Chapter 18: 18: Nooroo
As soon as Lila left the mansion, Gabriel took Tikki to his underground lair. The kwami couldn't understand what she was feeling seeing everything Hawkmoth has built just for the goal of akumatizing people. What creeped her out the most was seeing this glass tomb at the bottom most area of his secret cave. The whole area was covered in water, but the platform where the tomb was, it was covered in fresh flowers. Gabriel brings Tikki closer to the glass, catching a glimpse of what was inside.
Tikki gasped, "A person.."
"This is my wife Emily." Gabriel introduced. Tikki was surprised to see a soft expression on Gabriel's face. She never thought Hawkmoth was capable of such a pained expression.
Seeing Tikki wasn't planning to respond, Gabriel decides to explain hoping the kwami would understand why he's doing everything that looks evil to them.
"A few years before my son was born, Emily and I had been working together in a small project where the Gabriel Agreste brand started. I believe it was also around that time when we found the butterfly and peacock miraculous. At first we were happy that it ever existed as it brought convenience to our endeavors. It even came to a point where we incorporate the powers of the miraculous to our designs. However, we took the power for granted and Emily's body took the toll."
"But the peacock miraculous was broken." Tikki replied.
Gabriel nodded, "And we found out about that too late. When Adrien was in his early childhood, Emily's health had already started to deteriorate. Our son noticed it but we both kept quiet of what her true sickness was. A few years ago, her body finally gave up. But I was not giving up. I decided to preserve her body in secret as I search for a remedy to this. That was when I found the guardian book."
"No wonder the book was with Adrien in the beginning." Tikki thought to herself.
"I couldn't translate all the text," Gabriel continued, "But the first passage I was able to read. It said about how the power of the ladybug miraculous and black cat miraculous can grant a wish when used together. It was then I decided to finally search for it and claim it to revive my dearest Emily."
"But!" Tikki yelled, "But there is no assurance of it!"
"I know. I've read the rest of the book." Gabriel said showing Tikki Master Fu's tablet on his hand.
"You had the translated version?" Tikki whispered worriedly.
Gabriel gazes at Emily, "There is no assurance, but there is a chance it will work and I am not wasting that chance on fear." he said putting Tikki down on the white pillar beside Emily's casket.
"Where are you going?" Tikki exclaimed at the leaving Gabriel.
Gabriel just grinned at her ignoring her cries to let her out. Tikki slams her body to the glass, and fails the same way. She sobs to herself realizing she was already trapped.
The moment Gabriel disappears into his cylindrical lift, Nooroo pops up behind the jar, tapping on the exhausted Tikki. She looked over to the tiny tapping noise and was happy to see a familiar figure floating about.
"Nooroo!" she cheered in relief. Nooroo quickly shushed her.
"Hello, Tikki." the butterfly kwami greeted with low energy.
"What are you doing here?" she asks, worried that Hawkmoth might scold him.
"I know of master's intention since long ago. But I also know that what he's doing isn't right. All those akumatized citizens, it has always pained me seeing their broken hearts being manipulated by a power meant for good."
"I understand Nooroo. I know Gabriel just wants to revive Emily, but what he's doing is wrong."
"He was planning on using that bangle to physically torture ladybug into separating you from her upon transformation."
Tikki felt a chill, "What?"
Nooroo nodded, "I was with master the whole time he was developing that bangle. He was planning on giving it to the owner of the ladybug miraculous as a gift so that when she transforms into ladybug, she'll lose consciousness and he can get her earrings."
"So that's why he was working with Lila! He was planning to let Lila investigate on who's behind the mask. And with Lila's skill of deception, she'll surely succeed."
"But now that you're here Tikki, he's turned to a different target.."
"Chat Noir." Tikki slumped in fear, "He's going to try and make Lila search for the owner of Plagg." she mumbles.
"Nooroo we have to warn Plagg!" Tikki yells.
"I know, but how? You're trapped here."
Tikki stares at him and Nooroo shudders realizing what she wants him to do.
"No no no, it is too dangerous for me to do it Tikki! Master will find out!"
"Nooroo, listen to me," she sticks to the glass, "This isn't a matter of what's dangerous anymore. Adrien is Plagg's owner."
Nooroo gasps, "Then...all this time..."
"Yes! This is why it is only you who can do this and warn Plagg of the impending danger that is about to happen. We don't know what else Hawkmoth is planning to do, but we have to keep Plagg from transforming with Adrien at all costs! Do you read me?"
Nooroo gulps, frightened, "How can you easily trust me like this?"
Tikki smiles, "Because you're good Nooroo. And I know you've been helping Gabriel not because you like doing the bad things he has been doing, but because you care for your owner and you just want him to be happy."
Nooroo's heart melted. It was the first time anybody has acknowledged his intentions.
He nods, "Alright Tikki, I'll deliver the message to Plagg."
Tikki grins, "Atta boy Nooroo. Now remember, you have to make sure Gabriel does not catch you."
"Don't worry. I know master's schedule. I'm sure I can sneak out to Adrien's room when everybody's asleep."
Nooroo was about to leave when Tikki stops him as she thought of something.
"Wait! If Plagg isn't in Adrien's room, find our new master." her voice quivered.
"What? You mean go out and head to Marinette's!?"
"Nooroo, you have to trust me on this. This is our only hope. We have to be quick." she said firmly.
Nooroo sighs, "Alright. I'll keep that in mind."
Tikki smiles weakly, "Thank you. It'll take a long time for us to see each other again my friend. I pray for your safety."
Nooroo nods, "You too Tikki. I'll be back. We'll get you out of here. I promise you." and he flies off to the ceiling, disappearing among the rocks.
Tikki lands on her feet, crouching on the glass's floor, "And I hope Marinette will finally find the courage to rely on others. I pray for all of your safety on this scary mission I've put you all into." A tear drops from her cheeks as she whispered, "I'm sorry."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Mai_Luna
Mai_Luna Let us all acknowledge how strong Tikki is and how Nooroo is such a softie and that all he really wants is for his master to finally accept reality. Will Adrien be fine? Will Marinette find her answer to this crisis? We'll see in the next chapters!
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