Here I am, barely updating my other stories, and uploading a new one anyways.

This one takes place mid-season 3 of Miraculous Ladybug and after Trials of Apollo. Some of the developments in "Ladybug" and possibly in future episodes will be ignored.

So this story, at least at the start, takes place mainly in Paris with the Miraculous Ladybug characters. More PJO/HoO/KC characters will show up, and eventually there'll be things happening in America and at Camp Half-blood, but it builds up to that. For now, it focuses on Lacy and the MLB cast. That being said, there is a lot of references to events that happen in PJO/HoO/KC, specifically Lacy's friendship with Sadie and her relationship with her sisters Piper and Silena.

Mild amount of angst, some Lila/Bustier salt (and a very small pinch of Alya salt), lots on dealing with anger/grief (which is great because I know nothing about that), more character development than I've ever written before, and whole ton of headcanons on the miraculous, their origins, intended use, who can use it, and backstories for Fu/the butterfly and peacock miraculous. Adrinette endgame with some Lukanette, as much DJWifi as I can work in because they're cute. and mild amounts of Julerose.

There will be no redemption arc for Lila or Gabriel, but possibly for other characters. We'll see.

Lacy will eventually get a miraculous, as will some not-yet-confirmed Miraculous Ladybug characters, a few other PJO/HoO/KC characters, and few a OCs.

Oh and chapters will be much longer than my standard in this story.

Kota

Chapter 1: A New Start

Lacy Hatzi, for once in her life, was awake when her alarm clock went off.

Of course, it wasn't like she slept much that night. Her usual nightmares combined with the unfamiliarity of her new room and nerves for the day ahead of her made her restless. When her alarm went off, she was laying face down on her pillow, trying to block out the impending morning.

With a groan, she pushed herself out of bed and pulled herself downstairs.

Her dad was eating oatmeal calmly at the kitchen table, while her stepmother Elisabeth stared intensely at the coffee machine.

"Good morning, squabby," her father said, giving Lacy his most affectionate smile. "Ready for your big day?"

"No," Lacy admitted. "I'm terrified."

"You'll do fine, dove," Elisabeth said, coming up behind her. She squeezed Lacy's shoulder. "You'll see."

"You tell me that every time," Lacy replied, leaning against Elisabeth. "And it's never worked so far."

"You likes your last school," Elisabeth said. "Got along with Sadie and -"

"Elisabeth, love, Lacy has every reason to be nervous," her dad chimed in. "Starting a new school is always nerve-wracking, especially in a new country. Don't try to pretend to not be nervous."

"Right," Lacy replied. "I'm nervous. That's okay. Everyone's nervous - bad school record or not."

"Principle Damocles didn't mind your school record, Dove," Elisabeth said. "And neither did any of your teachers. Or anyone at BAG."

Lacy nodded. "Right."

Her dad stood up and placed his hand on her shoulders. "Remember to breathe."

"I'm breathing," Lacy said. She took a deep breath to prove her point. "I'm also starved. Did you find that cereal?"

Her dad chuckled. "It's next to the oatmeal."

"Thanks." Lacy walked into the kitchen, looking over the apartment's cabinets. "One question. Where's the oatmeal?"

One bowl of cereal, a quick shower, and three changes of clothes later and the start of school was almost there.

Lacy eventually settled blush pink shirt, light blue jeans, and her pink Toms. She pulled on her gray jacket and reached to pull her hair back into her usual ponytails.

She hesitated. New country, new school, should she try a new hairstyle? Her sister Piper always had her hair in such beautiful braids, and Lacy had been wanting to try it out. Making her decision, Lacy brushed it her hair out again and started on a French braid.

It didn't look as good on her as it did on Piper, but she was willing to give it a day.

Finally satisfied with how she looked - and thankful she looked like someone who had a normal sleep schedule - Lacy reached for her new knapsack. She double-checked she had everything. Textbooks, snacks, sewing kit, first aid kit, the Swiss Army knife Valdez made for her, emergency nectar and ambrosia.

None of which she needed to hide. To her surprise, her new school had a lax rule on sharp objects - something about wanting to encourage emergency supplies? It fit well with the habits she learned from Camp Half-blood, and the instructions Piper had drilled in her head.

Any big city like Paris had lots of magical threats. Stay armed. Stay aware. And don't get involved.

Getting involved was the reason she decided to switch schools in the first. Sure, it coincided with a major need for her father's job in Paris, but her family wouldn't have moved across the ocean just for that.

With Camp Half-blood running into more and more different magical beings and people, it was much more important to stay away. Especially for someone like Lacy, who wouldn't be able to hold her own the same way Piper or Clarisse could.

No, she just needed to keep her head down, even if that meant she had to leave her school, and her friends.

Still, Lacy hesitated to put her real weapon - a celestial bronze dagger she definitely didn't know how to use, disguised as a sunglass case - in her bag, even with the special pocket Piper made for it. Was it worth bringing a weapon she didn't know how to use with her?

But Piper had said to stay armed.

With a sigh, Lacy followed her older sister's instructions. Besides, monsters did have a habit of masquerading as teachers. She needed to be prepared.

Lacy secured her pack over her shoulder, flicked the lights off on her room, and headed down the steps of the apartment.

Her dad had already left, having a full day of work ahead of him, but Elisabeth offered to walk her to her new school. They lived close, and after that incident, Lacy was wary about public transport.

Elisabeth was dressed for work, in her blue slacks and blazer and black shell, but there was still a warmness and casualness to her as she walked beside Lacy. She bumped shoulders with Lacy as they walked, teasing her about every "handsome European" boy they saw.

They were technically early, but the outside of the school was already bustling with students. A teacher stood off to the side, checking something on a tablet.

Lacy felt a pang of anxiety in her chest, like an alarm going off in her head.
teacher teacher teacher teacher

Lacy forced herself to take a deep breath. She rolled her shoulders a few times, trying to release the tension building in her chest.

"Are you Miss Bustier?" Elisabeth asked. Her obviously accented French reminded Lacy how grateful she was that she magically spoke French.

"Yes," the teacher replied. She smiled at Lacy. "You must be the new American student."

Lacy nodded. "Nice to meet you."

Miss Bustier smiled, and Lacy could tell that the warmth was genuine. She knew that she had been placed in Bustier's class because the teacher had a high record of helping students like Lacy, but that could mean anything. Meeting her now, Lacy could tell Bustier had a passion for teaching.

Good intentions only went so far, but it was a start.

Lacy watched her teacher's facial expressions as she talked with Elisabeth, and then she was walking with Bustier as her mom headed to the metro.

"There's no need to be nervous," Bustier told her. "Our class is really nice."

As far as you know, Lacy noted. She didn't know how fairly Bustier appraised her class. Teachers didn't always see everything.

A few moments before they reached the classroom, another girl skidded in front of the door.

"Miss Bustier! I'm so sorry I'm late!" The girl huffed.

"It's okay Marinette," Bustier said. "I know I asked you here really early." She looked at Lacy. "This is Marinette, our class president. Since you're new to the city and your parents said you were nervous about starting school, I thought you'd like to meet her."

The first thing Lacy noticed about Marinette was that her hair was in pigtails, and she looked with them. Oh, I knew pigtails would still look cute, I should have-

Marinette reached out a hand. "It's nice to meet you, Lacy."

Lacy smiled and took the hand. "You too."

"The rest of the class should be arriving soon," Bustier said. "Let's go in."

Marinette's usual seat mate was on vacation, so she offered the seat to Lacy.

"It must be scary, moving to another country," Marinette said.

Lacy nodded. "It is. But it's such a great opportunity. I try to remind myself of that when I get too homesick."

"My best friend Alya moved here recently," Marinette said. "I know she still missed her old friends for a while, but she fit in fine here too. I'm sure you will too!"

Lacy chuckled. "Thanks, but I've already heard enough pep talks today. Doesn't help with the nerves much."

"No, I guess it doesn't."

More students began filing in, some coming up and introducing themselves, others too interested in what they were doing to notice Lacy. Lacy was thrilled to meet an adorable couple - Mylene and Ivan - who always looked at each other with admiration. The romantic in Lacy awwed every time they looked at each other.

Wish I had my camera, she thought wistfully, before turning back to the front of the class just to see another student approaching her.

"Who are you?" She asked, hands on her hips.

Lacy blinked. She'd heard that attitude a thousand times in her cabin before - snotty, possibly spoiled, and definitely an incoming headache.

"Chloe, be nice," Marinette said, exasperation bleeding through her voice.

Lacy looked over the other girl - Chloe, was it? Yeah, she would fit right in with some of Lacy's sisters, with her expensive clothes, bratty expression, and face full of high-quality makeup. Better just ignore her, she figured.

"I'm the transfer student," Lacy said. "No one important."

"Obviously," Chloe replied, before heading to her seat.

"Ignore her," Marinette said.

"I was planning to," Lacy admitted.

"She's not always that bad," the blonde hair, generic-facial-expressions student in front of them - Adrien, or some other European name- commented.

The student next to him made a face. "Dude, she kinda is."

"I'm used to people like her," Lacy said. "Just duck your head and don't say anything."

"You don't have to hide here," Marinette said. "Chloe or not. Don't let her scare you."

"Sorry I'm late," another student said as she walked in.

Marinette tensed up immediately, almost like a cornered animal.

"It's okay, Lila," Bustier replied. "Just go take your seat."

Lila smiled and turned to the class, and Lacy could see a million red flags in her facial expression. If Drew had any Italian relatives, she was she was meeting one.

And then Lila looked at her, and Lacy wanted to run.

"Oh, are you new?" Lila asked.

Lacy nodded. "First day." She pulled on her jacket sleeves nervously.

"Welcome," Lila said. "I'm Lila. I'm fairly new here too."

Lacy forced a smile. "I'm Lacy."

"I'd love to show you around later," Lila said, before walking to her seat. Lacy felt herself withdraw into her seat.

"Are you okay?" Marinette asked.

Lacy nodded. "Just... reminded me of someone. That's all."

Lacy gripped the strap of her bag as she scanned the cafeteria.

"You can sit with us," Marinette offered, stepping up beside her.

Lacy nodded. "Thanks."

Most of the class sat together - three had gone home to eat, and another was calling his girlfriend, and thankfully Lila seemed otherwise occupied - and they all greeted Lacy nicely. She ended up squished between a girl named Alix and Marinette.

"I love your hair," Lacy said after they introduced themselves.

"Thanks," Alix replied. "So, what brings you to Paris?"

"I calculate there's a 90% chance her parents are Kumer boomers," another kid, Max, said.

Lacy frowned. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Kumer boomers," Marinette replied. "It's what the media's been calling all the new workers coming in. Therapists, teachers, social workers, politicians, any job that's in more of a demand thanks to Hawkmoth."

Lacy spluttered. "Hawkmoth? What kind of name is that?"

"I ask myself that every day," Alix replied with a chuckle.

"A lot of people have been complaining that no one has warned the boomers what they're getting into," Marinette noted. "The Hawkmoth situation hasn't been publicized much outside of Paris."

"Don't worry about," a student named Rose chimed in. "Ladybug and Chat Noir have the situation under control."

"Ladybug and Chat - did I step into a Marvel movie?"

"I ask myself that every day," Marinette admitted. "But yeah, they're superheroes."

"And Hawkmoth's a super villain?" Lacy questioned. "Great. I live in the same city as a super villain."

"Rose is right," Alix replied. "You have nothing to worry about. Being Akumatized sucks, but Ladybug fixes everything in the end."

"Okay, whats being akumatized?" Lacy asked. "Because that doesn't sound fun."

"Hawkmoth has the ability to create super villains out of ordinary people," Marinette replied. "By capitalizing on negative emotions."

So much for safer.

Then again, Lacy's father was a therapist. Even with everything she's been through, Lacy always had an advantage with dealing with negative emotions. Maybe she'd fly under the radar. After all, Paris was huge city - there was no reason for super villains (or superheroes) to notice her, was there?

"Besides, all the Kumer boomers are helping us handle those emotions," Rose said.

"Or replacing those who don't want to deal with it," Alix added. "A record number of teachers have quit because of Hawky."

"Thankfully, we have Ms Bustier!" Rose said. "Who's been so helpful with dealing with our emotions."

"Like that compliment thing we started with," Lacy remembered. "That was cool."

"You have the best teacher in the school," Alix added. "Trust me - she's awesome."

"So what-" Lacy was cut off by a loud boom.

"Akuma," Alix said.

"It has been a while," Marinette muttered.

"Sources say it's on the other side of - no, wait, it teleported," Max read. "It's getting close."

An alarm went off, with purple flashing lights.

"That's the akuma alarm," Alix said. "If you live close enough, you should head home."

"But where is it exactly?" Lacy asked.

Max helped her find it on the map on her phone.

"Okay, and that's about..." Lacy scanned the map helplessly. "I don't actually know where I live."

Max asked her for her address, and he typed it in.

"It's on the other side from you," Max said. "You should head home."

Lacy nodded. Most of the table had already begun scattering - Marinette had been the first person out the door - and now only her, Max, and Alix were there.

"I'll walk you there," Alix said.

"Don't you-"

"It's too far for me. I'd be stuck waiting it out here, and that can get boring fast. Besides, you're still new - I don't want you getting lost."

"Thanks."

The walk back to her house was quick, and Lacy let Alix into their tiny living room. Alix sat down on their couch and Lacy on a box of... something.

"Sorry about the mess," Lacy said. "We haven't finished unpacking yet."

"That's fine," Alix replied. "Spend enough time on the Liberty, you get used to anything."

Lacy frowned. "The liberty?"

"Juleka's House boat," Alix replied.

"Juleka has a houseboat?" Lacy asked. "That's so cool!"

"I know, right? Plus her mom is super chill," Alix added. "Lets Juleka invite us over whenever. Some of us are going over there tonight if you want to come."

"I'll have to check with my parents," Lacy said. "But I'm sure they'll say yes."

"Great!" Alix replied. "Marinette said she'll bring snacks - have you been to her parents bakery yet? They have the best pastries in Paris."

The akuma attack lasted for 2 hours, a long time according to Alix.

"It's probably because she could teleport," Alix guessed. "Those always last longer."

The classes they missed would be made up the next day through a load of homework - "Hawkmoth's doubled our load of homework," Alix had complained. "He's truly evil." - but they still had history with Miss Bustier to end the day.

"Would anyone be willing to let Lacy work with their group?" Bustier asked. "American ciriculem doesn't focus on French history as much as we do, so I'm sure she'll be happy to have help catching up."

"She can join me and Alya," Marinette offered.

"Unfortunately, Alya already has to catch up herself after she comes back tomorrow," Bustier said.

Adrien raised his hands. "History is easy for me. I'd be willing to help."

"But you're already helping me," Lila said. "I mean, I think I'm fine by myself if-"

"Me and Nathaniel can work with her," Alix offered.

"We can?" Nathaniel asked.

Alix flashed him a grin. "We talked over lunch. I think she'd work well with us."

"Alright, now that that's settled-"

Bustier reviewed some of the major parts of the homework, and Lacy did her best to pay attention and keep notes. But paying attention was not her strong suit, so she hoped her new partners had longer attention spans than she did.

Well, she already knew Alix didn't. But maybe Nathaniel did?

When Bustier dismissed the class, she asked for Lacy to stay a little after.

"Yes?" Lacy asked.

"I was just wondering if you were okay," Bustier replied. "This was your First Akuma attack."

Lacy nodded. "I was surprised. But, I'm fine. I went home, and it didn't get close to me."

"Good," Bustier said. "The school has plenty of resources if you ever need them. Just let me know."

Elisabeth had bought tea bags on her way home to work, saying they were famous for calming people down after akuma attacks.

"Your dad is stressed from it," she said as Lacy sat down across from her. "It's no wonder they're hiring so many therapists."

"One of my classmates, Mylene, told me about he therapist she and her boyfriend went out after the first attack," Lacy added. She sipped the tea, surprised at how good it tasted. "She also said our teacher is putting in extra effort to help us stay calm."

"I've heard nothing but good things about your school's response," Elisabeth said. "Still, I can't imagine going to school like this."

"When does Dad start seeing patients?" Lacy asked.

"Friday," Elisabeth said. "I guess he knows why they're putting him through so much orientation now."

"His job must be so much more stressful here," Lacy said. "I mean, what if one of his patients gets akumatized and targets him?"

"That's part of the training," Elisabeth reassured her. "I think he's more worried about you."

"Me?" Lacy questioned.

"We moved here to get you away from this type of thing," Elisabeth said. "But he's starting to think he put you in something worse."

Lacy shook her head. "Magic like this is everywhere, it's just so much more obvious here. I left BAG not because the Egyptian demigods were there, but because I was starting to become involved with them. If I keep my head down and not befriend anyone too involved, I'll be fine." Lacy took a shaky breath. "Besides, whats the chances of me actually meeting Hawkmoth or one of the superheroes?"

That's the most irony I have ever put into a story.

As for updates: I'll try to be more regular than I have been with other stories!