To Catch a Ladybug

Chapter 6

Alya's POV
Nino and I are watching the meeting between Mari and Lilacmoth. After they're done talking we follow her. It takes a few minute for her to choose a place where she transforms back. I smile as I take a video of her transforming. We know what she looks like now. I quickly walk away with Nino before she can spot us. I look back to see her disappear around a corner. After a few more minutes I contact Mari to let her know. When she doesn't answer my call I get worried. I hope something hasn't happened to her.

Marinette's POV
I wake up chained to a mattress. My surroundings are dark and I can't hear anything. I try to slip out of the chains but only succeed in hurting myself. "That won't do anything." A girl says through the darkness. She sounds familiar but I can't place it. "The chains are too tight to escape. Believe me, I've tried." She says, sounding tired. "Why am I here?" I ask quietly. "I have no idea. I'm not even sure why I'm here." She replies before going silent. I'm about to say something when I hear a door opening.

Light floods into the room, illuminating a person standing in the doorway. "It's time for you to eat." A soft voice says. I takes less than a second for me to recognize that voice. "Why am I here Lilith?" I ask, still struggling against the chains. "No talking until you've eaten." She says as she sets a plate down. The plate is filled with delicious smelling food and my stomach growls. She smiles as she starts feeding me. I try to fight it at first but my hunger takes over. After I finish she goes and feeds the other person.

I wake up to find the chains have been removed. Looking around I notice a bottle of water on the ground. I push myself up and take a drink. A quiet sound grabs my attention. The girl from before is whimpering quietly. I slowly stand up, my legs weak and my vision blurry. After a second my vision clears and I take a wobbly step forward. It takes a while for me to make over to the other side of the room. I look down at the girl, her face is gaunt and her eyes are dull. I barely recognize her, Lila.

Luka's POV
I walk back to my apartment and smile. The reason I had been called earlier was because the item I ordered was ready. Christmas is coming up and everybody's been preparing for the party. It had taken me weeks to find the perfect present for Mari. I look at the small box in my hand. I hope she likes it. I quickly put the box in my pocket and open the door. Looking around I don't see her. "Mari?" I call out. I wait for a reply but am only greeted by silence. Where is she?

Alya, Nino, and I are looking around Paris for Mari. I had called them after I couldn't find Mari at our apartment or her parents bakery. It's been a few hours and we still can't find her. I'm really worried. Hopefully she isn't hurt. What if someone attacked her? Or tried to rape her? I shake my head to clear my thoughts. I won't find her by worrying. Suddenly I trip over something. I look down and gasp. Mari's bag is lying there. I open it to find Tikki passed out. Alya and Nino appear behind me, escorting me home.

Marinette's POV
I don't know how long I've been here. But it's been so long since I've seen the sky. I miss the pale blue of the morning, and the deep shade of the night sky. I miss the color blue. The soft blue fabrics I used to make clothes. The royal blue of the river. But mostly the blue of his hair, hanging over his icy eyes. The image of him quickly changes and I'm left in tears. In my head I watch him as he makes out with another girl. It didn't happen, he wouldn't do that.

I wake up, not knowing what time it is. "Good morning!" Lilith says cheerfully. I try to ignore her as he hands me food. "I have a surprise for you today." She says with a smile. After I finish eating she leads me to the doorway. I follow her through a hallway and to a different room. "This is your new room. I hope you like it." She says as I look around. In the corner is a bed with a nightstand. On the other side of the room is a desk covered in fabric and a simple mannequin.

I've been staying in my new room for a few weeks now. Lilith said we could go outside today. I'm excited to see the bright colors of nature. I go to my closet and change into a new outfit. After a few minutes I hear a knock on my door. "Are you ready to go?" Lilith asks excitedly. I open the door and nod, following her outside. Taking a deep breath I enjoy the scent of nature. Hopefully we'll do this more often. I follow Lilith to the park and smile. A group of kids are running around playing a game.

Luka's POV
It's been almost two months since Mari went missing. In that time Tikki recovered. Everyday Alya, Nino, and I go out hoping to find her. But she never shows up. I've lost all hope of seeing her again. I wish I could see her beautiful smile. Or her eyes, reflecting the stars she loved to see. I'd give anything to be able to hold her. But I know it won't happen. A familiar giggle makes me look up and see Mari standing there. I run over and hug her. She lightly pushes me away as she clears her throat.

"I'm sorry but this isn't working anymore. We're done."