Curse of the Black Cat (Miraculous Ladybug)

P a r t 4

Gasping, I scrambled to my feet and staggered backwards away from my partner. Her eyes widened with a pleading look in them, once again making me feel guilty. "Chat Noir," Ladybug protested, "it's okay. Just calm down; please don't back away like that!"

I shook my head wildly, unable to put my emotions into words. "Stay away!" I begged. "Please."

"Chat . . . !" She took another step towards me, which made me automatically move back another five paces.

"I don't want to hurt you!" I insisted. "I . . . I need to be alone tonight. Something bad is going to happen if I'm out with people . . . and you."

"Don't be ridiculous," she whispered, but despite her words, her eyes and tone were serious and desperate. "I need you! We've figured out a plan to take down the villainess, but we need your Cataclysm. Nothing else will work."

"'We'?" I echoed, curious in spite of my terror and situation. Honestly I didn't realize I'd said it out loud, but she explained, "I left Rena Rouge and Queen Bee to hold her while I was away." She stared at me pleadingly. "Chat Noir. If there's anything you can do to save the world, it's to come back with me. Please! We can't do this without you!"

I couldn't believe how she sounded; so pained and helpless. Like my being there to help them was the only thing she'd ever wanted. My gaze remained locked with hers for such a long moment that she said again, "Please, Chat."

I exhaled heavily. "M'lady," I choked, "I told you. I can't. For the rest of the night, I'm cursed. I can't control myself. I'll only cause more danger. I've already scared you; you saw what happened before I left! It's my ring, and I can't transform back until it's all over."

"You're acting normal now!" she pointed out immediately. "Maybe it'll last. All we need is the Cataclysm, and that's it. The rest of the plan is already made."

I hesitated, silenced into thinking about her words. I still didn't want to go back, terrified I'd hurt someone and be feared for the rest of my miserable life, but maybe Ladybug was right. She was the smartest girl I knew, and she wouldn't  say something if she wasn't sure of it.

"Fine," I mumbled at last, staring at the ground. "I'll come."

(Sorry it's so short) 😶