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Marinette's P.O.V

I worriedly stood next to my mother's bedside, watching her chest evenly rise and fall.

It had been a few hours since the incident.

The criminal had somehow escaped our guards' clutches and seemingly disappeared into thin air, leaving no trace of ever stepping foot inside the mansion. I had overheard of there being no signs of breaking in. This leads me to think...if that fiend was already inside and is still lurking these very halls.

The lunch was cut short, forcing our "lovely" guests to "unfortunately" depart due to the crises (much to my joy). Yet, Lila seemed a little too happy and satisfied with what had happened. I urged myself not to grab my father's antique fencing swords off the wall and get a few jabs in.

I have not once left my mother's side since her falling into a deep slumber. My eyes were glued onto her form, studying her peaceful face for signs of her awakening any time soon. I found it strange—odd even—seeing her relaxed state, so used to the stressed and stern woman. It was almost nice seeing her like this but very peculiar as well.

Mother and I may not have the best of a relationship but that did not mean I cared for her any less. I had hated her beliefs of how I should be a perfect doll with no flaws or blemishes. Yet, my feelings for her personally was more of a strong disliking.

"Marinette," Tikki spoke, emerging from the hidden pocket in my dress. Her antennae's drooped in sorrow, solemnly saying, "I am sorry for what happened to your mother. I am sure she will make a full recovery."

I shook my head, letting the smallest of smiles spread across my lips, "It is far from your fault. There is nothing for you to be sorry for, little one. Thank you, though."

My hand gently rubbed the top of Tikki's head before returning my gaze to mother. I grabbed the elder woman's hand with my free one, squeezing it.

I fondly added, "She is a very head-strong woman. Whatever vile thing that criminal did, mother will not submit to its clutches."

Tikki smiled, nuzzling her head into my finger. Concern washed over my body when the tiny bug's face etched into a frown shortly after.

"Is everything alright?" I asked, moving my hand away.

"I do not mean to be a barren of bad news," Tikki began, "but we need to leave soon to meet up with Chat Noir."

My focus immediately locked onto a grand clock sitting above the mantle. The time ticked closer to the minute Ladybug would need to make an appearance with her partner. I hummed in acknowledgment, turning back to the Kwami floating in midair.

"I will leave once father and the doctor return. I do not want to leave mother alone when that criminal could still be roaming these hallways," I replied.

Tikki gave an understanding look, nodding her head, "Okay, but do not keep him waiting. Chat Noir is not a very patient man."

I rolled my eyes, "That is why he is only considered a man instead of a gentleman. He has the manners of a drill sergeant."

Tikki's eyes glimmered a little before perking up. She quickly zipped back into my pocket just as the door opened with a groan. My father and the doctor walked into the room. The two approached the bedside, talking about mother's only symptom we could decipher. Her deep slumber.

I stepped aside, giving the doctor the needed space to work. I felt a large hand rest on my shoulder and turned my attention to the person attached to it. Father gave me a reassuring look, saying, "How about you go rest? I am sure that you are tired from all the excitement of today."

There was my excuse to leave, my chance to go see Chat Noir. Yet, something told me to stay and not leave mother's side. It kept me glued to the spot, gazing over at the sleeping woman with guilt. I did not know why this sudden urge to stay blossomed but I could not. If I am to be Ladybug then I have a duty to fulfill.

"Then..." I thought, "...maybe I can protect her better next time."

I felt so confused, emotions clouding my better judgment. Why I feel guilty or even care about my mother—a complete mystery to me. Mother has been nothing but cruel to me. After finally noticing my existence, she only saw a girl that lacked proper lady adequate and had to fix it.

So...why do I care? I should despise my mother for everything she has done to me. The hurtful words, the bitterness, the suffering—all of the torment over the years just so I would not ruin her image. Yet, I can not stop this heavy feeling in my chest that yearns for her to be okay.

I was snapped out of my confusing thoughts when my father gently squeezed my shoulder, gaining my attention back on him. He had the shyest of smiles on his face.

"Your mother will be fine. I will make sure of it," father assured.

I grimaced at his bittersweet words, not sure what to believe or how to react. Even though we live under the same roof, I hardly ever saw him. Being raised by the household servants rather than my own parents, makes me wonder if I should even consider them my parents at all.

To me, they are more like strangers I hardly knew. Still, I trusted this man more than anyone else at the moment. If there is at least one thing I know about my father, it is that he dearly loves his wife.

I gave a firm nod, "Okay."

Then, I left for my bedroom. It was time for Ladybug to meet up with Chat Noir. I glanced at an old grandfather clock sitting in the hall.

It seems that I have enough time.

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Ladybug's P.O.V

"You are late."

I looked up from undoing the tangled mess of my yo-yo's string from around my arm to face a grumpy man in a cat suit. Chat Noir stood over me, cat-like eyes narrowed and arms crossed. I stood up, feeling the gusts of the wind from atop a beam on the Eiffel Tower.

"I apologize for being late. I am still trying to get acclimated to using this foreign tool for transportation," I sheepishly said, finally freeing my arm from the wire-like string and began to wrap the yo-yo back up.

"As I am sure," Chat sarcastically spoke, pulling something from out of his belt and handed it to me, "Take this, so I can leave. You have already wasted enough of my precious time as is."

I took the envelope into my grasp, curiously analyzing it. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Chat Noir walking away.

"Wait, what is this?" I asked, earning an agitated sigh from Chat Noir. He paused in his steps and turned around, glaring daggers.

"Are you purposely asking me what a letter is or are you just that much of a moron?" he questioned, irritated. I scowled at Chat for his childish attitude. I understand he lost someone very close to his heart but that does not give him the right to take his anger out on me.

Yet, I bit down on my tongue as to not retaliate and decided to open the envelope. My fingers grasped on the folded sheet inside the envelope and pulled out the letter. I did a quick glance at Chat Noir, who stared with the same curiosity as I did.

Unfolding the letter, my eyes glossed over the page. I raised an eyebrow, cocking my head to the side in confusion. There are names of places and numbers of which I did not understand.

"What does it say in the letter?" Chat asked, "Hopefully, it says that you are not worthy to be Ladybug anymore and have to return your earrings."

I rolled my eyes at his words, deciding to fold the letter up and figure out the riddling words later.

"I am not going to tell you," I answered. If looks could kill, I would have been six feet under with the heated glare sent my way.

"Why is that?" Chat asked, growling behind clenched teeth.

"It is none of your business and for being very immature. I honestly expected more of a hero than this childish behavior," I explained, forcing myself not to smirk when seeing Chat flinch. I must have bruised his pride a little. He deserved it for the way he has been treating me.

"Now," I began, grabbing my yo-yo, "if you would pardon me, I shall be returning home for the night before someone notices my absence."

Just as I was about to throw the yo-yo, something latched onto my wrist. My heart lurched within my chest and shot my head around to see Chat standing behind me, his hand restrained to my wrist. His face was blank of any emotion, making it hard to decipher what he was thinking about.

Chat finally let out a sigh, letting go of my wrist. I crossed my arms, turning to face the cat hero.

"What do you want now? I do not have time to dally just because you have the need to threaten or down me-"

"How about you shut your mouth and let me explain before jumping to conclusions?" Chat huffed. I noticed that there was less malice laced within the tone of his voice and decided to hear him out.

"We both have a...disliking for each other," Chat started. My face, once filled with annoyance, softened and frowned.

"Does he really believe that?" I questioned in my head. Sure, I dislike his attitude and it could use some adjusting. He was very rude to me when we first met and I had done nothing to deserve it.

Maybe...that was the reason. By doing nothing instead of taking action might have been a poor mistake. We were in the middle of a battle. I understand his frustration with my badly-timed introduction and could have waited till afterward.

I am still new at this, trying to get used to these powers and abilities. It would be nice if there was some sort of instructions or someone to guide me. Maybe, I should try asking Tikki and practice during my free time.

That situation was a later thing to deal with. Right now, communicating with my partner was my top priority.

"I do not dislike you, Chat Noir," I told the blonde hero. His green, cat-like eyes narrowed, scanning me as if trying to figure out something. Possibly, he was trying to see if there was truth in what I said.

"You do not?" He questioned, skeptically. I shook my head, answering, "Do not get me wrong, I am not too thrilled about the way you have treated me in the short time we have known each other. But, I cannot say that I have not made some mistakes myself."

I looked down at the yo-yo in my grasp. Many people would think it was merely a child's toy but held many dangerous secrets. In the wrong hands, this tool could be used as a weapon for destruction and chaos, even though it was created for good. That alone was a terrifying thought.

"I am still new to all of...this," I continued, gesturing to the suit I wore before looking back at Chat, "Of course, I am still going to make mistakes. I am human. I want to get better at this—save lives and be the hero Paris needs. It will be a difficult road to pave but I am willing to give it a try if it means protecting everyone from Hawkmoth."

I held my chin high, genuine with every word that left my mouth. This great honor bestowed onto me is the single greatest thing in my life. It proves that I am more than what people think I am, a pretty face to dress up with money.

There is no way I am going to let this opportunity of a lifetime slip away. This is my chance—my debut to fulfill my long-awaited wish.

"If Tikki thinks that I am worthy of this honor, I hope you will give me another chance to redeem myself and fix our roughly-started acquaintance," I finished.

Chat blinked, seeming baffled and unsure of what to say. It seems I may have touched him in some way or another. Yet, I did not know whether it was in a good or bad way.

After a long pause of silence, Chat sighed and scratched the back of his neck.

"It is getting late. We should get home," Chat muttered, grabbing his baton and readying to jump, "Bye."

With that, he left. From where I stood, I watched Chat leap from roof to roof. I scoffed at his sudden departure, hoping to get...well, something or another. Even though this was our second meeting, I could tell whatever bond we have is going to be complex.

I gripped the yo-yo in my hand before launching it at a nearby pole, returning to the mansion for the night.

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