Curse of the Black Cat (Miraculous Ladybug)

P a r t 2

The sun was almost out of sight by the time I arrived at the party site my friends had set up. I was welcomed with an enthusiastic hug from Nino, while Alya and Marinette smiled from the sides. I waved happily at the two girls; Alya grinned wider and returned it, while Marinette giggled nervously and did the same.

Marinette always seemed edgy around me. It'd become a side mission for me to try and figure out why, ever since we'd become friends on that rainy day almost a year ago. Nevertheless she was a great friend, and I really enjoyed her company, even though we had a tendency to get ourselves into awkward situations whenever we hung out.

After our greeting, Nino returned to the table he'd set up and turned on some catchy Halloween music to add to the fun. As I listened to the beat, I scanned my surroundings and all the other people there. I saw Kim and his new girlfriend Ondine, Alix, Ivan and Mylene, Nathaniel, Rose, Juleka, Max, and even Sabrina, freed for once from having to obey my old friend Chloé's every order.

Someone had set up snack tables near the DJ seat, where Nino was. I wandered casually over and grabbed a small croissant that looked doubled, like the baker had purposefully made it so it looked something like a bat. I flopped into a fold-up chair beside the table and sat watching the others have fun while I ate. Apparently noticing my pleased expression, Alya winked at me, then pointed to Marinette, indicating that she'd made them. I grinned and flashed a thumbs-up at her, which made her blush and nod awkwardly in response.

I finished the croissant, then stood and made my way over to the two girls. "Hey Alya, Marinette," I greeted them cheerfully. "Awesome party, am I right?"

"Yeah!" Alya agreed heartily, while Marinette merely nodded, still grinning away. I couldn't help but reflect her smile; it was contagious. As strange as she acted sometimes, Marinette always seemed to be happy.

I hung out with them for a while, chatting over things we'd done over the weekend, as well as listening to Alya rant about her best friend. It seemed odd that Alya was more open about Marinette than Marinette was herself, but that just went on to show her humility. More reason to be proud of her as a friend.

It wasn't till the full moon was rising in the sky that things went wrong.

First, we heard a chorus of fearful screams coming from down the street. Just as I turned to see what was going on, a figure flew into sight atop an object that looked something like . . . a witch's broom? How fitting, I couldn't help but think.

"If I can't spend time out with my friends, then no one will!" the akumatized person screamed. She pointed the broom downwards, and a green beam of light shot out. It hit the back of a poor shrieking lady, and immediately the lady vanished into thin air.

Where is she putting them?! I thought, panicked, then turned to my own friends and ordered, "Quick, guys, take cover! Get out of here!" As they obeyed, I took off in a different direction until I'd reached an empty space behind a huge truck. I crouched down, pulled back the rim of my jacket to let Plagg out, and shouted, "Plagg, claws out!" It wasn't until after I was fully transformed that I remembered my kwami's warning.

Too late now, and besides, I have no choice. Shaking off my misgivings, I jumped on top of the vehicle and started racing along top the roofs in pursuit of the cackling supervillain. She was pretty fast, I had to admit, but I was keeping pace with her pretty well.

Then a familiar voice called my name. "Chat Noir! Over here!"

I started turning toward the sound, recognizing it as Ladybug's, but things really plunged downhill there. I hardly even caught a glimpse of her before my vision abruptly turned black.

Hallow's Eve. Plagg's haunted voice sounded once again in my head. Whatever you do, don't transform.

What's happening?! I stared in terror through the darkness. The weird thing was that I knew I was not conscious. But I didn't feel dizzy or anything; it just seemed like I'd gone blind and lost all feeling. Plagg? Can you hear me?

Suddenly, things righted again. I blinked as color and my surroundings returned . . . but I almost wished they hadn't.

Because when I realized what was going on, I found Ladybug backing away from me, her yo-yo forming a glowing red shield and her eyes wild with fear. "Chat!" she exclaimed. "Snap out of it! What's wrong with you?!"

I blinked in confusion, then felt my blood run cold when I registered only then that I had my baton out, and was growling at my Lady like I was some type of savage animal. I dropped my weapon and widened my eyes, clenching my fists in bewilderment. "M-M'lady?" I stammered, now almost frightened of myself. I began moving away in puzzled fear, as her expression switched to relief and concern. "Chat," she said nervously, "what just happened? What's going on with you?"