The White Cat

Chapter 4: Cats

"Marinette, are you alright?" A crystalline voice asked as I groaned while I plopped onto my bed. I couldn't get the image out of my head of Ivy's lips pressed against Cat's. When she had kissed him, rage and something else stirred in my gut. I couldn't decipher the other feeling. It was twisting around inside whenever I thought about it. I wanted to say it was the same feeling I got whenever I saw Cloé trying to kiss Adrien.

"I don't know Tikki," I looked at the Kwami with a sigh. Tikki blinked as she tilted her head, watching me with her blue eyes. "I don't know what to make of this." I dropped my head onto the pillow, not seeing the amused smile dancing across the Kwami's face.

Tikki laughed. "What? The jealousy coursing through you because you weren't the one kissing Cat?" She giggled as I frowned. I lifted my head and glowered at her. I never had the desire to kiss Cat and I certainly will never want to kiss that Kitty. Tikki just flashed me a knowing smile. I scowled at her. I didn't want to admit that I liked Cat, even to myself.

I exhaled as I flipped onto my back in time to see Cat Noir land on the trapdoor above my bed before taking off again. I immediately sat up before looking at Tikki. "Is there another Akuma attack already?" I asked as she shrugged. I took a deep breath and rose to my feet. "Tikki, transform me."

I opened the trapdoor and climbed out, looking around for any clues to where Cat could've gone before closing the door. I pursed my lips as I grabbed my yo-yo and spun it, searching the nearby buildings for any sign of the annoying flirt.

I threw my yo-yo, trusting my instincts to lead me to my partner. I didn't know if he started patrol without me or if something was wrong. I sighed as I gently tugged on the string after it had wrapped itself around a chimney stack, yanking me forward. Well, whatever it is, I'm going to find out soon enough.

"Cat?" I called before I froze when I caught sight of the black clad hero on the roof of my school building. I ran forward and leapt, doing a quick summersault before landing in a spider-man pose. I froze and looked up when Cat released an anguished cry and dropped to his knees.

I slowly rose to my feet, staring at him as shock pulsed through me. I could hear his sobs through the silent night. The moon made his black leather suit glow silver. Something had happened after all. Or perhaps this is my fault. I flinched at the creeping thought.

"Cat?" I called again as he suddenly looked up. My heart fluttered as his gaze followed something flying close to him. I walked around to see his profile. My heart stalled as I recognized the black-purple butterfly flying around him. No, nonononono. Please not him. I held my breath as my heart picked up speed. I grabbed my yo-yo and spun it, prepared to cleanse the butterfly while Cat hesitated. I could read the pain in his expression. I wanted to get the insect but I didn't want to hit him at the same time.

He slowly rose to his feet, taking a step back from the butterfly. "Cat!" I yelled when the butterfly flew into his miraculous ring, forcing his black Kwami out. The little creature released a tormented cry as he watched his friend with helplessness.

Cat inhaled sharply as he tilted his head back and closed his eyes, spreading his arms out by his side. His tail slowly swinging from side to side as a purple butterfly glowed over his face, his tears ceasing to flow.

"Don't accept it! Please don't accept it!" The little black cat wailed as he floated towards Cat's face. I watched as he wiped away the drying tears. I was glued to the spot, I couldn't move. Something inside had broke. I suddenly felt unbalanced, almost like I couldn't do what was necessary anymore.

"Aye, Hawkmoth. All will be purrrrfectly free." He cooed a few secounds later as he embraced the flow of black mist that fell like water down his body. I trembled as a sinister smile curled his lips.