White Shadows

Chapter 10: A White Cat

I hung back from the group, watching Marinette through my golden lashes. I could feel Félix's and Plagg's worried gaze. The poison within was growing then contracting, spreading its grasp to the farthest parts of my body with each pulse. Something also battled it with such raw anger. It also wanted control but it was losing the battle. The poison's control gradually growing with its desire to live. I could no longer tell what was what and what purpose the beings wanted.

Félix could smell it. Plagg could smell it. Dad could sense it.

The need to be free grew, weakening my desire fight.

I inhaled sharply as my eyes rolled into the back of my sockets. My head lolled back on my shoulders. The White Cat finally sinking his claws into me, the poison gave an angered 'shriek' before being forced back. An image of a white cat with blue eyes briefly flashed through my mind, whispering promises to be free. I just needed Ladybug's cleansing light to remain alive.

The soft murmuring voice became my own. A blinding light colored my lids before vanishing. I opened my eyes, staring unseen at Marinette before a pink butterfly lit my face. My arms hung by my side as the presence in my head grew stronger, preventing Hawkmoth's control.

"Welcome back Cat Blanc." Hawkmoth's familiar voice purred as I felt him trying to seize control upon my body. "It has been a while since we last spoke." I slowly exhaled; waiting for what words came next. It was only a matter of time before he asked. I knew he wanted my miraculous. He wasn't going to have it. I refuse to let his honeyed words get the best of me. It was my freedom. It was his entrance. "About your Miraculous . . ." He crooned as a smile curled my mouth.

"Nice try Hawkmoth." The man fell silent. I could feel Copycat's eyes burning into me. Hawkmoth couldn't see through me. He didn't have control of me. He could only speak to me. "You no longer have control over me." My tail clicked the ground. "I'm not a puppet for you to control anymore. But I must say thank you for awakening me." A sly smile curled my lips, his words bubbling from my tongue. I cut the link. Hawkmoth's angered growl cut short.

I grabbed my staff and launched myself into the air, wanting to get away from the stares of those around me. I ignored the sweet voice of Ladybug as she called out my name. The others began calling. I hesitated when Félix's voice reached my ears. He did care for me and offered me the freedom that I had longed for. Even the white cat was fond of him.

I froze as Copycat's scent tickled my nose. I whirled around. The black cat halting before a pink butterfly light up his face. I glided forward, staring at the black cat. I ignored the eyes of my small audience. A threatening hiss escaped Copycat as he flattened his ears against his blond hair. I launched myself at him, pinning him to the ground.

He yowled and dug his claws into my shoulders before flipping me onto my back. "He's hunting." Félix's soft voice reached my ears. I slightly folded them back, aware that he was here. "Don't let him get Copycat!" Félix exclaimed

I felt someone knock me off the black cat.

Copycat hissed viciously and scampered away, his back stiff and tail straight in the air. His hair was much fluffier and seemed ragged while his ears were folded sideways before he turned tail and ran. An angered hiss erupted from me while Copycat's scent dissipated with the oncoming rain.

The person flinched when the droplets of water hit him. I released a yowl and twisted around, my clawed hand poised and ready to strike. I froze when Phantom Cat hissed at me, his right hand poised beside his face. His sapphire blue eyes empty and cold, though his face held slight concern. Félix usually hide his feelings during a fight.