Miraculous - The New Guardian

Part 97 - Ladybug

Claire had followed Marinette close but arrived just after her transformation. She grabbed her by the wrist, before she could use her yo-yo though, and looked directly into her eyes.

"What do you think you're doing? I told you, that you can't rely on the strength, that you're used to. What are you going to do, once you get there? Fight your way through the flying bullets? You wouldn't even be able do dodge half of them. Now just transform back and let others do the right things. The police are already on their way, and if I am guessing right, Mr. Agreste is there as Constrictor, isn't that so? You only get yourself in danger, Marinette!"

Ladybug gazed at the young doctor. She seemed to hesitate, then shook her head.

"I have to help him. I can't do this without him!", she yelled.

Claire shook her head and held on to her tightly.

"I won't let go of you. I can't let you risk your life and those of your children. I've sworn an oath, you know..."

But the superheroine shrugged.

"I'll take you with me then!", she simply stated and swung her yo-yo to the nearest roof, to then wrap an arm around the physician and pull her into the air with her.

The scared woman squeezed her eyes shut and waited for the impact. But luckily none came. Ladybug suddenly stopped swinging through the air and landed on a rooftop, the doctor coming down on her buttocks. There the girl stood, her hands on her knees, supporting her upper body, while she tried to take deep breaths.

Claire immediately jumped to her feet and ran the few steps towards the heroine.

"What is it, just tell me. Don't look away, I promise I won't be mad. I am not mad now, see. I'm just concerned. Just talk to me, sweetie!", she tried to persuade the pregnant girl. But Ladybug still didn't answer.

"I.....need.....to....find him.....before.....I can.....stop....", she eventually said between gasps of air.

"No!", Claire now yelled at her and took her face into both of her hands, so she had to look at her. "'You' must stop right now and let me help you. Say your magic words and turn back into a normal woman. I promise, I'll do my best, to save you, but, you need to listen to me!"

The red suited girl was still trying to look past her. Claire tried to follow her gaze and saw the building, she was staring at.

"Is that the Graham de Vanily residence?"

A short nod.

"Well, you have arrived at your destination then. You can't do anything like that, Marinette, please listen to my words. I can't stand next to you and watch you die!"

The physician had started to cry and tears were running down her cheeks. At the same moment they heard an explosion coming from the building across the street and a good part of it collapsed into the sewers.

"Adrien!", Ladybug screamed and grasped for her yo-yo. But Claire caught her hand and stopped her from reaching it. Then she laid both arms around the girl and held her taut.

Marinette just mumbled: "Spots off", when she was already falling to her knees, her breathing only flat and a searing pain shooting through her head. Luckily the female doctor managed to catch her in her arms, before she fell completely to the ground.

The last thing, Marinette heard, before everything went black was ChatNoir's voice, crying out in terror: "M'lady!"

The black cat knelt down beside them, taking his wife into his arms and kissed her forehead, while he pressed her limb body against his chest. But Claire didn't want to loose any time.