Its not often I dress in dark clothing or leave the house before any of my co-workers get to the office, but this morning, I'm up before the sun.

We have a secret room at the office called "The Tower" where some of the best ideas are brewed, and there's a laptop in there, that fits along with today's agenda. Sure, I could go to the library, but I want the project of waking Emile up a secret.

"Your up early, Marinette," my usual barista says. "And where's that handsome man of yours?" I giggle. "Probably still asleep. Big day at the office." Okay, maybe that's not entirely true, but I'm keeping my lips zipped.

Its rare to find the office's main desk dark and quiet, and I scan in with my card, going over to the keypad punching the numbers and heading up the small staircase.

I flick on the light and take a sip of coffee while the computer warms up. Once up and running, I head to Google, typing in "Emile Agreste" "buttercup." the results I find are surprising.

Apparently, she had her own brand name named Buttercup, but just before her official launch, she "disappeared" while other sources say she died. Though her work wasn't in vain though, as at times she would have a few articles of clothing in under the Gabriel brand, and I do remember when I was younger, thinking the look was a bit different, but reading into much. Now I know why.

"Emile's brand, Where did it go and where is it now?" a video sends my mouse clicking on it, and leaning back in my chair to watch. Though no one knows exactly where Emile hid the clothes, apparently there are rumors that the clothes are somewhere beneath Paris. I push a frustrated hand through my thick black hair. I would love to finish the work she started, rounding out the legacy once and for all. Then it hits me. A "person" might not know where they are, but a Kwami might.

"Dussu, can you hear me?" I call, feeling a bit silly talking out loud to an empty room. "What's going on?" she asks, appearing as if from nowhere. I point to the article on the screen. "Do you remember when this happened?" Dussu nods, looking a bit uncomfortable. "Well, no one is supposed to know Marinette. Expect for…." her voice trails off. "Expect for who?" I ask. "Ladybug and Cat Noir." "I know Tikki and Plagg and about the Miraculous. But the one you gave me is the only one I have."

"You need to wear the Miraculous of the Peacock at the Louvre. Here," I squeak as Dussu spits some sort of goo into my hands. "I know its gross, but that's one of your Kwagatama's. It will help you connect with Emile's memories and you can talk with her. Are you ready to head off to the Louvre?"

I check the time and sigh. Its late enough where the Louvre would be open by now, and Adrien hasn't texted, but getting to the Louvre can take all day. "Yeah, but I promised Adrien…." Dussu flutters closer, touching my cheeks, blue eyes serious. "If you pull this off, Marinette, you won't just be saving a life, but a crumbling relationship." I bite my lip and nod. "The Louvre it is," I tell her, grabbing my bag.

Luckily, the line isn't long yet, and I get inside relatively quickly. Dussu guides me to a woman statue stroking an exotic peacock. No one is in the exhibit and its off the beaten path. "Place your Kwamagta under the statue," she instructs me.

A blue light flashes, and I leap up touching one of the pictures and I stumble backwards as another flash of light blinds me.

"I'd help you up," a sweet warm voice says, "but I am just a memory of the past." My hands leave my face and standing above me is Emile Agreste. "Your Emile, Adrien's mother," I whisper. "Yes, but the world seems a bit foggy these days. Please, sit." she gestures to a small bench. "I was led here by your Kwami, Dussu and I'm seeking the Ladybug and Cat Miraculous, plus your secret clothing line."

Emile looks at me sharply, and for a moment I wonder if I have stepped over some sort of line. "How do you know about those things?" "Um, I met Nikki and Plagg with Adrien a few weeks ago, and I've been doing my research." I explain the last few weeks, and Emile listens quietly.

"Goodness, you really are the right Ladybug for the job. Come with me." I follow her past visitors, trying to look like I'm only observing paintings and not looking like a girl on a serious mission.

A small drawer is pointed at, and using a hair pick I unlock it easily. I open the drawer slowly, gasping when I see two tiny earrings and black ring glowing softly in a drawer. But before I can ask anymore questions, Emile is fading….

"Please, wait!" I cry, desperation in my voice. Dussu floats up beside me. "A memory only lasts so long, Marinette." I nod.

"I won't give up, Dussu."

When I get home I take a short nap, texting Adrien and he says he'll be here with in an hour. An hour is plenty of time for a nap, so I text him saying that's fine, and curl in ball, cradling the Miraculous. I'm not sure how to use them right, but I'm sure Tikki and Plagg will tell me when the time is right.

"So, what's this special surprise you have planned for me?" Adrien asks when I let him in. "You'll see," I grab his hand and lead him into the bathroom, plopping him down in my makeup chair.

"Now I'm scared," Adrien half-jokes as I rummage in the cupboards. "Your not planning on giving me a buzz cut are you?"

"We're face painting, you goose! Now, let me change, and I'm going to you into a beautiful creature," I giggle.

Not that you aren't a beautiful human already, I think to myself.