EP13: Captain Hardrock

j'en ai jamais assez
je vois toujours après

des fois je me demande
comment je peux m'y prendre

radio song
superbus

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The Liberty was as bustling as it could ever get, every body aboard getting ready for the highly anticipated Music Festival—whilst another anticipated for the arrival of a special blond. And with this anticipation, was anxiety, and what better could she be doing if not working to keeping her mind busy as a distraction?

Heavy eyes watched the busy bee at work, picking up a microphone to place it in a box amongst other things. "Oops! Sorry, Mylène. My bad!" Marinette quickly apologies, shifting her weight to stop herself from running into said girl. "I think this is yours, Rose." She hands the microphone over.

The cheery blonde gleams at the very object she was searching for, thanking the bluenette with a smile. "Do you realize? This is our very first concert! It's going to be awesome!" Almost everyone cringed as the microphone picked up on her excitement, multiplying it by tenfolds. All except one.

Despite all the noise that was going on, you had managed to stay focused on the gentle waves rocking the boat, lulling you further and further into a deep slumber. That was until you felt the ladder you were suppose to keep stabilized, wobble.

"Woah!"

Nino's panicked exclamation knocks you straight out of your sleep spell, quick to reapply your weight onto the the ladder to keep it from tipping over any further. "Nino! Are you okay? I'm sorry, it won't happen again!" You sputter, looking up to him apologetically.

"No sweat, dudette! I'm cool." His grin twitches, releasing his iron grip to display a shaky thumbs up. You kept your mouth shut from stating otherwise, looking to Alya guiltily. She had only but concern as you furiously rubbed away at the sleep in your eyes.

"Are you okay? How many hours of sleep did you get last night?" Alya asks, brow raised in suspicion. "And don't try to lie to me."

You mumbled under your breath, your gaze casting to the side as you answered her grumpily. "Barely." When the clock hit an acceptable time, you had called up Marinette about some sewing lessons, claiming you had a few article of clothing you couldn't bare to part with that needed some stitching.

She replied almost immediately, excited you took up some type of interest in her hobby. Yet, despite her wonderful thought out lessons for a beginner, such as yourself, you spent the rest of that day becoming a pincushion as you attempted to patch up your suit. You ended up getting the job done, but at the cost of your sleep schedule that really didn't exist to begin with, anyways.

Before Alya could elaborate her worry and explain as to why it's so important to get your full needed rest, Marinette comes sauntering in with a slouch. "He's not here yet." She frowns.

"No worries, girl. The gig hasn't even started yet." Alya comforts, thinking how silly she was being about her undeniable crush on golden boy. She was about to get even more sillier with her overthinking.

"What if he doesn't know Juleka's address? What if he got the wrong day? Or he's lost?" Marinette panics, her grip on the box slipping as her mind spiraled into despair at the mere thought of Adrien not showing. "Could you two check in with Nino, please? Y'know. . . Casually, of course!" Marinette gives her all-famous sheepish grin.

Alya sighs, a ridiculous grin on her face as she looks up to everyone's favorite local DJ. "Hey, Nino. Did you hear from Adrien by any chance?" She asks for Marinette's sake, hoping to calm her nervous with a definite answer.

"He had something to do with his old man. Said he'll come right after!" Nino says, just about ready to climb down the ladder with the speaker looking ready to go. You managed to grin at Alya's teasing nudging, a shy giggle coming out of Marinette at the news.

"Captain Anarka, speaking to ya! So how's it comin' along me young pirates?" A booming voice calls out to the boarders with an all-fitting accent for a Captain. It didn't take long for her to spot the cleanliness on her beloved ship, adjusting her glasses with suspicion as she eyes Marinette holding a box filled with things she could have sworn she had purposely thrown amongst it. "Watcha up to there, matey?"

Marinette perks up, noticing her question was aimed to her. "Uh, hello, ma'am." She nervously greets. "I'm cleaning up for tonight! Your boat's gonna be clean as a whistle!" Marinette smiles, the slightest bit of pride she was feeling lost as Captain Anarka erupts with laughter.

"You're cleaning?" She grins, taking the box from Marinette as she continues on about The Liberty's lived-in look whilst throwing it's collection back where it belonged. "Out of chaos, comes creation! Messiness, is life!" She cheers.

You looked to the girls with a grin, already eager to get behind Anarka's lifestyle. If there's anything you liked doing most, it was living freely without having to care about the mess after.

Someway, somehow, the four of you have managed to make your way to the back of the ship. You think one of the bunch was tasked to move Captain Anarka's favorite statue where she can see it while she steers, but you weren't sure why all of you decided to tag along. At this point, you learned to live with it, knowing you'd probably prefer that way, anyways.

Besides, you never thought you'd get the chance to mess with the ship's wheel. When will you ever get a chance like this one again? You felt silly thinking about how something so simple as this left you feeling giddy, ignoring Alya's teasing glare as she watched you have your fun.

Nino's phone rings. "What's up, dude?" You look to him with interest, knowing who was on the other end of the call. "Woah. That's real rough, dude. Good luck, dude. See you tomorrow!"

You turn to Marinette, the bluenette understanding the extent of the call. Quick to abandon the wheel, you stood beside the girl, hooking your arm with hers as Alya and Nino shared a knowing look. 'It's girl talk time', it said.

"Well," Alya places a hand on both Marinette and yours shoulders, leaning over to look to both of you, "it's not exactly the first time his dad's kept him from hanging out with us." Your brows furrow, looking to Alya in confusion as to why it felt like she was trying to comfort you, too. Her gentle smile upturns into a smirk, removing the interest of object from Marinette to retain her attention. "Actually, I'd have been super surprised if he hadn't." She shrugged.

"How is this, in anyway, comforting—"

"Woah, sailor! Never place a metal object next to a compass, ya hear lass? Metal attracts the needle, just like a magnet, which is why you can't get them anywhere near each other!" Captain Anarka explains, exhibiting her reasoning as she brings the statue close to the compass, it's needle going crazy just as she said.

"I know how they feel. Maybe I'm just like the statue and Adrien's my compass. Maybe we're meant to stay away from each other forever." Marinette's crest fallen look remains as she comes to a discovery that for sure made sense in her book. You awaited for Alya's input, knowing she always had something to say to counter Marinette's statement, but you were shocked to see as she stood there with guilt on her face.

"You're wrong, Marinette." You decided to speak up, taking the dumb statue out of her hands, setting it off to side. Out of sight, out of mind, you've always said. "Adrien's your statue, and you're his needle! There's always going to be a magnet pulling you towards each other." Marinette's heart picks up in rhythm at your words, squeezing the hand that held hers with gratitude. "There will be other chances."

You were shocked, to say the least. You never saw yourself as the comforting kind, not in the conventional way. You'd offer to listen, maybe if they needed it, let them know you were there, but this? This was a whole new level for you.

"Thanks, girls. But that's what you said the last time, and the time before that." Her frown returns, making you sigh out at the almost success.

"We're ready, Captain! But. . . Luka's missing." Rose appears, Juleka beside her. The three of you were suddenly reminded of the fourth 'participant' in your girl talk.

The Captain hums, certain of her decision as she reruns the topic of your conversation. "Marinette, right?" She turns to the sulking girl.

"Yes, ma'am—uh, Captain!" Marinette corrects herself, glancing to you and Alya with her nerves alight.

"Since you're free from your cleaning duties, could you go and tell Luka that we're waiting for him to start rehearsals?" Anarka smiles kindly.

"Of course. Uh, but who's Luka? And where is he?" Marinette questions, looking to anyone who was willing to answer her. "Luka's my son, you'll find him in his cabin."

Eyes slanted with suspicion as you watched Marinette leave, you turned your wary gaze to your remaining friend. "What was that?" You questioned, crossing your arms as Alya began playing coy, pretending she hadn't a clue what you were talking about. "What was what?" She echos your words pointlessly.

You huffed in frustration, hugging your arms closer as you thought about how keen you were being about Marinette and her feelings. And not just her. Those who've you been hanging around the most are beginning to grow on you. But isn't that normal? The more time spent around them, you're gonna get close to them even when it's only been a week? 

Alya takes in your silence as annoyance, deciding to come clean and apologize. "I'm sorry." She bumps shoulders with you, grabbing your attention. "I know you made me promise not to interfere, but it's so hard when Marinette finally has the opportunity to make a connection with someone other than Adrien!" She exclaims. Promise.

You looked to her in shock, suddenly worried about why she was mentioning a promise and as to why she felt so comfortable bringing it up when anyone could hear; especially Marinette. "You serious? Feelings can't just go away, Alya. They don't work like that!"

"Exactly. I'm glad we're on the same page." Alya grins mischievously, throwing her arm around your shoulder. A frown tugs on your lips. "Sorry." She mumbles, squeezing you close to her for comfort. Let's make things clear. Alya only has the best intentions in mind for her best friends, but there are times where you have to face the facts (even if they aren't nice ones)! And the fact is:

"There's no romantic connection between Adrien and Marinette, whatsoever!" Alya finally says. "But you—"

"Alya."

You were annoyed; embarrassed. You wanted nothing more but to leave the conversation and maybe even go find Marinette, but Alya's firm grip on your shoulders ruined your plans to leave as she finished her ode. "But you do. And that's why I won't stop till I see that justice is served!"

Your mouth gaps open at her closing clause, a sense of deja vu taking over at the last of her words. Your eyebrow twitched at Alya's displayed determination, your metaphorical blade ready to strike down her plans, when the pieces came together. "I, uh," you shrugged off her hold, backing away slowly as your hand reached to the back of your ear. Nothing.

Shoot. Of course you'd forget to put the communication device on before leaving today, but you were in too much of a hurry to stop and think! "I've got to go." You say, not waiting for Alya's response as you were already descending down the steps.

"But what about the music festival?!" Alya comes chasing after you, practically impressed as you effortlessly wove by everyone without bumping into them, but she wasn't as lucky on her end as she accidentally ran into Juleka.

"I'll be back before it starts!" You shouted as you climbed off Liberty and onto city grounds, booking it back to your place with only one thing on your mind.

⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

Adrien sits all alone in his room, playing a rather beautiful tune on his grand piano, but it couldn't help but to sound melancholy as he listened to the news broadcasted on his computer about the Music Festival he was forbidden to attend.

"Today we're joined by our honorable Mayor, Andre Bourgeois. If you will, please tell us abound this year's line-up!"

"Well, XY will be performing at the Place de la Concord, Clara Nightingale at the Louvre, The Philharmonic Orchestra outside City Hall, and Mr. Jagged Stone at the Eiffel Tower! And let's not forget the many concerts and gigs given by the people of Paris across the city!"

Adrien frowns at the mention of Clara Nightingale and Jagged Stone, two artists that he knew were your favorite. You both had made plans to go see them once Kitty Section's performance was done, but now all he could do was imagine the many faces you'd pull as you listened to them perform.

All together, the music had stopped, stealing Plagg's attention from his delicious cheese to see the downcasted frown that his friend sported. "Come on, now. Don't be so down in the dumps. Look at the bright side, now you can enjoy all of the concerts without leaving the comfort of you own room!" Plagg says, not doing the best of jobs at the attempt to cheer his owner up.

"I just wanted to spend some time and listen to some music with my friends, Plagg." Adrien says, his frown still prominent.

"Then why didn't you say so? As your friend, I'm going to give you a private concert you'll never forget!"

Adrien tilts his head in interest as he watches Plagg get into position, clearing his throat as if he was getting ready to sing--"Camembert! You're the cheese of my dreams! Camembert! You make life better than it seems!" Listening to the off-key singing did quite the number on Adrien, an amused smile reaching to replace the frown that plagued him, but he needed something--or maybe someone--other than a performance he'll never forget. "Thanks, Plagg. Best concert ever."

Plagg slouches as he watched him continue playing the piano, somber as ever, even more confused on the topic of human's emotions despite being around them for eons.

⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

Closing the door behind you, you hear the faint news coverage of the Music Festival coming from the living room, letting you know that you aren't alone. Not wanting to waste time and miss the show, you slipped pass them as quietly as you could, sneaking up into your room without a peep.

The door had closed shut behind you, twisting the lock out of habit as your eyes trained on the tiny box you had stored the ear piece in. Not even thinking twice, you tore off its lid and placed the device behind your ear, tapping it once to power it on.

[I see you finally decided to test them out]

"I'm sorry, Dawn, but now isn't the time to lecture me about my time management. I think we may have a problem." You got straight into the point, pacing back and forth as you hugged yourself for comfort. "I think you were right. . . to some extent."

[You'll have to be more specific than that, Y/n]

No time than the present, right? Taking a deep breath, you sat yourself down at the edge of your bed. "I think you were right about this world having an effect on me." You say, becoming hesitant to share your next thought at her silence. "I had a dream. Dreams. They were all about the things I've been questioning about. The robotics team, this key-chain Adrien showed me, the bracelet?" Your thumb ran over the empty spot around your wrist, almost as if you missed the weight around it. "I thought it was just my subconscious filling in my curiosity for me but. . . but today Alya said something she had said in my dream and it freaked me out because. . . I don't think they were dreams. They're my variants memories."

Sharing what bothered you to someone always made you feel better. It removes the weight you thought you had to bare alone, allowing you to breathe and feel like everything was going to be okay. Why doesn't it feel like that now? You were scared. Scared, that whatever this was is going to spiral into something much bigger than you; something you wont be able to stop in time.

[. . .]

"Dawn?"

[Apologies, but we'll have to put this conversation on hold. I'm picking up quantum energy, and it's not from Ladybug or Chat Noir.]

Hawk Moth. Approaching your window, you parted its curtains and stared out into the city, scanning over the buildings for any possible threats, but seeing none. "He must have only transformed. Where'd you pick up the energy?"

[It's heading towards the seine.}

You remained silent as you turned to your closet, ignoring the anticipated shiver spreading throughout your body as you slipped the box off its high shelf, uncovering your suit and tech. "If we head out now we can intercept it." You say as you stepped out of your current clothes and into your suit.

[What happened to letting Ladybug and Chat Noir handling the akumas?]

"It's different this time." Is what you wanted to say, but you had already took the device behind your ear, and set it in its rightful box. Slipping the mask on instead, you answered. "It's about time that Spider-Woman made an appearance."

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[3rd POV]

It was already too late for Marinette and the others to know what danger they were in when a black and purple smoke swallowed the ship whole, transforming it into a much larger, official ship in thanks of Hawk Moth. "Raise the mainsail me deck hands, let's get swashbuckling around!" An akumatized Anarka laughs, her appearance altered into a pirate straight from the fairytales.

"Mom?" Juleka stares up at her mother in shock, finding comfort next to her brother. "What's going on?" Luka questions next.

"Your mom has weighed anchor, me lad. I'm Captain Hardrock and today Paris' timbers are about to be shivered by me cannons!" She exclaims as a weapon magically resonates, it turning into a telescope as she looks for her first destination. "Westward ho! Liberty, next stop, Jagged Stone at the Eiffel Tower." Everyone abroad the ship begins to panic as it begins to move at an alarming speed, knowing this called for Ladybug and Chat Noir. "Soon, there will only be one concert in Paris, only one musical festival! We will destroy all the others. Now, get to your instruments and rock those decibels!" Captain Hardrock orders, looking to her crew expectingly.

"Mom please, you can't ruin the music festival." Luka pleads, hoping to stall her long enough for the hero's arrival. Marinette steps up, too, adding in onto Luka's plea. "You can't force people to listen to your music!"

"No way we're playing like this!"

"Mutiny? On my ship?" Captain Hardrock speaks, pointing to them with a grin. "Liberty, seize these scallywags and throw them down into the hold!"

Everyone cries out in shock as chains materializes, trapping them in its hold within seconds. Doing just as it instructed, the floor beneath the slants open, allowing them to roll into the hold where they'll wait for their demise--unknowingly letting someone in that'll ruin Hardrock's plan.

Marinette struggles against the chains with desperation, knowing what it meant for Paris if she was stuck down here. She looks down to Tikki with panic, looking to her to do something. The little kwami winks, just about to unlock the pick for her, when a voice speaks--startling her back into hiding.

"Everyone stay calm, I'm here to help." Marinette looks up expectingly at the artificial voice (it was like hearing two voices at once. one sounded feminine--normal, while the other was pitched higher, making it hard to decided if she recognized it or not) only to see no one but besides her friends. Her confusion, answered in a matters of seconds, was satiated as the figure appears out of thin air, no longer hidden.

Before she could open her mouth to question who she was, that too was answered for her by her best friend, Alya. "It's you!" She exclaims in excitement, practically vibrating with it. "You're the one who saved Adrien that day!"

Marinette sneers, all the frustration she felt that day coming back to her as she watched the masked figure approach her specifically. "You two, go find help," Marinette's eyes widen as she effortlessly breaks the chains with just a simple tug, "i'll stay here and free the others."

"Wow. You're amazing, uh?"

"Spider-Woman." She answers Luka, any shock and the tiniest bit of impressed Marinette felt was thrown at the window at their interaction. "It wasn't that impressive." Marinette mumbles under her breath, looking away with an angry pout. And despite her silence, Alya seemed to pick up on her body language.

"You sure the compass didn't find a new statue?"

Footsteps could be heard walking down the stairs that led to the hold. "She's coming. You have to go." Spider-Woman says, gently pushing her towards the exit.

Marinette's heart races at the thought of leaving her friends in the hands of a potentially dangerous enemy, but she had no choice if she wanted to transform and capture the akuma in time. Turning to the masked figure, she's only met with Captain Hardrock instead. "We'll come back, I promise!" Marinette exclaims, running to the exit with Luka as they narrowly avoid the grasp of Captain Hardrock, blocking the door behind them to buy some time.

⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

You watched as Luka was pulled back into the hold by the ship, eyes slanting as Captain Hardrock comes sauntering back emptyhanded, meaning Marinette made it out safely. "You scallywags think about what you've done. Me Liberty and I have some unfinished business to attend to." Captain Hardrock sneers, leaving the hold through the way she came in.

The room relaxes in her absence, once again, revealing your presence as you get to work on everyone else's chains, subconsciously going for Alya and Nino first. "This is so cool, I have so many questions to ask you!" Alya shrieks, basking in your presence as you broke her free. "And I've got answers to your questions, but right now doesn't seem like the right time."

Freeing just about everyone, you pulled Luka free from his chains, hoisting him up with a helping hand. "Spider-Woman, is Marinette okay?"

"Don't you worry. Ladybug and Chat Noir are up on deck fighting Captain Hardrock as we speak. It's safe to say she made it just in time." You assured him, your sixth sense warning you you're needed up on deck. "All of you stay down here. We'll figure a way to get you out."

⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

[3rd POV]

The fight continues as Ladybug and Chat Noir work together to detain Captain Hardrock, waiting for the right time to catch her off guard. Only this time, she seemed to have the upper hand as she lands a hard hit on Ladybug with her sword's hilt, knocking her off the high platform; leaving just her and Chat Noir to continue on the fight on their own.

It didn't take long for their weapons to clash with each other, standing head-to-head as they used their strength. With one great push, Chat Noir was pushed off the platform, too, only this time being captured by Liberty and tied against the Crow's Nest. "My treasure will be your Miraculous, kitty cat."

Ladybug seethes, whirring her yo-yo to wrap around Captain Hardrock, pulling her down to the deck. "Don't be an impatient scurvy Ladybug, you're next in line!"

The spotted hero dodges each slash of her sword, retreating backward onto the quarterdeck, momentarily getting distracted by Police Rogers. "Him again? Fire!" Captain Hardrock turns her back on the fight in turn to bask in the delight she gets as Rogers gets launched into the air.

This is when Spider-Woman makes herself known, appearing beside Ladybug, preparing to take advantage of the distracted Captain, when Ladybug stops her. She silently points up to the Crows Nest where Chat Noir still remained, asking her to free him as she distracts Captain Hardrock.

With a nod, Spider-Woman disappears, climbing up the shrouds to reach Chat Noir, who sat there squirming against the chains whilst getting a sense of deja vu. "How do I always get myself in these situations?" He questions himself, not expecting to get an answer. "Beats me." She appears, snapping the chains in half.

Chat's eyes widen, a grin spreading as he takes her offered hand. "Spider-Woman? I didn't think I'd see you so soon! We've got to stop meeting like this." He purrs, making a snort omit from the masked vigilante, when he remembers her partner. "Wait, does Ladybug—"

"She knows i'm here."

"Huh? Where did you go? If you refuse to give me your Miraculous, my next target will be Mayor Bourgeois and his land lover-in Orchestra. Liberty, next stop City Hall!" The bridge is destroyed followed by an explosion.

"Thanks, Spi—Ladybug!" Chat Noir sweats at her sudden appearance, quick to wipe it off as he turns to her partner. "Well, well, well. Looks like we've got ourselves a new partner, m'lady! Isn't that cool?" He grins.

"Don't be hasty to accept her as one of us. Don't you remember what happened the last time you decided to trust the last person who claimed to have powers?" Ladybug lectures with a fixed glare on Spider-Woman, Chat Noir's ears drooping along with his grin.

The spotted hero sighs out, deciding to deal with the masked vigilante later, she already has too much on her plate. "We've got a problem Chat Noir. The prisoners are still down in the hold, and I have no idea what I'm suppose to do with this." Ladybug explains, holding out the red, spotted chain that hung around her body.

"It's probably just trying to tell you that you're chained to me forever!" Chat teases, yet another snicker pulled from Spider-Woman, her amusement silenced as Ladybug turned to her with a glare. "Ahem. Sorry."

Ladybug looks around the ship with a heavy sign, using her Lucky Vision to aid her in figuring out what her next move should be, and to her surprise, Spider-Woman being one of the key's to success. "You're pulling my chain, Chat Noir. It's time to take the ship, you two. Follow me!" Spider-Woman jumps after her in shock of being acknowledged, Chat Noir looking to her with a happy grin at her inclusion. "Aye, aye Captain Ladybug!"

The trio run up the ship's bowsprit, only to be spotted by Captain Hardrock. "Aha, there y'are again, and you've brought a new crewmate! But that won't change anything because the time has come to send you to the bottom once and for all!" At the point of her sword, an array of chains fire at the hero's, sending them into action.

Riding the chains, Spider-Woman aims her wrist forward, shooting a web straight for Captain Hardrock that sends her backwards into the wheel. Ladybug tosses one end of the chain to Chat Noir, running to trap her against it, holding the magnetic clasp near the compass. "No! Get away from the compass!" Shouts Captain Hardrock, the inaccuracy of the compass driving the ship's direction crazy, the ship turning right towards the edge of the seine.

Ladybug turns to her partner and temporary side-kick, explaining what's about to go down from here on out. "The ship is gonna drive right into the seine, and when that happens, you think you can keep the ship from running further into civilization?" She turns to Spider-Woman, knowing she would be strong enough to do so.

Chat Noir opens to detest the idea, not knowing the extent of Spider-Woman's strength. Sure, he saw the jist of it that night, but to be strong enough to stop a ship? She's crazy!

"Aye, aye Captain Ladybug!" Spider-Woman salutes, swinging off the ship to get herself in position without question.

"Wha—hey!"

"Hold onto something!" Ladybug warns, the seine's 'ramp' launching the ship into the air, crashing below. She crosses her fingers, hoping she didn't misplace her trust on the masked vigilante.

Just as she was tasked, Spider-Woman shoots both of her wrist's webbings, digging her feet into the ground as she pulls against the ship's momentum, chest heaving as it begins to slow down—stopping it just in time before it ran into a couple eating ice-cream.

"Do it, Chat Noir!"

"Cataclysm!" Touching the deck, Liberty's surface begins to rust and dissolve, leaving them with the akuma, hostages freed and safe on land. "No more evil-doing for you, little akuma. Time to de-evilize!" Shouts Ladybug, capturing the akuma in her yo-yo. "Gotcha! Bye-bye, little butterfly."

Ladybug smiles, turning to her partner for their victorious fist bump, spotting Chat Noir looking over the group caught up in their mess for someone specific. "Where's—" Ladybug catches Spider-Woman attempting to leave.

"Hey, you!"

Spider-Woman turns to a not-so-friendly looking Ladybug, her defenses up and high. "Wanna explain where you came from?" She questions, hands on her hips as she approaches.

"I would, but you're about to transform back." Spider-Woman points to her earrings, which beeped just after her statement. "How about we discuss this when you two aren't fighting a super villain? I'll be around." She suggests, turning to leave.

"Hey, I'm not done, yet!" Ladybug shouts after her, stomping her foot in frustration as she loses sight of her once she camouflages. "Can you believe her, Chat?"

"I don't know, M'lady, I think this time is different. I really think we can trust her!" Chat Noir exclaims, hearing his ring beep. "Time to raise the sails, my lady." He grins cheekily, jumping away from the scene before she could detest.

Sighing out, Ladybug throws her yo-yo in the air, calling out, "Miraculous Ladybug!" Repairing any damage that was done, along with bringing back the Liberty where it once was. "Enjoy your gig. Bug out!"

⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

"It's still a bit loud by my standards, and a couple decibels over the legal limit. . . . but i'll let it slide on this occasion. After all, it's the Music Festival!" Roger says, everyone cheering with glee, happy to be able to play the way they wanted for the music festival.

Marinette looks to Alya with a smile, it faltering when she remembers your absence. "Anything from Y/n, Alya?" She asks, a bit worried about her other best friend. Alya checks her phone, only to come out empty handed. "She said she'd be back before the festival started." She frowns.

"Hey, guys! Look who I found wondering the streets." You exclaim, stepping onto the Liberty with Adrien in tow, snickering at everyone's exclaim at their favorite model. "Hi everyone! Hi ma'am!" Adrien greets politely, overwhelmed with happiness, it blinding him as he didn't watch where he was going.

"Watch where you're walking! Ditching, the, the-the-" Marinette trips over her words (like always) while Adrien trips over the propped case. "Woah!"

Unluckily, you had already made your way towards the girls to greet them, so you weren't there to catch his fall this time. The case falls over with Adrien, everyone gasping out in worry as the boy props himself up with his arms. "Adrien! You okay, buddy?" Nino asks, running over to check up on him.

"Nah, it's all good, I—" Before Adrien could even stand up, he was distracted by what was inside the piano case. "Woah, an original ZX20.4! I love the sound of this instrument!" He exclaims, excitement beaming in his eyes as he looks to you is disbelief.

"Aw, that old thing? No one knows how to play it." Anarka notes, a smile weening its way on her face as she realizes where this was going. "I know how to play it."

"Great." Marinette's eye twitches as Luka approaches Adrien, hand outstretched as an offer to help him up. "Welcome to the band, Adrien." She looks to Adrien. "Thanks, uhh?" Then back to Luka.

"Luka."

Adrien smiles, taking the opportunity to shake his hand as an official greeting. "Thanks, Luka."

Alya peeks at Marinette, snickering as she watched the bluenette go nuts at the boy's interaction. "Is the compass going crazy?" She gasps in realization. Oh no, she thinks to herself, it's happening again! Gripping her head in despair.

Annoyance settles in your core again, shaking your head at Alya's input when it wasn't needed, throwing poor Marinette in a spiral of her emotions. But you didn't dwell on that topic for long with Kitty Section (now with the inclusion of Adrien) got ready to perform. It was different seeing Adrien up there. He looked happy and truly content when he was finally allowed to play with someone, not having to stay solo. It made you feel happy, too.

━━━━━━━━  𝑻𝑶 𝑩𝑬 𝑪𝑶𝑵𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑼𝑬𝑫
FUN FACT when adrien gets excited, he tends to get a little overwhelmed, so to combat that he'll share it with someone closest to him and that tends to be you or nino <3

hope you enjoyed! feel free to share any theories. sorry if it seemed rush towards the end I was scared for my life because a roach flew at me with the intent to kill <3

edited: x/x
words: 5613