As the students materialized in the new space, they found themselves gently deposited into an assortment of inflatable chairs and cozy sofas arranged in neat rows. The room was softly lit, with a large screen at the front and a relaxed atmosphere that hid the true gravity of the situation.
Melody clapped her hands together, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, listen up! Here are your assigned seats. They're non-negotiable, so please settle in.
"Alright here are your assigned seats:
(front of room)
Marinette, Adrien, Nino, Alya - You'll get a 4 seat sofa
Kagami, Felix, Luka - Inflatable chairs
Rose, Juleka, Mylene, Ivan - Sofa
Kim, Max, Sabrina - Inflatable Chairs
Nathaniel, Marc - Inflatable Chairs
Chloe, Lila - 2 seater sofa
Melody - Inflatable Chair
(back of room)."
Melody's expression turned serious as she continued. "I know some of you might not like this setup, but it's for everyone's safety. There are two people in this room who can be dangerous if left unchecked, so the seating arrangement was chosen carefully. Additionally, I've based it on how well you all get along—or don't."
She gestured toward Sabrina. "For example, I've seated Sabrina away from Chloe and Lila to ensure her protection. As for the rest, well..." Melody trailed off, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Let's just say things will make a lot more sense once the identities of the heroes are revealed."
The students exchanged wary looks, some visibly displeased but unwilling to argue.
"Now," Melody said with finality, settling into her chair. "Take your seats and get comfortable. It's time to begin." Melody's hand glowed softly, a shimmering light radiating from her fingertips as she gestured toward the projector. The machine hummed to life, its quiet whirring filling the room as it powered on.
A beam of light shot out, illuminating the large screen at the front of the room. Slowly, an image began to take shape, the faint flicker of colors signaling the start of the presentation.
"Alright," Melody said, her tone calm yet commanding. "The show is ready to begin. Pay close attention, because everything you see here will have a purpose—whether it's revealing the truth, uncovering secrets, or helping you understand the roles you all play in shaping the future."
She leaned back in her inflatable chair, her eyes scanning the room one last time. "Remember, stay respectful. Commentary is fine, but unnecessary interruptions won't be tolerated. Let's dive in."
With a final wave of her glowing hand, the screen fully came to life, pulling everyone's attention to the unfolding story.
Show Starts:
Scene: Hawk Moth's lair.
Nooroo: Many centuries ago, magic jewels bestowing extraordinary powers were created. These were... the Miraculous. Throughout history, heroes have used these jewels for the good of the human race. Two of these Miraculous are more powerful than the others; the earrings of the Ladybug, which provide the power of creation; and the ring of the Black Cat, which grants the power of destruction. According to legend, whoever controls both these jewels at the same time, will achieve absolute power.
Alya leaned forward, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "Wait, who's speaking?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement. She turned toward Melody for an answer, but Melody merely tilted her head with a knowing smile, inviting Alya to figure it out herself.
Before anyone could respond, the narration continued.
Male voice: I want that absolute power, Nooroo. I must have those Miraculous!
Adrien's brows furrowed as the voice echoed in the room. There was something unsettlingly familiar about it, a tone he couldn't quite place. It couldn't be... he thought, shaking his head slightly. No, it has to be a coincidence.
Nooroo: But nobody knows where these Miraculous are!
Male voice: I found you though, my little Nooroo. Your Miraculous... remind me of its powers again.
Marinette visibly tensed in her seat, her eyes wide with worry as she clutched the edge of the sofa. Oh no, Nooroo! she thought, her concern etched clearly on her face. Her mind raced with questions. Who is this man, and why does he sound so... dangerous?
The room was silent except for the low hum of the projector. Students exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the words sinking in. Alya's excitement gave way to a thoughtful frown as she began scribbling furiously in her notebook, piecing together the clues. Adrien, meanwhile, crossed his arms and leaned back, deep in thought, trying to quell the nagging feeling in his chest.
Melody, watching their reactions, smiled faintly to herself. They were starting to connect the dots—just as she'd hoped.
Nooroo: The Moth Brooch allows you to give someone their own superpowers and to make that person your devoted follower!
Alya leaned back in her seat, gesturing toward the screen. "Well, I mean, we already knew that!" she said matter-of-factly, her voice carrying a hint of pride in her knowledge of Miraculous lore. Then her tone softened, a flicker of sympathy crossing her face. "But still... I feel bad for Nooroo. He shouldn't have to go through this."
Marinette and Adrien each silently echoed Alya's sentiment. Marinette's hand tightened slightly on the edge of the sofa, her expression pensive as she nodded almost imperceptibly. Adrien, seated beside her, gave the faintest dip of his head, his face shadowed with an unspoken understanding.
Though neither spoke, the weight of their agreement was clear. Nooroo wasn't just a voice on the screen; he was someone they wished they could protect.
Male voice: And when it comes to luring superheroes, what could be better than creating supervillains?
Nooroo: But master, the Miraculous are not meant to be used for evil purposes!
Male voice: I must have this absolute power! Your Miraculous is in my control! (pointing at Nooroo) I am your master now, and you must obey me.
Nooroo: (sadly) Yes, master.
Male voice: (puts on the brooch) Nooroo, dark wings rise! (transforms into Hawk Moth) From this day on, I shall be known as... Hawk Moth! (laughs evilly).
"WOW! Melodramatic much?" Melody quipped with exaggerated sarcasm, crossing her arms as she smirked at the screen. Her playful commentary broke through the tension like a charm, drawing a wave of laughter from the teens.
Mylene tilted her head, her brows furrowing as something dawned on her. "You know what? I just noticed... he calls himself 'Hawk Moth,' but isn't his Miraculous a butterfly?"
Her comment sparked a ripple of realization through the room. Alya sat up straighter, snapping her fingers in agreement. "Actually, you're right! Now I can't unsee this," she said, her voice filled with mock exasperation.
Nino snickered, shaking his head. "Man, maybe he thought 'Butterfly Moth' didn't sound intimidating enough."
Adrien, suppressing a grin, muttered under his breath, "Branding is important, I guess."
The room was filled with lighthearted chatter, the group's amusement providing a brief reprieve from the weightier implications of the show. Melody leaned back in her chair, satisfied that even in a tense situation, they could still find humor in the absurd.
Scene: Fu's massage shop. Wayzz wakes up and senses something is wrong. Wang Fu: Master, master... chanting, it's all part of the treatment. Master, master... (begins pushing the customer out the door) Thank you for coming, see you again next week!
Wayzz: Master, the Moth Miraculous, I felt its aura.
Wang Fu: I thought it had been lost forever!
Wayzz: But Master, it's a negative aura. I fear it may have gotten into the hands of a dark power!
Wang Fu: We must find Nooroo and his Miraculous. If it has gotten into the wrong hands, there's no telling what evil will come upon the world! (shows his Miraculous) Time to transform! Wayzz... (doubles over in pain)
Wayzz: Please, Master. Be reasonable. You are–
Wang Fu: Still young! I'm only 186. But you're right, Wayzz. I can no longer do it alone. We'll need some help. (opens the gramophone, revealing the Miraculous box).
Nino raised an eyebrow at the information being presented on-screen, his casual demeanor breaking through the tension. "Soooo... 186 is young?" he asked, his tone half-joking but tinged with genuine curiosity.
Marinette glanced over at him, a small smile playing on her lips despite the seriousness of the situation. "I'd say yes," she replied lightly, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.
Her answer earned a chuckle from Nino as he leaned back in his seat. "Man, I can't even imagine being that old and still being called 'young.'" He shook his head, clearly trying to wrap his mind around the concept.
The light exchange eased the tension in the room, if only for a moment, drawing a few smirks and nods from their classmates. Even Melody tilted her head in silent approval, pleased to see the group finding small moments of levity amidst the revelations
Scene: Tom Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie. Marinette is in her bed, sleeping while her phone is ringing.
Marinette sank into her seat, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red. She buried her face in her hands and let out a groan.
"This is going to be so embarrassing," she muttered, her voice muffled but clear enough to draw the attention of her friends.
Alya leaned over with a teasing grin. "Come on, girl! It can't be that bad."
Marinette peeked through her fingers, her expression equal parts exasperated and resigned. "Oh, it can. Trust me."
Adrien glanced at her, confused but curious. "Why? What could be so bad about it?"
Marinette shook her head, refusing to elaborate. "Let's just say... you'll see," she said with a sigh, bracing herself for what was to come.
Melody, watching from her chair, chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Marinette," she said with a mischievous glint in her eye. "It'll only be as embarrassing as you let it be."
Sabine: (from downstairs) Marinette! Your alarm's been going off for fifteen minutes! You're going to be late for your first day back at school!
Marinette: (crawls out from underneath bed covers) Got it, Mom! (walks down stairs) Coming! I bet you anything Chloé will be in my class again.
Sabine: Four years in a row, is that possible?
Marinette: Definitely. Lucky me!
Sabine: Don't say that! It's the start of a new year - I'm sure everything will be just fine!
(Marinette smiles and nods, setting down the cereal. Several things get knocked over, spilling and falling to the floor. Marinette groans, but her mother comforts her.)
"You jinxed yourself," Melody pointed out with a sly grin, her tone light but teasing.
Marinette let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping as she shook her head. "Yeah, thanks for pointing that out," she muttered, the annoyance clear in her voice as she crossed her arms.
Alya couldn't help but snicker, nudging Marinette playfully. "You kind of did, though."
Marinette shot her a half-hearted glare, then sighed again, this time more dramatically. "Great. Just great. Let's see how much worse this can get."
The room erupted into soft chuckles, the group clearly enjoying Marinette's exasperation. Melody leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face as the screen continued to flicker with the unfolding story.
Tom: (sings La Marseillaise as he works)
Marinette: Dad, these are so awesome!
Tom: Glad you like them.
Marinette: Thank you Dad, my class will love them! You're the best!
Tom: We're the best, thanks to your amazing designs. (Marinette hugs Tom, dropping the box. He catches it on his foot and tosses it up in the air, catching it before handing it to her)
Marinette: (giggles) Thanks. (Sabine hands Marinette her school bag and Marinette kisses her cheek. Tom leans down and Marinette kisses his cheek as well before rushing towards the door) See you tonight!
"Oh, what a loving family!" Alya and Rose exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with delight.
Marinette's cheeks flushed at their reaction, a soft smile playing on her lips as the thought of her parents warmed her heart.
Scene: Marinette runs out of the bakery and onto the sidewalk with the box of macarons in hand and her backpack on her back. She struggles to catch herself before she stumbles out onto the sidewalk in front of an approaching car.
Marinette: (sighs in relief) Uff... (sees Wang Fu crossing the street slowly with his cane and a car fast approaching) Uuuhhaawh? (looks around at the other people stopped at the crossing, but everyone is distracted by their phones. Marinette runs onto the street and grabs Fu's wrist, hurrying him off the road as fast as she can. They manage to make it to the sidewalk in time, barely missing the car. Marinette trips on the curb while trying to get off the road, dropping the box of macarons and face planting onto the concrete.) Bleh.
"Ha! You can't even keep your balance!" Lila sneered, her voice dripping with mockery. Chloe joined in with a sharp laugh, their shared derision echoing through the room.
Everyone present shot the pair a glare of irritation, the atmosphere thick with disdain.
"If you two don't shut the fuck up within the next five minutes," Melody snapped, her patience visibly fraying, "I'll expose both of you right here and now. I'll make sure everyone knows about the crimes you're bound to commit and let Ladybug and Chat Noir handle the repercussions of your actions."
Her voice, laced with frustration, silenced the room as she leveled her glare at the two troublemakers.
Wang Fu: Thank you, Miss. (looks at the open box of macarons, at least seven of which have been knocked out of the box and sit amongst broken pieces of another macaron splayed out across the sidewalk in front of Marinette. Fu covers his mouth) Oh! What a disaster.
Marinette: (people start crossing the street. Marinette cries out and reaches her hand towards one of the macarons on the ground as a pedestrian crushes it under his shoe, looking at his phone. Marinette grabs the box and stands up) Don't worry, I'm no stranger to disasters. Besides, there are still a few left. (tilts the box towards Fu, offering for him to try one of the remaining macarons)
Wang Fu: (takes a macaron from the box and bites into it) Mmmh. Delicious! (looks up at Marinette with a grateful smile. Marinette smiles back as she shuts the box. Suddenly, the school bell rings)
Marinette: (hears the bell at her school Oh no, I'm gonna be late! (turns back to Fu, standing up straight. She bows slightly) Ah, have a nice day, sir! (runs across the street towards the school.)
Wang Fu: (watches Marinette run off and looks down at a black box sitting in his palm with red markings on the lid) Thank you very much, young lady. (pockets the box and walks off past the bakery, holding his cane behind his back)
"That was foreshadowing! Pay close attention to the earlier episodes—there's a lot of subtle hints hidden in them," Melody suggested, her tone light yet purposeful. As she spoke, she cast a discreet glance toward Marinette and Adrien, her expression unreadable.
"Well, looking forward to that," Nino replied, his voice carrying an air of curiosity.
Scene: Collège Françoise Dupont. Marinette runs through the open door past the janitor and rushes to her classroom. Cut to Marinette stumbling into the classroom, playing it off.
Caline: Nino, Why don't you have a seat in the front row this year?
Chloé: Marinette Dupain-Cheng.
Marinette: Ugh. Here we go again.
Chloé: That's my seat.
Marinette: But Chloé, this has always been my seat.
"Geez, Chloe, why do you always have to be so rude?" Nino asked, his tone laced with exasperation, clearly tired of her antics.
"Well~ you'll just have to get used to it," Chloe replied with a smirk, her words dripping with smugness.
Melody jumped in, her tone light and playful. "Oh, by the way, I should mention—sometimes the episodes exaggerate emotions or actions. Or, you know, leave things out entirely," she added with a knowing grin. "A good example might be Marinette's actions." She giggled softly at her own comment.
"Hey!" Marinette protested, her cheeks flushing red, which only made the room erupt into laughter. Everyone joined in—except Adrien, who sat there looking thoroughly confused.
Sabrina: Not anymore! New school, new year, new seats!
Chloé: So why don't you just go and sit beside that new girl over there? (points at Alya)
Marinette: But...
Chloe: Listen. Adrien's arriving today, and since that's going to be his seat, this is going to be my seat. Get it?
Marinette: Who's Adrien?
"Before anyone says anything," Marinette began quickly, her tone firm as she sought to preempt any confusion, "I mostly paid attention to the designers of the clothes, not the models. So yes, I know about Adrien's dad, but I didn't even realize who Adrien was until Chloe mentioned him for the first time."
Adrien offered her a warm smile, his voice gentle. "Well, that's good to know. It means you wanted to be friends with me for who I am, not because of my social status."
Chloé: (she and Sabrina laugh) Can you believe she doesn't know who Adrien is? What rock have you been living under?
Sabrina: He's only a famous model.
Chloé: And I am his best friend. He adores me. Go on, move!
"Chloe, you're my childhood friend. But if I had to name my best friend, it would be Nino," Adrien said, his tone firm as he frowned at her.
Chloe gasped, her eyes widening in shock at his words before she quickly looked away, pouting and glaring at the floor in frustration.
Alya: Hey! Who elected you Queen of Seats?
Chloé: Oh, Look Sabrina! We've got a little do-gooder in our class this year. What are you gonna do, super newbie? Shoot beams at me with your glasses?
"I would say something about that, but I feel like Ladybug might get on my case if I do, so I'm just going to keep my mouth shut," Melody said in a sing-song tone, her words laced with teasing mischief.
Marinette shot her a sharp warning look, and Melody immediately ducked under her hoodie—which she'd slipped on unnoticed in the background. "Yep, definitely shutting up," she added quickly.
"What were you going to say?" Alya asked, her curiosity now thoroughly piqued.
"Uhhh... just me roasting Chloe and cussing her out?" Melody replied, her tone half-questioning as if testing the waters.
"Was that a question or a statement?" Alya shot back, raising a skeptical eyebrow.
"Hmm, you know what? Both!" Melody exclaimed, before pulling her hoodie further over her face to hide the flush of embarrassment creeping onto her cheeks.
"Melody, watch yourself," Marinette hissed under her breath, her tone stern enough to make Melody flinch and shrink further into her hoodie.
Alya: Wouldn't you like to know. (walks away and grabs Marinette by the hand) Come on.
Marinette: (trips and falls, spilling all but one macaron) Sorry, sorry, sorry...
Miss Bustier: Has everyone found a seat?
A loud crash echoed in the background, drawing everyone's attention. Melody turned around to see her younger sister, Patience, sprawled on the floor. With a sigh of exasperation, she rose from her seat and walked over to the six-year-old.
"Sis, are you okay?" Melody asked, her voice tinged with worry as she carefully scooped Patience up and balanced her on her hip.
"Yes, I'm okay," Patience replied softly, resting her head on Melody's shoulder for comfort.
"Alright, nothing to worry about, everyone!" Melody called out, her tone bright as she returned to her seat with Patience in tow. "Go back to watching the show."
Alya: Chillax, girl. No biggie.
Marinette: I so wish I can handle Chloé the way you do.
"Does it count if you roast her a lot?" Melody asked in a teasing tone, earning a few snickers from those nearby.
"Damn, leave her alone," a voice chimed in from behind Melody.
Both Melody and Patience jumped in surprise, clearly startled by the sudden comment. Melody whipped around to find Thalia grinning at them.
"Oh, shut up, Thalia... Wait. Was that a Percy Jackson reference?!" Melody exclaimed, her tone shifting to a mix of realization and annoyance.
"And if it was? What're you gonna do about it?" Thalia countered, her smirk turning devious.
"How about I bury your room in stuffed animals?" Melody shot back, her tone playful, drawing laughter from the group.
"Alright, let's stay focused," Adrien interjected, his calm voice cutting through the humor.
Alya: You mean the way Majestia does it. (shows her a picture of Majestia on her phone) She says all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing. (pointing at Chloé) Well, that girl over there is evil, and we are the good people. We can't let her get away with it.
Marinette: Well, that's easier said than done. She likes to make my life miserable.
Alya: That's cause you let her, girl! You just need more confidence!
Marinette: (grabs a macaron from the box and gives half to Alya) Marinette.
Alya: Alya.
"And that was the start of our wonderful friendship!" Alya declared cheerfully, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. She turned to Marinette with a warm smile, one that was quickly mirrored by her friend.
Miss Bustier: For those of you who don't yet know me, I'm Miss Bustier. I'll be your teacher this year.
Chloé: Ugh, he should have been here by now.
Scene: Outside the school. Adrien is about to enter the school but Nathalie tries to make him change his mind.
Nathalie: Adrien, please reconsider! You know what your father wants!
Adrien: But, this is what I wanna do! (sees Wang Fu trying to get up and helps him)
Wang Fu: Thank you, young man.
Adrien: Just wanna go to school like everybody else. What's so wrong with that? Please don't tell my father about all this.
"Wait, why does that bother you so much?" Nino asked, leaning forward, his curiosity evident in his tone.
"Because I don't get to interact with other people," Adrien admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. He glanced away, his shoulders slumping slightly as if the weight of his confession was too much to bear. "Every day feels like I'm stuck in a bubble, cut off from the rest of the world."
"Hey, just saying," Melody chimed in, her tone thoughtful as she tapped a finger against her chin, "while homeschooling lets you learn at your own pace, it does have its downsides—like not picking up on social cues or not interacting much with others." Her gaze turned empathetic as she added, "And Adrien's situation is even worse since he's not allowed to go outside. Most homeschooled kids go on trips or do activities with learning opportunities." She paused for a moment before continuing, "I know this because two of my friends are homeschooled. They've got way more freedom than what you're describing, Adrien."
"Exactly," Adrien said, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "It's not just the homeschooling itself—it's the isolation. I mean, learning is great and all, but what's the point if you can't actually live your life?"
Nino nodded, his expression softening. "Man, I didn't realize it was that rough for you," he said quietly. "I mean, I guess I knew your dad was strict, but... I didn't think it was this bad."
Melody gave Adrien a small, encouraging smile. "You deserve more than just studying in a gilded cage, Adrien. Everyone needs connection—friends, experiences, even just making mistakes and learning from them."
Adrien's lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes remained clouded with thought. "Yeah," he said softly. "It's just... not that simple for me."
(They get in the car and leave as Fu watches them with a smile. Then he leaves as he starts whistling.)
"Wait, dude, you met him too?" Nino asked, his tone full of surprise, his eyebrows shooting up as he leaned closer to Adrien. His ever-present cap tilted precariously as if reflecting his sudden excitement.
"Yup," Adrien replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. There was a flicker of something—amusement, perhaps, or maybe resignation—as he added with a knowing nod, "Though now it all makes sense. Every piece of the puzzle is finally clicking into place."
"Why does he show up everywhere?" Alix chimed in, her curiosity evident despite the slightly exasperated edge to her voice. She leaned forward on the table, her bright eyes narrowing as if trying to solve the mystery herself. "I mean, seriously, is he tracking us or something? It's starting to get kind of creepy."
"Maybe he's just really invested in Paris's most chaotic teenagers," Nino suggested with a smirk, though there was a nervous undertone to his humor. "Or—plot twist—he's secretly got a really weird hobby involving us."
Adrien chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It's not like that," he said, his tone reassuring, though he hesitated for a moment, his expression briefly clouding. "At least... I hope not."
The group exchanged uneasy glances, the air between them thick with anticipation. Whatever this man's connection to their lives was, it felt like more than just coincidence—and the answers might be closer than they dared to believe.
Scene: Miss Bustier's classroom.
Miss Bustier: Those of you who have P.E., Mr. D'Argencourt is expecting you at the stadium. The rest of you can head over to the library.
Ivan: Kim!
Miss Bustier: Ivan, what is going on?
Ivan: It's Kim! I'm so gonna get...
Miss Bustier: Ivan, go to the principal's office.
(Ivan rumbles the paper note, Kim gave it to him and walks away angrily.)
"Well, at least now we know why he was akumatized," Marinette said thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing as she tapped a finger against her chin. "Still, I can't help but wonder if there's more to it. Hawkmoth always seems to find a way to exploit the smallest cracks in someone's emotions."
"Yeah, Kim, that really wasn't very nice," Mylène added, her tone gentle but laced with a quiet firmness that made Kim shift uncomfortably. "You might not have meant anything by it, but words can cut deeper than you think." She folded her arms across her chest, her usually soft expression clouded with concern.
Kim opened his mouth to retort, but the weight of his guilt stopped him. He glanced down, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't think it'd hit him that hard," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "It was just a joke."
Marinette crossed her arms, her expression softening slightly. "Maybe it's time we all started thinking a little more about how we treat each other," she said. "Especially now. It's not just about us anymore—every time someone gets hurt, Hawk Moth is ready to twist that pain into something dangerous."
The group fell silent for a moment, the weight of her words settling over them like a storm cloud. Outside, the distant hum of Paris seemed unusually quiet, as though the city itself was holding its breath.
Scene: Hawk Moth's Lair. The window opens.
Hawk Moth: Negative emotions. This is perfect. Just what I need. Anger, sadness... Burn a hole into his heart, my horrible akuma. (turns a butterfly into an akuma) Fly away, my little akuma, and evilize him!
"Wow, this Hawk-daddy really needs to chill. How many times has he failed now?!" Melody exclaimed, completely oblivious to the collective what-the-heck stares she was receiving from everyone around her.
"What?" she asked, blinking in confusion as she finally noticed the looks.
"Oh! The 'daddy' comment? Yeah, that's just because his civilian identity is a father," Melody explained with a casual shrug. "Also, me low-key wanting to roast him while cursing him out at the same time."
Scene: Principal's office. Ivan opens the door without knocking.
Denis Damoclès: Excuse me, young man. Hasn't anyone ever taught you to knock? Go on. Out you go, try it again! Go on, knock.
(The akuma flies into the paper wad.)
Hawk Moth: Stoneheart, I am Hawk Moth. I give you the power to seek revenge on those who have wronged you.
"OH, so that is how he does it," Marinette muttered, her tone a mix of realization and determination. Her eyes narrowed, a spark of clarity igniting in their depths as she began piecing together a strategy in her mind. Her fingers drummed rhythmically against the table, a telltale sign that her mental gears were turning at full speed.
Ivan: Okay, Hawk Moth. (turns into Stoneheart)
Denis Damoclès: Well, come on in.
(Stoneheart kicks the door, breaks it and enters.)
Stoneheart: KIMMM!
Everyone immediately sent Kim an unamused look, the collective disapproval practically radiating off the group. Even Lila and Chloé, for once united, simply rolled their eyes, their expressions a mix of exasperation and boredom.
"Not cool, Kim," Alya said pointedly, though a mischievous grin quickly spread across her face. Her excitement bubbled over as she clasped her hands together. "But this'll be very interesting to watch from the heroes' perspective soon," she added with a squeal, her tone practically vibrating with anticipation.
She shot a knowing look toward Marinette, her expression sly, as though she was already imagining how Ladybug and Chat Noir would tackle the chaos brewing. Marinette stiffened for a split second under the weight of Alya's gaze, but she quickly masked it with a small, innocent smile.
"Uh, yeah," Marinette said, fumbling slightly, her voice taking on a high-pitched edge. "Definitely... interesting." She averted her eyes, busying herself with adjusting her bag while desperately trying to redirect her mind from thoughts of miraculous suits and lucky charms.
Kim, meanwhile, raised his hands defensively. "Okay, okay, I get it! My bad," he muttered, though his sheepish grin betrayed that he wasn't entirely repentant. "But you have to admit—this'll make for one epic showdown."
Marinette suppressed a groan as the group began animatedly discussing potential outcomes, Alya leading the charge with vivid speculations. All the while, Marinette's mind raced, already planning how she'd need to handle this before it spiraled completely out of control.
Scene: Library. Marinette and Alya are thrown to the floor while the other students see Stoneheart in the security camera.
Alya: Come on!
Student: Did you hear that?
Stoneheart: KIMMM!
Denis Damoclès: Hello? Is this the police? Get me the army!
Marinette: Wh-what's going on? He had Ivan's voice?
Alya: It's as if he's been transformed into a real-life supervillain! GPS, check. Battery, check. I am so outta here!
Marinette: Hey! Where are you going!
Alya: Where there's a supervillain, there's always a superhero close behind! No way I'm missing this!
"Alya, you can't keep doing this—it's dangerous, especially since the akumas have been getting more life-threatening lately," Marinette whispered, her tone firm as she shot Alya a warning look. "Look, you can record when Rena Rouge isn't needed, but you have to stick to rooftops. No exceptions."
Marinette looks back at the security camera screen. She sees Stoneheart pick up a car and throw it at the security camera. breaking it and showing a rainbow error screen)
Stoneheart: KIM! (Marinette winces)
Scene: Agreste mansion. Wang Fu is outside with a little : Who was the first president of the 5th French Republic?
Adrien: Everyone thinks it was de Gaulle, but it was actually René Coty before the first elections.
Nathalie: Excellent, Adrien.
Gabriel: Give me a minute, would you, Nathalie?
Nathalie: Yes sir.
Gabriel: (to Adrien) You are NOT going to school. I've already told you.
Adrien: But Father...
Gabriel: Everything you need is right here where I can keep an eye on you. I will not have you outside in that dangerous world.
Adrien: It's not dangerous, Father. I'm always stuck in here by myself. Why can't I go out and make friends just like everybody else?
Gabriel: Because you are not like everyone else! You are my son! Continue.
Nathalie: We can leave it there for today if you have– (Adrien runs away)
"I've always hated when parents pull the 'you're not like everyone else, you're my child' card," Melody stated, her tone sharp as her arms crossed over her chest. Her expression darkened with a mix of annoyance and exasperation, as though just saying it out loud brought back a flood of irritating memories. "Like, I already know that, okay? Still doesn't excuse the parent. That doesn't give them a free pass to ignore how their actions affect us."
The group fell quiet for a moment, her words hanging heavily in the air. Even Chloé raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by Melody's candid remark.
"Preach," Alya said, nodding in agreement as she leaned forward on the table. "Some parents act like being family means you owe them blind loyalty, no matter what. That's not how it works. Respect has to go both ways."
Adrien, sitting quietly, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He opened his mouth as if to speak but hesitated, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve. "Sometimes," he said softly, "it's not even about loyalty. It's like they use love as... as a leash. Something to control you with, instead of setting you free."
Marinette's gaze softened as she glanced at "Adrien, sensing the layers of hurt behind his words. "That's not how love is supposed to work," she said gently, her voice filled with quiet conviction. "It's supposed to support you, not trap you."
Melody gave a small huff, her annoyance melting into something more reflective. "Exactly," she murmured. "Parents are supposed to guide us, not guilt us into being what they want."
The conversation trailed off into a thoughtful silence, the weight of their shared experiences uniting them in an unspoken understanding.
Scene: Adrien's room. Adrien is lying in bed when he hears some thumping, and goes outside to see the police about to fire at Stoneheart.
Roger: Ready? Fire! (The police fire at Stoneheart, but he gets bigger.)
Stoneheart: KIM!
(Adrien turns on his TV.)
André: I'm asking all Parisians to stay home until this situation is under control.
News Crews: Mr Bourgeois. Mr Bourgeois!
Nadja: As incredible as it seems, it's been confirmed that Paris is indeed being attacked by a supervillain. The police have been struggling to keep the situation under control
Roger: Be confident, the strong arm of the law will come crashing down on the... I mean, the other arm.
"Well, at least the news travels fast," Adrien commented, his tone laced with dry humor. He leaned back slightly in his chair, crossing his arms with a faint, sardonic smile tugging at his lips.
"Seriously," Alya chimed in, shaking her head as she scrolled through her phone. "It's like everyone in Paris has an alert system for drama. I bet this'll be trending in under an hour."
Marinette sighed, resting her chin on her hand. "That's not exactly comforting, Alya," she muttered, her voice tinged with worry. "The last thing we need is more people stirring things up."
"True," Nino added, adjusting his cap. "But hey, at least it keeps us on our toes, right?" He tried to sound optimistic, though the unease in his voice gave him away.
Scene: Marinette's room. Marinette is cowering on her seat.
Marinette: I hate first days back at school... (sees a little box) Huh?
Adrien: (sees a little box) Huh?
Marinette and Adrien: (confused) What's this doing here? (they open the little boxes and start glowing)
"Wow, you two are in sync," Melody commented, a teasing smile playing on her lips as she glanced between Marinette and Adrien. Her tone was light, but there was a hint of genuine curiosity in her eyes.
Alya, however, wasn't smiling. She sent a quick, almost pleading look toward Marinette, clearly worried about how her best friend might react if her secret—one she had guarded so fiercely—were to be revealed. Her fingers tightened slightly around her phone as though bracing for the fallout.
Meanwhile, Plagg, perched inconspicuously on Adrien's shoulder, glanced up at his chosen. His usual mischievous smirk was absent, replaced with something softer, almost protective. With a rare show of tenderness, the tiny Kwami placed a hand on Adrien's discreetly, his gesture silent but meaningful.
Adrien's lips twitched into a faint smile, drawing strength from Plagg's quiet support. He didn't say anything, and just continued looking at the screen.
(In Marinette's room, Tikki appears after the glow fades, causing Marinette to become terrified.)
Is Marinette possibly Ladybug!? Adrien thought, his mind racing as he tried to process the revelation. His eyes widened briefly, the confusion etched across his face giving way to a mix of curiosity and intrigue.
He glanced at Marinette, who seemed entirely unaware of his internal turmoil, her focus elsewhere as she talked with the others. His heart thumped louder in his chest, the pieces of a puzzle he hadn't even known he was solving starting to click into place. The way she always seemed to know what to do, her sudden disappearances, the fire in her eyes whenever she talked about protecting others—it all lined up.
Could it really be her? he wondered, leaning slightly forward as if he could uncover the truth just by observing her a little more closely. A part of him felt a flicker of guilt for not realizing sooner, while another part was undeniably fascinated. If it was true, it only made him admire her more.
Adrien's confusion shifted into quiet anticipation. He wasn't sure what was going to happen next, but one thing was certain—this revelation was about to change everything.
Marinette: Ahh! Help! It's a giant bug! A... a mouse! A... a bug-mouse!
Tikki: Everything's okay! Don't be scared!
Marinette: Ahh! Bug mouse talks! (throws things at Tikki, which she dodges)
"Bug-mouse?" Alya asked, her tone dripping with amusement as she leaned forward, her grin growing wider with each passing second. The nickname clearly tickled her, and she wasn't about to let it slide unnoticed.
Marinette groaned softly, rolling her eyes at her friend's relentless teasing. "Tikki just caught me off guard, okay?" she retorted, crossing her arms as a faint blush dusted her cheeks. "I wasn't expecting a kwami to just appear out of jewelry." Her voice rose slightly at the end, as if trying to justify her initial reaction.
Alya chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Fair, but still... bug-mouse? That's golden, girl. Like, that's going into the journal of epic Marinette moments," she said, pulling out her phone dramatically as if she were about to document it.
Marinette let out an exasperated sigh but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, ha ha," she said sarcastically, though there was a hint of warmth in her tone. "Maybe next time you meet a magical being out of nowhere, I'll make sure to give you a ridiculous nickname too."
"Challenge accepted," Alya shot back, her laughter filling the room as Tikki floated into view, giggling softly.
"I thought it was a cute reaction," Tikki said sweetly, earning a fond smile from Marinette and another round of teasing from Alya.
Scene: Adrien's room. Plagg appears, to Adrien's astonishment. Plagg yawns.
Adrien: (is about to touch Plagg) No way... Like the genie in the lamp!
Plagg: (stops him) I met him once. So he grants wishes. Big deal! I'm way more personable! Plagg. Nice to meet you. Ooh, swanky... (flies off, touching random things)
"Wow, two completely different reactions, haha," Melody snickered, her amusement clearly reflected in her eyes as she glanced between Marinette and Alya. Her grin widened as she leaned back slightly, clearly enjoying the contrast.
"Hey, not everyone meets a tiny, magical being with total composure," Marinette said defensively, though the embarrassed smile on her face betrayed her attempt to play it cool.
Alya, still chuckling, nudged Marinette with her elbow. "True, but not everyone greets them with 'bug-mouse.' That's next-level iconic, girl," she teased, earning a groan from Marinette.
Melody shook her head, her snickers turning into a full laugh. "Honestly, I think both of your reactions were perfect. Alya acts like she's been training her whole life to meet a kwami, and Marinette... well, let's just say she kept it real."
"Real embarrassing," Marinette muttered under her breath, but the laughter around her was infectious, and she soon found herself smiling along with them.
Adrien: No! Don't touch that! Come back here!
Plagg: Ooh! So shiny! Can you eat this? (tries to bite the game arcade's joystick) Argh, no, you can't! Ooh, what about this? (flies off)
Scene: Marinette's room. Marinette continues throwing things at Tikki until she finds a glass.
Tikki: Listen, Marinette. I know everything may seem a bit strange to you... (Marinette traps her in the glass cup, making her voice muffled) Okay, if that makes you feel safer...
Marinette: What are you, and how do you know my name?
Tikki: (muffled) I am a kwami, and my name is Tikki. Now just let me explain.
"Alrighty, Tikki, Plagg, you've both already been revealed, so go ahead and sit on your holders' shoulders," Melody declared with a grin. "I want you Kwamis to react to the show too. The rest of the Kwamis will be brought in as they're either mentioned or appear in the episodes."
Scene: Adrien's room. Plagg tries to eat the remote controller. Meanwhile Adrien is climbing on his rock wall; when he gets to the highest point he jumps on Plagg, catching him; Plagg yells in surprise.
Adrien: I still don't know what you're doing here.
Plagg: Look, I'm a kwami. I grant powers. Yours is the power of destruction, got it?
Adrien: (shakes head) Uh-uh.
Plagg: (starts looking around) Good. Now, got anything to eat? I'm starving...
Adrien: (gets up while still holding Plagg) My dad's pranking me, right? Wait, he couldn't be. He has no sense of humor.
"I don't believe he ever had a sense of humor at all," Nino commented, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow in skepticism. His tone was light, but the disbelief was clear.
"Yeah, gotta agree with that," Adrien replied, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. There was a knowing look in his eyes, but his smile was subdued, as though the memory tied to the statement wasn't exactly a pleasant one.
Plagg: (flies out of Adrien's hands) Your father must never know that I exist! Or anyone for that matter.
Scene: Marinette's room. Marinette is attempting to open the trapdoor.
Marinette: Mom! Dad!
Tikki: No, no, no! Shh! No! (flies out of the glass) I'm your friend, Marinette! You must trust me. You're the only one who can stop Stoneheart!
"So this is the start of keeping everyone's identities secret?" Alya asked, her tone curious as she turned to look directly at Marinette. Her arms crossed, but her expression was more intrigued than accusatory, a spark of journalistic fascination lighting up her eyes.
Marinette hesitated for a moment, her lips pressing into a thin line as she carefully considered her response. "It's... not just about keeping secrets," she said slowly, choosing her words with care. "It's about keeping everyone safe. The fewer people who know, the less chance there is for things to go wrong."
Alya raised an eyebrow but nodded thoughtfully. "I get that, but it must be hard, right? Keeping all of that bottled up? Not being able to share it with anyone?"
Marinette's gaze dropped for a brief second before she looked back at Alya, her smile small but resolute. "It is. But protecting everyone—my friends, my family, even people I've never met—that's what matters most. Sometimes keeping secrets is the price we pay for that."
Adrien, standing nearby, spoke up softly, his voice tinged with understanding. "It's not easy, but Marinette's right. Sometimes, it's better to carry the burden alone if it means protecting the people you care about."
Alya studied them both for a moment before leaning back with a sigh. "Okay, fine," she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "But just know that if you ever need to share that burden... we're here for you."
Marinette's heart warmed at the gesture, and she offered a grateful nod. "Thanks, Alya. That means a lot."
"So this is the start of keeping everyone's identities secret?" Alya asked, her tone curious as she turned to look directly at Marinette. Her arms crossed, but her expression was more intrigued than accusatory, a spark of journalistic fascination lighting up her eyes.
Marinette hesitated for a moment, her lips pressing into a thin line as she carefully considered her response. "It's... not just about keeping secrets," she said slowly, choosing her words with care. "It's about keeping everyone safe. The fewer people who know, the less chance there is for things to go wrong."
Alya raised an eyebrow but nodded thoughtfully. "I get that, but it must be hard, right? Keeping all of that bottled up? Not being able to share it with anyone?"
Marinette's gaze dropped for a brief second before she looked back at Alya, her smile small but resolute. "It is. But protecting everyone—my friends, my family, even people I've never met—that's what matters most. Sometimes keeping secrets is the price we pay for that."
Adrien, standing nearby, spoke up softly, his voice tinged with understanding. "It's not easy, but Marinette's right. Sometimes, it's better to carry the burden alone if it means protecting the people you care about."
Alya studied them both for a moment before leaning back with a sigh. "Okay, fine," she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "But just know that if you ever need to share that burden... we're here for you."
Marinette's heart warmed at the gesture, and she offered a grateful nod. "Thanks, Alya. That means a lot."
Scene: Fu's massage room. Wayzz still doubts the Chosen Ones are the right ones as Master Fu closes the Miracle Box in the gramophone.
Wayzz: Do you think they'll be up to it, Master?
Wang Fu: I only got it wrong once. It will never happen again. At least I hope not. (closes the box and gramophone)
Scene: Marinette's room.
Marinette: This must be some mistake! The only superpower I could possibly have is super-awkwardness... I know! Alya would know! That's my friend. Well, at least I think she would... She loves superheroes! She'd totally be up for the job! You should totally go see her!
Tikki: Marinette, you are the chosen one! (Marinette is taken aback)
"And I was right!" Tikki said happily, her tiny voice bursting with enthusiasm as she floated in front of Marinette, her eyes sparkling with pride.
Marinette rolled her eyes fondly, unable to suppress a small smile. "Yes, Tikki, you were right. Again," she replied, her tone laced with mock exasperation. "I don't know why I even bother doubting you at this point."
"Because you're stubborn," Tikki teased, her grin widening as she did a little loop in the air.
Adrien chuckled softly, watching the interaction with an amused expression. "She's got you there, Marinette," he said, earning a playful glare from her.
"Don't encourage her," Marinette muttered, though the warmth in her tone betrayed her words.
"Hey, when you've been around for thousands of years like Tikki," Alya chimed in, grinning, "I think it's safe to say she's earned the right to be right most of the time."
Tikki beamed at the compliment, her wings fluttering with delight. "Thank you, Alya! See, Marinette? Your friends understand."
Marinette sighed dramatically, though the smile tugging at her lips made it clear she wasn't truly annoyed. "Great. Now she has backup."
Scene: Adrien's room.
Adrien: But I'm stuck here! I'm not even let to go to school! What good is a superhero who's imprisoned in his own house!
Plagg: (rolling on top of a toilet paper roll) No good. That's why it's all going to change soon. If you're willing to change, that is.
(Adrien looks at the ring.)
Scene: Marinette's room. Marinette puts on the Ladybug Miraculous.
Marinette: Okay, so all I have to do is break the object where the whatchama-call-it is hiding?
Tikki: It's called an akuma. Which you must encapture.
Marinette: Got it! Capture it! And what's that charm thing again?
Tikki: The Lucky Charm! It's your secret superpower!
Marinette: (groans) This is all going too fast, Tikki. I-I... won't be able to pull this off!
Tikki: Trust yourself, Marinette. Just say "Spots on".
[ Transformation Sequence ]
Marinette: Spots on? (the earrings activate) Whoa! What is happening?! (Marinette transforms into Ladybug for the first time)
"Tikki, you should have warned her!" Alya exclaimed, her tone a mix of amusement and exasperation as she crossed her arms and gave the tiny kwami a pointed look.
Tikki floated in the air, her small hands clasped together in an almost apologetic gesture. "I tried!" she said defensively, her voice rising slightly. "But Marinette was so focused, and, well... things escalated faster than I expected!"
Marinette groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Oh, great, now it's my fault," she muttered, though the playful edge in her voice betrayed her.
"It kind of is, though," Adrien teased with a soft chuckle. "You do have a habit of jumping in headfirst."
Marinette peeked at him through her fingers, her mock glare not entirely convincing. "Says the guy who's literally Cat Noir. I've seen you leap into trouble more times than I can count."
"Touché," Adrien admitted, raising his hands in surrender, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.
Alya, meanwhile, shook her head, clearly enjoying the banter. "You two are impossible," she said with a smirk. "But seriously, Tikki, next time just shout if you have to."
Tikki giggled, her wings fluttering. "I'll keep that in mind," she said sweetly, before adding with a cheeky grin, "but only if Marinette promises to listen!"
"Hey!" Marinette protested, her hands dropping to her hips as the group burst into laughter.
Scene: Adrien's room. Adrien puts on the Cat Miraculous.
Plagg: Claws out! That's how you transform.
Adrien: Got it.
[ Transformation Sequence ]
Adrien: Plagg, claws out!
Plagg: No, wait! I haven't finished explaining!- (enters the ring)
(Adrien transforms into Cat Noir)
Cat Noir: Too cool!
"I'm sorry, you wanted to talk about jumping into things headfirst?" Marinette asked Adrien, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she raised an eyebrow at him. Her hands rested firmly on her hips, and she tilted her head slightly, the perfect picture of mock indignation.
Adrien blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before a sheepish grin crept across his face. "Okay, fair point," he admitted, holding up his hands in surrender. "But at least I've got cat-like reflexes to back me up!"
"Uh-huh," Marinette replied, her tone still sarcastic as she folded her arms. "Because your 'cat-like reflexes' totally saved you when you fell into that fountain last week, right?"
Nino burst out laughing, clapping Adrien on the back. "She's got you there, dude!" he said, barely containing his amusement.
Adrien groaned, running a hand through his hair as a light blush dusted his cheeks. "That was one time!"
"One time too many," Alya quipped, grinning as she joined in on the teasing.
Marinette smirked triumphantly, enjoying the rare moment of having the upper hand in their banter. "Just remember, Adrien," she said with a playful glint in her eye, "even cats need to think before they leap."
Adrien chuckled despite himself, shaking his head. "Point taken, Bug-mouse," he replied with a teasing grin, earning a groan of protest from Marinette as the group erupted into laughter once again.
Scene: Marinette's room. Marinette, now as Ladybug, is still confused with her suit.
Ladybug: (groans) how this thing come off? Tikki, if you can hear me, I want my normal clothes back. I'm not going anywhere! (sees the news)
Nadja: After breaking the shuttle tower, Stoneheart is heading towards the Montparnasse tower. The monster seems to be unstoppable!
Ladybug: (sees Alya going after Stoneheart and gasps) Alya?
Sabine: Marinette! Did you get home okay?
Ladybug: Uhh... yeah, Mom! Just super! (goes upstairs)
Sabine: Marinette? You in here? Tom, we better call the school.
(On Marinette's balcony.)
Ladybug: Okay, I have special powers!... and apparently this amazing super yo-yo thingy? (grasps the yo-yo to a gargoyle statue, pulls the yo-yo and it whisks her to the other side)
(In the streets)
Cat Noir: (while tightrope walking over his staff) I'm starting to get the hang of this. (sees Ladybug falling onto him. They both fall and get hung by the yo-yo which is attached to Cat Noir's staff)
Cat Noir: Well, hey there. Nice of you to drop in.
Ladybug: Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't do it on purpose.
Cat Noir: I bet you're the partner my kwami told me about. I'm... Cat Noir. Yeah, Cat Noir. And you?
Ladybug: I'm Ma... err... Mar... uhh... (pulls the yo-yo and it hits Cat Noir's head) Madly Clumsy. I'm so clumsy.
Cat Noir: No sweat, clumsy girl. I'm learning the ropes too.
(Suddenly, the floor trembles. Cat Noir sees a building falling and goes to where it is.)
Ladybug: Hey! Wait, where are you going?
Cat Noir: To save Paris, right?
Ladybug: Ugh. (to herself) Trust yourself, trust yourself... (uses the yo-yo to swing around and follows Cat Noir)
"Really?" Marinette asked, her tone dripping with disbelief as she fixed Adrien with a raised eyebrow.
Adrien shrugged, his grin widening as he leaned casually against the table. "What? It's a good nickname," he said, clearly enjoying her reaction.
"Good for you, maybe," Marinette shot back, crossing her arms. "But I don't think 'Bug-mouse' is going to catch on anytime soon."
"Actually," Alya interjected, her tone full of mischief as she pulled out her phone, "I think it's kind of adorable. Might have to make it a hashtag."
"Alya, don't you dare," Marinette warned, her eyes narrowing as Alya feigned innocence, her fingers hovering over her screen.
"Too late!" Alya replied with a triumphant grin, making an exaggerated typing motion.
"Seriously?!" Marinette groaned, burying her face in her hands as Nino and Adrien burst out laughing.
"Hey, don't worry," Adrien teased, his tone playful. "I'll make sure it stays just between us... and anyone who follows Alya's blog."
Marinette peeked at him through her fingers, her glare half-hearted. "I'm surrounded by traitors."
"You're surrounded by friends," Alya corrected with a wink. "Friends who just happen to find you very meme-worthy."
Marinette groaned again, but the faint smile tugging at her lips gave her away.
Scene: Parc des Princes. The students are done with P.E. But then Stoneheart appears.
Stoneheart: KIMMM! So, who's the wuss now?
(Kim runs away from Stoneheart, but he trips and falls.)
Cat Noir: Hey, it's not very nice to pick on people who are smaller than you.
"If I didn't know any better, I wouldn't have guessed what you just said is an annoying pun," Marinette said, sending an annoyed look in Adrien's direction.
Adrien smirked, leaning casually against the table with that signature, almost infuriatingly charming grin. "What can I say? It's a talent," he replied, clearly proud of himself.
"A talent in being annoying," Marinette muttered under her breath, though the corners of her mouth betrayed her attempt to stay mad.
"Hey, don't knock it," Adrien said, holding up his hands in mock defense. "Annoying puns are an art form, and I'm a master artist.
Marinette rolled her eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't get stuck. "More like a master of driving me up the wall," she shot back.
Nino chuckled, nudging Adrien. "You do set yourself up for this stuff, dude. Maybe tone it down before she actually loses it on you."
Adrien shrugged, unfazed. "I'd argue she secretly enjoys it," he said, giving Marinette a knowing look.
Marinette's cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly looked away, crossing her arms. "Keep telling yourself that, Agreste," she retorted, though her tone had softened.
Alya leaned over to Nino, her grin wide. "She totally enjoys it," she whispered loud enough for Marinette to hear, earning a flustered groan from her best friend and another round of laughter from the group.
Stoneheart: I guess you're talking about yourself.
Hawk Moth: Everything's going to plan. Ladybug and Cat Noir's Miraculous have been activated. Here they come to save the day, and now my supervillain will destroy them.
(Cat Noir hits Stoneheart with his stick, but he gets bigger.)
Cat Noir: Where are you, partner?
Ladybug: Oh, I can't. I'm not gonna be able to do it... (Stoneheart throws a field goal away. The net is about to hit Alya but Cat Noir saves her)
Alya: What are you waiting for, super red bug? The world is watching you!
(Ladybug suddenly gets filled with courage. As her heartbeat was heard off-screen. She enters the stadium to fight Stoneheart.)
"Thank you, Alya, for that small sense of courage," Marinette said, her tone steady but tinged with a seriousness that silenced the playful atmosphere. She met her best friend's gaze with a soft smile, though her eyes carried a weight of responsibility. "But I'd rather you be safe than in danger."
Alya frowned, her lips pressing into a thin line. She crossed her arms, clearly not thrilled by Marinette's response. "Come on, girl," she said, her voice firm. "You know I can handle myself. I've been through enough akuma attacks to know the risks—and how to keep my head in a crisis."
"I know you're strong, Alya," Marinette replied, her voice softening, "but this isn't just about being brave or capable. It's about what could happen if something went wrong. If someone like Shadow Moth knew you were involved, he'd use that against me. Against all of us." She hesitated, the weight of her words sinking in. "I couldn't live with myself if you got hurt because of me."
Alya's expression softened slightly, but she still looked unconvinced. "You can't just shut everyone out, Marinette. We're your friends. We want to help you. You don't have to do this alone."
Marinette smiled faintly, the warmth in her expression undercut by the sadness in her eyes. "I'm not alone," she said quietly. "I have all of you to keep me grounded, to remind me why I fight. But some things... some things, I have to carry by myself. It's not because I don't trust you. It's because I trust you so much that I need to keep you safe." Her words hung in the air, heavy with conviction, as Alya finally nodded, though her reluctance was clear. Marinette reached out and squeezed her hand gently. "That's how I know I'm doing the right thing."
Ladybug: Animal cruelty? How shameful!
Alya: Yes!
Ladybug: Sorry it took so long, Cat Noir.
Cat Noir: It's cool, Wonderbug. Now, let's kick his rocky behind!
Ladybug: Wait! (grabs his tail) Haven't you noticed? He gets bigger and stronger with every attack. We have to do something different.
Cat Noir: Different how?
Ladybug: Uhhh... I don't know.
Cat Noir: Okay then. Let's use our powers. Cataclysm! Apparently I destroy whatever I touch.
Ladybug: I don't need a superpower to destroy everything.
Cat Noir: (uses his Cataclysm to destroy the field goal)
Ladybug: No, don't do that!
Cat Noir: Cool. It's just you and me now! Time to rumble, soon-to-be rubble!
Ladybug: Cat Noir! Wait!
(Cat Noir leaps towards Stoneheart to try and defeat him, but realizes his power is not activated.)
Cat Noir: Uh-oh. I guess I only get one shot to use my power. (waves sheepishly; Stoneheart kicks him away)
Ladybug: And you only have five minutes before you transform back. Didn't your kwami explain anything to you?
Cat Noir: I guess I was a little excited about my new life.
"Adrien…" Marinette began, her voice trailing off as she shook her head, her expression hovering between exasperation and amusement. She didn't even bother finishing her sentence, knowing that whatever she said would only encourage him further.
Ladybug: Well, up to me. Lucky Charm! (A suit appears)
Cat Noir: Super power?
Ladybug: My kwami told me I have to break the object where the whatchama-call-it... er, the akuma is hiding.
Cat Noir: Well, he's made entirely out of stone.
Ladybug: His right hand, it's still closed. He never opens it. It's like the Russian dolls. The object isn't on him, it's hidden in his fist!
Cat Noir: So what's your plan?
Ladybug: Hmmm... (looking around, she spots Stoneheart's right arm, Alya and a hose) This! (grabs the hose and ties it to the suit. Then ties Cat Noir's feet with her yo-yo.) Don't resist. Trust me.
Cat Noir: This girl's crazy! (gets thrown and Stoneheart gets him)
Ladybug: Catch me if you can! (Stoneheart drops the akumatized object and grabs Ladybug)
Ladybug: And now... Alya, the tap!
(Alya goes to the water tap and opens it. The water sprouts and inflates the suit. Stoneheart lets go of her. Ladybug breaks the akumatized object and the Akuma flies away. Stoneheart is turned back into Ivan.)
"There were other ways I could've adjusted the plan, hmmm," Marinette muttered thoughtfully, her brow furrowed as she paced back and forth. Her mind churned over every detail, analyzing and reanalyzing the strategy she'd implemented.
Tikki hovered nearby, watching her with a mixture of fondness and concern. "Marinette, you did the best you could with the information you had at the time," the kwami reassured gently. "Second-guessing yourself won't change what happened."
"I know, Tikki," Marinette sighed, pausing for a moment. "It's just... There's always room for improvement. If I'd been a bit quicker, or if I'd seen the signs earlier, maybe things would've gone smoother." Her voice was steady, but the frustration underneath was palpable.
Adrien stepped forward, offering a supportive smile. "Hey, don't be so hard on yourself," he said warmly. "Plans are important, but sometimes things just happen, no matter how well you prepare. And you still managed to pull it off."
Marinette's expression softened slightly, though the thoughtful glint in her eyes remained. "Thanks, Adrien. I guess I just need to trust myself more." With a determined nod, she added, "But next time, I'll be ready for anything."
Cat Noir: This girl is awesome. She's crazy awesome.
Ivan: What's going on? What am I doing here?
Cat Noir: You were incredible, miss... uh... Bug lady. You did it!
Ladybug: We both did it, partner.
Ladybug Cat Noir: Pound it! (Cat Noir's Miraculous beeps)
"Oh, so that's how our post-battle tradition of saying 'Pound it!' began," Alya remarked thoughtfully, a glint of realization in her eyes. "I always wondered why we kept doing that."
"Yeah, I guess it just stuck," Marinette responded, a gentle smile playing at her lips as her gaze drifted to Adrien. His soft grin mirrored hers, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.
Ladybug: You should get going. Our identities must remain secret.
Cat Noir: Farewell, m'lady. Let's do this again soon, okay?
Ladybug: Uh-huh. Not too soon, I hope. (sees Ivan, grabs the paper and reads it) "You haven't even got the guts to tell Mylène you love her, wuss." Aw...
Ivan: Kim wrote it. He's always making fun of me.
Ladybug: You know, you shouldn't get so bent out of shape about that. There's no shame in telling someone you love them, Ivan.
Ivan: Hey, how do you know my name, miss?
Ladybug: Uh...
Alya: Uncanny, amazing, spectacular! Are you gonna be protecting Paris from now on? How did you get your powers? Did you get stung by a radioactive Ladybug? Oh, I've got a ton of questions to ask you, uh, miss... uhh...
Ladybug: Uhh... Ladybug! Call me Ladybug.
Alya: Ladybug... Super awesome!
"See? You're always amazing, girl!" Alya exclaimed, pulling Marinette into a warm embrace. Marinette laughed softly, returning the hug despite the lingering nerves from their latest challenge. "I couldn't have done it without you," she admitted, her voice filled with gratitude.
Alya pulled back, raising an eyebrow. "Don't even start with that modesty nonsense. You were the one in the thick of it, handling everything like a total pro."
Marinette shook her head, her cheeks tinting pink. "Maybe, but having you there makes all the difference. Knowing someone has my back? That's what keeps me steady."
"You better believe it," Alya grinned. "Ride or die, remember?"
"Always," Marinette affirmed, her smile growing.
Adrien approached them with a fond expression. "Looks like you've got the best cheerleader around."
"You know it!" Alya shot back, laughing. "But don't think you're off the hook—team effort, remember?"
Adrien chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Marinette felt warmth bloom in her chest. No matter how chaotic things became, moments like these reminded her she was never truly alone.
Sabine: (from downstairs) Marinette! Dinner time!
Mr. Bourgeois: (from TV) I am pleased to announce that we will be organizing a huge celebration in honor of our city's new protectors. Ladybug and Cat Noir.
Adrien: Ladybug. Her name's Ladybug...
Plagg: Eww, wee what is this?
Adrien: Seriously? My personal chef made all this!
Plagg: If you expect me to get my energy back after the transformation, I need to eat something more... delicate!
Adrien: Okay. What do you want?
"Let me guess—Camembert?" Adrien quipped sarcastically, rolling his eyes at his kwami's antics. His expression shifted into exasperation as he facepalmed, releasing a weary sigh. "Do you ever think about anything else, Plagg?"
"Not really," Plagg replied lazily, floating beside him with an unapologetic grin. "Why would I? It's perfection."
Adrien shook his head, half-amused despite himself. "You're impossible."
"That's what makes me charming," Plagg shot back smugly.
Marinette chuckled from nearby. "Looks like some things never change."
"And I wouldn't want them to," Adrien muttered under his breath, casting a glance her way before turning back to the ever-hungry kwami.
Scene: Eiffel Tower. The released akuma steps on top of a pole and it multiplies.
Scene: Bakery. Marinette was washing the dishes when she hears her mother watching the TV
Sabine: Oh my!
Marinette: Huh?
Nadja: Just as Paris is about to celebrate the appearance of our two new superheroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir, a new wave of panic is sweeping across the capital as dozens of people are mysteriously transformed into stone monsters. It's simply unbelievable.
Scene: Adrien's room. Adrien looks exasperated while he watches Plagg eating Camembert.
Adrien: Camembert cheese. Fantastic. All he eats is Camembert, which means I'm gonna smell like stinky old cheese.
"Same old Plagg," Adrien snickered, shaking his head in amusement.
Plagg crossed his tiny arms, pretending to look offended. "Hey, some things are worth staying consistent about—like cheese and charm."
Marinette laughed softly. "At least he's reliable about something, right?"
"Reliable is one word for it," Adrien teased, shooting a playful glance at his kwami.
"You're welcome for my endless support, by the way," Plagg huffed dramatically. "A little gratitude wouldn't hurt."
Adrien chuckled. "Fine, thanks for... being you, I guess."
"That's more like it!" Plagg grinned triumphantly.
Marinette shook her head with a smile. "You two are something else."
Adrien's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Well, if Plagg has his way, we'll be known as the cheese and chaos duo."
"I resent nothing about that," Plagg added proudly.
Nadja: These victims transformed into stone beings are still like statues. The police are perplexed as to what will happen to them. Will they come back to life or be frozen in time forever?
Adrien: Plagg? What's going on? I thought we defeated him.
Tikki and Plagg: Did you capture the akuma?
Marinette: What's capturing the akuma got to do with the other stone beings?
Tikki: An akuma can multiply, that's why it must be captured. If Ivan's emotions become negative again, then the akuma will turn him back into Stoneheart! He'll control all the stone beings and bring them to life to serve as his army!
"Tikki, why didn't you mention that at the beginning?" Marinette asked, her brows furrowed as she gazed curiously at her kwami.
Tikki hovered closer, offering a sheepish smile. "Well, you were already under so much pressure. I didn't want to overwhelm you."
Marinette crossed her arms, though her expression remained gentle. "Still, a little heads-up would've been helpful."
"I know," Tikki admitted. "But sometimes learning by experience makes you stronger."
"Sounds suspiciously like an excuse," Adrien teased from the side.
Marinette shot him a look, though amusement flickered in her eyes. "Don't encourage her."
Plagg floated by smugly. "See? Tikki keeps secrets too. I'm not the only one who's sneaky."
"I keep secrets to help, not to sneak extra snacks," Tikki retorted firmly.
Marinette chuckled. "Looks like even the perfect kwami has her moments."
Adrien laughed. "Guess that makes you two a perfect match."
Marinette: So that means... this is all my fault? I knew it! See, Tikki? I'm not cut out to be a superhero! I'm only gonna keep messing up.
Tikki: Keep calm. It was your first time. You're going to go back and capture Stoneheart's akuma, and do it successfully!
Marinette: I can't! I told you, I'm clumsy! I create disasters all the time! I'll only make things worse for me, for you, for everyone. Cat Noir will be better off without me. I'm quitting.
Adrien: SO, I can't do anything without Ladybug?
Plagg: Only Ladybug can capture akumas and repair damage caused by supervillains.
Marinette: If Cat Noir can't capture the akumas, then... just find another Ladybug. I told you, I'm not cut out to be Ladybug! (takes her earrings off) I'm sorry Tikki.
Tikki: No, don't do-
Marinette: ...Tikki? (puts the earrings back in the box and puts the box in the drawer) I'm really sorry, Tikki...
"Don't worry, everyone—it's clear I've changed my mind about not being Ladybug," Marinette reassured, her voice steady despite the weight of her words.
Alya beamed. "That's the Marinette I know! Paris needs you."
Adrien nodded, his expression filled with quiet admiration. "We all do."
Tikki hovered close to Marinette, her tiny eyes sparkling with pride. "And I know you'll keep being the amazing Ladybug you've always been."
Plagg snorted. "As long as there's less drama and more action, I'm in."
Marinette chuckled softly. "Sorry to disappoint, Plagg, but being a hero comes with its share of drama."
"Lucky for you, we thrive on it," Adrien teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
Alya grinned. "Exactly. Besides, Marinette, if anyone can handle it, it's you."
Taking a deep breath, Marinette smiled warmly. "Then I guess it's time to get back to work."
"Let's do this," Adrien agreed, extending his fist toward her in solidarity.
Scene: Hawk Moth's lair.
Hawk Moth: Ivan has a sensitive heart. It won't be long before anger and sadness strike again. And he and the stone beings will come alive. (the original akuma flies in his cane.) Then we'll see how long you'll remain hidden, Ladybug and Cat Noir. Once I have your Miraculous, you will be powerless against me. (Ivan is seen sitting on the stairs while listening to music, Adrien is sitting on his couch while he worries while Plagg is in front of him, Marinette regrets her decisions in front of her vanity) Everyone will be powerless against me! I will have absolute power! Mwahahahaha!
(The window closes.)
"Just FYI," Melody stated with a wry smile, "this is going to be a continuous thing Hawk Moth does every episode. So, I'd suggest getting used to it."
Marinette groaned, throwing her hands in the air. "Great, because dealing with akumatized villains once wasn't enough excitement for one lifetime."
Adrien smirked. "At least he's consistent."
Plagg floated lazily by. "Consistently annoying."
Tikki offered a supportive nod. "But we're consistently ready for him."
Melody shrugged. "Sounds like you've got your routine down then. Heroes and villains—it's basically a dance at this point."
Marinette sighed, but determination flickered in her eyes. "Well, if it's a dance, then we'll lead."
