Author's note: Hello everybody!

This is my take on Ladybug and Chat Noir's adventures. This is pretty AU as the characters are all slightly aged-up and I'm adding my own villain (I promise, one day you'll understand). The story will be a couple shades darker than what we see on TV, so be warned. Not that there won't be lots of fluff, too. (Let's not forget our healthy dose of sarcasm, either.) I'm just making their adventures a bit more realistic, coupled with a new mystery villain and a whole lot of kicking-ass – and getting one's ass-kicked.

Warning: This chapter might be a bit – perhaps a lot? I don't know? – dark – nothing graphic, I promise – but don't worry, it's just to set the mood. Super-heroes aren't as invincible as the average human being might think, especially with our new super-villain.

Disclaimer: Rien ne m'appartient, Thomas. Ne te fâche pas.

Prologue

Everything was burning.

Adrien sat against the crumbling wall, the heat that surrounded him reminding him of better days. He raised a trembling hand to his eyes, trying to wipe the crippling confusion away. Frowning, he realised that something was missing from his finger. He let his arm fall back to his side, his breath coming in short painful gasps.

"This is your fault."

Adrien would have voiced his agreement, but he'd lost his ability to speak the moment he'd seen his father's body drop to the ground. Groaning, he fought the urge to let the darkness take him. Now wasn't the moment to dwell on past mistakes. He needed to do something. He needed to move.

"You started all this."

The young boy used the wall behind him to get to his feet, ignoring the searing pain those four words caused. He didn't want to believe them. Words were just words. They lacked meaning – a reason to be. Actions spoke louder. He needed to act.

He took a shaky step forward, looking into his enemy's eyes for the first time since he'd witnessed Chloé take a direct hit for a friend. Amidst the chaos, Adrien still noticed the agony in the golden orbs staring back at him. A deep suffering that only those who'd lived through the same would understand. Broken beyond repair – Adrien would know. He was an Agreste, after all. He'd never imagined he'd have to walk towards the source of his nightmares without Plagg by his side.

"This needs to end," The voice growled, "I've been through this too many times."

For a fleeting moment, Adrian permitted his mind to wander. How relieving would it be, to be robbed of all feelings. He wouldn't have to relive his best friend's final words, or Alya's bloodcurdling screams. He wouldn't have to remember how he had failed to save Paris and its people, or the disappointment in Master Fu's eyes. But such bliss would only come for the deserving.

The man in the dark cloak pointed to his left, the madness of it all making his skin crawl. "She died because of you!"

Adrien's knees gave in, unable to take the pain this time. He closed his eyes, shame overwhelming his senses. He didn't recognize his own voice when he spoke, "I didn't mean to."

"You still killed her."

He shook his head. "I would never–"

"Open your eyes! She's right there. Look at her and tell me that this isn't your fault. I dare you."

Adrien slammed his fists on the ground. "I couldn't save–"

"You have to pay for what you did," Barked the man, his tone as broken as his soul, "you have to."

"What are you waiting for?" Adrien's shattered whisper turned into a desperate wail, "What are you waiting for?"

The older man blinked. "Your choice."

He'd made his choice a long time ago.

Author's Note: Like I said earlier, this story won't be this dark all the time. Also, this will make sense soon. Probably. (Maybe.)

Anyways, thanks for reading, I appreciate it. Penny for your thoughts?