The House of Agreste
The feeling of cold steel against warm flesh usually brought a soothing sensation to a regular person. But that feeling was not what Adrien Agreste got as he fiddled with the ring on his finger. He looked at it and his reflection with the same emotional understanding that one would give a goldfish. The only thing he felt coming off of that ring was disdain, for the man he got it from and what it represented.
Looking up from his ring, he saw a vast crowd of people looking up at the stage he was sitting on. He heard how they cheered his name. To them, he was moving forth into making Paris into a city fit for a utopia. But to him, it was business as usual. He looked at the spokeswoman that Monema had hired for the presentation as she walked up to the mic with a smile on her face.
She was beautiful. She had long flowing hair, tanned skin, deep eyes and a killer body. Everything that someone from the masses wanted to see on a daily basis and focused more on her body than the words she said. It didn't hurt that she swayed her hips side to side to catch Adriens attention. She wasn't hiding the fact that she wanted to get in his pants.
"What a lovely lady you picked up, Monema," Adrien said without blinking. "What exactly were the requirements for this job?"
"Attractive, easy on the eyes and smart enough to read what's on the paper." Monema smirked. "Doesn't hurt that she also applied to be one of the models."
"Your interest in my social life is endearing, Monema. We'll see how this one does with her assignment." Adrien looked at the large building behind him. "It took a lot of work to get this building finished before schedule and heads will roll if we fumble things at the last second."
"No need to worry, Monsieur Agreste. I'll make sure that everything goes according to schedule. And no sign of Candelo-" Monema was silenced by a glare of Adrien. "I apologize, I spoke out of turn."
Adrien wasn't one to lash out at his assistant, even if it was just a glare. He needed to keep a composed front before everyone at all times. Letting out a sigh he turned his attention back to the spokeswoman as he cracked his fingers, relieving the stress. He would not be like his father, he would be better than him in all forms he could muster.
"Citizens of Paris, it is my pleasure to inaugurate the opening of the new Agreste Brand Offices for Art and Social Miraculous Applications." The spokeswoman gestured to the large office building. "Though we know everyone wants to be a hero, these offices will grant the chance to expand the use of your Miraculous into untapped areas and jobs. Now, give it up for the man of the hour himself, Adrien Agreste." She clapped as the photographers took pictures of Adrien walking past the red ribbon.
"Thank you, thank you everyone. As you guessed, the world isn't a fair place. There will always be those that are better at one thing or another than the rest of us. Not all are created equal." Adrien gestured to the crowd, drawing in the reporters, photographers and news outlets that had gathered throughout the city, they were his musical band and he the maestro. "But whatever your gifts may be, be sure that there is a way for you to unlock your full potential and be a contributing member of this society."
As the speech was being given, a figure in a trenchcoat looked down in hatred from a tall building. He growled as ice and frost formed around his feet. He knelt down, opening his briefcase with icy hatred. As the sun shined on his side, he pulled out a long distance rifle from inside the briefcase. He quickly assembled the pieces together with his blue gloved hands let out an icy mist from them. He prepped the rifle on the edge of the building, glaring with anger and icy rage at the target. Looking through the periscope, his eyes landed on his target.
"Say good night, boy." His voice rippled with anger and rage as the rifle glowed blue and the barrel let out cold vapors.
Back in the middle of his speech, Adrien watched the whole crowd cheering. Everything was going according to his schedule. However, just as he was about to say one more thing, a loud gunshot echoed in the air. He looked up at the area where the shot had come from. His eyes barely had time to register what came his way, when he activated one of his many Miraculous.
Everything slowed down around Adrien. His eyes glowed like two fiery embers as lightning covered the white of his eyes.
"Overclock, a powerful and useful Miraculous for short bursts of speed or accelerated thinking. Now, who would have the guts to shoot at me in broad daylight with witnesses. Guns aren't Chat Noir's thing, this is someone else." Adrien thought as the object became clearer as it drew closer. "No time to think of possible suspects. I could dodge easily but Overclock can be flashy. And with so many witnesses, this won't end well. Death isn't any better. My work isn't finished. But a wound won't raise so many suspicions. This'll hurt, but I have no choice."
Adrien slightly moved to the left with the aid of Overclock, not much for anyone to notice but perfect to avoid death. He braced himself for the strike, loosening his muscles to not overreact or feel the full front of the attack.
Then it came.
A sharp ice bullet tore through his suit, grazing his shoulder with enough strength to pull him down.
Adrien grunted in pain as more and more ice bullets shot up the ceremony.
Panic spread as heroes and police arrived.
"Damn you, Agreste. You live, for now." The figure ran away, leaving his rifle behind.
Back down at the inauguration, Adrien was helped back to his feet and away from the stage by Monema.
"Monsieur Agreste, please, hang on! The ambulance is on its way." Monema covered Adrien with his body.
"Get off me, Monema. If the shooter wanted us dead, we would be." Adrien growled.
He looked at the chaos and the few people that were wounded. This was an insult and an attempt on his life. He gripped his wound tightly, focusing on the pain more than anything. He knew one thing for certain, whoever had tried to kill him would suffer by his hands and his hands alone.
Izuku, Mina, Alya and Alix were going over all the information they could find about their possible suspects. They had gathered in Izuku's apartment and were putting all the information on a board. Most of the pieces were cut outs from newspapers and pictures with information found online. Although, the group could see a vast difference between the two prime suspects from the rest of the heroes.
"So, is anyone going to point out that there's surprisingly little on the two lucky ladies?" Alix asked.
"We've searched all the news outlets available, including social media, and still we have no apparent connection between the two heroines and Hawkmoth." Izuku pointed out.
"What we did find out is that Foxthrob is not shy about her relationship with Dynamight." Mina pointed to the several pictures of the two top heroes going out on dates and being admittedly cute together. "I almost feel bad that we're investigating her." Mina scrolled down Foxthrob's instagram page.
"Yeah, you'd never guess she was evil just from these." Alya glanced at the locations and what she'd posted. "The few articles the news has on her are also very superficial. The brands that she sponsors and gets paid by are all legit, she'd like a model turned superhero."
"They both started off around the same time, with both of them defeating powerful villains and their professionalism." Izuku pointed to the first picture with Lady Dragon on it. "Lady Dragon defeated a notorious gang of thieves named the Onis that had stolen a new military weapon called the Zeus Overdrive. An experimental multiple use EMP generator that could freeze any city and weapon with powerful blasts. And then you have the infamous battle between Foxthrob and the elusive Volpina."
Izuku lifted the pictures from the board, trying to make sense of the accounts. He'd read the reports and who had filed them but sadly, there were only one or two pictures of the events.
"So, they're both kick ass women that might or might not be secretly criminals. Guess we'd have to make them talk to get information out of them." Alix punched her palm.
"Yeah, I don't see that working out for us." Alya fixed her glasses.
"As far as we know, they both value their privacy in certain aspects of their lives. Which means that we need to look into them directly." Izuku pointed out. "The Onis are still in prison, we could look into them. But Volpina was never arrested."
"What happened?" Mina asked. "According to the news, she started terrorizing the city, stealing and causing chaos. Shouldn't she have been caught red handed?"
"The details of the battle between Foxthrob and Volpina are a bit weird. There's only a handful of videos online but they're all filled with flashing lights and lots of chaos happening all around the fight in the water treatment plant." Izuku explained. "Volpina supposedly fell to her death, and the body was never recovered. Only a few pieces of clothing were found."
Alix looked at the pictures of the hero and the villain side by side. The two women seemed to share fox-like attributes in their costumes, only with Volpina's costume hiding her face and having darker red and black colors obscuring anything that could give away her identity. She then turned her sights to Alya's fox features. She tugged and stroked her ears and tail, making Alya gasp at the feeling.
"Hey, Alix, not that I don't like having fun, but we're working. What was that for?" Alya asked.
"Miraculous can be both powers or mutations, right? And it isn't weird that some people have similar Miraculous abilities or attributes, correct?" Alix asked.
"Yeah, it's a case often relegated to common ancestry between individuals, or similar genetic makeup between the parents of the Miraculous user." Izuku pointed out as Alix handed him the two pictures. "However, there are cases between siblings having the same Miraculous powers if they inherited the same dominant power from their parents."
"Or simpler still, they're the same person." Alix pointed to the two pictures.
Izuku, Mina and Alya looked at Alix with curious stares before giving the pictures another glance. They hadn't even considered the possibility of multiple people being the same person before the eyes of so many people.
"Look at the two figures, they look eerily similar when you compare them side by side." Alix pointed to Foxthrob and Volpina. "They look to be the same height, weight, and overall body type. Little Ms. Fox here is all over, while the other one is practically hiding her face from everyone. Whenever I wanted to steal something, I often tried to go for misdirection. Keep everyone's eyes on what they think is important while the real thing is hiding right under their noses."
Izuku, Mina, Alya and Alix all looked at the two pictures side by side, taking in the theory that Alix had shared. Despite the shoddy pictures they had, the information made sense. They had a good idea that the person in the picture could be the same woman that was currently dating Katsuki. But a foul taste in their mouths reminded them that this was just a theory that needed solid evidence. They couldn't jump the gun in this instance.
"She fought herself and became a hero the people would worship, gained a spot amongst the top ten, and since Volpina never made a return," Izuku said under his breath. "It shows that there was never a hero villain. It was all staged for a villain to be praised as a hero."
"It makes sense, create a fake villain to defeat and then take credit where everyone saw you." Mina tapped her chin. "That's really underhanded."
"We shouldn't underestimate how low someone that works for Hawkmoth is willing to go. Killing Naomasa and making it look like an accident was just another night for him." Izuku gritted his teeth. "I really want to get my hands on him."
"We all do." Mina placed a hand on his shoulder, calming him down.
Just then, the phones of Izuku, Mina and Alya all came alive with calls.
They answered the calls, putting them up to their ears.
"Allo allo?" All three answered.
Their eyes all went wide as they heard what the person on the other side of the call told them.
"WHAT?!" Izuku, Mina and Alya all snapped at the news.
Their minds rushed with thoughts as they looked at each other. They couldn't believe what they had just heard from the other side of the call. It was the kind of news that they would never have thought of hearing. But now that they had heard it, they couldn't believe it.
"Did you guys got the same news I did?" Izuku asked.
"I did, and I don't believe it." Mina replied.
"My boss just told me about it. She wants me down there to get the scoop before it grows cold." Alya added. "But there's no way this'll get cold any time soon."
"Could you guys give me a hint of what you're talking about?" Alix asked. "Seriously, it's like you're asking me to read your minds or something."
"Someone just took a shot at Adrien Agreste." Izuku, Mina and Alya revealed, causing Alix to jump in shock.
"What?!" Alix snapped.
Izuku, Mina, Alya and Alix arrived at the Agreste Brand Offices for Art and Social Miraculous Applications, joining in on the whole circus of news and officers securing the area. Even with the sight before them, the four of them couldn't believe what they were seeing. They could think of several reasons why someone would shoot Hawkmoth, but very few of those emboldened anyone to take a shot at him in broad daylight. The group knew all too well what would happen if anyone attacked the Kingpin of Paris directly. And it wasn't anything good.
"Wow, someone actually tried to kill Adrien Agreste in the middle of the day?" Mina asked, looking at the scene before her.
"Who would do such a thing?" Alya asked. "This sort of thing requires a lot of guts and nerves of steel."
"There's Captain Kendo, we'll go ask her. Alya, you and Alix see what you can find." Izuku and Mina took off after their captain, hoping to have some thoughts illuminated for once.
Kendo looked at the scene as Adrien Agreste had been taken away from the scene to receive medical treatment. She had her best CSI guys looking for any kind of clues as to what the shooter used, but so far, she needed a miracle. And a lot of answers.
"Captaine Kendo, we're here." Izuku and Mina arrived, saluting their superior. "What happened here?"
"Yeah, it looks like someone didn't like the office building." Mina pointed to the tall building.
"Someone tried to kill Adrien Agreste. So far we've only managed to secure the scene and get witness statements about what happened." Kendo sighed. "Monsieur Agreste has one heck of a lucky streak. First he finishes his new office building after purchasing the old ice rink that was here and now a shot missed him by a hair. A little more to the left and he would be a dead man."
"Is he still here?" Izuku asked, doing his best to not sound angry.
"His assistant took him home to avoid any possible second attempts on his life." Kendo explained. "I want you two to help look for anything that could lead us to the shooter. Get the CSI guys on it as soon as you find it. Once you've done that, come back to meet with me."
"Yes, ma'am." Izuku and Mina saluted their captain.
But just as they were about to leave, Captain Kendo enlarged her hand, picking them up like a pair of soon to be scolded children.
"You two still have to give me a full explanation on what's going on with the two of you." Kendo raised an eyebrow. "Is there anything you'd like to share with me now or after your assignments? Well?"
Izuku and Mina looked at each other with sheepish smiles on their faces. They had managed to sneak around telling their captain about their relationship so far. But they were running out of excuses and time.
"Um, well, you see…" Mina began.
"Fine, don't tell me now. But I expect you to give me an explanation." Captain Tendo dropped them, looking at them with a look only a disappointed parent would give their children.
Izuku and Mina looked at each other as Captain Kendo walked away. They dropped their heads feeling like they'd been punched. Somehow, that look struck to their very cores.
They looked around the area where the shots had taken place. They made sure to point out to the CSI guys anything they found that could be a clue. But they were unable to find any bullets from the shots.
"Any idea where the shots could've gone, partner?" Mina asked.
"Well, this place has been closed off and no one besides the police have come here." Izuku looked at the podium, trying to figure something out. "Adrien Agreste stood here, giving his speech. And then suddenly a shot hits him." He looked down, noting slight scorch marks near the podium's base.
Izuku knelt to examine them and their movement. The marks were fast and precise, like a quick jump at super speed or a jump. He turned back to where the shot aimed at Adrien had seemingly gone into before stepping onto the start of the marks.
"Monsiuer Agreste stood here, not where he was shot. The shooter had a perfect aim for his chest." Izuku explained.
"Then what happened?" Mina asked.
"He must've noticed the shot coming towards him, and to avoid unwanted suspicion he allowed the bullet to miraculously only hit his arm." Izuku explained quietly.
"So then the shooter must've fired from another position than the one they claimed." Mina looked up, using Izuku as a stand in, she looked for any building that could' be used to take the shot.
She closed one of her eyes, making it like she was looking down the scope of a weapon for better understanding. She narrowed her eyes as she found the spot she was looking for. Looking down at the bullet hole and the corner edge of the roof not far from them, she smirked, asking Izuku to follow her.
Izuku and Mina climbed the stairs with a few members of the CSI unit. The building was mostly apartments and stores, but they didn't see many people in the upper floors, which meant not many say who could've gone up to the top. They opened the door to the rooftop and were quickly greeted with the abandoned rifle that was used by the assassin.
"There it is." Mina smirked. "I knew it would be here."
"Yeah, get this place prepared and look for any clues." Izuku turned to the CSI member. "Make sure we don't leave any stone unturned."
"Yes, sir." The CSI member pulled up his camera and started taking pictures.
Izuku and Mina looked at the rifle, wondering what kind it was and what sort of bullets it could fire. However, their eyes landed on what was around it. The ground before them and around the gun was soaking wet. It looked like someone had dropped a bucket of water on top of the rifle before leaving.
"What do you supposed happened here, partner?" Mina asked.
"It looks like someone tried to wipe the rifle clean of evidence. But why dunk water on it, instead of taking the weapon or just wiping off any traces of DNA with a handkerchief?" Izuku looked over the rifle as the CSI took pictures of it and around it.
"Maybe the shooter didn't have time?" Mina suggested.
Izuku put on a pair of latex gloves as soon as the CSI member pulled a large bag to tag the rifle. However, as soon as his hands grabbed the piece, he felt something that he hadn't expected on such a sunny day.
"It's cold." Izuku whispered.
"What?" Mina asked.
"The rifle it's cold, like it's just been pulled out of a freezer." Izuku looked at the barrel of the gun, noting that some droplets of water were coming out from it. "There's no sign of the bullets because they melted. We need to show Captain Kendo what we found."
Izuku and Mina stood before Captain Kendo as they showed them the rifle they'd found.
"So, you're telling me that you believe the shooter had some kind of Ice Miraculous?" Kendo asked. "What makes you say that, Midoriya?"
"The rifle doesn't have any type of magazine or easily available loading space to insert the bullets, captaine. All the holes that were made by the shots only had water on them instead of bullets, which means that this rifle was made specifically for an Ice Miraculous user." Izuku explained, pointing to the weapon. "It was freezing to the touch and dripping. Meaning that the shooter has a very low temperature due to their Miraculous."
"We also found that it has a serial number that's been filed off. This thing wasn't made for normal people." Mina added.
Kendo looked at the rifle, making sure that her officers were in the right. She nodded, seeing the filed off serial number on it.
"Book it and look it over." Kendo handed the weapon to the CSI. "It's a longshot to hope for prints. But we'll at least get an idea of where this piece came from. Good job you two."
Izuku and Mina fist bumped each other with a smile.
"But you two are still not out of work." Kendo quickly reminded them that they were on the clock. "I have a special assignment for you two: You are to come with me and stand guard on Adrien Agreste."
Izuku and Mina lost all color in their faces. Their brains slowly pieced together what their boss had just told them. A cold sweat covered their bodies as they understood what it meant. They were going into the lion's den, the same lion that had killed their friend and put a bounty on Izuku's head. And now they were going with little to possibly no back up to his house. They felt around their necks, loosening their collars as though someone had just put a noose around their throats.
"C-C-Captain Kendo, ma'am, are you sure we're the most qualified people to go to one of Paris's most elite and play guards?" Mina asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"You two have no other assignments and the other officers are busy. Like it or not this is your assignment." Captain Kendo looked around, making sure no one was close enough to hear what she was about to say. "Plus this will give you an opportunity to look around and answer some of the questions about the stolen Hero Support Gear and about Monsieur Agreste's purchase of the ice rink and building of this new office building."
"W-Why are you interested in that?" Izuku asked, looking over the building.
"Before the Agreste Brand purchased the ice rink, there was an investigation with it being linked to a diamond and drug smuggling ring." Captain Kendo explained. "Our prime suspect was Philippe Candeloro, the former owner of the rink. He did some time in prison for a diamond robbery but the jewels were never found. This place could've been the last place those diamonds could've been at and then the Agreste Brand buys it and brings it all down."
Izuku and Mina now knew that they couldn't say no to the assignment. Captain Kendo was more determined than ever to find out what was going on behind the walls of the Agreste house. As they watched her walk away, they spotted Alya and Alix finishing up their own work on the situation. They snuck away to compare notes before heading to the most dangerous place in Paris.
"Hey, girls, what's up?" Mina asked
"Did you guys get anything?" Izuku asked.
"Only that Alix is terrible at shorthand and taking notes." Alya looked at her friend with slight disappointment.
"Hey, most of what I have to write are drinks, not life stories." Alix snapped. "Besides, that jerk was ogling your chest and my ass more than talking sense. But at least he did tell us what we already knew. Someone shot Adrien Agreste as he was opening up his latest eyesore."
"Yeah, that seems to be the case. But it gets worse." Izuku added. "We're to go protect Adrien personally under the orders of Captain Kendo."
"Huh?!" Alya and Alix both gasped.
"Like you heard, girls. We're going into the belly of the beast itself." Mina sighed. "We are not happy about it, but those are the orders."
Alya and Alix were both shocked at the words they'd just heard. On one hand they knew that they were going into the belly of the beast to guard him against someone that wanted to kill him. And on the other hand, this presented a different opportunity.
"This is risky, but maybe it could work in our favor." Alya stroked her chin.
"Once inside, you two can look around for anything that might stand out or incriminating evidence." Alix followed Alya's thoughts. "There's also a chance to look into what the most mysterious Parisian bachelor and kingpin has been hiding from everyone. Dangerous, but there will be no better time to see what secrets he hides. Like that other Hawkmoth."
Izuku looked down, wondering what he should do. The high risk and high reward games were always too dangerous for his opinion. But sometimes a gamble could bear fruit if it was a calculated risk. An idea popped in his head as he figured something.
"We could investigate on both ends." Izuku muttered.
Mina, Alya and Alix all looked at Izuku, unsure as to what he meant. They were met with a smile and a determined look that could be translated to: I have a plan.
Izuku and Mina drove to the Agreste Mansion with Captain Kendo driving in the car in front of them. They crossed the gate as the mansion came into view before them. They looked at the front door as they got out of the car. They couldn't help but feel like a stormy cloud was hovering above the mansion, swallowing all light that was around. A coldness rushed down their backs as a fire burned in their bellies.
"Wow, it's as flamboyant as it is protected." Mina commented.
"I can only imagine the inside of this small fortress." Izuku walked up the steps along with Mina and Kendo.
The doors opened, showing the old butler waiting for them.
"Right this way, ladies and gentleman." The old butler bowed courteously. "Master Agreste is waiting for you, officers."
"Merci monsieur." Izuku thanked the old butler as he, Mina and Kendo walked into the mansion.
As they followed the old butler, Izuku and Mina took this chance to look around the inside of the house. The checkered tiled floor was spotless, almost shining and reflecting their reflection. The walls of the mansion had lavish paintings that depicted different historical moments as well as parts of the world. However, the one thing that stood out in the beauty of the bright pieces of art and artifacts from all over the world.
A portrait.
The portrait was a painted picture of a younger Adrien Agreste standing between his parents. His mother stood by his side with an almost angelic smile on her face, long blonde hair tied in a low hanging pony-tail draped on her shoulder. She seemed to be a very charming lady that could brighten up a room with her smile. On the other side stood his father. And the best way to describe the man was that the only difference between him and the gargoyles at Notre Dame was that he eventually had to blink. He looked so strung up and elitist that would've barely acknowledged someone if they didn't run in his circle.
"Wow, polar opposites the two parents he had growing up." Mina whispered.
"Excuse me, sir, um," Izuku began.
"Phillip, officer." Phillip replied with the dignity of a gentleman's gentleman.
"Phillip, are those Adrien Agreste's parents?" Izuku pointed to the portrait.
"Yes, their names were Gabriel Agreste and Emilie Agreste. I fear I may not be at any liberty to answer more." Phillip explained. "The master is here." Phillip opened the door to the next room as Izuku and Mina looked at the portrait one more time.
Adrien Agreste looked at the officers that had come and he wasn't all that thrilled at people snooping around. He felt his arm tingle with slight pain from the stitches, healing Miraculouses and prescription drugs were not a good combination. However, he needed to keep up appearances.
"Captain Kendo, I was told that you'd come here." Adrien got up from the couch, looking Kendo in the eyes before noticing the two officers. "I thought you just came here to get my statement."
"Yes, but I've brought here two of my finest officers to help keep an eye on the house in case of another attempt on your life." Kendo gestured to Izuku and Mina, causing them to salute. "These are Officers Midoriya and Ashido. They'll be stationed outside and make sure that nothing in here is booby trapped."
Adrien glared at the police chief while holding his shoulder. He wanted to maintain some sense of displeasure at the development before him. He needed a reason to get them out of his mansion before they started snooping around where he didn't want them.
Thankfully, that's why Adrien had Monema.
"Oh, really? And what exactly would these two clowns be meant to do if the mansion's defenses fail?" Monema snapped, getting in Kendo's face, pointing at her with his hand. "I can assure you that this overstep of authority will not stand. Just because you are stuck in a dead end job, that doesn't give you the right to come bother someone of such high esteem as Monsieur Agreste in his own home-AAAAAHHHHH!"
Kendo tightly snatched Monema's hand, pressing her thumb into one of his pressure points. If there was one thing she hated was someone thinking they knew better despite not knowing how her job worked. She did not suffer fools and this Monema was not going to insult her, her profession nor her subordinates and go unpunished.
"I understand what you're saying, sir. But I've been asked by the mayor himself to put armed security around the house." Kendo twisted Monema's arm, shutting him up. "Now, if I were to take your advice and leave your employer to his own devices, and gets himself killed. Then I will be in trouble. Just like you, I am fulfilling my duty. And if you stand in the way of such duty, I will have to remove you by any means I deem necessary."
Izuku and Mina had to hold back the laughter and the smiles they wanted to let loose. The sight of the jerk that had gotten in their way was now paying the consequences of messing with their boss. It was like watching that jerk character on a TV show get their just desserts after messing with the wrong fella one too many times.
"You've made your point, Captain Kendo. I will allow your officers to search the premises and stand guard." Adrien begrudgingly sighed. "Now please, release my assistant. I still need him to do work at the office given my current situation."
Kendo released her hold on Monema, leaving him moaning in pain on the floor.
"Though, I do have some conditions I would like your officers to comply with. If it's not too much to ask?" Adren asked.
"If the conditions keep them from doing their job efficiently then they'll be booted. They'll give you your space and try not to bother you, Monsieur Agreste. But you are not to make a move out of the house without them knowing and reporting it back to me." Kendo stated.
"Very well. I just ask not to be disturbed. And that they don't follow me around the house like I'm a prisoner, Monsieur Agreste." Kendo clarified. "But if they have any questions, it would be in your best interest to aid them."
Adrien thought about it for a minute. But at the end he relented.
"Very well. I look forward to working with the two of you, officers." Adrien held out his hand.
"You won't even know we're here, sir." Izuku gripped Adrien's hand, giving him a firm shake, making sure not to hurt him.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to work on." Adrien coughed.
Izuku, Mina and Kendo left Adrien to do his own work as they made their way to the entrance.
"Alright, you two make sure that Monsieur Agreste is safe and whatever you find you tell me." Kendo instructed.
"No problemo, boss. We'll keep our eyes open for anything suspicious." Mina saluted Kendo.
"We'll make sure to find out if there's anything suspicious going on." Izuku added before Kendo drove off.
Izuku and Mina turned back to the inside of the large mansion. They started their search for anything suspicious by going through the different rooms of the mansion. During their inspection, they quickly noted that there were several cameras around the house, discreetly hidden in the corners and in some of the artifacts. The feeling that they were being watched made them remember they were in the home of the most dangerous man in all of Paris trying to keep him alive.
Neither of them said it but the urge to beat up Adrien as soon as they saw him was a strong one. The way he talked to them like they were inconsequential to his plans and treating them like a nuisance made their blood boil. It took all their will not to sock him a good one.
"There's nothing in this room. Let's move on to the kitchen and the other rooms," Mina suggested.
"We need to know if there's been anyone new in the house or if anyone has come into this home in the last month or so." Izuku spotted Phillip taking a tray with a kettle of tea for Adrien. "Excuse me, Monsieur Phillip, may I ask you a few questions?"
"Of course, officer, how may I help you?" Phillip asked.
"We need to know if there has been access to this house as of late, like in the last month or so. Has someone come into the house for whatever reason, to fix something for instance?" Izuku asked. "Or have you hired any more staff to aid around the house?"
"We haven't hired any new members to the house staff. And there hasn't been anything that has needed fixing, officer." Phillip replied.
"How long have you been working for Monsieur Agreste?" Izuku asked.
"Mrs. Miggins, Ms. Zoe and myself started our employment around the same time, five years ago." Phillip replied.
"You mean, you're all new staff? What happened to the previous one?" Mina asked.
"I'm afraid I do not know miss, though I believe they might've been laid off when the master's father passed away." Phillip looked down at his tray. "If that is all, I must fulfill my duties. Excuse me."
As Phillip walked away, Izuku and Mina turned to each other with the information they'd just learned about.
"So, brand new staff after his father died? That doesn't sound suspicious at all." Mina whispered.
"I've sent the information to Alya and Alix. Hopefully they'll get answers." Izuku pocketed his notes. "Let's keep looking, something might stand out for us to investigate."
Alya and Alix were riding on Alix's motorbike down to the first stop of their investigation. Though, it was more like Alya was hanging on to dear life as Alix stopped her bike at the entrance of the offices of the Agreste Brand.
"Alya, you hold on to me a little tighter and you might tear off my clothes~." Alix took off her helmet, smiling at Alya.
"Not my fault you only have so many places to hang onto." Alya got off the bike, giving Alix back her spare helmet. "Plus, you drive like a woman possessed. You ready for this?"
Alix looked up at the offices of the newly opened building with slight suspicion. She knew that after the whole mess at the inauguration there wouldn't be much movement. But it didn't hurt to ask around a few questions, nor get information on the possible man that ruined her family. She pulled out her phone, looking at the picture that Izuku had just sent them.
As soon as Alix saw the picture, her stomach turned at the sight of the man. Despite his planer look and normal looking skin, she knew that was the man that destroyed her family. She was ready for this.
"I am. Just remind me what we're doing here?" Alix walked next to Alya as they entered the building.
"We're here to ask questions about the building and why would anyone attack it. We know that this was meant to kill Adrien Agreste, but we need to know who and why." Alya explained. "You just got to pretend to be someone looking for an application for her Miraculous."
"I can play it like that. And then we look into Agreste's old man." Alix cracked her knuckles.
Alya went up to some of the staff, securing a quick interview with one of the doctors that helped in the offices.
"Thank you for agreeing to talk to me, doctor." Alya shook the hand of the doctor.
"Think nothing of it, miss. After the excitement that took place this morning, it's good to have some activity." The doctor smiled. "How may I help you?"
"There have been some rumors about the building that was once standing here, about it being connected to a smuggling ring. I wanted to hear your thoughts." Alya pulled out her recorder.
"I've heard about those rumors. Though I'm not sure how real they are. I was brought in because of my knowledge and application of Miraculouses in medicine." The doctor replied.
"Has anyone been around that you've noticed? Like someone you're unfamiliar with?" Alya asked.
"Well, there was one man I've caught glimpses of him. But I don't think he works here." The doctor replied. "I see him walking around with no set place to go. I assumed that he worked around here. Though not the weirdest thing I've seen lately."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, some of the rooms on the upper levels are empty and we've been getting trucks going in and out. Haven't thought much about it because we were told some of the required gear was still being delivered." The doctor replied.
"What kind of trucks are we talking about? And what kind of gear could they be delivering?" Alya asked.
"I'm not sure, some big trucks. Some of it was borrowed from hospitals to see the extent of the Miraculous of the user, but mostly it's just helping set up a few of the extra rooms." The doctor guessed. "Though it is a bit weird."
"Like what?" Alya asked.
"It seems like we've got more equipment getting here than we do people to use it." The doctor admitted. "Maybe there's more staff on the way."
"Well, thanks anyway, doc." Alya left the room with the information she wanted. "Um, you wouldn't happen to remember how this guy you've seen looked like?"
"I only caught half a look at his face, he had icy blue skin and blue hair combed back. He kinda looked like that old Jack Frost cartoon." The doctor explained. "It almost looked like he had something under his jacket but a car passed and I didn't see much else."
"Thanks, doc." Alya left the room.
Alya walked out of the office building as Alix waited for her in the lobby. They walked out one after the other, making sure it didn't look like they had come together. Once they were at a decent distance between them and the office building, they hopped back on the bike before heading back to Alya's apartment.
"So, what did you find out?" Alya asked as she typed at her computer.
"They mostly stuck to asking me questions about my Miraculous, how it worked, its effects, stuff like that. Felt like I was answering a questionnaire to find my perfect partner." Alix crossed her arms. "Once that was done they told me that they'd ask to set up an appointment to give me a physical and then they'd look into which career choices were good for me. Honestly, that place felt like it was prepping up Frankenstein's lab."
"But that's more personal feeling, right?" Alya asked.
"Yeah, kinda. Outside of that, I think that place is legit." Alix scratched her chin. "Which makes me wonder why does it has to be such a big building?"
"The doctor I spoke to shared your sentiment. And I think I have a theory as to why it's so big." Alya pulled up a picture of a man with icy blue skin, blue eyes and spiky ice hair combed back. "This is Philippe Candeloro. Former businessman, former owner of the ice rink and suspected smuggler."
"Jeez, you weren't kidding. He does look like Jack Frost." Alix leaned down to look at the picture.
"Don't let his looks fool you, he was arrested a few times for possession of narcotics and stolen jewelry when he was young. He only did some time but then he supposedly went straight." Alya explained. "He was one of the topics of my first few articles. Pretty vanilla but I smelled something else going on."
Alya pulled up several articles about the rise of smuggled diamonds and jewelry that had been found all over Europe.
"I remember reading about this. A lot of these jewels were stolen in Paris and nearby cities." Alix commented.
"Yep, and they were all smuggled out of the city through a dummy corporation that listed Philippe Candeloro as one of the partners." Alya explained, typing down what she found.
"Who were the other partners?" Alix asked.
"Regular people as far as I could find. But Jack Frost happens to be the one with the most shares of the company." Alya pointed.
"And I'm guessing he moved the diamonds through the ice rink and shipped it off with the company?" Alix got a nod from Alya as a response. "Looks like we've got a suspect. And a new line to search." Alix sent the information to Izuku and Mina through chat.
"Time to see what Adrien Agreste has hidden in his closet." Alya fixed her glasses catching the light of her computer.
Back at the Agreste Mansion, Izuku and Mina finished their search. However, despite the lack of damnable evidence of tampering, they were left with only one place to search.
"Time to visit Monsieur Agreste." Mina looked at the portrait. "You ever wonder what kind of kid he was? I mean, there has to be a reason he turned out like this. Isn't there?"
"I'm not sure. I can't help but feel like I'm looking at another person when I look at that portrait." Izuku commented, narrowing his eyes at the portrait. "There's more to his story than we know. And it's connected to his father, if we're right at least. Let's go ask him."
Izuku and Mina headed to Adrien's office, noticing that there was a conversation going on. Silently opening the door, they heard Adrien talking, loudly.
"I keep telling you, I needed that merchandise moved before the inauguration. Our buyers in Germany need those products sooner rather than later." Adrien slammed the phone down. "I have no patience for fools. I have another call. Text me when the job is done. "
They crouched down, looking in through the crack at what Adrien was working on.
"Hello my dear. I assume you want to know about my situation?" Adrien's tone sweetened. "You don't need to worry. Just a flesh wound. I'll be better in a few minutes." He stretched his wounded shoulder with no signs of discomfort. "It comes with the job, my sweet. I can handle myself. I've already compiled a list of possible suspects. Philippe Candeloro will pay for his attempt at my life. Now, you should get back to work. I expect you to make the six o'clock news. Adieu mon petite renarde."
Izuku and Mina shared a look. They watched him pace back and forth as he growled at the pictures of his father. He almost looked at him with distaste and hatred no normal son would have for a parent. His look of hatred turned into a mocking smile with no small amount of smugness.
"I hope you rot knowing that I'm doing better than you ever could've wished, old man. Why my mother didn't try to kill you for what you did is a mystery to me." Adrien glared before turning to the large painting of his mother. "She didn't deserve you. You sure as hell didn't deserve her. Now, I must focus on finishing my work. The nuisances never seem to stop in life."
Izuku and Mina looked at each other as they heard Adrien ranting about his daddy issues. The way he spoke about him wasn't like anything they had expected from someone so reserved. Now, it was time for a more direct approach to keep him off balance.
Izuku knocked on the door.
"Who is it? I asked not to be disturbed." Adrien took a deep breath.
"It's the police, Monsieur Agreste. We need to look over this room." Mina replied, causing Adrien to open his door.
"I don't think that'll be necessary, officers. I can assure you that no one but myself has been to this room." Adrien recovered his reserved tone.
"Still, sir. It is part of the procedure. We need to come in." Izuku stepped up, only for Adrien to put a hand on his chest, stopping him.
Izuku and Adrien glared at each other. Neither of them wanted to back down, despite knowing what would happen if one of them didn't. Izuku felt his hands tingle as he fought the urge to punch the man standing before him. Adrien felt his Miraculous act up at the sensation of a threat coming from the man in front of him. Neither wanted to admit it but they almost felt like two forces clashing.
"Very well, but I must ask you not to touch anything without my permission." Adrien pulled back.
"We'll be as delicate as flower petals, Mr. Agreste," Mina said.
Izuku and Mina entered the room, being received by a large office fit for a British manor. The back wall was covered by bookshelves filled with books with a fireplace between them sporting another portrait on top of it. This one showed two families, the Agreste Family and another family side by side. On the right, there was a large desk with a painting of Emilie Agreste in the style of Gustav Klimt towering over him. And on the left end of the room, a window out into a private garden within the grounds of the house.
The two officers saw the room in awe, as they felt the warmth that this place had. It was as though this office was the heart of the home itself. The small artifacts and books all felt far more familiar and approachable than the rest of the house. If they didn't know any better, they'd say that this was a room that didn't fit the rest of the mansion.
"You have quite the collection, Monsieur." Izuku looked at the large collection of books. "A lot about Miraculous, business books, butterflies, fashion, magic and others. You have quite the vast library here. All first editions too." Izuku watched everything while making sure not to touch anything that might upset the owner.
"I've had several hobbies in my life. Besides, I take pride in learning all I can from the subjects. Nothing beats the original in my eyes." Adrien explained. "If you don't mind me asking, are there any developments on the case?"
"Sadly not that we know of. Could you think of someone that would want to see harm come to you, monsieur?" Izuku asked.
"Every powerful man has enemies, officers. Though I hardly see the point in keeping track of all of them." Adrien replied with a wasp-like sting to his voice. "I brought a clothing brand from the past into the modern world. My company has done stuff that others can only dream of."
"So humble." Mina muttered. "So, there aren't any disgruntled employees, partners that got cut off on a deal, people like that?"
"Monema would have a better clue as to what you're looking for, officer. But I'm afraid I haven't got any idea of who it might be." Adrien faked interest. "Though it seems you already have an idea of who your colleagues are looking for, if I'm not mistaken?"
Izuku narrowed his eyes at Adrien. His tone reminded him all too well of that night. He decided to give Hawkmoth a little bit of rope to hang him.
"There were rumors about a smuggling ring using the ice rink you bought as a cover. The man that owned it was caught by a security camera not long before the shooting began." Izuku sized up the man before him. "Could it be that you purchased the ice rink and left him without his operation? You seem to have a knack for making people hold a grudge on you, monsieur."
Adrien narrowed his eyes at the officer. It had been a long time since someone spoke to him like that. But it wasn't something to lose sleep over. He decided that if the gauntlet had been casted, then he'd pick it up and hit back.
"Do you understand what it means to have power in this world, officer?" Adrien asked.
"There are many answers to that answer, Monsieur Agreste. But I believe that true power comes from defeating adversity, through ingenuity and will." Izuku looked at Adrien as he walked up to the fireplace. "Learning to adapt to the world is how you can see real change."
"'Adapting to the world'? You mean, letting others dictate your fate and your role in this world? That's where you and I differ, officer." Adrien looked up at the portrait of the two families. "To have power in this world, you are to use whatever you have, to get what you want. If you were born with a Miraculous, it is within your right to use your power to break free of any chains that bind you. And to achieve whatever you desire."
"Born with power, entitled to power?" Izuku asked. "It seems a bit too narrow a view for my liking. Is that how your father raised you?"
"That's a personal matter, officer. I don't see why that's of any interest to you." Adrien hissed.
"Just wondering where you got that from? My father instilled those values onto me. Maybe yours did as well." Izuku pushed.
"...You're right. My father didn't teach me much. He was a tyrant that only saw others as tools." Adrien glared at the painting of his father.
"You didn't get along with your father?" Mina asked. "Fathers and sons often butt heads from time to time. He must've had… some good qualities?"
Adrien looked down at the cold fireplace. His mind raced in search of thoughts that could've been useful for that question. But he couldn't find any.
"Not that I could remember. Unless you count his skills at making connections and finding ways to expand his business." Adrien admitted. "Everything else was unneeded in his eyes. If you've made all your questions, then I'd like it if you left. Your replacements will arrive soon."
Izuku and Mina couldn't help but see some shred of humanity in their enemy's eyes. But that didn't soften their resolve. As they left the room, they gave him one last look. The hurt didn't make his actions any more simpler or forgivable. Adrien Agreste was the kingpin of Paris and that wasn't going to change just because he had a crappy childhood. However, they left with more than just a slight form of clarification.
Adrien tightened his fist into a ball as he looked at the portrait atop the fireplace. Back then everything was so simple. He wished that he had a chance to go back to that time. He and his parents, and his cousin were happy. But all that changed when he learned the truth. He let out a sigh, only for his eyes to widen at the sight of his warm breath.
"Merde." Adrien whispered.
Adrien jumped back as ice spikes shot out from the ground below him. He was pushed back as his assassin stepped up to him.
"Well, well, well, I love what you've done with the place, Monsieur Agreste. Looks far cozier than what your father once had." The man took off his trenchcoat jacket, revealing his body.
The man wore a sleek gray metallic armor covering almost all his body except for his head. He had snowflake symbols on his chest, arms and legs, making it look more like an armor used by a skater. His face was icy blue with spiky blue hair combed back like spikes. His hands and boots glowed an icy blue with snowflake patterns on his forearms, and shins.
"Bet you weren't expecting, Frozer to come back, eh?"
"'Frozer'? Any more of an obvious name, Phillipe?" Adrien grunted as Frozer fired a blast of ice, freezing Adrien's legs and wrists together.
"Like you're one to talk, Agreste. I'm here to settle the score with you." Frozer picked up Adrien Agreste by the scruff of his shirt.
"Freeze, Frozer!" Izuku and Mina kicked down the door with their weapons drawn. "Drop Monsieur Agreste slowly and put your hands behind your back."
"You called the police?" Frozer laughed. "You're pathetic, boy. Your father would've never even allowed cops near his home."
Izuku and Mina narrowed their eyes looking for an opening to fire at the ice villain. But they were tempted to fire and say that Adrien Agreste just got caught in the crossfire. Sadly, they wouldn't have a chance to put that to the test.
Frozer swung Adrien over his shoulder, before firing at the two officers with ice spikes coming out of his free hand.
Izuku grabbed Mina and jumped back, using the door to block some of the shots.
Frozer laughed, drawing out his ice skates from the bottom of his shoes. He created an ice ramp before he skated out of the mansion, laughing all the way. He smirked knowing he had to take the object of his revenge to the place where he could make him suffer.
Back at the mansion, Izuku and Mina had called in the actions of the villain before taking off. Mina drove at top speed as Izuku kept track of the fleeing villain. They moved around the traffic as Frozer skated quickly and gracefully. They didn't know how he was able to pull such narrow turns and avoid any shots that came his way. But that didn't matter to Mina, she would not let a villain escape in a car chase against her if she could prevent it.
"This guy is slippery, partner. But he won't lose me in these streets!" Mina shifted into gear, speeding around traffic.
"He's using the ice to move around with ease around the city. He's trying to get somewhere to take out Agreste." Izuku looked out the window, keeping track of the villains. "Frozer wants to destroy all that Adrien has built upon his work."
"What does that mean?" Mina used one of the ice ramps to go around the traffic, following the skating villain like a racer from the movies.
"According to Alya and Alix, there's a good chance that the new office building is a front for the smuggling operation that Frozer had started." Izuku held on to the car. "Frozer must've been swindled out of his business and now wants revenge on Adrien. Probably bought the ice rink at a steal too."
"So we need to save him to bring him to justice, or do we let the cyborg ice skater give him a few blows to the head before?" Mina asked, swerving around a lamp post before Frozer sent a few ice spikes their way.
Mina stepped on the breaks, dodging the spikes from hitting them. She spun around, drifting in the cold asphalt before taking a sharp turn left. However, she was met with a sight she didn't want to see, an ice wall between her and the road.
"Damn it! He took him away!" Mina growled, tightening her grip on the steering wheel.
"Don't worry, Mina. I know exactly where he's going." Izuku pulled out his phone. "Captain Kendo, we know where Frozer is going! He's going to reclaim his old ice rink!"
Izuku and Mina arrived along with other patrol cars, special forces and a couple heroes. They watched people running out of the new Agreste building that had opened up that very day as ice covered the entrances and exits. The sight before the two officers was enough to tell them that Frozer wanted to destroy everything that Adrien Agreste had stolen from him. And they were divided on whether or not to step in and stop the ice villain from getting his way.
On one hand, if they allowed Frozer to kill Adrien Agreste, they would be rid of the Kingpin of Paris once and for all. His network of agents would collapse and would make them easy pickings for law enforcement to take them down. But, if they just allowed this to happen, then they would be no better than Adrien Agreste, Hawkmoth, a man they saw as all that was rotten in the world in their eyes. The two points were ethically challenging for the two officers.
"Midoriya, Ashido, what's the situation?" Kendo snapped them out of their inner conflict.
"Oh, um, Frozer aka Philippe Candeloro took Adrien Agreste by tunneling into his study through the sewers, abducting him while we gave chase after them." Izuku recounted.
"Sadly, the cyborg ice skater managed to give us the slip." Mina added. "It seems like he has hunkered down inside the Agreste Brand Offices for Art and Social Miraculous Applications or the ABOASMA for short."
"Has he made any demands?" Kendo asked as she approached the police line.
"Not that we know." Izuku looked at the building looking for any kind of entrance for him to go in. "Are the heroes going in?"
"Not yet, but we need to do something soon. We'll need to make a plan before we mobilize. We have Foxthrob, Dynamight and Dragon Lady coming as we speak." Kendo pulled out her phone. "I need the blueprints of the new Agreste building to plan the route inside. Get snipers on the rooftops. I don't want him getting away."
Izuku and Mina quickly decided to voice their problem as a hypothetical.
"Um, Captain Kendo, what would you do if your enemy needed your help?" Izuku asked, stopping Kendo on her tracks.
"What?" Kendo asked.
"A riddle Monsieur Agreste asked us. He chose to let his enemy die and we wondered why we shouldn't." Mina explained, only confusing Kendo a bit.
Kendo thought it for a minute, wondering if they were pulling her leg. But she let out a sigh, seeing that they were actually stuck in that question.
"I would save them. Even if I hated my enemy, I am an officer of the law. Holding onto my beliefs sometimes is worth more than quick vengeance." Kendo explained. "Doing the right thing is what separates us from the villains that would take the easy way out."
Izuku took her words of wisdom to heart and understood what she meant. If they were to be heroes, they'd have to do the right thing when he didn't. He would let justice take its course.
"Thank you, captain." Izuku bowed his head.
Kendo nodded back before she went back to planning the attack on the ABOASMA. She didn't know what the riddle was all about but she hoped that her words helped her officers in their time of need.
Izuku turned to Mina as they had to make their own plans to save Adrien Agreste.
"How are we to get inside when all the doors and windows are frozen solid?" Mina asked.
"We'll use the same trick that Frozer used." Izuku pointed to one of the manhole covers not far from them. "But just in case, I need something from you, Mina."
"Oh this is going to be fun." Mina smirked.
Izuku had suited up in his Chat Noir costume, sneaking through the sewers until he was where he needed to be. He pulled out a flask filled with Mina's acid. Pouring some of it on the drains, he made a hole big enough to fit into without leaving any traces. He pushed up the drain grid under the building, entering the lair of Frozer. He'd found the way inside through the loading bay for all the ill gotten loot. He shivered slightly at the cold. However, he was quickly met with lots of boxes and items delivered to the office building. He narrowed his eyes, deciding to check up what they had inside.
He opened up one of the boxes, revealing stolen jewels and paintings that had been reported stolen. Izuku pulled out some of the diamonds in his hand before dropping them. A slight idea popped in his head as a sneaky smile fit for a naughty imp spread behind his mask.
"Oh, Hawkmoth, you have no idea how much I'll enjoy watching you being dragged in irons." Izuku took pictures of what he had found before sending them to Alya.
After taking enough pictures of the damning evidence, Izuku moved on to where the villain had taken Adrien Agreste. He ran through the halls and climbed up the stairs until he reached the large storage room at the top of the offices. The air was cold in his lungs and he could only imagine what it must've felt like inside. He heard voices coming from inside the room. He pushed the door open, breaking some of the frost that was in his way.
He looked inside to see Frozer, skating circles around Adrien, who was tied to a frozen chair. Large crates of equipment circled the room, making a rudimentary ice rink with ice inside it.
"Comfortable?" Frozer mocked.
"Just dandy, Phillipe." Adrien growled. "You know this will only delay the inevitable. You were always shortsighted."
"We could've had it all, Agreste! I came to you with the plan! I was the one with a vision!" Fozer hissed in rage. "But you cheated me! You stole my ice rink and left me with nothing! Your father at least was capable of seeing good help when he saw it."
"My father was a foolish old man that allowed his ego and greed for control blind him. That's what led to his downfall." Adrien noticed Chat Noir sneaking inside. "Besides, you can hardly say that you were cheated. I paid you handsomely for the dingy hole you called a business."
"Yeah, a few million hundred Euros in exchange for the billions you are making!" Frozer snapped. "But don't worry, I'll put my money to good use, take all you've stolen from me and go for greener pastures."
"After you kill me, I presume?" Adrien smirked, shivering. "But are you willing to take that chance? You won't live long to see these greener pastures."
Frozer raised his hand, preparing to freeze the body of his enemy, only to have it wrapped by a grappling hook. He looked up before being pulled back by Chat Noir. The villain barely had time to react before his face was met with a knee, breaking his icy nose.
Chat Noir landed on the icy floor before tossing Frozer away at some of the boxes.
"You have a way of making people angry, Monsieur Agreste," Izuku said, disguising his voice. "Are you hurt anywhere?"
"I can't feel my arms and legs. Otherwise, peachy." Adrien snapped full with loathsome sarcasm.
Izuku's head snapped back to the sight of Frozer as he fired more of his ice spikes at him. The vigilante ran away, dodging the attacks by jumping into the large crates. Running and jumping from crate to crate as the ice attacks of the villain followed closely behind him, he kept his eyes at the sight of the immobilized Agreste. He jumped and parkoured away from the attacks as Frozer chased after him with a look of murder in his eyes.
Izuku shifted his sights to the ice villain as he skated at top speed after him. The vigilante's speed was easily a match for a marathon runner and a long distance sprinter, but the ice skater was in his element and the cold was playing in his favor. Izuku had to run twice as fast while Frozer only had to skate on his own skates. The situation had to change quickly, or else, Izuku would find himself as a brand new hero popsicle.
"Give it up, hero! Your bounty will be the cherry on top of my ice cream sundae of victory!" Frozer laughed maniacally.
Izuku fought the urge to roll his eyes at Frozer's claims. His eyes however landed on a large crate that had come loose from all the attacks. He jumped behind it, kicking the crate at the skater. His attack forced the skater to jump over the crate, avoiding being struck by it.
"Is that all? Ha!" Frozer laughed at his victory, sailing through the air.
Izuku fired his grappling hook, tying it around Frozer's legs, pulling him into the crates and out of the ice. He slammed him against the wall before pouncing on him like a cat upon its prey. He punched him across the face, keeping Frozer off balance. Pulling out one of his Kali sticks, he swung a hit at the ice villain's leg making him gasp in pain.
Frozer spun in place, swinging his ice skate at Izuku. His blade barely scratched the front of his suit, but it gave the ice villain the chance to counterattack. He swirled and spun like a ballerina dancing, balancing on the blades of his skates. His eyes screamed bloody murder as he swung spinning kick after spinning kick, only to barely scratch or grace Izuku's suit. He smirked as he saw a large column behind Chat Noir. Once he saw his enemy was against the wall, Frozer fired a flurry of ice spikes at him.
But this was what Izuku was looking for. He ducked under the ice spikes, spin kicking his legs at Frozer's balancing legs, bringing him down. Izuku didn't let up. using his Kali sticks he struck the skates as Frozer tried to get back up. He smirked under his mask as the villain quickly lost his balance. With one swift strike, Izuku's kali sticks had broken Frozer's skates. With his enemy at a disadvantage, the vigilante continued his assault, punching and kicking the man before him with all he had. With each punch to the face, strike of his kali sticks at the armor and kicks to the legs, he let out his frustration against Frozer. He spun quickly, landing a roundhouse kick to the face, sending the villain flying.
Frozer crashed against some of the boxes, smashing them as he collapsed on top of them. He let out a pained groan only to be met with an electric teaser, knocking him out completely.
Izuku handcuffed the villain to the column after taking off his armored gear.
"It seems you've done it, Chat Noir." Adrien Agreste still sat on his chair. "You have my thanks."
Izuku narrowed his eyes, looking at the Parisian kingpin. He knew that he could've broken free at any moment, but he didn't. He turned to face him, almost not recognizing the man that was once a figure of great power. But something caught his eye. Black veins became visible in the intense cold, poking just out of Adrien's clothes. Izuku's eyes glowed upon realizing what he was seeing. But he didn't have time to put his theory to the test.
He turned around at the sound of footsteps coming up towards the room.
The door was kicked open with a loud boom.
"Hands where I can see them Frosty!" Bakugo stepped into the scene with Foxthrob and several special forces officers behind him. "Or else, you'll be melting faster than a snowball in hell!"
Izuku pulled out a smoke bomb from his pocket, blowing it up.
The thick smoke allowed him to sneak out of the building, leaving Adrien Agreste with his friend and the police.
Adrien coughed, looking for a sign of the vigilante. Through clattering teeth, he fought the urge to smile at his turn of luck. But he couldn't help but feel like something had been played against him.
"I can't believe it." Mina threw the newspaper on the table of Izuku's apartment with a pout. "They catch his own building full of more stolen treasures than a Nazi vault and he sweeps it under the rug!"
It had been two days since the battle with Frozer. And after the villain had been taken away and all the evidence was found, Adrien Agreste had been able to come out shocked by what had happened.
"Gotta give him credit. He knows how to stay cool under pressure." Alix scoffed at the newspaper headline.
"'Villain uses new office building to smuggle goods' has a way to keep people in the dark." Izuku glared at the picture of Adrien Agreste. "Frozer took the fall and he walks away. It's a trick he's used far too many times. But even the most perfect system can fail with the smallest variable."
"And that's where we come in." Alya hugged Izuku and Mina from behind. "While you two were playing babysitters, me and Alix found some interesting things about Adrien's family tree. And trust me, this you'll want to see."
Alya pulled up pictures and records that tied Gabriel Agreste to many shady dealings with people in the Parisian underworld.
"Turns out Gabe here, apart from being a fashion genius and designer, had made connections with some people of both good and ill-reputation. Including former mob bosses and a few important figures like Aundrey Bougeois, the mayor and Lady Tatsu, the mother of Lady Dragon, among others. But it's the investigations leading to him that are more interesting. It turns out that he was being investigated for some links to the largest drug ring in all of France."
"Drugs that were the same kind my dad was forced to smuggle in his clocks." Alix added, tightening her fist angrily.
"Then there's no doubt about it." Izuku leaned on the computer and at the picture of Gabriel Agreste. "Adrien Agreste's father was Hawkmoth and now his son has taken over the business."