"But mom!" You followed your mother into the kitchen. Her and your father just told you that the three of you were moving to (hometown) in about a month or so. They had planned on telling you last night, but the whole being-akumatized happened. They didn't even tell you that they had everything done and planned for months in advance. They were going to surprise you. "I can't just leave! I'm needed here as Phoenix"
"It's not like I don't want you to be a superhero" Your mother turned to you. Her eyes glanced over at the tiny flaming bird on your shoulder. "Trust me, I'm happy that you found another thing that your passionate about just like dance, but at the same time, you have to understand that this might just work out for the best".
"How?! Why did you guys even decided on this without asking me how I feel about it?" You asked.
"Look, (y/n)," Your mother sighed. "Your father was being transferred because the business is going great, and they want to send him to be in charge of their new branch. We were going to work it out with him being the one gone, but we both knew that it would be just as painful. Fortunately, I got promoted as well. I know you don't want to leave your friends behind, but we can't just leave you here either."
"But what about being Phoenix?" Your eyes downcast.
"I'm sure that a hero is needed everywhere, not just in Paris"
"And Hawkmoth, what about him?" You gazed back up to her. "Ladybug and Chat Noir are going to need help defeating him. They can't do it alone"
"About that" Your mother placed a hand on your shoulder, leading you to sit down at the kitchen table. "Your grandmother and I were talking, and we both agreed that this move is going to keep you safe from Hawkmoth. I mean, think about it, he now knows your secret identity. He could get to you by going after your friends, Luka, me, your dad, even grandma. I know you don't want to, honey, but I'm sure Ladybug and Chat Noir can handle themselves - they even have Rena Rouge and Carapace to help."
You couldn't argue with her at that point. It's true. With everyone now knowing that you're Phoenix, including Hawkmoth, there's now a target on you and all of your loved ones. The fact that even your grandmother agreed to this is saying something. She's the one that is supporting you to continue being Phoenix, just not here in Paris. Your family only wants the best for you. They want you to be safe while doing the thing you love. And that means leaving the people you love.
"There's no way I'm even going to win this argument, is there?" You let out a deep sigh. Your mother laughed, nodding her head, "Now you're getting it"
----
Walking into school the next day was awkward. Everyone's eyes were on you. From the moment you stepped foot on the school's ground, people turned to stare at you. They whispered and gossiped to each other. They called you Phoenix and Lamenter. Is this what it feels like after being akumatized? Being judged by your peers? You sighed and shrugged off their voices from your mind. Today, you have to give your advanced notice to the faculty about your move. You're going to have to clean out your locker when it gets closer to the moving date, but you would much rather start that now than later. You have too much stuff in there that it would take days to clean it all out.
Thinking about leaving the school left a depressing taste in your mind. You're going to have to break the news to your friends. You know that they would understand, but it hurts knowing that you're leaving them. Heck, you haven't even moved yet and you already miss them. They are most likely already concerned about you and curious about you being Phoenix, and now it feels like you're rubbing salt in the wound with the news. What would Luka think?
"(y/n)!" You looked up to see your friend group rush over to you. You forced a small smile upon your lips, hoping your expression didn't give away your emotions. Grace hugged you tightly the moment she reached you. "You had us so worried"
"Are you okay?" Lucien asked, concern riding in his tone.
"What happened?" Calixte followed suit with the questions. Your forced smile soon turned real as you heard the boys bombard you with questions about being Phoenix. Their worried tone became filled with curiosity. They wanted to know more about being a superhero. They're such nerds. You giggled.
"Now, now, guys" You felt an arm wrap itself around your shoulders. You looked up to see none other than Ruben. He was smiling at the boys while Manu stood beside him. Manu had light tan skin, dazzling green eyes, and pink-purple-dyed hair. He wore a large oversized blue sweater, most likely owned by Ruben, black ripped jeans, and white converse. You always considered him to be the personification of sunshine while Ruben was the corrupting devil. "Let's refrain from asking questions. She'll tell us on her own time"
"Wow. Very considerate" You stared at him with a blank expression. "Who are you and what have you done to Ruben?"
"I can be nice when I want to" He rolled his eyes, letting go of your shoulders. Manu wrapped his arms around Ruben's torso, snuggling close to him. Though you would never say this out loud for Ruben to hear, he and Manu made a perfect couple.
"Hey, Manu" You greeted the boy. "How have you been?"
"Same as usual" He shrugged his shoulders. "I see you've been busy though"
"Don't even get me started" You shook your head, sighing. Manu let out a small laugh at your reaction.
"Anywho, what's with the box?" Grace grabbed your attention, pointing at the box you were carrying. Her eyes widen as she began to fear for the worst. "Oh no! Don't tell me you got suspended for being Phoenix? Or your parents are pulling you out?!"
You let out a genuine laugh. You're going to miss her. Grace is the only other girl in your group. She's the one you talk to when you can't talk to Luka about something. Usually, your conversations revolve around dance and Luka, but she's been by your side through thick and thin.
"No." You shook your head. Now is the time to say it. Though it would break all of your hearts, it has to be done. You don't have a say in the matter anyway. Your parents decided that a long time ago. Taking in a deep breath, you spoke, "I'm, uh, actually moving."
"What?!" They all yelled, earning some stares from passing students.
"Moving?! Moving where? To another city? Or on the opposite side of town?"Calixte began to panic.
"I'm moving to (hometown)" You specified. "I decided that I should just get ahead with cleaning my locker out"
"(hometown)?!" Lucien pulled his hands to his head. "What the hell are you going to do there? You're needed here as Phoenix!"
"Believe me, I know that" You sighed. "But I really have no choice. My parents decided this some time ago. They got promoted to go overseas because of work. I have no say"
"C-Can't you stay with your grandma? Or you could stay with me!" Grace pouted. You smiled at the suggestion.
"Already tried that on them, but whatever the adults say goes" You gave your group of friends a small smile.
"And we just found out you're a superhero" Calixte sighed. You rolled your eyes and kicked him lightly.
"A superhero that will kick your butt" You stuck out your tongue playfully. The group followed you as you walked to your locker. "Although I don't want to go, I have to. If I stay here as Phoenix, Hawkmoth can use all of you as a way to get to me. Me leaving is a good way to keep you all safe"