Okay so this is a pretty big chapter! Now I am aware that some people won't like this chapter. There is some Adrien salt here. Even in the though he knows Lila is lying, all he is doing is enabling it. Now we are going to turn tables here and see how it feels to be on the other end. Ever hard of the saying, practice what you preach? Well buckle up, prepare for a lot of it! Now some characters may bit a bit out of place or such but again, if they actually acted out of character, then Lila would be exposed already so... Remember, this is my interpretation of this. Critiques are welcome but NO HATE please. Thank you.

Katmar1994: It is the best way to do it! There will be plenty more of it.

Night lock117: Thank you very much, that is refreshing to hear!

Rose Tiger: Consider it kicked.

LunaWolf44: Precisely. It's annoying but it makes it all the more satisfying for Marinette to be brave and say no.

AyameKitsune: Thank you.

Kurai Amaya: It makes me so sad when people don't appreciate how much sketchbooks mean to all sorts of creatives. The cult will fall.

Nephthys13: Thank you.

Kaymeance: All in due time. I don't think I am familiar with that particular fandom I am afraid so I don't know how much use I will be.

Phantombullets240: I appreciate the subscription.

: Thank you.

ShimmeringGem81: It was in the metaphorical sense but things can get so drastic and awful, it can almost be true. It's sad.

USoGoodIComment: Nice guest name I must say. I hope you enjoy.

themugglepasme24: Consider it done.

Alright it was official. Marinette had deduced that Morgana was some kind of wizard. No one had bothered her about the treats after class, not even Lila! I mean it made sense. Even Lila couldn't wriggle out of this one. You can have an allergy, but you can't get rid of it overnight, even the class knew that or people with common sense. The next few classes passed without a hitch. Either she was lucky, or Morgana's magic was doing something.

It was just after lunch and per Morgana's instruction, Marinette was to sit alone. Yes, it wasn't nice but to avoid suspicion, they sat apart. Of course, they communicated through technology if there was an emergency. To be honest what was worrying Marinette the most was the costumes. She often did work for the art class, theatre group and such but due to Morgana's new plan, she had been extremely strict about money. Marinette was doing all of this beautiful work and while she had not yet told her she was MDC (although she figured Morgana already knew), she hadn't been taking material or labour charges. Her teachers weren't aware of this as students usually asked her. Again, with the freebies!

So, they had put together a budget plan for commissions. Using her new experience as an online designer, Marinette had put together for some basic quotes, while pricy, they took everything into reasonable consideration. She planned to bring this up if someone asked her but only when Adrien was in the room. The blonde had always said to her to do what her friends asked to keep them happy as it didn't seem like much work. Marinette broke a pencil when he first said that. The amount of times she had bled onto her fabrics over these 'freebies'! So, she planned to use Nathalie and the internet to her advantage. But more on that later.

Currently they were in History and as their history teacher had a habit of often falling asleep at his desk (another reason why the school sucked), everyone was just having a chat about various subjects. Marinette was just reading a history book. Prior to vandalism, she chose to just read the lesson away as opposed to sketching. She had also made a list and documented everything that had been damaged. Morgana actually had to blink at what she listed! Speaking of whom, she was still sitting at the back but was being a little chattier with others but had her phone out. Something was coming.

"I am telling you, action and adventure are the best genres!" Kim stated which was met by a glare from Alix.

"No way, horror is the best! Seeing all the blood and stuff go everywhere!" she replied, making a lot of people squirm in their seats.

"You're both wrong, romance is the best!" Alya declared. Nino rolled his eyes at his distaste for romance films but no way he was going to debate it with Alya. he had more sense than that!

"Hey Morgana, settle it! What do you like best?" Nino said as he averted his attention to the back. Morgana twitched slightly at the attention as she was currently huddled over her phone. Marinette then felt her own phone buzz and she discreetly opened it while the attention was on Morgana.

Morgana

Agree with Lila. Praise her. Say nothing to Adrien. Keep a smile on your face. Don't disagree with anything she or I say.

Marinette's eye visibly twitched at the text but nevertheless, she put her phone down and closed her book and turned her attention to the class. She was usually ignored in class now unless she opened her mouth so nothing new there.

"Oh umm…I don't really have a favourite. S-sorry but they are all great…for different reasons," Morgana answered.

"That's fair!" Sabrina said with a shrug. She was really coming out of her shell more since Chloè had gone to America, but she had ruined it by siding with Lila.

"Okay then, do you have a favourite film specifically?" Ivan then asked. Morgana paused to think although Marinette knew she already had an answer.

"Well it's not a new film… but it's not old. But have you heard of the f-film… Solitude?" she asked.

If Marinette was drinking, she would've spat it out. Her eyes widened the tiniest bit, but she kept her composure. Oh boy, this was ambitious. Was she actually using the film that Adrien's mother was in? Hey, it could be her favourite film, but this seemed too convenient. She saw Adrien visibly pale at the mention of the film. She felt a tiny bit sorry for him but kept her mouth shut. She wasn't quite sure what the end goal of this was. The class seemed to ponder the film but then Lila opened her mouth.

"Oh yes, it's so great! Do you want to know a secret? I mean I am not supposed to say anything but…" she trailed off. Like moths to flames the class practically leaned in.

"What!"

"Tell us!"

"I am in suspense here!"

"Oh can I-I tape this please? I want to m-make mini reviews to put into a-a vlog for film critics and your opinion would… really help. I will e-edit out the secret of course, I p-promise," Morgana said with a slight blush. How did she do that, Marinette wondered as she pretended to look interested. Lila however seemed to glow at the idea of being on a vlog and watched by so many people.

"But of course!" Lila said, practically insisting. Another pawn to control… Lila thought with a chuckle inside her head. Morgana had a small smile as she aimed her phone and hit record.

"Man, you are so generous Lila! Unlike some," Alya said with a glare in Marinette's direction. Marinette only gave a polite smile, making Alya scoff. She noticed Adrien still looked pale and very anxious with what Lila was going to say.

"And w-we are r-rolling for a r-review for the f-film, S-Solitude. Everyone i-is okay for this to be r-recorded right?" Marinette said nervously and everyone gave calls of agreement. Morgana gave a signal and Lila began her tale.

"Well yes the film Solitude is a great film. Setting, story and all sorts. But the main lead…ugh she cannot act to save her life!" Lila stated with a scoff.

"That bad huh?" Kim said with a laugh, which made Adrien feel physically sick.

"Yeah! But I was actually in Paris for a holiday around that time and they were filming there by the bridge, you know the one?" Lila said.

"Oh yes, where Andrè sometimes goes to sell!" Rose said which made everyone nod their heads in understanding.

"Well as I've told you before, I've been able to be an extra and a consultant editor for the Steven Spielberg film and the director recognised me!" Lila said with a bright smile.

"Wow no kidding?" Nino said in awe.

"That's amazing!" Nathaniel said in agreement.

"…" Juleka said or mumbled but she smiled at the comment. God, I don't think I can keep a straight face, Marinette though. By this point Adrien looked green.

"Well they asked me to help come and coach the main actress as she was again, like I said, terrible. She caused a fuss, yelled at everyone, wouldn't take direction! It was a wonder she wasn't fired. It's kinda why you don't see it around. I'm surprised you like it Morgana," Lila said and most of the class turned to her with that response. Adrien seemed to look at her desperately for some sort of reaction.

"Well, I-I like it for my own reasons. Everyone… can have a-an opinion, right? It's why I-I want you as a critic," Morgana answered, where Adrien practically deflated.

"That's fair," Alya said, which almost made Marinette scream. Really?! So, Morgana could have an opinion, but she couldn't?! No! Keep quiet and smile.

"I mean is it that bad?" Adrien finally spoke. Eyes turned to him and Marinette tensed in her seat.

"Well yes! I mean she was terrible! I'm sorry Adrien but it's the truth," Lila said. Did she really just say that? Wow maybe pigs would fly next.

"R-right. Hey Marinette, do you have anything to add?" Adrien asked as the class turned to her.

No one said anything. It was like they were daring her to disagree with Lila. Time slowed down again as Marinette finally understood Morgana's plan. Did Adrien really expect her to take the brunt of the class without getting his own hands dirty? The fact that he couldn't even defend his own mother over Lila disgusted her. She thought Adrien had more guts than that. A part of her wanted to jump to his defence but then the famous words echoed through her head.

"Her lies aren't really hurting anyone."

"Well I agree with Morgana. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I only saw a few minutes of it once, so I don't think I can really comment on it until I have seen it in full. But that's cool Lila, maybe you can critique Nino's next film," she said sweetly.

"Oh uh… thanks Marinette!" Lila said, trying to mask her surprise.

Everyone else seemed surprised too as usually she always disagreed with Lila. Maybe Marinette was finally coming around. This pleased the class very much. Well, Lila was slightly annoyed but still. Adrien on the other hand had a looked of betrayal across his face as if he was a puppy and he had been kicked. That was hard. Marinette slightly inhaled as the attention went away and the conversation changed from films to something else. Morgana clicked over her phone and engaged more in the new conversation. She was smiling. But not from what they were currently talking about. Adrien however remained quiet for the rest of the lesson. Marinette didn't like the unsettling feeling in her stomach. She realised the possibility of an akuma. But if Adrien had been like her because of Lila then he should have been facing off akumas too. Right?

It was now the end of the lesson and they now had a free lesson period before the end of the day. Usually they would go home since it killed time but lately they've used the time to discuss school events and planning. Marinette was sure that it would be a point to mention the costume commissions. But she still had that gut feeling she couldn't ignore. As Marinette was packing up, actually not being tripped or anything due to her agreeing with Lila, she noticed Adrien was waiting in the bottom of the classroom. She noted that Morgana hadn't left the classroom yet. Her phone then buzzed again, and she pulled it out.

Morgana

Meet me and Adrien in the changing locker rooms in five minutes. Bring everyone. Use Lila to get everyone there.

"Huh…" Marinette mumbled. She then set her phone ready for five-minute timer as she closed her bag.

This…was not what she expected. The gut feeling was still there though. She hopped down the stairs to exit the door, she gave Adrien a smile which he returned weakly. Adrien then turned his attention to Morgana as she came down last. As soon as Marinette stepped out of the room, she started the timer.

"Hey Morgana, could we have a word, in private somewhere? Like the lockers or something?" Adrien asked.

"O-Of course," Morgana said.

So predictable, she thought. It seems, based off of things Marinette said about confrontations, that most took place there. She took a shot in the dark when texting Marinette to get everyone to meet there. Sure, she was smart. But she was a little lucky too. They both then headed out of the classroom and to the locker room, both walking in silence. Once they reached there, Morgana placed her bag on the bench while Adrien followed her and placed his bag down.

"So…" Adrien started.

"Yes?" she said quietly but cheerily.

"Your favourite film back there, is that true?" he asked.

"S-Sure. I love everything about it. The s-setting, c-composition, the writing…." she began listing but then Adrien cut her off.

"The main actress?" he asked, a little sharply. He felt a warning poke in his shirt from Plagg but he ignored it. Morgana flinched a little at the tone but then smiled.

"But of c-course. Emilie Agreste was wonderful in it," Morgana said truthfully. Adrien almost flinched at the mention of his mother's name, but it was then met with confusion.

"But…the review?" Adrien questioned.

"Everyone is a-allowed and opinion…no one can agree o-on everything…or the world would be b-boring," Morgana explained. That was one of her actual views anyway. Adrien saw the point in that statement but there was still something he didn't like.

"So if you know all about the film, including my mother, why did you go along with Lila?" Adrien asked. Morgana titled her head in confusion.

"You've lost me," she said. Adrien ran a hand through his hair with a sigh.

"Lila is lying. Why didn't you call her out?" Adrien practically scolded. It took her entire willpower for her not call out his entire insecurities.

"W-why didn't you?" she replied. Cue the brakes in Adrien's head.

"Excuse me?" he asked.

"If y-you know she is lying…why don't you say something," Morgana said, the glint in her eyes starting to emerge. That left Adrien with no answer.

"It's different for me…" Adrien told her.

"Why? Y-You always seem to roll your eyes or sigh…whenever L-Lila opens her mouth. Is there something you're not telling me?" Morgana said, raising her voice a little.

"Alright I'll be level with you. Lila is a liar. Everything she says is practically a lie. What she said about the film just now is clearly a lie. You know that. So, you should've said something," Adrien said, anger clear in his voice now.

"Why didn't you," Morgana said in a low voice. It still had the shy tone but more of an edge was coming in now.

"I am trying to keep the peace here! Her lies don't really hurt anyone," Adrien retorted.

"So, it's okay if the c-class hates me for calling out L-Lila on that film but not you?" Morgana asked.

"Look it's the only way to keep her happy. She won't be akumatised! You're just being selfish," Adrien said with a frown. Oh sweet lord, how did Marinette deal with this for so long?

"Me selfish? Y-You are a c-coward and a h-hypocrite! If hers lies don't hurt anyone…then why can't she lie about your mother? P-Practice…what…you…preach," Morgana proclaimed.

"I can't believe you! Your own mother would be ashamed of how petty you are being. Looks like you were raised that way too," Adrien snapped.

Time stopped again. The temperature practically dropped. Morgana's expression turned cold and blank. Her eyes darkened. She stepped right in front of Adrien. His inner Chat Noir could feel the anger radiating off her.

"And how do you know your mother wouldn't be ashamed of your behaviour…if she was still around," Morgana hissed.

"…." Adrien felt rage bubbling inside him at this. How dare she come in here and preach to him! Didn't she know that he was trying to protect everyone? And now she was trying to undo everything? Marinette was finally getting along and not being as selfish but now this? She even had the gall to bring up his mother!

"I'd like to leave now Adrien," Morgana said, her voice returning to normal although her voice was a little louder than it should be. She went to pick up her bag and leave but then something in Adrien just…snapped.

"No! Apologise!" he blurted out, the first words coming in his head.

His inner cat instinctively grabbed her arm which she gasped at, but she didn't realise how quick he'd be. She practically fell back, hit the back of the lockers and was now on the floor. She looked up at Adrien, who seemed horrified at what he had done. Morgana was even shocked at this. All she expected was for him to yell insults at her.

"Dude?" a voice said in shocked. Both then turned their heads to the door to see a horrified looking class looking at them.

...

Two minutes earlier:

Okay it was official, Marinette was anxious. She had not yet thought of something that would get the class to the locker room and she was running out of time. Currently they were discussing the upcoming celebrity red carpet. Clara, Jagged, XY and all sorts were going, and many had won was a major event. Everyone had assumed that MDC was going to be designing something for them, (which Marinette was, but obviously didn't say) and Lila was blabbing on about giving MDC inspiration and all sorts.

"Well I'm not going to that event of course since its really high profile but at least my inspiration slid ideas will be going down the runway," Lila said with a dreamy sigh.

"Yeah that's awesome girl!" Alya awed.

"I can't wait to see the line up!" Rose gushed. Wait that was it! Goodness, Marinette was an expert in fashion and yet she didn't think of this! Wow was she slacking.

"It's going to be so good! Hey Lila, she you're a Gabriel model too, are you going to be inputting there too?" Marinette asked. People seemed quite interested in that question. Lila seemed a little irked by the question, but it wasn't something she could twist against her.

"Well Gabriel is very private so probably not," she said. She was getting smarter with her lies. If they were too ridiculous, people would make fun of her.

"Why not ask Adrien to get an input?" Alix said with a shrug. Thank you, Alix, Marinette said in her head. She glanced at her phone. She only had a minute and a half yet and it was a little way to the locker room. Keep the ball rolling.

"Yeah, since you model with Adrien for most of the time, I'm sure he wouldn't mind," Marinette suggested.

"Good idea!" Alya said, almost making her fall over. Did…she compliment her?!

"Say where are Morgana and Adrien?" Nino said suddenly.

Everyone looked around and realised he was right, much to Lila's annoyance. She didn't find any fault with Morgana yet, but she didn't want her with Adrien. Only a minute left.

"Oh, I think they went to the locker room. I was packing, and I think Adrien said he wanted a word," Marinette said with a shrug. Her calm expression gave no indication of jealously, so no one could fault her of that.

"Hey, let's go find them. Then maybe we can all go hang out in the park or something?" Mylene suggested.

"Great idea!" Ivan said, giving her a hug. Everyone continued to chat as they all headed in the direction of the locker room. It was noted by Marinette that Lila was quickening the pace as she walked. Must be eager to make a lie for Morgana, Marinette thought.

"…c-class hates me…"

"Wait was that Morgana?" Nathaniel said as his ears pricked up. Everyone listened to the echo and noted it sounded a lot like Morgana.

"Did she say that we hate her?" Alya asked in shock.

"…being selfish…"

"Was that Adrien?" Rose asked in confusion. Selfish? What was going on? Everyone picked up the pace a little more now as the voices grew louder.

"Apologise!"

"What is going on?" Marinette said out loud as they turned the corner… only to see Adrien grab Morgana and for her to end up on the floor. They all skidded to a halt at the door. Everyone, even Lila was in shock.

"Dude?" Nino breathed.

Present Time:

"What is going on?" Marinette practically shouted.

Why is she on the floor?" Alya yelled.

"What did you do?" Max demanded.

"Adrien?" was all Lila could say as all of the girls ran over to Morgana while the boys got Adrien away from Morgana.

The green eyes girl chose to say nothing. This was not in her calculations at all. All she had wanted was for them to walk in and see Adrien yelling. Adrien was always seen as the sunshine boy. No one ever seemed to give him a dose of reality. By everyone seeing him yell, they would teach him the difference of bullying and not to stand by and watch someone be bullied. Then maybe the light would been seen from his eyes about Lila. It was more the shock of it all which was why she wasn't saying anything.

"I'm…! I-I am so sorry M-Morgana! I wasn't thinking!" Adrien said in shock.

"Yeah you weren't thinking! What's gotten into you!" Alya shouted.

"You told her that we hate her?" Rose said with tears in her eyes.

"No!" Adrien insisted.

"We heard Morgana say the 'class hates me'!" Kim said with a frown.

"It's not how it sounds!" Adrien replied.

"It's exactly how it sounds! Alix yelled.

"Morgana are you okay? Are you hurt?" Marinette asked gently.

Morgana said nothing but then Lila noticed the crease on her jacket. She pulled back the sleeve and they saw the little bruises now there from Adrien's grip. Lila looked shocked at this. She even ran her finger over her arm to see if it would come off. After accusing Marinette of pushing and shoving her, she had used make-up. But this was not the case. Even she couldn't wrangle Adrien out of this one.

"Alright we need to go to the principal and you owe her an apology! What even caused this?" Nino asked. No one spoke until a dull tone spoke up.

"It was a misunderstanding. Words were said. It was taken the wrong way. He didn't mean it. Did you?" Morgana said as she looked to Adrien.

"No…" Adrien said as he looked down. He so badly wanted to defend his mother. But the risk of akumatisation was too great. But now he'd hurt someone. He was supposed to be a hero.

"I forgive you," Morgana said, making everyone protest. Adrien looked at her in shock. She wasn't going to report him? But why?

"Are you serious?" Alya said in slight annoyance.

"If his father knew…he'd be pulled out. We have all lost our tempers before. I'm sure everyone in here has fought with others," Morgana said. Her voice was soft and while she didn't stutter, everyone noticed how she was pacing her breathing. Marinette was raising her eyes for potential akumas. Seems that Morgana was calming herself down was helping.

"I guess you're right. But if you have a problem dude, just tell us," Nino said as he patted his friend's back. Everyone seemed wary but if Morgana could forgive him, then so could they. There was an awkward pause.

"Okay but I think we do need to get you to the nurse for an ice pack or something," Marinette said. All the girls nodded and proceeded to help her up but Morgana slowly shook her head.

"I think…I-I want to go myself. But thank you everyone…" Morgana murmured.

"Are you sure?" Rose asked worriedly.

"Yes. You are a-all very kind. Thank you. I w-will see you… tomorrow," Morgana said as she proceeded to hug everyone, who shuffled in for a group one, minus Adrien, who was still hanging his head in shame.

As Marinette came in for a hug, where she surprisingly wasn't pushed away, she felt someone slip something into her hand. She closed her fist around the said item as everyone pulled and they all started to clear out. She didn't even spare a glance to Adrien, who looked like he wanted to say something but still said nothing. As soon as she was sure everyone had left, she opened her fist to see a crumpled piece of paper. Opening it, she saw the familiar writing scrawled on it.

I want to meet Luka and Kagami.

Sorry Adrien fans if that was too harsh but he needs a reality check. While I understand being homeschooled his whole life, he needs to know the basics of human interaction and bullying. Which is something I want to add.

If you are being bullied, in any form, then speak to someone you trust. It can be a friend, a parent, a teacher or anyone you feel comfortable speaking to. There are also helplines too. I am U.K based, so I will proved some numbers of organisations that can help. I am sure that wherever you are there will organisations that can help you.

Bullying UK: Helpline 0808 800 2222

Childline: Helpline 0800 1111

: Bullying Advice and Help

- Star