As soon as Harlequin felt safe, she dropped the transformation, looking back wildly, half expecting to see another miraculous holder coming after her. Tikki floated beside her holder, quiet and thoughtful. Tikki turned and crossed her arms, her finned tail drooping as she warily looked around. He was back, Hawkmoth was back. And he had gotten the brooch. Tikki did not have a good feeling for this.

Lila turned to Tikki, demanding, "How did Chat get the ring? Who was that?! Why did that all..." Lila tugged at her hair, turning frantic eyes to Tikki. "What is going on?!"

Tikki blinked at her, shrugging. "Your guess is as good as mine."

Lila made a strangled noise, starting to stomp and pace about. Then she stopped, turning to glare at Tikki. Tikki tensed, narrowing her eyes at Lila. Tikki darted away from Lila made a grab for her. Lila accused, "You had something to do with it! You wanting fresh cookies! That's how Chat got his ring!"

"Fresh cookies are always better than stale," Tikki said, floating up higher, out of Lila's reach.

"That was pretty coincidental," Lila said, pointing to her. "I leave to get more cookies and then Chat Noir lands beside me."

Tikki shrugged. "I have no control over that."

Giving Tikki a glare, Lila stomped off, the kwami trailing behind her. Lila stared ahead, her thoughts a swirl. Mariposa lost her miraculous, and Marinette was there. Marinette was Mariposa. And she lost it to someone bigger, scarier. And Chat Noir was back. The peacock holder was active. And there was some woman that Lila hasn't ever seen before and...

She stopped on the corner of the street, crossing her arms and waiting to cross, tapping her finger on her elbow. She ignored Tikki as she wiggled her way out of sight, hiding in her hair.

What to do? What can she do?

She doesn't know who has the butterfly miraculous. Doesn't know if he'd be a friend or foe to her. There were, once again, two active miraculous holders, one more experienced and one that had powers of destruction.

Lila was deciding to just lay low. Just disappear. Keep these lucky earrings and not risk losing them. That was the best course of action. As much as she would like another source of power, it'd be wise to hold onto what she has, not risk it.

Only, as Lila walked across the street, a butterfly flew near, waiting on the end. Lila stiffened at the small white insect, eyeing it warily. It drew near, heading for the bracelet. Before it could reach, Tikki flew out of nowhere, snapping at it.

The butterfly darted away, curving away from the pursuing kwami.

"Tikki stop!" Lila ordered.

Tikki turned her ancient eyes to her, warning, "You shouldn't trust the butterflies."

"This one's not dark," she said, lifting her hand out, letting it land on her hand again, looking it over, curious and wary. She knows they're a dark color when infused with the butterfly's power. This one was just white. Maybe that butterfly holder was trying to reach out, to work with her? They were against other heroes, help would be beneficial.

Or it could be a trap...

Above Lila, Tikki floated above her, watching as a swarm shaped and formed behind Lila, Hawkmoth rising out, his gaze locked on the ladybug holder. Narrowing her eyes, Tikki started to gather her energy, letting it build up, a soft glow coming off her body.

Quietly, Hawkmoth drew near, the crystal end of his cane glowing purple. He stopped behind the oblivious Lila, raising his cane back, ready to strike. Lila by chance looked up, seeing Tikki looking behind her, glowing softly. Lila whipped around, just in time to see the cane coming down on her.

Tikki down, her body glowing brightly.

A flash flared out over them, making near civilians jump and flee.

When it faded, Lila was on the ground, moaning. Hawkmoth stood over her, rubbing his eyes, gripping his cane tightly. Blinking rapidly, he looked about, trying to see the earrings.

Only they were gone. As was the kwami.

He growled. Tikki had taken them. The earrings were gone.

The tender moment didn't last too long. After minutes of holding his family, Houte Roi jerked away, snapping, "Where have you been?!"

In which Ariel smiled sheepishly, chuckling at the glare her husband was giving her. Chat persistently hugged her, not ready to move. Only for his mother to lightly tap his shoulder, gently goading him to go. Reluctantly, he drew away, faux ears down.

As Ariel pulled Houte away to the other end of the roof for some semblance of privacy, Chat drew near and stood next to Marinette. Both leaned on a railing, staring down at the streets below.

She spared a glance to Chat, her smile shy when his oval pupils turned to her. "Adrien?" she asked softly, checking for confirmation, to see if it is him.

"Adrien?" she asked softly, checking for confirmation, to see if it is him.

He twitched at the sound of his own name, his smile growing. "Surprise?" he wondered.

She released a sound, something between a snort and a laugh. "It was you. It was you this whole time."

His smile grew, delighted and awkward. Then he turned to Marinette, narrowing his eyes as he looked at her, considering her and why she may be here. He sagged as it clicked. "Mon dieu," he muttered. Marinette blinked at him. "Mariposa."

She laughed. "Hello, Chaton."

"You had mari in both names." He ran his claws through his bangs, baffled at his idiocy. How could he not have realized it?

"You're the one that gave me the name Mariposa," she said. "I have you to thank for having mari in my name."

Chat tensed, straightening up as he turned to her, eyes wide with alarm. Marinette straightened, worried about why her partner was so worried.

"Are you ok?" Chat asked, looking her over. "You had your miraculous taken, and now some strange man has it and—"

Marinette set a hand on Chat's shoulders, quieting him. "I'm ok," she reassured. "At worse, just a little roughed up." She looked away, shoulders sagging as her hand dropped away from him to grip the roof's railing. "He's got Nooroo though... I wasn't able to save him."

Chat leaned over, nudging her shoulder with his. "We'll get him back," he promised. "We'll get the brooch and the earrings."

Marinette smiled, thankful. She leaned on Chat, the two gazing out to Paris, their gazes thoughtful.

Behind the two, the two adults stood on the other end, Ariel watching them as Houte glared out to Paris. She took in the two young heroes, her gaze considerate. She glanced at him when he said lowly, "You should've told me."

"I should've," she agreed.

"I could've taken care of him—"

"That was what I was afraid of, Gabriel." He spared her a glance. Ariel said, "You're cold when you're annoyed, ruthless when mad. And thoughtlessly so. And Duusu told me what happened during that confrontation with Hawkmoth. You were so mad at him, you had slashed at him wildly enough to rip the brooch off him and send him flying out the window. That there was blood..."

"It's because of him that you lost the earrings—"

"Doesn't mean I want you trying to kill him," Ariel cut in, she waved to the children, stressing, "Especially now! I lead him away because I don't want that near our son, I don't want you to do something you'll regret." Houte looked away, the peacock tail curling in displease. She sighed, crossing her arms and leaning on her husband, head resting on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I left so suddenly, sorry I didn't tell you. I know, it wasn't well thought out. That we could've worked on something together..."

But she was afraid of Gabriel's reaction. She can't deny that. She didn't want to risk him falling into that, be blind with his rage and bitterness, enraged by Papillon's betrayal, enraged that he had severed the earrings from her. She didn't want to see him like that again. She didn't want Adrien to see him like that.

She gave a start when he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close so that her brow brushed against the feather soft turquoise cravat he wore. "Are you going to work with me now, Ari?" he asked, resting his chin on her head.

"I am," she promised.

"I'll control myself. Just get the brooch and earrings back," he said. "That's all I'll focus on."

She grinned and looked up into his eyes, her gaze warm and relieved, though there was a touch of wariness in her smile. "Let's start planning then."

Marinette walked slowly beside Adrien, staring at the floor with narrowed eyes, her expression pensive and tight. Adrien walked slowly beside her, his gaze set forward, lips set in a pout. Ahead, his parents walked briskly, lost in the conversation between each other, sharing what they knew of Harlequin and Hawkmoth.

From what the two young holders could overhear, both villains desired other miraculouses. Reasons weren't known, and they didn't need to be. Them wanting other miraculouses was something that they could make use of.

Specifically the ring, the miraculous of destruction.

But that meant using Adrien as bait, something neither parent were crazy about, despite Adrien being quite willing to be bait.

While the parents discussed what else they could do, the young heroes trailed behind them, Adrien pouting and Marinette trying to come up with her own plan. She can agree that Hawkmoth and Harlequin will go after the other miraculouses. Neither wanted to deal with other holders that could stand in their way. Marinette has no doubt that Adrien and Gabriel were going to be targeted.

And they were at a disadvantage. Lila and Hawkmoth knew who all of them were. And both had fled away, and they have no idea where they went. Lila Marinette certainly didn't know well enough to track, and Hawkmo—

She jumped when there was a nudge at her side. She looked up to see Adrien grinning down at her, lips curled up, cheeks rising with his smile. She smiled back, leaning over to nudge him back.

"We won't have to wait long," Adrien said. "Lila can be..."

"Pretty impatient?" Marinette offered.

Adrien nodded, glancing to the skies above as if he was suspecting Harlequin to come diving down on them. She probably wouldn't act this soon, not when they're all still together, but he was on guard, and ready. Having his ring back, he wasn't going to go down easily.

"I hope Hawkmoth isn't patient..."

He turned to Marinette, seeing her frowning at the sidewalk. Adrien reached out, pulling her into a hug. "We'll get Nooroo back," he promised. "And we'll save Tikki. We're not on our own anymore." The two looked to the adults in front of them, watching Ariel give her husband a playful poke. Adrien said, "Though I can admit, this will be a bit weird."

Heroing with his parents. It was both weird and awesome.

He smiled, meeting Marinette's gaze once again. It was all going to work out, Adrien could feel it. They were going to win. They were going to get Nooroo and Tikki back. He was sure of it.

Marinette reached up, holding his hand and giving it a squeeze. They will. She knows they will. It was just the wait that was unnerving her. Two miraculouses now being misused, two that were somewhere in Paris and they had no idea where they were. It was just the wait to get them back that made her tense. She doesn't know when they were going to strike, and they didn't quite have a plan yet on how to get them. And with Nooroo now taken... Marinette didn't want to wait.

She looked up, blinking to see that they arrived at the bakery. Giving Adrien's hand another squeeze, she broke away from him, hurrying past the adults and heading home. Turning, she gave the Agrestes a smile. "I'll see you guys later?"

Ariel smiled as she confirmed, "We'll keep in touch."

Duusu peeked out over Gabriel's shoulder, smiling and offing Marinette a wave. Adrien echoed Duusu, with Plagg peeking out of his jacket to see Marinette off.

Marinette returned the wave and slipped inside.

Ariel turned and waved Adrien over. The boy eagerly hurried to their side, looking between the two as he stood between them, his smile growing as they both set their hands on him.

"Let's go home," Gabriel said.

"Home sounds wonderful," Ariel murmured, leaning on her husband. The Agrestes left, hand in hand, unaware of Marinette staring after them.

Evening fell over Paris, with no reported incident to be heard.

Marinette leaned on her balcony railing, unsure if this was good or bad. It could mean anything. They could be laying low, hiding from each other, hiding from them. They could be scheming.

Marinette fidgeted. Or, another frightful thought, was that they were teaming up. Lila, she knew both her and Adrien, not closely, but knew enough. And Hawkmoth, he knew Gabriel and Ariel. If they teamed up...

Marinette wiped her bangs aside, sighing. It was ok, she reminded. Nothing happened today, yet. Nothing from Hawkmoth or Lila. They were just laying low and probably not working together or plotting or...

Marinette smacked her cheeks, knocking those thoughts away.

It was going to all work out. Adrien had gotten his ring back, Ariel with her family again, Gabriel was active. They had two miraculouses, and two of them were experienced, plus she and Adrien knew their way around a battle.

They could make it.

They'll get the ladybug and butterfly back. She was sure of it, she just had to be positive.

Marinette straightened, pumping herself up, getting motivated. She looked around her balcony, half expecting to see a butterfly near her. Only there were none. No butterfly resting near, dancing in the peaceful evening air. They were gone, at Hawkmoth's side now... with Nooroo...

Marinette turned back to face Notre Dame, gripping the railing. She glared down at the park, restless and frustrated. How could she lose the butterfly so easily? How could she be so careless? How—

Marinette gave a start when she saw a flash of pink in the park. She leaned over, brow furrowed. That wasn't natural... She hurried downstairs, running to the park, looking around for that spark, that glow. Where was it, she could've sworn she saw it here. "Maybe I didn't see anything?" Marinette murmured, frowning to herself, finger tapping her cheek. "I could've sworn that pink light, Harlequin uses that..."

There was a small bit of movement in a near bush, making Marinette jump. She turned, meeting the tired blue-eyed gaze of a kwami, floating up and clutching two earrings to her chest. A kwami struggling to stay in the air. Marinette moved on her own, cupping below the kwami, eyes locked on her. Wobbling a little, the kwami asked, "You... Mariposa?"

"Tikki?" Marinette wondered, nodding slowly.

The kwami smiled, relieved. Tikki happily dropped into her palm, curling up and shivering, clutching the earrings. She looked up at Marinette with her big eyes, pleading, "Can I have some cookies, please?"

Lila groaned as she woke, rubbing her head. "Che palle...?" she muttered, sitting up and looking around. She was still at the corner, alone with no one in sight. Heart pounding with how unnerved she was, she slowly stood, calling out, "Tikki?"

There was no answer from the kwami.

Lila stood, reaching up and sucking in a sharp breath when she just felt plain lobes.

No earrings.

She didn't have the earrings anymore.

Feelings of dread and anger bubbled inside Lila as she looked around wildly, heart pounding frantic beats. Her earrings were gone. They were taken. Hawkmoth took them, he stole from her, Tikki was gone, and Tikki hadn't done anything, hadn't even warned her...

She dug her nails into her palms, looking around wildly. She was defenseless. She was on her own. She didn't have a miraculous anymore, she was powerless.

Powerless with everyone coming after her.

Lila was on her own. She was helpless.

With a flicker of dread and unease, Lila hurried home, looking around wildly, half expecting to see Chat Noir looming above, or the peacock, of Hawkmoth.

She'd be helpless.

She needed to get a miraculous back. She needed power.

As she hurried down the street, she was unaware of the man watching her go from a roof. He held out his hand, letting a pale butterfly land in his hand. He set his hand over it, letting black magic pour into it.

"Let's make use of that fear," he bid, sending the butterfly off, "let's get miraculouses back."

Adrien sipped a mug of hot chocolate, humming contently as he sat alone at the table. The only company he had was Plagg, loudly snacking on cheese. His parents, to his knowledge, were catching up and enjoying some alone time. As much as Adrien wanted to be with his mother, he wasn't the only one to really miss her. He set his mug down with a soft sigh, staring down at the table, feeling both restless and tired.

So much happened today, so much was escalating.

All in just a day he found out his partner, he found his mother, got back his ring, and now there were two misusers running around. And who knows when they would strike. Adrien was sure they wouldn't have to wait long for Lila. Now Hawkmoth... Adrien didn't know Hawkmoth, didn't know what to expect or how long they had to wait.

But he did know his power... he glanced to Plagg, asking, "Can he make Champions?"

"Yep," Plagg confirmed, taking a big bite of cheese. "Butterflies grant powers, and while that offer can be refused, most are tempted by the power and are compelled to agree."

Adrien frowned. "So we'll see a corrupted Champion."

"You will," Duusu confirmed, coming down to sit next to Adrien, glancing up at him. "When Hawkmoth misused Nooroo before, he targeted people who were angry, sad, just, negative emotions that he could manipulate. They all came out so vicious. We'll see the same here."

Plagg released a loud whine, flopping down on the table, pouting. "More work..." he grumbled.

Duusu shot Plagg a look. "This is serious. And you have a duty to uphold."

Plagg rolled over with an "Eh."

Duusu rolled her eyes and shook head. To Adrien, she said with a wave of her paw, "We'll need to be on guard and ready. It's going to be dangerous with two misusers—"

Duusu was cut off when Adrien's phone went off.

Seeing it's from Marinette, he quickly pulled it close, to see what she texted him.

'I found Tikki.'

Adrien smiled, sagging in relief. He turned the phone to the kwamis, reassuring, "Just one, actually."

Chances were looking better now.

A block away, Marinette sat at her desk, watching the kwami down cookies like she had been starved for weeks. Marinette kept them coming and Tikki kept inhaling them.

"Did Lila not feed you at all?" Marinette wondered.

Tikki swallowed and confirmed, "Lila didn't appreciate being told when she's in the wrong, only gave me enough to power her transformations." Tikki rolled her eyes. She popped another cookie in her mouth, sighing contently. She continued, "I'm not going to make it easy for someone to misuse me."

Marinette smiled, reaching out she ran a finger over Tikki's head, Tikki leaned into her touch, relaxing. "I had run into Ariel," Marinette revealed, seeing Tikki open her eyes to peek at her. "Do you want me to take you to her?"

Tikki tilted her head. "She'd want me again?" Tikki wondered.

Marinette paused, looking away as she considered what Ariel told her. "She did say she considered herself retired..."

Tikki nodded, looking like she was expecting it. "I saw she had a son," Tikki murmured. "She used to say that she wanted to retire when she had children. I'd love to see her again, but I'm not too sure she'll take back the earrings." Tikki glanced to the dark jewels, frowning.

"Maybe she will with Hawkmoth still on the loose," Marinette offered, glancing to the miraculous as well.

"Maybe," Tikki agreed. "A ladybug is needed now that Hawkmoth is active. Miraculous Ladybug will restore everything, any damage he does."

Marinette looked to the desktop, frowning. Tikki reached over and set a paw on her wrist, bringing Marinette's gaze to her. Tikki gave a reassuring smile. "Nooroo will be ok. He may not be the fiercest of the kwamis in the face of a misuser, but he is patient and resilient. He'll be ok. And Hawkmoth knows that hurting a kwami means no transformation. He'll take care of Nooroo."

Marinette nodded, relieved to hear that. Nooroo will be ok. And they'll get him back.

It was now three against one.

They were not going to make it easy for Hawkmoth.

Adrien looked up when the door across from him opened, Duusu pausing her tale long enough to look up and see Ariel approaching, her smile soft and eyes warm. The smile growing, Ariel said, "Sorry to interrupt."

"You weren't interrupting anything, it was a dull story," Plagg declared, hissing when Duusu gave him a jab.

Ariel chuckled as she sat down, reaching out to poke at Plagg's ear. She noted, "You're a bit of a troublemaker."

"I am not," Plagg huffed, swatting her finger away.

"Really?" Adrien murmured.

"I can second that he is," Duusu said.

Plagg shot them both a dry look.

Adrien glanced at his mother, his smile falling away to a frown. Ariel met his gaze, her own smile shrinking. She turned her gaze down to her hands, poking Plagg's tail and watching it swish away. Duusu drew near, laying over Ariel's wrist and giving Ariel a small smile.

"So..." Adrien murmured.

"I'm sorry," Ariel murmured."I didn't plan it well."

"You were gone so suddenly," Adrien said.

"I know." Ariel reached out, taking her son's hand and holding it tightly. "I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly. I'm not going to leave again though, not anytime soon." She squeezed his hand, promising, "We're going to be a family again, Adrien."

Glancing at Plagg, Adrien cracked a grin and said, "Furnaly."

His smile grew as his mother snorted. "Adrien." She smiled down at her son, she slid near, pulling him into a hug and kissing his brow. Adrien leaned into her touch, forehead pressed against his neck. For a moment, they just sat there, enjoying each other's touch, of being together again, of being reunited. Ariel ran her fingers through her son's hair, enjoying how the strands curled around her fingers.

As the two enjoyed each other's company, Duusu and Plagg drifted away, the peacock kwami chasing the cat about when he made a snide comment.

Gabriel slipped in, barely avoiding the kwamis when they darted by him. Blinking after them, he turned to his family, seeing them leaning on each other. Gabriel quietly drew near, setting his hand on Ariel's shoulder, giving her a slight squeeze.

Ariel looked up, offering him a small smile. She wrapped her fingers around Gabriel's hand, giving it a squeeze. Gabriel's other hand settled on Adrien's shoulder, the father leaning on them both, pressing a kiss to Ariel's head.

There were some things they needed to work out, but it was going to be better. They were all going to make sure of that.

They alled jerked when the manor shook and shuddered, the moment broken. Duusu and Plagg darted to the humans' side as they all stood, watching rubble roll on the floor, dust filling the air from the broken wall.

"Sorry for interrupting," a familiar voice called out, a figure coming out. "I was feeling rather jinxed."

There, surrounded by dust stood an akuma, maroon colored, with black stripes and spots. A Harlequin with a butterfly spin on her design.

"Lila," Adrien breathed.

She grinned, lifting up a reddish purple die with black spots. "Jinx, actually." She tossed the die towards the family, the spots glowing white as it drew near the floor, the Agrestes scrambling to get away. As it hit and rolled on the floor, and explosion filled the room.

Marinette hummed contently as she sipped her tea, watching as Tikki stretch out a pillow Marinette gave her, looking so content and relaxed as she slept the day away. Marinette drew near, shyly reaching for the kwami. With a gentle finger, she petted the kwami, running her finger over the warm, soft body.

She paused when Tikki's body gave a soft quiver before the kwami relaxed with a sigh. With a slight smile, Marinette petting the kwami, enjoying the touch and offering her comfort. And providing some for herself, her thoughts drifting to Nooroo.

She wondered where Hawkmoth would be. Where would he hide? Harlequin was gone. She didn't have a miraculous anymore, Lila wasn't a threat anymore. That just left Hawkmoth and he was overwhelmed, there were now three heroes for him to deal with. There was no way for him to win.

She stood, starting to pace around her room, restless and anxious. All she wanted to do was transform and find Hawkmoth, end this.

She stopped, staring at the earrings. Gingerly, she picked them up, going to her mirror and holding up the black earrings, hovering them above her ears just to see what they'd look like.

"Going to put them on?"

Marinette jumped, turning to see Tikki peer at, looking curious and intrigued.

"Sorry," Marinette apologized, lowering the earrings.

Tikki shook her head, zipping up to hover over her, reassuring, "No, no. It's ok. It may not be a bad idea. Hawkmoth may strike before you could get me back to Ariel." Tikki smiled. "I saw a bit of you, you're very kind, Marinette. I trust you with my miraculous."

Marinette smiled and put on the earrings. She said, "You know, Nooroo told me time to time that I was too aggressive to be a butterfly." She glanced at her reflection, eyeing the dark earrings.

"You are," Tikki agreed, drifting closer to eye Marinette's reflection. "You're someone of action, who likes to be involved, to see something to the finish. Butterflies are supporters, they are eager but generous. They'll always sooner push someone to act before them. They're good at seeing potential, good at helping grow. You're not so patient enough to leave the situation alone to someone else."

"Not really," Marinette admitted, rubbing her arm.

"That's ok," Tikki said, tapping Marinette's nose. "There's greatness to be achieved in someone as bold and selfless as you. Nooroo saw that, he may not be able to provide you much, but he knew he couldn't leave you on the sidelines."

Marinette cupped her hands below the kwami, smiling as Tikki settled in her palms. "Great enough to save Nooroo?"

Tikki waved her arms, promising, "It's a certainty!"

Before Marinette could respond, she and Tikki gave a start when there was a shrill siren that sped down the street, right past her home. Tikki settled on Marinette's shoulder as the girl hurried to her window, staring after it. She and Tikki spared a glance, both of them thinking of a certain butterfly.

Tikki floated off her shoulder and faced Marinette, looking ready. "Spots on activates the transformation," she revealed. "Lucky Charm gives you a chance to be lucky, but you have to figure out what to do. And Miraculous Ladybug, that restores order. All damage that was done during a magic related attack, it will all be restored."

"Got it," Marinette said, ready to say the word.

Tikki quickly said, "Hold on! My powers don't work like Nooroo's! After Lucky Charm is used, you'll have five minutes before you detransform. And I won't be able to power you again, not till I eat."

"So use Lucky Charm only when I have too," Marinentte said. Tikki nodded. "Alright, Spots on."

Tikki flew into the right earring and the transformation washed over Marinette. She looked over her suit, her coloration redder than Harlequin's, her spots smaller and rounded in comparison to Harlequin's. She bounced the yo-yo, testing the weight of it in her hand. She murmured, "Time to be a Ladybug."

Her wings traded for a lucky shell, Ladybug hurried outside onto her balcony, barely stopping herself from jumping off her balcony. "No wings," she reminded, glancing to the yo-yo.

This was what Harlequin used to get around.

Spinning the yo-yo, Ladybug threw the tool out, watching as it snagged on a far building. Giving it an experimental tug, Ladybug glanced down at the streets, her heart starting to beat nervously. She looked up when she heard the siren wail on, and she moved, stepping off the building and flying forward, moving far faster than she was expecting, no drag of wings behind her.

With an eager grin, Ladybug soured over Paris, following the howling sirens.

This was going to be it, she could feel it.

The Agrestes all stumbled out of the mansion, Ariel clutching to Houte Roi as he flew out of the dust and smoke, carrying her high into the air. Below, Chat Noir darted out, shaking the dust debris off of him before racing away and putting some distance between himself and the akuma.

Jinx followed, trailing outside and tossing her die lazily in her hand, grinning as she stared after the fleeing family. "What's wrong Kitty?" she called out, throwing her arm back, growling she threw it towards Chat, " Don't want to play?"

Chat barely avoided the explosion, his faux ears flat on his head as he hissed in displeasure.

The die flew back into Jinx's hand, just in time for her to toss it towards the glowing peacock feathers rushing down at her. The die glowed and the feathers jerked away, rushing away like a great wind came to shove them back. The die bounced back into her hand, Jinx cackling at Houte Roi's frustration.

"This just doesn't appear to be your lucky day," she mocked, ducking under Chat's baton as he swung it at her. He jumped back when she rolled the die towards him, cackling.

"Maybe today will be mine!" a voice shouted above. Jinx looked up, barely avoiding the kick coming at her from a ladybug hero.

Jinx gaped as the scarlet hero, grunting when she got hit by Chat, skidding across the street.

"Looking very pretty in spots, My Lady," Chat declared, grinning as he stood next to Ladybug.

"Thanks, Chat. I like it too," Ladybug said, outstretching her arm and she looked over the suit. "I look very good in red."

Jinx released an enraged cry, glaring at Ladybug. "You! You took them! You have my earrings!"

"They were never yours," Ladybug said.

Jinx angrily threw the die at them and Ladybug and Chat jumped away from it, avoiding the explosion it set off. As the die started to head back to Jinx, a yo-yo swatted it away, making the akuma angrily turn to Ladybug, seeing the hero grin at her. The die flew back in Jinx's hand and she threw it at Ladybug, chasing the spotted hero as she turned and fled away.

"I want my earrings back!" Jinx shouted as she pursed Ladybug.

Above them, Houte and Ariel glared down, holding each other as the peacock hero turned to follow, only to jerk back when a butterfly darted by. Houte turned, seeing Hawkmoth standing on a near building, his dark wings stretched out and menacing behind him, casting a fearsome shadow over the butterfly villain. Houte tightened his grip on Ariel, his eyes narrowing at him.

Houte dove at him, setting Ariel down and chasing the cackling butterfly as he fled away, ignoring her shout after him.

As Hawkmoth flew over nervous police officers, hiding around their cars, an old man peeked out of an alley, watching the fight neutrally, his gaze locked on Hawkmoth. He glanced down, meeting a turtle kwami's knowing eyes. Fu turned, hurrying away, the turtle miraculous shining brightly on his wrist. He was going to make sure that this butterfly would never rise again.

Down the street, Jinx was in a fury.

Ladybug kept ahead of her, dodging the bad luck she tried to set upon on her. And Chat Noir made use of her distraction, coming up behind the akuma, trying or actually getting a blow in. Sometimes Jinx's die came back in time for her to slam it against Chat's baton and send him flying back, sometimes it didn't and Jinx was sent flying away, and just as she rose up, a yo-yo came to meet her eagerly.

Those times, the luck-based akuma wasn't given a chance or break, Ladybug and Chat Noir weren't giving her those chances.

Frustrated, she wildly threw out the die, forcing Ladybug and Chat to draw them away.

Ladybug and Chat glanced to each other, crouched down and tense. Chat glanced to Jinx's wrist, where a bracelet hung. Ladybug followed his gaze and grinned.

"Up to play with the ball?" she asked.

"Cats love to play," Chat reassured with a grin.

"Then let's get that ball, Kitty." She threw her yo-yo up, summoning, "Lucky Charm!" She caught a mirror that landed in her hand, blinking at it.

"Think you can get that figured out?" Chat shot out, bouncing on his feet, ready to go.

"Probably?" she guessed.

Good nehough for Chat, he charged at Jinx, jumping over the die she threw at him, grinning as he watched her eyes widen in surprise as he came to bring the baton down on her. Jinx jumped away, reaching to summon her die back, only to jerk when a light was shined in her face. She stumbled, jumping away again to escape, and moved right into the waiting trap of a yo-yo. Snagging her ankle, the akuma squealed when she was pulled down into the ground, just as Chat shouted, "Misfortune!"

Black spots swelled around Jinx's wrist as she hit and bounced off the ground, sending the bracelet flying. It fell a foot away, just out of her reach. Jinx rose to grab it, only to freeze when Chat came down, slamming his boot down on her bracelet and breaking it.

A black butterfly darted out, flying towards the sky and was intercepted by a yo-yo, swallowing it whole. Ladybug pulled the string back, catching the compact and staring down at it, heart pounding. She reached out, tapping it and watching a white butterfly flutter out. It landed on her nose, patting her affectionately before flying away. Ladybug stared after it, shoulders sagging a little.

She wondered if it was returning to Hawkmoth...

A groan reached her ears she looked down, tensing as Lila sat up, rubbing her head. She looked up, tensing when she caught sight of red in her periphial vision. Lila looked up, seeing a ladybug hero loom over her.

"M-Mariposa?" Lila whispered.

"Ladybug," she corrected.

"And Chat Noir," Chat added, looming over Lila. Lila jerked away from, crawling back, looking between the two heroes as they stared down at her.

"It was Hawkmoth," she uttered. "He influenced me, controlled me. He's to blame, he—"

"Is no longer our concern."

Lila whipped around, right into the reaching hands of Houte Roi. "Let me go!" Lila cried as she was lifted up, kicking out and hitting at the peacock hero.

"No longer our concern?" Ladybug repeated, alarmed. "But Nooroo—"

"Is safe," Houte said. "He is with Ariel now, resting. As you two should be."

"What, but father—" Chat drew near, brow furrowed.

Shuffling Lila and securing that he had a good grip on her, he reached out and squeezed Chat's shoulder. Staring down into his son's eyes, he said, "You did well." With a nod, he turned, his grip tight on Lila, his wings expanding.

"Wait!" Ladybug cried, reaching for him, "I want to see Nooroo!"

Houte took off without a work, carrying the distressed Lila with him. Ladybug stared after him, shoulders sagging. Chat picked up the mirror, staring back at himself. He offered it to her. Ladybug took it, looking at the red mask with black spots on her face, the red ribbons extending from her hair. Squaring her shoulders, Ladybug threw the mirror up in the air, shouting, "Miraculous Ladybug!"

Ladybugs burst out in a rush of magic, swirling around the city, dancing as they swerved throughout Paris. Chat and Ladybug stood in awe, watching them roll around, leaving everything clean and restored. Not an ounce of damage left.

"Wow," Chat breathed.

Ladybug giggled, grinning as she watched the ladybugs go.

The power was well named, this was pretty miraculous.

Her earrings beeped, alerting them that she was about to detransform.

Chat pointed outwards, offering, "Want to get some ice cream?"

The transformation fell away and Marinette caught Tikki as she fell forward. Tikki turned, looking up at them both. She asked, "Can they have cookies?"

"Yes," Marinette and Chat both said immediately.

A distance away from them, Houte landed down, setting Lila down. She looked up, see a man dressed in green hero standing over her, staring down with golden eyes. Behind him, a man Lila didn't recognize was slumped against a wall. Adrien's mother stood over him, holding a little purple kwami, one who stared at Lila with a tired gaze.

"What's going on?" Lila demanded, looking up at the green man. "Who are you, what did you do to him? What is—"

"I'm not going to hurt," the green hero reassured, reaching for her, setting his over her eyes, Houte grabbing Lila to keep her jerking away. "Just going to make sure you won't hurt us anymore..."

Marinette stared across at Notre Dame, leaning on her railing as she looked out pensively. She turned when there was a weight settling on her shoulder, an antenna tickling her cheek. She met Tikki's big eyes, seeing the kwami offer her a small smile.

Marinette returned it, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.

It's been a few days since Hawkmoth and Harlequin were taken down, and Marinette has yet to see Nooroo. Gabriel and Ariel wouldn't breath a word to her or Adrien about the kwami's whereabouts.

Both just got the same answer.

"He's resting."

How much rest does Nooroo need? Did Hawkmoth hurt him? Did being misuse wear out kwamis? She checked with Tikki and all she got from the little ladybug kwami as, "It depends."

"You'll see Nooroo soon," Tikki reassured, leaning on Marinette's cheek, nuzzling her.

"How soon," Marinette wondered.

"Soon," Tikki repeated, floating up and stretching, turning to offer Marinette a bigger smile. "He'll be so full of life and happy to see you again, Marinette."

Marinette's smile grew a little, then turned her gaze towards the Eiffel Tower, to where the Agreste's home was. She asked, "Are you sure you don't want to back to Ariel?"

Tikki shook her head, drawing near to sit on Marinette's wrist. "Ariel is retired, she has no interest in carrying a miraculous anymore. We had our reunion, that was enough."

Marinette hummed, her gaze settling down to the street below, seeing Lila walking around, laughing with Aurore and Mirielle. It was strange. A day after they had taken care of Lila, she suddenly acted like she didn't know them, and was moved out of their class. Marinette can deduce that Houte took care of it but what he did... Marinette wasn't sure if she wanted to know.

At least, Lila, they didn't have to worry about anymore.

And Hawkmoth was apparently gone too.

Both gone, Paris was peaceful, and Parisians were getting used to seeing Chat Noir and Ladybug racing around the roofs, though she had heard people wondering about Mariposa, what was going on. Marinette hasn't figured out how to answer, not till she's seen and talked with Nooroo. Tikki didn't seem to have any desire to leave her, was pretty content to stay.

And Marinette was enjoying her company, the little kwami was sweet and eager, more outspoken than Nooroo, more direct and passionate. It was something Marinette was getting used to, that she was enjoying. Tikki came with direction and opinions, which she wasn't shy in sharing. Marinette's found herself focusing more with the kwami, certainly helped her get on top of her homework.

Marinette stood, stretching out with a hum before slouching. She asked, "Do you want some cookies?"

Tikki nodded, sitting down on the railing. When Marinette was out of earshot, Tikki voiced, "No need to be so shy Nooroo."

Nooroo peeked out, seeing Marinette gone. He drifted up, sitting on the railing beside Tikki, fiddling with his paws. "I'm nervous," he admitted.

"She has been missing you," Tikki said.

Nooroo nodded, "And she won't like what she hears."

"I don't think we need the Guardian to help explain this to her."

Nooroo shook his head. "No, she'll accept it, but she won't like it." The kwami sagged, wings blanketing his small form. He glanced up when Tikki set a paw on his back, rubbing his wings reassuringly.

"You can't hold it off," Tikki said. "She'll always wonder. And if ever awakened again..."

"She'll have questions for that holder," Nooroo chuckled. Tikki leaned over, seeing Fu sitting on a bench, waiting for Nooroo's return. Nooroo revealed, "I have discussed it with Fu, and he agrees. She's better a Ladybug. She's too aggressive to be a Butterfly, she involves herself too much. Good at inspiring but..."

"She'll go far," Tikki reassured. "I really can see her potential. She'll be truly amazing."

Nooroo smiled, pleased to hear Tikki was equally sure about Marinette being a Ladybug. He rather her go far than be stunted by a Butterfly. He rather be with another holder, be with someone he could truly help shine out, not as brightly as the Ladybug or Peacock, but just enough to help others shine and grow on their own.

And after being lost, it was nice to be back in the Guardian's care.

"Ok!" Marinette's voice rang out, setting the plate down and sliding it along the floor. She moved to get up, looking up as she sat down on the floor, her legs hanging down in her room. "Got the cookies..."

Nooroo offered her a smile, rubbing his arm sheepish.

Tikki grinned, tail wiggling happily.

"Hi," Nooroo greeted, wings twitching. "Could I have a cinnamon roll too, please?"

Marinette stared at the butterfly kwami, not moving for a few seconds. Nooroo and Tikki faltered, frowning at her stiffness. Nooroo floated near, asking, "Marinette?"

Marinette snapped out of it, grabbing the kwami with a shout, "Nooroo!" The butterfly squawked in surprise, pulled up close and pressed against Marinette's neck, her hands cupping him gently. With a smile, Nooroo leaned onto her, nuzzling her.

"Sorry for making you wait, Marinette."

After a whole month of dragging this along, it's finally done. It definitely could've had a better ending, but I've reached a point of lost inspiration for RoM, this is the best I could get out. I am content enough with it to declare this fic done. I thank everyone for your patience and for giving this fic a read. With this done, I should start on updating The Weight of Living soon.

This fic was originally inspired by my-insanity-in-an-artform on tumblr who wrote a fun post on what if Marinette had butterfly instead.