"And that Adrinkins, is why you should NEVER use the cafeteria napkins!" Chloe finished.

I nodded like I understood, but all I'd gotten out of that one-sided conversation was that 'paper napkins were for the poor, and that only fine silk would do for rich people'.

I hated how Chloe referred to us as if we were above everyone else...it seemed...wrong...But I didn't want to hurt her feelings by telling her that...Especially while I was still new to this whole 'friend' thing. Besides, I've known Chloe since...well, since my mom was still here.

I didn't want to risk losing her too.

As we walked from the park to the school, I bumped into Alya.

Her cheeks were bright red, and she was out of breath.

"Alya-"

"Adrien! It's awful! Ivan's been akumatized again!" Alya panted.

Ice gripped my heart, "Oh no! We need to get everyone to safety!" I had to transform!

As I began to run off, Alya grabbed my arm, "Adrien...that's not the worst part. This time, StoneHeart's got an entire army on his side... and he's kidnapped Mylen!"

My frown deepened. I really needed to transform. I started to run off again, about to shout an excuse, when Alya grabbed my arm a second time.

"Adrien...StoneHeart didn't just take Mylen,"

I froze, starting to understand. No...no, no, no, no! Please don't say it, "He took Marinette. And he's heading for the top of the Eiffel Tower. If he drops her..." Alya paled.

I didn't even bother to make an excuse. I ran. When I was safely hidden away, Plagg flew out of my jacket pocket, "Ready to save Paris?"

I nodded and whispered under my breath, "And Marinette... Plagg! Claws out!" I exclaimed.

...

"What do you mean, 'I have to capture the Akuma'? That sounds like so much work!" Chloe pouted.

Tikki sighed in exasperation, "If you don't then Paris will crumble and HawkMoth will take away your miraculous. Then you won't be Ladybu- I mean, Scarlet Lady anymore."

Chloe paled.

"Listen, Chloe...you heard Alya. StoneHeart has Marinette, so you can't give her back her miraculous-"

"IT'S NOT HERS! I GOT IT FAIR AND SQUARE!" Chloe suddenly screamed.

Tikki hung her head in defeat, "You're the only one who can do this Chloe."

Chloe stared at the tiny creature who so easily bent to her will...yet she didn't feel satisfaction...what she felt...was it...could it be...guilt?

"Okay. I'll do it."

...

"You're so useless Chat Noir! This is all your fault. If you had caught the Akuma beforehand, then this never would have happened," Scarlet Lady sighed.

I was so tempted to push Scarlet Lady off the building where we watched StoneHeart.

Rain poured down, and lightning crashed above us.

"I can't catch the Akuma. Only the person who holds the LadyBug miraculous-"

"DON'T CALL IT THAT!" Scarlet Lady suddenly shouted, "It's the Scarlet Lady Miraculous!"

I looked confused at her, "Why can't I call it the Ladybug miraculous, exactly?"

"Because that was going to be her name...But the miraculous is mine. GOT IT? MINE!"

I stared at her, then for what I'm pretty sure was the first time in my life, I rolled my eyes, "Okay, whatever...you know, Scarlet Lady is a mouthful. I'm calling you Scar from now on. Anyhow...the red and black miraculous earrings, does that name suit you, are the only miraculous who can capture the Akuma. So it wasn't my fault."

"Are you saying this whole mess is my fault?"

"Am I?"

"Well, it was your fault really! You should have told me what I had to do."

"I didn't know. The Ladybu-the red and black miraculous earrings aren't mine, and neither is their kwami."

Scar gave me a long glare, obviously trying to come up with a way out of it. Then, she gave up, "Don't we have a city to save? Come on, I'm so sick of this!"

I winked annoyingly, "Whatever you say, Scar."

We headed towards the tower.

When we reached the bottom, we were immediately met by StoneHeart's army.

"Scar! You gonna actually help this time?" I asked, more jokingly than anything.

But she just rolled her eyes, "Only because the cameras are watching!" Then she whipped out her yoyo, soon taking down three giants.

I had to admit, she was good.

...

AHHHHHH!!!! THAT WAS SO AWESOME! How did I do that? I knew I'd be a better Ladybug than that Marinette brat!

...

I watched Chat Noir from below. He fought so bravely! I glanced over at Mylen. She was shaking again.

It was pretty cold up here, being up so high, and drenched in water.

Ivan-StoneHeart had frozen in place once he'd gotten to the top of the tower. He was just like a statue.

Suddenly, he began coughing. Thousands and thousands of butterflies filled the skies. Purple glowing butterflies.

Suddenly, StoneHeart stopped and was himself again.

Then, Chat Noir caught sight of me, "Marinette! I'm coming!" He called up to me.

"Chat Noir! Hurry! Rescue us..." I murmured the last bit to myself...but StoneHeart heard.

"What? You're not scared of him?" He accused.

"I..." Suddenly, I felt brave, "No! I may have only just met him, but Chat Noir is my friend. What we did before was all a ploy..." Now my voice softened, "I want my friend back StoneHeart...Give me Ivan back."

Now, StoneHeart got angry, "You're just like Chloe, Marinette! Lying, and manipulating others just to get what you want! But guess what? I'm not Ivan-the-pushover anymore. Now, I'M STONEHEART!"

I came close to snarling, "IVAN WAS NOT A PUSHOVER! HE WAS MY FRIEND! SO LET HIM GO YOU MONSTER!"

StoneHeart's anger intensified. Then I remembered, 'once a monster, always a monster'. Chloe's words had really hurt Ivan...and now, by calling StoneHeart a monster...I sliced open that fresh wound.

Suddenly, a voice rang out below us, "LET MARINETTE GO, STONEHEART!" Chat Noir called up.

"You want her? Fine. Have her!" Then, he threw me.

I went sailing through the air, first spiraling, but I soon corrected myself.

I was so far up, I had time to realize something. I was about to die. So then, I started to cry, but I didn't scream.

I watched in horror as the ground came closer and closer and closer.

And just as I was sure I was about to hit it, someone swooped me up.

I looked up with adoring eyes at my hero...it was Chat Noir.

His golden locks were dripping with water, his eyes were wide from fear and excitement, and his tail swooshed from side to side.

Rain dripped down his cheeks. I suddenly wrapped my arms around his neck and let out one large sob, hugging him tightly. To my surprise, he hugged me back, "Hey...it's okay. I got you. You're safe," He whispered.

I slowly pulled back and looked into his deep green eyes.

Thunder suddenly crashed above us, and I could feel myself blush as I whispered, "You saved my life..."

What a stupid thing to say!

Chat Noir gently helped me stand, but was hesitant to leave, "Of course."

Another crash of thunder, "Go...Go Chat Noir. Paris needs you. I'm fine here."

Then, after a final crash of lightning, he raced off.

I hugged myself as I watched him go...and then I realized something...I missed him. With blushing cheeks, I looked at the floor. I think I was in love with a superhero.