Parallel Battles

10:15 am

Ladybug swings through the city, her yoyo extending and retracting with precision. She had spotted something fast and purple fly above her head not so long ago. She felt it best to go check it out, just to be safe. Once transformed, Ladybug took off in the direction it flew. Locating the butterfly wasn't too hard, once Ladybug caught sight of it again, she followed it closely, not taking her eyes off it. She had decided it was best to attempt to cleanse it before it found its target host.

The Akuma flutters ahead, spreading chaos in its wake. No Akuma had this kind of power to cause damage in its path. What was Shadow Moth up to? How did he manage to create such a strong Akuma? Was he aware that Ladybug was tailing his attack?

Ladybug leaps from rooftop to rooftop, her agility unmatched. Her mind is focused, her determination unwavering. The need to nip this Akuma in the bud is the most important thing right now. Alya will understand.

10:17 am

Meanwhile, Adrien is sitting on a cold floor of a non-functioning elevator, staring pensively at the closed metal doors, wishing for them to open. The emergency lights cast an eerie glow, illuminating his furrowed brow. He fiddles with his ring, his thumb tracing the intricate design. It was a constant reminder of his untapped power; his untapped potential. He heaves a heavy sigh, frustration clearly visible on his face. Why today of all days for an Akuma to show up? This was meant to be his day off; his father gave his word, no more modelling gigs for a while. He had plans with Nino to play video games while the girls had a spa day. Instead he was told a fellow teen model was sick and they needed a replacement ASAP, and his life was pulled out from under him, again.

Feelings of annoyance race through Adrien's head. The events of how he ended up in this mess plays on his mind. Adrien hadn't even managed to set two feet out of the car, when he was ushered into a building by his bodyguard. Next thing he knew, a bomb-like sound had gone off close by. Being the superhero he is, Adrien had tried to escape his crew members to go help the people, but his bodyguard was adamant and pushed him into one of the elevators, as another explosion went off, this time right above them.

10:20 am

Ladybug lands gracefully on a nearby ledge, her eyes fixed on the Akuma. She pulls out her Ladybug communicator and dials a number. "Come on Chat Noir. Where are you?" The line goes dead, leaving Ladybug feeling annoyed and worried.

She watches the Akuma closely, strategizing her plan. With a swift flick of her wrist, her yoyo extends, wrapping around the Akuma and pulling it closer. She prepares to capture it, her confidence radiating. The butterfly rages against the yoyo, sparks fly everywhere. It breaks free from the yoyo's grasp and takes off again. "Dammit!"

10:25 am

Back in the elevator, Adrien's attention shifts as he hears Plagg's voice. "Adrien, remember what Ladybug said; no exposing your identity. Only use your powers when your life is in immediate danger. Sit tight and wait; it will be over soon."

Adrien sighs, his hand pulling at his blond hair. "I know! I just wish I could do something. I should be out there helping instead of sitting here." he whispers.

"Just wait. Ladybug will set things right again."

10:30 am

The Akuma speeds off, locating its next victim. Not taking her eyes off the butterfly, Ladybug lands on another rooftop close by, catching her breath. Weaving past crowds of people, the Akuma spots a young woman wearing a pair of sunglasses. She is arguing with her boyfriend on the phone; her voice full of anger and hurt. The Akuma senses her negative emotions and swoops down towards her fast.

"No!" Ladybug shouts, her arm outstretched. A look of horror and realisation washes over her. Ladybug watches the scene unfold in slow motion as the woman makes a deal and a purple liquid covers her whole body. Ladybug was too late; Shadow Moth was the one calling the shots now.

"Chat Noir, I could really do with your help right about now."

10.35 am

Adrien gets to his feet, pacing back and forth in the elevator. "I can't take this!" he yells, getting the attention from the staff members.

"Are you alright Mr Agreste?" A young lady, from his crew asks. A look of concern shines in her brown eyes. She had been quietly sitting in the corner, scrolling on her phone.

Alarmed, Adrien spins around to face her. A deer in the headlight's expression is plastered on his face. "Ah. Sorry about that outburst Vicky." Adrien walks over and takes a seat next to her on the concrete floor. "I don't do well in confined spaces."

Vicky nods. "Me too. I'm glad I wasn't alone when the elevator broke down."

10:40 am

The newest Akuma taunts Ladybug, firing warning shots at her. "Where's your feline partner?"

Ladybug grits her teeth. Wanting to know the answer to that question as well; she could really do with his help. "Oh, he's never too far from an Akuma fight." she lies, hoping it would buy her some time for him to show.

Another building collapses from being fired upon by the raging Akuma, then a second, quickly followed by a third. Ladybug flings her yoyo at the Akuma, attempting to knock her glasses from her head. The Akuma effortlessly dodges all of Ladybug's attacks and jumps away towards a row of shops. Ladybug follows but is stopped by Chat Noir jumping in front of her.

"Chat! Where have you been?" She scolds, hands on hips.

"I'm sorry Ladybug. I'm not the real Chat Noir." he explains.

Ladybug looks confused, she reaches out a hand to touch him, but he backs away. "A walking, talking illusion."

"Yes. I don't know where the real Chat Noir is and I have seen no sign of him anywhere. I hope this plan will fool the Akuma and Shadow Moth long enough for the real one to show up." The illusion Chat Noir explains.

Ladybug nods, grabbing her yoyo and readying herself. "You remember the rules on how illusions work? It will be a lot harder as you're mimicking movement and speech on the fly."

"Yes. You can trust me Ladybug."

"Alright. Let's go and kick some Akuma butt."

10.55 am

In the elevator, Adrien's gaze shifts between the closed doors and his ring. His mind is focused on the ongoing battle. "I hope she's coping okay?" Adrien wonders aloud.

"Who?" Vicky asks, her gaze curious.

"Oh. Um... Ladybug. It seems like things are taking longer than normal to cleanse the town."

Vicky hums to herself, thinking for a moment. She then shows Adrien her phone. "Here."

Adrien takes the phone from her. On screen is Nadja Chamack, a news reporter.

"If you're just joining us, please don't be alarmed. A new Akuma that goes by the name Faithful, is currently terrorising the streets of downtown Paris. If you're in the local area, please stay indoors for your own safety."

A loud bang is heard outside the elevator, causing the light to flicker. Vicky backs up a little, her body touching the cold metal walls.

"It's okay Vicky." Adrien reinsures her, taking her hand in his. "The structure of this building has reinforced metal girders holding them up. It will take more than a few hits to cause any threat."

Vicky squeezes Adrien's hand tightly "I hope you're right."

Adrien gives a small squeeze back, his gaze drifting to the crumpled ceiling above them. His smile falters, hearing the metal strain under pressure. "Please hurry Ladybug!"

11;00 am

Ladybug and the illusion Chat Noir race across the rooftops of Paris, dodging attacks by the Akuma, Faithful.

"Stop chasing me! Leave me alone! I need to go see my cheating boyfriend and give him a piece of my mind!" Faithful yells, firing another blast at the superhero duo. The illusion cries in pain, as the hit strikes their arm.

"Oh my god!" Ladybug yells frantically. Racing towards the wounded hero. "Al-" Ladybug begins but quickly cuts herself off, not wanting to give anything away. "Are you okay?"

"I didn't know if the illusion got hurt, I would too?" Chat Noir wines, rubbing their sore arm.

Ladybug gets to her feet, pulling her partner up by the hand. "I didn't know either. I haven't managed to read all of the book yet."

Chat Noir nods, thinking about something.

"Something on your mind?" Ladybug questions.

"I don't know. Are we missing something? Don't the Akumas normally attack us. Not run away?" The illusion asks.

"Yes. But the ones that are really focused on who wronged them, will use their power and seek out that person first." Ladybug explains. "Either way, we have to stop her. If she ignores Shadow Moth's demands for much longer it won't end well for her."

Chat Noir jumps off a building, spinning their baton above their head like a helicopter.

Swinging in mid air, Ladybug sees the illusion flicker above the crowds of people below. "Are you sure you're alright? Remember, stay focused, we can't have you lose your concentration now." Ladybug reminds her partner. "It's viral that people believe you're the real deal, until he shows up."

"Yes Ladybug, you're right. I'm really trying my best. There's a lot to think about, plus my arm stings a little."

"I know you can handle this." Ladybug smiles. "Oh and one more thing, drop the formalities. Even though I hate it, you're going to have to try and act like him the best you can."

"Right, yes! Of course Lady-Um... I mean M'Lady."

11:10

Adrien and Vicky are sitting quietly, watching the ongoing Akuma fight on her mobile phone. A bird's eye view is shown on screen of the destruction that Faithful is currently making.

"It looks like our hero, Chat Noir, has joined in on the fight after being MIA for the last hour." Nadja Chamack informs her views.

Adrien sits upright, not believing what he is seeing. "What!? No that's not-owch!" His sentence is cut off by something prodding him hard in the ribs. Adrien, feeling annoyed, glances down at his jacket. Plagg gives him a pensive look. Adrien pulls a face, wanting desperately to tell Plagg off. Plagg looks up, shaking his head. A silent exchange is understood between them. Adrien sighs and resumes watching Ladybug and the imposter fight Faithful. Adrien's mind starts to race with questions. Who is this fake Chat Noir? Why does Ladybug appear to trust him? Does Ladybug even know that this Chat Noir wasn't the real one? Adrien could only sit there and watch as the imposter gallivants around Paris, pretending to be him.

On screen, Ladybug runs towards Faithful with a look of determination. She jumps and flips over an overturned bus, closing the gap between them. Faithful spots this and shoots a blast at an onlooker.

"Oi! Ladybug!" A man in his mid forties shouts, picking up a bin lid.

Ladybug turns her head just in time to see the metal bin lid flying at her at speed. Ladybug ducks, her eyes shining with anger.

"What do you think you're doing?" She accuses the man, giving him daggers. "That could have hit me!"

"You're a liar Ladybug. You promised to keep us safe from Hawk Moth. Now he's stronger and has more powers. My little girl got hurt because of you!" The man screams, throwing more items towards the hero.

"I'm sorry! It's not my intention for anyone to get hurt." Ladybug yells back, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Well she did, and it's your fault!"

"Hey! Leave My Lady alone!" Chat Noir yells, knocking the man over with his weapon. Ladybug and Chat Noir stare at the man in disbelief.

"You shouldn't have done that...but, thanks Kitty." Ladybug informs her partner, tears still in her eyes.

Feeling her pain, Chat Noir pulls Ladybug into a hug, wrapping their arms around her tightly. "Are you okay?"

Her face still buried in the leather, Ladybug gives a weak nod. "Yeah. We'll talk about it later."

"Looks like Chat Noir's demeanour has changed towards Ladybug." Vicky comments, snapping Adrien back to reality. "Looks like he's really toned down the flirting and Ladybug doesn't look annoyed by him anymore."

"Um... Yeah...Looks like." Adrien replies glumly, his eyes not leaving the screen.

A loud cry is heard from the otherside of the elevator. Adrien and Vicky look over to see a male colleague crouching in the far corner. Adrien recognizes the man as one of the photographers from his crew. The man is clutching his chest, his eyes wide with terror. Another member of staff is kneeling beside them, trying to calm down the scared employee.

"Clark, listen, it's going to be okay." She says, resting a gentle hand on his back.

"No! Don't touch me!" Clark shouts, slapping at her arm.

Adrien rushes over to Clark, dropping Vicky's phone on the floor. He kneels down next to him and tries to calm him down.

"Hey, hey, it's okay. You're not alone. I'm here with you." Adrien says softly, shooing the female employee away.

The man flinches and pushes Adrien back. "No! No! Get away from me! I need to get out of here! I need to get out of here!" he shouts, crawling towards the door.

Adrien follows him and blocks his way. He looks into his eyes and speaks firmly.

"Listen to me. You're having a panic attack. It's normal to feel scared and trapped in this situation. But you're not in danger. You're safe. The elevator will be fixed soon and we'll be out of here."

The man shakes his head and tries to push past him. "No! No! You don't understand! I can't stay here! I can't stay here!" he repeats, his voice cracking.

Adrien feels a pang of sympathy for him. He remembers how he felt when he was locked in his room by his father for days. He remembers how he felt when he was trapped under the rubble with Ladybug during an Akuma attack.

He knows what it's like to feel helpless and hopeless.

He takes a deep breath and decides to share his experience with Clark.

"I do understand. Right now it feels like the walls are closing in on you and that you're desperately trying to leave. I get it, more than you know. My father keeps me locked up in the mansion for days at a time. I'm not allowed to go out, see my friends or even go to school on some occasions. Something that everyone takes for granted." Adrien bites his lip, not sure if he should say anything more.

Clark shakes his head, not wanting to listen.

"Okay. Clark. Focus on me. Focus on my voice. Breath with me." Adrien instructs, taking in long deep breaths.

11:30 am

Ladybug and the illusion drop to ground level, just as the building they are standing on crumbles away. They give each other a look. Faithful glours at them, then flies away. Ladybug gives chase, leaving Chat Noir smiling.

"Oi Faithful!" they call, spinning their baton expertly with one hand. "So enlighten me. What do you call a person who is always true to their word?"

Ladybug gives Chat Noir a pointed look. "Come on. Now's not the time for jokes Chat!"

"A faith-fool." The illusion answers with a grin.

Ladybug rolls her eyes, wishing they wouldn't take acting in character so seriously.

"Oh. You like that one M'Lady?" Chat Noir teases.

"Not now, Chat!" Ladybug hisses.

Watching the two heroes argue, Faithful charges at Ladybug, her weapon ready to strike. "Will you quit arguing! I'm sick of people lying and you two are the biggest liars of them all!"

Ladybug turns around in time, her head inches away from being struck. "Seriously! What's with people calling me a liar?"

Keeping her eyes trained on Ladybug, Faithful doesn't notice the other hero sneaking closer, baton in hand. "I must find my cheating ex boyfriend and you're in my way. But if you give up your Miraculous, I might reconsider hurting him and you."

"I'll never give up my Miraculous! Not to you, and certainly not to Shadow Moth, or whatever name he cares to go by!" Ladybug shouts, her eyes fixed on her partner.

"Have it your way!" Faithful says, readying herself for the slaughter.

Not waiting to miss an opportunity, Chat Noir strikes Faithful on the side of her head with their baton. "Knock it off!"

Ladybug runs towards the unconscious Faithful, grabbing her dark blue sunglasses and snapping them in two. A small purple butterfly flutters out. Ladybug throws her yoyo and catches it, this time with ease. Once cleansed, Ladybug releases a pure white butterfly out from the yoyo, setting it free.

"So you're going to cleanse the city next?" The illusion asks, walking calming to the now dishevelled lady.

Throwing her lucky charm into the air, Ladybug cleanses the city of all the damage done during the fight.

"Right, well...I better go then." Ladybug's partner announces, about to jump away.

"Hold up, Chat Noir." Ladybug says, her voice stern. She then holds out her fist. "Appearances."

Chat Noir smiles awkwardly, walking up to Ladybug. "Ah right, sorry."

"Pound it!" They say in unison.

11:35 am

Adrien is still sitting on the floor of the elevator, his arms wrapped tightly around Clark.

"That's it, breath; in and out, in and out." Adrien instructs, maintaining a calm and level head.

Adrien feels a burst of magic surge around them briefly. "It's over Clark, it's over! Ladybug did it!"

The lights flicker back on and the motor of the elevator miraculously comes back to life. Everyone in the elevator cheers loudly. Adrien's arms fall to the side; relief flows through his body, but a look of hurt lingers in his eyes. "Thank goodness!"