05x16 - Protection

[bunniefuu]

[narrating] In the daytime, I'm Marinette.

Just a normal girl with a normal life.

But there's something about me
that no one knows yet.

'Cause I've got a secret.

[theme song playing]

♪ Miraculous!
Simply the best! ♪

♪ Up to the test when things go wrong! ♪

♪ Miraculous, the luckiest! ♪

♪ The power of love, always so strong! ♪

♪ Miraculous ♪

♪ Miraculous ♪

Here. You need to hydrate more, you know.

Thanks.

[cell phone vibrates, beeps]

It's time.
I'm sorry. I have to go meet the others.

You don't have to apologize.

It's not your fault
that Marinette hates me for no reason.

-Just go.
-[sighs]

I admire you so much, you know?

I don't know how you do it. [chuckles]

I, too, was in love with a boy once.

When he didn't wanna see me anymore,
I was in pain for so long.

I couldn't get him out of my head.

But you managed to turn your love
for Adrien into a friendship.

You even helped Marinette
get closer to him.

If it hadn't been for your big heart,

none of what's happening today
would be happening today.

You're so perfect, Kagami.

I'm proud to have you as my best friend.

Best friend? Really?

Mm-hmm.

[Kagami chuckles]

[Marc] That's it. You both finally
know you're in love with each other.

Under normal circumstances,
that would have been a done deal long ago.

But since you two lovebirds
are the most awkward--

I mean, the shiest kids on earth,

Marc and I thought you could use
a little kick in the a--

A little help.

[Marc] Our plan is to help you live out
a magical moment

that will make you wanna kiss each other

without needing to say a word.

So we've reserved a pod on
the Ferris wheel just for the two of you.

[Nathaniel] The place will be magical.

[Marc] Your pod is programmed
to stop at the exact moment

the sun sets over the city.

[Nathaniel] The view will be magical.

[Marc] There, pigeons trained
by Mr. Ramier

will release rose petals
to rain all around you.

[Nathaniel] The moment will be magical.

-But I'm allergic to pigeons.
-There's no risk since you'll be in a pod.

A pod streaming Kitty Section's
romantic music live!

[Nathaniel] Even the sound
will be magical!

-[Marc] It'll finally be kissy time!
-Magic!

[Marc] A camera will allow us to make sure

that everything's going according to plan.

[Nathaniel] The magic of the kiss!

[Marc] And that way,
you'll have a photo of your first kiss.

And from there…

[both] Ta-da! Perfect love for life!

But I can't kiss him.

I mean, of course I want to kiss him,

but I haven't even been able to tell him
that I love him yet.

Can't I just hold his hand for starters?

But that's just it.

If you kiss, you won't have to tell him.

Kissing is a miracle cure
for all your problems.

A kiss can wake a princess
and bring her back to life!

It makes the birds sing
and the squirrels dance.

So you two just turn off your brains,
follow the comic book,

kiss each other, and that's it.

End of the show.
Everything is magically sorted out.

Hence the name "Magic Kiss."

I'm not so sure.
What are you basing that on?

Just about every fairy tale, shojo manga,
and Hollywood romantic comedy ever.

Oh. And it works in real life too?
Who knew?

But what if I need to get out?

What if Marinette wants to leave?

I wouldn't want her to feel cornered
or pressured into anything.

That's the whole idea of the magic kiss.

You can't escape it.
You can't escape destiny!

Oh, I don't know.

Can't we just wait for things to happen
in their own time?

If you're waiting for Adrien
to do something,

then you can be certain
nothing will happen.

[groans]

[Rose] One, two, three.

♪ Don't need to skyrocket
Don't need no deep pockets ♪

♪ Be a prince or princess
If you need tenderness ♪

[raucous, tuneless guitar]

Stop, stop!

Nino, have you never touched
a guitar before?

Uh, no, dude. This is my very first time.

[Nathaniel] Well, then
why did you replace Luka?

[Nino] It didn't look so hard
when he was playing it.

[Marc] It's no big deal. It's okay.
Stay focused.

You can do this!

[whistle]

[Marc] Kiss in nine, eight, seven--

[both] Can we get off now?

[others] No!

Three, two…

One!

[Marinette groans]

[sighs]

[Adrien sighs]

That's okay. We'll find something else.

Don't bother. It's not you, it's me.

I don't have the magic in me!

[sighs]

-More tea?
-Don't change the subject, Gabriel-san.

Why are you so anxious to move up the date
of the Diamonds Ball?

Oh, it's just a scheduling issue.

Your lies show an unacceptable lack
of respect.

I'm not lying.

Your heart beats louder than a taiko drum.
Why do you want to move up the date?

[grunts]

Because I don't have much time left.

I've always seen Marinette acting funny
in my presence.

I thought that was just the way she was.

I thought it was sweet.
I thought it was just her charm.

But now that I know
it's because she loves me

and she freaks out about telling me,
I feel bad,

'cause it means this whole time,
she's been uncomfortable around me

and I haven't done anything to help her.

But you didn't know.

Doesn't take away from her suffering.

I wish she could feel more at ease
when she's with me.

Otherwise, one day it'll be too late
and she'll give up.

What can I do to help, Adrien?

Thanks. But it's not up to you
or anyone else to help.

I'm the one who's gotta do something.

I know everyone wants
to see us happy together,

but it's putting a lot of pressure on us.

The important thing is that we feel good
when we're together, right?

I'd do anything to make that happen.

Looks like your doubts are finally gone.

Yes, Kagami. I'm ready.

Made for each other. Just as planned.

Perfection calls for perfection.

-What are you doing?
-I'm gonna prepare a special picnic

for the two of us.

No friends around, no outside pressure.
And I'm inviting Marinette right now.

Hopefully she can be herself
and finally open her heart and soul to me,

free of her fears.

You've changed, Adrien.

Thanks to you, Kagami.

Marinette is a very lucky girl.

[cell phone buzzes, beeps]

A message from Adrien.

Oh, no. It was just a matter of time.

After last night, he's finally figured out
how pathetic I really am

and he's calling it quits.

Marinette,
you have to take things as they are,

not the way you think they're going to be.

Read the message.

[groans]

-Oh!
-So, what does it say?

He's inviting me over to his home.
Just the two of us.

What should I wear?
How should I greet him?

Kiss him on the cheek or shake his hand?

What if there are awkward silences
that need to be filled?

Oh, I'm never gonna have time
to prepare any talking points! [sobs]

Marinette.

Right, Tikki. No more complicated plans.

I have to take things as they are.
I'm not gonna plan anything.

In fact,
I'm not even gonna change my clothes.

But, Marinette,
you're wearing your pajamas.

Mm. Well, precisely.

If he really loves me,
he'll love me in my pajamas too.

[Tikki giggles]

All of our plans are falling apart.
You were supposed to control your son.

And you, your daughter.

My daughter is so perfect,
she doesn't need me to control her.

Well, it appears she does.

It's not my child who is falling
for someone completely wrong for her.

But she seems to be the one
encouraging him.

Take control of your son,
and she'll have nothing left to encourage.

Organize the dance as soon as possible.

Don't fail capturing Ladybug
and Cat Noir's Miraculous.

It is imperative that this situation
be resolved before you… leave.

-[door handle clicks]
-[Tomoe] Kagami, we're going.

I didn't know you and Kagami
weren't seeing each other anymore.

You were such a perfect couple.
It's a shame.

Kagami's perfect, but not perfect for me.

You underestimate yourself.

You and Kagami are of the same design.

I just feel better with Marinette.

You're clinging to Marinette
because her mediocrity allows you

to shine with less effort,
but you're better than that.

There's no one better than Marinette, Dad.

If only you knew her.
She's generous, funny, creative, brave.

Mom told me how you met.
You two came from different worlds,

but that didn't stop you
from loving each other.

Why shouldn't it be the same
for Marinette and me?

Adrien, I'm your father.

I know what's best for you
better than you do.

That is why I'm forbidding you to have any
relationship with Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

I know I disappointed you, Mother,

but much to my regret,
love cannot be controlled.

Don't try to convince me
that you don't love him anymore.

He loves Marinette,
and Marinette is my friend.

Some knots can't be undone.

When the knot cannot be undone,
the samurai cuts right through it.

You're not gonna let your father tell you
what to do, are you?

What do you want me to do, Plagg?
He's my father.

[message alert]

"I'm sorry, you can't come.
I can't talk to you."

Are you gonna be okay?

It's probably because his father
wouldn't allow it again.

We'll see each other some other time.

Nothing to worry about at all.

-You have to take things as they are.
-[Tikki chuckles]

[sighs] Father forbids any relationship
with Marinette.

But how am I supposed to do that
when we're in the same class?

Hmm.

[exhales]

Adrien, listen to me.

When it comes to your love life,

you're free to decide
whatever you want to do.

Don't let anyone else tell you how to act.
Not now, not ever.

[sighs]

You're right, Nathalie.
I don't know what came over me.

[cell phone buzzes, beeps]

Ah! He's available again.

See? He's acting completely random.
He's perfect for me.

You're right. It doesn't change a thing
whether I worry or not.

So why worry? Come on, let's go.

Since we're back home, why don't you
get changed before we leave?

No way, Tikki.
What if it breaks the magic of the moment?

You start putting on socks,

next thing you know you're making
foolish plans all over again.

I've decided that I'd be in my pajamas,
so pajamas it is.

Ah.

Shh.

[both panting]

Thank you.

[grunts]

[chuckles]

I forgot something.

-Don't go anywhere.
-Mm.

Huh?

It's better this way.

-[chuckles]
-[exhales]

[gasps]

Wow.

-Adrien, what's in there?
-Take a look.

Wow!

Uh, maybe you would rather watch a movie?

You're kidding, right?

-[Adrien] Oh!
-[Marinette] Gotcha!

[Adrien and Marinette laughing]

-[Gabriel gasps]
-[Adrien] Yes!

Nathalie.

You gave Adrien a counterorder?

The power you have over Adrien
doesn't mean you can go that far.

[Gabriel scoffs]

You were right, Nathalie. [chuckles]

[growls]

My mother would like me
to get closer to Adrien.

I think I've fallen in love
with him again.

But I don't wanna cause them any hurt.

They're my friends, and they're obviously
meant to be together.

I feel so weak for being a victim
of my own feelings.

It must be so hard.

But just know that I'll always be here
for you.

[beeping]

Oh, I'm sorry. Someone tried to call me.
I have to call them back.

-[Alliance ringing]
-[gasps]

Mr. Agreste, I was just about to call you.

You were supposed
to be keeping an eye on my son.

Most importantly,
protecting him from toxic people

like this Marinette Dupain-Cheng!

Things are already in motion, sir.

I believe you know Kagami Tsurugi?

This young lady needs
to be perfect so badly

that she sees any emotion
she might be feeling as weakness,

and it's devastating every time.

So much so that she's already fallen prey
to Monarch more than once.

What does this have to do with me?

Kagami is in love with your son.

This whole story with Marinette
and Adrien is breaking her heart.

Monarch will probably turn her
into a super villain soon.

If Marinette and Adrien learn that
their love was hurting their friend,

it would poison their relationship
in the end.

What a sad situation, don't you think?

All that's left to do is wait then?

Exactly, just wait.

I'm sorry. That was my mother,

she couldn't remember
where she'd put her--

[gasps] Aw.

I wish I didn't have to tell you this,

but I can't stand
to see you suffer like this anymore.

You can't attach so much importance
to your friendship with Marinette.

She doesn't feel the same way.

[gasps]

I know this, because I have been through
such similar pain myself.

What are you talking about?
Marinette isn't like that.

She's the nicest girl I know.

She's always trying to help others.

That's what she got me to believe too,
at first, until I finally opened my eyes.

If you look closely,
it's not Marinette helping everyone else.

It's everyone helping Marinette.

[gasps]

She pretends to be weak in order
to take advantage of all of you.

As a result, you all feel like
you have to help her.

Poor Adrien.
Since you two are no longer a couple,

he's got no one to protect him.

He too, has fallen
into her clutches without realizing it.

Don't you think it's weird
that Marinette only ever stutters,

face plants, acts all uncomfortable
in front of Adrien?

That's because from the beginning,
she set her eyes on him.

With people as perfect as you and Adrien,
things are bound to work.

You are the ones who should be together.
You're the ones who belong together.

There's no way.
I need to talk to Marinette.

Don't waste your time.

Manipulators like her always manage
to lie their way out of trouble,

and of course,
Adrien would stand up for her.

Toxic people like that are dangerous,

and you just need to get as far away
from them as possible as soon as you can.

I know it's terrible,
but there's nothing else we can do.

[groans]

Lila Rossi was right.

Kagami's emotions are powerful.

Luckily, I have just the recipe
to reconcile her.

[crackling]

Oh, Kagami, no!
You mustn't let yourself get so upset.

Not you. You're too perfect.

Riposte Prime, I am Monarch.

To help you take revenge,
I am giving you back your powers.

But this time,
to help you cut through the veil of lies,

I am also giving you an extra w*apon.

Wayzz! Your power is now mine.

Transfer.

[beeping, whirring]

I am entrusting you with the essence
of the Miraculous of Protection.

What good's a sword without a shield?

It's time to unmask
Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

What do you see in that one?

-A horse.
-Mm.

How about that one?

Uh…

[squeaks]

[sighs]

[gasps]

[Marinette] Mm.

[gasps]

Are you sure you're ready?

Yes.

[growls] Mm.

I've never admired the clouds
in my pajamas with anyone before.

Is it always this amazing?

Adrien, I--

How convenient.

All that awkwardness,

all of that hesitation
that made you so charming.

The moment you get what you want,
they disappear.

-[both] Kagami?
-No, I am Riposte Prime.

Ha!

-[Adrien grunts]
-[Marinette yelps]

[Adrien groans]

Adrien, move away from that liar,
right now.

Kagami, we've talked about this.

Marinette's finally less afraid now.

[Riposte Prime] You pathetic, naive fool.

You were too weak to take the initiative
when it came to loving me,

but now you're ready and willing.

Would you have gone this far
if it weren't for her little act?

-[bodyguard roaring]
-[Riposte prime grunts]

Another chump who tried
to protect Marinette

and is now paying the price.

[Adrien panting]

-Hide there. I'll get help.
-[crashes]

Too late.

Kagami, what's happened to you?

There has to be some misunderstanding.

If I hurt you without realizing it,
tell me.

I'll do anything to make it up to you.

You're good.
You almost had me fooled again.

-[clanging]
-Run, Marinette!

[Marinette panting]

[grunting]

Stay here, my sweet Adrien.

I'm going to take care of Marinette

and stop her from hurting
everyone else around her.

[groaning] Uh?

And then we can finally be happy again.
You and me.

No!

Marinette, you really are a great actress.

Kagami, listen.

Never again!

We've gotta bring Kagami to her senses.

Plagg, claws out!

In here, your little puppy eyes
won't fool anyone anymore.

Turn into Ladybug. Maybe your lucky charm
will help you get out of this prison.

But then everyone will know
that Marinette is Ladybug.

I'm stuck.

-[Cat Noir] Kagami!
-[gasps]

[Riposte Prime gasps]

-[gasps] Cat Noir!
-Kagami,

we've been on the same side before.

You used
the Miraculous of the Dragon as Ryuko.

Trust me, put the sword down.

Don't try to manipulate me.

Kitty, I know you can't hear me,
but do what you usually do.

Cataclysm before you think,
and it'll be perfect.

Please, please, please, pretty please.

[both grunting]

[Cat Noir] Cataclysm!

Oh, thank you, Cat Noir. I was so scared.

-Get to safety.
-[Riposte Prime] No!

[Cat Noir yells]

Tikki, spots on!

Lucky Charm!

Olive oil?

[both grunting]

-Hi, Kitty Cat.
-M'Lady, just in time!

There's no honor in defending a liar.

We already saved that girl before.
She can't be what you say she is.

Cat Noir is right. You're mistaken.

You can't pretend to know someone
you just crossed paths with.

I know her better than you do!

How about a well-oiled baseball game.

[grunts]

Hey. She ruined our fun.

[gasps]

[grunts]

No more evil doing for you, Megakuma.

Time to "de-evilize"!

Gotcha!

Bye-bye, little butterfly.

Miraculous Ladybug!

Kagami, take this magical cha--

It won't solve my problems.

Mm. [sighs]

Uh, Cat Noir,
I have an urgent appointment.

I'll leave you to it. Thanks. Bug out!

Well, uh, bye then?

Hmm?

-[Marinette] Kagami!
-[gasps]

Kagami! Ah.

-[grunts]
-Uh…

Uh, well, I'll leave you to it then.

What happened to you, Kagami?

Please forgive me, Marinette.

Even though you lied to me
and manipulated me,

that did not give me
the right to att*ck you like I did.

Huh? Why do you think I would do that
all of a sudden?

I thought we were friends.

Lila opened my eyes.

[gasps]

Lila?

Look, I don't know what
she told you, but--

She warned me that you'd
always manipulate your way out with lies.

Then maybe you'll listen to me.

[Kagami gasps]

Marinette's not a liar or a manipulator.

She's brave, generous.
She listens to others.

Unlike Lila,
her actions prove it every day,

-and that's why I love her.
-[groans]

I'm sure deep down you can feel it too.

[grunts, crying]

[Adrien and Marinette gasp, sigh]

I'm sorry. I let my emotions get
the better of me again

and cloud my judgment.

I'm so weak. Please forgive me.

Don't try to push your emotions away.

Look them in the eye. Acknowledge them.

Figure out what they're trying to tell you

and turn them into energy to move forward.

That's real strength.
Love yourself the way you are.

Just like we love you the way you are.

[sobbing]

I love you both!

[both gasp]

I truly wish you two being in love
wasn't so painful to me, but it is.

We're sorry.

[Kagami] It's not your fault.

Want to try again?

I'm going to head home.
You're not mad, right?

I understand. It's all right.

We have all the time in the world.

[Marinette] Mm.

The worm is in the fruit.

It's only a matter of time before
their relationship becomes spoiled.

Why don't you find another partner
for your son,

so you can control him better?

I'll think about it.

Oh, Kagami, I was so scared for you.

-All because of that horrible Mari--
-Quiet.

I'm going to try
to tell you how I feel as best I can.

I don't know why
you think these things about Marinette.

I think you're wrong about her.
I love Marinette.

I love you too.

I'll still be your friend
if your friendship is genuine,

but you won't use me against her.

I am not a puppet.

Of course I'm being genuine with you.

I'm sorry if I ever led you to believe

that I was trying
to turn you against Marinette.

That was never my intention.

I just wanted to share my feelings with
an open heart with my best friend.

Mm.

[theme song playing]

[song ends]