Hey all, sorry for the delay on updating this, but I had another writing project that I was focusing on. Now that it's well underway, I should be able to update this story more frequently. This chapter sets up a lot of things that will be fully explained later so leave me a review and let me know what you think!

Emma concentrated on Plagg, pulling him closer and closer to her. In a final burst of effort, she saw Plagg burst out of nothing right in front of her. He stared at her for a moment, blinking his bright green eyes.

"Well I'll be…" he started to say, "You really are his kid, aren't you?" She smiled knowing that she was taking in her eyes that matched her father's so perfectly.

"If you think I resemble him now, just wait till I suit up," she said with a wink. That made the kwami laugh and the sound calmed her nerves slightly now. With Plagg at her side again, she felt that there was nothing she couldn't do.

"Speaking of suit up, let me see this ring of yours," he said. She held up her hand and allowed him to inspect the ring. "Wow, it really is the same ring."

"Yes, now I need to transfer your powers to it, alright?" He nodded his approval and she slipped the ring off and held it in the palm of her hand. Plagg took his position in her other palm and she closed her eyes once more, focusing on the power of cataclysm. Using her abilities in this manner was beginning to drain her, but she pushed forward past the exhaustion. When the task was done, she slipped the ring back on and rested her head in her hands.

"You alright, kid?" Plagg asked, sounding very concerned.

"Yeah, I'm alright. I'm just getting a little tired." she said, downplaying how she felt.

"You need to eat," the kwamii suggested. "I do too for that matter. Any chance you…" Emma pulled out the wedge of cambernet out of her pocket before he could finish. Breaking it in half, she handed him a piece while beginning to eat the other herself.

"You are well trained, my dear!" he exclaimed. "I see why we are best friends!"

The sentiment made her smile, but it also served as a painful reminder as to why they were so close.

I can't let him know. She told herself. I can't let anyone know about what is going to happen.

"Plagg, before we head out, fill me in on what's going on. Briefly."

"Alright, let's see. Well, Adrien, your father, move out a few months ago. He has his own place and is dating a girl named Marinette." He looked at her, waiting for a response, of some kind.

"I know Marinette is Ladybug." she said, realizing that why he had paused. "Does my fa-Adrien know it?"

"Yep! They figured it out about a year ago now. They've been dating ever sense." Emma felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders. It was one big secret that she wasn't going to have to keep.

"She was there when you called, actually," Plagg continued as he finished eating his cheese. "It's a good thing you didn't say anything about your mother."

"And why is that?" she asked, being coy.

"Kid, you might have your father's eyes, but…"

"You're a carbon copy of your mother." she finished for him. "Yeah, Plagg. I've heard it a thousand times. Think my parents will figure it out?"

The kwami pondered this for a moment. But then shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know. They can be pretty thick headed, if you know what I mean. Best not say anything about it until they do, I suppose. Tikki will know for sure though."

Tikki. Emma repeated the name to herself silently. I get to see Tikki. Heck, I get to see my parents. Aw, shit, I get to see my parents!

Emma swallowed hard as a knot of mixed emotions formed in her stomach. Suddenly, she realized that Plagg was staring at her. She smiled sweetly, pretending that nothing was wrong, but she knew Plagg saw through it.

"You don't know Tikki, do you?" he asked solemnly.

"It's...complicated." she admitted, "But I can't tell you the future Plagg. It could cause major problems for all of us."

She could tell that Plagg was upset by what she had said. After all, she knew he had only recently been reunited with Tikki. The idea of being separated again must be a painful one. She knew how much her Plagg, the one in the future, missed his other half. She felt it every time she transformed with him. Cat Noir was nothing with his Ladybug. She knew and understood that better than most.

"Well come on, kid." the kwami said, breaking Emma's train of thought. "It's best we get out of here, don't you think?"

She nodded and rose to her feet, but she didn't saw the transformation words just yet.

"Plagg," she said in a whisper, "You know what I am, don't you?" He nodded.

"Yeah kid. And you're a strong one at that. But you haven't awakened yet, have you." She shook her head. "Don't worry, I won't say anything."

She sighed, relieved that he understood, but didn't seem upset with her. After all, she was about to turn 13. The fact that she hadn't awakened weighed heavy on her heart as well as her master's. The last thing she needed was for Plagg to start pressuring her too. He had always been very supportive of her and her training despite how long it was taking. Suddenly, she realized why.

He knew. He already knew it would take this long! He knows it right now!

The realization made her laugh, causing the kwami's eyes to widen.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"Nothing Plagg. It's just….Master gets so frustrated with me. And I get frustrated with myself. But you never have." She smiled and leaned in closer to the kwami who was hoving in the air. "It's because you knew I wouldn't awaken. Not yet, anyway."

"Kid, we are going to be good friends. I can tell." The kwami smiled at her as he began to understand. "But we really do need to get going. We can chat more latter." She nodded.

"Alright, Plagg. Claws out!"