Lady Midnight in Paris

Chapter 18

A FEW WEEKS LATER

"Hey, did you know Marinette's out of the hospital now?"

Adrien smiled at his best friend. "No way! That's great!" He walked down the stairs into the school courtyard. He shrugged. "It's too bad she had to miss the show. She worked so hard for it."

"She got the Cinderella dress done. It was amazing!" Nino clapped his friend on the back. "And you made an excellent Prince Charming. Even though she was akumatized and everything was super chaotic--"

"Thanks, man." Adrien started down the tan school steps outside when he noticed Alya walking alone a little ways away. "I'll be right back."

Alya looked nervous when he approached her. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe," he said. "I know it's been an awkward couple of weeks...with Marinette in the hospital and all..."

"It's fine, Adrien. It was nice helping save Paris by making sure all of the civilians were safe...but what happened, Adrien? How did you defeat Midnight?"

"You know, I'm not sure. But I knew that Marinette was inside her, and she was fighting. I had to trust her. I knew that she had enough spirit and strength to succeed. She's the most amazing girl I've ever met."

Alya smiled. "I knew you'd be the right one for her."

"What?"

But Alya was already walking away. Nino waved at her, and caught up with Adrien. "Are you going to visit Marinette today?" he asked.

Adrien hesitated. "I don't know. Probably not. I don't want to intrude, especially since she just got home."

Nino messed up his friend's smoothed down hair. "Come on, Adrikins," he teased. "You know you want to. You haven't seen her in weeks."

Adrien laughed nervously. "A lot has happened," he confessed. "Just taking it slow."

"Go visit her. Now."

"Later, okay?" Adrien held up his hands in defense. I can't see her. I can't see her and remember all that happened was because...because of me.

It was my fault that she was akumatized.

It was my fault that she was in the hospital.

It was my fault that she was stabbed by glass.

It was my father that hurt her. Somehow, I feel responsible for my father's actions.

Gabriel Agreste was in jail now, his Miraculous nowhere to be found. He was responsible for endangering the lives of the people in Paris. Adrien visited him often, and told him about how well Nathalie and the Gorilla were taking care of him so he didn't have to worry.

Adrien should've felt at ease that Hawk Moth was defeated, and Paris would be safe again.

But Ladybug was still nowhere to be found. Marinette was still recovering. And he still felt responsible.

-----

"That was an extremely brave thing you did."

"Thank you," the girl said, giving Master Fu Hawk Moth's, Ladybug's, and Chat Noir's Miraculouses. Her kwami, Titan, flew over to Wayzz and greeted him.

Master Fu held out his free hand. "As for you...I'm sorry, but you must retrieve the Miraculous. There is a possibility that we need your services later on, but for now..."

The girl stared at his hand. She reached up to her pin, but hesitated.

"You know what? I'm gonna keep it. I don't think it's any safer with the rest of the Miraculouses. Isn't it more dangerous if all of the Miraculouses are together at once? Someone would be able to steal them all. Midnight knew where they were. She could've gotten them all if not for Hawk Moth imprisoning her.."

Master Fu frowned a little. "I am the Guardian of the Miraculouses--"

"And I understand that. I don't want to use it for only myself or anyone else's. I won't tell anyone about it. I promise. It's just..."

"What is it?" Fu asked gently.

"Titan's been such a good friend. I don't want him to go away. Please?"

Master Fu hesitated. "Of course. If he means that much to you."

"Thank you!" The girl exclaimed in a high voice. Titan flew to her and nuzzled her cheek. "I promise I won't use my Miraculous."

"Only for the greater good, Eagleflight." He said her name with a sense of satisfaction. "I understand that you were afraid in your first battle. Ladybug was as well. I trust that you will be a great ally to your city."

The girl nodded. "Thank you, Master Fu!" She left the room.

Titan followed her into the hallway. "You really wanted to keep the Miraculous just for me?"

"Of course. You're so wonderful, I'd be sad if I had to let you go. Now remember, you're a secret."

Titan giggled. "Of course, Sabrina. My friend."

Sabrina touched his nose and laughed along with him.

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DID YOU FIGURE IT OUT???

I liked having Sabrina as Eagleflight. It really explored a new side to her, other than just being Chloe's sidekick. What did you guys think?

The next chapter's the last one! Are you ready?

peace out,

anicm