Chapter Text
He had essentially thrown himself out the door when it happened. Out of the house, the mansion, the cage, whatever you wanted to call it, and into the pouring rain that covered the darkened city.
It was funny, in a way. If he hadn’t been running, he might’ve been able to discern between the rainwater that fell onto his face, and the tears that ran down it.
He hadn’t worn a jacket, and who could blame him? The rush of emotions was too much. Who’d think of grabbing a jacket with what he’d found out? Not him, all he wanted was out. Out of that place, out this city, out of this world, which he now understood was less a world, and more a cage of a dead man’s making.
And the ones he loved most were his wardens.
He didn’t have to look back to know to keep running. He didn't know what it was that compelled his legs to move, to escape the familiar red and black. But Adrien wasn’t ready to complain. Nor was he ready to talk.
He had what he wanted, and now, he needed space. Space to think for a moment. To think for himself. And he couldn’t trust that familiar red and black to let that happen.
Not anymore.
He turns into an alleyway, his breath stuttering as his emotions mixed with his actions. His legs hurt, and so did his eyes, and his chest. But he only cared about the pain that crawled throughout his heart.
It took all he could to not scream to the sky, and ask it why this had to be his life. He slid down the wall, sitting, and hugging his legs close.
If he had the strength, he’d keep running. But as he was now, he knew it was over. He couldn’t move any more, he’d run as fast as his legs could carry, but he knew she’d always be faster. It was a sense of dread that Adrien hadn’t felt before.
He’d never been so hopeless, so weak in his life. He opens his legs, and claws at the brick wall behind him, struggling to stand. Maybe there was something left. Maybe he still has a little bit of energy. Maybe he could…
He feels a palm press against his hand. He looks up. When has he ever been lucky?
“...” He can’t find the words. All that remains is anger. He closes his eyes, and lets out a stuttered sigh. “...Adrien-”
“Shut up.” He demands through gritted teeth.
Bug Noire’s eyes widened. He’d never talked to her that way. But, it was to be expected, she guessed. She lets out a sigh of her own.
“Can we talk?”
“What’s there to talk about?” Adrien asks, inches away from his limit.
With a mutter of “Spots and Claws away,” Marinette stood before him, Tikki and Plagg floating at her shoulders. Adrien stands, and wrests his hand from under her now de-powered palm. “I’m not gonna chase you again.”
“Fine by me.”
Adrien begins to walk away, but Marinette grabs his wrist. “Adrien, we can talk about–”
“No, we can’t. This isn’t something you can just fix. I trusted you, gave you everything I had!” His voice began to raise. Just returning to the subject took everything left within him. “And then I learn, from a text from a RANDOM number, no less, that you’ve been covering my father, who was freakin’ HAWK MOTH?! Our greatest enemy?! The man who’s held our home in an emotional stranglehold for the past year?!”
“I… I-I did it for you!” Marinette tries. “If you had found out sooner, I didn’t know what would happen! And now look! You’re angry, and I don’t know what to do!”
“...How long were you planning to keep this from me?” Nothing. Not a word from Marinette, who simply closed her eyes. Nothing from the Kwamis, who hung their heads. “I am your partner.” He spits, venom seeping from the word, as if it were the most disgusting thing he’d ever said. “Marinette, how long was this supposed to go on?!”
Nothing was his answer.
He chuckles, dryly. “Alright, let's try this. Who else knows? I know Felix does, and probably Kagami and Aunt Amelie too,” He starts, the names cutting Marinette like a knife. Had she ruined his relationships with them too? “Nathalie, definitely! How could she not? She was there! So who else qualifies?”
“...”
“Well?”
More silence came in response.
“Really? Nothing? You’re gonna leave me like this? After all we’ve been through…” Adrien’s anger was intermixed with his hurt. The tears returned, streaming down his eyes, little by little. He sighs, trying to regain his composure. “You know what? Fine. I’m done. With all of this. Keep the ring, Chat Noir’s dead, and you killed him.”
At this Plagg looks up, his eyes wide. “Adrien, just wait a sec-"
Adrien looks at the Kwami with rage burning through his reddened eyes. “Oh, so now you wanna talk!? Where was this earlier? Why didn’t you say anything when I was about to tear through the streets? Why didn’t you say anything when I was pouring my heart out? Or, better yet, Why didn’t you tell me at all?!”
“We all wanted to Protect you!”
“Right, because Adrien is a glass doll who can’t handle his own emotions… Do you really think I'm so weak?” Adrien inquires, his voice lowering to just above a somber whisper.
“No!” All three said, in near unison.
"Adrien, I'd never think that of you!" Marinette assures.
“...Then why are we here? If you didn’t think that, I think you’d let me sort out my own damn mess, right?”
“If you would just listen–”
“I’m done listening. I listen to everyone, and all they do is take advantage. That’s what he… That’s…” It dawns on him, and he grits his teeth. “That’s what he did.”
And that was it. Adrien walked away without another word, into the pouring rain. He didn’t care. Not anymore. He didn’t care about anything but ending this terrible day. And so, he walked home. He walked back into his gilded cage.
He pushed past Nathalie before she could even greet him at the door, and entered his room.
He didn’t even make it to his bed before leaning against the wall, and collapsing to the floor. His body, his mind, and his heart were exhausted. And finally, they would rest, He would rest.
The man sat on the rooftop, his legs crossed, his weathered eyes closed, and his long, graying hair flattening in the rain. The man wore robes of blue and gold, though the top was undone, revealing his body, which held many scars from years of duty. In his lap rested a small leather satchel, one branded with a golden symbol of an open book. It may just be the most important thing on his person.
And an arm was reaching forward to take it.
Without even opening his eyes, the man moves his own arm with lightning fast speed to intercept the would-be thief. His experienced eyes open, the pupils having long gone white. “Celestial Guardian. Let us talk.” He begins.
The man takes his satchel, and slings it over his bare shoulder, before bowing to the Celestial Guardian, paying no mind to the scoff he gets in return. “I’ll ask you this once, Archivist. What is your intention here?” The Guardian asks, his hawk-like eyebrows furrowing, as if in disgust at the sight of the man before him.
“I come to guide a lost soul. As you have, time and time again.” The Archivist speaks cordially, as if to a colleague, or a coworker.
“This does not concern you. Leave.” Su-Han commands simply.
The Archivist re-does his robes, and begins to walk away. But he stops at the edge of the roof. “The boy is brave. He carries a fire that should be nurtured, not put out.”
“And what pray tell makes you such an expert on the boy?”
For just a second, the Archivist’s eyes gleam. “These eyes have read many stories. But never have I read one so poignant in this world.” He says before narrowing his eyes. “He must be allowed to decide how it ends.” And with that, the Archivist jumps from the roof. Su-Han scoffs.
“We’ll see how this story ends.” And with a snap, multiple monks jump after the old man.
Luka puts his phone down. It was done. His elbows rest on his legs, and his face buries itself in his hands. He might’ve just ruined everything. For the first time in a good, long while, Luka was scared.
It had taken a long while of thought, especially after everything that had been going on, with his training, fighting the new butterfly, and managing the band. He knew he was taking a risk, a massive one at that. And he knew there was no going back if he did.
But, nonetheless, he steeled his resolve, and put Adrien’s number into his phone. It was pure luck that Luka had managed to get ahold of the blond boy’s number from a conversation with Marinette back when they dated, and even luckier that he managed to remember it. But he did, and so, he texted the boy.
“Your father was Hawkmoth, I’m sorry.”
Rather simple, but it was all he could manage without building the urge to throw the damned phone across the room. Luka felt a slight slither up his back to his shoulder. “Is that it?” The snake Kwami asks.
“Yeah. He’ll get it, and hopefully, the world won’t collapse in on itself,” Luka jokes, giving a dry laugh before laying on his back, Sass slithering down to his wrist. The one that held his bracelet. Luka held the arm up, and looked at the Miraculous at his wrist. “...”
“...What happens to us?” Sass breaks the silence, asking the question that had been hanging in Luka’s mind, and his as well, apparently.
“I… I don’t know.”
“She won’t be happy.”
Luka looks away from the bracelet, and the Kwami. “I know.” Sass unravels from Luka’s arm, and floats down to face him.
“Well, whatever comes next, I can safely say that I’ve enjoyed our time together.” He says, giving a small smile of reassurance. Luka returns a smile of his own, and pets the Kwami with his finger.
“Yeah. Me too.”
The day began as normal.
Well, that wasn’t exactly right. But not exactly wrong either. Just like everyday this year, Nino woke up. He changed his clothes, packed his bag, with extra food for Wayzz, of course. He woke the turtle Kwami from his own slumber, and the two left together, Wayzz hidden safely in Nino’s bag.
But that’s when things got… strange… was strange a good word? Nino didn’t know, but it was all he could use to describe whatever the hell it was that happened next.
At that point in time, he’d usually meet up with Marinette (who’d lately been getting much better at appearing on time), Adrien, and, of course, his beloved Alya. That would’ve been fine.
If Alya and Marinette hadn’t shown up first.
Usually, Adrien is the first to arrive, hand in hand with Marinette, gushing about whatever date they’d gone on within the past few days. But Marinette seemed a bit… off. Nino raised his hand, waving the two down, and they walked toward him.
The silence that proceeded was the most awkward he’d ever felt. So he decided to be the one to break it. “Uh… hey, Mari,” he starts, before clearing his throat. “What’s, uh… What’s up?”
Alya sighs. “Nino, babe, I know you’re trying, and we appreciate it, really, but… now’s just not the time.”
“...Ok, cool. Cool.” Nino replied, but the feeling, of course, remained. It seemed he would have to wait for Adrien to arrive. Only… he didn’t. Throughout the entire school day, not once did Adrien show his face.
Something was wrong. Very wrong. So school ended, and Nino was ready to power-walk to the Agreste Mansion, when Alya put a hand on his shoulder. “Nino, don’t. Not now.”
Wait, what?
“Nino, I know you’re going to Adrien’s,” Ah, It seemed Nino had voiced his thoughts aloud. “But you can’t. Not right now.”
“Ok, you’re acting really weird. Why can’t I go see my bro?” Nino inquires, a brow raising in suspicion.
“Because he broke up with Marinette.”
That was… not what he expected. It made sense, now that he thought about it, but at the same time, it only begged more questions.
The two had been dancing around each other in circles for the better half of the last school year, and now, it’s just over? Like that? “W-Why? How?”
“I don’t know. Mari won’t tell me anything. But I guess Adrien just… wasn’t who we thought he was.”
“...What're you trying to say?”
“I’m saying that Adrien might have… done something.”
“What?! No way!” That couldn’t be right. “You-You’ve gotta be joking, right?”
“I’m not saying he did. But we can’t leave out the possibility.”
“T-Then what if Mari did something? She’s not saying anything!” Nino knew it was a longshot. He’d known Marinette longer than he’d even known Adrien. But he’d known both of them long enough to know neither would hurt a fly, let alone each other… Right?
“Babe, listen to yourself. You’ve known Mari for years! Longer than me!” Alya reasons. “It’s a lot more likely that… maybe something changed, in Adrien.”
“No. No way. He wouldn’t.”
“...Would he?”
“...Forget this. I’m getting to the bottom of this. This is just some… some misunderstanding. You’ll see. We’ll be back to how we were tomorrow!” And with that, Nino takes off, ignoring the calls of his name. He was going to find out what was going on here.
Adrien looks out his window. The sun was setting, the red parisian sky a backdrop to its descent, which seemed much slower than usual, agonizingly so. The first day had almost come to an end. The first day beyond Chat Noir. Beyond the Miraculous. Beyond Marinette. And Adrien’s heart felt heavy. So heavy.
It hurt, bad. And what could he expect? For nearly 2 years, he’d given her his heart, without even knowing who she was behind the spotted mask. And then, she’d given hers to him. It’s a precious thing, a heart, but it’s fragile too. She’d given hers to him, and it was the best feeling he’d ever felt.
So why? Why’d she have to break his like this?
Adrien clenches his fists. The rings on his hands glistened in the light of the setting sun. Rings that belonged to him. Why did he even keep them? Because Ladybug– Because Marinette told him to?
What was the point?
What was the point of anything?
A knock on the door took his attention from his thoughts.
It was likely Nathalie… again.
He didn’t understand why she pretended to care. It was all too easy to lie to him about his father being a supervillain.
Then again, he had lied too.
Were they really so different?
Were They really so different?
‘No time,’ he thought. He could contemplate it later, when he had a minute to think without the constant surge of feelings, (How he hadn’t been Akumatized yet, he couldn’t tell you). Adrien forces himself to his feet, walking to the door. He opens it, expecting the woman, only to be met with pink hair upon a much shorter person. “..Heya, Sunshine.” Alix starts. “Wanna chat?”
The Archivist lands in the alleyway with a hard thud. He crouches to his knees, grasping his chest. He had been running for hours. And yet they did not, they refused to relent. He looks up to the roofs. The glare of the afternoon sun hit his vision, but, thankfully, he seemed to have evaded his pursuers.
That is, until he felt a fist upon his jaw.
The force of the punch threw him backward, into the wall directly behind him.
He’d let his guard down, and they’d caught him. A mistake he won’t make again. He stands up, dusting the debris and dust off of his robes. Then, he simply waits.
And sure enough, Su-Han jumps down to meet the Archivist in the decrepit alleyway.
“Why continue such a worthless chase?” The Celestial Guardian asks. “There is nowhere in Paris you can run that the Order, or at least, an extension of its reach, will not find you.”
“And what do you mean by that?”
Su-Han scoffs. “As reluctant as I may have been to reveal the Miraculous, and the Order of Guardians to the Parisian populace, it has provided a great advantage, in that we now have… “agents” at our beck and call.”
The white eyes of the Old Archivist went wide in realization. “The superheroes…”
And just as he said that, his head snaps to the rooftops, and he holds his hand out, just in time to catch a crimson red yo-yo in his palm. Only to then be struck in the back by a mallet, falling to the ground.
He looks up, seeing two figures standing above him. One was an unrecognizable figure dressed in black (or was it a really dark blue?), with the motif of a bull (or, ox?). But the other, he recognized all too well.
Portions of her costume were black and green, and she had cat ears stop her head, as well as a trio of long braids in place of her signature pigtails. But that didn’t disguise Paris’ darling, its greatest hero: Ladybug, from his wise old eyes.
“Bug Noire, Minotaurox, I’d like you to meet Archivist Doujin.” The Celestial Guardian Introduces, gesturing to the old archivist, who laid on the ground.
Doujin strains to get up, only to have his back stomped on by Su-Han. A black liquid falls from his eyes. Su-Han lets out a small chuckle as he closes them in pain. “That was it? You used your Eyes of the Reader, and yet you still failed? How pathetic. You and your Order were never worthy of Guarding these.” He insults, reaching toward the satchel.
That’s when the Archivist opens his eyes again, and a bright light flashes. And when the light dissipates, he’s gone.
When the shock wears off, Su-Han grits his teeth. “Find him… Whatever it takes, do not let him leave this city!” And he jumps onto the building. Bug Noire readies herself to follow, but her wrist is grabbed.
“Wait a second,” Minotaurox says, letting go when he has her attention. “What’re we doing?”
“What do you mean?”
“We just got called out of nowhere to chase this… Doujin guy. Any ideas on why?”
“...No. But we have to do what the Celestial Guardian says.” Bug Noire affirms.
“...Ok.” And the two heroes follow after the Celestial Guardian.
“Adrien… is in a volatile state right now.” Nathalie told this to Nino when the bespectacled boy had asked to see his blond friend.
Nino figured it was because of the breakup, obviously. But that was only more reason he had to get in there. Not only to comfort his best friend, but to find out what had even happened in the first place. Everything was confusing today, and it didn’t help that Nathalie was being so cryptic.
“I understand that, really,” He starts. “but I really think he can use a friend to get him out of it, before… you know.” Nino hated to use the “Akuma Card”, but it was for a good cause, and plus, it was a logical conclusion.
Natalie couldn’t deny that. So, with a sigh, she moves from the door. “You can try. But if he wants you out, you get out.” She states sternly. Much more than usual. So it’s that bad.
Nino nods, and walks into the mansion. It hadn’t changed a bit since last he’d entered it. But, he could just feel the air of dread that filled the place once more. He hadn’t felt that since… No. It was hardly courteous to disrespect a dead man in his own home. Especially the one who had given his life to defeat Monarch.
But even Nino couldn’t deny that Gabriel Agreste had flaws. But, he supposed that with the right push, anyone can see the error of their ways…
Right?
Nino had made it up the stairs, when he heard something.
It sounded like… talking?
Nino looked around, and, sure enough, it was coming from Adrien’s room. He walks closer, though he makes sure not to make a noticeable sound. He didn’t know why, things just felt off.
“Do you think you can forgive her?”
“I… I don’t know.”
Ok, those were Alix and Adrien, he definitely knew their voices from anywhere. But what was Alix doing here?
And what did she mean “forgive?”
Was she talking about Marinette? Was he right?
It had been a shot in the dark, definitely, but the very possibility that Marinette could’ve hurt Adrien was now a very real one. One that Nino really didn’t wanna think about.
But he didn’t really have a choice in the matter, did he? Not if he wanted to help his friend get past this. So Nino steels his resolve, and knocks on the closed door.
It was 10 agonizing seconds before the door opened, revealing Alix, whose eyes went wide, immediately. But she soon regained her composure, and turned around, presumably to face Adrien.
“Ok, it’s not Nathalie. It’s Nino– He doesn’t know! He doesn’t know, I promise!” Nino’s eyebrow raised. What doesn’t he know?
“Do you… Do you wanna tell him?” Alix inquires.
“...Ok. If he really doesn’t know.” Adrien finally answers. But it only really raises more questions.
“Know? Know what? What is going on here?!” Nino interjects.
Adrien sighs. “Ok… Nino, what I’m about to tell you, I only learned recently…” Adrien begins. “My father didn’t sacrifice himself to stop Monarch…” The blond boy pauses, likely pushing himself to let the words out.
"He was Monarch…” He finally states, his voice trembling as tears threaten to fall from his eyes. … “And Marinette knew.”
The World of the Erased was a nearly empty one. One made from the Primordial abyss of black waters from which things seemed to spawn. Things you wouldn’t hear of, as they usually never crossed the bounds of The World of the Erased.
They would instead prefer to languish in its seemingly primordial waters, under the sky, which was stuck at neither day, nor night, as it had no sun to illuminate it, nor moon to put it to rest.
Not a single active soul resided here.
Well, besides them.
The massive ship that tore through the endless black ocean of nothing only actually resembled a ship ⅓ of the way. The other two thirds were black, malformed, spikey, palace-like, and, most importantly, Alive.
The bow of the ship seemed to be made of a reddish, flesh-like material, not unlike that of the gums of the mouth. A comparison which held much more truth by way of the massive, yellow, dagger like teeth that rested in the center.
Though, the comparison did lose a small bit of truth due to the Red, malevolent eyes at the sides of the hull, which was made of the same fleshy material.
The bowsprit was made of a massive, narrow, drill shaped, horn-like bone that stabbed through the top of the bow, even pulling a bit of the “flesh” along with it.
Wrapped around the bowsprit was a silver chain that held a black, rust-like corrosion.
The rest of the body of the ship appeared to be a shoddy attempt at hiding the red flesh with a black, spikey material, which seemed to be both organic and mineral at once.
At the back of the ship, the bridge was much bigger than the bridge of any actual ship (though still smaller than the massive hull), and was made up of those same organic-mineral spikes, now arranged into a palace-like shape.
On the very bottom of the ship, the Keel, made once more of bone through flesh, looked a bit like a fish’s ventral fin, if the (nonexistent) skin and muscle had rotted away, and left only the spines that once supported it.
This was the Flying Dutchman.
And while it once sailed the sevens seas as an accomplished vessel for many a sailor, it was now nothing but a corrupted husk used to ferry its new crew across the darkness of the World of the Erased.
Seeing as the bridge of the Dutchman was as big as a palace, of course it was able to hold the usual palace things, such as a multitude of massive rooms, likely meant for the crew of the apparent “monster” of a ship.
And of course, all palaces had a throne room. All in a dreary, black-ish coloration, with walls made of sickly muscle and flesh, obviously those of the Dutchman itself. At each corner of the throne room, was a black colored column with golden ornamentation.
The throne room was poorly lit with multiple torches glowing a dim blue. Though, one could say that to be a throne room, there would need to be a throne in the room. Instead, raised on the step-platform, was a large, humanoid shape, all black as night, appearing to be made of the same organic-mineral as the palace itself.
The shape’s arms were crossed upon its chest, as if closing itself off from the world.
The head of the shape bore a crest of 4 black horns, as well as having a pair of yellow eyes that shone a bit dimmer than the torches in the room. Though atop the face sat a tribal looking mask, hiding most of its features.
The mask had golden detailing all over, as well as some symbols of what seemed to be stars. But its most important feature was its mouth, which bore silver fangs.
At the back of the shape was an elaborate, silver colored halo like structure, which held 5 circular symbols upon it, each radiated with a small, orange light, presumably from a candle inside.
Though the shape was as stiff as a statue, if one were in the room, they could tell that it was waiting, and had been for a while.
Though it wouldn’t have to wait any longer, as the massive doors creaked as they slowly swung open, revealing 5 eccentric figures, followed by 4 smaller ones in dark robes.
The first figure might have been the most eccentric of the five. He was a man with skin paler than the moon, and black lips. As well as bright red, feather-like hair styled like a flame, which faded to gold at the tips, with a fringe that swirled upward, covering one of his golden eyes.
His outfit was just as extravagant, being a red vest with golden buttons and flame designs over a white shirt with puffy sleeves, and a pair of golden pauldrons shaped like a cascade of feathers.
He also wore a pair of red pants with orange and green armor of a similar feather motif, and a pair of black belts crossed diagonally on his waist.
The second of the flashier individuals was, ironically, nearly all black in color, and had an imposing figure, helped by his helmet, that of a centurion of ancient rome. Though instead of the usual plume of hair atop the helm, it had a multitude of spines arranged like a fin of sorts.
A trio of boney fangs also sprang from each cheek-plate, which surrounded the black, canine face of the warrior.
His body was an unusual structure, as his entire chest was made up of the head of a snarling wolf, colored in a deep grey. From the ears of the wolf head sprang a pair of black arms, the left one much larger than the right, and both bearing silver claws and spines all over.
The next figure wore a dark cape that shrouded almost his entire body, though his head, covered in a silver, pointed helm with a face seemingly molded into it, was very visible. As was his left arm, which, in place of a forearm and hand, had a large, dark blade.
The next individual was quite the character, apparently the only female of the group, she wore a pink princess’ gown, with multiple golden details. The large, bulbous skirt of the gown was partly covered by a pair of equally large armored faulds which seemed to have razor sharp edges.
The upper part of the dress had a large, pink collar that seemed to reach above her head, not that such a thing mattered compared to her hair, which was magenta in color, almost cloud-like in appearance, and massive in size.
Her face was partially covered by a gigantic, bladed folding fan, which she held in her hands, gloved in silky white. Though one could see her left eye, which was colored an enchanting blue.
The last of the bolder entrants was actually the largest of all, seeing as he was essentially a massive golden temple with armored legs, and a pair of arms. At the front of the temple that made up the creature’s body was a pair of red eyes, and a slit for a mouth. And in place of the living temple’s left arm was a column shaped structure with a golden crown at the very end.
The flamboyant fivesome, as well as their robed counterparts, assembled before the massive, humanoid shape. “The time has finally come,” The armored wolf growls.
“After so many centuries, we finally have what we need in order to begin the gathering.” The feathered man stands in front of the shape. “Mythical Generals of Darkness, state your names to our ancestral master, so that even in his divine slumber, he may know who serves him this holy day.”
The cloaked knight begins. “Blade of artifacts, KALADBOLD.”
Followed by the Princess. “Monarch of Characters, BEAUTELISE.~”
Then the temple. “PALACE OF LOCATIONS, DORADOLOTTO.”
Then the wolf. “Warrior of Beasts. ROMUREMUS.”
And finally, we return to the feathered man. “Priest of Mythologies. QUETZCOLOK.”
“Our master, ANAZZI, GOD KING OF STORIES, and his 5 Gods of The End slumber in an eternal prison due to the actions of the Order of Shangri-La.” Kaladbold begins, his voice ever low and narrow.
“So true, our poor master.~” Beautelise Mourns, in a sing-songy tone. “But what are we to do?~”
“WHAT WE ARE TO DO, BEAUTELISE, IS REVIVE OUR LORD AND MASTER FROM THE REST FORCED UPON HIM.” Doradolotto says in his forceful baritone. Beautelise scoffs at the living temple.
“And how do you suppose we’ll do that?~”
“Quite simple, my dear,” Quetzcolok says, his charismatic voice grabbing the attention of all in the room, save of course, for the slumbering deities. “We use this.” The gasps of the generals fill the room, and their eyes widen. The feathered priest held in his right hand an orb made of pure light.
“Is that…”
“It can’t be…~”
“YOU MANAGED TO OBTAIN ONE…”
“Yes, my brethren in darkness. Gaze upon it. I have obtained a Core Story.”
“HOW? THAT WRETCHED ORDER KEEPS THEM UNDER LOCK AND KEY IN THE ARCHIVES!” Doradolotto inquires.
“Why, it's elementary, my friend. I simply did a bit of ‘outsourcing’.” Quetzcolok admits. “Those fools never knew what hit them until it was too late.” He chuckles.
“But you realize what this means…” Romuremus begins, angrily.
Quetzcolok sighs. “Yes, unfortunately, I do. It means that while we are on our holy quest to gather human despair, those fools will send them to stand in our path.” He laments.
“You have a plan, don’t you?~” Beautelise asks.
“Thankfully, I do. For you see, this story is merely one of the 36 I managed to obtain.”
“I am quite curious,” Kaladbold begins. “Who was this “outsource” who allowed you to obtain such a valuable bounty?”
“...Someone who hates the Order of Shangri-La just as much as we do.”
Su-Han’s Hawk-like eyebrows furrowed as he looked over the city of paris. He knew it was a vast expanse in it of itself. Which meant that he knew, of course, that finding the Old Archivist would be no easy task. But the choice was not in his hands.
He needed to find him, and that was the end of it.
So of course, when he heard Bug Noire call out “Master!” He turned expectantly, hoping that the girl’s signature luck had finally into play tonight.
Only, he would be disappointed to find her, and her ally, the holder of the Ox Miraculous (Minotaurox? Was that his name?) empty handed. “What happened? Did you find him?” He inquired frustratedly, though his anger was only rising, he already knew the answer.
“N-No, Master, we searched the whole city-”
“Then search it again!” Su-Han had reached his limit. Could she not tell how urgent this matter was? “We need to find him, this is a chance that cannot be lost!”
“Chance to what?” Bug Noire and Su-Han turn.
“What?” Su-Han asks.
“Um… a chance to do what?” Minotaurox asks again.
Su-Han looks at the young hero, incredulous. “How dare you?”
“What? It was a question?”
“One that an auxiliary holder has no business asking.”
“Auxiliary?!”
“Minotaurox, calm down!” Bug Noire commands. “We’re all friends here. This doesn’t have to escalate. Let’s just go find this guy and be done with it.”
“Why should we? Why are we listening to him? Has he even told you what’s going on here?”
“Well, Yes-”
“And for good reason,” Su-Han interjects. “Everyone has their proper place. Bug Noire is a Guardian. You are not. It is not your right to interject on such matters. You come, you do your job, and you go. If you don’t like that…” He pauses, looking at Buy Noire knowingly. “Then Bug Noire will just have to replace you.”
A surprised look crosses Minotaurox’s face. He couldn’t do that, could he? He looks at Bug Noire. Their eyes meet only for a second before she looks away, clearly not wanting to admit such a thing. Minotaurox’s expression goes from surprise, to sadness. Then, to anger. “Fine.”
Bug Noire was shocked. Evidently, Su-Han was as well, but it quickly wore off, replaced with simple disappointment. “I had hoped you’d see reason.” He turns to Bug Noire again. “And I’d expected you to be better at keeping your team in line.” He said, emphasising the word “team” with seeming disgust.
He turns away, ready to jump to the next building. “Collect the Miraculous, or don’t, I don’t care. Just be sure the Ox is in line, whether it's him, or someone else.” And he jumps away, leaving the two heroes.
Bug Noire sighs. “Ivan-”
“Don’t. It’s… It’s fine. It’s been a long time coming, I guess…” The boy responds.
“What? What do you mean?”
Ivan scoffs. “You thought I wouldn’t notice? You got rid of Chat Noir. You're wearing his Miraculous!”
Bug Noire’s eyes widened. “What?! Who’s saying that?! I-I didn’t get rid of him, h-he… he quit.”
“Quit? Quit?! Why would he do that?”
“He… He had a personal problem that couldn’t be resolved.” Bug Noire admits.
“What kind of 'personal problem'?”
“I can’t tell you that! It’s too close to our identities.”
Minotaurox sighs. “Ok. But you can’t seriously think I’m just gonna sit here, and take this.”
“I know, I know. But you have to understand, I’m under a lot of pressure right now, with the new butterfly, and guardian duties, and that jerk breathing down my neck!” Bug Noire pleads.
“I do, but understanding your problems doesn’t mean ignoring my own. And this is something I can’t ignore. I mean, he has us on what is, for all I know, a wild goose chase over some personal vendetta! When I agreed to be a hero, I didn’t sign up for that. I signed up to protect people.” Minotaurox Asserts. The Ox hero turns away from Bug Noire.
“Are we… Are we even helping people anymore?”
“Ivan, of course we are.” Bug Noire empathizes. “We're just… doing a little extra, you know?”
“Then you can explain what this “little extra” is, right? Because there’s gotta be a reason for this!” Nothing. “Ladybug… Bug Noire, or whatever, tell me there’s a good reason we’re doing this.”
“I… I can’t.” Bug Noire admits, solemnly.
“...Then I can’t do it anymore.” Minotaurox resolves. And with a muttering of “Way Back”, Ivan Bruel stands in his place once more. Stompp immediately hugs his holder’s cheek, as if sensing his intentions. Ivan can’t help but reciprocate.
Ivan grasps the nose ring, only for Bug Noire to grab his wrist. “Ivan, please. I’ve already lost Chat. I can’t lose someone else.”
“...I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. But I can’t take this anymore.” He takes the ring from his nose, and holds it up. “Stompp, I renounce you.” Ivan hands the Miraculous over. “...I guess this is goodbye then.”
Bug Noire doesn’t reply. She simply takes the Miraculous, and leaves.
“I should’ve sent a text,” Adrien laments. “I should’ve sent her a heads-up, and told her I was on the way. Maybe that would’ve given her the chance to… come up with something.” Marinette’s Identity wasn’t his secret to tell. So of course he couldn’t say that he had seen her talking to Tikki that night. But he supposed bending the truth slightly wouldn’t hurt.
Who was he kidding? It was just as bad, wasn’t it?
Still, that part of his heart that still… respected her, forced him to. So he did. “I… saw her talking about it… to Ladybug…”
“Wait, Ladybug is in on this?!” Nino interjects.
“Yeah…”
“W-Well, we gotta tell someone!”
“And who’s gonna believe us?” Alix inquires. “You really think anyone’s gonna take the word of a bunch of kids over Paris’s Darling?”
“...Maybe not a bunch of kids, but one hero might do it!” Adrien’s eyes widened at Nino’s statement.
“Nino, I don’t think-”
“Dude… I’ve got to. I’m the only one who knows.”
“Only what?” Alix asks, tentatively.
“...I-It’s better if I show you.” Nino says, and he stands, shaking off his excitement, and taking a breath. “Wayzz, Shell On!” And with a cascade of green light, Carapace, the turtle hero, stands in Nino’s place. “Ok, now, off to the Police Station!” He proclaims, enthusiastically.
But before Adrien and Alix can stop him, a voice interjects. “I wouldn’t do that.” Everyone in the room turns to the door. Luka stands, leaning on the doorframe. “It’s not gonna matter.”
…
“...How do you guys keep getting in?” Adrien asks, incredulous.
“Nathalie.” Luka answers, simply.
“Me too.” Carapace concurs.
“I snuck in.” Alix adds, turning the incredulous stares to her. “What?”
Luka sighs. “Moving on, it doesn’t matter if it's you, or the 3 of you. It’s your word against hers. And she’s got a pretty good word, all things considered. With everyone.”
“Wait… what do you mean the 3 of us?” Carapace asks.
Luka looks at the other two in the room with a knowing stare.
Alix groans. “Fine.” She takes out her pocket watch, setting it on the table. “There! Ya happy, Little Boy Blue?”
Luka chuckles. “A bit. Adrien?”
“Uh…”
“It’s fine sunshine. You’re around friends. 2 of whom already know, evidently! What’ve you really got to lose?” Alix encourages.
Adrien sighs. “Okay. Nino I’m… I was Chat Noir.”
Not even a pin drop was heard for all of 6 seconds.
That is, until Adrien finally broke it. “Uh… Nino?”
“Back the hell up. Back way the hell up.”
“Nino-”
“You can’t just keep dropping bombshells on me like that! I-I mean next you're gonna say Alix is a…” The reality of the situation took the worst time to hit. “No! No! Come on man! Y-You’re joking! This entire thing is a joke, right!”
Alix picks the watch up. And with a blunt “Fluff, Clockwise,” she becomes Bunnyx, shocking the turtle hero more.
“Y-You! Bunnyx! That means… Oh God…” Carapace turns to Adrien. “You’re not joking, are you?”
“No, I’m not. And this is extremely serious. But, you did bring up a good point.” Adrien turns his attention to Luka. “What did you mean by the 3 of us? You’re Viperion.”
“Dude, dude, I love ya, but you need to stop before my brain explodes!” Nino panics after Detransforming, leaving Wayzz to try and comfort him. Alix does the same, allowing Fluff to float onto her shoulder.
“Um… Well, about that, I’m not exactly Viperion anymore.”
“You quit too?”
“Not really... More like I was ‘mutually fired?’”
Marinette places the nose ring and bracelet back into the Miracle Box, Tikki and Plagg watching in silence. Stompp and Sass soon emerge from their compartments, their moods solemn.
Well, at least Stompp’s was. Sass’ was one of frustration. “I do hope you know thisss won’t end well.”
“Sass, she’s trying her best.” Tikki defends. Plagg simply remains silent.
“Thiss iss her bessst? I’m disssappointed.” Sass returns to the box with a glare.
Marinette sighs and sits down at her chaise. “Just give him time, Marinette. He’ll come around.”
“...Sass or Adrien?”
“Both of them! They just need time to realize you’re doing what’s best for everyone!” A scoff comes from behind them. Tikki narrows her eyes. “Something to say, Plagg?”
Plagg turns from his aerial recline. “A lot, actually. But what’s the point? You won’t listen. You never do.”
“Plagg, we’re all torn up about this.”
“Apparently! Which is something I don’t get, seeing as you didn’t even know him!” Plagg growls in response.
“I know him from what Marinette’s told me! And I know he’s sensitive, and emotional and-”
“And strong. And brave. And a lot tougher than you… than we gave him credit for. I should’ve realized that long ago. But now, it’s too late.”
Marinette clenches her fists. It took everything in her to hold back tears. She lets out a shaky exhale. “He’ll see. He’ll understand.”
Tikki flies to her holder, hugging her cheek. “He will. I promise you. Then everything will be better than what it was, I’m sure of it!”
Plagg crosses his arms. “...Here’s hoping…”
“Now, the time has come! Generals! Come forward with your candidates!” Quetzcolok demands. Each of the Generals do as told, and the robed figures do the same. “Candidates, reveal yourselves!”
The robed figures drop their robes, revealing their true, unified appearances. Each of their bodies were black in color, and their eyes were a dark red. They had white, bone-like spikes protruding from their shoulders, and gauntlets of the same material with claws at the end of each finger.
On their legs, they wore a pair of black and silver greaves with a symbol of a red flame on them.
And wrapped all around their bodies was a white bandage that held assorted words on them, written in cursive font.
But their most important feature was the clear orb-like object fixed to the center of their chests. “Conceptuals, step forth, so that the master may choose the first to venture out.”
The Conceptuals step forth, and the Generals look on in anticipation. The room is silent. The Conceptual chosen will determine which general will lead the Gathering. The orb-like objects on the chests of the concepts glow brightly, one at a time. One green, then blue, then red, then yellow.
Green.
Blue.
Red.
Yellow.
Blue.
“The Master has chosen the Beasts!”
“What?!~”
“DAMN IT!”
KaladBold gives an acknowledging grunt.
A small chuckle comes from Romuremus. The wolf warrior steps forward, holding out his hand to Quetzcolok. “Very well then.” The feathered priest of darkness gestures upward with flourish.
From the door, 4 more Conceptuals walk into the room, each holding a white orb of light. “These 4 Core Stories are each a tale of a noble creature of myth. Pick whichever one you wish to be your first Mythos.”
Romuremus nods, and reaches for a story, only to be grasped by the wrist. “But do be warned,” Quetzcolok begins. “If your “Beast Instincts” end in the failure of the Gathering, I will not hesitate to put you down, like the Dog you are.” He warns, with a sadistic smirk on his face, before letting the wolf warrior go, and backing away.
Romuremus snarls. “One of these days, fool. One of these days.” He growls under his breath. He turns his head back to the Conceptuals holding the stories. He can hear them. Each of them.
He can hear the stories being told.
All of them entice.
All of them seem powerful.
But which one is worthy?
His attention zeroes in on one at the very end of the lineup. He listens closely to the whispers. “This one.” He chooses. He talks it into his claws, and walks toward the Conceptual of Beasts. “Take this, and be born anew. A true beast. A weapon of despair!” He thrusts the story into the chest of the Conceptual.
The gathered generals watch in awe as it transforms.
“I know, I know… yes… yeah, that was kinda wrong of me… ok, a lot wrong. But I’m gonna make it up to you, I promise. No more running out… Ok… Love you too.” Ivan hangs up the phone, and sighs. But then, a smile begins to appear on his face.
Over the past few months since Ladybug handed out the Miraculous permanently, Minotaurox had been called into action a bit more often than he would have liked, usually to serve as a shield of sorts if Carapace was busy, or, if the turtle hero was available, to serve as some kind of muscle.
All of this made for a large amount of time taken up in his schedule. Now that wasn’t to say he was called in all the time. There were heroes used a lot more than he was, without a doubt.
But it definitely sucked when he was called in at a more inconvenient time. Like many of the few dates he and Myléne were able to go on during the chaos of the previous, and current school years.
He had been hoping for the chance to ask for time off, but he guessed things worked themselves out. Albeit, not without a cost, of course.
Nothing good ever comes for free.
But this?
Ivan looks at his phone, the lock-screen, a photo of the entire class, zoomed in to just him and Myléne.
Those moments were worth any price.
He pockets his phone, and continues to walk. That is, until he heard the explosion.
Many heads, including his own, turned at the sound. It had come from one of the office buildings, a lesser known foreign company, Ivan couldn’t remember the name.
It wasn’t close by, so he couldn’t see anything other than the smoke from the explosion. But then, he could. Floating down from the explosion, onto the streets, was some sort of figure.
And, of course, humans being humans, many were curious about the new arrival, if a bit, logically, afraid. And, unfortunately for Ivan, he was no stranger to such curiosity, even if the situation didn’t sit right…
“Could it be a new Akuma?”
“It looks so weird.”
“Why is it just standing there?”
Those were some of the questions that floated around the gathered crowd, as they watched the being.
Its lower body was primarily black, with bits of silver on the spiked armor it wore on its legs.
Its upper body was an entirely different story. It was mainly a pale blue, and had multiple swirl patterns around the chest, and forming up the massive shoulders, resembling some sort of ornamental cloud. On its back was a large, red colored halo-like object shaped like a ring of fire, connected at the very top by a small fire symbol.
And attached to it were a pair of objects shaped like that same fire symbol, and positioned as if they were a pair of wings. And a pair of what seemed to be tapestries with tassels at the end hung from them.
Its arms were a bright silver, with golden, armored gauntlets on the hands.
At the center of the chest was a circular object, with a white outline, and a white rhombus shape positioned diagonally.
But the most shocking detail was the creature’s head. Pale blue, like its chest, but in the shape of a horse’s, with silver armor on its long snout.
The horse-like creature stood there, as if waiting. But for what?
There was no time to ponder the question, as Ryuko and King Monkey, as well as Ladybug (surprisingly) landed on the scene, just far enough to be a safe distance from the “monster”. And from the looks of it, they were just as perplexed as the crowd.
Ryuko grasps her blade, warily, while Ladybug turns to address the people. “Everything is under control, everyone! There’s no need to worry!” She reassures. Thankfully, this is enough to get most people to move away from the area.
Though the more persistently curious would simply move to safer line of sight, a group which also included Ivan. Ladybug disregards this, knowing all too well the thin line between stubbornness and curiosity, resolving to keep Carapace on “speed-dial” in case things went south. She turns to the “monster”. “Hello? Can you hear us?” Nothing.
Ryuko grasps her blade tighter. King Monkey gets into a fighting stance. Ladybug tries again. “If you can hear us, please surrender your Akumatized object peacefully. No one has to get hurt today.” Nothing.
But then, it started walking. It was a slow walk. But it was intentful. It was worrying. And, frankly, it was a bit unsettling. Then, it stopped. … “You’re wrong…” It spoke. Its voice was low, and angry. It sent a chill up Ladybug’s spine.
But she kept her composure. “About what?”
“You said that no one would have to have to be hurt today…” It clarifies. “But I’m afraid that’s false.” It clenches its fists, and begins a low chuckle. “Because today… Is the day heroes fall…” The beast brings its hand up to its face, but before the heroes can charge in, it thrusts its hand back out, releasing a devastating blast of air that blows back the heroes, and the captive audience!
“Wind Dragon!” Ryuko calls out, transforming into a gust of wind, which battles through the opposing force, eventually making it to the monster, and transforming back, drawing her sword at lightspeed, slashing at its chest.
The wind stops.
The people still fly backward at a ferocious speed, only to be stopped when they suddenly fall into a portal created from thin air.
Another portal opens up, upright, a bit closer to the ground, and the crowd all tumble out, rolling a bit on the ground before stopping.
Pegasus arrives from his hiding spot, joining the battle. Ladybug weakly begins to stand. She looks around as King Monkey begins to do the same. The people lie on the ground, a bit roughed up from the landing, of course, but luckily, alive.
Ivan supposes it's a bit lucky that she doesn’t notice him in the crowd before she turns around. The dust is beginning to clear…
Ladybug's eyes widen when she sees Ryuko, thankfully still alive, but held up by the neck in the hands of the monster.
The monster looks at Ryuko, and lets out a slight chuckle as he begins to turn his grip. He can almost hear her neck begin to twist.
GOKODENKEN (五古伝拳)
The crowd witnesses five pages made of golden energy fly out from nowhere, exploding upon impact with the beast’s back. The force causes the beast to release its grip on Ryuko, causing it to drop her. Her present teammates run to her aid.
The beast stumbles from the attack, and then turns rapidly, searching for the source. “What was that?! Who dares?!” He looks around to no avail. Until a snapping sound is heard in the silence. All present turn to the source. A dark alleyway. The snapping continues, but is now joined by footsteps, and a slowly gathering breeze.
Eventually a figure emerges from the Alleyway. A man in blue and gold ceremonial robes, with long, greying hair. His eyes are closed. The heroes watch on in shock. “Hear me, Mythos. Give me the story, run back to your master, and tell him the Gathering ends here,” Archivist Doujin demands, before easing into a fighting stance, palms open. “Or let your story end with it.”
The monster, “Mythos”, scoffs. “And how will you ensure that, Old man?”
Doujin raises an eyebrow. “Do you not recognize these robes, Mythos?” He lets out a light chuckle. “Of course you don’t. You were only given your new life today, weren’t you?”
The Mythos growls as it takes a closer look at the Old Master. He lets out a gasp in realization and shock. “You… you’re of that wretched Order?!”
“Order?” King Monkey wonders. “Is he talking about us?”
“...no” Ladybug answers. She doesn’t notice the questioning looks from her present allies.
A smirk appears on the face of the Archivist. He opens his snow-white eyes, and clenches his fists. A golden aura begins to radiate from his body. “If I must fight you alone, so be it,” he resolves. “But know that your true opponents are on their way.”
The Mythos chuckles. “Is that so?” It reaches behind it, and pulls out a small book. “Then I suppose I’ll have to even the odds before they get here!” He opens the book, the pages turning rapidly before tearing out, falling to the ground, and growing.
The giant pages glow purple, and they begin to shift and change to the horror of the heroes. And when it's over, a horde of Conceptuals stand in their place, holding cutlass-like swords with bat wings for blades, and a scorpion for a guard.
“Conceptuals, entertain the people of this fair city, while I handle our guest of honor.” The Mythos demands. The Conceptuals comply, charging in, blades at the ready, and heading for the crowd, protected by the heroes.
Ladybug begins to swing her yo-yo in an arc, acting as a makeshift shield. But her eyes widen in horror when the Conceptuals slash upward, sending a wave of energy toward them!
Fortunately, as if on cue, a green field of hexagon energy forms around the crowd, dispersing the waves, and kicking up dust. Ladybug breathes a sigh of relief as the dust clears, revealing Carapace standing in front of the crowd, a stern expression on his face.
“Good work, Carapace, now, let’s-” before Ladybug can finish, Carapace runs into the horde of Conceptuals. “Do… that, I guess.”
Carapace throws his shield into the horde, Felling many Conceptuals before it returns to him. He continues his charge, throwing blow after blow at more and more Conceptuals as Ladybug looks on in shock.
She shakes it off and runs into the fight, leaving King Monkey and Pegasus with orders to tend to Ryuko and protect the citizens.
Carapace throws his shield again, only to be grabbed by a pair of Conceptuals. He tries to wrestle out of their grip, but finds himself unable to escape. Then, his Miraculous starts to beep. He tries harder, but a third kicks him in the chest.
Thankfully, Ladybug hits the first two with her Yo-Yo, allowing the turtle hero to beat the third one back, just in time for his shield to return. He’s about to rush back into the fray, but Ladybug grabs his arm. “Carapace, wait-” he wrests his arm from her grasp. He only looks at her briefly before continuing his walk.
“You could've gotten killed there!” She admonishes.
“Thanks for the heads up.” He states, sarcastically.
Ladybug scowls. “What is your problem?!” She asks, frustrated.
Carapace stops, as if considering something. Then, he shakes his head and walks into an alleyway. Ladybug assumes (hopes) that the purpose is to think about his next move.
“Everyone, get out of here! Run home, do whatever! Just go!” King Monkey commands, and the crowd follows, running away from the battle. Pegasus hears his Miraculous beep, and takes Ryuko away from the battle. King Monkey runs in to aid Ladybug.
Ivan begins to do the same as the crowd, when he sees a figure flying overhead. The figure lands on his feet with a skid, revealing himself to be Archivist Doujin, with the Mythos following.
Ivan had to admit, he hadn’t expected to see the Archivist again for the rest of his life, let alone so soon as the same day. But, he supposed fate had a way of working out. And right now, fate was allowing him to witness this battle.
The Archivist throws a palm strike at the chest of the Mythos, followed by multiple consecutive punches to the abdomen. But the final one is blocked and countered with a headbutt, which draws a small amount of blood from the old man’s nose as he staggers back.
Doujin brings his arms out, and crosses them, making the backs of his outstretched hands parallel. A golden energy radiates between them.
“GOKODENKEN!!”
The five pages appear once again, cutting at the Mythos, sending it stumbling. It growls as it regains its footing. “That is beginning to annoy me…” it seethes.
“Is that so? Then I give you one final chance. Give me the story, now.”
“Never! The Gathering will succeed!!!” The halo on the Mythos’ back begins to glow, leading to the fire symbol at the very top. A beam of black energy blasts from the symbol, knocking the Archivist onto his back.
The Mythos begins to walk toward Doujin, laughing all the way. It grabs the Archivist by his neck, causing him to strain. “Any last insightful words, Archivist?” it inquires. Then, a pebble hits its head. It slowly turns to look.
“...What in the-” the horse monster is interrupted by another pebble. “Quit that!” It snaps its head toward the source.
Ivan freezes in fear. This was a bad idea.
The Mythos looks back to Doujin, and throws him on the ground. “We will finish this… after I deal with the pest.”
That’s when Doujin opens his eyes. “Close your eyes!” Ivan follows the warning, though the Mythos fails to heed it in time, the blinding light sending it stumbling.
The light dies down, and Ivan runs to the Archivist’s side. “Shit, that was close!”
“Indeed it was,” Doujin looks at the boy. His eyes linger on him for just a moment. “Do I know you?”
“W-What?! No, we’ve never met! y-you don’t know me!” Ivan attempts, frantically.
The old man raises an eyebrow. “Hm... I guess I didn’t.” He muses. He strains, and closes his eyes.
“Crap, are you okay?”
“Y-yes, I’m fine. I guess I’ve just worked these old eyes a bit too much today.” He reaches into his robe. “Hold something for me, will you?”
“U-um, sure?” Ivan responds, though it’s more of a question than an affirmative answer. The man places a small leather book into the boy’s hands.
“Right, there’s no time to explain now, but you mustn’t let it take that from you. When they are all together, open it.” He advises before jumping away, leaving the boy with more questions than answers.
Ivan looks down at the book. It had the outline of a bull’s face in grey, and the word below it, written in black.
“Minotauros Labyrinth.”
Alix watches the TV, a worried expression on her face. Luka, and Fluff watch on with her while Adrien sits on his bed. Alix sighs. “Fluff, give it to me straight, how’re we looking?”
The Kwami shudders a bit. “...Are you sure you want to know?
“Damn, that bad?”
Adrien clenches his fists. He turns around, throwing his door open.
“And where the hell do you think you’re doing?” Alix inquires.
“Out.”
“There?!” Luka says, an incredulous look on his face. “You mean, where the chaos is?”
“Yeah. Don’t try and stop me.”
“Like hell, you don’t have a nigh-invincible super suit anymore, if you haven’t noticed,” Alix looks back at the window. “And even then, I don’t think it’d help. Not this time.”
“Someone’s gotta do something.” Adrien complains.
“Yeah, Ladybug.” Luka suggests. The blond boy looks away. Luka sighs. “Look. As much as you don’t like her right now, she’s the most capable to handle this at the moment, seeing as you removed yourself from the game as I recall. There isn’t much you can do.”
“I can try.”
Luka crosses his arms. “What are you trying to prove?”
“...That I can be a hero without chains.” Adrien resolves, running out the door.
Luka turns to Alix. “Any chance the hero of last resort can come out to play?”
Alix scoffs. “And do what? Go back to a few months ago and tell them how to get less curb stomped? There’s no point. A better chance isn’t a good one. And that’s what we need right now,” She concludes. “...and chances are, we’re not gonna get it.”
Luka sighs, standing from the couch, and walking toward the door.
Alix’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you’re going out there too!”
“What choice do I have?”
“Staying here, and, you know, not dying?!”
“Someone’s gotta make sure he doesn’t bite it either.”
“Didn’t you just say Ladybug’ll handle it?!”
“...Alix, let’s be truthful. Ladybug can hold off those monsters all she wants, giving her the benefit of the doubt. But who’s gonna look out for us? She clearly doesn’t have the free time. Look.”
Alix turns to the TV. Most of the heroes had arrived on the scene now.
Ryuko was, of course, incapacitated.
King Monkey fought off hordes of Conceptuals, Pegasus aiding him.
Purple Tigress used her Clout on another horde before jumping away, Pigella using a Gift to distract the incoming reinforcements as they escaped.
Rooster Bold, Vesperia, and Caprikid tried their best, but were swarmed, fighting a losing battle.
Polymouse uses her power to escape another horde.
Minotaurox, Carapace, Viperion, Bunnyx, and Chat Noir were nowhere to be seen.
And neither was Ladybug.
It was horrible.
“In all that chaos… who’s got the time to look out for the little guy?” Luka asks. He doesn’t wait for an answer before leaving to join the fight, as terrible as the odds were.
That left Alix alone with Fluff, and the TV, which broadcasted the disaster. Alix thumbs the pocket watch in her hand. She sighs. “Fluff, you know what to do.” she says, handing the Miraculous to her Kwami.
Fluff takes it, solemnly. “I know. Back to the box.” She flies to her holder’s face, hugging her cheek. Alix reciprocates. They stay like that for a moment before breaking.
“This isn’t goodbye, got it? It’s a ‘see ya later!’” Alix assures, putting her fist up.
Fluff sniffles, a single tear running down her cheek.She places a paw on the fist with a nod. Then, she flies out the door.
Alix is left alone in the room.
She stands from the couch, and walks out the door. “Alright, you guys win,” she says, a tear running down her cheek. “We may not be able to change this… So let’s fight like hell.” She resolves, cracking a slight smirk.
It seemed that it just wouldn’t end. More and more came, but Carapace fought them off all the same. A Conceptual finds its way into the Alleyway, only to be hit in the face with the turtle hero’s shield.
It bounces back to the hero’s hand, and he catches it without a problem. But then, he throws it to the ground. “You know what, I’m glad you followed me here.” He says, cracking his knuckles. “I have a few issues to work off.”
And he runs at the Conceptual, throwing a brutal right at its stomach, followed by multiple jabs at its chest, ending with a final jab that throws it backward, into an incoming pair. The new arrivals throw their defeated ally to the floor, and rush in, swords at the ready.
He sending his fist into one of their faces, knocking it to the ground, where he stomps on the already cracked orb on its chest, causing it to unravel in pages that disintegrate in the wind.
As if on instinct, he dodged the incoming punch from behind, and grabbed his opponent’s arm, swinging it overhead, before moving on to the next.
The sound of his heel in Conceptual’s face obscures the oncoming feelings of exhaustion, and he sends it flying.
Heavy breathes, drowned out by a ruthless uppercut.
And more, they unheard over the sound of multiple consecutive punches to a Conceptual’s face.
Carapace only opens his ears to pain when another Conceptual manages to hit him from behind. He lets out a gasp as he falls. Blood falls from his mouth.
Green light cascades down his super-powered form. And when it fades, Nino Lahiffe hits the ground, the fatigue hitting him like a truck. He looks at his hand, it's covered in blood. His blood.
These things...
They depowered him...
With just a hit?!
Wayzz floats by him, and watches his tired arm fall to his side in worry. “...N-Nino?” The Kwami eyes widen when a fist impacts against Nino’s face, sending the boy to the ground, and breaking his glasses.
Before Nino can even look, another Conceptual sends a foot into his stomach. Wayzz flies over to Nino, who lays on the ground, seemingly unable to move. “...Wayzz…” he tries.
But a surprised look crosses his face, and before he knows it, he grabs the Turtle Kwami, and hugs him close before turning around, receiving a slash to his back. “Nino, You’re hurt!”
“I’ll be fine, little dude…” Nino reassures. “This is nothing! Just stay close, ok?” Wayzz gives a nervous nod, and Nino begins to rise to his feet, using the wall to support him, and holding Wayzz close with his free arm.
He’s exasperated, all of the adrenaline is gone. Can he even fight? It doesn’t matter. The Conceptuals are lumbering toward them, like they’re toying with them. Nino squints his eyes, he can barely see, but he knows he sees two of them. He can take them.
He has to.
Until a Yo-Yo wraps around them, binding them together. Ladybug kicks them both, sending them to the ground. She unwinds her Yo-Yo, and Nino sighs. She walks over to him, and holds out her hand. “Give it to me. You’re done.”
“What?!”
“What you just did was reckless, thoughtless, and impulsive. You could’ve gotten hurt worse than a pair of broken glasses, and a bit of blood!” Ladybug admonishes. She hated to do it, especially with her team already down by 3, but that was precisely the reason why she couldn’t afford mistakes. “What’s even your problem anyway?! Why would you do something like this?”
“I was… venting.”
“Venting? VENTING? You think you can just use this job as an outlet for emotions?!” Ladybug asks, frustrated. “Nino, the Miraculous aren’t to be used for this kind of thing, you could’ve died! What could possibly make you so mad that you’d do something so stupid?!”
“Wouldn’t you like to know!?” he snaps.
“Nino, please, you must calm yourself!” Wayzz says. Nino obeys, breathing in, and out. The turtle Kwami turns to Ladybug. “Master, I know that Nino made a mistake, but that’s no reason to end our partnership!” Wayzz pleads. “I beg you to reconsider! Nino is a valuable asset to your team! And plus… I’ve formed a bond with him that I refuse to simply throw away!”
Ladybug was shocked. But, it was to be expected. It had only been a few months since she gave out the Miraculous permanently, yet that was more than enough time to establish a bond between a human and a kwami. She knew that all too well.
Which is why she reached her decision with a heavy heart. “I’m sorry, Wayzz. But what Nino did could have endangered you both. We can’t afford to make mistakes like that.” She looks at the boy again, holding her hand back out. “Nino Lahiffe, as of now, you are no longer fit to wield a Miraculous. Return it, now.” She orders.
“...Okay.”
Wayzz Gasps. "Nino…”
“As pissed as I am at her, she’s right, about one thing,” Nino concedes. “What I just did put you in danger, real danger. And I’m not gonna keep doing that just to let off steam because she thinks she can…” Nino grunts.
“Wait, you did this… because of me?” Ladybug inquires.
Wayzz nods. “Master… he knows what you’ve done.” Ladybug’s eyes widened. How did he know?
“Adrien told me. And it’s not fair, you know.”
“I-I did what I thought was best. What I think is best.” “If your plan was so good, why did Adrien quit?! Why did he…” Nino trails. “Why did he break up with you?”
Ladybug gasps. “H-How did you… he didn’t…”
“No, he didn’t. He still respected you enough to try and dance around it, but… he was never a good liar. Though I guess that’s not entirely true, is it?”
“Nino… you have to understand, I knew that knowing the truth would devastate him!”
“How do you know? Who said that was your decision to make? You’re not his… You’re not his father. But you’re acting a lot like him right now.”
Ladybug grits her teeth. “Don’t you dare compare me to him. I did what was best for Adrien!”
“Isn’t that what he said?”
“Yes, but I mean it! I care about Adrien more than anyone! He’ll see… he’ll see that it was for the best.”
“And if he doesn’t?” Nino shoots back.
“...He will.”
“...Okay. Fine, let’s get this over with.” Nino takes off the Turtle Miraculous, holding it out. “Wayzz… I renounce you.” And it’s done. Though Nino makes sure to give the Miraculous to the turtle Kwami, and not Ladybug.
Wayzz looks at his Miraculous for a moment, and flies into Nino’s chest, opening his small arms. “Goodbye, Nino.”
Nino reciprocates the hug. “Later, little dude.” A tear rolls down his cheek. When the hug ends, Wayzz places the Miraculous in Ladybug’s open Yo-Yo, disappearing with it. Ladybug zips away without another word.
Nino simply watches.
“I hope I’m not intruding.” Nino looks to the alley entrance, and a tall man with long, greying hair and closed eyes walks in.
“...It’s whatever, man."
“Forgive me for my curiosity, but I couldn’t help but hear your confrontation. That was Ladybug, was it not?”
“...What’s it to you?” Nino inquires, warily. “You committed a reckless act, so she stripped you of your power.”
“...It was kinda voluntary, but yeah, that’s the gist of it.”
“It was quite noble, what you did for that Kwami.” Nino’s expression becomes one of shock. “Wait, you know about the Kwami?”
“Yes, I know of the Miraculous, and the Order of Guardians. But, most importantly, I know that you, Nino Lahiffe, are a hero.”
“...How did you know my-”
“All will be explained. Just take this, and join your friends. They will need you for the fight ahead.” The older man reaches into his robe, and acquires a small book with a leather cover. “Do you think you can fight again?”
Nino looks at the book. The cover had the yellow outline of a turtle on it, with words written below, in the same color.
“Shell of Akupara.”
“This way! We’ll lose them here!” The man calls out to his wife, who hangs off him, hopping on her single healthy leg, the other having been broken a while back.
“Claude, just drop me! I’m slowing you!”
“I don’t care, we’ll make it!” Claude turns down the street, walking his wife toward the sidewalk. “Ok, maybe we can rest here.” He sets her down against a shop, kneeling over, exasperated. “What is taking so long? The heroes usually take care of the Akumas by now!”
“I don’t know, but I think I need to get to a hospital.”
“We’re a block from the nearest one, I don’t know if I can run that far.” Claude laments.
“It’s ok. You can leave me, I’m just dead weight.”
“Allegra, please. I’m not doing this without you!” Claude pleads. Just then, the couple hear the sound of footsteps.
“They’re coming, you need to go!” Allegra shouts.
“What did I just say!? I’m not letting this happen to you!” The Conceptuals were in sight now. It was a whole survey squad, 10, 20, Claude couldn’t tell. But they weren’t going to hurt Allegra. He would bet his life on that. He hugs his wife close to him.
The Conceptuals get close, and one attempts to slash at the pair. Only for its arm to be grabbed, tightly. Adrien yanks the Conceptual toward him, and punches it in the face, causing it to fall over. He walks to the couple. “Are you two ok?” He asks.
“We’re fine, thank y- wait a minute, you’re that model kid!” Allegra recognizes.
Adrien rolls his eyes, jokingly. “Unfortunately.” The young blond stands up, and turns around. The Conceptuals have arrived, and stand, ready for a fight. “I’ll hold them off. You two get to a hospital.”
“You can’t seriously think you can take them alone?” Claude asks, dumbfounded at the boy’s confidence.
Adrien smirks. “Who said I was alone?” As if on cue, Alix and Luka run into the fight, taking out two of the Conceptuals. They hurry to Adrien’s side, and face the remaining Conceptuals. Adrien turns back to the couple. “We’ll be alright. Trust us!” He assures with a thumbs up.
Claude and Allegra look at each other. “Gotta admire the tenacity.” Claude compliments. “Alright. You kids do yourselves a favor and go easy on them, okay?” He jokes, picking Allegra up in a bridal carry. Adrien nods, and turns back, getting into a fighting stance.
Claude leaves with Allegra, and the kids are left with the Conceptuals. The Conceptuals charge, and the trio runs at them in response. Adrien grabs a Conceptual by the arm, delivering two back hand strikes to its face before letting it fall.
He leans back, dodging a pair of blades before going into a spinning kick, dispatching the swordsmen. A Conceptual grabs onto the blond’s neck, only for him to flip it overhead without breaking a sweat, and punch another one in the chest the very next moment.
Luka unleashes multiple rapid punches on a Conceptual, courtesy of his training with the Guardians. Something which aided him greatly against the next round of surrounding Conceptuals, defeating them all with quick, precise strikes.
Alix had no formal training like Luka, nor enough experience in the field to “self-teach”, like Adrien. But what she lacked in this, she made up for with her sharpened speed and agility, jumping over Conceptuals, sending high kicks to their faces, before landing in a handspring. She turns around, throwing a wide kick at more approaching Conceptuals.
A Conceptual approaches from behind, raising its blade, ready to strike the pink-haired girl. But it’s suddenly grabbed from behind, and lifted into a suplex! Alix turns around from the noise, and sighs in relief. “Ivan! Welcome to the party!”
“Thanks. I see you got started without me.” The larger boy jokes. “How rude.”
“I know right?” The two look to the left, seeing Nino emerge from an alley, holding a trash lid like a disc. “I even brought a party favor!” He throws the lid, and it bounces from Conceptual to Conceptual, eventually making its way toward Adrien, who smirks, and grabs it midair, using it as a melee weapon to take out the rest of his horde.
He and Luka join the assembled trio, Adrien performing a handshake with Nino. “Nice of you guys to join us! Though, Nino, I was expecting something a little more… green.”
Ivan raises an eyebrow.
“It’s a long story.” Nino assures.
“Right, so, where to next?” Luka asks.
That’s when an explosion throws them all to the ground. The Pegasus Mythos had returned. It walked toward the newly created pile of rubble, and smirked, having spotted new prey. “A bunch of kids, playing hero? Crushing your spirits will be delightful.”
Adrien looks up at the creature, gritting his teeth. “You’ll have to do better than that!”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” The Mythos inquires. “Because I’d be happy to deliver…”
TENSHOHŌ (天書砲)
A golden book made of energy suddenly appears in front of the Mythos, before opening and releasing a beam of spiral shaped energy, sending it flying back.
The book disappears, and Ivan and Nino’s pockets begin to glow, grey and yellow, respectively. The two boys look at each other, then take the books out of their pockets. “What the hell are those?” Alix asks.
“Keys to destiny.” The five kids turn their heads, and see Archivist Doujin walking toward them. “Keys that you will receive as well.”
“Who are you?”
“Archivist Doujin.” Ivan answers. The old man smiles.
“I see you recognize me, Minotaurox.” The group looked at their friend in shock.
“You’re Minotaurox?!”
“Was…” Ivan laments.
Adrien begins to laugh. “This is perfect! Now we’ve got a whole group of former superheroes."
“Question is, what are these books for?” Luka inquires.
Doujin chuckles before reaching into his robe a final time, pulling out a stack of 3 books, similar to Ivan and Nino’s. “Catch!” He throws the books to the 3 who are without, and they begin to glow as well.
The book in Luka’s hand glows blue, with the outline of a snake in the same color on the cover. “Jörmungand Oceans” Was the title.
Alix’s book radiated a green light, and had the green outline of a rabbit’s head. Its title was “Moonbeam Rabbit”
And finally, Adrien held a book that glowed a bright red, and had the outline in a similar color of a lion’s head. And it was titled “Manticore Brave”
“When they’re all together… You didn’t just mean the books. You meant us too, didn’t you?” Ivan figures.
Doujin nods. “Well, open them.”
Adrien looks at his friends. “This is the first step into a new story. Let’s take it together.” The other four nod.
“On 3.” Luka says.
“1.”
“2.”
“3!”
The group opens their books, the pages fluttering as if blown by the wind. The pages begin to glow white, blinding the 5 teens. Then, the light dies down, revealing a card in their left hands. “A… Card?” Adrien says.
“A Cover Card. The most powerful forms of the stories you now wield.” Doujin clarifies.
“What is this supposed to do?” Alix inquires. Then, the group’s phones start to ring.
“I think you should take those.” Doujin suggests with a smirk. The group takes out their phones, only for the devices to glow their respective colors before transforming into a ball of energy, which flies onto their right wrists.
The energy fades, revealing a new device attached to their arms.
The device is red, and square shaped, like a small tablet, even having a screen, and home button. However, the corners have bright gold designs, like a fancy book of sorts. And also like a book, the device seemed to have a spine, though it seemed to be a card-swiper, judging by the slit in the center. At the top of the device, there seemed to be another slit of some kind.
Adrien looks at the card. It featured the design of a mighty Manticore breathing a torrent of fire, with what he assumed to be the story’s logo in massive letters at the top.
A groan snaps the group out of their thoughts. The Pegasus Mythos stands, and growls in anger.
“That is your enemy,” Doujin explains. “A Mythos. The evolved form of the Conceptual soldiers you faced earlier, after they devour a Core Story.”
“A Core Story?”
“Yes, and if the story isn’t retrieved after 24 hours of ingestion, it will be lost forever. The Mythos’ masters, the Eraza, have sent it out to gather human despair to awaken their god, Anazzi. Your quest is to stop them at all costs, lest the world be enveloped in absolute darkness. Any who wish to leave, forfeit your card now.”
Adrien looks at the card in his hand. He narrows his eyes. “Tell me this. You come from an Order of some kind, right?” Doujin nods. “If we do this, I want you to assure us that there are gonna be secrets hidden from us. We want to be heroes. Not pawns.”
“Then that is what you will be.” Doujin confirms. “The only secret of the Order of Shangri-La, is its very existence.”
Adrien smirks, and gives a nod. “Alright then. I’m in.” He resolves, inserting the card into the slit at the top of the device. The screen comes to life, presenting the image of the card.
MANTICORE BRAVE
“Wherever Adrien goes, I go.” Nino says, doing the same with his card.
SHELL OF AKUPARA
“Seems like a good deal.” Alix inserts her card.
MOONBEAM RABBIT
“...Okay.” Ivan inserts his card.
MINOTAUROS LABYRINTH
“...” Luka looks at his card. If he did this, there was no turning back. He’d be part of something completely new… he narrows his eyes, and inserts the card. “This is a new journey for us.”
JÖRMUNGAND OCEANS
“Right. And this power… comes without chains!!” The group taps the screens of their devices, and the card graphic flips, revealing multiple pages, the word glowing white.
The pages fly out into the real world, all of them forming together to form a massive book, which opens, falling to the ground, behind the team.
Out of the book, giant creatures made of energy, a red manticore, a green rabbit, a blue serpent, a black minotaur, and a yellow turtle fly from the pages before transforming into masses of words.
The words fly around their respective hero, enveloping them in their colored energy before bursting into light. The light fades, revealing their new forms.
Each of the heroes wore a suit mainly in their respective colors, with a darker shade on the inner arms and sides. On their legs were armored pads in their colors, with golden lining, and the word “Legend” written in cursive, as well as golden anklets.
They wore golden belts on their waists, which connected to a small, book shaped buckle, with a small button at the top.
Their left forearms had similar armoring to their legs, with an arm guard, and a golden bracer.
But their right arms were entirely different. Each of them had a shoulder pad resembling the head of their respective animal, with a short cape resembling a page falling from it. The rest of the arm was decorated in armor resembling their elements.
Luka had water, as his mind flowed like a wave.
Alix had wind, as she moved as fast as a gust.
Ivan had metal, as his body held the strength of the mineral.
Nino had earth, which was durable and protective, like his heart.
And Adrien had fire, with the flames that devoured all in their wake.
Their helmets resembled the heads of the beasts they represented, their mouths open, revealing the warriors’ visors and mouth plates.
And finally, they all had a golden breastplate on their chest, with the image of their respective Mythical Creature on the right, and the rest enveloped in an image of their element.
The heroes got into fighting poses, ready to take on their foe with their new power. The Mythos charges in first, attempting a swipe at Adrien, only to be dodged, and countered with two punches and a kick, which sends it flying backward.
The Mythos grunts, and scrambles to its feet. “Whatever power you have doesn’t matter. I’ll still take your despair!” It runs toward Adrien, and throws a punch, only for his fist to be grabbed by Luka.
“Pretty persistent.” He comments.
“Pretty stubborn is more like it.” Adrien adds.
“Same difference.” Luka throws a flurry of strikes at the Mythos’ chest, finishing with a punch to the face, which causes it to stumble. Alix jumps in with a flying kick to the side of the head, and throws a few punches after she lands.
Ivan grabs the Mythos from behind, and Nino begins to throw a few strikes of his own at the beast, only for it to break free by creating a surround wave of wind, knocking the heroes onto their backs. It thrusts its hands out, and a massive amount of wind begins to gather into a ball.
“Crap, what do we do with this?!” Nino panics. Adrien looks down to his belt, and as if on instinct, hits the button at the top of the buckle, opening it like the books from which it takes shape.
“What the- more cards?!”
“Well, hurry up! Use one!” Alix rushes.
“Okay, okay! How about… uh, this one!” Adrien takes a card from the buckle, swipes it in the spine of his wrist-device.
ARTHUR, CALIBURN KING
The Pegasus Mythos finishes charging its attack, and fires it at the team, but a massive image of the card projects from Adrien’s wrist-device, shielding the group from the blast, to their shock.
The card transforms into a giant book, which opens, allowing 5 weapons to emerge from the pages.
A large sword with a red guard, with the image of a lion’s face roaring, and a pair of firey wings on each side.
A green bow, with the image of a rabbit’s face at the center, and a handle allowing it to be held, as well as bladed limbs resembling a rabbit’s ears.
A blue spear in the shape of a serpent, with the silver blade protruding from the serpent’s mouth.
A massive, black battle axe, with the image of a bulls face on the head, and white horns painted on the blades.
And a circular shield, with blades resembling a turtle’s flippers surrounding it.
The heroes obtain their weapons, and the book disappears, along with the card. Adrien eyes his weapon closely. The blade of his sword had an inscription on it in gold.
MANTICALIBUR
The growls of the Pegasus Mythos grabs the attention of the heroes, and they ready their new weapons. The Mythos takes out another small book, opening it, releasing more sword wielding Conceptuals.
They run toward their new foes, blades at the ready. Only to for the first wave to be dispatched easily by the newly armed warriors. The team runs in to face the second wave.
Adrien swings and parries with his own massive blade, taking out multiple Conceptuals with a wide arc. “A little big for my liking, but I can manage.” He remarks. And he dispatches another wave with a final slash.
Nino’s shield cuts through more Conceptuals as it flies around the battlefield, eventually returning to his hand. “This shield fits just as well as my old one!” He compliments, before blocking a Conceptual’s blade. “Just as sturdy too!”
Alix rapidly fires arrows of green energy at her opponents, keeping them from getting anywhere near her. But when a few manage to get by and slash at her, she parries with the blades on her bow, before quickly taking them down. “This thing kicks ass! I take back every bad thing I may have said about archery.”
Ivan slams his axe into the ground with a heavy swing, sending multiple Conceptuals flying into the air. And he ends it with another swing, the very force of which causes each of the Conceptuals to explode. “...I can get used to this.”
Luka gracefully spins his spear, blocking, and striking many Conceptuals at once at high speeds. It’s only when he finally ends his disciplined, yet relentless attack that they fall down, defeated. “Huh, that was actually kinda fun.” He muses. “I wonder…?”
Another wave of Conceptuals arrives, and he takes his Cover Card from his wrist-device, quickly swiping it through the reader.
JÖRMUNGAND OCEANS: FINAL CHAPTER!
“Perfect timing!” The blade of Luka’s spear begins to glow bright blue, and he spins it, leaving a trail of water, as if from a painting. He thrusts his weapon out, stabbing a Conceptual in the chest.
Then, he spins, painting a ring of water around him, and slashing other conceptuals as well. Finally, he thrusts the bottom of his spear into the ground, causing the ring of water to explode, taking out the remaining Conceptuals surrounding him.
THE END
Alix laughs in delight upon witnessing the scene. “Alright, my turn!” She takes her card from her device, and swipes it.
MOONBEAM RABBIT: FINAL CHAPTER!
She pulls back on her on her drawstring, which, to her shock, doesn’t create an energy arrow, but an arrow made of green wind! She smirks under her helmet, and aims upward, before releasing the drawstring, causing streams of green wind to fall upon the battlefield, taking out the enemies around her.
THE END
“Ok, let’s see what we’ve got!” Nino says before swiping his card.
SHELL OF AKUPARA: FINAL CHAPTER!
The turtle shell shield begins to glow yellow, as well as Nino’s legs. “I think I know where this is going!” He says, excited. He throws his shield into the air, and jumps after it, both soaring high into the air.
Eventually, Nino catches up to the shield, grabbing it, and flipping it over, putting the soles of his boots onto the bottom. He falls to the ground like a comet, dispersing yellow energy upon impact, and making a massive yellow crack in the ground from the force, which seals when the attack ends.
THE END
Ivan looks at his axe, then his wrist device. “Worth a shot.” He says. And he takes out his Cover Card, swiping it.
MINOTAUROS LABYRINTH: FINAL CHAPTER!
A saw-like ring of energy appears around Ivan’s axe. “Well, how about that.” He slashes at a group of Conceptuals, the saw-blade cutting into them, and amplifying the damage output. With every hit, the saw-blade begins to spin faster, and faster, until it becomes a spinning ring of silver energy, at which point, a final slash at the air throws the massive ring from the axe, allowing it to take out more enemies.
THE END
Adrien lands a hit on the Pegasus Mythos, before following up with more slashes, and a final kick. “Guess it’s my turn! Looks like your story is Over!” he remarks before swiping his card.
MANTICORE BRAVE: FINAL CHAPTER!
Five rings of red energy appear before Adrien, each one ablaze. The crimson armored boy crouches, sword in hand, before launching through the rings, each one lighting him, and his blade, more and more aflame. He passes through the final ring, stabbing right through the chest of the Pegasus Mythos.
He stops midair, and lands in a crouch, the fire fading away. “It… Can’t be…” the Mythos strains. Then, it falls, exploding upon impact with the ground.
THE END
Adrien stands from his crouch, turning to the site of the explosion, and watching as a golden orb of light flies from it, and into his free hand. The light gets brighter, causing the boy to shield his eyes, the visor on his helmet apparently not accounting for that. But when it fades, what is left is a Cover Card. The Image was that of a Pegasus, soaring through the air.
" Pegasus: Rider Of Clouds"
Adrien walks to master Doujin, handing him the card. “I think this belongs to you.”
The old master looks at the card intently with his snow white eyes. Then, he smiles, handing the card back to Adrien. “You keep it. I’ve read this age old story many a time. Now, it wants a new reader.”
Adrien takes the card, and is surprised when it begins to glow again. It transforms back to energy, flying to his belt buckle. Adrien presses the button on top, opening the buckle, revealing a golden portal inside. The Core Story flies into the portal, and the buckle closes. “Where did it go?”
“Back to the Archives of Shangri-La, to revitalize. Though you can call on it again whenever you wish, but it will need to revitalize after each use.”
Adrien nods in understanding. The rest of the group rejoins. Nino slings an arm over Adrien’s shoulder. “Dude, that was awesome!!” He compliments.
“Never anything like that before!” Alix adds.
“Well, judging by what Master Doujin said, there’s gonna be plenty more where that came from, right?” Luka inquires, turning to the old master, who nods in confirmation.
“There will be many battles ahead of you, for the Eraza Empire will not give up so easily.” Doujin says before looking to the rooftops.
He narrows his eyes, spotting Ladybug and Su-Han watching from afar. The hero and the monk leave, but not before Su-Han shoots a glare at the new heroes. “And, I fear, neither will you.” Doujin whispers.
“They didn’t see us transform, right?” Adrien asks, worried. Doujin looks at them closer. “No. They only just arrived.” He assures.
Nino breathes a sigh of relief. “That would’ve been weird to explain… Oh, uh, speaking of which, how do we… uh, you know?” He inquires.
“Hm… I believe you would call it a home button. Just press it.” The team presses the home buttons on their wrist devices, and the armored suits disappear into words, which fade from existence soon after.
“The devices on your wrists are called K-Readers, they will allow you to use any Cover Card that you obtain, as well as ones supplied by the Order. Today, you begin a new story. A story you will write. As…”
DŌWA SENTAI KODENGER (童話戦隊古伝ジャー)
THE END