Chapter 47: Queen Scorpion
It's another day at Francoise Dupont High School. Students are mingling about, getting ready for classes. Luka Couffaine takes a moment to approach Marinette Dupin-Cheng. She's able to speak to him normally, without flustering. His attraction to her is apparent. It's so apparent that Chloe Bourgeois notices. She nudges Marinette into Luka's personal space, causing Marinette to turn bright red. After all, if Marinette falls for Luka, that's one less competitor for Adrien Agreste.
Kagami Tsurugi also notices this maneuver. As Marinette parts ways with Luka, Kagami pulls Marinette aside. Being Kagami, she's direct. She tells Marinette that she (Kagami) sees Marinette as a friend. She knows how Marinette feels about Adrien. But if Marinette is going to continue being indecisive or chase after Luka, Kagami is going to pursue Adrien. Marinette flinches. But then she admits Kagami is right—she can't keep waffling around because someone is going to get her by her indecision. Adrien, Luka, and Kagami are all her friends—she doesn't want to hurt any of them. Kagami nods as it's a mutual rivalry when it comes to Adrien—and leaves. Marinette sighs and slumps against the wall. She whispers to Tikki that she wishes she could just talk to Adrien. It's bad enough that the words tangle on her tongue, but now knowing he's Cat Noir… How does she deal with this without hurting anyone? Tikki suggests she be honest and tactful. If they're true friends, they'll understand her feelings if she shares them. (This means that Daizzi and Barkk also overhear the conversation as Marinette has been carrying their miraculous around in her purse too.)
She's not the only one struggling in the middle of a love triangle (square…hexagon…) Cameran Tyler shows up with a nice bouquet of flowers (made by Gilles Chastain's family). He approaches Nicolette Lacroix and hands them to her, telling her how much he cares about her. Nicolette is very flattered, and for a moment his words move her heart. But Nicolette tells him she has to refuse. She likes someone else (Etienne Fontaine). Cameran asks one more time—just to grab Saturday lunch at a nearby café together. He tells her that she has to be aware of what a narcissist Etienne is. Nicolette acknowledges this, but it wouldn't be fair to him (Cameran) to go on a date when her heart is attracted to someone else. She hands the flowers back to him.
Cameran handles it well to her face, nods his head politely, and gracefully backs away. He then heads into the bathroom, locks himself into a stall, and chokes down the tears of a broken heart.
Sabrina Raincomprix enters the locker area and makes beeline for Chloe Bourgeois, hauling a laden backpack. Sabrina explains that since she and Chloe planned to meet to go shoe shopping and Chloe couldn't make it (and didn't call to say she couldn't make it), Sabrina had extra time to do both of their homework and got ahead. Chloe nods and murmurs but clearly isn't even listening to Sabrina. Halfway through what Sabrina is saying, Chloe answers her phone and waves Sabrina away without once even looking at her. Sabrina hides how much this hurts her—because at least Chloe talks to her. Chloe's conversation is actually with her father. Things are still strained between Audrey and Andre Bourgeois, with Andre especially doting on Chloe. Chloe doesn't mind it; it's more attention for her. (That's why she flaked out on Sabrina; her father invited her to dinner at a prestigious restaurant.) However, it is really sad when parents use their children to hurt their partner during an impending divorce.
Other students are also arriving for the day. Giselle Winters-Blanchet sees Principal Damocles struggling to hang a KnightOwl poster in his office, so she offers to help. As usual, her father's words echo in her mind: take initiative and don't be a burden. Meera Pugliese corners Yvonne Garnier and Genevieve Faucher in an attempt to convince them to include an article in the school newspaper about the seven ghosts that haunt the school. Yvonne and Genevieve, knowing Meera is a space case, are incredulous of the source to say the least. Nino Lahiffe, having heard rumors that Tristan Fortier works with early childhood literacy, approaches him and asks him if he'd have anything for his brother, Chris Lahiffe, who is going through a rebellious phase, which includes school. Tristan is a bit surprised about someone asking him for advice about anything that isn't boxing. Once he realizes that Nino is serious, he does give Nino a couple websites. (All students can be found in their class photos here: (( photos . app . goo . gl / cgLSrNi71rxfep9e8 )) just remove spaces.)
The bell rings to begin classes, but Madam Dolores Gros catches Tristan Fortier as he's entering Mr. Haprele's room. She tells him it's time for his mental health screening, especially to follow up his experiences as Word Weaver. Tristan is uncomfortable with this, but Mr. Haprele excuses him, so he follows the counselor to her office.
Madam Gros asks Tristan to sit down and begins with preliminary questions about who he is and what he thinks of school. She then asks how he feels emotionally in the wake of being akumatized. Tristan, like most of the others, admits he has no memories of the situation at all. He just got so embarrassed by Marie Chauveau and Suzette Rault calling him out—then, blank. Madam Gros coaxes him into explaining why he thinks it's so embarrassing that he creates digital content for children to encourage them to read.
It takes a bit of effort, but she gets Tristan to admit that he struggled to read as a child because of undiagnosed dyslexia. He's the middle child in a large family (3 older siblings, 3 younger ones). He sorta "fell through the cracks" when it came to his dyslexia due to the needs of so many children in the family. By the time he was in second grade, he was drastically behind in word recognition and phonological awareness and had no skills to cope with his disability. Because this was so embarrassing to him as a child, he kept his mouth shut; it only got worse as he went through school. His parents would get mad at him for doing poorly on his homework, so he eventually just stopped doing his homework all together—because then, he had a palatable excuse as to why he failed. Of course, this escalated his literacy problems and dyslexia. It wasn't until one of the elementary school's librarians realized what was going on that things changed. She helped him, gently, subtly. He didn't even know what she was doing at first. Sometimes she'd ask him to listen to her practice for storytimes. Other times, they'd prepare flyers together. One day, while waiting for his parents to pick him up, he entered the school library to see her with his homework spread before her. He saw her researching about dyslexia as she taught herself the techniques she needed to teach him. She helped him patiently. As his literacy caught up and he learned how to deal with his dyslexia, it was this librarian who taught him a love of reading. Once he got a few books he liked in his hands, he couldn't stop. He doesn't let his classmates see him reading, but at home, it's his preferred activity over video games (especially with six siblings to share the TV with). When the librarian mentioned she wanted to create digital content to help other children struggling with literacy, Tristan volunteered. He knew what it was like to be in their shoes. He knew how things had to be explained to him, so he explained it to others. It's a small hobby, but he loves doing it.
Madam Gros remarks that he's overcome a lot, which means it's no surprise that someone bullying him about issues and learning disability that's so close to his past would hurt. She then asks him about his feelings towards his family. Those are fairly normal. He loves them, but they annoy him a lot too. Madam Gros asks him about his thoughts on Hawk Moth, Ladybug, and Cat Noir. Tristan is bitter over Hawk Moth. He akumatized both Tristan himself and Tristan's girlfriend, Rachel Beauchene. But Ladybug and Cat Noir saved them—just as they've saved a ton of people in Paris. Dolores Gros thanks him for his time and sends him back to class. She writes in her notes that he's strong-willed and has focus and direction. His training in boxing would also be useful. But his bitterness toward Hawk Moth is fairly shallow. She needs students who are much more influenced by dark emotions or misplaced justice. She can manipulate those types better.
Lunch time rolls around and the classes break apart so friends can hang out with friends. (Is France one of the countries where students are likely to go home for lunch? Research.) Marc Anciel and Nathaniel Kurtzberg find a quiet place to polish their manuscript to send to the interested agent. Giselle hangs out with Meera and Raissa. Sabrina Raincomprix hurries to retrieve something she made in home ec. It's a giant cookie, one the size of a pizza. On it, it says "To The Best Friend Ever!" She made it during class to give to Chloe. Once Sabrina has her cookie in hand, she looks for her friend. She finds Chloe, who is making demands on her phone to her father, who is eager to please her to spite his wife. When Chloe hangs up, Sabrina hands her the cookie.
Chloe frowns and turns up her nose in disgust. Where are the nuts? She never eats a cookie without nuts. Sabrina flinches and offers a feeble protest. Last week, Chloe insisted that she hated nuts (this is true). Chloe calls Sabrina "stupid" and that as her best friend, Sabrina should know Chloe wants nuts in her cookies. But as incompetent as Sabrina is, she hardly deserve the title of "friend" let alone "best friend." Chloe chucks the large cookie into the trash and sashays off. Sabrina is shaking. A tear or two leak.
Meanwhile, Marinette is doing her best to feed three kwamis on the sly. Tikki is familiar with the routine, and Daizzi is well-behaved enough but a bit loud. Barkk, however, is energetic and easily distracted. Marinette is struggling to keep the dog kwami a secret. And that's before Barkk takes off, going right through the walls. Marinette cringes and chases her. She manages to corner Barkk near the art room. Then she hears footsteps. She cups Barkk in her hands and ducks into a closet before anyone can see the kwamis.
Marinette peeks out. Sabrina is there, alone. She's doing her best to repress tears. Marinette is about to step forward to talk with her when a cell phone rings. Marinette cringes back, hoping she doesn't have to explain why she's hiding in a closet. Fortunately, it's Sabrina's phone, and she answers. Her face lights up—it's Delmar, calling her from New York. (Which tells us that by this time, Miraculous: New York has happened off page.)
This would mean it's roughly 6AM for Delmar in New York; he woke early just to call Sabrina (as, at lunch, it would be around noon in Paris). Delmar says he wanted to practice his French and "hear Sabrina's voice," which causes her to turn pink. Marinette can't help but overhear from her hiding spot. She knows she shouldn't, but she can't explain to Sabrina why she was in the closet, chasing a kwami. (Marinette does think that Sabrina and Delmar are very sweet together.) Tikki and Daizzi also do their best not to try to overhear too much. However, Barkk puts her ear to the door and listens to every word.
Delmar and Sabrina talk, and it doesn't take long before Delmar can hear that something happened in Sabrina's voice. She denies it, but he insists. So Sabrina shares with him what happened. She explains that Chloe Bourgeois, her best friend, has been ignoring her more and more lately. Chloe hasn't been calling; she's been standing Sabrina up multiple times. She understands Chloe is busy and that her parents want to spend time with her. But couldn't Chloe at least call when she has to cancel? Sabrina confides in Delmar her fears—that what happened with Miranda Edgarov is going to happen all over again with Chloe. And she, Sabrina, is going to be left all alone. She tells Delmar that she feels as if she only has two options, and both will end in failure. She either calls and texts and emails Chloe, explaining how she feels and that she just wants Chloe to talk to her like normal. But if she does that, Sabrina fears Chloe will get mad (just like Miranda did) and stop being her friend. But if Sabrina doesn't call Chloe, then Chloe will just continue to flake out on her; they'll drift further apart, and Chloe will stop being her friend.
Delmar tells Sabrina not to be too hard on herself. She's a loyal girl; surely she has other, better people to be friends. Delmar is tactful enough not to openly insult Chloe, but he does imply that he doesn't think Chloe is a good friend. However, Sabrina confides in Delmar that she doesn't have any other friends…and that she'd rather deal with Chloe's attitude than be totally alone. How Miranda hurt her runs deep, and her (Sabrina's) abandonment issues are obvious. Delmar tells her warmly that she won't be alone—she'll have him. This does cheer Sabrina up. Delmar then says that he unfortunately has to hang up as he has to get ready for his school day to begin. He tells Sabrina "Je t'aime" with a very strong American accent and hangs up. It takes Sabrina a moment to translate what he said over his accent, and then she turns a deep red. Feeling better, Sabrina leaves.
Marinette creeps out of the closet. She talks to the kwamis, telling them that she had no idea that Sabrina felt so strongly or what she had been through, being deserted by a friend in the past. Marinette admits she now understands why Sabrina spam-called her several months ago. Tikki tells her that all people have reasons for doing the things they do and carry things within their heart. Marinette agrees and makes an internal promise to remember that when she deals with people going forward. She encourages all three kwamis to hide back in her purse so she can go to class.
Sabrina Raincomprix returns to class before Marinette Dupin-Cheng. After talking with Delmar, she's determined to make the best of things. Maybe, if Chloe can see how loyal Sabrina is, Chloe will stop ignoring her. They can talk and hang out again. So, Sabrina preps Chloe's seat, getting her textbook and homework and all that out for her.
Chloe enters the classroom, following quickly after Adrien Agreste and Nino Lahiffe. She sort of nudges Nino out of the way to get close to Adrien. Sabrina greets Chloe, but Chloe ignores her. Sabrina repeats herself, a bit louder. Chloe finally turns in her direction and frowns.
But before she can speak, Madam Gros enters with a knock. She declares that it's Chloe's turn for her one-on-one mental screening. Chloe rolls her eyes. She insists she's fine and that this is a waste of time. Madam Gros counters that it's school policy, so regardless, Chloe has to come. Chloe protests again. Kim mutters aloud, wondering why she's complaining—she gets to miss class. Chloe pauses and looks at her seat, where Sabrina is waiting, hoping that things will improve between them. Chloe lets out an exasperated sigh and says she'll go do this screening just to prove how dumb it is and that she's perfectly healthy and strong-willed. Chloe and Madam Gros leave.
In Madam Gros's soundproof office, the counselor begins her interview. Chloe is rather irreverent as Dolores Gros asks her about her family and emotions, her hobbies and ambitions. Chloe says she loves her parents and that everyone loves her. Why wouldn't they? She's amazing. Madam Gros mentions that it seems as if Chloe's parents don't get along; she doesn't mean to pry, it's just hard not to know since Audrey and Andre Bourgeois are such public figures. Chloe rather quickly shuts down that venue of conversation. She doesn't want to talk about the very real possibility that her parents are divorcing. She also won't openly admit it—but she has noticed that while her father is overly doting on her, her mother is pulling away emotionally.
Madam Gros tries another line of questioning. She points out that Chloe was akumatized into Anti-bug and Queen Wasp as well the fact that as she actually held a miraculous for a short time and was the heroine Queen Bee. This sets off a landmine for Chloe, who interrupts the counselor in mid-question. Chloe Bourgeois affirms she was the amazing superheroine Queen Bee but that she had to step down to protect her parents. She trusted Ladybug to protect her miraculous, and now there's that new tramp, Honey Bee, flying around, using her miraculous.
Sensing Chloe has a deep bitterness and vengeful spirit towards an existing miraculous user, Madam Gros asks Chloe about Honey Bee. Chloe rages—she insists that Honey Bee is a thief who stole the bee comb from Ladybug. She accuses Honey Bee of being two-faced and a liar, deceiving all of Paris into thinking she's a nice person when she really is a thief. Chloe then complains about Ladybug. "How can she just let someone steal from her?! Why isn't she trying to take my miraculous back?!"
Madam Gros sees her moment. She proposes, very quietly, that Ladybug isn't reclaiming the bee magical item because Ladybug herself gave it to Honey Bee. Perhaps Ladybug even manipulated Chloe into giving up the bee comb in order to prevent Chloe from being the heroine she was meant to be—someone who could soar beyond even Ladybug herself. Ladybug was jealous of Chloe's talents and tricked her into giving up the bee. She then willingly gave it away even though she knew Chloe is the rightful heir.
There's just enough flattery in the remark that Chloe buys it. By now, the terror of Hawk Moth targeting her family has faded—all Chloe remembers is how great it felt to have super powers. She agrees with Madam Gros. Why shouldn't Chloe continue to be Queen Bee? Chloe says she always respected Ladybug, but maybe that was misplaced. Maybe she shouldn't have trusted Ladybug with her bee comb—especially since Ladybug handed it to some tramp like Honey Bee. Ladybug said she'd protect Chloe's miraculous, and she didn't. There's no way she should ignore this—Chloe vows to get her powers back.
This is just what Madam Gros wanted to hear. Chloe is strong-willed and has enough lapses is conscience to be used for her purposes. Madam Gros tells Chloe that she can offer her a chance to stop Honey Bee. She produces her miraculous box, and Chloe's eyes go wide. The counselor selects a hair tie from its drawer. Madam Gros explains that she leads a group intent on stopping the abuse of super powers in Paris. That includes Hawk Moth, Ladybug, and Honey Bee. And she wants Chloe's help; she hands Chloe the hair tie and explains it's the miraculous of the Scorpio.
Chloe accepts it without hesitation, but she's stunned when Barbarra, the scorpion kwami, forms. Barbarra introduces herself. Chloe stammers, asking what a kwami even is. This surprises Madam Gros. Chloe used a miraculous before, didn't she? How does she not know what a kwami is? Chloe explains that the bee comb doesn't have a kwami. This surprises Madam Gros. She makes a mental note of the information with the intent to figure out what it means later.
Barbarra explains that she's going to help Chloe become a new superheroine and train her in her powers. Chloe instantly wants to know what powers she'll have access to. Madam Gros interrupts. She reminds Chloe that Chloe is just part of an overall plan. She shouldn't act until she gets word from the counselor or one of their allies. Chloe shows some resentment over that idea, but she agrees to the terms and ties her hair back with the Scorpio hair tie. Barbarra hides in her purse. As Chloe leaves, Madam Gros emphasizes that secrecy is the most important part. Chloe can't tell anyone about Madam Gros's involvement. Chloe gives her a dismissive "yeah, yeah" on her way out.
Madam Gros isn't an idiot; she knows Chloe is likely to disobey the guidelines. But that's okay. She'll be a useful test against Ladybug and Cat Noir. Madam Gros picks up the phone to make a call, putting a different ally on standby.
After school rolls around. Sabrina Raincomprix is out of her seat in a moment, trying to talk warmly to Chloe, suggesting that they play Ladybug and Cat Noir or work on Chloe's "Ladybug and Me" webisodes. Chloe says she doesn't have time for such childish games anymore and walks off without looking back at Sabrina. Marinette Dupin-Cheng is the only one in Miss Bustier's class who sees Sabrina wilt at the remark.
Chloe Bourgeois chases Viktor Vasiliev and Fumikage Tokoyami out of a classroom, where they were prepping for the Dungeons and Dragon's club. They protest, but she's scary when she's stubborn, so she gets her way. Once their gone, she opens her purse and talks to Barbarra, again asking about her powers and transformation. Barbarra argues, saying that Madam Gros hasn't contacted them yet. Chloe insists, and Barbarra also sees how scary a stubborn Chloe is. The kwami gives in, explaining that she's the kwami of (insert concept that hasn't been used by the canon miraculous here). Her power is Dissolve. (Though I might rename that technique.) When Chloe says the transformation phrase, "Sting, Barbarra," Chloe will gain the standard heighten physical abilities, near indestructability with her super suit, and a weapon. The weapon of the scorpion is a poisonous chain. When the heroine uses the Dissolve technique, the next magical thing struck with the chain will dissolve in acidic poison. This even works on miraculous and super suits, as well as Senti monsters and objects created by magic (such as an object conjured by Ladybug's Lucky Charm). In a sense, the Scorpio miraculous's ability is foil to Cat Noir's. Both are destructive. However, we have seen in canon that Cat Noir's Cataclysm is less effective against magical items. Barbarra's Dissolve works especially on magical items and not so much on the mundane stuff. (Dissolve would probably even work on intangible things, such as a blast of light from Firefly or a time tunnel made by Bunnyx.)
Chloe is thrilled to hear about this power and immediately declares "Sting, Barbarra" despite the kwami's protests. Chloe is transformed with a full on sequence. Her ponytail is twisted upward into a braid mirroring a scorpion tail. She's also foil to Honey Bee, so her outfit is mostly black with gold trim. The chain weapon wraps around her waist like a belt but can be easily removed to fight with. Chloe leaps out the window and takes to Paris's rooftops. She keeps her eyes to what people are doing below, searching for someone in particular.
She finds who she's looking for—Nadja Chamack, in the middle of giving the afternoon traffic report. Chloe jumps down in the middle of the report and hijacks the broadcast. She introduces herself as Queen Scorpion to all of Paris and demands that Honey Bee reveal herself—they have a score to settle. She also challenges Ladybug to try to stop her—there's a new heroine in the city, and she's going to be the very best, like no one, not even Ladybug, ever was. (Yes, I had to slip that Pokemon reference in there.)
Of course, the broadcast staff immediately starts sending out Akuma Alerts as Queen Scorpion flounces off. The entire B Team gets the alert. All eight of them log into their chat server and begin planning. Honey Bee, still being incredibly new to the super hero business, is wondering what she should do. Alpha immediately tells her not to go. It's a trap. She is one of their pack now; they're going to back her up. Snow Leopard points out that Queen Scorpion hasn't attacked anyone or taken any hostages; there's no reason for Honey Bee to approach her. Froppy remarks that Queen Scorpion's skin is normal colored; that doesn't make her an akuma's victim. That makes her someone else using a miraculous. Firefly, a bit exasperated, wonders aloud how many miraculous there are in Paris.
Ladybug and Cat Noir, of course, can't ignore Queen Scorpion's boast. They both find hiding spots to transform and head after her. They find her, waiting for them, at the Arc de Triomphe. Queen Scorpion makes a shooing motion at Cat Noir, telling him to leave. She's only interested in Ladybug.
Ladybug asks what Queen Scorpion wants. She responds "my miraculous." Ladybug and Cat Noir are both initially puzzled. However, Queen Scorpion starts ranting about the bee comb, so it doesn't take long for them to realize that the person they're talking to is Chloe Bourgeois. (Yes, Chloe is pretty bad at keeping her identity a secret.) Ladybug explains that she did keep the bee comb safe.
Queen Scorpion demands to know why a tramp like Honey Bee is using it then. Cat Noir, semi-flirtingly, tells her that such language isn't appropriate coming from her pretty little mouth. Ladybug feels jealous at the remark as she knows it's Adrien behind the mask, giving a compliment to Chloe. Ladybug frowns at him, trying to keep her own heart from falling into disarray, as she focuses on the matter at hand.
Ladybug points out that Queen Scorpion/Chloe did fully surrender the bee pseudo-miraculous, which means giving up her claims to it—and this was all for her own safety and the safety of her parents. Ladybug knows that's not going to convince Chloe, and she's right. Queen Scorpion doesn't take it well, insisting the bee miraculous was hers all along and she only loaned it to Ladybug for safe keeping. Cat Noir insists they can talk things out, but by this point, Queen Scorpion is pretty worked up and dying to test out her new powers. She declares that she'll flush Honey Bee out and take her miraculous back. And nothing gets a heroine running onto the scene than a fight. Queen Scorpion yanks her chain off of her waist and attacks Ladybug and Cat Noir.
Both fall back, on the defensive. Cat Noir tries to tell Queen Scorpion to calm down. If she doesn't, they'll be forced to fight back and take the scorpion miraculous from her. This has the opposite effect, as Queen Scorpion takes it to mean that Ladybug and Cat Noir all along were planning on depriving her of her superpowers.
Queen Scorpion proves to be skilled with her powers as she previously did have experience as Queen Bee. She also was previously a fan of Ladybug, so she's familiar with Ladybug's movements. In addition, her chain is poisonous. Even without her using Dissolve, it causes acidic damage on contact. It's further complicated by Ladybug's emotional confusion: Adrien flirting with Chloe as well as guilt over Honey Bee now using the bee comb. Does Chloe still have a claim to the comb? Both Ladybug and Cat Noir try to reason with Queen Scorpion. She's not akumatized, which means she possesses all of her mental faculties. However, she is stubborn and just won't listen. That's when Ladybug gets an idea—maybe Queen Scorpion won't listen to them, but there might be someone who can reach her. She doesn't like the idea of leaving Cat Noir/Adrien alone with Queen Scorpion/Chloe, but she tells him she'll be right back as she heads off.
Meanwhile, the B Team is still discussing things while trying to figure out when, where, and how to help. The news reports were not able to catch the conversation between Ladybug, Cat Noir, and Queen Scorpion, so no one else knows that the Scorpio user is Chloe. However, now that Queen Scorpion is actively fighting Ladybug and Cat Noir, Honey Bee is really wondering if she should go forward—if it would help anyone. Alpha notes that there's no need to yet as Ladybug and Cat Noir seem to have a handle on things. And if Honey Bee insists on going in, she's not going alone. Firefly instantly volunteers to go alongside her, as that means he'll be able to see Ladybug. Alpha, not picking up on the ulterior motive, agrees with the plan, but tells them not to move in yet.
Froppy then reminds them about their idea to help Ladybug and Cat Noir find where Hawk Moth is hiding. Dauphine points out that there's no akuma for them to follow. In fact, it's likely that Hawk Moth isn't even involved in this situation. Froppy agrees with her logic once it's explained. Tsukuyomi chimes in, saying that Froppy still has a good idea that they should not forget.
Ladybug circles back to her high school and lands on the roof, on the lookout for someone. Her eyes land on Sabrina Raincomprix, who is waiting for Chloe on a bench. Sabrina is alone as by now most people have gone home for the day. Ladybug lands by her and walks over. Sabrina is very startled to see Ladybug approaching her.
Ladybug knows identities should be a secret (even Chloe's), but this is a unique situation. She explains to Sabrina that Chloe is in trouble and only Sabrina can help. Sabrina instantly agrees to help her friend, no matter what. Ladybug produces the dog miraculous and offers it out to Sabrina, who is confused. Ladybug begins her usual spiel about "I am entrusting the miraculous of loyalty to you. You will use it for the greater good." Only this time, there is no mention of "you will return it to me when done." Ladybug explains that Chloe was given another miraculous, a scorpion, and that she won't listen to reason—she's determined to hurt at least one person (Honey Bee) if not more. Ladybug fears that Chloe has fallen into a trap by their enemy.
Sabrina Raincomprix accepts the collar, and Barkk appears. Sabrina falls on her backside because she's so surprised. Barkk introduces herself as a kwami and eagerly wonders if Sabrina will be a new friend; she wants to play. Ladybug affirms this, which causes Barkk to cheer. Sabrina asks what's going on. Ladybug says there's no time now, just use the words to transform. Barkk tells her to repeat "Roll Over, Barkk!" and when she does, Sabrina is transformed into a dog-themed superheroine. Once she's transformed, Ladybug leads her back to the fight.
Cat Noir is holding his own against Queen Scorpion, but her poison-acid whip is doing a number on the surrounding area, limiting Cat Noir's movements. Sabrina calls out Chloe's name (not "Queen Scorpion") to catch her attention. Queen Scorpion turns around, shocked to see the person who called out her name is a superheroine. Queen Scorpion, of course, recognizes Sabrina in her heroine transformation due to how Sabrina called her name and the fact that Sabrina isn't trying to hide her alias around her best friend.
Ladybug says that if Queen Scorpion won't listen to her, maybe she'll listen to her friend. (This conversation, again, is done out of range of any onlookers, so no one else realizes that Sabrina Raincomprix now holds the dog miraculous—except Cat Noir, of course.) Sabrina starts to ask Chloe/Queen Scorpion what she's doing, when Queen Scorpion interrupts. She turns her attention to Ladybug and demands "why would you give her a miraculous?!" And the way she says "her" is full of disgust and disdain.
The news broadcast is at least able to catch onto the fact that there's now three people against Queen Scorpion. Alpha encourages the rest of the B Team to stand down. With three on one, there should be no need for Honey Bee to turn herself in. Honey Bee is very touched by how much the rest of the B Team wants to protect her despite the fact they don't know her real name.
Ladybug insists that Queen Scorpion needs to listen. They don't have to be enemies. But they need information—who gave Chloe that miraculous? Queen Scorpion counters that she's the one who's owed an explanation—why Ladybug betrayed her and gave the bee miraculous to someone else. Sabrina tries to reason why Queen Scorpion, but Queen Scorpion is too far into her own ego and blinded by her own perspective that she doesn't listen. The conversation turns into an argument, and Queen Scorpion gets more and more pissed off, especially at Ladybug.
Queen Scorpion attacks, using her Dissolve technique. Cat Noir rushes to defend Ladybug, but he's positioned too far away. It's Sabrina Raincomprix who leaps in and tanks the attack for Ladybug. Sabrina's dog super suit is struck and begins dissolving, revealing part of her face and her identity, which everyone present already knew. (Again, Nadja Chamack is not in a place to see this.) Sabrina is hurting, but she looks Queen Scorpion directly in the eye and says "you don't have to do this."
Queen Scorpion insists she does. She then realizes just how powerful the Scorpio miraculous is (even with the countdown she is now facing). She declares she'll stay Queen Scorpion—and she'll support the efforts to reveal Ladybug and Cat Noir for the liars they are. (She feels lied to that Ladybug said she'd protect the bee comb only for it to wind up in Honey Bee's hands.) She also promises to reclaim the bee comb, her rightful property, and will have two miraculous.
Ladybug and Cat Noir step forward, also protecting Sabrina, and tell Queen Scorpion they can't let that happen. Queen Scorpion can't just rob people (a moral dilemma the golden duo themselves struggled with and the conclusion they came to). They ready their yo-yo and baton respectively, and they begin to confront Queen Scorpion again. Queen Scorpion insists it's not robbery if she only takes back what's rightfully hers.
Ladybug's Lucky Charm manages to corner Queen Scorpion as Cat Noir moves in to find out which object in her outfit is her miraculous. However, he gets stuck in an invisible spider's web. Everyone is confused—where did the web come from?
Queen Scorpion shrieks and struggles as she's lifted off the ground. Everyone looks up. Standing on the roof is a spider-themed hero (or rather, villain), pulling her up with spider thread. This villain is an adult man, and none of the characters present recognize him. Queen Scorpion demands to know what's going on. The spider introduces himself as Tarantula (he's the one Dolores called earlier). He tells Queen Scorpion that her time is about up (her counter is really blinking now), and they have orders from their boss to withdraw. Queen Scorpion protests, but Tarantula reminds her that she accepted the terms when she was given the Scorpio miraculous. If she doesn't concede now, they'll take the scorpion hair tie back. Queen Scorpion grumbles and agrees.
Ladybug moves to cut Tarantula off, but he trips her up with more webbing. By the time Cat Noir is able to Cataclysm both himself and Ladybug free, Tarantula and Queen Scorpion are gone. The golden duo voice their frustrations, and Sabrina mutters that she's worried about what Chloe got into.
But with nothing left to do, Ladybug does her world-healing wave. She and Cat Noir then offer Sabrina to join them in "Pound It." Sabrina sorta squeals as she joins it. "It's like having friends." Ladybug offers to help Sabrina get home. Cat Noir accepts this. After he makes sure they're both okay (Sabrina's dog outfit is in tatters), he heads off.
Ladybug takes Sabrina Raincomprix back to the high school, out of sight. Sabrina transforms back into herself. She catches Barkk, who is whimpering in pain from the Dissolve technique. Ladybug explains that Barkk will need food and rest. Sabrina reaches up for the dog collar miraculous with her free hand to return it to Ladybug, but Ladybug stops her. She explains that the dog miraculous is Sabrina's responsibility now—as long as she feels she can keep her identity a secret, serve the greater good, serve the greater good knowing that Chloe is Queen Scorpion, and take care of Barkk. "She needs a friend." Sabrina's eyes light up. "A friend? I have a new friend?" She's happy Ladybug trusts her and that she'll have a second chance to get through to Chloe. Ladybug affirms this but cautions Sabrina not to act or transform until Ladybug contacts her. It may seem surprising Ladybug lets Sabrina hold onto the miraculous after only one use but with the state of things and Master Fu as well as Ladybug/Marinette knowing how lonely Sabrina is and how Barkk can bring out her better side, Ladybug makes this decision. Sabrina agrees to the terms and promises to treat Barkk well and pamper her. Ladybug then asks—what should she call Sabrina next time she needs her help. Sabrina thinks for a moment and then declares her superheroine name: Hachiko.
Ladybug then repeats "take care of Barkk" as she "bugs-out." Sabrina promises she will. She cradles Barkk closely as she hurries to the store to buy the kwami some dog treats. She has a new friend. A real friend.
Meanwhile, Queen Scorpion is taken out of the way by Tarantula. Queen Scorpion turns back into Chloe Bourgeois and chews Tarantula out for stopping her. Tarantula reminds her that she wasn't even supposed to act today; she went against orders. Chloe argues that she doesn't take orders from Tarantula—but Tarantula counters that, actually, Chloe does. Dolores Gros is the leader, but Tarantula out ranks Chloe. If Chloe wants to continue to be Queen Scorpion, she needs to respect what they do. Otherwise, they'll find someone to replace her. Chloe huffs but agrees. She heads home with Barbarra.
The next day at school, Sabrina Raincomprix is one the last ones into the classroom. Her spirits are higher than they've been. She heads to her regular seat, but Chloe looks at her with disdain and waves her away. "You're not sitting near me. Take yourself and your ugly sweater and get lost." Sabrina shrivels a bit at the hard words, and half the class who is listening (which includes Marinette), are surprised by how mean Chloe is being to Sabrina.
With no other option, Sabrina Raincomprix gathers her things and walks to the back of the classroom, taking the only available seat. Which is Lila Rossi's seat next to Nathaniel Kurtzberg. However, it is currently empty with Lila being suspended.
As they part, Sabrina and Chloe catch eyes and nod. The nod says a lot. The friendship is over; they are now rivals. However, they still have mutual respect for each other. Chloe won't tell anyone that Sabrina is Hachiko. And Sabrina won't tell anyone that Chloe is Queen Scorpion. But, should they meet on the battlefield, they won't hold back.
Sabrina's head droops as she takes her new seat. However, the emotional hurt isn't as bad as she thought it would be. She has a new friend in Barkk. And Ladybug and Cat Noir trust her. Plus, she has a boyfriend who loves her. That makes all the difference. Maybe this time won't be like what happened with Miranda Edgarov.
To be continued in Chapter 48: Ringtail…
A note from the author: Next week is Christmas Eve, which is a super busy day for me and my family. So I'll be foregoing my usual weekly chapter. Many apologies! I'll post the next chapter on News Years' Eve. Happy holidays everyone!