The explosion shook the plaza just as the bell rang.

People screamed, running in all directions. You turned instinctively, grabbing for Marinette’s hand—but she was gone.

She’d been right beside you seconds ago, laughing about some silly meme, your fingers brushing. Now? Nothing. No trace. No voice. No goodbye.

You ran back toward the courtyard, heart pounding.

—“Marinette?”

No answer.

You searched the hallways. The locker rooms. The stairwell where she sometimes sat when she was overwhelmed.

Nothing.

The akuma was already wrecking the outer district—crushing cars, lifting concrete with every step. You heard sirens in the distance. You tried calling her.

No signal.

You hated this feeling—this helplessness. The idea that the person you loved might be hurt, alone, scared. You didn’t care about the chaos. You just wanted her safe.

You darted down Rue Monet, past the bakery, toward the side streets—hoping, praying.

And that’s when you saw her.

Not Marinette.

Ladybug.

Landing in front of you like a meteor in red.

You froze.

She looked different up close. Taller than you imagined. Not taller physically—just… heavier with purpose.

—“I need your help,” she said quickly, pulling something from her belt. A small dog collar with a glowing tag.

You blinked.

—“What?”

—“There’s no time. This Miraculous needs a temporary holder—someone fast, loyal, instinctive. That’s you.”

You hesitated.

—“Me? But—I don’t know how to—”

—“You’ll know,” she said. Her voice cracked slightly. “I trust you.”

You didn’t understand. You wanted to find Marinette. You wanted answers. But something in Ladybug’s eyes—urgent, almost soft—anchored you.

You took the collar.

Light surged.

Power filled your limbs like it had always been there. Your clothes shifted, your fingers flexed. You felt ready. Alert. Alive.

Instinctively, you turned toward the destruction.

—“Track and retrieve,” Ladybug said. “That’s what the Dog does best. Use your sense. Trust it.”