WARNING: This chapter contains some triggering scenes such as child abuse, drowning, and abandonment issues!

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Marinette's P.O.V

"Wake up!"

I jolt up, blinking in confusion at my surroundings. It looked like a classroom but not one I've ever seen before nor did I recognize any of the students staring at me. I looked up at a male adult looming over me. At least, I'm pretty sure it's a man. Everyone's faces have some sort of scratched-out thing over their faces.

"Where am I?" I thought, "What's going on?"

Before I had any more time to process my surroundings, the man let out a disappointed sigh.

"Mallorie, I am tired of your lack of participation in this classroom. I'm sure the other teachers feel the same way when you're in their classrooms and sending you to the office," the teacher sternly said. He jotted his thumb over at the door.

"Go."

"Wait-" I was about to correct him and ask where I am. Yet, he cut me off before I could.

"No, I don't want your excuses anymore. Go," he spoke with sternness. I shut my mouth and stood from my seat. Every person in the classroom was looking at me the entire time. They stared me down either with no emotion or disgust from what I could tell. It makes me feel almost...small.

I walked out of the room and start walking in a certain direction like I know where I'm going.

"What's going on?" I said under my breath.

The moment I blink, I'm suddenly sitting in an office with a scratched-out woman sitting behind the desk. A different scratched-out man is sitting next to me. I had to do a double-take and rub my eyes to make sure I'm not hallucinating.

"WHAT?!" I shouted in my head.

The man looked my way but I couldn't tell what emotion he was expressing. For some reason though, I shrunk in my seat and felt my heart rate accelerate in speed. Fear crawled over my skin like a bunch of spiders and clutched the edges of my seat.

"I'm sure you know why you're here by now from your many visits," the woman stated, "This was your final straw. I hate to do this to you, Mallorie, but I'm going to have to expel you from school for two days."

The woman at least sounded remorseful but it did nothing to change how scared I feel. It's like it's gripping around my throat and suffocating me.

What's going on?!

Does this have something to do with an akuma? Did Mallorie get akumatized? Am I seeing her memories and feeling her emotions?

I blink.

A door slammed shut and makes me jump in fright.

I look at my surroundings again. Now, I'm in some sort of small and ratty house. The floors are ripped and stained. There's the smell of smoke in the air. The wallpaper is severely torn and has a little bit of mildew. There's a scratched-out woman with curly hair sitting on an old couch, holding a lit cigarette in between her fingers.

Suddenly, I felt a large hand clasp around my neck and began to drag me. I get a glimpse of the man that was sitting with me in the office, who had his hand on my neck and choking me. I tried to release the man's grip, practically clawing at his fingers to let go.

He didn't budge.

He closed off my airway, making it hard to breathe and focus. Panic is surging through my body as my survival instincts kicked in the moment the door slammed shut.

I look to the woman for help. I could tell by her body language that she was unfazed by how this man is treating me. I shortly realize she doesn't care before being dragged down the hallway.

"You're so worthless," the man muttered, opening a door, "I think you need another lesson."

This sent a shiver down my spine. He shoved the door open, revealing a small, dirty bathroom. I twisted and turned in his grip, a spike of terror rising. This earned me a hard hit on the head.

"Stop being difficult! No wonder your parents didn't want you!" He yelled. I winced, trembling. I can feel tears falling down my cheeks and a sob escaped my lips. I want to yell out "No" but I can't form any words on my lips. I want to scream for help but will anyone hear me?

   Will they even care?

   The man placed me down on my knees in front of the bathtub full of water.

   Suddenly, he shoves me down into the water.

   I squirm in his grip again, trying to get my head out of the water. I'm unable to hold my breath. Water enters through my nose and mouth. It burns my nostrils and makes me cough when he brings me up for a few seconds. I quickly hold my breath when he ducks me back down.

   Yet, I couldn't hold it for long.

   This went on for a few minutes until he finally released me. I took in a deep breath and violently coughed. My lungs ache and my neck is sensitive. I wouldn't be surprised if there are two giant bruises.

   "Clean up the mess, you little piece of-"

   I blinked before he could finish his sentence.

I've witnessed many scenarios from shoplifting to impersonating a cop to being manipulated into trying some drug. Abuse, betrayal, conflicts.

And the emotions...

Pain, loneliness, horror, anxiety...

...burning revenge.

Why...why do I feel like this?

Is this really what Mallorie feels? Is this the life she was put in? Moving from state to state, house to house, family to family. Buildings, friends, enemies, places—all so different but repetitive. So, exhausting. Everything just seems meaningless.

I feel unwanted—unlovable.

Although this cycle of people is all different, it all feels the same. Nothing changes much since trouble only seems to follow.

I stay then go...just like a blink of an eye.

Suddenly, I'm in some sort of warehouse. There are crates stacked in different piles with labels and such. Yet, that's not really caught my attention. There are a bunch of teenagers around my age sitting around talking and laughing. Some were drinking bottles of alcohol or smoking cigarettes.

   "Now, what's going on?" I muttered under my breath in confusion.

   "We're waiting for Eric, you idiot," a scratched-out blonde girl next to me sarcastically said, "I knew you were dumb but I didn't think you were this dumb to forget."

   "Wow, she's snobby," I thought, looking around a little longer. At some point, a scratched-out boy entered the warehouse. He seems like he's slightly older than everyone here. That must be Eric.

   "Alright, guys! I got our next job," Eric told the group, waving a rolled-up paper in the air. This earned a few cheers from the drunken teens. I stayed quiet, carefully watching Eric unravel the paper and placed weighted objects on each end. I stared down at the paper, realizing they are blueprints.

   "Hey, Shady," I move my gaze from the paper to Eric, "I know you're new and all. But do me a favor and don't doze off."

   This irked me for some reason and glared at the older boy. He didn't like the way he treated me, feeling my proud self working its way through my veins. I need to prove myself to them.

   I blinked.

   To my surprise, I continue to watch this group of teens. I find out that I'm working in a gang (well, Mallorie was in a gang). Each memory continues and I grow to learn more. I learned the scratched-out blonde girl's name is Marsha, forming a strong dislike towards her. I also notice Mallorie's feelings towards Eric begin to grow as more time is spent with him.

   Feelings of affection...

   ...love.

Suddenly, I'm standing in front of Eric (or Mallorie is). I notice we're standing on some sort of bridge. The sun had gone, leaving only the street lamps as our source of light. Eric's hands clutch mine and I can tell he looking straight at me.

"Shadow," He softly starts, "I love you."

I blink.

I'm in a school bathroom stall and clutching something white in my hand. My eyes examine the white stick in my grasp until spotting a small screen with two red lines. Next to the screen was what the lines indicated.

Pregnant.

I blink.

"You're what?!"

I'm startled when seeing Eric's shocked reaction. I can't tell what else he is feeling since his eyes still have that scratched-out filter thing over them. I could hear a mixture of fear laced in his voice though. What was wrong?

"What's wrong?" I asked him.

Eric looked over his shoulder at the other members of the gang. He was acting oddly strange from the arrogant and smug male I've come to learn about. I suppose he is very caring too. This gang is like a family to him. He would do anything to protect them.

So...what was the problem? He said he loved Mallorie. I thought he would be aesthetic with the news. Was he lying when he said he loved her? Did he just say that to flatter Mallorie?

But he doesn't seem like the kind of guy that would do that...not that I know him well enough. So...what was he really afraid of?

I understand pregnancy is a big deal, especially when it's a pretty young teenager. Plus, it would be dangerous for a pregnant girl to go on any missions.

Was that his main concern though?

Eric looked back at me. I tilted my head, trying to figure out what the problem was. Maybe, it's his reputation? No, he wouldn't care about that.

"What's wrong is a lot of things," Eric said vaguely. I narrowed my eyes in confusion.

"Do you mind being...I don't know—more specific?" I asked. I felt eyes burning holes into my head and glanced over at the group. There sat Marsha giving me a dark glare like she wanted to shred me to pieces.

I know she has had a disliking of Mallorie since day one. But I've never seen her look this menacing before. I could only imagine what's going through her head right now.

   "Mallorie," he spoke in a loud whisper. I nearly stumble back in surprise, not expecting him to say that. He knew her actual name. From what I know, he only knew her as Shadow. I even left a spike of shock shooting straight into my heart.

   "You know exactly what I mean," he concluded, gesturing over at Marsha.

   Marsha? What does she have to do with anything?

   I wish I didn't get my answer after I blinked.

   The world around me was hazy once I began to wake up. The chill of the cool air hit my skin as well as feeling like I'm being dragged along the road. My arms are being pulled on, something around my wrists making them ache. They hurt so much, the material digging into my skin. Even my ankles are bound together.

   Instinctively, I began to struggle and panic. I try to scream out for help but my mouth is covered by tape. Whatever is constricting me, I don't have the muscle power to break free. I need something sharp to cut myself free.

   For some reason, my mind is telling me attached to my leg. Unfortunately, I can't get to it.

The person stops dragging me and kicks me in the side hard. I grunted, a throbbing ache hurting my side. I scrunch my body up. It felt weird with my stomach slightly protruding.

   "Shut up," a feminine voice hissed. My eyes locked onto the blonde-haired girl, Marsha. What is she going to do with me? I'm almost completely helpless with these restraints. If only I can reach the hidden weapon attached to my leg.

   I watch Marsha work on something at my feet. I sit up enough to see her attach a cinder block to my ankle restraints. What's that for? What is she planning to do with me?

   "You probably didn't know this, Shadow, but I was the one who loved him first," Marsha started to say in a crazy tone, "I won't let anyone take him away from me. We're soulmates but he doesn't know it quite yet."

   Forget crazy! She's psychotic! I thought Mallorie was twisted but Marsha is on a whole other level.

"He'll be all mine once I get you out of the picture," she finished. I felt myself freeze. She really is trying to kill me! The fear within me fueled my adrenaline, trying to break free from my restraints. Whatever method she is going to use to kill me, I don't want to stick around to find out.

Marsha kicked me in the side again. I could feel the air leave my lungs a bit and tears of pain rolling down my cheeks. I cradled my side once again. Marsha knelt next to me. I felt her grab a chunk of my hair and yank on it so that we were at eye level. I screeched.

"Stop squirming. It's no use. You should just give up. No one's coming to save you. Do you know why, little pest? It's because no one cares about you. Your parents took out the trash that day for a reason," the blonde said in a disturbingly sweet voice, "Apparently, they didn't do a good enough job. Being the nice person I am, I think I finish the job."

For someone as slender as Marsha, she managed to pick me and the cinder block up.

The will to live kicked in, wriggling around even more.

I don't want to die! I don't want to die! I don't want to die!

I bucked, shook, elbowed, and hit the psychotic blonde. Yet, Marsha was determined and continued to carry me. Where is she carrying me? I sure as heck don't care to know nor do I want to find out. I just want to get out of this messed-up reality.

That's when I noticed the metal railing. It looked familiar but I didn't put much thought into it. All I know, I need to somehow escape with my life.

Once we were at the railing, I got a quick glimpse of the scenery. A river. That's when I realized where I'm at.

This is the bridge Eric confessed his love for Mallorie.

Marsha dumps me over the side.

I feel the air rushing through my hair and cooling my skin. The descent felt so fast that my soul is struggling to hold on to my body. As if on instinct, I try to cover my stomach to give some sort of protection to the child I'm carrying.

Yet, the only way the baby is going to get a chance to survive is if I survive.

I take a deep breath through my nose and hold it in.

I know what I have to do.

I hit the water.

My body hurt from the excruciating collision with the water. The cinder block continued to drag me down deeper into the river until hitting the bottom.

Everything went pitch black unlike the world above with the moon and stars. In the river, it is cold and haunting. Ghosts' of touches trailing along my limbs, wanting me to join them in the grave.

This is the most terrifying thing I've ever experienced (aside from Chat Blanc). It's no wonder Mallorie has a phobia of water.

I quickly scrambled down and rolled up my sweats. Attached to my leg is some kind of holster, holding a small knife in a slot.

I grab it and began to cut my ankles free fast. If I can at least free my ankles, I can swim. I need to be fast. I'm running low on air and I'm at the bottom of the river.

I viscously cut and cut and cut at the restraints. The need to breathe growing more tempting by the minute. My lungs burn.

Cut...cut...cut...snap!

Without any hesitation, I quickly swam up. My head broke the surface and took a moment to breathe in the sweet air. Then, I made my way to the land.

   I flopped onto my back, still regaining the oxygen I lost. I shivered from the chilly breeze hitting my damp body. I sat up and hugged my knees to my chest to gather up some sort of warmth. Although, it was hard with my belly. I need to stand up and go. Marsha could've seen me resurface.

   I blinked.

   "No, you're not coming with us on this mission. It's too important and risky," Eric denied, "Look, Marsha already tried to dispose of you once and she could purposely do it again."

   "Then, don't bring her with us on the job," I argued back without having any control over my words.

   "She's our best sharpshooter," he explained.

   "And I'm your best lock picker," I retorted, crossing my arms, "Besides, nuclear blonde won't be set off if you're with me. She won't risk making herself look bad in front of you."

   "That's not the point," Eric started again, "Aside from Marsha, this is a dangerous job. I don't want to put you or our baby in harm's way. I know you can handle yourself on your own but unfortunately, you're not by yourself anymore. You have to think about the safety of our child now."

   I opened my mouth to argue back but was earned a stern look in return. I sealed my lips together.

   "Don't worry, I'll find our next best lock picker. How about you go pick out some names for the baby and we can discuss it when I get back," Eric rationalized. I still didn't like the sound of that and was secretly planning to disobey.

   This gang is my family (apart from Marsha, who can go burn in a hole). They've done so much for me (or whatever they'd done for Mallorie) and I can't let them down. I want to help them but I need to be extra careful.

   My baby's life depends on it.

   I blinked.

   Suddenly, everything around me felt hot.

   The bright flames flicker around whatever building I'm in, consuming everything in its path. I coughed, trying to figure out what was going on. I don't have time for that though. I need to get out of here.

   I tried to stand up but I noticed my leg was caught under a beam. It was bent in an odd way that it probably shouldn't be bent. I panicked 

   "HELP!" I yelled out, my voice was ragged. I coughed again. I need to get out of here before either smoke or the fire kills my child.

   Nothing else mattered so long as my baby was safe. I would trade my life for it to live.

   Although, it might be less of a cruel punishment if I just let it die. It wouldn't have to live the life its mother was forced to live. It wouldn't have to experience pain or fear so long as I'm here with it, right?

   I settled my hand on my stomach, lovingly caressing it. It won't have to die alone and neither will I. We'll have each other in the end.

   That's when I spotted a few people running for the exit. I recognized them from my gang and immediately perked up.

   "HELP! PLEASE!" I yelled. I watched them run off. Marsha came into view and turned her attention in my direction. A wicked grin spread across her features before continuing to the exit.

   "She's worse than Chloe and Lila combined!" I thought, glaring at her.

   Eric came into view. We looked at each other for a moment. He seemed like he was about to come to rescue me until stopping. He raised his right arm and hit his left chest twice before swiping it across his chest like the "cutting the neck" gesture.

   For some reason, I knew what that meant. My world seemed to collapse below me. I shook my head in shock and denial.

   I watched him run off after signaling to me that I'm no longer a part of the gang.

   Did he just...leave me?

   Bit by bit, my heart tore into pieces like ripping paper. I can't help but stare at the exit he ran out of. The only guy I've ever loved and who loved me back left me here to die. He left his child here to burn up with its mother—his girlfriend!

   "Over here!" I heard a deep male voice echo in the building, "I found a girl!"

   I didn't look, my gaze still latched onto the door. I felt the weight of the beam lift off of my leg and noticed two firemen come into my vision.

   They helped me out of the burning building. Yet, I don't think my soul ever truly left and was burnt up in the fire.

   I blinked.

   I'm completely exhausted but thrilled all at the same time.

My eyes travel around the small, cream-colored room. The air smells sterile. Whatever I'm laying on is very uncomfortable and the thin sheet covering me isn't doing much to keep me warm. I continue in my wonder seeing some machines on either side of my bed.

I immediately know I'm in a hospital room.

The door opened, revealing a smiling nurse caring a blue bundle in her arms. To my surprise, her face wasn't scratched out. I could actually see her entire face without the scratch-out thing over her eyes.

"Ottis is healthy," the nurse confirmed, handing over the tiny human. I graciously held the young one in my arms, looking down at the small face. His eyes aren't scratched-out either. Of course, who would want to cover up this adorable baby's face? It was just too precious!

"So...this is my nephew? Ottis..." I thought. Something within me began to bubble. All those empty spaces were filled. Those broken parts are slowly being fixed. A part of me I thought I lost is finally coming out from the depths. Something lost has finally been found.

Finally, I found something to make me whole again...something that won't look at me with unloving eyes. I found someone I care deeply for and that can care deeply for me.

I won't be rejected by him.

I won't be alone anymore.

I blinked.

My arms are empty.

"Where did he go?" I thought, a bit panicked. I swiftly looked around for my nephew before noticing a doctor scanning a clipboard.

His eyes are scratched out. He soon noticed my movements and approached me.

"It's okay. Ottis is safe," he reassured me.

"Where is he?" I asked. The doctor's lips were kept thinned out. I could tell if he was showing any emotion since his eyes are covered. Yet, I have a gut feeling this wasn't good news.

"Mallorie," he started, "your baby is going into the foster system. But we'll make sure he finds a very nice home."

My mouth went dry with words. My hands clenched to bars on the sides of the bed. It felt like everything I cared for was ripped away from me and I didn't have a choice...again. I lost someone I loved and someone who could love me. Not again...not again...NOT AGAIN!

"What..." I gasped out, not believing what my ears heard, "...h-how could you...I-I didn't get a decision in this! YOU TOOK MY BABY WITHOUT MY PERMISSION AND PUTTING IN THAT GOD-AWFUL SYSTEM!?"

"Mallorie, please! Calm dow-"

"DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!" Mallorie's voice broke through. Anger infested my veins like boiling water. Her anguish hit over and over in my head. My eyes burned like the fire from the burning building. The sheer need to release all this pent-up rage on the doctor continued to build higher and higher.

"GIVE ME MY LITTLE OTTIS BACK!! I WANT MY BABY! GIVE HIM BACK! GIVE HIM BACK! GIVE HIM BACK!"

The doctor had left at some point, leaving Mallorie to wallow alone in her despair at the loss of her child.

I blinked.

But all I met was darkness.

"Marinette! You have to break out of there! Marinette!"

Was that...Tikki?

"You have to break out! Paris needs Ladybug! They need you right now! Your sister's been akumatized!"

My breath caught itself in my throat. Mallorie's akumatized?! I have to get to her! She has to know there are people who care for her. I won't let her be alone anymore. I need to get out of here...wherever here is. Think Marinette, Tikki said I had to breakout. Breakout of what exactly?

I begin to concentrate and reach out through the void of darkness. My fingers press against some sort of silky barrier. I drew closer and start to rip apart the barrier.

Light begins to seep through some cracks. I continue to break open the thing that has encased me until I manage to sit up. Tikki flies into my cheek, hugging me. I cup her close with a smile.

"I knew you could do it!" Tikki exclaimed in relief.

"What happened?" I asked, slipping out of the dark purple, cocoon-like thing and onto my sheets.

"It's Mallorie. She came in here and spun that stuff around you. Before she came in here, I hid your earrings so she would've stolen them," Tikki explained, pulling them out from behind a picture frame. I latched the earrings back onto my ears.

"Nice work, Tikki! You did great! Now, it's time to go save my sister," I said in a rush, "Tikki, spots on!"

"Wait, I didn't tell you her pow-"

Once my Ladybug outfit finished appearing over my figure, I made my way out of my room to save my twin.

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