Eclipsed memories

Chapter 4: The loss

The setting is dark and tense—a remote part of Paris bathed in eerie light as Chloe, now fully transformed by the relic, stands atop a crumbling statue. The city's iconic skyline looms in the background, warped by the malevolent energy radiating from her. Ladybug and Cat Noir arrive, their expressions determined but anxious.

Chloe says "Well, well, if it isn't Paris's favorite heroes. I was wondering how long it would take for you two to show up. I assume you're here to beg me to stop?"

"This isn't you, Chloe! Whatever Hawk Moth promised you, it's a lie! You don't need to do this." Ladybug tries to convince

Chloe laughs coldly "Need? Oh, Ladybug, I don't need anything anymore. I want. And what I want is simple—one of you is going to give up everything."

Chloe raises the relic, and a wave of golden energy lashes out. Ladybug and Cat Noir leap into action, dodging and counterattacking. They work together, their movements perfectly in sync, as they always have been.

The battle is fast-paced and chaotic. Chloe's newfound power makes her stronger and more dangerous than ever before. She taunts them at every turn, unleashing waves of magic that twist the environment around them.

Cat Noir says to Ladybug, dodging an attack "She's stronger than we thought!"

Ladybug grates her teeth "We just have to find her weak spot. Stay sharp!"

The fight escalates as they try to subdue Chloe, but the relic shields her from their attacks. Finally, Chloe hovers above them, smirking.

Chloe mocks "You two think you're so clever, don't you? But this isn't a fight you can win. The relic feeds on bonds—strong ones. And yours? Oh, they're delicious."

She lowers herself to the ground, holding the relic in her palm as it glows ominously.

"There's only one way to stop this. One of you must sacrifice your memories of the other. That's the only way to break the relic's power."

Ladybug and Cat Noir freeze, stunned.

Ladybug screams "What?"

Chloe smirks "You heard me. One of you has to forget the other—completely. The love, the friendship, the partnership. All gone. Forever."

Ladybug's mind races. She looks at Cat Noir, her heart pounding.

Ladybug desperately says "There has to be another way! We can't—"

Before she can finish, Cat Noir steps forward, his staff disappearing.

Cat Noir said firmly "I'll do it."

Ladybug shocked "No! You can't—"

Cat Noir interrupts, his voice soft but resolute "It has to be me, M'lady. You're the one Paris needs. You're the one I need."

Ladybug grabs his arm, her eyes brimming with tears.

Ladybug pleads "There's always another way. We'll find it together. Please, don't do this!"

Cat Noir smiles faintly "Together doesn't work if she's right. The relic is too strong. I can't let you lose everything for me."

He steps out of her grasp, turning to Chloe.

Cat Noir shouts to Chloe "Do it. Take my memories of her. Of us. Just let her go."

Chloe's eyes gleam with triumph as the relic glows brighter, its power focusing on Cat Noir.

Chloe mocks "So noble. So predictable. Goodbye, Catnoir."

The relic's energy engulfs him, and Ladybug screams his name, trying to reach him. But it's too late.