10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!

You read that right, today, 31st of July, I'm celebrating my 10-year anniversary as a writer. I've been on this website for about a decade, entertaining people with my stories, making friends and trying to come up with new story ideas. I still remember how I started out as a writer, my first story being Digimon Rumble Arena Championship, with my former name being Tamer Arisa (then changed to Da-Tenshi Setsuna, before I settled on Tenebrae Vesper, due to a personal history with that name) and I would also like to thank my old friend, Tamer of the Zero Unit, for being the very first reviewer. Since then, I wrote a lot more stories, improving my writing skills and even made a profile on Ao3 (Archive of Our Own). Unfortunately, some of my older stories were deleted due to past me thinking they weren't good enough or not wanting to continue writing them coz I came up with a better story, and now I'm regretting my decisions. X3 Don't do stuff you'll regret later, kids.

I have a few ideas for new stories from different franchises, but if I write them, it'll probably be when my other stories come close to an end (I had specifically Rockman. EXE and Hataraku Maou-sama! on mind).

I'm thankful for everyone's support, with a special shout-out to Dovahkiin795 & Comedy Monarchy (You guys are awesome!), from the very start until the very end and I hope I can stay here for another decade, having fun.

Now, the reason I hadn't been really active for the past months was because I wanted to come up with a way to celebrate the anniversary, and I had figured that the best way to do that would be to write a chapter for each of my currently active stories: Digimon Tamers: Cyber Battles, Five Nights at Freddy's: Obsolete & Up Ladybug. I hope you are going to enjoy them.

Next week, I'll be back to my usual weekly update schedule, with one minor change - updates are now every Friday. Also, if you want to know which story is going to be updated, check my Profile. Right on the top will be the words Next Update: Name of Story, Entry ?: Name of Chapter. If the chapter has a Date set, you can be assured it'll be updated on that date... unless something happens that causes me to postpone it.

Please, leave a review and enjoy the story! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via PM. X3


Entry 10

Dance With The Devil

''Here I stand, helpless and left for dead. Close your eyes, so many days go by, easy to find what's wrong, harder to find what's right. I believe in you, I can show you that I can see right through all your empty lies. I won't stay long, in this world so wrong. Say goodbye, as we dance with the Devil tonight! Don't you dare look at him in the eye, as we dance with the Devil tonight!''

Dance With The Devil by Breaking Benjamin

xXxXxXx

''Hey, Ladybug…''

''What is it, Chat Noir?'' Ladybug turned towards her partner with a questioning look on her expression. Admittedly, she herself had been quite silent after they took off, focusing on the patrol, but it took her a while to realize that Chat Noir wasn't teasing her as he usually would. The two took a break on a rooftop, facing each other.

''I was just thinking about what happened the previous night… and how upset you were,'' Chat Noir added the last part carefully. He wasn't sure how Ladybug would react to him bringing up her humiliating defeat at Belladonna's hands, but he was certainly ready to deal with whatever emotional breakdown she would have. After all, being her partner meant that he would have to also act as an emotional support and show her that he would be by her side even if she'd push him away. He had to earn her trust.

''Oh, that,'' Ladybug muttered, her voice faltering as she lowered her head. Despite the bold and confident attitude she had put up in front of Allegra and Carmilla, she still had some lingering self-doubt. Those issues weren't something that could be deal with in a day. ''Don't worry, next time we run into Belladonna, I'll be able to handle her. It's just a matter of-''

''This is not about Belladonna,'' Chat Noir cut her off, forcing Ladybug to look at him. Her lips parted in surprise when she saw just how serious he was. It felt as if his piercing green eyes were reading her mind. ''This is about you, Ladybug.''

Admittedly, Ladybug was a little startled when Chat Noir took a step towards her, close enough to touch her, with a look of concern on his expression.

''Wh-What are you talking about?'' Ladybug mumbled, unsure how to react to Chat Noir's sudden change of attitude, only to raise an eyebrow when he cupped her hands in his.

''I understand that this is probably a topic you don't want to talk about, but I had noticed that you have self-confidence issues,'' Chat Noir told her, causing Ladybug's eyes to widen, leaving her staring at him in stunned silence. ''You have told me that you believed that your own incompetence was the reason for why those battles went south.''

''Yeah, I did…'' Ladybug replied in a low tone, only to look back at him, narrowing her eyes. ''It doesn't really help that you were the one responsible for my misery.''

''That might be true, but the point is that you shouldn't beat yourself over the head for every little mistake you make,'' Chat Noir told her, a fang poking out of his mouth as he grinned. ''I saw you fighting the Mime all on your own and you were amazing. Sure, mistakes happen, but you need to think of your victories as well. The Ladybug I know is someone who doesn't give up, someone who works hard to protect others and is great at her job, no matter the curveballs destiny throws at her.''

''I…'' Ladybug wasn't sure how to respond to all that praise. She didn't really see herself as some noteworthy hero, wanting to just help people. ''It is true that I wondered why I wasn't strong enough to stand on my own, and I know that I could do better…''

''Ladybug, you are much better than you think.'' Chat Noir's intense tone startled Ladybug, even more when he let go of her hand to place his arm around her waist and pulling her into a tight embrace. ''Trust me, if someone tells you that you're a failure, I will be on their case faster than their pathetic mind can process. No one should insult you and believe they can get away with it so easily.''

''I… Thank you, Chat,'' Ladybug smiled. Admittedly, while she could do without his flirty attitude, his devotion to her was certainly charming, especially when he was being supportive like this, telling her exactly what she needed to hear.

''Everything's going to be fine, I promise,'' Chat added in a calm, confident whisper, placing his other hand under Ladybug's chin and lifting it up, her dark blue eyes meeting his piercing green. They were almost hypnotic and his voice was so gentle and soothing, with Ladybug finding herself enjoying the warm embrace he had pulled her into. Her mind was a mess and she felt herself forgetting about her surroundings, focusing solely on Chat Noir and the fact that he was so close, leaning even closer, as if to kiss her…

''You know, we really should move on with this patrol!'' Ladybug suddenly blurted out in panic when her mind registered what Chat Noir was up to and quickly took a step back while pushing Chat Noir away from her. Unfortunately for the latter, this sudden movement caused him to trip and fall on his back, with Ladybug giving him a slightly worried look. ''Chat, are you okay?''

''Yeah, but I guess I deserve this,'' Chat Noir replied, propping himself up. ''Things got rather intense.''

''You don't say,'' Ladybug said sarcastically and sighed, rubbing her temple. What the hell was I even thinking?! Was I really about to kiss Chat Noir?! She shook her head, shuddering at the thought. Focus Ladybug! Your relationship needs to stay professional!

Meanwhile, Chat Noir got up, dusting himself off and looking rather nonchalant about what had happened. Sure, he may not have been able to kiss Ladybug, but the fact that she let him get this far was a good sign in his mind. It was clear that she was growing more and more comfortable around him, which he took as a win. I believe that our relationship might take an interesting turn from this point on. His eyes narrowed as he thought of something for a moment, carefully thinking about his next sentence. After all, I did already go over the possibilities and maybe, just maybe, I might get my answer. Still, should I try my luck? Do I even want an answer?

He took a sharp breath and glanced at Ladybug, who was still slightly freaked out over the possibility of them kissing and trying to get back to her senses.

''I understand that there is something troubling you and that you need your space. Still, I will be there for you if you need someone who'd listen to you,'' Chat Noir said. Ladybug froze, her eyes widening as she stared at Chat Noir in pure shock.

That's… That's the same I wrote in my note to Félix… But, it can't be… Not Félix…

Ladybug was at a complete loss for how to respond. She just stared at Chat Noir, noticing a slight gleam in his eyes, the softness in his expression having been replaced with a calculating look. He was still smiling, but Ladybug was unable to read him.

It is as if he's trying to show me glimpses of a completely different side of him, but acts as if he's an open book. It was obvious that, despite his earlier honesty, he was still hiding a lot more from her, not just his identity. He may have introduced himself as a flirt who didn't care much about being a superhero, but it was clear that there was a lot more to him than it first appeared. Ladybug's eyes narrowed as she stared at him for a moment, then took a deep breath. Right, two can play this game. I'm curious to see what else he's hiding from me.

To Chat Noir's surprise, Ladybug smiled innocently. ''Well, thank you for your encouragement. I'll keep it in mind. Also, I forgot to tell you earlier that your trial is over.''

''It is?'' Chat Noir was puzzled.

''Yeah, and you passed,'' Ladybug added.

''Really?!'' Chat Noir's eyes sparked as he heard Ladybug telling him that. He looked positively elated.

''Of course,'' Ladybug extended her hand, with Chat Noir enthusiastically accepting it. ''From now on, we're partners.''

''You can rely on me,'' Chat Noir told her confidently. Also, thank you for allowing me to see your reaction… Ladybug.

xXx

Unknown to either Ladybug nor Chat Noir, Carmilla had managed to track them down and was currently standing on a rooftop across them, hiding behind a chimney stack. It took her a while to find them, but she got lucky. Or perhaps, they got unlucky. Either way, Carmilla didn't care, since she wanted to put both of them to a test, especially Ladybug.

''Well, I guess it's time for me to finally join this party,'' Carmilla muttered as she took out a lavender rosebud brooch. The rosebud brooch suddenly started to glow in a lavender light, levitating above her hands. ''Let the Phantom Thief awaken!''

She extended her arms into a T-pose, letting the light envelop her in the form of a flower bud. Her outfit was ripped away, with lavender petals enveloping her as a black jacket over a white button up shirt and a short black skirt with a black leather belt and white tights, as well as black knee-high lace boots appeared on her body. Her long black hair was lifted up and tied into a high ponytail, and a black top hat with a crimson ribbon appeared above her. She reached for it, pulling out a wand out of it, then pulled the top hat on her head. To complete the look, a black cape that was crimson on the inside, white gloves, a black domino mask with golden rims and a crimson bowtie with the lavender rosebud brooch appeared and her eyes changed from dark green to lavender. She used the wand to slice through the petals of the flower bud, twirling it as she revealed herself and struck a pose.

''It's time to have some fun!'' Belladonna smirked.

xXx

''So, what are we going to do about our elusive Phantom Thief?'' Chat Noir asked as he and Ladybug continued with their patrol, leaping from rooftop to rooftop.

''We'll engage her in combat once she appears,'' Ladybug replied, frowning. ''Belladonna seems to be someone who is quite confident in her skills, meaning that we'll have to find a way around her magic. Not to mention, she also thinks rather highly of herself, so we should keep that in mind when he approach her. There is a possibility for her to drop her guard once she thinks that we cannot harm her in any way.''

''That's an interesting observation, Ladybug,'' Chat Noir replied. ''Admittedly, you weren't the only one who thought about how we should fight her.''

''Really?'' Ladybug briefly glanced at him.

''I had actually other plans for to day, but instead ended up spending the entire afternoon trying to find any news reports about Belladonna,'' Chat Noir replied. ''You have noticed her Italian accent, haven't you?''

''I did,'' Ladybug replied, with an intrigued look on her expression. ''I trust that you had actually managed to dig up some information about her?''

''Of course. It turns out, Belladonna has quite a reputation in the city of Florence, Italy,'' Chat Noir revealed. ''There had been various reports of Phantom Thief Belladonna not only stealing valuables from museums and jewelry stores, but also leaving calling cards at her next victim's place to make sure that the security would be at maximum, only to rob them blind and disappear without a trace.''

''I wonder why she decided to leave Florence and come to Paris,'' Ladybug said. ''It certainly wasn't because of us.''

''Maybe she got bored or ran out of targets,'' Chat Noir suggested, with Ladybug shrugging. ''In any case, I found another interesting thing about our Phantom Thief. It appears that there are cases connected to her that are decades old.''

''Seriously?'' Ladybug was stunned. Chat Noir nodded.

''Yeah. However, last time I checked, Belladonna appeared to be no older than us. So, unless she's way older than she looks, this makes no sense,'' he added.

''It is possible that the Belladonna we know is a copycat or perhaps she knows the previous Belladonna and is carrying on the tradition,'' Ladybug suggested. ''After all, she might have some kind of magical item that allowed her to use those powers, meaning she took it or it was handed over to her.''

''Right,'' Chat Noir said, flashing a grin, with a fang poking out of the corner of his mouth. ''Whatever it is, it feels quite exciting having to hunt down an elusive Phantom Thief. It is almost as if we are part of a mystery novel.''

''You seem to be really enjoying this,'' Ladybug noted, drawing Chat Noir's attention. ''Your detective skills are absolutely terrific.''

''Thank you,'' Chat Noir replied, blushing slightly at the compliment.

Sure, he was expecting her to thank him for sharing the information he dug up, but he didn't see the compliment coming. Not to mention, there were other things going through his head, especially after seeing her reaction earlier. However, currently, none of that was important as he needed to focus on the task at hand. After all, he had just thrown away a quiet afternoon reading a book for learning more about Belladonna and trying to figure out how to support Ladybug and he decided to stick with his plan instead of getting distracted with the thought of comfort.

''You know, for someone who claims not to be particularly social, you genuinely care a lot about me,'' Ladybug added as both of them landed on chimney stack. Chat Noir gave her a genuinely stunned look, as he didn't expect her to tell him that, nor did he expect her to suddenly lean closer to him; too close for his comfort. ''It is almost as if you don't have any ulterior motives…''

''Eh, what- I- Agh!'' Chat Noir stumbled back, loosing his footing on the chimney stack and almost falling over hadn't Ladybug pulled him back. ''Wh-What was that about?''

''Honestly, you're not the only one here who can play mind games,'' Ladybug told him, with Chat Noir realizing what she was talking about. However, before he could respond, both of them heard a familiar voice.

''It is nice seeing you again, signorina Polka Dots, and you too amato Chat Noir.''

''Belladonna!'' Ladybug turned around, seeing the Phantom Thief standing behind them.

''So, you decided to finally show yourself,'' Chat Noir said, glaring at her, his arms crossed.

''I had figured I should have some fun tonight,'' Belladonna replied, twirling her wand animatedly. ''I'm always up for a spettacolo fantastico.'' She pointed her wand at the two. ''I will bring you to your knees!'' She then winked at Chat Noir. ''Perhaps, even a date.''

Chat Noir groaned. ''I'm not interested. Seriously, you aren't even my type.''

''You aren't my type either,'' Ladybug added, a mischievous smile on her lips. Belladonna frowned.

''What are you talking about?! I thought you were the serious one, signorina Polka Dots!'' she yelled at Ladybug.

''I had figured that I should take it easy this time,'' Ladybug replied, drawing Chat Noir's attention. Admittedly, he didn't expect her to have a sudden change of attitude like this, especially not in Belladonna's presence.

What are you up to, M'lady?

''Fine, I guess this is how it's going to be,'' Belladonna muttered and grinned, pointing her wand at the two. ''Then, you can burn!''

Flames erupted from her wand, swirling into an inferno which almost enveloped Ladybug and Chat Noir. Fortunately, both managed to get out of harm's way by jumping into different directions. Ladybug then threw her compact-turned-yo-yo at Belladonna, managing to wrap it around her arm. Her priority was to remove the wand out of Belladonna's hands. However, before she could do that, Belladonna sent a gust of wind at her, so powerful that it blew her away from the building, forcing Ladybug to withdraw the yo-yo to save herself from falling off the building.

''Black Storm!''

Belladonna stepped back, being forced into a defensive position by Chat Noir's attack by using her wand to block the black energy disc. She then turned towards him, pointing her wand at Chat Noir, only to be caught off guard when the latter used the surrounding chimney stacks and walls to run across the rooftop in a zig-zag pattern.

''Hold still, Gattino!'' Belladonna yelled, but before she could attack, Ladybug suddenly came from the side, kicking her into the gut and knocking her away. Ladybug and Chat Noir both leaped back, Chat Noir having landed on a chimney stack on all fours, staring at Belladonna as she tried to catch her breath.

''How naive,'' Chat Noir said, a fang poking out of his mouth as he grinned, his tail flicking. ''You need to pay more attention to your surroundings.''

''If you think that we're the same we were the previous night, you're wrong,'' Ladybug added, turning her yo-yo into a staff. Belladonna snorted as she got up.

''I see,'' she said, holding up her wand. ''This is how the game will be. It'll certainly be a pleasure to crush you both!''

Both Ladybug and Chat Noir tensed, preparing for Belladonna's next move. The tips of her wand started to glow and she fired energy rings at both of them. Ladybug and Chat Noir quickly dodged them and charged at Belladonna, Chat Noir being the more nimble one.

''I'll stop you right there!'' Belladonna quickly fired another one at Chat Noir, but he managed to destroy it with his claws infused with dark energy and swiped at Belladonna. Belladonna dodged, only to face Ladybug, who had used Chat Noir as a distraction and swung her staff at Belladonna, knocking her away. As Belladonna recovered, both Ladybug and Chat Noir charged once again at her, knocking her over. Belladonna cried out in pain, the wand almost falling out of her hand.

Ladybug and Chat Noir stepped back, both now more confident in their victory over the Phantom Thief. Their attacks were a lot more coordinated and their teamwork had improved, as they had faith in each other, believing that their partner would cover them in the case of a counterattack.

''So far, we know she's capable of fire and wind magic, along with those energy restraints and telekinesis,'' Ladybug said, holding up her staff. ''However, she might be capable of more, so we need to keep an open mind.''

''Got it,'' Chat Noir said, his claws glowing with dark energy. ''No matter what she says, don't let it distract you. Any opponent has a weak spot and can be defeated.''

''Such confidence…'' Belladonna muttered as she got up, grinning. ''Eccellente! This is what I've been waiting for for ages! This is the challenge I desired for so long!'' She held up her wand above her head, twirling it like a spinning top. ''This battle isn't over yet!''

Ladybug and Chat Noir charged at her, but the wind Belladonna released was entwined with lavender flower petals, covering her and making her barely visible. Ladybug and Chat Noir attacked the spot where the petals came from, only to realize that Belladonna used her attack to create an illusion of herself, the petals disappearing in a burst of sparks. Ladybug and Chat Noir stepped back to back, looking around for the elusive Phantom Thief.

''Take this!''

Both looked up, seeing Belladonna above them as she pointed her wand below, firing an inferno from it. Ladybug quickly changed her staff to its shield form, protecting her and Chat Noir. Belladonna frowned, landing on the rooftop above them, with Ladybug turning her shield into a yo-yo and using it to swing at Belladonna.

''Useless!'' Belladonna fired a fire blast at Ladybug, forcing her to withdraw the yo-yo and land on the rooftop below Belladonna. However, before she could do that, Belladonna changed her attack to that of a gust of wind, the blast hitting Ladybug and knocking her over, causing her to plummet towards the street.

''Black Storm!'' Chat Noir quickly fired another blast of dark energy at Belladonna, seemingly unconcerned about Ladybug's fate. Belladonna blocked it with her wand, a little shocked that Chat Noir actually went for the attack instead of checking on his partner, the one person he swore to protect.

''So, all that talk about caring about Ladybug… You were lying, weren't you?'' Belladonna smirked. She then blinked in surprise when she saw Chat Noir grinning.

''No,'' he replied, pointing at Belladonna, his palm open. ''It is because I believe in Ladybug's strength!''

Belladonna's eyes widened when she sensed a rush of wind coming from behind her and turned around, seeing Ladybug hovering in the air, her compact having turned into wings.

''Why you-?!'' Belladonna pointed her wand at Ladybug, unleashing an inferno. ''Brucia, Coccinella!

''Black Hole!''

To Belladonna's shock, a black void appeared right in front of Ladybug, absorbing the inferno and protecting her from the flames. No way!

Behind her, Chat Noir stood, his hands outstretched and his ring glowing as he made sure that the dark void nullified Belladonna's attack. ''Your turn, Ladybug!''

As the void vanished, Ladybug flew at Belladonna with a war cry, punching her straight in the face and then slamming her in the gut with a mighty kick, resulting in Belladonna being knocked off the building. The wings quickly vanished as Ladybug turned them back into a yo-yo, throwing it at Belladonna and wrapping it around her legs, leaving her dangling from the building.

''That was amazing, LB!'' Chat Noir praised Ladybug gleefully, having landed next to her.

''Thanks, but I couldn't have done it without you, Chat!'' Ladybug replied, relieved that they had managed to beat Belladonna. Both of them looked over the building, observing the struggling Phantom Thief. Eventually, she stopped wriggling like a fish caught in a net and sighed.

''I see,'' she said in a calm tone, drawing Ladybug and Chat Noir's attention. ''I will admit defeat here, Coccinella, Gattino.''

''Belladonna, what are you-'' Ladybug's eyes narrowed, realizing that, despite what Belladonna said, the battle wasn't over.

''This is why I can't just give up yet,'' Belladonna said, reaching for her cape. ''I'm looking forward to our next fight, Coccinella, as well as our next date, Gattino.'' She took the cape off and wrapped it around her. ''Alla prossima, Ladybug e Chat Noir!''

''Belladonna!'' Ladybug yelled, while Chat Noir gasped, but it was too late. Belladonna used the cape to cover herself, lavender petals whirling around her as she disappeared.

Ladybug and Chat Noir stared in shock at the falling petals, Ladybug withdrawing her yo-yo and turning it back into a compact. She then sighed, plopping down on the rooftop.

''M'lady!'' Chat Noir knelt down next to her in concern, noticing Ladybug shaking.

''Ch-Chat…'' Ladybug rose her head, gazing at Chat Noir in annoyance. ''Haven't I told you not to call me that?''

''I-I thought…'' Chat Noir didn't expect this kind of answer. ''Are you okay?''

''Don't worry, I'm more than okay,'' Ladybug replied, smirking confidently and taking a deep breath, standing up and clenching her fists in a fighting stance as she gazed into the distance. ''I'll be ready for our next clash, Belladonna! Just wait for it!''

''What a relief,'' Chat Noir placed a hand on his chest, sighing. He then crossed his arms, his tail swishing. ''Although we were victorious tonight, we still have a lot to learn. We can become much stronger as long as we work together.''

''I agree,'' Ladybug nodded. ''Together, we can take on the world.''

xXx

''This… was something,'' Tikki said in a slightly deadpan tone as she exited the Ladybug Earrings after Ladybug had de-transformed in her room. She tiredly floated over to the drawer with the cookies, taking one out of the box. ''You and Chat Noir had really proven yourselves against Belladonna… Huh?''

To her surprise, Bridgette looked rather content and cheerful, stretching her arms and taking a deep breath as she grinned and gave Tikki a relaxed gaze. The kwami flew up to her, giving her a questioning look.

''Aren't you tired? I mean, especially after a battle like that…'' she asked. Bridgette sighed, placing her hand on her hips.

''To be honest, I'm completely exhausted and barely standing on my feet,'' she said, smiling. ''But, I just can't sit down, not after what I had experienced tonight.'' She gazed at the hatch above her bed. ''There is so much to think about, so much to talk about…'' Despite trying to keep standing, she felt the adrenaline falter and the exhaustion catch up to her, allowing herself to fall over on her bed, arms outstretched. ''To explore myself, my relationship with Chat Noir and my rivalry with Belladonna…'' She closed her eyes, with Tikki flying over to her. ''I want to sleep, but I can't… Not yet.''

''You know that I'm always here to hear you out and give you advice,'' Tikki told her, sitting on the pillow next to Bridgette's head. Bridgette nodded, with Tikki adding, ''So, what thoughts are fogging your mind?''

''I guess I should start with the fact that I'm overjoyed about getting my revenge on Belladonna, even though she escaped,'' Bridgette replied in a chipper tone, lowering her gaze. ''I admit, there are still issues I need to deal with, but this battle was what I needed to take a huge step forward and overcome my fears. Little by little, step by step, I'm working on becoming stronger. I need to learn to take a hit and fall if I want to get up again. Not to mention, I know that I have you, my friends and Chat Noir by my side, with all of them believing in me. With support like that, how can I lose?''

''Exactly!'' Tikki said cheerfully, nuzzling Bridgette. ''I will support you until the bitter end!''

Bridgette smiled and continued, ''Still, I can't get too confident in my abilities. There will always be opponents stronger or smarter than me. I need to remain careful too. No one knows what will happen next and if I don't watch out, I'll be caught off-guard, like tonight.''

''You mean-?'' Tikki blinked, giving Bridgette a curious look.

''Yeah,'' Bridgette smiled, shaking her head. ''Honestly, Chat Noir is driving me crazy.''

''Do you really think it was a good idea to accept him as your partner?'' Tikki asked her, her voice filled with doubt. ''Especially after the conversation you two had. Seriously, he sounded like he had some other, ulterior motive there with his request to be your partner.''

''I know,'' Bridgette said firmly, sitting up and looking at the kwami. ''This is why I agreed to him becoming my partner.''

''Really?'' Tikki was stunned. ''Despite knowing the risk of him sabotaging you or betraying you, you still went ahead with accepting his request?''

''Yeah,'' Bridgette nodded. ''I am aware that I'm dancing with the Devil, but I decided that it would be worth it.''

''I'm still not sure about that,'' Tikki said worriedly. Bridgette gave her a confident look.

''Both Chat Noir and I are hiding something from each other, yet we agreed to fully trust each other, despite our secrets. I don't believe he is going to betray me, but I do feel that there is more to him than he wants to admit,'' she said, lying back down and placing her arms behind her head. ''After what he had told me… I had realized that I need to keep an eye on him. It is not about Chat Noir, but about the person who hides behind the mask.''

''It might be because of the mask. After all, I don't have to act like my usual self when I'm wearing it. That's the perk of anonymity.''

She turned her head towards the window, towards the night sky, as she remembered what Chat Noir told her.

Chat Noir, what kind of person are you under the mask?

She frowned.

And how do you know about my promise to Félix?

xXx

Ladybug… Are you really the one I suspect?

Félix was lying in his bed, still wide awake. Plagg was fast asleep on the pillow next to him. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the ceiling.

I took a risk with telling her something only Bridgette would be familiar with and she gave me a quite peculiar reaction, showing that she was at least somewhat familiar with those words. Yet… I don't want to believe it. Félix sat up, rubbing his temple and gritting his teeth. Would I really be able to deal with this reveal?

He sighed.

Do I really want to take more risks? If I continue to press on, she might find out who I really am and why I'm doing this before I can get rid off my curse. If that happens… She will never forgive me for the lies I had told her. However, I can't stay as Chat Noir for too long. She will have to walk this path alone.

He gazed down at the Ring of the Black Cat, which glinted, illuminated in the moonlight.

Then, there's the fact that she accepted me as her partner, despite her reaction to what I had told her. Perhaps, I underestimated her. I was the one playing this chess game, treating her as a pawn, but it might be possible that in truth, she was my equal all along?

He closed his eyes, slowly nodding, with a determined look forming on his expression as he opened his eyes, which gleamed in a green tint in the moonlight.

My next move… It will decide my and Ladybug's future!