As usual, I do not own anything

VII

"This was a bad idea.", Imme commented the images of the Akuma fight that flared across the screen. Chat Noir had just used his Cataclysm on one of the lights, assuming the Akuma was hiding inside. But all the hero's power did was shatter the light into sharp glass shards. The hero did his best to avoid the shards that came flying at him.

"You cannot escape!", Spotlight shouted. Every street and alley he had directed his lights onto had been brightly lit, making it harder and harder to find a place where he could catch his breath. And now that Chat had already used his Cataclysm, it wouldn't be long before his transformation would wear off. Only moments after, Chat's ring gave off its first beep. The camera zoomed in on him.

"It appears as if Chat Noir is looking for a way to escape.", the reporter spoke, "But where can he go with everything nearby affected by Spotlight's power? And where is Ladybug in this time of need?"

There was not even a dumpster or something Chat could hide behind, and any place that was not alight was too far away. "I can see you anywhere my light is shining", Spotlight mocked. And Chat's ring beeped again, resulting in the hero displaying a look of slight panic.

"He will transform back and everyone will be able to see who he is!", Imme gasped.

"Seriously, what is taking Ladybug so long?", Chloé asked.

"Something must be holding her up.", the Kwami replied. "But if someone doesn't help him soon, he will be in big trouble."

Chloé already knew what Imme was hinting at. She took another look at the hero o her screen and sighed.

"I cannot believe you're making me do it again." She took a deep breath and then said: "Time to get stinging!"

Why wasn't she coming to fight by his side? What was keeping her? Chat looked around, always hoping for the familiar pattern of red and black, but Ladybug was nowhere to be seen. Another beep came from his ring and Adrien started to panic. If someone or something could just distract his opponent long enough so he could evade the illuminated areas.

"And here I was thinking you liked being in the limelight.", the Akuma taunted him, constantly following wherever Chat went.

"It's because cats already get enough attention online.", came a voice from the street corner. Chloé jumped to join Chat's side.

"You are welcome to join the show.", Spotlight said, "But it will feature your defeat for the entire public to see."

"Oh good luck trying to see anything.", Chloé retorted and grabbed the round bag that hung around her waist.

"Pollen spray!", she shouted, pressing her hands against the sides to squeeze it. A yellow mist was released into the air and not only blocked Spotlight's vision, but also adhered to the lights to temporarily render them useless. The villain growled in anger, trying to rid himself of the sticky substance.

"Now's your chance!", Chloé directed herself to Chat, "There is an alley straight ahead, you can hide there. But do it quick, I have no idea how long this lasts."

Chat did not loose any time and ran into the direction Chloé had pointed out. It only took him a few meters to disappear from her view. Chloé could not help but be amazed at the effectiveness of her ability. But at the same time, she was already worrying what she would do as soon as it would wear off.

This was Tikki's last resort. She had tried to wake Marinette ever since the news of the Akuma attack had begun. While she didn't blame the girl for dozing off after the tiring previous fight, but there was almost no way to wake her once she was asleep. The Kwami took one of the sewing needles Marinette had laying around and brought it close to the sleeping girl's right hand.

"Sorry Marinette.", Tikki apologized as she pricked one finger with the needle.

"Gah!", Marinette screamed and shot up straight. "Did I fall asleep again?"

Tikki nodded and pointed towards the TV. "There's another Akuma."

Marinette directly readied herself. She transformed and exited through the trapdoor above her bed.

The mist was starting to clear, and Chloé could already see the first flickering of light coming from where Spotlight was. So he was starting to successfully free his lights. Chloé clutched her weapon within her hands, ready to launch it at the villain as soon as there would be clear sight again. She only hoped that Chat Noir would be back in action soon. Not before long, the bright light was illuminating the vicinity again and Spotlight's gaze fell on Chloé. She immediately launched her weapon. But Spotlight simply brushed it off.

"Ran out of ideas, huh?", the Akuma mocked her.

Chloé stared back at him, about to loose hope. But then she noticed a familiar figure standing atop a roof behind the villain.

"I might, but there is someone else with a clever mind you should worry about.", She claimed.

"I feel honored you consider me clever.", she heard Chat Noir speak out from the left. As he made his way up to Chloé, the voice of Ladybug sounded:
"I think she was referring to me."

The spotted heroine pulled at the string of her yo-yo, causing a mirror- her lucky charm, judging by the pattern of its frame- to slide right in front of the Akuma.

Spotlight had not been prepared for this and closed his eyes as his own light was reflected back to him.

Adrien was determined not to make another mistake. This time, he aimed his Cataclysm and the light that was atop Spotlight's head. It broke and the black butterfly tried fluttering away from the scene. Not before long, Ladybug had sent the purified Akuma on its way.

A/N: The rest will have to go into the next chapter, which is most likely going to be the final one.