Chapter 81: Selkie-shi

A new empowered individual jumps onto the streets of Paris. Her outfit is based on the fur seal with her face mostly shrouded by a hood. What is visible is hidden by a half mask as well as goggles. Overall, her outfit is sapphire in color, which draws upon the two gemstone earrings she's wearing. The rest of her outfit is a skintight wetsuit with webbed gloves that run the full length of her arms as well as flat, webbed shoes. The material does have a fur-like texture with some white highlights.

Paris is still recovering from Morpho in the prior chapter, so when this character shows up, it sparks a massive Oh Crap from the tired people. It's amped up when she starts getting aggressive, demanding that Ladybug and Cat Noir and Hawk Moth show themselves. And by "aggressive," this means halting traffic, breaking windows, and throwing spherical attacks that are made out of compressed fog. Most of her skin is concealed, so it's a bit hard to tell where her powers stem from, but Akuma Alerts are sent regardless.

Of course, one person in all of Paris knows exactly where the powers come from: Hawk Moth. Nathalie Sancoeur is still transformed from the events of Morpho, and she can sense the sapphire earrings she created have now activated thanks to their wielder becoming overly emotional. And the first thing Hawk Moth does is contact Nicholas Sancoeur, telling him to transform into Adamantus, and to intercept and recruit this new empowered individual. He immediately complies and takes to the roofs of Paris.

Hawk Moth then considers her other options. The new fur seal wielder is volatile, which might leave Adamantus alone against both Ladybug and Cat Noir. She needs to call in some of her allies. However, the only way she has ever contacted them is face to face through Adamantus. Now, since she created the items they use, she could use telepathy, but that would make it pretty obvious that Hawk Moth is behind everything and would forever alienate her users.

Then she remembers the information Adamantus retrieved from the catacombs about the butterfly brooch. That it's possible to link multiple people in the same telepathic conversation so long as they're all using an item created by the butterfly brooch. Female Hawk Moth smiles and begins to focus all her power, reaching out to her sleeper agents throughout Paris.

Ladybug and Cat Noir haven't even made it to their homes from confronting Morpho when they get the alerts about another attack. Both check their weapons/cell phones, which confirm the reports as real, including civilian-streamed footage. However, both are on their counters. They have to take a moment to detransform, feed their kwamis, and transform back before they can leap into the next fight.

They arrive at the scene too late as a result. Adamantus is with the new empowered person. Cat Noir demands to know what's going on, and Adamantus introduces them to his newest ally, Selkie-shi (drawing upon Mireille's Korean ancestry). She removes her hood upon the reveal of her name, showing that her black hair now has sapphire streaks in it. Adamantus wonders if she intends to side with the golden duo. Selkie-shi rages that Ladybug and Cat Noir are her enemies as they brutalize people who have already been victimized by Hawk Moth. Ladybug insists that she doesn't "brutalize" anyone, but Selkie-shi doesn't listen. Adamantus states that in that case, he and Selkie-shi have a similar goal. Selkie-shi considers this; she agrees to side with the diamond unicorn. Cat Noir tells her it's a mistake, but Selkie-shi is pretty far gone under the earrings' influence.

Meanwhile, Hawk Moth is able to link with other birthstone wielders. She informs Adamantus what is going on, and he does a great job at keeping a poker face while in front of the heroes. She tells him that he'll be able to talk with the others; she's going to remain silent. However, due to the nature of her powers, she pretty much has to eavesdrop the whole time. She encourages Adamantus to request back-up as their allies are more likely to come to his aid than hers. Adamantus agrees.

Elsewhere in Paris, Rachel Beauchene and Viktor Vasiliev's heads jerk up as they hear the call for help.

Back at the main conflict, both Ladybug and Cat Noir realize that Selkie-shi won't listen to reason; they know they'll have to restrain her and take the item that's empowering her. So the golden duo lunge forward with Cat Noir getting in close with his baton and Ladybug attempting to ensnare either Selkie-shi or Adamantus with her yo-yo. Cat Noir tells Ladybug it's nice when it's just the two of them. He loves having allies, but sometimes it is fun just to work together, side by side. In her heart, Ladybug agrees—but she scolds Cat Noir and tells him to keep focused as Adamantus is a dangerous. And as if proving her point, Adamantus charges Cat Noir with both his screwdrivers, furiously slashing so that Cat Noir can barely keep up.

This leaves Selkie-shi and Ladybug to face off against each other. It's worth noting that at this point, Selkie-shi's hood is still down. And she reveals part of her powers is control over water vapor: fog, mist, clouds etc. She's able to create cloudy pillars as shields, which prevents Ladybug's yo-yo from wrapping around her. This forces Ladybug to get in closer.

That's when they hear a cry as Adamantus lands a definitive strike against Cat Noir. Cat Noir, or rather Plagg, is still tired from the fight against Morpho, so his defenses aren't as high. And when Adamantus rakes him over with his screwdrivers, Cat Noir really feels it.

His being in pain proves to be a distraction to Ladybug. Selkie-shi flips her hood over her head and reveals her main special ability: "Shore Surf!" She dives into the ground and swims through as if it were water. Ladybug completely loses sight of her. This allows Selkie-shi to pop-up behind her and nearly impale her with her harpoon. Ladybug twists away, and the attack grazes her side. Since Tikki is also exhausted, Ladybug really feels the slash. She and Cat Noir both have to fall back to regroup.

However, they're not allowed to rest as that's the moment Ursa, the garnet bear, shows up and charges them. Her gauntlet nails, reinforced with Metallurgy, rip into Ladybug's back. Cat Noir leaps in in an attempt to protect Ladybug, but Ursa creates metal armor and tanks his strike. This buys just enough time for Ladybug to get to her feet and the golden duo to realize that they need help. Ladybug mentions that they should probably let Tigress, King Monkey, and Rena Rouge rest from the prior chapter. Cat Noir says he knows exactly who to call, and he texts with his free hand while evading their opponents.

Unfortunately, he doesn't even get a full moment of respite because that's the moment Tenrec the citrine hedgehog arrives in the scene. He greets Adamantus and company and admits it is a bit strange to hear Adamantus talking in his head. Tenrec rolls his D20 and produces a bow and arrow set, which he immediately uses against the heroes. He accidentally clips Ursa's shoulder at one point, but she doesn't feel anything due to her armor.

With all of them, including Selkie-shi, now linked telepathically thanks to (female) Hawk Moth, Adamantus is able to organize his allies even more effectively than before. Selkie-shi is the only one who briefly questions why she should listen to him, but her earrings sway her against her better judgment. She pushes forward, flipping her hood down so she can control fog. Hood up is Shore Surf, hood down is fog/mist/water vapor/cloud manipulation. Tenrec falls back, covering her with a barrage of arrows. Ursa and Adamantus team-up to drive Ladybug and Cat Noir apart so as to take advantage of them when they're alone. Cat Noir finishes his text blind and hits "send," hoping what he typed made sense.

He makes eye contact with Ladybug and nods. And with just that much, Ladybug realizes Cat Noir called for help and that it's time for a plan. She uses her Lucky Charm. It's a trash can lid, which Ladybug immediately uses to protect herself from Ursa's Metallurgy-enforced claws on her gauntlet. However, she is forced to fall back in one direction while Adamantus pushes Cat Noir the other way. Ladybug is surprised she doesn't feel worried though. She knows what Cat Noir is thinking; they know the plan. They know where to meet up. She trusts him fully.

Ladybug leaps onto the roof and appears to flee. Adamantus orders Tenrec and Ursa to follow her while he and Selkie-shi take on Cat Noir. The birthstone wielders agree and follow his commands. It doesn't take long for Adamantus and Selkie-shi to box in Cat Noir. Selkie-shi flips her hood up again and uses "Shore Surf" as their items aren't limited like real miraculous. Cat Noir is on guard for wherever she may reappear, but half his attention has to be on Adamantus. This allows Selkie-shi to grab his ankle and pull him into the ground, trapping him waist-deep in the dirt. Adamantus gives a small smile and moves in for Cat Noir's ring.

Which is when Carapace slides onto the scene his shield raised, protecting his best friend. Cat Noir thanks him and winds up having to Cataclysm the ground around him to get free. Reinvigorated, the two stand back to back, ready to take on Adamantus and Selkie-shi.

At the same time, Ladybug is leaping from roof to roof with Tenrec hot on her heels. His bow gives him an advantage, but for him that's not enough. He pulls his D4s out of his pouch and throws them like caltrops, forcing Ladybug off course—and into Ursa. Ladybug can't evade in time and is clobbered, drilled into a wall. She's winded and almost topples over. However, Kamaitachi races in and drives Ursa away with her twin scythes. Ladybug thanks Kamaitachi, and Kamaitachi comments that Ladybug should take it easy as she doesn't look well.

Back with Adamantus and Cat Noir, Adamantus declares that the more allies they call, it means the more miraculous he can take for his "sponsor." Cat Noir and Carapace demand to know who this sponsor is. Adamantus doesn't reply. Carapace whispers to Cat Noir, wondering what the plan is. Cat Noir replies with a simple "trust Ladybug." Selkie-shi attempts to prevent them from collaborating by taking off her hood and throwing cloud spheres at them, but Cat Noir and Carapace take to the rooftops and dodge. The birthstone users pursue them.

Adamantus communicates with the other three telepathically as he attempts to cut Cat Noir off. The diamond unicorn coordinates his allies, and Ursa and Tenrec relay that Ladybug and Kamaitachi have also fallen back. Ursa is more than ready to pursue and pound them, but with them all communicating, Adamantus realizes that Ladybug and Cat Noir are converging. Tenrec insists that they can still take them—after all, the heroes are on their countdowns. Adamantus reminds them that Ladybug has her Lucky Charm and is likely making a trap. Selkie-shi doesn't want to withdraw out of fear of a trap; she's still worked up that Ladybug and Cat Noir hurt Morpho (Theo Barbot, her boyfriend). Adamantus suggests Tenrec fall back to ambush the heroes. The birthstone team will use Team Ladybug's trap to trap them instead. His allies agree.

Meanwhile, down a dead end, Ladybug has set up a trap with her Lucky Charm and three allies. Kamaitachi wonders if it'll work, and Cat Noir voices complete faith in Ladybug. Ladybug urges Cat Noir and Carapace to quickly hide; they do so.

Adamantus, Ursa, and Selkie-shi arrive at the entrance to the alley. Selkie-shi immediately Shore Surfs while Adamantus and Ursa charge. Ladybug uses her trash can lid like a surfboard and slides around them too quickly for them to catch her. She ducks underneath a restaurant sign with Adamantus right behind her. Cat Noir them drops from the back of the sign onto Adamantus, trying to subdue him. Ursa grabs a mailbox and morphs it into an ax, which she swings at Kamaitachi, who simply leaps over her and unleashes her "Speed Strike," which releases Carapace from the dumpster. He immediately activates his "Shelter Shock" around Ursa, which traps her inside the shield. She pounds on it, trying to get out, but Carapace holds firm.

Ladybug knows this isn't it. Even though Cat Noir has wrest Adamantus to the ground and Carapace has captures Ursa, Selkie-shi is still in the ground somewhere and Tenrec is unaccounted for. Ladybug spins her yo-yo, her eyes alert for Selkie-shi. A clattering noise catches her ear. Selkie-shi attempted to sneak out of the ground but collided with Ladybug's Lucky Charm trash can lid, which created quite the clatter. And since Ladybug knows right where her charm is, she's able to throw her yo-yo in that direction and ensnare Selkie-shi, who thrashes for all she's worth to get free.

"That only leaves Tenrec," comments Cat Noir as he pulls both of Adamantus's arms behind his back.

Adamantus is disappointed that the heroes were still able to get a drop on them despite them all knowing it was likely a trap. However, it's still salvageable. He contacts Tenrec telepathically and tells him it's time to strike.

Tenrec affirms this from the rooftop where he's watching everything. He reaches into his pouch and pulls out the D100. This allows him to roll and randomly mimic one miraculous's special ability. This time, he rolls Voyage. Tenrec has been hoping for something more aggressive, but he figures Adamantus can use it anyway. Tenrec twists his hands and throws the Voyage portal down the alley. It sweeps up everyone there, heroes and antagonists alike. Ladybug can barely cry out, wondering what's going on, before she's drawn in.

The thing is, Tenrec doesn't have the calculating capacity that Pegasus/Max Kante has. Meaning Tenrec really can't control the portal much at all. This results in all seven empowered individuals being dropped different places in the city. It does help in that Selkie-shi, Adamantus, and Ursa are freed from the heroes. However, everyone is so far apart that they really can't effectively ambush each other.

Adamantus is able to quickly rally his own forces since they can communicate telepathically. He realizes that they really are scattered. Selkie-shi comments that she feels really, really tired. Then her connection falters. Adamantus asks her what's wrong. Selkie-shi is much harder to hear now, but she admits her transformation broke, and she has no idea why. Adamantus realizes that she hit her physical/magical limit. He encourages her to get home before the heroes realize her identity. Selkie-shi insists she can still fight; she can transform again. Ursa agrees. They want revenge on Ladybug and Cat Noir. Adamantus insists they stand down as they're in no shape to continue. They protest, but Adamantus tells them that they'll get their chance—first they have to grow in their powers. After all, the heroes have been using their miraculous for months. It's unlike the birthstone wielders would win when they (except Adamantus) have only used their magical items once or twice. Tenrec reluctantly sides with Adamantus. Ursa and Selkie-shi still try to protest, but Adamantus pretty much orders them to stand down. He ultimately has to hint towards Selkie-shi, "shouldn't you check on your boyfriend to ensure he's okay after what he just went through?" Selkie-shi realizes that Theo might really need her, so she drops the issue and races to him. Outnumbered, Ursa reluctantly withdraws as well. Adamantus tells them to be on standby and keep their items nearby as that will empower them (with emotions) more. They all return to their civilian aliases, and it's Hawk Moth who breaks the telepathic connection, having heard everything herself.

Meanwhile, the heroes have to communicate over their weapons (which have all the features of their cell phones) which does take them a bit longer. Kamaitachi and Carapace fan out from where they were dropped, trying to find allies or opponents, but they find no one. Ladybug mentions her timer is just about done; she needs to do her "Miraculous Ladybug" before then. Cat Noir has tuned into the news on his baton, but no civilians or reporters have any clue where the antagonists are either. They wait for an update until Ladybug is down to mere seconds. With no sign of the antagonists, Ladybug does her world-healing wave. Kamaitachi reports that the golden duo really should rest themselves. If Hawk Moth or Ivory make a move, they won't be able to handle it. Cat Noir types that he agrees, and Carapace mentions that he can keep an eye on the news and forums in case Adamantus's crew resurfaces. Cat Noir thanks him, and Ladybug encourages them all to get safely home. They "Pound It" from a distance.

Mireille Caquet finds Theo Barbot not far from the restaurant where they were going to celebrate her birthday. Both are fairly frantic and worried about each other. However, they're able to calm down when they see the other is okay. They decide to go for a walk in the park to celebrate instead.

Once home, Nino Lahiffe pulls up the news and listens to it while texting Adrien Agreste, just to make sure everything is okay. Adrien says he's fine but Plagg's exhausted. Nino encourages them both to take it easy. They know he's got their backs. Adrien says he knows, and then he flops onto his bed for a nap. With the girls, Alya Cesaire also follows up with Marinette.

The antagonists have also returned to their own homes. However, one heroine is still out on the streets. Young Bunnyx sneaks around chimneys and drops onto a balcony where she knocks on the window. Marianne Lenoir is surprised to see her, but she opens up the glass and lets her in. Bunnyx looks around and realizes that Marianne was attempting to fix the broken Eastern Order miraculous box. Marianne asks if everything is okay and if Bunnyx has any word on Master Fu.

Bunnyx shakes her head; that isn't why she's here. She actually has a commission for Marianne to make. Marianne laughs as she's not the type of crochet placemats or knit quilts. Bunnyx tells her that it's not those kinds of items that she needs.

To be continued in Chapter 82: Angelica…