#mldccrossover plagg

Cassandra had helped him choose a lot of the clothing as well, it warmed his heart the way she immediately took to being an older sister. The way she held Marietta and the way she hugged her was something that Bruce loved to see, because he could tell just how precious the baby was to Cass. He had many pictures on his phone of the two twirling in the dance room he had built for Cass. It was wonderful and Cass looked at Marietta with so much love, the excitement in her eyes was plain to see as well, though so was the fear, Bruce expected it was much like his own but something stronger. Cass feared hurting her new sister much the same way that Damian was, but whereas Cass spent as much time with Marietta as she could, it seemed like Damian was avoiding the baby. It didn’t take the ‘world’s greatest detective’ to figure out that Damian was frustrated at no longer being the youngest. Bruce wasn’t worried though, when Damian did interact with Marietta, he saw how gentle the boy was with her, even if he scolded her for drooling on him or not paying attention to what he was saying. He tended to hold her and tell her about their siblings and why they annoyed him that day, or classmates, or even just random people that he had a rough interaction with. It was an odd thing to bond over but Bruce was just happy Damian was trying. 

Tim adored her as well, he read all the books Bruce bought and all the ones he himself bought. Within a night, the Manor had been baby-proofed and monitors had been added everywhere. It was like he was waiting to be a doting older brother, Bruce of course knew he and Damian got off the wrong foot and were better but he also knew they would never be as close as Tim and Dick, Tim and Jason or Dick and Damian. It was like a worse Jason and Dick situation when they were younger, both bitter for different reasons and both took it out on one another. There was no doubt in Bruce’s mind that both Tim and Damian loved each other, it was just a strained kind of love. Tim took her everywhere with him if he could, as did Jason, both bought baby carriers to strap to themselves and it was hard not to laugh when Bruce realized they had bought a Red Robin carrier and a Red Hood carrier respectively. Tim liked to take her down to the cave and work on whatever case he was trying to solve or tinker with whatever tech he and Lucius Fox were working on. He said he liked asking her questions and hearing her babble like she was giving feedback. Of course Alfred and Bruce made sure the boy baby-proofed the cave as well and made sure she had her own activities to do besides giving her older brother feedback on his projects. To the surprise of no one, Tim even set her up a little play-pen in the Cave, which maybe wasn’t the best thing but it still tugged at Bruce’s heartstrings to see. 

Jason loved Marietta. It was honestly amazing to see just how fast the man adjusted to being a doting big brother. Of course Bruce already knew Jason was great with kids and with his younger siblings but it was another thing to witness it, especially with someone as young as Marietta. Jason loved to feed her which was always an interesting thing to witness, but boy was he good at it, she never complained when he fed her. He also read to her everyday even if he couldn’t be there physically, he would video-call, though his reading choices varied from the Well Loved Tales books he scored at a garage sale to classics he had in his room or brought from his apartment. It was entertaining to watch him read things like Cinderella to her and then go from that to reading her Pride and Prejudice. He made sure to get books with pictures for her and if they didn’t have pictures he would show her pictures he found on the internet to show her who he thought a character looked like, or an object in one of his classic books that he couldn’t describe. It was awfully endearing and Bruce and Alfred made sure to take as many pictures of the two as they could. Nap times they would often find the two together with Jason sprawled out on a couch, the floor, a chaise or bed with Marietta snuggled on his chest. It was those times that Bruce envied Jason. 

Dick was also one that adjusted to having another younger sibling surprisingly fast, even if said younger sibling was younger than any of them have dealt with before. He never complained about changing her diaper, he just laughed and said they would have to get on top of potty training but only when she felt like it. He was incredibly gentle with her and patient and tried his best to help Damian get more comfortable with her. He was also the one who could get her to stop crying the fastest out of all of them, well second to Alfred. It was impressive, and yet it was another thing that Bruce found himself jealous of. He was the parent and he felt like he should be able to soothe her cries easily, but the truth was, he had no idea what he was doing. Sure, he had a lot of children, but he had not had any of them when they were babies, this was a whole different playing field and it hurt him that he wasn’t excelling at it. Of course, Bruce wanted to be the best father he could be, and he would admit that he, like his children, wanted to be Marietta’s favorite person. Both Dick and Jason would put her in the middle of them and coo at her and see who she would waddle or crawl too, they said it was a competition to see who her favorite was but most of the time she just laughed at them and would end up falling back on her bottom if she was standing. Damian found this highly amusing every time it happened and Bruce suspected so did Alfred. 

Duke was a little like Babs in the sense that he adored Marietta, but she made him nervous. He never held her long unless he was sitting down because he feared dropping her, if she was asleep that fear tripled because he said she was just dead-weight and would fall no problem. Though, he liked working on his homework with her and telling her about school. Sometimes he brought out her crayons and coloring books but that was rare since Marietta hadn’t yet grasped the concept that the canyons were only for her coloring books. Alfred lectured all of them about watching her during ‘coloring time’ after she found out that crayons work just as good on walls as they did on paper. Though Duke was nervous around her, Marietta always managed to get him to relax around her after enough time passed and the boy would play games with her, though the games mainly consisted of peek-a-boo and making silly faces at her. She loved it though and it seemed like no one could make her laugh more than Duke and his silly faces. Every time he made her laugh or giggle, Duke looked like he had just won an award or something and would give her the brightest smile in response. Of course he and Alfred had many videos and pictures of the two already. 

Babs hadn’t met little Marietta face to face yet but she had seen the little one over the Batcave’s computer and she had looked smitten. She also promised to visit them soon, probably within the week which was great. Alfred had been wanting the young woman to visit the Manor more often, so her visit was more than welcome. Especially since it seemed like Marietta took a shine to her, even if it was just over video. Babs took to face-calling whoever she knew was in the Manor so she could see Marietta and hear her babble at her nonsensically with some actual words thrown in here and there. Though she hadn’t met the little one properly, Babs did send gifts that she ordered online and she sent everyone books on childcare. Bruce didn’t have the heart to tell her he had already bought the book she had got for him, he had just thanked her and used the new copy to take notes in. She seemed excited to hold Marietta and Bruce could honestly say he understood that feeling now, before he hadn’t, not really, but now it was like all he wanted to do was hold his daughter and show her to everyone. Thank goodness he had such good self-restraint. They, as a family, decided they wouldn’t go public with Marietta until Selina came back from Central City; she was setting up another animal shelter/rescue center after the success of the one in Gotham, then the one in Metropolis. This was her baby, her project, she was very hands on with everything that came with the business. Bruce felt so proud of her and he was also extremely happy his influence was good for something like this. When it got out that Bruce Wayne was investing in the Kyle Animal Rescue & Shelter Centers, many of Gotham’s elite followed. Though she wouldn’t admit it, he knew that Selina was grateful.

Stephanie had the habit of carrying Marietta everywhere she went when she was at the Manor, which considering the baby had only been there for about two days, meant Steph had been there everyday now. When she walked into a room and saw Marietta she would scoop her up and give the little one a shower of kisses which resulted in the most delightful giggles. Though Steph also had the habit of just…sniffing Marietta, when they asked her about it she just shrugged and said she loved the smell of babies. Which, fair, but she did it so obviously and made such a spectacle of sniffing the newest Wayne that you couldn’t help but laugh. It always made Marietta laugh as well so it was a welcome habit. Steph was also someone who liked feeding Marietta which Bruce could not understand as it was a time that he saw his baby daughter be truly stubborn, worthy of the Wayne name, which was something his mother would tease him with whenever he was stubborn. But like Jason, Steph could get the baby to eat whatever Alfred served for their meals. She said she liked to see the faces Marietta made when eating and she just liked to see just how messy the baby could get. Which was, astoundingly, a lot. She had many baths that she thankfully enjoyed. 

Damian was complicated. There were moments he seemed to crave Marietta’s attention and other’s where he would avoid her altogether if he could. From what Tim, Alfred and the books told him, Damian felt ‘threatened’ as he was no longer the ‘baby’ of the family. The wording was ridiculous but maybe fitting for the situation. Damian was a child who adored having Bruce’s attention and Dick’s attention the most, though he would sooner play nice with all the kids at Brentwood Academy than admit it. When he held her, he no longer held her like a bomb about to go off, but he cradled her like one wrong touch and he’d break her. There were times that Bruce had walked past a room to see Damian hugging the little one to him with his eyes closed and hands shaking, it always felt wrong to intrude so Bruce would just continue to walk past. The boy also introduced his younger sister to all his animals, even Goliath who lived in the Wayne Farm. Damian built his own underground Cave beneath the farm to hide Goliath if the need arose, he called it the Underground BatFarm after Dick called it that once. So they all just referred to it as the BatFarm. Damian had simultaneously been overjoyed and annoyed that all his animal friends seemed to take a shine to the newest addition to the family. 

Alfred was in love. Plain and simple. He doted on the baby so much that Bruce often wondered if the Butler/Grandpa/Adopted Dad ever did that to him when his parents introduced the two when he was born. He always served her food first at meals, he gave her treats when he thought no one was looking and if the boys weren’t around he took to carrying Marietta in his own carrier. It was always quite the sight when Alfred would walk into a room with a baby strapped to his chest. Though in a weird way, Bruce was getting used to it. What he couldn’t get used to just yet were the tiny creatures that called themselves Kwami. They stuck around Marietta like glue. They never left her alone, not even when she slept. It was very disconcerting to wake up and see two creatures sleeping on the pillow next to you  first thing in the morning. Even if a family member was just going to change her diaper real quick, they followed. Their import on cheese increased an unhealthy amount and really Bruce had no way how they would explain those finances away if anyone bothered to look. At least Alfred usually baked biscuits. So there was no shortage of Tikki. Plagg was insatiable. 

Even now, Bruce watched as the little black cat Kwami absolutely inhaled a wheel of brie. “You keep eating like that and we’ll run out of cheese before you know it.”

“Eh, you’re rich.”

Jason’s cackle was welcome but also Bruce felt like this was a serious matter so he did not appreciate being laughed at. “It’s true, Bruce. You are a very~ rich man.”

“That doesn’t mean that Plagg should demolish our entire cheese supply and have us order more in less than a week. It could be considered suspicious and we are trying to lay low.” He reasoned.

“I mean, it could be suspicious, or people think you’re on some weird new cheese diet and you accidentally start a trend again.” Tim piped up from his position on the floor where he kept pressing buttons on one of Mari’s toys which made her coo from her spot on her mat. 

“Oh man, please not another ‘Bruce Wayne Original Trend.’ The amount of people I saw wearing their shirts backwards in Blüdhaven after his last ‘trend,’ is more than enough for me.” Dick complained from where he was laying on the floor tossing one of Marietta’s toy balls up and down.

“Father was very tired that day.” Damian defended, he was sketching something from his favorite spot in the windowsill. They were all relaxing in his office despite the fact he told them he had paperwork to do. “Though he should have had more decorum and noticed his mistake.”

So much for defending him.

“You humans are so weird with your clothes.” Plagg sighed loudly.

“You act like we never wore clothing once upon a time, Plagg.” Tikki teased.

That had Tim’s attention. He loved learning more about the beings that came as an added…bonus with their newest Wayne. “You guys wore clothes?”

“Well, duh! We weren’t always this adorable you know?” Plagg replied.

“Wait. You guys really weren’t always this itty-bitty?” Jason asked. 

“We did mention we were basically revered as Gods in the past. Can you see these forms being worshipped?” Tikki fired back. When she got no reply, she looked unbelievably smug. “Before we were bound to the Miraculi, we tended to use a more human-like form. Hence the clothing. Though even that form was not our true form.”

“It’s been ages since we got to be in our true forms.” Plagg said wistfully. 

“What are your true forms?” Tim asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Tikki chuckled softly. “They are…well, they are hard to explain. But it is because the ‘First Guardian-”

“The ‘Betrayer’!” Plagg interrupted with a shout.

“He saw our true forms, and I guess that’s what pushed him to create the ritual that bound us. He called us monsters. Creatures living amongst man. Honestly he just raved at us how he couldn’t believe that we tried to take advantage of the folk who worshipped us and that he was doing them a favor by binding us.” Tikki explained.

“Crazy loon.” Plagg scoffed. 

Bruce shared eye contact with all his sons who looked just as disturbed at the information as him. Their true forms scared a man so deeply that he went to such lengths. He felt bad for the Kwami but he also could understand the man’s need for protection even if it was unwarranted. Bruce was always prepared, no matter the circumstances, but now it felt like he would never truly be prepared with the Kwami living with his family. They were truly neutral beings, and it was interesting to have them in the Manor,  but when he and Jason got into another argument about the no-killing rule, Plagg and Tikki had looked at him like he was the wrong one. Or more accurately, like they couldn’t understand why he was arguing about it with his son. It was an issue, but not more so than the two beings announcing their plans about Paris.

“So today’s the day.” Jason brought up as casually as he could, which wasn’t as casual as the young man would have liked. 

Plagg nodded. “It is.” 

Bruce sighed.

“Oh Bruce, I know how you feel about it, but really it isn’t your place to tell us we can’t spread Karma across Paris. It has already been enacted and They have given their permission to all of us Kwami of the Miracle Box of Fortune & Fate.” Tikki explained once more, she wasn’t being condescending and yet Bruce still felt like she was. 

“And I told you, I don’t understand that.”

“You don’t have to understand it. Just let it be.” She replied.

“Or better yet ignore it.” Plagg gave his two-cents. 

“I can’t just ignore it. You told us you will be going to Paris to punish them!” He argued as softly as he could, not wanting to disturb Marietta who was still distracted by her noisy shiny toy. 

“Not all, only those who deserve it and though Paris will no longer be protected by us, it doesn’t mean forever but they need to know. Which is why the announcement is also needed.” She argued back, though she didn’t even look affected by his words and that made his hackles rise more. 

“Look. I know your whole ‘job’ is ‘justice,’ and that’s great.” Plagg interjected. “But justice is up to the interpreter and this, Karma, that’s our justice. That’s how we deal with offenses and crimes against us. You don’t have to understand it, but for your sake and Marietta’s sake, don’t try to stop us or talk us out of it anymore.”

“Are you threatening me?” Bruce growled which made Marietta whine.

“Bruce.” Alfred warned. “Calm yourself. You’re scaring the baby.”

Bruce cleared his throat and looked over at his daughter who was looking at him with her big doe-eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry Baby, nothing’s wrong. We’re just talking Sweetheart.” 

“Master Bruce, I understand your feelings on the matter but at the end of the day this is their business and if you ever feel the need, I’m sure Paris would appreciate vigilante help if they ever need it.” Alfred said as he set down some tea for Bruce on his desk. And like every time Alfred was the voice of reason, Bruce felt the fight leave him. 

“I apologize.” He said after a while.

“Sooooo, how are you going to make the announcement if you guys can’t be caught on camera?” Dick asked to break the tension. 

“They have kindly lent me some of their power and my old power so I can retain my old human form.” Tikki explained. “If the announcement goes on longer than I can hold the form then Trixx can cast an illusion of my human form. Before the announcement though we will be going and giving out Karma to a select few.”

“I thought you were…uh, doing the Karma thing after the whole announcement.” Jason said.

“Oh, we are, but there are a couple of people who will get their Karma before the announcement.” Plagg said with a smile that shouldn’t look so frightening on such a tiny face and yet it was. 

Quiet covered the family yet again until Damian spoke up from his spot, “Well, happy hunting.”

The two smiles shared between the Kwami somehow dwarfed the one Plagg had made just before and Bruce felt a shiver run down his spine. He sent a silent prayer out for Paris. 

               _____________________________________

Gabriel sat at his place at the head of the table and watched as his wife talked with Adrien and for the first time in a long time he felt completely at ease. His heart still raced when he acknowledged the fact he had no idea where Nathalie was and he didn’t know what to say when Emilie asked him where she was. Right now she believed that Nathalie was visiting her sister but the truth was he had no idea and it scared him. After The Wish, she and Dupain-Cheng disappeared without a trace. He didn’t understand where they were and his son’s complaints and worry over the girl were getting on his nerves. Neither had their Miraculous so Adrien complained about not being to check on her the ‘Chat Noir’ way, they figured that was their price for The Wish. Though it saddened him, Gabriel was willing to leave the Miraculous behind in exchange for his wife who was a bit different now that she was back but he just chalked it up to her being confused at being awake once more. 

He impulsively reached out and took her hand in his. Emilie gave him a small smile back in return and he tried his best not to frown. She should be happier, she was finally reunited with her husband, he would think she would be overjoyed. “Adrien. I…called your school and told them you won’t be there today. We will be spending the day as a family.”

“Okay Father.” Adrien responded promptly. 

Emilie looked as though she was going to respond but before she did the doors to the dining room blew open, they nearly came off the hinges. All three family members turned to look in shock and just to see what or who came through in such a fashion. Gabriel opened his mouth to shout at the insolence of it all but his voice caught in his throat when he saw four very familiar Kwami fly in. He tried to get out of his seat but found he couldn’t and from the looks of it, neither could Adrien or Emilie. It made Gabriel struggle against whatever bound him to his seat more. He tried to yell, to shout, but found he had no voice at the moment. Emilie looked so scared and there was nothing he could do about it. The Kwami flew until they were all floating above the middle of the table so all three Agrestes could see them. The red one, Tikki glared at Gabriel so fiercely that if looks could kill, he was sure he would be six-feet deep at the moment. 

“Hello Gabriel. Let’s talk.”

Next Chapter

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“What Plagg means to say is, we are called Kwami. We will explain everything if you intend to take care of our little one. If not then we will explain nothing and be on our way.” Tikki stated. She was on edge as she watched the eldest human place the tray of sandwiches on a stand and bend over to pick up Marinette who seemed completely at ease in his arms. She even began to play with his bowtie. (Another fashion point for Tikki!)

“The child...She’s uh, she’s yours?” The one called Bruce finally asked with a raised brow.

“Yes. In a manner of speaking. Her soul is one of mine, given a human shape and home but things…” Tikki took a deep breath as she felt tears well up.

“Like Tikki said. We would explain but if you’re not going to keep our kit that would be pointless and dangerous and frankly I’m not in the mood for more betraying mortals.” Plagg hissed out as he flew over to Tikki and wrapped his arms around her, she appreciated the gesture, plus she really needed some comfort after the day they had, but so did Plagg. 

“I do believe we are at an impasse then Tikki and Plagg, Master Bruce and his children are stubborn and though they might want to help, they want to know the whole situation so they know what they are agreeing to. On the other hand Master Bruce I believe Tikki and Plagg are worried that by explaining things you might not want to take care of the little one, and in turn you will know too much. Am I right?” Tikki was pleasantly surprised by how wise the ‘Paon’ was, though she shouldn’t be, he looked it, and all of Duusuu’s birds (excluding Mayura obviously) were very wise. 

“That’s correct.” Tikki answered as she flew closer to Marinette, Plagg followed after her. 

“I understand your hesitance to explain things but I believe it would benefit everyone if you did. I know you don’t know us, but you can trust us. You probably don’t know me, I’m Bruce Wayne but I’m also Batman. A hero to some, the police call my family and I vigilantes. I am a member of the Justice League, a group of heroes who defend the world. Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Flash, Cyborg and I make up the team.” Bruce shared, and Tikki couldn’t help but admire him for sharing that with her and Plagg. She respected him, extending a branch so to say. Then his words registered fully. 

“Wonder Woman?” She asked

“Did you say Aquaman? Why does that feel familiar?” Plagg asked at the said time as she. 

Bruce gave them a funny look but nonetheless nodded. “That is correct. Those are my colleagues.”

“Can you...please, can you tell us their origins? Where they come from.” Tikki mumbled, she didn’t know what it was, but she felt connected to this Wonder Woman, and she had to admit, the Aquaman person did feel familiar as well, though Plagg was probably feeling a connection to him more than she was.

“Father don’t answer that. They have answered nothing in return, if this is to be civil I think an exchange of information is needed.” The smallest of humans said with  a scowl on his face. Now Tikki didn’t blame him for his words, that didn’t mean she had to like them. 

“Damian.” Oh so his name was Damian… Oh...Oh no....he was so young. Who would? 

“Who would bathe you in the Lazarus Pit?” She hadn’t even realized she had asked that until she saw all the wide eyes on her. She felt the need to cry. He was so young, but she could tell, she could feel, the amount of energy left over from the Pit. It wasn’t a one time occurrence. This child was bathed many times. 

“How the hell do you know about the Pit?” The one with the white streak, Jason, questioned roughly. Oh god. He had bathed in the Pit as well. 

“You also were bathed in the Pit! Who...Who would do that to you children!?” Tikki screeched in despair as she flew to the two boys and checked them over. The energy of the Pit hung around them thickly. Tikki was sure if it had a smell, they would stink, the very smell would have stained their bones, their souls. 

“You two reek of the Pit…” Plagg bit out, not leaving Marinette’s side. Tikki understood his want to not get close to the energy. It was bad. It was evil. It was something that should have never been created. It was a mistake they both deeply regretted. 

“You, small one, you asked for an exchange of information. Plagg and I….we…”

“We created the Lazarus Pits. We thought they would be a good thing….we found out rather quickly that they weren’t.” Plagg continued for Tikki, his voice unusually somber. “Before you ask what we were thinking and how. Tikki and I are the kwamis of Creation and Destruction, when we created the Pits….we were young. We were also not bound at the time.”

“But we were still able to share portions of our powers with what we at the time called Champions, we simply call them Holders now. It wasn’t unusual for us to get attached to our Champions, especially if they were souls born from us. The connection was always stronger if they were a True Soul of Creation or Destruction, when they would pass, it hurt us deeply. I tried….I tried so many things to prolong a Champions life, even the demigods. I created what is now known as the Fountain of Youth,” Tikki told as she seated herself on the tabletop next to ‘Paon’ and Marinette, “It didn’t grant immortality like many believed but it did lengthen the life of the drinker. And yet…”

“We still lost our Champions. We didn’t understand that death was a natural thing, something that shouldn’t be tampered with.” Plagg added as he joined Tikki and took a seat beside her. “One day we did something we didn’t think was possible. We joined our powers thinking it would create something amazing. It created the Lazarus Pits. At first we thought they were the answer to our suffering… That is until our Champions bathed in the waters. They were healed of all wounds, nothing on the outside changed besides that, if anything they seemed to breathe life. Then we noticed...we noticed the changes. They went mad. Their souls became corrupted.”

Tikki wiped a tear away at the memories, but this was something that had to be shared if she wanted Marinette to be safe, but it also needed to be shared so Tikki could find out who would dare use the waters on these children. “We may not have lost them in death, but we lost them in another way. We had to strip them of their borrowed powers, we had to put an end to the madness, if they continued using our powers...who knows what would have happened. The other Gods did not take kindly to our creation either. They thought we were trying to overthrow them, or would try eventually. To bring peace Plagg and I tried to destroy the Pits. We couldn’t. Sure we could destroy the holding ground, destroy the metaphorical bowl that held the water, but new Pits would appear. So instead of destroying them we hid them, with the help of other Gods. We thought they would never be found.”

“Ra’s al Ghul.” Tikki’s heart skipped a beat at that name the youngest boy had spoken into the silence that followed  her and Plagg’s story. 

“What?” She couldn’t help but ask. 

“That’s who dunked me in the waters. Ra’s al Ghul.” The younger one spoke like that answered all of Tikki’s questions. 

“The Demon’s Head? Why...why would he bathe you, a child, in the waters?” She asked desperately. 

“You know about the Demon’s Head?” Bruce asked in surprise but Tikki had no attention to give to him, her eyes were only on the youngest, Damian.

“We gave you information and then some. Answer the question. Why would the leader of the League of Shadows, the League of Assassins put a child in those waters?” Plagg demanded. 

Damian looked shocked, and if Tikki had to guess, she would say it wasn’t very often he was or seen as such. “You know about the League?”

“Yes. Unfortunately.” Plagg grit out. Tikki knew Plagg could be carefree and laidback, but she could never forget when he was angry or impatient. Back when they weren’t Bound, they had been treated as Gods, they had been prayed to and worshipped. Of course they looked nothing like they did now, their true forms having been lost with the time being Bound to the Miraculous, but the look in his eyes was the same as back then.

“It was…” Tikki noticed the way Bruce placed a hand on his youngest son’s shoulders and how the other boys seemed to crowd him, like they were protecting him from something. “They did it to train me. Ra’s al Ghul is my grandfather, Talia al Ghul is my mother, I was born only to be a weapon.”

Tikki couldn’t believe it. They, the council, sent them into a house with an al Ghul in it, but at the same time he wasn’t with the League, he seemed to flinch even at the mention of it and his supposed grandfather. That group hurt this boy and Tikki’s heart bled for him. Plagg even looked surprised at the answer, the two of them shared a look before nodding. All of them were brought out of their thoughts by a small whine. Marinette! Tikki turned to look and saw her bug wiggling in the arms of the oldest human, to the point he had to put her down if he didn’t want to risk dropping her. Once she was on the ground Marinette ran as fast as her little legs could carry her over to Damian who looked down at her in confusion.

“No sad! No sad! Sad is ‘kuma! No ‘kuma!” Marinette screamed out before bursting in tears and holding her arms up to Damian who was looking at her like she was a bomb or something that just went off. He looked up at Tikki and Plagg, the fear and confusion clear on his face, and once more Tikki’s heart broke.

“Hey Bug, hey it’s okay.” Plagg cooed in a soft voice as he flew over to Marinette and Damian. “There’s no akumas here. Papa Plagg promises okay? You’re safe. There’s no akumas anymore.”

Marinette was still crying but thankfully she wasn’t screaming and whining like she had been but she was still reaching her arms up to Damian. “I think she wants you to hold her Dames.” The taller of the two boys that Tikki hadn’t found out the names of yet pointed out. 

“I can see that Grayson!” Damian hissed before he gulped and slowly, oh so slowly, picked up Marinette and held her at arm's length. “What do I do?” He whispered in a panic

While one of the boys tried to help him hold Marinette more comfortably as she still cried and tried to get closer to the youngest boy, meanwhile ‘Paon’ looked at her in panic and horror. “Did she say akuma?”

“What’s an akuma?” Bruce asked hesitantly but his voice was stern as he stood beside his son Damian and stared down at Marinette who was holding onto Damian for dear life. She was calmer but she was still crying and sniffling, “No sad...no ‘kuma.”

Tikki made a decision then and there, these mortals, these humans already knew too much so she might as well explain, she suspected ‘Paon’ had come into contact with Duusuu in the years he was lost, there was an al Ghul present, and so much more to process. But by the Gods she would make them keep Marinette if after she was done explaining they decided they didn’t want her. “Yes. She did. An akuma was the start of this whole mess, though mess doesn’t even cover it. It was the start of a war in Paris.”

Everyone seemed to quiet at that and Tikki knew she had their undivided attention. The whole thing was something she would rather forget but she did promise to tell them in a way, and Tikki was a kwami of her word. So she took a deep breath in and started. “Marinette. That was her name, she will need a new one after all is said. Marinette Dupain-Cheng was a normal girl with a normal life, baker's daughter, aspiring fashion designer, but also a True Creation Soul. A soul born directly from my energy, which meant if ever there was a need for her, she would be chosen for the Ladybug Miraculous. The strongest Miraculous in creation, and coincidentally the Miraculous of Creation and Fortune. Unfortunately, her time came when she was young, thirteen, Paris was threatened by a man calling himself Hawkmoth. A man who was in possession of a long lost Miraculous, the Butterfly.”

“The Butterfly Miraculous is the Miraculous of Transmission, or Transformation as others believe. Either way the result is the same. The Butterfly can give others powers, make them Champions, like a smaller, weaker version of us back in the day. Though it more or less depends on the Champion’s emotions before they are transformed and given powers. A Miraculous is never to be used for personal gain or as a danger to a world or universe, or it will become corrupted. Duusuu...The Peacock Miraculous kwami, he….his Miraculous became corrupted. Hawkmoth attacking Paris was the start of him corrupting the Butterfly Miraculous.” Plagg helped explain, though he stayed close to Marinette and Damian. 

“Hawkmoth made Champions….but since they were corrupted they were called Akumas. He preyed on any and all negative emotions of the people of Paris and weaponized them. There was a Guardian...the one who was to watch over the other Miraculi and us, and the one who would choose who would defend others in their time of need.” Tikki felt her anger burn at the memory of Fu, a man after his own redemption, not a Guardian, but someone with the title. “She was young, so young, but he needed heroes to help retrieve the Butterfly Miraculous. Marinette was given the Ladybug Miraculous early, and she was a fantastic Ladybug don’t get me wrong! But….”

“She was too young.” Jason muttered in disbelief. He looked angry and haunted as he stared at Marinette who was still hugging herself to Damian. 

Tikki nodded. “They both were. The Ladybug Miraculous cannot be active without the Black Cat…”

“They were too young. And the decision was made in haste. The old Guardian was flawed, he chose children to fight, one of which wasn’t a True Soul.” Plagg hissed out. 

“Your Champion?” Bruce asked softly.

Plagg only nodded before he landed himself on Marinette’s head and laid down. Tikki wanted to comfort him, but she didn’t know how, all the millennia they had spent together and she still didn’t know how to comfort him when one of his Kittens went rogue. At least Marinette stopped crying once Plagg started up his purring, she started making a gurgling noise in response. It was almost like she was trying to purr back. Her bug was too cute. “They were unbalanced from the start. Ladybug and Chat Noir, the defenders of Paris…”

“Why has no one heard about what has been happening in Paris?” The one boy Tikki hadn’t heard speak asked, he was on a laptop as he asked, he looked confused.

“That’s the power of the Miraculous I’m afraid. We don’t want our powers in the wrong hands, so when we’re active it’s like we form a protective bubble around the situation we are in.” Tikki stated.

“That and the mayor of Paris won’t let a word out about it anyways.” Plagg added.

“A media blackout.” The one with the laptop gasped, “Of course!”

“How long have you been active?” ‘Paon’ asked warily. 

“Five years.” Tikki replied solemnly. 

“Five! Paris has been going through that for five years and we didn’t know about it!?” Tikki guessed he was the eldest of the boy’s yelled. 

“That ‘protective bubble’ you mentioned… is it meant to hide you from the League?” Damian asked though his gaze didn’t leave Marinette who was still in his arms. 

“They are one of the groups, yes. Though they are one of the worst threats, that bubble protects those who hold a Miraculous and use its power from all other beings, that includes a race of women called Amazonions and a race of people called Atlantians. Though they have been holders in the past, it’s a….security measure in case one group of people decide they “deserve” the Miraculi powers.” Tikki thought fondly of Queen Hippolyta and her lovely island Themyscira. Her people were strong and they believed in protecting others, but some were misguided and saw the Miracle Boxes as a gift from the Gods, and their rightful property. Unfortunately the same happened in Atlantis, and when the two found out the other held a Miraculi from the same Miracle Box, it quickly turned to war. Which resulted in the sinking of Atlantis, that had been a bad day for Plagg. 

“Holy shit… Holy shit! This goes deeper than we thought! Holy shit!” The boy with the laptop exclaimed.

“Master Tim! Please mind your language.” ‘Paon’ said sternly. So the laptop human was named Tim, Tikki noted.

“Alfred! Did you not just hear what I just heard! They knew the Amazonians like Wonder Woman! They knew the Atlantians like Aquaman! The cherry on top of it all? They know the League! How is that not a ‘holy shit’ moment?” The one addressed as Tim asked desperately. 

“Wait...do you guys know a group called the Lantern Corps?” The only one that Tikki did not know the name of asked, she thought she heard Damian call him Grayson but she wasn’t completely sure. 

Tikki couldn’t help but make a face, she even heard Plagg hiss from his hiding spot in Marinette’s hair. “Uh...yeah. Yeah we do.”

“Buncha stuck up pr-”

“Plagg!”

“Well they are! They look down at us and call us ‘magic jewelry’ when we are so much more than that! They’re the ones with the magic jewelry! It was even made in our image! Yet they have the nerve to talk down to us and our Holders.” Plagg ranted, Tikki couldn’t see him from where he was hiding and blending into Marinette’s hair but she could imagine his energy raised like an actual cat’s fur. 

“B they know like half of your team.” Jason breathed out in shock. 

“This...is a lot to process. How about we all go upstairs and have some tea while we...continue this discussion.” Bruce suggested. 

“Fine but only if you get Tikki and I some cookies and Camembert. I don’t know about you Sugar Cube but I’m starved.” Plagg dramatically called out.

Tikki sighed and shook her head at his antics before turning to look at Bruce. “That sounds nice. Lead the way.”

Next Chapter

“Sugarcube! There you are! When I came to I freaked, you and the bug weren’t nearby but I could sense you. The place is snazzy but I don’t know where everyone is. Speaking of where is little buginette?” Plagg asked as he flew into the room which now that Tikki looked around seemed to be some type of living room, but like fancy. She’s had rich owners before sure but it had been awhile.

“She’s...right here Plagg. In the polka-dot onesie.”

“HOLY SHARP CHEDDAR! Tikki. She is a baby. A human baby. What in the universes did They do to her!?” Plagg shrieked as he flew over to Marinette and Tikki had to chuckle because it seemed like he too was checking over her for injuries. She watched as he circled Mari who in response just giggled before Plagg settled in the girl’s hair and began purring up a storm, his way of seeking and giving comfort. 

“They did say they didn’t know how many years they would take from her...but still. This does seem much. Maybe it’s because the wish was already taking its price?” Tikki tried to rationalize. 

“Tikki!” Marinette giggled out as she made grabby hands at the kwami who just smiled softly at the girl before placing herself on the frankly out of place sewing machine next to Marinette and oh...Oh! It was the Miracle Box. Or well the holding place for the Miracle Box, much like the Gramophone that held the Miracle Box for Fu when he was Guardian. 

“You’re probably right but this will make things more difficult. She can’t explain things. Which means we will have to. Which might not turn out the best. How can we be sure her new guardians can be trusted?” Plagg hissed the last part out as he cuddled closer into Marinette’s hair, his ears and whisker antennae pinning themselves back in response. 

“You’re right. We’ll just have to trust Them. They have never done us wrong in the past when giving mercy. And if it turns out these humans or this human can’t be trusted we destroy them. Simple.” Tikki responded as she smiled at her bug who was doing her best to shove her onesie covered foot in her mouth. 

“Agreed. So. Weird question but um, where is everyone else?” Plagg asked after a moment.

“I assume they are in the box, which is in the sewing machine next to Marinette. I think the box is in the base of the machine, Marinette has taught me a lot about sewing machines! This one is practically an antique.” Tikki explained as she flew over to said sewing machine and looked around the base for any obvious, well obvious to them, buttons that would release and show the new Miracle Box.

“Hmm, I like it. It suits our little kitten. Are you sure we should open it right now Bug? We haven’t even found a human yet.” 

“I want to make sure everyone, and I do mean everyone, is here. Then we can go find a human. Or if a human finds us we’ll deal with that when it happens, now help me find the buttons to open this thing!” Tikki huffed as she glared at the holding place for the Miracle Box in frustration. 

“...And what if a...not human finds us first Sugar Cube?” She finally heard Plagg ask instead of help her like she ask-wait what?

“Wait what?” Tikki turned to look at Plagg who was busy floating a little above Marinette’s hair and looking to their left towards where she assumed was a doorway or an entryway. Then she heard the breathing and slowly turned to see what he was staring at and had to hold herself back from making any loud noises when she saw the absolute beast of a dog staring back at them. Now Tikki didn’t know much about dogs, her knowledge of them was fairly limited despite Barkk telling Tikki all there was to know about the animal that took shape after her. Every time they were in the Miracle Box Barkk liked to ask how the creatures were and if any new breeds were found. 

The only thing Tikki was certain about this breed was that it was very big and very intimidating. It looked at her and Plagg like they were snacks, and really, they were bite-size snacks at best, but then it looked at Marinette and Tikki’s body froze. She didn’t care if summoning her lucky charm without a holder could mean she filled the whole damn place with lucky charms, she would do it in a heartbeat if it meant protecting her little bug. She glanced at Plagg and she knew he was thinking the same thing. Though she admired and loved that he was willing to protect Marinette with his unfiltered cataclysm, the world didn’t need another Atlantis, or Grand Canyon. There were only so many things that could be explained away as nature and evolution, and only so many unsolved mysteries that definitely didn’t need so much human interest but hey, to be human is to be curious.

Apparently it was also human to not know danger when you saw it. Tikki nearly dropped from the plane of existence then and there she saw Marinette waddling over to the dog at full speed. Did the child know nothing of self preservation!? Before she could even think of stopping Marinette the dog started to meet Marinette halfway with loud snuffs but his tail was wagging, and one of the things that Tikki did remember from Barkk’s ramblings was that a wagging tail was a good sign. And this dog’s tail was wagging, if her and Plagg had been floating behind him they probably would have been blown back a bit by how much his tail was wagging. Then again, maybe it was lulling her bug into a false sense of security! “Plagg what do we do!?”

Tikki squeaked when the dog gave out a short yip and licked Marinette’s face which prompted the little one to laugh and pat the dog’s face. “Don’t look at me! I’m the cat god here! Not the dog god! I can’t understand bow wow!”

“Well it’s not like I can get Barkk out here! I can’t even figure out how to get the Miracle Box to show itself!”

They both heard a shout and immediately turned to look at Marinette to see the dog had picked. Her. up. By the back of her onesie and was dangling her above the floor. “HE’S EATING HER!”

“I don’t think he’s eating her Tikk’s. He’s holding her.”

“IN HIS MOUTH.”

“He’s not trying to chew on her! Besidesssss hey look there’s a cat! Finally my kind of people. Look I’ll go ask them what the deal is and if tall dark and drooly is a threat. In the meantime can you calm down a little? Please?” Plagg asked as he pointed to a black cat with a white tail, paws, and mouth. At least this place had a cat Plagg could communicate with, that did make Tikki feel better.

“Okay...Okay...I’ll try.” Tikki took in a deep breath and kept an eye on Marinette who was kicking her chubby little legs that were still dangling off the ground since the dog was still holding her up by the back of her onesie which was no doubt drool soaked now and did her absolute best not to feel worried. She then turned to observe Plagg speaking with the cat who the dog was even looking at. It was moments like this that she wished she could understand all creatures and not just humans, superhumans, demigods, gods, and ladybugs. She was itching to know exactly what they were talking about but as soon as the cat and the dog along with Marinette started walking away she squealed in alarm.

“Where are they going!? Where is that dog taking Marinette?” She questioned rapidly as she flew to follow, Plagg right beside her. 

“Okay, short answer, apparently all the humans, because apparently there are a lot of humans who live here, are down in what they call the Batcave? Yeah I don’t know what that’s all about. Dog dude, name’s Titus, is taking Marinette there because she “smells like family,” again, I don’t know. Alfred, that’s the cat, is going with him because we need a translator for the other pets.” Plagg explained quickly as they followed the two animals over to a large Grandfather clock that looked slightly askew. 

Titus nosed at a crack between the clock and the wall and huffed which made Marinette laugh before he gently placed her down and began to claw at the crack till the clock moved more and lo-and behold it was a door, a door to a secret passageway which led presumably to what the cat had called the Batcave. Tikki and Plagg looked at one another and back at the dark passageway before watching as Titus picked Marinette back up and made his way into the passage. Alfred followed after and looked back at Plagg and tilted his head in what was most likely a “this way/follow me,” gesture. Of course, they did as told. The further down they went, the more Tikki’s anxiety heightened, she never remembered being this anxious before and wondered if she got the trait from Marinette. If this was how Marinette felt everyday Tikki wanted to cry. How did she get anything done? 

Tikki could hear voices, and yeah she acknowledged that the cat said there were a lot of people here but she didn’t know what quantified as a lot but the amount of voices she heard made her believe that yes, there were a lot of people here. Once they were closer she peeked in and saw the amount and immediately held Plagg back from following the animals any further but made sure they could watch them. “Sugar Cube?”

“Maybe we shouldn’t fly out in the open just yet? We don’t know how these mortals would react to us, Plagg.”

“Good point… So what? We just watch?” Plagg asked.

“For now, but if we need to, we intervene… The plus side is I think they aren’t normal humans.” Tikki answered as she took in the whole “Batcave.”

“What clued you in to that one? The giant money or the dinosaur? Or the computers? Or the… Are those hero suits? I know reporter chick spoke of heroes once upon a timeline but I didn’t think they were a common thing.” 

“Me either… I knew the Amazons...and you knew the Atlanteans, but I didn’t think they were active.”

“Maybe they aren’t? It could just be mortals deciding to be heroes without the help of Miraculi.” 

“Maybe... “

The two stopped talking in favor of watching their Guardian being carried around by the giant dog in the directions of the humans. Both held their breath as they waited for any or all of the humans to take notice of the canine with the small being he was carrying in his mouth. 

______________________________________

Damian had been looking over some files of one case they had been looking over, it was strange. Though that seemed to be every case in Gotham, so nothing new. He was racking his brain on what they could have missed, or what could tie the victims together when he heard the distinct sound of pawprints. Two sets. One set heavier than the other, one nearly silent, the other doing nothing to hide their presence. A small smile found its way to his face as he turned to greet Titus and Alfred but he paused when he saw what was in Titus’s jaw. 

It was a tiny infant. A tiny female infant with black hair and blue eyes who was chewing on her hand and staring right back at Damian. He just sat there staring as Titus approached him and dropped the child in front of him, the child who continued to stare at him with wide eyes. What the hell!? He didn’t know how to react… other than turning and punching his father straight on the arm as hard as he could. “Father! Another? I thought I was the last one!”

He watched as he father went from scowling at him to turn and see what he was looking at and it looked like the man’s brain had momentarily fried. The child was staring at all of them because by now all his brothers were looking as well. It seemed like all the eyes on her started to make her feel scared because she started to whine and try and hide behind Titus. “... I’m fairly certain she is not mine. More importantly where did Titus get her from?”

“You paused before answering!” Damian screeched.

“I’m confused, sue me!” Bruce yelled back.

Dick was the one who swung into action, wasn’t he always though? He approached the small girl and made sure to sit down to reduce his height, probably hoping it would make him seem less intimidating. “Hey there, I’m Dick, who are you? It’s okay, we’re nice.”

The little girl peeked out from behind Titus and stared at Dick before waving at him and giving him a small smile, “Hi, hi, bonjour!”

Well it sounded like bonjour, just a little baby-fied, but Dick gave her a smile and waved back in response. “Bonjour.”

Damian snorted, not subtle in the least as he spied Todd Staring at the child in shock and trying to be as discreet as possible as he reupholstered his guns. Damian’s outburst must have surprised him. Not that Damian blamed him, the boy still felt like he was in shock too. Then Jason sat down beside Dick and placed his stupid red helmet on the ground and waved to the girl. Surprisingly she wasn’t scared of the hideous helmet and instead got out from behind Titus and made her way over to the object and started patting it. When it made a sound she looked up at them all and made a small sound before squealing in delight and patting the helmet with both hands.

Tim was out of his seat as well and took a seat on the ground as well to look at her. “Black hair, different colored eyes, and a note attached to her onesie that translates to ‘They wished me away, Here I am safe.’ I don’t know Bruce, seems right up your alley.” He mumbled with a raised brow and a smirk.

Now it was Damian’s turn to come and sit, he took the note off the girl fast but tried to be as gentle as he could so he wouldn’t spook her. He read it over and over before he just looked at his father like he was actually absolutely done with him. He felt like he was. “Did you seduce some French woman we didn’t know about? Father what about Ms. Kyle? This child can’t be more than a year old and Kyle was obviously not pregnant the last time we saw her.”

“I told you Damian, she’s not mine!”

“Yes but you paused before responding and you said “fairly” which does not mean one hundred percent certain.”

“I was confused! Forgive me for being in mild shock.”

At this point it seemed like Todd had been holding it in and just couldn’t do it anymore because he busted into raucous laughter that seemed never ending. It sounded like he had been sprayed by Joker’s Laughing Gas. The little girl then started laughing, Damian had no idea why, but it seemed to make Todd laugh harder. “I don’t know what all the laughter is for but would someone mind telling me why the clock entrance was open?” Pennyworth was making his way over to the group with a platter of sandwiches before he stopped and stared at the small laughing girl and Todd. Then he just sighed and looked over at Bruce and shook his head.

“Oh Master Bruce, not again.”

That of course made Todd lose it again along with Drake and Grayson. Which made the girl laugh even more now that more people were laughing. It even made Damian chuckle seeing his father squawk in indignation. “I don’t know how many times I have to say this, she’s not mine!”

“He paused before saying it!”

“Damian I swear to God…”

“Hey she’s walking!” Todd exclaimed.

“Well yeah, most one year old’s can Jason.” Drake answered. 

They all just watched as she walked over to Pennyworth who was also watching her with an amused smile, all the while still holding the platter of sandwiches. Once she reached him he looked down and gave her a smile nod. “Hello young miss.”

She giggled before she smiled at the butler and placed a hand over her heart and then pointed at Pennyworth’s, everyone watched with bated breath, “Paon.” That was all she said but it seemed to mean something to Alfred seeing as he almost dropped the platter of sandwiches and only barely caught it. 

“Alfred. Why did she just call you peacock?” Bruce asked.

“We can explain!” All heads turned to see floating tiny creatures. What the absolute fuck!?

Tags:  @dorkus-minimus @astridflies @pandasbite2 @coolspidermanmusicflower @myazael @zephyranemone @rubixchick @cydaeashootingstar @ramos123 @eventhedarkestlightshines @too0bsessedformyowngood @solangelo252 @lunabey2sky @mythogaychic @electrocution-dp @icerosecrystal @certainmuffinbagelcalzone @thefangirlwholiterallydies @michaelshadow7779 @maskedpainter @frieddonutsweets @maribat-writing-and-prompts @macncheesemonster @whoseanonymouswriter @murderrobins @zorua-adorable @lunerlover2024 @amigotasbien @plushbookworm @stackofrandomstuff @lovepink3772-blog @loupgris-blog1 @robyalix @mystery-5-5 @heckinggremlin @fantasiame @lubsnubsbubs @minightrose @neromerp13 @lady-bee-fechin @ihatecomingupwithusernameswtf @vroomtaka @jayjayspixiepop @i-need-blog-ideas @bloodydragon000 @aestheticnpoetic @salmakshortstories @insane-fangirl-of-everything @mizzy-pop @smolplantmum @livelifeauthorstyle @lunabey2sky @eternal-exhaustion24 @roguishredaxion @jjmjjktth @miraculous-trinity-leo @buginetye @ladybug-182 @liquid-luck-00 @sailormarelda @alysrose-starchild @vixen-uchiha

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Before she could ask what Chat was doing, or rather what he was not doing he darted toward her and she thought with relief, he was going to help her. Why was that not what happened? Chat grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her away from Mayura, Marinette tried to struggle against him and she would have won if Mayura hadn’t started to help restrain her. It was a blur, but she knew she got some hits in, she did everything she could, she kicked, she threw punches wildly, she bit, she threw her head in every direction hoping it would strike and smiling viciously when it did. They took her yoyo as she felt herself forced onto a chair, it creaked from the pressure, she still tried to fight. They tied her to the chair using everything at their disposal it seemed, rope, cables, duct tape, she still tried to fight. Hawkmoth was yelling, Chat was trying to soothe her, looking at her like he didn’t just fight her and restrain her onto a chair, she reared her head back and headbutted him, she was still fighting. 

“What the fuck My Lady!? Here I am trying to help you and you go and break my nose! Me-ouch!” Chat spit out from behind his hand a bit of blood followed the words.

“Help me?” Marinette screeched indignantly. “How is fighting me and helping the enemy tie me to a chair helping me!?”

“I’m helping all of us! Why don’t you see that?” 

“We don’t have time to waste. The earrings.” Hawkmoth commanded and Marinette had this sick feeling in her gut as she looked from the villain she had been fighting since she was 12, back to her partner, was he even my partner to begin with?, and saw how he nodded and smiled before looking back at her with his wide, wild toxic green eyes. She leaned back as much as she could scowling and baring her teeth, she would do whatever she had to if it meant keeping the earrings safe, when Chat reached towards her she turned her face as quickly bit his hand. The answering yowl made her want to smirk in vindication, even as he shook his hand she still held on with her teeth till she felt someone yank on her hair, hard. She didn’t immediately let go even if the pain was great, her teeth scraped the leather of Chat’s suit the whole time she was pulled away but she didn’t care. What she did care about was the fact that the hand in her hair didn’t let go, she briefly glanced back to see the unmistakable blue of Mayura. Before she could even think to try and struggle still she felt another hand grab her jaw to keep her in place, seeing as Chat had both hands visible she had to assume Mayura was holding her with both her hands since she could also see Hawkmoth standing in the back. Not being able to do much other than growl, she opted to growl out her frustration.

“Growling isn’t very ladylike Ladybug.” Chat of course put emphasis on the ‘lady’ in ladylike as he went for her earring on her left ear first. Marinette did her best to keep her tears at bay. She would not cry in front of them, she would not allow them that satisfaction.

It was like a rip when he removed the first earring. It made her gasp, it wasn’t exactly pain, not at first, it was more this overwhelming sense of discomfort, like having a popcorn kernel stuck between every single tooth and gum. Why does it feel like this? It’s never felt like this before? Then the pain hit and Marinette had to grind her teeth in order to not make a sound, she wouldn’t give them that pleasure, but God, it hurt so much. She could feel parts of her transformation bubbling, almost sizzling and falling off. It was bizarre, never had a transformation falling felt like this, but then again, never had she had her earrings forcibly removed. There was barely any time to brace herself when she felt Chat go for the other earrings and this time, this time she couldn’t hold back the scream that clawed its way out. The pain was too much, it was so different that the first one, this time it was a burning sensation coupled with her muscles feeling like every single one of them had been pulled. She could distantly hear voices, but ultimately they were muffled by her screaming. 

“Stop being dramatic Bugaboo.” She could hear Chat laughing, when she opened her eyes it was to see him looking down at the earrings in his hand. There was a soft gasp coming from somewhat behind her so she willed herself with the small amount of strength she had to look back and saw Nathalie Sancoeur staring back at her with big eyes. It almost made her snort, the older woman may have been surprised to see that Ladybug was none other than her, plain Marinette, but Marinette had guessed Nathalie was Mayura. Who, by the way, did not look so great. Her transformation had been dropped and she pale, there were bags under her eyes and her breathing was labored. Even though she had just helped to take her earrings, Marinette still felt pity for the woman, she knew she was going to die if she continued to use the peacock, but seeing as Hawkmoth, no Gabriel seemed to have won, maybe there was hope for her to get better. Marinette knew better though. She had read the Grimoire pages about damaged Miraculi, she knew the damage they dealt stayed unless the broken Miraculous was fixed and the kwami of the Miraculous was feeling merciful. 

“Marinette? It’s...Oh my God...You’re you!” Her head snapped back to Chat fast enough she felt a slight strain. The look in his eyes made her want to puke, he looked in awe and almost in love. There was no way she would say it was actual love, more like obsession that he in his deluded mind convinced himself was love. 

“We don’t have time for this. The earrings and the ring, now.” Gabriel growled, his transformation was also dropped, Marinette saw Nooroo for the first time and wished she could comfort the kwami. He looked so drained. 

“Chat. I’m begging you. Don’t give him my earrings or your ring! You don’t understand what will happen!” Marinette was desperate as she pleaded.

“Plagg, claws in.” There was a loud gasp, it took a second for her to realize it was her who had made the sound. Standing where Chat had been was her ex-crush, ex-friend, Adrien Agreste and gone was the lovesick look he had been giving her as he walked over to his father. His father! “No. You don’t understand, Marinette! This! All of this is for my mother. Don’t you...Don’t you want me to have my mother back?”

“Listen to me Chat-Adrien...even you Gabriel. You don’t want to make this wish! It might bring your wife back, yes. But every wish comes at a price!”

“I think you’re lying to save your own skin Mlle Dupain-Cheng.” Gabriel replied as he took the earrings and ring from Adrien and put them on himself carefully. 

“What would I gain from lying? Nothing! If you make this wish there is going to be a price you aren’t going to be able to handle!” 

“Adrien. Quiet her. Now.” Gabriel gritted out. Marinette could tell he was experiencing the clash of power between good and bad luck. Creation and Destruction. He wasn’t even transformed yet and Marinette could tell the power was overwhelming him. When she had read the Grimoire about the “Balanced Yet Always Fighting” Power, or that was the closest translation anyways, Marinette liked to call it the Ambivalence Power, the book spoke how many could not handle the Power and themselves would decay on the spot. It was considered an instant action of the Power, instant Karma, to bring the two Miraculi together was considered an evil act, so to counterbalance it, the Power would take the life of the user if they could not bear it and make a wish quickly. 

“Yes Father!” Adrien hastily agreed and all Marinette could do was glare at him, and when he approached with a piece of duct tape she did her best to lean away even if her energy was all but gone. He was anything but gentle as he slapped the duct tape over her mouth. 

“Now I can begin. It’s finally happening Adrien, we’re going to get her back.” Gabriel gave his son a smile and Marinette pitied the joy on Adrien’s face, knowing that was probably the first real smile his father had given him since his mother had gone missing. “Tell me your names Kwamis.” 

“T-Tikki…” Tikki grit out, the look in her eyes promised harm.

“Plagg.” The black cat Kwami spat out with disgust as he hovered as close to Tikki as he could. 

“Tikki, Plagg. Kwamis of Creation and Destruction. Unify and Transform me so I may make a wish!” Gabriel commanded, all Marinette could do was watch as Tikki and Plagg were sucked into their respective Miraculi. Then Gabriel began to glow until he was a being of purple and gold like the ones she had seen and read about in the Grimoire. It was impossible to look away, even if she was crying now. “I wish, in order to make my son’s and I’s life perfect, the return of my wife and his mother Emilie Charlotte Agreste.”

His voice was odd, terrifying in a way to process. It was like hearing three voices speaking at once, Tikki’s, Plagg’s, and his. It was soothing, it was commanding, it was horrific and it made Marinette’s skin crawl. She could feel wind whip around her, the source being Gabriel as he started to levitate from the ground, it was a small bit at first then he was floating in the air above them all. Nathalie was yelling something and Adrien was cheering and yet Marinette would not take her eyes off Gabriel. He was about to damn the world, the universe, reality itself and she would not forgive herself if she looked away. This was her fault. 

“Gabriel Agreste. Your wish has been heard by us. Are you willing to pay the price?” A voice said. There was no telling where it was coming from but it felt like it was everywhere at once somehow. It too sounded like a chorus of voices talking at once, it shook Marinette’s bones. 

“Yes! I am willing to pay any price, now grant me my wish!” Gabriel yelled to the voice. Even as the wind whipped and he continued to glow, it grew silent, like all sound was muted. 

“That so?...Your wish is granted.” The voice decreed and when it did everything came back ten times stronger, ten times louder. The wind felt fast enough to slice skin. The glowing of Gabriel intensified to the point where her tears weren’t just from her emotions. She swore to not take her eyes off him till everything was over but it proved difficult. Voices were everywhere and what they were saying was nonsensical but the volume of them grew and grew till they were the only thing she could hear. The light from Gabriel was too bright and she had to look away, had to close her eyes, and when she did her life flashed before her and somehow she knew she was going to die. 

Marinette was being taken from the world in response to the wish. Why? She had a guess. Gabriel didn’t just say he wanted the wish for himself, he said he wanted it for him and Adrien, so Creation and Destruction were taking something from both of them. She didn’t know what or who they would take from Gabriel but she knew she was the price for Adrien and she wanted to scream. He didn’t really care about her, he only ever wanted the Ladybug parts of her. How was this fair? Now she was really crying. 

Today had been so normal and so had the week leading up to this moment. Class had been...class. Lila reigning supreme and making up whatever kind of story she fancied and doing whatever she could to paint Marinette in a negative light. Everyone soaked up her words like sponges, like if they didn’t hear every word it would be a travesty unparalleled by anything to date. Mlle Bustier of course did nothing about the constant distractions nor how they treated Marinette, because she had to be the ‘better example.’ It didn’t matter if they “pulled pranks”-bullied-her, it didn’t matter if there was a new rumor about her every week that they tried to pass on through the school, and it didn’t matter that they isolated her to the back. No none of it mattered. All that mattered was her being a perfect example, a perfect student, a perfect hero, a perfect daughter. 

For God’s sake she couldn’t even tell her parents what was going on because they were so busy with the store that any attention they gave her felt like it was an obligation rather than actual affection and attentiveness. Every morning it was the same, “Good morning sweetie, don’t be late today.” Every lunch it was, “Your lunch is upstairs,” if they weren’t too busy to notice her walk in or hear her greet them. Every night was the same, “How was school? How’s Alya and the girls? How’s Adrien?” That is, if they remembered to ask. She knew they were busy and she knew the bakery was their lives but was it selfish to want more? 

Today, she hadn’t even gotten a “Good morning.” They were too busy with the bakery. Something about trying out some new recipes, but it would have felt good to know they noticed her before she went into what was probably the biggest fight of her life. When Plagg had announced what he had discovered, she should have known something was off by the way Chat...Adrien had acted. Eager was one way she would describe his behavior. He had wanted to charge in right away, “guns blazing,” as he put it. The team firmly denied that and it took entirely too long to convince him that would not be a good idea. Chat had seemed angry at the conclusion, Marinette had just assumed it was because he was ready to put a stop to Hawkmoth and Mayura, but evidently that was not the case.

Luka had even warned her that Chat’s tune had seemed off, but he too seemed to think he was just anxious about taking down the villain. Kagami and Chloe had seemed worried for Adrien and what this would mean for him, Marinette had thought of it too. Even if he hadn’t been the best friend or really, a friend to her at all lately, he didn’t deserve everything that was about to come but her, Chloe and Kagami had resolved that they would be there for him after the fact and do whatever they could to support him. Of course they had discussed this after the team meeting and the plan had been made, Kagami and Chloe had been just as nervous as Marc had been during the meeting. Marinette did her best to reassure her that nothing would go wrong and that all of this, all the akumas and sentimonsters, it would all be over.

She had not planned on betrayal. Not at all. All the emotions she had been holding back because she had to be Ladybug, the example, the happy daughter, came rushing out. She let herself feel the absolute anger that had been lingering in her heart for the past two years, even if it was muffled by the duct tape, Marinette screamed out her frustrations. Tears flowed freely in acknowledgement of all the hurt and sadness that she had locked away. It was messy, everything felt like too little and too much all at the same time. Her heart ached. Her lungs burned. She opened her eyes, faced the all-consuming light and she stopped fighting.

              _____________________________________________

Tikki could feel all her anger as the wish was being made, she could feel Plagg’s too...and his sorrow. He hadn’t known his kitten would do this, that was clear, they had talked in the void before Gabriel started talking to Them for his wish. All the same though, her bug was hurt, was hurting and she screamed for all kwami in existence to hear when she felt the payment being paid, when she felt Marinette’s soul being taken. Not her bug. Not after everything she had been through. Not after everything she had done to protect everyone. 

“Please! She has done nothing but protect! She is a True Guardian! A True Creation Soul! Don’t take her!” She pleaded.

“The man specified the wish was as much for him as it was for his son. The son coveted her above all.” They said.

“No.” Plagg yelled out. “He only cared for the Ladybug part of her. That is not all of her.”

“Plagg speaks the truth! He didn’t love all of her! There is room for...a deal here. She is our Guardian.” Tikki reasoned.

“...By all means. Make your case.”

“He only cared for a part of her. A part of her life...It hasn’t been done in a very long time but…” Plagg started.

“Plagg?”

“Take years from her. Allow us to take our Guardian somewhere safe, somewhere she can start over and have a happier life. Look. Look at her life. When you do, you'll know we are right.” Plagg commanded. Tikki had never seen him so serious. When They didn’t respond, Tikki knew they were seriously considering what Plagg had suggested. It was their best bet to save Marinette. Even she didn’t remember the last time this type of deal had been struck but she knew it had happened before, but never to a holder. Never to a Guardian. 

“We have allowed it. We stopped the full effects on her. Admittedly we don’t know how much time we took but she will be transported to a place that will love her and bring her happiness. You two will go with her along with Nooroo and Duusuu.”

“Thank you for your generousness…” Tikki sighed out. 

“Kwami of Creation. You want more. Tell us.”

“I do, but you have been generous.” 

“Tell us.”

“I want to enact Karma. I want to punish those who have hurt my bug. She suffered when she shouldn’t have. All because of others and their greed and their need to take advantage. That is what I want. But I know you will carry out balance for the wish...I did not want to ask too much.”

“Sugar Cube...If you ask me I think Paris deserves a little Karma.” Plagg hissed out.

“Tikki. You know we can’t stop you. And we won’t. Though you do not need it, you have permission from us. Now go. The wish is almost over and the little Guardian will need you more than ever. Go and make her life happy. On our behalf, apologize to the small creation soul.”

“Thank you! Thank you so much! You are too kind. We hope to not see you again unless necessary.”

“And us, you Kwamis of Creation and Destruction.”

Tikki cried tears of joy and her and Plagg embraced as they let the light wash over them. They were with Marinette, they could feel it, and they both vowed, she would be happy. She would be loved, even if it was just by them. They smiled and they waited. A new life was starting for all of them.

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