Marinette's alarm went off at 4:30 AM. Not the earliest I've ever gotten up, but I'd much rather be sleeping some more. She shook Tikki awake and got her a cookie while she changed her clothes and got ready for the day. Once that was done, Marinette quietly called for Ladybug and sprung out of her hatch, headed for the address she had memorized.

The building that housed Master Fu's new hideout was nondescript and ramshackle. Ladybug cautiously entered and mounted the stairs to the second floor. Proceeding to the apartment number that was indicated on the note, she knocked quietly.

Master Fu opened the door a crack and peeked out. "It is good to see you, Ladybug. Please, come in quickly." He shut the door, unlocked the chain locks, and then opened it all the way to allow entry. Once Ladybug was inside, he shut the door and locked it. "Come, sit down." He motioned to a chair, and sat down in a chair next to it.

Ladybug sat down and looked around. There were a few boxes stacked in the corner, a familiar credenza with a record player on it, and not much else. "Master, what happened? Why are you in hiding?"

"We are in grave danger, Ladybug. I received a visit from someone yesterday that caused me great concern. To be honest… I haven't felt like this since the Temple of the Guardians was destroyed. The Miraculous are at risk. We must be very careful."

"Who visited you, Master? What did they say that has you so worried?"

"Ladybug, what I am about to tell you is of the utmost importance, but it cannot be discussed freely. Guard it as you would your closest secrets."

"What we talk about stays in these four walls, Master."

"Good. Ladybug, your partner visited me yesterday, in his civilian identity. He is troubled. Deeply troubled. He gave no specifics, but he is questioning his capacity as a superhero. I sensed that he is being tempted to fight against you… against all of the Miraculous holders."

"This explains a bit, Master… you see, my partner came to visit me yesterday, in my civilian identity. He had been acting different during battles, and I took the opportunity to see if I could get to the bottom of what's been on his mind. He didn't tell me directly, but I think someone knows who he is on both sides of the mask. And that someone is using him to get something, probably my Miraculous."

"Did he say why they were trying to do that?"

"Not directly… but it had to do with something that Cat Noir really wanted. He called it a wish. And he said after he got that wish, he wouldn't need to be Cat Noir anymore. Does anything like that ring a bell?"

"Ladybug… do you remember when the robot was akumatized?"

"Robustus? Yeah, I remember that."

"And afterwards we talked about what happens when you combine the Ladybug and Cat Noir Miraculous. Do you remember that?"

"OH! Yes, I do. The person who combines both of those will be able to alter reality… or, as you put it, make a wish. That must be what Cat Noir was talking about!"

"Let me ask you something, Ladybug. Do you think that Cat Noir knows that there must be balance in that wish?"

"I… don't know, Master. That is a good question. I know him well enough that if he knew that there was balance, he would probably not make the wish."

"I agree with you. He is a good person, and very selfless. He is everything a hero needs to be."

"Then who would be able to tempt him like this?"

"I have my suspicions, but am not one hundred percent certain yet. Tell me, you said he was acting different during battles. How so? You have fought two akuma in the past two days, is that correct?"

"That's correct, Master. The first akuma called himself Writer's Block and encased people in bubbles of silence. Cat Noir dodged out of the way of an attack, but a civilian who was behind him got hit. I think he took that hard. Then, something happened where I was trapped in one of those bubbles with the Lucky Charm outside of it, and Cat Noir went directly after the akuma with Cataclysm. He didn't use it, though… it looked like Hawk Moth spoke directly to Cat Noir through the akuma. The akuma de-transformed on its own, and after I captured the butterfly and restored things to how they were, Cat Noir wouldn't talk to me. He said something that told me he was feeling completely overwhelmed, but before I could talk to him, I had to leave because my transformation was expiring. I left him a message, but he never returned it.

"Then yesterday, he was late to the battle. Like, really late. And this akuma was rough! I wasn't sure how I was going to beat him, and then all of a sudden, Cat Noir showed up, Cataclysm at the ready. He leaped at the akuma, but he misjudged it and almost got me instead! Then, he immediately called for another Cataclysm and knocked some scaffolding onto the akuma. I was able to free the butterfly and purify it, but then afterwards, Cat Noir wouldn't talk to me. He kept trying to summon Cataclysm over and over again… and I think he was trying to get me with it.

"Master… *how* can Cat Noir do Cataclysm over and over again, without recharging? I didn't even hear a countdown after the second one… and he kept trying and trying for another but it wasn't happening. What's going on?"

Master Fu sat there and thought for a few minutes. "Ladybug… I think you have given me enough information to determine a number of things. I must caution you, though. We are entering very dangerous territory here. I am going to start by reminding you that your role as a superhero is defense. You must stand and protect the city of Paris at all times, no matter the situation. And with that reminder, I am going to tell you what I have figured out.

"One. It is very likely that the person who Cat Noir now serves is Hawk Moth."

Ladybug gasped.

"Hawk Moth is most likely using fear to control your partner. Fear is a powerful emotion and can make people do things they normally wouldn't. Cat Noir is still your partner, but I imagine that Hawk Moth is dangling something that is making Cat Noir question that partnership. Cat Noir could only have learned how to do multiple Cataclysms from Hawk Moth.

"Two. I now know with certainty who Hawk Moth is. Now, before you ask, I cannot reveal that information to you."

"But… but... "

"I will not reveal that. When we first started, I thought knowing Hawk Moth's true identity would only be to our advantage. However, given the circumstances, it will only be a liability. We must - you must - remain focused on the objective: save Paris and protect the Miraculous. Knowing who Hawk Moth is will help you do neither. This is a time to wait for the water to boil. You will know when to put the noodles in.

"Three. Hawk Moth would not attempt to bring Cat Noir to his side unless he was very certain he would win. That means that in addition to Cat Noir, he probably has some very powerful tricks up his sleeve. He is becoming more dangerous than ever before. I repeat: do not seek Hawk Moth out. Do not try to determine Cat Noir's identity. Doing so will only lead you to your doom and the destruction of the Miraculous. Am I clear, Ladybug?"

Ladybug frowned, "But, Master…"

"Am I clear, Ladybug?"

"Yes, Master."

"Good. You will need to get a new partner now that Cat Noir has become… unreliable. Choose someone you trust. Your team is going to grow slowly, but you will need to learn to work together quickly. I believe that Hawk Moth is approaching his endgame, and you will have to be ready for that."

"Will you be training me like Hawk Moth has been training Cat Noir?"

Master Fu hummed. "The relationship between a kwami and the person wearing the Miraculous is a delicate one. While it's true that you can remain transformed after using your special power, and even use your special power more than once, that can severely damage the relationship with your kwami. You have a very close relationship with Tikki. Would you abuse her the way that Hawk Moth abuses his kwami, or that Cat Noir appears to be abusing his?"

Ladybug shuddered.

"You have all the training you need to defeat Hawk Moth at this point. The parts of you that make you an exceptional Ladybug come without the training. You are very resourceful. You are able to see your way out of situations that would cause despair in others. You and your kwami are more attuned to each other than has ever been seen since the creation of the Miraculous. You are one of a kind, Marinette. If you doubt your ability now, just know that when the time comes, you will be able to defeat Hawk Moth and restore the Miraculous to their rightful purpose."

Fu stood up and walked over to the Miracle Box. He held it in front of Ladybug and opened it. "Choose quickly and carefully, Ladybug. Give it to its intended recipient immediately. If you, or the recipient is compromised, contact me at once."

"When I give the Miraculous to the person I chose… can I give them the information you gave me?"

"I trust you to use your judgment, Ladybug. Remember, the more people know a secret, the greater the likelihood of it being exposed. And this particular secret is very dangerous."

Ladybug considered the Miraculous and chose one, putting it in a small runed box that Master Fu had available. Fu returned the Miracle Box to its hiding place. "Farewell, Ladybug… for now." He smiled and handed her a small flip phone. "Use this to contact me. It is untraceable. Do not use this phone for any other purpose. Do not use the number programmed into this phone on your personal phone. Good luck."

"You too, Master." Ladybug left the apartment, went out the building, and swung away as the sun came up over Paris.

Cat Noir lay in his bed, tossing and turning. The words of Hawk Moth rang through his ears. "What purpose do you serve?" "I'll take your Miraculous by force." His failure earlier that day, and his disobedience that night tasted bitter on his tongue. He was weak. His kwami was weak.

Cat Noir rolled over onto his back, trying to get comfortable. He opened his eyes and saw Hawk Moth standing over him, weapon drawn! Despite his efforts to get away, Cat Noir could only clumsily scramble backwards on his bed. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

Hawk Moth leaned over, grabbed his right arm, and sneered. "This is what happens to failures, Adrien," he seethed. Before Cat Noir could react, Hawk Moth brought down his sword and sliced Cat Noir's hand off neatly at the wrist! Hawk Moth picked up the severed hand, removed the ring, and continued, "Now I truly have no need for you. Don't worry, Adrien, after I've made my wish, maybe you can wish for your hand back… if I let you." Hawk Moth turned abruptly and marched out the door.

Adrien screamed.

He sat up in his bed, clutching his right forearm with his left hand, and then for variety, he screamed some more.

He scooted to the edge of his bed, got his foot caught in his bedsheets, and fell onto the floor, landing with a thud.

Plagg looked over from Adrien's desk, but said nothing.

Adrien stared at his right arm, dumbfounded. His hand was still attached, and his ring was still on his finger. I haven't had a nightmare like that in… forever, I think. Wow. He stood up, then walked over to his bathroom to splash some cold water on his face to try to slow his racing heart down. Hmm.. 5:30… sun should be up soon.

I'm glad I made it out to talk to Marinette last night. Even though I couldn't tell her everything that was going on, it was nice to talk to someone who isn't going to judge me. "You're a good person, no matter which direction you feel you're being pulled in." I'm glad someone thinks of me as a good person. Plagg hates me, Father thinks I'm worthless, Lila treats me like dirt, and to be honest, sometimes I don't feel that good about myself, either. Who knows what Ladybug thinks about me right now. I'm just trying to do the best I can with what I've been given, here. And this opportunity to have a whole family again? I've dreamed of this longer than I'd care to admit.

If Father would have asked, back in the beginning when we first got our Miraculous, then I'm not sure what I would have said. But, seeing how he has changed over the months and years has convinced me that bringing Mother back is the only way I can get my Father back. Everything I've ever done in my life, I've done it for him. I know that deep down, he loves me, in his own way.

And speaking of people who love me… I wish that Ladybug loved me as much as I love her. It's true that giving up being Cat Noir in order to get Mother back means that I'm also giving up Ladybug, but to be fair, did I ever really have her? I don't ever think I'll get my hopes up for her again. Not after how she rejected me after we rescued that guy on the hang glider. Maybe it's time I opened my eyes to other possibilities.

Marinette is really sweet, and she does everything she can to help other people. She reminds me a lot of Ladybug. I even told her as much on Heroes Day. She took time out of her busy night with no notice to listen to me ramble on. She is such a caring person, regardless of whether I'm wearing my ears or not. I've been a lousy partner to Ladybug recently, but maybe I'll have the change to make it up by being a great partner to Marinette at school. I should start getting ready.

The bell was ringing as Marinette ran into the classroom. There was no project work that day, so Marinette took her seat next to Alya and started unpacking her bag. I have to figure out how to get the Miraculous to its holder… but first, I should probably focus on whatever subject we're learning right now. Literature. Great.

Ms. Bustier said, "Turn to page 227 in your literature books, class. We'll pick up reading Shakespeare's Julius Caesar where we left off. Nathaniel, will you begin, please?"

"I could be as well moved, if…" Nathaniel read.

Marinette zoned out. I need time to figure out what's going on here. And to get the Miraculous delivered. Maybe right before lunch break I'll jump into the storage closet, transform, and then pass a note as everyone is coming out of class. Ughhh - I wish this didn't have to be so difficult! She looked at her friends' bags. Maybe I'll just slip a note in there from Ladybug to meet at a certain time during lunch.

"Et, tu, Brute!" came Chloe's voice from Marinette's right.

"Et tu, Kitty?" mumbled Marinette. Alya, Nino, and Adrien spun around to look at her. "Huh? Oh, sorry… umm… my grandma has a cat named Brutus, I just thought it was funny." Good one, dorkasaurus. Her friends shook their heads and went back to following along with the play.

I really have to stop falling asleep in class, thought Adrien. ESPECIALLY if I'm going to dream about Ladybug like that. I could have sworn she was right behind me there for a second.

Marinette pulled out a small sheet of paper and a pencil and hastily drew something, then folded the paper and put it in her blazer pocket. As the class moved to Ms. Mendeliev's room for science, Marinette placed the folded piece of paper in someone's bag. I hope this works.

She watched her target pull the school-issued tablet out of the bag and drop the piece of paper. They picked it up, unfolded it, read it, glanced around, and then folded it back up and stuffed it in their mouth.

Marinette suppressed a chuckle. This is going to be fun! As much fun as a situation like this can be, I guess.

Lunch break came. Marinette gathered her things, ran home, climbed up to her bedroom, and transformed. Ladybug grabbed the runed Miraculous box and swung toward the park across the street from the school. A figure stood there, waiting.

"Ladybug! How on earth did you get that note into my bag? I'm so honored that you would do this! What's up?"

"Not here… let's grab a place somewhere private. Hang on tight!" Ladybug grabbed her friend and her yo-yo, then swung to a nearby rooftop. "This is as secluded a place as any. I need to talk to you."

Her friend let go once they landed. "Sure! I'm all ears. I don't think this is an exclusive scoop for the Ladyblog, though, huh?"

Ladybug shook her head. "No, Alya, unfortunately not. This is a bit more serious. You've helped me before on a few occasions. I need to know if you're willing to help me again."

"You mean as Rena Rouge? Of course! Is there an akuma? My followers usually text me," she frowned at her phone.

"No, there's no akuma now. But I need you to be on standby for when the next one shows up. And maybe the next few ones after that. Will you help?"

"Oh! Um… yes! One hundred times yes! Girl, I am so there for you and for Cat Noir."

Ladybug frowned. How in-depth do I need to go here? Good relationships are based on trust, and I need to make sure I don't break that. Plus, she's getting herself into more danger than ever before. She needs to have the full picture. "Alya, I need to be honest with you. This is going to be difficult. More difficult than you can imagine. I need people I can trust to be on my side. Hawk Moth is planning something big. I don't know what that is, or when it's coming. But we need to be ready. He's building a team."

"Like during Heroes Day? A bunch of akumatized baddies? We won, though… barely. Has he smartened up, somehow?"

"Something like that. He's going after Miraculous wearers directly, this time."

"He did that last time, though, with Queen Wasp, Shellshock… and Rena Rage. Cool name, but I am super-embarrassed about that."

"That's not what I mean. He's not akumatizing them; he's recruiting them. Like Cat Noir."

Alya flinched. "Yeah, but Cat Noir would never fall for something like that, right?" She waited for a response. "Ohh… no, wait, what? You mean to say that Cat Noir is helping Hawk Moth on purpose? When I see him, I'm going to kick his butt so hard…!"

"I don't think it's like that, Alya. Hawk Moth has apparently manipulated Cat Noir to where he feels that he has no choice but to assist him. We don't know who else he has gotten, but if he's managed to lure Cat Noir, then I don't think anyone's off the table."

"Got it. I'll be careful."

Ladybug nodded and handed the runed box to Alya. Alya opened it, and Trixx, the fox kwami, appeared in front of her. "Hello again! Ready to make some mischief?" Trixx asked.

"Not yet, Trixx. Ladybug will tell us when it's time. In the meantime," Alya put the necklace on and tucked it into her shirt, "stay close to me."

"You got it, Alya!" Trixx flew into Alya's shirt to hide.

"Is that it, Ladybug?"

"Now that you mention it, Alya… there's one more thing. I don't know how to say this, but… there's been an interesting pattern with Hawk Moth recently. He managed to akumatize one person three times in a row, and once additionally before that. You know her as Volpina."

"Fake Rena Rouge? She's in my class!"

"That's right; Lila Rossi. The last time Hawk Moth got a plan together, Volpina was the catalyst behind it. I don't know if she'll be involved the next time around, but use your journalist instincts and keep an eye on her. I believe she is much more dangerous than she lets on."

"You got it, Ladybug. I'll keep an eye out." She paused, then continued, hesitantly. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Alya. You've earned it."

"Why didn't you ask Carapace too?"

Because he's been acting cold to me in class over the past few days. Because I don't know where his loyalties lie, but I can't say that. Or maybe I can say that. But not without giving up my secret identity. Hmm… better tread lightly. "Right now we are keeping the number of heroes in play at a minimum, since we have no idea who Hawk Moth is recruiting, and we don't want to give him any more targets. I trust you, Alya. You have been one person I can count on again and again, and you are always there when I need you." With or without my spots. "I need someone in whom I have absolute trust."

Alya blinked. "Wow, Ladybug. That's… really touching. Thank you for trusting me. I promise I won't let you down. And speaking of letting people down… can you get me off of this roof, please? School is about to start back up."

The girls shared a laugh and swung away together on Ladybug's yo-yo.

Adrien's lunch didn't go as well as Alya's did.

He sat at the dining room table, a plate of bland food in front of him. Eating alone again. At least some things never change despite what I do. Right before he had to leave to return to school, Nathalie appeared in the doorway.

"Your father wishes to tell you that you are to stay in the house tonight with him, in the atrium. There will be no need for Cat Noir, regardless of what happens."

Great. This means that there definitely will be an akuma attack tonight, and I have no way of warning Ladybug that she'll be flying solo. Adrien sighed. Maybe I'll be able to sneak off between classes and leave her a message on her communicator.

As if reading his mind, Nathalie added, "Your bodyguard will be accompanying you to the door of the school, where Miss Rossi will be meeting you. She is to report back on all your behavior, so if you try to sneak off and disappear, even for a moment, she will inform me, and you will lose much more than your privileges. Is that understood, Adrien?"

"Yes, Nathalie," he whispered.

Marinette was shocked to see Adrien and Lila walk into the classroom together. Lila whispered something to Adrien and smirked, then turned on her heel and practically skipped up the steps to her seat. Adrien went to his seat, sat down, and put his head in his hands.

My poor boy, Marinette thought. He told me yesterday that I would be the first person he would talk to, but Lila is all up in his business every time I see him. I hope we get some project time this afternoon so I can see if he's OK.

"Class, take out your textbooks," Miss Bustier announced. "We will be covering History for the first half of the class, then the remainder of the school day will be devoted to your projects."

Marinette audibly sighed. Alya turned to her and asked, "Girl, how are you getting started on the project? It looks like the first day, Adrien had to leave. Then the second day, both of you had to leave. I know this isn't just a case of Marinette procrastinating and doing everything at the last second… there is something seriously going on! With both of you! I mean, look at the kid." Alya pointed at Adrien, who had slouched so far over it looked like he was asleep. "I'm worried about him. Nino's been trying to reach out, but Adrien hasn't been answering his texts with anything other than excuses about his father."

"Me too, Alya. Don't worry, I've got a plan," Marinette answered.

"An Operation: Secret Garden-style plan, or a real, I'm-going-to-talk-to-Adrien-personally plan?" Alya said with a wink.

"The second one, believe it or not. And it looks like we're probably not going to get much work done on the project, because I am going to spend that time grilling him."

"Grilling him, eh? You feel up to that?"

"Of course! I learned from the best!" Marinette laughed, and Miss Bustier cleared her throat, directing the attention of the two girls back to the front of the room, at least for the time being.

When it was time for class project work, the class shifted around to join their groups. Lila's hand shot up. "Miss Bustier? I just lost a contact lens and left my glasses at home. Can my group sit close to the front, please?"

"Yes, of course, Lila." The teacher scanned the room. "Chloe and Ivan, please switch seats with Lila's group."

With a huff, Chloe got up and moved to the back of the room, glaring at Lila on the way past.

Lila made sure to sit on the edge of the bench closest to Adrien.

Why is she all over him like that? Marinette wondered. "Hey," she said to Adrien, as she took her seat to his left.

"Hey," Adrien replied. "Look… I need to talk to you."

A thrill went through Marinette's body and she fought back a squeal. Instead, she said, "Of course! How can I help?"

"I'm… really sorry for not being the best partner to you." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I know that when we were picked to be partners, you had certain expectations of me, and I haven't been living up to those at all recently. There have been… things… going on at home that I can't really talk about, and because of that I've been really distracted on the job. I've probably hurt you without intending to, and I understand if you don't want me as a partner anymore. But if you do, I promise to make all of this up to you. What do you say?"

Marinette's jaw dropped. If I closed my eyes, that could have been Cat Noir saying the exact thing to me that I need to hear from him right now. "Oh, Adrien… yes, of course we can still be partners." She reached over and squeezed his hand, ignoring the gasp from the table behind her. "Let's get to work. I don't think you have anything to make up to me, since I'm pretty sure I've let you down just as much." She smiled and tapped her tablet. "Let's start over and see where we can go."

Across the aisle, Lila scowled, but said nothing.

In an office of the TVI studio, Alec Cataldi was meeting with his boss. "Alec, there's no other way to put it. You're our only TV host. You handle all of the reality, entertainment, and competition shows on the network. And you've been doing a fine job of it. But… I think your face is getting stale. We're thinking of opening up the host slot to someone else."

"So you're planning on hiring someone else? That's great, I can use the extra time to work on things like nature specials, sports, and acting in soap operas!"

"No, Alec… you see, even though we appear to be the only viable television station in Paris, we have a very limited budget. We can only have one news person, one host, a weather girl - who we don't even pay, she just won a competition and works for us for free as a prize - a couple of producers, and me. I'm sure if things were different, we would be able to afford another host, but that's just not happening right now."

"So I'm fired?"

"No, you're not fired… yet. I have a new idea that we're going to be running with. Tonight, you're going to be hosting a competition show for the next TVI host. And you'll not only be hosting it, you'll be competing in it at the same time! And if you don't win… then you'll be fired."

Alec stood up, fuming. How am I being forced to compete for my own job?

After school let out, Nino and Alya were hanging out on the school steps, both wanting to spend time with each other before going home.

Nino had his arm around Alya's shoulder, scratching her upper back and neck gently. His fingers caught on a chain. Huh… I didn't get her a necklace. "Hey, babe? You get a new necklace? I didn't think you were into jewelry like that."

Alya looked around to make sure they were alone. "Hey… about that. I was thinking of how to tell you this, but I had a… visitor… this afternoon during lunch." She looked at Nino and raised her eyebrows to emphasize the word. "She was the one who gave me the necklace. Said I needed to hang onto it for a while."

"Oh, sweet! That's really cool. Do you think I'll be getting a charm bracelet soon?"

"That's hard to say, Nino. It didn't sound like she was giving out any more gifts right now. But sometime in the future, I imagine."

"Bummer. I miss heroing. You've done it, what… three times? Why don't the other heroes get a shot?"

"Well, I think that there are a couple of reasons. The first one is that I have the most experience out of the people she's asked. The other one is that only two people know who I am… you and her. It sounds like this gift is going to be kept a secret, at least for the time being."

"Ehh… I'm a little jealous, that's all. But I'm also proud of you! It's a really good thing. Besides, your job was running after akuma anyway, so might as well make it official, right?" Nino sighed wistfully.

Alya leaned her head on her boyfriend's shoulder. "We talked for a bit today, and she confided some things in me that I can't really talk about just yet. But I can tell you one thing - we both think that Lila is bad news."

"What, her? She's harmless. She's had a very interesting life and some bad luck, that's all. She seems really nice, too."

Alya shook her head. "She's driving a wedge between the people in our class. Remember how, just a few weeks ago, we were all united at the picnic for Heroes Day? If that happened today, do you think it would happen the same way?"

"No-o-o. No."

"Why do you think that is?"

"Hm, well, I don't know. We have grown apart…"

"Why do you think we don't do things together as a class?"

"I don't know… busy? We're busy."

"I'll tell you why. It's because half the class has sided with Lila and half the class is on the fence. Even you get so defensive of Lila, it makes me a little uncomfortable! And poor Marinette… she's just trying to do her best, and you've almost completely shut her out. Do you know that she thinks she has zero friends in that class? And she's the Class Representative, for goodness' sake! Something's got to give."

"Whoa, babe… I don't want to get in the middle of girl wars. I'm pretty chill about a lot of stuff, and I like to let things ride, but I haven't noticed anybody treating anyone especially different. I do think Marinette has been a bit huffy with Lila, but I didn't mean to not be her friend anymore because of it."

Alya fixed him with a stare.

"OK, fine, I'll apologize to Marinette. I don't think Lila is out to drive the class apart, but I do agree with you that the class has been growing apart the past couple of weeks. Marinette can't be the only glue holding it together; it's not healthy."

"I knew I could count on you, babe." She leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Marinette sat in her room, mentally reviewing the events of the day. Wow, I can't believe what Adrien said to me today in class! That was the sweetest thing I've heard from… anyone, actually! I really hope he's doing better. I guess Tikki was right - showing a bit of interest really got me places I've only dreamed of going!

I hope that I can make the same strides with Cat Noir. I'm not interested in him in the same way that I'm interested in Adrien, but he is clearly going through a hard time - both from Master Fu's account and his own. I never opened up to him much as Ladybug, but maybe I should drop that wall a bit? We are, after all, the only two people in the entire city who understand what it's like to lead this sort of double life. I'm glad that he trusts me as Marinette, though. It helps me understand a bit what to expect, even though there's a good chance he's going to go after Ladybug next time we meet. I wonder what Hawk Moth has on him that is making him do this? Maybe if he stops by before the next time Ladybug sees him, I can draw it out of him.

Lila hasn't been actively trying to draw people away from me, either, over the past couple of days. I'm sure she's cementing her relationships with the people she's already won over, though. And she is getting extremely close with Adrien! "Private tutoring," well, I don't believe that for one second. Something else is going on. And Adrien certainly doesn't appear to appreciate the attention, either, I've noticed. Maybe Lila has something on him? But what dirt could she possibly have on him? The poor boy barely gets to leave his house, and when he does, he's the super-sweetest boy on the planet. I don't want to press him on that, though, since we are developing a great relationship on our own… finally! If he needs to talk to me, and he's ready, he will. He's promised me that much.

And speaking of talking… I have to ask Tikki a few things. We never really talked about what Master Fu said to me this morning, and I know she was "there", but I still want her opinion. "Tikki?" she called out.

"Marinette!" The red kwami flew out from her hiding place. "Today sounded like it went really well, don't you think?"

"It did, Tikki! Thank you for all your encouragement with Adrien. I'll need your help with that later, too, by the way… I want to do something special for him tonight, if I can. But first… can we talk about some things I learned at Master Fu's this morning?"

"Of course, Marinette!" Tikki chirped. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Well, first I wanted to thank you for being such a great friend. You're always there for me and you seem to put up with a lot of my teenage girl problems. I'm sure that given how old you are, you're probably more than done with half of the stuff I complain about!"

"Oh, no, Marinette! That's one of the things I find the most fun! I mean, I am the kwami of Creation. Creating relationships between people is one of my specialties!"

"That's good to know! Hopefully I won't spend the next few years pining over Adrien while Cat Noir chases me, though. I'd like to see that change soon." She chuckled. "Anyway… we have a very special relationship. Master Fu said that we were the most in tune with each other than any other Ladybug in history. Is that true?"

"It is true, Marinette! The connection that we have has made you the best Ladybug I've ever worked with. Most Ladybugs in the past have taken much longer to get the hang of things. But because you are a naturally creative person, and because I am the kwami of Creation, we fuse and amplify each other."

Marinette hummed, then frowned slightly. "Tikki, does that mean that Cat Noir is a naturally destructive person? Is that why he's such a good Cat Noir?"

"Not exactly. Remember, I know who he is on the other side of the mask. I can't tell you, of course, but I can tell you that he is someone who is used to being disappointed and alone. He's told you as much when he's visited you. That part of him helps him match up with Plagg, his kwami, very well. But what makes him a good Cat Noir is his relationship with you, actually."

"How so?"

"You two are two halves of a whole, more so than any other Ladybug and Cat Noir. It's his synergy with you that makes him an excellent Cat Noir. And I think you've felt that, too. Even though he's been… not behaving as expected, recently, you haven't turned him away or shut him out, have you? You even welcomed him outside the mask last night! And you're right to not be afraid of him. You two are bound together in such a way that it's difficult to describe. Some people might say soulmates, some might say yin and yang… but the truth is that you are drawn to each other, because you were made for each other."

Marinette shifted uncomfortably on her seat. "So… no matter what I do, I'm going to wind up with Cat Noir?"

"You say that like it's a bad thing, Marinette!" Oh, if you only knew. "Be his friend. Be yourself around him. He's already starting to see the Ladybug in you. Give him the same chance that he is giving you. You'll see." And your eyes will pop out of their sockets when you finally do.

"OK." Marinette paused. "OK. That's fair." She squared her shoulders. "I can do that." She took a few deep breaths. "Tikki? There was something else I wanted to talk to you about… about our relationship. I got sidetracked with Cat Noir, but this is really important."

"Of course, Marinette! What is it?"

"...Master Fu mentioned that Hawk Moth and Cat Noir are abusing their kwamis somehow in order to stay transformed after they use their powers. Can you talk to me about that? I'm concerned for their kwamis… and for Kitty."

"This is a very delicate subject. I'm sure you've figured out that there is the possibility of you using multiple Lucky Charms in a battle. The Lucky Charm is a very positive power and the healing magic associated with it covers everything, so there's really not a need to. With Hawk Moth… the original intention of the Butterfly Miraculous was to create champions, or heroes. To give people a bit of power that they need to accomplish something extraordinary. Not only has Hawk Moth twisted it for evil, he wishes to control his victims. So, he puts all of his energy into staying transformed, even though he shouldn't be. Normally the champions would have positive motivations so they wouldn't need to be as closely supervised."

"That makes sense."

"With Cat Noir, it's a bit different. You've noticed that the first Cataclysm is normal, and the ones afterwards get weaker and weaker. This worries me, Marinette. You see, in order for a Miraculous wearer to do that, they must pour a bit of their life force into the kwami to help sustain the transformation and use the power again."

"You're saying Cat Noir is killing himself in order to use Cataclysm more than once?" Marinette gasped, horrified. A tear formed in the corner of her eye.

"Not necessarily, Marinette. But there can be… permanent damage. If you can get a close look, next time you see him, tell me what his ring looks like. I'll be able to better figure it out from that."

"That cat! Whatever Hawk Moth is offering him, it must be very special."

"Or Hawk Moth hasn't told him that, either because Hawk Moth doesn't know himself, or because he's intentionally withholding it. Marinette… I know you're concerned. You need to focus on defending against Hawk Moth, and the situation with Cat Noir will sort itself out. I promise. Just… in the meantime… love that boy. Or learn to love him. He needs it."

Next time:

* Is Alec's reality show called France's Next Top Akuma?

* "Do you purr outside of the costume, too?"

* The pot is being watched... will the water boil?