Marinette and Adrien looted the snack bar and brought their pillaged treasures to their seats in the theater room. They were pleasantly surprised to have the room to themselves with the exception of Master Fu who stood just inside the door. Marinette took the opportunity to sit Adrien down and address what she had been thinking since Master Fu revealed himself to the class.
"Everyone is going to find out who Rena and Carapace are," she said without introduction. "I'm guessing we will discover Hawkmoth's identity as well as his blue friend's."
Adrien shook his head to straighten his thoughts out before answering. "You heard Master Fu. Everything will be revealed in its proper time."
"I know, but this is something we will have to be prepared for. And being prepared means neither of us should be surprised."
"You realize we just finished Stormy Weather, right? I know for a fact that we won't have to deal with the identity mess until after Volpina."
Marinette sighed. "You're right. Proper time, and all."
Adrien nodded and kissed her forehead. "Now, my lovely Ladybug, I think it is time to secure our snacks. Your blogger friend approaches, and she can pack on the snacks as well."
"She's your friend too," Marinette giggled before drawing her food pile closer.
The last of the parents trailed in behind the kids as Master Fu dimmed the lights. As the screen flickered on, he came over to join Marinette and her group, pushing them over a beanbag.
"I think it best I stay with my chosen heroes."
Adrien shrugged. "Whatever you say, Master."
The chatter died down and the next episode began.
Scene: Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie. Marinette walks down the stairs and sees her mother.
Sabine: Well? With or without?
Marinette: Uh, with?
Sabine: You're sure it's not better without?
Marinette: Either way, you look perfect, Mom.
Sabine: You know? It's not every day you celebrate your twentieth wedding anniversary.
Whistles and applause sprang up around the room.
"Congratulations guys!"
"Twenty years!"
"Such a perfect family!"
Tom: (off-camera) Marinette! Could you here a minute please? (Marinette runs over to him) Well?
Marinette: Well what?
Tom: My mustache, I groomed it. Is it too short? Should I shave the whole thing off? Maybe it's a little crooked on one–
Marinette: You look perfect dad. Uh, except for one thing. (points at his dirty baking apron, which he is still wearing)
Tom: Uh? Thanks sweetheart. (runs off)
Alya laughed. "Now we know where Marinette gets her scatterbrained tendency when she is nervous. You know anything about that, Adrien?"
Marinette groaned. "Moving on!"
Marinette: (chuckles) No problem Dad! (later, Marinette pushes her parents out of the doors)
Marinette: You're going to be late!
Tom: Now don't forget Mrs. Chamack will be coming by to pick up the Eiffel Tower cake in 30 minutes. I'm depending on you.
Marinette: Yeah, yeah. No sweat, piece of cake. (they leave and Marinette lets Tikki out) Wow, married twenty years. That's pretty cool, huh Tikki?
Tikki: Time flies when you're having fun.
Marinette: And stands still when you're doing homework. (Tikki chuckles)
"Actually, the only instances when time changes its duration is when the physical speed of an object changes dramatically, such as when an object approaches a black hole."
"Shut up, Max!"
Scene: Le Grand Paris. Marinette's parents sit down to eat.
(Tom notices someone and waves. It's Alix sitting at another table with her father.)
Alix: They're Marinette's parents. You know, one of the chicks I hang out with?
Mr. Kubdel: Yes, I remember. They make the best bread in the whole of Paris. (notices Alix's sneakers) Couldn't you have made more of an effort to dress nicely?
"Thank you so much for that, Mr. Kubdel," Tom said.
"It's just the truth."
Alix: What do you mean? I took off my cap.
Mr. Kubdel: But this is a special day.
Alix: Well, it's only a birthday.
Mr. Kubdel: No, this is a special birthday (reaches inside his jacket pocket and brings out a watch) This family heirloom was made by one of our ancestor many, many years ago. It's been passed down from one generation to the next, on their 15th birthday. And today, it's your turn to inherit it.
Alix: It's pretty sweet, dad. But I've already got a watch, synced up to my smartphone.
Mr. Kubdel: But sometimes there's more to things that meets the eye. Let's just say that our ancestor was… (opens the watch) Ahead of his time. (Alix gasps)
The class gasped at the holographic image that appeared. Alix's insistence that it was important now made much more sense.
Mr. Kubdel: Of course, I'd understand if you'd rather me buy you a new pair of rollerblades.
Alix: No, Dad! I'm stoked to have it. It's awesome, thank you! (The phone rings)
Mr. Kubdel: Are your friends waiting?
Alix: Yeah, but I don't wanna bail on you. It's cool.
Mr. Kubdel: No, no, go ahead. (Alix stands up and grabs her cap) Now, take good care of it.
Scene: Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie. Marinette is in her room doing homework.
Tikki: Come on Marinette! You can do it! Just remember the formula. Think, Marinette, think!
Marinette: I might be able to do it if you weren't distracting me so much with your encouraging words!
Marinette smiled at the kwami perched on her shoulder. "After more than 5000 years, you would think you would be able to help me more with homework than just encouraging words."
"Sometimes encouragement is the biggest help of all," Tikki said. "And sometimes taking action is what is needed. The important part is knowing the difference between the two."
(Tikki giggles) (The phone rings)
Marinette: Hey Alya. What's up? The what? The bet between Alix and Kim? No, of course I didn't forget! I already made the banner for it! I know everyone's counting on me. In 5 minutes? No sweat. I'm on my way already. Be right there! Eek!
"No one is ever five minutes away when they say they are," Alya said, "But now I know how you managed to pull it off."
Tikki: But Marinette, you have to wait for Mrs. Chamack to pick up her cake!
Marinette: Gahhh! I've got 20 minutes before she gets here. I told them I'd take care of the banner and they're all counting on me! Besides, Adrien will be there too!
Tikki: You'll never make it to Trocadéro on 5 minutes, it's way too far!
Marinette: Not too far for Ladybug. (winks) Tikki, spots on! (Marinette turns into Ladybug. She swings away to the Trocadéro, detransforms, arrives just in time and shows everyone her banner. Everyone is delighted with it.)
Adrien: Impressive, Marinette! (winks at Marinette and she giggles in return)
Alya reached behind Marinette to poke Adrien. "So flirtatious for someone who's devoted to Ladybug."
"Alya!" Marinette groaned.
Kim: You all picked the wrong side to cheer on. Looks like Alix isn't even showing up! Probably too chicken to race an extreme athlete like me.
Alix: Spoke too soon, Kim. (Everyone cheers her on.) Your ridiculous bets are over. I'm gonna leave you in the dust, meathead!
Kim: You're no match for me. My neck is bigger than your thigh.
Alya: (Laughs) Is that a good thing?
Marinette: (laughs)
Max: Let's review the official rules. 2 laps around the fountains approximately 500 yards. The first one over the line's declared the victor! If Kim triumphs, Alix will relinquish her rollerblades to him. If Alix triumphs, Kim will be prohibited to make another dare for the rest of the school year.
Juleka: We're through with all of those stupid dares!
Ivan: Uh-huh, that's right!
Nathaniel: No more dares!
Max: On your marks, get set...
Alix: Hold up! (Kim falls and the students laugh)
Kim: Forfeiting already?
Alix: (Gives her watch to Alya) Hold on to this for me, will you, Alya? I don't wanna drop it during the race.
Alya: Hold on girl, I can't! I got a...
Alix: Guard it with your life. It's a family heirloom!
Alix groaned. "How many akumas would never have happened if people would just listen?"
Alya: (Gives the watch to Marinette) Marinette, take this. I gotta record the race for my blog!
Max: On your marks, get set...GO!
(Alix and Kim start racing, Kim on foot, Alix on her rollerblades while everyone cheers on)
Marinette: But... she asked you to hold it. I gotta hold up the banner! (Marinette is suddenly pulled to the side and drops the watch, which falls in slow motion
"NO!" Alix cried.
until Adrien catches it.)
Alix sighed in relief as Kim sniggered.
"You realize this already happened, right? You can't change it."
"Many people feel just as strongly when a memory is brought up as when the even first occurred, particularly if the memory is poor."
Kim grumbled. "Shut up, Max."
Adrien: Need any help?
Marinette: Uh... yup! Thanks. Gotta be careful! Even if you are amazing.
Adrien: Uh?
Marinette: At... holding things! In your hands. (Everyone is cheering)
Max: Last lap!
Alya: Amazing at holding things?
"Of course, Alya," Adrien said with a grin. He grabbed Marinette around the waist. "See?"
Alya laughed and snapped a quick picture, despite Marinette's scrambled protests.
Marinette: (chatters)
Chloé: Adrikins, whatcha got there? Some super old case or something?
Adrien: Careful, it's Alix's!
Chloé: If it's Alix's, it's probably worthless.
Marinette: Give it back to Adrien, Chloé. (Chloé opens the watch and gasps)
(Alix and Kim are still racing. They are about to reach the finish line. Chloé accidentally drops the watch onto the racetrack. Alix's rollerblades break it.)
Alix: Yeah! Ha ha ha! (Gasps)
Kim: I call a rematch. That false start back there threw me off! Uh...
Alix: (Skates to the broken watch) Did you do this?
Alya: I had to videotape the race, so I gave it to Marinette, but then she had to hold the banner so she gave it to Adrien, then Chloé snatched it from him and dropped it and, uh, then you skated over it.
"Sorry, those totally sounded like excuses." Alya sighed.
"We're good."
Alix: My old man gave me this for my birthday! This watch is totally a family heirloom!
Marinette: It was an accident!
Adrien: We didn't mean any harm, Alix.
Chloé: As if! I totally had nothing to do with this.
Alix: You're all to blame! (Skates away angrily)
Marinette: Alix, wait!
Tikki: Marinette, what about Ms. Chamack's cake?
Marinette: There's still time! Hide, Tikki! (She runs to Alix)
Scene: Hawk Moth's lair.
Hawk Moth: Such disappointment, frustration and negativity... Oh, how it fills my heart with exhilaration. (Turns a butterfly into an akuma) (waves his Cane in the air) Fly away, my little akuma, and evilize her!
Scene: Le Grand Paris. After Nadja Chamack knocked at the bakery's door and no one is there, she calls Tom.
"Oh no," Marinette whispered.
Butler Jean: Bon appetit.
(Tom is about to eat, but his phone rings)
Tom: (to Sabine) It's Mrs. Chamack. (picks up the phone) Hello?
Nadja: Hi, I'm in front of the bakery.
Tom: Yes, I...
Nadja: But it's closed! And I really need that cake now!
Tom: I know you need your cake right away. Uh, my daughter's home, she must be upstairs. I'll phone her immediately. (starts calling Marinette)
Scene: The Trocadéro.
Marinette: Maybe we could fix it?
Alix: This watch was sick! One of a kind! It can't be fixed!
Marinette: Well, there has to be a way to get it back to the way it was.
Alix: Like how, huh? Go back in time and change the future? When you figure out how to do that, let me know. (Skates away)
Marinette: (Marinette's phone rings; it's her dad.) Uh-oh, this can't be good. Hello, dad...
(The akuma flies to Alix's skates, and possesses her)
Hawk Moth: Timebreaker. I am Hawk Moth. I'm granting you the power to retaliate against the people who've wronged you, and to go back in time to restore the future. But you must do me a favor in return, when the time is right.
Timebreaker: You got it, Hawk Moth.
Tom: Chamack is outside waiting to take her cake.
Marinette: Uhh... I...I gotta go, dad. Can't keep Ms. Chamack waiting!
Tom: She was listening to music.
"Do we have to have another discussion, Marinette?"
She squeaked. "No, Dad, we're good."
(Timebreaker skates towards the students)
Adrien: Run!
(Kim tries to escape from the Timebreaker, but she touches him and steals his energy.)
Marinette: Stop, Alix! What are you doing?!
Timebreaker: The name's Timebreaker now. And I'm gonna go back in time and save my watch, using all you punks to do it!
Marinette: Go back in time? What did you do to Kim? Why is he fading?
Timebreaker: I needed his energy. Besides, the dude was a pain anyway with all those bets. He deserves to disappear forever. And so do you! (Skates toward Marinette, but she dodges her. Timebreaker chases Marinette, but she throws her banner in Timebreaker's face. Timebreaker trips and falls.)
Marinette: (hiding) We gotta transform, now!
[Transformation Sequence]
Marinette: Tikki, spots on! Yeah! (Marinette transforms into Ladybug)
(Timebreaker is about to skate away, but Ladybug catches her with her yo-yo.)
Ladybug: Time out, Timebreaker!
"Again with the puns, m'lady."
"I don't dislike them, kitty, your timing just needs work."
Adrien rolled his eyes.
Timebreaker: Please, help me up, I'm messed up, please, please! (Rose sees her, and takes her hand to help her up.)
Rose: Okay.
Ladybug: Noooo!
Timebreaker: (steals Rose's energy) Hahaha! Sweet Rose! Always thinking of others before herself! (Looks at her time meter) One minute.
Ladybug: I gotta destroy her akuma before everyone disappears for good! Where on earth is that cat? (Swings away)
Adrien: (Hidden behind a tree) Time to transform!
[Transformation Sequence]
Adrien: Plagg, claws out! (Adrien transforms into Chat Noir)
(Mylène runs away from Timebreaker, but she steals her energy)
Timebreaker: One and a half minutes. You won't be able to stop me where I'm going, Ladybug!
Chat Noir: (touches Timebreaker with his staff) Let me guess. We're all playing a game of tag and you're it?
Timebreaker: Exactly!
Ladybug: Don't let her touch you!
Marinette suddenly gasped. "NO!"
Everyone turned to her.
"What's wrong sweetheart?"
Marinette trembled, her face going red as she fought to contain both her fury and her anguish. She had forgotten some of the events that happened, and the sudden memories were too much for her. Turning, she buried her face in Adrien's shoulder. Adrien. Chat Noir. Losing one would mean losing the other. She couldn't lose him. Marinette sobbed louder before cutting herself off with great effort. She didn't want to interrupt the episode too much. Adrien wrapped his arms around her tighter, running his fingers through her hair. Whatever was troubling Marinette, she clearly needed his comfort at the moment.
Chat Noir: (dodges Timebreaker) Missed me! Just a second too late.
Timebreaker: (sees Alya) He he he he! (Skates towards her and steals her energy)
Ladybug: Nooo!
Chat Noir: Well, she wastes no time, does she?
Ladybug: And the more people she freezes, the more minutes she gets to go farther back in time! Those poor kids frozen in time...They're goners if we don't get that akuma!
(Timebreaker is about to steal Ivan's energy, but Ladybug catches her.)
Ivan: Ahhh!
Ladybug: Keep your hands to yourself!
Hawk Moth: Now, Timebreaker! Grab her Miraculous! Her earrings!
(Timebreaker is about to steal her energy, but Chat Noir sacrifices himself for Ladybug.)
Ladybug: Chat Noir! Noooo!
Everyone gasped as they realized what Marinette was worked up about. Even Chloe had nothing to say. They took a moment of silence, the class and parents out of respect, Adrien out of shock. He had never doubted that he would be willing to die for Ladybug, but to have actually acted on that was something he would have thought would be memorable. Of course, getting Ladybug to fall in love with him should have been memorable too, but Oblivio had made sure it wasn't.
Timebreaker: Oh, wow, six minutes in one go! Must have been those nine lives. Gotta go! The past is waiting.
Hawk Moth: Timebreaker! The Miraculous! Take Chat Noir's ring before he disappears!
Ladybug: Go ahead and try!
Timebreaker: Chill out, Hawk Moth. I have a sick plan!
(Timebreaker is about to skate away. Ladybug catches her with her yo-yo, but she finds herself dragged by Timebreaker. Suddenly, they travel to the past, to the moment where Alix and Kim were racing.)
Ladybug: Whoa, what... just happened? Oh wow, we've gone back in time, haven't we?
Chloé: Whatcha got there?
Adrien: Careful, it's Alix's!
Chloé: What is this? Some super old case or something? If it's Alix's, it's probably worthless.
Marinette: Give it back to Adrien, Chloé.
Timebreaker: My watch!
Ladybug: Chloé! Put the watch down!
(Chloé breaks the watch)
"Again, Chloe?" Alya groaned.
Timebreaker: Noooo! Ladybug, this time it's your fault! I need more energy. I gotta go further back in time!
Alix: Ladybug. It's all Ladybug's fault!
"It most definitely was not!"
The room went silent as Chloe finally burst out screaming at the image on screen.
"I don't care if Marinette is Ladybug or not. There was a reason I idolized Ladybug," here she muttered something that only the most discerning listeners could make out as – and still do – "And she most definitely would not be the cause of destruction."
Marinette looked up from her silent tears and pushed up from Adrien's lap. Walking across the room, she came up behind Chloe and gave her a hug.
"Thank you."
Chloe froze for a moment before patting Marinette's shoulder awkwardly. "Yeah, yeah, it was nothing. Now get off me, you'll ruin my jacket!"
Marinette chuckled as she went back to her seat. Chloe may be changing for the better, but she was still Chloe.
Hawk Moth: Could this be possible? Do I see double vision in my future? Or should I say double villain? Fly away, my devilish akuma, then join this troubled soul!
Ladybug: Everyone, get out of here! Don't let her touch you!
Adrien: Time to transform.
Marinette: Who are you?
Ladybug: Uhh, I don't really have time to explain right now, but I'm you from just a few minutes in the future.
Tikki: She's right! I can feel it! She is you from the future!
Marinette: Crazy!
Ladybug: Listen. I know it seems unbelievable, but trust me, I mean, trust...yourself? Oh, and dad's gonna call me! I mean, you, in two minutes! He won't be happy because Ms. Chamack is waiting for you outside the bakery door!
Marinette: The cake... But I, I still have...
Ladybug: Time? That's what I thought too. Ms. Chamack will be early. Just leave now and make sure to take care of the cake. Don't worry, Ladybug can handle this single-handed. (Marinette runs to the bakery) How did I get myself into these crazy situations?
Alya and Adrien laughed and answered at the same time. "You're Marinette."
Adrien grimaced and added, "Plus Hawk Moth is a thing."
"I wish he wasn't," Marinette sighed.
"You and me both, Princess, you and me both."
(The two Timebreakers meet each other)
Ladybug: (sees Chat Noir) Chat Noir, I can't explain now, but we got to capture Timebreaker's akuma! Your life depends on it!
Chat Noir: Which life? I've got nine.
"I get it now."
"So helpful, kitty."
"Hey, better late than never."
Marinette sighed. "Yes, but the part of that you're missing is better early than late."
Ladybug: I'm serious! The akuma is in her rollerblades. We gotta release it!
(They jump off the roof and land by the two Timebreakers.)
Chat Noir: Am I seeing double all of a sudden?
Ladybug: Another thing I don't have time to explain.
Timebreaker 1: The energy from these two will be enough for both of us to go farther back in time!
Timebreaker 2: Heh, I want my watch back! Let's do it!
Ladybug: Whatever you do, don't let either of them touch you!
Hawk Moth: Get the Miraculous, Timebreaker!
(They start to fight.)
Timebreaker 1: If we were faster, those bozos would be no match for us.
Timebreaker 2: Then let's stock up on more energy first. Then, we'll destroy them!
(The Timebreakers skate away. Ladybug and Chat Noir chase them.)
Scene: Bakery. Ms. Chamack sees Marinette running towards her.
Ms. Chamack: Oh, hold on. Here she comes now. It's fine, thanks.
Tom: It's all good.
Marinette: Sorry again for making you wait. (closes the door) Hahh...
Tikki: Mission accomplished.
Marinette: You mean Mission #1 accomplished, time for Mission #2!
[Transformation Sequence]
Marinette: Tikki, spots on! Yeah! (Marinette transforms into Ladybug)
Scene: Trocadéro. The Timebreakers are skating, and Ladybug and Chat Noir chase them.
Timebreaker 1: We've got enough speed. Let's go hardcore on Ladybug and Chat Noir!
Timebreaker 2: Once we get the energy from these two...
Timebreaker 1: We'll have enough to go back in time together.
Timebreaker 2: And get our watch!
Chat Noir: I thought we were chasing them!
(The Timebreakers are about to steal their energy, but a yo-yo stops them.)
Timebreakers: Hyaaahhh!
"Now things get fun." Adrien grinned. "But I really can only handle one of you." He squeezed Marinette's hand.
Ladybug 1: Hey, you two! Need a hand?
Ladybug 2: Thanks!
Ladybug 1: They're insane on their rollerblades.
Ladybug 2: And unstoppable on the ground!
Ladybug 1: So, what if they were not on the ground?
Chat Noir: Two Ladybugs? I'm in heaven!
Timebreaker 1: Change of plan. We gotta go back in time now. There'll be less of them!
Timebreaker 2: I'm down.
Hawk Moth: Don't fail me this time!
(The Timebreakers skate away)
Ladybugs: They're planning to go back in time again! Lucky Charm! (A bicycle lock and a traffic cone appear) Any ideas?
Chat Noir: While you two figure it out, I'll try to buy you some time.
(Ladybug's lucky vision detects an ice cream sign)
Ladybug 1: Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
Ladybug 2: Of course!
Max nodded along while everyone else shrugged their confusion aside.
Chat Noir: (hides behind a wall) Cataclysm! (uses his Cataclysm to break the wall)
Timebreakers: Huh? (They skate back, and see Ladybug)
Timebreaker 1: Let's freeze her on her way past!
(Ladybug uses the bicycle lock to tie the Timebreakers' legs, while the other Ladybug uses the traffic cone and the ice cream sign to make a ramp.)
Timebreakers: We're going too fast! We can't stop!
(The Timebreakers get launched by the ramp)
Timebreakers: Waahhhhh!
Ladybug: Now!
(The two Ladybugs use their Yo-yos to catch the two Timebreakers, and two of their skates fall off)
Ladybugs: (they break the skates) No more evil doing for you, little akuma. Time to de-evilize! (They catch the akuma.) Gotcha! (They release them.) Bye bye, little butterfly. Miraculous Ladybug! (Everything turns back to normal.) Pound it! (The two Ladybugs become one, the watch is fixed, and Timebreaker is turned back into Alix.)
"Hey! I thought you could only fix what a miraculous destroyed or was the cause of the destruction." Max was quite unhappy with this apparent change in the rules.
"The second time it broke was because Timebreaker and I went back into the past, so technically it was the result of Hawk Moth using his miraculous."
"Trippy," Nathaniel murmured.
Alix: Huh?
Ladybug: Here. I think this is yours? (Gives Alix the watch)
Alix: Sweet! How did you fix it? Thank you! I should never have given it to someone else to look after. It was my responsibility. My bad.
Ladybug: Responsibility isn't something to be taken lightly. I should know.
Alix: You're totally right. I'll be more careful next time for sure. Thanks, Ladybug.
Chat Noir: I was just getting used to having two Ladybugs around.
Ladybug: But now, you're gonna get used to no Ladybugs around. Gotta split before I change back. (Swings away)
Chat Noir: Ahhh... She'll fall for me someday. It's just a matter of time.
Hawk Moth: You slipped by me this time, Ladybug and Chat Noir. But one day, past, present or future, you will be destroyed! And I'll have your Miraculouses! I will be UNSTOPPABLE! Mwahahaha!
Alya snorted in derision. "Whatever you psycho."
Scene: Bakery. Marinette's parents have arrived from their anniversary dinner.
Marinette: Huh? Hey! So, did you have a nice anniversary?
Tom: We sure did. Although, it was a close call.
Marinette: Huh? Oh, yeah! Hehehe. Ms. Chamack. I'm so sorry that I kept her waiting.
Sabine: Next time, please wait for the customer in the bakery and not in your room, listening to your loud music!
Marinette: Got it. I promise I won't screw up next time.
Tom: Good, cause Mom's right. There's only one Marinette, and we're counting on her. (winks)
(Marinette and her parents share a big hug.)
The screen went blank and the lights came up but no one moved.
"Next!" Alix called, rousing a cheer from her classmates.
Master Fu chuckled as he turned the lights back off with his remote and started the next episode.
Thank you so much to everyone who has dealt with my inconsistent and quite frankly non-existent upload schedule.
I have good news for you all. School is almost over for good, so work will be the only thing left to deal with. But that should be much more manageable as work doesn't give you piles of homework like school does.
Also, I am now open to beta read stories for anyone who would like that.
Anyways, I just wanted to thank everyone for sticking with me.
As always, reviews are a writer's life and breath. I would love to hear what y'all think of my work.
Love all y'all
~TearsOfPaper