Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Volpina
Lila, a girl with an unyielding determination and ambitious goals, embarked on her journey to College Francoise Dupont. Her objective was clear—to establish herself as the school's queen bee and win the heart of Adrien. These were not just about popularity and romance, but about finding her place and proving her worth in a new environment. Her determination was unwavering, and she was prepared to do whatever it took to achieve her goals. Little did she know, a potential obstacle was about to test her resolve—Marinette, the school's beloved princess. This encounter with Marinette would set the stage for a series of events that would shape Lila's school journey. Still, her resilience was unyielding, a testament to her unbreakable spirit.
As Lila stepped into the school, her heart beat with anticipation. Today, her intricate web of deceit, a testament to her cunning nature, would begin to take shape. As she ascended the stairs, she overheard two girls discussing Prince Ali and his upcoming project. They spotted Lila and greeted her warmly. Lila returned their wave, her mind already spinning a tale, her cunning nature ready to play, showcasing her strategic thinking that would soon come into play.
"Hi, I am Lila, and I’m new here." Lila introduced herself to the two girls. Rose and Juleka also introduced themselves to Lila. "Where are you talking about Prince Ali, too?" Lila asked the two girls innocently. '' Yes, we are, '' Rose said. Lila would have to lie and claim to know Prince Ali personally.
As the girls conversed, Lila observed their interactions, taking note of the dynamics at play. She was about to spin her story when Marinette and Alya, friends with Rose and Juleka, approached the girls. Their warm greetings and the blush on Rose and Juleka's cheeks at Marinette’s smile were not lost on Lila. This interaction highlighted the existing relationships and Marinette’s influence on her peers, a force that Lila had not fully anticipated. She rolled her eyes at Marinette, a subtle sign of her disdain. Still, inside, she felt a twinge of uncertainty, exposing her vulnerability in the face of unexpected challenges, a feeling that would soon become more pronounced.
Lila began to grow worried. She couldn't use Prince Ali's story since Rose knew him, though she had a different story she could use. Then, Marinette turned around to talk to Lila. ''Hi, I’m Marinette. Welcome to College Francoise Dupont,'' Marinette says. Lila gave Marinette a fake smile. ''Hi, I am Lila Rossi,'' Lila said.
''Come with us, we will give you a tour of the school,'' Alya offered Lila. ''I would like that,'' Lila says, faking a sweet voice. Alya, Marinette, and Lila walked off to enter the school. Then they saw Chloe and Sabrina. Sabrina was carrying Chloe’s stuff, and Chloe was talking about herself as usual. Chloe saw Marinette and took her things from Sabrina. The three girls walked to Chloe and Sabrina, and the introductions began again.
''Are you doing anything after school?'' Chloe asked. Chloe wanted to spend more time with Marinette. ''I must work on some homework that I missed,'' Marinette replied. Sabrina smiled. Maybe she got extra time with the school princess. ''You can join me after school. I can help catch you up.'' Sabrina said. Chloe gives Sabrina a warning glare. Sabrina jumped at the glare. Marinette notices this and says, ''The three of us can do it together.'' Chloe dropped the glare, and Sabrina took a breath.
''We can do it at Daddy Hotel. We can visit Jagged Stone when we are there,'' Chole said. Lila's idea of lying about knowing Jagged and writing a song about her was out the window. Still, Lila had more stories to tell everyone. Then Nino, Max, and Kim walked up to the girls. Other introductions again for the third time. ''Hey Nino, I heard you're working on a new short film,'' Alya wonders. Lila thought it was perfect to lie about knowing Steven Spielberg.
Each rejection blew Lila's confidence, but she refused to give up. I hope to meet Steven Spielberg himself. In the future, of course,' Nino said. Lila was about to say something, but Marinette beat her to it. 'Well, Thomas may be able to help him,' Marinette stated. Lila was seething inside. It was the third time with lousy luck, and she lost a third story. These rejections were not just about losing a story; they were about losing a part of her plan and identity. Everyone agreed with what Marinette said. After that, Chloe, Sabrina, Max, Kim, and Nino left. The three girls left and walked up the stairs. They walked up the stairs to the second floor of the school. There, we see Adrien waiting for Marinette so he can ask her a question.
One last introduction was done. Thank God there are no more introductions to anyone! Adrien was about to ask a question when Lila cut him off. ''I heard Ladybugs have a best friend!'' Lila shouted. Alya, Adrien, and Marinette looked at her as if she were crazy. ''Are you okay?'' Alya asked. Lila took a deep breath and could tell one of her 'stories.' “I am Alya. I heard Ladybug has a best friend. Ladybug's best friend,” Lila, was about to finish, but was cut off. Adrien Agreste himself was about to ask his question. Lila's heart raced as she struggled to maintain her facade, her mind racing to come up with another story to cover her tracks, her confidence wavering under the pressure.
"Would you like to join us for an upcoming photoshoot?" asked Adrien. Marinette let out a giggle and became a little. "I like that. When is it?" replied Marinette. Adrien laughed at the blush. "It's two days at the park," Adrien said. Lila's patience was wearing thin. She left for the library, her anger simmering beneath the surface. Finding a table, she couldn't contain her frustration any longer. "My chances with Adrien are gone! I hate you, Marinette!" Lila's outburst echoed in the library as she slammed her hands on the table. This outburst revealed Lila's inner turmoil and strained her relationships with the other characters, particularly Marinette. But even in her defeat, Lila's unwavering determination, a source of inspiration, inspired those around her. Her internal struggle was a testament to her human nature, making her a more relatable character.
Then, a butterfly, the Akuma, fluttered into the library and landed on Lila's bracelet. 'Volpina, I am Hawk Moth. 'Volpina, I am Hawk Moth. 'Volpina's bestowing you the power of illusion; your lies will manifest into reality from this moment. Gain the trust of Ladybug and Cat Noir, convince them you're an actual superhero, and then betray them. Bring me their Miraculous,' Hawkmoth's voice echoed in Lila's mind. She smiled at the offer and replied, 'It would be my pleasure, Hawk Moth. ' With that, she embraced her transformation into Volpina, her eyes set on her first target, Marinette. As the chapter ended, the suspense of her impending transformation into a new identity hung in the air, thick with anticipation.