Everything seems okay in the best of worlds. Until a cloud appears.
Chase's ears were hurting. When his mother learnt that a friend invited her son for a dinner, she squeaked like a tyre. Since he was working to help financially, he didn't have time to make any friends. Mrs Devineaux was feeling guilty for that and relieved. Even if it wasn't much it was welcome. Chase simply said it was because of a rendered service. The next day, he learnt that Cedric's bullies got akumatized, which wasn't a surprise. Him and Ladyfox had to intervene during the night. Thankfully for him, he had ended his job at the cinema. When arriving at school, Carmen greeted him warmly. She too, was happy to have another friend. During class, she glanced at him several times. He was … cute now that she was paying attention. Carmen observed his well sculpted profile, his messy hair, large shoulders.
Chase wasn't talking much, but for what she knew he had a high sense of justice. He was serious in his work, meticulous. He was gourmand as she remarked when he came home. He was ready to help, he demonstrated that in class and well, with her brother. Devineaux spotted her look on him. Carmen quickly turned her head, blushing. Carmen focused on the lesson. Even if her eyes went back on him many times. At the end of the day, she collected Player and greeted Chase. Once home and their homework done, they went to the kitchen to help with the dinner. When the hour came, the whole family welcomed their guests. Carmen felt her heart racing all of a sudden : Chase was simply wearing a white shirt and a blue jean, but of better quality than his usual clothes.
He looked good. Her father's voice interrupted her thoughts. They were brought to the leaving-room where Carlotta served appetizers. Carmen sat in front of her classmate. Then, she finally discovered his mother. He looked like her : same hair colour, same eyes, sweet face. Dexter entered the subject right away : the reason of this invitation. Chase's mother was taken aback :
" Chasey, you never told me you saved people." she said, pride in her voice.
" Wasn't necessary." replied the concerned one before drinking.
" Anyway, we wanted to express our gratitude." continued Carlotta.
" You're welcome. I must say I'm really glad to be acquainted with my son's friends." smiled Mrs Devineaux.
" Even her smile is the same." thought Carmen.
She wondered about his father. Time for dinner was here, so they went to sit around the table. The discussion resumed. Carmen learnt that Mrs Devineaux was divorced, this being her maiden's name, first name being Anne, and that she was working as a seller in a clothing store. Her son was also working part time at a cinema. She already came to the bakery, rather delighted that one opened close to her home. Dexter announced that he came to the capital specially to open it, since it has been his dream. His store's success was growing. Carlotta said that she knew Mrs Devineaux's face was familiar. Then, the conversation arrived on the main event in here : akumas and superheroes.
" Hey Chase, providing you stay after dinner, would you like to play videogames ?" asked Player.
" Wow, I didn't play in ages but with pleasure." replied Chase.
" Good, that will be a thing where I can beat the crap out of you." made Carmen, mischievous.
" Since it appears to be the only one, then I'll be gallant and let you win, so savour your victories well." he replied back.
Carmen chuckled. That, was the other thing she loved in their relation. The dinner unfold pleasantly. Then, Chase's mother was proposed a coffee, while Player announced that the youngsters would be playing videogames.
Away from here, in a model agency. Several women were feverishly waiting. Few of them would be selected for a fashion show. This could be determinant for their career : to begin or to continue and take a new step. Finally, the casting director appeared, putting an end to their chatting. Anxiously they waited as he enunciated names. Relief and excitement followed for the elected ones. It ended, leaving disappointment, bitterness for the remaining ones. One of them went to find the director.
" Excuse me, I thought I was selected." she said.
" Well no, as you certainly noticed."
" But you let me think I would be ! You know how important it is for me, otherwise it could be the end of my career !" she protested.
" Sorry Cleo. Maybe next time."
Cleo was furious. How dared he give her hope that way, and after all the efforts she made ? It was so unfair. She had all the qualities and the director knew it perfectly well.
" Hmhmhmh ! Resentment, jealousy. All I like for a good akuma." declared Lord Butterfly.
The butterfly flew until his target, a certain Cleo, model of her own, and penetrated in her necklace.
" Hello, Lady Numeric. So you were lied to, and won't appeared in this super important show. Knows that I give you the power to be shown on every screen. In exchange, bring me the miraculous of Ladyfox and Lone Wolf." introduced Lord Butterfly.
" I shall not disappoint you, Lord Butterfly." replied Cleo.
At the Sandiegos' home, a few minutes after that incident, Player's phone vibrated. He widened eyes : an akuma alert. He had to warn his sister, but how ? Carmen was now in the middle of an intense party with Chase. So even if he could warn her, Carmen had to leave unnoticed. Cedric had to find a plan now … right when he was creating knots to his brain, a knock got heard.
" Chasey, it's time to leave. You still have school tomorrow." announced his mother.
" Alright, coming."
" Luuuuckyyyy !" yelled Player mentally.
Chase said goodbye to his friends, then left. Carmen had a deep sigh. Her brother checked that their guests were out.
" Heads up, sis ! I received an akuma alert." announced Player.
" What ? How did you get that ?" questioned Carmen.
" When I was working on Red Drone, I also worked on an alarm system: based on the words akuma, monster, Paris, supervillain I could create an alert. It means that an akumatized is on the move." explained Cedric.
" Fine. If anybody asks, I'm sleeping. Suri, ears up !"
" Okay, I'll install the doll in your bed." nodded Player, thumb up.
Ladyfox left by the window. Her brother was amazing : now she'll be informed fast when a villain would be raging. She opened her yoyo to contact Lone Wolf. She let a message on his voice mail. Player guided her until a studio. On her way, Carmen noticed that a face was appearing on screens : advertisements ones, TV on sale … and smartphones apparently. For now, nothing really worrying. But Ladyfow knew better : an akumatized with no dangerous power ? Not even in her dreams. She arrived where the act was played.
" It's locked." she said.
" I can open it. Pick the cable in Red Drone, I'll hack it." said Player.
" You'll what ?"
" You heard me. Come on, no time to waste."
The little sphere approached as he was talking. Ladyfox found the cable in question, that she connected to a digicode. An instant later, the door slid. Carmen entered, on her guards. At the reception desk, she spotted the employee staring in the void. She approached. His eyes were glowing in green. On his computer screen a woman was on display.
" Careful Ladyfox. I think you shouldn't stare on the screens." advised Player.
" Yes, I think so too."
" Ladyfox."she heard.
Lone Wolf. He just arrived. She nodded to him, and they continued walking in the building. The voice of the akumatized resonated, before appearing : she was tall, dressed in green, with a brown skin.
" I'm Lady Numeric, the super model, the one and only. From now on, I'll be Paris's image, everyone will have its eyes on me."
Then, the superheroes were also on display in her place.
" Welcome Ladyfox and Lone Wolf ! Here for an autograph ?" asked Lady Numeric.
" Of course, do you have any paper we can sign ?" replied Ladyfox.
" Very funny. Catch them !"
Our heroes had the pleasure to see the whole staff rushing to them. Armed with cameras, smartphones and tablets they sent beams to them.
" Oh, interesting." commented Lone Wolf.
The plant right near him had disappeared when touched by the beam. Looking up, he noticed that the plant landed in the tablet brandished by an assistant.
" Careful Ladyfox ! If you're touched by a beam you'll end up in a device !" he warned, leaping.
" Wonderful ! Let's break all devices then." she answered.
" My thoughts exactly."
His staff hit a camera. Ladyfrox shivered : she barely dodged a ray. There were more staff arriving, finally compelling them to retreat. However, in this TV studio there were lots of screens and devices. Lady Numeric could get out from any of them. Pointing a mirror, she tried to capture them. Ladyfox and Lone Wolf avoided it, sent objects in the way. Carmen wanted to use her lucky charm : unfortunately, Lady Numeric prevented her from doing it despite Lone Wolf's attack. That one tempted to resort to his wolf mist, with the same success as his partner.
" That one is hard." he said, hid behind a desk.
" You don't say. She can pop out from anywhere, she's following us through screens …"
" How about we lure her outside ?" suggested Lone Wolf.
" Worth a try, less screens."
They checked the situation. No one in sight. They ran to a terrace. Lady Numeric popped out and sent her slaves after them. Our heroes leaped down.
" Think you can escape me ? Did you forget that people are watching TV and have phones ?" said Lady Numeric.
In other word, she could possess practically the whole city.
" Damned ! Sorry, looks like that was a bad idea." apologized Lone Wolf.
" Don't apologize, we have more hideouts outside. If we can take her by surprise we win." said Ladyfox.
They leaped on a roof. Hiding behind a chimney, they waited for her. The sound of a helicopter reached them. Journalists. Lady Numeric gushed from the camera of a journalist.
" Shit !" exclaimed Lone Wolf and Ladyfox.
They fled again. The chopper tracked them, not letting them a moment of peace. Lady Numeric popped here and there on their way, adding to the difficulty and tiredness that began to invade the city defenders.
" I think we need help." said Lone Wolf.
" From who ?" questioned his partner.
" The one who gave us our miraculous. My kwami said there was several of them. We need another superhero."
" Do you know where he lives ?" questioned Ladyfox.
" I planned on asking my kwami."
" Very well. I'll distract her for a moment, meanwhile you'll get help." accepted Ladyfox.
Lone Wolf nodded, asking her to be careful. She smiled. Then, she got out and attacked. Lone Wolf got down on a street, checked his surroundings before de-transforming. He explained the situation to Tagg. The kwami ordered him to follow.
" Aren't you afraid to be filmed or pictured ?" interrogated Chase.
" No. Us kwami can't be seen by any of those devices. Plus, lots of people are hypnotized by this Lady Numeric." replied Tagg.
Chase looked at the streets name. He was about to meet the one who entrusted his kwami to him. Who made him Lone Wolf. Tagg stopped before a building's door. He pushed on a name on the bell.
" Yes ?"
" Master, it's Tagg."
" Come in."
The door opened. The kwami flew until the desired floor, then let Chase knock.
" Welcome Lone Wolf."
A middle aged man was standing here. Asian, dress with a dark shirt and grey trousers he invited him to sit around a table. He introduced himself as Suhara, guardian of the Miracle box, where all the miraculous and their kwamis were living. Tagg introduced his bearer.
" I saw what is happening. I surmise that if you're here it's because you seek help." he added.
" Yes. Me and Ladyfox are in difficulty, and I fear for my partner that I left there." nodded Devineaux.
" Indeed. Now."
Suhara walked toward a potted plant. He pushed parts of the pattern on it. The plant rose a few inches, revealing a wooden box. The Japanese picked it an put it before Chase. Several compartments opened, revealing an accessory.
" Chase Devineaux, choose a trustworthy ally. Be cautious in your choice, for such powers can only serve for the greater good. Once the mission complete, you'll take back the miraculous and bring it back to me." explained Suhara.
" I need a discreet one. Something that can sneak undetected." said Chase.
" Then, I advise you the chameleon one. It grants the power of invisibility to its bearer. That way, you'll be able to approach your target." replied Suhara, showing a pair of welding goggles.
Chase grabbed them.
" Now go. I'll talk to you and Ladyfox about the miraculous later." concluded Suhara.
The young man nodded. He rushed out, transformed and ran to the place where his partner was waiting. Red Drone arrived on the way. Player made a report : Ladyfox was exhausted and managed to hide safely.
" I got a miraculous. Find me the address of a classmate, Ivy. It's your sister's friend. Do you know her ?" announced Lone Wolf.
" Yes. She is residing … there : 3 flower street."
" Thank you ! I'm not far from it."
Chase leaped down. Thanks to his power he could jump quite far. This was reducing the travel time, which was more than needed. He landed on a small balcony. The door window as opened.
" Miss Ivy ? It's me Lone Wolf. I need your help can I come in ?" he asked, knocking.
No answer. Lone Wolf walked in, calling for the ginger. But after he pulled the curtain aside, he saw her laid on her bed, expressionless and green eyes, her TV switched on.
" Oh no !"
" What ?" asked Cedric.
He followed in order to assist the birth of a new superhero.
" She's already hypnotized ! I can't give her the miraculous she wouldn't even be able to use it. What am I gonna do ?" exclaimed Chase, feeling his moral lowering.
" I'll do it." declared Player after an instant.
" Excuse me ?"
" I'll help you. We don't really have a choice right now : it's my sister and I gotta help her."
" She'll never accept it Player. She'll never agree to put you in danger, and I'm not for it either." objected Lone Wolf.
" As I said : no other choice. Unless you know someone else, but I sure won't sit here idly by while my sister is in great danger !"
Chase took a breath. No, for now he didn't trust anyone else. Ladyfox would surely tear off his ears. He gave his agreement. Player jumped from his chair. He slid on the rail guard of the stairs, then got out. He was to meet Lone Wolf on the way. Red Drone would act as a signal. Five minutes later, Devineaux landed before him.
" Player, this is the miraculous of the chameleon, which grant the power of invisibility. You'll use it for the greater good, and once the mission over you'll give it back to me." announced Lone Wolf, tending a brown rectangular box.
Player opened it, to discover a pair of welding goggles. Immediately after he opened it, a green light gushed out, circled him before materializing in a little chameleon.
" Hello ! I'm Caam, please to meet you."
" Oh, it's like Suri." smiled Player.
" Very good !" praised the kwami.
" So what should I do ?" questioned Player, looking at Lone Wolf.
" First : put the glasses on. Second : say that : Caam, let's sneak !" answered the kwami.
Before all, Caam explained how his power worked. Then, Player did as told. His clothes turned in a green suit, with a military pattern of various tones of green, and iridescent sheens. He had a very long belt ending in a curl, and a pair of nunchakus hanging on it.
" Cool !" commented Player, looking at him.
" Perfect. Now let's go." said Chase.
Player leaped at the same time as him, amazed at how high and easily he could do it. Finally, that was a good thing that Ivy got unavailable. This experience was fantastic ! Lone Wolf reminded him to focus : only him knew where Ladyfox was sheltering. Player went serious. Right, she was in hairdressing salon. He went before his partner to guide him. When they were there, he pointed the place. Down there, citizens were searching the neighbourhood. Lady Numeric was here too, on a bus shelter.
" Let's do this. Camouflage." said Player.
He immediately took the colours around him, completely mingling in. He grabbed Lone Wolf's wrist, transmitting his power. Once invisible, they leaped down. Trotting swiftly and in silence, they headed to the hairdressing salon. Back to the door, Player discreetly opened it. Chase followed. Player's goggles allowed him to detect his sister's thermal presence.
" Ladyfox it's me !" whispered Lone Wolf.
" Oh thank goodness you're finally here !" she said.
Carmen was hiding behind the reception desk. Player and Chase got visible again.
" You found help." she noticed.
" Yes, that's huh …"
" I'm Furtileon." replied Player.
They saw Ladyfox staring at him, narrowing eyes. Player gulped. Could it be that she was recognizing him ? Lone Wolf interrupted her : they had to act now. Player said he could occupy Lady Numeric while Ladyfox could use her lucky charm.
" Sounds like a good plan, I'll help you fight her." said Lone Wolf.
" I can handle her alone. But Ladyfox seems quite tired, maybe she'll need you more than me." contradicted Furtileon.
They agreed on that.
Furtileon activated his power to approach the enemy. Once close to her, he began by making her fall from her perch.
" What the ?! Who's there ?" she exclaimed, seeing no one.
" The fairy tooth ! You lost some !"
Lady Numeric jumped up. She received a kick to her butt. She roared, furious to be incapable to spot her enemy. The villain yelled it to show.
" Okay ! You asked for it !" replied Furtileon.
He appeared right under her nose, only to punch her in the stomach. Then, invisible again. She commanded her minions to attack. Those naturally obeyed, and came to her. But they couldn't be of any help against an invisible opponent. Furtileon snatched all phones, attacked three more time the villain with his nunchaku, before his goggles started beeping. He knew what it meant. His adversary had enough, it was time to end this. Ladyfox had time to recover while he occupied her. And to observe the fight before summoning her lucky charm : that Furtileon seemed really familiar. To whom did Lone Wolf requested help ? The heroine used the tool provided by her yoyo to destroy the necklace containing the akuma.
" I have to go before I turn back to myself." announced Futileon.
" Fine, I'll accompany you. Will you be okay Ladyfox ?" asked Lone Wolf.
The latter nodded. However, when her teammates left, she decided to follow them. Carmen had to be sure. Furtileon … it couldn't be … she hoped that it wasn't … but he seemed too familiar. Part of her hoped she was wrong, that it was just a coincidence. Someone resembling him. Lone Wolf and Furtileon stopped in a narrow street. Ladyfox positioned herself to see better.
" There." said Cedric, giving the miraculous to Chase.
" You were of a great help, thank you." he said.
" If you need me again …"
" I knew it !"
Ladyfox landed behind Lone Wolf. So it was him. It was really him. Her little brother was Furtileon. And she couldn't believe it.
" Ladyfox, what are you doing here ?" asked Lone Wolf.
" How could you ? How dared you involve my little brother in this ? Without my consent ?!" she angrily resumed.
" Huh … I don't know, maybe because time was running out ?" ironized the young man.
Ladyfox was furious. She felt like punching him straight on the nose.
" He's way too young to be involved in this ! You weren't supposed to give him a miraculous, do you even realize what you did ?!" she shouted.
Cedric frowned. So that was all her gratitude ? He just saved her back there and a scold was all he got ? Was he only a child in her eyes, weak and fragile ? Unable to defend himself or her ?
" Hey wait a second." he tried.
But his siter cut him roughly :
" Silence ! You have strictly nothing to do here, this is absolutely none of your business !"
" That's rich coming from you, miss I'm helped by a drone built by remember me who ? Your. Little. Brother." recalled Chase.
" That's completely different ! He was helping while being safe at home ! Not on the field ! You put my brother in danger !" continued Ladyfox, still yelling.
" Can I least say a word ?!" exclaimed Player.
" There's nothing to say, except that I can't trust my partner anymore. And we're going back home now !"
Sandiego grabbed her brother then leaped. Lone Wolf opened his mouth before her statement.
" Very well. I don't need a partner who condemn before knowing." he said, icy.
In his hideout, Lord Butterfly was quiet. That was some new, here. There were still other miraculous in the wild. His defeat didn't matter this time. There was power outside. This had been worthy. He turned back satisfied of this attempt.
During the way home, Player protested all he could. He would have liked to struggle if he didn't risk falling from a building. Ladyfox stopped before they reach their house to de-transform.
" Will you listen to me now ?" asked Cedric.
" I don't want to hear it right now. I thought you more reasonable than that Cedric. You disappoint me." snapped Carmen.
" Excuse me ?! Did you even realize the situation ? Would a picture help you in that respect ?" protested the teenager.
" I should be the one showing you a picture ! Now go to your room and that's final."
Cedric remained mouth opened.
" You're not our mom Carmen. Don't you dare order me around like that." retorted Cedric, polar tone.
Carmen got taken aback by the anger in his eyes. He hustled her by passing, opening the service door furiously. He still hold back to not alert the parents, despite the wrath burning him. Once in his room however, he screamed in his pillow. How could his sister not see that he saved her life ?! She would have been defeated if he didn't choose to take the miraculous, killed maybe ! Was that so complicated to understand ? She was also blaming Lone Wolf for this, when it wasn't even his first choice ! Player had to convince him, they were dangerously in a hurry. He sighed, tears of rage surfacing. What had been a wonderful and great experience had been completely ruined by his sister's blindness.
In her own room, that one was turning in circles, under her kwami's eyes.
" I can't believe this ! How could Lone Wolf do this to me ?" she said.
" But Carmen, there was no other choice !" pleaded Suri.
" Of course there was ! He could have given this to any of our classmates !" objected Carmen.
She ragingly undressed and put her pyjamas on.
" Carmen, the miraculous can't be entrusted to the first to arrive. You have to be sure of your choice." continued Suri.
" It's too dangerous for him. He could've been badly injured, he didn't have any time to train like me."
" Does that mean that if he had training you would have accepted him ?" questioned the kwami.
"…."
She sighed, eyes closed. No. Not even with training if she could avoid it. Still being pretty tired, Carmen ended the conversation, then went to lay down. Suri displayed sadness. This was bad.
