Ladybug: The Adventures of Libby Walters
Season 1
Episode 4
"Lazy Day"
Sandrine Walters was up before the crack of dawn, as with every morning. On her way to taking fresh laundry to hers and Jack's bedroom, Libby's door opened.
"At this hour, it must be..."
"Good morning Mrs. Walters."
"Good morning honey." Sandrine was greeted by a pantsless Irka. "I didn't know you were over."
"It was spur of the moment." Irka explained.
"Breakfast is in four hours, unless you and Liberty are sleeping in."
"Very likely."
"I'll be sure not to wake you too early."
"You're really very beautiful, Mrs. Walters." Irka smiled and walked into the bathroom.
"Well, thank you Irka." Sandrine said. "Huh."
Sandrine came into her bedroom, and Jack was stirring.
"Did you know Irka stayed the night honey?"
"Hmm?" Jack muttered.
"I just saw her." Sandrine explained.
"Mmm."
"We're talkative this morning."
Jack rolled over, and Sandrine went back out of the room.
"Did Swift Current win last night honey?"
"I think." Irka replied. "I'm still half asleep."
"I'll check the paper."
Irka went back into Libby's room. She admired her sleeping friend, and started to wonder how her being Ladybug would affect them. Libby's eyes came open.
"...I have a big zit on my forehead, don't I?" She asked.
"No. I was just thinking." Irka sat at the foot of Libby's bed.
"About me? I mean, who I am now?"
"You're still The Libbster. All that's changed is you have a new outfit."
"Mmhmm." Libby agreed. "That's all."
Sandrine entered holding a pair of Libby's socks.
"Good morning Liberty."
"Hey mom."
"Did you have fun at the game?" Sandrine asked.
"I had loads of fun, thanks for asking." Libby said. "And look on my desk. Irka gave me a super early birthday present."
Irka smiled as Sandrine examined the clip.
"Oh my, Liberty. I've never seen one so beautiful. That was very thoughtful of you, Irka."
"Yeah, she's the best mom."
"Would you girls like breakfast, or is it still too early?"
"Mom, the sun isn't even up yet." Libby noted.
"Very well."
Sandrine left them alone. Irka laid down next to Libby, and kissed her forehead.
"You aren't going to keep this a secret from your parents forever, right?"
"They'll figure it out some way, somehow. I'll probably tell Matriel or Belloehs first."
"And the boys?" Irka asked.
"They deserve to know too, at some point." Libby responded. "Speaking of whom, I should see if anyone else answered my apparently cryptic message."
Libby signed in, and saw Belloehs, Mistral and Charlie had replied.
Down_Belloehs: Ur weird, lol
Mistral_GP: Thanks Libby! *kissing emoji*
I'm_De_Charlie: Appreciate it
Libby_KA_Walters: Why yes Belloehs, I am weird, thanks for noticing ;-) Welcome Misty! *kissing emoji* Just looking out for you Chuck
"Ah, friends."
"So typical of Belloehs."
"I thought the same." Libby laughed. "I bet I know what Trinity will say."
"Yeah."
Kinda_Holy_Trinity: Does that include Edison? The world would like to know!
Libby_KA_Walters: He already said something you goof
"The hell is she doing up this early on a Sunday?"
"Annoying you knows no time, it seems."
Libby put her hands behind her head. Irka pulled her closer.
"Do you have any issue with me using your treadmill?" She asked. "I have all the energy suddenly."
"Irka, this is basically your house too." Libby answered. "Go for it."
Irka put on a pair of Libby's sweatpants and left the room.
"Sweet dreams, Mrs. Ladybug."
Downstairs, Irka fired up the treadmill.
"Medium setting. I haven't the desire to wear myself out. Good morning Libby's fish."
Reel and Big watched her.
"Mrs. Walters, may I feed the fish?" Irka asked.
"Irka, you live here, don't you?" Sandrine chuckled. "And you don't need to be so formal with my name. I've told you that."
Irka poured a few flakes into the fishtank.
"You two are still growing, so a little extra."
The black haired girl built up a solid pace on the treadmill.
"And birds go flying at the Speed of Sound." She sang. "To show you how it all began."
Libby woke up again a few hours later.
"Good morning sunshine." She said.
"Aww." Irka put her hand on her chest.
"No, I'm actually talking to the sunshine."
"Of course you were."
"Hey, Edison answered my message...again."
"And?"
"He said that makes him feel a lot safer. And he put a blushing emoji."
"He digs you Lib."
"What's not to love? I'm the whole package!"
"You have my approval." Irka said. "If, of course, it goes anywhere."
"I'm curious." Libby said. "Hmm, any plans today Irka?"
"I would enjoy travelling."
"Our summer trip to see the grandparents isn't terribly far off. That's an open invitation."
"I hope your father with him has the comedy records. Those are worth a laugh."
Matriel_Girl: Protect me? From what?
Libby_KA_Walters: You know, anybody that may threaten you
Matriel_Girl: I don't think that could happen here
Libby_KA_Walters: Please don't tempt fate DX
"You wanna just hang and play video games or something Irk?" Libby suggested.
"Certainly." Irka said. "Whenever you're ready."
"This Ladybug is ready now."
Libby sprang up, put her arm over Irka's shoulder, and descended into the living room.
"I smell toast."
"I hope you're in the mood for that." Sandrine looked worried.
"Can we grab it on the fly? Irka and I are going to play games for a while."
"Are you sure Liberty? It's a beautiful day out."
"We're worn out from, uh, from all that celebrating last night." Libby said, looked at Irka and moved her eyes back and forth.
"Alright then, here you go. Buttered for you, plain for Irka."
"Thanks a bunch mom, love you."
"She's in a pleasant mood of late." Jack observed.
"I'm not complaining." Sandrine said.
"Hold on Irka, I'm gonna grab the hairclip."
"How come?"
"I'm probably gonna need to get used to having it on me." Libby explained. "So I'll start making a habit out of it now."
Libby retrieved the clip and arrived again in the living room.
"Hello, my new friend."
"Why is my daughter talking to her hairclip?" Jack asked as he walked past.
"I'm attached to it." Libby smiled nervously. "Ladybugs, after all."
"Because Irka gave it to you."
"Yes dad."
Libby stuck her tongue out, as did Irka.
"Alright Babycakes, PS3 or Xbox?"
"Baby what now?"
"Just trying to mess with my dad." Libby said. "How about GTA 5?"
"Oh, you're on."
Libby placed the game inside her PS3. The two liked to have all out battles against each other. At one point, Libby cornered Irka on the pier.
"You're in deep trouble now! Prepare for..."
The hairclip glowed, and Libby felt her power returning.
"No! Irka isn't in actual danger." She said, and the clip ceased glowing.
"Sorry Libby."
"You can talk?"
"Yes. This is not my true appearance. I have to remain inconspicuous."
"Doesn't get much more inconspicuous than that." Libby said.
"I am still learning, and I ask for your patience."
"You need to be careful, but, you have my patience."
"Perhaps a...less threatening game?" Irka suggested. She ran her hand across the hairclip. "Simply wonderful."
"Thank you Irka. Libby and you are very friendly."
"Am I allowed to tell other people about you?" Libby asked.
"That is up to the wearer's discretion. But I do ask that you only reveal me to trustworthy individuals."
"I have more questions, but those can wait I suppose. I got some answers today at least."
"You must really like that hairclip Bug." Jack said.
"Yes daddy, I do. It's the greatest gift I think I've ever gotten."
"Maybe I'm just out of touch, but if you love it that much, that's great."
"Any which way, were we playing games?" Libby asked. "That train of action derailed."
Libby heard some slight giggling.
"I'm glad you liked that one, uh, what should I call you? Clip? Clippy?"
"I have an affinity for Ash."
"Ash it is. I am pleased to meet you."
"Same for me. Libby has someone to confide it."
"Fascinating conversation girls."
Libby jumped back, and yanked her hairclip out.
"Doing a voice for your clip." Jack laughed. "That was cute. Who was it?"
"Uh, me dad." Libby scratched her head.
"How many times has he passed by?" Irka asked.
"We'll go somewhere private to discuss things further Ash, because of my nosy dad."
"Hehe. You're very funny Libby."
"Did I hurt you just now Ash?"
"A little, but now I know you want me to remain undiscovered."
"It was more of a knee jerk reaction. Now, what game shall we play?" Libby wondered.
"You have the latest MLB The Show game, no?" Irka asked.
"Yes I do. Don't worry Ash, we're not quite as competitive with this game, and it can't get much less threatening than baseball."
"I will enjoy being a spectator."
Libby selected the Blue Jays as her team, being the only Canadian one. Irka picked the Nationals, but set their jerseys as Montreal (not Matriel ;-D) Expos throwbacks.
"Alright, play ball."
Irka's pitcher threw the first pitch for a strike.
"Just a warm up toss." Libby said.
"Here comes another." Irka said confidently. Libby proceeded to deposit it in left field. She blew on the bottom of her controller like a recently fired gun.
"Well, the better player is obvious."
Libby punctuated that statement by hitting another home run five pitches later.
"Liberty, there's a man at the door." Sandrine called. "He says he needs to discuss something with you."
"I'll handle this mom."
Libby eyed the man suspiciously.
"Do you know him?"
"...Never seen him before in my life."
The Kiwanis man's face dropped.
"I'll escort him out." Libby said. She waited for Sandrine to leave, then gave him the stink eye.
"You will not come to my house again, understood?"
"I just needed to ask you something." He said.
"I'm listening."
"Have you discovered the being liv-"
"Ash has said hello, yes."
"Well I suppose I wasted a trip. Where would you like our next meeting to be?"
"Wherever it is, it can't be today. I'm relaxing and don't wanna be bothered."
Libby rudely slammed the door in his face. She sighed.
"Lib?"
"I know which one of them I like more." She closed her eyes.
"I did something terrible while you were gone." Irka looked guilty.
"Huh? Irka, what did you do?" Libby was very worried now.
"I might have.."
"Told my folks about Ash?"
"...Stolen your controller and recorded all three outs."
Libby stayed frozen for a second, than did the lightest backhand slap possible across Irka's face.
"Goof." Libby kissed her nose and retreated back to the living room.
"Do you and Irka always use physical violence like that?"
"What do you...ohhhh. Are you human Ash?"
"No."
"I don't know how knowledgeable you are about our behavioral norms."
"I have things to learn."
"Libby is exceptionally intelligent." Irka spoke up. "A lot will be learned."
"Two humans who share a close bond like Irka and I often will do things in jest, that would otherwise be considered very serious, and aren't good. Be prepared to see us nudge, lightly punch and play wrestle a lot."
"And the singing and dancing too."
"Yes, those too."
"Now if we could, let us get back to our game, before Irka cheats anymore."
Irka nudged Libby aside.
"See? Like that."
"I look forward to our continued time together Libby."
"Me too Ash. Me too. I'll give you the grand tour of Casa Walters later."
"Batter up!"
Irka's first batter stuck out.
"Damn." She said. "Okay Walters, what say you to this?"
Her second batter struck out as well.
"Cheaters never win." Libby laughed. "I'm teaching both of you today."
"I want you to win Libby."
"She's picking sides. That didn't take long."
Irka's third batter got a base hit, and she felt relieved.
"Lucky." Libby muttered.
*Crack*
And just like that, the game was tied.
"Ha ha, good going Irka."
A couple innings later, Libby was getting bored.
"Finished playing?" Irka asked.
"Yeah. Alright Ash, ready to see the rest of my house?"
"Yes please Libby."
"Well I assume you had a good look around the living room." Libby said. "Now it may get confusing with that and a family room."
"I will become used to it over time."
"Speaking of the family room, that's next.
Irka followed after Libby. She assumed Jack and Sandrine would be perplexed as to why Libby was treating her hairclip this way. Sure enough, Sandrine saw her doing that.
"Are you feeling alright Liberty?" She asked. "Jack said you were talking to your hairclip, and gave it a voice."
"I was just, I'm pretending it's like when I first got Mrs. Ladybug. Remember when I showed her around?"
"I don't expect this to work." Irka thought.
"Yes I do honey. Oh you've grown up so much since then!"
"And now she's out in the world and looking for someone." Jack said dreamily. Libby said "dad!", Sandrine exclaimed "Jack!" and even Irka joined in by saying "Mr. Walters!"
"They're ganging up on me!"
"*Sigh*, anywho mom, I am reminiscing a little."
"That's no problem then."
Sandrine smiled and left the room.
"Guess that seals it." Libby said. "I don't want them to know yet."
"The crisis has been averted." Irka chimed in.
"Mom would have a damn heart attack if she saw me transform. Speaking of which, are there other ways Ash? Say I need it in a pinch."
"When else would you need the costume except the times you've used it?"
"Well, I just got the thing." Libby explained. "I know very little about it. It's sentient and-"
"No it isn't. That was me."
Ash coughed.
"And it has a yo-yo."
"Since when?"
"I suppose you took no notice. It was on your left hip."
"Wait, so I have no control over when I can become The Ladybug?"
"Do you?"
"Wowee, helpful and not at all a nebulous answer." Libby furiously rubbed her head.
"Please Ash, I have no idea even why this has happened to me. Is it because I like Ladybugs?"
"That is definitely part of the reason."
"We're getting somewhere. So now, can you tell-"
Libby got stopped by the home phone ringing. Jack picked up, talked for a moment and looked terrified.
"What is it pop?"
"Your friend Matriel." He began. "She said a stranger broke into her house and she's terrified."
"You mean they're at her place now?" Libby asked. "Why'd she call us?"
"Lib, look at me." Irka said. She nodded, and Libby's face sunk.
"What's the matter Bug?"
"Come on Irka, I might need your help."
"Where are you going Libby?" Jack asked.
"Where do you think dad? To save Matriel."
"No you're not." Sandrine stamped her foot.
"No arguing, mom. I...I wish you could understand."
Sandrine was incensed as Libby and Irka flew out the door. They ran a few houses down and stopped.
"Ash, I think this qualifies."
*Flash*
"So why a yo-yo?" Libby asked. "These are only good for doing tricks."
"Precisely."
Libby unhooked the yo-yo from her hip and threw it. It went vastly further than any regular yo-yo can, caught on a mailbox and jerked her forwards. Irka put every ounce of her strength into her arms to try and stop Libby from going further.
"Next time, take your feet off the ground after it hits the target."
"Now she friggin' tells me..."
Libby wound up and again heaved the yo-yo. It caught on the same mailbox.
"Time to throw caution into the wind." She said. Libby jumped and...
"Oh no." Irka turned away.
*WHAM!*
Libby smashed into the box at a high rate of speed.
"Catastrophic head injury." Libby said hazily.
"Don't forget your friend."
"And she's up!"
"How were you not more harmed Libbster?"
"I'll think about that later."
"You could also use the Wingpack, if it's your preference."
"Yes!" Libby exclaimed. "Wingpack now, yo-yo later."
Irka latched onto Libby, and just as she was about to go skyward, a young boy on a tricycle rode up to them.
"Heya kid, wanna see something cool?"
The boy nodded.
"See that string coming from my back? Pull it, then stand clear."
The boy traipsed up to them, wiped his hands on his trousers, that yanked the string with all his might.
"Thanks kid. I owe you one!"
The wings began fluttering, and Libby vaulted off the ground.
"That was totally wicked!" The boy yelled, and slumped his arms.
"Mom was right," Libby smirked. "It is a beautiful day."
They climbed higher, and Libby was starting to feel nauseous.
"There's Matriel's house." Libby banked down towards it. "Oh God, I can see shattered windows."
Libby landed softly, and released Irka.
"Stay here."
"Um, no."
"You make a fine argument." Libby nodded. She leapt in through one of the broken windows.
"Matriel? Where are you?"
"Libby?! Oh God Libby, help me!"
"Double time!"
Libby thundered across the house, approximating where she heard Matriel's voice coming from.
"Okay Walters, time to put all that leg exercise to work."
Libby said a prayer, whirled around and bashed the door with her foot.
"Who are you?" Matriel asked. "Irka, where's Libby?"
"You're Matriel Fen, right?" Libby asked, making her voice sound deeper.
"Yes, and now the armed burglar probably knows where I am, thanks to you!"
"Don't worry hun, The Ladybug is here to protect you."
"Nice Halloween costume." Matriel said. "My friend Libby would be gushing right now."
Libby had to refrain from saying it was her, though was surprised Matriel wasn't putting it together.
"Is there anyone else here?" Libby asked, twirling her yo-yo.
"No, my parents and sister are shopping."
"Oh thank the Heavens, Mistral is safe." Irka said.
"Nice prop." Matriel said sarcastically. "Why a yo-yo?"
"It's not a prop, you nitwit!" Libby yelled.
"Ah-ha, there you are!" The burglar exclaimed.
"Yes, here I am!" Libby said excitedly.
"A bit too late for Halloween, huh little girl?"
"Yeah get the hell out of my friend's house."
"Oh dear..." Irka smacked her forehead.
"Libbster?" Matriel asked. "It is you. But when did you buy this costume?"
"I didn't..."
The burglar reached for his pocket.
"I wonder..." Libby thought. She flung the yo-yo at his hand, and it impacted hard.
"Score! Now for my next trick."
Libby aimed for his head this time. The man was knocked asunder by the force of her throw. He collapsed and was no longer a threat.
"Harsh."
"But effective."
Libby kicked the criminal in the side.
"My friends are off limits." She said sternly. "Next time I won't be a nice Bug. Irka, call the cops, if you please."
"Libby, holy crap." Matriel stood up.
"So some things happened on Friday when I left the game. Mystical voodoo kinds of things."
"You saved my life!"
"I did."
And then it hit Libby like a ton of bricks.
"I actually protected you Matriel!"
"That's why you're Ladybug Libby!"
"...Who in the hell said that?" Matriel asked. "I didn't see your mouth move Lib."
"My hairclip is sentient." Libby explained. "I think?"
"Hey, live and let live."
"I don't exactly want this getting out. Irka only knows because she was there when I first changed."
"Okay, but Mistral will be pretty bummed out."
"Can't imagine why..."
The three girls all laughed.
"Ohhh, I'm so happy Libby!" Matriel exclaimed. She tackle hugged the girl.
"More head trauma." Libby said.
"Sorry Libbster."
"S'okay. Now if you'll excuse me, my parents are probably wondering about my whereabouts. Irka, can you stay with her until the fuzz gets here?"
Irka saluted. Libby took out her hairclip, and the suit disappeared. She jogged out of the house to see her parents' car.
"Liberty Kelsey-Anne Walters, you are grounded!" Sandrine boomed.
"Motherfu-"
End of Episode 4
Until next time, Bug Out!
