[ Alter ] NOT A LIAR : The Truth Hurts

This is a continuation of the [ Alter ] Series “NOT A LIAR” Make sure to catch up on the previous parts to stay in the loop otherwise this might start to not make as much sense later on.

Parts

Part ONE

Part TWO

MAX, ROSE, and JULEKA are creating a giant poster labeled: “LILA’S HONESTY REPORTS – WEEKLY LOG.”

MAX (enthusiastically)

We’ve logged thirteen incidents in two days. Statistically, her reporting rate exceeds the entire faculty.

ROSE (whispering)

This is getting creepy…

CHLOE es by and scowls.

CHLOE

If she reports one more thing about me, I’m calling my father. Again.

MARINETTE and her friends are laughing lightly—until a shadow falls over them. They look up to see LILA, arms crossed, sipping smugly from a thermos.

LILA (mock sweet)

Still mad about the principal thing, Marinette?

MARINETTE (flatly)

No, just trying to enjoy lunch without getting in trouble again.

LILA (smirking)

Maybe you should learn a lesson from this. If you don’t act up or break the rules, there’s nothing to tattle about.

NINO (defensive)

That’s not how school’s supposed to work! You’re not a hall monitor from the underworld!

LILA (innocently)

I’m just telling the truth. If people get in trouble, maybe they should take a look in the mirror.

ALYA (scoffs)

Right. So we’re all the problem, not the girl who’s stalking conversations with a notepad?

LILA (shrugging)

Actions have consequences. I’m just the messenger.

MARINETTE stands, brushing crumbs off her lap, eyes cool and calm.

MARINETTE

Then you’re not actually about the truth. You’re trying to control.

LILA (tilts her head)

Excuse me?

MARINETTE

You’re not helping people grow or learn. You’re not giving second chances. You’re hunting mistakes. Waiting to pounce. That’s not morality. That’s tyranny—dressed up in honesty’s clothes.

LILA (fake laugh)

Hunting Mistakes? Oh, please. I can’t lie even for you guys. This is just who I am now. Stop blaming other people for your mistakes.

MARINETTE

Exactly. And that means everything you say reflects exactly what’s inside you. No filters. No masks.

LILA’s smirk falters.

MARINETTE

Which means… if your truth hurts people more than it helps them, maybe it’s not everyone else who needs to change.

Silence. Students nearby murmur. The balance shifts. Lila’s “righteous” image wobbles just slightly.

ALYA (ive)

Truth without comion is just cruelty with receipts.

LILA (stiffly, turning away)

Whatever. Just don’t break the rules anymore.

She storms off. MARINETTE watches her go, jaw firm.