The Marionnette
A shadow slithered through the unseen corners of Paris, reaching out, searching, until it found her. A little girl, standing alone in the crowd, her tiny hands still outstretched toward the sky as if she could will the balloons to return. But they were gone. Just like that. And no one had noticed. No one had cared.
Except for him.
From within the darkness of his lair, the Hawk Moth smiled. His fingers twitched, and with a whisper of power, a single black butterfly took flight, carried by the unseen currents of grief. It soared through the city, slipping between people unseen, until it reached its target.
The little girl flinched as the Akuma phased into the small hairpin nestled in her braids. A shudder passed through her, and then
A voice, smooth as silk and dark as the abyss, curled into her mind.
“Little one… such a cruel world, isn’t it ?”
Her small fists clenched.
“They took what was yours. They didn’t even care. But I do.”
Tears welled in her eyes. No one had stopped to help her. No one had even noticed her pain.
“I can give you the power to take back what was lost. To make them see. To make them understand how it feels to have something precious stolen away.” His voice was hypnotic, coaxing her deeper into despair, drawing out the sorrow he needed to twist it into anger.
She hesitated, just for a moment.
Then, slowly, she nodded.
The Butterfly holder grinned, his voice dripping with satisfaction.
“You’ll be strong. Powerful. No one will ever dare to ignore you again,” he continued, his voice a silken whisper. "But... there is something else I want. Something more. I have a goal, a desire that has yet to be fulfilled. You see, I need... two Miraculouses. The Firefly Miraculous and the Cat Miraculous. It will be the price for your power. Do you understand ?"
The young girl nodded again, and just like that dark energy burst forth, wrapping around her tiny frame.
“Good girl. Now… Let’s show them.”
The city remained oblivious, the day continuing as usual, until the first scream pierced the air. The Butterfly holder’s voice surrounded her, rich with power, soothing and commanding all at once.
“From this moment on, you are Marionnette, the one who pulls the strings.”
The Butterfly holder stood in the shadows, his eyes glowing with malevolent intent as he watched her. Her small form stood still, devastated by the loss of the balloons, the symbol of her innocence shattered in that moment. A surge of energy coursed through her, reshaping her into something no longer fragile, no longer helpless.
Her delicate dress had become a patchwork of porcelain and lace, eerily doll-like. Her skin, now smooth and painted like a marionette’s, bore cracks that glowed faintly with an ominous light. Her eyes were wide, unblinking, gleaming like glass. Thick ribbons trailed from her wrists like puppet strings, swirling unnaturally in the air as if waiting to ensnare the unsuspecting.
And in her small hands, she held a single wooden control bar, the kind used to manipulate marionettes. With an innocent tilt of her head, she closed her fingers around it, and the strings shot out,
A chilling stillness settled over the park as the dark energy wrapped around the small girl, cocooning her in swirling shadows. Her small frame trembled, her fingers tightening into fists, her silent heartbreak giving way to something far more powerful.
The Butterfly holder’s voice slithered into her mind, soft, coaxing “No one listened when you needed them. No one cared when you lost what was yours. But now… they will. Now, you will hold the power to take back what was stolen."
The darkness thickened, shaping itself around her as his voice deepened in command—
“From this moment on, you are Marionnette. With my gift, you will make them all dance to your will. But don’t forget about the Miraculous.”
The park’s peaceful atmosphere shattered in an instant.
A gust of unnatural wind swept through the area as Marionnette lifted her control bar, her crimson ribbons twisting through the air like unseen hands reaching for their first victims. Gasps and shouts erupted as people turned to see the eerie, doll-like figure now standing where the small girl had once been.
Lux froze mid-sentence, eyes widening. “Uh… guys ?” she said, pointing.
Scar turned just as a terrified scream rang out. “Oh, hell no.”
Powder’s heart skipped a beat as she took in the sight of the transformed girl. Those glowing cracks, those floating ribbons, there was no mistaking it.
An Akumatized villain.
Ekko cursed under his breath, already scanning the area. “We need to go. Now.”
The group barely had time to react before Marionnette lifted her hand, and the crimson ribbons lashed out.
Lux yelped, grabbing Powder’s arm. “Run !”
They sprinted, dodging past fleeing park-goers, the villain’s eerie giggle echoing behind them. Ekko’s heart pounded as he locked eyes with Powder for a brief second. There was something unreadable in her expression, but there was no time to dwell on it. He turned on his heel and bolted in the opposite direction.
“Split up !” he called over his shoulder. “She can’t get us all at once !”
Powder didn’t hesitate. She yanked Lux along, weaving through the park, searching for an escape. She needed to get away, find somewhere to change. Ekko, meanwhile, ducked behind a set of stone benches, his mind racing. He needed cover. Somewhere out of sight. Somewhere he could become the Firefly.
They both disappeared into the chaos, running in separate directions, neither knowing that soon, under the masks of their Miraculous personas, they’d meet again.
Powder ducked into a narrow alleyway, her breath coming fast as she pressed her back against the cold brick wall. The distant screams and shouts from the park echoed in her ears. She clenched her fists, steadying herself.
She knew what she had to do.
A familiar weight settled on her shoulder as Plagg floated beside her, arms crossed, his green eyes gleaming with amusement.
“Finally, some action ! I was starting to think you’d never let loose.”
Powder shot him a look. “Now’s not the time, Plagg.”
He smirked. “It’s always the time.” But then, seeing the tension in her face, he sighed dramatically. “Alright, alright. You know the drill.”
Powder reached into her pocket, pulling out the sleek ring that housed her Miraculous. She turned it between her fingers for half a second before slipping it onto her hand.
“Plagg,” she said, voice steady, “Claws out.”
A surge of energy exploded around her, wrapping her in ribbons of deep violet and midnight black. Her doll-like clothes vanished, replaced by a sleek bodysuit that fit like a second skin. The material shimmered with dark iridescence, catching the light like the surface of an oil slick.
Her gloves extended past her elbows, clawed at the fingertips, the same metallic sheen tracing the patterns that curved along her arms and legs. A cropped jacket, deep purple and adorned with silver studs, flared slightly as she moved. A black belt hung down his legs, mimicking a cat's tail.
The final touch, her mask slid into place, covering her eyes, now with vertical pupils, in sharp angular black, accentuating the glowing magnenta hue that now filled them. And her hair, her signature electric-blue strands were pulled into two long, sleek braids that trailed behind her like twin whips, secured with silver cuffs that gleamed under the dim alley light black leather ears were on her head.
She flexed her fingers, feeling the power course through her. The weight of the world disappeared. No more expectations, no more masks, this was her.
She could almost hear Plagg's voice. “You look good, Jinx.”
She smirked, rolling her shoulders. “I always look good.” Then, eyes narrowing, she crouched low and launched herself upward, vaulting onto the nearest rooftop with feline grace.
It was time to hunt.
Ekko dashed down a quiet side street, his breath coming fast as he scanned for a place to hide. His heart pounded, the adrenaline rushing through his veins.
This was it. The moment where he actually got to do something. He ducked into a shadowed doorway, pressing himself against the cool wood as he caught his breath. Above him, perched on his shoulder, Tikki hovered, her tiny wings fluttering.
“You cut it close today,” she said, voice soft but amused.
Ekko gave her a lopsided grin. “Hey, I like a little excitement.”
She huffed, but there was affection in her gaze. “Then let’s not waste time.”
He nodded, reaching into his pocket. His fingers curled around the smooth, golden pendant that held his Miraculous, the Firefly. He exhaled sharply and met Tikki’s gaze.
“Tikki,” he said, voice brimming with certainty, “Glow up.”
A golden light exploded around him, wrapping his body in threads of fire and stardust. His clothes melted away, replaced by sleek, form-fitting armor in deep ember-orange, streaked with glowing yellow lines that pulsed like bioluminescent veins.
His arms were covered in dark bracers, lightweight but durable, while his fingers were tipped with golden claw-like accents. His jacket, a cropped asymmetrical piece with a high collar, billowed slightly as he moved.
His mask settled into place, shaped like sharp, curved wings wrapping around his eyes, illuminating his face in a soft amber glow. And his hair, his signature locs remained, but tiny luminescent embers flickered at the tips, like sparks ready to ignite.
He flexed his fingers, feeling the energy course through him, weightless and untamed. With a single powerful leap, he launched himself onto the nearest rooftop, landing silently on the edge. The city stretched before him, bathed in the golden hues of twilight.
Somewhere out there, an Akuma was waiting.
And he was going to stop it.
Jinx and Firefly sprinted across the park, their paths colliding as they dodged the ribbons snapping through the air. The once peaceful scene had turned into chaos—Marionnette’s glowing strings wrapped around trees, benches, even people, turning them into lifeless dolls under her control.
Jinx skidded to a stop just as Firefly leaped from a park bench, landing lightly beside her. They both stared ahead, taking in the damage.
“Well, look who decided to show up” Jinx teased, flashing a grin.
Firefly barely glanced at her, too focused on the situation. “You work fast.”
Jinx flicked a braid over her shoulder. “I am the best, after all.”
A sharp crack echoed as another set of ribbons lashed toward them. They both jumped back in sync, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Jinx laughed, her adrenaline spiking. “Okay, Bugaboo, got a plan ? Or are we winging it ?”
Firefly twirled his staff, the golden light reflecting in his mask. “I always have a plan.”
Jinx smirked. “Good. Try to keep up.”
And with that, they both shot forward, ready to face the Akumatized villain together. Marionnette stood in the center of the chaos, her head tilted slightly, her glassy eyes unblinking. The ribbons that extended from her control bar slithered unnaturally in the air, coiling like living things. Around her, civilians trapped in her strings swayed stiffly, their limbs jerking with unnatural precision.
She raised a delicate hand, fingers curling ever so slightly.
Jinx and Firefly barely had a second to react before a group of controlled pedestrians turned toward them in eerie unison. Their eyes were vacant, their movements puppet-like as they lunged forward.
Firefly cursed under his breath. “She’s using them as shields.”
Jinx grinned, flipping back onto a park bench. “Oh, this just got interesting.”
A man swung at her with unnatural strength, but she ducked easily, slipping under his attack like a shadow. She caught his wrist, twirled, and sent him stumbling into a nearby trash can with a sharp kick to the back. “No hard feelings, buddy.”
Firefly, meanwhile, moved with sharp efficiency. He weaved between the controlled civilians, using quick jabs of his staff to knock them off balance without hurting them. His glowing embers flared with each movement, creating afterimages in the dimming light.
Above them, Marionnette remained eerily still, her porcelain-like face unreadable. Then, she flicked her wrist.
The ribbons surged forward all at once.
Jinx and Firefly split instantly, Jinx flipping sideways, twisting in the air like a cat, while Firefly vaulted over a bench, landing gracefully.
“Okay, Bug,” Jinx called, landing in a crouch. “If she gets those strings on us, we’re done for.”
Firefly spun his staff, nodding. “We need to cut them off from the source.”
Jinx’s eyes gleamed. “So… break the bar, break the spell ?”
Marionnette let out a soft hum, something almost like a giggle.
Before they could react, the ribbons moved faster, weaving a barrier around them. The civilians under her control began to close in, their movements synchronized, like a well-rehearsed play.
Firefly and Jinx stood back-to-back.
“Well,” Firefly said, twirling his staff. “This is cozy.”
Jinx smirked. “Try not to fall for me, Bug.”
“Not a chance.”
And just like that, the fight truly began.
The air was thick with tension as Marionnette’s ribbons slithered through the park like living tendrils, twisting and snapping toward their targets. Jinx and Firefly stood back-to-back, eyes locked onto the eerie, doll-like villain before them.
"Jinx, we need to—"
But before Firefly could finish, Jinx was already moving. With a sharp grin, she vaulted over a set of entangled civilians, flipping mid-air as she landed gracefully atop a lamppost.
"Less talking, more dodging, Bug !" she teased, effortlessly avoiding another ribbon that lashed toward her.
Firefly huffed, rolling his eyes, but he couldn't deny she made it look effortless. Not that he was about to be outdone.
He sprinted forward, his staff glowing as he twirled it in a tight arc. A burst of golden energy shot outward, severing several ribbons in a single movement. For a moment, the controlled civilians staggered, their bodies jerking as if a puppet master had momentarily lost control.
Marionnette tilted her head, her lifeless glassy eyes fixating on him. Her delicate fingers tightened around her control bar.
From the depths of the city, a dark presence stirred. The Butterfly Miraculous holder’s voice slithered into Marionnette’s mind like silk.
"You’re losing control. Remember, child… The Miraculous. Take them."
Marionnette didn’t respond, but her ribbons surged again, twice as fast this time.
Jinx saw them coming and twisted sideways, catching one mid-motion with her clawed glove. “Nice try, but I don’t do strings attached.” With a sharp pull, she swung herself up, letting the momentum launch her higher.
She landed near Firefly, their shoulders briefly brushing as they dodged in sync.
"You always this reckless ?" Firefly asked, barely sparing her a glance as he parried another incoming ribbon with his staff.
Jinx grinned. "You always this uptight ?"
Before he could respond, Marionnette raised both hands, and in an instant, half the park was under her control.
Civilians, parents, joggers, even a street musician, suddenly turned their heads in eerie unison, their limbs snapping into unnatural positions. Then, they attacked. A man in a business suit lunged at Jinx, unnaturally strong for his size. She sidestepped, hooking her foot behind his leg and twisting him down gently.
Firefly, meanwhile, flipped over a woman who swung a park bench at him like it weighed nothing. He landed smoothly, tapping the side of his mask to scan for weak points.
"They won’t stop coming" he murmured.
"Then let’s stop them first" Jinx shot back. She lunged forward, rolling under a swinging ribbon before vaulting onto a tree branch. “You get the creepy puppet girl, I’ll distract her strings.”
Firefly hesitated. “Jinx, wait—”
But she was already moving, diving headfirst into the chaos, her movements erratic but calculated.
Marionnette raised a hand, her ribbons twisting toward Jinx in a rapid flurry.
The Butterfly's voice echoed in her mind, calm yet commanding.
"Good. Now, take the Cat’s Miraculous. Her ring."
Marionnette lifted her control bar, and the ribbons snapped onto Jinx’s wrist, yanking her down mid-air.
Firefly’s eyes widened. “Jinx !”
She landed with a grunt, her arms suddenly pulled outward like a marionette, the red ribbons twisting around her limbs, forcing her into a stiff, doll-like pose.
"Well, this is awkward," she muttered.
Marionnette took a step forward, her porcelain-like face unreadable as she extended a hand toward Jinx’s ring.
"Yes, now, take it," the Butterfly urged.
Jinx gritted her teeth. “Not happening.”
With a surge of energy, she activated her power.
“Cataclysm !”
A dark, crackling energy surged from her fingertips, corrupting the ribbons around her. The strings disintegrated instantly, black fractures spreading through them like shattered glass before they crumbled to dust.
Marionnette jerked backward, momentarily stunned.
Firefly took his chance. With a flick of his staff, he shot forward, dodging past the remaining controlled civilians and landing right in front of her. His mask’s glow reflected in her wide, glassy eyes.
"Time’s up" he said.
Then, with a fluid motion, he slammed his staff down, breaking her control bar.
The control bar shattered into splinters, its glowing threads flickering before fading into nothing. For a moment, everything stilled.
But the Marionnette didn’t collapse.
Jinx’s breath hitched. The dolls, every controlled civilian, remained frozen, locked in stiff, unnatural poses.
No. That should have worked.
Then she saw it. The faint glimmer in Marionnette’s hair.
The akuma’s not in the control bar.
Jinx’s fingers curled into a fist. Her vision sharpened, locking onto the delicate hairpin nestled in Marionnette’s dark curls. A quiet, insidious thing, small enough to go unnoticed, powerful enough to keep control.
Five minutes.
She exhaled through her nose, pushing past the exhaustion creeping into her limbs. She had to end this before her transformation ran out.
"Firefly !" she barked, already moving. "The akuma’s in her hairpin !"
He followed her gaze and stiffened. "On it."
Jinx bolted forward first, weaving between the tangled remains of broken threads. Her muscles ached, but she ignored it, her mind racing.
She didn’t have her Cataclysm anymore. That meant one thing, no mistakes.
Marionnette turned toward her, slow and mechanical, her ribbons snapping forward like striking vipers.
Jinx dropped low, sliding beneath the first attack, then flipped sideways to avoid the next. She felt the whoosh of air as one nearly clipped her cheek. Firefly took advantage of the distraction, flanking Marionnette from the other side.For a second, the villain hesitated.
It was all Jinx needed.
She lunged, reaching out, her gloved fingers snatching the hairpin from Marionnette’s hair.
Jinx grinned, tossing the pin in Firefly’s direction. "Do your thing, partner."
He caught it effortlessly, breaking it immediately.
Firefly caught the broken hairpin in one hand, fingers tightening around it. The akuma fluttered wildly inside, a restless shadow desperate to escape. He exhaled, gripping his glowing staff.
No more strings attached.
Spinning the staff between his fingers, he activated its energy. The golden light pulsed, surging outward in a controlled arc. With a sharp movement, he released the corrupted hairpin into the air, its pieces dissolving as the akuma was freed.
Jinx took a step back, watching as Firefly twirled his staff in a precise motion. The light around it intensified, forming a glowing sigil midair. He thrust the staff forward, the energy swallowing the akuma whole.
Jinx cracked her knuckles. “Wanna do the honors ?”
Firefly nodded, lifting his hands. “Miraculous Firefly !”
A golden glow pulsed outward, reversing the destruction in an instant. Trees straightened, benches returned to their places, and even the fallen balloons drifted back into the sky as if nothing had happened.
The purified butterfly fluttered skyward, its dark hue fading into pure white before disappearing into the sky that was now dark.
The effect was immediate.
The remaining ribbons unraveled, their glow fading into nothing. The civilians collapsed like marionettes with cut strings, gasping as they regained control.
Marionnette stumbled backward, her mask-like face flickering, shifting, the last remnants of her powers vanishing. She blinked, her glassy, doll-like expression softening into something confused and human again.
From the shadows of the city, the Butterfly clenched his fists.
"They escaped me again," he muttered, frustration tightening his voice.
Jinx shook off the lingering tension, rolling her shoulders before flashing Firefly a sharp grin.
"Nice save, glowstick."
Firefly exhaled, still catching his breath. “Just doing my job.”
Jinx chuckled but then felt the telltale pulse of her ring, a reminder that time was running out. Her eyes flickered toward Firefly before she took a casual step back.
"Well, it's been fun, but I gotta split. Try not to miss me too much, partner," she quipped, winking before darting away into the night.
Jinx moved quickly, weaving through the empty alleys until she found a secluded spot. Pressing her back against a brick wall, she exhaled sharply.
"Plagg," she muttered. "Claws in."
A shimmer of violet light enveloped her, the sleek suit dissolving as she returned to her usual self—Powder, the model, the perfect, composed girl.
Plagg stretched with a groan, floating lazily beside her. “Finally ! You know, I think I deserve a reward for all my hard work.”
Powder arched a brow. “What hard work ?”
Plagg gasped. “Excuse me ? Emotional labor is very draining.”
Powder smirked, shaking her head as she reached into her bag. She pulled out a small cheese snack and held it up. “Here. Your ‘hard-earned’ payment.”
Plagg snatched it greedily, purring. “Now this—this is what makes being a hero worth it.”
Powder let out a breath, checking her phone. A dozen unread messages from Lux flooded the screen.
"Alright, time to go."
After Jinx left, Firefly’s gaze swept across the park, his pulse still steady from the fight. The chaos had settled, leaving only the quiet rustle of trees and the distant hum of the city. Then, he spotted her.
The little girl, Marionnette. Or rather, the girl who had been forced into that role.
She stood frozen in place, clutching the edges of her dress, her wide eyes flickering between him and the remnants of the broken control bar. Her small hands trembled slightly.
Firefly softened his stance, lowering his glowing staff before kneeling to her level. "Hey there," he said gently. "You're okay now. No more strings."
The girl blinked up at him, her small fingers clutching at her dress. She didn't speak, but her gaze was steady. Then, carefully, she tapped her fingers against her palm. Firefly recognized the gesture—it was a name.
A soft smile tugged at his lips. “Isha, huh ? That’s a beautiful name.”
She didn’t respond, only tilting her head slightly as if committing his face to memory.
“Don’t worry,” he continued, his voice steady. “It wasn’t your fault. And you’re safe now.”
The girl gave the faintest nod, her expression still wide with wonder.
“Isha !”
Her mother’s frantic voice carried through the open space, and Firefly stood just as the woman rushed forward, her face streaked with worry.
Isha immediately turned, running into her arms. Her mother held her close, murmuring soft reassurances before looking up, searching for the hero who had saved her daughter—
But Firefly was already gone.
He moved swiftly, ducking into a secluded alley, his breath shallow as he pressed a hand to his chest. The glow of his staff flickered slightly, his miraculous pulsing in warning.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," he muttered.
He exhaled, gripping the staff tighter. "Tikki,” he muttered, “lights out.”
A warm golden shimmer enveloped him, his suit dissolving as he returned to himself—Ekko. Just Ekko.
A golden glow pulsed around him as his transformation faded, leaving him as Ekko once more. Tikki stretched her wings with a hum.
"That was close," she mused.
Ekko leaned back against the wall, rolling his shoulders. "Tell me about it."
Tikki hovered closer, tilting her head. "You okay ?"
Ekko exhaled through his nose, running a hand over his head. "Yeah. Just… a lot to think about."
Tikki didn’t press. Instead, she nudged his cheek with a tiny glow.
"Let’s go rest now," she suggested.
Ekko nodded, tucking his kwami into his pocket before slipping out of the alley and back onto the streets.
As Powder slipped through the crowd, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw Lux’s name flashing on the screen.
Lux: Hey, you okay ??? Just saw the news about the attack. Where are you ?
Powder exhaled, fingers moving quickly over the keyboard.
I’m fine. Just left the area. You ?
A response came almost immediately.
Lux : I’m fine too, but that was crazy ! Meet back at the park ?
Powder glanced around before nodding to herself.
On my way.
Ekko’s phone buzzed against his palm. He answered immediately, not even checking the caller ID.
“Yeah ?”
“You alive, man ?” Scar’s voice came through, half-joking, half-serious.
Ekko let out a breath. “Yeah, I’m good.”
“You sure? You’re not, like, secretly mind-controlled right now ? Blink twice if you are.”
Ekko chuckled. “I’m fine, Scar. Just took a detour.”
“Meet back at the park ?”
Ekko nodded to himself. “Yeah, I’ll be there soon.” He could return home a bit later. After all, he wanted to check on his friends, one in particular.
By the time Powder reached the park, most of the chaos had settled. The people who had been transformed began to leave the park, having recovered from their emotions. Lux was already there, bouncing on the balls of her feet. The moment she spotted Powder, she rushed forward. “You’re okay !”
Powder smirked. “Told you I was.”
Lux gave her a quick once-over. “No bruises ? No broken bones ?”
“Nothing but a bruised ego from running so much” Powder joked.
Before Lux could respond, Scar and Ekko arrived, Scar tossing a chip bag between his hands. “Look who finally decided to show up,” he teased.
Ekko rolled his eyes. “Oh, shut up.”
Lux crossed her arms. “Well, at least we’re all okay.”
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of the night settling.
Finally, Powder’s phone buzzed again. She glanced at it before sighing. “I gotta go.”
A sleek black limousine pulled up at the park entrance. The tinted window lowered just enough for Sevika’s face to be visible. She gave Powder a pointed look.
“Wow,” Lux teased. “Your chariot awaits, princess.”
Powder shot her a playful glare before stepping back. “I’ll see you guys later.”
She turned and slipped into the limo, the door closing behind her as it drove off.
Scar stretched. “Welp, guess that’s our cue too. Man what a day.”
Ekko shoved his hands into his pockets. “Yeah. See y’all tomorrow.”
With that, they each headed their separate ways, the city lights glowing around them as another night in Paris was starting.
The apartment was quiet, save for the soft hum of the city filtering through the windows. Ekko sat across from Benzo at the dinner table, picking at his meal, trying to seem casual despite the lingering tension in the air. On the TV, a news segment ran, showing a brief clip of the Akumatized villain attacking the park.
Benzo, setting his glass down, noticed the look on Ekko’s face and furrowed his brow. “You alright ? I saw that whole mess in the park on the news. Sounded like it got pretty crazy.”
Ekko glanced at the TV for a moment, but quickly turned his attention back to his plate, pretending it didn’t bother him. “Yeah, just another villain causing trouble. Nothing new.”
Benzo didn’t look convinced. “You sure ? Those Akuma things, we heard about them more and more. I’m kinda worried for your safety.”
Ekko nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. “I’m fine, Dad. You don’t need to worry about me. Like you see they are heroes out there handling them.”
Benzo didn’t say anything for a moment, studying Ekko with concern. “Just be careful out there, alright ? I don’t need to be watching you on the news next time.”
Ekko’s lips twitched into a small smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll be careful. Don’t worry.”
Benzo gave a slow nod, but his worry was still visible. He leaned back in his chair, not pressing further but clearly wanting to make sure Ekko was staying safe. “Alright. Just... don’t do anything reckless. Don’t try to be a hero and Always run when you have to.”
Ekko met his gaze, offering a reassuring smile. “I’ll be alright, Dad. I’ve got everything under control.”
Benzo eyed him for a moment longer but eventually sighed, returning to his dinner. “I just don’t want you getting hurt, Ekko.”
Ekko nodded, feeling the weight of his father’s unspoken concern. It was clear Benzo had no idea about Ekko’s superhero life, and Ekko was thankful for that, he had enough pressure already without his father finding out.
In the dimly lit dining room of their penthouse, Powder and Silco sat across from each other. The table, as always, was set with pristine china and crystal glasses. The silence was more oppressive than usual, the distant sounds of the city muffled by the thick windows. Powder picked at her food, her mind racing with thoughts of the Akumatized villain from earlier, but especially the Firefly.
On the television, a news report flashed briefly about the park attack. Silco’s sharp eyes flicked to the screen for a moment before he returned his gaze to Powder, who was too absorbed in her thoughts to notice.
“I saw the news,” he said, his voice low. “That villain at the park—Marionnette, wasn’t it ? You were there for your photoshoot, weren’t you ?”
Powder’s grip on her fork tightened, but she didn’t look up. “Yeah, I was nearby. Nothing serious happened.”
Silco studied her, his expression unreadable. “You need to be careful, Powder. I don’t like the idea of you getting caught in that sort of mess. It could be dangerous.”
“I wasn’t in danger,” Powder replied, her voice calm, though there was a slight edge to it. “I’m fine.”
Silco’s gaze never wavered, though there was a hint of concern buried under his usual cool demeanor. “I’m not convinced. You might think you’re safe, but that kind of chaos is dangerous. You’re not invincible, Powder.”
Powder sighed, lowering her fork slightly. She didn’t want to talk about this, didn’t want her father hovering over her like she was some fragile thing. “I said I’m fine.”
Silco’s gaze softened just a fraction. He wasn’t the kind to show affection, but his protective instincts were always there, hidden behind his cold facade. “I’ll get Sevika to keep an eye on you, just in case. You can never be too careful.”
Powder’s mouth twitched into a frown. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
“Then consider it... a precaution,” Silco said, his tone firm but not unkind. “You’ll understand one day.”
Powder didn’t reply, taking another bite of her food, her thoughts elsewhere. She hated the idea of having someone constantly watching her, but she also knew better than to push him too hard. She’d fought to be independent, but her father’s protectiveness was something she couldn’t ignore.
“Just... be careful,” Silco added quietly, after a long pause. “If anything happens, I don’t know what I would do.”
Powder didn’t respond, but she gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod. Silco may not have known what she truly did at night, but he always made sure to remind her that she wasn’t alone whether she liked it or not. She didn’t know what to think about that, but she knew her father loved her very much, despite his weird stifling way of showing it.
The Butterfly holder stood alone in the dim light of his lair, frustration brewing in his chest. The recent failure had been a bitter blow to his plan. The akuma transformation had gone awry, and despite his careful preparations, the Firefly had interfered once again. His grip tightened around the Butterfly Miraculous, his mind racing with irritation.
“I failed,” he muttered, his voice barely audible, a low growl of frustration. “I should have had them. The Firefly and the Cat Miraculous should have been mine. How could I have miscalculated again ?”
Nobu, kneeling beside him, said nothing. His gaze was cast down, his posture submissive. He was bound by the Butterfly Miraculous, unable to act independently. He had no control over his actions, only the will of the holder guiding him, shaping him into a tool for his desires.
The Hawk Moth’s voice broke the silence, harsh and accusatory. “The Firefly, him, he always gets in the way.”
Nobu’s gaze remained on the floor, his eyes empty, his body still. He didn’t flinch, but inside, his mind was clouded with a mixture of confusion and guilt.
He paused, the anger slowly boiling into something deeper, darker. His gaze softened, becoming more calculated as he turned his mind back to the larger picture. “But this isn’t over. No, far from it. I will find a way to get those Miraculous. I’ll make sure of it. And this time, I won’t fail.”
Nobu could only wait in silence, his thoughts restricted, his actions dictated. He couldn’t voice his feelings or defend himself. He was just a tool, a Miraculous whose only purpose was to serve. And though his mind felt as if it were fading into the background of the holder’s schemes, deep down, somewhere in the recesses of his being, there was a faint flicker of resistance. But it was only a fleeting thought, quickly swallowed by the reality of his situation.
Just like that they moved on to the next phase of his plan, with the small Kwami him being unable to resist the orders that would force him again and again to cause harm to others, manipulating their emotions.
With a sharp, commanding gesture, he turned his back on Nobu, ready to plan his next move. His voice was quieter now, but no less dangerous. "I’ll be more patient this time. I’ll wait for the perfect moment. The Firefly and the Cat will be mine. And when they are, nothing will stop me."
Nobu, still silent, remained in the shadows, his fate intertwined with the Butterfly holder's relentless pursuit.
Powder sat at the edge of her bed, the room dim and quiet. She could hear the muffled sounds of the city below—the hum of distant cars, the soft whispers of the wind. She stared out the window, her fingers grazing the smooth surface of her phone, but she wasn’t really looking at it. A small sigh escaped her lips, her thoughts drifting back to the events of the evening, the Akumatized villain, Firefly’s presence, and that strange, inexplicable pull she felt every time she saw him. The image of him, strong and graceful as he fought, lingered in her mind.
Plagg, who had been lounging on the pillow beside her, floated up to hover near her ear. He stretched lazily, his green eyes gleaming mischievously in the dim light.
"You're thinking about him again, aren't you ?" Plagg’s voice was playful, though there was a hint of amusement underneath.
Powder didn’t look at him, keeping her gaze fixed on the window, her fingers still lightly running over her phone. “I don’t know what you're talking about," she muttered, though her cheeks tinged with pink.
Plagg grinned, but there was a knowing gleam in his eyes. “Sure, sure. Like I didn’t see the way you were staring at him tonight. That Firefly guy really has you hooked, doesn’t he?"
“I don’t know what you mean,” Powder snapped, but there was a certain warmth in her voice she couldn’t quite hide.
The Kwami floated in front of her, his expression turning more serious, though still teasing. “Listen, Powder, I get it. He’s good-looking, he’s powerful, but you can’t get attached. And I’m not just talking about the fact that he’s a superhero. We have a rule about this—no one can know each other’s identities.”
Powder shifted uncomfortably, the weight of his words sinking in. She chewed her lip, her mind racing. “I know. I’ve been thinking about that, too. But… it’s just hard, Plagg. He’s different. I can feel it.”
Plagg sighed, floating closer, his voice softer now. “I get it. But we have to protect our identities. If Hawk Moth finds out who we are, it’s game over for everyone. You’re not just Jinx, and he’s not just Firefly. You both have bigger things to worry about. The mission, the fight, it all comes first.”
Powder closed her eyes, a frown pulling at her lips. “I know, Plagg. But sometimes I just want to be normal... even for a second.”
“I know,” Plagg muttered, hovering beside her. “But it’s not that simple. As long as we wear these Miraculous, we have to keep our lives separate. And that includes Firefly. Trust me, if you get too close to him... well, we’ve seen what happens when things get messy."
Powder looked out the window again, her thoughts swirling in a storm of confusion. “I know,” she whispered again, this time more to herself than to Plagg. “I’ll keep my distance. I just... I wish it didn’t have to be this way.”
Plagg gave a low chuckle, trying to lift the mood. “Welcome to the life of a superhero, kid. It’s not all shiny suits and cute sidekicks.”
Powder managed a small, sad smile. The way the weight of the day was pressing on her chest, the need to get away from it all. “Yeah, I guess.”
Plagg floated back to his usual spot beside her, his tone softening. “Just remember, Powder. You’ve got me, and we’ll get through this. We always do.”
Powder closed her eyes, letting out a long breath. “Thanks, Plagg.”
Plagg’s gaze softened, and he tilted his head. “I get it. You’re wired. You need to do something. Why not let it out in the night air ? Go for a walk. You know, just you, the city, and a whole lot of adventure. Less thinking, more… doing.”
Powder’s eyes flickered toward the window again, and for a moment, she hesitated. She could feel the urge building inside her, the need to escape, to breathe freely without the constraints of her daily life. A stroll under the moonlight… it would be good for her. She needed it. And maybe, just maybe, she needed to see him again.
“I guess you’re right,” Powder said, her voice quieter now, the desire for freedom clear in her words. “A stroll might be exactly what I need.”
Plagg’s grin widened, clearly pleased. “That’s the spirit! You can think about him later, but for now, it’s time to let loose.” He flew up to her shoulder, hovering slightly as he added, “Just remember, don’t do anything too crazy, okay ? We don’t need more destruction tonight.”
Powder smiled faintly, reaching into her pocket and pulling out the small Miraculous ring. “Don’t worry, Plagg. I’ve got this.”
She slid the ring onto her finger, her hand glowing as the transformation took hold. With one last glance around the room, she leaped gracefully out of the window, her silhouette blending into the night as she raced across the rooftops.
The city stretched out before Ekko, bathed in the soft glow of the moon and the scattered lights from the towering buildings. He stood on his balcony, his arms crossed, his gaze distant. His mind raced with thoughts of the night, of the Akuma, of Marionnette’s terrifying power, and of Hawk Moth, the elusive villain pulling the strings behind it all.
Tikki, who had been resting on his shoulder, fluttered her wings lightly as she broke the silence. “You’ve been thinking about him a lot tonight, haven’t you ?”
Ekko didn’t move, keeping his eyes focused on the horizon, his thoughts fixed on Hawk Moth. “Yeah, I have.” His voice was low, almost to himself. “I can’t get that guy out of my head. Who is he ? Why does he keep sending these Akumas after us ? It’s like he knows everything about us.”
Tikki tilted her head, her wings fluttering softly. “He’s dangerous, Ekko. We have to be careful.”
“I know,” Ekko replied, his voice tight with frustration. “But it’s not just him. I keep thinking about... well, you know who.”
He glanced over his shoulder at Tikki, though he didn’t need to look at her to know she was giving him a knowing look.
“Powder, right ?” Tikki asked, her voice teasing but gentle.
Ekko’s cheeks flushed a bit, though he quickly turned away, focusing on the lights below. “It’s not like that,” he muttered, though his heart raced every time he thought of her. “I don’t even know if I’m imagining things. I mean, I’m sure she doesn’t even notice me. She’s probably too busy with... everything else.”
Tikki fluttered down to perch on the edge of the balcony railing, her tiny wings glowing faintly in the moonlight. “You think she’s busy with other things ?” Her voice was a mix of amusement and understanding. “I don’t know, Ekko. I think she notices more than you think. But maybe you should be the one to take the first step. You never know what could happen.”
Ekko let out a small laugh, shaking his head. “You know, for someone so tiny, you’re really starting to sound like a love guru.”
Tikki giggled softly. “I’m just saying, you might be missing an opportunity. Just because there is everything that’s going on with Hawk Moth doesn't mean you shouldn't try to have a normal life.”
Ekko’s smile faded as he thought about the bigger picture. “Yeah, but we can’t afford distractions. I just... I can’t stop thinking about everything. The Akuma. Hawk Moth. And her. It’s so complicated Tikki.”
Tikki didn’t say anything for a long while, letting the silence settle between them. Finally, she spoke again, her tone serious but caring. “You’ll figure it out, Ekko. One step at a time.”
Ekko exhaled slowly, the weight of the night pressing on him. He glanced out at the city once more, the lights flickering like distant stars. He wasn’t sure what the future held, but something about it felt like it was all tied together.
He nodded silently, though his heart remained tangled in uncertainty.
Paris was quieter than usual tonight, but not to Jinx. In her superhero persona, she was always drawn to the chaos, the pulse of the city beneath her feet. There was something comforting about the unpredictability of it all. She was running along the rooftops, her feet light as she moved from one building to the next. But then, something caught her eye. A figure standing on a balcony, someone familiar. Ekko.
She paused, crouching on the edge of the building, her gaze locked on him. It was him, alright. But... what’s he doing up this late ?
They didn’t talk much in highschool despite having common friends. He was a quiet guy, always keeping to himself, much more than what she reminded him to be. He grew up too, she supposed. And forgot her. Se didn’t know him well anymore. Not like she used to. When she left for a while, they lost touch, and she always wondered if he ever thought about her. She sure had thought about him, but that wasn’t something she’d ever admit. It had been years, and she didn’t expect him to remember her, not after everything. Still, curiosity had taken over tonight.
She jumped down from the rooftop, landing softly on the ground, then casually made her way toward his building. She couldn’t quite explain why, but she wanted to talk to him. Maybe she was bored. Maybe she was just curious about him.
Ekko stood still on his balcony, lost in thought, the night air brushing past his face.
He glanced at her, surprised to see her standing below. The last thing he expected was for Jinx to be strolling around so late at night, especially so close to his place. He almost asked himself if she was out on patrol, but they didn’t talk about that when he was transformed, did not have the time, plus something about her casual demeanor seemed off for that.
She looked up, meeting his gaze with a playful smirk. Ekko had to force himself to keep his cool. He couldn’t help but chuckle lightly, though. Ekko leaned against the railing, arms crossed as he watched Jinx flick her belt around like a cat toying with its tail. She had that usual cocky smirk, the kind that made it impossible to tell if she was being serious or just messing with him.
“Well, well. Fancy meeting you here,” she mused, eyes glinting with mischief. She twirled the end of her belt around her fingers before snapping it loose again. “You waiting for someone ? A secret lover, maybe ?”
Ekko snorted. “Yeah, sure. You caught me. I was totally expecting a rooftop acrobat in leather to come flirt with me.”
Jinx gasped, hand flying to her chest in mock offense. “Flirting ? Me ? Please, I am way more subtle than that.” She spun on her heel, flicking the belt at her side before grinning up at him. “Besides, if I was flirting, you’d be blushing by now.”
Ekko let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. “Right. That your special power ? Embarrassing civilians ?”
“Waw he bites.” She hummed, pretending to think about it. “It’s a side talent. Comes naturally, you know ?” She flicked her belt again, letting it wrap loosely around her wrist before unraveling it with a snap. “But you—what’s keeping you up so late ? Can’t sleep ? Existential crisis ?”
Ekko raised a brow. “Says the superhero roaming the streets at this hour. What, were you out running errands ?”
Jinx grinned, stepping closer. “Maybe I just like the nightlife.” She twirled the end of her belt around her fingers, letting it dangle lazily. “And maybe I was curious about you.”
That actually made him pause. He gave her a skeptical look. “Curious about me ?”
Ekko huffed, shaking his head. “If you’re hoping for some grand secret, you’re gonna be disappointed.”
She grinned. “Oh, I love a challenge.”
Ekko rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help the small smirk tugging at his lips. She was something else, that was for sure. He didn’t know what to make of her yet, but damn if she wasn’t entertaining.
Jinx took another slow step closer, her grin never wavering. “C’mon, you can’t blame a girl for being curious. You’re just standing up there, looking all mysterious. Makes a hero wonder.” She twirled her belt again, the tip snapping against her palm. “What’s the great thinker of Paris doing out here all alone ?”
Ekko leaned against the railing, resting his chin on his hand. “Thinking.”
She gasped, feigning shock. “No ! The rumors are true !” She placed a hand dramatically over her heart. “You really do think.”
He let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “Wow. Hilarious.”
“I try” she said with an exaggerated bow.
Ekko glanced at her, eyes narrowing slightly. “You always like messing with people, or am I just special ?”
“Oh, you’re very special,” she purred, eyes twinkling with mischief. “How often do I get to meet a civilian who doesn’t freak out when I talk to them ? You’re holding up pretty well, I gotta say.”
Ekko smirked. “Takes a lot more than some overconfident superhero to shake me.”
Jinx gasped again, this time pressing a hand to her forehead like she’d been personally wounded. “Overconfident ? Me ? Now that’s just slander.”
“Pretty sure it’s just the truth.”
She tsked, shaking her head. “And here I thought we were bonding.”
Ekko raised a brow. “Oh, is that what’s happening ?”
She grinned, leaning in slightly. “Wouldn’t you like to know ?”
Ekko gave her a flat look, but his lips twitched. “I feel like you just enjoy hearing yourself talk.”
“Busted,” she admitted without shame, letting her belt coil around her wrist again. “But what about you? You don’t seem like the type to waste words. What do you talk about when you’re not humoring annoying superheroes ?”
Ekko considered that for a moment before shrugging. “Not much, I guess.”
Jinx tilted her head. “Huh. Mysterious and reserved. You’re kinda ruining my image of you.”
“Oh ?”
“Yeah, I was expecting some kind of broody monologue about the meaning of life.”
Ekko scoffed. “Sorry to disappoint.”
She smirked. “I dunno, I kinda like it. Keeps me guessing.” She gave her belt one last flick before stepping back, her expression turning thoughtful. “Well, since you’re being all secretive, I guess I’ll just have to keep showing up until I crack the mystery.”
Ekko raised a brow. “You planning on making a habit of this ?”
Jinx winked. “Only if you’re lucky.”
He shook his head with a quiet chuckle. “Lucky. Right.”
“See, now you’re getting it.” She shot him a lazy salute before taking a step back. “Alright, deep thinker, I’ll let you get back to your existential crisis. Try not to miss me too much.”
Ekko exhaled through his nose, watching as she turned on her heel, preparing to leap away. “No promises.”
She paused for just a second, glancing at him from over her shoulder, her grin widening. Then, with a smooth movement, she vaulted onto the nearest rooftop and disappeared into the night.
Ekko let out a breath, shaking his head to himself. “She’s a menace.”
But he was still smirking.
Ekko lingered on the balcony, staring at the spot where Jinx had disappeared into the night. He blew out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck.
She was... something else.
Chaotic, loud, unpredictable—there was no real pattern to how she moved, how she talked. She was just there, crashing into his night like a storm with no warning. And yet, somehow, it didn’t feel unfamiliar.
It was stupid, but for a second—just a second—she reminded him of her.
Powder.
Not the polished, picture-perfect model he only ever saw from a distance now. But Powder, the kid he used to know. The one who was always climbing things she shouldn’t, messing with stuff just to see how it worked, running her mouth faster than her brain could keep up.
Jinx had that same restless energy, like she couldn’t sit still, like standing still too long would kill her. The same reckless grin, the same need to push buttons just to see what would happen.
Ekko shook his head, muttering under his breath as he stepped inside his room. He closed the balcony door and leaned against it for a moment before his gaze drifted to the wall across from him.
His eyes landed on the magazine cutouts, the carefully pinned photos. Powder, or at least, the version of her the world knew. Composed, elegant, effortless. Everything about her now screamed perfection, control. A far cry from the wild, excitable girl who used to drag him into trouble.
He sighed, running a hand over his face. Why the hell am I even thinking about this ?
Jinx and Powder weren’t anything alike.
At least… they shouldn’t be.