The Demon's Queen
Chapter 17
First <> Previous
Mari is 18 Damian is 19
“Okay, let's start the trimonthly meeting,” Superman announced from the head of the table. The Watchtower was filled with the founding members of the Justice League to go over everything that had happened in the last three months, which was a lot.
“Well let’s begin with the most major events,” Batman grumbled, “There were four mass scale alien invasions that involved the whole League plus Young Justice.”
“Thankfully we were able to solve two of them with civil treaty talk,” Wonder Woman chimed in, a gentle smile on her lips as she reminisced on the events.
“The other two had to be captured which resulted in the mass destruction of New York, New Jersey, Missouri, California, and Oregon,” Black Carny listed, “from there we had to help pay for reconstruction. Batman, how much did we have to pay?”
Batman gave the whole League his normal flat look, seemingly unimpressed with the group. “$1.6 billion,” he growled, scowling at the rest of the members, most of which didn’t meet his gaze.
“Right!” Superman exclaimed. “We’ll go over the cost of everything at the end. Next on the agenda is reconnaissance missions and what we’ve learned.”
“The Young Justice team has gone on nearly fifteen missions in the past three months, most of which were successful. From their hard work we were able to prevent five Kobra-Venom shipments,” Flash began to quickly list off, “having skimmed the reports, the few that went off the rails were quickly resolved and handled by other members of the JLA. Going along those lines it was also discovered tha-”
A loud ringing went off and everyone looked back at Superman with a blank stare. “Sorry everyone, it’s one of my emergency lines that I give to citizens, let me juuust-oh.” After Superman had removed the small device his face fell from his usual cheery demeanor into something more tired and solemn. “It’s Mrs. Dupain-Cheng again.”
There were a few frustrated sighs from around the room, others simply shaking their heads in exasperation. As of today it had been one full year since one Marinette Dupain-Cheng had officially gone missing. She and her husband had been calling them every few weeks demanding updates, but the truth was that they hadn’t found anything. Even when Tim had thought he had gotten a lead, it ended up falling flat as there was nothing they could deduce purely from black clothes.
Not only that, but ever since her disappearance, there hasn’t been a single magical attack, which has made looking for her a lower priority. It wasn’t that they wanted her to stay missing or for a lack of scouting, but the matter of fact was that they were dealing with bigger active threats on a day-to-day basis, and there were simply no clues as to where she could be. They let the message go to voicemail and continued on the meeting with a more sober tone.
__________
Ladybug and Chat Noir Were the Villains All Along–An Informative Article About the Truth Behind Akuma Attacks and the “Heroes” Who “Protected” Paris.
16:24 Written by: J. Jona Jámesón (previously hosted on Wild Safari) & Raine Coffee Chaos
It has now been officially one year since Paris’ so-called “heroes” have vanished, along with the emotional terrorist known as Hawkmoth. The last sighting of the heroes was during the last battle with the Akumatized victim known as The Reaper, a twelve-year-old boy that has chosen to remain anonymous.
In that last battle, the video was captured of the Akuma, The Reaper, having the ability to take the lives of any person or being that came near their scythe or made direct eye contact. Other videos taken by popular blogger, Alya Césaire, showed that both of our heroes greatly struggled with this Akuma, where Chat Noir once more fell victim to it, and once more Ladybug barely succeeded on her own. Since the end of that battle both our heroes have simply disappeared along with the villain that brought them to light in the first place; which begs the question: were they ever heroes to begin with?
*video of final akuma attack from “The Ladyblog” filmed by Alya Césaire*
Take that masked menace the Flash, for example. He presents himself as a protector of the masses with his super speed, but has a suspiciously cordial relationship with his ‘Rogues gallery’. These villains are known to have a moral code, avoiding unnecessary harm to innocents and children while committing their various nefarious crimes. It’s more than likely that they’re in cahoots with Flash; pulling off their various stunts with him acting as the “hero”. Making it so that the police cannot properly do their jobs. He is wrongly adored by the unsuspecting masses in Central City, even having a museum! Perhaps he cooperates with the Rogues in a desire for attention and infamy!
However, just as people worship the Flash, the people of Paris worship Ladybug and Chat Noir. And now that Parisians are no longer afraid to talk about the atrocities inflicted on them, it has been widely speculated the heroes that Parisians so heavily relied on were mere children ! If we study the very first video taken of Ladybug and Chat Noir five years ago compared to the most current video of them, it is obvious that the both of them had grown and matured at the same rate as an average teenager. A set of teenagers could never accomplish what Ladybug and Chat Noir have done on their own! There must have been someone behind the scenes.
*Photo of Ladybug and Chat Noir side-by-side during Stone Heart right next to an image of Ladybug and Chat Noir side-by-side during The Reaper *
Who’s to say that, in the end, these kids were not in fact working with Hawkmoth the entire time? Their job: to create mass fear and panic among the citizens of Paris so that everyone would fear for the safety of themselves and the children, who were most at risk if you look at the Akuma, Gigantitan, who was only 5 months when first akumatized, and was targeted nearly 18x after through the years for minuscule, child-like frustrations.
From this prolonged fear-epidemic, studies have shown a mass decrease in mental health and an extreme increase in the unhealthy coping skill of suppressing emotions so as not to be a target. This in turn has led to a massive increase of people searching for and spending on therapists, where there is a shortage of them in Paris. Commonly referred to as the ‘Captive Hearts Epidemic’. And with the government being unwilling to bring in more from outside the city, and France as a whole unwilling to bring more in from out of the country, it is not hard to believe that this was a ruse for people to spend more money to big Healthcare Companies. We have already seen time and time again that Mayor Bourgeois is a corrupt politician only interested in putting more euros in his own private account. It is not hard to believe that he paid off these children and mysterious entities to terrorize the city into buying higher and more expensive health plans, especially since any damage done by these so-called heroes–rather conveniently–just magically disappears; so he never has to worry about paying for any reconstruction.
This war has gone on for over five years without end. The very sudden disappearance of Paris’ heroes and villains without so much as a warning is far too suspicious. It makes no sense as Ladybug and Chat Noir have had no trouble making public appearances and taking interviews. It’s obvious they care about how they are portrayed through the media, so why disappear without telling anyone unless they were caught and forced to give it up? Are we truly in the clear, or are we just coming home to a peaceful disaster?
17:07 RenaRougeOfficial:
How dare you make up such blatant lies and falsehoods! Ladybug and Chat have defended and rescued our people every day, putting aside everything in their lives for us.
Instead of trying to vilify them, why not think of the actual reason they disappeared. Perhaps they defeated Hawkmoth and decided to leave the scene to live in peace. Or maybe they got injured when defeating Hawkmoth and didn’t want anyone to know. Or perhaps it’s because
“Ohhh, that’s a good one Alya, here add this,” Adrien jumped in, startling Alya from her rant filled with righteous fury. She was forcefully pushed aside as Adrien began to type on the keyboard, adding to her rant.
you are just lacking in brain cells. Ladybug and Chat Noir risked their lives every single day so that this city, this world even, could continue on. They put the world on their shoulders knowing that if they failed then the universe itself could have been destroyed. Stop trying to destroy the heroes' reputations simply because you want clicks and views.
“And, send!” Alya announced, slamming her finger on the button. “Now, onto the next one,” she declared while opening a new tab.
“Okay, that’s enough you two,” Nino called out.
“Oh come on Nino! Just one more,” his girlfriend begged.
“You said that five articles ago. I’ve only tolerated you two doing this for so long because of the day. But if you keep going we’re gonna be late,” Nino barged in, powering off the computer before either could do much as protest.
Adrien and Alya looked away from Nino, a deep sadness penetrating their hearts, the same sadness they had been trying to ignore all day, all year really.
Nino watched as Adrien rubbed at his finger, twisting a ring that was no longer there. He had been an absolute wreck the day it had gone missing, saying that it was a parting gift from his mother. Nino could tell he was lying, but didn’t pry as, at the time, it looked like he had just watched someone die. And then with the news of a mysterious attacker stabbing both his father and Nathalie had both been stabbed in their own home and had nearly died of blood loss. Even though he was a terrible dad, Nino didn’t think he deserved that . And Marinette was still missing. It felt as if everything was falling apart at the seams.
"Let's head over to the bakery. Tom and Sabine are waiting for us," he whispered, turning away from his two friends so they wouldn't have to see his pain.
@The_Official_Ladyblog
The Truth of Paris’ Heroes: A Response to the Forgetful
22:34 Written by: Alya Cesaire
It has, unfortunately, come to my attention that there have been some doubts about the sincerity of our heroes and their intentions in fighting for our city. While my beliefs have personally never been shaken, I know that I was able to get to know the heroes on a much more personal level than most. The heroes were, as has been speculated, children. They never confirmed this to me, but I genuinely believe it to be true.
I believe that our heroes were in the same age range as myself, and as such, they were more comfortable opening up to me about the struggles they faced while they were saving our lives.
Ladybug used to cry to me, about how she had to lie to her family about who she was. About how she felt she was a bad friend for having to run away to fight a battle she never wanted to be a part of.
Chat Noir shared how isolated he felt. How he felt free in the suit compared to his life at home. How he had little to no support group to help share the burden of his secret.
They were indeed children, fighting in a war they had no reason to be fighting. They put their lives on the line every time there was an attack. They showed up for us without fail each and every time we needed them, and this is how we repay them?
This is how we thank them?
We come at them, with accusations and cruel assumptions in response to their sacrifices. They gave their very lives for Paris over and over again, and yet here they stand; accused of participating in the crimes they fought so desperately against. How is this fair to them?
How could we treat them this way?
I personally, would like to apologize. Not to Ladybug, the symbol of hope for Paris. Not to Chat Noir, the very definition of Loyalty. But to the people behind the mask. To the children behind the masks.
I’m sorry for how we have treated you, for the suspicion that has been cast upon you. For the doubts we have held as you held the very world on your shoulders. Thank you for always giving your life, for continuously fighting despite your own doubts, and for saving us every day without fail. I know better than anyone, that we did not deserve you.
I hope you find your peace, in the aftermath of Hawkmoth.
__________ Ever since her mission, things had changed in the base. No longer were the other assassins skirting around her, giving her side glances, and weirdly enough, they were no longer ignoring her. When she had first come back, Tomoe had kept her in the medical wing for three days, where during that time The Boy had come in to check on her wounds, before leaving without a word. She had brushed it off as him wanting to make sure his prized possession was still capable of doing his dirty work, but there was something in his eyes she simply couldn’t place.
Then when she had left she could feel the eyes on her. One of the members even gave her a bow of greeting.
“Samiet 'anak dhahabt fi muhimat mae abn awa li'iinqadh baed al'atfali. eamil jid,” one of the others grunted. It took her a moment, but she was able to mentally translate it to, Heard you went on a mission with the Jackals to rescue some kids. Good work. It made something in her feel warm. Valued even. The feeling lasted her the whole day. But there was always a dark feeling in the back of her mind. The reminder of what she was forced to do to free those kids haunting her day and night.
Her thoughts often wondered to the kids. She had blacked out before she could even know what happened to them, but nobody knew, nobody except one person and she wasn’t going to go searching him out. Granted she didn’t have to as he came to her.
Marinette had been reading the book Talia had given her–it was in Arabic so it took her a long time to translate making it a very slow read–but she had been reading it for so long that her head was starting to hurt. Laying down on the small cot she stared at the beige ceiling, imaging the night sky. As of her mission she had been less restricted, allowed to move more freely around the base. Maybe she could use that to her advantage. Setting the tome back on her small dresser. The idea came with some risk, but at this point she was willing to take it.
Carefully sliding the dagger she was now allowed to keep into its sheath at her hip she exited her room, stalking through the halls on light feet. Making sure that nobody noticed or followed her as she made her way to the stairs that lead to one of the towers that overlooked the base. Slowly she went through the small trap door before closing it behind her. There above her was the starry sky in all of its glory. It was a warm night that carried a gentle breeze strong enough to brush her hair aside every so often. The stars glowed brightly as the full moon shone down its ethereal light upon the whole mountain top.
From her perch she watched as the tall grass and wild flowers danced and bowed with the wind, listened to the sound of the night life playing around her, the feeling of being a mere spectator in this moment, the-
“What are you doing up here?”
Marinette nearly jumped out of her skin as she spun while pulling out her dagger in one swift move only to come face-to-face with The Boy. She felt her grip tighten on the hilt of the blade, but didn’t move.
“I asked you a question,” he demanded blankly.
Her eyes narrowed, but slowly she stood from her stance while sheathing the dagger. “I just wanted to see the stars. Am I not allowed even after completing your mission?”
He didn’t respond, just stared her down, his green eyes almost glowing in the moonlight. They stayed like that for a few minutes, staring into the others eyes before he broke the silence asking, “How are you faring?”
The question took her by surprise. How was she supposed to respond to that ? “What do you mean?” She questioned, crossing her arms in front of her.
She watched as he slowly walked past her toward the wall, staring out at the base. “I know that the first kill can be…onerous.”
Marinette stared at him like he had grown a second head, none of this made sense. “Did you think I was going to kill myself?”
“No, however it is best to not dwell on those thoughts alone.”
“Well I was trying not to think about it right now, but as you so generously brought it up I guess I must spill my soul to you,” she replied sardonically.
“Tt.”
Marinette took a few steps away from him, watching him as she leaned against the stone railing. His face never changed, always stoic, as if it were carved from stone. His forest green eyes moved from side to side, scanning the area around him. His hair was kept short, though the tips of his bangs brushed against his forehead as the wind continued to blow. His shoulders tense, as if ready for a strike.
They stayed silent, minutes passing between them as they stared out the distance. “Why me?”
She heard him sigh tiredly, not even looking at her as he spoke, “I already told you that. I don’t like repeating myself.”
“No. There is no way that you looked at me as Ladybug and me as Marinette and thought that I could ever be qualified to run this,” she stated, swinging her arm out at the end as if showcasing the base.
“You still doubt yourself,” he grunted, shaking his head disappointedly before turning to face her, looking her directly in her eyes.
“I will not repeat myself again, so listen closely, Marinette. As Ladybug I saw your tenacity, bravery, strategic prowess, and dedication you held. Even as Marinette you still held those exact traits, because even though you might have believed that you and Ladybug were two different people, the truth is that is simply not possible and you know it. Even if you feel less confident you lead your class of fools with strength. You never put yourself above your duty. Even with the knowledge that you were killing yourself, you still took on the responsibility of ensuring the safety of your home. I admire those traits, they are what make you a competent leader, and I believe that you would be an excellent asset in the League’s legacy.”
Marinette stared at him in disbelief, brows furrowing as she replayed his words in her mind. “I’m not just some asset you can use for your games! Have you forgotten that I’m a person too?”
“Of course you are, I have never stated that you are not,” he huffed, a brow lifting as he spoke.
“Yes you did! You have since the day I met you! You only think of me as some sort of weapon, just another tool you can use. Well I’m not a tool! I only saved those kids because it was the right thing to do! But you don’t even care, do you? If you did, then those kids would be somewhere safe!”
“They are safe! Each of them were returned to their families,” he stated firmly, stopping Marinette in her rant. It was the first time she had heard him show any emotion in his voice. “And those without a family were given the choice to either join the League and learn to fight for themselves or be sent to safe foster homes where they would be protected from being put in such a situation ever again.”
Marinette stared at him in awe, she hadn’t expected that. She had truly thought that he would have forced all of the kids to join like he had her, or he would have hid them away somewhere else to keep them quiet.
“Then why didn’t I get a choice?!” She yelled, tears of frustration pricking at her eyes, “Why has everyone here gotten a choice but me?”
Here he finally hesitated, turning his head away with furrowed brows. They stood there for many moments, Marinette trying to catch her breath as her shoulders remained tense.
“It’s late…”
“Is that all you have to say?! You can’t even answer this one, simple question?”
“You should go back to bed.” And with those final words he retreated back down into the base leaving a simmering Marinette atop the parapet.
“HA! That was real smooth, Lover Boy,” Plagg goaded as Damian walked briskly through the halls.
“What are you going on about?” Damian demanded angrily as he snatched the pocket sized god out of his hair. How the infernal beast was able to hide there so often without his notice he still could not discover.
Plagg gave him a large Cheshire grin as he stared up at the boy, “I’ve seen a lot of fighting in my life, but nothing compares to these.”
Damian rolled his eyes and let out a long sigh. Sure he admired Marinette and her tenacity, but she was just so infuriating! She was obstinate, brash, an idealist, and argumentative. There was always a blazing fire behind her sapphire eyes, always alight with the need to prove herself. It was as aggravating as it was endearing.
Shoving the small, laughing god into one of his hidden pockets he entered his rooms and tried to push away the question he could not answer that echoed in his mind.
“Can you believe him, TIkki?! First he demands I answer his question then he refuses to answer mine, and not only that but he runs away! Can you believe that Tikki?!” Marinette turned to her right looking up in the air expecting to see her small red and black friend, but was met with nothing. Marinette clenched her teeth in frustration, it’d been over a year now and she still believed her kwamii was still with her. It’d been over a year, but it’d been nearly five years before they had ever been truly separated in such a way. Marinette didn’t know if she’d ever get used to the emptiness of the air, the knowledge that she was truly alone.
Marinette stared out over the base once more, watching the flicker of the sconces that lined every wall. She couldn't help but think back to his face, the way he finally showed her some emotion. The storm in his dark emerald green eyes before he looked away from her, the way the moon cast shadows over his carmel skin and his sharp, stunned features. The way the wind blew his bangs across his forehead without his notice. In the end, she couldn’t help but loathe him.
She hated his pride, his stubbornness, his stoicness, his skill, his ambition. But if she wanted to escape from here, she would need to become as good as- No. She would need to become better than him. Because even if she escaped without that skill, he would just come back for her and she wouldn’t stand a chance.
Her mind wandered back to the last conversation she had with Talia before Talia left on her own mission.
“Have you been studying the text,” Talia asked her calmly.
“I have. It’s in Arabic though, so it’s been difficult at times to get through.”
Talia gave her a warm smile, “Very good, Marinette. You’re doing well.” Her words warmed her chest, and Marinette couldn’t stop a smile of her own at the praise. “Have you been able to practice what you’ve learned thus far?”
Marinette’s smile fell, “No, I haven’t even figured out how to activate that sort of power, I don’t even think I can.”
“Tch. That sort of thinking is the reason you have not advanced,” she paused for a moment before bending slightly to be eye level with her and placed her hands atop Marinette's shoulders. “I have to leave for a few months, but when I return I hope to train you more in this power, however, you will have to seek me out. I can not help you unless you want to be helped, so I leave this choice to you.”
Marinette couldn’t stop the tears that welled in her eyes. A choice, she finally had a choice! She hadn’t had one of those in so long. She didn’t get a choice to be Ladybug, didn’t get a choice when it came to Chat’s flirtations, didn’t get a choice to become the guardian, didn’t get a choice when it came to helping her class, she never really got to choose anything; until now. She finally had a choice .
“Thank you, My Lady,” she said softly, bowing her head in respect.
“But of course child,” Talia whispered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Marinette’s ear, “Be strong.” And with those parting words, Talia disappeared into the shadows.
Talia had been back on the base for a few weeks now, but Marinette hadn’t approached her for the offered lessons. She hadn’t pressured her, in fact she hadn’t even brought it up since even during their sparse training sessions.
If she wanted to escape The League of Assassins, she would need an advantage. She would need to know or have something that would make it so that if Damian did come after her, he wouldn't be able to touch her. With that thought in mind, she finally made up her mind. Tomorrow she would approach Talia and accept the lessons.
Next
Thank you @the-coffee-fandom, Sage, and Worried_Safari on the maribat discord for helping me out with this!
Taglist:
@aespades @adrestar @astrynyx @doll246 @queenz-z @toodaloo-kangaroo @crazylittlemunchkin @seraphichana @miraculous-ninja @dorkus-minimus @mysticsoulgirl @ritacrow-blog @snow-leopard-777 @fidget-eep @sometandomstuff333 @lady-phoenix-of-tardis @shreeing @achaoticmess1 @liquid-luck-00 @buginetye @stainedglassm @prettylittlebutterflie @laurcad123 @iloontjeboontje @heartsong18 @raeuberprinzessin @when-no-wings-do-broomsticks @jennifer-rose123 @moon5608 @corporeal-terrestrial @skitarii-alpha-c6-555 @saltysugarysembei @phantom120 @kking13 @depressed-bitchy-demon @a-slytherinish-gryffindor @iamablinkmarvelarmy @fleursroses @buginetye @humanoid606 @ev-cupcake @blackroserelina @rainbowbunny0159 @the-ace-reader @humanoid606 @taewinterbear95 @blueberrygeniejam @alex-rebecca-pearce @neulosfantacyworld @devilbunny612 @boredteen19 @agentxx92 @animegirlweeb @geminis93 @thatquirkydancer
