Chapter 13

About two weeks later, Nathalie was feeling much better. Many of her symptoms had lessened, although she still left her handkerchiefs full with blood. Gabriel released an akuma a few days later, not allowing her to leave as Mayura, once again as he had told her. Ladybug and Chat Noir managed to deal with the problem. As Nathalie was in bed, she had not seen Adrien in all day, so she went to check if everything was okay. She knew that by that time he should already be working on his homework.

She slowly made her way to Adrien's bedroom. In the room, there was no sound. She carefully opened the door thinking that he had fallen asleep again working on his homework. But the only thing she saw was an empty room. There was no signs of Adrien. She was going to go into the room immediately, until the noise of the large window opening from stopped her from doing so. She left the door slightly ajar making sure to be hidden behind it.

Nathalie saw a shadow approaching. It was Chat Noir.

"Plagg, claws in."

Adrien was now in Chat Noir's place.

She put a hand on her mouth to keep from letting out an exclamation. She couldn't believe what she had just seen. Adrien is Chat Noir.

She closed the door, careful not to show her presence. She leaned against it slowly lowering to the ground. Gabriel couldn't find out about this. She didn't know what he was capable of. She hugged herself tightly, as she couldn't come out of the shock yet.

Gabriel was just coming up the stairs and saw her there, as pale as a ghost.

"Nath, what is it? Are you okay?" Gabriel ran to her side, seeing her in that state.

"No, it's okay" she coughed a little into her hand.

"You look a little pale, you should rest. Looks like you haven't fully recovered yet. I don't want you to relapse."

Reluctantly, Gabriel took her arm and put it around his shoulder. He walked leading her into the room that had been suited for her. He whispered words of relief in an attempt to make her feel better. She almost didn't notice when he hugged her stroking her hair, when he left her sitting on the bed. He reached for her pajamas in the bottom drawer of the dresser. He left it on the bed and said good night by dimming the light in the room and only leaving on the lamp on the bedside table.

But Nathalie found herself unable to sleep.

"It has been him all this time, Gabriel already suspected it, but somehow he managed to deceive him and me ...".

It explained a lot about Adrien. All the times that he had escaped and disappeared from the places where Nathalie or his bodyguard had went with him. The fact that Adrien changed his behavior in various situations in recent months. She thought it was because he was growing up and behaving like boys his age: Influenced by his rebellion and desire for freedom. Or even the fact his mother was gone and the distance his father took with him.

She never imagined that it was a completely different reason than all the options she ever considered.

"Adrien is Chat Noir ... Which means that I have been fighting against him all this time. That I have hurt him, physically and psychologically. That I was about to kill him." She thought she as she looked at the ceiling.

She felt sick. Her head was spinning, losing consciousness.

Some visions passed before her the time she was unconscious. There were the many memories of her from her childhood, when her parents were still married and happy. When her mother abandoned them to their own fate to escape with another man. Also, her memories of her adolescence, in the time when her classmates overwhelmed her, or fond memories of her such as when her father spent time with her.

The day she entered the university to study as an executive assistant and the day of her graduation, the death of her father, when she met the Agrestes, when she was hired by Gabriel and everything that happened with the Agreste family up to that point. All the most significant moments of her life that ended up defining her were there.

Before her eyes, she saw one of the memories of her father she treasured the most. It was when she changed schools and her father allowed her to start dyeing her hair.

"Nath, my little one..." Mr. Sancoeur hugged her before she entered the school.

"Dad…" Nathalie said nervously.

"I want you to always remember the values that I have teach you. Never forget them."

That phrase was imprinted in her memory. She was entering her teens years when he told her that.

Nathalie sometimes dreamed about her father, just like a few moments ago. She missed him so much because he was always there for her. She cried a lot the day of his death. Maybe sometimes he was a bit tough and grouchy, but he knew how to love her more than her own mother.

She got up sitting down, pulling a handkerchief from one of the dressers. She wiped the tears from her eyes. Just then, she wished she could get advice from him.

"If only you were here, dad ..."

She remembered when she created the sentimonster last time. In a way, she thought about her father when she created it. It was the only way she got concentration.

"If you knew what I'm doing, I know you would scold me, Dad."

It was in those moments she wished she had never found the Miraculous. It only brought her more trouble than she already had. She brought misfortunes to another family. And for that she had to pay the price.

Nathalie thought about telling Gabriel about her discovery. But she thought it hat was not a good idea. In the state he was in, he was capable of the impossible to get his wife back. He was capable of hurting his son. Nathalie thought of some way to tell him without the situation getting out of hand.

One wrong move and it would all end badly for everyone.

It was Nathalie who had the power in her hands

"I will protect Adrien at any cost."

She had to be cautious. Pretend she didn't know anything. She would watch over Adrien like she normally did. But she must rest if she wanted to achieve it. She went to the bathroom in her room and took some sleeping pills out of the cabinet.

She went back to her bed, hoping this whole problem had a solution.

Adrien and Marinette have been working on their plan to expose Lila Rossi for the past two weeks. They spent a good time thinking about the possible options and outcomes they would have for the problem with Lila. They had to be one step ahead of her in order to defeat her at her own game.

Adrien and Marinette were on the terrace of her house, with the board they took out of Marinette's room to make a recount of everything they were going to do.

"Adrien, you're sure this is going to work. I don't know, it seems risky. What if everything goes wrong?"

Adrien eyed the board decisively.

"We have no other choice. If we let Lila keep doing this, she won't leave us alone."

They knew they couldn't do it alone. So, they enlisted the help of someone they knew was trustworthy.

Alya Cesaire.

They both agreed to go as Ladybug and Chat Noir to find her. It would be an easier option to persuade her. During their free time, they went to Alya's house. They took a while explaining what they were planning.

"Let's see if I understand, you want proof that Lila Rossi is lying."

"Yes. We suspect that Lila may be working with Hawkmoth" Ladybug explained.

Alya didn't seem very convinced.

"We have seen she has been having some very strange behavior in recent weeks" Chat Noir continued.

"Are you sure? I mean, do you have proof?"

"Oh, we do have it." Smiling Chat Noir showed her a couple of videos from his cane. Alya was surprised.

Ladybug took her hands.

"Alya, we'd really appreciate your help. It's for the greater good of all for Paris. You have the power of the Ladyblog."

Alya was silent for a few moments, until she made her decision.

"Okay, Ladybug, Chat Noir, everything for you."

When Alya had a weekend off, they went to the Place des Vosges to shoot the video. After finishing the recordings, Alya went to her house to do the editing.

The following week they would put their plan into action.

Alya arrived first to make all the preparations. She prepared the video that she had made with Ladybug and Chat Noir so that they could project it.

Alya with the help of Marinette borrowed the projector. They also asked Miss Bustier for support in bringing Mr. Damocles to the classroom to show him everything.

Alya started recording everything just as everyone entered.

"Well students, what is this all about?" Said Mr. Damocles, hands behind his back.

"We have something very important to show you, Mr. Damocles, something that concerns us all. And for that we brought a special guest who just arrived" Marinette watched her phone and opened the classroom door.

A woman entered the classroom, next to the school principal. Only one person in the entire room recognized her.

"Mother?! What are you doing here?!" Lila exclaimed, surprised.

"Lila, your classmates told me they were worried about you, so they asked me to come."

"Oh, mom everything is fine there is no need for this. You can go home." Lila started walking towards her to get her out.

"Oh no, Lila. You know that I love you very much and I want the best for you, and I would like to know how you are doing in school" Her mother took a seat. Lila just gritted her teeth and went back to her place.

Ayla played the video.

Ladybug and Chat Noir appeared on the screen.

"Hello Parisians. This is an important message for everyone who has been involved with one of the Françoise Dupont students who we believe is suspected of collaborating with Hawkmoth."

Chat Noir took the word.

"Apparently it's been like this for a long time. We even recorded how she accepted an akuma with open arms" He showed the photos and videos that Ladybug and him had taken over the days. Lila took the akuma in her hands and placed it on one of her earrings.

"And not only that. She has used her alleged influence with famous people for certain actions. We interviewed some of them."

Many celebrities appeared like Jagged Stone and Prince Ali. They all denied knowing Lila Rossi.

Lila couldn't explain how they had taken those images. She had been very cautious.

"Lila. Is this true?" Her mother was there watching the whole time.

Lila tried to use one of her most used resources: Pity. She sneakily pecked her eyes to give herself a couple of tears.

But it seemed that no one was buying it. Then she proceeded to her plan B.

"No mother, they're crazy, they're all crazy. That recording is not real. It is a montage."

"Why would Ladybug and Chat Noir have to lie? It doesn't make any sense" Kim was very confused.

"Lila. Is this why you've been skipping school?" Lila's mother questioned.

"Of course not, mother, I already gave you my reasons." Lila at this point was getting desperate.

"Mr. Damocles, Lila told me that the school hasn't had many classes because of the Akumas, so she stayed home most of the time."

Mr. Damocles was frowning at this point.

"That is not true. Although it is true that sometimes we had to suspend classes, we have recovered them as is our duty. Ladybug and Chat Noir have always helped bring everything back to normal. Also, did you know that Lila has been sick?

"What? Lila what is he talking about?"

"Didn't you know? Your daughter says she suffers from many diseases" Mr. Damocles said.

"That is not true. We went for a medical check-up a few days ago and she is perfectly fine. I can call the doctor if you want to" Lila's mother was more and more upset with her daughter.

Lila got up quickly.

They were all watching her or rather judging her with her gaze.

"So, everything you said is a lie? Don't you know any of the people you claimed to know?" Rosita asked.

"You know I can help you."

But none of them seemed happy.

"Help them? Lila doesn't know anyone important. Moreover, she barely leaves the house" her mother mentioned.

Everyone in the room, including the teachers, were very upset.

Nobody believed her anymore.

"No, it's not possible" Lila was scared for the first time in her life.

"Miss Rossi, to my office right now!" Shouted Director Damocles.

Lila was escorted at that moment by the director and her mother.

Near the end of the school day, the school principal convened a brief meeting of all the students from all the classrooms and the teachers.

"As some of you know, one of our students, Miss Lila Rossi, was found carrying out actions that go against the rules of the school. And therefore, we are obliged to apply the corresponding corrections."

The whispers between students did not wait.

"Lila Rossi will be expelled from school permanently. And I will inform other schools so that she is not received in any of them. Her behavior will not be accepted anywhere else. Her mother assured me that she would punish her as she should and from now on, she will receive classes at home, without the possibility of getting out."

Mr. Damocles then looked directly at Marinette.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng, the school owes you a sincere apology. I wait for your parents tomorrow to speak with a little more clarity on this matter."

Her classmates went to apologize to Marinette for not believing her.

"As for you students, I hope that this type of behavior does not happen again and that you return to class again. Good day."

Marinette for the first time in many months felt relieved.

After school, Chat Noir and Ladybug met on one of the rooftops.

"Adrien, Chat Noir. Thank you so much for everything. I really appreciate it, you took a big load off me. Now I can breathe."

"Don't worry. I did it with all my heart. I couldn't bear to see you looking so anxious. And I am very fond of you."

Ladybug hugged Chat Noir. He welcomed the hug.

When they finally broke up, Chat Noir looked very much in love.

"I've been waiting for this a long time."

"Uh?" Chat Noir turned his gaze to hers, then to her lips. Ladybug noticed what she was referring to.

"Of course, kitty. You can kiss me."

Adrien took both cheeks in his hands and taking the initiative, he brought his face close to hers and gave her a direct kiss on the lips.

Lila and her mother were in her room. They were arguing.

"Lila, I am very disappointed in you. I asked you when we got to Paris that you'll behave well for once in your life and you disobeyed me. This is the third school you have been expelled from.

"Mom, you don't understand."

At that point her mother had already lost her patience.

"Of course, I understand. I understand everything. From now on you will have education in your home. There are no negotiations on this. You will stay here locked up for a week. I hope in this time you can reflect on what you did."

The woman left the room, slamming the door.

Lila made a mess like she always did whenever something went wrong.

She checked her social media. The video that Ladybug and Chat Noir recorded was dispersed throughout the web from the Ladyblog. So much, it even made the news.

It was the end. She would never regain her reputation.

Gabriel was aware of what had happened to Lila through his son. Although it wasn't in his plans, it was actually beneficial to him. What he least wanted was for his brand to be involved in this whole mess. That didn't change his goal.

Shortly after asking HR to send him Lila Rossi's termination letter, he took the time to write an email cruel enough to finish destroying her.

After sending it, he knew that it had worked. A powerful feeling of anger arose from Lila Rossi's house.

When the butterfly landed on his hand, he thought about it for a moment. Was this really worth it?

But he couldn't fail Emilie. Or maybe, yes? He was no longer sure.

Nathalie had fallen asleep again, for the third time of the day. With each passing day, she was getting more and more sleepy. She didn't even need the sleeping pills anymore. Those days, she had not only felt bad physically, but emotionally as well. At this point she was beginning to believe that Gabriel was not thinking of leaving Emilie.

Nathalie didn't stand a chance.

She sometimes woke up with her heart racing, thinking that Adrien was not in the mansion. But then Adrien himself went to see her, which calmed her. But that didn't last long. She woke up a few hours later to a notification from her cell phone. Hawkmoth released an akuma without telling her, again.

"I have to run."

She walked into the atelier and when she opened the safe, she sighed in relief. The Miraculous was there. It seems that his boss forgot to take it with him to the lair.

She discreetly left the mansion and ran a few streets away. She put the brooch on her sweater and the kwami came out.

"Miss Nathalie." Duusu flew up to hug her "Are you ok? Last time I saw you, you were very sick"

"Yes Duusu, I feel a little better now."

The peacock kwami floated excitedly. Nathalie stretched out her hands to let the creature land on them.

"What are we going to do today?"

"We're going to help Ladybug and Chat Noir" Nathalie said as she put the Miraculous on her pajamas.

"But why? I thought they stole the Miraculous from you" Duusu was clearly very confused.

"It's a long story, I'll find time to tell you. I promise" Duusu floated from her hands "Duusu, spread my feathers."

Mayura left and went to Jardins du Trocadéro. She ducked atop the nearest building to see what was going on.

When she arrived, she found a lion-shaped akuma with a stinger on its tail. It was a manticore. She saw that its tail expelled a purple ray that paralyzed whoever it touched. It roared loudly making the ground shake. He seemed out of control and caused both heroes to lose their balance. It lunged at them, creating a hole in the concrete of the floor. Chat Noir was the target of the manticore.

The akuma knocked the hero to the ground, attacking him left and right with his sting. He dodged all the attacks as best he could while Ladybug thought about what to do. He used the cataclysm of him on the ground to make him collapse under the manticore. But she was still there on the pavement because of its large size.

From one moment to another the manticore caught Chat Noir between his paws. Trapped, he tried to struggle to free himself, to no avail. The manticore breathed into his face and prepared its sting to paralyze him.

"Excellent, take his Miraculous, Manticore."

But then Ladybug threw her yoyo at the stinger to distract and stop the akuma, as well as give Chat Noir a chance to flee.

"Chat Noir run!"

The akuma beated its tail and with it accidentally managed to make one of the columns behind her detach from the building. Ladybug tried to help her partner, but the akumatized stopped her by hitting her with the head that sent her flying away, crashing into one of the building. Chat Noir took the opportunity to free himself, jumping back.

Ladybug caught a glimpse of it, horrified that the column was heading straight for her battle companion.

"Chat Noir, watch out!"

His only option was to run. But the column was very tall and it was very close to it. He wasn't going to make it.

Mayura, who saw what was happening, couldn't help but panic, because she knew that he would have no chance of fleeing in time. She ran as fast as she could.

"No!" she jumped to lay him on the ground and roll to avoid the concrete beam crushing him. She was breathing heavily. The hero couldn't believe what had just happened. Their enemy had just saved him. Chat pulled her off of him and looked at her confused.

"Why?"

She got up and took a few steps back covering her face with her fan. She started running and disappeared from their sight. Ladybug was very confused by everything Mayura did. It was very strange, especially coming from her.

"Was it my imagination what I just saw?"

"Mayura… she saved me from being crushed by the column."

"How odd. Something must have happened to betray Hawkmoth like that."

They saw that the manticore was trapped under the column. They used the hydraulic jack that Ladybug's lucky charm had given her to lift her up and manage to take the necklace from her neck. Ladybug broke it and the black butterfly came out of it.

"No more evil for you, little akuma" She opened her yoyo to purify the akuma "It's time to de-evilize."

Throwing the object into the air, she yelled her Miraculous Ladybug. After everything returned to normal, they saw who the akumatized was. It was just who they suspected: Lila Rossi.

At this point they still did not understand what had just happened.