Chapter 1: Hero issues.
Marissa lived a comfortable life with her mother, father, and younger sister, Lilly. She enjoyed family trips to England to visit her maternal grandmother and always looked forward to calls from her uncle, Damien. However, she and her mother had a lingering suspicion—Damien was hiding something.
He claimed to be a hotel manager in California, but his life didn't match that story. His calls often came from strange, untraceable numbers, and sometimes, Marissa caught glimpses of him speaking into devices that didn't look like normal phones. She had even seen his face flicker onto a computer screen mid-conversation, only for the connection to abruptly cut off. He spoke in hushed tones about criminals, artifacts, and coded operations, none of which had anything to do with running a hotel.
Then there were his gadgets—little pieces of advanced technology that seemed far beyond anything on the market. Once, Marissa had borrowed a pen from him, only to accidentally press a hidden button that activated a tiny laser. Another time, she noticed a ring he wore with an engraved symbol she had never seen before, but when she asked about it, Damien quickly changed the subject.
Despite the secrecy, Marissa adored her uncle. That's why, when her family announced they were moving to Paris, she was both excited and wary. Her father, Kai, the CEO of a powerful tech company, was opening a new European branch of his business, and her mother, Angel, planned to expand her luxury hotel chain across France. But Marissa knew there was more to it.
As their car pulled into the driveway of their new home in Paris, Marissa sat in the backseat, staring out the window with a bored expression. At 14 years old, she had long, wavy blonde hair that cascaded down her back and piercing blue eyes that held a rebellious glint. Her style leaned toward the edgy side—today, she wore a black tank top under a cropped leather jacket, ripped black jeans, and heavy combat boots. Around her neck, she sported a black choker, and her fingers were adorned with silver rings.
What stood out most, however, were her tattoos. Though young, she had already collected a few striking designs, each one carefully chosen. A gothic-style raven perched on her forearm, intricate roses intertwined with barbed wire wrapped around her wrist, and a stylized snake coiled along her shoulder. Each tattoo felt like a statement, a piece of her defiance against the pristine, controlled world of high society she had been born into.
Her father, Kai, was behind the wheel, dressed in a green collared shirt, jeans, and black shoes. He had black hair, brown eyes, and an air of authority that made him both respected and feared in business.
Angel sat beside him, talking on the phone as usual. Her long, curly blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her dark pink eyes held a natural elegance. Dressed in a light-colored sundress and white open-toed shoes, it was easy to see how she had once been a famous model.
Lilly, Marissa's energetic 11-year-old sister, sat next to her. With black hair, hazel eyes, and a bright smile, she practically vibrated with excitement. She wore a light blue T-shirt and a denim skirt, her feet swinging happily.
"This should be fun, Sis!" Lilly beamed, practically bouncing in her seat.
Marissa, however, wasn't so sure. She had a feeling this move wasn't just about business. Her father's tech empire, her mother's hotels, and her uncle's secretive work—it was all connected.
"Marissa, honey, you're awfully quiet," said Angel.
"Thinking." Marissa remarked.
"About what, sis?" Lilly asked.
"NothingNothing much, just thinking."
"Marissa, this transfer is an amazing opportunity," said Angel. "Even for you. You have the chance to meet new people."
"Superheroes!" Lilly excitedly said, pointing out the window.
Kai stopped the car and everyone looked outside and saw two people around Marissa's age in colorful costumes running along the rooftops.
One was a girl with dark hair in pigtails dressed in a red bodysuit with black polka dots.
The other was a blonde boy wearing a black bodysuit done in the style of a cat.
"This is your dream not mine." Marissa bluntly.
"Sis! Aren't you seeing this?!" Lilly asked while looking at the heroes getting ready to fight.
That was when a guy that could pass for the Incredible Hulk appeared and faced down the two heroes.
"Give me the miraculous, pipsqueaks," he growled.
"Not gonna happen!" The girl said while spinning her yo-yo.
"And you can tell that to Hawk Moth," said the boy while holding his staff.
"Annoying." Marissa remarked Uninterested.
The heroes started fighting the wannabe Hulk while he swatted them around like they were flies.
"I'll smash you both!" He yelled. "No one will ever call me weak again!"
"Honey, drive us out of here," Angel said to Kai.
Kai nodded and started the car to drive away. As they left, the Ladybug girl threw her yo-yo into the air and it shined and produced a whistle.
The family soon arrived at the hotel and Kai told the staff it was him. The family were led up through the elevator to their accommodations.
"I need to hit the spa," Angel said. "You wouldn't believe what happened to us on the way here."
"What happened?" The employee asked.
"Some real-life Hulk came out of nowhere and started fighting these superheroes!" Lilly excitedly said.
"Sounds like Ladybug and Cat Noir are fighting a villain again," said the employee as he stopped at a suite. "That happens a lot around here."
"Yeah."
"Well, I just hope there aren't any of those villains coming here," said Angel. "I'm having a big show this weekend. I even got Gabriel Agreste to let his son model for me. You might like him, Marissa. He's about your age."
Marissa scoffed, shoving her hands into her jacket pockets. "Hopefully."
Another rich kid model? Just what she needed. Another person born into wealth, expected to play their role, never questioning anything.
That was the part that always got under her skin. Everyone around her—her parents, the business elites, even her own uncle—acted like the world made perfect sense, like everything had a place. But Marissa wasn't blind. She saw the cracks. She felt the weight of all the unspoken things, the secrets they refused to share.
It was why she rebelled. Why she covered her skin in ink, why she wore leather instead of designer dresses, why she never played by their rules. If they were going to keep her in the dark, fine. But she wouldn't pretend to be something she wasn't.
Still… as she stepped into the suite, her mind lingered on the fight outside. She wasn't impressed by the heroes, but something about their world felt… off. Like a puzzle where half the pieces were missing.
And if there was one thing Marissa hated, it was not knowing the full picture.
"Sis! The heroes are on the news! They're winning! They're winning!" Lilly cheered.
Marissa barely glanced at the screen. Ladybug and Chat Noir were mid-battle, dodging attacks, flipping through the air with unnatural ease. The wannabe Hulk from earlier was swinging wildly, but the heroes were wearing him down.
Same formula. Same flashy moves. Same predictable outcome.
"Of course, they are," Marissa muttered, flopping onto the couch with disinterest. "They always do."
"Well, yeah! They're superheroes!" Lilly said, as if that explained everything.
Marissa shot her a look but didn't bother arguing. What was the point? Everyone ate up this hero act like it was some grand fairytale. But Marissa knew better. Nothing in life was that clean-cut.
She leaned back, crossing her arms. If they always won, why did the bad guys keep showing up? Why did the city still need saving? Why did nobody seem to ask those questions?
Lilly cheered as Ladybug's yo-yo wrapped around the villain's wrist, slamming him into the pavement.
Marissa sighed. Another day, another fight. Another problem swept under the rug. She turned off the TV. "Enough of that."
"Hey!" Lilly whined.
Marissa didn't even glance at her. "Don't 'hey' me. You shouldn't watch that garbage."
Lilly huffed, crossing her arms. "It's not garbage! Ladybug and Chat Noir save people!"
Marissa scoffed. "Heroes are nothing but the ones who make villains." Her voice was cold, final, like she had already made up her mind.
Lilly's face scrunched up in confusion. "That doesn't even make sense!"
Marissa finally turned her head, her blue eyes sharp. "Think about it. If they weren't around, would all these villains even exist?"
Lilly faltered for a second but quickly shook her head. "That's not true! Hawk Moth is the bad guy! He's the one making the villains."
Marissa let out a humorless laugh. "Right. And yet, no one ever stops him. They fight his monsters, what, every other day? And nothing ever changes?"
Lilly frowned, gripping the remote a little tighter. "They're trying."
"Trying isn't enough." Marissa stood up, walking past her sister toward the balcony. "A real fight doesn't last this long unless someone wants it to."
She slid open the glass door and stepped outside, letting the cool Paris air hit her. "Not trying to be mean sis."
"Marissa, do you hate superheroes?" Lilly asked innocently.
"Of course I do." Marissa said with a scuff.
"If it helps…… Ladybug isn't better than you," said Lilly.
"That's not the issue Lilly." Marissa said with a smile.
"Just the same," said Lilly. She then saw some magical ladybugs flying around the city. "Wow! Is that Ladybug's power?"
Marissa barely glanced up, already exhausted by the conversation. The way Lilly idolized these heroes made her head hurt.
"Ugh." Marissa sighed, rubbing her temple. "I can't deal with this right now."
Without another word, she turned and walked toward her room, shutting the door behind her. Flopping onto the bed, she exhaled deeply. Paris was already proving to be just as tiring as she expected.
She closed her eyes, willing herself to sleep.
At least in her dreams, there were no superheroes.
-next day-
Everyone arrived at Francis DuPont Junior High School like always. Everyone gossiped about the fight from the day before. Adrien Agreste got out of his father's car and met with his best friend Nino. Soon after, a white limo pulled up and Chloe Bourgeois entered like she was a celebrity.
"Good morning, Chloe!" Sabrina said as she greeted her.
"Hey, Sabrina," said Chloe. "Oh! Adrikins!"
Before Chloe rushed to Adrien, everyone was shocked to see another limo pull up to the school. The door opened and The students fell silent as Marissa stepped out.
She was nothing like the polished, high-society types they were used to. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back, but the dark clothing, the piercing blue eyes, and the edgy tattoos snaking up her arms immediately set her apart. Dressed in a fitted leather jacket, a ripped black top, and combat boots that hit the pavement with a subtle thud, she was the complete opposite of Chloé's flashy perfection.
Marissa glanced around, unimpressed by the stares. She sighed and muttered, "I literally could have gotten here another way."
Chloé's mouth fell open. "Excuse me? Who even are you?"
Marissa barely spared her a glance before rolling her eyes and walking toward the entrance. She had no interest in answering.
"Excuse me!" Chloe shouted as she stormed after her. "Excuse me! Do you think you can just ignore me and get away with it?! I mean, do you even know who I am?"
"Chloe, leave her alone," said Adrien.
"I'm just establishing the hierarchy here," said Chloe.
Marissa Was getting pissed off by this girl.
"Sabrina!" Chloe said, snapping her fingers.
"Right!" Said Sabrina as she rushed over and cleared throat and spoke. "Presenting the daughter of the esteemed mayor of Paris, Andre Bourgeois, the wonderful, amazing, gorgeous……. Chloe!"
"Hey how About you shut Up, you little Prima donna." Marissa said in a cold tone.
Everyone gasped at what Marissa said.
"Oh no she didn't," said Nino.
"Oh yes she did," said Ivan.
"You wanna act all high And mighty but guess what I don't give two shits my family Is far more powerful than your pathetic Daddy Mayor so fuck off or piss me off and find Out."
"You…… you…..!" Chloe growled.
"You heard her, Chloe," said Marinette. "Just like me, she's not taking your crud."
"Yeah. So step off," said Alya.
Chloe growled and then stormed off with her nose in the air. "Ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous!" She said.
"Sorry about her," Marinette said, stepping up beside Marissa. "I'm Marinette."
"And I'm Alya," Alya added with a smirk. "Gotta say, you're one of the few people I've seen shut Chloé down like that. Kinda legendary."
Marinette nodded. "Yeah! What's your name?"
Marissa barely slowed her stride. "Marissa." Her tone was flat, uninterested. "And I'm gonna get to class."
Without another word, she walked off, her combat boots tapping against the floor as she disappeared down the hall.
Alya raised an eyebrow. "Not exactly Miss Sunshine, huh?"
Marinette watched Marissa go, frowning slightly. "Hard to say." Something about her didn't just scream rude—there was something else there. Something guarded.
And Marinette couldn't help but wonder what it was.
In class, Marissa walked in, scanning the room for an empty seat. Unfortunately for her, the only available one was right where Adrien usually sat.
She scoffed, clearly unimpressed, but dropped into the seat anyway, crossing her arms.
Adrien walked in moments later, pausing when he saw her sitting there. "Oh, uh... that's my seat."
Marissa barely glanced at him. "Not anymore."
Adrien hesitated. He was used to people swooning over him, not shutting him down without a second thought. "I mean, I usually sit there, but—"
Marissa cut him off with a raised brow. "Then find another seat. Not my problem."
Adrien blinked in surprise, but instead of arguing, he just chuckled. "Alright. No big deal." He moved to an empty seat next to her, still watching her curiously.
Nino leaned over, whispering to Adrien from behind him, "Dude, I think she just stole your throne."
Adrien only smiled. "I don't mind. She's interesting."
From across the room, Alya nudged Marinette. "Told you she was different."
Marinette nodded. Something told her Marissa was going to shake things up at this school—and she wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing.
As she waited for the teacher, Marissa pulled out her notebook, flipping to a page filled with scribbled lyrics and rough melodies. She tapped her pen against the paper, lost in thought.
Back in Canada, she had been part of a band—one of the few things that made life bearable. Music was her escape, a way to drown out the expectations of her high-society upbringing and the secrecy surrounding her family.
Her handwriting was sharp and deliberate as she added another line to the song she had been working on for weeks. It was raw, filled with frustration and longing—just like her.
"Good morning, class," said a red haired woman with a kind smile.
"Good morning, Miss Bustier," the students said.
"I see you've all met the new student," she said. "Marissa, why don't you tell the class a little about yourself?"
Marissa leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, clearly uninterested in playing along. Her blue eyes scanned the room, noting the way some students leaned forward eagerly, while others—like the blonde boy sitting next to her—watched with quiet curiosity.
She sighed. "There's not much to say."
The teacher gave her a patient smile. "Come now, everyone has something to share. Where are you from?"
Marissa exhaled through her nose. "Originally Canada. Moved around a lot. Now I'm here."
Alya raised an eyebrow. "Why Paris?"
Marissa shrugged. "Business."
"Your business or your parents'?" Chloe sneered, arms folded. "Because unless you own something important, I doubt anyone cares."
Marissa turned her gaze on Chloe, her expression unreadable. "Oh, I own something."
Chloe smirked. "And what's that?"
Marissa leaned in slightly, her voice cool and sharp. "A very short temper."
The class went dead silent for a moment before Nino let out a low whistle. Even Adrien fought back a small smirk.
"Alright, alright," the teacher cut in quickly, sensing the tension. "Let's keep things civil." She turned back to Marissa. "What do you like to do in your free time?"
Marissa hesitated for half a second before answering. "Music."
That got Alya's attention. "Wait, you play?"
Marissa nodded. "Guitar. I write songs, too."
"Really?" Marinette asked, genuinely interested. "That's so cool!"
Marissa just gave a noncommittal shrug. She had already talked more than she wanted to.
"Alright, thank you, Marissa," the teacher said. "Let's get started with today's lesson."
As the class turned their focus to the board, Marissa sighed quietly. She had survived the introduction, but she knew this was only the beginning. Paris was already proving to be… interesting.
Marissa walked through the crowded halls, her hands shoved into the pockets of her leather jacket. The students around her chattered about homework, weekend plans, and—of course—Ladybug and Chat Noir's latest battle. She rolled her eyes at the mention of their names.
She had barely put in any effort in class, yet the material was insultingly easy. Despite what people assumed about her edgy appearance—her tattoos, dark clothes, and cold attitude—she wasn't just some delinquent. She was sharp, always had been.
Avoiding others was just as easy as acing her classes. Most students took the hint from her short, uninterested responses and let her be. The only exception was Chloe Bourgeois, who seemed to take Marissa's existence as a personal offense.
"Ugh! Who does she think she is?!" Chloe's voice rang through the hall, loud and dramatic as always.
Marissa smirked to herself. She didn't even have to try to get under Chloe's skin—it was effortless. Girls like her, pampered princesses who had never faced a real problem in their lives, were the easiest to tick off.
"Can you believe the attitude on that girl?!" Chloe continued, flipping her hair as she complained to Sabrina. "She should know her place! Ugh, I need to detox from all this negativity."
Marissa chuckled under her breath. This school might be boring, but at least there's entertainment.
She turned down an empty hallway, heading for the exit. She had no intention of sticking around for whatever social nonsense was happening after class. She just wanted to be alone.
Marissa had expected Adrien to complain, or at least make a fuss about her taking his usual seat. Most people in this school seemed to tiptoe around him like he was royalty, but instead of demanding his spot back, he just smiled and sat beside her like it was no big deal.
That annoyed her.
As Marissa walked down the hallway, she kept her head low, her hands shoved into the pockets of her leather jacket. The halls were buzzing with gossip—mostly about the latest akuma attack, as usual. Kids huddled in groups, whispering about how amazing Ladybug and Chat Noir were, how they always saved the day.
Marissa scoffed under her breath. Yeah, right. Heroes were just a pretty distraction, covering up the real mess underneath. People cheered for them, but they never talked about the ones who didn't get saved. The ones left behind.
Her boots clicked against the polished floor as she maneuvered past the crowds, ignoring the curious glances thrown her way. The new girl. The weird girl. She didn't care what they thought.
But then, of course, he showed up.
Adrien Agreste, golden boy, walking like he didn't have a single problem in the world. He wasn't alone—Nino was with him, chatting animatedly about something. But Adrien's gaze landed on her, and like some kind of magnet, he started walking in her direction.
Marissa sighed. Why is he so persistent?
"You ditching lunch too?" he asked, falling into step beside her like they were friends.
She shot him a side glance. "Didn't realize I needed a lunch buddy."
Adrien chuckled, completely unfazed. "You don't. But it's kinda hard to ignore you when you storm through the halls like you're on a mission."
"I am on a mission," she said flatly.
"Oh yeah?" He tilted his head, curious. "And what's that?"
Marissa smirked. "Avoiding people."
Adrien laughed at that, and she hated how easygoing it sounded. Like he actually found her amusing instead of intimidating like everyone else.
"Well," he said, grinning, "You're failing."
"Stop acting like you like me."
Adrien blinked, caught off guard for just a second before his usual easygoing smile returned. "Who says I'm acting?"
Marissa scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Right. Because rich boys like you just love hanging around girls like me."
"Girls like you?" he echoed, raising an eyebrow.
She turned to face him, walking backward as she gave him a pointed look. "Yeah. The ones who don't fit your perfect little world. The ones who don't play nice, don't fake smiles, and definitely don't swoon over some model prince."
Adrien chuckled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Wow. You've really got me all figured out, huh?"
Marissa huffed, turning back around. "I don't need to. I already know your type."
He didn't take the bait. Instead, he just walked beside her like he had all the time in the world. "You know, for someone who doesn't care what people think, you sure seem to have a lot of opinions about me."
That made her stop. She narrowed her eyes at him, lips pressing into a thin line.
Damn it. He was too smooth. Too nice. And worst of all, she couldn't figure out if it was real.
She sighed dramatically and started walking again. "Look, you're cute and all, but don't you have better things to do than act like you like me?"
Adrien grinned. "Nope."
Marissa groaned. "You're insufferable."
"And yet, here we are," he teased.
She hated how much that made her smirk.
She exhaled, shaking off the thought. "Alright, Agreste. So what do you want?" she asked, her voice calmer now, less biting.
Adrien smiled, but this time, it felt more real. "To get to know you."
Marissa stared at him for a moment, trying to figure out if he was messing with her. But there was no arrogance in his tone, no hint of some hidden agenda.
Just honesty.
And that? That was dangerous.
She huffed, looking away. "Do whatever you want," she muttered before continuing down the hall.
Adrien just grinned and followed. "You know, Juleka, Rose, and Ivan from class are actually in a band," he said. "Rose sings, Juleka plays bass, and Ivan's a drummer. I play the keyboard myself, but they can always use an extra guitarist."
Marissa raised an eyebrow, glancing at him. "And let me guess—you're trying to recruit me?"
Adrien shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Only if you're interested. Do you play?"
She hesitated. "I mess around with a guitar sometimes. Nothing serious."
His eyes lit up. "That's still pretty cool. You should come by sometime, just to see how we sound."
Marissa huffed. "Sounds like a trap."
Adrien laughed. "Only if you're scared I'll charm you with my musical skills."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smirk tugging at her lips. "Right. Because that's exactly what I'm worried about."
"You should be," he teased. "I'm very charming."
Marissa shook her head, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up her neck. "I'll think about it," she muttered before picking up her pace.
Adrien grinned. "That's not a no."
She groaned. "Don't push your luck, Agreste."
After Marissa left, a little floating cat emerged from Adrien's jacket, stretching lazily in the air. Plagg smirked, his emerald eyes gleaming with mischief.
"So," the kwami drawled, tail flicking. "Does this mean you're giving up on Ladybug?"
Adrien blinked, caught off guard for a second before he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "What? No. Of course not."
Plagg snickered. "Uh-huh. Sure. It's just interesting, that's all."
Adrien frowned. "What's interesting?"
Plagg spun in the air, grinning. "That you're actually chasing after a girl who talks to you instead of just running off whenever you show up."
Adrien groaned. "It's not like that, Plagg."
"Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that, Romeo," Plagg teased, floating back into his jacket.
Adrien shook his head with a small smile, but as he glanced down the hall where Marissa had disappeared, he couldn't ignore the strange feeling in his chest.
Maybe Plagg had a point. It might not hurt to give it a try.
-after school-
Marissa sighed, crossing her arms. "Is everyone just celebrating 'Let's Try to Make Friends with the New Girl' day, or is this just my lucky week?"
Marinette blinked, then laughed a little nervously. "I mean… making friends is kind of a good thing?"
Marissa smirked. "Debatable."
Marinette rocked on her heels, determined not to back down. "Come on, it'll be fun! It's just a movie. No secret handshakes, no initiation rituals. And if you really hate it, I'll personally cover your ticket as an apology for forcing you into social interaction."
Marissa raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching slightly. "Bribery? You must really want me there."
Marinette flushed. "N-no! It's not bribery, it's just—"
Marissa exhaled, shaking her head. "Relax, Dupain-Cheng. I was kidding." She glanced at the street, then back at Marinette. "Fine. I'll go. But only because I don't have anything better to do."
"Great!" Marinette said, happy to hear that. "Let's go!"
She hummed as she walked with them.
Alya walked alongside Marissa, flashing her a knowing smile. "Look, I was the new girl too, so I get what you're going through."
Marissa let out a short, dry laugh. "Oh, trust me—you really don't."
Alya raised an eyebrow but didn't press. Instead, Marinette quickly stepped in, motioning to the group ahead. "Marissa, meet Juleka, Rose, Alix, and Mylène."
Mylène offered a warm smile. "Hi, Marissa!"
"Nice to meet you!" Rose chirped enthusiastically.
Alix gave her a nod. "How's it going?"
Juleka hesitated for a second before mumbling, "Um… hi."
Marissa looked between them, crossing her arms. "Thought you said we were going to a movie. Didn't agree to the extras."
Marinette blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness. "Well, yeah, but we all usually hang out together. Figured you wouldn't mind…"
Marissa sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Whatever. Let's just go."
The group exchanged glances, some amused, some curious.
Alix smirked. "You're gonna fit in just fine."
Marissa scoffed. "I very much doubt it."
—--
After the movie
After the movie, the group stepped out of the theater and into the cool Parisian night. The streets were still lively, with people chatting outside cafés and streetlights casting a soft glow over the cobblestone roads.
"So, what'd you think?" Alya asked, stretching her arms.
"It was okay," Alix said. "Not enough action, though."
"I thought it was so romantic!" Rose sighed dreamily. "The way they looked at each other… true love!"
Juleka gave a small nod. "The cinematography was nice."
Marinette turned to Marissa, curious. "And you? Did you like it?"
Marissa shoved her hands in her pockets. "Predictable. Saw every twist coming a mile away."
Alix snorted. "Yeah? You got any better ideas?"
Marissa smirked slightly. "Maybe."
Alya nudged her playfully. "Alright, Miss Movie Critic, what would you have changed?"
Marissa shrugged. "For starters, I wouldn't have made the heroine rely on some dude to save her. She had everything she needed to win on her own, but they made her wait around for him to 'fix' things. Kinda pathetic."
Juleka hummed in agreement. "Yeah… I get that."
Marinette bit her lip. "I think it was more about trust, though. Learning to rely on others."
Marissa scoffed. "Yeah, well, relying on others is a good way to end up disappointed."
The air grew a little heavy at her words. Marinette frowned, sensing something deeper behind them, but before she could say anything, Rose grabbed her hands excitedly.
"Oh! We should take a picture together! To remember our first night out as a group!"
Marissa rolled her eyes. "Hard pass."
"Aww, come on!" Alya insisted. "One picture won't kill you."
Marissa sighed, clearly unimpressed. "Fine. But make it quick."
The girls huddled together, with Alya holding up her phone. Marissa stood slightly off to the side, arms crossed, her expression neutral as the others smiled brightly.
"Say cheese!"
The camera clicked.
As they started heading their separate ways, Marinette hesitated before speaking. "Hey, Marissa… I know we kinda threw you into this tonight, but I hope you had at least a little fun."
Marissa was quiet for a moment before giving a small, almost imperceptible shrug. "It wasn't the worst way to waste a night."
Alya smirked. "We'll take that as a win."
As Marissa walked off into the night, she felt a strange sensation in her chest. It wasn't quite warmth, but it also wasn't the usual cold emptiness she was used to.
She wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.
Marissa walked through the dimly lit streets, the neon glow of the city reflecting off the wet pavement. Her combat boots echoed with each step as she shoved her hands deep into her jacket pockets. The night air was crisp, but it wasn't enough to cool the fire burning in her chest.
Her mind wasn't in Paris—it was trapped in the past.
She had once believed in heroes. She had once trusted someone who wore that title. A girl who swore to protect people, to make the world a better place. Marissa had admired her, looked up to her, maybe even wanted to be like her.
Then she had learned the truth.
That same hero had betrayed her. Lied to her. And because of that betrayal, Marissa's best friend had died.
She remembered the blood, the screams, the way the world had seemed to slow down as everything fell apart. And that so-called hero? She had moved on. Continued playing the part, acting as if nothing had happened.
That was the day Marissa stopped believing in people.
It was the same day she realized her parents had been lying to her, too. Painting a perfect picture of their family while hiding their secrets behind locked doors. Her father, ruthless in his business, manipulating and controlling everything he touched. Her mother, smiling for cameras, pretending their life was flawless when in reality, it was just another illusion.
Marissa had spent years burying the pain, locking it away behind walls so high no one could get through.
She reached the hotel, barely noticing the extravagant luxury of the lobby as she walked straight to the elevator. The doors closed, and she stared at her reflection in the mirrored walls.
The girl looking back wasn't the same one from back then.
That girl had been kind. She had smiled more. She had believed in things.
Now, all that was left was anger, disappointment, and the cold emptiness that kept her from feeling anything at all. She entered the hotel and pressed the elevator button for the hotel
The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open.
Marissa stepped in without looking back. Time to put her knowledge to good use.
—--
The Next Day – Parent Career Day
The school buzzed with energy as students sat beside their parents, some eager, others indifferent, while career presentations played out in the classrooms. Marissa leaned against the wall near the entrance, arms crossed, already regretting attending.
"My word!" a man's voice suddenly exclaimed.
Angel Shirogane turned, her poised smile effortlessly slipping into place as she recognized the well-dressed man standing beside Chloe Bourgeois.
"Aren't you Angel Shirogane?"
Angel gave a polished nod, exuding the effortless grace of someone accustomed to the spotlight. "Yes, I am."
The man grinned. "What an absolute pleasure! I'm André Bourgeois, Mayor of Paris." He then glanced at Marissa. "And this must be your daughter! How wonderful."
Chloe smirked, flipping her hair as she folded her arms. "I'm sure you recognize my father, the Mayor," she said smugly. "Daddy, this girl is in my class."
"Really?" André's face brightened. "That's excellent! I hope you two are getting along."
Marissa barely spared him a glance. "Depends on how you look at it."
Before André could react, another voice cut in. "Apologies for the interruption—I'm just running a little investigation."
André turned, eyebrows raised, as a tall man with sharp eyes swept a strange-looking device around the school halls, scanning the walls and ceiling as if searching for something unseen.
"And… you are?" the mayor asked hesitantly.
Angel sighed, adjusting the cuff of her designer blazer. "Ignore him. That's my brother, Damien. He can be a bit… eccentric."
"Understatement of the year," Marissa muttered.
André eyed Damien with visible confusion. "Eccentric, indeed."
Marissa exhaled sharply, already over whatever strange thing her uncle was doing. She hated secrets, and this was feeling way too much like one. She turned back to Chloe, smirking.
"Gotta admit, my mom's way better than your dad, huh?"
Chloe's face flushed red. "Grrr! You're ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!" She stomped off toward the stairs, her designer heels clicking against the tile.
André sighed, dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief before giving Angel an apologetic look. "Please forgive her." With that, he hurried after his daughter.
Angel watched them go with mild amusement. "I might have to rethink who I support in the next mayoral election."
Marissa chuckled under her breath.
As they ascended the stairs toward the classroom, Angel cast a sideways glance at her daughter. "So tell me, dear. Is that girl giving you any trouble? I can have my lawyers handle it if necessary."
Marissa rolled her eyes. "Trust me, Mom, the only one she's bothering is herself."
Angel chuckled. "I believe you."
They entered the classroom, which was already bustling with students and their parents. Conversations overlapped, and a few parents were already setting up for their presentations. Marissa's gaze flickered toward the doorway, where she spotted Adrien Agreste slipping out of the room, phone in hand.
His father wasn't here.
Not that she was surprised.
Angel followed her daughter's gaze, her sharp instincts picking up on Marissa's momentary distraction. However, she chose not to comment. Instead, she turned toward the front of the room with her usual poise, offering a graceful hand to the teacher.
"You must be Miss Bustier. I'm Angel Shirogane, Marissa's mother."
Miss Bustier smiled warmly as she shook Angel's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you! We're thrilled to have you here today."
Angel smiled, always the picture of perfection. Meanwhile, Marissa let out a quiet sigh, already counting down the minutes until this was over.
Marissa hummed to herself, glancing toward the door as an idea formed in her mind. Maybe she could slip out before her mom or the teachers noticed. It wasn't like she was dying to sit through an entire day of people droning on about their careers.
But then again… knowing Adrien and Marinette, they'd probably notice and try to track her down.
Still, it might be worth it.
Her fingers tapped against her arm as she weighed her options. If she timed it right, she could slip out before anyone even realized she was gone. All she needed was the right distraction—
"Don't even think about it."
Marissa blinked and turned her head to see Alya smirking at her, arms crossed.
"You've got that 'I'm about to do something stupid' look," Alya added.
Marissa scoffed. "I do not."
Alya raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure. So what's the plan? Sneak out before your mom realizes you ditched?"
Marissa shrugged nonchalantly. "No idea what you're talking about."
Alya chuckled. "Right. Well, if you do make a break for it, at least let me know. I'd hate to miss out on the drama when Marinette and Adrien inevitably go into 'concerned puppy' mode."
Marissa rolled her eyes but smirked slightly. Maybe she'd stick around just to see how long it would take before someone freaked out about her disappearing.
Marissa hummed to herself, glancing at the door again. She could already hear the endless chatter of parents talking about their careers, and frankly, she didn't care. It wasn't like she was going to stand up there and play the part of the dutiful daughter. Her mother had that role covered just fine on her own.
She shifted her weight, casually taking a step toward the hallway. If she was quick and quiet, she could slip out before anyone noticed—
Or before Marinette and Adrien did.
She still didn't get why those two seemed so interested in her. Marinette was nice—too nice, honestly, like she was trying too hard. Adrien, on the other hand, had this weird patience with her, like he was waiting for her to open up. It was annoying.
And she wasn't in the mood to deal with either of them.
Marissa took another step back, glancing toward her mother, who was busy chatting with Miss Bustier. Perfect.
Without another thought, she turned and walked right out the door.
No one called after her. No one immediately chased her down.
Good.
Marissa kept her pace even as she slipped through the hallway, eventually making her way to the school's side exit. She stepped outside, inhaling the cool air of freedom, before tucking her hands into her jacket pockets and heading down the street.
She had no idea where she was going.
But anywhere was better than here.
Outside, she took a long moment to herself, skipping class with a happy hum escaping her lips. It wasn't that she didn't care about the consequences—it was just that she couldn't stand being trapped in that suffocating world anymore. Her mother's expectations, her father's silence—everything about them felt like a cage. At least, for now, they hadn't both shown up, and that was enough.
She slipped into the music room, the familiar scent of old wood and sheet music filling her lungs. She had an idea, something to channel the whirlwind inside her. She picked up the guitar, her fingers brushing the strings, grounding her in the way only music could. With a flick of her wrist, she started the music player, letting the sounds fill the room. Then, she began to sing.
(Verse 1)
Born into a world of suits and ties,
Silver spoons and perfect lies.
They paint the picture, frame it tight,
But I see cracks in black and white.
Uncle's voice on a static line,
Whispers names that don't sound right.
Talks in codes, hands off the grid,
What kind of hotel keeps secrets like his?
(Pre-Chorus)
I see the signs, but no one speaks,
Locked-up doors, hidden keys.
Moving pieces in a game,
But I refuse to play the same.
(Chorus)
Ink on my skin, stories untold,
Ravens and roses, hearts black as gold.
I don't fit in their perfect dream,
I walk the edge, I chase the unseen.
Secrets in shadows, truth left unheard,
I'll find the answers, I'll burn down their world.
(Verse 2)
Paris lights, a brand-new stage,
Different city, same old cage.
Mom and Dad in power plays,
But I see through their masquerade.
Damien's eyes, sharp as steel,
Knows more than he wants to reveal.
If danger's out there, let it come,
I'm not the girl who turns and runs.
(Pre-Chorus)
I see the signs, but no one speaks,
Locked-up doors, hidden keys.
Moving pieces in a game,
But I refuse to play the same.
(Chorus)
Ink on my skin, stories untold,
Ravens and roses, hearts black as gold.
I don't fit in their perfect dream,
I walk the edge, I chase the unseen.
Secrets in shadows, truth left unheard,
I'll find the answers, I'll burn down their world.
(Bridge)
What if the monsters are closer than I thought?
What if the truth is the thing I've always fought?
If the world's a lie, I'll tear it apart,
No more silence, I'll follow my heart.
(Final Chorus)
Ink on my skin, stories untold,
Ravens and roses, hearts black as gold.
I don't fit in their perfect dream,
I walk the edge, I chase the unseen.
Secrets in shadows, truth left unheard,
I'll find the answers, I'll burn down their world.
(Outro)
Burn down their world…
I'll burn down their world…
As the last note hung in the air, Marissa let out a slow breath, her fingers lingering over the guitar strings. Music had always been her escape, the one place where she didn't have to be anyone but herself. No family expectations, no lies, just the raw honesty she couldn't express otherwise.
She leaned back, letting the guitar rest against her knee as she stared up at the ceiling. For a moment, she felt lighter—like the weight pressing on her chest had been momentarily lifted. But she knew better. That weight would never fully disappear.
Her eyes fluttered closed, trying to hold onto the peace, but then… a soft creak echoed from the door.
Her body tensed, instinctively drawing her attention to the sound.
Marissa turned sharply, eyes locking onto the figure who had stepped into the room.
The figure stepped into the room, their silhouette framed by the dim hallway light.
"…That was quite the song," Adrien Agreste said, his voice gentle yet laced with curiosity.
Marissa exhaled sharply, already regretting not locking the door. "How long have you been standing there?"
Adrien stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "Long enough. Did you write that?"
She rolled her eyes. "No, it magically appeared." Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she added, "What do you want, Agreste?"
"You left Parent Career Day."
"So what? Gonna report me?"
"No," he said. "But Marinette was worried."
Marissa scoffed. "Of course she was."
Adrien studied her. "You don't like being here, do you?"
She tensed but shrugged. "What gave it away?"
"I get it. Feeling like you don't belong."
She narrowed her eyes. "You think you do."
His small smile was knowing. "I know I do."
Marissa hesitated but turned to leave.
"You're really talented," Adrien said. "You should share your music more."
"Some things are just for me."
Marissa tapped her fingers against the guitar, an idea forming in her mind. She glanced at Adrien, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"Alright, let's make a deal," she said. "I'll play another song. If you still like it after that, I'll consider playing it for others."
Adrien's eyes lit up with interest. "Deal."
She exhaled, adjusting her grip on the guitar. This wasn't something she did often—letting people in—but for some reason, she didn't mind as much this time.
"Hope you're ready," she muttered, before strumming the first chord.
[verse 1] They paint their faces, wear their masks, Promise to save us, but never ask. What about the ones they leave behind? The ones they break, the ones they blind?
[Pre-Chorus] They call them villains, but who lit the spark? Who built the cage? Who left the mark? You play the savior, shining bright, But without your shadow, there'd be no fight.
[Chorus] Heroes make the monsters, don't you see? They break them down, then claim the victory. You call it justice, I call it war, Tell me, what are you fighting for?
[Verse 2] Clean hands, but the blood still stains, Fight the symptom, never the chains. You act like gods above the rest, But who's holding you in check?
[Pre-Chorus] They call them villains, but who lit the spark? Who built the cage? Who left the mark? You play the savior, shining bright, But without your shadow, there'd be no fight.
[Chorus] Heroes make the monsters, don't you see? They break them down, then claim the victory. You call it justice, I call it war, Tell me, what are you fighting for?
[Bridge] (Soft build-up, then explodes into power chords) Maybe they fall, maybe they bleed, Maybe they're not what we really need. You wear a mask, you play your part, But who's gonna save us from the ones in the dark?
[Final Chorus] (Hard-hitting, raw vocals with heavy instrumentals) Heroes make the monsters, don't you see? They break them down, then claim the victory. You call it justice, I call it war, Tell me, what are you fighting for?
[Outro] (Soft, fading, eerie) What are you fighting for...?
Adrien listened intently as Marissa's voice filled the room, her lyrics laced with raw emotion. The song was intense, challenging—like a quiet rebellion woven into melody.
As the last note faded, silence settled between them.
Marissa arched an eyebrow. "Well?"
Adrien took a moment, then smiled. "That was amazing."
She scoffed, setting the guitar aside. "Guess that means I have to play for others now, huh?"
He shrugged. "Only if you want to. But I think a lot of people would want to hear what you have to say."
Marissa rolled her eyes, but there was the tiniest hint of a smile. "Some things are just for me."
Adrien's smile faltered slightly as he considered her words.
"But did you listen closely to what it meant?" Marissa asked, her gaze sharp. "I don't like heroes."
Adrien studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Because you think they create villains?"
Marissa huffed, crossing her arms. "Because they pretend to be better than the rest of us. They decide who's worth saving and who gets left behind."
Adrien hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I think I get it."
She scoffed. "Doubt it."
He gave her a small, knowing smile. "Maybe more than you think."
Marissa sighed, crossing her arms. She had fully expected Adrien to be a hero fanatic.
"I mean, look at Chat Noir," she said, rolling her eyes. "So cocky, making quips all the time while people are in danger. Like, take it seriously, dude."
Adrien blinked, caught off guard for a second before rubbing the back of his neck. "Well… maybe that's just his way of dealing with things. You know, keeping people calm."
Marissa snorted. "Or maybe he just likes hearing himself talk."
Adrien chuckled, shaking his head. "You really don't hold back, huh?"
"Why would I?" She smirked. "Someone's gotta call them out."
"Well, Ladybug always fixes everything in the end," said Adrien. "She's amazing that way. Besides, Ladybug and Cat Noir didn't make Hawk Moth."
Marissa's gaze locked onto Adrien, her eyes fierce with unspoken truths. "You think the villains just pop up out of nowhere? You think Ladybug and Cat Noir are always the heroes, always fixing things, but they're not without their own flaws. Who's to say they didn't help make this mess in the first place?"
Adrien frowned, clearly confused. "What are you talking about?"
Marissa's tone turned darker, her words hanging heavy in the air. "I'm saying that when you fight against something, you're bound to create something new, something worse. Look at Hawk Moth—he didn't just appear overnight. They've been fighting for so long, they've only made things worse. Heroes make monsters, Adrien."
A long silence followed, thick with tension. Adrien took a step back, unsure how to respond. But Marissa didn't wait for him to figure it out. Her anger, frustration, and all the hidden pain within her began to boil over. Something within her snapped.
Without thinking, she grabbed her guitar, and her fingers moved over the strings like a second nature. The music poured out, raw and powerful, her emotions crashing through every note.
As she strummed the guitar harder, the air around her began to pulse with energy. Adrien's eyes widened in surprise, watching the aura around her flicker with energy. She didn't need to say a word. The power of her emotions, her truth, filled the room, and in that moment, everything changed.
"Enough of this," she muttered under her breath as she let out a final, commanding chord.
The power surged with her music, and suddenly, the room was filled with dark, swirling energy. A butterfly fluttered in controled by Hawk Moth.
She turned to Adrien, her voice a whisper of defiance. "You think you know everything about heroes? Let's see if you still think that after this."
And just like that, everything shifted. The song of truth.
Adrien stood In shock and horror on. Marissa guitar was black and purple. He had never seen someone successfully fight Hawk moth before and he was sure Marissa was about to be Akuumtized.
"Marissa, whatever you hear, don't listen! He's only out for himself!" Adrien called.
"Songstress, I am Hawk Moth," said an adult male voice. "You seem to have a different idea of heroes and villains. If you want, I can help you with your efforts to share your views. In return, I'm not asking for much, just a couple of small tokens. The miraculous' of Ladybug and Cat Noir."
"Alright let's she my song to The world." Marissa said.
Adrien's heart sank. "Marissa, no—"
But before he could reach her, the swirling energy exploded outward, wrapping around her like a cocoon of dark music notes.
Her guitar pulsed with purple light, shifting and twisting, its strings glowing with eerie energy. Marissa's clothes darkened, her form changing—her once-natural outfit morphing into something ethereal and commanding. Black and deep violet fabric billowed around her like a phantom's veil. Silver chains adorned her wrists, and a haunting treble-clef symbol glowed on the back of her hand.
Adrien shielded his face from the burst of energy. When he looked up, she was floating slightly above the ground, her eyes glowing with an unnatural light.
Hawk Moth's voice was triumphant. "Rise, Songstress. It's time for the world to hear your truth."
Marissa lowered her gaze to Adrien, her expression unreadable.
"I hope you're listening now."
And with a single powerful strum, the world around them shook.
Adrien fled from her and his in the bathroom. "I know she hates heroes, but I can't just do nothing," said Adrien while letting Plagg fly out.
"Don't worry, this you and Ladybug you're talking about. You two can save your new girlfriend," said Plagg.
"She's not my girlfriend!" Adrien yelled. "Plagg, claws out!"
Plagg flew into Adrien's ring and the boy turned into Cat Noir.
-classroom-
Everyone was arguing over Chloe's missing bracelet when they felt a sudden surge of strange energy. The air in the room crackled, sending an uneasy chill down everyone's spines. They hurriedly left the classroom to investigate.
"Everyone, stay back!" Cat Noir called to the gathering crowd, his usual playful tone replaced by seriousness as he stepped forward. "Let the professionals handle this cat-astrophe."
"What a joke," came the icy reply from a voice that froze the air in the hall. Songstress walked into the room, guitar in hand, her eyes blazing with fury.
"What? It's kinda my thing," Cat Noir shot back, trying to keep things light, though his posture was defensive.
Without warning, Songstress strummed her guitar, sending a shockwave of sound and power through the air. Cat Noir was knocked off his feet, flying back and crashing hard into the wall with a grunt.
"Marissa, you have to stop!" Cat Noir called from the ground, struggling to rise. "I know you don't like heroes, but if you keep this up, you're no better than a villain!"
Songstress turned towards him, her lips curling into a bitter sneer. "Trying to talk me down, kitty cat? Well, that won't work!" She strummed her guitar again, and a powerful wave of energy knocked Cat Noir down once more.
"Oh no," Marinette whispered, watching in horror. "Everyone, we need to get out of here!"
"But my daughter's down there!" Angel yelled in a panic.
"Ladybug and Cat Noir can save her! We must run!" Mayor Bourgeois ordered, grabbing Angel's arm and pulling her towards the exit, Chloe trailing behind them in a flurry of confusion.
"This is gold for the Ladyblog!" Alya cheered, pulling out her phone to document the chaos. But her mother quickly yanked it out of her hands.
"It's too dangerous, Alya!" her mother said sternly as they hurriedly fled the building.
Marinette didn't waste any time; she sprinted home with her father, desperate to get to safety. As soon as they arrived, she rushed to her room, locking the door behind her.
"I don't know what happened, but we can't just leave it like this," Marinette muttered, pacing back and forth, her brow furrowed in determination.
"It might be too risky to face someone who hates heroes this much," Tikki cautioned from her hiding place under Marinette's bed.
"Maybe. But it'll be worse to leave her akumatized," Marinette replied, her resolve hardening. She knew what needed to be done. "Tikki, spots on!"
In a flash of bright light, Marinette was transformed into Ladybug. With a determined look, she swung her yo-yo from the window, propelling herself toward the school.
Ladybug landed gracefully in front of Songstress, her eyes locked onto the villain. "Hey!" she called out, her voice firm but confident. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"
"Milady!" Cat Noir's voice called out in surprise as he stood up, brushing dust off his costume. "You're here!"
"Of course I'm here," Ladybug replied, her tone resolute as she spun her yo-yo in a fluid motion. "Let's end this now. Whatever problem you have with heroes, you can deal with us. But don't endanger innocent people."
Songstress smirked, strumming her guitar once more. "Heroes like you got my friend killed!" she snapped, her eyes flashing with hatred. A violent burst of sound erupted from her guitar, sending both Ladybug and Cat Noir flying backward.
Ladybug managed to land on her feet, wincing from the impact. "You've got to stop this!" she shouted.
Songstress didn't respond, instead playing another ominous chord, creating a powerful energy blast. Ladybug winced but managed to dodge it. "We're not giving up our Miraculouses if that's what you mean!" she declared boldly.
Before she could say anything more, she felt an intense surge of power welling up inside her. "Im mar—" she began, but was cut off by Cat Noir, who lunged toward her.
"Don't say it, Ladybug!" Cat Noir warned in a hurried whisper, grabbing her arm and pulling her back just in time. "We can't let her know who we really are!"
Ladybug nodded, her face tight with tension. She quickly composed herself, taking a deep breath before facing Songstress again. "We won't back down," Ladybug said, her voice steely with determination.
"Then let's see if you can back up that claim," Songstress snarled, her fingers ready to strum once more, preparing to unleash another attack.
As Ladybug and Cat Noir stood beside Marissa, their words of comfort hung in the air, but something felt off. The power that had coursed through her before still lingered, and the ground beneath their feet seemed to tremble ever so slightly.
"Are you okay?" Ladybug asked cautiously, still holding her hand out to the young villainess.
Marissa looked up, her tear-streaked face twisted with pain and anger. "I'm not the one who's okay," she whispered, her voice breaking. But there was something about her eyes—something dark, something unsettling—that made Ladybug's heart skip a beat.
Before they could react, a violent energy surged from Marissa, much stronger than anything they had felt before. The air around her shimmered as if reality itself was distorting. With a sharp, unnatural strum of her guitar, an explosive wave of sound shot toward Ladybug and Cat Noir, knocking them both back with an immense force.
"What the—!" Cat Noir grunted as he was sent flying, crashing into a nearby tree. His body was already healing from the impact, but he could feel the power behind that strike was something he'd never experienced before.
Ladybug's yo-yo twirled, but she couldn't maintain her grip, and she fell to the ground with a heavy thud. For a moment, the world seemed to blur around her, as if everything was shaking under Marissa's newfound energy.
"Marissa, stop!" Ladybug yelled, struggling to get to her feet. "This isn't you! You don't have to do this!"
But Marissa's eyes had changed—gone was the anguish, replaced by a cold, almost malevolent gleam. "No," she whispered, her voice now tinged with power and a sharp edge of something unrecognizable. "I wasn't you. I was broken... But now... I'm whole."
With a gesture, she raised her hand, and the entire school shook. The sound of her guitar strings snapped like thunder, and the ground itself cracked open as if the earth itself were responding to her call.
"What's happening?!" Cat Noir cried, slowly recovering from the shockwave as he pushed himself off the ground.
Ladybug's eyes widened. "This... This is no ordinary akumatization!"
Marissa wasn't just some victim of Hawk Moth's manipulation anymore—something else was at play here. It was as if the power had infected her very essence, amplifying her anger and grief into something far more dangerous.
"You should've stayed out of it," Marissa's voice resonated in the air, now carrying an unnatural, reverberating tone. Her guitar glowed with a fierce purple light, pulsating like a heartbeat. "I'm done being the victim. I'm not the girl you once knew. I'm something much more."
Ladybug and Cat Noir exchanged a quick glance, both of them realizing the same thing. This was no longer a simple fight between heroes and villains—it was a battle against a force they didn't fully understand.
"You have no idea what you've unleashed," Ladybug muttered to herself, her mind racing. Marissa's powers weren't just amplified—they were evolving, mutating into something unpredictable.
With another powerful strum, Marissa's energy radiated outward, forming an enormous barrier of sound. The shockwaves radiated from her body, pushing both heroes backward with enough force to send them skidding across the ground.
Cat Noir gritted his teeth, struggling to stay upright. "This is bad. This is way beyond anything we've faced before."
"Stay focused, Cat Noir!" Ladybug snapped, her voice hardening with determination. "We have to stop her before she tears apart the whole city!"
Marissa's laughter echoed, dark and hollow, as she began walking toward them with slow, deliberate steps. The ground cracked beneath her boots, and the air shimmered with energy.
"You still don't get it, do you?" Marissa's voice was now cold, distant. "This power isn't something you can fight. It's part of me now. And no matter what you do, I'm not going back."
With a final, terrifying strum of her guitar, the energy surrounding her intensified, and the very atmosphere vibrated violently, distorting the world around them. The soundwaves became so intense that the air itself seemed to ripple, causing everything in its path to tremble and warp.
Ladybug and Cat Noir stood their ground, but they could feel the overwhelming pressure closing in around them, their bodies screaming for them to retreat. The power in Marissa's hands wasn't just destructive—it was almost alive, feeding off her pain, her anger, and her grief.
"I can't hold it together much longer!" Ladybug shouted, trying to focus through the growing distortion. "We need to find a way to disrupt her connection to this power!"
But just as she spoke, Marissa raised her hand again, and a massive shockwave erupted from her, sending both heroes flying in opposite directions. Ladybug crashed into the side of a building, while Cat Noir was knocked into a lamppost, barely able to stay conscious.
"Enough!" Marissa cried, her voice now almost unrecognizable as it echoed with raw, untamed power. "This is my world now! You're nothing but insects!"
As the dust settled, the city around them seemed to hold its breath. Ladybug struggled to rise, her vision blurry, but she refused to give up.
"We have to stop her," Ladybug whispered, determination burning in her eyes. "Before she destroys everything."
As the dust settled and the echoes of Marissa's power slowly faded, Ladybug and Cat Noir found themselves lying on the cold ground, battered and bruised. Every muscle in their bodies screamed in protest, and they struggled to stay conscious under the weight of Marissa's immense power.
"We can't keep going like this," Cat Noir muttered, his breath ragged as he pushed himself up. He winced, feeling the sting of the blows from the shockwaves still reverberating through him. "She's... she's stronger than we thought."
Ladybug's gaze was distant, her mind racing. She knew they couldn't face Marissa head-on—not with her powers escalating the way they were. Their usual tactics were no match for the force she had become.
"We need to regroup," Ladybug said, her voice steady but filled with urgency. "We can't afford to let her catch us off guard again."
"But where can we go? She can probably sense us," Cat Noir pointed out, glancing around warily. The city was eerily quiet now, the calm before the storm.
Ladybug's mind whirled as she quickly formulated a plan. "We'll need to hide, recover, and figure out how to disrupt her connection to that power. She's not invincible, but right now, it feels like she is."
The two heroes exchanged a quick, knowing look. It was a risky move, but it was their only option.
"We'll use the rooftops," Ladybug decided. "It's the one place we can still have the element of surprise."
The two of them silently scaled a nearby building, their bodies moving fluidly through the shadows. They darted across the rooftops, hiding in the darkness, staying low to avoid being seen by Marissa's heightened senses.
As they reached a safe distance, Ladybug took a deep breath and turned to Cat Noir. "We need to find a way to break her connection to that power. It's feeding off her grief and anger, but there has to be a trigger we can reverse."
Cat Noir nodded, his usual playful attitude gone. "You think if we just talk to her again, we can reach her? Because right now, she's more like a force of nature than a person."
Ladybug's eyes softened for a moment, glancing down at the city streets below. "Maybe. But she's in so much pain... I don't think she's going to listen to us until we find a way to break through whatever is holding her in this state."
They huddled together in the shadows, keeping an eye on Marissa, who was wreaking havoc below them. Every step she took caused the ground to tremble, and her guitar continued to resonate with a haunting, unnatural hum.
"You're right," Cat Noir said quietly. "We need to disrupt her connection to that energy somehow. But until then... I'm with you. Let's hide and regroup."
Ladybug nodded, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. They couldn't risk facing her in their current state, not when she was this powerful. But they also couldn't run forever. The clock was ticking, and every second Marissa spent consumed by her rage and grief brought them closer to a breaking point.
With a final glance at Marissa, Ladybug turned away, her resolve hardening. "We'll get her back. I don't care how powerful she is. We're not giving up on her."
They continued to move swiftly and silently, retreating further into the night, their minds focused on finding a way to stop the destruction before it was too late.
Ladybug nodded solemnly as she processed Cat Noir's words. The weight of the situation was more intense than ever. They had to act fast if they were to save Marissa from the grip of the akuma and prevent any further destruction.
"You're right," Ladybug said, her voice firm. "If Hawkmoth still has any control over her, then every moment counts. But we also can't just go in and try to fight her again. We need to find a way to help her reject that power from within—get her to realize what she's become."
Cat Noir's eyes narrowed as he thought through their options. "Her emotions are driving everything. The anger, the pain... It's like it's fueling her, making her stronger than anything we've seen before. We need to find a way to get through to her emotionally. But how?"
Ladybug paced back and forth, her mind racing. She had faced akumatized victims before, but nothing like this. Marissa wasn't just consumed by the akuma; it was like the akuma was feeding off her inner turmoil, amplifying it into something dangerous.
"She's been through so much," Ladybug said, more to herself than to Cat Noir. "The betrayal, the loss, the loneliness... It's all too much for one person to carry. Hawkmoth's just exploiting her vulnerabilities."
Cat Noir's gaze softened, his usual playful demeanor replaced with something far more serious. "But we can't let her believe that this is her only choice. She's stronger than this, Ladybug. I know it."
Ladybug stopped pacing and turned to face him. "I think we need to remind her who she really is. Show her that she's not alone in this, and that she doesn't have to give in to the darkness. But how we do that without triggering her rage... that's the real challenge."
There was a long pause as both heroes thought, each knowing the stakes. The clock was ticking, and Marissa's powers were growing stronger by the minute. Ladybug's gaze hardened as she came to a decision.
"We'll need to approach her differently this time. Not as enemies, but as allies... even if she doesn't see us that way yet."
Cat Noir raised an eyebrow. "You mean talk to her? You think that'll work?"
Ladybug's expression softened. "It's the only chance we've got. If we can get her to see that there's another way—that she doesn't have to carry this burden alone—maybe we can break the hold the akuma has on her."
Cat Noir nodded slowly, determination setting in. "Alright, let's do this. We've never backed down from a fight, and we're not about to start now."
Ladybug smiled faintly, her resolve firm. "We'll make her see the truth. And we'll get Marissa back."
With their plan set, the two heroes prepared to make their move. They knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but they couldn't afford to fail. The fate of their friend—and the city—depended on them finding a way to reach Marissa before it was too late.
"Alright, what do we know?" Ladybug asked, her tone serious as she turned to Cat Noir.
He took a deep breath, looking down briefly before meeting her eyes. "We know that somehow, the essence of the akuma is still inside her. That means Hawkmoth still has some control over her, even if it's not as direct. But what's worse... her emotions are feeding into it. They're more powerful than we thought."
Ladybug frowned, her mind racing. "So, it's not just the akuma anymore. Her anger, her pain... they're making her stronger, pushing her further away from who she really is."
Cat Noir nodded grimly. "Exactly. Her emotions are like a fuel that Hawkmoth is using to twist everything. If we don't find a way to reach her and help her reject that influence... she might never come back to us. She won't be Marissa anymore."
Ladybug's heart sank at the thought. They had already lost so many people to the akuma's power, but Marissa was different. She was their friend.
"We have to stop this before she's completely consumed," Ladybug said, determination setting in. "We need to break the hold the akuma has over her, and to do that, we have to reach the real Marissa inside. We can't just fight her—we need to help her reject the akuma from within."
Cat Noir gave her a serious look. "But how? If she's that strong now, we can't just talk to her. She's beyond reason at this point."
Ladybug clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. "Then we'll show her the truth. We have to remind her who she is, and that she's not alone in this. We won't let her lose herself to the darkness."
Cat Noir nodded in agreement, his usual playful attitude gone. "We'll save her, Ladybug. I know we can. We just have to find the right way."
The two heroes exchanged a determined look, knowing the challenge ahead was daunting. But they wouldn't give up. Not on Marissa. Not on their friend.
"We need info," Ladybug said, her voice steady as she looked to Cat Noir. "Let's go to Marissa's parents. They might know something that can help us understand more about what she's going through."
The two heroes made their way to the home of Marissa's parents, hoping they could shed light on the situation. When they arrived, they were greeted by Angel, Marissa's mother, who looked tired and stressed.
"Hey, ma'am," Ladybug started, her tone cautious, "Marissa mentioned something about us killing her friend. Do you know what that's about?"
Angel blinked in confusion for a moment before her expression softened, like she was caught between sorrow and anger. "Oh… I see. Marissa's friend died because of something that happened back when we lived at our old home. There was a hero there, someone who was supposed to save them, but they didn't. The hero failed, and her friend died as a result."
Ladybug exchanged a glance with Cat Noir, the weight of Angel's words sinking in. It wasn't just an emotional wound for Marissa; it was a deep betrayal by someone she had trusted. That could explain the anger driving her actions now.
Cat Noir spoke up, his voice somber. "So, she blames heroes for her friend's death, and that's been fueling her emotions ever since?"
Angel nodded. "Exactly. And the more she feels that we've failed her, the harder it's been to get through to her. She's convinced that no hero can save her from this... this anger. It's all-consuming for her."
Ladybug felt a pang of guilt. Marissa's pain was something deeper than they had realized, and the akuma had only amplified it. "We'll do everything we can to help her," she said, her voice filled with determination. "But we need to find a way to help her see that not all heroes are like the one she's blaming. If we don't, we might lose her forever."
Angel's eyes filled with a mix of sadness and hope. "Please… save my daughter."
With a renewed sense of purpose, Ladybug and Cat Noir left Marissa's parents' home, knowing that the path to saving Marissa was more complicated than they had ever imagined. But they couldn't give up now.
As Ladybug and Cat Noir turned to leave, they were stopped by a voice they didn't expect to hear.
"I can help," a young girl said, stepping out from behind a doorway. It was Marissa's sister, her face anxious but determined. "She cares a lot about me. If anyone can get through to her, it's me."
Ladybug and Cat Noir exchanged a glance. They hadn't known Marissa had a sister, and this new information felt like a lifeline.
"Are you sure?" Ladybug asked gently, her concern evident. "This situation is dangerous, and we don't want anyone else getting hurt."
The girl nodded, her eyes full of resolve. "I know Marissa better than anyone. We've always been close. If I can remind her of who she truly is, I believe I can help her reject the akuma. I just need to get to her."
Cat Noir tilted his head, thinking for a moment. "It could work. But we'll need to be cautious. If things go sideways, we won't be able to protect you if you get too close."
"I understand the risks," the sister said, looking down for a moment before meeting their eyes. "But please, just let me try. I can't lose her, not like this."
Ladybug looked at Cat Noir, who gave a small nod in agreement. "Alright, we'll support you, but we need to move quickly. We can't let the akuma control her any longer."
With a plan now in motion, they made their way back to where they'd last seen Marissa. The sister, walking alongside the heroes, seemed to draw strength from the promise of reconnecting with her sibling, her resolve firming with each step.
As they approached, Ladybug whispered, "Remember, you have to remind her of the bond you share. Don't focus on her anger—help her remember who she really is."
Marissa's sister nodded, steeling herself for what was to come. "I can do this," she said softly, determination in her voice.
And with that, they continued forward, knowing that every second counted.
As Ladybug, Cat Noir, and Marissa's sister reached the clearing where they had last seen Songstress, the villain stood with a confident smirk, strumming her guitar. The air crackled with energy, the tension thickening.
"Come to play, heroes?" Marissa, or rather, Songstress, sneered, her eyes flickering with a mix of anger and something darker. The essence of the akuma swirled around her, twisting her emotions into something unrecognizable.
"Marissa, stop!" Ladybug called, her voice firm, but filled with sorrow. "This isn't you. You don't have to let him control you!"
Songstress's lips curled into a cold smile, her fingers pressing harder on the strings. A wave of energy shot from her guitar, sending a shockwave through the air, rattling the ground beneath their feet.
"Don't try to save me, Ladybug," Marissa's voice echoed, distant, almost unrecognizable. "You can't fix what's been broken. You and your so-called 'heroes' failed me. He failed me."
Cat Noir stepped forward, trying to reason with her. "That's not true, Marissa. We're here to help, but you have to fight this. You're stronger than this akuma. Don't let it take you away from everything you are!"
Marissa's eyes flashed with anger, and her guitar let out a deep, resonating chord, the sound vibrating with power. The energy surged outward, and Cat Noir barely had time to dodge before the blast sent him flying backward.
The sister stepped forward, her voice trembling but determined. "Marissa… please. I know you're still in there. You care about me, remember?"
Songstress faltered for a moment, her fingers stilling on the guitar's neck. The air around her hummed with the conflict inside her. For just a heartbeat, Marissa's true self seemed to break through, a flicker of recognition in her eyes.
"Marissa," her sister called, her voice breaking with emotion. "I'm here. Please, come back to me. I need you. Don't let this darkness take over you."
For a brief, flickering moment, Marissa's expression softened. The anger in her eyes dulled, replaced by the ghost of who she once was—the Marissa her sister knew.
But then, the akuma surged again, and the shadows took over, swallowing the flicker of hope.
"NO!" Songstress screamed, strumming her guitar wildly. A violent shockwave exploded outward, and Ladybug and Cat Noir were thrown back. But through the chaos, Ladybug's gaze remained fixed on Marissa's sister.
"You can reach her," Ladybug whispered, as she and Cat Noir struggled to regain their footing. "Keep calling her name. You're the key."
The sister took a deep breath, her resolve hardening once again. "I won't give up on her. I know she's still in there."
With renewed determination, she stepped forward, calling out to Marissa once more, her voice cutting through the storm of emotions surrounding them.
"Marissa, remember who you are… Please. I love you."
Ladybug and Cat Noir stood at the side, watching as Marissa spoke quietly with her sister, the tension in the air still palpable. The battle had ended, but the weight of the situation hung over them.
"Okay, we can't let her ever get akumatized again," Ladybug said, her voice low but firm. Her gaze shifted to Cat Noir. "That was too dangerous. We can't risk her falling back into that state."
Cat Noir's usual playful demeanor was gone. He nodded, his tone serious. "Yeah, if Hawkmoth gets to her again, it could be worse. She's not just angry—there's so much more to it." He looked back at Marissa, his eyes thoughtful. "We need to be ready. She might not be able to control it the next time."
Ladybug's eyes narrowed in concentration. "We can't just keep stopping akumas. We need to find a way to stop her from becoming a target in the first place. Whatever is behind all this... we can't let it consume her again."
Cat Noir sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I think... I think she'll need time, a lot of time. It's not just about stopping the akumas—it's about healing the hurt that's been building inside her."
Ladybug stayed silent for a moment, looking back at Marissa. It was clear the battle had left its marks on her, but she wasn't the same as the villain who had attacked them moments ago. Still, the road ahead was uncertain.
As Marissa walked toward them, her sister at her side, Ladybug and Cat Noir exchanged a glance. No words of reassurance would fix everything. They knew that.
Cat Noir gave a half-hearted grin, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I guess that's that," he said, his tone lighter than it had been moments ago.
Ladybug didn't respond. She just nodded, watching as Marissa continued her conversation with her sister. The heroes knew they couldn't stay forever. There was no more action to be taken today—only the quiet aftermath.
As they turned to leave, there was a sense of closure, but also a quiet unease.
The school was quiet as Marissa's uncle walked the halls, his gaze sharp. After days of searching, he finally found it—the missing Miraculous.
"Finally," he muttered, picking up the item carefully. "As a Guardian, I've found the missing Marclus."
The Miraculous was crucial to the Miraculous balance, and as a secret Guardian of the Legendary Miraculous, it was his duty to protect such artifacts. He'd always kept his identity hidden, even from Marissa. Ladybug and Cat Noir had no idea he existed, and he intended to keep it that way.
His thoughts turned to Marissa. She had been through so much, and he couldn't risk exposing her to the world of the Miraculous just yet. She was changing, and with the lingering influence of the akuma, he feared what might happen if she fully embraced her power.
Marissa wasn't ready for the truth, but one day, he knew she would have to face it. Until then, he would continue protecting her from the shadows, keeping the Miraculous safe, and hoping she would understand his choices when the time came.
As he finished the class returned.
"Damien?" Angel said to him. "What are you doing?"
"I just wanted to see if Marissa was okay," he said.
"She's been through a lot," said Angel. "I'm taking her and Lilly home for the day."
"Very well." Damien said in a calm tone. With that the day ended.