Karin: Here is the next chapter. So yeah, a reviewer pointed out a loophole in how the miraculous work and I didn't catch that, so I had to come up with something.

Issue: If you have to believe in good triumphs over evil, how can Hawkmoth use his Miraculous?

I would have to say in this issue is that Hawkmoth doesn't see himself as being evil. In his warped mind, he thinks he is doing himself good to achieve his goal. He sees nothing wrong with what he's doing so in his mind, his beliefs are that he can triumph over Ladybug and Chat Noir, the evil that is in his way. His goal, to him, is good, so therefore he is able to use his miraculous.

I know it's a bad explanation, but in a way, it's kind of a loop hole for the warped mind and shows that Hawkmoth isn't all there.

Disclaimer: I don't own Miraculous Ladybug.

"There is a girl

She is wise
and wary of flames
but still, she knows
she will survive the fire
life scorches sometimes.

She has been a phoenix before
and every time
she burns to ashes
she knows
exactly how to rise again."

—Jeanette LeBlanc, "Girl on Fire"

Chapter Ten: Rise from the Ashes

Marinette walked along the sidewalk away from the Agreste mansion, the sun descending in the horizon, painting the sky with different shades of orange and pink and purple. Duusu peaked out from Marinette's scarf to gaze at her wielder.

"Something wrong, Marinette?" Duusu asked in concern. Marinette sighed, shaking her head, and stroking Duusu's feathers.

"It's just… there's something I have to do before we go home, Duusu." She admitted. Duusu tilted her head confused.

"What's that?"

Marinette stopped walking, gazing up at the evening sky. The stars were beginning to sparkle, and the moon shined bright. Duusu observed her as the midnight haired girl was lost in her thoughts. Finally, Marinette sighed again, running a hand through her hair.

"There's someone I need to see. Someone I need to apologize to…" that didn't really provide Duusu with answers, but she waited patiently for Marinette to formulate her words. "You weren't the first Miraculous I had, Duusu." Marinette confessed softly. Duusu's eyes widened.

"You mean…?"

"Yeah. And if we're going to do this—being a hero I mean—I need to confront them first and tell them how sorry I am." Marinette said, anxious about who exactly they were going to go meet. Duusu snuggled into Marinette in an act of comfort.

"You can do it, Marinette." Duusu encouraged. "This just cements how Gabriel and I believe you are meant for a Miraculous even more."

Marinette smiled nervously, and they journeyed to their destination. The sun was completely set by the time they reached Alya's house, and Marinette could feel her palms sweat in anxiety. Duusu patted her face.

"It will be okay. I'm sure they'll understand." Duusu assured. Marinette bit her lip.

"I just hope Tikki will forgive me." At her statement, Duusu's eyes widened.

"You… you gave up the Ladybug Miraculous?" Duusu asked, shocked. She had never heard of Tikki being rejected. Usually out of all of them, Tikki had the most luck with willing users. Yet, she knew Tikki had to be ripped away from some users at times who have gotten greedy—Duusu shook her head at the memory of a particular one who Tikki had been taken away from—but for Tikki to be given up was very strange to the blue kwami. "I… the fact that you chose to stay with me and not Tikki… it's unfathomable to me."

"I'm sorry…" Marinette bowed her head in shame. Duusu nuzzled her cheek.

"I didn't say I was mad, just surprised. I feel honored that you have chosen to stay by my side, Marinette. The fact that you were offered one of the most powerful Miraculous, but have chosen me instead of taking Tikki back, humbles me greatly. I'm actually scared I won't be able to give you all that she could offer." Duusu explained. Marinette shook her head.

"You're wrong, Duusu. It's me who doesn't have much to offer you or Tikki. I made so many mistakes." Marinette said with remorse. Duusu gave her a smile.

"Yes, we all make mistakes, Marinette. It is what makes us human. What matters is how you handle those mistakes and whether or not you make yourself into a better person because of them."

"Thank you, Duusu… " Marinette spoke sincerely, "I… you don't know how much I needed to hear that…" Duusu smiled bashfully, glad she could be of use.

They stood out of sight from the windows and Duusu volunteered to sneak Tikki out. As her kwami was gone, Marinette busied herself with taking deep breaths to keep calm. She could do this. It was the right thing to do. Tikki deserved an apology.

"Marinette." Tikki acknowledged dully, and Marinette felt like the ground was swept under her feet. Seeing her like this again, seeing her this close, it seemed like a dream. "So it's true. You've come back."

"Yes…" Marinette squared her shoulders. She told herself she could be brave. "I assume Alya told you the previous Ladybug holder is active again?"

"Yes. She did." Tikki narrowed her eyes, and Marinette felt a storm brewing in them. "So… you have Duusu now."

"Err yes. Tikki, I just wanted to say I'm sorry—"

"No." Tikki interrupted her sternly, putting a paw up to stop her. "I don't want to hear it."

"Tikki, wait—" Marinette started, and the storm in Tikki's eyes was like a hurricane of emotions. Anger. Betrayal. Sorrow. Bitterness.

"No, Marinette!" Tikki yelled at her. "I believed in you! I held out that you were the chosen Ladybug, and instead of taking back the earrings like I thought, you gave me away!"

"Tikki, she knows what she did was wrong." Duusu finally spoke, flying in front of Marinette as if to protect her from Tikki's wraith. "She's here to make amends."

"Making amends? She gave me away and then she takes on another Miraculous acting like she didn't leave a gaping hole behind and things can be okay now!" Tikki snarled. Marinette flinched, but Duusu stood her ground.

"It was an unexpected turn of events." Duusu tried to soothe her sibling. "We had no idea Marinette was your previous holder when I chose her. She's changing and trying to become a better person, Tikki."

"But it doesn't change the fact that she still chose you in the end!" Tikki cried, anger and sorrow shining in her teary eyes. "That you could convince her when I couldn't! What did Duusu do differently, Marinette? How did she make you take on the mantle of hero when I gave you all the encouragement and belief? How did Duusu change your mind when I believed in you so much?" Marinette watched Tikki with wide eyes, remorse swirling in her body from how she had hurt Tikki so. It was silent for a few moments, and finally, Marinette spoke.

"I… it wasn't Duusu who convinced me, Tikki. I needed to convince myself. And I'm still trying to convince myself, even right now as I face the consequences of my mistakes… It's hard, Tikki, but I know it's the right thing to do." Marinette said firmly. She raised her gaze to lock with Tikki's. "I know I messed up, Tikki. I know I abandoned you, and I know you have every right to be mad at me, but know that even now I will keep pushing forward to make amends—not because I think I deserve forgiveness, but because it's the right thing to do."

Tikki, Duusu, and Marinette observed each other after Marinette's statement. Tikki studied her, eyes squinting, as she processed what Marinette confessed, before sighing.

"I can't forgive you right now, Marinette." Tikki finally said softly. "I don't know if I will ever be able to forgive you… yet… yet I can't help but feel happy that you are growing as a Miraculous holder, and I hate that I feel that way. I don't want to feel affection for you, but I still do, and I hate it." Tikki looked like she wanted to cry. "I won't say anything bad about you to Alya, but I won't help you try to win favor with her either. You're on your own with gaining her and Chat Noir's approval."

"Thank you, Tikki…" Marinette replied with all her sincerity. She was truly grateful for Tikki's words.

"Now go home, Marinette." Tikki commanded weary. "I'm tired of this conversation." With that, the kwami flew up to Alya's window and disappeared. Marinette and Duusu watched the window for a few moments. Duusu stroke Marinette's cheek with her paw.

"I'm sure she'll come around eventually." Duusu stated. Marinette shook her head.

"No, it's all right that she was angry. I deserved it." Marinette admitted. She continued to watch the window. "I'm glad Alya's treating her well. Tikki deserves the best." Duusu smiled, pride in her eyes.

"You are so kind, Marinette. Most would be upset about Tikki's words, but you have listened and accepted her words, despite their scathing nature." She praised. Marinette gave her a shaky smile.

"Thank you, but I… I still had hope…" Marinette sniffled, tears coming to her eyes. "I thought I could take all of her anger in stride, but it turns out it still hurts like a bitch." Tears fell down her face and Marinette rushed to cover her eyes, laughing a little, "Guess I'm not as strong as you thought, huh?". Duusu cooed gently and nuzzled her chick, singing tenderly.

"No, Marinette, you are far stronger than you give yourself credit for." Duusu soothed. "Nothing has changed my opinion about you—in fact, from what I've seen, it has only enforced my beliefs about you even more." Marinette sniffled and laughed.

"Let's get home, shall we?" Marinette suggested, and Duusu agreed. "I hope you'll like it there. It's not like the Agreste mansion, but I promise to make you as comfortable as possible." Duusu settled in her scarf, snuggling into her wielder.

"Sounds cozy. I like that. I'm tired of broken homes and big echoing halls." Duusu confessed. Marinette chuckled, stroking the kwami's head.

"We could make you your own birdhouse if you want something cozy. We could make a small dining area for your fruit and you a little bedroom to sleep. Oh, and I guess we could also make you your own bathing area for you to preen your feathers." Duusu cooed in happiness at Marinette's words.

"May I have my own mirror as well?"

"Of course, whatever you want Duusu. It's your birdhouse, after all." Marinette said as they walked towards the bakery. Duusu cooed.

"My own birdhouse…" she sighed contently. "Sounds like a dream."

"Well, we'll make sure it's your ultimate dreamhouse then." Marinette promised. Duusu chirped.

By now, the bakery was closed, so Marinette traveled to the back door where she could enter her house directly. After today, she looked forward to a nice, warm bath and then to fall asleep in her comfy bed. She walked through the living room, seeing that her parents must've retired to their room from a long day early, and quietly made her way through the house and entered her room.

Bluebell eyes locked with ocean blue.

"Well it's about time you got here!" Chloe complained as she stood in the middle of Marinette's room with her hands on her hips. "Your parents sent me up here hours ago after a measly homecooked meal! I had to pretend I was your friend from school and they let me right in. Honestly, it's like they're desperate for you to have friends over or something."

Marinette stared at her from her position at the trap door. She looked Chloe up and down before quickly slamming the trap door, separating them. Chloe bristled.

"Get back here, Marinette! Don't ignore me!"

Marinette groaned on her chaise as Chloe paced back and forth in her room. Why—why were her parents so chill with letting people into her room without asking her first?

"Hey, don't act like you are the only one who had a tiring day." Chloe snipped. "I had to watch some chick try to flirt with my Adrikins, then I find out mutant tiny animals with magical powers exist, and then you drag me to Gabriel Agreste—who is very scary mind you—and it turns out there's some kind of superhero conspiracy Adrikins and his father could be a part of with Ladybug and Chat Noir, and then I see Adrien taken away by some akuma and I'm left with his scary father who threatens me with my father's position to keep my mouth shut about all of this, and then sends me on my way without so much as an explanation what is going on, and then I'm stuck waiting here for you for hours while you're off playing hero and worrying about what happened to Adrien!" Chloe throws her hands up in the air, exasperated with everyone. She narrowed her eyes at Marinette who was rolling her eyes at Chloe, pointing menacingly, "So you are going to tell me what I want to know Marinette, or I'll make your life so hellish at school you'll be wishing it was like the old days where no one paid you any mind."

Duusu and Marinette glanced at each other before giving Chloe their full attention. Marinette sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Fine. I'll answer your questions, but let me relax first, okay? It's been a long day, as you said."

"What? No way, I'm getting the bath first!" Chloe demanded, stamping her foot. Marinette rolled her eyes and continued to grab her pajamas. She threw a pair of pink and black plaid pajama pants and a matching button up shirt to Chloe, who yelped at the assault, while Marinette got pink and white polka dot pajamas for herself. She gestured Chloe to follow her down the trap door. Chloe "hmphed" and they journeyed to the bathroom with Duusu in tow. Once inside, Marinette began stripping her clothes off. Chloe squeaked, and her entire face became red as a Christmas light.

"W-w-what are you doing?!" Chloe demanded. Marinette just continued to take off her clothes casually like stripping in front of her classmate wasn't a big deal.

"What's the big deal? We're both girls. Let's just take a bath together since we both wanna use it." Marinette explained, like it was normal. Chloe's ears turned red as her face as she tried to not look at certain places she knew she shouldn't look.

"Take a—you wanna be sitting naked together in the same tub?!"

"Not really, but you're acting like we're going to be doing something inappropriate." Marinette stated, too tired to actually laugh at how modest Chloe was being right now. She never would've thought what with the passes she makes at Adrien, but she figured people can still surprise you. "It's just a bath. I promise nothing lewd will happen." Marinette made a cross motion over her heart with her fingers. Chloe just continued to blush, muttering to herself, as she stripped her own clothes and tried not to look at her naked classmate. Meanwhile, Marinette turned on the hot water and waited for the tub to fill. Duusu cooed happily at the steam filling the room, glad to also be taking a relaxing bath. Once it was filled, the two girls and the kwami got in the bath and sighed happily, the hot water relieving all their aches and pains from the day.

Chloe hugged her knees to her chest, determined not to brush any of her person on Marinette, who seemed not to care they were both naked as she proceeded to lather soap on herself to clean herself of the grime from earlier. Chloe's eyes scanned Marinette's form as the raven-haired girl hummed happily, her blush deepening as she traced every one of Marinette's curves. Marinette seemed to have noticed her attention as she glanced at Chloe curiously, an eyebrow raised in question. Chloe hurriedly turned away, trying to calm her beating heart. She wasn't used to being close to another person like this. Not even her and Adrien took baths together when they were kids! It was weird.

"Do you need me to wash your back?" Marinette spoke, making Chloe jump.

"What? No! I don't want you touching me at all!" Chloe protested. Marinette shrugged.

"Suit yourself." She handed Chloe the soap while she resumed cleaning herself and Chloe hurriedly scrubbed herself, concentrating on her own body instead of focusing on her bath mate's. Duusu chirped happily as Marinette gently scrubbed her feathers.

"Ahhh it's been so long since I've been pampered like this." Duusu sighed happily. Marinette smiled at her kwami and blew some soap bubbles in Duusu's direction, who giggled at the ticklish feeling the bubbles gave her as they popped when coming into contact with her feathers.

"I guess Monsieur Agreste isn't one for warm baths." Marinette said. Duusu scoffed.

"The man's too serious I'm afraid. As hard it is to believe, he was a lot different years ago." Duusu frowned, lost in memories. "He was a lot kinder. More socially awkward, but always was willing to lend a hand. It's a shame what time has done to him."

"What happened to make him so cold like that?" Chloe spoke, curiosity overlapping her modesty. Duusu shook her head.

"I'm afraid that isn't my story to tell." Duusu dismissed the matter. Chloe frowned at being denied answers again, but Marinette gave her a look of warning, and Chloe backed off before she began a tirade.

"I think it's time we get out of the tub before we catch a cold." Marinette suggested and the three of them dried themselves off and proceeded to get dressed in their pjs. Heading up to Marinette's room, Chloe took a seat on one of Marinette's chairs and Marinette sat in her computer chair. Duusu settled herself on Marinette's shoulder.

"Okay, I let you have your relaxation time—now start spilling the beans." Chloe gestured with a wave of her hand. Marinette sighed and ran a hand through her midnight locks. She recalled all the information she learned from Monsieur Agreste, knowing that some of it was best not to be shared, and began telling Chloe an abridged version of what she could say.

"Adrien is safe. It turns out that Volpina had just an illusion. The real Adrien… he was safe somewhere. He was hiding." Chloe nodded, accepting the explanation. Marinette continued, "Ladybug and Chat Noir… it was surreal fighting like them. I almost ended up blowing Volpina up on accident."

"I saw some poor quality videos." Chloe added. "You were blasting so much that you could've destroyed the Eiffel Tower. Way to go, Marinette." Chloe sarcastically said. Marinette continued, ignoring the jab, lost in memories.

"I… she dropped him, Chloe. Volpina dropped the illusion of Adrien. I had to watch him falling to his death…" Marinette's voice cracked. She blinked rapidly to rid herself of the oncoming tears. Chloe's eyes widened—trying to imagine the scenario, finding her heart lurch at the image of her childhood friend falling to his death. "I lost it. All that was going through my mind was that Hawkmoth and all his akumas were monsters. I began fighting Volpina—her defeat the only thing in my mind… Ladybug and Chat Noir had to stop me from killing her." Marinette whispered. Chloe stared, shocked. Her eyes then narrowed.

"For pulling that trick on you, I honestly can't blame you." Chloe admitted. Marinette's mouth dropped. "I would've given her exactly what she deserved." Marinette shook her head.

"No, Chloe! You know that isn't right. I'm glad they stopped me. Volpina was under Hawkmoth's control. I would've murdered an innocent civilian!" Marinette's eyes welled with tears and Chloe saw how much the experience must have shaken the girl. A part of her felt pity for Marinette, but her pride wouldn't allow her to show compassion for her classmate.

"Well you didn't so it's fine." Chloe said dismissively. Marinette sniffled, and Chloe rolled her eyes. "What matters is you didn't murder anyone—even if they deserve it."

"I… you're right." Marinette conceded, wiping her tears. "Ladybug stayed and talked with me. I have to prove to her and Chat Noir I'm trustworthy. We didn't really set a date or anything."

"So that's it then? You're a hero now?" Chloe asked. Duusu and Marinette looked at each other before turning their gazes back to the blonde.

"Yes. I suppose so." Marinette admitted, rubbing her neck nervously, wary of what to reveal to Chloe about her decision to become a hero and Gabriel Agreste's involvement.

"Hmmm I suppose you did an okay job then. Try not to destroy Paris with those energy blasts, okay?" Chloe remarked, flicking some fuzz off her shoulder. Marinette sighed and left the chair to lay on her floor, gazing up at the ceiling. Duusu settled herself on Marinette's chest, right where her heartbeat was, finding comfort in its beat. Chloe gazed down at them from Marinette's other chair.

"So did Mr. Gloom and Doom give you any answers?" Chloe asked, intent on knowing what Gabriel Agreste's part is. Marinette averted her gaze, catching Duusu's magenta eyes. Duusu gave her a slight nod, indicating she could answer, but sparingly.

"He… he told me about the Peacock Miraculous." Marinette gripped the pin to her, his voice flooding into her mind.

"As I have said before, Marinette, that all Miraculous represent something to balance the universe. I have told you Ladybug and Chat Noir's Miraculous, but the Peacock also represents something special."

"And which would that be?" Marinette asked, blinking.

"Peacocks are life, Marinette. They are the essence of every living thing in this universe. They are the very connection to the cosmos themselves. It is said a peacock's tail has the 'eyes' of the stars. The peacock is resurrection, renewal, and everlasting life all in one."

"So… those blasts of energy…" Marinette started. Gabriel nodded.

"Yes, Marinette. You are taking energy from your surroundings and harnessing it to your will. Life is all around you, and peacocks have utilized its presence into a weapon to protect others for millennia. However, wielding energy from life itself is very taxing on the soul to use for long, which is why you only have five shots before your transformation is up."

"Is there a limit with how much energy I can use in a shot? Can I use a larger amount of energy to boost the effects of the blast?" she asked. He fixed his glasses.

"It doesn't work like that, Marinette. The energy you are using is literally alive. The bigger the blast, the harder it is to control the precision of the shot. Not to mention the more energy you shoot, the more taxing it will take on your body post transformation. It is best to stick to the amount of energy you have been using before." Marinette winced, not liking the sound of possibly being incapacitated. She pressed on.

"Before you said not to say the phrase 'Eyes Open' during the transformation. Why is that…?"

Gabriel took on a dark look on his face, frustration clear on his expression, but not directed at her.

"That phrase… now understand what I'm about to tell you Marinette is very serious. You must listen to me, do you understand?" Marinette nodded, nervous at what he was going to reveal. He cleared his throat. "As I said before, the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous combined can result in the creation of a God capable of warping reality. Even with the peacock's true form, it will never be as strong as their combined Miraculous."

"Peacock's true form…?"

"Yes. Remember how I explained peacocks are everlasting life? By saying that phrase, you would be empowered by the very cosmos themselves, giving you the invincibility and power of a demigod at your fingertips. You would no longer be a human in this form. You will become the vessel for all life from past great Miraculous holders in your body. Their essence will combine with your own to give you unlimited energy without taking its toll on your body post transformation." Marinette's eyes widened. She stood up hurriedly, causing Duusu and Gabriel to jump.

"Then why not use it?! If it's that great, then why would you forbid me from using it?" Marinette gestured. Duusu's shoulders slumped and Gabriel gave Marinette a stern look.

"I believe I told you to listen to me, did I not?" Gabriel remarked with a steel tone. Marinette winced and sat back down. "Yes, the peacocks true form is grand, but the cost if you fail to achieve it is too great."

"Cost?" Marinette parroted. Gabriel nodded.

"If you say the phrase 'Eyes Open' you will be opening your soul to the cosmos where all the past great Miraculous holders' souls are, Marinette. You will be offering yourself up for judgement on the highest scale. The very Gods themselves will judge you whether or not you are worthy of wielding their power to defend the world."

"And if they don't find me worthy…?" Marinette gulped. Gabriel eyes were like ice, staring straight into her soul.

"Your soul, if judged unworthy before the previous Miraculous holders, will be ripped from your body and your body will be a husk while your soul is torn apart, ceasing to exist altogether." Gabriel solemnly answered. Marinette felt her body go cold.

"But… it's happened before, right? Someone has been able to achieve the Peacock's true form?" she nervously asked.

"I've only seen one holder try to attempt to become the Peacock's true form." Gabriel's expression was dark.

"What… what happened?"

"It was luckily interrupted from fully losing her soul and she was knocked unconscious. It was the scariest moment of my life."

Marinette's heart pounded, a shiver crawling down her spine from his grave tone. He observed her reaction, watching the severity of the consequences of her powers sink in, and continued.

"That is why you cannot use that power, Marinette. No matter what, you must promise me you will not try to achieve the Peacock's true form."

Blue met blue, the tension electrifying the room, and Marinette swallowed thickly, nodding.

"I promise."

"Wait so you're telling me your Miraculous thingy has the ability to make you invincible, but you literally can't use it?" Chloe squawked. Marinette sighed, nodding.

"It's too dangerous. He said my soul would be ripped apart, ceasing to exist altogether if I wasn't judged worthy by previous Miraculous holders." Marinette replied. Chloe scoffed and crossed her arms.

"What's the point in even giving you that option then if you can't use it?" Chloe complained. "It's like waving a hundred-dollar euro in front of you."

"I'm sure when the Miraculous were created, there was a reason." Marinette conveyed, but found herself internally agreeing with Chloe. "It can't be helped. What's important is that I avoid using that power."

"So, what's your superhero name then?" Chloe asked, changing the subject. "Please tell me you're not going to call yourself Peacock." She grimaced. Marinette shrugged.

"I haven't really thought about it." The midnight haired girl confessed. Chloe huffed.

"That's the most important part! You want your name to inspire and bring people hope and all that dumb stuff, right?"

"I guess… I wouldn't really know what would be a good name for myself though…"

"Whatever. It's late, and I need my beauty sleep. I'll be taking your bed tonight." Chloe commanded. Marinette puffed her cheeks.

"Chloe, I'm not being kicked out of my own bed. It's big enough for us to share."

"Share with a commoner? I think not." Chloe retorted, waving her off, but Marinette wouldn't budge, rising from her spot on the floor and began climbing the ladder.

"Too bad. I'm tired. You invaded my house. Either sleep next to me or sleep on the chaise." Marinette supplied. Chloe grumbled as she followed Marinette up the ladder to her bed begrudgingly. Duusu settled on Marinette's pillow while Chloe put a body pillow in between them.

"I don't want you snuggling up against me during the night, got that?" she warned, getting comfortable on her side. Marinette shook her head and settled herself on her own side.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Marinette flicked off the lights and made herself comfortable. It was silent for a few moments before Chloe spoke.

"Your name."

"Huh?" Marinette questioned tiredly, furrowing her brow. "I doubt running around with my real name would be a good idea, Chloe."

"Not your name name! I mean it's meaning!" Chloe bristled. "Your name means 'One who rises', right? So why not Phoenix?"

"Phoenix…" Marinette whispered the name, caressing the peacock pin reverently. It felt like something had clicked into place and she was surrounded by warmth. A smile spread across her features. "I like that."

"Good, now shut up. I'm going to bed."

"Psst, Princess." A voice whispered. Marinette groaned and rolled over, covering herself with her comforter to block out the noise. The offending noise seemed to have other ideas and began lightly poking her, making Marinette grumble. She threw off the blanket and came face to face with Chat Noir's luminescent green eyes. She squeaked, the information that Gabriel revealed before hitting her head on, and a violent blush rose upon her cheeks.

Adrien was here. He was in her room. At night. Marinette's heart pounded like crazy.

Chat Noir placed a finger on his lips to signal silence and gave her a sheepish smile that she was able to make out in the dark. She looked towards her clock and found it to be past midnight. What was he doing here? Couldn't he ask her as himself tomorrow? Why did he need to come here as Chat?

Chloe was snoring ungracefully beside her, clearly still asleep. Chat and Marinette gave her a wary glance before gazing at each other and silently communicated that they needed to somewhere else to converse. Noticing that Chloe had trapped her in a spooning position, no body pillow to be found, Marinette rolled her eyes, gently detaching herself from Chloe—and checking to see if Duusu was hidden, which luckily, she was as she caught magenta eyes peering from her hiding place—and allowed Chat to guide her to her trap door where they stepped into the cold night air. Marinette shivered, the cold air contacting with her skin and Chat rubbed her arms, trying to warm her. However, Marinette backed up from his hold, a red blush glowing against her cheeks, reminding herself who was under the mask. Chat coughed and fidgeted nervously.

"I'm sorry for waking you, Princess." He rubbed the back of his neck bashfully. "I just… I was really worried about you and I wanted to check up on you, but I wasn't able to sneak away until now. My father's… really overprotective." He finished, aware that he couldn't reveal too much. Unbeknownst to him, Marinette knew exactly what he was talking about.

'He's lucky Monsieur Agreste hasn't locked him in his room with all the danger he puts himself in.' Marinette thought. Then again, Gabriel appointed her as Adrien's superhero body guard, so she supposed he was still strict in protecting Adrien. 'If only Adrien knew…'

"That's… perfectly okay, Chat. Thank you for even checking up on me. I really appreciate it." Marinette told him sincerely, making Chat grin happily at pleasing her. Then his expression turned solemn, and Marinette raised her eyebrow in curiosity.

"Princess… have you ever lost someone and then all of a sudden they come back to you?" he whispered, as if afraid to speak his words aloud. Marinette's heart pounded.

'Oh no, please don't tell me…'

"What do you mean, Chat?" she inquired, her heartbeat loud in her ears. Chat pivoted to stare at her, and Marinette felt he could see all of her dirty little secrets. She wanted to hide.

"I… The Ladybug I am with now wasn't always Ladybug. There was another before her. She was only with me for a little, but then she disappeared without a trace, and the current Ladybug took her spot."

'This cannot be happening…' Marinette squirmed. Chat Noir didn't seem to notice and continued.

"I never thought she'd come back. That I would ever see her again. I feel alive. Like everything's right in the world, but also, I feel like my soul is shattering from all the agony I felt at her disappearing. I want to know what is going through her mind. I want to know why she left, but I know she won't tell me anything I want to know. It's frustrating. I want to see her, but I'm also afraid to. I don't know what to do…" his voice cracked, signaling how much all of the turmoil of the previous Ladybug returning was causing him. Marinette felt her heart broke. She had no idea her absence and reappearance caused Adrien this much pain. To know that it was sweet, kind Adrien who she had deserted because of her own fears, it didn't settle well in her stomach. The person that caused her to become a hero again was the one person she hurt the most.

Chat jumped when he felt arms encircle him from behind. Marinette's warmth seeped into him, calming him, and he purred happily, turning around and embracing her, pulling her close to him. Marinette blushed hotly at hearing his purring and feeling his body vibrate, engulfing her with soothing contentment. Chat nuzzled his face into her neck, taking in her scent of baking spices. His purring became louder as Marinette's dainty hands caressed his back.

"I'm sorry." Marinette whispered, tears running down her face. "I'm so sorry." Chat pushed back, still in their embrace, to stare into her eyes. He brought up a gloved hand to wipe her tears, wishing that he wasn't transformed so he could feel her skin.

"Princess, why are you crying?" he asked her, scared if he spoke loud, he would shatter the moment between them.

"I… you're in so much pain. I wish I could take it all away." Marinette told him, not daring to reveal herself. She couldn't. Not now. Not when he was so capable of being shattered. She couldn't bring herself to give the final blow. She resolved that she would do her best to make it up to Adrien, as both Marinette and as Phoenix. He had done so much for her—to turn him away now would be awful of her.

Chat laughed, blinking away his own tears, but a couple escaped to run down his face. He pulled her closer, quietly chuckling.

"You did more than you realize, Marinette." He soothed, stroking her hair.

In his arms, Marinette vowed she would never leave him again.

Karin: There you go! Finally got this chapter done! Had to cram a lot of lore in there so that is why it took me so long to write. Hope you guys liked the interactions in this chapter. I enjoyed writing Chloe and Marinette's dynamic, Tikki's reactions to seeing Marinette, and finally the Chat and Marinette scene. I wanted to give Chat some spotlight this chapter as Marinette now knows who she abandoned, and it was important for her to hear from Adrien's point of view of what her choices have affected. There will be a scene with Phoenix and Chat Noir in the future so this will not be the last time Chat and Marinette comfort each other.

I really hope you guys liked this chapter as it took me a while to finally finish it and I really enjoyed writing it, but I understand if it didn't meet expectations. That's okay—I will just try to do better!

Replies to Reviews:

Dragon Lord Draco- Ah, okay. I guess then this is technically inaccurate but that's okay. And thank you so much!

Snowy Analia- Thank you! I'm glad you like her powers and I hope you liked the lore behind the peacock's powers in this universe.

Yellow 14- I hope my explanation in the beginning of the chapter is okay. I'm glad you are okay with her powers. I know this is not canon, but I wanted to spin some lore for the peacock. I really hope you liked Tikki's and Marinette's reunion and all the interactions this chapter as you seem to really like the character interactions. I hope I didn't overload the reader this chapter with information, but next chapter will be less exposition and more fluid character interaction.

Shiranai Atsune- Perhaps—I can't really spoil much.

Blossom555- Ummm possibly but perhaps just a few. I like to not add a lot of original characters but for my plan of the story, there will be some. Thank you so much for reading.

Okeler- thank you! I'm glad you like it. Hope you enjoyed the update.

GuardianAngel1234567- Possibly, but that wouldn't be for a while.

PhantomMeow- thank you!

SaKuRa-HiMe Shaoran-kun- thank you so much! I'm so glad you like the character interactions and I hope you liked a bit of the MariChat at the end. Thank you for your compliments on Marinette's character! And thank you so much for the well wishes!