Chapter 2 - Meeting the Master (from Chat's POV)

Master Fu opened the door and signaled me to come in. "Chat Noir, what has happened to Ladybug?"

"I- I failed her, Master," I said sadly. "I couldn't protect her from Eclipser. She was paralyzed and fell three stories into a bush. I don't know if there's any internal damage, but she was conscious most of the way here." I set her down gently onto the rug.

"Wayzz already told me he sensed that something bad had happened to her," he told me. So Wayzz must be his kwami, I thought as I watched him fly around Master Fu. "But Chat Noir, you mustn't blame yourself for this. Sometimes unfortunate things just happen. I will look after her while you and Ladybug take care of Eclipser."

I stared at him, totally confused. "But, how can she help if she's paralyzed and unconscious?"

Master Fu walked me through the door into the outer hall and closed the door. "The Ladybug you know cannot help, so someone else will need to become her for the time being, and work alongside you. Ladybug is the only one who can capture and purify the akuma, and restore the damage it caused."

Of course- that makes sense, I just wasn't thinking straight. I felt the blood drain from my face, and my palms became clammy. "So you're saying I'll need to choose someone to do this? I don't know if I can…"

"Of course you can do this, Adrien. Just choose someone whom you know you can trust. Use your instinct to guide you. I will go retrieve the earrings and bring them to you."

Master Fu opened the door and walked back inside. I backed away so I wouldn't be able to see in. I know how much milady wants to protect her true identity, and didn't want to accidentally catch a glimpse when she changed back. This is all so insane. Am I qualified to make the right decision? I asked myself. Everything depends on this.

I was thinking about asking Master Fu if it's necessary for Ladybug to be female. The one person I've been closest to is Nino. Or maybe Alya would be suited for this. I wasn't sure who else would be…

Suddenly, Chloé came to mind. Sure, she's had an attitude problem for quite a while, but over the past few months she's really been trying to improve herself. She's the one person I know of who already has superhero experience, and her admiration for Ladybug should be extra motivation for her to carry out her responsibilities. Besides, I still don't know the true identities of Rena Rouge or Carapace, and it's too late to find out now.

Master Fu came back out and handed me a jewelry box. "Follow your heart Adrien. I have faith that you will make the right choice. After the akuma has been defeated, you will need to retrieve the earrings and bring them back to me. Just so you know, Ladybug's kwami's name is Tikki."

"Yes, Master Fu, I won't let you or Ladybug down." I left the apartment building, and although I still wasn't 100 percent sure it was the right decision, I started heading toward Le Grand Paris hotel.