I look at the chinese massage place. "Plagg!" I whisper, "are you sure that this is where I'm supposed to be?" It's in a dark part of town. There's graffiti everywhere, and I've never felt more likely to be stabbed in an alley. Would someone with magical BEINGS of limitless power really stay here?

I mean, the so called "master" did choose Scarlett, so maybe he (or she) doesn't have the best judgement.

I can hear Plagg laughing at me through my bag, so I walk inside, ringing the bell.

Huh.

It's actually a lot nicer on the inside.

It almost seems bigger.

The walls are filled with shelves of herbs and medicines. There is a lucky cat figure next to the cash register at the front desk. There are inspirational posters and an interesting ancient record player.

Overall, I'm getting a lot of vibes from this place, and not all of them are good.

"Plagg" I glare down my shirt. "I think we need to go."

"Relax."

"AhhhhH!" I jump. Holy shit. That was terrifying. My heart is pounding in my chest. That small, old Asian man just appeared, out of thin air.

I'd swear on my life that he wasn't there a minute ago. "Chat Noir. I've been waiting for you. I am master Fu"

I pause. "Master... you have?" This is the guy who gave me magic? I was expecting someone a little more impressive.

"Yes. I've been expecting both you and Ladybug." He nods. "Why are you visiting me now?"

"Ugh." I scoff. "Scarlett."

He tilts his head at me. "Is something wrong, young man?"

I shrug. "I'm sorry, Sir, I'm not sure how to explain my problem."

"Do you and Ladybu- err Scarlett Lady, not get along?" He purses his lips.

"I'm sorry to say, we don't. We, well, we have conflicting personalities."

"But you two get along in battles, correct? You defeat all of the akuma together, no?"

At that, I laugh. "You're joking, right?." He wasn't. "Oh. I uhh. I mean, I don't want to sound egotistical or anything, but-"

Plagg interrupts, flying out of his hiding place in my shirt pocket. "She's a self-absorbed jerk, who is making my kitten do all of the work, but taking all of the credit."

At this, Master Fu frowns. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes!" Me and Plagg groan in unison.

Plagg continues, "I can't believe my Tikki is stuck with such a rude, obnoxious person."

"I can't stand her." I agree.

"Surely, that can't be right." Fu purses his lips. "And do you happen to know her civilian identity?"

Once again, I almost laugh. "Thats like superhero 101. Of course not. But she has assured me that she's better than me. Multiple times." I groan. "I can't work with her. I need to return my miraculous."

"nO!" Plagg stares at me, Master Fu is shocked ... I must've forgotten to tell Plagg that part of the plan."You can't."

Fu looks disturbed. "Something must be seriously wrong if you're considering that. I. I must have been mistaken when viewing your auras. I misread as you two being soulmates, but maybe you're soul enemies. I see now that you do not agree with your partner. Ill do whatever it takes to right it."

"Good." I nod. "But I don't know if I can stand another minute with that pretentious blonde, superpowers or not."

Fu gasps. "Ladybug isn't Blonde! I know who I gave the miraculous to, and she is neither blonde nor obnoxious, as you claim."

I roll my eyes. "Okay, but Scarlett Lady is."

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Plagg looks between us. "nah? I think that Blonde girl accidentally has the miraculous. Maybe she stole it, I wouldn't put it past her, but she isn't supposed to have it."

I nod. "Is there anyway for you to take the miraculous back?"

"Not unless she gives it up." Fu shakes his head. "I'm sorry."

"Is there anything you can do?"

"I could give your intended partner a miraculous, but I'm not sure if it's worth it."

I scoff. "Anything is worth it to get rid of Scarlett."

"Hawkmoth will know of my existence... and I am too weak to fight, but I have not yet found a suitable guardian."

"Please. I'm begging you." I take a breath. "I need a new partner. We can protect you."

"I'm sorry for my mistake, Chat Noir, but I cannot interfere." He closes his eyes. "I must stay on the sidelines. Besides, things like this have a way of working out."

I groan and grab Plagg. "Yeah, in theory." I walk out the door and roll my eyes. "Bye, and thanks for all that help."

As the door slams behind me, I'm almost certain he said, "it may be our only option-" but I didn't stick around to hear.

He was no help.

Plagg tries to apologize, but I don't want to hear it.

At least Plagg tried to help me.

Unlike someone.

And for once, I don't mean Scarlett.