Marinette woke on a cold floor for the second time that week. But this time, instead of feeling Adrian's arms wrapped around hers, her hands were tied behind her back. This did not bother her nearly as much as the fact she was still only wearing her robe. For one thing, her super suit was warmer, for another...it covered more skin.

She turned as she heard the sound of voices.

"Master, I brought the girl. When can I take my revenge?"

"Patience, Finis, our plan has only just begun. We will need the girl for some time."

"I hate waiting."

"You will be patient. Or else."

There was a grunt of pain.

"I'm sorry Master," Finis sounded shaky. "I-"

"Quiet, she's awake."

Footsteps approached and Marinette looked up to see the familiar figure of Hawkmoth in his purple suit and silver mask. The light from the room was dim but it seemed as if his face had become more lined since the last time she'd seen it and he'd acquired three days worth of grey stubble, making him look unkempt. He was leaning more heavily on the cane, and he seemed less imposing, hunched over like a man twice his age.

But when he spoke, the voice still held the same coldness and arrogance that it did fourteen years ago.

"Marinette Dupan-Chang. You've grown into quite the young lady."

"I'd say she hasn't grown enough." Snickered someone from behind Hawkmoth.

Marinette peered into the shadows, trying to make out the features of the supervillain's accomplice. It should have been Mayura, she could see the familiar peacock-feather design, but the figure was all wrong; the shoulders were broader, the hips narrow and the face veil had been replaced with a peacock ornament in his multicolored hair.

"Quiet, Finis," Hawkmoth was saying coldly. "There is no need to be impolite."

"Why not?" Finis sounded sulky. "It's not like she's our guest."

"Oh, she's even better than that, Finis, she is our worthy adversary. I can respect her for that even if I hate her simultaneously for all the times she and Chat Noir have thwarted my plans in the last decade."

"You're too kind," Marinette replied warily, "But I think you have me mistaken with someone else. I'm just an aspiring designer."

"Come now, Ladybug, we both know that's not true. You are as gifted as a superhero as you are as an artist."

"Again, I really think you've gotten me mistaken with someone else. So maybe if you could let me go home and put on some proper clothes..." Marinette self-consciously pulled the robe tighter around herself.

"Please, I am so tired of this subterfuge." Hawkmoth sighed. "Finis here saw you change with his own eyes."

"Jacques." Marinette focused on the figure behind Hawkmoth again. She knew she'd heard that sneering voice somewhere. "I hate to tell you, Hawkmoth, but he is not the most trustworthy of people."

"That's rich coming from you," Jacques snapped. "Lying all the time about your secret identity."

"Better than you who lies every time you feel too lazy to do actual work!"

"Enough!" Hawkmoth snarled. "You're acting like children!"

"We are, compared to-" Jacques doubled over into a fit of coughing. He must've caught a cold while stalking me, Marinette thought vindictively. She wished he had caught something worse.

"As if happens, Ladybug, I am of a suspicious nature." Hawkmoth spoke over Jacques' coughing. "I used my powers to telepathically look through his memories and confirm what he had seen. You are indeed my foe. I'm afraid you will be used as bait for my trap for Chat Noir."

"If I'm Ladybug," Marinette argued desperately, "then where's my kwami?"

"It doesn't matter," Hawkmoth replied smugly. "All I need are your earrings. Which I have here." He held out his gloved hand. Marinette swallowed, trying to hide her fear. Hawkmoth already had half of what he needed to gain his ultimate power. If Chat Noir was defeated as well...

"You're underestimating my partner if you think he'll be captured easily." Marinette said bravely.

"Please, Ladybug. I have known my son his whole life. He dedicates his days to doing the right thing and always being there for his friends." Hawkmoth looked somewhat irritated. "Traits I'm sure he picked up from his mother." He caught Marinette's surprised look and shrugged. "I was thorough when going through this one's memories. As one of my son's friends, he will do everything he can to come save you."

"So you're- you're..."

Hawkmoth rolled his eyes.

"Gabriel Agreste? Yes, I am. Nooroo, Dark Wings Fall!"

Hawkmoth's form dissolved and Gabriel Agreste stood before the astonished Marinette. He looked a little scruffy, a little tired, but there was no doubt that the man standing in front of her was Adrian's father.

"You better not hurt him!" Marinette burst out.

"Please, I'm not a monster. I love my son, I would never harm him." Gabriel gave her a pitying look as if she was a stupid child. "In fact, I want to offer Adrian a unique opportunity." For a second, Marinette was sure that she could see madness in the famous designer's eyes. "I'm going to give him a chance to join in the family business."

* * *

"There. You guys should be safe here." Adrian sighed with relief. It hadn't been easy lugging the music box over the rooftops with one hand to his new apartment. For a small object, it was deceptively heavy.

"Thank you for your help, Adrian." Tikki squeaked. "I apologize for the inconvenience, but considering Marinette was kidnapped from her place, it's probably not the safest place to keep one of our most important assets."

"No problem, but we should really get started searching for Marinette." Adrian replied anxiously. "It's been almost two hours. Plagg, Claws-"

He stopped as there was a knock on the door.

"Ooh, I wonder if that's someone delivering a large wheel of cheese." Plagg said hungrily.

"Why would someone do that? Plagg?" Adrian glared. "Have you been using my credit cards?"

"What? No." Plagg laughed nervously. "But...maybe check? Just in case?"

"Guys, I don't think we really have time..."

The mysterious visitor began to ring the doorbell vigorously.

"Well, if nothing, they're persistent." Adrian muttered, walking over and opening the door. "Can I help y-" He stopped and stared at the person standing there in the doorway.

"Hello Adrian." It was a familiar voice, but one he hadn't heard for many years. "May I come in?"

Hello readers,

Once again, your sleepy authoress is bringing you a new chapter late at night! I do apologize, my day job has put my schedule in a state of flux, but hopefully it will be back to normal by next week. I, for one, certainly hope so! Zzz...

You would not believe the amount of gender-bent Mayura's fanart there is. Which one fits the image you have of Finis a.k.a Jacques?

A.

B. 

C. 

BTW, who do you think was at the door? If you guess right, I'll give you a shout-out in next week's chapter and will incorporate the phrase of your choice :D

Sincerely, 

Your Authoress, Cantrella <3