[Narrator's POV]

Nathalie looks into the review mirror. The gorgeous green eyes of her beloved best friend, bright and lively in nature, are now drowning in tears; their vibrant colour dulled with sadness. The car pulls up in front of the school but Adrien remains motionless, staring absently.

Nathalie clears her throat. "Adrien, we're here."

Adrien blinks from his daze. "Sorry," He mumbles as he gets out of the car.

Nathalie rolls down the car window and watches as Chloe comes bounding down the stairs to meet Adrien. She grips his shoulders urgently but he won't meet her eye.

"How is she?" Chloe asks worriedly. "Talk to me, Adrien. What's happened? How is Marinette doing? Is she okay?"

"...She broke up with me." Adrien mutters miserably, his voice almost too weak to hear.

Chloe's hands fall from his shoulders as she steps back. "What?"

"She broke up with me because Audrey was threatening her family, her home—her life! So it was easier this way...We can only hope that Marinette will get better by dissociating herself from the toxic poison that is your mother, and that means cutting me out too!" Adrien cries.

"That's not true!" Chloe argues. "I...I asked my mom about it. She said it was for the best. She told me that Marinette's family weren't making payments—"

"She's a liar, Chloe!" Adrien interrupts. He points an angry finger at the dark purple bags shading his tear-streamed cheeks. "Do I look like I'm in the best situation? Audrey ruined Marinette's life and tore us apart. I can't sleep, I can't eat—Is this for the best, Chloe?!"

Chloe shrinks back, her lip trembling.

"Adrien." Nathalie intervenes.

The two turn their attention to the open car window but Nathalie doesn't appear interested in them. She keeps her stony gaze locked straight ahead as she speaks.

"Get in the car," Nathalie orders. "Your father just contacted me about some last minute photoshoots."

Adrien huffs and does as he is told, slamming the car door behind him.

"I'm not exactly in the best condition to do a photoshoot," He complains as the car speeds off. "I thought dad said we could put work on hold until I get better."

"There are no last minute photoshoots. I just thought you would prefer taking the day off school." Nathalie says.

"Oh..." Adrien replies. "Thanks."

Nathalie gives a silent nod. A moment passes before she braves looking into the review mirror once more to lay eyes on the pitiful sight of Adrien's broken spirits. She sighs and shakes her head in disgust.

"Don't worry, Adrien. That woman will get what's coming to her..." Nathalie says.

.

Chloe watches dejectedly as Adrien's car fades from view. She turns and slowly makes her way back into school, feeling the burning hatred of the many students glaring at her as she passes. For once, she actually wants her mom to take her out of school.

Chloe halts to a stop when Nathaniel crosses her path. He looks up from his sketchbook and gets startled by her sudden appearance.

"You're at school." Nathaniel observes awkwardly.

"Yes." Chloe answers, amazed that he is even taking to her.

Nathaniel lowers his eyes, sadness dawning on his expression. "I thought it was a waste of time for you..."

"No, I—"

Chloe gets cut off by the ringing of her phone. Nathaniel frowns as she stops to pull the device from her pocket. She bites her lip upon reading the name of the contact.

"Yeah, you should probably get that." Nathaniel says, turning to leave.

Chloe reaches out a hand pointlessly as Nathaniel walks away. "Wait..." She sighs and answers the call, bringing her cell phone up to her ear. "Hello, mommy."

"We're going shopping this afternoon."

"Oh, no, I uh," Chloe stammers. "I have a lot of work to catch up on. I can't..."

"Sorry what was that darling? I don't think I heard you properly."

"I said I..." Chloe pinches the bridge of her nose and scrunches up her face. "I have plans with Adrien?" She lies.

"Oh of course honey, you go and have fun!"

Chloe smiles painfully. "Heh heh, yeah!"

"I'll catch you tomorrow then, ta ta!"

Chloe hangs up the phone and trudges her way into class. Her heart sinks guiltily when she sees the empty space where Adrien and Marinette usually sit. Everyone in class is staring and whispering but she feels the most shameful under the eyes of Alya and Nino.

"Marinette's not in school today?" Chloe questions.

"Yeah, well, she's got a lot to take care of at home." Alya answers shortly.

Alya's eyebrows are furrowed bitterly and she seems to be facing whichever way is opposite to Chloe. Nino's expression displays a little more empathy, though more than anything he looks disappointed.

"Being Marinette's best friends, you really must hate me huh?" Chloe says, gripping her arm.

Nino looks at Alya sadly as if begging her to say otherwise but she just crosses her arms silently.

"Right..." Chloe nods and continues on her way.

She slumps down into her seat and pulls out her phone, staring at her most recent contact.

'MOM'

Chloe rests her head in her hand as she re-reads the word over and over. An off-putting feeling weighs down her chest; one that has been suffocating her heart since the moment this name re-entered her life. Unfortunately, the people who make her chest feel light and bubbly can't even look at her.

She just needs a break to breathe...

.

.

After school, Chloe sneaks her way behind the building and opens up her purse.

"Pollen—" Chloe pauses as she looks down at her kwami. "I feel like I don't even have the right to say the words anymore...I just need to escape, Pollen."

"The miraculous is yours. You've already earned it." Pollen says. "For once it would be beneficial for Chloe Bourgeois to stop thinking about other people. Stop fabricating this debt that you owe everyone and just believe in yourself."

Chloe nods. "Stripes on, Pollen."

The bumble kwami zips away into Chloe's hair comb, her body radiating with a glittering, golden light as she transforms into Queen Bee.

Queen Bee peeks out from behind the school building. It's miraculous seeing everyone mind their own business, smiling and laughing happily instead of giving her nasty scowls. She steps out cautiously and strolls into the street.

"It's Queen Bee—Look! It's Queen Bee!"

"Hi Queen!"

"Queen Bee!"

"Bee, over here! Can I get a picture!"

Queen Bee waves shyly as she walks. She isn't sure if this kind of attention is more refreshing or pressuring. It's not like she needs everyone to love her, she just misses the smiles of her friends.

"Maybe I should help Marinette with the moving...but that seems like I'm implying that I want her out of there just as much as my mom apparently does." Queen Bee mumbles to herself. "I know Adrien won't want to see me, and Alya and Nino don't even know Queen Bee, except for that one time I screamed at Alya for endangering our friends with her blog, though I did apologise afterwards..."

Queen Bee's eyes light up when she spots the familiar flaming hair of Nathaniel.

"Nathan!" She calls out, waving her hand as she runs to him.

Nathaniel looks around to make sure that it is in fact him this superhero is chasing after. Queen Bee stumbles to a stop in front of him, bouncing on her feet excitedly. Nathaniel looks her up and down in confusion. She seems to be anticipating something...

"Er...hi?" He tries.

"Hi!" Queen Bee replies with a big grin.

So she did want him to speak to her...

Nathaniel taps his fingers together awkwardly. "So...if you don't mind me asking, what is it that you want? I mean, I know I've talked to you before but I'm sorry, y-you're a superhero, it's a bit daunting having you approach me."

Queen Bee is completely engulfed in gazing at Nathaniel. She hasn't seen him in so long; being this close to him is like a dream come true.

"I just wanted to see you..." She says airily.

Nathaniel begins to feel flustered under her prolonged eye contact. "M-Me?" He says, shifting uncomfortably. "I didn't realise that we were, uh, friendly?"

Queen Bee snaps from her trance. She takes Nathaniel's hands in her own and leans in eagerly. "Do you want to be friends?"

Nathaniel stares at Queen Bee with wide eyes and flushed cheeks, his heart racing like that of a startled rabbit. Her bright blue eyes shimmer as she watches him keenly.

"I-I'm sorry?" Nathaniel stammers as if apologising for his own incompetence at forming a sentence in this situation.

Nathaniel winces as Queen Bee leans in even closer. She holds his hands to her heart and gives them a gentle squeeze.

"Would you like to be friends with me?"

Nathaniel can feel the steady heartbeat against Queen Bee's chest. She is so close that all he can feel is her body heat and all he can smell is her sweet scent. His brain has gone fuzzy all of a sudden. He is completely absorbed in just...her.

Nathaniel screws his eyes shut as some sort of an attempt to block out the gorgeous girl in front of him and come clean to his senses.

"P-Personal space please!" He squeaks.

Queen Bee falters, suddenly realising how close she is. She instantly lets go of Nathaniel's hands and steps back.

"S-Sorry! I'm sorry!" Queen Bee apologises, clasping her burning cheeks.

Nathaniel exhales the breath he was holding, his chest heaving in and out. He clutches the fabric of his shirt and gulps nervously.

"It's okay." Nathaniel says shakily, his voice awfully high-pitched. "I've made weirder friends I guess..."

Queen Bee's eyes sparkle. "So we are friends?!"

"Er, sure—"

Queen Bee squeals happily and squeezes Nathaniel into a hug. He looks utterly horrified by this gesture as she twirls him around.

"Oh I've missed you so much!" Queen Bee laughs. She then stops abruptly and releases Nathaniel. "I-I mean, uh—"

Nathaniel grips his head, the world spinning around him. "Iskay..." He slurs.

Queen Bee resumes her stance casually. She is fortunate that Nathaniel hadn't noticed her slip-up. He may think that Queen Bee is the most hyperactive stalker in Paris but she doesn't care. She is just happy to be friends with him again; she's missed Nathaniel so much it hurts. Now she can finally take a breath and have her worries melt away in Nathaniel's warmth. She can listen to his sweet laugh and see his cute smile...

Queen Bee frowns and tilts her head as she peers at Nathaniel. He isn't bright and bubbly like usual, he appears tired and gloomy. His posture is slouched as if he is too weak to hold himself up, his face is pale and his expression is drooped depressingly.

"What is it?" Nathaniel asks anxiously as Queen Bee studies him.

"You're not happy." Queen Bee says, her voice laced with concern.

Nathaniel lowers his eyes. "No...I suppose not."

"Why?"

Nathaniel's eyes flicker up to Queen Bee and then back down to the ground as he debates whether she would care to hear his problems. The feelings bottled up in his chest have become too overwhelming for him. He's always there to be kind to others but no one's ever been there to comfort him before...

"I...I had a fight with my best friend." Nathaniel admits finally.

"Your best friend? Really?!" Queen Bee says in awe, clasping her hands together.

She can't help feeling giddy about being considered Nathaniel's best friend, though she probably shouldn't be reacting so amusedly.

Queen Bee clears her throat and tries to wipe the smile from her face. "Your best friend, wow, that's terrible."

"Yeah, she's a lot like you actually—no comprehension of personal space." Nathaniel complains. "She even kidnapped me once."

"You got in the car willingly!" Queen Bee retorts on instinct.

Queen Bee freezes, watching Nathaniel's eyebrows furrow in puzzlement. She scratches her head and looks away as she attempts to recover herself.

"You're a very passive person is what I'm saying. I-I'm sure she didn't have to kidnap you." Queen Bee laughs nervously and waves her hand to dismiss the subject. "You're just being dramatic."

"That's exactly what she said too." Nathaniel says, eyeing Queen Bee sceptically.

"So!" Queen Bee quickly changes the subject. "W-What was this fight about, huh?"

Nathaniel crosses his arms with a disheartened frown. "She's changed a lot recently."

Queen Bee suddenly feels discouraged with her choice of conversation topic. She lowers her head glumly and scuffs her feet.

"Surely she couldn't have changed so much that it's made you hate her..." Queen Bee says sadly.

"I don't hate her." Nathaniel replies with a sigh. "She used to push people away before they had a chance to reject her because she's afraid of being abandoned but she managed to open up her heart recently and trust in people a little more. I guess it's my fault for encouraging her to do so...She's too trusting now. Her mom's come back into her life and she's so scared of being alone that she's let the woman walk all over her and her life and her friends...and even me."

Queen Bee's heart aches guiltily.

"Everyone's upset with her but it's not her fault for being naïve. What hurts most is that I want to be there for her but I have said such horrible things..." Nathaniel says. "I'm just worried about her. She can't give her heart out to everyone, she'll have nothing left. And that woman has already taken too much..."

Queen Bee has fallen silent. She doesn't exactly know what to say...

"Anyway, thanks for hearing me out." Nathaniel says. "I've been feeling really down and lonely ever since the fight. It's strange actually, how much I've gotten used to having her around. I've been feeling this emptiness in the atmosphere around me as though something is missing, but right now with you...it doesn't feel so empty."

For the first time in a while, Nathaniel smiles genuinely. Queen Bee blushes, her heart pounding longingly.

"Y-You have to make up!" She says, desperate to get this smile back in her life. "This girl, she's really lucky to have you caring for her. I'm sure she misses you a lot so don't worry, you'll definitely make up!"

"It means a lot to hear you say that." Nathaniel replies, his eyes soft with endearment. "I should get going, but thankyou Bee. You really are a kind girl."

Nathaniel waves goodbye and turns to leave.

"If you knew who I really was, I don't think you'd say so..." Queen Bee whispers as she watches him go.

Queen Bee spins on her heel and marches on. She doesn't have a destination or a purpose but it's nice to roam the streets of Paris feeling free for once. She wishes she could join in on patrol but she isn't sure her teammates would want her.

Queen Bee slows to a stop. "Maybe I should just go home..." She mutters. She then shakes her head and continues walking. "No. I'm allowed to be out here. I'm a hero—I deserve to be here. I can go on my own patrol!"

And so, Queen Bee explores the city on her own. It was liberating and enlightening for her to interact with fans and even make a few friends. She almost can't believe she spent most of her life secluding herself from this wonderful city around her and all of the wonderful people in it. For the first time, she's actually started to like, admire and even aspire the idea of becoming mayor. She feels so fulfilled bearing the responsibility of being a superhero and protecting her home as Queen Bee. Why not devote all of her time to the city of Paris? Why not give Chloe a chance to do something useful too?

Queen Bee enjoys her fantasies of becoming Mayor, helping and bettering Paris, winning the love and adoration of all of her subjects and then getting a statue in her honour even bigger than the statues of the heroes in the park. But eventually this train of thought leads her to the current Mayor and the state of Paris, more specifically, what his wife has done to his office and his city. All of the wonderful people she encountered today, the friends and the fans...they all seem to be suffering because she has let one person stand above them all.

A bell chimes as the door of the shop in front of Queen Bee swings open. She stops dead in her tracks when her mother appears before her followed by their family butler buried in her mountain of shopping bags. The sunlight glistens across a fancy, golden card held between Audrey's fingers. Queen Bee feels a pang in her chest and before she knows what she is doing, she has leapt forward and snatched the card.

"No!" She cries as she does so.

"What do you think you're doing? Give that back you brat!" Audrey demands, reaching forward.

Queen Bee steps back and clutches the card to her chest defensively. "Y-You can't keep using the city's money like this." She speaks up despite the fearful quiver in her voice.

Audrey narrows her eyes threateningly and holds out her hand. "I don't know what you're playing at, but you better give back my property before I have you thrown in jail, pest."

"Everyone says that you're the most vicious villain in Paris..." Queen Bee whimpers. "I-If that's so then...then I have to stop you."

"Excuse me? Who do you think you are?" Audrey spits.

Queen Bee flinches in fright. She tries her best to bite back the tears prickling her eyes and straightens her stance, her heart racing.

"I'm Queen Bee. I'm a hero." She declares. "And as a protector of Paris, it's my duty to stop you from terrorising the city."

Queen Bee clenches her fists and stands strongly, a fire within her suddenly ablaze. She can't stop the rush of different emotions sending tears down her cheeks, but she persists anyway. And though her voice is shaking, her volume keeps rising.

"This money belongs to the citizens. It's supposed to keep them safe in times of crisis. But you don't care do you, because the truth is, you really do only think of yourself! You're completely detached from everyone—even your family! I can't let you go on like this, you have to change. You don't need to put others down just because they're not like you! You don't have to destroy everyone else just to feel like you're superior and you don't have to be better than everyone to be the best that you can be. You value shallow things like wealth and reputation but not the love of your family or the wellbeing of others. I just don't understand you at all; trying to has ruined me! He's right, you've taken too much. You—You have to change. If you keep on taking then there'll be nothing left!"

Queen Bee grits her teeth, seething with every shallow huff of breath. The knuckles of her clenched fists have turned white. Her brows are creased with an unforgiving rage yet the tears spilling from her eyes tell a different story, one of desperation and sorrow.

"How dare you scold me!" Audrey says furiously. "I'm the authority around here. You're nothing but a thief!"

"I'll give the card back if you promise to return it to the Mayor's office and never use it again." Queen Bee reasons.

"Who are you to bargain with me? Learn your place!"

Audrey lunges forward and swipes at the card but Queen Bee stumbles back just in time.

"Why you disgraceful little brat! Butler, call the police!" Audrey orders shrilly.

"Yes, madam." Jean answers calmly.

He takes his time setting down the shopping bags, taking out his phone and dialling the police, his eyes flickering to Queen Bee before each task. As he brings the phone to his ear, he looks at her one last time, trying his best to signal her to run.

"Go ahead and call them. Defenders of justice are bound listen to reason." Queen Bee says confidently. "The police won't arrest me, I'm a hero. You're the one stealing."

"What's taking so long?" Audrey snaps.

Jean breathes a sigh through his nose. "Yes, hello, madam Bourgeois is getting robbed. Please come immediately." He says through the phone.

Queen Bee crosses her arms. She didn't intend to steal the card, she just panicked and acted on instinct. It's too late to go back now, she has to stand her ground. She can't run. That will make her look guilty and it will solve nothing. Her purpose is to convince Audrey of change.

Police cars, vans and trucks begin flooding the street. Queen Bee can't help feeling uneasy as the officers hop out in fully equipped gear including batons and shields. She has her pistol, yes, but how could she use it on her citizens? She isn't looking for a fight at all.

Queen Bee takes a deep breath before speaking. "Defenders of Pairs, fighters of crime, you and I are of the same beliefs. Allow me to explain myself, please. I haven't offended or hurt anyone and I haven't stolen. The Mayor's card is right here, see?"

Queen Bee raises her hand, which holds the card. The sound of shifting gear and clanking equipment rattles through the crowd of police as they ready themselves. Queen Bee shifts back and drops her hand fearfully.

"Easy! I-I'm not threatening anybody," She says. "This card never belonged to Audrey Bourgeois in the first place. It belongs safely kept away in the Mayor's office. I'm trying to return what is stolen here! D-Don't you understand? The Mayor's wife has been doing wrong and we need to set it right. Just let me go and—"

Queen Bee moves as if expecting to walk away calmly but the police immediately begin moving in around her.

"Let you go?" Audrey scoffs from the sidelines.

Someone. Anyone. Queen Bee whirls around, trying to catch the eye of one of the soldiers but no one seems willing to talk.

"Please, just let me talk to the Mayor!" She begs.

"You really have misjudged the power of money. Why would they listen to you when I'm the one paying them?" Audrey says cockily.

The circle of soldiers closes in tightly around Queen Bee.

"But I haven't done anything wrong, won't you give me a fair chance?" She pleads to the officers, desperately trying to reconcile with them. "Why can't I talk to the Mayor? We need to fix this. Please, we need to change—"

Someone grabs Queen Bee's arm, compelling her to twist their wrist and flip them over her shoulder. She immediately clasps her hands over her mouth and gasps.

"I'm so sorry!"

But it is too late. She has started the fight and now the officers aren't holding back their force. They come at her in full aggression. What else can she do but defend herself? Things begin to go blurry as her body takes over on autopilot. Punching. Throwing. Kicking. Dodging. Defending. Fighting. Fighting. Fighting!

Queen Bee looks to have completely lost it. She screams in fury as she beats up her offenders and yet she sobs after each attack. Her eyes are wide with fear and yet she displays undying strength.

"My, my. You call me a vicious villain and then display such bold violence, brutally attacking your so called precious citizens." Audrey brings a hand to her mouth and smiles cruelly. "Fighting the force of law... doesn't that make you the criminal?"

Terror consumes Queen Bee as she surveys the fallen soldiers. "No. I-I'm not. I'm not—I'm doing the right thing. I'm a hero." Queen Bee stops to grip her head, tears of distress overflowing from her. "Get out of my head! Stop trying to twist up who I am!" She screams out.

Queen Bee can't fight anymore. She can feel her inability to escape closing in on her as the officers do. She can feel the claustrophobia. The growing anxiety in her chest. She can't breathe. They make a move to capture her once more so she cries out her last resort.

"BEE HIVE!"

A cloud of bees swarms in. Queen Bee shrinks down and disappears among them. The storm of buzzing insects veils her escape as she flies away on one of them. She flies as fast as she can and as far as she can before her times runs out. Along the way news reports begin popping up around the city about the event. Voices are erupting from everywhere, drowning each other out.

"It seems that one of Paris' heroes has finally turned,"

"Breaking news, Queen Bee has stolen from the Mayor,"

"Miraculous or malicious?"

"Ex-superhero Queen Bee has henceforth been filed as a fugitive."

"How far will these vigilantes go?"

"Queen Bee, wanted criminal, has left Madam Bourgeois distraught and Paris in chaos."

"Authorities are currently tracking down the offender and urge citizens to stay safe in their homes,"

"Please call the police immediately if there are any sightings."

Queen Bee's miraculous beeps as the last stripe flickers. She swerves into an alleyway and leaps from the bee carrying her just as her body begins to grow. Her costume fades in a wave of golden sparkles, returning her to her normal self.

Chloe stumbles forward weakly and collapses to the ground. Pollen comes whizzing out of her hair comb and wastes no time stressing.

"Chloe, what have you done? I can't believe you stole such a thing—oh dear! I know I said the miraculous is yours but that's because I believed in your capability to make the right decisions as a hero. You're a criminal now—The legend of the miraculous has been tarnished! How on earth are we to fix this?"

Chloe doesn't respond. She just stares at the ground absently without even minding how filthy it is.

Pollen zips back and forth much like a human would pace under pressure. "You're lucky you have your secret identity to keep you safe and hidden. Oh but what will the Master think?"

.

With the news of Queen Bee spiralling out of control, her teammates have taken to the city to find her.

While Ladybug's yoyo, Cat Noir's staff and Carapace's shield are equipped with communication devices, Rena Rouge and Queen Bee's weapons aren't quite fit for that. Their suits are designed a little differently, Rena's ears and Bee's antennae acting as a sort of radio-com. All of the heroes had dropped whatever they were doing in their personal lives and rushed into action without knowledge of the others doing the same so despite their ability to connect with one another, they are all dispersed throughout Paris.

Rena Rouge is currently perched on a tall building with her eyes closed. Her ears flicker frantically, tuning in to channels and communication lines all over the city to collect information. Carapace is trying to settle the situation by comforting upset citizens and talking to police officers but he doesn't have the courage to confront Audrey directly. Cat Noir isn't as calm or patient about the matter. He is rushing around irrationally, his concern for Chloe clouding his mind. Ladybug just wants to sort herself out, get her team together and figure out a plan.

As she runs across the rooftops, Ladybug flips open her yoyo and dials Cat Noir on instinct. But when his picture pops up on her screen, she slows to a stop.

Ladybug feels herself melt away; her muscles go loose and her breathing slow. His enchanting emerald eyes have taken hold of her again, her golden boy with a smile brighter than the sun. Her charming prince, her precious kitten... Ladybug gently touches the picture. She wishes she could see him. She wants to be close to him, to hug him and kiss him.

A single tear drips onto the screen. Ladybug blinks and reaches up to touch her wet cheeks. Just by looking at him, her pain had ceased. For a second there she really forgot how much it hurts. Ladybug's vision goes blurry with tears as her troubles resurface. Her thumb hovers over the call button. She yearns to see him. She needs to be close to him. To hug him and kiss him and have him tell her that everything is alright. But something inside her has her snapping the yoyo shut and wiping away her tears hastily. Because she is being strong and stubborn as usual? No...because she is afraid. Afraid she won't be able to handle it. She hasn't even been able to support her family after the breakup, she has been no help at all at home. She is too weak to do anything lately. She can't even bring herself to patrol, and now her team has fallen apart.

Ladybug lightly slaps her cheeks and gives her arms a shake. She exhales calmly and slings her yoyo onto a nearby building, leaping from the roof beneath her. She keeps her eyes forward as she swings through the city. That is, until a crazy cat launches himself right into her path.

Ladybug barely has time to squeal before she smacks into Cat Noir, sending them plummeting towards the ground. Her mind goes blank as Cat Noir wraps his arm around her securely, so he takes initiative in saving them this time. He reaches up his other hand and extends his staff. The two ends shoot out and smash into the walls of the buildings on either side of them, slowing their fall to a stop just a metre from the ground. Cat Noir is hanging onto his staff with one hand. His arm is trembling with fatigue but he doesn't care. He looks down to see Ladybug clinging onto him tightly with her eyes screwed shut.

"My Lady..." Cat Noir says softly. "Are you okay?"

Ladybug heats up at the sound of his low voice beckoning for his lady. Flustered and shocked, she pushes away from him, only to squeak in panic as she begins to fall. As soon as Cat Noir catches a glimpse of Ladybug's embarrassed expression, he too falters. The abrupt disruption and shift in balance causes his hand to slip and they both drop to the ground with a thud.

"Ow, ow, ow!" Cat Noir groans as he lifts himself up.

Cat Noir freezes, finding that he had landed on top of Ladybug. She is staring up at him in horror, her cheeks a deep red. He flares up and quickly scrambles off her.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Cat Noir panics, crawling backwards.

Ladybug sits up and they both fall silent as their eyes meet. Ladybug doesn't know why she is so anxious, she just wasn't expecting to be exposed to that closeness so fast. It feels too good being his lady. Hearing his special name for her again has made her heart go wild. Cat Noir called her so out of habit, of course. He is fidgeting nervously, wondering if he had overstepped.

The awkward silence is interrupted when Cat Noir's staff snaps back to its normal size and plonks down onto his head, causing him to yelp in pain. Ladybug cracks a smile. She brings a hand to her mouth as she begins to laugh lightly. Cat Noir stops rubbing his head to stare at Ladybug in awe. Her beauty never ceases to amaze him. And oh how his heart swoons at the sound of that sweet giggle.

Ladybug slowly stops laughing as Cat Noir gets up and extends his hand. She blinks up at him, and he tilts his head with a smile. Ladybug's heart skips a beat. She bites her lip as she slowly reaches out to take his hand. With the slight touch of their fingertips, Ladybug feels a familiar tingle of energy and pulls back slightly before moving in again to carefully place her hand in his. Cat Noir's hand tightens around hers as he helps her to her feet. There they stay for a short moment, hands linked as they get lost in each other's gaze once more, until Cat Noir clears his throat and slips his hand away.

"Sorry again." He says, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

"Oh, n-no, it wasn't your fault. I wasn't looking where I was going." Ladybug replies. "Thank you for catching me."

Cat Noir looks into the window of a nearby bar. The television inside is displaying Queen Bee's picture with the word 'WANTED' scrolling across the bottom of the screen in bold letters.

"What on earth happened...?" Cat Noir mutters.

"I don't know, but I'm sure Chloe's innocent." Ladybug says.

Cat Noir runs a hand through his hair. "Things have really been tossed out of balance ever since that woman came to Paris. I feel bad for losing it this morning; I'm not the only one having a tough time. I think this is Chloe's breaking point."

"I feel bad for not being there." Ladybug says, rubbing her arm.

"It's not your fault buga—...Ladybug." Cat Noir replies. "Let's just find Chloe for now and figure out how to fix this later."

.

"So Queen Bee stole the Mayor's emergency card from Audrey Bourgeois." Rena Rouge concludes. She can't help but smile dearly as she shakes her head. "That girl's got spunk, but I love it."

Unlike the others, Rena Rouge is bold enough to go straight to the source—Audrey. Along the way, people give her uneasy looks, frightened or untrusting. People whisper and point and glare. Rena Rouge's confidence deteriorates. Why does she feel so...alienated?

"Is this what it's like for Chloe?" She mumbles.

Rena Rouge lowers her head as she walks until finally reaching Audrey Bourgeois, who's still giving police officers and news reporters a recount of the robbery. Rena inhales deeply and puffs out her chest but before she can advance a policeman steps in front of her.

Rena Rouge bumps right into his sturdy chest. "Ack—Hey!"

"Not so fast, delinquent." He says menacingly.

"Delinquent?!" Rena repeats, rubbing her head with a frown.

"That's right. You and your little gang think you run this city don't you? Think you can just take whatever you want!" Accuses the policeman. "Queen Bee may have slipped our grasp, but I'm not letting you get away with it."

"With what? I haven't done anything!" Rena Rouge argues. "You can't just turn on me because of one little slip-up. I don't have any control over what other people do. Why should I get punished for what Queen Bee did?" Rena pauses and double-blinks. "Oh," She mutters. "This is what it's like for Chloe, isn't it?"

The commotion caused by Rena Rouge had caught Audrey's attention. Her mouth curls into a smirk as she struts over to the scene.

"I'll take care of this one, you're dismissed." Audrey says to the policeman. She crosses her arms complacently and turns to Rena Rouge. "So, what's it like having the entire city of Paris turn against you? I bet it doesn't feel too good."

Rena Rouge scowls. "This is my city. Don't act so high and mighty when you're nothing but a filthy snake passing through. A villain yet to be kicked down by Paris' beloved heroes."

"Ouch." Audrey says. "I've been called a villain a lot today. Even by the girl who robbed me and stole the city's money."

"You know damn well why Queen Bee took that card off you." Rena Rogue replies.

"Yes, she looked just like you do right now, hostile and unstable. And she too seemed to think your little freak show are some sort of superheroes. But I knocked her down flat with just one call, so you better scurry away to whatever hole you came from before I do the same to you. This is my city, not yours, and I want you out of it." Audrey turns to the police officers and reporters to declare, "It looks like Paris' heroes truly are turning on us. Rena Rouge and her gang refuse to bring in Queen Bee, most likely planning to run away with the money. Though today has been deeply distressing, it has revealed the true colours of these ruffians and where their loyalty lies; certainly not in our city of Paris! But, alas, my gentle heart can't help hoping. I am willing to give them three more days to prove that they are not criminals by returning the Mayor's card and the thief along with it."

With that, Audrey flicks her hair aside and makes her way to her car. Rena Rouge lunges after her angrily but the policeman grabs her shoulder and pushes her to the ground.

"Ouch! Hey!" Rena Rouge exclaims. "Are you serious? I haven't done anything wrong, this is all a misunderstanding!"

"Get out of here, rat!" He yells.

Rena Rouge falters. She looks around slowly, her heart pierced by the many people scowling down at her. They didn't shout anymore. They didn't try to fight her. They just watched her, expressions filled with hatred, until she got up and walked away with her head hung low...Outcasted.

.

Carapace happened to be nearby when a bright, yellow light shines from within an alleyway. His legs push off and soon he is sprinting straight for it.

"Queen Bee!" Carapace exclaims as he skids round the corner.

Carapace's breath hitches. Chloe is sitting messily on the ground, cheeks stained with tears. She is completely absent apart from the occasional sniffing.

"Chloe?" Carapace says gently as he takes a step forward.

Chloe doesn't respond. Carapace thought surely Chloe out of everyone would be squealing and complaining about residing in such a filthy place. He waits patiently for her to start whining about ruining her designer clothes, but no, she remains silent and dispirited as if she is too tired to care about anything, even her outfit.

"Y-You're sitting in a dirty alleyway puddle..." Carapace says awkwardly.

For once, he is hoping that Chloe will just snap at him already. Order him to escort her out of here or something...

Pollen zips out of Chloe's bag, her fuzzy body puffed up from stress. "Carapace, thank goodness! Take her away, please. Get Chloe out of here! She needs to go back home until we can fix this."

Carapace ignores Pollen and slowly walks towards Chloe where he drops down to his knees by her side. He then places a hand behind her head and pulls her into the crook of his neck.

"Everything is okay..." Carapace whispers as he hugs her. "You haven't done anything wrong."

Chloe exhales a shaky breath of relief. Finally, someone said the words she needed to hear...

A fresh wave of tears flood Chloe's cheeks as she slowly closes her eyes. She clings onto Carapace tightly and cries out. Carapace cradles her as she howls and mourns. Sometimes she would wail words or phases, thoughts or feelings, anything inside her that she wanted off her chest. It was enough for Carapace to piece together a story of what Chloe has been going through. A story that made his heart fall, as well as a few of his own tears.

Once she has calmed down and cried all she can, Carapace places his hands on her shoulders and pushes them apart. Chloe makes a groggy sound of confusion as he does so.

Carapace looks into her eyes sternly. "Chloe, you know who you are. No one else can decide but you. Now tell me, who are you?"

Chloe blinks at Carapace, clearly lost.

"Who are you?" Carapace repeats.

Chloe sniffs and rubs her nose. "...Chloe?"

"You don't sound so convinced. Is it because you're letting everyone else decide who Chloe is, and it's an image that you can't identify with?" Carapace says.

Chloe sniffs once more, her lip trembling.

"I want to know, what kind of person is Chloe?" Carapace demands. "Tell me the truth, only you can. Who are you at heart?"

"I-I'm a person that wants to protect, but—but I can't. I've failed!" Chloe screws her eyes shut. "Chloe Bourgeois...She's the kind of person that hurts people!"

"She's not!" Carapace says. "She's strong and brave. She's compassionate and selfless. She's determined and resilient. She's light-hearted and fun. Even in the toughest times, she can smile—I know she can! She's charismatic and outgoing, the type of person to make others smile too. She's loyal and reliable, the type of person that people trust and depend on. She's endearing and admirable—What type of person does that sound like to you?"

Carapace's words circle in Chloe's head, each surfacing a smiling face. Ladybug, Cat Noir, Rena Rouge, Carapace, Marinette, Adrien, Nathaniel...

Chloe looks up at Carapace. "M-My heroes...it sounds like them."

Carapace's expression softens with encouragement. "So tell me...Who are you, Chloe?"

Chloe's eyes well up with tears. "A...A hero? I'm a hero!"

Carapace smiles and pats Chloe on the head. "That's right! Our little bumble bee."

Content fills Chloe's heart. Each soft stroke of his lulls her into a peaceful comfort.

"All that's expected of you is your best," Carapace continues. "And only you can decide what your best is."

Chloe can't help herself from smiling, so she passes it off as a playful smirk. She clears her throat and removes Carapace's hand from her head.

"Okay, but don't get ahead of yourself." Chloe says coolly. "This hair is worth more than your miraculous."

Carapace's smile cracks into a bright grin. "You rascal!"

As Carapace slings his arm around Chloe's neck and ruffles her hair, howls and screams fill the alleyway once more, this time bursting with happiness and laced with laughter.

.

What an emotional rollercoaster, but one that I'm thoroughly enjoying. Please leave a vote if you liked it :D

.

Spoiler warning—Syren fangirling ahead:

.

.

.

Yall it's cannon that Adrien plays with Ladybug and Cat Noir figurines, I'm screaming. I was legit laughing so hard during that scene but also gushing pure love and excitement, my mum thinks I'm insane. It's also cannon that he blackmails Plagg with cheese, the reveal is comin' sooner than we thought XD

And how pretty did Aqua-Ladybug look!!! I wish I got to see Cat Noir/Adrien swooning afterwards. I was expecting Cat Noir to secretly follow Ladybug to Master Fu after he got mad at her so when she went off and de-transformed I had a heart attack bc I really thought the reveal was boutta happen.

Also, what the heck, Rena Rouge outta nowhere? She helps them regularly apparently, well at least when they need help. So I guess something big is coming if they are going to need even MORE help, hence Queen Bee and Carapace.

Aw and Kim is so pure! My little meathead is now my little bean boy. Not gonna lie, I got really excited when I saw a pool scene including a character in trunks because I wasn't sure how the show would animate de-clothed bodies and if they would even display it seeming as it is a kids show. I've been thinking about that for a while now for one reason and one reason only—BEACH EPISODE! Now they have my hopes up.

I feel so bad for Nooroo! :'(