To Be a Hero | MLB

21: The Deal

I pull my racket from off my back and twirl it in my fingers a few times, thinking through the steps of my new plan, before noticing something flitting around the corner of my vision. I turn just in time to see an akuma sink into my racket.

Then it's like someone else is inside my head, and I snap to attention.

"Reverb," the voice in my head greets. "I am Hawk Moth. So, I hear Ladybug doesn't trust you to make decisions for her team. Well, from now on, everyone in Paris will take orders from you, and only you."

"It's about time," I mutter.

"All I ask for in return for your powers are Ladybug and Chat Noir's Miraculous."

I pause. "You're using me, too, aren't you?"

"Of course not. We're partners. And after you deliver me the Miraculous, you can keep your powers, as well as all the attention that comes with them."

I consider his offer for a moment, then nod. This might help speed my plan along. "Okay, Hawk Moth. We have a deal."

"Excellent."

Then I stand and feel a strange, cold wave wash over me. When I glance down at myself, I see that my superhero suit has changed from blue and yellow to gold and a stark midnight blue. My racket in my hand is now blackened and jagged-edged, and I hold it up above my head. Instantly, hundreds of black parrots appear between its strings, then scatter across Paris, their awful screeches filling the air.

I watch them fly off, then start toward the edge of the rooftop, intending to fly away myself. But then a door opens behind me, and I freeze.

"What... Who are you."

I turn and see Jaxon standing behind me, eyes wide, as he takes in my dark costume. He starts to take a step toward me, and I lift my racket, pointing it at him.

Just my luck I'd end up on my own roof. "Take one more step, and I'll turn you into one of my mindless followers," I warn. I'll do it, too.

He holds his hands up and steps back. "I... Okay, okay. Jeez."

"Good." Then I turn and stride back to the edge.

"Wait. Dark bird."

I roll my eyes, turning back around. "I'm Reverb."

"Okay. Reverb, have you seen my sister." I'm surprised he's talking this much to who he thinks is a stranger, but I'm even more surprised he's talking about me. "My brothers and I can't find her, and I'm worried..."

My heart cracks a little. He's worried about me?

"I'm worried my mom is going to take her anger out on us, instead of Tori."

I stiffen and march to the edge of the roof again. "Maybe your sister doesn't want to be found. Have you ever thought about that?" Then before he can respond, I add. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have places to be, things to do." I spread my wings—

"You'll never win, you know," he calls. "You don't stand a chance against Chat Noir and Ladybug. They'll show up, and—"

I smile at him. "Oh, I'm counting on that."