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Alya's P.O.V

I stare down at Mallorie, carefully watching her every move. I'm not sure what her motive is but she isn't hiding. Why isn't she playing innocent anymore? Does she realize that I was close to figuring her out anyway and didn't bother to keep up the act?

   A grin slides on her face.

   "You know," she began, "I've heard around the school from certain fellow classmates of mine. Everything they whisper and talk about with others. But, I only focus on the important things that I want to hear. The things that help me reveal weak points in people I don't very much like."

   "What are you even talking about?" I questioned, confused. She rolled her eyes.

   "And I thought you were the smart one. Then again, I've heard lots of things about you. That includes your one mistake," she continued.

   "Mistake?" I thought, clenching my hands, "What mistake did I let slide to gain her attention? Why am I important enough for her to be watching me?"

   "The only way to take down an enemy is to know them, even the people they hang out around. You happen to be one of them and the most interesting," Mallorie said, walking toward me.

   I don't like where this is going. I don't even know what she's planning or what she's about to say. I can tell Mallorie is a sly and clever girl by the way she talks. I bet she can read me by just looking into my eyes, seeing straight through the very window into my soul. What does she know though?

   Mallorie is standing right in front of me, our faces only inches apart. I don't back away. I'm not afraid of her. Whatever she is going to say probably won't be too bad. She's hardly been here for a week. How much could she know in that short amount of time?

   Although, she seems pretty confident right now.

   She gives a devious, toothy smile.

   "You betrayed the closest friend you had for a liar."

   My eyes widen, my body growing stiff. I can feel my airways being cut off and clench my teeth together. My heart begins to beat erratically.

   "How...How could she possibly know about that?" I thought in disbelief and felt pressure weighing down on my back.

   She hummed in satisfaction.

   "I can see it written all over your face and Marinette's as well. Whatever friendship you had before is completely shattered—unfixable," she spoke in a sly tone. I take a step back when she suddenly moved in closer. I gasp, nearly losing my balance. I narrow my eyes at her again.

   She isn't phased in the slightest. I've already given away my true emotions. She knows what she is saying is affecting me. I'm both envious and annoyed with her power in being able to outdo me in investigating.

   Mallorie is better at reading people. She knows how to learn about and use other people to her advantage.

   It's impressive but scary.

   "Now, your measly little self is trying to do her best to fix this broken bond of yours. Unfortunately, the damage is already done. Marinette doesn't trust you or anyone in that classroom. But I think you know that. Don't you?" Mallorie said under her breath, enjoying watching me breaking down and reveling in my pain.

   I swallow a lump in my throat. My arms are trembling and my breathing is shaky.

   Stop.

   "Face it, you are a terrible person, Alya Cesaire. Marinette will never forgive you," she concluded.

   A malevolent look etched her features. She walks around me, leaving me to stand frozen in place. I can feel every organ in my body crumbling and anguish wringing my soul.

   She's right...

   She's right!

   I am a terrible person. I've stooped down to her level and lost my best friend.

   Are we even friends anymore?

   Of course, we aren't...Marinette doesn't want to be my friend anymore. She hates me...and I don't blame her. I've done stupid things and jumped many milestones away from conclusions. I've crossed lines I shouldn't have been near.

   I'm a terrible person...

   ...but that won't stop me from doing the right thing.

   I may not be Marinette's friend anymore but I'll do everything in my power to protect the living heck out of her. She deserves that much and more.

   I finally manage to regain my composure and calm myself. Mallorie's words hurt deeper than a knife to the heart. Yet, I won't let her get to me that easily.

   The game has just begun.

   Now, it's my turn to make a move.

   A small smirk lifts the edge of my lips.

   "So...that's your plan..." I thought.

   If Mallorie doesn't seek any attention or popularity. Closely watching Marinette and the people surrounding her for more information. Wanted to exploit Marinette's weaknesses and mistakes.

   This is out of revenge. Mallorie wants revenge on Marinette.

   The question is...why?

   Why does she want revenge?

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Marinette's P.O.V

I've been avoiding everyone for the entire day. I honestly don't have the energy after this morning. I purposely arrived at my classes late and left quickly so I wouldn't have to talk to anyone. I even ate lunch at home so I wouldn't be bothered.

   I poke some of the broccoli on my plate, wondering what Shadow is doing right now. She's been oddly quiet in her room. Should I go check on her?

   "Probably not," I thought, "She'll only same the door in my face...literally. I'll probably get a bloody nose or something."

Out of curiosity, I stand up from my seat and went to check on Mallorie. I want to make sure she is not causing any trouble after just being released from jail. As much as dad isn't my favorite person at the moment, I don't want him to stress over my twin when he has work to do.

He can't keep babysitting my troublemaking sister.

I stood outside her door and knock.

"Shadow," I called, twisting the doorknob. Yet, I come to realize that the door is locked. No response and the door is locked. This is a bit concerning.

   "Okay, she obviously isn't in her room and escaped the house," I thought, "But where did she go? Hopefully not to cause more trouble."

   I check the nearest clock and realize I don't have enough time to search for her. She could be anywhere by now. I really need a chance to talk with her at some point.

   Should I tell dad? I really don't want him to lose his head over this again. He just brought her back from prison a few hours ago. If he finds out she disappeared again...I don't know how he'd handle that.

   Hesitant, I cleaned up my dishes and grabbed my things. I pause at the door, looking back once more before returning to school.

   "Where could she be?" I wondered out loud, entering my next class.

   "So, you lived in New Jersey before you came here? Was it a nice place?"

   My eyes are drawn to the small crowd of three talking to none other than the person I was looking for. Mallorie is sitting in her seat with a forced smile on her face and talking like nothing happened last night.

   I narrow my eyes in frustration. She needs to stay at home right now! She can't be waltzing around like she did nothing's wrong! What is she even thinking?

   I clench my hands into a fist and let out a low growl. I march up to her desk and grab her arm, dragging her along with me.

   "Hey! What are you doing?" Shadow hissed, trying to release my grip from her arm.

   "I need to borrow her for a second," I told the three people listening to Mallorie. I continued to pull her along until finding a somewhat reclusive area.

I let go of her arm and turn to face her. Mallorie slapped me on the arm but I ignored it for now.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned, angrily, "You should be at home."

"So?" She said, crossing her arms.

"Mallorie, you robbed a jewelry store last night," I huffed in a quiet voice, "You are in big trouble! I'm surprised you weren't suspended from school yet."

"When will you learn that I don't care," She replied, messing with her fingernails, "I do as I please and everyone just has to deal with it. After all, what little thing like you has any chance of stopping me?"

   My eyes widen in shock. I bow my head in defeat, knowing she's right. What can I do to stop her? I mess up everything every time I tried to be helpful. It's always my fault.

   "You're right. I can't stop you or force you to do anything. You decide your own life and nobody else can change that," I said. Mallorie smirked in triumph, knowing she won another battle.

   "But..." I started, "that doesn't mean I can't change your perspective on it."

   "My perspective? Seriously, do you even hear yourself? You're so delusional that you believe you're actually making sense. Pathetic," she berated me, staring at me with cold eyes.

   I let out a sigh through my nose. I know my words won't work. No matter how much I argue or try to change her mind, she continues to deny me. Even after I tried to save her life in the elevator, she still hates my guts. Maybe, I would've gained some brownie points if I actually got us out of that situation.

   Yet, I actually have to show her that I do care. My actions speak louder than my words will. There has to be something I can do to prove myself to her.

   She must have been through some tough times to turn out this way. I don't know much about the foster system in America but I wouldn't imagine Mallorie had lived with all nice families. I wonder if that experience is what caused her hatred for us.

   Although, it makes sense why she hates dad and mom. For some reason, they gave Mallorie away and she somehow ended up all the way in America.

   But, why does she despise me?

   I didn't even know she existed until her sudden arrival. Mallorie isn't the only one who is mad at dad, I am too. Dad still hasn't answered either of us. Would mom have answered our questions if she was here? I don't know.

   "Why does she hate me?" I thought, "Why can't we work together to find an answer-"

   I perk up in realization.

   Answers.

   If dad isn't willing to give any answers, I should dig around in secret. There has to be something in mom and dad's room.

   "But I've rummaged in their room thousands of times (especially when I was small, looking for Christmas presents). I must've missed something. Right?" I thought.

   "Hey, idiot. If you are done looking like a moron, I'm going back to the classroom," Mallorie said, hitting my forehead. She harshly bumped into my shoulder and walked back toward the room.

   "Hold on!" I quickly exclaimed, grabbing her arm. She groaned, pulling her arm out of my grip and turning to me.

   "Now what?" She growled, "I've had enough of seeing your repulsive face."

I swallowed my snarky reply and went straight to my point.

"Look, you don't like me for some reason and you can be...irritating. But we both have something in common. We want answers and dad isn't giving us any," I explained. This seemed to catch Mallorie's attention.

"I'm intrigued. Continue," she said.

"What if we team up, sneak into our parent's room-"

"They're not my parents," Mallorie huffed, cutting me off. I ignored her and concluded my plan, "-and find some answers or clues."

She stood there, staring at me like a machine trying to analyze me of my true intentions. She pursed her lips in thought but kept her facial expression unreadable. I can't tell what she is thinking. I'm not sure if I even want to know.

"No," she disagreed.

"What? Why?" I asked.

She rolled her silver eyes in disgust, "You're so inconsiderate. You're just as dumb as the rest of your so-called "friends."

I didn't understand what that meant. I couldn't get another word out when the warning bell rang. I watch Mallorie turn and walk back to class.

"Why doesn't she want to find answers?" I questioned in my head. I thought she was looking too but it doesn't seem like it. Besides my despair, what else could she possibly want? It's like that's the only thing she wants out of life is my undoing.

Doesn't she want to know why she was put into foster care...

It suddenly struck me. I wince, thinking of how inconsiderate that now sounds. I suppose if I were put into a system, I wouldn't want to know why my parents didn't want me. Then constantly get rejected by families every time I get moved from house to house. Some of those families were probably just in it for the money...

Would I want to know why I wasn't kept? Why my parents didn't love me?

Mallorie probably thinks she'll get rejected by our family again and sent away to another house.

"I guess...I should consider putting myself in Mallorie's shoes sometimes and think about what it would be like. It's hard to imagine since I've never had to go through that nor do I know anyone else who had to either," I thought, feeling redundant.

I probably hurt her without knowing it. Mallorie isn't very expressive but that is just her putting on a tough facade. I'm sure she still gets hurt. Mallorie is human, after all. A very spiteful one with reasons.

I'll find answers even if I have to do it by myself (and with Tikki helping me).

   I went to the same classroom shortly after Mallorie and sat in my seat. I glance over to the seat next to me, seeing Alya staring awkwardly down at her twiddling fingers. She seemed to be in deep thought.

   It's kind of strange seeing such an extroverted person being so quiet. Usually, Alya would be going on about something juicy she found out or asking if I did my homework. Lately, she seems really out of it just like Chloe.

   I even noticed Adrien is acting a little off.

   What is going on?

   I focused my attention forward.

   Miss Bustier sat at her desk and sorted through papers. She takes a moment to look at the class with her usual sunny smile.

   "I'm going to let you guys work on your family projects today. The project will be due next Friday," she informed us.

   I don't remember the last time I worked on the family project. Was it only that one time when I was looking up information online? Whatever the case, I really need to get rolling on it. I begin to grab my notebook and folder out of my bag.

   "Before you all start, I'm adding one question to this project. I'm sorry that I'm adding it in so late but I would like to hear your opinions," the teacher said, "What is a family to you? What does it mean to you?"

   I purse my lips at her questions. What does my family mean to me?

   "Well, at the moment, it's in a bit of a mess," I thought. My family...is broken. I've lost someone dear to me and gained another who has brought misery upon my family. Then, there's the one person, who hasn't left my side, keeping secrets.

   I suppose, I am a hypocrite. I am hiding an important part of my identity from him too. Yet, I have good reason to while he still has to explain himself.

   So...what do I think of my family?

   A broken mess.

   Shattered glass on the floor. I have to watch my step going through the room. With one wrong placement of my foot, a shard will painfully insert itself into my skin. I've already got a few pieces and more will only continue to damage me.

   The worst part, I feel like I'm getting nowhere closer to the safer part of the room.

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Adrien's P.O.V

   School finally ended. It felt like it dragged on and on the longer I was waiting for the inevitable. I quickly told Nino my excuse before running out the door. I made a beeline straight for the bakery and peeked through the window.

   "Good, he's busy," I thought before ducking into a nearby alleyway. I checked to make sure no one can see me and slid the miraculous onto my finger. A blur of a black shot from the ring. Plagg appeared in front of me with a confused look on his face.

   "Adrien? What's going on?" He asked. His eyes glaze around the alleyway and take in his bearings. For all he knows, I'm summoning him to take down an akuma. He doesn't know of my true intention but he will soon.

I don't have the heart to tell him that I'm renouncing him but it has to be done. I'm too dangerous.

"Plagg, claws out," I said, ignoring his question. The Kwami is absorbed into the ring, transforming me into Chat Noir. I relish the feeling of the suit for a second, knowing this will be the last time I wear it. I stare down at my gloves feeling my stomach twist.

I grab my baton and clench it in my grasp. Then I vault up onto Marinette's balcony. I know the skylight is unlocked. Marinette has kept it that way since my frequent visits. Now, she won't have a reason to keep it unlocked anymore.

I slip into her room and land on the floor with a thud.

"Plagg, claws in," I spoke. Plagg returns to floating in front of me even more confused than before.

"What the? What's going on? Why did you do that? You could've just used the door like a normal per—Woah, Adrien! What are you doing?"

It was then that Plagg noticed me slowly slipping the cat miraculous off of my finger. I can feel my fingers shaking and a look of guilt forms on my face. A heavyweight continues to crush me more and more the longer I see the desperation on Plagg's face. The look of shock and confusion. The look of fear.

I gulp, swallowing every emotion crawling up my throat. A sniffle comes around occasionally and uneven breathing hurt my chest.

"I-I'm sorry," I apologized. I try to form a reassuring smile, but it probably looks more like a grimace. Tears fall from my blurry vision and down my cheeks.

"But I have to let you go, Plagg."

"No...no, Adrien! Please don't do this! We can talk this over just—just don't move anymore," Plagg begged, flying over to my finger and trying to push the ring back on. A small gasp escapes my lips before clenching my teeth together. I whimper and tightly seal my eyes shut.

"You don't have to do this. We can work out whatever is troubling you. If I did something wrong just tell me and I won't do it again. I won't complain anymore. Please, just...just don't do this!" he continued, desperately.

"You're my best pal, Adrien. I wouldn't ask for anyone else but you!"

"P-Plagg..." I began. This is so much harder than I thought it would be. This is for the better for everyone, for Marinette, and including Plagg. I have to constantly remind myself of that. I have to keep pushing myself to make the toughest choice in my life.

Letting go of a friend.

"I'm sorry," I dejectedly thought.

"...I...I renounce you!"

Like a band-aid, I ripped through the words as quickly as I could. I tore the ring off my finger. It accidentally slipped out of my grasp and dropped to the floor. All my energy felt like it was drained in those few long seconds. I clutch my shirt while staring down at the ring on the floor.

Plagg is nowhere in sight.

"I'm sorry," I weakly murmured my apology.

Wiping my face, I kneel and place the ring back into the box.

"This is for the better. This is for the better. This is for the better," I repeat in my head, trying to convince myself. It wasn't working.

I grab a piece of paper and pencil, scrawling down a quick note. I find a small bag and place it on Marinette's desk with the note.

I need to get out of here.

With one last look at the pink birthday bag, I swiftly made my way over to the trapdoor and made my escape.

This is for the better.

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