Chapter 5

Marinette was woken up at the crack of dawn to help her parents make breakfast, and hopefully make enough for the lunch rush later so she could at least attend the second half of the school day. Marinette talked with Mlle Bustier after classes and informed her that she might have to skip morning classes to help her parents, which she completely understood. Luckily for her, Alya, Nino and Adrien stopped by for breakfast before school, talking with her knowing that they wouldn't see her until after lunch. "Hey, guys!"

"What's up, girl?" Alya greeted with a hug. "Thought we'd stop by to see how you're faring."

"I fare well, kind lass," Marinette joked, causing the two to laugh while the boys shook their heads at them.

"We just wanted to wish you luck for the day, dude. Don't wear yourself thin."

"I'll try not to, don't worry too much," Marinette joked back.

"Just be careful, Marinette. We don't know what to expect with this akuma. Be careful," Adrien said seriously, causing a shiver to go down her spine. She hasn't seen Adrien act so serious, so protective before. He almost reminded her of Chat Noir. She took a second to look at his vibrant green eyes and honey blond hair. They both shared the same colors, and certain personality traits, but there was something different between them. They somewhat looked and acted the same, but somehow different. Almost like a wall was separating them.

Before she could think too hard on it, she shook her head and gave them all a comforting smile. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye out for the akuma. I won't put myself in danger willingly."

"You better hope not, young lady, or else you'll have me to answer to," Tom said with a playful glare as he entered the bakery.

"Don't worry papa," Marinette giggled. "I doubt the akuma would want to face against you."

"You're right! I'm a giant and I will protect my family from any evil!"

"Of course you will, honey," Sabine said with an exasperated smile. "Now, you three need to head to school or else you'll be late." She gave them each a croissant and a couple cookies to snack on for later.

"Thanks, Sabine!" Alya exclaimed as she winked at Marinette and left with the boys. Alya and the others wouldn't return to the bakery until after school like planned, so they could all study together. Meanwhile, Marinette was hard at work in the kitchen with her papa, sometimes alternating with her maman when it was busy. When it was busy, she would work in the kitchen with her father trying to catch up of things while her mother manned the register. Her maman was much better at handling money than she was.

When lunch hour was finally finished, Marinette took her time to eat her lunch before gathering her books. "Maman, papa, I'm heading to school!"

"Okay, sweetie, be safe!" her maman called to her from the kitchen.

"Don't worry, Mme Cheng, she will be perfectly safe," a new voice came from behind Marinette. In her fright, Marinette squealed and bumped into someone that was behind her.

"Oh! I'm so sorr-" she cut herself off when she saw who it was. Or rather, what it was. A giant lady, almost as big as her papa, stood inside the doorway. She wore a long purple gown that flowed into nothing but glitter, keeping her feet concealed. She had large, white wings behind her that made her look like a fairy, but they weren't flapping to keep her up, she was just… floating. She had a pair of red glasses perched on her head, and she was holding a very large book in her hands. That's Nana Sophaline's book. Nana? Marinette's eyes shot up from the book to the akuma's eyes, and they were the same color and softness as hers. Marinette almost wanted to cry at finally seeing her again, but sad because of what she has become. "Nana?"

"Ah, so you do remember me, child?"

"Of course, Nana Sophaline. We all love and miss you so much-"

"No one missing that pathetic soul. I'm much stronger now, dear. I have the power to give everyone the happily ever after they deserve." It was then that Marinette's parents walked from the back, startled and afraid that an akuma was in their bakery, talking with their beloved daughter. "Everyone here has a purpose, my love. And I'm going to take you to yours."

"W-what do you mean, Nana Sophie?" Marinette shakily asked. She tried to be strong, she was Ladybug for Pete's sake, but her magic didn't work here in this world. She was powerless until she found something to do.

"You were one of the few who actually stood up for me, but you actually faced that young brat all on your own. You're quite the brave soul, love. You're like a warrior princess, hidden away as a peasant. But don't worry, I'll have your prince come to you in no time."

"Prince? What do you-" Before she could finish, she felt her body be lifted up, almost as if she was flying. She couldn't hold back the scream as she realized she was being lifted up into the air towards the ceiling. "Maman! Papa!" she pleaded. They ran to try to help her down, but Nana Sophaline stood in their way. "Please, Nana, don't do this!"

"I'm not Nana Sophaline anymore, sweetie. My name is The Godmother, and you will have a happily ever after." She waved her wand towards Marinette, causing glitter to appear at the end of her want and, before Marinette could react, was sent to another place entirely. She barely heard the desperate cries from her parents before darkness enveloped her.