Shadowteer

Chapter 9

Nino rushed into the room and grabbed Adrien.

"Uncle Nino-"

"Where is he?"

"Uh... what?"

"Where's Chris? Where's my brother?"

"I... wh... Nino, what are you-"

"He's been akumatised. Hawkmoth is back."

"Akumatised?"

"Turn on the news." They switched it on. Nadia Chamack was on the screen.

"There have been several sightings of two akumatised villains in Paris today. The Puppeteer who was then six now sixteen year old Manon Chamack and Shadow who was then eight year old now eighteen year old Christopher Lahiffe. We go straight to our head reporter, Alya Lahiffe for news."

"These two were spotted at the Francois Dupont school as well as the streets. Concern is being shown for both students especially Mr. Lahiffe as he was only just welcomed two weeks ago. The Mayor is doing his best to assure the citizens of their safety."

"Parisians, please remain calm-"

"How do you expect us to remain clam when two of the most powerful akumatised villains could be loose?"

"Um... The chief of police will speak now."

"Citizens, do not panic. It's been less than 24 hours since they went missing and a missing persons report has not been filed by their family members. They're probably off having some alone time, they are teenagers."

"But sir, what about the sightings of the villains? Are you calling the people who saw them liars or something?"

"It could've been anyone. Maybe even cosplay, who knows. No further questions." Complaints flowed from the crowd as Roger Raincomprix left the stage.

"Is the chief correct when he says it could have been anyone? Or is there a new Hawkmoth on the loose? Gabriel Agreste remains locked up for his crimes but the brooch was reportedly never found in my private interview with the superheroes. Where are our superheroes now? It seems their early retirement might be coming to an end. Come back heroes, we need you. With hope that they will come to our aid once again, signing off, Alya Lahiffe." He switched it off, happy to hear her voice.

"It's been too long since I had a tête-a-tête with that woman. I'm going to go meet her. We need to figure this out. Call Chloe and Sabrina." Marinette and Adrien hurriedly transformed, smiling at their children's amazed faces and followed Jade turtle to the Eiffel Tower. Volpina was already there.

"Hey Mr. Agreste, Mrs. Agreste. Mr. Lahiffe."

"Mrs. Lahiffe." She sat down and gestures for him to sit next to her. He sank down and replayed his message.

"Uh... Nino? She... They know. The truth is out. Um... please call me when you get this. Bye Ma- Nino."

"He... he... he called me Mama. He didn't exactly finish but... still." She held up her flute and played it before turning back to him.

"How many times have you replayed that message?"

"Uh... A few."

"Nino."

"From the moment I heard it."

"And you flew all the way here. Playing that."

"Yep."

"All those hours?"

"Yep." She grabbed his phone and pretended to toss it off the Eiffel Tower. He sighed. "Guess I deserve that."

"It was a decoy." She handed him the actual phone. He let out a sigh of relief. She giggled. "You're still addicted."

"It's a blessing."

"Oh yeah, that's why you haven't even come to visit me?"

"Uh... And a curse?"

"It's been four months you douchebag." He winced.

"I'm sorry Alya. You know I love you."

"Try reminding me more often then." He leaned closer. She stood up.

"Don't even think about it you douche."

"But Alya! It's the only thing that's kept me going. That and my music."

"Well, maybe... Maybe I want to be your top priority. Me, Chris, we should be top priority. Your family. Is it that hard to just say no to them once in a while?! You thought we wouldn't miss you?! Are you that self centred?!" Steel Peacock landed on the Eiffel Tower with a scowl.

"Mrs. Kante, you're late." She chuckled.

"Sorry Volpina. Duusu held me up. I love you but you're so emotional!" They chuckled. "I tried calling Chloe but I couldn't reach her. Honestly, I can't help but get worried. She never misses my calls. What's going on? I watched the news."

"It seems Puppeteer and the Shadow are back."

"Yeah, duh? Again, I watched the news. And I was getting so used to retirement."

"Same here. We have one main objective here."

"Yeah, save-"

"Find the butterfly miraculous." Ladybugs glanced worriedly at Jade Turtle who shrugged in response. "We need to keep it safe with Master Fu or we might never get that early retirement. So guys, ready for one last akuma- well two actually."

"The most powerful two."

"Not to mention we're all in our late twenties. Geez we're getting old." Steel Peacock laughed nervously, calling Queen Bee again.

"Chill Steel. I'm sure she's fine."

"Yeah... alright. Besides, I'm sure we can manage without her so... yeah. One last battle with you guys doesn't sound so horrible."

"Aww, cause were all so feathered by your presence." She snorted.

"You bet your tail you are Chat Noir." Ugh, where is that girl? Nathaniel will kill me with calls if I don't get his precious honey bee back to him in one piece.

"The battle to end all battles. Unfortunately, you're talking about Chranon here. I can't have you heroes ruining my fun, now can I?"