Right. So, basically, all Marinette's friends have abandoned her for Lila, Adrien's doing nothing, and she's under a lot of stress because of all her responsibilities. What could make that worse, you ask? Well...
…
Marinette... had had just about the worst day of her life.
Alya, who had left her for Lila's fanciful stories, had furiously confronted her later that day, accusing her of something she'd done to Lila, the rest of the class backing her up, and worst of all, they'd stolen her sketchbook- which she had important design commissions in!- and torn it apart, stating that she didn't deserve it after she'd done the whatever it was. Apparently it was easy to believe that she was a bully, despite being called an 'Everyday Ladybug'.
When Adrien had found out, he'd gone to talk to her, and she'd though that she'd get some form of reassurance that there was a plan to expose Lila for what she really was.
But Adrien had just... waved it off! "Honestly, Marinette, it's not a big deal. You can just redo the sketches. Besides, you're only starting out, you probably weren't going to get that much anyways. Remember, you can't expose Lila! It would be selfish of you!"
She normally would've confided in Cat Noir, but that option was out the window, thanks to Oblivio. He'd been more and more persistent in getting her to date him. "C'mon, Milady! You saw how quickly we fell in love without anything else in the way! Just forget that other boy you have, he'll never love you as much as I do, anyway!"
Ms. Bustier had refused to allow her to resign as class president. "Marinette, it is unbelievably selfish that you'd want to quit! You have to set a good example for everyone else, remember? How can you do that if you're not bringing in treats for the class to enjoy?"
Now she was at home, having to call Jagged about the fact that she wouldn't be able to get the commission in by the deadline discussed. His acceptance of this was one of the only two good things to happen that day. "Not to worry, Marinette! The show's been postponed at any rate, Vivica's lost her guitar and we're waiting on her aunt to send over her spare. Is an extra week enough for you to work your MDC magic?"
She'd assured him that it was. After all, she was literally rooming with the goddess of good luck and creation.
Her mother knocked on the trapdoor and entered the room. "Marinette, dear? I just thought you'd like to know that we've banned your idiot classmates and their families from the bakery."
Marinette's eyes widened. "What? But won't you lose business from that?!"
Sabine snorted. "Have you seen how many customers we get on a daily basis? We'll lose some money, sure, but in the grand scheme of things, it won't be too bad. Your happiness is our priority, Marinette."
Her father called for help with said customers. Sabine sighed. "I've got to help your father now. Just... please tell us if we can help you, Marinette."
And with that she descended back into the bakery, leaving Marinette with Tikki.
Marinette groaned and curled up, hiding her face in her arms. "I just don't know how I'm going to do it, Tikki! I'm trying to push forward and stay positive, but it's just so hard! No one's helping me at school, and Ms. Bustier won't let me do anything that might be defined as leaving the school, because 'I'm needed to be a good example!'. At this rate, I'm going to end up-"
"Marinette!"
She looked up just in time to see the dark butterfly entering her room. Tikki began to panic. "Marinette, no! Think positive thoughts!"
But Marinette couldn't. She just couldn't fight off the akumas any longer.
Being positive was just so... tiring.
"I'm sorry, Tikki."
"What- MARI-"
The kwami vanished, imprisoned in the Miraculous she empowered, helpless to stop the butterfly from making contact with the bracelet on Marinette's wrist.
Every bit of suppressed negativity Marinette had erupted to the surface. Was this how all akumatization victims felt before they gave in? It was a miracle Chloe had managed to resist Hawk Moth's offer during the Miraculeur Fiasco.
Eris, I am Hawk Moth. Everyone always expects you to be perfect, to do what they want, to put them first no matter what. Well, I'm offering you the chance to put yourself first. You can finally be your first priority, and no one will ever try to control you again. But I'll need payment for my generosity.
Marinette's expression was cold as ice. "Ladybug and Cat Noir's Miraculous."
Smart girl. Well, Eris? Do we have a deal?
Marinette briefly considered her options, and smirked darkly. "I agree to your terms."
A delighted chuckle.
Excellent. One more thing. As you're a fashion designer, I assume you'll want to create your own costume? I have all the materials you need. Just... please don't become a disaster. I may have thrown up in my mouth a little when I akumatized Bubbler.
"You got it."
Darkness consumed her, not unlike her normal transformation, but where Tikki was warmth and light and happiness, the akumatization was cold dark smoke, crawling up every inch of her body. Nevertheless, she really didn't want to end up a fashion disaster like Bubbler, so...
When the miasma faded, she smiled proudly at her outfit. Her hair was in a single long braid and now touched the floor, her purple hair ribbons carefully woven in for a splash of colour. Her face wasn't covered by a mask, but by navy blue paint- she wanted her face to be seen, wanted everyone to know that perfect precious Marinette was the one tearing them down.
Her actual clothing was simple, but it suited her purposes. A black tank top with purple stripes and a blue butterfly symbol on the back. Black wrist armor and greaves were sported as well as dark blue sweatpants, a sheathed sword was slung over her back, and she possessed a bandolier of razor sharp dagger which would most definitely not be used at any point whatsoever.
Marinette- no, it was Eris now- looked at herself in the mirror. She didn't look half bad.
She looked just as powerful and dangerous as she felt.
The butterfly mask flashed back into place. Very nice, Eris. I must leave you for the night now. Feel free to wreak havoc- goodness knows you deserve to let loose a little.
The mask faded, and there was silence. Then she smirked. She finally knew the allure of Hawk Moth's power, why so much of Paris had given in to him.
To bad that she hadn't. Her mind was still hers- a few less inhibitions, maybe, but her mind was still her own.
Regardless, she had some things to take care of, and with Hawk Moth gone for the night, it was a perfect time to do so.
The dark part of Marinette carefully picked up her Miraculous and slipped in into her pocket. "Sorry, Hawk Moth. But there's no way I'll let you hurt Tikki. You will never have this Miraculous."
She opened the trapdoor up to her balcony. The night air was refreshingly chilly on her skin.
She sprang down to the empty streets below, doing her absolute best to stay out of sight. It wouldn't do for an akuma alert to go out before she was ready to make her first appearance, after all.
…
Master Fu had been having a nice, quiet evening. A small dinner with the jasmine tea that Wayzz loved, a book in a comfortable chair before going to sleep.
Then Marinette walked in the door, most definitely akumatized. "Marinette?"
The girl smirked. "It's Eris now, Master. All that negativity that Marinette's been bottling up for so long."
She stretched out her arms. "The poor girl needs a break. Who better to take the wheel for a while then herself?"
Fu got into a fighting stance. "I will not allow you to steal the rest of the Miraculous! Wayzz, Shell- urk!"
Eris dashed over to steady him. "Woah, careful! Honestly, Master, you know you're too old to safely transform! Besides, why on earth would I give the Miraculous to Hawk Moth?"
Fu hadn't been expecting that. "You are akumatized. You mean to tell me that you have no intention of turning the Miraculous over to Hawk Moth?"
Eris snorted. "I literally just said I'm Marinette's negativity. You really think that any part of Marinette would willingly obey Hawk Moth?"
"Good point." Fu sighed. "I am responsible for this."
Eris's eyes widened in horror. "What? Master, no! You can't blame yourself for this!"
"I gave you the Miraculous, forcing you into a war against Hawk Moth. I chose to train you as a Guardian, placing even more stress and burden on your shoulders. I did not investigate when Cat Noir became more persistent in his flirting. I did not try to change his behaviour when he began to harass you."
Eris shook her head. "Counterargument. You gave me the power to fight a supervillain, plus Tikki, who's always been a friend to me. You entrusted me with the secrets of the Miraculous. And you're an old man! What were you going to do, have Wayzz steal Cat Noir's ring?"
"...that was not an ideal contingency plan, but it was one of them, I'll admit."
Eris was on a roll. "Master, you have trusted me, had faith in my capabilities, and always had a kind word for me. That's more than I can say for people who have known me for almost ten years! ...not counting Alya and Adrien, they're new, but regardless!"
She shook her head. "I refuse to allow you to doubt yourself like this. No matter your mistakes, Master, you're the only Guardian I'd ever want on my side."
Fu was quiet, before chuckling. "Even as an akuma, you build people up to be the best of themselves."
Eris smiled. Then she gasped. "Oh, I nearly forgot!"
She pulled out the box holding the Ladybug Miraculous. "I know I said I wouldn't give this to Hawk Moth, but I still don't think it's safe with me. You should hold onto it for the time being."
Fu nodded and accepted the box. "You know Cat Noir will try to stop you."
"He will. And you'll have to help him. But he won't be able to defeat me. I'll take his Miraculous away, and he'll never be able to hurt me again."
She began to make her exit, braid waving behind her, before Fu called her one more time. "Eris. What do you intend to do?"
Eris was silent for a moment. "Chloe Bourgeois. Hawk Moth. Lila Rossi. Marinette's been facing bullying on all sides for too long, from too many people."
She clenched her fist, each name causing her anger to grow. "Nino's a fool. Alya's a traitor. Adrien's a coward. Ms. Bustier's an enabler at best. My classmates are sheep without brain cells."
She turned to gaze at him, and her bluebell eyes flashed violet with rage. "Lila made good on her promise. She took all Marinette's friends away. So it's time for her to learn a very, very important lesson; You don't mess with Marinette. You don't mess with Ladybug. And you sure as heck don't mess with me."
She spun on her heel and exited the room, her fingers beginning to glow with amethyst light.
Paris would never know what hit it.
…
Her phone buzzed as she re-entered her room. She smiled at the texts from some of the only friends she had left.
Jagged Junior: Hey, Ma-Ma-Marinette. Sorry I haven't been in touch, Vivica's been helping me with my recordings. Not much else she can do with her guitar stolen.
I Studied The Blade: I'm still at a loss for how she managed to lose an entire guitar. Mother says to say hello, Marinette. She'd like to commission something if you have time.
Marc: Oh, lucky, Marinette! First Audrey Bourgeois, then Jagged Stone, and now Tomoe Tsurugi! Your career's gonna skyrocket!
Eris laughed. It had been tough for her friends lately, especially with how Lila had managed to isolate the class from them, but at least they all had each other.
MDC: Did you find a new artist for the comics yet, Marc?"
Marc: Yeah. She's from Kagami's school. Her name's Summer, and everyone has a crush on her there.
I Studied The Blade: It's true. Almost everyone's had a crush on her. Marc's only immune because he likes boys.
Jagged Junior: Almost everyone?
I Studied The Blade: I have no comment at this time.
MDC: Oh, by the way... I might be dropping by your places tomorrow, so don't panic when you see me.
Marc: Why would we panic?
Marc: Marinette?
Jagged Junior: Marinette? Talk to us!
MDC: ...I can't really say. It'll be clear by tomorrow. Please, don't mention this conversation to anyone.
I Studied The Blade: Why shouldn't we?
MDC: Please... just trust me, Kagami.
I Studied The Blade: ...fine. I'll stay quiet until tomorrow. But if we find out you've been kidnapped or something, all bets are off.
MDC: Okay. I'll take that deal.
Jagged Junior: ...fine. But stay safe, Marinette.
Marc: If you don't come to see us, I'll report you as a missing person.
MDC: If I don't come to see you, you probably should. GTG.
Eris left the groupchat with a sigh. She hated lying to them.
Hopefully they'd still be on her side after what she was going to do tomorrow.
…
Next chapter: The Punishment of Ms. Bustier