Chapter Text
- We cannot allow Paris to be neglected.
- It's not neglected; we're taking care of it.
- Not properly.
-You're just a handful of idiots who, after ignoring us for years, come to impose your will as if your word were absolute.
- Chat! Enough... As for you, Monsieur Superman, don't you understand reasons? I've already explained the danger of your presence here, and the French government has issued a restriction order for the League, so unless you want this to become an international incident, I suggest you to leave.
- We won't. - Said Superman, crossing his arms.
- Yes, we will. - Replied Batman, standing beside Ladybug.
- Batman... Why am I not surprised?
- The city is under attack by a magical terrorist who feeds on negative emotions. And since your vulnerability to magic is publicly known, tell me, are you completely capable of keeping your emotions under control? Because it doesn't seem so to me.
- Diana... - Superman said, turning to look at Wonder Woman.
- I'm with Batman. I understand the potential danger of the Miraculous jewels as a descendant of one of the ancient Ladybugs... but the chosen ones have always respected the guardian's decisions, and she is the guardian. And though I'd like to stay and help, I am aware of my lack of emotional control in the battlefield. If any of you can keep your emotions under absolute control, raise your hand and submit your response to the lasso.
- We won't leave you alone - Batman said - Unfortunately, akumas are not picked up by cameras for remote support, but now that we know the situation, we'll be there when you need us, and when our intervention doesn't pose a risk of global scale.
- Fine. Watchtower, this is Superman, take me back. - Superman said just before being engulfed in light and disappearing.
- Oh my God, I never thought Superman would be so explosive. - Ladybug said, taking a deep breath. - Truly, I appreciate your support, but...
- You don't have to explain further. Your authority as the guardian of the Miraculous is crucial, don't forget that. And if you ever want to receive training with us, you and your female teammates are welcome... unfortunately, Themyscira still doesn't accept men.
- I truly appreciate it.
- Batman? - Diana asked her silent companion.
- Go ahead; I still have one last matter with the guardian.
- I understand. Watchtower, this is Wonder Woman, we're leaving. Except Batman.
When the rest of the team disappeared, Batman looked closely at everyone on Ladybug's team, and though the recognition-inhibiting magic was powerful, Batman could be sure of one thing—they were all still kids.
- Superman may have been wrong to want to intervene by force, but he was right in saying that you need support. I'll send someone...
- No metahumans, aliens, or highly trained individuals. - Ladybug tensed again.
- The person I have in mind is qualified in various areas. And knows how to control their temper perfectly; I'm sure he will meet all your conditions.
- We can't receive them without exposing our identities, and that's something I'm not willing to do with anyone on the team. I'm sorry.
- It won't be necessary. Once my agent arrives, he'll find the most efficient way to help you with your mission without the need for you to expose yourselves or your identities.
- I'm not so convinced of how sure you can be of that, but okay. Agreed. - Ladybug said, extending her hand to Batman, a gesture that Batman returned instantly.
- When all this is over, and our intervention is no longer a danger, I'd like to talk with you again. You have great potential. Watchtower, this is Batman. I'm done.
After Batman disappeared, Ladybug turned to her team. They were all still tense, and none dared to break the silence.
- Viperion?
- There were only two attacks, and Batman stopped both of them. Did you know he always carries Kryptonite?
- My research in my attempt to get even a little of it said that only the United States government had retained Kryptonite, and the rest of the fragments found on Earth were thrown into the sun.
- Thanks, everyone, for your support... and Chat, I have no doubt that your cataclysm would stop Superman, but I don't want you to become the world's public enemy number one.
- That idiot was underestimating you.
- I know, Chat, and I'm glad to know that you're willing to face even one of the most powerful beings in the world to prevent it, but I'd prefer a thousand times to keep you by my side.
- And who do you think Batman sent? Robin? Batgirl? Nightwing? You should tell the Ladyblog girl to interview him, Ladybug! - Rena Rouge said indignantly.
- If he really agreed to my conditions, I doubt it's any of them.
- Well, he said someone qualified in various areas. Is that the same as highly trained? - Carapace asked.
- I don't know... Do you think I should have refused?
- If he sends any of them and they become a danger, Chat and I can kick them out of the city before any akuma reaches them. - Ryuko said.
- Well, I really thank you guys for accompanying me to face them, but I think it's time for us to rest.
Meanwhile, in the Batcave, the Batfamily looked attentively at the file Bruce had worked on regarding Paris, its heroes, and its villains.
- I hate to ask you this, but you're the only qualified person for this specific situation. I can't afford to let any of us fall under Hawkmoth's control.
- I understand. Where do I start?
- The rate of akumatizations in Paris shows a clear trend in this place. College Françoise Dupont has a class that has been called "the Akuma Class," and not only that... most akumatizations that have occurred at the school have been caused by this person. Chloe Bourgeois.
- Do you think she's Hawkmoth's accomplice? - Damian asked.
- I don't think so; it seems to be only a rich girl with emotional problems due to the absence of her parents. Nothing you haven't dealt with before, right, Alfred?
- You have no idea, Master Bruce.
- So, can I count on you?
- As long as you give your word that the mansion will still be standing upon my return.
- We'll do our best, Alfred, turn this Bourgeois girl into a Wayne exemplar - Dick said.
- Unique exemplars without a doubt, Master Dick.
- Hey! We're not that bad... Right? - Jason said, receiving incredulous looks from the rest.
- If anyone can help these kids safely, it's you, Alfred. I know firsthand - Bruce said, ignoring Jason's comment.
Back in Paris, after a few days, a new school day began, and Chloe, upon entering the classroom, quickly approached Sabrina.
- Sabrina! You won't believe what happened this weekend.
- Did the heels you ordered arrive? - Sabrina asked excitedly.
- No... they'll take another month to arrive; I already told you. Listen, I know it sounds crazy, but I have a second butler.
- Two butlers? I don't understand; was Pierre doing a bad job? Are you firing him?
- Pierre? Who are you talking about? Oh! Jean Claude... no, he's doing a great job as usual, but the Joint Commission of Associated Butlers, did you know that existed?, well they sent a butler to evaluate Pierre's work, I mean Jean Claude's work. They didn't specify how long he would be present, but technically, I now have two butlers.
- Chloe, are you sure this isn't a scam? Do you want me to ask my dad to investigate?
- Do you think I'm stupid, Sabrina? Of course, I made sure it wasn't a scam; the website is legitimate, and the certificate is stamped by the government.
- No, of course not... I'm so sorry, Chloe, it wasn't my intention to doubt you. And what's your new butler's name?
- That's the best part, Sabrina; his name is Alfred Pennyworth. He's English! So later, at five in the afternoon, I invite you to an English tea party. What do you say?
- I would like that; thank you very much for the invitation, Chloe.