She betrayed Chloe in the future. Turned against her. And Chloe cast her off because of it, leaving her without friends, without somewhere to belong.
It was a shock, but… not totally unknown. She'd left Chloe once before, when Marinette had persuaded her that she'd be a better friend than Chloe. But then Marinette had ditched her, leaving her to work on the project alone, just like she'd gotten mad at Chloe for doing, and Chloe had given her a cute hat and well… she'd stuck with Chloe ever since.
Seeing Marinette here though, how she'd ditched this other version of herself, but seemingly without malicious intent and while still praising that Sabrina for turning against Chloe, even thinking that she was a worthy superhero… it was making her re-evaluate her previous judgment towards Marinette. She'd seemed distracted at the time, like she was busy, and if she remembered right, there'd been an akuma on the loose at the time (Evillustrator she thought?), so maybe she'd just been harried because of Ladybug duties. And she might just not have thought through what effect leaving her might have on her, like she was doing in this episode.
She glanced over at Chloe, who still wasn't looking at her. She might not have a choice but to try and make new friends. Chloe might not take her back this time. Not if she thought that Sabrina was sure to turn against her.
And Marinette… even now, she thought that she had potential as a superhero. Even without seeing whatever caused the other Marinette to give her a Miraculous.
…would Marinette giving her a Miraculous be contingent on her breaking up with Chloe? Would that be her condition for making her a superhero?
Her heart clenched at that. She wasn't sure whether being with Chloe, whether continuing to help her, was truly a good idea… but she didn't want to be forced to choose, either. It was normal, for good things from friends to come with strings attached, whether it be doing homework in exchange for a new hat, or helping to steal something in exchange for continued friendship, but somehow… it never quite felt right.
Scene: Exterior, Collège Françoise Dupont, at the school courtyard. Marinette is still taking Adrien's measurements.
Adrien: Did you forget about movie night with your friends?
Marinette: No! Not at all! It was all part of the "plan"! It's a surprise, actually. It's... a new concept! Why choose between BFFs and boyfriend when you can enjoy both... at the same time! (spins around Adrien) It'll be our very first romanti-friendly evening, like a couple... group thing! (chuckles nervously) Surprise!
Adrien: I'm not coming, Marinette.
Marinette: WHAT?
Alya let out a sigh, shaking her head. "Marinette, Marinette, Marinette. It's either going to be romantic or friendly. If you try and make it both, it'll fail at both."
Mylene nodded. "I wouldn't mind watching movies with the guys at some point, but it's not going to be the same as watching it with just the girls. And you and Adrien really should have your romantic evening one-on-one. Good for Adrien for trying to head this off."
Marinette groaned.
"We can have a wonderful romantic evening some other time," Adrien assured Marinette.
She squeaked and blushed.
Chloe didn't like Marinette and Adrien together – she thought the idea was 'ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!' – but she, herself, had to admit they were kind of cute. Especially right now, with the way Adrien's eyes were shining, looking at Marinette softly.
She wished someone would look at her that way.
She wished that Chloe would ever look at her that way. If she ever did, she wasn't sure she'd ever be able to comprehend the idea of ever leaving her. She kept on hoping for that little bit of attention, that if she just did nice enough things for Chloe, she'd turn towards her, tell her how much she cares for her. She'd seen glimpses of that Chloe when they played Ladybug and Chat Noir together, but – not more than glimpses.
She wasn't sure that glimpses were enough anymore.
Scene: Back in the cafeteria, Zoé sits on the same table with Sabrina.
Zoé: Everything okay, Sabrina? If you need to talk…
Sabrina: (while fidgeting with a paper towel) It's just that... (sniffs) I've lost my only friend, even though I know Chloé didn't really care about me. (sniffs) Now I'm trying to make new ones but... I just can't seem to. When I see all of you, it's clear to me that I don't belong in your group and why would I? I was so mean to everyone. (sniffs) Deep down, I always knew none of it was right but I genuinely love Chloé. I thought she'd change eventually. (sobs) I know it took me too long to find the courage to stand up to her and now I'm paying the price. You girls will always see me as Chloé Bourgeois' minion. Maybe I should leave — go to a different school, just like she did.
Zoé: There's no way you're changing schools, Sabrina. You're not Chloé's minion anymore! I know how much courage it took. I can see that. Would you like to come to a movie night at Marinette's?
Sabrina: Marinette would never want me there. She was Chloé's favorite victim. We bullied her for years.
Zoé: Marinette is a great girl. Trust me, she'll say yes.
Sabrina: Are you sure?
(Zoé nods.)
Sabrina: (grabs a piece of pastry from her paper bag and gives it to Zoé) Here, you want one?
Zoé: (takes the bread) Thanks!
"Sabrina…" Marinette looked over at her, eyes wide. "Yes, you've helped Chloe in the past, but… if you want to change, to be friends with us… well, I can't speak for the other girls, but I'd be happy to extend a hand. Everyone deserves a chance, if they're willing to change."
"Back off, Dupain-Cheng," Chloe retorted sharply. "Sabrina is mine. Even if she is a traitor. Or will be a traitor. Or might be a traitor. Whatever! Keep your grubby little hands off her."
"Sabrina doesn't belong to anyone. She's her own person," Marinette said, turning to her. She spoke more softly. "Sabrina, what do you want to do?"
"I…" part of her was thrilled to see Chloe want her, to defend her from others who might try to take her. She cared about her, at least in some capacity, even if only the way she might care for a prized possession.
And yet– and yet what Marinette was offering… it was tempting. She'd only ever had Chloe before, from an early age. Chloe had made sure of that, chasing others away, saying that if Sabrina left her, she'd have no one. Which this show seemed to be showing as well, except…
Except Marinette was reaching out to her, here and now. Except that the Marinette on-screen believed in her.
Except that this new girl, who had blond hair and blue eyes, so much like Chloe's, was also reaching out to her, was trying to get others to accept her, even.
"I don't know," she finished, looking into Marinette's eyes. "But– but I don't think I want to be only Chloe's anymore."
Maybe she wouldn't be forced to choose, between Chloe and new friends. But if she had to… she wasn't sure she would choose Chloe.
Chloe looked away. "Traitor."
She looked down, taking a deep breath. That hurt. But not as much as she was expecting it to.
Scene: Back at the school courtyard...
Marinette: What do you mean you're not coming?
Adrien: When you decide to do things with people, it's to spend your time with just them. I'm not sure your girls' movie night would feel special with them if I was there for a romantic evening at the same time. That's why I'm not coming. (gently puts his hand on Marinette's cheek) So you can focus on being with just them. We'll have our special evening together some other time, don't worry. (leans in to kiss Marinette)
Marinette: (leans away) No! No kiss. Not now.
Adrien: Uh— Sorry?
Marinette: Sorry. I have to go t-to... to the bathroom!
(She runs away. Adrien frowns at her departure.)
Scene: In the bathroom. Marinette quickly enters a cubicle and closes the door shut.
Marinette: Oh no! This is an absolute disaster! If Adrien doesn't come over tonight, there will never be a hundredth-kiss conjunction, or a wedding, or a house, or hamsters named—
Tikki: Marinette!
Marinette: No! It took so long to get here. It cannot end like this! I HAVE to find a way to convince him to come over tonight despite the girls being there. (gasps) Of course! If they were okay with this, I'm sure I could change Adrien's mind. (she exits the cubicle. Tikki follows her from behind.)
"I don't think I'll change my mind on this," Adrien told her gently. "Even if the girls were okay with it, I wouldn't be."
"But–!"
"Marinette. You should respect Adrien's decision," Alya cut in, an edge to her voice.
Adrien nodded.
She doubted Marinette would. Chloe never took no for an answer, if she didn't like that answer. It was just the way of things. She doubted that Marinette would take no for an answer, either.
Scene: In a classroom, during Electronics class. Zoé puts on her gloves and glances at the girls on the table. She walks towards them.
Zoé: Hey, girls! I was thinking about tonight. Would you mind if we invited one more person over?
Alya: Totally! Expanding our group is a cool idea.
Rose: I was actually thinking of inviting Aglae over one of these days.
Mylène: And Sublime too!
Kagami: And Ondine.
"Huh, who are they?" Alya questioned. "I mean, we've seen Sublime, but I don't know an Aglae or an Ondine."
"I know an Ondine!" Kim chimed in. "She and I go swimming together! We have a game where we throw stuff into the pool for each other and then we have to retrieve them. It's a lot of fun."
Alya blinked. "Huh. She must be in a different class then. That just leaves Aglae I guess. Anyone know an Aglae?"
Everyone shook their heads.
Zoé: Awesome! Then I'll invite Sabrina.
Alya: (gasps) I mean, there's already a lot of us, and uh, Marinette's room is so tiny.
Juleka: Not sure we have enough beds.
Mylène: And honestly, after everything she and Chloé did to us...?
Zoé: Girls, Chloé was the problem.
Kagami: Well, Sabrina was her henchgirl.
She looked down at her lap, curling her fingers. Maybe this new girl would accept her, but these other girls? Didn't even want to give her the time of day. How could Marinette possibly actually accept her, when she and Chloe were so much worse to her than the others? She'd even tried to steal her diary, for pete's sake!
Maybe she didn't deserve their friendship.
That didn't stop her from wanting it.
Zoé: But without her, we wouldn't be free from Chloé today, and now she's all alone.
"So it was all your fault," Chloe narrowed her eyes at her.
She shrunk back.
"I should cut off our friendship right now, traitor," Chloe hissed. "But I will be nice and merciful and give you a chance to prove yourself. Maybe you aren't like that version on-screen. That fake version. It's all fake! It has to be!" Her eyes were wild, a hint of panic creeping into her voice.
Was Chloe… afraid? Just like she didn't have a lot of friends, neither did Chloe. It was really just her and Adrien. And ever since Adrien had gotten the opportunity to go to school and make other friends, he'd been drifting away from Chloe.
Maybe Chloe was just as scared of being alone as she, herself was.
Alya: Yeah, I don't know. Ask Marinette. It's her place after all.
Zoé: (takes off her safety goggles) Fair enough. (walks towards the door)
(Marinette is seen coming towards the same place.)
Zoé: (gasps) Marinette! Perfect timing! I wanted to ask you: did you see Sabrina this morning?
Marinette: Uh, Sabrina? Yeah, Sabrina, (peeks at the girls from Zoé's shoulder) she's blossoming, very independent.
Zoé: (tilts her head, blocking Marinette's view) That's great! Actually, I'd like us to do something for her.
Marinette: (pushes Zoé back to the classroom with her) Uh, definitely! For sure!
(Zoé and Marinette stand before the girls.)
Marinette: Say, girls, do you mind if we have an unexpected guest joining us tonight? I mean, I know it's a bit awkward. A different sort of person who doesn't quite fit the definition of our girlfriends' group, um—
Alya: Sure, no problem, Marinette.
Marinette: Really? Oh! Thank you! Oh, this is such a relief.
Zoé: You always care about others. That's your greatest quality. You're the best!
Marinette: Oh, stop it. You girls are the best! See ya tonight!
"...I think you were having a different conversation from everyone else," Alya commented, looking over at Marinette. "Also you might want to pay attention more to what someone's saying when they talk to you."
Marinette groaned. "I know, I know! But when I'm concentrating on something, it's like all my thoughts are geared towards that thing, and I just lose sight of everything else." She let out a sigh. "I think, based on everything else we've seen here, that this version of me would be okay with Sabrina joining though. I mean, she approved of her being a superhero, and I'd think that would have higher requirements than joining in on movie night."
"I don't know, I still have a bad feeling about this…" Alya muttered.
Marinette: Okay, you're right, it doesn't make sense to go back and forth between the patio and the room. I'll just stay with you and watch the movie on my phone. (chuckles)
Adrien: Marinette, this thirty-seventh idea isn't going to change my mind either.
Marinette: But the girls agreed!
Adrien: No matter how you plan it, you won't really be with your girlfriends or with me. Let's just see each other tomorrow. It's no big deal. Enjoy your evening with your friends.
(He's about to lean in for a kiss on the lips, but remembering Marinette's instruction, he goes in for a kiss on her cheek instead and walks away. Just then, Sabrina hugs Marinette from behind.)
Alya shot Marinette a Look.
Marinette sighed. "I know, I know. I should just leave it be. But I just… wouldn't be able to. Especially if I was afraid of mine and Adrien's relationship collapsing. I just get into my own head, and have trouble getting out of it."
Adrien nodded, smiling gently. "I get that. That's why we're here, to try to get you out of it, and to let you know that you're not alone."
Marinette smiled back, before blushing and turning away.
She wished that she could have what Marinette had. Would she ever have friends who'd try to get her out of any spirals she got into, and tell her she wasn't alone?
Sabrina: Thank you, Marinette!
Marinette: Uh, you're welcome?
(In Roger's police car, Sabrina enthusiastically boards in.)
Sabrina: Hurry, Dad! I've got to get my PJs, my toothbrush, my eyedrops, and toot-toot whistle! (buckles her seatbelt) I've been invited to Marinette's house tonight!
Roger: That's great news, sweetheart! You can count on your daddy to be on time.
(The car drives away.)
Marinette bit her lip. "I'm sure I'd be fine with inviting Sabrina over, but… I'm not sure how I'd react if Sabrina showed up instead of Adrien. I hope this goes well, but considering what I've seen of myself in this akuma-made future so far… I dunno."
"You do seem to have a tendency to put your foot in your mouth. Both feet, really," Alya said, bemused. "But I'm sure everything will work out. It did the other two episodes!"
Marinette smiled. "You're right. Even if I mess up with Sabrina, I'll fix it." She quietly muttered, "Probably." She wasn't sure if anyone else heard that.
She could see why, though. Last time Marinette had reached out to her, she'd ended up going straight back to Chloe. Her counterpart here probably couldn't do that, but if this failed… she might end up leaving the school after all.
She hoped she didn't. She was intrigued by this new girl, someone she'd never seen before, who didn't seem to have any incentive to try to help her, and yet… she was risking alienating her friends just to bring her into their friend group.
She wanted to get to know that girl.
Scene: Interior, the Dupain-Cheng's Residence, in Marinette's room. The girls seem to question about the "romantic" decorations for their girls' movie night.
Rose: I just don't get the connection between these petals and Japanese cinema.
Alya: (looks at the balloon decoration saying "100") Something doesn't add up.
(Up on the balcony, Marinette uses her binoculars to look out for Adrien.)
Marinette: Ugh, still no sign of Adrien.
Alya: (peeking from the trapdoor) What's poppin', Marinette?
Marinette: Nothing! Nothing is... poppin'.
Alya: Then why aren't you with us already?
(The doorbell rings.)
Marinette: Hah! He told me he wasn't coming but he did anyway! (dives back to her bedroom then goes downstairs) Ah, he wanted to surprise me. I knew it! (tumbles her way towards the door only to see that Sabrina was the one at the door) Sabrina? Wh-What are you doing here?
Sabrina: I'm... I'm here for movie night?
Marinette: But who invited you?
Sabrina: You did.
Marinette: What? No! I invited Adrien. You didn't see him in the stairway, did you?
Sabrina: No, it's just me.
Marinette: This. Is. A DISASTER!
Sabrina: (dejected) Sorry, Marinette. I probably should go then. (about to leave but turns around one last time) Surely, something can be done.
Marinette: (frowning) Do you know how to make the Hoa Tinh star return to Jupiter another day?
(Sabrina shakes her head "no".)
Marinette: Then, no. Nothing can be done.
(Marinette closes the door, leaving Sabrina a crying mess. She sobs as she goes down the apartment. Back on the balcony, the fireworks from afar set off, with Marinette's failed plan for her special evening with Adrien.)
Marinette had rejected her.
She hadn't wanted her there.
She– she should've known this would happen. How could Marinette be okay with inviting her over, after everything? She–
Something wet hit her hands.
Ah. She was crying.
"Sabrina…" Marinette looked at her gently. "I am so, so sorry–"
"Can it, Dupain-Cheng," Chloe cut in icily, glaring at her. "You've done enough damage already."
Chloe was standing up for her?
Chloe cared about her?
She wiped her eyes, looking back over at Chloe.
Chloe looked back at her, her eyes softening for a moment, before hardening again and looking away.
But she'd seen it. A hint of something thawing. Chloe did care about her, if only a little bit.
Scene: On the streets. Sabrina is seen sitting again on the bench all alone. She calls her father on her phone.
Sabrina: Dad, can you please come get me?
Roger: (while driving) But... weren't you supposed to be sleeping at your friend's house?
Sabrina: There's no place for me — not at Marinette's house, not at the school, not in this city! (sobs)
Roger: (angry) Don't move, sweetheart. I'm coming right now. (immediately turns the car around)
So that was it. She'd be moving away, or staying with relatives somewhere else, or– or something. She'd start over fresh, somewhere no one knew her, and hope that she could make friends that way.
She'd never get to know that new girl better. She'd be leaving her behind, just like everyone else.
"That can't be it!" Marinette burst out. "That can't be the end of this! Not when Sabrina's trying so hard."
"And what are you going to do about it?" Chloe retorted. "You just ruined everything, like usual, Dupain-Cheng."
She bit her lip. "I–"
"I am the only one who hasn't abandoned you," she said, looking over at her. "If you betray me, you'll have no one else. I will keep you, even if no one else will. You just need to stay loyal to me." She thought for a moment. "Well, and do my homework."
Chloe was right. She'd seen it. Marinette had turned her down. She was leaving the city.
And yet– and yet—!
This Marinette, the one in her own world, wasn't happy about her other self's actions. She seemed distraught that her other self had closed the door in her face.
And that other girl, the one who'd pushed for her to be invited to the sleepover in the first place… what would she think, when she found out about this? Maybe she'd just accept it, throw up her hands and say, "Oh well."
But maybe… maybe she wouldn't.
"I… want to watch a little longer." she said, finally.
A flash of anger swept over Chloe's face, and then– fear? Like she'd seen before.
Maybe– just maybe– Chloe needed her more than she needed Chloe.
Scene: Back in Marinette's balcony, the girls finally confront Marinette about their mixed-up plans.
Alya: Wait, wait, wait, you invited Adrien to our sleepover?
Marinette: (crying) The hundredth kiss, the fireworks, the stars — it could only happen tonight!
Alya: Without asking us?
Marinette: But I did. I told you about it earlier. You all agreed to it, but... it looks like it didn't change his mind, and now everything's ruined. (put her head down on the table)
Rose: I don't get it. If Adrien was the surprise guest, but it wasn't him at the door, then who was?
Zoé: (gasps upon realization) Sabrina!
(All the girls follow Zoé downstairs.)
So that new girl– she did care. Not sure how much, but… she actually thought of her immediately. She could have just dismissed her, hung out with all of her other friends, not worried about her at all… but instead, she seemed horrified at the realization that Marinette must have sent her away, racing away immediately to find her.
No one had ever done that sort of thing for her before. And even in this future, she barely seemed to know this girl yet. But still, she was going out of her way to try to get the other girls to accept her, to bring her into their group.
She needed to get to know her.
Scene: Back on the streets. An ultrakuma heads for Sabrina, and infects her whistle.
Chrysalis: Hello. Forgive my intrusion, but..I sense a great deal of guilt preventing you from making friends.
Sabrina: (resists; yells) NO! (breaks the connection with Chrysalis, rejecting her akumatization, as the ultrakuma flew back out)
…she could do that?
Alya whistled. "I know that the version of me in the future said that we could resist akumas, but I didn't really believe it until now." Alya looked at her, smiling slightly. "Wait to go, Sabrina!"
She blushed at the praise, looking down. "It's– it's not me. It's this other version of me." The braver version of her. "I couldn't do that."
"And yet, you did," Alya reminded her. She gestured at the screen. "Within a year, you get to the point where you can resist an akuma, even when upset and breaking down. You've got a lot more strength than you know."
Marinette nodded. "You came a long way. And if one version of you can do it, then maybe you can too."
Chloe snorted. "Really, Dupain-Cheng? I thought you were of the opinion that none of this was real. It's all an akuma's fantasy."
Marinette blinked, stammering. "Y-yes, well– even if it's not real, it can still reveal some truths."
"Ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous," Chloe muttered. "Besides, if anyone was going to resist an akuma, it would be moi. I have the strongest will of anyone, so I would be the first. If I can't do it, then no one can."
"Conceited much?" Alya muttered.
Chloe had a point, though. Few people were as stubborn and strong-willed as her. If she hadn't managed to do this yet, then could she really do it? She had no illusions about her own strength of will. She certainly didn't match up to Chloe.
Scene: On the road, the ultrakuma heads towards Roger, who is driving fast to pick up Sabrina out of his desperation.
Roger: I'm coming, sweetheart!
Scene: Akumatization - Roger's mind.
Chrysalis: Hello. Forgive my intrusion, but...I sense the pain of a father helpless in the face of his daughter's sorrow. If you wish, I can give you the power to allow people to see your daughter the way you see her. What do you think?
Roger: I must fix this miscarriage of justice.
Chrysalis: And what should I call you?
Roger: Daddycop!
(Chrysalis closes her palm)
Scene: On the road
(Roger stands on his now transformed car making a flexing pose)
Daddycop: Daddycop!
She winced. "No… Dad…" It wasn't the first time he'd ever been akumatized, but it was the first time it was due to her. If she'd accepted the akuma–
"It's not your fault," Marinette told her gently. "Besides, he would rather he be akumatized instead of you, I'm sure. Parents are like that."
"I know." She looked down at her hands. Didn't mean she had to like it.
Scene: Back on the streets. Sabrina is still sitting on the bench, as all the girls run towards her.
Zoe: Sabrina, come back! This is a misunderstanding!
Daddycop: You! Freeze! In the name of love, I'm arresting you for moral damage to my daughter.
Sabrina (stands up) No, Dad! It wasn't their fault!
Daddycop: You're finally going to see my Sabrina as I see her, through the eyes of love!
(Daddycop shoots all the girls, the girls turn around looking at Sabrina)
All the girls: Sabrina, We love you!
Sabrina: You only love me, because you were forced to! (she runs away.)
(Marinette watches from her balcony, as the girls run after Sabrina, and looks at Tikki)
Marinette: Oh no! This is a major disaster for real!
(runs off frame to transform) Tikki, spots on! (transforms into Ladybug)
Scene: The road where sabrina being chased by other girls.
All the girls: Sabrina, We love you!
Daddycop: (shoots everywhere) More, more love for my daughter!
"Oh, cool! Zombie movie, I love those!" Alya shot Nino a Look. He quickly backtracked. "I– I mean– this is awful, I hope everyone gets to safety."
Alya raised an eyebrow, but let it go.
She, herself, didn't really care about it being like a zombie movie. She'd never really liked those things, but she wasn't the one being actively chased down right now – her counterpart was.
No. She was more concerned about the new girl, the one who had led the rest of the girls in chasing her down, wanting her back, saying this was a misunderstanding. She still didn't even know her name. She couldn't track her down in her time, not with just her description. 'Blond, around my age, blue eyes, and very pretty" described far too many girls. Heck, it described Chloe and Rose, even.
She just had to hope that they were destined to meet regardless.
(Daddycop hits more Parisians, turning them into Sabrina-obsessed zombies. They keep chanting "Sabrina, we love you!" and chasing her around.)
Sabrina: No! Leave me alone!
(Ladybug yo-yos Sabrina into her arms.)
Daddycop: Give me back my daughter right now!
Ladybug: Emergency evacuation service! (She swings off with Sabrina.)
(Chat meets up with Ladybug and Sabrina on a rooftop.)
Chat: I feel for you. I have the same problem with my fanclub.
Nino blinked. "Wait, dude, is that actually true?"
Adrien grimaced. "Unfortunately, yes. There's a reason I have a bodyguard, it isn't just Father being overprotective. I've needed to run and hide to avoid being mobbed."
"That's messed up. You're a regular guy, you deserve to get to walk around in public in peace."
Adrien laughed bitterly. "Tell that to my fans." He let out a sigh. "That might have been unfair. They mean well, they're just a little overexcited to meet me."
"Well, if you ever need a place to hide out, my home's always available," Nino offered.
Adrien smiled. "Thanks, but I doubt father would allow it."
Nino grimaced. "Knowing that guy? Probably not."
Daddycop: Ugh! Give her back!
Ladybug: Chat Noir! Create a diversion while I get Sabrina to safety!
Chat Noir: I love being a distraction. Power Up! (He grew batwings and flew off)
"...Did he just eat some cheese and fly off?" Adrien asked, sounding both fascinated and disgusted.
"Maybe he was hungry? I know how much you like cheese, I've caught you carrying it around a lot," Nino said.
"Yeah, sure I love cheese! It's just my favorite!"
Huh. Adrien's voice sounded weirdly strained for some reason. Come to think of it, she hadn't noticed Adrien eating cheese all that much on the occasions she had run into Adrien before he started school. Granted, she'd only seen him a little bit, whenever she happened to be with Chloe at a time when she and Adrien were allowed to meet up, but still. Maybe his taste buds have only changed recently?
"Is no one concerned about the flying?" Marinette squeaked, gesturing at the screen.
"That's so cool. Do you think the rest of us could do that? I've always wanted to fly." Alya looked at her hopefully.
"No! Because it's not real, it's obviously made up, and is just more proof that this isn't based on reality at all. So there!" Marinette crossed her arms.
Alya rolled her eyes. "Sure, girl. Whatever you say."
Daddycop: Huh?
Chat: Cataclysm!
(Chat Noir flew around Daddycop, attempting to cataclysm his police cruiser.)
Ladybug: Sabrina Raincomprix, I'm gonna need Ms. Hound's help.
(Sabrina takes off the Dog Miraculous.)
Sabrina: Ladybug, I don't deserve that Miraculous. I'm an awful person. I'm not worthy of being part of the Miraculers, just like I'm not worthy of having friends.
Ladybug: Sabrina, the reason I gave you the Dog Miraculous is because I know you're a good person. You've already changed. You just can't see it yourself yet. Visualize the Sabrina you've become, the one you want everyone to see.
(Sabrina took the collar back, but it transformed into a brooch instead of a choker.)
Sabrina: Barkk, on the hunt!
(She transformed into Miss Hound, but with a different design than earlier.)
Miss Hound: Ah, that's incredible!
Ladybug: You're incredible.
Ladybug… Marinette… she accepted her. Pushed her to keep the Dog Miraculous, even when she was going to give it up. She thought she'd changed, become better, moved forwards.
And the Miraculous seemed to agree! Maybe she was misreading the situation, but it looked like the Miraculous had changed shape, and she'd changed costume design, because she'd decided to visualize a new her. A better version of herself.
"I knew her outfit had changed!" Marinette cried triumphantly.
"Her old outfit was better," Chloe crossed her arms, refusing to look at the screen. She sounded really bitter, moreso than she would have expected. Why did she seem to be taking this so hard? She hadn't seemed like she was in love with the old design all that much.
"Nice transformation sequence, Sabrina!" Adrien congratulated her, grinning. "I really love the way you played hacky-sack with that ball, that was a nice touch!"
"Thanks…?" It's not like the current 'her' had done that. Still, she felt a tiny bit of joy at the praise.
Max adjusted his glasses. "So it seems that this episode is most likely out of order as well. This new outfit is the same one Miss Hound had on during the first episode we saw, so that one must have taken place after this one. However, there is currently no way to figure out whether this episode with Daddycop took place before or after the one with Sublimation."
Daddycop: I'm enforcing the law!
Chat Noir: You better get new glasses or learn how to aim, Daddycop.
Butterfly Holder: I'll take care of him if you will. Turn around.
Daddycop: But I'll crash into him.
Butterfly Holder: Just trust me.
(The Butterfly Holder blows, and butterflies shoot out of Daddycop's mask. One of them hits Chat Noir, causing his transformation to revert and him to fall to the ground.)
Butterfly Holder: It's time for you to seize Chat Noir's Miraculous, dear Daddycop.
Ladybug: Lucky Charm! (She summons an air mattress for Chat to land on. She also appears to be transformed, possessing insectlike wings.)
Chat Noir: Thank you, M'Lady!
Ladybug: Go recharge and then head to the Moulex auto repair shop. We're gonna organize a little surprise for Daddycop.
"Hm. Well, they don't appear to be surprised by the butterflies, so I guess this takes place after Sublimation," Max concluded.
"Those wings are so pretty!" Alya squealed, looking over at Marinette. "When you get them, can you make sure to swing by my house? I've gotta post a picture on the Ladyblog!"
"I'm not–! Oh, forget it," Marinette sighed.
Daddycop: Where's my daughter, you outlaw? What have you done with her?
Ladybug: You'll have to catch me if you wanna know!
(Scene Change: Miss Hound lands on some pavement, looking at her ball. It opens slightly to reveal some orange lights glowing inside. A bunch of symbols project out from it, allowing her to click on the horse.)
(Scene Change: Max sitting across from a robot, staring at a chessboard. A small horse kwami floats next to him.)
Max: I guess this game's gonna have to wait!
(Scene Change): A superhero, presumably Max, hops through a portal to meet up with Miss Hound, Chat Noir appearing as well.)
Chat Noir: Oh, awesome new get-up, Miss Hound!
Miss Hound: Thanks! Cosmobug is going to need us.
"I'm a superhero?!" Max cried out, delighted.
"You deserve it!" Marinette assured him.
He smiled. "Thanks. I'm not sure what I did to earn the other you's trust, but I'm sure I'd work hard not to let you down."
"So, is your transformed name Cosmobug, then?" Alya asked.
Marinette rolled her eyes. "How should I know? This is as new to me as it is to you!"
"It appears that my superpower is summoning portals," Max observed, ignoring the two girls' conversation. "A very useful power, especially if it can be changed. Though I do not know why Miss Hound would want my power in particular for this akuma."
(Scene change: Cosmobug is distracting Daddycop, flying around him as he shoots lasers at her.)
Astrobug: Are you ready?
Miss Hound: In position.
Astrobug: Now!
Pegasus: Voyage!
(Pegasus produces a portal that Daddycop can't stop himself from sailing through. Miss Hound throws her ball at his car.)
Miss Hound: Fetch!
(She steals his car, transporting it to the ground.)
Chat Noir: Cataclysm!
(The car's destroyed, releasing an akuma. Roger deakumatizes, causing him to fall out of the air, but Astrobug catches him, taking him safely to the ground.)
Astrobug: Retrogradation! (She changes back to her regular Ladybug form, then catches the butterfly and repairs everything, setting the zombified people free. She also makes a charm for Roger, which she hands to him.)
Ladybug: It's great that you want to look after your daughter's wellbeing, officer, but you don't have to worry anymore. Sabrina has it in her to make it on her own, probably because she has such a great dad.
Pegasus, Miss Hound, Ladybug, and Chat Noir: Pound it!
"Way to go, Sabrina!" Marinette congratulated. "I don't know whether your counterpart came up with that plan or whether mine did, but either way, you executed it perfectly!"
She blushed. "Thanks."
She looked so confident, so self-assured as Miss Hound. She'd never felt that way as herself. And she'd been able to help her dad. Normally he just helped her, but this time, she – or her counterpart at least – had been able to repay the favor.
Her eyes drifted over to Chloe. She was watching the screen, mouth slightly slack, eyes open wide. When she noticed her looking at her, she turned her face away, arms crossed.
The flash in her eyes though, before she turned away… was Chloe jealous of her?
Scene Change: Somewhere dark, with someone appearing to walk out of an alley.
Butterfly Holder: Dark Wings, fall.
Nooroo: Are you sure this is all really necessary?
Butterfly Holder: Silence! (She snaps her fingers. Nooroo falls to the ground, frozen.) I ordered you not to address me, kwami. Now, let's start again. (She writes in a book.)
"Poor kwami," Mylene whimpered. "No one deserves that."
"We'll get him back," Marinette asserted. "Before he falls into this new Butterfly Holder's hands."
"I hope Hawk Moth wasn't as cruel as this new Holder is, but knowing him…" Mylene trailed off.
She looked down. She hadn't seen much of Barkk, but even with the little glances she'd had of the dog kwami, the thought of her being in some evil, abusive person's clutches…
She clenched her fist.
Scene change: all the girls are in Marinette's room
Roger (over the phone): Are you sure everything's okay?
Marinette: Don't worry, Mr. Roger, sir. We'll take good care of her.
Sabrina: Have a nice evening, daddy dear!
(Sabrina turns to Marinette).
Sabrina: Thank you again for inviting me, Marinette. (turns to the rest of the girl squad.) I… want to take this time to apologize to all of you. I know I wasn't always nice to you girls, but I've changed, and if you'll accept me, of course, I'd be happy and proud to be your friend.
Girl Squad: Awww!
Marinette (To Sabrina): Everyone makes mistakes. Besides, you were a victim of Chloe too. You were very brave, separating yourself from her. And… (turns to girl squad) I too want to apologize. I've been focusing so much on my relationship with Adrien, that I forgot to give my attention to the ones that really needed it. I promise I'll be more attentive from now on. (Marinette hugs Sabrina). Welcome, Sabrina.
(Sabrina hugs back. The rest of the Girl Squad joins in with the group hug.)
(Zoe winks at Sabrina.)
Scene Change: Next day, in the dining hall at school.
(Sabrina approaches the Girl Squad table, wearing a new outfit and with a new haircut.)
Marinette: Wow, your new look is awesome!
Sabrina: You– you think so?
(The Girl Squad crowds around Sabrina, admiring her new get-up.)
Marinette (to Adrien): Oh, by the way, I forgot something. (She kisses him on the lips.) One hundred. I wanted to save it for our special evening, but in the end, I realized that we don't need a conjunction or fireworks to love each other.
(Adrien kisses Marinette.)
Adrien: One hundred and one.
(They both laugh together.)
They accepted her.
Even after everything… they accepted her.
She wasn't alone. She wasn't friendless. This other version of her was part of the group.
All she had to do… was turn her back on her oldest friend.
She looked over at Chloe.
Chloe looked back at her, her eyes wide, fear sparkling in them for a moment, before hardening.
"Go!" she snapped. "Just leave! I don't need you!"
The hurt in her eyes, in her voice, said differently.
"Chloe…" She reached out, but hesitated. Chloe wasn't a good person. She knew that. Her counterpart knew it. She was mean to others. Mean to her, sometimes, too.
And yet… and yet…!
Marinette put a hand on her shoulder. "You're the one who doesn't need her. We're here for you, if you're ready for us."
She nodded. Marinette was right, of course. Even after leaving Chloe, she'd been able to make new friends, while Chloe likely had no one. Chloe wasn't her only option.
She still glanced back, just in time to see Chloe wiping her eyes.
Scene Change: Zoe in a bathroom.
(Zoe opens the door to exit the bathroom. Some blonde-haired boy in an unfamiliar school uniform is just outside.)
Ray: What's up, cockroach?
Zoe: Leave me alone, Ray.
Ray: What's the matter? Are you afraid I'll show your new friends who you really are?
(He holds up his phone, showing a still from a video with Zoe. Zoe takes the phone and quickly deletes the video, then shoves the phone back at him.)
Ray: The nice thing about the digital world is that nothing ever disappears, just like who you were back in NYC, right cockroach? (He puts a hand on Zoe's shoulder, leaning in close to her ear, before laughing and walking off.)
"See? SEE?!" Chloe gestured at the screen, wild-eyed and triumphant. "That girl's not perfect, she's probably even worse than I am!" She laughed hysterically. "You– you all scorn me – but you'll let this other girl into your group without question. Oh, she acts soooo nice, but she's just as mean as I am! At least I'm honest about it!" She spoke faster and faster. "She's an awful person, aren't you going to kick her out? Once a bad guy, always a bad guy, right? At least I'm up front! At least I don't deceive you! I let you know exactly who I am!" She gazed at her, wild-eyed. "Sabrina! Don't you wish you'd stuck by me? Instead of following after that deceiver?!"
"Whatever that girl's past is, she's clearly trying to put it behind her!" Marinette burst out. "Same as Sabrina is! Sure, it might be shocking, I don't know. Maybe she even somehow manages to be worse than you, though I doubt it. But she's trying to be a better person! That's what matters the most." She gestured to the screen. "That's why the rest of us accepted Sabrina. Because she doesn't want to be the sort of person she was." She glared at Chloe. "You, on the other hand, have made no effort to change. You enjoy hurting people. That's why, whatever's in those videos, I think we'll accept that girl back. And why Sabrina is still better off far, far away from you."
"Why, you–! How dare you–! DADDY!" Chloe screeched. Tears were faintly visible at the corners of her eyes.
"That's enough!"
Before she had even fully registered it, both she and Adrien had burst out, saying the same thing. He caught her eye, nodding.
"That's enough," Adrien said more calmly. "Look. You're not wrong, but… just look at her."
"I don't need your pity!" Chloe snapped. "I– I'm gonna call Da-" She blinked, looking around, seeming to realize that there was no way for her to contact him right now. "I– I–"
There was nowhere for her to go. None of them could leave this room, and none of them knew how long they'd be there.
She was stuck with them.
She ran to one of the back corners of the room, which was still only about five feet from the nearest person, given how small and packed the room was. Sitting down, she tucked her legs in, hugging them close to her body.
Hesitantly, she took a few steps towards Chloe.
"STAY AWAY!" She yelled, before burying her head in her legs.
Adrien put a hand on her own shoulder. "I don't think we can do anything for her right now, Sabrina," he spoke softly. "Not right now. Maybe later, she'll open up more, be more willing to talk… but she needs to let us in first." He looked in her eyes. "What about you? Are you okay? I know that was a lot."
"I– I think so. As much as I can be, anyway." She was still going through a rollercoaster of emotions, and she wasn't sure when it would stop. If it would stop. She still hadn't fully sorted out her feelings about Chloe or the girl onscreen, the one who'd stuck up for her, or her feelings about the part she'd played in helping with Chloe's bullying."
"That's fine," Adrien told her. "You have time."
"And we'll be here to support you through it, if you're okay with that," Marinette told her warmly.
Murmurs of agreement went out through the crowd.
She smiled. Friends… she liked that idea.
But she still couldn't get Chloe's tear-stricken face out of her head.