Wild Hearts || Miraculous Ladybug

9|| The Lethal Game of Tag

How is it that even though I only used half of the official episode for this chapter I have over 11,000 words in this chapter? Oh well. Enjoy! 

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Footsteps rang down the pavement as Elizabeth ran. Her breaths came out in short spurts and her ponytail bobbed up and down behind her with each step she took. Her arms pumped in time with her strides and the world around her blurred as her vision tunneled to the sidewalk in front of her.

Since she was no longer exploring with her father, Elizabeth had to turn to alternative ways to exercise. She didn't want to lose any of her physical stamina just because she spent a year in Paris. Yes, she technically got a workout as Night Angel, but Elizabeth didn't count it because all of her physical abilities were enhanced in her superhero form. She didn't get to keep any of that stamina as a civilian unless she worked for it herself. On top of that, if she was in top condition, her abilities as Night Angel would actually increase.

As such, it was important for her to stay healthy.

Besides the obvious benefit of running, Elizabeth also enjoyed the peace that came with working out. Her thoughts were always running rampant, but when she ran, her mind quieted, too focused on staying upright to analyze anything.

Along with that, it was one of the rare times that she didn't have Silver or Jumbe with her. This was for the obvious reason that they would have nowhere to hide; she was wearing a sleeveless sports top and leggings that had one tiny slit of a pocket for her phone. It was strange not to have them with her, but it was for the best. Jumbe always protested when she left on her own, insisting that it wasn't safe for her. While she understood his point of view, it would be too stressful to keep one of them with her. She would worry too much about them getting seen and wouldn't be able to focus on what she was doing.

Elizabeth let out a shaky breath as she slowed for an intersection. Once she was sure no cars were around she jogged across, picking up speed when she reached the other side.

She quickly realized that she had entered the more populated areas of Paris as the sidewalks became more congested with people. She paid it no mind, calmly weaving through the crowd when she needed to. In general, people cleared out of her way so she was able to run unhindered for the most part.

She spotted the shopping district from the corner of her eye and promptly turned the other way. She didn't want to go where it was too busy.

Five minutes later she found herself in a familiar park. She grinned at the sight of her metal statue, happy to see people milling around and posing in front of it.

Suddenly, a loud beep rang out from the side pocket of her leggings. Elizabeth slowed, coming to a stop and pulling out her phone. She turned off the alarm that she had set for an hour when she set out today. It seemed that her run was over. She would have to go home soon before her kwamis—well, Jumbe—began to panic.

However, the day was too nice and Elizabeth didn't feel like heading back just yet. She found a quiet corner of the park and stretched her sore muscles, soaking in the sun as she did so.

She reached down and touched her toes, holding the position for a minute before reaching to the sky. Feeling a satisfying pop in her back, she brought her arms down again and started to walk back the way she came.

I should update my Hawkmoth journal when I get back, she decided with a nod. With something to look forward to, she unconsciously sped up, only to pause when soft music rang out in the park. She turned her head curiously to see a familiar boy with black and blue hair sitting on a bench a few meters away with a guitar in his hands. What was his name again?