Apprentice

Part 3: Uniforms

(Mari doesn't know who Carapace, Chat Noir, Queen Bee, or Rena Rouge are.)

Two months after Hawkmoth's takeover. All of the government has been captured, and everyone has to follow the new rules. If you step out of line, one of Hawkmoth's 'Apprentices' will come and take you to the fortress in the sky. 

When Hawkmoth wanted to create the minions he calls Apprentices, he finds an ally and akumatizes them. But this is in a different way. They grow huge butterfly wings in lilac, and a purple armour appears on their body. They can summon these powers at any time. 

The Apprentices fly over Paris day and night. Some hide as civilians. All searching for those who break the rules and most importantly...searching for Ladybug. 

~MONTH TWO OF HAWKMOTH'S REIGN~

Marinette frowned looking in the mirror. Holding up the new school uniform in front of herself. Normally, getting new clothes from Gabriel Agreste was so exciting for her! But now that Hawkmoth forced him to design these uniforms for all schools, it wasn't as thrilling. 

The lilac blouse had a little butterfly on the top left. There was a dark purple skirt and black shoes with high white socks. 

Mari got changed fast then once again looked at her reflection. She grimaced.

"I hate it Tikki. Why would Hawkmoth want us wearing a uniform?" 
"Marinette, remember Alya told us that Gabriel Agreste volunteered to do it?!"
"Oh yeah. Why would he do that?"
"Maybe to protect Adrien."

Rain was pelting of the windows. Under the purple dome, an apprentice flew past with their huge lilac wings. Tikki closed the curtains. Mari went downstairs and ate breakfast. Her phone buzzed. Alya's face appeared on the screen. She answered. 

"Morning Alya. Ready for school?

"Hey girl. Yeah, my uniform arrived. It is so stupid. Even my sisters have to wear them! There are different designs depending on you age." 

"Weird. Hey Alya, I'm ready to go. Want to meet up at the entrance?"

"Marinette, don't forget an umbrella! Cover yourself. Apprentices on patrol have been taking people for every reason. Any personality, or looks like Ladybug will get you taken to the fortress." 

Marinette was silent. 

"Mari. I know your scared. I am too. But you'll be safe. I promise you." 

"Thanks Alya. See you in a bit."

"Bye."

She hung up. Tikki hugged Marinette's cheek. Mari looked outside at the paroling apprentice flying nearby. He had a staff in his hand which he used to shine a spotlight down on the streets looking for possible Ladybugs. 

Marinette went closer to the window to look at him. He had messy brown hair and a mask covering his face. He flapped his wings and then looked straight at Marinette. 

His face broke into a smile as he flew towards her house. Mari jumped, and sprinted away from the window. She fled upstairs to her room and quickly hid in a closet. "He saw me. He saw me. What if he thought I was Ladybug?!" She panicked. 

Tikki phased threw the closet door and looked at Marinette with fear. 

"Don't worry Marinette. Calm down. Calm down." 
"Tikki! What. Do. We. Do?! We can't transform, that'll give it away!" 
"Calm down Mari. He will won't come inside." 
"How do you know?!" 

There was a knock coming from the window. Marinette's heart was beating fast.

The knock got louder. Again and again. 

Marinette covered her mouth, and...