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Ladybug's P.O.V
In front of me sat Bunnyx, who was too ashamed to look me in the eyes. She kept her face hidden in her knees as I narrowed my eyes at her. I crossed my arms, feeling anger boiling within me.
How could she let Master Fu sacrifice himself like that so willingly? Did she not care about him like the rest of the team? Was she really that cold-hearted?
I glanced over to Chat Noir, who kept a steely gaze on Gabriel Agreste for whatever reason. I wondered why we were here and what Gabriel had to do with anything. Yet, my focus at the moment is on the rabbit hero...if I can even call her so.
I am pretty sure that I was the only one that spotted the portal that Master Fu had come through. The portal that placed him in the perfect position for his death. There was only one miraculous that could precisely coordinate when Gabriel Agreste would have shot that gun.
The miraculous of time.
Bunnyx was well aware of what was going to happen. She foresaw so many outcomes of that moment but chose the one with Master Fu sacrificing himself.
Was there really no other way to avoid such horror of a friend's death?
The simmering rage within me began to cool down. I kept staring at Bunnyx. She had yet to pull her face away from its hiding place and her rabbit ears drooped. The tension in my shoulders loosened. My face softened just like my heart, now filled with sympathy.
Maybe...maybe there was not another way.
Maybe, Master Fu's sacrifice was supposed to be beneficial. Only Bunnyx would understand that. She is the only one that knows what will happen in the future—in the many futures with different scenarios.
The future is like a rapid, winding river that splits off into many directions and continues to do so the further it goes. But it would be unclear what is ahead. Nobody would know the path unless they have been down it.
Bunnyx must have seen all the potential choices and was forced to choose one even though she did not like it. This must have been a difficult decision to make. I could not imagine the high responsibility of handling such a powerful miraculous that can decide the fate of many.
Actually, maybe I do a little. Many people are relying on me to save the day. It can be very overwhelming.
I placed my back on the wall and slid down it, sitting next to Bunnyx. I extended my hand over, placing it on her shoulder. Bunnyx tensed, her grip tightening and tried to huddle more into herself.
My frown deepened. I could feel my heart cracking in remorse for my friend. I gulped down a lump in my throat before speaking.
"Bunnyx..." I gently began. Her rabbit ears twitched. A sign that she was listening. I squeezed her shoulder in comfort.
"...I am truly sorry that you had to make such a difficult decision. Was there really no other way of avoiding his death?" I asked, whispering my question so Chat Noir did not hear. Yet, he seemed way too focused on Gabriel.
Bunnyx finally lifted her head from her knees, revealing her blotchy, tear-stained cheeks. Her eyes were puffy and red from crying. She eased her knees away so she could use her hands to communicate.
It was hard to interpret with her hands shaking but I understood what she was saying.
"There was no other choice. I am deeply sorry," she signed.
I could not help myself but wrap my arms around her and pull her close. Bunnyx was surprised at first but slowly returned the embrace and buried her face into my shoulder.
"Gabriel Agreste," Chat Noir hissed, earning my attention, "I demand that you stop this madness right now."
"I already told you! I am-"
"LIES!" Chat yelled, cutting off Gabriel. Chat slammed his baton right into Gabriel's cage yet the prisoner's scowl did not falter.
"You know..." Chat added in a very disturbing tone, "I have been curious about what my power could do to a living being. You know how us cats are when we are curious. We do everything in our power to figure it out to satisfy us."
I have never seen Chat Noir like this. The bitter cold, sharp-edged tone of his voice. Even his threat sent a chill down my spine. The raging inferno blazing in his piercing eyes. The absolute hatred for the man in the cage radiating off of him.
I felt a tap, returning my focus to Bunnyx. We split away from each other so that she could sign me two words.
"Stop him."
I was confused at first before looking over at Chat Noir.
"Cataclysm!" the blonde called upon his power. I felt my breath getting caught in my throat. Then, I launched myself at Chat Noir and wrapped my arms around him. I pulled him away from Gabriel before getting the chance to touch him with the destructive power.
"LET ME GO! HE WILL PAY! HE WILL PAY! HE WILL PAY!" Chat Noir yelled, trying to fight his way out of my hold.
"Stop, Chat! Do not...do this!" I grunted. He was really putting up a fight. Bunnyx rushed over to help me hold Chat Noir back.
"HE KILLED MASTER FU! HE NEEDS TO PAY FOR HIS SINS!" Chat argued, not relenting in his attempt to execute Gabriel.
"Chat Noir...listen to me!" I exclaimed, "If you do this...you will be...just as bad as him! Revenge is never...the answer! You will only feel worse or nothing at all! Doing this will...not bring Master Fu...back!"
Chat Noir slowly began to settle down, breathing heavily. His tense muscles went slack as a grumpy expression worked on his face.
"We still have to stop him," Chat Noir said, "He is Hawkmoth! He can stop that Akuma!"
"Are you deaf?! I already told you that I am not Hawkmoth! I would never go as low as to use that horrendous devil craft you call magic! I would rather be killed!" Gabriel proclaimed, irked by such claims.
"Stop with your false accusations, old man!" Chat Noir seared back.
"Chat Noir," I said. I placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his gaze away from Gabriel. "He is not Hawkmoth."
Chat Noir's eyes bulged, looking at me as if I grew another head.
"Pray to tell how you would know this," Chat Noir questioned.
"The team and I had searched them head to toe. We disarmed them from everything they had on hand, including searching their mouths. We even made them change into those rags just in case their clothes had any hidden pockets we were unaware of," I explained.
"Through our thorough search, we discovered that Gabriel Agreste did not possess the broach of the butterfly."
"How do we know that one of his buddies that escaped does not have it?" Chat Noir asked.
"Everyone who works with me, we all despise magic. None of us possess what you seek," Gabriel scoffed.
"You say you hate magic so much, then why did you use stealth magic? How can we trust your word, murderer?" the blonde snarled.
"We used no such blasphemy. It was all purely skill," Gabriel said, offended.
I had to admit, that is impressive if they did not use stealth magic. If not, they must be highly trained in dealing with magic users. They knew how to sneak up on us and how to use those banshee weapons.
"I am no murderer," Gabriel continued, "None of us are. We are soldiers—protectors—of the people who bear no magical abilities from those who do. You are the true murderers."
Chat Noir's eyes narrowed, "You are all members of the SSS."
"Indeed, we all are," Gabriel confirmed.
"I thought you disbanded years ago. Why make an appearance now?" Chat asked.
"When the first Akuma appeared, we tried to kill the beast but we were outmatched. Then, you supposed "heroes" came along and managed to beat it. We continued to try but only lost more good men and women. So, we went into hiding with a bitter taste in our mouth in letting you rebels protect Paris."
Gabriel let out a sigh, "Yet, you seem to be failing too and more innocent people are being killed by those monsters. I decided it was time to come out of hiding and got in touch with a few of my fellow members. We were tired of waiting. It is our sworn duty to protect the people from you killers."
"But we are no killers," I stated, "You are the killer. We protect the people."
"That old man got in my way. He would have been fine if he did not get involved. And of course, you are. You all are! Anything or anyone that deals with magic are monsters. Murderers," Gabriel hissed, "Magic corrupts. Magic is evil."
"Why do you say such nonsense? What made you believe that magic is evil?" I questioned. I am honestly surprised by how compliant Gabriel is being. I thought he would be a very secretive man yet he is answering all our questions.
Gabriel stared at me for a moment before shaking his head, "It does not matter. Why would you care about us in the first place? No one had before. What difference would it make now? All of you magic users are the same. Preying on the weak."
"Gabriel, are you not a wealthy class citizen? You are aware that the rich prey on the poor, do you not?" I questioned. This left Gabriel silent, giving me my answer.
"Things can change for the better. I have seen the exiled wealthy class children go from self-centered to selfless. The wealthy class may reject the poor but the poor are welcoming and forgiving. They change perspectives. If you give us a chance, let us change your perspective on magic but I need to know why you hate it so much."
Gabriel seemed to think over my words but did not have enough time to make up his mind.
Chat's communication alerted him of a call.
"Yes, Rena?" Chat answered before his eyes blew wide with surprise.
"What is it?" I asked.
Chat's green eyes locked onto my bluebell in disbelief.
"They found the Akuma," he answered, "We need to go right now."
I thinned my lips out. I wanted to stay and talk with Gabriel a little longer. Yet, I knew dealing with this Akuma had to come first. Gabriel will hopefully still be here by the time we return.
"We will continue this discussion later. I feel as though there may be an error in what you believe in," I told Gabriel.
"We shall see, Ladybug," Gabriel spat, "As will cannot be so easily bent, my mind cannot be easily swayed."
"Then, we shall see," I replied, turning my attention to Chat and Bunnyx.
"It is time we defeat that wretched demon."
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"How much longer until we find Rena and Carapace?" I asked Chat Noir. We were currently hopping from roof to roof in the direction of Rena and Carapace.
"We are nearly to them but they are moving around quite a lot. This Akuma must be difficult to keep contained," Chat explained, "It seems Pegasus has just arrived to help them."
"Very good. The more the merrier," I said.
Chat Noir raised an eyebrow at me and a question on his lips, "Is that not a wealthy class saying?"
I tensed for a moment, thinking that he may be onto me. I was unaware that there were specific sayings that pertained to certain sections. I suppose I need to be more careful with what I say.
"I...uh...must have picked up on it from hearing it so often from others," I said. In a way, it was the truth.
An explosion cut our conversation short. Hopefully, he will not question it further and pray he forgets my little slip-up. It might clue him in that I am rich folk.
I know Rena is aware of my status and is okay with it. I assume Bunnyx knows who I am, considering she can see through time. Yet, I do not know how the other rebels will react if they discover my reputation.
I have even wondered if any of the miraculous holders are in my situation. A rich male or female disguised as a superhero. Maybe, Rena is or was a wealthy class citizen too. I cannot ponder on this though. We all are to keep our identities secret from each other for the safety of our loved ones.
I was brought out of my thoughts when something flew inches away from my head. I flinched and almost lost my balance.
"Ladybug, are you okay?" Chat called, readying his baton for battle.
"Yes, I am," I replied, focusing my attention on the battle commencing before me.
Carapace was protecting Rena with his shield. The Akuma had a grotesque shape of a monster. It had large, muscular arms and neck. Yet, from the waist down was strangely small—almost human-shaped.
Its face was one of the theater masks; the mask of tragedy. From the mask, something like tears spilled like a stream of burgundy. It even released sobs and screams of pain.
The Akuma kept hitting Carapace's shield. With each hit, the shield cracked more and more.
"Voyage!" Pegasus called upon his power. A look of concentration wrinkled his face.
A portal formed right under Carapace and Rena's feet. The two slipped into the portal and appeared out of a different one next to Pegasus. The shield vanished and the Akuma stumbled forward. The mask on the monster's face morphed from sad to mad.
It was a wonder how we were having trouble finding it earlier with how rambunctious its nature is.
I did not have time to think. The Akuma yelled in righteous fury and punched into a hut's wall.
The hut I took refuge on top of.
The home shook, causing me to lose my balance. I yelped, trying to latch onto anything I could grip.
"Ladybug!" Chat called, leaping over to me. He tried to grab my hand as I did the same with his. Yet, we merely brushed fingertips. I fell and landed on the ground below.
Luckily, the building had a pretty low roof so I hardly took any damage.
Unfortunately, the fall was the least of my concerns with the oncoming danger. I sat within the shadow of the Akuma and stared up at it looming over me.
"Of all the timing in the world, why did my cursed clumsiness have to affect me now?" I thought, bitterly. The burgundy creature stared right back with a tilt of its head before letting out a horrendous yell.
My ears felt as if they would burst. I quickly covered them but I could not protect myself from the onslaught of goopy "spit" that splattered on me. Once it stopped, I looked at the mess and scrunched my nose in disgust.
"Gross," I murmured, displeased.
I did not focus on the goo for too long when the Akuma raised its arms and was about to squash me like a bug...ironically.
Chat Noir jumped at the Akuma, raising his weapon and hitting the monster. This was enough of a distraction for me. I hurried to my feet and got away.
"Ladybug, are you alright?" Multimouse asked.
"I am," I confirmed.
"Very good," Multimouse said, relieved, "How do we stop this creature? It is very powerful."
I glanced over at Chat Noir trying to battle the Akuma. Alongside him were the rest of the team. For its strange shape and the top half of it being more muscular than its bottom half, it moved faster than I thought it would. It did not help that it was very strong, fueled by the energy of negative emotions.
The scary part, I do not believe that it is using its full power.
I can sense the raw hatred radiating off of it. It sent a chill down my spine, constricting my heart with a vice grip. It was as if I was feeling those emotions. The inner turmoil and outrage of a caged beast. Now free, it plunders the world of everything good so that the world may feel as miserable as the beast itself.
To feel its pain and wrath.
"Our powers must be protecting us from going on a full rampage or breakdown such are the victims of the Akuma's effects," I thought.
After Vesperia dodged the Akuma's attack, the monster snapped its neck over to me. I snatched my yoyo from my hip and readied to fight. Multimouse did the same with her weapon.
Not caring what was in its way, the Akuma charged over at us. Multimouse and I swung away before it could trample us. The Akuma continued to run off. Much to my surprise, it turned into a cloud of smoke and flew away.
"That is why it was so difficult to find it," I thought, "But why did it flee? It does not seem to have any one direction it follows and randomly goes different ways from seeing the destruction it caused around the poor section. Where is it going? Does not Hawkmoth want my and Chat Noir's miraculous?"
"Where is it going?" Chat asked, approaching Multimouse and me.
"I do not know," Multimouse replied. I kept quiet, in deep thought. I kept trying to come up with any theories yet none of them quite made sense.
The rest of the team began to gather with the three of us. Carapace helped Rena over to us, having required a leg injury during the battle.
"What is its goal?" I wondered out loud, "It is an Akuma made by our negative emotions. So, we should have an idea of the Akuma's purpose. If it is not targeting us and has already rained havoc on the poor section, then what is it truly after? It has accomplished its mission. Correct?"
The team glanced at each other before Chat Noir acknowledged me, "Those were things we have theorized from past experiences. Yet, this Akuama's objective is much different from the others."
I hummed in thought before it hit me. A memory of what happened at the hideout earlier.
"Of course! Why had I not thought of it before?" I said, earning every curious eye of my team, "Think about it, all of our hate and sadness in one entity. The one that our negativity was directed at after...what accrued with our master."
"What are you saying?" Vesperia questioned, not understanding.
"Chat Noir, who would be your target after what happened with Master Fu?" I asked my partner. It did not take long for him to realize who I was talking about.
"And the rest of you, who caused you so much grief," I added. One by one, their eyes widened having registered what I was getting at. Bunnyx was the only one who was not surprised, already knowing.
"You do not mean..." Carapace trailed off.
"Yes," I stated.
"The Akuma is after Gabriel Agreste."
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