Chapter 5: Part 1- Copycat

A/N: Hey guys! As you can see by the fact that there's a new chapter posted, I haven't forgotten about this story. I've been busy with some major life changes over the past few months so fan fiction has become low on my list of priorities. This is also why this episode will have multiple shorter chapters instead of my usual longer, single chapter per episode. That being said, I'm not sure if I'll be able to update once a week on average as originally planned but I will continue to update even if it takes me awhile. That's the plan anyway.

Also with the artist in the story I made a cigarette joke (you'll know it when you see it). Full clarity, I saw that written somewhere but I can't remember where I saw it. If you have any idea and have seen it before, let me know so I can credit the writer. Thanks!

On a separate note, I have started to incorporate an original character, Police Chief Renaud. He made his first appearance in a previous chapter. Sabrina's dad has all of two braincells and I find him obnoxious. So this character will be taking his spotlight for the most part. That being said, please forgive me if what I write in regards to the French police and their policies, procedures, hierarchy, etc… is incorrect. I tried to do research on the French police system and how it works as opposed to police forces in my country and it was terribly confusing so I'm simplifying and writing it in a way I can understand. If you have any suggestions or helpful information in this area, please do let me know.

Thanks for sticking around and I hope you enjoy!

TRIGGER WARNING- If the mention of guns in any way bothers you, consider this a warning. Fanfiction is meant to be fun and I want everybody to enjoy themselves as they read in a way that is comfortable. That being said (spoilers ahead) - nobody gets hurt in this chapter or injured in any way related to use of said weapon.

The sweat running down his forehead made his face itch. Adrien lifted his fencing mask and took deep breaths, relishing how cool and fresh the air was. It had been awhile since he had felt challenged by an opponent. This was a win he had to earn. Still, as skilled as his opponent was, Adrien had more experience and that gave him the upper hand during their match. It was only a matter of time before he won.

"Gotta get a drink of water. I'll be right back."

Adrien didn't bother mentioning the other reason he had for leaving the room. Plagg had been stuffed inside his locker the whole time and could probably use some fresh air too.

Upon opening his locker and unzipping his bag, a wave of regret descended upon him. He was drowned in a pungent mist of camembert. His eyes darted around the inside of the locker, wondering if maybe Plagg had suffocated in the stench.

But, no. There he sat, sleeping inside a camembert box and snoring. Not even a smell that bad could kill Plagg. He clamped his nose tight between his fingers and dove into his bag to quickly retrieve a bottle of Adrien the Fragrance.

It was no use. It smelled like a bouquet of roses in a middle school boys locker room.

No wonder I'm still single

Irritated by this revelation and the fact that he'd have to ask Nathalie for yet another box of Camembert, he pointedly yelled at the kwami.

"Plagg, you pig!"

Plagg was unphased by this. He lazily muttered, "You have one new message."

Adrien picked Plagg up by the scruff of his neck and pulled him out of the locker. "Move please so I can check my voicemail."

Plagg floated near Adrien's head, still trying to wake himself up.

Adrien unlocked his phone and noticed the voicemail Plagg had mentioned was from a number he didn't recognize.

The kwami, now hovering over his shoulder, glanced at the phone screen. "Ohhhh who's it from? Ladybug, perhaps? Or maybe a secret admirer?"

Plagg raised his eyebrows up and down suggestively.

Adrien shook his head and deleted the voicemail. "Don't recognize this number."

Plagg questioned him, "You're not even going to listen to it?"

He replied, "No, not if I don't know who's calling. That usually means its a scam call and besides…" He trailed off, checking the time, "We're late! Time to transform, Plagg!"

Adrien put his phone in his pocket, transformed into Chat Noir, and took to the rooftops. The cool breeze was invigorating. He lept across Paris, thankful that his costume felt so light and breathable. Moving around a lot in a fencing uniform and sweating was one thing, but in a full-body, combination black leather and spandex suit?

The thought made him shudder.

Finally, Chat arrived at the park for the ceremony. It was a special occasion because today a metal sculpture depicting the dynamic superhero duo, Ladybug and Chat Noir, would be unveiled in their honor. It was made by a well-known Parisian artist, who was rapidly gaining traction and recognition across France.

Chat jumped down onto the covered statue base and waved to the shouting crowd.

"Hey, everybody!"

Shouts erupted. Chat dabbed in response like it was 2016.

The shouting stopped.

Clearing his throat, the mayor broke the silence. "It's only proper for Paris to pay homage to those who protect us from evil." Gesturing to the covered statue, he continued, "Ladybug and Chat Noir!" The cloth was pulled away to reveal a lifelike statue of the two heroes, posed and ready for action.

Chat's face squished up in a toothy grin.

I look so cool!

He turned to the crowd and waved, holding back another dab and giggling like a kid.

He had enjoyed comics since he was little and now here he was, an actual superhero with a statue in his honor and the citizens of Paris cheering him on.

Sometimes it felt really good to be him.

Sometimes.

He looked around for Ladybug out of habit, hoping to share his excitement and to see her smile. To his disappointment, she was still nowhere to be seen.

Where is she?

He sighed and walked over to thank the artist for his beautiful work.

Chat put his arm on the man's shoulder and leaned in. "These statues are amazing! One thing is slightly off though. I'm actually taller than Ladybug."

It was the artist's turn to let out a sigh. "Ladybug didn't show up. I just wanted to express my adoration for her. Let her know that everything I had went into her statue… I'm sure if she took a little time to get to know me, she would see how much we have in common! Our devotion to the things we love and…"

One thought crossed Adrien's mind and one thought only.

simp

A second thought then followed.

Isn't this guy way too old for her?

He leaned in further and whispered to the artist, "Heyyyyyy, don't mean to burst your bubble but you know, Ladybug and I well…..we're a thing, you know?"

The man gaped at Chat who stared right back. "Really?"

"Yeah, we're like this," Chat said holding up crossed fingers. Chat smiled at him and the man internally screamed.

As any pick-me boy would be, the artist was inconsolably miffed. He bit down hard on his kids cartoon censored cigarette* and pushed Chat out of his way. Chat waved at the artist as he stormed off and then, with his jealousy somewhat satisfied, he took to the rooftops once again and made his way back to school.

After detransforming out of sight and collecting his things from his locker, Adrien made his way outside to catch his ride home. As he walked out the main door, he caught sight of Marinette, who was rapidly pacing back and forth and raking her hands through her hair. She looked tense.

He called out to her, "Hey, Marinette! Something wrong?"

She stopped dead still. Making a full 180, she faced him. Like a deer in the headlights, she froze.

Adrien tilted his head at her and she whipped around and sprinted down the street.

He frowned and wondered what was going on that had her so frazzled. Hopefully it wasn't anything too bad. He glanced over at the car. Inside, his bodyguard was siting in the driver seat, watching something on his phone. He turned back around and booked it after Marinette.

He didn't reach her though. Not 30 seconds into their race, his phone played an alert he had set for akuma attacks and breaking news alerts.

Slowing down, he made a mental note to try and talk to Marinette after class the next day. Adrien then hightailed it back to the car, hopped in, and turned on the TV embedded into the back of the driver's seat. On screen, Nadja Chamack was giving an urgent news report.

"And in some astonishing news, there's been a theft at the Louvre. Amateur videos show without a shadow of a doubt that the thief is none other than the famous hero, Chat Noir."

On screen, a picture of him smiling and flashing a peace sign appeared in the top left corner.

A video played now. It was footage taken from an eyewitness at the Louvre. Someone who looked exactly like him as Chat Noir was holding the Mona Lisa and saying, "This painting is the cat's meow. Nobody try to stop me or I'll cataclysm you." The imposter then made a beeline for the exit.

The real Chat was too stunned to speak.

But, then he did. "The cat's meow?"

Gorilla grunted from the front seat.

Adrien thought of a quick lie. "It's nothing. Just watching the news report. Hey, actually, can we turn around? I think I may have…. Umm, Left my phone in my locker."

Gorilla turned the car around and parked. Adrien opened the car door and bolted inside to find a spot to transform. Muttering to himself he said, "Not only is he a fake, but he's a terrible fake!"

He didn't know if he was angrier that someone was trying to steal his identity or that they had made such a noob level pun while doing so.

Either way, he needed to be stopped.

Inside, he quickly transformed and then made his way to the scene of the crime. He arrived and landed on top of the Louvre skylight only to be greeted by a line of policemen turning and pointing their guns at him.

Chat made a repeated downward motion with his shaking hands, trying to ease the tension and said, "Whoah, easy tigers. You've got the wrong cat. That thief's an imposter. I'm the real Chat Noir." His voice cracked mid-sentence. Nobody had ever pointed a gun at him before.

Chat slid down the side of the building and landed in front of Chief Renaud who was accompanied by Officer Raincomprix at the head of the line. Renaud hadn't pulled his weapon on the hero yet, but his hand was itching towards the holster on his belt.

"Chat Noir, you are under arrest for suspected theft. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney- "

He was interrupted by Ladybug falling through the sky in front of him. She landed between him and Chat and put her hands out in front of her. "This is ridiculous. I'm sure there's a simple explanation."

Renaud could feel a headache coming on. "Ladybug, I am asking you to stand down. We have evidence of his involvement and-"

Her hands came to rest on her hips. She interrupted him, "Don't think you're gonna arrest him while-"

Chat, desperate for himself and Ladybug to escape the situation, searched for an exit.

"Cataclysm!"

Ladybug whipped around to face Chat. Black tendrils of fog swirled around Chat's hand. Ladybug bit her lip and was met with a metallic taste in her mouth.

"Chat…?"

He looked back and forth between his hand and to his side, tilting his head back slightly towards the Louvre wall as he did so, hoping she would understand.

Chat then forced his eyes to meet her gaze.

She mouthed the word "No".

Renaud slowly grabbed his gun out of his holster.

Ladybug made a fist with her hand and quickly looked back and forth between Chat's hand, her fist, and over her shoulder as far as she could without turning her head too much.

Making eye contact with him now, she mouthed to Chat, "Pound it."

His mouth felt dry. He shook his head.

Ladybug scrunched up her mouth and her expression hardened. Chat didn't need words to understand what that look meant.

Chat made a fist and took a step towards Ladybug.

Renaud raised his voice and pointed his gun. "Don't move any closer."

Chat stammered, "Put down your weapons or Ladybug goes down." He gauged the reactions of the officers behind Raincomprix and Renaud. He reiterated, more firmly now, "Drop your weapons."

The police chief considered his position carefully. Neither he nor the officers had a clear shot at Chat with him standing directly behind Ladybug. They couldn't guarantee her safety if they were to shoot. He did the only thing he could.

He refused.

Chat's breathing became faster and more shallow.

*WHY ISNT IT WORKING. WHY AREN'T THEY STANDING DOWN."

His thoughts buzzed. He acted quickly.

The hero jerked his hand back and touched the glass skylight behind him.

Glass shatters rained down. The officer covered their faces and ran back towards the street. Ladybug screamed his name.

He twisted his body around to face the torrent and jumped.