It's when you're in need that you know your true friends. While our heroes are facing a trial.


Chase blinked. He was so tired since two weeks, between his fights against Butterfly, his job where he was trying to do more hours, and school stuff. Until now he'd been able to get some rest, however with his mother jobless there was no more free time. Stress was also causing bad sleep. Carmen glanced at him, noticing his state. She was sitting near him from time to time, like today for example.

" Chase, are you okay ?" she asked before a lesson.

" Hm ? Yes I'm fine, why ?"

" You look exhausted to me." continued Carmen.

" It's okay, don't worry about me." assured Devineaux.

" Fine, but if you ever need I can help you. Don't hesitate."

" That's very kind of you, but I'm afraid there's nothing you can do for now." resumed Chase.

" Can't tell without knowing. And even so, it might do you good to confide. Plus, I still owe you for helping me and my brother." grinned Carmen.

Chase pondered that. His mother needed a new job, but she was 47 years old and getting one at this age will be quite difficult. He sighed and looked at his friend. She might be right about speaking … would surely relieved him. So Chase explained what happened.

" So you see, I don't see how you could actually help us." he ended.

To his surprise, Sandiego flashed a broad smile.

" I wouldn't be so sure, if I were you."

" What ?"

" I need to do something before, I'll explain later alright ?"

" Okay …"

Time for the lesson. Chase was curious about his friend's words, but managed to pulled this somewhere in his mind and focus. When recess arrived, Carmen grabbed her phone then dialled her mother's number. She talked to her a bit, before waving to Devineaux. He approached her, as she hung up.

" I have great news. You see, my parents' bakery is working so fine that they need a seller. I just called them and explained your mother's situation. They agreed to give her a job interview. Now, all you have to do is informing her and planning a rendezvous." announced Carmen.

The young man stared at her during time to process that. His mother was getting a chance. Faster than he thought. Maybe this was the end of their trouble. Of course, she might not be what the Sandiegos were looking for, he had to remember that. But it was better than nothing. Suddenly, his arms lifted fast : Chase embraced Carmen.

" Thank you Carmen." he whispered.

That one opened eyes and mouth, and dropped her phone under the shock.

" Gwah." was all she could respond.

He released her with a chuckle. Miss Sandiego remained petrified, as red as her Ladyfox costume, the hand holding her phone still in the air. Noticing the missing device, Chase looked down to find it. Thankfully it didn't break during the fall. Carmen collected it, her area dedicated to speech still under construction after that bomb. Chase decided to inform his mother immediately, while recess was still lasting. Anne got taken aback to be given an opportunity so soon too. She'd been lucid on her chances and shared her son's fears, without telling him. Naturally she seized it, her son relaying the info to Carmen. The young woman shook herself, and called her parents again. The interview was planned for the following day. Chase went back to class with lighter mind. As for Carmen … well she was still trying to find her own.

Finally, Chase was glad he talked to Carmen : his problem might be solved soon. He really hoped for it. His mood had improved, and not even Butterfly could ruin it. In the middle of the morning, Miss Argent made an announcement : their school was to participate to a regional sport championship. Qualifying matches were to be organized, so anyone who wished to participate could register right now. That brought back Carmen on earth : sport was one of her forte. She'll go sign up after lunch.


On the meantime, an event was preparing. A visitor arrived in Paris, with a precise goal. He rented a room in a hotel. He'll be waiting there and observe. But he'll collect datas as well, to finalize his plan. He switched on his laptop to begin his research. After an instant he found the Wolf Blog. He smiled : lot of what he needed was here. Perfect. The man also switched on the TV, should an event occurred. He wasn't disappointed : an akumatized was raging in the capital.

" You know what Wolfy Alone, I really start to believe that we should promote yoga. That way people would be more relaxed. Less akumatized that way." said Ladyfox, using her yoyo as a shield.

" How about cannabis, Tiny Fox ? Sounds more efficient to me !" retorted Lone Wolf, hitting pipes with his staff.

Today's akumatized one was a plumber, who was currently throwing them pipes as arrows. Player indicated to his sister that the akuma was in his cap. Ladyfox tipped her partner before using her lucky charm. An instant later, it was all over.

" Phew ! Glad we could pipe him down." commented Chase.

" You don't say, door flange." smirked Carmen.

" Haha. Now get lost, carpet."

Both left the stage, unaware of being spied on by someone else than Ivy. Chase arrived in a deserted street to turn back and feed his kwami. That one munched in a piece of cheese, when he suddenly stopped to smell the air.

" He is here." thought Tagg.

The kwami hid in his usual place while Chase left. Tagg was thinking about the smell he captured. That was usual, let's just hope that they would be satisfied. Fifteen minutes later, both were back in school. Right when the recess was over.

" Hey Chase. Will you sign up for the championship ? We could team up." said Carmen.

" Oh I'd love to Carmen, but since my mother is jobless I'm working more on my side to get enough money. I'm afraid I won't even be able to attend." announced Devineaux, with regret.

" I see. A shame though." replied Carmen, with the same tone.

" I know right."

They parted on that. The next day being the qualifications for the championship, Carmen was excused from classes. From her class were participating Graham, Jean-Paul and surprisingly Sheena.

" Of course I'm here. I'll be the star of our team, then of the championship." she bragged.

Graham snorted. Sheena wasn't good in sport, and he hoped to be qualified alongside Carmen. The girl was talented. And pretty cute. This could be an opportunity. They started by a race. Carmen tried to focus on that, and not the fact that her crush couldn't be by her side. Chase on his side, was anxious : his mother was being interviewed right now. Let's hope she'll have it. He was particularly distracted during class. It was nearly the end of the day, thankfully. The bell startled him. School was over, so … he looked at his phone. New text. His heart beat while he clicked on it.

" Chase !"

Carmen was coming to him.

" Hey." she greeted.

She noticed the emotion on his face.

" Carmen … my mother … she got the job." he announced, moved.

" That's wonderful ! You must be so relieved." smiled the girl.

" You have no idea. The salary will be a bit better than the previous one."

" To continue on the good news topic, you might be interested to know that I got qualified." grinned Sandiego.

" Great. You'll do wonders the D-day. I don't know how to thank you." he resumed.

Several things crossed Carmen's mind : a hug, a kiss, coming to support her during the championship … but she simply replied that they were even for her brother. They started to exit the campus. Chase noticed Sheena's angry face. According to Carmen, she didn't get qualified. No surprise for Devineaux : what did she expect since she wasn't good a sport ? They shook head. Sheena was indeed furious : how dare the jury didn't select her ? She should be the star of this tournament. This was an insult. Worse that they chose that miserable baker's daughter instead of her. That one, Sheena hated her. Carmen was more popular than her, more beautiful, better at studies. Negative feelings that were captured by someone.

" Ohohoho ! Jealousy, offended pride, nice formula." smiled Lord Butterfly.

He released a dark butterfly. The akuma flew until the school. Chase and Carmen passed under it, joyfully chatting. Chase followed her to her home, since he had to buy some bread and a pastry to celebrate his mother's success, to Carmen's great joy. He greeted her parents, thanking them as well for what happened.

" Your mother did it on her own. You don't need to thank us, you rescued our son after all." grinned Carlotta.

Chase blushed under the compliment. He opened the door to leave, when a loud sound resonated and the ground shook. Around, people in the streets shouted and ran away. Chase heard a laugh he recognized. Rising his head, he had confirmation : Sheena had been akumatized.

" That was bound to happen." he said.

Now he had to hurry before she could damage Carmen's home. No way his mother's new job got cancelled because of a stupid spoiled bitch. He ran in a small street. Carmen spotted the scene from her room : Sheena was dressed in a golden attire, with a big star on the chest, and dark ones around her eyes. She was moving on a chariot, like one used on carnival, sat on a throne with two persons venting her. On the ground, a parade was preceding the chariot with guards surrounding it. Carmen facepalmed : that was so Sheena. She hurried to transform. Then, she joined her partner on a roof.

" You're here fast." she noticed.

" Of course, hard to miss such a show." replied Lone Wolf, showing the scene with a hand.

Carmen nodded. Now, time to act. Sheena brandished a long sceptre with a huge sapphire at the end. A blue ray touched civilians. Those then turned to the chariot, kneeled on the street and bowed to the one they called City Star. Carmen and Chase winced hearing that name. How pretentious could she be ? City Star ordered her slaves to capture Carmen Sandiego and her family, then to destroy the bakery. Ladyfox hold back a cry of indignation. Really, that girl lacked some spanks and slaps during childhood.

" There you are you two : the defenders of Paris. Out of my way, you commoners. I have a lesson to teach." declared City Star.

" We'll take you down a peg, you fake doll !" retorted Carmen.

" Fake ?! I am the star of this city ! Everyone should admire me and not some common girl ! Now bow before me !" replied Sheena.

She pointed her sceptre to them. They dodged her attacks. Ladyfox spotted the hypnotized Parisians walking to her home. How would they stop that ? Lone Wolf was wondering the same. An ally right now would be nice. Just when both thought that, a rain of arrows fell and paralyzed the attackers.


Ivy landed, accompanied by Furtileon. She armed her bow again, while her comrade showed his nunchaku. City Star reported her attention on those new comers.

" How in hell …" asked Ladyfox, joining Scorpia.

" Well, Furtileon came to find me. I don't know who gave him his miraculous." replied Scorpia.

" We'll discuss this later !" replied Furtileon.

" Right ! Let's get rid of all her servants then deal with her !" said Lone Wolf.

" Scorpia, Furtileon this is your task. Lone Wolf and I will handle City Star." added Ladyfox.

The concerned nodded, and dashed. Ladyfox and Lone Wolf approached the enemy, covered by their allies. City Star tried to enslave them, but could barely slow them down. Lone Wolf covered his partner so she could use her lucky charm. Scorpia sent their opponent an arrow to occupy her. Ladyfox managed to snatch the object sheltering the akuma and destroy it.

" Miraculous Ladyfox !"

The team gathered to praise each other. Lone Wolf announced that he'll return the miraculous.

Carmen watched her partner leaving with Furtileon and Scorpia. She had a look at Sheena, who seemed to wonder why was she here. Ladyfox approached her to explain. Sheena started to blabber about how it was that damn Sandiego girl's fault, she made her so angry that Lord Butterfly akumatized her and so on … that was more than enough.

" I don't think so young miss. What happened is because you felt negative emotions, and especially unjustified ones. You should really try to question yourself, instead of always blaming others !"

Carmen didn't wait for her answer, even if she could hear Sheena protesting. Launching her yoyo she headed to a roof.

" Excuse me young miss." she heard an instant later.

Turning, she saw an old man smiling nicely. He was looking like a monk judging by his attire : a dark trouser, an orange shirt with a symbol she recognized : the same as the one engraved on the Miracle Box, and black shoes.

" Let me introduce myself : my name is Hideo, from the Order of Miraculous guardians. And you must be the new bearer of the fox miraculous, right ?" he said.

" Well yes. What can I do for you ?" replied Carmen.

" I am here for a specific mission. You see, when my order chose new bearers for the kwamis of creation and destruction, we observe them for a while to judge if they're fit for that mission." announced Hideo.

" What ? How can I trust you ?" replied Carmen.

" You certainly saw that symbol, since there's other miraculous bearers. That's how I know. Suhara is my brother." explained Hideo.

" Oh." simply said Ladyfox.

" I understand you don't trust me, and I praise you for your suspicion. I'll pay a visit to him, you should accompany me. You'll be sure then." suggested Hideo.

Ladyfox stared at him an instant. Hideo didn't wait for her answer, and left. That decided Carmen to tag along. Hideo knew where the current guardian was. He knocked at his door.

" Hello, brother."

Carmen kept expressionless. Suhara greeted his brother with a smile, and nodded to Ladyfox. Hideo entered followed by the heroine. He then asked if Suhara knew why his big brother was here. Suhara nodded, he knew the protocol.

" Want to explain to her what is going on, or will I do it ?" demanded Hideo.

Ladyfox looked at them. At least, that Hideo guy didn't lie about himself. Suhara said that his brother could explain it to Ladyfox, while he'll try to contact Lone Wolf. Hideo admitted with embarrassment that he failed to localize him. Carmen was invited to sit around a table, while Hideo would prepare tea. Suhara left to fetch Lone Wolf. Carmen thanked the guardian when he pushed a cup before her. Hideo explained that as he said earlier, new bearers of destruction and creation were carefully monitored : they were the most powerful among the different available powers, and fell in wrong hands it could cause great damages. He cited some examples : ancient cities destroyed, supposed natural catastrophes … hence the guardians decided to carefully watched the successors.

" I see. Which makes me think : why was I chosen ?" questioned Carmen.

" You had the potential. However, having potential doesn't mean you have good intentions, with no offense to you personally."

" None taken, I understand. And since you're here, what about the Butterfly ? Has he always been an enemy ?" interrogated Ladyfox.

" No. You see, kwamis are born from magic, though we don't really know how. They were used to protect, help, fight against evil magical creatures, or other bearers. It's all a matter of intention."

" And … what will happen if me and Lone Wolf are judged unworthy ?" wondered Ladyfox.

" We'll take back your miraculous."

Well let's hope that won't happen. Carmen had grew attached to Suri. The kwami was to be of good advice, kind, comforting. She also liked to be Ladyfox : protecting the city, helping people. It was tiresome of course, but so gratifying. Hideo asked her if she had finished her tea. After her nod, he cleared the table. When he stood up she noticed his belt and especially the symbol on his buckle : a bear, that she already spotted in the Miracle Box. So he was certainly a bearer too. Surely to help should the young miss decide to not give back Suri. The door opened, letting Suhara and Lone Wolf in.

" Please to meet you, bearer of the wolf miraculous. My name is Hideo."

" Lone Wolf."

" How fitting. Tagg had always been aside of the other kwamis." smiled Hideo.

It was now time to meet the Council of the Guardians. Suhara used a kwami named Equus, a horse. He created a circle that acted like a teleporter. On the other side, seven persons were waiting, sat on a chair higher than them. Suhara and his big brother bowed to them. The Council greeted them, and thanked for bringing the bearers to them. Ladyfox, absorbed by the place design, turned her head to them. The room they were in was ancient. Columns surrounded it, all displaying the order's symbol : a circle with lines inside forming a square, and symbol of infinity in the middle. On the walls were paintings representing kwamis, what she surmised to be past guardians and a temple. Carmen had no idea where in the world they were. She glanced at her partner. As usual, he stood straight as an i, apparently not nervous. She had a smile, not surprised by his attitude.

However, she was reassured to have him by her side. As far as she was concerned, he was worthy of his kwami and mission. She couldn't see any fault she made too, so this should be a simple formality. The head of the council, an old woman, spoke up :

" Kwami bearers. We summoned you here to determine if you're worthy of the power entrusted to you. This judgement will first lie on reports transmitted to us by the current guardian of the Miracle box and one made by his brother." she began.

" Then, you will have to present yourself toward the Mirror of Souls." added the man at her left.

" If you're not worthy of your miraculous, they will be removed." concluded a last guardian.

Suhara was invited to speak. He started by explaining why he had to entrust those miraculous : the butterfly one fell in wrong hands. He used the magical compass to find Ladyfox and Lone Wolf, the latter having been the first. Despite them being young adults, they fulfilled their mission perfectly and consciously. He showed them news reports to support his claims.


Each member examined the reports attentively. Chase understood that they had to be careful about their kwamis, he just hoped that Lord Butterfly wouldn't attack on the meantime. Ladyfox should be fine, she accomplished her missions just fine. In the end, he was fully satisfied with her as a partner. The Council finished examining the reports. Suhara was asked to head them to the Mirrors of Soul. He nodded to the young ones. They exited the place.

" So, where are we master Suhara ?" questioned Ladyfox.

" In the Guardians' temple, which is situated in a mountain in Japan."

" In Jap … why in hell are you far from it, if that's not indiscreet ?" intervened Chase.

" I was tracking the one who stole the butterfly miraculous, it led me to France. I established there, thanks to a friend, when Lord Butterfly entered the stage." explained Suhara.

" It had been stolen ?" repeated Carmen.

" Yes. Marri, the kwami, had been entrusted to someone else, someone who was using him for good. But he died in a hospital after an illness, and his miraculous had disappeared. Since it was the only thing that missed, I guessed that the unfortunate bearer got assassinated." developed the guardian.

They arrived in a hall opened on the outside. Down were green meadows, where some livestock was grazing. Then, they climbed a stair carved in the rock.

" And you don't know who did this ?" continued Lone Wolf.

" Alas no. I lost his trail in Paris. Then, it became your fight because as a guardian, I am not supposed to hold a miraculous. Today was exceptional and at the Council's demand. I hoped to be able to steal back Marri, however I chose to appoint two bearers for Suri and Tagg."

Ladyfox glanced at her partner. Would she be able to … to know a thing about his true self ? Carmen got curious about him from the get-go, impressed by his skills and fascinated by his aura, his presence. Although she knew she shouldn't know his secret identity, Carmen always had hope to find out one day. Suhara stopped before a huge door, all in steel. The symbol of the order was carved on it. From now on, they had to continue alone. Once in front of the mirror, they had to plunge a hand inside. He opened the place. Torches were enlightening a hall. Ladyfox and Lone Wolf entered at the same time. On the wall were carved representations of the kwamis.

" Hope they'll find us worthy." said Ladyfox.

" Yes, though I fail to see why we wouldn't be : we don't use our powers for evil, we accomplish our missions the best we can …"

" Well one of them mentioned that we were pretty young to his liking." she said.

" Oh. That would be unfair."

They exited in a large room. In the middle was standing a stone basin, supported by six statues. They exchanged a glance before approaching. Inside, a liquid that looked water. But it was so bright it seemed made of liquid light. Looking up, they noticed it was flowing from the stalactite above.

" You want to do it first ?" interrogated Lone Wolf.

" I was thinking about doing it together, as always." grinned his partner.

" Fine by me. Well then." he smiled.

They plunged their hand at the same time. The water shone more, compelling them to almost close their eyes.

" Sooo … how do we know if it's good or not ?" asked Ladyfox.

" I think this thing is going to tell us." replied Chase.

A snake was emerging, formed by the water. It wrapped around the stalactite before looking at them.

" I am Ôkina Hebi. The spirit of the first guardian. I shall pass my judgement on you, bearers." said a feminine voice coming from the reptile.

Her eyes gained a golden shade. Ôkina Hebi stared at them a moment. Then, she leaned to them and literally kissed their forehead.

" You can leave." she said.

The spirit melted in the basin. When our heroes looked at each other, they spotted a bright point on their forehead. Shrugging, they do as asked. Suhara was waiting for them outside. His face remained expressionless as he brought them back to the Council room.

" Bearers of Tagg and Suri. You passed the judgement of our guardian spirit. According to the mark on your forehead, Ôkina Hebi deemed you worthy." announced the chief.

That was a relief for our heroes. The Council said that they agreed with that verdict, based on what was reported. They were good to go, and to continue their mission. Suhara joined them, and his brother Hideo opened a gate. They went through. Once the way, Carmen asked about the first guardian. According to legend, said Suhara, she was the one who allowed kwamis to be able to communicate with humans. As a magician, she discovered that tying them to a jewel served as a catalyst : their power being fragmented it was then easier to control. With some spells they became visible. In exchange, she became a guardian for the miraculous and kwamis, then a judge for the future bearers.

Hideo asked his brother if they could visit the town together. He'd also like to help him in finding their thief. Suhara nodded with a smile. Ladyfox and her partner left them there to return home.

" Glad you passed the test, Carmen !" squeaked Suri.

" Same here. I also get to know more about all this stuff, but I couldn't learn a thing about Lone Wolf." said Carmen.

Suri tilted her head before her bearer's expression.

" You'd like to know Lone Wolf's secret identity ?" questioned the fox.

" To hide you nothing, yes. I know it would be reckless, but I'm curious about him since day one."

Carmen added she failed to see how that would possibly happen, so no need to worry about that matter. She'll focus on the championship that would occur in three weeks. Too bad Chase won't attend … she'd like him to support her.