Scene 2 - Gabriel in the Car

Gabriel sat in silence as he and Adrien were driven to the Grand Palais where the press conference would be held. Gabriel disliked attending public events, and his reclusiveness had only made the press more hungry to see his appearance. This fashion collection was to honor Emilie, and as such needed to succeed more than any other fashion line he had released before. She deserved no less.

Gabriel almost began to be consumed in memories of his lost love, when a faint pulse under his ascot brought him back to the present. The butterfly miraculous had detected a strong emotion.

Sure enough, as the car turned the corner, Gabriel caught sight of none other than the well-known producer Bob Roth, his knees on the pavement, sobbing in frustration. Gabriel had been peripherally acquainted with Roth for some time now, and while the man was an over-the-top showman, he had never witnessed quite a breakdown like this before. What could have caused this?

There was no way for Gabriel to know without transforming, which was not an option at the moment.

Or was it? Had he not sworn to his wife he would do everything in his power to bring her back? How could he make such false promises to her, and then waste his time talking to the press? Gabriel was a world-class designer. The collection would perform well with or without his presence at the launch. He must seize this opportunity to pursue his true goal.

"Adrien, I do not feel very well. You will represent me," he said matter-of-factly.

Adrien looked up, startled.

"But this is the launch of your 100th collection! People will want to talk with you, not me," the boy complained.

Gabriel could feel his own frustration and contempt mixing with Bob Roth's anger on his neck. The absolute insolence! How could Adrien speak to him this way? Does he not understand what a difficult day this was for him already?

Gabriel centered himself. He must not lose his temper. He must stay focused. Gabriel adjusted his wedding band and spoke deliberately, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

"Adrien, I am your father. You will be responsible for the success of this press conference. You will not leave the event before it is finished. Honor my work, and honor your mother's memory. Do you understand me?"

Adrien turned his head to look at the floor of the car, but answered him without pause.

"Yes, I understand, father."

When Adrien excited the vehicle, Gabriel caught a glimpse of the promotional banners outside the Grand Palais, bearing the Gabriel brand logo that he had designed with Emilie. He experienced a brief flash of guilt. Had he made the right decision? But then the door had closed and the car was pulling away, and the decision had been made. For Emilie, he thought to himself.

Back in his sanctuary, Papillombre locked on to the still bubbling emotions of a man who had lost a treasure of great value. He could relate to that feeling, losing the most important thing in his life. He was sure he could convince Roth to help him in his quest.

"Pognak, I am Papillombre"