In order to be a proper heroine and partner, Carmen decides to train. Chase is also pondering the situation.

Enjoy ^^


While Player was in his room, Carmen was thinking. All of this, superheroes, akumatized people, magical powers and kwamis … it was crazy. She wondered if it wasn't a dream. But no, all too real. She rolled on the side, arm pending in the void. Suri was observing her, letting Carmen assimilating all that.

" How exactly can I train ? I can't communicate with Suri when I'm transformed. Maybe I should look in my yoyo to find those datas."

Her thoughts came back to Lone Wolf. He didn't seem delighted to have a partner. Well, she couldn't blame him for now, she wasn't up to the task yet. He saved her. What would've happen if Carmen got tagged on the ground ? No one would have been able to rescue her. It made her shiver. She really needed that practice. Looking in her room, her eyes fell on her computer. Carmen straightened. That girl whom she started to befriend said she owned a blog … was there anything of interest for her here ? Worth a try. Luckily for her, internet was already available when they moved here, and her mother had been kind enough to take out a subscription before their arrival. Carmen sat and switched on her laptop. Suri went to find out.

" So let's see … Lone Wolf."

" Hm ? You can find him on there ?" asked the kwami.

" Yes, Ivy created a blog dedicated to him. Ah, there it is : the Wolf blog."

As wallpaper was a photo of Lone Wolf, holding his stick behind his back. Carmen clicked. Apparently, he appeared to fight the very first akumatized Parisian, janitor of a junkyard who got transformed in a creature made of cars pieces. The video began with a view of a park : people were happily strolling in there, it was a magnificent day. Then, the creature appeared : stomping it crashed the fence. The citizens ran away panicking. Car man threw dark oil, snatched trees with cables. Ivy moved to be safe. Then, some minutes later Lone Wolf entered the place. On rather he appeared on the akumatized's head. He crashed a lighthouse eye. The creature flickered as if in pain. Lone Wolf did the same for the other eye. Leaping down, he tended his stick on his adversary's way. The human car fell down.

This done, he ran to it as he opened his … huh … cap, and dived in it. Blocking it with his weapon, he disappeared inside. A moment later, the creature disappeared, revealing a man. Carmen raised brows : that was his first time and he did wonders. As she said, seemed like he did this before. The video ended with an ecstatic Ivy, who interviewed the new hero. He gave her his code name, confirming that yes, he'd be here to protect the city.

" Hm, I see what you mean." commented Suri.

" Wow. He's amazing. How am I going to be worthy ?" said Carmen, half admiring half worried.

" By training of course. In any case, that bearer is strong. I rarely them at ease from the start." continued Suri.

Carmen leaned on her chair. There also were photos of him, more or less of quality. Knocks on her trap brought her back on earth. Player announced that he found a place : an abandoned warehouse. Carmen thanked him. She'll go there immediately, better start before homework invaded them. Cedric lead her there. His sister will have all the space needed, with as less risks of damaging her surroundings as possible.

" Suri, ears up !"

Carmen dressed as Ladyfox. Then, she picked her yoyo. It could be opened like a powder compact. Cedric leaned.

" There, about your powers." he said, pointing a section.

" Thanks. The suit grants the bearer superior physical abilities, to fulfil his or her mission as soon as possible. The yoyo can de-evilize the akuma. This absolutely had to be done or the akuma will multiply, creating a whole army for the original victim." read Carmen.

" Well, that's good to know." commented Player.

" Yes. Oh look, there's a phone, a GPS, oxygen cylinder … incredible. Alright, now time to be familiar with it."

Carmen dropped the yoyo. It went up pretty easily, after some movements she made it turn in circle. This should act like a shield. Carmen walked with it. Then, she threw it in the air. The yoyo wrapped around a beam. She pulled. An instant later, she leaped with a cry.

" Carmen !" yelled Player.

" I'm fine ! More or less !"

She managed to cling on the beam. Then with efforts she climbed on it. Player sighed in relief.


Carmen noticed that it was less difficult as she thought. She looked at her yoyo. That was surely her way to get around in the city. By the roof she'll be faster and discreet. Carmen decided to give it another try. Throwing her yoyo again, she swung until the next beam. This time, she used her legs and could land directly on it.

" Very good !" said Player, a hand at his head level.

Carmen giggled. She did again, going all the way around the warehouse before landing near her brother. Player suggested an exercise : he grabbed abandoned beer bottles he lined up on the ground. Carmen was to hit each of them. The young woman accepted. It was a good exercise. Once Cedric done, she launched her yoyo. It went too high for the first bottle, near for the second, fell before the third… Carmen focused. She hit the fourth one.

" Haha !"

" One out of four." said Player, crossing arms.

Carmen started over. She did the same exercise during one hour, with different objects left in the place. When time to be back home arrived, she was satisfied and felt better. She'd certainly be of a better help next time someone would get akumatized.

On his side, Chase went back home unnoticed. He gave Tagg his reward for his hard work.

" I met with the bearer of the miraculous of creation." announced the young man, undressing for a shower.

" Oh ? What's her code name this time ?" asked Tagg.

" This time ? You mean it's not always the same ?"

" Of course no. Each bearer can chose his alias. Just like you did." replied Tagg.

" Huh … you chose it, not me." reminded Chase.

" Oh right. It was because you asked me, but the choice is possible. The previous one was called Starfox."

" Well that one chose Ladyfox. For now, she's useless in fighting."

" That's temporary, I'm sure. All bearers develop their abilities in due time." stated the kwami.

He finished his piece of cheese.

" I don't like other people being involved in this fight."

Chase turned the faucet.

" But you need a partner, your power has its limits. The main one being that you can't repair what has been damaged. They're also becoming stronger, as Lord Butterfly is gaining experience." insisted Tagg.

Chase sighed, taking his shampoo.

" I know."

He saw that this afternoon. The young man exited the shower. He already have a muscled body, thanks to his Muay Thai lessons. He was practicing since five years. Perhaps he should help that girl in training. Thanks to his sports activity he'd been efficient from the start. But she didn't have that luck. Maybe she was lost, afraid. Fine, he'll discuss this with her next time, announced Chase to Tagg. The kwami had an approval smile. For now, Chase had to go to work. he was doing a part-time work to contribute to the expenses. Tagg slipped in his sweat.

The following day, Carmen was back to school. Ivy jumped at her :

" Did you watch the news ?!" she exclaimed.

" Hello as well Ivy." smiled Carmen.

" Hoo, silly me, sorry. Good morning Carmen."

" To answer your question, yes. I'm aware Paris got a new superhero."

Carmen put her bag on her table.

" I wonder what's her name. Is she Lone Wolfs' partner or rival ?"

The rest of the class arrived, commenting what happened.

" She's not good enough for him. I would be the perfect partner for him, if I were to be chosen." stated Sheena.

" Oh the poor him." muttered Jean-Paul.

Antonio and Graham chuckled. Carmen pitied Lone Wolf if he had to be paired with such a pest.

" Hey new girls ! Bring me some sheets." ordered Sheena.

" Excuse me, what ?" replied Ivy.

" You heard me. I told you to do something, and when I tell you to do something you just obey." answered Sheena.

" Who do you take us for ? Your jacks ?" continued Ivy.

" My father is the mayor of this town. He can make your families' lives a hell." recalled Sheena, walking to them with a step supposed to be dangerous.

" Oh ? You're trying to intimidate us by revealing you have no power or influence ? Weird method. As for your father, are you willing to risk his reputation, if we ever tell on social media that he picks on honest citizens to satisfy his daughter's tantrums ? I really wonder how people will react, knowing the temper our nation." calmly retorted Carmen, an ironic grin punctuating her words.

Sheena winced. Everyone else had a triumphant smile.

" As for my parents, they're not even in France. So get lost, you low cost doll." ended Ivy.

" What ?!" yelled Sheena, scandalized.

" You heard the girls Sheena. Next time you'll ask more nicely." intervened Graham.

Sheena grumbled, tightened jaws but retreated.

" See ya !" waved Ivy.

The teacher's arrival put an end to this discussion. Everyone sat at his table. Carmen tried to focus on the lessons rather than her secret mission. During diner her parents asked her about the attack, wondering if she and Cedric were there. Cedric assured that Lone Wolf intervened fast, and now there even was a new superhero to help him protect the city, thus he'd be more efficient. That point reassured the parents a little : someone was there to keep things in control.

Then, they wondered about school. Player and Carmen were making friends, which delighted Dexter and Carlotta. Player had found a geek just like him, Marco, and Carmen had now Ivy. Back to class, she thought she'll have to train this day and the week end. The back-to-school day was on a Thursday this year, which granted her more time.

The whole day unfold peacefully. The siblings went directly to the warehouse. Once there, Ladyfox heard her yoyo beeping. Intrigued, she opened it to notice she had a text … from Lone Wolf.

" He says he wishes to help me with my training."

" That's … nice, isn't it ?" said Player.

" I suppose so. Suri, ears down."

The kwami appeared, surprised that the training ended so soon. Carmen explained the reason.

" You should accept Carmen. Of course, you can't possibly show him your real identity, but that will serve to create your bond." advised Suri.

" Alright then."

Carmen texted back.


Half an hour later, Player informed her that Lone Wolf was arriving, carrying a backpack. Carmen was already dressed, as she started her training while waiting. Lone Wolf stopped when he spotted Player coming to him.

" Hello. I'm Ladyfox's little brother, you can call me Player." he introduced.

Lone Wolf stopped before him. Cedric tried to not gulp. He too, experienced what his sister lived when meeting him for the first time : that impression of strength, of facing a real wolf. Carmen showed herself.

" Good evening. Thank you for helping me." she said with a shy grin.

" You're welcome. Did you try to get familiar with your abilities and weapon ?" he asked.

" Yes. I know I can use it as a shield, and to move around."

Lone Wolf examined the place they were. Not bad.

" Alright. We'll start by self defense, with some basics moves." declared Lone Wolf.

He explained her how to position herself for this first exercise. Carmen followed his instructions with high attention. She was dreading this training : would he be patient with her, or on the contrary be a harsh instructor ? In any case, she was willing to do her best. Lone Wolf on his side, noted her tenseness. He stared at her for a while, and Carmen feared to have angered him. He sighed.

" Don't be so tensed, I won't bite you."

" Hum, sorry."

" Let's have a break."

He headed to the backpack he put on an abandoned machine, and invited her and her brother to sit. He took out chips, drinks and cups, cakes and biscuits. The siblings smiled before this attention. Lone Wolf arranged the food and cups behind them, easily reachable. Then, he poured water in the cup. While doing this, he questioned Ladyfox about how she was apprehending the situation. She was surprised he asked how she felt. She expected him to be cold, as he appeared to be when they first met. Then, he certainly mused on the situation liker she did, and understood they better get along if they wanted to succeed. Or even simply survive. She took time to answer. She already discussed with her brother, however Lone Wolf knew what it was when being chosen. Perhaps he went through the same stages as her.

" Honestly, I have trouble accepting all that."

" Sure, no one warned us. No one trained us to be a superhero. It just happened, that's why training is so important." replied Lone Wolf.

" But you, did you train alone ?" wondered Player.

" I already knew how to fight so it was easier for me. I questioned my kwami and he helped understanding how my power is working."

Carmen said she visioned a video of his first fight, and admitted she was impressed. Lone Wolf said nothing about that.

" My kwami said that I had to trust my powers. You have to have faith in yours too: be confident in your abilities, even for the first time and it will work." he resumed.

" I'll try." grinned Carmen.

" When you're done, we'll continue with your yoyo."

She accepted. The training resumed. Lone Wolf asked her to make a demonstration. Carmen made her yoyo turn to produce a shield, then leaped on a beam and managed to grab old cans.

Lone Wolf said that it was reassuring to note she was already able to do that. Carmen would be able to act later. She received that praise with relief. Knowing she'll be useful was reassuring. Player had to put an end to the session, as it was getting late. They took an appointment here for the next day and the week end.

" That went better than I expected." confided Carmen, on the way.

" Indeed, I was a tad afraid when I faced him. You were right, he's intimidating." agreed Player.

" But he patiently explained each movements, and even comforted me in the end."

Meaning that they'd be able to work together without too much trouble. Naturally, they would need some time to adjust. Carmen was feeling better about this. She could tell that Lone Wolf wouldn't let her in trouble, he was willing to make this work and was supporting her. Her stress was lessening thanks to that. Suri got pleased by the feedback Carmen made after dinner. Them getting along was the best solution as the kwami recalled. She insisted that her bearer asks everything that went through her mind, even dumb questions.

" Hey sis ! Before you turn in, I have something for you." announced Cedric, after knocking.

" For me ?"

" Yes. I was working on that and finished it right before you get your kwami."

Player showed a red sphere.

" It's a drone, I've made it myself. I was thinking about using it for potential patrols. I'd like to add something to detect akumas in an object, too."

" That's very kind of you, Ced. I'm sure this red drone will come in handy. Maybe you could search for a special frequency to detect akumas." suggested Carmen, receiving the engine.

" That's a good idea."

He wished her good night. Carmen returned the favour.

The next day, Chase arrived early as usual. His training with Ladyfox went fine. He'd been glad to see her determination. She was taking this seriously and not like if it was a game or a way to be famous. It also had been a relief for him. One day, a youngster claimed on TV that he'd like to be as famous as Lone Wolf. That pissed him. Lives were at stake each time, they weren't in a movie or something. He heard other classmates incoming. He spotted Sheena's expression : downright up to something. He discreetly sighed : he'd been in her class for two years, two years of her tantrums, intimidation to others, blackmailing, harassment. He'd love to punch her sometimes. The fact she was greatly admiring his secret identity made him want to puke.

"She did something. I recognize that smile. Well, time to act." thought Chase.

Taking advantage of students passing near he stood up and left his place. Sheena was innocently looking around. Devineaux looked at the point where she smiled earlier. That was how he spotted liquid on a chair. It was that new girl's seat, what was her name already ? He exited two handkerchiefs. Then, he came at the chair's level and dropped a first tissue on it. Sheena was surveying Carmen's arrival. So Devineaux wiped off as much ink as he could. Carmen and Ivy entered, chatting. Sandiego noticed Chase doing something to her seat.

" ? "

He left before she arrived. Putting her school bag on her desk she pulled her chair. She spotted faint tracks of red ink. Carmen instantly understood it was Sheena's doing. Seriously, how old was she ? But her classmate wiped it carefully, letting the handkerchief absorbing it without spreading it. Carmen checked that it was dry enough before sitting. Sheena winced when she realized that her dirty trick failed. Later, Carmen caught up with Chase.

" Hey wait !"

That one turned to her.

" You're Chase, right ?" asked Carmen.

" Himself."

" I'm Carmen. I wanted to thank you. I saw earlier that you avoided me some trouble." she said with a little grin.

" Oh. No problem."

Chase resumed his walking. Well then ! Second day, and it was good to know that Carmen had at least another ally against Sheena.


After school, Chase was heading to the warehouse to meet with his partner. He checked the surroundings before opening his little bag where Tagg was hiding among his wallet and other belongings.

" Tagg, fangs out."

The kwami disappeared in his chain bracelet. He was the first on site. A few minutes later, Ladyfox arrived, alone this time. She greeted Lone Wolf.

" Today we'll begin with self defense for fifteen minutes. Then, you're to test your agility." he announced.

" How ?" questioned the young girl.

" We'll go on the roofs."

" Alright. I hope I won't fall." said Carmen.

" Remember what I told you : have faith in you capacities. Use your yoyo to catch up on something." replied Lone Wolf.

Now, time to get in position. He asked her to also use her weapon, so she would be used to it. During the practice, he advised her on how to counterattack, reminded her how to dodge, when, to remain calm etc. He ended the session when his stick rang. Next exercise. They walked until a house, where Lone Wolf asked her to climb on the roof on her own. Ladyfox launched her yoyo which wrapped around a chimney.

" Woah !" she exclaimed when leaping.

Her partner used his stick to join her. This done, he invited her to follow him. He trotted, passed above a block of three chimneys, slid on the slope of a roof, ran on a terrace roof then jumped on another one. He checked that the girl was tagging along. For this first time, they went easy.

" Wow, what a view." commented Carmen, on the way.

" Indeed. Wait until you climb on the Eiffel tower."

" That already happened to you ?" wondered Ladyfox.

" Several times, yes." replied her partner.

Would she do that one day too ? There were chances. As of now, she was having a wonderful view of the city, one that most of people didn't have. Lone Wolf announced that the training was over. They went back a bit faster, Carmen noticing she was more at ease with that part. She thanked her partner again for his help, then left on her side.

" Tagg, fangs in."

Chase returned home. Overall, this partnership was going well. Ladyfox should be ready for her first fight. Lord Butterfly wouldn't be long to akumatize someone again. Tagg informed him that his miraculous added with Ladyfox's one could grant a person a wish. What was Butterfly's one ? Power ? Wealth ? Glory ? The young was also aware that to end all this once and for all they had to take back his own miraculous, the butterfly one. But how ? How to find him ? Who was he ? This could last forever. Were they going to be superheroes for years ? Chase questioned if he desired that. He accepted the job because he felt like he had to. Someone had to do something, so why not him. He didn't think further than that.

" We just began, and I have a feeling it will last for at least some months. Probably the school year. Thing is, we have exams at the end of the year, then it's graduate studies. And … up to find a job or continue studying. Hope we'll be over by this year, because it'll get harder for us to intervene. We could lost our job."

Logically, Lord Butterfly wouldn't wait that long either. This couldn't last for years. Speaking of him, the man was observing his most precious belonging. The reason why he was doing all this. Behind him, his kwami was waiting in silence. All pink, two little wings and a tail he went by Marri. Ad the poor thing was living in fear and sadness ever since he fell between that man's hands. Marri knew what wish that man wanted to realize. He tried to dissuade him, arguing that the price to pay would be heavy. His objection had been received as opposition, refusal and Lord Butterfly slapped the kwami. He threatened Marri to become subject of his experimentations, to extract his power instead of using him like every bearer. The poor kwami submitted to him. He sighed discreetly. He missed his family, he missed his previous bearer. However, the rise of new bearers for the two most powerful kwamis had lighten hope in Marri. Hope to be free, to reunite with his kin and have a suitable bearer.

What was happening right now was of great sadness for Marri : so many people were in danger, lived in fear. He hated seeing his power so badly used. In good hands, he could grant new allies for the miraculous bearers, or new powers to the bearers themselves. Marri wondered if he should do something to get free. That was hard, as he was tied by the jewel used to transform his master. He took it off each time he didn't use it, which as for effect to drag the kwami inside and thus keeping it prisoner. Only in the Miracle Box, where all the miraculous were gathered, or with its guardian authorization, could a kwami be out without a bearer. Marri had no mean of warning his family. The kwami shook his head.

" Come on ! I can't give up yet ! I know Tagg would never back up, not without a fight. Suri would find a ruse. If I want to be free I have to act and not solely wait for rescue."

Marri understood that he didn't necessarily have to escape, as it was practically impossible, but he could warn someone, he could transmit a message to Suri and Tagg, or their bearers. He had to find a way. For now, his bearer stopped his contemplation. He left the place, to head where he would launch another attack. Marri followed, his heart heavy. He tried to keep hope : he must have faith in the new bearers. For now, Lone Wolf managed to keep his enemy at bay, on his own. Which was a relief. With such an ally, the bearer of Suri should be fine.


Kwami's name origin : Marri comes from mariposa, butterfly in spanish.