Foxhunt

Chapter Eight: Forgiven

"I found her, M'Lady," Chat Noir's voice happily declared as Ladybug held her yo-yo to her ear. "She did it."

"Thank God," the raven-haired young woman warmly replied. "Queen Bee and I are on our way to your location." Ladybug looked up at her mentee and smiled. Queen Bee looked down, smiled, and continued her flight. "Not bad for a girl who's never flown before."

"Well, I've got a great teacher," the bee Miraculous giggled.

Once all four Miraculous were present, Volpina laid The Hunter down on his bed. Queen Bee held both hands over her mouth at the sight, forcing herself to remain silent. "He says he's been like this for years," she explained. "Ladybug, is there anything you can do for him?"

Slowly approaching the broken man, who avoided eye contact with all but Volpina, Ladybug closed her eyes and concentrated. "I can try, but I can't promise anything," she sorrowfully declared. "I'm sorry…Sir, please close your eyes."

Volpina stepped back while Chat Noir and Queen Bee observed from a distance. Sensing the young woman's fear, the feline Miraculous gently took her hand and gave her an encouraging nod. A powerful white light flowed from Ladybug's yo-yo as she hurled it into the air and cried out, "Saint Ladybug!" Once the blinding light faded, and all eyes turned to The Hunter. Silence filled the air as the Miraculous gathered behind Ladybug, each focused on the man they thought their enemy. "…Well, now," Ladybug exclaimed with a sincere smile on her face.

Slowly sitting up atop his bed, The Hunter raised his hand to his mouth, removed his oxygen mask, and took the first breath of natural air he'd tasted in many years. The man, no longer burdened by pain, gazed down at his fingers, no longer charred but covered by soft, pale skin, and began to tremble. Swallowing the last of her hatred, Volpina stepped forward and placed her hands on the hunter's shoulders. At that, the man froze, and gazed into the young woman's eyes. "…I can feel your hands," he whispered with a hoarse voice. "…I have felt nothing but pain for…so long." Smiling graciously, Queen Bee turned to Chat Noir, who gave a humble smile in return.

As Volpina slowly stepped back, the newly healed man slowly lowered himself to the floor, and stood on his own two feet without the aid of his armor. His thin torso weakly straightened itself as the former hunter finally stood tall, allowing his long, gray hair to fall to his slender shoulders. Smiling, gifted with grace he never thought he'd deserve, the man looked down at his restored body, thanked God for his redemption, and dropped to his knees. Ladybug and her allies ran to the man's side, only for him to halt them. The group paused, unsure of their next move.

"I'm…very tired," the aged man whispered. "…Thank you…thank you all…for showing a foolish old man mercy…Please forgive all I have done…And know that I am no longer a hunter…my name was once…Matthew."

"I like that name," Volpina warmly declared, exchanging a smile with the aged man.

"…As do I," Matthew happily answered.

Before meeting Volpina and The Hunter, Ladybug held Luka's head atop her lap and gently stroked his hair. "You're a brave young man," she lovingly whispered as the boy rested. "When you're ready, go home to your sister, Luka…Hawk Moth can never hurt the two of you again."

Watching over the two, Queen Bee maintained her protective field, allowing only a few tears to fall as she admired the two, and all they had done. Ladybug truly was amazing.

With the man known as The Hunter saved from himself and hidden away from Hawk Moth, Ladybug, Chat Noir, Volpina, and Queen Bee sat on the floor of Master Fu's apartment, gathered around his table, as he admired his young heroes. "Well done, my students," he warmly declared. "Deh world is better for having each of you as its defenders…Welcome, Queen Bee."

The youngest Miraculous smiled and raised her glass just before Volpina placed her loving hand upon her shoulder.

"And as for you, Volpina," the old master continued. "…You have truly proven yourself as more dhan a hero. I am so proud of you, my child."

"Thank you, Master," Alya warmly replied. "It was eye-opening…But, there's something even more important that I need to tend to."

"I think I know what that is," Marinette happily declared.

"…What's that?" Sabrina asked, earning a loving chuckle from Adrien.

Later that night, Alya slipped in through her apartment door, only for two little girls to catch and tackle her. "Alya!" they happily cried out.

"Hey, girls," the redheaded young woman joyously accepted her fate. "Big Sister's back." From a distance, the wounded but strong red vixen and her pups stood before the holy moon, each watching over their champion. "…Big Sister's back."