Ch12

Adrien posed under the bright sun as his photographer took pictures of him. He was wearing a new casual t shirt over some designer pants. "Alright Adrien hold it now," the photographer said.

He held the pose as a few cameras went off. The photographers took a few more photos as he held the pose. As soon as this new clothes line gets off the ground the better.

He had spent a lot of times planning the new line of clothes for the Agreste brand. The designs were his along with the planned expos to show them off.

Father I hope you are watching up there. I will continue to make our company great. After a few more shoots he took a small break.

He was drinking from a bottle of water when he heard some footsteps approach him. "Hello Adrien," said a voice that nearly made him want to spit out the water.

Turning around he saw Lila along with Thomas Astruc walk towards him. Lila had her usual smirk while Mr. Astruc looked like a kid at the candy store.

"Adrien how are you?" Mr. Astruc said with a wide smile. "Lila and I wanted to speak to you for a moment."

He gripped his water bottle tightly resisting the urge to throw it at them. "I'm a little busy with a photo shoot what do you both need?"

Lila smiled at him. "Why Adrien us at the Daily Horn greatly admire you."

Well a part of me. He bit his lip resisting the urge to laugh. If only they knew that Cat Noir was the other half of him.

"We just wanted to know if you would like to on our program," Mr. Astruc said. "It would greatly help your brand and bring to light how pure and good hearted you are."

"Y-Yeah," he said shifting in his seat. "I appreciate the offer but you have a lot of articles on Cat Noir, I don't want my brand to be politicized."

Thomas Astruc's eye twitched. "Of course it won't be political, you're too good and pure to be associated with that mangy street cat. I show the world that wicked cat will be brought to justice one day. Don't worry I won't let him ruin your great reputation."

Biting his lip he fought the urge to laugh. "Of course." Oh you ignorant fool.

"So you'll do it?" Lila asked. "Just an interview at our studio?'

His brow twitched. "Give your information to my assistant, if I have time and only if I will allow it. But no politics." And get you two off of my back. He motioned for his bodyguard to come closer. "Show them to my scheduler."

Would he regret it? Probably but maybe this would get these two people off his back. His bodyguard nodded and motioned for them to follow him. "Great we'll be in contact then," Lila said with a grin. "Stay safe Adrien." She then winked at him as she and Mr. Astruc were escorted away.

Lila I don't know what you are scheming but how could you keep doing this? But come on we are adults now. He sighed as he finished his water. Either way as long as the brand continues to grow I could care less what she does so long as she doesn't interfere with me or the company.

With that he continued the photo shoot. He noticed Lila and Mr. Astruc watch him from the sides but they eventually left. After the photoshoot, he headed back to the office.

Looking over his tablet he made sure all the details were set for the upcoming fashion expo. Everything looks good just have to make sure I have no interruptions.

His buzzed. Setting down his tablet he looked at his phone and saw it was Nino asking if he wanted to meet up again. "Maybe later," he muttered. He texted his friend that he was busy but would be open to it in the future. "Sorry dude but I have work to do." If another akuma comes it will be even more trouble.

As he entered his office he headed over to the design department where he found Nathaniel hunched over a paper. "Hey Nathaniel everything ok?" He asked.

The red head nearly jumped out of his seat. "Oh yeah I was just working on some designs for the posters. Here take a look."

Looking down he saw the artwork Nathaniel was working on. It had the Agreste name written in stylized letters and a few sections for photos. "Good job," he said. "I know you mainly do comics but this is impressive."

Nathaniel's face reddened. "N-No problem."

"How have you been here so far?" he asked. "Enjoying yourself?"

"Yeah thanks again," Nathaniel said. "Being artist doesn't really pay for itself."

"Well clothing is an artwork in a way," he said looking down at the posters. "If you want it I'm sure it will come with the right time."

Nathaniel nodded. "I hope so."

"How's Marc? I remember you two were close," he said.

"Oh he's alright. He still lives with me," Nathaniel said avoiding his gaze. "We go to school together but we all have our difficulties."

He raised an eyebrow, he could tell Nathaniel wasn't tell him the whole truth but decided to not press it on. After all it wasn't his business.

"Well let me know if you need anything. I'm looking forward to seeing the final product," he said.

Nathaniel nodded. "I won't let you down."

When he returned to his personal office he sat down on his desk and began to surf the news on the internet for any signs about akuma attacks. Hawkmoth what are you up to. I won't let you get away this time.

"Adrien you shouldn't push yourself too much," Plagg said.

"I know. But I can't let Hawkmoth screw everything up I worked for," he said softly as he played with the ring on his hand. "I've helped keep Paris's streets clean for ages I won't let Hawkmoth get away with ruining it."

Plagg nodded. "Well don't worry I know you are strong. You've been through a lot, I'm sure you can take whatever the future throws at you."

"I hope so," he said softly. "I'll move on even if I don't know how to."

"Well you aren't alone anymore," Plagg said firmly. "I honestly hope you can look in yourself to obtain peace."

He nodded and continued with his work. Later that evening he patrolled Paris as Cat Noir leaping from rooftop to rooftop. The cool wind brushed against his hair as he patrolled the city.

Landing on the rooftop his mind drifted back towards that night. He winced, his body shook as he remembered his father's dying body in his arms. No! His body went rigid as he stood up and shook his head forcing himself to not think about that day.

Gripping his chest, he could feel his heart race inside of it. I won't go back anymore. He shook his head and looked to the streets below. "I'll protect this city so it won't happen again."

"AHH!"

A scream broke through the night. He quickly drew his baton and looked toward where he heard the scream. A woman was being cornered by a group of men wielding knives and other weapons.

Taking out his baton he quickly leaped off the building. I will make sure no one prays on the innocent.

He landed between the woman and her would be assailants. The men didn't have the opportunity to react as he struck them down one by one. The men screamed as he fell upon them breaking their arms and legs.

"Please spare us Cat Noir!" one of them begged as he repeatedly punched him.

Never again. He threw the man down and took a deep breath. "Are you ok?" he asked. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw some bystanders watching and taking photos and recording videos.

Turning around he saw the woman and noticed she was shaking as she looked at him. "Y-Yeah. Thank you Cat Noir."

The fear in her voice was still there. He didn't mind, it was better to be feared that way people would think twice about trying to cross him.

"Call the police and an ambulance. They'll need it," he said as he took out his baton. I'll keep Paris safe from everyone.

Marinette watched the video of the akuma attack with Alya her stomach turning as it ended. "Hawkmoth died," she said softly. "We saw him die," she said softly.

Alya turned off the video. "We never did get the miraculous back."

A shiver went down her spine. "Do you think Adrien could've-" She swallowed the lump in her throat at the image of the boy she loved turning evil. "He couldn't be, no."

Alya placed a hand on her shoulder. "We don't know anything yet. Maybe he is seeking revenge maybe not. But either way we must find a way to look inside the Agreste mansion."

"I know," she said softly. "That is easier said than done thought right now."

"We'll think of something," Alya said,

"We can't afford any mistakes. As guardian, I have put a stop to this." I can't let my feelings get in the way of the city's well being.

As she walked home a million thoughts ran through her mind. No Adrien couldn't be Hawkmoth. He is too good to do evil.

She winced at the thought of him being the next Hawkmoth. It would be my fault if he did. Her blood ran cold. It would be the greatest irony in her life, the boy she loved turning into her sworn enemy because of her.

"Marinette stop," Alya said firmly. "Don't think of the past."

"I'm sorry," she said. "I just can't think of facing Adrien, if he is behind all of this."

"We'll find a way," Alya said firmly. "I'll ask Nino to see if we can get close to him. See you tomorrow."

"Yeah you too." I really hope we are wrong about Adrien.

The next morning she went about her usual routine with a sense of vigor. It wasn't much but she was able to take care of her duties in the bakery without her usual depression.

"Hello what can I get for you?" She asked.

"Uh hey Marinette," said a familiar voice.

Looking up she was surprised to see Marc. "Hey long time no see," She said with a grin. "What would you like?"

"Oh just some coffee and croissant," Marc as he adjusted his bag.

"Alright I'll give you a discount since we know each other," she said.

"Thanks," Marc said avoiding her gaze. "Hey um can I ask you something?"

"Sure what is it?" She asked.

Marc shifted where he stood. "Does Nathaniel come here often?"

"Yeah a few times why do you ask?"

"Oh." Marc stared at her his gaze looked hurt. "J-Just curious."

She smiled at him and handed him his food. "Going to school?"

"Yeah I am. See you around Marinette," Marc said before leaving as quickly as he came.

That was odd. Something seemed off about him but she could place what was off. Well it has been ages since I've really talked to him.

She continued with her shift until it was done. After a quick shower, she rested in her room and scanned the Ladyblog when she heard a knock at her door. "Come in!"

Alya came in and locked the door behind her. "Marinette we need to talk."

"I know," she said softly as she felt the ladybug miraculous on her ears. It was strange having them back again but she couldn't afford to be sorry for herself. "The akumas are back."

Alya sat across from her. "We need to build a bridge between you and Cat Noir. Whatever this new Hawkmoth is planning isn't going to be good."

"I hope he's willing to," she said softly.

"Go talk to him yourself," Alya said. "I'm sure he won't attack you. Just be open and honest with him"

She grimaced as she looked at the Ladyblog. The few videos of Cat Noir were usually heavily edited after people complained about the level of violence in them. Frankly there were complaints about him but no one would dare take him to court over it.

Tikki came out of the earrings. "I could try talking to Plagg and see what's up."

"That could be helpful," she said.

Alya nodded. "Yeah didn't you say you both got along?"

Tikki looked down and nodded. "Y-Yeah. It's just his owner got into some personal complications and I thought it'd be best to keep my distance."

She frowned, deep down she could tell Tikki was hiding something but she didn't want to push it. "Let me talk to Cat Noir first. Then we can work from there."

Alya smiled. "Cat Noir may hate Rena Rouge but I'm sure he won't mind talking to me?"

She frowned. "I can't risk it Alya. You could get hurt again."

"I don't care," Alya said firmly. "If it's for the city I'll do it. Besides he never had a problem with my civilian persona."

She sighed. "Fine just make sure you're safe. Whatever Hawkmoth is planning, we cannot afford to make any mistakes."

Adrien please don't be a part of this. Her stomach turned, she wouldn't be able to forgive herself if he was Hawkmoth.