Miraculous Games

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Eight:

"We need to act, now," Adrien ordered. Standing with his back to him, Alix nodded, then turned her attention back to a disguised Kim and passed on the message. With a cold stare, Adrien glared at Chloe as she made her way to the stage. Not only was her dress beyond inappropriate, but the way she looked at the crowd made him feel so inferior. And that was something that was not going to fly in his world.

"I'm sooo glad you're all here to share this moment with me!" Chloe exclaimed to the crowd, holding the microphone Alec handed her too close to her mouth. Her sickly sweet voice made Adrien clench his teeth in disgust. There was only one word that could explain how he felt.

Ugh.

Nadja Chamach immediately stole the mic back from her. "Yes, it really is. Now, at this time, we would like to present the creator of this year's arena, the Game Master!"

She gestured dramatically to the audience's right of the stage. Adrien's stomach clenched and he sucked in a breath. It was him - the man who had put Marinette through so much pain, the man who knew that he was Chat Noir, and the man who was about to get his butt kicked.

Decked out in a black and purple suit, the Game Master strut across the stage. He carried a black cane that shone under the stage lights. His shoes were shiny black, showing no imperfections whatsoever. And, to top it all off, he wore a silver mask that covered the top of his head, down the sides of his face, and his nose. The only things it revealed were his eyes and his mouth. He walked past Nadja and Alec, who had taken a step back on either side of the stage, his purple cape swishing behind him.

"What a pleasure it is to have you here, sir," Queen Bee said, curtsying deeply - or as deep as her dress would allow her to. Adrien noticed her change of tone and wondered if anyone else had as well. Was she scared of him?

Someone nudged Adrien's arm. He glanced over to see Nino, decked out in a turtle costume. It was similar to the one he wore for the starting ball, but the fabric had much more detail woven into it. He looked completely different, even though he was only wearing a green mask, a piece of painted metal across his back, and a fancy green suit.

"Everyone's in position," he reported. "We're ready to attack on your signal."

Adrien nodded with understanding but didn't give the signal. He had a feeling that something was about to go down that they all needed to see. Patience was a virtue, after all.

The Game Master bowed his head, acknowledging Chloe's respect, but didn't say anything. He only turned and extended his hand, as if to be given something. Alec took that as his cue to speak and he jumped to life.

"And now, we present this year's crown for the winner of the Miraculous Games!"

The giraffe announcer gestured again. This time, a squad of three bodyguards walked up onto the stage. The center of the three held a box on his hand, unopened yet treated with much care. The crowd began whispering to one another, rumors being brought to life.

"I heard it was bright green!" said one.

"No no, it's black and yellow to match her animal!" said another.

"You're all wrong. It's modeled after the last charm she took down," replied their friend.

The Game Master took the box and everyone quieted immediately. Everyone held their breath, waiting and watching. What did it look like? What was inside?

Adrien bumped Nino.

"Now."

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