*I DON'T OWN POKÉMON OR MIRACULOUS LADYBUG!*
Narrator: Ah, another beautiful day in Paris! And it seems our heroine, Marinette, is hanging out in her balcony! I wonder why?
Tikki: How about inviting him to a movie then?
Marinette: Right, Tikki. Can you imagine that conversation?
Tikki: "Hey Adrien, would you like to gah— wuh, [gets tongue-twisted and sticks her tongue out] glah."
Marinette: Exactly. I can't help it. Every time I see him, [imagines that an image of Adrien appears in the clouds] I get all clammy and I feel like fainting.
Tikki: So... basically the only way you could have a normal conversation with him, is if you're blindfolded.
Marinette: Pretty much.
Ash: [comes up] Hey, Marinette! Tikki!
Pikachu: PIKA!
Marinette: Oh! Hey, Ash!
Ash: What are you doing out here?
Marinette: Just thinking!
Ash: Lemme guess! Adrien?
Marinette: How'd ya know?
Ash: Just a hunch!
Marinette: Well, your hunch is correct! I'm thinking of trying to ask him out!
Tikki: And she can't seem to do it face to face! Otherwise, it's... [babbles]
Ash: [giggles] That's true! Oh! Maybe she can try practicing with trying to find the right words and being able to ask face to face with a little role play! I can play the role of Adrien and Marinette can play as herself and she'll be able to have the courage! Whaddya say, Marinette? Wanna give it a try?
Marinette: Well, I don't see why not!
Ash: Okay! [sits in a chair]
Tikki: [flying over to Ash] You sure this will work?
Ash: Have I ever steered you or Marinette wrong, Tikki?
Tikki: [thinking] Hmm... not that I know of!
Ash: Then, trust me on this! [to Marinette] Okay, Marinette! Now, pretend I'm Adrien and try to ask me out!
Pikachu: PIKA PIKA!
Tikki: Go ahead, Marinette! After all, since you don't have feelings for Ash, this will be easy as pie!
Marinette: Okay!
She then cleared her throat and got ready!
Marinette: Hey Adrien, would you like to go out with me sometime?
Ash: Sure, Marinette! I'd love to!
Pikachu: [clapping] PIKACHU! PIKA PIKA!
Tikki: Wow! Not bad! And on your first try!
Marinette: You're right! I didn't do too bad!
Ash: Yeah! If you just try your best and show some courage, you and Adrien are certain to live a 'happily ever after' kind of life!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKA PIKA!
Marinette: Thanks, Ash! You're the best!
Ash: No problem!
Marinette: [complains] But now, all I have to worry about is telling it to the real Adrien!
Tikki: There is a very simple solution, Marinette, it's called a cell phone. You just need his number.
Marinette: I know who'll have Adrien's number!
Ash: Alya?
Pikachu: PIKA?
Marinette: Yep! You guessed right!
Ash: Oh!
Marinette pulled out her phone and began to call Alya!
[Intro: It's Ladybug]
Marinette (speaking):
In the daytime, I'm Marinette,
Just a normal girl with a normal life.
Ash (speaking):
And I'm Ash Ketchum. I'm a Pokémon Trainer, and my goal is to be the very best, like no one ever was.
Marinette (speaking):
But there's something about us that no one knows yet.
Ash (speaking):
'Cause we have a secret.
Chorus:
Miraculous! Simply the best!
Up to the test when things go wrong!
Pokémon! Right by our side!
United as one, we will survive!
Miraculous! The luckiest!
The power of love, always so strong!
Miraculous!
POKÉMON!
[End song]
Scene changes to Pikachu in an open field twirling Ash's hat on its tail and then putting on and smiling as Ash reads the title of the chapter!
Ash (voiceover): Chapter 8: Copycat!
At the park, there seemed to be some kind of event happening! Everyone seemed to be gathered for an unveiling of a statue!
André: I'm sure you've outdone yourself, Théo.
Théo: It was my honor. [as he takes out a picture of Ladybug] And I can't wait to meet Ladybug, I hope she'll autograph the photo I used as the inspiration for the statue.
André: Oh, it's nearly time. Ladybug, Cat Noir, and Ash should already be here by now.
Back at Marinette's Alya was giving her advice!
Alya: Look, we all know improv's not your bag, [gives Marinette a notepad] so just stick to this script.
Ash: No need for scripts! She's already got this in the bag! And I know because I helped her with a bit of role play!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKA PIKACHU!
Alya: You did? And it worked?
Ash: Sure did! Since Marinette doesn't have any feelings for me, it was a piece of cake!
Marinette: As much as that was super easy, I'm not sure asking the real Adrien is gonna be that easy!
Ash: Come on, Marinette! You've gotta have faith in yourself! Show a little courage!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKACHU!
Ash: Here! I have an idea! [dogs around in his backpack] Now, I'm sure I might still have it around here somewhere! [finds the thing] Aha! [pulls out his original hat] Here it is! [places it on Marinette's head] Here! This should help! And don't worry! It's fresh and clean!
Alya: Um, Ash? What exactly is a hat gonna do?
Ash: Well, as a wise person once said, "You can't do anything without a hat!" Take it from me! My hat is basically my one trademark! But the point is it might give Marinette some courage if she wears a hat!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKA PIKA!
Alya: Sometimes, Ash! You do and don't make sense!
Alya: Good point! [to Marinette] Just stick to the script, and everything will be fine!
Marinette: But all the teachers say I don't sound natural when I read.
Alya: Then memorize it. It's pretty simple. You can do this. Just don't improvise. Got it?
Ash: You can do it, Marinette!
Pikachu: [encouraging] PIKA PIKA!
Marinette: [looks at the Alya's phone and the script] Forget it! This is never gonna work!
Alya: [taps the call button on her phone] Too late. It's dialing. [jumps behind Marinette's chaise]
Ash: You got this, Marinette!
Marinette gasps and panics while holding the cell phone in one hand, not knowing what to do.
Adrien's voice recorder: Hey, this is Adrien's voicemail. Leave a message.
Marinette: It's gone to voicemail!
Ash: [whispers] Leave a message!
Alya: What he said! Don't improv!
Marinette: Uhh, hello. Uh, Adrien's voicemail, uh, this is Marinette, who, uh, has a message for you, of course, cause it's, uh, your phone, so, umm... [chuckles] Callmeseeyoulater,bye! [throws the phone onto the chaise]
Ash and Alya looked at her, exasperated!
Ash: [facepalms] Doh!
Marinette: [moans] What? What did you expect me to say? "Hey, hot stuff, this is Marinette, I'd ask you on a date to a movie, but I've got such a crazy crush on you that the only way I can talk to you without foaming out the mouth is over this stupid phone." Pretty ridiculous, right?
Ash: [sees the phone is still on] Uh, Marinette!
Marinette: What? What is it?
Ash: [points to the phone]
Automated voice: [from phone] If you wish to hear your message again, press 1. If you wish to erase your message, press 2.
Marinette: [gasps]
Alya: Hit 2! Hit 2!
Ash: Hurry!
Marinette lunges and taps the phone, but...
Automated voice: [from phone] Message saved. Goodbye.
Marinette: [screams] [collapses on the chaise]
Ash: I think what just happened was a major uh-oh!
Pikachu: [sweat drops] PIKACHU!
Alya: It's not as bad as you think.
Marinette: Hmm?
Ash: Yeah! It could be worse!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKACHU!
Marinette: Worse?! How can it get any worse?!
Alya: Okay, it's bad. But you were gonna have to tell him one of these days, some way or another. Think of it this way: no more secrets!
Ash: Yeah!
Marinette: The voicemail recorded my whole conversation.
Alya: Big deal!
Marinette: I called him "hot stuff". He cannot be allowed to hear that message, Alya! If he does, I'll die of shame!
Ash: Oh, go on with ya! You wouldn't die of shame! If anything, Adrien would find it a little amusing, but he wouldn't laugh at you!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKA PIKA!
Ash: Why, if I were Adrien, I would probably be thrilled that there was someone that liked me! And that's the truth!
Marinette: You really think so, Ash?
Ash: Sure! I know so!
Pikachu: PIKA!
Alya: He's right, you know! And who knows! He might take interest in you more than Chloé!
Ash: There's no way he'd fall for a bratty snob like her!
Pikachu: PIKA!
Marinette: Yeah! You're probably right! But, I just don't know what he'll say about that message!
Alya: Okay, okay. I got an idea. If Adrien's phone went to voicemail, it means the dude's busy. Which also means you can get to it before he does. Hmm, I wonder where he'd be...
Ash: I don't know!
Marinette pulled down a large copy of Adrien's schedule from the ceiling!
Marinette: Of course! He's got fencing club after school, that's why he didn't pick up! It ends in exactly twenty-two and a half minutes.
Alya: You are seriously insane. You know that, right?
Marinette: [giggles]
Ash: She's more than insane! She's insanely cuckoo!
Marinette: Do you want me to tickle you again for your teasing?
Ash: No, but you know I'll always get you back!
Pikachu: PIKA PIKA!
Marinette: True!
At Collège Françoise Dupont, Adrien was taking his fencing classes, while Plagg is in his locker, eating Camembert, when all of a sudden...
Plagg: [as Adrien's phone vibrates] Ahhhhh!
Automated voice: [from phone] You have 1 new message.
Plagg just jumped on it to shut if off! Back in the gym, Adrien was fencing with his opponent, and Litten was even doing some training itself on a training dummy!
Litten: [Scratch move] LIT LIT LIT LIT LIT LIT LIT LIT LITTEN!
That left a bunch of scratch marks on the dummy!
Adrien: Nice, Litten! Now, try your Ember!
Litten: [Ember move] LIT...TEN!
That left the dummy burnt!
Adrien: Nice one, pal!
Litten: LITTEN!
Then, Adrien defeated his opponent by jabbing him at the chest with his rapier!
Adrien: [pulls up his mask] Gotta get a drink of water. I'll be right back. C'mon, Litten.
Litten: [following] LITTEN!
Adrien ran to his locker and opened it. He opened his bag and saw Plagg inside, finishing his cheese.
Adrien: Plagg, you pig!
Plagg: You have 1 new message. [burps]
Litten: LITTEN? [sweat drops] LITTEN!
Adrien: [as he grabs Plagg and his phone] Move, please, so I can check my voicemail. Hmm, don't recognize this number.
Litten: [saying "I can take a guess!"] LITTEN LIT! [making an impression of Marinette] LITTEN LIT!
Adrien just blinked at that!
Adrien: No way! It couldn't be Marinette!
When he checked the clock, it showed he was running late!
Adrien: Oh no, now we're late! Time to transform, Plagg! [as his ring flashes]
Plagg: Uh, aren't you forgetting something? [points to Litten]
Adrien: Hm? Oh right! [takes out a PokéBall] Litten, return!
And Litten was brought back to its PokéBall!
Back at the Dupain-Cheng House, Marinette, Alya and Ash are running down the stairs, as they went outside, they saw Cat Noir!
Cat Noir: [leaping over a building] Woo-hoo! Yeah-ha-ha! Ha! Hahaha! [lands in front of the statue] Hey, everybody!
Marinette covered her mouth and looked panicked!
Alya: They're unveiling Ladybug and Cat Noir's sculptures today! I totally spaced!
Ash: Sculpture? [realizing] Oh my gosh! I forgot too!
Marinette: Me too.
Alya: Uh, you never mentioned going to the unveiling before.
Marinette: I'm not, I mean, I am! Uh, I mean, I forgot?
Alya: Listen. About Adrien's cellphone, what if we go right after?
Marinette: If we wait after the ceremony, Adrien's fencing training will be over, and he'll have his phone back by then.
Ash: Oh yeah! That's gonna be a problem!
Alya: Shoot. I gotta cover this event for the Ladyblog... I'm sorry, Marinette!
Marinette: Don't sweat it. I can manage. I think!
Alya: You sure?
Marinette: Yes, yes. I'm sure.
Ash: If you're sure! We trust ya!
Alya: Cool. Good luck and stay out of trouble. And don't improv! [grabs Ash's wrist] Come on, Ash! [drags Ash away] Let's go!
Ash: Whoa!
Pikachu: PIKA!
Tikki: Isn't Ladybug supposed to be at the unveiling?
Marinette: Yes, but Marinette needs to be at the school first.
Tikki: But it is a ceremony in your honor.
Marinette: And it's my honor that's at stake right now. [as she runs across the street towards the school] I'll be in and out of there in five minutes. We can be at the ceremony in no time!
At the Place des Vosges, the ceremony was about to begin, as Alya took pictures and Ash and Cat Noir waved to the people!
Théo: Excuse me, Cat Noir, but Ladybug's not here.
Cat Noir: Don't worry about Ladybug. I'm sure she'll be here any minute. I can handle this situation alone for now. I'm the one in charge anyway, you know.
Ash: Funny! I thought Ladybug was the boss?
Pikachu: PIKACHU!
Cat Noir: You shush!
Ash: [pouts] [mumbles]
Théo: It's just that, I wanted to ask her to autograph this photo. She's amazing. She's so brave and smart, the way she always saves everyone...
Cat Noir glares at the photo, but Théo doesn't notice.
Ash: Hm? Something up, Cat Noir?
Pikachu: PIKA?
Cat Noir: Uh, no! It's nothing! Just wondering when Ladybug will arrive!
André: Perhaps the ceremony should commence. It might bring her here faster.
Théo: Please, just one minute more, Mayor Bourgeois, she's going to come, I can feel it...
Ash: [in his head] Not unless she's got something important to take care to save her skin!
Back at Collège Françoise Dupont, the Fencing class continued, as Marinette snuck into the locker room unnoticed!
Marinette: ...I'm there! [gasps] [sees all the lockers]
Tikki: Oh boy.
Marinette: Which one's his?
Tikki: If you call him, you'll make his phone ring.
Marinette: Nice, Tikki!
And she did just that! She puts her ear against each locker to figure out where the ringing is coming from! Meanwhile, the ceremony was about to begin!
Mayor Bourgeois: It's only proper for Paris to pay homage to those to protect us from evil. [unveiling the statues] Ladybug, Cat Noir and Ash!
[crowd cheering]
Ash: Wow!
Pikachu: [amazed] PIKA PIKA…
Ash: Not bad!
Alya: Can I get some photos for the Ladyblog?
Théo looked at Ladybug's statue and sighed sadly!
Fangirls: [talking all at once] Ash!/Please!/Please sign my autograph!/Please!
Ash: Whoa! Easy, girls! Sure! I'll sign! [signs autographs]
And Pikachu even stamped its paw print!
Pikachu: [stamping its paw print] PI! PIKA!
Ash: [signing autographs] I can get used this!
Pikachu: PIKA PIKA!
Some more fan girls wanted selfies!
Fan Girl #1: Can we all take some selfies with you and Pikachu?
Ash: Yeah! Of course!
Some took selfies with Ash! Some took selfies with Pikachu! And some took selfies with both of them! One involved a group photo of them doing poses!
And another involved them cuddling Pikachu! Another involved a group photo with one of the girls wearing Ash's cap! And the last one involved them giving Ash a group hug with one of them kissing him on the cheek!
Ash: Wow!
Pikachu: PIKA!
Cat Noir: [smirks] Glad to see you've got some adoring fans, buddy!
Ash: [smiles sheepishly] Yeah, I guess so!
Pikachu: PIKACHU!
Back at school, Marinette was still looking for Adrien's cell phone!
Tikki: Hurry, they're finishing up!
Marinette: Here it is! [tries to open the locker, but it's locked] Gah! It's locked!
But then, Tikki phased through the locker and opened it!
Tikki: Ta-dah!
Marinette: [happily gasps]
Back at the Place des Vosges, the ceremony had just ended.
Fan Girls: [as they were leaving, talking all at once] Thank you, Ash!/We love you, Ash!/Thank you!
Ash: [smiles and waves] [tints a blush] You're welcome, girls! See ya around!
Pikachu: [waving goodbye] PIKA PIKA!
Ash: Sorry you didn't get to see your lady, Cat Noir!
Cat Noir: That's okay, buddy! Besides, there's always next time! As always!
Ash: Yeah! By the way, Cat Noir! What kind of hero name would I have if I had your powers?
Cat Noir: Huh. I never really thought of that! You'd probably be a "Wildcat"! [chuckles]
Ash: Wildcat? Heh! I was thinking more of "Black Panther", but that's a good name too!
Cat Noir: Black Panther! Even better!
Ash: [chuckles]
Cat Noir: [places an arm on Théo's shoulder] These statues are amazing. One thing's slightly off though— I'm actually taller than Ladybug.
Ash: I like it either way!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKA PI!
Théo: Ladybug didn't show up. I just wanted to express my adoration for her. Let her know that everything I had went into her statue. I'm sure if she took a little time to get to know me, she would see how much we have in common. Our devotion to the things we love.
Cat Noir: Hey, don't mean to burst your bubble, but you know, Ladybug and me, we're a thing, you know?
Théo: Really?
Ash: Really?
Cat Noir: Yeah, we're like this. [crosses his fingers]
Théo: [growls] [pushes him off] [walks away angrily] What does Ladybug see in him?
Ash: Sheesh! What's his problem?
Pikachu: PIKACHU!
Ash: Way to make the guy feel jealous, kitty cat!
Cat Noir: Me?! Make him jealous?!
Ash: You and Ladybug aren't even a couple! And you had to go and make him jealous! I know I would feel the same way if I were in his shoes!
Pikachu: PIKA!
Cat Noir: Oh please! What would you know about love anyway?
Ash: I know that you shouldn't make people feel jealous! Then, you would have a love rival! And what makes you think Hawk Moth won't make that guy his next victim because of you! You big dense furball!
Cat Noir: Easy, buddy! You're just being paranoid! What are the chances of that happening?
Ash: Yeah! You're probably right! But you can never be too sure!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKACHU!
Cat Noir then saw statues of Pikachu and Lucario with Ash!
Cat Noir: Hey look! He even added statues of Pikachu and Lucario!
Ash: [eyes sparkle] Awesome!
Pikachu: [eyes sparkle] PIKA PIKA!
Ash: Lucario's gotta see this! [brings out Lucario]
Lucario: [appearing] MRAH MRAH!
Ash: Look, Lucario!
Cat Noir: There's a statue of you!
Lucario looked at the statue of itself!
Lucario: [smirks] MRAH!
Cat Noir: Now that's a look of satisfaction if I've ever seen one!
Ash: I'd say so!
Cat Noir: Now, I gotta bounce! But you know where to find me if an akuma shows up!
Ash: 10-4, Cat! See ya later!
Cat Noir: [leaps away] See ya!
Ash: [to Pikachu and Lucario] We should probably head back now, you guys!
Pikachu: [saying, "But what about Marinette?"] [makes an impression of Marinette] PIKA PIKA PIKACHU!
Lucario: MRAH RAH!
Ash: Oh, Marinette! You're right!
Back at the school, Marinette was trying to unlock Adrien's phone, but she kept failing!
Tikki: They're coming! Put back the phone!
Marinette: I haven't erased the message yet!
Tikki: We're out of time and we really ought to be getting to that ceremony, come on!
Marinette hid behind the door as it opened!
Student: Whew! That was rough. Ha ha.
Marinette edged out the door without anyone seeing her, as she left the building. Meanwhile, Cat Noir landed on the roof. Having changed back, Adrien opened the locker room door and stepped in, whistling. He opened his locker and too his bag, and then brought out Litten.
Litten: [appearing] LIT LITTEN!
Adrien: Hey there, buddy!
Litten: [smiles] LITTEN!
Adrien: Did ya miss me?
Litten: [jumps onto his shoulder] [nods] TEN!
Adrien: [chuckles]
At Théo's studio, Théo seemed to be venting about Cat Noir!
Théo: A thing, huh? You don't even take love seriously. Calling it a thing... You don't deserve her! [knocks a head sculpture of Cat Noir away] I do!
He was definitely jealous and angry!
At Hawk Moth's lair, his window opened up as he sensed Théo's jealousy and anger!
Hawk Moth: Disappointed by Ladybug and jealous of Cat Noir. The perfect formula for disaster. [turns a butterfly into an akuma] Fly away, my little akuma, and evilize him!
And the akuma flew off into the city!
The akuma reached Théo's studio, and it flew into the crumpled photo in Théo's hand.
Hawk Moth: Hello, Copycat. I am Hawk Moth. Once you get rid of Cat Noir, you can take his place. And Ladybug will be yours forever.
Théo: The very thought of it makes me purr. [turns into Copycat]
Meanwhile, Adrien was back home, and he was looking for his phone!
Adrien: Ugh, where is it? [looks angry at Plagg]
Plagg: What are you looking at me for? I didn't eat it. I swear!
Litten: [saying it doesn't think it's possible to eat a phone] LIT LIT LITTEN!
Plagg: Yeah! What he said!
Adrien grabbed the house phone so he could call his cellphone. Back at Marinette's...
Ash: Marinette, why do you have Adrien's cellphone?!
Pikachu: PIKA?!
Marinette: Whaddya think?! I'm trying to delete the voicemail!
Ash: By stealing his phone?!
Marinette: Now, "steal" is such a strong word! I call it "Borrowing it to save my hide"!
Lucario: [unconvinced] [raises an eyebrow] MRAH MRAH!
Marinette: Oh, don't give me that look, Lucario! How would you feel if you just sent an embarrassing voicemail to someone you liked?!
Lucario: [shrugs its shoulders] MRAH!
Ash: You're really asking a Pokémon a question about human stuff?!
Pikachu: PIKACHU?
Marinette: [sighs] You'll never understand!
Ash: Oh yeah?! I betcha anything Adrien is gonna try calling his phone to look for it!
Marinette: I hope not! How do you listen to messages on this—
[cellphone rings]
Marinette: Home?
Ash: Told you! It's Adrien trying to call his cellphone looking for it!
Marinette: [screams] What if he tracks it? [as drawings appear onscreen, depicting what Marinette describes] He'll figure out I stole it, I'll be arrested for grand theft, I'll spend the rest of my life in jail, and worse, I'll never get to go to the movies with Adrien! [collapses on the bed]
Ash: Take it easy, Marinette! Aren't you overreacting a bit?
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKACHU!
Marinette: Take it easy? [shakes him] Take it easy?! I'm about to lose my chance to go to the movies with Adrien and you're telling me to take it easy?!
Ash: [voice shaking] Stop shaking me!
Marinette: [collapses onto her bed again] [groans]
Tikki: Oh, Marinette. You really need to get your priorities in order.
Marinette: I know. Some days it feels impossible to balance being Marinette and being Ladybug.
Ash: Too bad I can't take your place to help you out! Even though I always wondered what it would be like to be a Ladybug hero, there's only one Ladybug in Paris!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKACHU!
Tikki: That's true!
Back at Adrien's...
Adrien's Voicemail: Hey, this is Adrien's voicemail. Leave a message.
Adrien: Ugh, it must still be at the gym. [grabs Plagg, who was in the middle of eating, and leaves]
Ash: My best bet is to put it back in the locker Adrien's phone was in so you won't get in trouble!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKACHU!
Marinette: But how?
Then, Ash gained a defeated look!
Ash: I don't even know myself!
Pikachu: [sweat drops] PIKACHU!
Lucario: [sweat drops] MRAH RAH!
Marinette: [facepalms] [sighs] I'm doomed!
At the Louvre, Copycat, identical in every way to Cat Noir, was strolling down the museum hall.
Copycat: [humming]
The civilians became excited, as some of them held up their phones to take pictures or videos of "Cat Noir"!
Copycat: [stepping across the rope to steal the Mona Lisa] Don't mind me. Just stealing this painting. Go about your business.
Civilian 1: Hey!
But then, Copycat tripped the civilian, leaving the crowd in shock!
Civilian 2: I gotta get this on camera!
Meanwhile, Adrien's bodyguard was driving him when...
Nadja: [from the radio] And in some astonishing news, there's been a spectacular theft at the Louvre. Amateur video showed without a shadow of a doubt that the thief is none other than the famous hero, Cat Noir.
Copycat: [on video] This painting is the cat's meow. [runs away with the painting]
Litten: [shocked] LIT?!
Adrien: [shocked] Cat's meow?!
Litten: [saying this is wrong on so many levels] LIT LIT LITTEN!
Adrien: No kidding!
They arrived at the school and Adrien got out of the car!
Adrien: [runs into the school] Not only is that person a fake, he's a terrible fake!
Litten: [agreeing] LITTEN!
After he returned Litten, he went inside and transformed into Cat Noir and then jumped off the building to investigate the scene.
Nadja: [from the radio inside the car] Thanks, now for your weather.
Back with Marinette, she seemed to be wearing goggles and baking mittens, and operating Adrien's phone with a Q-tip.
Marinette: Ugh, of course Adrien would own one of these super-expensive high-tech smartphones. I can't even figure out how to work this thing.
Tikki: Maybe it would help if you took off those silly mittens.
Marinette: And risk leaving fingerprints? No way.
Ash: You're just being paranoid!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKACHU!
Marinette: Says you!
Marinette's phone rang, and she answered it! It was Alya!
Alya: Problem fixed?
Marinette: Almost. I haven't erased the message yet, but I'm working on it as we speak.
Ash: She swiped Adrien's phone!
Alya: No way. You palmed his phone?
Marinette: Yes? No? Uhh...
Ash: Yes!
Pikachu: PIKACHU!
Marinette: Ash!
Ash: What?
Marinette: Shush!
Ash: [facepalms]
Marinette: I mean, I was planning to give it back. Actually, where are you? I can use some help.
Ash: Yeah! Where are you?
Pikachu: PIKA?
Alya: No can do. I'm waiting for additional deets at the Louvre on the Cat Noir robbery.
Marinette: What? Somebody robbed Cat Noir?
Alya: No, girl. Didn't you hear? Cat Noir came in and stole the Mona Lisa! In broad daylight!
Ash: Say what?!
Pikachu: PIKA?!
Ash: But there's no way Cat Noir could do such a thing! Unless... [pulls out his Rotom Phone] [activates an Akuma Detector app]
Rotom Phone: Akuma Detected! Akuma Detected!
Ash: I should've known!
Alya: Ladybug's gonna turn up for sure, and I do not wanna miss this. Just chill and I'll be over later.
Marinette: 'Kay. [ends the call] Cat Noir is a lot of things, but he's no thief.
Ash: Yeah! You're right on that! And my Akuma Detector app has detected an akuma! [to his Rotom Phone] Rotom, identify the name of the akumatized villain and who he really is!
Rotom Phone: The akumatized villain goes by Copycat! AKA, Théo Barbot!
Ash: Théo Barbot? [remembers] Uh oh! The sculptor! Hawk Moth must've sensed his anger and jealousy and made him his next victim! And now, he's making Cat Noir look bad!
Pikachu: PIKACHU!
Tikki: Then, what are we waiting for? Spots on, Marinette!
Marinette: You got it! [takes goggles and mittens off] Time to transform!
[Transformation Sequence]
Marinette: Tikki, spots on! Ha!
And Marinette transformed into Ladybug!
["Who's That Pokémon?" time]
[as a magnifying glass shows a black tail with Pikachu standing by a PokéBall]
Ash and Marinette: Who's that Pokémon?
[as the Pokémon reveals to be a Litten]
Pikachu: PIKA?
Litten: LITTEN!
Pikachu: PIKA PIKA!
[End]
At the Louvre, Cat Noir appeared, and the police prepared themselves.
Cat Noir: Whoa! Easy, tigers! You've got the wrong cat! That thief's an impostor. I'm the real Cat Noir!
Officer Roger ordered the police to stop!
Cat Noir: Let me check out where the robbery took place. I have a knack for finding clues. You know, animal instincts.
Roger: Of course. Come with me. Thanks for your help, Cat Noir.
But, they entered the museum, and Cat Noir found Théo's lollipop stick on a table. At that moment, Agent Roger presses a button and traps Cat Noir behind bars!
Cat Noir: Hey! I'm the real Cat Noir! I'm way slicker than that guy.
Roger: [speaking into walkie-talkie] Kitty's in the slammer. I repeat, kitty's in the slammer.
Just then, Ash and Ladybug arrived on Dragonite!
Ladybug: Mr. Mayor, this is ridiculous. I'm sure there's a simple explanation.
Ash: No! There is an explanation! Someone is trying to make Cat Noir look bad! [shows his Rotom Phone] And I have proof! It's an akumatized villain by the name of Copycat! AKA, Théo Barbot!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKA PIKACHU!
Ladybug: He's right! You've got to believe us!
Roger: Kitty's in the slammer, Ladybug.
Ladybug: Don't think you're gonna keep him in there—
Roger: Now, now. Leave it to the experts, Ladybug. We've got it under control.
Ladybug: Hmph!
Ash: Oh yeah?! You're the one jumping to conclusions, [shows his Rotom Phone] when I have proof!
Pikachu: PIKA!
Ash: The real culprit is the akumatized villain that goes by the name of Copycat! AKA, Théo Barbot! Whaddya have to say to that, Officer?!
Roger: But that's Cat Noir!
Ash: No! It's Copycat trying to make it look like he's Cat Noir and making him the bad guy!
Pikachu: PIKA PIKA!
Roger: Oh, what do you know?! You're not even a detective!
Ash: But I know that Cat Noir would never commit a crime! And I've seen enough detective shows to know that you need to find evidence and look for clues!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKACHU!
Roger: Proves nothing!
Ash: [facepalms] [groans]
Pikachu: [exasperated] PIKA!
Ash: Will you at least let us talk to him?!
Cat Noir used his Cataclysm to break the bars and free himself! But then, he was confronted by police officers!
Cat Noir: Thanks for the warm hospitality, but I gotta split, so... [takes out his staff] I'll just say this one more time. You've got the wrong cat! [knocks his way through the police]
Back outside...
Officer: [through walkie-talkie to Roger] Cat Noir is getting away!
Ash: Cat Noir! Come on, Ladybug! I got a bone to pick with that cat about Théo!
Ladybug: Right! Just promise me you won't do anything drastic! Understood?
Ash: Who said anything about drastic?
Ladybug: Oh. Good point! C'mon!
Ash: [follows] Right behind ya!
When they ran inside, they saw all the police officers on the floor!
Ash: Sheesh!
Roger: Well, if he's so innocent, then why is he running away?
Ladybug: Well, if you were wrongly imprisoned, wouldn't you run?
Ash: I'd say so! Come on, Ladybug! We better find him before [points a thumb at Roger] this guy, and those other coppers turn him into kitty litter!
Pikachu: PIKACHU!
Ladybug: Right behind ya!
Meanwhile, Cat Noir was running away from the police! While hiding, he started calling Ladybug with his staff, as Ladybug's yo-yo receives Cat Noir's call!
Roger: Requesting assistance, I repeat, requesting assistance. We are in pursuit of the suspect...
Ladybug: Cat Noir, what's going on?
Cat Noir: You know I'm innocent, don't you, Bugaboo?
Ladybug: Stop playing around and calling me Bugaboo. This is really serious!
Ash: Yeah, Cat! And I got a bone to pick with you!
Cat Noir: Can't it wait, buddy? I've got a bunch of coppers on my tail planning to throw me in the kennel!
Ash: Not if I can help it!
Cat Noir: Appreciate the assist, buddy! I'm gonna find the real culprit and save my tail. I'll get back to—
But then, a police helicopter arrived!
Cat Noir: Wha!
Ash and Ladybug ran outside and saw the police helicopters chasing Cat Noir!
Ladybug: Huh?
Ash: We've gotta help him! Come on!
Police: [through megaphone] Give yourself up, Cat Noir!
Roger: Aren't you gonna go after him?
Ladybug: Uhh, I'll leave it to the experts.
Ash: Huh?! Ladybug, what are you talking about?!
Ladybug: Just as I said! [winks in reassuring]
Ash: Oh! I getcha! [winks back] Wink!
Then, Ladybug swung away on her yo-yo and Ash jumped onto Dragonite's back and took off!
With Cat Noir, he arrived at a subway and the police trapped one end of the stairs, but he turned back into Adrien as he walked upstairs while he whistled innocently!
Police: Come on, let's get him!
Plagg: If you want my opinion, I'd say the thief was akumatized. [eats his Camembert]
Adrien: [holds Théo's lollipop stick] That much I had figured. See that lollipop stick? The sculptor. How did I not see that jealousy coming a mile away?
Plagg: Yours or his?
Adrien: Ha ha, so funny.
Litten seemed to be angry that someone was making his trainer look bad!
Litten: [angry] LITTEN! [uses Ember on a lamppost] LITTEN!
Adrien: Whoa!
Litten: [angry] LIT LITTEN!
Adrien: Easy, Litten! Calm down!
Litten: [panting angrily] LIT! LITTEN!
Adrien: [picks up Litten and scratches under its chin]
Litten: [relaxed] LITTEN…
Adrien: There! Is that better?
Litten: [nods] LIT!
Plagg: Looks like Litten doesn't like seeing its best friend look bad!
Adrien: I guess so!
He then turned to Litten with a reassuring smile!
Adrien: Don't worry, Litten! We'll get to the bottom of this and clear my name!
Litten: [nods in agreement] TEN!
Adrien: But for now, [returns Litten] Litten return! Now to find a secluded place to transform!
Soon, he arrived outside Théo's studio.
Cat Noir: Gotcha, Copycat. [enters the studio]
Meanwhile, Ladybug and Ash were at the top of a building, when Ladybug's yo-yo received a call!
Ladybug: Huh? Cat Noir, where are you?
Cat Noir: I found his den.
Ash: Got him!
Ladybug: Who?
Cat Noir: My Copycat.
Ladybug: I'm not getting you.
Ash: [groans] Hello! [knocks on her head] Earth to bug brain! Were you not paying attention?! That's Théo Barbot! He got akumatized into Copycat to make Cat Noir look bad! And I told Cat Noir that Hawk Moth would sense his jealousy and make him his next victim! But oh no, he had to contradict and say that it wouldn't happen! Well, look what happened! He's akumatized and it's Cat Noir's fault!
Pikachu: PIKACHU!
Ladybug: Wait! What?!
Cat Noir: Can we not talk about this right now?!
Ash: Sorry sorry!
Ladybug: Well? Tell us where you are.
Cat Noir: No, this is between me and him. I got myself into this mess, so I'm gonna get myself out.
Ash: Let me help too, Cat Noir!
Cat Noir: No, buddy! You were right! I shouldn't have made him jealous! It's my responsibility to take him down!
Ash: But Cat-
Cat Noir: I'll be fine! I promise!
Then, he hung up!
Ladybug: Uhh, Cat? Cat! [checks Cat Noir's location with her yo-yo]
Ash: Good thinking, Ladybug!
Pikachu: PIKA!
Ladybug: Come on! We've gotta help him!
Ash: Okay! Hop on, Ladybug!
Then, they took off on Dragonite! Back at Théo's studio...
Cat Noir: [reading a note] Cat's in the bag?
The box bursts, and Cat Noir finds himself in chains!
Cat Noir: Cataclysm!
Then, his hand glowed a bubbly energy! Suddenly, Copycat appears and places a square object in front of Cat Noir's hand. He destroys it instead, wasting his Cataclysm!
Copycat: I don't get what Ladybug sees in you. A fool who so easily falls into my trap.
Cat Noir tried to reach for his staff, but Copycat had it!
Copycat: Looking for this? Which one should I pick up? My one or my one?
The staff started ringing, as Copycat answered it in Cat Noir's voice!
Copycat: [in Cat Noir's voice] Ladybug, hurry up. I've caught the impostor at Théo Barbot's workshop.
Ladybug: We'll be there in thirty seconds.
Cat Noir: Don't come here, Ladybug! It's a trap!
But then, Copycat hung up!
Ash: I knew it! Copycat is trying to lure us into a trap!
Pikachu: PIKA!
Ash: We best keep our guard up, Ladybug!
Ladybug: Agreed!
Copycat: Too late, Cat. Ladybug's on her way, which was my plan all along.
Cat Noir: She won't be duped. She knows me too well. And Ash knows you were trying to make me look bad!
Copycat: I know you well too. [looking at his akumatized photo of Ladybug] And from now on, she'll love me, not you!
Cat Noir: Love me? ...You're right! She loves me! That's why she'll be able to reveal your true identity!
Hawk Moth: Copycat, stop this small talk and get me Cat Noir's Miraculous!
Copycat put the photo of Ladybug in his pocket and knocked Cat Noir down and was about to take his ring, but then Ladybug appeared, along with Ash!
Ash: Time's up, Copycat!
Pikachu: [cheeks sparking wildly] PIKACHU!
Copycat: Huh?
Cat Noir: Ha ha!
Copycat: There you are.
Ladybug: Cat Noir! He really looks like you!
Cat Noir: That's because I am me!
Ash: I'm a little confused!
Pikachu: [question marks around it] [confused] PIKA?
Ladybug: Where is his akuma?
Copycat: Inside his ring, of course. Grab it.
Ash: Oh yeah?
Ladybug hesitantly took Cat Noir's hand!
Hawk Moth: Ladybug's doing all the work for us. What sweet irony.
Cat Noir's ring began to beep!
Ladybug: He even has the same powers as you.
Ash: [confused] [swirls in eyes] Now I'm even more confused!
Copycat: Simply amazing, isn't it?
Cat Noir: [to Ladybug] If you don't believe I'm the real Cat Noir, ask him about our love for each other.
Ash: Love for each other?!
Pikachu: PIKA?
Ladybug: Uhh...
Cat Noir: Have I ever lied to you, Bugaboo? [winks]
Ladybug knew he was right!
Ash: [whispers in Ladybug's ear]
Ladybug: [nods] [to Copycat] I hope you didn't tell him about us.
Copycat: What..?
Ladybug: That we're... you know, we made a secret promise? Hmm?
Copycat: Uh, yes! Of course!
Ash: Really now? I wasn't aware of any promise you and her made! Would you be so kind and tell us?
Pikachu: PIKACHU?
Copycat: Um... I-I-I... I can't tell you?
Ash: Gotcha!
Ladybug: We never made a promise. Copycat!
Copycat: [breaks facade] I love you, Ladybug! I'm way better than this mangy alley cat!
Ladybug: Sorry, but liars are losers. Cat Noir may annoy me to pieces, but he's never lied to me.
Cat Noir: Thanks for the compliment. I think.
Ash: And our friend is gonna help us kick your furry behind! [tosses PokéBall] Infernape, I choose you!
Infernape: [appearing] INFERNAPE!
Ash: Use Mach Punch!
Infernape: [Mach Punch move] IN...FERNAPE!
But Copycat dodged!
Infernape: NAPE?!
Hawk Moth: [from his lair] Do it now, take his Miraculous!
Copycat: If I can't have you, then nobody will! Cataclysm!
Then, his hand glowed a bubbly energy!
Copycat: You're first, you hotheaded baboon!
Ash: Infernape, Flamethrower!
Infernape: [Flamethrower move] IN...FERNAPE!
But Copycat dodged it!
Infernape: [frustrated] INFERN!
Ash: Infernape, keep your distance from that Cataclysm! One touch from it and it's over!
Infernape: [complying] INFERNAPE!
Ash: [to Ladybug] Time for some good luck?
Ladybug: I know just what you mean! [tosses her yo-yo up in the air] Lucky Charm!
And the Lucky Charm was a spoon!
Ladybug: A spoon? What am I supposed to do with this?
Ash: I don't know!
Copycat was about to use his Cataclysm, but Ladybug held Cat Noir's chains up so that Copycat broke them instead, freeing Cat Noir!
Ash: Alright! [takes out the Fist Plate] Now, it's my turn! [places the Fist Plate on his chest] Fist Plate, activate!
Then, his clothes gained an orange color scheme, and he became more musclier!
Ash: Yeah!
Pikachu: [awed] PIKA!
Infernape: [impressed] INFERNAPE!
Ladybug: WHOA!
Cat Noir: Nice!
Copycat: What the...!
Ash: [punches Copycat into a wall] HA!
Copycat: GUH!
He landed directly at the wall!
Cat Noir: [to Ladybug] Excellent job, my lady.
Ladybug: [winks]
Cat Noir: And nice shot too, Muscle Man!
Ash: [flexes] Welcome to the gun show!
Pikachu: PIKACHU!
Infernape: INFERNAPE!
Ladybug: Where's his akuma?
Cat Noir: The photo in his pocket. [as his ring beeps] Let's make it snappy.
Ash: I'm all over it!
Copycat: Ha ha ha! You're going to change back before me.
Ash: Oh yeah?! [tackles him and grabs him from behind] Ha! Not so smart now, are ya?!
Copycat: Let go of me, you gorilla!
Ash: Oh yeah?! [noogies him on the head]
Copycat: OW OW OW OW OW OW OW!
Cat Noir: [laughing]
Ash: How d'ya like them apples?!
Copycat: Oh yeah?! Have a ride! [swings him around throws him to a wall]
Ash: GUH! That was a cheap shot!
He then took off the Fist Plate and took out the Zap Plate!
Ash: Zap Plate, [places the Zap Plate on his chest] activate!
Then, his clothes gained a yellow color scheme, with lightning bolt decals!
Ash: Zap zap!
Copycat and Cat Noir began to fight, as Ladybug joined in!
Ash: Hey, Copycat! You know what kitties get when they're bad?
Copycat: Oh, really? What's that?
Ash: They get shocked! [fires a lightning bolt]
Copycat: [zapped silly] GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH!
Ash: Do you surrender?
Copycat: Not happening! [swings a punch at him, as he dodges]
Ladybug launched her yo-yo at him, but he ended up dodging using his and Cat Noir staffs, as Ladybug jumped onto the ceiling!
Ladybug: He's pretty good.
Cat Noir charged at his doppelganger, but he just dodged his attacks!
Cat Noir: Don't need to rub it in!
Copycat: I told you I was better than him.
Ladybug: [takes Cat Noir's staff with her yo-yo] But I'm better than both of you! [gives Cat Noir back his staff]
Ash: Zap zap! [launches lightning]
Copycat: [electrocuted] GUUUUUUUUUUUH!
Ash: Give it up, Copycat!
Copycat: Not happening!
Ash: You asked for it! Pikachu! Infernape! Super Teamwork Combo: Flaming Thunderbolt!
Pikachu: [Thunderbolt move] PIKA…CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
Infernape: [Flamethrower move] IN…FERNAPE!
Both attacks combined into one combo move!
Cat Noir: Feel the electrifying burn!
Copycat: GUH!
Ash: How's that feel, phony feline?!
Copycat: [growls] I'll get you for that, you little runt!
Ash: Runt?!
Cat Noir: [angry] And I'll make you regret calling my buddy a runt!
Cat Noir and Copycat started to clash with their staffs!
Cat Noir: Infernape, be a pal and Mach Punch this fraud!
Infernape: [Mach Punch move] IN...FERNAPE!
Copycat: [hit in the face] OOF!
Cat Noir: Nice one!
The two Cats keep fighting, but then Ladybug grabs Cat Noir's arm!
Cat Noir: Hey, it's me!
Ash: What are you doing, Ladybug?!
Copycat: He's lying! I'm the real one!
Ladybug: Ugh, now you're both annoying me to pieces! Show me your ring. How many pads do you have left?
Ash: Oh! I see what she's doing!
Cat Noir's ring beeps first, showing only one pad left, while Copycat refuses to show his and his ring has three pads disappear at the same time!
Ash: Gotcha!
Ladybug: Cat Noir, scratch attack!
Cat Noir: Gladly. I love a good cat fight. [charges] [meows]
Ash: Instead, how about a Fury Swipes!
Pikachu: PIKA!
Cat Noir: With pleasure!
The two cats started to slash at each other! Meanwhile, Ladybug uses her lucky vision, and it shows her Cat Noir's staff, a wooden rod, her yo-yo and the spoon. Ladybug uses these to make a fishing rod!
Ash: Now that's what I call using your head!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKACHU!
Ash: May I, Ladybug?
Ladybug: [gives him the rod] By all means! Time to go akuma fishing!
Ash: Yeah!
Cat Noir was still fighting Copycat, but then Copycat pinned him towards the ground, but Cat Noir gave him a smirk and a wink! Ash uses the fishing rod to lift Copycat into the ceiling and Ladybug grabs his photo and tears it to release the akuma!
Ash: Hook, line and sinker!
Then, the akuma flew out!
Ladybug: [opens her yo-yo] No more evil-doing for you, little akuma.
Then, she swung her yo-yo around!
Ladybug: Time to de-evilize! [catches the akuma] Gotcha!
Then, she purifies it!
Ladybug: [releases it as a normal butterfly] Bye bye, little butterfly. [tosses her Lucky Charm into the air] Miraculous Ladybug!
Then, everything was turned back to normal, thanks to the magic ladybugs! Copycat turned back into Théo, who was caught by Cat Noir.
Ladybug: Nice catch!
Cat Noir: I'm so glad you could tell the real cat from the fake one.
Ladybug: Once I figured out which cat was really in love with me, it was a no-brainer.
Ash: And I pretty much knew from the beginning! And I hope you learned a valuable lesson about what just happened, Cat!
Cat Noir: No worries, buddy! I did! [winks]
Then, his ring began to beep!
Ash: You better beat feet before you change back!
Cat Noir: Good idea! Better help the fellow out. His crush just got crushed. [under his breath, as he leaves] That makes two of us.
Ash held his fist out to Ladybug and smiled!
Ash and Ladybug: [as they fist bumped] Pound it!
Pikachu: [joins in] PIKA!
Infernape: [joins in] INFERNAPE!
Théo: Ugh... What am I doing here? Ladybug?
Ash: Don't worry, Mr. Barbot! You're okay now!
Ladybug: I'm sorry I couldn't make it this morning, Théo.
Théo: Can you autograph it for me?
Ladybug: [signs his paper of her] Of course I can! You've got some real artistry here. You've really captured my essence.
Théo: Thank you, Ladybug. And don't worry. I know about you and Cat Noir. It's okay.
Ladybug: Huh?
Ash: Actually, Ladybug and Cat Noir really aren't a thing!
Théo: They're not?
Ash: Nope! They're the best superhero duo of Paris and superhero buddies I could ask for!
Pikachu: [agreeing] PIKA PIKA!
Ladybug: Oh, Ash!
Ash: Come on, Ladybug! [hops onto Dragonite's back] Let's go before you change back!
Ladybug: [climbs aboard] Right behind ya!
Ash: Let's go, Dragonite!
Dragonite: [complying] BRWAR! [takes flight]
Back at school, Cat Noir turned back into Adrien and searched for his phone. Eventually, he gave up and returned to the car.
Adrien: Didn't find it.
And they drove away!
Later on, back at Marinette's house, Alya was with them!
Automated voice: [from phone] If you wish to hear your message again, press 1. If you wish to erase your message, press 2.
Ash: This time, press 2!
Marinette: On it! [presses 2]
Automated voice: Your message has been erased.
Ash: Well, that's taken care of! Now all we have to do is give it back to Adrien somehow!
Marinette: You know what? I'm gonna tell him I found his phone. That'd be a good way to start up a conversation, wouldn't it? And I'll invite him to the movies.
Alya: That's my girl.
Ash: Yeah! Go for it!
Pikachu: PIKA!
The next day at school, Adrien was talking with Nino about his missing phone.
Nino: Maybe you dropped it somewhere.
Adrien: Well, if I did, then, whoever has it found it in the boys' locker room. I was checking my voicemail in there during fencing practice.
Alya: Do it now!
Ash: Go for it!
Marinette puts Adrien's phone in his bag, which fell over!
Adrien: Huh? What in the... [takes out his phone] I already looked in here a thousand times!
Nino: You need some time off. Hey, I know, let's go to the movies tonight.
That made Marinette sad since her chance went to waste!
Alya: Hey, dudes, mind if a few friends tag along?
Ash: Yeah! Can we come too?
Pikachu: PIKACHU?
Nino: Sure thing!
Ash: Awesome!
Pikachu: [happy] PIKACHU!
Marinette looked at Adrien and jumped for joy!
Marinette: Yay!
The scene ends with Marinette jumping for joy and Ash, Pikachu and their friends looking on at this and laughing!
Narrator: Well, things are certainly fine now! Cat Noir's name has been cleared and Marinette gets to go to the movies with Adrian after all! And there will be many other opportunities that Marinette will have to try and ask Adrien out on a date for just the two of them, as the journey continues!
And that's the end of this chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it! And there's more to come! So until then, see you all next time!