#simme lost

The figure didn't answer, making him more nervous.

"I said who's there?!" He demanded, making them move their hand and knock on the door again. "What do you want?"

"... I want to know if the apple falls far from the tree.." 

"Luka?!" Lila gasped, recognizing his voice but it seemed off and the hair on the back of her neck stood up... though she ignored it. Her father frowned. "W-what are you doing at my house?! Surely, this won't look good in court, Luka,"

The figure that seemed to be Luka tilted his head to the side.

"Luka?" He asked, making her frown. Why was he saying his name like he was questioning her declaration? "Luka is gone,"

"W-what?" She asked, shocked. What did he mean Luka is gone? The figure suddenly lifted his hand and said something odd before the back door flew open on its own. Lila and her father both gasped before "Luka" stepped into the house. Both of them stared in horror at him.

"Only the Truth remains," He stated as it dawned on her that he had been akumatized but surely, Hawkmoth would stop his akuma from attacking her, right? The akumatized Luka stepped forward and with a creepy smile, he spoke a single word. "Run,"

She didn't need to be told twice, shoving her father in Truth's path and bolting for the front door. She ripped it open and stepped right into Lighteye's light, paralyzing her. Truth roughly grabbed her father's arm and dragged him over before he shoved him into Lighteye's spotlight as well. With both of them paralyzed, Truth stepped in front of her father. His third eye glowed, causing her father's eyes to glow the same color for a second before his lips turned white.

"Tell me, Mr Rossi, do you know your daughter is a liar?" He asked as Lila looked around, panicked.

"Yes," Her father answered, surprising her.

"Then why do you let her lie?"

"Because her lies are harmless and ploys for attention,"

"Hmm... you truly believe that?"

"Yes,"

"Then do you know the full extent of her lies?"

"No. I only know what I see, what my wife tells me and what Lila tells me," He answered. The fear in his eyes told Lila that he couldn't stop himself from speaking but it seemed that he had to be asked questions.

"Tell me... does the apple fall far from the tree?"

"No, I lie as well," He answered, not surprising Truth at all. He had suspected that Lila had picked it up from someone but given what he knew about her mother, it wasn't her so it had to be her father.

"Ah so you lie so your daughter lies? Do you think that's ok?"

"Yes. If you don't have it, fake it until you make it," Her father stated before Truth turned to her.

"Well, looks like your father is aware of your lies but maybe doesn't realize the level you're willing to go," He stated before he narrowed his eyes. "Let's change that, shall we?"

His third eye glowed, causing hers to do the same and her lips to turn white as well. Fear welled up in her heart as she realized if he asked a question, she would tell a truthful answer.

"Do you love your parents?" He asked, making her try to resist but she couldn't.

"Not really," She confessed but judging by her father's eye movement, he expected that answer. Lila felt relieved but Truth wasn't done. He turned to her father.

"Do you still love your daughter knowing that she doesn't really love you?"

"Of course, I do," He answered.

"Oh? Is your love unconditional?" Truth asked, making Lila feel sick. She didn't like where this was going but he had to ask her questions to make her answer.

"Yes, it is," Her father confirmed. For a second, she thought Truth's plan would be ruined but he smirked like he wanted that answer.

"Let's put that to the test then," He answered, holding out his hand towards her. A strange light orb appeared in it as the third eye glowed silver instead of green. "Dlot reve evah uoy seil eht lla llet,"

A silvery light glowed around Lila and before she could stop herself, she began to confess every single thing she had ever lied about. Truth smirked and turned to her father.

"Netsil dna yats," He spoke again, causing her father to glow before he just stood there. "Let's see how long that 'unconditional' love lasts now that Lila is finally speak the full truth,"

He turned on his heel, leaving the two before jumping off as Lila continued to confess her lies and her father was forced to listen.

~The Louvre Museum~

Tikki flew as fast as she could towards the Egyptian area, where she hoped Alix was. She should be there as that's where Anatis had told her to go in his letter. She would have to go back in time and get the past Anatis, potentially with the help of her future self as neither Tikki nor Anatis knew how she got her miraculous in this situation. He had left the time, date and location she collected him in the letter and had explained that he was unable to be at the actual battle in real time as he would be 'captured' by Truth. There was also the fact that Vernn would be there. She flew over to the mummies and let out a sigh of relief as she saw Alix there with Vernn, the kwamis without a holder and to her surprise, Fluff. Alix seem to already have her miraculous, which made things easier.

"Alix!" Tikki called, getting her attention and flying over. Alix caught her. "It's happening,"

"A-Anatis is..." She gasped before noticing the earrings in Tikki's hand. She took a deep breath, relived that Tikki had grabbed the earrings before Truth could get them, and nodded. "R-Right. I read the letter and Sir Rene gave me my miraculous this morning. Vernn, you better go and find your holder,"

"Of course, young one! I shall find and tell the other kwamis too," He declared, turning to Tikki. "Don't worry. We've planned for this,"

She nodded and he flew off as Alix turned to Fluff, who gave her a nod. She held out her pocket watch.

"Fluff, Clockwise!" She declared, sucking Fluff into the watch and turning into the young Bunnyx. She pulled out her umbrella and spun it. "Burrow!"

A glowing portal opened up, causing Alix to turn to Tikki and the other kwamis.

"Ok, everyone in the portal!" She declared, following Anatis' instructions. In his letter, he had told her to bring Tikki and the kwamis into a burrow as Truth wouldn't be able to access them without the rabbit miraculous and if he somehow was about to, they had multiple burrows to fly into plus Bunnyx of all ages were there and so was Sir Rene. The burrow would be the safest place for them. The kwamis didn't even hesitate, flying straight into the portal before Bunnyx followed with it closing behind her....

Meanwhile, Vernn flew as fast as he could to every location where a kwami was. While none of them had approached their holders yet, they had placed their miraculous in their holder's room in safe places so they were ready to go when giving the signal before hiding in plain sight and in small groups to make it easier for Vernn. Once given the word, they would go straight to their holders and tell them where the miraculous were. He flew to Wayzz first, making the little turtle nod.

"I will inform Pollen, Trixx, Xuppu and Roarr," Wayzz declared, causing Vernn to nod and fly off. He found Sass next and passed on the message, causing Sass to go to Longg, Orriko, Stompp and Kaalki before he flew to the flowers near Felix Sr's house where Bennu, Penni and Wenn were waiting. As soon as they saw him, Bennu flew up.

"It's happening, isn't it?" He asked, making Vernn nod. "Alright. Penni, Wenn. Go and find your holders,"

"Yes, sir!!" Penni declared as Wenn nodded before the two flew off.

"You should go find your holder, Vernn," Bennu declared, making Vernn nod.

"A good suggestion, friend," He declared before turning to fly away. However, he stopped. "You'll inform Mr Culpa yes?"

"Of course," Bennu nodded, making Vernn let out a sigh of relief before he flew off. Bennu flew into the house and straight to Felix Sr's office. The acting mage looked stressed and Valla was trying to help him. Anatis' letter was on his table.

"I know you're worried but this young man seems very smart," Valla reassured before she gasped as she sensed Bennu. He flew over, making Felix Sr look at him. "Bennu?"

"It's happening," He declared, making Felix Sr stand up.

"And the creation kwami?" He asked, clearly concerned.

"Tikki is safe. She will have gone to Fluff's holder and enacted that part of the plan," He answered, making Felix Sr raise an eyebrow. "Oh he didn't mention in his letter... that part of the plan is for Tikki to alert Fluff and her holder so they can go back in time and bring a past Anatis to the fight,"

"And how can you be sure the akumatized won't try and take Tikki and her miraculous?" Felix Sr asked, making Valla nod.

"It is a known fact that akumas will go after the miraculous for Hawkmoth," She replied, making Bennu nod in reply. It was true after all but this akuma was Luka and he was not a normal person.

"The young master planned for that as well," He answered, making Felix Sr raise an eyebrow. "It's quite genius really. Tikki would go and inform Fluff and her holder and then, along with the kwamis who don't have holders, she would hide inside the burrow. Even with how gifted the akuma is, he would not be able to access it without the rabbit miraculous and if by chance, if he managed to, the kwamis would have multiple burrows to escape through and there would be the different holders of the rabbit miraculous there, including Sir Rene,"

"Sir Rene? The Dragon Knight?" Felix Sr asked. "He used the rabbit miraculous?"

"Yes. Quite frequently in fact. He used it to help create the upgrade potions as well as other reasons," Bennu answered. "The young master trusts Sir Rene and Bunnyx to protect Tikki and the kwamis against Truth,"

"This... does seem like the best outcome," Felix Sr nodded, clearly impressed with the level of planning but he also wasn't surprised. It was Anatis after all. The young hero's power was literally planning so he wasn't surprised by his plan to defeat his own akuma and to protect the vulnerable kwamis. "Given that you're here, you have a holder?"

"Yes, now that I have informed you, I will go to my holder so he can join the battle,"

"I see," Felix Sr nodded before he looked at Bennu. "I will join the battle as well,"

"The young master suspected as much," Bennu confirmed before he flew off. A dark red light burst from the study as he flew up the stairs and into Felix Jr's room. Felix was sitting at his desk, writing something. "Young Master Felix,"

"Bennu?" He asked, looking over as the kwami flew over. "Bennu, what are you doing here?"

"There is a powerful akuma and all the heroes are needed," He declared, flying over to the drawers. "I put my miraculous here a couple of nights ago,"

Felix frowned and opened the drawers, seeing the brooch there. He took it out and fixed it to his shirt.

"Bennu, I have to ask. Why are you the one telling me this? Shouldn't Anatis be here or Lady Noir?" He asked, making Bennu let out a sigh.

"The akuma has compromised Anatis and while Lady Noir knows who the heroes are, she doesn't know the location of the miracle boxes and she hasn't connected her baton to them just yet," Bennu explained. "We have a team trying to help Anatis out as we will need him for the battle but right now, Lady Noir is on her own and this akuma is especially dangerous,"

"We?" Felix asked before shaking his head. He could question it later. Bennu went to answer but he shook his head again. "Ignore my question for now. Lady Noir needs back up so let's do our job,"

"Very good, young master," Bennu nodded, making Felix nod back before he held out his hand.

"Bennu! Rise Again!" He declared, causing Bennu to be sucked into his brooch. He tilted back his head as a golden light created his mask over his eyes, changing their color to red and making his hair a brighter yellow before the gold light spread down his body, turning his outfit into his hero form. He held both of his hands over his chest as black fingerless gloves appeared and then the twin fan set manifested as well. With his transformation done, he rushed to the window and jumped out before jumping across the rooftops. He stopped however when he saw another hero as well. The older hero was wearing a dramatic outfit. He recognized him as the Swan Holder Atratus. Anatis had introduced them to each other when he asked for their help against his evil counterpart Brumus. Atratus stopped and glanced over before he jumped over as well. "I assume your kwami informed you of the situation?"

"Actually, it was your kwami," He confirmed. "Phénix Rouge if memory serves?"

"Yes," He confirmed. "And you're the swan themed hero Atratus, correct?"

"Yes," He nodded. "Let's find Lady Noir before the situation becomes dire,"

"Agreed," Phénix agreed before the two heroes ran off to find her.

~Meanwhile~

Lady Noir frowned as she looked on the Rossi household. Both Lila and her father were stood there and Lila was just talking as her father stared at her with a horrified look. She didn't blame him. The things Lila was saying were horrible but she didn't seem to be able to stop. It seems she is confessing every lie she had ever told. Lady Noir noted that both Lila and her father had white lips. She took out her baton and checked the akuma app. Still nothing. She could report it herself but she didn't want to create panic and alert the akuma. Given that it was Luka, he probably would sense the change in the citizens through their heartsongs. She opened the news app and again there was no reports. She sighed and tried to think. Lila was obviously top of the akuma's list, given how she was and also all the things that was going on with the court case but who would he target next? Gabriel Agreste maybe. She decided it was a good lead so she jumped off and made her way to Agreste Manor yet when she got there, there was no one panicking or anything. She frowned. Luka had said that Anatis suspected Gabriel as a possible ally of Hawkmoth and given that his akuma was able to make Lila confess her lies, he clearly had the power to make people confess their truths so this would be the perfect chance to target Gabriel so why hadn't he? Or was he inside and just being quiet? She went to move but before she could, Aspik jumped out of his window and landed on the gate. He stopped as he saw her.

"Lady Noir? Is everything ok?" He asked, rushing over. "Sass told me an akuma has compromised Anatis..."

Her eyes widened at his comment. Had the akuma done something to Anatis? And if so, how? Was Anatis his target and is that why he wasn't here? 

"Lady Noir?"

"We need to find the akuma!" She gasped but Aspik' eyes widened and he suddenly backed away. Given his reaction, she turned round. Standing on a floating eyeball was the akumatized Luka. His blind eyes reminded her of her time as Princess Justice and his blue skin and darker lips made it look like he had drowned to death. She took out her baton. "Where is Anatis, Luka?"

"Luka?" He asked in a strangely monotonal voice. It didn't suit him. Apsik gasped in shock as apparently he had no idea the akuma was Luka. "Luka isn't here, Lady Noir. As for Anatis, he is safe and will be joining us later,"

"And how do I know you're not lying?!" She hissed but apparently that was the wrong thing to say before he narrowed his eyes.

"Are you implying I would lie?" He asked in a cold tone. "I am the Truth, Lady Noir. No lies past my lips,"

"The Truth?" She asked, surprised as she recalled Feng's words. He said there would be a sign that her spell had worked and that if her spell worked, the Truth would come and set Luka free. Was the akuma what he meant? 

"But while I will not tell you a lie, I will not tolerate you or your hero friends getting in my way," He stated, snapping her out of it as Aspik held his hand over his bracelet, ready to activate second chance. "Out of respect for you, I will only give you one chance. Surrender your miraculous to me and I'll leave you alone,"

"Well, you're much more polite then the usual akumas but I'm not giving you my miraculous. Hawkmoth-"

"Shadowmoth," He corrected, making her blink.

"Uh... Shadowmoth then... you'll deliver them to him and I can't let that happen,"

"No, I won't," He answered, shocking her. "Shadowmoth has no control over me. I cut off the connection,"

"Then why do you want my miraculous?" She asked, making him hum.

"That is a good question. I'm not sure why I want them. To protect them maybe or it could because I am an akuma," He admitted. "But I think the main reason is to stop you from stopping me,"

"Stopping you from doing what?"

"I have to bring the truth to light. I have already sorted out Lila and now it's Mr Agreste's turn," He answered, making Aspik gasp. "I need to know if he is working for Shadowmoth,"

"You think my- I mean Mr Agreste is working for Shadowmoth?" Aspik gasped, making Lady Noir frown. "He may be an odd man but he doesn't-"

"Mr Agreste willingly lent Lila Rossi his legal team, knowing fully well it would mess up the restraining order and cause me distress," He points out. "Surely, in a city that is threatened by a supervillain who can change people into superpowered villains by using their negative emotions, that is a bad idea no?"

"I mean it is,"

"Then we have to consider why Mr Agreste did this. It doesn't seem to benefit him or his company but if we take into account, he is working for Shadowmoth, who has been targeting me repeatedly recently, a new possibility comes to light. It benefits Shadow Moth," Truth pointed out, making both Lady Noir and Aspik frown. "Now all I want to do is hit him with my power and ask. He won't be able to lie so we can know for sure,"

"But it wouldn't hold up in a legal court," Lady Noir pointed out, making Truth frown. "Under Parisian Law, "confessions" from an akuma's power are a form of coercement and will not hold up in a legal court, even if the targeted confess to criminal activity as it can not be proven if the confession was legit, part of the akuma's power or a false set of events caused by the akuma,"

Truth paused for a moment as if considering Lady Noir's words. She carefully kept hold of her baton, ready to attack. Aspik kept his hand on his bracelet, ready to activate his power but he looked torn. It didn't surprise her. Gabriel is his father and both her and Truth just stated that they suspect him of working for Shadowmoth. She knew that was a can of worms that her and Anatis were gonna have to deal with after they save Luka but she didn't blame Luka either. She knew he wouldn't have brought it up if he was himself but right now, he wasn't. Hopefully Adrien won't hold it against him. 

"You have a valid point, Lady Noir," He finally answered. "If I did force a confession from Mr Agreste, it wouldn't hold up in court... but I don't need a court. I can give him a punishment here and now,"

"Wait!" Aspik gasped, making Truth look at him. Lady Noir gave Aspik a look as well. With Truth's attention now on him, he glanced around nervously. "Uh if you go after Gabriel and potentially expose him for working for Shadow moth, if he is, then what about his family?"

"What about them?" Truth said harshly. Aspik had to remind himself that this was an akuma and Luka isn't normally so mean.

"Well, your exposure of him might not hold up in a court of law but it will hold up in the court of the public. The news would get hold of this and they would have a field day,"

"So what if they did? If he truly is guilty then he deserves it,"

"That may be so but does his family deserve it?" Aspik asked, making Truth pause again. "I'm not saying to protect Mr Agreste but if you expose him like this, his family will suffer the consequences,"

"You're saying the public won't just take it out on him if he is actually working for Shadowmoth but his family too?" Truth asked, making Aspik nod. He crossed his arms. "Explain,"

"Uh well you remember when the world found out you were Jagged's son right?" He asked, making Truth nod. "Do you remember how the paparazzi tried to go after your mum and your sister as well?"

"I do," Truth confirmed before he made a face as if thinking. "You believe that if I expose Mr Agreste, his family will also be targeted and potentially in danger..."

"Yes, I know it will happen," Aspik nodded, impressing Lady Noir. "So I'm asking you to leave an investigation into him by Anatis, Lady Noir and our team. Not for Gabriel's sake but for his family,"

Truth glanced at the two heroes before he glanced at the window. Gabriel was stood in it, glaring at him. Natalie was stood next to him but she looked fearful and of course, Adrien wasn't there as he was in front of him as the hero Aspik. Truth turned back to Lady Noir and Aspik.

"Your argument is well thought out, Aspik," He stated, making him let out a breath. "I will leave Gabriel Agreste alone but..."

He turned to the window where Gabriel was stood in.

"Mark my words," He stated. "Karma always collects its debt,"

With that, he moved his hand as if commanding the sentimonster he was standing on, causing it to fly away. Gabriel simply turned from the window as Natalie looked over at the heroes before following him. Lady Noir let out a sigh and turned to Aspik.

"Are you ok?" She asked, making him nod. "Alright, let's go after him,"

"Right," He nodded, jumping after her. "Where do you think he's going to go next?"

"Well, he got Lila already, obviously your father was next on his list... I would imagine the next target would be the one who forced Jagged and Anarka to keep his parentage hidden from him,"

"He's going after Bob Roth?" Aspik asked. "Isn't he in jail?"

"He is but we should check on him just in case," She answered, heading in the direction of the prison. Aspik kept up with her but both of them stopped went their weapons buzzed. She answered it when she saw it was Atratus. "Atratus, we're on our way to the prison as we think that's where-"

"He's not going there," Atratus stated. "He's heading to the Grand Paris Hotel,"

"What? Why is he going there?" She gasped, frowning. Chloe was on their side now and Zoe had been set free plus she had been trying her best to be better now so who would his target be? "Is he going after the mayor?!"

"Potentially," Atratus answered. "I'm not sure though,"

"R-right, we'll head there right now," She answered.

"Very well. Me and Phénix will meet you there," He answered, hanging up. Lady Noir turned to Aspik.

"He's going to the Grand Paris Hotel," She explained, making him nod and text something. "Aspik?"

"Ryuko messaged me, saying she saw a flying eye and is tailing it," He explained, making her frown. Wasn't Truth on the Sentimonster? "I've let her know where he is heading. She'll meet us there,"

"Ok," She nodded. "Let's go,"

~At the Grand Paris Hotel~

Truth landed on the rooftop of the Grand Paris hotel before he walked over to the lift and pressed the button. Lighteye flew over, making him look at it with a surprisingly gentle look.

"Sorry, you're a little too big for the lift," He stated, reaching out and gently petting the sentimonster. It closed itself and seemed to lean into his touch before the lift pinned. He pulled away and walked into the lift, pressing the button before the lift went down. Lighteye flew over the edge and looked in the window as the lift took Truth to the restaurant. As soon as he stepped out, the people in the restaurant stared at him. He was obviously an akuma but since he walked past them and left them alone, they weren't sure how to react. He walked straight over to Jean the butler, who looked at him with shock.

"Where is the mayor and his wife?" He asked, calmly.

"I... I don't know," Jean lied, making Truth frown. Jean looked like he was about to run but before he could, Lighteye trapped him with its beam through the window. Truth smiled and grabbed his face, making him look straight at him. His third eye glowed, causing Jean's eyes to glow the same color before his lips turned white. The people in the restaurant instantly panicked, thinking he was going to attack them next and ran out but he didn't even bother following them.

"I ask again," He stated as Jean stared at him. "Where is the mayor and his wife?"

"They are upstairs in their penthouse," He answered, though his eyes told Truth that he didn't want to.

"And Zoe and Chloe? Are they here?" Truth asked. He wanted to avoid collateral damage if he could.

"Both Miss Zoe and Miss Chloe have gone out," He answered, making Truth nod before he stepped away. Jean let out a sigh of relief as Truth went back to the lift and took it to the Penthouse. He stepped inside and headed straight towards the master bedroom. 

"I just think you need to try and be in the girls' life more," Andre stated, making Truth frown. "It's like you've given up on both of them,"

"Well, Chloe used to be good and Zoe was once useful but since that stupid bug got to both of them, they're both determined to be better," Audrey mocked, making Truth frown even more. Chloe and Zoe had both made the choice to change their ways and try to improve themselves. How was that a bad thing? "The Master has demoted me because of it. According to him, any offspring of mine is useless to the cause. I may have to contact Noé,"

"Oh not him," Andre gasped as Truth leaned in and pressed his ear against the door to listen. "He's crazy and I thought you had decided to distance yourself from him,"

"I had but he is still in with the guardian and if I want to reclaim my previous glory, I may need his help," She answered, making Truth frown before he had heard enough. He knocked on the door harshly. "Is that room service? Finally, it's being taking forever,"

"I'll get it, my dear," Andre declared. Truth narrowed his eyes as he heard the footsteps. He could practically imagine Audrey sitting on the sofa, looking at her nails with a bored expression. The door opened. "Just bring the tra- Who are you?!"

"I'm The Truth," He declared, roughly grabbing the mayor by his tie and pulling him inside. Audrey gasped and jumped up, going to run but before she could, Lighteye glanced through the window and trapped her in its beam of light. Her body stopped moving as Truth dragged Andre into the room, pushing him to the ground into Lighteye's beam and closing the door before locking it with his magic. He turned back to them as Lighteye kept them trapped before he turned his attention to Audrey. "Now, I think it's time we had a chat, Style Queen,"

"I won't tell you anything," She declared, making him smirk and walk towards her but before he could do anything, the door was kicked open and Lady Noir, along with Aspik and Ryuko, rushed into the room. "Ah finally! Get this freak away from me, you useless heroes!"

"Shut your mouth," Truth hissed at her, hating that she insulted the heroes. Even as an akuma, he still had a deep respect for them. After all, they were doing their jobs. Admittedly, he couldn't let them do that but he still respected them for doing so. "Lady Noir... didn't I tell you I would only give you one chance?"

"You did but we don't have to fight, Luka," She explained, lowering her baton. "I know that you're trying to make people more honest but the truth should never be forced,"

"Even if it means the salvation of Paris?" He asked, making her frown. "You stopped me from getting the truth from Mr Agreste despite suspecting yourself that he may be working with Hawkmoth and now you intend to stop me from getting the truth about Simme and the Guardians from Mrs Bourgeois. Who's side are you on, Lady Noir?"

"I'm on the side of good and we both know this isn't the way to solve whatever it is you're trying to solve," She answered, making him roll his eyes. She noted that he mentioned the guardians and Simme. It made sense though that he would seek answers about them and that he knew who to target. After all, Anaits probably spoke to him about it as Luka and he knew he was being targeted by Simme thanks to her. "Regarding Mr Agreste, we had to point out that if you forced him to tell us anything, it wouldn't hold up in a court of law,"

"I was willing to deal with him myself," He answered, making her frown. "I could finally bring justice to Paris,"

"That isn't justice," She stated, making him grit his teeth. "It would be vengeance and that isn't who you really are,"

"You don't know the real me," He pointed out. She knew he was right. While Luka was kind and gentle, his akuma seemed to be cold and indifferent but both had a couple of things in common. One of which was determination. Luka was always focused on helping his friends and family and Truth seemed focus on getting the truth from certain people. Probably to solve the issues he was facing as Luka but both also seem unable to actually tell their own truth. Luka was suffering because of the secrets he was keeping and it seems that it hasn't change with Truth. Instead of facing his own lies, he seemed to be focusing on getting the truth from everyone else. "But that doesn't matter. I gave you one chance to stay out of my way and since you've decided not to, I have to get rid of you and that's the truth,"

Ryuko and Aspik got ready to attack, respectively getting ready to use their powers but Lady Noir was thinking up a plan. She knew she needed to get his akuma and amok but as long as Truth was focused on his goal, he would trap them or incapacitate them before leaving to continue his plan. Despite being akuma, he was calm, focused and was thinking out things... but he was also Luka and Luka was an emotional person. What would Truth be like if he wasn't focused or calm?

"Big words coming from someone who can't even face their own truth," She stated, making Ryuko and Aspik look at her. Truth narrows his eyes but doesn't react yet. "I mean that's why you got akumatized, isn't it Luka?"

"Luka isn't here," He stated. "And I know what you're trying to do, Lady Noir and it isn't going to work,"

"Oh, is that the truth hm?" She asked, making him nod. "Sounds like a lie to me,"

"I don't lie!" He snapped.

"Really? Then why can't you tell us the truth hm?!" She asked, making him grit his teeth. "Come on, Luka! What's the secret you're hiding?! What's your truth?!"

"Shut up!" He declared, covering his ears but she kept pushing. "I SAID SHUT UP!"

The windows exploded, making glass fly everywhere, causing the heroes to gasp but Truth charged at them, going to punch Lady Noir. She blocked it and kicked him but he caught her leg and throw her out on the balcony. Ryuko went to attack him but he blocked it and grabbed her sword. Aspik threw his lyre, causing Truth to spin Ryuko and throw her into him but before he could do anything else, Lady Noir dived at him and tried to grab his necklace, summoning her cataclysm as he jumped back. He recovered and grabbed her hand, slamming it onto the sofa and turning it into ash before he threw her into Ryuko and Aspik as they went to get up. They all fell down and he ran out of the window, jumping out the window and landing on Lighteye before it flew off. He took a deep breathe as he tried to calm down. She hit a nerve as he knew she was right. Even as an akuma, he still can't tell the truth.

"Khnurn..." He whispered before feeling a presence next to him. "How can I pass your test when I can't even tell the truth like this?"

~Back at the Grand Paris Hotel~

"Uh he got away," Aspik gasped as Lady Noir frowned, looking at the ruined sofa before she dusted herself down and turned to the other two. Ryuko was frowning and looked deep in thought while Aspik looked torn. He obviously hated fighting Truth as he was fighting his friend and he was probably still reeling from the reveal of the heroes suspecting his father of working with Shadow Moth. "Umm.. so where's Anatis? Shouldn't he be here by now?"

"Regroup on the rooftop," She ordered in a serious tone that felt out of character for her. She also ignored his question. However, he didn't press it. He nodded and turned to Ryuko, who nodded as well. The two began to walk over to the balcony. "I'll be there once I've questioned these two and recharged,"

"Ok," Ryuko nodded before the two of them headed to the roof. Lady Noir turned to Audrey, who was dusting herself down and looking annoyed. Andre, on the other hand, was clearly shaken up. Neither of them had white lips like Lila and her father. 

"Urg! This is ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!" Audrey gasped, turning to Lady Noir. "That was a designer sofa by Pierre Yovanovitch himself and you just destroyed it, you use-"

"Shut up and listen," Lady Noir hissed, making Audrey look at her in surprise. "That akuma was called Truth and wanted to know about the guardians and Simme so you're gonna tell me why he targeted you,"

"I have no idea why," She declared, crossing her arms. "I have no idea about these "guardians" or this "Simme","

"We know your daughter Zoe used to be a brain-washed apprentice assassin to the Order of Guardians and Su Han so obviously you're connected," She answered. "So spill it. What do you know that made you a target?"

"Audrey, dear. This akuma seems dangerous and maybe telling Lady Noir here what we know may help,"

"Don't be so stupid!" She huffed before turning to the young heroine. "I can't tell you because I don't know anything,"

Lady Noir gritted her teeth before she turned on her heel and walked out of the room. She knew Audrey was keeping a secret but she was running out of the time. She found a janitor's closet nearby and checked it. Luckily for her, it was open so she slipped inside as her ring beeped rapidly. As soon as she closed the door, she detransformed into Marinette and caught Plagg. She quietly gave him some cheese and leaned against the wall. She takes a deep breathe before she turns back into Lady Noir. She headed up to the rooftop where Aspik, Ryuko, Atratus, Phénix Rouge and Valkyrie. She walked over to Lady Noir.

"The others have brought me up to date," She stated, making Lady Noir nod. "Do we know why he went after the Bourgeois family?"

"He seemed to be trying to get information on the guardian of the miraculous Su Han," She answered, making Atratus frown. "What is it?"

"He went after Mr Agreste as well," He stated, making her raise an eyebrow. "The Agreste and The Bourgeois are two of five families that founded the cult of Miracles,"

"The Cult of Miracles?" Lady Noir asked, making him nod.

"It was once called the Yǐnshēnyǐnbì and was created by one of the celestial guardians as a secret faction of the Order of Miraculous," Atratus explained, making Lady Noir frown as she listened. Anatis and her knew of their existence sometime ago but did Anatis tell Luka about it? "Originally, it's members were his most trusted but sometime in the 1700s, their goal began to change and five families rose through the ranks. The French Families known as Agreste and Bourgeois', the English Family Graham de Vanily, The Japanese Clan of Tsurugi and the Kubdel family that hail from the Amazigh tribe of African," 

"And Truth has already targeted two of those families..." Lady Noir frowned. "We have to take into account that he may go after all of them,"

"It would be wise to contact the other heroes then," Atratus stated, making Lady Noir nod and take out her phone. She saw a number of the heroes were online including Sabertooth, Abeille, Aroma and Dame. She pressed the video call button to call all of them at the same time. Abeille answered first and was with Culpeo. Dame answered, revealing she was with Aroma and Snowbird. Leatherback checked in next, followed closely by Sabertooth and Apollo. Next to answer was King Ox and then finally Tamarin.

"Everyone active has their miraculous?" Lady Noir asked, making all nod.

"Our kwamis came to us and told us there was a dangerous akuma on the loose," Abeille answered.

"They did?" She asked, glancing over at Aspik and the others. "Same for you guys as well?"

"Yes," Ryuko confirmed as the others nodded. "Longg said it was direct instructions from Anatis himself,"

That made Lady Noir raise an eyebrow.

"So Anatis must have realized Luka was going to be akumatized..." She mumbled, making the other heroes frown and a couple of them gasp. Culpeo looked especially distressed.

"The akuma is Luka?" She asked with concern. Lady Noir glanced up as the rest waited for confirmation.

"Yes," She said sadly.

"Where's Anatis?" Leatherback asked, noticing he wasn't there. Lady Noir frowned even more.

"I'm afraid he hasn't turned up yet," She answered, making them all frown. "It is possible that Truth has already captured him but we have no real way to know. Truth claims that Anatis is safe and will join us later but he is also an akuma,"

"So his word can't be trusted," Apollo confirmed, making her nod. "What are the akuma's abilities?"

"He has the ability to force people to tell the truth and he has a sentimonster with him. It appears to be able to create a spotlight that paralyzes anyone in it," She explained. "This is why I have called. We believe he is targeting certain people. He has currently gone after Lila Rossi and her father, Gabriel Agreste and Mayor Andre Bourgeois and his wife Audrey. We believe he may target Amélie Graham de Vanily, Tsurugi Tomoe and her brother and Alim Kubdel. There is also a chance he'll try and target Gabriel and Audrey again,"

"So we should try and protect them?" Abeille asked, making Lady Noir nod.

"But why is he targeting them?" Sabertooth asked, making Lady Noir frown.

"I don't know for certain but these families all have ties to the order of Miraculous," She answered. "Given that the current leader of the Order is in cahoots with the evil spirit Simme and Luka was Simme's target, I believe Luka may be trying to track down this leader and Simme to potentially force them to reveal their true intentions to the world but this is only my theory. I can't be certain. Regardless, he has gone after two families already so these seem like his most likely targets,"

"Then let's split and protect each family," Atratus suggested, making Lady Noir nod. It was the best plan. "And we should try to get in contact with Anatis,"

~Bunnyx's Burrow~

Bunnyx paced as she watched from her burrow. So far, Truth hadn't being overly aggressive so she hadn't made a move to get Anatis yet. It's not that she didn't trust Tikki or anything but she needed to be careful when messing with time travel. It was a last resort after all. Currently, the heroes had made a plan to protect the five founding families that seem to include her own. She was curious about that but right now, she wasn't Alix. She was Bunnyx and she needed her head in the game.

"Bunny, please you have to go get Anatis," Tikki gasped, making her look over at her and the other kwamis. Anatis had made a good plan. Hide the kwamis in the burrow and protect them from Truth. Though she hadn't worked out why Truth would go after the kwamis or how he got to Anatis so quickly. "He may not seem violent right now but..."

"You think he's going to?" She asked, frowning as she looked back. The heroes had divided in five teams. Aroma, Sabertooth and Tarmarin had gone back to guard Agreste Manor while Valkyrie, Apollo and Lord Ox had gone to guard the Grand Paris Hotel. Dame, Phenix and Leatherback had gone to the residents of the Graham de Vanily's home in Paris while Ryuko, Abeille and Snowbird had gone to Tsurugi Manor and Atratus, Culpeo and Lady Noir had gone to the museum to protect Alim Kubdel, leaving Aspik to keep an eye from a distance. It made sense, giving his second chance.

"Not to mention Anatis won't turn up to this battle," One of the other kwamis stated, making Alix frown. They were right. Tikki was here, meaning that Anatis couldn't transform plus Truth already captured him. That's why they needed a past Anatis. However, in the letter, Anatis had stated to 'wait for the right moment'. She wondered what he meant by that. She glanced up as she saw Truth walk into the museum with Lighteye floating nearby. Alix frowned as she watched the scene play out. The heroes were trying to talk Truth down. Even her father swore that he would give up any information he had about the cult of Miracles but he pointed out that Truth wouldn't remember it so it would be better to give the information after he had being deakumatized. However, Truth got annoyed and began to relentless attack them. He seemed to be singly focused on getting Alim and didn't seem to care what he destroyed or who he hurt. He threw Culpeo into a display, breaking it and stalked over to Alim. Atratus went to use his time ability but to everyone's horror, Truth used wind magic to throw Atratus into a sarcophagus, trapping in it before he turned to Alim and Lady Noir. She pushed Alix's father behind her and told him to run before she used her Screech ability. Truth used Elemental magic to summon a shield of ice, blocking her attack before he engaged in a fight with her, causing her to lead him to the art room. She kicked him into the room and used her body to block his exit, hoping to buy Culpeo time to get Atratus out of the sarcophagus. She held out her baton to fight him but unfornately for her, Lighteye forced it's beam of light through a skylight and paralyzed her, allowing Truth to use his akuma ability on her. Her eyes went wide and her lips turned white as Alix looked on in horror. She paused the screen and turned to Tikki.

"Ok, time to get Anatis!" She gasped, making the kwami nod as she grabbed the letter and opened it to check the location again. She hadn't really paid much attention to it when she first read it but now she needed to. "He said to open the burrow on the evening of the day that the Triplets of Terror got akumatized. Ok, that's the time... location... location... wait... Luka's room on the Liberty? Why is that the location?"

She looked up as all of the kwamis rubbed the back of their necks, including Tikki. She glanced back at the paused image of Truth before the pieces suddenly came together. Anatis' plan to protect the kwamis, the location, Tikki being here, Anatis not being able to go into battle and his so called capture. Anatis hadn't being captured by Truth at all. He was Truth.

"Holy crap! Anatis is Luka!" She gasped before her eyes widen as the reality of the situation fully kicked in. Truth wasn't just a dangerous akuma with access to magic. He was Luka and Luka was Anatis, meaning Truth was Anatis. It was a code red. Panic and fear began to flood into her mind as she scrambled to another screen before she brought up the time and location. "Burrow!"

The screen glowed white, allowing her to step into it and into Luka's room. He was staring at the tv in shock before he turned to her. Before she could help herself, she hugged him so relieved to see him normal, even though she knew this was in the past.

"Alix, what's wrong?" He asked, his voice full of emotion and care. The opposite to Truth.

"Luka!" She gasped, tears in her eyes as she looked up at him. "I... I don't know what to do,"

"Take a deep breathe and tell me what happened," He stated, calmly. She nodded and took a deep breathe. She needed to keep a calm head.

"It's... Code Red..." She gasped, making the color drain out of his face as Tikki jumped up. "Lady Noir can't fight him. We need Anatis,"

"Tikki, spots on," He declared, turning into Anatis. He didn't even hesitate. "Take me to them, Bunnyx,"

She nodded and the two of them stepped into the burrow, disappearing into it's light. Anatis glanced around, noticing the other kwamis and the future Tikki. He walked over to her as Bunnyx turned back into Alix. She gave Fluff a carrot to recharge.

"Are you ok?" He asked in a gentle tone. She nodded but looked worried. He didn't blame her. "Don't worry, Tikki. I'll get myself back to normal,"

"I know," She smiled weakly as Fluff told Alix she was recharged. She turned back into Bunnyx and turned to him before Tikki gently kissed his cheek. "Good luck,"

He smiled and nodded before he turned to the screen. He frowned as he saw his akumatized self on screen. The screen was paused but he had his hand on Lady Noir's cheek and her eyes were widen in shock and fear. Her lips were a white color and there was a spotlight on her. 

"Truth has the ability to force anyone to tell the Truth. He didn't seem violent at first, even willing to listen to the heroes but now he seemed hyperfocused on forcing anyone to tell the truth, no matter what," She explained. "He can also use magic. He was able to use elemental magic and even was able to trap Atratus in a sarcophagus,"

"Open a burrow above that room," Anatis ordered, making Bunnyx nod. She opened it as he turned to her. "Stay in here and keep an eye on the battle. If things get to the point where we're going to leave, go and get Hua Feng and the other Celestial Mages,"

"I will!" She nodded before he nodded back and rushed out of the burrow. It closed behind him as the sky burst into rain. He frowned as he sensed the world was reacting to Truth. He glanced down and saw Truth pulling away from Lady Noir.

"Now you can't lie to me, Kitty Cat," He declared, crossing his arms. Anatis stepped back to the edge before he ran straight towards the glass window that led to the room. "Who are you beneath the mask, Lady Noir?"

"I am-"

"MY BEST FRIEND!" He declared as he smashed through the window. Truth jumped back and narrowed his three eyes as Lady Noir's eyes widen in relief and joy. Anatis landed on the ground as he spun his yoyo. "And I can promise you that that's no lie, Truth! Prosperity!!"

He threw his yoyo up, causing it to glow and split into two but the second thing wasn't a yoyo. It was almost identical to the yoyo but lacked a string. Truth rose an eyebrow as if not impressed but Anatis smirked before he pressed the middle before he threw it at Truth. Instrictively, Truth caught it as it beeped rapidly, making him realize what it was but before he could react, it exploded into a bright light and loud noise, causing both him and Lighteye to pull back. Anatis took the chance to grab Lady Noir and ran out of there as fast as he could, heading to the Egyptian area where Culpeo and Aspik were trying to get open the sarcophagus that Atratus was trapped in. 

"Cataclysm!" She declared, running over and slamming her hand on it. It turned to ash and Atratus let out a sigh of relief.

"Anatis, you're finally here," He declared before looking at Lady Noir. "Truth got you,"

"But luckily, Annie got here just in time," She declared before turning to him. "But I was so afraid that Truth had hurt you,"

"Sorry, I wasn't able to get here immediately," He answered, rubbing the back of his neck.

"ANATIS!" They heard Truth shout angrily. 

"We should get out of here quickly," Anatis answered, glancing around. A manhole was highlighted in his luck vision before he rushed over and opened it. The four other heroes climbed in before he followed, silently closing the lid before they ran through the tunnels. Lady Noir's miraculous beeped as a door lit up in his luck vision. He opened as they heard the manhole being opened. Truth had worked out where they were. "You three go that way and go quietly. I'll lead Truth deeper in this direction. Culpeo, I'm gonna need your help,"

"Alright," She nodded as Lady Noir gently grabbed his hands.

"Please be careful," She gasped. "He can use magic,"

"I know but so can I," He answered before he ran off. The four of them went the opposite direction as quietly as possible. Truth came to the door and opened it, glancing around. Anatis and Culpeo were watching nearby. "Culpeo, can you make a mirage to get him to come in this direction?"

"Sure," She nodded before she played her flute and summoned her power. "Mirage,"

She released it before they heard footsteps echoing nearby. Truth heard them to and ran over to them, catching up with the heroes.

"There you are!" He declared before he suddenly stopped and narrowed his eyes. Anatis leaned over to Culpeo and whispered for her to get ready to run. He knew that Truth was definitely going to realize the mirage. As predicted, he waved his hand, causing the mirage to disappear. "A mirage... really?"

He turned to them as Anatis grabbed Culpeo's hand and ran with her. Truth narrowed his eyes and ran after them. The two of them ran deeper til they came to an edge that lead to some water. Truth was closing in on them.

"Culpeo, you know how I gave you those flavored cookies for Trixx?"

"Yeah," She nodded.

"Eat the green one and say power up," He declared, taking out a green magicron. She did the same as he ate his before he declared power up and turned into his aqua form. She followed his action and turned to an aqua form. She gained purple hair that faded into orange on the tips and her outfit was a little different from her normal one. Her hair was done up in a high ponytail but it was more wild and her bangs didn't cover one of her eyes. Her suit had changed a little as well. She still wore an orange unitard but it had a scale pattern on it and two black panels on her hips. The once gray oval in the middle of her suit was replaced by a blue one and she had thigh high black boots with flippers on the end of them and an orange ring at the top. Her two tails that had originally being part of the unitard was now part of a belt that was designed similar to a fin. It started off aqua blue and faded into orange and purple. Her gloves were now black with a blue ring at the elbows and some light orange fins. Her collar had changed to a blue fin-like design and she had fins on the side of her head. Her fingers were webbed as well and her mask was a simple orange with a scale design, matching her unitard. Her hair band was aqua blue and her flute had a blue tip instead of it's normal black one. The final changes were to her lips that were a light shade of pink and her fox ears. They were still the same size as in her classic outfit but the inside of them was a light blue instead of a gray. "Jump now!"

She nodded and dived off the edge, just as Truth caught up to them. She braced herself for impact but as soon as she hit the water, the atmosphere around her felt lighter and she found she could breathe under the water without an issue. 

"Can he follow us?" She asked before blinking. She was able to speak perfectly fine.

"He could but I don't think he will," Anatis replied, glancing towards the surface. On the edge where they jumped, Truth was glancing down but turned away and walked off. Anatis poked his head from the water and glanced around before he dived back under. "We should move regardless and try to meet up with everyone else,"

"Ok," She nodded as they swam. However, her miraculous beeped. "Uh should I be worried?"

"No, we'll get out of the water before you turn back," He answered as they continued to swim. He changed direction and breached through the surface before looking around again. He saw that they were under one of the bridges of the Seine and there was no one around. The heavy rain saw to that. He dived back under and swam over to her. "There's a bridge above us and no one is around,"

"Ok," She nodded, following him before they both pulled themselves onto the pathway under the bridge. Anatis sat on the edge as her transformation dropped. She caught Trixx as he opened his yoyo and took out a cookie for Trixx. He took it and began to eat it as Juleka sat next to him.

"You ok?" He asked softly as she fiddled with her thumbs.

"I'm scared..." She admitted. "What happens if we can't save Luka?"

"We will," He confirmed. "I promise you,"

She glanced at him but before either could say anything, his yoyo ran. He answered it.

"Hey, Kitten. We're just waiting for Trixx to recharge," He stated as Trixx took the last bite. "Anything new?"

"Well, the good news is Truth hasn't attacked anyone of the five families," She explained, making him nod. "But the other heroes have reported seeing his sentimonster flying alone. We're not actually sure where he's gone,"

"That's concerning," He admitted. "Hold on, I'm putting you on speaker so I can check the news,"

"Ok," She stated as he pressed the speaker button. He began to scroll through the news reporters and akuma app but at that present moment in time, nothing was on there. However, that changed when a notification for Aurora's weather blog came through. He wasn't surprised that she was doing her blog as the weather was unusual right now. He clicked it and saw her filming Truth as she stayed hidden.

"Anatis, Lady Noir... I'm not sure if you know but there appears to be an akuma and he seems... odd," She whispered as he walked through the Tuileries Garden, talking to himself. 

"Yes, this looks right..." He muttered as a guard of the gardens rushed over. Truth however ignored him as he looked around the gardens. "Hmm,"

"Hey! The gardens are closed off due to the weather! If it keeps raining like this, the Seine will burst," The guard stated as Truth completely ignored him. "Hey, kid! Did-"

"Ecnelis," He declared, causing the guard's mouth to slam shut before he walked pass him. "Lighteye, find the heroes and trap them. I can't have them interfere with my circle,"

"Circle?" Juleka asked as she looked over. Anatis frowned deeply. "What does that mean?"

"It means we need to stop him asap," He declared. "Lady Noir, get the others and meet me and Culpeo at the Tuileries Gardens. Truth is there but do not engage until we're there,"

"Roger!" She declared before hanging up. He turned to Juleka and Trixx as thunder began to rumble and lightening struck. Juleka glanced at the sky before turning to Trixx, who looked just as worried.

"Are you ready?" She asked, causing the kwami to nod. "Trixx-"

"Trixx, here," Anatis stated, taking out another magiciron. "We'll be able to get there quicker if we take the water,"

"Ok," Juleka nodded as Trixx took it and ate it. "Trixx, power up!"

Trixx glowed and spun around before turning into a different force. He still looked like a fox but he had some fins on his arms and a tail where his legs and tail had being. They were light blue that faded into a light purple. He also had some fins on the side of his head with the same colours.

"Mer-Trixx!" He declared, smiling a little as Juleka looked on in amazement. "What you waiting for, Kit! Let's go!"

"Alright," She nodded. "Mer-Trixx, let's pounce!"

Mer-Trixx got sucked back into the miraculous and she turned back into her aqua form. Her and Anatis dived into the water and swam to where they were meeting the others. They exited the waters, called off their aqua transformations and began to run over. Anatis saw some human shapes as they ran past the cinema, causing them to light up in his luck vision. He turned and grabbed them, revealing them to be cutouts of himself and Lady Noir. He set them up then joined Culpeo as she rose an eyebrow.

"That should trick his sentimonster," He explained as they ducked down behind a wall. Low and behold, Lighteye appeared and 'trapped' the two cutouts, mistaking them for the real ones. Anatis and Culpeo ran from it, heading to the other heroes who were observing Truth, who was focused on whatever he was doing. Anatis and Culpeo joined them. "What's he being doing?"

"Not much," Lady Noir stated. "I'm not entirely sure what his logic is but he stole a dry line maker and has being painting something with it,"

"It's a circle of magic," Atratus stated, making all the heroes frown as he climbed over. "I took the chance to look from a height and it's definitely that. I think he knows we're here as he keeps looking over but he seems fixated on making this circle. Given that he's an akumatized mage, this comes as no surprise but he seems more fixsated then Black Swan was,"

"Black Swan?" Anatis questioned, making Atratus raise an eyebrow and Lady Noir look at him with concern. "Right... the akuma...? Black Swan... Sorry, my brain went to Swan Lake for a second there,"

"It's fine," Atratus stated. "Anyway, given that his goal is make people tell the truth... I suspect that's what his goal is,"

"Force everyone to tell the truth with a spell that will more then like amplify the ability he has as an akuma," Anatis stated, frowning. "We need to stop him! Lucky Charm!"

He threw up his yoyo, causing his outfit to change into his upgraded form as the magical swarm turned into a roll of foil, causing Anatis to catch it. He glanced around yet nothing lit up.

"Ok, not sure how to use this yet but let's distract him," He stated, putting it on his belt and getting a nod of the heroes before all of them dived from the building they were and landed on the ground, ready to fight Truth. Anatis threw his yoyo and wrapped around his hand, pulling it back from the stolen dry line maker. Truth narrowed his eyes and yanked his hand forward, pulling Anatis forward and going to slam his fist into him. Anatis dodged and rolled out of the way before the two of them started to fight.

"Lighteye! Come back! Now!" He declared, dodging Anatis' attacks and returning his own attacks. Both were equally matched as they thought.

"Aspik! Give us a second chance!" Anatis ordered, getting slammed into the ground by Truth before he wrapped his legs around and reversed the role. Aspik nodded and set a second chance as Lady Noir dived at Truth, who blocked her attack.

"Annie, work out how to use your charm and we'll keep him busy!" She declared, getting a nod of Anatis as Truth grabbed her arm.

"Always doing the hard work huh?!" He declared. "Poor Kitten, having such a useless partner!"

"He's not useless!" She declared, slamming him over her shoulder and jumping back as Culpeo and Abeille engaged him. She pointed to her lips. "See? I can't lie!"

"Clearly so why don't you- Ah!" He gasped as he slipped. The floor beneathe him had gone slippery. He sent a glare towards Snowbird, who waved at him. Ryuko called upon Lightening Dragon and repeatedly attacked him while Phenix used Fire Phoenix, keeping him busy. Lady Noir jumped back over to Anatis.

"Anything?" She asked as he looked around. Tarmarin summoned her power, getting a toy snake and tried to throw it at Truth as Lord Ox tried to attack him. Truth grabbed Lord Ox and used him as a shield against Tarmarin's power before he threw him into her. Abeille activated her pollen and tried to attack as Sabertooth went to sneak up on Truth but he saw them coming and grabbed Abeille's hand, slamming it into Sabertooth and making her gasp. "This isn't looking good!"

Anatis nodded in agreement as he continued to look around. Cupleo and Apollo were trying to dodge Lighteye who had returned while Aspik was shouting directions. Apparently, Truth had defeated them over 10,000 times already. Anatis could believe it though. He glanced around again before his luck vision finally kicked in, lighting up a parasol, Culpeo and Apollo, Phenix Rogue, Lady Noir then Dame and Leather before finally light up Lighteye.

"I've got a plan!" He shouted, jumping over to the parasol. "Phenix! Apollo! Culpeo! Give us cover and get Lord Ox and Sabertooth out of there! Those who have used their powers and need to recharge, retreat!"

"Roger!" The three heroes replied. Apollo summoned his power and fired his arrow, blinding Truth. Culpeo used her mirage to keep the light active before grabbing Sabertooth. When Truth managed to get rid of the illusion, Phenix used Ash Phoenix to cover his line of sight as Anatis began to wrap the foil over the parasol. "Lady Noir! I need you to use a cataclysm on Lighteye! Dame, use your empower ability on Leatherback so his shelter is amplified! We contain Lighteye when he goes crazy and make sure Truth is in the radius!"

"ANATIS!" Truth growled, grabbing Phenix within the ash and throwing him aside. Snowbird rushed over and helped him up with Ryuko as Truth stalked over. Atratus jumped down and slammed his staff into him.

"Time Hiatus!" He declared, slamming his staff down and trapping Truth in a time bubble but almost instantly he began to break free. "Anatis! Put your plan into action now!"

"Right!" He nodded, causing Dame and Lady Noir to act.

"Cataclysm!" Lady Noir declared, jumping up and slamming her hand on Lighteye.

"Empower!" Dame declared at the same time, making her sword glow green before she tapped Leatherback. He held up his shield as Lady Noir slammed her hand on Lighteye. 

"Shelter!" He declared, causing his force field to appear but it was much bigger then normal, trapping all of them inside it. Atratus rushed over to Anatis as he jumped in front of Leatherback, putting up the foiled covered parole as Lady Noir and Dame joined them. Lighteye flew around crazily, flashing its light spot as Truth break free from the time bubble. He jumped back and dodged it as Anatis handed the parasol to Lady Noir and threw his yoyo, wrapping it around Lighteye and pulling himself on it before he took the reigns and directed it's eye at the foiled parasol, flashing directing it towards Truth, paralyzing him. He went to throw his yoyo to break his necklace but Truth himself suddenly lit up, causing Anatis' eyes to widen before Leatherback and Culpeo lit up as well. He hesitated for a second before calling out to them.

"Culpeo, I need you to detransform," He stated, surprising all of the heroes. "And Leatherback, I need to borrow your shield,"

"Are you sure?" She replied back as Leatherback took off his shield. Lady Noir looked over the parsole.

"Annie, we almost have him defeated," She stated, making him glance at her as Dame and Atratus glanced over as well.

"I know but trust me," He replied, giving them a soft smile. Atratus glanced around.

"There's reporters watching us," He stated, noticing the helicopters around. "Just deakumatize him. That's the best outcome,"

"It isn't," He answered, making them all frown. "My luck vision lit him up as well as those two. Tikki hasn't pointed me wrong before. As for the reporters,"

He closed his eyes and took a deep breathe, channeling Alpheus' power. Instantly, a heavy and thick mist began to surround them, blocking out the view of the fight from the reporters entirely.

"There," He stated, opening his now silver eyes before he looked at Culpeo. "That will protect your identity from the public so trust me ok?"

"I do," She nodded. "Trixx, let's crouch,"

Her transformation disappeared and she caught Trixx, making Leatherback gasp a little. Atratus didn't seem surprised and Dame didn't show any shock if she felt any. Lady Noir nodded but kept the Parsole up. If she lowered it, everyone would be trapped in Lighteye's beam. Leatherback threw his shield to Anatis, who caught it and placed it over Lighteye's eye, blocking it's spotlight. Truth stumbled forward for a moment before glancing up at Anatis. He should take advantage of his sudden choice but then Lady Noir lifted the parsole and he saw Juleka. His eyes widen as he understood the plan.

"J-Juleka..." He gasped in shock as reality hit him. Juleka was Culpeo and he... he had attacked her. He had attacked his own sister. Instantly, she rushed over and hugged him. That was the last straw as he finally broke down. His tears started to fall freely as he hugged her back. "Jules, I'm so sorry! I'm a useless bro-"

"It's ok, Luka," She reassured, shaking her head. "You're not useless,"

"But I attacked you!" He gasped. "I attacked everyone! Oh god... did I hurt Ma and Marinette?!"

"No, no. You didn't," She gasped, realizing why Anatis went with what his luck vision had hinted to him. "You didn't hurt any-"

"But I have!" Truth declared, shaking as tears rolled down his cheeks. "I keep lying to you! I keep pushing everyone away! I'm so tired of everything, Juleka. I can't keep lying but I can't tell the truth either!"

"Luka..." She gasped as he sobbed, sinking to his knees. She glanced at Anatis, who was holding Lighteye in place though the sentimonster was struggling but not as if it was fighting to free itself. She got the impression it just wanted to comfort Luka. The sound of heavy rain began to hit the shellter as if the sky itself was crying along side Luka. She turned back to him and knelt down in front of him. "Luka, listen to me. Do you remember what I told you after I got akumatized back into Little Sister?"

"Y-you said that I didn't have to lie to you. Whatever it was, we could handle it together," He whispered, looking down. "But I can't-"

"I also said that when you were ready, I will listen," She stated, interrupting him and making him look at her. "Everyone has secrets and that's ok. You don't need to share yours until you're ready and if that day never comes... then it never comes. It isn't going to change that you're still my brother and I love you,"

"Jules..." He whispered as she took his hands in his.

"Whatever it is that you need, I will do my best to provide it. If that's someone to listen to you or space. You don't need to suffer alone. I am here for you and so is Ma, Uncle Jagged, Auntie Penny, our friends and Marinette. Whatever you're going through, you don't have to do it alone. Even if you can't tell us what it is," She stated, making his eyes widen. "You can hit me with your power if you want so you can see I'm telling the Truth,"

"I... I don't need to, Juleka," He stated, touched by her love and faith in him. Simme had being trying to convince him that he's alone and had being taking advantage of the despair he had infected him wiht and his depression had amplified with it. He glanced up at Anatis as he lit up in his sight, making him understand what he needed to do and what he was going through. Yes, he was depressed. How could he not be? Master Fu and Master Mila were gone and he was grieving them and his fear of creating Lady Blanche was holding him back too but while these things had added to his stress, depression and despair, he also hadn't made it better for himself. Instead of embracing the support he had, he pushed them away. Instead of facing his issues, he buried his head in the sand, desperately trying to stop the Truth. Not because he was afraid of being akumatized. Sure, he was but because he knew that he would have to face the Truth eventually. It was inevitable and because of his fear and obsession to try to prevent it, he allowed himself to fall for Simme's trap. His despair wasn't his fault but as the saying goes 'Misery loves company'. He may not have intentionally tried to drag everyone down with him but he had and now he had a choice before him. Continue in his web of despair and not only allow Simme to win but drag down everyone he loves with him or he can accept the truth of his pain and face it. He knew what to do. He gently pulled his hands away from hers and stood up, giving her a reassuring look. He walked over to Anatis and Lighteye and looked up at Anatis. "... The akuma and amok is in my necklace. I don't think I have the strength to reject them myself though..."

"I understand," Anatis nodded before Truth took off the necklace and held it to him. He took it as Truth looked at Lighteye.

"I know you have to destroy Lighteye but could I hug him so he isn't afraid?" He asked, making Anatis nod. Truth slowly wrapped his arms around the Sentimonster, instantly calming it down. "It's ok, Lighteye. I'm here,"

Anatis gently pulled his yoyo free from Lighteye and used it to break the necklace, freeing the akuma and amok. Truth closed his eyes as Lighteye disappeared before the purple smog engulfed him, turning back into Luka as Anatis caught them and purified them. Almost instantly, his eyes rolled up into his head and he fell forward, causing Anatis to catch him as his nose began to bleed and he began to fit more violently then anyone had ever seen. Juleka rushed over as Anatis held him. He carefully placed him in the recovery position, gently holding his head so he wouldn't hit his head. Atratus and Leatherback rushed over as Lady Noir put the parsole down and moved over to him. She gently took Luka's hand in hers as Juleka helped Anatis hold his head. Dame just stared in horror. She didn't know an akuma could have such a side effect.

"W-what's wrong with him?!" Leatherback asked in a panicked tone. 

"It's because of the akuma," Anatis explained as Atratus knelt down and held his hand over him.

"His spiritual energy is dangerously low," He stated, frowning.

"Leatherback, can you hold his head please?" Anatis stated. Leatherback nodded and took Anatis' place as he gently placed his hand where Luka's heart is. He closed his eyes and breathed in. Slowly, he began to glow a light silver that slowly turned into a soft gold. Luka stated to glow the same shade and slowly but surely, his seizure began to calm down until it finally stopped. However, Anatis didn't pulled away straight away until Atratus suddenly pulled him back. "W-why did you stop me?"

"Your spiritual energy has dropped into dangerous levels as well," He stated, narrowing his eyes. "If I hadn't, you may have hurt yourself,"

"R-right," He nodded, feeling weak and tired. Lady Noir's, Dame's and Leatherback's miraculous beeped, reminding Anatis that he needed to release the cure. He grabbed the box of foil and threw it up. "Miraculous Ladybugs!"

The box burst into the cure and spread around, fixing everything before it came back and spread around Lady Noir before it disappeared. She was still holding Luka's hand and Juleka was stroking his hair while Trixx looked at him with a worried expression. His eyes were closed but he was breathing. Atratus walked over to them and knelt down.

"I will take him to the hospital," He stated, moving to gently pick up Luka. Juleka stood up.

"I'm coming with you," She stated as Trixx flew up.

"I haven't recharged yet but-"

"Here, Trixx," Anatis stated, pulling a small piece of candy out of his yoyo. Trixx took it and glanced at him. Anatis looked tired and pale. "Hey, don't worry. I'll be ok,"

The little kwami frowned, knowing that this Anatis had no idea how bad it got but he knew he couldn't tell him. Rules of time travel and all. Fluff would kick his butt, even if it was for Anatis. He thanked him and ate the candy, flying over to Juleka. The mist was still covering them but Leatherback's shellter was long gone. 

"I'm charged up, Kit," He declared, causing her to nod and transform back into Culpeo. She turned to Anatis and nodded at him as Atratus held Luka in his arms with the young man's head leaning against him. Anatis nodded back before the two of them jumped away as Lady Noir walked over.

"Are you ok?" She asked as her miraculous beeped, along with Dame's and Leatherback's.

"I'm fine," He smiled. "Go before you transform back,"

She nodded and jumped off before he turned to Dame and Leatherback.

"For now, keep your miraculous but I'll collect them later ok?" He stated, making both heroes nod and jump off. He threw his yoyo and pulled himself up to the rooftops, taking a moment as he felt drained. It had being a hard battle. A burrow opened up in front of him and he stepped into it.

"You did it!" Bunnyx gasped, happily before she saw him. "Anatis, are you ok?"

"I'm fine. Just tired," He smiled weakly as Tikki and the other kwamis flew over to him. "What will you guys do?"

"We'll go back to the Liberty and stay in the miracle boxes until Luka has recovered and comes back," Ziggy explained as the other kwamis nodded. Anatis nodded in reply before turning to Tikki.

"And you?"

"I'll do the same but make sure to stay near to Juleka so she can use the ladybug miraculous if there's an akuma,"

"Wow, I really thought of everything," He smiled, a little proud of himself. "But hopefully, I can work out what happened and prevent it from every occurring,"

All the kwamis glanced at each other, making him frown.

"I can prevent it... right?"

"We don't know," Tikki admitted, making him frown.

"But you can try!" Barkk gasped as the other kwamis nodded, not wanting to scare him.

"Yeah!"

"Definately!" 

"Ok, Ok. I'll try my best," He smiled, making the kwamis let out a sigh of relief before he turned to Bunnyx as his miraculous beeped. "Alright, time to go home,"

"Thanks for your help, Luka," She smiled, making him ruffle his hair. 

"Just don't tell anyone else ok?" He stated, getting a nod of her before he climbed back into his room. He waved as she closed the burrow before all the kwamis let out a sigh. She turned to them and frowned.

"What is it?" She asked, making them all look down. "He'll find a way to prevent Truth right?"

"It... it can't be prevented, Bunny," Tikki explained, making her frown. "The Truth is coming for him,"

~At the Hopsital~

"We've done what we can but it doesn't look good, Ms Couffaine. Physically, he seems fine. His brain and organs have no damage and there's no injuries but we can not explain why he's in a coma," The doctor stated, making Anarka gasped. Luka was attached to machines as he had slipped into a coma. Juleka was sat in the room, holding his hand. The heroes Atratus and Culpeo had brought him to the hospital and contacted her, making her, Jagged and Penny race to the hospital. Culpeo had gone to go get Juleka and Atratus had stayed to ensure no akumas came for the family. He was still stood quietly in the corner. While she hadn't met him, his presence there was reassuring but the news the doctor had given her made her fear rise. "We're not sure he'll ever wake up again but we will do our best to look after him. Given that this is caused by akumas, we are operating in the dark here,"

"I understand but please try your best," She answered, making the doctor nod.

"We will but it may be best to move him into long term care for coma patients," The doctor explained, making her frown. "I know it's hard to hear but they will be better equipped to look after him. Ultimately, it is your choice but we do have documents ready if you decided to go for it,"

"Thank you," She answered before walking into the room. Jagged instantly pulled her into his arms and held her as Penny rubbed her arm. "They think he won't wake up,"

"He'll be ok, Ma," Juleka stated, keeping hold of Luka's hand. "He's strong,"

"I have placed some sigils around the room to keep akumas out so I will give you some peace," Atratus stated, getting a nod of them and stepping outside. After he had brought Luka to the hospital with Culpeo, he contacted Anarka, explaining what had happened and who he was. She had being distrustful at first but he had explained who he was and what he could do as well as his connection to Anatis. Luckily, that allowed him to gain a small amount of her trust. He leaned against the wall as the two people walked over. One was a teenaged girl with twin braids and wearing modern but Indigenous clothing and the older man next to her was in more traditional Indigenous clothing. "Can I help you?"

"You must be one of the heroes of Paris," The older man stated.

"I am. Who are you?"

"I am Guardian Mau Tau and this is the holder of the Falcon Miraculous Jessica Keynes," He stated, gesturing to the girl. He recalled she was one of the heroes who helped out at the situation in America.

"Sup," She nodded, making him nod back.

"What brings you here?" He asked.

"Anatis asked us to come and help out a young man called Luka," Mau Tau stated as two others joined them. Atratus rose an eyebrow at both his comment and the newcomers. There was a sense of magic coming from them. Mau Tau must have sensed it as well as he turned to look at them. The woman was pretty looking with green eyes and short brown hair. She was dressed in a summer dress and had a golden feather around her neck. The man next to her had wild hair that resembled a lion's mane and was a blue gray color. He was dressed in a dark blue hanfu and had brown red eyes. He had a blue orb around his neck. "Uh.."

"You're both spirits," Atratus stated, making the woman smile before the lion man looked at her.

"Ah, this one can sense our true forms,"

"He is the acting grand mage of Paris," She explained before she placed her hand on her heart and bowed her head. "I am Jean D'arc, the spirit of Valour and this is Mei Shi, the Spirit of Discipline,"

Mei Shi placed his hands together and bowed as both Mau Tau and Jessica looked in on shock. The door opened and Juleka stepped out before blinking as she looked at the odd group before she recognized Jessica.

"Jess?" She asked. "What are you doing here?"

Jessica walked over to her.

"Anatis contacted me and my master to help your brother," She explained, making Juleka glance over. "Mine's the one with the eyebrows,"

That made Juleka laugh a little as Anarka stepped out as well.

"Everything ok, Lass?" She asked, looking at the four strangers. "Who are you lot?"

"We are allies of Anatis," Jean stated, stepping forward. "You must be Captain Anarka,"

"That's me," She answered, looking to Atratus, who nodded. "And you are?"

"Jean D'arc," She smiled, making Anarka look at her in shock. "Yes, the one that died in the 100 years war,"

"W-what? How?!" She gasped. Jean D'arc explained that she was now the spirit of Valour and Anatis had asked her to help with Luka's recovery. "I don't understand... you can help my boy? and you? Who are you?"

"Guardian Mau Tau. Anatis also came to me for help," He explained. "We have a temple located in the Antarctica that was created by the original Celestial Guardian Huo Feng as a place of healing and safety,"

"And this can help my son?"

"He built it for your son," Mei Shi explained, making her look at him. "Master Feng foresaw these events long ago and took it upon himself to build a temple that would be a place of healing and respite for the young guardian,"

"Young guardian?" Anarka asked as Juleka frowned. "What do you mean young guardian? My boy-"

"Meishi, I told you he hadn't told them yet," Jean scolded, making him rub the back of his neck. Juleka stepped forward.

"Guardian? You mean Luka is a guardian... of the miraculous?" She asked, making the two spirits rub the back of their necks. "That's the secret he couldn't tell, isn't it? The truth he had to lie about?"

"The situation is a lot more complicated then that, young kit," Jean answered, surprising Juleka a little. "But yes, that is part of it,"

"Wait! When did my son become a guardian of the miraculous?!" Anarka gasped. "Did you force him into it?!"

"Goodness, no," Jean gasped, holding up her hands as Mau Tau glanced at her. She took a moment before glancing at Juleka and the Captain. "Unfortunately, it is not my place to explain the situation,"

"Then who will explain it?!" Anarka asked, causing the spirits to look at each other. "Well?!"

"The only person who can fully explain is Luka himself," Jean confirmed before she looked at Anarka. "Captain, I understand that this must be strange for you and I'm sure you have plenty of questions but please understand. We are here to help,"

Anarka narrowed her eyes and glanced at the two spirits and the guardian. Jessica was stood next to Juleka. She turned her glaze to her daughter then to her son, frowning as she did. The doctors said that it didn't look good for Luka. Physically speaking, there was nothing wrong with him. His brain was working as were his other organs but they couldn't explain his coma and they had never being able to explain why he reacted to akumas in the way he did. She turned to Jean.

"You can help my boy?" She asked, making her nod.

"Yes. It is the very reason why Anatis contacted us to begin with,"

"And why can't Anatis be here himself to confirm this?" Anarka asked, making Jean frown. "I trust Anatis and the heroes of Paris but I do not trust you... so tell me why isn't Anatis here to explain who you are? And don't lie to me. I've had enough of lies,"

"I understand, Captain," Jean nodded. "The truth is that Anatis in unable to be here because the fight against Truth took it's toll on him,"

"I can confirm this, Anarka," Atratus stated, feeling this was the right time to step in. She looked at him. "In order to stabilize Luka's condition after deakumatizing him, Anatis shared his own spiritual energy but doing so drained him to a point of exhaustion. If I hadn't pulled him back, he could have killed himself,"

"Spiritual energy?" Anarka asked before she looked over at Luka. Healthy yet trapped in a coma. "Is that what's wrong with my boy? Spiritual damage?"

"Yes," Mei Shi confirmed. "I experienced something similar after I was deakumatized. All mages and spirits experience spiritual damage after being possessed by akumas due to our natural ability to wield magic. That is why he has such an unique reaction to the akumas. The stronger the magic, the stronger the damage but not all is lost. It can be healed,"

"It can be?" She asked, causing Mau Tau to step forward and nod, explaining that spiritual damage can be healed with the use of certain herbs, crystals and energy work. His recovery would also be sped up if they moved him to the Antarctica temple as it is located on the true axis mundi,"

"Axis mundi?" Anarka asked as Juleka frowned.

"The Centre of the World," Atratus stated, nodding. "In other words, all spiritual energy and magic converge there,"

"Yes but also this temple was designed to be more as a place for long term healing for physical, mental and spiritual injuries," Mau Tau explained. "Arguably, one could call it a spiritual hospital or at least that's what the records say,"

"You've never being there?" Anarka asked, making him nod. "How do we know it will be the best place for Luka? And won't it be freezing since it's in the Antarctica?!"

"Ma, I think this may be the best place for Luka," Juleka stated, making her look at her. "The doctors can't help him because his injuries isn't physical. If he stays here, he won't get better... so please, let's trust them,"

"Juleka..." Anarka answered before she looked to Atratus. "You told me that you see outcomes right? If we take Luka to this temple... what's the outcome for it?"

"It is the ideal outcome," He answered, making her nod. "If you want, I will enchant the hospital staff to-"

"No need," Anarka stated. "We will tell them that we will move Luka to a location designed for long term care for coma patients. I will go and tell Jagged and Penny then we will work out how to move him there,"

She turned on her heel and entered the room. A few moments later, Jagged and Penny followed her out. She introduced them to the spirits and guardian then Jessica before she explained the plan. Penny nodded as she listened.

"I will go and sort out the documents to have him moved into our care then," She stated. Luckily for them, the doctors had already suggested it. 

"I will join you," Anarka stated before the two women walked off. Jagged checked on Juleka as everyone waited. The two women came back a few minutes later and nodded. "It's done. Now we just need to work out h-"

As she spoke, a portal suddenly opened and Valkyrie stepped out, followed by Sir Rene in his Rabbit form. Juleka gasped as she saw him.

"Sir Rene?" She asked, making him nod.

"Hello, young squire," He smiled softly before turning to the adults and the spirits as Jessica stated in shock. Rene nodded towards Jean before he cleared his throat. "I believe you need some assistance to get to the Antarctica temple?"

"I'm sorry... who are you?" Anarka asked, though somehow she felt like she knew this strange man. There was a sense of familiarity to him and her gut told her she could trust him and that he was a kind man. He placed his hand on his heart and bowed towards her.

"I am Sir Rene of Avalon," He explained. "The Fourth Celestial Guardian of the Miraculous, the Grand Mage of Parisius and the Dragon Knight of Camelot. It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain Anarka of the Liberty,"

"You know me?" She asked, surprised. 

"Yes, young Juleka told me about you when she and her friends got sent back to my time by the history keepers," He explained, making Juleka nod as she looked at him. He turned to Valkyrie, who's miraculous beeped. "Go and feed Kaalki,"

"Yes, Sir Rene!" Valkyrie did before running to the women's rest room. Jean walked over to him.

"Perfect timing as usual, Rene," She smiled.

"Ah Jean. You're still around?" He asked, making her realize this is a younger one then the last time she saw him. She nodded, making him smile. "Excellent! Ah Meishi! You're in your human form! It suits you,"

"Thank you, Guardian," He smiled back, causing Rene to grin happily. Anarka couldn't help but find the strange young man endearing. Penny and Jagged were staring at him before Jagged snapped his fingers.

"You're the Knight in that painting!" He declared, making Rene look at him. "The one that was painted by da Vinci and was lost but was recently recovered!"

"Good eye, sir," He grinned. "Yes, my dear friend Leonard did in fact paint me. We had a lot of fun during that time. Ah, perfect timing, Valkyrie,"

He smiled as she walked back over before he entered Luka's room and walked over. Luka was laid in the hospital bed with his hand on his stomach and his eyes closed. His chest was moving up and down and he had a drip on his hand. Rene gently took his hand and very carefully removed the drip as everyone watched. It made Anarka realize that he somehow had modern medical knowledge. He carefully picked up Luka, causing the younger to lean against him.

"You remember the coordinates yes?" He asked Valkyrie, making her nod. She summoned her power and circled her hand as a ball of light appeared on there before she threw it.

"Voyage!" She declared, opening it before she gestured towards it. "After you, Sir Rene,"

"Thank you. Come, friends," He stated, glancing at everyone before he stepped through with Luka. Juleka followed instantly before the two spirits, Jessica and Mau Tau. Penny looked at Anarka, who went through next then at Jagged. He nodded back and went through as she turned to Atratus. 

"Are you coming?"

"No, I should head home," He answered. "Valkyrie, keep in contact and let Culpeo to keep in contact as well,"

"I will do!" She declared as he turned to leave.

"I wish Luka a speedy recovery," He stated before disappear in a puff of smoke. Penny rose an eyebrow before she stepped through as well. Valkyrie followed her and closed the portal as everyone looked around. The temple was more homely then they expected and it was surprisingly warm for a structure built of ice. Sir Rene walked over to an archway and into the room beyond it. Inside was a bed made of stone. Surrounding it were ashes and golden feathers and there were several sigils on the wall that were glowing slightly. Rene gently placed Luka on the stone bed and moved the blanket he was in so he was in so it covered his body. The air shimmered slightly as Khnurn stepped out from the spirit world, holding Ra in his hands.

"How is he?" He asked, looking over at Luka. 

"He's not in the worst shape but he could be better," He admitted. "Simme did a real number on him,"

"Yes, the despair was like poison in his veins," He answered before glancing over to the arch. "His family are here?"

"Yes," Rene replied. "As is Meishi and Jean as well as a guardian i haven't met yet,"

"Mau Tau. He is one of Toutai's chosen," Khnurn replied, stroking Ra as he glanced at Luka with a worried expression. 

"He will be ok, Khnurn,"

~In The Spirit Realm~

Luka blinked and looked up at the starry sky in front of him. He frowned before he slowly sat up and looked around. There was a waterfall nearby and he was lying in a field of lotuses. There was a sweet smell in the air. He slowly got up and looked around as he noticed the flowers moving and dark mist slowly closing in. He narrowed his eyes.

"Simme, I know you're there," He stated, making the wicked spirit laugh before a snake rose from the flowers. The ones around it were dying. "You're not in your cage anymore,"

"Clearly," It chuckled. "Don't worry. That wasn't your doing, my dear little mage. I simply got strong enough by consuming souls to break myself out. Swans are quite tasty and no one ever misses the homeless,"

"You've being consuming the souls of the homeless?" Luka asked in an angry tone. Simme laughed before he went to lunge at Luka. However, Luka jumped back and summoned a flame, hitting Simme with it. "Huh... I can use Alpheus' magic freely?"

"Urg your flames hurt!" Simme hisses with a clear pain. "Those never hurt me before! What did you do?!"

Luka glanced at his hands before he walked over to Simme, who hissed at him.

"I corrupted you! You shouldn't be able to hurt me!" He hissed, changing into a bigger snake. "I infected you with despair!"

"Yes you did," He answered as he looked up to him. "But you were never going to win because I was never going to give in to you. You tried to convince me I was alone and unloved and that is a lie. I am not alone and I never have being. Yes, you infected me with despair and my own pain amplified it but I will not let you win! I will face my pain and rise above it and that is the truth!"

Simme screeched and went to attack him but Luka jumped back and grabbed his jaw, stopping Simme from attacking him. As he held him off, his eyes turned from blue to silver and the smell of burning filled his nose as Simme screeched in pain but Luka didn't let go. He wasn't done yet.

"You can take back your despair, Simme! I don't want it anymore!" He declared, tightening his grip. "So take it! All of it! All at once!"

Simme struggled as the veins on Luka's hands appeared black but they began to spread over Simme. Slowly, the ones on Luka turned gold, taking over the black. He shoved Simme away and looked at him as Simme hissed angrily.

"You... you rejected the despair I infected you with?! But I fully infected you!!" He hissed, angrily and confused. Luka should have being too far gone to reject it and Finni was too weak right now to help him. "How?! How is that possible!? Even Feng isn't that strong?! How are you?!"

Simme's eyes widen as he looked at Luka. He could see his aura which was glowing far brighter then any aura he had ever seen. For a moment, it was a blue color before it changed into a rainbow with colors that represented all of them. Purple for Khnurn, Indigo for Feng, Green for Toutai, Yellow for Alpheus, Red for Sir Rene, Blue for Luka himself and finally Orange for Finni. Simme hissed angrily but then it began to glow brighter before all of the colors started to merge, turning into a pure white. His eyes widen even more and for the first time in a while, he felt fear. Luka, this child before him, had an aura of pure white and that only meant one thing. Luka was the spirit of humanity itself. Luka seemed to feel the change in his aura as he moved his hands before he looked at Simme as his eyes became a silvery blue.

"Impossible!" He gasped, looking at Luka with pure fear. "You can't have that! You can't be that!"

"Be what? The Spirit of Humanity?" He asked, making Simme hissed. Now that he had realized what his spirit trail was, a lot of things made sense. "No wonder why you wanted to destroy me before I learnt my spirit trait. I'm the very thing you've hated all your life, aren't I? You were born from the cruelty from the hearts of man and Finni was born from the kindness in there but me? I'm the spirit of humanity, are I? And that means you're wrong about humans. Because if they were naturally evil and cruel.. I would be evil and cruel but I'm not,"

"But I exist meaning you're wrong!" Simme argued, sounding like a child. "Humans are cruel,"

"Hmm some are but not all," He answered before he crossed his arms. Simme hated how confidence and calm Luka was. Simme knew he had lost. He hissed and retreated, disappearing in the darkness. Luka let out a sigh before he walked over to the dying flowers. Lying among them was Finni in his bird form. This must have being where he went rest when his past self transferred his spiritual energy to his current self but he seemed far worst for wear. Luka however wasn't surprised. Simme was trying to hurt him as well. Luka gently knelt down and carefully scooped up the phoenix, gently holding it to himself. "I'm sorry it took me so long to get here, Finni and I'm sorry it took me so long to embrace all of who I am,"

The phoenix stirred and glowed golden before Luka felt arms round him in a hug.

"It's ok, Luka," Finni stated, causing Luka to look at the smaller boy. "I knew you'd come back to me,"

Luka smiled before returning the hug as a golden light surrounded them. Finni turned into his kwami form as a golden feather marking appeared on Luka's forearm. A surge of power engulfed him and he stood up, holding out his arms.

"Finni, Hearts Embrace!" He declared, causing Finni to disappear into the mark. A golden crown appeared on his head before turning into a golden headpiece with a halo design and a fiery gem in the middle of his forehead as a golden light spread across his body, turning his outfit into a suit similar to his Anatis suit but it had a red upper torso with his sides, legs and arms colored in orange. His stomach area was light lemon color that changed into a bright yellow on his lower stomach and legs. There was gold trim around the edges and his boots were the same lemon yellow with a golden trim that resembled wings on the top of them. He gained soft silver gloves that had a finger loop around the middle finger with a gold ring. Around his ankles and his wrists were floating, golden rings and a belt that he could only really describe as a peplum belt. It had a gem like the one on his forehead in the middle and had fabric attached at the back that resembled feathers. The middle feather was a pastel blue, the next to were pastel green and pastel purple and the final two were pastel yellow and pastel pink. His hair turned brown with highlights that matched his tail and his eyes turned silver. From his back, two beautiful wings appeared. Their feathers were red on top, orange in the middle then the five pastel colors at the bottom. Across his eyes a red and orange mask appeared, resembling a bird and he gained a staff in his hand. It was made from brown wood and had gold orb in the middle with two gems. One sat where the wood met at the top and was an orange pearl and the other was another fiery gem in the middle of the golden orb. The golden light calmed down and Luka held out his hands, looking at them. "Wait... isn't this... the phoenix form we saw in the Lady Blanche timeline?"

"Indeed, it is," Khnurn's voice made him turn around. The other guardian was stood behind him. "Impressive, Luka,"

"Impressive?" He asked, walking over. "I'm guessing this means I passed your test too,"

"Yes, you did but that's not why I'm impressed," He answered before he gestures to Luka's new form. "You are the first to be able to do a spirit transformation... and one that represents all of us,"

"It does?" He asked. "Wait... hold on... spirit transformation? So Finni and I can turn into this?"

"Yes... do you feel different?" He asked, making Luka nod. "Do you know why?"

"I feel more then just the spirit of humanity and Finni feels more then the spirit of kindness..." He answered, closing his eyes and placing his hand over his heart. He could hear the songs of the world more clearer then he ever could. Slowly, it dawned on him what that mean. "This form... we're the spirit of hope in it, aren't we?"

"Yes," Khnurn confirmed. "And you earnt it. Hope is more then just a wish. It's putting your trust in the hands of your friends... it's holding true to your values and facing your fears... it's admitting your faults and overcoming the forces of darkness. It's the determination of doing what's right, having compassion for all and embracing all that makes us human. Burn bright, oh child of hope and may your flames never extinguish,"

Khnurn placed his hands together and bow, causing Luka to do the same before he disappeared, leaving Luka alone. Slowly, the spirit world faded away and he found himself in a room with a stone bed surrounded by feathers and ash. Lying on it was himself. He looked pale and rough but a blanket was draped over him and he was breathing lightly. He gently walked over and placed his hand on his physical one.

"Time to wake up..." He whispered to himself. He didn't know how much time had passed but that didn't matter. "This world still needs us,"

With that, his body glowed golden as did he before he disappeared. Slowly the light faded from his body, revealing he looked a bit more healthier and he slowly opened his eyes, revealing their color was now a silvery blue before they turned back to their normal blue. He glanced around the room and smiled lightly to himself before he closed his eyes again to rest. He still felt drained but he had to admit he felt so much more lighter then before. He let out a quiet sigh as he decided to rest a bit more but still it was nice to be back.