Chapter 19: Accelerator
It's the same evening as the cemetery scene during the prior chapter. Stella Tenebrae, from Mr. Haprele's class, is out doing her evening jogging, as is her habit. She notices some flashing lights from the cemetery as she jogs passed, but she figures it's probably a security guard's flashlight and continues on her way. (It's actually Firefly practicing.)
Stella returns home, all sweaty, and her mother wants to know where she was. It's now after dark. Stella answers jogging, and her mother lectures her about wasting time with unimportant activities. It's not as if Stella is good enough to land a scholarship in track and field. And who even cares about track in the first place? It's not soccer (European football)! She should be studying and applying herself to something real that will get her into college or a career. Why is she wasting her time, punishing herself, running? Stella answers that she enjoys running. Her mother scolds her about her grades, which are average. She's getting test results from Ms. Mendeleiev's pre-physics class tomorrow. If Stella doesn't pass, her mother threatens to pull her from track and field. Stella blanches, screaming that's not fair. How can her mother make up a rule like that AFTER she's already taken the test? Plus, she's participating in a triathlon soon; her whole team is counting on her! Her mother scolds her, saying Stella should have thought of that before letting her grades drop. Stella insists her grades are fine; average isn't bad. She's not failing any classes (even though she has failed some tests). Her mother tells her that's not good enough; "now get to your room and do your homework." Stella storms off. All during this, Stella's little sister Kendra Tenebrae is just watching the drama unfold.
The next morning, Stella oversleeps, which is not an uncommon occurrence. Her mother blames it on Stella "being out all night running" and procrastinating on her homework. Stella insists she's just a night owl. Her mother doesn't accept that excuse. One more, Stella's little sister Kendra watches the drama.
At school, Stella heads to the locker area. Guy Nigels and Cameran Tyler from class C are hanging out with Tristan Fortier from her class. Tristan is a boxer and is throwing some mock punches at the air. They're generally laughing and having a good time. As Stella walks by, she corrects the alignment of Tristan's elbow, saying he can reduce the chance of injury that way. Yvonne Garnier and Genevieve Faucher are comparing hats they bought at a new boutique, both as their own personal interest in fashion and to write an article for the school newspaper on the new, local shop. Jakeel Aristide is setting up another prank; this time it's against Marie Chauveau and Suzette Rault. He swaps their drinks with cups filled with slime (as in play slime, the type kids can make with glue). Both freak out, and he laughs about it. Rose Lavillant returns a Jagged Stone CD to Juleka Couffaine, whom she borrowed it from. Lila Rossi is attempting to tell tall tales to Kagami Tsurugi (trying to lure her away from Adrien Agreste), who isn't having any of it and bluntly tells her so. Lila smiles "it's a shame you feel that way" but she internally seethes and adds Kagami to list of people whose lives she wants to ruin. (You can find the image of these characters by class at (( photos . app . goo . gl / cgLSrNi71rxfep9e8 ))(remove the spaces).)
After she's stowed her things in her locker, Stella runs into her good friend, Alix Kubdel. They exchange greetings, and Stella offers to go running alongside Alix while she roller blades. The conversation implies this is a conversation they had before. Alix reluctantly declines as her dad is really strict about curfew. Before Stella can push things further, Alix nudges her to be quiet. Alix points as Marinette Dupin-Cheng walks backward into Adrien Agreste and then promptly spazzes out. Stella notes that Marinette has it bad. "Yeah, it's obvious," says Alix. She wishes Marinette the best, but she has to admit it's funny to watch in the meantime. Then, to their surprise, the scene practically repeats but with Giselle Winters-Blanchet bumping into Adrien. Giselle is spazzy; however, there's a note of fear to her antics that isn't present with Marinette. Alix comments that "that's new." She and Stella head into the open courtyard and continue to talk athletics.
The scene pans over to Marinette, who has locked herself in one of the bathrooms stalls while she tries to calm her heart. She talks to Tikki about her feelings. Tikki comments that she felt Marinette's phone vibrate. Marinette checks; it's a text from Cat Noir. (This is worth investigating. Can Cat Noir and Ladybug converse outside of their transformations? The show implies not. However, Ladybug's purse is clearly connected to Marinette's purse. It could be logic'ed that the phone aspect of their weapons is connected to their cell phones. If not, it'll have to be stated that Ladybug and Cat Noir gave each other fake numbers that forward to their real numbers so they can communicate in case of emergencies. IIRC, they might have called each other's personal numbers earlier in this fic as well. Or that they set up some type of chat feature through a third party site.) Cat Noir has invited Ladybug to go investigate local shops in Paris to see if they can pinpoint who is selling the "fake miraculous." He ends by calling it a "date." Marinette groans. How many times does she have to tell Cat Noir she doesn't have feelings for him? Marinette sorta wishes aloud that she was going shopping with Adrien instead. She indulges in the fantasy for a few minutes before Tikki snaps her out of it and tells her to hurry to class.
Things shift over to Class B, who currently has Ms. Mendeleiev (while Class C, her homeroom class, is likely with Miss Bustier or Mr. Haprele). She's returning the tests she's graded. Stella is anxious, as she remembers her mother's threat. Her fears come to fruition when she gets the test back and realizes she failed. Tristan Fortier, who sits beside her, asks what's wrong. Stella laments that she's just not good at "physic-like things" and that she "doesn't want to give up track." Tristan doesn't understand the last part, but Ms. Mendeleiev tells them to be quiet before they can continue the conversation.
After school, Alix Kubdel notices Stella is dragging. Stella Tenebrae explains everything. Alix tells her not to give up. Maybe her mother will listen to reason. It starts to sound as if Alix will offer to tutor her, but Alix admits she's not good at Ms. Mendeleiev's class either. However, she knows someone who is, so maybe they can work out a study session. With Stella waning on the cusp of negative emotions, this does perk her up. They pass by Viktor's DnD group, which includes Fumikage Tokoyami, as they exit the school.
Meanwhile, Ladybug and Cat Noir meet up on the rooftops. Cat Noir is flirty, bringing a red rose and everything. Ladybug is unimpressed, telling him that it's not a date and that their purpose is to find the person who sold Dauphine, Froppy, and the rest their miraculous. Car Noir says that "you can't blame a cat for trying" and gives her the rose anyway. However, he doesn't push any harder as he did previously tell himself to back off a bit.
They eliminate the big, franchise stores off the bat and decide to look into the little boutiques. They ask around; most of the shopkeepers are thrilled to have Ladybug and Cat Noir in their stores, so it's a bit hard for them to ask questions. They don't get many leads. However, one place (the new one that Yvonne and Genevieve visited) mentions they have local artisans sell items from time to time, so that owner theorizes the person they're looking for could be a low-key renter who does things like flea markets and whatnot. It'd be really hard to trace someone like that who isn't a regular. Ladybug and Cat Noir are a bit disheartened by that news.
At the Tenebrae home, Stella's mother is upset about Stella's failed grade. (It's a bit of German pride. As seen with exchange students, "no one is smarter than a German.") Stella promises to do better and again counters that it isn't fair that her mother pulled this standard after the test had already been taken. Mrs. Tenebrae doesn't want to hear it and grounds Stella, forbidding her to continue track practice. Stella screams about it not being fair and that her triathlon team is counting on her, but her mother just orders her to her room. Once again, the little sister Kendra is just watching the drama, amused.
In her room, Stella is biting the back of her knuckles to keep in the tears. That's when an akuma lands on her shoes and turns her into Accelerator. Accelerator charges down the stairs. Her mother gets an "oh crap" expression just long enough. Accelerator then uses her powers and slows her mother down so that her mother can only move at snail's speed. The akumatized victim makes a one-line comment, then heads out to cause mayhem, implying she's going to take her frustrations out on Ms. Mendeleiev too. And her sister watches. But this time, Kendra Tenebrae sends the Akuma Alert on her cell phone. She then pokes her mother twice and asks for a raise in her allowance. "Don't say anything if the answer is 'yes.'" Since her mother is snail's speed, she can't speak in any timely fashion.
Accelerator struts through the streets of Paris. She slows things down or speeds them up with a touch of her flag (as in a short flag, like a baton). It's chaotic as cars accelerate out of control or people slow to a turtle's pace. Unperturbed, Accelerator continues her march to school, threatening to have her revenge against all "stupid classes" that get in her way of doing what she likes doing.
Fortunately, Ladybug and Cat Noir are already transformed. The moment the Akuma Alert comes through, they race off together, leaving their interview with the shopkeeper unfinished. They find Accelerator and begin dealing with her. Unfortunately for Accelerator, she was a bit too obvious by targeting everything she came across (which was probably something Hawk Moth was encouraging her to do in order to flush out the heroes), so Ladybug and Cat Noir are quickly able to deduce her powers.
It seems as if this will be a quick akumatized victim to deal with. However, Accelerator changes the battle by using her powers on her own shoes—she accelerates her own movements to the point that Ladybug and Cat Noir can't keep up. In a desperate situation, Ladybug uses her Lucky Charm. Unlike the previous chapter, this one does make it clear they're to seek help from Master Fu. Cat Noir states that the only things that can keep up with Accelerator now is Kamaitachi's Speed Strike. Ladybug agrees and tells Cat Noir to hurry with backup. Cat Noir, however, is unhappy about leaving Ladybug to fend for herself. (He probably makes a passing comment that if Kamaitachi had her miraculous full-time, she'd be here by now). Ladybug tells him to shut-up and go. The longer he takes, the longer it'll take to return. Cat Noir hurries off, insisting Ladybug be careful.
Ladybug deals with Accelerator, the battle getting closer and closer to the school. Meanwhile, Cat Noir seeks out Master Fu and the preying mantis miraculous. He then finds Kagami. She transforms, and they head back into battle.
Ladybug is really struggling and is unable to prevent Accelerator from entering the school. Fortunately, almost everyone has evacuated. Unfortunately, Ms. Mendeleiev is still there, grading papers while listening to classical music, thus not hearing the alert. Ladybug tries to keep Accelerator from entering the school proper, but Accelerator gets a hit in, reducing Ladybug's speed by half. Accelerator moves to take Ladybug's earrings. Ladybug does her best to block, but Accelerator reduces her speed again and then again and reaches for her ears.
That's when Kamaitachi's wind scythes drive her away. Cat Noir makes a comment about Ladybug being slowed down, but she glares and slowly tells him to stop Accelerator because she's after one of the teachers.
Kamaitachi matches Accelerator move for move, even with Accelerator's speed boost. Ladybug slowly tries to catch up. Cat Noir works on cornering Accelerator. However, she is very nimble and light on her feet. Accelerator is able to fake out Kamaitachi. She kicks down the door to the science room, much to Ms. Mendeleiev's shock as she snaps out of her music reverie. Cat Noir tells Ms. Mendeleiev to run while they deal with the akumatized victim. However, there are limited ways out of the room.
Accelerator raves about failing a "stupid subject" and says she "shouldn't have to give up something she loves just because she doesn't care about that science junk." Kamaitachi blocks her before she can get to the teacher. Ladybug is still struggling to leave the lobby.
Accelerator moves to fake out Kamaitachi again. However, this time Kamaitachi is prepared. She grabs Accelerator and knocks her legs out from under her. Kamaitachi tells Cat Noir to go for the flag. Cat Noir preps his Cataclysm. Accelerator, however, laughs. "My akuma isn't there. It's here!" She kicks Kamaitachi in the shins, causing her to let her go. This sends Kamaitachi into Ms. Mendeleiev, who was trying to avoid the fight. The teacher goes down hard, cradling one of her legs.
Cat Noir is inches from the flag, but Accelerator shifts it at the last moment. This causes Cat Noir to overshoot. Accelerator grabs his overstretched arm and slams his Cataclysm into the support beams of the classroom, causing them to decay. The ceiling trembles. Cat Noir gets an "oh crap" expression as the destruction spreads. It spreads far enough that Ladybug notices as she is still trying to make her way across the inner courtyard.
Ms. Mendeleiev is injured as the room looks like it's going to collapse on them at any moment. Kamaitachi says they have to go, but Accelerator still wants to fight. A piece of the roof lands on Kamaitachi. She buried, but she insists she's fine and that they need to worry about everyone else. Cat Noir closes in on Accelerator. He grabs her flag to break it. However, all he manages to do is slow himself down when he touches it. Accelerator laughs. Cat Noir struggles and throws off a couple of one-liners in slow motion, which Accelerator finds endlessly amusing as she moves for his ring with chunks of ceiling raining down.
Kamaitachi, however, has figured things out. She lifts enough debris to gain some movement and swipes at Accelerator's shoes as Accelerator puts her fingers on Cat Noir's ring. Accelerator turns back into Stella.
Outside, Ladybug realizes she's not going to make it to the classroom before the entire building goes down. She looks at the Lucky Charm item she summoned and then she listened to the sounds of the ongoing fight. She makes her decision and decides to trust her teammates. In super slow motion, she throws her Lucky Charm into the air to begin her world-healing wave.
Cat Noir helps Kamaitachi the rest of the way out of the debris, moving slowly himself although not as slowly as Ladybug. Kamaitachi tells them that they have to get out of there as rebar falls inches from her. Cat Noir says to get Ms. Mendeleiev and Stella out; he'll follow. Kamaitachi argues that he can't move fast enough to escape, but he counters that he'll survive because of his transformation. Kamaitachi insists on leaving no one behind, but she doesn't know how to get three people out with only two hands. At the exact same time, Stella has moved over to Ms. Mendeleiev. She quickly rattles off a diagnosis of the teacher's injury, using very technical and specific terms for the anatomy. This whole conversation happens very quickly with Cat Noir and Kamaitachi's part happening at the same time as Stella and Ms. Mendeleiev's.
Meanwhile, Ladybug is still very slowly throwing her Lucky Charm into the air. She still has no idea the akuma has been released.
Stella whips together a very rough, very quick ankle brace. Stella then helps Ms. Mendeleiev over her shoulder, telling her how to walk. She tells everyone she'll help Ms. Mendeleiev out. Kamaitachi doesn't question this as she throws Cat Noir over her shoulder. They all hurry into the hallway as things in the classroom implode.
Ladybug is happy to see them as her Lucky Charm is still slowly drifting into the air. By the time Kamaitachi, Stella, and those afflicted make it down the stairs with debris raining on their heels, the world-healing wave has taken effect. The damage to the school is reversed as they all hit the courtyard. Mrs. Tenebrae and the rest of Paris are also restored to normal. With their speed restored, Ladybug is able to capture and purify the akuma. In addition, Ms. Mendeleiev's injury is also healed. Rather stiffly, she thanks Stella for the cast. Stella apologies for what happened even though her time of being an akumatized victim is all a blank in her memory. Ladybug and Cat Noir wind down, thank Kamaitachi, and do the whole Pound It and returning the miraculous and final talking characterization. Cat Noir is at least happy he got a "partial date" with Ladybug even though it meant that the person who sold the miraculous without kwami is a dead end by virtue of being untraceable. He then makes sure to take the preying mantis back to Master Fu.
The next day at school, Ms. Mendeleiev has invited both Stella and Mrs. Tenebrae in for a parent-teacher-student conference. Mrs. Tenebrae brings up how poorly Stella is doing in pre-physics and how she needs to spend more time studying, even if that means giving up track. Stella says that she just can't remember physics stuff and calculations and whatnot. Ms. Mendeleiev agrees with this sentiment, much to both's surprise. Ms. Mendeleiev then pulls up a human body chart and asks Stella "when I was injured yesterday, what happened?" Stella points out with incredible knowledge the exact ligaments and tendons that were damaged, how they were damaged, and how they affected the rest of the body. Mrs. Tenebrae is silenced.
Ms. Mendeleiev states that not everyone can be good at all sciences (implying that she, herself, is a genius who is good at all sciences). She says that Stella is struggling with pre-physics, but it's not a required course—just as long as Stella has some science credit. Ms. Mendeleiev says that she is recommending Stella for anatomy, which is a more advanced class. Even though it's harder, she believes Stella will thrive there. "Don't you agree, Mrs. Tenebrae?" Mrs. Tenebrae, hearing that Stella is being advanced in her studies, readily agrees. Ms. Mendeleiev states that there's no reason to keep Stella from track then, since she's likely to do well. After all, she is needed for the triathlon as she's representing the school. Mrs. Tenebrae hems and haws at that but agrees to relent under the condition that Stella passes her first anatomy test. Stella finds this acceptable too and is incredibly thankful that Ms. Mendeleiev saw her potential.
Outside, Alix is waiting to hear the results of Stella's conference. She was fearing the worst. However, when it ends and Stella parts ways from her mother to join her friend, she tells Alix the good news. Alix is thrilled about it. She then says, half teasingly, that maybe Stella has some advice for her about her roller blading. Stella admits that she does. Alix jokes that Stella is on her way to being a sports therapist or something. Alix means it as a joke, but Stella realizes that she could see herself doing something like that as a career.
To be continued in Chapter 20: Mr. Laughter…