Hello everyone! I am so happy that you all liked the last chapter! And that you like Morgana! So now for some responses!

LaViolaViolaRosa: Thank you!

Kurai Amaya: Yeah she's a regular Sherlock!

Agent N: I won't lie to you, I cannot promise that. Adrien will need to know that the world is not all sunshine and that keeping the peace they way he's going has consequences. Practice what you preach. But there will be character development I will say.

Cyiusblack: Updated!

katmar1994: I think a small percentage of people like her. I know someone who does like her! He knows who he is lol! I hate her but she makes such drama which makes her character interesting. There will be salt and bashing of certain characters.

adriancoakley: That is so nice to hear, thank you so much I really appreciate it. It motivates me to write. I hope you enjoy!

themugglepadme24: I am trying to see if there actually are any competent people in this show! Everyone is so dense! Use the internet for fact checking for heaven's sake. I hope that changes in the show soon. Enjoy!

LunaWolf44: Amen to that!

Cupcakes to all and I hope you enjoy!

Time seemed to pause as Marinette saw the dark glint in Morgana's eyes. It almost matched Chat Noir's eyes but even they didn't have this much…well she didn't even know how to describe it. Marinette shook her head as Morgana then leaned back in her chair and folded her arms.

"That's…wow, I just don't know what to say," Marinette admitted. Morgana chuckled.

"That's okay, not many people know what to say," she answered.

"So, what's the real reason you're here then? I mean the school you've come from is just so elite?" Marinette asked. She planned on baking so many pastries for this girl as it was nice to find someone who had braincells. Well, an abnormal amount to be honest.

"You got me. I didn't come to learn from your school. I only a put in a transfer for a semester. But when I am through with my business, I'll be going back. If everything goes my way, and it usually does, you'll be coming with me," Morgana explained.

"What?!" Marinette said in shock as her brain screeched to a halt.

"I'll be blunt here. You're wasting your potential at that dump. You're a rising designer, anyone can see that. You're doing online classes because Bustier is a crap teacher. You are in a toxic environment with a sociopathic liar and her sheep who make you anxious and depressed along with a sunshine boy who is too much of a coward to grow a spine," Morgana deadpanned.

"Well, when you put it like that…" Marinette said dejectedly.

She knew her state had gone way downhill, and she was always blunt with everyone in school now, minus a few outside her class. But there was always a small glimmer of hope that they would come through. But Morgana had just extinguished that with blatant honesty.

"Lies don't hurt anyone, honestly, that idiot," Morgana scowled. That caught Marinette's attention. Morgana had been there only a day and the only time they had been in contact with Adrien was at lunch. And even then, he hadn't said that line to her all day.

"How did you know that?" Marinette suddenly asked. She saw Morgana tense slightly.

"Alright, gigs up. Two weeks ago, I was visiting round here for some relatives. I was in the park, and I came across something I didn't like," Morgana said.

FLASHBACK:

Morgana sat on a park bench while licking her ice cream. That guy who sold the love ice cream was passionate for sure. He gave her a mix of ice cream as she was apparently unpredictable. That was fair. She leaned back on the bench as she listened to the fountain trickle behind her. She was in mid-lick until she heard a small yell from behind her. She turned as saw the blurry figures of a bluenette and blonde. She got up off the bench and slowly edged around the seat so she could hear the conversation without being seen. She instantly recognised Agreste but the other girl… not ringing a bell.

"But Adrien, she destroyed my sketchbook! I was planning on using some designs in there to submit to competitions!" the girl said, clearly holding back her tears. Okay, based on attire and lack of materials underneath nail or on skin, not an artist but more designer, Morgana thought; her money being fashion related.

"I realise that Marinette and I am sorry, but it was only a sketchbook. You can always make more," Adrien said in exasperation. He almost seemed bored with the topic, as if it's been discussed numerous times.

"He isn't serious…" Morgana muttered, her opinion of the model instantly going downhill. Art or anything creative in any form took so long to prepare. The fact that he didn't realise that was shocking.

"No I can't! I can't bring anything into school anymore without Lila or anyone taking or destroying my things. I was tripped down the stairs, and I could've broken something," Marinette said tiredly.

"Lila huh?" Morgana mused.

"Marinette I am sorry but trust me, this will all stop soon when Lila slips up. Everything will go back to normal. You're better than this, you can handle this. You're class president, and our everyday Ladybug. And her lies aren't hurting anyone really. No one has been akumatised either. Just remember that," Adrien said, almost sternly.

Morgana was fuming so much; she could have melted her ice-cream. Who did he think he was? Lies didn't hurt anyone, what kinda of rubbish was that?! She saw Marinette start to tear up and her blood started to boil. She then started to grin to herself. Looks like she had something new to do now…

END FLASHBACK:

"You were there?" Marinette said in shock. She had been so heartbroken that day. It was the day she realised she never felt love after all. She fought off three akumas that day too.

"Yeah, wrong place at the right time I guess," Morgana admitted.

"So you only transferred…because of what you heard?" Marinette said, hardly believing what she was hearing.

"I told you I don't like liars. I hate them. They make me nauseous. Like physically nauseous. I did my research before coming here. Your school is heading for a downfall. Bullies are getting away with murder, victims are being blamed by teachers and not to mention the physical and mental assault that is going unpunished," Morgana said, her irritation coming back.

"Why only a semester then? If you plan on trying something, it'll take longer than you think," Marinette warned but the emerald eyed girl laughed and placed a hand on her chest.

"You wound me Marinette. Did you wonder why I was able to make a transfer in the middle of the year? I'm so far ahead in my work, I can use a semester to do a project of my choice to submit when I come back. If that idiot of a principle had read my file, he'd have known I'm not timid, shy, or French! Not to mention he'd know what my speciality is in school," Morgana said with a light scoff.

"What is it?" Marinette asked curiously.

"I'm classed as a prodigy Marinette. Every student who goes into my school must do a mandatory Mensa Test. The average number is ninety-eight. I act like this in front of people I know extremely well or trust. I act shy and timid in front of people I know who will judge me. Use me for my mind, get me to do their work for them with no pay and all that," Morgana said darkly.

"Wow… I had no idea," Marinette murmured. So, she wasn't alone. People had seemed to use Morgana's abilities for their own gain. Her friends did the same thing. Were they even her friends anymore? The fact that Morgana trusted her did comfort her though. "What is your IQ number? if you don't mind me asking."

"I won't specify exactly. But Eintstien is someone I admire let's just say that," Morgana stated simply. If Marinette wasn't sitting down, she would have wanted to.

"And your speciality?" she asked, quite nervous now.

"I like games," Morgana responded. There was a pause. Clearly no other comment was going to be made. But there was still one thing that wasn't clear.

"Okay. So, you're here because of what Adrien said about liars and the highroad. You hate liars so I assume you want to do something about Lila. But where do I fall into this?" Marinette asked with a raised eyebrow. This is where the gleam in Morgana's eyes came back.

"I've observed you for a while now. Interactions at school and such. Your friends are clearly all fools and have never heard of fact checking, especially that tabloid writer. The fact that Sunshine boy needs a spine and to understand how to interact with humans. You're being abused Marinette and taken advantage of. I already know you're an online persona for designs, but you can choose to disclose that with me when you're comfortable. You need to learn when to say no. I offer a proposition for you, should you choose to take it or not is your choice," Morgana explained.

"Okay, what did you have in mind," Marinette said curiously, her mind spinning. Everything she had feared, Morgana broke down. She was being abused and taken advantage of. She was scared to say no. But what more did she have to lose? And did she know she was MDC?

"I can help you expose Lila for the liar she is. But there are conditions. One, you must do what I say without question when it comes to dealing with people and situations. Two, everyone in your school now are no longer humans. You cannot regard their emotions. They are essentially pieces on a chess board. It will conflict you. Three, when in school, we cannot always associate with each other, or people will suspect. Finally, when the deeds are done, as I said before…you will transfer with me back to my old school. I know I mentioned the IQ tests, but it doesn't determine your place there. It's so the teachers can help you improve and enhance your abilities to their best potential," Morgana proposed.

"That's… a lot," Marinette admitted. She used so little words when talking with the brainy girl but what else could she do. Morgana could practically summarise her entire life if she wanted to.

"I understand. I will leave you, my number. Please make your decision by the end of the day," Morgana said as she placed a small piece of paper on the desk and stood up.

"Okay…" Marinette said.

Her mind was completely overwhelmed. All of this sounded so good to be true, but it scared her. She'd have to do everything she was told? Who knows what she'd say! And not talking to her in school could isolate her even more. Moving? She had never even considered moving until after she was eighteen. Would she even fit into that new school? I mean what would the people there be like? Granted Morgana was nice, but every school had at least one person who was like Lila or have a bully. Chloé was getting better as she was currently with her mother in New York. While she wouldn't admit it, Chloé had tried to make it up to her. After Miracle Queen, she wouldn't have thought that was possible. Maybe if she was here, she'd have a better chance against Lila. Chloé never took anyone's crap.

"Bzzzzt."

"Excuse me," Marinette said as she picked up her phone while Morgana slung her satchel over her shoulder. She opened the phone, and her heart sank.

"I've won. You're nothing now Mari-trash. I told you I would take everything from you. Soon you'll have nothing left. You'll be broken when I'm finally done with you."

This was an unknown number, but she knew the culprit. Lila must have gotten her hands on a burner phone so nothing could be traced back to her. She felt anger bubble up inside her but channelled her inner Ladybug to calm down. That settled it. No one would believe that Lila sent her this. She'd just be accused of being an attention seeker. Enough was enough. No true friend would let her suffer like this. She looked up at Morgana who had a knowing look on her face.

"Still need my number?" she asked with a wicked grin.

"No need. I'm in," Marinette said with the first smile she'd had in weeks.

The next day came around quite quickly. Marinette was up bright and early the next morning, currently doing her hair in a new fashion. She had ditched the pigtails and usual attire and decided to go for a new look. After going over the detail with Morgana, she had a better understanding of what she was going to do. Thankfully Morgana didn't make any ridiculous orders which is what she had feared. To be honest, she was surprised she hadn't done them sooner. Guess she needed someone to bring her into reality and to hit rock bottom.

"You look lovely Marinette," Tikki said as she admired Marinette's dress. She'd had it in her cupboard for a while, being too nervous wear it but now after some encouragement, she had decided to change.

"You need a clean slate. An attitude is not enough. Reinvent yourself."

"Thanks, Tikki," Marinette said as Morgana's words echoed in her mind. Her eyes investigated the mirror as she looked at her bluebell dress. It was strapless and she work a denim jacket over the top with some matching flat shoes. Her hair was now let down and pinned back so the hair came down over only her left shoulder. To top it off, a few white flowers were entwined into her hair.

"Do you really think Morgana's plans will work? I don't think I have met anyone like her," Tikki said, recalling on her past holders and her encounters.

"I have nothing else to lose Tikki. Taking the high road…no I can't. It's not right. If Lila broke me…which she won't…then she'd move onto someone else. I can't let that happen," Marinette said with a determined look.

"I'm proud of you Mari," Tikki said as she nuzzled her cheek. It warmed her heart to know that her Kwami was with her and supported her. She slung on her bag and gave a determined look into the mirror. Today was the day.

Class was starting in half an hour and everyone, minus Marinette was in class. Marinette's place was a little further away than the other's students places but Marinette was usually late so this was no surprise.

"Honestly, I just wish Marinette would just grow up," Alya scowled as she typed furiously on her phone. She never knew Marinette could be so petty. All of this because of mere jealousy!

"Please don't get mad Alya, I hate to see you all fight. I don't want to cause trouble," Lila sniffed, which made Alya pat her on the back comfortingly.

"Don't worry, we'll sort her out," she said. Adrien looked back on the girls with a raised eyebrow.

"Alya you don't mean…" Adrien trailed off.

"Of course not! I mean just talk to her more, persuade her to apologise. She could even make Lila something to make up for her being a brat," Alya said.

"You'd do that?" Lila asked with a small smile with encouraging nods from Nino and Alya while Adrien stayed silent. Ugh, the last thing she wanted was something from that wannabe designer. Oooh maybe if she did get something she could rip it up and blame it on Marinette! Say that she made it to destroy it in front of her just to be petty!

"Revolting…" Morgana hissed under her breath.

She was back at her spot at the class again. Of course, having greeted everyone with a smile, and giving Lila a hug, holding back the urge to dust herself off. While she hated liars, she did lean towards 'kill them with kindness.' To have her enemies unable to bite back if something nice was done for them in front of an audience. It made them look ungrateful if they said anything and so giving thanks for them was like eating glass. It made Morgana giddy just thinking about it. She then noted the time. Marinette should be here soon. She had shaken on the proposal but she knew Marinette would be nervous. She had run by the plan for today last night. Morgana only hoped she was brave enough to take the first step. Speaking of whom…

"Morning everyone," Marinette greeted cheerfully.

While no one greeted her, their eyes did look up at the noise. Then their eyes widened. Marinette…looked beautiful. That was the only word to describe it. The colours and the morning sun really brought out her eyes that seemed fuller of life than yesterday.

"M-Morning…Marinette...y-you look l-lovely," Morgana said quietly from the back. She cheered on the inside. First step was coming along nicely.

"Yes, that's a lovely dress," Adrien said with a smile. His father would have been impressed if he saw it.

"Thank you, I've worked on this for a while," Marinette replied.

"I remember sketching something similar to that…" Lila half muttered. Who did she think she was waltzing in her with that dress? It didn't even suit her! And for Adrien to give her a compliment! That low life brat!

Alya heard this and instantly went to her defense. Marinette quickly glanced at Morgana who gave a silent nod. Marinette had chosen to wear this dress for a very specific reason.

"The most important thing when dealing with a liar. Cover your ass."

"Oh no, while I'm sure your sketches are impressive Lila, I happened to have designed the concept for this a while back in the Art Club. It was when Rose took an interest in the 50's era of clothing. I took inspiration from her to this dress. With my own twist of course," Marinette said with a giggle.

"Oh yes that was such a fun day! You were drawing me when I was twirling in that pretty material!" Rose gushed as she held her hands to her cheeks.

"Oh yeah, I remember that…" Alix recalled. She hadn't been so found of the music that had played following that dance.

"Make sure every sketch you do is done in front people if you make an outfit. While they are scum, they are witnesses. They are your cameras."

"If you can come to the club Lila, I'm sure you can do something like this," Marinette said as she gave a twirl with a giggle. Alya frowned and sat down in her seat while Lila secretly seethed. Morgana had a smug grin on her face while Marinette did her best to hold hers back. Nino then stood up a little from his seat as if he was inspecting Marinette.

"Say Mari, it's Tuesday!" he said.

"I am aware," Marinette said with a raised eyebrow.

"It's Treat Tuesday! You always bring in treats!" Nino said as he relaised the room was lacking the smell of fresh pastries.

"Aw yeah!"

"I'm hungry!"

"You forgot Marinette?"

"Typical."

"So selfish!"

With each word, it felt like Marinette was being stabbed and punched in the gut and she saw Lila look incredibly pleased with the uproar. She spared a second glance to Adrien who said nothing of course. She looked worried until she saw Morgana's look from the back. Morgana subtly held out her palm and firmly planted her fist in it with a firm frown.

"They're gonna haggle you. While you will get stressed, you must be strong. They're going to make you feel guilty. They're not going to want something unless it is free. Use their logic and own words against them, and most importantly, put the hammer down."

"Everyone," Marinette said calmly as she composed herself. It took a few minutes for them to quieten down. Marinette then plastered a warm smile on her face.

"What?" Alya said in annoyance, twitching from the lack of sugar.

"I deliberately didn't bring them in," Marinette said. This caused a wave of confusion; even Lila looked confused.

"Why? That isn't very considerate," Adrien said.

"Oh, but it's the opposite Adrien. When I was preparing them this morning, I remembered that Lila said she had allergies the last time I brought them in. It was quite inconsiderate of me. All of you were quite upset that you couldn't share them or enjoy them without Lila. Since I don't know the full extent of her allergies, it's only fair that no one should have treats. It's just my way of being considerate to Lila's feelings," Marinette said brightly.

You could have heard a pin drop.

"Oh…" Adrien said, his eyes darting slightly as he tried to come up with a response.

"I suppose that is fair…" Max mumbled.

"Yeah, we did say that," Mylene agreed.

"Oh, but Marinette, the class shouldn't suffer because of me," Lila insisted, slipping back into the victim roll.

"No, no Lila, I am sorry to have given you stress about it. If you want a pastry, just come by the bakery. I'm sure we can meet your needs. Although you'll probably have to pay since my parents are on shift like everyone else," Marinette said with a fake apologetic look.

"Thank you…" Lila said, steam practically coming out of her ears.

People started grumbling at this, but they couldn't argue against such a sound logic. Lila was even sure she heard someone complain about her allergies! Granted they were fake but still! How dare she!

"Okay, and again, sorry!" Marinette said as she practically skipped to her seat at the back. She sat down and she could feel the waves of approval come from Morgana. She placed her arms on her desk as Ms Bustier came in to start the lesson.

She couldn't wait to see what else the day had in store.

And so the game begins! What do you think? Is this the right approach? And what is the endgame here? Follow, favourite and review to find out! Bye for now!

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