First of all, I want to thank wattpad user KamiKage01 for editing the episode translation.
I comment that the fic is complete in Spanish, and I have been translating it into English.
So KamiKage01's help has been invaluable. Thanks you!
And without further ado, enjoy the caption, we are already at the last day of the year, and in 2021 the rest of the fic arrives, plus the animatic that will tell the rest of the story, and that I will start working in January 2021, (if it is something doesn't happen DX)
Without further ado, enjoy reading !
(The update of the fic will go according to the times of the editors that I can contact to fix the translations, so don't ask me for exact dates, please, and sorry for the inconvenience, but I want you to be able to enjoy the story the best possible, thank you!)
…..
Chapter 2: A True Friend.
...
A week ago...
At the end of the day's classes, a depressing aura loomed over almost all the students, the only ones excepted seeming to be Marinette and Lila. Even Miss Bustier felt a heavy weight in her chest. It was as if a dark shadow had perched on her, asphyxiating her every time she tried to speak. In the courtyard, the whole class was trying to cheer up Alya, who hadn't yet come up with some activity they could do on Heroes' Day.
-Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find something we can do- Nino encouraged the blogger, whose face was emaciated with stress. Alya only proceeded to deny all comfort.
-No Nino, I've been looking for the activity we could do last night, but...- the brunette held her head in pain from the headache that overwhelmed her since the previous afternoon-,I couldn't find anything! There are no places available for voluntary help in hospitals, kindergartens, even in kennels! Nothing at all! - she exclaimed in frustration, covering her face with her hands.
-I am very sorry about this Alya- Lila said as sweetly as possible, trying to win everyone's empathy and save her skin because now they had a problem where they couldn't find a solution-, I have spoken to all my contacts, but they already had several important activities and meetings planned. They apologized to me for not being able to give us their support. Snif! But I feel like a lousy friend and president for not being able to help my own on such an important day!- Rossi exclaimed while pretending to cry in shame.
-No, no, it's not your fault!- Alya immediately replied. But the only one who didn't believe that was Adrien, who had decided to clear his mind alone in the locker room.
However, much to the model's agitation, he had only gone a few steps, when he heard a loud argument break out. He turned, feeling his cheeks red with anger as Alya was blaming Marinette, while the group comforted a grieving Lila.
-This is too much -the model muttered, while his Kwami in his shirt pocket was seething with outrage.
-Confess, Marinette! - Alya claimed furiously, while Nino did his best to prevent his girlfriend from going over and shaking the Franco-Chinese girl -Did you cancel all the events for the class because you knew this was going to happen?- Marinette only looked at them with disdain and turned to leave, but Lila's words stopped her dead in her tracks.
-Do you still hate me, Marinette?- Lila asked, gaining the attention of everyone present -I thought we made peace but did you do this to hurt me? YOU'RE SO HORRIBLE! - The Rossi girl covered her face with her fake cries, and Alya turned to face Marinette.
-Confess at once!- she grabbed her former friend's shoulders and forced Marinette to look her directly in the face. Marinette only glanced around at all the watching spectators around her with a critical eye.
-What are you talking about? You didn't trust me before this, or Do you still think I was able to poison Lila with the coconut macaron, of which she's allergic? Didn't you forget that Lila herself apologized to me for the misunderstanding, in front of everyone? -Marinette calmly explained, with a hint of anger in her voice. Alya backed a few steps, lowering her hand fearfully as Marinette continued-,I must say that I have made a very serious mistake, -declared the bluenette "embarrassed", and then looked at Lila-,I think I overestimate your abilities, Lila. I thought that because you were the daughter of an ambassador, meeting hundreds of celebrities, and for your great feats, preparing our activity would be like taking a walk in the park -she calmly stated at the girl. Her classmates were speechless, even Lila had no answer-,I guess, if you aren't able to do something now, there's nothing else to do, you have it all next year!- she remarked with a cold smile, causing Lila to grind her teeth out of indignation-. And unfortunately, even if I wanted to, I couldn't help you, since I have promised to help in the bakery this week with all the orders my parents have received, not to mention that I have to take care of other things. I am so sorry- "Marinette" looked at them with a countenance so quiet that it exasperated both Alya and Lila.
-How can you be so cold?! Don't you want to help us?- Lila asked tearfully, trying to make Marinette look worse. But before Marinette could reply, Marc appeared behind her with his inseparable notebook in his hands. His normally calm attitude was overwritten with a frown.
-That's enough! Why is everyone attacking Marinette? - the writer inquired in an annoyed tone, surprising everyone, including Marinette-, If she says she can't help you, she can't! It's not fair that Marinette should be the one fixing your lives when you all should be able to solve them yourselves!
-This is none of your business, Marc! -Alya countered, but in Marc's wake, Aurore and Mireille had also arrived on the scene.
-Don't you think that's enough? If you have a problem, this isn't the best way to solve it- Aurore rebuked Marinette's class.
-That's just the way it is. If Marinette quit, she must have had her reasons -Mireille supported her.
-Besides, there is something that always caught my attention -Aurora noted, observing Lila carefully-, since that girl arrived at school, Marinette has been accused of many things, when before she has always been faultless…
-It's true -Marc emphasized, angrily glaring at the Rossi girl, who now covered her face, trying to hide her fright and thinking about how to get out of that mess -Marinette has always been a good friend and has helped us whenever she could. If it hadn't been for her, many of us would never have overcome our difficulties -the students of the other classes, who had been drawn by the loud voices, nodded in agreement to what the boy said-. But since Lila got to school, bad things have happened to Marinette or she has been accused of crimes she would never have done before -the boy declared firmly, and Lila ground her teeth.
-It's very suspicious -Aurore said, looking distrustfully at Lila -, If i remember well, Marinette has started to have unpleasant situations since she claimed you're a liar.
-And most strange of all, we've never heard of you on TV, except for that time you modeled with Adrien, but before that, nothing at all -Mireille added-, It's very suspicious, especially when you've been saying you know the announcers, but they've never talked about you at all.
Multiple pairs of disbelieving eyes rested on Lila, who couldn't answer for a few seconds in stunned shock at her exposed lie revealed by the pair of girls working on the television. So she opted for his best weapon, and it was crying heartbrokenly, to the point of screaming.
-Why are you treating me like that?! I just want to help, but you've all set out to hurt me! Are you so jealous of me, Marinette? I don't want to see them anymore! -Lila ran to the toilets, faking outrage.
-I've had enough of this, Marinette!- Alya approached the girl dangerously, but Aurore stopped her.
-Not a step further, Cesaire. You are well known for your hard head and how hot-tempered you are. You never think before you speak -the blonde warned. Alya was offended with her words.
-What makes you think that?
-Maybe because you believed that Chloé was Ladybug, when, obviously, it's not like that if they were both at the same time when Stone Heart attacked for the second time, not to mention that bad habit you have of going after an Akuma, exposing yourself and the people around you.
-You have no right to criticize me!
-Actually, that is what many people in the television business have said about you -Mireille commented, to the horror of the blogger-, no one doubts your ability to search for information, but several journalists and Nadja Chamack herself were upset with your interview with Lila Rossi about being the best friend of Ladybug since you have not shown any proof or evidence to support what the girl says.
-But it is true! -exclaimed Alya.
-But you haven't confirmed the sources –"Marinette" finally declared, making the three girls look at her, amazed by her cutting tone of voice-. You told me once, 'A good reporter proves her sources.' Can you prove that Lila knows Ladybug? -Alya was speechless by that question, because it was the same question Marinette had asked her when Lila returned to school and first made the claim. Marinette took the bloggers silence as the answer -I thought so.
-Then, practically, anyone can arrive and say that they are friends with Ladybug or Chat Noir, and you will post it on your blog without thinking twice? -Aurore asked accusingly, and Alya remained silent.
-I think we're done with this -Mireille said- Let's get out of here.
Thus the two girls and Marc took Marinette away, while the rest of the students walked away, clearly annoyed with the blogger.
-Ho, ho, ho! Who would believe it? -Chloé's laughter could be heard by everyone-, the famous Alya Cesaire has a lousy reputation in the high circles of the press, what's it like for your career to slump before you start? -the mayor's daughter mocked, and Alya only decided to be sorry for what happened and left, accompanied by Nino, who tried to comfort her.
The scene was so deplorable that Adrien felt ashamed of the others. So taking advantage of the fact that he still lacked time for his fencing classes and all his companions had returned home, he decided to confront Lila, who had just come out of the bathroom.
Rossi's surprise was intense when she came face to face with the model, who practically dragged her to the lockers, and after making sure that there would be no one else present, he faced her furiously.
-What are you're thinking, Lila? I told you to stop hurting Marinette! -the blonde demanded, but the girl just turned away.
-Adrien! You shouldn't speak like that to your beloved class president -Rossi replied sarcastically, which boiled Agreste boy's blood even more-, besides, I already apologized to Marinette in front of everyone, it wasn't my intention to cause such misunderstanding, it's her fault that she still has this unwarranted grudge towards me,- she said innocently. The dull thud of Adrien's punch against the metal of the lockers made her jump.
-I don't like violence, Lila, but I'm sure it's clear you're pushing me to the limit of my patience -the model said slowly, reluctant to resort to this method-. We both know that "misunderstanding" is another lie, Nino told me how "supposedly" Marinette pushed you against the snack table, and let me tell you something. I'm getting sick of your attitude, What the hell has Marinette done to you so you can attack her every time you can?! You make me sick! -Adrien yelled at her face. Lila blinked a couple of times, then smiled sideways.
-You don't want to raise your voice to me, Adrien. Unless you want me to tell your dear father how bad your friends are, and recommend that he lock you back in your fancy mansion to continue your studies -the girl threatened quietly, much to Adrien and Plagg's horror. Unknown to all of them, a thin shadow was listening to everything they were saying.
-My father? What do you have to do with my father? -the young boy asked, and Lila laughed in his face.
-Nothing less than I am the little lady he trusts the most to inform him of all the bad influences that surround his beloved son -Lila turned her back to emphasize her words while waving her hair with her hand-,Gabriel Agreste believes in everything that I tell him, so start behaving better with me, and also end that unfavorable relationship with that Japanese girl if you want to continue coming to school and see your dear friends, "handsome" -Lila declared haughtily and then leave him alone without saying goodbye, leaving the livid model stiff with horror.
Between the lockers, an emerald tail winded stealthily, passing through the corridors and the street, until reaching the feet of Marinette, who was tending her family's bakery.
-What have you brought for me? -the little jade snake whispered in her ear, and the young woman sharpened her gaze at the information obtained-,I see. You have done well. Continue to watch Lila. I already have one following the young Agreste. I still have to evaluate whether I will have to take him to trial as well.
...
Adrien rinsed his face for the third time after discovering that Lila was "watching" him by his father's orders, while hiding in his jacket, Plagg squabbled eating his cheese, seriously thinking of making her disappear with his power.
-This is a nightmare. If Lila has the confidence of my father... GOD!- the model sat against the wall, gritting his teeth for courage- ,What am I going to do? -before Plagg could give him any advice, Nino walked into the bathroom.
-Dude! Your fencing teacher asked me to look for you -the DJ called him tiredly. He looked like he had been looking for him for a long time-, the classes started a long time ago. If your dad finds out that you were late... -he trailed off when he saw the expression on the blond's face-, Did something bad happen?
-I heard something unpleasant, it hasn't been a good day -Adrien said, hiding his face in his arms.
-Now that you say it, buddy, things have been tense for us since the picnic, with Lila's fall and allergy. After that, Marinette threw away the candy she had brought for the picnic... -As Nino listed off the events, Adrien's eyes widened.
-Wait, what did you say?- the blond asked incredulously. Nino looked at him strangely-
-Alya is irritating that Marinette is no longer her friend... -he answer but Adrien quickly shook his head
-Not that! Did you say Marinette threw away the macarons? -the DJ nodded confusedly, and Adrien ran out of the place leaving him baffled -DUDE!
But Adrien didn't listen to him. He felt that everything was spinning. He felt what he didn't understand now had become clear. In whats seemed a mere few seconds, he found himself panting on the threshold of the Dupain-Cheng bakery, barely raising his head to see a surprised Marinette, who was selling a bag of bread to one of the regulars.
-Adrien! What are you doing here? -Mrs. Dupain-Cheng asked, to which the model more avoided her concerned look and headed towards Marinette.
-Please madam, I'd like to speak to Marinette... Alone please -Adrien asked, and the woman turned her worried gaze to the bluenette who had changed her expression to a tender smile.
-It's all right, Mom. If Adrien came all this way, it must be important, we'll be upstairs, no problem? -the girl asked quietly.
-No dear, just, be very careful - for some reason, the words of the woman seemed more directed towards the blond than his daughter.
-Excuse me, madam -Adrien said while following Marinette, but without leaving her expression of bewilderment.
When they both ha ascended to the Dupain-Cheng home, the young man took a seat on the couch as Marinette offering him tea.
-No thanks, what I've come to, it's for something specific- the model replied, which sharpened the girl's gaze.
-And what is important enough that you miss your fencing classes? -Marinette inquired seriously, believing that perhaps young Agreste was going to ask her for help now that Lila was a threat to him, a situation to which she wasn't going to move a finger. Adrien had himself brought it upon himself for protecting the liar.
-I need you to answer a question -he said, taking the girl off guard upon seeing the disturbing look on her from the blonde.
-What do you want to know? If it's because I left your dear friend Lila as the new president...
-IT'S NOT THAT! -He interrupted abruptly, pressing his hands against his knees, as he trembled with rage and helplessness-,You...! -Adrien swallowed hard as he braced himself to continue before an expectant Marinette-, Who are you? -The girl blinked a couple of times in surprise.
-What can't you see I'm Marinette? -she asked sarcastically.
-DON'T LIE! -Adrien's demand surprised Marinette-. She, the real Marinette would never throw away the food made by herself, especially when she was helped by her parents, I know because she chatted with me on video call while cooking those macarons -blond told her furiously, and the expression of the girl sharpened-,and as much as her friends have let her down, that I let her down, SHE WOULD NEVER LET SOMEONE LIKE LILA TAKE CHARGE OF THE CLASS! -Adrien suddenly stood up and pointed his finger accusingly at her- So answer! Who are you? Where's Marinette?
-What makes you think you're right? -the girl asked arrogantly.
-Your attitude, your actions, your heart -the model listed, not caring about the cold look that "Marinette" gave him every time he opened his mouth- You can have her appearance and her voice, but you are not really her, SO CONFESS! -To his surprise, the young girl spread her arms and began to clap slowly.
-Impressive and ironic at the same time -the girl snapped, and an emerald snake appeared out of nowhere, wrapping around the model and forcing him to sit down again-,If you had dealt with Lila Rossi's situation with that enthusiasm from the beginning, none of this would have happened- and in front of Adrien, the sentimonster showed her true identity-. However, that doesn't matter, since from the beginning you decided to be on Lila's side and abandon Marinette altogether.
-That's not true! -Adrien tried to explain himself, but the angry hissing of the woman made him quiet down.
-Don't lie! Besides Marinette, you're the only one who knows that that little girl Rossi is a liar, but you didn't say anything, you didn't warn your friends, you didn't support Marinette, instead, you kept quiet, and not having spoken makes you complicit in all of Lila's crimes -the snake woman ground her teeth but Adrien spoke in his own defense.
-I didn't think exposing her would solve the problem. I was sure that was just going to make things worse -the model protested. And the sentimonster gave him a frosty look.
-And what do you say to me now? Things have gone from good to better for just convincing Marinette not to expose Lila? BUT LOOK HOW WONDERFUL IT IS ALL FOR YOUR GREAT WISDOM! -the viper woman said furiously. Adrien lowered his head in shame.
-I didn't want this to happen, I didn't want Lila to hurt Marinette, I thought I could handle this... -A drawn-out sigh made her look up.
-Let's see, Adrien Agreste -the woman held her temple with her fingers, as a sign of patience-. You have been ALL YOUR LIFE locked in four walls, doing EVERYTHING your father orders, and you got used to all his broken promises -she listed, and Adrien looked away-, Tell me, boy, is someone who has not lived in the real world qualified to give advice in the real world?
-I ... I made a mistake, and Marinette paid dearly, it should be me whose life is ruined, not her -the model answered sincerely, and the sentimonster sighed, then waved her hand, commanding her snake to free the model.
-As Marinette's sentimonster, I share all her knowledge, as well as her feelings -she informed him, taking a seat, totally dejected-,It's true that your advice was terrible, but her listening to you was worse, and all because ... It doesn't matter -the sentimonster interrupted herself, then she straightened up, making a decision -. You are an idiot, Agreste. A complete idiot who mistakes negligence for compassion and goodwill - the woman stood up and the boy felt ashamed by those harsh words-. But, you are an idiot with a good heart. That's why I will not take you to court, since from what I could find -the sentimonster called the snake, which hissed in her ear- you have been confronting Lila's lies afterward. That she left you on the edge of your patience, better late than never for you to behave like a man and say 'enough' to that girl -the woman stroked the snake, which became a Chinese jade hairpin, and hid in her black bow -. Therefore, you are freed from my jade snake, I will no longer watch over you.
-That doesn't matter anymore, Lila has threatened to convince my father to put me back in the mansion if I don't do what she says -he murmured in a depressed tone. The sentimonster made a derogatory gesture.
-Don't worry, because you've been the only one who's faced that liar, though quite late -her words made a heavy feeling hit the model's stomach-, I assure you, Lila won't have that power over you or your father, but I'll help you only on one condition, so you'll learn that nothing is free in this life.
-What condition? -the model asked, and the snake woman gave him a calculative smile -I want you to tell your classmates, especially the tabloid of the Ladyblog, about what happened between Lila and Ladybug. The day you met her - Adrien's eyes widened at that proposal in complete shock.
-I can't do that...! -The snake woman snorted scornfully at the boy's attitude.
-Let me remind you, that way of thinking left us here -she pointed to herself, but Adrien scratched his head confused.
-I just can't... I don't think it's the right way to do it... -the snake woman sighed again and beckoned him to follow her.
-Then I'm going to show you what your negligence, young Agreste. Perhaps with this, I can finally give you the courage in clearing things up between Lila and her classmates -the sentimonster guided him to Marinette's room, and Adrien followed her cautiously, not fully trusting her. That afternoon, the snake woman witnessed Adrien Agreste's crying his heart out upon discovering what happened to Marinette.
As night fell, the model returned to the mansion when Gorilla went looking for him, and sentimonster saw him leave through the window of the Dupain-Cheng's home.
-Miss... would you like us to give you a name?- Mr. Dupain-Cheng suddenly asked, taking the woman by surprise.
-Name? I don't think it was necessary, after all, neither Mayura nor Marinette could give me one -replied the snake woman simply, but the baker insisted again.
-I think it's disrespectful. No matter what, now you're going to live with us, you need a decent name -the man declared firmly. The woman snake blinked at the strange gesture.
-Very well, if you want me to have a name so much, you can just give it to me -she said.
-What's the matter, dear? -Mrs. Sabine asked as she came down the stairs facing her daughter's room.
-You see, honey, I'd like our Marinette's sentimonster to have a decent name, we can't keep calling her 'sentimonster' like this -At the words of her husband, Mrs. Sabine was thoughtful for a few moments, and after seeing the snake woman sitting in the window of her house, she smiled wistfully.
-What about, White Snake? -Mrs. Dupain-Cheng queried, and both Tom and the snake woman looked at her strangely.
-With all due respect, it's not very original madam -the sentimonster commented.
-It is not only because of your appearance, child. It is also because you remind me of a Chinese legend of the White Snake. It is a supernatural creature in the shape of a white snake that is always accompanied by its sister, the green snake. And after walking through the earthly world under a human appearance, the white snake falls in love with a young doctor who lent her his umbrella on a rainy day -the sentimonster couldn't help but make a face of surprise at the irony of the umbrella-, As the white snake had knowledge of medicine, she was a great companion and wife for the young doctor. Although they had many difficulties due to their union, both managed to find happiness in the end -Mrs. Dupain-Cheng finished recounting the story-, for that reason, I think that the name of White Snake, suits you perfectly.
-I haven't fallen in love with any man who has given me an umbrella -the snake woman answered calmly -But Marinette... I suppose it now makes sense why I have this appearance -the sentimonster smiled gratefully at the couple-, I will keep that name then -White bowed to the couple to greet them cordially-, So I introduce myself again, Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng, I am the sentimonster of your daughter Marinette, White Snake. I would have wished that we had met in better circumstances, but while I am here, I will make sure that no one hurts you or Marinette, until that day when my presence is no longer needed, it would be an honor if you received me at home.
-We couldn't leave you out little one -answered Mrs. Sabine, while she was hugged by her husband.
-Our Marinette wouldn't have liked it -the baker agreed, stroking White's head as if she were a little girl.
…..
In the present...
On the orders of White Snake, the jade snake holding Gabriel Agreste dragged his accused into a Chinese symbol drawn on the ground and surrounded by a circumference of jade fragments.
-The first to be prosecuted will be Gabriel Agreste for his crimes as Hawk Moth. All your faults will be dictated, then you must answer the questions that are asked for you so that you have the opportunity to defend yourself, but... -White pointed to the symbol warningly-, I must warn you that this is the symbol of the Yi, which represents justice, honesty, loyalty, and reliability. In simple terms -White looked at Lila, who never ceased to look at the sentimonster in mixed fear and hatred-, If you lie or deny your crimes, the symbol will react to your evil intentions and suffer under its power. For example, are you Hawk Moth?-she demanded, and Gabriel swallowed dryly while glancing at the symbol, but having everyone paying close attention to his words with his pride on the line, he decided to answer the following very safely.
-Of course I'm not... AGHGGGGH! -the symbol Yi shone under him, giving out an electric shock that superficially burned his clothes.
-I warned you not to lie -White Snake said annoyed, then addressed all her prisoners-,Luckily, the punishment of cold fire will not kill those questioned by this symbol. However...-White flicked her viperine gaze to a pale Lila, who was trembling with fear-, If you are too proud to accept your mistakes, or are simply a compulsive liar.-Rossi tried to shrink next to Nathalie, who frowned at her knowing full well that the girl would be most affected by her fraudulent tongue
-This is ridiculous! -Gabriel claimed, grinding his teeth towards the sentimonster -. I have done nothing wrong! AGHGGGH! -The man received another discharge, and White appeared outraged by the defendant's attitude.
-Are you serious, Mr. Agreste? What part of getting electric shocks every time you lie, haven't you understood? -White Snake refuted annoyed, and when she observed a terrified Lila, she snorted again -And to think that she will follow after Miss Nathalie, this will be a loooong afternoon.
Without anyone noticing, Chat Noir nodded reluctantly, agreeing with the sentimonster. ...
-WOW! This last scene reminds me of something… -Plagg commented as he struck his little head to try to remember.
-I was inspired by the anime Tate No yuusha when they bring the Garbage King and Bitch to trial- I answer, as I work head-on on the Vroid.
-What are you doing now? -The kwami asks me, and I only show you the new avatar I do.
-Checking my Youtube channel, I think I could do another avatar, but it will take its time... -I answered without flipping and Chimuelo snorted boring.
-You don't even say it, every time you get to work on your animations, you don't pay attention to anyone, well, the next cap things will start to fall by their own weight... muajaja!