Almost didn't finish this in time, thanks to a lovely de-motivator called allergies.
Chapter 43: Fallout
Gabriel Agreste had three known accomplices: Nathalie, Audrey Bourgeois, and Tomoe Tsurugi.
Nathalie was the only person who knew of Gabriel's true identity. Gabriel never told Audrey or Tomoe that he found the butterfly miraculous, or that his wife had the peacock, but that didn't mean they were innocent.
Audrey Bourgeois had known about Gabriel's search for the miraculous, and had aided in it to a point. Gabriel had suspected she would betray him, so he had cut her off before he had any true leads. Even though it was obvious she meant to misuse the miraculous, Audrey would likely end up not being charged with anything.
Tomoe had already been looking for the miraculouses when she met Gabriel. They had "exchanged" research (meaning, they stole it from each other), and her research was a large part of why Gabriel succeeded in finding the book and butterfly miraculous. The police searching the Agreste mansion had found definite plans stolen from Tomoe that proved she had meant to misuse the miraculous - even potentially being the inspiration behind Hawkmoth - so she was less likely to avoid charges.
Also found in Gabriel's notes were mentions of Lila. Not anything she could (or should) be charged with, but enough to decide that as long as the butterfly miraculous was in the wrong hands, it wasn't safe for Lila to be in Paris. Instead, she'd be attending a boarding school outside the city.
The police turned over the book and Hawkmoth's notes on the miraculouses to Ladybug, who gave them to Fu. Emilie Agreste was found and sent to the local hospital.
After the search, Adrien packed his bags, and the mansion was left abandoned.
Lacy was there within an hour.
Chloe has been crying, and she wasn't even trying to hide it. When she greeted Lacy, she wrapped her up in a hug and invited her in.
Sabrina was there, sitting on Chloe's bed.
"I don't know why I'm so surprised," Chloe said, sitting down next to Sabrina. Lacy sat on her other side.
"Or so hurt," Chloe continued. "I - I can't believe she - and -"
Lacy wrapped her arm around Chloe, leaning in close. Chloe relaxed a little with the hug.
"It's okay, Chloe," Sabrina said. "Your mom probably isn't going to be charged with anything anyways."
"She should be," Chloe said. "Messing with magic like she did. The miraculous are dangerous."
Lacy nodded. "And you have every right to be mad at her. Or disappointed."
"I know," Chloe replied. "I have a meeting with my therapist for later tonight."
"Good."
"I just - I don't know if -"
"We'll be right here for you," Sabrina said.
"Thanks."
Kagami would be staying with Marinette's family.
They had a small guest room, much smaller than what Kagami was used to, and enough food to feed the city. Kagami was seemingly emotionless as she unpacked, but Marinette reckoned she didn't know what to feel.
Alya invited herself over, and the two stayed in the living room, trying not to bother Kagami but being available if she needed to talk.
"She'll be okay," Alya whispered. "Kagami's strong. And she has us."
"I hope so," Marinette said. "It hurts, knowing what she must be feeling. And what Adrien must be feeling."
"Yeah, I can't imagine - and there's not anything we can do. It sucks." Alya took a deep breath. "But it's like I was telling Nino earlier - we just have to do our best to be there for them."
Maybe that's why Marinette decided what she did.
Now more than ever, they were a team. A team with three teammates hurting, and with an unknown future ahead of them.
Tikki agreed. It was time.
It was a turning point for them, and Marinette wasn't surprised when her transformation changed. Now, she had padded elbows, knees, boots, and gloves.
And wings.
It made her late, but Ladybug could not resist doing a few laps in the sky.
She was the last one to arrive to the meeting.
Ryuko and Queen Bee were chatting softly, near the front of the classroom. Chat Noir and Viperion were in a back corner, in intense discussion. Ladybug was glad Adrien was staying with Luka - Luka was just what Adrien needed right now.
Rena Rouge and Carapace were near them, chatting. The rest of the heroes were gathered around a desk, listening to Bunnyx. Roi Singe and Kota were still not sitting in chairs properly.
Everyone fell quiet when Ladybug entered the room.
"These past couple of days have been interesting," Ladybug stated. "And we have to face the unknown going forward. But we've managed one big success, and I think we're finally a team. And - I've told some of you this - Hawkmoth wore me out. Completely. I can't do that again - so I will be relying on you."
"We can keep our miraculouses?" Rena Rouge asked.
"Yes," Ladybug said. "But more than that. We need to rely on each other - both as heroes, and as civilians."
"Wait, are you-"
"Are you saying-"
"Are we-"
"Yes," Ladybug said. "I'm talking about a reveal."
That perked everyone up.
Ladybug looked at Chat Noir, who smiled back. She hoped he knew she was doing this, in part, for him.
And for Kagami and Chloe. And, partially, for herself.
"Here's what we're going to do," Ladybug said. "Everyone, gather around. We're going to close our eyes, and detransform, and then I'll count down from three and we'll all open our eyes."
It sounded, out loud, like a preschool activity, but no one argued.
"Before we begin," Queen Bee said. "Is Pegasus Max?"
"Uh-" Pegasus said.
"It's kind of obvious," Rena Rouge admitted.
"Yeah, dude," Carapace agreed.
"A little," Bunnyx added.
"Okay, so it's not just me," Roi Singe said.
"I - uh, okay," Pegasus said.
Ladybug sighed. "Yeah, he was a little obvious, with the whole Startrain thing."
"Startrain?" Kota questioned.
"Hawkmoth didn't seem to realize," Ryuko added.
"Thankfully, no," Ladybug said. "Okay, eyes closed."
Ladybug kept hers open, to make sure no one was cheating.
"Tikki, spots off."
Chloe and Adrien detransformed first, followed by Lacy, then Kagami. Max followed soon after, then Ivan, Mylen, Luka, and then Alya and Nino together. Alix and Kim were the last to detransform.
"3. 2. 1. Okay."
Everyone opened their eyes, and Alya screamed.
Marinette didn't get a chance to react before Alya went barreling into her, enveloping her in a massive hug.
"Girl!" Alya said. "Of course it's you!"
"Marinette," Kagami said, smiling. "Of course."
"You - you were killing yourself!" Alya continued, pulling away from the hug. "You need to take care of yourself better."
"That's why she did this," Luka said.
"Oh, I'm so glad it's you!" Alya pulled her into another hug.
"I think you're squishing her," Chloe commented.
Nino and Adrien had their arms around each other, Max was smiling up at Kim, and Alix punched Lacy's arm teasingly. Mylene clapped her hands excitedly.
They were a team. That had this.
Or do they?