"Top four!" A girl came up to us, she looked like a pig descendant and was dressed in all pink, with flecks of black dotted here and there, "New girl! The principal wants to meet you in his office."

"Thanks Rose," Adrien smiled, "We'd better go then if Mr Damocles wants us."

Alya grumbled and kicked up some dirt as we walked towards the large building behind the iron gates. According to her rambling Mr Damocles and her didn't have the best history and she'd caused a lot of trouble.

"What can I say it's in a fox's nature," Alya winked shrugging, "I threw loud parties, did a bunch of snoopi-I mean reporting! and pulled crazy pranks. We just didn't agree sometimes."

I chuckle at her. Sometimes she was just too much. I gazed in wonder as we approached the main building. It was made of stone and had the symbols of all the clans on its accents. The windows were large and it kind of gave me a whole modern castle vibe. Once we'd gone through the oak doors I saw the halls with marble flooring and lockers on the walls where there weren't classroom doors. Judging by how often lockers came up there were quite a few students in the school, all of which mostly came from the twelve zodiac clans, the Chinese new year animals.

I sigh as we approach a door that read: Principal's office. I then sigh out of longing as I spot the grey carpet through the glass on the top half of the door. Carpet was rare to come by and I longed to just laze about on it for hours, practising some small spells and reading a book, maybe even get back to designing! My thoughts were broken by Chloe knocking impatiently at the door. I just looked at Alya who shrugged when there wasn't an answer for a few minutes.

We all waited outside the principal's office, while Chloe knocked on his door again, this time looking like she was going to explode. I decided to look at my surroundings to pass some time. Now that I looked again, the school wasn't too grand but had small details that could only be noticed if you paid a close attention to detail like me. Like how the clan symbols were all over the school and spells were written in random places. I could see myself going around in my spare time and recording all of the markings I found. Maybe I might even get used to not having my aunt, uncle and grandfather around! Or maybe, just maybe I'll be able to do as everyone wants me to, and save us from Hawkmoth's iron grasp... Then a voice cut my thoughts short.

"Come in," I heard a deep but stately voice say.

We all went in and I hid at the back of the group, hoping not to be seen. His office wasn't grand like I'd imagined it to be, with plain white walls and oak accents. Mr Damocles sat at an oak desk and looked at the four of us. He was a rather round man, with owl like features and grey hair and beard with the top of his head being bald. Like his voice he looked stately yet relatable. The principal scanned us all for a few minutes until he spotted me hiding at the back.

"Ah Marinette Dupain-Cheng," He smiled, "I've been expecting you."

The four other young adults then parted, making me have to come forward. I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as I was put into the centre of everyone's attention. I definitely wasn't used to this and definitely didn't like it.

"You look a little young for your age," He remarked as he saw me, before chuckling fondly, "But then again your mother was too, she always made up for it in her knowledge though."

"You knew my mother?" I looked hopefully at the man. Maybe he could help me find out more about what I was meant to do when the time came to face Hawkmoth.

"Yes I did," He sighed, "She was an extraordinary young woman and came top of her class. You look exactly like her. It was a shame when I heard about what happened to your island and she went missing. The school's never been the same since..."

"Oh," I blushed embarrassed, he knew just about as much as I did, "She must've achieved a lot then."

"Well that's true," Mr Damocles smiled fondly, "She was a late bloomer like you, when it came to adulthood and puberty, but when they did come she was the top of her field. She did well in many things but she still had her clumsy girlish side too. You seem a lot like her and we need that sort of spirit around here. Everyone's lost hope..."

I noticed that we were now talking a lot about my mother and Alya and Chloe was getting impatient. I could just see them getting ready to make their points.

"With all do respect sir," Alya stepped forward, "By why did you call us four to the office if you're only going to compliment Marinette and her mother? No offence. You could've just called her alone, and why did you want us to make sure she knew some magic before sending her here? "

"I called you all here because you'll all be training together," He smiled, "You'll all do the test together next week and if you pass, we believe we can end this war. You four are our best students and Marinette has to powers to end this, that is why you were chosen. And the magic thing was so we'd know how long we'd have to prepare for the fight against Hawkmoth, there are still many descendants who can't harness their powers."

"Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!" Chloe folded her arms, "I'm not working with that weakling! She hasn't even reached adulthood! You should just leave her here and let us four deal with it Mr Damocles."

"Suit yourself Chloe," He sighed, "I can easily pair you with Sabrina and Lila."

"Lila?!" The blonde shrieked, "Ew! I'd rather work with Marinette! That two faced cow just doesn't shut up!"

I was somewhat glad to hear I wasn't the number one on Chloe's hate list, it would make working with her way easier anyway. Before I could say anything to Alya, Mr Damocles began to speak again.

"Well then that problem's solved," Mr Damocles smiled writing down some final notes, "Nino and Chloe go to class, Alya show Marinette around the school and Adrien stay back here, I need to discuss something with you. And Chloe mind your language, I'll let you off for that one slip up though. You are dismissed."

"Yes sir," All four of the others bowed and I followed their lead.

"You're all dismissed go to class," The principal then waved us away, "Except you Adrien and Alya tour Marinette."

The three of us nodded and I smiled as Alya began to drag me through the dark oak door of Mr Damocles' office. I couldn't wait to see what this school had to offer!

"And here's the dorms," Alya sighed as we finished my tour of the huge campus.

She had shown me all of the school from the office to the gardens and land around it. The library was huge and filled with several books written normally and in code! I couldn't wait to find out more about my clan and how exactly my powers could neutralise Akumas and feathers! She also told me about how the barrier worked and how we were allowed to go out of school every Saturday to explore Paris, which wasn't too far away. I looked up at the ceiling of the dorm and noticed the pattern was similar to the portal and sigh.

"Wow," I say speechless. The dorms were huge with two bedrooms, two beds in each room, a kitchen, bathroom and living room. The walls were decorated with the symbols of every miraculous clan there was. I stared at the symbols and placed my hand on the wall, tracing over the patterns. There was the Ladybug, Black cat, Fox, Turtle, Bee, Peacock, Moth, Viper, Rabbit, Dragon, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Mouse, Tiger, Horse, Monkey, Ox and Sheep. The windows were medium sized and gave a lovely view of the landscape. Everything was perfect! I then gasp in wonder as I suddenly realise the floor was covered in carpet. Maybe my dream of lazing about isn't short lived...

"You're in luck," Alya smiled breaking my thoughts, "You're sharing dorm with me, Adrien and Nino."

"Wait what?!" I looked at my friend in panic, "They're co-ed!" I was not expecting to share a dorm with guys. At home the only male I was around was my Uncle and even then, I barely saw him because he was in the bakery most of the time and if not I was at high school. I sigh contemplating my situation. But I guess it was better sharing with Adrien and Nino than someone I didn't know... I bet this was all set up. It had to be! Realising I was having a mental debate with myself, I composed myself and sighed.

"Well duh," Alya rolled her eyes playfully, "We're eighteen so Mr Damocles trusts us, no one really wants to look after a baby right now. But I understand where you're coming from. But nothing will happen. Though me and Nino have done it a couple of times.."

"Really?" I say jokingly, "Now I'm gonna have to listen to you guys all night! Just don't make a kid by accident."

"Hey! It's not like you won't do anything!" Alya laughed as I blushed, "Who knows, you might have some fun too!"

We both collapsed into laughter and I felt relief wash over me. There was a lot to take in with this school, from the large campus, to the timetable and rules. Everything was so new to me and I was scared of the huge change. The last time I'd had a huge change it ended with me losing someone important to me and I didn't want that happening again. I solemnly stare out of the window, lost in thought.

"Hey we've got break right now," Alya smiled getting out a notebook, "So do you feel like playing a game of truth or dare?"

"Why?" I asked. I could tell Alya wanted to delve deeper into what I knew and what I was like. She'd make a good reporter.

"Oh you know..." She shrugged, "Cause I want to get to know you! You're just so mysterious! And no-one's seen an actual Ladybug in years!"

"If that's all you want to know, I'll tell you what I know right now," I smile, "But be warned it is a sad tale not a happy one filled with songs and princesses." I wanted to ask her by what she meant by an actual Ladybug, but I just tossed my curiosity to the side. 'I'll tell Alya what I know first,' I mentally say, 'then I'll ask questions.'

"I think I've got that Marinette," Alya laughed, "You don't seem like the average ditzy air-head who talks to animals and sings. But Chloe she's a good fit!"

We both then collapsed into laughter again before we were panting heavily. My face was red and my cheeks ached a bit from all the smiling and Alya looked like she was constipated. I couldn't remember the last time I was this happy and content.

"Ok I'd better tell you now," I then spent the duration of our break telling Alya about those oh so distant years ago...

Adrien

"Adrien," Mr Damocles called me over to his desk. He had a grim expression on his face.

"Yes sir?" I say coming up to his desk. Something was up.

"Don't make a mistake you'll regret," Was his vague answer, "We now have a Ladybug in our school and I don't expect to hear of any fights between you two. I've heard of how they tend to act with the other. However you two don't seem to be like that... Just promise not to do anything serious."

"That's as easy," I smiled, "We haven't argued yet."

"Well that's interesting," The principal tapped his desk, "Not even quarrelled over idiotic things, like what weather's best or who's right?"

"Nope," Came my reply, "No bickering, name calling or even teasing."

"That is interesting," He went into one of his drawers and pulled out a notebook, "You are free to go."

I bowed and then left the principal's office, completely confused. If I was meant to be Marinette's enemy or opposite, shouldn't we fight? Unless the prophecy is real and we're destined to be together... Ha Ha yeah right Agreste dream on, that's not gonna happen. It's probably because we weren't raised by our own kind, so we most likely didn't pick up their stereotypes. But isn't it meant to come naturally? I ponder on the thought a bit longer until I hear two females arguing.

"You fat bitch!" Chloe seethed, "Don't tell me about your 'trip to America' cause we all know it's fucking fake!"

"At least I'm not a useless Bee who doesn't know shit!" Lila retaliated growling, her teeth showing and fists clenched.

"How dare you!" Chloe hissed her hand moving to her weapon.

"Care to take this outside," Lila smirked nodding to the door.

"Hell yes," Chloe smiled following the brunette outside.

I groan as I spot Lila and Chloe arguing turn into a fist-fight. It was probably over me...again. Then they'll fight like always and both get injured; then they'll both come crying to me saying how cruel the other is and beg me to deal with it. I face-palm as I hear the fight between them. These next few weeks are gonna be long. Sometimes I hate being a Black Cat all it seems to bring is bad luck and destruction...

Marinette

"Wow," Alya sat there speechless as I told her about my early childhood, "Hawkmoth chased the Ladybugs out. He said they attacked and he had no choice but to attack, not that we believed it. We all knew he was lying..."

"Yep," I say staring out a window imaging the market I used to explore as a toddler, "It was pretty traumatising."

Then a bell rang, indicating the end of break. I got out my time table and read what I had next.

"Combat practise," I read out. That wasn't too surprising really. We did have to have some sort of defence, even my auntie knew how to fight and she runs a bakery. The things war does to people...

"I've got that too!" Alya smiled dragging me out of the dorm to the main building. She led me down some halls and then into a room. It was a changing room and both males and females were in there. There were lockers with each pupils' name on it and benches for when they were changing. It was kind of weird for me to be in there with guys, but I didn't complain. 'It had to happen sooner or later,' I thought to myself as Alya pushed me into the room.

I spotted Nino and Adrien in the far corner and blushed when I caught the sight of them both changing. Most girls were just stripping down to their panties and bra, not even feeling self-conscious of the males in there with them and same to them. I felt a tinge of discomfort and my cheeks turned slightly pink as we went into the corner of the room.

"Come on Mari," Alya dragged me to my locker and opened it for me.

I gasped in awe at my physical activity clothes. They were a Ladybug sports-bra, black gloves, red mask and black shorts with black thigh boots. Ok they were a little bit showy but it's not like I have anything to show, so I was cool with my outfit. I slipped out of my Ladybug suit and got my clothes out my locker. I saw a few guys were looking at me. Ok sure I didn't get any breasts yet, but my behind was looking quite good and I'm no stranger to guys staring at it. I blushed as I slipped the sports-bra over my head on fixed it over my flat chest, then I put my shorts and shoes on. I then tied my now dark blue hair in a ponytail and chuckled as Alya gawped at me.

"Girl how can you change that quickly!" She stared at me astonished. I guess not everyone changed in five minutes like I did.

"Well I grew up in Paris, so you had to prepare to wake up and have to get changed. You never knew when a raid would come," I shrugged, "But hey! Your outfit looks good."

"You think?" Alya looked down at her outfit. She wore an orange and white sports bra, fox ears, orange mask, black gloves with white shorts and black thigh boots. Her hair was tied into a ponytail, its wildness untamed and the tips fading from brown to red to white.

"Yeah!" I smile and then notice the other young adults filing out of the room, "It looks like everyone's going now."

"Well we'd better go out then," Alya sighed, "Come on Mari!"

I then followed my friend into combat training. The other students looked tough and I was small and timid compared to them. Hopefully self teaching had supplied me with enough knowledge to catch up with the rest...

The training room was large and open with pillars and beams, making it easier to attack from above or below. The walls were plain white and had a brick pattern and blue accents. There were mats all around a larger square mat. We were the put into groups of five and training began. I was put with Alya, Juleka and Rose since the groups were separated by gender. Juleka had long dark hair and a fringe that covered her right eye and Rose was the girl dressed in pink who told us to go to Mr Damocles.

"Hi!" Rose squealed, "I'm so happy to meet a Ladybug in real life! I began to think they were a myth."

"Yeah," Juleka sighed,"There's more tigers than you guys."

"Yeah," I blush,"Thanks..."

Juleka was a tiger and Rose was a pig, they both were the most powerful descendants of their clan and were from one of the twelve zodiac clans.

Combat training soon began and wasn't actually too hard. I'd taught myself most of the techniques the teacher was teaching today and I was able to fight well. Halfway during the lesson, the teacher asked us to get in line and wait for our name to be called.

"You will fight the person who's name is called with yours," The teacher instructed, "Ok, now Chloe and Lila!"

Chloe had a bruise on her cheek and scowled at the brunette. The brunette smirked and then winced in pain. The brunette had to be the one person Chloe hated more than me and I could see why by the glint in her eyes. The two women had rivals written all over their face.

The two girls went onto the mats. Both were looking vicious and I noticed that Lila was a Fox like Alya. She had olive green eyes and brown hair, but I noticed that she wasn't wearing the miraculous, meaning she couldn't use Mirage. Chloe swung first only to be swept off her feet by Lila who acted fast and held he flute at Chloe's neck. She reacted and used her power, Venom, causing Lila to be paralysed for a moment. Lila growled and played a song on her flute that caused Chloe to turn pale and collapse in fear. The fight was short and simple, but I could tell the girls were going to continue it after class.

"Well done Lila," Our teacher clapped, "Chloe you need to work on hand-to-hand combat, yes you need magic but you also need hand-to-hand as well."

"Yes sir," The blonde grumbled glaring at Lila, before going back into the line.

"Nino and Alya!"

The two immediately appeared on the mat. Nino looking apologetically at her and Alya glaring at him. The both drew their weapons and attacked in sync. Alya's flute clashed with Nino's shield. A large thud was heard. They struck again, this time Alya aiming low and Nino high. She manage to land a few blows but Nino was using his skill in defence to slowly wear Alya out. However she caught on and used her magic to create three other versions of herself.

"Mirage!" She played her flute and shot out three blasts making three clones. Each one was at his side hitting him.

"Shel-der!" He yelled using his magic. He made a shield that kept him protected from Alya's attacks. As long as the illusions didn't get harmed they would stay, but as soon as one fades the rest follow and she feels drained. She had to think fast because the clock was ticking and she could only hold an illusion for twenty minutes. Nino was struggling in his shield. He had to find a way to defeat all of the illusions and then he'd win since Alya would be exhausted before he was.

What if he made his shield explode? Yes it was perfect! He stood in the middle of his shield and signalled for it to explode. Alya realised too late and her illusions were destroyed leaving her a crumpled and exhausted pile on the mats.

"Well done Nino," The teacher smiled, "Good thinking. You too Alya but try to think faster."

They both returned to the line, Alya grimacing and grumbling and Nino looking triumphant. The teacher then called out several names until it was my turn.

"Marinette and Adrien!" He called. My heart raced in my chest as I went onto the mat. I saw Adrien on the other side, his expression unreadable. Of course we had to face each other! We're each other's opposite after all! I roll my eyes as I spot the other's anticipating the fight.

"Oh a Black Cat and Ladybug facing off!" A girl called Alix smiled, She was a rabbit descendant, "That's a one in a lifetime opportunity to witness!"

"Squish the bug!" Some chanted.

"Show that Alley Cat who's boss!" Others yelled.

I looked back at Adrien. We both didn't want to fight and we knew it. Everyone thought we were rivals when really we didn't know what the other was to to us. Were we acquaintances? Friends? I didn't know. 'It's just practise, it's just practise, it's just practise,' I repeated in my mind as I anticipated what would happen next.

The whistle blew and we began. We slowly walked round in a circle, me spinning my yo-yo and him his baton. We caught the others gaze and knew one of us had to win, but how? We were both equals when it came to power. He went in first, but I dodged and landed behind him. Then I tripped him up, only for him to grab my ankle and pin me down. I chuckled before kneeing him in the abdomen, causing him to roll off me and give me a chance to recover and think of a plan. I then trapped him using my weapon. So far we cancelled the other's attacks and hadn't needed to resort to our magic. So what could I do? I wasn't going to get far just attacking..

Just when I dragged him down I felt the wire of my weapon loosen. He got out. He lunged forward and hit me in the ribs. I held my chest as a slicing pain seized me. Ok maybe right now would've been a good time to have breasts. I looked around me trying to see what I could do. There was nothing...I had no option left but to use my magic, even if it would drain me completely.

"Lucky Charm!" I say and get a roll of tape. 'Tape?' I question in my mind, 'What's that gonna do?'. I then spotted the beams all over the room and an idea went into my head.

"Tape!" I heard Chloe snicker, "What's that gonna do?"

"Oh you'll see," I smirked jumping onto a beam.

They all watched in silence as I went from beam to beam spreading the tape and gradually trapping Adrien. But I knew that once my plan was complete I'd of used all my energy and he would still be able to use his Cataclysm. Once I was done I jumped down and smirked at the Black Cat descendant. I knew he was going to use Cataclysm so I put a double layer over the entire trap I'd made, a few inches apart from the first initial layer. As I predicted he used Cataclysm but then he noticed the second layer.

"You got me," He smiled, "Guess you win?"

"Hey! I used my magic," I laughed, "I'm drained too. Plus I used it first!"

"Marinette?" He asked looking as if he was thinking deeply.

"Yeah," I say sleepily. I did feel a little-light headed and woozy now that think of it. Maybe it was just because I'd had a long day. Yeah it had to be.

"Does this make us friends or foes?" He looked at me, "Cause all this prophecy shit is confusing and everyone else assuming things isn't exactly helping."

"It can be whatever you want it to-" I didn't get to finish my sentence as I collapse from either fatigue or an unknown reason.

"Marinette!" Alya, Nino and Adrien yelled as I dropped.

"Shit," I mumbled before going out cold and letting the darkness engulf my vision...

A/N: Cliffhanger...Yay! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, I've tried to make it as good as my ability will allow! Tell me what you think in reviews, I love getting you guys' opinions and the support really helps.

A few questions to think on! Will Mari be okay and what caused this? Am I a terrible person? Maybe...

Well find out next time,

D.L.D