"You know I'm going to miss you around here," Master Fu says, as I tided up a display of brushes. "But I'm happy you got into such a good school." I smile. "Thanks, but all I did was send in my resume. And you know how much Papa has wanted to open a bakery in Paris."
Okay, my portfolio was pretty impressive. I want to be a fashion designer, and the money I make from working in Master's Fu's Paint and Craft shop, helps pays for my supplies. That's all about to change though, because in a few short hours my family and I will be leaving China for Paris.
Sure, I can design and paint all day long, but my French speaking skills? Questionable. "I just hope I make some friends in Paris," I whisper almost to myself as I watch the rain tracing its way like ribbons down the windowpanes.
"I may be able to help with that. But you must do me a favor in return. Follow me." Curiously, I follow Master to the back where we take our breaks, and he pulls out a small wooden box that looks homemade.
"A little friend is inside. Go ahead, open it." I take a deep breath, pinching the lid to find to tiny red-and-black dotted earrings nestled on a bed of red velvet. I look up at Master, his eyes now serious. "Thank you, but how is this a friend?" "Because its not just earrings, Marinette. Its a Miraculous."
A Miraculous. I've heard of them, obviously. Another Ladybug who lives in another world was able to magically repair the Guardian's Temple not far from where I live. "Is this the Ladybug Miraculous?" I ask in a hushed voice. Master nods. "Your Kwami will grant you many powers, ones not even I know about. But sadly, one of my Miraculous was stolen and I need you to get it back."
"Stolen? Who would do such a thing?" My voice is sharp. I hate liars, but stealing is the next worse thing. "Someone who would do anything for power. Marinette, you must hunt down the Butterfly Miraculous and return it to me." "But I'm moving halfway across the world, I-" Master holds up a hand. "Don't worry about that. And don't worry, you'll have a partner to help you in your quest. You'll meet him when the time is right." My partner is a guy? Maybe a possible friend?
Sure, the mission might be daunting, but anything for a friend…. "I'll do as you wish. Is the Miraculous in Paris?" Master nods, heaving a big sigh. "In a city of millions, the task will be nearly impossible, but with your creative and sharp mind, and your partner's wit, I have complete faith in you two."
I blink in surprise. "He?" "Yes, your new partner's a guy. I think you'll get along just fine." No need to tell him, I can't talk to guys, or anyone.
"Now, I don't want your parents to worry, so get going. Best of luck, Marinette." After a goodbye hug, I walk out of the door, carrying my precious box. I'll try the earrings on later, in Paris.
"Ah, there you are, sweetie. Van's all packed and when your mother gets home from the village, time to go." My throat closes up tight. "Just going to say goodbye to my room." Papa nods, understanding.
I sprint inside and up the stairs, walking slowly into my room. Strange though, it no longer feels like my room, only a shell. I open the window one last time, breathing in the smell of roses.
"Marinette! Time to go!" Mama shouts. "Coming!"
The car ride to the airport is a long and bumpy one, but each bump takes me closer to a new adventure. Most of our things were shipped ahead, so I'm just carrying a carry-on. Passengers crowd the hallways, and I have to be careful not to….trip. I go sprawling over my shoes on a wet patch, about to hit the floor with a thud when a pair of arms grab me just in time.
"Thank you…." My voice trails off as I look into the most beautiful green eyes. "My pleasure," the boy says. His hair is blonde and soft looking, and he wears it in an emo cut, the hair flopping to one side.
"There he is!" a group of girls shriek, and the boy sighs with frustration before melting away into the crowd. "Wait!" I call, holding up a hand. "I didn't get your name!"
"Come along, dear," Mama gently steers me in the direction of our flight. A strange grip of sadness washes over me. But I only met him, I think to myself.
After departure, we are served Coke and pretzels and I relax, pulling my earbuds out of my pack. Might as well work on my French. To keep my hands busy, I work my calligraphy.
Supper is served some time later, and even if it is a favorite of mine, noodles, the butterflies in my stomach are fluttering around like crazy. Papa smiles at me from across the aisle, and I feel a tiny bit better.
"Marinette? Wake up, honey," Mama is shaking my shoulder gently. I open my eyes, rubbing them. "We're home."
It feels good to stretch and move about as we head inside the bakery, or will be the bakery. But what I really want to see is my room, and I scamper up the stairs.
Papa told me that I have an attic room and the staircase in the living room shows me where to go. I slowly open the trapdoor, goosebumps raising on my arms as the door gives a loud creak!
Most of the room is on one floor but my bed is tucked away in a corner, and I'm curious about the skylight.
To my delight, I open the hatch to find I have my own private balcony! And the view is breathtaking! The Notre Dame stands proudly across the Seine, and the buildings beyond go for miles.
Remembering my promise to Master Fu, I feel a small lurch in my stomach.
That night I had a hard time sleeping, and I can't get the earrings off my mind. Eventually I give in, and place the tiny jewels in my ears.
I clamp a hand over my mouth as a small bug-like creature appears in a magical light, and it stares me. I sit, frozen, staring back. "What are you?" I breathe as I find my voice. "We're you the friend Master Fu was talking about?"
The creature mimes writing and as I peer closer at it, it has a strange symbol covering its mouth, preventing it from talking.
I grab a pencil and paper, breaking off the tip and hand it to the small creature and it begins to scrawl. I curl my knees up to my chest as I watch, and pick up the note when it finishes.
"Hello, Marinette! I am the Kwami of Creation, and I grant you your powers that turn you into Ladybug. All you have to say is Spots On."
I scribble some words. "Why can't you talk?" I show her, and she shakes her head, antennas drooping. "I'm not allowed to say. But try your suit!"
"Okay," I say. "Tikki, Spots On!" That pink magical light appears again, and Tikki swirls into my earrings, and a red and black suit begins to cover from head to toe.
My heart is thumping when it finishes, and I check myself out in the mirror. My hair is now in two high buns with red ribbons, but that's not what scares me or my new powers. I have red eyes!
Okay, calm down. Your still you, sorta. I find a yo-yo attached to my hip, and wander back up to my balcony. I open my compact, finding a helpful user's guide.
Okay, let's take this suit for a spin. Twirling my yo-yo, I toss the string, then fly into the air along with it.
Up into the black sky I fly, then hurtling back down towards earth.
"Oof!" I crash into another being, finding myself suspended in mid-air. Purple eyes stare back at me, and the wildest green hair I've ever seen. "Hello, there!" he smiles, showing a row of pearly white teeth.
"Get me down!" I yell, and before I can say "down!" I'm sprawled on the street. "Here," the boy says, holding out his hand.
I grab it gratefully, taking him in. "So, your my partner." He looks me up and down, cocking his head. "You look more then a Cockroach, then a Ladybug." I whirl, glaring at me. "Excuse me?" He grins. "Ha, no, I take that back! A hissing Cockroach!"
I study his outfit and hair, his outfit consisting of black leather and spikes, even a spiky bell hangs at his throat. His hair is a bright shade of green and messy. "Well, at least I don't look like Fleabag!"
"Okay, okay, Let's calm down," he says, holding out his palms. I take a deep breath, feeling calmer already. "What is your name anyway, Cockroach?"
I have to think for a moment. Then it hits me. "Toxinelle."
The names fits, for stealing a Miraculous back is pretty shady work. So, Toxinelle it is. "What are you doing out so late?" "Patrolling. Gotta keep my eyes peeled for akimos and the Butterfly holder."
"What is a akimo?" I ask. "a butterfly that turns you into a superhero." "Okay, Claw Noir, or whatever your name is. I just arrived in this city so I'm more clumsy then usual. Patrol will be tomorrow night at the Eiffel Tower."
"Okay, Detective Cockroach," Claw gives me a wink, and disappears into the night. Then it hits me. I'm alone in a strange city, and even with my powers, I have no idea which way is home.
"Spots Off," I detransform, and Tikki once again appears. I catch her in my hands. "What direction is home?"