Author's Note: Hey guys SnivyLord here! I am so sorry for this chapter taking such a long time. I've been extremely busy and this chapter... certainly went on a lot longer than I thought it would. Anyway, this story is nearing its end and I am so proud to write and think up of this fanfic. I hope you're excited for the end as everything draws to a close. So please enjoy this chapter and I'll have this up on as well! See ya guys!

With Gabriel Agreste's arrest and the investigation on him underway, Marinette truly felt alive again. In the following days after the trial, it really felt like she saw the world in a new light again. However, today was different, and her family had a certain affair to take care of. Marinette rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she heaved herself up to see her room, illuminated by the light through the curtains, creating gray and black tones all over the furniture. Marinette sighed as she got herself out of bed to brush her teeth and take a shower, all in silence. She then slipped on her black slim dress, smoothing it out to fit her curves. She then put on her black overcoat and grabbed the black rose accessory that she had prepared and tucked it in her ear along with her hair. She brushed her hair so it flowed over her left shoulder, and then she put on some light makeup. After that, she grabbed her purse and headed out to find the rest of her family waiting for her in matching black outfits. Louis and Hugo were wearing matching black suits with a white dress shirt underneath and a complementary black tie. Emma was wearing a black frilly dress that reached below her knees. She had a braid crown and allowed the rest of her hair to flow out to the back and she swore a black lily accessory to tie the two braids together in the back. Adrien wore a black turtleneck sweater with a long black overcoat over it and black slacks.

"Mari, you ready to go?" Adrien asked softly as Marinette nodded and grabbed a hold of his hand.

"Mmhmm, let's go," Marinette replied as Adrien opened the door and the kids followed them out to the car as they drove to their destination. Louis looked out the window and saw that storm clouds were gathering. Adrien looked out the window too and decided to comment.

"It looks like rain today..." Adrien murmured as Marinette decided to add on to that.

"Well... there's always rain at these types of events..." Marinette sighed as Adrien looked over at her and leaned over slightly to talk to her.

"Are you ok Mari?" Adrien asked as he noticed she turned to him in surprise to say something something, but she closed her mouth before she could say anything. Then she decided to speak.

"Adrien, I should be asking you that, after all we're heading to... you know..." Marinette gyrated her wrist in a gesture to get her to keep going, but she couldn't find the words. Adrien smiled softly and nodded graciously towards her.

"It's fine, let's just go shall we?" Adrien ended the conversation quickly, making Marinette keep her worried gaze on him a little longer than necessary. However, she turned back to look straight ahead, lazily staring at the clouds. Louis in the backseat did the same; he watched the clouds go by and when he looked at the scenery, he noticed the buildings go by and turn into forest and then into countryside. Then, it just became that natural pattern of forest and countryside scenery until they reached their destination. They reached what would have been a shimmering lake if it weren't for the clouds. The lake had a big hill near it with a large tree gracing the hilltop. That's where our family was headed today. Adrien remembered this place, his mother used to bring him here to gaze at the scenery all the time. They'd play, count the ducks and geese, and sometimes if they were silent enough, they'd see deer. It was her favorite place to bring him when he was little, it's only fitting her funeral would take place here. A giant arch graced with black stain and roses awaited them and their friends were waiting as well. The family approached Alya, Nino, Chloe, and Luka with their respective families. Gavin and Elena came forward to greet them first.

"Hello Auntie Mari and Uncle Adrien, we're glad you could make it," Gavin greeted awkwardly as Louis gave him a small smile. Elena bounded up next to him and immediately turned her attention to Louis.

"Louis, how are you feeling? I know it's been tough and we were so afraid for you. We didn't get to talk during the trial so," Elena went on as Louis chuckled slightly before coming forward to hug her. Elena gasped in shock before hugging him fiercely before prompting letting go.

"I've been fine, I just wish this feeling would go away, it's like a foreboding feeling," Louis explained, making Gavin and Elena nod in understanding, a somber wind blowing between all of them. Everyone was dressed in black and Alya motioned everyone to come in.

"Alright, follow me you guys, I saved you some seats at the front... even though they're technically already assigned," Alya tried to break the ice and only getting courtesy smiles as the most of the intended guests weren't here yet. The families took their places in the seats and looked at Emilie's display. Her picture was surrounded by a wonderful assortment of white lilies and multi-colored hydrangeas. Behind the display was the makeshift altar that housed the coffin, open for all to see. Emilie's body had been supposedly decaying for months ever since the family woke up in the hospital months ago. However, what was strange was that her body looked completely preserved and untouched, like an angel. Adrien wasn't really surprised, because he knew that not even biology could rot away Emilie's legacy and her love for all things. Eventually the seats started to fill out as each friend and family at a time came up to Adrien's family and offered their condolences, which he politely accepted. Then, it was time to begin, and Nathalie, who volunteered to start off the funeral, came up to the front and began.

" Morning everyone, please stand as today, we are here to celebrate the life of a woman, whose love and passion knew no bounds. Today, we are here to mourn the passing of Emilie Agreste, a kindred soul who saw beauty in all things," Nathalie spoke with such raw emotion, which Marinette thought was a first for her if she was gonna be honest. Everyone rose up to their feet and Adrien could only look on at his mother's coffin with remorse and despair, "She was an actress who brightened the lives of everyone around her on every movie she's been in, but she also fought for what was the true representation of women in the acting industry everywhere... she was an inspiration not only to her friends, but also to her family: Gabriel and Adrien Agreste. We are so glad to have Adrien here today to deliver her to a better place as Gabriel unfortunately can't be here as he has a prior engagement." Everyone looked at each in confusion with the last sentence and Louis could only smile awkwardly and cough because that last sentence was the understatement of the century. Adrien noticed as well and could only lay his hand on his son's shoulder in understanding as he tried to cough the awkwardness away. Nathalie then turned her attention to Adrien and beckoned to come up.

"Adrien, would you like to say something?" Nathalie offered as Adrien smiled gratefully and stood up to take the mic from her. Nathalie then went to go back in her seat near the family and Adrien turned to face all his friends, family, and Emilie's old friends.

"My mom... was a hero to me. She was absolutely the best mom I could ever ask for. She recorded everything I ever did in my childhood, and she and my father were there for all of my firsts and accomplishments. After she fell into a vegetative state, my family... started to fall apart. She was the glue, and she was happy to take me anywhere. I used to visit her everyday... and I'd talk to her and tell her about my day. I remember having such a bad feeling the day she died... I wasn't there in her last moments and that is something I will regret for the rest of my life," Adrien went on as he felt his voice breaking and he was the verge of tears just talking about her, "I will always thank her for what she gave me: a life and my kids because she saved them from sleeping forever aka dying. My daughter... Emma," Adrien looked at Emma, who was on her twentieth tissue and blowing into her nose; Hugo had to rub and pat her back to sooth her sniffling, "She saved her when my daughter was so afraid and lonely, afraid that her family would leave her behind forever. My mom taught her that family will always come back for you and will be there for you. Even if I couldn't see her in real life in her last moments, I was so glad I got to say goodbye in that last dream. My mom also helped my son Louis when he was about to die," Adrien gestures to Louis, who smiled warmly back at his dad and wiped a tear away from his eye, "Louis was convinced he was going to die regretting everything but my mom helped him realize that he has a future outside the darkness of my father's reach. And I am so proud of her and Louis for just everything," Adrien wiped a few tears away from his eyes as everyone watched on in sympathy and understanding, "You touched so many lives Mom, and I only wish you could have seen what your light had brought. Thank you to everyone for being able to come today. It really means the world to me," Adrien smiles gratefully as he stepped down from the podium and went back to his seat. He immediately felt a warm hand grab his and he looked to his left to find Marinette looking emphatically at him. Adrien smiled softly at her, firmly clutching her hand in an act of reassurance and leaned in to kiss her hair.

"That was a beautiful speech Adrien, your mom would be touched," Marinette whispered as Nathalie came again and delivered the rest of the starting sentiments. Then after that, the guests were allowed to speak to each other and visit Emilie's casket to mourn before they continue the funeral.

"You know, this is my first time at a funeral and it's so... sad..." Emma noted as she grimaced at some of the guests who were sniffling and crying in front of the casket. Hugo rolled his eyes at her because that kind of observation should be obvious.

"Well, what did you expect? We're at a funeral, our grandmother is dead, what's there to be happy about?" Hugo admonished her as she pouted and slapped his arm lightly.

"Hey, I was only making an observation!" Emma exclaimed as her eyes fell slightly, looking at the other funeral onlookers who were crying, sniffling, sobbing, or all three at once. It was hard to explain why she felt this way, but she was going to try to explain anyway, "But when I really think about it... I don't know how to feel about any of this, someone close to us died and she was our grand mère too," Emma looked at Louis and Hugo, gesturing to them, "I should be sad or anguished or angry! But I just feel empty..." Emma sighed, taking in a deep breath and closing her eyes to let her words sink in. She did feel empty, but the tears just wouldn't come, and she could only blame herself. Adrien looked at her empathetically because he understood what she was talking about.

"I understand Emma, you've never met her in real life, so you don't exactly know her personally. I really wish you could have met her, I think you two would get along just fine. Just like kindred spirits," Adrien wrapped a comforting arm around her and murmured into her hair and Emma couldn't help but lean into his touch. It felt warm and comforting, just like a father's support should be. In that instant, she felt better about her lack of a connection to her grandma, but the prospect of meeting Emilie and seeing just how much of kindred spirits they could be made her sad.

"I had a really long talk with her in my dream...and from her, I felt an overflowing desire of generosity, all she wanted was to help me, and I repaid her by letting her get caught by Gabriel," Louis furrowed his brows in contemplation, thinking about how he got thrown in the dark waters when he tried to save Emilie made him think about having the strength to save others. Perhaps it was by his failure to save her that she ended dying when they woke up, but he hoped that wasn't the case. Although at the same time, it only seemed natural to blame himself for what happened because that place... that lonely, desolate place was an abyss where your soul would sink into the darkness and you wouldn't be able to feel anything ever again. Louis surmised that after he disappeared into the waters, Emilie must have consigned herself to her fate there. Thinking about that possibility only made him feel worse.

"Louis sweetie, whether you think it was your fault or not, Emilie wanted to help you first and foremost, and she wouldn't blame you for what happened to her, either leaving her there at that place to face Gabriel alone or dying. That's what I believe," Marinette leaned forward so she could get a look at her son's face, who turned slightly to meet her eyes. She could see the regret and anguish in his eyes, and she reached out to cup his face to rub his cheek endearingly. Louis felt himself smile back to her gesture, but she knew it was only a sad smile, "Louis, you can't be ashamed of living because someone else sacrificed their life for it, think of it as an insult to them and their sacrifice. Please?" Marinette explained as Louis nodded and she smiled back at him.

"Mmhmm..." Louis' smile grew a bit wider as he nodded back and Marinette leaned back up to sit upright again.

"Ok, well, I think it's time we visit her one last time, to pay our respects," Marinette sighed as the rest of her family nodded and stood up with her to line up with everyone else. Nathalie made it so only one person at a time can pay their respects to Emilie's casket so everyone made a long line from the casket to the beginning of the aisle. Adrien was up first. He had a white lily in hand as he walked up to the casket and gazed over the silent form of his mother. She looked so beautiful when she laid still like that, a small smile gracing her lips. Looking at her for the last time dug up so many obscure memories from the recesses of his mind. Memories of playing with her when he was little, games like hide and seek and eye spy. He remembered that she always took him to the park in the fall to watch the leaves turn brown and fall. It was such a magical sight he remembered, all the red, orange, yellow, and brown leaves falling in a dance to the floor. He also remembered the first time his family went to the beach, he remembered that he wanted to create a sand version of the Agreste mansion, but his mom told that building a giant sand castle would be a lot more fun, and truth be told, it was. He followed his mom's guidance and brought her grace and kindness to others throughout all of his life. He always followed her example as his own life motto in the world and now, he has to move on without her. He no longer has any parent to return to or see anymore and even though he his a grown adult now, the fact still hurts.

"Mom... I hope I can do you proud... and forgive me for not being able to stop Father sooner... I hope you know that you aren't to blame for any of his actions, he can only blame himself. Please rest in peace Mom..." Adrien murmured to her, hoping that she could hear his prayer this time... for the last time, "Goodbye..." Adrien reached out to caress her cheek slightly before leaving his rose at the altar and heading back to his seat. Marinette was next. As she walked up to the casket, she felt a strange feeling come over her as she arrived. Then, she let out a big yawn that she immediately covered, but it didn't go unnoticed by her family and her friends.

"Maman? Did you just yawn? In front of Emilie? Really?" Louis leaned over to the right a bit to catch the look on his mom's face, who looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Marinette was quick to cover it up though.

"NO! No!" Marinette stammered as she didn't turn around because she knew that Louis would immediately catch the guilt look on her face. Even Hugo and Emma looked appalled at their own mother, "I think that was the howl of the wind don't you think?" Marinette tried to explain but she was cut off by Alya, who was admiring the eulogy transcripts off to the side.

"There's like no wind," Alya snickered as Marinette growled back at her.

"Alya, I'm trying to save face here, can't you cut me a bit of slack?" Marinette whispered harshly through grit teeth.

"Maman, you totally yawned, but I understand, it's like 9 in the morning, you hardly wake up this early... ever," Louis raised an eyebrow at her accusingly and Marinette could hear her other two children snickering in the background.

"Oh I am so glad that I single-handedly raised the three of you just to make fun of me," Marinette sarcastically chided the three of them, which shut them up because it was more of a guilt thing than anything. Marinette turned back to the casket and thought of the things she wanted to say. She had never met Emilie much back when she was a teenager since Emilie had already been incapacitated before then. She had only heard stories from Adrien and seen her in photos. There was that one time as well where she went to the movies with Adrien to see Emilie on the big screen for his first friendly outing. She remembered it being such a magical time for her, being with Adrien and knowing more about him, until that 'date' was ruined because someone at the zoo apparently let the animals run loose and the gorilla ended up breaking into the theater and creating pandemonium. Although Gabriel wasn't exactly keen on letting him out again after that and it honestly took months. Even though Marinette has never met Emilie personally, she feels as if the woman did so much for her. She saved her children from a coma, and kept Adrien well on his path back the light. That was everything Marinette could have ever asked for, "Emilie... I hope you'll forgive me for my incompetence since protecting my kids should be my job and not a job for someone who's dead..." Marinette chuckled but realized that comment was in poor taste, "ooh sorry. Well, in all seriousness, I should be thanking you, for making Adrien who he is: a wonderful, kind, willful man who has so much love to give. And he's pretty well endowed when it comes to looks, so thank you for that. However, more important than that, you shouldn't have to sacrifice your life to save our kids, but since you did, I hope you can rest in peace now knowing that we're walking towards our future together thanks to you." Marinette smiled sadly at the unmoving body one last time before walking off to the side, offering her rose to the alter and walking back to her seat next to Adrien, who had a big goofy grin on his face, "what?"

"Should we add yawning at a funeral to the list of the embarrassing things you've done?" Marinette swore that he had the most teasing, catty smirk on his face and she just wanted to wipe it off his face.

"Well, it beats yawning really loudly on the Startrain to London, remember that trip?" Marinette played along sullenly, but she swore she was gonna get him back.

"Yeah actually, almost two decades ago, when we were 15, I decided to be rebellious and go on that trip without telling my father. If I remember correctly, you were staring at me right?" Adrien recalled when he remembered that field trip they had all those years ago and Marinette nodded in response.

"Yeah, I was, and almost 2 decades later, I can admit that with just a little bit less embarrassment," Marinette sighed as she looked over at Adrien, who had a proud smirk on his face knowing he was right. However, she finally found some hint she can say something that can shut him up, "Those were the days, and ever since I left, when I think back, I will always thank your mom for making you so well endowed, if you know what I mean," Marinette glanced at Adrien with a sly smile to see him go completely red in the face. The appalled and flustered look on his face was almost too priceless to capture. She had to bite her tongue to keep herself from laughing at how Adrien looked adorably mad at her and she noticed how he glanced between her and and his crotch because he definitely got her implication.

"Mari! You thanked my mom for that at the casket!?" Adrien whispered harshly as he heard a few giggles from her, but honestly he didn't think it was a laughing matter, "now is hardly the time to be joking about things like that! I'm flattered yes, but that's so inappropriate!" He couldn't understand why she laughed even harder and clasped a hand over her mouth to keep herself from guffawing and attracting everyone's attention. He thought she would keep their private matters between them and not confide them in a deceased person, but here they were and Adrien felt like he could die from embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry Adrien, I- just give me a moment," Marinette wheezed as she caught her breath and continued to explain, "don't worry, I thanked your mom for endowing you with really good looks. That's what I meant, although, I don't get why you're complaining since we literally did it last night and she would be proud," Marinette smiled coyly as Adrien just blushed and pinched the bridge of his nose to process what she just said.

"Well, thank you for the good looks compliment," Adrien murmured as he ran a hand through his golden hair, "and now I know you just said that to me out of context because you knew I'd interpret it THAT way. But... grrr... of all the things you could have said," Adrien flushed and leaned back in his chair to take deep breaths. He then felt Marinette's head lean against his shoulder and he felt his anger ebb away from his body.

"I'm sorry Adrien, now I feel bad for saying that... there was a time when I couldn't imagine saying that to you. Now, we're just teasing each other relentlessly, and I do like how we've changed," Marinette sighed as Adrien listened and understood what she meant. When he thought about the girl that was stutter and mix up words around him, he would have never imagined that same girl be on equal terms of flirty banter with him.

"Well, I forgive you, but we can always talk about these things later and not at a funeral Mari," Adrien shot an accusing yet playful glare at her to which she giggled and sighed again. Then Adrien just had a thought, a thought that was a little embarrassing to ask but he did anyway, "So ummm... Mari... Out of curiosity, how was I?" Marinette snapped her head to him in shock for a moment before relaxing. She didn't really think he would be asking her that let alone continue the topic at a funeral.

"Well," Marinette started thoughtfully, and decided to throw him a bone, "you do certainly have a lot more experience than you let on. I really enjoyed last night with you since it's the first time we've made love since 15 years ago," Marinette could swear that his grin grew even wider and she could see it from ear to ear, "however we can save the details for a later time." Adrien nodded and Marinette could see that he looked really proud of himself. Damn him and his natural charisma and confidence.

"For sure my lady," Adrien replied back smoothly, and Marinette could feel the shivers of his statement up her spine. He was literally going to be the death of her, because sometimes he's really sweet and caring like the Adrien she knew when they were young and other times he's just oozing confidence and sexiness that it's really hard to ignore. The combination is deadly, and she understood that now. Next up was Emma, and boy did she have a lot to say to the person that saved her.

"Madame Emilie... what can I say? To think it would be my grand-mère who would save me when I was all alone. I remember we talked my fears... and we talked about yours, and you were afraid of leaving Papa all alone. I remember you said that you faintly remembered a little boy whose wish was to be free and live life to the fullest," Emma recalled as she didn't understand what Emilie meant at the time, but now she knew who she was talking about, "That was Papa wasn't it? It's a shame I didn't recognize you before when we were in the dream world. And yet you still guided me out and back with my family, and I wish we got to talk more too. I can't think of any way I could possibly repay you, but I hope you'll accept my thanks. Madame Emilie... Thank you... and please watch us from heaven," Emma sniffled as she wiped away and tear and left her rose at the altar. She then came back to hug her parents, who gladly took her into their arms. A feeling of warmth and togetherness filled her heart, and snuggling into their bodies, made her feel safe after a very long time.

"Emm, sweetie, are you ok?" Adrien asked as Emma wiped away her tears and smiled brightly at her dad.

"Yeah, because everything's gonna be fine now," Emma replied, turning around to sit back in seat between her parents and waited for her brothers to finish their parting words. Hugo walked up to the altar with his rose in hand, but his mind was absolutely going blank as he didn't know what to say. After a few more moments, he felt someone grab his hand and he looked up to find Louis looking down at him with a somber smile.

"You can't think of anything to say?" Louis asked as he looked towards the the altar and he saw his brother nod slowly out of the corner of his eye.

"I just... don't want to make my parting words really boring you know? Unlike you two, I didn't have her intervention or help. In that dream world, I was fighting through a maze of Gabriel Agreste's and all I could hear was reasons as to why I can't trust Papa," Hugo sighed exasperatedly, and Louis could feel the frustration from his brother, evident in the way Hugo tightened his grip around his hand, "It's hard to find the words when you're forced to find the words." Hugo leaned his head against Louis' arm and Louis tightened his lips in thought about what Hugo meant. He definitely understood because finding the words when they share no memories with the person, can definitely be tough.

"Hey... what if I just say my piece to her for the both of us? That way, you can say your condolences with me so you don't feel like you're just grasping at straws for words," Louis suggested and Hugo looked hopefully at his older brother.

"You'd do that for me?" Hugo asked and Louis nodded and squeezed Hugo's hand reassuringly.

"Yeah, so.. here goes," Louis took a deep breath and Hugo looked back at the altar as if waiting for Louis' words. The rest of the family watched endearingly at the two brothers say their parting words together, "Emilie... what could I say, how, could I possibly make it up to you for not being able to do more for you. You helped me conquer my fears and yet when it came down to it, you were condemned to that darkness, that abyss of nothingness forever," Hugo noticed his brother's shaky voice and glanced up at him to find Louis' eyes filled with regret, "You didn't deserve to die there... and I don't know what happened after Gabriel had me drown..." Louis recalled as Hugo gasped and gave his brother a pitiful look, "How could Gabriel... just let you die there? Wasn't this whole thing... wasn't his drive for everything that happened... wasn't it for you? Regardless... I'd like to thank you for everything that you have done, and thank you for bringing our Papa back to us. I'd like to think that the day Maman met Papa again after 15 years was fate and you were there to witness it too... Hugo do you want to say something?" Louis looked at his younger brother, who jumped slightly at his name but he nodded enthusiastically and he finally had an idea of what to say.

"Mmmhmm, so... Madame Emilie, I want to thank you for making Papa who he is today. He's a funny, kind, positive person who sees the good in everyone, and I'd like to think he got that from you," Hugo sighed, looking at Emilie's picture and seeing her face smile back at him made him feel like she was smiling at every word, "He wants to do everything he can to be a great dad, and I already love him so much despite not trusting him in the beginning. I hope you'll forgive me for doubting your son, but I truly see the good that you instilled in him. He makes me feel loved and a part of his life, and he was the piece that we were all missing. We have you to thank for him, and I hope you'll watch over us... wherever you are..." Hugo finished and looked at his brother to find Louis beaming at him with emotion. Louis laughed and ruffled his brother's hair, to which the latter whined and laughed along with him.

"Look at my brother with the words! That was beautiful Hugo, you did have the words after all!" Louis leaned down to see his brother's face, which was scrunched in concentration while trying to fix his hair.

"Well it was thanks to you that I finally found an idea. I really do hope that she's in a better place... whatever happened to her after you left that dark place," Hugo sighed and left his rose on the altar and returned to his seat with their parents. Louis looked back the altar and was about to set his rose down when he noticed a white butterfly flying around the casket in the coffin, its wings shimmering in the rays of sunlight that began to break through the clouds. The rays of sunshine was like a sign that the time of sadness was ending and a new era was going to begin. Louis, without thinking, held out his hand with his fingers outstretched, and shockingly, the butterfly fluttered closer to him and fluttered around his hand before gently landing on his index finger. Louis was careful not to move but he couldn't help but feel nostalgic when he looked at the white butterfly. The wind blew and carried the voices across the air to Louis' ears, and he swore he could hear a voice.

"Louis..."

"W-what, or w-w-who was that?" Louis snapped his head around to check for anyone who was trying to catch his attention but no one was.

"Louis... please know that your future... will be a happy one... you don't have to fear... being lost... any longer..." Louis heard the soft whisper in his ear and he looked at the butterfly again, who was spending an awful lot of time on his fingers. Suddenly, it hit him as to who that voice belonged to: it was Emilie's.

"Emilie?" Louis asked aloud as he noticed the butterfly flutter its wings in response to the name.

"Yes... so I see you finally hear me..." Louis could barely hear her voice, but that gentle sound was something he definitely did recognize.

"This... is absolutely insane, you're talking to me? Through a butterfly? This is like some sort of spirit intervention or something because I don't know how this is possible," Louis exclaimed as Emilie sensed the panic and confusion in him and tried to lay his fears to rest.

"I hardly... understand it myself, but I wanted to thank you for all your kind words, from all of you," Emilie murmured as her spirit thought about the end result to all of this, after the entire trial was done, "Adrien... I'm so glad to see him... making a life of his accord. He's truly happy now..." Louis heard her voice breaking and his smile fell a little bit into the sympathetic territory.

"So then you could Rest In Peace?" Louis wondered aloud and the butterfly fluttered in response.

"Yes... Louis, please promise me something..." Emilie asked as Louis nodded in response and waited for her proposition.

"Please enjoy your life with him, and guide him as a son and as a friend, because he has so much to learn from you," Emilie requested and at first, Louis was taken aback by the request, but with a big smile, he gratefully accepted.

"Of course... I'll be by his side no matter what!" Louis declared quietly as to not alert any other people that he's talking to a butterfly. Although, he had another thought in his head while he had Emilie here to talk to, "Emilie... if you don't mind... what happened to you after I left?"

The butterfly didn't answer for a moment and Louis was afraid that it might have been a touchy subject. Soon, Louis heard her voice again as Emilie decided to explain, "Louis... one thing I want you to understand is the despair that Gabriel felt that allowed him to visit that place... that cold and lonely place." Louis nodded slowly as his mind automatically filled with thoughts of loathing and unforgiveness for the man, and how could he ever understand the reasoning behind Gabriel's actions.

"Emilie... forgive me but, I don't need any justification for that man's actions," Louis stated firmly, noticing as the flapping of the butterfly's wings stilled. To be honest, he didn't really need to hear it at all, any sort of reason or tragic backstory, Gabriel made his choice to terrorize his family, and that was all he needed to know, "I don't see any redemption for that man, and it's his fault for being obsessed with the past."

"I could see it in his heart that he knew that waking me would an impossible dream... and that was the despair he felt," Emilie gently explained as Louis scrutinized her words a little further. It astounded him how no one had noticed that he was literally standing in front of Emilie's casket and had his hand up to talk to a butterfly for the past several minutes. Although everything about this interaction seemed otherworldly to him, almost ethereal like where he was speaking to Emilie in his own mind. Reality just didn't seem like it was real to him, like he was on another plane of existence.

"I understand that me, Hugo, and Emm were standing in his way to a future that he imagined differently, because we were essentially mistakes. He couldn't deal with the fact that Papa wanted to move on with his life..." Louis replied, and while they were airing out grievances, he figured he should also speak his mind on the matter, "and I don't want to live as if I'm a mistake... like I'm standing in the way of someone else's happiness and they would resort to murder to gain it. It's an awful existence to behold and I don't want to live with that regret, and I don't want Hugo and Emm to live with that kind of regret either. Our lives should be beautiful and full of promise and love! So that's why I'm not going to feel guilty for being alive!" Louis declared as he addressed the sinking feeling he's had this whole time. Saying it out loud, he couldn't help but feel that twinge of guilt for being a mistake, but he knew it wasn't true.

"You're right, and you shouldn't have regrets because of Gabriel... but when it comes down to it, Gabriel felt like he was completely alone because Adrien was moving on without him, and so he had to deal with the sorrow of my illness alone," Emilie replied as Louis sighed and nodded in understanding, "if you really wanted to know what transpired after you left me on those shores, then I will show you," The butterfly flapped its wings and took off from Louis' finger and it felt like the world was becoming distorted around Louis. He could still see the reality of the funeral, but everything around him was in a hazy, milky white mist. Suddenly, the butterfly flew right beside him and materialized into Emilie herself.

"What the-?" Louis started but Emilie gestured to the scene in front of him and he looked at those familiar black shores with the waters lapping against them ever so quietly. He saw the unmistakable giant moon that he saw in the sky, ever fixed on the low hanging position. Louis recognized the black rock formations that surrounded the small bay, and he remembered how they faintly glowed with a iridescent light. He saw Emilie on the floor, supposedly collapsing from grief at what had just occurred seconds ago. Louis saw Gabriel standing beside her, and he could clearly hear their ensuing conversation.

"It had to be done..." Gabriel murmured as Emilie looked down in her lap and clenched her fists.

"No! It didn't! That boy! He had so much life to live! Are you that bitter and that selfish that you would ruin Adrien's future just to repair your own?" Emilie asked as Gabriel sighed with no response. It was as if there was no difference between right and wrong for him.

"I guess I am..." Gabriel stared solemnly at the lapping waters, which showed no sign that a child was just thrown into it, and it just an eerie silence after. For all they know, Louis must have drowned in the waters.

"How... how could do that to him... that is Adrien's son and our grandchild!" Emilie exclaimed, shutting her eyes in guilt as she couldn't watch the waters anymore. She didn't know if time functioned the same way in this place, but too much time had passed for Louis to come up, so he must drowned.

"Adrien is making a mistake, and at this rate, his future will be completely built upon accidents! Do you want that?!" Gabriel replied back sharply as he looked away from the waters to look at Emilie who didn't reply for a few moments, so Gabriel decided to continue for her, "Louis was an accident on that fateful night 15 years ago, and the twins were also a mistake. Is that the kind of life you wanted for Adrien?" To this question, Emilie had an answer for.

"He... is an adult now, and he gets to decide his own happiness, and his happiness was always with her, Madame Marinette. Whether you think it was an accident or not... I think it was meant to be," Emilie felt herself tear up as she continued talking, she felt like she was opening so many floodgates of wishes that she wanted to say Adrien. Sadly, she would never get to say any of them to her son, "you just didn't want to accept the fact that the world you were trying to create with Adrien and me was slipping from your control. The twin's insemination was your fault and you have the gall to say that they were a mistake!" Gabriel froze up when he heard that last part and Louis narrowed his eyes at him for the behavior. He was instantly reminded of the time when he found out in court that it was his fault. He remembered the shock on the jury's faces and most of all, the anger on his mom's face and the rage that he witnessed.

"Perhaps I just didn't want to let go... and all I wanted to do was what's best for Adrien," Gabriel started to say but he heard a contemplating sigh from Emilie as if it was a question of what he said was the actual truth or not.

"I don't believe that you wanted the best for Adrien," Emilie started, causing Gabriel to look at her incredulously while still maintaining the stoic expression he always has on his face, "I believe you wanted what was best for the family within the lens of societal expectations, but it's not the same thing as wanting what's best for Adrien. You can't just keep things frozen until I wake up... Life doesn't work like that," Emilie wiped a tear away from her eye because she felt a longing within herself, a longing to be alive, but she knows that's no longer possible for her now.

"I see..." Gabriel replied quietly as Louis and Emilie watched the two of them, noticing that this conversation was coming to an end soon, "Then it's time to see this through to the end.." the Emilie on the beach looked at Gabriel questioningly as the man started to walk towards the waters.

"Wait, Gabriel, what are you doing?" Emilie asked, standing up so she could catch up to him. She noticed that he sighed once she caught up to him and turned his head to look at her solemnly.

"That boy will survive... and it's his destiny to face me one last time to save his family," Gabriel murmured forebodingly as he looked at Emilie one last time with a fond look, a look she hadn't seen in years, "Emilie... I will say it again... you don't belong here, and please watch Adrien from above, you don't need to keep sacrificing yourself. I've seen enough... and you've done enough."

Emilie stared into his eyes to find no hidden malice there, just a genuine last request for her to rest in a better place, "Gabriel... I hope you'll do the right thing when the time comes... and may you find a new path for yourself and finally look to the future. Good bye... I'll miss you..." Emilie cried as Gabriel frowned at her crying and reached his arms out to lay them on her shoulders to comfort her.

"And good bye Emilie... I hope to join you in that beautiful place where you've gone when it's time," Gabriel brought her closer to wrap his arms around her to say goodbye. Emilie shut her eyes harder when she heard that, and that's when she understood. Hearing that broke her heart, because he wanted to join her when he finally gave up on everything. She felt her body become light as they separated and they just looked at each other for a long time. The world faded around them and Emilie felt her consciousness was fading. The image of her husband was something she wanted to immortalize forever, but even that was fading. It was like she was waking up from a dream, but she felt like she forgetting everything. It was white, and then it was nothing.

"Oh Emilie... I'm so sorry..." Louis started as he felt the world around them become to phase back to reality, but when he looked to his right to where she was standing, there was nothing, "Emilie?" Louis asked as he felt his whole body go into shock and he found himself holding his hand up with a butterfly perched on his finger again, "what just happened?" Louis thought to himself as he stared at the butterfly again and watched it as it fluttered its wings and lifted off of his finger. Louis looked on with a remorseful expression, watching the butterfly fly off into the distance, and he could feel the sun rays break through the clouds. He felt someone come up behind him and he turned slightly to find a concerned Adrien checking up on him.

"Louis? Are you ok? You've been standing there for a while," Adrien noted as Louis raised his eyebrows in surprise and looked back at his hand to find it still outstretched for the butterfly. Louis then noticed the white butterfly coming back and slowly landing on his finger, "woah, I've always seen butterflies do this in movies or photos, but I've never seen this happen in real life!"

Louis realized that was actually true and thought how special it must have been to share this moment with his dad. He also couldn't hear any voice anymore so he assumed that telepathy thing must have been some supernatural, once in a lifetime kinda thing, "Yeah... it's really something..."

Adrien raised an eyebrow at his response and decided to push a little further, "We also noticed you were talking to it too, what was that about?" Louis froze up as he realized how it must have looked to his family that he was talking with a butterfly.

"It feels like a sign... that things are gonna be better from now on..." Louis replied softly as the two watched the butterfly leave his finger again and fly off over the lake and eventually it was too small to see. Adrien wrapped an arm around Louis and brought him closer to his side and Louis appreciatively leaned into his shoulder.

"I completely agree... and you know... all my mom ever wanted was for us to be happy, and now... she can rest in peace," Adrien agreed as he felt Louis nod and looked down at his son, who looked back up at him. The two then smiled and looked back out over the lake for a while, enjoying each other's company. Soon the funeral was over and the entire gang went out to eat. Literally everyone was there: all of Marinette's old friends, Tom and Sabine, the children, and even Dr. Fu, which was odd. It was at a buffet so everyone could celebrate at a very long table, since most restaurants couldn't accommodate that many people. Soon, Alya made a toast and raised her glass to honor Marinette. Everyone turned their attention to Alya as she talked and Marinette felt a bit embarrassed about it.

"A toast, to Marinette, a dear friend that we thought we would never see again. I remember the day you disappeared and it was absolutely heartbreaking... and it was a tidal wave of reactions in the following days, and it just got so much worse. We were told that you decided to leave out of the blue and disappeared without a trace. And now after 15 years, you came back... and you were so different. We thought you were such an enigma because there were so many questions left unanswered, and when the truth came to light... that just made things so much more overwhelming not just for you but for all of us," Alya spoke as her overwhelming feelings were poured into her words seamlessly. All of these thoughts and words just came naturally and all she wanted was for Marinette to know how proud she is of her, "I... am so proud of your journey and what you have done and sacrificed to get here. I knew you could do it, because I've always had faith in you," Marinette looked at her best friend with an emotional appreciation and stood up to hug her best friend. They hugged for a few moments before letting go and Alya signaled Marinette to say something if she wanted to. Marinette looked around at all of her friends and family and was overwhelmed by all of the warm, smiling faces in the room.

"Alright," Marinette started, holding her champagne glass nervously in her hands, "first of all, I wanted to thank you all for the love and support in this room, I never imagined that my life... could be fixed, but here we are," Marinette looked off into a random point in space as she thought about what she wanted to say, "in the years that I spent away from you all, I always wondered how I could be there for my kids and protect them when I was living in fear and terror. Like how could I even be strong for them... but then I learned this saying: E Pluribus Unum, Out of Many, One. It is said that it originated from the Roman writer Cicero, about family and friends. When one individual loves another as much as they love themselves, it makes one out of many. As I look around this room," Marinette looked around at all of her family and friends, who she could see were tearing up at her speech, "I understand what it means.. out of many... one. You are all part of my journey and you all helped bring me back," Marinette's voice broke off in a small sob, trying to suck up her tears quickly before continuing, "I spent so many years, wondering if I would ever see any of you again and now I don't have to worry about being separated from any of you ever again... and... I hope you all will forgive me for dying all those years ago... and coming back as someone you don't recognize... thank you." Marinette tried to wipe away her tears but they just kept coming and she saw Louis, Hugo, and Emma immediately rise from their seats in their own tears to comfort her. She brought them all in for a hug and she felt an extra pair of arms wrap around them; she then turned her head to find Adrien smiling down at her. It just felt like all these years of bottling up her fear and trauma just came crashing down and she couldn't believe that it was over.

"Oh Maman... that was a wonderful speech," Louis murmured as he brought his hand up to wipe her tears away. With her words still ringing in his ears, he realized how much of a dream this was to his mom. She lived by herself for 15 years, raising three kids on her own, living out of fear for their lives. To be surrounded by her old friends, by people that cared so much for her, it was so surreal; after all, Marinette had almost been murdered three times and she lived by herself like a hermit. It was like she was brought back to a new world, that was familiar at the same time.

"You deserved better Mari, after everything that happened, it takes... incredible strength to still look forward, and we are all proud of you," Chloe stated firmly as she looked around the table to garner agreement from everyone: Luka, Kagami, Alya, Nino, Ivan, Mylene, Max, Rose, Juleka, Kim, Tom, Sabine, Gavin, Elena, Constantine, and the other kids. Frankly, there were a lot of people at that dinner.

"Chloe's right Mari, and I know this will take a while to get used to," Adrien said as Marinette kissed the heads of their three children and they all sat down. Adrien gently grabbed her hand under the table and squeezed it to reassure her. Marinette looked down at the gesture and smiled gratefully, "but trust me when I say that I'm so glad we found our way back to each other."

"Yeah..." Marinette couldn't help the big grin on her face as she raised her glass to celebrate the new beginning with everyone. There were smiles all around and excited murmuring for Marinette's return to her old life. Although, as everyone else was engaging in cheer and merriment, Marinette had a sinking feeling that the trauma of all these past years wouldn't so easily fade, nor did she expect it to, "Still... I'm still gonna need so much therapy..." Marinette murmured to herself, laughing to herself about the prospect. For now, she was just gonna focus on stuffing her face, because after all, she deserves it!