Ladybug: The Adventures of Libby Walters
Season 1
Episode 10
"Cold Comfort, Part 2"
A bit of a shorter chapter today. Just really wanted to get it done and out there.
Three hours later...
"You girls have no fathomable idea, how badly I wanted to leave the hairclip and punch him!"
"But wasn't he Ladybug?"
"Pfft, in name only."
Libby, Ash and the Fen twins were still showing no signs of stopping their Skype session, unlike the snow outside. Ash, against her protests, was now cozied up in Libby's Ladybug sweater.
"Now, no personal offence Libby, but the absolute best Ladybug most certainly was, well actually, they served simultaneously."
"Two Ladybugs at once?" She asked.
"Yes," Ash continued. "I'm still unaware as to how, but Soores Blazt and Brenda Harlow were the famed Ladybug Tandem."
Matriel and Mistral had their eyes glued to the computer screen and a large bowl of popcorn to share.
"Michaley Noble had a tremendously appropriate name. Sven Cooper was a fine Ladybug also."
"Noble." Matriel smiled. "Surely that was intentional."
"Perhaps. And perhaps Libby's affinity for Ladybugs was on purpose as well.
"I'm just happy she's Ladybug, and not me." Mistral said. "Gosh, I don't think I could manage."
"Mistral, you're better than any of us." Matriel said, kissing her sister. "The world would be safe already."
"Perhaps another Ladybug Tandem?" Libby thought. Ash gave her a doubting look.
"Libby, you're officially epic in my book." Matriel nodded.
"Oh hush. I'm just your average Canadian girl, but with a little extra."
"Sooo Ash." Mistral began. "Um, what...country are you from?"
Ash was quite taken aback by the question.
"Mistral, and everybody." Ash started. "I was born, erm, simply put, I'm a subterranean being."
"In the Earth." Libby put her tea down on the floor. "Well damn, there goes my 'Ash is from Venus or something' theory I had going!"
"I hear Venus is lovely this time of year. Or, Chris-Ann tells me so at least."
The other three girls were silent.
"...I have friends in rather high places..."
"...Sooo gals," Libby changed the subject. "What say you to including London Kerry into our little club?"
"That slime?" Matriel looked grossed out. "If she's in, I'm outskies!"
Libby hadn't yet told them about her and London's resolution, and kept quiet about it for the time.
"I might hit the hay soon ladies." Libby yawned. "Guess that nap wasn't as beneficial as I thought."
"Rest if you wish Libby." Ash said. "You don't need to stay up through the night for my sake.
"Yeah. Good night Mats, Misty. Love ya both!"
"Good night, my hero." Matriel gave the heart sign with her hands, which Libby returned.
"Sleep tight Libby!" Mistral exclaimed. Libby embraced Ash for more than 40 seconds, and looked straight into her eyes.
"...I'm not particularly comfortable with kissing you yet Libby."
"Huh? Oh no, I was just taking a good long look at your eyes. But someday I hope we are that close."
Libby touched Ash's ponytail, and then climbed into bed.
"Yo Ash, could you please use your mystical powers or what not to get the heat running?" She asked. Ash obliged, and Libby's room soon became toasty.
"Thank you hun. Could ya also give your hand here?"
"My hand?" Ash asked. She reached out to Libby, who kissed her hand.
"For now. Sleep wherever ya want."
Libby tossed to the other direction.
"I'd like to hear a little more about you two."
"Uh, hmm." Matriel thought for a second. "My first name isn't actually Matriel, it's Matra-Simca."
"My name...is Mistral." Mistral said almost disappointingly.
"How long have you and Libby been acquainted?" Ash asked.
"We've known Libbster for seven years."
"...Libbster?"
"Ash, lemme tell you, if you'd like to stay on Lib's good side, don't call her Libbster. Or flick her nose. "
"Well she can't be Ladybug without my assistance, so...apologies, am I speaking too loud, Libby?"
"Nope." Libby muttered. "Love you Ash."
"Love you also Libby. Matriel, is sharing a bed considered acceptable between friends?" Ash asked.
"Absolutely, why?"
"I desire physical closeness to Libby. It's...something I haven't shared with terribly many Ladybugs."
"That girl is a lovebug." Matriel said. "Just bring it up to her. But anyway. The sister and I might be off to bed soon as well."
"Thank you Matriel, Mistral. You two are most saintly individuals."
Ash signed out of Libby's Skype, rubbed her head, and walked around Libby's bed.
"Libby, may I bother you again?"
"Mmm." Libby said.
"Would it be acceptable to...lie in bed with you?" Ash asked apprehensively.
"What now?"
"I mean, if you don't want..."
"Another night Ash, sorry."
"Could you promise that?"
Libby glanced up at Ash. She leaned up on her elbow.
"What the heck brought this on?" She asked. Ash knelt down.
"It's not been common for Ladybug and their companion to be close in a physical manner."
"If you want affection or whatever, you got it, but, sorry if it's rude, I need to snooze."
Ash appeared defeated, but nodded and walked slowly towards the closet doors.
"Where are you headed at this hour?" Libby asked.
"To sleep on the floor." Ash answered.
"Uhhh, why not in the hairclip?"
Ash said nothing, and sat cross-legged on the floor.
"Hey, did I upset you?"
"It's alright Libby."
"My bed's open if you want..."
Ash appeared to be asleep already.
"...It." Libby fell back down. "Whoa."
Libby was off to the great Dreamscape in short order.
...
Libby awoke with a start. It sounded to her like something had crashed hard into her window. She glanced at her CD/alarm clock, which showed 5:03 AM.
"That was peculiar."
She closed her eyes again.
...
"...Mom?"
Libby was not completely certain as to whether she was awake. Her senses were heightened. Something felt very off to her.
"Ash?"
No response. She tossed her phone towards where Ash had been.
"...Libby? Did you do that on purpose?"
"Am I dreaming?"
"No." Ash said hazily. "Is something wrong?"
"I need to become Ladybug." Libby said flatly. Ash was rather puzzled.
"Okay Libby, if you're certain."
"NOW."
Ash hopped to her feet, grabbed the hairclip, and handed it to Libby. She then teleported back into it, and Libby hesitated.
"Something is very wrong Ash."
"I can sense it now too."
Libby cautiously got out of her bed, walked lightly to her door, and opened it just a crack.
"Coast is clear." She said, darting out of her room into the dark hall.
"Footsteps?"
Libby ducked behind the banister and listened.
"That sounds like mom. Better not let her see me."
"I sense another presence." Ash said.
"Dad?" Libby asked. Ash didn't answer right away.
"Today Ash."
"Libby that isn't your father..."
"Well who the hell..."
Libby's face went ghostly pale.
"Mom!"
Libby leapt over top the banister, and slid down the railing. She lost her balance and fell feet-first into the front door.
"Shit, she probably heard that!" Libby cursed under her breath.
"Jack, is that you?" Sandrine called.
"Not even gonna try to impersonate my dad's voice..."
Libby darted into the kitchen, and dove under the table.
"Could you by any chance make me invisible?"
"I can make the hairclip invisible, so as not to reveal yourself." Ash answered.
"Good enough. Make it so."
Sandrine increased her stride as she searched for the source of the disturbance.
"If you're here, you came to the wrong house!"
Libby could hear her mom heading towards the family room, and the familiar unlocking of her dad's gun case.
"Jesus." Libby said. "My mom's gonna friggin' shoot me."
"What will you do?"
"Make an executive decision."
Libby cleared her throat.
"Mrs. Walters? It's me, Ladybug."
Her mom's pace became frantic. Libby emerged from under the table.
"My God above, it's 5 in the morning." Sandrine said, catching her breath. "Don't you superheroes ever sleep?"
"Emergency call." Libby lied. "Mrs. Walters, I..."
"Please, call me Sandrine."
"Awkward. Okay Sandrine, I believe you have somebody in your house that doesn't belong."
"You mean besides yourself?"
Libby felt the burn of her mom's sass.
"Libby always says you have a quick wit."
"I should check on Liberty." Sandrine suggested. Libby panicked and ran in front of her.
"I already did that. She's totally out."
"Did you break into my house?"
"No Sandrine." Libby bit her tongue. Her mom picked up a conveniently placed rolling pin. Libby began sweating.
"Her window was open...
"Liberty always locks her window." Sandrine said, preparing herself to beat her daughter.
"Not tonight, obviously..."
"Don't take that tone with me, Little Miss!"
"Getting lectured by mom at 5 AM. Not on my agenda today..."
"You have quite the nerve..."
"Look out!"
Liberty pulled her mom down to the floor. A semi-transparent arm narrowly missed her.
"Ah, so you shady souls just can't get enough of the Ladybug, can ya?" Libby asked, uncorking her yo-yo.
"That won't be necessary." The Shadow said. Sandrine fainted, and Libby was wide-eyed.
"Don't try to trick me!"
"Libby, no." Ash said. "Listen to what it says."
"Our kind are not all malevolent. You have encountered us in our blackest form, but it is not over yet. They are coming."
"Who is? Hey, hold up!"
The Shadow ignored Libby, and disappeared through the walls.
"...What in the fu-"
Libby covered her mouth as her mom came to again.
"What happened?" Sandrine said vaguely. She saw Ladybug sitting next to her, and got a little upset.
"Why are you in my house at this hour?"
"I'm sorry Mrs. Walters, false alarm." Libby said, and went back towards the stairs.
"Don't act like you own the place!"
"Hey, superheroes gotta pee too!"
Libby stampeded up the stairs, and returned to her bedroom.
"Well that was unusual. Who was it talking about?"
"It only could've meant one person, but it can't be." Ash explained. "They're gone."
"You're sure?" Libby inquired.
"I was there."
Libby looked confident, and returned to her sack.
"Think I'll uh, keep these duds on for the night."
"That may be unwise." Ash advised.
"Why?"
Two hours later...
"Oh..."
"The Ladybug suit isn't comfortable to sleep in. At least, that's what Summerlynn Boscher told me."
"Did the suit suffocate her or something?" Libby asked.
"No, Summerlynn is actually doing quite well. Perhaps you could meet her someday."
"Ash, could ya please make it go away?"
*Flash*
"Oh brother, what's it gonna be this time?"
"Are you growing tired of being Ladybug already?" Ash inquired.
"No, not that."
Ash suddenly emerged from the hairclip and sat down on Libby's bed.
"Libby are you feeling stressed?"
"Yes." Libby answered. "My wish was to be carefree. Guess the universe needs to get its' hearing examined."
"To have worries and concerns is to be human."
"But I'm fourteen years old."
"It's better for Ladybug to be youthful."
"Yeah, guess you're right."
"Libby look at me."
Libby complied.
"Whatever it is, you'll get through it." Ash said.
"But what the hell is coming?" Libby asked.
"We'll find that out together I suppose."
Libby split the next 3 hours between resting and wondering.
"At least one thing I don't have to bother with is school."
Her dad knocked on the door, and Ash, instead of returning to her space, rolled off of and under Libby's bed.
"Weirdo." Libby said. "Door's open, pop."
"Hope you've been working those arms, Bug, cause you're probably gonna need 'em today!" Jack exclaimed.
"Wha..."
Jack pointed out the window.
"Ah rats." Libby moaned. Jack shut the door behind himself. Libby stuffed her face into the pillow and shouted profanities.
"I would offer to help," Ash began. "But it should be obvious why..."
"Could you change your appearance and help?"
"I suppose so, but it may be risky."
"Please Ash? I know you already did me like, the biggest favor ever last night, but snow shoveling sucks."
"Alright Libby, for you."
Ash morphed into a light streak, and fired out the window.
"...Whut?"
Libby shook it off and headed towards her closet. She took out of it heavier sweatpants, two pairs of socks, a flannel shirt and her sweater.
"Oh!" She exclaimed. "Snow gear is downstairs."
Libby descended the stairway, and entered the living room to find her parents already mostly geared up to go outside.
"My friend Ashlie might be coming over to offer assistance."
"What about Irka?" Sandrine asked.
"Haven't heard from her this morning."
"Oh well." Jack said. Libby collected her snow coat, toque, boots and gloves. She decided to pass on the scarf today.
"Alright." Libby grunted. "Time to take the plunge."
"This must be your friend." Sandrine said. Libby looked to see a short girl, except now with a more believable skin tone, still a long ponytail but glasses instead of an eye plate. Libby's frown flipped, and she dropped the shovel and ran towards Ash.
"Where'd you bolt off to?"
"I needed to change somewhere."
"Mom, pop, this is Ashlie Tengrattis." Libby introduced her. "Ash, these are Jackson and Sandrine Walters."
"How do you do?" Sandrine greeted her. Libby fully expected her dad to try pairing them off, but was pleasantly surprised when he gave her a proper greeting.
"Hello Ashlie. Some kind of first trip to the Walters Domain, huh?"
"Indeed, sir." Ash responded, bowing slightly.
"So polite." Jack said. "She'll fit right in!"
"Mr. Walters..."
"I meant as one of Libby's friends." Jack coughed. "Glad to have you."
"Yeah, me too."
Libby gave an eyes-half-closed smile, just to mess with her dad.
"Alright Walters and friend, start your shovels!"
Libby begrudgingly dug her shovel into a snow mound. Ash was allowing some of her strength to be on display, as she effortlessly cleared mass amounts of snow. The mailman, all covered in snow, trudged through on his route.
"...Perhaps we have a new helper around the house." Sandrine said.
"If you'd like me to come over again, I'd be more than happy to." Ash smiled more at Libby than her mom.
"Lemme help you with the sidewalk." Libby said. The two stopped for a moment.
"Thank you. I don't want our entire friendship to be based around you doing me little favors."
"Libby, I'm your guide. Favors are part of the deal."
Libby smiled and continued shoveling.
"Just thought you should know, Liberty," Sandrine began. "Your friend Ladybug paid us a visit last night."
"What, when?" Libby asked.
"Five. O'clock."
"The heck was she doing here at that hour?"
Libby wanted to blurt out that she is Ladybug, but Ash eyed her.
"I don't have the slightest, but she brought a friend along."
"Who?"
"I must've imagined it." Sandrine looked dispirited. "But it looked like a living shadow."
"Ash, I'm telling them." Libby dropped her shovel. Ash considered stopping her with a blast of power.
"Mom, dad, I have something very important to tell you."
"What is it, Bug?" Jack asked.
"Oh God Jack, did she have sex with a boy? I'm too young to be a grandmother!"
"No mom." Libby shook her head. "I wouldn't keep that from you. Guys, I'm La-"
"I'm Ladybug." Ash suddenly butted it. Libby looked like she'd just seen somebody get killed in front of her.
"And also, you weren't imagining the Shadow being. They attacked our school today. That's kinda how Libby and I met."
"Ash! Don't take credit for what I..."
Jack and Sandrine looked concerned.
"...I mean, she was amazing." Libby caught herself.
"But where was your ponytail when we saw you yesterday?" Jack asked. Ash tore her ponytail off, which made Libby jump back.
"A prop." She said calmly. "To hide myself from my enemies."
"Very convincing."
"Well thank you for your kind work, Ashlie." Sandrine smiled. "Especially for keeping our beloved daughter safe."
"It's the least I could do."
Ash turned halfway around, and mouthed to Libby "sorry". Libby threw her head back dramatically and continued shoveling. Ash felt a little like she'd betrayed her friend. Libby seemed to have found her motivation, as she worked at a breakneck pace.
"Libby, slow down." Jacked warned. "You'll throw out your back."
"Can't hear ya pop!" Libby called. Ash came up to her and got her attention.
"Take a break and come talk."
Ash and Libby shuffled past her parents and into the house. Libby removed her coat and spiked it to the floor.
"Let's get something straight, you." She raised her voice. "You will not ever take credit for what I do as Ladybug!"
"How would you do any of it without me?" Ash crossed her arms. Libby was prepared to return the volley, but her mouth snapped shut.
"Disrespect will not be tolerated Libby."
"Well that goes for both of us then."
"Agreed."
Ash and Libby had a long staredown.
"Is this a fight?" Libby asked.
"Perhaps." Ash replied.
"Let's try not to make a habit out of it."
"Fine."
Libby and Ash gave each other a glance as they went back out the door. Over at Matriel and Mistral's house, the twins were still in bed, as the family had a snow clearing service. They were cuddling to keep warm, and Matriel was bummed out.
"We go shopping to get Libby something this week, okay sis?" She asked. Mistral said nothing, and Matriel turned over.
"Yo, Mistral."
"Hmm?" Mistral replied.
"You with me?"
"Can I stay in bed forever?"
"Sure, after you help me." Matriel said. "Uhhh, not today obviously."
"But we have so much studying to do for the Spanish test!" Mistral complained.
"Yeah, boy. There's that little detail."
"Sooo Matriel..."
"Oh dear God, I hate it when you start a sentence that way..."
Mistral was smiling slightly evilly.
"No, Mistral Marseilles Fen, do not ask me that question again!" Matriel threatened. "I'll give you friggin' rope burn!"
"Who is the lucky guy that gets to go with my beautiful sister to junior prom?" Mistral asked.
"You do realize I could take a girl, right? Our school isn't uptight about that sort of thing."
"Hmm, I suppose, but I'm definitely taking a nice boy."
"Oh yeah? Who?"
Mistral felt the tables turn in an instant.
"Um, I, well...I guess Ridge Kelly?"
"Ooh, Mistral." Matriel whistled. "That is one fine gentleman."
"You won't be upset if I go with him?" Mistral asked.
"No!"
Matriel rolled back over.
"At the very least, we'll both have dates..."
Edison was also considering his romantic options. Well, option.
"This had to hit today?" He asked nobody in particular. Edison then began thinking.
"I really shouldn't bank everything on Libby. There are other pretty girls at school, like Matriel and Belloehs. Why should I care honestly? Football is going well, my grades are all 85+..."
Edison took a long look at his love note.
"But Libby is one in a million. At least I'm getting another day to consider..."
Edison trudged off to his living room, note in hand. He pulled another note out of his school journal, which was partially obscured, but could be seen to read Dear Belloehs. It was about half as long as Libby's note.
"What did I do wrong that time?" He asked. Edison compared the two notes, and made numerous alterations to the newer one.
"God, I coulda just dug myself deeper..."
Edison picked up his home phone, and quickly dialed a number.
"Hey, are you up? Great. Look, I need a little advice on something, if you're willing to give any..."
End of Episode 10
Until next time, Bug Out!