I'm trying to update as often as I can so I can get the story rolling. I'm probably having far too much fun with this than I should be.
The chapters are a little on the short side, I hope that's okay. They might get longer.
Today will be better, today will be better, today will be better.
Marinette kept telling herself that as she met up with Alya in the school's courtyard. Class would begin soon.
"Did you get enough sleep through the earthquakes last night?" asked Alya.
"I think so." Small earthquakes have been striking Paris lately, especially at night. Many have speculated that akumas were the cause. If that's true, then Marinette was more than certain that Ladybug was on the case.
Alya pumped a fist. "You ready to face the villainess that is Chloé Bourgeois?"
"No," Marinette admitted. It was much easier to feel determined yesterday, but now that she might actually be doing it, running and hiding felt like the better option.
The art teacher, Professor Louie, waved to them across the court. His gray hair and white blouse with paint stains (Marinette was never sure if they actually were stains or if they were part of the shirt's design) were hard to miss. He was also making his way towards them.
"Oh you're going to love this," said Alya. Before Marinette had a chance to voice her confusion, Professor Louie's excitement exploded.
"Marinette! How have you been? Still designing?"
"Um...yes, how did you–"
"Alya stopped by my office the other day and showed me some of your sketches. I think they're marvelous! The school is having a hat design competition and the deadline is later this month. I do encourage you to participate!"
Marinette gave Alya a panicked glance. To say yes? To say no?
Alya put a pair of encouraging hands on Marinette's shoulder. "She'd love to!"
"Alya!"
"Excellent!" chimed Professor Louie. "I'm excited to see what you come up with, Marinette. I don't want to play favorites this early, but I think you have incredible potential. Have a good day!"
"You too, sir!" Alya called back. Marinette couldn't feel herself standing on her own two feet. When the reality of what happened finally sunk in, she spun towards Alya.
"What was that?"
"Your designs deserve to be seen by the world! They're amazing!"
"So you showed them to Sir Louie?"
"I knew if I asked, you'd say no."
"That's not the point here, Alya!" Marinette sighed. Now she was going to have to come up with a unique hat design while also juggling her homework. "I'm not sure if I can do it..."
"Sure, you can! I'll always be here to back you up," said Alya. That was enough to put a smile on Marinette's face.
When they entered the classroom, Chloé and Sabrina had already arrived, having already taken their desired seats. There wasn't as much for Marinette to complain about this time, since they did get to class early enough. Chloé's superior gaze was on the front seat. A blonde haired boy knelt at the seats. There was gum in front of his fingers.
Marinette stomped over to him, anger flaring. "Hey, what are you doing?"
The boy whirled around, emerald eyes lighting up in surprise. "Uh... I–"
Chloé and Sabrina bursted out laughing. Marinette put her hands on her hips. She should have expected they would have tried something like this. "Okay, I get it. Good job, you three. Very funny."
"No, no, no," the boy protested. "I was only trying to take this off!"
Marinette stepped closer to him. "Oh yeah?" Whatever he was trying to do, she was going to have to clean it up. Poking the wad of gum once was already disgusting. Now she was going to have to sit near it all day. She brought out a small handkerchief and covered the gum with it. Giving the boy a wary look, she hoped she looked intimidating enough. "Are you new here?"
"Uh...yeah. I'm Adri...Adrierre! Like Pierre. Except it's Adrierre."
Weird name, thought Marinette. "Alright, Adrierre. You're friends with Chloé, right?"
"Why does everyone keep saying that?"
Marinette ignored him. Alya had already taken her seat, her expression glum. "So much for fighting the forces of evil. And here I thought today was going to be better."
Adrierre took his seat in the front row, in front of Chloé and next to Nino.
"Do you see now what I mean by respect?" said Chloé. Victory was painted all over her face.
"Wow, I hate her," Alya grumbled. Marinette would have felt the need to agree with her, but there was something about this Adrierre she couldn't quite put her finger on. He looked familiar. When Miss Bustier entered the classroom, Marinette brought out her notebook. It'll come to her.
If she wanted to be ready for the hat competition, she had to start now. As soon as Marinette got home, she threw the pages of her sketchbook open. She needed ideas and she needed them now. There were so many places to start. Or not start. Is there a theme she wanted to go with? Did she want it to be more traditional or modern? What sort of decorations? Marinette allowed her fingers to put to paper everything that flowed into her mind. No such thing as a bad idea at this point.
She still couldn't believe Alya got her into this. It was a competition she would like to participate in...but still, it would be nice of Alya had let her make the decision.
Marinette didn't know how long she had been brainstorming. The last time she looked out her window, it was still sunny out. Now, the sky was the scarlet of the setting sun. Her phone began vibrating. It was a call from Alya.
She picked it up. "Hello?"
"Marinette!" squealed Alya on the other side, so loud that Marinette pulled her phone away from her ear. With luck she hadn't just become part deaf. "You would not believe what just happened!"
"What just happened?"
"So I was going through the newest comments on the Ladyblog and someone gave me a tip!"
"A tip?"
"On Ladybug!"
"Who she is?"
"Where she might be!" The excitement was all over Alya's voice. "This is amazing. We have to go check it out! Maybe we can get a super special scoop on Ladybug!"
"Hold on, Alya," said Marinette. "How do you know if this is even reliable information?"
"It's the only lead I got, I'm taking it!" Alya whooped. "Just think of it. My own story on Ladybug in action. You in?"
Marinette laughed. "I think I have to be at this rate."
"Awesome!" Over the line, Marinette could hear Alya slamming a door shut. She was already on the move. "Meet me in front of the school. We're going to hunt for the greatest superhero story Paris has ever seen."
Yes, Adrierre is our resident Gwanda.
