Akuma - A Dark Miraculous Ladybug AU

Chapter 5 - Abandoned and Lost

"Thanks Ladybug for the help," Roger grunted heavily. He ran his large fingers through his red hair. "This one sure was a handful, huh?"

Ladybug said nothing.

She silently nodded, gripping the warm cup of water in her hand. She was covered with a blanket, and was sitting down on the edge of a brick-made ledge. 

Chat Noir had long since left, most likely due to the Roger and the police showing up at the scene. It seemed the cat wasn't in a mood for a chase. Maybe he felt sorry for Ladybug in a way.

Roger felt awkward again. Like how he felt around Marinette that morning, but a bit different. He turned toward the police cars, who had successfully taken Tom Dupain-Cheng in. 

"D-do you know where my daughter is?" Tom whimpered softly. "Pl-please, tell me where she is!"

He was comforted by the police, but still eventually taken to the police vehicle.

Ladybug pursed her lips into a thin line. 

Comforting was one of the best things Marinette was good at. It made her a stark contrast to Alya. Though, she felt caged this time. Like the earrings prevented her from running into the arms of her father. Like a barrier she couldn't overcome.

"Well, uh you better get going then," Roger shrugged, patting her on the shoulder. "Like I said, well done. I'll let the cat go this time, just 'cause you're here."

Ladybug placed the full water cup by her side and lost the warmth of the blanket. Her body felt weak, her bones were stiff, refusing to move, and she felt slightly dizzy.

"Yeah, I better get going..."

She threw her yoyo onto a nearby building ledge, but just before she could swing away into the Parisian afternoon, she felt a strong hand grip on her shoulder. 

"Ladybug, can you tell me something?" Roger asked swiftly.

Ladybug blinked in surprise. Roger generally never liked having a conversation about anything. He found Ladybug's entire persona to be entirely unnecessary, especially since they already had the police around.

"Y-yes?" she replied. "Just make it quick, please."

"The mask," he said, pointing toward his eyes. "Why do you wear it?"

Ladybug's eyes looked away into a faraway direction, then toward the police car that was driving away with her father.

"I..." she began. "I don't know...I don't think I ever will now, Mr Raincomprix."

"I see."

Roger walked away from her, and toward the police, shouting for them to clean up the area.

Ladybug felt slightly ashamed, and a little stupid. The answer was simple wasn't it? An identity can keep me safe and out of danger from the baddies. Isn't that why most superheroes have identities? Batman, Bruce Wayne, Spiderman, Peter Parker and Superman, Clark Kent.

No...the answer...was more complex than that.

More than I would have ever expected.

~~~

3 hours earlier...

Ladybug continued to hold her father's face in her hands, Chat Noir suspiciously looking onward.

Who is he? Her dad? How can you get that freaked out over an akuma?

"Alright, enough crying princess," Chat Noir said bluntly. "Where's the akuma, you can mope later."