Chapter 18 - Passing of the Torch
I sat precariously on the railing of the Eiffel Tower, the wind gently tousling my hair as I awaited the arrival of Chat Noir. Grandmaster Su-han stood silently behind me, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of Chat Noir. With each passing minute, my irritation and anxiety grew.
Why now? Why did Chat Noir choose this moment to remain silent and elusive? The uncertainty gnawed at me, and I could sense Tikki's restlessness, her soul buzzing with unease as she searched for Plagg's aura. I shared her anxiety, feeling the weight of the impending task we were about to face. The fate of the city rested on our shoulders, and Chat Noir's absence was a sharp reminder of the unpredictable nature of our partnership.
"Is this Chat Noir of yours always this... unreliable?" Grandmaster Su-han's voice cut through the air, his words hitting me like a punch to the gut. I wanted to defend Chat Noir, to vouch for his reliability, but the truth lingered in the back of my mind. Countless times, he had let me down, failed to show up, or displayed an overly confident belief in my abilities. Anger bubbled within me, threatening to boil over, but I quickly pushed those thoughts aside, determined to maintain a semblance of composure.
"No, no he's not unreliable at all," I responded, my voice rising an octave. I attempted to exude confidence, but even I could hear the doubt creeping into my words. Grandmaster Su-han's impatience grew palpable, his foot tapping against the metal floor of the tower. Time seemed to stretch on, each passing second feeling like an eternity. I glanced at the clock, my eyes tracing the hands as they moved agonizingly slowly. Where was Chat Noir?
Just as despair threatened to consume me, a figure emerged in the distance, making its way towards us. It was Chat Noir, finally arriving after what felt like an eternity. Relief washed over me, easing the anxiety that had built up within me.
"Sorry, it took me so long, Bugaboo," Chat Noir apologized, reaching out to take my hand in his. However, before our fingers could intertwine, I snatched my hand away, a flicker of annoyance crossing my face. "I couldn't escape my civilian duties," he explained, his words laced with playful nonchalance. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his antics.
"Now is not the time for that, Chat Noir," I snapped, my tone stern and focused. "We have more pressing matters to attend to." Finally, Chat Noir seemed to notice Grandmaster Su-han standing behind me, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the Grandmaster who was standing behind me.
Su-Han's piercing gaze bore into Chat Noir, his disappointment evident as he assessed the young hero. "Of course, it's just another child," he muttered under his breath, a touch of disdain coloring his words.
"Hey, who are you calling a child, you geezer!" Chat Noir retorted, his defensive tone betraying his wounded pride.
Sensing the rising tension, I quickly stepped in to ease the situation. "Relax, Chat. This is..." I began, but Su-Han interrupted me.
"I am Grand-Master Su-Han, the Celestial Guardian of the Mother Box," Su-Han declared, his words carrying an air of mystery and power. The atmosphere crackled with curiosity and skepticism as our unlikely trio stood atop the iconic landmark, ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure.
"But you're the guardian, Ladybug," Chat Noir responded, his voice tinged with a hint of skepticism.
Su-Han stood his ground, determination shining in his eyes. "When the lion speaks, the cub listens! Fu knew not what he was doing, and this one here has no suitable training for being a guardian," he stated firmly, his voice filled with authority.
Chat Noir's response was swift and filled with defiance. "What a ridiculous joke," he scoffed, extending his baton and assuming a fighting stance, ready to face Su-Han head-on. "And trust me, I know all about bad jokes."
Su-Han raised a bushy eyebrow, his posture exuding confidence. "And just what do you think you can do against me, little brat?" he taunted, his voice laced with arrogance.
Chat Noir swung his baton with lightning speed, aiming for Su-Han. But before the attack could connect, I swiftly intervened, grabbing the middle of the baton and halting the strike. Chat Noir's frustration seeped through his gritted teeth as he looked down at me, a mix of contempt and annoyance in his eyes.
"What do you think you're doing, Ladybug? Do you honestly believe this guy? He's clearly an akuma!" Chat Noir exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
My voice rose as I stared back at Chat, annoyance flaring up within me. "No, Chat, what are you doing? If you took a second, you would know that my Kwami has already confirmed that he’s telling the truth. And if you took a minute to listen to Plagg, you would know that he also recognizes the Grandmaster’s presence.” I saw Chat Noir's expression harden, an unreadable emotion flickering across his face.
"Maybe you are smarter than I gave you credit for, Little Girl," Su-Han admitted, begrudgingly acknowledging my reasoning.
I turned my head to acknowledge Su-Han when an unexpected movement caught my eye. Out of the corner of my vision, I saw Chat Noir's leg extend as he attempted to sweep my leg and make me lose my balance. Reacting swiftly, I evaded his leg, grabbed his arm, and flipped behind him, swiftly bringing him down to the ground.
"Stand down, Chat!" I commanded, my voice firm as I asserted my authority.
"Now you two will hand over your miraculous to me," Su-Han declared, extending his hand with an air of authority. "I will reassign them to carefully selected, responsible adult holders, as any rightful guardian would do."
Chat Noir's defiance echoed through the room, his voice laced with determination. "Over my dead body will I ever give up my Miraculous!" he bellowed, his eyes blazing with a mix of anger and determination.
Frustration surged within me as I glanced between Chat Noir and Su-Han. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on my shoulders. Taking a deep breath, I mustered all the conviction I had. "Stop it, Chat!" I yelled, my voice filled with anger and urgency. "The Kwamis have confirmed it. Su-Han is the real original guardian of the Box. Maybe Master Fu was wrong. Maybe that's why we haven't been able to defeat Shadow Moth."
Chat Noir's gaze bore into mine, his eyes reflecting a mix of disbelief and disappointment. "You're being ridiculous, Ladybug!" he retorted, his voice tinged with frustration. "You always find a way. Just trust yourself, Ladybug, like I trust you. If you ask me to give my Miraculous back, I will. But you're the only Guardian here."
Su-Han seized the opportunity, his voice dripping with calculated authority. "Then it's settled," he declared, a glimmer of triumph in his eyes. "Order him to give you his Miraculous back, and let's be done with this. Then you will renounce being the Guardian so I can retrieve the Mother Box."
I felt my grip on Chat Noir loosen, and before I could react, he freed himself from my hold, standing before Su-Han with a defiant stance. "You want my ring? Then come and get it!" Chat Noir taunted, his voice daring the Grandmaster to make a move.
"Chat Noir, calm down!" I pleaded, my desperation seeping into my voice. "This is a Guardian you're talking to. We need to find a solution."
Su-Han's eyes narrowed, a glint of determination flashing across his face. "Why do you think Guardians study for so many years?" he questioned, each word filled with conviction. "Just to hand the Miraculous out to whomever? No. We are specially trained to overpower Miraculous holders who have gone rogue, like you!"
With lightning speed, Su-Han charged at Chat Noir, his movements precise and powerful. "Celestial Storm!" he called out, his fists becoming a blur as he struck Chat Noir with a series of well-placed hits. Chat Noir crumpled to the floor, and Su-Han triumphantly stood over him.
"Master Fu was way nicer," Chat Noir groaned, his voice filled with pain and frustration
"And his Mira-Kung Fu was worse," Su-Han retorted, a smug smile playing on his lips as he grabbed Chat Noir's hand, inching closer to his ring.
In a split second, I swung my yo-yo, its string latching onto Su-Han's wrist, pulling his hand away from Chat Noir's ring. "Su-Han!" I yelled, my voice filled with determination. "I am Ladybug, Guardian of the Chinese Zodiac Box! And I say that Chat Noir keeps his Miraculous, and so will I!"
"You insolent little girl!" Su-Han's voice boomed with rage as he lunged for Chat Noir, his fury evident in his eyes. "Stream of Justice! Blast through and annihilate my enemy!" Su-Han roared, attempting to hurl Chat Noir towards me.
With lightning-fast reflexes, I leaped over Chat Noir's body, landing a powerful blow to Su-Han's chest. But to my surprise, it had no effect. Su-Han effortlessly evaded every attack from Chat Noir, effortlessly countering my own strikes.
Frustration boiled within me as I struggled to land a hit. "I don't know how he's doing it, but he's somehow anticipating our every move!" I shouted, my voice filled with a mix of disbelief and determination. Su-Han's skill seemed unparalleled, effortlessly countering every punch and kick.
With a confident smirk, Su-Han boasted, "My Mira-Kung Fu is like water! It adapts and finds its way anywhere! And you, my dear, are at the mercy of the currents!" As he finished his sentence, he swiftly delivered a side-kick, sending both me and Chat Noir crashing into a nearby wall. The impact was jarring, but it only fueled my determination to bring Su-Han down.
The battle raged on, an intense clash of wills and skills. Each move I made was met with a calculated counter from Su-Han, his agility and precision unmatched. But I refused to back down. With every strike, I pushed myself to the limit, determined to find a weakness in his seemingly impenetrable defense.
I looked at ChatNoir, urgency in my eyes as I pointed towards Su-Han with one hand, my yo-yo held tightly in the other. My mind raced as I tried to think of a way to outsmart Su-Han. "Chat Noir, grab his staff," I commanded, my voice filled with determination.
Su-Han's words rang out, taunting us, "The claws of the hungry cat, powerless against the milkman's iron box." Determined, I swiftly threw my yo-yo beneath Su-Han, activating a net that trapped him in place. It was the perfect opportunity. In one swift motion, I snatched Su-Han's sack, securing it tightly in my possession. The look of disbelief on his face only fueled my determination.
"What?" Su-Han exclaimed, his voice filled with shock. Seizing the moment, I swiftly snatched Su-Han's sack, triumphantly declaring, "Got it!" His expression turned to disbelief as he tried to comprehend what had just happened.
With a mischievous grin, ChatNoir playfully added, "Bye-bye!" as he delivered a powerful kick, propelling Su-Han into a nearby wall.
I shattered the wall with my yo-yo, burying Su-Han under the rubble. Though he managed to free himself, he soon realized that both ChatNoir and I had vanished, along with his staff and the mysterious box.
Su-Han muttered a final warning, "If you challenge the clouds, you will face the thunder!" His words echoed in the air, a reminder of the power he possessed.
Chat Noir and I sprinted through the darkened streets, our hearts pounding in sync with our hurried footsteps. The adrenaline coursing through my veins fueled my determination to put as much distance as possible between us and Su-Han. Finally, we found a secluded spot where we could catch our breath and regroup.
As we gasped for air, Chat Noir's voice broke the silence, his breathless words hanging in the air. "So like, what should we do? Should we detransform?"
My frustration boiled over, and I turned on him, my anger resurfacing. "And then what, Chat?!" I snapped, my voice laced with desperation. "He knows where I live! He knows who I am! I can't fucking run from him!"
The weight of my words hung heavily in the air between us. Chat Noir's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and guilt. He took a step back, his breath hitching as he struggled to find the right words. "Ladybug... I... I didn't know. I'm sorry," he stammered, his voice filled with remorse.
I sighed, my anger mixing with a tinge of sadness. "Of course, you didn't know, Chat. Because this is always some kind of game to you," I retorted, my voice filled with frustration. "Do you not realize how serious this actually is? My identity, my home, my life, everything is at stake."
“Ladybug! Chat Noir! Give me back the Mother Box and your Miraculous! Return them to the right hands!” I heard Su-Han's voice echoing in the air, demanding the return of the Mother Box and our Miraculous. The urgency in his words sent a shiver down my spine. Chat Noir and I locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between us. We had to protect these powerful artifacts at all costs.
“I want my cane back!” what I could only assume was an akumatized Master Fu yelled out, “and an apology!” In a swift motion, he painted the characters 雷电 (Léidiàn) in the air, summoning a dark cloud crackling with red lightning. Chat Noir and I swiftly dodged the dangerous bolts, our instincts guiding us to safety.
Su-Han, driven by his desire to obtain the Mother Box, lunged towards me, attempting to snatch it from my grasp. “Give me the box!” Su-Han grunts out, but I held onto it tightly, refusing to let it go.
“Never!” I shout back. Amidst the chaos, a bolt of lightning struck, causing both Su-Han and me to drop the box onto the field. It was a race against time as we both scrambled to retrieve it.
Unbeknownst to us, Shadow Moth, through Furious Fu, had noticed the Miracle Box and communicated his desire to possess it. "Furious Fu, bring me that box," his sinister voice commanded, setting the stage for a perilous chase.
Furious Fu leaped into action, pursuing the box with determination. Meanwhile, Chat Noir and I resorted to treating it like a football, kicking it back and forth, desperately trying to keep it out of Su-Han's reach. We were playing a dangerous game, aware that the fate of the Miraculous and the city hinged on our success.
In a moment of brilliance, Chat Noir managed to kick the box into the goalpost, exclaiming, "Gooaal!" It was a victorious moment amidst the chaos, but the game was far from over. Su-Han retreated, realizing the futility of his pursuit, while Furious Fu seized the opportunity to retrieve the box.
In a display of his mastery, Furious Fu painted the characters 瞬间移动 (Shùnjiān yídòng), invoking the power of teleportation. In the blink of an eye, he seized the box, forcing Su-Han to retreat. The threat had momentarily subsided, but the battle was far from over.
Shadow Moth reveled in his perceived victory, taunting us with his words, "One-zero, Ladybug."
I couldn't help but challenge the fairness of it all, accusing, "Red card! He touched the ball with his hands!" The frustration of our efforts being thwarted began to weigh on me.
Su-Han, observing from the sidelines, couldn't resist offering his unsolicited advice, criticizing our every move “No! Higher! Watch out! No, not like that! Ugh! So slow! Come on! Not that way!”
Chat Noir, growing increasingly frustrated, fired back at him, "Hey, Mr. Bossy Pants! Would it kill you to help us out here?" It was a moment of shared exasperation, as we all yearned for a united front against the impending darkness.
“The art of Mirakung-Fu is a martial art designed to neutralize rebellious miraculous holders! Not to fight a supervillain created through the magic of the miraculous!” Su-Han says, his tone dismissive and nonchalant.
I couldn't contain my frustration any longer, confronting Su-Han with the weight of our responsibility. "So we're supposed to fix your mistakes?!" I questioned, my voice filled with a mix of anger and disappointment. Su-Han's expression shifted, revealing a glimpse of shame, perhaps realizing the impact of his actions on the greater battle.
Furious Fu, his voice resonating with wisdom, gestured with his arms and hands, imparting his teachings. "Phantom Palms and the Awakened! The wise man moves mountains without touching them!" With a burst of energy, he sent both Chat Noir and me back, pointing towards Su-Han “You're next!”
Su-Han's battle cries echoed through the air, each word filled with determination and strength. He unleashed a flurry of fighting techniques, shouting, "A hundred thousand dragon talons! The pagoda breaker iron feet! The rage of the sunscreen with ingrown nails!" His energy was overwhelming, but our plan was about to take effect.
With a swift stroke of his paintbrush, Furious Fu wrote 雕像 (Diāoxiàng) in the air, directing its power towards Su-Han. The characters landed on his forehead, freezing him in place like a statue. It was a moment of triumph as Furious Fu took back his cane, finally regaining control of the situation.
Shadow Moth's voice resonated from his lair, acknowledging Furious Fu's success with a simple, "Well done, Furious Fu." Shadow moth’s voice resonated over Furious Fu as he spoke, “Now you must keep your word and bring me Ladybug and Chat Noir's Miraculous.”
"Very well, all I have to do is take the wingless bat’s bell.” Furious Fu said with a devious smile on his face.
“No no not his bell! His ring!” But Shadow Moth’s cries fell on deaf ears.
As Chat Noir and I huddled together, formulating our plan, he expressed his confusion, insisting, "I am not a wingless bat!" I rolled my eyes at Chat’s behavior.
“Pay attention Chat.” I snapped out.
"Chat Noir, we can't defeat him head-on. We have to make sure he doesn't defeat us either," I explained, hoping he would understand. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion, but he nodded, trusting my judgment
“Yeah, you lost me, m’lady,” Chat said and I shook my head.
“Just cover me! I have a call to make.” I took out my Bug-Phone and made a crucial call, setting the wheels in motion.
Meanwhile, Chat Noir prepared to distract Furious Fu, engaging him in a nimble swordfight. Furious Fu taunted him “The kitten can meow all he wants, but he will never roar like a tiger!”, underestimating his abilities and comparing him to a roaring tiger.
"Lucky Charm!" I exclaimed as the call ended. At that moment, I received a pair of bolt cutters. Looking around, I assessed the items available to me - Chat Noir's ring, a cage filled with footballs, my trusty yo-yo, and the newly acquired bolt cutters.
“What is she up to?” I heard Furious Fu ask as I made my way to the cage. He kicks Chat Noir away. He then uses his paintbrush to write 视力 (Shìlì) on the ground.
“Vision!" He calls out, as I realize that he's onto me, “So this is your silly litter plan. I know what you're going to do!” He shouts as he starts running towards me.
In a daring move, Chat Noir leaps onto Furious Fu from behind, stopping him in his tracks, “We’re not done yet!” Chat Noir yells out. With the bolt cutters in my hands, I break a lock and snatch a ball from the cage.
I hear Chat Noir shout out “CATACLYSM!”
My heart raced as I realized the danger. I couldn't let Chat Noir go through with it. I desperately called out, "No!" hoping to stop him in his tracks.
Furious Fu, seizing the opportunity, grabbed Chat Noir and took hold of his activated hand, threatening to use cataclysm against him. My mind raced, searching for a solution to this perilous situation. “You're going to turn yourself into cat food.”
“Take this!” I yell as in a split-second decision, I flung my yo-yo towards Furious Fu, hoping to distract him and buy us some time. But he effortlessly caught the string between his teeth, a display of his formidable skills.”And that!” Undeterred, I continued my efforts, determined to regain control of the situation. With all my strength, I sent my yo-yo towards Furious Fu once more, hoping to keep him at bay.
But Furious Fu was relentless. Despite my best efforts, he caught hold of me, gripping my arm tightly as he lifted me off the ground. Panic surged through me as I dangled helplessly, searching for a way to turn the tables.
Then, a glimmer of an idea sparked in my mind. I swiftly maneuvered the football I had retrieved, wedging it between Chat Noir's activated cataclysm and his chest. It acted as a shield, preventing Chat Noir's cataclysm from causing any harm."There! Voila! We win!" I declared, a triumphant smile crossing my lips.
Even in our moment of apparent victory, he sneered at me, holding the yo-yo string between his teeth. He taunted, "You think you've won? We're just stuck now! I can't defeat you, but you can't defeat me either!
Confidence surged within me as I met his gaze, knowing I had a trick up my sleeve. With a calm determination, I assured him, "Oh, but my plan was never to defeat you myself."
Just as Furious Fu seemed to revel in our predicament, Marianne, our resourceful ally, stepped forward. She deftly plucked the paintbrush from Furious Fu's ear, “Sorry, But I need to borrow this,” She said as she broke it in two. “There, exactly like you said on the phone ladybug.” As the brush shattered, Furious Fu released his grip on both me and Chat Noir, the akuma's hold over him dissipating.
“Thank you, Marianne, that was perfect.” Expressing my gratitude to Marianne for her impeccable timing, I opened my yo-yo, ready to capture the akuma and put an end to its mischief. I captured the akuma with a skilled catch, confidently declaring, "Gotcha! Bye-bye, little butterfly!" To further restore balance, I threw the bolt cutters into the air and activated the power of the Miraculous Ladybug. The storm dissipated, and Su-Han was freed from his frozen state.
As Chat Noir, Marianne, and I all turned to face each other we let out a resounding “Pound i-” Chat quickly pulled his fist back realizing that his Cataclysm was still active. He quickly touches the ball at his feet.
Sharing a moment of camaraderie Chat Noir, Marianne and I laughed in unison, exclaiming, "Pound it." The bond between us grew stronger, fortified by our shared triumphs.
I pulled out a charm from my yo-yo and handed it to Fu. “Here, carry this with you at all times. It will protect you from future attacks.” I could see gratitude and appreciation in his eyes as he accepted the charm, acknowledging its significance and the trust I had placed in him.
“And it will remind me of you every day. Thank you Lady Beetle and Mr. Bat,” Fu said with a big smile on his face. I watched as Su-Han approached Fu.
“I'm terribly sorry. Forgive me Whiny- uh Sir. I- I mistook you for someone who has been long gone.” Su-Han bowed down in front of Fu and presented the cane back to Fu.
“Don’t worry about it, it’s already forgotten.” Their exchange concluded with a mutual bow, marking the end of a challenging encounter.
Hours stretched on as I stood there, watching Fu and Marianne board the train, their departure marking the end of a challenging and eventful day. Exhaustion tugged at my bones, a reminder of the battles fought and the risks taken.
Weary, I made my way back to my home, the weight of responsibility settling upon my shoulders. As I entered my room, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. Grand Master Su-Han, ever watchful and stern, awaited me, his presence commanding attention.
"That was very irresponsible," Su-Han's voice carried a hint of disappointment as I closed the door behind me. His words struck a chord within me, stirring a mixture of guilt and defiance. I knew I had pushed the boundaries, involving Marianne, a civilian with no powers, in the dangerous battle we had faced. It went against the very precepts I was sworn to uphold.
The tears threatened to spill from my eyes, the weight of Su-Han's words heavy upon me. But just as I was about to speak up, to defend my actions or offer an apology, Su-Han extended his hand, halting my words in their tracks.
"This has proven two things," his voice softened, a glimmer of understanding shining in his eyes. "The first thing is that you dare to invent your own rules. As reckless as it may seem, somehow they all work. You possess a unique ability to think outside the box, to forge your own path."
His words stirred a sense of validation within me, the affirmation that my unorthodox methods had their place. I looked down, a mix of emotions swirling within me, unsure of how to respond.
But Su-Han wasn't finished. He continued, his voice tinged with a grudging respect, "The second thing is that your natural instincts tell you who you can trust. An essential quality for a guardian. Whiny Chicken- uh, sorry... Master Fu may not have made such a bad choice after all."
His unexpected words of understanding and acceptance washed over me, filling me with a sense of relief. A smile slowly curved upon my lips as I looked up at Su-Han. "Thank you, Grand Master," I expressed gratefully, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Your words mean a lot to me. I will continue to trust my instincts and strive to be the best guardian I can be."
A warm smile spread across my face, gratitude flooding my heart. Su-Han's words, laced with reluctant praise, held a profound significance. It was an acknowledgment that despite my unconventional approach, I had proven myself capable and trustworthy.
The Miracle Box," Su-Han began, his voice filled with reverence, "is the mother of all boxes. It is the very first one that was created, housing the most powerful magic jewels known to existence. The consequences of it falling into the wrong hands are unimaginable." His words hung in the air, a reminder of the weighty responsibility we carried.
A mixture of determination and uncertainty flickered in Su-Han's eyes as he continued, his voice filled with a newfound trust. "But I am going to trust you, my young guardian. I will keep a watchful eye from a distance, guiding you when I can. Furthermore, I will take advantage of my time here in Paris to immerse myself in modern life. How can I be a good guardian if I do not make an effort to understand the world around me?"
A sense of gratitude and determination filled me as I listened to his words. With a smile, I carefully returned the Miracle Box to its secret drawer, a hidden compartment I had constructed to keep it safe from prying eyes. "Thank you, Master," I expressed, my voice filled with sincerity. "Your trust means everything to me."
Before Su-Han could respond, I reached into my bag and pulled out a carefully wrapped package. With a mischievous grin, I handed it to him. "But I have something for you too," I said, anticipation dancing in my eyes. "I think you're gonna need these."
Curiosity piqued, Su-Han took the package in his hands and unwrapped it. His eyes widened in surprise as he beheld a brand new pair of sneakers, a stark contrast to the worn and tattered pair he currently wore.
A chuckle escaped Su-Han's lips as he looked down at his old footwear. "Ah, these old things have seen better days," he remarked, a mixture of amusement and gratitude in his voice. "Thank you, Ladybug. These new sneakers will undoubtedly come in handy in this fast-paced modern world."
We shared a moment of camaraderie, the exchange of gifts symbolizing the bond we were forging as master and guardian. As we prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead, we knew that we could rely on each other's support and strength.
With renewed determination, I took a deep breath, ready to continue my journey as Ladybug. Armed with the trust of my master and the power of the Miracle Box, I was prepared to face whatever darkness threatened to engulf Paris. The legacy of the Miraculous rested upon my shoulders, and I vowed to protect it with all my heart.
