THE RAIN & THE SUN

Note: Wow! Can't believe the end of this story is here. Thanks to everyone for your support. I was so nervous in the beginning about posting this story, but you've all encouraged me to keep going. Thanks for all your reviews, favorites, and follows.

Rose Tiger: Haha yes I know it is. That was my intent as I got to the end. Thank you so much for all of your reviews! I hope you read the sequel when it's out.

Lylex96: Lol sorry, but also kinda not sorry. Thanks for sharing. One of my friends is the same. She cries in every movie. By cry I mean bawls. Thanks for your reviews, hope you'll want to read the sequel.

8unnix: Glad you liked it! Aww thanks! I always fear I can't write things that gets emotions out of people. Or that it comes across poorly. That's where this chapter is heading. Um yeah… you might want to grab a tissue box before reading this chapter. Haha yes, I just had to add that. Never mess with Marinette! Lol thanks for being that loyal. Took less time than a year to write. Literally wrote this in a day when I started. Don't know how that happened. Anyway, thanks for all of your reviews and I hope to see you reading the sequel!

ButterflyStarCat: Thanks for sharing! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing my story. Hope you read the sequel, I mean you kind of have to lol.

RememberTheDragons: I'm not ever going to directly punish them, but just assume the police handle them. Considering they've admitted to doing illegal things in the past. Thanks so much for your review! Glad you love my story and hope you'll like the sequel.

GuenZhenXuan2020: So glad you love it! Can't say if Félix will get one and if he does, which he would get. (HINT: read the sequel, he might. And by might, I mean I don't know because I don't have it all the way planned out yet lol). Thanks for your reviews and hope you'll read the sequel.

StarCatcher10: Yep, can't end it here! Maybe, maybe not. Who knows what I'll plan. Lol same! People are terrifying. I remember talking to a guy I've gone to school with for YEARS and we were forced to talk to each other because of our parents. We both tried to drown ourselves drinking water instead of talking to each other like normal people. No wonder guys avoid me lol. Thx and thx for all of your reviews. Hope you read the sequel.

xSapphirexRosesxFanx: Gotta read to find out! Thanks for reviewing and I hope you'll enjoy the sequel.

First I want to say I haven't read any more of your fanfictions. Been so focused on writing this last chapter, but I promise to get to them. I haven't forgotten you.

I totally wish I had a map for this show lol. It's hard to know where everything is in relation to each other. Confession, I watch parts of episodes as I'm writing a chapter for specific information if I can't recall it clearly. For this chapter I needed to see the area around Adrien's house, so the first episode that popped into my mind to help was Cat Blanc. That episode hits a little different than any other ones. Does anyone else stop breathing during some parts while watching the show? Or is that just me? Lol. Anyway, hope you all enjoy this last chapter.

The Rain & the Sun

Chapter 18: Until

After all this time of complaining over his feeding habits, Adrien is practically shoving cheese down Plagg's throat. Truth be told, Plagg has never seen Adrien so… well scary. Plagg crams the cheese into his mouth and before he's swallowed, Adrien is calling him to transform.

Cat Noir wastes no times taking out his staff to track Ladybug. He should be able to catch up to her. Never in his life has he ran as fast as he is right now. Some of the citizens look to the skies, fearing another akuma attack so soon. Cat doesn't stop to explain. His heart is racing too loudly to hear their questions anyway.

By the time he's reached Ladybug, he's so out of breath.

"You okay kitty?" Ladybug raises an eyebrow.

Not able to use words Cat nods a few times. Ladybug bites her lip to keep herself from laughing. This hardly seems like an appropriate time.

The two heroes continue following the butterfly across Paris. With Ladybug's luck and Cat Noir senses, there's no way it'll disappear on them.

Ladybug feels as if adrenaline alone is carrying her rooftop to rooftop. If she's wasn't running, she might be shaking. They're about to come face to face with Hawk Moth. The man responsible for preying on the city's fear, turning them into villains, and attacking the city, all for a wish.

Every possible strategy floats through her mind. Maybe she can reason with him. Sounds unlikely. They've only fought a few times and they were all short, ending with Hawk Moth's escape. No more. He won't be able to hide once they find out who he is. Then of course, Ladybug worries that the two of them won't be enough. If they really are going to Hawk Moth's lair, they'll have to careful for any traps. Mayura will probably be there too. Together the two villains are strong. Not as strong as Ladybug and Cat Noir's powers, but they still need to work together.

Which makes Ladybug nervous. They're just recovering from a fight. And it isn't like they got to talk through much of it, hardly any at all. Ladybug and Cat need to be at their best. Is this the time for her plan? What if they aren't ready to face Hawk Moth?

Ladybug shakes her head. They'll have to be. Hawk Moth and Mayura will just keep coming after her and the people she cares about until they get what they want. It has to end here. It's just, Ladybug has this awful feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Cat is lost in his thoughts as well. He always knew they would fight Hawk Moth and Mayura in a final battle, but it just seems to come out of nowhere now. When he woke up this morning, all was fine. Still on edge with Marinette, but he never imagined this.

Speaking of which, are Ladybug and him ready for this? They did take down Daizzi, but there's still tension. Tension between them and with everything else going on. Cat would wait if it weren't for his Lady and Princess being in danger. It doesn't matter what happens today, he'll do anything to keep his partner safe. For some reason, he has this sinking feeling. Maybe he's just nervous, but he feels that this battle won't turn out the way they want.

A sigh from Ladybug catches Cat Noir's attention. He looks over at her just as Ladybug's eyes turn his way as well. She gives him a half-warm smile.

"Ready?"

Cat Noir does his best to return the smile.

"Anything with you Bugaboo."

The drumming in Ladybug's ears is getting louder and louder with each leap. The suspense inside her is building, with every step they're closer to Hawk Moth. Her wandering mind almost is her undoing. Cat Noir puts an arm out to stop her from falling off the roof.

Ladybug looks at the ground below her briefly before looking up. Her heart nearly stops at the sight. The reason they stop is clear now. There's too much room between this roof and the next. The next roof being Adrien's house. For them, it's like they forgot how to move. They watch as the butterfly changes directions slightly and flies closer to the Agreste mansion. Ladybug holds her breath. Please no. She doesn't want to look at Cat when the butterfly disappears somewhere in the house.

Cat doesn't know how to react. He just saw the butterfly fly to his house, but he still can't believe it. Ladybug was right. He yelled at her, hated her words, and yet, she was right. His own father is Hawk Moth. He doesn't know if he should break down crying, scream, or throw up. He goes with option one. Cat falls to his knees, unable to stand. Ladybug is immediately at his side. She's unable to prevent the silent, stream of tears from running down his face.

The whole world shatters. That's how Cat feels. There's a lump in his throat and all the air has been sucked out of him. His limps feel weak and his heart is no longer in his chest. Is this what it feels like to fall apart?

Ladybug wishes she was wrong. Even with her heavy suspicion and accusation, it's still a shock to her. After her fight with Adrien, she hoped that he was right. That his father would never stoop this low, that she was crazy for thinking such things, that someone else not connected so strongly to them is Hawk Moth.

How are they supposed to fight now? How can her kitty fight him? His own father. So many thoughts and feelings are coursing through her mind at the moment, but she knows they can't compare to her partner. She wants to comfort him, but really, what can she say? Nothing that comes out of her mouth can make this situation better.

"I'm so sorry," Ladybug chokes out.

It's at that moment she realizes she's crying too. Why neither are making any noises while they cry is a mystery to her. It's like for a time, everything around them fell silent, the discovery too loud for sound.

Cat Noir can't acknowledge her words. He can feel her next to him, her hand shaking slightly on his shoulder. Yet, he feels as if he's alone, drifting farther and farther away. Ladybug's hand gently squeezes his shoulder.

"I'm so, so sorry," Ladybug weeps.

He looks over his shoulder, tears nearly blinding his eyes, to see Ladybug crying just as hard. For him. A few tears escape him along with some chokes before Cat tries to swallow it all down. Not an easy task. He stands, Ladybug's hand sliding off his shoulder. Now facing her, his tears don't escape his eyes.

"Why are you sorry?" Cat Noir consoles.

Ladybug wipes her tears, but as she wipes them away, new ones appear just as quickly.

"I-I wish I was wrong… I n-never… I wish I-I wasn't r-right. I didn't want your father to be Hawk Moth!" Ladybug stumbles over her words.

She stares into Cat Noir's eyes. The sorrow swims heavily in them. He uses both hands to pull her closer by her shoulders until their foreheads are touching. Breathing her in helps clear his mind. One claw slowly rises to softly stop her tears.

"You have nothing to be sorry about," Cat assures softly. "We can't change the past. My fa– he's Hawk Moth. There's nothing we can do about that. But we still need to stop him. He's not going to stop coming after you until he has our miraculouses. I'm not going to let even him win."

"But Cat… can you fight him? He's still your father. No matter what he's done."

Cat Noir closes his eyes. He doesn't know how he'll be able to. How will he look him in the eye and fight? Would he keep fighting if he knew who Cat Noir is under the mask? Maybe he already does, maybe he doesn't even care.

"I'll have to. I'll be okay, as long as you're by my side."

Both want to attempt a smile to lighten the mood, if only by a fraction, but never are capable of doing so. Instead, they face back to the side of the Agreste Mansion. This is it, this is really it.

"How are we going to get inside and find your father without being discovered?" Ladybug inquires.

"It won't be too complicated. Outside, there are motion-activated cameras. Luckily I know all the blind spots to my room. There's an open window there; I always keep it open just in case. Inside will be easier. No one will see us on the cameras unless Nathalie is watching them in that moment, and she rarely does that," Cat explains.

"And what's your plan for when we get inside?"

"We find Hawk Moth. He'll be there somewhere."

"And Nathalie as Mayura," Ladybug reminds.

Oh gosh, that totally slipped Cat Noir's mind. He can't believe Nathalie is Mayura either. It's just so weird to think about.

"Follow me," Cat guides.

The two jump over the fence and through the yard to Adrien's opened window. It seems they've gotten through without being noticed. Ladybug looks around his room, her eyes trying to normalize the situation. Her feet carry her to Adrien's computer screens with his mother and him as the background.

"She's the reason for all of this," Cat steps next to her.

Ladybug's head turns to face him. Cat's eyes are focused on his mother: her sunshine hair, her radiant smile, and her deep, green eyes. He looks so lost in thought she wonders if a memory is replaying in his mind.

"I guess she really is dead," Cat continues. "Hawk Moth must be trying to bring her back. That must be why he's doing this, the reason he won't tell me anything."

Ladybug bites her lip. She can't cry again in fear she won't be able to stop.

"I'm sorry we can't bring her back. If there was another way, but…" Ladybug trails off.

"It's just too dangerous. If we wish for mother to come back to life, someone will die in her place. I could never live with that. Even for her."

Ladybug walks to his door.

"You know the house best and have the best ears. I say we find Hawk Moth's lair. He might be there," Ladybug devises.

"I don't know where that could be."

"We'll start going through rooms it could be. I think we should continue our stealth until we find him."

"Alright Milady."

Cat Noir places his ear next to the door. He nods. The two sneak out Adrien's bedroom door with Cat leading the way. They should be brave, on alert for anything, but Ladybug can't help but reach out for Cat's hand. His thoughts are similar, and their hands meet in the middle. They hold each other's hand tightly in hope it'll anchor them together.

Hawk Moth's transformation falls as his butterfly returns. It returns to fluttering about without a care in the world, as if Gabriel's heart isn't breaking a little more. His anger would skyrocket if his sadness wasn't so much stronger. Nathalie left a few minutes ago to attend to some of her duties.

He needs a moment to himself. Another plan ruined by Ladybug and Cat Noir. A kwami akumatized still isn't strong enough to beat them. How can a child be this strong? Two, assuming Cat Noir is her age. At first he suspected his son. Any crazy, untrusting villainous father would. But the evidence conflicts. Either way, he'll find out. Until then, he'll exploit his knowledge on Ladybug's identity.

There was a time he wouldn't go to such levels, but now he doesn't care. He'll do anything for his wife, the love of his life. Emilie will come back to him, no matter the path, no matter the consequences. Thinking about her, he should go visit her. But the thought of facing her in this moment doesn't sit well with him. He needs to compose himself first. Just a few more minutes.

Ladybug and Cat Noir make it to the top of the staircase. After checking the second story for possible places for Hawk Moth to hide with no luck, Cat suggests they try the first floor. His father has more places he uses down there. Halfway down the stairs, Cat hears someone approaching.

"Hide!" Cat whispers.

The two silently jump off to the opposite side. Cat peers around the end column to watch for the person passing by. Félix rounds the corner carrying a tray of food. He grumbles under his breath.

"I can't believe Adrien snuck out again. Without me!" Félix complains. "Oh well, I'll just play video games on his TV."

Félix climbs up the stairs and enters Adrien's room. Cat Noir gives the all clear. The heroes continue their search. They make their way to Mr. Agreste's atelier. While Ladybug scans the hallways, Cat leans an ear on the door before opening it. They step inside and shut the door.

"My father spends most of his time in here. This has to be it," Cat figures.

Though looking in all directions, it's clear there are no butterflies flying about. No Hawk Moth either.

"It's strange. My father practically lives in this room. It's odd he's not in here in the middle of the day," Cat notes.

"Well maybe the room he goes as Hawk Moth is nearby," Ladybug guesses.

"Possible. Maybe he has something written down on his tablet."

Cat walks over to the screen and starts looking through the tabs. Ladybug is about to make a joke, teasing Cat that Hawk Moth wouldn't write down his lair like a treasure map, but she's not sure how a joke would be taken right now. Even for her kitty. She busies herself by looking around. The giant painting captures her attention.

Cat grumbles frustrated behind her.

"Nothing! Why can't he make this easy for us?!" Cat fumes.

Ladybug's eyes don't stray from the painting. Cat turns to her noticing what's occupying her mind.

"My father keeps a safe behind it," Cat discloses. "That's where I found the miraculous book."

Ladybug stares at him. That could be useful.

"Show me."

Cat moves the painting to reveal the safe.

"I don't know the combination though."

This is Hawk Moth they're dealing with, but also a heart broken man. Doing all of this for his wife.

"When's your mother's birthday?"

Cat nods before typing it in before hitting the unlock button. It clicks open.

"The book is still there," Cat mentions.

"Along with some other things," Ladybug picks up a paper. "It's a hotel flyer. Your parents must have stayed here when they went to Tibet."

"My mother was never the same after that trip," Cat deflates.

"I wonder what happened."

"You think something happened there that followed her here and," Cat pauses. "Killed her months later?"

"I can't be sure, but it would make sense."

Cat concentrates on his mother's photo. In his memory, there's something off about the safe.

"Wait," Cat Noir remembers. "There was a peacock brooch the last time I opened the safe."

"The peacock miraculous?"

Cat Noir smacks his forehead.

"Of course Plagg didn't notice that. He was too distracted by cheese. What a pain."

"So they've had both miraculouses the whole time. Since when your parents brought them back from Tibet…"

"What are you thinking?"

"Well, why did they wait so long to use the peacock miraculous? In fact, why did your parents not use them at all? I don't remember hearing about anyone using them. And how does all of this explain what happened to your mother?"

"I don't know, but we won't find the answers here. Let's find Hawk Moth."

Cat Noir closes the safe and Ladybug places the painting back.

"The painting is really exquisite. Almost as if Gustav Klimt painted it himself," Ladybug observes.

Her hands skim over something that isn't quite right.

"Wait," Ladybug halts them.

"What? You find a flaw?"

"Yeah," Ladybug pauses to press her fingers to one of the buttons. "Paintings don't usually let you press them in like this."

"Whoa, and hey! There are two more next to it," Cat discovers.

Ladybug looks across and finds three more similar buttons to the right and slightly lower.

"Three more over here."

"Should we press them?"

That never goes well in the movies, but what's the worst that could happen? Ladybug nods. They take three buttons each and press them at the same time. The ground where Cat Noir's right foot and Ladybug's left foot is begins to lower. The two step fully into the circle. As they descend, the simple circle becomes a clear, tube elevator. The heroes are shocked by what they see.

"What is this place?" Ladybug wonders.

"I have no idea."

The elevator opens once the two of them reach the bottom. Stepping out, they take everything in. They're in a long room with a curved ceiling. There are small light fixtures on both sides, barely lighting up this side of the room. There's a catwalk between metal beams that goes to the other side. Ladybug notices the large window on the opposite wall.

"Is that…?"

"A butterfly," Cat finishes.

He makes the first step toward the catwalk. Ladybug follows closely behind. Looking down, they can see the ground below is covered in water. And also, a large tree with roots spreading out.

"Why would Hawk Moth need a tree down here?" Cat Noir questions.

"It looks familiar somehow."

"How is that possible?"

"I have no idea, but with the way it's glowing… I've definitely seen it before."

The heroes reach the platform. There are plants and parts of the tree everywhere. In the center is a coffin with a white and gold cover.

"It's so bright over here," Cat notices.

"It's like the light is coming from the tree."

Cat walks closer to a bush, noticing a white cocoon hanging off it.

"This must be where Hawk Moth gets his butterflies," Cat theorizes.

Ladybug walks closer to the glowing coffin.

"And this must be…" Ladybug can't finish.

"My mother."

Ladybug places a hand on the coffin, causing the cover to open. The two step back in surprise. Cat Noir's jaw drops at the sight. His mother is lying there, almost smiling. Seeing her, Cat trembles.

"She looks… almost alive," Ladybug speculates.

"What?"

Cat forces himself to take another look. She's right. His mother doesn't look dead. Maybe this coffin and these plants have something to do with it.

"This is too weird. Why would my… Hawk Moth keep her here?"

"We're missing something."

Tears resurface for Cat. He falls to his knees, his hands touching his mother's coffin.

"All this time, she was right here. Why won't my father tell me anything? What happened to her?"

"Let's find him. Make him explain everything. What happened isn't normal. Your mother… she shouldn't be like this."

"You mean almost alive? Is the tree doing this to her?"

"No. This tree, I remember it from the miraculous book. Since the butterfly miraculous has unique powers, it needs this tree to create butterflies to be used. But that's all it does. It has no affect on your mother."

Cat Noir stands, more determined, less tearful. His father has the answers to many of Cat Noir's questions.

"Then let's find him. We're not leaving until this all makes sense," Cat determines.

"You have no business being here," a voice from behind chides.

The two whip around to see Gabriel and Nathalie stepping onto the platform. They stay in a defensive stance.

"Ms. Dupain-Cheng, I didn't expect you to come visit me," Gabriel addresses.

Cat Noir sneers in a protective defense.

"I figured I'd return the favor and follow you," Ladybug counters.

"You don't have a right to say anything! You're a heartless, evil man! We're here to stop you for once and for all!" Cat condemns.

"Cat calm down," Ladybug warns quietly. "He's still Hawk Moth and feeds on negative emotion."

"You should listen to your partner. I won't hesitate to use it," Gabriel admits. "Nooroo, dark wings rise!"

"Duusu, spread my feathers!" Nathalie joins.

Cat and Ladybug take a small step back. They anticipated this, but still, they feel unready.

"You're not leaving here with your miraculouses," Hawk Moth swears.

"You're the one that's going to hand over your miraculouses!" Ladybug challenges.

Weapons at the ready, Ladybug takes a deep breath before engaging. She charges toward Hawk Moth, leaping in the air to come down on him. However, Mayura acts quickly and intervenes. Ladybug is forced to face off Mayura and leave Hawk Moth to her partner. Cat doesn't hesitate to extend his staff and advance Hawk Moth. Staff and cane collide.

Ladybug swings her yo-yo at Mayura, but she uses her fan to block all the shots. Retracting her yo-yo, Mayura runs forward to strike Ladybug. Luckily, Ladybug is able to block with her arm. Mayura is fast, faster than Ladybug and more skilled at hand-to-hand combat. Ladybug uses her yo-yo to trip Mayura, allowing her to jump back and catch her breath.

Cat Noir's seemingly neutral face is destroyed from the anger written in his eyes. He won't let Hawk Moth stop to catch his breath or plan a move. It's strike after strike. Once again Hawk Moth is barely able to block one of Cat Noir's attacks. Both press their weapons, trying to use their strength as leverage. With a smirk, Hawk Moth slides his sword stick out and attempts to jab Cat. The plan is futile with Cat's excellent senses. He jumps back in time.

Finally having some distance, Hawk Moth moves to take advantage of it.

"You can't understand why I need to do this," Hawk Moth speaks up. "She's my love, my life. She didn't deserve this. I'm only doing this to set things right."

"You're too far pass doing what's right," Cat argues.

How dare he try to manipulate him by justifying his actions for his mother. He misses her too, but he's not about to take someone's else's life to bring her back.

"Don't you love someone like that? Would do anything for them?"

Cat tries not to shift his gaze over to Ladybug. Of course he understands, but there's a line you can't cross. Hawk Moth crossed that line ages ago.

"I do have people I love, even ones I've lost, but I would never take someone's life in exchange for them. You know that isn't right, we can't cross that line."

Hawk Moth squeezes his eyes closed angrily. If you can't talk sense into them, then go back to using force.

"I guess that's the difference between you and me, I'm willing to cross that line," Hawk Moth declares.

Both advance once again, unable to overtake the other. With a slight shove from both villains, our heroes stand back to back.

"Face it, you're no match for us. Surrender," Mayura persuades.

Mayura and Hawk Moth keep stepping forward closer to them.

"Oh please, no one can beat the Cat and Bug team," Cat smirks.

Cat grabs Ladybug's left arm with his right. He uses his strength and momentum to swing Ladybug around. Fortunately, she was ready for such a move and kicks her legs out, hitting and knocking over the two villains. Both lay on their back, Mayura a little more out of it than Hawk Moth. Ladybug walks over to Hawk Moth, seeing him groan and seemingly dazed. She reaches down to grab his miraculous, but in a blink of an eye, Hawk Moth grabs her wrist and flips her to the ground.

Hawk Moth hovers over Ladybug, holding her one hand down on her chest. The other is pinned under his knee. Hawk Moth smirks.

"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time," Hawk Moth grins maliciously.

Before he can reach down, Cat Noir tackles him off his lady. Ladybug jumps up to her feet, thankful her partner is quick and strong. She's had enough of this. Time to end the fight.

"Lucky charm!" Ladybug throws her yo-yo in the air.

But nothing drops in her hands. Seriously, again?! The last time they fought this badly against Hawk Moth and Mayura nothing fell either, and they ended up losing Master Fu. Ladybug panics. Hawk Moth chuckles.

"How amusing. It seems that when you really need your lucky charm, it fails you," Hawk Moth muses with delight.

Cat worries for Ladybug too. The last time this happened she didn't take it well. She nearly fell apart. He needs her more than ever to be at her best. All of Paris is counting on them, even if in this moment they have no idea.

Ladybug's heart pounds against her chest. Memories of last time race through her mind, threatening to break her again. This can't be. There has to be something she can do. Ladybug looks around, the wheels in her head begin to turn. The five of them, including Emilie, stand out. Her idea is crazy, but it just might work.

Mayura starts to stand up, but Hawk Moth and Cat Noir look to be going at it again.

"You'd really do that Hawk Moth? Hit your own son?" Ladybug blurts out.

Hawk Moth's movements stop. Cat Noir's eyes widen and his head turns to Ladybug in question. What the hell is she thinking?! Mayura is shocked too.

"You know my identity, but did you know Adrien is Cat Noir? Are you willing to hurt him for his miraculous?" Ladybug continues.

Hawk Moth's arms completely fall to his side. The news immobilizing him. Cat Noir walks backwards to Ladybug's side.

"What are you doing?" Cat whispers.

"Do you trust me?"

"Of course, but–"

"Then just follow my lead. Please."

Cat Noir nods.

"Tikki, spots off," Ladybug detransforms.

"Plagg, claws in," Cat Noir follows uncertainly.

Hawk Moth sucks in at seeing his son. Cat Noir really is Adrien.

"Are you going to fight us father? Are you willing to take me down for this?" Adrien spats.

"If you wish to bring back your wife, someone will die. You might trade Adrien's life for her own," Marinette discloses.

Hawk Moth doesn't know what to say. How could be do that? Kill his son's life for his wife? He wouldn't be able to live with himself.

"I can't give up on her," Hawk Moth calmly protests. "She's my wife, your mother. There must be another way. We can't lose her."

"There isn't another way!" Adrien snaps.

"But Adrien, your mother, she isn't dead," Hawk Moth divulges.

Adrien gasps at that, tears are threatening to fall. Marinette is confused, curious at what he means.

"D-Don't you dare hurt me like that," Adrien nearly cries.

"It's true Adrien," Mayura interjects. "Your mother is just in a deep sleep."

"She fell victim to the peacock miraculous," Hawk Moth adds.

"Explain," Marinette orders.

"When we went to Tibet, we found the two miraculouses. We decided to use them, to help people, but the peacock miraculous was damaged. It started to take a toil on your mother and slowly weaken her. I told her to stop using it. We came home and life continued. We decided to hide the miraculouses until we could find a way to fix the peacock miraculous using the book. But trouble we faced in Tibet followed us here. Your mother didn't care about the consequences and used the peacock miraculous. When Emilie detransformed, she was so weak. She closed her eyes and they haven't opened since," Hawk Moth retells.

Adrien doesn't know what to say. He remembers her being weak, coughing and having to rest all the time. To think it was because of a broken miraculous, he wish he could have done something. His mind drifts to Mayura, to Nathalie, and he remembers days of her suddenly falling ill as well.

"And Nathalie? You forced her to use it too? Are you willing for her to fall ill too?" Adrien quips angrily.

"Your father didn't force me to do anything," Mayura defends. "I wanted to help. Emilie was my best friend, I want her back too."

"We were able to fix the peacock miraculous, but we can't reverse the damage it's already done," Hawk Moth informs. "That's why I need the ladybug and cat miraculouses."

"No way, you'll never have them. We won't let you," Adrien argues.

Even if that means his mother has to stay this way forever. His heart breaks at the thought. Marinette takes everything in. She understands why Mr. Agreste is doing this, even if she doesn't approve of his methods. He's heartbroken, grieving his wife who's just out of reach. Is there really nothing that can be done to heal Emilie? Marinette thinks over all the miraculouses, none have the power to help. None but the two.

Marinette grabs Adrien's right hand in her own. She squeezes his hand, coming off as support and comfort. Adrien squeezes back.

"I'm sorry Mr. Agreste, but we can't let you do this. There's just too much risk," Marinette tells as her plan finally finishes forming.

Hawk Moth closes his eyes, a few tears slipping out. He really doesn't want to fight his son, but he can't give up on his wife. Not when he's this close.

Marinette takes a deep breath before she slips Adrien's ring off his finger. She steps away from him. Adrien immediately turns to her.

"What are you doing?!" Adrien inquires.

This gets Hawk Moth and Mayura's attention. They also wonder what Marinette is thinking. Plagg and Tikki tense up.

"Marinette no!" Tikki warns.

"You don't want to do that," Plagg contributes.

Marinette plays with the ring between her fingers. Is this really the best plan she can come up with? Seems so.

"I asked if you trust me, so trust me," Marinette slips the ring on her finger.

The air shifts.

"Tikki, Plagg, merge. Creation and destruction shape my desires!"

A pansy purple body suit with golden lines spreads out from her finger tips to her toes. The golden lines wrap around her legs and arms. Gold also circles the top of the body suit, running down her sternum with intricate patterns on her torso. Around her hips, an asymmetrical, flowy skirt appears. It's also the same pansy purple color with golden lines. Her hair is put in a high, side ponytail and reaches her waist. A pansy purple and gold mask covers her eyes. Her eyes are different from each other. Her right is almost normal, it's usual bright blue color, though slightly larger. Her left is green, cat like.

Marinette's new appearance reminds Hawk Moth of the page of the miraculous book with the ultimate power. She slowly lifts off the air, her eyes closed.

To Marinette there's a bright light everywhere in her vision. Even with her eyes closed, it's brighter than the sun. Blinking her eyes back open, she can tell she's not in the Agreste mansion anymore. Everywhere she looks are different shades of blue. She's floating in a void. Her appearance has changed back to her normal clothes. A figure appears. It's her transformed with the ultimate power. Marinette has never been so confused in her life.

"Who are you? Where are we?" Marinette questions.

"We're inside you, a place only I can reach. As for who I am, that's harder to explain," the entity answers.

The voice changes, sounding more feminine at times, other times more masculine, and sometimes somewhere in between.

"Are you… Tikki and Plagg?"

"Yes… and no. I am good and bad, yin and yang, creation and destruction, light and dark. I am everywhere yet no where at all."

"I don't understand."

"I suppose you wouldn't. It's hard for a human to comprehend."

"Why am I here?"

"You're here because you want to make a wish. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."

"You knew I would make a wish?"

"Of course, I know everything. Past, present, and future. It helps me to keep balance in the world."

"But how can I talk to you? I thought I would just transform and make a wish."

"In a way, I'm like one of your kwamis. I act as your guide before you make a wish."

"You can tell me what will happen if I make a wish? The consequences that will happen?"

"I can. Already I know what you want."

"So it's possible?"

"Anything is possible. You just have to be willing to deal with the consequences."

"Alright," Marinette takes a deep breath. "What will happen if I wish to heal Mrs. Agreste and Nathalie?"

"Someone close to you will fall under the spell. Another will start to feel ill."

Marinette sighs. She can't wish for that, just like she suspected. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

"Maybe there's nothing I can wish for to be worth the risk. There are no good wishes."

"There are, when someone has a pure heart and wishes for something not for themself, but for someone they love. I can see that in you. That's why I asked Master Chen to let you keep the box."

"Master Chen? You mean that was you?"

"Yes, I told Master Chen to let the box stay with you, because I could see something inside of you. There's never been a miraculous holder like you before. Master Fu must have seen that too."

"If you did that, does that mean you wanted me to make a wish all along?"

"All I want is to keep the world in balance. That's my purpose. It's you who wants to make a wish, if you know the right wish to ask for."

Marinette rubs her temples. All of this is starting to hurt her head. This… being is confusing. It says she's pure of heart, then how can she make a wish that would hurt others? Unless… unless she figures out the right wish. Yes, maybe there is a way to fix what's been done and have a consequence she can live with. Realization dawns on her. She turns back to the figure.

"What will happen if I wish to know how to heal them?"

For Marinette she's been talking to the ultimate power entity for a few minutes. To everyone else, she simply blinked her eyes. Adrien takes her in, in awe and yet, afraid for what will happen. They've been told countless times that this power is off limits, and here she is ignoring the rule.

Hawk Moth grips his cane a little tighter. Who knows what she'll wish for. He needs to be ready for anything.

"I wish," Marinette enacts.

The rest of the wish focused in her mind and her heart. Marinette floats back down to the ground. Her transformation falls until she's back to her normal self. Plagg and Tikki fall to the ground exhausted. Adrien hesitantly steps toward her. Marinette's mind still seems to be else where.

"Marinette?" Adrien cautions.

She looks up at Adrien.

"I know what to do," Marinette stops him in his tracks.

"What do you mean? What did you wish for?" Adrien worries.

"Mr. Agreste, if you want your wife back, you need to listen to everything I say. Understand?"

Hawk Moth nods.

"Alright, what do you need?" Hawk Moth accepts.

"Adrien, I need you to get the miracle box and bring it here. Mr. Agreste, the miraculous book from your safe, along with some food for the kwamis. Nathalie, stay here and place Mrs. Agreste on the ground," Marinette issues the first part of the plan.

"And you?" Adrien asks.

"We're missing a miraculous," Marinette responds.

The four split up to do their tasks. Mr. Agreste isn't sure how much food Marinette needs so he grabs everything he can carry. He also unlocks his safe and grabs the miraculous book. Adrien sneaks into Félix's room and closet to retrieve the miracle box. Plagg rests on his shoulder, still exhausted. Just before they split, Marinette gave Adrien back his ring. He tried to get more information from her, but she insisted they focus on the task.

"What do you think will happen after this works? I don't want to lose Marinette or anyone else to get back my mother."

"I don't know," Plagg shrugs.

"What do you mean you don't know? You were in the ring! You always know what I've been doing and say out loud as Cat Noir."

"It's… complicated. I never remember what happens when Tikki and I merge."

Of course he doesn't. Because that wouldn't be helpful at all right now.

"But you know Marinette," Plagg reassures. "You know she would never make a wish if the consequences were bad."

"Then why did she?"

Marinette runs down the sidewalks of Paris. Transforming into the ultimate power is a lot more exhausting than being Ladybug. Tikki is safe in her pocket, trying to regain energy. She wishes she knew what Marinette wished for. What kind of mess has her chosen gotten them into?

Marinette rounds another corner, happy this part is simple. She hides behind a tree, seeing no one else around, and pulls out Tikki.

"Think you could transform for a little while?" Marinette requests.

Honestly, Tikki doesn't think she could, but she has to try.

"Not for long," Tikki says groggily.

"Tikki, spots on!"

Ladybug wastes no time jumping over to where Alix is skating. She's so happy she remembered Alix's favorite spot and that Alix decided to be here at the moment.

"Ladybug!" Alix greets surprised.

Alix takes in Ladybug's posture. She looks like she could collapse at any moment.

"Are you okay? Do you need my help?" Alix becomes excited. "Is it time for Bunnyx to show her face officially to Paris?"

"I'm sorry Alix, but that's not why I'm here," Ladybug apologizes weakly. "I need your watch, the rabbit miraculous."

Alix is confused. Ladybug needs the miraculous but not her?

"Why?"

"Please Alix. I promise it's important. And in time, you really will be Bunnyx."

Alix takes out her watch, observes it, before handing it to Ladybug.

"I trust you Ladybug."

Ladybug smiles.

"Thank you."

Ladybug takes the watch and swings towards the Agreste mansion. She doesn't have enough strength to make it all the way. She drops down to an alley. Before her transformation can fall, she takes Daizzi's miraculous out. Then the rest of the way is travelled on foot. She meets everyone back down in the repository.

"Marinette," Adrien welcomes. "Maybe now you can explain what we're doing."

"Yes please," Mr. Agreste begs.

Marinette lets Daizzi and Tikki down to eat.

"I made the wish to know how to heal Mrs. Agreste and Nathalie. There's a page in the miraculous book that goes into great detail about it," Marinette explains.

"I've never seen such a page. Not that I've been able to translate much," Gabriel ponders.

"That's because you can't find that page unless all the kwamis and their miraculouses are present," Marinette reveals.

The four of them take out all of the miraculouses and awaken the kwamis. They're all excited to see Marinette, along with Nooroo and Duusu. They exchange praises of joy. Duusu even cries. Wayzz flies to Marinette.

"Marinette, I hope you know what you're doing," Wayzz confides.

"I do. Are all the kwamis ready?" Marinette returns.

They all float up.

"Ready!" they all cheer.

Marinette nods. She takes the book and flips to the page about the ultimate power. The page with the purple figure inside the lighter purple flower. The page to the right of it is completely blank. Words undecipherable by Adrien appear on that page. Along with a picture of random dots.

"Those words, they look different than the parts I've translated," Gabriel points out.

"I've seen words like this," Marinette admits.

"Does that mean you can figure it out?" Nathalie questions.

"Yep, in fact, I know what to do now," Marinette smiles.

Gabriel smiles, excited for this to work so he can see his wife again. Adrien is nervous. Marinette walks over to where Emilie is lying on the ground, similar to how she was in the coffin.

"Alright, I'll tell you what miraculouses I need and then you hand them to me," Marinette instructs. "I need the bee, fox, turtle, butterfly, peacock, cat, and ladybug."

Marinette takes out her earrings and places them on the ground just above Emilie's head. She places the rest of those miraculouses around Emilie in a circle.

"Next the rabbit, tiger, snake, mouse, dragon, and monkey."

These are placed more spread out from Emilie, in a circle that looks random to Adrien.

"Finally, the horse, goat, pig, chicken, dog, and ox."

These are even farther out in another random circle.

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Gabriel doubts.

"I'm sure. The shape is perfect. Now kwamis," Marinette holds out the book. "Memorize this song here before taking your place on your miraculous."

The kwamis take a glance at the song before going to their station. Marinette sets the book down and holds out her hand for Nathalie.

"If you please."

"Very well," Nathalie accepts.

Marinette guides her pass the miraculouses and to Emilie's side.

"Sit here. Just breathe normally. It might feel a little tingly but you'll be alright," Marinette advises.

Nathalie nods before sitting down close to Emilie. Marinette goes back to the book to double check everything. She smiles.

"Okay kwamis, it's your turn," Marinette gestures.

The seven kwamis in the center begin to sing first. A circle glows around with Nathalie and Emilie inside, except it goes through Emilie's legs. The next group of kwamis join in the singing. They glow and lines connect from the circle to them, but they seem to form petals. When Adrien looks at the miraculous book, he can see they form a similar flower to the one in the picture.

Lastly, the final group of kwamis start to sing. They form a detailed circle similar to their circle in the miracle box they used to try to contact Nooroo. All the points get brighter as the kwamis keep singing. Way up above them, the patterns of the miracle box forms in the air. The song fades along with all of the glowing light. The kwamis disappear.

"What happened to them?" Adrien panics.

"They're all just tired. They're back in the miracle box recovering," Marinette assures.

"Did it work?" Gabriel steps forward anxiously.

Nathalie stands, feeling better than she has in a long time. No hint of pain or sickness. The room seems to stop as Emilie slowly blinks her eyes open. Gabriel is immediately at her side, kneeling down and holding her hand.

"Emilie?" Gabriel dares himself to believe she's awake now.

Her head slightly tilts as she awakens more. Emilie's eyes stay open as they land on Gabriel. She smiles softly. Gabriel smiles through his tears.

"Gabriel," Emilie greets.

He helps Emilie sit up so they can hug. Adrien is silently crying next to Marinette. He slowly walks forward. Emilie lifts her head off Gabriel's shoulders at his approach. She smiles wider.

"Adrien," Emilie reaches out an arm to him.

Adrien joins in kneeling down next to his mother. His tears fall faster, but this time, they're not from sadness or pain, but from joy.

"I missed you so much mom," Adrien sniffles.

"I missed you too," Emilie begins to cry.

Her hand reaches up to run through Adrien's hair. He can't believe his mother is really here, back in his arms. Even Nathalie is standing nearby, not quite crying, but close. Her smile is wide. She's glad to have her friend back. Gabriel's grip on Emilie doesn't lessen. He's afraid this could all be a dream. If he lets her go even for a second, the dream will end. Adrien turns his head to see Marinette still standing where he left her, but now she's crying, a small smile on her face. He begins to worry. His mother is back, but what are they losing?

Marinette watches the scene before her. Knowing that the consequences are well worth this. She could live with them. She closes her eyes, thinking back on the exchange.

"What will happen if I wish to know how to heal them?" Marinette asks.

"Knowledge is a powerful thing, and what you want to know is even more powerful. To know something so great, things must be forgotten."

"What will I forget?"

"It's not necessarily what will you forget, but everyone else you know."

"What do you mean?"

"Everyone will forget you, as both Marinette and Ladybug. They won't remember that you've ever existed."

"No one will remember me?"

That sounds crazy, extreme. How will she live if her mother and father don't know they have her as a daughter? How can she be friends with people that don't know they've met? How can Adrien love her if he's never seen her before? How can she be Ladybug if no one remembers she's there to protect them?

"Will I still be Ladybug?"

The entity shakes its head.

"None of the kwamis will remember you either. Well, Bunnyx will. Time is funny for her, but as the law of time goes, she'll never be able to tell a soul."

"I have to give up being the guardian… that means I won't remember being guardian either."

"An unfortunate side effect for keeping the world in balance."

"So basically, I'll only remember parts of the people I care about."

"Unfortunately you won't remember them either."

"What?! Why not?"

"Because I said everyone would forget you. Even you will forget who you are. Everyone in your life has helped you become the person you are. In a sense, it's like you will be starting over with a new life. One that's never had these people in it before."

Marinette doesn't say anything. This doesn't seem like it'll keep anything in balance. How can this be the consequence of her wish?

"I know it may not sound like a fair balance, but remember I'm the one that can see the whole picture."

"I'll really never remember anyone? And they'll never know who I am?"

"You all must forget, to keep the world in balance after making your wish," the being chooses its words carefully.

Marinette nods, thinking if there's something else she should wish for, a better way, but nothing seems like a better choice. At least in this situation, she'll be the only one getting hurt from the consequences, and she won't even remember it.

"Alright, that will be my wish," Marinette settles on.

Opening her eyes, she's back in her body. The others are staring at her.

"I wish," Marinette wishes the rest in her head and heart.

The answers rapidly invade her mind.

"Inside the miraculous book is a hidden page next to the ultimate power page. To read it, you must have all of the kwamis and their miraculouses. Once the spell is cast, reality will change so no one remembers you. Then you will pass on the miracle box to the next guardian. Choose wisely. You won't remember after that."

Marinette lands on the ground. She just needs to get through this without telling Adrien what she's done.

Marinette opens her eyes to see Gabriel helping Emilie stand. They share a brief kiss before Emilie pulls away to hug Nathalie. Adrien walks over to Marinette, concerned covering his face. He swallows, not sure he's ready to hear the next words.

"Marinette," Adrien grabs her hands. "What are we losing? Please tell me you aren't going to be stuck like that."

Marinette smiles. Of course he's concerned for her. She places a hand on his cheek.

"Nothing like that," Marinette promises. "You shouldn't worry. It's nothing I'm not willing to pay."

"But–"

Adrien is interrupted by her finger pressing his lips. Her smile widens, though tears slip down her cheeks.

"My silly kitty."

"My sunflower," Adrien smiles.

He leans down, pulling Marinette closer to him as he kisses her. Marinette wraps her hand around his neck, almost too tightly, kissing back with even more passion. Soon he can feel her tears on their lips. That's when the world around them fades.

Adrien sits up in bed with a start. He calms his breathing. Plagg groans next to him.

"Why are you up?" he grumbles.

"I had a nightmare," Adrien tells.

"What about?"

"I don't remember. It was… I don't know," Adrien tries to recall. "I just remember the feeling. Scared, angry, joy, but then sadness. I wonder what happened."

"You're weird," Plagg deadpans. "I'm getting some cheese."

Adrien glares at him as he disappears. His bedroom door opens. His mother smiles at him in greeting.

"Well look who's up," Emilie teases. "Did you sleep well?"

She steps into the room and sits on his bed.

"Actually I kind of had a nightmare, but I don't remember what happened," Adrien confesses.

Emilie leans down and kisses his forehead. She pulls back with a smile.

"How about you and I steal your father away from his work and go out for lunch," Emilie suggests.

Adrien smiles. He jumps out of bed, the nightmare forgotten.

"I get to pick the place this time," Adrien beams.

"It might rain so I hope it's somewhere indoors. And you better hurry, the driver leaves in five minutes. 300… 299… 298…" Emilie counts down.

Adrien sprints to the restroom to get ready. He finishes getting ready, grabs a complaining Plagg, and runs out the door. His father and mother are by the front door.

"20… 19… 18… 17!" Emilie finishes.

"What a shame, your mother and I almost got away with sneaking out of the house without you," Gabriel jokes.

"Ha, ha. You would have been so bored without me," Adrien laughs.

"Oh completely," Emilie agrees.

The three of them head out to the awaiting car.

"Is Nathalie not joining us?" Emilie inquires.

"She requested lunch off today," Gabriel informs.

"Ohhh, is she having lunch with him?" Emilie chuckles.

"She wouldn't say, but I'm pretty sure by her blush she is," Gabriel relays.

Gabriel opens the car door, bowing dramatically as Emilie and Adrien climb inside. Gorilla drives them in the direction of the requested restaurant. Adrien rolls down the window to take in the sights. He smiles. His life is perfect. He has an amazing family and wonderful friends. He's even a superhero. What more could he want?

A girl walks down the sidewalk to the Agreste mansion. She sees how happy Adrien is with his family as they pass. Marinette smiles. Glancing down at the miracle box, she takes a deep breath. Sneaking into the Agreste mansion is easier now that Gabriel isn't crazy with worry.

Marinette takes the time to glance around his room. It hasn't changed much from how it was before. The piano that once was in his room has been moved to downstairs, probably so all the family could play together. His wall near his computer is covered with pictures with friends. Marinette is pleased to see the wish didn't change that. Only now, there aren't any pictures of her in them. As expected.

Marinette places the box on his desk. She leaves a simple note on it. With that, Marinette makes her way out of the house and to the sidewalk. She takes one last look at the house. Memories come flooding. She smiles. Deep in her heart, even if she never remembers, these memories will stay there. She focuses her eyes on Adrien's room, approximately where the box would be. Her arms stretch out.

"I, Marinette and Ladybug, hereby relinquish the miracle box and name Adrien Agreste the new guardian."

White engulfs her body, her memories beginning to fade. The white leaves.

Marinette blinks a few times. She looks up to the sky. It looks like it will rain and she wishes she had an umbrella. Not remembering why she's here in this neighborhood, Marinette walks down the sidewalk. She can't help but feel like she's forgetting something. Marinette shakes her head. Oh well, if it's really that important, she'll remember.

This may be the last paragraph, but this isn't the end. Our heroes are like the rain and the sun. Sometimes they're separate, and you forget they can belong together too. Until then, all you can see is the storms. When you look through the haze, you'll see that together they fill the world with color.

"Goodbye may seem forever, farewell is like the end, but in my heart is a memory. And there… you'll always be."

I know… I know. I'm sure you hate me. BUT there will be a SEQUEL. Like I've promised. No way I would ever leave the story here. I'm not THAT cruel. Plus, I'm sure if you've been paying attention you'll remember there are some things I didn't resolve. For example, the three miraculouses taken from the guardians. That will be in the sequel. Other things I won't mention, so it might be a surprise unless you caught on.

Last line/quote comes from The Fox & The Hound. I don't own Disney, so I borrowed it for this story.

Question for the day… what was your favorite part, chapter? I'd love to know what I did especially well on.

Lastly, I'll post an author's note/ chapter 19 for a week or so after I post the sequel, so you know it's up. Otherwise, you can check in My Stories. It's called "True Colors". Thank you again & PLEASE REVIEW.