MMMM, I'm glade everyone liked the crazy run through the darkness and subways! Ive been on several different subways in several different countries and even with the lights on they are a tad creepy when a ton of people are not around... Adriens POV in this chapter and other fun stuff! Originally when I was writing this story this part didn't exist but I ran into a snag later in the story and well this came to be. Also if anyone ever has any pressing questions just Pm me and I will get back to you. Enjoy!

ImagiNova... I saw the feint thing after I had already posted and so I was unable to fix it. Also my grammar skills are sub-par. We are lucky to see apostrophes in things like don't. The same goes for commas. I have been working on getting better but its a long road when you spend your whole life NOT using them. In any case thanks for the lesson and I hope you enjoyed the stories!

meladi1... Welcome to the fold! You picked a long story to read at midnight lol. If you want my recommendation give Kryalla Orchid, TheLastPilot, and The Punch Lord, a try. They are all excellent authors.

sjsreader... Thanks! I really enjoy writing action scenes. I always try to make it so the people reading can see what I see.

Jayla Fire Gal... To answer your question because earrings are harder to remove than a ring. ;)

(Sequel to Meaning of Marigolds!)When skeletons begin to rise up from the shadows it's up to Ladybug and Chat Noir to put a stop to it. Will they be able to end this new threat or be buried six feet under?

The Skeletons Dance (Part 4)

Adrien woke on the cold earth and groaned. His whole body ached and for a moment he wondered if he had fallen out of bed. That could be the only explanation for the hard floor…

"Hey he is waking up!" A voice called and Adrien's eyes snapped open seeing curious faces staring down at him.

Jerking himself upright he hissed as abused muscles made themselves known. "Oh god Ladybugs gonna kill me." He muttered taking in his surroundings.

They were in an area the size of a stadium surrounded on all sides by earthen walls. Dim light that had no source made it possible to see, although not very well or extremely far. Thankfully Adrien's exposure to Plagg had given him far better night vision even in civilian form. Because of it he could see people, hundreds of people sitting in groups and meandering around. Pools of shadows collected on the edges where his vision couldn't penetrate and to his dismay Adrien didn't see an exit anywhere.

"Hey son. You were one of the last people brought here. What's going on?" An elderly man asked

Adrien swallowed glancing down at his hand. No ring glinted back up at him and he felt suddenly naked without his miraculous. Then all at once his final view of Ladybug slammed home.

"I… We… Ladybug…" Adrien stuttered as his thoughts jumbled.

She'd had a look of pained horror on her face. He knew she had seen his miraculous, had understood what it meant. He hadn't meant to sacrifice himself and he knew with total certainty that when she found him there would be hell to pay.

"Ladybug? What about Ladybug son?" The elderly man asked as others drew in close.

"She is going to kill me." Adrien muttered, thinking suddenly that facing a crazed skeleton akuma was the least of his worries.

The people surrounding him exchanged glances, wondering if the boy had hit his head when he had been taken, then he blinked seeming to recognize their presence. "Oh… oh hell. Um sorry… a little out of it… what was the question?" Adrien asked backtracking.

The man seemed a touch taken aback, but as he had seen numerous times some people when they woke were more than a little out of it than others. The man decided to ask a more direct question his curiosity getting the better of him as he took in the boys disheveled state.

"What happened to you? You look as though you've been through the wringer."

Adrien grimaced glancing down and understanding what the man meant. His knuckles were bruised, the skin broken in several places from punching the skeletons. His over shirt was tattered having been ripped by bony hands and he was sure if his arms were any indication, he was filthy. With a grunt of slight pain Adrien stripped off his over shirt and ripped it into smaller pieces so he could bind his hands. He no longer had a weapon and he knew that one way or another he would probably be fighting again in the near future. Thinking of the old mans question Adrien knew he had to lie since he couldn't very well tell the truth.

"I was in the subway when the skeletons came out of nowhere. I fought my way deeper into the station since I couldn't get to the surface and found Ladybug going through with a bunch of other people. I went with them and she led about 40 people out. I got cut off and although she did everything to save me, I forced her to save a kid instead. I have a feeling she is going to remember me and be really pissed off about it." Adrien said finally as he slowly bound his hands with the shirt strips.

The old man gaped at him. "You were one of the fighters..." he said and Adrien noticed how several of the people started backing away. "And Ladybug?"

"She is safe." Adrien affirmed and climbed to his feet tucking the remains of his shirt into the back of his pants.

People backed away from him and Adrien eyed them curiously "What's wrong?"

The man shook his head "When Morte comes keep your head low. Get rid of that over shirt and be meek. There have been other fighters taken from here and none of them have returned.

Adrien cocked his head feeling confused. "Uh how long have I been out?"

The elderly man shrugged "A few hours only I suppose but anyone who has tried to fight against the skeletons have been removed to other places. There was one feisty girl… I believe she ran the Ladyblog."

"She is alright!" Adrien exclaimed pouncing on the man. "We…er… Ladybug found her and they have made it to the surface. Don't worry the people were just moved to smaller cages."

The elderly man nodded warily patting Adrien's hand which clutched his shoulder. "Ah very well then…" The old man said and backed away.

Adrien frowned but then he heard several gasps and a scream coming from across the room. Adrien turned towards the commotion even as the man tried to grab him.

"Don't." He hissed but Adrien ignored him.

He may not have his miraculous and he may not be Chat Noir at the moment, but if there was a way to get out of this place he would find it. He would find it even if he had to punch his way out, protecting everyone one in this room. Adrien moved forwards noting that almost everyone was backing away. In seconds he saw why. Morte stood in the chamber his red eyes the only spot of color on him besides the purple blade in place of his heart. In one hand he held a young girl by the collar, a child really and he was peering at her while she hung there sobbing, shivering in fear. Adrien was coming in at him from the side his fury mounting as Morte shook his head.

"Not a good enough hostage." Morte sighed flinging the girl away like she was a piece of trash.

She let out a piercing scream as she flew and Adrien launched himself at Morte when he moved forwards to grab someone else. Two people on the edges caught the child and Adrien was on the akuma before he even knew what was coming. Adriens bandaged hands slammed into Mortes jaw and bony ribs respectively. Adrien did it in a swift combo before the akuma could even register his presence and try to dodge. It hurt his hands even with the bindings but his extra strength as Chat aided him, driving the breath from Mortes lungs as the punch to the jaw sent him spinning. People scattered as Morte roared the dual blows actually hurting him and catching him off guard. Adrien was on him again his fists swinging out but the only met air as Morte fell backwards into the earth. Stumbling to a halt Adrien panted hard to catch his breath. Muscles screamed at him and Adrien knew he wasn't in any shape to fight but he wouldn't be able to look Ladybug in the eye if he had simply done nothing. Morte seemed to have vanished and Adrien eyed the floor around him searching for the skeleton man.

"Well… well… what do we have here… It would seem that you have as much fighting spirit as those funny little heroes." Mortes voice echoed

It didn't come from a single source and Adrien twisted around noticing the ever widening gap between him and the people who were trapped in the chamber. It didn't bother Adrien though since he knew it would give more room to fight with the akuma without having to worry about getting them involved.

"You should see me with a rapier. I could skewer you if you would like. I'm sure Paris heroes wouldn't mind me taking a chunk out of you before they finish you off." Adrien growled back keeping his stance low and relaxed while ignoring the annoying pain in his muscles.

Mortes sniggering laugh echoed around him and as Adrien turned he spied the two red eyes glowing within the earth. "I'm quite sure you would enjoy that boy."

"My name is Adrien Agrest." Adrien snapped and several people on the edges of the crowd gasped.

Morte took notice of the gasps and his eyes brightened. "You seem to be rather popular."

Adrien shrugged. "You seem to be rather ignorant. What's your point?"

If Ladybug had been there she probably would have smacked him and Adrien half expected Morte to be infuriated. Instead the skeleton man oozed from the earth his head bent towards the ground as he laughed.

"I suppose I am. That tends to happen when you are in jail for too many years though." Morte laughed and launched himself at Adrien.

Adrien had been expecting the move and instead of dodging like a normal person he crouched at the last moment letting Mortes body collide with his. Then as he started to tilt Adrien twisted flinging Morte over his head and into the ground again. Instead of Morte slamming hard into the ground like he hoped Morte simply sank into the earth vanishing from sight once more. His laughter echoed around them and Adrien knew he was messing with him. Flicking his eyes across the ground he noted that the people on the edges were nervously doing the same thing. No one made a move to help him and Adrien was glad for that at least. Then Mortes words came back to him and he frowned.

"You were in jail? Why in the world…" Adrien began as a gasp rang out from a spectator behind him.

Spinning he brought his arms up just in time to block a bone like club swinging out at him. The impact knocked him off his feet and made his arms feel numb. Pain he knew would come momentarily although he knew from experience that the blow hadn't broken anything. He crashed into the ground, curled his knees to his chest, and rolled with the momentum bouncing back to his feet although he stumbled a step as he did. Morte was underground again and Adrien shook out his arms with a hiss able to see exactly where Morte had struck him. The patch of skin was red, splotchy, and a small trickle of blood welled to the surface.

"Hmmm you don't stay down do you?" Morte asked slipping from the earth to stand before him.

Adrien shrugged "I'm competitive like that."

Morte grinned "Excellent. It will be that much better when your spirit breaks."

"Bring it on." Adrien answered "But before you do, tell me why you were in jail."

"Curiosity killed the cat boy." Morte said moving to the side.

Adrien followed the motion, his eyes narrowing as he wondered if Morte was on to him. He didn't have his ring though and green eyed, blond haired boys were a dime a dozen. Shaking off the thought as they began circling one another he answered. "Yeah, yeah I know the saying, my dad says it all the time. Do you know the rest though? Curiosity may have killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back. Now are you going to answer my question? I suppose I could just google it."

Morte waved a hand rolling his eyes as if it weren't important. "Oh murder, a few petty crimes, nothing of too great of note really. Gaining these powers has given me a much better scope for my talents."

Adrien faltered for a brief second Alyas words from the picnic coming back to him. "You're Aeron Sterben."

"Ding, ding, ding, give the boy a bone." Morte laughed as two skeletons rose from the ground at Adrien's side.

Adrien saw them coming and spun, the back of his heel smashing through one skull as his fist went through the second. Both turned to dust before they could reach for him and Adrien tossed a smirk in Mortes direction.

"You will have to do better than that Bonehead."

Morte sneered his eyes flaring abnormally bright. "Lights out."

The room was plunged into sudden darkness making several people scream. Instantly Adrien's hand went to his pocket snatching out his phone for some light just in time to see the hand swinging for his face. Jerking to the side the fist missed its target scuffing his ear in passing. Adrien fell towards the ground kicking out in time to catch a pair of legs. He heard Morte hit the ground, or fall into the ground and Adrien rolled up onto his feet flicking on the phones flashlight before shoving it into his waistband. It gave him a very limited view of his surroundings but it was enough to see the skeletons climbing from the ground to come after him. Unfortunately due to the state he was in, it didn't take long for him to be overwhelmed. In the end multiple skeletons pinned him, gripping at his limbs as they sank back into the earth so he was held to the ground so tight he could hardly even wiggle. Dull light slowly filled the cavern once more and Adrien hissed as the skeletons fingers dug into his skin painfully.

Clapping filled the air as Morte oozed from the ground. "That was a most amusing show boy. Tell me do you regret challenging me?"

"Never. Every minute I challenge you is a minute Ladybug and Chat Noir have to defeat you." Adrien spat.

Mortes eyebrows raised a bit his face holding a thoughtful expression. "Yes I suppose. But now I do believe I have become rather bored with you." Morte stepped forwards a bone blade growing from his palm. "Since you have entertained me and wasted a bit of my time I'll give you a choice. Painfully slow or agonizingly slow?"

"That's not much of a choice Bonehead. Can I go with you setting me free and I'll knock your skeletons around a bit more?" Adrien asked even though fear was a freezing blade in his chest. Ladybug was so going to be pissed when word of this came out.

Morte flipped the blade in his hands, catching it as he bent forwards to press the blade against the center of Adrien chest just below the point where his sternum ended. "Would you like to rethink your words?" Morte asked his red eyes brightening in his anger.

The blade pressed a little harder against his flesh and Adrien knew that if his shirt weren't in the way the blade would have cut him easily. Instinct told him to cringe away, to take shallower breaths to avoid the inevitable. Adrien ignored it.

"Not really. I quite like Chats name for you Bonehead."

Mortes lips twisted his arm raising up. Several cries of alarm rang through the cavern as the blade plunged towards Adrien's chest and then a butterfly mask blazed to life across Mortes face. It was brighter than anything Adrien had ever seen before and the blade froze the tip just barely piercing through Adrien's skin.

"YOU WILL NOT KILL HIM!" Hawkmoth roared his voice positively rattling Adrien.

He had never heard Hawkmoths voice before although he remembered Marinette telling him how she had heard it when she had helped Mary. In this moment hearing it made Adrien feel ill. He was careful to show no sign of it, his gasp having been accepted as a gasp of pain.

Morte glanced down at him looking a touch disappointed. "Come now I've barely pierced your skin."

"And you will do no further harm!" Hawkmoth snarled his voice holding a kind of authority that made Morte bristle.

Ever so slightly he applied more pressure making Adrien grit his teeth. "What if he has annoyed me and I don't care to see him live?" Morte asked as blood began to stain Adrien's shirt front. Thankfully his shirt was black and therefore the tiny amount of blood didn't show through.

"He is worth more alive and if you want to retain your powers you will do as I say!" Hawkmoth answered his voice ominously soft.

A flicker of doubt shone in Mortes eyes then with a snarl he pulled the knife up. The butterfly mask dimmed for a second then brightened again making Morte snort.

"I suppose he will make a better hostage anyways." He grumbled relenting and a few moments later the butterfly mask faded. "Well boy it looks like your lucky day. You get to be my hostage for when your precious heroes come to call."

"Cool that means I will have front row seats to see your butt getting kicked." Adrien answered ignoring the burning sensation on his chest.

Morte peered down at him, all signs of amusement gone from his features. "Be careful boy. I may not be allowed to kill you but you don't need your tongue to survive or your eyes for that matter."

As if to prove his point he lowered the blade again and in one swift, shocking movement slashed the blade across his cheek, cutting a thin line across his cheekbone. Adrien grunted in surprise feeling the burning sensation as blood beaded at the wound. Morte seemed a bit put out that Adrien hadn't screamed and stood to his full menacing height. He swept his eyes around the ring of people noting the phones turned in his direction.

"All of Paris will be mine. Do not delude yourselves into thinking you will be rescued and if any of you try anything like this fool…" Morte paused glancing down at the bloody edge of the knife in his hand, then at the boy who despite being tied down, cut, and threatened still had a look of utter defiance in his gaze. Morte brought the blade to his lips rolling his tongue over the edge tasting the iron tang that accompanied blood. Several people recoiled and Morte grinned. "I'll just pick one of you at random, carve you up, and leave you wishing for my namesake to take you."

The people shifted nervously edging even further away and Adrien wisely said nothing realizing that Morte had been pushed a touch too far. Turning his attention back to Adrien he threw the blade, causing it to imbed itself next to his arm and open a paper thin cut on his wrist. Adrien grimaced and Mortes red eyes brightened his lips pulling back to reveal a nasty grin.

"Lights out." He hissed and the world went dark.

Marinette awoke choking on a scream and gasped as she shot upright. For a few brief seconds she had no idea where she was then suddenly she realized she was on the couch in her living room.

"You're awake!" Tiki cried dodging up to her and cuddling her cheek.

Marinette cupped her hands around the kwami grateful to see her at least. "Tiki! Are you ok? How long have I been out and how did we get home?"

"I carried you." Alya said and Marinettes head shot up.

For a moment she blinked looking thoroughly stupefied and then her memory righted itself.

"Oh… Alya… oh my gosh… um…" Marinette stuttered glancing between her now floating kwami and Alya who was moving towards the couch. "I-I guess I have some explaining to do?"

Alya shook her head coming round to sit and Marinette moved her legs out of the way. "No. Tiki explained everything. Well everything I need to know apparently." She sat gazing at her friend as her eyes misted over. Then suddenly she yanked Marinette into a bone crushing hug. "God girl you scared the daylights out of me! I didn't think I was going to be able to stop you from attacking Morte, then you fainted, and goodness that Plagg is a bit of a crank pot."

"Choking… me…" Marinette gasped and Alya released her, the relief she felt obvious in the way she spoke.

"And what the heck?! You're Ladybug! Talk about my whole world being upended. And Adrien…" Alya said trailing off the implications suddenly that much more staggering. She had though about it before, even doodled the suit on him in that one picture but in truth it had been for fun. Now though it was fact and she just couldn't believe it.

Marinette looked away down at her hands and the two rings that sat on her fingers. Guilt, anger, sadness ate at her and she clenched her hands tears forming in her eyes. "I-I lost him… again."

"Oh Mari…" Alya murmured seeing her tears and pulled her into a far gentler hug. "I'm so sorry Marinette, this is my fault. If I hadn't got caught last night you guys wouldn't have been out of power when we made it to the subways."

Marinette sniffed shaking her head. "We would have come running anyways as soon as word got out about the subway attacks. Morte would have probably lured us into the station then siced his minions on us. He is a particularly smart, nasty variety of akuma."

Alya nodded. "Tiki explained some things to me. Apparently Morte captured a butterfly and that's why his powers are so out of whack?"

"Yeah he gave up something of his to gain the power. Plagg inferred he either gave up some memories or his life force." Marinette answered "Speaking of Plagg is he ok? I don't see him…" Marinette asked looking around the living room.

"Grumpy cat is in your trashcan in your room. I don't know if he likes me very much." Alya answered.

"He doesn't like many people. It's usually restricted to his chosen's and a few close others. He's… a cat… cats are picky." Tiki voiced from Marinette lap and Alya jumped having forgotten about the little kwami.

As her words sank in Alya frowned but nodded after a moment. She had been around plenty of cats before and she knew how picky they could be. Beside her Marinette sighed then lifted Tiki from her lap, handing her off to Alya.

"I need to go get him. We need to talk about our next move." Marinette as she stood. She wobbled a bit, her legs weaker than she would have liked.

Alya frowned after her. "I think you need some more rest Marinette."

Marinette gave her friend a wane smile seeing the concern in both her and Tikis eyes. "Yeah I probably do but I can't let this akuma get any stronger and I need to get Adrien out. With his luck he is probably antagonizing the crap out of Morte."

Alya raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Adrien… antagonizing? That's a bit hard to wrap my mind around girl."

Marinette laughed. "Believe me it's his default approach when it comes to akuma regardless of his form, and he really doesn't like Morte so he will be making far more noise than normal."

Alya watched Marinette move away towards her stairs and couldn't help but wonder how she had missed so much. It was obvious that Marinette was a little more than stiff but the air she carried was one of confidence as she moved out of sight. A gentle touch had her looking down at Tiki who gave her a wane smile.

"It was our magic that prevented you from seeing. However this akuma has disrupted the magic and that's why you were able to discern their identities. The magic would have crumbled anyways when Marinette reverted back to her civilian form anyways." Tiki murmured softly knowing the look on Alyas face well.

Alya grimaced. "Please tell me you kwami cant read minds."

Tiki giggled a small melodious sound that had a small smile twitching at Alyas lips. "No child we cant. Nooroo can see emotions on people, but he is the only one of us to be able to do that. It is part of his power after all. I have simply been alive and around people for a very long time so it's not too difficult to infer what you are thinking."

"Oh. Will the magic revert when they get rid of Morte? I mean when they defeat Morte will I forget again?" Alya asked a touch nervously.

Tiki shook her head. "The knowledge is yours now, to do with as you wish. It's a powerful thing to know who the heroes of Paris are."

"I will protect them." Alya said her lips pursed as she thought out loud. "Now that I know I can cover for them better. Have supplies stashed if needed and if anything ever happens I can help them get away."

Tiki patted her hand again and Alya looked down meeting the kwamis gaze easily. Whatever Tiki saw there she seemed to approve of. "You are a kind child but for the most part Ladybug and Chat Noir very rarely need help. They wouldn't want you risking your safety for them."

Alya laughed, honestly she couldn't help it. "I'm the reporter for the Ladyblog and run head long into danger every time there is an akuma attack. My safety is kind of a moot point."

"Even though you have the answers you sought now? You will still put yourself in danger?" Tiki asked

Alya shrugged "I may know who they are but that hasn't changed the fact that I'm still a reporter. That and now that I do know it will be hard to stand on the side lines and simply watch them get thrashed."

"Hey we rarely get thrashed. We may get chucked onto a building periodically but we very rarely get thrashed." Marinette grumbled from the stairs making Tiki and Alya turn to face her.

She had Plagg in her hands curled up and looking like a black ball of fuzz. Slowly she moved back to the couch, Tiki meeting her halfway and settling next to Plagg who grumbled. Marinette sat and Alya glanced at the kwami curiously. Plagg refused to move though Tiki gave a small sharp buzz poking him in the side. Instead of opening up, he grumbled again curling himself tighter. Tiki sighed looking up at Marinette who glanced at Alya.

"Can you get me some Camembert cheese from the pantry downstairs?" Marinette asked and Alya nodded.

"Yeah I'll be back in a few minutes." Alya answered and even though she wanted to stay she realized that Marinette needed some time alone with the two kwami. As soon as her feet hit the stairs Plaggs ears twitched and he uncurled himself a little.

"All right grumpy cat what's your deal?" Marinette asked moving her one hand so she could scratch behind Plaggs ear.

"Nothing. I'm just tired, and hungry." Plagg answered uncurling a little more as he instinctively leaned into Marinette finger.

"He's mad at Adrien and he isn't sure he likes Alya." Tiki said softly from beside him.

Plagg hissed uncurling completely and glaring at Tiki. "You know why I'm unsure about her, you sense it too. Besides Adrien is in danger and the stupid kit threw me!"

Marinette cleared her throat. "Um guys? Fill me in maybe? I know Adrien is in danger that's why I dragged you out of my trashcan Plagg. We need to make a plan because I have a feeling that getting him back won't be as easy as it was when I fought Marigold. Also why don't you like Alya?"

Plagg growled clearly annoyed at being singled out because of his feelings, then he sighed giving up. "Cats just don't get along with canids bug. It's just a fact."

Tiki swatted him causing him to duck then dart from her hands all the while Marinette looked at the two kwami completely confused. "A can- candid? What is that?"

The two kwami froze midair with Tiki in the middle of a scolding buzz directed at Plagg. Tiki sighed at Marinettes obliviousness and Plagg snickered "You are not much of a scientist bug. In any case it's not important. What is important is getting Adrien back before Morte injures him or kills him."

Marinette blanched "You don't really think Hawkmoth will let Morte kill him do you? Plus Morte has to single Adrien out! Why would he do that?"

Plagg rolled his eyes "He's my kit which means he is born for being singled out and as a civilian he is well known all throughout Paris anyways. Morte has been talking about hostages from the very beginning and Hawkmoth doesn't have the control he ought to for this akuma. Matter of fact there is a good chance that Hawkmoth will lose complete control over Morte at the rate he's going."

"Adrien was right wasn't he? The more people that are underground the stronger he becomes." Marinette groaned. "We need to move then. Before nightfall."

"It would be better to wait till after nightfall." Plagg said and Marinette frowned.

"How do you figure? The skeletons will be wandering the streets then."

"Exactly. I'm assuming you will be going Ladycat to wrinkle this rat out of his hole. That means you will be able to blend with the shadows and stay out of sight. Plus with the skeletons on the surface it will mean less foes to fight below." Plagg answered a savage light glinting in his tiny eyes.

Marinette nodded slowly thinking the idea through and liking how it sat with her. Tiki hugged Plagg with a giggle saying "And you always say cats aren't good planners! I knew you had it in you!"

Plagg sighed a long suffering sigh as he patted Tiki then all three of them jumped as Alya asked "You're going to go in alone?"

Alya stood in the doorway a plate of sliced camembert and cookies in her hand. As she came forwards Marinette glanced away guiltily. "I have to save Adrien Alya. He… he's my partner, my other half, and this akuma is too vicious for me to defeat alone."

Alya set the plate down on the table and the kwamis flew to it already having decided that this was a conversation they needed to remain out of. "But… but I can help. I mean can't I… oh I don't wear Adrien's ring and back you up as Chat or something?"

Plagg hissed and Alya glared at him. "It's just a suggestion grumpy cat. She needs all the help she can get. It's not like I can cover her real well as a civilian."

Tiki swatted him again in agitation and Plagg rolled his eyes but he flew up to hover in front of Alyas face. "You are not suited for my power pup. Not just anyone can wear my ring and control my power. Those that try end up with the worst luck, and the worst ends, all miraculous are like that. We need to have a connection with our chosen's."

Alya flinched back surprised and Plagg held up a paw forestalling any questions she might have. "Adrien may be a sunshine child in most people's eyes but his true nature is far more suited for my power. The reason why Marinette can handle me is because she is Adrien's other half and in turn her nature balances mine. It wouldn't work over a long period of time if she were to only use my power, but as a mix the little bug works it well."

"Um ok." Alya answered feeling perplexed and overwhelmed at the knowledge Plagg had just revealed. "I just don't feel right seeing her go in alone."

"It will be better for me to go in alone Alya." Marinette said her voice soft as she twisted Adrien's ring on her finger watching as Plagg returned to eating. "I know it doesn't seem that way but even if Plagg did allow you to wear his ring you wouldn't know how to use Chat Noirs power, much less fight. You wouldn't know how to instinctively work with me, and where I'm going any mistakes made will cause you to be captured, or in Mortes case, quite possibly killed. I'll move faster alone and I can blend into the darkness to avoid capture. I'm sorry but you will have to wait for us to come back."

Alya felt helpless and she wanted to argue but she knew there was nothing she could do to help her friends. With a slow nod she accepted Marinettes decision then glanced at her phone. It had buzzed several times as people added comments or videos to the Ladyblog and thinking of it reminded her of the promise she had made to the people before Ladybug or Marinette had taken off with her.

"Marinette can we do an interview real quick? I promised the people an interview and you can warn everybody off the streets and stuff once night falls." Alya asked

Marinette glanced at Tiki who nodded. "I'll be fine Marinette. We shouldn't leave till late anyways, and this will give you an opportunity to soothe the people who are worried about the captured."

Marinette nodded and Alya gave a happy squeal, then got to work. They hung a sheet so you couldn't tell where they were and Marinette transformed while Alya set up her phone. They did a ten minute interview with Ladybug telling everyone how to defeat the skeletons if they were attacked as well as any other information she could think of that would help the average citizen. So far no one had complained about skeletons entering houses but they didn't know if that was simply because there were more victims on the streets or is the akuma magic prevented them from doing so. They finished quickly and Marinette de-transformed to Alyas muted squeal.

"I'll never get used to that." Alya beamed and set to work getting the video edited so she could post it.

Tiki flew back to the plate of cookies as Marinette cleaned up the minor mess from the interview then with a groan glanced at the clock. It had been a little past 11:30 when she had emerged from the tunnels with Alya it was now 6 pm. She knew when the kwamis wanted to move, Plagg favored the midnight hours and Marinette couldn't find any reason to disagree. Slowly she made her way over to where Alya was working on a borrowed computer.

"Alya I'm going to go take a nap until the kwami are ready to leave." Marinette said and smiled when Plagg flew to her side dropping to her shoulder.

"You said nap." Plagg stated as if that explained everything and Alya giggled as she turned to face her.

"I'll set an alarm. You get some more rest because no offence you still look pretty bad."

Marinette frowned but took no offence. After she had accepted Alyas request for an interview her first order of business had been to take a shower. The hot water had done wonders for her sore muscles but she was still tired and a bit sore.

"Now you know why I'm always so tired at school." Marinette answered flippantly and Alya gasped as she recognized the truth of that statement.

"You know I didn't even think about it but we missed school!" Alya said.

"An we are going to miss it tomorrow too." Marinette answered having already decided that fact.

Alya laughed and shooed Marinette up her stairs. "Go get some rest Marinette I promise to wake you up."

Marinette nodded a yawn practically cracking her jaw as she climbed.

Alya sat at the computer again with a sigh wondering how Marinette bore the responsibility of being Ladybug. Having read hero comics all her life the job had always seemed glamorous and at times a bit messy. Now though after seeing her friend so worried, ragged, and knowing why, the thought of being a hero sent a chill down Alyas spine.

"You're worried." Tiki squeaked making Alya jump.

Tiki had finished the cookies and decided to join Marinette in her nap, before she did though she had decided to check on Alya.

"Its different." Alya began as Tiki landed on an offered palm. "I mean don't get me wrong I know that being a hero is dangerous, and requires sacrifice but knowing its Adrien… Knowing its Marinette, Tiki I just don't know what to think."

"Knowledge is a burden young pup." Tiki said sagely "This fight isn't yours though. I know it seems silly and a little cliché but patience is what you need. Your turn to fight will come soon enough I'm sure so for now be there for Marinette."

Alya nodded a wane smile lifting her lips. "So I need patience and I'm a pup. Plagg called me that too. Why a pup?"

Tiki blinked at her then realized she had indeed called her pup. "It's a term of endearment we use for people we are close to."

"Oh" Alya murmered feeling her face flush a little as she realized that even though Plagg was a little harsh he actually liked her. He was just a literal grumpy cat. Tiki beamed at her and flew from her hand to place a kiss on Alyas forehead.

"You should get some rest too. I'm sure it's going to be a long night for all of us." Tiki said and flew for the door to Marinettes room.

Alya remained awake. She knew that if she slept now she wouldn't once Marinette left and then she would be stuck in a nervous state as she wondered if her friend was ok. She finished her work on the computer posting it to the blog where everyone could view it then turned her notifications off. With a sigh she went and took a shower before settling in to watch some TV. At midnight she rose to wake Marinette up and was surprised to find her friend already up and dressing in all black clothing. A small backpack lay open which had another set of clothes as well as a small med kit and other items.

"What's the backpack for?" Alya asked causing Marinette to glance down at it.

"It will disappear when I transform but depending on what happens we may need supplies down in the tunnels. At the absolute best I will be able to defeat Morte, everything will go back to normal, and I will just be over prepared. What will probably happen though is I will find Adrien save him and then will have to de-transform so I can give him his ring back. Plagg will need food though and if there are skeletons on our trail Adrien will need to blend in hence the black clothes." Marinette said tossing two flashlights into the bag. "At worst… Morte wins and if that happens you will have to lead the charge to get us out."

"ME?!" Alya shrieked and Marinette laughed hugging her friend

"Kidding, I'm just kidding." Marinette said patting her shoulder. She actually wasn't but taking in her friends reaction she knew better than to press. "In any case we should be back at the latest by 11am. If we aren't back by nightfall tomorrow expect the worst."

Alya pursed her lips "If the worst happens, what will you do?"

Marinette glanced at the kwami who didn't seem too happy about discussing this line of thinking. "I will try and send the kwami away with their respective miraculous. So if they show up here you will know for a fact that I have been taken. Protect them."

Plagg hissed. "Enough. Lets get moving and we can worry about silly details later. We will be back with my stupid kit in hand so don't fret too much pup."

Alya nodded and hugged Marinette before helping her slip the bag over her shoulders.

The two kwami floated down and Marinette took a step back from Alya taking a deep breath. "Alright guys Tiki, Plagg, Spots On and Claws Out!"

The magic washed over her and she met Alyas stunned eyes. "What?" she asked

"That is soooo cool…" Ayal murmured and pulled out her phone. "Please?" she begged making Ladycat laugh

"One picture Alya then I've got to get going." Ladycat answered

Alya gave a little squeal and took her picture then took another one of them together. Ladycat smiled at her friend and made her way to her stairs only to pause as she caught sight of her reflection. She was used to seeing herself as Ladybug so seeing the combination of the two startled her as it had the first time in that stairwell so long ago. Ears adorned her hair and a petite bell hung around her neck. Her gloves ended in sharp claws and once more she could feel the difference in traction of her clawed shoes. Since she now had practice in this form, the difference in strength didn't unsettle her nor did the feeling of counterbalance of the tail at her back. Her normal black spots covered her body except where they swirled to solid black at her hands, feet, neck, and belt. The rest of her costume was red but it was a darker color than her usual bright red. This red was more for stealth and camouflage. Reaching behind at the small of her back she brushed her fingers over Chats Baton and she felt better knowing that it was there. Her yoyo hung in its normal position at her side and she pulled it out looking over a map on its surface. She wouldn't be able to pull it out too often once she left the room so now was the time to memorize anything she needed.

"Once you get to the tunnels you should be able to pick up his scent. That and I can help you track him once we get closer." Plagg murmured in her mind and Ladycat gave a sharp nod.

"Time to go." Ladycat said out loud and with a final wave at Alya she slipped out into the night.