Ladybug turned slightly and the arms around her tightened possessively. A flutter of pleasure rippled through her body for a second before she squashed it. She had woken up in a strange place, being held by some mysterious stranger who...just happen...
Marinette woke on a cold floor for the second time that week. But this time, instead of feeling Adrian's arms wrapped around hers, her hands were tied behind her back. This did not bother her nearly as much as the fact she was still only wearing her robe. For one thing, her super suit was warmer, for another...it covered more skin.
She turned as she heard the sound of voices.
"Master, I brought the girl. When can I take my revenge?"
"Patience, Finis, our plan has only just begun. We will need the girl for some time."
"I hate waiting."
"You will be patient. Or else."
There was a grunt of pain.
"I'm sorry Master," Finis sounded shaky. "I-"
"Quiet, she's awake."
Footsteps approached and Marinette looked up to see the familiar figure of Hawkmoth in his purple suit and silver mask. The light from the room was dim but it seemed as if his face had become more lined since the last time she'd seen it and he'd acquired three days worth of grey stubble, making him look unkempt. He was leaning more heavily on the cane, and he seemed less imposing, hunched over like a man twice his age.
But when he spoke, the voice still held the same coldness and arrogance that it did fourteen years ago.
"Marinette Dupan-Chang. You've grown into quite the young lady."
"I'd say she hasn't grown enough." Snickered someone from behind Hawkmoth.
Marinette peered into the shadows, trying to make out the features of the supervillain's accomplice. It should have been Mayura, she could see the familiar peacock-feather design, but the figure was all wrong; the shoulders were broader, the hips narrow and the face veil had been replaced with a peacock ornament in his multicolored hair.
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"Quiet, Finis," Hawkmoth was saying coldly. "There is no need to be impolite."
"Why not?" Finis sounded sulky. "It's not like she's our guest."
"Oh, she's even better than that, Finis, she is our worthy adversary. I can respect her for that even if I hate her simultaneously for all the times she and Chat Noir have thwarted my plans in the last decade."
"You're too kind," Marinette replied warily, "But I think you have me mistaken with someone else. I'm just an aspiring designer."
"Come now, Ladybug, we both know that's not true. You are as gifted as a superhero as you are as an artist."
"Again, I really think you've gotten me mistaken with someone else. So maybe if you could let me go home and put on some proper clothes..." Marinette self-consciously pulled the robe tighter around herself.
