When I approach the small cottage, I whisper to Tikki, "Are you sure we stepped through the portal and not a fairy tale? Look, even the roof is made out of straw!" "Marinette, you need to transform! What if someone sees you?" I sigh, knowing she's right. After ducking behind the tree, I approach the cottage for a second time knocking on the door.

At first no one comes, and I start to wonder if no one is home or if it is abandoned. No, it can't be, for the flowers look recently watered. Then, I hear footsteps and the door opens slowly. "Hello, ma'am," I start. Why am I feeling so shy all of a sudden? "I saw your cottage and your flowerbed." "Ah, travelers come near and far to admire my garden, Ladybug." My mouth drops open. "How-how do you know my name?" She laughs gently, and invites me in. "Your suit looks like a ladybug for one thing. And here in Tibet, the ladybug is good luck. At least at my house it is." "But I come from Paris. How could you have possibly heard of me?" Okay, I know I'm famous in some respects, but I've always tried to be strict about keeping my Ladybug side private. "My husband collected Miraculous. He found two our travels, but he was always searching for the Ladybug and Black Cat. Alas, he never found them, but perhaps that is good." She coughs slightly, swaying on her feet and I reach out a hand, steadying her. "Are you all right?" She looks up at me, and her coughing subsides. "Yes, thank you, dear. Would you like some tea?" I nod, thinking tea might make her feel better. "You-you wouldn't have coffee on hand, would you?" she laughs, and turns to me her eyes twinkling. "I think I have some in the cupboard. I'm by myself so much these days I forget what young people like." "Is your husband still living?" I sit down at the big oak table, admiring her cozy kitchen. "I don't know. I was very sick for quite some time, and when I woke up he was gone. I made my way to the Temple you and Cat Noir restored to get treatment and I made it just in time."

"What's your name?" I ask, the rich smell of coffee and tea mingling and it makes my mouth water. She doesn't answer at first, and I wonder if she is confused. Finally, she answers. "Emmi." "Nice to meet you."

She serves me my coffee with cream and slices me a slice of apple cake. "So, what's Ladybug of Paris doing alone here in Tibet without her Cat Noir?" "I needed to spend some time away from Paris. Even if it was just for the day." I sigh. "And speaking of Cat, I want to tell him who I am, but I'm scared."

Emmi takes her hands in mine, and I can feel her fragile fingers, but I know she is kind. "If he loves you, he won't walk away." "I know. I just don't want to lose what we have. Besides…." I pause, but then plow forward. I can trust her. "I'm dating someone else. Adrien Agreste."

Her hand suddenly tightens around my fingers. "Adrien? Did you say Adrien?" I nod. "He...was a successful model for the Agreste Brand. Why do you know him?" "I've only heard of him." Something feels off, but I don't know what. Like she's keeping part of the truth from me. But like me, we all have secrets, so I let it go.

"Let me show you my home," Emmi says, and she shows me around. "I used to model a bit as well, like your Adrien, but my true passion was sewing and spinning." "Spinning?" I echo. Of course I know sewing, but I've never heard of spinning. "A spinning wheel." "Oh, I would love to learn that," I try to keep the longing out of my voice, for I am but a guest in her house. "Would you like to learn?" I nod, eyes shining. "Here, I will teach you what I know."

The day passes with a blink of an eye, and she offers me lunch, which we take out in her garden. "Of course, the field of designing fits you to a tea. Ladybugs have always been creative."

Before I can ask anymore questions, she's fallen asleep in the sun. Quietly, I begin to stack the dishes and take them inside to wash. Though I've never been here before, inside the cottage is peaceful and so familiar. "Oh, sweetheart, you don't have to worry about the dishes!"

Emmi has woken from her nap, and has stepped back inside. With a golden sunbeam shining on her, I can take a good look at her. She has a golden hair woven in through the gray, and she wears her hair in one long braid. Her eyes look like Adrien's, a beautiful shade of green. Again, a familiar feeling tugs at me, but the next second, its gone.

We chat for a bit more, before I need to head back to Paris, and she hugs me tightly. "Don't wait forever to tell your Kitty who you are. You'll find the courage." I nod. "Thank you for your kindness and your advice. I'll take it to heart."

But when I step outside, I feel no hurry to leave yet, and I find a trail and follow it. A small stream calls to me, and after I take a refreshing drink, I forego the path and follow it instead. When my feet get tired, I lay in the thick grass, toes dangling in the water.

For once the Ladybug doesn't need to fly,

Rather she can rest and think without fear of danger.

I sit up. If there is no danger here, why am I suddenly feeling on edge? I get up, walking up a very steep hill, stopping at the top to catch my breath.

And then I see it, soaring up into the clouds. For in the distance, stands a gray and grim castle, and one word leaves my lips with dread: "Hawkmoth."

Without knowing who lives there, I just know. Which means he's alive after all. But the man who tried to see my earrings was all dressed in black, and Hawkmoth for as long as I known him, wore purple. Could he be in a disguise to throw me and Cat off the track? It wouldn't have been the first time it would have happened.

A gray mist slowly starts to appear, swirling around the castle until it disappears from view. Somehow, I must get into the castle to know the truth.

But for now, its time to get back to Paris, and my Adrien, who is probably missing me as much as I miss him.

But the late day shadows are gathering as I return home, and I feel tired and just want to go home. Home. Home is where my loved one is, Cat's old saying comes back to me. I look up and see I'm just outside he gates of the Agreste mansion. This a sure sign that I'm supposed to go in, I'm sure of it. I check the time, relived its not actually that late and slip inside.

Felix is just heading upstairs when I clear my throat, and he turns to see me, a serious look on his face. "Adrien's had a rough day without you," he says, pulling me into the kitchen. "I don't understand. It was just for one day and he said it was fine."

"He probably thought so, but he's been dreaming and yelling all day. I think with you being gone, it triggered memories of his mother disappearing." "Felix, I…" "Hey, its not your fault. Adrien doesn't talk about her much, even to me."

He makes me a cup of hot chocolate which hits the spot. "Felix, I was in Tibet. And you'll never guess what I saw. Hawkmoth's castle. At least, I had a very strong feeling." "What if that was Hawkmoth at the party the other night? Who else would go after your earrings?" "Calleum. She'd do anything to be a designer." "Marinette, she's gone missing. And it was right after the party too." "Whoever the man in black is, there up to no good."

I finish my drink, and stand up. "I should check on Adrien." "Okay, I'm here if you need me." I climb the stairs to Adrien's room, and find him asleep. I'm here so much I have a bag of sewing things here, so I sit down and begin to work.

At least Adrien doesn't seem to be having nightmares at the moment, and I'm glad he's sleeping peacefully.

Rain starts to splatter at the windows, and I wander over and touch my hand to the cool glass. "Ladybug?" I turn to see Adrien finally awake, and walk over to him.

"Hey," I scoot my chair over to him, and sit down, brushing the bangs away from his forehead with a gentle touch. "I've heard you had a rough day." "I'm okay that your here again." Thunder booms over the house and I squeak with surprise. "Sorry," I blush. "I'm not the biggest fan of thunder." "I think I can cure that," Adrien smiles. "How about you go over to the couch."

Soon, wrapped in Adrien's quilt, we cuddle together watching the rain. "Do you know how beautiful you look?" He whispers in my ear. "My hair is extremely fluffy, and I'm very tired, and you pick now to tell me I'm beautiful?" "Beauty isn't just skin-deep. And I think your beautiful all the time." "Thanks. Adrien?" I touch a hand to his cheek, staring into those eyes I love so much. "I-I want to show you who I am, but I don't know how." "I may have some ideas, but maybe we should wait until morning. After all its nearly midnight." I groan, but get up. "Okay. I'll be back in the morning, unless I end up a pumpkin."

"Good night, pumpkin," Adrien grins as I leap onto the windowsill. After blowing a kiss, I disappear into the rainy night.