He pondered. What is she up to? He thought as she said this. Deciding it was a trick, he prepared to block. She didn't move.

Needing to be sure, he attacked. If it weren't for him stopping right before hitting her, she would've been hurt. She stood still. Is this a illusion by Rena? He wondered.

He grabbed her hand. No, she was real. Why? Why would she surrender? But then, he widen his eyes. She didn't have a glow anymore. The same glow that may have made him fall in love was gone. She looked...

Sick. Extremely sick. Not diseased. But just...gone. Her spirit seemed to have departed. How is it she was defeated? The ladybug he is in love with- was in love with was a brave, courageous, and sweet person. She wasn't a shell.

But looking at her, she was just...empty.

"What happened?" He said in a quiet voice.
"I don't know you tell me." She replied rubbing her arm.
"What do you mean?" He asked a little louder.
She looked up. Looking at her eyes, and small light was there. Barely. He instantly understood. Him. He happened. He was the reason she was a empty shell. A half dead woman. He was mad at himself. Mad at hawkmoth. Mad at everyone. He was defeated. Then he was struck with realization. He shouldn't feel bad. He came to retrieve her miraculous. Not to beat himself up. Not to feel bad for sure.

"So...that's it? No fight? No contest? Not even a pep talk?" He asked.
"Thats right. Nothing. I give up." She managed to chuckle.
"Why?"
"Ask yourself why."

She glared at him. But her glare quickly softened.

"I suppose it was bound to happen." She sighed.
"What do you mean, it was bound to happen?" He asked lowering his guard a bit.
"You choosing a different side. My life starting to fall apart. Things like that." She said. No tears were in her eyes. She was beyond that.

"Save the city one last time?" She asked weakly, trying to put on a smile.
"Yea but don't think you'll convert me." He said trying to convince himself as he said this.
"I know I won't."

They ran from roof to roof. She retrieved her yo-yo as she decided it had use for one last time. They swung and eventually heard a scream. They ran, and saw a burglar with a knife. Quickly distracting him, Chat used his cane to bop him on the head making the thief turn. He was about to throw the knife when a yo-yo wrapped around his arm. She pulled, and he fell on his face. They quickly disarmed him, and gave back what he stole to the frightened civilian. She ran, and didn't stop. They shrugged and were about to say, "Pound it" when they realized they didn't do that anymore. They headed back to the tower, and Chat spoke.

"So, tell me, what do you want to say before I strip you of your miraculous?"
"Well...it's a bit of some final words...To start off..."

Flashback

"Pound it!" They cried in unison.
"Chat, can you promise me something?" Asked Ladybug.
"Of course m'lady. What is it?" He replied.
"Will you always stay by my side no matter what? No matter the pain or scenario?" She asked gripping his hand.
"Of course m'lady. Even to the bitter end." He said as he hugged her.

End of flashback

"I've always loved you."