amu_chan | My Miraculous, UNLOCK! A PSL for a Ladybug in Japan.

My Miraculous, UNLOCK! A PSL for a Ladybug in Japan.

After settling in, Tom and Sabine would have given Marinette a surprise gift, since they could tell that she hadn't fully wanted to come overseas on this trip. So once they were settled in they gave her an envelope. Inside was a concert ticket for the next night and some spending money to buy herself either something to wear for the concert, or cloth if she wanted to make something herself, since the air B&B they were staying at had a sewing machine. They would be at the concert too, since it was a strange city in a foreign country and all, but they assured her they would be sitting several rows back.

They totally weren't going so Tom could spy on if she was flirting with any Japanese boys, NOPE! Not at all. She can't prove it.

Anyway.

So she would be given an afternoon with some money and a map to wander if she wanted to, so long as she was home in time for dinner. There might have been threats that if she was late coming back for dinner they would spend the whole concert glued to her side, but that was probably a joke. Right?

It was cold outside, late December snows keeping some people indoors, so the streets weren't too crowded, but that made it that much easier to catch hints of conversations from the people who were out. Teenagers and kids were talking about school, and sports, and the upcoming concert which seemed to be a big deal. The two main acts were a boy band called Darts and a singer named Utau. There were subtle advertisements here and there, but at least one shop window had a pair of posters for them. Darts was all cookie cutter boy band, and on the young side. Nothing like the energy someone would get from a Jagged Stone poster. It looked like SAFE had been the key word for the design team.

The poster for Utau however....

The girl in the poster couldn't have been older than sixteen or seventeen, and the babydoll black dress and the blond pigtails should have made her look soft and safe as well. Should have made her look young, even with the tall heels she was wearing. But there was nothing comforting or cookie cutter about the poster of her. Everything from the look in her eyes to her stance seemed to act as a warning. Or maybe that was just because Mari knew Chloé. Just from the image she seemed to have all the attitude Chloé tried to have. But what held people going by was the expression on her face. The eyes. Where all the boys of Darts were smiling brightly at the camera, and thus the passer bye, her violet eyes held a challenge, her lips a slight down turn that might remind one of Gabriel Agreste at his more irritated. As though the photo shoot, or perhaps the audience, was a waste of her time.

In fact, some of the people passing by would comment, and Mari could hear them, about how she was so pretty, why wouldn't she smile, or about how her music was so good you almost didn't care that her poster looked like it hated you. A few guys starred dreamily at the poster, though.

One boy, maybe 19 or so, stopped near Mari, eyeing the poster for a moment, his eyes cool, his face blank, hands in his pockets. Unlike everyone else, he hadn't bothered with a winter coat, wearing an all black outfit with small silver crosses here and there. He had short dark blue hair and for some reason might aaaaaalmost remind her of Chat, though there was no logical reason for it. Tikki, however, would sense something from him. The boy didn't seem to notice Mari at all, however, and would turn and walk off again after only a moment, seeming bored.

And he wouldn't be the only one Tikki would sense something odd about. Not five minutes later, three girls would be passing, huddled in their jackets. Two of them looked about a year or two younger than Marinette, the third looked a year or two younger than that. The youngest looking one had brownish hair in pigtails that DID make her look younger, but the barrettes might have something to do with that. Big red bows. She was also bouncing a bit as she walked, and all her mannerisms made her seem young. Of the other two, one had shockingly pink hair with a red X hair barrette over one small lock that was pulled up over the rest, and bored seeming gold eyes. She was hunched into her black and red jacket against the cold. The third had long purple hair Juleka would have loved and kind eyes, along with small kind expressions. She moved with a gentle grace, small fluid motions, and her jacket was well tailored to her and looked very feminine in style and cut. Very well made. The other two were clearly wearing off the rack coats, hers looked custom designed for her.

The youngest was talking animatedly. "Are we going to Utau's concert this time too, do you think? Should we ask Kukai and Tadase at school tomorrow?"

"Do we have a choice, after last time?" The pink haired one grumbled.

"Hmmm," the purple haired one said. "We probably should go. Let's bring it up at the meeting, alright?"

She looked like she was about to say something then looked around, scowling. She stared at Marinette for a moment then looked past her, before turning to the purple haired girl. "Where are Ran and the others?"

"I think Kiseki said something about training, they'll be along." And with that the three kept walking.

But not only would Tikki sense something odd from those three, the pink haired one the most, but.... something the pink haired one was wearing or carrying under that coat and scarf, hidden from sight, was something that Tikki would feel like a wave of power. As if she had just eaten one of the macarons with an enhancement potion in it. Something that girl had with her would make Tikki feel strong and amped up... but it wasn't any feeling she'd recognize.

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"She's...well, she's this little magic creature that's also my friend. She helps me a lot and also lets me transform into Ladybug so I can help people."

That was very much 'in a nutshell', but. It was the basic gist at least? Tikki seemed similar to their little creatures so she assumes that it wouldn't be so weird to them? Let alone the super hero question. She's still perhaps a little nervous about all the attention even if she is definitely more confident as Ladybug.

"And er, I guess? I'm not sure about the action figures but there is that movie?"

"You have a movie?! COOL! Why don't we have a movie?"

"Yaya," Tadase said softly, shaking his head. Reluctantly the young girl calmed down. "Are you here for the Embryo?" he asked Ladybug, seriously.

"It's not like I asked for them to make a movie about Chat Noir and I. But I guess everyone is curious and interested in what we do."

How they help save Paris from Papillon. Still, she gives a shrug at the question about the embryo.

"If the embryo is what is causing all this, if I can help deal with it, I want to. To stop it affecting everyone like that back at the concert."

If there were some way she could help. She is aware this is different to what she is used to.

Now they all exchanged confused looks. "Is... that what Easter told you the Embryo does?"

"You know, lying really shouldn't surprise me any more, given everything else they've done to get the Embryo..."

"I have no idea about this Easter or whatever it is. I just want to help stop it. If I can, somehow."

She may well still be rather unsure on all this, considering the differences here in her being used to dealing with the akuma. But she is trying to roll with it and wants to help if she can somehow in all of this. If her abilities might prove useful in some way in dealing with this. She might be well out of her league and just have to let them deal with it, but even so. She was here and may as well at least show up and offer to lend a hand, right?

"Then who sen...."

The words were cut off by Amu dropping down next to them. Nadeshiko was moving swiftly but gracefully behind, but she still looked somewhat... feral.

"The eggs have been purified, all but the one that..." her voce caught in a choke and she put her pompoms up to try and hide the tears that threatened.

Tadase's eyes hardened some, but there was also a twitch of longing on his face as he moved closer to Amu. "We'll find a way to stop them. We will."

NAdeshiko gave her glaive a few graceful practice swings. "When I next see that catboy I'm going to cut his tail clean off and gut him!" she snarled, not sounding at all herself. "I will slice him in two for this!"

Amu winced. She dropped her pom poms and looked like she was about to say something, then swallowed and shook her head. "We need to get back and help with crowd control."

Tadase nodded. "There will be a lot of upset kids at school on Monday. We should hold an assembly."

"Maybe a dance?" Yaya suggested, seeming calm now. the bib and rattle vanished.

"Or a sports day, get everyone's blood pumping, create some new dreams."

"Boo," Yaya said. "Who wants to get all sweaty? No way. A dance is way better! And NAdeshiko can make all the treats!"

All at once the glave vanished, and NAdeshiko looked herself again, her hair tie becoming flowers once more as she put up her hands. "I'm not sure I can make that many treats, Yaya," she said with a bit of a sweat bead. "But I can make them for the planning committee."

Yes, they are now just standing around chatting like this was any other day and nothing major had happened, planning some odd event.

Who sent....the egg? Wait -- what?"

Weren't they in the middle of dealing with this egg and concert incident? But now they were talking about assembly at school? Marinette isn't sure what to make of it. It's jarring? But then that might just be because when she is with her comrades dealing with the kwami, they can't know each other's identity. They can't have chats to plan things like this while transformed. But this group obviously all know and are fine with it.

She isn't sure if she's more frustrated about it in the moment or jealous. Or just confused.

Nadeshiko blinked then looked slightly embarrassed and bowed to Ladybug. "I am so sorry, we did not meant to exclude you. I'm sure this is all confusing." She gave her a deep and perfect bow. "Would you like to come join us tomorrow after school? We will be explaining everything then to our new friend Marinette, we would be happy to explain to you at the same time."

Her small little one flew over in front of Ladybug's face, to examine her. "She saw the Batsu-tamas, right?" She glanced back to the others, then looked to Ladybug. "Does that mean you can see us as well?"

"That -- um, I actually already have an engagement then, but I'm sure I'll figure the basics. Just tell me how I can help. I guess to start, I could explain my powers. I have this yoyo I use to restrain people or defend myself by spinning it in front of me. I can also help by using my Lucky Charm which transforms into something that could help depending on the situation, what it turns into can vary. I'm more used to dealing with akuma though."

Not. This. Eggs? Whatever is going on here. She figures that might be enough at least in a basic sense to tell them how she might help. What she is capable of.

"And....yes? I can see you. Is that weird? Everyone can see Tikki."

Edited 2019-04-27 02:04 (UTC)

"It is safer for everyone, yourself included, if you don't get involved until you know more than just the basics," Tadase said, firmly. "This isn't some game. We need to keep these children safe and find the Embryo before easter does."

"Maybe we can find a time soon that you can meet then? And we would love to meet Tikki as well. I presume she is the one you are transformed with?" Nadeshiko asked gently.

"I never said or thought of this as a game. I just see that I might be able to help, is all. Maybe if I try help keep the others safe while you deal with the embryo? Is that alright? Since you know more about how to take care of the embryos? The eggs?"

That seemed like a decent compromise, right? At least, she thinks so.

"That....well, the only way you could meet Tikki is if I wasn't transformed. I'd have to check with her if that is okay, to reveal myself to you first."

So, yes. It is thanks to Tikki that Marinette can transform. Admitting that wasn't too much? She hopes.

"Oh. Right." Amu closed her eyes a moment then with a bright burst of light was back in her concert outfit, the small pink character bobbing beside her head. "You're right. Ran should get to meet you guys too." She didn't seem to notice Tadase take a step back from her subtly. Even he wasn't aware he had done so.

"Ran? Er, maybe after we deal with this?"

Then they could introduce their....well, probably not kwami but whatever their equivalent is. Ladybug flails slightly as she waves her hands in trying to reassure them. It isn't that she doesn't want to meet them but now is probably not the right time. Maybe after they had dealt with this egg situation or whatever it was.

"Is....everything okay?" Because yes, she notices Tadase backing away a bit there too.

"As much as it can be after an attack," he said softly with a small shrug. "But as for dealing with this?" He looked around and guestured, then looked at her. "This is what we do. We're the Guardians. Taking care of the children in our job, after all."

"I get that. Saving everyone from the akuma, that's what Chat Noir and I do."

So she understands. That there's a responsibility, a duty. Which is why she figures on letting them take care of it when they had come across the eggs before. She intends to focus more on keeping the citizens safe. If there were any more out there left to deal with.

"Is....is that it? Should we head back to the concert now to check on everyone?"

Edited 2019-05-03 05:53 (UTC)

Amu nodded. "We'll do what we can."

Tadase looked at her. "Come to the Garde any day after school. We need to talk." And with that, they headed back into the concert."

Yaya paused and glanced back. "Maybe you shouldn't come with us, since security was after you and all that..."

"Come to the Garde? A garden?"

Or. She assumes as much? A garden or park? Well, she could always check on her phone with the maps. For now, she does follow them back and gives a shrug.

"It's alright. I'll just get Tikki to transform me back. I'll be fine."

"The Royal Garden at Seiyo. Any student can guide you to it on any school day. Tell them you are looking for the Guardians and they will find one of them," Tadase clarified.

Yaya grinned. "Alright, detransform and let's go. It's cold out here!!!" She stomped her feet.

Amu sighed and looked off to the side, seemingly bored with all this.

"Royal Garden at Seiyo....alright! I'll be there. See you guys later."

Ladybug gives a wave and separates off from them as they near the concert venue, ducking in a side street to detransform with Tikki. She sighs, telling her kwami they would talk later that night about whether or how to reveal herself to these new friends. If it is necessary. For now, she hurried back to the concert as Marinette, ready to explain to anyone that asked that she had simply tried to stay out of the way of the commotion at the time.

The concert was mostly back under control by the time she got there, though several people had left. Utau was singing again though there were security guards on stag, and no more weird darkness. She really did have a good voice. What she didn't have, anymore, were the little black batwings that had been on her back. Amu and them were back in their seats, whispering to each other as they watched, glancing around occasionally.

[Marinette is just glad to see things seem to have calmed down. And were back to normal. Even if her parents might have questions about seeing Ladybug in Japan like this. Utau might not necessarily be her style, given she prefers the likes of Jagged, but she still can't deny that the girl could sing. She glances over to Amu and the others and gives a wave as she shuffles and tries not to trip on the way to her seat amid the crowds. She remains in her seat though and tries to enjoy the concert, after checking over her shoulder to see her parents are alright.]

Nadeshiko would be the one to notice the wave as she heads for her seat and waved back with a bright smile. mind turning things over.

When the concert ended, the kids stood as one, and it seemed almost like Utau thre them personally a glare before turning on her heel and flouncing off stage. The crowd was talking more about the odd girl in the halloween costume than anything else as they left the theaters, most people too into the discussion to bother buying souvenirs. Amu and the others hung back against a wall, pretending to chat as they listened to the crowd.

Perhaps she shouldn't be so surprised at the buzz and chatter about her -- about Ladybug. They might be used enough to their local Guardian heroes, but the Japanese, at least since she had gotten her Miraculous, hadn't seen Ladybug before. Still, she tries not to react too nervously or obviously about it in joining in, in correcting them and such as she too makes her way out with her parents. She just hopes they don't get suspicious or anything with Ladybug having shown up here rather than Paris.

Still, she does again give a wave when she comes across Amu and the rest again on the way out.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow!"

Amu gave a distracted nod. Ran, her pink cheerleader chara flew over to Marinette. "If you come at three thirty there will be cookies and tea!" She said happily, safe in the knowledge that none of the adults could see or hear her. "Do you want Miki or me to stay with you tonight to help you find it?" she offered.

Have fun responding without your folks being confused, kiddo.

Marinette bites her lip, before giving a slight, brief nod. If that was okay with the others. She just hopes nothing happens that they were needed before then. Still, she can barely really react to talk about it, given the others might not be able to see the little chara the same way they could with Tikki. So this is about the best she can do in potentially not verbally answering back and being more awkward with her parents right there and all.

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Sorry for no colour

It's okay.

Garden. I typoed.

I assumed so.

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