Ladybug found her partner and their best friends in an alley close to the Eiffel Tower, where the attack was located. It looked like they were arguing about something, judging by their tense stances, but they stopped immediately when she dropped in from above.
“You're ok-” Chat started relieved, but was interrupted by Carapace shoving himself in front of him, an angry frown tugging his lips down.
“Where have you been?”
She winced at the tone despite having expected it. Nino had been pissed earlier too, but it hadn't been expressed as much, since his civilian persona was a lot quieter than his superhero one.
“I'm so sorry for leaving yesterday.” She dropped her head in shame. “I panicked even though I had no good reason for it. I just thought I couldn't do it after that Akuma took out Chat and Rena. Tikki showed me I was wrong.” She squinted through her fringe at the green clad hero. “I forgot about all the things we already came through. And I ignored you when you tried to remind me.
“I won't ask for your trust back, or that you forgive me. I'll just promise, I will do everything in my power to protect Paris and its citizens. Just like I've sworn to do on that very first day.”
He looked down at her with crossed arms, gaze still stern. Damn, why did he have to be the tallest of them? This was kind of intimidating. Especially with the hood his suit provided on top of the mask to protect his identity.
“I definitely won't act as if nothing happened.” he finally said, “And I will expect that you might disappear at any point of the battle, even if only to react fast enough to protect Rena and Chat.” His expression softened. “But I believe you, when you say you want to do everything you can for Paris. You are a great hero! We all are! So let's go out there and kick that Akuma's behind, like we always do.“
She smiled thankful. That was everything she needed for right now. Everything else could wait till later. “Time to remind Hawk Moth, why he shouldn't mess with this city.”
Her fellow heroes smirked in response, then they all made their way to the next roof to get a good look at today's opponent.
They were greeted with a sight of complete destruction. (She could almost feel Chat trying to make a pun about that, but one look from her shut him up.) Even worse than the one in the street yesterday. No even ground was left. Cars and whole buses were thrown everywhere. Debris from the surrounding buildings blocked escape paths, making it harder for the fleeing civilians to get away.
The akumatized person themself was a mountain of a man, at least a head taller than the mayor. Muscles bulged under his indigo coloured skin. He wore a long blue coat, adorned with purple-blue feathers and black pants. Unlike the usual simple minded minions, this one had clear, intelligent eyes. One hand casually held a sledgehammer situated over his shoulder – clearly the source for all of this destruction – the other rested over a stick like weapon on his belt.
As expected, Hawk Moth hadn't held back with this Akuma.
“It looks like he is waiting for us.” Ladybug started, as soon as she finished taking in the situation. “If we stay out of his sight, we can go and try to evacuate the people still here. I don't want anyone to engage on their own. Not after what happened yesterday. This one looks even more powerful than the Hunter.”
