Chapter Forty-Five
Winter was cold, as was the new year, and while there were no charges being held against Nino or Adrien, they still couldn't leave the country. Adrien's health was still slowly in recovery, and the doctors he had here in Paris were the ones most familiar with his condition. And while it was clear that Amelie wanted to whisk her family back to the safety of her home country, even she concluded that it was best that they stay here a bit longer.
Especially seeing as they were both going to be witnesses for the trials of Gabriel Agreste and Nathalie Sancoeur.
Nathalie Sancoeur's trial came first, being held that January. It was a cold and bitter winter, the snow sticking around much longer than it usually did. It made the outdoors miserable, and traffic even more so. Nino learned to deal with the former, often choosing to walk to the care center where Adrien was now staying.
No longer dependent on the care of a hospital, Adrien still wasn't quite in the place to be sent home, wherever that might be. Instead the care center he stayed in provided around the clock care, and a room that looked much more like a bedroom rather than a hospital room. The security that Amelie insisted was with Adrien hadn't changed, but unlike at the hospital Nino had clearance to come visit whenever he liked.
He nodded at the nurse at the front desk, and waved to Ezra as he approached Adrien's room, only pausing to knock, before entering as he heard Adrien's voice. He entered the unnaturally cheery room– decked out with paintings of landscapes on the wall and far too many potted plants. It didn't look like a hospital room, yes, but it honestly looked more like a kindly old woman's room than a teenager's.
"Nino!" Adrien called as Nino entered, though his voice lacked the normal cheer it often did when Nino came to visit– which was what he was worried about.
"My dude," Nino greeted, giving a hesitant smile, heading over to the armchair that sat near the bed– which, unlike the rest of the room, actually did look like it came from a hospital. Though Adrien was already sitting up he guided the bed to sit him up straighter, muting the TV that played across the room. "What'cha watching?"
"Uh," Adrien glanced at the screen. "Er, game show, it looks like?"
Like he figured, Adrien hadn't been watching the show at all. "What're you thinking about then?" Nino asked, but he realized that was a stupid question, as they both knew what was on Adrien's mind. "...How you feeling about the trial?"
Adrien's head dipped down. "I– I can't do it, Nino, I can't."
Nino swallowed, because he didn't know what to say, so instead he asked another question. "Is it 'the going to the trial' part, or being a witness?"
"I... I can't be a witness against Nathalie," Adrien whispered. "Or against... him. I just can't see how I can say... how am I supposed to say anything against them? I can't Nino, I can't."
"You... you just gotta tell it how it was?" Nino offered, still feeling like he had no idea how to answer. He forced himself to pause for a moment, taking a breath as he thought. "You've done it before, when you told me what happened, and to your aunt, and to the lawyers and the officers and, er, I imagine you've talked about it in therapy?"
Adrien nodded.
"So just do that again?"
"I can't," Adrien said, shaking his head. "I can't when she's going to be right there."
So that's what it was– it wasn't the idea of speaking in front of a judge or jury, which had been Nino's own personal hang up about the looming date, but rather Nathalie herself. As far as Nino had been told, Adrien's last encounter with the woman had gone well (though Adrien avoided talking about the day he went to visit her and his father), but that was probably why he was so hesitant– Nino didn't need to ask to know that Adrien was no doubt feeling guilty about one of the ones that 'raised' him going on trial.
"Pretend she isn't there?" Nino offered, knowing that wouldn't be a solution of any kind.
Adrien let out a half laugh. "Felix said the same thing."
"Then maybe don't take my advice, if Felix's agreeing with it," Nino replied teasingly, and was glad to see Adrien let out an actual laugh at this. "But honestly... I don't know what to say. I know that you still... care about her. Them. But this is a situation where, well, people are gonna need the truth, and the choice of what they do with that is out of our hands."
"Didn't that Guardian dude want you to do the opposite?" Adrien asked, with a different tone in his voice– and Nino wasn't sure if he was truly looking for another solution, or if he was trying to keep the light hearted tone going.
"In the words of my mom, 'do as I say and not as I do'," Nino quoted, tone light, but words serious. "I mean, do what your lawyer-dude told you to do, I think they probably have the best grasp on how this all works."
"They've talked to me about it," Adrien whispered. "A lot. That doesn't change the fact that I'm absolutely terrified." Adrien looked up at Nino, gaze pleading. "She's not going to get out of this, not like we did."
Nino shook his head. "With a crime like this, prision is the only answer."
"I don't want her to go to prison," Adrien said quietly.
Nino opened his mouth, hesitated, then glanced away. "I know the feeling."
It was what he had been afraid of for Adrien.
"I know you care about her, and I'm not trying to tell you how to feel, but..." Nino continued, still thinking. "But Adrien, if someone had done to me what they had done to you... would you be able to let them just walk away?"
He didn't reply.
"And it isn't just you Nathalie has hurt... but so many people in this city have been hurt as well. Don't they deserve their justice as well?"
"Yes," Adrien croaked. "But then don't they deserve to bring me to justice as well?"
"You didn't have a choice in what you did."
"Yes, I did," Adrien whispered.
Nino glanced at him. "Did you?"
Adrien didn't reply– and Nino knew that his words had reached him.
Marinette was shuffling through the news articles she had printed out, face tight as she scanned through the headlines, not sure where to place her focus. Titles from the last few months such as All Charges Dropped for Hero 'Silver Paw', Sancoeur Trial Begins, and All Charges Against Adrien Agreste Dropped, Are the Heroes Legally Allowed to Testify if They are Still Masked? danced across her vision, all vying for her attention.
Word on the street was that Amelie was planning on getting Adrien's last name charged once this all settled, which Marinette thought would be for the best.
She set those articles aside, as it was mostly old news, focusing on some of the newer ones she had printed out. Ladybug and Panthera Make Appearance at Sancoeur Trial. Sancoeur Sentenced to Fifty Years in Prison. Adrien Agreste to Testify at his Father's Trial. Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming Gabriel Agreste Trial. How Sentencing for Magical Crimes Will Work.
Even with the months that had passed, the take down of Paris' supervillains remained front page news. Winter had long set in, with Nathalie's trail having taken place at the beginning of the year. Nathalie had been surprisingly... compliant during her entire time in court; not hesitating with any questions posed to her, testifying of her role in terrorism against against the city. She hadn't seen any lies come from the woman, nor any attempts to try to defend her actions.
At least in the times that Marinette had been in the courtroom as Ladybug– which had been more common at the beginning of the trial. She hadn't been allowed to be present when other witnesses had been given their testimonies, probably to keep their stories from influencing each other.
That of course had meant that Adrien had to testify without Nino being in the room, which had been hard for both of them as far as Marinette had heard. When she didn't have her mask on she had to keep her distance from Nino to avoid suspicions, and of course without the mask she had absolutely no connection to Adrien Agreste. And unless Nino had told Adrien otherwise, then he had no idea who the identities of Ladybug and Panthera were, like most of the city.
Marinette shook her head, snapping herself out of her thoughts, pulling one article out of the stack she had been looking over. It was one she had printed this morning, which had been run through Google Translate since it was from a New York newsite. She scanned through the article, the anxiety gnawing in her stomach going. There was plenty going on here in Paris, but this only reminded her of the worries she had all across the world.
Museum Break In or Security Mess Up?
The article went into detail about the alarm system that had been tripped within an American museum the night before, though nothing had been caught on the security tapes. The articles reported that all artifacts were in place, and that the alarm going off was being brushed off as a glitch in the security system. But still, that didn't mean that everything was okay.
"Marinette, he wasn't caught, you have nothing to worry about."
Marinette jumped slightly at the sudden voice, and looked up at Tikki, who had been hovering near her shoulder, reading the article with a frown.
"But an alarm went off!" Marinette protested. "That wasn't supposed to happen, Master Fu had everything planned out perfectly."
Tikki's eyes scanned the article. "It says that nothing was stolen– so they don't suspect anything."
"What if that's because Master Fu wasn't able to snag the Eagle Miraculous and replace it with the copy?" Marinette said, spinning around to face Tikki. "And now all eyes are on the museum, and security will be heightened, and there will be no other opportunities to slip in, and the Eagle Miraculous will be stuck there for another hundred years–"
"Master Fu literally has the power of teleportation and invisibility on his side."
"–And then we won't have any chance of reversing the compelling magic, and what if another Miraculous was stolen and then we'd have to save another kwami and that means they'll have to go through having an abusive holder–"
Tikki floated there in the air, not even attempting to interrupt her holder, knowing that there was little hope of successfully doing so. So she just hovered there, staring at Marinette with a raised brow, waiting for her to finish her spiraling. It didn't take too long for Marinette to notice the look her kwami was giving her, trailing off, before defensively crossing her arms.
"It's possible, and you know it!"
"Marinette, we kwamis have spent way more than a hundred years being compelled by orders, and if we had to wait another hundred to be free of that, we would be fine," Tikki said, but Marinette knew it wasn't that simple. "And also I know you're worrying for no reason, considering that Master Fu is here right here, having tea with your parents–"
"Why didn't you say so!" Marinette cried, leaping to her feet.
With that Marinette vanished through the trapdoor and down the stairs, not even waiting for Tikki to offer a reply. As she flew down the stairs she could hear the sound of voices carrying from the family room, including the familiar voice of her master. As she careened into the living room she stumbled over the rug, staggering to keep herself from falling to the floor.
"Glad to see you're here," Sabine said with a smile, pouring a cup of tea to Fu. "I was just about to send up Longg to get you. Do you want a cup of tea as well?"
"Um, I'm good," Marinette said, eyes flickering towards Longg– the kwami having taken to following her mom for the last few days. He wasn't the only one getting attached, as Barkk was hovering near her father as well, who was sitting on the couch next to Fu.
The Guardian raised his cup in greeting, the man looking tired– as he usually did these days, still traveling about the world as he had been doing these last few months. He was surrounded by the most kwamis– Roaar curled up on his head as usual, Kaalki on the coffee table enjoying a cup of tea herself. Then there was Tyyto, the Owl kwami of Secrets, who was lurking in the corner of the room, watching them with her large purple eyes. Finally there was Tuskk, the Elephant of Memories, who was resting on the arm of the couch, using his trunk to wave to Marinette.
There were no new kwamis present in the room.
"The Eagle Miraculous?" Marinette asked in worry.
Fu got a heavy look in his eyes, taking a long sip of his tea, and Marinette's heart fell.
"It didn't go too well," Fu said softly, shaking his head. "It was simple to switch out the Miraculous with the copy, but as for summoning the kwami itself... Well, they panicked as soon as I introduced myself. Perhaps I shouldn't have led with that I was from the Order, but the kwami was very much overwhelmed and would not listen. I placed them back in a dormant state for now so as to not stress them out further."
Marinette blinked, taking this in. When he had seen his expression she had assumed retrieving the Miraculous had been what failed, not communication with the kwami. It made sense that the kwami of Freedom wouldn't be eager to meet someone from the Order, the group that had originally stripped kwamis of their freedom, but clearly it hadn't been a good encounter at all.
"Liiri was one of the few kwamis originally to break free from the Order's hands," Tikki said, drifting into the room. "They always withered when in the hands of the Order, I've assumed they were much happier when their holder first went rogue."
"Poor thing," Tom said softly.
Fu let out a long sigh. "When I first summoned Liiri from the gem... she assumed it was her last holder doing so. When I mentioned the year along with who I was..."
"She learned that her holder was dead and she was back in the paws of her imprisoners all in the same moment," Roaar said, shaking her head.
"Should have let me talk to her," Kaalki said with a huff.
"She was no calmer the second time I summoned her," Fu said. "I do not think seeing me for a third time will help at all, surrounded by other kwamis or not."
"Are you going to have this one rest in the Miracle Box?" Sabine asked with a frown. "Like the Peacock one, the one we haven't met yet?"
Fu reached into his pocket, pulling out a leather necklace with an eagle talon pendant at the end– the Eagle Miraculous. He set it on the table near Kaalki, looking down at it for a moment. "If that's what Liiri wants, then that's what we'll do. But their powers may be key for undoing the magic binding the kwamis."
Marinette stared at the Miraculous. "Are... are you going to summon them again?"
"I think it would be best if you were the one to do so, Marinette," Fu said, nodding at the Miraculous. "I think a new face would be best for Liiri, and perhaps you'd have the best chance to explain what has been happening."
Marinette hesitated– as this was of course far from the first time Master Fu had brought a new Miraculous and kwami into her house– but it had always been after they had been summoned into the physical realm, with Fu being the one to introduce them to her. She stared at the Eagle Miraculous, before swallowing her hesitation.
"Of... of course."
Still, she wasn't sure, as while she wasn't a member of the Order, she still was a Guardian. Perhaps Liiri needed someone with no connection to such at all, someone who they could trust as they took in this new era they were waking up in.
"Can I have Alya be the one?" Marinette asked.
Fu smiled. "If you think that's best for the kwami, Guardian, then that's your choice to make."
Alya sat in her bedroom, looking curiously at the eagle talon pendant laying on her bed. The apartment was quiet, her parents at work and Nora having taken the twins out. The only other one here with her was Plagg, who was lounging on the cat tree in the corner of her room, downing cheddar cubes as he watched her.
"Liiri ain't scary," he told her, mouth full. He had grown quite comfortable in their home, having adapted to the new apartment the quickest out of the household.
"They're the one that's scared," Alya replied– Marinette had given her the full story of the retrieval of the Eagle, and the task now at hand to actually talk to the kwami. Marinette seemed convinced that Alya would be the best one to greet the kwami of Freedom since she wasn't a Guardian, but Alya herself wasn't too sure.
What were you supposed to say to someone who believed they were about to be enslaved once more?
"Are you going to be helpful or a pest?" Alya asked Plagg as she reached for the Eagle Miraculous, pausing as she glanced at the kwami.
Plagg's gaze darkened. "I know what it's like to be in corrupted hands, kid– if you think I'm going to joke about it then you got another thing coming."
But still, Alya hesitated, her hand wrapping around the Miraculous, but not lifting it up. She knew why she was hesitating, and she was wondering if it was the same reasons that had made Marinette and Master Fu do the same. She had already seen the trauma of kwamis who had been twisted under orders, forced to use their powers for wrong. She had seen far too often the way Nooroo cautiously navigated the physical realm whenever he was taken out of the Miracle Box, and how Pollen was always glancing over her shoulder, as if expecting a foe to be there.
Then as for Duusu... the Peacock had still yet to come out of the Miracle Box. Being out of the hands of Gabriel Agreste didn't matter, being among her own kind didn't matter, her healed Miraculous didn't matter– she simply had no desire to join the outside world. Trapped in a state of mental anguish they could not free her from.
Alya didn't want to see another kwami suffer like that.
Still, she knew hesitating would do nothing. Even if Liiri would not find comfort in these new surroundings, the kwami still had a right to know what was going on around her. Alya scooped up the Miraculous, slipping the leather necklace over her head. Immediately a soft yellow glow surrounded the eagle talon, the light swirling around her as it took on the shape of a small gray kwami.
The kwami continued zipping about her just as the light had, sharp gray eyes sweeping across the entire room. As soon as they landed on Alya the kwami froze, scanning her with sharp movements. The Eagle's eyes immediately locked onto the Miraculous that rested around Alya's neck, a hum of silence filling the air.
"Hi," Alya said softly, not sure of what else to say.
"Who are you?" Liiri asked sharply, an edge in their voice that made it seem they were attempting to keep their voice even.
Alya slowly took off the Miraculous, setting it back down onto the table where it had first been resting, making it so her words had no magical impact on the kwami. "My name is Alya, and yours is Liiri, right?"
A single nod was her answer, before the kwami started asking questions of her own. "Where are we? How do you know my name? Are you... my new holder?"
"She knows your name because I know it," Plagg said loudly, who had still not moved from his cat tree. Alya had thought he'd want to be present to greet Liiri, who was spinning around to find the new speaker. But as Alya watched Plagg lazing about, relaxed as if he had no care in the world, she realized what he was trying to do– some of the tension in Liiri's posture faded. "And she's not your holder, 'cause she's mine." He grinned. "Been awhile, Liirs, glad to see you in one piece."
Again Liiri looked back at Alya, still wary, but not the same raw fright that had been there before.
"Where are we, Plagg?" Liiri asked. "What year is it?"
"Paris," Plagg said, letting out a loud burp. "The cheese here has been great– you want some?" He offered a piece towards Liiri, who made no effort to take the food. "More for me then! As for the year... well, same as last time you were summoned. Heard old Fu gave you a heart attack!"
"The Celestial Guardian?" Liiri replied, voice going high.
"I mean if you want to be technical..." Plagg said with a yawn. "That role don't really exist anymore if you ask me though, not since Fu brought down the whole temple– ha!"
"What happened to the temple?"
Plagg grinned. "A rogue Avatar destroyed it and everything in its path. It was an epic battle, me and my Kitten helped take it down not too long ago– she'll tell you all about it."
"Liiri?" Alya asked, kneeling down as Liiri once again turned. "I'm Plagg's holder, and the Guardians wanted me to explain some things to you. I understand you don't really like the Order of the Guardians, right? Plagg's never really had anything good to say about them."
Liiri's eyes darted around the room again. "Perhaps."
Plagg snorted, rising up into the air and drifting over to Alya– landing on her head to continue munching on his cheese. A few crumbs fell in Alya's hair, which she had to flick away as Plagg continued his eating.
"I don't really know too much about the Order myself," Alya said honestly. "I mean I've heard a bit from Plagg, and Marinette has told me a some about what they're like from what she's learned–"
"That's the Guardian of my Miracle Box," Plagg added.
"–And what happened to you kwamis, and I can promise you Marinette would never let anything like that happen to you," Alya said. "If you want you can talk to Tikki, she's Marinette's kwami so she's with her all the time."
Liiri blinked, taking in this information. "...A Guardian is a holder? I thought that wasn't allowed."
Plagg grinned. "We ain't doing the Order's way anymore, and it's been wonderful."
At first Liiri didn't say a word, eyes darting from Plagg to Alya, taking in all they had said quietly. The kwami hesitated, before tears filled her eyes. For a moment Alya thought they might be ones of joy, but her heart ached when she saw only confusion in Liiri's eyes.
"What do you want from me?" Liiri whispered, the kwami not truly trusting her– and Alya didn't know what else to say.
She wasn't sure if there was anything she could say.
So instead Alya simply took off the Black Cat Miraculous from her finger, holding it up to her head to where Plagg was still lounging. "Plagg, I free you from all orders."
Plagg rolled his eyes, but took the ring. "I ain't under any orders."
Liiri watched them.
"I know you haven't been in this world for a long time," Alya said quietly to Liiri. "And I know that I can't imagine what the Order put all you kwamis through. But I have seen your kind be enslaved though, trapped in the hands of those who abused their powers. We've only just brough Pollen, Nooroo, and Duusu back from that, and they're still hurting. Duusu won't even leave their Miracle Box, they haven't for months... and I don't know if they even will in my lifetime."
"Give them some time," Plagg said.
Alya looked up at Liiri. "I promise you, Marinette and Mr. Fu would never force you to do a thing you don't want to do, and neither would I. If you want to just stay in a Miracle Box and never have your Miraculous be wielded again, we won't stop you. If you want me to open the window and let you go out into the world on your own, then that's your right too."
"Times have changed, Liir," Plagg chimed in. "And it's for the better."
"You asked what we want from you," Alya continued. "And the only thing we want, Liiri, is your help if you wish to give it. You are the embodiment of Freedom, and if there's any magic in the world that can free kwamis from the orders that can bind you, it's your powers. If we can undo the magic the Order forced upon you, then no kwamis will ever go through any of this ever again."
Plagg grinned, balancing his ring on his tail. "So what you say, Liiri– how about we Destroy everything the Order has ever stood for?"
Liiri hesitated for a moment, a glimmer of hope in their eyes. "I would like that very much."
Going through Nathalie's trial had been one of the most difficult things that Adrien had ever done. Sitting at the witness stand, all eyes on him
Going through his father's, however, was nothing short of hell.
Gabriel Agreste's trial lasted through the spring, and unlike with Nathalie's trial, Adrien found that his presence in the courtroom was needed far more often. He felt pathetic with his father's gaze trained on him, words from his last visit twisting in his mind. Most days he could guide himself with a walker to his seat, knowing that his father was watching every struggling step he took. On the days where his body could not bear it, and when he found himself being pushed in a wheelchair he only felt helpless, feeling as if there was no escape from the man that was watching him.
Gabriel didn't do it with any others involved with the case– he only sneered when any of the heroes took the stand, and flat out refused to even look at Nathalie. Even with his lawyer he'd give only curt responses, but nothing more than a glace. For Adrien though, it seemed his father's gaze would not leave him. Watching every hobble, every cough, every movement with an unwavering dedication that Adrien would have once longed to have from the man.
Now he wished to wither away into nothing– to become one with the crowd, the floor, the oblivion around him– anything to escape that gray gaze that steadily watched.
He didn't speak directly with his father– not in the courtroom nor out of it. When he had to speak all questions were posed by another. Sometimes a lawyer, sometimes the judge, sometimes the jury, but his father never took a moment to speak with him. Not even in the rare moments when they passed near each other being escorted in and out of the courtroom.
Adrien was grateful the man never said a word.
He wished his father would just say something.
The days blurred together, much like they had when he had first woken up in the hospital. A blur and mess of people and thoughts that would come together and be stretched out into a meaningless mush of everything.
It was all like that, however, and it was only in the inbetweens of it all Adrien felt like he could just breathe. An opposite of the reality he had once known– when home had been haunted and Nino had been his escape– but it was now the safety where he rested his head and the presence of that man punctuated the moments between. A fear that still lived within him, but now it was no longer what he was returning home too.
"Guilty."
Guilty.
The word echoed in Adrien's head, as he sat there stiff, staring at his father. The man was just as still as him, his face an empty mask. It was an expression that he knew all too well, even with the months that had passed. It was the same neutral expression his father always wore in public, the shift in his eyes being the only sign of emotion, a mere spark compared to the inferno of rage that Adrien knew was buried beneath.
"...Life in prison…"
Adrien was hearing the words, and processing them as well– yet they felt like they were in another world. Guilty of all charges. Life in prison. No chance of parole. What that meant for his father, what it meant for him. Words that left no doubt for what Gabriel's fate would be, yet it felt like something he had yet to fully comprehend.
Even with his father no longer being a stable presence in his life, he was still there. Visitations. The courtroom. That haunting gaze watching throughout it all. Everyone had said he was freed from his father's grasp, but he truly hadn't been– not until now. Where law and bars would truly be locking him away, leaving not even a sliver of a possibility that he could crawl back to the power he once held over Adrien.
Adrien could still feel that gaze on him now, as the court adjourned. He didn't even have to turn to know that his father was still watching him as he was led away– this time to a prison with a life sentence hanging over his head. A part of him did not want to look, but he knew that once his father passed through those doors he would not see him again, a finality he was certain of.
So he let himself look, eyes shifting towards the man. He shivered as their gaze met, despite knowing that it would be there. Father and son stared at each other for a moment, gray and green locked together. A single moment seeming unbroken, before suddenly shattering as an officer laid a hand on Gabriel's shoulder, urging him to move forward.
Adrien reached for his walker, gripping it tightly as he forced himself to his feet. People were talking about him– he wasn't sure if it was to him or about him, but he didn't care. He just wanted to leave, to get out of this courtroom with the knowledge that he would never have to return here.
"Adrien."
The man's gaze hadn't been unexpected, but hearing his voice most certainly was. Adrien froze, swaying for a moment as he heard his name, before turning his head slightly to see that his father was still watching him. He had come to a stop despite the police around him, who looked like they were ready to push him if he didn't get moving again. However they paused from what action they were going to take as Adrien found himself replying before he could even think of what he should say.
"Y-yes?"
"You know it's over now, right?" Gabriel asked.
Adrien blinked at him– of course he knew that. He didn't know what his father was trying to get at, or what he thought it would accomplish. Surely he did not think there was still some chance for him to seize the Miraculouses when being tried? Or had he convinced himself of some other idea in his mind?
"They have no more use for you," Gabriel continued, and he just gave that familiar disappointed look when he saw the confusion in Adrien's eyes. "The heroes have no more use for you, Adrien, now that I'm being locked away. You've served your purpose for them."
"What… what do you mean?" Adrien asked against his better judgment.
"That boy isn't going to pretend to date you," Gabriel said softly. "You've turned against your family, you've testified against me– that was the last thing they needed you for. You will walk out of here to find that you're going to be tossed away."
Fear pulsed through Adrien– there was no other emotion that could come with such words. Even if it wasn't a possibility, the mere thought was enough to make his stomach twist and turn. He knew what meant to be tossed aside, it was a feeling he had suffered through before. Adrien stared at Gabriel, looking for the lie and the mockery– but it wasn't there.
His father truly believed every word he just said.
"...No," Adrien said quietly. "You're wrong."
Those weren't words one said to Gabriel Agreste, but Adrien felt no hesitation as he said it– as it was the truth.
"He loves me, Nino loves me," Adrien said, and his father's expression didn't change. "And I don't need my Miraculous to know that, because it's something I know, and no words you say will change that."
It was in that moment that Adrien realized that his father didn't understand.
His father understood love, Adrien knew that– he knew that his father had loved his mother. Had treasured her beyond anything else he had in his life. It wasn't love that Gabriel Agreste didn't understand, it was a selfless love that he could not comprehend.
A desire to give all you had for someone, for no other reason than the fact that one could. That was the love that Gabriel would never understand, not even when it had been given to him so freely, as Adrien had once done for him. So it was that moment Adrien realized what his father could not know that he came to understand what he felt for himself.
He loved his father, and he was sure that would never change– but never would he be able to give his whole self to him again.
But Adrien knew there was one he could trust to give such to– as they had already done so for him.
So without another word Adrien turned, practically hobbling with his walker being the only thing keeping him balanced, but it was all he needed. The support to let him finally walk away, and for once he did not feel the need to look back.
"Tomorrow?" Adrien whispered, staring up at his aunt. "We're leaving tomorrow?"
Adrien had always known that he would not be staying in Paris, not when he was going to be living with his aunt. Ever since he had been pardoned Adrien knew that he was eventually going to be moving to London with his aunt and cousin, but now that the moment was actually here…
"I have everything already arranged," Amelie told him softly, trying to soothe his worries– but they were not for the worries that were bothering him. "The plane will be private, and there will be security to escort us both to and from the airports– we will not be bothered. I already have made arrangements for the best doctors in the country to be working with you, and your therapist has agreed to keep meeting with you so you will still be with someone you know."
"Wh-why tomorrow?" Adrien asked, his lungs hurting slightly, and he fought back a cough.
"What reason do we have to stay another day in this stupid city?" Felix asked, not even looking up from the book he had been reading, and Adrien looked at him in betrayal. It seemed that Felix sensed his gaze, and sighed. "Fine. Your boyfriend isn't stupid. But the rest of the city is."
"This is about Nino, isn't it?" Amelie said softly.
"I don't want to leave!" Adrien cried, tears stinging his eyes. "N-not yet, not so soon, not–"
The rest of his words were lost to a coughing fit, Adrien hunching over as he fought his own body for control. His Aunt Amelie's hands were on his shoulders, and while she had been a comfort, it didn't feel that way now. These hands were supporting him, but they wanted to take him. To whisk him away. He didn't want to go, he didn't want to leave, he couldn't leave–
"It's not like you're never going to see him again," Felix muttered. "He's going to be coming to school with you this autumn."
"But I understand a whole summer is a long time to wait," Amelie said, in a much more comforting tone that Felix was offering. "But you know that Felix is right, it isn't going to be forever."
"I don't wanna leave," Adrien whispered. "What's going to happen when we leave?"
He felt Amelie's fingers being laced through his hair, softly combing away as the panic settled in his chest. She didn't seem to know what to say for a moment, being quiet as she ran her hand through his hair, before finally speaking.
"Life will go on," she said simply. "Both here and at home."
"And?" Adrien croaked.
"And we'll go with it," Amelie said simply, and Adrien closed his eyes, tears still leaking. "...But if it would make you feel better, I suppose we can delay our departure to London for a bit longer. Perhaps a week?"
A week, a week to say goodbye to Nino… it didn't feel like enough, but still, it was better than a day. And after that… well, he didn't know what would be next.
But life would go on anyways.
"No fair!"
"Yeah, I want a Miraculous too!"
Alya held back a sigh as her two younger sisters badgered her, forcing her to raise her hand above her head as they tried to snatch the ornate box in her hand. "Yeah, no– Mom said not until you two are thirteen, at the least."
"Yeah," Plagg agreed, stretching out on Alya's shoulder. "No more child soldiers, please."
"Alya's a kid!"
"Eh, what you call teenagers nowadays were basically adults a few centuries back," Plagg said with a shrug. "Don't think too much about it, you'll be old in no time."
"That's not fair!" Ella said with a huff. "That will be like– in a million years!"
"It's not like there's any super villain running around anymore," Etta said. "We won't be in danger!"
"Ha, it would be the city in danger if you two were the ones running around," Nora said with a grin, earning identical glares from the twins.
Despite it just being a tease Alya couldn't help but agree– there were plenty of combinations that would not end well for Paris. She could only imagine what havoc could happen with Etta weidling the Mouse or perhaps Ella with the Monkey– a nightmare just waiting to happen.
"Besides, even if you two were getting one, this one is mine," Nora finished, plucking the box right from Alya's raised hand. "Something you should've done when Hawk Face was still trashing this city."
"We wanted him arrested, not dead," Alya said, crossing her arms.
"Speak for yourself," Plagg said, a gleam in his eyes.
"Open it, open it!" Ella chanted.
"Yeah! I wanna see the new kwami," Etta added.
Nora held out the box, the two twins immediately pressing close so they could watch. Nora traced a finger along the latch of it, before pausing and giving a dramatic yawn as she suddenly stretched, earning a groan from the two girls. But even Nora's teasing didn't last long, a child-like eagerness in her own eyes as she went to open up the box to reveal the Miraculous inside.
They were given a split second glimpse of a spiked ring– before a bold blue light instantly engulfed the space, rising up. It didn't spiral about Nora as Alya had often seen kwamis do as they formed, rather this one hovering right in front of their new holder as they took shape. Hooves were crossed, and silvery blue horns curved up from an azure body. A tail flicked as the kwami took in Nora, before letting out a single puff of air.
"A cow?" Nora asked with a raised eyebrow. "You gave me a cow?"
"Ox!" The kwami snapped, stomping one of her feet as she hovered up in the air. "I'm the Ox kwami, and I don't care to be called anything else!"
Nora grinned. "Got an attitude, I see– what's your name, little guy?"
"Asking without giving?" The kwami asked, flying in close, the curve of her horns pressing up against Nora's forehead. "I think I'm either going to like you a lot, Calf, or I'm going to be in for the long haul."
"The name's Nora," she said, crossing her arms. "And the only 'calves' around here are these bad boys." With that Nora began to do several squats, showing off the rippling muscles in her legs. "And from the way Alya carries that cat around it seems like I'm the one going to be doing the hauling!"
The kwami gave a single grin. "The name's Stompp– and I think we're going to get along just fine."
Alya watched the interactions from a few steps away, while the twins were practically right up in Nora and Stompp's faces as they watched. Alya frowned slightly, looking at Plagg, who was now sprawled on his back, watching them all upside down.
"Was this a bad idea, or a good one?" She asked him.
"Well if you ask me the perfect ideas are the good and bad ones," Plagg replied.
Nora had now claimed the Miraculous, the nose ring taking on a yellow hue as she slipped it on. Etta and Ella were now demanding that she transform, and it seemed Stompp was just as eager to do so.
"You become unstoppable with my powers!" The Ox said with a flick of her tail. "Not one thing can slow you down, and no barrier can stand in your way– all you gotta say is 'Stompp, make way'."
"Stompp, make way!" Nora called with no hesitation– and immediately Stompp turned into a flash of bright blue aura, being drawn into the nose ring. Alya was forced to look away for a moment as the blue light danced across Nora's form, transforming her. "Woah, now this is awesome!"
Nora now wore an outfit not too unlike her boxing uniform– though it was now a brilliant shade of blue, the emblem of an Ox head printed across the front of it. She wore no mask, instead her eyes were surrounded with a dark blue paint, not too unlike the stripes American football players wore under their eyes.
Easily the most distinct feature on Nora, however, was the pair of blue horns that curved up from her head. Alya however wasn't really that surprised that Nora had ended up being a perfect wielder of Determination– a concept that very much fit her sister.
"Looks like I'll be outnumbered by perfect holders again," Alya said with a sigh.
"Perfect wielders are overrated," Plagg said with a yawn. "'Sides, Wolfhound and Tianlong ain't perfect wielders."
"Yeah, but those are Marinette's parents," Alya said with a slight frown. "Dunno, feels different when it's your own sister."
"Eh, the only sisters I have are Void and Chaos, and I'm never trying to be like them." Plagg said with a shrug. "Except chaos, I very much strive for chaos, but that's a whole other thing– anyways there's two things you gotta remember. One you don't hafta be like your own siblings, takes the fun out of life if you ask me. Second of all you're my holder, and if you try to replace me with some other kwami just because you're a 'perfect wielder' for their concept or whatever, then I'm going to Cataclysm their Miraculous."
Alya held back a laugh. "Please don't do that."
"Third of all–"
"I thought you said two things?"
"–Determination is just a form of Destruction– so if anything we're way stronger and cooler than whatever-she's-going-to-call-herself over there."
As if on cue, Nora declared. "You can all call me Rampage!"
"We are way cooler than Rampage over there," Plagg amended.
"Rampage, you're the coolest!" Ella cried.
This time Alya didn't hold back a laugh as Plagg glowered from her shoulder.
Nino stood silently at the platform of the train station, a backpack slung over his shoulder, and a suitcase in one hand. He stared down the tracks, watching the approaching train draw closer, making his stomach twist in uncertainty. He had no reason to be nervous, he knew that– last night had been nothing but excitement, but now...
"Nino, dear, everything okay?" A soft voice asked, a hand resting on his shoulder.
He looked up to see his mother watching him with worry. He smiled softly, not forced in anyway, even with the uncertainty running through him. "Just thinking, I'll be fine though, once I get moving."
"Well I don't want you to go," said a grumpy voice next to him, and he looked down to see Chris had his arms crossed unhappily.
"It's not going to be forever, and you know that," Nino said with a chuckle, ruffling up Chris' hair, who let out a huff at this, turning away.
"But it's going to be for like. Months," he muttered.
Nino let go of his suitcase, kneeling down so he was closer to eye level with Chris– who was now purposely avoiding his gaze. Arms were still crossed, eyebrows scrunched together, and eyes watering behind his glasses as if he was trying not to cry. Nino knew better than to point that out to his little brother, though.
So instead he took off the worn red cap resting on his head, placing it on Chris' instead. The cap was a bit big for him, the brim dipping down to cover his face. Chris pushed it up, blinking in confusion, and Nino gave him a smile.
"How about you hold onto this for me until I get back?" Nino asked with a smile. "I'd hate to lose it in London, and I can think of hardly anyone better to protect than you."
Chris' eyes widened. "Me? B-but– but you know Ladybug and Panthera, wouldn't they be better?"
The train was now rolling into the station with a loud rumble, an announcer's voice declaring that it would be departing soon. Doors opened, passengers pouring out, and soon it would be Nino's turn to board as well, but still he didn't take his eyes off of Chris, just winking at his brother.
"I think you got it," Nino said, pushing himself to his feet. "Besides, bud, I won't be gone the whole school year– I'll come visit on weekends and during holidays, don't you worry."
"Every weekend?" Chris asked.
"Not every weekend," Nino said, glancing between his brother and his mother. "But, uh, most of them, don't worry."
"Don't worry about us," Lucie said with a chuckle. "Enjoy London, learn a lot at school, that's why you're going."
"And to kiss his boyfriend," Chris said in a singsong tone, grinning up at Nino.
"...Give me my hat back," Nino said.
"Nope!" Chris said, dancing back a few steps. "You told me to protect it, so you can't have it."
"I didn't mean to protect it from me!" Nino said with a laugh, making a playful swipe for the hat, but Chris bolted even farther away, sticking out his tongue. Nino smiled as he watched him retreat, knowing he was going to miss this. He had been spending a lot of time with his family for the last year, not even school to worry about as his rest of his class moved onto lycée. They would be starting their second year soon, while he would be continuing his education in London after his year long break, at the same school as Adrien.
Adrien.
"Now, I want you to be the most polite house guest for Mlle. Fathom," Lucie said, drawing her son's attention back towards her. "She would not take no for an answer for you staying elsewhere, and hosting you for a whole school year is no causal thing."
"Don't worry, Mom, I'll be a gentleman," Nino said, picking up his suitcase once more as the train called for passengers to board. "I gotta go now, but I'll call you when I get there."
"You better!" Chris called. "You better call every night, or else I will!"
"And make sure you stay in your own room at night," Lucie added as Nino turned towards the train. "It's important to be careful, even if you're staying in the same house as Adrien–"
Nino's cheeks headed up, speaking quickly as he rushed towards the train. "B-bye Mom! Bye Chris! Love you, talk to you soon!"
"Goodbye!"
He was just a trot short of a sprint as he rushed for the train, and when he heard his name being called he almost didn't stop. But when he realized the voices were actually calling to him he did pause, turning to look for who was speaking. It didn't take him long to spot the small group calling to him– a dozen teens his age running towards the platform.
He instantly recognized Alya and Marinette at the front, leading the group, and it didn't take him long to realize who else was with them. There was Max and Kim with Markov floating between them, Ivan and Mylene holding up a farewell sign, Rose waving her arms over her head with Juleka standing behind her. Sabrina, Alix and Nathniel rounded out the group, and he just stared as he realized nearly his entire former collège class had come to say goodbye.
He dropped his suitcase, and ran to greet them.
"What are you all doing here?" He asked as he approached, before looking at Marinette and Alya. "Did you guys...?"
"It was Alya's idea!" Rose said brightly.
"Marinette planned it all out," Ivan added.
"We just couldn't let our superhero classmate skip town without us saying goodbye," Alix said, hands planted on her hips.
Nino let out a nervous laugh. "I wasn't really a hero-hero..."
"Says the one that helped stop Hawk Moth!" Kim said with a laugh.
"It's been over a year since I've even worn a Miraculous!" Nino protested, throat closing up slightly. Over a year since he had worn a Miraculous, and over a year since he had even seen Trixx or Wayzz. He understood why, there had been more than one stranger who had approached him on the topic, clearly interested in pursuing Miraculouses themselves– though that hadn't happened since after the trials ended.
"We're not here to say goodbye to Silver Paw," Sabrina said. "We're here to say goodbye to Nino."
His old classmates nodded in agreement. "We're going to miss you," Mylene said softly. "We really are."
"We got you some gifts," Nathaniel added, holding out a sheet of paper, which had a sketch on it. Nino took it, and saw a detailed drawing of him, Blue Wing, Ladybug, and Pathera standing together.
"Here you go!" Rose chirped, her and Juleka stepping forward, holding out a gift bag, which Nino took. From there the others added their own gifts– Alix, Kim, Max, and Markov handing him one, with Ivan and Mylene then handing him another. Sabrina gave him a card, then stepped aside as Marinette and Alya stepped forward with a wrapped gift, about the size of a shoebox.
"Wait until you're alone to open this," Alya said, placing the gift on top of the others he was carrying– it was heavier than he expected.
"Guys," Nino said softly, blinking quickly. "You guys didn't have to do this, really."
"No give backs!" Kim called, resulting in several laughs.
"Last call for London– again, last call for London!" A loud voice called over a speaker, and Nino jumped. He shifted to keep all the gifts balanced in his hands, and looked back at the train, which had a last few passengers scrambling for the train that was about to depart. Nino looked back at his friends, trying to find something to say.
"Go!" Alix snapped. "You can't miss your train!"
"But–"
"You can text us thank yous later," Alya said. "Go!"
Nino flashed them one last smile, turning to rush for the train, calling over his shoulder. "See you around, dudes!"
Echoes of 'goodbye' and 'see you' called from behind him as he ran, hurrying towards the train, ignoring the glare the crew member near the door was giving him as he scrambled aboard at the last minute. It was only once he was on that he realized that he forgot his suitcase, and he once again turned.
And there was Marinette, standing there, holding out his suitcase.
"Oh, thank the kwamis," Nino said with a sigh, shifting everything in his arms to free a hand to take it. "Thank you, Marinette."
"No, thank you, Nino," Marinette said as he took the suitcase. "Thank you for everything."
He blinked, but didn't get to say anything else, as the doors were closing as Marinette stepped back. She just gave him a wave, a huge smile on her face, and the train began to move. He stepped towards the window, but it was hard to get a view as the train slowly began to pick up speed, moving faster and faster and it headed off towards London– and once again Nino was alone.
"Can I help you with your things, young man?" A voice asked, and Nino looked up to see a crew member, gesturing to Nino's full arms.
"Please," Nino said with a tight smile.
It took a few minutes to get Nino to his compartment, the crew member having taken the suitcase and a few of the gifts, while Nino tucked Marinette's and Alya's under his arm to fish out his annual pass for the train (a gift from Adrien and his family, to allow him easy travel to visit his family). The crewman's eyes widened when he saw that Nino was to be seated in a private room (another gift from Adrien and his family... which Nino had insisted that they didn't do. But they had anyways). But soon Nino was settled as the train moved along, the scenery out the window a mere blur as Nino at last sat down in his seat, letting out a sigh of relief.
His bag and his suitcase were tucked away, while all the gifts were piled in the empty seat next to him. The room was private, and completely his own for the year (how much money did the Fathoms even have?), and with nothing else to do Nino began to pull the gifts towards him, looking over each one.
First he took some time to look over Nathaniel's drawing, which was done in exquisite detail– showing him and Blue Wing standing there next to the heroes, as if they were all one team. And while they had all ended up on the same side, there had never been a single instance where they had stood as such before the city. Nino wondered what it would have been like, if they had all been heroes together, from the start.
Then he opened Sabrina's card, which he was surprised to find was from Chloe as well. The note inside was sweet and simple, and he found himself smiling as he set it and the drawing aside, going for the gifts next. The one from Ivan and Mylene was a flashdrive of their band's most recent music, along with some others they thought he'd like. Kim's, Max's, Alix's, and Markov's featured the prototype of a videogame they had all been working on, and apparently he would be the first one outside of them to be able to playtest it. Rose's and Juleka's gift was of an adorable fox plush, which Nino couldn't help but hug.
Then finally he pulled Marinette's and Alya's gift into his lap. He tilted it slightly, feeling something shifting inside. He ripped back the wrapping paper, and found a cardboard box underneath, a card taped to the outside. He pulled that out and began reading, eyes scanning across the neatly written words.
Silver Paw–
We know that it's been far too long, and even with the craziness of this last year there is no excuse for us not saying this sooner– but thank you. Thank you for everything you did as a hero of Paris, even when we didn't know it. We don't really try to think about it much, but if you hadn't joined the fight the way you had, things could have been so much worse. Not only for us, but for Paris as a whole. We might have had no chance at even getting close to Hawk Moth if it wasn't for you, and I don't even want to imagine what could have happened to Adrien if you had not been there.
Progress of freeing the kwamis from commands has not been as straightforward of a process that we have hoped, even with the Eagle Miraculous with us. We've found that embedding one of its feathers within a Miraculous can grant that kwami freedom from orders– but we don't have a means to fully free all kwamis at once– that being the form of magic that originally bound them. In a sense this is just a temporary fix, only being able to impact the Miraculouses we find and not the ones still out there. We're looking into the idea of perhaps using Plagg's powers to sever the magic that is binding them, but we don't want to try that blindly until we have a better idea of what will happen.
The Eagle kwami Liiri has been going through a lot. She wasn't aware her last holder (a perfect holder) was dead until she was summoned, and she was pretty panicked to be back in the hands of a Guardian. Apparently her last holder was rogue, but a good one, like a certain Fox we knew. While she very much wants to help free her fellow kwamis, she's expressed that she wants to rest once it is all over, but just not to be trapped in a Miracle Box.
That's why we came up with the idea of the Retired Box, a smaller Miracle Box meant to host kwamis that aren't looking to be thrown into the middle of action or a fight, but to be in a place where they won't be locked away. To have a Guardian and perhaps holders that will let them experience the world without needing to bear the burdens of protecting it. We were thinking that kwamis could stay with this Guardian for as long as they need, and then go back to an active Miraculous Box when they so choose. Some kwamis that were caught up in the battle that took place in Paris last year have expressed interest in going into the Retired Box, so all we need now is a Guardian.
We think a certain retired hero would be the best one for the job.
Signed,
Ladybug and Panthera, your teammates.
…
No way. No way.
Nino tossed the letter aside, ripping open the top of the cardboard box to look inside, heart pounding. Inside, nestled among packing peanuts and scrap paper sat a wooden hexagonal box, inlaid with intricate designs. It was light in color, and a near perfect mirror of a similar miniature box Nino had held once before, back when he had claimed the Fox Miraculous from Ladybug.
He pulled out the box with shaking hands, carefully placing it in his lap, for a moment not daring to open it. That hesitation didn't last for long, however, and he pulled open the hinged lid to peer inside. He choked slightly as he saw the six indentations that laid there, each with a different item resting within. An eagle necklace, a butterfly pin, a peacock brooch, a bee comb, a turtle bracelet.
And resting in the center was a fox tail pendant on a golden chain.
Choking back a sob, Nino reached for the familiar jewel, lacing it over his head with no hesitation. He could feel the power humming within it, and immediately a burst of golden light surrounded him. The orb swirled about him in a swaying dance, before hovering right in front of him as the light began to take shape. Nino held out his hands, cupping the energy before it had even fully formed.
And then, resting in his hands was a small orange Fox, who stretched and yawned as they took shape.
Trixx opened up a blue eye, a grin spreading across her face. "Hey, Kit."
Nino brought the kwami into a tight hug, cradling his companion that he hadn't seen in so long. Trixx let out a yip, snuggling up against him, soft fur brushing under his fingers. "I thought I'd never see you again, little dudette."
Trixx let out another yip that sounded like a laugh, drifting back to take in Nino. "You know 'dude' is fine, dude."
Nino laughed. "You mocking me?"
Trixx placed a paw on her chest. "Mocking you? I would never! Why would you even suggest that, Guardian of the Retired Box? Don't you know the kwamis in this box are here to rest." She pressed close to Nino, eyes gleaming. "You don't know what trauma I went through– I was stolen by some thief not too long ago, you know. Right from the hands of Ladybug!"
"I can't imagine the horror," Nino said, blinking back tears of joy.
"It was horrible!" Trixx agreed, puffing up. "This holder didn't even like lying, can you believe that? What was I supposed to do with a kit that wouldn't even lie?"
Nino cupped his hands around Trixx once more. "Oh, I lied plenty of times with your Miraculous, and you know it."
"Saying I'm stuck with you again?"
"If you'll have me."
"Heh, I ain't interested in any other kit," Trixx said, pressing her forehead against Nino's. "...I've missed you."
"Me too," Nino said, and his eyes drifted down towards the Miracle Box on his lap, where the Turtle Miraculous rested among the others. He hesitated, glancing at Trixx, who simply rolled her eyes.
"If you must."
He picked up the Turtle Miraculous, sliding it onto his wrist, summoning an orb of green light up from it. As the bright aura danced around him Nino was startled with just how familiar this all felt, to have these Miraculouses on again despite how long it had been. He looked up as Wayzz fully formed, who gave a polite nod in greeting.
"It is nice to see you once more, Nino," Wayzz said.
Nino replied by pulling the Turtle into a tight hug. Wayzz blinked in surprise, and then returned it. Off to the side Trixx watched the two with a critical eye, tail lashing, before letting out a long sigh.
"Look," Trixx said stiffly. "I guess that I can... you know, 'share' a holder if I must," she said, not making eye contact. "As long as you admit he was my kit first."
Wayzz chuckled, rising up to meet his fellow kwami. "I'm not here to take Nino from you, Trixx."
"But I get shoulder priority and head priority," Trixx continued. "Pockets are free to use at all times, but I get to pick which one I get first when we both need them to hide. I also get Nino for the weekends and holidays, but we'll switch up during the weekdays–"
"Trixx, Nino is your holder," Wayzz said firmly, causing the Fox to pause, turning to look back at Wayzz in surprise. "And I trust this new Guardian to help me find a holder of my own."
Nino reached out for Wayzz, who turned his attention back towards Nino, his eyes calm yet solemn. Nino hesitated. "Wayzz–"
"Nino, I thank you for the time you spent when wielding me," Wayzz smiled. "You are an exemplary example of Protection, it is easy to see why our auras merged so perfectly. One thing you often did when you had my Miraculous, however, was turn it away. You tried to refuse to wield me, but in the end you did to protect your friends. Twice over on the day when we had our final stand you gave my Miraculous to another in order to Protect them. And now with you as my Guardian I hope you can do the same once more, and give me to one who will protect as diligently as you have."
"You don't have to do that," Nino said, cupping the kwami close. "We were a team– all three of us."
"And we still will be," Wayzz insisted. "Besides... It has been so long since I have had a holder of my own."
Still Nino hesitated, and then slowly nodded, rubbing the Turtle Miraculous. "If that's what you want. But until I find you that holder... why don't you hang out with us, little dude?"
A smile broke out over Wayzz's face. "I would love that."
"Where are we anyways?" Trixx asked, looking around.
"We're on Startrain," Nino said, watching as the two kwamis started to explore the cabin. "We're heading off to London, that's where I'm going to be going to school. That's where Adrien lives now too, actually."
Trixx's ears flicked up. "How much longer until we're there?"
"Heh, the ride is about two hours," Nino said, and Trixx's expression deflated. "But you know, that's just enough time to watch a movie... what do you guys say?"
"Yes!" Trixx cried.
"That sounds lovely," Wayzz agreed. "Do you perhaps have one of those Disney movies with you, Guardian?"
"No," Trixx protested. "I want to watch Pokemon!"
"You are much too obsessed with that game."
"Zoroark and the Master of Illusions!" Trixx cried.
"Illusions?" Wayzz said, shaking his head. "Really?"
"Zoroark!"
"Disney."
"Zoroark!"
"I still say–"
"How about Robin Hood?" Nino interjected before the kwamis could get too heated. "A Disney movie about a fox?"
Trixx and Wayzz shared a glance, before speaking in unison. "That works."
And so for the rest of the train ride Nino settled into the soft seat of his private cabin, the TV screen above them playing Robin Hood. Trixx was snuggled under his chin, her tail wrapped around the fox plush Nino had been given, while Wayzz had settled on Nino's head, all eyes watching the screen.
It was a lovely train ride.
It was a bit easier to get off the train than on, Nino having been able to add the gifts he had been given into his bags. It had been a bit harder to fit the Miracle Box in, so he had taken out a jacket to wear despite the warm weather to open up some space in his suitcase, allowing him to drag it behind him with his bag over his shoulder and a hand free. There was no red cap on his head, but a pendant hanging around his neck and a bracelet on his wrist, and most importantly there were two kwamis hiding away in his pockets.
As he exited the train at the London station he looked around, taking in the city he'd be living in for the next school year– and perhaps more to come. All around him voices were chattering away in English, which he had a much better grasp on after taking lessons over the last few months. He was sure once he started school it would become ingrained even quicker, with no choice but to have his classes spoken in English.
His eyes scanned the crowds, searching for the true reason he had come here. The education he would get would be top level, the language experience would be great, the chance to be in another country was exciting; but in the end there was truly only one thing that made him want to live in London, and he didn't have to look far to find him.
A pulse of warmth ran through Nino as his eyes met Adrien's, a grin immediately spreading over the blond's face. His boyfriend raised one hand over his head, leaning against a cane as he gave the biggest wave he could as he called Nino's name. Nino immediately broke into a run, rushing towards Adren as quickly as he could. Adrien's bodyguard, Ezra, stood behind the boy, giving a warm nod towards Nino as he approached.
Adrien shifted his cane as Nino approached, stabilizing himself as Nino brought him into a giant hug– before dropping it completely to return the embrace. Nino shifted his weight to make sure he could support Adrien, their arms coiling around each other. Adrien had grown a few inches over the months, standing even taller than Nino had remembered. He couldn't wait another moment, and without even saying hello Nino tilted his head up, pressing his lips against Adrien's.
Adrien closed his eyes, and they immediately sank into the kiss.
"You're here," Adrien muttered against his lips.
"I missed you," Nino said quietly.
"I love you," Adrien replied, before going in for another kiss.
Ezra cleared his throat after a moment, reminding the boys that they were in a public station. The two reluctantly pulled back, Nino still supporting Adrien as they stared into each other's eyes. Adrien was blushing, green eyes gleaming with the warmest smile on his face. Nino's vision was blurring slightly as he blinked back tears, taking in the fact that he was truly here, with Adrien.
Though he did not want to let Adrien go, after a few minutes Nino's arms were starting to hurt, which Ezra seemed to take notice of. The bodyguard reached down to scoop up Adrien's falling cane, giving it back to the boy, allowing himself to find his own balance once more. The cane would be something Adrien would use for the rest of his life, with permanent damage having been done to his muscles. Even worse off though were his lungs, and Nino had already counted two small bouts of coughing from Adrien as they made their way to the car.
Ezra carried Nino's suitcase to the limo, and had looked slightly confused when Nino asked him to place it in the cab rather than in the trunk, but complied. He helped Adrien into the car first, with Nino clamoring in behind, with the suitcase being slipped in last as the boys got buckled. Finally Ezra went around to the driver's seat, which looked so strange with it being on the right, and pulled the car out from the train station.
"We have your room all ready," Adrien was telling him, practically bouncing in his seat. "Well, almost ready, we wanted to leave decorating up to you– but we picked out several sets of sheet colors and comforters so you can choose which one you like right off, and–"
"You guys don't have to do all that!" Nino protested, eyes going wide. "You're already giving me a place to stay, any color is just fine."
"Yeah, but it's going to be your room," Adrien said dismissively. "It's currently painted blue right now– Felix's idea– but Auntie says that we can paint it any color you like, as it's going to be your room after all. Ooo, also we have this awesome gaming room setup that you have to see, and–"
Adrien went on and on about what awaited them at his– no, their– home, speech occasionally punctuated with coughs. Nino didn't know whether to be excited or surprised– and it seemed his mind just settled for being overwhelmed as they drove. He tried not to think too much about what awaited them, but instead just took in everything about Adrien as he spoke.
Adrien was excited, he was animated, he spoke with little hesitation as they went– but most of all he was happy. There was a smile on his face, emerald eyes lit up, his hands moving about as he spoke. Nino just couldn't help but smile as he sat there, a warm feeling blooming in his chest.
"So– what do you think?" Adrien said as he finished, looking at Nino expectantly.
"You look beautiful, my dude," Nino said softly, and Adrien blushed.
"We're supposed to be talking about your room!" Adrien cried. "N-not me!"
"Well, enough talking about my room," Nino said dismissively, and Adrien let out a huff of protest. "Because I have something for you too– close your eyes."
Adrien hesitated for a moment, before pressing his eyes shut. Nino pulled his suitcase towards him, and saw that Ezra was watching him curiously in the rearview mirror as he pulled out the Miracle Box he had opened on the train. Nino could feel Trixx and Wayzz watching him from his pockets as he slipped a small brooch out of the box, the two having yet to show themselves despite everyone in the car knowing of their existence. Nino understood why though, as there was a reunion that needed to happen first.
Nino looked down at the Peacock Miraculous in his hand for a moment, deep blue with magenta gems. It had once been an object he hated, the cracks on its surface having inflicted so much on the one he loved. It was healed now, but it wasn't the brooch that mattered to Adrien, but rather the being that rested inside. Taking a deep breath he carefully set it into Adrien's hands, whose eyes immediately flew open to see what he had been given.
He went completely still when he saw the Miraculous in his hands.
"I– I know it's a lot!" Nino said quickly, because he knew that Miraculous held many painful memories for Adrien alongside the good ones. It had been a Miraculous his mother had once wore, a dangerous weapon his father had tricked him into wearing, the source of magic that had nearly taken his life. "But I know you miss her, you need to see her. And Duusu... she needs to see you too as well."
There were tears in Adrien's eyes, and for a moment Nino wondered if he had made a mistake. "It's... it's the real one?" Adrien whispered, voice cracking. "She's really here?"
Nino gave a nod, using his hand with the Turtle Miraculous on it to lift up the disguised Fox Miraculous for Adrien to see, whose eyes went wide with realization. He then stared down at the brooch he was now reverently cradling in his hands, not seeming to know what to do.
"You can put it on whenever you're ready," Nino said softly. "It doesn't have to be now."
Adrien's reply was to take in a deep breath, which was punctuated with a few rapsing coughs, before pinning the Miraculous to the front of his shirt.
A burst of deep indigo light pulsed up from the brooch, a wave of magic filling the room. Adrien could only stare as he watched the sphere of energy float up, barely moving as it began to materialize, tears in Adrien's eyes as he took in the familiar kwami.
She was here.
Duusu was facing away from him, their deep blue feathers drooping. A thousand thoughts rushed through Adrien's mind, but before he could even say a single word a deep agonizing sadness pulsed through the car. It seemed to stab him right in the heart, tears welling up in his eyes.
"I don't want to be out!" Duusu sobbed, burying their face into their feathery wings. "Not like this! Put me back! Put me back!"
"Duusu?" Adrien croaked, tears of his own falling down his face, and the Peacock kwami suddenly froze up.
She whipped around, magenta eyes bright as they locked straight into Adrien. Glittering tears lined her eyes as kwami and human stared at one another, the sense of sorrow going taut, the hum of silence palpable in the air. Duusu's words hung in the air, and Adrien felt a wave of guilt.
She didn't want to be here, she didn't want to see him, she–
"Adrien?" She croaked, the sorrow the Peacock was radiating vanishing with a pulse of hope taking its place. "Is that you, my chick?"
"Duusu," Adrien stammered, unable to say another word as tears filled his eyes.
"Adrien!" Duusu cried, a pure indescribable joy flooding around them as Duusu dove for him. The happiness Adrien felt wasn't even influenced by the kwami, his own joy swelling as the kwami curled against his chest. His hands curled around her small form as he clutched her to his heart. "You're… y-you're okay!"
"Better than I've ever been," Adrien promised, tears filling his eyes. Nino was here, Duusu was here– they were here.
"Long time no see, bluebird," another familiar voice said, and Adrien cracked open an eye to see that two kwamis had joined Nino, each sitting on his shoulder. Trixx's tail swayed back and forth, and she gave a friendly wave to Adrien.
"It has been far too long," Wayzz agreed, smiling softly.
Duusu turned to look as well, though her feathery wings refused to let go of Adrien. She was still crying, leaving a small glittering stain on the front of Adrien's shirt. He curled her close to him, fingers running down the top of her head, and Duusu pressed into the touch.
"He's here," Duusu's voice was a whisper as she spoke to her fellow kwamis, before her attention was immediately returned to Adrien.
She floated up into the air, wings wrapped around his finger to keep in contact with him as she rose up to eye level. She drifted forward, a wing pressed against his cheek, and Adrien felt a tickle at his nose. Magenta eyes watched him closely and tenderly, a moment he did not want to end– but he couldn't hold back a sneeze.
The sneeze then turned into a cough, his aching lungs feeling as if they were tightening as Adrien fought for control of his breathing once more. The sensation lasted for only a few moments, taking in a few gasps as the dizzy spell passed– but Duusu had become frantic. Up against his cheek, lifting his head up, trying to shout to him.
"Adrien? Adrien!" She cried as his eyes focused. "No, no… no no no nonono!"
"Duusu," Adrien said, reaching for her again. "It's okay."
"It's not okay!" Duusu cried, tears in her eyes once again. "You're still hurt, I hurt you, you're hurt because of–"
"Because of my father," Adrien said before Duusu could finish those words, now holding her with both hands. "You can't blame yourself, Duusu. You didn't know, and neither did I."
"When will you be better?" Duusu whispered. "They said you were getting better, they promised–"
Adrien didn't know how to tell her that this state was his 'better', and likely the 'best' he would ever be from here on out. His time with a broken Miraculous had left its mark, and that wasn't going to change. The combination of magic and modern medicine had brought him back from the brink of death, and he was thankful for the recovery his body had made, even if it would never be the same as it once was. Duusu seemed to become more distressed at his silence, and Adrien set her on his knee.
"I'm happy," Adrien told her– as there was nothing else to say. Because things weren't perfect, and probably never would be again for him physically or mentally– but that didn't change the fact that he was happy, happier than he had been in years. Duusu tilted her head as he said this, the kwami of Emotion taking in the emotions he felt– and that was all she needed to see.
"...It's beautiful," Duusu whispered as she took in his joy.
"It's better now that you're all here," Adrien replied.
Duusu sat on his knee for a moment longer, silent in thought– before she was pounced on by Trixx. The Fox knocked her off from her perch, the two of them floating as Trixx gave her a huge hug. Wayzz zipped in close, and found himself being pulled in as well, Duusu's wings wrapped around both of her fellow kwamis. Her tail was spread out, bright colors shining in the sun.
Adrien felt a hand touch his, and he looked over as Nino took his hand. There was a soft smile on his face, looking down at the kwamis with warm eyes. His gaze then slid to Adrien's, amber eyes somehow seeming to soften even further, and Adrien leaned against him– feeling the steady breaths of Nino, and seeing the bright colors of the kwamis as they danced about.
Trixx and Wayzz pulled back from the hug they had given Duusu, allowing Adrien to reach out and pull Duusu back into his embrace, leaning her against his chest. Trixx drifted back towards Nino, landing on his shoulder as she rubbed herself up against his neck. Adrien expected Wayzz to join them, but instead the Turtle had made his way to the front of the limo, sitting on the dashboard.
He gave a warm greeting to Ezra, who nodded politely in return. Adrien knew that the two knew each other, that Ezra had donned the Turtle Miraculous himself on… that day, but Adrien had been unconscious then. So watching Ezra and Wayzz interact was something new to him, but both seemed happy to see the other.
Soon they were passing through the gates that lead to the Fathom Estate, and Adrien had to hold back a laugh from the look on Nino's face as they passed through. This place… was big, to say the least. Multiple stories and multiple buildings that put the mansion Adrien had grown up in to shame. As large as it was, however, one thing that Adrien couldn't call it was empty.
Life always flowed through the estate, whether it be through color, music, or conversation. Living spaces were used, he saw his aunt, cousin and bodyguard constantly throughout the day. His bedroom didn't feel suffocating, but rather like a place to rest rather than to escape from.
And now that Nino and Duusu would be here too? Everyone he loved was safely under a single roof. It was perfect.
Adrien knew that he was now truly home.
And that's the final chapter.
Thank you to everyone who read this story, I hope you enjoyed it! :D