In the locker room, Marinette is looking for a fencing helmet.
"This fencing gear really does suit you, Marinette" Said Tikki. "Thank you, Tikki! Let's hope wielding a saber is a lot easier than finding a helmet that fits" Said Marinette.
The helmet slips and Marinette makes a disgruntled noise, making Tikki giggle before Marinette pulls the helmet off.
"I gotta ace these try-outs! D'Argencourt is the most prestigious fencing academy in all of Paris! I've only got this one shot to show them what I've got and get onto the team!" Declared Marinette. "You've been reviewing the fencing rules all weekend, it's going to be great!" Declared Tikki. "You're right. I'm going to make quite an impression on Adrien" Said Marinette.
She slams the helmet down on the table, upsetting the others laid out. Marinette scrambles to catch them before they fall off, catching one on her foot.
"Ah, here we go! This one should fit perfectly" Said Marinette.
Marinette puts on the helmet and walks out to the courtyard where Mr. D'Argencourt paces between two lines of students.
"I am the fencing master, Mr. D'Argencourt. As I'm sure you're aware, we have only one open spot on the team this year" Said Mr. D'Argencourt.
Mr. D'Argencourt stops and faces the challengers.
"So, in order to select the best possible candidate, I will observe the beginners performing a number of attacks on the experienced students" Said Mr. D'Argencourt. "Where's Adrien?" Asked Marinette, while looking around. "Get into position" Said Mr. D'Argencourt.
Marinette is still looking around for Adrien when one of the students approaches her.
"Seems like you're looking for someone?" Asked the student. "Yeah, I thought Adrien was here. You know, a boy this tall, blond, nice, super handsome?" Asked Marinette, as she gestures to about Adrien's height then puts her hand to her cheek.
Adrien lifts up his helmet to reveal his face.
"Thanks for the compliments" Said Adrien.
Marinette yelps in surprise.
"I didn't know you were into fencing, Marinette" Said Adrien. "Adrien! Nice to fencing, I'm totally into you! Uhh, I mean, nice to see you! Yeah, I'm totally into fencing" Said Marinette.
Adrien chuckles gently and smiles, as Marinette giggles and blushes.
"Get into position!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt.
Marinette awkwardly puts her helmet on, glances at Adrien, and holds her saber upright.
"Bend your knees, then stretch your left foot back, turned outwards. Perfect!" Declared Adrien, as Marinette took his advice.
He moves to her side, putting his arm around her to have her lean forward, using his other hand to guide hers so her saber is pointing out.
"Now, put your saber forward, like this" Said Adrien.
Marinette blushes and giggles again.
"Greet each other!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt.
He crosses his saber arm over his chest and then snaps it out to his side in the traditional fencing greeting. Adrien, then Marinette, greet each other.
"En garde! Prêt, allez!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt.
The students begin fencing while D'Argencourt watches. Adrien is ready, but Marinette is standing quite still. Adrien straightens up and pushes up his helmet.
"Go on, Marinette. You're supposed to touch me" Said Adrien. "Touch you?! Yeah..." Said Marinette.
Adrien smiles and puts his helmet back down before lunging at Marinette. She dodges, striking back.
"Attaque! Touche. Point! Continue!" Said Mr. D'Argencourt, as he indicates Marinette. "Thanks" Said Marinette. "All I did was lunge. You've got good reflexes! En garde! Prêt, allez!" Declared Adrien, as they both got back into position.
Adrien and Marinette quickly fence, Marinette blocking Adrien before getting him in the chest.
"Attack, parry, riposte, counterattack. The point goes to you, Marinette" Said Adrien. "I don't get it. You hit me first" Said Marinette. "With saber fencing, the attacker doesn't necessarily win the point even though he touched his opponent first. You took the initiative, so we say that you had priority. I can only parry or riposte, so I lose" Said Adrien. "But everything's happening so fast, I mean, how can you know who won the point?" Said Marinette. "We don't always know for sure. That's why you can also abstain. Shall we continue?" Said Adrien.
Marinette nods, then lowers her helmet and gets ready to fence, but before she can move, a shout interrupts the fencing try-outs. A figure in red fencing gear stands on the scoring box, carrying a red saber.
"Hey, you! Are you Mr. D'Argencourt, the fencing master? I wanna join your team" Said the Red Fencer. "Only the best are admitted here, you knave" Said Mr. D'Argencourt. "And I was, everywhere I went" Said the Red Fencer. "So was I, but I'm still going through the trials" Said a Fencer. "Part le fer! This whippersnapper has nerve! All right! I may consider your admission, shall you defeat one of my students" Said Mr. D'Argencourt.
The Red Fencer strides forward to the silent students.
"Which one of you is the best combatant?!" Asked the Red Fencer.
All of the students shuffle around, looking at each other and sidling away from Adrien, who yet again lifts up his helmet.
"Adrien, please give our visitor a lesson in chivalry" Said Mr. D'Argencourt. "I shall, Master" Said Adrien, as he smirks and lowers his helmet.
Adrien and The Red Fencer face off, now attached to the scoring box and standing beside it. Adrien touches his saber to The Red Fencer's shoulder, and they touches him with hers to test the box. The Red Fencer and Adrien bow and walk apart. Adrien bends his saber blade while The Red Fencer swings theirs around. Marinette gasps and looks down at the ground.
"Great. There goes any chance I had of making the team. This guy's obviously better than everyone" Said Marinette. "Unlikely. They are only having one duel. But… this may be evenly matched" Said the student next to Marinette. "Prêt... allez!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt.
Adrien and The Red Fencer lunge at each other and both point buzzers go off at the same time.
"Simultané! Par un toucher!" Said Mr. D'Argencourt.
Adrien and The Red Fencer return to their starting points.
"I could have sworn Adrien touched him first..." Said Marinette. "No, it was the red one by a few milliseconds. But anyway, you never question the referee's decision" Said the student next to Marinette. "En garde! Prêt... allez!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt.
Again, The Red Fencer and Adrien lunge at each other, lighting up both sides of the points box.
"Uhh... Abstention!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt. "What's happening?" Asked Marinette. "He's abstaining because he's not sure who won, and I can't blame him. Those were two lightning bolt-esque lunges. But it was Adrien by fractions of a second" Said the student next to Marinette. "En garde!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt. "Wait. I request that we do it the old-fashioned way. We'll be much more at ease without the machine" Said the Red Fencer. "Adrien?" Asked Mr. D'Argencourt. "Fine with me" Said Adrien, as he unplugs his body cord.
The Red Fencer unplugs their body cord as well, backflips, and shows off their skill with her saber more.
"But how will we know who touched the other one first?" Asked Marinette. "I'd recommend paying attention" Said the student next to Marinette. "En garde... Prêt... allez!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt.
Adrien and the Red Fencer lunge each other a third time, sabers clashing. Adrien hits a post dodging them and the fight makes its way upstairs. The Red Fencer jumps ahead up to the second level.
"Is this what fencing's all about?!" Asked Marinette. "Part le fer! This IS what fencing's all about!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt, exited. "I wonder who's in the red suit? They're extraordinary" Said the Student next to Marinette. "It has to be Hope! He said he'd try out for my class but I'd never expect him to do it in such a flamboyant manner" Said Mr. D'Argencourt. "Wow. It definitely has to be him" Said Marinette. "Uh, I'm happy that you both think so highly of me but I'm right here" Said Hope, as he removed his helmet. "What?" Asked Marinette and Mr. D'Argencourt.
Mr. D'Argencourt and the remaining students go to the base of the stairs. Marinette can't see over the other students, so she heads over to the other set of stairs with Hope. Meanwhile, Adrien is pinned between The Red Fencer and the railing of the stairs.
"Is that all you can do?" Asked The Red Fencer.
Adrien uses his saber to force The Red Fencer off him and goes further upstairs, with The Red Fencer following him. Marinette and Hope, meanwhile, has gotten up the first flight of stairs, while their classmates and Mr. D'Argencourt are still at the base of the other stairs.
"The fateful moment has arrived!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt.
Mr. D'Argencourt is trampled by his students and grunts in pain. The Red Fencer and Adrien are still fencing furiously, bursting into the Library when Adrien knocks The Red Fencer inside. They begin making a mess of the library, sending a book cart out into the hallway that nearly hits Marinette, before Hope pulls Marinette out of the path of the book cart.
"Let me through! Move!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt, as his students flee from the incoming book cart, which hits Mr. D'Argencourt into the wall behind him. "Uh. I'm going to check on him. You go on and watch the match" Said Hope, as he goes downstairs.
Marinette walks upstairs to the library where the Red Fencer and Adrien are still fencing, with only Marinette to watch. The Red Fencer and Adrien move back from each other.
"Let's finish this off!" Declared The Red Fencer.
The Red Fencer and Adrien once more lunge at each other, blades clashing until both sabers seemingly touch the other at the same time. The Red Fencer steps aside and turns to Marinette.
"Who got the first hit?! Who?!" Demanded The Red Fencer. "Uhhh, I..." Said Marinette. "Who touched first? Tell us now!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt, as he and Hope arrive with Hope carrying him. "I don't know! I think..." Said Marinette.
She looks between The Red Fencer and Adrien. Nervous and uncertain, Marinette can't decide who won but makes a choice under pressure.
"It was... Adrien?" Asked Marinette.
Mr. D'Argencourt suddenly springs to his feet.
"Ah-ha, wonderful! This victory is an honor to D'Argencourt Academy!" Declared Mr. D'Argencourt.
The Red Fencer sighs in defeat, then walks up to Adrien, offering their hand for a shake, which Adrien takes. The Red Fencer calmly walks out of the room.
"Are you sure, Marinette?" Asked Adrien. "Uh, um... Well, I'm not entirely sure. I mean, it looked like it was you, but it went so fast" Said Marinette. "I think he touched me first" Said Adrien. "The referee has the last word" Said Mr. D'Argencourt.
Adrien looks put-out by this.
"… I'm going to go after them" Said Hope. "Why?" Asked Adrien. "They've peeked my interest" Said Hope. "Well, so am I. I'm going to offer him a decisive match" Said Adrien. "Then we should go" Said Hope.
Hope and Adrien then leave the Library, as the Red Fencer, now downstairs, stabs their saber into the ground and leaves it, striding out of the school.
Meanwhile, in Hawk Moth's lair. Hawk Moth's window screen opens.
"A champion whose victory has been stolen... Crushing defeat is the ideal steel with which to form a blade of revenge. Fly away, my little akuma, towards this spite and petulance, and evilize that fencer!" Declared Hawk Moth, as he turns a butterfly into an akuma.
The akuma flies out of his window into Paris. Back at the Collège, outside the Library. Adrien and Hope go after The Red Fencer, Adrien grabbing their saber from the ground as he goes. The Red Fencer is about to get into her car when Adrien and Hope catches up to them.
"Hey! Wait! Your saber" Said Adrien.
The Red Fencer throws their glove into the car and removes her helmet, turning to look at Adrien and Hope expectantly. As she does so, Marinette runs up to the school entrance. Adrien is momentarily stunned by her appearance.
"Let's do a... decisive match?" Said Adrien, as he notices the Red Fencer's ring. "What's the point? You won. There's no such thing as a second chance in my family. Goodbye" Said the Red Fencer. "Then your family is foolish. After that performance, you already have the makings of an high ranking fencer" Said Hope. "Thank you, sir… but I'm afraid that is now impossible" Said the Red Fencer.
She gets into her car, which drives off.
"Hey! What's your name?!" Yelled Adrien. "You might have a chance on the fencing team after all" Said Tikki.
Adrien gets into his car where his bodyguard is waiting and points at Kagami's Car.
"Follow that car!" Declared Adrien.
Hope and Marinette watches the car drive off and sees the akuma flying past.
"An akuma!" Declared Marinette.
Marinette runs after it, going past Hope and ducking into the metro station.
"Not even a goodbye from two friends, and an Akuma to deal with. Just an ordinary day" Said Hope. "We better capture it before it turns someone into a villain" Said Marinette. "At your service, Marinette!" Said Tikki. "Quick! Adrien is in danger!" Declared Marinette. "Better get going" Said Hope, as he put on the Stand Player and holds up the Awakening III Leaves Stand Tape. "Tikki, spots on! Ha!" Declared Marinette.
Marinette transforms into Ladybug, as Hope transforms into Kamen Rider Stand Awakening III Leaves form. Hope uses the arrows from his suit to propel himself through the air, as Ladybug uses her yo-yo to get out of the Métro quickly. Meanwhile, The Red Fencer is in her car, calling her mother.
"I'm not available at the moment. Leave a message" Said an automated message. "Mother, you thought I was good enough, but... I lost. I won't be joining the D'Argencourt Academy" Said The Red Fencer
She hangs up and sits back in her seat. The akuma flies into her ring.
"Riposte! I am Hawk Moth. I'm giving you a second chance to prove that you are the best fencer of all, but in return, you must bring me Ladybug and Cat Noir's Miraculous" Said Hawk Moth. "On my honor, Hawk Moth, I shall be victorious!" Declared The Red Fencer.
She transforms into Ripsote, slicing open a new sun roof into her car and leaving. Meanwhile, in Adrien's car. Adrien is skimming through logos on his phone, stopping when he sees the one on Kagami's ring.
"She's the only daughter belonging to a family of prestigious fencers. Her mother and grandfather were both world champions. I've read about them before! She and her mother just moved to Paris! How incredible!" Declared Adrien.
Riposte comes spinning out of the sky, cutting Adrien's car in half, launching Adrien out of his seat. She stands atop the back half of the car.
"I'm taking you up on your offer of a decisive match!" Declared Riposte. "I can't fight you like this! You're not... yourself" Said Adrien. "Fight!" Declared Riposte. "Halt, Riposte! You make seek your revenge, but only after you take hold of Ladybug and Cat Noir's Miraculous first" Said Hawk Moth. "Understood, Hawk Moth" Said Riposte.
Adrien tries to flee but Riposte blocks him.
"Where do you think you're going? Stay there. Nice and patiently" Said Riposte.
Adrien flinches back from her, as Hope and Ladybug lands beside Adrien, with Ladybug wrapping her yo-yo around Riposte's blade.
"How'd you like to start a duel with me?" Asked Ladybug. "Two vs one is ok with you, isn't it? And we have to stop meeting like this, Ladybug" Said Hope. "Well, it's not like we're needed in other circumstances" Said Ladybug.
She tugs on her yo-yo to disarm Riposte, but her yo-yo slips off the blade, surprising Ladybug.
"It's merged with her hand" Said Ladybug. "Looks that way" Said Hope.
Riposte strikes at Adrien, Ladybug and Hope, cutting a poster display apart as they move out of the way.
"Give me a moment, Adrien. I must finish them off, first! But don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you! I won't be long" Said Riposte.
Riposte lunges at Ladybug, but one of Hope's arrows appears in front of Ladybug pointing upwards, sending Riposte's lunge skyward allowing Ladybug the chance to kick Riposte backwards.
"I see. Your arrows have the abilities to change the direction of any energy applied to the arrow" Said Riposte. "You catch on quick" Said Hope, as he moved to stand beside Ladybug.
Riposte lunges at the two heroes and rapidly attacks them. Ladybug gasps and defends herself with her yo-yo, as Hope defends himself with the Stand Enforcer, before using three arrows pointing back at Riposte to push her backwards.
"Don't let her close in on you! Fight back!" Declared Adrian, as he throws Kagami's saber to Ladybug. "Thank you, but now get out of here. She doesn't deserve you" Said Ladybug. "Excuse you?" Asked Hope. "Uh, nothing" Said Ladybug. "Right…" Said Hope.
Ladybug moves in to attack Riposte, but is knocked flat on her back. Hope blocks another slash by Riposte as her sword glows blue. Hope kicks Riposte away as she swings her sword, sending a blue sword beam at Ladybug.
"Watch out Ladybug!" Declared Adrien.
He dives at her and they roll out of danger right before the sword beam hits Ladybug, hurting his ankle in the process, making him clutch his ankle.
"Are you hurt?" Asked Ladybug. "I'm fine" Said Adrien. "We'll need to assess the damage somewhere else. I'll hold her off. Get him out of here" Said Hope. "Ok. I need to get you as far away from that girl as possible" Said Ladybug. "Sounds like a plan" Said Adrien.
Ladybug throws her yo-yo around a chimney stack and pulls Adrien close to her. They both blush and smile sheepishly at each other. Meanwhile, Riposte slashed her sword at Hope but Hope puts a trio of arrows in front of himself, causing her sword to massively accelerate and dig itself into the ground, getting stuck in the ground.
"Perfect. Now I have all the time in the world" Said Hope, as he ejects the Awaking III Leaves Stand Tape from the Stand Player.
Hope held up the Silver Chariot Stand Tape before he inserted the Silver Chariot Stand Tape into the Stand Player, making it announce "Silver Chariot, Stand Up!", before Hope pressed a button on the front of the Stand Player, making it announce "The Silver Form of Invasion and Victory! Non non non! Stardust Crusade! Silver Chariot!", as he transformed into Kamen Rider Stand Silver Chariot Form. Hope held out both of his hands, and a foil and the Stand Enforcer appeared in his hands.
"I saw honer within who you were. I hope you'll oblige me in a test of your ability" Said Hope, as he saluted Riposte.
Riposte manages to get her bladed arm out of the road.
"So be it" Said Riposte.
She lunges at Hope, who blocks her strike. Meanwhile, Ladybug sets Adrien down out of sight behind some chimneys.
"What kind of fencing was that?" Asked Ladybug. "Nothing like I've ever seen before" Said Adrien. "It's going to be hard for me to fight and protect you at the same time. Where are you, Cat Noir?" Asked Ladybug, as she attempts to call Cat Noir. "Maybe he's busy?" Asked Adrien.
He thinks for a minute and he shrugs his shoulders. Riposte slices up their hiding spot, before Hope blocks a slice aimed at Adrien.
"Allow me to explain the rules to you. You're not allowed to call it quits at any time! Adrien is mine! I will defeat you. All of you! I am the best fencer!" Declared Riposte. "Nobody's denying that. My friend Marinette made a bad call earlier" Said Adrien. "He's right. Referee errors can happen in fencing. You don't have to get so bent out of shape about it" Said Hope.
Riposte growls angrily and glares at them.
"I'm sure Marinette wasn't trying to humiliate you" Said Adrien. "Of course not!" Declared Ladybug, offended.
Adrien and Hope look at her questioningly, making Ladybug laugh nervously.
"I mean, I'm sure that was the case" Said Ladybug. "It's too late! The damage has been done! This time, I shall be the referee!" Declared Riposte.
Riposte pulls back her sword and goes to lunge at Hope, but Ladybug blocks it with her Yo-yo.
"Stay back, Adrien" Said Ladybug.
Hope and Ladybug engage Riposte in battle. Adrien limps away, his twisted ankle acting up. He moves to hide behind a second chimney stack. Meanwhile, Riposte, Hope and Ladybug are still fighting. Ladybug wraps her yo-yo around a third cluster of chimneys and pulls the rubble onto Riposte.
"You're sure taking some risks today" Said Plagg. "Don't really have a choice do I? Ladybug needs me. Plagg…" Said Adrien. "Adrien, you okay?" Asked Ladybug, as she leans around the chimney. "Uhh, yeah, and you?" Asked Adrien. "We're ok" Said Hope, leaning around the chimney. "I'll feel better once your safe, far away from that girl. Come on, let's go" Said Ladybug.
Ladybug swings her yo-yo and pulls Adrien close and the two share a blushing smile and the two swing off, with Hope soon following behind them. Meanwhile, Riposte frees herself. At the Lourve, Ladybug, Adrien and Hope arrive and slide down the Pyramid.
"Akuma alert! You must leave now! Evacuate the premises calmly!" Declared Ladybug. "This way ladies and gentlemen" Said Roger, as he begins to direct citizens away. "Akuma Alert. The Heroes of Paris are expected to handle this emergency swiftly. All visitors kindly vacate the premises very calmly. Thank you" Announced a Public Safety Message. "A safe place, a safe place…" Said Ladybug. "I've got an idea" Said Hope. "What is it?" Asked Ladybug. "He won't like it" Said Hope.
Cut to Adrien now laying inside the sarcophagus display
"I'm sorry, but at least you'll be safe in here" Said Ladybug, as she begins closing the lid. "Please be careful, Ladybug" Said Adrien. "Oh... I'll be fine. Thank you, and you stay out of harm's way, okay?" Said Ladybug.
She closes the lid and places a kiss to it.
"Didn't say anything to me… I'm starting to feel like a third wheel at this point" Said Hope.
Meanwhile, Outside the Louvre. Riposte approaches quickly and slices off the top of the Pyramid, jumping into the Museum to find Ladybug and Hope waiting for her.
"Where did you hide Adrien?!" Asked Riposte. "You actually think I'd tell you? This is just between you and me, Riposte!" Declared Ladybug. "It's between all three of us. But I digress" Said Hope. "You just can't cut it, Ladybug. Once I defeat you both and take your Miraculous I'll go and find Adrien!" Declared Riposte. "We won't allow such an outcome" Said Hope.
Ladybug, Hope and Riposte lunge at each other. Meanwhile, in the King Tut exhibit.
"It's time we went and joined Ladybug" Said Adrien. "Didn't you hear what she said? She said to wait here! You can't disobey her!" Declared Plagg. "I've gotta help her! Plagg, claws out!" Declared Adrien.
Adrien transforms into Cat Noir while still inside the sarcophagus in a flash of green light. Cat Noir opens the sarcophagus display, peeks around, gets out, and closes the lid. He begins running, only for his ankle to act up again. Meanwhile, in the Louvre Painting Gallery. Ladybug, Hope and Riposte are still fighting and Ladybug falls to the ground, Kagami's saber lodging itself in a painting. Hope and Riposte lock swords before pushing each other back. Riposte fires a trio of blue sword beam at Hope, witch he blocks.
"Kōsoku Kaikō!" Declared Hope.
A cloud of white smoke exploded around Hope, and once it disapated, Hope stands in front of Riposte less armoured then before. Hope lunges at Riposte, who blocks the lunge at the last second. Hope then starts pushing Riposte back, as Cat Noir appears next to Ladybug.
"A fencing tournament at the Louvre? How come I wasn't invited?" Asked Cat Noir.
Ladybug gets to her feet and pulls Kagami's saber out of the painting
"Let me guess. You were late because you were at the groomers again?" Asked Ladybug. "I was preening myself, M'lady. You know how long it takes cats to get ready" Said Cat Noir.
He and Ladybug begin to attack Riposte with Hope, who can only defend and is knocked into a wall. She finds herself at the end of Cat Noir's staff, the saber, and Hope's two swords.
"Checkmate, Riposte!" Declared Ladybug. "You've got the wrong sport, Ladybug! I think you mean attaque toi!" Declared Riposte.
Riposte slams into Cat Noir, knocking him back and making his injured ankle act up
"You okay, Cat Noir?" Asked Ladybug.
Riposte takes advantage of her distraction and attacks Ladybug, which then sends her to fly out of the room. Riposte then stabs an alarm button with her blade, bringing a gate down between them and Cat Noir.
"Ladybug!" Declared Cat Noir. "Ready to lose, Ladybug? Hope!?" Asked Riposte.
She again engages Ladybug and Hope in a fight, forcing them downstairs.
"Cataclysm!" Declared Cat Noir.
He uses Cataclysm on the bars, rusting them and allowing himself to get through. Cat Noir limps after Ladybug, Hope and Riposte. Meanwhile, at the King Tut exhibit. Riposte sends Ladybug flying onto her back in the exhibit and Kagami's saber falls out of her reach. Ladybug looks at the sarcophagus, which clues Riposte into where Ladybug hid Adrien.
"Of course" Said Riposte. "Yeah, I'm not interested in letting you get over there" Said Hope. "It's not your choice" Said Riposte. "Kinda is" Said Hope.
Riposte attempts to get past Hope but Hope blocks her and starts swinging his Sabers at Riposte, pushing her back and out of the room. Ladybug gets to her feet and uses the same trick with the alarm button Riposte did to trap Cat Noir before. Cat Noir slides down into the room with Ladybug and Hope.
"Well, that should give us a few seconds…" Said Hope. "That's enough time to check on…" Said Ladybug. "Stay focused. I'm currently the only one with a weapon who's uninjured" Said Hope. "Well, I'd never…" Said Cat Noir. "Ladybug. We're finishing this match!" Declared Riposte.
She cuts apart the bars and nearly hits Ladybug.
"Lucky Charm! A radiator?" Asked Ladybug, as a radiator falls down into her hands. "Great. That should really heat things up" Said Cat Noir. "Well, let's see" Said Hope. "I think I get it. The akuma has to be in her sword!" Declared Ladybug. "Then why don't we get to the point?" Asked Cat Noir. "Ok, I'll distract" Said Hope.
Hope stabs the Stand Enforcer into the ground and inserts the Silver Chariot Stand Tape into the back of it, making it announce "Stardust Crusaders, Rock Out! Silver Chariot, Jammin!".
"You seem to be able to contest two, even three opponents. How do you feel about six?" Asked Hope, as he picked up the Stand Enforcer.
Hope rushes towards Riposte, as six afterimages follow his movements. Hope unleashes a storm of thrusts and slashes at Riposte, chipping her sword with every slash. Riposte parries a slash and tries to slash Hope but she only hits an afterimage, as Hope continues the attack before finishing with a silver energy infused slash. Ladybug and Cat Noir then catch Riposte's sword with the Radiator.
"Prêt...!" Declared Ladybug. "Allez!" Declared Cat Noir.
They both pull back and yank Riposte's sword to the side, snapping it and knocking her back. The akuma flies out.
"No more evildoing for you, little akuma. Time to de-evilize! Gotcha!" Declared Ladybug, as she spins her yo-yo and throws it at the akuma, capturing the Akuma.
Ladybug releases the purified akuma.
"Bye-bye, little butterfly! Miraculous Ladybug!" Declared Ladybug, as she throws the radiator into the air.
The Miraculous Ladybugs repair all the damage done and Riposte turns back into The Red Fencer.
"What happened?" Asked The Red Fencer. "Pound it!" Declared Hope, Cat Noir and Ladybug, as they fist bump.
Cat Noir's ring bleeps
"Gotta go. Have a vet's appointment to get to. Take care of the young lady, will you?" Asked Cat Noir, as he runs out of sight. "Well, it was nice while he was around" Said Hope, as he removed the Stand Player to cancel his transformation.
Ladybug approaches The Red Fencer and kneels in front of her, putting a hand on her shoulder
"Everything's okay" Said Ladybug. "Welcome back to the human world" Said Hope.
Kagami sighs and stares at Ladybug and Hope in awe. Meanwhile, Cat Noir hastily ducks out of sight behind a cat statue.
"Claws in" Wispered Cat Noir, turning back into Adrien. "Ohhhh... All this sport has made me hungry" Said Plagg, wriggling around in Adrien's hand. "Later" Said Adrien, as he watches Ladybug, Hope and The Red Fencer approach out of sight. "You go on. I have to find someone" Said Ladybug. "Thanks" Said The Red Fencer, as she leaves. "I'm gonna go after her, you see if Adrien is still around" Said Hope, as he follows The Red Fencer. "Now, where could he have gone?" Asked Ladybug.
Adrien steps out into sight.
"Ladybug?" Asked Adrien. "There you are" Said Ladybug. "Yeah, I'm sorry. I figured it would be better to escape before Riposte came along. Besides, I... hate to be locked up" Said Adrien, as he scratches the back of his head awkwardly. "I'm so sorry! You did the right thing" Said Ladybug, as she shakes her head in shame.
Adrien moves as if to say something, then seemingly opts to say something else.
"So, uh... So Cat Noir finally turned up, huh?" Asked Adrien. "Yes, thankfully! Between you and me, he's much better at fencing!" Declared Ladybug, as she mimes fencing. "And... Riposte?" Asked Adrien. "The girl is safe" Said Ladybug.
Her earrings beep.
"Oh no! I'm about to change back!" Declared Ladybug.
Ladybug glances between Adrien and Kagami's saber, then resigns herself and points to it.
"You should be the one to return that" Said Ladybug.
Adrien walks up to the saber and picks it up, then looks back at Ladybug, who stops to look at him.
"Bug out!" Declared Ladybug, as she smiles and waves before departing.
Adrien smiles after her, then blows her a kiss. Meanwhile, Outside the Louvre, The Red Fencer and Hope are walking away from the Pyramid.
"The Akuma Alert has been called off. The Louvre will soon be opening. Thank you for your cooperation" Said an automatic Announcement. "I'm at the Louvre. Come when you can" Said The Red Fencer, over the phone. "Madame? My name is Hope. I apologise for earlier today" Said Hope, as he extended his hand out towards her. "I am Kagami Tsurugi. Why are you apologising?" Asked Kagami, as she shakes Hope's hand. "I insulted your family. I don't truly know how much you hold them in esteem, so I'd like to make it up to you" Said Hope. "Uh… you may have a point about my family. But it is fine" Said Kagami. "Excuse me?" Asked Adrien.
Kagami jumps and gasps, turning around to see Adrien walking up, holding her saber.
"Listen, I…" Said Kagami, before sighing.
Kagami and Adrien stand around awkwardly.
"Come on now. Somebody is going to have to say something" Said Hope. "I'm sorry" Said Adrien and Kagami, with Kagami bowing respectfully as she speaks.
Adrien holds out Kagami's saber with both hands
"Perhaps you'll agree to take this back now?" Asked Adrien.
Kagami goes to grab her saber, then turns away, clutching her hands to her chest.
"No, I lost. You keep it" Said Kagami. "I personally think the point was yours" Said Adrien. "That's not what your friend saw" Said Kagami. "With all due respect. Her eyes are slow. Plus, she can get flustered easily" Said Hope. "Yeah! She's kind and means well. She'd never cheat. Today was her first-ever experience with fencing" Said Adrien.
Kagami looks surprised for a moment, then smiles.
"You like her a lot, huh?" Asked Kagami. "Marinette? Yeah, of course! She's a very good friend, and you'll really like her too, once you get to know her" Said Adrien.
The camera cuts to Marinette, who is watching their conversation from behind a display, ducks out of sight
"A very good friend, huh?" Said Marinette, disappointed. "That sounds like a good start to me" Said Tikki. "Please, take it" Said Adrien.
Adrien again holds out Kagami's saber to her. Kagami glances between Adrien and her saber for a moment before taking it back.
"I'll be happy to get to know your friend Marinette!" Declared Kagami.
She and Adrien bow to each other. She and Adrien look at each other for a moment before Adrien holds out his hand.
"My name's Adrien. What's yours?" Asked Adrien. "Kagami" Said Kagami.
She takes Adrien's proffered hand and shakes it, then walks to her car. She looks back at Adrien and Hope.
"Get ready for that decisive match!" Declared Kagami. "I can't wait, Kagami" Said Adrien. "Sounds like a challenge. And well, only one of you two has a teacher… Kagami? Would you like fencing lessons from me?" Asked Hope. "Fencing lessons from a hero? But do you have the time to give them out?" Asked Kagami. "Well, it's true that I'll probably have to duck out and duck in randomly. But I'm willing to give it a try if you are" Said Hope. "Alright. Let's do it" Said Kagami.
Hope nods in reply as Kagami gets in her car, which drives off. Adrien and Hope watches it go, and the camera cuts back to Marinette, who has sunk to the ground, looking distraught.
"At least now you know how much Adrien values your friendship" Said Tikki. "I know! Great, so he likes me. But I don't want him to just like me. I mean- I do, but, you know, I want him to like me!" Declared Marinette, as she widens her arms and hugs herself.
While Marinette is rambling, Adrien's driver pulls up and he leaves, as Hope teleports away.
"In that case, you might have to work on your fencing!" Declared Tikki.
Marinette laughs and points her finger at Tikki like a saber.
"On your guard, Tikki!" Declared Marinette.
She and Tikki pretend to fence with Marinette's finger and Tikki's whole arm and continue laughing.