Kinda poured everything out this chapter but I'm pretty ready to move on from this fic and see it wrapped up. So with this done, I'll now officially be working on Rise of Mariposa.

I'll be doing the simpler, original idea and will be making edits to go back to that idea. Because of this, later chapters may wind up taken down to be and edited to better fit the simpler idea.

Ruffled and Lucky Fox Paradox I aim to update soon, Ruffled will probably be sooner at least I expect it to be.

Thank you guys for giving this fic a read, RoM is coming back and will be next to be finished.


A whispering death was one of the most infamous dragons in the draconic world. They were ruthless and cruel, pushed and driven by an unsatisfiable hunger. And they could be so petty and cruel and vicious, locked on pursuing those that wronged them; never forgiving, never forgetting. A near impossible to hide from with their keen sense of smell and just...

Hawkmoth admired such dragons.

They were frightening and dangerous.

No master to listen to outside their own will.

A true embodiment of what a dragon was, in Hawkmoth's view.

And to have a chance to control such a dragon... it'd be an amazing power to have in his palm. With a whispering death, he could make villages crumble. He could attack from the air with fire and spikes. He could strike from the sea and none would ever know of the whispering death's coming.

This dragon was so silent and deadly.

It was an ideal dragon for a raider to have.

If he was able to control a whispering death.

But that was where Ladybug came in.

She could help him tame the whispering death, get it to do his bidding.

If having the changewing's life in his hands wasn't enough, there were other ways Hawkmoth could get Ladybug to do it. He hasn't been this far being kind.

He wasn't so infamous with his kindness.

He didn't get where he was with gentleness.

Ladybug would submit to him.

She'll tame the whispering death for him.

Have it do his bidding.

And if she was lucky, he'd be kind enough to have her stay around.

It was a very appealing thought to Hawkmoth to have an army of dragons at his beck and call.

He'd be a fool to pass up the opportunity.

But first, they needed the whispering death tamed.

They needed Ladybug to work her magic.

By his observations, he knows the whispering death kept to the coast. But the coast was large and long, and with how the waves pushed off the land, in the foggy evenings, it was easy to veer off course.

One wrong move and they'd sail back into the open sea.

He glanced towards his navigator, a girl he kept alive for the rare skill. "Well?" he asked, enjoying how she flinched and grimaced.

She spared a fast glance towards the evening sky, catching hints of scars. "We're still on course," she reassured with a bite.

"Excellent."

He'd have his whispering death soon.

Ladybug will see to it.

Or else.


In all his sixteen years, Nino wonders how and why does he always wind up in situations he really rather not be in?

Going adventuring in the woods, having to hide from dragons that smelled human children about and probably wanted to gobble them up.

Going into a very dangerous smithy full of weapons children shouldn't be around.

Going to close to the beach and nearly getting pulled into the sea.

Now here he was about to try and free a dragon.

...Why was Alya always involved in these tense situations? Why was she always the instigator? Why was it always him dealing with the most unnerving cases?

At least this time, he can get why.

Alya was called to Hawkmoth's side and Marinette was in a cell.

While it would noticed if he let her out, he was largely ignored himself by the crew.

They won't notice him messing with what he shouldn't, especially with how meek he seems. They wouldn't think he'd act out. Especially with Alya also kept prisoner. One wrong move from either of them and the other would pay.

Hawkmoth didn't count on them knowing Ladybug.

He didn't count on how mischievous and clever Marinette and Alya can be together.

How ruthless they can be.

And this, perhaps not a solid plan, but would certainly at least shake up Hawkmoth's world.

And if they were lucky, would destroy his ship and the raider himself.

Hawkmoth never bothering anyone ever again.

And the three of them could flee, and... well, what they do next, Nino doesn't know.

All that matters is that they're together.

And they stay together.

But first, he had to be a brave boy.

He had to approach a dragon, a very angry dragon that was locked up and probably ready to lash out at the first stranger that approached her.

A dragon that may not listen.

With his heart pounding heavily in his chest, Nino drew near the dragon cage Hawkmoth had, looking back and making sure no one was coming, that he wouldn't be noticed next to the dragon. Cracking the metal compartment open, he froze when he met bright, glowing blue eyes.

"Don't meet her eyes, she'll like try to hypnotize you. And kill you."

Nino quickly looked down, no longer meeting the changewing's gaze.

He did quiver when he heard her deep, warning growl at him.

Shakily clearing his throat, he nervously greeted, "H-hey girl, h-hey Ti-Tikki."

The hissed and stomped her claws, her tail making a loud bang on the metal walls, loud enough to make Nino jump.

He stuttered out, "I, I'm here to he-help."

Another bang rang out.

"I, I'm friends with Marinette!" he insisted.

The air was still and quiet.

Nino dared peek up.

The changewing's eyes weren't glowing at bright as before, but he could still see them. See them enough to tell that the pupils were thin with mistrust, making the dragon a frightening sight.

Gulping, he bravely drew near, trying to look as small as physically possible. "W-we need help Tikki. We, we need a distraction. A, a tactical distraction. C-can you help us? It, it'll help Marinette, I promise it will."

Tikki rumbled out, narrowing her blue eyes down at Nino.

Nino wasn't sure if that was a yes.


With her giving Hawkmoth what he wanted, Alya hurried to the hull, making sure to be careful to not draw attention to herself.

With Nino working on getting the changewing and Marinette free, Alya saw to sparking the explosives. Or at least get it going.

With those two free and time spared to set the explosives off, they could escape and dent Hawkmoth's ship.

Or so was the plan.

That all depended on their success.

Hurrying down, Alya went for the back, where Nino said Hawkmoth stashed his explosives.

Only to freeze when she heard a click of claws.

Next thing she knew, blue eyes gleamed out, staring down at her with thin pupils.

The changewing.

Tikki, as Marinette called her.

She was much bigger than Alya expected.

Quickly turning her gaze down, Alya shakily murmured, pointing out, "M-Marinette's that way."

The hidden dragon growled softly, then slunk away, Alya feeling the brush of a long tail going by.

That, that was intense.

Looking to where the dragon came from, she caught sight of Nino hurrying after her. Catching his shoulder, Alya informed, "She went ahead towards Marinette."

Nino nodded. "Be careful Alya," he said.

He ran after the changewing, nervous on how this will go.

Alya continued her way.

After two years they were going to do it. They were going to escape.

They were going to hurt Hawkmoth.

She was going to destroy his ship at least.

Set it aflame just as he set her home aflame.

He deserved to have so much more done to him for what he did though.

And when Alya came by the storage unit, where explosives were stashed, she grinned.

Hawkmoth was going to pay.

They were going to get free.

They were going to escape.

Grabbing some gun powder, Alya started to make a trail, a long enough trail that it would run for a while, enough time for them to climb onto Tikki and escape.

She was just about to reach a desirable length when there was a sharp shout behind her.

"Hey!"

Alya whipped around, paling as she came across one of Hawkmoth's grunts. He glared down at her, demanding, "What are you doing."

Alya tensed, ready to throw gunpowder at this face, only for them to stumble when the ship suddenly lurched heavy to side, wood creaking, shouts of alarm sounding out.

What the-

A loud, bellowing roar sounded out.

Alya looked up wildly.

Marinette said Tikki was a stealthy dragon.

That she wouldn't make a big scene.

Why was she making a big scene?!

She jumped when the world flared orange, fire streaking along the outside walls, igniting the windows blindingly.

Alya squinted after the blaze.

To her knowledge, changewings didn't breath actual fire, their breath more acidic.

While the grunt was still unsteady, Alya tore off so he wouldn't grab her. She skidded to a stop just in time to nearly run into the changewing, Marinette and Nino on her back, the latter gripping Marinette's shoulders.

"Alya!" Marinette called in relief, patting Tikki, "Come on, something's going on and this is our chance!"

"Fuse isn't lit yet!" Alya said, looking back, "And I was caught! That guy might be taking care of it."

"On it," Marinette said, hopping off Tikki and pushing Alya to the dragon. "I think I know who's here. I'll get the fuse going. Tikki will get you two to safety."

"What?" Alya started.

Tikki growled, turning unsure eyes to Marinette.

Marinette patted her snout, bidding, "Take care of them girl."

Nino started to ask, "How are you-" Only to jerk down with a squeal as something small dove down and flew over him, landing on Marinette's shoulders.

A purple terror.

Marinette grinned, reaching up to scratch the small dragon's jaw. "I got Nooroo."

She urged them away and turned to rush away, the terror set on her shoulders.

Before Alya and Nino could move to follow, Tikki moved and started to rush out. The changewing scared the crew as she burst out, taking to the skies and joining others in the air.

Alya and Nino gaped to see a black monstrous nightmare, a deadly nadder, and typhoomerage souring around, slamming into the ship, breathing a blaze upon it. And the former two dragons carrying two blonds Alya and Nino didn't know.

They tensed when the nightmare drew near, a boy shouting, "Where's Marinette?"

"In the ship!" Alya called back, as they swerved by, "she's aiming to blow it up!"

The boy turned to glare down at the ship, and reached over, patting the nightmare's shoulder.

Growling, the dragon dove down, green flames shooting out of it's maw, flaring over the surface of the ship, making grunts scatter.

Trixx twirled down, grabbing a grunt, hauling one up and dropping him into the sea.

Some retaliated though, grabbing spears and firing them up at the swarming dragons, a few coming far too close for comfort.

On Duusu, Chloe clutched her tightly, grimacing as she glared down at the ship, watching Adrien swarm close, eyes set to the top of the ship. Likely Marinette was still down there.

They needed help.

They needed more.

The ship was huge and the raiders many and as much as she would like to see it destroyed, might be best to flee for now-

Chloe jerked up on Duusu, spotting another ship trailing by.

A familiar ship.

"Daddy," Chloe uttered. Sliding closer, she pointed out to the ship, urging Duusu, "There!"

Gurgling, Duusu turned and dove for the ship.

Familiar faces jumped and flinched at the sight of the deadly nadder flying over them, and before they could release arrows or spears, Chloe called out, "DADDY!"

Those on the ship paused, all gaping at what had to be the chief's daughter riding a deadly nadder.

She was riding a dragon.

"Pumpkin!" Chief Andre called out in alarm, "What are you doing?! Get off of that!"

Duusu swerved and landed on the ship, Chloe shakily clutching the dragon to stay on. She pointed out, "We need help! We're trying to bring down Hawkmoth!"

"When did you," the chief started to push, only for Chloe to cut him off.

"Later! We need help now!" Turning to see Gabriel, she called out, "Adrien is over there!"

By the look of alarm that covered Gabriel's features, Chloe secured their help.


Marinette stumbled down the hall as the ship was rocked and rammed by the dragons, catching the walls as best she could, trying to ignore how Nooroo's claws sunk into her shoulders.

She chanted in her head find the fuse, find the fuse, find the fuse...

Where was it?

Had to be close.

Somewhere-

There was a hiss in the air and Marinette dropped down just in time to avoid the wild swing that was coming up behind her.

Nooroo screeched out in alarm, whipping around and hissing at Hawkmoth.

"How devious, Ladybug," Hawkmoth commented, "summoning your dragons to come and foil me."

Marinette made no comment, eyes locked on him, slowly working around him, aware of the growling Nooroo on her shoulders.

So was Hawkmoth, keeping his gaze locked on her, following her. He continued, "It's going to take a lot more dragons than that to stop me."

"You're only human," Marinette reminded.

"As are you."

Purple blue eyes narrowed at the statement.

There was another jerk, and a horn sounded out.

The horn of another approaching.

Hawkmoth paused, turning to look back towards the opening.

Marinette took the chance to dash away, running till she smelled the gunpowder. "Here Nooroo," she urged, tapping the ground, feeling the loose powder against her fingers. "Light it."

An ember popped out of Nooroo's mouth, and Marinette hurried back as that ember went down.

The gunpowder sparked, and the flare shot off, heading along the path Alya left.

Marinette turned to flee, only to ram into Hawkmoth who grabbed her. He looked over her head, watched the flare go off. His eyes widened and his grip tightened painful, making Marinette grit her teeth. "You dare-"

There was a big boom near them, sending the two toppling over. Marinette looked over wildly, tensing when she saw the head of Akuma wiggle her head in, the whispering death likely drawn in by the chaos.

Marinette watched tensely as the whispering death's nostrils flared, the dragon growling deeply.

Akuma caught her scent.

Akuma knew she was here.

Before Marinette could move to flee, Hawkmot grabbed her, snarling, "You! You dare turn my whispering death against me!"

Snarling, Akuma wiggled into the hull, sea water rising in with her, gnashing her many teeth together.

With the whispering death coming towards her and his grip on her painful, Marinette lashed out against him, kicking wildly to get free.

Nooroo jumped forward and with hot fangs, bit Hawmoth's hand, freeing Marinette from his grip and making the raider scream. Nooroo in her arms, she scrambled up and fled, stumbling as the ship rocked back and forth. Nooroo jumped out of her arms, flying off and guiding her along, zipping out of the hull and into the air above.

Marinette followed, nearly running into another grunt.

Before the grunt could reach for her, black claws wrapped around Marinette's middle and the next thing she knows she was airborne.

Squealing in surprise, she gripped the claws that had her, looking around wildly, taking in the familiar black nightmare that was carrying her.

"Hey My Lady!"

Marinette looked up, slumping in relief to see Adrien grinning back at her, equally relieved to see her.

"What took you so long?" she called out.

"Plagg didn't want to go."

The nightmare grumbled loudly.

"We need to go!" Marinette shouted, "Ship's bout to blow!"

Plagg roared loudly, calling out to the other dragons, a warning to them. They all swerved and flew towards another ship, one Marinette just noticed.

Down below in the hull, Hawkmoth scrambled back, eyes locked on the snapping whispering death that pursued him, her maw opened wide, razor teeth spinning about, ready to swallow him and shred him to pieces.

He didn't have anything to defend himself against.

She was going to devour him.

Akuma rose up, body wiggling, spines rattling loudly. The dragon dove down towards him, just as a bright, hot flash flared out.

Across the way, Plagg just landed on the other ship, making it tilt and lurch from the nightmare's great weight. As soon as Marinette was set down, Hawkmoth's ship exploded, making all jerk in surprise, looking back wildly to the orange flames that ate at the ship.

It was done.

Hawkmoth was gone.

He was gone.

Up in flames, much like her old home.

Marinette jumped when a body dropped down beside her, looking up to see Adrien offering her a small, encouraging smile.

She returned it warily, slumping in relief.

Both turned when a throat was cleared, Adrien tensing to see his father staring down at the two of them, a brow raised.

"H-hi father," he warily greeted.

Besides Gabriel, Andre eyed Marinette oddly, waving to her and asking, "What, what is going on?"

Chloe introduced, "Father, this is Ladybug."

"Hi?" Marinette offered awkwardly.

Then grunted when was tackled, Alya shouting, "We did it! He's dead! Hawkmoth's dead!"

Marinette returned the embrace, laughing in relief at the truth and reality of it.

He was gone.

He was really gone.

He was dead.


When they returned back to the village, for the next few days, things were tense and strange. The dragons still lingered close and majority of the village still jumped and tensed around dragons that hung around. Some eyed Marinette warily with the shared knowledge that she was Ladybug, and with the unsure attention they received, Marinette, Alya, and Nino all hung close; by Chloe's push, they were allowed in the village to stay.

Adrien dropped by to visit as much as possible, help however he could.

Especially when a Viking tried to start a fight with dragons, a fight Duusu was especially ready to meet.

But, it wasn't as bad as it could be.

Dragons were allowed in the village.

There weren't as many fights as Marinette expected.

"It's probably as close as we're going to get on relations for now," Marinette bid as she walked along beside Adrien along a cliff, listening to the roar of the sea. She missed that sound.

The loud lull of the waves crashing against the cliffs.

Only time she heard that was when she and Tikki went flying out to sea.

"I think it's promising," Adrien bid. "A solid step in the right direction."

"Certainly is," Marinette agreed.

But will also take more time.

Time for dragons and humans to get used to each other.

Her dragons thus far were more likely too, used to her, Adrien, and Chloe.

But this village?

Marinette couldn't say.

Speaking of village... Nervously, she asked, "So, how, how's the ar-arrangement going? With Itaal?"

Adrien blinked and Marinette tensed, nervous to hear his answer.

"Father is going to decline it," Adrien said, watching Marinette relax behind him. "It's hard to have a marriage when one of the party isn't willing. And you know, as soon as Lila heard a whisper of a rejection, she sent me a letter about how weak I was, not worth her time." He rolled his eyes at that, grinning at the scoff Marinette made.

"She doesn't know anything," Marinette declared.

Adrien gave her a playful nudge, goading, "You do?"

She nudged him back, stating, "Of course. Couldn't quite get you out of my life. You're stubborn like that."

"I'm the stubborn one?"

"Yes. So, so stubborn."

"Oh please. You're more stubborn than me."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Not."

"Toooooo."

She huffed, lips pursed in a pout.

Adrien grinned, amused. Then shifted nervously beside her, rubbing the back of his neck. "There," he started out, "there is another reason why I refused. There's, there's someone else..."

Marinette spared him a fast glance, Adrien met her gaze, quickly looked away, cheeks a little pink.

Oh.

Marinette blushed, curling a strand of hair behind her ear, unable to stop the shy smile curling up on her lips. She murmured, "I would delighted..."

Adrien turned to her excitedly, asking, "Really? I, well, not right now, but-"

"When things are settled," Marinette offered.

He beamed. "When things are settled," he agreed.

He reached out, slinging an arm over her shoulder, pulling her close, head bent down. He was surprised when Marinette reached up, pressing a chaste kiss to his. She dropped down, fond smile on her lips, cheeks red.

He grinned back to her, eyes shining.

He moved for another, when a roar sounded out.

One that jerked the two up to attention, watching a ship sail by, heading for the port.

A ship with a green dragon guiding it.

"A buffalord," Marinette murmured in surprise. That was a rare dragon. What was one doing here? And with a ship?

"Let's check it out," Adrien urged, taking Marinette's hand and tugging her along, both racing down to the ports, blinking at the loud crowd that gathered around the ship, eager to see these visitors.

Who was here?

Why the crowd?

Why the excitement?

Adrien and Marinette worked their way through the crowd, receiving their answer when they reached the circled center, Adrien's jaw dropping at what he saw.

There with her leg tightly bound up in wrapping, embracing Gabriel Agreste the Cold, was Alecia Agreste the Elegant. Alive and well. Not swallowed up by the sea like it was believed.

She was alive.

She was hugging his father, laughing and crying and peppering the stiff man in kisses.

Without realizing it, Adrien drew near, his gaze still locked on her, disbelieving.

He stopped beside his parents, whispering, "M-Mama?"

She jerked away, her green eyes locking on Adrien.

"My Adrien," she breathed, reaching for him, lightly touching his jaw, running her hand up along his cheek. "My Adrien..."

"Mama," he echoed, face crumbling as he looked to her.

Grabbing him, Gabriel pulled him close. Pull her close. Pulled them both close into the tightest embrace he could give.

Smiling for Adrien, she worked her way around the crowd, towards the green buffalord, cooing soft as the amber eyed dragon turned to her. "Hi buddy," she murmured, holding out her hand for the dragon to sniff. "Were you guiding her home?"

"Marinette?"

Marinette gave a start, looking up to see a familiar old man stare down at her.

No way.

"MASTER FU!" Nino called out from the crowd, him and Alya burst forth.

Marinette beat them to the old man, earning a laugh from him as he was tackled three time in a row. "You're all alive!" he cried, "look at you! You're all alive!"

"So are you!" Alya cried back.

"How did you survive?!" Nino demanded.

"Why are you here?" Marinette wondered.

"Helping someone get back home," Fu told them, blinking watering eyes as he looked over the three, "a slight hope to find a home too. With Wayzz showing us the way. And you three are here, you made it. You..."

"Alya?"

Alya looked up and gasp, Nino stiffening beside her, eyes widening.

There, gaping at them were their families, equally alive and well.

Alya and Nino rushed past Fu, slamming into their families, murmurs and shouts bubbling out of them.

Marinette stared at them longingly, watching as more and more familiar faces peeked out, shyly looking to where they beached.

Fu smiled at Marinette warmly.

And there they were, slipping out among the crowd, looking exhausted.

Only to freeze when they saw the dark haired girl standing beside Fu, gaping at them.

They watched her face slowly break, her whole form shaking as she took them in. With a strangled sound, Marinette tore at them, her father rushing forward to meet her, her mother closely following.

Back in the village, a nightmare woke to a garble of noise. Growling in annoyance, he looked up to eye the port, where a crowd was mingling around a ship. On his back, a changewing and terror, looked up as well, taking in the cluster.

Tikki made a pleased sound.

Nooroo a happy chirp.

Plagg yawned and turned away, more than happy to go back to sleep.