A Miraculous Story Book 2: Iceolator

• Prove Yourself •

Picture from cover: Luciole

Cat Noir sat in the corner of his confinement. His heart was racing. Where was Ladybug? He checked his ring every few seconds, as if expecting it to replenish on its own, or maybe because he had nothing else to do. He really didn't know. It felt like he had been on his last paw pad for forever.

Iceolator waited patiently outside the box. She had brought the boxes holding her daughter and son over to where she waited, holding them in the air before her. Suddenly, she felt an impatience overtake her. She had no idea where it came from, it was very strange. It didn't feel like hers or Hawk Moth's. It subsided after just a moment, and she blinked in confusion. She pushed it out of her mind.

Cat Noir's ring started beeping rapidly, and the final pad on his ring started flashing with each beep, signaling that he only had ten seconds left. He rested his head on his knees, hopeless and helpless. 10... 9... 8... Iceolator's eyes widened and a grin grew on her face. She felt Hawk Moth's anticipation. 7... 6...

"The moment I've been waiting for has finally come!" Hawk Moth raised his arms from his hidden room, expectant for the grand reveal.

The beeping from Cat Noir's ring doubled in tempo. 5...

"I'm sorry Ladybug," he whispered with his eyes closed, a tear rolling down his cheek.

4...

It was nice knowing you, milady, he thought, and smiled, knowing it was the last time he would call her that.

3...

I never got to find out who you are... he told her mentally. But the whole world will know who I am, and we won't fight crime together... His smile disappeared and another tear fell.

2...

Iceolator recalled the box from around Cat Noir and the ice around him suddenly vanished. He still didn't move.

1...

"Luciole, now!" A familiar voice came from behind Cat Noir, and his spirits were lifted immediately.

...0

"Milady?" He raised his head and turned.

"Starry Night!" Luciole threw his lantern into the air. It opened, summoning a swarm of glowing, golden balls of light. "Fireflies, go!" He directed them forward with a wave of his hand.

Adrien saw Ladybug and Luciole running full speed at him. The "fireflies" swarmed downward as he felt his costume start to disappear, starting from his hands and feet and traveling toward his torso. He felt the tightness of his costume vanish, and cold air touched his exposed skin. He closed his eyes as the swarm of fireflies enveloped him, replacing the cold of the air on his skin with warmth.

Adrien didn't move for a few moments after his detransformation, with his eyes still closed. He felt his kwami land on the ground beside him, and heard him groan in exhaustion. Slowly, Adrien opened his eyes and saw a dome of gold around him. It was composed of a hundred fireflies, each one bright and buzzing with energy. It was quite peaceful inside the dome. It felt magical, like he was in a dream, and he smiled. He couldn't see what was going on outside the dome since the fireflies had protected his secret identity from everyone. He shook himself. He needed to be at Ladybug's side. Quickly, he stood up, not being able to stand at full height due to the small space the fireflies allowed.
"Plagg, eat up." Adrien took a slice of camembert from his coat and brought it to the kwami's mouth. The creature took it thankfully, and impossibly tossed it into his tiny mouth. (Still have no clue how that works but okay) Adrien wiped the tears off his face with the palms of his hands. There was hope after all.