Miraculous: How It Could Have Happened-Season One

Gamer

Adrien had had an early photoshoot that particular school morning, so he was late on excuse.  He whizzed through the necessary phases, jumped into the limo, and shook with eagerness, already ready to get the day started.

When he finally showed up to school, however, he was surprised to find it barren, like a ghost town.  It was weird.  No one had told him today was off from school.  He looked around, wondering if everyone had simply turned invisible, when he heard some strange noises coming from the front of the building.

"What's that sound?"

"Hide, Plagg!", said Adrien, pushing his Kwami back into his shirt pocket.  He hopped up the steps towards the library and opened the door, eyes wide when he saw what was going on.

The noises had been coming from a giant TV set that had been arranged in the library.  On it, it looked like a red-and-black ladybug-like robot creature was battling another robot, one of black and green.  In front of the set, Adrien caught sight of a pair of familiar pigtails glistening with streaks of midnight blue under the light.

Adrien walked inside, up to Nino, who was watching the program with anticipation, as were the other kids.  "Nino, what's going on?"

"It's tryouts for the Paris Ultimate Mecha-Strike III tournament!", squealed Rose in the place of Nino.  "The school sends the two students with the highest scores!"

"Well, actually,", cut in Kim.  "The tryouts are just to see who gets to partner with Max in the tournament."

"Why Max?"

"Because he's unbeatable!", said Kim.  "He's a total rockstar at UMSIII!  He's got the greatest APM of anyone!  He's been grinding all year to level up!"  Kim's prideful tone, which he usually reserved for bragging about his athletic achievements, said a lot about his support and belief for his best buddy.

No sooner had his finished his boast, however, did an unpromising sound come from the TV.  Everyone looked back to see Max's avatar lying in pieces on the screen, whilst Marinette's ladybug robot had leveled up and was now doing a victory dance.

"Marinette is now in the lead.", announced Madame Bustier.

The girls all screamed with happiness, especially Alya.  "Yes!  Girl Power!"

Marinette smiled triumphantly and crossed her arms.  "Boom!  Marinette style!"

Adrien swooned while she had her back turned to him.   He was more in love with her now than ever before.  She was beauty, she was grace, and she could punch you in the face.  What more could a guy want?

Marinette looked back at Max, and her smile faded when she saw him frowning.  "Max?"

He sat up straight, took a deep breath, and faced her with a smile.  "Awesome job."

"Yeah, Marinette, when did you get so good at video games?", Alix asked.

"My dad's obsessed.  My mom's too easy for him, so I have to be the one to give him a challenge."

Alya smirked.  "Yeah!  Never think a pretty face can't whip your butt at video games!"

"That will be our secret weapon.", said Max.  "Video game nerds are usually sexist and judgmental.  No one at the tournament will suspect a stereotypically feminine-looking girl will be able to play so well.  Your pretty face and clothes will throw them off.  They'll let their guard down."

"And then I'll crush them!", she chimed in.

Max grinned exactly.  "Exactly.  We're going to make a killer combo."  He offered her his hand, and she shook it happily.