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Tales of Bloody Bug and Chat Noir - Chapter 9 - Evillustrator

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Adrien sat in Ms. Mendeleiev Chemistry class. He wrote out his notes with his classmates in the eerily silence. He occasionally jotted down ideas to get Luka to talk to him between his notes but scratched them out. He probably should give up like Juleka suggested, but he couldn’t yet. There had to be a way to be friends with Luka so he could have another friend like Nino and perhaps Bloody Bug.

“Nathaniel! What are you drawing?” Ms. Mendeleiev roared.

Adrien jumped and looked behind him. Ms. Mendeleiev stood at Nathaniel’s desk.

“What?” Nathaniel asked.

Ms. Mendeleiev grabbed a page from Nathaniel’s sketchbook. “And these artistic endeavors are clearly why you’re failing science.”

“I’m sorry.”

Ms. Mendeleiev dropped the page and wiped her hand on her shirt. “Take your stuff and march yourself right to the principal’s office. Make sure to show him that chicken scratch.”

Nathaniel gathered his stuff and headed out of the class. He tripped on a backpack and fell. His sketchbook flew from his hand onto the floor. It opened to the pages he recently worked on. It was comic featuring him as a hero as he saved Marinette.

Marinette’s eyes widened as she looked at Alya, who grinned. Adrien’s jaw dropped while Luka ignored everything. Kim and Chloe laughed at Nathaniel. Ms. Mendeleiev scoffed and pulled Nathaniel up while Chloe took the sketchbook.

“Ooh. Look, Sabrina. It’s him as a superhero. And look who he’s saving. It’s Marinette!”

Sabrina gasped and giggled.

“What a perfect couple, right, Sabrina? The two losers are just meant for each other,” Chloe remarked.

Nathaniel snarled and snatched back his sketchbook as Chloe ripped a page from it.

“Enough! Nathaniel, go!” Ms. Mendeleiev yelled.

Nathaniel flinched and ran out.

Ms. Mendeleiev shook her head and returned to her desk. “Alright, before class lets out, I’m going to assign the next particle physics groups. First, we have Luka, Adrien, and Alya.”

Adrien’s jaw dropped. He had the perfect opportunity to hang out with Luka. He could finally make another friend.

Juleka raised her hand. “Ms. Mendeleiev, I think you made a mistake?”

“Excuse me?”

“Luka is always with me, but you didn’t call my name.”

“Where’s the mistake?”

“I’m not with Luka.”

“That was no mistake. I’ve noticed you never give Luka a chance to speak during your presentations. To remedy that, he’ll be with another group, and you’ll be with Ivan and Nathaniel.”

Juleka grumbled but didn’t talk back.

“With that settled, the next group is Chloe, Sabrina, and Marinette.”

Chloe raised her hand. “Uh, Ms. Mendeleiev? Can you stick Marinette with another group? Sabrina and I work better as a duo.”

“No. This is a group, not pairs. Besides, maybe with Marinette you won’t have Sabrina do all the work and actually contribute this time.”

The bell rang. The students moved to leave when Ms. Mendeleiev yelled out.

“Not so fast. I dismiss you, not the bell.”

Everyone sat back down as Ms. Mendeleiev assigned the last of the groups.

“The presentation is due after All Saint’s Holiday. Now you are dismissed.”

Adrien turned to Luka, but he was already gone. He gathered his things and headed out. He hoped to see Luka, but there was no trace of him.

“What’s up, partner? Ready to hit the library during study hour?” Alya asked.

“What about Luka?”

“What about him?”

“He’s in our group. We’ll need him with us.”

Alya waved her hand dismissingly. “Don’t worry about him. Juleka will work with him.”

“But he’s in our group.”

“Details, details. Look, I’ll make sure to split up our jobs and pass them out. Luka can work on his own and we can work on ours together.”

But-.”

The warning bell rang. Alya grabbed Adrien’s arm and took off running.

“Let’s go. We’ll talk about it later in the library.”

Adrien sighed and resigned himself. He went through the rest of the day on autopilot until he headed up to the library. He walked through the isles as he looked for Alya and hopefully Luka. He found Alya with a small stack of books, but no Luka.

“It really is just us, isn’t it?” Adrien asked.

“Sorry to disappoint, but-.”

No! I mean, you don’t disappoint. It’s just… I don’t know.”

“Sit. Let’s talk.”

Adrien took a seat.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Well, I’ve wanted to be friends with Luka. It’s the big reason I wanted to come to school in the first place. To make friends, that is. Maybe I’m being too greedy. I have Nino, you, Marinette, Chloe, and Blo-, I mean my bodyguard. I don’t actually know his name, so I just call him Gorilla.”

Alya raised a brow. “Right. Well, there’s nothing wrong with wanting more friends. The more the merrier, right?”

“Exactly! But Luka doesn’t seem interested at all. I tried to ask Juleka for help, but she told me to just give up. Maybe I should, but I don’t want to just yet.”

Alya hummed. “Well, I might have an idea. Together we’ll find out why Juleka is so protective of Luka and why he’s always so closed off.”

“You don’t know? I thought being Juleka’s friend she would have told you and the other girls.”

“Oh, no. I’ve tried, but Juleka deflects every time. And, quite frankly, I’m curious to the reason why. So, leave it to me and we’ll get to the bottom of this.”

“Thank you. So, what did you find for our project.”

Alya opened her mouth as Chloe screamed. She and Adrien turned as Chloe was pelted by a storm of berets. They raised their brows when a giant hair dryer materialized out of thin air. They gasped and looked around to see a boy in a mime-like supervillain outfit.

“Woah! That looks like hero from Nathaniel’s drawing!” Alya yelled out.

Adrien moved to hide to transform when Alix tackled Nathaniel. Adrien’s jaw dropped as she wrestled with Nathaniel before he kicked her over the railing. She hit the top of a bookcase before she rolled and hit the floor. Adrien moved to help her when she jumped back to her feet as though nothing happened. She ran back up to face Nathaniel.

“What is she made of?” Adrien asked.

Alya rolled her eyes. “She probably isn’t even human. I’d put money on her being a demon.”

Adrien frowned at the remark. He turned back to Alix. She chased down Nathaniel until he blocked her path with a barrier. She smacked into it as Nathaniel jumped down from the second floor. She leapt over the railing onto the top of the bookcases and back to the floor. He ran after her as she disappeared behind the bookcases. He turned the corner as she ran into another barrier that blocked the exit. He ran up to her.

“Hey, are you ok?” Adrien asked.

“Of course, I am. Just annoyed that fucker got away.”

Marinette ran up to Adrien and Alix with Sabrina in tow. “Are you alright, Alix?”

“I’m fine. I’ve experienced worse,” Alix answered.

“Alix, why did you run in there? With that guy targeting Chloe, I thought you would have jumped on the tables and cheered him on,” Sabrina pointed out.

Alix turned away. “I… wasn’t thinking.”

Marinette and Sabrina exchanged glances when the barrier faded. Alix grabbed her backpack and left. Adrien considered and followed Alix. He ran out of the library down the halls but didn’t see her. He checked the courtyard but didn’t see her here either. He sighed and leaned on the railing. He looked up as Bloody Bug landed on the roof.

Adrien ran down to the courtyard and waved Bloody Bug down. She jumped down in front of him.

“Bloody Bug, what are you doing here?”

“I saw a boy run from here dressed like a supervillain. I hoped to intercept him, but he vanished into thin air. Would you know anything about this?”

“Yes. He had attacked my friend Chloe with hats and a hair dryer before this girl I know, Alix, charged in and stopped him.”

“Where is Chloe?”

“I think in the library still.”

“Show me.”

Adrien led Bloody Bug to the library. He stood aside as she headed inside. He snuck off and transformed before he ran in after her. He spotted her surrounded by the other students. He strolled up and placed his arm on her head.

“What pleasure, Bug. What brings you to such a humble institute?”

“There’s an Akuma out. The target appears to be Chloe, but she may not be the only one.”

“Oh?”

“Marinette, was it? Share with Cat here what you told me.”

Marinette stepped forward with her gaze on the floor. “Nathaniel, the one that is akumatized, has a crush on me. He might come after me.”

Chloe laughed. “That’s-!”

Bloody Bug raised a hand and Chloe shut up.

“What should we do? We can’t leave them both unattended,” Chat Noir pointed out.

“But we can’t have them together otherwise we’ll never smoke out this Nathaniel. I say we split up on this one,” Bloody Bug said.

“Oh! We’ll take Bloody Bug!” Alya yelled as she grabbed Marinette’s hand.

“No way! I’m taking Bloody Bug!” Chloe shouted.

“Oh, for the love of… who has a coin?”

“I have a button,” Mylene offered.

“That works too. May I?” Bloody Bug asked.

Mylene took off one of her pins and handed it to Bloody Bug.

“Alright. Colored side up is heads. Silver side with pin is tails. Make your calls,” Bloody Bug instructed.

“Heads!” Alya called.

“Tails!” Chloe called.

Bloody Bug flipped the pin. She caught and placed it on the back of her hand. She removed her hand to reveal the silver pin side up. Chloe gasped and cheered.

“Suck it, losers. Enjoy the stupid cat,” Chloe yelled.

Chat Noir growled as his ears pinned back. Bloody Bug scooped up Chloe and patted his shoulder.

“Take Marinette home. I’ll be sure to explain the situation to their principal. Do what you must to help the boy and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“Be careful.”

Bloody Bug nodded. She ran out with Chloe in tow. Chat Noir sighed and approached Marinette.

“Looks like you’re stuck with me, little lady. You ready?”

Marinette nodded. Chat Noir scooped her up in one arm like Bloody Bug with Chloe. He headed into the courtyard as Bloody Bug flew off.

“Hang on to me,” Chat Noir warned.

Marinette gripped onto Chat Noir as he leapt onto the school’s roof. She ducked her head down before she slowly lifted it and looked around. She gulped and clung to him as he ran and jumped between rooftops until they were at the Dupain-Cheng bakery. He landed out front and headed into the bakery.

“Marinette? What’s going on?” Sabine asked.

Marinette jumped out of Chat Noir’s arms into Sabine’s. “Mom! It’s a bit of a mess, but there’s a villain who might come after me.”

Sabine’s eyes widened as she glanced at Chat Noir. “Oh dear. They haven’t come after you so far, have they?”’

“No. They attacked Chloe first, but I know the guy and he has a crush on me. So, he just might come for me.”

Sabine sucked in a breath as she approached Chat Noir. “Young man, you’ll keep my daughter safe, yes?”

Chat Noir’s ears straightened as Sabine’s approach. Sorrow pierced his heart hearing her gentle words and affectionate concern. He took a sharp breath as tears burned his eyes. He reminded himself this wasn’t the time and he needed to be better.

“Young man?” Sabine asked.

Chat Noir forced a smile. “Of course. My first duty is to this city and the people. Your daughter is safe with me.”

Sabine smiled as her eyes overflowed with warmth and relief. “Thank you.”

Chat Noir’s face fell as a tear fell and his tail wrapped around Sabine’s leg. He panicked and pulled it away as he flicked the tear away.

“Anyway, Mom? We’ll be in my room. Is that ok?” Marinette asked.

“Huh? Oh, yes. Please, be careful.”

Marinette nodded and hugged Sabine. She grabbed Chat Noir’s hand and led him upstairs. He took in the quaint living space as he entered her room. It was an average-sized room with pink walls and hardwood floors. A chaise sat on the opposite end while her desk and vanity were near the door.

“So, uh, welcome! Uh, I guess… make yourself comfortable?”

Chat Noir nodded as he looked around. He eyed a sewing machine with a mess of materials near it. Near the machine was a pink sketchbook. He opened it and marveled at the fashion designs within.

“You’re a designer?” Chat Noir asked.

Marinette screeched. She ran in a covered the book with her body.

“Is something wrong?” Chat Noir asked.

“What? No! Just, uh, they’re not ready! That’s it. They’re not ready.”

“Ready for what?”

Marinette stammered and fumbled her words as she worked out an excuse. Chat Noir’s ear flicked as he looked around. His eyes caught a pin board on a nearby wall filled with pictures of Adrien.

“Fan of Adrien Agreste?”

Marinette’s jaw dropped as she looked at the board. Her face turned red as a high-pitched squeak came from her.

Chat Noir smirked. “Oh my. I daresay you have a crush on him.”

Marinette flinched. She covered her face as she curled up into a ball on the floor.

“Wait, you do, don’t you?”

A minute passed before Marinette managed a nod.

“Aww! That’s adorable. Have you told him?”

Marinette shook her head.

“What? How come?”

Marinette looked up at Chat Noir. “I-.”

Chat Noir tilted his head as Marinette froze up. Her gaze shifted from him to behind him. He turned as he was trapped inside a box. He gasped when Nathaniel strolled past him. He used his Cataclysm and destroyed the box, only for Nathaniel to trap him in another. He sat in a huff, grabbed his staff, and recorded the interaction.

“Nathaniel, please, don’t hurt me,” Marinette begged.

“Hurt you? I would never hurt you.”

“You wouldn’t?”

“You’re Marinette. You’re beautiful, and sweet, and perfect.”

“O-oh? Well, that’s, uh, very flattering. Thank you?”

Nathaniel smiled and looked away. “So, I came by because I wanted to ask you something. I was wondering would you go on a date with me tonight?”

Marinette’s mouth hung open as the gears in her head turned. “I… I will, but on a condition.”

“Anything for you, Marinette.”

“You are to leave Chloe alone, please. I don’t want any more violence.”

“For you and only you. Meet you on the Left Bank, next to Notre Dame at sunset.”

Nathaniel drew a jet pack on the tablet attached to his arm. It materialized on his back and he flew out the window. Chat Noir huffed and set the video to Bloody Bug.

“Chat Noir, are you ok? How are we gonna get you out?” Marinette asked.

“Look away, please.”

Marinette nodded and turned away.

“Plagg, claws in.”

Plagg emerged from the ring as Chat Noir changed back. He fed Plagg a slice of camembert and transformed again. He used his Cataclysm once more before he repeated the process. He took out his staff, clicked the button on his staff, and called Bloody Bug. It rang a couple of times before the screen turned on and he saw Bloody Bug with Chloe, who was dressed like him. Annoyance and jealousy pricked at him.

“What’s going on over there?” Chat Noir demanded.

“We’re having the absolute time of our lives. Unlike you losers!” Chloe cheered.

“And you’re dressed like me because?”

“Do you like it? I had it made shortly after meeting Bloody Bug. I think I pull off the cat look much better than you anyway. And, let’s face it, fleabag, I look better with Bloody Bug than you ever could.”

Chat Noir growled as his ears pinned back and tail lashed. “Well, Bug doesn’t need to protect you anymore. So, she should join me.”

“I saw that. How’d you get trapped in that box?” Bloody Bug asked.

“That boy trapped me in it, I destroyed the first one, then he trapped me in another.”

“Huh. Smarter than I expected. Well, we should have this sorted. Marinette, you make sure to-,” Bloody Bug started.

“Wait! Let me go, please,” Marinette begged.

“I applaud your bravery, but this is no place for civilians.”

“Please. You help the victims. Nathaniel is doing this because of me, and maybe Chloe, but let me talk to him.”

“That’s a sweet notion, but I’d only recommend it if you’re going to tell him how you feel about him. And, frankly, you seem too soft-hearted.”

Marinette opened her mouth, then closed it. She looked down for a moment before she looked back at the screen. “I can do it. Or, at the very least, let me try. I owe that much, don’t I?”

Bloody Bug sighed. “Fine. But if things go south, we’re getting you out of there and handling this Evillustrator on our terms. Understood?”

Marinette nodded.

“Good. I’ll see you all so-.”

“Wait! You’re not leaving already, are you?” Chloe asked.

“You’re safe for the time. Besides, I need to regroup with Cat.”

“But you have until sunset. Surely you can stay a little longer, right? I mean, what if he still comes after me despite the deal?”

“Alright, fine. Cat, I’ll see you at sunset.”

Chat Noir opened his mouth to speak as Bloody Bug ended the call. The last thing he saw on the screen was Chloe with a smug, victorious smirk.

“Chat Noir? Are you ok?”

“Oh, just lovely. Nothing like having my best friend stolen from me. Who does she think she is anyway? Bloody Bug was my friend long before her.”

“Not to defend Chloe, but you can share, can’t you?”

Chat Noir huffed and didn’t answer.

“Well, would you mind accompanying me then? I need to meet with my groupmate to discuss a school project.”

Chat Noir nodded. He escorted Marinette to the meeting spot. He watched over them until the sun had set and it was time to meet with Evillustrator. He headed that way with her where they met up with Bloody Bug.

“Anything?” Chat Noir asked.

“He’s on a little boat on the Seine creating the perfect scene for a date,” Bloody Bug said.

Marinette gulped as she fidgeted.

“I hope you’re ready. We’ll sneak onto the boat and sit in waiting. Do your piece.”

Marinette nodded. She headed out onto the boat. Bloody Bug and Chat Noir followed it until Marinette and Evillustrator took a seat. They leapt from the rooftops and ran up to a bridge. They jumped onto the boat as it passed under. They snuck up near Evillustrator and Marinette and listened. She glanced at them before she turned back to him.

“This is all beautiful, Nathaniel, but I’m worried,” Marinette said.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s just… I… I want to believe this is you, but is it really?”

“I don’t understand.”

“It’s just… Rose was told that when your akumatized, your darker desires surface. She told us she laid claims to Prince Ali when she’d never do or say that, but a part of her believed he was hers. That part surfaced and took over, so what am I? Am I truly your crush, or a dark desire?”

“That’s not true, Marinette. I promise, I love you. Name anything and if it’s within my power, I will see it done.”

“If you can, reject whoever or whatever did this to you. Show me your word is as good as your actions.”

“But he gave me these powers to win your heart and take revenge on Chloe.”

“You don’t need powers for that. As beautiful as your powers are, I’m scared. Please, if you can, give them up.”

Bloody Bug and Chat Noir peeked out at the scene. They watched as Evillustrator looked between his stylus and Marinette. He bowed his head in resignation and fell to his knees.

“I renounce this power, Hawkmoth.”

Bloody Bug and Chat Noir exchanged glances as the Akuma flew out of the stylus and Evillustrator reverted to Nathaniel. Bloody Bug shot out and caught the Akuma before it could escape. The scene that Evillustrator had created disappeared when she released the purified butterfly.

“Nathaniel?” Marinette asked.

Nathaniel shot up. “Marinette? What happened? Where am I?”

Marinette hesitated. She looked to Bloody Bug and Chat Noir, who nodded. She took a deep breath and faced Nathaniel. “You were akumatized. You tried to hurt Chloe and… and you asked me out on a date. That’s what we were doing before now.”

Nathaniel’s face turned as red as his hair. “I… I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No, but I… I need to say something.”

Nathaniel gulped. “Yes?”

“I… I… I can’t. Love you. I’m sorry.”

Nathaniel looked away. “I… understand. I… messed up, didn’t I?”

“I… no. Yes? No! It’s just… I… I… like someone… else.”

“Oh. I see.”

“This is awkward,” Chat Noir whispered to Bloody Bug.

“Yeah, I’ve had my fill. Alright, let’s break this up and get you two home.”

Marinette ran to Chat Noir and clung to him. Bloody Bug raised a brow while he shrugged with a confused look.

“Well, get her home, Cat. I’ll handle the tomato here. And I’ll see you whenever we see each other again,” Bloody Bug remarked.

“What did you call me?” Nathaniel asked.

“Your mom. Now shut up and give me directions.”

Bloody Bug scooped up Nathaniel and headed off. Chat Noir watched them leave before he looked down at Marinette.

“Are you ok?” Chat Noir asked.

“Yeah. Are they… are they gone?”

“Yeah, they are.”

Marinette looked over at the empty area and sighed. “Thank goodness. That was awful.”

“You did good though.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah. You did the right thing. I’m sure it doesn’t feel like it, but you’ll be ok. You both will.”

Marinette smiled and hugged Chat Noir. “Thank you for being there for me.”

Chat Noir smiled and patted Marinette’s head. He moved away before he scooped her up and returned her home. He placed her on her rooftop patio, then jumped onto the railing and took a bow.

“Until we meet again, little lady. Hopefully under better circumstances.”

Marinette smiled softly. “I’d like that.”

Chat Noir winked and headed home.

~~

Alix walked into the locker room to drop off stuff. She idly listened to nearby conversations. Alya interviewed Chloe as Chloe gushed about spending the whole day with Bloody Bug. She groaned as she remembered it. Chloe wasn’t as insufferable as she expected, but it was exhausting. She slammed her locker as she heard Marinette’s scream. She looked to see Adrien had surprised Marinette.

Alix rolled her eyes and headed out towards class. She stopped outside the locker room doors as Nathaniel stood in her way.

“Alix, I wanted to say something,” Nathaniel said.

“Then say it already.”

“Thank you for stopping me from hurting anyone.”

“Excuse me?”

“I heard it was you that stopped the evil me from hurting Chloe. I… didn’t hurt you, did I?”

Alix snorted. “You wish. I know girls that throw a stronger punch, including myself.”

“Right. Uh, I was hoping I could ask you something.”

“No.”

“Please. It would really help me out.”

Alix sighed. “What is it?”

“Will you be my muse?”

“The fuck for? And why me?”

“Because your personality is just like that Bloody Bug girl. Even the way you two speak is the same.”

Alix’s stomach dropped. “Please, bitch wishes she could be me.”

“That! That right there is the energy I need.”

“Need for what? You’ve yet to answer that.”

“Oh! I want to make a comic based on Bloody Bug. ‘The Tales of Bloody Bug.’”

“Why? Chat Noir does so much more than Bloody Bug. You should honestly be making it about him and not her.”

“But she seems cooler than him. And you’d be a perfect source of inspiration. Who could I honestly go to for Chat Noir?”

“Fine, but on one condition.”

“Name it.”

“You make it about Bloody Bug and Chat Noir.”

“Do I have too?”

“Yes. Otherwise, if you need a bitch, I’m sure Chloe would love to.”

“No! No, no, no. I can make it about both of them. I promise.”

“Good. We’ll discuss it during art, Tomato.”

Nathaniel opened his mouth, but was cut off by the first bell.

“I’ll see you later, Tomato.”

“Yeah, see you later.”

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