MY FAIR-Y LADY

[Based on & Inspired by the Lady Fairy AU from BeeBeeBomBam in Tumblr]

CHAPTER 02: Eventually, the Bubble Bursts (Part 2)

Opening Remarks: Welcome to Part 2 of Chapter 2: "Eventually, the Bubble Bursts". This will obviously now involve the more action paced parts of the episode rewrite.

I hope you all enjoy my story, and if you want, leave a comment since I would like to reply to them when I can, and I hope I can continue writing more on this!

"Marinette! How are you going to be Lady Fairy without your butterfly Faes?! They are all at home!" Nooroo voiced out his concerns at how calm Marinette was being. She merely held the bottle like charm in her pendant.

"Don't worry Nooroo, I already figured out a way to work around this," She let Nooroo notice the content of the bottle charm as the Kwami finally understood.

"You managed to hold your Faes in the bottle like your butterfly homes!?" Nooroo grew fascinated as he saw small minute lights resonating the same magic as his own flicker inside the small bottle charm.

"Yes, but I could only carry a few of them in these charms. They're more of my Faes-on-the-go should I need to be Lady Fairy while outside the house." Unlatching the lid of the bottle, four white lights flew out of the charm as each grew into full-sized butterfly-like manifestations.

"That's amazing Marinette! You're a genius for thinking ahead!" Marinette smiled at her amazed little Kwami but knew time was of the essence.

"No time for compliments Nooroo, we have a friend to save." Picking her Miraculous brooch from her purse, she placed in on her dress and stated her command.

"Nooroo, Wings Flutter!"

In no time at all, Marinette transformed into Lady Fairy and with her command of one of the few Faes she had carried with her, she gave it her command as it fluttered to its destination.

"Fly forth and quick, my Fae! For my friend is in need of you now more than ever!"

Through the Miraculous' magic, she can sense that Nino was still not bubbled but somehow holding off 3 green bubbles surrounding him.

Before the green bubbles fully ambushed him, her Fae managed to land on the small bubble container poking out of his pocket. Silence permeated the library as Nino gently floated in the middle of the room in his green bubble prison before a calm voice called out to him.

"I am glad I managed to make contact with you before it was too late."

Opening his eyes, he can feel a sense of calmness as he heard her voice and realized who he was talking to.

"Yo-you're Lady Fairy, aren't you!?"

The voice chuckled at his observation, seemingly relieved that he was not hurt.

"M-may I know your name?"

"I-I'm Nino Lahife, du— Madame!"

Her voice giggled again as Nino realized that he's basically talking to the seemingly omnipotent Butterfly user and was already making a fool of himself in their first meeting.

"You don't have to be so formal with me Nino." Her voice was so calming that Nino almost felt at peace even in his bubbled prison.

"I come to ask you for your aid and if you choose to help, I can grant you the power and be my Champion against this new Asura. And once that is done, I must ask you to relinquish it afterward."

"Woah . . . I was chosen?" Nino still couldn't believe he was actually talking to Lady Fairy, but her asking him to be his Champion because he was chosen was another level for him.

"Yes, Nino. I can see in your heart this resolution to protect, encourage and support your friends, even at the expense of you being in the line of danger. And while I can certainly ask for people to think more of themselves—" Nino winced as he realized that she was starting to sound like he was being reprimanded.

"—I appreciate when a friend is there for those he cares about in times of need. And your sacrifice will not be in vain today." The way she added that last part made Nino remember how honest yet kind he has heard Lady Fairy speak to his Chosen. He understood that she meant well, and he certainly realized that maybe she was just worried about him.

'She really is Paris' Great Lady'

"So, Nino Lahiffe . . . will you accept this chance to be my Champion and put an end to this Asura?"

"I do, Lady Fairy."

And as soon as he said his confirmation, he felt magic rush around him. Even at the confines of the bubble he was stuck in, he felt freer than he had ever been. So much was the magic flowing through him in becoming a Champion that his bubble prison finally broke from the sheer power and he landed gracefully onto the library's floor, finished in transformation.

Standing up proud was a new Champion.

Almost impeccably similar to knights seen in fantasy, the Champion wore shining armor over what seems to be dark purple robes. A royal purple cape draped along his shoulder pieces and flows on his back while a similarly designed knight's helmet obscures all except his mouth and parts of his eyes. The armor itself is further styled with intricate designs, with a running theme of the butterfly and music as it is prominent in the designs of both parts of the armor and cape. The Champion wields a large circular shield embedded with seven multicolored stones arranged in a pattern around the center with a sword sheath attached while on his other hand holds a gleaming sword with 7 similar multicolored stones arranged along the middle of the blade.

"I have come to defeat the evil and protect those in need. With the strength of arms and music in my heart. I am your Champion, the Myrical Knight!"

Lady Fairy could only beam yet internally giggle at her friend's choice of Champion. As much as she wants to jest at Nino for having based his look on video games she knows he loves playing, she'll just keep that to herself.

'I still love the look though.'

"Excellent choice! Well then my Knight, is it possible for you to first clear the bubbles surrounding your area? I fear that many more people might still be hiding from the malicious bubbles.

"Yo-you're right! Mar— my friend must have gotten bubbled from stragglers. I should make quick work of it before I meet up with Chat Noir then."

'I didn't even think that far into my alibi, I was just worried some bubbles might come in the bathroom while I am transformed but uhhhh . . . good thinking me!' Lady Fairy chuckled at her roundabout way of ensuring her secret identity.

Running outside to the school's courtyard, Myrical could see some bubbles still floating around. With a jump to the rooftop, he made a long arc slash with his sword that seemed to make a wave of light fly forward. The wave merely phased through the school yet it decimated the straggling bubbles.

"Alright! My sword can pop those suckers no problem!"

"That might be true, my dear Knight, but many of those imprisoned are probably too high up for us to even reach . . . and even then if they were to be popped we run the risk of the civilians falling a great distance," Lady Fairy warned as she realized the implications of his power.

"R-right . . . that would have been way too easy." Myrical Knight knew then that he had to defeat the Asura first before thinking of how to save the innocent from their bubble prisons.

"I'll run through you where Chat Noir is, he might need you right now my Knight."

"Of course, my Lady! You can count on me!" Taking a leap, he shot forward towards the rooftops before making a beeline to where Chat would be, possibly still fighting the Asura.

"While we're running, mind running me through the rules my Lady? Like I know this type of superpower must have some rules right?"

"You are correct, my Knight." A slight pause before she continued.

"The biggest rule is that you will start reverting back immediately should the object where my Fae's residing is destroyed by the enemy, which is actually your shield's sheath itself." Nino looked at his shield remembering that the butterfly landed on the bubble container. Biting back his inquiry at how that came to be, he continued listening.

"You will also start reverting back with a timer once I present you my second ability. Similar to Chat Noir's, we will both start losing our transformations and powers over a set time. That also includes any Champions I gave powers to." She paused before giving her last rule to the new Champion.

"And finally, please do not allow either Chat's ring to be taken nor let the Asura get a hand of my Fae if it ever comes out. Both are cases in which Chat and I deeply wish to avoid at all costs. Remember: Once the Asura is defeated, I must ask you to give back my magic."

'Don't let baddy get ring or butterfly and once our supermove gets unlocked, we both got a timer before we revert back. Also can't keep powers after Asura is slain. No sweat!' Internally, Myrical Knight noted down the basics of his job as he remembered them.

Nearing his destination, Myrical Knight readied his sword and shield once more.

"Don't worry, my Lady. I will protect both your Fae and Chat Noir and ensure that the Asura is slain so hard, the birdbrain won't be able to think straight!"

A chuckle can be heard as Lady Fairy heard his declaration. With a smile in her voice, both Knight and Lady realized they have this.

"Very well then. Good luck to you, my Myrical Knight!"

"Stop dodging you stupid frog-turtle-thing!"

"HEHEHEHEHEH! FUN FUN FUN!"

"This isn't fun for one of us you know!" Chat bared his teeth in frustration as the Asura seemed to just dance around Chat while the hero in black was trying to catch up to him.

'This is literally becoming the most annoying birthday by far! Can't this Asura stay still!?'

The more Chat Noir tried to swing his staff at the Asura, the Kappa looking demon would just laugh at him, make a bubble, bounce off it, dodge the hero's attacks, and then laugh again at him. Rinse, repeat, cringe.

'I still haven't used my Cataclysm yet so I am still good, but I am hoping I could get some help right about now.' Chat thought out loud as he once again failed to strike the creature as playfully dodged him. But realizing he has been at it for over 30 minutes, Chat started thinking of the worst.

'Oh no . . . what if . . . Lady Fairy was bubbled!? I mean I have never met her and while her voice sounds kind of young, it's not entirely impossible for her to be legally an adult!'

While Chat Noir started dreading that this fight might solely rely on him, he failed to notice the demeanor of the Asura change. With a glint in its frog-like eyes, it waved its hands around which seemed to manipulate the bubbles that have since gathered around them. For a split second Chat Noir realized what was happening and tried to dodge the torrent of green bubbles swarming him like flies until he noticed the Asura jumping towards him.

The next thing Chat knew, he was dazed and pinned to the ground, smaller green bubbles acting like chains on his legs, neck and arms while his torso sat upon by the Asura. Its fingers twitching, excited over finally getting the ring for its master. A glowing blue mask formed around the Asura's eyes as it was commanded to take the ring.

Chat Noir, still too dazed from the attack to even think straight, could only hope for a birthday miracle.

"Move it creep!"

Chat's focus seemed to come back as something metallic and purple rushed and seemingly bashed the Asura off of him, thankful it didn't get the chance to remove his ring yet.

"You okay Chat Noir?"

Chat focused more as he realized he was being talked to a knight in armor with a purple cape and an awesome looking sword and shield. A butterfly-shaped neon symbol formed at the knight's helmet.

'Maybe this birthday won't be so bad after all.'

"Y-yeah I am good, a little dazed and a bit pinned but thanks for the save!"

The knight smiled at him before he slashed his sword in the air, creating a wave of light that phased through Chat and only destroying the bubbles chaining him. Getting back on his feet, Chat readied his staff and stood together with the Champion.

"I am taking you're the one who can help me get rid of this Asura," Chat asked as he noticed the Asura finally getting up on its feet, scowling at the new hero.

"Yeah, sorry we're late . . . our Lady must have had a hard time trying to hide from the bubbles as well before she contacted me. But we're here now and we can definitely pop this Asura down to size!" The knight readied himself as the Asura merely pointed a finger at him.

"WHO YOU!? CHAMPION!?"

"That's right! I am the Myrical Knight and we're here to end you!"

"NO FUN! . . . LIKE ADULTS! NO FUN!" The Asura growled out as it vigorously blew a torrent of green bubbles towards the duo.

"Get behind me!" was all Chat needed to hear as he went behind his ally and the Knight swiped his sword in the air, causing a large horizontal wave that decimated all incoming bubbles while pushing the Asura off its feet. Myrical Knight used that moment to leap into the air and try to deliver a finishing blow but the Asura rolled to the side, dodging his demise. But not the kick from Chat Noir as he slammed his foot on the Asura's face.

"Forget about me, ugly!?" Chat smirked as he noticed that they now have a good chance of ending this monstrosity.

"Lady Fairy said I can keep pushing him back then when we see an opening, you can grab its pearl. Is that good, Chat?" Myrical Knight stated while Lady Fairy's communication symbol still formed.

Chat nodded before looking back at the enemy.

"Let's end this!"

The Asura, now also manipulated by Le Paon's own symbol, released another torrent of bubbles but the team was prepared.

Holding his shield up in front of his ally, the Knight managed to hold out against the torrent. When they saw the Asura show even a hint of reluctance, the moment was there for the taking.

"Now Chat!"

Chat Noir threw his non-extended baton as it whizzed through the air, causing the Asura to crouch and try to taunt them but was surprised when he saw Chat already in front of him, smirking. With a readied form, Chat did a somersault kick that launched the stunned Asura in the air only to meet an airborne Myrical Knight. With a quick shield swipe, the Knight slashed his blade at the Asura, a wave of light further shooting it down on the ground as the monster finally laid unconscious.

Chat Noir took the time to pull the pearl-like Soul on top of its head and removed it from the Asura.

"I can destroy this and the Asur—"

"W-wait! If you destroy that, wouldn't everyone who is still floating start falling when the bubbles get destroyed along with the creature?"

Realizing that his ally was right, Chat stopped himself from enacting the plan.

'Crap, he's right . . . what do we do now?'

"Myrical Knight, I think it's about time I gift to you my second ability," A voice rang in Myrical Knight's mind as Lady Fairy spoke out her plan.

"Your second ability?" The Knight replied as the symbol formed while Chat Noir awaited her plan.

"That's right. But to do so, I need to you realize how you want to use that second ability. It will be molded by you to how and what your intentions will be in using it."

"And when you give it to me and I use it, I'll eventually stop being your Champion right?"

"Yes." There was a hint of sadness in her voice, but both knew that was part of her magic.

"Okay then. I ask you to lend me your gift, Lady Fairy." Chat Noir heard his words with such finality yet confidence and respected his decision as he stood back.

"Very well my Knight, I grant to you my gift for which you will mold for this trial . . . " Magic started rushing through her before she can allow it to diffuse onto her Champion.

"Fairy's Blessing!"

In Myrical Knight's mind, he can see the magic as something moldable. It felt like the magic was anything and everything he can use it to be but with the empty canvas in front of him, he saw the need to fill it with his intentions to create his masterpiece of a supermove.

'I need to make sure the people who are still bubbled can be brought down safely. I want to make sure the people I care about are safe before we fully destroy the Asura. I want to use more than just the sword and shield to save them. I want to protect them with all my heart and soul.'

As though the magic fully heard his wishes, so too did he realize what it could finally be. Opening his eyes, Chat Noir saw the Knight's eyes glow and putting his sword back on to the shield's sheath, he raised it in the air and proclaimed his power.

'I intend to use this power . . . to protect!'

"MYRICAL BEATS!"

Chat could only describe what he witnessed as magic radiating from the Champion as he created multicolored chains of 7 glowing spheres that seemed to pulsate as though it was a rhythm come to form. Various chains of the same glowing spheres shot out to the air, and Chat swore he could hear music coming from them, knowing it was not his imagination. He saw them shoot out to the sky, and latch themselves around the bubbles.

While he saw empty ones get decimated by the chains of multicolored spheres, Chat Noir started to see various bubbles imprisoning people floating downwards. The chains of multicolored spheres revolving around the bubbles, like rings and moons of a planet, as it seemed to direct the bubbles down to the ground all while the people cheered being saved and some floated nearby seeing the heroes with the defeated Asura.

As the light finally stopped radiating, Myrical Knight staggered in standing up. Not wanting to let the magic fully exhaust him before his end, he looked at Chat Noir and gave him the thumbs up. It was his signal that it was now safe to destroy the Asura.

Nodding back, Chat looked at the pearl like shell he held in his right hand and manifested his own special move.

"Cataclysm!"

Almost immediately the outer shell that was the Soul crumbled as the feather within also ceased to exist due to the sheer destructive properties of the move. The monster also faded into nothingness, as well as all the bubbles that imprisoned the citizens.

As people cheered and the remaining magic from Myrical Knight flew to the sky and made a spectacular multi-colored light show before disappearing, Chat helped Myrical Knight up as they leaped to somewhere they can take rest away from peering eyes. They landed by the empty school as both took a breather, Chat himself looking down at his right hand.

'Hope Le Paon enjoys that cataclysmic headache! That's a plus at least on my birthday,' Chat internally snickered at the idea of the blue evil enjoying a migraine of that intensity, rather than using his Black Scratch which he usually saves for the feather itself. He hoped that maybe for the next week or so, Le Paon would be wary of making another Asura unless he wanted another taste of that.

"We did it!" Chat was brought out of his thoughts as the Knight smiled at him, Lady Fairy's symbol also appearing in front of his face. Chat smiled at them before pushing his fist out to which his ally complied.

"Pound it!" All 3 exclaimed in their hard-earned victory.

"Thank you again for saving my butt back there. I would have lost the ring if it weren't for my Knight in shining armor!" Chat jokingly swooned to which Myrical Knight laughed.

"Ahahaha . . . Don't sweat it my man! I just really wanted to make sure I helped."

"Also I really like your style . . . and I feel like I know where you got your look from." A cat-like grin formed at Chat as he realized this Champion was probably playing the same video games as he does.

"Ahahaha oh this is embarrassing, but . . . yeah, I may have been inspired by one of my favorite games. They just look so cool . . . and I like how they can protect and tank for their allies."

"Hey if we ever had time, maybe we could have popped by an internet café and went on a few missions together. I mainly go melee Assassin with my black cat hybrid," Chat Noir gleamed at the idea of two heroes just chilling playing an MMORPG.

'Oh boy . . . men and their video games,' Lady Fairy sighed in amusement before she heard their timers ringing.

"Well looks like I have to get going. Maybe if you ever get Chosen again we can finish quick and play the game sometime! See yah!" Chat grinned and gave a friendly salute at his new friend before vaulting off.

"We should probably go back to the Library so as to not arouse suspicions as well," Lady Fairy suggested to her Champion as he nodded to her idea.

"Yeah, I'm pretty chill about things but I'd rather not have people hound me for being a Champion. That's just not my style." As they reach the Library with a minute to spare, he was thankful it was still empty.

"Thank you again for saving me back there Lady Fairy, and for letting me be Chosen as your Champion."

"No, thank you. You have proven to be an amazing ally. I wouldn't be opposed if I ever need to call upon you again."

"Woah! Really!? Awesome— I-I mean of course, my Lady. I will be at your beck and call if ever."

He only heard her jovial laughter before his transformation finished, reverting back to Nino Lahiffe. As he saw the butterfly turn into a flicker of light and disappear to wherever, Nino realized he still had to look for his blind friend. Running out to the halls, he sighed with relief as he saw Marinette leave the restrooms, possibly also looking for him.

As both friends met and were relieved knowing they were safe, Marinette and Nino decided that it was time to finally go back to the party with goals in mind.

"Come on, Nino. Let's make sure Adrien still gets a great birthday party!"

"Yeah . . . I still want to talk to Adrien as well." Smiling with his new resolve, Nino and Marinette left to ensure the party can still continue.

By the time they reached the park, they saw the party managed to restart and this time with no looming danger. Nino saw Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng still handling the food table while nearby Alya and Adrien were scanning the area until Alya spotted them, leaving Chloé who was angrily talking on the phone as Sabrina cowered. Alya and Marinette's parents rushed over and came to hug the duo.

"There you kids are! Thank goodness you guys are safe. Where did you guys go during the attack?" Mrs. Dupain-Cheng asked as she checked to see if the two teens were hurt in any way before they all led the two to a bench to rest.

"We ran to the school. I— uhhh, got bubbled in the library until I guess the Asura was defeated . . ." Nino worded out, realizing he really didn't want to be interrogated by Alya by being connected to the Champion.

"Ye-yeah, Nino held some bubbles back before I managed to hide in the restrooms. If it weren't for him, I would've been bubbled!" Marinette danced around the truth enough as it was correct that she hid in the bathroom. Just not the part where she used that space to become her superhero persona and made Nino her Champion.

"Well, I am thankful to you Nino for having saved Marinette back there. You really are a great friend." Mr. Dupain-Cheng exclaimed.

"Yeah, thanks Nino," Patting his shoulder with her hand, Marinette smiled at her friend all while he smiled back. Looking at Adrien who only looked back with a small smile, Nino realized he still had one more thing to do.

"Hey . . . is it okay if I talk to Adrien alone?"

Everyone looked at the two boys before Marinette and eventually everyone else realized what he meant. Nodding at the two, they went off towards the food table. Adrien sat down next to Nino and both teens were in moments of awkward silence.

"Hey—"

"Listen, I—"

Both looked at one another before laughter arose from both. After a moment or two passed of just them laughing, Nino smiled and looked back at his friend.

"Hey, sorry again for causing that scene at your house. I know I was angry but I was just more mad at your dad than at you. I get you're too scared to talk back to your father so I won't hold it against you." Holding out his hand while also holding out the same bubble container, Adrien looked torn at what he heard before he sighed.

"N-no Nino! I really should be the one on my hands and knees asking for your apology. I really shouldn't have had my father talk to you like that. You have every right to be mad at me a-and . . . even stop being my friend because . . . friends are there to support you. And I fail–"

"Who said you're no longer my friend?"

Adrien, in trying to not look like was about to cry, looked back at Nino who was also trying to not let his emotions get to him.

"We'll always be friends, Adrien . . . Even if your old man hates the idea . . . honestly, still being your friend is one way to really stick it to him!" Adrien chuckled and both friends gave each other a hug before Nino finally gave him the bubble container, to which Adrien still took happily.

"H-hey, do you want to play the MMORPG World of Fantasy? I have been thinking of maybe playing that again," Adrien asked to which Nino beamed at the idea.

"No way, you play that too? Sure we can meet up online at one point! I can even have you in my party with the others. I mainly play tank though."

"I mainly play as a melee Assassin with my black cat hybrid!" Adrien beamed before blowing again at the smaller bubble container.

'Huh. Déjà vu'

But before Nino could continue on with his thoughts he saw Marinette coming forward with Alya carrying a cake towards them. The music Alix was still handling suddenly ceased as everyone with smiles held their bubble swords out. Realizing what was happening, Nino helped Adrien up before he joined the crowd.

"Hey birthday boy, come on over and blow out your candles!" Alya exclaimed and Adrien was being led towards the center before everyone started singing to Adrien, who was still trying to hold in tears but somewhat failing, all while everyone were producing large non-malicious bubbles as Adrien blew out the candles after the song.

"Happy birthday Adrien!" Nino cheered before everyone else cheered as well.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADRIEN!" Everyone cheered and continued waving their bubble swords as Adrien, with tears in his eyes, looked to see everyone smiling at him and congratulating him: Nino, Chloé, Alya, Marinette's parents, Marinette. Everyone was there happy for a certain Adrien Agreste on his birthday.

The party recommenced and everyone cheered on.

As everyone continued to party, Adrien moved out of the dance floor after a multitude of dances alongside Chloé, Nino and his other classmates before he saw her sitting down by a table, just as beautiful, eating a slice of his cake.

'Marinette.'

It was only then did he finally realize how pretty she looked and secretly hoped she changed to her dress just for his party. Marinette herself merely smiled at where the dance floor was.

'I wonder if I can have a slow dance with her.'

"Hey . . ."

"Hey yourself," she smiled as he sat across her in the table.

"You having fun?" Marinette asked him as finished another bite.

"Ye-yeah, I am having the time of my life! I am really thankful you and Nino set this up for me, so thank you." Adrien was starting to feel nervous talking to her but she didn't seem to notice.

"Yeah . . . But really you should be thanking Chloé because she was the one who managed to get this party like this," She merely smiled back at him as she continued eating.

"Wai-wait what?"

"Yeah, Nino told me. He and I only thought of a small get together yesterday but Nino, in his wanting to give you the party you totally deserved, messaged everyone about it to help. Chloé said she wanted to help and was the one who really paid for a lot of the equipment and added food. She was even the one who bought everyone a bubble sword when Nino suggested it, while also threatening us to not be too public with any of our posts regarding your party if you did decide to attend." Taking another bite and swallowing it, she continued.

"For all Chloé can be arrogant, spoiled, and likes to believe she is above everyone else . . . she still cares and looks out for her friends like you in the end. I guess even her friends can be lucky to have her."

"Yeah . . . just like people who are friends with you and Nino are really lucky as well."

He looked to see her pause before she smiled with such care that Adrien was wondering if he died then and there and went to heaven.

"Well then consider yourself one lucky man Adrien Agreste, because you've got people like Nino, Chloé and me as close friends. Now have the cake and eat it too." Leveling her fork with cake to where she knew Adrien was, Marinette would have never noticed how red he became at the thought of feeding him.

'I already snuck out and fought a monster as a superhero, I am pretty sure Nathalie can forgive me for having some more cake,' Adrien thought out as he opened his mouth for the cake she was feeding him, only realizing the next day that he technically shared an indirect kiss with her through sharing her fork and had a hard time looking at his blind friend without being reminded of it.

'Happy Birthday to me.'

By the time Adrien snuck back into his bedroom, he still had 15 minutes to spare before he was expected to have dinner alongside Nathalie and maybe his father as well. Not that any of it mattered anymore as Adrien just had his fill of fun and partying when he left. He even managed to have a dance or two with Marinette before he had to skedaddle.

Showering and changing into a different set of clothes as to not look like he just spent a good 2 hours enjoying himself partying, Adrien reached the dining table to see Nathalie awaiting him. No sign of his father anywhere.

'Typical, but I could care less at the moment.'

Both son and secretary ate in silence before Nathalie stood up and grabbed something. Coming back to the dining table, Adrien can tell Nathalie was about to give him his gift from his father.

But he knew the truth.

"Nathalie. I know . . . that isn't from Father."

Judging from how he saw her flinch ever so little and her eyes open wide, he knew and continued.

"I've . . . always known the gifts weren't from Father."

"A-adrien . . ."

"I know . . . that they're from you. I can tell how much you put time and thought into the gifts so I really want to thank you for that Nathalie."

"Ho— When did you learn it wasn't from your father, Adrien?" Nathalie sat down while still holding onto the light green gift bag.

"I think I first knew about 3-4 years ago. I remember you gifting me that blue scarf that you said Father made just for me. When I tried to flaunt it to Father, he didn't show any care for it but I remember you did. That's . . . kinda when I just knew, but I didn't want to say anything until now because . . . I guess up until this point I really wanted to still believe it was from him."

Nathalie still listened in complete silence, seeing as Adrien realized the deceit she had to do for the sake of his father, not for him.

"But I realize that while it's the thought that counts, I think I should at least be thanking those who actually put a lot of thought into it . . . so thank you, Nathalie." Adrien gave her the same warm smile that radiated so much care and even forgiveness that Nathalie knew then and there that what she was about to do would ruin it. Showing the gift bag to him, she can see he was about to take it and thank her again but she interjected.

"This . . . isn't from me sadly." Nathalie confessed and seeing the look of surprise on his face, she continued.

"Due to the upcoming Fall Fashion, I have been so busy that I only did realize it was your birthday today and forgot to take time to get you your gift. Monsieur Agreste reprimanded me for forgetting and I was about to give up when this gift from one of your friends left it with no gift tag."

"I was going to present it as a gift from your father, but after you knowing the truth and making me realize as well the value of being at least honest with one's gifts . . . I knew it would be wrong to take this from someone who did put time and effort into this gift. I apologize."

At this point Nathalie already expected the same verbal reprimanding from the son similar to the father, but what she got instead was a hand placed over hers and a warm smile that just silently tells her he forgives her.

'He really does take after Emilie more.'

"Thank you for being honest, Nathalie." Taking the light green bag, he did notice it lacked a name tag.

"If you're wondering who it was from, I do remember a girl in a purple dress running after your friend Nino around the same time we received the gift. It's probably from her."

'Girl . . . in a purple dress? Realization struck him as he smiled already excited at what she gave him, but was interrupted in his haste to check the gift.

"Adrien . . . I still really wish to give you even a late birthday gift." Pausing in his opening of the gift, he listened on.

"Seeing as your father has just updated me that he has been feeling under the weather due to his work, I can relax your schedule for this weekend. I can let you go meet with your friends and maybe even have a little party . . . just make sure your father nor any paparazzi find out and that you're in safe hands," She added in the end as is part of her job as the secretary.

Adrien contemplated before an idea struck him and smiled at his secretary.

"That sounds excellent Nathalie . . . but is it alright if you can get me a nice dinner reservation this Friday instead? I would very much like that if you can."

"Certainly Adrien, how many will there be," Nathalie smiled as she already checked her smart pad and set a reservation she knows she can get.

"3 people including myself."

Nathalie was already thinking that Adrien may have wanted to invite that Nino boy and the girl in purple but Adrien beat her to the punch.

"Oh I see . . . will you be inviting your 2 friends for that din—"

"Actually . . . I was hoping that dinner reservation could be for us."

Nathalie stopped in her tapping at the reservation and looked to see the teenager look shy and somewhat embarrassed.

"I was hoping I can enjoy a late birthday dinner with you and, I already think father cannot attend, my bodyguard."

"I-I don't understand Adrien."

"I just want to have a dinner to celebrate my birthday with people who have been there for me, so I am hoping you and my bodyguard can be there to enjoy it with me . . . if that's okay!? I-I understand you guys might be super busy and all!" Adrien stammered the last bit, realizing that maybe asking someone as busy as Nathalie might be too hard.

"You've really grown up haven't you Adrien?"

A small smile graced Nathalie's lips and even let out a slight chuckle as he saw Adrien grow slightly pink in his face before smiling back at her as well before calling on the cooks to complement them on his dish while asking someone to call his bodyguard over regarding the reservations. Nathalie looked at this young teenager and realized how much he had really grown from when she first met him all those years ago.

'Emilie . . . if you're out there, I hope you can see how much your son has matured.' Her thoughts think back to Madame Agreste and of how, even as she has been gone for so long, Nathalie can see bits of the Madame in her growing son.

'I just wish you were here to see this . . . and help him. Both of them. In these trying times.'

It was around 3:41AM when Chat Noir finished his solo patrol.

He easily snuck back into his bedroom and let the transformation dissipate, reverting back to Adrien and Plagg. As Plagg went off to his own separate sleeping corner, which is one of his drawers that now reek of Camembert cheese, Adrien went back to his desktop and let it light back up after putting it on standby.

Adrien knew it would have been a fruitless endeavor, but as one of Paris' leading heroes he did want to try and figure out certain anomalies related to the Miraculous:

1.) Where Le Paon is hiding. As Chat Noir, Adrien knew that while he is still relatively new in being Chat Noir and progress has been close to non-existent in the hunt for the elusive Peacock user, he thought that maybe patrolling the streets late at night could give him a clue as to the whereabouts. Something, anything he can use to help himself, Lady Fairy, and the Parisian law enforcement in tracking down Le Paon.

2.) Locating the mystery that he can only describe as a 'Miracle'. He noticed a few weeks since being Chat Noir that somehow things turn back to normal. What were once varying degrees of damage in the city, from small to huge collateral ones, would be somehow fixed overnight. While he is still relatively new to the job, Adrien was for sure that whatever is reverting everything to go back to normal, even after the harshest damages from Asura attacks, had to do with the Miraculous. He has yet to even consider the possibility of trying to tell Lady Fairy about this because:

a.) He knows that she is next to impossible to communicate since she only ever releases her butterflies during times of Asura attacks.

b.) He knows he is sounding like those crazy conspiracy theorists or crackheads so even if he does tell her this so far with little to not concrete proof, she might worry about his sanity, which to be fair he is starting to worry a bit himself.

And finally, c.) Is he even right about this being a 'Miracle'? Somewhat in lined with b, Adrien wasn't sure if this was even something he should have noticed. Is it because he uses a Miraculous? If so, does Le Paon or Lady Fairy know? Lady Fairy doesn't even seem to be bothered by how things seem normal again during fights and neither does everyone else, so should he? Was Miraculous magic just passively reverting things back to normal?

Adrien has tried to ask Plagg, but the lazy Cat would only demand more cheese and nap. Sighing in front of his desktop, its times like this Adrien kind of wishes he had like a 'sensei' or mentor, or even a 'Miraculous for Dummies' guide or instruction manual since he's practically just doing everything on the fly. Not that he doesn't like it, but it would help if there was a bit more support in understanding all of this.

"Being a hero is tough work," He muttered mainly to himself. Scanning his desktop he saw the light green gift bag that he admittedly forgot to open after he decided to set a dinner date with Nathalie and Mr. Gorilla, as Adrien lovingly calls his burly bodyguard and driver.

Reaching for the bag, he peered into it to see a CD in a case that had the words 'Happy Birthday Adrien!' written. Somewhat iffy if this CD would have viruses but trusting that Marinette, who based from Nathalie's description of the possible sender, wouldn't do him like that, Adrien still loaded it up to his desktop. Opening the CD, he saw it had an MP3 file labeled 'Birthday Gift Playlist'. Seeing as it would be best for any and all beings sleeping now, he brought out his earphones and plugged them in before opening the file.

What Adrien listened to was something of a journey told through a violin. The music he was listening to was amazing and with added sound effects and mixing melded well together with the violin playing that Adrien was at awe at what he was listening to at 3 in the morning.

After a few pieces, Adrien got curious and wanted to know more about the CD. Clicking at the option 'Show Hidden' out of curiosity, Adrien was pleasantly surprised to see a folder that was hidden; it being named 'Extra surprise … Enjoy :^) '. Clicking into the folder, he saw it contained a notepad file and an MP4 video file. Clicking onto the notepad file named 'Message', Adrien read the following.

'Hey Adrien! I was hoping you'd actually notice this little surprise I decided to hide from both you and Mari, but now you can see it. I hope you can enjoy these little outtakes we took. P.S. Don't let Marinette know about this unless you want me to be murdered by a blind girl. Hope you enjoy and Happy Birthday! ~ Nino'

Chuckling at the message, Adrien closed the notepad file and opened the video file labeled 'Bloopers (DON'T LET MARINETTE KNOW PLEZ!)' with a bit of anticipation and let the file load.

What Adrien got was something he'd very much like to cherish for as long as he can live.

"Nino, have you seen m—" Marinette couldn't even finish her sentence before she slipped and caught herself at her swivel chair while laughter, very much from Nino, raised and the girl could only laugh along with her before another clip loaded. It showed Marinette pretending to play her violin as though it was an electric guitar and she a rockstar like Jagged Stone. She was doing eccentric dance moves while banging her head up and down, all while the same voice of Nino continued to giggle and hold in laughter. Possibly because he was secretly recording his friend's antics. She ended her performance by kneeling onto the ground striking a pose as she just laughed afterward, following Nino in their cacophony of giggles and laughter.

Another video clip showed Marinette spinning in a black swivel office chair while making a 'Weeeee!' sound. Another clip showed the two of them sitting in front of his desktop all while singing along to 'You are My Sunshine' that was being played. Another showed Marinette just dancing funnily at the background while Nino was possibly working on the playlist, all while possibly not knowing her cute dances were being recorded as like many of the others.

Many more outtakes of either Marinette and or both of his friends continued to play, all while Adrien was enjoying every moment of it. He was trying his best to hold in his laughter as to not at least wake up the Kwami but seeing the antics of his friends in these videos posed a challenge for him. The last video outtake was her in a makeshift recording booth as she seemed to have finished playing a violin piece.

"You're good Mari!"

"Really?! Awe—" She couldn't fully finish the word as she let out a loud burp. With redness that could rival her red sleeveless top that she was wearing, she looked to where she knows Nino was recording her.

"You better delete that last part or else!" But Nino couldn't hold in his laughter all while Marinette's blush worsened and she was getting up to leave the booth.

"I— I swear I am going to delete it," Nino obviously having lied, continued laughing while an angry blind girl was rounding towards him, the intent of murder seemingly radiating off her.

"Nino Lahiffe, I swear to Jagged Stone if you're lying you're dea—"

"Ahahaha Wait Mari— Ah!"

The video cuts to a black screen with a caption that just reads: 'Hope you enjoyed those bloopers :^) '

To the young blonde teenager named Adrien Agreste, he could only hold in his laughter as to not wake anyone else but held it in his as best as he could before turning off the desktop and going to bed, knowing that he might have to hold in a sigh of content and a giggle if he sees Marinette later in school. As much as he likes her, he'd rather be still alive and not murdered alongside his friend Nino who gave him that extra gift as a secret.

Sighing into his bed, Adrien let out one more whisper to himself before he let sleep take over.

"Best. Birthday. Ever."

End Note (Tidbits & References)

• Regarding Marinette's resourceful plan about carrying Faes with her. That was basically my way of trying to reason how she can be Lady Fairy while not always being at home (since in Canon Hawk Moth never leaves his lair except at some points where all his butterflies are). I had the idea of them being in a bottle since I randomly looked up butterfly in a bottle charms and seeing as I already made it seem possible for the butterflies to fit in small spaces (like the butterfly homes) as to not make Marinette too obvious as LF, I decided to go with the idea of a bottle charm she can carry a few Faes in so she can be LF on the go.

• Regarding the choice of Nino's Champion. I honestly did want to try and keep it along his original Akuma theme, but I am going to be very honest: I hate Bubbler's design and his powers are kinda ehh for me. (TBH his design looks like a weird blow up sex doll for clowns with a balloon fetish…). I wouldn't have super minded it if it weren't for the fact that bubbles aren't really a recurring theme of Nino, unlike music. And seeing as I already have plans on making recurring Champions reappear similar to the AU originator's plan of having Lady WiFi be a recurring ally, I at least want to make Nino's Champion a viable recurring ally in future stories and wanted to give him something grander.

• Regarding the Champion's Name & Design. When I originally was going to make it stay on theme with like Bubbler, his name was going to be Sphyricle Knight. I love word play references so his name was a play on Sphere (like the shape of a bubble), Lyric/Lyrical (regarding music) and Miracle (like Miraculous). When I decided to forgo keeping the bubble theme, I decided to go with Myrical Knight which is a play on Miracle, Lyrical and even Mythical. The Knight aspect was something I always wanted to do and while originally I wanted his sword to be like a magic bubble making sword like in Bubbler, I decided to just go with something more fantasy-esque. I still did want to incorporate music aspects; hence, why his super move was called Myrical Beats. More about this Champion may or may not be further developed in future chapters.

• Regarding Chat's use of Cataclysm on the Soul. I never planned on making Black Scratch as the only move to destroy the feathers; far from it, I made that as a way for Chat to destroy it even when he already used Cataclysm. While I will delve in this further in future chapters, just think of Black Scratch as a super niche and weaker version of Cataclysm.

• Regarding what I said in Part 1. This is with regards to how I am changing the dynamics of certain characters' relationships and personalities as to fit in this narrative I am building. As you can already tell, a lot of changes in the characters are different from Canon, such as the personalities of Chloé and Nathalie along with relationship dynamics such as Nino and Marinette being childhood friends and Chloé and Adrien having a more fleshed out friendship. I did this mainly to already establish how things will be different compared to the Canon and to flesh out better characterizations of characters than what is currently portrayed in Canon (AKA I am not that big of a fan of the show's current character developments, especially with minor characters if there are any); hence, you'll be seeing more of these in future chapters. I hope to not be too out of character, but I hope that people can enjoy different takes on the personalities and dynamics of the characters.