-Prologue-

Marinette took her stance, her knees slightly bent, her fists clenched, eyes on her rival... she was in the zone. The room was quiet except the sound of shoes squeaking on the gymnasium floor and the raspy breathes of her fellow teammates. The air was tense and the adrenaline was high. Marinette's team was so close to victory. It all came down to this final moment in the game. Then the server finally threw the ball up in the air and sent it soaring over the net, hurling it towards the ground. Marinette didn't hesitate, she sprinted, and ran towards the ball. Jumping high in the air kicking off for more leverage. She slammed the ball downward with her hand, hurling it back towards the other team. The other teams server scrambled toward it but stepped out of bounds. Marinette's team scored winning the game. Cheering erupted in the auditorium, her teammates hoisted her on their shoulders, chanting her name. After a quick shower and changing in the locker room she strode out with Alya.

"Wow, Marinette said, that was fantastic! We won the match and I got a perfect score on that pop quiz in Science."

Alya walked along side her through the hall. "What can I say girl, you know more than you think you do ."

"This day couldn't possibly get any better."

"Oh, but it does, did you forget today is the day they announce the winners for the junior fashion competition?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot all about it!"

"You'll be fine. Trust me, you worked really hard."

Out front of the school everybody was gathered around the bulletin board that would hold display final scores for the junior fashion contest. Rose approached them excited. "Great news Marinette, you won the contest."

"Me? Really?"

"See I told you." Alya elbowed her lightly. "You dedicated all that time to your designs you deserve to win girl."

"Alya's right", came a voice from beside her.

"A-Adrian?!"

The teen model looked solely at Marinette and flashed his dazzling smile as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "We should celebrate. How about going out to lunch, to that café by the fountain?"

Soon everyone from her class was coming over to congratulate her.

"Way to go Marinette."

"Congrats on winning the contest, your design beat Chloe's by a landslide."

"What?"

"Yeah check it."

Nino gestured to the bulletin board where the votes scale was hanging. Even from this distance there was no denying the the poll with the majority of votes was in Marinette's favor. Her rank accounted for more that half the student body!

"I don't believe it." Marinette stood jaw dropped.

"I do." Adrian's hand tightened reassuringly on her shoulder. Marinette had been so shocked that she had forgotten his touch. It was nice and warm, with a pleasant aroma of flowers and sunshine, and something else... Camembert? Adrian was holding her gaze as well as her shoulder and Marinette could feel her face turning red and throat going dry. Should she say something? What?!

"Oh, the contest I won a big deal it's not. I mean- That is I-" Marinette cringed, this was probably the closest she would ever get to Adrian and she was blowing it.

"My design wasn't all that great."

"Aww, you're too modest. Did you hear, I'll be the one to model you piece at the showcase?"

Marinette had to be dreaming, she had totally made a fool of herself in front of Adrian, and yet there he was still holding her shoulder and trying to ease her nerves. Alya elbowed her again, snapping her out of her daze.

"Just think, next thing you'll a world class fashion designer, have your own agency, design your line, and vacationing in the Bahamas."

"Getting a little carried away there. I don't think I'm ready for all that."

Marinette held her head, her mind was spinning when someone prayed her fingers away.

"You can do anything if you put your mind to it." Adrain once again shot her that dazzling smile and Marinette could feel all her cares drift away, along with a sigh.

"Uh-huh."

"That's my girl." Alya once again struck Marinette's side, this time setting her off balance. Good thing Adrain was so close to steady her. Their faces were so close, as she stared at his green eyes...Tearing her gaze away from his face she noticed a two figures move into focus behind them. Chloe was strutting down the walkway with Sabrina close behind. Marinette straightened herself, this wouldn't be good.

"Oh h-hey Chloe's. Crazy turn out, me beating you in the fashion contest and all. N-not that I-I'm bragging or anything I just-"

"Please save the speech Marinette, you deserved to win. Your design was sooo much better than mine."

Marinette looked at her questionably, waiting for some kind of quip or slander.

"Really?"

Chloe just folded her arms, shifted her weight, and gave a half smile. "Yeah, seriously nice work."

Marinette froze shocked, that was the nicest thing Chloe had ever said to her-or to anyone for that matter. Cheering and chanting arose around her once more. Marinette tensed; she was good at sports and her studies, she had won a fashion contest, Adrian was sweet, and Chloe was being nice? Something was definitely wrong. She backed out from under Adrian grasp, her classmates where completely encircling her in front of the school.

"Marinette what's wrong?"

"Arn't you happy?"

No something was definitely wrong. Her classmates crept towards her like zombies. Their faces were warped into long terrifying shadows. Marinette turned on her heels and fled. After a few blocks she ducked in a corner to catch her breath. "Something definitely isn't right here Tiki. Tiki?"

There was no reply. Marinette reached into her purse, but the kwami was no where to be found. She rubbed along her earlobes, no earrings either. There was no way she had taken them off. Could they have fallen?! No they had to be back home on her dresser. She ran down the familiar streets to her partners bakery and home, inside slamming the door begins her.

"Mama! Papa!"

No answer, she checked in the living room, dining room, and kitchen. She ran up stairs to her loft. Nothing, no one was there. She emptied the contents of her purse on to her bed then rummaged through her computer desk and dresser looking everywhere she could think. But no earrings.

"No. No Tiki?! Where are you, she sobbed. "This cant be happening."

From her window she could see the sky swarming with akumaaized butterflies. The city in ruins.

"I let everyone down."

She sank to the ground clutching her knees to her chest. Then the swarm came crashing into her room surrounding her. The mass formed into a giant hand and grabbed her in its fist. Then atop another mass of buttflies a figure, dark and looming with a cruel and brooding voice. Hawkmoth.

"The jig is up little girl. Your miraculous is mine!"

More akuma swarmed and flew directly at her, Marinette covered her face and shut her eyes. Next thing she knew she was jolted awake. When she opened her eyes she was laying in the street, midday, no one in sight. For a brief moment she feared she was dreaming again till she reached for her earrings. There her miraculous was still in tact, but what had happened. She sat on the pavement gathering her thoughts and tried to remember...