34

13.4K 414 528
                                    

First things first, I am so so sorry for how long you guys have waited for me to update. A lot has happened and I didn't have a lot of time to even think of what to write. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everyone who gave me the motivation to write again. I love you guys.

____________________

Hawkmoth couldn't help but laugh when he got home. It was too easy. The grin plastered on his face seemed well earned as he roamed the halls, his staff rocking from side to side.

"Oh Nathalie!" He singsonged, "Guess what I brought back..."

It took him a while to realize the only thing in the mansion was emptiness, though it wasn't new to him. Anxious, Hawkmoth called for Nathalie again and again. His gut instinct kicked in. He leaped towards the painting of his wife, fingers desperately tracing the buttons to activate the entrance to his secret la-

OOP the window shatters.

(A/N: Excuse my perfect English)

Hawkmoth ducked as a shield comes gyrating straight at his head. He whipped his head around to see the three young adults standing in the room.

"What are you doing here?" He exclaimed, hands shaking violently. He has never been this close to victory before.

"Oh nothing. Just came for a casual visit." Rena rolled her eyes, "Was it really necessary to ask that question?"

Hawkmoth rose quickly, bringing his hands up with him. Purple butterflies swarmed the room.

"Ugh!" Queen Bee swatted them wildly.

There were so many that her feet floated off the ground. She kicked and kicked. Suddenly, the sound of a yoyo zipped through the air.

"No more evil doing for you little akuma!"

Queen Bee fell back on the ground. Dizzy, she scanned the room. "Ladybug!"

The real Ladybug flashed her a proud smile and helped her up. "Feels great to be back." Ladybug noted gleefully. She quickly looked around the room. Hawkmoth was no where to be found.

"We got your message." Carapace said, "I can't believe he's actually Gabriel Agreste."

"Honestly not surprised." Rena scoffed, "He's gone. What now?"

Queen Bee lit up and approached the painting on the wall. "Wasn't he doing something to this painting when we broke in?" She asked, running her hands on the surface. A part of it sank down.

"Bulls eye." Ladybug cheered. A circular trap on the floor opened.

Rena smirked. "Let's blow this popsicle stand."

"Oi!" Carapace held her back before she went headfirst in, "He might have a trap set up. We have to be careful."

Queen Bee nodded. "I'll give you the all clear." She said. And before anyone responded, she jumped down the hole.

The trio waited a few seconds in suspense, nervously glancing at each other.

"All clear guys!"

They hurriedly joined her and found a large blue concentrated observatory with a round window. There was a strong scent of flowers and perfume, which seems unbelievably uncharacteristic for a villain like Hawkmoth. Ladybug peered out the window, if she wasn't standing in her enemy's secret hideout, she would've enjoyed the view. Lips pursed, she searched the area for any clues.

Rena gasped. "Guys..."

They all turned in her direction. A long narrow path ran from Rena's feet to a platform seemingly suspended in mid air. It was dark, but the outline of a large box could be easily seen. The four teens made the connection almost instantly. As they jogged towards the platform, the lights turned on one by one as if magically welcoming them, and the ceiling seemed to rise.

"Oh my god." Queen Bee suddenly felt her feet stick to the ground, refusing to move. It felt very strange to see the woman who regularly invited her toddler self into the Agreste home lie motionless in a clear casket.

"This is really freaking me out." Carapace said, "What next? A map with his master plan scribbled all over it?"

Rena shook her head. "Nah. Too cliché."

Carapace gave her a look as to say You sure are funny today.

Ladybug admired the dozens of flowers placed around the casket. "I really didn't know what I was expecting but this wasn't it."

"Shouldn't we get the police or something?" Carapace asked, scratching the back of his neck, "I know I'm not a doctor."

Ladybug nodded. "Good call."

"But what about Hawkmoth?" Rena asked, "He's gone but he will be back."

"And when he decides to come back, we'll be ready." Ladybug declared. Smiling, she took out the blank piece of paper she took from Chloe's purse. "Look what I found."

She smiled even more when she saw the triumphant reactions on their faces.

"Smart." Queen Bee grinned, "I completely forgot about that."

"You know how to read it?" Carapace asked.

"Yeah. Turns out the ingredients are useless. All you have to say is-"

Suddenly, a voice rang through the room. "Uh. Mari? Nino? Are... you guys down there?"

You can hear the caution and uncertainty in Adrien's voice.

"Yeah, we're here." Ladybug yelled, running back to the entrance.

"Safe." Carapace added.

Adrien dropped down the trapdoor and Ladybug crushed him in a hug. "Why are you here? Are you okay?" She asked, pulling away and unconsciously placing her gloved hand on his face.

Adrien chuckled a little, reached up and squeezed her hand. "I'm okay. They couldn't stop me from leaving."

"Ah-hem." Rena cleared her throat loudly and smirked, "Did I miss something?"

Ladybug blushed madly and pulled her hand away to nervously shift it behind her back.

"Guys. I hate to rain on your parade," Queen Bee said, "but we have a situation here."

"Right." Adrien said, he took a couple steps forward, "I... I can't believe I was literally living two floors up from Hawkmoth's lair."

"I'm sorry, man." Carapace put his hand on his best friend's shoulder, "There's something you need to see." He motioned towards the platform.

Adrien turned and stilled when he saw the well lit casket. Suddenly he was numb. He promised himself that he has came to terms with his horrible situation, but now his mind was generating a whirlwind of thoughts once again.

I can't believe I was literally living two floors up from my semi dead mother.

He gulped, then forced himself towards her.

He touched the cool glass of the casket. Her face was still soft and sweet. Her clothes neatly placed. Adrien felt oddly calmer, but his heart was pounding. He was half expecting to wake up on his bed to the horrid smell of camembert.

All of a sudden there was a thump from the other side of the room.

____________________

Again, thank you.


Miraculous Team ✔️Where stories live. Discover now