The Salt Files: Additional Cases (MLB)

Marinette has been akumatized because Alya ruined the day and goes after her

The first thing Marc saw when he woke up was a very bright white florescent light above him. Next he could smell the disgusting too clean air, and felt the rumbles of carts and footsteps.

Marc groaned. He knew he was in a hospital; he could never forget the smells and sounds since he visited every once in a while as a kid.

Nathaniel stirred next to him, face filled with concern and relief at the same time. "Thank goodness you are alright!" He grabbed his boyfriend's hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Disoriented." Marc admitted. He closed his eyes again to try and remember what happened. Marinette's party. Alya showed up. Marinette blew out candles. Alya shoved her face in the cake. Marinette stormed off. Alya tried to follow. Marc stopped her. Alya shoved cake in his face.

Marc sat up in realization. "D-Did Alya-?"

"Yep." The boys sat stumped in the hospital room, in a still silence.

"Do you think she did it on purpose?" Marc whispered. Nathaniel looked at him and saw him shaking. He didn't know how to answer.

"...Yes and no..." He got into the bed and hugged Marc. "I think she did it on purpose, but not to you. I think Marinette was the actual target since she met contact with the cake first. You were most likely an accident in this."

"But why would she try to hurt her on purpose? Isn't that going a bit too far? On her birthday too!" Marc's eyes went wide. "Marinette! I have to tell her I'm alright before she gets me!"

But before he could do that, a purple female strode into the room. Her hair was up in space buns with purple ribbons sticking out, a beautiful face of light makeup with blacks and purples with hints of red, a familiar halter dress, and knee high black boots.

Marc knew who it was before he even realized it. "Mari?" The akuma looked at him with a smile.

"It's not Mari anymore. I am Sweet Vengeance, and I will make sure you and everyone else will never have to suffer again!" The villain walked closer, making Nathaniel hold him closer. The akuma stopped.

"I'm not going to hurt you. I need to take you somewhere safe, Marc. Please, I don't want you getting hurt any more." He could hear his cousin inside pleading. Like she knew she was dangerous and wanted him as far as possible. Sweet Vengeance looked at Nath. "You're going along as well. He needs someone there in case he is attacked."

Both boys didn't even get a word in as they were teleported to the building the party was being held at. But instead of a light and fun atmosphere, it was cold and angry. Both of them noticed how most of the guests were standing still and their eyes were glowing, as if they were being controlled.

Sweet Vengeance stood on top of a table and gazed at the crowd. "My followers." Everyone straightened their posture and looked up. "I need your help. The girl who wronged us, Alya Césaire, has done an awful thing and must pay the price. Bring her to me and help me bring her to justice." The crowd nodded and split up to find the girl. Some people were forced to stay, like Luka, Juleka, Rose, Nino, Aurore, Mylene, Ivan, and Mirelle.

"You guys will be on a very special mission. You all will guard those two." Sweet Vengeance pointed to Marc and Nathaniel. "Protect them at all costs, and don't let anyone near them. We don't know who we can trust." They bowed and spread out around the building. The trio was left alone.

"What do we do now?" Marc asked.

"Well it's a party after all. Go play some games, eat some food, enjoy yourselves! It won't be too long before Alya is found."