Ladybug: The Adventures of Libby Walters

Season 1

Episode 3

"Strange Magic"

Wow, these chapters are coming fast! Please read and review.

"Hello folks, Rob Berg here, taking a break from doing the Avalanche to announce for Swift Current Comp football. Tonight the Clydesdales play host to their biggest rivals, the Central High Buzzards, on this be-au-ti-ful Saskatchewan night. I mean come on, who names their team 'Buzzards'? Ha ha, seriously."

"Rob, your mic is still on."

"Ohhhh, hey everybody, would you look at that, kickoff is moments away!"

"That guy is such an oaf." Libby said. "I could do so much of a better job."

"I quite like him."

Libby looked way high up to see Mr. Sanderson looming over her.

"Good evening Miss Walters." He said.

"Mr. S."

"Don't worry Lib." Irka reassured her. "I'm here also."

Libby laid her head on Irka's shoulder.

* Queen, We Will Rock You *

"The kick is on its' way! And boy, listen to this crowd!"

"Buzzards suck! Buzzards suck!"

"The famous chant. Too good." Belloehs laughed.

"Ball is picked up, uh, by Ball at the 5. Tim Ball, moving forward now, and he's in trouble. Laterals it to Dawson! Fran Dawson, and he gets flattened at the 13."

Libby's phone rang again.

"Son of a bitch, it's him again." She grunted.

"I can take care of him, if you would like it." Irka offered.

"Excuse me."

Libby moved to an open section of the bleachers.

"I guess you just can't take a hint. Calling the police doesn't deter you."

"Please listen, this is important." The man started.

"I'll humor you, sicko." Libby said.

"I know it's hard, but I need you to trust me. We've watched you for so long and-"

"Red light! Yeah, I got it, you like underage girls. Please, do me a favor and get that checked."

"Liberty, there are horrible things in this world, even right here in Swift Current." The man continued.

"You know my name." Libby started to cry. "I don't know who the hell you are, or why you're so fixated on me, but after this football game is over, I'm gonna stop by my house, get my dad's rifle, which by the way I know how to operate, waltz on down to Kiwanis, and I will kill you without hesitation, unless this harassment stops now."

"Those are empty threats, because I have skills you cannot comprehend. I will become your worst nightmare if you even attempt what it is you're planning."

"Try. Me."

*Click*

Libby, now completely flustered, ran as fast as she could away from the stadium and towards home. She was running down the middle of the street, and a car nearly mowed her over.

"Watch it, will ya!" She screamed. As Libby passed Good News Church, she said "bad news for him." Finally at home, Libby jammed the key in the door. She prayed her parents weren't around, so she slinked into her dad's office, unlocked the case and removed the gun.

"This is *sniff* this is so ludicrous. Why is this creep after me?"

Libby put the rifle back, and then had another change of heart and pulled it back out.

"Where is that ammo?"

"Libby?"

"Irka?" Libby couldn't believe her eyes. "You came after me."

"What in Heaven's name are you doing with your father's gun?" Irka asked. "Hand it to me."

"Fine, but I'm going after that POS."

"At least let me follow."

Libby called the man again.

"Look, I'll come there, unarmed, but you so much as lay a finger on me..."

...

"Hey, you hear me?"

Libby resigned to the fact that she had to go see this man. It could very well be dangerous, but she needed answers.

"'Liberty, dear, how did your night go?' Oh, ya know, followed a creepy dude into the park after nightfall. Then witness as my mom has a heart attack and dad grounds me forever. This better be worth my time."

In short order, she returned with Irka to Kiwanis Park.

"Okay, just what is it that was worth scaring me half to death?" She called to the man.

"Hey Irk, you think the weird voodoo tree will work a second time?"

"Go for it." Irka encouraged. Libby stamped her hand onto the tree, and the same thing happened as before.

"Say, the guy seemed pretty adamant about me being alone here. Maybe you should take off."

"But how would you stay safe Lib?"

"I can take care of myself." Libby struck a pose. Suddenly two figures appeared from behind some trees.

"*Gulp* Maybe against one person!"

The bizarre light then circled around Irka.

"Stay away from her."

Libby had no idea why she said that, but felt it would make a difference. The light beam returned to the tree, and a segment opened, revealing a bright glowing sphere.

* Armored Core OST, Response (extended) *

"No, not here." Libby said. "Not in boring ass Swift Current."

The sphere shot past Libby and then landed on the ground, resting about halfway between the girls.

"That's pretty." Irka said, leaning down to touch it, but it shot a spark at her.

"OW!"

The figures approached. Libby couldn't seem to distinguish where their faces were, only that they had humanoid shapes.

"Enough!" Libby said, picking up the sphere. It blinked out, and all that remained was a hairclip.

"An early birthday present. And it's a ladybug too. How thoughtful."

She clipped the piece to her bun, and immediately wanted if off.

"What is it doing?" She asked, believing the clip to be sentient. "Is it reading my thoughts?"

Libby brushed it off and assumed a fighting stance.

"You ready to rumble gents?"

Libby suddenly felt a bizarre sensation covering her body. It was being engulfed by the strange light or energy, Libby didn't know which.

"What's happening?!" She shivered. "No, Irka, stay away. It might hurt you!"

Libby quit fighting, and slumped to the ground.

"Libby!"

Libby was groggy, and her vision was blurred.

"Who...who's there?" She managed to get out. She reached towards the figures, who were coming back into her vision, and noticed her hand, in fact her whole arm, was a different color.

"Okay, what the hell am I wearing?"

Libby attempted to stand, but could only rest on one knee. Irka looked where her friend was, and saw a costumed girl in her place.

"Who is that there?" She asked.

"It's still me Irka." Libby responded. "Uh, I think?"

"Your clothes are not the same."

"What in the...? I'm..."

Libby finally regained her stance.

"But you're a..."

"I'm a Ladybug, damn it!" Libby pumped her first. She admired her full, red with black spots latex bodysuit. "And there's even a mask!" I'd breakdance or something if I knew how. And as for you fine looking...whatever you are, prepare to..."

The figures dissipated.

"Aww man, and I had a catchphrase all ready and everything." Libby groaned. She glanced at Irka, who looked indifferent.

"Not a good night all around."

"Sweet God in Heaven."

"Irka?"

"What is this town's issue?" She blurted out. "That. What was that?"

"Something that was cool." Libby answered. "Or friggin' weird. It depends on who you ask.

"Well, there can't be any way that the football game tops this for entertainment. By the way, it's 7-0 Clydesdales."

"Good."

"Your calm demeanor surprises me." Irka noted.

"Irka, I've loved Ladybugs probably since before I was born." Libby placed a hand on her back. "Hey, what's this thing?"

LIbby had a circular backpack on, and a pullstring fell from it.

"Pull the string, Irka!"

Irka yanked the string. The pack opened with a flourish, and wings sprang out the side. Libby was airborne before she could say anything.

"Whoa ho ho, hey, this is happening!" Libby yelled to the heavens. "I hope I'm in control of this thing."

She directed her arm forward, and sure enough, she had propulsion. Libby did a somersault and spun around.

"It's like a whole new world up here!"

*Ahem* * Aladdin OST, A Whole new World *

"But you didn't take me with you..." Irka pouted.

"Lemme fix that for you." Libby lowered herself to within reach of Irka, and scooped her best friend up.

"Kind of a romantic feeling to it."

"Don't tell my dad..."

"Did I miss out on something?" Irka inquired.

"Yes you did, but I'm not in the mood to fill you in." Libby winked. Irka wrapped herself around Libby for safety.

"When I make sure I'm completely in command of this, we'll dance up here."

Libby did a few more aerial acrobatics, and started to lose her grip on Irka.

"Okay, coming in for landing!" Libby exclaimed. She touched down gently, and took a bow.

"That was the best ever." Irka said. "The rush I felt. Wow."

Irka gave Libby a kiss.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome Irka." Libby blushed. "It was fun being your personal airline for a few minutes. Time to take this getup off."

Libby reached around her back.

"You see a zipper?"

"Nope."

"Buttons?" Libby asked.

"Negative" Irka answered.

"Crap. Bring out the knife. You're gonna cut me out of this."

"No, I will not."

"Won't you, oh please, oh please Irka?" Libby pleaded. Irka twisted her earlobe.

"Ow!"

"You acted with recklessness, and scared me greatly Libby." Irka said firmly.

"You kiss me, then do that. Make up your mind woman!"

"Here's the knife."

Libby put the blade to her costume, and her midsection suddenly jerked away from it.

"My suit doesn't wanna be cut. No problem here..."

In a very sudden burst of light, the Ladybug suit was gone.

"Damn thing must have a mind of its' own." Libby said. "As long as it doesn't come after me when I'm sleeping, I can work with that."

"It is strange, yes, that our friend never showed himself?" Irka wondered.

"Hey, he's not my friend."

"Hang on Lib. Hello? Yes Belloehs, Libby is here. She's fine."

Irka mouthed "You are okay?" Libby nodded.

"She just felt light headed, and needed to be some other place." Irka went on.

"Tell her we'll be back soon."

"We will return in minutes. Goodbye Belloehs."

"Did I teach you to lie so well?" Libby asked.

"My cousin did." Irka replied. "Do I have permission to call you 'Bug', Libby?"

"Certainly."

The friends exited the park and retraced their steps back to the football game. A breeze blew past them, and Libby shook a little.

"Allow me to give you warmth."

"No, I'm fine Irka. Just wondering where this will go. This hairclip is like nothing else. I'm guessing that I was supposed to have it. Regardless, another ladybug to add to the collection."

"I suppose I am not further obligated to buy you a birthday present." Irka assumed.

"You're off the hook." Libby confirmed her suspicion. "But Mrs. Ladybug will be so upset."

"Haha, you are a gem Libby."

"I try."

The pair returned to the stadium.

"Thank you readmission." Libby said, and they got back to their seats.

"What the heck is going on, guys?" Matriel asked. "You alright Libbster?"

"Grr, bad words."

Matriel assumed Libby wasn't pleased, so she turned away.

"Hey." Libby tapped her arm and gave her the peace sign.

"How many selfies did Mistral take in our absence?" Irka asked.

"Did someone say football selfie?!" Mistral was so excited that she jumped out of her seat...right when Central High was scoring a field goal to take a narrow lead.

"Traitor." Trinity facepalmed.

"But, but, no. Meanie!"

"Sit down, sis." Matriel said. And then it dawned on her.

"Libby, have you always had that hairclip?"

"Oh, this?" The brown haired girl said, fiddling with it. "Yeah, ha, you know, I found it in the depths of my closet."

"Well where was it this whole time?" Matriel pressed on.

"Pocket! It was in my pocket."

Libby had a huge, nervous smile.

"You're lying, for uh, some reason." Matriel blinked confusedly. "Oh God, you guys suck! Especially you Edison!"

"Cause I haven't been here cheering him on." Libby explained. "Alright Edison, atta boy, atta boy! Don't listen to Grumpy over here!"

"If you were this passionate about your studies, you'd be top of the class." Mr. Sanderson said calmly.

"Did you teleport? That seats been empty since I got back."

"Kickoff recovered by Carswell. He jukes left, and thrashes Dean Wade with a stiff arm! Carswell hits the afterburners and, sayonara! Touchdown Clydesdales!"

"I'm his good luck charm." Libby put her hands on her hips.

"And a lovesick puppy." Trinity said, giving fake sad eyes.

"Quiet you."

"This one's for you Libby!" Edison pointed the ball at her.

"You're a sweetie Ed!" She blew a kiss. "Zip it Trinity."

"Awww." Mistral said.

"You're going about it all wrong Trin. Misty knows that we're just being friendly."

"Thanks Libby."

Mistral snapped a picture of her.

"Hashtag #Friends."

"Come on Edison!" Belloehs cheered.

"You're stealing my thunder."

Half an hour later...

"Final seconds here, and it's 20-11 'Dales. The crowd to its' feet!"

"Libby, I think what happened earlier should remain secret." Irka whispered.

"For now." Libby agreed.

"Are you gossiping?" Belloehs butted in. "For shame."

"Yeah, about you."

"Ah!"

"We're not gossiping, you nut." Libby stuck her tongue out. Central High scored a touchdown as time expired, but it was too late as Swift Current won 20-18.

* Blur, Song 2, *

"Too late." Matriel taunted. "Nice spending time with you guys, as always."

"Same." Belloehs agreed.

"Say hi to Ed on the way out." Trinity prodded Libby.

"Yeah, and I'll fill you in on the details." Libby playfully elbowed her. "Now get outta here!"

"Libby, hey!" Edison called. He was with Charlie, Sean and Ridge Kelly.

"My boys!" Libby put her arms up.

"I didn't hear you much." Ridge said. "Sore throat?"

"Something like that. I'm proud of you guys."

Edison turned away and bit down on his facemask.

"You with me bro?"

"Y-yeah." Edison stuttered.

"Somebody's got it bad for Libby!" Sean teased.

"Quit it guys." Libby scolded them. "What if he does have a crush on me? You jealous or something?"

Libby leaned up and planted a kiss on the side of Edison's face.

"Don't sweat it dude."

"Wow, um, thanks Libby." Edison took her hand. She clutched his tightly. "For...for having my back."

"Hey, you're welcome man. What are friends for?"

Libby walked off, and Edison's teammates patted him on the back.

"That sure is a fine girl, Ed." Ridge said. "You should really talk to her about it sometime."

"I dunno guys." Edison said doubtfully. "I wouldn't wanna embarrass myself around such a pretty, smart lady."

"Go for it!" Sean encouraged him.

"Go for it! Go for it!" The others chanted along.

"I'll think about it, okay?"

"Good man." Charlie said. "And maybe if it works, Irka and I could double date with you."

"Ooohhh." Ridge and Sean said in unison. The aforementioned girls that they were crushing on left the stadium.

"Any thoughts on Edison, Lib?" Irka was curious.

"I'm flattered, to be honest." Libby was joyful. Irka gave an amused smile.

"Don't get your hopes up, Irka Dekanov."

"So I should not ask to be a bridesmaid...?"

"Oh. My God."

"It needed to be asked."

"So, I'm really curious how I can get that kickin' suit back again." Libby changed the subject.

"Do you recall what occurred when it first came?" Irka wondered.

"Not really, but what I do know is, I think the suit is alive."

"I observed its' behavior when you tried to penetrate it."

"I did wanna be carefree like a ladybug. Now I am one, sort of, but I have concerns."

London caught up to them before they had completely left the premises.

"Remember to keep your head up this week Libby." She said. "Mr. Stringbean is the enemy."

"A little bit of exaggerating, but thanks London." Libby said. "And, I like how you've treated me today."

"I'm glad you noticed. I really oughta be nicer."

"That's the spirit."

"Libby, 4 o'clock!" Irka got her attention. The man from Kiwanis was ahead of them.

"You know him?" London asked.

"This concerns us London. Kindly scram."

London shuffled off.

"Do not make me use my Army Knife." Irka reached for her purse.

"Ha, that's rich." The man chuckled. He raised his arm, and Irka began ascending off the ground.

"Put her down!" Libby barked.

"Make me, little bug."

"I said..."

*FLASH*

"Put. Irka. Down. At once."

"Libby, it's back!"

"Very good, Ladybug." the mystery guy said, returning Irka. "You now know, one method to activating the sacred abilities, is to have somebody you love be in peril."

"Who are you? You're really starting to get on my bad side." Libby said, admiring her threads.

"You'll get to know me better in time."

"So anywho, I'm a Ladybug now?"

"Correct." The man nodded.

"How?" Libby asked.

"The hairclip reads your deepest, most locked away thoughts and gives you enhanced abilities based on them."

"So, like a superhero?"

"Essentially."

"No, uh uh, I may be a good person, but I'm no superhero. You brought the wrong girl."

"Wrong. The Infinitum selected you."

"Who now?" Libby tilted her head.

"You're now The Ladybug, tasked with protecting Swift Current, and beyond." The man continued.

"From what? Death by Boredom?"

"Your enemies have mercifully not revealed themselves yet, save for the shadow beings."

"Why'd they stop attacking me?"

"I haven't the slightest, but you were very lucky indeed Liberty."

"Please call me Ladybug. Liberty is too personal." Libby requested.

"Perhaps Libby?" The man asked.

"Not a chance. Ladybug, or mud."

"Mud?" Irka asked.

"Anyway, your first day as The Ladybug has ended. You have been living carefree for all of your nearly fifteen years. That changes today. I'll be in touch."

The man vanished into the night. Libby had the feeling that the suit was going to retreat any second.

"Wait!"

...

"If you are alive, please, give me a sign."

She rolled her hand over, and in her palm it said "Hello Libby."

"Thank you." She smiled politely. "Now, go ahead."

Her suit blinked out. Libby removed her hairclip.

"Wow. I will be sure to take very good care of you."

Libby delicately placed the clip inside her handbag.

"A living suit and/or hairclip." Irka observed.

"Yep, and Libby Walters being entrusted to care for it."

"Hopefully Irka Dekanov can assist Libby Walters."

"Libby Walters will gladly accept Irka Dekanov's help." Libby was having too much fun.

"Would you mind if I slept over tonight?" Irka asked. "I'm intrigued and would like to be able to discuss this while in the same room.

"The folks oughta be asleep, but they know you, so yeah."

"And tell me, why should I not mention, pardon, something to your father?"

"So, my dad had made it abundantly clear," Libby gestured towards Irka. "That he would like us to be dating."

"Oh." Irka was dumbfounded.

"Which is also why I don't tell either of them we kiss. I'd never get them to stop."

"They want the best for you Lib."

"That's true. "

"Libby?"

"Yes Irka?"

"I would not be opposed to us dating. If it ever came to that."

Libby's whole face was a bright crimson.

"I'll...I'll keep that in mind." She said. "Yeah..."

"And I will keep your reaction in mind."

Their trip back to Libby's was filled with deafening silence. Libby checked out of the corner of her eye, and was getting strange looks from Irka.

"What's wrong Lib?"

"I have no reasonable idea as to why I reacted that way. Don't think too deeply about it."

"If you insist, Bug." Irka shrugged.

"Don't overuse that name, if possible." Libby requested. They got inside, and the lights came on due to motion detection.

"I'll have to find a place for my new accessory. Somewhere among my plethora of ladybugs."

"You mean the Shrine?"

"Been a while since you called it that, but yes."

Libby placed the clip on her desk, next to her ladybug wristwatch.

"If I didn't love you so much, I may suggest you have a problem..."

*Silence*

"You have a problem, Libby."

Libby booped Irka's nose.

"But why?" The black haired girl asked.

"I dunno." Libby answered. "What mood should I be in?"

"I know the way I would feel. Fear, mixed with excitement."

"You can't imagine the feeling of wearing this suit. It's personal, almost to the degree of being frightening.."

"It's benevolent though?"

"I have no doubt." Libby said. I don't think I can possibly be scared when I have it on."

Libby clenched her fists.

"Yeah, Irka, this is who I'm gonna be. He said there are enemies out there, and the suit can be called forth when loved ones are in danger. I'm a protector. I mean I'd do that anyway by nature."

"Come here, my heroic friend, and give me a hug."

"I'm no hero yet, Irka. But I'll get there in time."

Libby plopped down on her bed, and opened Facebook. She started a group chat with Irka, the Fen and Eahrkoff sisters, Charlie and Edison.

Libby_KA_Walters: No matter what, I will protect you guys

"Why in Heaven did you do that?"

"Can't let them know too much."

"Why even say a word?" Irka asked. "Some will be confused."

"Mistral will be." Libby snickered.

"That's tremendously rude, Libby."

"It is. Mistral is just an adorable bucket of sunshine."

"I agree. This may also be rude, but I enjoy her presence to a greater amount than Matriel's."

"Mats can be a hard ass sometimes. Surprised those two are related."

Tomas_Edison: uhh, okay Libby. What do you mean by protect?

"I'll answer that in the morning. Wait. Ah, tomorrow is Sunday. You will be getting a nice rest Libby."

"Speaking of rest, let me retrieve a sleeping bag."

Libby yawned loudly and checked to see who was online. After her whirlwind Saturday, a restful Sunday awaited...

End of Episode 3

Until next time, Bug Out!