#turtle!kagami

    ‘How could have this happened? How could /I/ have foolishly lost a Miraculous?!’

Izuku was waiting backstage with Chloe as they watched Marinette doing the final checks before the Fashion show starts. Since everything was good and back to normal after Tirumushi defeated The Collector, the event was up and running once more and ready to go.

Chloe tilted her head as she observed the worried looking childhood friend of hers, and hummed out loud, gaining his attention for a moment.

“So…you of all people lost a Miraculous?”

Izuku groaned out loud as he placed his hands over his face, sighing out in exasperation, “I know! I was so so careless! I was going to hand out the Bee to Alya for help since you, Natchan and Michan were captured by The Collector! I…I have no excuses, and now I know Master Fu is gonna give the ‘ohhhh I told you so, Young Izuku~’ talk if he finds out—”

“Hey, he won’t find out. I’m sure Nath and Ice Queen has it covered and will find it,” Chloe assured him with a huff, patting his shoulder before glancing over to where Adrien had just arrived, and Marinette fussing over him, “Besides, shouldn’t you check on Adrikins and see if he’s okay?”

Right. He supposed as his best friend, Izuku should make sure the blond was okay after the whole fiasco with his father. Especially when witnessing before the akumatization the complete one eighty Gabriel Agreste had shown. While Izuku was pretty sure the man was a stoic and calm individual, he had never seen the fashion mogul lose his temper in public like that before.

Taking Chloe’s advice, Izuku approached Adrien and tapped his shoulder, looking awkward, “Dri-chan? You okay?”

“Oh! Izuku,” Adrien fully faced the other boy and reached over to hug him, before checking him over, “I should be asking you that! You must’ve been freaked out after my father…lost it, back there…?”

“Y-Yeah, um, what…” Izuku paused, thinking of his words carefully before speaking slowly, “Did…you want to talk about what was that about?”

Adrien’s face scrunched up, and Izuku knew it seemed something touchy and raised his hands up.

“Y-You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to—“

“No…” Adrien shook his head as he smiled weakly, “No, I…it was all my fault. My dad caught on his cameras that I was sneaking into his office and thought I took one of his prized inspirations for his work. Which, in hindsight I guess it was a bad idea I was snooping and being curious…”

“Curiosity killed the cat, you know,” Izuku murmured imploringly, but then blinked, “But, what happened to the book? You didn’t really steal it, right?”

Adrien gave a tiny cheeky grin and Izuku felt himself sweat-drop.

“…Dri-chan, no.”

“Dri-chan, yes~”

Adrien was soon rushing to the side where his designer messenger bag was and soon pulled out what seemed to be a tattered book, and the blond walked back towards Izuku to give him a closer look. Tikki did peek out a bit out from Izuku’s jacket, gasping silently at seeing the familiar looking thing in the model’s hand.

“Wow, it looks ancient,” Izuku murmured as he opened the book once it was handed to him, but his eyes widened when he saw a Ladybug Heroine and some writings in Chinese, “Is this—?”

“Cool, right? Apparently there was a Ladybug and Cat hero from thousands of years ago! And check this out, there’s even a Fox Heroine and even some villain that seemed to be almost related to Queen Butterfly!” Adrien babbled excitedly, “Since I know you’re interested in heroes and all, I thought you’d be interested in seeing this! I’m also gonna show Alya too since she’s into Tirumushi and Feline Noire—“

Izuku was nodding his head, his intrigue piqued, but then yelped when he felt something pinch at his pectoral, alerting Adrien for a second. 

“Ahhh, sorry! I think a bug is crawling inside my shirt, hold on!” Izuku laughed weirdly, before taking a few steps back and turning around, looking inside his shirt, “Tikki! What was that?!”

“Izuku! This is it! The one Master Fu was looking for!” Tikki chirped quietly to him, and Izuku blinked.

“…Is it…?”

Tikki nodded, “It’s definitely the Grimoire that the Master was looking for this whole time!”

Izuku paled as he glanced at Adrien for a moment, who was oblivious to them and still sifting through the pages of the book. The Ladybug holder remembered how Master Fu told him that if the Grimoire is still around, it was probably in the hands of whoever is wielding the Butterfly Miraculous.

 Turning back to Tikki, he hurriedly whispered, “Is Adrien involved with Queen Butterfly somehow?!”

“We won’t know for sure. Why don’t we ask?”

Izuku pursed his lips, before turning and walking back to Adrien, smiling wide, “Sooooo~ Um, you said this book belongs to your Dad, right?”

Adrien nodded, looking up at Izuku and shutting the book close, “Yup! Apparently he and Mom went on a trip once in Tibet and found it during one of their nature trail hikes. Since then, Father has been really using this book as his source of his work.”

Izuku doubt it was for his fashion lines, but if it was true that the Agreste couple found this book…

Forest green eyes glanced over to the couple now, eyes zeroing on Emelie Agreste. Izuku could feel his heart grow heavy as he narrowed his eyes, his mind now racing.

…Does this mean Emilie Agreste is Queen Butterfly?

But his rational mind then reminded him that the woman was here when The Collector happened, and she was even one of the victims he captured. But then again, what if that was a ploy to get Tirumishi off her trail?

‘I don’t see Emelie-san as a manipulative or cunning person.’ Izuku thought to himself for a moment, then shook his head as he looked to Adrien, ‘I don’t think Adrien even knows the implication of his parents having something like this in their possession…which makes me wonder…’

“Adrien, did your parents happen to have a piece of accessory that came along with this book?” Izuku asked casually, and Adrien’s eyes widened.

“Oh! There was a brooch that was pretty. It reminded me of those fancy looking feathers of a peacock!” 

Izuku’s stomach turned into knots as he glanced down at his shirt for a second, already catching Tikki’s horrified look. This confirms it..while perhaps Emilie Agreste isn’t the Butterfly holder terrorising Paris, it’s possible that she and her husband are involved with them.

“Adrien, do you think I can borrow this book?”

Adrien frowned, as he shook his head slowly, “Wh-while I did bring this with me to show you, I can’t really lend it to you. I promised Father that I would give it back to him after the show, so I wouldn’t be grounded for stealing it in the first place or ban me from going to school.”

Izuku tried not to show his frustration as he smiled weakly, “J-Just for a day? Please, Adrien, I can even give it back tomorrow safe and sound~”

Adrien saw how Izuku’s hands were reaching out to grab for it and stepped back, keeping the book away, “Izuku. I’m already in trouble, I don’t want to make my Father angry again for letting you borrow this book. I can’t even ask permission since he was really sensitive of people seeing the source of his masterpieces.”

Izuku didn’t want to seem desperate. If he could just only maybe show Master Fu the book and confirm…

Pursing his lips, Izuku sighed before letting his hands drop to the side, “Okay, okay…c-can I just borrow it during the show and read? You said you wanted to show to Alya, right? I can show it to her and give it right back to you afterwards before you and your family go home…”

Adrien looked apprehensive about this and sighed, nodding his head after a minute of thinking before holding the book out, “Just…be careful with it, okay? My Father will flip if something happens to it.”

“I promise,” And Izuku did mean that as he took the book carefully, observing the lining over the cover with shining eyes, “It really is a precious book…”

Adrien folded his arms, raising a brow, “Yeah, so please look after it. But also you and Alya don’t be too distracted of it to ignore Marinette’s show.”

Izuku frantically nodded, looking sheepish as he hugged the book close to him, “I’ll guard it with my life!”

Once Adrien was called by Marinette for final checks, Izuku sighed in relief as he looked down at the book in his hands. Chloe appeared beside him, tilting her head as she looked at the book and made a face.

“Ew, Izu-sweetie, what is that?”

“Something Master Fu has been searching for this whole time,” Izuku whispered to her seriously as he patted her shoulder, “I’m going to take picture of the pages and save them to show Master Fu. Adrien’s not gonna be letting go of this book any time soon since it belongs to his Father and there is no chance that Gabriel-san is going to give it up…”

Chloe looked surprised at this and frowned, “…So are we gonna assume Monsieur Gabriel is—?”

“He and Emelie-san might be involved with Queen Butterfly at least,” Izuku told her, “Anyways, I’m gonna head to the bathroom so I can have privacy to picture the Grimoire and maybe get an update from Natchan and Michan on finding the Bee Miraculous.”

“No, it’s better to use my private green room,” Chloe said as she gave him a key then kissed his cheek, “That way you won’t be disturbed or accidentally drop the book into the toilet water—”

Izuku blushed, but grinned as he kissed her cheek in return, “You’re amazing, neko-chan!”

Chloe huffed, looking flustered and sashaying herself away, “I know I am~“

Izuku grinned fondly as he watched her go, shaking his head before rushing off to use Chloe’s room where she would dress and do her make-up. Closing the door behind him and making sure to lock it, he soon placed the book down in the dressing table and opened the pages, quickly snapping each one and saving them in his photo album of his phone.

“This was very clever of you, Izuku. This way Adrien won’t get into trouble with his Father and Master Fu would have at least a copy of the Grimoire to use and help you and the rest of the Holders,” Tikki complimented with pride, but Izuku frowned with a serious look in his eyes.

“It still doesn’t sit right with me that we have to give this back to Gabriel-san and knowing that he might have the involvement with a villainess. Poor Adrien…” Izuku sighed, and Tikki flew out from his shirt pocket to hug his cheek.

“We can think about that later. For now, at least something good comes out of this. We’re getting closer in finding a way to stop Queen Butterfly for good!”

Izuku knew Tikki was right. But it didn’t stop the gnawing feeling that someone is going to get hurt by all this.

“…This isn’t good.”

Rubis Renard tilted his head as he looked over to Sheruta bending down near some bushes, holding something in her hand. He walked over to her and blinked at seeing a familiar Mini Miracle Box that was wide open and empty.

“…Oh, this isn’t good,” The Fox Hero repeated before he felt his flute vibrate and opened it carefully to see Izuku’s face popping up on the floating illusionary like hologram screen before him, “Iz?”

“How are things going there? Did you manage to find it?”

Rubis Renard grinned nervously, “Well. We’ve got good news, and bad news…”

Izuku’s face on the screen went deadpanned, “What’s the good news?”

“Good news? We found the Miracle Box that held the Bee Miraculous,” Sheruta stood by her teammate’s side as she then showed the empty box to Izuku, “Bad news? The Bee Miraculous is missing.”

Izuku was letting out a loud groan on the other end, placing his hand over his face, “By the Kwamis— You might as well come back. Worse case scenario is someone might’ve picked it up.”

Rubis Renard and Sheruta looked at each other for a moment, before the Turtle Heroine frowned and looked back to Izuku.

“Do you think Alya might have it since you did say that you were trying to recruit her before you lost it?”

Izuku looked thoughtful at this, “It’s possible. I can even ask her discreetly. Also, I also found my own good news and bad news.”

The Fox Hero raised a brow, “…I think I’d rather hear the bad news first…”

Izuku made a face before sighing, “Fine. I found the Grimoire, but it belongs to Gabriel Agreste. And I don’t think he plans to part ways with it anytime soon, according to Adrien.”

Izuku managed to give more details about what happened to the duo, and Sheruta sighed.

“And the good news, at least you managed to copy the pages of the book down in your phone to give to Master Fu. Which sort of buys us time at least until we find a way to really get that book in our hands,” She stated logically, before she looked at Izuku’s guilty face, “You are worried about Adrien also being involved in all this.”

“I just don’t want to conclude that his family might be working for a villainess, especially when it’s confirmed that the Peacock Miraculous is in their possession too.”

Rubis Renard looked understanding, “Let’s not jump into any speculations for now and keep an open mind. Adrien is our friend and you’ve known the Agrestes for a long time, so we shouldn’t be quick to make judgement until we have all the facts straight.”

“You’re right.” Izuku sniffled, and both Fox and Turtle heroes soften at seeing how conflicted their friend looked, “For now, just come back and we can reconvene later along with Lo-tan.”

The two nodded before they soon high-jumped to the Parisian rooftops, making their way back to the fashion show.

“Scoop~ The hat Adrien Agreste is wearing was made by my BFF, Marinette~” Alya spoke loudly with a smile as she filmed Adrien walking down the cat walk before her, then faced her camera at an awkward looking Marinette, “Anything you like to say during my livestream~?”

While Marinette waved clumsily with a wide nervous smile, Izuku managed to sneak up behind her and waved at the camera as well, hiding the book behind him.

“Oh! Izuku you’re just in time!” Alya smiled brightly before grinning with waggling brows, “Chloe is about to be next down the cat-walk~”

Izuku felt his freckled cheeks warm as he glanced over to the stage, seeing Adrien sashaying away coolly as Chloe passed by him, doing her own stylish walk. Indeed, she looked great in one of Marinette’s dresses, looking like a Queen of the Night with how the dress sparkled and Chloe looking good in her hair and makeup. Honestly, Izuku felt his heart leap at the sight, lips pressed tightly and eyes practically glowing in awe and pride for her.

Marinette and Alya looked at each other and giggled, gushing how smitten Izuku looked.

Alya was about to say something teasingly until she looked behind Izuku and gasped with wide eyes, the hands holding her phone almost shaking. Marinette and Izuku looked confused for a moment before looking behind their backs and gasped as well. What was she doing here?!

Nino, who was in charge of the music during the show, stopped his DJing as he gasped as well. The scratching sound of his disks echoing in the room as everyone turned their heads at the sight of the newcomer walking in fashionably late.

Even Chloe, who was frozen in place on stage, looking absolutely gobsmacked at the person appearing before her.

“I…I don’t believe it,” Alya finally said, as she turned her camera towards herself with a look of disbelief, “Tealbloggers…a huge update!”

Facing the camera again, it was pointed at a golden blonde haired woman, dressed in a white strapless jumpsuit, a thick black stripe down the right side that is long in length and bares around the shoulder blades. On her head, she adorns a black hat with black-and-yellow color stripes on the underside, yellow hat band and a black-and-yellow flower on the left side. She wears a pair of bright golden high-heel shoes and white evening gloves which reach up to just under her elbow, and adorned a golden bangle-like necklace around her neck with black gemstones and white outlines.

The woman strutted towards Chloe, and once she was in front of her, she tipped her sunglasses down to show her bored looking sapphire eyes.

Chloe gasped, placing her hands over her mouth before she then breathed out and composed herself, “…Mother.”

“Cleo—I-I mean, Chloe.” The woman managed to correct herself quickly, coolly looking up and down at Chloe’s attire, “Huh…you don’t look utterly terrible…”

Marinette almost looked like she was about to faint, if not for Izuku holding her up.

“That’s Audrey Bourgeois! She hasn’t been seen in Paris for ages, since she worked overseas in New York this whole time!“ Alya breathed out as people whispered around them, and she smiled brightly and glanced at her friends, “Scoop #2! With The Style Queen’s surprise appearance, this means we’ll be seeing Marinette’s designs in every single photo and news broadcast!”

Marinette did faint this time, and Izuku easily caught her in his arms.

    “This was Audrey Bourgeois’ first public appearance in Paris for a long while~ This fashion week is full of surprises and shockers~”

Nathaniel watched Nadja Chamack do her news report in front of her camera man, then glanced over at Kagami and Izuku, “Who would’ve thought Chloe’s Mom would return home, I thought she would be busy…”

“I don’t think Lo-tan even knew she was coming either,” Izuku softened as he glanced to the green rooms, wanting to check up on his partner.

“Either way, Marinette seems happy,” Kagami said as the trio looked over at a bouncing Marinette chatting to her parents, Alya, Nino and Adrien, “If the so called Style Queen deems her designs to be good, she might actually become famous overnight.”

The three then walked over to the group, but were then surprised when Audrey Bourgeois was sauntering towards them, almost looking like a preening peacock the way she walked. At the same time, Gabriel and Emelie also approached, Gabriel even placing a business like smile.

“My dear Audrey. It is an honour and a pleasure for you to show up during Fashion Week. I hope you enjoyed the show in the private VIP box we have set up for you. Especially when your daughter is one of the models. You must be very proud.” The fashion mogul stated politely, already taking the offered hand from the woman and kissed the back of it.

“Let’s not overdo it, huh, Gabriel~?” Audrey chuckled haughtily, giving a sugary sweet smile.

Izuku didn’t know why he felt his skin crawl hearing her voice, almost reaching to scratch at his arm as if feeling an itch. 

“Seems Daddy didn’t inform me that Mother was coming home. Probably forgotten since he’s priority would be catering to her and her high maintenances,” Chloe’s voice sounded bitterly as she stepped next to Izuku, hands on her hips and huffing a breath, “Seriously. She always does this.”

“Does what?” Marinette, hearing their conversation, spoke up curiously as Adrien, Alya and Nino turned to her.

“Always just shows up whenever she wants and then will leave before I could even say anything to her,” Chloe stated as she then rolled her eyes, “Watch. As soon as I go to her, she’ll get my name wrong once again then make her exit.”

“Did you enjoy the show?” Gabriel asked the Style Queen casually, then gave a look to his wife, who was glaring daggers at Audrey.

“So-so…” Audrey glanced at the hat Adrien was wearing, then grabbed it off his head and observed it, “This hat is not a Gabriel Agreste.”

Marinette squeaked, making everyone look at her now.

“Are you responsible for that?” Audrey asked now, raising a brow and nothing really reflecting behind her sunglasses.

Marinette chewed her lower lip anxiously, as she glanced around the people that was with her. Her parents smiled encouragingly at her, while people like Alya and Nino were giving thumbs up happily. Even Adrien murmured a ‘stand proud!’ with a bright smile along with Nathaniel, and Kagami nodding as if that says everything, and Chloe did the same thing. She then looked to Izuku, and the green haired male softened, while placing a hand over his heart.

‘Believe in yourself, and let your heart lead the way.’

Marinette took courage, and nodded her head with a bright smile, “I…I’m the one who created it.”

“Marinette won a fashion design competition,” Gabriel interjected as well, as everyone sort of looked at him weirdly while Audrey hummed with a keen observation. 

“This hat is this most…” She dramatically paused, before gushing out, almost out of character like, “The most exceptional thing I’ve ever seen! You’re a visionary, Marinette! Glitters had it’s day, feathers are the trend of tomorrow!”

Alya was about to squeal in excitement for her bestie but then felt the hand of Nino covering her mouth, but did manage to steady her hand from shaking her camera phone to film all of this. Marinette stared in shock as both Adrien and Nathaniel were congratulating her silently along with Tom and Sabine, and both Gabriel and Emeilie were being polite in complimenting Marinette as well.

“I haven’t felt this much emotions since…” Audrey glanced at Gabriel, “…you.”

Gabriel chuckled, almost basking in pride, “She does have talent.”

Audrey raised a brow and looked to Marinette, “You wanna be a fashion designer, right?”

Marinette nodded immediately, “Yes! Y-Yes I do, ma’am!”

“Then come to New York with me~ I’ll make you the biggest name in fashion!” Audrey then laughed, amused for a moment, “I’m sure you’ll even upstage Gabriel~”

“I’ll be able to model for you!” Adrien chirped with excitement for his good friend.

“We’ll be there for you, honey,” Sabine spoke up, her husband nodding alongside her supportively, “No matter what you decide!“

“My helicopter will be leaving for the airport at 8pm tonight,” Audrey stated, and Marinette was already looking frazzled about things happening so fast.

“Isn’t this awesome for Marinette, Chloe?” Adrien asked, smiling at Chloe.

Izuku was afraid of this. It was why he had been silent the whole time. While he was happy for Marinette, he knew that someone else is feeling differently through all this. He was even prepared for Chloe looking upset, grabbing her hand and squeezed it. He had always been by Chloe’s side since he was four years old…he knew the pain of one absentee parent. To have one prefer someone over them…?

Chloe’s feelings boiled over.

“It’s…IT’S RIDICULOUS! UTTERLY RIDICULOUS!” Chloe yelled almost childishly as she shook Izuku’s hand off of her and whirled around to her mother, eyes blazing, “I’ve never been to New York with you and you’re taking MARINETTE?!”

Audrey sighed while rolling her eyes, as if looking down at someone stupid, then looked at her covered nails in boredom, “I’m taking Marinette because she’s exceptional, Claudette—I mean, Chloe.”

“I’m exceptional too!” Chloe argued, stomping her foot down for good measures.

“The only exceptional thing about you, my dear? Is your mother,” Audrey hissed coolly, the venom in her eyes made Chloe falter for a moment.

Izuku felt himself growl as he stood in front of Chloe, his own eyes blazing, “You’re wrong!”

Everyone was shocked for a second at Izuku’s tone, Audrey raising a brow at him while Chloe snapped out of her revere.

“Chloe is ten times a better person than you are!“ Izuku argued protectively as he then laughed acidly, “Yes. She’s headstrong, confident and knows what she wants. She pretty much has a loud personality that makes her stand out…Bourgeois-san, no offence, but she also is someone that cares very deeply unlike you—”

“Izu-sweetie,” Chloe tugged at his arm, but Izuku was relentless. 

“Chloe may seem someone that would be nothing in your eyes, but to some of us? Myself and my friends thinks she’s awesome,” He glanced over at the others who were coming over to stand by him, and Izuku smiled, “She’s grown up as a fine young lady that is more than exceptional. She’s out of this world.”

“Y-Yeah! Izuku is right, Aunty Audrey!” Adrien spoke up by his side, “She’s tries her best to be a good person and help people, just as she was taught by Mlle. Inko.“

“Inko...?…oh, the help that took care of you and Cara—Chloe,” Audrey murmured with a scoff, “Why Andre decided to hire that foreign cow is beyond me,”

All Izuku could see was red, and he was about to let out a warning tone but then Chloe stepped forward, a cracking sound of skin making impact sounded and echoing around the building. Everyone looked shocked as Audrey’s head was looking to the side, a reddening handprint already forming onto her cheek. Chloe stood before her, panting hard like a raging bull as she snarled at her own mother.

“You…You. Do. Not. Call. Maman. Inko. That!” Chloe screeched out in fury, shakily breathing in and out as her fiery glare kept Audrey in place, “You can insult me, I’m used to it. But not to my true mother figure!”

“You…You insolent little—“

“Madame Bourgeois.”

Marinette stomped in front of the blonde woman with quiet anger as she too glared up at her, hands on her hips and lips pressed into a hard line before she spoke loud and clear.

“As I am honoured for the opportunity, I’m afraid I have to decline. Nor am I interested in working with you in the near future.”

Audrey looked shocked for a few seconds, before her face turned cold, her nose almost up in the air as if Marinette was some insect beneath her face, “…You’re going to regret rejecting me, little mademoiselle. Last chance to take it back, I’m not usually one to give a second—“

“Then I won’t be asking for a second, nor third, or even a hundredth chance.” Marinette stated strongly, unwavering and unlike the usual clumsy and stuttering Marinette, her own eyes icy, “Because I actually care of the people that follow me on my future journey and what my career is to become. Insulting family friends that I care about is not a way to get into my good graces. Nor do I want to associate with people like that. So, apologies…but I rather stay here in Paris and continue to make my own path in fashion.”

Audrey stared at her, then glanced at the people now watching her. Gabriel and Emelie were not meeting her eyes and even the Dupain-Chengs looked utterly horrified and furious at her. Even the teenagers were looking pretty pissed. But what angered Audrey the most, was seeing her poor excuse of a daughter holding hands with the riff raff looking broccoli haired boy.

“…Hmph. What a waste.” Audrey started walking away, not meeting anyone’s gaze, “Ridiculous. Utterly Ridiculous.”

Once she was gone, the tension was soon lifted, and everyone could sigh in relief. Although Adrien did look worriedly at his parents. Especially since his Father was blank faced and Emelie was slightly pale.

Chloe also felt like a weight was off her shoulders and she almost fell on her knees, if not for Izuku holding her up. Somehow, he wrapped his arms around him and held her close, even burying his face near her neck and had her eyes closed. It was almost as if he was trying to hold himself together, but he knew he had to make sure that Chloe was okay.

“Lo-tan?”

Chloe curled herself against him as she whimpered a little, her eyes teary for a moment, “I’m so sorry she said that—“

“It’s not your fault,” He stated quietly, as he then nuzzled a little in affection, his emotions also just as raw as hers, “You’re my partner. Of course I’m going to stand by you. In and out of the mask.”

Those words made her smile, resting her head against his as she felt her heart warm.

“Man, she was a bitch.” Alya seethed out loud now, moving away from Nino now as he was holding her back from losing her temper through the whole thing, and the girl huffed and looked at Chloe, “Man, you are really an angel compared to her. I’m sorry you have such a sucky Mom.”

“It’s whatever, Cesaire.”

Marinette gasped as she realised something and then looked around, “W-where is Auntie Inko?”

“Oh! She did go to the rest room,” Tom stated with a scratch of his head, but then sighed when seeing his wife looking down right murderous, “It was a good thing she didn’t hear…what was just said by that foul woman…”

Sabine was murmuring something in Mandarin, then switched to Cantonese as she looked like she was going to lose it. But Izuku and Adrien, the two having learnt Chinese at a young age, realised what she was saying.

“I want to destroy that woman for insulting my dear friend.”

And lo and behold…an akuma appeared before them as the dark butterfly touched over Sabine’s wedding ring, and a dark energy surrounded her quietly. 

“MOM NO!” Marinette cried out but before she could reach forward, Nathaniel stopped her, “No! I have to stop my mom from being akumatized—“

“It’s too late, Marinette. Look!”

And indeed, in Sabine’s place was a woman floating a few inches from the ground dressed in what seems to be a traditional hanfu that was decorated in red and gold, and her headpiece looked similar to those of an old era of Empresses from China. The woman had the same beauty make-up similar of an Empress, even having a tear shaped jewel on her forehead. She then held her hands out, as two fans that had blades at the end of them appeared, glinting under the lights.

“I am Verity Queen. And I will straighten that “Style Queen” and punish her of the slander she has inflicted upon Inko Midoriya. JUSTICE BE DONE!”

And soon, the woman soared out of the building in a burst of wind, shocking everyone and even made the room shake for a moment. Nadja and her cameraman were in awe, but rushed to chase after the akuma of the hour, wanting a scoop of the second akumatized villain of the day.

Izuku and Chloe looked at each other in fear, then glanced over towards Nathaniel and Kagami. The four gave each other signals, and they soon rushed to separate hiding spots to transform while everyone was distracted. While Tom was panicking and being escorted to safety by Marinette, Alya and Nino, the Agreste couple were about to retreat as well when Emelie noticed her son was missing.

“…Adrien?!”

“Tikki! Spots on!”

“Plagg! Claws out!”

Tirumushi and Feline Noire started to make their way to the glass rooftop of the Grand Palais, noticing that both Rubis Renard and Sheruta were waiting for them. The four of them glanced to hearing explosions and screams nearby, and then were making their way over the source of the sounds.

“To think that we would be facing off another one of Queen Butterfly’s victims once more. This time, it is Marinette’s mother,” Sheruta stated while jumping roof to roof, frowning a bit, “This is becoming an increasingly stressful day.”

“I hope Marinette is okay,” Rubis Renard murmured with a conflicted look.

“The faster we stop Verity Queen and get Sabine-san back, the better for everyone,” Tirumushi stated, swimming his yo-yo faster to where the chaos was happening, “And the faster we can go looking for the Bee Miraculous.”

“Maybe we should tell Master Fu that you have lost it?” Sheruta stated, already pulling her shield out, “I am sure he will be understanding and help—”

“And get him into trouble? No,” Feline Noire was pole-vaulting beside them, as she then ran beside her partner, “It’s better we don’t tell him yet. I’m sure we can find the accessory around here.”

“What if someone with bad intentions picked up the Bee Miraculous?” 

Everyone turned their heads to the Fox Hero, who easily hopped ahead of them and then stopped in place, making everyone else stop. Tirumushi’s expression look worried, which caused Feline Noire and Sheruta to look at each other with twin concerns. 

Rubis Renard sighed, “If not Alya…what if it’s, say, Lila?”

Feline Noire and Sheruta looked disgusted at the thought, and Tirumushi hummed.

“That…would not be ideal…”

“…Perhaps one of us should go and look for the Bee Miraculous while the rest will stop Verity Queen,” Rubis Renard murmured before he twirled his flute, “I can do so. Besides, your team up might be a better fit since Sheruta can protect you and Feline Noire.”

Tirumushi nodded, “Sounds like a solid plan. Alright, good luck, Renard,”

The Fox Hero smiled, before swiftly rushing towards a different direction and leaving the team to do their thing. The remaining trio soon rushed towards where they thought Verity Queen was located, but then blinked at the sight before them.  Verity Queen was frozen in place, seemingly raising her fans as if to attack someone. But the new stranger that was standing there was what made the heroes pause in their steps. 

It seemed like a blond haired person dressed in what seems to be a bee motif; jacket, leather pants, boots and gloves that made him look like a fashionable biker. The male adjusted the goggles that were over his eyes as he grinned, the antennas on top of his head twitching as he smiled.

“Ah! You guys are finally here!” 

Tirumushi even gasped as shining see-through like wings appeared behind his back and flew over and landed in front them, hand over his heart and bowing his head.

“It’s totally cool to meet you guys, finally and in person! Ah, where are my manner~?” The mysterious hero chuckled as he coughed, pushing his hair back and grinning, “The name is Veste Jaune, at your service~”

Feline Noire frowned, peeking over the new hero towards the frozen looking Verity Queen, then back to this…Veste Jaune person, “Did…did you do this?”

“Oh!” Veste Jaune hummed and nodded, looking excited as the wings behind him fluttered before vanishing into sparks of light, “Y-Yeah! I mean, I figured that I could help you heroes out with this villainess and make it easier for you to, like, de-akumatize her?”

Tirumushi saw the Bee Hairpiece that was in his hair, his eyes narrowing before he spoke seriously, “…Where did you get that?” He asked, pointing to the comb.

Veste Jaune touched over his accessory, then looked sheepish, “Oh! Er I…actually found it.“

“…You found it?” Sheruta asked sternly, and the Bee Hero looked nervous.

“I-I found it on the ground, b-but I didn’t know it was actually a Miraculous! My Kwami, Pollen, told me some things and that I could be a hero using her and then, ta-da?” Veste Jaune smiled and waved his hands in front of him, before he brightened, “A-and now that I’m here, and you guys are here, we can be a team~!”

“Veste Jaune…” Tirumushi looked guilty and a little annoyed (more to himself than the new hero) then he placed his hand out with a frown, “I’m sorry. The Bee Miraculous was something I lost and in need to have back. It was not my intention for it to fall into hands I do not know of…”

“Oh! Then all I have to do is tell you who I am so that you guys can trust me, right?” 

Before anyone could stop him, the boy shouted a ‘Pollen! Buzz off~!’ and suddenly Adrien Agreste stood there with a smile and a yellow and black bee like Kwami appearing on his shoulder.

“Adriki—“ 

Sheruta was quick to nudge at Feline Noire’s ribs hard to stop her from saying anything else, as Tirumushi stared in shock. However, a growl was heard and everyone turned to see Verity Queen moving once more, this time stomping towards them with her weapons at the ready.

‘Oh no! Since Adrien powered down, that meant venom also was cancelled out!’ Tirumushi thought as he quickly wrapped his yo-yo around Adrien, pulling him away from the danger as Feline Noire and Sheruta jumped forward to fight the akuma.

Tirumushi sighed, bringing Adrien in his arms and soon jumped up to the rooftop, safe from harm’s way. He placed Adrien down before placing his hand out once more.

“Adrien, I’m sorry. But I need to have the Bee Miraculous back.”

Adrien frowned as he reached for the comb in his hair and covered it protectively, Pollen looking confused while floating beside her new holder, “W-what? But…but I helped you guys?”

“And I am grateful you did, but…” Tirumushi sighed, glancing to see Sheruta trapping Verity Queen in her shield, while Feline Noire was moving forward to break the object that was holding the akuma then looked back to Adrien, “…But again, you having the Miraculous was an accident I—”

“…” 

“It was not my intention for anyone to have the Miraculous. So please, do the right thing and return it back to me.”

Adrien stared at him for a moment before he stepped back for a moment, “But…but didn’t I do good? I’ve always dreamed of being a hero like you and Feline Noire. A-and with Pollen, this Miraculous, I can—”

“Adrien—“

“It’s because I accidentally de-transformed and freed Verity Queen!” Adrien suddenly said with a gasp, as he nodded with wide eyes, “Yes, ah, that was dumb of me! I can stop her again and then you’ll guys can accept me, right?”

Tirumushi was reaching out to stop him, but Adrien transformed back into Veste Jaune and jumped into the fray. The Ladybug hero followed after him, his eyes widened when he saw Feline Noire using Cataclysm to reach for the akumatized object…but Veste Jaune jumped in. He accidentally bumped into Sheruta as he rushed forward, making the Turtle Heroine’s shield fade away and knocking her to the ground. Feline Noire gasped when she saw the Bee Hero coming in slow motion, which Verity Queen took advantage of. She jumped up in time as Veste Jaune’s Venom was coming towards her, and it landed on Feline Noire instead.

“NO!” 

Tirumushi gasped as Verity Queen smirked, knocking Veste Jaune away and jumped over to the rooftops to make her escape, vanishing into thin air. 

Rubis Renard appeared in time and saw the disaster before him, glancing at the shocked looking Veste Jaune, then sighed, “…Oh boy…”

“I-I…I didn’t mean to—“

Cutting off the Bee Hero, Tirumushi placed his hand up before glancing at the Fox Hero that arrived. Rubis Renard nodded his head at the look the Ladybug hero gave him, going over to check on Sheruta. Tirumushi soon stepped forward to Veste Jaune, reaching over and pulling the comb from the boy’s hair, narrowing his eyes. Adrien stood there in shock, before his eyes also narrowed, feeling hot tears forming in both guilt and humiliation.

“Go home, Adrien Agreste. You’ve done enough.”

Feline Noire gasped as she was freed from Venom and fell to her knees, making Tirumushi turn and rush to his partner. Rubis Renard and Sheruta both also came over to check on the Cat Heroine, looking relieved but then worried as they talked amongst themselves about what to do next. 

Adrien sniffled, wiping his eyes furiously before running off and away from this scene, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of the heroes any longer.

Although someone spotted him running and saw everything, smirking to herself before following after him.

 “Neko-chan…” Tirumushi murmured as he cupped the catlike heroine’s face gently, looking her over for the nth time with a frown, “You okay? Did he hit you badly with venom?”

“For the nth time, I am fine!” Feline Noire squeaked out before brushing his hands away, “We’re wasting time, we gotta deal with not just Verity Queen, but Adrien too—“

“I sent Adrien home.”

Feline Noire blinked, but then looked at him as if he was stupid, “You…you sent Adrikins away…alone?”

“Perhaps it wasn’t a wise idea to let him off, now that he revealed himself,”  Sheruta pointed out with a worried frown of her own.

Rubis Renard looked around, “Although there’s no sign of any people around, most of them ran away when Verity Queen arrived. So I’m sure no one saw him de-transform and reveal himself…”

It took a second, but then Tirumushi groaned and placed his hands over his eyes, “Damn it! Why do I keep messing up today?!”

“It’s not your fault, you can be real distracted and only have a narrow tunnel vision when Feline Noire is in danger, in or out of the mask,” The Fox Hero pointed out before sighing, “Look, you and Feline go and take down Verity Queen. Me and Sheruta could go check if Adrien gets home safe and not be a victim of a third akuma.”

Tirumushi nodded, before he wound his yo-yo and started to push off, swinging himself onto the rooftops of Paris as Feline Noire pole-vaulted after him.

Adrien kicked a small stone on the pavement he walked on, glaring at the ground with his hands in his jean pockets. He felt so…so annoyed that he wasn’t given a chance to explain. To prove himself that it was no accident that he found Pollen and the Bee Miraculous and was meant to be a hero.

While, okay, it wasn’t his dream…but it was still cool that he got a chance to do something so…so out of an anime!

“It felt like I was supposed to be a hero. Even though I’m more of a dog person than a bee person,” Adrien thought to himself out loud but then rubbed the side of his neck.

Being Veste Jaune was the most freedom he had in his life, something that was in his control. Being Adrien Agreste always felt like it wasn’t his identity at all. He just did most of the things his parents and other people he was surrounded with expected. 

Because Adrien Agreste as a perfect good boy that everyone loved.

But Veste Jaune?

It felt freeing to jump high on the rooftops and running towards danger, saving people and kicking bad guy butt…

‘It almost felt like destiny to wield a Miraculous…’

“Adrien!”

The blond looked up at the voice and let out an irritated sigh when seeing Lila rushing her way over to him, waving her hand and a look of sweet concern on her face. 

And honestly? Adrien could tell it was so fake, cuz he has given fake smiles and feelings during his modelling and dealing with the social circles that his parents force him to go to (when he couldn’t bring people like Marinette or Izuku to parties or neither Chloe or Kagami were there).

Turning to Lila, he gave his own model smile at her, “Oh? Lila, what’s up?”

“I just wanted to check up on you since Tirumushi and his team totally embarrassed you there,” Lila placed her hands over her heart and aww’d at him, walking over to wrap her arms around him as if comforting him, “I was really surprised, I thought you did good in capturing Verity Queen…if only Feline Noire didn’t get in your way~”

Wait…

Adrien reeled back for a moment and stared at her.

He was sure that no one was around at the time he dropped his Veste Jaune persona to reveal to Tirumushi and them. When he evacuated everyone away and made sure it was him and Verity Queen facing off, he thought that no one would be around, thinking that he pretty much had everyone safe.

He didn’t realise that perhaps someone, like Lila, would be hanging around during his takedown and then his moment with the Miraculous heroes. That’s why he was confident showing off he was Adrien behind the mask.  Duh! He wasn’t stupid, he knew that revealing himself to the public would endanger him and the ones he loved, it was basic Hero 101…

And yet…Adrien didn’t even realise someone might’ve seen, despite he double checked that there were no civilians around so he could fight Verity Queen properly. Someone not trustworthy has seen him exposed.

No wonder Tirumushi was angry at him…

Adrien pursed his lips and then coldly glared at her, “There’s no way you’re gonna keep this secret, huh?”

“What?” Lila continued her innocent act, as she placed a hand over her mouth with a gasp and then cooed, “Adrien, did you think I was going to tell people about you having a Miraculous that you stole from Tirumushi~?”

“I didn’t steal it!” Adrien argued as he groaned, “I…I found it.”

Lila tilted her head as she hummed, “Found it? Like, on the ground?”

Adrien turned away and started walking off, “I don’t have time to deal with you, Lila. So please leave me a—“

“I wonder what your parents will say if they found out about you being involved with those heroes?”

Adrien paused in his steps before he then turned to look at her again, calm, almost the exact image of his father. Lila almost smirked at this but kept her concerned friend act as she stepped forward now, until the front of their shoes were touching. Lila hummed, gently pointing her finger onto his chest and tilted her head.

“I’m pretty sure they are real protective over you. If they found out that you had such an incident that involved such dangers, I’m pretty sure grounding is not what they would do to you.” Lila stated with a hum, tapping her chin before she let out a dramatic sigh, “I’m sure your father would want you to stop going to school~ Or worse, sue the heroes for endangering his precious son—“ 

“Get to the point, Lila. What is it you want from me?” Adrien demanded quietly, and Lila gasped once more, having big eyes that were ready for crocodile tears on command.

“Don’t be so mean, Adrien~ I am just saying this as your classmate and friend that is concerned for your wellbeing~” She patted his chest and then smiled, “Why don’t we get to know one another better, hm? I am willing to keep this secret of yours under wraps as long as we keep conversing and become even closer~”

Adrien knew what that meant. Either he was with her, or against her.

And…Adrien couldn’t afford to be homeschooled again. Nor did he want Tirumushi and the rest of the heroes to be in trouble because of his screw-up. 

So, he just sighed, nodding his head in defeat as Lila reached over and hugged him happily.

“Oh Adrien~ This is going to be a start of a beautiful friendship~” Lila cooed in a chirp-y tone, but when he wasn’t looking, she smirked with a feeling of accomplishment. Got him…

The next day came, and Izuku felt worried.

Yesterday, he and Chloe managed to take Verity Queen down easily, which surprised the both of them. Once Sabine Cheng was back to normal and Izuku cleansed everything, the two met up with Nathaniel, him reporting that when he and Kagami reached Adrien, he managed to get home safely…but it seems that he looked visibly shaken and upset.

“I don’t blame him. I mean, you were kinda harsh on him,” Nathaniel said honestly, and he saw the glare from Chloe, while Izuku looked visibly lamenting, and the red head waved his hands in front of himself, “Hey! I’m just saying! I did think that while it was bad Adrien used a Miraculous, he did pretty good for his first try?“

“I think I should talk to him after school…” Izuku murmured quietly, trying to rub at his reddening eyes, still swollen from crying last night.

After bringing back the Bee Miraculous to Master Fu, the old man instinctively knew something happened. Izuku explained, and he took the lecture he knew that he deserved. Chloe has been with him at the time as well, and she did want to defend Izuku but the boy stopped her from doing so. It was only because…

‘I messed up big time. I got arrogant and that got me sloppy…’

Izuku closed his eyes as he rubbed his temple.

It was when Chloe screamed out, that Izuku and Nathaniel jumped in surprise and looked at her.

“What’s up?” Nathaniel asked, but then blinked when Chloe was shakily pointing behind the boys, and he turned his head as well to look.

…And he too gaped in horror, confusing Izuku.

Izuku took a look, and he just…looked puzzled.

Surrounded by a group of people, Lila stood in the middle in all smiles…locked in arms with a smiling Adrien. Some classmates were excitingly chatting with them, but what made the trio look even more perplexed was that Adrien wasn’t minding how affectionate and touch-y Lila was.

Izuku blinked when Chloe started storming towards them, already pushing the two away from each other.

“Get your hands off of him!” Chloe demanded loudly, making Izuku and Nathaniel rush over to her, “How dare you be so touch-y towards—“

“Oh Chloe~” Lila sobbed as she placed her hands over her face and scooted over to Adrien, who slowly wrapped an arm around her, “W-why would you be so mean to me? Did Adrien not tell you we’re dating now?”

This shocked not just Chloe, but Izuku and Nathaniel as well.

“D-dating?” Nathaniel repeated with wide eyes, but then frowned and looked to Adrien, “Adrien, don’t you know she’s a—“

“A wonderful person,” Adrien was ready to answer, as he held Lila close and gave a smile, “I know we’ve been so judgemental to her when she first arrived, but she’s opened up to me about her troubled home life and we’ve gotten closer since then. She’s actually a really cool person and I’ve…kinda grown to like her.”

Izuku frowned as he watched Adrien’s expression. That was his model smile, he would think, because Izuku knew Adrien for a long time like Chloe and Marinette. He knew when Adrien lies or just tends to fake himself to be polite and not hurt anyone’s feelings. 

But why to Lila of all people?

“Adrien, can we talk?” Izuku asked carefully to his childhood friend, tapping at his arm but then was surprised when Adrien pulled away, “Adrien?”

“Sorry…” Adrien was rubbing the side of his neck awkwardly, “Um, I don’t think we can. N-Nor can we hang out for now?”

“W-why?” Izuku asked in confusion, as Adrien felt Lila press up against him and Izuku frowned, “Did she say something to you to make you act this way?”

Lila gasped, hand over her heart, “Oh Izuku! Please don’t be jealous that I’m taking time away from your friend just because he’s my boyfriend now~ I promise, we just loooove spending time together that Adrien is having a difficult time with splitting his schedule; what with his career and all~”

Chloe growled as she stepped up, “Adrien! You know that she’s a huge liar and a fake! Why are you hanging around her!”

“That’s enough Chloe!” Adrien was firm now, as Lila resorted to crocodile tears once more, hiding her face in his chest as Adrien huffed, “Look, if you or Izuku have a problem with me and Lila dating, then I don’t think we can be friends. I’m kinda disappointed with you both. I’m happy. Can’t you be happy for me?”

“Adrien…”

“Izuku, I won’t tolerate you being mean to my girlfriend. If you cannot accept us…” Adrien took a breath, almost mimicking perfectly his Father’s cool facade, “I have no choice but to cut ties with our friendship. My father is right. Maybe it was a mistake to befriend someone that lives with a single mother who mooches off of rich people.”

Nathaniel and Chloe gasped, then looked to Izuku worriedly. Izuku looked like something broke inside of him as he stared in disbelief, and Chloe was soon screeching at the top of her lungs towards Adrien and Lila. Which, didn’t help since surprisingly Alix and Sabrina protectively stood in front of the couple, which aggravated Chloe more.

Nathaniel was kind enough to pull Izuku away from it all, and Marinette herself was already rushing towards them.

“Nathaniel, I just arrived late but—what’s going on? Why are Lila and Adrien so lovey-dovey? And why is Chloe losing it?” The fashion designer demanded as Alya also appeared at her side, already having her phone up.

“It’s…kinda complicated…” Nathaniel looked over at the still looking Izuku, concerned and then tugged at the green haired boy’s sleeve, “Iz?”

“…This feels worse than losing Kacchan…”

Nathaniel heard the murmuring and softened, already pulling Izuku close in case the emotional boy started to cry, and Marinette sensed this too. She wrapped her arms around him to comfort him, and even Alya took the hint to shut off her camera phone and join in the group hug.

Adrien saw this at the corner of his eye and felt his own heart break. But he had no choice. He didn’t want his friends involved in the mess he was in with Lila. What if she decided on a whim that she wanted to hurt them next in some way? No…he didn’t want to think about that. 

Thankfully, Chloe was busy in a shouting match with Alix that he and Lila escaped the drama happening and went into the classroom. They were alone, so Adrien soon moved away from the Italian girl and sighed.

Lila brushed her hair back and laughed, “I’m so glad that you were smart enough to push that nasty Chloe Bourgeois away. Although disappointed you also cut off Izuku too. Shame. He looked real useful…“

Adrien looked at her in disgust as he growled, “Leave him out of this. Your deal is with me.”

Lila harrumphed as she smirked.

“Oh I know~ You’re the only one that could make me happy, Adrikins~” She stated mockingly, enjoying the way Adrien was fisting his hands in frustration, “Now…be a good boy and introduce me to your family~”

The chaos compels.