Falling From Grace ~ A Miraculous Ladybug fic

Chapter 20

This is longer than my normal chapters, fair warning.

Adrien

He was standing on the steps when they arrived, his shadow creatures filling the front lawn and spilling out into the street. They had parted down the middle for the heros, allowing them safe passage to him. Ladybug was front and center, and a twinge of regret flashed through him. He almost wished she hadn't come.

"Adrien please. You don't have to do this. It's not you." Ladybug begged, but he only shook his head.

"Adrien is dead. I'm tired of being known for what the world gave me. A pretty face, a famous father and a respected name. None of it was because of who I am as a person. It was all out of my control. My whole life all I've ever done is wonder what I can give the world. What could I possibly do in return? But you know what I've realized? I was asking myself the wrong question all these years. The question shouldn't have been what can I do for the world. It should have been what can I do to the world? A punishment equal to the one given to me. I'm going to make the universe bleed its apology onto the streets of Paris. And you Ladybug, you're going to drown in it."

The second he stopped speaking he wished he had never spoken at all. He hadnt meant to say that. The anger just swallowed him up, and he didnt seem to have any control over it. He cleared his throat, glancing away as he spoke again.

"I don't want to hurt you. Any of you. Just give me your miraculous. I can bring him back. I can bring them both back." He lowered his voice, almost flinching at how pathetic he sounded.

He hated this. He didn't want to have to fight them, he didn't want to have to fight her. But it was inevitable.

He had always been the weak link. He knew that.

"I'm sorry. We can't give them to you. I won't give you mine. And Chat wouldn't give you his. Its over."

He paused, his heart breaking. Even now, she expected her kitten to show up. After everything.

"You really don't recognize me?"

"You're Adrien."

Yes. But who else?

"Well, i hate to disappoint Ladybug, but unfortunately your kitty isn't coming."

He held up the ring on his finger, her eyes widening in horror.

"What did you do to him?"

"It's touching that you're so worried. But I'm afraid there's no need. Your servant wasn't harmed. Because I'm right here."

The creatures around them surged violently, separating her from the others. This was between her and him, and it always had been.

"I don't believe you!" She screamed, but the tears on her face spoke otherwise.

She knew.

"Plagg?"

His kwami darted from around his shoulder, flying straight to Ladybug.

"I'm sorry. I tried to talk him out of it. I tried-"

"Claws out."

Ladybug tried to grab Plagg, but it was useless. This was how it had to end. Between her and him.

"Please Adrien. You can't bring them back. The conseque-"

"I don't care about consequences! I just want my family back!" He shouted, decending the steps rapidly.

She stumbled backwards, almost as if she was afraid of him.

"He didn't have to die. He was all I had left, and you took him from me!"