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“Marinette, come back,” Adrien shouted, racing toward the classroom door to stop her. He wasn’t fast enough as she slipped past the akuma and kept running. When he tried to follow, he found himself trapped within the akuma’s massive arms.
Thankfully, Ladybug arrived moments later and freed him. He shot her a relieved smile though it soon slipped as she dragged him from the room, pulling him roughly behind her.
“Ladybug, wait. We need to find Marinette. She’s hidden somewhere. I can’t leave without her.”
“She’s safe. I promise.”
He tugged her to a halt, his stance turning defensive.
When her eyes met his, he said, “No, I’m not leaving without her. She’s my friend.”
“We don’t have time, Adrien.”
“Yes, we do.” He turned to race back the way they’d come, but her hand on his shoulder stopped him. With a look at her resigned expression, he added, “I can’t leave her. Please.”
“You really don’t make this easy. I know she’s safe. Just leave it at that.”
He couldn’t quite believe what he said next. “I can’t. Ladybug, please. Help me.”
He pulled from her grasp and raced back the way they’d come.
He didn’t make it far as Ladybug grabbed him and shoved him into a corner, using her body to shield them as the akuma drew nearer.
With a fiery glare, she spoke as quietly as she could. “Look, I know Marinette’s safe because I’m her. Now, stop fighting me. I need you safe until Chat arrives and we take care of this akuma.”
“What?” His body froze as her words washed over him. “Mari?”
“Yeah, now please stay here. Please, Adrien. I can’t have you hurt, okay?”
“Okay,” he said, nodding. When she moved to leave, he grabbed her wrist to stop her. “We’re talking about this later.”
“I had a feeling.” With that, she flew towards the akuma, muttering about a certain cat superhero, who hadn’t shown up just yet.
“Don’t worry, Milady. I’m right behind you,” he whispered, watching as she flew away. In the same tone, he called Plagg to transform him, joining the fight moments later.