The News

Chapter 1

Marionette walked to school with Tikki in her purse like normal. It was a great day in Paris. The sun was shining and warm. The wind was just right for today's weather and so far no early morning Akuma attacks for her to be late. She also woke up early too to be one time for school. Then again, she had a lot of things on her mind aside from the future battle with Hawkmoth which she wasn't looking forward to where Chat Noir was all for it. Especially since he was sure that he would find out who she is since both have a limited amount of time as heroes. It only made her stop in her steps and smile sadly. Even if she was able to move on from Adrien and make friends with him, it only served to make her realize she was reaching for the stars. The silly she loved the most was in love with Ladybug, not her. Whereas Adrien seemed to suddenly take an interest in her. In equal terms that Alya would understand, she had it made and had a heart ready to break. Crushing on Chat while the boy she moved on from suddenly seemed to take an interest in her.

"Man, for once I am not that lucky," She said looking at her watch. "And nor am I looking forward to the doctor's appointment either today."

Tikki peaked from her purse and spoke up as quietly as she could towards Marionette. Worry plain as day on her face towards the doctor's appointment as well. The day she had chose Marionette, she was 14. Now she was 18 with 4 years of battle experience and maturity under her belt. So choosing words were easy now but when it came to subjects where they were clearly backed with worry, she spoke carefully.

"You will keep me in the loop right? You haven't told me a thing about what this appointment is about nor Chat and that worries me," She said to her.

"I took a series of tests and I just...dont want anyone but me and my parents to know right now Tikki. I'm sorry but I'll let you know the minute I am ready," Marionette said to her. "I promise. For now, just trust me that I know what I am doing and how I will let you know okay?"

The kwami in her purse let her host shut it as they reached Francoise Dupont. Marionette saw Alya waiting for her like normal with Nino walking away to greet Adrien at his limo as he got out. She ignored the blond though and walked right up to her best friend. It still surprised Alya that she was able to move on from the guy she was crushing on but she had Nino to date plus graduation so she didn't complain too much to her thankfully. It was when she brought up what she had planned for later that pulled her from any thoughts.

"So, I got a ladybug convention today. All the fans of my blog are coming and I was wondering since you are so close to Ladybug that you...could convince her to come?" Alya asked Marionette, hands in a pray pose before her. "Please?"

"I'll see what I can do but I am busy this afternoon so I don't know if she'll even know where I am at Alya," Marionette told her as Alya nudged her. "And no, it has nothing to do with Adrien."

The blond heard her and much to her already wanting to go inside said hi. She politely waved and looked at him as he spoke to her. Mostly hearing him ask her what her plans were but she didn't really say. Only looked at him and said it was something she wanted to keep to herself and despite Alya and Nino whining at her for more with Adrien asking why she didn't want them to know. She kept her answer the same and walked towards the school. Only for Chloe to stop her, well...Sabrina but Chloe was next to her. She was saying something but it wasn't important enough for her to really care. Which hit the blonde girl hard when she realized that Marionette didn't even glare or react. Serving to make her say something as she just gently pushed Sabrina and Chloe apart and walked by. Something was yelled at her but she just went on.

"Girl," Alya shouted which made her look to see that her friend was at her side. "You just moved on passed Chloe like she was not even there. Something is wrong so spill."

"Look, I just have...way too much to think about right now and even my mom didn't see this coming to bite me. That's all I am saying and that's all I am going to keep saying. The more you the more I am just going to clam up. I am not ready for anyone to know Alya, counting…" She stopped and looked away from her.

"Including Chat?" She said, crossing her arms. "You realize that since he is the nightly visitor that he may want to know and should know how you feel as well."

"Tell a hero that I am crushing on him when he clearly is crushing on his partner," Marionette said holding her left hand up. "Or keep quiet about both and live my life as happy as I can live it." She raised her right hand. "...I think I'll go with my right hand and stay quiet."

She walked away towards class as Nino walked up to Alya and held her hand. Adrien next to him as all three watched her go. Only for a scream to stop them and see Chloe once again terrorizing some poor student. Something about spilling coffee or a drink on her new shirt and shoving them down. Calling them lower than dirt and making them cry. She moved on with Sabrina as her usual lapdog. This meant she would be fighting someone from how they just ran out of the school. If only Chloe would learn to be nicer, maybe there'd be less students akumatized. Though asking that girl to be nice would like asking the god of bad luck to curse her. Never would happen and Chloe would never change. Not with her dad as major at least but she could easily ignore the girl now.

It was probably why Chloe was in such a foul mood. Marionette always showed some emotion towards Chloe's torturous words or insults but of late got nothing. Either fighting had shown Marionette that it was pointless at times to fight or she just didn't feel threatened by her anymore. Her crush on Adrien was gone and it was him pursing her whereas she was crushing on a hero that would never show interest in her. Chloe was free to have Adrien but apparently wasn't happy about it or anything. The bell ringing made all the students head towards the classroom. Chloe was back from the bathroom and saw Adrien next to her and from her look, wasn't happy. She just shoved it off and talked to him like normal. Hearing that he was hoping to take her out on a date after graduation. She said she'd go as a friend but nothing more. It made him frown but he quickly smiled and accepted the terms.

Both entered the classroom and took their seats. The teacher starting the class with taking attendance. Leaving Marionette to her thoughts again as she thought back to a few days before today's appointment. At some point when she was 16, she noticed halos around certain lights. Later on, they fought an Akuma that could blind anyone with light temporarily and that made her eyes hurt and the halos worse. So she blamed it on the battle after as well. It was when days later when she was still 16, that she noticed it had gotten progressively worse to where she now wore contacts. It worked but two days after she turned 18 and about a year or two of wearing contacts, it got worse. To the point where, she had halos around lights, pain in her eyes constantly, and her vision narrowing, almost like tunnel vision. She told her mom who made an appointment for a series of tests she had to take from both an eye doctor and a regular doctor. One for eyesight and one for blood, genetics from her and her father. Today they'd find out and she was too nervous for school.

She lacked focus and if it came to a battle, Tikki would be great to heal whatever was going on but after, it hurt. It physically hurt her to go back to contacts. Even Chat seemed to notice her sudden desire to stick around and ignore the beep of her earrings. Mistaking it for her letting him see who she was. Only for her to say no and walk or fly away with her yoyo. Marionette would get the results from one doctor today with the eye doctor collaborating with him today. The problem would be solved and she could move on regardless of what was said. She couldn't always be lucky though and she was ready for either bad news or good. The teacher handing out worksheets made her fake that she knew what was being said when she had no real interest in it. It worked and class went on as they worked on the worksheet. Marionette knew the material thankfully and finished it first. Raising her hand to legitimately use the restroom. When she was allowed to, she stood and walked by Adrien's seat then Chloe's. She heard both say something to her but only paid attention to the blond boy. He asked if she was okay and she sent a thumbs up as she exited the classroom.

Heading down the stairs and towards the bathroom and hearing Tikki speak to her. She took the chance to talk with Tikki from the purse as she emptied her bladder and flushed. Leaving the stall and heading to the sink. Washing her hands as Tikki opened the purse.

"You don't look okay today Marionette. Are you sick?" Her kwami asked floating to her side. "Please tell me what's wrong. I can't take not knowing!"

"I don't know yet myself but if it will help you out. I'll let you know the minute I find out today. My parents and you will be the only ones to know but that is all I'll accept okay?" She said holding Tikki in her clean hands gently. "Chat can never know nor the others though."

"My lips are sealed. Thank you Marionette," She said flying back into the purse and letting Marionette shut it.

Screams from outside made her realize that on que, Hawkmoth had sent another akuma out. Opening her purse, Tikki was ready and entered the earring Marionette wore. Transforming her into Ladybug and allowing her to see the bright world around her clearly than as her civilian form. Smiling as she ran out of the restroom, she spotted an akumatized victim screaming for Chloe to come out. Sneaking around, she noticed that he or she was quite...flashy today. Butterfly like wings protruding from the back with bright colors with an outfit matching it. She noticed her attacking with what looked like a pendant hanging from her neck in the form of a butterfly. The irony of it being in that shape was high and she knew Chat would comment on it.

"Seems we literally have a pest problem My Lady," Chat's familiar voice said landing next to her as she leaned against the closet pillar, arms crossed. "Not that I mind you at least."

"Well kitty, I have already located the akuma. It's in the butterfly necklace. Though as to what gender the person is...isn't helped by the bright outfit they are currently showing off," She said to him.

"Already found the akuma and I haven't even arrived yet. You are truly getting better my lady," He said taking her hand and kissing it.

She smiled at his flirtation just as they heard the victim scream for Chloe once more. Both sighed and knew it was a student and probably the one from earlier. Made sense as to why they'd demand to see the blonde annoyance in both their civilian lives and hero lives. The students were all running for cover as they stood there watching the akuma. It gave Chat the chance to finally spot that Ladybug had changed the outfit she wore. A black cocktail like dress changed around with the back of it with red fabric flared out with black spots like her mask. Black tennashoes and black knee high socks with theusual pigs tails replaced with a pony tail that had a red ribbon tied loosely around it. He didn't change his outfit since he found it was fine as it was but Ladybug really went all out for keeping herself cool during battle. She left her arms bare, her shoulders revealed as most of her neck. It was cute and yet still practical since he could see black shorts under that dress when she ran into battle. Always a lady this one as he joined her, dodging a bright rainbow beam as she threw her yoyo around the akumatized victim.

It allowed him to grab the necklace and break it. Letting Ladybug purify the butterfly quickly and free the victim. Without her lucky charm used, she had time and he did as well. Only she didn't seem to be talkative as both jumped onto the roof before the students could rush them. Letting Chat looking to her and then speak up.

"You seem distant My lady," He said crossing his arms. "You seem that way during every battle. You never linger or watch from the side. You are usually up in the fight before I arrive."

"Times have changed kitty cat. They are getting lamer and we are getting better," She logically spoke towards him with a smile. "Besides, it's not like Hawkmoth is actually trying since we keep attacking him once every week now."

"Well before the next attack you have planned. Could you tell me what is bothering you?" Chat said.

She looked at him and saw he was genuinely concerned. Like Alya, Adrien and Nino, they all wanted to know what was up with her. Tikki was already promised information. She couldn't leave her Kwami, the one who granted her the right to become Ladybug, out of the loop. It wouldn't be fair to her. As for Chat and the others, it was...iffy. Mostly since Chat was by rights a stranger in a mask. Adrien was too busy and dropping any bombshell on him just didn't seem right to her. Alya and Nino had their love life finally in order and to top it off. Graduation was coming up and it would give her so much free time but at the same time uncertain of what her options were. Smiling as he leaned towards her and said something with a cat pun involved. Marionette didn't push him but stopped him with a finger on his lips.

"I think it be best if...I kept my secrets safe until I can safely say them Chat. With Hawkmoth at loose still, we can't afford to reveal who we are or anything about our life," She said, feeling him frown at the rejection once again. "However…" His smile returned and the ears that went down perked up again. "I will say this. It's...going to be life changing for me and my life."

Removing her hand, he grinned and leaned closer, "does this mean I am getting a confession from My Lady at last?" Makin her use her other hand to stop him.

"No," She said. "But when I am ready and I know it's safe. You'll know."

Walking away as her earrings beeped, Chat followed her.

"You walk away now instead of run, y'know?" He said to her.

"Chat," Marionette sighed looking at him as she stopped walking. "No prying." It made him raise his hands as a shield. "And that means no following me."

She walked away and didn't hear him follow her. Jumping down and running into the girl's bathroom, she became Marionette once more and walked out to see Chat land and run into the boys restroom. It only made her smile and head back to class. In time for Adrien to be right behind her. He asked her if she was safe during the attack and she nodded as they entered the class and went to their seats. After an entire day of school, she was the first to pack up and head out. Walking away before anyone, including Chloe could stop her. Letting her hair down was the best thing ever outside of Ladybug cause it kept her identity even more safe. Even Chat wasn't sure who she was with such a sudden outfit and hair change. Tikki loved the new look and she did too.

Marionette even changed her everyday clothes. The pink gone and replaced with blue jeans with pink beading. The pink butterfly shirt replaced with a white and black tank top and the usual black jacket but different brand and style. All made by her except her shoes. The shoes were plain black tennashoes that she bought in a store and added a pinkish butterfly to them as her personal touch. After leaving the building, she turned and headed down the street. Ignoring Alya's, Adrien's and Nino's calls for her to wait up. Once out of the school reach, she took a taxi to the hospital and met up with her parents outside it. Paying the man and sighing nervously as she walked over.

"Ready?" Tom asked grabbing her left hand.

"As I'll ever be," She said as her mother took her right hand.

"Let's find out what's wrong with your eyes honey," Sabine said.

Both headed inside and checked in. Marionette taking a seat as her friends started to text her where she was at. Ignoring them was hard but she managed as her parents sat next to her in the crowded waiting room. Putting her phone on vibrate and feeling it go off every second with texts even as she was called into the back. Standing, she had her parents come with her into a room. The doctor wasted no time and presented the results. In the DNA, far back in the DNA her mom had a 5% chance of possibly having eyesight issues. She lucked out and was fine. Her dad was the same. 10% chance of having eye trouble but he also lucked out. It left Marionette a 15% chance to develope them but they couldn't pinpoint it. Her eyes were healthy and eye tests didn't show any deterioration. Until recently and it even had a name Glaucoma, more specifically Angle Closure Glaucoma. It was in her dad's history and her mother's history.

She sighed at the news and heard that it was often referred to as as the "sneak thief of vision" to many and often hard to catch. Sadly, they were a little too late. The damage had already been done and they could only slow its progress down. It had some serious side effects though. Her dad asked what they were and the response was a list. Allergies like redness in the eyes, brief stinging, blurred vision and irritated eyes. Some of the treatments could even affect her heart and lungs and was told it was all up to her since she was an adult. Though the treatments sounded great to slow it down, she couldn't and wouldn't risk such...heavy effects. Against her mother's and father's wishes, she told them that she'd live with it and asked how long she had until it...finally took her vision. She was told she would lose her vision if she didn't get any treatment and yet the idea of taking drugs to slow it down had too much risk.

Yes, she couldn't...probably walk on her own for a while and many things would be out of her reach but at least she would be alive and not risking her health. It was just eyesight. So she couldn't...game or draw like she had. There were other avenues and many things she could take up. It wasn't the end of the world. Plus, they didn't know when she'd lose her eyesight completely. She could still see and it did hurt but at least she could enjoy what time she had left. Hopefully Tikki could help her finish Hawkmoth off BEFORE she lost it all though. When they left with information on her condition, she told her parents she'd meet them at home and walked away. Becoming Ladybug in private for a patrol to clear her mind and enjoy Paris at night. She'd miss this and more but she could enjoy it for now. She told Tikki the news before she became ladybug and it would help her kwami to be left alone to think. Leaving her time to...just soak in what she heard and what she found out.

Steps made her realize Chat was out and she saw him on another building. Watching him made her sigh sadly. Of all the people she could possibly be ruined for, it had to be him. He was a hero and clearly had standards. If he knew...well there went any hope for her. Marionette could reveal who she was and see how he react once she told him. Shaking her head, she jumped to the next building. The idea was stupid! Tell him who she was AND that she was going to go blind at some point? How stupid could she be to drop that on him when they still had to defeat Hawkmoth!? Looking over, she saw that Chat was going a different direction and clearly didn't know she was out. It worked out for her though. It was a chance to think and decide from this point on. What did she do?

Go through a series of treatments and slow it down, risking her health OR let it fade away and enjoy what she could. It was a big question and thankfully, she was graduating soon so it would be easier once she was out of school to think on it.

So..first ML fic and yes, its going this route. Its not dark BUT its my idea and I like it. so...meh.