Reader X Nathanael | ✔

Chapter 18: Miraculous Akumas

*Thanks @ThatCoolGamerGirl for the amazing fan art!*

"Nathanael?" Ladybug gasped from up ahead. She whipped around, turning Chat Noir with her. Their faces were stuck in a mask of horror as everyone stared at their akumatized friend.

He grinned mischievously, eyes glowing a bright purple. A bubbly purple goo like substance ran up his legs and over his body, quickly evaporating.

There was the Dessinateur, completely color inverted and standing before them, smiling.

"W-wait what? How can he get akumatized? Nath has a miraculous, he can't steal his own!" You rambled, trying to explain the impossible situation in front of you.

"Who are you calling Nath? I'm the Evillistrator!" He protested, groping for his stylus angrily.

Before anyone could do anything, he tapped something into his tablet and bounded forward. Metal spears shot out of nowhere, nearly impaling Chat Noir.

He yelled helplessly, fumbling for his staff. His movements were becoming sluggish, barely blocking each hit.

"Run!" Ladybug yelled, shooting up the steps like a rocket. No one asked any questions as they dashed upward, Chat Noir guarding the back from any flying objects.

Luckily, the Evillistrator was still extremely sleep deprived, and fell behind drastically. You all had time. If only there were more stairs to climb.

Only after mere seconds, everyone stopped at the same locked door once more. Panic arose, with no where to run.

Trying to remain calm, you pressed a shaking hand against the butterfly in the middle of the door. It swung open with a 'pshhing' noise, revealing a dark oval shaped room.

You all piled in quickly, gasping for breath.

"W-" Ladybug began, straightening out. Everyone abruptly whipped around, alert as ever.

"Look who decided to show up..." A familiar voice cackled, as if someone had told a hilarious joke. A fuzzy figure stepped out of the dark and into the light beams, protruding from the large window.

Your heart sank, and only slight gurgling noises escaped your gaping mouth. Standing before you, was Hawk Moth.

"D-dad!" You stammered, trying to hide the new attire with your hair. "I captured them...?" You continued awkwardly, looking down.

Behind you, the wall shimmered away as if it were being erased. Nathanael strode through the open gap, walking across the sleek floor over to Hawk Moth.

Ladybug and Chat Noir stood frozen to the ground, unsure of what to do.

"Nath don't!" You cried, stumbling forward. "How did you akumatize him? Why aren't you surprised that I'm here? What's going on?" Questions swarmed your head, making your stomach lurch.

"As long as your 'Nath' is akumatized, there's nothing you can do about it. To think that he was so vulnerable that I were able to akumatize him, well, he must have been hiding something big." Hawk Moth sneered, enjoying your terrified reaction.

"Why would you do this? Why do we deserve this?" You cried helplessly, sniffling.

The Evillistrator stood next to him, twitching slightly.

"Um, is Nathanael ok?" Chat Noir whispered, leaning toward you and Ladybug. You observed further to see that he was silently crying, keeping a blank expression.

"(Y/n), why don't you introduce me to your little friends?" Your dad chuckled mockingly, making you flush red with anger.

His face softened into a hurt expression. "Or are you really with them now? I'm all that you have, (y/n). Without me, you're nothing. You're meant to be evil, whether you like it or not."

Tears rolled down your face as you checked on Nathanael, who seemed to be stare somewhat sympathetically at Chat Noir and Ladybug.

A small wind blew through the tiny cracks in the large window, revealing tiny puffs of dust floating through the air. Your hair blew gently around you, the only calm thing to be found.

Odd, you thought. How is he showing emotion?

You stepped forward into the middle of the room gingerly, glancing back at Ladybug and Chat Noir. They gave you a half hearted smile before shuffling closer together in fear.

"So I guess I'll have to choose then." You began slowly, clearing your throat from its dry and cracking state.

Hawk Moth nodded, folding his hands together in what you thought was pity.

"Just take my hand, and you'll get what you deserve. I'll release Nathanael, spare your friends, and give you a miraculous. Isn't this what you've always longed for?"

You bit your lip in thought, considering the offer.

Your dad stuck out his gloves hand eagerly, waiting for you to take it. Reaching forward, a pang of regret formed in your stomach, knowing that it wasn't the right thing to do.

"I guess I can't avoid who I am." You sighed before locking hands, sealing the deal once more.