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

[amu_chan]

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.

Comments

[nadenagi]

Nadeshiko gave her a small nod, and waved. The others took their cues from that and waved as well.

[coccinelled]

Marinette then quickly hurries off to find a clothing store, or a fabric shop. She rushes into the first she sees and checks for something to possibly wear to the concert, so her parents don't think she was wasting time and got too distracted, before she then makes her way back to the hotel. She has dinner and gets dressed, ready for the concert, waiting for her parents to get ready in their room. She bites her lip, turning to Tikki to ask the kwami if she should let these others know about her. In case they needed help at this concert. Or later on while she was here in Japan.

[utauhoshina]

The concert was sold out, so the crowd to get in was massive. And once in there was a huge lobby full of people jostling at concession stands and merch tables. Posters for various groups were everywhere, and all the concessions had the Easter logo on the holders. It seemed like any other concert venue space.

When they got their tickets they would be given small programs, an d because of the tourist package her parents purchased, they'd also be given glasses that are to be returned at the end that were meant to give subtitles for the lyrics in French during the show. Obn the set list for Utau are a number of songs but the one on top is called Meikyu Butterfly, and the graphics around her set list is all purple and black lace work with purple and black butterflies.

More of the fans in the lobby are calmerring to buy her stuff than Darts' though, they clearly have fans too. Two kids would run past Marinette happily with their purchases.

"I just got the book with all of Utau's sheet music and lyrics."

"Well I got her CD so there!"

Which dissolved into shoving each other as they pushed through the crowd. In the distance, by one of the doors, she'd spot a flash of familiar pink and purple hair. Amu and Nadeshiko.

[coccinelled]

Marinette can't help but to be a little nervous given the purple and butterfly imagery. But that didn't have to mean that Papillon was here, right? As far as she knew he was back in Paris as usual. She does stick close to her parents anyway, just to be safe, browsing the souvenirs on offer, when she glances up in noticing the others from their distinctive hair. Marinette smiles, calling out to them and waving. Possibly attracting a little attention given her distinctive accent amid her bare basic Japanese in greeting them.

[nadenagi]

Nadeshiko turned her head and gave her a bright smile making her way through the crowd towards her. "Marinette! Hi. And these must be your parents." She gave them a deep bow.

Amu caught up to them, looking irritated at the crowd. "Hi," she muttered.

Their charas were floating alongside them. No one seemed to see them. Tom and Sabine could not see them either. The pink one flew over from beside Amu to hover near Mari's face happily.

[coccinelled]

"Y-yes, these are my parents, Tom and Sabine."

Marinette then turns, quickly introducing the others and explaining to her parents that she ran into them earlier while out getting her dress. Her parents seem friendly enough once she explains, giving nods and greetings of their own. She glances to the pink creature, giving a small smile as she shrugs.

"It's almost time. I think it's about to start in a few minutes, so we should all probably go in and get ready, right?"

[nadenagi]

Nadeshiko bowed to the parents, then nodded. "Where are you guys sitting?" she asked Tom and Sabine, as is polite when adults are present. Everything about her was more perfect young lady that teenager at a rock concert.

Yaya came bouncing over with a tray full of ice cream cones, rapidly licking at the sides of each to keep them from dripping. "There you guys are! The ice cream is melting everywhere. Here, I got us each one."

Amu made a bit of a face. "No thanks." Ew.

[coccinelled]

Marinette glances to check the tickets, showing the apparent seating to the others. She's not sure where they might be sitting, but maybe it will be close. Or at least, even if not, she would see them around, tomorrow at least after school as they had planned. She is distracted then, blinking at the ice creams when Yaya shows up.

"I-ice creams? Are you sure that's a good idea with the concert though? I mean...."

That just seems. Messy with a concert and being dressed up a little.

[amu_chan]

The pink cheerleader character happily translated what she said for the others.

Yaya laughed. "Ice cream is always a good idea!"

The small thing translated again happily.

Nadeshiko gave them a small smile. "Your seats are in the balcony," she said to Tom and Sabine, gesturing towards their entrance to the theater. Then she looked to Marinette. "You're in the center section a few rows back from the stage." She gave them a bright smile, but Marinette would see in her eyes that it was a bit forced. She was still concerned. "We are in the same section but to the side."

The cheerleader was still translating. Amu nodded once.

"Yeah, when everything goes south we'll be here!" Yaya said as if this was an exciting game. Of course as the parents could not hear any of the translations, so unless they spoke Japanese themselves, they probably would take that as actual excitement. Which, well to be honest, it was.

[coccinelled]

"I guess I'd just be worried about getting it on my clothes. Or someone else's if I tripped...." which, Marinette just sighs as her parents chuckle and her dad pets her shoulder.

"But alright. I'll have my phone on me anyway, but. I'll meet you back out here in the foyer after, okay?" she arranges with her parents, explaining she'd stick with her new friends for now during the concert itself. And well, from the balcony, her parents would be able to see her among the others anyway, so it would probably be fine. Assuming no accidents or anything unexpected goes down at least.

So she gives a wave to her parents, letting them head to their designated seats as she then makes to head in with the others.

[nadenagi]

"That's why you eat it fast!" Yaya said happily.

Nadeshiko chuckled lightly, with a small indulgent smile at Yaya. She bowed politely when the parents left, then turned to Marinette. "If you would like to try dance classes, I can speak with my mother. You are not here long, correct?" she asked as they headed for their seats, meeting Kukai, Tadase, and their little kwami sized tagalongs as they went.

When Amu saw what Tadase was wearing - which really wasn't anything specific or special - she flushed for just a moment, then went back to looking cool and unphased as her charas laughed.

Tadase... did not seem to notice, though he did give them all a bright sunshine smile. He really could be related to Adrien, in so much more than just looks.

[coccinelled]

"Really fast. It's about to get crowded. But yeah, we're only here for a few weeks. And some of the time I'll have to go to stuff with my parents, but. Maybe we could arrange something. I'm more here to look at the fashion? While my parents research the baking here, actually."

Fashion was more Marinette's thing. Which probably explains her unique outfits given she makes them herself, or at least alters them to make them uniquely hers in some way. Which is what she did for her dress tonight for the concert, complete with her usual bag which holds her ticket, her phone and Tikki, along with some cookies for the kwami. She can't help but to smile and get a little pinker at the cheeks and her nose with Tadase's smile though, as she gives him a wave in greeting.

[nadenagi]

"Tomorrow we'll properly introduce you to everyone. Miki would love to talk fashion with you, I'm sure," Nadeshiko said happily. Amu's little blue kid looked up from over the edge of the sketch pad to study Marinette. "Alright, these are our seats, she said almost as soon as they were in the venue. "You're closer to the center."

Tadase frowned a bit, still concerned.

Kukai grinned and messed up his hair so that he was too busy trying to make it lay flat to stop her from going to her seat.

[coccinelled]

"Miki? Another friend of yours? Ah, okay. Right! It'll be fine. I won't be far, I'll maybe catch you after, or see you tomorrow at least."

She tells them, given she might not really be close enough at her seat to talk much if at all. Let alone that she actually expects anything to happen. So she lets them take their seats, to wander further down the row to find her own after giving a smile and sheepish wave, at least to Tadase with how worried he seemed about her being here.

So it's easy then to sit down and try enjoy the concert, to let the experience happen and enjoy it for what it was, at least. Or, try to anyway.

[utauhoshina]

The first act Darts, was fine. A good concert with good energy. Everyone having a great time. Even Yaya if she glanced over was getting into it. Nadeshiko's smile looked a bit forced, even from a distance, and Amu was as aloof as ever. Kukia was leaned back in his seat, alert, but not overly concerned. Tadase was frowning intently at the stage. The small kwami sized children where flying patrols over the audience, unnoticed.

And then Utau came out.

She was prettier than her posters made her seem, and she had a PRESENCE. When Jagged Stone entered an area he was noticed at once because he made a lot of noise and called attention to himself. This girl commanded attention just by stepping forward. Yes, she was on stage, yes the people were here to see her. But there was something more than that. A level of charisma many stars could only hope for. Or maybe it was the challenge in her eyes. She didn't look like she was someone who loved singing and was pumped up by the crowd. She looked like someone who was above the crowd, ready to do what she had to do. The grim determination of a general, rather than the flighty energy of a pop star.

She wore the same black dress as on her posters, with a lace back and a thin gold chain for a belt. Hanging from the chain at the small of her back were two eggs. From a distance the details were hard to make out, but one was white and light pink, the other was black and purple. The lighting shifted to a dramatic purple as she began to sing. Her voice was ruch and full. She had talent. But there was no joy in her singing. She sang with force and energy, but the life was missing. In that Jagged had her beat a million times from sunday. It was clear he enjoyed performing. She looked like she was fighting something as she sang. But the music was still oddly compelling.

Where the fans had been screaming during Darts' performance, they were oddly quiet and enraptured now. Some of the children went very very still, their eyes glazing.

Small bat wings appeared on Utau's back. Not on the dress, but coming from the flesh between the laces. And black and purple energy began to surround the vacant eyed children.

[coccinelled]

"Hm? What's that? Are....are they alright?"

Because, yes, MArinette does notice the kids seemed kind of. Out of it? Given she isn't as big a fan of the music as she was with Jagged, her gaze had briefly shifted to the crowd, given how quiet everyone had become. Now, she is concerned, noting their vacant stares. Did this mean there was something going on? Should she run to transform? She's not sure just yet. Marinette glances then to her parents, to the other friends she met the other day, to see if they were alright, or concerned themselves with what was going on here.

[amu_chan]

Her parents would be fine, whatever it was wasn't affecting the adults, just a handful or two of the children, especially the younger ones. Her new friends however... were absent. Their spaces were empty, the door to the venue slightly ajar. Even the small things that float around their head were gone.

No, wait, two of them where over the singer's head, up on the lighting rig.

The children who were blank eyed began to sway as the black and purple energy flared from them. No one seemed to notice. Nor did anyone seem to notice when what looked like small white eggs, like the ones from earlier, floated from their bodies and turned black. Each child slumped as his or her egg got a white X over it. The black and white eggs all zipped out towards the door that was ajar, seeking egress.

And all of them would feel WRONG to Tikki.

[coccinelled]

"I don't like this....come on, Tikki."

She bites her lip, excusing herself to get to the end of the row and out to the nearest bathroom, where she transforms. She's not sure if this is some kind of akuma or something else, but she wants to be ready and able to help if necessary. It doesn't take long before she is dashing back to the concert to check what was happening now. She glances to the children, and then to the stage, to the other side of the seating to see if she can spot the others yet.

[amu_chan]

Utau is still singing, the slumped kids are slumped, some people around them concerned, but most concert goers are oblivious. And a few more kids are having the same dark energy pooling around them. The two small ones up by the lights stopped and turned to stare at LAdybug, their jaws hanging open. Amu's blue and green one.

From outside the theater, in the lobby there would be a shout.

AMU-CHAN! Watch out!"

"I see it," Amu called from a bit further away. "MY HEART! UNLOCK!"

Something was clearly going on, but it wasn't on stage or visible from in the audience.

[coccinelled]

"Where.....? I can hear them."

Marinette glances around, unsure if she can do anything for the kids at least until that girl on stage is dealt with. She rushes up to the creatures near the lights, and is about to ask where the others are when she then glances to the stage, figuring maybe they were fighting back behind. So she makes her way up to the stage, jumping up and heading to check behind, to see if they were simply back out of sight there. If she could help somehow with this.

[utauhoshina]

Utau stared at her, actually stopping singing. All eyes were now on Ladybug, except for the kids who weren't looking at anything any more.

"Excuse me," Utau said coldly, "But this is a solo show and autographs are after the show." If she hadn't been holding the mic her words would been far harsher.

Guards rushed the stage.

Amu's charas stared down at her in shock, jaws open.

[coccinelled]

"This doesn't look solo to me. Looks like you have some friends joining you."

Which is to say, of course, herself, and Amu and the others. And well, if people were staring or recording with their phones, she was used to that. She just hopes this won't be a huge thing and possibly end up outing her given Ladybug's known for saving Paris, not Japan. She narrows her eyes as she considers the mic, throwing her yoyo and trying to aim to grab the microphone from Utau.

[utauhoshina]

Utau jumped back, and glared for a moment and then dropped the mic and screamed, dropping to her knees. "HELP! I'M BEING ATTACKED BY A CRAZY FAN!"

Security rushed the stage, trying to get at Ladybug. Yaya peaked her head out from back stage, and her eyes went huge then she rushed back to the others hidden by the curtain. At least Ladybug knew where they were now....

[coccinelled]

"Sorry. I'm more a Jagged fan, actually."

She responds, before trying to shift in avoiding the security team, certain she had heard the others but unsure just where they were quite yet in her trying to focus on Utau. Was it the mic? Was this even an akuma situation? If it wasn't, she's less sure on how to help handle this, but it was still worth a try. She pulls the mic to her with her yoyo and tries to break it to see if anything happens.

Sorry for the lack of html and for typos, posting from my iPad

[amu_chan]

Everything was pure chaos as the security kept trying to get to her. The microphone, when she broken it would just break. No akuma, just a standard cardiod mic. The wings were gone from Utau’s back, and the audience was panicking.

From backstage, she would hear Amu’s frustrated shout. “They’re going to get away!”