Caught by Surprise

What now?

As soon as Chat was out of sight, Marinette transformed to make a quick phone call on the run.

RR: Hey, LB, are you OK?

LB: Hi, yes, Chat is on his way to you and so am I. What's our situation?

RR: I made it look like LB had a plan for real Chat to rescue... Mari, while my illusion of Chat kept Hawkmoth busy. I made it look like he detransformed into Adrien.

LB: What? Why?!

RR: To quote LB: "He's blond, he wouldn't mind helping us and he's definitely not the real Chat."

LB: All right then, good thinking, I guess. Did you manage to catch Hawkmoth? Did he lead you to his lair?

RR: Sadly, no and no. Mayura showed up and I lost them. Sorry, have to go, cat approaching.

LB: See you in a sec, bye.

Chat landed gracefully on all fours next to Rena Rouge and before he could ask about Ladybug, she swung her yo yo and touched down right behind him.

"No sight of Hawkmoth or Mayura. I'm afraid we've lost them." Ladybug said, catching her breath. The trio stayed silent for a while. They all knew this was their big chance and they blew it. Rena rouge interrupted the silence.

"Chat, what about Marinette? Is she safe?" She asked, pretending not to know the answer.

"Yes, she's a bit shaken, but fine. She's a strong woman, can take care of herself."

"But there's something else. I think I know who Hawkmoth is." Chat whispered.

"What? That's the best news, let's take him down tonight, I'll call all the others to help us. Chat, this is big, why aren't you excited?" Ladybug couldn't hold back her emotions.

"Because I won't tell you his identity. I need to confront him alone. No questions asked."

"But you can't! It's too dangerous, I won't let you risk your life like that!" Ladybug protested.

"Ladybug's right, we won't let you do this." Rena Rouge finally spoke.

"You have to trust me. I see no other way."

"We trust you, but..."

"No buts, my lady. And no questions. I'll let you know when I'm done."

Ladybug and Rena Rouge shared a confused look, but nodded and watched as Chat waved them a sad goodbye and was on his way.

"We should definitely follow him." Rena said firmly.

"No! I trust him with my life. Literally. Also we kind of have a date later tonight, so I might find out soon enough."

"You trust him, yet you won't tell him who you really are. Right. Have fun with claws, though."

They both chuckled, hugged and left the rooftop in opposite directions. Ladybug to get ready for a date and Rena Rouge to get back to Prague to her boyfriend.

"Claws in."

"Are you completely mad, boy? Confronting Hawkmoth on your own?" Plagg ranted while stuffing his face with cheese. "You can't even talk to him about having lunch together, how are you gonna talk to him about being a supervillain?"

"Honestly? I don't know, Plagg."

"So why didn't you let the ladies help you?"

"Because I can't explain how I know about his identity without revealing mine. Because he's my father and I need an explanation, not a police raid. Because I still can't believe it's true." Adrien sat on his bed, broken. Then he changed into his regular T-shirt and jeans and got down to the dining hall to share a meal with Hawkmoth.