Leading Aroma and Obscura to where Ladybug wanted was surprisingly easy.

Almost too easy...

Ladybug ignored the little voice whispering in her ear as she watched the illusion of the spotted heroine fade behind the dumpster in the alleyway.

Trixx floated to join her once again.

"Where did she go?" Aroma wondered out loud.

Sorry about this Rose...

Ladybug jumped, landing in front of the startled akuma and tangling Aroma in her yo-yo. She watched her dangle for a moment, Aroma's arms wrapped in the thin cord as the perfume gun clattered to the ground.

Ladybug wasted no time in stomping on the gun, frowning once no akuma came out.

"Try again Ladybug," Aroma taunted with a giggle.

Ladybug wearily got into a fighting position, keeping her eyes peeled for Obscura.

Who was now invisible.

Ladybug yelped as she hit the wall from a kick to her side.
Luckily, her grip held on the string of her yo-yo with Aroma still struggling in her grasp.

Right, this was going to be an issue...

As Ladybug recovered, she heard a faint shuffling.

There, to her left.

Ladybug ducked under Obscura's punch before blocking the kick a second later.

Shock was evident on the now visible akuma before she turned invisible again.

So that was why Obscura didn't turn invisible before...

Once she made physical contact she couldn't turn invisible.

Good to know.

Ladybug blocked Obscura's next attack as well, slowly making her way to Aroma.

She scanned her form once again; eyes landing on a familiar pink bracelet.

That must be it.

Ladybug ducked, blindly kicking out and sending Obscura back a few feet.

The spotted heroine quickly pulled at the bracelet sharply, causing the band to snap.

Setting down a now confused Rose and catching the akuma with her yo-yo.

Ladybug glanced around, hoping to see Obscura transform back.

She didn't.

"Multiple akuma...?" Ladybug muttered to herself as she swung her now free yo-yo in front of her.

"The akuma is in her necklace Ladybug," Rose told her, backing farther away.

Ladybug nodded as she tried to come up with a plan for how to get it.

She blocked a kick with her shield.

Ideally, she would need to trap the akuma somehow...

But how?

What-

Ladybug's thoughts were cut off by her feet being swept from underneath her.

A weight on her back as her arms were pinned to her side.

Her yo-yo was kicked away, landing several feet in front of her.

"Ladybug!"

She struggled against the crushing hold.

Obscura's hands were on her earrings.

Ladybug thrashed harder, an icy panic gripping her.

She couldn't fail now...

She just couldn't.

Suddenly, the weight disappeared from her back with a shout.

Letting her get up without much issue.

Ladybug wasted no time in grabbing her yo-yo, turning around to see Rose holding the akuma down.

She must've tackled Obscura off of her.

"Catch!" Rose shouted, throwing the necklace.

Ladybug caught the necklace and snapped it just as quickly, catching the akuma before it could fly away.

Two down, three more to go...

"Are you two okay?" Ladybug asked, rushing over to her friends.

"Yeah, I'm fine Ladybug... I'm just glad I was able to help," Rose replied breathlessly.

She helped Juleka stand up, lacing their fingers together.

Ladybug shot her a warm smile, "If it wasn't for you, I don't know what I would've done..."

"You're welcome Ladybug," Rose replied with a beam.

"And you... miss?"

"I'm okay," Juleka mumbled, looking at the ground and shuffling her feet, "I'm sorry about attacking you."

Ladybug placed a hand on her shoulder and waited until Juleka met her eyes.

"It wasn't your fault," Ladybug told her sincerely.

"Yeah, it's Hawkmoth's fault for taking advantage of us," Rose piped up.

Juleka's response was cut off by Ladybug's yo-yo buzzing.

"Sorry," Ladybug apologized before picking up.

"Uh, I could use a little help here, M'lady..." Chat's voice rang out.

"Where are you?" Ladybug asked, getting straight to business.

Now wasn't the time to get snippy and ask him why he let the other akuma escape from his sights.

She could do that later.

"The eiffel tower; the akuma are giving me a hard time, you better hurry."

Ladybug closed her yo-yo after getting Chat's location, turning to the girls, "Thank you again for your help."
"It wasn't a problem Ladybug," Rose assured her.

Ladybug nodded, "Now get somewhere safe you two, I've got more akuma to fight."

She threw her yo-yo, giving a small salute to her friends before tugging.

Landing on the rooftop overlooking the seine only a few minutes later with Trixx sitting on her shoulder.

Ladybug quietly observed the chaos below.

Chat Noir was being held down by Imita, his arm painfully twisted behind his back.

"No cataclysm to save you this time," She taunted, reaching for his ring.

"Trixx," Ladybug hummed, throwing her yo-yo up and calling upon her lucky charm.

"Got it boss~"

A red spotted tube fell into her hands as Trixx conjured an illusion of herself in her civilian form.

"Chat Noir!" The illusion shouted, squealing as the two of the three akuma gave chase.

"Take the long way to the pool," Ladybug instructed as she pulled the tube over her arm, "I'll join you in a moment."

Trixx nodded, flying off as Ladybug jumped down.

"What the-" Imita started as Ladybug's yo-yo wrapped around her waist.

A hard tug had Imita flying right into the spotted heroine, who wasted no time in snapping her black belt.

Her yo-yo caught the fluttering black butterfly a moment later.

"Ladybug," Lila scowled.

She paid her no mind, offering a hand to Chat Noir.

"Thank you, m'lady, I was a whisker away from a cat-astrophe."

Ladybug rolled her eyes, "Hurry up, we got no time to waste!"

She explained the plan to Chat as they made their way to the pool.

Pulling out her yo-yo, Ladybug quickly texted Trixx some instructions on what to do.

They'd get the message.

It kinda worked like telepathy did, a small voice in the back of their minds.

At least, that's what Tikki described it as whenever Chat messaged her when she wasn't transformed.

"An excellent plan, Bugaboo," Chat hummed.

Ladybug just frowned.

"Chat, what were you doing before?" Ladybug asked as she set up a plank of wood over the pool.

"What do you mean?"

"I ran into every single one of the akuma while you were supposed to be distracting them."

Chat Noir frowned, "Is now really the time for this? I just got tricked by Imita's illusions is all."

Ladybug sighed, "Alright."

She supposed that made sense.

Ladybug got fooled by her too.

Trixx showed up not too much longer after that, setting up their mirage to make the pool appear empty.

Chat Noir ate one of his aqua camemberts before diving into the water with the lucky charm.

Ladybug hid behind one of the pillars outside.

The plan was set.

Now all they needed was-

"Marinette, get back here!"

There!

Perfect.

The spotted heroine let both Hexa and the illusion enter the building before jumping out at Horrifica.

Tangling her up in her yo-yo while she looked for the akumatized object.

It had to be the belt, right?

Ladybug unclasped it as Horrifica let out a shriek of rage.

Quickly ripping it and catching the akuma.

"Wha... what happened?" Mylène mumbled.

"You got akumatized, but it's alright now," Ladybug assured.

"Th - thank you Ladybug," Mylène mumbled, shuffling her feet awkwardly.

"No problem, now get somewhere safe."

Mylène nodded, and hurried away.

Now to deal with...

Ladybug smirked as she heard the fluttering of the fifth akuma behind her.

Quickly catching it with her yo-yo.

"Wonderful job, m'lady, as always," Chat Noir congratulated as he excited the pool.

Alya was following behind him, rubbing her left arm and staring at the ground sullenly.

The sight made her heart hurt.

Alya was always so energetic, even after an akuma.

Always raring to go.

Filming the two heroes.

Nothing like this.

Maybe she really did regret her actions from earlier.

Only time would tell.

"Do you have anything you want to talk about, Alya?" Ladybug prompted.

Alya shook her head, avoiding her gaze.

Ladybug sighed, "Alright."

She couldn't force Alya to talk if she didn't want to.

A few beeps caused her to jump.

"And that's our cue," Chat Noir smirked with a dramatic bow.

"See you," Alya mumbled before they left her.

The two heroes landed on a roof overlooking the pool.

Once Ladybug landed, she tapped the top of her yoyo.

Letting the five white butterflies fly away.

"Here you are, Ladybug."

Chat passed her the lucky charm.

"Thanks Chat," She hummed, throwing it up in the air, "Miraculous Ladybug!"

Another beep sounded after the ladybugs dispersed.

Chat Noir gave another bow, kissing the back of her hand, "Until next time, bugaboo."

Before Ladybug could argue, he had disappeared over the edge of the roof.

She sighed as she watched him hop away.

"Well, that was certainly eventful," Trixx commented as they flew up to her, tail lashing excitedly.

"That's putting it lightly Trixx..." Ladybug sighed, "Come on."

Five akuma...

It was almost too much to handle alone.

She detransformed in an alleyway near the bakery, catching Tikki in her outstretched hands.

Marinette hummed a bit as she handed Tikki a macaron.

"I think it's time to hand out the miraculous again," Tikki noted after she took a bite, "The akuma are getting stronger, and so is Hawkmoth."

Marinette frowned, "Speaking of, do you know why there were five akumas? I thought Hawkmoth had to be Scarlet Moth to make multiple akuma."
Tikki was silent for a moment, "He must've fixed his miraculous with the translated grimoire; fixing a miraculous doesn't reverse the negative effects, but it forces it back on track so to speak... it's not a perfect solution, since the other powers will be locked to the attuned holder forever..."

"But now he can essentially use the Metamorphosis power like it's supposed to be used," Trixx finished.

"And that involves multiple akuma?" Marinette questioned, furrowing her eyebrows.

"The Wu Xing miraculous are different from the Ladybug and Cat - and even the zodiac," Tikki explained, "When you're attuned to the Wu Xing miraculous, you get three powers... a yin, a yang and a neutral - and for each power you use, a segment goes down."

"So, Hawkmoth can make five akuma before he detransforms?" Marinette clarified.

Tikki nodded, "Once he uses up all five of his segments he has five minutes before he detransforms."

"He had five akuma today, wouldn't they disappear after his timer is up?"

"That's how it's supposed to work, but because he forced it... the akuma can exist past the timer," Trixx replied.

Past the timer...

She supposed that made sense.

Marinette leaned against the alley wall, watching as Tikki finished up her marcaron.

They all sat in comfortable silence for a moment, none quite wanting to move just yet.

"You really need to think about getting help, Marinette - you're going to need it," Tikki piped up after a moment.

"I think you're right," Marinette nodded, "But we can't work with the others again - at least, they can't have the same miraculous as last time..."

"Looks like you'll have to pick new ones," Trixx pointed out.

Marinette hummed in response, "I'll need to come up with a list..."

"Rose seems like a good candidate," Tikki observed.

A fond smile made its way on Marinette's face, "I would've lost without her help - I'm really glad she was there."

"She's a very good friend to you Marinette," Tikki agreed.

The short walk to the bakery was silent, with Marinette lost in her thoughts.

Yes, Hawkmoth was more powerful... but at what cost?

Was this all even worth it?

It clearly was to him.

Marinette shook herself from her thoughts.

She shouldn't be thinking about this now.

His goals don't matter.

He was still hurting and taking advantage of people because of it.

All that mattered was defeating him, ending his reign of terror.

And setting Paris free.

"Māmā?" Marinette called, the familiar sound of the bell sounding out as the door opened.

"Oh, sweetie; we were so worried," Sabine told her, rushing past the counter to hug her tight.

"We saw you will the akuma on the news," Tom explained as he too pulled Marinette in for a hug.

"I'm sorry for worrying you guys," Marinette replied, hugging them back just as tightly.

"We're just glad you're safe..." Sabine answered.

Marinette pulled away from the warm embrace a moment later, suddenly feeling apprehensive.

She should talk to them, right?

About what happened today?

But would they even listen to her?

They fell for Lila's lies too... even though she told them Lila was lying.

Even when they were faced with evidence she was lying...

"Is everything okay?"

"Can I... talk to you guys for a moment?"

Sabine and Tom shared a look.
"I'll go close up for our lunch break," Sabine added.

Marinette nodded, following Tom up to the living room.

She waited until Sabine took a seat on the couch across from her, next to Tom, before speaking.

"Lila can't come here anymore," Marinette started off.

"Lila? You mean that girl with the... lying disease?" Sabine asked.

"Yes, her," Marinette confirmed.

"Why not? She seemed so lovely," Sabine asked, a little sarcastically.

Marinette choked a little at that, "Wait... I - I thought you believed her lies?"

"Honey please, we weren't born yesterday."

Marinette's eyes pricked with tears.

She wasn't alone.

Her parents believed her...

"How come you never said anything about it?" The question tumbled out before she could stop it.

"We'll admit, we were busy with the bakery - and that's caused us to have less time for you," Sabine admitted, looking away, "And since Lila was never brought up again we just assumed the situation was solved, but now we see that isn't the case..."

"We're working on it, we're actually thinking of posting a job notice - get some more help around here, so we can focus on what matters," Tom added.

"I'd like that," Marinette smiled.

She walked over to her parents and embraced them with a hug.

They stayed like that for a long moment, before Marinette pulled away a little to look at them.

"Why did you let Lila up to my room if you knew?" She asked seriously.

"Alya had mentioned they wanted to apologize for something, and not letting Lila go would've caused a scene with the other girls."

Marinette nodded slowly.

She supposed that made sense...

"We won't make that same mistake again - if you don't want to see her, she won't be welcome here."

"Thanks Māmā, Papa... I really appreciate it."

The trio hugged once more, with Marinette enjoying how warm it was.

They could talk about what happened later.

For now, Marinette was just happy with where she was.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

With a heavy sigh, Marinette put the finishing touches on her hair.
She decided to mix things up today and go with space buns.

Paired with her outfit - a black circle skirt, a pink blouse and knee high pink socks - Marinette thought it looked pretty cute.

"Everything okay?" Xuppu asked quietly, floating over to her.

The way he spoke surprised Marinette.

Soft, and concerned.

Contrasted to his loud and boisterous tone he always carried.

Marinette nodded as Xuppu moved to lay on one of her buns, tail lashing about.

"Yeah, just... school," Marinette mumbled.

Even though it's been two days since the last akuma - akumas - Marinette was still...

Tired.

She really didn't want to deal with Lila.

Or Alya and Mylène...

Just...

Not today.

Not ever.

"You don't have to go," Xuppu pointed out.

"I do," Marinette sighed.

"Xuppu, that would be highly irresponsible," Tikki scolded.

Xuppu just shrugged, "I'm just saying... she clearly doesn't want to go."

"I can make an illusion of you, so you can stay home," Trixx piped up.

Marinette was tempted...

She really was..

"That wouldn't be a good idea, Trixx," Kalkki pointed out.

"We've only been practicing for three days, you're still not ready," Wayzz agreed.

Trixx just huffed.

Marinette giggled, petting Trixx's head with her finger, "Thanks for the offer Trixx, but I got this."

Trixx stared at her for a moment before shrugging, "Suit yourself."

Xuppu sighed dramatically, "Fine, but if you're going then so am I!"
"Xuppu," Wayzz sighed.

"Yes?" He replied innocently.

"It's fine guys, I did say I'd take him next," Marinette cut in.

She moved over to the still unchanged miracle box and grabbed the monkey miraculous with a hum.

Maybe space buns weren't the best idea...

It changed into a headband for her after all.

She took them down before slipping on the miraculous, making sure to leave her bangs falling over her forehead.

"Marinette, it's time to go!" Sabine shouted from below.

"Coming mom!" Marinette shouted back.

She opened her purse to let Xuppu in as she ran to her trapdoor.

"Bye master!" Daizzi waved.

"Bye!"
"See you soon!"

"Have fun at school my queen," Pollen bid, hugging her cheek before zipping over to the miracle box.

Marinette giggled as she closed the trap door behind her.

"Here you are Qīn," Sabine hummed, handing her a bag on her way out, "I packed extra for your friends."
"Thanks Māmā," Marinette smiled.

Marinette hummed a bit to herself as she walked up to her school, only faltering when she stood face to face with the classroom door.

"I can do this..." She mumbled to herself.

She smiled faintly when she felt a reassuring pressure on her leg.

Right.

She could do this.

With another deep breath Marinette entered the classroom.

Upon scanning the room, she noticed only a few students were there.

Kim was talking with a tired looking Max enthusiastically.

Nathaniel was drawing in the back of the room, tongue stuck out in concentration.

Mylène was...

Well, she sheepishly averted her gaze as soon as Marinette made eye contact.

Alright then...

Finally, Rose and Juleka were talking quietly; the former of whom perked up upon seeing her.

"Marinette!" Rose greeted happily.

"H - hey Rose," Marinette smiled as the blonde walked up.

Rose gently grabbed her wrist with a giggle, leading her to the back of the room.

"How are you doing?" Juleka asked quietly.

It was sweet how they were looking out for her.

They called yesterday too, after giving her some space to sort everything out, and they ended up talking for hours.

Just laughing and chilling out while Marinette worked on Jagged Stone's jacket.

The only ones of her friends to do so.

Marinette really appreciated small things like this...
She was really glad to have them as friends.

"I'm doing better," Marinette admitted with a small smile.

Juleka returned her smile with a small hum.

"We were wondering if you wanted to take my seat again today," Rose asked.

Marinette hummed a bit.

It would be nice to avoid take some time away from Alya for now.

"Thank you," Marinette replied with a nod.

Just for another day.

Then Marinette would return to her own seat.

"Not a problem!" Rose beamed.

"You're sitting with Juleka again?" A familiar voice asked from behind them.

Marinette spun around to see Alya looking at her sadly, a frown etched on her lips.

"Oh, uh..." Marinette mumbled, "Sorry Alya, but..."
She didn't know how to finish that sentence.

Alya sighed, "Don't sweat it."
R - really?
Alya wasn't upset?

A short silence fell over them before Alya spoke up again.

"Anyway, I - I just wanted to apologize," Alya started, "For what happened."

"Y - you do?" Marinette questioned.

Alya was apologizing?
Actually apologizing for barging into her room?

When she didn't think she did anything wrong?

Marinette wondered what had changed between then and now.

"I'm sorry for pushing you so hard to tell us what was wrong," Alya replied.

Oh, uh...

That-

That was fine.

"Apology accepted," Marinette replied slowly.

Alya smiled, "I know you'll tell us when you're ready."

Marinette opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.

What?

No...

She couldn't tell them.

"Alya, that's not the point," Rose frowned.

"What? What isn't?"
"Marinette is allowed to have secrets," Juleka said quietly, "She doesn't have to tell us."
"I know, I was just saying when she's ready I'll be here," Alya argued.

Rose and Juleka just exchanged a glance; the latter looking like she was going to argue again.

But the bell rang before she could and Mrs. Bustier clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.

"Everyone to your seats, we're going to start morning compliments," She cheered.

"See you around Mari," Alya waved, following Rose to their seat near the front of the class.

"Yeah... see you..."