Ch7

(Ten Years Ago)

Adrien looked at the mounting bills his headache growing larger by the minute. "So many things to pay," he said softly. The bills were the least of his worries, the Agreste brand was not doing so well economically.

Everything is falling apart. Resting his head on the desk the tears fell down his face. Father I'm sorry. His father would be so disappointed if things fell apart, this was his legacy and he didn't want it destroyed.

He winced, the memory of his father's death at the hands of Ladybug and Rena Rouge was still strong in his head. It's their fault. How could they do this? Ever since his death many people wanted to distance themselves from the Agreste brand, they saw his father as a criminal all because of what happened with him and Ladybug.

A knock on the door caught his attention. Looking up he saw his butler come in with a grim look on his face. "Another bill?"

His butler nodded and handed it to him. Great another one. He sighed and sat it down. "I don't know what else to do," he said softly.

"It's alright you Agrestes are strong," His bodyguard said. "Why don't you take a break."

"Thanks," he muttered.

The tears fell down his face as he headed towards his room and closed the door. He fell onto his bed and let them fall.

"Adrien you've been working nonstop," Plagg said. "I'm worried about you."

He turned and faced his kwami. "If I don't do anything everything my father built will fall."

Plagg handed him a tissue. "Adrien you helped a lot of people as Cat Noir. I'm sure there are those that are willing to help you now."

"None of my friends from school can help," he muttered. Besides I had to drop out to focus more on the company. "Maybe I should give Felix a call. He and his mom worked and helped with the funeral."

"That could be good," Plagg said. "You can't do this alone."

He nodded and took out his phone sending a few messages out to his cousin, aunt, and Kagami. "How am I going to get us out of debt," he muttered. "So many bills and so many people want nothing to do with the company."

He shook his head as he turned on the TV. "Breaking news hostage situation at the Louvre museum," said the announcer.

He sat up as he looked at the screen, various policemen and helicopters were around the Louvre. "What's happening?"

"A group of Islamic extremists have taken dozens of citizens hostage," The announcer said. "All citizens are to stay away from the museum."

"Oh god," he said softly as he watched the police surrounded the building. He traced the ring on his finger as he watched the anguished looks of the people on TV. Something stirred inside of him, he couldn't just watch as people suffered and lose loved ones. The memories of all the people he helped spread throughout his along with the thought of more people losing loved ones. "We can help," he said softly.

"Adrien miraculous holders shouldn't get involved in stuff like this," Plagg warned.

Master Fu made it clear they should try to not get involved fighting non akuma type criminals. "Plagg people there need our help, if we can I want to help."

Plagg sighed. "Fine."

He took a deep breath. "Plagg claws out!"

I'll do this for the city, for those who can't fight for themselves. Yeah he could be selfish at times but he also wanted to help people and defend the city he called home.

Landing on the rooftop near the Louvre. Overlooking the crowds of police and armed guards he carefully examined the building. "Alright I have to this carefully," he muttered.

Grabbing his baton he leaped through an open window and landed on the inside ledge. Scanning the area he saw a group of masked men wielding assault rifles and talking to each other in Arabic.

In the distance he could see a group of people huddled together patrolled by armed guards. Alright I have to plan this well.

There were about a half dozen of them in the room but there could be more. He heard a woman scream as one of the terrorists kicked her to the ground.

"No please," the woman begged as the man put a pistol to her head.

"Prepare to die," the man said in French as he raised the pistol.

He lunged at the man. In one move t he kicked him to the ground and knocked him unconscious. "It's Cat Noir!"

He quickly activated his baton and disarmed the other men near him before knocking them unconscious.

"You bastard," One terrorist yelled as he fired at him.

Using his baton he easily blocked the bullets until the man ran out.

A smile spread across his face as the terrorist looked at him with fear. He lunged at them and punched them so hard he was knocked out. Not as hard as akumas. The remaining terrorists swore as they fled down another corridor.

Turning around he smiled at the panicked hostages who stared at him in disbelief. "Well now that that's over lets get you all out of here. But be quiet I don't know how many are left."

The captives nodded eagerly as he undid their bindings. The relief and hope in their eyes warmed his heart.

"Thank you Cat Noir," they said.

He smiled and nodded at them. "Don't worry I'll keep you all safe here."

The sound of gunfire put him on alert. Gripping his baton he stepped in front of the crowd of people expecting more terrorists to break through the door but to his surprise, it was a group of special forces who stared at him in shock.

"H-Hey guys sorry I took care of the work for you," he said with a grin. "Don't worry everyone here is safe."

The soldiers looked at him curiously and spoke amongst each other before lowering their weapons. With that he helped clear the last of the holdouts in the museum, it wasn't hard their weapons couldn't hurt him.

After making sure everyone was safe and secure he was greeted he left the Louvre and returned home. Well that was nice. His heart thawed a bit thinking of all the relieved faces he saw when he helped them. As soon as he was done left the museum and headed home.

Being Cat Noir gave me freedom but I always did enjoy helping others and protecting the city.

"Claws in," he said once he was in his room.

"Well I'm glad you had fun," Plagg said.

He gave his kwami a small smile. "Thanks. It was nice to help people." Resting in his chair he looked at the pictures of his parents. "If only someone would help Adrien Agreste."

Plagg flew up to him. "Paris loves you. As Cat Noir you've helped save a lot of people, I'm sure if they knew your pain they would help you. As your friend please don't give up the last bit of joy you have."

Yet they chose to believe that my father was a murderer. He rubbed his hair thinking of how he was going to do this. "There haven't been any akuma attacks lately," he sighed. "But I'll do my best to go and patrol if I have time, but I won't work with Ladybug for now."

His heart was still cold towards her, any love he had for her was gone when she killed his father.

Plagg nodded. "Well just take things one day at a time."

With that he started to do patrols again, he would force himself to do it mainly because it was the only thing that brought him a sense of calm in all that was going on.

No akumas ever came, but he found it satisfying to take down petty criminals and help those who needed help.

One night while he was resting on a bench looking up at the moon he heard someone approach him. "Excuse me Mr. Cat Noir."

Turning around he saw a well dressed man with two security guards around him. "Can I help you?" he asked. Looking at the way the two men walked and eyed him he could tell they were professional soldiers.

The man smiled and showed him a badge. "Hello. I am Mr. Dubois with the Ministry of Armed Forces. May I have a word?"

He shrugged. "Sure. What is it?"

Mr. Dubois sat on the bench across from him his bodyguards standing behind him eying him cautiously their hands never leaving their trench coats. His ears picked up more movements out of the corner of his eyes he could see more people hidden.

"Cat Noir you helped us greatly in securing the Louvre from those terrorists," Mr. Dubois said calmly. "All of France is grateful for you and Ladybug."

His posture turned rigid. "So I hear."

Mr. Dubois looked at him calmly. "The government of France recognizes your efforts and would like to make an offer."

"What kind of offer?" he asked cautiously.

A cold wind gusted through the area. "There are various threats to our national security that would be difficult for people without your powers," Mr. Dubois asked carefully. "How would you like to help take down the enemies of France, those that wish to do our nation harm?"

He frowned. "Us miraculous holders aren't supposed to meddle in political affairs. You would be opening a can of worms if I had to fight alongside the army."

"We are aware of that," Mr. Dubois said calmly. "That is why we wish only for your cooperation on a few cases here and there, mostly here in France but if you are up to it North Africa as well."

"I don't know. You do know you would be placing the armed forces in the limelight of my enemies," he said folding his arms "Can soldiers fight off akumas and other miraculous users? If an enemy nation got ahold of one how would you handle them?"

"I am aware of those risks that is why we are willing to only use you for the most dire circumstances," Mr. Dubois said. "In exchange we will grant you anything you wish. I'm sure you have a civilian life after all."

He folded his arms doing his best to not react. Adrien Agreste does need help running his corporation. But could I really do it? Act as a mercenary? He did like helping people and protecting Paris and there was an uptick in crime lately.

"I don't know," he said. "Frankly I'm kind of sick of being number two but I don't know if I could be a soldier."

The man frowned. "We could do a lot of things for you. If you ever change your mind let me know."

Mr. Dubois took a card from his pocket and placed it on the bench. "We greatly appreciate your help and will gladly to assist you in all things," the man said as he got up and left. "Good night Cat Noir and thank you for your service."

He nodded. A part of him wanted to ignore the card but he picked it up and looked over the number. Assist me eh? The company did need help and Adrien Agreste couldn't solve all his problems alone. But could I really be a soldier for the government?

A part of him was intrigued by the offer. When he got home he still held the card and looked it over. "Are you seriously thinking about it?" Plagg asked.

He avoided his kwami's gaze. "I don't know, a little. I can't let this company die but I don't have the resources to keep it afloat."

"Adrien miraculous holders shouldn't get involved in politics," Plagg said. "If you do this there will be unintended consequences."

"I know," he said as he gently traced the card in his hand. "But Plagg I can't lose everything my family has worked for. We are barely staying afloat as it is, one wrong move, and it's all over."

Plagg sighed. "Well be careful. I'll support you."

"Thanks," he muttered. "Glad to know someone does."

(present day)

Adrien sat at his computer looking over the various the various photos that were taken of him. Could use more editors. He frowned as he made some notes on a piece of paper. Just some adjustments to the cover and it should be good.

The phone on his desk rang, he quickly picked it up and answered it. "Mr. Agreste a Lila Rossi is here to see you," his receptionist said.

He frowned. "What does she want?"

"She claims you called her in but we have no record of her," the receptionist said.

Great what is she doing now? He didn't want anything to do with her but curiosity got the better of him. "Send her up but with armed security, she isn't to leave their sight under any circumstances," he said firmly.

"Understood Mr. Agreste," his receptionist said before hanging up.

He rested in his seat and thought of his time at public school. Those were the days. Too bad things can never be the same again.

Taking out his phone he shot Nino a message asking if he wanted to meet up later in the day. Truthfully with all that had been going on he lost contact with basically everyone from his school days.

I did have good memories overall, it's a shame it all ended. He frowned as he set his phone down and sipped some coffee.

The door to his office opened and Lila came in escorted by two security guards. "Hello Adrien," She said with a wide grin. Lila had gotten taller and most men would've thought she was attractive, yet her grin was fake enough to make any smart man cautious around her.

"Have a seat," he said. "I was told you wanted to speak to me?"

Lila smiled at sat down, he noticed she wore a turtleneck under her suit jacket. "Why Adrien it has been so long, can't you be a little more relaxed around an old friend?"

I wouldn't exactly call us friends. "Lila I'm busy running a fashion brand what do you need?"

Lila pursed her lips. "Well I just wanted to offer my expertise. I figure you could someone like me to help market your brand. After all I am chief editor of the Daily Horn."

"Of course," he said. Don't know how being an editor of a fringe news outlet is any good.

"Anyway I was wondering if we could meet up sometime. Perhaps we could go out for lunch and work up a partnership?" Lila asked.

"Sorry but I'm not interested," he said firmly. "I have too many things to do right now."

Lila's eyes and smile twitched. "Are you sure about that?" Her voice was slightly cold. "You don't have time for an old friend like me?"

"No," he said curtly before pressing a button on his desk. "You may leave now." Two guards came in. "Escort her out of the building make sure she doesn't leave your sight."

Lila frowned but said nothing as she got up and left the room. "I hope you will reconsider me one day Adrien."

He didn't even look up as she was escorted out of the room. After finishing his work for the day he looked went out to meet Nino.

His friend waiting for him at a nearby café. "Hey Nino how have you been?" He smiled as he sat down across from him. Nino was wearing some trendy clothes and still wore some headphones.

"Good dude. It's been ages," Nino said. "How's company life?"

"Oh hectic but I manage," he said as he ordered some food. "How are things with you?"

"Alright. It's been ages dude. School and work have both been kicking my ass," Nino sighed.

"Yeah I hear that," he said as his coffee came. "It's been tough for me but things are ok now."

"Glad to hear it," Nino said. "Have you spoken to anyone else from school?"

He sipped his coffee and shook his head. "Not really. I think I ran into Nathaniel a few times."

"Oh cool. I hear he is working a lot on his art," Nino said. "He always kept to himself more."

"How's Alya?" he asked.

Nino smiled. "Good. We are as strong as ever."

He smiled. "That's great."

"We still see each other a lot even though I'm busy with work," Nino said. "She still sees Marinette a lot."

"Oh her," he muttered. The last time he saw Marinette was when she threw wine at his father's dead body and called him a criminal. To be honest he could've heard her out but he was going through a lot of emotions that day.

"Yeah um she was sorry about that," Nino said carefully. "Still is."

"Well as much as we were friends my father was family," he said looking Nino in the eyes. "He was still my father even after everything."

"I get that dude," Nino muttered.

Looking down he pushed down the sorrow inside of him. "He wasn't always warm but he was still my father and I loved him just like Nathalie." He shook his head. And decided to change the subject. "You see Marinette often?"

"She works at her parents' bakery and doesn't leave her house as much." Nino said. "I hear she doesn't even design anymore."

"That's too bad," he said. From what he remembered she was a good designer for a teenager.

"So anything new with you?" Nino asked.

He shrugged. "Just my upcoming fashion show, it'll be my first big one." Looking down a pit formed in his stomach. "I'm planning it on the anniversary of his death."

"I'm sure he'd be proud of you," Nino said.

He gave him a small smile. "I hope he would be."

"Oh did you hear that our old class is having a reunion?" Nino asked.

He shook his head. "I haven't."

"I'll send you the details later," Nino said. "I'm sure you'd like it."

He chuckled. "Yeah they were simpler times." Looking up at Nino his heart softened, it was as if he could be his younger self again having fun with friends and not worrying about adult stuff.

Nathaniel sat in his room and did his best to not stare at Cat Noir as the superhero posed in front of him.

"Need me to change poses?" Cat Noir asked.

"No you're good," he said as he worked on the sketch of the cat superhero.

He had to admit Cat Noir looked even better as an adult. The superhero's muscles were big and nicely defined beneath his suit.

"Thanks again for this. I want to gain more practice for a comic I'm making."

"Good to know," Cat Noir said. "You were talented in high school. I'm sure with the right support you can do great things."

"Thanks but making comics doesn't exactly pay the bills," he sighed. Yeah he had a few gigs here and there but nothing so far. It hurt him really, drawing was always his passion but he didn't to live in poverty.

To his surprise, Cat Noir gave him a sympathetic look. "Yeah I get that. I sort of fell on hard times too once. Probably not the same but I get it isn't easy. Do you work too?"

"I'm a teacher's assistant," he sighed. "It barely makes enough to cover things." Especially since Marc hasn't found another job. But that was a can of worms he'd rather not get into. "Frankly as much as I love to be an artist I doubt I can make a living off of it. I may have to find a new job."

The realization hurt him but he needed the money and couldn't keep pretending that his comics were selling off the shelves when he wasn't even published.

"I see," Cat Noir said rubbing his chin. The hero looked out the window for a moment before turning back to him. "By chance can you make posters and draw clothes?"

"Um yeah why?" he asked.

Cat Noir looked at him and folded his arms. "Do you remember Adrien Agreste?"

"Y-Yeah we went to school before he dropped out," he said. While he wasn't close with Adrien back in the day he felt sorry for him when his father was killed and he had to drop out of school for his company. "Though I haven't spoken with him in years."

"You I sort of work as his bodyguard from time to time," Cat Noir said. "He requested it once his father was murdered. If you want I could put in a good word for you, he told me he needs a person to make posters for his fashion show and work in other areas."

His eyes widened, it was a tempting offer. "Uh thanks but I'm not a fashion designer. I design posters but I'm not a professional."

"I'm sure you'll do fine," Cat Noir said with a small smile. "Besides Adrien remembers his school days with fondness and I'm sure he'll recognize your talent. You see Adrien likes to help people deep down, especially since his younger days.

He nodded, it was a tempting offer. Well a more stable job would be good. Better to have the bills paid off without him worrying about his salary. "Well if you think he would be interested I would appreciate it."

Cat Noir grinned at him. "Great. I'll let him know."

"Th-Thanks," he said. A part of him didn't want to get his hopes up but Cat Noir seemed trustworthy enough, besides any help with finding a job would be helpful.

After posing for him for another half hour Cat Noir eventually left for his superhero duties. "Well that was nice," he sighed as he looked over the sketches he made. "I think I can make great sketches with these."

"What's the comic about?" Cat Noir asked.

A smile spread across his face. "A hero who defeats villains through his art."

Cat Noir nodded. "Sounds cool."

"Thanks." He rubbed his head. "Can I ask you something about Adrien?"

"Sure what is it?" Cat Noir asked.

His gaze drifted downward. "How was it for him when it happened?"

Cat Noir froze, his gaze turning downward. "It was hell for him." The hero said it in a matter-of-fact tone his eyes seemed to peer off into the distance. "I'm not joking when I say he nearly lost everything and had to make many compromises."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. He was a good guy."

Cat Noir's gaze softened. "He still is deep down. Well he tries to be at least."

AN: Since it has been asked a few times. I personally am not doing any romantic ships in this story. I included Nathaniel in this story because I think he's cool and wanted to write a story with him and Cat Noir. He and Cat Noir will be good friends but they won't get together romantically. Adrien/Cat and Marinette/Ladybug will both be single.

Yeah Marc and Nathaliel are in a tough spot in their relationship. No hate intended towards any ships but I just want this story to be a gen story.

As for the Cat Noir vs terrorist scene in this chapter, I hope no one takes offense. Since France has had problems with Islamic extremism I always wondered how our heroes would do if they ran into them.