#AND I LOVED THE MOTH QUEEN VILLAIN

[bellusastra]

I JUST SAW A VIDEO ABOUT ELENA OF AVALOR AND I FUCKING JUST GIT THE BIGGEST FLASHBACK OF MY LIFE I USED TO WATCH THAT SHOW AND I LOVED HER SO MUCH CAUSE I FELT REPRESENTED BY HER

[rose-tea-and-strawberries]

The Joker(s) And The Queen

Masterlist

Warning: I write the Reader as female

Pairing: Ace x Reader x Deuce

And I know you could fall for a thousand kings

And hearts that would give you a diamond ring

When I fold, you see the best in me

The joker and the queen

- Ed Sheeran, The Joker and the Queen

They are card soldiers and the duty of a card soldier is to serve his queen - but how could they be asked to do that when they’ve already sworn their devout and unyielding loyalty to you? 

If there was one thing that Ace and Deuce could agree on was that you were the best thing that’s ever happened to them. The otherworldly prefect who entered their lives in a blaze of glory.

It wasn’t no one’s fault that you can both brighten and lighten any room you entered, at how all eyes would immediately turn to you. You were someone whose very existence demanded to be awed and admired and praised. And as much as they were more than willing to do all of the above, they knew that they weren’t the only ones.

They would be fools to ignore how beloved you are by the student body, how you have every single student wrapped around your little finger, how despite not possessing a lick of magic in your body, you had become the most powerful being in school with the way you have the rich, famous and mighty treating you as if you were the reason the sun rose in the morning and set at night. It was clear that you were the object of desire of many - and for good reason. Despite your limitations, you were a pillar of strength, boldly facing every adversity that this twisted school threw at you. Your kind nature saving not only the overblotees but also many other students from a dark and tragic fate. Even with no magical abilities you’ve achieved the impossible and they knew that your circle of friends, which at first were only them, Grim and the Ramshackle ghosts, would only continue to grow and grow as more and more of their peers become aware of just how awe-inspiring you are and they are left to wither away in the shadows, left on the cold and dark sidelines to watch as you get pursued by people who are more worthy to bask in your light.

To say that someone like you is a rarity would be an understatement. In this school of villains, of conmen and crooks, tyrants and thieves, of dark beasts that would claw their way to the top through any means necessary, that would lie and stab to achieve their goals, someone as pure and angelic as you was simply unheard of. A celestial beauty so ethereal that even wild animals and woodland creatures are in reverence of you. Your existence was a siren’s call, and like moths to a flame, they are all ready to drown themselves if it meant they could take even a step closer to you.

You have princes, celebrities, men so wealthy that they could buy you an island and consider it pocket money, all ready to give you a life that even fairytale characters could only dream of. You have people with power who could give you anything you desire: titles, crowns, sceptres, the stars and moon. You had the literal world at your fingers and the ability to do whatever you wanted yet- 

Yet you chose them. The objects of your coveted affections, the ones who hold the honour of receiving your tender love and unconditional care, the ones who are blessed with the privilege of calling you theirs - are them. The two foolhardy, act-first-think-second boys who you had to save from expulsion on their first day.

It’s Ace’s eyes you meet from the bleachers of the gymnasium during a basketball match. It’s his name that you’re screaming, cheering and wearing - the bold, block-lettered ‘TRAPPOLA’ on the back of your jersey making it clear just who it is you came there to see. And if there were any fools that weren’t so sure, the breathtaking kiss he plants on your lips after he jogs over to your front row seat in the stands should seal the deal, especially when you reciprocate with fervent enthusiasm.

It’s Deuce’s jacket you wear when you run errands, the oversized black leather that once symbolised physical proof of his shameful past now proudly engulfs your shoulders, the silver ‘Spade’ as clear as day. It’s Deuce who you meet with at the end of his track and field club, it’s his tie that you elegantly loop around his neck and expertly loop into a windsor knot before tugging him towards you and pressing his lips against yours.

It’s them who you open up to, who you let your walls down and tears fall, who you allow to embrace you in your darker moments. It’s them who you run to in your times of joy, who you hug and kiss in elation, not caring who might be watching. It’s them that you praise, that you brag about to others. It’s them who has your full attention. It’s their hands that you hold. It’s them that you invite to Ramshackle and who you snuggle up against late at night.

They showed you the worst of them, from the first day they met you it was clear that they were nothing but trouble: a brash class clown and a violent former gangster yet with all of that, with all the trouble they’ve given you and continue to give you, you still chose them.

Every single day, you choose them. You take their weaknesses and polish them into strengths. You always see the best in them, despite the many instances where you would’ve been well within your right to not. Instead of letting them drag you down, you brought them up, lifting them into the pedestal that was your love. You support them wholeheartedly, in their dreams, passions and pursuits. Never once do you listen to the whispers of others, the ones that call them no-good, tactless mischief makers who would only bring you trouble - instead you’re the one who defends them, who is more than ready to defend them in a blink of an eye.

They know that you’re too good for them, that their reputation is rightfully deserved but please continue to indulge them. Like you are now, with your blissfully sleeping body sandwiched between them, happily snug inside both of their embraces, let them continue to worship you, to covet you like the beloved Majesty you are. Let them continue to hear the words you sleepily whispered to them before you sailed away into the silver mist of your dreams.

“I love you boys”

A card soldier lives to serve his queen so please continue to choose them. They’ll be sure to spend every breath in this life and the next, swearing their hearts, bodies and souls to you in eternal servitude. 

“What do you see in them?” A Pomefiore first year asks you as the two boys are once again being scolded by a teacher for unruly behaviour during class.

You gaze lovingly at your boyfriends, the two that you know without question would stand by your side - the ones that have always stood by your side, since the very beginning - and all you can see is their courage, their loyalty, the fact that no matter how scared you become in this strange, magical new world you know that you have no reason to fear anything if you have those two. 

The only possible answer you can give to your classmate is, “my future.”

How was I to know?

It's a crazy thing

I showed you my hand

And you still let me win

[flightfoot]

Miraculous Enemies AU fanfic recs

So I was just thinking about one of my favorite Miraculous tropes, enemies au. Whether it's Marinette getting the wrong idea about Adrien from the beginning of school, or Chat being cajoled into working for his father, I adore most fics with these tropes, and I'm betting that a lot of other people do as well, so here's a list of some good ones for people to peruse!

Note: I am only listing fics that are currently completed, so you don't have to fear any of these being abandoned. They are in no particular order (or rather, they're in the order in which I was able to track them down in for this list).

cruel youth by @anyxnka

Two teenagers are chosen to wield miraculouses. Only one becomes a superhero. Weeks later, Ladybug’s lucky charm won’t stop spitting out cats.

---

i have found someone (like a nomad finds a home) by @hanaasbananas

After Stoneheart, Gabriel figured out who Chat Noir was, and forced him to work for him, rather than with Ladybug. Years later, Adrien is miserable until one night, he meets Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

---

Unstuck by @ominousunflower

Chat Noir, notorious supervillain of Paris, experiences a wardrobe malfunction in the best and worst possible place: Marinette Dupain-Cheng’s balcony. Heart pounding, Chat pins Marinette’s wrists to the balcony. She stares up at him, her blue eyes kaleidoscopic from the lights hanging overhead, her features twisted into a scowl. “Why are you trying to take my Miraculous?” Chat hisses. “Because—you—I—” Marinette splutters, her eyes dipping down below Chat’s face. “Why is your suit unzipped?” “I—well…” Chat sighs. “My zipper got stuck.”

---

one does not love breathing by @wackus-bonkus-maximus

All of Paris watched as Hawkmoth murdered Chat Noir, taking the Black Cat Miraculous for himself. Ladybug swears revenge, but her enemy—and every Miraculous in his possession—disappear without a trace. Six years later, a new team of villains launches an attack: Volpina, armed with new powers; Queen Bee, with questionable loyalty; Argos, the new holder of the Peacock Miraculous; and Cat Walker, who Ladybug hates the most. Takes place after S4 - Strike Back.

---

with this ring by @thelibraryloser

She thought “you and me against the world” had sounded like lopsided odds before, when she hadn’t even dreamed “you against me” was a possibility. Or maybe she had dreamed it, but at least in those dreams he’d had cold blue eyes and a stark white mask. The villain she’d fought today had looked at her through her partner’s own bright green eyes. It wasn’t meant to be this way.

---

Nothing Else Matters by LiquefiedStars

Marinette couldn’t figure out Chat Noir. He was supposed to be her partner, but instead ended up working for Hawk Moth. Still, her heart betrayed her and when a strong connection forms between them, Ladybug goes to Chat looking for answers, finding out more than she bargained for.

---

home is where the fight is by @rosie-b

Nadja Chamack’s voice greeted Adrien as he sat up straight, wiping his clammy hands on his pants and ignoring the black kwami floating by his shoulder. “—shocked to see our heroine fall in battle today, taking a direct hit from the akuma just as she detransformed. Parisians are torn between blaming Hawk Moth and Cat Walker for their roles in this tragedy, which ultimately revealed the civilian identity of Ladybug, Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” Adrien turned off the TV and lowered his head as his vision blurred. Written for Ladrien June Day 7: Injured

---

The Great War by icebelle24

'And maybe it’s the past that’s talking, screaming from a crypt Telling me to punish you for things you never did So I justified it' The unthinkable happens, and suddenly, Chat Noir’s allegiances change. Now Ladybug stands on the opposite side of the battlefield from the boy who was once her partner, left alone to make sense of an impossible situation. At least she still has Adrien to give her hope. Or maybe this war is not entirely what it seems.

---

Miss Dial by @mysticraven20

Adrien Agreste has always considered Marinette Dupain-Cheng entertaining. Whether it was the endless back and forth of their banter, the clumsiness he found so cute or the fact her anger levels could go from 1-100 in a mere millisecond; he always found there was something about her... if only he could get to know her better. Marinette Dupain-Cheng has always considered Adrien Agreste a pompous, arrogant asshole. From his constant teasing of her, to the obnoxious laugh at her discomfort and the way he could anger her quicker than any other human being; she knew she hated Adrien Agreste with all she was worth. But what happens when Adrien accidentally sends the wrong text to the wrong person and a new friendship blossoms - a friendship deeper than either have ever known? Will Marinette choose to stay faithful to the budding relationship with the boy on the other side of the phone? Or will a new job with an old foe fill the loneliness in her heart?

---

call it even by @anna-scribbles and @sha-nwa

After a year of dating, there is one thing Marinette knows for certain: it's her and Adrien against the world. Through it all, Adrien is kind, patient, and endlessly understanding—even as she tries her best to keep her secret superhero identity hidden from him along with the rest of the world. Nothing could ruin it, not even the supervillains of Paris: Hawkmoth and Chat Noir. (adrinette dating // ladynoir enemies au)

---

oh, look, there you go with hope again by @ladyofthenoodle

After the defeat of Hawkmoth and his accomplice, Chat Noir, Marinette is ready to return to her normal life, but she can't escape Adrien Agreste, who was sentenced to a fate many consider worse than prison: public school. Specifically, her public school. Still, that doesn't mean she has to interact with him, does it? Except, if she doesn't... who will?

---

Redemption by JamieHasCatEyes

Papillon has been defeated and imprisoned, but his accomplice, Chat Noir, was given a second chance. Marinette's time as Ladybug may be over, but she still has work to do if she wants to help Adrien reintegrate back into society.

---

The Son Of My Enemy by Saccha

Cat Noir never wanted to be a villain, but he doesn't have a choice. Ladybug wishes she could save him. A reverse love square, villain!Cat Noir AU.

---

metamorphosis by @peachcitt

“I was thinking about that time you hated me.” “Why?” "I don’t know." “I didn’t.” “I know.” or three years after hawkmoth's defeat, marinette is still trying to figure out her version of normal. there's also sleepovers.

---

Stealing Freedom by @rosie-b

Adrien Agreste was a good person. Marinette knew this to be true, of course; she wouldn’t be marrying him if he were some irredeemable villain. No, her fiancé was practically the opposite of evil. He cooed over babies and kittens, literally stopped to smell the roses, and always brought large bouquets of them to dates. He had trouble killing spiders and bugs, begging his partner to take on the task whenever she was around to save him. Adrien was the sweetest person Marinette knew, the most kindhearted, the most forgiving; he was almost too perfect for her sometimes. But now, Marinette knew that the same Adrien who still blushed when his fiancée kissed him was also the well-known terror of Paris, Cat Walker.

[lostuntothisworld]

Spaghetti theory time:

The "Luka lying to Ladybug about her secret identity after he was so fired up in Truth only to lie to her in Wishmaker" salt has died down for the most part, but I would like to bring it back up.

I'm gonna do you all a favor and copypasta the transcript below, because I know nobody is going to rewatch the episode.

Marinette: I'm sorry about earlier. There were mosquitoes on the boat, I thought we needed some insect repellent but the drug store was closed so I had to- Luka: Shh, listen, the song of the water. If you listen carefully at this very spot under the bridge, you'll hear a melody. (They listen to the river and smile at each other.) You know, I never knew my father and my mom would never bring herself to tell me. So when I just couldn't deal with it all, I would take refuge here and the melody of the water would console me. What about you, Marinette? Where do you go when you disappear? Marinette: Uh- Luka: You tell me, I'll accept it. If you're still in love with Adrien, I'll understand. I won't be jealous you know. Marinette: That's not it, not at all. Luka: Whatever it is, I just want it to be the honest truth. Marinette: The truth, Luka… is the only thing I can't tell you.

Then we get shocked Luka. He get's akumatized/amokized, and the scene continues:

Shadow Moth: Truth, I am Shadow Moth. I'm giving you the power to force people to tell you their most sacred secrets. Luka: (struggling against it) Truth needs to be shared, not taken by force, Shadow Moth! Marinette: (shocked what he just said) Uh! Shadow Moth? No! Luka, please resist, I am so sorry! Shadow Moth: Why should you resist when she doesn't trust you? Luka: Marinette does trust me! Marinette: I do! Of course I do! Shadow Moth: If she trusted you, then she would tell you the truth! (Upon hearing this, Luka becomes shocked, so he kneels.) Accept my power and you will know everything. And all I ask of you in return is to expose Ladybug and Cat Noir's little secrets. Luka: (succumbing) Run, Marinette! 

...

Luka does NOT want to force the truth out of Marinette. He tells her to run! And it's very much implied it triggered a traumatic past when his mother wouldn't tell him who his father was. What if his mom used the exact phrasing of "The truth is the one thing I can't tell you," when things got bad? If there's one thing Miraculous is good at is shocking the audience with traumatic backstories. I have my own theories as to what Luka and Juleka's traumatic backstories are... And are we really going to victim blame Luka for not being able to resist, especially when resisting Gabemoth and breaking akumatization was not actually known to be something that can be done at this point? Onto Wishmaker:

Lots of people are upset that Luka lied to Marinette at the end of Wishmaker with regards to hers and Chat's secret identities. They want Marinette to be angry with him, and for Luka to face consequences. Lying is supposed to be bad, isn't it? And Luka got akumatized into a villain who was dead set on finding the Truth, and he just lied to her about it. Inexcusable! Which is a valid interpretation if you take it at face value.

Now let's fast forward to Migration, and a little theory I've had since the episode aired: Secret identities and masks are a metaphor for being queer. Let me explain the metaphor in more detail: by rewinding back to Wishmaker and the metaphor presented to us then.

In Wishmaker, child Alec was bullied for his big hair, which he was very proud of. So he shaved it all off to fit in with what society wanted him to be. His akumatized form had a bald cap, and in the end Alec decides to "live his truth," (Astruc's words not mine), and essentially wear a big wig and become a drag queen. Iconic.

Oh yeah, and his nightmare in the season 5 finale was his father shaving off his hair.

Gonna have to link this shitpost here, just for an interesting comparison.

(It's interesting to note that both Griffe Noire and alternate Adrien have partially shaved heads, and should be included closer to the bald end of the chart in the shitpost)

Anyway, it's a bit of an unwritten rule that you don't out another person, even if you know they are queer. You have to wait for them to come to you with this reveal. It's sensitive information, and could potentially be extremely dangerous for the person being outed. A similar parallel to being a superhero with a secret identity.

Using this logic, it's not surprising the animators made Chat surprised when Luka detransformed in front of him in Ephemeral even tho he had a front row seat to Luka in Miracle Queen.

Onto the next scene of interest:

Marinette: If I tell you, things will never be the same between us again. (shakes her head) It'll mess up everything, maybe even destroy it. Alya:(voice breaking) Marinette, I'm your very best friend. Marinette: And I… I'm Ladybug.

I was actually shocked with this scene back the first time I watched it. Yes, the reveal, but also how everything in it is presented. To the dialogue, to Marinette's reasonings and how it'll mess up everything between the girls, and how everything will change and be destroyed, to Alya's oddly somber reaction to finding out her favorite superhero is her best friend, and then the subsequent hug.

It's framed as a coming out scene.

So let's circle back to Luka lying to Ladybug back in Wishmaker, and keeping that secret until Migration. His choices there make a whole lot more sense with a queer lens.

Don't believe me? Remember, Migration (the episode where Luka's lies and secrets are brought to light), is the episode that Luka shoves Adrien in a closet and he falls out of the closet as Chat Noir.

Those bedroom eyes at Luka sure do make a whole lot more sense here.

[muggle-born-princess]

Here's How I Would Write Miraculous:

Season 1: The Love Square Arc:

It's all the same like canon, but halfway through, Marinette and Adrien start to discover who they are and develop feelings for one another. Not X likes Y instead, but as both citizens and partners.

Season 2: The Main Five Arc:

Marinette and Adrien still have feelings for each other, but now we focus on Alya, Nino, and Chloe. Alya and Nino begin to develop their relationship, and Chloe, of course, begins to develop as a character and become a better person. They're still Rena Rouge, Carapace, and Queen Bee, and they become closer to Marinette and Adrien. Chloe even begins to act nicer to Marinette, not just for brownie points, but as an act of genuine kindness once she learns how important it is to be a hero.

Season 3: The Agreste vs. Agreste Arc:

This is it. This is the final battle between Ladybug, Cat Noir, and Hawk Moth with their allies. This is where Adrien finds out about Hawk Moth being his dad. This is where he's part of the final battle along with the Main Five. This is where Master Fu retires on his own will and passes down the guardianship to both Marinette and Adrien. This is where they both become a couple. Alya, Nino, and Chloe are allowed to keep their miraculouses permanently. Gabriel is arrested. Nathalie has custody over Adrien. The Buttlerfly Miraculous has returned.

Season 4: The New Guardians Arc:

Marinette and Adrien are now co guardians. They agree to have a team of their own with their allies. Marinette gets Alya, Mylene (as Polymouse), Rose (as Pigella), Alix (as Bunnyx), Juleka (as Purple Tigress), Nathaniel (as Caprikid), Marc (as Rooster Bold), and Luka (as Viperion). Adrien gets Nino, Chloe, Sabrina (as Miss Hound), Ivan (as Minotaurox), Kim (as King Monkey), Max (as Pegasus), and Kagami (as Ryuko). Nathalie is the main antagonist and vows to finish Gabriel's job for him, but starts to have doubts the more she grows closer to Adrien. In the end, Nathalie is tricked by Lila, and she steals the Peacock Miraculous and exposes Nathalie as well.

Season 5: The Lila Arc:

Lila becomes the new Peacock holder and attempts to steal all the Miraculouses from Marinette, but it becomes a challenge now that Gabriel and Nathalie are both gone. Disguising herself as Cerise, she manipulates Marinette's classmates against her, except for the main four (Adrien, Chloe, Nino, and Alya) and with their allies now gone, it's up to them to expose Lila and get back the Peacock Miraculous. In the end, Lila is exposed and sent back to Italy. Meanwhile, two new villains arrive and are probably related to two certain Miraculous Holders.

Season 6/The Final Season: The Family Dynamic Arc:

Felix and Zoe debut and are the twin siblings to Adrien and Chloe, respectively. They are hints that they may have a connection to both the Butterfly and Peacock Miraculouses and that the Bourgeoises and Agrestes may have something to do with it. Do they redeem? Possibly.

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

I actually thought that Adrien and Gabriel's relationship seemed like it might have been possible to salvage in the early seasons. What do you think?

@tallwriter Starting a new post since this one was getting super long as this is a different topic.

The problem with Gabriel Agreste's character is that they very clearly wanted to write a sympathetic villain - you can tell that from how the show handles his death - but sympathetic villains don't work if you make them cartoonishly evil. You have to handle the situation with nuance and delicacy, especially when one of the main heroes is the villain's son.

Gorizilla is not a perfect episode by any means, but it does showcase how Gabriel should have been written if they wanted him to come across as complex and sympathetic. In that episode, Gabe thinks that Adrien is Chat Noir and, because there's no way to magically force Adrien to reveal himself or confess his secrets, Gabriel has to come up with a situation where Adrien would be forced to transform of his own free will (since that can't be overwritten with a ring or something crazy like that). Which is how we get Adrien hurtling to his death while his father looks on:

Adrien: Always! (jumps out of Gorizilla's hand, and over the side of the building) Yeah-ha! Hawk Moth:(from his lair) No! ... Hawk Moth:(from his lair) If indeed you are Cat Noir, then transform, son. Please. (Adrien continues to fall downward, resolutely remaining as he is) Come on, son! (Ladybug looks down at Adrien, then raises her head, eyes closed.) Ladybug: Cat Noir, help!! Hawk Moth:(from his lair, to Gorizilla) Drop Ladybug!

This is good writing. Yes, Gabe's plan was kind of dumb (you live with Adrien, dude, just bug his room), but if we accept that this was the only way to go about a forced reveal - and that does seem to be the writer's logic - then we see a situation where Gabriel put his son above winning. A situation where he's still very much the villain, but he's not a dastardly, cold-hearted one. He does love his son.

There are actually several of these moments in the first three seasons. Some involve Adrien and many more involve Nathalie. It's why season five's claim that Gabe put beating Ladybug above everything else rings hollow. He never actually did that outside of Evolution (S5E1). He's almost always been loved-ones first when it really counts, a thing that Ladybug uses against him in the final when she tries to crush Emilie. The whole "Ladybug obsession" thing truly feels like something they just made up for that one episode to justify Nathalie "turning sides" aka doing nothing useful beyond maintaining the status quo (hey, they needed someone to keep the senti plot from having consequences and it wasn't like she was doing anything useful anyway!)

The problem is that this "loved ones first" mentality is only used for big dramatic moments, often as a way to keep Gabriel from winning. It's not Gabriel's main characterization even though it needed to be if you want season five's ending to feel even remotely earned. Going into that ending, we should have all thought that Gabe was a messed up dude who truly did love his son. And, if Gorizilla, Style Queen, and Ladybug had all been examples of his standard characterization, then we would have thought that.

But that's not who the writers told us Gabe was.

Instead, his standard characterization paints him as petty, controlling, and manipulative. Which is wild because there was no reason to do that! Gabe could - and should - have been played as stern and removed, but generally loving when he's outside of the mask. In other words, Gabriel Agreste could be well liked while Hawk Moth was hated.

The crazy thing is that this is such a simple change to make. You either removed the episodes where Gabe's awful parenting is the source of the conflict (ex: Bubbler) or you just make a few minor changes to show that he's conflicted about his actions.

For example, take Chat Blanc, the episode that ruined so many elements of this show! In that episode, Gabe is a total bastard. He happily sacrifices his son's happiness to make an akuma in the form of Marinette and then, when Adrien's secret is revealed, does Gabe have any sort of conflict about traumatizing his son? The kind of conflict we'd expect after episodes like Gorizilla? Nope! He straight up delights in showing Adrien Emilie's... corpse? Comatose form? Whatever! Gabe then akumatizes Adrien with a smile on his face.

That gets the writers a solid F for consistent characterization. It's why I highlighted "almost" in red when I mentioned Gabe's motivation. Because in Ephemeral and Chat Blanc, the writing ignores the sympathetic stuff that characterizes the dramatic moments and goes straight for the worst-father-of-the-year, love-to-hate-him, please-let-him-die-now characterization that we get in most episodes.

If you were writing Chat Blanc's Gabriel to fit his intended complex, sympathetic mold, then you would probably drop the breakup plot or you'd have spent all season setting Marinette up as the perfect akuma target, changing the breakup into something that Gabriel felt that he HAD to do instead of opportunistic evilness. You'd also have Gabe drop a line like, "I'm sorry, Adrien. You'll thank me later" before the Chat Blanc akumatization. Or at least don't have him grinning! Do something, ANYTHING to show that Gabe sees using his son like this as a necessary evil and not a fun time! You know, like how he was begging Adrien to transform during Gorizilla? Almost like Gabe had stopped caring about winning and started just wanting his son to live.

Would these changes make Gabe less of a fun cartoon villain? Yes, but that's the point. Cartoon villains are cartoony. They're over the top. They have no nuance. Sympathetic villains don't work with those characteristics.

The normal way to get around this in a cartoon setting is to have secondary antagonists who can be played as cartoonishly evil. And, confusingly, Miraculous has those characters. Chloe, Sabrina, and Lila have been here since season one (Kim could also have stayed a bully and been added to that list, but he's not a teenage girl, so I get why they didn't do that /s.) Felix has been around since seasons three. Nathalie has been an active villain since season two. Any or all of these characters could be the cartoonish, nuance-less villain while Gabriel stays sympathetic.

Instead, they play Gabe however they want to play him in any given episode, making it so that he's impossible to understand from an audience perspective. I personally like the sympathetic take and think that those are the show's best episodes because I like complex villains. It's even how I write Gabe in my stuff because I go for less cartoony takes on canon.

I don't think a redemption was needed, but a sympathetic villain doesn't require one. All that term means is that you can understand the villain and be sympathetic to their plight. Redemption is optional. In fact, the goal is often not redemption, but an understand that, "there but for the grace of the gods go I." I mean, we've all lost loved ones. Wouldn't the power to bring a loved one back tempt you, too?

If they wanted to go for evil, cartoony Gabe, then they needed to drop all of the complexity and go for a Disney villain type character who gets a Disney villain death a la Scar or Mother Gothel. Don't give Gabe the wish. Let him fall to his own hubris by falling into the water of his secret layer and lading as a puddle of ash while a sad Ladybug looks on, having just failed to save him.

If you want to see an excellent look at how cartoon Gabe could have worked, then I highly recommend @zoe-oneesama's Scarlet Lady comic, which is just nearing its end after a multi-year run. I think it's fair to say that Zoe and I largely agree on canon's flaws, she just fixes them by leaning into the cartoon side of things, creating a hilarious story with lots of heart. Canon could have absolutely gone that way too and worked out wonderfully! The issue is not a lack of nuance, it's that they tried to add nuance without ever fully committing to it, making a story that is the worst of both worlds. While a more serious nuanced reboot would be my ideal dream, a reboot that scraps all of Gabe's nuance and just makes him go full evil would be just as satisfying and Zoe proves that.

[i-like-anything-water]

Step by step guide to redeeming your girlfriends

Plot, basically: Canon! Chloenette meets Reverse! Chloenette. Dedicated to @generalluxun ! Thank you for the motivation, I will now make them go through Scooby Doo levels of chasing and mystery solving (coughs identity reveal coughs)

Chapter One: Is it kidnapping if I thought we were dating?

The sky has visibly darkened during lunchtime. It wasn't the normal rainy sky though. People were scrambling to get inside or find cover as it was most likely an akuma attack. It was strange, however, that the signal never went off nor were there any explosions nearby. There wasn't even a ridiculously dressed villain with their monologue about getting revenge and obtaining the miraculous.

It was quiet. Suspiciously too quiet.

A bolt of lightning flashed on the darkened sky, the dark purple color leaving a web like structure in its path. Okay, that definitely was not normal.

Chloe was sure it was another Akuma and judging from the last one Ladybug and Chat Noir had to face, they were getting ridiculously more strong as time passes. Which doesn't worry her. After all, Ladybug never trusted her completely to wield another miraculous again so why give a damn about her anymore.

The world shook and she unconsciously switched on her TV to the news.

Nadja was reporting on the strange phenomenon currently happening while the purple lightning continued to flash and leave even more intricate patterns.

Chloe pursed her lips in thought. Ladybug had already enlisted a lot of new (temporary) heros since they faced off against Shadow Moth. She won't be outnumbered or lacking in minions if ever.

She sighed, frustration starting to bubble inside her, "Everything would be easier if she would just let me be Queen Bee!"

"You've got a point," a voice said from behind, "but Queen Bee is rather distracting during battles, 'no?"

Before she could scream at the sudden intrusion of a very familiar looking person, she was swept off her bed and was falling down from her balcony, a set of familiar and ridiculously strong arms wrapped around her securely.

Shit.

She was tapping her foot impatiently, the sound echoing against the room they were in. Claw was leaning by the wall, his knowing glance darting from her to the other occupant of the room who was very much unconscious.

"You scared the shit out of her. You have such a lame type in women," he casually tilted his head, narrowly avoiding a metal ball to his face. Rolling his eyes, he stretched out his muscles earning a disgusted sound from his partner and a laugh from him.

"Careful, your softness for her is showing," she scoffed, her arms crossed as she looked at the blonde. "I am not soft, you fucking piece of vomit."

"I told you, my hair is not that damn vomiting emoji! The shade is different!"

"Whatever," she walked to the unconscious blonde and with a soft tug, managed to lift her head up to a more comfortable position. She looked peaceful, her mouth slightly parted as she let out soft snores.

Even in a different universe, the sight of her still made her go speechless.

Which got her confused. This universe's Chloé looks very similar to her Chloé, just with more yellow than soft pink and white, so why,

"Why is she taking so damn long?" She hissed as Claw shrugged, who was looking down at his manicure and let out a 'tsk'. He needed to get an appointment, soon.

"Maybe because you're not together in this universe," he supplied after a moment, "maybe you're in love with me instead."

"That's one of the worst things you've ever said to me and I want to strangle you right now."

Claw shivered, "Agreed. Agree to never speak about that again."

A figure sighed as she shut her bug phone. Gazing at a familiar tower, she idly wonders if she should wait for them to arrive or continue searching for the person she needs. Deciding to do the latter, she jumps off the roof into the night sky.

Ladybug almost crashed into the hotel room, Chat Noir not far behind. After getting a call from a very distraught mayor and with the sky turning an unusual purple, she had a sinking feeling it was another powered up Akuma. This Akuma hasn't showed their face yet, but Chloé's disappearance was alarming.

"She's not here," she whispered after quickly darting inside the suite. Chat Noir voiced his affirmative and gave her a worried look, "The Akuma must have already taken her but..." Chat frowned, "Unless it had a personal vendetta against Chloé, it's unusual of them to stay hidden."

Ladybug sighed. This was going to be a long day.

Notes: It's divided because the author hasn't decided if this should be a short, fluffy funny fic or dive into possible 'getting therapy from yourself of a different multiverse because it's like talking to one of the voices in your head'. Enjoy!

[lionmom-svenomverse]

Sharing the concept art for my Chryslestia family! Gonna have to snip a lot of HCs/notes so you can find the full thing over on my dA. Anyways, more info under the cut!

💙 Queen Celestia - Ruler of Equestria. Sun Deity. Royal Batpony Alicorn (With Heliacorn Attributes). Agender (She/he/it/they), Pansexual Demi 💙 Queen Chrysalis - Ruler of Equestria, Former Queen of the Changeling Hive. Reformed/Former Villain. Non-Reformed Queen Changeling. Nonbinary (It/xey/they/she), Bisexual Demi 💙 Princess Antlion Aphid - Princess of Equestria. Heir to the Sun. Solar Astronomer/Engineer. Has anxiety. Royal Alicorn-Changeling Hybrid (With Batpony/Heliacorn Attributes). 35 y/o. Nonbinary (It/its and She/her mainly), Lesbian. Likes studying the sun, sundresses, large hats, hosting parties, yoga, calligraphy and diplomacy. Aphie is based off of antlion larvae, not so much aphids but it's a cute lil addition to her name. Special talent is using the sun to power technology! 💙 Princex Hercules Metalmark - Princex of Equestria. Heir to the Sun. Armorer. Has autism. Royal Alicorn-Changeling Hybrid (With Batpony/Heliacorn Attributes). 35 y/o. Agender (They/them and xey/xem mainly), Trixic. Likes puzzles/cipher cracking, keeping fit, fruit, fire, sappy movies, giving gifts and winter. Inspired by the Hercules Beetle and the Metalmark Butterfly! Special talent is crafting enchanted armor! 💙 Prince Joro Orb Weaver - Prince of Equestria. Heir to the Sun. Seamster at Carousel Boutique. Royal Alicorn-Changeling Hybrid (With Batpony/Heliacorn Attributes). 35 y/o. Transmasculine/Nonbinary (He/him, It/Its, She/her), Bi. Likes designing outfits, spoken word poetry, spiral patterns, fantasy shows/books, posters, journaling and social events. Inspired by the Joro Spider and the common Yellow Garden Spider/Orb-Weaver! Special talent is sewing outfits! 💙 Princex Tsetse Deathwatch "Click" Beetle - Princex of Equestria. Heir to the Sun. Nurse. Gravedigger. Mute. Has autism. Royal Alicorn-Changeling Hybrid (With Batpony/Heliacorn Attributes). 35 y/o. Genderfluid (They/them and it/its mainly), Omni. Likes history documentaries, playing the guitar, baggy clothes, cemeteries, volunteering, birds and brownies. It was initially named "Princex Malachite" and based off of the Malachite butterfly, but since I've changed its' name it doesn't really resemble what its' currently named after: the Tsetse Fly and Click/Deathwatch Beetles. Special talent is healing creatures! 💙 Princess Venusta Orchard Mason - Princess of Equestria. Heir to the Sun. Gardener. Builder. Farmer. Royal Alicorn-Changeling Hybrid (With Batpony/Heliacorn Attributes). 35 y/o. Transfeminine/Nonbinary (They/them and She/her), Aro/Sapphic. Likes worms, pottery, lemonade, architecture, foraging, climbing trees, falling leaves and making friends. She's mainly inspired by the strikingly blue Orchard Mason Bee, which I first saw around my early high school years iirc and fell in love with it. The other half, Venusta, comes from the Venusta Orchard Spider! The 'Venusta' part of their name actually wasn't initially there, but I thought it'd be a pretty edition, especially since the two bugs share the word 'orchard' in their names. Special talent is building strong structures! 💙 Prince Rosy Maple Brimstone - Prince of Equestria. Heir to the Sun. Influencer. Disc Jockey. Party Thrower. Royal Alicorn-Changeling Hybrid (With Batpony/Heliacorn Attributes). 35 y/o. Intersex (He/him), Ace/Queer. Likes hyperpop/house music, makeup, bright colors, flea markets/antique malls, soap carving, blogging and raves. Rosy is mainly based on the Rosy Maple Moth, but the other part of his name comes from the Brimstone Butterfly! Special talent is DJing and music production! 💙 Prince Atlas Adonis Blue - Prince of Equestria. Heir to the Sun. Drag Queen. Royal Alicorn-Changeling Hybrid (With Batpony/Heliacorn Attributes). 35 y/o. Demiboy (He/him and They/them), Gay. Likes singing, the stars, glowsticks, finance, karaoke, collecting mugs, clubbing, glitter and cleaning. Atlas is of course inspired by the Atlas Beetle and the Adonis Blue Butterfly! Special talent is performing!

[aidanchaser]

WIP Tag/Reblog Game

Thank you @rosie-b for the tag! I love hearing about your works~

List the titles your top five priorities for WIP updates (link your fics for new readers!)

An upcoming scene, event, or detail in each fic that you're looking forward to writing

Bonus: make a poll for your followers to vote on which top 5 WIP they are most excited to see an update on!

Then tag 10 writer friends!

WIP TITLES

(I picked the 5 that I have open currently - there are so many more than 5 rattling around at all times, and i try not to start publishing any that aren't already outlined beginning to end)

Boulangerella - a fairy tale/cinderella story full of love square shenanigans, blood sacrifices, and scheming villains

Butterfly Effect - Adrien as Hawkmoth/Shadowmoth AU; Marinette and Chloe hold the ladybug and cat miraculous - songfic with butterfly effect by FJØRA

Expectations - Kwami Swap AU where Adrien is Mister Bug from the beginning; he's dealing with the anxiety of his role (and the knowledge that he handed his earrings over to hawk moth in another timeline and has no idea why)

After the War (place holder title) - a 1920s post-WWI AU, where Marinette runs her parents' bakery by day and a club by night; the club is a cover to take down war-profiteer Gabriel Agreste through vigilante action; Adrien has just returned to Paris from his time abroad in London, and Marinette has to wrestle with her childhood crush on him and her now grown-up hatred for his family

Time Lady of Creation (place holder title) - A Time Lord AU - I will say little else about it because it's still in the outline stages with only a few scraps of scenes drafted

UPCOMING SECTIONS

The next chapter is full of A LOT of confrontations and hard conversations - Marinette & Luka (the original conversation has been written but it needs to be redrafted to a new context); Felix and Lila (again, a lot of their stuff is written but needs to be redrafted); and Marinette & Chat Noir (not drafted yet - fragments abound in notes but need to be tied together)

Adrien has to figure out how to get his hands on the Cat and Ladybug Miraculouses so that he can save Marinette from a terrible fate

Marinette needs to help Adrien face Miracle Queen - I'm excited about the Cat/Dragon and Bug/Snake renditions of their powers for this AU, but this fic just kept getting comments that were like "it's not even that different from canon" and so I no longer care too much about this fic - I'm just irritated because I wrote the ending already and i LOVE the ending but I can't post the ending without writing the middle

The next scene I need to write is a confrontation between Ladybug and Adrien Agreste, where he doesn't realize how much she hates him and she has no idea how much he's madly in love with her

Right now it's mostly an outline, so I need to write the beginning, where Ladybug saves Adrien from a wax museum come to life then asks him to run away with her through time and space!

So - which WIP are you most excited to see update?

I know I'm supposed to tag 10 but I know about half of the writers I am mutuals with have already been tagged, so if I accidentally tag you a second time, I apologize! @astargatelover (if you have 5 wips?), @asukiess (if you haven't been tagged yet), @kay-elle-cee, @uncertainwallflower, @ninadove (I would love to hear about your projects and get to know you more) [I'm so sorry i fully reblogged and commented your own WIP list and did not even process the connection - absolutely embarrassing], @chaos-has-theories, @sunshinemarauder, @wield-the-mighty-pen, @miabrown007 (I don't think you've been tagged yet??? unclear), and last but certainly not least @dammithawke (bc i haven't heard about your role reversal au in a while and would love to hear about it again)

[princess-of-the-corner]

In light of my recent Audrey as a villain post I was reminded of an AU I had, namely "What if Audrey was Hawk Moth?" IE, she & Andre doing typical rich asshole things got their hands on the Peacock and stuff happened.

Off the cuff the main shift would be both of them used the Peacock, Audrey once & Andre several times. IE Audrey likely made Chloe or something else as a test, then Andre did the other Snti-Kids as political favors.

(Maybe Chloe is not even a Senti, with Zoe being one once Audrey deems Chloe not up to her standards?)

As a result, Andre would probably be dying but not yet dead in season 1 and perhaps even serving as the initial Hawk Moth. Or used in a similar manner to Catalyst/create some final Sentimonsters.

Audrey's motives wouldn't be about bringing back a loved one but saving herself, saving Andre is more of a natural consequence of saving herself and not even a certainty once he full on dies.

Musing on this AU is interesting cos it begs the question of if Chloe would be Chat Noir, or instead still end up as Queen Bee/Other Miraculous Holder.

(Also whether or not she'd work for the villains at first, IE aware of their goals, or have a fall to the villains side.)

Though as it is, I think given where she would be liable to start out story wise (IE still a jerk) such a shift would not work, or have to be akin to Chat Blanc. A one off spiraling as opposed to an extended arc.

Though, I do think that she'd have softened a bit pre season 1, due to her fathers failing health and him likely relying on her more due to distrusting staffers and such.

IE, he fears they will leak to the press he is ill, so he leans on Cloe a lot, which is hard for her but also makes her feel useful and fosters a degree of empathy without her noticing.

Given Emilie would still be alive, Adrien may half be attending school with the pretext of "Being there for Chloe" along with his own desires, so they'd probably be a bit closer as well.

Terrifying actually!

[baenyth]

Bethany's Bizarre Miraculous Reviews Episodes 3-25 and 3-26: Heart Hunter and Miracle Queen

So, this is it. Goodbye, Chloe.

You ever think about how weird it is that Miraculous season 3 still uses the season 2 opening despite all the new heroes and kwamis introduced? We got to see 6 more Miraculouses here out of the 12 of the Chinese Zodiac.

So that's where pizzaboy Luka came from! Seems to be a delivery boy more than anything.

Yes! Luka! And hopefully Lukanette!

pfffft Gabriel really busted out the "Our get along shirt"

Yes! Kagami and Adrien having friendly interactions with Marinette!

Andre needs to divorce his garbage heap of a wife. Does he know about the affair?

Yes! Kagami and Adrien spending happy time with eachother!

Yes! Silly Kagami and the three having mischevious antics!

Ooh, the ballpit pool as well! The three of them are so cute and fun together. Now all we need is Luka and we'll have the superior love square! One that's actually a square as well!

Kagami might have feelings for Marinette too?! Whoopee!

Marinette with her hair down is peak.

The Evil Egg that Eats Everyone

So the ice cream guy isn't really polyamorous, but just concerned about having too many flavors? I mean, peppermint and orange kinda sounds like toothpaste and orange juice, but searching it up there are people who think otherwise,

Marinette letting Adrien and Kagami be happy together. Yippee!

Master Fu's monologue really went back to normal halfway through, huh?

Steals your girlfriend

And there it is. Honestly it's less of a jape and more of a downward spiral. Chloe wants to help in deakumatizing her parents, Ladybug broke her own rules by bringing back Ryuko when Hawkmoth knows her identity as much as Queen Bee's, and paralysis being a better fit for this fight than Logias. Girl felt abandoned by her crush, and Hawkmoth only manipulated her in person because he couldn't do it with an akuma, as well as it giving her the special treatment she craved.

And the superior ships fall into place.

The bees actually stinging people wasn't in the budget?

Now that's what I call a hive mind!

Oooh, and the moth's back as well!

I'm glad the water voices aren't back. Oh yeah. A lot of stuff's coming back. This really is a season finale!

Love me a good boss rush!

Again with the baldness.

And yet, Ladybug tries to get Chloe back on her side. What an angel.

Pfft she's really putting on everything

And there's Chloe's villain meltdown. Ladybug didn't even tell her she couldn't be Queen Bee anymore. Chloe broke ties with Ladybug on her own.

Why and how are they in love again? One's a karen and the other's a pushover.

mmmm, crumbs of Julerose.

And so we get Lukanette and Adrigami. They should've stuck with these ships and abandoned the love square, but no. Not even for one measly episode.

It's been said a bajillion times before, but it's weird how Miraculous says a grown adult terrorist with too much beef with two 14-year-olds can be redeemed but a 14-year-old with blatant issues is irredeemable and the scum of the earth. Admittedly this wasn't as bad as expected. I know the first two episodes of season 4 are going to make this look like paradise. So much disrespect. I'm probably going to watch the two specials in this season, and move on to rereading that fic I decided I still love and take a long hiatus to review a different Franime series. One I've known for much longer, and feel much fonder about as well.

[generalluxun]

In light Adrien & Chloe musings, I love to think that if they both met in super hero disguises, or even on opposing sides but were unaware of each others identities that they'd kind of just...

Naturally vibe the way people who have known each other forever do. Like Adrien and Chloe both snarking at Hawk Moth in the Heroes Day thing but jacked up to 11.

Like imagine Chloe screwing around in the manor during Bubbler & finding the peacock is tracked down by Gabriel & he explains his motives & convinces her to work with him. Obscuring the fact the Peacock will kill her cos in his mind once he gets his wish she'll be fine.

Cue her villainous debut & she & Chat have ham to ham combat

Peahen: Oh so you wish to strike the Lady Peahen!? Chat: I don't see a lady standing before me but a villain!

Peahen: Hah, a scoundrel through and through for all women are queens! Chat: I have but only one queen and her name is Ladybug!

Peahen: Well even a stopped watch can get it right I suppose.

Ladybug: (Currently fighting an Akuma) Fight already!

Chat: Sorry my lady! Peahen: Sorry Ladybug! Both: Have at thee!

Sounds like a bit of fun silliness laid over a really dark undernarrative ^^

[justmenoworries]

Lore Olympus Episode 230 Spoilers

I love how obviously this episode is trying to make Demeter the villain, but only succeeds in shining a spotlight on how much of a point she has.

Persephone isn’t ready to be Queen of the Underworld.

She did a shitty job of watching the mortal realm while Demeter was away, because most of her time she was angsting over not getting Papa Smurf’s dick. (She wasn’t concerned about how her own, now mortal mother was doing though, just putting that out here again.)

She can’t stand up for herself, unless she knows it’s against sombebody who can’t retaliate. Like, in this very episode, she just goes along with whatever Demeter says, with only some meek resistance. How is she gonna handle negotiations or conflicts with the other gods, if she still has a spine made of paper?

Hades did brainwash her,

He’s been grooming her with expensive gifts and blatant favoritism at work ever since they met. He downplayed all of her bad traits and kept her from taking a critical look at herself. Literally, that’s all their relationship is. Him buying her affection with gifts and compliments.

Persephone is so unable to handle adversity that she either breaks into tears or bullies people when she’s given it. And that’s in large part Hades’ fault, because he keeps shielding her from any valid criticism anyone might level at her and continually buys all her problems away. He’s made her dependent on him.

Yeah, I actually cheered when Demeter imprisoned moth-Hades. Mans had absolutely no right to invite himself along to her domain, especially considering the shit he put her through in the past. Should’ve squished him right away, queen.

Once again, really loving how Demeter’s sisters are never on her side. Hestia just... immediately thinks about freeing Hades-moth after Demeter calls her out. You know. The guy who groomed her daughter and sabotaged her career. That’s who she chooses over her own sister, who’s been through a heck-ton of trauma.

God, I hope Hades suffocates in there before anyone can free him.

[wilygryphon]

ML AU Masterpost

Adding all of my AUs to the "Unpenned AUs" section of my primary masterpost would make it too bulky, so I'm listing the concepts here. I will list the names and short descriptions. If these AUs have tags, I will link them; if they are single posts, I will link to the post.

Miraculous Ladybug Rewrite

How I would redo the story of Miraculous Ladybug if I were to do so. Notable details would be: Chloé gets a redemption that sticks; Gabriel is more consistent in terms of his standards and what he is willing to do for his goal; Season 3 finale identity reveal; and Adrigaminette endgame. Here

The Key to the Miraculous (KH + ML Crossover)

Sora winds up in the Miraculous Ladybug universe after the events of KH3, and he ends up befriending the cast and joining forces with Ladybug and Chat Noir. Here

Unforgotten - ML Oblivio AU

Ladybug and Chat Noir do not lose their memories between getting hit by Oblivio and the Miraculous Cure, so they remember learning each other's identities and falling in love. How things deviate from canon with them knowing each other and dating from that point. Here

Lacewing and Blue Peacock

The Black Cat and Ladybug Miraculouses are in the hands of two separate villains—Gabriel Agreste and Martina Rossi—who go at each other's throats trying to claim the other's Miraculous. To combat this, Master Fu gives the Butterfly Miraculous to Marinette and the Peacock Miraculous to Adrien. As Lacewing and Blue Peacock, the young Holders empower civilians as Champions and grant support Sentimonsters to help them with their problems and to prevent Shadow Panther and Coccinella from destroying the city in their conflict. Here

Double Bug (Miraculous Ladybug AU)

Marinette successfully passes the Ladybug earrings to Alya, who becomes Scarabella, but Alya learns what happens and convinces Marinette to tag-team the role of Ladybug hero. Here

Deadlybug

Ladybug and Chat Noir confront Monarch, but Monarch sends out a Megakuma to Akumatize Chat Noir. Fearing a Chat Blanc repeat, Ladybug intercepts the Akuma, becoming Akumatized in the process. Here

Ladybug of Light, Cat of Darkness

Kingdom Hearts/Miraculous Ladybug Fusion. Childhood friends Marinette, Adrien and Chloé are separated when their island homeworld is consumed by the Heartless and Akumas. As Ladybug and Chat Noir, Marinette and Adrien meet up in Traverse Town, but they do not know who the other really is, even as they journey together with Donald and Goofy to fight the forces of Darkness and search for Chloé. Here

Guardian Cheng AU

Another Guardian survived the temple's destruction, and Sabine Cheng is the current keeper of that Guardian's Miracle Box. Here

Akumaclass Harem AU

Marinette has a crush (whether she yet knows it or not) on all of her classmates, and when she kisses their Akuma forms (either as Ladybug or as Marinette), their Akumas’ connection to Hawk Moth severs and they regain their normal minds and are able to switch between civilian and Akuma modes. Here

Grew Up in Shanghai AU

Marinette (or rather, Meiyun, here) grew up in Shanghai and moved to Paris a year before the plot kicks into gear. Here

Miraculous Fantasy AU

Miraculous Ladybug done like a Final Fantasy game. Here

Yellowjacket AU

Instead of joining Hawk Moth in Heart Hunter/Miracle Queen, Chloé rebels and is sent by the villain through a portal into the middle of nowhere and replaced with a Sentimonster. She struggles to survive for half a year before returning to Paris as a vigilante called Yellowjacket. Here

[calyxthenerd]

there’s no day off for heroes, and even when I’m tired, go is the only word i know

Simon was a normal boy, with a normal life, he walked with his sister Sara to school every day, he tried to avoid the rich annoying brat Vincent who was set on making his life a living hell, he swooned over the new guy who just transferred to his school, regular stuff, except, there’s something about him that no one knows, he has a secret, he’s the ladybug themed superhero: Carabajo

—————————————————————

Wilhelm was not a regular boy, he was one of the most famous teenagers in France, the face of his mother’s company “Royal”, he also recently got himself enrolled in public school, where there is this really pretty guy who has the most gorgeous voice- anyways, he’s also the cat-astic hero: Lodjur, who fights the villain Moth Queen, with his partner Carabajo, he loves the freedom that comes with a secret identity, he can be whoever he wants, and his partner is really fun to mess with

What neither boy knew, was that they were both falling in love with each other, but they would find out soon, right?

[raayllum]

Based off the new Aaravos little teaser poster on twitter (featuring Taylor Swift)

Lavender Face

Cocoon

Anti Heroes

No More Breach 

You’re Mine Now, Kid

Midnight Snack

Reflection...?

Villain Stuff

Beguiled

Mirror, Mirror

Consequence 

Lip Service

Checkmate

Lavender face and cocoon are obviously a reference to the purple / bug creature. Anti Heroes, I would imagine, is referring to him, Viren, Claudia, and Terry - or maybe the “Fallen Stars” that the 4x02 title indicates. “You’re Mine Now Kid” could refer to both Callum and Claudia as his two other main pawns, and because we see Aaravos whispering in her ear now the way he did to all his other pawns in the past. 

No More Breach is the most fascinating to me since the Breach is famously the division between Xadia and the Pentarchy, but can also refer to breaching containment and possibly the fact he’s no longer in the cocoon. So could mean anything, but Aaravos has broken the Breach before; no reason he can’t do it again

Midnight snack is interesting but I suppose we may see what Moth-avos eats, has to eat? As well as the cannibalistic overtones of dark magic.

Reflection...? is modelled after “Questions...?” and is an obvious reference to the mirror, although we know Callum is likely leaving Katolis sooner rather than later and won’t physically be with the mirror past 4x04 or 4x05-ish? It could also be in terms of a character reflecting on their actions, which makes me think Viren and/or Rayla and maybe Ezran and Zubeia. 

“Beguiled” means to lead someone by deception or to charm them, which I think has to refer to Callum, since if Aaravos does turn Claudia away from her father, it’ll be by revealing the truth (i.e. that Viren lied in 3x03) rather than drawing her deeper in with falsehoods.

“Mirror mirror” is a reference to fairy tales and asking often for visions of people (i.e. “Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” showing not the evil queen, but Snow white) as well as enchanted mirrors showing glimpses of loved ones upon request sometimes (Beauty and the Beast). This could be again, either Callum or Claudia I think (Claudia finally getting to the see ‘the one with answers’ that Aaravos mentioned) or Callum being drawn further into Aaravos’ web

Consequence is likely a reference to Callum getting dragged in deeper and making some kind of mistake, resulting in him losing Rayla again (cue the crying scene with her blades) and resolving to get her back, perfectly lining up with 1x04 when he also took a miscalculated risk for the sake of magical help/knowledge/power. I could also see this referring to a split of some kind between Claudia and Viren, but it almost feels a little too early, so maybe not: maybe just Viren realizing the consequences his actions have had on Claudia?

“Lip service” refers to “expressing approval of or support for (something) without taking any significant action” which makes me think Aaravos may not be the one orchestrating the final stages that will lead to his release, but sitting back as it were and watching Claudia do the dirty work for him. This indicates to me that enough is in motion (a bluff, maybe, or threat) that Aaravos knows he doesn’t need to do much else in order to get

Checkmate is the most interesting change to me, since Mastermind already fits Aaravos perfectly as a descriptor. However, I’ve been talking about TDP’s chess symbolism as soon as we saw Viren’s ‘piece’ with speculation abounding. Checkmate is when you back the other player into a corner where there is no piece they can sacrifice in order to protect their king or place their king can go to safety, and well: I think I know exactly who the metaphorical king is going to be.