Hello again! Thank you for all of the follows and favorites on the first chapter. I made this chapter longer as a thank you :) If you have any suggestions or comments, I would love to hear them in the reviews!

Night lock117: thank you for reminding me (and for your encouragement)! I just realized that, but I will make changes to the story from here on out to make it work :)

Rose Tiger: Gabriel ruins everything for these guys!

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter too!

Chapter 2 - The Truth Will Set You Free

Marinette had never felt so invigorated before. All of her pent-up negative emotions have finally been released. No need to hide her fears about being the guardian, or Ladybug. She no longer needed to worry about school or being anxious about her every move. The only thing running through her mind was to finally get her revenge without being guilty about it. She was seeing things clearly for the first time.

The wind rushed through her hair as she made her way to Lila's home. The civilians below ran away in fear, but Marinette didn't care. Their screams of horror fueled her to move faster, ripping through all of Paris.

"Where is Ladybug and Chat Noir?"

"Why haven't they come yet?"

"We need you Ladybug!"

Marinette felt a smirk on her lips. Ladybug wasn't coming anymore. There was nothing left of her. Lifting her umbrella to the sky once again, Marinette landed on the building where Lila lived. She lifted her hand to the roof and felt power surge through her as a beam of energy easily blasted through the roof.

"What is happening?!" Lila exclaimed as she hopped off her bed to assess the damage; but when she realized that it was just an akumatized Marinette, she grinned in satisfaction.

"Oh Marinette, I knew one day you would get akumatized, wouldn't you? You pretend that you're so sweet and perfect, but really, you are weak and pathetic. We both know you don't have it in you to hurt me," the brunette spat. But little did she know, Princess Justice had other plans in store for her.

Lila's eyes widened in surprise when Marinette bent over laughing hysterically, in a manic, uncontrollable way. "HAHAHA, you stupid girl. You really think I'm afraid of you, Lila?" A cold chill ran between the two girls, and Lila backed up, truly fearful of her life.

"Your threats only work on people who have something to lose, and your lies only work on idiots who can't see through your insecurities," Marinette said in a low tone, slowly walking towards Lila, a dark aura filling her bedroom. "But unfortunately for you, I don't have anything to lose anymore, sweetheart." In one swift motion, Princess Justice took a fist full of Lila's collar into her hands, lifting her up to her eye level.

Heart pounding, Lila let out a blood-curdling scream which made Marinette smile in pleasure while she squirmed in her grasp. "Looks like it's your turn to lose the war, my dear," she whispered while using her umbrella to lift them both out of Lila's room.

Tears began to stream down the terrified girl's cheeks, "Please, stop, I give up! I promise I'll stop lying. Just put me down!" Lila frantically begged, but Marinette stopped listening. She landed on the cobble streets where a crowd emerged, but never let go of her hold on the bully.

A familiar face emerged from the crowd, holding up her phone, live streaming the commotion. "Perfect," Mari whispered under her breath. "Alya, my best friend, I need you to record a message for Ladybug." She almost let out another chuckle, knowing fully well that Ladybug was gone.

Alya was still in shock but continued to record. If anyone could save her best friend from this nightmare, it was Ladybug and Chat Noir. If only she had her miraculous right now.

"Our dear friend Lila here, has been lying to everyone since the moment she got here, and tortured many of her classmates; and I think it's time she receives a taste of her own medicine." Lila scowled at Marinette's words, but for once, she kept her mouth shut.

Focusing her powers, Marinette grabbed Lila's neck, placing a spell on her. Lila stumbled back in surprise, and let out a helpless cry. The crowd gasped too and took a step back from the two.

"What did you do to me?" Lila questioned desperately.

Princess Justice grabbed her cheeks roughly and turned her face to Alya's camera. "Time to tell the truth, lie-la," she said, emphasizing the word lie. "Justice will be served," she spat, venom coursing through her words as she threw her to the ground.

Alya was shaking. She had never seen Marinette so angry. She could never imagine sweet, innocent Marinette, being a heartless villain.

"I-I hate Marinette. I'm jealous of her because she never had to work for anyone to actually like her, just like Ladybug. I hate seeing how kind she is to others, so I started rumors about her, I tried to ruin her life, I wanted to kill her, I wanted to hurt her."

The crowd once again gasped and began whispering among themselves.

"Maybe she does deserve this."

"No wonder the poor girl got akumatized."

"I hope Ladybug will be here soon to save this poor soul."

Lila's heart clenched. She wanted to scream, her cheeks turned a bright red in anger and embarrassment. She couldn't bear being the villain in other people's eyes. But there was no stopping the truth from spilling from her lips.

"I make up lies about myself to get attention. I just want people to like me. I want my mom to love me again. I want everyone to love me the way they love Marinette because she doesn't deserve it."

Princess Justice just stood there with a smile planted on her face. She never knew revenge could feel so good. Adrian was wrong, she should've just exposed Lila in front of everyone the first time, but at least no one could go against her now that she has all this power.

"Princess, stop!"

Marinette's joy was interrupted by a familiar voice. Her eyebrows furrowed in anger. "Chat," she said under her breath, almost letting out a growl.

Lila looked up, actually hoping for once that Ladybug would be here to save her from this nightmare, but was disappointed to only see the stupid black cat.

Out of breath, Chat Noir jumped before his love but was immediately taken back by how much negative energy he could feel from her. "Marinette, please, this isn't you. You can stop this, don't listen to Hawkmoth!"

"Oh kitty, don't you know it's rude to interrupt a lady's business?"

Hawkmoth whispered in her ear as a reminder, "Princess Justice, you must get me Chat Noir's miraculous, or you will never hold these powers again!" he threatened.

"Don't worry Hawkmoth, I have a few ideas ready," Marinette replied.

Now that Princess Justice's powers were focused on Chat Noir, Lila's truth spell was lifted. Out of the goodness in her heart, Alya stopped recording and lifted Lila onto her feet, "come on let's just get you out of here." Of course, anger still ran through her because of all the horrible things she said about her best friend, but now wasn't the time.

The crowd had dispersed now that the streets of Paris would be turned into a battlefield. There was a moment of stillness between the partners. "Mari, I know that you're still in there. You can fight this, you can fight Hawkmoth. He doesn't control you!"

"Wow, Chat, I don't think I've ever seen you so serious," Marinette commented sarcastically. "Why don't you just run along now, kitty. I have business to take care of that doesn't concern you; and if you ever get in my way again," she paused and lifted her hand to him, holding a ball of purple, evil energy, "you will be my enemy, and justice will be served."

Chat sighed, "I'm sorry, I can't let you do that, Princess. CATACLYSM!"

Marinette lifted her head to the sky and cackled like a witch, "your choice, Chat." She released her energy and her laser missed Chat Noir by an inch as he quickly dodged her attacks.

"Marinette, this isn't you. I know the real you!" he exclaimed while doing his best to get closer to her umbrella.

The girl screamed in anger, "NO! You have no idea who I am. You don't know what I've been through. And this, this is who I've always been!"

The lasers became more violent and sporadic, which made it harder for Chat to dodge. He finally found an opening as he jumped as high as possible, bringing his cataclysm towards their umbrella. Just when he thought that this fight might've been over, Marinette grabbed his wrist and smirked. He was so close.

"Nice try, kitty," she said before flinging Chat into a nearby car.

Adrian grunted in pain from the impact, and fell on his back, realizing he used his cataclysm on the car by accident. "What's wrong, Chat? You have no more moves left, no Ladybug in sight, and no one coming to help you," Princess Justice taunted as she slowly walked towards him.

"Why don't you be a good kitten and save us time and energy? Give me my bag and your miraculous, now," she extended her hand to him, expecting him to give up now since his ring began to beep rapidly. She knew Chat wouldn't risk his identity like this.

Adrian's heart was pounding in his chest. "Alright Princess, I'll give you what you want," he said in defeat.

"Yes! Finally, all the power in the world will be mine! You are truly a gift Princess Justice. Return the miraculous to me right away," Hawkmoth praised.

Marinette chuckled, "that was too easy, I thought you would've worked a little harder than that, Chat."

With his head down he reached for Marinette's purse, and at the last moment, he pulled out his baton and struck Princess Justice in the face, long enough for her to stumble back and for him to escape.

She screamed in surprise and frustration. "Damn you, stupid cat!" But by the time she stood on her feet, Chat Noir was long gone. "You coward," she mumbled, more anger fueling her power.

Hawkmoth threw his cane in anger, "we were so close! Princess Justice, do not hesitate the next time you encounter Chat Noir. I don't know where Ladybug is, but I know she wouldn't leave him to do this alone. They will be back!"

Marinette tsked, "don't worry Hawkmoth, I won't disappoint you. But first, I need to finish one course of business while we wait for Chat Noir to return."

"And what is that?" he asked out of spite.

"I need to find Gabriel Agreste," she replied, bringing her umbrella to the sky once again.

Hawkmoth was struck with the sudden realization that Adrian would be in danger if she was after him. However, he couldn't risk her finding out his identity either. "Nathalie!" he exclaimed, and within moments, his loyal secretary appeared.

"Sir, you need my assistance?"

"Find my son and take him far away from here. Marinette is after me, and we cannot risk getting caught. But, her power is strong and I believe that she will get me their miraculous. I can't take away her powers yet."

Nathalie nodded, "Yes sir, I will protect Adrian at all costs." With that, Nathalie bowed her head as she left his lair.

Hawkmoth sighed. How could he have not taken this into consideration? But then, if Ladybug and Chat Noir came here to his rescue, the miraculous would be his for the taking. He smiled; maybe this wouldn't be a terrible idea.

Adrian landed on a roof and hid behind the chimney, out of breath. Before he could say, claws off, Plagg returned, clearly exhausted.

"I'm sorry, buddy. Thank you for holding out as long as you could," he said to the kwami, before grabbing a piece of cheese from his pocket.

Plagg drooled at the sight and ate it in one big gulp.

"Adrian, are you okay?" Tikki asked, slowly emerging from Marinette's purse.

The boy sighed. He wasn't entirely sure. "I'm alright, Tikki. I just don't know what to do. I couldn't get through to Marinette, and I can't give away too much or she will know my identity!"

Tikki rummaged through the purse and Adrian looked down in confusion. Moments later, she flew in front of his face holding the fox miraculous. "Don't forget, you're not alone, Adrian! Alya was there, she can't be too from here. I know she will help you," Tikki said with confidence.

Huh, so Alya was Rena. Adrian took the necklace from Tikki and smiled.

"You are all so cheesy, let's get this show on the road!" Plagg retorted, ruining the wholesome moment.

Adrian rolled his eyes, "alright, alright… Plagg, claws out!" transforming once again. "Let's go find Alya!"

Tikki entered the purse once again, and Chat Noir began sprinting over the rooftops, looking for any sign of Mari's best friend. He decided to return to the battle place where his ass was kicked not too long ago, hoping she wouldn't be too far.

When he arrived, he extended his baton so that he would land softly onto the streets. There was definitely a lot of destruction. His ears perked up at the sound of crying and began to follow the sound. Breaking into a brisk jog, he moved up the street, moving quietly and constantly scanning his surroundings. Suddenly, Adrian missed Marinette; she would always have his back in situations like this.

The sound of weeping was coming from a dark ally on his right, and low and behold, Lila was sobbing in a fetal position against the wall. Alya was trying to comfort her, but clearly uncomfortable in doing so.

"Alya!" Chat whispered loudly.

Since it was dark, Alya didn't realize that it was none other than the Parisian hero, and quickly stood in front of Lila, shielding her with her body. "Mari, don't do this!"

Adrian stopped, taken back. This girl was truly wonderful, protecting others even though they may not deserve it. Marinette made a good choice. "Sorry, Alya, it's Chat Noir. I need your help!"

Alya visibly relaxed, and the terrified girl on the floor looked up to Chat Noir. "Are you okay, Chat? Where is Ladybug? Why hasn't she showed up?" Alya rambled.

Adrian lifted his hand to his hair, scratching his head trying to come up with an excuse. "She's in trouble, and I need your help saving both her and Marinette."

A bittersweet feeling ran through Alya. "Of course I will help. Ladybug trusts me, and I need to save my best friend," she responded with determination.

Adrian smiled, "Alya, here is the miraculous of the fox which grants the power of illusion. You will use it for the greater good. You will return it to me once our battle is over," he said, revealing the necklace to her.

She nodded and put the necklace on, there was no time to lose. "Trixx, let's pounce!"

On the other hand, Lila was filled with jealousy. "Chat Noir, why don't you give me a miraculous? I could help you take down that nasty Marinette."

Adrian frowned, how dare she talk about Marinette like that? "Sorry, Lila, but I don't think that would be the best idea. You hold too much anger, and frankly, I'm not sure we can trust you."

She scoffed, "whatever, this is all Marinette's fault anyway. When this is over, everyone will hate her and will come running back to me."

Unable to hold his anger, Chat punched the brick wall inches away from Lila's head and she instantly froze. Alya too was surprised, she never expected Chat Noir to react like this.

He growled, "if you ever speak like that about Marinette again, I won't be there to save you. You leave her alone, and a word of advice, stop lying. We know that you're beyond insecure, and you don't have the right to take that out on Marinette."

Lila was speechless. "If anyone is to blame for all of this happening, it's you. You're the one who tortured her at school for no reason. So, if you really want to help; stay out of sight and never hurt Mari again." The brunette nodded, and Chat moved away from her face.

Alya questioned how Chat Noir knew all of this and thought that Chat and Mari must've known each other somehow. "Let's go, Alya. I promised Marinette that I would save her. I'm not backing down just yet."

Adrian ran out onto the street, Alya close behind him, leaving Lila alone in the darkness. "Chat Noir, do you have any idea where Marinette could've gone?"

They started by heading to the north of town. "I think she's going after people who have hurt or wronged her. She keeps saying stuff about how "justice will be served," but I don't know what that means," she suggested.

Chat took a moment to think. Could she be after Chloe? They seemed to be on okay terms since she gave her the bee miraculous not too long ago. Alya interrupted his thoughts once again, "Adrian."

He froze, "what?" afraid she might've found out his identity.

Alya nodded, "she's probably after Adrian."

The cat sighed in relief, but then perked up, "why? Did Adrian hurt her?" he asked, genuinely scared that he hurt his love in some way without realizing it.

"Well, not Adrian specifically. Mr. Agreste was trying to tear Mari and Adrian apart. She called me about it yesterday, I had to come over because she couldn't stop crying."

Adrian's heart hurt knowing that Marinette was hurting and didn't just tell him what was wrong. "I think you're right Rena. We have to head to Adrian's house, and we need to hurry."

The two heroes turned around, ready for the battle where they would have to face the person they loved the most.