Miraculous Ladybug fan comic by pisoprano. Crossposted on Ao3.
After Chat Noir's identity is discovered by Mayura, the only person left for Adrien to be is Catwalker... (post-Kuro Neko, pre-Risk/Strike Back)
Synopsis: After Mayura ambushes Chat Noir during an akuma attack and discovers his identity, Adrien decides that the only safe place for him to be is living as Catwalker.
FAQ: See here
Index
PART I. GONE
1. Chat Noir Compromised
2. Adrien Prepares to Run
3. The Woes of Nathalie
4. He's Really Gone, Isn't He?
5. Leaving Out Important Details
6. Sticking Together (Maternal Instinct, part A)
7. Those Who Love You (Maternal Instinct, part B)
8. Coming Apart (Maternal Instinct, part C)
9. Looking Out for You
10. Successors in the Sewers
11. The Confounding of Nathalie
PART II. OBFUSCATE
12. Paternal Detachment
13. Going Unrecognized
14. Camouflaged Confederates
15. A Reluctance to Speak Up
16. Barriers for Communication (Veritruce, part A)
17. Truthful by Technicality (Veritruce, part B)
18. Who You Know (Veritruce, part C)
19. Secrecy Unrectified (Veritruce, part D)
20. Questioning Trustworthiness
21. Close Shaves and Slipups
PART III. PARTIAL
22. A Best Friend’s Interrogative Prerogative
23. Contracted Liberation
24. Misaligned Approaches (Oni-Chan 2.0, part A)
25. Best Friend Erasure (Oni-Chan 2.0, part B)
26. Asynchronous Expectations (Oni-Chan 2.0, part C)
27. Safely Seen (Oni-Chan 2.0, part D)
28. Prevaricators' Procession
29. Jumping to Convictions
30. The Return
31. Perfect Dichotomy (Midnight Rendezvous, Part A)
32. Her Consideration (Midnight Rendezvous, Part B)
33. Revelatory Repercussions (Midnight Rendezvous, Part C)
Catwalker opens the lucky charm doorway, taking Ladybug by the hand as she comes up behind him. Together, they exit the pile of rubble, only to encounter Sentinoir.
Ladybug: Okay, let's—YOU!
Sentinoir holds up his hands in surrender.
Sentinoir: I surrender!
Ladybug: Yeah right, like we believe that!
Rena Furtive: Believe it, Ladybug!
Rena Furtive beams proudly as she holds up the amok (Adrien’s ID card) that she got out of Shadowmoth’s hands.
Rena Furtive: Hey, Sentinoir! Would you like to change sides? You could tell us more about Shadowmoth! Like, what's his secret identity?
Sentinoir looks down at his hands, conflicted as someone who has been given their first actual choice only can be.
Sentinoir: But he's my f-creator? I shouldn't... betray him like that, right?
Rena holds out her hands and gives an inspiring tirade of heroism.
Rena Furtive: Shadowmoth doesn't deserve loyalty. He ordered you to kill everyone. You might not be Chat Noir, but you're still a Chat Noir. And I think any version of Chat Noir would choose to fight against m. To be a hero.
Sentinoir places his hand on his chest and smiles. He is interrupted in a closeup of Shadowmoth snapping his fingers, making Sentinoir dissolve out of existence.
Sentinoir: A hero, huh...? You know, I think I would rather be more like Chat Noi—
Rena Furtive: No!
Rena throws up her hands in frustration. As she does so, Ladybug throws her yo-yo at the feather coming out of the amok, capturing it before it turns white.
Ladybug: Gotcha!
Rena Furtive: We almost had him! If I'd just been faster...!
Catwalker places his hands on Rena’s shoulders and tries to encourage her. In the background, Ladybug throws the lucky charm above her head with a ‘Miraculous Ladybug’ to fix all the damage.
Catwalker: It's not your fault—you did everything you could. You saved so many people today without anyone's help. And I think that Sentinoir—no, Chat Noir—was happy he at least got to make a choice for himself.
Rena, not much reassured, looks down towards the hand holding Sentinoir’s former amok.
Rena Furtive: I suppose...
Catwalker: Trust me: if I was Chat Noir, I wouldn't want an amok controlling my life.
Rena Furtive: An amok...
Rena holds up the card for Catwalker to examine. Catwalker plasters a smile on his face and snatches the ID he’d left behind when he ran away from home, not wanting to explain why he wasn’t surprised that the villains have been stealing his things.
Rena Furtive: Catwalker, do you have any idea how Shadowmoth got his hands on this? I assume it's Chat's ID, but I can't check.
Catwalker: Yes, it's his! Shadowmoth probably just broke into his room! I'll make sure he gets it back!
Ladybug’s head turns towards the conversation, pointing her finger in astonishment.
Ladybug: Hold on, since when did Catwalker know Chat's identity?
Catwalker rubs the back of his neck and uses gestures towards Rena, whose eyes widen in realization at what he’s insinuating.
Catwalker: I... erm... can't talk about that around...
Rena forces a smile and points her thumb behind her, making up a justification for why she suddenly needs to leave her two fellow heroes alone.
Rena Furtive: Well! I'm going to go check if Shadowmoth left any more clues behind! Bye now!
Ladybug and Catwalker stand together in an alleyway as Rena leaps off into the distance.
Ladybug: How did you find out who Chat is?
Catwalker: It seemed obvious?
Ladybug folds her arms and looks away.
Ladybug: I'm pretty sure you're the only person in the world who'd think that. You probably recognized the sentimonster as an imposter instantly too, didn't you?
Catwalker: I... had my suspicions, yes.
Ladybug slumps down to the ground in frustration as Catwalker stands in shock.
Ladybug: I'm such an idiot! I'm supposed to be better than this! But the instant Chat's face shows up again, I get sucked in by the fantasy of getting to kiss him!
Catwalker blushes hard, his eyes widening in wonder and awe.
Catwalker: ...'Kiss'? You... want to kiss Chat Noir?
Catwalker lowers himself to sit by Ladybug as she hides her face in her knees.
Ladybug: Nghhhh... When you give Chat his ID back, please don't tell him, but... Yes, I do.
Catwalker: I'll... try not to mention it. But you've previously talked about a boy you were in love with. Did something... happen with him?
Catwalker places his hand on his chest in sympathy as Ladybug looks away, discouraged.
Ladybug: Sort of. 'The Boy'... Well, someone accidentally told the Boy that I've been trying to confess my feelings to him. And the next time I saw him? He couldn't put me in the friendzone fast enough.
Catwalker: I'm so sorry. That must have felt awful.
Ladybug: It's alright. Knowing that Chat Noir still loved his Lady... it helped. Like, even if 'The Boy and Civilian-Me' getting together isn't happening, 'Ladybug and Chat Noir' is still a possibility.
Ladybug points an accusatory finger to cut off Catwalker’s likely line of thinking.
Ladybug: Not that Chat Noir’s a consolation prize! He's definitely not just a rebound guy!
Ladybug interlaces her fingers together so that her two hands have melded into one whole.
Ladybug: It's more that… when I reevaluated everything I've felt about the Boy and about Chat… It became clear that all the feelings I held for each boy were the same: I love him.
Ladybug throws her hands out in front of her.
Ladybug: And I can't do anything about it! Because it's not safe for Ladybug to know where Chat Noir is hiding!
Ladybug mournfully looks down at her hands side-by-side, now completely separate from one another.
Ladybug: Even if I did somehow find him, I’d still be just a civilian in his eyes. A 'friend' at best. He loves 'Ladybug' so much that that girl couldn't be someone he would love back.
Catwalker brushes back Ladybug’s bangs and places a gentle kiss on her forehead with a ‘mwah!’, to Ladybug’s blushing bewilderment.
Ladybug: E-eh? W-what are you...?
Catwalker smiles and points a finger at his lips.
Catwalker: Chat Noir told you that I would act on his behalf, yes? That kiss is from him.
Ladybug: From him?
Catwalker: Reproduced from his very lips! He wanted to make sure that his love could always find its way to you.
Catwalker sheepishly rubs the back of his neck as he realizes that it’s possible for Ladybug to kiss him today. Ladybug points a finger at him, disbelieving.
Catwalker: He... even left a proper kiss for you with me. If you ever requested it. So I could return your kiss back to him.
Ladybug: People can't just transmit kisses like it's a game of telephone. And even if you did, it'd be nothing like him.
Catwalker lets his love bleed through his mask enough to trigger a daydream haze as he meets her gaze with his genuine smile.
Catwalker: You underestimate me.
Ladybug places her hand on Catwalker’s chest and leans toward him, her lips coming within centimeters of his, nearing the kiss they both yearn for so desperately.
Ladybug turns away at the last second. Catwalker closes his eyes, resigned that this was never going to happen.
Ladybug: No, I can't do this.
Catwalker: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought this up. I am still an unwelcome sight in your eyes...
Ladybug: It's not you. You were just honoring Chat's request.
Ladybug looks away, touching her fingers to her lips and clutching at her chest.
Ladybug: But I was already this close to kissing one facsimile of Chat Noir today. I don't want to do that with another copy. Even if your imitation was perfect, it still wouldn't be with my kitty.
Ladybug places her hand on Catwalker’s shoulder as a supportive friend. Catwalker, knowing that Ladybug’s advice is impossible for him to act upon, looks away half-heartedly.
Ladybug: More than that, it's not fair for me to treat you as nothing more than an empty vessel for Chat. You're a real person too, with your own feelings. I know you just want to help. But you shouldn't have to suppress who you are to make Chat and I happy. Just be yourself, yeah?
Catwalker: ...Yeah.
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Ladybug smiles at Sentinoir (a sentimonster currently with the appearance of Adrien Agreste), who reaches his hands towards her face.
Ladybug: Anyway! You need help! Did Bunnix send you? We should go meet up with her!
Sentinoir: Not yet, my dearest. Let's be alone for just a moment first. I want to bask in your beauty for a little while.
Ladybug: O-oh?
Sentinoir: I've missed it ever so much.
Sentinoir makes a sad face while Ladybug touches his cheek and places her hand on his chest. Sentinoir’s hands slowly inch closer towards her earrings.
Ladybug: How long has it been, Kitty?
Sentinoir: An eternity.
Ladybug: You haven't aged a bit. Are you sure you aren't too old for me?
Sentinoir gives Ladybug a joking smile as she gets closer, touching his shoulder and moving her hand to the back of his head.
Sentinoir: I exaggerate, of course! My future timeline is mere weeks away! But I cannot bear the thought of going another second without your kiss...
With Ladybug’s eyes closed, Sentinoir finally moves in to take her earrings. As Ladybug puckers her lips in anticipation of being kissed, however, her brow furrows as what Sentinoir just said catches up to her.
Ladybug (internally): Wait... 'Mere weeks'...?
Ladybug runs her fingers through Sentinoir’s hair, completely unlike the bald head she knows present!Adrien to have—and far too perfect to have grown completely back in so short a time frame.
Ladybug (internally): And yet... Not a hair out of place...
Ladybug flips Sentinoir, throwing him to the ground as he lets out a “WAH!”
Ladybug: Nice try.
On the ground, wincing from the pain, Sentinoir changes form so that he looks like Chat Noir again.
Ladybug: But you don't know nearly enough about the person behind the mask to truly replicate him. And you never will.
Ladybug points down at Sentinoir in righteous fury, throwing her yo-yo towards him.
Ladybug: Because my Chat Noir is real. And you're just a cheap copy.
Cut to Adrien hiding behind the wall with the shirt he borrowed from Rolland pulled up over his head to shield his face, as Plagg hovers above him. In the background, Rena Furtive gives a classic hero speech to stall for time while Shadowmoth starts to get to his feet.
Rena Furtive: ...and in the name of the Fox, I will punish you!
Plagg: Ready, kid!
Adrien: Plagg, claws out!
Catwalker emerges from behind the wall with a smile and his staff rested on his shoulder.
Catwalker: A pleasure to have you join the team, Fox Furtive! Now let's show him what we understudies are capable of!
As Shadowmoth stands, he holds up the amok (Adrien’s ID card) and gives Sentinoir an order.
Shadowmoth: Sentinoir! Ladybug's timer is almost out! Destroy everything in your path to seize her miraculous!
Cut to Sentinoir catching Ladybug’s yo-yo and cataclysming it.
Sentinoir: Yes, Shadowmoth. Cataclysm.
Sentinoir uses his powers to destroy the ground.
Sentinoir: Cataclysm.
Ladybug leaps away as everything around her starts to break apart from Sentinoir’s powers.
Sentinoir: Cataclysm.
Cut back to Catwalker panicking at the thought of Ladybug being in danger. Rena—recognizing that this is Chat Noir freaking out over his Lady and that he won’t be able to focus on fighting Shadowmoth right now—gives him an order.
Cut back to Ladybug as she dashes through Paris as the buildings and ground fall apart, the cataclysmic energy getting in close behind her.
Ladybug: You're going to destroy all of Paris!
Sentinoir: Irrelevant. I obey my creator. I must seize your miraculous.
Ladybug: Not a chance!
Sentinoir, wearing a look of resignation on his face, summons another ball of cataclysmic energy.
Sentinoir: Once you have no suit to protect you, it is you who will stand no chance. Cataclysm.
Closeup of Ladybug’s face as her earrings beep and the last spot disappears.
Ladybug (internally): No…
Ladybug curls into a ball where she stands when the transformation drops, trying to cover her neck and head from falling debris. As a collapsing building is about to topple onto her, Catwalker leaps in to protect her, all culminating with a CRASH!
Catwalker: Ladybug!
In the rubble, Catwalker is positioned above Marinette with his eyes closed and arms wrapped around her.
Catwalker: Ow…
Marinette: Catwalker?
Catwalker: Are you alright?
Marinette: Y-yeah. Did you see—?
Catwalker: No, nothing. Your identity is safe.
Catwalker does his best to make sure the rubble doesn’t get past him and his indestructible super suit as Tikki goes for Marinette’s purse, which is partially under a chunk of debris.
Marinette: That's good. Tikki, can you get to your cookies?
Tikki: Found them! They're just a little crumbled. Give me a minute.
Marinette touches Catwalker’s arm and looks up towards, grateful he’s there, but also feeling guilty for becoming a burden he never asked for.
Marinette: Catwalker… thanks. For saving me. I know you don't want to even be here and are likely only staying with me because 'Ladybug' is too important to leave unprotected, but...
Catwalker: That's not why I saved you.
Eyes still closed, Catwalker gives a declaration of devotion that makes Marinette’s eyes go wide at its intensity.
Catwalker: It's never been the role you play that made you worth protecting. You're so much more than that. You're the girl who cares so deeply, who always stands up for what is right. And you've saved me in more ways than I can say. Though I may try to help everyone who needs it... Any sacrifice I made for you would be worth it to me, Ladybug.
Marinette looks down, rather speechless, as Tikki comes back from eating her cookie crumbs.
Marinette: I…
Tikki: I'm ready!
Marinette: Right. Tikki, spots on!
Ladybug creates a lucky charm: a door on edge of the rubble, presumably leading out to safety.
Ladybug: Lucky Charm!
Catwalker: A door?
Ladybug tries to reach her hand through the rubble to get through to the door, but isn’t able to reach far enough. Catwalker, in response, extends his hand next to hers and summons his powers to destroy the debris in their way.
Ladybug: There's too much debris. Can you make a path?
Catwalker: On it. Cataclysm!
Cut to Rena Furtive pursuing a fleeing Shadowmoth to the top of a tall building.
Rena Furtive: You can run, Shadowmoth! But you can't hide from me!
As Rena catches up, Shadowmoth quickly turns and grabs Rena’s flute to fight over it and destabilize her.
Shadowmoth: Do you really think a novice like you could ever defeat me?
Rena lets the flute go, instead swerving to the side and bonking Shadowmoth on the head with her fist, taunting him by sticking out her tongue and pulling down her eyelid in an akanbe expression.
Rena Furtive: How 'bout I make a fool out of you and leave the 'defeat' part for when Ladybug and Catwalker get here?
Shadowmoth holds up the amok and calls his sentimonster again to give him a new order.
Shadowmoth: If they get here. Sentinoir! Kill them all!
Rena Furtive: No!
Shadowmoth holds the amok over the building’s edge as Rena tries to rush towards him.
Shadowmoth: Now this is the only thing that can stop my sentimonster.
Closeup of Shadowmoth’s hand as he deliberately drops the amok.
Shadowmoth: And, oops! Clumsy me!
Rena leaps off the building and tries to catch the amok, knowing that Shadowmoth will take this opening to get away, but not willing to risk people’s lives.
Rena Furtive: Curse you!
Rena catches the amok in her hand.
Rena Furtive: Belay that order! Don't hurt anyone!
Cut to Sentinoir standing outside the lucky charm door as he leans against it in relief and lets his destructive powers dissipate.
Sentinoir: At your command.
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Rena Furtive watches over the city, perched atop a tall building, and places a call over her flute to Catwalker.
Catwalker (over comm): Hello?
Rena Furtive: Hey, Catwalker? Sorry I didn't get in touch before with… well, everything. Did you still want me to check detransformation spots for you?
Catwalker (over comm): I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Rena.
Cut to Catwalker leaping across buildings.
Rena Furtive (over comm): The chimney a few buildings to your right looks all clear.
Catwalker: Got it. Are you helping Ladybug find a good spot too?
Rena Furtive (over comm): She probably doesn't need it, but let's see where she—what?
Catwalker: What is it?
Cut back to Rena looking frantic over what she’s seen in her flute telescope, and taps at her phone screen to add a new person to the call.
Rena Furtive: How is Ladybug talking to Chat Noir right now?
Catwalker (over comm): What??
Rena Furtive: I know! Hold on, I'm going to make this a 3-way call…
Cut to Ladybug witnessing Chat Noir (?!) stepping towards her from the alleyway.
Ladybug: What are you doing here? How are you here? Catwalker still has the cat miraculous. And you're supposed to still be in hiding.
Chat Noir dramatically places one hand against his forehead and the other on his heart.
Chat Noir: It is quite simple: I'm a time traveler! I've come back to the past to get your help. It's a matter of life and death. And I can't save her without your powers.
Ladybug touches her own heart in sympathy as her yo-yo’s phone starts to ring.
Ladybug: Oh Chat, I—Hold on, I should answer this...
Ladybug answers her bugphone.
Rena Furtive (over comm): What's the deal with—?
Ladybug: Time travel.
Catwalker (over comm): Are you sure?
Ladybug: Catwalker, why are you on the phone?
Future Chat Noir leans in towards Ladybug’s bugphone and projects his voice.
Future Chat Noir: Are you talking to my replacement? Yoo-hoo, Greenie! Good news! You're now superfluous! My Bugaboo and I will handle this without you.
Cut to an annoyed Catwalker pointing at his baton’s phone screen.
Catwalker: Don't call her 'Bugaboo.' She doesn't like being called that. Someone calling himself 'Chat Noir' should know better.
Cut back to Ladybug waving her hand dismissingly with a big smile.
Ladybug: It's fine! I don't think I'm minding so much! In the future, I mean!
Future Chat Noir: She's right! The future has brought all sorts of changes!
Ladybug listens to her phone and holds up a finger.
Catwalker (over comm): Well, did 'the future' bring anything useful with it? Like, maybe, a lucky charm?
Ladybug: Good question. Chat, did you get a Lucky Charm?
Future Chat Noir holds up a hand and touches his heart regretfully.
Future Chat Noir: Alas, there wasn't time for you to give me one before I came back to the past. I did have a lucky charm from Marinette Dupain Cheng, once. But that's hardly as miraculous as one of yours, Bugaboo.
Ladybug looks away with a lingering sadness over Marinette’s inferiority to Ladybug in Chat’s eyes.
Ladybug: I mean, Marinette told me about that! When I helped her hang up her 'Missing Adrien' flyers!
Future Chat Noir holds out a hand reminiscingly.
Future Chat Noir: Oh yes! I remember the 'Adrien' manhunt like it was yesterday! He wasn't nearly as 'lost' as everyone believed he was.
Close-up of Future Chat Noir pointing at his face juxtaposed with Shadowmoth holding up Adrien’s ID card—an amok.
Future Chat Noir, blending into the voice Shadowmoth feeding lines to his sentimonster: Why, Ladybug, if you come with me… I'm sure I can show you 'Adrien Agreste'…
Cut back to Future Chat Noir Sentinoir holding up his hand in request.
Future Chat Noir Sentinoir: I must request, however, that you view him without an audience...
Ladybug: Right. Thanks for your help, Catwalker—
Catwalker (over comm): But he—
Ladybug: —but I'm going to hang up now. Bug out!
Cut to Catwalker looking at his baton phone as Ladybug hangs up and Rena is still on the line.
Catwalker: I don't like this.
Rena Furtive (over comm): What, finding Adrien?
Catwalker: It's not that. I can't prove anything, but 'Chat Noir' seems... off.
Cut to Rena holding her flute phone, trying not to say too much about Ladybug’s relationship with Adrien.
Rena Furtive: Yeah, I admit this whole thing is weird, but Ladybug wants to handle it without us. She probably has her reasons for going along with him.
Catwalker extends his baton and starts to leap into motion, all the while his ring begins to beep.
Rena Furtive (over comm): Besides, you're about to turn into a pumpkin.
Catwalker: I've still got a minute before I change back. I'm going to get a closer look…
Cut back to Ladybug shutting her yo-yo and Sentinoir taking her by the hand.
Ladybug: Sorry about that. I haven't told Catwalker your identity, so unless you told him...?
Sentinoir: There's no need. All I need is you.
Ladybug playfully points at Sentinoir, while he vainly points at his own face.
Ladybug: Still trying to charm me, I see? I suppose you have a very pretty face...
Sentinoir: Oh, do you mean this pretty face?
Sentinoir moves behind Ladybug, changing to Adrien in a flash, and gives her a model smile. Ladybug is blushing too hard to notice that Sentinoir is moving his hand towards her earring.
Sentinoir: Or maybe you're more of a fan of this pretty face?
Ladybug: You! Pretty—hot! I mean!
Shadowmoth (through amok): Yes! Yes! Seduce her, Sentinoir! Lower her guard and create an opening to steal her miraculous!
Cut to Shadowmoth hiding behind a Find Adrien poster, peeking from behind to see Catwalker dashing across the rooftops.
Shadowmoth: And while you do that... I will take Chat Noir's pathetic replacement off of the board…
Cut to Catwalker as he hides behind a wall and spies on Ladybug and Sentinoir, still talking to Rena.
Catwalker: I've got a visual on the guy claiming to be Chat Noir. He just detransformed.
Rena Furtive (over comm): Don't tell me who he is, I'm not peeking. But Ladybug knows who he is, right? She should recognize if he's not Chat.
Catwalker tries to correct Rena. Shadowmoth drops in from behind, raising his cane to attack.
Catwalker: Mayura knows his identity too. She could still be behind all this.
Rena Furtive (over comm): Yeah, that kinda puts a damper on—LOOK OUT!
Shadowmoth brings Catwalker to the ground. Catwalker tries to escape from the position by pushing back on Shadowmoth’s cane, but is backed up against the wall.
Shadowmoth: Poor Catwalker. Never the one Ladybug wanted for her partner. Tossed aside the moment Chat Noir reappeared.
Catwalker: Is that supposed to make me feel jealous?
Shadowmoth smiles as he and Catwalker grapple with his cane.
Shadowmoth: Oh, so you believe you are better than Chat Noir? Well, maybe you could see what he missed: The way to end our conflict painlessly.
Catwalker: Let me guess: by giving up our miraculous?
A close-up of Shadowmoth with a prideful smile.
Shadowmoth: It's not as unthinkable as you might assume. Chat Noir never realized that my goals have noble ends. With the miraculous, why, I could even bring back his mother. Join me and we can create a perfect world, one Chat Noir never dared to dream of.
Catwalker pushes the cane upwards with a retort.
Catwalker: A world created from people's suffering could never be truly 'perfect'!
Shadowmoth: Then you bring this suffering upon yourself...
Shadowmoth presses down on the cane with all of his strength towards Catwalker’s neck. Catwalker clenches his eyes shut as his miraculous begins to beep frantically.
Catwalker (internally): No!
The ring continues beeping as Catwalker tries to stop the transformation from traveling any further down his hand.
Catwalker (internally): Not again!
Shadowmoth lets out an ‘OOF!’ as Rena Furtive leaps in, kicking him in the head and off Catwalker.
Rena Furtive: Hi-YAH!
Shadowmoth pulls his head up in a daze from being face-planted.
Shadowmoth: Rena… Rouge?
A close-up of Rena’s boots, while in the background, Adrien pulls the shirt Rolland lent him over his head and dashes behind the wall.
Rolland picks up the telephone receiver and holds it to his ear.
Rolland: Hello? Hello? Who is calling me? Hello? Bah! There’s no one there! Why call someone if you’re not going to say anything?
Adrien looks over his shoulder with an understanding “!,” recalling who he previously asked to give him a call. Marinette sits next to him with a confused “??”
Adrien: Hey Marinette, can you check the news for me real quick?
Marinette: Sure, I guess...?
Marinette checks her cellphone with a look of flat irritation.
Marinette: Who knows? Maybe she's mad that no one can find you? All the akumas have been about you lately.
Adrien: Haha, that's so weird...
Marinette looks towards her exit. Adrien looks down at the folded hands in his lap, saddened at the realization that his time with his very good friend has ended so soon.
Marinette: I should probably head home, just in case...
Adrien: Oh, right...
Marinette moves to her feet and turns back to touch Adrien’s face as he reaches his hand up towards her.
Adrien: But can I ask you for a favor?
Marinette: What do you need?
Adrien: Could you come visit me again?
Marinette: Of course. Whatever you ask, I will always be here for you.
Cut to Ladybug leaning on a railing as Catwalker leaps from behind to join her.
Catwalker: I'm here, Ladybug. Where are the other heroes?
Ladybug: They aren't coming. It'll just be you and me.
Catwalker: Are you sure you feel comfortable with that?
Ladybug, pulling out her yo-yo, looks over her shoulder at Catwalker, who stands confident, with his staff at the ready.
Ladybug: Chat Noir asked me to trust you, so... I'm trusting you.
Catwalker: I won't let you down this time. What do you want me to do?
Ladybug: Just... whatever you think Chat Noir would do?
Catwalker: ...I think I can handle that.
Montage of the battle, like a dance:
Catwalker and Ladybug leap into action.
Side panel: Chloékins (akumatized!Chloé) raises a megaphone to her mouth, which amplifies her magic-infused words, ‘UTTERLY RIDICULOUS!’ into a yellow and cyan sonic wave.
Side panel: As Catwalker and Ladybug fly through the air, Chloékins uses her megaphone to fling an unmanned firetruck at the heroes, the sonic wave making it difficult for them to dodge.
Catwalker reaches his hand out to touch the firetruck, Cataclysming it into dust before it can hit Ladybug.
Catwalker uses his staff to deflect debris from hitting Ladybug while she calls up her Lucky Charm.
Side panel: The Lucky Charm is summoned: a scarf covered in Ladybug spots.
Ladybug holds each end of the scarf and looks towards Catwalker with a confident smile. Catwalker is, for the first time, highlighted in her Ladybug Vision as a component she knows how to use in her plan.
Side panel: Ladybug hands off the scarf to Catwalker.
Catwalker moves in quick and low to Chloékins, using his staff to trip her while using the Lucky Charm scarf to gag her. As Chloékins flings out her arms in a futile attempt to regain her balance, Ladybug leaps in from the other side, using her yo-yo to grab the akuma’s ankle to further debalance her, and grabs the megaphone out of Chloékins’ hand.
Catwalker catches Chloékins so she doesn’t hurt herself falling to the ground (though she does still fling her arms about, quite miffed about being gagged). Ladybug looks at Catwalker with a warm smile while she breaks the megaphone over her knee to release the akuma.
Side panel: Ladybug lets the purified akuma of her yo-yo.
Side panel: Chloé, having not gotten whatever it was she wanted, saunters away in a huff while the Miraculous Ladybug fixes the damage caused by the fight.
Catwalker and Ladybug use their baton and yo-yo to reunite with one another, him taking her by the hand with a smile (making her blush).
Catwalker: How was that?
Ladybug: N-not bad!
Catwalker: I'm glad. Until next time?
Ladybug: Until next time.
Ladybug watches as Catwalker leaves, a hand resting on her cheek as she smiles to herself.
Ladybug (internally): So Chat was right. Working with Catwalker could feel better again. I won't have to worr—
Ladybug turns her head, startled by the sound of a mysterious figure standing in the shadows behind her.
Mysterious figure: Ladybug!
Ladybug: What? How…?
Close-up on a steel-toed black boot.
Mysterious figure: Everything has gone disastrously wrong. I need your help, Bugaboo.
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Marinette descends down the stairs to the kitchen, where she is met by Sabine Cheng, who holds her phone in one hand and waves at her daughter with the other. Behind her, a blue apron is left on the kitchen table.
Sabine: Glad to see you're awake! Your father just got a call from Grandpa Rolland. He needs one of us to bring an apron over. Something about the last one being the wrong size? If you’re not too busy, do you think you could take care of it, Marinette?
Marinette looks down from the stair railing with a smile.
Marinette: Yeah, I can do that today. I don't have... quite so much to worry about right now.
Sabine: Thanks, dear!
Sabine holds the top of the apron flat and straight as her daughter folds bottom of the apron into a more portable form, wrapping the apron strings around the bundle.
Sabine: Have you heard any news about Adrien? You've been searching for him non-stop since he disappeared.
Marinette: I... heard that Ladybug managed to talk to him. But it didn’t last. He’s already gone again...
Sabine smiles and holds her hand out in an offer of optimism.
Sabine: At least you know more than you did yesterday. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next person to find him!
Marinette holds the apron bundle and looks away with a smile, lightly blushing.
Marinette: I highly doubt that. But wherever he is now? I know he'll find ways to reach out to the people he loves.
Sabine: And that includes you!
Marinette: Yeah... He does love me, doesn't he...?
Cut to Marinette at the gate to Rolland Dupain’s residence as she speaks into the pipe that serves as an intercom.
Marinette: Hello, Grandpa! It’s me! Your wonderful granddaughter, Marinette, with a special delivery!
Adrien (through intercom, muffled): Come in!
Marinette peeks around the door, holding up her apron bundle with a smile.
Marinette: I brought you the apron you wante—
The apron falls to the ground, unfurling, in front of a pair of feet wearing shoes covered with Ladybug spots.
Marinette: —EEEEHHHH??????
Adrien gives a joyful wave. He, in addition to being bald, now wears an oversized blue and white striped shirt and too wide shorts, kept up with a belt—in other words, Adrien wears the same clothes as Rolland Dupain.
Adrien: Hey, Marinette! It's so good to see you!
On a bright blue background, a white pixelated outline of Marinette depicts her standing with mouth agape, her brain having fully ceased to function.
Error alert caption: MARINETTE.EXE has stopped working...
Adrien holds up the apron in his hands and examines it with a smile.
Adrien: This apron looks like it'll be perfect! It should fit me much better than the one your dad used to wear as a kid.
Marinette, halfway to ascending to heaven, vibrates in lost thought. Adrien, concerned, holds her up by the waist and reaches towards her face.
Adrien: Uh... Marinette? Do you need to sit down?
Marinette: Adrien?? Here??? And you're turning into my grandpa????
Adrien sheepishly rubs the back of his neck.
Adrien: Oh, you mean the clothes I'm wearing? I kinda made a huge mess with the flour earlier and had to borrow these from Mr. Dupain.
Marinette: But why are you—?
Rolland peeks his head out from behind the door dividing the kitchen and the living room. Adrien looks at him, having guided Marinette to the couch. Marinette rubs her temples, muttering ‘Wake up wake up wake up…”, hoping that it might help her rouse from this bizarre dream.
Rolland: Come back to the kitchen! You need to practice feeling the proper texture of the dough— Oh, Marinette! How wonderful you are here! Have you met Baldy?
Adrien points at his face with a large grin.
Marinette: Baldy???
Adrien: Yep, that's me! That is the name by which I am known and no other! Apprentice baker to the great Rolland Dupain!
Marinette jumps about on the couch, flailing like a crab. Adrien points his thumb behind him at Rolland, who stands with crossed arms.
Marinette: But I thought you were out in the woods learning hermit kung fu!
Adrien: Technically speaking, your grandpa is a hermit!
Rolland: Ex-hermit! I go outside sometimes!
Marinette points in realization.
Marinette: Hold on! That boule Catwalker brought me! That's why I recognized it! It was literally my family's bread!
Adrien: Sort of! Mr. Dupain helped me bake it!
Rolland rubs his chin in confusion.
Rolland: What is this? You had a walking cat deliver your first boule to my granddaughter? I had wondered why it disappeared so fast...
Adrien looks into Marinette’s eyes, placing a hand on her shoulder. Marinette stares into his eyes with a big, squiggly, lovesick smile.
Adrien: I know you don’t really need more bread, but bread is all I have to give you. And it seemed right to share my first loaf with someone special.
Marinette giddily holds her clenched hands near her face, squeeing in delight.
Marinette: You think I'm special?
Adrien: Of course you are! You're Marinette!
Rolland points a finger at Adrien with a knowing smile. Adrien holds up his hands in protest.
Rolland: Oh, I see what you are doing! You are trying to marry into the family! Clever, Baldy!
Adrien: What! No, it's nothing like that! Marinette is just a friend!
Marinette’s head whips to the side in horrified realization.
Marinette: Just... a… Friend…?
Rolland: You are sure? She comes from a strong line of bakers and makes excellent bread herself!
Adrien: It’s not like that! I’m in love with someone else!
Marinette clenches her eyes shut, tears forming in her eyes.
Marinette (internally): Of course. Just because Catwalker called Adrien my 'secret admirer', he never meant it romantically. Chat is only in love with Ladybug. Not Marinette. Even though he knows this me is in love with him, he'll never reciprocate my feelings, not as long as I'm not her.
Marinette looks towards her grandpa, clenching the side of her jacket as she relinquishes the relationship she dearly wants with the boy she dearly loves.
Rolland: Baldy, have you considered that you should fall in love with Marinette! She is—
Marinette: Let it go, Grandpa. Baldy probably really misses the girl he… he loves…
Rolland: Fine.
Rolland sits Adrien down on the couch with a smile. Adrien folds his hands in front of him, looking down forlornly. Marinette slips onto the couch beside Adrien, looking away from him.
Rolland: But you must explain why you came to me for help before my granddaughter who is your friend!
Adrien: I wanted to, but... I can't be seen anywhere that people expect me to be.
Marinette: And this is the last place anyone would expect to find you. I sure didn't.
Adrien places his hands together in front of his face, pleading.
Adrien: Marinette, please don't tell anyone where I am now. I'm sorry I can't explain why, but...
Marinette’s expression becomes one of dedication and resolve.
Marinette: I'll keep your secrets safe, I promise. As far as anyone will know, I only saw my grandpa today. Not you. And you never need to tell me the reason why you're asking, I will support you no matter what.
Adrien throws his hands around Marinette and embraces her. Marinette hugs him back, though her head is turned to the side, showing her regret that their mutual love—even though she knows the truth now—still can’t be fully realized the way they both wish it could.
Adrien: You have no idea how much of a relief it is to hear you say that! I'm so glad that, if I got to see any of my friends, it was you.
Marinette: Right. Friends.
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Marinette makes a picture frame with her forefingers and thumbs, framing the nearby rooftop where Chat Noir surprised her back during “Glaciator”, on which is still the “Find Adrien” billboard with the missing Adrien picture.
Marinette (internally): Where to have Ladybug's Love/Identity Reveal? Candlelit rooftop?
Marinette on her balcony, still making a picture frame with her fingers, looks down at a pair of stools, framing the one where Chat Noir sat during “Glaciator 2” while she practiced her ‘Dear Buttercup’ speech. Behind her, Catwalker leaps down.
Marinette (internally): Or on the 'Dear Buttercup' stool? Maybe I could do both...?
Catwalker waves with a large grin, hiding something behind his back. Marinette leaps away from him in fright.
Catwalker: Hello, mademoiselle!
Marinette: AAAHH!
Catwalker: I'm sorry! I didn't mean to frighten you! I'm Catwalker!
Marinette arms herself with the teapot she keeps on her table and brandishes it threateningly.
Marinette: What are you doing on my roof?
Catwalker: I'm a superhero! I find myself on many roofs! But you are Marinette Dupain Cheng, correct?
Marinette: Yes? What do you want?
Catwalker grins and holds up a loaf of bread with a ribbon tied around it, topped with a bow.
Catwalker: It's a pleasure to meet you, Marinette! I have a gift for you...
Marinette holds the loaf, looking down at it in confusion.
Marinette: A boule? Why did you bring me this? I have bread downstairs...
Catwalker holds up a finger and helpfully explains.
Catwalker: It's from a good friend of yours! They wanted to express their admiration for you anonymously!
Marinette drops the bread onto her table and pushes it away from her.
Marinette: I... I don't think I should accept this.
Catwalker, dejected, goes to pick up the bread.
Catwalker: Oh... Are you sure?
Marinette: I don't like accepting gifts from strangers. It could be poisoned for all I know.
Catwalker holds up his hands and protests his innocence.
Catwalker: No! I—I mean, your secret admirer would never do that! It was made with love, I promise!
Marinette points an accusatory finger at Catwalker, who gestures towards himself with pride.
Marinette: But isn't it weird that my 'secret admirer' asked you for their help?
Catwalker: Not at all! I'm happy to do this since he can't come as himself!
Marinette’s eyes widen as her hand goes towards her face as she realizes who her ‘secret admirer’ is.
Marinette: He... can't? You don't mean that he's—
Catwalker: Shh! It's a secret, mademoiselle!
Marinette turns away, blushing as she relents when it means she gets to have a gift from Adrien/Chat Noir. Behind her, Catwalker all but pounces on the bread to take a piece.
Marinette: Well... maybe if it was taste-tested first...?
Catwalker: I can do that!
Catwalker takes a bite from a piece of bread, cheerfully ‘nom-nom’-ing as he demonstrates how non-poisonous it is.
Catwalker: See? It's perfectly edible!
Marinette: So far. Give it a few minutes first to see if you die.
Catwalker happily sits down on the ‘Dear Buttercup’ stool as Marinette goes to sit on the stool beside him.
Catwalker: Sounds great! I'd love to spend more time with you!
Marinette: Even though you know nothing about me?
Catwalker: Maybe I'd like to learn? Tell me more about what makes Marinette Dupain Cheng so special.
Marinette plays innocent, pointing at herself with a forced grin and waving off any suspicions.
Marinette: Me? I'm not special at all! Just a normal girl with a normal life!
Catwalker: That's not what I hear. Ladybug asked you to be a superhero, didn't she?
Marinette: That was just a temporary thing! Not even worth remembering!
Catwalker reaches out invitingly, with a hand placed on his heart.
Catwalker: It was memorable enough that my sources still sing your praises. If you’d indulge my curiosity, I’d like to meet that girl.
Marinette rubs the back of her head and fidgets with her feet.
Marinette: 'That girl' isn't me. I never wanted to be a hero. I always knew that someone as clumsy as me shouldn't be trusted with superpowers. And I got proof of that when I messed up big-time on my very first day.
Cut to a shot of Ladybug taking away the mouse miraculous from Marinette in “Kwamibuster.”
Catwalker (voiceover): Everyone makes mistakes. There’s no reason you couldn’t try again.
Marinette (voiceover): No. Ladybug's made her choice. And we agree: Multimouse shouldn't come back.
Cut back to Catwalker, looking down somberly.
Catwalker: I get it. Ladybug doesn't want Catwalker on the team either. And I concur with her wholeheartedly.
Marinette: You do? I mean, if you did something wrong, of course you'd realize you don't belong!
Catwalker: Actually... I felt like this even when Chat Noir gave up the ring the first time.
Cut to a shot from “Kuro Neko” of a depressed Adrien, holding a video game controller and staring into space. Plagg holds up his miraculous and waves excitedly.
Catwalker (voiceover): When Plagg came in my window with an offer to become the new Chat Noir, I almost refused.
Marinette (voiceover): Wait, really? Why?
Catwalker (voiceover): I couldn’t see myself as someone Ladybug would choose to be her partner.
Cut back to Catwalker, still lost in self-deprecatory melancholy.
Marinette: Does that mean there’s something wrong with you?
Catwalker: I know I'm perfectly competent, but... sooner or later, people always find out that who I am isn't what they want. And if Ladybug already rejected Chat Noir, what chance did I have?
Marinette looks on, heart aching as she starts to realize the burdens her new partner is bearing.
Marinette: You thought you weren't enough... But you still took up the ring anyway.
Catwalker: If I'd declined, and then Plagg’s next choice messed everything up, it would've felt like it was my fault.
Catwalker looks away, determined and yet resigned.
Catwalker: At least as long as I’m the holder, I know that the black cat will always try to help Ladybug. Of course Chat Noir is the best option, but since he can't be here, at least it can be me. Except now, Ladybug hates my guts so much, she can't stand to be near me.
Catwalker waves his hands in an outburst of distress.
Catwalker: And I get it! She thought I was hurting people! I wouldn't want someone like that as my partner either!
Catwalker rubs his arm, looking away guiltily, as Marinette hangs on his every word.
Marinette: So, you're saying you're completely innocent?
Catwalker: Not... completely. I've kept too many secrets for one. And...
Marinette: And...?
Marinette’s eyebrows rise, thrown off by where the conversation has turned.
Catwalker: Marinette, this gift isn't just a delivery to me. It's an apology.
Marinette: It is?
Catwalker: I heard someone talking about you...
Catwalker clasps his hands, his sad kitten eyes pleading.
Catwalker: And I knew the whole context was dubious! But I jumped to conclusions that you might be an awful person. I'm so sorry, Marinette.
Marinette holds up a hand to ease Catwalker, finding herself endeared by how much he’s worked himself up over something so minor as judging a person before ever meeting her.
Marinette: Don't worry about it. I've jumped to conclusions for some pretty flimsy reasons too. Like, maybe you're not trying to poison me?
Marinette takes the ribbon off the loaf of bread and breaks a chunk of it off with her fingers.
Marinette: And if you could change your mind about me...? Maybe I can give you a chance too...
Marinette, after taking a taste, looks at the chunk of bread in her hand with fondness and familiarity.
Marinette: *nibble* Oh! It's good!
Catwalker: Really? You think so?
Marinette: Mm. There's something familiar about it I can't put my finger on, but... I think it reminds me of home...
Catwalker smiles.
Marinette: Thank you Catwalker. Please tell my 'secret admirer' I appreciated it. And that I'd love to see him in person. When he's ready.
Catwalker: He'll be here. When he's ready.
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Author’s note: The top half of this comic is split into Adrien and Marinette sections displayed side-by-side. While panels on each side often mirror each other, the conversations do not interact directly so they have been transcribed independently below.
(Image Description starts for the left side of comic)
Adrien lands on Rolland’s couch with a triumphant ‘plop!’ as Plagg floats above him.
Adrien: Plagg! She knows!
Plagg looks up at Adrien happily.
Plagg: Finally! This deserves a cheese party! I've got an extra stinky wheel I've been saving for a special occasion...!
Adrien lays his head on Rolland’s couch pillow facing upwards as he touches his fingers to his face.
Adrien: Even though Catwalker scares her, she still chose me. That has to be a good thing, right?
Plagg: Why wouldn't it be?
Cut to image of Chat Blanc unmasking himself as Adrien to Ladybug as she shrinks away from him.
Adrien (voiceover): Ladybug said that the world where I... I killed everyone as an akuma wasn't my fault, but... She was so... disturbed after telling her who I am. What if she realized it was Adrien's fault after all?
Cut back to Plagg as he sits on an extra stinky cheese wheel and dropping a wedge of cheese into his mouth. On the table behind him, the Adrien the Fragrance ad-turned-wanted poster has an empty space where Adrien Agreste was once depicted.
Plagg: Then it's a good thing you're someone else now, isn't it?
Adrien: Plagg, please be serious.
Plagg: You're the one coming up with the crazy ideas! I can think of way better reasons that Ladybug would freak out over 'Adrien'!
A closeup of Plagg in profile as he assures his holder.
Plagg: Maybe she's embarrassed about something she did around you without realizing it? Or she's upset on behalf of all your friends who she can't tell where you are. Her complicated feelings don't mean that you'll get akumatized. So stop worrying about what could happen and just stay positive!
Adrien remains melancholic as he pushes himself up on his crossed arms. Plagg sits on his shoulder and tries to help him be positive.
Adrien: That was a lot easier when I still had someone to be positive for.
Plagg: Maybe you could contact your friends in secret?
Adrien: I don't think I can handle talking to Nino right now. Even if he didn't hate Catwalker, Mayura might be watching him. Or any of my friends, really.
Plagg: Are you sure there isn't anyone who you'd feel safe around?
Adrien smiles as he rubs his index finger and thumb on his chin in thought.
Adrien: Well, I'd love to see Marinette again, but I can't just show up, can I?
Plagg: Why not? Just say you want to talk about cheese!
Adrien: I am not talking about cheese with Marinette. But maybe, if I get Mr. Dupain's help... we can talk about bread...
(Image Description jumps back to the top of the comic, this time following the right side)
Marinette lands on her with a despondent ‘plop!’ as Tikki floats above her.
Marinette: Tikki! I know!
Tikki looks down at Marinette guiltily.
Tikki: I'm sorry I let you worry so much over nothing. Maybe I should have tried to help you accept his absence, or pushed harder when you temporarily found him but...
Marinette lays her head on her bed pillow facing downwards as she clenches her fist.
Marinette: I wouldn't have listened to you. I'm such an idiot for thinking I had any clue about Adrien at all!
Tikki: That's not true!
Cut to image of Cosmobug flinging herself onto Adrien as he shrinks away from her.
Marinette (voiceover): But I never suspected that he was hiding anything deeper. And even when I did know he had something to hide, I still assumed that I knew what was best for him! Isn't it my fault he felt like he needed to escape?
Cut back to Tikki floating in front of Marinette’s bulletin board, holding up an arm with a look of encouragement. In the photos behind her, Adrien has not been erased, there is only an empty space where an Adrien ad once hung.
Tikki: It's not just you. Adrien is running away from everyone.
Marinette: But wouldn't someone who really loved him have made it feel safe to be around?
Tikki: Yes, and you have done that. Maybe not perfectly, but you've always tried!
A closeup of Tikki in profile as she assures her holder.
Tikki: You've always supported each other, as Ladybug and Chat Noir and as Adrien and Marinette. Even though you didn't think you loved Chat Noir back, he loved being with Ladybug. And even though your plans to confess to Adrien went awry, he loved being with Marinette.
Marinette remains melancholic as she turns over and holds her crossed arms above her head. Tikki sits on her cat pillow and tries to help her be positive.
Marinette: And now Chat Noir knows that Marinette is in love with Adrien...
Tikki: At least you don't have to worry about confessing anymore?
Marinette: But I wanted to tell him! To show Adrien what he really means to me.
Tikki: But that's not the only thing you still have to confess to him, right?
Marinette smiles as she rubs her index finger and thumb on her chin in thought.
Marinette: You're right, Tikki! I need to make a plan!
Tikki: A plan for what...?
Marinette: For when he comes out of hiding! I'll give him a huge confession for Ladybug's feelings and identity! I don't know when it'll happen, but when it does? It needs to be perfect!
(Image Description shifts to spanning the full width of the comic)
A closeup of Nathalie’s sweat-covered face as she clenches her eyes shut.
Nathalie (internally): I should have known better... I know what Gabriel is always like... This is what I get…
Cut to Gabriel holding up an upside-down map of a decidedly non-mountainous location.
Nathalie (internally): ...for letting him handle the packing.
Gabriel: Nathalie, where's the rest of the map?
Nathalie (aloud): Did you replace the map in my travel pack?
Gabriel: No...?
Nathalie: Then I suspect the current expedition's map is back home, along with everything else you neglected to bring.
Nathalie holds a walking stick in one hand and points a finger upwards with the other.
Gabriel: We can still overcome this setback, right?
Nathalie: Yes, but we should get to higher ground so I can survey the area.
Nathalie: Which one of us is qualified to draw up a map that won't get us hopelessly lost?
Gabriel: ...Point taken.
Cut to Nathalie as she grabs the walking stick with both hands as she forces herself to ascend the steep path through the trees up the mountain. She’s wearing all of her usual office clothes (with the single addition of her explorer’s hat, the only part of her clothing that Gabriel bothered to pack), so the difficult trek is all the more uncomfortable.
Nathalie (internally): I can't let Gabriel follow any leads on Adrien without me. Maybe, with a better vantage point, I'll find a clue as to what led Adrien to come here. This area was one of our dead ends on the miraculous, so what did I miss...?
Gabriel points up towards a cliff’s edge in the distance.
Gabriel: Look, up there! That must be the cliff where Adrien was last seen! That's where my akuma fought Ladybug after she tracked Adrien here!
Nathalie’s mouth opens open and her eyes widen in dawning, horrified realization.
Nathalie: Ladybug... was already here?
Gabriel: Yes, that wretched 'hero' lost Adrien just as fast as she found him! She has no idea how to find anything missing, but we will prove ourselves superior!
A closeup of the lower half of Nathalie’s face, her resolve unraveling.
Nathalie (internally): Or Adrien told her he's Chat Noir and they're working together again.
Nathalie’s grip on her walking stick goes limp as she can no longer maintain the willpower she’d used to hold on and push through to find Adrien.
Nathalie (internally): I never had a chance. He's already long gone.
Nathalie falls backwards as everything starts to go dark.
Nathalie (internally): This whole expedition... is truly... pointless...
Gabriel (faintly): Nathalie!
Gabriel throws aside his pack to rush to hold Nathalie’s unconscious body. As he does so, a folded piece of paper falls out of Nathalie’s jacket pocket.
Gabriel: Why are you so determined to overwork yourself? You never rest or—
A close up of Gabriel’s hand examining the folded note, where Adrien’s signature is poking out of the bottom.
Gabriel: Wait, what's this...? 'Adrien'??
Gabriel unfolds and reads the note: the letter Adrien left behind, addressed to Gabriel and informing him that Adrien was going into hiding in response to Shadowmoth.
Gabriel: What in the world...? What possibly could have convinced Adrien that I would single him out as an enemy?
Gabriel’s teeth clench and eyes widen as the pieces fall into place.
Gabriel: Unless... It was no coincidence that Adrien disappeared at the exact same time as...
Cut to the image of Mayura/Nathalie placing her arms around a passive Adrien/Chat Noir, hiding half of his face behind her fan.
Gabriel (voiceover): Chat Noir. And you hid this from me...
Cut back to Gabriel as he points an accusatory finger at Nathalie’s unmoving body.
Gabriel: You saw him detransform that day, didn't you? You knew exactly where the black cat ring was and you let it go! And instead of telling me the truth, you let me flounder about blindly!
Cut to the image of Ladybug standing in front of Adrien/Chat Noir, blocking him from sight and holding his limply hanging wrists, as if she was his puppet master.
Gabriel (voiceover): Adrien isn't even here, is he? It was all a Ladybug ploy to deceive me!
Gabriel throws the letter in disgusted rage.
Gabriel: If I'd known what I had, I could have recruited Adrien to our mission! Emilie could have been brought back to life by now! And you threw that away!
In the foreground, a close up of Nathalie’s hand next to the letter that became her downfall. In the background, Gabriel looks back for the final time as he marches away.
Gabriel: Goodbye, Nathalie. You'll never get between me and my family ever again.
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Part 33. Revelatory Repercussions (Midnight Rendezvous, Part C)
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For those of you who were hoping for a different side of the Catwalker/Chat Noir/Adrien Agreste reveal to go down (or you just like snarfing down identity reveals like I do), I've written some bonus content you may enjoy reading:
Alternate Scene 1 (Chat Walker)
Alternate Scene 2 (Adriwalker)
Description below the cut
Chat Noir stands in front of Ladybug with his arms stretched out with a dramatic flair. Ladybug holds out her hand to stop him.
Chat Noir: My name is—
Ladybug: Wait. Mayura might try to interrogate me again.
Ladybug looks to the side, rubbing the back of her neck.
Ladybug: Is it possible you could reveal in a way that gives me plausible deniability? Like showing me without really showing me or—?
Chat Noir: I think so...
Chat Noir leaps up to the top of Marinette’s bed, as Ladybug looks up towards him from below.
Chat Noir: Yes! It's here!
Ladybug: What, up on Marinette's bed?
Chat Noir: Come and see!
Chat Noir points to a photo of Adrien (and Luka) on Marinette’s bulletin board.
Chat Noir: Ladybug, I'd like you to meet... Me.
Ladybug bursts out laughing so hard that she falls to the floor with a ‘splat!’
Ladybug: Bahahaha! You're hilarious, Chat!
Chat Noir: ...I am?
Ladybug points up towards Chat admiringly.
Ladybug: Oh, I see! It was a lie I can use on Mayura later! Clever kitty!
Chat has a look of hurt in his eyes.
Chat Noir: I'm not lying. If you need me to prove it to you—
Ladybug throws up her hands, a little annoyed that Chat would persist with such an obvious lie.
Ladybug: There's nothing to prove because you and Adrien are completely different!
Chat Noir: We really aren't.
Ladybug folds her arms smugly.
Ladybug: Well, here's something only Adrien would know! I once saw Marinette giving Adrien something at the park! What was—
Chat can’t help but gush about Marinette, beaming as he holds both sides of his face.
Chat Noir: Oh, the hamster wheel! I wish Marinette hadn't thrown it in the trash, I love her presents!
A close-up of Ladybug’s face as her eyes bulge and mouth pulls taut as that Chat Noir not only passed her ‘Adrien’ test with flying colors—proving that Chat is, in fact the love of her life—but that it was her fault that Adrien was so sad that day in the park in the first place.
Chat Noir: It helped cheer me up after the 'Couple of the Year' debacle and—Uh... m'lady?
Chat Noir looks up in mild bewilderment as Ladybug leaps past him toward her trapdoor.
Ladybug: Going a minute outside now, thanks!
Chat Noir looks away as Ladybug shuts the trapdoor behind her.
Chat Noir completely jolts as the voice of Ladybug booms from outside.
Ladybug (voiceover): WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THIS????? AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!
Cut to Marinette’s balcony, where Rena Furtive comes to inspect the noise to find Ladybug spinning on the floor like a pinwheel.
Ladybug: AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!
Rena Furtive: Ladybug? What—?
Ladybug: I KNOW WHO HE IS!
Rena raises an eyebrow.
Rena Furtive: Chat Noir?
Ladybug: Mm-hm!
Rena Furtive: And that made you start screaming?
Ladybug clenches her fists in overwhelm, blubbering as tears pour down her face in streams.
Ladybug: HE'S! ANTIPERSPIROEUJEUGUEN!
Rena Furtive: I don't want to know, so I'm not going to ask.
Rena looks down at Ladybug and holds up her flute at the ready.
Rena Furtive: But, just to be clear: Do you think Chat Noir is a bad guy?
Ladybug: NO!
Rena Furtive: Good. Then I'll give you some privacy. And a noise-cancelling illusion so you don't wake all of Paris.
A montage of Chat Noir trying (and failing) to occupy himself as he waits for Ladybug to come back: Chat sits on Marinette’s chair and spins; Chat lodges his baton into the stairs to Marinette’s bed and hangs from it upside-down; Chat lays on the floor and holds up his baton, extending it in both directions; Chat lays face-down on Marinette’s chaise lounge; Chat lays on top of the trunk Marinette keeps her presents for Adrien in and spins his tail above his head. Nothing makes him happy.
Ladybug returns, going straight for Marinette’s empty chair.
Chat Noir: Ladybug, you're back! Is anything wrong? You were gone for a whi—
Ladybug hides in the chair, scooting as far away from Chat Noir as she can until she bumps into the wall.
Ladybug: So sorry that about! I mean! About that so sorry! I'm mean! No, I mean—
Chat Noir: It's okay. I get it.
Ladybug: You... do?
Chat Noir looks down with shame.
Chat Noir: I disappeared on you without warning. As Adrien and as Chat Noir. I could have told you the truth instead of running, but I didn't.
Ladybug peeks out from behind the back of the chair, still too flustered to function.
Ladybug: It's not that! It's because I... I... I... It's impossible to say it!
Chat Noir: Would talking about something else help?
Ladybug: Yes, please!
Chat scratches the back of his head and gives a deprecating grin.
Chat Noir: This might sound like kind of a strange question. But on the off-chance you know... Are you aware of Marinette giving me anything else without telling me?
Ladybug grips the back of the chair and looks evasive.
Ladybug: Whaaat?! Noooo...! Why would I know anything about—oh!
Ladybug throws on an air of innocence, grinning as she points her finger up to allude to the image of the beret she gave him.
Ladybug: The beret! The one that I, Ladybug, delivered for Adrien's fifth name's day! I would totally know about that!
Ladybug blushes, feeling very much like a balloon as it loses all of its air as she recalls how she gave her heart to him.
Chat Noir: The one with the heart on it?
Ladybug: Heart. Yes. She put her heart on it...
Chat Noir: And do you think that other people knew?
Ladybug: I think everyone knows about... that.
Chat Noir (still oblivious to Marinette’s feelings) rubs his chin in thought over how this information means that the candidates for Mayura aren’t nearly as limited as he’d assumed.
Chat Noir: So everyone was aware except me... of course. But why tell me that it was from my fans in Brazil?
Ladybug tries to wave him off, pointing at her head as she holds her last shred of being able to handle this.
Ladybug: Oh, you know Marinette! She had this silly thought that the world would literally end if... if...
Ladybug buries her head in her arms and knees as she sits in her chair in a fetal position.
Ladybug (internally): And it did literally end. It must have been my fault he became Chat Blanc—I can never be normal around him. Mayura would have noticed the instant Ladybug acted like Marinette around Chat. My love destroys the world. And I can't tell him the truth.
Ladybug continues to curl in on herself. Chat Noir sits cross-legged behind her, pointed away and looking downwards.
Chat Noir: Talking about something else isn't helping, is it?
Ladybug: No. I'm sorry. I'm such a disaster. The whole point of me choosing this was to support you, and I couldn't handle the truth...
Chat Noir: It's alright. It's the thought that counts.
Ladybug spins her chair around, waving her hand at Chat Noir as he turns to face her.
Ladybug: But you deserved to have everything be perfect! You deserved to have me be overjoyed! Not laugh. Not run. This can't possibly be how you wanted this all to happen!
Chat Noir, kneeling on the ground, places a hand on Ladybug’s lap and looks up at her.
Chat Noir: Maybe it would have been nice to hear you say, "I should have guessed! I'm glad it's you, Adrien!" But that's just the Ladybug who's in my imagination. I've always preferred being with the real you.
Chat Noir looks up at his lady with a reassuring smile.
Chat Noir: And you have given me a gift. I'll know that whenever you look at a billboard with Adrien's face, you won't see 'that missing model'. You'll see your partner.
Ladybug looks away guiltily as Chat tries to reassure her.
Ladybug: The billboards don't exactly have 'Adrien's' face anymore. I'm sorry I couldn't save them.
Chat Noir: My friends should still all have photos from the times we've spent together. Those are the ones that really matter.
Ladybug throws her hands in front of her at the injustice this boy has been subjected to.
Ladybug: And that just makes it worse! Sharing your time with other people is so important to you! But now you're all alone!
Chat Noir holds up his hands in a flourishing gesture in hopes that he can placate her.
Chat Noir: I'm not all alone! I've been hanging tout with a little old hermit who doesn't recognize me! He's teaching me his ancient ways!
Ladybug looks straight on at the boy she loves, knowing how much he’s hurting himself despite how he tries to cover up the pain.
Ladybug: But you need more than that! You need your friends, Adrien!
Chat Noir looks downward, making himself small.
Chat Noir: ...We need to find Mayura first. Maybe she's not actually my friend like I assumed, but—
Ladybug leaves the chair behind and goes down to Chat’s level, touching his cheek while keeping a hand clenched next to her heart.
Ladybug: No. No, you're right to be so cautious. Of course I want you to be happy, but... Your life is far too precious. You should protect it however you can. And your friends can bear losing you, if it means that you come back safely.
Chat Noir tries to cheer Ladybug up as they sit side by side.
Chat Noir: Of course I'll come back safe and sound! Catwalker will make sure of it!
Ladybug: I just wish I didn't have to rely on him.
Chat Noir: There's nothing to worry about! I trust him to be my eyes and ears. And hands. And feet. And mouth...
Ladybug: He won't have your heart.
Chat Noir: Sure, he will! I'm letting him use my everything!
Chat holds up a finger and places a hand on his chest, so as to look far more sagely than he actually is.
Chat Noir: Except for the cat puns, those stay mine.
Ladybug: You're keeping the cat puns?
Chat Noir: I must! He's deathly allergic!
Ladybug: Right. Because you can totally die from pun overexposure...
Chat exaggeratedly wipes away a tear from his face while Ladybug bursts out laughing.
Chat Noir: Oh, yes! And it is so tragic! If he ever uses cat-related humor, he'll *poof* out of existence!
Ladybug: Bahahahaha!
Ladybug collapses into Chat Noir’s chest as she realizes that this moment cannot last.
Ladybug: ... I'm going to miss this.
Chat Noir: Me too.
Ladybug: I wish you could stay. Even if Catwalker was truly perfect, it just isn't the same without you.
Chat pulls Ladybug close to him. She leans into his shoulder.
Chat Noir: Just because I can't be Chat Noir anymore, I haven't given up on my mission to be your loyal partner. I've told you that it was 'you and me against the world, m'lady,' and that's still true.
Chat Noir whispers into Ladybug’s ear from behind as he wraps one arm around her and brushes his other hand through her hair. Ladybug clings to Chat’s arm, holding onto him and his memory as much as she can before she has to let him go again.
Chat Noir: The form that takes might be different now. But I promise you this: I'll always be here fighting by your side, Ladybug. Even when you can't see me.
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Part 32. Her Consideration (Midnight Rendezvous, Part B)
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Description below the cut
Ladybug sits on her chaise lounge cross-legged and with head in her hands. Chat Noir moves to sit down beside her.
Ladybug: Can I think about this first?
Chat Noir: Of course. You can take all the time you need. But, since I'm here, I can lend an ear and give you my opinions.
Ladybug: I assume that you'd prefer that I find out your identity?
Chat Noir: I support whichever option you pick—even neither. Just not both.
Ladybug: If I pick the Catwalker option, it'd be bad if Mayura ever decides to reveal you. But I'm not so sure she would—she could have told me who you are when we talked, but she deliberately didn't.
Chat Noir: Maybe she's happy to keep my identity to herself if she thinks it gives her the advantage?
Ladybug: Maybe...
Ladybug lays back on the chaise lounge, raising her hands up towards the ceiling, while Chat sits beside her.
Ladybug: And if I picked you instead...? I still wouldn't know how to deal with Catwalker.
Chat Noir: You might not have to. Just let him have another chance and see what he does.
Ladybug: And if he does something terrible? I couldn't forgive myself if he used his Cataclysm on someone else.
Chat Noir: What do you mean 'someone else'?
Ladybug: I'm pretty sure he killed his mom to stop her from finding out his identity.
Chat Noir holds up his hands in deeply disturbed protest, while Ladybug points a finger up at him.
Chat Noir: No. That's... No. That never happened.
Ladybug: He was alone with his mom, so you can't be sure he didn't lie to you about what he really did.
Chat Noir: He's not hiding things from me. I'd definitely know if he was. He has a... tell when he lies. Not anything that anyone else could spot, but to me? It’s extremely obvious. And completely foolproof.
Ladybug: So if I pick Catwalker's 'truth', you'll tell me how to notice his 'tell' too?
Chat Noir: Not directly, but...
Ladybug sits up as Chat points towards her with a smile.
Chat Noir: You'd get on his wavelength, understand how he really thinks. You'd know what lengths he would—and wouldn't—go to. It'd be abundantly clear why I trust him despite his failings. It'd almost be like it was before—it'd feel right again, but without any doubts. And it would mean him knowing that he can open up his heart to you.
Ladybug: Just because he could let me know him, it doesn't mean he wants that.
Chat Noir: Everyone wants to be known—that includes him too. And he'd be so forthcoming if he knew he didn't have to lie about everything anymore.
Ladybug rubs the back of her neck as she raises a contradictory finger. Chat rubs his arm and looks evasive.
Ladybug: He'd tell me everything? Because I know he hasn't told me the full truth about Adrien and doesn't want to...
Chat Noir: Ah. That's... a bit of a touchy subject. I know everything, but... I can’t talk about the Adrien situation without permission.
Ladybug: Catwalker's gagging you?
Chat Noir looks towards Ladybug, holding up a hand to halt her line of thinking.
Chat Noir: No! I have Catwalker's consent to tell you anything I want about him. This is something else. A promise I made to someone.
Ladybug: And this 'someone' is...?
Chat Noir: I can't tell you right now. But you definitely trust them. I'm trying to get their permission to divulge the details to you, but... they have other priorities. You shouldn't make knowing about Adrien the deciding factor for choosing Catwalker.
Ladybug squeezes her pillow in exasperation. Chat Noir leans backwards in contemplation.
Ladybug: I hate this. I hate that no matter what, there's still going to be secrets.
Chat Noir: I know. I hate it too. Whenever you kept me in the dark, I always felt the urge to break something, it was so frustrating. But now that I'm on the other side, I think it's safe to say that keeping all the secrets feels just as horrible. I desperately want to scream the truth from the rooftops, but I have to bite my tongue. It's only because I know that you'd have wanted me to keep these secrets that I've been able to hold back.
Ladybug holds out her hands in front of her as Chat watches.
Ladybug: You make it sound like lying is harder than telling the truth.
Chat Noir: Isn't it?
Ladybug: No! I've had to lie so much, I make up excuses without even thinking anymore! To say nothing of all the things I'm too much of a coward to admit to anyone I care about!
Chat Noir: You're not a coward. You're one of the bravest people I know.
Ladybug: You wouldn't think that if you knew what I've kept from you.
Chat Noir: Try me. Not that you have to divulge everything. But I'm happier when you let me in. It's better than being left in the dark without even knowing the reason why.
Ladybug: You would know, wouldn't you...?
A closeup of Ladybug clenching her hands, with Chat Noir placing his hand on hers.
Ladybug: Chat, I never told you this, but... we have shared identities before.
Chat Noir: I’m guessing this was during Oblivio since I don’t remember?
Ladybug: No. Well, maybe then too, but that's not what I'm talking about. There have been at least two other times where we ended up finding out who the other person was. Both times, it was so disastrous that time travel was necessary to fix it.
Chat Noir: What happened?
Ladybug: One I don’t really know. The other… I wish I didn’t.
Chat Noir: Please tell me.
Flashback to “Chat Blanc,” after water covers all of Paris and the moon is destroyed. Chat Blanc fights himself as he raises a Mega Cataclysm to the sky. The destroyed form of Ladybug holds out her hand in front of her.
Ladybug (voiceover): You... you got akumatized after learning my identity. And at the point in the timeline when I arrived…? Chat... There was no one left.
Cut back to Chat Noir, lost in the darkness of this revelation.
Ladybug: Chat? Please say something.
Chat Noir: I can't tell you my identity. If me being akumatized means I... I kill everyone...? No one can ever learn who I am...
Ladybug embraces Chat Noir, holding him tight.
Ladybug: No! You have it wrong, Chat! I assumed that the problem was us sharing our identities. That knowing too much made one of us get akumatized. But there's another explanation.
Cut to the image of Chat Noir and Ladybug fist-bumping as civilians, wearing ‘I ♥ LB’ and ‘I ♥ CN’ t-shirts and splashes of their hero costumes. Unbeknownst to them, Mayura is behind them, watching.
Ladybug (voiceover): In Chat Blanc's world, we must have become close as civilians. But Mayura was watching. She would have noticed when we acted too much like we do as Ladybug and Chat Noir. That's what must have led to Hawkmoth ambushing you. They targeted you while you were vulnerable, only for it all to backfire. This time it's different.
Cut back to Ladybug holding Chat Noir’s face in her hands as tears continue to stream down his face.
Ladybug: Mayura did ambush you ...and you got away. I can't imagine what you sacrificed to get away. But me learning your identity can’t lead to total destruction. Not anymore. You already escaped that fate. There's nothing stopping me from learning who you really are now, Chat. So I know what I choose: It's you.
A closeup of Chat Noir’s apprehensively yearning face, Ladybug reflected in his eyes.
Chat Noir: But what about Catwalker? You still don’t trust him.
Ladybug: This is more important. You are more important. You've already given me something about Catwalker I didn't have before: Your certainty. That will have to be enough. You always trusted me without knowing why. Now it's my turn to trust you. Because you need this more than I do. To let your heart be fully known to the one person you've always wanted to share it with. I've seen what happens when you have no one. And maybe this way you'll still be able to have me. I want you to feel safe knowing that I’ll always be looking out for you, no matter what side of the mask you’re on. So please, Chat: Who are you?
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Part 31. Perfect Dichotomy (Midnight Rendezvous, Part A)
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Description below the cut
Chat Noir attempts to sit on the rolling chair by Marinette’s computer, but Ladybug pulls his tail and points at the chaise lounge instead.
Ladybug: Over here. We can sit on the chaise lounge together.
Chat Noir: Oh? You want me to be closer?
Chat exaggeratedly sprawls out onto Ladybug’s lap, arching his back and flinging his arms above his head. Ladybug looks down at him with a teasing grin.
Chat Noir: How about this close?
Ladybug: A cat lying on my lap, huh? That sounds...
Ladybug scratches the top of Chat’s head as he grins with deep pleasure.
Ladybug: Purr-fect.
Chat turns over and hugs Ladybug’s shin while she gives Chat more head scritches and rubs his back.
Ladybug: So… wanna tell me what's got you so spooked about Mayura?
Chat Noir: She and Catwalker… talked. About me. She mentioned some things that not many people would know.
Flashback to “Glaciator”: Marinette and Chat Noir rest on the railing of the balcony and look at each other as the moon shines over the city.
Ladybug (voiceover): But Marinette knows? I suppose you have visited her a fair bit. It's not all that surprising that you've shared some personal things with her...
Chat looks up at Ladybug and holds his finger and thumb an inch apart.
Chat Noir: It’s a bit more complicated than that. Though I suppose I am missing some key details...
Ladybug puts her fist on her chin in contemplation (Her other hand continues giving Chat scritches).
Ladybug: So Catwalker’s been hiding things from you too...?
Chat Noir: More like Mayura was being extra cryptic—or lying. All I really know for sure is that she’s looking for me.
Ladybug: I still don't understand why she cares so much...
Chat holds his hands out in a self-satisfied ‘Oh well!’ gesture. (Ladybug stops giving him scritches).
Chat Noir: I like getting on villains' nerves, what can I say? I'll just have to keep frustrating her in our little game of 'Cat and Mouse'.
Ladybug pulls out the pillow from under her leg and ‘bonks’ Chat Noir on the head with it as he tries to placate her with a large grin.
Ladybug: Why do you make it sound like you’ve been doing something really stupid?
Chat Noir: Just because my methods are ridiculous, it doesn’t mean they don’t work!
Ladybug: That is not reassuring.
Chat leans against the chaise lounge next to Ladybug, hands clasped.
Chat Noir: Don’t worry, LB. I’ve got it handled. I think the bigger problem is what prompted you to bring me here. Wanna tell me what's wrong?
Chat kneels a leg next to Ladybug and places one hand on her arm and the other on her back.
Ladybug: I'm not sure how to explain...
Chat Noir: Start anywhere. I think I can keep up.
Ladybug closes her eyes and holds her head in her hands with an expression of longing.
Ladybug: It's... Catwalker. He's too perfect.
Chat Noir: ...You lost me.
A series of flashbacks with events shown pretty much as they occurred:
Flashback to “Kuro Neko”: Catwalker peeks around the corner at Kuro Neko, while Ladybug leans forward, catching her breath.
Ladybug (voiceover): He notices things that I'm too blind to see.
Catwalker (flashback): If that was Chat Noir, don't you think he'd talk to you?
Flashback to Part 6: View of Catwalker and Ladybug from below as they travel across the sky.
Catwalker (flashback): I can’t rule that out, but… my gut says that’s not it.
Ladybug (voiceover): His instincts about akumas are much better than mine.
Flashback to “Kuro Neko”: Ladybug looks at Catwalker as they kneel on a rooftop.
Ladybug (voiceover): It's like he already knows the answer I need.
Catwalker (flashback): Cats sometimes eat grass, it helps them spit out their hairballs.
Flashback to Part 8: A close-up of Ladybug looking right next to a close-up of Catwalker looking left.
Catwalker (flashback): You still have a multitude of people who can help you.
Ladybug (voiceover): And he's just nudging me to think of it myself.
Flashback to Part 18: Ladybug, still falling, throws her yo-yo through one of the holes in the lower conical barrier. In the cone above, Catwalker places his hand against its barrier. Both barriers begin to disintegrate.
Ladybug (voiceover): He always finds the right moment to use his powers.
Catwalker (flashback): Cataclysm!
Flashback to Part 26: Ladybug uses her yo-yo to flee as Oni-Chan lunges towards her. But behind Oni-Chan, Catwalker has backflipped into the room behind her, his finger touching the amok with his Cataclysm.
Ladybug (voiceover): But I just ruin the opportunities he gives me because I never expect him to live up to you.
Flashback to Part 15: Ladybug turns back to looking down at the city below. Catwalker holds up a hand to offer a friendly suggestion.
Catwalker (flashback): If you’d like to talk about anything, I’d be happy to stay and listen.
Ladybug (voiceover): And even when I can't do anything, he still acts so unbelievably kind...
Flashback to “Kuro Neko”: Catwalker, illuminated by the moon, reaches his hand before him for Ladybug to hold.
Ladybug (voiceover): He's just so... perfect.
Catwalker (flashback): Now I want to take care of you.
Ladybug (voiceover): But then I learned the truth:
Another series of flashbacks, with events depicted slightly off from what actually happened and Catwalker showing more malice.
Flashback to Part 12: Catwalker almost pointedly looks towards Carapace, who looks away guiltily.
Ladybug (voiceover): He lies and bends the truth with ease.
Catwalker (flashback): We only assume Adrien wants to be found.
Flashback to Part 17: Catwalker looks down towards Ladybug, the hand in front of him leaning on one of the barriers between them.
Catwalker (flashback): If he was dead, no one would know.
Ladybug (voiceover): And his lies lead to people suffering.
Flashback to Part 19: Catwalker steps forward, his hands palm upward in front of him, trying to explain himself.
Ladybug (voiceover): He'll use his heroic duty as an excuse to hold back.
Catwalker (flashback): I can't be as lax as Chat Noir was.
Flashback to Part 14: Catwalker grabs the end of Rena’s flute and pulls up the phone screen. Embedded flashback bubble from Part 20: Alya looks away and rubs the back of her neck.
Alya (flashback): He stole my phone number from my flute.
Ladybug (voiceover): But he crosses boundaries he shouldn't with no excuse.
Flashback to “Kuro Neko”: Catwalker pauses as he leaves Ladybug to finish everything on her own.
Ladybug (voiceover): He pretends to do what I want.
Catwalker (flashback): I won't make another move.
Flashback to Part 28: Astrowalker, wrapped tightly in yo-yo string (even his wings have been folded in on themselves and bound), hangs upside-down as Cosmobug points angrily at his face.
Catwalker (flashback): I followed you in case I needed to stay in your way.
Ladybug (voiceover): But he goes rogue once I'm not watching.
Flashback to Part 8: Catwalker lays on his side next to Emilie, reaching away from her. Embedded flashback bubble from Part 20: Marinette clenches her fists in front of her, looking haunted.
Ladybug (voiceover): I can only guess at what other awful things he's hidden beneath my nose.
Marinette (flashback): What if he used his powers on his mom?
Flashback to Part 4: Catwalker grins at Ladybug with perfect posture, his hands on his lap.
Ladybug (voiceover): His perfection is an illusion.
Catwalker (flashback): I considered what I needed in order to be your 'ideal' partner.
Ladybug (voiceover): And I don't know what prices were paid to uphold his illusion.
Flashbacks end. Chat Noir kneels next to Ladybug on the chaise lounge as they embrace.
Chat Noir: I'm sorry, m'Lady. It's unfair that you've had to go through all of this. If Catwalker is so wrong... would it be better if I was your Chat Noir again?
Ladybug: I wish I could let you. But I can't let Mayura target you. Even if you were careful, she'd probably go after your loved ones in retaliation. I won't let that happen.
Chat Noir: Alright. Then what's the best way for me to support you?
Ladybug: Tell me how to fix everything? *sob* I'm sorry, I don't think there's anything you can do.
Chat Noir: You're underestimating me. And I think that you're underestimating him. You're right that he's not perfect. But I do think he's trying to be good.
Ladybug: I wish I had your ability to believe in people. But Catwalker is too good of a liar. I can't really know if he cares about anyone. But I have to keep him as my partner. I just have no idea how.
Chat Noir stands and rubs his chin in thought as Ladybug looks on.
Chat Noir: What if... What if I showed you the truth about Catwalker?
Ladybug: The... 'truth'? You don't mean his identity, do you?
Chat Noir: No, of course not. But this could fundamentally change how you see him—you wouldn't even need his name to trust him again.
Chat smiles down and touches his chest with both hands.
Ladybug: I can't see how that's remotely possible.
Chat Noir: You trust me even though you don't know who I am, don’t you?
Ladybug: Because I know you.
Chat Noir: Because you got to know me. And if you knew the truth, you could know him too.
Chat scratches his head sheepishly and holds up a finger. Ladybug turns away with hands raised, exasperated.
Chat Noir: There's just one itty-bitty catch.
Ladybug: Of course there's a catch...
Chat looks away, rubbing his arm.
Chat Noir: If I share this with you...? My identity would make it dangerously easy to figure out who he is. And a part of me was kinda hoping that I could show you who I am tonight.
Ladybug’s eyes widen in astonishment.
Ladybug: You wanted to share identities?
Chat Noir: Just mine. I know his identity, so I shouldn't risk learning yours too anytime soon.
Chat leans down to touch Ladybug’s shoulder and holds up his fist encouragingly.
Chat Noir: But if you want to be absolutely certain of Catwalker's loyalties? To understand the person who is hiding behind the mask? I'd need to keep my identity from you a little while longer.
Chat Noir raises both hands to offer two options. Above his right hand is the image of Catwalker. Above his left is the image of Adrien Agreste.
Chat Noir: But it’s your choice, Ladybug: Learn the underlying truth about your new partner? Or learn the civilian identity of your old partner?
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Nathalie scrolls through photos on her tablet. The pictures of Adrien have all been replaced by a white void.
Nathalie (internally): Aside from a few unprofessional photos, it seems Adrien has been wiped from the record.
Nathalie looks off to the side, frowning in anticipation.
Nathalie (internally): Gabriel won't be pleased. Any moment, he's going to burst through that door and—
Gabriel bursts open the doors to Nathalie’s room.
Nathalie (internally): Nathalie!
Nathalie (aloud): *sigh* Yes, sir?
Gabriel: I need you to arrange an immediate flight!
Gabriel prances about in dancing delight.
Nathalie: A... flight?
Gabriel: My akuma found Adrien! And then she immediately lost him, but I have my son's last known location now! And! We went near that area when we were all travelling the world! It'll just be one quick trip to grab him, and he'll be back where he belongs!
Nathalie revolves what she knows around her head before coming to a decision.
Nathalie (internally): So, Adrien is retracing our footsteps? He knows something about Emile, so is he just looking for answers? Or is he seeking something we missed that could help her? Regardless...
Nathalie (aloud): I'm coming with you.
Gabriel waves his hand indignantly.
Gabriel: Absolutely not! You aren't fit for the expeditions we used to go on anymore! You can't jeopardize your health traipsing up mountains!
Nathalie looks at him with steely resolve.
Nathalie: It's Adrien. I'm coming, Gabriel. You're going to have me there at your back whether you like it or not.
Gabriel adjusts his jacket in defeat.
Gabriel: Fine. I won't waste any more time arguing with you. You may come.
Nathalie: Very good, sir. I'll make the call.
Gabriel looks down at Nathalie appreciatively.
Gabriel: Your loyalty is truly admirable, Nathalie.
Nathalie: ... I do what I must.
Cut to the rooftop where Chat Noir once prepared a candlelit surprise for Ladybug. A “Find Adrien” billboard is on display there (the spot where Adrien was once depicted replaced with white void), with all the lights that would illuminate it broken except for the one on the end. At the dark end of the billboard, Chat Noir sits on the ground, waiting.
A close-up of Ladybug’s feet ‘plop’-ing to the ground. Chat Noir turns his head to look behind him in excitement.
Chat Noir: M'lady!
Ladybug holds up a warding hand and holds tight to her yo-yo, making Chat stop his attempt to greet her in its tracks.
Ladybug: Stay back.
Chat Noir: M'lady?
Ladybug grips her yo-yo in her hands.
Ladybug: I need to know that you're not some sort of trick. I need to know you're you.
Chat Noir looks at Ladybug with a need to fulfill her every request. Ladybug’s head is shown from behind as the free parts of her hair blow in the wind.
Chat Noir: What do you need me to do?
Ladybug: I need you to remember.
Ladybug, eyes still obscured by blowing hair, holds up yo-yo defensively.
Ladybug: What conditions did you give the Celestial Guardian for relinquishing your miraculous?
Chat Noir: Hmm. I don't remember giving him my conditions.
Ladybug: That's your answer?
Chat Noir holds out his hand invitingly.
Chat Noir: Well, I don't count telling Su-Han to 'come and get it'. You're the one I gave my conditions to: That if I have to give up my miraculous, I will. But only if you ask me to.
Ladybug rushes Chat Noir with a hug, throwing his arms around his neck, as he embraces her with a smile. Images of them together are shown in the background: Ladybug smiling as she hugs Chat and he nestles his face in her hair; Chat holding Ladybug up in the air in front of him as she holds his face in her hands; Chat Noir swinging Ladybug in a circle as she grabs onto him and lets her legs fly outwards around them, Chat smiling as he holds Ladybug close.
Ladybug: That's right, Chat. And I never asked you to.
Chat Noir: You would have. I know you've given other heroes exceptions before, but me? You'd never. I knew it the moment Mayura recognized me: I'd have to go.
Ladybug and Chat cry in each other’s arms.
Ladybug: But I never even got the chance to say goodbye. You were just gone and I had no idea if I'd ever see you again. I’ve missed you so much, Chat.
Chat Noir: I’ve missed me too.
Ladybug boops Chat’s nose with a teasing glint in her eye. Chat gives her a playful grin.
Ladybug: Hold on... did you just say you missed you too?
Chat Noir: Hey, I'm very missable!
Ladybug: Ha! You dork...
Chat Noir: Always your dork, m'lady.
Ladybug take’s Chat Noir’s hand and pulls him towards the railing, pointing behind herself at Marinette’s balcony.
Chat Noir: But shouldn't we be getting out of the open?
Ladybug: I'm already ahead of you: Marinette Dupain-Cheng is spending the night with a friend, so she’s letting us use her room.
Chat Noir pulls his hand out of Ladybug’s.
Chat Noir: Wait. What are the odds that Marinette is actually Mayura?
Chat Noir looks away in panic, grabbing at his bell with one hand and touching the back of his neck with the other.
Ladybug: What? None. She can't be.
Chat Noir: 'Can't' in that you wouldn’t have expected it of her? Or 'can't' as in you’ve seen Marinette and Mayura in the same room together? And there wasn't a chance of it all being an illusion or a fake or—?
Ladybug: Kitty!
Ladybug holds Chat Noir’s hand in front of her (interlocking her fingers in his) and looks directly at the viewer with complete reassurance.
Ladybug: I am 100% paws-itive that Marinette is trustworthy. Yes, she's not allowed to be a temporary hero anymore. But she's safe. I never would have entrusted her with saving our kwamis if I wasn’t absolutely sure she was on our side.
Chat Noir collapses into Ladybug’s arms as she looks at him with concern.
Chat Noir: Thanks for reassuring me. I never wanted to doubt her. It’s just... hard to go back to trusting people when I know I'm wrong about somebody.
Ladybug touches Chat’s face and shoulder comfortingly. He holds onto her arm with both hands and looks into her eyes, comforted by her support.
Ladybug: I'm glad you still know that you can always trust me. You ready now?
Chat Noir holds up the trapdoor to Marinette’s room, following Ladybug down as she holds his hand with both of hers, smiling up at him.
Chat Noir: After you, m'lady...
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
A swarm of magical ladybugs sweeps over Carapace’s body and unpetrifies him
A close-up of Carapace’s hands as he falls to the ground and lets out a ‘gasp!’
A close-up of Carapace’s eyes, dripping with tears.
Carapace: Adrien...?
Cut to a frazzled Rena Furtive, gripping her flute as her mind races. Carapace lands on the roof behind her.
Rena Furtive: Is there any other plausible explanation for... that? Was I just seeing things? Could there have been some sort of doppelganger...? Maybe Chat's been in hiding at Adrien's and borrowed the ring...? Can I let myself believe he actually pulled off that insane plan to replace himself without anyone knowing...?
Carapace: Rena?
Rena jerks as she turns to see Carapace approach her with hand outstretched.
Rena Furtive: Carapace! What—
Carapace: Did anyone come near me after I got hit by the akuma?
Rena Furtive: I don't know? Not for sure. After you fell to the ground, I couldn't really see you, and then the last few minutes of the battle were... distracting.
Carapace covers his mouth, eyes widening in horrified comprehension.
Rena Furtive: So the only one I saw remotely near you was Catwalker. I think he stayed there a couple minutes before going after the akuma?
Carapace: Then that means...
Carapace pleads with clenched fists in front of him.
Carapace: I think we've been entirely wrong about Catwalker. Rena, I heard... I don't think I'm even allowed to say what. And maybe it was a trick, or a side effect of the akuma, or whatever, but... I believe Catwalker is completely on our side. I really do.
Carapace, with sad puppy dog eyes, gives a ‘nod’. Rena looks down at her flute as it lets out a loud ‘BEEP!’
Rena Furtive: You really think we can fully trust him? Then— Sorry, I'm getting a call from Ladybug. I need to take this.
A holographic screen pops up from Rena’s flute, on which Cosmobug’s angry face appears.
Rena Furtive: Hey, La—
Cosmobug (over phone): I AM GOING TO MURDER CATWALKER IN HIS SLEEP!
Rena Furtive: Back up. What happened?
Cosmobug (over phone): The Lucky Charm worked! It led me to Adrien!
Rena Furtive: Isn't that good news?
Cosmobug (over phone): It was until I turned my back for one minute and he vanished all over again!
Rena Furtive bewilderedly watches the screen as Cosmobug goes on a tirade. Behind her, Carapace trembles as he puts everything into forcing down the immense urge to open his big mouth.
Cosmobug (over phone): And immediately afterward, I see that Catwalker used a space power up to follow me here! I just know he hid Adrien away somewhere to keep me from helping him!
Cosmobug fumes and clenches her yo-yo hard enough that if it wasn’t magical, it would have broken into tiny pieces.
Cosmobug: This has to be the final straw! Catwalker is officially the most malignant person I've ever met! (Besides Shadowmoth!) (And Gabriel Agreste!) (And Mayu—!)
Rena Furtive (over phone): Ladybug! Listen...
Rena holds out her hand and glances behind her shoulder.
Rena Furtive: I was just talking to our informant. They now believe that Catwalker is actually safe for us to trust.
Cosmobug (over phone): You can't be serious.
Rena Furtive: Completely serious.
Carapace silently looks away, his hood hiding the expression on his face.
Cosmobug (over phone): This is still the same person who couldn't stand Catwalker, right? What could have possibly changed their mind?
Rena Furtive: I'm not sure. They didn't think they could tell me their reasons.
Cosmobug (over phone): If they're telling you that, then they were probably blackmailed into claiming Catwalker's all sunshine and roses, so we can't trust—
Rena Furtive: I saw something too.
Rena looks out towards the city from atop the roof.
Rena Furtive: I don't think it was the same thing my informant heard. And maybe I can't quite rule out the possibility that Catwalker tried to bamboozle us both while we believed he didn't know we were observing him. But if even part of what we witnessed was real? Catwalker is a far better person than any of us have given him credit for.
Rena holds up a finger thoughtfully. In the background, Carapace looks on in bewildered ‘???’, an expression that reads ‘What on earth do you know about my best friend that I don’t???’
Cosmobug (over phone): Is this about his secret identity? Did you recognize his face after seeing him detransform?
Rena Furtive: No, nothing like that. I don't have a clue what his real name is. But... I think I know a... pseudonym he used in the Ladyblog community at one point?
Cosmobug pokes toward her yo-yo screen, raising a skeptical eyebrow.
Cosmobug: Just because he acts one way online, that doesn't mean it's who he really is.
Rena Furtive (over phone): You trust Chat Noir despite knowing nothing about the life he lives outside of the mask.
Cosmobug: That's different.
Rena Furtive (over phone): It's close enough.
Rena Furtive (over phone): Close enough that I think you should give him another chance.
Cosmobug looks away, biting her thumb nervously.
Cosmobug: I don't know... there are so many unknowns... I don't think I can work with Catwalker if I have any lingering doubts about him. It's not that I don't trust you, it's just hard to trust at all. This all was so much easier when it was just me and Chat, and I never had to question him on anything. I just knew.
Rena Furtive (over phone): Then talk to him.
Rena looks at her screen with optimism and encouragement.
Cosmobug (over phone): What??? I can't just 'talk to' Chat Noir!
Rena Furtive: Sure you can! You could meet up with Chat Noir in secret! You always do better when you have his support, so why not let him support you? He might even have answers!
Cosmobug (over phone): But I don't have a clue where he is or how to contact him!
Rena Furtive: Didn't Catwalker tell you that he could bring Chat Noir back safely?
Cosmobug (over phone): That doesn't mean I believed him!
Rena Furtive: If anything, we've proven that Catwalker can do things without anyone noticing.
Cosmobug (over phone): Mayura noticing isn't the problem—it's Catwalker. What he'll do to Chat Noir without anyone knowing...
Rena smiles and waves away any doubts.
Rena Furtive: I'm not saying you have to trust Catwalker without taking any precautions. I'll stake it all out and make sure everything's safe and that no one intervenes! All you'd need to do is make sure that the Chat Noir who shows up isn't his evil twin or something!
Cosmobug looks away in thought.
Rena Furtive (over phone): I know it seems risky, but it's worth the risk, Ladybug. You need to see the boy who used to be your partner again. And I'd bet anything that Chat needs to talk to you too.
Cut to Cosmobug flying towards the Eiffel Tower, from the top of a long, thin, silver rod protrudes out to the side. At the end the rod is a black, gray, and green blob.
Catwalker is lies on the end of his baton, his belt tying his body to the rod with his arms bound behind his back. Cosmobug hovers a few feet away from him.
Catwalker: You didn't find Adrien, I take it?
Cosmobug: No.
Catwalker: I'm sorry. Can we talk?
Cosmobug: No.
Catwalker looks up towards her uneasily.
Catwalker: Have you decided what you're going to do with me?
Cosmobug: Send Chat Noir back.
Cosmobug, eyes shrouded, makes her demand.
Cosmobug: Midnight tonight, on the rooftop where I first told him I had feelings for another boy. I need to talk to him in private before I decide your fate. He'll come alone. Tell him to not be seen.
Catwalker’s eyes shine as he tries to contain his excitement.
Catwalker: Of course. He'll be there.
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Astrowalker (internally): I wish I could have said 'yes.' But with how little I can trust any of my friends right now? And with Mayura searching for any sign of Adrien? I can't risk going home.
Astrowalker’s eyes widen and his mouth pulls into a long, thin grimace as Cosmobug flies up behind him and throws her yo-yo at him.
Cosmobug: YOU!
Astrowalker (internally): Oh no.
Astrowalker, wrapped tightly in yo-yo string (even his wings have been folded in on themselves and bound), hangs upside-down as Cosmobug points angrily at his face.
Astrowalker: Hello, Cosmobug. I was trying to stay out of your way as requested, but I thought I should be on-hand in case you needed—
Cosmobug: Where. Is. Adrien?
Astrowalker: I'm not sure why you think I can answer that question...
Cosmobug: He disappears and then you appear just moments later? I don't think that's a coincidence.
Astrowalker, still upside-down, tries to avert his gaze by looking down (which is up).
Cosmobug: Where did you hide him?
Astrowalker: I only followed you here, I am quite unfamiliar with the terrain of this place. Unless you think I stuffed him inside my baton, I fail to see where I could have put him that was beyond your reach.
Cosmobug: You could have used Cataclysm to make a bottomless pit and dropped him in!
Astrowalker: Or Adrien might have wandered off on his own.
Cosmobug: When he was so close to going home? Never!
Astrowalker: It wouldn't be the first time he avoided the mansion...
Cosmobug turns away and rubs her forehead in frustration.
Cosmobug: GAAAHHHH! Talking to you is just a waste of time! Adrien might be getting into an even worse situation with every moment that passes! I need to switch tactics...
Cut to Cosmobug flying back to where she left Kagami, towing Astrowalker behind her as he flings around like a ragdoll.
Cosmobug: Kagami! I need a favor: guard Catwalker while I search for Adrien.
Kagami: Are you sure Adrien is nearby? I cannot justify staying here indefinitely to my mother.
Cosmobug: Then we'll make him carry you home while you guard him! Better to keep him far away anyway so he can't interfere again!
Astrowalker lets out a ‘meep!’ as Cosmobug points Rolland’s knife in his face.
Cosmobug: And if Catwalker tries anything, strike swiftly.
Cut to Astrowalker flying while carrying Kagami in his arms.
Astrowalker: Let me know if you're uncomfortable. I'll fly low and slow since it can get cold without a powered-up suit.
Kagami: What did you do to make Ladybug mad at you?
Astrowalker: Who said she was mad at me?
Close up of Kagami holding up the knife with confidence beaming.
Kagami: She authorized me to stab you repeatedly.
Astrowalker: Fair point.
Astrowalker looks away evasively.
Astrowalker: But it’s hero business. I’m not at liberty to explain it to you.
Kagami gestures to herself nonchalantly. Astrowalker absolutely bristles as he loses his composure.
Kagami: I’m Ryuko. You can explain everything to me freely.
Astrowalker: You’re not supposed to reveal your secret identity!
Kagami folds her arms and looks away, annoyed that she has to justify herself.
Kagami: Shadowmoth already knows who I am. You knowing isn’t any more dangerous.
Astrowalker: I highly doubt Ladybug would agree with that assessment.
Kagami: Ladybug herself said I was talented enough to stay a hero despite the identity issue.
Full-body shot of them flying from the side, Astrowalker looks ahead as he explains.
Astrowalker: No, I mean that if Ladybug doesn’t trust me, you shouldn’t either.
Kagami: Did you have something to do with Adrien going missing again?
Astrowalker: Ladybug seems to think so.
Kagami: Why?
Astrowalker: Proximity, mostly. And she knows I've lied to her before, so I'm the most likely to be guilty.
Kagami: And if you're not guilty? Not defending yourself means that Ladybug punishes you instead of the person responsible.
Astrowalker: What's done is done. Ladybug has already made up her mind about me. In any case, Adrien's business is his alone and we should leave it be.
Kagami points the knife at Astrowalker’s face as he tries to look innocently upwards.
Kagami: You know more than you're letting on, don't you?
Astrowalker: Wh-What gave you that idea?
Close-up of Kagami’s face as she argues.
Kagami: When I don’t want my mother to know that something matters to me, I try to convince her it means nothing. If she believes I don't care, she won't try to interfere. You are trying to keep people away from Adrien through your 'indifference'.
Astrowalker: Or I might just be indifferent?
Kagami closes her eyes and waves her hand dismissively.
Kagami: I suppose I won't be able to convince you to reveal your true intentions. If you're lying to Ladybug, you're probably lying to me too.
Astrowalker looks away with regret.
Astrowalker: There may not be much I can really say, but... For whatever it's worth, I didn't kidnap Adrien.
Kagami: Of course not. He kidnapped himself.
Astrowalker looks at Kagami in shocked confusion. Kagami looks aside, unconcerned, as she explains.
Astrowalker: Huh? I thought you were akumatized to hunt down whoever kidnapped him?
Kagami: The ransom message Gabriel Agreste received must have been a fake. If Adrien had been kidnapped for ransom, he wouldn't have been left alone on a mountain. He's clearly up to something big that he doesn't want anyone to know.
Astrowalker: But what secrets could a teen model even have to justify vanishing entirely?
Cut to the image of Kagami and Adrien in “Lies,” when Adrien cheerfully gives her a thumbs-up while she holds the lucky charm Marinette gave him behind her back.
Kagami (voiceover): I'm not sure, but Adrien is far more secretive than most people realize. His affable demeanor hides his deceit well. You wouldn't even know he was lying to your face unless you held contradictory proof.
Cut back to Astrowalker looking away while Kagami looks at the knife in thought.
Astrowalker: Do you hate him? For all the lies?
Kagami: No. I'm a liar too. His lies just proved we weren't right for each other. He's... too much of a people pleaser.
Astrowalker: What's so wrong with wanting to please people?
Kagami: It demonstrates a lack of mutual respect. If he did something I might judge him for, I would rather he told me the truth so we could deal with it head-on. Instead, he just made up easy to-swallow excuses so he could pretend his ditching me didn't have consequences. I was willing to show him things I've never shared with anyone. But he refused to reciprocate with his own vulnerability.
Astrowalker looks over his shoulder.
Astrowalker: What if he couldn't tell you the truth due circumstances beyond his control? Maybe he wanted to open up, but he couldn't tell anyone what was really happening?
Kagami opens her arms to the side and Astrowalker finally meets her gaze.
Kagami: Then he should have explained what he could about the situation and asked me for privacy.
Astrowalker: Would that really have been enough to salvage your relationship? Knowing that someone is keeping things from you can be a heavy burden all on its own.
Kagami: Maybe not. But it would have been possible. I might have still been disappointed to be excluded, but at least I wouldn't have been disappointed in him.
Kagami waves her hand towards Astrowalker, who looks down towards her in regretful contemplation.
Kagami: But why are you so interested in why Adrien lied to me? Did you end up discovering the secrets Adrien kept from me?
Astrowalker: No, of course not. But... I suppose your perspective sheds light on the trouble I've been for Ladybug. We heroes are supposed to keep everything secret. But there's still a limit to what I should withhold from my partner. Even if I can't give Ladybug all the answers, I need to be more honest with her if I'm to regain her trust.
Astrowalker flies with Kagami towards the horizon.
Kagami: Assuming she doesn’t simply take back your miraculous once she gets back to Paris.
Astrowalker: Right. There’s that.
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Astrowalker flies toward a mountain, near the base of which is a small clearing at the top of a sheer cliff.
Astrowalker (internally): Good, she's not here yet.
Adrien detransforms as he drops to the ground and reaches for the shoe that he previously cut a hole in.
Adrien: Claws in.
Adrien puts on his hat, pulls up the hood of his hoodie, and pulls out Rolland’s knife. Plagg gestures towards the knife incredulously.
Plagg: A knife? You came all the way out here to pull out a knife?
Adrien: I'm here because this is where Cosmobug is going to be.
Adrien peeks from behind the tree towards the sky, where Cosmobug is flying in.
Adrien: And there she is.
Adrien holds up the knife, where he looks at his own reflection.
Adrien: So here I am.
Adrien walks out from behind the tree as Oni-Chan teleports in.
Adrien starts to petrify as he grabs Oni-Chan’s sword and stabs his knife between the branches in the sword, locking it in place.
Adrien: Gotcha.
Oni-Chan tries to jiggle the sword out of the frozen Adrien’s grasp.
Oni-Chan: Some boy seizing my sword isn't going to stop me from...
A close-up of Oni-Chan’s face as she realizes who this boy is.
Oni-Chan: Wait.
Oni-Chan reaches a hand towards Adrien’s frozen face.
Oni-Chan: You're...
Cosmobug (wearing the red glove side of her Lucky Charm, still attached to the black glove part) flies towards the akuma and throws her yo-yo.
Cosmobug: Get away from him!
Oni-Chan teleports behind Cosmobug, attacking her with her sword. Cosmobug, her yo-yo having gone too far to immediately be of use, blocks the strike with her Lucky Charm gloves.
Oni-Chan: Ladybug, you don't understand! That boy down there is—
Cosmobug slips the black glove of the Lucky Charm into Adrien’s frozen hand so that they’re holding hands together.
Cosmobug: Adrien Agreste! I know!
Cosmobug uses her grasp on Adrien to give her leverage as she simultaneously kicks Oni-Chan in the chest and uses her yo-yo to grab the sword and (using Adrien's arm as a way to redirect the yo-yo string) and yank it away.
Cosmobug: I figured out he was going to be here! And I'm going to save him!
Oni-Chan goes flying off the cliff and into the trees below.
Oni-Chan: Aaahhhh!
Cosmobug: No more evil doing for you, little akuma!
Cosmobug breaks the sword with her yo-yo and captures the akuma in one smooth motion, then throws the Lucky Charm gloves into the sky to cast her cure.
Cosmobug: Time to de-evilize! Miraculous Ladybug!
As the magical ladybugs restore Adrien to normal, he is startled (to the point to dropping his knife) as Cosmobug jumps on him, hugging him with her arms and legs as she wears a ginormous grin on her face.
Cosmobug: Adrien!!!!!!! I found you!
As Adrien and Cosmobug fall together, he lets himself wrap his arms around her, relishing this moment where he can accept her embrace again.
Cosmobug: I can't even explain how worried I've been, Adrien! I'm just so glad that you're alive! I searched everywhere trying to find out where you'd really gone! And now you're here!
Adrien: I'm here.
Adrien smiles sheepishly as Cosmobug pins him to the ground. Cosmobug’s eyes bug out in embarrassment at the position she has him in.
Adrien: But, uh, Cosmobug? Can I sit up please?
Cosmobug: Waaahh...?
Adrien: I don't mind being like this! But I think I fell on something pointy...?
Cosmobug jolts up and flings the knife straight behind her. Adrien holds up his hands and tries to laugh off his situation.
Cosmobug: Eep! Sorry! I didn't mean—!
Adrien: It's fine! No harm done!
Cosmobug: It's not all fine!
Adrien leans into Cosmobug’s touch as she caresses his cheek, wiping her thumb at the tears that have started forming in his eyes. With her other hand, she points her fingers towards the bruise on his neck, stopping short of touching it.
Cosmobug: I can't bear the thought of you getting hurt, Adrien. Whatever you've been through? You didn't deserve it. None of your suffering was okay. Which is why I refuse to let it happen again.
Cosmobug holds up her hands theatrically as she starts dreaming up the perfect plan. Adrien is shown from behind, expression unseen.
Cosmobug: I'll personally see to it that you have someone who cares about you by your side 24/7, so you'll be completely safe! I know you have some amazing friends who would do anything for you!
Adrien (talked over): Cosmobug, I don't think I—
Cosmobug: And since I know it can be hard to ask people for help, I'll ask them for you!
Cosmobug smiles and raises her hand towards her earring as it starts beeping loudly.
Cosmobug: I just know Marinette would love to—
Adrien (talked over): Really, I—
*BEEP BEEP BEEP*
Cosmobug: Sorry! I'm about to detransform! Be right back!
Cosmobug hovers off the edge of the cliff, giving a wave and a thumbs up. Adrien kneels, reaching his finger towards the ring he stashed through the hole in his shoe.
Cosmobug: The end is in sight! Just sit tight for a second and you'll be home free!
Marinette, all starry-eyed, touches the sides of her face in glee. Tikki is mostly focused on eating the space power up cookie.
Marinette: Adrien's here, Tikki! Thank you thank you thank you for giving me that Lucky Charm! It led me right to him!
Tikki: Lucky Charms are more the universe providing you what you need than me...
Marinette: Close enough! If it weren't for you, I'd still be powerless to help Adrien. But now I can protect him!
Tikki, halfway through her cookie, looks away uneasily.
Tikki: Aren't you forgetting to ask Adrien what he wants?
Marinette: I know what he wants: to be with the people he cares about. His friends are all dying to help, so we'll be perfect for giving Adrien everything he needs to feel that he's safely home!
Tikki: I guess... but maybe you should first make sure that your other friend gets home too?
Marinette grabs the side of her head in distress at the reminder.
Marinette: I FORGOT ALL ABOUT KAGAMI!
Somewhere in the trees at the bottom of the cliff, Cosmobug finds Kagami and waves to her. Kagami shows Cosmobug the knife she found.
Cosmobug: Hey, Kagami! I totally didn't forget to come get you! I've just got a... surprise for you!
Kagami: Was the surprise this knife that almost hit me in the head?
Cosmobug: No! I mean... The real surprise is going to be much better than a knife, ha ha! Let me show you!
Cosmobug, having picked up Kagami to bring her to the clearing at the top of the cliff, gestures in front of them cheerfully. Kagami looks confused.
Cosmobug: Tada!
Kagami: ...I am confused. There seems to be nothing here?
Cosmobug turns her head in shock.
Cosmobug: What? No!
Cosmobug kneels prone on the ground of the empty clearing, Kagami watching from behind at the cliff’s edge.
Cosmobug: Adrien was right here... He was...
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Part 26. Asynchronous Expectations (Oni-Chan 2.0, part C)
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Description below the cut
Astrocat wings pattern from here.
Ladybug leaps through the air, swinging her yo-yo towards the Agreste mansion.
Ladybug: Those ribbons were coming from Adrien's place. Now where's the villain...?
Cut to Gabriel’s atelier, where Oni-Chan is throwing up her hands (one hand holding her sword upwards) in exasperation while looking at a sentimonster—the Unpublisher—as he holds up a single finger.
The Unpublisher: It looks like you want to know what my powers are. Would you like help?
Oni-Chan: Yes! I just said that!
The Unpublisher has an uncanny smile and holds up a hand in helpful explanation. (The Unpublisher is an unsettling inversion of Adrien Agreste—blue hair, dark blue skin, a black overshirt with a white undershirt, hair parted on the other side, and all line art with white lines instead of black.)
The Unpublisher: To delete a picture of Adrien Agreste: Hold my amok and order me to delete a picture of Adrien Agreste.
Oni-Chan picks up a photonegative that was left on the corner of the central platform of Gabriel’s atelier.
Oni-Chan: Is this it?
The Unpublisher: That is the amok belonging to the Unpublisher. Helpful tip: the Unpublisher is me! This amok can be used to control the actions of the Un—
Oni-Chan: I get it.
Oni-Chan holds the photonegative and points towards Gabriel’s computer. The Unpublisher looks at her with a large grin.
Oni-Chan: Look through that computer for Adrien Agreste photos. Delete all of them from existence.
The Unpublisher: Got it. Please be patient while I take care of that for you.
Ladybug throws the door open and leaps into the room, wielding her yo-yo. A couple black ribbons are starting to weave their way into the world.
Ladybug: Not if I have anyth—
Ladybug is abruptly swarmed by a dense slurry of the magical ribbons conjured by the Unpublisher as he deletes every image of Adrien that Gabriel owns.
Ladybug: —Mmph!
Cut to Rena Furtive looking through her telescope at Oni-Chan teleporting across the rooftops as the ribbons fan out across the world.
Ladybug (over comm): I can't get past these ribbons!
Rena Furtive: You might not have to. Oni-Chan’s mass-teleporting again. She’s holding something new—I assume it's an amok?
Ladybug (over comm): Then I’ll have to bring her to me...
Cut to Nathalie’s bedroom, where Nathalie sits on the edge of her bed as she speaks to Ladybug. Her room is largely untouched by the ribbons (though a few can be seen flowing past her windows). Note that Nathalie has a large map of the world on her wall.
Ladybug: Ms. Sancouer, I need your help. Do you have a picture of Adrien that Mr. Agreste doesn’t have copies of?
Nathalie: I believe so.
Nathalie (internally): As much as I want to find Adrien, I can't risk an akuma like Oni-Chan leading Gabriel to him first. If Gabriel asks, I’ll just say I couldn’t refuse Ladybug without rousing suspicion.
A closeup of Nathalie holding her tablet, on which is a picture of Adrien as he stole the grimoire. He has yet to be deleted.
Nathalie: Here.
Ladybug: Wait, don't look yet—
Oni-Chan teleports in and hits Nathalie (and her tablet with the offending image) with her sword, petrifying her. Oni-Chan looks towards Ladybug and waves an angry fist (which holds the photonegative amok).
Oni-Chan: Again, Ladybug? Why must you keep getting in my way?
Oni-Chan swings her sword towards Ladybug, who manages to deflect it with her yo-yo as she leaps back.
Oni-Chan: I just want to find Adrien! Don't you want that too?
Ladybug: Not like this! I won't let you hurt everyone just to get to him!
Close-up of Oni-Chan’s unyielding eyes.
Oni-Chan: Then perish!
Ladybug, on pure instinct, yells and throws her yo-yo.
Ladybug: Chat Noir, now!
Ladybug clenches her eyes shut, berating herself.
Ladybug (internally): Stupid reflex!
Ladybug yanks her yo-yo back before it makes contact with Oni-Chan.
Ladybug (internally): He's not here!
Ladybug uses her yo-yo to flee as Oni-Chan lunges towards her. But behind Oni-Chan, Catwalker has backflipped into the room behind her, his finger touching the amok with his Cataclysm.
Ladybug (internally): I have to fall back and try something els—
Catwalker: Cataclysm!
A closeup of Oni-Chan as she teleports away as the feather starts to emerge from the amok.
Cut to a closeup of the Unpublisher as he begins to dissolve, his mouth forming an ‘O’ as his final ribbon fails as it comes out his finger.
Cut back to Nathalie’s bedroom (she’s still petrified), where Ladybug raises a hesitant hand towards Catwalker.
Ladybug: C-Catwalker? Where’s the amok?
Catwalker: Oni-Chan took it with her when she teleported away.
Ladybug, face in panicked shock, clenches her fists.
Ladybug: No! That means I can’t heal the sentimonster’s damage!
Catwalker holds out an appeasing hand.
Catwalker: But it was only destroying Adrien Agreste’s modeling photos, right? No one got hurt. And I don't think Adrien would mind losing all that exposure.
Ladybug holds up her hands in infuriation.
Ladybug: Not mind??? Those pictures are incredibly important to Adrien and everyone who still cares about him! They were all anyone had left of him!
Catwalker slumps and touches the back of his neck.
Catwalker: I'm sorry.
Ladybug: What were you even thinking?
Catwalker: I thought... I thought I was following your orders...
Ladybug points her finger in accusation.
Ladybug: The only order I've given you is to stay out of my way. And you can't even do that! I am this close to taking that ring and giving it to someone else, screw what Mayura promised!
Catwalker backs up against the bedroom door, shamefaced, holding his baton in both hands in front of him.
Catwalker: You called for Chat Noir. Since he couldn't answer you, I just... did what I thought he would have done.
Ladybug shoves Catwalker through the doors, bursting them open. Catwalker loses grip on his baton as he tumbles backwards.
Ladybug: Don't you dare put the blame on him! You aren't Chat Noir! And me calling for him out of old instincts does not give you the right to act like you could ever fill his shoes!
Ladybug slams the doors shut.
Ladybug: Here's your new orders: Go home! You've put in your mandatory appearance, now leave me alone!
Cut to a conciliatory Rena Furtive calling over her comm, split screen with Ladybug as she answers over her comm, trying to get a grip on herself.
Rena Furtive: I'm sorry. I know how important Adrien's pictures have been for you.
Ladybug: I can't worry about what's been lost. I need to figure out my next move.
Rena Furtive: All the other heroes have been frozen by Oni-Chan. We're running out of allies. If we can't use Catwalker, I might have to expose myself and join in the battle.
Cut to Catwalker as he sits sadly on the floor on the other side of the door, hugging his knees and eavesdropping on Ladybug.
Ladybug (voiceover): I can handle this all on my own. I just need a...
Cut to the creation of a Lucky Charm. It’s a pair of gloves holding hands, one red covered in black spots with Ladybug’s emblem on the wrist, the other solid black with a red paw print on its wrist.
Ladybug: ...Lucky Charm!
Rena Furtive (over comm): What did you get?
Ladybug: A red glove glued to a black glove... holding... hands?
Ladybug looks frazzled and in deep denial as she lifts one of the fingers from the red glove and making it point somewhere.
Rena Furtive (over comm): I hate to say it, but that sounds like you do need to ask for help this time.
Ladybug: No! This can't mean that I have to use him! It's obviously just pointing towards...
Ladybug holds a pencil in the air, about to throw it, as she starts to cover her eyes with her other hand, one eye peeking as she takes aim.
Ladybug: ...This pencil! And if I close my eyes and throw this pencil at this map, it'll show me where Adrien is!
Rena Furtive (over comm): Uh... I don't think your Lucky Charm works like that...
A close-up of the map, where the pencil has embedded itself. Ladybug takes a picture of it with her yo-yo.
Ladybug: I've got the coordinates! Now I just have to follow them! Power up!
Catwalker watches Cosmobug flying through the sky via the window. In one hand, he uses his baton to take a picture of the map; in the other, he holds a purple piece of cheese to his mouth.
Catwalker (internally): I'm sorry, but I think I have to disobey you once more, m'Lady...
Catwalker (aloud): Power up!
A closeup of a pair of cuffed black gloves in front of magical green wings. He holds his baton in one hand and points at the picture of the map on its screen with the other.
Astrocat (internally): If I take a path curved away from the equator... I can get there before Ladybug does and—
Pull back to show Astrocat—the powered-up form of Chat Noir, not Catwalker—looking at himself in panic.
Astrocat (internally): Oh no. I powered up as Astrocat without thinking!
Adrien hides himself behind a wall and detransforms. Adrien closes his eyes and tries to focus. Plagg, meanwhile, helps himself to another piece of purple cheese.
Adrien: Claws in!
Adrien (internally): Focus! You're Catwalker. Perfect... Controlled... No more cat puns under any circumstances...
Adrien (aloud): Plagg, claws out!
Astrowalker—now in his proper form—resumes his flight to the location Cosmobug thinks she’ll find Adrien.
Astrowalker (internally): I really hope that no one saw that...
Cut to Rena Furtive, who Saw That.
Rena Furtive: Chat Noir...?
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
Part 25. Best Friend Erasure (Oni-Chan 2.0, part B)
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Description below the cut
Catwalker approaches Ladybug as she stands on a roof. She points off in a far away direction.
Catwalker: Ladybug! Oni-Chan is back, and this time her powers are—
Ladybug: I need you to go to one of the rooftops way over there and stay right there.
Catwalker: Are you sure? I could do more here if I—
Ladybug: Just. Go.
Catwalker: ...Yes, Ladybug.
Ladybug swings towards a rooftop where the other heroes have congregated near a Find Adrien billboard. Viperion looks up at Ladybug.
Viperion: Ladybug! Why isn't Catwalker with you? Did you talk to him about... that thing I told you?
Ladybug: We talked. He wasn't hiding what you thought he was.
Viperion: Oh.
Ladybug stands in a ‘take charge’ pose right in front of the billboard with Adrien’s face. Most of the heroes gather in to look towards her, but Carapace looks off towards the direction Catwalker took instead.
Ladybug: And everybody, gather around! You should all know this. Catwalker is on probation until further notice.
Viperion: Probation? Isn't that kind of extreme?
Ladybug: I have my reasons. He's keeping his miraculous, but you're the people I'm going to rely on to beat the akumas. For now, consider him an observer and just ignore him.
Carapace starts using his shield as a phone to text his girlfriend.
Carapace (texting): Rena, why is Catwalker allowed to keep his miraculous? We *have* to stop him from causing more damage.
Cut to Rena hiding on a rooftop as she uses her flute simultaneously as a telescope to spy on Catwalker and a phone to tap out a reply to her boyfriend.
Rena Furtive (texting): But if you want to try to get more info out of him as Carapace...? I'm sure Ladybug wouldn't mind...
Carapace leaps towards Catwalker, who looks at him suspiciously.
Catwalker: Carapace? What are you doing here?
Carapace: Ladybug said you were alone, and I thought you shouldn't be.
Catwalker: You should go back. Ladybug needs every hero she can get.
Catwalker perches himself on the ledge of the building he’s atop of.
Carapace: Then why did Ladybug send you all the way out here?
Catwalker: She needs me. I just... need to wait here. Until she comes up with a plan for how she can use me.
Carapace: If you want to help, we can always work to protect Adrien Agreste.
Carapace opens his arms wide and tries to give a disarming smile, but he can’t help but show his underlying malice.
Carapace: If you know anything at all, I'm all ears! Even if it's something you need to keep on the down low, I can be your confidant. I'm a hero, after all! You can trust me to keep secrets.
Catwalker, completely uninterested in going through another round of ‘my best friend pretends to like me when I know he’s secretly mad at me’ points his finger in accusation.
Catwalker: I see what you're trying to do and I'm not going to fall for it.
Carapace: Whaaat? I'm not trying anything!
Catwalker: Nino.
Carapace: How did—I mean, who's Nino?
Catwalker: You forgot to tell Adrien that he shouldn't reveal secret identities to anyone.
Carapace, completely off put, tries to make this new bit of information add up.
Carapace: He told you about me? Why would that even come up? Unless... Did he tell you he had a superhero for a best friend to try and convince you he didn't need you?
Carapace points an accusatory finger at Catwalker. Catwalker tries to placate, but he’s distracted by a burst of red light in the distance in the direction of the other heroes.
Carapace: And then you forced him to leave when he didn't want to and—
Catwalker: You have it all wr—Oh no.
Oni-Chan rapidly teleports between temporary heroes (all of whom had just been staring towards the giant face of Adrien) and hits them with her sword in quick succession: Vesperia, Viperion, King Monkey, Purple Tigress, Polymouse, Pegasus, and Pigella are all frozen before they can do anything to fight back.
Oni-Chan: You! Won't! Get! In! My! Way! Anymore!
Oni-Chan lunges for Ladybug, but she manages to swing out of the way with her yo-yo and escape, unable to be tracked because she was the only member of the group who hadn’t been staring at Adrien’s face.
Catwalker: Come on! Ladybug needs our hel—
Catwalker leaps into the sky to follow Ladybug, but as he is in midair, a green sphere forms around him.
Carapace: Shell-ter!
After the sphere hits the ground, Catwalker looks up at Carapace, who stands at the edge on top of the nearest building tauntingly.
Catwalker: I don't want to fight you.
Carapace: Good! Because you won't be able to fight anyone!
Catwalker: Look, we're both heroes right now. We need to be able to work together to help Ladybug.
Inside the sphere, Catwalker kneels and looks down dejectedly.
Carapace: Ladybug doesn't want your help!
Catwalker: Maybe not right now, but—
Carapace: Why did you think she sent you so far out of her way? She can't even stand to look at you! No one needs you. No one wants you. You should just give up your miraculous and save us the troub—
Carapace’s attention is caught by something happening across the skyline of Paris: with the Agreste mansion at the epicenter, a flurry of black ribbons launches into the sky, each one racing toward a Find Adrien billboard. Where each ribbon touches, the place where Adrien’s picture should be has been replaced by an empty white void.
Carapace (to himself): What the...? ...the Adrien billboards... All the pictures of Adrien... He's gone.
Carapace points down at Catwalker accusingly and brings his shield in close.
Carapace: Why couldn't you have just done nothing and let his real friends help him? Some magic ribbons just wiped Adrien from existence!
Catwalker: That's impossible. A sentimonster probably just got rid of the Adrien ads.
Carapace: You don't get it! He exists nowhere! And I'll prove it!
Carapace uses his shield to navigate to the pictures on his phone. His hand touches at the shield when it displays a picture of Nino and Adrien smiling together, nothing erased.
Carapace: I'll show you how this picture of the two of us is—
Catwalker: Wait. Carapace, you need to drop it. Now.
Carapace (to himself): Huh...?
Catwalker: Adrien is alive, I promise—
Carapace (to himself): He's still here with me...?
Catwalker: —but she's going to find you if you keep looking—
Oni-Chan pops in and out of existence just long enough to stab Carapace in the back, sending his body off the edge of the building. Below them, Catwalker looks up and destroys the sphere around him.
Oni-Chan: Begone!
Carapace: Ack!
Catwalker: No! Cataclysm!
Catwalker leaps into the air, arms reaching towards Carapace’s petrified body, all while the shield Carapace dropped in the commotion falls next to them.
Catwalker: I've got you!
Catwalker tearfully embraces the frozen Carapace from behind.
Catwalker: I am so sorry. For everything.
Catwalker continues to hug Carapace tight as a flood of emotions spews forth.
Catwalker: I never wanted to hide behind a mask, especially not with you, Nino. You've always encouraged me to be myself. Even though I've never been able to fully show you everything I am, you accepted the 'me' I could give. It meant so much to know that you cared, not just about the idea of me, but the real me. And now I'm less 'me' than I've ever been. Maybe it would have been better if I did nothing. But when she tried to kill me, I just... ran. Ran and insisted I was fine like I always do. And now you're the one paying for my rash decisions and I feel so powerless to stop it. I hope one day you'll forgive me.
Catwalker places Carapace’s body upright and touches his back in a gesture of farewell.
Catwalker: I wish I could talk to you for real. But I can't. I can't leave when I might be needed. Even if everyone hates that I'm here, I've got to help however I can.
Catwalker gives Carapace a fist bump in one final promise of their friendship.
Catwalker: I'll come home as soon as it's safe again. I don't know how long it'll take, but I promise I will come back.
Below is the same image as above, only without text:
