Return of a Killer

Story

Blanc had seen Marinette's eyes focus on something behind him, and when he saw her eyes avert so quickly, he knew there was something behind him he wasn't supposed to know about. He heard the familiar sound of the black cat's staff cutting through the air and crouched, quickly replicating the sweeping kick that knocked down Hawk Moth. But, Chat Noir had quickly dodged, catlike reflexes coming into play. 

Blanc jumped back, coming to a stand in front of Marinette. He yelled, " Plagg, claws out!" and with a white flash, he was the white demon once more. Marinette backed away from him, and the two cats began to circle each other. Both had the same expression of hatred hidden behind the calm analysis of their opponent. Marinette would never get used to Chat Noir being as cold and silent as he is now.

Chat Blanc waited until he stood just a foot or two away from Marinette, then he stopped. Marinette kept her eyes on the white cat, tense and expecting an attack. There was a stillness in the air, no one daring to move. Marinette made the first move, using Chat Blanc's willingness to get close to her to her advantage, swinging her leg up towards his face. He ducked into a pre-attack crouch to dodge. Chat Noir came in with a tackle, preventing an evident attack to her exposed leg.

Marinette felt a need to turn into Ladybug, but her mind told her she couldn't, being used to having the earrings gone. She reached up to her ears, and when she felt the smooth, cool surface, she felt a rush of confidence and relief, " Tikki, spots on!" she commanded. The red flash overtook her as the two cats started to battle. Chat Noir swung his staff, aiming for his opponent's side. Chat Blanc jumped back, lunging forward. His staff was knocked out of the way, and a kick to the white cat's torso connected. 

Ladybug saw an oppertunity as he stumbled back, grabbing her yo-yo. She quickly threw it, and the cord wrapped around Chat Blanc, binding his arms and legs. Now helpless, he let out a low growl as he struggled against the cord. Ladybug noticed his bell as it jingled slightly at the base of his neck. She went over to him and grabbed it off, tossing it on the floor. When it dented, no akuma came out. Ladybug's gloved fist clenched at her side, and her whole body tensed. Chat Noir put his hand on her shoulder, hoping it would comfort her. 

It did not.

Ladybug's fist reeled back, coming forward with all the terror, anxiety, helplessness, pain, and bloodshed he had caused. When it connected with his jawline, Ladybug did not feel satisfaction, only anger as he simply fell to the floor. She grabbed him by the cord keeping him tied and pulled him up, her expression was one of pure rage. 

" Where is your akuma?" she demanded, struggling to keep her voice steady. Her hands were shaking. 

" I know where Hawk Moth i-" he tried to say.

" NO!" Ladybug screamed, throwing him back on the floor. She felt like she was going to break down again, wishing she could just curl back up in a ball and be held by Noir. Ladybug felt Chat Noir's hand close around hers, warm and gentle. Ladybug clung to the black cat's chest, feeling his arm very gently pull her close. Noir swept her bangs aside, giving her a supportive kiss on her forehead. He saw some tears forming, and wiped them away. Ladybug steeled herself. She wouldn't cry. She wouldn't have a breakdown. She had Chat Noir there, like always. He was still as stubborn and reliable and selfless as ever. 

Ladybug pulled away, and he let her. She turned to Chat Blanc, still tied and lying on the floor. He saw the affection he showed her, his body writhing in his bonds like his jealousy writhed inside him. 

" Tell us where the akuma is." Chat Noir cooly demanded. 

His pupils were paper thin slits, and he was downright seething. Chat Blanc looked on the verge of snapping wholly and completely. He looked Chat Noir dead in the eyes and hissed, " Father NEVER loved us! He never loved ME!" To say that startled Chat Noir was an understatement, but the crazed boy continued " He keeps Mother in the basement! He was Hawk Moth the whole time!"

The black cat felt a sudden urge to defend the man responsible for his creation, " Shut up! You're psychotic and sick in the head!" he snapped. 

Chat Blanc's face changed from completely twisted with rage to wide-eyed and blank, his tone flattening, " Go and see for yourself if you don't believe me," he said, " He hurt me. He knew Marinette and I were together and he split us apart. He knew who I was and he used it against me." 

Chat Noir's righteous anger chipped at the edges, exposing a fearful disbelief underneath. " No. You're lying!" he shouted, " You're a murderer and a kidnapper and you're twisted-!" Ladybug cut him off by placing a hand on his chest. Ladybug felt a deep, lurching urge to get as far away from Chat Blanc as possible. Her kitty was right, the villain in bonds in front of them was a murderer and kidnapper. All the reassurance in the world couldn't convince her that he wouldn't end up killing her too.

She protectively wrapped her arms around Chat Noir, wanting to protect him from whatever could turn him into a monster like this. Ladybug's good heart called for some form of pity deep down, but she just could not muster it for someone like him. 

Chat Blanc let out a soft sob, but his tears were not for his father or Bunnyx or Nathalie, they were for his love. She was right there in front of him, she hated his guts when all he wanted was for her to reach out and put him back together. He just wanted her to save him from being so lost. He wanted to hold her and know she's safe and feel her heartbeat against his. Some anger slipped in through the sadness as he saw her holding onto someone else.

No matter how much it may hurt him, he won't stop trying to make her his.