Author's Note: Hey there everyone~
So first off, let me apologize for this being late ^^; I'll be honest: I have a HUGE tendency to overthink things which is what caused this chapter to be late ^^;
What happened was: The first half of this chapter isn't my best work. I rewrote it SO many times but it wasn't flowing right in my opinion ^^; I was going to shorten it and just keep the second half, but after reading a couple of reviews a couple of chapters ago... I realize that that may not be the best idea XD
So anyways, with some encouragement from my dear friend Yumi-chan-Hamano (whom you all should check out because she is so sweet and kind and an all around better writer than I) I decided to post what I got and hope for the best (and hope that my overthinking was just overthinking XD)

So sorry once again to everyone but enjoy!

Chapter 9: Failure

*Narrated by Ladybug/Marinette Dupain-Cheng*

My search for Adrien has been… less than effective thus far. I had the idea of questioning a few people at some of his regular spots for information, but I got nothing of value. The first place I tried was at his dojo where he trains for fencing. He wasn't to be found there, but when I asked his sensei about him, all he said was that he hadn't seen him in days and that it was a disgrace to him that he wasn't showing up without prior notice. I felt bad for Adrien, but his sensei was right. It was out of respect for him after all. I'd hate to think what would happen if I did this to my sensei. It sent shivers down my spine just thinking about it.

I searched a few other places that he goes to, but they all provided the same results, with the same quality information. The only other place I haven't checked yet was the park that he frequents. I doubt he would be there, nor there would be anyone here with any info but I couldn't leave any stone unturned.

I reached the park in almost no time, and searched around. I didn't see anyone that resembled Adrien and I didn't seem to see anyone that I could question.

I was about to swing away and try and search a few other places, but I heard my name being called, which made me pause. I turned and saw a swarm of people coming at me. They crowded around me, being excited to see me and asking things like "May I have your autograph?" or "Can I help in any way?"

The attention was flattering, but it was the last thing I needed right now. I raised my hands up and tried to back away from them, politely saying that I had to get back to work. Before I could jump off, I noticed someone over the crowd's shoulders. It was a lone man sitting on a park bench, polishing his camera. The man looked familiar to me, but I couldn't place it…

I looked at his camera, and as soon as I saw the brand name, I immediately remembered who it was! It was Adrien's photographer! Just my luck! Hopefully he'll have some info for me!

I leapt out from the crowd and landed right in front of the man. He was surprised to see me in front of him so suddenly, but I flashed a bright smile to him that quickly eased his nerves. "Hi there, I was wondering if I could ask you a couple of questions."

"Oh! Of course Ladybug! Anything for Paris's hero!" he put down his camera and gave me his full attention. "What may I help you with?"

"Adrien Agreste, he's your client, isn't he?"

He was hesitant in answering but nodded. I could understand his hesitation, since there's always client confidentiality that most people like to honour, but I was happy that he was being cooperative. I continued on with my questions. "Have you seen him lately?"

"I'm afraid not. I haven't seen him for a few days, and it's been a real burden. I'm supposed to have his next set of pictures in to my publisher very soon."

Once again, this lead turned up dry. I was disappointed that I wasn't advancing in my search, but it was to be expected. I guess I had to try elsewhere.

I plucked the yo-yo from my belt and prepared to leap off. "I appreciate this information. You have yourself a safe after-"

"Before you go Ladybug," he interrupted. "If you see him, could you apologize to him for me?"

"Apologize?" I retracted my yo-yo, my curiosity being piqued by his words. "Could you please explain?"

"You see, I got my deadline wrong and we actually had a couple extra days before I have to get his pictures in. Silly me. But when I last saw him, I thought it was the old deadline and I may have… pushed Adrien a little harder than I should have."

This is good! This was the first piece of information I've received that's useful! So now I know Adrien may have felt a bit overworked. His schedule is busy as it is, so this must have made him feel overloaded. Chances are now; he won't be anywhere that reminds him of his work. This eliminates quite a few areas, seeing as his face is on posters around most of the city, but there was still quite a bit of area where he could be.

Back to the photographer, I responded back to him. "I'll be sure to let him know when I see him. But, do remember, he's young so please don't push him too much."

"Oh yes, I promise Ladybug."

I smiled once more and leapt away onto some rooftops. I popped up a map of Paris on my communicator and crossed out the areas where I thought he wouldn't be. I examined the areas where I could search and decided to make a battle plan for where I was going to search. It would take a while to search them all, but I'm sure he had to be somewhere.

I was about to dart off once more, but a figure on the streets caught my eye. It was Nino, sulking as he walked. As much as I wanted to search for Adrien, I thought maybe it would be best to question Nino first. He's the only other person outside of the Agreste Manor whom I haven't questioned yet who might have some information. Or, at least, maybe he has some new information since it didn't seem like he had any the other day.

I immediately approached Nino by jumping down from the rooftop and landing in front of him, which took him by surprise. I smiled and waved at him, "Hey there."

"Hey Ladybug." he replied grimly, returning back to his depressive state. I thought the friendly greeting might have cheered him up, but sadly that was not the case. I cleared my throat. "I had a few questions if you don't mind, regarding Adrien Agreste."

"You're searching for hi-" I covered Nino's mouth quickly before anyone heard. I looked around. The people that were in the park didn't seem to take notice. I remembered what Adrien's Dad had asked of me... asked of Marinette of not getting word out to the public. I had been careful to choose my words carefully as to avoid suspicion with my questioning of others, in case anyone would be eavesdropping. Now though, seeing as Nino's suspicious of the ordeal, I had to try and make sure he wouldn't accidentally say something that could get leaked.

I placed my finger over my mouth and made a silent shushing noise. He nodded, understanding what I meant so I retracted my hand and answered him. "I'd like to ask about the last time you had communication with Mr. Agreste."

"That was just a few days ago, just before… you know." I nodded at him to confirm that I understood what he implied. He pulled out his phone and showed me his last line of texts with Adrien. "This is the last time I heard from him. You can look through it if you want, if it'll help."

I took the phone from him and began scrolling through the conversation. A string of texts caught my eye and I began reading.

Nino: Yo dude, tonight's the night!

Adrien: I know, I've been waiting for this for a long time now.

Nino: Dude, I know. How long has it been since you last had dinner from your father?

Adrien: Too long. Lol.

Nino: lol

Nino: So dude, how'd it go?

Nino: Dude…?

Nino: Everything alright? I'm getting worried.

After that, all the texts were similar, asking him where he was. Everything else before was just regular conversation between Adrien and Nino, nothing of use in my investigation.

I handed Nino his phone back. The conversation that I had read still had my interest piqued so I questioned him further about it.

"Oh, yeah. Adrien hasn't been seeing much of his Father lately. He was supposed to come and join him for dinner that night after not showing up for like… two months I think it was?"

"From the sound of the silence too, it sounded like he didn't show up that night either."

I pondered the possibilities too. I questioned Nino further, to see if he had any other information he could offer me, but unfortunately, that text conversation was the only piece that was useful to the conversation. I reassured him that things would work out and took my leave.

With this new information at my disposal, I'd imagine that Adrien wouldn't want to be anywhere near his father or anywhere that would remind him of him either. I took out my map once more and crossed out any areas that fit that description. Eventually, I was left with just a small handful of areas. The good news was that I could probably search them all today no problem. However… the bad news was that some of these areas are the shadier areas of Paris… I'm sure though that there's nothing to be worried about… right?

No… no… this can't be. I… can't believe this. My search for Adrien… failed.

It was late into the night, the sun had set and was replaced by pitch-black clouds in the sky that expelled droplets onto the surrounding area. I stood on top of a rooftop, being pelted by the rain. I stared out onto the streets of Paris and examined any passersby, hoping that one of them, any of them would be Adrien! Unfortunately, the streets were empty because of the weather, and thus, it made my job that much harder.

I had spent all day and all night searching for Adrien. I checked every spot that I could for him, but there wasn't a trace of him at all.

I was desperate now, I was trying anything I could to find him! I had convinced myself that I would find him today, that my luck would pay off once more and I'd be able to bring him home safe and sound. But… I didn't prepare myself for failure. I… I didn't know what to do right now. I was out of ideas. I had no idea where he could possibly be. He might not even be in Paris anymore! By now, he could have run off to Italy or Germany or anywhere! Or what if he got into some trouble and he's on death's door? I don't know… all these possibilities and I had no leads, no ideas, nothing to assure me that they were wrong.

I could feel my body shaking, trembling from worry. My breathing started to get short, my lungs craving for more and more oxygen. I was working myself up too much, I had to try and calm down.

My stomach began to churn, I felt like I was about to throw up. I leapt down into the alleyway that was beneath me and leaned over a garbage can. I held my stomach and waited to see what the result was. As I did, I felt tears beginning to form in my eyes. I was getting too emotional over the situation. I promised myself earlier that I wouldn't but… I just couldn't help it. I was too worried about Adrien.

I had to get all this out… I know that if I tried to bottle it up, it would only make things worse and impair my judgement. I couldn't have that happen… but at the same time, I can't do it while I'm Ladybug. If anyone were to pass by, heaven forbid an Akuma, then they might take it as a sign of weakness and might tarnish Ladybug's reputation. I couldn't let that happen.

"Tikki, spots off!" I spoke in between gasps. Immediately, the red with black spot outfit I sported disappeared in a magical light, with my civilian clothes taking their place. My small red friend appeared from my earring and flew around me. "Marinette, you have to get a hold of yourself."

"I know Tikki… I know… I just… need a minute."

"I understand." she said as she patted my arms. I opened up my purse for her to go in. "Th-there's some c-cookies in th-there for you Tikki."

"Thank you." She retreated into my purse, leaving me alone to my emotions.

The crying became even more intense, the streams of tears flowing down my face even quicker than before, mixing themselves in with the raindrops. I was beginning to shake even more, I wasn't sure if it was because of my worry or because I was getting a chill from the rain. My mind kept flowing with horrible ideas and situations that Adrien could be in. I tried not to think about them and focus on more positive thoughts, but the more I fought against it, the stronger they persisted in my mind and the worse I got. I just… I needed some kind of sign to let me know that he was alright, that my thoughts were wrong. Something, anything would do!

Suddenly, I felt a hand being placed on my shoulder, followed with the word "Princess" being spoken at me. I quickly spun around and saw that someone was behind me. He was tall, dressed entirely in black, and was as soaking wet as I was. It was none other than Chat Noir.