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Ladybug's P.O.V

"Attack from above!"

I block.

"Now, the side!"

Block.

"Low!"

Block.

Chat Noir and I are, once again, training for me to sword fight. I am finding it quite...difficult practicing when the only lighting I have is the dotting lamps in the streets below. Plus, Chat Noir's black suit is a perfect disguise in the nighttime cover. To put it shortly, I can hardly see anything!

He has managed to hit me a few times (not very hard) and constructively criticized what I did wrong. Yet, I am assuming he is getting frustrated having to repeat some explanations.

I try to attack but it only gives Chat Noir leverage. I stumble past him and feel his elbow bumping into my back, making me fall. The baton I was using slips from my grasp and slides across the roof.

"No no no," the blonde groaned, "Were you watching my movements at all? That was a terrible timed attack."

I stand from the ground in a huff, wiping the dirt off my suit.

"No," I started, aggravation laced in my tone. I step on the end of my baton and it leaps up into my waiting hand.

"I can hardly see a foot in front of me. It is too dark out but I am sure you are having no problems with your night vision."

Chat Noir blinks in realization. He looked around the city like he just noticed the change from day to night.

"So it is," he murmured. Chat Noir shrinks his half of the baton, "We will train another time. May I have my other half?"

I quickly hit him in the leg before handing over the other half of his weapon. A small smile settles on my face. He deserved that. Chat Noir shrinks it and combines the two parts back into one whole, reattaching it to his belt.

"I apologize. I did not realize how late it grew. I was not paying any attention," he said.

"It is okay," I reassured him, "Is there something on your mind?"

"Is there not always things on peoples' minds?" He asked, sitting on the edge. I sit next to him and roll my eyes.

"You know very well what I meant," I said.

"Well do not take this in any offensive or hurtful way, but I still do not fully trust you enough to share anything," Chat told me. I will not lie, it does hurt. But I do understand we have not known each other for very long. I wish I could be someone trustworthy but it takes time. My bluebell eyes gaze up at the silvery moon.

"Then, I hope to become someone you can trust someday and be a perfect partner," I genuinely said, childishly swinging my feet back and forth (I definitely would get yelled at for such acts).

"Unfortunately for you, I am not looking for a perfect partner," Chat Noir said. I shoot a glare his way, about to give him an earful until he finished his thoughts.

"I want a good partner. A partner who lives up to no one's expectations or is egotistical."

I pause, mouth slightly agape. I was not expecting that answer but I can agree with it on many levels. Perfection is impossible to live up to everyone's opinion. I have witnessed it firsthand on both sides of Paris.

There are going to be people who will disagree with what we are trying to accomplish. There are those minding their own lives. Lastly, there are those cheering us on. It would be completely worthless and a waste of time to change the opinion of someone that has made up their mind.

Chat Noir wants a good-natured partner, someone that will do their best to serve the purpose of the rebellion and protect. A good person. Someone that does not care for reputation and power. Someone that does not care for perfection and standards.

He may have not chosen me, nor did he want me at first, but he is now giving me a chance to prove myself worthy. A chance to become a good partner—a good person.

"Now, I have a question for you, Ladybug, and I need a truthful answer from you," Chat Noir said in a serious tone. I grip the roof's edging, feeling nervous about whatever question the blonde hero is going to ask. I can tell he wants a deadly serious, straightforward answer. No tomfoolery.

"What is it?" I asked, preparing myself for the worst. Is he going to ask for me to reveal my identity? No, the only way we are going to trust each other is to not snoop. I honestly cannot think of anything else that is super important. Yet, I do not have to wait long when he asks me his question.

"What are you willing to sacrifice, your reputation or your life?"

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Alya's P.O.V

The area surrounding me is dark, a complete void of never-ending ebony. Yet, I feel as though I am trapped in a small space. I did not think much of it. It is quiet and peaceful here with no dangers lurking nearby. Though there is an ominous waver in the air I cannot seem to shake.

"So...do we have a deal?" a distorted voice speaks. I gasp in fright. I cannot tell, whatever vile creature if it is a male or female. It sounds almost demonic. It is close as if it is standing right in front of me. I try to see through the darkness and find the disembodied voice's residency. My search is futile. I want to stumble away or ready myself to fight. But I am unable to move.

A hand engulfed with green flames suddenly presents itself, stretching out for me to shake and seal the deal. Yellow eyes stare straight into my soul with sinister intentions. Even though I am unable to see its face, I can imagine a grin so big it splits its cheeks in half.

"No..." I thought, shakily, "No no no no! Not this again!"

I watch as my hand raises on its own without my consent. Horror shoots through my veins and a freezing feeling washes over my skin. The tension of my body grows, attempting to regain control of my arm. I try to resist and pull my hand away. I use all my willpower to tear out of the invisible force's grip. I cannot let this happen...not again.

"No!" I yelled, voice cracking in anguish, "I do not want this! I will not accept, you monster!"

The demonic voice chuckles.

"Oh my dear child," it mischievously purrs, every word it speaks has a certain chilling curl, "You cannot undo the mistake you chose long ago. Our deal has forever been sealed. You will never have a choice to rewrite what has been done, Alya Cesaire."

I stare in dread, all air growing tensely thick it is nearly suffocating. I continue to try and fight against the mysterious force pulling my hand toward the flaming one. My arm viscously trembles just like the rapidly beating organ in my chest.

Yet, it is not enough.

My hand grasps the flaming one, sealing our deal. The demonic voice laughs in malevolent joy, reveling in my misery. An intense, unsettling ache shoots through my stomach. A blistering fire torched my inner soul.

Then, emptiness.

A loneliness I have dreaded every day of my life since making that terrible decision. Every blunder and flaw presented in my life cannot compare to this one choice I made. Now, I drown in this awful feeling over and over again.

There is no escaping the abyss of my own tormented prison—my own selfish mistake.

I shoot up and let out a heavy gasp. I take in deep breathes of air, trying to calm my nerves. I clench my fist over my throbbing heart. Beads of sweat cascade down my face along with my tears. My mouth is dry like a bunch of salt was poured onto it.

I quickly look around at my surroundings, recognizing my bedroom. I look at my makeshift bed's other half, seeing Nino still slumbering away. I let out a sigh and crawl out from under the raggedy blanket's cover.

"I need some air," I thought, sniffling and rubbing my burning eyes. The tears still fall and a sob is starting to make its way up through my throat. Before I head out of the hut, my eyes land on Nino once more. An overwhelming feeling of guilt washes over me before quietly retreating outside.

I move to sit up against the hut's wall and pull my legs to my chest, hiding my face in my knees. This is not the first time I have been haunted by this nightmare. What makes it worse, it is not only a nightmare but a horrid memory I wish to erase from my mind.

Yet, I continue to carry this painful reminder—this soul-crushing burden.

I was let off too easily. I do not deserve this hut I claim as my actual home. I do not deserve the man I love, blissfully sleeping inside. I do not deserve to be a hero. If there is one thing I do deserve in my life is to be tortured like this.

"Alya? What are you doing out here at this hour?"

I tense up, hearing the voice of the very man I love. I kept silent and did not dare to lift my head. I know I will feel the stinging discomfort of guilt infest once I look into those brown eyes—those ignorant eyes looking upon me without knowing what I have done.

"Is everything okay?" Nino asked concern laced within his voice. A gentle touch settles on my back as a way of comfort but brings me more hurt. I do not deserve it. I do not deserve him.

I wish I can just forget the past. I would not have these night terrors nearly every night. Nino would not have to continuously get up in the early morning and lose sleep to comfort someone he should despise. If only he knew...

"Sorry," I rasped out, regretfully, "I was trying not to wake you up this time."

"Hey, it is alright," Nino reassured me with a small, tired smile, "You know you can always come to me if you need a shoulder to cry on. I know you would do the same for me. Actually, you have when I have that nightmare."

I finally lift my head from my knees but keep my gaze forward, unable to look at Nino. I know exactly what one he is talking about. The one of his older sister.

"I did have that nightmare too," I said, referring to my reoccurring nightmare. Nino pulls me into a side hug. I cannot help but lay my head on his shoulder, seeking his warmth. He places a kiss on the top of my temple and rubs my arm.

"I will always protect you from your nightmares," he quietly proclaimed. I frown at his words. While they are sweeter than honey, I do not wish this burden upon him.

"You do not have to do it all the time. I feel like I am burdening you from your sleep," I sourly confessed, "One of us should at least be fully rested. If two of the five elite heroes are off their game, the team with be unbalanced."

"As your teammate and partner, I will help you in every possible way I can. You are not going to go through this alone, Alya," Nino said.

I narrow my eyes at the male, "When did you become so stubborn, turtle boy?"

He smirks in return with a snarky reply, "I guess the stubbornness of a hot-headed fox rubbed off on me."

Somehow, it brings a smile to my face. I lean over and kiss him on the lips. I do not know where I would be without Nino by my side. He has helped me overcome so many obstacles in my life. He has shown me how to become a better person...which makes everything more difficult.

I love this man with my whole heart.

Once the kiss ends, I breathe out only a few words, "I love you, turtle boy."

But as much as I want to love him, it hurts...

His smile brightens, "I love you too, stubborn fox."

...knowing that I still do not deserve him or his love.

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