A/N: Hello again. It has been a long time to say the least. Over a year. Sorry for being so gone for so long. I had stepped away from this story mostly because of school work. Then work-work. Then just trying to make a great ending. I'll talk more about the ending at the end of this chapter. There is one more chapter, plus an epilogue to tie into True Friends. Which can be considered a sequel or a slight alternative timeline. More information in the author's notes.

Enjoy!

Fox Tails: Chapter 31: Can't Wait for a Miracle

"Welcome back!", Confectionette chirped, seeing her feathered friend flying down from the sky light on the school's roof. One of the many, many improvements she made to the boring little building.

"Who is that?", many of the students wondered who the new face in the room was. The group had been bound and were now being held in cages awaiting whatever Confectionette was going to do to them. Referring to a grand feast she was preparing with all of them.

"He looks like an akuma.", especially with the mask and feathers.

'Another one?', had Hawkmoth been able to create more than one? If not, perhaps he was just the main akuma's minion.

"You must be tired. Why don't you rest your wings? I'll make you a nice treat~", she smiled warmly. As she seemed to fawn over the male surprisingly like a doting housewife.

"They almost look like a married couple.", especially the way Confectionette looked to fawn and worry over the other akuma. Messaging his wing and offering him food for his travels.

"Well, the akuma definitely made her bolder with her feelings.", Alya noted. But, didn't know how to feel about her best friend getting close to the other akuma.

"And you brought another guest~", Confectionette chirped, eyeing what or rather who Écrouer had brought with him.

"Is that..."

"Mr. Agreste!?", it was titled 'King of Fashion' and father to their classmate, Gabrial Agreste.

"The akuma got him."

"Should I make something for him?", Confectionette offered.

"Nothing for him.", Écrouer dismissed the offer, "He's on punishment. And when you're on punishment you can't have anything!", taking the designer he threw him with the rest of the captives.

"Someone's mad.", though considering it was Mr. Agreste it wasn't hard to believe. He hadn't known to be very...sociable.

"Too bad the bird looked kind of cold."

"That isn't some cold bird.", the designer stated, "Unfortunately, that's my son."

"Your son? You mean..."

"Adrien?", the class looked shocked.

"That's Adrien?", no one could believe it. Not only had Marinette been akumatized. But, Adrien as well.

"Now that you're all here it's time for the special feast to begin!", Confectionette sang to the captives.

"What are you going to do to us?", the captives asked fearfully at what they had planned.

"Why to give you your just desserts, of course.", she waved her wand. A large table appeared. Filled with an array of desserts, "Starting with the guest of honor!", with another wave of her wand the gingerbread men went into the cage and led Lila out. Dragging her towards the large table and forcing her to sit. Where she was placed and strapped to a large cookie chair. Licorice rope wrapped around her hands and feet.

"Eat up!", she instructed as she motioned to the array of food at the table. Each one looked more elegant than the last. From cakes, pies, cookies, and even pots of colorful jams to spread.

"Um...it all looks so good...", she noted, "But, I'm not really that hungry.", she had rejected the sweets.

"I slaved over a hot stove and magic to make all your desserts and you won't even have a nibble.", she looked sad at this, "Don't you at least want to taste it?"

Again she shook her head at the offer.

"Open up the tunnel~", the akuma picked up one of the forks and scooped a piece of velvet cake up. Placing it towards Lila's mouth, "Say ahh~"

With each attempt at trying to get food in the girl's mouth, she moved her head frantically to avoid the cursed food.

Écrouer bristled at the girl's disobedience and looked ready to pry her mouth open. But, was stopped by Confectionette who noticed the other's blister.

"It's okay my happy prince.", Confectionette assured him that she could handle things, "As someone always told me. No matter how much someone beats you down you never should get angry at them.", no matter how much it hurts them in the end, "They just need a little help~", she sang with a smile. She turned back to her seated guest.

Taking a fork from the array of utensils neatly placed on the table. She twirled the shiny silver, before, without warning, jamming it down causing Lila to scream out in pain. The sharp tip jabbed straight into her arm. Her cries of pain silenced by a spoon trusted into her mouth along with its contents.

"See was that so hard?", she watched as the girl painfully chewed the food forced inside her, "Now swallow.", she ordered sweetly.

"What was that?", Lila coughed trying to get the substance from her mouth.

"Something I made to turn that will drown all your sourness into sugary bliss.", she smiled, "It's a pie silly.", fresh from the oven, "I made it just for you."

"I-I don't like pie. I'm not really a sugar person...", she tried to decline from having anymore.

"But, with all the famous bakers you've trained with you must love sweets.", and pie was a special dessert, "Now, let's get you a nice, big slice!", picking up a knife from the table to cut out a generous piece and placed it before her guest, "I know how you like to feel special. So, of course, you should be the first before everyone else."

"I...don't want to impose.", again she tried to refuse, "You should let someone else go. How about Chloe, she loves pie."

"As if. Everyone knows I love tarts.", Chloe refuted with a snort, "Hey Confection...whatever. Maybe she wants you to feed her. You know how tired her wrists get.", she brought up.

"Of course!", she seemed to remember, "I almost forgot about your arthritis.", how could she forget so easily, "I should help you."

"No, no that's not necessary.", she shook her head.

"Oh, but I don't mind. I don't want you to feel like I'm ignoring your needs."

"I would never feel that way. I've always held you in such high records.", she said, "I thought you and I could be friends."

"Of course. You want everyone to be your friends, no?", why else would she tell such tall tales and unbelievable stories. She wanted attention so badly.

"Yes! And I know that deep in your heart you wanted to be friends too."

"Perhaps.", she hummed, cutting more slices from the pie.

"And we still could be friends."

"Friends? You want to be friends?", the usually friendly akuma seemed skeptical of the girl's intentions, "Why?"

"Because I know that we haven't gotten along much."

The akuma giggled.

"You think you're so clever, don't you little pest.", she hummed, "You thought you could use such artificial words on me.", who never believed a word she said from the beginning, "I'm the embodiment of sweetness. But, on the inside, my heart is filled with bitterness for people like you."

"As punishment for your deception I've given you a special treat. A bit of humble pie will leave your stomach in knots.", she declared, "The sweet filling shall sour inside you. Becoming bitter for all your deceitful words.", picking up another spoon full of pie she packed it into the girls mouth. Watching as she choked and sputtered not to choke.

"If you won't change for the better. Then you'll become bitter from the batter.", she sang.

"That's completely unfair.", she complained, feeling her stomach gurgling and swishing.

"Since when have you ever played by the rules?", she laughed, "I'm not Marinette. I won't just stand off to the side and believe in the good of people.", that only brought her pain, "Now finish up your meal."

Lila gave a coughing noise and looked like she would throw up.

"Unless you want help with that too", she held up the red-coated fork for her and everyone to see.

Lila paled.

"See what a 'good friend' I am?", she turned to the other captives, "I made all the treats your precious, amazing girl wanted. Just like you all wanted, right?", just the look in her eyes sent chills down the student's spines. Yet even in the fear, their hearts broke for what had become of their friend. Twisted and contorted by the pain she had to endure.

Because of them.

"So how is it?", she asked.

"T-This is disgusting.", she coughed at the rough and dry deserts, "It tastes like dirt.", she spat little bits onto the floor.

"I said you were going to eat your words.", literally, "All these confections were made with all your lies and deceptions. And you will eat every crumb of your dishonesty.", she spared no expense, "And as you can see there is a wide arrangement for you to chew on.", and choke down, "The cake you just at was a red velvet cake made from the dirt from the Kingdom of Acchu. Topped with sprinkles made from the royal palace foundation."

"Then we have a delicious shepherd's pie.", with an embroidered crust that looked like the scales of a reptile and colored green, "It's a killer recipe with a certain bite to it."

"And then we have some kitten balls.", dough designed to look like kittens and baked to a golden brown. Glazed with rich butter so that they shined, "Aren't they cute~", she beamed, "I made a litter!"

For each dish, she stuffed a piece into Lila's mouth. Forcing her to swallow every bite. Leaving a mess as she pressed more and more.

"Please...no more.", she couldn't take it, "What did you even put in this?", she coughed, feeling something fuzzy and sharp on her tongue.

"Cat fur and crocodile scales.", she said happily, "I even added something special for you."

Lila choked feeling her stomach boiling for the random items she was forced to eat. Tears spilling from her eyes as she felt more pain and anguish with each bite.

"Stop complaining you ungrateful witch! Be lucky someone allows you to eat!", Écrouer bristled, glowering down at the girl still choking in her chair, "You're going to eat every last crumb."

"Now don't worry I brought enough for everyone!", with a wave of her wand the same dishes appeared in her classmates cages. With a few alterations to each one. And even different portions given to certain individuals.

"Gross.", Alix muttered looking at the food.

"I don't want to eat cat fur.", Rose cried.

"Not cool.", Juleka poked at the Crocodile pie which gave a low growl and snapped at her.

"You couldn't dare me to eat this.", Kim paled. Even he had his limits.

In all everyone looked disgusted and pale seeing the dishes.

"Well, you won't be leaving until you eat every single crumb.", Confectionette scolded the group.

"Well, I'm certainly not eating this massacre on a plate.", Chloe huffed, "I only give the finest cuisines made by world class chefs. Not whatever this is."

"Does Chloe not like her Lemon Meringue pie?", the akuma cooed, "It's your favorite~", she always remembered everyone's favorite treats.

"As if I touch a thing you cook. It's probably poisoned.", she commented.

"Do you need help eating your food?", she eyed the utensils on the table.

"Touch me and...!", with a yelp something flew past her head. Slicing through one of her bangs and landing at the wall. It was some kind of sharp dagger. Thrown by none other than Écrouer.

"Eat.", he growled, preparing another dagger.

"That was not nice My Prince.", Confectionette cooed to her partner, "If Chloe doesn't like the pie. I can always make you something else.", she had an array of items she could make.

"N-No...pie is fine.", she nodded before shoveling a spoonful in her mouth, "I just...uh...wanted some ice cream. Please?"

"See you're sounding so much sweeter already.", she smiled warmly, "Now eat up everyone!", she instructed while she went to make some ice cream for the pie. Écrouer following right behind for, passing glancing at the cages as he left. \

Once the two were out of sight the room slowly untensed. Yet, the despair lingered at their situation.

"Okay, we need to get the heck out of here like yesterday.", Chloe stated quickly swallowing the pie.

"Good suggestion. But if you forget the little situation we're in.", like being locked in a cage with two of their classmates turned into super villains.

"We just have to wait for the heroes to come and put everything right.", they were their only hope.

"I can't believe this is happening.", Alya looked sadly out of her cage at what had become of their school, their homes, themselves, but more sadly what had become of her friends, "I never wanted...I never thought Marinette could become like this.", none of them did. And the fact she was now an akuma with no emotion other than smiling and being happy. Even as she hurt others. Was too much for them to witness.

"Yeah you were pretty horrible friends.", Chloe commented.

"Chloe not now.", Nino stated.

"Oh come off it DJ. We all know this is mostly Ceasire's fault. Seriously tearing into someone over a cake of all things.", Chloe brought, "I might be a brat, but I expect better from you all with your friendship preaching."

"It's still not her fault.", not entirely.

"But it is. I saw Marinette making the cake. She even told me who it was for.", but even with all that she still chose to come down on her, "I'm a horrible friend."

"Have your pity party later over Dupain-Cheng. What about Adriken's? Who's been turned into some bird person.", who was actually pretty cool looking, "My poor Adrikins.", she cried rather dramatically.

"What made Adrien so upset he could get akumatized?"

"I could take a guess.", eyes turned to the table where Lila was still choking down the food. Even from the distance she could see the eyes on her. Yet, felt more compelled to sob and cry at the table.

"You think she had something to do with Adrien being akumatized?"

"I wouldn't be surprised.", Nino grumbled, "Adrien looked pretty upset earlier.", not that he stayed around to listen after he tried to comfort Alya after she was being threatened with a lawsuit.

"I just want this horrible day to be over.", Rose cried as Juleka held her. A sentiment everyone had. Praying the heroes would hurry and come save them.

In the city Kitsune raced across the rooftops. With most of the city being affected by the akuma's. Sugar crazed or melancholy in a cage. Her opinions thinned, as time seemed to be ticking down until the entire city of Paris would be consumed.

But without her partners or even Master Fu, Kitsune was alone. With only the kwami to aid her. Perching herself on a rooftop. Hidden from plain sight and checking to make sure she was in the clear, she exhaled. Finding her footing, she stalked on all fours towards the ledge. Peeking over the border she got a clear sight of the school.

Or what it used to be...

Transformed into some monstrosity of sweets and desserts, combined into a castle.

"Well this escalated quickly."

"This is not good.", Tikki frowned seeing the state the city was in. Thinking to her holder who she knew was the cause of this.

"Don't worry Sugarcube.", Plagg tried to console his other half.

"How can I not be worried? The akuma's powers are growing.", she could feel it, "We have to purify them quickly before it's too late."

"And we will.", Kitsune promised, "First we need to get inside the castle.", which would be tricky given the number of what she could see as gingerbread men soldiers. And a few civilians under the sweets spell. Basically building up the castle by baking and adding sweets.

"It's going to be a challenge getting in without being caught by minions.", and they didn't know what was inside the dessert castle.

"Well I've always enjoyed a good challenge.", Kitsune grinned for a moment as she eyed the castle, "What's to say we go storm the castle and give them a real warm welcome.", she cracked her knuckles.

"Hold on you guys!", this was going to be a wild ride.

Back with the students, still trapped in their cages. Their plates still untouched from the bizarre and sickly sweet food they had been given. Though they still hoped the heroes would come and save them. They felt helpless the more they waited in the cages.

"How long have we been in here?"

"Too long.", though no one could really tell.

"Well according to my clock it's about a quarter past six.", a voice said, "You all should be at home.", classes ended hours ago.

"Kitsune!?", the students cheered seeing the fox hero clinging onto the cells.

"Yo.", she gave the peace sign to the students who were happy to see one of the heroes.

Elongating her claws she slashed at the cages. Freeing the students and prisoners from their cages.

"We're free!", they couldn't hide their relief after spending hours trapped in the cage. The mood shifting once the bars and locks had been removed.

"It's so nice to see you!", Chloe beamed, "We knew you would come and save us all.", she hugged Kitsune. Much to the girls mild discomfort and partial confusion.

"I think all this sugar is affecting Chloe.", who had been eating a lot of the pies Confectionette had left her. Even after complaining about them.

"Are you feeling okay Chloe?", Kitsune questioned.

"Just peachy!", she beamed, "Everything so sweet and cherry like a cherries."

"Whoa..."

"No joke. This is messed up."

"Agreed."

"Chloe are you sure you're okay?", Sabrina asked worriedly.

"Of course! Especially being here with my best friend in the whole world!", she hugged Sabrina happily.

"Wow Chloe I've never seen you this nice before.", Sabrina hugged her back. Though her sentiment was rather lost on the other students who seemed to find the overly cheerful Queen Bee, rather...unsettling.

"Alright let's get you all out of here.", she didn't want any more casualties than needed and all this sugar was getting to everyone. That included civilians just being manipulated by magic. And the castle was ground zero.

"Excuse me!", a voice called out, "Aren't you forgetting something?", Kitsune looked up to see another cage hanging high from the ceiling. With a jump Kitsune managed to effortlessly get up to the cage. Perching and grabbing the rope for support to see inside the cage.

"Oh...it's you..."

"Thank goodness you're here!", Rossi beamed with a look of joy and relief seeing Kitsune, "I know you would come and rescue everyone."

'And there's the regret.'

"Looks like you've gotten yourself in a bit of a bind.", noting how, unlike the others, she was tied up.

"It's been horrible! Those akuma's have been torturing me.", she cried, "But, now that you're here you can save me and everyone."

"Right...", she glanced to the side, "Hold on.", with her claws she cut the rope free and loosened the cage so that it got to the floor. Using her clones as a make-shift rope to bring it down as safely as possible. When the clones disappeared the real Kitsune landed back on the ground. The students and Gabriel watched as Kitsune went up to the cage.

"They really did a number on this.", the bars were much thicker than the others which were basically rock candy and licorice. This was actual metal. From the lock to the bars, "I might actually have to use something else to break it open.", her claws were sharp. But, the material felt dense and sturdy.

Extending her index finger she concentrated a stream of fire through it. Like a small blow torch.

"You might want to step back.", she didn't know how well this would work and didn't want to burn any unneeded obstacles.

"Kitsune hold up!", Alya voiced as Kitsune prepared to torch the locks and bars.

"Alya, step back.", she instructed the group to stand clear, "I don't want any civilians to be injured.", especially since she was about to do heavy welding.

"Before you do that.", Alya began, "There's something I need to tell you."

Kitsune eyed the girl and, against her better judgement allowed her to speak.

"I think you should keep Lila in there.", the statement surprised Kitsune.

"I should?", she eyed the other, "Why?"

"Because if she gets out she's going to cause more trouble then she already has.", Alya said.

"Trouble?"

Alya nodded. Yet there was something else shown in those eyes. Shame. Guilt. Sadness.

"Going to take a quick stab in the dark. I'm guessing there's a bigger issue than just releasing her from the cage.", especially if someone like Alya, who had been toting the girls praises and achievements that last time they were together. Was basically telling a superhero to essentially abandon the same person.

"It's been pretty messed up.", and she was sugar coating it, "You...we can't trust Lila anymore.", she stated.

"Can't trust her?"

"Yeah, the girl needs to stay in there.", Nino said, "Besides being a complete liar. She pretty much sold us out to save herself."

"She's also the cause of both akuma's being created.", the students began telling Kitsune about all the lies the girl had been spreading. And how it had caused trouble from them. Elevating from broken promises, toxic make-up, lawsuits, and even a detainment by royal guards over bad perfume.

"She lied to everyone. None of her stories about travel and meeting celebrities are even close to be true. She even faked having real disabilities."

"Is that so?"

"Don't listen to her!", Lila exclaimed from the cage, "They're all under the akuma's spell.", she declared, "They've been mind controlled to attack me."

"That rich coming from you.", Alya snorted, "You're the cause of all this.", she accused.

"How could you say something like that?"

"Oh don't even start with those fake crocodile tears.", because no one was buying them, "Everything that has ever come out of your mouth has been a complete lie."

"You lied to everyone here. Acting like you were this important and amazing person. When all you are is a weasel, a rat, and snake."

"Wouldn't that be insulting to actual weasel's, rat's, and snakes?", even if they had standards.

"I can't believe you would say such horrible things about me.", the Italian girl cried, "I thought we were friends."

"Another lie.", Alya frowned, "You claimed you wanted to be my friend, but all you wanted was my blog. You lied about everything about you. You don't even care about how your lies hurt people.", on multiple levels, "And besides lying. You're also guilty of stealing."

"I would never..."

"Rain's song.", Alya brought up, "The one you claimed he wrote for you. I had a talk with RVER's manager. And he told me not only has the group never heard of you. But, Rain wrote that for someone else. Someone special to him.", and that Alya might be sued for copyright, "I could go to jail and you have the nerve to play victim."

"Yeah not cool.", Nino frowned, "Stealing people's work is wrong on it's own. But, pawning it off on someone else is even worse. You sold my girlfriend out.", more times than he cares to think about.

"You don't care what happens to any of us. You only care about yourself."

"These children may have a point.", Mr. Agreste spoke up, "From what I've seen she has caused quite a lot of trouble."

"Maybe it will be safer for you to stay here.", Kitsune commented which shocked Lila from her act.

"W-What?", she blinked, "What kind of hero considers not saving an innocent civilian?", her critique was met with Kitsune leaning on the bars. Eyes piercing through with a yellow glow.

"Maybe you like to rephrase that comment.", especially to the person who could get her out safe. Well safe from the akuma's. Her classmates might be a different story.

"I already have an idea about Ms. Rossi's tendencies to stretch the truth,", until they snap.

"You do?"

"We...my teammates and I have had quite a few run-ins with a few of her stories. Especially the interviews about her connection with Ladybug.", for which at first they shared a good laugh at the ridiculousness of them. But, she could tell the interviews bothered her teammate. Yet, they had decided to ignore them figuring, hopefully, they would die out, "Ladybug does not like liars and stated multiple times that she never saved Rossi's life.", the admission seemed to add more validity that Lila should remain in the cage.

"Well that proves it.", Alya stated, "So anything else you want to try?", she challenged the girl to even try to defend her story or any story she had told.

"Valid points.", Kitsune mentioned, "After weighing all the options and seeing the evidence. It's clear you're not innocent in this Rossi."

"So you're going to leave me?"

"Tempting. But, even I have morals.", as vague and rather random as they were. With a swipe of her claws she cut the Italian girl from her bindings.

"What happened to Marinette?", Kitsune questioned.

"She was akumatized into Confectionette."

"Adrien too."

"Akumatized.", her friends were akumatized? Both of them had become..., "How?"

"Well we don't know about Adrien.", admittedly they still didn't know the reason why he had been transformed, "But Marinette...", her voice drifted into a whisper. Kitsune looked at the class to see the same looks on their faces.

"What happened?", Kitsune asked.

And after a moment of silence, they did. Telling the heroine about the dispute with the cake and hurting Marinette's feelings.

"A cake?", they hurt Marinette's feelings over a cake.

"I know it was bad.", and they felt horrible for it, "I turned on my best friend over a pastry.", just because she wanted to impress a girl she hadn't met before, "I shouldn't have overreacted like I did."

"Like we did.", the students admitting they had taken things too far over a misunderstanding about cake.

"Still we really hurt Marinette and now she's akumatized.", and is taking over the city and was going to do something to all of them once she got back.

Kitsune looked upset, but took a quick inhale. While she was pissed off that her classmates hurt the kindest person in class and were going to do some serious repenting when this was over. She could see they were geniously hurt by what they had done and what was happening to their classmates.

"Don't worry.", Kitsune spoke, "I'll make sure Marinette and Adrien return back to their lovely dorky selves.".

"Really?"

"Of course!", she declared, "I'm a heroine! I will always save the day!"

"Is that so?", a voice cooed.

"We're busted."

"Looks like some naughty little children didn't finish their desserts~"

"You're..."

'Marinette?'

"Hello I'm Confectionette!"

'Adrien.'

"Écrouer."

"Kitsune.", she exhaled.

The three were in the midst of the stare down. The civilians stood back as the intensity of the room increased.

"It looks like a little pest has made it into the dining hall. Trying to steal treats?", Confectionette cooed.

"I think I've had enough treats for one day.", Kitsune stretched, "But, I'm always hungry for a good fight.", she took a fighting stance, "Might help burn off some calories."

"Cocky fox.", the one in black said.

"I'm more headstrong.", Kitsune commented, "But, let's save the small talk for later.", as she went for her staff. Écrouer took the first move and threw one of his daggers at Kitsune. Her figure went back before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

"It's a fake!"

"After Burn!", Kitsune growled as she delivered a dive kick into the bird-like akuma. Sending him crashing into one of the walls with enough force to fracture it.

"My prince!", Confectionette cried.

"That's one down!", as Kitsune dismounted back onto the floor, she vaulted to upwards and over Confectionette. Staff ready to strike.

"Time to close the kitchen.", Kitsune stated, pointing at her staff at the akuma. The students cheered from the side as Kitsune looked to have the upper hand, "You all get to cover and hide.", she instructed as she went to clash with the akuma. With her speed she was able to get in close, her staff pointed right at the baker's throat.

"You wouldn't hit me, would you?", she looked up at her with those pink eyes fluttering towards the superheroine.

"I...I...", she cleared her throat, "I'm not falling for those pretty...I mean you can't fool me with that innocent look!", she shook her head, "Just hand over your akuma."

"But, I haven't finished my creation!", Confectionette cried sadly, "How about some treats to sweeten your mood!~", using her spoon the akuma quickly summoned a barrage of sweets to fly towards Kitsune. The heroine quickly dodged and knocked many of the treats away. Slashing cookies and batting away flying cakes. When she got an opening Confectionette summoned a cake, elegantly decorated with flowers and frosting balloons. She flung it at Kitsune with a strong throw.

The pastry hitting the fox heroine dead in the face. And after a moment she still. Onlookers watched, confused, as a cake had stopped the heroine in her tracks. Only when the remains melted and fell off did they see the real culprit.

A knife in a cake.

"It seems I dropped something in a batter. Clumsy me~", she blushed modestly.

With a growl Kitsune bit down. Breaking the dagger with her fangs.

"Scary~", she gasped.

With a spit Kitsune spit out the remains of the foriegn material.

"You're going to have to try 'batter' than that!"

"Fireball!", launching another fireball the pastry maker scattered avoiding the hit. Confectionette with her wand ready to strike. Écrouer, having recovered from the wreckage, launched toward Kitsune. Summoning his metal staff. They shot forward, each seeming to impale Kitsune in a quick attack.

In a burst of smoke Kitsune disappeared.

A clone.

"No fair!", Confectionette frowned, "She's wasting perfectfully good food."

"You have to be quick enough to catch me!", Kitsune shouted as she came barreling from above.

"Comet Dive!", falling in a burst of fire she struck the ground in a plume of hit. Crushing the foundation and shaking the building from the impact. Écrouer had taken hold of his partner at the last minute and shield them booth with his wings. Creating a veil that protected them from the fire.

"When the fire finally died down the two looked to be unscathed. At least Confectionette wasn't after being shielded by Écrouer wings. Now singed with visibly burn marks from the heat.

"My Prince!", she cried, "You're hurt."

"It's fine.", at least she was safe.

From the sidelines the students watched the battle play out. Hiding behind pillars and large pieces of debris. The battle was fierce. Kitsune was keeping both akuma's on their toes. Their powers clashing. Shaking the building with the collision.

"This is intense."

"This is insane."

"This is...amazing!", a voice exclaimed.

"What the...?", the group looked at the new figure standing next to them.

"This is one of the most exciting battles between a hero and two akumas.", he said.

"Who are you?"

"Donny Morgon's.", Donny introduced himself to the students, "Journalist and future reporter."

"Donny Morgon's?", Alya sounded surprised.

"You know him?", the students inquired about their own journalism classes journalist.

"Not really.", she said, "But, he was doing an article on the Ladyblog.", she brought up.

"An article on your blog? Why?"

"My viewers were skeptical about certain interviews popping up on the blog. Concerning the best friend of a certain superheroine.", it didn't take long for the other's to put the pieces together.

"Where did you come from?"

"I was here when the akuma first attacked.", quickly explaining how he and his friend had come to the school in search of their other friend May, "After this place became a Baking Empire we got seperated."

"And you didn't get caught?", especially by the gingerbread man roaming around.

"Reporter's instincts.", if you want the best story you have to take risk. But, being smart enough to know when to get around trouble also helps, "Luckily the head akuma, Confectionette, was more preoccupied with most of you.", allowing him to roam around undetected. And ended up in the main dining hall when the battle was now taking place.

"Well you sure picked a place to end up.", especially with the three going at it. Even with Kitsune keeping up with the two and holding her own. The way the two akuma's worked together was both surprising, as it was worrying. It was like they were insync. Even the way Écrouer protected Confectionette from Kitsune's attacks. Giving her time to use her magic.

"Give up little fox."

"You can't win two on one."

"Funny.", Kitsune grinned, "I was going to say the same thing to both of you!", building up her energy flames grew around her.

"Second Tail; Ignition Point!"

"This fight is just heating up!", she roared charging forward with a newly increased speed. Her feet clashed with Écrouer's wings. Releasing a rapid fury of burning punches that singed the feathers. Smoke rising with each strike.

Retracting her form she maneuvered herself to stand on her hands. And with a spin delivered a hard spiral spin.

"Fire Wheel!", she was going to end this now.

She landed a direct hit to the side of Écrouer's head. Breaking through his steal like defenses. Sparking a ball of heat and fire that, for a moment, the akuma looked to take. But, with an extra push he was sent sliding to the side. A noticeable skid mark, dark, against the battle damaged floor. The output of the fire enough to score up the wall and across the room.

Kitsune breathed. Catching herself as she looked to where Écrouer had slid right into the wall. Leaving a noticeable indentation from the impact.

"She smoked that bird!", Kim commented.

"Her power output is quite amazing.", Max stated.

"It looks like he was no match for her."

"Hn.", Even Gabriel who observed from the sidelines seemed interested in the heroine's strength. Even after using two of her special attacks in a row. She still seemed able to move and remain transformed. At the same time he was worried about the akuma.

His son.

"Give up yet?", Kitsune questioned, "We don't have to keep fighting like this. Just give up your akuma and we can fix this."

As the smoke cleared Écrouer rose from the rubble. His purple eyes piercing through the dust. Locked on Kitsune.

"You can't fix anything.", he said.

"Adrien."

"I am not Adrien!", the akuma declared, "Adrien is just some pathetic little model. A toy people think they can mess with. Use as they wish and lock away when they're done with him.", always having to be the perfect face. Smiling all day. Being dressed up and paraded from morning until he was allowed rest, "Now I am Écrouer!"

"No you're Adrien.", Kitsune denied, "The akuma is messing with your head."

"No my head has never been more clear.", he stated, "No more am I the one being locked away. Now I can lock people away!"

"This is not the way.", Kitsune tried to talk to him, "I don't know what happened to you to make you feel this way. But, I'm going to help you."

"What happened is I got tired of being everyone's plaything.", being used for other people's benefit, "Now everyone will listen to me. Or be punished."

Kitsune scoffed.

"Well I'm sorry Sunshine child.", but she wasn't about to let that happen, "I know the real Adrien is in there.", she was going to bring him out. Even if she had to burn Écrouer down to cinders to find him.

"Come and try.", she challenged.

Crouching down on all fours. She dug her feet into the ground and took off in a burst of fire. Barreling toward the akuma, Écrouer did not move. Only took a stilled stance as Kitsune came closer and closer.

"Time to end this!", she reached out to deliver the final blow. Enough to end this fighting.

But, as she closed in one the akuma, fingers nearly grazing the flower on his chest, suddenly she felt something coil around.

"Wha...!?", a number of chains had wrapped around. Entrapping her in a number of steal links and bindings. Along with the chains a number of pink ropes which gave off a sweet smell joined to ensnare the fox heroine.

"What is this?", she demanded as she struggled to break free. The mixture of sticky and hard metal made it tougher to break. She stuck.

"Forgot my abilities didn't you.", Écrouer reminded, "Locking my enemies under the weight of my pain."

"Don't forget me~", Confectionette beamed. Kitsune had forgotten about her. While she was fighting Écrouer, Confectionette was able to sneak attack her.

"What is this?", she growled.

"Taffy of course~", and her favorite color too, "Great for chewing and entrapping cocky foxes.", she teased seeing Kitsune struggle to break the binds, "I figured you would burn yourself out eventually.".

"My Prince acted as a distraction to use up all your powers.", having her focus more on him and deplete her energy.

"You...!?", she growled.

"Still hungry I see.", she noted, "I think it's time you take a powder!", using her powers she summoned a large rolling pin. And with a hard drive sent Kitsune flying, chains and all, into the wall. Crashing through the cookie interior. Leaving a noticeable sized hole.

"Kitsune!?", the student gasped having seen Kitsune sent flying straight out of the room with such force.

"Is she okay?"

"Oh don't worry about her.", Confectionette said.

"Worry about what's going to happen to you.", Écrouer added as the two flanked the students.

In another part of the building...

Kitsune had crashed into a wall. Finally stopping before she descended down onto the floor in a heap on the ground. After staggering for a moment she completly fell over her form dropping. Returning her back to human.

"Kit? Kit?!", Whissp called as slowly moved toward Kitsi who lay unresponsive on the ground.

"Is she okay?", Tikki asked as she and Plagg came out of hiding.

"She breathing.", thankfully.

"Well that could have gone better.", Plagg commented.

"Come on Kit you have to get up.", Whissp pleaded for his partner to at least open her eyes.

Kitsi only groaned. Evidence she was hurt. She used a lot of energy and held her transformation over the limit.

"What do you we do?"

"First thing is treating Kitsi.", if she went down everything was lost.

"You need to regain your strength too.", Tikki added, "Plagg and I will go get you food for energy. You stay with your holder."

Whissp looked between his two fellow Kwami and nodded. Watching as they headed off to find energy for him.

'It's okay Kit.', he would protect her. No matter what.

To Be Continued...

A/N: Hello everyone and thanks for making it this far. Here are just some quick notes...

1. I changed the name of Adrien's akumatized form from Atrillis to Écrouer. Because I kept spilling the first name wrong and actually did some research into the name. Écrouer means to lock up. Which will be reflected in past and current chapters.

2. I don't have a set date for the last two chapters. Mostly because I try to give more details into fights and have been on a weird work schedule because of the Coronavirus situation.

3. The sequel to this story will focus on Kitsi and her family. Including a picture and illustration which will be linked in the last chapter.

4. True Friends is a sequel to A Fox's Tail. But, only in an alternative timeline if chapters 29 and after did not happen.

5. Please be sure to comment and review. And thank you again for all your support and patience with me. Please be safe and mindful of yourself, your family, and your community.

Next Time: Meltdown