Chapter 6: Plan

(Present)

Gabriel Agreste was sitting at his desk when a loud knocking penetrated his concentration, or, his lack thereof.

A world reknowned fashion designer, and he couldn't come up with anything original. He was in a whirldwind of uncreative waters and he just couldn't seem to get it flowing, "Come in," he welcomed. He quickly grabbed a stack of papers to make look like he was actually doing something productive.'Nathalie relayed his and Adrien's daily schedule. Gabriel tried to look as if he was following along but his assistant knew better.

After all, she's been his assistant long before he had Adrien.

Sighing, Nathalie quickly walked over to her employer. "Mr. Agreste, you look terrible. You need to get rest."

"Thank you for the obvious, Nathalie," deadpanned Gabriel. His lips twitched with amuzement, though it was vague.

Nathalie sighed, a deep one that emanated from her chest. "Babriel, we can't keep doing this. Think of Adrien, the son you've been neglecting since your wife's soul was stolen. He probably feels as if he's lost you along with his mother. He probably feel's lonely and depressed. Unloved and uncared for -"

"But that's not true! I love my son with everything I have! He means the world to me!" Gabriel had stood up and slammed both hands onto his desk. His sudden outburst startled Nathalie but elated her at the same time. She was glad something broke through that icy demeanor of his. She hid a smile behind her clipboared as she pretended to review the schedule.

"That's good, sir, but does he know that? When was the last time you told him you loved him?"

"I-" Gabriel couldn't remember the last time he even spoke those three words. He deflated back into his chair, slumped, with his head in his hands. "You're right, Nathalie, but I'm doing this for him. So we can be a family again."

Silent tears cascaded down his face. "I'm a terrible father, and husbend…"

Nathalie came around his desk and hugged him from behind. "No, you're not, Gabriel. You're just trying to do what's best for your family, even if it's hurting others'"

"I know that, Nathalie." A sudden thought entered Gabriel's mind. "Do you think Adrien will hate me once he learns the truth?" The sudden desperation in his voice threatened to break her heart, but she wouldn't let it. She had to be tough, to be his rock.

"Listen, Gabriel, there's no way he could hate you. No child could truly hate their parent. Resent them, maybe, but never hate. Besides, Adrien has a soft heart and kind soul, just like his mother," reassured Nathalie.

"Thank you, Nathalie."

. . . .

A few hours later, Gabriel had finished five different designs. His inspiration has returned.

Now, he just needs to get Ladybug to renounce her Kwami and, to do that, Gabriel has devised three plans.

PLAN A: Take the emotional route. Marinette has a huge crush on his son, Adrien, and pretty much best friends. Including the part where she's also Ladybug, protector of Paris, she's bound to want to help. Especially since it involves him.

Not the most devised plans, but it should have the desired effect, surmised Hawk Moth. If that doesn't work, he has 'Plan B'.

PLAN B: Give the girl an ultimatum. Either she gives her and Cat Noir's Miraculous up, or the lives of her friends and family will be forfeit.

Again, not the most fullproof of plans but it definitely would show that he's serious. That he's not bugging around. Gabriel chortled to himself at his own lame pun.

Gabriel rereads his plans and he feels as if something's missing. Maybe a backup? A Plan C in case his first two fall through?

Yes, thought Gabriel, as he tapped his chin thoughtfully with his pen. He reread his plans a second time. His first plan mainly plays towards the girl's morals, and especially, her heart. It's more of a - emotional - route. And, if, somehow, that girl won't budge; he'll have to use Plan B. Gabriel will give that teenage superhero an ultimatum. She'll have to choose between the Miraculouses or the lives' of everyone she holds dear.

That one should have more of an effect on her. But if all else fails and she still won't budge, there's a Plan C.

PLAN C: To break her. Shatter her. Remake her. He'll have to tear down her mind, shatter her heart. Break her will. Then, when she's completely despairing, remake her. She'll then be more pliable to his whims. He'll get her on his side even if it destroys the girl deep inside, along with the superheroine.

That plan is more...messier and less refined than his previous A and B plans. But Gabriel Agreste, part-time supervillain, is a very determined man.

So it's decided. Marinette and Ladybug will give up their Miraculous or suffer the consequences and become his pawn.

Gabriel feels more at ease now that he has a 'list' of goals set in motion. However, before a short victory dance could be made. There was another knock on his door.

"What is it this time, Nathalie?" asked Gabriel, impatiently. "You know how busy I am." There was an emphasis on 'busy'.

"Well, sir, it's Adrien." Gabriel's head shot up fiercely.

"What about Adrien?" A strange emotion entered his voice, making it quiver slightly. Fear? Of course not, thought Nathalie, but maybe?