Butterfly is trying harder, and so is his kwami. Will it bear fruits ?


Carmen collapsed on her bed. Suri followed the same way and landed on her pillow, an expression of unbelief on her face. Both were wondering what the hell was going on lately. Lord Butterfly increased the number of akumatized : for example, one day there was one the morning then one during evening or the night, the next day two or three at the same time … thankfully she had allies now, but they didn't know where to turn their miraculous. What was he trying to do, kill them with the job ? Even Hideo had to join the team, with the bear miraculous, able to control snow and ice. He was called White Bear. Still felt tiring. She had the championship in two days and Carmen doubted to accomplish miracles that day. She couldn't even chat with Chase, as she was concentrating her energy to follow during classes.

Fun fact, Sandiego didn't notice that the young man was in the same state as her, perhaps worse since he was still working aside. His mother had begun her new job three weeks ago, allowing to reduce his hours a bit, thank god. In any case, they didn't talk to each other except for saying hello in the morning. They sat near from time to time, but that was all. Carmen was cursing the Butterfly for that : she missed her chat and banters with her crush.

" Hey Suri."

" Hmm ?" moaned the kwami.

" What do you think is going on ?"

The fox remained silent an instant.

" I don't know Carmen. If I have to guess, I'd say it look like a desperate act. Though I fail to see why. Perhaps he's simply doing this to increase his chance of success." ventured the kwami.

Carmen sighed. She didn't have the strength to think for now. Barely to undress and go under her blanket. So she did. The following day she met her brother whom she shared a knowing smile. Now, they were fighting side by side and none of them wouldn't want it any other way. Maybe just a little less often. Come on, another day surely interrupted by an akumatized was awaiting them. The siblings greeted Mrs Devineaux in the bakery.

" What will happen today." sighed Cedric, hopping on his sister's scooter.

" Hell if I know. And to think some people dread boredom, they don't know their luck." made Carmen.

" So. True."

Chase yawned, during class. This last month and a half had been awfully tiring for him, between extra hours, more fights, school … how in hell was he still able to stand up. He too was questioning Butterfly's sanity, like every teammate. Butterfly knew there was several miraculous bearers now, as he certainly guessed there was a guardian for them. Was he testing their strength ? In that case, for what purpose ? What was he hoping to obtain with such a strategy ?

" If we're exhausted, we might be easier to defeat. However, we could still recruit more allies to share the burden." thought Devineaux.

But Ladyfox was still the most needed, as only her was able to fix any havoc caused by the battles. Meaning if himself was missing there was a miraculous still out of reach. Butterfly needed the miraculous of creation and destruction to fulfil his wish. He could obtain one after the other … hmmm… exhausting them to defeat them easily was an idea. If so, then how to counterattack ? How to find Lord Butterfly ? They had no time to think about it. Part of the plan certainly. Even before, it was hard to reflect on that during a fight. But they had to, before collapsing.

" Perhaps I should question master Suhara. He was tracking him, what made him lost the trail ?" thought Chase.

He hold back a yawn. He thought about his partner, and that he had to share his considerations with her. Together, they should be able to solve the mystery. On the meantime, back to the courses. Or he'll try to. As he was tired, the day passed with an infernal slowness. Chase discussed the matter with his kwami once home. He wasn't working this evening, so it was the occasion.

" That's a good start. Up for going tonight ?" proposed Tagg.

" Won't his brother be around ? That might not be wise to show my face." wondered Chase.

" Hmm … good point, but if Butterfly attack tonight we'll be faster to act. Plus, he is a guardian so it should be fine."


Chase went out discreetly. His mother was working late tonight, he should be back before she come home. He arrived before Suhara's door and knocked.

" Oh ! For a surprise, can I help you ?" said Suhara, opening.

" In fact yes. I'm trying to figure out Lord Butterfly's plan, since the increasing of his attacks, and I thought you might help find him." explained Chase.

" Come in."

Hideo was watching TV. He stood up to welcome the young man, and switched off the device. Suhara reported the reason of his presence. Devineaux wanted to know how the Japanese had been able to track Butterfly until France. Hideo offered tea and biscuits. Tagg popped out, with a greedy yes. Suhara replied that he used a staff with a compass inside, programmed to detect kwamis' frequency. Alas, he had the misfortune that a dog stole it and broke it while playing. Hearing that, Hideo and Chase froze, before exchanging a look while Tagg remained with his biscuit in mouth. Really ?

" Pffrrr !"

" Still not funny to me. I had just put it near me the time to eat a snack, when that goddamn animal took it."

" Accidents are always fast and stupid." commented Chase, amused.

Suhara sighed. The doorbell interrupted them again. Intrigued, Suhara went to check through the door eyepiece.

" Crap. It's Ladyfox. Chase you must leave, you can't see her real identity." said Suhara coming back fast.

" Yes ? How, through the chimney ?" questioned Tagg.

" He doesn't possess a chimney." pointed Hideo.

" Still a master of irony, aren't you." retorted the wolf.

Hideo grumbled. However Tagg was right : there was no other exit, and they were too high for Devineaux to get out through a window.

" He better hide, there's no other choice." resumed Hideo.

Suhara told him to go to the bedroom, while Hideo disposed of his cup of tea. This done, he opened to the miss, apologizing for the delay. Carmen entered with a smile. Suri was tagging along. She was invited to sit where Chase was a minute ago. There, she explained the reason of her presence. Chase could hear her from the bedroom. He smiled when understanding she had the same idea as him.

" They could have let us take some biscuits !" whispered Tagg.

Suhara served the same answer from earlier to Carmen. She asked his opinion about the current situation. The man agreed that exhausting them could be a possibility, however it had its limits since it was also tiring his own kwami. Magic needed energy to be operational, either from the kwami or the bearer. Whatever was his objective, this rhythm wouldn't last too long. A good new, thought Chase and Carmen. But who will collapse first, that was the question. Carmen wondered what to do before, while sipping her tea.

" Can I follow a butterfly once I de-evilized it ?" she asked.

Hideo and his brother glanced at each other. That was … not a bad idea actually. The only obstacle was the fact that she'll need to feed her kwami, meaning a waste of time.

" True. Unless … someone is on ambush and follows it." she said.

" The problem is that all bearers are needed to fight." pointed Suhara.

" Not all of us. That's against the rules, but maybe you could do the job. Lord Butterfly doesn't know you." suggested Hideo.

" But who will watch over the Miracle Box ?" questioned Suhara.

" I was thinking about hiding it in our temple, using Equus to get there." responded his brother.

" In that case … As soon as I'm aware of an attack, I'll join you and we'll set this in motion." decided Suhara.

Carmen nodded. She finished her tea, then left the place. Once the door closed, Hideo called Chase. He announced his departure, since the case was solved. On his way, he thought with amusement how he and Carmen were on the same wavelength sometimes. He couldn't have a better partner, and friend. She was a bright young woman … Chase let his mind wandering a bit. They would fit together. Without this superhero situation. He sighed. Perhaps when all this will be over … Or should he reveal himself to her ? Nah, that was risky. Devineaux arrived home. His mother wasn't back yet, so he decided to prepare the diner. Sometimes later :

" There's this regional tournament tomorrow if I recall. Your friend Carmen is participating, will you go to support her ?" questioned Anne.

" I can't, I have to go to work, you know."

" Chase, my son listen to me. I appreciate greatly your help, and I'm really proud of you. However, I don't want you to not enjoy your life while you can, I'll resent myself otherwise. My pay is better than before, so you don't need to work that much anymore. I want you to go and have fun." said Anne softly.

" But …" began Chase, before being cut by his mother's look.

Then, he thanked her with a smile. He was happy and grateful she said that, it was her permission for him. He went to bed his mood lighter. The following day he took the bus to go to the championship. The weather was fine for this winter. Cold, but not rainy. He managed to find a place at the forefront. The first event was a race. The competitors lined. Chase spotted Carmen warming up. She didn't see him yet. The students crouched, ready to go. And … off they were. Sandiego rapidly took the lead. As expected of her, she was the only one in their class at his level. Devineaux heard Ivy yelling all she could encouragements to her friend. Carmen kept her first place until the end. She went back breathing to recover.

" Wonderful Carmen ! With this we have our first medal !" praised Graham, tending her a towel.

" Thanks Graham."

The young man wanted to seize this opportunity to treat her to a drink, when a voice interrupted. The results were announced, and indeed Carmen obtained the first medal. She leaned to received it, before spotting Chase waving to her. Her face enlightened, and a broad smile adorned it. Graham frowned, and turned his head to see what provoked this. Carmen jumped down from the podium, to trot to him.

" Oh. So that was it." thought Graham, disappointed.

" Chase ! You finally came !" exclaimed Carmen, overjoyed.

" Yeah. My mom convinced me there wasn't only work in a life." smiled Devineaux.

" That's awesome."

Ivy and Player joined them. They praised their friend for her victory. Carmen was in for others events, such as long jump, climbing, and an agility race. She rested while waiting her turn in those events, commenting the different competitions with her friend. She went there saddened that her crush couldn't come, and now this day got brighter, bringing her more determination to win. Carmen wanted to win for him, to impress him. Unaware that her classmate Graham wished the same for his own events. The young man did his best to win each of them, hoping to lure Carmen's attention. He knew that Chase was as good as her in sport, and that he'd have been qualified instead of Graham.


However, miss Sandiego welcomed his victories with politeness, nothing more. Graham perceived that she was doing exactly like him for someone else. So she … would never lay eyes on him the way he wished to. Graham sighed : a pity of course. He went back to the changing room, where he heard quite a ruckus. His classmate Antonio was there, being assaulted by two men.

" Hey ! What do you think you're doing ?!" he exclaimed, rushing to them.

Graham violently pushed them, one collapsed on the floor while the other hit a locker. They decided to leave. Then, Graham leaned to his comrade, asking what happened. Antonio explained that they discovered his crush for Jean-Paul, and that it displeased them. The poor one brought his knees against his chest. How come this could still happen nowadays ? How could someone be so narrow-minded ? Why would they care, it wasn't their business at all, Antonio wasn't hurting anybody. The young picked a paper rolled into a ball : some words he intended to drop in his crush's locker, being too shy to talk to Jean-Paul.

" Hmmm, victim of injustice. Interesting. This could be my lucky day." smiled Lord Butterfly.

Marri glanced at his master. He didn't say. It took the kwami quite the time and prudence, but he finally managed to do what he wanted. Gunnar pronounced the transformation call. Then, an akuma was prepared, and sent. It found Antonio and entered the paper, under the horrified eyes of Graham.

" Antonio no ! Resist ! We'll talk to the teachers and ones in charge, you can file a complaint, there's other ways than this !" tried to reason the youngster.

Too late, the dark wave wrapped Antonio, who emerged dressed with a navy blue suit, gauntlets adorned with iron claws. His eyes were covered with a red band.

" Antonio please ! You'll hurt innocent people !" insisted Graham.

" It's Earthquake now. You comforted me so I'll leave you alone. But don't you dare get in my way !"

This said, he disappeared on the ground. An instant later, as Graham was getting out to warn everybody, the earth shook brutally. Yells of fear resonated, as several cracks spreads. Then, Earthquake surfaced, perched on a pillar of stone. He lifted his arms, and walls rose up all around the stadium, blocking exits.

" No one will leave this place before I found those two bastards !" warned Earthquake.

Another shake made the people fell. Graham looked around him : if he could find Jean-Paul, maybe they could reason Antonio together. But where was he in this crowd ? He started by getting on his feet, scanning the place while remaining crouched in case of another seismic wave. And he better hurry, as Earthquake found his targets. He sent them boulders. The men screamed. A string wrapped them and pulled them out of the way, letting the boulder crashing.

" Ladyfox ! You saved us !"

" Of course. But did you do anything to anger him ?" she questioned.

" N-no ! He is crazy !" replied one of them.

" Hmmm."

Ladyfox didn't believe them. An akuma appeared because of negative emotions, there was always a reason. But she'll see that later, she had to act before someone got hurt. Plus, she'll have a second mission after that one. Lord Butterfly was watching with acute attention, more than usual. He set a plan in motion which should bear fruits soon. He got in touch with an old faculty friend, Dr Saira Bellum. He asked her to hack in surveyance cameras around a place where Ladyfox and Lone Wolf would be fighting, or sending a drone if no cameras were present. She owed him, so she didn't ask and acted. This time, a drone was flying over the stadium. It spotted the heroes trying to reach Earthquake by using the pillars he was creating to block their way.

On the meantime, Suhara and his brother were warned of the event through the TV. They immediately left. This was the moment to unmask their opponent and defeat him. Suhara grabbed the scorpion and chameleon miraculous. The Miracle Box was put in safety in the Guardians' temple. Once on site, Hideo transformed to lend a hand, and entrusted the miraculous of her allies to Ladyfox. Player located her through his Red Drone he carried on him. He was still tasked with localizing akumas, then intervening if needed. He hid while watching the place through his drone.

" Nice I equipped it with an optic camouflage. Its colour sure wasn't helping." thought the teenager.

Red Drone hadn't been built specially for Ladyfox, the choice in colour happened randomly. But Player was always willing to improve. The drone found Ladyfox, to which she gave the miraculous. Now, to find Ivy once his own miraculous in hand. He activated his camouflage, and went off. Some minutes later, Ivy heard her name.

" It's me, Furtileon. Open your hand."

She opened it discreetly. Her comrade let her bandana fell on it. Ivy stuffed it in her pocket, then left the stadium. Once out of sight, she transformed. Then, she used her arrows on golems that Earthquake created. But it didn't work. She got their attention though.

" Oh crap."

Scorpia dodged a first fist sent. How was she going to defeat those if her weapon was inefficient ? As she was wondering that, Hideo protected her from an attack behind her.

" Wow, thanks White Bear ! My arrows are useless, what can I do ?"

" You still have some kind of armour on your costume, you can protect others." replied White Bear.

" Right !"

Scorpia undertook to find either Ladyfox or Lone Wolf. She found the young man first, and protected him from a golem : the stone arm broke on her own. A powerful kick later, it was in pieces. He nodded in appreciation. Furtileon allowed his sister to summon her lucky charm. Both him and Scorpia provided a diversion so she could find how to use it, then act. On the meantime, Suhara was watching this with attention. He had to be ready to follow the white butterfly. He didn't pay attention to the drone above him. Lord Butterfly frowned : he was the only one watching this unfold perfectly calm. Only someone acquainted with the miraculous could remain stoic. He hadn't any suit on him. Probably … a guardian. Maelstrom lashed a carnivorous smile : he had found him. Finally. His plan worked. Now, to not lose track of him until he gets back home.

" Time to de-evilize !"

The akuma got captured. Suddenly, the young girl found herself with a pink butterfly landing on her forehead. Before she could interrogate herself about its strange colour, a flow of images appeared before her eyes. Ladyfox found herself in a vast room. It was pitch black at first, until a window opened, revealing a man. She gasped : it was Lord Butterfly, she was sure of it ! But … why … how … the image changed. Carmen could watch through the window. She observed the streets, trying to remember it.


An instant later, the butterfly disintegrated. Ladyfox blinked. It was a message. Spotting Suhara, she asked him through an ear com to stay put. The man stopped highly surprised. That wasn't part of the plan, how did she expect to localise her enemy if they weren't making a move ?

" I'll explain once my kwami fed. Let's meet at our rendezvous point." she replied.

Each bearer disappeared. Each played their role toward each other once back to normal. Though Carmen was pretty relieved to notice that Chase was fine. Him, on the other side, spotted her concern for him. That thrilled him, and he too was glad she was okay. He was by her side all along, but still. Graham and Jean-Paul were surrounding Antonio, comforting him. The persons in charge of the championship asked to those who still wanted to continue to present themselves. Carmen had time to win her own events, and decided to leave. Ivy suggested to celebrate her medals, inviting them to a little bar in the evening. They all agreed on an hour to join, before separating.

Later, Ladyfox and Lone Wolf joined Suhara and his brother on a roof terrace. There, Ladyfox explained what happened to her earlier.

" You saw Lord Butterfly ?!" exclaimed Lone Wolf.

" I think so. Why is what I don't understand, since there's no way he'd show me his place. What do you think ?" answered Ladyfox.

" I can see only one explanation : Marri, his kwami, sent you this message." replied Hideo.

" I thought kwamis couldn't speak about their bearers." pointed Chase.

" He didn't talk about him, simply showed a place. Marri found a way to circumvent that rule. But you didn't saw his actual face, right ?" responded Suhara.

" No. He was in his costume." confirmed Carmen.

" Marri did respect the rule, somehow. Think you can pinpoint his hideout ?" continued Suhara.

" Surely. I couldn't see a street name, but with using a map on the net I should be able to do that." informed Ladyfox.

" Fine. Warn us as soon as you know. We'll elaborate a plan to fight him and take back Marri." concluded Suhara.

The brothers left on those words. Ladyfox remained thoughtful, as her partner mentioned. She turned her eyes to him.

" Well it's just … it's almost four months we're battling him. To know it might be over soon, I'm having trouble to believe it." she admitted.

" True. Day after day we fought. However nothing is done yet, he might escape or defeat us." tempered Lone Wolf, crossing arms.

" I know. And … if we win … do you think we could know our secret identities ? I'd really like to know the one I did all this with." resumed Ladyfox.

Chase displayed brief surprise. He had no idea she wanted to know who he was. Interesting. She'll have quite the surprise.

" Of course." he smiled.

Ladyfox smiled too. They parted on that. Oh she was even more curious now, and couldn't wait for the day she'll see his face. Then … she didn't know for now. She'll advise when the time comes. She hoped to continue see him from time to time. Carmen arrived home, on her terrace where she entered her room and turned back to a student.

" I can't believe Marri acted against his owner. That was risky but brave." said Suri.

" Yes, and very useful. I'll go see the parents and then search those streets with Cedric." explained Carmen.

Carlotta and Dexter were overbooked with the bakery and couldn't attend the championship, to their great dismay. Cedric recorder it until the attack, thankfully. They were overjoyed to learn that their daughter won her events, and praised her warmly. Anne also congratulated her. Carmen also warned her she'll join her friends at 18 o'clock. Now, about her enemy's location. Carmen told her little brother about what happened when she captured the akuma. Cedric got as taken aback as she's been, learning this. He accepted to help her. Once in his room, he switched on his computer.

Away from the bakery, Maelstrom was visualizing Suhara's face. It should be him, the guardian of the miraculous. He lost sight of him when the stadium emptied from all the athletes and their families. But the miracle box was reachable now, he just had to plan this carefully. In his room, Marri was contemplating the outside. He did it. He sent a message. The butterfly got destroyed as soon as it delivered its message. He did what he could, now it was up to Lone Wolf and Ladyfox. His release was closer. That wasn't enough to appease the kwami, as he knew his master was plotting something. The kwami hoped to not be too late.

" Well then ! This was fruitful. I have an idea of who is the miraculous guardian. I should be certain of it, though." thought Gunnar.

He followed his track through the cameras here and there. He disappeared a moment in a building, then got back until Maelstrom had a visual on his home. Now, to plan a visit. He'll observe first to learn Suhara's daily timetable. Then, get into the house and began the search. Gunnar started by studying the neighbourhood. Classic building, not high security … shouldn't be too hard.

During the evening, Carmen and co joined at the chosen bar. Once sat, they chose some treats and snacks.

" Once again, congrats for your medals, Carm." said Ivy, lifting her glass.

" Thank you." smiled the young girl.

They clattered their glass. Then, the chat went on the unfolding championship. Carmen was listening peacefully, still agreeably surprised that Chase could come. He addressed her a warm smile when their look crossed. Good thing his mother insisted for him to go. Despite the attack he spent a good moment. Carmen did wonders there, he was proud of her. As she was a great partner. To think he was adamant about having one. He found not only a good teammate but also a great friend. An amazing girl … his heart started to beat faster. Cedric proposed to play billiard after that. Both his sister and Chase followed absent-mindedly, busied glancing at the other and thinking about their feelings. They managed god knows how to act rather normally, though Cedric noticed a change within his sister. He'll have to question her.