Invisible String

Chapter 1: A New Day

17 Years Later

 It was a normal day for Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Of course, normal for her was not the same as normal for most.

Marinette's daily routine was much more chaotic than that of a normal teenager. When waking up at eight, she isn't alone. She's surrounded by Kwamiis; little, bug-like creatures who just happen to have magic powers. And Marinette is their guardian.

"Marinette!" Tikki, the Kwami of creation, shouts. She zips around the room, trying to wake up her holder. "You're going to be late for school!"

Her cries are met with a small groan. "I didn't get any sleep last night, Tikki. Hawkmoth re-akumatized the Sandboy and after fighting my nightmares, I had nightmares. Maybe I should tell my school I'm Ladybug so I can never be late." Marinette rolls over and begrudgingly climbs down the ladder.

After watching this exchange with their heads poking out of the sewing box, the other Kwamiis rush over to hug her.

"We're so proud of you, Marinette!" Mullo says.

"Master Fu would be proud. There has never been a Ladybug who was also a Guardian, but you are doing wonderfully," Wayzz, the turtle Kwami and the usual voice of reason, says.

"Thanks, guys. It's so nice to have you all as friends. Be good while I'm gone."

The Kwamiis tuck their heads back into the Miracle Box, in case someone comes into her room while she's gone. Tikki makes herself comfortable in Marinette's purse, and the two head off to school.

Adrien Agreste, famous model, and son of the world-renown designer Gabriel Agreste, woke up way too early. His Kwami, Plagg, still sleeps on his pillow as he gets up and begins moving around his room.

"Chamembert," the cat-like creature murmurs in his dreams.

Adrien laughs. "Some things never change."

Despite also fighting Sandboy last night, Cat Noir was wide awake. His newfound confidence, given to him by none other than Marinette Dupain-Cheng, had him looking at the world with different eyes.

It was the first day of his last semester of school. Public school, not home school. He had only recently been allowed by his father to go to school and, in just a couple months, it would be over.

Obviously as Cat Noir, he couldn't go far from home for university, even if his dad would let him. Though he really had no idea what he wanted to do, he knew he didn't want to model forever. Maybe he could be a teacher.

"Plagg?"

The Kwami opened one of his eyes. "What?"

"Do you think I'd make a good teacher?"

"It doesn't matter, Adrien. You can't be a teacher and be Cat Noir. Who would watch your students if you had to fight an akuma? I still think you should open a Fromagerie. Speaking of cheese..." Plagg flies into the desk drawer where the camembert waits.

Adrien frowns. "I love being Cat Noir, but what if Ladybug takes away my Miraculous? What if she doesn't need me anymore?"

"That's ridiculous! How could anyone resist your charm? Ladybug's your partner, forever and always."

Adrien rolls his eyes at Plagg's nonchalance. "You'll be lucky if anyone gives you as much camembert after me."

"No! Don't joke about cheese." Plagg flies back into the desk, where he stays hidden.

At that moment, Nathalie knocks. "Adrien?"

"Come in." His father's assistant opens the door with a smile. "I'm glad you're awake. Your father would like to talk to you before the car takes you to school."

"Really?"

"Yes. Breakfast is ready for the two of you in the dining room." With that, she leaves.

"Plagg, let's go!" The Kwami sighs loudly, but flies into Adrien's backpack as he makes his way down the stairs.

Gabriel Agreste sits at the head of the table; Adrien's plate is set up at the other end.

"Good morning, Father."

"Son. I would like to discuss something." He gestures to Nathalie, who brings him a tablet. "I know how much you've loved going to school these past few years, so I reached out to Panthéon-Assas University." Adrien held his breath as his father turned the tablet to face him. On the screen were pictures of the school. "The school was very accommodating when I explained your modeling schedule. And, if you would like to, have accepted you--"

"Yes! I can't believe it!" Adrien jumped out of his chair and ran to his dad, hugging him.

Gabriel freezes, but smiles. He does not hug him back, however.

Adrien pulls away, "Sorry, father."

"It's okay, Adrien. Everything...everything I do is to make you happy. Since your mom went missing--I want to keep you close, but you're an adult now. I still expect you to model for the Agreste brand but Nathalie has also arranged a dormitory apartment for you at the Fondation des États-Unis, if you so wish."

"You mean...living in a dorm? By myself?" Adrien was beside himself with joy.

Nathalie interjects, "If it becomes a problem, the Gorilla may have to get involved. But you're an adult now, Adrien. If you want a life outside modeling, as I'm sure you do, this is your chance."

"I accept. All of it. The University and the dorm and the photoshoots whenever. Thank you."

"Now," his father's assistant clears her throat. "You're going to be late for school."

Looking at the time, Adrien grabs his backpack and hurries out the door where the Gorilla is waiting with the car. "Today's a good day!" he says. Gorilla just grunts.