It was just a normal day in Paris. Though, that's not saying much because no day is truly normal. Especially for me. With constant attacks, you'd think I'd constantly fear for my life, but I don't. Because there are two amazing superheroes I know will always save the day. And I just so happen to be one of those superheroes. 

Alya, Nino, and I were walking down the street. Alya held Nino's hand close. We look through the windows of shops. We talked and laughed. Birds chirped and car horns beeped. When Alya saw something she liked, she practically pulled her boyfriend into the store. I laughed and trailed along. 

The item that got my best friend's attention, was a limited edition Ladybug action figure. She's a sucker for those kinds of things. "Her yo-yo lights up! I have to have it," Alya looked in on the protective glass case surrounding the action figure. 

"That there," said a store employee with dark brown hair covering one of her eyes, "that's a limited edition. Only for the most hardcore Ladybug fans," 

"Yeah yeah, I know," Alya mumbled still admiring the action figure. "How much does it cost?"

"€350," The store woman said plainly. 

Alya stepped back from the case, her eyes widened in shock. "350? I read online it's only supposed to be 280." I looked at Nino in shock. Was 280 really any better than 350? Clearly, he was thinking the same thing.

"Prices go up all the time." 

Alya looked mad for a second, her eyebrows furrowing in frustration. The next second she was leading us out of the store and back into the Paris air. 

"I can't believe it! Who charges €350 for an action figure?" Alya fumed sitting down at a near bench. Alya rested her head on her hands and sighed. 

"It's okay, babe," Nino rested his arm on her shoulder, pulling her close.

"Yeah, It's not the end of the world," I smiled sitting on the other side of my friend. 

Alya sighed again, "I know, I know it's just want to support the person who saves Paris every day, and if I can't even buy a stupid action figure I don't know what the point is." 

I chuckled softly, "You know, ladybug doesn't make any money from the action figures," I pause thinking over what I had just said, "Err...I think. No one knows her identity, so how would they pay her?" 

Alya's eyes widened. "Oh, my God. I never thought of that." I could see the thoughts going through her head. She let a finger go through her hair. "Those bastards. Capitalizing on the person who saves Paris and not even giving her a cut. And they do the same with Chat Noir." 

"I don't think they mind," I laughed, letting my hands fall behind my head. "Why don't we just keep shopping." 

Nino stood up, stretching his arms and legs, "I don't know I'm kinda p-" 

Nino's comment was interrupted by another voice, "Hey guys!" A familiar voice cheered. I looked away from Nino to see bright blond hair, a black shirt with a white collar shirt over it. I felt my face go hot. 

"Oh...err...hi...errr...Adrian!" I bolted up from my seat. I immediately started playing with my hands.  I could see Alya smirking in the corner of my eyes. I'd kill her if I weren't dealing with Adrian right now. 

"I'm glad I ran into you guys. I just managed to shake off my bodyguard, and I had no clue what I was going to do," Adrian smiled, more and Alya and Nino than at me. 

"Well we were just going to finish up shopping, but if you like we could continue." Alya stood up and stretched her legs too. 

"That would be co-" Adrian looked in the opposite direction, "IS THAT THE LIMITED EDITION LADYBUG ACTION FIGURE?" He practically screamed. I felt my face getting hotter. I didn't know he was so into Ladybug. 

"Yeah, but it's €350. And ladybug doesn't even get paid for it. I'm done buying ladybug merch." 

Adrian looked curiously at Alya, "Oh, I knew they don't get paid." He started mumbling to himself, "€350 is a bit much for an action figure, but if I play it off father could just let it slide, just this once." Adrian's eyes sparkled as he walked into the store and purchased the action figure. 

I should have been happy. My crush loving the alternate version of me. But I wasn't. Because, no matter how much I try, I will never be ladybug. Behind the mask, I can bearly walk let alone talk. My sulking must have been very noticeable, because Adrian put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Is everything alright, Marinette?"

I looked up, shocked. "Ye-yeah, I'm fine." Adrian looked worried for a second, then gave me a dashing smile. We walked out of the store. 

"Can I see it?" Alya asked, her eyes sparkling. Adrian took the action figure out of the bag. The small figure still in its protective box. They both admired it up close and personal. 

"It's beautiful," They said at the same time. Nino and I chuckled at the same time. We both gazed upon the people we loved as they looked at something they loved. There's one difference between Nino and I. The person he loves actually loves him back.

We were all brought back to reality by a loud scream. A man in pure white clothes floated above the street. "I've always boxed up my feelings," He screamed pointing a white stick at us, "So now I'm going to box up all of you!" He shot a bright light from the stick at us. Without thinking I jumped in front of my friends and took the hit. 

I couldn't stand straight. A loud ringing went through my ears as my eyes tried to comprehend what was around me. When my eyes finally decided to work, I was on the ground. My friend looking, worriedly down at me. "Marinette, are you okay?" Alya asked.

I rubbed my dark hair, "Y-yeah. I'm fine." I mumbled. 

"You shouldn't have done that!" Adrian said supporting me as I sat up. My arms ached. "You could have gotten seriously hurt!" The blonde boy began to inspect my arms, where the light hit. As he looked at my arms, I looked around us. 

We were surrounded by a small pure white box. Everything from the ceiling to the floor was white. "What happened?" 

"That guy put us in a box. Thankfully, I think that's all the light did so you shouldn't be hurt." Adrian said, pulling me up. I wavered a bit, but Adrain supported me on his side. 

As I regained control of my body, I pushed off Adrian and made my way to a small divot in the white wall. The door presumably. Suddenly, I kicked it. 

"Marinette!" Alya ran to me, pulling me away from the wall.

I pushed my friend away from me and kicked the door again. "Well....we...gotta...get out.... of here.... sooner....or....later." I continued to kick the door until my foot began to hurt. My mind was racing. Sure, Chat could fight the Akuma. I don't doubt him one bit. But he can't de-evilize it. I have to be there. Chat doesn't know I'm here and has no way of knowing I'm here without giving away my identity to not only him but my best friends as well. So the only way out is kicking this door down. 

I kicked the door again. "Marinette!" Alya yelled, "Just leave it to Ladybug and Chat Noir. They'll save us." A sadness washed over my face and, for just a second, I could have sworn I saw the same sadness wash over Adrian's face as well. 

Despite my friend's warnings, I kept kicking and kicking. No luck. Not even a scratch.I heard a sigh from behind me. Alya came over and started kicking the door with me. Soon after Adrian and Nino came too. We were all kicking the door. 

It still didn't budge. We left scuff marks, but that was the only evidence of our efforts. After a while, Alya and Nino sat down next to the far wall. Soon after, Adrian sat down as well. I thought, kept kicking. 

I took a break, but as I did I heard screams. "Help! Ladybug! Chat Noir! Where are you?" A woman screamed. If Chat Noir wasn't out there, he must have gotten trapped with other people too. I gave the door one final kick before sinking down into the floor. 

I felt tears prick the sides of my eyes. I need to be there to protect the people of Paris. But I can't endanger the people I love with the knowledge of who I am. I can't destroy their perfect image of me. 

Despite this, the screams continued and my tears continued. I covered my head with my arms as I cried. With my arms as protection from the other three, Tiki flew next to my face. "What should I do?" I whispered. 

"Do whatever your brain is telling you to do, Marinette "Tiki smiled, "I know you can do it. You are strong Marinette." My brain. My brain was telling me to save the people of Paris no matter what. And Paris includes my friends. My friends all around me who I know will support me no matter what. 

With that help, I stood up. "Marinette wha-" 

"SPOTS ON!" I yelled. A light surrounded me, blinding my friends temporarily. As my alter ego, I had more confidence. I kicked the door, again and again, this time giving up easier to yell, "LUCKY CHARM!" Another light engulfed me. 

Out of thin air came...a black mask. I looked around the room. Nothing but blank walls and three very shocked friends. But nothing I could use this mask on to get us out of here. "Why? Why now?" I mumbled,"Why does my lucky charm have to fail now?" I felt familiar tears prickling my eyes. I threw the useless mask across the room, it landing somewhere near my friends. 

"I can't get you guys out with a stupid mask." I turned back to the door and started shouting. "CHAT! CHAT!" I banged my fists against the door helplessly. Tears taking over my vision. Not only did I fail all of Paris, but I failed my friends. I can't protect them, I'm useless. 

I brushed my hand through my hair, my fingers lingering at my earrings. I'm not fit to be ladybug. My fingers are tempted to take off the earring and finally rid Paris of me. Right before I took them off, though, and hand stopped me. "Marinette," Adrian whispered. 

I look at him, tears somewhat blocking my vision. I looked at him, concern filled his eyes. I watched as he slowly let go of me and brought up what has in his other hand. The mask. 

The blonde brought the mask up to his face and smiled. I knew right away what happened. Flashes of my crush and my partner went through my mind. The two seemingly separate beings merged into one. My eyes widened, and more tears filled my eyes. "Chat..."I whispered. 

SLAP! "Why didn't you do anything sooner!" I yelled before I realised what I had done. My hand stung, but my partners face no doubt stung even more. 

"Oh, my god I'm sorry....wait no I'm not. Why didn't you do anything sooner?" 

Adrian laughed, his hand covering the place that I slapped. "I would have, but I kept hearing you telling me not to reveal my identity." At that, I giggled. Adrian admired my smile. 

"Well....do it." 

"Oh, yeah" Adrian chuckled, "CLAWS OUT!" Light filled the room, and out appeared my partner. Without wasting anytime my partner yelled "CATACLYSM" he touched the door, and suddenly it was gone. 

"This way m'lady," Chat said ushering me towards the door. 

"Thank you, kitty." And like that, we were gone, leaving behind two very confused friends.