2019 Fandom Weekly Challenge Collection

[bookmonkey44]

2019 Fandom Weekly Challenge List!

Challenge 5

Prompt: Long Shot

Bonus: "I should have told you a long time ago."

Title: Burned

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Summary: With Ladybug out of commission during another akuma attack, Chat Noir is on his own. And it is up to his Kwami Plagg to figure out how to save Ladybug without his Chosen figuring out her identity.

Plagg was worried. Out in Paris another akumatized victim was causing havoc, lighting fires whenever somebody told a lie.

Plagg knew his Chosen was smart when Chat Noir used cataclysm to block one door, and his staff to block the other, crating a makeshift prison for Fire Lie. Plagg, not for the first time, regretted leaving his Chosen ignorant, because he spent almost the whole five minutes waiting for his partner to show up.

Chat Noir found a hiding place. When the timer went off, Plagg materialized in the boy's hand. Adrien pulled out a piece of cheese and stared at Plagg as he ate.

“It's been nearly an hour Plagg.” Adrien bit his lower lip. “Where's Ladybug?” Plagg, ate the camemberet as slowly as he dared to buy himself time to think.

Plagg knew Ladybug was the akumatized victim. He knew the girl and Tikki were hesitant in allowing the two heroes to know each other's secret identity. Plagg didn't see the point in telling Adrien anyway. He would only be distracted in learning his classmate was also the hero he had fallen in love with. Knowledge wouldn't fix the situation, they needed to act.

“Guess we're on our own kid.” Plagg wiped his mouth, smirking up at Adrien. Adrien's eyes went wide.

“But, if Ladybug doesn't purify the akuma, Marinette will be in danger of being akumatized again!” Adrien slumped against the wall, eyes downcast. Adrien's helplessness ate away at Plagg's usual apathy.

Hawk Moth can use his powers against us so...

“You can destroy the released akuma with cataclysm.”

Probably.

“Plagg!” Adrien groaned.

“Yeah,” Plagg waved off further scolding by the teenager. “I should have told you a long time ago.”

“Claws out!” Plagg returned to the ring, granting Adrien his suit and powers. Otherwise, Plagg could only watch as his Chosen set off to stop Fire Lie.

If this doesn't work, I'll introduce the kid to Master Fu. He'll know what to do.

Chat Noir had plenty of practice enticing akumatized victims to attack him, having decided since day one to be Ladybug's shield.

“Hand over the ring!” Fire Lie wore a dress of bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Her face was coated with ash, her features slightly distorted. In one hand was a singed photo.

“After you hand me the photo.” Chat Noir held out his left hand.

“Are you an idiot?”

“No,” Chat shrugged, “just hopeful.” Fire Lie lunged, her free hand just brushing Chat's side. She smirked.

“What's your real na-”

“I'm afraid.” Chat blurted.

Nice save.

Plagg wasn't sure how long he could hold out if the suit was on fire.

“Afraid of what?”

“Afraid of disappointing the people closest to me.” Chat let his right hand dangle at his side, looking down at his boots. Fire Lie rushed forward, but this time, Chat flicked his baton to full length, knocking Fire Lie's legs out from under her. As she flung her hands out to catch herself, the photo was thrown aside. Chat pounced on the photo tearing it.

The akuma was released, and it flew straight up. Chat used his baton to propel himself up. “Cataclysm!” Plagg poured the bulk of his magic into Chat's right hand. Chat swiped at the little black and white butterfly, turning the magical insect to dust.

The negative feelings in the akuma flooded Chat Noir. Plagg braced his spirit, fighting to keep the magic from corrupting Adrien. But the magic had to go somewhere, do something, otherwise it would take residence in the boy's heart.

Hopefully this works...

Plagg manipulated the burning magic, removing it from being intertwined with the heart and spirit, forcing the magic to leave a physical mark instead.

Chat hit the ground. Plagg knew Adrien could feel the pain as the magic burned his skin under the suit. But if Plagg took on all the pain, he would be forced out of the ring before the job was complete.

“Are you okay Chat?” Marinette's voice caused Chat to jump off the ground.

“Never better Princess!”

Plagg set the ring to start blinking. “Guess you better go...”

“I'll take you home first.” Chat held out his hand. Chat Noir carried Marinette over rooftops, Plagg chuckling to himself.

Chat set Marinette down in front of her parent's bakery. “Thanks.” She mumbled, blushing a bright red.

“Marinette!” The first person out of the bakery was Alya, Marinette's best friend. “Are you okay?” Marinette looked up, eyes wide. Alya wrapped her arms around her. “I'm so sorry! I was an idiot for believing Lila over you!” Alya buried her face into Marinette's shoulder.

Chat jumped to a nearby rooftop before Alya thought to question him. He glanced back to see Marinette smile and say something to Alya. Plagg monitored Adrien's emotions, glad to see no significant changes from the negative energy from the akuma.

#

Plagg ducked his head as Adrien inspected the damage to his chest. Over the boy's heart was a black burn mark, shaped like a butterfly with a wingspan about the size of a fist.

“I'm sorry,” Plagg's ears drooped. “I didn't know this would happen. I've never destroyed an akuma before.” He was in for it. The boy was a model, and before this he had flawless skin. As soon as his father saw the mark, it was likely Adrien would lose his privileges.

Plagg looked up in surprise when Adrien pat his head gently with one finger. “It's okay buddy.” Adrien smiled down at Plagg. “It was worth it.” Plagg nuzzled Adrien's fingertips.

“Alright,” Adrien said laughing, “I'll get you some more camemberet.” Adrien put his shirt back on before heading to his mini fridge.

He hasn't changed a bit.

Plagg figured he deserved the extra camemberet for a job well done.

Challenge 6

Prompt: Unexpected Company

Bonus: "Were you there when it happened?"

Title: No Sleep

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Summary: Nino couldn't sleep. Not after being one of Hawk Moth's victims. And it becomes even harder to sleep when one of Paris' heroes comes knocking on his window.

Nino couldn't sleep. And it wasn't because he got a new mix stuck in his head and he needed to record it before he went to sleep. It also wasn't out of excitement or nervousness. No, it wasn't any of the usual reasons keeping Nino up that night. Nino couldn't sleep because he had done something terrible.

He hadn't meant to be terrible. He had just wanted to do something nice for his best friend. And when Gabriel said no, for a party, for a chance for Adrien to get to know his new classmates, well, it brought about a rage in Nino.

Nino didn't even really remember what he had done after accepting Hawk Moth's deal. But the Ladyblog had it all saved and labeled under the name he had gone by: Bubbler. Nino had watched it fifteen times, hitting the replay button and watching as he caught adults in bubbles, to free the children of Paris.

Maybe Nino should have left the events as foggy blurs. Nino wished Alya had never started the blog so he couldn't sit in his room in the dark, headphones on, watching him be the worst he could ever be. A super powered angsty teen.

The video ended for the sixteenth time. Nino sighed, his hand reaching for his mouse when there was a knock on his window. Nino pushed his chair away, his headphones falling off, clattering to the floor. He stared at the bright green eyes outside his window. Bright green eyes which had come to his rescue.

Chat Noir knocked again, waving to Nino. Nino stumbled over to the window, pushing it open and stepping back for the hero to climb through.

"Hey Nino." Chat Noir stood, next to the window, leaning against the wall. "Are you okay?" Nino gaped, carefully pinching his wrist, confirming he wasn't dreaming, or hallucinating from lack of sleep.

"I'm better, since you and Ladybug saved me." Nino tilted his head. Chat Noir cocked an eyebrow at him, before pointing at Nino's computer screen. Nino huffed.

"Seriously, are you okay?" Nino shifted on his feet. Chat Noir walked forward, placing a hand on Nino's shoulder. "You had the best intentions." Nino blinked up at the green eyes. "A party for your best friend, that's super sweet. You shouldn't beat yourself up over what happened. Hawk Moth manipulated your emotions." Nino continued to blink, narrowing his eyes suddenly.

"Dude," Nino swallowed. "Were you there when it happened?"

"I saved you, remember?"

"No, before I was akumatized." Nino rolled his eyes. Chat took his hand back quickly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Alya posted it on the Ladyblog." Chat pointed again to Nino's computer. Nino jabbed his finger in Chat's face.

"Dude, I just watched the video sixteen times. And read Alya's accompanying article ten times. And no where does she mention the party I wanted to happen so badly, was for my best friend. She wanted to protect him and his family from negative press." Chat Noir's exposed skin, his forehead and the lower half of his face, usually a pretty porcelain white, turned the sickly kind. Then Nino poked Chat's chest, which was probably a bad idea as the hero could destroy things with one swipe of his devastating cataclysm superpower. "On top of that, how the hell do you know where I live!" Superhero or not, it was a little creepy.

"Uh, well, that is..." Chat's hand was still rubbing the back of his neck, while his other one was gesturing up, "I just, er," Nino stared at Chat. The superhero trailed off into a strange whine. His black cat ears drooped, and his shoulders sagged. Those green eyes flit between Nino and the floor with guilt written all over them, guilt Nino had already seen that day.

"Hell," Nino gasped. "Adrien?" Nino's knees felt weak. Chat sighed.

"Guess the cat's out of the bag." Chat put on a lopsided grin, a sad smirk. "Claws in." A whoosh and a flash of green light, then in Chat's place, Adrien stood, scratching at the back of his neck again. Nino groaned.

"Only you would pun at a time like this." Nino placed a hand on his forehead.

"Only he would screw up because he had to check on you." A tiny, floating, black cat landed on Adrien's shoulder. Nino stared, before stepping back and sitting on the edge of his bed. Nino put his head between his knees, holding back a scream and the instinct to hyperventilate.

"Hey," Nino felt Adrien sit next to him, sling an arm over his shoulder, "I appreciate what you did for me. Sticking up for me." Nino nodded.

"And you saved me." Nino started laughing. "Adrien Agreste, prince of the modeling world, runs around with cat ears, a baton, and that stupid little bell collar." Nino felt tears roll down his face, and he wasn't sure if it was from laughter or stress.

Adrien laughed. "Yeah yeah. Make fun of the costume all you want." Adrien leaned a little more against Nino. "Correct me if I'm wrong, you know, being new to the whole friends thing, but I think this makes us even?" Nino slapped Adrien's back.

"Dude, yes. We're more than even."

"As long as you keep this a secret." Nino rolled his eyes.

"Duh dude." No way Nino was going to mess this up. He had already messed up the birthday party. "I won't tell anyone."

"Thanks Nino." Adrien stood, smiling sheepishly. "Get some sleep." Adrien glanced at the little black cat. "Claws out." And in the blink of an eye Chat Noir was gone.

Though if Adrien thought Nino was going to get any sleep after learning his best friend was a superhero, he was completely wrong.

Challenge 8

Prompt: Schadenfreude

Bonus: "You had it all along?"

Title: Truth Comes Out

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Summary: Getting akumatized isn't a good feeling. Realizing you unintentionally displayed Schadenfreude in your quest for truth, also isn't a good feeling. Having the superhero you admire drop by to check on you certainly shakes things up. Getting the truth, makes it all worth it.

Alya was sitting on her bed reading comments on the Ladyblogg. Lady Wifi had a sort of dark charisma. Lady Wifi had wanted the same things she wanted. It was hard to believe Lady Wifi had been her.

Alya never thought it would have happened to her. She hadn't thought she would ever feel hopeless and desperate enough to agree to a deal from Hawk Moth. She hated him, had hated him before and hated him even more now.

Alya wanted to be mad about it. She wanted to only have to hate him. But some of the comments had a point.

Alya had been swept up in the idea of superheroes, swept up in the idea of magic. She had thrived when akumas hit. Even when it was her classmates she was excited when Hawk Moth struck. She had forgotten, in her quest to unmask the heroes, there were real people, needing to be saved.

Alya wouldn't have called it joy, but looking back at her old videos, that is exactly what she had portrayed. Joy, when someone else was hurt, was miserable, was hopless enough to listen to Hawk Moth, to need heroes.

Schadenfreude.

A follower had posted. And after reading the definition, Alya supposed they were right. She had taken something positive from misery, had felt happiness at such a thing, and also used it. She supposed getting akumatized herself was karma having enough of her.

Alya tossed her phone on the other side of her bed. Her eyes were dry, and she pulled her glasses away to rub them.

There was a knock on the window. Alya glanced, blinking before shoving her glasses back on her face, lopsided.

LADYBUG WAS AT HER WINDOW!

Alya leapt off her bed, pushing the window up. She was grinning like an idiot, back to being a fangirl, but it was hard to change in seconds.

“Ladybug! Hi. What are you doing here? How are you?” Ladybug sat on the windowsill, with her feet hanging in Alya's room.

“I just wanted to check up on you.” Ladybug looked at Alya's face. Alya straightened her glasses.

“I'm fine.” Alya waved a hand.

“Then why does it look like you've been crying?” Ladybug asked softly. Alya rolled her eyes.

“Internet comments.” Alya folded her arms. “You know, trolls and the like.” Alya sighed, glancing back at her phone. “Though, some of them aren't wrong.” Ladybug tilted her head.

“What do you mean?”

“Schadenfreude.” Alya said, frowning. “I shouldn't have been so happy when Hawk Moth struck. I forgot there were victims, and some of those victims are even my friends!” Alya squeezed her eyes shut. “I can't keep doing that.” Alya mumbled. “Maybe...” Alya swallowed. “I should take down the Ladyblog.”

“What!” Alya opened her eyes to see Ladybug setting a potted plant back down. “You can't!” Ladybug bit her lip.

“Why not?” Alya shrugged. “You're always yelling at me to stop putting myself in danger. And I've tried to expose you. Why should it stay up?”

Ladybug sighed. “Okay, I don't think you should be getting so close. And I am not exactly happy you have been trying to figure out who I am. But, both Chat and I, have used the Ladyblog.”

“How?”

“Either you or someone posts the last time an akumatized victim is seen.” Ladybug waved a hand at the window. “Paris is huge. Chat and I don't always witness when Hawk Moth akumatizes someone.” Ladybug put her hands on Alya's shoulders. “Your blog has helped us do our jobs.”

“Really?” Alya wiped the couple stray tears off her cheeks. Ladybug pulled out her yo-yo, opening it up, tapping the inside, before turning it around.

“I figured out how to connect to the Ladyblog on day one. And told Chat to put it on his baton.”

“You had it all along?” Alya whispered. Ladybug nodded.

“You don't have to take it down. Maybe, be more conscious of the victims, but I don't think any of us really think you enjoyed seeing your friends hurt.”

“Us?” Ladybug started throwing names out, familiar names, names of the kids in Alya's class, the others who had been akumatized.

“We know you didn't start the Ladyblogg to hurt anyone, you have questions and are seeking the truth, just like any journalist. Maybe you took it too far with the photo of Chloe's locker today, but you aren't the first journalist to get in trouble for chasing a lead.” Alya furrowed her eyebrows.

“How did you know it started with a photo of Chloe's locker?” Alya leveled her gaze at Ladybug. The hero stiffened, her eyes went wide, and she grabbed a pigtail tugging it in a familiar gesture. Alya froze.

“Um, well, you see, I, er, know people in your class.” Ladybug was fidgeting. “You know, saved a few-”

“I know a lie when I hear one Ladybug.” Ladybug sighed, dropping her hands and head.

“Of course you do.” Ladybug looked up, pursing her lips. “Alya Césaire, I am swearing you to secrecy, for the safety of yourself, your family, and me. Remember there is a super villain after me, so if you tell anyone...” Alya's throat went dry.

Alya's words failed her. She had dreamed of unmasking the heroes, but she never imagined they would tell her willingly.

“Spots off.” In a flash of red light, Ladybug revealed her identity.

Alya opened her mouth to scream.

MARINETTE DUPAIN-CHENG IS LADYBUG!

Marinette covered Alya's mouth. Her clumsy best friend had her serious look, her Ladybug look. Alya hoped magic had been the reason she hadn't realized it on her own. Otherwise, she was really a sucky journalist for not realizing her seatmate had been Ladybug all along.

Challenge 9

1st Place Winner!

Title: Ears are for Listening

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Summary: Losing someone is hard. Being a single parent to a teenager adds even more challenge. When it comes to his son, Gabriel tends to overreact, tends to act quickly, before the whole story is known, and this time, Adrien shows exactly how much it hurts.

Gabriel Agreste glanced at a portrait of his wife. Gabriel turned away, not up to feeling his soul pierced by those green eyes.

Gabriel's eyes found the mirror he had in his office. He used it to make sure everything about him was perfect before a meeting. He studied himself, straight posture, hands clasped behind his back. His glasses sat perfectly straight on his nose, and his suit was immaculate.

He had been standing there when Adrien had knocked on the door earlier. Gabriel had looked about the same then, but now, everything felt wrong. He turned away from the mirror.

Gabriel had known something was wrong the instant Adrien walked into his office. He was clutching the bottom of his shirt, and shifting on his feet. It was unlike Adrien to fidget when addressing him. It was unlike his demeanor when he asked to do this or that with his friends at least once a week, those requests usually denied because of the strict study and work schedule Gabriel had made for him.

Adrien's voice didn't portray the nerves, he had obviously practiced what he was about to say. “Father, I have something to show you.” Gabriel expected a poor grade on an assignment. He was not prepared for his son to pull off his shirt. “I got a tattoo.”

Right over the boy's heart, was a black butterfly. Adrien kept talking, his words rushing out. But Gabriel didn't hear anything he was saying. His eyes focused on the black tattoo, his mind on the idea of his son disobeying him, and Gabriel closed his eyes pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I didn't raise you to go behind my back like this and risk your career.” Gabriel slowly seethed. “You are grounded,” Gabriel leveled his eyes on Adrien, “and I am removing you from school.”

“But-” Adrien's fists trembled.

“No buts!” Gabriel narrowed his eyes. “Go to your room until I figure out what to do about your poor decisions.”

“Please-”

“Now!” Gabriel pointed to the door. Adrien spun on his heel, stomping his way over to the door. Adrien threw his shirt to the ground.

“I HATE YOU!” Adrien ran out of the office, his footsteps echoing on the marble floors, and his bedroom door slammed.

“What did I do wrong Emilie?” Gabriel once again glanced at the portrait. The only time comparable to this outburst, was when Adrien was four. Gabriel had sent him to his room then too. Emile had gone to smooth things over. Then, she talked to Gabriel.

“How do you expect him to respect you, to love you, if you don't listen to him.” She had folded her arms then, those green eyes narrowed in exasperation.

“He broke the rules, and it is our job to teach him the rules.” Emile held out one of Gabriel's sketchbooks.

“You left it on the table, the maid placed the vase on top. You forgot where you put it. Adrien went to grab the sketchbook, knocking the vase over.” Emile dropped the sketchbook onto Gabriel's desk. “Yes, he should be more careful, more conscious of fragile objects, but it is our job to also show Adrien understanding and compassion.”

Gabriel glanced at his security system, sound and video. He went to his computer, pulling up that afternoon's confrontation. Gabriel held his breath, and listened.

“I know you said before that tattoos are for drunks or losers, but it's actually an art form, much like your designs are art. And that's pretty cool. And I thought it would be nice to support the arts. And it's not like I got a skull or a girl's name or something I would regret.” Gabriel saw the boy almost smile. “I got a butterfly, your signature. Like a brand so-.” And that's when Gabriel interrupted. Gabriel stopped the video.

Gabriel had feared it was an act of rebellion. Gabriel had thought Adrien was trying to get out of his modeling responsibilities. But it wasn't a typical cry of attention.

I know you use your art to cover your pain.

The tattoo was his signature.

I pay attention to you.

It rested over his heart.

I love you.

“If only you were back with us Emilie.” Gabriel placed his head in his hands. “Or I had listened the first time.”

#

Gabriel knocked on Adrien's door. The boy opened it, Natalie's name on his lips, before he froze and stared up at his father.

“I may have been mistaken. I may have been a little rash.” Gabriel cleared his throat. Adrien blinked. “As long as you tell no one else about the tattoo before I include it in an official photo shoot, you may keep attending school.” Adrien threw himself at Gabriel, wrapping his arms around Gabriel's waist.

“Thank you father.” Gabriel squeezed his son's shoulders.

“Since you went behind my back,” Adrien tensed up, “your punishment instead will be no sweets for a month.” Adrien nodded.

“Yes father.” Gabriel rubbed Adrien's back. Adrien looked up at Gabriel with one eye. It sparked like Emilie's. “A great man acknowledges and apologizes when he is in the wrong.” A direct quote of Gabriel's from the vase incident. “I'm sorry too.”

“Get some sleep, it's a school night.” Adrien nodded before he pulled away.

I love you too.

Gabriel left Adrien's room.