Services No Longer Required
Part 4: Discussions
Nadja Chamack stands in front of a quiet and worn down street in Paris, recorded by her camera man.
Nadja Chamack: This is Nadja Chamack, reporting live from the East-side. It's been two months since Ladybug announced the end of her partnership with Chat Noir. Though the details about the split are largely unknown, it has by no means spelt the end for Paris' superheroes.
There is news footage of Ladybug, Rena Rouge, Carapace and Queen Bee fighting a Black and white striped-themed Akuma, using magnetism to attack the heroes.
Nadja: Ladybug continues to protect Paris from Hawkmoth and his Akumas alongside Rena Rouge, Carapace and Queen Bee.
An image of Chat Noir standing with members of the police then appears.
Nadja: Whilst Chat Noir has begun to work with local law enforcement in an attempt to better protect the public from more ordinary dangers.
The image cuts back to Nadja in the street.
Nadja: Though crime as a whole has gone down in the city, statistics show that most of the crimes that are committed are concentrated around the time period during or just after Akuma attacks. This street behind me in particular has been a hotspot for local crime. I talked with several of the inhabitants, to see what's being done about it.
A young man is interviewed.
Man: The Police were doing nothing to help us. Just the other week my car was broken into and stolen! I tried to report it to the Police but they said they didn't have time because Mr Pigeon had been spotted hovering over the Louvre! So I was very glad to hear that when some crooks tried to rob an ATM during an Akuma attack, Chat noir took the time to stop them. I know these super villain types can be dangerous but the regular folks need protecting too!
A young woman then appears.
Woman: Chat Noir saved me from a mugging a couple months back. He seemed shocked that this was occurring on a regular basis. Ever since he started protecting the small neighbourhoods, I've noticed that there are less petty criminals on the street. I can finally feel safe when I walk in the streets.
An old man looks over his balcony and into the alleyway below.
Old Man: This neighbourhood's got a real gang problem. It's not anybody's fault really. Just some dumb kids making bad life choices. Last week, one particular group was spray-painting the wall of the building opposite to me. Then Chat Noir showed up. I thought he was going to kick their butts, knock some sense into their heads, y'know? But he just started to talk with them. He made jokes, asked them how they were doing, generally being a nice guy. He explained to those kids how someone might feel about having their building vandalised and they understood. They felt bad about it but Chat promised if they agreed to clean it up, he'd talk to some people about getting them to join some arts programmes.
Nadja: But it's just not criminals that Chat Noir is helping the local community with.
An old woman is being interviewed.
Old Woman: Chat Noir's a sweetheart; he helped me carry my shopping to my car when I couldn't get to the parking lot across the street.
A kitchen worker stands at a pot and serves soup to people.
Kitchen Worker: There was a road blockage that stopped us from getting supplies into the soup kitchen, Chat Noir cataclysmed the whole thing away. It would've taken the city all day to clear it up yet Chat solved it in ten seconds.
Two teenage boys in hoodies are in a park, kicking around a football.
Teenager: Chat Noir's alright. If we see him, we'll call out to him. He always makes sure to answer us and talk to us about how things are going. He says thing like hang on in there and stay optimistic about the future. And we know it's just not chat. We feel like he actually listens to us and can relate to what we're saying.
Nadja: However some of people have different opinions on Chat Noir.
A businessman stands outside an office building.
Businessman: I think it's irresponsible of him to have left Ladybug. I mean, he has super powers for crying out loud! He shouldn't be wasting them on improving the run-down neighbourhoods when there's a super villain attack every single day! What happens when Ladybug needs him and he's not there? What if she loses and Hawkmoth wins? Is it really a risk worth taking?
A shopkeeper stands outside his store.
Shopkeeper: I can understand what the kid's trying to do and I respect that but when he stopped some punks from robbing my store, he cataclysmed a hole in the wall to scare them off! It cost more damage to fix the wall than what those guys would have stolen!
A woman sits at her desk, reading through a file of paperwork.
Woman: Chat Noir's doing more harm than good. We accepted his help when the Akumas show up because it was outside the realms of the police's powers to protect the people. Now that he's assisting in regular police work and bringing criminals to justice with no authority, he's become a vigilante that jeopardises the prosecutions ability to charge the people he's bringing in. I'm afraid that this crusade he's embarked on is all for naught.
The camera now cuts back to Nadja in the street.
Nadja: So there you have it. We've heard a lot of different opinions but the debate still rages on? Is Chat Noir the true hero of Paris? Send us your thoughts for a live discussion later this evening. This is Nadja Chamack, live from Paris, signing off.
Adrien sits in his classroom as his friends huddle around Alya and Marinette's desks.
Rose: I can't believe Chat Noir left Ladybug! Those two were perfect together!
Alya: I can't believe it myself sometimes Rose but it's not like he's really gone. You still see him around sometimes.
Rose throws her head back in frustration whilst Kim shrugs his shoulders.
Rose: But it's not the same!
Kim: Really? I hadn't even noticed he left?
Alix playfully punches Kim in the arm.
Alix: You barely notice anything dummy!
Kim feigns offence.
Kim: Hey, I can be very observant!
Alix: Observant enough to notice that Ondine had a crush on you?
Kim is stunned.
Kim: Well I-
The class snickers.
Alya then turns to Rose.
Alya: I can see Kim's point though. With the other heroes around, it hasn't made much difference that Chat Noir's no longer there.
Chloe butts into the conversation, head held high.
Chloe: Good riddance, I say. He was ridiculous, utterly ridiculous. Ladybug was right to fire him.
Everyone, including Adrien and Marinette, looks at her with disbelief.
Alya raises an eyebrow questioningly.
Alya: How could you possibly know that's what happened?
Chloe smiles smugly at her.
Chloe: Remind me Cesaire, which one of us is the superhero again?
Alya discreetly smirks to herself and leans back in her chair.
Alya: Huh, you've got me there.
Chloe smiles in satisfaction, oblivious to the true nature of Alya's comment.
Chloe: Well, as I'm one of Ladybug's most valued partners, I'm privy to exclusive information. I therefore know the real reason why Chat Noir left.
Alya raises her eyebrow. Marinette meanwhile, is silent yet her eyes are wide with shock.
Alya: Wouldn't Ladybug be mad that you're about to tell us this sensitive information?
Chloe waves her hand in dismissal of her.
Chloe: Oh hush now Cesaire, you know this will make for interesting reading on that stupid blog of yours.
Alya shrugs her shoulders in compliance.
Alya: Well in that case...
She then leans forward, head perched on her hand.
Alya: Do tell, Chloe.
Chloe takes a seat opposite the group of students and begins to address them.
Chloe: So remember when that Minotaur-guy attacked the city and it took Ladybug, me, Rena Rouge, Carapace and Chat Noir to take him down?
Alix: Yeah, so what?
Chloe: Chat Noir never showed up. The one you see in all the news footage was an illusion created by Rena Rouge.
The class is taken aback by this comment.
Chloe continues.
Chloe: Of course, Chat Noir then shows up after we've done all the hard work, acting like it was no big deal that he was late. The absolute gall!
Kim is unconvinced.
Kim: So? Ladybug's been late to Akuma attacks as well. I don't see the problem.
Chloe: True. But when Ladybug's late she usually has a good excuse. Chat Noir, wouldn't even give us a clue about why he didn't turn up on time. Needless to say, everyone was mad with him, especially Ladybug.
She folds her arms.
Chloe: She stayed behind to talk with him after the rest of us had to go. The next day she tells us that she and Chat Noir are no longer working together.
Alya and Alix remain sceptical.
Alya: So? All that tells me is that there was an argument and that they're no longer working together. It doesn't mean that she 'fired' him.
Alix: Could Chat Noir even be fired? You could probably, but Chat received his Miraculous at the same time as Ladybug. It's not like he answers to her or anything.
Chloe sneers at Alix's comment.
Chloe: Please, as if Ladybug would fire me. She needs me. She clearly didn't need Chat Noir and got rid of him, now he's doing all this as a way to get back into Ladybug's good books. It's obvious. He's completely lost without her.
Kim tilts his head.
Kim: But why would he stop helping her fight the Akumas? If he wanted to make things up to Ladybug, why would he abandon her?
Alix nods her head in agreement.
Alix: Good point. For all we know, he quit and he's doing all this to prove to Ladybug that he doesn't need her to be a hero.
Chloe looks at them with incredulity.
Chloe: Chat Noir walk out on Ladybug? The woman he's head over heels with? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?
Alya and Nino look at each other, unsure of what to believe.
Alya: Ladybug and Chat Noir have had their rough patches before.
Nino: Yeah, the dude can be overbearing. It would make sense if Ladybug finally had enough.
Alya: He's also petty enough to leave over a simple argument.
Chloe smiles smugly, unaware that Marinette is rising out of her seat.
Chloe: Well he's finally sticking to the alleys where he belongs. At least he's out of Ladybug's way.
Marinette begins to scold her classmates, glaring at them with thinly-veiled contempt.
Marinette: I can't believe you guys would say something like that! How many times has Chat Noir saved your lives and helped Ladybug stop the Akumas? Where would we be without him?
Alya and Nino look downwards, ashamed. Meanwhile, Chloe turns her head away in indifference.
Marinette continues, grabbing the attention of all of those around her. Adrien in particular is fixated on her, staring at her in shock.
Marinette: Ladybug and Chat Noir were a team. I don't know why he left. I don't think anyone really does. What's important is what he's doing now. He's still helping people and that's all that should matter.
She looks out the window, wistfully.
Marinette: I just hope that one day, they can work things out.
Marinette takes her seat, everyone staring at her. Alix supportively puts her hand on Marinette's shoulders.
Alix: Marinette's right. They're probably having a little spat over nothing. They'll work it out.
The class smiles in agreement before continuing their conversation. Meanwhile, Adrien is still fixated on Marinette.
Gabriel Agreste, having finished watching the news report by Nadja Chamack turns off the TV. Nathalie walks into the room, appearing as indifferent as usual.
Nathalie: I take it you're not pleased with recent developments sir?
Gabriel turns his head to face her, a small scowl appearing on his face.
Gabriel: Chat Noir has become more troublesome than I had anticipated. A lot of the more… vulnerable people of society, people who would have been prime targets for my Akumas have become more optimistic. He has given them hope.
Nathalie: But surely his split from Ladybug is a blow to her?
Gabriel nods before turning back to the TV screen.
Gabriel: Indeed. We must make the most of the situation at hand. Without her most powerful ally, Ladybug is weakened.
Nathalie: So what do you plan to do?
Gabriel turns his head again towards Nathalie; a small smirk appears at the corner of his mouth.
Gabriel: All in due time…
Adrien lies on the bed in his room. Plagg sits on the pillow, eating a large wheel of camembert.
Plagg: You know… munch… I was surprised you didn't say anything during that discussion in class today. Chloe was set on tearing into Chat.
Adrien: Well, you know how she can be. Luckily the others weren't too convinced by her.
Plagg swallows the camembert before looking at Adrien with concern.
Plagg: Gulp… Did those things they were saying not bother you?
Adrien pulls out his phone, unfazed by Plagg's question.
Adrien: Does it really matter? Sure, they're a little bit upset but it's not like they really care. It's just gossip.
Adrien sits up and looks at Plagg.
Adrien: Besides, Marinette seemed to understand. Alix too in a way. But Marinette, she actually stood up for me… Well, Chat Noir… I mean, it's nice to know I still have some fans.
Plagg muses to himself.
Plagg: I guess so. You're lucky to have people like Marinette in your life.
Adrien smiles.
Adrien: Yeah…
He looks down at the picture of him and his mother on his phone.
Adrien: I'm glad I'm doing someone proud.
There is a knock at the door. Plagg flies under Adrien's pillow in a panic.
Adrien opens the door to find Nathalie reading a tablet in her hand. She looks up from the device.
Nathalie: Adrien, your Chinese Tutor is here for your afternoon lesson.
Adrien: Yes, Nathalie. Tell sir he can come in.
Nathalie: Of course. However, your regular tutor was unable to attend your session today so he sent a substitute in his place.
Adrien is taken aback.
Adrien: A substitute?
Nathalie side steps to reveal Master Fu standing there.
Nathalie: Yes. I believe you two have met before? I'm needed to assist your father with some very important matters so I will leave you two now. Remember, you have Supper at six and Piano practice at seven.
Nathalie walks away as Adrien uncomfortably allows Master Fu to enter his room.
The door closes and the two stand there in silence.
Master Fu gives Adrien a soft smile.
Master Fu: Hello Adrien, it has been a while.
Plagg emerges from his hiding place, shocked at the old man's appearance.
Plagg: Master Fu!? Well, this can only go so many ways.
Wayzz flies into view, a small smirk appearing on his face.
Wayzz: Did someone say my name?
Plagg excitedly flies over to the other Kwami.
Plagg: Wayzz!
The two creatures look at their charges who smile at their reunion.
Master Fu: Perhaps it would be for the best if you and Plagg were to leave the room Wayzz.
Wayzz nods in agreement but Plagg begins to protest.
Plagg: But-
Adrien gives Plagg a gentle smile.
Adrien: It's okay Plagg. Go.
Plagg returns the smile before turning around. The two kwamis fly off, leaving the two Miraculous holders alone.
Adrien looks at him with wide eyes, unsure of what to say.
Master Fu: How are you?
Adrien: I-I'm good… I guess. I've been… busy.
Master Fu smiles gently yet Adrien remains firm.
Master Fu: Of that I am aware.
Adrien: So, I guess you're here to ask for the Miraculous back?
He seems surprised.
Master Fu: What makes you think I'm here for that?
Though it is barely noticeable, Adrien has a hurt expression on his face.
Adrien: Why else would you come to see me?
Master Fu: Ladybug told me about your little argument.
The boy's expression then shifts to one of irritation. He folds his arms.
Adrien: Of course she did.
Adrien is silent for a moment.
Adrien: Do you mind if I ask you something, Master?
Master Fu nods.
Adrien: Why did I get the Black Cat Miraculous? What's so special about me?
Master Fu is taken aback by this.
Master Fu: You were chosen. You were deemed worthy enough to wield its power.
Adrien then bursts out in anger.
Adrien: Then why doesn't it feel like I'm not?! How come you give Ladybug all this attention yet I'm left in the dark about everything!? Am I not good enough?!
Master Fu is silent; disappointment appearing to be on his face. Adrien recomposes himself and is overcome with shame.
Adrien: I-I'm sorry… I shouldn't have lost my temper like that. It's just… I'm tired of being treated like a sidekick all the time.
He stares intently at the ring on his hand.
Adrien: I have these powers and abilities but it feels like I'm still not the hero I know I can be.
He then balls his hand into a fist, giving Master Fu a look of determination.
Adrien: How can I when you and Ladybug won't even give me a chance? Nobody seems to appreciate me or what I can do. I know you may not mean it but all the secrets and other heroes, there's no place for me in all of this.
He takes a deep sigh and relaxes, lowering his arm.
Adrien: I won't be a part of it anymore. Not when my only job is to just fight the Akumas and don't ask any questions. I want to help people and know that it's me making a difference. Right now, this is the only way I feel I can do that.
Adrien takes the ring off his hand.
Adrien: With or without a Miraculous.
He holds it out for Master Fu to take.
The old man simply smiles at him instead.
Master Fu: Keep it.
The teenage boy looks at him in confusion.
Adrien: I- I don't understand. Isn't this what you came here for?
Master Fu: I came here to talk to you. I apologise that you felt that you had to leave. Perhaps it was unfair of me to neglect you for so long. Know that it wasn't my intention to isolate you or give Ladybug any preferential treatment but she has her destiny, one she must face alone.
Adrien lowers his head in disappointment.
Fu then puts his hand on Adrien's shoulder, making him perk his head up.
Master Fu: You see, we all have our own paths to follow. Sometimes they differ from what we expect and can take many twists and turns. Other times, they are straightforward and simple. This is your path. That much is clear. I know you will do well in this.
The old man gives the boy a reassuring smile as he removes his hand.
Master Fu: Just know that you don't have to be alone. Though things may not seem that way right now, Ladybug cares deeply about you just as you care for her. Give things time.
Plagg and Wayzz return from the room.
Master Fu: It would appear that it is time for me to leave you now. It's best that you and your Kwami continue the work you have done. It'd be a shame to stop now, wouldn't you think?
Plagg has an eager look on his face.
Plagg: Does this mean me and the kid are still in business?
Adrien simply responds with a smile.
To be continued.
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and stay tuned for the next parts. Please feel free to leave a review and check out my other stories.