A/N: After an incredible amount of support on Tumblr (my tumblr is also littlebluewhalen), I decided to write this! Updates will likely be irregular and kind of far apart in time, because I'm starting college again tomorrow. But I aim to make each chapter pretty long, so I don't think I'll need to make a ton of chapters for this whole story. But we'll see! I have the skeleton of this story written up, so I know what I want to do and what twists are coming.

Warning: this story will have tons of friendship fluff, but it's also possible that it will transition to shipping between Marinette x Adrien/Chat. We'll see though! I haven't decided.

I hate making OCs, so points to whoever can guess which show the previous Ladybug miraculous is, and from what show.

I don't own Miraculous Ladybug ~

And with that, enjoy!

Song Inspiration: Falling For U by Peachy!

/

Darkness surrounded her as her curled blonde hair flew out behind her. She ran down the bridge, tears stinging her face. She tried to block out the screams, the begging, but she couldn't. She lifted her head up, eyes wide open. Her breathing was ragged and her body was haggard. She looked around frantically and ran to the edge of the bridge, looking down. Her tears rolled down her face as her sobs wracked her body.

"Please, Mami! Please, listen to me! Don't do this, I'm begging you! Don't do this to me!" Tikki screamed. "Please, just return it to Master Fu if you must! But don't do this! I don't want to be lost or alone…" Tikki yelled, floating in front of Mami's face. Her golden locks seemingly glowed in the moonlight, and her pale skin looked almost ghostly. The waves of the river far below crashed against the support beams of the bridge.

"No, I- Tikki, I can't! This is driving me insane! I'm going mad! I can't – I can't do this! I thought I could, but… Tikki, this is the only way. Master Fu hasn't been seen since he made Chat Noir and I do this! He… he put this on us! He guilted me into this! I never wanted this miraculous, I…" her sobs interrupted her once more, and though Tikki was frightened, sympathy still flooded her body. She sat on Mami's hand and patted it.

"Mami…" her soft voice rang out above the noise.

Mami shook her head, and her grip on the bridge tightened.

"I didn't know this job would come with all of this baggage. No one told me this, no one warned me! Tikki, if I don't do this, I'll never be free. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. Please, forgive me." Mami choked out, her voice low. Tikki said nothing, but sat in shock. She really didn't know what to do.

In one swift moment, Mami's hands flew to her ears, and she ripped the earrings out. All she heard was a cry from Tikki before she stuffed the earrings back in her box. She clutched the box and held it to her forehead, crying. "I'm sorry…" She whispered.

She threw the box into the river below before sliding down the side of the bridge. She pulled her knees to her chest and buried her face in her arms, listening to the clash of the water below her, as the miraculous sunk deeper and deeper into the waves…

/

Marinette shot up from her bed, panting. She looked around to confirm that she was still in her room. Her eyes were wide and glossy, and her breathing was uneven. She brought her knees to her chest and set her head on them. She screwed her eyes shut and tried to calm her breathing.

Marinette had strange dreams before, but in this one she truly felt like she was drowning. She was struggling to get out of the waves, to swim, but she couldn't. It was like she was confined.

Marinette shook her head and glanced over to her clock. She let out a groan and rubbed her eyes. It was about two minutes before she'd have to wake up for school anyway…

/

"Mari, you look pretty tired." Alya said bluntly. Marinette was currently sitting in her seat, head in her arms, eyes closed.

"Yeah, you look not so good." Nino added, turning around in his seat to look at her. Marinette groaned as Alya glared at the boy. Nino put his hands up and smiled sheepishly as Adrien rolled his eyes.

"Dude, really? You okay, Marinette?" Adrien asked kindly, turning in his seat. At his voice, she looked up and shrugged.

"I kept tossing and turning last night. And I had a really weird dream that woke me up two minutes before my alarm." Marinette complained.

"Oh, that's the worst." Nino said. They all nodded in agreement.

"What was your dream about? You usually have kind of odd dreams, but this one seems stuck with you." Alya asked. Marinette nodded, putting her cheek in a hand and closing her eyes again. She yawned.

"Well, it was about-" And suddenly, Marinette was cut off by Ms. Mendeleiev.

"Good morning everyone! Did you all have a good weekend?" Her voice rang out.

/

Marinette walked home slowly, enjoying the fresh air. She appreciated how calm her community was. It was always so safe, and she thought for a moment how lucky she was. The sound of birds chirped all around her, and the laughter of children were carried on the nice spring breeze. Bugs whirled around, setting on the flowers of peoples' gardens. Marinette sighed, content with her life. She was excited to go home and bake with her parents until she would inevitably do homework… that made Marinette internally groan, but she suppressed it. She wouldn't let that ruin the beauty of the day. Marinette closed her eyes and took a deep breath, raising her arms above her head and stretching. She knew that this might look odd, stopping in the middle of the sidewalk, but she didn't care. She was in such a good mood.

Marinette felt a weight on her hand and opened her eyes, bringing her arms down. She smiled at the ladybug that landed on her hand.

"Hello, little one! Fancy taking a walk with me?" She giggled to herself. She started her walk again, the ladybug never leaving her hand. She hummed on the way home, a skip in her step. She felt another prick on her hand and looked down again in confusion. Three ladybugs had now made their home on her hand. She laughed. "Today must be my lucky day." She made her way home and opened the bakery door, turning around to shoo the ladybugs off of her hand.

"Time to go home, li-ittle… ones….?" Marinette trailed off. As she turned around, she saw a whole herd of ladybugs, on the ground and buzzing in the air. She laughed uneasily, put the ladybugs that were on her hand on the ground, and quickly went inside of her home.

"Ah, Marinette, you're home! How was your day, my girl?" Tom strolled into the storefront and ruffled her hair, to which she laughed.

"Papa, not my hair!" She yelled, running past him and into the kitchen. "Mama! What do we have to do today?" Marinette asked, coming to her mother's side.

"Well, mon petit chou, we're about to have a rush- a lot of people have asked for orders in advance, and your Papa here-" Sabine glared playfully at Tom as he entered the kitchen – "made them due at the same time. So, we've prepared all of the orders, and the customers are coming in soon. It'd be a great help if you could work the register while we finish up matching the orders with the receipts. Go put your things upstairs first, sweetie."

"Of course! Be right back!" Marinette smiled at her parents then walked to her room.

/

"Okay, enjoy, Mr. Haprele!" Marinette said, smiling.

"You as well, Mari! Thank you!" He tipped his hat and took his box of pastries, walking out of the store. Marinette slumped against the counter and let out a sigh. Her exhaustion was coming back to her.

"Sweetie, thank you so much for your help. Go on ahead to bed." Sabine came behind Marinette and kissed her head lightly.

"Thank you, Mama. I do have some homework to do. Goodnight!" She replied, turning around to hug her mom. She walked through the kitchen and up the stairs, thinking about her homework for the night.

"Ah, Marinette! Heading to your room?" Tom asked. He was sitting on her couch, watching the news. Marinette nodded.

"Got homework to do, Papa." She came over and sat next to him on the couch, glancing at the television. Her face screwed into confusion. "Chat Noir?" She asked aloud. Tom nodded.

"Yeah, he's been in the news a lot recently. Apparently, people think he's some type of fairy book superhero or something." Tom responded. Marinette frowned.

"Like, with powers and stuff?" She asked. It was unbelievable.

"Mhm," Tom hummed, "There's about to be a live video of him. Apparently, something's happening over on the west end." He responded. Marinette tucked her legs under herself on the couch and watched closely.

"Hi, this is Nadja Chamack on the scene of what appears to be a gruesome fight. In recent weeks, a 'hero' known as Chat Noir has cropped up here and there. While no one knows what he was fighting, we may have the first look tonight. Is he just a kid in a cosplay suit, or is he the real deal? Does he have powers, or is it a ruse? In just a few moments, we're going to see the live, unedited footage and find the truth." The screen then cut to an explosion setting off on the roof of a building, followed by shouts and screams.

"Oh my god!" Marinette exclaimed. 'Chat Noir' ran along the roof, someone hot on his heels. In an instant, he had jumped to a different rooftop. He suddenly stopped, put his staff on the rooftop and turned 180 degrees, jumping onto the attacker. He fought the attacker with a flurry of kicks and punches before throwing them, with an incredible strength, away from him. He then ran down the side of the building on all fours, somehow clinging to it.

"You cannot run from me, Chat Noir. For too long, you have thwarted my plans." A demonic voice sounded from the attacker.

"Then leave these people alone." Chat replied. He was heaving, clearly exhausted. "You're not getting it. No way. I won't let you, and I won't let you hurt these people." Chat launched himself at the attacker again, who was now on the ground. "Cataclysm!" He shouted. His hands were aglow with a black and green light, and he grabbed the attacker's hat. It crumbled, and the attacker fell to the ground. Chat growled as he watched the butterfly fly away, unclean.

The rest of the live footage was a blur; the crew called for help for the person, and Chat fled the scene as they tried to ask him questions. The live scene turned into a garbled mess of worried voices.

"Woah," Marinette uttered, completely stunned. "Was that… real…?" she asked, looking at her father. He was also shocked.

"I mean, it was live, it had to be… unless it was all a set up, but… if it was, that is one athletic kid, to jump from roof to roof like that…" Tom trailed off. He then shook himself, "Ah, we will worry about it in the morning. Do your homework, love. Goodnight, I love you." He said, hugging his daughter. Marinette snapped out of her reverie in an instant and smiled.

"Thanks Papa! I love you too. Sweet dreams!" She replied, before getting up and making her way to her room.

/

Marinette had done all of her homework and had gotten ready for bed, but she couldn't sleep. Chat Noir had been on her mind since the news.

After all… this was the first time she was hearing about this, ever. So… why was he in her dream last night…? Why was he mentioned? Was the girl in the dream someone like him? The questions had been plaguing her all night.

She groaned and rolled over, putting her face in the pillow, pulling her covers up over her shoulder. She was on her side facing the wall. She sighed and looked up at her wall.

"Not even you can help me with this one, Adrien." She said to one of her posters.

/

"Wow, Marinette, you look rough again." Nino said. Alya groaned in frustration and leaned over her desk and smacked his hat off of his head.

"Thanks." She grumbled in response. Again, her arms were folded on her desk, but her chin was propped up on her arms, looking around the classroom.

"It's a miracle you even made it here, today. And not late! Proud of you, Mari." Alya said, patting her shoulder. Marinette smiled tiredly at her, forever grateful for her best friend.

"Thanks, Alya. And hey, where's A-" however, Marinette was cut off by Nino.

"Woah, Adrien, and I thought Marinette looked tired. Holy shit, what happened to you, bro?" Nino asked, true concern lacing his voice. Adrien plopped into his seat, dropping his bag next to his chair. He just let out an incoherent response.

"Dude, if it's that freaky father of yours keeping you up again, I swear I'll-"

"Adrikins!" A shrill voice rang out. Nino's brows furrowed in annoyance and he rolled his eyes. "Adrikins, what's wrong?" Chloe asked, coming up to him and pouting.

"Nothing, Chloe. Just had… a long night." He responded tiredly.

"Uh, doing what? I came by and that Nathalie girl said you weren't home." She replied, narrowing her eyes. "You didn't forget about our date, did you?" She asked. Marinette rolled her eyes.

"I was at a photoshoot, and yes, it was a late night one. And it wasn't a date. We're doing a project together, Chloe." Adrien replied.

"But you didn't even tell me?" She whined.

"I didn't know it was happening…" he mumbled. Chloe hmmphed in annoyance, to which Marinette snorted.

"Oh? Do you have a problem, Little Miss Wannabe?" Chloe shot at Marinette, eyes sharp. Marinette glared at her.

"Chloe, just go back to your seat. The poor boy's tired enough without you yapping in his ear." Alya replied, jumping to defend her friend. Nino whistled and Adrien stifled a smile.

"Well, I n-" Chloe attempted to reply, but was interrupted by Ms. Mendeleiev.

"Ms. Bourgeois, please go back to your sleep. Class, please pass your homework forward."

Chloe growled before turning around and going back to her seat. The class shuffled their papers forward in silence.

"Very good. Now, for today, we will be…" The teacher trailed off. "Do you… hear that…?" She asked. The class went dead silent, listening. It sounded like distant thunder. Suddenly, the sirens in the school went off. "Class, evacuation protocol! Everyone to the lower floor, keep away from the windows! My only guess is an earthquake. Everyone out!" She commanded. But the sirens were loud, and the shaking was growing stronger. Everyone was panicking. A message came over the loudspeaker, emergency instructions, but everything was in utter bedlam.

Marinette snatched her bag and grabbed Alya and looked around. The room was in chaos; everyone was yelling and calling their parents. Marinette stood up.

"Everyone!" She screamed. All heads turned her, and she suddenly had an overwhelming urge to sink into the floor. But she wouldn't let that stop her. "Follow the teacher's orders! Grab a buddy and get to the lower floors! Get away from the windows!" She yelled. No one moved; they just stared at her. "Now!" She yelled. Suddenly, everyone was out the door in a flash, holding onto someone else. She whipped around to Alya, grabbing her hand and pulling her up. She looked towards Adrien and Nino, who were already leaving. They quickly fled down the stairs with the boys, the professor behind them. The school was gathered at the lower levels, being organized by the principal.

Marinette did a headcount.

"Wait… where's Adrien?!" She asked frantically. Her head was spinning a million miles a minute. He was in the classroom, wasn't he? Did he leave? She saw him leave! Her breathing had become rushed and she was starting to hyperventilate. How did this all happen so fast? It was just the start of a day! Life was moving too fast and she wasn't sure what was happening. She whipped her head around, but all of her thoughts were crashing into each other, and the clash of the voices of the students were creating a cacophony so loud that she-

"Chat Noir!" Alya exclaimed. Marinette turned to her friend.

"What?" Marinette asked, bewildered. Why did Alya care about that right now?!

"Look, he's on a news broadcast again! He's fighting another attacker! It's not an earthquake at all." Alya responded. Marinette wasn't sure if that made her feel better or worse.

"Mari! Adrien was with me when he left, but I don't know where he went when we got down here- regardless, I think he's okay. He wouldn't intentionally put himself in danger." Nino came up beside her and patted her back to calm her down. She nodded and took a breath.

"Here – this will keep you distracted." Alya handed Marinette the phone, and the three of them watched the news together.

Chat Noir's movements were sluggish, but he still remained sharp. The attacker was huge, but Chat was giving it his all. He jumped from building to building, running, and trying to assess his opponent.

"Why isn't he doing anything…?" Alya asked out loud.

"I think he's sizing him up. I mean, this thing is like an earthquake when it walks. It's taller than the buildings!" Nino replied. Marinette shrugged. She was interested in the video, but she couldn't get Adrien off of her mind.

Chat Noir had finally spotted whatever he was looking for – he lunged at his opponent, quick as ever, and landed upon its chest. He quickly scurried to the back and plunged his staff into an object, breaking it into pieces. He jumped back on a building, attempting to catch the butterfly that arose from the object – he jumped high in the air, grasping it in his hands, before landing lightly on his feet. He quickly turned the middle of his staff into a hollowed cage and stuffed the butterfly in.

He hopped down from the roof and ran to the attacker, who had been transformed back into a normal person. He helped them up, before quickly running over to the media.

"Chat Noir, what was that? Was that person that… thing?" The reporter asked.

"Listen – they're called akumas. That butterfly I collected was the cause. They prey on people's emotions and turn them into… things. You just saw it happen." Suddenly, a beeping was heard. "I have to go. Get that guy some help – he won't remember anything. Stay safe!" And with that, he bounded off.

Alya cut her phone off as the principal spoke up.

"Alright kids, the disaster is over. Go home for the day. Those of you that take the bus, they will be here in about 30 minutes. Please go back up to your classrooms to wait." He announced.

The kids shuffled about as they moved to their designated locations.

"Man, this sucks. I lost my key and my parents don't get home for like 2 more hours." Nino pouted. Alya patted his back.

"Well, you can come to my place, if you want. Alya, you can come too." Marinette replied before letting out a yawn.

"Yeah, and we can talk about this whole Chat Noir business! Nino, call Adrien and see where he is and if we wants to come, too." Alya replied. Nino nodded. Marinette was bright red, and she hit Alya's arm hard, to which Alya giggled.

"Adrien, bro! Where on earth did you go? We were worried sick!" Nino replied. "Well, actually, Marinette was the only one super worried. Anyway, wanna come to Mari's house? We're all going. School just ended because of that thing." Nino said. Marinette dug her face into her hands when she heard what Nino said, and Alya was full-on laughing.

"Sweet! We'll meet you there." And with that, Nino hung up.

"He said that his dad's on a trip and that Nathalie is allowing him some fun time! So he's going to come. He's at his house right now." Nino informed the girls. They all started walking out of the doors.

"I wonder why he left like that, though?" Marinette asked.

"Yeah, that was beyond weird." Alya asked. Nino shrugged. Soon, Nino put his headphones on and lagged behind the girls, who chatted amongst themselves. Alya looked behind them at Nino, who seemed to be off in his own world.

"Marinette, you do realize that Adrien is coming over, right?" Alya asked, wiggling her eyebrows. Marinette blushed again.

"Yes, I do, and I'm not going to be able to say a word around him, I know it! I've been doing better at talking to him in school thanks to you, but in my own house? I'll be a nervous wreck, Alya!" Marinette exclaimed quietly, in case Nino could hear. Alya smiled.

"Girl, it's really no big deal. We're all hanging out as friends. We'll have some pastries, play some games, and chat. And that's it. It'll be fine, you'll see!" Alya encouraged. Marinette couldn't help but smile. "But, this does probably mean that you'll have to take your posters of him down, you know? Or that would be weird." Alya added. Marinette's eyes grew wide as her brain stopped working.

"Oh, my god. Alya, Nino can't see them either! What should we do?!" She asked, looking at her friend, panic written on her face.

"I'll distract him in the kitchen while you run up and quickly – but thoroughly – take them down, okay?" Alya supplied. Marinette nodded.

"What would I do without you?" Marinette asked. Alya laughed.

"Probably die."

/

The group had finally made it to the bakery. Marinette was unlocking her door and welcoming her friends inside when her eye caught something.

"H-hey – watch out!" Marinette yelled. She was frozen to the spot. Across the street, an old man had fallen, his cane thrown against the ground, and a car was coming and –

Marinette took off.

"Marinette! Where are you-" Adrien asked, having just arrived on the scene. He saw…

Master Fu?

A/N: Okay, I know this one was super fast-paced. I'm sorry! I'm so used to writing one-shots now. I kind of did it on purpose to show how fast this is all going for Marinette – how her life is changed in almost an instant. I also just hate writing about, like, slice of life stuff with no drama. It just bores me.

As the story picks up more, it'll be paced slower. I don't think we'll actually be getting to the plot until chapter 3, though.

I'm already writing the second chapter, hopefully that'll be up tomorrow! Drop a review or two, and constructive criticism is definitely welcomed!

x littlebluewhalen