Ladybug: The Adventures of Libby Walters

Season 1

Episode 8

"Daydream Believer"

"Something wrong, Lib?" Irka asked.

"Have you ever thought of Mr.S as, I don't know..." Libby couldn't seem to find quite the right word.

"Unrelenting? Unpleasant?"

"A creeper?"

"...I don't believe I have. How come you ask?"

"Never mind. Forget I asked."

"Alright then Libbster." Irka said.

"You know I hate you for giving me that name." Libby glowered.

"Uh huh." Irka kissed her on the cheek.

"And I hate you for telling everybody."

"So much hate."

"I thought you and Irka were friends, Libby."

"We are. Friends can say that sort of thing because we know it isn't meant."

"Well what if I said it?"

"Now if you did," Libby began. "It would spoil the mood. So maybe hold back on that for now, huh? Maybe when you finally reveal yourself, you can say you hate me then."

"But I love you Libby..."

'We need to train her, Irk." Libby said.

"Most certainly." Irka nodded.

"Being mean is a rite of friendship."

"You humans are baffling sometimes."

"Truer words have probably never been spoken."

The two friends arrived quite early for French class. London and Trinity were already there.

"You stay away from me!" London exclaimed, scooting to her left.

"Not to worry, London." Libby said. "I'll just plop down between you, and keep my vicious girl here at bay."

Irka gave Libby the finger, and Libby smiled in return.

"It's no fair! You healed up so fast, and look at me. I'm like Frankenstein's monster!"

"You're still beautiful, London. And, ya know, maybe try not jumping people."

London looked pensive.

"I know there's good in you, London." Libby said, pushing back a strand of London's hair. "You gotta look for it."

"Libby, she's terrible." Trinity said bluntly. London started tearing up, and Libby slapped Trinity.

"Ouch!"

"Now you know why Irka and I like Mats and Misty more."

"Irka called her...something that sounded mean." Trinity explained.

"Oh my God, Trinity, shut up." Libby facepalmed.

"Calm down, the both of you!" Irka yelled. She get up and sat down next to London, who shrank back.

"Hey, hey, relax."

Irka put her hand on London's back. London peeked over at Libby and mouthed 'help'. Libby mouthed 'she's good'.

"Why are you sticking up for me Libby?" London asked.

"That's mostly how I am." She responded. The door opened, and Libby was quite surprised to see Marcus enter. She and Irka stood straight up.

"Something wrong?" Trinity asked.

"Good morning class." Marcus said, placing his briefcase on the ground. "Mrs. Cruickshank is away on business, so she asked me, Mr. Ochoa, to fill in for her today."

"Who the hell are you?" London asked.

"Emergency substitute."

"Must be." Trinity said. Marcus eyed Libby and Irka. He had the infinity symbol on a chain around his neck.

"You guys haven't seen him around?" Libby asked. "He lives in the area."

"Where?"

"7 Avenue, behind Good News Church." Marcus said. Libby and Irka laughed under their breath.

"There's still time before class, so feel free to use Facebook, or whatever you kids do these days."

"Can I speak with you?" Libby asked. "Outside?"

Libby and Marcus retreated to the hallway.

"Ash has done a hell of a lot better job filling me in on the inner workings of Ladybug than you, mister."

"Ash is...a lot more sociable than me." Marcus admitted.

"I noticed." Libby said sharply.

"Ash doesn't particularly like me."

"I never said that, Marcus...all I said was Fabiana's methods were more subtle and grounded, and that I missed having her guide us."

"Any which way, one thing she didn't make completely clear, was your symbol."

"Ah yes, the Mark of Infinitum." Marcus nodded. "We are part of an...organization, if you will, that helps to seek out gifted individuals..."

"Yeah, I got that part." Libby said.

"It's more than just us three, Libby. There are heroes all over Canada, and other parts of the world, tasked with the same thing as you. Protecting beloved people from the most exceptional evil imaginable."

"Like yourself."

Ash started laughing hysterically, and Libby pointed at Marcus.

"A good sense of humor is an excellent sign for The Ladybug, right Ash?" Marcus asked.

"Yes. Remember Jeff Montesegan?"

"Precisely who I was referencing."

"Even I didn't like him."

Ash continued her laughing fit, and Marcus joined her.

"Hearing you laugh is freakin' unnerving." Libby said.

"I'm not devoid of humor all the time, Libby." Marcus explained. They reentered the French room. Trinity was playing around on her phone, and London and Irka seemed to be having a heartfelt conversation.

"You two good now?" Libby asked.

"Getting there." Irka answered.

"Sorry for hurting you Libby." London said quietly.

"You're forgiven."

Libby smiled, and Marcus jotted something down. Only a few more students made their way in, leaving the classroom rather bare.

"I think we'll have a shorter lesson than usual." He explained. "Seems everybody in the building is under a lot of stress today."

"Oh, I know what you mean..." Libby said.

"We'll only go 45 minutes, instead of the typical 70."

"Kickin'!"

"We were covering sentence structure, correct?" Marcus asked.

"Yes sir." Irka replied. Meanwhile, in the school library...

"Why yes Libby, I'll go with you anywhere..."

"Great, cause we're gonna go somewhere extra special..."

"Where?"

"The beach. How does that sound baby?"

"The beach? That doesn't sound so special to me."

"Oh no? What if it was the beach...with fireworks!"

"Oh Libby. You're so romantic."

"Aren't I though?"

"I have something I'd like to tell you."

"What's that Edison, my dear?"

"I want to spend every waking moment with you. Libby Walters, would you do me the great honor of being my wife?"

"That's so old fashioned, Ed."

"But Libby..."

"Shhh...just kiss me Edison..."

...

"Yo, Ed, quit the snooze cruise!"

"Libby, why are you yelling?"

"Bro, it's Sean."

Edison lifted his head off the desk, and was very groggy.

"Libby is upstairs." Sean said.

"I have to go see her right now!" Edison exclaimed.

"Shhh!" A few people nearby shushed him.

"Cool the engines, Usain Bolt."

"Look man, I...have you even been absolutely nuts over someone, but..."

"Bro, I have a girlfriend." Sean reminded him.

"I knew that."

"What's your deal, dude? You were sidetracked in practice, and other than that kickass touchdown, you were lethargic against Central."

"It's Libby." Edison said.

"She's cute Ed. But is she messing with your head that much, really?" Sean asked.

"Yes, and for better or for worse, she's gonna know before this time tomorrow."

"Good luck and good vibes bro."

"Thanks Sean. You're a real pal."

Back upstairs...

"Mistral, snap out of it!"

"Libby..."

"No, you can't do this. Just stop!"

"Libby!"

"Mistral...what is it?"

"Libby!"

"Hey I'm saving the day here!"

"From what?"

Libby wiped the sleep out of her eyes.

"Whoa, okay, that was kinda warped."

"What was it Libby?" A guy asked.

"I was Ladybug." Libby said, looking down at her clothes.

"That must've been entertaining."

"...Who the hell said that."

"It was me, Trin. Ventriloquism."

"Belloehs taught you?"

"Sure, yeah, Belloehs did." Libby laughed nervously.

"Ready to continue?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, 'Mr. Ochoa'." Irka said.

"Why the air quotes?" Trinity asked.

"She's just being a weird ass. Ignore her."

"My name is Mr. Ochoa, though..."

Meanwhile...

"Mistral, why are you crying?" Matriel asked.

"Matriel, I *sniff* I hurt people!" Mistral whimpered.

"You were possessed. And Libbster saved you, and everyone else."

"What if that happens again?"

"It won't Mistral, trust me."

Mistral pulled a rag out of her pocket, and wiped some tears off her face.

"Look at my mascara!" She complained.

"Will doing our special thing help?" Matriel suggested.

"*Sniff* Okay..."

Matriel put her hand under Mistral's chin.

"Chin up, Little Girl

Nothing's wrong with the world

This day you will not rue

Because Big Sister is here for you"

"I love you Matriel."

"You too sis."

The Fen sisters ended by giving each other Eskimo kisses.

"Works every time." Matriel said.

"How old were we when you first did that?" Mistral asked.

"Five, I believe."

"I think we're in a better place now because of it."

"Oh, for sure." Matriel agreed. She turned around, and Mistral hugged her from behind.

"Whoa sis." Matriel whistled. Mistral put her hands on her sister's stomach, and Matriel clasped their hands together.

"My, we're affectionate today."

"Matriel, I'm worried."

"About Ladybug, and the Shadows?"

"Not really." Mistral looked away. "I've been daydreaming in class."

"If that's what you're most worried about," Matriel began. "Then your conscious must be pretty clear."

"We got separated in these dreams."

"In what way?"

"I don't know." Mistral said. "They were so indefinite."

"Hey, if you're worried, then stop." Matriel said. "Literally the only thing that will ever keep us apart is one of us dying."

"And that's not happening!"

"Atta girl!"

"Hey Matriel."

"Yeah sis?"

"Poke." Mistral poked Matriel's stomach.

"Really?" Matriel asked. "Really?"

...

"Poke."

The sisters started playfully swatting at each other, and got some strange looks from passers-by.

"If you've never had siblings, you will not understand." Matriel grinned.

"I guess I really do have nothing to worry about."

"Nope."

"So since we have a little downtime," Mistral began. "Perhaps we should start brainstorming what we can do to thank Libby. She's helped both of us now."

"Excellent idea." Matriel nodded. "Her birthday's the 2nd, so."

"Any movies you know of she wants to see?"

"Libbster isn't exactly a movie buff. I'm sure she'd go if we got her tickets though."

"That doesn't really seem like enough to pay her back, though."

"True." Matriel agreed. "Tickets to an Avalanche game? Rock concert? Hell, another stuffed Ladybug?"

"Mrs. Ladybug has seemed lonely of late..." Mistral trailed off.

"...You are so strange sometimes Mistral."

Mistral smiled.

"But where were we?" Matriel asked. "This has to be big."

"A friendship ring?" Mistral suggested. "A framed picture of her favorite twins in the world?"

"Well getting to look at our pretty faces whenever she wanted would definitely be a tremendous gift."

"But it still needs something. We could make dinner for her."

"Libby is a bit of a food nut." Matriel chuckled. "I'd love to know how that girl stays so fit. I must learn her secrets!"

"You already know one." Mistral laughed.

"I think we're getting distracted here."

"Yeah. Hrm."

"If we get her a birthday present, we both still have time to consider."

"And we have to let Libby know we're thankful."

"That's paramount." Matriel said. Her and her sister both nodded, hugged, then went in separate directions. Back to Libby, who was still in the midst of her French class.

"Alright, Libby, would you like to take a crack at this sentence?" Marcus asked.

"Hit me!" Libby exclaimed.

"Il semble que les avantages l'emportent sur les inconvénients."

"Ah hell, let's see."

"Take your time, Libby." Marcus said.

"I got 'advantages'." Libby said. "...There are more advantages than not?"

"Close. Yes, you in the back?"

"It would seem that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages."

"Very good, um...I'm sorry, what was your name?"

"Gabby Waters." The girl said proudly. Libby looked over her shoulder, with a baffled expression, and Gabby smiled.

"Alright, next sentence. tout bien considéré."

"All things considered?" Another girl asked.

"Correct..." Marcus stopped to think.

"Irma De Khader."

"Enough of this joke." Libby thought.

"How about cependant?"

"Nevertheless." Trinity said.

"Good job Trinity." Marcus said. "One last sentence, and then you're free."

"But sir." Irka said. "We still are 7 minutes from finishing."

"I'm a laid back sort of teacher. Besides, you've all done exceptional jobs today. Especially you Libby."

Marcus gave her a knowing look, and she did a bow.

"Here we go. Il reste du travail à faire."

*Silence*

"There is still work to be done."

Libby pondered for a moment.

"And that, children, is the perfect way to cap off today's lesson." Marcus said. Libby wrote down something quickly on a sticky note, and handed it to Marcus.

"You were talking to me, weren't you, smart guy?"

"Very perceptive, Libby."

"It seemed too specific to be a coincidence." Libby grinned.

"Were you two sending each other signals?" London asked.

"In a manner of speaking." Marcus answered.

"Scandalous."

"We're totally over the moon for each other!"

London's jaw hit the floor, Irka thought "she had better not be serious", and Trinity looked disgusted.

"What?" Libby asked.

"Alright." A boy said. "I believe ya...but Tommy Dunn don't!"

Tommy pointed at himself with both his thumbs.

"I totally forgot you existed Tommy." Irka said.

"And I probably won't exist anymore after this scene!"

Libby rolled her eyes and gathered her notes into her backpack. She pulled Marcus aside, and Irka joined them.

"Much better today." Libby said.

"See Ash?" Marcus asked. "I know how to be friendly."

"I know that. Now try doing it all the time."

"Will we be seeing more of you around here, 'Mr. Ochoa'?"

"That is my actual name. And yes, if you want."

"What about Mrs. C?" Irka asked.

"I pulled some strings and allowed Mona to take her vacation early." Marcus explained. "She was thrilled."

"Cool. Then I guess we have a convenient way of discussing things."

"Just as planned." Irka said.

"Quite." Libby agreed. "This means you'll have more responsibility, sir."

"Certainly, Ladybug."

Marcus winked at Libby.

"Yeah never do that again. It's creepy as fu-"

"You guys almost done sweet talking over there?" Trinity asked.

"That's not at all what we're doing, and you know it." Libby responded.

"So you mean you don't have the hots for another guy?"

"Trinity I swear to God I'm gonna pistol whip your ass if you keep saying that."

"Do you even own a pistol?"

"No, but my dad owns a rifle."

Libby got an evil smile on her face.

"And you thought me winking was creepy?" Marcus asked. "Good God."

"Alright folks, I'm history." Libby said. "London, I hope your face heals ASAP."

"Thank you Libby." London smiled, and Libby hugged her.

"Returning the favor."

Irka got London's attention, and pointed at one of her scars.

"This sort of thing will never happen again." She said. London looked pained, but nodded. Libby and Irka left together, and Irka began singing.

* The Monkees, Daydream Believer *

" Oh I could hide, 'neath the wings, of Ladybug as she sings. "

" Some days I wish my alarm would never ring. "

"I would join in if I knew the lyrics."

"Any songs you know well Ash?" Libby asked.

"Don't Stop Believin' by Journey."

"Color me not at all surprised."

"That is another thing that must be done." Irka said. "Teaching Ash the best music."

"And some of the bad ones too, just for funsies." Libby said. London came up behind them.

"Hey, so, can we hang sometime?"

"Irk?"

"No problems here."

As London was about to say something, the three spotted Edison walking in their direction.

"Libby!"

"Edison?"

"Edison!"

"London..."

"IRKA!"

"Go away Geneva..."

Geneva sprinted away.

"Wait, you're spending time with London?"

"You're not spending time with your football bros?"

"And I'm spending time with Irka..."

"Oh fine, if you must..."

"I guess I'll, you know, see you tomorrow." Edison said.

"That's the plan." Libby looked bored.

"Great! See ya then!"

"Cool story bro."

"Did I piss you off again?"

"Edison, I could literally curl up and fall asleep right here." Libby yawned. "So if I seem unsavory right now, it's not aimed at you. Or London."

"Phew. Alright, the Edster is out!" Edison exclaimed.

"I've never seen such a skip in his step." London observed. "Even when he's around me!"

"Careful London..."

"I'm sure his happiness will remain tomorrow." Irka said.

"Did you two make out earlier?" Libby asked. Irka shook her head.

"I may have to investigate."

"You actually care, Libbster?"

"No, I don't!"

The quartet exited the school grounds, and London parted with them.

"Can I come home with you Irka?" Geneva asked.

"You would like to stay the night?" Irka inferred.

"Oh yes, please could I?"

"*Sigh* Alright, but just tonight."

"Hooray!"

"Well Irk, see you tomorrow then." Libby said, kissing her friend. Geneva looked crestfallen.

"You get one too." Irka kissed Geneva for an extended period. Libby looked quite amused.

"My life's dream..." Geneva was awestruck.

"You're welcome Geneva."

"You're a kind soul, Irka Dekanov." Libby smiled. "Now you two don't have too much fun!"

"Oh no, we'll just cuddle and talk." Geneva said proudly.

"Haha, see you lovelies tomorrow!"

Libby patted Geneva on the back, and made her way towards home.

"Phoo, what a day, huh Ash?"

"Quite. Some good, some bad."

"Mostly good. I think I'm getting the hang of this Ladybug business."

"I think so too. You showed resolve and strength in the face of adversity."

"Still not ready to tell the folks, though." Libby said. As she entered her house, her parents looked concerned.

"Your friend Matriel told us about what happened." Sandrine said.

"Yeeeeeah..."

"My poor baby! Are you alright?"

"Mom, I'm good. Look, no bandages or anything!"

"That's it!" Jack yelled. "I'm gonna need to talk to Wonderful Miss Kerry's parents!"

"Dad, no!" Libby said sternly, catching them off guard. "Irka, London and I resolved it. You will not do anything further."

"Liberty, she..."

"Yes, mom, she attacked me. But I didn't fire back at her. Well, maybe a little verbal fire, but it's over."

"Alright Libby." Jack relented. "But only if you're certain."

"Certain as can be, pop." Libby said. "Now, this Ladybug is going to take a well deserved nap."

"Tough day, Bug?"

"Stressful as hell. And yes, that was completely justified."

"Rest well, my darling." Sandrine said. Libby tossed her backpack away and flopped down on the couch.

"I'll get myself up, er, eventually."

Sandrine laid a towel over Libby, and removed her shoes for her.

"*Yawn*, 'night mom." Libby said softly.

"Have a peaceful sleep Libby."

"Thanks Ash, love you."

Libby dozed off, and the world again left her perception.

...

"Who are you?"

"Libby, it's me, Ash!"

"Ash? My God, I can't believe how...wow, how ethereal you look."

"I said it would surprise you."

"Oh Ash, we've barely known each other, but it's been a blast so far."

"It's been a pleasure."

Ash wrapped her robed arms tightly around Libby.

"I will be with you Libby, for Infinity, and much longer..."

End of Episode 8

Until next time, Bug Out!