The early star rose over the shimmering leaves; letting the invisible rays of heat bounce off the heads of the players. Crisp leaves and twigs cracked under everyone's feet. The serene forest slightly lifted the heavy burden of doubt and fear everyone felt; imprisoned within a game.
However, not everyone believed Hawkmoth's words. The whole idea seemed preposterous and impossible. How could a mere game kill thousands of players all across the globe? And what possible and logical reason could there have been for creating this game in the first place?
But in her heart, Ladybug knew that Hawkmoth's words rang true. No matter what, she couldn't forget the villain's warnings. His voice was constantly invading her thoughts, controlling her actions like a pathetic puppet.
She shielded her face from the fake sunlight. Real or not, both blinded her eyesight. "It's too early." She whined before she could stop herself.
The sandy blond-headed boy beside her smirked mischievously. "Says the girl who slept in the latest."
A blush crept up her face. Unlike her punctual party member, Ladybug had arrived last. Luckily, the front liners didn't exclude her from the fight because of her partner's incessant pleadings to the others to remain patient. The group was half-an-hour under schedule. "Shut up." Was all she could think of at the moment. She tugged on her woolen, crimson red cloak over her face; hiding her flush.
However, that didn't stop the pretty boy from grinning even wider. He had finally gotten her to talk even if it was only for just a second. "Come on my lady, we're falling behind." He made out; striding quicker toward the other swordsmen; ignoring her annoyed expression at the nickname which just made the boy happier.
***
The slow, long trek up the first level tower seemed to take hours upon hours upon hours. There were no breaks for food or rest stops which made Ladybug wondered how the leaders, Max and Kim weren't as deprived as the rest of the crew.
She yearned to complain so badly with the majority of the players, but seeing how her partner wasn't making a single peep, she forced her chatterbox mouth to stay shut. After all, her fellow party member had a large, black sword in his sheath which appeared to be twice as wide as her own secret Miracle Sword.
Ladybug had easily concluded that his strength status was at least as much as hers considering his rather ginormous weapon of choice. She could probably handle it, but she preferred the more swift, light blades.
"M'lady, are you okay? You've been staring at my sword for a while." The green-eyed boy asked quizzically.
"W-What?!," Ladybug squeaked a little too loudly. "I-I'm f-fine! Just...iring your sword is all..." She stuttered and trailed her words; desperately wanting to kick herself.
Her partner shrugged; thinking nothing of it. They were so close to the boss room. There was no time for distractions, if the party raid failed; death would be at our doorstep. Unless, Hawkmoth was lying which didn't seem logical after his oh so welcoming speech.
Thousands upon thousands of steps later, the player crew eventually reached the top of the first level floor. They were right outside it: the door was designed from mossy stone with a blue sapphire stuck in the middle.
"Alright warriors!," Max addressed. "The time has come for-oh." He stopped when he noticed the exhausted countenance on his fighters' faces.
"Can we at least get a break first?!" One woman grunted.
"Yeah! We just walked up at least a million stairs!" Another man shouted. The rest of the party raid with no doubt agreed and began jabbering poor Max for them to take a break.
Max's face turned red when he realized his warriors weren't in the same condition as him. "Fine...," He relented. "But only for ten minutes!"
The group collapsed onto the stone brick floor; finally relieved to get a breather.
Ladybug dropped to her knees; moaning quietly to herself. She gazed over at her other party member and saw how gracefully he plopped himself down. She flushed when he whirled to find her staring.
"Hey...," Ladybug spoke awkwardly. "I never did catch your name..."
The attractive boy smirked. "Look at the top, right hand corner."
Ladybug glanced to the right hand corner of the screen like he instructed. It read his name.
"Cat...Noir?" She inquired. He nodded to say yes.
So that was how he knew her name. And the My lady nickname.
Blood rushed to her face like a river as she realized how embarrassing it was that he didn't know the simplest of things in the MMO. Sure, she was a beta tester, but she chose not to converse with the other ninety-nine players so names weren't needed, just to complete the level.
And complete them she did, to be called one of the Surviving Five and now a Miracle Sword Holder except now the boundaries of risk were in a life or death situation. Die in the game, die in real life.
She could vaguely recall being one of the final two on level twenty. All she could from the other player were his electric green eyes. No other memories popped up.
Hey! Look out!
He had shouted before they were both sliced to pieces at the exact same time by the boss. They were equal in strength, perseverance, and honor for being the last two survivors.
But who was that boy? Could he be back in this MMO? Could he be trapped as well? Since he was one of the Surviving Five, he would have gotten one of the Miracle Swords! What did he chose? Escape or Fight?
Ladybug's rambling questions were intercepted by their leader's call. "Warriors, prepare yourself. It is time to reclaim freedom!" He swiped his sword sharply in the air.
The call for freedom was waiting.
***
Yo my magnificent kitty-cats!I'm so sorry for not posting anything for a while, I meant to post this yesterday, but I wasn’t feeling inspired enough to write. Suggestions are totally encouraged! I would love to become a better writer with all of your help and ! Comment down below! I am working on planning my Genderbend AU one-shot so look out for that! Until next time...ME-OW!!!!! :cat:
-PrettyQueen325 :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart:
Cover image belongs to A-1 Pictures, edit by me!
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