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"Argos, hold them down."
She turned towards the superheroes in front of her.
"Say goodbye while you can."
She stood silent.
He stood silent.
This was definitely not supposed to happen.
They had planned it. She would get to have a long life, as long as she wished. She would find a way to share her longevity with him, so neither would be left behind before the other found themselves unable to continue existing.
They were going to have their three kids, and take care of the Kwamis.
Adrien would get to experience everything he never could, or everything he wanted to without being under the control of some man who claimed the name of father to him.
Marinette would get to make friends, as many as she wanted. She would get to see her current ones happy, and sleep soundly knowing the city wouldn't be under attack anymore, no longer having to talk herself out of detransforming in the middle of a free fall.
This was not supposed to happen.
They were supposed to jump into action, taking the villains by surprise. They were going to make a heroic landing, seizing both Miraculous at once. Maybe after a short fight, where they would leave both Argos and Chrysalis powerless.
They were going to focus on retrieving the Peacock. As much of a good concept Adrien still tried to keep of his cousin, many of his actions had turned that image into something to be questioned. Marinette had suggested not even dare risk in, and with all the pain it caused him to accept he had no one left to call family, he accepted.
They were supposed to attack from behind. Ladybug and Chat Noir, united against evil.
Ladybug would go for Argos' brooch, retrieving it as fast as she could before he could even try manipulating Chat's amok bond, or anything worse. In the meanwhile, Chat would go for Chrysalis, taking away her brooch and securing it, no matter what. If a Cataclysm in his hand wasn't enough to make her stay away, then, he would not be responsible for what happened next.
Ladybug would get to tower over them, Chat securing both Miraculous beside her.
They would give a triumphant speech, before handing both Lila and Felix to the authorities.
They were not supposed to be cornered like this.
Argos wasn't supposed to still have the Peacock brooch by this moment.
Chrysalis wasn't supposed to look at them with her signature smile, the one that announced doom on whoever was unlucky enough to see it.
"I said, say goodbye while you can. No one's coming. Just say something."
No one would know if this was their end.
Ladybug looked over at Chat, both sharing a glimpse of inescapable fate in their eyes.
They weren't going to give her the luxury of knowing what their last words would be.
They didn't need words. They knew what the other was saying.
I love you.
"You had your opportunity. Argos, if you will."
"Adrien Agreste. Sentimonster."
No.
Please no.
"I release you from existence."
Her insides crumbled as she saw the love of her life escape with the wind.
He had joked so many times with dreams of returning to that form, enjoying dancing in the wind.
She didn't think he would get his freedom like that.
"Now, Marinette, Ladybug, if you will be so kind to accept this little friend?"
She wanted to fight the butterfly landing on her arm. She had once loved butterflies.
She was too tired to fight.
As soon as she realized that, the voice started talking.
For some reason, the blissful oblivion didn't take over.
"Guardian, I am Chrysalis. Did you really think I would be so kind to take over the entirety of your mind?"
The only thought that actually belonged to her and still lingered was the image of Chat turning into a feather against the gray steel of the lair.
Over and over again.