Last part, and before you read please note that I do realize serving people is an American thing. Work with me. Anyway, please enjoy Lila's downfall!=^-^=

Ch. 3 - Faux Fox

The wait for the meeting felt like forever, but Ladybug eventually came swinging up to the spot they talked at yesterday. "Good afternoon Ladybug." Chat greeted trying not to sound too eager.

"Hey, Chat, a little birdie told me you've been playing guardian kitty today."

He gave her a sheepish smile. "Just doing a favor for a friend." Yet the word sounded weird to him when he said it out loud.

"A grateful friend I hear." She really didn't know what she would have done if Chat hadn't jumped in.

"He he.." He blushed thinking back to Marinette's expression. "A-Anyway, what did Tikki find out?" As if he didn't already know.

Ladybug nodded. "She sensed something on her when she touched her today. She wasn't completely sure about it, so we went to consult Master Fu. According to him, there are many entities with similar powers to kwamis. Most are not as powerful since they don't have anything to stabilize their power like the kwami's miraculous. There used to be problems with evil spirits and things because they were constantly in need of energy."

"So this is some kind of evil spirit?"

Ladybug shook her head. "No, Master Fu is pretty sure it's some sort of sprite. An earth bound magical entity without a true root. Tikki told me the kwami's were like that at one time too, before the miraculous."

Chat rubbed his chin. "So some kind of kwami wanna be who's power is lying?"

"That's what Master Fu thinks. If that's the case, he said the best way to catch it is by forcing the truth. The sprite will lose power if lies are what it needs. We'll need to trick Lila into telling the truth, and then make it reveal itself." She then pulled out a little miraculous box. "We should be able to trap it in here."

"Trick her into admitting she stole Marinette's design then?"

"Yeah, somehow." Ladybug didn't look too confident anymore as she thought about how to do it.

"Well, she'd lie to save herself right? Maybe she'd tell the truth too. We need some way to make it better to admit to stealing though."

Ladybug gave him a good long look before the idea came to her. It was not the best, but it could work. "You might be onto something Chaton. We'll fight a trick with a trick." Now all she needed to do was get the right help.

Alya nervously played with the fox miraculous that hung around her neck. Could she do this? Was it the right thing? When Ladybug came to her last night about it, she didn't want to believe a word, but the moment she pulled out the miraculous she... It seemed too serious to be anything but the truth. Ladybug wouldn't lie to her. That fact was more absolute the longer she thought about it. "You got this, Alya." Trixx whispered from her bag at her side. Alya gave a grin in return, but kept her head facing the board.

"Many plays that featured historical figures had to be modified depending on how these people were viewed. Shakespeare's Macbeth is one such example." Ms. Bustier explained as she listed a few more on the board. "A Modern example very well could be the Miraculous Ladybug and Chat Noir movie that came out recently. In this case, however, details were added simply because we don't know many personal details about our masked heroes." She added in with a grin. Historical Theater was one of her favorite subjects to cover simply because it never goes out of style. "Anyone have an example of possible differences?" Many of the students raised their hands. "Nino?"

"The climactic battle at the end was shown at night, but the battle with Stone Heart actually happened during the day."

"Yes, and changes like that could be for added drama. You may have noticed night scenes have an added element of tension for fight scenes. As a matter of fact, you'll notice night scenes may even feature wet streets to add just a bit more light and atmosphere. Any others? Marinette?"

"I'm pretty sure Ladybug didn't actually have a fear of cats."

Ms. Bustier nodded, feeling the same way. "Yes, I think so as well. Lila?"

The Italian grinned. "Actually, Ladybug once admitted to me that she really did have a fear of cats. Chat Noir, helped her with it though." Many of the students found the information fascinating as a small clamor went through class.

"Well that's..." Alya started in a mutter before feeling confused. It sounded... wrong somehow. Lila's supposed to be good friends with Ladybug, she'd even done an interview. It wouldn't be odd for her to know something like this, but... It sounded made up? With how long she'd been following ladybug, something like this should have come up before. Alya turned to look back at Marinette who didn't look happy to be corrected. When she faced back to the front she noticed Lila's back glance. It was something in the way she smiled that made her feel like it was just for Marinette, and not nice at all. Then again, Marinette did try to copy Lila's design... no... Marinette wouldn't do that? But then why the sketch yesterday? Alya let out a sigh. She really wished ladybug had taken the time to explain more. Lunch break was only a minute-

"Alright class, that's all we have time for. Please make sure you take a look at one of these I've listed. The essay question on the test next week will involve analyzing at least one. Enjoy your lunch break." Ms. Bustier announced before turning around to place her notebook down.

The young reporter sighed again as she stood up. "Moment of truth." She muttered as she noted Nino's thumbs up in the corner of her eye.

"You got this, Alls." She tried her best smile, but her internal struggle still wasn't over.

"Hey, Nino?"

"Yeah?"

"Did Lila's comment about Ladybug's fear of cats sound odd to you?"

Nino gave it a moment of thought before shrugging. "Not really. I can see it being a thing, and if Chat couldn't help her, no one can." He smiled as he grabbed his bag. Alya just frowned as she watched him. He didn't even question it? "Coming, Alya? You don't want to be late for..." He took a look around before whispering. "You know, the bug on the roof?"

"Yup." She responded while hoisting her bag. She had a meeting to keep. "See you later." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before rushing off. Maybe this wouldn't be so unnerving if Carapace were invited too, but Ladybug seemed pretty sure this plan wouldn't need him.

Ladybug arrived second to the party as Chat Noir looked over the roof edge at the students in the court yard. "Got my sights on her, Ladybug." Chat announced without turning around.

"Good, we only need her to leave the main doors before we can start the plan."

"Rena Coming?" He wondered.

"Rena's here." The aforementioned heroine responded as she crouched beside him. "Now, before we start this, maybe more details?" She still wasn't completely comfortable doing this to Lila. She'd shared so many of her stories, and was always so willing to help people like Prince Ali.

"Now that you've had more time with your miraculous, did anything Lila say sound strange?" Ladybug inquired hoping their other theory panned out. "You've met with her today right?"

Rena nodded with a confused expression. "Actually... yeah. She mentioned you told her you really had a fear of cats, but Chat Noir helped you with it."

Ladybug let out a sigh as Chat shook his head. "That was a lie, Rena Rogue."

"But she's one of your close friends isn't she?"

It was ladybug's turn to shake her head while Chat responded. "No, I remember her saying that, but Ladybug immediately denied ever meeting her before. Lila made that up to get your interest, like most everything else." He then gestured to her necklace. "We think our miraculous help us see through her lies since we wear ours at all times. Since you don't, it would make sense given our theory."

"That's why I wanted you to wear it today before we started our plan. We hoped it would make what I want you to do easier."

Alya gripped her miraculous with a conflicted expression. It made sense in a way. "I... I'll do it. I trust you, Ladybug." Ladybug gave her a smile in return. It was nice to be believed even if it was her hero persona that she believed in.

"She's going for the doors, Milady." Chat pointed out as he spied on the students again.

"Alright, just like I told you. Someone who looks professional, and serious. She knows what a lawyer should look like." Ladybug explained as she gave the fox hero an envelope.

Alya nodded as she pulled her flute out. "I'm on it, Ladybug." With a quick few notes she whipped her magic around herself and hopped off the roof just around the corner. She was coming up the steps just as Lila and a few other girls were headed out for lunch.

Rena's disguise consisted of a middle-aged woman in a dark grey pants suit, glasses, and a well managed bun. Her expression was a no nonsense thin line as she homed in on the Italian target. Many of the girls turned to the woman before she spoke. "Excuse me, is one of you Lila Rossi by any chance?" She asked in a stern tone.

Lila didn't feel comfortable about this but the other girls missed her unease. "Yeah, right here." Rose pointed out with a smile.

The lawyer pushed up her glasses before holding up a yellow envelope. "I represent Nicole Maxwell, an independent jeweler from America. According to American law, all parties must be notified of legal action against them. I have already met with your mother, but since you are the offender," She held the envelope out to the young teen. "You've been served."

"W-what...?" Lila took the envelope with shaky hands. "Served?"

"Yes, Ms. Maxwell is suing you for stealing her latest bracelet design."

Lila's jaw dropped. The other girls were equally speechless as they looked between the woman and Lila. "Stealing her design!?"

The lawyer nodded again. "Yes, all of the details are in the envelope. I suggest you be more careful with designing in the future. Just because you submit it to a contest in France, and not America, does not mean it isn't stealing."

Lila was pulling out some of the papers showing the legal seal of the American court, and her eyes widened even more. Of course Rena knew they were fake, but Lila and the girls obviously couldn't tell. "But I... I-"

"Lila... Did you really steal that design?" Rose asked looking a mixture of hurt and panicked.

"Of course not I... I... This is a mistake." Lila tried to console as her mind worked to come up with an excuse.

"I can assure you it is no mistake." The lawyer reiterated with a stern tone. "And diplomatic immunity will not be offered for your offence given the nature, you can be certain of that."

Lila was looking over the documents and noted the amount she was being sued for. "Five million dollars!?"

"Yes, that amount may change, but not by much. Had your design been produced in France, that was the estimated profit loss my client stood to lose."

Lila's mind was now working in overdrive. How could she get herself out of this!? Curse that Marinette! She never thought that goody two shoes would steal a design! Wait... Marinette stole it! "It-it wasn't me! Marinette was the one who stole your design! I just submitted it and said it was mine I swear!" She blurted out as fast as her tongue could speak it. There was no way she was going down for Marinette of all people.

The lawyer looked almost surprised as she raised a brow. "So you stole this design from this Marinette girl then?"

Lila nodded hoping beyond hope this would keep her out of it. "Yes, she's the one you should be serving these to."

"But according to the records, the signature on the design is your name."

Lila quickly pulled the folder out of her bag to show her the original design. "No, I took this one from Marinette and changed the date to make it look like she copied me!"

The lawyer took the sketch with a cross expression. "You stole from her, and tried to make it seem like she stole from you? What would be the point in that?"

Lila rolled her eyes. "Because she was getting in my way! Now take those papers to Marinette! She's your thief."

"No, I think you are." Lila turned just as Ladybug and Chat Noir leaped from the roof. They thought they'd have to wait longer to see a change, but a shimmering shadow was not normal. "Ladybug!?"

"I got it!" Chat declared as he called on his Cataclysm. He swiped at the silver mist that was rising up from her shadow but kept missing.

"What's going on?!" Lila demanded. The other girls had already backed away leaving the Italian surrounded on three sides.

"We're just rooting out a problem. Stay still, Lila." Ladybug explained as she spun her yo-yo, ready for when the mist changed form.

Lila turned back to the lawyer just as the illusion wore off. "Don't go anywhere." Rena commanded coldly. She didn't want to believe it before, but now she was ashamed she listened to Lila, and angry. Angry at herself for how she spoke to Marinette, but more angry Lila targeted her best friend.

"I can't grab it Ladybug!"

"I think I might just-" She held out the little miraculous box with one hand and made to scoop the mist up.

"Hands off mortals!" The mist took the loose shape of a large bird with its glowing green eyes boring into them. "What audacity! That you mortals would try to hold me? Thwart me!? Know your place!"

"We know our place when you're not lying about it!" Ladybug countered with rage.

"Be a good birdie and come with us!" Chat jumped and swiped at the misty bird again.

"Wielder of destruction is it? What is your grievance with my actions? Do you not enjoy a little destructive chaos? And it's not so terrifying as you, after all, my friend here was only telling them what they wanted to hear. What's so wrong with that?"

"Everything!" Rena suddenly rushed in swinging her flute through the bird's misty body. The creature reformed further away, but close enough for Ladybug to make her move. She tied the box to her yo-yo and swung it at the creature like a fishing line. As soon as the mist touched it, the creature was forcibly sucked in, and trapped with a pull of the line. Ladybug then wrapped her string around the box to make absolutely sure it couldn't escape.

"Nice catch, Milady." Chat praised as he held up his right fist for their signature gesture.

Ladybug smiled but took one look at the still active destructive energy before shaking her head. "I don't think so, Chat Noir." He looked down before giving her a sheepish smile. "Oh... right." He swapped hands and she met his fist with hers. "Pound it." They both then turned to Rena to add her to the group. "Pound it?" Ladybug asked.

Rena's gut twisted a bit, but she reciprocated the gesture with both of them. "Pound it..." Then they all turned to see Lila out cold. None of them really wanted to volunteer to deal with her.

"So it really was some kind of sprite?" Chat asked later that night before their patrol.

"Yup, though a stronger one than he thought. The creature is called Apate, a goddess of fraud from ancient Greece. She feeds on lies and the more destructive, the better. According to what he was able to find, her power builds on itself. The longer the lies continue the easier the lies are believed and the wilder they can become. Apate must've been with Lila for years to reach the level she is at."

"Must have been, to make all of Marinette's friends turn on her so easily." Chat agreed much to Ladybug's curiosity. "Anyway, did you get the Fox Miraculous back to Master Fu?"

Ladybug shook her head. "Not yet, I'll be dropping back to get it after patrol. Rena knows to expect me."

"Good, and speaking of Master Fu... what's he going to do with Apate? Did he say?"

Laybug gave a shrug. "He mentioned contacting the Order of the Miraculous. Tikki did say many of the kwami's were like this sprite, so maybe they'll make a new miraculous or something?"

"Make one? I kinda thought they were made with magic or something." Chat countered.

"I don't know? Just a theory. At this point I don't care what they do with it. I'm just glad I don't have to deal with Lila anymore."

Chat raised a brow. "I know she was akumatized a few times, but it's not like she was the only one."

Ladybug raised a brow at him. "Her lies were way worse than her being akumatized. Now let's get going." Ladybug then swung off the tower to start her patrol rounds.

The next Monday, school started pretty normal. The confusion of Friday afternoon left many not knowing what happened. As soon as Apate showed herself, all civilians but Lila cleared out. Marinette hadn't overslept despite patrol for once, and arrived just as Adrien was being dropped off. "Hey, Marinette! Good morning." He greeted.

The young designer was a sputtering mess an instant later as she waved like a robot. "Good Adrien, Morning."

He chuckled at her scrambled words. "Good Adrien to you too." Marinette's blush grew as she slapped a hand over her mouth. She did not just say that!? "Relax, I knew what you meant." He pat her shoulder. "Hope you're ready to start the week." He was way too chipper, but Marinette couldn't help but find it adorable.

"I-I am! Especially since I won't have to deal with Lila's lies anymore." She got out surprisingly clearly. "Yup..."

Adrien agreed before thinking about it. How did she know about that? Nobody else stuck around to find out what the sprite did.

"Yo, dude!" Nino greeted with an arm around Adrien.

"Nino, morning." He greeted, stuffing his curiosity away for later. "Morning, Marinette, Babe." He greeted, effectively ruining Alya's attempt to sneak up on the nervous designer.

"Nino!" Marinette turned around to see Alya giving Nino the stink eye.

"Alya?"

Alya turned to look at her and her anger melted to remorse. "Morning, Marinette, I wanted to apologize to you this weekend, but I just couldn't face you until around 4 yesterday."

Marinette looked confused. "But I was out helping my dad with a delivery."

Alya nodded. "Yeah, I know. I wouldn't have felt right calling about this, so I'm doing it now. I am so sorry, and the absolute worst friend ever for not believing you about Lila! I was accusing you of stealing a design! You'd never do that in a million years!" Alya had her hands over her face reflexively trying to hide her shame.

"It's okay Alya. I know it wasn't really you, and now you're not being tricked anymore."

Alya shook her head in disgust as she thought back to the silvery bird creature. "Ugh... I hope to never have that happen again. I should record myself a message you can play at me if it does. I'll put some choice insults for myself if I ever start trusting magical BS again." Marinette giggled at the idea which made Alya smile. It was more than a relief Marinette didn't hate her right now.

"Alright... I'm kinda lost?" Nino cut in feeling like he's the only one who missed the joke. "Lila was lying?"

Alya nodded. "Yup, she had some weird magical thing attached to her. I got the scoop from Ladybug. It made anyone who heard Lila's lies, want to believe them. Something along those lines." She placed an arm around Nino's shoulder. "Marinette was the only one who didn't believe her so she was targeting her. Let me give you the whole thing after I show you the clip I'm posting later." She guided Nino in leaving Marinette and Adrien alone once again.

"Pretty crazy huh, Adrien." She asked nervously as she kept her gaze away from him. He didn't say anything back. His brain was too busy putting the last little piece in place in his mind. After a moment she finally looked at him. "Adrien?" She called seeing the conflicted expression on his face. "Uh... Sorry... if I said something weird again." She tucked some hair behind her ear as a nervous gesture, drawing Adrien's attention. His expression went from confused to surprised in an instant. His silence was making her more nervous by the second. "Okay well... I'll just class to go... Uh go to class I mean. Sorry..."

"What are you apologizing for?" Adrien finally asked with a strange grin.

Marinette found it curious as she pointed to the doors. "Well I thought I might have confused you with something I said, and..." She blushed and trailed off.

The blonds' grin grew as he reached for her hand. His eyes were focused on her face though leaned more towards the newly revealed stud in her ear. "Not at all, Milady." He bent down to kiss her hand before waggling his brow. "Nothing you could do would ever bother me."

Lila had the perfect cover for what happened on Friday even though she didn't remember how it ended. She'd had to put a little bit more thought into it, but the fact she really wasn't being sued helped a lot. First she had to act clueless for the class and walk in like nothing was wrong. That was as far as her plan got, however, before hitting the first snag. As soon as she entered the room she was met with several pairs of cold eyes. "Good morning!" She tried to greet through the tension weighing on her.

"Morning, Lila." Adrien greeted with a certain air about him. His smile was normal, but it was like there was something more to it. She walked over to the desk.

"Did something happen?" She whisper asked while holding her fake cheery smile.

"Huh? Well, nothing you wouldn't already know. Right, Marinette?" He turned around to ask her though she only responded with a squeak that could have been 'yup' but only if you really listened. Her face was like a tomato and she was hiding it poorly behind her tablet screen. Lila looked up at the girl, and then back to the expression Adrien was throwing at her. It was a tease, but not mean. Something was up with them. She decided to finally take her seat but Nino came up to sit in it before she got there.

"Told you I'd make it, dude!" Nino placed down the can of coffee and proceeded to crack it open. "Mondays equals fully stocked vending machines."

"I'd rather take the time to stop for the real stuff if I want coffee." Adrien remarked as if Nino was suppose to be sitting there.

"Says the morning person with a personal driver to take them there." Nino jabbed back with a tease.

"I'm not always a morning person."

"Full moon only comes once a month, dude. You're a morning person."

Ms. Bustier entered effectively cutting off their conversation. "Alright everyone, weekend is over, time once again for class." She turned to them and saw Lila standing in front of Adrien's desk. "Something wrong, Lila? Class is starting so you should be heading to your seat."

Lila was minorly confused it wasn't obvious. "Of course Ms. Bustier, but you remember my Tinnitus? I need to sit up front."

Ms. Bustier gave a nod of realization. "Ah, that's right... Though now that I think about it, I will need to see a doctor's note for that kind of accommodation. I expected you to have already provided it by now."

Lila's surprise was evident. "But you never asked before..."

Ms. Bustier nodded. "Well, it is outlined under special considerations for academic success in our school's handbook. When you were enrolled here, you did sign, along with your mother, that you read and understood these rules. As you haven't provided a medical note yet, I'm going to have to deny that accommodation for now. Please take an available seat in the back." She gestured up the aisle. "I'm sure your seatmate would be happy to assist if you have trouble hearing for today." Lila almost missed the implied direction. No one had ever asked her for a note. All she ever had to do was feign injury and they fawned all over her. "Please hurry and take your seat, Lila, so we can begin class." She reiterated with a more stern tone than before.

Lila tried to get some sympathy as she dramatically slumped up the aisle to the back, but all she really got were cold eyes, or was ignored all together. What is going on!? Had word spread about Friday's incident? School was canceled after lunch so she assumed it was being treated like an Akuma attack. Everyone should be rushing to her with sympathy. She sat down by Nathaniel. He didn't seem like any help even for school work. He was currently drawing a panel comic despite Ms. Bustier already having wrote on the board. When the class break arrived no one came to talk to her like they normally did. "Hey Nath, I got the new chapter done!" A dark haired boy came scrambling into the room holding a black notebook.

"Really!? I thought you said it would be at least a week." Nathaniel stood up ready to take a look. "I know, but I got really inspired. About the only thing holding me up, is this last line. What do you think Ladybug would say to the Akuma? There weren't any good recordings of the battle, so I can't get the same feel for how she was."

Nath scanned down the last page. "I guess that would be a trick. I'm only about halfway through the art, so I haven't even thought about it."

Lila, though not all that interested in comics, decided to cut in. "Would you like me to help? I am Ladybug's best friend after all." She suggested with a sweet tone that hid a superior attitude.

Mark raised a brow at her. "Her best friend?" He glanced at Nathaniel who shrugged since he didn't really know. The writer couldn't say he knew her himself, but Ladybug befriending a civilian would be dangerous. Their comics had hit that point a few times. "No, I think we're good. Honestly, even if I did believe you were Ladybug's best friend, I wouldn't want your help. Any information you give us could be dangerous for Ladybug."

"That's a good point. I've got panel work if you want to see. It might inspire you." Nathaniel suggested as he walked around his friend and pointed to the door. "We should have plenty of time." Lila could barely hide the boiling anger hidden just under her strained smile. He didn't believe her!? What the heck!

Lila, unfortunately, didn't seem to understand her position now. She'd tried to start conversation, but anytime she led with one of her more impressive lies, she'd either be called out immediately, or someone would correct her if they knew the truth. Her mounting frustration was worrisome to the two heroes tailing her for lunch period. "You'd think she'd have figured it out by now." Chat commented as he watched her stomp away from Alix and Kim who were still laughing about her latest claim.

"I thought it would have been obvious after Friday." Ladybug responded, still red-faced from before.

"Seems denial isn't just a river in Africa after all." Chat chuckled back before noting her gazing to the side. "Something bothering you, Milady?" He asked as he stood up.

"The same thing that should be bothering you Chat."

The cat hero took a good look at her crimson cheeks only partially hidden from view, and smirked. "Is it that surprising? Personally I think the irony that you've had a crush on me since we met is way more surprising." He was now blushing a bit.

"No, it's just... doesn't it bother you? Even a little bit?"

Chat gave her a smile. "Of course not. How could finding out two of the nicest, kindest and most beautiful girls in my life were actually the same person be bad?" He reached out for her hand. "Does finding out I'm Chat Noir bother you?"

Ladybug was now more flustered than he'd ever seen her in the suit. "N-No, of course not! I just... it's... I..." She covered her face with her other hand.

"Hard to believe?" He asked as if finishing her line. "I know, but I'm just your average city cat so I can't be lion." He punned at the end much to her exasperation. He just couldn't keep it serious.

"I suppose picturing your real face punning like that would be the hardest to believe." Ladybug groaned with a light smile. "But let's get back to business, Chaton. We need to watch her a little longer."

"A lunch date with my Bugaboo? Maybe Lila's lies weren't so bad after all."

Yes, that is all. If you're wondering, yes Lila does not remember anything past Apate appearing. Also, of course this is a reveal fic. Since when can I resist? And last thing, Apate was just something I came across one day when looking through Greek myth. She only appears in one or two stories so if you haven't heard of her, I'm not surprised. Anyway thank you for reading. Please comment! (Or any inconsistencies! Please point them out so I can fix them!)=^-^=