runawaycatwalker

[runawaycatwalker]

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:

[runawaycatwalker]

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:

[runawaycatwalker]

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:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 30. The Return

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Description below the cut

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:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 29. Jumping to Convictions

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Description below the cut

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:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 28. Prevaricators' Procession

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Description below the cut

Astrowalker flies above a copse of trees.

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:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 27. Safely Seen (Oni-Chan 2.0, part D)

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Description below the cut

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:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 26. Asynchronous Expectations (Oni-Chan 2.0, part C)

< First | < Previous | Next >

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:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 25. Best Friend Erasure (Oni-Chan 2.0, part B)

< First | < Previous | Next >

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.

Rena Furtive (texting): I'm watching him, don't worry.

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:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 24. Misaligned Approaches (Oni-Chan 2.0, part A)

< First | < Previous | Next >

Bonus: The bread lesson Rolland teaches Adrien immediately before this page takes place that I had to cut to save space.

Description below the cut

Alya sits on Marinette’s chaise lounge looking at her phone.  Marinette looks upwards, clenching her fists in vindication.

Alya: Preliminary results about Catwalker are in.  Verdict: Pretty skeevy.

Marinette: I knew it!  Tell me everything!

Alya scrolls through the messages on her phone.

Alya: My informant doesn't have any concrete evidence yet and most of this is just vibes, but...

Alya: Catwalker did specifically mention you by name.

Marinette: What??

Alya: When confronting my informant, Catwalker got defensive and asked if 'someone Marinette knows' sent them.

Marinette places her hand on Alya’s shoulder, looking shaken.  Alya looks up at her with a look of uneasiness.

Marinette: Does that mean he knows you're Rena?

Alya: Or he might be on the verge of discovering your identity.  Either way, I'm certainly not comfortable working alongside him anymore.

From behind, we see Marinette hold a hand up to the sky and clench her other hand in a fist in resolution.

Marinette: Because of Mayura we can't just fire him, but we can contain him.  We'll rely on the rest of the team for all battles and restrict his interactions with everyone.  If he steps out of line, all bets are off and we treat him like he's another akuma.  And we keep investigating.  I just know that he's up to something terrible right now and we've got to put a stop to it!

Rolland shuts a book between his hands entitled Pain.  Adrien holds up a hand and offers a wishful grin.  Behind them is the cabinet of things in Rolland’s living room, including the Lost flyer of Adrien, which is draped over a box.

Rolland: So: Shall we bake?

Adrien: I sure wouldn't mind if you showed me how to make baguettes...

Rolland: Bahaha!  Baguettes!  You are in no way ready to bake baguettes!  No, we start with something far more traditional: the boule!

Rolland holds up a finger.

Rolland: But first: you must wash your hands.

Adrien: Of course!

Rolland: And take off that ring.

Adrien: Wh—what's wrong with my ring?

Rolland grab’s Adrien’s hand and points at the indentations in his ring.

Rolland: Just look at it!  Flour is going to collect in all of those crevices!  It is much simpler to just take off your ring while baking.

Adrien looks at his miraculous in thought.  Behind him is the sink with the handle of a knife poking out of it.

Adrien (internally): I shouldn't take any chances of being caught without wearing my miraculous.  But maybe if I don't stop wearing it...?

Adrien kneels on the ground and uses a knife to cut through the front rubber part of his shoe.

Rolland: What are you doing?

Adrien: Making a hole in my shoe! If I can't wear my ring on my finger... I can still have easy access by slipping it on my toe instead!

Adrien turns his knife aside and uses his other hand to slip his miraculous through the new hole in his shoe.  Rolland’s hand reaches down from above dangerously close to the knife.

Rolland: You are using one of my knives to cut through rubber?!

Adrien: I'll clean it after I'm done, don't worry.

Rolland: That is not the point!

The knife’s edge cuts the back of Rolland’s hand.

Rolland: Give that b—Aaack!

Adrien touches his hands to the bottom of his face.  One hand is still holding the knife, which now has a small spot of blood near the tip.

Adrien: I'm so sorry!  I didn't mean to—!  Please don't fire me!

Rolland: Oh, hush.  It's barely a scratch!

Adrien: I'll get the first aid kit!  Where's the first aid kit?  Do you have a first aid kit?

Rolland: I'll handle that without you.

Rolland waves his hand grumpily.

Rolland: You just worry about washing up my knife!  Without cutting anything that is not food this time!

Adrien: Y-yes, sir!

Rolland slams the doors between the kitchen and living room shut, so that Adrien is alone in the kitchen and Rolland is alone with his collectibles.

Rolland (internally): Don't lose your temper, Rolland.  Baldy's still a child.  He's probably never been in a kitchen before.  Whoever raised him had no idea how it's done.  Teaching him that is your job now.

Rolland digs through the box on his cabinet, one hand picking up the Lost flyer to move it out of the way.  As he does so, Oni-Chan teleports behind him with her sword pointed over his shoulder.

Rolland (internally): Now where did I put those banda—?

Oni-Chan: Where are you keeping Adrien Agreste?

Oni-Chan grabs Rolland’s shirt and holds her sword above his head threateningly.  Rolland is still holding onto the flyer and looks panicked.

Rolland: Aahhh!

Oni-Chan: Tell me where Adrien is before I strike you right where you stand!

Rolland: You mean the missing angel boy?  I don't know!  What does a Chinese monster want with him?

Oni-Chan swings her sword.

Oni-Chan: I'm not a monster!

Rolland has now become frozen in place, covered in splotches of white, red, and black.  Oni-Chan stands behind him, looking back over her shoulder.

Oni-Chan: If anyone else stands in my way, they're getting petrified too.  And for the record, I'm Japanese.

Oni-Chan kicks down the doors into the kitchen.  No one is there, only a slight movement of the window drapes in the background.

Oni-Chan: Hi-yaaah!  Shadowmoth!  He's not here!

Shadowmoth (over akuma connection): The old man must have seen Adrien somewhere.

Oni-Chan: The only sign of Adrien anywhere is on the flyer that man was looking at!  Wait...

Oni-Chan, a butterfly light mask in front of her face showing her communication with Shadowmoth, grabs the Lost flyer and slices through Adrien’s face with her sword.

Oni-Chan: I was promised the ability to track the last person who saw Adrien, but these powers sent me to someone who was just looking at an Adrien picture!

Oni-Chan throws up her hand in frustration.  There is also a closeup of Shadowmoth (also with the butterfly light mask) from his lair, holding out a hand negotiatingly.

Oni-Chan: Do you have any idea how many people are looking at pictures of Adrien?

Shadowmoth: Millions every day.  ...I presume.

Oni-Chan: I will not sift through millions of people merely because you gave me unusable powers!

Shadowmoth: Would you rather I take your powers away and leave you without any leads at all?

Oni-Chan: No!  No, I'll keep my akuma.  But I'm not going to try to get Ladybug and Catwalker's miraculouses for you until after I find Adrien.  You want me to help you?  You help me first.

Shadowmoth: I could create a sentimonster to destroy all instances of Adrien's image until you find the real one.

Oni-Chan: Then do that!

Shadowmoth: I'll need time to prepare the amok.

Oni-Chan starts to teleport away, her expression resolute.

Oni-Chan: Well, I'm not wasting my time waiting.  Have your sentimonster summon me when it's ready.

Cut to Adrien and Plagg outside Rolland’s residence, watching as the light of Oni-Chan’s teleport flashes through the window curtains.  Adrien still has the knife and replaces his miraculous back on his ring finger.

Adrien: Do you think Oni-Chan really came here because Rolland saw me on Marinette's flyer?

Plagg: Probably not.  Akuma powers usually work however the akuma expects them to and Rolland was the last person to see you.

Adrien: But her expectations just changed.  So maybe people seeing pictures of Adrien will be tracked by her powers now?

Plagg: Even if you do turn out to be that lucky, you're still better off being Catwalker instead of Adrien.

Adrien: Right.  Plagg, claws out!

--

Bonus Scene:

Rolland holds up a hand invitingly.

Rolland: Baldy, you have returned from your morning walk!  Now we can begin your lessons in flour!

Adrien: Yeah, okay.

Rolland: What do you mean 'okay'?  I thought you wanted to be my apprentice?

Adrien pulls off his beanie, looking discouraged.

Adrien: Sorry, I just saw a friend and he... Never mind.  It's nothing.

Rolland: Nothing?

Adrien: Bread is the most important thing, right?  Teach me everything I need to know.  I'm... ready.

Rolland: You are not quite ready yet.  First...

Cut to Adrien taking a bite of bread, happily going ‘nom! nom! nom!’.

Rolland: ...You must eat!

Adrien: Ooh!

Rolland: It's from yesterday, but it is better than nothing!  We French know the value of bread, for we remember the days when we did not have it!

Rolland holds up the book Pain : pour les enfants! and reads to Adrien as he finishes his bread.

Rolland: This is today's lesson: how wheat shortage caused the Revolution!  Wheat gives us flour, flour gives us bread, and bread is life!  And when the wheat harvests failed, we survived by eating whatever awful bread from bran we could afford—if we could even afford that!

Rolland points to a picture of Marie Antoinette holding a purple rose in the book, which has the caption “Qu'ils mangent de la brioche”.

Rolland: But who wasn't starving?  The nobility!  They still ate fancy Viennese breads made with refined white flour!  And while France suffered, Marie Antoinette had the gall to tell us ‘Let them eat cake!’

Adrien holds up a correcting finger.

Adrien: Isn't that quote apocryphal?

Rolland: What?

Adrien: No one ever verified that it was Marie Antoinette who said that.  And even if she did, she would have been just a kid at the time.

Rolland: Bah!  That’s not important!

Rolland holds up the book in front of his face.  On one page, a pie chart with 75% blé (wheat) and 25% seigle (rye).  On the other page is a guillotine surrounded by bread and centering the French flag, below which is the caption “Pain d'égalité”.

Rolland: The point is that the people of France revolted because of this, because of bread!  And once we got rid of those pesky nobles, France could have one bread: the bread of equality!  It would be made from all our grains, from wheat to rye, and everyone would eat it!

Adrien: Sounds much simpler.

Rolland: Very simple!  But it wasn't to be.  People still want their fancy flour.

Rolland holds up his wooden peel in one hand and his metal peel in the other in a pose reminiscent of the painting Liberty Leading the People.

Rolland: But once there was no more shortage of wheat, the government decreed that bakers must follow strict rules.  You want to make a baguette?  It must be the right size and made with the right ingredients!  You run a boulangerie?  You must make your bread on-site!  And you must never close shop without warning!  We do this so no one will suffer the pains of being forced to eat terrible bread—or no bread—ever again!  Because here in France, that is how it is done!  So: shall we bake?

Below are the same images as above, only without text:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 23. Contracted Liberation

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Description below the cut

Gabriel bangs his fists against the wall.

Gabriel: Nothing.  No sign of Adrien.  No leads.  And my arsenal of tools is completely ineffective.  My thumb on the mayor to control the police's search?  Marketing initiatives backed by a global brand?  The powers of the most feared supervillain in the world?  All useless!  And just to twist the knife, my akumas have started dying before they can evilize anyone!

Nathalie interlaces her fingers and looks away, in thought.

Nathalie (internally): It sounds like Catwalker has been using his Cataclysm preemptively.  Best not to point that out to Gabriel right now, though.  We shouldn't target Catwalker so soon after my truce with him and Ladybug.  Even if the heroes don't know how to contact Adrien, remaining cordial with them may open doors later on.

Nathalie points outward.

Nathalie (aloud): It's possible that the police who have been investigating Adrien's disappearance have been nearby often enough that they're shooting akumas on sight.  Perhaps you should consider going back to akumatizing those without any connection to Adrien?

Closeup of Gabriel gnashing his teeth.

Gabriel: Unacceptable!  I must find my son!

As Gabriel continues to bash against the wall, Nathalie comes up behind him.

Nathalie: If Adrien has any sort of agency right now, he might see all the akumas targeting him as a reason to stay in hiding.  Let up on that and he might consider Paris safe enough to come home.

Gabriel flings out his arm dramatically as a vein pulses in his forehead.

Gabriel: And if it wasn’t his choice?  Stopping my pursuit for even a moment could result in him slipping through my fingers permanently!  I will only stop using my akumas to search for my son when he is back under my roof where he belongs!

Nathalie puts her cellphone up to her ear.

Nathalie: Very well.  I'll make some calls.  If you need an akuma who is upset about Adrien, we can make one...

Nathalie (internally): One who will keep you busy until I figure out what to do next.

Cut to Kagami seated on the pink cushions in the ditch that comprises the seating area of Gabriel’s atelier.  She folds her hands over her lap on top of her notebook.

Nathalie: Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice, Kagami.

Kagami: You asked my mother to send me here.  How could I refuse?  I assume this is about Adrien?

Nathalie: It is.

Kagami: I suppose you want to involve me in a publicity stunt for your 'Find Adrien' campaign?  Is the 'kidnapping' story you fed the press no longer working?

Nathalie: This has nothing to do with marketing, I assure you.

Nathalie sits on the other side of the seating area and reads off something from her tablet.

Nathalie: Our 'Find Adrien' inbox received a peculiar anonymous tip: 'You have security cameras, go check the footage!'  We did.  Our security cameras caught nothing.  Just Adrien entering his room after he returned from his fencing lesson.  Nothing else.

Closeup of Nathalie’s face, her eyebrows accusatory.

Nathalie: It's strange that we acquired those security cameras from Tsurugi Industries, isn't it?

Nathalie puts down her tablet on the seat beside her.  Kagami folds her arms.  On the center block between Nathalie and Kagami, an assortment of Find Adrien posters have been placed, including a large billboard design near where Kagami is sitting.

Kagami: You think my mother had something to do with this?

Nathalie: No, Tsurugi-san would have no motive for hacking her product or absconding with Adrien. But you might. You would have been one of the last people to see him.  You had the opportunity to coordinate a plan with him.  Not to mention that you have a history of encouraging Adrien to go behind his father's back.

Kagami: So do a lot of his friends.  Blame them for hacking your cameras, I wasn't involved.  But if I had been asked, I would have helped Adrien flee this place.  He shouldn't have to put up with living by his father's rules anymore.

Kagami folds her arms and grins evilly.

Kagami: Frankly, I'm happy that he finally grew enough of a backbone to actually act.  There's nothing you can do to stop him now.

Cut to the back of the atelier by Emilie’s painting.  The hole for Gabriel’s secret elevator is open, inside of which the head of Shadowmoth is poking out of.  Shadowmoth taps out a message on his cane.

Nathalie (internally): This isn't working.  Kagami's not overwhelmed by emotion, she's just smug.  I'm out of my element here.  I've gotten used to defusing situations before they become a problem, not inflaming them.  Gabriel's far better suited to being a provocateur.  He knows what buttons to push and won't let anyone get in his way for long.  But since he insisted on hiding nearby to sic his akuma on her before anyone can interfere, I get to be the one to ruin someone's day...

Cut to a closeup of Nathalie’s tablet as it beeps with a new text message.

Nathalie (internally): Hmm?  A new message?

Shadomoth (text message): I left some stronger motivation for you in the Find Adrien inbox.  Use it. --🦋

Nathalie (internally): Gabriel, what are you up to now? *sigh* I guess I'll just have to go along with this...

Nathalie holds up her tablet and reads from it.

Nathalie (aloud): Oh my.

Kagami: What now?

Nathalie’s tablet: Banner: FIND ADRIEN.  From: villain@dummy.com. We have Adrien Agreste in our clutches and are going to unalive him and you can't do anything about it!  Muhahahaha!

Nathalie: A ransom message just came through.  They're threatening to kill Adrien.

Kagami: To kill...?

Nathalie passes through the door out of the atelier.

Nathalie: Excuse me, I need to... speak with Mr. Agreste about handling this development.

Nathalie (internally): That should be enough motivation, right?

Cut to a closeup of Kagami opening her notebook, where she has taped a picture of her and Adrien and preserved a dried rose.

Kagami: Adrien didn't choose this?  This whole time I assumed that he ran away, but he really was kidnapped?

Kagami holds the rose in her hand, teary eyes clenched shut and teeth gritted.

Kagami: Whoever took him needs to pay for what they've done!

From the elevator hole, Shadowmoth raises out his hand and unleashes an akuma.

Shadowmoth (internally): Yes!  I can feel her anger now!

Shadowmoth (under his breath): Go, my akuma!

The akuma makes contact with the rose in Kagami’s hand.

Shadowmoth: Hello, Oni-Chan.

Cut to Nathalie eavesdropping from just outside the atelier, looking startled.

Nathalie (internally): Wait, Oni-Chan?  He was supposed to make her Riposte again, not—

Cut back to Kagami as the light mask illuminates her angered face.

Shadowmoth: The boy you so deeply care for is in grave danger.  I'm giving you the power to track down the last person who saw Adrien Agreste.  You will make them powerless to do anything ever again.

Kagami: With pleasure, Shadowmoth.

Below is the same image as above, only without text:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 22. A Best Friend's Interrogative Prerogative

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Description below the cut

Bonus: Alternate version shot in NinoVision:

In black and white, Nino pulls on the brim of his cap as he watches Catwalker uses his baton to leap around the buildings of Paris.

Nino (voiceover): The name's Lahiffe.  Detective Lahiffe.  The foxiest gal in the world, Alya Césaire, called me for a favor: Sniff around the new hero who'd sauntered into Paris.

The image of Catwalker holding his hands up in confusion by a picture of Adrien being sad and a question mark.

Nino (voiceover): I'd met this smooth cat once before.  I assumed he was naïve and oblivious.  He wasn't.

Cut back to Nino hiding behind a wall as Catwalker continues to leap above the rooftops.

Nino (voiceover): According to Alya, the charming kittyboy was secretly involved in the departure of my closest bro, Adrien.  She wasn't sure how the guy had managed to act under all our noses or why, but I am determined to find out.  I'll need to draw upon all my knowledge of the greatest detectives as I stake him out and gather enough clues to—

The panel abruptly switches to color as Catwalker drops in behind Nino, making the latter leap back and hold his hands in front of his face, thoroughly startled.

Catwalker: Are you following me?

Nino: Aaah!  No!  Why would I be following you?

Catwalker holds up a courteous hand.

Catwalker: Perhaps you wanted an autograph?

Nino: No!  That's not...

The panel swiftly switches back to grayscale as Nino pushes up his glasses in a serious manner.

Nino (internally): Get it together, Detective!  Interrogate him!

Nino (aloud): I was just curious if you'd managed to get any info about Adrien Agreste.

Catwalker places a hand on his chest with a look of sympathy.

Catwalker: You're a friend of his, I presume?  My condolences for your loss.  It must be hard not knowing what happened to someone you care about.  Unfortunately, my efforts in searching for Adrien have been fruitless thus far, but I assure you that I will be keeping my eyes open if he turns up.

The grayscale bleeds away back into color as we see a close-up of Nino’s eye, rage bubbling inside him.

Nino (internally): I can't believe this guy!  Acting like he's all innocent!  Screw the subtle approach, this slimeball needs to have the truth forced out of him.

Nino flares his hands out to either side indignantly.

Nino: You can't lie to me, Catwalker!  I know you were behind Adrien's disappearance!

Catwalker’s pupils narrow in shock.

Catwalker: Who told you that?

Nino rebuffs with folded arms.

Nino: A little birdie.  It doesn't matter.

Catwalker holds up a hand, expression now severe.

Catwalker: Your 'little birdie' could be the real reason Adrien had to go into hiding in the first place, so: Yes.  It.  Does.

Nino fumes, waving his arms above his head.

Nino: She would never do that!

Catwalker: 'She' wouldn't happen to be affiliated with a girl named Marinette Dupain-Cheng, would she?

Nino: Even if she is, that's none of your business!

Nino points an accusatory finger, his other hand starting to clench up as if ready to start tearing someone apart.

Nino: You're the one who needs to explain yourself!  What did you do to Adrien?  Where is he now?  What did his father do to him that made him so terrified of anyone knowing where he is?

Catwalker looks down stiffly at his own fists.

Catwalker: Your 'birdie' should already know that I can't provide answers to those questions.

Nino: You have to know something!  Spill!

Catwalker is exasperated as he rubs half of his face.

Catwalker: Please understand.  The nature of Adrien's situation is extremely precarious, so much so that I cannot share what I know with anyone.

Nino: I'm not just 'anyone'!

Nino places both hands on his chest with a look of defiance as tears start to stream down his face.

Nino: I'm Adrien's best friend!  I know everything about him!  I'm the only person he contacted the night he ran away!  So if anybody deserves the truth, it's me!

Catwalker folds his arms and looks away with regret.

Catwalker: If the fallout of his disappearance had gone how Adrien expected it to, you'd know that he's kept an entire part of his life a secret from everyone.  Even you.  Some things are too important to share, even with your best friend.

Nino puts his head in his hands in exasperation.

Nino: But why would Adrien tell you of all people?  He can't possibly trust you more than his friends!  Did you get inside his head?  Gaslight him?  Blackmail him?  Torture him until he did what you wanted?

Nino has now sunk to the ground, hands still grasping at his head, as he weeps.  Catwalker squats about a meter in front of him with a look of restrained beseeching.

Catwalker: Adrien told you as much as he thought he could get away with.  He does care about you.  But he didn't expect that you'd be able to keep whatever he told you quiet for very long.  I'm no friend to Adrien, but he trusted me with his escape.  He knows that I can keep his secrets safe indefinitely.  And I can only consider entrusting you with some of the answers I have if I am certain that you won't tell anyone—especially not the person who asked you to investigate me.  It is vital that you tell me who that person is so I can deal with her.

Nino yells at Catwalker as an akuma starts to fly in behind him.

Nino: Screw you!

Nino’s teeth clench as he is absorbed by his crying rage, right as Catwalker reaches out a Cataclysm-powered hand to touch the akuma, mere inches past Nino’s head.

Nino: You can go—

Catwalker: Cataclysm.

Seen from below, Catwalker looks imposing as he holds the akuma in his hand as it crumbles away, bitter tears starting to fall down his conflicted face.

Catwalker: I'm sorry.  I never wanted this.  Please, for Adrien's sake, let your investigation go.

Catwalker turns away as the remnants of crushed butterfly fall from his fist.

Catwalker: And Nino? You should be more careful about who you confide in.  You never know who might be your enemy.

["Alternate "NinoVision" version is recolored to be all in greenish sepia, with Catwalker's expressions recolored to be opaque and distorted: no green in his eyes, just the black mask and a misplaced line of gold]

Below is the same image as above, only without text:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 21. Close Shaves and Slipups

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Description below the cut

After entering the main hallway of Rolland Dupain’s residence, Adrien’s legs give out from under him as Plagg is ejected from his ring.

Adrien: Claws in.

Plagg: Whew, am I glad that's all over!

Adrien: Yeah.

Plagg: I don't know about you, but I'm ready to find a comfy spot on that couch, eat some bedtime camembert, and snooze for a very long—

Plagg looks through the glass door to Rolland’s living room with a worried expression.

Plagg: —uh oh.

Adrien: Plagg?  Plagg, what's wrong?

Plagg: Looks like Rolland's got company.

Cut to Tom Dupain holding a cardboard box labelled “Tom child baking stuff.”

Tom: It's good to see you, Dad.

Rolland: Didn't you say over the phone that my granddaughter was coming over?

Tom: I was going to ask Marinette to bring this by, but she's barely been home since her classmate is Adrien Agreste.

Rolland: ...Am I supposed to know who that is?

Tom raises his hands and Rolland gestures behind him with his thumb.

Tom: You haven't heard about Adrien being kidnapped?  It's all over the news!

Rolland: I don't watch the news.  If it's important, I'll find out when I look out the window.

Tom: Well, Adrien's very important to Marinette. Hang on, I've got a flyer Marinette made from one of the photos she used to keep on her wall...

Tom places a flyer in Rolland’s hands, on the back of which is written “Call Marinette if you see Adrien Agreste +33 653257.”  A closeup of the front of the flyer depicts the advertisement of Adrien in white jumping through a bright sky, with the words “Lost” and “Please help!” scrawled in red.

Tom: Here, take a look at this.

Rolland: I see the problem: Marinette's boy became an angel and ascended to heaven.

Tom: No, Dad, he's just a normal boy, I promise.

Rolland: He's glowing and flying!  That is not what I would call 'normal boy'!

Tom: The photo was edited, he isn't actually like that.

Rolland: If he doesn't look like his photo, how is anyone supposed to recognize him?

Tom: Never mind.  Just call Marinette if you happen to find any missing blond boys.

Rolland, from behind the glass door, spots Adrien on the other side and gives a wave.

Rolland: Apprentice?  There you are!  Done stretching your legs?

Tom (offscreen): Your new apprentice?  I'd love to meet him!

Rolland: Come and say hello to my son!

Adrien bolts away, using a hand to cover his face, and tries to distort his voice to be less recognizable.

Adrien: SoRrY! i NeEd tO UsE tHe BaThRoOm!

Rolland: Okay, but—

Adrien: DoN't WaIt FoR mE!

In Rolland’s bathroom, Adrien grabs both sides of the sink and tries to catch his breath.  Plagg floats above him, looking down.

Adrien: I can't stay here.  As soon as the coast is clear, we're grabbing your cheese and running.

Plagg: What?  Why?

Adrien: Marinette's looking for me.  She's going to find me here sooner or later if I stay.

Plagg: Would Pigtails knowing where you are really be such a bad thing?

Plagg moves above the sink (on which a pair of scissors and a collapsed straight razor are visible) near Adrien’s hand, which holds the lucky charm bracelet Marinette gave him.

Plagg: She's worried about you.  And you might not be able to tell her you're Catwalker, but there's no harm in letting her know you're alive, right?

Adrien: Mayura knew too many personal details about Marinette and her connection to me.  I don't even know what the 'misattributed present' was about, but that sounds like something Marinette would do.  I think... Marinette and Mayura have to be the same person.

Plagg raises his arms in fierce denial.  There is also the image of Marinette dressed in Mayura’s outfit, holding a feather above her hand with an evil expression.

Plagg: No way! Pigtails is the least evil person you know!  Peacock Lady probably threw suspicion on her so we couldn't find out who she really is.

Adrien brushes his fingers against the bruise on his neck.

Adrien: I don't want to believe it either, but we can't rule her out.  And either way, it doesn't change the fact that Mayura is a close friend.

Adrien takes off his Chat Noir beanie and looks at it, spiraling with sadness and regret.

Adrien: Can I even trust anyone anymore?

Plagg: You can trust Ladybug.

Adrien: Who now hates me.  I only became Catwalker because I didn't want to lose her.  And now I'm losing her anyway.

Plagg hovers over Adrien’s shoulder.  Adrien just stares at his reflection in the mirror in tired dejection.

Plagg: Ladybug will come around.  She wanted you before, she'll want you again.

Adrien: That was before I messed everything up.  Before I thoughtlessly let myself get caught.  Before I abandoned my life and everyone in it.  Before I kept quiet for the mere possibility I could be Chat Noir again if I just didn't reveal myself to anyone else.

Adrien looks down at his hands in front of him, on top of which Plagg kicks out his feet angrily.

Adrien: Maybe I should just go home.  Mayura's looking for Adrien, so if I acted as bait, I might find out who she—

Plagg: Absolutely not!

Adrien: But if she was telling the truth about caring about me...

Plagg: I don't care what Mayura said!  I'm not letting her ambush you again!

Plagg touches his paws against Adrien’s nose and looks him straight in the eye.

Plagg: I know you want to rush in and attack your problems head-on, but that won't help.  You're a newly formed cheese that needs to wait for some mold to grow a strong rind and mature it.  Don't let yourself be eaten before you're ready.

Plagg looks up consolingly.

Adrien: When will I be ready?

Plagg: I don't know.  But we'll figure it out together.  And when the time is right, I'll be right here with you when you go back to being the recklessly brave Chat Noir you were always meant to be.

Adrien starts to smile as Plagg hugs his face, raising his hands to embrace the kwami.

Adrien: Thanks, Plagg.  Any ideas on what this 'newly formed cheese' should do next?

Plagg: Staying right where we are!  No one ever thinks to check under their own nose!  Rolland didn't even recognize you when your picture was right in front of him!

Adrien brushes his hand through the back of his hair and looks in the mirror with inspiration. Plagg floats above him.

Adrien: About that... Changing my hair won't affect how I look when transformed, right?

Plagg: Catwalker's hair is longer than yours and green. So no.  What kind of change are you thinking?

Cut to Rolland working in his kitchen, with Adrien poking his head out from behind the living room door in the background.

Rolland: There you are.  My son had to leave. It's a shame you couldn't meet him.

Adrien: Sorry, but I'd... rather not meet anyone else right now.

Rolland: You don't want to be introduced to my son?  That is completely understandable!

Adrien: Wait, really?

Rolland pats the head of one of the mice he works with.

Rolland: You're looking at a man who only spoke to mice and the delivery boys for two decades!  You don't need to talk to anyone you don't want to!  Who needs pleasantries when you've got bread?

Adrien gives a friendly wave and removes the beanie from his head, revealing that he is now completely bald.

Adrien: I know I didn't introduce myself properly earlier, but out of curiosity...  Based on how I look, who do you think I am?

Rolland beams as he pulls Adrien down to his height to give his head a friendly rub.  Adrien smiles in relief.

Rolland: I didn't realize you had even less hair than me!  You're definitely a 'Baldy'!

Adrien: 'Baldy'... I think I can live with that.

Below is the same image as above, only without text: 

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 20. Questioning Trustworthiness

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Description below the cut

Rena Furtive hesitatingly approaches a fragile-looking Ladybug from behind.  In the distance, Catwalker is leaping away across the rooftops.

Rena Furtive: Hey. I didn't hear all of that, but you look like you need to talk.  Your room?

Ladybug: Okay.

Marinette tiredly sits down in the chair by her desk as Alya looks on.

Marinette: I've always known that keeping identities intact would require some sacrifice.  But sometimes it's more important to be honest than keeping a secret at all costs.

Alya: Like how you told me you're Ladybug for your own sanity?

Marinette: Right.

Marinette leans her head downward, hands grasping her knees.  Alya squats in front of her and places her hand on Marinette’s.

Marinette: Catwalker though?  He doesn't understand that.

Alya: What did he do?

Marinette: Adrien found out Catwalker's identity.  But instead of telling me, Catwalker just manipulated Adrien into running away from home so he couldn't leak it to Shadowmoth.

Marinette swivels her chair so she can place her elbows on her desk as she puts her hands on her face. Alya rises behind her, holding up a hand.

Marinette: And now Adrien is fending for himself all alone and I'm never going to see him again and it's all Catwalker's fault!

Alya: Did Catwalker give any other reasons that Adrien needed to run away?

Marinette: Sort of? He said Adrien wouldn't talk about it.

Alya: Nino was the last person Adrien spoke to before he disappeared.  He didn't get details either, but it sounds like Adrien's father did something terrible to him.

Marinette raises her hands in front of her, her face full of despair.

Marinette: Then why couldn't Adrien have asked his friends to protect him?  We actually care about him!  Catwalker doesn't!  He just tossed Adrien away like he was garbage and then acted like nothing happened!

Alya raises a hand and cocks an eyebrow, trying to offer an alternative explanation without offending.

Alya: Catwalker doesn't strike me as someone who devalues others.  He was nothing but kind and empathetic when I talked to him—

Marinette: You talked to him?

Alya: I... thought he should know about Rena Furtive.  So I could alert him to an ambush if Mayura ended up targeting him too.

Marinette leans back in her chair and drags her hands down her face.  Alya turns away, conflicted.

Marinette: Nghhh... You should have told me you were going to do that...

Alya: I'm sorry. I knew I should have said something earlier, but...

As Alya wrings her hands, Marinette rises to put a consoling hand on Alya’s arm.

Alya: You've just been so overwhelmed after losing both Chat and Adrien... I didn't want to burden you with even more things to worry about.

Marinette: I get it. You were trying to be a good friend.

Alya and Marinette grab each other in a hug that they both need.

Alya: By keeping you in the dark?  I made Chat vulnerable by doing that!  I should have realized I was making the same mistake by not telling you.

Marinette: It wouldn't have made a difference.  You're right: We should have told Chat about Rena Furtive.  And if you'd asked me before tonight?  I would have given you permission to tell Catwalker what Chat should have known all along.  He seemed so perfect, I never thought that he could be so untrustworthy.

Alya gives a determined look.

Alya: I still think it's possible that Catwalker's actions are just a misunderstanding instead of being an issue of trustworthiness.  He questioned me about your identity rules.  I had assumed he was looking to find a way to bring Chat back, but in hindsight?  I bet he was secretly more interested in learning how your rules applied to his and Adrien's situation and what you'd think was crossing the line.

Marinette throws her hands in front of her petulantly.

Marinette: It should have been obvious that keeping everything he did a secret from me was crossing the line!

Alya raises an eyebrow and holds up a photo of Adrien on which “Call Marinette if you see Adrien +33 653257” has been written in red marker.

Alya: Are you sure you're not holding Catwalker to unreasonable standards because the line he did cross involved Adrien?  Messing with the boy you love doesn't automatically make someone evil, you know.

Marinette clenches her fists in front of her, looking haunted.

Marinette: It's not just about Adrien.  I didn't let myself think about the implications before, but...  When Nathalie was akumatized, Catwalker got teleported to his mom.  He claimed his identity was intact despite that, but...

Cut to a flashback of a miniature Multibug looking up at Catwalker as he clenches his fist.  A close up shot of his fist shows that there are only two pads remaining on his miraculous.

Marinette (voiceover): ...after I fixed everything, his ring's timer was counting down, even though I never saw him use his powers during the battle.  What if...  What if he Cataclysmed his own mother to protect his identity?

Cut back to Alya grabbing Marinette’s arms and looking directly into Marinette’s eyes.

Alya: You don't know that's what happened, Marinette. And even if he did do something like that, your Lucky Charm would have fixed it, same as it's always fixed whatever Chat destroyed.

Marinette: It doesn't matter that the physical damage got fixed, it's the fact that he did it at all!

The image of Chat Noir with a the biggest, friendliest, most genuine smile as he holds up a rose, his tail poking out behind him in the shape of a heart.

Marinette (voiceover): Chat has far too good a heart to ever purposefully hurt anyone, he'd sooner sacrifice himself than leave someone else in harm's way.

The image of Catwalker with a small, tempting, vaguely sinister smile as he holds a hushing finger to his lips, his ponytail poking out behind him in the shape of a snake.

Marinette (voiceover): But all the evidence I've seen shows that Catwalker would justify hurting the innocent—even his own family—to cover up his mistakes.

Alya looks away and rubs the back of her neck.

Alya: I guess Catwalker can be kinda shady when hiding things.  He did manage to steal my phone number without me noticing—

Marinette: He what??

Alya: He called me to help you guys detransform without Mayura seeing.  Yeah, it saved you, but it was still an invasion of privacy.

Marinette raises her hands and starts pacing away.

Marinette: And these are just the wrongdoings we've managed to find out!  Catwalker could be secretly working for Shadowmoth for all we know!  And I can't even do anything about it since Mayura is blackmailing me to keep Catwalker instead of tossing him in the trash like he deserves!

Alya looks at Marinette resolutely and points to herself.  Marinette sweeps her hands to each side of her in refusal.

Alya: We don't know what he 'deserves' since we still don't know the reasons behind his actions. Let me do some digging.  I'll find out what sort of person is really behind Catwalker's mask.

Marinette: No! You already know I'm Ladybug, you can't risk learning who Catwalker is too!  No one can know both identities!

Alya: I'll get a proxy I trust to investigate on our behalf.  The proxy won't try to find out his identity, but if they do, the risk will be minimized.  You and I won't be exposed to anything we can't know.  And if it turns out that Catwalker isn't worth the risk, then we'll replace him.

Alya places a hand on her chest pleadingly.

Alya: I know you don't trust Catwalker anymore, but can you still trust me to find out the truth for you?

Marinette softens.

Marinette: I do trust you, Alya.  You have my permission.

Cut to Alya in her bedroom as she places a call on her cellphone.

Alya: Hi, Nino. I've got a lead on Adrien, but it's something I can't get involved with directly.  Would you mind doing some secret detective work for me?

Below is the same image as above, only without text:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 19. Secrecy Unrectified (Veritruce, part D)

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Announcement:

Hi all,

I started this comic almost a year ago now, and while I’ve mostly been able to keep updating at a decent pace, I’m finding that I’ve been pushing myself too hard in too many aspects of my life and my mental health has been suffering for it.  So, with that in mind, I have decided to take a bit of a break from posting here.  I’m hoping that this break will just be a couple months, but I will let you know if it needs to go on for longer than that.

To everyone who’s been reading Runaway Catwalker: thank you.  You all have been very supportive and I’m glad that I have been able to give you a story you’ve enjoyed.  Hopefully I’ll be able to give you the next installment soon :)

Thank you for reading!

—pisoprano

Description below the cut

Mayura dashes into her room in the Agreste mansion.

Mayura: Duusu, fall my feathers.

Nathalie sits on the edge of her bed as Catwalker dashes into the room, ready to swing his baton at the nearest supervillain.

Catwalker: Sorry to barge in!  Did Mayura just pass through here?

Nathalie: I've seen no one. But I can check the security feed.

Nathalie taps at her tablet while Catwalker waits in front of her.

Nathalie: The only intruders on-camera are yourself and Ladybug.

Catwalker: I could have sworn Mayura entered the building...

Nathalie: The city's villains can be rather elusive.

Catwalker: I'll go let Ladybug know.  Thank you for your assistance.

Nathalie stretches out her hand.

Nathalie: Wait!  Do you or Ladybug have any leads on Adrien? Anything at all?

Catwalker: It's not a lead on Adrien, per se, but... Adrien found out that Mr. Agreste wasn't entirely truthful about the current state of his mother.

Nathalie stares ahead, flabbergasted.

Catwalker: I'm not really sure what happened, but if you have any insights...?

Nathalie (internally): How on earth...?  Did Adrien find the entrance to Gabriel's hideout that night?  How much did he see?  Was his disappearance driven by a desire to search the world for a cure for Emilie?  Or did he realize what Shadowmoth is trying to accomplish and flee to avoid feeling like he has to take sides between Ladybug and his family?

Nathalie looks up at Catwalker with a stern expression.  Catwalker returns the gaze with sympathy and concealed regret.

Nathalie: Adrien deserves to know the truth about Emilie, but it's a family matter—I can't discuss it with you.

Catwalker: I understand. Did Adrien leave anything behind? A letter, perhaps?

Nathalie: I searched his room.  There's nothing like that there.

Catwalker: That's... unfortunate.

Catwalker opens the door to exit the room, looking back at Nathalie meaningfully.

Catwalker: If Adrien were here, I'm sure he'd want to express his love and gratitude for you.  Please take care of yourself for him.

Nathalie: I will.  If you find out where he's gone... keep him safe.

Catwalker: I will.  Farewell, Ms. Sancouer.

Nathalie becomes serious as Duusu and Veritruce float behind her.  She holds a folded piece of paper in one hand and raises her fingers to snap with the other.

Nathalie: Veritruce, did he lie?

Veritruce: NO LIES DETECTED

Nathalie: Then you've served your purpose and I release you from existence.

Veritruce sadly dissolves out of existence.

A feather flies out of the piece of paper Nathalie holds, which is shown to be the letter that Adrien left behind where he tried to warn his father that Shadowmoth would be after him and that he wanted to send his love to Nathalie and the Gorilla.

Nathalie: Duusu, return your miraculous to Gabriel before that sedative I slipped him wears off.  I order you to reveal nothing of what we have done this night.

Duusu: Yes, Ms. Nathalie.

Cut to Catwalker catching up with Ladybug.  Ladybug stands with arms crossed, not looking at him.

Catwalker: Mayura's not on the property.  I doubt we'll... Ladybug?

Catwalker looks away, guilty.

Ladybug: You've been lying to me this entire time.

Catwalker: Yes.

Ladybug flings up her arms in anger.

Ladybug: That's all you can say to defend yourself?  Adrien's life could be in danger and you didn't think I'd want to know you were the last person to see him?

Catwalker bows his head, shoulders slumping in resignation.

Ladybug: What is wrong with you?

Catwalker: I'm sorry. Whatever punishment you deem appropriate for me, I'll accept it without question.

Ladybug pulls on her pigtails, exasperated.

Ladybug: I don't want to punish you! I just want to know what's really going on!

Catwalker: I can't tell you that.

Ladybug: Why not?!

Catwalker: Because... Because Adrien knows my identity.

Catwalker grabs his arm and looks away.

Ladybug: He figured you out?

Catwalker: It was unavoidable.  And any details about what really happened between us that night may lead you to figure out who I am.

Ladybug places an exasperated hand on her face and holds up her other hand as if she’s trying to explain something simple to a small child that simply isn’t getting it.

Ladybug: All you had to tell me was that Adrien wasn't kidnapped or murdered or...

Catwalker: The fact that I had any information about Adrien would have been suspicious.

Catwalker touches the back of his neck and looks down sadly.

Catwalker: Adrien didn't even tell his closest friends why he left or where he was going, but I, a hero who's only been seen once before, have insider knowledge?  I thought it better if everyone assumed that I'm ignorant than give reason to pry deeper.

Ladybug: Better for who? Certainly not Adrien!  You left him to fend for himself alone!

Ladybug folds her arms and looks down judgmentally.

Catwalker: You don't need to worry about Adrien.  He's safe where he is, I promise.

Ladybug: Then why didn't you say that when I asked you whether Adrien was okay?  There was a sentimonster forcing you to tell the truth and you said you didn't know.  You said Adrien could be dead for all you knew!  And now you try to reassure me about him after you regained the ability to lie about it?

Catwalker steps forward, his hands palm upward in front of him, trying to explain himself.

Catwalker: Mayura was there—almost everything I said around her wasn't fully truthful. I had to mislead her on anything I could.

Ladybug: You misled me before she even showed up!  And for what?  Your identity wasn't even endangered by what you did say around Mayura!

Catwalker: Your last partner is gone because he was imperfect with safeguarding his identity. I cannot afford to be as lax with protecting myself as Chat Noir was.

Ladybug points her finger at Catwalker in righteous anger.

Ladybug: Chat Noir did nothing wrong, so don't you dare blame him for your own callousness! He would have told me about Adrien!  He would have ensured Adrien had someone he can actually rely on!

Catwalker: It's what Adrien wanted.

Ladybug: I don't believe that!  You aren't someone whose word I'll just take for granted anymore!

Catwalker touches the back of his neck again, eyes looking away in exhausted regret.

Catwalker: Because I'm not the person you need me to be.  A partnership must be built on mutual trust... Do you want your old partner back?

Ladybug flings a hand outstretched behind her.

Ladybug: Of course I do! But you heard Mayura!  The only reason she's holding back revealing Chat's identity to Shadowmoth is because she thinks Chat is never coming back!  If he does...  It's just too dangerous!  I won't do that to him.

Catwalker tries to give a reassuring smile, extending an open hand towards her.

Catwalker: What if Chat Noir could return without facing any danger from it?

Ladybug: Mayura wasn't bluffing—

Catwalker: I promise that Mayura will not be a problem.  I have a foolproof plan and Chat Noir is guaranteed to be on board. I just need your permission. He'll be back before you know it.

Ladybug turns away, gritting her teeth and clenching her fists together as tears start to well up. Catwalker reaches out a hand towards her pleadingly.

Ladybug: You can't account for everything that Mayura knows about Chat that we don't!  You don't know him!  Your one lie to Mayura proved you don't!  So stop trying to get my hopes up with unfounded lies and whatever else you think I want to hear!

Catwalker: I'm not offering you false hope.  I would never promise you something if I doubted that I could fulfill that promise. I may have tried to deceive everyone before, but I'm telling you the truth now, Ladybug.  You need Chat Noir.  I can give him to you.

A close up of Catwalker’s face as he begs with all of his heart to reveal himself.

Catwalker: Let me.  Please.

Ladybug doesn’t turn around, her burning fury now waned into a quiet, desperate imploring.  Behind her, Catwalker has turned around, shoulders once again slumped in resignation.

Ladybug: I want to believe you, but... I just can't trust your reassurances anymore.  Please don't ask me again.

Catwalker: As you wish, Guardian.  But if you ever choose to be rid of me, just say the word.

Below is the same image as above, only without text: 

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 18. Who You Know (Veritruce, part C)

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Description below the cut

Ladybug flies up through the sky.

Ladybug (internally): I can't believe he... No.  Focus. Plan first.

Ladybug flies up towards a cloud, headed towards a darker opening within the cloud.

Ladybug (internally): I don't have my yo-yo, but I can still... wait, is that a hole inside this cloud?

From inside the cloud, Ladybug sees a cloud doodle of Rena Furtive above the words “Detransformation Safe Zone”.

Ladybug (internally): I didn't even realize she was out tonight.  Thanks, Rena.

Ladybug (aloud): Spots off!

Cut to Mayura pointing her fan up towards Catwalker threateningly.

Mayura: So now it is only you and me, Catwalker.  You may not know Chat Noir's identity, but you clearly are not unfamiliar with keeping secrets.  Talk.

Catwalker, still stuck in the upper cone, looks down in annoyance.

Catwalker: Just because I told Ladybug about Adrien, that doesn't mean I'll tell you all about Chat Noir. You almost killed him.

Mayura: And I regret that.

Catwalker leans against the cone and points an accusatory finger.

Catwalker: If you truly regretted your actions, you wouldn't be trying to hunt him down.  Or is what you regret that you failed to kill him?

Mayura raises her hands in exasperation.

Mayura: I don't want Chat Noir dead!  I am trying to make up for the harm I've caused him!

Catwalker: If you actually wanted to absolve yourself, you would have revealed Shadowmoth's identity to us.

Close-up of Mayura wringing her fan in her hands.

Mayura: Protecting Shadowmoth and Chat Noir is the decision my conscience can live with.

Catwalker: You have another decision: Walk away.  Whatever Shadowmoth's goal is can't be worth it.

Mayura: Even if he'd wish for something that Chat Noir desperately wants?

Catwalker leans back and raises a contemptuous hand.

Catwalker: You don't know Chat Noir very well if you think he'd be swayed so easily.

Mayura: I know him better than you think.

Catwalker: That still doesn't mean you actually care about him as a person.

Mayura: I literally cannot lie to you about this!

Catwalker hits his fist against the barrier wall.

Catwalker: Sure you can!  You control the amok.  You could have ordered Veritruce to not react to your lies.  And even if you didn't do that, it only detects your belief in what you say. Beliefs can be wrong.  So whatever you claim about caring about Chat Noir, your lie detector can't prove that you're speaking the objective truth.

Mayura: Then perhaps I can provide you external evidence?

Close-up of Mayura in profile.  There is also the image of Marinette blushing as she holds up the charm bracelet she gave Adrien, as well as the scarf she made for him behind her.

Mayura: Ask your kwami to verify this: A girl Chat Noir knows well likes to give him gifts.  A charm bracelet he carries with him at all times.  A birthday present she made for him that was misattributed to another.  Opportunities too, she will advocate on his behalf so that he can enjoy freedoms he might not have otherwise.  She admires him greatly and Chat Noir, in turn, considers her a most precious friend.

Catwalker stares ahead in shock.

Mayura: Will that suffice for now?

Catwalker: How do you know all that?

Mayura: Because I know him.  He's someone I would protect with my dying breath if need be.

Catwalker: And you think you'll protect him by making sure that I'm the one endangering myself to fight Shadowmoth.

Mayura bows her head and looks away.

Mayura: I won't try to kill you.  But we still need the wish.  And if you are our adversary, the inevitable fallout will be better than if Chat Noir were still involved.  Will you agree to keep him out of this?

Catwalker looks down. His earpiece is visible in his ear.

Catwalker: If Chat chooses to involve himself, that's his decision.  But I won't give up my miraculous to anyone besides Ladybug.

Mayura: That should be enough.  Thank you.

The point of the bottom conic barrier hits the top barrier with a clack.  Veritruce looks up in surprise.

Catwalker (internally): Mayura said these barriers were reinforced by truths. With every truth we've said, they've grown thicker, and now they're close enough to touch.

A close-up of Catwalker glancing upwards.  There is also the image of Ladybug falling down through the sky.

Catwalker (internally): And Ladybug is almost back—she'll need my help, so I'd better activate my...

A close-up of Catwalker’s hand as his ring charges with destructive energy.

Catwalker (aloud): Cataclysm!

A close-up of Mayura’s shocked face.

Mayura: What??

Mayura (internally): When did he recharge his miraculous?

Cut to a flashback when Catwalker was the one flying upwards through the sky.  Alya answers her phone while looking out on her balcony. Catwalker places a finger in his ear to activate his earpiece to make a call.

Alya: Hello?

Catwalker: Rena, I need somewhere safe to detransform.

Alya: Catwalker?  Did you steal my phone number from my flute?

Catwalker: Don't make me answer that, there's a lie-detecting sentimonster here.

Alya: Okay, but where's 'here'?

Catwalker: Can you see the speck flying above the Agreste mansion?  That's me.

Alya: I'll get you some cloud cover.  Trixx, let's pounce!

Cut back to the present as Ladybug falls downward from the sky, her yo-yo in hand.

Ladybug (internally): I've got my yo-yo back, but Catwalker's still trapped and powerless, so I can't rely on him.  But that barrier now has holes I can still use to my advantage...  If I aim...

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.

Ladybug (internally): ...just... right...

Both barriers begin to disintegrate.

Catwalker: Cataclysm!

Mayura: What??

Ladybug’s eyes widen.

Ladybug (internally): He destroyed the barriers?  Oh no... He's falling right towards—

Ladybug’s yo-yo catches on Catwalker’s arm right above Mayura’s face, snagging him away before he can catch her.

Catwalker: Ngh!

Ladybug (internally): My yo-yo.

Mayura and Veritruce flee off the rooftop, while in the background Ladybug tries to disentangle Catwalker from her yo-yo.

Ladybug: Let me untangle—

Catwalker: Don't worry about me!  We can't let Mayura get away!

Below is the same image as above, only without text:

[runawaycatwalker]

Part 17. Truthful by Technicality (Veritruce, part B)

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Description below the cut

The sentimonster Veritruce glows with magical energy.

Veritruce: LIE DETECTED!

Veritruce moves the part of the conic barrier that Catwalker was stuck in upwards with such force that Catwalker is flung straight into the sky.  Ladybug reaches her hand uselessly toward him.

Veritruce: LIAR EJECTED!

Ladybug: Catwalker!

Mayura projects an air of innocence while Veritruce floats by her with a cheerful smile.  Ladybug continues to be stuck in the barrier, annoyed.

Mayura: I probably should have mentioned: Veritruce is always watching for lies, I don't have to ask it to verify every statement.

Ladybug points her fingers accusingly towards Mayura.

Ladybug: Then that means you need to answer me truthfully too.  So: Why do you need to know what Chat has been doing so badly?

Mayura averts her gaze, clenching her fists.

Mayura: Chat Noir’s identity carries... unforeseen consequences.

Ladybug: You recognized him when he detransformed.  Who is he to you?

Mayura: He is... someone that we wanted to avoid akumatizing prior to now.

Ladybug panics.

Ladybug: You can't akumatize him!  The world... You cannot let that happen!

Mayura thumps her fan against the palm of her hand.

Mayura: I have no intention of allowing Chat Noir to be akumatized.  But, if the last few akumas are any indication, Shadowmoth may end up ignoring my advice, should he become too focused on certain means for accomplishing his goals.

Ladybug looks at Mayura critically.

Ladybug: 'Last few akumas'? You mean the ones that have been going after Adrien Agreste, right?  Is... is Shadowmoth choosing akumas who will hunt down Adrien deliberately?

Mayura stands with fan grasped in both hands, Ladybug’s yo-yo lying on the ground behind her.

Mayura: It's not what you think.  Shadowmoth merely wants to see the Agreste boy reunite with his father.

Ladybug: This is the same Shadowmoth that doesn't care when he terrorizes Paris, right?

Mayura: He's not that heartless.  If anything, he cares too acutely for his own good.  Once he decides how the world should be, he doesn't let go of it easily.

Mayura covertly looks above her, where Catwalker falls through a cloud in the sky.

Mayura: Speaking of persistence...

Veritruce creates a second cone, this one purple and inverted, in which to catch the falling Catwalker.

Mayura: Veritruce, seclude the liar.

Catwalker splats dizzily into the bottom of the new cone before he can make contact with the first cone.

Catwalker: Kaaadrghkh!

Ladybug: Catwalker!

Catwalker: Ow...

Ladybug: Are you okay?

Catwalker: I'll live...

Catwalker pushes himself up against the cone’s sides so he can reorient himself upright.

Mayura: Veritruce reinforces its barriers with the Power of Truth, did you really think it wouldn't notice that you lied about knowing Chat Noir's identity?

Catwalker: We only had your word about what it could do.  Testing whether we could lie seemed like a good idea.

Catwalker sits himself against the cone’s side.

Mayura: What if the consequences were something else—say, vaporizing you?

Catwalker: Then that would have been helpful information for Ladybug to know.

Mayura: Hmph.  You're lucky that I'm not done prying answers out of you yet.

A wide shot showing Mayura standing under the original pink cone, with Ladybug stuck in the barrier on one side and the stretched up hole left from where Catwalker was previously trapped.  Catwalker is currently trapped in an inverted purple cone, its tip floating mere inches above the tip of the pink cone.

Catwalker: Ladybug, what have you told Mayura?

Ladybug: Actually, she's mostly been the one answering me.  She's agreed to not let Chat get akumatized.  Also, Shadowmoth wants Adrien to come home, apparently.

Catwalker: That’s… concerning.

Mayura: What is there to be concerned about?  Isn't it a good thing if Chat Noir remains unaffected by akumas and a missing boy returned home?

A shot of Mayura’s lower half, Ladybug’s yo-yo still on the ground behind her.

Mayura: Unless your concern comes from something else...?  Tell me, Catwalker...

Catwalker folds his arms and looks down.

Mayura: What do you know about Adrien's disappearance?

Catwalker: I don't want to answer that question.

Ladybug’s eyes tear up, aghast, and reaches up towards Catwalker.

Ladybug: You know what happened to Adrien?  How?

Catwalker: ...

Ladybug: Answer me!

Catwalker: I was... around right before Adrien went missing...

Catwalker looks away, holding his hands between his knees.

Catwalker: I couldn’t help but notice that Adrien was deeply troubled by something, something he refused to disclose when asked.  But it was clear that he needed an escape... and that if I used my powers as Catwalker, I could provide the means of that escape.

Ladybug: Then that means...

Catwalker: I'm how he disappeared that night, yes.

Catwalker looks down towards Ladybug, the hand in front of him leaning on one of the barriers between them.

Ladybug: Do you know where he is now?  Please tell me that he's okay.

Catwalker: I'm sorry. I have every reason to think that he's still alive, but if he was dead, I wouldn't know.  He doesn't intend to approach me in the future.  And ever since that night...?  The only person who knows how to locate 'Adrien Agreste' is Adrien Agreste.

Mayura holds her fan in front of half her face, her other hand gesturing with palm faced upwards.

Mayura: You seem awfully concerned about Adrien, Ladybug.  You wouldn't happen to have ulterior motives for wanting to locate him, would you?

Ladybug waves her hands in the air in exasperation.

Ladybug: Are you kidding me? Oh right, every time I don't want someone to die it means I'm secretly in love with them!  That makes sense!

Veritruce gets in Ladybug’s face, eyebrows pointed down.  Ladybug covers her mouth sheepishly.

Veritruce: LIE DETECTED!

Mayura: Did I mention that sarcasm counts as lies?

Veritruce yeets Ladybug into the sky.  Catwalker reaches his hand uselessly toward her.

Veritruce: LIAR EJECTED!

Catwalker: Ladybug!

Below is the same image as above, only without text: