oversized gray Micky Mouse sweater, the sleeves striped gray and black, with black leggings and black ballet flats. She wiped pencil shavings off her sketchbook, her eyes concentrated on the way she wanted the fabric to fall, imagining it in her mind’s eye.

“Wow, Marinette! Your room looks so cool!” someone praised.

Marinette’s eyes bugged out comically as she screamed, throwing her sketchbook in the air. She whipped her head to the sound to see Adrien Agreste in her room, wearing a long sleeved black shirt with his usual overshirt and his blue scarf that she had secretly made him with his usual blue jeans and orange sneakers.

The urge to hide behind her bed was strong as her legs shook from surprise.

There was a boy in her house.

There was a boy in her room.

Adrien Agreste was in her room.

Her mind went into overdrive as she could feel her brain try to self-combust. Adrien seemed perfectly fine with standing in her room, his hands at his hips, as he surveyed her walls of designs and the fabric all over her desk.

Urges to usher him out of her sanctuary were high, but she held her ground. She couldn’t be rude, even if he was intruding in her space. Besides, she had to figure out how did he get here in the first place…

THEN she can kick him out.

“Um… h-how did here get you?” Marinette stuttered out, mixing up her words. She flinched and tried again, “How did you get into my room?”

“Oh!” Adrien looked embarrassed. “Sorry for startling you, but your parents said I could just head up here to see you. I didn’t think you’d react this way.”

Oh. That’s why. Her traitorous parents.

Speaking of which, she heard a creak of her trapdoor open and she glared at them peeking through the opening, obviously spying on her. Her parents quickly shut the door when they realized they were caught.

“It’s fine.” Marinette fidgeted, twiddling her thumbs. “What do you need?” she asked, confused at why he was there. Adrien smiled at her, making her heart pound.

“Well, I wanted to come over to thank you for saving my dad yesterday.” Adrien told her. He then looked bashful, making Marinette think of a baby doe with how cute and innocent he was, “Also, I kinda wanted to… hang out.” He admitted. Marinette looked at him shocked.

“Hang out?” she questioned.

“Yeah,” he smiled, touching her shoulders. “You’re really cool and I know we don’t hang out a lot, but I wanted to get to know you more.”

She could’ve sworn she heard her mother squealing under her trap door, but she chose to ignore it.

“You don’t have to do that…” Marinette looked away, unable to tell the pure, innocent soul that she didn’t really want anyone’s company. Adrien looked confused.

“I do.” He assured her. “You’re always by yourself. Maybe we can be friends?”

Marinette’s brain went into overdrive at the statement. Friends with Adrien meant seeing Alya more, which would make it harder to hide that she knew she was Ladybug, which might lead them to discover she was Ladybug, which then could cause a lot of mayhem…

Marinette shook her head vigorously, banishing her internal freak out. She grinned shakily, stepping back, allowing herself to be free from him touching her.

“Um… that’s really sweet, Adrien, but I’m supposed to go fabric shopping with my parents—“

“Oh sweetie!” Sabine immediately opened the trap door, “We just wanted to tell you we can’t take you fabric shopping today, so you’re free to do whatever you want today!” Sabine chimed in hastily. Marinette looked at them bug eyed, scrambling to find another excuse to get out of this, but it seems her parents had other ideas.

“I could take you fabric shopping.” Adrien volunteered smiling. Marinette gave her parents the death stare, to which they just grinned, and she turned to Adrien, smiling nervously.

“You sure you wouldn’t mind?” Marinette asked, hoping he would back out. Adrien nodded.

“Sure! I’m used to it with my father.” Adrien shrugged.

“Oh thank you so much, Adrien!” Tom said graciously.

“We really appreciate it!” Sabine added. “Have fun, Marinette!” with that, they shut the trap door, leaving the blonde and raven haired girl alone.

‘Traitors.’ Marinette thought. Adrien just grinned at her.

“Ready when you are.” He told her. Marinette nodded, trying to calm her fast beating heart, and grabbed her purse.

“Okay, it shouldn’t take too long to walk. Are you okay with that?” she asked him, wondering if maybe he would prefer to take his car. Adrien only seemed to be a ball of sunshine.

“Of course not! It will give us time to talk.”

Both climbed down the stairs of her room and exited through the bakery. A cool breeze brushed past them, making Marinette and Adrien shiver a bit.

“Summer’s still a ways off.” Adrien commented. Marinette nodded, rubbing her hands together. The blonde boy turned towards his companion and offered his arm.

“Shall we, Princess?” he said charmingly. Marinette stared at him, blushing. Realizing what he said, he flattered. “I mean, I was, uh…”

Surprisingly, Marinette couldn’t help but giggle a little, happy that even cool people like Adrien can get flustered, and walked a little ahead of him, turning back with a teasing smirk.

“Well, aren’t you coming?” she asked, surprising herself at how welcoming she was, but finding that perhaps it’s because Adrien is as harmless as a chipmunk in one of those Disney Princess movies was probably why she was okay with it.

Adrien grinned and ran to catch up with her, and they were off to the fabric store.

--------------------------

Marinette wanted to drool at the sight of so many fabrics, but refrained with Adrien there, and raced inside. Adrien chuckled as he watched her.

She immediately started touching and feeling everything, her mind cataloguing what was good material and what wasn’t from her hands. Adrien found it adorable; however, he shook his head to rid of the thought. Stupid Alya….

Yet he couldn’t help but be mesmerized as he watched her in her element. Her bright blue eyes practically sparkled and her expression was full of wonderment. He wouldn’t lie that sometimes he couldn’t help it if Marinette just seemed to pull him in—something about her made him want to gravitate her way. Ever since he offered his umbrella to her on that rainy day, he couldn’t help but feel like he knew her from somewhere else—like he’s met her before—but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

Though as time passed, he found getting close to Marinette was a challenge. She didn’t seem to want company and ran away from it when it came her way. She was very jumpy when it came to him, Nino, and especially Alya. He wondered if maybe she still was holding a grudge about the gum incident, but when he did get a chance to force her to interact with him, she treated him nicely, so he didn’t think she held any bad blood.

Perhaps her reluctance to converse with him as Adrien made him more pushy with her as Chat Noir. She was painfully shy, and Adrien wanted to bring out her smile like he had on that rainy day. When she smiled, it reminded of him of rays of sunshine peeking through on a cloudy day. It was radiant, much like his mother’s, and Adrien felt the need to see it more and experience the calming feeling it gave him that all was right with the world.

Marinette made a clicking noise, drawing Adrien away from his thoughts. He caught her standing in front of some blue fabric. She appeared to be caught in between a royal blue and carribean azure blue, fingering the fabric. Adrien walked up beside her, observing.

“Both are good colors.” He told her. Marinette nodded, still looking pensive. “Though if it’s for yourself I think red and black suits you just fine.” He commented, gesturing to her scarf. Marinette winced violently, a reaction he wasn’t expecting, and shook her head rapidly.

“No!” she exclaimed. Blushing, she dropped her gaze, lowering her voice to normal level, “I mean… they are good colors but I want to make something calming. I just want to make a simple empire waist, knee-length, dress to go with my black leggings… though I don’t really have any scarves to match…” she trailed off, thinking. Adrien looks around, finally coming across the yarn section. His eyes widen when he catches sight of a pretty yarn that was mixed with Surf Blue, emerald green, light green, and turquoise that matched Marinette’s eyes. An idea began plotting in his mind, as he turned away from it and face her. He reached and touched the carribean azure blue fabric, smiling at her.

“This one I think.” He told her. “Make it empire waist like you wanted, but make sure the dress kinda flares out with the skirt. You should make it long sleeve since it’s still cold, and a round neckline.” Marinette pictured the product in her mind’s eye, getting excited at the prospect. She rocked on her heels and grinned.

“That sounds pretty nice. Something simple and comfortable to wear, but has some flirty aspects to it.” Marinette turned to him, smiling, “thank you, Adrien.” Adrien shrugged, smiling.

“It’s no problem. When your dad’s a fashion designer you sorta pick these things up.” His smile then turned into a teasing grin. “Soooo is there anyone you want to look flirty for?”

Marinette’s entire face exploded into a pretty blush that Adrien found endearing, and she stammered violently.

“N-n-n-nope! Nadda! I don’t wanna look flirty for you—I mean anybody! ANYBODY I mean!” Marinette freaked out in her mind, scared that Adrien might know about her crush on him. Adrien just looked at her confused, wondering if maybe he pushed her too far, before she cleared her throat. “Anyway—as you have noticed I don’t hang around much people so there’s no one to really look flirty for.” Marinette added, her face still red.

“That’s okay.” Adrien told her. “You can look good for yourself. Isn’t that the most important?” he said. Marinette snuggled into her scarf, smiling shyly.

“Mm. It is.” Adrien rubbed the back of his head, looking sheepish.

“Also… you can always hang with me.” He told her. Marinette’s eyes widened. “I really like hanging with you..” Marinette’s ears turned pink. She turned to the fabric hastily and picked it off the shelf.

“I’ve decided to get this one since you gave me a great idea! Let me go get it cut.” She sped over to the counter, leaving Adrien to blink confused at her behavior.

‘Definitely really shy.’ Adrien noted. His emerald eyes turned towards the yarn he was looking at, checking to see if Marinette was preoccupied, and hurrying to grab the yarn and paying for it.

----------------------------------------------

“T-thank you for coming with me today, Adrien.” Marinette thanked him, remembering her manners. They approached the bakery and turned to each other. Adrien smiled down at her.

“It’s no problem, Marinette.” The blonde said. “It was really fun! You definitely are talented.” He said sincerely. Marinette smiled gently at him, and Adrien felt warm from it. He coughed. “I’ll see you!” he bid goodbye, and quickly ran off to avoid embarrassment.

‘Stupid Alya.’ Adrien cursed again, his cheeks aflame.

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Gabriel sat at his desk, thinking intently. How would he go about this? It’s been about twenty-four hours since he came up with his plan, but he didn’t know how to carry it out. He couldn’t really go up to her house and give her the Miraculous. It would be too suspicious. He didn’t even know where she lived.

‘Way go to, Agreste. You can’t even do your plan correctly.’ Gabriel deadpanned in his mind. A knock at his door startled him, making him hide the peacock miraculous in a drawl. He cleared his throat. “Come in.”

Adrien entered nervously, worried he may have interrupted something, but Gabriel sighed in relief seeing him.

“Adrien, what is it?” he asked his son. He clenched the drawl under his desk, paranoid that Adrien knew what he was planning. Alas, Adrien was unaware what was going through Gabriel’s mind.

“Father, I wanted to let you know I was back from Marinette’s.” the blonde said. Gabriel perked up at the name.

“Marinette? As in Marinette Dupain-Cheng?” he asked. Adrien nodded.

“Yeah. Is there something wrong?” the blonde asked. Gabriel shook his head.

“No… I just… is she one of your friends, Adrien?”

“Well, I hope she’ll be…” Adrien told him nervously, rubbing the back of his head and looking at the floor. “She’s really nice.”

“I see.” Gabriel replied, a plan forming in his mind. “Why don’t you invite her over for dinner one night? You can even invite those two friends you’re always hanging out with.” Gabriel explained.

‘They can distract each other while I do what I need to do with Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng’ he thought. Adrien’s eyes lit up in shock.

“Really? You’re okay with that, Father?” Adrien gaped at him. Gabriel nodded.

“Yes. You are my son—it’s only natural I see who you are hanging out with.”

“Oh well… you’ve never done that before.” Adrien told him, still reeling in surprise. Gabriel internally winced at the reminder of his bad parenting skills. However, remembering his plan, he would soon be making it up to his son.

“You’re right.” The man answered. Getting up from his desk, he approached his son. “After dealing with that insufferable Jackady I realized some things and I would like to try to make it up to you.”

Adrien just stared at him, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing, before a grin broke out on his face.

“Oh! Thank you Father! They’ll be on their best behavior, I promise!” Adrien exclaimed, hugging him. Gabriel smiled tenderly at his son, hugging him back. They separated and Adrien looked a little awkward.

“What is it?” Gabriel asked.

“It’s just… do you know how to crochet, Father?” Adrien asked suddenly. Gabriel blinked. His son was never one to be involved with the crafting sense of fashion, but not one to complain for a chance to bond with his son, answered.

“Yes, it’s been a while but I should still know a thing or two.” Adrien smiled.

“Great! Because I am making a present and I need all the help I can get.” He said bashfully. Gabriel placed his hands on his son’s shoulders.

“Well, let me seen what materials you have and we can get started.”

Stressing and planning could wait for now. Everything would fall into place soon.

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Karin: Okay… I think I probably did bad on this chapter. I don’t know. Hope you guys enjoyed it. As you can see, Gabriel is trying to change a little.

See ya Next time!

[ko-chan-the-blueberry-donut]

O Fortuna Chapter 3: Realizations, a Miraculous Ladybug fanfiction

Karin: Here’s another chapter from me—longer than the last (yay) so hopefully you guys like it. Also, if anyone was wondering why Marinette is nor more headstrong in this is because she has a lot of confidence and anxiety issues still because the Ladybug miraculous didn’t help her fix those issues since she gave it up.  

Credit goes to Lokilust for helping me coming up with Marinette’s weapon in this chapter.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Miraculous Ladybug.

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“I am the one thing in life I can control I am inimitable I am an original I’m not falling behind or running late I’m not standing still I am lying in wait.”

—Leslie Odom Jr. “Wait for it”, Hamilton

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Chapter Three: Realizations

Chat Noir raced down the steps of the studio and reached the bottom, releasing his transformation. Plagg flew up beside him.

“Nice performance back there, Lover boy.” Plagg deadpanned. Adrien rolled his eyes at the kwami.

“Plagg, now’s not the time. We gotta meet with Alya, Nino, and Marinette and go back to my place to help my father.” Adrien dismissed his kwami’s teasings and allowed Plagg to hide in his overshirt. Then he ran to go join his friends.

He met up with them on a glass bridge in the studio. Nino and Marinette gave sighs of relief when they caught sight of him.

“Nino! Marinette!” Adrien gave a cry of happiness. Nino grinned and hugged his friend, glad he was safe. Marinette couldn’t help but twiddle her thumbs, unsure on how to greet him after he put her in a safe place and she had moved to help Chat Noir. Adrien caught sight of her and approached her. “Are you okay, Marinette? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

“I’m fine.” She replied. Adrien gave a sigh of relief. “How are you?”

“I’m okay.” He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Ah! But we gotta get back to my house now!”

“Then let’s go!” Ladybug said, and the four raced to the Agreste Mansion.

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“Nathalie! Where’s my father? He’s in danger!” Adrien shouted once they burst through the doors of his massive home. Nathalie walked up to greet them and inform them of the situation.

“He knows already.” She reassured Adrien. Gabriel appeared, standing at the top of the staircase. Marinette couldn’t help but grimace at how imposing he looked.

“Good evening, Ladybug.” Gabriel greeted formally. Adrien turned to reason with his father.

“Father! You have to hide! Jackady is coming straight here for you!”

“And be dictated by a madman? Certainly not.” Gabriel brushed off his son’s concern. This made Adrien only panic more.

“But father! He’s dangerous—who’s knows what he’ll do!” Adrien implored him. Gabriel turned his cold stare to his son.

“Head up to your room now. You had enough excitement for today. Nathalie, make sure they stay there.” He commanded his assistant. Nathalie gestured for Nino, Adrien, and Marinette to follow her, but Marinette backed away.

“Um… I think I should head home.” She spoke out, a hand clenched at her chest. “I’m worried about my parents and I don’t want them getting turned into zombies.” She explained, feeling very out of place with Nino and Adrien, along with Alya and Adrien’s father. Adrien’s father nodded, dismissing her. She nodded gratefully and ran out the doors.

“I apologize for my son, Ladybug.” Gabriel said to Ladybug. “He’s like his mother—far too overly dramatic.”

“But he’s right, you know.” Ladybug crossed her arms and defended Adrien. “Jackady is a real threat. You are in a lot of danger.”

Gabriel couldn’t help but give a fond smile, memories of a blonde girl pleading to him the same thing.

“What would I have to worry about with you here to protect me?” he placed a hand on her shoulder.

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“Woah! Nice place!” Nino whistled as they were led into Adrien’s room. “I’ve seen stadiums smaller than your room.”

“Make yourself at home. I’m going to take a shower.” Adrien causally said. Nino simply stared at him in confusion.

“Now?”

“What can I say? It’s the model in me.” Adrien grinned, shutting the door. He opened his shirt allowing Plagg to fly out.

“Why doesn’t my father ever listen to me?” the blonde growled.

“Plagg! Claws out!”

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Marinette exited the doors, intent on running home.

‘That’s right. Run home, little coward.’ The voice in her head sneered. ‘Leave Alya and Chat Noir to handle it and always get hurt. It’s not your problem.’

Marinette shook her head, trying to quell the guilt. She chose this life. She chose not to get involved with all of this akuma business the moment she gave Tikki up to Alya. She couldn’t do this anymore to herself. She was not meant to be a hero—look how well that turned out the first time she was Ladybug!

No, she couldn’t do this.

She almost was at the gate when she heard noises coming close to the entrance. Her eyes widened when she caught sight of Jackady’s soldiers coming close to the Agreste Mansion. She looked in between the gate and the mansion a couple of times, in conflict with herself.

‘But what if I can’t help?’ she asks herself. ‘What if I just get in the way again?’

The groaning of the soldiers grew louder and Marinette bit her lip, and then took off in the direction to the mansion’s doors.

Chat Noir’s eyes widened when he saw that Marinette had chosen to go back into his house. However, his attention focused soon on Jackady’s soldiers. Dread flooded in his system.

“Oh no…”

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Alya wanted to bang her head against a wall. She was going to throw stinky camembert at Adrien for every picture his father shown her of him. Plagg would find her predicament hilarious.

‘Well then I’ll just have to make Adrien choke down the cheese while I’m at it so Plagg can’t get any. There! Double torture.’ Alya grinned in her mind.

Suddenly, Chat Noir burst in from the window, shouting.

“Close off all exits! They’re coming! Get the self-defense system working! We need total lockdown!” he ordered. Gabriel silently began keying in codes to get the defense system up and running.

“How did you know about the defense system?” Gabriel asked, suspicious. The only ones that know about the house defense system are Adrien, Nathalie, and himself. Chat Noir jumped.

“Oh! Well—in a house like this there’s no way you wouldn’t have one, am I right?” he covered up his mistake.

“Well they won’t be getting in now. This house is built like a fortress.” Gabriel said assuredly. Nonetheless, the alarms went off indicating the soldiers got in. Alya gasped. Nino was all alone. She had to go save him!

“I need to get to Nino!” Alya told them. Gabriel nodded.

“Nathalie, take one of the remotes and take Ladybug with you.” Nathalie nodded. Her and Ladybug exited the room. Chat Noir ran to get the other remote.

“You need to get to the atrium as soon as possible! They’re coming!” the order made Gabriel frown.

“No one tells me what to do. Not even a superhero.” He scolded the teen. After all he’s been through over the years and now being ordered around by a teen? Pathetic.

“You’re in danger just like everyone else here! So stop pretending you’re above us all and do what I tell you to!” Chat Noir pointed at him. Gabriel’s eyes widened in shock that he was actually being yelled at by a teenager. A sense of déjà vu hit him, as if he was here before with someone else who said the same thing. Gabriel couldn’t help but smirk.

“Quite a temper.” he praised. “You remind me of someone.” he said fondly, rubbing his chin. Chat Noir just glared and headed out the door, leaving Gabriel alone with memories of a fiery blonde haired woman.

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Marinette made a face as she turned on the light bulb in the coat closet. She raced to the nearest hiding place she could once the soldiers and Jackady entered the house.

“Some hero I am.” Marinette grumbled. She began looking around for anything to fight with. “There’s gotta be something in here I can work with.” She dug around in some of the coat pockets, desperate for anything by this point.

“Ah-hah!” Marinette exclaimed, pulling out rubber bands. This caused her to frown. “Really?” she looked at the ceiling, exasperated. Her eyes then focused on the door, a determined glint in them. Her hand clenched the rubber bands.

“They’ll have to do.”

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Ladybug and Nathalie entered Adrien’s room. Nino approached them.

“Ladybug! What’s happening?”

“Jackady and his forces are here. We need to get you to a safe place.” Ladybug told Nino, resting a hand on his shoulder.

“What about Adrien?” Nino asked. Alya wanted to facepalm inside her mind. Of course! She still had to pretend Adrien was here.

“Where is he?” she questioned. Nino pointed to the bathroom.

“Taking a shower.” He answered. This made her raise an eyebrow.

“A shower?” that’s the best he could come up with?

“It’s the model in him.” Nino replied nonchalantly, shrugging. Alya shook her head.

“I’ll get him then. You go on ahead.” She said. Nino and Nathalie left and she ran up to the bathroom door.

“Chat?” she knocked. Chat Noir flopped through the door and Ladybug stared down at him with an amused expression. Chat stuck his tongue out at her.

“God, I can’t wait until you get a girlfriend to embarrass you with that lazy excuse.” Alya grinned. Adrien glared at her.

“You try coming up with an excuse on the spot like that.” Chat Noir retorted as he got up and brushed himself off.

Soldiers burst into the room, and the partners readied their weapons.

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Nino and Nathalie met Gabriel in the atrium. His ice blue eyes narrowed as he noticed the most important person missing.

“Where is my son?” he demanded. Worry began to bubble in the pit of his stomach. He couldn’t lose Adrien. He was ready to charge out of the atrium and go retrieve him himself.

“He’s coming.” Nino assured him. However, before Gabriel could take action, Jackady’s soldiers ran in through the door and advanced toward Gabriel. Gabriel readied a stance, ready to fight, but he wasn’t as young as he used to be, and definitely out of practice.

The soldiers advanced, and Gabriel tried to fight them off, but there was too many of them and he was captured. Jackady grinned as he entered the room, walking towards Gabriel with glee.

A rubber band struck the back of his head harshly, making him yell. He whipped his head around to see who dared to attack him.

There stood Marinette, another rubber band at the ready to shoot. She glared at Jackady with righteous anger.

“Release Mr. Agreste.” She demanded. She shot the rubber band at one of his minions. The soldier yelped as they let go of Gabriel. Jackady glared, readying his cards.

“I don’t think so! Simon says you’ll be a mouse!” he flung a card at her, but she dodged, shooting another rubber band at his hand, making him yowl in pain and drop his cards. She quickly shot another rubber band at his eye. “Ouch! You brat!”

“Nino! The cards!” Marinette shouted as she dodged a swipe from Jackady, who was so angry that he was trying to strangle her. She continued to shoot rubber bands at him. Without his cards, Jackady wasn’t able to give commands. Nino looked to the floor and began ripping up cards. Gabriel freed himsefl out of Jackady’s minions’ hold and ran to the cards. He ripped the final one and the akuma flew out.

“No! That can’t be!” Jackady cried. Marinette grinned and trapped the akuma in a jar. Jackady’s shoulder was tapped, and he turned to find Gabriel Agreste’s fist.

“Dude!” Nino shouted shocked. Who knew Adrien’s old man had it in him?

“That’s enough of that.” Adrien’s father said, dusting his hand off on his suit jacket. He turned his attention to the black haired girl. “I’ve seen you before…”

“Um yes sir.” Marinette spoke nervously. “I won your hat competition.” She clarified.

“Ah yes, Mlle. Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” Gabriel remembered now. Her craftsmanship was extraordinary. He knew she was going to go far with her talents. “It appears that I owe you a thank you.” he smiled at her. Marinette smiled at him shyly.

“It’s no problem, sir.” She said. Inside, she felt the guilt inside her shrink.

‘I did something right for once.’ She thought happily.

Ladybug and Chat Noir burst through the window, battle ready. Nonetheless, they noticed all the soldiers frozen and Jackady unconscious.

“What happened?” Ladybug asked. Nino looped an arm around Marinette’s shoulder and brought her forward.

“Dudes, you should’ve seen it! She shot Jackady with rubber bands! It was so awesome!” Nino praised. Marinette blushed bashfully.

“It wasn’t that special….” She said. Nino shook his head.

“No way! I’m telling you—she could give you guys a run for your money!” Nino told Chat Noir and Ladybug. Ladybug grinned, getting in Marinette’s face.

“Another superhero huh? I would love another girl around. It gets boring with just the mangy cat here.” Ladybug said to Marinette and jabbing a thumb at the cat superhero.

“Hey! I resent that, LB.” Chat Noir commented. He approached Marinette and kneeled in front of her, taking her hand. “Although, if you want to submit a resume for being a hero, I’d be glad to accept, Princess.” he told her, but before he could kiss her hand, Marinette snatched her hand back, waving both of them in front of her frantically.

“Oh no! I can’t be a hero! Nope! Not me!” Marinette venomously denied, feeling the conversation drifting into unfamiliar waters. She sweated, alarm bells going off in her head.

‘Please don’t let them figure out I was Ladybug!’ she begged. If they knew, they would all be disappointed in her for surrendering her duty as a hero to live a normal life. Alya would hate her for giving her the burden of being Ladybug. The guilt began piling up fast, making her throat close up.

“I believe they are right, Mademoiselle.” Gabriel said. He walked closer to them. “Without you here, I don’t know what would’ve happened to me.”

She rotated her head to look at each of them, wringing her hands. She took steps back towards the door.

“Oh well would you look at the time? Maman and Papa will be worried! Gotta go bye!” she opened the door and ran out, slamming it behind her.

All of the remaining occupants blinked, unsure of what just happened. Gabriel turned back to the two heroes and handed Chat Noir the jar with the akuma inside. When he held out his hand to receive the jar, Gabriel caught sight of the Black Cat Miraculous. Its shining paw print making an imprint in his mind.

“Thanks a lot, Mr. Agreste!” Chat Noir said. Ladybug and Chat Noir went to the window and bid farewell.

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Gabriel sighed as he entered his son’s room, finding Adrien looking out his window. Adrien turned to see his father, with a questioning expression.

However, his emerald eyes widened when he felt Gabriel embrace him. Finally, he relaxed into his father’s hold and smiled. Gabriel smiled as well, slowly opening his eyes, but his eyes locked onto a certain piece of jewelry he’s seen somewhere before…

“Where did you get this?” he demanded, separating from Adrien. The blonde crossed his arms and grew defensive.

“Nowhere. Just some jewelry store near school.” Adrien replied.

“I… see.” Gabriel said slowly, realization hitting him. The shock assaulting him all over making him feel ill. He excused himself and retreated to his office. He went to the attached bathroom and threw cold water on his face. He gasped, looking himself in the mirror, taking in his features.

‘There’s no way… it can’t be.’ But it was staring at him in the face. The heavy realization that his son possessed a Miraculous was mocking him. He’d recognize that ring anywhere.

He used to wear it.

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Marinette sat on her balcony in an oversized pink hoodie and pajama pants with chibi hamsters on them. She felt cozy in her red panda slippers and her hands were wrapped around a hot, steaming cup of coco. A serene smile rested on her face as she observed the city from her spot on her balcony.

“Hello, Princess.” Chat Noir greeted her, landing on her balcony with grace. Marinette gave a yelp and nearly dropped her cup of hot chocolate. Her eyes narrowed at the sudden appearance of one of Paris’ superheroes.

‘At least it’s not Alya—that would’ve been awkward.’ Marinette thought.

“Um, hello, Chat Noir.” Marinette greeted, unsure on how to proceed with this alien encounter. “What is it? Is there an akuma?” Marinette looked around, having enough with those things for the day.

“No, no!” Chat Noir assured her, waving his hands. He placed one of the gloved hands behind his head, smiling sheepishly. “No akuma! Just… wanted to talk! Yeah!”

“Talk?” her bright blue eyes blinked amongst the darkness, reminding Chat Noir of a cloudless sky on a sunny day.

“Yeah! Talk.” Chat repeated. They stood there staring awkwardly at each other, each confused on how to proceed.

“So…. Talk about what?” she asked finally. Chat jumped, clearly not having planned this out.

“Oh well—just wanted to thank you for today.” He replied. He placed his hands on his hips, trying to look macho. “Ladybug and I couldn’t have done it without you today, and you saved Gabriel Agreste—which is very important to Adrien Agreste—and just gotta say that it was very cool on how you defeated Jackady.” he explained in a rush. The raven haired girl nodded.

“So you came all this way to tell me that?” she asked. Chat nodded. Marinette couldn’t help but let out a laugh at him. “You didn’t need to do that, Chat Noir. I didn’t really do much, and anyone would’ve done the same.”

Chat Noir shook his head, his messy blonde locks flying about.

“No. There’s a lot of people that wouldn’t have.” He told her seriously. Marinette blushed, averting her eyes as she dug a spot into the pavement with her slipper. Chat cleared his throat.

“Anyway, so you sure you wouldn’t want to be a hero?” he asked her teasingly. Marinette rolled her eyes.

“I’m good, Chat Noir.” She told the superhero. “I’ll keep my civilian life, thanks.” She clutched her mug tighter.

‘Coward.’ The voice in her mind hissed.

“Such a shame.” He grinned at her. “Oh well! I guess I can settle for saving you all the time—a knight must always protect his princess after all!” he teased her. Marinette glared at him and flicked his nose. “Ouch!”

“I’ll pass.” She deadpanned. Chat couldn’t help but grin at her answer.

“It was worth a try I guess.” He said, jumping onto her railing, tail swishing. “See you around, Princess!” he bid her adieu.

“Go on and go annoy Ladybug, Chat.” She dropped formalities. Chat’s expression turned tender as he looked down at her.

“Marinette?” he called. She turned her ocean eyes to him. “Thank you.” He smiled. With that, he was off her balcony and racing across Paris’ buildings.

Marinette blushed and grumbled about mangy cats being weird.

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Karin: How was it? Good? Bad? So we get to know more about Gabriel and some more MariChat. Also in case anyone was wondering, during Dark Cupid, Chat never got effected because he never stopped this Ladybug (alya) to confess feelings like he did with Marinette so he never got shot with an arrow. Marinette did help Alya and Adrien with the Evillustrator because he wanted to go on a date with her so she reluctantly helped them with Alya protecting Chloe and Adrien protecting Marinette, and that’s how Chat knows Marinette. Some akumas haven’t happened (like Copycat and Lady Wifi) because Chat isn’t jealous of other guys pursuing Alya (he treats her like a sister) and Alya is Ladybug in this universe so obviously she hasn’t been akumatized.

I hope I conveyed a sibling bond with Alya and Adrien—there’s nothing romantic going on between them.

If you have any questions, feel free to review or PM me and I’ll be more than happy to talk to you about stuff.

[ko-chan-the-blueberry-donut]

O Fortuna Chapter 1: Enter Jackady

Karin: here’s another miraculous story from me. It’s Canon divergence. Also, no Adrien and Alya ARE NOT a couple in this—Nino just assumes they are cause he doesn’t know they’re Chat Noir and Ladybug and that’s why they spend so much time together. There’s a little bit of Nino crushing on Marinette in the beginning but that won’t be long.

Title: O Fortuna

Rating: T

Pairing(s): Adrien/Marinette, Alya/Nino

Summary: Faced with failure, Marinette Dupain-Cheng surrendered the Ladybug Miraculous to one Alya Cesaire, and planned to live a normal life. However, one cannot run from destiny. Seeing the Cat Miraculous on his son’s finger, Gabriel decides to no longer stand by and realizes if Fu can choose warriors, so can he. Peacock Marinette. Mentor Gabriel

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“Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.”

—Budda

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Chapter One: Enter Jackady

For as long as she could remember, Marinette was always considered to be average. She did all right in school, she was polite and always respectful, and never caused any trouble. No one would expect this girl to be extraordinary.

And she simply wasn’t. She had the chance, but she had given it away. Perhaps if Alya Cesaire hadn’t remembered to bring her bag with her that day Marinette slipped the Ladybug Miraculous into her bag, things might’ve been different. Marinette would’ve became something special.

However, that’s not how things went, and Alya had gladly accepted the strange gift from an unknown stranger and taken the duty of being a hero off of her shoulders. Marinette was free from being in the spotlight and allowed to live a normal life—as it should be in her mind.

But that wasn’t destiny. And destiny has a way of righting itself—whether Marinette likes it or not.

It was simply meant to be.

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Marinette furrowed her brow in concentration as she sat in her room, sketching out a recent design in her mind. Her hands were covered in pencil lead from all the smudging she was doing, but she didn’t seem to care. She was in her element. Creating designs was like composing a melody only she knew. The notes danced in her mind as she delicately sketched each stitch with love.

“Marinette?” Sabine opened her trap door, curious. Seeing her child in her usual spot made Sabine smile. Marinette yelped and toppled off the bed, startled by the sudden intrusion. Sabine giggled and approached her daughter, who was collecting the fallen papers quickly, shy about people seeing her work. Sabine kneeled down to the floor and stroke some of Marinette’s hair out of her face.

“You’re always up here sketching.” Sabine said fondly. “Why don’t you ever hang out with friends, sweetie?” she questioned. Marinette blushed, and looked to the floor, clutching her sketches protectively to her chest.

“I don’t really have any friends, Maman.” Marinette responded, a bit shy. Sabine raised an eyebrow.

“No friends? You seemed to get along well with that Alya girl—what happened to that?” the question made Marinette flinch. Memories of giving away a small red and black god to another surfaced in her mind. The failure of being a hero. The desire to be normal making her distance herself to a confused Alya. She passed the torch—that’s all she was meant to do. To be friends with the girl who was secretly Ladybug seemed too dangerous to her normalcy. To her guilt and failure that she didn’t want to remember. Every time she saw how tired Alya was, she couldn’t help but feel even more guilty. Every bruise, every scratch—all she could remember was how it should’ve been her.

No, she couldn’t be friends with Alya. No matter how much the other girl wants her to.

“She found other friends.” Marinette mumbled. It was true. She became really close with Adrien soon after she received the Ladybug Miraculous from Marinette. It had killed any self-confidence she had in hoping Adrien would like her back one day, and she had taken down all the photos of him in her room, deciding to move on and just go to school to learn.

Sabine frowned and hugged her child. She knew Marinette was painfully shy so it was extremely hard for her to make friends. She was hoping when Marinette came home talking about a girl she met in class she got along with it would develop into a strong friendship, but it seems now it was unlikely.  

“Maman, don’t worry.” Marinette pulled away, smiling in reassurance. “I’m happy by myself. It gives me more time to work on my designs.” she gestured to all the designs hung up around her room, along with the many fabrics laid on her desk and a dress form in the corner.

“I know, sweetie.” Her mother kissed her forehead. She walked towards the computer desk with all her fabrics cluttered on the surface and began to organize them for Marinette. Her eyes caught sight of a piece of paper on the desk with writing on it, not her daughter’s scrawl, and curiously picked it up. “What’s this?”

“Huh? Oh, that’s just an address for the studio Nino is going to be performing at for some contest. Alya gave it to me in case I thought I’d want to go…” Marinette trailed off, not wanting to think about how she was being unfair to Alya by constantly refusing her friendship with excuses.

Sabine furrowed her brow in confusion. If the girl was giving her this, then maybe she still wanted friendship with Marinette after all? Perhaps her daughter just didn’t know how to respond to someone who wants to be friends with her and that’s why she never goes out.

“Well, you did all your chores today, so why don’t you go?” Sabine encouraged. Marinette turned to her, eyes wide.

“What?” she blinked. “Why would I do that Maman? I am not close with any of them. It would feel too weird.” Marinette explained. Sabine quirked an eyebrow at that. She knew her daughter was shy, but did she really despised social interaction that much?

Absently stroking her daughter’s fabrics, a light bulb went off in her head as an idea formed. Sabine schooled her face into a teasing, coy expression.

“You know Marinette…” she began, still petting the fabrics. “Your father and I noticed you are running low on fabric. How would you feel if we pick up some tomorrow?” this caused Marinette’s ears to perk up.

“Really Maman?” Marinette asked excited. “Usually you make me save up for fabric—are you sure?” Marinette checked. Sabine chuckled.

“Of course! We love to spoil you sometimes.” Sabine said, picking up the piece of paper once more. “If,” she stressed, holding up the piece of paper to her daughter’s face, “You go out and have fun with friends today.” She smirked.

Marinette’s eyes widened before her eyes became narrowed.

“Maman! You cheat.” she pouted. Sabine just smiled, waving the paper innocently. Marinette prepared to decline the bribe, but the thought of getting new fabric without paying for it was very tempting. In fact, she could actually get a good quality fabric out of this for her new project.

‘I’ll just keep interactions to a minimum.’ Marinette told herself. She grinned at her mother and took the paper. Her mother smiled back.

“You’re all right walking by yourself?” Her mother asked her. Marinette nodded as she slipped on a white over sweater robe that reached her mid thigh and the sleeves reached past her elbow over her cherry blossom pink tank top. She wore black leggings and put on black three inch heeled combat boots good for walking.

“It will be fine, Maman.” She told her mother. She grabbed her purse and headed towards her trap door, waving goodbye to her mother.

Besides, how bad could it be?

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Nino cracked his knuckles nervously as he waited his turn to be called on The Challenge. Adrien and the Gorilla were beside him with support as Alya had a babysitting job today. Adrien patted his shoulder in comfort.

“Relax man—I’m sure you’ll do fine.” Adrien said. Nino fidgeted with his hands.

“Hopefully dude. Hopefully.” He replied

“Oh come on, you got me here for support.” Adrien took ahold of Nino’s shoulders. “You’ll be fine. You’re an awesome DJ.”

Nino was about to reply when a girl with midnight hair pulled in pigtails showed up gasping for breath, her hands on her knees.

“Sorry I’m late!” she apologized. She looked up with her bright blue eyes and Nino and Adrien saw it was Marinette Dupain-Cheng from their class. The girl was always a loner, so to see her here was a surprise to both boys. She looked around nervously, as if she was forgetting something. “W-where’s Alya?” she asked.

“Uh… babysitting duty.” Nino answered, placing his hand behind his head. Marinette looked like she entered panic mood. Her eyes immediately went downcast.

“Um… sorry… Alya invited me…” she mumbled out. She wrung her hands together nervously, and surprisingly, it calmed Nino down to see someone as nervous as him and he wasn’t alone. Pushing his anxiety aside, he went to reassure the girl.

“It’s okay, dude. I don’t mind you being here.” He told her. Marinette perked her head up a little, still looking like she felt out of place. “Honest! If I knew you were coming I would’ve dressed better—I mean! Uh…” Nino stuttered. He remembered the crush he had on Marinette, but for some reason when Adrien, Alya, and him tried to invite her to the zoo (Nino was hoping it could be a double date, despite Alya and Adrien’s denials that they weren’t a couple, but come on, they were really close!), but she turned them down, squeaking and running away hurriedly.

Surprisingly, Marinette seemed to smile, though a little unsure, and it made Nino’s heart beat a little faster.

“You look fine to me.” She said quietly. Nino and Adrien grinned at her, ready to welcome her into their group.

“Nino! You’re up!” the announcer called. Nino grinned at them and waved before going onto the set to perform his challenge. Adrien stepped closer to Marinette, hoping he didn’t intrude on her space.

“Glad you were able to make it.” He said. Marinette jumped a little as she wasn’t expecting him to talk to her. Her heart began to pound and her palms got a little sweaty.

“U-um yeah. Alya invited me and I thought why not and here I am…” Marinette replied, not looking at him. Her anxiety was heightened with being around so many people she didn’t really know. She hadn’t spoken to him one on one since he asked her about what she thought about Chat Noir after the Evillustrator incident.

“That’s awesome. It’s always good to see you, Marinette.” Adrien said genuinely. He wished he could get the girl to open up to them more as she always seemed so quiet and shy. Alya had told him many times on late night patrols as Ladybug and Chat Noir on how she thought it was so cute that Marinette was so shy, but she wished she could help her with her confidence more. Every time Chloe picks on her, Alya is always there to defend her, but despite all of the attention, Marinette just seems to shrink away from their group. Adrien wondered if maybe she didn’t like them, but he reasoned that Marinette was always nice to them, even if avoidant at times. He asked Plagg about it but he just said humans are weird and asked for cheese.

Maybe with this, she can get closer to them and they all can be good friends. He knows what it’s like not to have friends for so long, and he didn’t want another person to suffer like he did.

He thought on how much his life has changed since he had gotten the Black Cat Miraculous. He got to go to public school, he made many new friends in his classmates, and had gotten really close friends like Alya and Nino. Having found out that Alya had somehow gotten the Ladybug Miraculous had caused the two to have to get to know each other very well (to the point where people assume they are dating, but they have to keep telling people they’re strictly platonic). However, he remembers freaking out at first from her appearance, as he had worried what had happened to his previous partner. Alya, on the other hand, had no clue what he was talking about and said the earrings just appeared in her bag one day. He was filled with disappointment, wondering if he did something wrong to make the previous Ladybug quit, but Tikki had reassured him it wasn’t because of him, and instead said she had her reasons. Unfortunately, that was all she decided to tell him, filling him with even more sadness that he doesn’t know the girl’s identity. He wonders if the previous Ladybug ever thinks of him like he does her. Tikki said it was best not to dwell on the previous Ladybug but he couldn’t help himself.

“Thank you.” Marinette said, blushing and looking at the floor.

“Congrats Nino! You won! We’ll see you next week to perform your next challenge!” the announcer yelled, drawing Marinette and Adrien’s attention. Both of them clapped for Nino as he grinned at them from the stage. He raced off the stage to fist bump Adrien.

“Told you you could do it.” Adrien told him smugly. Nino rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, yeah. You were right.”

“Up next is Jacques Grimault!” the announcer called. A man in a purple suit jacket stepped forward. The announcer put his arm around the Jacques. “He’s a hypnotist! He can make you do anything he wants!”

“Er, actually, I don’t like using hypnotism that way.” Jacques responded meekly, taking out some playing cards. The announcer ignored him.

“So Jacques! Your task is to bring a very elusive celebrity to this set! Everyone welcome fashion genius Gabriel Agreste!”

Suddenly the screen showed Gabriel Agreste’s stern face. Nino looped an arm around Adrien in excitement.

“Dude! That’s your dad.” He exclaimed. Adrien smiled.

“What is this show? I was told this was an interview.” Gabriel said, not too pleased with being fooled.

“Now, Mr. Grimault! See if you can get Gabriel Agreste to come to the show with your hypnotism!”

“I told you, I don’t use hypnotism that way.” Jacques repeated.

“Aw, I guess you’re a shy hypnotist! Isn’t that funny Mr. Agreste?” the announcer smiled to the camera.

“Hilarious.” Gabriel deadpanned. “Your show is pathetic, and so is your contestant. Control me? Never.” With that, Gabriel signed off. Adrien shook his head.

“That’s my father, alright.” He said gloomily.

“Well, looks like you failed in bringing Mr. Agreste here, Mr. Grimault!” the announcer cheerfully stated. “You fail!”

“W-wait! But I didn’t even get a chance!” he stuttered out.

With that, the staff took him off the stage and escorted him to the door. Jacques looked downcast at the floor as he dropped his cards. He bent down to pick them up, not noticing the black butterfly flying into one of his playing cards.

“Hello Jackady. I am Hawkmoth…”

-----------------------------

Marinette looked worriedly at the door where Jacques left. She bit her lip, debating whether or not to pursue the man. She knew what it was like to fail in unfair circumstances. She remembered how strict Adrien’s dad can be, and the fact that he didn’t even get Adrien a present for his birthday instead using her scarf she made as a present instead made her not really think highly of him.

“Are you okay?” Adrien asked her, noticing her somber mood. Marinette turned towards him with a frown.

“It’s just… he must’ve worked so hard to get on the show…” she trailed off. Adrien put a hand on her shoulder making her jump. He gave her a look of understanding.

Whatever he was going to say was interrupted by the doors to the studio bursting open and a man wearing a purple and lime green suit walked in with a psychotic grin.

“What in the world?” The announcer asked. The masked man grinned and threw a card at him saying he was now a chicken.

Adrien’s bodyguard rose to action and charged forward.

“Simon says you’re a gorilla!” the akuma called. The card got absorbed into the Gorilla and suddenly he changed directions towards the three teenagers and made gorilla noises. Adrien, Nino, and Marinette yelped as Nino and Adrien ran in opposite directions, Adrien instinctively grabbing Marinette to follow him. The two ended up toppled in the corner.

“You okay?” Adrien asked her. Marinette rubbed her head and nodded. Adrien lead her to a safe corner and made her hide. “You stay here—I’m going to get Nino and we’ll all get out of here.” With that, he was already gone before Marinette could say anything. Marinette pressed her back into the crevice, praying that Adrien and Nino come back soon.

She knew she shouldn’t have gone out today….

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Karin: Well there is the first chapter! What do you think? Let me know!

[ko-chan-the-blueberry-donut]

So out of curiosity, have anyone come across my Miraculous Fanfiction “O Fortuna” where Marinette gave the Ladybug Miraculous to Alya successfully and then later on accepts the Peacock Miraculous under Gabriel’s guidance? Yeah, Gabriel is not Hawkmoth in it so there is some AU aspects but it is still basically “In-Universe” if anyone is interested. I was just wondering if any of my followers or anyone here seen it or is a little curious about it cause here is where I would be posting fanart for the story.