Marinette in China

The Flight

I woke up and glanced at my alarm clock, relieved to see that I wasn't running late. Today, I felt a desire to dress up a bit more than usual. After taking a refreshing shower, I noticed Tikki beginning to stir from her slumber.

"Good morning, Tikki," I greeted her with a smile.

"Marinette? You're already awake!" she exclaimed, clearly surprised.

"Well, I am the Princess of China, after all," I replied, a hint of playfulness in my voice.

As I uttered those words, a sense of excitement and responsibility washed over me. It was still hard to believe that I, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, led a double life as both a regular high school student and a hidden princess.

With Tikki by my side, I finished getting ready, carefully selecting an outfit that exuded both elegance and practicality. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence.

Tikki's eyes widened in awe as she took in my outfit. "Wow, you look awesome!" she gushed.

"Thanks, Tikki. I better grab some breakfast. The limo will be here soon," I said, glancing at my watch.

Heading down to the kitchen, my mind was buzzing with anticipation. Today marked the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. Being invited to my own coronation in China was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

"Morning, Auntie Sabine and Uncle Tom," I greeted them as I entered the kitchen.

"Good morning, sweetie. Breakfast is on the table," Sabine said, a warm smile on her face.

I quickly finished my meal, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The limo would be arriving any minute, and I wanted to make sure I had everything I needed for the journey.

"Bye, Auntie Sabine and Uncle Tom!" I called out as I hurriedly left the bakery.

With Tikki by my side, we made our way to the front door, ready to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The limo awaited us, its sleek exterior shining under the morning sun. As I stepped inside, I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the adventure that awaited in China.

The driver greeted me in Chinese, "公主你好."

I responded in the same language, "你好，你可以带我去机场吗？"

"当然，玛丽娜公主," the driver replied, his voice filled with respect.

As the limo started its journey to the airport, I gazed out of the window, excitement and anticipation coursing through my veins. 

"你可以让我在这里下车吗？我还不想让他们知道," I asked the driver, a hint of nervousness in my voice.

"如你所愿，公主," the driver replied, understanding my need for discretion. He stopped the limo at a discreet location, away from prying eyes.

I stepped out of the limousine, feeling a surge of excitement and apprehension. This was the moment where my two worlds—princess and student—would collide, albeit briefly.

"谢谢," I said to the driver with a grateful smile, before quickly making my way towards the private jets my parents had arranged.

With each step, my heart raced, my mind filled with a mix of nervousness and determination. As I went closer, I could sense the anticipation in the air. All eyes turned towards me, and I could see the curiosity and excitement on my classmates' faces.

"Hey, Miss, I'm here!" I called out, trying to catch my breath.

"We were just waiting for you, Marinette," Miss Bustier said, exasperation clear in her eyes.

Glancing around the room, I felt a mix of relief and excitement. None of my classmates in Paris knew about my royal lineage, except for Auntie Sabine and Uncle Tom. It was an opportunity to experience a sense of normalcy and embrace my dual identities.

"The King and Queen have graciously allowed us to ride their private jets," Miss Bustier announced, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

"Of course they would, I am the princess's best friend," Lila chimed in, trying to take credit.

Chloe rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by Lila's attempt at self-importance. I leaned closer to Chloe, a mischievous smile playing on my lips.

"Hey, don't worry. We'll have plenty of opportunities to expose every one of her lies," I whispered, determined to put an end to Lila's deceit.

"Okay, class, follow me," Miss Bustier instructed, leading us towards the private jet.

We walked across the tarmac, our excitement building with each step. And as the magnificent aircraft came into view, gasps of awe filled the air. It was a sight to behold—a symbol of luxury and privilege. The King and Queen had spared no expense to ensure our comfort and make this journey truly unforgettable.

Miss Bustier guided us up the steps, and we entered the jet, our eyes widening at the opulence that surrounded us. Plush seats, elegant decor, and the promise of an extraordinary adventure awaited us within these walls.

"Two people will share one room. Alya and Lila, Chloe and Marinette, Adrien and Nino..." Miss Bustier continued, assigning roommates for our stay in China.

"I feel bad for you," Alya whispered to me, unaware of the close bond Chloe and I had formed.

I chuckled softly, knowing that Alya had no idea about our secret friendship. "Don't worry, it'll be an interesting experience," I replied with a knowing smile.

"Alright, everyone, follow me. I'll show you to your rooms," Miss Bustier said, taking the lead.

Excitement buzzed through the cabin as we followed her down the corridor, passing by identical rooms. It seemed that everyone had been assigned the same type of accommodations, except for Chloe and me.

With a mix of anticipation and gratitude, we settled in and decided to take a moment to relax before the plane landed in China.

As I looked out the window, the bustling streets of Paris gradually gave way to open roads, and the cityscape transformed into rolling hills and picturesque landscapes...