꧁ • 𝗹𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗲 ​​ • ꧂

✧ • ​🇨​​🇭​​🇦​​🇵​​🇹​​🇪​​🇷​ ​🇸​​🇮​​🇽​ • ✧

Echoes of Light and Shadow

Adrien burst into the room, his excitement almost tangible. "Sis, you won't believe it! That explosion was like a thunderclap! Ladybug and I shot through the air like rockets!""Sure, and you looked like a cartoon character when you slammed into the wall. The poor wall probably needed a bandage," Plagg chimed in, his tone dripping with amusement.I couldn't help but smirk. "I'm starting to like this bug," I said, not quite sure what liking a talking bug entailed, especially in the midst of this chaos."Oi, Plagg!" Adrien protested, rubbing the back of his head where it had collided with the wall. "Nova should've seen how hilarious he looked hanging from Ladybug's yo-yo.""Stop it, both of you," I interjected, though I couldn't suppress a small smile. "I need to get some rest. Nova, you can play board games or watch TV if you want. Just keep that bandage on; the wound might get worse otherwise."With that, Adrien flopped onto his bed, the exhaustion from the day's events evident in his relaxed posture. Plagg jumped onto the bed beside him, already half-asleep.I was left alone with Plagg, who was still buzzing with energy despite his apparent fatigue. "So, I'm left with you now," Plagg began, tilting his head curiously. "How come you're not shocked by any of this? Not many humans react so calmly to a talking bug.""I've seen worse," I replied, my voice carrying a hint of detachment. "This is just another strange thing added to an already long list.""You're quite the enigma for a twelve-year-old," Plagg observed, seemingly intrigued. "Any doubts about that?""Not at all. I like your attitude, young lady," Plagg said with a hint of approval."Thanks, I suppose.""So, do you like cheese?" Plagg asked, his eyes narrowing playfully."Lactose intolerant," I replied, rolling my eyes."Okay, now that's a letdown," Plagg teased. "But on to more interesting matters. Are you some sort of magical creature from the past?""Ah, of course!" Plagg's voice took on an exaggerated, theatrical tone. "I've battled dinosaurs with my great power of cataclysm! I've impressed many with my abilities.""That's not exactly what I was asking, but sure," I said, raising an eyebrow. "Are there other miraculous around the world?""Other?" Plagg's curiosity piqued. "What do you mean by 'other'?""You know," I pressed. "Are there more of your kind out there?""Oh, I get it now," Plagg replied. "Yes, there are other miraculous. Different creatures with their own unique powers."I hesitated before speaking. "I heard some legends about creatures like you from my mother.""I assume your mother is no longer with you," Plagg said softly, sensing the sadness in my tone. "Sorry for bringing it up.""It's fine," I said, forcing a smile. "It's a long story.""I noticed something earlier," Plagg continued. "When your father hugged Adrien, you looked... hurt. Why is that?""I don't know what you're talking about," I said, my voice a bit defensive."No, I saw something," Plagg pressed gently. "It seemed like you were feeling left out or unloved.""Kind of," I admitted reluctantly. "My mother's dead.""Why is that?" Plagg asked."Maybe it's my fault," I said, my voice wavering. "It's a memory I try to keep buried.""Sorry for prying," Plagg said, his tone sympathetic."It's fine," I replied. "I really don't mind.""Let's change the subject," Plagg said, clearly sensing my discomfort. "Do you have anything interesting to show me?"I had nothing particularly exciting to offer, but a sudden impulse drove me to reveal something. "Interesting, you say? Well, I suppose since we both have something special inside us, let me show you this."I stood up from the bed, feeling a familiar warmth cours through me. A purple glow began to surround me, and I focused on the table across the room. Slowly, it began to lift off the ground, floating in mid-air."Whoa, wait, how are you doing that!?" Plagg's voice was tinged with panic.Before I could answer, the glow faded, and the table crashed back to the floor. I staggered, feeling the familiar, sharp sting of blood rising in my mouth. It dribbled down my chin, staining my shirt."Nova!" Plagg exclaimed, alarmed."It's fine, it's normal for me," I said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the pain."But you're bleeding!" Plagg's concern was evident."I said it's normal," I repeated, wiping the blood away. "Hope you enjoyed the show.""But—" Plagg began."Shut up," I cut him off, wiping the blood from my face. "Let me clean up, and then we'll find something else to do.""Okay," Plagg agreed, albeit reluctantly.As I cleaned the blood from the floor and my clothes, I couldn't shake the feeling of disorientation. The day had been a whirlwind of revelations and strange occurrences, and it left me feeling unsettled. Yet, amid the chaos, a small part of me found solace in the presence of this strange, talking bug. For once, I wasn't alone in my confusion.And perhaps, just perhaps, there was a sliver of hope that tomorrow might bring something clearer, something less chaotic, even if it meant confronting the shadows of my past.