The real stuff begins for our Ladyfox : first fight after training. Let's see how it unfold.
In his hideout, Lord Butterfly was focusing. He was in search of negative emotions. Those were the fuel of his akumas. Hadn't he been busy these last two days he would have done it sooner. But he had his own business to attend. For now, he was half satisfied and half disappointed. Satisfied because his akumatized people forced the miraculous bearers he was looking for to surface. His plan was therefore unfolding as planned. And disappointed because he still didn't managed to seize the miraculous of destruction. That Lone Wolf was good, it was infuriating. Failure upon failure since a month. Well, at least the miraculous of creation had appeared. Looked like she wasn't very gifted, but with her partner around it shouldn't last. Despite his code name, he wouldn't let her down. It was even highly possible that he'd train her. But they were young, he had experience. He could do this.
" So you're going to train with Lone Wolf the whole week-end ?" asked Player after breakfast.
" Yes. I have to master my abilities as soon as possible. He doubt that Lord Butterfly remain inactive this week-end, but we'll do as planned." replied Carmen.
" Alright. I'll work on Red Drone and perhaps join later, if you like."
" I'll ask him first. Well then, I'm off."
Carmen had informed her parents she'll be absent the whole day, she was meeting with a friend. Both were glad she was having one. Carmen took her scooter to go to the warehouse. There, she hid it behind a bush like usual, then herself to transform. When she arrived near the door, she spotted Lone Wolf.
" Oh, hey good morning Lone Wolf." she greeted.
" Hello as well, Ladyfox. Today, I was planning for a patrol. That will allow you to go farther in your physical abilities." announced the young man.
" Fine."
Then let's go. They quickly went on the roof. Lone Wolf headed to a point where they'll have a good sight. Once again, Carmen marvelled at the view. The weather was fine, it was still summer. Lone Wolf was darting an attentive stare at the streets below. The Butterfly would strike today. He never let too many time pass between each attempt. What would it be this time … he lifted his head, agitated his ears. Nothing out of the ordinary. After two minutes, he moved again, surprising his partner. Hmph, she has been daydreaming instead of surveying.
" Should I recall you we're on duty and not sightseeing ? Pay attention will you." he said dryly.
" Sorry." replied Carmen sheepish.
They leaped on another side using their tool. Carmen noticed that she was getting used to it. She was dreading her first real fight though. Last time Lone Wolf had handled the case on his own, but now he was expecting her to fully participate. And she would, there was no way she'd let innocent people getting hurt. She was simply a bit stressed, which was normal. They continued their patrol. Down there, an old woman was on her way to the market, her basket at her arm. She wasn't walking fast anymore. There, down the stairs. She pushed her building's door. Young people came running, and one hustled her basket.
"Hey !" she exclaimed, flickering.
None of them stopped to apologize. The elder resumed her walk. What a fine weather they were having this day, she thought. It was hotter than the previous years, all that was completely deregulated, thanks to the pollution. She arrived at a crosswalk. Some traffic at this hour, of course. A man arrived at her level. Some help maybe. The man simply crossed, barely waiting. He got honked at, didn't even mind.
" Hmph !" made the woman.
She had to wait two more minutes before going on the other side. Sometime later, she arrived at the market. She took out her list. At the same time, Lone Wolf and Ladyfox arrived on a roof overlooking the place.
" Oh so that's the market ! Nice." said Ladyfox.
" So you're new in town." deduced her partner.
"Yes. I arrived right before school."
" Hmm hmm. Then I'll treat you to a visit. Since we're going by roofs, we won't have to wait for buses, trains or won't be blocked in a traffic jam." he said.
" Well, that's kind of you. Even if it's for duty."
They stayed to watch the place a bit.
In the market, our citizen arrived in a stand.
" Good morning Paul ! Did you keep merchandize for me like usual ?" she asked with a smile and a wave.
" Morning, Mrs Duval. Sorry, but no. My wife sold the last piece one hour ago. As for us, we're good to go." replied the merchant.
Mrs Duval wasn't hearing fine, so she had to make the merchant repeat each time.
" What ? Oh no, but you always kept some for me, I really need it !" complained Mrs Duval.
" Law of supply and demand. First arrived, first served." intervened the merchant's wife.
" But I'm a regular and loyal customer. This isn't a way to reward faithfulness."
The merchant's wife didn't seem bothered by this comment. Mrs Duval continued. Seriously, what was with people today. On her way, she got hustled again, even reprimanded for not watching where she was going. Mrs Duval didn't know what was going on, however this lack of respect was starting to get on her nerves. This accumulation was turning in anger. Negatives emotions getting stronger, and of course captured by Lord Butterfly.
" Aaah ! A shocked heart, incomprehension before this lack of respect. This should do."
Lord Butterfly tended his hand. A white butterfly landed on it, before being covered by his hand.
" Now go my evil akuma, and darken her heart !"
The butterfly flew through the capital. On their side, our heroes had left the market. They were now close to the Louvre. Ladyfox was interrogating her partner about their mission.
" And what about criminals ? Do you fight them too ?"
" It happened once or two. You have to be very careful about them, because they're very dangerous too. They can shot at you or stab you. Effect of surprise is essential. If you have, act as fast as possible."
The Louvre. Carmen never had the opportunity to visit, she was hoping to bring her family here once, or visit with friends. They stood here for an instant. Then, Lone Wolf decided to move again, his partner tailing. He landed on the ground, before a shop selling TVs among other things. Carmen turned her head to see the inside of it. All the televisions were on news channels.
" You're looking for information about an akumatized ?" she asked.
" Indeed. We can't patrol on the whole capital, it's too big and would take too much time. We can't predict where an akuma will strike so this the fastest way." developed Chase.
" Not to mention we can be in school at that time." added Ladyfox.
He nodded. Nothing seeming to happen, they should go back and continue her training. Carmen agreed. Back to the market, the akuma had found his target. He entered the cane.
" Ancestria, I'm Lord Butterfly."
" You wish to testify ? About what ?"
" No, I'm Lord Butterfly." repeated the man.
" Stupefy ?"
" BUTTERFLY. Now listen, I'll grant you the power of making people realize what it is to be old. In exchange, I only ask for a small thing : Lone Wolf and his new partner's miraculous."
" I don't get it all : speak louder please, I forgot my hearing aids. Why do you want a luxurious wolf ?" answered Ancestria.
Lord Butterfly blinked.
" I want Lone Wolf's miraculous !"
" His conspicuous ?!"
" MIRACULOUS !" he yelled, hitting the floor with his cane.
" So what ? I'm not God I don't do miracles."
OH (censored) ! Then, Butterfly breathed before screaming his request word by word.
" Aaaah ! Alright now I got it. Very well dear Lord Superfly, I'll get you these jewels while teaching those young idiots respect for their elders."
Lord Butterfly face-palmed. Note to self : check his victim's age next time. Mrs Duval metamorphosed : her clothes went grey, evoking an ancient Greek attire. Her hair were braided, and very long. Pointing her cane to passers-by, she hit them with a silvered ray which made them grow old. Then, she moved.
Ladyfox and Lone Wolf arrived at the market. Ladyfox distractedly glanced. She stopped, intrigued.
" Hey Lone Wolf !"
That one stopped.
" Were there this many old people earlier ?"
Chase had a look. Indeed, that was strange. He clearly remembered the face of some merchants, and they weren't looking like old parchments. Ladyfox pointed a place where lights could be seen. They both headed to it. They found an old woman changing everyone in elders.
" Well then ! Time for your rite of passage." declared Lone Wolf.
Ladyfox took a breath, before jumping down. Ancestria noticed her. She stared at her.
" Huh ? Now what is that ?" she questioned.
" That's them ! Lone Wolf and that fox girl ! Take their miraculous !" exclaimed Lord Butterfly.
Out loud of course. Ancestria headed toward them. Just … slowly. Quite slowly.
" Hey there Butty ! What the hell is that, you're lowering in my esteem. Getting old too ?" made Lone Wolf.
" You won't laugh very long, lost pup !" retorted Butterfly through his akumatized one.
" Yeah, you're right. I'm bored already, Commoner Butterfly." retorted Lone Wolf.
Carmen chuckled. Ancestria pointed her cane : Ladyfox leaped to dodge. Lone Wolf made his staff turn fast to protect himself.
" Careful miss Cane 2022 ! You'll block your back !" he said.
" You disrespectful … huff … brat I'm Ancestria!" said Ancestria.
" Oh dear ! Out of breath already ? Should we take a break ?" asked Chase.
Ancestria grumbled. She lifted her cane again. However this time, it shined. Ancestria commanded all of her victims to join her. The closest arrived … hum, as they could. Lone Wolf had a sigh. So far it was the weirdest mission he had. The advantage was that Ladyfox could be serene for her first mission. The young man glanced at her partner. Lots of citizens were arriving, circling them. It could be frightening if they weren't so slow.
" I think we should go." she said with irony.
" Alright then."
They pivoted, and started walking with slow and exaggerated movements. On the meantime, Lord Butterfly was going crazy. His enemies were mocking him, his pawn was taking too much time to act. Apparently, his akumatized abilities depended on their physical conditions. That was something he should have think about before. Could he fix this now ? He have to try. Lord Butterfly addressed to his akuma, ordering it to improve his host's speed. However, nothing happened. So this was a limit. Once the metamorphosis done, the power granted it couldn't be changed. Looked like it wasn't this time either that he'd be victorious.
On the field, Ladyfox pushed a woman out of the aging ray way. Most of the people had ran away when Ancestria began her attack. Some hid under their stall.
" I'll teach you respect you goddamn ill-mannered brats !" exclaimed Ancestria.
It was as if she regained energy : her cane sent a continuous ray all around. Objects touched by it rusted quickly, tissue got discoloured, holed, ready to collapse. Our heroes could only dodge. Above, a helicopter was covering the event. Lone Wolf lifted his head. Damn, let's hope that Ancestria wouldn't shoot it. At home, Ivy discovered the new.
" Darn, I have to cover this !" she exclaimed.
Abandoning her breakfast, the ginger raced to her bedroom, dressing as fast as possible. Then, she rushed out and grabbed her bike. This was the chance of learning more about the new superhero. She sneaked between the cars. Blessed be the bikes, which were more useful to circulate. Lifting her eyes, she saw the TV news chopper. A second later, a silver touched it. Ivy gasped. The engine rusted fast, its paddles slowed down before stopping. Before her horrified eyes, the helicopter fall. Down there, Ladyfox launched her yoyo. Part of her thought it was stupid, how come a simple string of a toy could stop the fall of a chopper ? She did it nonetheless, motivated by the need of helping, part instinctively too. The tool wrapped around chimneys, forming a net. The engine fell, dislocating on the way. But the people inside were hold back by the string.
Carmen was amazed at how long her yoyo was. And even more happy to note that she succeeded to save those people. Lone Wolf decided to occupy Ancestria to give his partner enough time to finish her rescue. Ivy arrived on those facts. She immediately exited her phone and started to record.
" Hello dears followers ! I'm on the market where an akumatized is making everyone age. Our new superhero, partner of Lone Wolf just rescued the T1's chopper and the journalists inside. I'll try to learn who is she." declaimed Ivy.
The young woman approached. The reporters crawled on the net and managed to reach a roof. Ladyfox recuperated her yoyo. She turned, to meet her classmate's face.
" Hello ! I'm the Wolf Blog owner, a blog dedicated to our superhero. So, you're his partner ? What's your name ?" asked Ivy.
" Hum, I'm sorry but now isn't the time. Later, if you wish." replied Carmen.
Without letting her time to answer, she rushed to help Lone Wolf. That one used various objects to keep Ancestria at bay and preventing her from counterattacking. Ladyfox arrived when she was pointing her cane again. She launched her weapon and deviated the ray.
" It's time to end this." decided Ladyfox.
" Agreed. Do you have a plan by chance ?" replied Lone Wolf.
" Let's see. Lucky charm !"
The yoyo spun in the air, myriad of tiny foxes whirling around her. Then, she tended her hands to collect a bottle.
" Oil ? How am I supposed to use that ?" she asked.
Looking around, she noticed that part of the landscape got adorned with little yoyos. Her powers were indicating her how to use it.
" Alright. I'll use this to unbalance her. Could you distract Ancestria ?"
" Got it."
They separated. Lone Wolf zigzagged between the stalls. He grabbed several objects. Then, he sent them one by one with his staff, changing place before each launch. Ladyfox sneaked on the meantime. She uncorked her oil bottle that she made slide on the ground. Ancestria slipped on it.
" Wolf mist !"
The mist broke the cane. Ladyfox captured the akuma in her yoyo.
" Bye bye little butterfly." she said once the insect all white again.
She grabbed her bottle to send it in the air. Everyone retrieved its youth.
" What happened ?" asked Mrs Duval.
" You were akumatized." replied Ladyfox.
She and Lone Wolf helped her getting up, and he gave her cane back. In his hideout, Lord Butterfly winced. Things were announcing to be more complicated. But he wasn't about to give up any time soon. Ivy approached the heroes.
" Hello again ! Thank both of you for saving those people. So Lone Wolf, you have a partner now. Miss ?"
" Ladyfox."
" Well, welcome to Paris and good job, Ladyfox."
She heard her earing beeping. Time to go, as she signalled. Lone Wolf followed.
" You saw that dear followers ? Our new hero, Ladyfox. I'll do my best to follow her adventures. Now Paris can be even more at ease with two protectors. See you next time, stay tuned !" declared Ivy to her phone.
Both heroes fed their kwamis before transforming back. Player saw them arriving, and got up to welcome the duo.
" So ? How was it ?" he questioned his sister.
" You see, there's zombie movies and there's old people one." replied Ladyfox.
" I guess second option is better, right ?" grinned Player.
" Waaayyy less dangerous, indeed."
" You did a very good job back here. We can continue on training or let experience do the job." declared Lone Wolf.
She was touched by the compliment.
" Thank you. I'll still train for the week-end, then let experience harden me."
" Wise choice." smiled Chase.
Noon arriving, a break was decided. Once again, Chase had brought the meal, which embarrassed Ladyfox and Player. That one said it was his role as a mentor, but Carmen insisted to return the favour the following day. He simply nodded. After that little lunch, they resumed training with some yoyo exercises. Carmen was mastering it even better now. Later, some fighting lessons, a break, some snacks, and exercises again. It was quite a tired Carmen who went back home at 17 o'clock. She collapsed on her bed.
" So ? Still satisfied of your choice ?" asked Cedric.
" Hmmmphhhh !" replied his sister, face on her pillow.
She turned on her back.
" Even if it's hard, I have to do this. I'm risking my neck after all, I can't afford to be lazy."
" I understand. I made some research on the net about all this stuff. People are wondering how can someone be transformed that way. Magic is the most common answer. The police is also trying to localize that Lord Butterfly guy, however they failed. Finding a dark butterfly is very difficult, let alone predicting when it will appear." announced Player.
" Which makes me wonder how are we going to defeat him if we can't even pinpoint him ?" resumed Carmen.
" No idea, sorry. You should discuss this with Lone Wolf."
" Is planned, don't worry."
To say that Carmen was in top shape the following Monday would be a lie. In case of questions, she'd just tell that she had to finish unpacking. By the way, she didn't find time to devote to her favourite activity : drawing. A shame, that had the merit to relax her. Ivy greeted her joyfully like the previous time.
" Did you watch the news ?"
" If you're talking about aging people, then yes."
" I managed to obtain our new superhero's name : Ladyfox. Posted it on my blog." continued Ivy.
Ivy was ecstatic about a girl being a hero : enough of always a man saving everyone. Plus, she had a very useful power, fixing everything after a battle.
" I wonder if I can discover both of their identity." said Ivy.
" That's a very bad idea." commented Carmen.
" Huh ? But why ? That would be a sensational scoop !"
" And the best way for their enemy to dispose of them." pointed Carmen.
" Oh … right. That's indeed a bad and stupid idea." acknowledged Ivy.
Carmen got satisfied to made her change her mind. Even if she was a bit curious about her partner. He seemed of her age. How was he like, under that mask ? Did he easily accept to be Lone Wolf, had been he afraid ? She'd like to question him. He reassured her, meaning he was a nice guy. Not like a certain blonde girl. Sheena, bearer of a Miraculous ? That would be a catastrophe. She would only brag and try to take control, to order Ladyfox and Lone Wolf around. Carmen had a hunch it would go bad with him.
" Hey. Now that I think about it, who gave me my miraculous ? Why was I chosen ? Where are the other miraculous ?"
Carmen would love to find that person, and interrogated it about the kwamis, how to find Lord Butterfly. Maybe they knew about its identity. Carmen swore to question Suri once school day over. So this done, she deposited her school bag on her little sofa, and took Suri out of it. Cedric was attending the little reunion.
" So Suri, I have a question for you." began Carmen.
" Yes what is it ?" wondered the fox.
" What can you tell me about the one who entrusted you to me ?"
" I reckoned you'd like to know. Not much I'm afraid, for his own safety." replied the kwami.
" So it's a male." said Player.
Suri winced.
" Yes, and that's all I'll tell you about him."
" And there is other kwamis than you and Tagg, if I recall. Can one of them help me find the miraculous of the Butterfly ?" tried Carmen.
" No, that's not in our powers." replied Suri.
" But how am I supposed to defeated him then ?" worried Carmen.
" You have to be stronger for that before, Carmen. It can only be done through fighting. Then, perhaps me and the other kwamis can contact Marri, the kwami of the butterfly. But I doubt he'd be able to tell where he is exactly : his owner must be careful." explained Suri.
" That'd be great Suri. If Marri can't tell his location maybe he could tell his master's identity. This should be a beginning." said Player.
" No. We have a magic lock which prevent us to reveal our bearer's identity without his or her consent. Safety measure." revealed Suri.
" Of course." commented Carmen.
At least, there was hope. Not that she particularly disliked to be Ladyfox, but knowing that her goal was reachable was a good new. Carmen stretched, then sat at her desk to begin her homework. She'll do some of it in advance. She was already doing this before, for peace of mind and no to be overwhelmed, but now who could tell with her secret life. After diner, she took some time to draw again. This was really appeasing for Sandiego. She made some sketches of her as Ladyfox and Lone Wolf. Suri floated above her shoulder.
" Isn't it dangerous to draw that ?" questioned the kwami.
" I fail to see how : I'm free to draw whatever I want, as long as I don't draw myself transforming there's no problem."
" Yeah, you're right, nothing forbid you to draw heroes." agreed Suri.
Carmen would like to draw Suri, but that wouldn't be a good idea. Unless the kwami could hide somewhere safe. She talked about it to Suri. That one knew a place : the Miracle Box, where all kwamis were. Alright then, Carmen would make a picture of Suri.
