Chapter Twenty-Eight

"So, ya wanna split Mirages, kid? Well, whoop-de-do," Trixx said, puffing up. "I have been around the block before with Foxes just like you."

Nino took in a deep breath. "I am regretting showing you Disney movies."

"Well you see, Nino, I was down to one last hope– and that hope was you," this time Trixx was singing, zipping in near his face with a grin. "No kid, you're not exactly a trickster– it's true!"

"Can you teach me how to do it or not?" Nino asked.

Trixx flicked his tail. "The thing is, I don't know. All Miraculouses come with basic abilities, but the more you align with a Miraculous, the more you can do with it– and as much as I don't like saying it, you simply don't align with Deception."

"So it's impossible?"

"Not necessarily," Trixx said, holding his paws together. "You see, splitting a Mirage is similar to summoning a second Mirage– they become two separate illusions that act independently from each other." He pulled his paws apart. "If one is broken, the other remains active. The benefit of splitting an illusion though is that it doesn't take the energy of summoning a second Mirage– which means young kits like you can work with multiple illusions without a recharge if you have the skill to do so."

"Which is why I want to learn," Nino said. "So if there is any possibility of me being able to do so it will only help us."

"You will need not only raw power to split the illusion in the first place, you will need the skill to keep the illusions operating separately and realistically. It will be a much harder mental strain than the just one Mirage. You might find it harder to have the illusions fool more than one sense– usually sight and sound based illusions are simple enough, but you might only be able to have a split illusion do only one of those."

Nino bit his lip. "Would a perfect Fox be able to do it easily without all that... hindrance?"

"Oh, a perfect Fox would probably be able to split a Mirage several times over and keep them more complex," Trixx said, waving a paw. "Problem with finding someone that matches Deception perfectly is that often their morals don't align well for using a Miraculous. Finding someone that pairs well with negative Miraculouses is usually a better bet– like Alya."

"Negative Miraculous?"

"All Miraculouses align with negative, positive, and neutral energy," Trixx explained. "Mine aligns with negative energy– closely with Chaos, who is pure negative. Alya does well with negative-based Miraculous, that's why she did well with me and Plagg– who is also pure negative. None of us are a perfect match for her, but we're still a good match. You, on the other hand, seemed to be positively aligned."

"I'm a perfect match for Protection," Nino said with a nod– which made Trixx's fur puff up. "But... but what about the Bee? Subjection would be negative, right? But you said Alya struggled with that Miraculous."

Trixx snorted. "The Bee is positively aligned– closely with Order. Not a good match for Alya, I still don't know why she was given that one in the first place." He took in a deep breath. "But we're getting off track– splitting illusions. Since you're not naturally aligned with negative energy I don't know if you will be able to pull off such an action, but I will walk you through the process, and see where it gets us."

They took to the roof of their apartment, with a bag of grapes to fuel Trixx's transformation. Nino thought the Fox would be annoyed with the repeated transformations, because with only one Mirage at his fingertips Trixx was repeatedly summoned in and out of the Miraculous– but the kwami seemed more than happy to feast upon the grapes between each one, telling Nino what was probably supposed to be advice with a full mouth.

It was a tricky (or Trixxy, and Blue would say) process, with the kwami attempt to describe something that was so innate to him, so natural– while Nino honestly barely understood the Mirages he summoned as is. So instead he found himself blinded with bursts of golden light as repeatedly called for them to pounce and rest.

"You're doing awesomely!" Trixx said as he exited the Miraculous with a flash of energy, drifting down to the dwindling bag of grapes, popping one in his mouth. "That last illusion was fantastic, you were viewing and manipulating different parts of the illusion like they were separate."

"But I still haven't 'divided' them," Nino said, panting slightly. "I'm not sure how much longer I can do this."

"Grape?" Trixx offered, holding out the fruit.

"You know we humans can't instantly recover energy like you can," Nino said, but he took the grape anyway, because it sounded good.

"Not my fault!" Trixx said, doing a flip in the air. "Come on now, only a few more times! You're so close, I really think you can do this."

He traced his Miraculous. "I'm doubting it at this point."

Trixx huffed. "I'm the expert here, not you– besides, you're the one that wants to learn, so no giving up when you're this close!"

Nino sighed. "Trixx, let's pounce."

Another burst of golden light flooded his vision, and he found himself as Silver Paw once more. Trixx was humming excitedly in his mind as he drew his flute, pointing one end out as he gathered his focus.

"Mirage."

He had tried many different Mirages just for the variety, though this time he summoned a Fennekin and a Flareon. The two fire fox Pokemon looked up at him, not doing anything in particular, though the Mirage showed their ears flicking and fur ruffling, giving them a realistic look.

Silver Paw closed his eyes, trying to focus on the illusion like Trixx had described. He could sense the energy, but it was like he couldn't grasp it. It was a wall in front of him– a large single entity that he could only acknowledge, let alone try to divide the energy into two separate forms. He wanted to make each Pokemon their own illusions, but no matter what mental force he exerted, they remained the same. They were a single drawing on a piece of paper, and he did not have the strength to tear it in half– and that felt pathetic.

His Miraculous beeped, and even with a few minutes left he let out a sigh. "Reality. Let's rest."

The Mirage wavered away, and with a flash he was Nino again, Trixx hurrying off to claim yet another few grapes. Nino sat down on the roof with a sigh, feeling like he had just been running.

"I think I need a break," Nino said. "Even if I am close, this is taking a physical toll, I can feel it."

"Fair enough," Trixx said with a sigh, grabbing a few more grapes, before landing on his shoulder. "No getting discouraged though– you're doing fantastic. With a bit of time I have full confidence that you will be able to split the Mirages– oh crap."

Nino was about to ask Trixx what the sudden change in attitude was about, but the kwami was already burrowing his way into his shirt. Nino sat straight up at the ticklish sensation– before he felt chills run up his back as he heard the sound of someone landing on the roof. Trixx would not be hiding if it was Blue Wing, so his mouth felt slightly dry as he turned around.

"L-ladybug," Nino said, looking at the spotted figure standing in front of him. "Er– what's up, dudette?"

Ladybug smiled, which told Nino he hadn't been outed yet– though he wasn't happy she was here. If Blue Wing came by right now... he didn't want to know what he would think of Nino talking to Ladybug, the thought just made his stomach churn.

"Just looking for you," she said, opening up her yoyo, reaching inside and pulling out a red box– and Nino's mouth went dry. "I have something for you."

"Is there an akuma right now?" He asked, looking at the box he knew held a Miraculous, his heart pounding slightly. He was tired from his practices with his Mirages, and the thought of running into a fight right now sounded horrible, especially if it meant wearing two Miraculouses, because he had no idea where he'd put Trixx's this time in order to put on the Turtle.

"Not right now," Ladybug said. "I've come here to offer you this Miraculous permanently."

Trixx tensed against Nino, who felt like a bucket of ice water had just poured over him. "Wh-what?"

"Nino Lahiffe, this is the Miraculous of the Turtle, which provides the power of Protection," Ladybug said, holding out the box towards him. "You will use it to help me and Panthera defeat Hawk Moth and protect Paris, and protect it while it's in your hands. Can I trust you?"

"No," Nino said, echoing what he had said when first offered the Turtle by Panthera. "No Ladybug, I don't think you should trust me."

He knew Marinette well enough to recognize that her expression fell slightly, but Ladybug did a good job of masking it, kneeling down so they were closer to the same level, holding the box out towards him.

"Nino, I would not just hand a Miraculous to anyone. Panthera chose you because she knew you would be a good hero, and not only that you are a perfect wielder for the Turtle Miraculous– that's not something that happens every day."

"You're asking me to hold a Miraculous full time," Nino said, and she nodded. "I can't accept that, Ladybug, and if you knew more about me I'd think you'd agree."

"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself," Ladybug said, pressing the box into his hands. "You're a good person, Nino."

"And I think there are other people you could rely on more," he said, not accepting the box, curling her hands back around it. "Find someone you trust more, Ladybug, someone that deserves to stand by you and– and Panthera."

"It's not that simple, Nino," Ladybug said softly. "The fact that I am able to hand out another Miraculous full time wasn't a decision that was made lightly. Besides, Wayzz asked me to bring him to you, I don't think he'll accept another holder easily, and Protection is something we need with how dangerous these battles are getting."

Nino's mouth when dry– Wayzz, of course. He was sure that the kwami didn't want to come here for a holder– not when the Turtle knew about him. The fact that the Turtle hadn't sold him out yet... that was probably only thanks to Trixx's words. Yet he had seen Wayzz's expression that day... and suddenly he wasn't as keen as rejecting the Miraculous. Because if they learned he had Trixx and came to take him away...

"I'll accept on one condition," Nino said, looking up at Ladybug, and Trixx writhed. "That you don't casually come by my house anymore– if we need to talk then we can do it during a battle or something."

Ladybug looked slightly confused. "I mean, yes that's fine, but–"

"It's nothing personal," Nino said quickly. "But if Hawk Moth or anyone were to see you with civilian me... that wouldn't be good. It's risky enough to have a Miraculous, but any connection could put my family in danger if Hawk Moth somehow found out."

And it could put my relationship with Blue in danger if he thought I was helping you.

Ladybug nodded. "Don't worry, I made sure no one saw me when I came here– but I understand. Your words only show that you're going to be a good hero Nino, and just how important it is to keep your identity a secret."

"Don't worry," Nino said quietly, carefully taking the box from her hands. "I won't tell anyone."

"We can keep in touch with the communicators within the Miraculouses," Ladybug said, pushing herself to her feet.

"The what?" Nino asked, blinking, and Ladybug simply smiled.

"Wayzz will explain it all," Ladybug reassured him. "He'll explain everything that you need to know." Her expression looked distant for a moment, and she took in a deep breath. "Our enemies are stronger than ever, Nino. I really am sorry to put this pressure on you, but I need all the help we can get. I already lost two Miraculouses and I just can't risk ferrying anymore..."

"The lost Miraculouses weren't your fault," Nino said swiftly. They were mine. Both of them.

"You're sweet, Nino– but I understand why the city isn't as confident with me as they used to be," Ladybug sighed. "Silver Paw is a wild card, Blue Wing and Hawk Moth can create more allies for themselves, and as for Mellifera... I just hope she doesn't discover what Sting can do."

"Sting?"

"The Bee's third power," Ladybug said grimly, but she offered no further explanation, just simply looked away. "Anyways, I'll get going. I'll see you... next battle?"

"Yeah," Nino said weakly, and Ladybug threw her yoyo– swinging away.

Neither Nino or Trixx dared to move until she was out of sight.

"What on earth were you thinking, Kit?!"

"Why didn't you tell me Miraculouses had communication features?"

Trixx and Nino spoke at the same time, Trixx popping his head out of Nino's shirt, the two of them staring at each other. After a moment Nino burst out laughing, though Trixx didn't seem nearly as amused. He phased through the cloth, small arms closed as he glowered at Nino.

"You did not just accept Wayzz full time," Trixx growled.

"What other choice did I have?" Nino said, holding his hands up. "He already knows about us, dude– if he had told them there's a chance I could have lost you!"

This seemed to make Trixx relax somewhat, though he still turned away with a huff. "...You still could have come up with a better excuse– you're just going to keep him in his Miraculous, right? I'm not sharing a room with him!"

"I'm not keeping him trapped in his Miraculous," Nino said, looking down at the box. "We'll, um, figure out arrangements later. But are you going to tell me about the communication-thing that Ladybug is talking about?"

Trixx shrugged. "Must be something new."

"What do you mean new?"

"Miraculouses evolve with the times," Trixx replied, waving a paw. "New adaptations all the time– with all your modern communication stuff I'm not too surprised that Ladybug found some new features, they're probably similar to that." His gaze hardened. "But I'm sure your precious Wayzz will explain everything for you."

Nino rolled his eyes, grabbing the Fox and putting him on his shoulder. "Come on, you can be grumpy later– right now let's just figure out what in the world we're going to do."

"Throw the box in a drawer and tell Marnette the Turtle got stolen."

"I am not doing that to her!"

Marinette was awoken by a magenta figure hovering in front of her.

She let out a slight yelp as she saw Roaar silently above her, watching her with wide eyes. Her cry awoke, Tikki, who was instantly on alert, but quickly relaxed at the sight of her fellow kwami. She let out a yawn as she sat up, eyeing Roaar questioningly.

"Master needs to talk to you," Roaar explained once Marinette was more awake. "He's waiting on the roof for you, whenever you're ready."

"What time even is it...?" Marinette asked, glancing at her window– where the night sky was still dark.

"It is about one in the morning," Roaar replied. "This is urgent, which is why Master came, but he didn't want to intrude on you, which is why he sent me in to wake you."

With that Roaar turned, phasing through the ceiling, leaving Marinette and Tikki alone as they slowly woke up. Marinette pulled on a jacket, Tikki settling into the hood as she climbed up onto her balcony. She didn't see Master Fu right away, and looked towards the chimney that stood above her balcony, where she could see a shape sitting against it. Fu sat up slightly as he saw her, moving his way towards the edge of the roof.

Marinette plugged in her fairy lights so they weren't in the dark, and sat down in her chair, probably only having gotten an hour of sleep before being woken up. "Is everything alright, Master Fu?"

His face looked grave, but she wasn't sure if that was his expression or the way the shadows fell across him. Her heart grew heavy as he shook his head, looking away. "Wayzz is gone."

"Wh– what?" Marinette said, eyes wide. That couldn't be right– she had put Wayzz's Miraculous directly into Nino's hands. What had happened? Had someone stolen him like when she had the Fox snatched off of her, or...?

Roaar was settled in Fu's arms, who stroked her as he tried to calm himself. "I don't know what happened. I had Wayzz out of the Miracle Box to discuss what happened last battle, then a customer came in so I had he and Roaar hide and afterwards both he and his Miraculous were gone. I have been searching for hours, Marinette, but there's no trace of him."

Marinette's mouth went dry. "Wait... you weren't the one to drop him off at the bakery?"

Fu's eyes locked onto hers. "No? What do you mean?"

"I found Wayzz's Miraculous down in the bakery today," Marinette said, sitting up. "Or, um, yesterday? Whatever– he said that he was ready to go to Nino's, so I took him there. I thought you had given the okay!"

Fu closed his eyes, shoulders relaxing slightly. "So he's with Carapace?"

"Yes– I took him there myself!"

"Thank kwamis," Fu said, sagging against the chimney. "Oh, thank the Guardians, I thought he was... I thought I had..." He took in a deep breath. "It seems that Wayzz didn't intend on waiting for my decision, and took things into his own paws."

Marinette's eyes widened. "He what?! Master, I– I had no idea, I thought he was here because of you, I–"

Fu held up his hand. "Don't worry yourself, Marinette, if Wayzz felt it was best for him to be active, then he is probably right. He has always been a wise kwami, and he has roamed this world much longer than we can ever imagine. All the kwamis have."

"Still he worried you," Marinette whispered.

Fu smiled. "Perhaps this is a message from Wayzz for us to stop thinking from our view of things, and to listen to the kwamis." He pressed his lips together. "As much trouble as Trixx is, he is not a fool. We should not ignore what he has said."

Marinette closed her eyes. "So... where do we begin? I don't even know how to..."

"I'd say see if you can talk to Silver Paw or Blue Wing," Fu replied. "Be cautious, but peaceful– and see what they have to say."

Wayzz was unsurprised to be summoned from his Miraculous with a pair of sharp violet eyes watching him.

"Hello, Trixx," he said with a sigh.

"Hello, thief," Trixx hissed– literally.

"Heh, hi little dude," Nino said, and Wayzz turned his gaze towards his current holder, who was sitting on his bed, giving a small wave.

"No!" Trixx snapped. "You don't get to call him that!"

Wayzz found Trixx's furry paws on his face, shoving him away, and Wayzz let out a long sigh. "Are you really going to be like this?"

Trixx forward. "Are you kidding me? You come into my holder's house, try to hand him your Miraculous again– and act like nothing is wrong?! I had everything under control!"

"I have my doubts about that," Wayzz said, drifting away. "If anything, you should be glad that I didn't tell Master where you were and get you back into the Miracle Box."

"You can't reveal identities and you know that!"

"Yes, but it isn't too hard to say that 'Trixx is with my holder' and let them piece things together from there."

"Nino is my holder not yours!" Trixx cried. "I gave you and the other information– and that should have been enough!"

"It wasn't," Wayzz said. "You know how cautious Master is, I had to end up taking things into my own hands to make sure I ended up here in the first place."

Trixx froze up. "Master doesn't know you're here?"

"He will as soon as he and Marinette compare stories," Wayzz said– then paused as soon as he said Marinette's name without hindrance. He glanced at Nino, who did not seem to notice this slip up– and since the magic didn't stop him that meant that he had to know who Ladybug was, which he didn't know what to make of. "Either way, I am seeing that it was more and more critical for me to end up here."

Trixx was suddenly up in his face, a grin showing off his fangs. "Are you saying you tricked Master? You?"

Wayzz closed his eyes. "I took my Miraculous to Marinette's without his knowledge, and told her to take me to a permanent holder– I didn't think it would be wise to leave you on your own."

Trixx burst out laughing. "Oh Wayzz– I can't believe you! I didn't think you had it in you." He eyed him. "Maybe we can make something out of you after all." Trixx zipped in close. "Let me just make one thing clear though– Nino is my holder, and mine alone."

"Trixx, please don't threaten him," Nino said.

"I'm not giving him a threat, I'm giving him a warning," Trixx replied, eyes sharp– before he went and landed on Nino's hat, waving a paw around the room. "Anyways, this is me and Nino's place. You can pick a little corner to hide in, and stay there until we need you."

"We are not doing that!" Nino yelped.

"It's either that or you go back into your Miraculous."

"We're not doing that either!" Nino said quickly, looking at Wayzz apologetically. "I, um, will get some things for you, and we'll set you up with a place to chill. We're going to make sure you're comfortable and not pushed to the side, yeah?"

"The desk is my territory!" Trixx shouted. "The bed too! You can't have any of it!"

"Look," Nino said, holding out his hands. "The only thing I'm going to ask of you is to hide when Blue Wing comes over. I... he doesn't know I was Carapace, and I don't want him to think that I'm trying to trick him or anything." He began fiddling with the necklace around his neck– which Wayzz was sure was the Fox Miraculous. "If... if you would do that, um, turtle dude, that would be really nice..."

"Don't worry, we kwamis know how to stay hidden," Wayzz said. "The Peacock holder won't see me, I simply plan on observing."

"Spy!" Trixx hissed.

Wayzz narrowed his eyes. "Look, Ladybug and Master are already considering what you told them, Trixx– with my encouragement, might I add. They have a better understanding of Blue, and recognize that he needs help despite what he's done if they have my word alongside yours. I want to observe him for myself and see what we can do." His eyes turned towards Nino. "And I believe he should be told that his Miraculous is broken."

Guilt crossed Nino's face. "I know. I need to tell him."

"Him knowing will make the link between him and the Miraculous stronger!" Trixx said, a growl in his voice. "If he keeps wearing the Miraculous afterwards, he's only going to be affected quicker."

"But if he knows then he will stop completely," Wayzz replied. "Which will be his only chance to heal from the harm the magic has already inflicted upon him."

Nino lowered his head. "That's the thing. I don't know if he will stop when we tell him. Blue Wing, he's... he's terrified of his father, Wayzz– and completely accepts whatever that man does to him."

Wayzz tapped his paws together. "Besides the Miraculous, what has he done?"

"He's been beaten," Nino whispered. "When things go wrong with the akuma attacks, it always seems to be twisted to somehow be his fault." There were tears in his eyes. "He's completely isolated. He doesn't go to school, he can't even use his phone without it being monitored, and... and that's just what he's told me. He... he's very hesitant to talk about some things, especially anything linked to his identity."

Wayzz considered this. "Well, should he learn to manifest a communicator with his Miraculous, that would give him a means that couldn't be monitored. At least, not directly. I suppose you would need to learn to get one as well." Wayzz tapped his chin. "One thing I would like to know, though, is if you have any idea of what Hawk Moth is attempting to do with the Miraculouses."

Nino hesitated. "Blue says their goal isn't evil, but knowing Hawk Moth... I'm not sure if Blue is aware of the whole story."

"Nino is not aware of the wish," Trixx said, switching from French to the language of the kwamis. Wayzz shifted his eyes towards his brother, who was speaking swiftly. "I do not know how much Blue is aware of it either, but I know he doesn't know the details. From their conversations and the one I had with Duusu, I believe they are attempting to revive the last Peacock holder– Blue's mother and Hawk Moth's wife."

Wayzz's gut twisted. "She's gone, isn't she? You said that Duusu talked about a 'sleeping' holder, correct?"

Trixx looked away. "Yes."

Nino glanced between them, unable to understand the chime-like sounds coming from them. "Um... what are you guys saying?"

"They'd need a life in exchange to do that," Wayzz said, hesitating.

Trixx sneered. "I'm sure Nooroo told them, and Pollen as well– but I'm not surprised that Hawk Moth doesn't care."

"But–"

"I don't know," Trixx said before Wayzz could even get the question across. "I don't know what they're doing or what they hope happens, but either way... Blue Wing is at risk for being the exchange, from blood ties alone."

"They have to know."

"I'm sure they do," Trixx glared at him, eyes nearly glowing. "Do you see why it's important I stay here, now? And you just barged in making everything worse– how is Nino supposed to show up to battles as Silver Fox and Carapace, genius?"

"Um? Little dudes?" Nino sad uncertainly. "Can we, er, switch back to French? Please?"

"...Of course," Wayzz said, trying to take this in.

Nino gave a small smile. "How about instead of panicking and fighting, we just all, er, get to know each other? What's your favorite thing to eat?"

"...I like tea," Wayzz said after a moment, his heart feeling heavy, as the conversation he just had wasn't one easily brushed aside. "But lettuce will do if you're looking for something simple."

Wayzz got his first proper look of Blue Wing that night– the Peacock holder having shown up on the fire escape, knocking on the window. He had hidden himself in Nino's closet to hide, listening in on their interactions as he climbed in the window.

He was hoping to catch a glimpse of Duusu, but Blue Wing made no effort to detransform.

"You okay, Nino?" Blue Wing asked quietly. "You seem... jumpy today."

Nino looked away. "It's just... secrets, again," Nino said softly. "Not the biggest fan, but what can you do?"

Blue Wing looked down at his hands, the feathers on his wings shifting. "I'm sorry."

Nino gave him a small smile. "It's not you this time– secrets on my end, I'm afraid, but it is what it is."

Wayzz tensed up slightly– but Blue Wing made no effort to ask further, nor did he look nervous or suspicious in any form. Perhaps this was something they had discussed before, which made sense. It offered both of them some Protection, which was always the best approach to things.

"But, um, I wanted to tell you something," Nino said, and Wayzz perked up from his hiding space– because this was important. The sooner Blue had a full understanding, the sooner he might turn against Hawk Moth.

"Yeah?" Blue Wing asked– and Wayzz could see the moment Nino faltered.

This was Trixx's fault. Too much Deception creates fear.

"Er, ask you something, actually," Nino said quickly. "You see, at my school, there's this dance coming up, and I don't have anyone to go with, and there's only one person I want to go with..." He looked up at Blue Wing, whose eyes were wide. "The theme is masquerade!" He said swiftly. "Everyone's going to be wearing masks! And because of that I was wondering if you... if you wanted to go to the dance with me?"

"Like... a date?" Blue Wing said after a moment, and Nino gave a single nod, looking somewhat sheepish.

Ah, so that was the nature of their relationship. Wayzz had felt the strong feelings coming from Nino when they had transformed, but he hadn't given them any attention beyond the fact that his holder shouldn't be feeling such a fondness for their enemies. It made sense looking at it now, though. While Wayzz had never experienced any romantic feelings before, he had seen many holders with such a partner, and the tenderness in their gazes was quite clear.

"And... and everyone would be wearing masks?" Blue Wing double checked.

"That's the theme of the dance," Nino confirmed. "No one would have to see your face, and no one would even question why. You don't have to come if you don't want to, but I thought I'd at least asked."

"Yes!" Blue Wing said, wings opening slightly. "I, um, as long as I don't have to take off a mask, I'll come. I want to come."

Nino smiled. "Awesome. Here, let me find the flyers they handed out, that has all of the information on it..."

"It's at the Le Grand Paris Hotel?" Blue Wing said in surprise as Nino pulled the flyer out of his backpack.

"Chloe's in my class, and the school gym wasn't good enough for her," Nino explained. "You two have... met, with the whole Bee Miraculous thing."

Blue Wing shifted nervously.

Nino nudged him. "Don't worry, as long as you're not transformed she won't know it's you– Trixx says the magic with the Miraculouses is very strong."

Too strong at times, if you asked Wayzz, there were many failsafes the Miraculouses had to protect them and their holders, but unfortunately that same magic could be turned against them in the wrong hands. If the magic of identities could be removed then Hawk Moth wouldn't be able to hide as easily as he did...

But unfortunately he could hide, which meant that they had to wait for the right opportunity to arise instead.