Retake Our Home

Chapter 1

The date was October 1, 1941 and winter was right around the corner. Adrien watched as the tanks moved down the road and armed men marched behind them. Not long ago these men had been slaughtering french troops without mercy. Now they patrolled the streets mocking the sacrifices of so many french men. It was a new France he lived in. The one his Father help put into place.

Ever sense the Nazis paraded into Paris nothing was the same. Fear was so clear in the air, and a curfew limited day to day activities. He use to love exploring the city, but now Adrien hadn't left the Mansion sense his once great Nation had fallen.

"Adrien," A cold voice called outside his bedroom door. "We need to talk."

Adrien opened his door to see a well dressed man with blonde hair so light that it almost looked white. His stern cold face caused his icy blue glare to have a piercing like gaze. He stared at Adrien through his black framed glasses and sighed.

"Major Hans Schmitz is going to be arriving soon to disuse the new uniforms I've made for the German troops." Adrien's Father told him. "You must be well behaved and treat him well."

"Yes Father." Adrien replied with no emotion.

"I know it's hard Adrien," His Father replied. "But you will adapt to this new life."

The sounds of a car door could be heard down stairs drawing their attention. Adrien's Father went back down stairs to see their guest. Adrien waited a moment trying his best to mask his hate. He had to hide his feelings if he wanted to survive in this new world of his.

Adrien made his way down the hall and to the stairs to see a Nazi officer enter the Mansion. Adrien's Father, the great fashion designer Gabriel Agreste, now stood tall and extended his right hand forward.

"Hail Hitler!" Gabriel shouted.

"Yes," The Major waved. "Hail Hitler."

Adrien wanted to throw up, but he held his sickness back. Being on the Nazis good side in this day and age was a must. The Major, Hans Schmitz, was a tall man and held years of experience. His hair was growing a light silver and his eyes were a dark brown.

"Well Monsieur Agreste," The Major smiled. "Your Intel was spot on as always. A group of French troops were hiding north of the city in hopes to keep up the useless fight against us. Your help may have gained me a promotion."

"Happy to be of service." Gabriel said leading the Major to his office.

The Major turned to see Adrien and moved towards the boy. Gabriel, as a business man, want to get right to work. But the Major was in charge here so he followed towards his son.

"You must be Adrien Agreste." The Major smiled extending his hand. "A pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine Major Hans." Adrien lied shaking the man's hand.

"Your quite famous in Germany young man." The Major continued. "Though your Father designs the clothing your the person they see wearing it. Many of the girls in Berlin would jump at a chance to meet you, my Niece included."

"I'm flattered Major." Adrien said. "Though I'm not sure why they would care seeing as I'm not German."

"Not born in the Fatherland yes, but your Great GrandFather was German." The Major explained. "Also you carry the genes of the perfect race. Hitler has great plans for those of Europe who share his visions of the future. Perhaps you will join our ranks?"

"Major Hans-" Gabriel began.

"Don't worry Monsieur Agreste I remember our deal." The Major said. "Your Son won't be forced to join our ranks . In fact we may not have to force any more boys to fight for us. The war is going well. However if Adrien ever wants a position on my staff I can pull some strings and he can be a Soldier and avoid the front lines."

Adrien wanted to throw up even more then earlier. The thought of wearing a Nazi uniform didn't sit well with him. Though he may have to in order to protect himself and his future family

"Perhaps, but he must first finish his studies." Gabriel explained.

"Certainly." The Major agreed. "Also I've been told to ask you if you'll permit Adrien to take place in Military propaganda. It would help to have the french people to accept us more."

"Of Course, we would be happy to help." Gabriel agreed. "Shall we head to my office to discus the uniform orders and Adrien's photo shoots?"

"Lead the way." The Major motioned. "Until we meet again Adrien."

Adrien watched them walk away and glared at their backs. If the war ever changed and the German's were pushed back perhaps France could be free again. Just before they entered Gabriel's office Adrien caught part of their conversation.

"You said the war was going well, so how well exactly?" Gabriel asked.

"Extremely," Major Hans smiled. "Russia is losing ground quickly and the British are trapped on their little Island."

"What of the west?" Gabriel asked.

"Canada has weakened it's Military power by aiding the British already," The Major responded. "And America seems determined to stay out of the War. In the end they will either join us of be defeated. After all with Japan as our ally we could invade them on both coasts. A War on two fronts."

Sighing Adrien gave up on the idea of a free France. The Major was right on every point. If Russia and Great Britain fell it was all over. America was also a key piece to this puzzle to end the war in France's favor, but they wanted to do nothing. In the end they would probably join Germany to prevent invasion from Germany and it's allies. Right now it really did seem like the war was almost over and Germany held all the cards. If there was any hope for the future Adrien couldn't see it. Not yet at least