What if Volpina did a better job of concealing Scarlet Moth during the confrontation at the Eiffel Tower? Spoilers for the last two episodes of S2.
Mayura Mahem
Chapter 1
Scarlet Moth sent by his telepathic link: "Volpina, you have a critical role in the next part of my plan. Ladybug and Chat Noir are coming. I'm counting on your illusions to give me a surprise attack. Make a fake Scarlet Moth for them to confront, and I'll sneak up on them from behind."
"No problem, Scarlet Moth," Volpina whispered back from her concealed vantage point on a high beam of the Eiffel Tower.
Volpina was confident that she could make a moving, speaking illusion that would fool the heroes. Thanks to Hawk Moth pulling her akuma earlier today, she remembered every glorious detail of the illusionary battle between Ladybug and Chat Noir. She made it look like Ladybug had killed Chat, to plunge Paris into despair and make them ready to be mass-akumatized. Unfortunately, that idiotic Prime Queen had just spoiled things by showing everyone that Chat Noir was still alive. But this time things were certain to work out better.
Volpina looked down with pride at her orange and white costume. Unlike the other villains, she wasn't red. That was because Scarlet Moth had created one purple akuma that was specially targeted to her, in addition to the hoards of red ones that spread out to find random victims. The others had less of a mind of their own – more of a lockstep loyalty to Scarlet Moth.
Volpina knew she had his special trust. She had started to develop a crush on the older man. She fantasized ruling the world by his side after his victory.
Ladybug and Chat Noir stood side by side on a platform of the Eiffel Tower, facing the illusion of Scarlet Moth.
"It's down to the three of us, Hawk Moth!" said Ladybug.
"Cataclysm!" said Chat Noir.
"Lucky Charm!" called Ladybug. She received a small spotted Miraculous box with a glossy finish. "It's a sign, Hawk Moth. A sign that your Miraculous will wind up inside this box."
The illusion said, "Are you sure you're not making a serious mistake? How would you know if the wish I was planning to make with your Miraculous wouldn't have been beneficial to everyone?"
"If you were to make a wish, there'd be a price to pay," said Ladybug. "Why don't you tell us your wish, Hawk Moth?"
"Give me your Miraculous and you'll find out," said the illusion. "Unlike you, I'm not afraid to use these powers."
From her higher vantage point, Volpina spoke the words she was putting into the illusion's mouth. It was working well, but she decided to be sure. She created an illusionary projection screen behind Ladybug and Chat Noir that would show only what they expected to see if they happened to glance back – an empty platform behind them. From the other side, the real Scarlet Moth could see what was really going on in front of him.
"Since you are so good, why did you never bother to change the world for the better?" the illusion asked.
"We are changing the world every day – by our actions," said Ladybug. "Not just by wishing it at the expense of innocent citizens!"
Chat Noir said, "Whatever your wish it can only be evil judging the by all the havoc you wreak."
The two heroes advanced on the illusion. Chat Noir's right hand was glowing darkly with destructive magic.
Ladybug offered, "It's not too late. You can fight for good, with us."
Ladybug held up the Miraculous box. Thanks to the illusion screen behind her, she saw nothing in the reflection to alarm her. She also failed to notice Dark Cupid getting ready to shoot them, aiming through the illusion of Scarlet Moth.
Chat Noir charged the illusion. He went right through it and dissolved it. Off-balance, he fell off the side of the tower.
Dark Cupid shot Chat Noir with an arrow. One of the red butterflies swooped down after Chat and akumatized him.
Dark Cupid shot at Ladybug, but she dodged. The other red akuma went after her anyway.
"Give in, Ladybug," said Scarlet Moth. "You're all alone now."
"Never!" said Ladybug. "The people of Paris are fighting your villains. I won't let them down."
Finding her fighting spirit too strong, the akuma fluttered away.
A red version of Chat Noir swung up to the platform. His right hand still held Cataclysm power.
"Chat Noir!" called Ladybug. "Resist his control!"
The villain snarled, "There is no Chat Noir now. There is only Chat Sauvage."
Chat Sauvage attacked. Ladybug was on the defensive, dodging and fending off arrows with her yo-yo.
"Give up or die, Ladybug," said Scarlet Moth. "Don't worry about my wish. I'll even tell you what it is, since there is nobody around who will remember. I want to restore my wife to life. Once I have that, I'll be happy. There will be no more akumas, no more need for you in this city."
From her hiding place, Volpina gasped in shock.
"Restore his wife? No more akumas?" Volpina thought. "Is that what I want?"