The wind was blowing, and the clouds were dazzling, but Ladybug payed them no attention. She felt her jaw go slack, and tried to look her partner in the eye.
"I'm leaving," he repeated.
"My dad found some leads on where my mom might be. I don't know when, or if, we're coming back."
"We leave tomorrow."
He stared straight ahead, blank faced. Briefly, he looked down at the ceiling they were standing on.
"I might need to give the Miraculous back."
A gasp escaped her. He didn't say another word and the sound of wind howling filled her ears.
"I- Chat."
She seemed unable to articulate what she was thinking, so she simply whispered "We should see Master Fu."
She couldn't help the sadness that tinged her voice. Would this be the last time she saw her partner? One of her closest friends?
He broke his daze to sneak a look at her. She realized his only meeting with Master Fu had been outside his office.
"I can lead the way."
Many times, they seemingly flew across the Parisian landscape with jokes and quips, but now, knowing this may be the last time they could effortlessly travel together...it hurt.
She led the way to the yellow painted room. The two sliding wooden doors stood before them.
She stared at his face, as if to memorize it. His messy hair, his bright green eyes, staring back at hers. She would miss him.
His soft words reached her ears,"You can stay, if you want."
He took a deep breath
and entered.
Inside Master Fu was making tea. He turned towards the new arrival.
"Ah, Chat Noir."
He noted Chat's sorrowful face. Before Chat could get ready to repeat the earlier ordeal, and actually seal his fate, Master Fu turned to find a cup for him.
"Please sit."
Chat allowed for Master Fu to pour him a cup of Moroccan mint tea, as he sat in a leather chair.
The two of them blew on it, before taking a sip. Chat Noir felt his face twist up; he wasn't expecting such a strong bitter taste. Surprisingly, a sweet aftertaste followed it.
"The truth is often sour but sweet. Tell me what's on your mind."
Carefully, Chat took another sip, then spoke: "I'm leaving Paris..to look for my mom. I'll be gone for a while, and Paris needs to be protected. I'd hate to leave Ladybug on her own, so you may need to find another Chat Noir."