*****Apologies for the late update- I wanted this chapter to be extra good.

Chapter 27

-Marinette-

The sun woke her up that Saturday morning with all-too-perfect weather for a battle. But her perfect helper was right at her side, still holding her close. His transformation hadn't quite worn off, but Plagg was going to be disgruntled if he wasn't released soon. But she didn't want to wake her sleeping kitty. So for a little while, she just watched his sleeping angelic face, a few spry hairs trailing across his peaceful gaze. He'd been there all along. But eventually the moment ended, and Chat seemed to sense her watching him, because slowly, his vivid green eyes opened, and Marinette's tattoo nearly burned itself off her hand.

"Good morning, my beautiful Princess," He said groggily, nudging forward and kissing her nose.

"Good morning, kitty," She answered with a giggle, "How are you feeling?" She asked.

"Today is going to be a great day," Chat Noir answered, "Because when all of this is over, I'm going to hold you close and kiss you senseless." Marinette laughed lightly as he smirked.

"Then let that motivate you," She said and Chat grinned. He opened his mouth to say something else, when they both heard Marinette's mother calling her for breakfast.

"I have to go," They both said at the same time, and ended up laughing again. Chat finally released her from his arms and they stumbled to their feet.

They walked up the staircase to the infamous balcony and Chat turned to go.

"I'll see you in a few hours," Chat said, taking her hand.

"Yep, and don't forget to stop at Master Fu's in a bit. I'll meet you there when I can." She said and Chat nodded, his fingers lingering on Marinette's as he seemed to think about something.

"Just in case. . ." he started, but didn't finish his sentence. Instead, he just stepped forward and kissed her, his lips matching hers perfectly. He kissed her almost hungrily, and Marinette didn't need to hear him speak to know what he was saying: 'Whatever happens- I love you.'

-Chat Noir/Adrien-

He detransformed around the corner from Master Fu's and fed Plagg some cheese so he wouldn't whine while they did his assignment. He slipped into the shop unnoticed and found Master Fu waiting for him, passing him the package for delivery. Ladybug's package was still waiting on the table wrapped up like his.

"Reminder that this is us setting up our backup plan," Master Fu said and Adrien nodded.

"See you in an hour?" Adrien said.

"Around that time. Make sure you stop at home first. The less suspicion the better." Adrien nodded again, before transforming and slipping out to hurry home.

He made it back quickly and slid into bed just minutes before Natalie came in to wake him up.

"Good morning, Adrien." She said curtly, and as Adrien studied her face, it seemed slightly tighter, as though she was barely holding together a poker face.

"Good morning, Natalie." Adrien sighed and climbed out of bed as though he were exhausted.

"I have studying at Nino's this morning right?" He said, "And then Marinette's signing got moved to tonight, right?" He asked. Natalie just nodded.

"Okay good." Adrien said, relieved. He got dressed and showered before heading downstairs to eat breakfast alone. Grabbing his school bag to 'study at Nino's', he made it to the car with the Gorilla and headed off. He walked up to Nino's and pretended to go inside and watched as the Gorilla drove off, satisfied that he was safe, before starting off for his delivery.

-Marinette/Ladybug-

She'd hurried to Master Fu to make her deliveries and was finally on her way to Master Fu's, trying to manage a normal walking pace to look inconspicuous. Finally slipping inside, she found just Master Fu waiting for her. He also looked nervous.

"Marinette," he greeted her, "We are very nearly ready. There has been no answer from Hawkmoth, so it is time to move forward. We only need Chat Noir now."

They didn't have to wait long. Within 5 minutes, Adrien arrived, setting down his school bag before he joined them.

"Try not to reveal Hawkmoth's identity," Master Fu instructed, "If he is allowed to remain anonymous, the likelihood that he will surrender to our terms is much more likely. It may give us a needed edge on him." Marinette tried not to look at Adrien as Master Fu said this, but she knew the old man was already watching his words on this subject.

"If the battle becomes too heated, we bring in Plan B," he continued, "But we want this to end today."

A few minutes later, she and Adrien were walking down the sidewalk together, taking the best route to the Agreste Mansion. They knew what awaited them, and soon enough they'd reached the designated alleyway adjoining their target.

"Time to transform," She whispered to Adrien and they both slipped inside, and transformed together. Together, they leapt to the rooftop and with one look to each other, they leapt into the garden on the grounds. No alarms went off- nothing seemed to know they were there. So they forged on.

"You lead," Ladybug told to Chat and with a nod, he led them around the side of the house to a side door Ladybug had never known about. Chat slowly pushed it open, and as Ladybug looked around the room, it looked as though they'd entered the kitchen nearby the dining room.

"This way," Chat whispered, guiding her through the dining room until they entered the room Ladybug was familiar with- the hall where the ball had been held, and where she'd returned the book.

"He'll be in his study," Chat murmured to her, and he led her through the hall to a large white door. Chat placed one hand on the knob, and gripped his staff in the other. Ladybug brandished her yo-yo and with a nod, Chat swung the door open and they both leapt inside. Mr. Agreste's chair was facing away from them, like a true evil businessman.

"As you can see, we know who you are, Hawkmoth." Ladybug called, and for half a second, she was sure they had him. But the laugh that mocked her statement was not Hawkmoth's but light and sickening as the chair turned to reveal not Hawkmoth, but a graceful woman bearing the peacock miraculous with a sweeping blue dress and a fan in one hand covering half her face.

"Welcome Ladybug and Chat Noir. I am Mayura."

****Sorry bout the cliffhanger. Might take me a little longer to write the next bit, but I've got a wicked chapter coming! Suggestions are still welcome though!