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Tales of Bloody Bug and Chat Noir - Chapter 12 - Pharoah

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Alix ran around the new Tutankhamun exhibit in the Louvre. Jalil followed her and explained each display. She took notes before he started in on his theories to the next. She made her way to Tutankhamun’s specter as their dad joined them.

“How’s everything going, you two?” Alim asked.

“Amazing. I’ll have the best project for History yet,” Alix beamed.

“And you, Jalil?”

“It’s unbelievable! You managed to get everything I need,” Jalil exclaimed.

“Need for what?” Alim pressed.

Alix rolled her eyes. “Oh, here we go.”

“Indeed. I want to direct your attention to the scroll on this wall.”

Alim and Alix followed Jalil as they approached an adjacent wall.

“So, Dad, you know this, but for Alix, the one with the scepter is Tutankhamun the First. There, opposite, is Nefertiti, his princess. There are exactly one hundred mummies beside them. She died several years before him and the sun god, Ra, took her as his goddess.”

“Get to the point,” Alix said.

“I am. Tutankhamun wanted to bring his princess back to life by offering the sun god a new wife. The scene illustrates a ritual he devised. However, nobody has ever fully deciphered the hieroglyphics, but I have. It’s a magic chant that needs to be recited in order to complete the ritual. I’m sure of it. I just need the scepter and I can carry out the ritual.”

“I mean, that’s cool and all, but it looks like you need a human sacrifice for the ritual. Aren’t we long past that?” Alix asked.

Alim sighed. “Jalil, I love the interest you take in your study, but even if it were to work, I can’t allow you to do that.”

“Yeah. And the human sacrifice thing again. Who would you even use for it? Did you even think of that?”

“Indeed, I did. The lucky sacrifice I picked is none other than Chloe Bourgeois,” Jalil announced.

Jalil pulled out a crudely drawn imitation of Chloe. Alix snickered while Alim scowled.

“Alix, don’t laugh at that.”

“I mean, it’s kinda funny,” Alix admitted.

“No, it’s not, young lady,” Alim scolded.

Alix pursed her lips as Alim stepped closer to Jalil.

“As I’ve said, I admire your dedication and passion for history and the supernatural aspects of it, but I cannot allow this. Not only because I cannot stake my entire career and our livelihood on a potential legend, but I will not let you indulge in these murderous fantasies.”

“Don’t you see it’s perfect? We could discover the secret to resurrection and keep Alix safe. No more anger, no more worries.”

“How would this help her?”

“Because Chloe is clearly a focal point for a lot of Alix’s anger and stress. We remove that and-.”

“Absolutely not. Jalil, do you hear yourself? We should be helping Alix work through it to the point. Not eliminating the cause without knowing the reason why. Without getting rid of the roots, it will spread. If not Chloe, it’ll be someone or something else.”

“But-!”

“Enough! I won’t hear of this anymore. I want you to take the day off, Jalil. I need you to get your head on straight before you even consider coming back here.”

Jalil opened his mouth but closed it and stormed off.

“Dad, you’re not upset that we aren’t making progress on my… issues, are you?” Alix asked.

“Alix, honey, no. You are young and going through a lot of change in your life while dealing with a past trauma. It is a challenge, but we’ll handle it at the pace that you’re comfortable with. That is what matters most.”

“But what if we never find out? What if I don’t get better?”

“Sometimes that happens. Which, we just need to learn to adapt, just as our ancestors did. We are still human and capable of so much. Even if you never find the source of your anger and trauma, you’ll learn to adapt and live around it. Sometimes it’s all we can do. Much like your mother.”

“Was she hurt?”

“Well, let’s just say she didn’t have the upbringing you and Jalil have. Far from actually. It made her very slow to trust and guarded. I’m still amazed I got through her walls, but I’m glad I did. I got to be with the most amazing, flawed woman and human I’ve ever known. On top of that, we had two equally amazing and flawed children, just like we are.”

“Is that why you push me to make friends?”

“It is another reason, yes. I know it’s cliché to say love saved us, but it really did. I wasn’t half the man I was before I met your mom. She made sure to toughen me up and in return, I softened her. With me, she was able to open herself up, even if it was just a little.”

“Did Mom have trouble too?”

“Oh, yes. And I’d get to hear all about it, but that was all part of the process. It’s a slow and painful one, but one that must be taken at your own pace.”

“Excuse me, but are you the Director of the museum?” Nathalie asked.

Alim and Alix turned to the entrance where Adrien stood with Nathalie and Gorilla. Alim stepped forward.

“I am. May I help you?”

“My boss’s son heard about this exhibit arriving and wanted to visit it to gather information for a school project. Is it open?” Nathalie explained.

“It may not be open just yet, but I can allow this. After all, my own daughter has been doing the same. Uh, Alix?”

Alix stepped up beside Alim. “Yeah?”

“Would you assist him while Jalil is out for the day?”

“Do I have to?”

“No, but I would appreciate it.”

Alix considered, approached Adrien, and gave him her notes. “Give these back to me or you will hurt.”

“That’s not what I exactly had in mind,” Alim remarked.

“Sorry, Dad, but I do have to get to roller derby.”

Alim’s eyes widened. “I forgot about roller derby! It’s not a match today, is it?”

“No, just practice.”

“Thank goodness. Do you need a ride?”

“Nah, I’m good. Thanks though.”

“Stay safe, Alix. See you for lunch!”

Alix waved goodbye and headed for the museum exit. She stopped when a tall, muscular man with roseish black skin, blue glowing eyes, and decked out in gold Egyptian jewelry, shendyt, and mask. She eyed Jalil’s scarab necklace in the collection of jewelry.

“Jalil?” Alix asked.

“Jalil is gone. I’m the Pharoah!”

Alix grimaced and ran. She headed back to the Tutankhamun exhibit. She made it down the steps when Pharoah blocked her path. She skidded to a stop and scrambled back.

“You’re fast, Alix, but not fast enough.”

“Enough, Jalil! Cut the fucking crap!” Alix roared.

“Alix?” Alim called.

Pharoah turned where Alim’s voice came from. Alix took the opportunity and ran to hide. She transformed into Bloody Bug and ran back to the exhibit. She spotted Pharoah approaching Alim while Adrien, Nathalie, and Gorilla made their escape. She chunked her yo-yo in, and it wrapped around Alim. She pulled him out of Pharoah’s path.

“Go! I’ll keep him busy!” Bloody Bug yelled.

Alim hesitated, then ran.

Bloody Bug turned as Pharoah closed the gap. Her eyes widened to see his mask had shifted to a lion’s head. He landed a blow on her side and sent her into the wall. The impact created a crater with her plastered to the bottom of it. She took a sharp breath as she felt the pain through her suit. He reached in, grabbed her face, and lifted her up.

“Fucking bastard! That hurt!” Bloody Bug roared.

“Then let’s make this easy for both of us. Give me your earrings.”

“Over my dead body! Lucky Charm!”

Ladybugs swirled and created an unassuming box. Pharoah laughed and picked it up.

“Is this the best you can do, little bug?”

Bloody Bug snarled and swung her legs up. She hit the corner of the box and it exploded. Pharoah yelled as she was propelled back. She rolled and staggered to her feet. She headed out of the museum as she heard his furious screams. She got as much distance between her and Louvre as possible. She slipped into an alleyway and de-transformed. She leaned against a wall and groaned.

“That hurt.”

“This is bad. We should go see Master,” Tikki said.

“My thoughts too, Tikki. I think we should use elation. What do you think?”

“Maybe call Bomb Bee back too?”

Alix nodded. She stuck Tikki in her cap and headed for Wang Fu’s massage parlor. She headed in and found him finishing with a patient.

“Ah, my next client. I’ll see you next week,” Wang Fu said to the patient.

Alix slipped past the patient and shut the door. “I’m going to need help again.”

“Twice in a row? It’s not that one girl again, is it?”

“I’d rather that. No, my brother was akumatized into this demigod thing. He had a normal mask, then it was a lions, and then I was seismic punched into a wall with my own impact crater. Still feel the sting of it.”

“Not to mention she blew up the exhibit and scepter that Jalil wanted to use to perform an ancient sacrificial ritual. So, he’s going to be coming right for her,” Tikki added.

Wang Fu’s eyes widened. “That’s… concerning to say the least. Alright, one moment.”

Alix took a seat while Wang Fu retrieved the Miraculous Box. She lifted her shirt to check for bruising, but didn’t’ see anything. She had expected to see a massive black bruise of Pharoah’s fist in her side.

“Don’t worry. So long as you have me on, you won’t sustain any injuries, though you’ll feel the pain still,” Tikki reassured.

“Fucking lovely,” Alix groaned.

“Alright, here we are. Make your choices,” Wang Fu said.

“How many am I allowed?” Alix asked.

Wang Fu considered. “I’ll lend you three this time. Just as before, they are to be returned immediately after.”

“Well, I know I want elation and action, but what would you suggest for a third?”

Wang Fu considered, then took off the turtle shell bracelet he wore. “This belongs to the kwami of protection. I think you can guess what it does.”

Alix snorted. “I don’t know. It might take a lot of guesses. Oh, you have anything I could give Tikki to recharge?”

Wang Fu nodded. He left and returned shortly after with a plate of store-bought cookies. Tikki munched on a few before she flew up.

“All good.”

“Good. Saddle up, it’s going to be a long run,” Alix said.

“We aren’t transforming?”

“You said it yourself. He’s coming for Bloody Bug. It’d take longer, but we’d keep the others safe until we get the jewels to them. Now, in the cap.”

Tikki giggled and hid under Alix’s cap. Alix messaged Marinette, asking where she and Alya were. She waited a minute when Marinette said she and Alya were at Places des Vosages. She put her phone away and headed to the location. She spotted them with Nino, sitting on the fountain. She slipped into an alleyway, transformed, and lassoed the three of them. She pulled them into the alley with her.

“Woah! Bloody Bug? What’s up, dude?” Nino asked.

“No time. I need help. I decided to pick a fight with a god and pissed them off. You three are going to help.”

Alya squealed and jumped forward. Bloody Bug handed Alya the bee comb. Alya bounced, put the comb in her hair, and transformed into Bomb Bee.

Nino’s jaw dropped as he pointed at Bomb Bee.

“Surprised? You should be.”

Bloody Bug snapped her fingers, getting Nino’s attention. She held up the panja bracelet for Marinette and the shell bracelet for Nino. “You two have the same deal as Alya. You get these for one time, help me, and give them back. Marinette, prove yourself strong and not too soft-hearted by accepting elation. Nino, you’re just here, so congratulations.”

Marinette put on the panja bracelet while Nino put on the shell bracelet. Orbs shot out and circled them before they morphed into a magenta tiger kwami and a green turtle kwami.

“Alright, make this snappy you two. We have a god hunting me,” Bloody Bug urged.

“Oh my. Very well. I am Wayzz, kwami of protection. Pleasure to meet you, young man.

“And I’m Roarr! Kwami of elation at your service, girlie!”

“Tell them what they can do and how to transform,” Bloody Bug interjected.

“Right. You can generate a shield saying ‘Shelter.’ To transform, say, ‘Wayzz, shell on.’ To de-transform, say, ‘Wayzz, shell off,’” Wayzz explained.

“And for me, when you say ‘Clout,’ you can deliver a devastating sucker punch! Oh, and “Roarr, stripes on,’ to transform and ‘Roarr, stripes off,’ to de-transform,” Roarr yelled.

“Be careful with these powers. One per transformation and then you have five minutes before you turn back. Now, suit up,” Bloody Bug ordered.

“Wayzz, shell on!”

“Roarr, stripes on!”

~~

“Sekhmet, give me your strength!” Pharoah demanded.

Chat Noir ran in as Pharoah’s mask shifted to a lion. Pharoah clapped his hands together that sent a shockwave that repelled Chat Noir. Chat Noir scrambled to his feet as Pharoah grabbed his face.

“Where is that wretch, Bloody Bug?”

“Couldn’t tell you even if I wanted to, which I don’t.”

“You’ll soon change that tune when I-,” Pharoah started.

“Hey, ugly!” Bloody Bug yelled.

Pharoah turned to see Bloody Bug standing atop a nearby building. He laughed and dropped Chat Noir. He stepped forward when Bloody Bug jumped down and approached him.

“Bug, what are you doing?” Chat Noir asked.

“Oh, you know. The same thing as before.”

Chat Noir raised a brow as Bloody Bug didn’t move. He stepped forward to intervene, but she held up a hand and counted down from five. He tilted his head when she got to one and used her Lucky Charm that created a simple book.

“A book? That’s just as useless as your bomb,” Pharoah mocked.

“See, that’s where you’re wrong. The book is a trident true that’s never failed me before.”

“We’ll see about that.”

Pharoah reached for Bloody Bug, but she jumped back. She hurled the book at his head that staggered him. Chat Noir jumped in and knocked Pharoah off his feet temporarily. Pharoah got back to his feet as a massive spinning top slammed into him. Bomb Bee and a cerise tiger heroine stood atop the spinning toy.

Chat Noir’s jaw dropped, and eyes widened seeing the tiger girl. He was captivated by her simple, yet beautiful tiger-themed suit that was cerise, the perfect blend of red and pink, of femininity and aggression, accented elegantly with bronze stripes. Her deep magenta hair was pulled back into a pair of high pigtails that whipped wildly in the wind. All that paled in comparison to her savage, orange tiger eyes that shone with a wild delight.

“Cowabunga, my dudes!”

Chat Noir snapped out of his trace as a guy in a turtle themed superhero suit shield surfed past him, pulled along by Bomb Bee. He tilted his head at the nagging familiarity of the turtle hero’s voice.

“Curse you, Bloody Bug! Too cowardly to face me alone?” Pharoah roared.

“Aww, is the cowardly lion too scared to face us?” Bomb Bee mocked.

“Excuse me?”

“C’mon, meow meow. Let’s see how those tiny claws compare to a real wildcat.”

Bomb Bee gestured to the tiger hero, who stood ready to fight. Pharoah shook his head and went for Bloody Bug, but the turtle hero cut him off as Pharoah’s attack bounced off the turtle shield.

“I don’t think so, my dude. You want Bloody Bug, you’ll need to defeat me. Before you defeat me, you’ll need to beat them.”

Pharoah roared and reared his arm back for another attack.

“Shelter!”

A dome-like turtle shield covered the turtle hero, Bloody Bug, and Chat Noir. Pharoah pounded on the barrier, but it wouldn’t relent.

“Anyway, will he does that, name’s Carapace, dude Noir.”

“You… seem familiar. Have we met?”

“Can’t say we have. If we have, hit me up. I wouldn’t mind this hero gig again.”

Chat Noir hummed as he looked back at the tiger hero. Pharoah finally turned away from them back to Bomb Bee and the tiger.

“Fine. I’ll squish you two first.”

“Let’s test the strength of your claws, kitten. Clout!” the tiger exclaimed.

Chat Noir watched as the tiger and Pharoah’s fists connected that sent shockwaves out that ripped apart the street. They stood even for a brief second before the tiger pushed back against Pharoah. He struggled to fight against her when Bomb Bee snuck around and used Venom to paralyze him.

Carapace dropped the shield, allowing Bloody Bug to take the necklace and break it. The Akuma flew up from the broken pendant. She caught and purified it, then grabbed her book and threw it up.

“Miraculous!”

The book burst into a swarm of ladybugs that repaired the damage done while Pharoah reverted to Jalil.

“What happened? Where am I?” Jalil asked.

“You were akumatized. I had destroyed the Tutankhamun exhibit and painted a target on myself. Now, any reason you went into that exhibit?” Bloody Bug asked.

“I… wanted to used Tutankhamun’s scepter to perform a ritual. I hoped to prove one of my theories true, but also protect my little sister.”

“Little sister?” the tiger asked.

“Yeah. She had a foul run-in with that awful Chloe Bourgeois and was nearly consumed by her rage. It sent her spiraling and I just… I wanted to keep her from that happening. She was so scared of it and I hated seeing her so broken down. I felt like I couldn’t do anything when I should be able to. I’m her older brother, and I can’t do anything to help her. What good am I to her?”

Bomb Bee started towards Jalil when Bloody Bug knelt.

“Your sister sounds like a hard case to crack, which I can relate to. It’s not easy going through life with those challenges. She’s going to have her highs and lows as we all do, but the biggest thing you can do is just be there for her. As long as you do that, you’re doing great.”

Jalil’s eyes widened as Bloody Bug saw a flash of recognition. He reached out and pulled her into his arms. “Thank you! Thank you so much! I promise I’ll be there, always!”

Bloody Bug chuckled nervously. She patted Jalil’s head, then pushed him away as her earrings chirped.

“Bug, you’re about to change back,” Chat Noir said.

“Fuck. Cat, get this man back to his home. Carapace, Bomb Bee, and Lady Tigress, move it.”

Chat Noir watched the four of them all head in different directions. He watched the tiger, Lady Tigress, vanish before he scooped up Jalil.

“Where am I taking you?” Chat Noir asked.

“Uh, the Louvre.”

“Right-o! I’ll have you there faster than you can say ‘meow.’”

~~

Alix returned home after she gave the miraculous jewels back to Wang Fu. She managed to swing by roller derby, but she had missed practice. Her coach would have laid into her, but she explained Jalil was akumatized and she didn’t want to put the team at risk, which shut her coach up. She had checked her phone periodically on her way home to see Chat Noir had eagerly messaged her, asking about Lady Tigress. She had put her phone on silent as she ignored him, not wanting to indulge his curosity.

Alix headed for the stairs when Alim called to her. She turned as he grabbed her shoulders and looked her over.

“Are you ok? Are you hurt? Any injuries, bruises, or anything?” Alim asked.

“I’m fine. It was just practice, Dad. We don’t actually hurt each other until match time.”

“You’re talking about… derby? No, Alix, not that. I’m talking about your fight with Pharoah. You’re not hurt, are you? I saw the impact and the overall destruction of the exhibit, but-.”

“Wait, Dad, you aren’t saying I’m Bloody Bug, are you?”

“Alix, you can’t fool me. Well, maybe. I didn’t recognize you immediately. It was like I saw you, but it wasn’t you. It was… such a strange feeling not being able to recognize you from your face. As your father, I should, but I couldn’t. I likely wouldn’t have until you spoke. I didn’t place the voice immediately, but I know your tone and speech patterns. They’re just like your mother’s.”

“Yeah, you can’t hide the truth from us, Alix!” Jalil yelled.

Alix glanced over as Jalil ran down the stairs and joined the conversation.

“I heard it too. It was harder for me to place, but I caught on once I recognized where I’ve heard such a tone before.”

“Ah, fuck it. Fine, yes. I’m Bloody Bug,” Alix admitted.

Jalil gasped. “We knew it! How do you do it? Did you gain them from some ancient ritual or a blessing from an old god?”

Alix rolled her eyes and took off her cap. Jalil and Alim looked at Tikki, who was curled up taking a nap.

“Interesting. Looks like Jalil’s theory of magic creatures might have some weight after all,” Alim mumbled.

“Does that mean you’ll-,” Jalil started.

“Absolutely not. Jalil, we have to keep this secret. That means no interrogating whatever this creature is or revealing any information regarding Alix’s superhero identity.”

“So, wait, you’re not mad? And you’re not going to tell me to stop?”

Alim sighed. “I would like to, but I know you. You listen when you want to but have developed a habit of disregarding the rules. Not all, but a lot of them. I know if I told you to stop, you’d just keep doing this. It’s how you are and how your mother was. You both are the types to learn by doing. It won’t matter how much I warn you otherwise, you’ll still do it to find out for yourself.”

“That’s not always true. I listen to you sometimes.”

“Yes, but would you listen to me on this?”

“Probably not.”

“Exactly. I don’t necessarily like it, but I can’t stop you. I want to keep you safe, but I can’t always. You’re in those stages where you are becoming your own person. As much as I’d rather shelter you, I know she wouldn’t want that. She’d have encouraged and supported you, so that’s what I’ll do. For you and for her.”

Alix took a shaky breath. “I appreciate it, but you don’t have to do everything for her if you don’t want to.”

Alim chuckled as a tear fell. “Well, maybe not, but it’s how I can honor her memory and wishes. To see you both happy and strong, just like she will have always wanted. For you both to live a life where you could be yourself. If being Bloody Bug is part of that for you, I will support it and you.”

Tears fell from Alix’s eyes as she hugged Alim. “Thank you.”

Tikki yawned and sat up. “What’s going on?”

“Ah, she’s awake. Greetings, little creature. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Alim said.

Tikki blinked. “Uh, Alix?”

“They know. My voice gave it away,” Alix said.

“Oh. Yeah, the glamor isn’t the best in this age, but we’re also not designed for this kind of environment. So, yeah,” Tikki remarked.

“What’s the glamor do?” Jalil asked.

“It masks our holder’s identity. The appearance is the big one, except it can’t mask the immutable like body mass and height. It can also hide the voice, but not necessarily the tone and speech. Which, I guess that’s how you figured it out, Mr. Kubdel?” Tikki asked.

“Yes, but please, call me Alim.”

“Well met, Alim. My name’s Tikki.”

“Likewise, Tikki. Are you by chance hungry? Is that something you can do?” Alim asked.

“She can and probably is. I didn’t have any extra snacks packed, so, yeah.”

“Not to worry. I’ll help you with that. What do you eat, Tikki?”

“Sugar. Preferably sweets.”

“Well, that would explain the boxes I’ve been seeing from that one bakery run by Tom and Sabine.”

“Yeah, I’ve been treating Tikki a little more. Plus, I had received a free box of macaroons from Tom last week for when Cat and I kept Marinette safe from Evillustrator.”

“Treating me or yourself?” Tikki grumbled.

“Hey! I get hungry too and they do have the best pastries in all of Paris. So, I’m allowed to indulge too,” Alix remarked.

Alim chuckled. “Alright, you two. I can swing by and get some pastries for Tikki. Let you use your money on other things, Alix. Just make sure you’re still careful out there, ok?”

“Always. Thank you, Dad.”

Alim smiled and hugged Alix. “Always, Alix. I love you.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

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