Chapter Text
"Let's talk patrols."
Ladybug paces as she addresses the gathered heroes. Her team. The holders she recently entrusted to carry their Miraculouses full-time.
"Starting this weekend, I'm organizing everyone to patrol in pairs. It doesn't have to be a whole big thing, just an hour or so in the evening if you can safely get away without your family noticing."
They stand before her, backlit by the setting sun and lined up like chess pieces. All but Chat Noir, that is—he's by her side, right where he belongs. Judging from their facial reactions, this will either be an obligation to manage or something fun to look forward to.
"This is for three reasons," she continues, as Chat Noir throws up three clawed fingers. "One. This new Butterfly holder hasn't been making our lives easy. They've been striking out across a wider area of the city, and it takes longer for us to arrive. I'd like to improve our odds. I think the old system of just Chat Noir and I patrolling isn't cutting it anymore."
King Monkey raises a hand like they're in school.
"What exactly do you two DO on patrol?"
"Play cards," Chat Noir says flippantly. She elbows him.
"You've never read The Ladyblog?" asks Rena Rouge, barely restraining her indignation. "It covers their patrols pretty extensively."
King Monkey crosses his arms.
"I don't read anything."
"We mostly cross through different arrondissements and keep an eye out," Ladybug explains. "Patrols have historically been pretty quiet. I mean, how many akuma attacks have even happened while we've been on patrol? Ten? Twelve tops?"
She looks to Chat Noir for a number, but he only shrugs.
"With Hawk Moth, we weren't worried about akumas escaping our notice," Chat continues for her. "He wanted to draw us out so he could steal our Miraculouses. We don't know what this new one is after yet, but lately there have been more attacks while we've been on patrol... just not where."
"Two," Ladybug resumes. "We also think more time together would be good for everyone. Chat Noir and I have been doing this for a while, and that gave us a lot of time to get to know each other and how to work together. But it wasn't long after you all got yours that I lost them—"
"Stolen," Chat corrects automatically.
"—so you've had less time," she presses on, ignoring him. "This should make it easier for you all to get to know each other. But not too much!"
Ever since her and Chat started, she's understood the danger of secret identities being exposed. With her teammates, she doesn't worry too much about their physical safety; they have their Miraculouses, after all. That's not what scares her. But the more identities that get exposed, the greater the likelihood of everyone realizing someone close to them has been giving all their classmates Miraculouses.
"Does that mean we'll have dedicated patrol buddies?" asks Vesperia.
Ladybug ignores the eagerly optimistic expression that blooms across Rena Rouge's and Carapace's faces.
"Not at first," Ladybug cautions the group, condemning her BFF to a frown. "I know some of you might have someone in mind that you get along with or have compatible powers that'd be good to practice together, but I want everyone to gel. I'll mix it up every time. You probably won't see the same person again for a while. So, with that—"
Giggles break out, interrupting her. Ladybug pauses and sees some of the heroes clearly amused by something. Rena Rouge is shaking her head. Viperion and Bunnyx are shooting each other funny looks. Ladybug turns to see her partner beside her, pouting melodramatically at the prospect of having patrol partners that aren't her. Such an overdramatic kitten.
"Sorry, Chaton," she says sympathetically, and gives him a little chin scratch to cheer him up. "I promise you'll have me back soon enough."
"That's not soon enough."
She snorts.
"Where was I?"
"Three."
She slams a fist into her palm. "Three. Yes! Three! It also helps people stay optimistic if they see us out and about. Everyone in Paris has been through a lot and they deserve to feel safe. We don't have to worry about petty crime, buuuuut I totally understand if you see something and want to help."
Caprikid raises his hand.
"I can't patrol on the sabbath," he says awkwardly.
"Yes. I know. Thank you."
"Yay! Friends!" cheers Pigella.
"Shall we report back the results of our patrols?" asks Pegasus.
Ladybug wrinkles her nose. The results? What does that even mean? And why does that make it sound like a school exam?
"Uh. No? I guess you can tell me if anything important happens I should know about? But otherwise It's really not that big a deal."
Pegasus nods.
"This is so sick!" King Monkey says, pumping his fist. "Now that we're a team—"
"We've been a team," Rena points out.
"But like a REAL team. We need a name. Like the Hero Squad. Or the Paris Defense Force."
Miss Hound raises a finger. "You're suggesting we be the 'PDF'?"
Chat Noir throws an arm around Purple Tigress and Miss Hound. "How about the Paw Patrol?"
"Only 38.88 repeating percent of our animals possess paws," Pegasus notes.
"The Second Paris Zoo?" suggests Rooster Bold.
There's quiet murmurs from the group as nobody seems fond of the proposed names.
"Can I reserve the right to tell you this is a bad idea?" Bunnyx asks Ladybug.
Ladybug cocks an eyebrow.
"The names?"
"The whooole thing."
"It's not that big a deal," she insists. "We're just doing paired patrols. We'll be a stronger team. Oh, and friendly reminder to bring your kwami's snack just in case you need to recharge! I'll message you all instructions over the next few days. Transform, check your communicator, and I can let you know who you're meeting up with and where."
"And when?" asks King Monkey.
"Yes." Ladybug smiles tightly. "I will also let you know when."