Master Fu tried performing a number of rituals, each time using a different combination of candles, spices, and incense, using every incantation and technique he knew, but nothing he did seemed to make any difference. Ladybug watched sadly over the next hour as every attempt he made failed. There was no change in Emilie's condition; she remained lost in her coma.

"I am sorry," Master Fu said finally, "There is nothing more I can do."

Gabriel's expression, which had maintained the slightest spark of hope for a time, was now completely dejected. He seemed to finally come to terms with the fact that his wife was gone for good. It was strange seeing this man, once so strong and proud, now broken so utterly.

"Come," Master Fu gathered up his belongings and started down the metal walkway, "We have something to discuss, and I think Adrien should be present as well."

Gabriel lingered for a moment, giving one last look at Emilie, before slowly following Master Fu and Ladybug out of the room. Thinking of Adrien, Ladybug was filled with sorrow. He finally found his mother again, just to lose her right away.

Soon they made their way back into the grand foyer, finding Adrien still sitting on the stairs. He looked up when they walked in, a glimmer of hope in his eyes, then despondency as he saw his mother was not with them. Ladybug felt a stab of pain in her heart, joining him in his sorrow, upon seeing his face. She almost wanted to use the wish after all, but she knew that they couldn't. They had been entrusted with the responsibility of the miraculous they carried. They couldn't recklessly use them for their personal gain, no matter how tempting it was.

"I am sorry, Adrien," Master Fu sighed, his eyes downcast. Adrien said nothing, just continued to stare at the floor. "There is something else important you should know," Master Fu went on, addressing both Adrien and Gabriel, "I could sense her life force, and it is ebbing away. She will not live for long."

Master Fu's pronouncement was met by shocked gasps from all parties in the room – except for Plagg, who was looking to Adrien with uncharacteristic concern. "But…" Gabriel stuttered, refusing to accept the possibility, "the device I had built sustains her. She can live like that for years."

"Perhaps she could have," Master Fu regarded him with pity, "but her coma is only a prelude to her passing. The device has sustained her longer than she would have lived, but it is not going to much longer. Within a few months time, I am afraid she will be gone."

"No," Gabriel looked down, distraught, "Emilie…"

Adrien remained silent, staring blankly at the ground. Everything that had happened over the last few hours would've been a lot to digest if he had been given a year to process it all, but to have it come at him so fast? It was nothing short of traumatic.

"At least I will see if I can do anything for your assistant," Master Fu said finally, "If you would show me to her."

Gabriel wandered away up the stairs, half in a daze, and led Master Fu away. Ladybug watched them go, Wayzz floating slowly behind them. She wasn't needed by Master Fu anymore, the only thing she could hope to accomplish was to provide Adrien with a shoulder to cry on.

"Spots off," she said softly, feeling the magic wash off her. Tikki appeared, her big, blue eyes showing that she shared in the sorrow of her owner. Without a word, Marinette sat beside Adrien, gently reaching for his hand.

At first, there was no reaction. Marinette was worried Adrien may have gone into shock and was no longer aware of his surroundings, but then he gripped her hand suddenly, turning toward her with a tear-streaked face. Suddenly he began to cry out loud, crying tears he had held back for nearly a year when his mother first disappeared, and leaned in to her. Marinette pulled his head in, holding it against her chest, as she leaned her head on his. Together, the two of them sat and cried.

They sat there together from some time. Eventually, Master Fu walked past and left the mansion, though Marinette paid him no mind. As they sat their together, wordlessly pouring out their sorrow, she found herself thinking about their future together. The more she thought about it, the more she wondered why she thought she needed time. The two of them had been through so much together, both as civilians and as superheroes. They had grown closer with both identities, coming to know one another's strengths as well as flaws, and it only made their love stronger. Yes, they had had some rough times, especially recently, but what couple didn't have a disagreement here and there?

Marinette came to a decision then. She no longer needed time: her and Adrien were meant to be together. She would be there to comfort him in his mourning, and when he was ready to move on, she would be there for him still. Together, forever.

Marinette kept her decision to herself for the time being. Right now was not the time for it, now was the time for mourning.