Chapter 36: Acid Rain
Ladybug and Cat Noir meet at the acupuncture clinic to talk to Master Fu about what happened to Tsukuyomi. In all his years of watching the miraculous box and studying their powers, something like this has never happened before. There are no records of anything remotely like this, where a wielder was cocooned by his or her own powers. Master Fu is as lost as everyone else. Cat Noir asks Ladybug if she's heard any updates. Ladybug says she logged into the B Team's server; they're all puzzled too. She tells Cat Noir it's time he made an account there too.
Master Fu recalls that they do know that Tsukuyomi/Crow-man is: Fumikage Tokoyami. They've been respecting his identity for now, but it's definitely time to follow-up. Ladybug and Cat Noir almost let it slip that they go to Fumikage's school, but they bite back their words before the other realizes. Ladybug offers to check the Tokoyami home while Cat Noir composes himself and says he'll look up Fumikage's school and see what he can find.
Then they have to part ways to get to school themselves. Once they leave, Master Fu says he can feel a change happening; it's going to sweep through Paris.
Ladybug swings by the Tokoyami apartment before classes and eavesdrops. His mother is inside worried; he didn't come home last night. There's talk of getting the police involved. There's no new information to be had there. She detransforms and heads to school.
At school, Adrien Agreste checks on Mr. Haprele's class. Fumikage Tokoyami is absent. That doesn't bode well; it means he's likely still in a cocoon in Froppy's hands. He runs into Nathaniel Kurtzberg, who is also looking to find Fumikage as Nathaniel/Firefly knows Fumikage's identity and is looking into him on behalf of the rest of the B Team. However, Nathaniel lies to Adrien and says he's looking for Marc Anciel. Adrien claims he's just there to talk to Viktor Vasiliev about DnD. Nathaniel comments he wasn't aware Adrien cared about DnD. Adrien stammers that he is; he then sees Viktor and makes an excuse to leave Nathaniel.
Adrien pulls Viktor aside (because he's a known friend of Fumikage) and asks if he's heard anything about Fumikage Tokoyami. Viktor says they haven't spoken since yesterday at school. Adrien thanks him anyway.
Without any further leads, Adrien decides to take Ladybug's advice. Once he gets home, he creates a burner account and logs into the Team B server. Everyone is logged in except for Tsukuyomi, and the chat is moving quickly.
"Cat Noir has joined the chat…"
Froppy is explaining there's no change in Tsukuyomi's condition; he isn't responding to anything she says or does.
Dauphin is all in favor of a wacky hijink like in a movie. Claim Tsukuyomi is spending the night at a friend's house for as long as possible. Fake his voice on phone calls to his family, and set up a dummy so it looks like he's home.
Alpha counters that his family is going to want to see his face.
Dauphine feels that this situation is beyond secret identities. She thinks that they (especially Froppy) need to be open. Explain to Tsukuyomi's family that he's a superhero and get him to a doctor or something.
Firefly is arguing in favor of Ladybug's idea. If Ladybug and Cat Noir knows someone who can help, they should talk to him. That way they can still keep his identity as secret as possible. Plus, someone who knows about miraculous is likely to be more help than a general doctor. (By now the B Team knows that Firefly knows who Tsukuyomi is too.)
Froppy wants to respect Tsukuyomi's wishes. Telling his family like how Dauphine suggested wouldn't respect what he wants; it might lead to all of them being revealed as superheroes. Regardless, they need to make up their minds. Tsukuyomi is probably already in massive trouble with his family; they're going to call the cops if they haven't already.
They debate and weight pros and cons for a long while.
Dauphin suggests another wacky hijink. Claim Tsukuyomi's human alias is on a secret mission from Ladybug and Cat Noir. Tell his family to keep it a secret because he's helping take down Hawk Moth.
Alpha argues that Ladybug and Cat Noir don't know who Tsukuyomi is, and they want to protect aliases.
Cat Noir admits they already know Tsukuyomi's identity—but only his. (As Master Fu was unable to spill the beans about Kim being Dauphin.)
Ladybug chimes in and says she doesn't like that idea as she's not comfortable with lying. Plus, Tsukuyomi's family is likely to blame her and Cat Noir for being reckless and getting an under-aged civilian involved.
Froppy, a bit bluntly, points out that everyone in the chat room is a liar. They're all lying about their aliases. Unless Ladybug and Cat Noir have told their own families about moonlighting as superheroes. Ladybug and Cat Noir fall silent as they know they've made up a lot of lies and excuses to their families about everything.
Dauphin continues "well, then just say he was kidnapped by Hawk Moth!" Dauphine, half-teasingly, calls him an idiot.
Ladybug counters about their reputations, and Cat Noir mentions that the police could still get involved, which might even endanger his and Ladybug's identities.
Dauphine argues that they're putting their identities over a person, but when Froppy calls her to reveal her own identity, Dauphine falls silent.
Alpha says that, surprisingly, Dauphin's plan could work—but they would all have to be okay with lying. First, Froppy as Froppy would have to tell Tsukuyomi's family that he was kidnapped by Hawk Moth. After all, who cares if Hawk Moth's reputation tanks further? Who cares if he gets accused of doing something he didn't do? He's a terrorist. This would upset Tsukuyomi's family, but they're going to be upset regardless if Tsukuyomi doesn't wake up, like, immediately. They're probably already upset. With Hawk Moth being the opponent, Froppy could encourage Tsukuyomi's family to contact Ladybug and Cat Noir over the police. This would require Ladybug and Cat Noir to be in on things—they would have to confirm that Hawk Moth did kidnap Tsukuyomi's civilian alias and then promise to do what they could to save him. Of course, this plan would only work for so long…but any plan they come up with will only work for so long.
(Luka himself is surprised by how calculating he's being. He's usually not like this. He gets a sense that he never would have grown this way had he not been given the wolf. This is another facet of how bearing a miraculous long-term trains one personality trait. For Luka, it's leadership. Random info: for Hawk Moth, it's actually heartlessness. Consider Gabriel's reaction in the Gorizilla episode when Adrien was both in danger and when Gabriel considered the possibility that his son was Cat Noir. Then compare his reaction in the marginal future of the Cat Blanc episode where Gabriel finds out Adrien is Cat Noir and how Gabriel reacts. Gabriel is definitely growing in heartlessness. However, other characters are growing positively: Marinette in creative problem solving, Tsuyu in efficient organization, Giselle in self-confidence, Mylene in courage etc. Even Nathalie is growing in strategy, though she's using it for evil.)
Dauphine argues that they need to tell the complete truth, regardless of secrets.
Firefly points out that they can't risk Ladybug and Cat Noir's identities. Maybe the B Team could retire completely, even though they all don't want to, but Paris needs Ladybug and Cat Noir to stop Hawk Moth. Hawk Moth is getting too strong and experienced; there's no way a new, inexperienced Ladybug and Cat Noir could take over. So they can't let this thing with Tsukuyomi lead back to Ladybug and Cat Noir.
Marinette leans back in her chair. The situation is crazy. What should she do? She talks to Tikki about it. Tikki doesn't like the thought of lying, but Marinette points out that Froppy is right—they have been lying. And Firefly is right that they can't let Hawk Moth know who are they are. Tikki repeats that Master Fu is the best person to handle the situation. Marinette nods and returns to the screen.
Ladybug says that she and Cat Noir will help with that plan—blame Hawk Moth, have Froppy talk to Tsukuyomi's family, and then promise to rescue him. However, there is one condition. They have to let her and Cat Noir take Tsukuyomi's shell/cocoon to their master to study; their master might be able to help.
Cat Noir is surprised Ladybug offered this, but he sees where she's coming from. Most everyone else is surprised to hear that Ladybug and Cat Noir have a boss. Ladybug and Cat Noir refuse to say any more about him. Froppy isn't happy about the proposal.
They discuss more, but this is ultimately the plan they go with. (However, Unspoken Plan Guarantee…)
Froppy decides to immediately head for Tsukuyomi's residence; his family has to be eaten alive with worry now. The others wish her luck.
Ladybug says she'll be on the look-out for a message from Tsukuyomi's parents (she recommends the Akuma Alert app), but she also wants to set up a meeting time and place with Froppy so Tsukuyomi can be taken to her master. Froppy reluctantly agrees as she logs out.
Back at the Agreste manor, just downstairs from where Adrien is typing this conversation, his father Gabriel Agreste is fuming and baffled over the loss of the crow. Nathalie Sancoeur asks him about it. Maybe they used the horse miraculous to teleport the crow outside of Paris? Gabriel shakes his head. That would feel different. This time, it feels as if his connection to the crow is just gone. All that hard work, wasted. One more pawn, gone. And the B Team is his best pawn—so perfect, so close for finding out the aliases of other heroes.
Nathalie reminds him that it's not the only plan they have. They're creating a better one. She mentions that the fashion show is coming together perfectly and that the stadium has been prepped to all specifications. She also has a few more details that will help ensure their victory. This won't just be about physical location, strength of ability, or even luck. Hawk Moth needs to also gain a psychological edge. Gabriel asks what she has in mind. Nathalie suggests that he'll also have to play "good cop" sometimes. Honey and vinegar and all that. Gabriel is skeptical. Nathalie starts to elaborate, but that's when Hawk Moth senses something. Nathalie asks if it's the crow. Gabriel says it isn't. But it is a person with great negative emotions, just waiting for an akuma. He heads to his lair in a hurry.
Froppy knocks on the window of the Tokoyami apartment. Mrs. Tokoyami is very surprised to see a superheroine hanging outside her window, but she opens it anyway. Froppy delivers the bad news that Fumikage was abducted by Hawk Moth. The B Team did all they could, but they were unable to help him. Mrs. Tokoyami collapses in tears. Froppy does her best to comfort her, saying that they're trying to contact Ladybug and Cat Noir for help, but haven't had much luck. Maybe she could try too? Mrs. Tokoyami is a bit surprised that Cat Noir and Ladybug are a different team from Froppy and the others, as it might not be clear to all of Paris where exactly the team borders are. Froppy hates lying like this, but she's also in anguish over doing what she can to help her friend. Mrs. Tokoyami asks what happened, and Froppy starts to improv.
However, before she can think of a proper excuse, the Akuma Alert app on Mrs. Tokoyami's phone goes off. Is this the akuma who took her son?! Froppy says she can't stay; she has to help. But they'll do everything they can to help Fumikage. Until then, Mrs. Tokoyami needs to explain what she can to Ladybug and Cat Noir.
Ladybug, Cat Noir, and the rest of the B Team are surprised to see the alert go off at this time. Ladybug and Cat Noir head to confront the threat while Alpha begins to delegate orders. Froppy is already transformed, but her spotter is down. Alpha tells her that her priority is to watch Tsukuyomi. Maybe he'll wake up because of this conflict. Dauphin and Dauphine aren't close, and Firefly still lacks his spotter. Alpha says he'll charge in and back up Ladybug and Cat Noir. If possible, Dauphin and Dauphine need to meet up and get on stand-by.
Ladybug and Cat Noir arrive at the Eiffel Tower to find it in the middle of a massive corrosive downpour. Ladybug tests the rain with a piece of discarded pipe and confirms it to be acidic rain. Cat Noir says that they have to brave it to defeat the akumatized victim. At least their suits will protect them. If only the rest of Paris was as safe… But where in the middle of this massive storm is the opponent?
While they're considering their options, Alpha joins them. They're surprised to see him, and it does seem a bit surreal to be talking to him in person after chatting over the Internet. Alpha says that they'll deal with their arrangement after they defeat the newest akumatized victim. They trust each other, right? (After all, Ladybug did trust Luka with the snake miraculous.) Ladybug and Cat Noir both feel some uncertainty, but Ladybug states trust is something that is built—and that is something they're doing right now. She suggests they split into three different directions and signal when they find the akumatized victim before confronting him or her. The boys agree, and they split.
Along the way, Ladybug and Cat Noir are able to use their weapons as shields and help some civilians out. It's Alpha, who is developing a keen nose, who finds the akumatized victim. He's about to call Ladybug and Cat Noir when all of the screens in Paris light up.
"Hello, I am Acid Rain. Enjoying a taste of my power? I have a message for Ladybug and Cat Noir. Give up your miraculous, or the people of Paris get hurt. This is the only way you can save them all. Better hurry. My waters are spreading." The scene pans to numerous Parisians who are trapped on sinking high grounds over acidic pits. They're scattered so far apart that there's no way that Ladybug and Cat Noir could save them all as well as find Acid Rain and purify her akuma.
Ladybug and Cat Noir are a bit overwhelmed. They begin talking. Where are the hostages? They piece together some information based on background. Can Ladybug get the east side in time while Cat Noir covers the rest? Alpha interrupts. He found where Acid Rain is hiding, and she doesn't know he's there. He also knows he's faster than both Ladybug and Cat Noir. He'll cover Paris; they need to get here.
Ladybug counters that the people of Paris are most important. She'll go after Acid Rain alone to purify the akuma. Cat Noir and Alpha can rescue people. Cat Noir says it's not enough. He's near the master; he's going to get help. Alpha still doesn't know who the master is, but if this person is to be trusted with his pack mate, Tsukuyomi, then he'll build trust too. (By now Ladybug and Cat Noir have taken to using the proper name, Tsukuyomi, too, instead of Crow-man.)
All three move as Cat Noir heads for Master Fu, Alpha heads towards the nearest hostages, and Ladybug sneaks toward Acid Rain. Alpha gets in contact with the B Team through his cell phone and the chat server, telling them to analyze the footage and find the location of all of the hostages. Dauphin, Dauphine, and Firefly all agree and get to work, feeding him landmarks as Alpha races.
The first set of hostages Alpha finds are Principal Damocles, Nadja Chamack, and Manon Chamack. The principal is doing his best to protect the other two, disguised as The Owl. Alpha gets them to safety. He then tucks his cell phone in his hood and turns on the text to speech feature so he can hear the coordinates his pack sends him. He takes off again.
Cat Noir arrives at Master Fu's the same time the storm spreads to that area. Master Fu has set up a spiritual barricade to keep out the corrosive powers, but it won't last forever. Cat Noir requests the turtle miraculous and then heads to find Nino.
The next bunch Alpha finds are Meera Pugliese and Giselle Winters-Blanchet, who are clinging to each other. Internally, Giselle wishes now more than ever she had kept the snow leopard bracelet. First Cat Noir was nearly trapped, then her friends get akumatized. She should be able to help them! Alpha gets them to safety, and both beg him to rescue their friend.
As Alpha saves as many hostages as he can, Ladybug approaches Acid Rain at her perch on the Charles de Gaulle Etoile. Acid Rain is surprised to see Ladybug alone and asks if Ladybug is there to surrender. Ladybug refuses and prepares to confront Acid Rain. Acid Rain says that by not surrendering, the people of Paris are going to suffer. The two begin fighting. Not only can Acid Rain summon acidic rain as well as liquid acid from the ground, she can also turn her entire body into liquid acid. Ladybug realizes all too quickly that she can't damage the akumatized victim at all—let alone find the akumatized item when it's liquefied.
Alpha is pushing himself to his limits to help people in need. He saves Max Kante and Markov and Mrs. Kante, and then he rescues baby Auguste and his mother. He realizes he's moved very far from his sister, his spotter, but with people in danger, he can't think about that now. At least Juleka Couffaine is safe, away from the rain.
Cat Noir and Carapace arrive together. They help where they can. They're able to get Mylene and Mr. Haprele as well as Jagged Stone, Fang, Wayhem, and Vivica. Vivica is thrilled to be saved by Cat Noir. However, the news broadcast shows Ladybug getting badly beaten by Acid Rain. Cat Noir is completely torn. What does he do? Does he help Paris or does he run to his lady's side? He sees people around him in danger, but then he looks at the broadcast and sees Ladybug hurting…
Acid Rain approaches Ladybug. She has a massive glob of liquid forming overhead, on the tip of her finger. "I know you're willing to take punishment. But are you willing to see other people suffer? Surrender your miraculous now, or I wipe out this entire block." Ladybug doesn't know what to do. She's in pain; she can't let other people get hurt. Her fear is evident. Her body languages states that she is weighing the cost of her miraculous and the lives it protects against the lives in jeopardy now. Hawk Moth tells Acid Rain to keep up the pressure on Ladybug.
Alpha realizes that the hostages also serve to separate Ladybug from Cat Noir. He insists he can handle it himself—Cat Noir and Carapace need to go to Ladybug. Cat Noir wonders if Alpha is up to it. Alpha uses his Howl, which not only refills the countdown, but it also empowers allies. He increases his speed and runs off in a blur. Cat Noir and Carapace accept this; they race to Ladybug. Beating Acid Rain is the only way to end things.
Cat Noir and Carapace arrive on the scene, allowing Ladybug to envision the last ingredients she needs to complete her Lucky Charm device (as she had to have used her Lucky Charm by now). It takes a lot of maneuvering since Acid Rain can go liquid, but they finally get her pinned between the three of them. Carapace uses his Shelter Shock to trap her inside a shield. Ladybug then uses her item in conjunction with Cat Noir's baton to vault Acid Rain super high into the air. Carapace dissolves his shield, and Acid Rain starts to free fall.
Acid Rain laughs. Hitting the ground won't hurt her. She goes liquid. And at terminal velocity, she begins to dissipate. Cat Noir comments that Acid Rain won't be hurt by the landing but the falling. The akumatized item drops to the ground without her and breaks. Ladybug purifies the akuma and does her world-healing wave, saving the rest of Paris and fixing the damage. This also resembles Acid Rain into Raissa Deschamps.
Alpha joins the group, and four-way Pound It. Ladybug asks Raissa what happened. Raissa explains she's a very vocal environmentalist. Unfortunately, her views have gotten her cyber-bullied recently. She has handling that, but today someone dumped a ton of trash in her yard out of spite. That's what set her off. After that, it's all just a blank. Cat Noir says that that's disgusting and offers to take her home, which Raissa accepts. When they get there, Meera and Giselle are already helping clean up the trash. This brings a smile to Raissa's face, and she joins in their efforts.
When they're gone, Alpha reminds Ladybug that she needs to talk to Tsukuyomi's family. She checks her yo-yo phone. Sure enough, there's a "crazy" notification among the Akuma Alert comments about someone's son being kidnapped by Hawk Moth. Ladybug says she will—but Froppy will have to bring Tsukuyomi with her to a meeting point at a designated time. Alpha says they will; it's time the teams build trust. They're not looking to be antagonistic; they really want to be allies and help Paris. But they also want to protect their pack too. Ladybug, thinking of Cat Noir and Carapace and Rena Rouge and Kamaitachi, realizes that if any of them had been enveloped like Tsukuyomi, she'd probably do the same thing too.
She "bugs out" and talks to Mrs. Tokoyami, who is understandably distraught. Ladybug promises that she and Cat Noir will do everything they can to help her son. Internally, Ladybug sweats; they only bought a few days at the most.
Meanwhile, with Hawk Moth, he says his trial run was a smashing success. Nathalie Sancoeur says it's the final data she needed for her psychological assessment. They now know how Ladybug and Cat Noir will respond when various people and allies are in danger. Armed with that information, Hawk Moth will make an inescapable trap for the heroes of Paris.
To be continued in Chapter 37: Ikari Gozen…