Reuploading this chapter! Sorry about the formatting yesterday

Fu opened his door smiling serenely. He stepped back and swept his arm, welcoming her in.

"Sorry to stop by uninvited, Uncle."

Fu moved towards the table and lowered himself onto a cushion.

"Not at all, Marinette. What a wonderfully unexpected visit. Sit. Please."

She sat herself down to find a cup of tea waiting.

"I'm sorry, you were expecting someone. I can-"

"No, no. That is for you," he said, his smile turning mischievous. "What a lucky coincidence that you should turn up when you did."

Marinette frowned but didn't comment further.

"I'm very glad that you are here Marinette. Since you have agreed to take on this monumental task there is someone I would like for you to meet."

He stroked a hand over the music box. Usually situated in the corner she had never paid it much mind.

"I have had this music box for a great number of years now. Inside is a treasure that has been entrusted to me to safeguard. The Miraculous."

"Miraculous?" she asked, trying to get a closer peek at the box. Now she was paying attention there was an energy to the box. A feeling of something inside wanting to come out. She was reminded of Pandora's box, filled with the evils of the world desperate to escape and she shuddered. But that wasn't the feeling she got from the music box.

"Yes, inside here are the vessels of spirits who created the world. In the wrong hands they could wield unimaginable destruction."

Marinette must have looked confused as Fu gave her an understanding smile.

"I think it would be best if I just show you. Here." And he slid a small, black jewellery box across the table to her. She took it carefully in both hands. "Please open it."

She looked down at the box, hesitating momentarily. The box felt warm and something in her eased just to be holding it. Tentatively she lifted the lid.

There was a blinding flash of light that filled the room. It disappeared and Marinette was left blinking away the spots but there was one that wouldn't leave her vision.

In front of her was a small, pink something with black spots.

"Marinette," Fu said. "This is Tikki."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Marinette. I've heard so much about you!"

The... Tikki... flew around Marinette's head in excitement, her voice a high pitched flutter. She was like a hummingbird, bright and energetic. But with the black spots and the antennae she was more like a-

"Ladybug."

"Hmm? What was that?"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to just blurt that out like that, I just thought you look a bit like a ladybug."

Tikki smiled happily.

"I'm the Kwami of creation. I posses the power of life." She demonstrated by flying over to a pot plant. It opened into full bloom with her nearness.

"And I give power to anyone who wears the earrings."

"Earrings?" Marinette asked, then looked back down at the box. She'd been so distracted by Tikki she hadn't noticed.

Nestled in the fabric were two black studs, completely unremarkable to look but there was a glow. Nothing she could see but a feeling, like an after image of the warmth that Tikki gave off. She reached out her finger and touched them. Immediately there was a spark like the build-up of static.

"Try them on, Marinette!" Tikki said, her eyes large with excitement.

Marinette removed her earrings and replaced them with the studs.

"Now say 'spots on!'"

Marinette looked uncertain and Fu nodded his encouragement.

"Ah, umm... Tikki? Spots... on?"

With a streak of pink light Tikki disappeared and as if by magic – because really, what else could it be? - Marinette's clothes changed into a red suit with black spots. Across her face was a domino mask. She felt strong, light, powerful. Her self-doubt was still there - so many people depended on her - but it was muted. She felt more capable, like this was who she was supposed to be.

"Tikki?" she called, looking around her for the Kwami but it was just her and Fu in the room.

"She is inside of you now," he said, sipping at a fresh cup of tea. "Her power is yours. Fate has tied the two of you together, much as you and master Adrien have also been tied. This, Marinette, is your destiny."

And for the first time, she believed it.

"Ah, wait. How do I... un... transform?"

"Simply say 'spots off' and you will be reverted back to your usual self."

She did as he said and once again she was wearing her usual clothes. Tikki floated in front of her, her eyes sparkling and her smile wide.

"Incredible, Marinette! Did you feel it? It's like we were made for each other!"

Marinette touched an earring thoughtfully.

"I... I think I did."

"That's great!"

"Yes, wonderful indeed," Fu agreed. "But as with all things there must be balance. Tikki has a partner, Plagg, the Kwami of destruction."

Marinette raised her eyebrows.

"Partner? Destruction? So this Plagg is... dangerous?"

Tikki shook her head vigorously.

"No, no he's not like... well okay, sometimes he's a bit... and then there was the time with the dinosaurs... but, no! Plagg is on the right side. He's the other half of me."

Marinette smiled.

"Okay, I think I understand. So... Adrien?"

Fu and Tikki nodded in unison.

"And considering just how compatible Tikki and yourself are, I am even more confident of Adrien's suitability."

Marinette rose to her feet.

"Thank you so much, Uncle. I'm feeling better about training now with Tikki by my side. And speaking of, I really should get to it. Adrien will be here any minute and I guess he'll need to come and see you and meet Plagg?"

Fu nodded, rising to his feet as well.

"Yes-"

The sound of the alarm cut him off and they paused then rushed out into the armoury. Elves dashed about urgently, pulling on gear and grabbing weapons.

"What's going on?" Adrien had just arrived, looking around him bewildered.

There was an urgency in the air which was infectious.

"I don't know. But I'm going to find out."

"I'll come with you," Adrien said, determined.

"No, you need to stay here. Talk to Uncle Fu. He has something important for you. I'm not trying to get rid of you, I promise," she reassured at the look on his face. "Please speak to him. I'll come and let you know what's happening."

Adrien nodded his understanding and Marinette dashed off.

"Please come in, Adrien," said Fu, the calmness of his smile belying the tension in his body. Adrien followed him inside.