The New Guardian

Mr. Bug Schemes

Previously: That's a good idea, alright I'll do that," I say as I slide my ring off and grab the earrings from my pockets and place them on my ears. Tikki appears in front of us, completely shocked. I rub the back of my neck.

"H-Hi Tikki, so um.. I have to tell you something. A few things actually."

"Hey, sugar cube!" Plagg says as he drifts over to Tikki and hugs her.

"What is going on, Adrien?" The little red kwami says with concern.

~This chapters in Adriens POV~

"Okay, Tikki. First, I know that Marinette is Ladybug," Tikki's eyes widen but she takes it better than I expected so I continue, "I'm not gonna tell her I know and I don't plan on revealing my identity until she says so. I don't want to lie to her but I know she would be upset if I knew and that's not what we need right now."

Tikki nods, "Okay, I won't tell her you know. How did you find out, was it the fox Miraculous?"

"Yes. I put it together and after a lot of pressure, Plagg told me the truth."

"I see," she says as she shoots a harsh glare at Plagg, "well we just have to make sure you aren't akumatized again so we can protect this secret. This still doesn't explain why you have the ladybug miraculous though?"

"Well, you're probably going to be upset. I know you probably saw Marinettes fall at school, right?"

"I did, and then her earrings were taken off so I don't know anything past that."

"I know, I'm sorta the one who took the earrings off," I say shyly as I run my neck, "I didn't want anything to happen while she was unconscious, you know like an akuma attack. I figured since I knew where they were, if something was gonna happen I could be Mr. Bug?"

"That was actually a smart idea, Adrien. That's a good call, so is there an akuma now? Is that why I'm out with you?" She says, looking alarmed.

"No, no! I-uh, well. You see, I need advice. Marinette is uh, she's hurt. S-See for yourself."

I point to the injured girl in the bed behind her. She turns around and gasps, tearing up. The kwami flies over to her friend and rubs her forehead. She comes back to me slowly, with her head down and doesn't say a word. I put my hand out for her to sit on and she does, then Plagg comes over and sits next to her.

"It's okay sugar cube, pigtails will be okay. She's tough, just like you."

"I know she will. I just care about her a lot and I never want her to get hurt. But, thank you, Plagg. It means a lot to me to hear that from you," she says as she puts her head against his and looks back up at me, "So what now? What advice do you need?"

"Marinette has a fractured skull from the fall, she can't do anything strenuous for 6-10 weeks. That means she can't be Ladybug without risking her life. I know we do that all the time but this is different. Do I... Will I be Mr. Bug while she heals? And if so, who will get my Miraculous? Who will take my place as Chat, since I'm supposed to have a partner?"

"That's a very good question. I suppose you will be Mr. Bug again. It only makes sense, it's a very important job to be Ladybug and you already have the other important role and know how to use Ladybugs powers . I just have to convince Marinette to give me up for a few weeks. As for the black cat miraculous, I think you should go with Alya. It's a risk, but she has been the most capable miraculous holder besides you two. Hawkmoth shouldn't recognize her because she isn't Rena Rogue."

"That's a great idea, Tikki. Okay, I'll ask Alya first. How are you gonna convince Marinette to give me her miraculous though?"

"Put the earrings back on her and I'll wait until she wakes up. I'll tell her that you and I talked about this before and that Chat Noir should be given the miraculous while she recovers. Why don't we agree to meet up at the Eiffel Tower in 2 nights at 8 pm. That way she has time to heal before she transforms into Ladybug to give you her earrings. I'll tell her I met up with Plagg and I told you to pass on the message that the Ladybug holder was injured."