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Ladybug's P.O.V

"No."

That was all I could rasp out as my throat tightened and shook from shock. I could feel my chest constricting while white noise filled my ears. My skin grew cold but it was not from the weather. My hands trembled, vision tunneling in on the dying man a few feet away.

There was an awful pain piercing my heart like an animal tearing their prey to shreds. My mind was frazzled and couldn't think straight. I wondered why this was happening. Why couldn't I move to help? Where did he even come from?

Why?

Why?

WHY?

The elder man who gave me a chance to become a hero and achieve my lifelong dream. The one who kept his door open we seeked guidance and made a place for me on this team. This team I see as my true friends—my true family.

Fu has done so much for me—changed my life!

"No no no no no," I repeated, wishing this nightmare would end. I finally gained movement and hurried to Fu's side along with Alya.

"You are going to be okay. W-We can fix this," I stammered. I am unsure if what I was saying was true. Was I trying to reassure Fu? Was I trying to reassure my team? Was I in denial and trying to reassure myself?

As a response, Fu let an agonizing smile spread across his lips. He grasped my and Alya's hands. It did not take a genius to see that he was in excruciating pain. He was trying to be strong for our sake. His usual red shirt was growing a darker shade, pooling on the street below.

There was so much blood.

I have never seen so much—never knew there was this amount in a person. My stomach churned from the sight, wanting to release the contents of dinner. But I held it in. There was no time to have a weak stomach.

This was now or never.

Alya and I tried to stop the flow with part of Alya's dress she ripped off. Fu's breathing was ragged as he tried to speak.

"Save your energy," Alya told him, "We shall take you to Olympia to heal you. S-She can do it."

Fu shook his head, baffling me.

"It...is too...l...late for...me," Fu gasped out. I mouthed out more denial, not wanting this to be true. This could not be real. We need to call for help.

I quickly scrambled for my yoyo and searched for Pegasus. He could open a portal straight to a healer.

Then, a gentle touch rested on my knee.

Wise eyes locked with mine.

"Ladybug," Fu started, grunting when a shot of torment rocked his body, "...I...I pass on...the-the title of...Guardian...onto you."

WHAT?!

"Master Fu, stop saying such nonsense! Y-You will be okay. M-Maybe, I can use my powers to heal you or we can get to that h-healer-"

"No...my child," he cut me off, "My time...has run out. I wrote...everything you...and Chat need to...to know in my...room."

I did not want to believe this was farewell...but I had to face reality.

Master Fu was dying and no power in the world could fix it.

I am supposed to be the leader of the heroes and fix everything that is destroyed. But since my Lucky Charm was not used for the duration of Fu's fate…there was nothing I could do.

Nothing.

I felt so useless.

What was the point of having powers of creation if I could not heal or save Fu?

Fu softly smiled, "Do...do not weep...for...for this is not...farewell. I shall...s-see you all...again someday...my...my children. Until...then...be safe...and...stay...strong..."

Fu's hand went limp. I watched the life in his eyes dim into emptiness. A dense fog of emotions settled around the three of us. It will only grow thicker once the rest of the team finds out, especially Chat Noir.

Oh, poor minou.

He is going to be devastated.

And I could do nothing to save Master Fu.

It is my fault. If I had noticed Gabriel sneaking up on us...things could have gone much differently.

My lower lip trembled as the shock wore off. My pent-up sadness finally released into aching sobs. I cried, mourning the loss of my master.

I heard a gasp come from behind me. I turned to see Pegasus, Multimouse, and Vesperia.

There were two people with them-one paralyzed in place and the other held copies of Multimouse. I guessed they were some of the conspirators that the rebels managed to catch while the rest probably escaped.

Pegasus stood somberly; his head bowed. Multimouse silently crying in Vesperia's embrace-the bee hero also shedding tears.

In front of the trio stood an aghast Chat Noir. Although he stood stiffly in place, I could see him shaking. He was still processing what was before him. Whatever was holding him back, he broke free from the hold that kept him in place.

Chat shook his head as he hurried over. I scrambled out of the way to give Chat Noir room.

Alya came over to my side, giving my arm a comforting squeeze as she herself mourned to. Carapace was over by a knocked-out Gabriel, having stopped him from spreading any more despair.

Even through my haze of gloom, I noticed there was one rebel who had not made an appearance. The one who knew that this would happen.

Bunnyx.

Where was she? Why did she not stop this from happening? She could have told me to use my power before something awful would happen. I could have saved Fu or stopped the villains. There could have been another way.

But she did not warn us.

Then, another question entered my mind.

How did Master Fu even get here?

It could not have been Pegasus. He is just as surprised as the rest of us. The only other person who could make portals was...

Did she...

Was Bunnyx the one who brought him here to face his demise?

She would never do that, right? She would not bring Fu to meet his death. Was there a purpose? Was this really the only option?

I need to find her.

For now...

With hesitation, I drew closer to Chat Noir.

He was sitting on the ground, holding Fu close to him. Chat's face was buried in the master's collarbone. Chat was trembling so much but I could not hear him crying. Was he silently crying or was he holding it in?

I sniffled while sitting next to my partner, gingerly placing my hand on his back. Chat Noir flinched which made me quickly draw back my hand.

"Kitty...w-we need to go," I rasped.

We could not stay here for very long. We may attract unwanted attention from law enforcements or Hawkmoth. With how many negative emotions are exposed to us right now, I could not imagine what abomination Hawkmoth could brew from it.

Chat Noir did not say anything but I could tell he was listening. His fake, drooping ears flickered in acknowledgment. I patiently waited for him to nod his head and stand with Fu in his arms.

Pegasus opened a portal that lead straight back to the training room. We all entered in a singular file with a cloud looming over all of us. Carapace slung Gabriel over his shoulder. Multimouse dragged her unconscious prisoner while Vesperia did the same with hers.

I stayed by Chat's side the entire time without a word.

We locked up our prisoners in a metal cage until further notice.

All of us rejoined in Fu's quarters and placed him on the mat he usually sat on. Chat grabbed a blanket and placed it over master's body. In the meantime, we will keep him here until we plan a ceremony in his honor.

It has been a rough night for all of us and it will soon be for those who are unaware of the circumstances.

One by one, everyone began to leave. Pegasus was the first to go with Vesperia in a side hug. Carapace escorted Alya home. Multimouse had done something to keep the odor from growing worse before exiting herself.

I knew I would have to leave very soon. As much as I wanted to stay by Chat's side in his time of grieving, I had to get back to that awful party. If someone realizes that I am not there anymore, it may cause a big ruckus.

Chat silently sat in front of Fu with his head bowed and ears flopped.

I sat next to him, wishing there was some way I could get rid of his pain. I gulped, took in a deep breath and shakily released it.

Steeling myself, I tried to rest my hand on his back again. This time, he did not flinch away. He seemed to relax a little. I grew a little bolder and pulled him into a side hug.

"I am so sorry, Chaton," I spoke softly, resting my head on his shoulder, "He was truly a wonderful man."

Chat's lip twitched but I knew that that was all the reaction I was going to get out of him. I did not really know what else to say. This was the first time I have ever had lost someone I was close to. It really hurt, felt like a punch to the stomach and left me sore.

"I know it will be difficult but do try to get some rest tonight, even if you just lie awake. It has been a...taxing day for all of us but we will prevail through this together. I believe that is what Master Fu would want us to d-do," I said, nearly losing my composure at the end.

Chat tilted his head toward me. I mentally noted that this was the first time he looked away from Fu since finding him...in that position. Yet, it did not last long as his evergreen gaze returned to Fu. He gave a small hum in agreement and nothing more.

I stood up, having no choice. I just wanted to stay by Chat and help him through the healing process. Chat seemed to be the one who was closest to Master Fu but I never put much thought into it—secret identities and such.

"I have to go," I informed him, "but I will make sure to get back here as soon as possible."

Chat Noir gave me a simple nod.

I did not want to leave on such a heavy note. Was there anything I could do aside from an awkward farewell?

That was when an idea flashed through my mind. My cheeks warmed at the thought but I shook it off. I gazed at Chat Noir before steeling my nerves.

I knelt by him and cupped his head. He was surprised by the gesture but did not fall away from my touch. He actually leaned into it once the surprise wore off.

I gently placed a kiss on the side of his temple before retreating out of the door. I do hope he finds some clarity in these dark times. There was always a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it feels like it can never be reached. It will be difficult but it is possible.

"I will see you later," I said my final farewell. I made my way to the skylight but something was still bothering me.

Was I forgetting something?

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Chat Noir's P.O.V

Once I heard Ladybug's departure through the skylight, I decided to let go of my transformation.

"Plagg, claws in," I said, releasing the Kwami from the ring. It was an unorthodox moment of Plagg keeping silent instead of complaining about his cheese. He floated nearby, just as somber as the rest of the team.

"I cannot believe this is real," I mumbled. Was I only destined for misery? Was that why I am the holder of destruction?

"At least, he went out honorably," Plagg said, earnestly, attempting to put a decent spin on this circumstance.

"How so?" I asked.

"Protecting Paris and the ones he cares for. He saw all of you kids as his own children. I am sure he would do it all over again if given the choice," Plagg answered.

"Then, I-I will make sure his sacrifice will not be in vain," I said, clutching my hands into fists in my lap.

"Good man," Plagg acknowledged before his stomach growled.

I reached into my jacket's inner pocket and grabbed some cheese. I handed over the yellow food to the being. Plagg took the cheese. Much to my surprise, he split it and handed me half.

"Oh no, you can have it-"

"Take it, kid," Plagg interrupted.

I obeyed and grabbed the offered cheese. I slipped the slice into my mouth and ate it. I wiped my eyes as they started gathering water. Sniffling, I looked over at Plagg.

"Thank you, Plagg," I said, genuinely.

"It was my pleasure, Adrien," he said, sitting on my shoulder.

I was about to return to grieving when something caught my gaze.

There was a letter on the coffee table. I reached for the envelope and saw something written on it.

Ladybug
and
Chat Noir

"What is this?" I asked Plagg.

"I do not know," he replied with a mouth full of cheese. I stared at the letter before deciding to open it up.

"Do you not think you should wait to read it with Ladybug? It was addressed to both of you?" Plagg informed me.

"This may be important. I am unsure of when we will see Ladybug again or if she would even have the time. I will let her read it but...I just..." I trailed off. I was more or less desperate to read Master Fu's final words.

It could hold answers to my many questions. Secrets he has withheld for years. So much could be unveiled in this one letter.

He was the only guardian I had growing up. We may not be related by blood but I did see him as a parent figure. When my parents abandoned me and I had no one, Fu took me in. He gave me a home and a purpose.

I opened the envelope and fished out the letter. Plagg and I began to read through, becoming more engrossed as it continued. My heart raced as my eyes blew wide, flabbergasted by what was written in charcoal on paper.

"WHAT?" Plagg gaped.

I paled, feeling all the color draining out of me. The letter slipped out of my grip as a sudden chill went up and down my body like crawling spiders. I shook my head, yanking my hair to see if it was painful.

This had to be a dream.

"No..." I whimpered.

I was snapped out of my shock when hearing screaming coming from outside.

"Plagg, claws out!"

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Eight years ago...

Master Fu's P.O.V

"Master! I have urgent news!" Wayzz exclaimed, zooming over in a hurry. An expression of panic was displayed on his features, frantic to expose the news.

"What is it?" I asked. A bubble of concern formed around me. Whatever Wayzz must have sensed and scared him, I knew it was nothing good.

"The butterfly miraculous. It has been awakened once more," Wayzz spilled the news.

My eyes bulged out of my head. One of the two miraculous I had lost long ago has made its presence known. Here in Paris of all places. For all I knew, it could have been on the other side of the world. I never thought I would find it again.

This must be fate's doing. This is my chance to redeem myself and take back what I had lost.

"Then, we must make haste," I declared, "Wayzz, shell o—augh!"

I groaned in pain, falling to my knees as my back ached. I let out a sigh as my Kwami reminded me of my old age—to which I denied! I was only 181 years old. I am still in my youth!

"Master, you can no longer do this alone," Wayzz denied with a hint of remorse.

I bowed my head, admitting defeat, "You are right. Then, it is time."

I somehow managed to get onto my feet and made my way over to the Miracle Box.

"I know Chat Noir and Vesperia are very capable. They have trained well but they will do no good if danger is on its way. They need miraculous of creation—a holder for the ladybug earrings," I explained, "Someone who is courageous and a quick learner. Someone who will stand up for what is right and protect those who cannot protect themselves."

I picked up the Ladybug earrings and placed them in a small box.

"Who is worthy to wear such powerful jewels?" Wayzz asked. He was surprised, which I do not blame him for. He probably thought I was crazy.

"A test," I explained, "This will help us find whoever is worthy enough to posse them."

"A test? What may I ask is this test? May it be your old man test?" Wayzz asked.

"Do not call my test such a thing! It is demeaning...but yes," I finally admitted.

"Anyway," I waved off the topic, leaving my room," I will need Chat Noir and Vesperia on their tippy-toes. I do not have a good feeling about the butterfly miraculous awakening after so long. While it is a blessing to know it is near, it is also a bad omen."

"Indeed," Wayzz agreed, "Where might the young heroes be?"

"Ah, there ya are! I reckon you'd be here, old geeza'!" Olympia called, intervening in the conversation, "I suppose ya heard da news from tiny here?"

"Yes, I have," I confirmed.

"Goodie! But that ain't the reason I am visitin'," she said.

"What might it be then? I do not mean to rush you but I am in a hurry," I told her. Hopefully, it will get her to answer quickly.

"I came to tell ya a fortune I had," she said before clearing her throat. This earned my full attention. If Olympia rushed over here to heed an audience with me for a fortune, then it must be important.

An earnest look etched on her face, "The one you seek is not the chosen."

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