CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE:
ONE LAST WISH
Marinette dangled the amulet from its chain, swinging it back and forth like toy.
Tikki gaped at her, and then smiled.
Adrien stood slowly in his spot, his cat-like eyes wide with awe.
"Phenomenal cosmic powers..." Marinette mused, flipping the pendant into the air and catching it in her fist. "Itty-bitty living space," she finished with a squeaky voice.
Alya's joyous cackle shattered the still silence.
Tikki soared to Marinette's side, squealing with delight. "Marinette, you little genius you!" The kwami hugged the girl's cheek affectionately.
Suddenly, a great hum swept through the throne room and bright white sparkles began raining down.
The treasure pillars melted and shifted into tall marble columns, bearing the silver and purple banners of the royal family. The long blue carpet reappeared in the main walkway. The brooding fox-shaped throne transformed back into the regal golden elephant. The dark orange glow from the braziers receded and the room filled with natural light again.
In a flash of sparkles, Adrien's Cat Noir attire vanished, restoring him to his normal-eyed, princely self.
In another flash, the stuffed-toy-Plagg was a living kwami again. He glanced around the room feverishly. "Hey, what... What just happened? Did I black out or something?"
"Plagg!" Adrien called excitedly.
"Kid! I thought you were a human popsicle!" Plagg let out a whoop and flew over to the boy, gripping his chin in a squeeze. "Don't scare me like that again, you hear me?" the kwami scolded. "If anything happened to you... well, who would feed me camembert?"
Adrien rolled his eyes. "Your concern is much appreciated, buddy."
Marinette laughed, knowing her prince wouldn't have his little friend any other way.
Off to the side, Nino's stone form broke and revealed the tanned-skinned boy underneath. Nino blinked as his shield vanished from his hand. "Dude, what'd I miss?" he asked perplexedly.
A startled cry above him got his attention.
Alya regained her centre of gravity and fell slowly towards the ground, light as a feather. Nino immediately held out his arms and his redheaded thief slipped into them.
They stared into each other's eyes for a brief moment. Then Nino blushed and croaked, "What's up?"
Alya let out a broken laugh and threw her arms around his neck. Nino smiled and hugged her back.
King Gabriel and Lady Nathalie – both conscious and rubbing their sore heads – reappeared in their proper attire befitting a noble king and his loyal steward.
Adrien saw them and broke into a sprint. "Father!"
The king was taken aback when his son embraced him fiercely, but then he smiled warmly and returned the gesture, murmuring Adrien's name.
Then someone was calling Marinette's name.
She turned to see her parents emerging safe and sound. "Mama! Papa!" Marinette cried happily as she ran over and leapt into her father's waiting arms. Tom gripped both her and Sabine into a tearful group hug.
Suddenly, the entire glittering palace began to shake, causing everyone to stiffen. Then, just as quickly as it had come, it ended.
"What was that?" Nathalie asked fearfully.
Tikki beamed and flew out onto the main balcony. She reappeared a second later exclaiming, "The palace is back on the ground again!"
Everyone dashed outside and murmured words of relief and joy at what they saw: a bright blue sky with warm sunlight welcoming them back to earth. The city of Agreste lay sprawled out before them. Several tiny figures emerged from their hovels, celebrating the return of their glorious landmark.
Marinette felt her cheeks aching from smiling so much, but she didn't care. All of Volpina's spells had finally broken. Agreste and its people were safe.
"Now this is a change of scenery."
Marinette turned at the aged voice... and smiled.
"I like it a lot better without all the thunder and thorns," Master Fu noted as he gazed out over the balcony. Wayzz hovered beside him, nodding in agreement.
Everyone except Marinette stared at the old man flabbergasted. He had just appeared out of nowhere, after all.
"Uh, Marinette, who is this?" Alya asked suspiciously.
"Just an old friend from work," Marinette replied with a wink.
"Oh, come now, I'm not that old," Master Fu complained.
Wayzz sighed. "You keep telling yourself that, Master."
Just then, a muffled voice sounded from the amulet in Marinette's hand. With all that was going on around her, she'd completely forgotten she still had it.
"Get your filthy tail out of my face," Volpina grumbled.
"Oh, shut up, you moron!" Trixx responded angrily.
"Don't tell me to –!"
"This whole thing is your fault! I never should have listened –!"
Soon their bitter voices overlapped each other until no one listening could understand what they were saying.
Tikki giggled. Adrien shook his head with a smirk. Alya and Nino covered their mouths to hide their amusement. Plagg snickered with a grin that said "Justice!"
Marinette shrugged and extend the amulet to Master Fu with a pleading stare.
"Allow me," the Great Guardian said as he accepted it. He waved his hand over the amulet, and a small, black octagonal box snapped around it, silencing the two voices inside.
"There," Master Fu affirmed. "And now to decide what to do with it."
Marinette's face fell. "Are you going to send her to the Miraculous Temple?" she asked. Despite the danger Volpina had put them all through, it made Marinette shiver to imagine being buried so far underground for thousands of years.
"The cardinal rule of the Guardians: never use the same magical hiding place twice." Master Fu explained. "No, Marinette. I shall find a kinder, more suitable home for this box and its inhabitants. A black heart is difficult to mend, but perhaps with time and patience, Volpina will come to see the error of her ways."
"Yeah, a couple hundred years of Miraculous therapy ought to chill her out," Tikki whispered to Marinette.
Master Fu nodded and slipped the black box into his robes. "But rest assured," he spoke now to everyone watching, "Volpina will not be troubling anyone ever again. The worst is now past."
A small heavy feeling tugged at Marinette's heartstrings. Now comes the hard part.
She turned to face the entire group: Adrien, Alya, Nino, King Gabriel, Tom and Sabine, Nathalie, Tikki and Plagg. They all stared at her, waiting for her to speak.
"I put you all in great danger because of my mistake," Marinette admitted sadly, "and I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am." Her eyes fell on Adrien and she swallowed hard. "Especially to you, Adrien. I never should have lied to you about being a princess."
The prince went over to her and took both her hands in his. Marinette was almost afraid to look into his eyes, but when she did, they were gentle and full of understanding.
"If you makes you feel any better," Adrien said with a smile, "I didn't tell you who I was when we first met."
"But that doesn't excuse what I did," Marinette claimed. She could already feel the tears coming. "How can you still...How can we still be together if... if I'm just a –"
"A hero?" Adrien offered with that cocky twinkle in his eyes. "Come on, Marinette, you not only saved me, but you saved an entire kingdom. That has to count for something, right?"
"That is true, Your Highness," Nathalie interjected. "But there's still the matter of the law."
Adrien frowned at the steward. "That stupid law... This isn't fair, Nat! Why can't we both deserve to be happy?" He turned back to Marinette, his voice pleading. "You make me happy, Milady." He rested his forehead against hers. "I love you, and I don't want to lose you again."
Marinette once again she felt her heart soaring. She sighed against her prince and whispered. "I love you too."
Tom and Sabine gasped. They glanced at each other, their faces reading, How long have we been gone?
Tikki sniffled and wiped a big fat tear from her eye.
King Gabriel stood by in silence, observing his son and the girl he loved with a look of deliberation. It was a firm look, but not as cold and calculative as usual.
Then Alya spoke, "Wait a minute... Mari, don't you still have one wish left?"
Tikki beamed. "She's right, Marinette!" She hovered next to the young couple. "Just say the word and you're a princess again."
Marinette pulled away from Adrien, looking concerned. "But Tikki, what about your freedom? I don't want to see you being used for your powers again."
The kwami shrugged with a sad smile. "My magic will last forever, no matter what happens to me. But this..." She took Marinette and Adrien's hands and brought them back together. "This is love we're talking about. It's the most precious thing anyone could wish for." Tikki looked back at her master. "You shouldn't waste your last wish on me, Marinette. You of all people deserve to be happy."
Tikki's words sank deep into the blunette, and she bit her lip.
Maybe she did deserve to be happy, but what about her friends?
"Come on, girl," Plagg urged, nudging Marinette's shoulder and beckoning to Adrien. "You're not gonna find another guy like him in a million years. Believe me, I know – I've looked."
Adrien stared at the cat kwami astonishingly. "I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said about me, Plagg."
Nino rolled his eyes. "Great. Now if he could just be nicer to me," he quipped.
Alya giggled before giving Marinette a sympathetic look. It's up to you.
Marinette glanced over at Master Fu. The old man dipped his head in a nod, as though approving of the answer she already had.
She took a deep breath and pulled Adrien off to the side. Once they were out of earshot, she touched his cheek and whispered to him, "Adrien, I do want to be with you, more than anything. But I can't pretend to be someone I'm not anymore. That would only make me feel less than what I am... and what I should be." She looked over his shoulder at her friends. "Besides, there's someone else who deserves to be happy too."
Adrien lowered his gaze. Then he kissed her fingers and said, "I understand, Milady." He gave her a mediocre attempt of a smile and reluctantly let go of her hand. "She's lucky to have a friend as amazing as you."
Marinette's throat bobbed and she looked away. This was so bizarre, knowing what she was about to do was the right thing and wishing that it wasn't. That's the truth about being a hero, she told herself. Heroes always make sacrifices.
Taking a few more deep breaths to ease the ache in her chest, Marinette pulled the Miraculous out of her pocket and latched them onto her ears. It felt welcoming, like being reacquainted with a long lost friend.
"Okay, Tikki, I'm ready" she announced as she walked back over to the group. Adrien lingered close by.
Tikki smiled and cracked her knuckles. "One bone fide princess pedigree coming up! All I need is the magic words."
Marinette couldn't help but smile. This time, it felt genuine. Because she was doing something for a friend. That was more than enough for her.
"Tikki," she said, "I wish for your freedom."
A collective gasp sounded around her.
"Huh?!" The bug kwami breathed in disbelief. "But... But Marinette...!"
The earrings began to glow bright red.
Marinette blinked back tears and repeated with a broken laugh, "Tikki... you're free!"
Ribbons of sparkling red light flowed out of the Miraculous and curled themselves around Tikki. The kwami glanced around her, her big blue eyes wide with shock, joy and confusion. Then the red magic formed a bubble around her, and the bright light obscured her from view.
Marinette's mouth fell open as a great wind bellowed around her and Tikki. She could feel the heat of the magic nibbling at her earlobes.
Unbeknownst to her, the black spots on the red field were blinking out one by one. The Miraculous's powers were receding.
Finally, there was a small blast of energy and the magic bubble burst open, revealing Tikki hovering unconscious in the air. She appeared to be the same, but Marinette could tell that something about the kwami had changed.
Then the last traces of magic vanished into the sky, and Marinette felt her ears go cold.
Then Tikki fell forward.
Marinette quickly snatched the little bug up in her open palms before she hit the floor. "Tikki!" she gasped in fear.
"What happened?" Alya rushed over. "Is she all right?"
Adrien and Nino circled around and eyed the sleeping kwami with concern. The prince placed a reassuring hand on Marinette's shoulder.
The young baker gently stroked Tikki's head with her finger. "Come on, wake up," she pleaded softly. "Tikki..."
The bug's eyes lifted open. "Marinette?"
"Oh, thank Astruc! Are you okay?"
Tikki groaned and sat up in the blunette's hands. "I think so," she replied. "I mean, I... I can't feel..." She gasped and looked up at Marinette's earrings. "The Miraculous... is it still...?"
Marinette quickly unclasped the earrings with one hand and presented them to Tikki... only to stare at them in surprise.
The jewels were now completely black; devoid of life and power.
"Does that mean...?" Nino began, but then stopped nervously.
Tikki pressed her tiny hands on the earrings. A small smile formed on her mouth. "I can't feel them anymore," she exclaimed. "I mean, I still have my powers but... but they're not as strong. I don't feel any pressure or strain or anything!" The kwami slowly floated up into the air. "That's means... Could it be true? I'm... free?"
"Wait!" Plagg suddenly shouted, startling the group. "Hold on a sec – we need to be sure!" Before Marinette could stop him, Plagg snatched up the dead earrings in his paws and snapped around. "Uh... you, with the glasses!" He zoomed up to a bemused Alya and practically flung the Miraculous into her hands. "Wish for something stupid and outrageous... like, uh, the Nile! Wish for the Nile, try that!"
Alya blushed and blabbered, "Um... I wish for the Nile?"
Everyone looked over at Tikki.
She put a hand on her chin with a "Hmm...", as though thinking about this very carefully. But no red glow compelled her to immediately obey.
Then Tikki let out a proud and defiant, "No way!"
Plagg burst out into merry laughter. "That's it, baby!"
Tikki squealed and shot into the air, bouncing off the marble pillars and the balcony railing like a pinball. "I said no! I actually said NO!" she cheered. "Oh, that feels good! I'm free – I'm finally free!"
Marinette laughed at the sparkling display, unable to contain her own joy as her little friend danced all around her, sending out small red fireworks wherever she flew.
Adrien and Alya grinned from ear to ear. Nino had to duck at one point when Tikki came soaring over him in a trail of sparkles. King Gabriel, Nathalie and Marinette's parents viewed the whole thing with stunned expressions. Master Fu and Wayzz both smiled with proud approval.
Then Tikki zoomed up to Marinette, her eyes fresh with tears, her smile the brightest and biggest Marinette had ever seen. "Oh, Marinette – you are the Chosen One!" she sighed with happiness. "I don't know how I can ever thank you!"
Her former master smiled and let the ecstatic kwami settle back into her awaiting hands. "Tikki," she said softly, "haven't you figured it out yet? I didn't set you free because I was some predestined saviour. I set you free because you're more than just my kwami – you're my friend. And I always keep my promises to my friends."
Tikki stared at her for a long moment. Then she began to sniffle and smile at the same time. "I... I'm glad to h-have you for a f-f-friend," she blubbered.
This time, Marinette couldn't hold back her own tears, and she pulled Tikki against her cheek. The two sobbed against each other like bawling idiots.
"She's not the only one," Alya remarked as she pulled Marinette into a fierce squeeze. "For what it's worth, Mari, stealing that bread from you was the best thing I've ever done."
Nino looked a little misty-eyed. "Aw, come on, don't get all mushy on me – I can't take it!" he moaned, pulling his glasses off and wiping his eyes.
Marinette and Adrien chuckled.
Then, before the blunette knew it, her parents were embracing her.
"I know you both told me to stay out of trouble..." Marinette began.
"We'll discuss that later," Tom interjected with a wink. "If anything, we are the ones who need to apologize."
Sabine nodded. "In the beginning, we thought you were too young to understand that not everyone in the kingdom gets the chance to live their dream." She smiled warmly and touched her daughter's cheek. "But in that brief moment when our backs were turned, you grew up – and you found a way to pursue your own path. Not only that, but you found love." She glanced shyly at Adrien. "Most unexpectedly, I might add."
"What your mother is trying to say, Marinette," Tom said, "is that we couldn't be more proud of you. No matter what anybody else says, you'll always be a princess to us."
They both gave her one last hug before pulling away, leaving Marinette to wipe her face embarrassingly.
"Indeed."
Everyone turned suddenly towards King Gabriel, who had spoken for the first time since the palace's restoration.
Tom and Sabine staggered back once they realized that their monarch spoke directly to them. "Your...! Begging your pardon, Your Majesty?" Sabine asked with a quick curtsy.
The king gave her and her husband a regal grin. "Forgive me, I did not elaborate. Despite her... social standing," he said that as delicately as possible, "your daughter has displayed such vigorous devotion to my son, and to her kingdom. She has shown remarkable courage, wisdom and compassion in the face of danger – traits that any true princess should have." He spoke now to Marinette. "You, my dear, have certainly proven your worth as far as I am concerned."
Marinette gaped at him before regaining her composure. "Th-Thank you, Your Highness."
Not far from her, Adrien glanced over at his father like he now saw a totally different man before him.
Nathalie cleared her throat. "Yes, sire," she said reluctantly, "but... it's that law that's the problem."
"Here we go again," Plagg mumbled.
Gabriel looked over blankly at Adrien, and then at Marinette. Then he turned back to his steward coolly. "Nathalie, who am I?"
The crane-like woman blinked. "Why... You're the King of Agreste, my lord."
"And is the King of Agreste not responsible for distributing the law?"
"Yes, my lord, but –"
"And," the king continued with a growing smile, "am I also not obligated to... how should I put this? Regulate the law should the need arise?"
Marinette froze, though her heart pounded excitedly. What was she hearing exactly?
Tikki twiddled her hands, shaking with suspense.
"I...I suppose, my lord," Nathalie stammered, feeling defeated.
Alya whispered to Nino, "I'm starting to like this guy."
"Father, what are you saying?" Adrien asked, looking somewhere between bewildered and delighted.
"Seriously?" Plagg called. "Am I the only one who's getting this?"
Gabriel walked over to his son and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What I am saying, Adrien, is that your incessant rebelliousness seems to have rubbed off on me."
The prince's eyes widened. He broke into a big grin. "Does that mean... that I can...?"
The king cleared his throat and announced to the group, "As King of Agreste, I hereby revoke the section of the law which states that the prince must be married to a princess of noble descent and stature."
Sabine's face blanched. "Married?" she inquired, as though not hearing correctly.
Tom nodded, his brown eyes going wide.
Marinette clutched her heart with both hands. Is this really happening?
"From this day forth," Gabriel continued, eying Adrien slyly, "the prince shall marry whomever he deems worthy – whether she be of noble or common birth – as long as it is his choice to make."
Tikki and Alya gasped, their hands on their faces.
Marinette's parents looked like they were both about to faint.
"Dude!" Nino exclaimed.
"Called it!" Plagg boasted.
Nathalie, though slightly disheartened, sighed and said, "As you wish, sire."
Marinette couldn't believe it. That is, until Adrien turned towards her, those gorgeous green eyes of his alit with pure ecstasy.
Nothing could stop Marinette from sprinting forward and leaping into her prince's open arms. Adrien lifted her off her feet and twirled her around in the air, just like he did the night they had danced.
Then Adrien pulled Marinette close, and she wrapped her legs around his torso. She could feel his heart roaring against her own chest.
"I choose you, Milady," the prince whispered into her hair. Then he locked eyes with hers, their noses barely touching, his lips curled into a playful sneer. "So now the real question is... Does this royal cat live up to your purr-tential?"
Marinette responded with a light-hearted snort. "Shut up and kiss me, Kitty."
The breach between them closed. Marinette felt her entire being sigh as she pressed her lips against Adrien's. It was nothing like when Cat Noir had kissed Marinette back at the bakery, or when Ladybug had kissed Prince Adrien on his balcony. They were just Marinette and Adrien – together as they were meant to be.
Tikki cheered and threw out miniature fireworks around the happy couple. Tom and Sabine and King Gabriel surrounded them with their congratulations.
That was when Nino frowned and said, "You know what? Who says only they get a happy ending?" Then, without warning, the manservant grabbed Alya around her waist and kissed her full on the mouth.
The former thief squealed in surprise at first, but then she closed her eyes and returned the gesture.
Plagg stuck out his tongue. "Uchk! Now I'll have to put up with two pairs of turtle doves?" he groaned. Using magic, he pulled out a stinky chunk of camembert cheese and caressed it tenderly. "Aw, well, at least I have you to keep me company, amore mio," he purred.
Tikki giggled and snapped her fingers. The camembert in Plagg's paws instantly turned into a giant chocolate chip cookie.
"DAH!" Plagg shrieked dramatically, his pupils turning to pinpricks.
"Where have you been all my life?" Adrien said to Tikki.
Marinette batted her prince on the arm.
Tikki shimmied up to a distraught Plagg. "Don't worry – a little sugar's good for you." She planted a quick smooch on the cat kwami's pudgy cheek.
Plagg blinked, his pupils inflating. Then he let out a dreamy sigh. "Well, I suppose I could give it a shot," he murmured.
Everyone burst out laughing.
MB: (squeal) 4/4 kiss scenes covered!
But – to quote the Genie – we're not through yet!
