A/N: Warning: Unedited chapter 🥹

"Don't be bemused, it's just the news!" Prime Queen grinned at the camera for all of Paris to see. "Thank you for joining us for this very special program. You will have the chance to witness the victory of our great leader, Scarletmoth!"

All the akumatized villains gathered together in front of the Eiffel Tower, preaching the mastermind of this plan. 

"Today shall be known as...Villains Day!" Prime Queen announced. 

Scarletmoth smirked, raising his cane to silence his followers. "Ladybug, Chatnoir, Ghost-Spider. I can feel your close presence. If you want to save Paris and all its people, I'll give you one last chance. Give yourselves up and bring me your miraculous!"

With the heroes, Ladybug and Ghost-Spider narrowed their eyes at the villain. He seems confident about this. How long has he planned this? 

"Penny for your thoughts, Ghosty?" Chat asked, bringing their attention. 

"It's like he's been preparing for this for a long time," Ladybug frowned in worry. "But we...we're not prepared for this."

Ghost chuckled, punching her head lightly. "If anything, we are ready for this. It can be it. We fight to win. There's more than three of us now."

"She's right, Ladybug," Chat nodded. "We've already fought them all and we won!"

Ladybug glanced around, seeing everyone's determined faces. She couldn't see Ghost's face but she can feel the hero already pumped to fight the big guy. 

The reason for Hawkmoth wanting to have Ghost by his side is unknown but Ghost never wavered and stayed by their side. 

"If we want to win, we have to defeat Hawkmoth. Even though we've never fought him before," Ladybug nodded as she stood up, facing the army and Scarletmoth. 

"Hawkmoth! I hope you enjoyed Volpina's illusion because the real Ladybug will never hand you over her miraculous!" Ladybug exclaimed as Chat and Ghost stepped next to her on both sides. 

"And we've got a better idea! You're going to give us your miraculous!" Chat shouted confidently. 

Carapace also stood up, standing next to Ghost. "You may have an army of akumatized warriors..."

Rena Rouge stood next to Carapace, "But we're a whole team of superheroes!"

Queen Bee stepped next to Chat as well. "You're going to wish you never wore that utterly ridiculous costume!"

They all turned to Ghost, making the hero sweatdrop at their antics. Does she have to do it too? She sighed, shrugging her shoulders and cracking her knuckles. "Let's go!"

That was all they needed as they jumped down and headed to the Eiffel Tower. But Scarletmoth laughed, finding them amusing. "I understand you want to fight. Then so be it. Guitar Villain, Frightningale. Music!" 

Guitar Villain and Frightningale started to play their music and sing as the day continued. The heroes won't stop him today as he thoroughly planned this. His eyes met Ghost's figure and smirked. 

It's all going according to plan. 

"And so it begins," Prime Queen voiced as all the small akumatized villains headed for them. "The Scarlet army is on its way to crush these pathetic miraculous holders."

Ladybug ran ahead while Ghost ran behind them, watching their backs. "Don't forget out main objective," Ladybug spoke up. "We went to get to Hawkmoth."

"Well, it's a simple plan then," Chat smirked. "Go for the big bad boss."

"Let's get him!" Rena Rouge exclaimed, running faster. 

"I'll cover you!" Carapace nodded to them all, glancing at Ghost briefly. 

"You can count on me, Ladybug!" Queen Bee nodded.

"Stick together and don't hesitate!" Ghost ordered. "Take whatever moment and strike."

"Got it!" They all simultaneously shouted as Stormy Weather was the first to attack, hitting them with a cyclone. 

"Horus!" The Pharaoh crossed his arms against his chest. "Give me your wings!" His head changed shape as he flew towards the team, carrying Princess Fragrance along. 

Stormy Weather shot a thunderbolt at Ladybug but Carapace was quickly there, throwing his shield above her to deflect the attack. Stormy Weather managed to dodge the thunder and glare at them. 

Riposte jumped in attacking Ghost. Ghost jumped away as Riposte stabbed the ground with her sword. Riposte jumped back with The Mime and Rogercop. 

Ghost smirked, thrusting her fists forward, having her knives come out. Chat jumped next to her, "I got your back."

"Counting on it," Ghost nodded to him as they both attacked the villains. 

Rogercop saw as Ghost and Chat were occupied, he aimed his wrists at Ladybug, throwing his beams at her. She used her yo-yo as a shield and looked up to see Pharaoh and Princess Fragrance still in the air. 

"Queen Bee!" she shouted. "Pharaoh's pendant!"

Princess Fragrance shot her perfume towards Chatnoir and Ghost. She aimed higher towards Ghost when Carapace stood behind her, using his shield to stop the attack. 

"Thanks," Ghost nodded. 

Queen Bee ran forward and hit her spinning top at Pharaoh's necklace, de-akumatizing him. Jalil blinked, dropping Princess Fragrance, and fell. 

"Rena! Rescue!" Ghost shouted. 

Rena Rouge ran forward, catching Jalil from hitting the ground. "Good aim, Chloé!" She turned to the fleeing Princess Fragrance and threw her flute at her, hitting her gun spot-on. Princess Fragrance shrieked before turning to Rose. 

Queen Bee was quick to catch her before glaring at Rena Rouge. "It's Queen Bee to you, Fox!"

Chat kept dodging Mime's attack while Ghost dodged Riposte's last attack, causing the villain to flail forward. Chat was quick to grab her by the sword and swing at Mime. 

The Mime flinched back but Ghost ran quickly and webbed his hat to her, ripping it in half. Chat threw Riposte to a bench, stabbing the sword on it. Riposte squirmed on his hold but Carapace threw his shield down, breaking the sword. 

Both akumas flew out of The Mime and Riposte as Ladybug captured them. 

"We make a pretty cool team," Chat smirked as everyone was fine. 

"Not bad! But it's not over yet," Ladybug nodded. 

Scarletmoth saw the whole ordeal, not worried about it. "It's all going according to plan, Catalyst."

"Nothing's more delightful than leading them to believe that they actually have a chance of winning when their future has already been decided!" Catalyst grinned. 

Scarletmoth glanced up at the top buildings, finding the person he needed. Dark Cupid flew in the air, waiting for the signal. As he received it, he left to attack a certain family. 

The last one remaining is Stormy Weather. She is currently attacking Ladybug as Chat hands his staff to Ghost. Ghost extended the staff while Queen Bee stood on it with Chat. 

"On your left!" Ghost shouted, throwing both heroes at Stormy Weather. 

Queen Bee attacked her, kicking down the umbrella, and instantly breaking it. Stormy Weather was de-akumatized and fell but Chat dived down and grabbed her before they hit the ground. 

Carapace and Rena Rouge ran toward Rogercop, using Carapace's shield from his attacks. Rogercop took a second to aim them but Rena Rouge used that chance to throw her flute at him. Unfortunately, Rogercop saw through that and arched his back, dodging it. 

Ladybug saw his whistle still in the air and struck it with her yo-yo, de-akumatizing him. Ladybug captured the remaining akumas and stood next to her partners. 

Ladybug smirked, pointing her finger directly at Scarletmoth. "Your days of attacking innocent people will soon be over, Hawkmoth. Lucky Charm!" A tennis racket landed on her hands and looked around, finding herself looking at her team. 

She crouched, facing the enemy. "Get ready! I'm going to need all of you!"

They all nodded and prepared to attack the big guys. Ghost stopped, her spidey senses tingling. She narrowed her eyes and looked around. Queen Bee took notice of this and glanced at her. 

"What's wrong?"

"Something's not right," Ghost murmured. Her senses flared, making her turn to the victims but it was too late as red arrows shot them from their backs. 

The arrows poofed away as they all grew angry. Ghost's eyes widened as Scarletmoth used that chance to akumatize them once again. 

"Shit," Ghost gritted her teeth. 

"What an incredible twist!" Prime Queen grinned. "Those lousy heroes didn't even see it coming!"

Ghost turned back to where the arrows come from, spotting Dark Cupid aiming his next arrow at her. Chat noticed it too, standing next to her. "Hawkmoth is using Dark Cupid to create all the negative emotions he needs!"

The villains ran as the heroes met them. It became increasingly difficult to fight them again as Dark Cupid flew over and fires his arrows at them. It seemed Scarletmoth knew Ghost would attack Dark Cupid because he directed most of the villains at her. 

The others helped her, along with dodging Dark Cupid's arrows. 

"It's a nightmare!" Carapace shouted as he used his shield to stop Stormy Weather's attack before fighting with Ghost. 

"Stay focused, guys! Villains must never prevail!" Ladybug shouted as she used her yo-yo to shield herself from Rogercop's beams. 

Scarletmoth laughed, "Fall on them like rain, my scarlet akumas!" He raised his staff, summoning a horde of red akumas flying over to them. 

Ghost's senses flared, making her stiffen and turn around from the fight. Her eyes widened to see so many akumas heading towards them. 

"Now watch Scarletmoth's relentless plan to get rid of your precious protectors!" Prime Queen laughed at the screen. 

They all continued fighting, making sure to dodge Dark Cupid's arrows. If they were struck, it's over for them. 

Carapace grunts as Pharaoh punched his shield and exclaimed in shock when Pharaoh managed to punch the shield away. Pharaoh reached for his bracelet but Carapace moved away, causing him to grab his wrists. 

Carapace had enough and kicked Pharaoh away as he crouched on the ground. Dark Cupid used that chance and aimed his next arrow. Rena Rouge took notice of this and ran in front of him. 

"Carapace! Watch out!" Rena gasped as she felt the arrow digging into her back. 

Carapace's eyes widened in disbelief, catching her. "No! Rena!" he shouted feeling the overwhelming guilt building up. Why would she do this?!

Rena's lips darkened as she snarled. She shoved Carapace away from her, glaring at him seethingly. "Hands off! You flyweight!" she snarled as she held her stomach. 

Ladybug gasped as it occurred, she threw her yo-yo capturing an akuma from going closer to Rena. "Rena Rouge! Don't let any negative emotions take over you or you might get akumatized too, and that's exactly what Hawkmoth wants!"

Carapace walked towards the crouching hero, cautiously raising his hands. "Hold on."

Rena's head snapped up at him, glaring at him. "You are not cut out to be a hero!" she lunged at him but Carapace evaded her before grabbing her from behind, wrapping his arms around hers. 

Rena squirmed in his hold. "Let go of me, you weakling!"

As they struggled, Princess Fragrance walked towards them, smirking as she fired at them. Queen Bee jumped in, using her spinning top to stop her, shielding the heroes. 

"You don't have to worry about me, Ladybug!" Queen Bee exclaimed. "I'll never let my emotions get the better of me!"

She spoke too soon as she stiffened when she heard familiar voices calling her. She looked up to see a red beam landing in front of her. It poofed red as Style Queen and Maledikator faced her. Queen Bee paled, worry filled her as she didn't expect this. 

"Daddy? Mommy?" she frowned. 

Ghost grunts as she pushed Mime away and ran towards Queen Bee to help. Her senses spiked and dodged another arrow. Ghost webbed at Dark Cupid but the villain avoided it last minute. 

"Queen Bee! Focus!" Ladybug exclaimed and grunted at one of Pharaoh's punches.

Malediktator smirked, raising his index and middle finger to his lips as a red orb glowed. "By the power vested in me, stop playing superheroes!" He and Style Queen fired at Queen Bee, but she dodged and used her spinning top to shield herself. 

Rena Rouge struggled in Carapace's grasp and had enough, elbowing his ribcage and grabbing his arm over her shoulder, throwing him to the ground. His eyes widened in disbelief and horror as Rena gladly let her arms out and let a red akuma fly into her necklace. 

"I am...Rena Rage!" she smirked. 

"Noo!" Carapace gritted his teeth, guilt overwhelmed him. He looked at the ground in shame. He couldn't do one job he was supposed to do! Ghost entrusted him to look at every one's back and shield them. 

Carapace flinched as a blue beam neared his face, making his head snap up. His eyes widened to see Ghost using her blasters to punch Rena's abdomen. The punch was severe, causing her to fall unconscious. She managed to catch her quickly before turning to Carapace and burning the akumas nearing him. 

"Get up! Now's not the time to get sad! We have to keep going!" Ghost shouted, picking the boy off the ground effortlessly. "Right now! I need you to take her away from here!"

"But what about you?!" he shook his head. 

"Go!" she threw Rena at him and pushed him away as she turned back to see Queen Bee become akumatized too. "Shit!"

"Queen Bee!" Chat exclaimed in worry as he pushed back Rogercop and turn to her. 

"That's Queen Wasp to you, cockroach!" Queen Wasp lunged at him, punching the ground he once stood. 

Chat jumped back and dodged the enemies' attacks, turning to the remaining girls. "This might be a good time to use that Lucky charm of yours, don't you think?" 

"I need all of us to make it work! I can't do anything with it now!" Ladybug jumped back standing back to back with Chat and Ghost as the villains surrounded them. 

Chat looked around but couldn't think of anything, turning to Ghost who usually has the best ideas. "Ghost? I...I don't see how we're going to get out of this one, guys."

"We can't lose hope, or we'll get akumatized too," Ladybug also looked around. 

Ghost looked around, feeling guilty for not making it in time to save Chloé but shook it off. She doesn't know what would happen if she gets akumatized now. 

She ended up looking at the ground, her eyes widening. "Chat. The ground. We'll fall back for now."

Ladybug's eyes widened and she grinned, "Cataclysm! That's it!"

"Got it! Cataclysm!" Chat punched the ground as it broke beneath them, causing a cloud of smoke and leaving the heroes to escape. 

🕸🕷🕸

In the sewers, the three heroes ran with no destination in mind. Hoping to fall back and have a game plan for the moment. Ladybug's earring beeped, alerting them. Her eyes wandered to someplace to transform back and found two tunnels with the water leaving the exit. 

"I'm about to transform back, I'll go this way. You go that way," Ladybug jumped into one tunnel as Chat jumped to the other while Ghost leaned her back against the wall between the tunnels, making sure her hoodie covers her blindspot and them. 

Ladybug and Chatnoir transformed back, glancing at Ghost who flopped to the ground and crossed her legs and arms. They felt relief for a moment, knowing she wouldn't look at them. 

"That was a close one," Marinette pants, looking at Tikki. She went to her bag and pulled out a macaroon, handing it to Tikki. 

Adrien went to his pocket, took out a piece of camembert, and handed it to Plagg. "Enjoy it, but don't take too long. We don't have much time."

"Let's share it," Plagg split the camembert in half, "You're going to need it too."

"Thank you, Plagg," Adrien smiled, turning to Ghost. "Ladybug, do you have any snacks for Ghost? Aren't you tired?" he asked Ghost. 

"I'm frustrated," Ghost states, looking up at the ceiling. "This is way too much and cost everyone on the team." She went back to her bracer called Carapace. 

"Ghost! Is that you?" Ghost heard Carapace whisper. 

"Yeah, we're here. How are you over there? How's Rena?"

"Still asleep. How hard did you punch her?"

"Enough for a few minutes. I need you to take care of her for now. We'll deal with the rest for now."

"Okay...I'm sorry–"

"Nope. Goodbye," Ghost hung up, sighing in frustration. "He'll get sentimental and gets affected too. Just what we need," she sarcastically rolled her eyes and gently refused Ladybug's macaroons.

"Are you guys okay?" Adrien asked.

"Hawkmoth has never re-akumatized so many people in one go. Something's changed," Marinette frowned. 

"Maybe he's figured out how to boost his powers, just like we did," Adrien spoke up. 

"But that doesn't seem right," Ghost spoke up, making the teens turn to her. "You guys have a power boost based on adapting to your environments like water, ice, and more. But boosting powers to use your special powers all the time? In this short amount of time? Can you guys use your Lucky Charm or your Cataclysm more than one time?"

The teens frowned, "No. What are you thinking, Ghosty?"

"It can be a coincidence," Ghost shrugged. "It's just a theory. I'm not really sure how your powers work to an extent but if it boosts your power like that and turns to a different color doesn't seem like it."

"Do you think he's working with someone?" Marinette frowned, understanding what she means. 

"Like a said, just a theory. I mean, where is Volpina? Where is she in this? She hasn't attacked us once," Ghost frowned. 

"Do you think Lila is working with Hawkmoth?" Adrien's eyes widened. 

"I'm not sure. But one thing I know, Hawkmoth is working with someone. It's just a gut feeling."

Marinette frowned, feeling more worried. "You still think we can win?"

Adrien smiled, placing a hand on the wall facing Marinette but staring at Ghost's head. "Like you said, we can't lose hope. People are relying on us."

"But our team crumbled," Marinette faced the wall. 

"Then let's go back to what's always worked. A trio. You, me, and Ghosty against the world," Adrien grinned. 

Marinette's lip quirked, feeling relieved that her partners are still with her to the end. She nods and looks up as Ghost stood up. "They're coming."

Marinette stiffened up as she can vaguely see a crowd of red running towards them. 

"You like water rides?" Adrien turned, running to the water. 

Marinette smirked, running too. "Don't forget to put your diving gear on." They both jumped, diving into the water and transforming back, and boosting their powers. 

As soon as Ghost heard the splash, she turned around and ran to the water, diving too. Ghost pressed on her bracer, feeling her mask materialize over her nose, mouth, and eyes as she swam toward her swimming partners. 

They all stopped in their tracks when they saw Syren in front of them, holding a road sign. "Syren!"

They heard a splash behind them and saw Animan in the shape of a giant catfish swimming towards them. 

"Better get fishing," Aquanoir brought out his staff and swam to Syren while Ghost swam towards Animan. 

Aquanoir swung his staff at Syren and dodged some of her swings. Syren was slow as her staff was slow underwater but Aquanoir used that chance and knock the sign off her hands and smash her bracelet. 

Ghost swam to the walls, using her webs to trap Animan. Animan struggled in its grasp and goes to transform into something smaller but Ghost climbed on him and punched his pin on his head. 

Aquabug nodded at them, capturing the akumas. Animan and Syren transformed back to Ondine and Otis. As they transformed back, Aquanoir and Aquabug were quick to give their yo-yo and staff for them to breathe. 

Ghost looked around but there were no threats at the moment and swam towards the river while the others followed along. 

"It's going to take a lot of time to de-akumatize all these villains one by one," Aquanoir swam next to Ghost with Ondine by his side. 

"Which is exactly why we have to take on Hawkmoth directly," Aquabug agreed, holding Otis. "He's using his cane to re-akumatize his victims. If we can destroy it, he won't have an army fighting for him anymore."

They all stopped and gasped as the ice rapidly started spreading through the river. 

Ghost grabbed Aquabug and Aquanoir, "Hold on tight." She threw the four out of the water in time for the river to freeze over. 

Aquanoir and Aquabug transformed back to Chatnoir and Ladybug and landed on the iced ground. Ladybug found Frozer on top of the Eiffel Tower and aimed her yo-yo at his skates, breaking them. The akuma flew out and Ladybug used that chance to capture it. 

"Ghost!" Chat shouted but it was quiet. He looked around but no sign of her anywhere. 

"Ghost!" Ladybug, too, shouted. 

Ondine and Otis worriedly looked around and heavily flinched as they heard an explosion from behind. They all turned around to find Ghost's gloved pink fist punching through the ice before dragging herself out. 

"A little help?" she groaned as Ladybug and Chat immediately went to her aid. 

"That was risky," Chat sterned. 

"Sucks," Ghost pants, walking over to Ondine. "It's going to feel weird but don't panic. Just a little knife will take it off," She shot her webs at Ondine's feet, temporarily using them as shoes. 

Ondine thanked her as she and Otis ran away from the scene. Scarletmoth saw all this happen and gritted his teeth in frustration. It got worse as Ladybug found him and smirked at him. 

"You sure don't want to miss what's coming next! Time to show everyone that the real Ladybug is back!" Ladybug opened her yo-yo and released all the purified butterflies in the sky for all to see. 

The people in Paris smiled in awe and felt immense relief and hope to see it all happen live on tv. 

Scarletmoth wasn't as Prime Queen also continued to record everything with a smile. He shoved his hand over the camera, glaring at her. "Stop filming, Prime Queen!" he turned back to the heroes and seethingly glared as Ghost gladly flipped him off. 

Ladybug, Chatnoir, and Ghost turned to the task at hand and found Darkblade with his army, waiting for them along with the giant akumatized victims. "No more escaping for you, knaves! Down with the enemy!"

The three heroes paled and took a few steps back. "I suggest we take a little detour," Ladybug muttered. 

"Couldn't agree more," Chat and the others ran away with Darkblade chasing after them. 

They all dodged their attacks from flying cars to large red beams. They kept running as they were catching up. It has gotten worse as the akumatized victims jumped out of the sewer holes and ran after them too, throwing their own attacks. 

"Any miraculous ideas?" Chat turned to Ladybug. 

"Besides running and surviving, you mean?" she incredulously asked. 

"There!" Ghost pointed in front of them, finding a barricade of cars, trash, and more blocking the street, and jumped over it, hiding from behind. Scarletmoth's army stopped and walked towards the barricade. They heard multiple steps coming, spotting the people of Paris on top of the barricade. 

Nora seemed to be the leader as she held up their flag with pride and smirked at the enemy. "Parisians, we can be heroes just for one day!" she shouted, causing the people to roar and run towards the army. 

"What?!" Darkblade exclaimed. "A revolution?! Charge!" The army ran towards them too, fighting amongst themselves. 

Ladybug and Chat groaned from falling to the ground. Ghost stood up, looking back at the people. "They're awesome," she smirked. She never thought she'll see the people helping the heroes. 

"Are you okay?" Ghost turned around to find Gina helping Ladybug off the ground. Ghost helped Chat up and turned to Gina and Marlena. 

"It's awesome seeing you guys again!" Marlena grinned. 

"Parisians are all on your side," Gina smiled comfortingly. 

"We will slow them down. You three go save the world," Marlena ushered, causing the three to grin at them. 

"You're all fantastic! Thank you! Take care!" Ladybug shouted as the three ran off towards the Eiffel Tower. 

"Thank you!" Chat shouted too. 

They jumped over the apartments, running along. Ghost looked around and grinned back at the people. She just hopes everyone is all right. They stopped in their tracks, spotting all the giant akumatized victims waiting for them. 

Gigantitan was close to Ghost but looked down to find cars with bows on top. Gigantitan grinned excitedly and crouched down to play with the cars. 

Stoneheart followed the heroes but groaned as it fell to the ground. A couple of earth-moving tractors trapped him on the ground while several helicopters distracted Gorizilla.

"People are amazing!" Chat watched in awe as he ran. 

"That's precisely why you should never give up hope, kitty!" Ladybug grinned at the people. 

Ghost laughed as Horrificator growled, flopping to the ground not far from them. "They're awesome," she laughed and followed along, already finding the Eiffel Tower. 

They spotted Glaciator and Gamer in front of them but didn't stop this time. Not when they're very close to reaching Hawkmoth. 

"Take care of ice cream man, Chatnoir," Ladybug nodded. 

"With pleasure! All this fighting has made me hungry," Chat grinned, running straight for Glaciator while Ladybug and Ghost went for Gamer. 

Ladybug and Ghost jumped over Gamer as he beamed for them while Chat ran under Gamer and over Glaciator. The three heroes passed each other and grinned to see Glaciator freezing Gamer while Gamer beamed at Glaciator.

The heroes jumped and landed finally at the Eiffel Tower. They spotted Hawkmoth and ran for him, waiting to finish this. 

Scarletmoth gasped, turning to them in alarm. Ghost frowned, her senses flaring as she stood in front of him. Something felt off. 

"It's down to the four of us, Hawkmoth!" Ladybug smirked. 

"Cataclysm!" Chat clenched his fist, waiting for the order while Ladybug used her Lucky Charm. 

A small box landed on her palm. Ladybug recognized it instantly, opening it and facing it at Scarletmoth. "It's a sign, Hawkmoth. A sign that your miraculous will wind up inside this box!"

"Are you sure you're not making a serious mistake?" Scarletmoth asked. "How would you know if the wish I was planning to make with your miraculous wouldn't have been beneficial to everyone?" he smirked. 

"If you were to make a wish, there'd be a price to pay. Why don't you tell us your wish, Hawkmoth?" Ladybug asked. 

"Give me your miraculous and Ghost-Spider and you'll find out," Scarletmoth smirked. "Unlike you, I'm not afraid to use these powers. Since you're so good, why did you never bother to change the world for the better?"

"We are changing the world for the world every day! By our actions," Ladybug narrowed her eyes. "Not just by wishing it at the expense of innocent citizens!"

"Whatever your wish, it can only be evil judging by the havoc you wreak," Chat glared at him. 

Ladybug and Chat walked towards Scarletmoth but Ghost couldn't comprehend what was going on. Her senses flared at the sight of him. She frowned, looking around. 

Her eyes widened, spotting something orange at the top, and webbed herself towards it quietly. 

Ladybug and Chat stood in front of Scarletmoth. Ladybug smiled, in hopes, it can be over. "It's not too late. You can fight for good, with us."

Ghost's eyes narrowed at the culprit and tackled Volpina out of the clearing. Volpina screeched as she landed on the ground below. Ladybug and Chat turned to the commotion. Their eyes widened to see Ghost snatching Volpinas bracelet and breaking it. 

Volpina turned back to Lila. 

Lila gasped, looking around. "What's going on?"

Ghost seethed, turning to her partners, and shot a blaster towards the arrow flying towards them. 

Ladybug and Chat jumped away while Chat spotted Dark Cupid and threw his staff at his pin, de-akumatizing him. 

Kim screamed as he neared the ground but Ladybug aimed her yo-yo at him, catching him and gently placing him on the ground under the tower. 

Ghost turned back to Lila and gripped her shoulders, webbing her wrist. "You have to go."

"But–Watch out!" Lila screamed as Scarletmoth grabbed Ghost from behind, gripping her arms. 

Ghost grunts as she threw her head back, smacking against his chest but Scarletmoth kept hold of her. Chat and Ladybug noticed and ran towards them. 

Ghost stomped on his foot hard and elbowed his ribs, causing him to let her go. Ghost shoved herself off of him and grabbed Lila's wrist, running away while Ladybug and Chat deal with him for now. 

"Where are we going?!" Lila turned back to the heroes before turning to her. 

"I have to get you to safety," Ghost replied before standing at the edge of the tower. "Do you trust me?"

Lila faced her, panting and nodding. Ghost grabbed her wrist and webbed it before lowering her to the ground. As soon as she was safely on the ground, Ghost let go of the web and ran back to her partners. 

She will finally get answers. She has to!

Chat was currently fighting Scarletmoth with his staff against his. Ghost ran in and tackled Scarletmoth, wrapping her arms around him from behind. Scarletmoth didn't anticipate this as Ladybug used that chance to wrap her yo-yo around his cane and pull it. 

Ladybug threw the cane at Chatnoir. He caught it in his hand, using his cataclysm to destroy it. 

Scarletmoth turned back to Hawkmoth. 

"No..." he frowned as every akumatized victim was de-akumatized, including Rena Rouge and Queen Bee. 

Hawkmoth huffs, preparing to fight. "All right, kids. Watch what a man who's got nothing to lose can do!"

The trio charged at him and fought. Hawkmoth found it amusing how he can easily evade Ladybug's and Chat's attacks but found it frustrating when Ghost was faster and stronger, repeatedly punching and kicking the same spot. 

Hawkmoth managed to punch Ladybug and Chat away. Ghost's eyes widened in worry as Hawkmoth walked towards them. Ghost immediately stood in front of them protectively as the others struggled to stand. 

"You're never going to win. Not today or any other day. You're still so green, young heroes. You can't even transform after you've used your powers," Hawkmoth flung a fist back and swung at Ghost but she easily caught it, punching his jaw. 

He exclaimed in pain, causing him to roll back before facing her. 

"Before you get cocky, asshole," Ghost growled. "Don't forget you're my opponent."

Hawkmoth chuckled, standing up. "You have a splendid gift, Ghost-Spider! It's such a shame you have to be with them," he nodded to the others. "You're overpowered. You can change the world at the snap of your fingers! Don't think I haven't noticed the change of color beneath your skin."

Ghost's eyes narrowed, standing in alarm. "What do you know about it?"

"Everything," he stood up. "You see, Ladybug's and Chatnoir's miraculous aren't the only jewels that can make a wish."

Ladybug's, Chatnoir's, and Ghost's eyes widened. "What?"

"Tell me this, Ghost-Spider? How did those jewels choose you? What caused the heroes' demise? They wished for a new opportunity. And those jewels are inside of you," Hawkmoth taunted, walking towards her. 

Ghost stiffened, paling at his words. "What?"

"That's right," Hawkmoth now stood in front of her. "A wish to those jewels of yours will make my reality. And it costs one price...you." Hawkmoth used her vulnerability to grab her arms. 

Chat's eyes widened, struggling to stand. That can't be true...that can't be true! "Ghost!"

Ghost didn't know what is happening. Why is her heart beating so fast? Why are her hands shaking? Why does she feel herself trembling? Why does she feel cold and hot at the same time?

Is this fear?

She hasn't felt this since...since...

Ghost felt paralyzed. Her eyes dimmed when she caught something in her sight. Something vaguely wrapped around Hawkmoth's neck. 

She didn't realize her hands were reaching for it, finding a small, gold chain. Her heart slowly started speeding up. Her hands intensively trembled as she finally caught sight of the jewel on the chain. 

A pearl.

Ghost turned the pearl over, fearing the absolute worst. It was still carved with a smudge of blood on it fainty stuck in the cracks. 

A flash of blood spread her mind along with greens.

"Where did you get this..."

Hawkmoth stopped, looking down at the girl, finding her holding the necklace. "Where...did you...get...this?"

Hawkmoth wasn't able to answer as a green shield hit them, causing both to fall to the ground. But Ghost didn't care. 

All she saw was blood-curdling red. 

Ghost immediately turned to Hawkmoth, "WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?!" she screeched, reaching to get him but Ladybug and Chat didn't want to risk her being in Hawkmoth's grasp again and grabbed her, pulling her away. 

"GET OFF OF ME! WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?! ANSWER ME!" She shouted, trying her best to go to him but Carapace, Rena Rouge, and Queen Bee stood in front of her, stopping for going closer. 

"Ghost! Calm down!" Rena tried but Ghost decked her jaw, desperately trying to get to Hawkmoth but the others grabbed her. 

"Ghost! Please! What's wrong with you?!" Ladybug exclaimed in worry as Rena grabbed Ghost-Spider again by the legs. 

"Why?! Why do you have it?!" Ghost screeched as Hawkmoth stood up and faced them. 

Queen Bee immediately used her Venom and paralyzed her. Ghost gritted her teeth, struggling to move but she couldn't. Ladybug sighed in relief but Chat was worried. 

What made her react that way? He has never seen her so desperate like that before. Ladybug couldn't waste time, wrapping her yo-yo around the tower, trapping Hawkmoth. 

Hawkmoth looked around, finding himself stuck. He's really going to lose!

🕸🕷🕸

In the lair, Mayura plucked out a feather from her hand fan. She conserved her energy in it, causing the beautiful white feather to turn purple and fill with void. 

She blew on it, smiling softly as it flew towards the Eiffel Tower and on Hawkmoth's destroyed cane. 

Hawkmoth dropped to his knees, knowing he failed. He had failed himself and his family.

"Hawkmoth" 

Hawkmoth stiffened, hearing a voice in his head. 

"I am Mayura. You're up against the wall, plagued by your deepest, darkest despairs. Let me help you."

"No," Hakwmoth pleaded. "Don't do that!"

"Let your despair be embodied in a powerful protection."

Hawkmoth frowned at the ground, silently agreeing to Mayura's help. It was so sudden for all of them around. A purple blob appeared out of thin air and materialized into a large purple moth. 

The heroes gasped in horror at it. The moth flapped its wings, causing the powerful wind to blow them all away. Ladybug held on to her yo-yo as the others fell back. 

"What is that monster?!" Ladybug gasped before screaming when her yo-yo became undone. She fell back off the tower but she wasn't giving up, she threw her yo-yo at the monster, pulling herself towards it. 

Just as she went for an attack, the moth disappeared. Ladybug desperately looked around but couldn't find it anywhere. That was when she saw something fly out of Hakwmoth's cane. 

Ladybug took a closer look at it and gasped. "A feather!"

Chat landed next to her, also looking at the odd feather. Ladybug turned to him in disbelief. "The second miraculous that Master Fu lost–"

"Was a peacock!" Chat's eyes widened. 

"Ladybug!" Queen Bee shouted, getting everyone's attention. Queen Bee was looking everywhere, "Hawkmoth!"

Rena Rouge and Carapace looked around too, finding Hawkmoth gone. Ladybug and Chat turned to Ghost, sighing in relief to see her still where she was frozen. 

"He must have escaped when that monster appeared," Chat looked around.

"Ghost-Spider was right. Hawkmoth is no longer working alone. He had help from the owner of the peacock miraculous," Ladybug stated, walking towards Ghost in assurance and grabbing the broken cane from the ground. "Maybe this will help us track him."

Just as everyone gathered around the cane, it disappeared. They all gasped, frowning at their misfortune. "There goes our last chance of finding him," Rena muttered. 

"He must have de-transformed," Ladybug frowned. Her earring flashed, realizing she was out of time. "We've got to split." She threw her box in the air as everything went back to normal, fixing all the wreckage in the city. 

Including freeing Ghost. 

Ghost landed on her knees on the ground. The heroes immediately went to her aid, checking in on her. 

"Are you okay?" Queen Bee asked. 

Ghost was quiet, looking up slowly to see everyone there but no sign of Hawkmoth. The pearl flashed in her mind causing her to grit her teeth. 

"I'm going to kill him."

They all flinched at her dark tone. Rena Rouge, Carapace, and Queen Bee took a step back when Ghost stood up. Ladybug and Chat paled to find Ghost darkly relaxed. 

"Ghost...What's going on?" Ladybug concernedly asked. 

Ghost was quiet but they all could tell she was mad. 

Carapace frowned, worried for her. What was that about earlier? Jewels? Wish? What's going on? The new heroes were confused but Ladybug and Chatnoir feared the worst for Ghost-Spider. 

"Queen Bee," Ghost-Spider spoke up, making the girl flinch. 

"Yes, ma'am?" she squeaked at her tone. 

Ghost glanced back at Ladybug and Chatnoir, seeing they didn't have time so she'll make it quick. "I have been working on something. I'm not completely sure if it will work definitely but if I do so, we may be still count on making you a hero."

Ladybug and Chatnoir frowned. What is she talking about?

Queen Bee frowned too. "Wait, you weren't going to make me a hero after this?"

"For your safety, no one can know you are Queen Bee other than Ladybug, Chatnoir, and me," Ghost stoically stepped forward. 

Queen Bee reluctantly took a step back. "What are you going to do?"

"After today, your parents and butler were put in danger. You have potential, Chloé," Ghost softly gestured. "That's why I want to help you make everyone forget your identity."

Ladybug's and Chatnoir's eyes widened. "You can do that? Since when?"

"I have been slightly training with the stones," Ghost explained. "We don't have time, you have to decide now. Will you continue to be a hero or not?"

Queen Bee's eyes widened. She thought back to the events today and realized Ghost-Spider was right. Her identity caused her parents *cough* and butler *cough* to be in danger because of her. 

Hawkmoth used those she loves against her. She can't let it happen again. Queen Bee looked up at her and nodded. "Yes. Do as you must."

Ghost nodded, de-materializing her gloves as her peach skin reached for her head. Ladybug couldn't help but notice the faint scars on her skin. 

"Let me know if it hurts."

Ghost didn't let her reply as her eyes glowed yellow behind the mask and her peach skin was decored with yellow branches. Rena Rouge's and Carapace's eyes widened in awe as the yellow branches neared Queen Bee's head. 

It spread down to Queen Bee's face, making her eyes glow a bright yellow. The girls convulsed for a moment, worrying the others. It wasn't after a few seconds did they felt cold overwhelm everyone in the city and shiver down their spine. 

Ghost shakily stepped back, dropping her arms to her sides. Chat's eyes widened, managing to catch her before she fell to the ground. Queen Bee's eyes were blurry for a moment and shook it off. 

She turned to Rena Rouge and Carapace, "Do you know my identity?"

Rena Rouge and Carapace blinked, confused. "Um..are we supposed to?"

Ladybug's, Chat's, and Queen Bee's eyes widened. "It worked." They turned to Ghost but noticed Ghost shakily standing up and grabbing Carapace's wrist. 

"I'll see you guys around," Ghost gritted her teeth and jumped off to grab Carapace's miraculous. 

🕸🕷🕸

Ghost groaned as she fell on one of the roofs. Carapace exclaimed in worry, running to hold her. He winced as he felt himself burning at her touch. "Ghost! What's wrong?! Ghost!"

"Shh," Ghost groaned, panting to reach for air. The burning sensation came back. It felt a whole lot worse than using the power stone. She could hardly breathe with smoke filling her lungs and throat. Her eyes watered as she felt herself burning up. 

"Ghost..." Carapace turned back to Nino, looking at her in worry with Wayzz. "What's going on?"

"I honestly don't know," Ghost winced, lying on the ground. "Don't talk about this to anyone, got it?"

"But...What about you?" Nino looked around but Ghost waved her hand. 

Ghost-Spider couldn't respond as the world around her pulled her to her void and dream of bloodied pearls.

A/N: End of Season 2 😭 Shit's about to go down from now on. Wish me luck 😉

Published: January 28, 2023

Word Count: 6780