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They have lost.
Marinette was still surprised at how she was still standing. She was clutching her arm, she could feel the sting from scrapes at certain parts of her legs, lastly she could taste blood dripping from her mouth. She was also reeling from the fact that her beloved partner was none other than Adrien.
The same boy she fell in love with when he gave her his umbrella is the same silly cat that loved puns and flirted with her as both Ladybug and Marinette on many occasions. But three years can really change one’s perception. Before Marinette knew it, she was starting to feel smitten for Chat Noir and it just escalated from there. Marinette first fell in love with Adrien and down the line, she fell for Chat Noir. Marinette almost wanted to laugh at the fact that they’ve been in a lovesquare the entire time.
But right now, they have been defeated. Marinette noticed that Rena Rouge was currently huddled together with Carapace. Queen Bee stood in front of Adrien and was currently adopting a protective stance.
But she knew that it was futile, Hawk Moth now has the ladybug and cat miraculous. The battle took a toll on everyone, Hawk Moth didn’t seem to care as he slowly put on the ring and the earrings.
Marinette knew that arguing was futile and she was too far away to stop him. This was the end. Rena Rouge, Carapace, and Queen Bee all look worse for wear but they stood their ground and waited with bated breath. Marinette wondered what state Adrien is in right now.
Marinette still couldn’t believe that Hawk Moth was none other than Gabriel Agreste. Of course, he was cold and distant to his son for months on end. To think that the reason why was because he was busy with his plan to bring back his wife. He believed that once his family was complete, he could have his picturesque perfect life back. He didn’t care for all the damage he had done as long as he had gotten what he wanted.
The countless victims that had fallen under his influence and how everyone in Paris lives in constant fear that their negative emotions will be used against them. Not to mention, he didn't care that the heroes behind the mask were children and didn’t show them an ounce of remorse. All because of the possibility that he can resurrect his wife. He says he’s doing this for Adrien yet Marinette knew that was nothing more than just an excuse.
But the wish doesn’t work like that, it comes with a price to pay, a consequence for its action. What was given must also be taken. As the saying goes, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. In this instance, a life for a life.
A surge of light radiated from Hawk Moth once he unified the miraculous. Luckily, Carapace quickly called upon his power and now they were all in the safety of the green forcefield. The light was blinding and a loud ringing could be heard.
In order for Gabriel to bring his wife back from the dead, someone else must take her place. Marinette did notice from the corner of her eye that Rena Rouge, Carapace and Queen Bee were surrounding Adrien like a protection circle. Marinette knew that they all suspected that Adrien will be sacrificed in order for the wish to be fulfilled. Marinette had managed to catch a glimpse of his expression, he looked scared as his eyes were shut tight, possibly anticipating his demise.
Marinette was about to approach them until she suddenly felt a strange numbness in the pit of her stomach. She was able to piece together an answer before she even asked herself what was happening.
Oh.
This was definitely a twist.
Marinette could feel her strength being siphoned as her knees buckled onto the ground. She was suddenly glad that she was a few feet apart from the group. But it didn’t mean that she was happy at the revelation.
The universe required a balance.
If Gabriel wished for his family to be whole again, then another family would have to lose a member in exchange.
Unfortunately, it had to be Marinette.
Maybe it’s a good thing. At least this way, Adrien can finally rekindle all the lost time with his mom. At least, a random family wouldn’t be ridden with grief when a family member died due to unnatural causes.
Marinette’s regret is that she won’t ever get a chance to confess to Adrien. If only they hadn’t hidden their identities from each other all this time. Maybe they wouldn’t have to suffer the cycle of constant rejection again and again. Maybe they could have been happy as a couple together early on, secret identities be damned but that would’ve hurt. Because she’s going to die. Too bad she won’t even get to see her parents one last time. Marinette didn’t want to go, but there was no stopping the inevitable.
Marinette knew she didn't have much time left so she pulled out her phone from her purse. Every action is starting to take a toll on her but she persevered and typed a short message to her parents.
Marinette: I love you so much.
She quickly pressed send as her grip on her phone loosened and slid off her hand, hitting the ground with a thud which went unnoticed by everyone except herself. Marinette felt dizzy, she was having trouble keeping an upright posture so she decided to lay down on her side, silently shivering at the cold temperature of the floor as her eyes locked on the group. They didn’t even spare her a glance, which was fine for her. She really didn’t want them to witness this moment anyway. Marinette smiled as a thought entered her head, too bad she wasn’t telepathic.
Please live on with a smile, even if I’m not there.
It was a message for everyone in her life, her family, friends, acquaintances, for her kwami, and especially for Adrien. She couldn’t speak the words in person but it was fine. Her injuries don’t hurt or sting as much as earlier due to the numbness. The only thing she could focus on is that she feels herself drifting away and the metallic aftertaste in her mouth.
Marinette felt her eyelids getting heavier. She feels so exhausted, so drained of energy. Sleep had never been more tempting at this very moment. As a single tear slid from her face, her breathing slowed. Marinette slowly closed her eyes one last time, never to open ever again.
The heroes expected Adrien to fall limp, disappear in a puff of smoke, or something similar. But it never came, even as the blinding light had dissipated and the ringing had come to a stop. Carapace quickly called off his power and the green forcefield dispersed. The miraculous all beeped in unison as the transformation had worn off. Rena Rouge, Carapace, and Queen Bee are just now Alya, Nino and Chloe again.
Adrien hesitantly opened his eyes, his friends looked very happy that he was still alive and they all engulfed him in a group hug. Adrien could feel tears sliding off his cheek. He was alive! His friends were as well! They will be okay and so was he. Sure, they all had some injuries that needed to be taken care of but they would heal with time.
They all watched as Gabriel helped his wife out of the glass coffin. Adrien felt a lump in his throat as his eyes stared at his mother. She looked so happy to see him, he desperately wanted to move but his legs were frozen. It didn’t seem to matter as she slowly walked over to them.
Alya and Nino were nudging him forward. Once his mother was close enough to touch, he hesitantly brought a hand to her cheek. Tears flowed from his cheeks before he could stop them as he registered that this was real and his mother was alive!
“You’re here.” Adrien mumbled, still in shock. Emilie only giggled as she gently placed her hands on Adrien’s cheeks.
“Yes, I’m here. You’ve grown so much, Adrien. I’ve missed you.” Emilie placed a kiss on Adrien’s forehead. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back as Adrien hugged his mother and he sobbed profusely.
Chloe hesitantly walked towards the pair. Emilie took notice of this as she greeted the newcomer. “Chloe? Is that you?” Chloe felt her own tears threatening to burst out at the call of her name.
Adrien promptly broke off the hug, hastily wiping the tears on his face. Emilie raised her arms which prompted Chloe to hug her. This time, she was sobbing profusely while Emilie rubbed the blonde’s back in comfort.
Alya and Nino huddled together, watching the scene play out with happy expressions. Alya and Nino shot a dirty look towards Gabriel, the aforementioned person standing a few feet away from the group.
Speaking of which, Alya realized that one person was missing. Looking around, she eventually found Marinette collapsed on the ground.
“Marinette! Adrien is okay! No one died!” Alya nearly shouted as she made her way towards her unconscious friend.
She must be exhausted. Marinette did get beaten up by Hawk Moth.
Alya scowled as she remembered that Hawk Moth is Adrien’s father. Alya shook her head, she’ll think about her growing hatred towards Adrien’s father later.
Alya crouched down, “Wake up, girl.” She gently nudged her friend’s shoulder. “Hey Marinette, wake up!” Alya nudged harder, Marinette didn’t respond but the nudging only shifted her position so that she was now laying on her back.
A bit alarmed, Alya rested her head on Marinette’s chest. Hoping to hear that familiar heartbeat, a sign that she was alive. Cold dread filled her stomach as Alya’s eyes widened in disbelief. She slowly lifted her head from her friend’s chest.
“M-Marinette?” Alya choked out as she started to shake her friend frantically. “Please, no! Wake up, Mari!!” Tears sliding from her eyes, running down her cheeks.
“Why didn’t you say anything?! Mari! Please open your eyes!”
Nino placed a hand on Alya’s shoulder which got her to look up and face him. He slowly shook his head, which got Alya to stop as she buried her head on Marinette’s chest, her sobbing muffled. Nino kneeled to her level as he brushed his hand on her back, an attempt to provide some comfort.
Adrien came to his senses when he heard the faint sound of someone crying. He walked towards the source, a feeling of uneasiness instantly flooding his mind.
“Nino? Alya? What’s wrong?” He asked, his tone hesitant. Nino turned around to face him, he only gave his friend a somber smile before he started crying softly. Adrien was definitely worried now, then he recognized the unconscious figure right in front of them, he sidestepped the duo and let himself crouch towards his unconscious friend.
“Marinette? Is she okay?” Adrien reached out, his hand quaking. Alya briefly looked up, her glasses were wet with tears. She only shook her head, further confirming what Adrien is afraid to ask.
“No… it can’t be true! I won’t accept it!” Adrien cried. That can’t be right, she has to be asleep! Only sleeping, Right? He grabbed Marinette’s wrist, trying to find a pulse that’ll ease his growing panic.
Tears threaten to leak out as the reality of this situation has hit him. His lady was… gone. Adrien let out an agonized scream, tears streaking his face as he held onto Marinette’s hand.
Emilie quickly walked towards Adrien, worried about what happened that caused him to scream. She saw what she could guess was Adrien’s friends, they were all huddled around a black-haired girl who was unconscious.
“Adrien.” She placed a hand on his shoulder, making Adrien flinch away from the contact and face her. “What happened?”
“Father used the wish to bring you back,” His lips trembling, “And in exchange for your life he-“ Adrien couldn’t finish that sentence as he was reduced to tears. It didn’t take long for Emilie to put two and two together.
Gabriel walked towards the group with Chloe in tow. Emilie turned around to see them. Chloe walked towards Adrien. Emilie didn’t bother listening to their conversation and instead looked at Gabriel with a scowl.
“Gabriel, what did you do?” Gabriel flinched at the accusatory tone in her voice. He straightened his posture, his expression neutral. Emilie didn’t know if she was imagining or not but she could have sworn she saw the purple brooch he was wearing give a faint glow.
“I simply wished for our family to be whole again.”