"Adrien...?" My voice is just barely above a whisper, my mind going blank as I try to process what exactly just happened...
Adrien... the sweet, shy, smart, and laid back Adrien... is the flirty, reckless Chat Noir with the never-ending witty cat puns?
How in the world...?
Yet it makes so much sense... blond hair, green eyes, even Alya pointed out how similar they look! Not to mention, he is the only male in our school that hasn't been akumatized.
But... their personalities couldn't be any more different! How could I have even suspected it would be Adrien, of all people.
Then again, it's hard to believe that the clumsy, shy marionette could be the ever so graceful Ladybug. I suppose that I should have known Chat's civilian self could be different in character as well. After all, it's easy to be someone else behind a mask.
I glance at the masked teenager once more, now seeing Adrien and Chat in an entirely new light as I see them both as one person. Chat has always been Adrien, from the very beginning. That's the reality of it.
One thing hasn't changed however. Hawkmoth is still our enemy. Right now, as Ladybug, I mustn't get cold feet because of this new knowledge.
Adrien's expression is one of hurt. He seemed to be in such a distorted state that I'd bet he forgot I was even here.
"Hm, so I was right." My eyes trail over to Hawkmoth at his words, his expression now calm. So, I take it Hawkmoth must have already been suspicious that Adrien was Chat Noir, judging by what he just said.
"Father... why are you doing this...?" Chat–, no, Adrien, inquired after a long moment of stunned silence. "All this time, you... why?"
A heavy sigh escapes Gabriel's lips. "Adrien... I never wanted to have to tell you like this..."
Adrien scoffs. "Tell me what, that you're a sick bastard who manipulates people to get what you want?" He snarls back with an intense rage in his gaze.
My eyes widen in surprise at the unfamiliar sight. I have never heard him sound so angry before... Not as Chat or Adrien.
Mr. Agreste seemed rather taken aback as well. His eyes soften as he starts to explain himself. "Listen, son... your mother is very much alive."
Wait, Adrien's mother? I've never really thought about that before. Geez, Of course he has a mother, stupid Marinette!
"She's... alive...?!" Adrien's shock transfixes into hope as his expression lightens.
"Yes, however, after using the defected peacock miraculous to protect you, she has now been in a coma for many years."
It all makes sense now.
"So this means... the wish you've been seeking to grant using our miraculouses is to..."
Gabriel nodded in relief now that his son understood. As he drew closer to the bewildered and overwhelmed Adrien, he pulled him into a loving embrace. "Yes... you understand now, right? Won't you help me bring back your mother, son?"
"Adrien..." I find myself saying his name aloud, pitying his situation and not knowing what to do.
I always thought Hawkmoth's wish was for evil, like destroying the world or something typical like that. Now that I know the truth... what do we do? Hawkmoth only wants to save his loved one... if I were in his position, I would probably do the same.
Is it right to continue fighting him...?
Suddenly, Adrien breaks free from his hold as he pushes himself away from Gabriel, his gaze hardening. "Father, I miss Mom as much as you do, but that doesn't mean you can ruin other lives..."
Frowning, he continues to persuade Adrien, his tone of voice growing soft. "For the sake of your mother, I'll do whatever it takes. Wouldn't you do the same...?"
After what seemed to be a moment of deep thought, his green eyes land on mine. Why does he look so guilty...? Just what does he plan on doing?
"I'm sorry, my Lady..." He suddenly tells me with uncertainty. I flinch at him calling me by that nickname, still not accustomed to the whole idea that Adrien is Chat "You can blame me for whatever happens next."
I look at him in confusion. "Sorry...? For what?" I find myself reverting back into my shy Marinette self as I remember that I'm talking to Adrien. "I–It's not your fault, Adrien."
Shaking his head, he replied "Not that. What I'm sorry for... is this." To my shock and Gabriel's delight, Adrien's fingers grip his left ring as he begins to slide it off. As a result, a green light de-transforms him as a small cat-like kwami now hovers next to him. The kwami is utterly shocked and confused.
"Woah, wait! W-What are you–" Plagg, I think his name was, frantically cries out before being cut off as he disappears into thin air when the ring is completely off Adrien's finger.
As I come to my senses realizing what he's doing, I quickly call out "W–Wait! No, Adrien! You can't!"