A/N: Watched the new Black Panther movie. Can I say "chef's kiss 🤌🏽" Like Damn. 😚 And I can't wait to see Creed III. Okay, I'm done. Enjoy.

"No."

Gwen laughs as she looked at the blank stare from Lila. She shook her head in amusement as she drank her smoothie. They were at the park at the moment, taking in the scenery in front of them.

"It's not funny," Lila deadpanned.

"A little," Gwen smirked at her.

Lila groaned, "Are you serious right now? You mean to tell me that the old guy we met a few days back is a family friend? And he's now asking for you to live with him? Where was he seven months ago?"

Gwen looked down at the smoothy, sighing at the occurrence a few days before. She was caught off guard when Fu asked her if she wanted to be adopted. She narrowed her eyes at her wrist. She wore a long-sleeved shirt as she now had to cover her colorful veins from people's eyes.

She didn't know what the man was thinking and it makes her suspicious of it. Is he asking it to keep an eye on her? Or he actually cares and actually wants to take her in.

"I don't know, I didn't give an answer," Gwen shrugged.

"Well, no. Gwen," Lila looked up at her. "I mean, if you have money problems, you can always live with me. You know that. Mom wouldn't care much anyway."

Gwen chuckled, headbutting her head lightly in comfort. "Thanks, I'm good. They pay me well. It's just...I'm confused. But I know he won't say anything."

"Are you actually considering living with him?"

Gwen didn't respond, only staring at a father playing with her daughter. Their laughs were loud, it caught her attention. Her eyes dulled for a moment before taking another sip of the cold smoothy, munching on the spare ice.

"I don't know anymore."

Lila glanced up at the girl next to her. She frowned worriedly for her. She knew how Gwen is sometimes kept to herself and wouldn't rely on people for her problems. She tried but was unsuccessful.

Lila thought of the time when she smacked that man's face with her bag. Gwen was looking at the man with uncertainty. Almost with mistrust. She's just worried for the girl and Gwen isn't easy to read either.

Lila sighed, taking a sip of her orange smoothie. "By the way, are you going to the World Cup firework show?"

Gwen sweatdropped, "I'm going to be busy today."

"Again," Lila deadpanned, looking up at the girl unimpressed.

"It's not that bad," Gwen started, rubbing her nape. "I just have to keep working on my project, you know? I'm supposed to receive something in the mail today and it's very important I don't miss it."

"Fine," Lila sighed, not surprised Gwen was busy with everything. "At least try to go there? I have to spend quality time with my mother," she rolled her eyes at the plan her mother made at the last minute.

Gwen sighed too, "I'll see what I can do."

Lila smirked, "So, uh...how are you and Adrien? Anything–I don't know, changed?"

Gwen frowned, looking at the malicious smirk on the girl's face. "What do you mean by that?"

"You mean to tell me that after the boy has been basically hovering over you and basically screaming out his feelings for you in a silent matter didn't go through your smart brain? I knew you were smart but I didn't think you were this stupid," Lila deadpanned.

"What?" Gwen's eyes widened. "No way, he doesn't like me like that. I mean, I don't think he does. Does he?"

Gwen's thoughts wandered off to her particular moments with Adrien and furrowed her brows more. There's no way. That would be unfair to the boy. Especially considering that not only she doesn't belong here, but she also doesn't know how long she'll live with the stones.

Her heart tugged for a particular nerdy boy but she brushed it off, giving her more reasons she can't like anyone. She just can't. Sure, Adrien's attractive, fun, compassionate, nice, and more. But...she'll just put him in more danger.

She doesn't want Adrien to end up like Peter. She can't have more attachments than she really has.

"Tell me something, Gwen," Lila spoke, interrupting her thoughts. She lightly grabbed her hands in comfort as she faced her fully. "Is this about...Peter?"

Lila didn't need a response as she saw everything in her eyes. "You know it wasn't your fault. You don't have to push anyone away because of what happened. I'm sure Peter already forgave you and I am sure he's not angry with you and just wants you to be happy."

Gwen bit her lip as she heard her words. Peter is the kind to be forgiving and she knew that. But that's not the problem.

"You also have to forgive yourself too," Lila states, making Gwen's eyes widen.

Gwen sighed, looking down at her hands. "I don't know about the last part...I..." she stopped, not knowing what to do.

"What do you want, Gwen?"

Gwen looked up at the father and daughter, laughing once again while running around the fountain.

"I want to go home...but I also don't want to. It's been eating me and I don't know what to do. It hurts. Just thinking about how my old man is doing, I don't know how he is. But if I do go, I don't know if I'll ever see you guys again."

"No," Lila interrupted, shaking her head. "What do you want?"

Gwen saw the sincereness in her eyes. She felt her heart drop, not knowing how to answer the question. There's no right answer but it feels like she has to answer the question correctly yet she feels immense guilt for even thinking about it.

"I...want to be special," she whispered, looking away from Lila's eyes. "Just like Peter thought I was but I'm not. I feel incomplete without him and yet I forget everything when I'm around Adrien. I don't know! It hurts! I don't deserve to like someone when I'm just going to be gone. It's not fair."

Lila pulled her in a hug, tucking Gwen's head under her chin. She closed her eyes as she held Gwen to her. She didn't realize how much burden is on her friend's shoulders. It's not fair for the girl.

"I'm sorry," Lila whispered, realizing that she made Gwen moody. "Don't think much of it. Just, please," she pleaded as Gwen stood up. "Try to at least think for yourself. Don't think of others and how much you owe them, do what you want and what you believe is right. If things don't work out," she shrugged.

"I'm always here."

Gwen smiled, laughing silently through her nose before pulling the girl in a hug once again. "Thanks, Lila. I guess I needed that."

"You guess?" Lila chuckled, hugging her back.

"Yeah," Gwen looked back at the father and daughter, only to see them walking away from the park. "I guess."

🕸🕷🕸

"You know, when you said to hang out, I didn't mean to be in your bedroom and watch through your screen," Gwen mused as she jumped inside Adrien's bedroom, punching her fists.

Adrien grinned, turning to her. The suit materialized off as Gwen walked towards him. He asked earlier if she wanted to hang out while Marinette, Alya, and Nino get ready for the fireworks show. She turned it down at first but two hours later she called and accepted the invitation.

"What changed your mind?" Adrien smirked, teasingly at her.

Gwen sighed as she flopped to his sofa, looking at the ceiling.

You mean to tell me that after the boy has been basically hovering over you and basically screaming out his feelings for you in a silent matter didn't go through your smart brain? I knew you were smart but I didn't think you were this stupid.

"I changed my mind. Besides, I know how much you wanted to go to the fireworks show," Gwen glanced at the boy who grabbed his phone to text Nino.

Gwen looked at the boy further. He couldn't like her that way...right?

Do you feel that? That's my heart...if I wasn't real, do you really think my heart would be beating this crazy for you right now?

Gwen stopped and looked away, hiding the blush that bloomed on her cheeks. She bit her lip in thought. She did see the caring moments from the boy and the stare he gave her but she always believed that he cared about her as a friend.

Gwen shook her head. She can't think like this.

"You okay?"

Gwen flinched and looked up to see Adrien's face close to hers. She unintentionally blushed profusely before pushing his face away making him squawk in ache. 

"Shit, sorry," she apologized as she sat up and grabbed his face to inspect it.

"No big deal," he chuckled. "What's on your mind right now?"

Gwen goes to deny it when she realized her face was close to his as she cupped his cheeks. She lightly blushed again as she looked into his green eyes.

They look so familiar to her. And no. Not the greens from Peter, but more...feline.

Her eyes widened as she could have sworn, she saw the familiar cat hero in him and moved away as if he burned her.

"Uh, I...my package!" she snapped, making him flinch. She noticed this and smiled apologetically. "Yeah, um...vibranium is coming today. And I'm planning to create an easier way to create a transporter."

"Oh, yeah?" he sadly asked.

Gwen cursed her heart from skipping a beat when she sees his expression. "Yeah, maybe I can find a way to transport myself to different universes and...come back. Here."

"Really?!" Adrien beamed at her idea. "I'm sure you can do it!" He looked down at his phone and saw the text message from Nino and called Marinette, putting it on facetime.

Gwen sat next to the boy as she saw Marinette's grinning face.

"Hey guys!" she greeted.

Shit...That's right...Gwen's eyes widened. She completely forgot about Marinette! She cursed at her heart as she saw the soft smile Marinette gave to Adrien. She can't do that to Marinette. It's like...breaking the girl code or something.

Gwen sighed irritably, rubbing her face.

Adrien and Marinette looked at her confused before shrugging, looking back to see Nino and Alya who already started playing a dancing game. They played very well, dancing in sync.

"They're so in sync with each other," Marinette smiled at the pair, almost reading her thoughts.

"You're right," Adrien smiled. "Someday I hope I'll find someone I can share everything with," Adrien blushed, glancing at the girl next to him. "Like they do," he sighed. "But until my father starts letting me go out more often, that probably won't be happening."

Marinette grabbed her phone, seeing Adrien and Gwen. "Are you sure your dad won't let you come? It's such a bummer," she frowned. "He even let Gwen into the mansion and that's something."

"You know how overprotective he is," Adrien smiled. "One day he'll realize I'm not a child anymore, but we're not quite there yet."

"Big finish! Here we go!" they heard Nino call out making Marinette turn the screen to the couple.

They all laughed as the couple posed but they laughed more to see Nino posed as a ballerina. Gwen is actually impressed with his posture.

"Aw, shoot. Did I miss the ballet?" Marinette turned the screen to a tall, tanned woman who entered the apartment.

Gwen's eyes widened in recognition. She was the girl from the gym she saw a few days ago.

"Nora, is your match over already?" Alya asked, walking over to her sister.

Nora was was taller than anyone in the room. She grinned as she dropped her gym bag and brought her knee to her chest and clenched her fists, shielding her face.

"First round: total knockdown!" She punched the air as she smirked at her sister. "As usual." She rushed over and wrapped an arm around Alya's shoulder. "I told you a hundred times not to call me Nora in front of people, little sis."

She turned to Nino and Marinette with Gwen and Adrien on the phone. "The name's Anansi, like the spider."

Gwen smirked, staring at the woman with amusement. She has a better name than she did, that's for sure.

"Sure, I'll call you Anansi when you stop calling me 'little sis'," Alya crossed her arms, smirking at Nora.

Nora shrugged, ignoring Alya. "Anyway, what are you all still doing here this late? Don't you have school tomorrow?"

"We're waiting for it to get dark. It's the World Cup fireworks show tonight, remember?" Alya asked while Nora opened the fridge and took a drink from her milk. "We're gonna watch from the Place de la Concorde Ferris Wheel."

Nora's eyes widened as she spat out her milk, wiping the contents from her lips, and turned to the others. "Oh, no! Baguette and Cappie can go with cellphone couple if they want, but you're staying here," she crushed the milk carton on the table and narrowed her eyes at Alya.

"It's way too dangerous," she crossed her arms.

"But Nora–I mean, Anansi, you can't do that!" Marinette tried.

"Yeah, no way dude, we're not going without Alya!" Nino exclaimed.

"Listen, I appreciate you worrying about me and all, but I'm not a little girl anymore," Alya reasoned. "Besides, Mom and Dad are totally cool with it."

Nora tutted, shaking her head in disappointment. "There have been way too many akumatized peeps in Paris these last few months. Look how many times you've been in direct danger."

They all thought back to the times The Pharaoh used Alya as a sacrifice, how Prime Queen kidnapped her, and how Befana turned her into stone.

"So you're staying home. Safe and sound. Period," Anansi states.

"That's so ridiculous! The twins were akumatized right here at home," Alya frowned in disbelief.

"Well, that would've never happened on my watch. I won't let anybody mess with my family."

"You mean like the other day at the square?" Alya deadpanned.

"What happened?" Adrien frowned.

"Well...we came across a man handing out flyers. Nora thought the man was akumatized and wanted to turn Alya into a banana zombie," Marinette explained.

"How was I supposed to know it was some stupid costume? And besides, what would happen if the Ferris Wheel stopped working 'cause some akumatized dude refused to pay his fair? Once you fly-weights can actually defend yourselves like me," she threw a few punches and kicks, showing off.

"We'll talk about it."

"It doesn't matter, because Ladybug, Chatnoir, and Ghost-Spider would save us if there were any problems," Marinette smiled.

Gwen glanced at Adrien and saw he was already staring at her. She stopped and shook her head, smirking at him.

"Uh-huh. And what if Mr. Whiskers is catching a mouse, Beetle's been sprayed with bug spray and ant-girl is squashed by a boot? What do you do then?"

Gwen sweatdropped at her points and just continued to listen.

"I can protect Alya if I have to," Nino spoke up.

"Oh yeah? And how exactly are you planning to defeat the villain? A dance-off?" Nora laughed, posing as a ballet.

"I'd...do anything to protect Alya," Nino looked at the ground.

Nora smirked, walking over but stopped as she spotted the familiar blonde on the screen, looking closer.

"Hey, I know you," Nora murmured. "You were with an old man at the gym the other day."

Gwen's eyes widened as she didn't think Nora would recognize her. She chuckled, "I was training a bit."

"Really?" Nora looked at her unimpressed. "You don't look much. You just went in and drank tea and left."

Alya, Nino, and Marinette paled at the insult, glancing at the blonde who scared them more by smirking at Nora. Adrien even glanced at her worriedly but Gwen only chuckled.

"I'm tougher than I look," Gwen smirked.

Nora only rolled her eyes, getting back to the topic. She dropped her elbow on the table and nodded for Nino to come. "Okay, Alya can go out with you guys...if you beat me at an arm wrestle."

Alya sighed, rubbing her face. "Please, don't arm wrestle on my account. I don't need to be protected."

"Nino, you don't stand a chance against Anansi. She's strong," Gwen spoke up.

"Gwen!" Nino turned to her in annoyance. Gwen shrugged.

"We gotta go, or else we'll miss the fireworks," Marinette voiced her concerns.

"Forget it, you guys go without me," Alya sighed.

Marinette and Nino gasped at her words. Marinette stopped as she glanced at Gwen from the screen.

"Okay, Nino will arm wrestle you," Marinette spoke up with confidence.

"What?" Alya deadpanned as Nino looked at her in disbelief.

"Nino will prove his worth to us that he can defend Alya and every one of us, because...uhh because love and uh, friendship make your muscles bulge!" Marinette encouraged.

"Marinette," Gwen tried but Nino bought it as he stomped over to Nora, grabbing her hand. "This isn't a good idea," she whispered.

"Come on, Gwendy," Adrien bumped shoulders with hers before turning back to the match.

"All right! In positions," Adrien announced. "Ready? Set...Go!"

It was futile as Nino struggled with all his will to push Nora's hand down. She got a good drip and didn't move a budge. Meanwhile, Nino tried leaning his body over but nothing.

"Really? Is that all you got?" Nora asked with disinterest.

"Really? She's going to rip his arm off," Alya sighed while Nora yawned in boredom.

Marinette gasped, pointing at the window. "Over there! An akuma!"

Nora gasped, turning to the window. "What?!"

Gwen saw it, she saw a pair of hands push down Nora's to the table, resulting Nino in victory. She narrowed her eyes at it and frowned as Marinette cheered for Nino.

"And the winner is...Nino!" Adrien announced, catching Nora off guard and looking back.

"Oops, my bad. It was just a fly," Marinette apologized.

Nino looked up surprised and glanced at Marinette who winked at him. "You rock, Nino. Come on, let's go. If we leave now, we'll get there just in time."

Nora could only stare at her hand in disbelief. She gritted her teeth and slammed her fist on the table, making everyone flinch. "You're a bunch of cheaters! There's no way I could've been beaten by that flyweight. If I hadn't been distracted, I–"

"That's it, Nora!" Alya exclaimed. "You lost the challenge, so deal with it. I've had it with your overprotective big-sis-smothering. I'm going out with my BFFs and I don't care what you think. Alya out!" Alya turned away and walked to the doors with the others following.

🕸🕷🕸

Gwen sighed as she lay on the sofa, hearing the distinct sounds of fireworks through the window. She closed her eyes and just relaxed while Adrien sat on his spot to watch them.

Gwen peeked a little thinking to herself. Marinette has been nonstop in love with Adrien. But at the same time, Gwen knew it wasn't particularly love. It felt more like an obsession but Gwen knew it was her gut talking.

It's unhealthy, thinking about it. If Marinette wanted Adrien, she could have at least tried a little instead of knowing his every schedule and move.

Gwen's one to talk. She can't decide who's right for who. Her heart only beats like this because of Lila's words and her body is just convincing her. It will go away. Somehow. Gwen sighed and rubbed her face in frustration.

Nope. Nope. Nah uh. She's not doing it, and she won't do it now. Gwen started punching her chest where her heart is placed while Adrien and a hidden Plagg looked at her peculiarly.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Adrien asked, walking over to her.

"Yes. I just wasn't able to sleep last night," she excused, looking up at him.

He hummed and looked back to the phone and stiffened as he saw a shadow behind Marinette, running over to the phone. "Marinette! Behind you! I saw something go by. What was it?"

Gwen immediately stood up and walked over next to Adrien, looking through the screen but nothing.

"I don't see anything. Maybe it was a bird," Marinette looked around.

The Ferris wheel shook as it stopped. Nino was startled as he hugged Alya in worry. "Dude, don't please tell me we're going to be stuck up here..."

"I thought you said you were going to protect us," Alya smirked at him.

They have stopped their conversation when they heard Marinette gasp. "Look! A supervillain!"

Gwen and Adrien's eyes widen at the villain. It was webbing the Ferris wheel with its mouth and started climbing toward Marinette and the others.

Adrien glanced at Gwen and saw her frown at the patterns of the webbing. "Uh, I think my wifi is losing signal!" Adrien hung up and turned to Gwen who punched her fists.

"Stay here," Ghost ordered as she ran towards the window and jumped out, webbing herself toward the Ferris wheel.

"She's not doing it alone," Adrien grinned at Plagg. "Plagg, Claws out!"

🕸🕷🕸

Ghost dropped down and crossed her arms at the villain. Anansi huh? Alya's sister definitely.

"Well," Ghost spoke up, grabbing Anansi's attention as she dropped the others on the ground. "I'm flattered but there's only one spider in this city, and that's me."

"You're nothing like me," Anansi smirked. "I'm better."

"Cool," Ghost shrugged. She flipped her wrist and webbed Anansi's eyes, making her exclaim in shock.

Ghost ran over and kicked her chest, away from the others. She nodded to them as Chat arrived next to her.

"Sister of yours?" Chat teased but Ghost was distracted to fight Anansi. Ghost will admit, the woman is strong and give good punches.

Chat glanced at the Ferris wheel and immediately started helping people down. In the meantime, Marinette, Alya, and Nino got out of their cabin and started running.

Alya screamed as she was suddenly grabbed from behind. She looked back to see Anansi grabbing her and lifting her from the ground.

"Now that you can't cheat anymore, Cappie. Show us just how you plan to protect your friends," Anansi laughed as she jumped on top of the Obélisque de Louxor. "Come and get her if you're not a flyweight."

Nino worriedly saw as Anansi fled with Alya. He glared at the ground and started following them. He climbed over some cars as Anansi webbed the street.

"Nino, wait!" Marinette called out.

"I'm not a flyweight and I don't need your help to prove it!" Nino snapped and kept going.

Ghost groaned as she swam to the nearest land. She cursed as Anansi was quick for a moment and punched her straight into the water. She stood up and headed to Chat and saw he was able to get everyone down.

Ladybug arrived and nodded to them. "You guys did well without me."

Ghost stretched her arms, preparing for a rematch. "At least you're here."

Ladybug nodded as the three headed to where they last saw Anansi. Ghost only looked at the webs that surrounded the city.

"She's strong," Ghost spoke as she webbed to another building. "Caught me off guard but I won't let it happen again."

"We know," Ladybug smiled. "If there's anyone who can defeat a spider is another spider."

"I won't let you down," Ghost nodded and stopped as they heard a scream above them. Ghost stood on the wall and webbed Nino towards her.

Nino screamed more as he saw the webs but sighed in relief to see Ghost in front of him. "I like you more."

"Thanks?" she chuckled as she walked down the wall and placed him on the ground. "Leave it to us. We'll bring your girlfriend safe."

Ghost nodded to the others and left where they saw Nino being flung. But Nino refused, running after them. They landed in front of the Arc de Triomphe and saw Alya stuck in a large web between the pillars.

Ghost clenched her fists as she saw Anansi waiting for them. Anansi smirked at them. "So it's three versus one now? Fine by me! Round two...fight!"

Anansi threw punches and Ladybug and Chatnoir dodged them while Ghost took them head-on, dodging and throwing her own hooks. Anansi found it amusing how Ghost was able to keep up with her.

Anansi turned to Ladybug and Chatnoir and punched them away from them. "Guys!" Ghost exclaimed and dodged as Anansi threw a kick.

"You're my opponent now," Anansi smirked as she kept fighting.

"One-on-one, huh?" Ghost stepped forward, cracking her neck. It's been a while since she's been on a match and she knew how Anansi was experienced.

"I'm cool with that," Ghost smirked as Ladybug and Chatnoir ran ahead of her to save Alya while Ghost dealt with her. The akuma must be on the headgear.

Ghost moved her head and threw a right uppercut to her chin. She threw a jab on her rib and moved back to dodge a punch. She was unfortunate to miss the kick in her chest and fell back.

Ghost was quick as she placed her hands on the ground and jumped forwards, landing on her feet. She ran and jumped, throwing a hard punch at her.

(A/N: From ARCANE...favorite show btw)

Anansi screamed in pain as she was flung back to three cars. Ghost huffed as she rolled her shoulders. Her senses flared and threw a punch behind her but stopped at the shriek.

"Glasses?!" Ghost blinked, seeing Nino in front of her and covering his face. "What are you doing here?! I told you to go back."

"I won't leave without Alya!"

"You'll just get in the way and get hurt!" Ghost snapped and turned around to find her teammates and sweatdropped at them. They were stuck on the web too.

"Are you kidding me?"

"Looks like I got a catch," Anansi smirked, shoving the cars away and stalking over to Ghost.

Ghost gritted her teeth, cracking her knuckles. She stopped as she realized that Nino is behind her. "Shit," she cursed and grabbed Nino, and jumped away.

"Running away?!" Anansi taunted.

Landing on a near building, Ghost started looking around to find ways to fight and rescue Alya, Ladybug, and Chat. Not only that, Nino keeps coming back.

"Are you okay, dude–uh, Ghost-Spider?" Nino asked as he saw how tense she was.

"I'm fine," Ghost spoke as she looked around, seeing the pillars. "Okay, I think I know–" 

She screamed as she felt her chest suddenly burning. She crouched to the ground, holding onto the floor. Her heart pulsed rapidly as she tried to breathe.

"Are you okay?!" Nino asked, confused about what was going on. She didn't seem hurt earlier. What happened?!

"Shut...up," she groaned as she removed some of her suit and show her wrist. Her eyes widened in horror to see her veins brighter than before. How is this happening?!

"What?" Nino's eyes widened at her wrist. "What is that?"

"Don't come near me!" she ordered as she looked at the ground once more to calm down. She closed her eyes and thought of anything to calm herself down but the pain only ached more. "Agh!" she bit her tongue, the metallic taste filling her mouth as she tried not to scream.

She didn't know what happened. Her mind wandered off to the last person she doesn't want to think about. The grin of the blond boy filled her mind and his kind words echoed through her void. Ghost breathed slowly as she felt her pain subsiding.

Adrien...That boy...

"Maybe I can help you?" Nino suggested making Ghost turn to him. "Uh, I get it. It's cool. I'm no superhero. I tried to save Alya, but...guess I'm not strong enough."

"Is this your way to guilt trip me?" Ghost deadpanned.

"What?! No! It's just...I haven't seen you fight a villain by yourself and I was only asking. Besides, you look like you're hurt."

Ghost sighed and looked back to her teammates. She can do this alone. She's sure of it. She glanced at Ladybug in time to see her hand glowing and dropping an object to her hand. Ghost frowned. Ladybug summoned a lucky charm.

Ladybug's eyes widened in recognition and turned to Ghost. "It's a candle! A squared candle! Go!"

Ghost's jaw dropped. Is she serious? She doesn't want to see him yet. She groaned and rubbed her nape and turned to Nino. "Stay! Don't move," Ghost patted his head. "I'll be back, it won't take long."

"What about you?!" Nino exclaimed. "You're still hurt aren't you?"

"Don't worry about me. Ladybug and Chatnoir can handle their own. I'll be right back and don't move!"

🕸🕷🕸

"Hello, Ghost-Spider," Fu smiled at the hero.

Ghost-Spider begrudgingly webbed to his place and looked around. She sighed, sitting in front of him. "Ladybug's Lucky charm led me here. So give me your wise words and I'll be on my way," Ghost refused to look at him.

Fu chuckled at her behavior. She seemed more of a prideful 4-year-old. "I see...What seems to be the problem?"

"Ladybug and Chatnoir are being held by Anansi. I don't know how long it would take for them to take care of themselves."

"And how come you couldn't do it on your own?" Fu asked curiously.

Ghost hesitated, "The stones won't let me use my strength. Hell, they won't let me use 6% of my strength. Ladybug told me to come here. So tell me what I have to do and I'll leave."

Fu looked at her for a moment and realized what is wrong and grabbed her hands. "I see...you're not much to rely on someone, are you?"

"What are you talking about?" Ghost turned to him. "I have to get back to the others."

Fu raised a hand, stopping her. "As you mentioned before, I am not a good master. But I know when to ask someone for help. Ghost-Spider, you must take a miraculous and give it to someone you truly trust to finish this task."

Ghost blinked as she saw a box in front of them. Her eyes widened at the variety of jewels, including four spots missing. "No...I can't do that. What did I say? Stop handing these out like candy," she sterned.

Fu chuckled, shaking his head. "I trust you. You don't always have to do things on your own. You can count on someone to take care of your problems."

Ghost bit her lip, looking down at the jewels. "How? They're just going to end up being hurt because of me."

"Sometimes, they just want to take your pain away," he smiled. "Who do you trust to take your pain away?"

Ghost's first thought was Adrien or Lila but shook her head. What she needs is to protect everyone from harm while she deals with Anansi. She doesn't need anyone who can fight with her.

At least not yet.

"What do you suggest?" Ghost asked.

Fu smiled, glad he'll take his advice. He looked down at the jewels. "Do you wish to fight or protect?"

"Protect."

Fu looked down at his bracelet and handed it to her. His kwami smiled and entered the jewel. Ghost looked down at the bracelet.

"Are you sure about this?" Ghost asked, frowning at her wrists. "What if I mess it up? I always do."

She stopped as a hand was placed on top of her wrists, making her look up at him. "We won't know unless you try. People make mistakes but you can always be there to stop it," he nodded.

He closed his eyes and opened them to see Ghost gone, leaving a trace of the curtains flowing from the wind.

"I wish you luck...Gwen..."

🕸🕷🕸

Ghost came back in time to catch Nino from dropping to the ground. She crossed her arms at the boy and saw his determination. "What did I say?" she glared. "You'll just end up getting hurt. Stop going after Anansi."

"But...Alya needs me..." he pants.

Ghost sighed as she waited for me to get his composure. Nino noticed and stood up straight.

"What's your name?" Ghost demanded, crossing her arms.

"Nino. Nino Lahiffe," he gulped, introduced himself. He thought she would be intimidating but not this intimidating when he's taking the hit of her demands.

"What are you trying to do? Are you fighting? Because, even though it's the harsh truth, you're too weak."

"I don't care," he glared into her mask but Ghost wasn't affected by it. "I want to protect her at any cost."

"Protect, huh?" Ghost sighed as she rummaged through her pocket, taking out the bracelet.

"Nino Lahiffe. This is the miraculous of the turtle which grants you the power of protection. Once the job is done, you must return it to me. Can I trust you to protect not only those around you but...to look after my back?"

Nino's eyes widened at it, reaching for it but Ghost didn't let go. "Can I trust you, Nino? This will be dangerous and it won't be easy. I need you to look after them while I fight."

Nino nodded. Ghost looked into his eyes and smiled as she can see the fire in his eyes. "Don't make me regret it." She opened her palm as he grabbed it.

A green light shuns and flew around him, causing him to chuckle. A little floating green turtle appeared in front of him. "Hello, my name is Wayzz."

"Hey, little guy. What are you? A genie like in those fairy tales?" Nino looked at him with curiosity.

"I am a kwami. I can't grant wishes, but I can give you superpowers," Wayzz nodded, turning to Ghost. "Are you sure?"

Ghost nodded, "I trust him."

Wayzz grinned, turning back to Nino. "Then all you have to say is: Wayzz, shell on!"

Ghost only stared as the kwami flew into the bracelet and the suit appeared out of thin air. Nino had a shell on his back as he grinned at the suit.

"That's crazy!" he laughed, looking at the outfit.

"I need you to focus for me," Ghost spoke up.

She's still second-guessing herself for doing this. She knew she can do it on her own and yet...the stones won't allow her to use her full strength. She will have to in the meantime. If things come to worse...well, she just hopes it doesn't.

"To be honest with you," she spoke up. "I don't know how this miraculous works, so try your best to keep out of danger while I beat Anansi."

"But what about your...episode?" he frowned.

She clenched her jaw as she looked back to the others. "I'll be fine as long as you watch my back."

"On it."

🕸🕷🕸

"Ghost does take her time, huh?" Chat mused as he and Ladybug hang on the web. Their time was running out and it wasn't easy as Anansi tried to get the miraculous if it wasn't for Chat to use the cataclysm.

Ladybug just threw her candle at Anansi and dodged her hands as she could.

"Come on, Ghost," Ladybug frowned.

"Hey, six-hands! Catch this!"

Ladybug and Chat looked below to see Ghost with someone. They frowned as they realize it was another miraculous holder. They gasped as the turtle hero threw his shield at Anansi.

Anansi moved away in time as the shield flew back to the hero. "Change of pet? Replaced your kitty and bug with a turtle?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. They're cute," Ghost chuckled as she webbed Anansi.

Anansi moved away and smirked at Ghost. "Ha! You missed!"

"Did I? You need to get your eyes checked. Wait, out of six eyes? Damn, you must be blind."

Anansi's eyes twitched in irritation as she attacked Ghost but Ghost jumped away from her, webbing around the Arc de Triomphe and taunting Anansi.

Nino wanted to help fend off Anansi but Ghost was strict to watch her back. And he did. He would jump in and shield her as she kept webbing the place.

Anansi was getting irritated as the turtle would just be in front of her every second.

Ghost grinned as she finally webbed around the place. She nodded to Nino and waited for Anansi to take the bait. Nino jumped out of the web and jumped towards Alya, Ladybug, and Chat.

"Round three?" Ghost taunts as she cracks her back.

Anansi chuckled, "I've been waiting on this one, Ghosty."

"Bring it," Ghost brought her fists towards her face.

Anansi was the first to strike as she threw a jab at Ghost but she saw it coming and moved away in time for Anansi to break one of the pillars. Ghost jumped and kicked her jaw.

Anansi screamed and threw another punch, but she punched another pillar instead.

"Wow, you suck. I thought I could get better competition," Ghost taunted as Anansi fell for it and kept attacking.

Two more pillars were broken as Ghost finally neared Anansi and crouched, using her strength and knock her over with her arm. Anansi fell back on her webbing and looked back at Ghost.

"Your webbing! What is it made out of?!" Anansi struggled.

"It's organic," Ghost felt her blood rush and heat up as she felt the power stone take over her fist. She screamed at the aching pain but threw a final punch, knocking Anansi out of the webbing ring.

Anansi flew back, crashing into the ground like a crater. Ghost huffed as she gripped her wrist to relax.

"Turtle! Now!"

"Will do, dud–Ghost!" Nino exclaimed, not noticing the look from Alya next to him. "Shell-ter!"

Around his shield, creating a green globe around him and the others, protecting them from the disaster as the building crashed down. Ghost jumped out of the way as the debris crashed where she once stood.

The green globe came off as Ghost ran toward her friends. Chat and Ladybug were immediately on their feet, running toward her.

"You're not really replacing me, Ghosty?" Chat frowned.

"No way, who else will bug Ladybug?" Ghost teased but Ladybug only smiled at her.

"You did great," she nodded.

"I hoped it would," Ghost rubbed her nape.

They all heard a groan from the crater and saw Anansi crawling out of it, very pissed. Ladybug nodded to Ghost and grabbed Chatnoir's wrist, flinging him towards the villain. "Throw like a ladybug, scratch like a cat!"

Chat grinned as he used his cataclysm to destroy Anansi's headgear. Anansi was paralyzed on her spot as the akuma flew out.

Ladybug captured it, purifying it instantly. She looked around and found the candle not far from them. Ghost webbed it to her as Ladybug brought everything back to normal.

Anansi turned back to Nora.

"The Beetle, Ant-girl, and Mr. Whiskers? What's going on here?" Nora asked, looking around.

Ghost hold up a fist to her teammates but Ladybug's and Chat's jewels beeped.

"We gotta split," Ladybug nodded. Chat waved goodbye as the pair left.

Ghost glanced at Nino and saw the raised fist for her. She chuckled, shaking her head in amusement before pounding her fist with his.

"Whoah!" Alya exclaimed as she started recording Nino. "This is a first for the Ladyblog. A brand new superhero! What's your name?"

Nino was unsure what to say and glanced at Ghost who only nodded to him. He smirked and stared at the camera. "Carapace. Call me Carapace."

Ghost turned back to Nora and Alya, "We'll be on our way. Take care."

With that, Ghost grabbed Carapace and swung to a vacant building.

Making sure no one was around, Ghost turned to Carapace who changed back to Nino. He rubbed his nape as he grinned at her. "Thank you for trusting me."

"You weren't bad. You're cool in my book," she smiled as she grabbed the bracelet. "Don't speak of this moment to anyone. Not even your girlfriend, got it?"

Nino paled and nodded profusely. "Yes, ma'am."

🕸🕷🕸

The balcony doors were knocked, getting the man's attention. He walked to the balcony and opened the doors, revealing Ghost sitting on the railings.

"Well done," Fu smiled as he grabbed his miraculous. "I knew you could do it."

Ghost only sat in silence, not knowing what to say. Fu noticed and waited. It was quiet for a moment but Ghost sighed. "Why would you want to adopt me? Me of all people?"

Fu smiled, "You're special. And I want to help you control your powers."

"So you're putting me on a leash. To keep an eye on me?" she narrowed her eyes.

"No. I know you're strong. I want to help you become stronger for what's to come. And I know you will be ready by then...that is if you trust me."

Ghost looked at his outstretched hand of his and bit her lip. She doesn't know if he can help. She looked into his eyes and knew there is some sincerity in his eyes.

She sighed and grasped his hand. "I won't have to pay rent, right?"

Fu laughed.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Next Episode: Sandboy ♥

A/N: Memes by our favorite meme creator. halla92455

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Published: November 21, 2022

Word Count: 6869