An action in fencing that involves stamping the front foot to the ground, to produce a sound to distract or startle the opponent.

Marinette had almost made it to the bakery for lunch when the screaming began. She groaned audibly and stepped into the alley. It hadn't even been a week since the last battle. She really hoped that it wasn't Alya, but judging from the direction that the screams were coming from and Alya's attitude toward Chloe this morning, unfortunately it seemed likely. She opened her purse and looked inside – 'I guess it's time to clean up this mess.'

Marinette groaned again and uttered unenthusiastically, 'Tikki, Spots On'. Tikki looked up at Marinette with sympathy as she zipped into Marinette's earrings and transformed once again into the hero Ladybug. Once the transformation was complete, Ladybug walked out into the street and headed back towards school.

Adrien was much closer to the action – he had been observing Alya's little meeting from the shadows under the stairs. He knew that Alya's mood meant that an akumatisation was more than likely. He had even fed Plagg a piece of camembert in case he had to call on him later. Unfortunately for Adrien, his expectations became reality.

As soon as he saw the akuma enter the tablet, he made sure he was well out of view and called up his transformation – 'Plagg, Claws out!'. By the time Adrien had become Chat Noir, Oblivio, Gamer, Silencio and Dark Cupid were already standing lined up at the school entrance.

Gamer called out to the horrified crowd. 'Court is now in session. We call Chloe Bourgeoise to face the charge of treason against our hero, Ladybug and the city of Paris!' Even before Chat Noir could formulate a witty response, Chloe appeared at the top of the stairs. From her elevated position she exclaimed 'Riciculous, utterly ridiculous. I don't answer to you. You have no idea what really happened.' Silencio stepped forward and used his signature hand gestures to say 'if the only words that are going to come from your mouth are excuses and lies, then I will speak for you'. The last sound to come from Chloe's mouth was an undignified squeak as Silencio silenced her.

Gamer looked out to the crowd, 'is there anyone else who will speak out in her defence?' Chloe looked imploringly out at the faces of the other students. Silencio, using Chloe's stolen voice implored, 'please won't you help me, I'm a pathetic spoiled brat who doesn't care about any of you. I'm so sorry...so sorry I didn't destroy Ladybug and I'm glad I joined Hawk Moth.' If there was anyone left in the courtyard that didn't know what she'd done – they did now.

Silencio turned to Gamer and in Chloe's voice said 'I failed Hawk Moth and I deserve to be punished. Gamer looked and Chloe and all the colour drained from her face. She knew that she was in trouble. 'I declare trial by combat' stated Gamer. 'Round one will be Chloe versus the opponent she herself created – Dark Cupid. If we are lucky, we might even get Ladybug to join us for the final round'.

Chat Noir had so far been observing from his hiding place. He knew that he was outnumbered and he didn't want to risk giving away his position by contacting Ladybug. He had hoped that she was already on her way – but he couldn't wait any longer. 'Chloe vs Cupid? Seems more love match than grudge match' Chat grinned at his own humour and stepped out from his hiding place. All four sets of purple eyes turned in his direction.

'The game has begun' declared Gamer. 'Perhaps while the bug is away the cat will play?' Hawk Moth's mask appeared around Gamer's face, 'make sure they all suffer while she is not here to protect them'. Dark Cupid stepped forward and nocked an arrow in his bow, lining up his first target. Then someone started screaming and all hell broke loose as the students hit with began attacking Chat Noir, Chloe and each other.

Chat Noir hoped thatLadybug would hear the commotion and be here soon. It would be impossible tofight off everyone without her help.