Kwami Struggle a miraculous ladybug fanfiction by @storiesunite

Chapter 9: Toying with the Heart

Hawkmoth knelt beside Mayura and managed to steady her seizing form. The purple butterfly gently wiped away the sweat away from the woman's forehead. "It's going to be over soon My Dear. Soon this curse will be broken and we can try and find Ladybug and Chat Noir-"

Mayura looked up as her accomplice and shakily reached up to carress his cheek. She seemed so fragile, and her feathery voice sounded on the verge of shattering. "Before I go- There's something I always wanted to tell you-" Hawkmoth reflexively folded his giant patterned butterfly wings in a tent like fashion around them, for want of privacy. The Indigo peacock took a rattling inhale and looked the man she loved in the eyes. "Gabriel, I love-"

The supervillain interrupted Maryura with a kiss. It was at first fervent, but quickly became deeper, longing and powerful. Hawkmoth cradled Mayura in his arms and she timidly wrapped her arms around his neck. Taking care to be gentle, the kiss became tender before the two villains parted. Mayura was breathless and enchanted all at once with wonder. Hawkmoth smiled fondly. "I love you too Natalie. It just took me a total backfired plan to realize it."

Mayura softly chuckled. "Oh Gabriel..."

Hawkmoth held his partner closely to him as he reflexed his wings and unfolded the tent he had made. The villain's expression was set. "We are going to make it, I promise. I'll do whatever it takes to save you."

Mayura fanned her tail feathers with a gasp of alarm. She shuddered as she placed a hand on Hawkmoth's chest. "Even if the Miraculous Wish would ask for your health and strength in exchange for mine?!"

Hawkmoth severely nodded. 

For the first time in his life- his priorities were absolutely clear. Break the chemical curse, Renounce the Miraculous, Make the wish to restore Natalie, Propose, find Adrien...and build a happy new life.

***

The vortex appeared inside the warehouse and the two heroes stood up. After meeting each other before the portal entrance, Ladybug and Chat Noir held hands.

LB squeezed his hand lightly. "I hope your plan works Kitty."

***

 An electric blue portal opened up and Hawkmoth looked up in surprise. Ladybug and Chat Noir emerged from the cosmic rip in reality. Hawkmoth stood with a gasp, and helped Mayura quickly to her feet to mask the fact that she was much weaker than their last encounter. "Wait- you're....ADULTS?!!"

Ladybug nodded curtly. "In the flesh." The two heroes tensed in preparation.

Mayura sputtered softly. She lifted her indigo feathered peacock wings in earnest. "B-but how did you find us?!"

Jean stepped out of the manor and de-transformed then and there. He smiled. "They had a little help from a friend." 

Chat Noir growled sharply. "What have you done with Gabriel Agreste?!"

Hawkmoth groaned in annoyance. "He's being taken care of- He's fine, trust me." The butterfly villain squinted his eyes in thought. Even after seeing his two nemeses...all the overwhelming urges to relinquish the butterfly and peacock miraculous...to bring Adrien back and save Natalie- silenced some old habits. 

He was no longer fighting to bring someone back. He was racing the clock.

Mayura pulled on a strained smile. "Nice to see you again-" Mayura tried to take a step forward, but her weak knees buckled and Hawkmoth quickly caught her. Mayura wheezed and clenched swaths of Hawkmoth's suit in her fists as sweat beaded on her face. The peacock broach crackled and sparked and Mayura yelped in pain. 

Ladybug came close to steady her, and Chat, who was still holding her hand followed her lead.

Jean shouted. "LB, wait!!"

The heroes made the mistake of touching their mortal enemies in concern. The four miraculous holders shouted in alarm. All at once LB and Chat had reverted back to their original age, only Chat was growing black fur, and Ladybug was growing gossamer insect wings and antennae. There was a strong tingling sensation that drove the four people to the ground. 

Jean ran back inside to get to the chemistry lab. He needed an antidote for all of this and fast.