Part 10

The akuma let out frustrated shriek and aimed another arrow at Chat. The superhero, weary from the never-ending battle, underestimated the angle of the arrow as it whistled through the air.

He tried to jump out of the arrow's path, but was too late.

The metallic grey point sunk into his chest. Chat screamed in agony, his legs buckling underneath him.

The bow in the akuma's hand quivered from the sudden release of tension.

" Chat! NO!" Ladybug screamed, running over to her partner.

Through all the blood and tears, he managed to smile. He took her hand in his bloodied one, pressing a scarlet kiss to the back.

"I love you my lady. And... I'm sorry."

Her sky blue eyes could no longer met his green ones. Chat breathed his last breath, spluttering and coughing. Then there was silence. So deathly quiet was the silence, the sound of Ladybug's heart breaking could be heard for miles.

Her tears mingled with his blood as she sobbed, hunched over her partner's body.

"Please no, not you Chat. Chat please! WAKE UP! Wake up Chat Noir! Please, I'd do anything, just come back to me kitty. You can't leave now. Wake up! NO! No.. "

The liquid sadness left glistening trails down her cheeks. Her expression was one of pure anguish as the realization hit her like a freight train. Her partner, her other half, was gone. And he was never coming back.

"I can't lose you... "

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A detransformed Chat Noir snored peacefully with Marinette curled up in his arms. A few moments later, Marinette began to shake uncontrollably. Adrien abruptly awoke to the sound of Marinette crying out in her sleep.

"No! Chat you can't leave now... "

Adrien shot up in panic. "Plagg, Claws Out"

Marinette didn't flinch as the electric free light pierced the dark room. She kept turning and thrashing about, muttering pleas for Chat Noir to stay.

Suited up, Chat Noir gathered the quivering girl in her arms, stroking her hair and whispering sweet nothing's into her ear.

"It's okay Marinette"
"I'm right here"
"I won't leave, I'll never leave."

Within seconds, Marinette's frantic movements slowed. She curled into his embrace, clutching her leather clad partner as if her life depended on it.

A few tense moments passed, and she finally relaxed in his arms. She snuggled deeper, closer to him and the warm blankets that still partially covered them.

Marinette's breathing fell back into a steady, even rhythm. Chat Noir gazed at the girl that lay curled up against him. She was strong, he knew. So strong and brave. But having nightmares like that...did it happen often? And why would she have nightmares about him anyway?

He couldn't help but be worried about her.

She shifted in her sleep, and he gently let go of her and laid her back down onto her pillow. As he moved away, she frowned slightly at the loss of his warmth. But soon she settled back into bed and her light snores echoed faintly in the room.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he gazed at her, eyes filled with worry.

The first rays of morning light were peeping over the horizon, casting everything in an ash grey light.

Chat Noir knew he should leave before he was missed at home.

Throwing one last glance behind him, he scampered up her ladder and through the trap door. Reaching the top, he closed the trap door gently before bounding off among the Parisian rooftops, chasing the first rays of dawn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that day...

RING RING RING

The bell sounded, and the weekend had officially begun! Kids raced out of class, eager to get the party started.

Marinette was relieved at the sound of the bell. She didn't think her poor heart could handle the amount of attention Adrien had showered her with today!

In their conversations, she spoke more confidently with each passing minute. Never had she felt so alive!

She scurried after Alya as they raced home. Today was their girl's day out, a whole day devoted to forgetting about boys for a bit, and just enjoying one another's company.

Today they had decided to go ice skating! Alya was a natural, but Marinette...needed an extra push! Both were excited as it had been a long time since either of them had been to the ice rink. It was going to be a wonderful, frosty adventure!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The glossy, smooth surface of the ice glittered in the artificial light. So flawless, just waiting to be skated on.

Keira loved the feeling of the blades of her skates cutting fresh trails into the smooth surface as she twirled and spun effortlessly. She loved skating with every fiber of her being, she lived and breathed it! Nothing could stop her returning to the ice.

She absently fingered the small snowflake charm that hung on a silver chain around her neck. Just like her grandmother, the call was strong.

Keira glanced at her pale blue watch. The rink should be opening any minute.

Sure enough, the gate to the rink was opened and the first few people took some hesitant steps into the slippery surface.

Keira shook her head with a smile, her hazel eyes bright and jovial. Let her go show them how it's done.

She plodded down to the man at the gate of the rink. She flashed him her members pass before shooting off onto the ice.

After slipping the pass back into her pocket, she continued her first few laps around the rink to warm up. Round and round, she was flying. Weightlessly gliding over the frozen surface. She was in her element, pure joy written over her petite features.

She came across two girls, inching their way along the wall. She skated over, to show them a few basic techniques. It couldn't hurt to share a few tips and tricks with some beginners! After engaging in some polite and fun conversation, Keira sped off again, eager to continue her laps.

Her chocolate brown hair trailed behind her as she flew down one side of the rink to the other. No one could stop her, she was totally free! She skated faster and faster, away from her broken family's financial problems. Away from the bullies that taunted her daily. She sped away, leaving it all behind. Nothing could touch her now.

"Hey, Isole! Looks like you're officially too poor to skate here now!"

A harsh voice cut through the rest, ringing in her ears. She slowed down, dreading the next few moments.

"What do you want, Kyle?"

A blonde skated out from behind her, rudely knocking her shoulder as he passed. Swerving expertly, he came to a complete stop in front of her.

"I just overheard the Manager in his office. He says your time is up here. Unless you can pay this month's membership fees, which we all know you can't, you'll be kicked out!" Kyle sneered at her.

Keira's jaw went slack. Kyle was bad, but he would never lie about something like this. And she knew that she hadn't paid for this month yet...had the final deadline come so soon?

She didn't want to, but she believed it nonetheless.

"What are you waiting for? Get out! You don't belong here church mouse, scram!" his words, filled with hatred, pierced her to the core.

Tears starting to drop down her cheeks already, she tried to skate away from him. But he was too quick. He swerved in front of her, forcing her to try and stop, and trip over her own skates.

Flying forward, she landed front first before collapsing onto the ice. The cold immediately began soaking through her thin layers.

A few of Kyle's buddies rushed over to get a better look.

With cruel laughter, they slapped Kyle on the back, congratulating him.

Keira couldn't believe it. The last time she'd fallen was...

Out she was again, on the frozen lake. With the same skates, and the same great dreams.

But no sooner had she begun to enjoy herself, some of the other kids skated over. Forming a formidable circle around her, their leader stepped forward.

"What do you think you're doing on our ice? You don't belong here street mouse. Not with your pathetic excuse for skates and clothes" he jerked forward to her, and she stumbled backwards in response.

Landing on the ice hard, she turned over and lay panting on the ground. The cruel laughter echoed within her...

Keira got up from the ice, slipping, and then ran from the rink. She ran from Kyle, away from all those that hated her. But running, it wasn't the same as skating...just not good enough.

She hobbled over in her skates still, to the back of the building. Leaning against the wall, she cried. The tears flowed freely, leaving salty trails down her cheeks.
Holding her grandmother's snowflake pendant tightly in one hand, she asked why. Why her? Why did everything she loved have to be taken away from her?!

A small black butterfly approached. Slowly, steadily, it had one purpose. Evil glinting in the purple streaks, it was filled with incredible power.

The akuma found its way into her necklace. Instantly, the trademark butterfly symbol hovered over her face.

"Frostbite, I am Hawk moth. Would you like to get to the top of the skating ranks? Make Kyle and all of his stupid friends pay?"

His voice was so deep and mellow. So alluring and persuasive. So... Wicked. And she loved it.

"All I ask in return is for you to bring me the Black Cat and Ladybug miraculous. Deal?"

"Yes, Hawkmoth"