CHAPTER THREE

Friends In Need are Friends In Deed.

They're Called 'Action' Heroes For A Reason.

In the end, the escape was anti-climactic. The organised distraction worked like a charm, and Ladybug and Chat Noir made it to the registration table without mishap. A few minutes more, and they were sporting registration numbers on official armbands: Team Number 15. Returning stealthily through the rear wall of Ivani's stall, the duo were thankful to divest themselves of their diversionary clothing. Bundling the clothes back into the bag, Chat Noir and Ladybug prepared to appear at the front of the stall. Watching the copycats through the joins of the display wall, Ladybug swallowed nervously. Chat came to stand beside her.

"Ready to face them?" He asked.

Ladybug grimaced then squared her shoulders with a nod. Chat felt his heart swell for this courageous girl. Brave, despite her nerves. It was hard not to be smitten. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Chat held out his hand. "Together," he said.

With a tentative smile, Ladybug put her hand in his. "Okay."

An amazing sight greeted them in front of the stall. There was Ivani, standing arms akimbo, behind the tables of his stall, joined by his wife Myle. A short distance in front of the stall was the crowd of copycats, heckling each other and chanting for Ladybug to appear. And standing between the crowd and the stall were the five members of the Science Ninja Team Gatchaman. Ladybug would have laughed out loud, if she hadn't been so nervous. Strangely enough, this tableau helped to calm her nerves. At least that explained the impression of white wings she'd had in all the confusion earlier. For the next few moments everything felt like it was in slow motion. It took a few seconds for the crowd to realise that Ladybug had returned. It took a couple more for the sight of Ladybug and Chat Noir holding hands and sporting matching registration armbands to sink in. The change in atmosphere was almost comical. A couple of the copycats fell to their knees groaning, clutching their hair or stretching out their arms theatrically, as if to ask Ladybug why she had abandoned them. Most of the cats, however, simply shrugged and started to wander away. Slowly, the crowd began to disperse and the Gatchaman team relaxed.

"Phew, that's enough excitement for me," said Gatchaman Joe. Turning to face the stall, his eyes lit up when they landed on Chat Noir and Ladybug. "Dudes, you registered," he said. "That's great!"

Jun strolled over to lean on Joe's shoulder. "Finally!" She chortled. "I thought we'd never get off guard duty. So, this is Ladybug."

Ladybug smiled nervously and waved. Chat wrapped his arm around her shoulder to give her a quick squeeze of support. "Yep, this is Ladybug. Ladybug, allow me to introduce my friends. On Team Gatchaman playing Ken, Joe, Jun, Jinpei, and Ryu, we have Lucas, Niente, my sister Ally, Maxwell, and Kimochek. Lucas is a musician. He and Niente met at the Conservatorium of Music. Niente is a composer and sound technician. We met while I was working up the scenic art for a film set. My sister Ally is a travel and culture reporter for the Seattle Times. And these two are her colleagues, Maxwell and Kimochek. Max is a sports statistician, and Kim's a sports reporter for the Seattle Times. We've travelled down from Seattle for this year's Comic Con. Everyone, this is Ladybug."

Ivani wandered over as everyone was exchanging greetings. "Glad to see you two made it back in one piece," he said, thumping Chat on the back.

Chat Noir grinned. "Thanks Ivani," he said, "I owe you one."

"No worries," said Ivani. "Just do us a favour. Don't waste the opportunity."

Chat's smile turned bashful. "I'll try not to," he said.

Chat rejoined the group conversation as Ivani went back to his stall. Kimochek and Maxwell were agitating to spend some serious time at an Avengers stall they had seen two isles over. Ally and Niente were keen to catch a signing session that was starting in the next ten minutes, and Lucas wanted to check out a stall selling episodes of an old British sci-fi series called UFO. Chat spoke up. "Ok, well, since Ladybug and I have some things to take care of here first, why don't we all split up and meet back at our favourite Mexican vendor for an early lunch. How's that sound to everyone?"

The plan was approved enthusiastically, and the members of the group broke up to pursue their various interests. Turning to Ladybug, Chat asked, "So, what would you like to do first?"

"Um," Ladybug blinked. "T-That's very kind of you, Chat, but I don't want to get in the way of the things you had planned for today."

Chat grinned. "My Lady, I honestly had no plans for today, and it would be thoroughly enjoyable to share your first Comic Con experience with you."

"Oh, well, if you're sure..." said Ladybug doubtfully.

"I am," he replied. "So, what would you like to do?"

Ladybug hesitated, drawing in her breath, before replying uncertainly, "Well, if you really don't mind, I would like to spend a little more time looking at Ivani's stall, before locating the one run by Dot and Dash."

Smiling, Chat Noir stepped aside with a bow. "After you, My Lady" he said.

Ivani chortled as Ladybug and Chat Noir approached his stall. "Back again?!" He asked with a rhetorical flourish.

"Hi Ivani," said Ladybug, smiling. "I was hoping we might resume our conversation from before. You were about to tell me more about the artist and pictures on your centre wall."

Fighting back a laugh, Ivani invited Ladybug to come around the tables to take a closer look. For the next ten minutes or so he answered Ladybug's questions about the title, medium, and history of the different pictures on display, and asked her questions in return about which ones she liked and why. By the end of the discussion Ladybug had decided to purchase a framed picture of a very dream-like, bird's eye view of Victorian London in the evening lamplight. The picture just seemed to glow. "Ah, yes, London by Lamplight," said Ivani. "I believe it is one of the artist's favourite pictures also."

"It's beautiful," said Ladybug. "It makes me think of chimney sweeps and magic."

"Indeed," said Ivani, "In fact I believe it was created as a possible backdrop for a stage production of Mary Poppins, wasn't it Chat?"

Chat rolled his eyes and gave a resigned sigh. "Yes."

Startled Ladybug looked at Chat, her eyes blown wide. "A stage set? I- Is this one of your works?"

"Chat did all the pictures on the centre wall," said Ivani, enjoying the cat's discomfort. "He's really talented, don't you think?"

"Absolutely!" said Ladybug. "I had no idea," she added enthusiastically, before pausing to ask, "You don't mind, -I mean-, you won't be upset if I purchase it will you?"

"Not at all," said Chat, collecting himself. "I'm pleased you like it. While you and Ivani haggle over the delivery details, I'll go grab the bag of clothes we need to return to Dot, okay?"

Waved off by both Ladybug and Ivani, Chat made his way inside the stall to collect the bag. Ladybug wrote down her delivery details, and was just completing the payment when Chat returned. "All done here?" Chat asked.

"Yep, all done," Ladybug replied. "Thanks Ivani."

"No worries Ladybug. It was my pleasure. And we'll deliver it to you in a week's time like you've asked," He grinned. "Enjoy the rest of your day you two."

Taking their leave, Chat Noir and Ladybug wandered a little further along the isle until they came to a small stall bursting with colourful decorations in satin and felt. Inside were Dot and Dash, and on the table before them were copies of their new comic book surrounded by a liberal sprinkling of tiny pink and blue glitter shapes. Seeing them, Dot squealed in delight. "Ladybug, Chat Noir, you made it!" She cried. "And you registered! Oh, this is perfect. Hey, Nate, look!" She called to Dash.

Dash was already grinning at the pair. "Well don't you two make a fine team," he said. "Number 15, I see."

Chat Noir decided to steer the conversation away from the competition. "Hey guys, thanks for the assist back there. Those clothes were a big help," he said, handing the bag back to Dash. "So, how goes the sales?"

"Actually we're doing pretty well," said Dot. "We've managed to sell a couple of copies already which is great."

"Hey, that's claw-some," said Chat, earning an eye-roll from both Dot and Dash. Unperturbed, he continued. "Okay, so, I know you guys have already met in character, but I'd like to introduce you both to Ladybug properly. Ladybug, this is Nate and Roselyn, two of my good friends from Seattle. Nate is a graphic artist. We've worked together on quite a few art projects over the years, and Rosie is an English Literature major and freelance writer."

Shaking hands, Ladybug said, "Nate, Rosie, it's so nice to meet you properly, and thanks again for the disguises. They really were a huge help."

Nate and Rosie waved away Ladybug's thanks, telling her that it had been their pleasure. "So," said Ladybug, gesturing towards the table, "is this your new book?!"

Reverting instantly back into character, Dot and Dash were delighted to show Ladybug their comic. It was charming. So too was their sales pitch. Ladybug was not at all surprised when, not more than ten minutes later, she had placed an order for two copies, one to be sent directly to her nephew, the other to herself in a week's time. "But on one condition," said Ladybug. "You both have to sign them. Please?" Dot and Dash were delighted to do so.

With the purchase ordered and paid for, Chat Noir and Ladybug took their leave of Dot and Dash. As they made their way along the isle Chat asked Ladybug what she would like to do next. "I don't know," said Ladybug. Then after a pause she said, "Actually, how about you choose something. I'd like to do something you'd like to do, and I'm happy for you to surprise me with your choice."

"O-kay," said Chat, rubbing the back of his neck while thinking. "Well...we have an hour before we have to meet up with the others for lunch, so how would you feel about taking on a lost cause?" He asked, his eyes suddenly twinkling with mischief.

"Really?" said Ladybug curious. "Exactly what kind of a lost cause did you have in mind?"

"Ah," said Chat, "the best kind. Hunting for lost treasure. You see, I have a top five wish list of collectible, but impossible to find, comic books that I search for every year. I thought we could try our luck hunting for them. What do you think? Do you feel lucky?"

"Well, I am Ladybug," she quipped. "Lead on, Chaton."

The smile Chat directed at her was so blinding, it stole her breath away. Even if they found nothing, she thought, that smile would make the next hour all worthwhile.

By twelve o'clock Chat was amazed. After less than an hour of searching they had managed to locate three of the five comics on his wish list. He clutched them gleefully to his chest, much to Ladybug's amusement. "My Lady, you have no idea how difficult it is to find these. I'm amazed," he gushed.

"That's great, Chat," said Ladybug, "but shouldn't we be on our way to meet everyone?"

"You're right," he said, consulting his phone. "We'd better head across now."

Ten minutes later the duo entered the food court looking for Team Gatchaman. They found them seated at a wide table on the hall's left hand side. Ally and Niente waved them over and pretty soon the whole gang was chatting away happily over burritos and soda, while showing off their purchases. Ally had managed to score a couple of celebrity photos and interviews at the signing she and Niente had attended, and was busy uploading them to her very popular Lady About Town blog, affectionately known as 'The Ladyblog.' Lucas was regaling the group with hilarious anecdotes from the six hundred page 'Making of' booklet that accompanied his purchase of the complete season of UFO. Maxwell and Kimochek brought out the Avengers trading cards they had picked up, and were soon lost in an argument over the stats for The Ghost and Agent Hill. "And what'd you get, dude?" Niente asked Chat Noir, looking at his bag with curiosity.

Grinning, Chat produced the comic books for Niente to see. Niente's eyes blew wide as he sucked in a breath. "No way, dude, you found three from your ultimate list. How is that even possible?" He asked in disbelief.

Chat chuckled and pointed to Ladybug. "I had Lady Luck with me, of course," he said.

Niente gave a low whistle and started thumbing through the books. Ladybug used the lull in conversation to find out a little more about the group. "So, do you guys fly down for Comic Con every year?" She asked.

Ally answered. "Well we try to make it whenever work allows," she said. "This year is unusual for us in that we drove down, and we aren't staying for the whole thing."

"You drove?" Ladybug repeated in mock horror.

"Well, no, Kimochek and I flew down," said Maxwell, breaking off his stats argument in order to jump into the conversation, "because I couldn't get off work until Wednesday evening, whereas they started driving on Tuesday."

"Which worked out just fine," said Kimochek, "because it meant Maxwell and I got to fly down on Thursday morning to enjoy most of the day at the Con. And Lucas was already here, which is how we knew that the unpartnered Ladybugs and Chat Noirs had already paired up. It was a lot more civilised yesterday than it was today, let me tell you."

Maxwell resumed his narrative. "Yeah, but we'll be driving back this evening. It'll give us a chance to catch tonight's game in LA between the Mariners and Dodgers, before we head to Redding on Saturday so that Kim can do a feature on the Big League Dreams park they have there."

At this point Lucas chimed in. "Yeah, and I'm not as mad as this lot. I flew in on Wednesday, like a normal person," he said smiling, "and I'm flying back out at an equally leisurely time on Sunday."

Ally threw a paper napkin at Lucas, who merely dodged it and smiled. "Well, excuse me if some of us have to work for a living," she said, laughing. Turning to Ladybug she continued, "The rest of us are driving because of work. My boss wanted a travel feature on San Francisco by Thursday, Kimochek has the feature on Redding to do for next week, Niente had a meeting here Thursday night for a film score he's currently working on, and my brother decided to tag along to support Nate and Rosie's launch, as well as to check on how his own works are selling. The paper was happy to cover the cost of the car hire if I spent Wednesday in San Francisco, and brought Kimochek back with any other scoops I could find in San Diego. The downside, of course, is that we have to leave this afternoon in order to make it back to Seattle by Monday.

Ladybug tried not to let her disappointment show. Instead she said, "Yeah, I get that. I had planned to be here on Thursday, but work needed me to stay back, so I didn't get in until after midnight last night."

"Ooh, rough," said Niente, still flicking through the comic books. "But at least you made it in time to enter today's competition. My man here could really use some of your luck to win one of those prizes," he said, throwing his arm around Chat Noir's shoulders.

Chat Noir frowned, but before he could say anything Ladybug asked, "And why's that?"

Chat punched Niente's shoulder. "Dude!" He whisper-yelled.

"What?!" Niente shrugged.

"Ladybug doesn't need us pressuring her into the competition," Chat growled. "It was bad enough when it was the copycats."

Most of the group looked abashed at Chat Noir's comment, but Kimochek jumped right in. "Sure. And you don't have to pretend that it wouldn't help your business to win some of that prize money, either," he retorted.

Ladybug turned to Chat Noir, her eyebrows raised. "Care to fill me in, Chaton?" She asked.

Chat groaned in frustration, glaring at Niente and Kimochek. Ally stepped into the breach. What my brother doesn't want us to talk about is that he has the opportunity to expand his set design business if he can purchase a really serious industrial 3D printer. It's a struggle to get the full amount of finance extended, but if he can raise a sufficient deposit he might just have a chance. And at this stage, every bit helps."

"I see," said Ladybug. "Well, in that case I think we should give it a go. I actually don't mind being in the competition, Chat, and if the prize money really would help, then I'd like to help you try to win it."

Surprised, Chat asked, "You'd really be willing to do that for me?"

"Sure," said Ladybug, struggling to hold her deadpan expression while punning. "After all, a friend in need is a friend in deed, right?"

As the rest of the group fell about laughing or groaning, Chat raised Ladybug's hand to his lips and murmured, "Thank you, My Lady."

After that, 1pm arrived all too quickly. It was time for Ladybug and Chat Noir to make their way over to the theatre sports marshalling area. The group cleared away the remains of their lunch and prepared to walk the duo over. They had decided to secure seats in the auditorium to wait out the hour between the marshalling of the contestants and the official start of the competition. That way, they figured, they could take turns minding seats while continuing to explore Comic Con for the hour. Niente and Ally promised to guard Chat Noir's comics with their lives. Arriving at the auditorium, Team Gatchaman wished the duo luck before wandering off to grab seats. Ladybug and Chat Noir continued on into the marshalling area, where a crowd of MLB's heroes were already milling. Looking at the crowd, Ladybug ruthlessly suppressed her internal trepidation. This was it. Time to go big, or go home.


POSTSCRIPTUM

Niente

This Italian word means 'nothing.' In music it refers to a sound or tone that gradually fades to nothing. It's an appropriate naming-pun for a score writing, disc-jockeying, sound technician, don't you think?

Verbs

Obviously this chapter is playing with two important sayings: "A friend in need is a friend indeed" and "actions speak louder than words." I had to chuckle at the following statement I found in an online dictionary: "any English noun can be verbed, but some are more resistant than others." Yes. Verbs are doing words. They are words of action. They reveal nature and character. And I think the word "friend" should be both a noun and a verb.

UFO

If you have a sense of humour (and/or perhaps nostalgia), and haven't seen this series yet, you should. It's everything that's right and wrong with Sci-Fi in one gloriously kitsch, yet somehow compelling, package.

Gatchaman

Why the Science Ninja Team Gatchaman? This ground-breaking anime was foundational in so many ways, not least for establishing the five-team member dynamic that inspired many later works. I have used the original Gatchaman team names here (Ken, Joe, Jun, Jinpei, and Ryu), although most people in Australia and the USA first met them as G-Force in Battle of the Planets (Mark, Jason, Princess, Keyop, and Tiny). There's a whole generation of female fans out there who grew up in their backyards wearing pillowcase capes and wielding yo-yos. And of course, Jun's name-change to 'Princess' was, at the time, an homage to another strong female character resisting evil in a war amongst the stars (Leia). So, why Gatchaman? It has a yo-yo wielding heroine called Princess. "Two Ladybugs?!" Chat Noir would approve.