"Hey, Marinette! Did you hear about those two new heroes who helped Spider-Man and Batman chase down those criminals earlier today?" Alya excitedly called Marinette over the phone. "What were their names? Ladybug and Chat Noir? Yeah, they were so cool!"

Marinette giggled at Alya's enthusiasm. She had a feeling she'd be one of the first people to become invested in her new secret identity but as she promised Tikki, she couldn't tell Alya the truth.

"What do you think about them, Marinette?" Alya asked as Marinette paused before putting a finger to her chin, trying to come up with a good response.

"Well, Chat Noir is certainly cute and Ladybug definitely has heart. Spider-Man seemed to think they were cool enough to work with."

"I know, right? For some weird reason, they kinda reminded me of you and Adrien for a bit, but that's ridiculous!"

Marinette let out a breath of relief she was holding due to Alya being way closer to the truth than she realized. Still, she smiled, glad to know that she already had one fan and it was her best friend on top of it.

"Adrien, sweetie, how was your day today?" Emilie asked as the Agrestes sat at the dinner table.

"It was fine. Marinette helped me with Algebra and her friend Peter taught me some basics in Physics. Bruce also kept this one jerk from harassing me today."

Gabriel nodded. "Bruce truly is a good boy. Thomas raised him well before..."

Adrien noticed his dad's face fall into a small frown. Even though he was still a baby when it happened, he had learned of the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne when he was old enough, especially after Bruce had left to travel the world.

"But that Parker kid, he seems quite close to Marinette, almost like a big brother," Emilie noted, hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere. "He seems like such a kind young man himself."

"Yeah, he's pretty cool." Adrien smiled. "He's like a total wizard at almost all things math and science. After he helped tutor me, the answers just came to me so easily!"

"He is quite the genius, I must admit." Gabriel nodded, having learned a bit about Peter himself. "I'm glad to see you getting out there and making friends who can be there to help you when you need them."

"Thanks, Dad."

"Anyway, we heard at school that Chloe was being mean to Marinette again." Emilie frowned. "I don't know why she's doing that. She was such a sweet girl and Marinette hasn't done anything to her."

"Relax, Mom. Peter told her off and Bruce actually got the principal to give her a stern lecture." Adrien said. "I'm still really worried about her, though."

Gabriel nodded. "Andre really needs to start putting his foot down with that girl. She's turning out just like that WOMAN who dares call herself a mother."

"Gabriel, take it easy. I don't like Audrey any more than you do, but Chloe still has a chance to change for the better." Emilie said.

Adrien picked at his food, worry clear in his eyes as he wondered just what was happening with his childhood friend now.

Back at the Batcave, Bruce was sitting in front of the Batcomputer. He was currently looking over news footage that had been taken early in the morning of Ladybug and Chat Noir's debut in helping him and Spider-Man chase down the Enforcers.

"I say, sir, it seems Paris is in good hands if two young brave individuals are willing to dress up in such colorful costumes and join you in fighting crime," Alfred noted as he approached, carrying a tray of French Onion Soup.

"From what I heard, their names are Ladybug and Chat Noir. They mostly helped out Spider-Man take on that punk, Herman Schultz." Bruce noted as he looked over some of the still images of the two newly debuted heroes. "They've got some decent skills for first-timers and Ladybug can apparently create convenient objects to help her in the task at hand. From what Spider-Man told me earlier, Chat Noir could also create a special dark energy that can destroy anything."

"Well, I have the utmost faith they will be valuable allies in the fight against crime." Alfred nodded. "But still, about the Enforcers...?"

"Yes, the Big Man isn't one for such open and obvious heists. There's something bigger going on here."

Bruce stood up and then donned his Batsuit. It looked like another sleepless night for Batman was in order.

"Well, Ol' Herman is behind bars...for however long that lasts," Peter said as he stuck to the ceiling, hanging upside-down while pacing around. "But the Big Man isn't the type to make such an obvious heist. Something is going on here, something BIG."

"Peter, it's time for dinner!" Aunt May's voice called out from downstairs as Peter quickly flipped off the ceiling and stuck back down to the ground.

"Coming, Aunt May!"

It's not something that happens very often, at least not to her, but as she sits in one of the hotel lounge chairs while her father paces the floor in front of her, there is no denying it. Chloe Bourgeois is in trouble. No, Chloe Bourgeois is in BIG trouble.

"Young lady, I have had it. This unchecked sense of entitlement has got to stop." Andre said sternly.

"I don't see what the big deal is, Daddy."

Andre's withering glare made Chloe shut up. "Chloe, I have been willing to pull strings and bend rules for you, something I shouldn't do as mayor, and something I have never had to do for your sister."

Chloe just pouted, it was clear she wasn't still seeing the big picture here.

"But it's gotten completely out of hand. I mean, how would you like it if someone did to you what you've been doing to others?" Andre asked, his gaze critical.

That would never happen, Daddy. We're rich. We're above…" Chloe began, only for Andre's eyes to sharpen, making her wilt back.

"Young lady, finish that sentence and you're gonna be in even bigger trouble." Chloe wisely shut her mouth as her father continued. "Chloe, I love you. You know I do, but this cycle of you bullying and harassing others and me bending rules is just, well, wrong. I can't help you like this anymore."

"But Daddy..." Chloe said as she stood up but her father wasn't having any of it.

"No buts except yours sitting down, young lady."

Chloe immediately sat back down and folded her hands together, bowing her head obediently.

"Now, I don't want to do this, but if this continues, I will have to start getting serious about punishing you."

Chloe paled. "W-What are you going to do? S-Send me away?"

Andre sighed. "No, I won't send you away. But there is a nanny or two I know…"

"A nanny?! Daddy, you can't be serious! I'll have no privacy! No freedom! Daddy, I'm begging you! Please! You can't do that to me!"

"I don't want to do it, Chloe, but you have to be disciplined," Andre said sternly. "This is your final warning, treasure. Either shape up, or I will get someone who will make you shape up. Understand?

Chloe gulped. "Y-Yes, sir..."

"Good answer. Now, I want you to go to your room. Think about what you've done, and what we've talked about."

Chloe silently stood up and left with a sad look on her face. After she was gone, Andre let out a harrowing sigh and slumped into a nearby chair as the family butler Jean came in.

"Jean, was I too hard on her?"

"Absolutely not. Much as it pains me to say, Chloe's behavior needs improving, and you, as her father, had to put your foot down sooner or later."

"I know. I just hope we get the right results from it."

Little did Andre know that they would be the right results...except certain outside factors would play it out in a way he never wanted...

Chloe sat in her bed, thinking over what her father had told her and back to earlier in the day when she had been bullying Marinette before Peter and Bruce stopped her. Then she thought back even further to how she treated so many others, including Sabrina, her own best friend.

"Am… Am I that bad?" Chloe asked before wincing as she felt a pain in her stomach. "Ew, why do I feel gross all of a sudden?"

She quickly made her way to the bathroom sink and looked at her reflection in the mirror, staring long and hard before clutching her scalp in frustration.

"Ugh! Have I always been this ugly? N-No, it can't be. I'm a vision of beauty… But then… Why do I feel ugly?"

Chloe couldn't stop staring at her reflection, unable to see anything around her except herself. Unfortunately, that also meant she didn't see the shadow looming behind her until it was too late.

"Hey, we're all ugly deep down, kid. Sorry about this."

Chloe couldn't even let out a scream before a bag was pulled over her head...

Adrien was sitting in his room, working on his homework when he heard his father yell out in alarm.

"WHAT?! CHLOE'S BEEN KIDNAPPED?!"

"I'll call the police!" Nathalie was heard saying.

Adrien immediately stood up, a look of alarm on his face. Chloe had been kidnapped? That couldn't possibly be right!

"Hey, kid, what's up?" Plagg asked as he floated over.

"Chloe's been kidnapped! I-I gotta do something!"

"You mean that loudmouth blonde girl? Sure, whatever." Plagg shrugged before flinching at Adrien's glare.

"She's been my best friend since we were little! I'm not gonna let her be hurt, even if she had turned into a bully!"

"Okay, okay, geez!"

"PLAGG, CLAWS OUT!"

"This just in, Chloe Bourgeois, daughter of Mayor Andre Bourgeois, has been reported kidnapped. She was last seen heading to her room before her disappearance. Her father has issued a citywide search for her."

Marinette nearly spat out her coffee while she was working on an art commission for Rose. Chloe getting kidnapped? Sure she was an annoying brat but Marinette never wanted anything terrible to happen to her.

"Marinette, you know what you have to do, right?" Tikki said knowingly as Marinette nodded. Fortunately, she had helped Tikki recharge her power this afternoon.

"Yeah, I know what I signed up for..." She then stood up, a steely look of determination on her face. "TIKKI, SPOTS ON!"

Batman had been prowling the streets of Paris when he heard the alert on his wrist gauntlet computer. His eyes narrowed as he spread his cape and dove down, gliding across the city as he began searching for the kidnappers.

Peter Parker had also heard the news right after dinner and quickly ran back up to his room to put on his Spider-Suit. He then opened the window and leaped out before web-slinging away.

"So that's the Big Man's game...A classic 'Kidnap The Mayor's Daughter for Ransom' deal."

The Enforcers had arrived at the front of ACE Chemicals. Arthur currently had his helmet off and looked greatly unsure as Flint and O'Hirn came out, carrying the struggling Chloe with a bag still over her head.

"Are we ready, boys?" Montana asked. "You left the calling card right, Arthur?"

"Y-Yeah, I did..." Arthur said as he hurriedly put his helmet back on. "Come on boys, let's go..."

"Relax, Arthur. Everything'll be fine. Not a hair is gonna be harmed on this brat's head." Fancy Dan assured while taking a quick smoke.

"And hey, after this, I'm sure you'll find another girl who likes you for you," Flint said, patting his partner on the back. "You just gotta have faith."

"Alright...showtime, boys." Arthur sighed as he led the way, the rest of the Enforcers looking at each other worriedly, already knowing what they were really planning on doing.

"I really don't wanna do this..." O'Hirn said, Ox nodding in agreement.

"None of us do. Arthur's been our pal for years. But the Big Man isn't gonna like whatever he might end up doing tonight." Montana said sadly.

The rest of the Enforcers followed after Arthur while carrying Chloe, who continued to struggle and whimper in terror as Flint rolled his eyes and patted her back.

"Pipe down, missy! We're just gonna drop you off somewhere and leave you as bait for the Batman and Spider-Man. Then we jump 'em and everything is gonna be-"

"HEY YOU, FREEZE!"

The Enforcers jumped and turned to see a security guard had spotted them, aiming his flashlight over all of them.

"Crap! How did we not know there was security in this dump now?!" Fancy Dan cursed.

Arthur panicked. He used to work at ACE Chemicals and he had been valuable in helping set up a map plan of the building to use for the heist tonight. But he had no idea this would happen either.

"T-They must have altered things since I left!"

"Looks like we're having the Bat and the Bug on our trail sooner than later, boys!" Montana said as he got out his lasso whip. "Arthur, take that brat and hang her over one of the chemical vats! But make sure she's secure so we don't actually drop her!"

"R-Right!"

As Montana, Fancy Dan, Ox, Flint, and O'Hirn held off the security guards. Arthur hurriedly brought Chloe to a nearby platform and tied her to the railings before holding her carefully over the vat. Chloe panicked and began squirming in terror.

"I-I'm really sorry about this, honest!"

"HELP! HE'S GONNA KILL ME!"

Arthur panicked even more and in that moment, ended up dropping Chloe as she screamed before he could more securely tie the rope.

"NO!"

However, a swinging blur zoomed by and scooped Chloe up, safely bringing her to safety as she opened her eyes and realized it was...LADYBUG?!

"Wait...you're that Ladybug girl from this morning!"

"Yeah, and even I couldn't let you fall."

A massive black shadowy explosion was heard as Arthur frantically turned around to see the rest of the Enforcers go flying. Chat Noir was also there along with Batman and Spider-Man.

"Gotta say, it's PAWS-itively delightful to finally be working with you, Batman!" Chat said as Ox got up and charged, only to be thrown over Batman's shoulder effortlessly.

"Focus, kid."

"Hey! There's the Red Hood!" Spider-Man said as Batman noticed the panicked thief and quickly grappled up to him.

"So, Red Hood...we meet again." The Dark Knight said, approaching Arthur as he backed away in terror.

"No! NO! GO AWAY!"

Arthur turned and fled, scaling the walkways to get away from his pursuer as Batman kept on his trail. Montana managed to get away and saw Arthur on the highest walkway, frowning as he took out his revolver and aimed it at the support.

"No! Stay away! I wasn't actually gonna kill her, I swear!" Arthur begged as he struggled to take off his helmet. "I-I'm not a crook, I swear!"

"You've pulled your last caper, Red Hood. Now it's time to unmask you." Batman said as he took out a pair of Bat-Cuffs.

However, a gunshot rang out and pierced through the support of the walkway that Arthur was on, causing it to come loose. In a split-second, Arthur turned to see Montana holding his smoking revolver and although it couldn't be shown, a look of heartbreak and betrayal was etched on his face.

"I'm sorry, Arthur..."

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Arthur screamed as he fell, Batman quickly rushed to catch him but he was too late. The Red Hood plummeted into the chemical vats with a mighty SPLASH. Ladybug saw this and averted her eyes along with Chloe as Chat Noir winced, also seeing this play out as he stood over the defeated Enforcers.

"Betraying one of your own...now that's low!" Spider-Man said as he webbed up Montana and yanked him into his grip before uppercutting him in the chin, sending him into the air before landing with a heavy THUD.

Batman looked over the vat of chemicals that Red Hood had fallen into, a frown on his face. He was a criminal, but he didn't deserve to go out like that. With a sigh, he grappled off, leaving the police to handle the Enforcers.

"Well, another nightly adventure for Spider-Man is in the bag." Spider-Man said with his hands on his hips before web-slinging off.

Ladybug quickly used her yo-yo to grapple down with Chloe safely in her arms as Chat Noir joined her before they went to bring her outside to safety.

"T-Thank you, Ladybug..." Chloe stuttered. "A-And you too, Chat Noir."

"Hey, what are heroes for, right?" Chat said with a coy smile as Ladybug rolled her eyes as they made it outside, Andre running over to hug Chloe as they both sobbed into each other's arms.

An hour or so later, a body spilled out of the ACE Chemical's waste disposal and into the sewers. The body floated along before winding up in the nearby river. Soon, it began coughing as it crawled out onto dry land, taking off its helmet and scratching itself.

"It burns..." Arthur rasped as he clutched his head. "I'm itching all over! My face...what's happening-?!"

He then saw his reflection in a puddle and froze. He stared for what felt like an eternity before holding his head down and sobbing...only for his sobbing to become choked giggles as he slowly got to his feet, clutching his head as his eyes widened and his mouth twisted itself into a deranged grin, his giggles breaking out into full-blown laughter.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

The man known as Arthur Fleck AKA Red Hood of the Big Man's Enforcers, was dead...and in his place was now something far more savage.

Smile, and always remember...THAT'S LIFE!