The Hive's New Queen (Season 2 End)

Two Weeks Later..

*Crash* "Sandboy was defeat just as easily as the last, our new Queen has arrived once more to come to our aid!" she said focusing on the recent video.

"Queen Bee's debut has left everyone talking. Is this the start of a new era for Paris's heroes? Only time will tell. But one thing's certain—Queen Bee is here to stay. This is Alya, signing off for the Ladyblog. Stay tuned for more updates!" Her voice was energetic, as always, but there was an extra layer of excitement in her tone tonight

I sat on the couch, my phone in hand as the video ended. I glanced up at Chloé, who was leaning against the back of the couch, her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on the now-dark screen.

"Well," I said, a small smile playing on my lips, "sounds like you've made quite the impression these last couple of weeks."

Chloé scoffed, though there was a hint of pride in her voice. "Of course I have. I'm not exactly subtle, am I?"

She was right. After defeating Style Queen with Ladybug, I couldn't let the golden opportunity I'd so painstakingly crafted go to waste. As soon as the next day rose, I'd managed to easily convince Chloé to become Paris's official new hero in town. Well, "easily" might be an overstatement—there'd been plenty of eye-rolling and sarcastic remarks—but deep down, I already knew she'd been waiting for someone to believe in her.

With all the training she'd had up until now here fights where all spectacles to behold, she moved like a ballerina in the air and always hand flare in each attack she made.

And now, two weeks later, Queen Bee was everywhere. Poster with her and ladybug posing over the moon, figure being sold, and even videos power scaling her already.. Alya's Ladyblog had been buzzing with updates about her. The city was enamored with its new hero, and Chloé was thriving in the spotlight.

I didn't think it was a good idea to reveal her identity like she'd asked about a week ago since I wanted absolutely no reason for ladybug to ask for the miraculous back. Speaking of it ever since I'd took it ladybug seemingly never asked 'Queen Bee' for it back I didn't exactly know why but as long as it didn't effect me negatively it was nothing to harp on. 

I leaned back against the couch, humming a tune I'd made on my guitar. "You've been busy, though. Three akumas in two weeks? That's got to be some kind of record."

Chloé smirked, turning away from the window to face me. "What can I say? Paris needs me. And I'm not about to let her sidekick hog all of my glory."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "You're something else, you know that?"

She raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything turning away. I watched her for a moment before glancing down at his phone again.

Everything was falling into place.

With Chloé as Queen Bee, I finally had a weapon.

Now, all I just needed to use it.

Quickly scrolling through my contacts I stopped at one name my finger hovering above it—Adrien Agreste.

Adrien was the key.

With him and Chloe in my pocket controlling hawk moth, or better yet Gabriel's actions would be a lot smoother. By getting close to him or simply giving him info, I could subtly guide events in a way that would make master fu hand over the miracle box to Ladybug much earlier and from then on everything would flow like water,

To shoulder the responsibility before she was ready, create a vulnerability I could exploit in one way or another.

I leaned back, staring at my phone as I pieced together my next move. Getting close to Adrien wouldn't be difficult. I already had a foot in the door. A few well-placed words, a bit of sympathy, and a reminder of how much pressure his father put on him—that was all it would take. Adrien longed for genuine connections, and I could provide that, at least on the surface.

My fingers hovered over the screen before finally sending a message.

Luka: Hey man, want to practice next week? Been working on something new I think you'd like to see

A few moments passed before my phone buzzed with a reply.

Adrien: That sounds awesome! I could really use the break. Things have been kind of intense lately.

I smirked. I bet they had.

Luka: Say no more. Saturday?

Adrien: Sounds perfect. See you then!

Setting my phone down I exhaled slowly. My plan was now officially in motion Now I just have to keep everything on track without drawing to much suspicion directly to myself. 

I cast a glance at Chloé, who was still admiring her own reflection in a nearby mirror, completely unaware of the larger game at play.

Good. The less she knew, the better.

Smirking to myself, I suddenly reached out, giving Chloé's side a light poke. She yelped, whipping around to glare at me. "What do you think you're doing?!"

I only grinned, leaning in slightly. "Queen Bee should be ready for these kinds of things. What if a villain catches you off guard?"

She swatted my hand away with a huff. "Ugh, you're insufferable! Don't touch me!" she said her cheeks tinted pink.

I just chuckled, leaning further back against the couch as if nothing happened. "Just making sure our hero is prepared. Can't have you losing your edge."

Chloé scoffed but didn't turn away as quickly this time. I simply smirked to myself, satisfied. I had plenty more moves to make—on and off the battlefield. Time to really start ruling my city.

--------------------

Alya Pov

Click. "Sandboy was defeated just as easily as the last. Our new Queen has arrived once more to come to our aid!" I narrated, my voice crisp as I edited another video for the Ladyblog. The screen flickered with footage of Queen Bee taking down yet another akumatized villain, her golden form a blur of energy and grace.

I leaned back in my chair, letting out a deep breath as I watched the rendered video play out one last time. The comment section was already buzzing with conspiracy theories about Queen Bee's identity, some absurd, some seeming surprisingly close to the truth. It invigorated me to find out, but what held my attention more was the way Queen Bee carried herself in battle. Watching her move reminded me of someone else entirely.

Luka.

I smirked "What am I even thinking anymore".

They seem completely different when I compared it to the way Luka fough against stormy weather and how Queen Bee did against sandboy.

It was strange, thinking about him now. I hadn't seen much of him these past two weeks, but when I did, he always had that same quiet confidence, that unwavering presence that made me feel at ease.

I shook my head, sighing. "You're getting sentimental, Alya. Focus."

Still, the thought lingered. Luka had a certain… presence. He had the patience to listen, the instinct to guide without overshadowing. And most importantly, he understood people. He always knew exactly what to say, when to step forward and when to hold back. A stabilizing force, a quiet strength.

Not to mention the mentality to face dangers in the face without an ounce of fear. Even though he explained to me and Marinett, I always wonder why he did it.

I glanced back at my screen, watching as Queen Bee delivered the final blow to Sandboy.

'If he had that power Luka would make a good hero.'