AN: Oh look! It's a double-post weekend!
It was quiet, the silence around the reflecting pool providing the perfect atmosphere for reflections. Gabriel sat before it, an old-school sketchpad and charcoal in his hands as he designed, purposefully ignoring the presence of the temple guards at his back. He was under no illusions. They were not there for his benefit, but to make sure he did not do anything unfortunate. His prison was comfortable, but he recognized it for what it was.
The woman, Epona, was here again. His chief captor, always in costume in his presence, but also the source of his comfort. Whatever sway Ladybug had, she'd pulled it all for this woman's aid. It was her who stood vigil over his wife and provided aid, obtaining all manner of items in their quest for the correct cure. She studied hard under her masters. He knew she was not like the regular senior apprentices. It was quite possible that she was even a master in her own right, yet she lacked the venerability of the senior apprentices. She was also one of the only females. She was not of the original temple inhabitants, he concluded.
She was on the other side of the pool, leaning against a pillar and stroking her long, blue-black French braid with one hand while her hand rested on her stomach. He'd never seen the woman's eyes, hidden behind the dark glass of her visor. She was often seen smiling in the presence of others, but when she didn't realize she was being watched, she never smiled. Except for now. A small private smile.
Gabriel asked her once where her husband was. "Gone. My duty is here," she replied in Mandarin. "I will see your wife restored, I swear it." He did not know from where her determination stemmed, but he was grateful regardless.
"Your son," Epona opened, by way of greeting, even though she'd been standing there for several minutes already. "Do you hear from him often?"
Gabriel nodded. "Yes. I must thank you for the satellite radio. It has been most helpful."
She did not ask further, but simply nodded in recognition of his thanks. She went back to contemplating the reflection pool. He abandoned his current sketch and changed tact, taking inspiration as he found it. Currently, it was in the countenance of the pregnant widow who was also his captor. With slight modifications, the outlines of his designs became maternal. His designs became something more suitable to the active lifestyle of a busy mother-to-be.
A month later, Epona vanished for two weeks, returning after the delivery of her child. They met once more at the reflecting pool. The costumed woman was tired, both from new motherhood and from the two-hour session she had just spent with his wife. He inquired into her health, and she smiled, telling him about the birth of her twins. He'd been genuinely surprised at her candor.
"And you? How is your son?" she returned his question in regards to children. She seemed pale as she asked, perhaps a common status for a woman in her position, but she was earnest in her concern for both he and his son.
"I…" he contemplated it. Not often did he think about his own wellbeing. "I am well." He thought back to his last conversation with Adrien. "As for my son, he is eager to see his mother." As they sat in silence, Gabriel was struck by a sudden urge to connect with this new mother. "Your children," he said, "cherish them, but do not make the mistakes I did." He did not elaborate. He was sure his captor was quite aware of his faults. "All the time I spent trying to awaken Emilie on my own terms, and I missed my son growing up. He's found his own person to love now." He laughed. "His dream, he told me, was to introduce his mother to woman he loved."
Epona's smile waned. She took a deep breath, and Gabriel could see the exhaustion. "I will restore your wife to you, and your son. I have not forgotten my promise."
Within the year, she had lived up to her promise. Emilie was still weak and needed a few months to recover. Epona was absent much of that time, but each time he saw her, she was tired, more so than a mother should be. Sometimes she only stopped in to confer with the oldest guardian, Su-Han, and then she was on the go again. Emilie noted the exhaustion to the costumed woman one day.
"I am simply doing my duty, though I believe I will finally be returning to my home for good after this," Epona admitted wistfully. "There are many who have not yet met the twins. I wonder how they will react?" she noted nervously, but no less looking forward to it.
Emilie laughed, and the sound was a balm to Gabriel's soul. "I would love to meet your twins one day."
Epona smiled. "I would love that, as well." Later that week, she had two twins with her. The sight of a superhero with a double stroller was comical, but Emilie melted. "This one is named for you," the dark-haired woman admitted.
"Why?" Emilie asked, genuinely confused, but honored just the same.
The superhero gave her a secretive smile. "Perhaps one day I'll be able to tell you."
Another month passed. Emilie asked Epona for some postcards, and the woman did not fail to provide, handing her cards from all over Asia. Emilie began sending postcards to Adrien right away.
"Father, when you and mother return, I think I'll finally be able to introduce you to the woman I love," Adrien spoke over the satellite phone. Gabriel could hear the hope in his son's voice. "She should return around the same time as you, in fact." Emilie's bright smile at Gabriel eclipsed his own.
At the end of their time in Tibet, Epona stumbled out of her portal, nearly collapsing into the sand around the reflection pool. Only Gabriel's quick reflexes, ingrained from his years of fencing, allowed him to catch her before she fully hit the ground. In her hands was clasped a mask that seemed to bleed shadows. They seemed to cling to the hand and up the arm that held the mask, spreading like a corruption. Gabriel went to grab the mask from her. "No!" She warned frantically, using the French word. "Do not touch it. It is… it is a wicked thing," she continued in Mandarin. "Master Su-Han…"
Epona was taken away. Gabriel, despite and probably -especially- because of his curiosity was not informed as to the nature of the mask. He and Emilie were able to visit with the heroic woman before they left, however.
"No, Master, you should rest. Renren has the twins, they are well cared for. It is now time for you to recover," a proper-sounding voice whispered from behind the screen.
"Epona, they are here," her temple guardian informed the woman behind the screen. She whispered and a flash of light signaled a transformation.
Gabriel and Emilie were allowed behind the screen. The hand that had held the mask was bandaged up to the elbow, but she was sitting up, reclined against the pillows.
"It is done? You can return to your home now?" Gabriel asked the young woman.
Epona nodded. "Yes. Finally," she smiled at the couple. "And you as well, I hear."
Emilie grasped the woman's free hand and tearfully admitted, "Lady Epona, we want to thank you so much for everything you've done for us. You and Ladybug, you gave us a second chance," she looked at her husband, "even when we didn't deserve it. How can we ever thank you enough?"
Epona shook her head with a smile. "There is no need. I was not entirely altruistic in my desire to help you. I only ask that you be happy with your family." Her lips twitched upward as she regarded Gabriel, "And, perhaps, lay off the theatrics."
Emilie laughed and Gabriel cleared his throat, recognizing the chastisement the slight woman had just given him. "We will be," Emilie beamed. "Oh, I never got the chance to tell you! My son is going to introduce me to his love when we get home! Isn't it exciting? We'll all get to be a family again… Epona?"
Gabriel joined his wife in worrying over the masked woman. Epona was a strong woman, but fat tears were falling silently down her cheeks while a tight smile remained plastered on her lips. She wiped the tears away, reaching under her visor to do so. She sobbed once but then regarded the two of them with a bright smile. It felt false to Gabriel. He was a man who knew a thing or two about falsehoods. "Sorry," Epona reassured them. "I'm just… I'm happy for you. And your son."
"Oh, my dear," Emilie soothed the young woman, pulling her into a hug. Gabriel remembered and understood. Epona was a widow and a young one at that. "It's okay, it will all be alright."
"For everything you've done, you are now my honorary daughter," Emilie told the crying superhero. "If you or your children ever need me, find me in Paris. In costume or out of costume, I'll have a place for you."
Gabriel frowned. He knew that Emilie meant what she said, one hundred percent. He sighed and accepted it, though, even if he'd had enough of superheroes to last a lifetime. In the meanwhile, he placed a supportive hand on his wife's back, amusing himself with the idea of the logistics of adopting a fully grown Chinese woman whose face and name he didn't even know.
Damn superheroes.
The family reunion was one to remember. Emilie hugged her twin sister tightly, their sons standing by, one looking wistful, the other uncomfortable. Gabriel could see the jealously building in Felix's eyes. Adrien had his mother back, but Felix's father was well and truly dead. Gabriel twisted the silver band around on his finger, cognizant of the matching ring on the younger man's hand. Felix was one to watch, and Gabriel was up to the task, especially as his face morphed seamlessly into one of joy as Emilie moved to pull him and Adrien both into a tight hug.
No one should be so flexible with their emotional displays. Felix was an accomplished actor, of that there was no doubt. But Gabriel would not be fooled again.
Emilie regarded her son fully now. "Okay, where is she? I can't wait to meet her!"
Adrien smiled. "Any day, now, Mother. She should be back any day now."
It became obvious after a few months that whoever Adrien had been expecting to return, wasn't returning. Gabriel had his suspicions. He'd always had the suspicion that his son had been in love with Ladybug, but she hadn't been seen years. If his son had expected the superhero to come out of hiding when they returned…
Well, Gabriel had also assumed that Ladybug and Chat Noir were now happily married in Nepal by now, or some such thing. He sincerely hoped that his son hadn't been daft enough to actually fall in love with a mask. Perhaps he'd meant that friend of his from school that he'd had that poorly concealed crush on… What was her name? Marianne? Hadn't she moved to Japan or some such thing?
Gabriel huffed and continued working on his designs.
"Do you think we could get in touch with Epona again?" Emilie asked out of the blue.
Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"
"Oh, no reason," Emilie shrugged.
The words stopped him in his tracks. He put down his pencil and took off his glasses, placing both on the table in front of him before pinching his nose. Those words from his lovely wife never meant what they said. "Emilie…"
"Okay, so hear me out," the blond woman began, I want grandchildren, our son needs a good wife, our not-daughter needs a good husband. We set the two of them up and everyone wins!"
"Emilie…" Gabriel sighed. What was it with his family and falling in love with superheroes?
"Gabe, I think it's time to go traveling," Emilie statement, matter-of-fact.
"Oh?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," his wife nodded. "I know we said we'd give up looking for…"
"No." Gabriel cut her off firmly.
"But…"
"No." He reiterated.
"You didn't even let me give you my reasons," she pouted.
Gabriel sighed deeply. He'd almost lost her once to their ridiculous quest for objects of power. He was certain he would not be so lucky a second time. But he loved this woman too much to not hear her out.
"Fine, You have two minutes…"
"Father, Mother, safe travels," Adrien hugged his mother and shook his father's hand. Adrien had grown into a wonderful man. "I've got the company. I've even got my eye on a designer or two. You taught me well, Father. Enjoy your retirement."
The words bristled, but Gabriel accepted them. This was, after all, their 'retirement' trip. Seeing the world. It probably wouldn't be that bad. He did need new inspiration for his designs. Besides… He looked to his wife. He had the most beautiful traveling companion to spend the time with.
Seeing the world on a new quest wouldn't be so bad.
"We will. Take care, son." He paused, contemplating for a moment, then added. "I'm proud of you, Adrien."
His son crushed him in a hug.
They had gotten Adrien's message an hour ago and were already on the flight home. It was time anyway. Their travels had already been fruitful and it was now time to enact the second part of their plan and take the next step in their quest.
"Hello, Aunt Emilie, Uncle Gabriel," Felix greeted as they exited the airport concourse. Gabriel nodded to the younger man. Things were not as hostile between the two of them as they had once been, but Felix was still far from his favorite person.
Emilie was not likewise affected, however. "Felix! What a surprise!" She hugged him warmly. "What is my favorite nephew doing here?"
Felix cocked his head to the side with an amused smirk. "I'm your only nephew, Aunt Emilie," he replied instead of answering the real question. Gabriel tightened his hold on the metal briefcase he carried.
"That's beside the point," Emilie poked him.
He turned to Gabriel. "So, Uncle, have a good trip? Retirement suiting you well?"
The older man refused to rise to the bait. Instead, he asked. "Where is Adrien?"
Felix shrugged, that annoyingly obnoxious smirk on his face. "He couldn't make it. I was in town to watch the firework, anyway, so Nathalie sent me instead."
"Fireworks?" Emilie asked, intrigued.
Felix winked at her, taking her hand and placing it on his arm, leading her out. "You'll see, Aunt Emilie, soon enough."
The bodyguard that Felix had brought with him grabbed their luggage, though Gabriel declined to hand over the briefcase he carried. Felix raised an eyebrow at the action. "Designs for the newest Agreste fashion line. I've worked too hard on these to let them out of my sight," Gabriel explained.
"If you say so, Uncle."
It was times like this that Gabriel regretted that he was no longer a megalomaniacal supervillain. If anyone noticed the knuckles of Gabriel's hand whitening as he gripped the handle tighter, no one mentioned it.
Luckily the ride home was not an overly long one.
LEGENDRE was the forefront leader in Parisian Marketing, or so they would have their clients believe. It actually wasn't far from the truth. Any business big or small hoping to break into Parisian markets would do well to hire the firm. Their ad campaigns were… well… legendary. Outside the sleek glass and metal structure that served as Legendre's main office building, a man with long dark hair pulled up into a messy bun, adjusted his sunglasses, and lit a cigarette. He wondered if she'd be surprised to see him again. It had been about… what… seven years now? Maybe longer than that. He remembered her fondly, though. If anyone had made staying at that temple bearable, it had been her.
He checked the time on his phone one more time. It was almost the appointed hour. If he wanted to surprise her, he needed to get ready. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, though the thought amused him. If one were to count the hundred of fifty years of non-existence stuffed between now and his birth, this was actually the opportunity of several lifetimes. Technically, he turned 188 this year, though he definitely did not look it.
This future he found himself in; it sure was something. Way better than some stuffy monastery, studying all day to teach others how to watch over a box without fucking it up. You know… like Wang Fu had. He liked her version of being a guardian way better, anyway. The freedom she promised was much more enjoyable.
He snuffed his cigarette with a smile and pressed a piece of gum into his mouth. Best to make a good impression. This was technically his first day of work, after all.
AN: Oh, you thought this was a RomCom? PSYCHE! HERE COMES THE DRAMA!
In all seriousness, I have things planned that divert from the Disney Feel (TM) of the original Parent Trap movies. I use this reasoning: This is an MLB fanfic and I need my superhero drama fix. So, there.
If you look at this story as having a three-part structure, then this is the end of "Part One". From here, things start picking up and perhaps getting "interesting". There a few headcanons that I'm working with.
First off, go ahead and assume that this story is canon divergent from anything post-season 3, baring the Shanghai special, mainly because I charted out and planned this story before Season 4 began airing.
Second: Emilie. Just everything Emilie, because we have literally nothing but a smiling picture and her family's reaction to her missing to go off of.
Third: I am indeed playing a little fast and hard with my own timeline. When I go back and re-edit, I'll probably fix several of these paradoxes I'm accidentally creating. If you spot one, feel free to send me a PM about it.
