Time of revelations and last fight for our heroes. Against the biggest enemy ever.
Carmen was curious. Chase Devineaux had asked her to meet him in a park, the Montsouris one. Why was he giving her an appointment there ? He didn't give any explanation, just she had to join him. So there she was, parking her scooter at the entrance. She spotted her friend leaned to a tree a few yards away. Carmen walked to him.
" Thank you for coming. There's something I'd like to show you, but we need to be alone." he began.
Alone … Carmen felt her cheeks warming. Chase preceded her in the park. Carmen looked around : it was beautiful. She took her phone to find more information about the place. Was the students from the University near favourite place of relaxation, with 1400 trees often centenarians, a lake, three lawns separated by three bridges. Sculptures could be find here and there. Must be romantic to have a date here … her thoughts went back on her classmate. That one left the path to walk on the lawn. He was heading to a weeping willow. He pulled some branches. Once inside, he faced Carmen.
" There. As I said, there's something I'd like to show you, but no one must see it. I must say I hesitated about it, because I know I'm breaking a rule." he announced.
Sandiego was more lost than ever. What kind of rule was he talking about ? Rule of what to begin with ? Chase scratched his head. It wasn't careful, he knew it but … now it was too late. He wanted her to know. Perhaps she'll dislike his decision, scold him for being that imprudent. She would be right of course. He took a deep breath and looked at her with a little smile. Come on, the longer he'll wait the less he'll be able to do it.
" Tagg, fangs out."
Carmen felt one hell of a shock. She gasped, hands on her moth and eyes wide open. What was going on took some second to be processed. He … he was … it was Lone Wolf ! Chase Devineaux was Lone Wolf, her partner since five months ! The one she was fascinated with, curious about, the classmate she fell in love with was the same boy !
" Tagg, fangs in."
The kwami popped out.
" What the hell was that for Chase ?! Are you completely out of your mind !" yelled the kwami.
" Because I know she's Ladyfox." replied Devineaux, hand in a pocket.
" Bu-bu-but even so ! You aren't supposed to know each other's secret identity, it's for your own protection !" reminded Tagg, shocked.
Suri exited too, rather surprised he dared to break that rule. Carmen was petrified, still under shock.
" Yes, but we practically know who is who in this team. I found it only fair that she's aware of who am I too."
Chase turned his attention to Carmen. That one finally went back on earth.
" But how did you … wait. It's Player right ?"
" Yes. I recognized him when coming for our presentation." he confessed.
" That's why I thought it was a bad idea to involve him." recalled Suri.
" Wow. I can't believe it's actually you. But why did you decide to reveal yourself now ?" asked Carmen.
Chase had a soft smile.
" Because of yesterday. When I saw how worried you were about me. I just wanted you to know that I can protect myself against an akumatized."
Carmen went bright red. She was also very glad to know that him of all people was her partner. Lone Wolf … that suited him, really. Chase then invited her to a stroll, that she joyfully accepted. The young woman was thinking : now that she was aware of his secret identity, should she make a move ? At least she wouldn't have to lie to him in case of a cancelled date. That was the advantage. In the case he'd share her feelings of course. But what if he wasn't ? Could this affect their partnership thus their mission ? She'll have to move carefully then.
" Carmen." called Chase.
" Yes ?"
" Listen."
There was a group of students nearby watching a tablet. What was on display seemed to worry them a lot. A girl asked why Ladyfox and Lone Wolf hadn't showed up yet. Hearing that, Carmen picked her own phone. Player had called her.
" It's me."
" Finally ! Haven't you watch the news ?" said Player.
" No, sorry. Could you sum up for me ?"
" Well something bad had happened. White Bear is fighting what I first thought was an akumatized, but it's worse. Way worse." began Cedric.
She waved to Chase. That one leaned to hear.
" I found master Suhara with Red Drone, he explained it all to me. They found Lord Butterfly's location, however, he found them too. The masters had been burglarized."
Carmen and Chase exchanged a horrified look.
" Please bro. Don't tell me … that he found the Miracle Box." said Carmen.
" I'm sorry, but he did. And he's using several miraculous right now. It's all over the news."
" I'm coming."
She didn't let him time to reply, and hung up. Carmen and Chase ran to the exit.
" I thought it was well hidden ! How could this happen ?" asked Devineaux.
" No idea ! But what is worrying me is how are we going to defeat him if he had all the miraculous ? We can't even call our friends !"
That was indeed troublesome : no Furtileon nor Scorpia would be able to help them. Since Chase went by the metro, Carmen offered to drive him. She drove as fast as possible. Where was the they don't know what yet wasn't very hard to find : just follow the huge ruckus. Carmen stopped somewhere for her and Chase to transform. They exchanged a knowing smile when getting up. They raced toward the enemy : Lord Butterfly had decided to personally act this time. He transformed himself in a giant mix of all the miraculous : he had a scorpion tail, a huge mane, several arms which some of them ended by hooves, horns …
" No stop !" exclaimed Suhara, arms stretched before them.
" GWAH !"
" You can't go there like usual." he said.
" What ? But we're the only ones able to stop him !" protested Lone Wolf.
" Don't forget he wants your miraculous above all. That was his plan all along : creating lots of akumatized to force me to show up. He certainly followed me or my brother one day and located us."
" But how could he find the Miracle Box ?" questioned Carmen.
" That, I do not know. White Bear had tried to stop him, only to fail. You have to be very careful." warned Suhara.
" Maybe I should use my Lucky Charm right now. After all, it's not an akuma we're looking for this time." she suggested.
" Perhaps yes."
" I didn't know the miraculous could be unified." commented Chase.
" They can, but it's not wise to unify so many at once. It could drive him crazy." answered Suhara.
" Would be good for us if he wasn't destroying the city." said Lone Wolf.
" Alright. I'll try my Lucky Charm, unless someone has a better idea." resumed Carmen.
No one objected, so she launched her yoyo in the air. A small object fell in her hand. It was a red chain bracelet, with a fluffy tail and a paw print engraved on it. The three of them leaned to it.
" That's a fox tail and a wolf paw." made Suhara.
Carmen frowned. The two miraculous on a single jewel … she lifted her eyes. White Bear was still occupying Lord Butterfly. But he was certainly exhausted. She had to act fast.
" I think the Lucky Charm is telling us to unify the miraculous of creation and destruction." she said.
" But ! If you were to lose he'll got them at the same time !" recalled Suhara, rather shocked by this hypothesis.
" I know. But they're the most powerful of all the miraculous, meaning it will grant the bearer enough power to defeat Butterfly. We only have to choose who will bear them both." replied Carmen.
White Bear arrived at that moment. He was out of breath and needed a break, to think of a better plan. His brother explained him the Lucky Charm's decision. Indeed, that was risky but it could work. As of now, they didn't have much choice.
" I think I can help." intervened Player, through Red Drone.
" Huh ? Who are you ?" questioned the guardians.
" Doesn't matter. I know how Butterfly found the miraculous. I've been analysing his new form, and remarked that the miraculous were like the akumas : they got a signature. He must have tracked that at your home. Snatch them and he'll lose power until you can defeat him." explained Player.
" Can you spot them on him ?" asked Ladyfox."
" Yep. Some of them are in his mane, hard to reach."
" Then we have a plan. Now, to decide who will go." concluded White Bear.
Red Drone would decide. The drone turned fast on itself, between Chase and Carmen. Then, it stopped and pointed a laser to one of them. It happened to be his sister. Cedric gulped : to be honest he had hoped that Lone Wolf would be chosen. That one wasn't at ease with that decision either.
" Perhaps I should go. I started this mission, logic that I end it." he tried.
" No. I can do it. I'll go." firmly answered Ladyfox.
" But !"
" We don't have all day ! I need you to trust me Lone Wolf. I'll be fine."
Chase swallowed. It was hard to let her go fight alone. This wasn't supposed to happen like that. They were supposed to fight one last time together, by surprising Lord Butterfly. He looked at her a moment, before agreeing. They left so he could give her his miraculous.
" Be very careful okay ?" he said, tending it to her.
" Will be. Suri, Tagg, unify !"
Her costume changed : the back of it went silver, with a piece of fabric in a wolf tail shape, and she had claws. She gave the brothers an ear com so they could tip her on the miraculous powers. Red Drone caught up when she left.
" So what's your name now ?"
" I'm Ladywolf. Now let's steal some miraculous."
" Count on me sis !"
Optic camouflage for Red Drone activated. Lord Butterfly saw her coming. He froze an instant. Who was that ? He stole all the miraculous excepted the bear, the fox and the wolf. But it didn't matter.
" Gravity !"
Ladywolf dodged. However, being now with two miraculous she possessed more strength and leaped way too far, so two neighbourhood away.
" Crap ! I have to be really careful when using my new powers !"
She went back as fast as she left. Maelstrom's attack created a large crater on the street.
" That's the elephant miraculous ! It possess the power of gravity, so beware !" commented Hideo in her ear.
Ladywolf understood she had to lure him away from the town. She now had to dodge a rain of arrows. There was the scorpion power.
" Pfff is that all ? My dead grandma is faster than you !" she provoked.
" I don't know who you are, but I'll teach you a lesson then seize your miraculous !" retorted Lord Butterfly.
" If you can catch me, that is !"
Carmen ran away. Her opponent blocked her way so fast she barely saw him, and had just the time to jump above his huge hand. She resumed her race. Butterfly followed her. Ladywolf was heading to a stadium : large and sheltered enough to contain their fight. Once there, Butterfly used the bat miraculous : he sent her a powerful soundwave that dug the ground. She felt the shock while avoiding it, and rolled on the grass. Butterfly lifted a leg. She used her staff to block his foot. Given the size of it, this was equivalent to walking on a thorn. Butterfly yelled in pain.
" I found a miraculous ! On his left shoulder !" informed Player.
" Got it !"
Ladywold took advantage of her opponent's pain to climb on him. His scorpion tail was like a stair for her. Then, she plunged in that bulky mane. Using the fur as liana she sneaked until the miraculous. That was really tiny, but Carmen managed to grab it : a pin representing an owl. The kwami popped out as soon as she took it.
" Hello. Who are you ?" it questioned.
" Ladywolf. Bearer of Suri and exceptionally Tagg. And you ?"
" I'm Guffo. I grant the power of silence." introduced the kwami.
" That could be practical. Listen, I'm here to take back all the kwamis. Master Suhara and Hideo sent me." precised Carmen.
" Oh ? Then good for us."
Player indicated that his sister could put this first retrieved miraculous inside a little drawer. It got pulled as he was talking. She deposited the pin, Guffo wished her good luck before going. Gunnar felt the lack of power. Player yelled for his sister to look out. Ladywolf ejected from him. He caught her with one of his extra arms.
" Wolf mist !"
The arm got destroyed, freeing her.
" You … that's the power of the wolf miraculous ! So you're Ladyfox !" understood Maelstrom.
He opened the mouth to spit a wave of fire, probably coming from the lion miraculous. Carmen had all the trouble of the world to avoid that power. Maybe she should look for that miraculous next. After she fed Tagg.
" Hey masters ! What exactly is the power of silence ? I got Guffo back." she asked.
" Eliminating all kind of noise, to the point it could make someone lose its balance. We need noise to keep it a minimum." replied Suhara.
" Perfect. Thanks. Player, give me the owl and localize the lion miraculous."
Her brother tracked the miraculous with his magic frequency and why not, a thermic frequency.
" There ! It's a ring, on his real right hand."
" Guffo, Suri, unify !"
This time, her uniform got adorned with feather patterns. She came back to the stadium, while Tagg remained hidden behind the bleachers.
" Ultimate silence !"
A wave hit Maelstrom. He groaned, then flickered and fell. Carmen ran toward her target as she launched her attack. She could reach the ring without trouble, and stole it. The mane disappeared.
" How dare you steal me ?" heard Carmen.
" You were stolen first, I'm just taking you back. Look behind us." she said.
The lion kwami had a glance, and admitted that yes that wasn't normal. Gunnar used Equus the horse miraculous to catch up faster. The lion kwami called Leo spit fire on him. It allowed Carmen to hide again. She entrusted Guffo and Leo to Red Drone and took back Tagg. Player brought them back to the guardians.
" How is Ladyfox doing ?" asked a preoccupied Chase.
" Good for now, as she managed to get back those two." announced Player, showing the miraculous.
Suhara picked them. The Drone left to be back near Carmen.
" Let's help her in this fight." decided Suhara.
He let Chase chose a miraculous. He picked Leo, while Suhara obtained Guffo. Now, the three bearers hurried to the stadium. There, Ladywolf used Suri's power to create doubles of her. That distracted Maelstrom. However, the arrows of the scorpion quickly foiled her plan. Then, he activated the elephant power to tackle her to the ground.
" I'll crash you like a bug !" he said, increasing the gravity.
Carmen felt like a rhino was walking on her. Then, it suddenly stopped. Butterfly was not attacked by … she couldn't tell who at first, then recognized at least White Bear. Surely those were the guardian brothers.
" Carmen, you're okay ?"
" Chase ? That's you ?" asked Carmen while he helped her to get up.
He was dressed with a golden suit, with fluff around the neck, shaping a mane. A rope around the waist simulated a tail.
" Yes. Since you could bring back two miraculous master Suhara and I decided to invite ourselves."
" Well, why not. Thank for your help ?"
" Call me Golden Claw." he grinned.
She returned the smile, before tagging along to resume the fight. They exchanged a look while running, thrilled to do this together again. Butterfly activated the chameleon's power.
" Oh no !" exclaimed Carmen, stopping.
He could be anywhere, strike from every angle and they wouldn't see it coming. Player drummed on his laptop : he had to pinpoint him fast before he could …
" ARGH !"
The four heroes flew away. White Bear created a sphere of ice to shield them from another blow. He did well, as a flow of water engulfed them. The power of orca whale, Orcc. Then, Hideo replied by a blizzard. The snow wrapped the enemy, allowed them to see him again. Player localized his miraculous. Ladywolf rushed to it : on his head that wouldn't be easy. Suhara helped her by supressing any sound she could make, while his brother directed the snow toward the eyes to blind him. Ladywolf could reach the head without trouble. She snatched the googles. Maelstrom went visible again.
" Four miraculous back. But how long will we last ?" said Ladywolf.
" Indeed, we have to end this fast." approved Suhara.
Maelstrom started to show signs of discomfort : groans of pain, then he stiffened. Chase wondered what was wrong.
" That's what happen when you use several miraculous at the same time. Rare are the people able to withstand so much power." explained Suhara.
" Then we should take advantage of this to take back the rest of the miraculous." said Carmen.
Easier said than done. Because rays of magic started to be expelled from his body. So new exercise : avoiding them. Even Player had to be sure that his drone didn't get any damage. Carmen asked what would happen if they simply waited and do nothing. That was risky according to Hideo : such an overload of magic could lead to an explosion and caused heavy damages, them getting killed being the first. In a nutshell, they had to act quickly. Player got back on track, trying to localize as much miraculous as possible. This would lower the magic overwhelming Gunnar.
" Your … miraculous … give them to me … I need them !" made Gunnar with a rough voice.
" You'll get killed with more magic ! Let go of them !" replied Carmen.
" I need them … give them !" he resumed, reaching.
Chase sent a ball of fire, Suhara unbalanced him by supressing sound around him. Hideo and Carmen ran to him on the meantime. Cedric indicated them miraculous location. They had to avoid beams of magic at the same time, which slowed them down and prevented them from approaching. They had to wait an opening to finally climb and reach their target. The scorpion miraculous was seized, along with the butterfly one and finally the elephant one. Gunnar shrank, retrieving a human shape. He fell on his hand. Marri popped out of his miraculous.
" Masters Suhara and Hideo ! I'm finally free I take it ?" asked the kwami.
" Yes you are Marri. I'm sorry I couldn't find you sooner." said Suhara.
" I'm glad this is over. That man … he wanted the creation and destruction miraculous for his son, but I fear he did a horrible thing to that poor kid." revealed Marri.
Maelstrom lifted his head. There they were ... at his range … he could have them. Gunnar painfully stood up. Then, he raced to Carmen. Chase surprised his move, and interposed. Punching him he sent the man back on the ground.
" Tell us why you need those miraculous." questioned Golden Claw.
" My son … I need them to resurrect him."
Marri flew at Chase's level.
" Tell us the truth ! There's rumours that you killed your own child !" asked the kwami.
The group showed shock. Gunnar denied it, he was simply conducting experiences to find a cure.
" Experiences on who ?" interrogated Chase.
" I do not have to answer to all of your questions ! Just help my son, if you're true heroes !" he retorted.
" What for, so you can experiment directly on him ?! No way !" exclaimed Carmen.
They took his previous answer as a confess of his crime. Plus, what he did to the citizens was reprehensible, not to mention the murder he committed to obtain the butterfly miraculous. There was no excuse. Hideo imprisoned Gunnar in a block of ice, while Carmen and Chase de transformed and called the police. They would certainly investigate on what really happened to Raphaël Maelstrom.
All the miraculous were returned to the brothers, including Suri and Tagg.
" It's been a pleasure to have you as a bearer, Chase." said the wolf kwami.
" Likewise Tagg, it's been a great adventure." smiled Devineaux.
He tended his fist that the kwami hit with his own. Carmen hugged Suri.
" Take care of you Suri. I'm glad I have known you."
" You too Carmen. Now you can date the boy you like." whispered the fox.
Sandiego giggled. The guardian brothers thanked them for their work, and assured that should they need bearers again one day, they'll call them. Separation was there, each went on their side.
" We still have our movie session this Saturday." recalled Chase.
" Yes, and this time we shouldn't be interrupted by an akumatized." said Carmen.
Chase approved. That was indeed one less problem. The Butterfly's arrestation was all over the evening news, making Ivy exclaiming in shock. How come she hadn't been called this time ? She'll post her mind on her blog though … oh ? She had a private message … from Ladyfox. Apparently that Maelstrom, aka Lord Butterfly, stole all the miraculous.
" So that was it. Of course, if no one could give me mine. Anyway, that's very kind of her to explain that to me."
A relief actually. She hadn't been forgotten, just couldn't be called. So it was the end huh. To think Ivy had the luck to be part of it. It had been fun while it lasted. She cracked her fingers : time to post.
At Carmen's home.
" I can't believe it's already over." commented Cedric, astride his chair.
" Yes. It was an extraordinary adventure. I … I must say I enjoyed being Ladyfox."
" And me Furtileon. By the way, could you discover who was Lone Wolf ?" questioned Player.
" It was Chase."
" Oh ?"
" Hm. He told me himself just a moment before Butterfly raged. He unmasked me when he came working here." explained Carmen.
" Because of me I surmise." guessed Player.
His sister nodded. Thankfully it didn't have any consequences. Now, she could peacefully hang out with him. Cedric straightened. Superhero days were over, a shame somehow. But he had the luck to live it so he shouldn't complain. He could also improve his drone, so everything was fine. When her rendezvous with Case arrived, it was a nervous Carmen that showed up. However, she quickly calm down. They spent a pleasant moment, chatting about their adventure once the movie finished. In the end, that moment ended up being a real date, especially when they confessed feelings for each other.
Hideo went back to the temple with his brother. They informed the Council about what happened : they obtained the investigation results about Maelstrom. Turned out that he kept videos of his experimentations on his own son, certainly to analyse them, and that added to the autopsy confirmed that yes, that killed him rather than his illness. He wanted to find a cure, that was true, but at all costs and to get fame. Gunnar was convicted of murder, both for his child and the previous butterfly miraculous bearer, and attack on the capital. Life sentence for all of this. Now peace was back in Paris, with an event celebrating and thanking the heroes who defended it incoming.
