Chasing Ladybug 📸 (A Miraculous Ladybug Fanfic)

A Retelling: 21 | The 'Who's Who' of 'Who's That?'

As Marinette's knuckles turn white, she drops the chains with an exasperated sigh. She repeatedly kicks at the bar holding the metal to the floor, screaming to herself. She's been down here, alone, for almost two hours now, and the thought of Copycat doing something to Adrien has keeps her alert and wide awake.

She reaches for her mouth, trying to remove the gag, but before her fingers can reach her chin, the chains pull her arms back to her sides. The rag sits damp in her mouth, soaked up with tears, snot, and saliva.

I don't care if I die down here, but if Copycat hurts Adrien... I'd rather die than live without him.

Marinette lays on her back and stomps her feet against the wall, hoping if any sound she makes down here will be heard from outside. She didn't know if the room's soundproof, but knowing Copycat, it probably is.

My wrists are killing me. She looks down at her hands, choking out a sob as she traces the bruises stained on her pale skin with her eyes. Though she definitely isn't medically experienced enough, and too exhausted to care, she assumes her left wrist broke a few days ago trying to get the chains off.

The only thing that makes this situation worse is Copycat taking my miraculous. Is he going to trick Adrien with them? God, I'm the worst Guardian ever. How the hell did I even get in this fucking mess?

Marinette lets her legs rests and lays flat, taking in deep, steady breaths. I miss Tikki. I need her. She's the only thing that's kept me sane down in this hellhole; I'm not strong without her. She tilts her head back and closes her eyes. 

Tikki gently pats her holder's face. "I'm going to get you out of here."

"How?"

"I..." The bug's eyes widen with an idea. "I can go get Adrien! Tell him where you are."

She nods fast. "Yeah, yeah! That'll work. Why didn't we think of that sooner?"

"Because Creepy-cat spends most of his time down here, and I can't talk to you without risking your identity," Tikki reminds her.

"Right," She whispers. "Anyway, go get Adrien. Then he can come and—"

"Save you?"

Marinette flinches at his voice and looks over to see Copycat standing on the bottom step. She hadn't even heard the latch open or his footsteps. She glances at Tikki, who's been spotted, and that sinking feeling in her chest is back.

Copycat laughs, stepping closer. "This whole time... it's been you..." He stands above Marinette, cradling her soft face. "My sweet, my love, my lady."

"Tikki, spots on!" Ladybug falls back and brings her knees to her chest, kicking Copycat across the room. He flies back against the wall. She tugs on the chains, hoping her improved strength will be enough, but the metal chains sit still.

"Come on!" She grinds her teeth, groaning as she grounds her feet into the ground. She pulls hard, but it's no luck. "Come on! Please!"

Copycat jumps up and runs over. He grabs Ladybug's neck, forcing her head back, and he rips the earrings off. Marinette takes Ladybug's place.

"No!" The young girl shouts, tears instantly pouring down her face. She leaps forward, reaching out for her miraculous, but the chains bring her down. She rests her head to the floor, shoulders shaking with each sob. "That's mine! Give it back! Give her back! Tikki..."

"My love..." The imposter gently cradles her face and forces her to look up at him. It takes everything in her not to spit in his face again. He strokes his thumb along her bottom lip. "I made these chains to hold you—to hold Ladybug. It'd be silly of you to think you could get away from me that easily."