Author's Notes: I'M BACK! So, so, so sorry for not updating for so long, I've had a lot going on recently that I'm not going to get into, but it's just made it difficult to update recently. Sorry if the end feels a bit rushed, I have a wee bit of writer's block. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!

P.S. I don't own Miraculous Ladybug or any of its characters

- Chapter 4 -

When my parents stop in front of a bakery, I feel confused. "Are we stopping to get some bread before we go home?" I ask.

"No, sweetie, this is our home," my mother replies. I stare for a moment, vaguely remembering Alya saying something about that. "Come on, I'll show you where everything is," she says, stepping out of the car. I follow her and my dad inside, looking around the shop as we pass through. It's small, but it has this warm, cozy feeling to it. Inhaling, I take in the scent of pastries and frosting. I can feel my mouth water at it, but I keep going so I don't lose my parents. When we enter the apartment above the shop, the first thing I notice is the floral chinese painting on the wall. Looking around, I see that the living room, kitchen, and dining room are all in this open space. There's lots of pink decor, along with a large tv and gaming set. My parents lead me upstairs, pointing out there room before stopping in front of a ladder. "Here is your room," my father says, pointing to a trapdoor above us.

When I go through the hatch, my eyes widen, and I can hardly believe my eyes. It seems almost bigger than the entire first floor, littered with various sketches of clothing, fabric scraps, and pieces in progress. It has even more pink things then the last area, and a large bed covered in pillows. "This-this is amazing! Thank you so much!" I say gratefully.

"Of course, sweet heart. We'll leave you to get readjusted, and will be downstairs in the shop if you need anything," my mom replies.

"Alright!" I say happily. As they go back down the trap door, Tikki pops out again. Startled, I step back a moment before recognizing her. She goes over and sits down on top of one of my pillows, watching as I look around. I find my diary inside an intricate box that locks on the hand of anyone who tries to reach it without the key. Flipping through a few pages, I get an idea of who Marinette-I mean, I used to be. Although, staring down at the pages, reading about saving people, creating amazing fashion designs, winning contests, it all seems like another person. An impossible life. Apparently I even know Jagged Stone and Clara Nightingale, who appear to be famous musicians who I was friends with. The diary mentions how I won a fashion contest for Gabriel Agreste, and how the "Queen of Fashion", Audrey Bourgeois, wanted me to go to New York in America with her. I guess that the part about being a superhero is real, since Tikki is here and all, but the rest just seems so… unbelievable.

How could I possibly have known all these famous people, let alone become friends with them? It must have been that I was daydreaming, writing about my favorite pop stars, dreaming of a life where I knew them. Setting the diary down, I lock it back in the box before looking around more. I notice a computer sitting nearby, and go over and experimentally tap on the keyboard, and it flares to life in front of my eyes. Taken aback, I look again at the screen just to make sure I'm seeing it right. Sure enough, it's covered in pictures of Adrien with hearts floating him. Thinking back to Gabriel Agreste, I suddenly remember how Adrien's last name was the same. I quickly search "Adrien Agreste", and almost immediately realize that he is a famous supermodel who works for his father, showing off his designs. Why was he waiting for me? I wonder. Looking at the hearts, I blush. Was-was he my boyfriend?

I shake my head, banishing the thought as soon as it arrives. No, I was probably just another fangirl. But… why was he waiting for me then? Just then, I see a notification pop up on my screen. "Ladyblog -" Clicking it, I find the website Tikki had been talking about. I do a double take when I see the number of subscribers, and I suddenly doubt that this person is my best friend. I mean, there's just no way. What are the chances of knowing and befriending two famous people? I scroll through the feed, and find lots of pictures of Ladybug- I mean, me and a black-clad superhero together. Though, there are more pictures of Ladybug, since this is the Ladyblog and all. As I read through, I discover that, despite what Chat and our fans say, he and Ladybug are not a couple, just partners. Scrolling further down, I find that, together, we have defeated countless villains sent in by Hawkmoth, though we've never actually seen the man face to face. There are no pictures of him, no description. I can feel my heart flutter in my chest with fear around the mystery. "Hey, Tikki?" I say hesitantly.

"Yes, Marinette?"

"Do we know who Hawkmoth is?"

"No."

"What he looks like?"

"No."

"Anything about him?"
"Well… we know he's a super-villian working with a woman named Peacock?" Tikki offers.

I sigh, before turning back to my computer to research more. Some time later, I hear a knock on my trapdoor, before the hatch opens and my mother pokes her head in. "Dinner's ready," she says, before retreating again. Looking at the time, I realize that she's right - it's been hours. At least I think I know enough about the heroes to be able to act the part now from looking at the various footage and interviews online. "Be right back, Tikki," I call, hurrying downstairs. When I enter the living room, a delicious smell hits my nose. Looking at the table, I find a spread of chinese food laid out and still hot. Smiling, I thank my mother for the amazing meal, and we dig in. It tastes so good, especially compared to the hospital meals. I burn my mouth on the still hot buns as I scarf them down. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until now, being preoccupied with my research.

"Marinette?" I look up from the meal to find my mother looking at me.

"Yes? What is it?" I ask, swallowing hurriedly.

"I-I wanted to make sure you knew you would be going back to school tomorrow," she said.

"O-oh. I… alright! I'll do my best," I say, offering a smile. She gives a relieved, but small smile in return. I return to my food, and clear my dishes after finishing. "By the way… it's just… I know your my parents…" I look down as I stop, unable to face them behind me. "I-I was wanting to know your real names. I-I'm sorry, I know that you're my mom and dad, it's just… you don't feel like it…"

I hear a small gasp behind me, and a pat as my father comforts my mom. "We understand," he says calmly, hiding his emotions. "My name is Tom Dupain-Cheng, and your mother is Sabine Dupain-Cheng."

"T-thank you," I say, before hurrying upstairs and into my room. I flop down onto my bed, guilt overwhelming me. Glancing up, I notice a large cork board covered in more pictures of Adrien. Sighing, I flip over, trying to not feel his eyes boring into me. I can feel Tikki hovering near me, wanting to know what's wrong, but I ignore her, drawing the covers over my head. Soon enough, I pass into the peaceful darkness of sleep.

I open my eyes and look at myself, discovering myself in Ladybug's costume. "My Lady," I can hear a voice say behind me. Turning, I find Chat Noir behind me, smirking and leaning against his staff. "You ready to rock this guy?" he says with a wink, pointing to a man with slicked back white and purple hair, a black leather outfit, and a giant… purple crocodile? With wings? I stare at him, when all of the sudden the outline of a purple butterfly outlines his face. Nodding, it disappears, and he strums his guitar, sending out a wave of energy right at me. Before I can do anything, I feel solid arms grasp me and pull me out of the way. "That was close," I can hear Chat say. "Are you alright, LB?" he asks, looking at me.

"Y-yeah. I think so," I say. Before we can continue, another blast narrowly misses us. I turn quickly, finding the man now standing atop of his crocodile thing. Dragon? Dragon. Instinctively, I grip a yoyo hanging on my waist, twirling it to form a shield. I throw it out in front of me, intercepting another attack. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Chat dancing around the explosions as they hurl towards him. Words form in mouth, and I find myself calling out, "Lucky Charm!" My yoyo spirals in the air, glowing a slight pink, before dropping down along with a red and black spotted can of fix-it hairspray. Holding it steady, I look over to Chat, nodding. Together, we charge the villain.

"Marinette!" he calls as I leap forward. Put off, I stumble, falling. "Marinette!" he cries out desperately as I find myself falling off the top of the Eiffel Tower.

I wake up with a gasp, my heart pounding in my chest. "Marinette, time for school," Sabine says, her head partially stuck through the trapdoor. "Coming!" I respond, flinging off my blanket and stepping out of bed as she shuts it again. "Morning, Marinette!" Tikki calls cheerfully, popping up in front of me. I can't help but get startled, though it seems like this is a regular thing for her, so I should get used to it. Yawning, I plod over to my wardrobe, throwing open the doors to observe its contents. Blinking, all I can see is more pink. She really likes pink, huh? I think to myself. I mean, I really like pink… liked… argh! Letting out a frustrated sigh, I pull a hand through my hair, only to find it caught in pigtails. Grumbling, I tug them out in frustration and letting my short, wavy hair down before turning back to the wardrobe. Digging through it, I manage to find a red cold shoulder top. Pulling it on, I manage to also find a pair of blue jeans and slip them on. I make a quick check in the mirror, and, satisfied, start to head downstairs. "Marinette, wait!" Tikki calls. Turning, I raise an eyebrow, wondering what's wrong. "It's just, you always bring a purse for me to hide in…" she says a little sadly.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I'll go find one right now," I say, smiling reassuring at the small creature. She brightens up as I pull out a round, black purse and open it for her. "Is there anything else you need?" I ask her.

"Yes, I need something sweet in case you need to turn into Ladybug. After you detransform, kwami's need food to refuel. Usually you bring macarons," she says.

Nodding, I zip up the purse and head downstairs to say good bye and grab some sweets. "Oh - Marinette!" Sabine says as I come down. "You look… nice."

I smile at her, before finding what I assume is my backpack and putting it on. "Your breakfast is on the table," Sabine says, pointing to some toast and eggs.

"Thank you!" I say, before starting to sit down and eat.

"Wait, Marinette, you're going to be late if you sit there! Just grab the toast and run!" she says. I feel anxiety flare up at the words you're going to be late. I rush, grabbing the toast, stuffing it in my mouth, fly downstairs, shove some macaroons into my bag as I pass them, before scrambling out the door in a hurry. I start to head to school before realizing - I have no clue where it is. Panicking now, I start to rush back inside to ask where it is when I hear someone shout, "Hey, girl!"

Turning, I find Alya walking towards me, an amused expression on her face. "You know, some things never change," she says with a laugh. I look at her, confused, when she continues. "Come on, we're going to be late! Also, damn Marinette, you look hot!"

Dragging me forward, I have no choice but to follow behind her, my cheeks heating at her words. "Th-thanks," I stutter out as she tugs me around. Surprised, I find that the school was… not even 20 feet away. I literally just had to cross the road. I blush harder, feeling stupid for not being able to notice it when it was so close. Alya quickly rushes me up the stairs, across a courtyard, up more stairs and into a nearby classroom. "Sorry we're late!" she cries as she pulls me inside. I look around, bewildered from the run, and notice everyone is staring at me. "A-Alya? Why is everyone looking at me?" I say uneasily.

"Because you look good!" she says confidently. Even though I don't know her, I can't help but feel better around this girl.

"Ugh, finally, you're always late Mari-trash," a blonde girl sneers at me from behind some white sunglasses.

"Who's that?" I say, confused. The girl just stares at me, mouth open. "What are you looking at, I don't even know you!" I bristle. She jumps out of her seat now, before storming forward and pushing an accusing finger in my face. "Of course you know me! I am the Chloé Bourgeois, the Mayor's daughter. Everyone knows me! So quit playing dumb!"

I just stare at her in confusion. "Marinette, are you ok?" I here a girl call. Looking behind Chloé, I see a girl with multicoloured dreadlocks looking at me with concern in her eyes. "Yeah, come one Marinette, quit being weird," another girl with spikey, pink hair pipes in. "I-I don't know guys, she seems… different," a quiet voice says, coming from a girl dressed in all pink with short, blonde hair. The girl next to her looks at me worriedly through purple eyes.

I back up a bit, feeling bombarded as more and more people chime in. "GUYS!" Alya suddenly shouts. "Could you shut up for two seconds and look at her?" The room goes quiet, and I feel all eyes on me once again. I start backing up further, but trip on something. I let out a yelp as I start to fall, and close my eyes in fear. A chair squeals, footsteps rush nearby, and suddenly I feel myself wrapped in strong, warm arms. Daring to peek, I find myself looking up into Adrien Agreste's eyes. A heavy blush spreads across my face as the butterflies rush back. "See? She's just doing it for attention!" the haughty blonde calls.

I feel something spark inside of me, and quickly push out of Adrien's arms to stand on my own. "Oh, please, if anyone is craving attention here it's you. Besides, I'm telling the truth! I don't know who any of you are! Actually… I still don't know where I am right now," I finish sheepishly.

"Oh my god that's right I totally forgot to tell you! We're at Collège Françoise Dupont, and this is our class. Well, part of it, the rest is in another classroom," Alya responds.

I can hear someone clear their throat, and turn to see a pretty orange-haired woman standing behind a desk. "Well, class, as you see, Marinette lost her memory. We don't know exactly what happened, or when she will get them back. So, for now, let's take this class period to re-introduce ourselves and make Marinette more comfortable, ok?" She then turns to me, smiling. "My name is Miss Bustier, welcome to our class!"

I smile back shyly, before turning at the sound of Chloé walking closer. "Look, Marinette… I-I'm sorry. I… uh… why the hell did you have to go and lose your memories?!" she shouts frustratedly. "My name is Chloé, just… ugh whatever I hope you get better and stuff but I still hate you Dupain-Cheng! Remember that!" Turning, she flicks her hair and stalks back to her desk, sitting down with a heavy sigh and burying her face in her hands.

Before anyone else can come and introduce themselves, the bell rings, signaling it's time for class to start. Alya grabs me by the arm and drags me over to a nearby desk. As I sit down, I let out a small sigh. It's going to be a long day.

Chapter 4 end