Chapter 48: Ringtail
It's morning at the Agreste manor, and Adrien is in his room, getting ready for school. He's talking to Plagg, Tiia, and Fluff, as he is still responsible for guarding those three miraculous at the moment. It comes up in their conversation that this is the day Nathalie Sancouer is supposed to be coming back from Italy. Adrien figures he'll see her after school. He says aloud that he hopes her brother was okay despite the car accident—he knows what it feels like, first hand, to have a loved one harmed because of an accident (as he still assumes his mother's disappearance is tied to a vehicular accident). Plagg is wary about everything. He knows Gabriel Agreste is Hawk Moth, and he suspects Nathalie is involved as well. But because he's a kwami, he can't say anything on the matter. So he drowns his "sorrow" in a breakfast of cheese. Adrien also notes that Nathalie isn't the only one coming back today—Lila Rossi is done with her suspension and will be back in class.
When Adrien heads downstairs, he's surprised to see not only his bodyguard, but also his aunt and cousin waiting. Amelie looks happy; Felix doesn't. Adrien asks what's going on. Amelie explains that Felix is now going to school with him. Felix grumbles. Adrien asks for clarification. Amelie states that since the two of them will be staying in Paris longer than they anticipated (in order to look after Adrien while Emilie and Gabriel are comatose), Felix needs to go to school. Amelie feels it's prudent that Felix and Adrien attend the same school so "they can look after each other." Felix complains that he'd rather stay home and have a private tutor. Adrien is pretty excited to have his cousin joining him. They all load up into the limo, Adrien happy and Felix not, and head to school.
The students are surprised to see Felix arrive because he looks so much like Adrien. Nino Lahiffe greets Adrien and then Felix, but Felix is put off by Nino's laid-back behavior. Several of the girls coo about how cute Felix is, and Marie Chauveaux winds up with an instant crush on him. Suzette Rault only finds Felix interesting if he and Adrien are in a relationship (regardless of that fact that's incest.) This may be the first time we really see a divergent of opinions between Marie and Suzette. Unlike most of the girls, Chloe Bourgeois actually blows Felix off because she only has eyes for Adrien; plus, she is currently distracted by her new secret life as Queen Scorpion. Yvonne Garnier and Genevieve Faucher are cold toward Felix, as they haven't forgotten his sabotage at their attempts to cheer up Adrien. Felix, however, very charmingly and very fakely apologizes, and the best friends buy it completely. Felix does wind up being in the spotlight as the new student. Guy Nigels makes a comment that they got a lot of transfer students this year: Lila Rossi, Cameran Tyler, Fumikage Tokoyami…
However, Felix isn't the only thing going on that morning. Lila Rossi enters, and there's a murmur from the students as she passes by. Lila has a fake demure smile plastered on her face, but inside she is seething over the plummet in her reputation. She swears revenge against Alya Cesaire, and she begins damage control to restore her reputation. She tells Cameran she's a huge baseball fan and knows one of the players personally, but he's skeptical about her claims due to her being known as a liar. Lila insists she's telling the truth. She offers to help Yvonne and Genevieve with the school newspaper, and she holds the door open for Miss Bustier. She siddles up next to Adrien Agreste and says that she "doesn't know what came over her" and that "it'll never happen again" and "you believe me, don't you Adrien." Kagami scowls at the back of Lila's head. Adrien says that he's glad to hear it as he is willing to give her another chance—though he, too, is internally skeptical.
The bell rings and the students part for class. Felix and Adrien have to part ways as Felix was put into Mr. Haprele's class with Kagami and Marc. Lila makes it a point of walking to the classroom with Adrien. However, she is surprised that when she starts towards her seat in the back row (next to Nathaniel), Sabrina is sitting there. Lila asks why Sabrina isn't sitting next to Chloe, and Sabrina just gets a hurt expression and doesn't answer. Nathaniel says that Lila must be happy—she can sit in the front row now like she wanted. It takes Lila a moment to remember that old lie, but then she realizes that it'd put her closer to Adrien, so she happily walks back down the stairs.
Chloe Bourgeois is in her usual seat, across the aisle from Adrien. Lila eyes Sabrina's old seat but then tries to sweet talk Chloe into moving down so she, Lila, can be closer to Adrien (though she doesn't admit as much). Chloe adamantly refuses to move and give up her seat close to Adrien. The two start bickering, with Lila lying excuses as to why she has to have that seat. Miss Bustier calls the class to order and tells the girls to sit down. Lila protests, but Miss Bustier just raises a single eyebrow, and Lila sulks into Sabrina's old seat. Alya Cesaire watches, bemused.
In Mr. Haprele's class, there's a bit of a commotion as Felix is introduced to the class. Many of the girls want to know why he looks so much like Adrien. Felix explains that their mothers are identical twins. They ask him how long he'll be staying, and he admits he doesn't know—but probably until his aunt and uncle are better. He's pretty instantly popular despite the trouble he caused in Mirror Rorrim, and he pours out the charisma and acts apologetic because he "didn't understand what wonderful people were here at Francoise Dupont High School." But inside, he is loathing just about everyone and looking down on them all. (It's telling how badly Lila blew it since the student body is willing to forgive Felix but not her.)
As Mr. Haprele is trying to call the class to order, Madam Gros pops her head in and says that it's time for Kagami Tsurugi to have her mental health screening. Kagami leaves without further word.
Inside Madam Gros's soundproof office, the guidance counselor opens up with questions to Kagami about her home life and school. Kagami is very stiff and proper as she speaks, but Madam Gros is able to glean that Kagami's mother is very strict. She asks Kagami if Kagami resents this and would just like to have fun like a normal girl. Kagami says she doesn't, and she's so curt that it ends that line of the conversation.
Madam Gros notes that Kagami is very successful in fencing and that her grades are excellent. Kagami thanks her. The counselor, however, notes that Kagami seems to do a lot for other people. Her grades and achievements are all to please her mother. Her clothing, her hobbies and pursuits. But what does she, Kagami, really want? Kagami insists that she enjoys these things as well. Madam Gros pushes harder, saying that Kagami surely wants things for herself: a different hobby, the ability to travel, a boyfriend… When Kagami hesitates on the last one, Madam Gros knows she has something.
It's hard to pull information out of Kagami, but the counselor eventually succeeds as Kagami does admit there's a guy she likes…but it's hard because her (only) friend also likes him. She doesn't want to hurt either. Madam Gros again notices that Kagami is thinking of other people. "You are allowed to do things for yourself. You can have your own identity."
Kagami, stiffly, replies "Understood. May I be excused?"
Madam Gros has further questions, of course. She wants to get a read on Kagami to see if she harbors any negative emotions towards Hawk Moth, Ladybug, or Cat Noir. However, she can also sense Kagami has clammed up, so she excuses Kagami. In her notes, she jots down to follow up on Kagami. Madam Gros hasn't written off her potential yet.
Meanwhile, Nathalie Sancouer sits back in the chair in Hawk Moth's lair. She rubs her eyes from fatigue but announces "the prototype is finished." She pivots to talk to the person who is with her, who is only introduced from the feet. She asks if he understands what he has to do, and he says he does. The voice that speaks back is that of a young boy. However, he does ask who the first target should be.
Nathalie turns back to her tablet. She needs allies if she's going to be able to overcome Ladybug's crew and Draco's hidden team. Nathalie pulls up the files on all of the people who have been akumatized. She tells the boy that she will target the people who came closest to success when they were evilized, and she's narrowing those down to the ones who will be most successful. One person stands out—one person who was always willing to be akumatized, and who nearly led Hawk Moth to triumph during Heroes' Day: Lila Rossi.
Nathalie tells the boy to seek her out—and she hands him an object to give to Lila "as a test." The boy agrees and departs. But before he gets too far, Nathalie instructs him to go incognito so that Lila does not realize who he is. The boy agrees.
That afternoon, Madam Gros calls Jean Duparc in for his mental health screening. Jean walks in and pulls a flower out of his sleeve as a magic trick to break the ice. Madam Gros is surprised, but accepts, and tells him to take a seat. She inquires about his grades, hobbies, and family. Jean talks about his passion in magic and theatrics. His grades are average, and his family is fairly normal. He has both parents, who both work, and is an only child. He has two best friends, and it does frustrate him when they don't get along. He reveals he has a girl he likes, but he doesn't have the courage to talk to her because he knows about her massive celebrity crush on Prince Ali.
Madam Gros repeats what she said to Kagami. "You deserve to be happy too. You should find the courage within yourself and use your words. You won't know until you speak your heart to her." Jean nods in agreement.
Madam Gros shifts the conversation to Hawk Moth, as she notes that Jean has been akumatized twice. Jean, like many others, admits he has no memory of those times. Madam Gros inquires if he's angry with Hawk Moth over those events, but Jean admits he can't hold a grudge when he doesn't remember anything about it. If anything, he feels embarrassed at himself for allowing the negative emotions to get the best of him and opening himself up for akumatization.
Madam Gros thanks him for his time and sends him back to class. Then she writes him off as a potential tool.
School ends, and the students begin to head home. While waiting for the bus, Max Kante and Viktor Vasiliev strike up a conversation: tabletop gaming versus video games. It's the most energetic we've seen Viktor yet. Monique Imhof meets up with her best friend, Nicolette Lacroix, and they agree to go do karaoke. Nicolette voices surprise as they haven't hung out much lately; Monique has been spending a lot of time with her boyfriend, Mathieu Anciel. Monique is a bit embarrassed by this, but she does say she wants to be a better friend. Cameran Tyler retrieves his phone from his locker and tunes into an American baseball game. Jean Duparc attempts to approach Rose Lavillant, as he was guided to by Madam Gros, but Rose gets wrapped up with Juleka Couffaine, Mylene Haprele, and Alix Kubdel, and he doesn't get the chance. (Remember, the whole cast can be found here: (( photos . app . goo . gl / cgLSrNi71rxfep9e8 )) just remove the spaces.)
Lila Rossi tries to catch up with Adrien Agreste, but she loses him as he meets up with his cousin and the gorilla picks them both up. Lila grumbles and heads to a taxi. That's when she hears someone call her name. She looks around and notices a figure, about her own age, standing in the shadows. Lila looks around, but no one else has noticed. Curious and coldly calculating, Lila approaches this person.
As soon as she gets a good view, she realizes that this person is a superhero. He has a shimmery white bodysuit that also looks like a tail coat (sorta like Rena Rouge). The buttons on the suit are diamonds. He also wears shin-high boots and elbow-length gloves that match the overall outfit. As far as accessories go, he has a white domino mask, a fake pair of horse ears, and a glittering, sharp horn. The boy's hair is dark, which is the only thing that isn't pale about him.
Lila demands to know what's going on.
The boy introduces himself as "Adamantus" and explains that his sponsor has been impressed with Lila's skills as Volpina. This sponsor wants to offer Lila more power than Volpina ever possessed—as long as Lila can defeat Ladybug and Cat Noir.
Lila states that she doesn't believe that's the whole truth, to which Adamantus says that if she doesn't like it, he can find someone else. Lila changes her tune. She wants power—and she wants revenge. "If this "sponsor" will let me do whatever I want to Alya Cesaire and will let me keep the fox miraculous, I'll flush Ladybug and Cat Noir out for them."
Adamantus reveals a box with a choker in it. In the middle of the choker is a peridot stone. Lila grabs for it, but Adamantus holds it back. He tells her that this is only a loan. If Lila abuses the powers she's given, if she acts in a way that will betray the sponsor, or if she proves useless as a tool, he will reclaim the peridot choker from her.
Lila agrees to these terms, takes the choker, and puts it around her neck. Lila knows she's being lied to and that this "sponsor" is trying to use her. I bet it's Hawk Moth. Hawk Moth was always impressed with me as Volpina. But why is he being so secretive now? What's he hiding? And who is this Adamantus? Lila decides that it's not the sponsor/Hawk Moth who will be using her; she will be using him.
Lila asks Adamantus how to use the choker. Adamantus explains it works by strong emotions (as this choker was made differently than the seven miraculous without kwamis, which need emotions and element). In Lila's case, she needs to fuel the choker with her desire for revenge. This will give her the powers of the peridot raccoon, which includes the ability of Steal. If someone using the peridot choker holds an object, any object, and the opponent holds an object, any object, Steal allows the raccoon wielder to magically swap the two objects' places.
Lila comments that she'd prefer the power of illusions, but this'll do. She'll use it to steal the fox necklace. Adamantus informs her that 1) it has to be a held item, as in someone's hand, and 2) other miraculous are immune to Steal. Lila scoffs at this but focuses on her desire for revenge.
Her deep-rooted emotion sparks her transformation into a raccoon-themed superheroine. Or, in this case, a villain. Her outfit draws inspiration from Volpina with the overall outfit being grey but having white markings on the chest and inside the legs. She has two raccoon ears and her hair poofs out in a ponytail to mimic a raccoon's tail, complete with faint stripes. Her domino mask is also similarly shaped to Volpina's. However, the raccoon's boots are only ankle high, and the gloves curl into small claws (not as long as Alpha's). A four foot long paintbrush forms in her hand as this is her weapon.
Adamantus congratulates Lila on her transformation. Lila pauses a moment and looks at her ponytail—then she decides to call herself Ringtail. Adamantus asks Ringtail what she's going to do. Ringtail hops away and declares she's on the hunt—for Alya Cesaire.
Since they're still close to the school, it doesn't take Ringtail long to pick up on Alya's trail as she's being picked up by her older sister, Nora Cesaire. Ringtail attacks to drive them apart, using her paintbrush like a quarter staff. Both Alya and Nora are quick enough to dodge. Ringtail targets Alya, which sparks Nora's big sister instinct. She charges in, no powers of her own, to protect her little sister with her own kickboxing skills. Nora tells Alya to run, but Alya is worried about Nora. Nora insists, so Alya runs off and sends the Akuma Alert.
Adamantus watches from the nearby rooftop. He's in communication with female Hawk Moth via her long-range telepathy, and he notes that so far Hawk Moth's second test is proving to be a success. Lila/Ringtail's skin has not changed color, and she's still in possession of all her mental facilities. Hawk Moth is elated by this and tells Adamantus to keep watching them while remaining hidden. She also cautions him to protect the peridot raccoon choker as the akuma has not been fully integrated. If it gets destroyed, the akuma will be released, and a LARGE part of female Hawk Moth's plans will be revealed to her enemies. Adamantus says he understands. Hawk Moth wonders how long full integration takes. Days? Weeks? Months? Years? Decades? Centuries? She wonders if there's a way she could speed it up, and she flips through Gabriel Agreste's grimoire, searching for an answer, even though she can't read the words on the page.
Ladybug and Cat Noir swing in to confront Ringtail, having gotten word through the Akuma Alert app. They tell Nora thanks for holding her off and then they encourage Nora to go somewhere safe and leave the rest to them. Nora sorta raises an eyebrow as she knows she can take care of herself—but she does give them some distance to fight. Maybe she draws a line in the dirt. "Fine, you guys can handle things. But if that akuma cross this line, I'm not pulling my punches."
Ladybug and Cat Noir are quick to start looking for an akumatized item, and Ringtail is very skilled at defending herself (as Lila is getting experienced with having villainous superpowers). Ladybug then realizes that Ringtail has normal skin colors, which causes the golden duo to wonder if they're dealing with an akuma victim or a hero gone bad.
Ringtail throws them off and hurries after Alya as she is fueled by revenge. Ringtail even almost lets it slip that she wants Rena Rouge to show up so she can steal the fox necklace, but she maintains enough presence of mind to keep her lips shut so the heroes don't realize that Ringtail is Lila Rossi. (At the very least, Lila is better at keeping her identity a secret than Chloe is.)
Seeing that Ringtail is targeting Alya, Nora follows.
The B Team logs into their chat server when they receive the Akuma Alert, and they begin planning what to do. Like Ladybug, Froppy notices that this akuma victim doesn't look like an akuma. Firefly wonders if that means that they're dealing with someone like them—someone who just found a magical item. Alpha says that if that's the case, then they need to handle this. The B Team looks after its own—including those with similar powers who would use them for evil. Snow Leopard remarks that Ringtail might be an ally of Draco; she clearly isn't an ally of Ladybug or Cat Noir due to how they're fighting. Dauphin is pumped for action and offers to go in to help, but Alpha cautions him about being reckless. Tsukuyomi reminds everyone about Froppy's plan. If there is an akuma victim, it means Hawk Moth is using his powers. Which means he's transformed. Maybe they could somehow follow the akuma back to Hawk Moth's lair and oust him once and for all. Dauphine really likes this idea, and Alpha agrees. Snow points out that this only works if they're certain that they're dealing with an akuma victim—which they're not at this point, as Ringtail looks normal. Alpha remarks that if they can follow Ringtail back to Draco's team's lair, that is also a win for them. He tells them that if they're nervous, they don't have to help. But after a quick coordination of locations, Alpha determines that he and Dauphin are the closest—so they offer to sneak in and spy. Dauphin agrees to this.
Ringtail, Cat Noir, and Ladybug put some distance between themselves and the school as Ringtail continues to pursue Alya with Nora trailing behind them. Alya is doing her best to shake Ringtail so she can transform, but Ringtail is fast and won't let her. Ladybug and Cat Noir intercept Ringtail again and tell Alya to hide, which Alya does.
That's when Ringtail decides to reveal her powers. She picks up a random nearby object. Ladybug sees her chance and binds Ringtail with her yo-yo. Ringtail, tied up, activates Steal. That puts the random object in Ladybug's hands and gives Ringtail Ladybug's yo-yo, untying her in the process. Ringtail clips her paintbrush onto her back and spins the yo-yo around. "I like this," she says.
Cat Noir is surprised by Ringtail's ability and notes that she doesn't seem to be on a countdown, which means she's not like him or Ladybug or even Draco—she's more like an akuma victim or the B Team. Ringtail attacks with Ladybug's yo-yo before he can say more and figure things out. Cat Noir counters with his baton, but Ringtail uses Steal again, leaving Cat Noir with Ladybug's yo-yo, which is limper than he was anticipating, while she's able to strike him with his own baton. Cat Noir winces from the strike but is at least able to throw the yo-yo back to Ladybug.
That's when Rena Rouge lands and parries Ringtail away from the injured Cat Noir. Ringtail is thrilled to see Rena Rouge show up, though she once again keeps her mouth shut at wanting the necklace to protect her own identity. Rena Rouge attempts to create a Mirage to throw Ringtail off, but Ringtail steals her flute, swapping it for Cat Noir's baton. This leaves Rena Rouge unable to cast any illusions. (Likewise, Ladybug can't use her Lucky Charm if Ringtail steals her yo-yo.) Rena Rouge is surprised by this ability, and Ladybug and Cat Noir quickly fill her in. Nora is also still present, watching from the side should she need to protect her sister, not realizing her sister is Rena Rouge.
Things continue like this for a bit. Ringtail is just too good at stealing their weapons and keeping them off balance. She's fast. And Cat Noir realizes they need someone faster. He asks Ladybug and Rena Rouge to hold off Ringtail while he heads for back up. They agree with this and hold Ringtail off from following him. Ladybug is secretly surprised she was able to keep her composure around Cat Noir for so long.
What Cat Noir doesn't realize is that Adamantus is also watching and notices him run off. Adamantus talks to Hawk Moth, asking her what he should do. Female Hawk Moth tells Adamantus to follow Cat Noir—he could be going to get an ally or to see the guardian of the miraculous. If Adamantus follows Cat Noir, they'll find out someone's identity.
Adamantus does as told and follows Cat Noir. He doesn't make it far when Alpha and Dauphin block his path. The two had just arrived on the scene, and they were observant enough to notice Adamantus watching from the roof. Dauphin coyly asks Adamantus where he's going, and Alpha asks Adamantus about his powers and whose side he's on.
Adamantus says he serves his "sponsor" and will say nothing else on the subject. "But if you're going to stop me on my mission, you're my enemy."
Alpha asks again if Adamantus has a miraculous or a kwami or if he's been akumatized. Alpha notes that Adamantus also has normal skin color, like Ringtail, which would imply one of the former. Adamantus prepares to attack, pulling out two screwdrivers from his belt. Alpha wants to know if Adamantus works with Hawk Moth or Draco. Adamantus denies both, which is a lie on the former.
Alpha preps his spear. Both charge and strike. Adamantus, being less experienced, misses his strike against Alpha. Alpha lands a direct hit against Adamantus. However, all that happens is that Alpha feels the spear jar badly in his hands. Adamantus is unharmed. Adamantus explains that he is the diamond unicorn—his suit is the strongest of anyone's.
This fortunately buys Cat Noir enough time to lose Adamantus without ever knowing he was being followed. He tracks down Kagami Tsurugi as she finishes with fencing practice. Cat Noir drops in and tells her that he'll "explain on the way back" as he offers her the mantis ring. Kagami smiles, and this is a real smile, as she accepts the ring and Tiia appears. Kagami transforms into Kamaitachi, and both head back to Ladybug and Rena Rouge while Cat Noir fills in Kamaitachi about Ringtail.
Ladybug is happy to see Kamaitachi land, and Rena Rouge greets her—they haven't spoken since Heroes' Day. Cat Noir notes that Ringtail still holds Rena Rouge's flute, meaning Rena Rouge can't cast Mirage. Kamaitachi says "leave it to me" and darts in at blinding speeds.
However, Ringtail is marginally faster and swaps out Kamaitachi's twin scythes for Rena Rouge's flute, causing Kamaitachi's strike to falter. However, Kamaitachi finds this an acceptable solution and throws the flute to Rena Rouge who immediately uses Mirage. Ringtail again tries to Steal, but Rena Rouge barely manages to complete her technique before her flute gets exchanged for Kamaitachi's scythes. This time, the illusion shows everyone holding Ladybug's yo-yo, so Ringtail doesn't know which one is the real one. In all of her Steals, she herself even lost track of who held it.
Meanwhile, it's a stalemate between Adamantus, Alpha, and Dauphin. Adamantus withdraws. He says that since he can no longer follow Cat Noir, he has to focus on his primary objective. He leaps to the rooftops. Alpha tries to follow, but Adamantus kicks out Alpha's spear, causing him to crash instead of jump. By the time Dauphin helps Alpha to his feet, Adamantus is gone. (It's also worth noting that their spotters, Ondine and Juleka, have to be nearby as well. Juleka nearly runs forward when her brother crashes, but she maintains enough sense to hold back when Dauphin goes to aid him.)
In the main fight, Ringtail gets pretty irate at this as she, Lila, wants that fox necklace. She curses Rena Rouge to her face. Ladybug, Cat Noir, and Rena Rouge gasp. They notice a grey coloration creeping up Ringtail's neck. "Her skin is changing color! What does that mean?" notes Cat Noir. Ringtail herself doesn't notice this and lunges at Rena Rouge, determined to steal the necklace.
Adamantus arrives in time to notice the change as Ringtail's skin turns grey. He reports this to female Hawk Moth. She notes that this means the peridot raccoon choker has not yet been perfected. She orders Adamantus and Ringtail to both withdraw. Ringtail is able to hear that order (though not the rest of the conversation) and refuses to leave as she's determined to get the fox necklace. Hawk Moth privately tells Adamantus to retrieve Ringtail.
Before he can do so, Kamaitachi rushes in with her Speed Strike and lays Ringtail flat on her back. Ladybug approaches as Ringtail gasps for breath; she declares she's going to break the akumatized item and de-evilize Ringtail. Ringtail recoils and clutches her choker protectively. "So THAT'S where your item is," says Ladybug, as she tricked Ringtail into revealing it. Prior, Ladybug and team had no idea what object Ringtail held was the source of her power. Ladybug moves to take the choker.
That's when Nora shouts "Watch Out!"
The team scatters backward as Adamantus drops between them all, screwdrivers out in attack position. The four of them are surprised to see another villain/super powered individual with normal skin. Adamantus throws Ringtail over his shoulder and prepares to flee with her. Ladybug tells him "not so fast," and throws her yo-yo to bind him. Adamantus is able to deflect it with one swipe of his screwdriver while dodging Kamaitachi's attack from his blindspot. He also tanks Cat Noir's baton thrust without feeling anything. Rena Rouge demands that he identify himself, so he gives his name "Adamantus—the diamond unicorn."
It looks as if he's surrounded. He has four heroes around him with Nora looking like she's about to charge in on the action, as well as Dauphin and Alpha who have returned back to the rooftops and are close enough to strike. However, Adamantus throws one of his screwdrivers at a nearby power transformer, causing it to explode. It's dangerous enough that the heroes recoil from it. That becomes Adamantus's escape route, as his suit is strong enough he doesn't fear the tons of volts of electricity. He escapes into the sparks while the heroes have to deal with the explosion so no civilians get hurt. Ringtail, still winded, curses at Adamantus for hauling her through the explosion as even with her suit, she's not as durable as he is. He notes her complaint with dry apathy.
Once Ladybug and her team have contained the explosion, they realize both Adamantus and Ringtail are long gone. With nothing further to do, Ladybug does her world-healing wave. Rena Rouge and Kamaitachi join in for Pound It. Then Ladybug and Rena Rouge part one way and Cat Noir and Kamaitachi part the other way.
Not far away, Rena Rouge transforms back into Alya. She thanks Ladybug for again trusting her with the miraculous, and Trixx says he's been well taken care of. Ladybug is glad to hear that. Alya asks if Ladybug has heard anything about Master Fu. Ladybug admits that Master Fu has had to go into hiding because of the enemy. They don't know where he is, but as far as they can tell, he's safe. Alya and Trixx are both happy with that news. Ladybug "bugs out" just as Nora comes running (Nora doesn't see Ladybug). Nora is worried and checks to see if Alya is okay. Alya says she is, and Nora gives her a big hug.
Cat Noir and Kamaitachi head into the opposite direction. Once they're somewhere hidden, Kamaitachi transforms back into Kagami and reaches to take off the mantis rings. Cat Noir catches her hand and stops her. When Kagami asks why, Cat Noir says that he and Ladybug trust her and that they want her to keep the mantis miraculous full-time. Kagami is shocked and flattered. Cat Noir explains that it's because as Kamaitachi, she's proven to always fight for the greater good. Things have changed, and they need Kagami to watch after the mantis rings and Tiia. Kagami asks him what changed, but Cat Noir is evasive about that. He just emphasizes that Kagami is to look after Tiia. Kagami promises to do so.
She remarks that it finally feels like she has friends after being alone for so long. Cat Noir asks her what she means. She says that because of her mother and changing schools, she never had friends. But now, at last, she does. She's making friends at school, like Marinette Dupin-Cheng, and she now has a friend who can stay with her in Tiia. Tiia is honored by this. Cat Noir notices that Kagami didn't say "Adrien Agreste." So Cat Noir asks "are those all your friends?" Kagami affirms that. Cat Noir feels sad!hurt about this though he has to hide it. But then, after the pause, Kagami adds "there is one other…but he's more than a friend." Cat Noir hopes she means Adrien, but he can't pry without giving himself away. He heads to leave, giving Kagami a final warning not to use her powers or transform unless he or Ladybug contact her. Then he "bugs out" too.
Elsewhere and by now, Ringtail has transformed back into Lila Rossi. She tells Adamantus off for removing her from the fight. Adamantus very calmly points out that Lila was losing control. He reminds her that the choker she now wears is a loan, and if she doesn't follow the terms, he will reclaim it. Lila huffs and sulks. It's clear she's bitter over this, but she verbally withdraws for the time being. Adamantus tells her she can hang on to the choker for now—however, she is not to transform unless she receives word from him. Lila agrees to these terms and flounces off. Of course, being Lila, she's lying about agreeing.
Adamantus contacts female Hawk Moth and reports what happened. Hawk Moth confirms that it's okay for Lila to hold onto the choker for the time being. Perhaps the key to the miraculous without kwamis is leaving the magic item in the hands of someone for a long time. Female Hawk Moth again admits that this is just a test, and she's going to use the data she gathered today in order to perfect the items she's creating. She orders Adamantus to return, which he does so.
Yet elsewhere, Dauphin and Alpha admit to being thoroughly lost and having no clue where Adamantus went. They receive word through the Akuma Alert app that Ladybug and Cat Noir have forced Ringtail to withdraw. With nothing else left for them to do, they too withdraw and inform the rest of the B Team what happened over the chat server.
Adrien Agreste returns home, saying that he was finally cleared from the safe site as the school had to evacuate due to the akuma. Felix Graham de Vanily made it to the Agreste manor before him, and he's grumble to his mother about having to attend a school. Amelie Graham de Vanily is amused and says she's surprised by how much Felix liked it. Felix insists that's not the case.
Before the conversation goes farther, they hear a car door closing outside. Amelie looks out the window and sees a taxi. She frowns; Nathalie Sancouer is back. Amelie is so obvious in her disdain for the other woman that even Adrien and Felix pick up on it.
Nathalie Sancoeur "returns home from her time in Italy" with suitcase in hand. But she's not alone. With her is a teenage boy about the same age as Adrien and Felix. Nathalie introduces him as Nicholas Sancoeur—her nephew. He has navy hair like her but grey eyes. He's quiet and reserved and a bit nerdy with slicked hair and an argyle vest. Amelie insists on knowing what's going on. "This isn't Nathalie's home, and she can't just bring random people in."
Nathalie replies that actually, yes, it is her home in part as her job contract allows her a room on the premises. She also goes on to elaborate that her older brother died of his injuries in the car accident, and that she is the only family Nicholas has left. He has to stay with her. She is now his legal guardian.
Nathalie, true to her name, is very stoic when she delivers this news. But the news is serious enough that it sombers everyone else present. It hits Adrien hard as he knows what it was like to believe a parent to be dead in a car accident. It even hits Felix, who lost his father not so long ago—though Felix is also good at hiding his grief.
Nathalie requests that Adrien and Felix take Nicholas to help him get settled in. Amelie retains enough suspicion to ask Nathalie why she won't do that herself. Nathalie points out that she's need here as she has to see that the transfer goes smoothly. She checks her watch. No one else has any idea what she means by "transfer."
"Right on time." At that moment, another vehicle drives up. This one is an ambulance (though the lights aren't on.) Nathalie explains that while she was in Italy, she didn't stop working. She had been coordinating with the hospital the whole time—and she was able to get Gabriel and Emilie Agreste transferred for in-home care.
Adrien asks what that means and if it means that his parents are awake. Nathalie regretfully informs him that they're both still unconscious. However, they will be receiving their care in their own home now with a full-time nurse on hand. They won't have to stay in a sterile hospital; they can be with their family. Nathalie says that that's what Gabriel would want.
As they watch, both Gabriel and Emilie are unloaded on gurneys and brought inside. Nathalie helps direct the medical staff to their bedroom, where they'll be cared for. Adrien is so thrilled by this he actually hugs Nathalie, though he still is sad that his parents are comatose. Amelie Graham de Vanily just crosses her arms sourly. She knows that what Nathalie just did was a very good move, and she can't protest against it. All she can do is glower at Nathalie and tell the boys to help Nicholas get settled.
Adrien, however, wants to see his parents get moved in. One man in medical clothing steps forward and introduces himself as Dr. Theroux. He will be staying with Mr. and Mrs. Agreste during the day, and night if needed, to ensure they get the best care. Felix remarks that he thought they were going to have a nurse looking after them. Dr. Theroux explains he is—he has his doctorate in nursing practice. Nathalie adds that Dr. Theroux came highly recommended and that Gabriel and Emilie will receive the best care possible. Amelie and Adrien both say "thank you," Amelie says it coldly but Adrien is genuinely moved. Adrien is also very happy that his home has so many people in it. Even though he's sad about his parents' state, he's glad they're home. And he's glad for more people because it means he won't be alone.
Plagg watches from his hiding place, his eyes narrowed on the unmoving form of Gabriel Agreste. He's frustrated he can't tell Adrien that Gabriel was Hawk Moth. His eyes then slide over to Nathalie, who he suspects as Mayura and as the one who currently has the butterfly miraculous. He realizes that that means that both Nooroo and Duusuu are nearby. Plagg knows he could try to find them…but if he did, that would reveal that Cat Noir is nearby too and would jeopardize Adrien. Plagg sulks that "this is worse than dry cheese." He knows his #1 priority is to keep Adrien safe. And to do that he needs a plan. To come up with a plan, he needs a full stomach. So he raids the fridge. Fluff follows along, confused, but helps herself to a carrot.
Elsewhere in the manor, Amelie passes Felix in the hallway as Felix is helping Adrien get Nicholas moved in. It's not too hard, Nicholas didn't bring much. Amelia whispers to Felix to keep an eye on both Nathalie and Nicholas. She doesn't trust either of them. Felix nods in agreement.
To be continued in Chapter 49: Shark Regina…