Akuma - A Dark Miraculous Ladybug AU

Chapter 2 - Knavish

He liked stealing.

It wasn't admirable, that was for sure, but the few glimpses I caught of him in Paris from Marinette's room, he always had bright, sparkling eyes and a childish grin plastered on his face. He jumped from rooftop to rooftop, usually with something tied under his belt. Jewellery, ornaments, gold, silver and on the rare occasion, money.

I had noticed that he always worked at night, no matter the scenario.

Perhaps he felt more confident amidst the darkness and fog.

Marinette might even get a look at him after an akuma had been purified. While swinging away towards the slums, she would notice he was usually heading toward a museum or bank.

I knew what she was thinking.

Disappointment and guilt.

I guess she felt some sort of responsibility, being his partner and all that.

She didn't care much for the history of the miraculous or how it worked, but knew one thing the moment she wore the earrings.

These jewels have been created for the sole purpose of being used for good.

Tonight was a heist he couldn't mess up. It wasn't a very grand steal from what I had heard, just a simple ornament from the Paris museum. Not the Louvre mind you, he rarely ever tried for the Louvre. Most likely due to the abundance of security there.

A simple ornament for an unknown client. A simple steal. A simple use of cataclysm. No evidence. No trace. No noise.

Just Chat Noir.

Adrien stared out the window, pondering thoughtfully, his hands weakly hanging by his side. His green eyes caught the moon, which was glimmering brightly.

The moon's bright tonight. Adrien thought to himself. Full moon...

Adrien continued to gaze at the night sky, which was barred by a large glass window. He took a step forward and pressed his right hand on the pane, staring at his own reflection. He pursed his lips and his eyebrows knitted together.

"Well?"

"What?" Adrien replied, confused.

"Well, why'd you do it?" a familiar male voice asked. "I mean recommending that music geek kid to that café I mean."

"He deserved it," Adrien said softly, not even trusting his own answer.

"You can only win by your own strength and talent." Plagg continued. "It's a rule that you believed in. Your father taught you that."

"You only started school today kid," Plagg rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me you're already softening up to people there. So much for Mr. Perfect."

Adrien was silent and didn't reply. The kwami was right after all, he couldn't refute the argument. Just that morning, he had started school at Francois-Dupont for the first time. He was dreading the day, as he had to keep silent all day despite there being many other students his age there.

Silent.

Silent and quiet as usual.

"Friends simply slow you down Adrien," his father had said before he left. "Take it from me. You have to be the best. Just be the best at studying and physical activity; everything and you will enjoy life. That is what led to my success as a fashion designer."

Friends simply slow you down...huh?

Adrien chuckled lightly when he thought about Nino. Nino Lahiffe was a strange teen to Adrien. He seemed to usually hang out with Alya Césaire, an awkward yet determined introvert and Marinette, a cheery and cute girl. However, Adrien wasn't very approachable. He always had a grim face, and seemed dead-panned and emotionless. His face usually covered by his hair.