#character: Nadja Chamack

[papyrusgayfont]

* here’s the second post of all the show characters and locations that are in Miraculous Awakening or whatever it’s called because i was bored (spoilers, obviously).

* Sabine Cheng

* Tom Dupain

* Gabriel Agreste

* Nathalie Sancoeur

* Denis Damocles

* Caline Bustier

* Nadja Chamack

* Emilie Agreste

* Master Fu

* Vincent

* Luka Couffaine

[toxinellebug]

Shadybug/ClawNoir supporting character Headcanons

Jagged Stone? More like Jared Smith. He wanted to be a rockin musician, but his type of music is banned by the Supreme so his career never took off. Instead, he ended up marrying his girlfriend, Nannette Couffaine, after accidentally knocking her up with twins, released his pet crocodile into the Seine, got an apartment, and works a regular job that he HATES. But, he secretly still tries to record music and sells it on the black market where it has become somewhat popular in the indie underground, but if he were caught he would go to prison for sure. It’s not a happy marriage but he does what he has to. His kids last names are hyphenated Couffaine-Smith.

No houseboat, and without Royalties from music labels, neither Juleka or Luka could afford to go to Francois Dupont

Penny works as an assistant for Bob Roth and HATES IT. The man is a sexist slave driver, but this business is brutal.

Nadja Chamack is not a news anchor. You can’t be a single mother AND have a career that takes up so much of your time. As a result, Marinette has never had to babysit Manon.

Lila wants to challenge Chloe’s position as queen of the school, but there are no lies about charity work, only lies of what powerful and famous connections she has.

Adrien is not interested in being friendly with Lila, and definitely not going to help her with schoolwork. But he is still the ultimate trophy and key to winning popularity in Lila’s eyes, so she is determined to “win him over”, even though he finds her almost as annoying as Chloe, but Chloe he is stuck with due to her mom’s working relationship with his dad.

Gabriel doesn’t trust Lila one bit.

The sad and negative emotions he is forced to sense due to the power of the Butterfly brooch cause him distress, and he often has to excuse himself due to “headaches” from overworking, as a creative’s work is never done… But he is always listening for the emotions of people crying out for justice, for help, for people who wish they had the power to help.

Andre Glacier is still the Sweetheart’s ice-cream maker, but Sweetheart’s ice-cream is just a special menu item that you can request. Otherwise he has a scheduled route and serves the ice-cream that customers ask for.

Alya’s dad wishes the zoo could focus more on animal enrichment and larger enclosures but they don’t have the budget for such “unnecessary extravagences”.

Mr. Haprel hopes to make it as a famous Mime one day so he can be rich enough to afford to send his daughter, Mylene, to the school he works at as a janitor.

Everyone avoids Ivan.

Thomas Astruc never made it as a famous director, rather, the Supreme favored his University Rival, Andre Bourgeois, who also owns the Le Grande Paris Hotel.

Gina and Roland Dupain are not divorced/separated per say… Gina was sent to prison for civil disobedience. That’s why Tom is a doormat and just goes along with whatever discipline Sabine decides on because he doesn’t want his precious little girl to end up a criminal like her grandmother.

Sabine does not teach an inkpainting class on the weekend or practice tai chi or feng shui.

The walls of Marinette’s home are not pink, they are a boring beige that she hates.

The Agreste Manor is not a sterile, black and white modern decor dungeon. It is a prism of color, function, form, beauty and nature with nods to antiquity and the whimsical. Adrien HATES it. All color and light left this world when his mother died. The art in his house mocks his pain.

There is no school blog for Nathaniel to post his art on… But Marc ended up in that class instead of Marinette. (So did Mireille) He’s still too shy to admit he’s a writer. And even more shy to admit he has a crush on Nathaniel, so all he can do is watch the boy quietly. Rose thinks it’s a romantic tragedy and wants to play matchmaker. Alex thinks it’d be a disaster waiting to happen.

There is no Prince Ali who gives toys to sick kids in hospitals.

There is nothing as frivolous as videogame tournaments, so Max devotes all his spare time to his hobby of robotics and developing an AI… but developing an artificial intelligence is frowned upon. Luckily, Alya can keep a secret… that is, if Max is willing to spare some of his time to helping her havkninto the dark web to research conspiracy theories.

Wayhem is obseesed with Adrien, who can’t stand crazy fanatics and won’t lose any sleep if the Gorilla tackles the scrawny boy to the ground.

After much convincing, bullsh**ing, and bribes, Gabriel is able to host his derby hat design competition at Francois Dupont, (and hopefully, modelling his classmate’s creations will be a bonding point for Adrien to make a new friend) Rose sees it as an opportunity to tries to get Marc and Nathaniel to work with her to create a hat, hoping sparks will fly between them.

Even if Marinette WANTED to enter a stupid contest involving that spoiled, stuck-up Agreste boy, which she DOESN’T, her mother won’t allow it because sewing and doodling outfits is a distraction from her schoolwork.

Chloe still cheats.

But Shadybug discreetly sabotages the fashion show the winning hat is supposed to feature in.

Nathalie never became Gabriel’s assistant or even acquaintance. Instead, she is in charge of the department of the Louvre that archives and locks away all “banned” art and artifacts (aka anything related to Miraculous holders)

Alex thinks she’s creepy and hates how she coldly bosses around her dad.

Audrey is the same as ever, with the exception that she recognizes that her younger daughter Zoe has some talent, and wants Andre to find a movie part for her to play, and ignores Chloe’s bitter jealousy which causes her to lash out at others even nastier than in Ladybug and Cat Noir’s universe.

Nino is treated rudely and ignored by Adrien. Adrien would never agree to play a role in Nino’s movie and even accuses Nino of trying to use Adrien’s celebrity status to give himself an unfair advantage in the student movie competition.

Adrien doesn’t have time for stupid group projects or after school activities. But not because he has a full schedule since this Universe’s Gabriel is a decent father who does not demand perfection and give a 14 year old a burdensome schedule… It’s because outside of fencing and modeling, Adrien plans to spend his time planning out which sections of the city he’s going to take his anger out on that night.

Gabriel never forgot his roots as the son of a fry-cook, and occasionally tries to cook comfort food (NOT PANCAKES) for Adrien, who insists he’s not hungry or that junk is bad for his skin/weight, which has Gavriel worried about Adrien developing body dysphoria and eating disorders… These worries are put to rest when he finds out Adrien has suddenly developed a sweet tooth for baked goods. Therefore he has no qualms about his son frequenting the local bakery so often because a growing boy needs to eat and a treat is good for the spirit.

He wishes he could be more honest with Adrien, but he knows that it would destroy his son if he ever found out that the sickness that took his mother’s life was caused by his creation… He’s also not sure what kind of trauma Adrien would have to the fact he’s not human.

Gabriel also doesn’t want Adrien in danger. Gabriel wants to create a better world for his son to live in, a world where he and everyone else can be free! Where people can throve without stepping over others, and the poor don’t have to suffer. Where people have rights to love freely and express opinions without fear. A world where people help one another.

Gabriel would never use the rings to control Adrien, instead, he keeps them locked away in a safe, and plans to give them to Adrien someday when he is an adult and less likrly to misplace them because if they were to fall into the wrong hands, Gabriel shudders to think of what would become of Adrien.

Audrey still has a low key crush on Gabriel which makes him cringe but he still acts polite to keep up working relations, and he also pities his friend Andre, trapped in a one-sided marriage and bullied by his daughter and his wife.

[spiceynoodls]

Origins Part 1

Marinette & Adrien receive their Miraculous from Master Fu after Wayzz senses a dark aura from the Butterfly Miraculous. Ivan is transformed into Stoneheart after receiving a rude note from Kim. Marinette struggles to find her footing in her role as Ladybug and decides to give up her Miraculous.

Characters introduced (in order of appearance):

Nooroo

Gabriel Agreste / Hawk Moth

Wayzz

Wang Fu

Marinette Dupain-Cheng 

Sabine Cheng

Tom Dupain

Nino Lahiffe

Chloé Bourgeois

Sabrina Raincomprix

Alya Césaire

Mme. Bustier 

Adrien Agreste

Nathalie Sancoeur

Placide I.T. (Adrian’s bodyguard)

Ivan Bruel

Lê Chiến Kim

M. Damoclés

Tikki

Plagg

nadja chamack

Akuma Battle:

Akuma(s): Ivan Bruel / Stoneheart

Motive: Bullied by Lê Chiến Kim 

Akumatized object: crumpled up paper 

Abilities: Invulnerability / Increased strength upon being attacked

Weakness: Akumatized object held in right hand

Hero(es): Ladybug, Chat Noir

Civilian(s): Alya Césaire

Lucky Charm: Wetsuit(?)

Miraculous Holders:

Gabriel Agreste / Hawkmoth

Wang Fu

Marinette Dupain-Cheng / Ladybug

Adrien Agreste / Chat Noir

Overall, this episode was meh. The only part I loved was when Ladybug & Chat Noir met. Other than then that? Meh. I did really like how they emphasized Adrien’s desire to get out of his father’s 24/7 control and how he uses Chat Noir as an extension of himself to be free to do whatever he feels like without the Agreste name and his fame as a model hanging over his head. Lovely stuff.

Cute little things I noticed:

Gabriel keeps a photo of Emilié in his brooch

The logo for the bakery is “TS” (like Tom and Sabine)

[pandaofsecrets]

What's in a Name — Miraculous Ladybug

6. OTHER

6.1. SEASON 1

6.1.1. Prince Ali

Ali: "lofty, sublime" in Arabic.

6.1.2. Aza, Vincent

Aza: Breton form of "Adam", meaning "man". Is a first name, not a surname.

Vincent: from Latin "vincere", meaning "to conquer.

6.1.3. Barbot, Théo

Barbot: probably from French "barboter", which, among other meanings, is used coloquially to mean "to steal" (probably in reference to him stealing Cat Noir's identity). Originally, it was supposed to be Camiel, but this was changed later in development.

Théo: most likely a short form of Théodore, meaning "gift from God" in Greek.

6.1.4. Beauréal, Aurore

Beauréal: alternate spelling of French "boréal". Together with her first name, it's a pun on "aurore boréal", French for the aurora borealis.

Aurore: "aurora", in French.

6.1.5. Bustier, Caline

Bustier: French word for a tight-fitting strapless women's top.

Caline: from French "câliner", meaning "to cuddle".

6.1.6. Caquet, Mireille

Caquet: from French "caquet", meaning "cackle, chuckling".

Mireille: from the Occitan word "mirar", meaning "to admire".

6.1.7. Cataldi, Alec

Cataldi: from an Italian first name probably derived from the Irish name "Cathal", meaning "strong in battle".

Alec: English short form of Alexander.

6.1.8. Chamack, Nadja & Manon

Chamack: meaning unknown. Sounds identical to the surname of Moroccan footballer Marouane Chamakh, meaning Nadja and Manon are probably Moroccan.

Nadja: German and Slovene spelling of the Slavic name Nadia, meaning "hope". That, or an alternate spelling of the Arabic name Nadiyya, meaning "tender, moist, delicate", which I think is more probable.

Manon: French diminutive form of Marie.

6.1.9. D'Argencourt, Armand

D'Argencourt: most likely a reference to Agincourt, the site of a famous battle in the Hundred Years' War where England won a victory that crippled France. Might also probably be derived from the French phrase "à court d'argent", meaning "short of money".

Armand: French form of "Herman", a Germanic name meaning "army man".

6.1.10. Damocles, Denis

Damocles: "glory of the people", in Greek, it is most likely a reference to the legend of the sword of Damocles. I don't know what this legend has to do with his character, but it is what it is.

Denis: French form of "Dionysios", ultimately from the name of the Greek god Dionysus.

6.1.11. Fu, Wang

Fu: a Chinese surname which is ultimately derived from a word meaning "teacher, instructor".

Wang: "king", in Mandarin.

6.1.12. Grimault, Simon

Grimault: probably a French form of Italian and Spanish surname "Grimaldo", which is ultimately derived from two Germanic roots meaning "mask" and "rule". Badass.

Simon: from a Hebrew name meaning "hearing, listening". Is in reference to the game Simon Says.

6.1.13. Haprèle, Fred

Fred: short form of Frederic, a Germanic name meaning "peaceful ruler".

6.1.14. Kubdel, Jalil & Alim

Jalil: "great, exalted", in Arabic.

Alim: "learned, expert, scholar", in Arabic.

6.1.15. Mendeleiev, Olga

Mendeleiev: in reference to Russian chemist Dimitri Mendeleev, of periodic table fame.

Olga: Russian form of the Old Norse name Helga, meaning "holy, blessed". This was the name of one of Dimitri Mendeleev's daughters.

6.1.16. Placide I.T.

Placide I.T.: a pun on French "placidité", meaning "placidity".

6.1.17. Raincomprix, Roger

Roger: from a Germanic name meaning "famous spear". Together with his last name, it forms a pun: "Roger Raincomprix" sounds like "Roh j'ai rien compris.", which translates to something like "Er, I didn't understand anything."

6.1.18. Sancoeur, Nathalie

Sancoeur: from "sans coeur", French for "heartless".

Nathalie: from the Late Latin word for Christmas, "Natalia".

6.1.19. Ramier, Xavier

Ramier: from the French word for the wood pigeon (Columba palumbus).

Xavier: ultimately from a Basque place name meaning "new house".

6.1.20. Roth, Bob & Xavier-Yves

Roth: from German "rot", meaning "red".

Bob: short form of "Robert", from a Germanic name meaning "bright fame".

Xavier-Yves: "new house" and "yew", respectively.

[coq-courage]

If you needed to be told, here it is, the following Miraculous Ladybug characters are queer:

Marc Anciel

Luka Couffaine

Juleka Couffaine

Anarka Couffaine

Jagged Stone

Penny Rolling

Lila Rossi

Kagami Tsurugi

Tomoe Tsurugi

Rose Lavillant

Nathaniel Kurtzberg

Chloe Bourgeois

Andre Bourgeois

Audrey Bourgeois

Zoe Lee

Butler Jean

Sabrina Raincomprix

Roger Raincomprix

Barbara Keynes

Olympia Hill

Jessica Keynes

Aeon

Harry Clown

Gabriel Agreste

Emilie Agreste nee Graham de Vanily

Nathalie Sancoeur

Amelie Graham de Vanily

Felix Fathom-Graham de Vanily

Adrien Agreste

Colt Fathom

The Gorilla

Fei Wu

Ivan Bruel

Mylene Haprele

Fred Haprele

Max Kante

Claudia Kante

Kim Le Chien-Ature

Nino Lahiffe

Theo Barbot

Aurore Beaureal

Mireille Caquet

Jean Duparc

Jessica Keynes

Alec Cataldi

Alim Kubdel

Alix Kubdel

Jalil Kubdel

Armand D'Argencourt

Anne-Jeanne Theoxanne du Bocquale (Dino lady)

Bob Roth

Xavier-Yves Roth (XY)

Caline Bustier

Camilla Hombee

Clara Contard (reporter)

Clara Nightingale (musician)

Denis Damocles

Didier Roustan

Wang Fu

Jean-Pierre Monlataing (art teacher)

Marianne Lenoir

Socqueline Wang

Alya Cesaire

Marlene Cesaire

Otis Cesaire

Alya Cesaire

Nora Cesaire

Penny Rolling

Sabine Cheng

Tom Dupain

Gina Dupain

Rolland Dupain

Shu Yin Cheng (sister to Sabine)

Yan Cheng

Mei Cheng

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Uncle Wang Cheng

Simon Grimault (Simon Says)

Nadja Chamack

Thomas Astruc (the OC)

Xavier Ramier

Vincent Aza (stalker photographer)

Vincent (good photographer, mama's spaghetti)

Veronique (wax museum)

Andre Ice Cream Man

Jiao (Shanghai special)

Kang (shanghai)

Lian (shanghai)

Ms Mendeleiev

Ondine

Vivica (desperada)

Wayhem

Cash the guy that tricks Fei

Dean Gate (New York special)

Bustier’s Partner Seen Only In Season 5 Episode Collusion

Hot Dog Dan

Nora's Partner Seen Only In Season 5 Episode Transmission

Lila's Parents

Delmar (new York special)

Su-Han

Prince Ali

Mr. Banana

All unnamed characters

All characters with a name who I forgot

All named characters I straight up forgot to mention

---

A note: I have purposefully excluded the children but not the characters based on IRL people.

The children are excluded because as in real life, they are constantly changing and are more prone to feeling judged by society if we try to bog them down with answering a question with a straight answer versus letting them vibe however they are.

The characters based on IRL people were included because the people they were based on may be queer, we just don't know, we also wont assume. Also because once a character is created, they belong to the public and the public will assign any headcanons to them regardless of what was intended or what is true.

---

Further note: if the point of this post flew past you, its that anyone can be queer, there are no signs, someone may be in closet.

You never know who around is queer, even if they seem to scream "I am not queer" there's always a chance they are, whether they know it or not

And if you as a person, decide to spout off your hatred of anything queer, because you think, "there's no way someone near me is queer", I want you to think again

Because there are many flavors of being queer

And all you're doing by being hateful, is ensuring that when you need help, no one will be around and no one will want to be around

[lostuntothisworld]

Anne-Jeanne Theoxanne du Bocquale is a time traveling adopted daughter of Lukadrien Adrienette

This is the first of my crack theories I've decided to tackle, is very much a major crack theory.

I have no actual proof of anything, except that:

According to this now deleted interview that can be read via Internet Archive, Wilfried Pain tells a fan that there would be a new character from the future.

The Fandom Wiki seems to think this interview is discussing season 5, but after some back and forth with a mutual, we've come to the conclusion that it's actually discussing season 4, which just so happens to be the season that Anne-Jeanne is introduced.

I've seen multiple posts of people noticing that she has quite a bit more detail than you'd expect for a small side character. She doesn't look out of place at all next to our main girl Maribug, which you can't say for a lot of the designs of minor characters.

She was slotted to be a teacher to the kids in season 5, but apparently that was scrapped. Perhaps she'll be a teacher in the new school for season 6?

As for being Lukadrien's Adrienette's daughter...

The fandom wiki claims that the vision of a T-Rex Ladybug sees in the Burrow during Chat Blanc is foreshadowing of Anne-Jeanne's existence. I'm a bit skeptical on this, but Anne-Jeanne would have needed to somehow get DNA in order to bring the T-Rexes back to life, and in Time Tagger adult Bunnyx has a pet T-Rex named Denver.

Anne-Jeane is officially introduced in season 4's Hack-San, an episode that irrevocably fractures the LadyNoir partnership.

She shows up again in Rocketear, another episode that kicks LadyNoir while it's down. (After wrangling her T-Rexes, she says she's not really sure what to do with them, and wonders if it was really a good idea to bring them back to life... Kind of an ominous statement for a show where the deuteragonist is a boy born of magic, and whose creation caused the events of literally everything in the show.)

She has a short mention in Jubilation, where her T-Rex pigeon hybrids escape and go on a rampage. Nadja Chamack asks if she has gone too far with her science creations? Another ominous statement.

It's important to note, that Ladybug accidentally wears her friend's Alliance ring while capturing the hybrid dinosaurs, and thus, gets her friend who has been pretending to be Ladybug in hot water for possibly actually being Ladybug. It's interesting that Monarque doesn't even know Socqueline was impersonating a hero, he just sees her name in the Alliance alerts and goes after her. Of course Maribug thinks it's because she's been cosplaying being a hero and Monarque found out!

Anyway, I want to make a point that the dream sequence in Jubilation is very odd. It doesn't read to me as anything other than a child's idea of what love and marriage is. For one, both French citizens and foreigners need an entire forest of identification documentation, and they need to be married at a town hall in order to be legally binding. Only then can a religious ceremony take place. Obviously Ladybug and Chat Noir cannot do that, so they are only symbolically married at a church. The babies the couple are, for lack of better words, in possession of are inanimate dolls. There's a strange haze around the entirety of the dream sequence, just like the strange haze of the season 5 finale.

One of these days I'll do a line by line rundown of the Jubilation dream sequence, but that isn't the point I'm trying to make here. The point is this: the juxtaposition of Anne-Jeanne, the actual future daughter being the catalyst for whatever the hell Jubilation was, would be *chefs kiss* excellent storytelling.

FINALLY we have the final episode of season 5: Re-Creation. Anne-Jeanne makes a cameo in an interview where she gives an ominous message:

"We all remember the worldwide nightmare epidemic followed by the victory of Ladybug over Monarch...and how the swarm of magic ladybugs swarmed the planet to repair everything and free us. This even raised global awareness. We humans have accomplished incredible things throughout history. But still, we often fall victim to our emotions, because no one teaches us how to understand or deal with them... If we don't listen to what our fears, sadness or anger are trying to tell us—

Alya turns off the monitor, and the audience doesn't hear the lesson Anne-Jeanne is trying to convey. Gabemoth had taken advantage of negative emotions in order to akumatize his victims. Presumably, future Lilamoth will do the same.

The Paris special made it very clear that our universe Adrien is just distracting himself from his grief. Bottling up and ignoring doesn't do any good. He can avoid his hurt all he wants, but it's not getting to the core issue. He needs to address his emotions in order to heal.

More propaganda!

Anne-Jeanne's dress has moonflowers on it! Guess who loves flowers and has a lot of baggage concerning the moon! Yes, that's right, our boy Adrichat! Once again, Adrien being represented by the moon is a post for another day, BUT I DIGRESS.

Plagg is the reason the dinosaurs are extinct, and has a very particular grudge against T-Rexes in particular. Well, AnneJeanne brought the T-Rexes back to life!

More of a "Lukadrien's daughter headcanon", but I think Anne-Jeanne would be using a fake name if she's actually time traveling. I like the name Aurora because Luka's hero name Viperion is based off of Hyperion, the father of the dawn who was named Eos. Eos' Roman name is Aurora. Funnily enough, I checked the Luka Couffaine tag tonight and someone else thought his daughter would be named Aurora. I promise it was just a coincidence we both came up with this name! It also sticks to the Couffaine naming tradition of ending in "A", so it's still a pun on the French acouphène :D

[ali-annals]

Chaotic Coffee Zombies- One

Masterlist Chapter Two Chapter Three

Pairing: Timari

Rating: T

CW: Mentioned off-screen character death, Tim is slightly OOC

Taglist (open): @aquilavela @ghostdoodlen @jennifer-rose123 @questioning-blob-of-fog

A/N: Happy birthday to my first bae @aquilavela!! I hope you have a wonderful year<3

~~~~~

“Kaalki, voyage! Divide! Spots off!” Marinette stumbled through the portal into her room and froze.

Oops.

“Young lady, what do you think you’re doing?”

She squared her shoulders and faced her parents. “Surprise?”

“Why didn’t you tell us?” “I couldn’t because…magic. But since I’ve just taken Hawkmoth and Mayura’s Miraculous, I guess now I can? Maman, Papa, I’m Ladybug, hero of Paris.” And Grand Guardian, she added silently, crossing her fingers behind her back.

“That’s why you were- oh, sweetie, if we’d known…” Sabine’s arms wrapped around Marinette, Tom engulfing both of them from the side. “I’m so sorry, honey. But you said you have Hawkmoth’s Miraculous?”

“I’ve settled with him,” Mari said grimly. “I don’t need to be Ladybug anymore.”

“He’s…you didn’t…”

“No, no, he’s still alive. I did punch him several times before I fixed everything, though.”

“As you should’ve,” Sabine nodded proudly. “You know we would have understood if…” she trailed off again, the whole situation making her usually chatty mother at a loss for words. “I’m sorry.”

Tikki flew out from behind Marinette’s back. “It’s not your fault for not knowing, Mme. Cheng! The Miraculous magic does a good job of keeping its wielder’s identity hidden. You should be proud of the- your daughter! She is the best Ladybug I’ve ever worked with!”

Tom and Sabine stared at the kwami in shock.

“Maman, Papa, this is Tikki, my kwami. She’s the ladybug kwami of Order, Creation, and Good Luck.”

~~~

After supper, once some of the shock wore off, Tom and Sabine had a good long talk with Marinette about the past five years. Tears and laughter were freely expressed as they were finally able to be openly emotional.

Luckily, school had just ended three days ago, so Marinette didn’t have to get up early for school. Once Nadja Chamack and Ladybug reported that Hawkmoth and Mayura were finally defeated, most of Paris shut down for the week to vent. The weeks after would be soon enough for celebration.

Mari explained the whole situation with Lila, and how Chloe and Kagami were the only friends she had left.

Now that Hawkmoth was gone, she could freely leave Paris. She still loved the city, but it had taken too much from her, and she needed a change. Tom and Sabine agreed.

“We’ll move to America,” they decided. “Your uncle Jagged is from Gotham; he’ll know good universities for you to attend.”

~~~

Jagged was ecstatic to have Mari closer to his home, and eagerly loaded her up with links and places to check out. He offered to write her letters of recommendation for whatever she wanted, confident in her abilities to pursue her dreams in any field.

A realtor friend of his found a shop with living quarters above it, like their current house, in a good part of town and for a decent price. After some renovations, it would be a dream bakery.

She could attend Gotham Academy for her Grade 12 credits and graduate in December, thanks to the way her French requirements translated to American credits.

It didn’t take the Dupain-Chengs long to pack up, sell the bakery, and fly to Gotham, New Jersey. Not a word was said to her former classmates. Only Chloe knew where Mari was, and she’d never tell. After her apology and joining of Mari’s squad, she was mostly ignored by the others. Chloe and Kagami were saddened to see their best friend leave, but knew a new environment would be more conducive to her healing and growth.

At least they had video calls and texts to keep in contact.

~~~

While the renovations were being completed, the Dupain-Cheng family shacked up at Jagged and Penny’s Gotham mansion. It was nowhere near as large as some of Gotham’s Old Elite family’s mansions, such as Wayne Manor or Drake Manor, but it was definitely sufficient for the five of them (six, counting Fang).

Mari had a lot of fun working with Jagged and Penny on his new album, both on songs and styling. She was recording background vocals for Jagged on a bonus track when her parents stopped by the built-in studio.

“Mari, you sound amazing, sweetie! I can’t wait to hear the rest of your songs! We’re going to the bakery to check on the renovations, and then have a lunch date; we should be back around two. We can bake your birthday cake with you then, if you want?”

“Sure, that sounds great. Have fun!” Mari hugged her parents quickly. “Oh, did you get the lemons for the peel garnish?”

“Oh, no, we didn’t. We’ll pick them up on our way home. Love you!”

“I love you too!”

Months later, she was glad those were the last words they shared.

“Marinette, honey?” 

She glanced up at Penny’s approach, flipping through a catalogue for inspiration for Jagged’s new suit. Why was Penny crying?

“There was a bank robbery. Your parents were helping some kids hide when…I’m so sorry, sweetie.”

Marinette didn’t want to believe it, but some intuition in her gut told her that Penny was telling the truth. She collapsed into her arms, weeping.

~~~

The next morning, Mari emerged early from her room. Though she knew she didn’t have to, she explained anyway. “I’m wearing red, not black, because it was their favourite colour on me, especially after they found out I was Ladybug. Penny, do you think it’s possible for me to have died yesterday as well? And then can I become legally emancipated? I was researching last night…this morning, I guess, and I think I’ve got things figured out. I just want you to check them to make sure they’re sound and y-you approve.”

She would not break down, dammit. She had a life figured out and she needed to follow it now.

Jagged started to speak but Penny cut him off with a warning glare. She’s coping…she’s used to bottling up her feelings…she just needs some time.

Penny took the papers and flipped through them. “This looks legally sound; you’ve put time and effort into planning this. You’re a strong, smart, talented young woman; I don’t know why you shouldn’t be emancipated.

“You do know we’d love to adopt you though, right?” Penny asked carefully. “If you’re worried about being a burden, please don’t be.”

“Yes, I know. I appreciate it, but…not now. I can’t.”

“We understand.” Penny patted her shoulder comfortingly. 

Jagged snapped out of his shock. “You’re welcome to stay here as long as you want, Mari! Pen’s right, we’d love to have you as our daughter officially, but in our hearts it doesn’t matter. We’ll sign anything you want.”

“Thanks, Aunt Penny, Uncle Jagged. I do have a few more papers for you to sign.” A thick file, carefully organized and colour-coded, slid along the breakfast table. Penny figured that Mari hadn’t slept all night; not that she could blame her. “Name change, legal emancipation, property transfer…” she flipped through the tabs. “Most of these we can get filed pretty quickly. Jagged’s friends with a judge here so we can probably get some things moving a bit quicker, too.”

“Great. Thank you.” Mari poured a mug of coffee, gulped it down in four sips, and poured another before leaving the room. Penny shivered, but figured if there was ever a time for overlooking something, it was now.

~~~

Thomas Dupain, Sabine Cheng, and Marinette Dupain-Cheng died on July 8th. On July 9th, Mara Stone was born. 

She bought the partially-renovated bakery and had it finished as a studio/sewing shop, with the top level furnished as MDC’s headquarters.

Mara decided that since she had a new name, future, and school, she’d change everything. Chloe, Kagami, and Penny (and sometimes even Jagged) went on shopping trips, helping her furnish her new living and working quarters and replenish her much-picked-over closet.

For a girl’s date, Kagami and Chloe dragged Mara to a spa, where she was transformed.

Her waist-length blue-black hair was chopped down to a stylish bob, the white-tipped ends just brushing her chin. Her bangs had grown out over the past couple months and now simply added layers to frame her face.

Her closet was now more befitting of a fashion designer, departing from her white, pink, and grey, and containing reds, blacks, blues, and a multitude of colours.

Courtesy of Chloe, she could now walk in heels without tripping, which, when heels became a staple in her wardrobe, added several inches to Mara’s stature.

Jagged and Penny often spent weekends driving to the beach for Marinette to practice swimming and attempt to face her fears from Syren. She was soon swimming like a duck and gained a nice tan for the first time in a while, a light spray of freckles blossoming over her cheeks and shoulders.

For the entire summer, Mara stayed away from anything Ladybug-related, beyond feeding the kwami.

But once the school year was just around the corner, she pulled out the Miracle Box from the depths of her closet. 

She wanted to rotate the kwami, so they could each have turns being out of the box. If the Bats let her, she wanted to join them on their patrols sometimes. Maybe they would introduce her to Wonder Woman, who could introduce her to Hippolyta. 

How to get their attention was the question…

Ideas filled her head as she walked home, her arms full of fabric to work on Jagged’s upcoming tour outfits, as well as hers and Penny’s– plus the spiffing up she wanted to achieve for her Gotham Academy uniform.

“Gimme yer money, lady.” A gun was shoved in her face from the dark alley. 

“Sorry, I spent it all on fabric,” she replied cheerily, nodding at the bolts in her arms, preparing to kick the robber’s gun hand.

Robin swooped down, punching the man into incapacitation.

Plan D it is!

“Oh monsieur, merci beaucoup! Vous m'avez sauvé la vie!” Mara gushed, playing the part of helpless, frightened tourist to perfection. Hugging a shocked Robin and air-kissing his cheeks, she slipped a tracker on his utility belt, underneath a compartment, where she hoped it wouldn’t be immediately found. 

“Ma’am, you shouldn’t be out alone so late.”

“Oui, oui,” she nodded shakily. “I was shopping and ah– how to say– lost the time,” she laughed self-deprecatingly, shrugging her shoulders. “Merci beaucoup.”

With a wave, she headed back in the direction she came from, just in case he decided to follow her. Luckily, he seemed to be called somewhere and left after watching her turn the corner to the more populated Diamond District. 

Once she was sure there was no tail on her, she ducked through the streets and back lanes until she reached Miracle Designs, her shop. She didn’t want to be known as MDC here yet. After she graduated and had time to handle large orders, then she planned to announce her identity.

Mara stored her fabrics on their appropriate shelves, locked up, and portalled back to her room in Stone Manor. Why all the Gotham Elite’s houses were [surname] Manor, she wasn’t sure, but she thought they deserved more creativity if they were going to go to the trouble of naming their houses.

After supper, she helped wash the dishes, then told Jagged and Penny she was transforming and going out for a bit.

Pulling out the receiver for her tracker, she saw that its last signal originated from a house just down the road…Wayne Manor.

Ha! She was right! 

She’d suspected the Waynes were the Bats for a while now. They had excuses, alibis, even Bruce Wayne and Batman in the same place at the same time. The public were convinced there was no way the Bats were the Waynes, except for a handful of hard-core conspiracy theorists.

But as someone who had a secret identity and access to magic, she knew how easy it was to create excuses and body doubles. If the Bats were really as smart as they seemed to be, it would be a piece of cake for them to keep their two personas separate. Especially if they had access to alien tech via the Justice League and were filthy rich, with access to elite tech and disguises.

Martian Manhunter was a shapeshifter, was he not? It would be easy enough for him to impersonate either Bruce or Batman, especially since he worked with the Bats. Trixx had done an excellent job of illusioning Marinette and Ladybug talking to each other before- it wasn’t that hard.

“Kaalki, voyage!”

Mare portalled into the Batcave, internally fangirling just a tiny bit. It is real!!!

She stepped around the corner, hands up. “I wish to speak to Batman.”

“How did you get in here?” Gotham’s Dark Knight asked, hand on a Batarang.

“I made a portal. Have you heard about Paris?” “What about it?”

Mare explained the situation from the past five years, ending with her retirement as Ladybug. By then the entire Batclan had gathered and were listening in shock at what had transpired, things they had no idea about.

“We never heard a word about that.”

“So, which…Miraculous are you using, and what’s your vigilante name?”

“The horse. It creates portals. My name is Mare.” Mara had specifically chosen Mare as her name, since it sounded similar to her civilian name and she could brush off an accidental reply to the wrong name.

“Let’s spar and see how you do,” grunted the Bat. “I’m not putting someone in danger under my mantle.”

Violent coughing sounded from the cluster of Bats behind him, which he ignored.

“You pass,” nodded Batman approvingly. 

Yes! All her training paid off!

“You can join us when you wish, as long as you give us a heads up. Oracle will give you a comm so you can connect to our channels so no mishaps occur.”

“Was that you or your Miraculous?” asked Robin. 

“My Miraculous suits protect my body and give me power-ups and magical abilities, but I have to call upon them to use them. My fighting skills are all me, Bird Boy.”

Robin’s jaw dropped. “Bird Boy?!”

Mara wondered if maybe she shouldn’t possibly insult her new coworkers and boss’s son(?) before she’d even officially joined the team, but her worry was allayed a moment later.

“You even screech like one!” cackled Red Hood, pointing at Robin derisively. The Bats quickly descended into anarchy.

It made a little ache appear in Mara’s heart and she absently rubbed at her chest. She missed her old friends and team at times like these, even if they’d outgrown each other long ago. “Voyage.” In the chaos, she escaped to her room, where she cried into a pillow.

~~~

Miracle Designs was decorated in creams and neutrals, with pops of colour dotted around, creating a rainbow for Mara to live and work in. The kwami had had a hand in decorating and deciding what things would look like, and now everyone was happy with their new living situation.

Gotham Academy was a twelve-minute walk from MD; a nice stroll most days. Penny had completed the enrollment signings and picked up her uniforms the week previous; now the only thing that remained was actually attending the academy.

Occupied with creating the Stones’ tour outfits, revamping her own wardrobe and uniforms, and adapting to life on her own, Mara was far too busy to accommodate commissions at that time. MDC’s website asked for her clients’ patience while she settled in North America, much to one Tim Drake-Wayne’s sadness.

~~~

Mara woke bright and early, having had a good sleep for a change. Still, she needed her coffee. On her first week in Gotham, she discovered a lovely coffee shop that sold an amazing blend of energy– Goth Bean, it was called.

She threw on her uniform and headed down the street to Goth Bean. Luckily, it was on her way to the Academy. She requested her usual order, the barista growing ever more concerned that there were two coffee zombies in this city (or as she called them, combies).

Mara Stone strolled into school unnoticed and slid into an empty seat in her first class. Picking a boy to attempt to befriend–he looked like he needed her coffee more than her– she turned to the tired boy she sat beside. “Macaron? I have some gluten-free ones, if you prefer. I’m Mara Stone, by the way.”

She’d cried all the night before as she made the macarons, the first and last year she made them alone before her first day of school.

“Thanks. Tim Drake.” He took one, sniffing it cautiously. “These smell as good as Alfred’s!”

“Is that a compliment?” she asked teasingly, handing him her coffee.

He looked at it, then her, perplexed.

She shrugged. “I drank half, but you look like you need the remainder more. Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned or whatever. Neither are the cookies, by the way.”

“Thanks.” He still looked at her suspiciously, but chugged the coffee anyway. “And yes, that’s a compliment. Alfred makes the best cookies…I think you should have a bake off. I can judge.”

Marinette snickered, ducking her head when the teacher entered the classroom.

Maybe she could make some new friends after all.

She found herself in classes with Tim all day, except for one period. Compared to Europe’s curriculum, the classes were a breeze (though they would’ve been harder if she hadn’t studied English until she was fluent in it.)

She noticed Tim also whipped through the work, completing most of the homework in class; it turned into a friendly competition. Although, noting the glint in Tim’s eye, she second-guessed the friendly part of the competition.

Their teachers noticed, groaned inwardly, and wondered what they’d done to deserve having Tim Drake in their class, together with the new student, and apparently in academic rivalry.

However, the new girl did keep the Wayne kid from taking over the classes somewhat, so maybe this wasn’t all bad…

The first half of their classes were spent doing the work and quietly heckling each other, the second half mocking the curriculum and planning ways to better teach the school (their hypothetical students would hate them unless they were also certified geniuses).

The other students found Mara nice, especially when she distributed cookies; she was also found terrifying, especially since she got along too well with Tim Drake!

The third day of school found the two coffee addicts pairing up to work on a project. 

“I’d offer to go to my house, but my brothers are…extreme. Can we go to yours, or somewhere like a coffee shop, instead?”

“Sure, my place is fine. Leave now?”

“Sounds good.”

They walked to MD, Mari taking him in the back way so that her designs wouldn’t be seen or disturbed. “This is me!” she said brightly, changing from her kitten heels to her house slippers.

“Nice place,” agreed Tim, looking around. “Is that- do you have two Keurigs?”

“Yep, I need them a lot. Do you want some of my magical energy brew? You look a bit sleepy.”

“Sure; what’s in it?”

“Trade secret,” she winked. “Want to spead the work on the table over there while I make it?”

“Sure. What were you thinking for the format?”

“Wow, this is a magic energy boost! I love coffee,” sighed Tim.

“Thanks, I added a little extra just for you.” It’ll help keep you safer.

~~~

“Whatcha lookin’ at, Timmers?” Jason flopped over his chair, twisting unnaturally to see the screen.

“Move, Jason. You’re heavy. I’m looking up a classmate; she’s new and I need to confirm she isn’t a threat.”

“Boring.” Jason left to find Dick to bug.

[ Mara Stone

07/09/2006 (17)

AFAB

College Francois Dupont  Paris, France

GPA: 4.0

Class President (Raised $30,000 USD via various fundraisers and events)

Note: Parents recently deceased; legally emancipated ]

Hmm…interesting.

~~~

“Hey, Mara. You finished the project?” Tim slid into “his” seat beside her, sliding a to-go cup from Goth Bean across the desk.

“Yep, you?” She gulped the cup in twenty seconds, impressing and worrying Tim.

“Are you okay?”

“Of course! Why not? I was just up late working on some art.”

“Uh huh. Late being another definition of all night?”

“Like you’re one to talk,” she sniffed. “I do it all the time; I’m fine.”

“What type of art?” TIm ignored the truth Mara pointed out.

“An outfit for my uncle. I design clothes for him and my aunt sometimes.”

“Oh cool. So you’re into fashion?”

“Yep. I like to design and make clothes. My ex-friend was a model for his dad actually; it’s kind of funny. I guess birds of a feather flock together.”

Tim looked at her, then back at the board. “Who’s your favourite designer? Mine’s MDC– I dunno if you’ve heard of them– they’re still pretty niche, but they put so much attention to detail into their works. I’ve been trying to commission them forever but they haven’t been open in ages,” he moaned into the desk, missing Mara’s double take and choke on her coffee.

“I don’t have a favourite designer currently, but I do agree with you MDC has some nice work.”

“Nice work? I’m offended on behalf of MDC. They put so much work into all their designs!”

Mara sunk into her seat more and more as Tim defended her alter ego to her face.

Tim’s mental file on Mara gained several more notes.

[ Name: Mara Stone

Age: 17

Birthday: 07/09/2006

Birthplace: Paris, France

Notes: 

Caffeine addict (Insomniac)

Legally emancipated

Ex-friend is a model

Ex-friend’s family is into fashion

Has bad blood with exes

Is into fashion

Is indifferent to MDC! ]

~~~

[wingedcupcaketimemachine]

**UPDATE** Rise of Ladybug and Cat Noir: Chapter 1 (Revised)

I haven't updated this fic in over a year, and my writing style has changed a lot since then, in addition to certain plot points that I wanted to change around. I'll be revising chapter 2 soon, and I plan on starting new chapters and posting my character designs at some point after that. The fic starts under the cut. Enjoy :)

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/39665769/chapters/99299832#workskin

“Don’t be bemused, it’s just the news! I’m Nadja Chamack, and today a most tragic incident has occurred. Emilie Agreste, the wife of world-renowned fashion designer Gabriel Agreste, has been officially reported missing. Mrs. Agreste disappeared while on vacation with her husband, and we have no knowledge of her current whereabouts. When taken into police custody for questioning, Gabriel Agreste had no additional information-“

Gabriel shut off the television, unable to continue listening. How many times had he rewatched the broadcast over the last 5 months, searching for any details he might have missed about his wife’s disappearance? 

He strode across his office and studied a book he found during one of his previous travels with his wife, one of the only things he had left of her. He frantically paged through the book searching for anything that would bring him some sort of closure. Frustrated, he threw the book to the ground, adding to the myriad of his broken possessions strewn across the room. Gabriel had every intent to storm out of his office before something familiar caught his eye.

Gabriel walked over and picked up the book he had carelessly thrown to the side. He studied an image of an ancient superhero. The man in the drawing wore an outfit of dark purple and stood holding a matching cane. Gabriel went to discard the book again before his face lit up with recognition. He quickly rummaged through drawers before he pulled out a brooch identical to the one worn by the man in the drawing. He attached the brooch to his suit jacket, and for a moment, nothing happened. Then, there was a great flash of purple light and a strange butterfly-like creature appeared. The creature looked at Gabriel and began to speak.

“How may I serve you, Master?”

Wayzz woke from his meditation and gasped.

“ It can’t be,” he mumbled to himself before leaving the miracle box and rushing towards Master Fu, who sat outside meditating. 

“Master,” called Wayzz as he flew in front of the man’s face, “The strangest thing has happened.”

“What is it, Wayzz?” the old man asked.

“It’s the butterfly miraculous, Master. I believe it is here in Paris.”

“The butterfly miraculous?” he said, eyes widening, “I thought it had been lost forever.”

“There’s something else, Master,” said Wayzz, “I felt a negative aura. I believe it has fallen into the wrong hands.”

Fu stood.

“We must find Nooroo and his miraculous at once. Who knows what evils will occur as long as he’s in the wrong hands.”

“Please be reasonable, Master,” Wayzz said urgently, “You are not as young as you once were. You will not be able to do this alone.”

“I’m only 186 years old,” said Master Fu irritably, “But you are right, Wayzz. I cannot do this alone. I need help.”

Master Fu retrieved the miracle box from its hiding place, before grabbing two pieces of magical jewelry; a pair of polka dot earrings, and a black ring.

“Are you sure about this, Master,” asked Wayzz, “This may not be wise. We cannot risk another miraculous falling into the wrong hands. Especially one as powerful as the ladybug or the black cat.”

“I have no choice, Wayzz. The butterfly miraculous is in use again, and I’m sure it has fallen into the wrong hands. I’m much too old to do this alone anymore,”

Master Fu grabbed a small jewelry box and quickly left his apartment.

“Marinette! Your alarm has been going off for the past fifteen minutes! You’re going to be late for school,” called Sabine from downstairs.

“Coming, Mama,” said Marinette as she slid from under the covers.

Marinette climbed from her loft bed and gazed at her reflection in her bedroom mirror. Her dark hair was messy, and her gray eyes were hazy and half-lidded from sleep. She freshened herself up and joined her mother in the kitchen.

“It’s a big day today, Marinette,” said Sabine as she poured herself a glass of orange juice, “Your first day of high school. You’ll get a fresh new start.”

“Not likely,” replied Marinette with a frown, “I’ll bet anything that Chloé will be in my class again.”

“Four years in a row? That seems pretty unlikely,”

Marinette shrugged and lazily stirred her cereal as her father walked into the kitchen holding a tray of freshly baked macaroons.

“Those are awesome, papa!” Marinette said as she saw the pastries, “I’m sure my new classmates will love these.”

“Glad you like them,” said Tom with a crinkled eye smile, “But I couldn’t have made them without the help of your amazing designs.”

“Thanks, Papa,” Marinette said, grabbing her school bag, “See you tonight,” she called before rushing downstairs.

As Marinette exited the bakery, the street was much busier than usual. She checked her phone and sighed when she saw she only had five minutes to get to school before the bell rang. So much for a fresh start. 

The light finally changed and Marinette began crossing the street with the other passengers. Suddenly, a car began speeding down the street, paying no attention to the pedestrians crossing the street.

It was chaos. People were scrambling in all directions, trying to avoid the speeding car.

Marinette began to run, but she noticed a short old man wearing a red floral shirt struggling to cross the street. She made a split-second decision, and jumped in front of the man, pushing him to safety.

“Are you alright sir?” she asked .

The man nodded and helped Marinette gather the things that had fallen out of her school bag.

“That was a very brave thing you just did,” he said, “Few people would have done that.”

Before she could come up with a response, the old man stood up, grabbed his cane, and hobbled away.

Marinette looked and saw her box of macaroons had been trampled during the chaos. She checked her phone and realized she was already five minutes late for homeroom. Awesome.

Luckily, since it was only the first day of school, Marinette was far from the last one in the classroom, and was able to slip into an empty seat without a scolding from her new teacher. She had barely settled into her new seat before a perfectly manicured hand slammed onto the table in front of her.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng,” called the voice from above her.

Marinette looked up at the girl glaring down at her. Chloé hadn't changed from the last time she saw her. She still had the same golden-blonde hair and icy blue eyes staring down at her as if she were some sort of pest. Marinette rolled her eyes impatiently.

“What do you want, Chloé?” she asked.

“What I want is you out of my seat. Adrien is coming today, and since that is going to be his seat,” she pointed to the empty spot beside Marinette, “This is going to be my seat.”

Marinette looked at her, confused.

“Who’s Adrien?” she asked, “And where is he?”

Chloé cackled and looked at her friend Sabrina.

“Can you believe she doesn’t know who Adrien is? What kind of rock have you been living under, Dupain-Cheng?”

“He’s only a super famous model,” Sabrina said.

Marinette looked down at the table, ashamed. Was she supposed to know who this Adrien was?

“Why don't you get out of my seat and go sit with four eyes over there?” said Chloe, “You don’t deserve to sit next to Adrien if you don’t even know who he is.”

“Who elected you class president,” said a new voice.

Marinette looked up and saw a girl with black glasses and ombre red hair that complimented her dark skin.

Chloé stood up and looked the girl in the eye.

“You look like you’re new around here, so I’ll let you off with a warning,” she said, “My daddy is the mayor of this city. I run this school. You and Dupain-Cheng should take my advice and sit in those seats over there unless you want to get expelled on your first day.”

Chloé waved sarcastically to them as the girl with the glasses grabbed Marinette by the arm and dragged her to the two empty seats on the other side of the classroom.

“Sorry about her,” Marinette said as they sat down, “Chloé’s been this way ever since kindergarten and no one can do anything about it.”

“No worries, girl,” she said, reaching out her hand, “I’m Alya.”

Marinette smiled and shook her hand.

“Marinette.”

She opened the box of macaroons and saw that only one was left intact.

“Friends?” she asked, offering one half to Alya.

Alya smiled as she took it.

“Friends.”

Adrien checked his watch irritably as he arrived at the school. It was his first day at a normal school and he was already running late. He didn’t want to start off with a bad first impression. He was already in enough trouble as it was sneaking off to school without his father’s permission, and he didn’t much like the idea of being caught by his bodyguard before he even entered school grounds. He glanced back at his watch. He had five minutes. He tightened his grip on his bag and rushed up the street, before abruptly crashing into something, and spilling the contents of his school bag all over the pavement. Adrien curses under his breath and starts to gather his things before he ground before he looks up at what he bumped into.

In his line of vision was a short Chinese man, who was sprawled on the ground with his cane a few feet away from him. Adrien took a moment to inspect the man’s strange attire; a red Hawaiian shirt, and tan cargo shorts. As he analyzed the old man, Adrien realized that his belongings had also been thrown across the pavement due to their collision. Before Adrien was able to finish gathering his things, he spotted two familiar figures running up to him; his bodyguard and his father’s assistant, Nathalie.

“Adrien, what are you doing out here? Your father’s been worried sick,” Nathalie said disapprovingly, “Gather you things and get in the car. You’re returning home immediately.” 

Adrien felt a sudden flash of anger at the old man, who was still struggling to stand without his cane.

“Thanks a lot, old man,” he said before sweeping the rest of his belongings in his bag, and grabbing the cane off the ground, shoving it harshly in the man’s direction.

“Thank you, young man,” said the old man, as he grabbed his cane and gathered his fallen belongings.

Adrien didn’t respond as he angrily got into the car before it sped off.

Adrien had never considered himself afraid of his father. Sure, when he disobeyed his rules, which tended to happen more often than not these days, his father could become quite strict and irritable, but never to the point where Adrien had felt fear. But now, as he stood across from his father, he understood why others were so often intimidated by Gabriel Agreste. As he stood, waiting patiently for his father to speak, he took the time to analyze his father. With a jolt, he realized how little he had seen of his father in the past few months following his mother’s disappearance. He noticed his father’s blond hair, which had grown much more gray than what he remembered, his crisp white suite that blended perfectly with the stark white that donned his office, and the thick glasses that framed his cold, calculating gray eyes. After what felt like an eternity, his father finally addressed him.

“Adrien, I have already told you countless times. You are not going to school. I thought I made myself clear.”

Adrien suddenly felt very small.

“But father–”

“But nothing, Adrien,” his father interrupted coldly, “Everything you need is in this house where I can keep an eye on you. You have no reason to be outside in that dangerous world.”

“It’s not dangerous, Father,” Adrien pleaded, “I’ve always been stuck here by myself. Why can’t I just go to school and be normal like everyone else?”

“Because you’re not like everyone else! You are my son!” Gabriel said sharply, “Do you have any more unreasonable requests, or can I return to my office?”

“No, father,” Adrien said, refusing to meet Gabriel’s eyes.

Gabriel crossed the room, coming closer towards Adrien before placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“I know that I may seem strict and unreasonable at times, Adrien, but you must know that I’m doing this to keep you safe. Everything I do is for your own good. Do you understand that, Adrien?”

Adrien looked up to meet his father’s gray eyes, which, suddenly, didn't seem so cold and distant.

“Yes, father,” he said at last.

To his father’s dismay, Adrien had not changed his mind after their talk the previous day. He made sure to sneak out much earlier than he had the day before, and was able to slip out of the manor undetected. As he snuck through the silent halls of the manor, Adrien felt a pang of guilt as he spotted his father asleep at his office desk through the wide open doors. He knew that his father worked tirelessly to give him the best life he could, but, as he had come to realize over the past several months, his father didn’t always know best, and Adrien needed to be able to make some decisions for himself. Adrien tore his eyes away from the father and quickly snuck out of the manor before he could be caught.

This time, Adrien was able to enter the school without being caught by his bodyguard, or being knocked over by another old man. The thought of the man from yesterday caused a flash of anger. He was sure he wouldn’t have been caught by Nathalie if he hadn’t slowed him down. Adrien swallowed his anger and entered the classroom. 

“Adrikins!” called Chloé as he sat down, “I was afraid you weren’t coming.”

Marinette stares wide-eyed at the blonde boy sitting next to Chloé.

“That’s Adrien Agreste,” she says to Alya.

Alya looks over at the two blondes.

“Who’s Adrien?” she asks, as she peers at him over her glasses, “Is he famous or something, like Chloé?”

“He’s only a super famous model, and the son of Gabriel Agreste, my all-time favorite fashion designer! I can’t believe I didn’t recognize his name before!”

“Well, if he’s friends with Chloé he can’t be all that great,” said Alya.

Marinette looked over at Adrien, who was busy ignoring Chloé.

“Yeah. I guess you might be right.”

Adrien arrived early for class on his second day and took his seat next to Chloé. It took him longer than it should have to realize that Chloé wasn’t actually sitting next to him. Adrien scanned the room before he spotted her and her friend Sabrina at a table on the other side of the room. He sighed and walked over.

“What exactly are you two doing,” he asked as he walked over.

“Those girls that sat here yesterday need a little adjustment to their attitude,” she said, “I’m simply demanding a bit of respect, that’s all.”

“Is it necessary to put gum on their seat?” he asked raising his eyebrow, “That seems pretty immature to me,”

Chloé looked at him like he was some sort of pitiful animal.

“Oh, Adrikins. You have a lot to learn about how things run around here. Some people are born to be at the top, while others are meant to stay beneath us. Those two brats need to remember their place.”

Adrien rolled his eyes at her.

“You’re acting like a toddler,” he said as he tried picking the gum off of the seat.

The second day of school started off a lot more smoothly for Marinette. She had actually woken up before her alarm and even had time to eat breakfast before going off to school. For a mere second, she could have sworn she saw the old man she had run into the day before, but as soon as she blinked, he was gone.

“That’s odd,” she thought to herself before continuing on her way to school. As she walked up to the school, Marinette quickly spotted Alya standing at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for her. The girls had quickly become friends after spending the first day of school together and they were practically attached at the hip.

“Hey, girl,” Alya called, waving her over.

Marinette waved back, and the two girls walked into the school together.

“Ready for another exciting day of school?” asked Alya with a sly grin.

Marinette rolled her eyes playfully.

“Yeah. I’m so excited to spend another day with Chloé. That sounds like a dream come true.”

The two girls giggled to themselves as they entered the classroom before they witnessed a scene that shocked both of them.

“Hey!” Marinette called as she stomped over to Adrien, ”What do you think you’re doing?”

Adrien jumped up and gaped at Marinette as Chloé and Sabrina cackled from the other side of the room.

“Oh, I get it,” Marinette said, narrowing her eyes, ”Great job, you three. Very funny.”

Adrien stood up and glared down at her.

“Actually, I was just trying to take the gum off your seat,” he said with an icy tone, “You should be grateful that I went out of my way to help you,”

“You’re friends with Chloé, right?” she asked.

Adrien’s eyes widened in shock.

“Figures,” said Marinette with a huff before walking to her seat.

Adrien rolled his eyes and walked over to his seat next to Chloé, before seeing Sabrina already sitting there. He grabbed his things irritably and walked to the only empty seat. On the other side of the bench, there was a boy sitting there, scrolling through his phone. The boy had deep brown skin and eyes framed by a pair of black glasses. What Adrien found the most notable about his appearance was the pair of large headphones around his neck.

Adrien cleared his throat and went up to him.

“Do you mind if I sit here?” he asked, “Someone took my old seat.”

 The boy shrugged and Adrien set down his stuff and sat next to him.

“I’m Adrien,” he said and stuck out his hand for the boy to shake.

The boy didn’t look up from his phone as he responded.

“I know who you are,” he said, “Hell, everyone in Paris knows who you are.”

He paused for a moment before speaking again.

“You’re friends with Chloé, aren’t you?” he asked.

Adrien shrugged.

“I guess so,”

The boy looked up from his phone and looked Adrien in the eye.

“Why do you put up with her anyway? You don’t really seem like the bullying type,” he asked, “I saw you try to stop them from putting gum on that girl’s seat. Why didn’t you tell her it was all Chloé’s idea? ”

“I’ve known Chloé my whole life, ever since we were kids,” Adrien said, suddenly feeling very vulnerable, “I can’t just throw her under the bus like that. She’s the only friend I have.”

“Well, in that case, it sounds like you need new friends, dude. I’m Nino.”

Adrien shook his hand gratefully and showed him a rare smile as Miss Bustier walked into the room to start class. He was right. His father didn’t always know best.

[ao3feed-ladynoir]

Ladybug and Chat Noir, Unfiltered

ladybug and chat noir, unfiltered by juatmagicalgirl

when they are scheduled for an interview with Nadja for the first time after the Prime Queen fiasco, Chat uses his Adrien interview knowledge to help Ladybug prepare a script

Nadja might not know they had a script, though.

prompt: gen fic

Words: 1246, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 17 of 2k23 fic wars

Fandoms: Miraculous Ladybug

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: Gen

Characters: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Nadja Chamack

Relationships: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir & Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

Additional Tags: Crack, Interviews, Trans Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Coming Out, Hot Mess Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, they share One (1) brain cell, Aged-Up Character(s), to 16

Read Here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/47813035

[ladysunamireads]

Watching Miraculous Ladybug

Watching Miraculous Ladybug by Jamoncito Fail

The students of Françoise Dupont in Marinette's class were having a normal day until two boys and a girl arrive who make them wake up in a strange place

Words: 2552, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Miraculous Ladybug

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M

Characters: Emma Agreste, Hugo Agreste, Louis Agreste, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Alya Césaire, Nino Lahiffe, Nathaniel Kurtzberg, Marc Anciel, Ivan Bruel, Mylène Haprèle, Lê Chiến Kim, Alix Kubdel, Rose Lavillant, Juleka Couffaine, Max Kanté, Sabrina Raincomprix, Luka Couffaine, Kagami Tsurugi, Clara Nightingale, Jagged Stone, Penny Rolling, Tom Dupain, Sabine Cheng, Nadja Chamack, Caline Bustier, Principal Damocles, Ms. Mendeleiev, Lila Rossi, Chloé Bourgeois, Gabriel Agreste, Nathalie Sancoeur, Plagg, Tikki

Relationships: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Alya Césaire/Nino Lahiffe, Marc Anciel/Nathaniel Kurtzberg, Juleka Couffaine/Rose Lavillant, Ivan Bruel/Mylène Haprèle, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug & Classmates

Additional Tags: Watching, Akuma Attack, no beta we die like Emilie Agreste, How Do I Tag, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, Cross-Posted on Wattpad, Adrinette | Adrien Agreste/Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Past Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Kagami Tsurugi, Past Luka Couffaine/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Lila Rossi's Lies Are Exposed, Lila Rossi Bashing, Lila Rossi Lies, My beta is Google documents, Reaction, Akuma Battle, Post-Episode: s03 Miracle Queen (The Battle of the Miraculous Part 2), Miraculous Ladybug Love Square, Fluff, Pre-Reveal Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Marichat | Adrien Agreste as Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Ladynoir | Adrien Agreste as Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng as Ladybug, Ladrien | Adrien Agreste/Marinette Dupain-Cheng as Ladybug, Plagg is a Little Shit, Plagg Cares, Plagg Being Plagg, Tikki Is So Done, Protective Tikki, Time Travel, kind of, Fix-It, Identity Reveal, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug Identity Reveal, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir Identity Reveal, Gabriel Agreste Revealed as Papillion | Hawk Moth

Read Here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/45606841

[marcmarcmomarc]

Miraculous 2: New York

Directed by

@miraculouslbcnreactions

@zoe-oneesama

Produced by

TBA

Associate Producer

TBA

Based on the TV show created by

Thomas Astruc

Story & Screenplay by

@jacquesthepigeon, @miraculouslbcnreactions

@red-balloon12, & @zoe-oneesama

Original Songs by

TBA

Music by

TBA

Original Miraculous Themes by

Alain Garcia

Noam Kaniel

Jeremy Zag

Original Crossover Media Themes by

Kristopher Carter, Andrea Datzman

Michael Giacchino, Henry Jackman

Michael McCuistion, Mark Mothersbaugh

Thomas Newman, Lolita Ritamanis

Alan Silvestri, & Joby Talbot

Story Supervisor(s)

TBA

Edited by

TBA

Production Designer(s)

TBA

Visual Effects Supervisor(s)

TBA

Production Manager(s)

TBA

Animation Supervisor(s)

TBA

Director(s) of Photography

TBA

Associate Visual Effects Supervisor(s)

TBA

Shading Supervisor(s)

TBA

Character Supervisor(s)

TBA

Sets Supervisor(s)

TBA

Tailoring & Simulation Supervisor(s)

TBA

Effects Supervisor(s)

TBA

Compositing Supervisor(s)

TBA

Crowds Animation Supervisor(s)

TBA

Crowds Technical Supervisor(s)

TBA

Global Technology Supervisor(s)

TBA

Dailies & Rendering Supervisor(s)

TBA

Character Art Director(s)

TBA

Sets Art Director(s)

TBA

Color & Shading Art Director(s)

TBA

Graphics Art Director(s)

TBA

Story Manager(s)

TBA

Editorial Manager(s)

TBA

Script Supervisor(s)

TBA

Art Manager(s)

TBA

Animation & Global Tech Manager(s)

TBA

Animation Pre-Production Manager(s)

TBA

Production Finance Manager(s)

TBA

Sets & Camera Staging Manager(s)

TBA

Character & Crowds Manager(s)

TBA

Shading Manager(s)

TBA

Tailoring & Simulation Manager(s)

TBA

Effects Manager(s)

TBA

Lighting Manager(s)

TBA

Dailies & Rendering Manager(s)

TBA

Post Production Producer(s)

TBA

Sound Designer(s)

TBA

Casting by

@marcmarcmomarc

———————————————————————————-

Marinette Dupain-Cheng will return in

Miraculous 3: China

———————————————————————————-

Cast

Marinette Dupain-Cheng: Cristina Vee

Adrien Agreste: Bryce Papenbrook

Tikki: Mela Lee

Plagg: Max Mittelman

Jessica Keynes: Jaimi Gray

Sparrow: Scott Whyte

Aeon: Kimberly Woods

Olympia Hill: Anairis Quiñones

Barbara Keynes: Anairis Quiñones

Knightowl: Imari Williams

Mike “Techno-Pirate” Rochip: Kellen Goff

Jeffery Lee: Jonathan Young

Zoé Lee: Deneen Melody

———————————————————————————-

Alya Césaire: Carrie Keranen

Nino Lahiffe: Zeno Robinson

Chloé Bourgeois: Selah Victor

Trixx: Cherami Leigh

Wayzz: Christopher Corey Smith

Pollen: Cassandra Lee Morris

Sabrina Raincomprix: Cassandra Lee Morris

Kim Chiến Lê-Ature: Grant George

Max Kanté: Zeno Robinson

Rose Lavillant: Reba Buhr

Ivan Bruel: Max Mittelman

Kagami Tsurugi: Faye Mata

Nathaniel Kurtzberg: Michael Sinterniklaas

Luka Couffaine: Andrew Russell

Alix Kubdel: Kira Buckland

Marc Anciel: Alejandro Saab

Mylène Haprèle: Jessica Gee

Juleka Couffaine: Reba Buhr

Ondine: Erika Harlacher

Markov: Grant George

———————————————————————————-

Camila Hombee: Laura Stahl

Dean Gate: Alejandro Saab

Hot Dog Dan: Kellen Goff

Snowflake: Jessica DiCicco

Hurricane: Nazia Chaudhry

Mercury: Christopher Wehkamp

Sting: Sam Riegel

Thorn: John Eric Bentley

Agent Red: Laura Bailey

Agent Blue: Alexis Tipton

Agent Yellow: Lindsay Seidel

Delmar: Cedric Williams

Liiri: Cedric Williams

———————————————————————————-

Tom Dupain: Christopher Corey Smith

Sabine Cheng: Anne Yatco

Gabriel Agreste: Keith Silverstein

Lila Rossi: Lisa Kay Jennings

Nathalie Sancoeur: Sabrina Weisz

Wang Fu: Paul St. Peter

Nooroo: Ben Diskin

Nadja Chamack: Sabrina Weisz

Nora Césaire: Laila Berzins

Émilie Agreste: Colleen O’Shaughnessey

Duusu: Melissa Fahn

Marianne Lenoir: Barbara Goodson

Manon Chamack: Stephanie Sheh

Chris Lahiffe: Alejandro Saab

Ella Césaire: Cherami Leigh

Etta Césaire: Cherami Leigh

———————————————————————————-

Barkk: Sabrina Glow

Xuppu: Sarah Weisz

Kaalki: Deneen Melody

Daizzi: Jessica Gee

Stompp: Lauren Landa

Longg: Grant George

Ziggy: Susannah Corrington

Sass: Ben Diskin

Fluff: Ryan Bartley

Orikko: Sabrina Weisz

Mullo: Deneen Melody

Roaar: Sandy Fox

———————————————————————————-

Dick Grayson (Robin): Scott Menville

Garfield Logan (Beast Boy): Greg Cipes

Victor Stone (Cyborg): Khary Payton

Koriand’r (Starfire): Hynden Walch

Rachel Roth (Raven): Tara Strong

Karen Beecher (Bumblebee): T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh

Garth ta’ldy (Aqualad): Wil Wheaton

Roy Harper (Speedy): Mike Erwin

Wally West (Kid Flash): Michael Rosenbaum

Aline Haiden (Jinx): Lauren Tom

Jason Todd (Red Hood): Curran Walters

Rose Wilson (Ravager): Pamela Adlon

Más: Freddy Rodríguez

Menos: Freddy Rodríguez

Silkie: Tara Strong

Galfore: Alan Shearman

Leonid C. Kovar (Red Star): Jason Marsden

Isaiah Crockett (Hot Spot): Bumper Robinson

Thunder: S. Scott Bullock

Lightning: Quinton Flynn

Kole Weathers: Tara Strong

John Gnarrk: Dee Bradley Baker

Wildebeest: Dee Bradley Baker

Tramm: Dave Coulier

Melvin: Luci Christian

Teether: Tara Strong

Timmy Tantrum: Grey DeLisle

Toni Louise Monetti (Argent): Hynden Walch

Rosabelle Mendez (Pantha): Diane Delano

Mal Duncan (Herald): Khary Payton

Ryuku Orsono (Bushido): Tadanobu Asano

Steve Dayton (Mento): Xander Berkeley

Cliff Steele (Robot Man): Peter Onorati

Larry Trainor (Negative Man): Judge Reinhold

Rita Farr (Elasti-Girl): Tara Strong

Nosyarg Kcid (Larry): Dee Bradley Baker

Angela Roth (Arella): Virginia Madsen

Fixit: Tom Kenny

Val-Yor: Stephen Root

Chu-Hui: Takayo Fischer

Sarasim: Kimberly Brooks

Spike: John DiMaggio

Buster Moon: Matthew McConaughey

Rosita: Reese Witherspoon

Ash: Scarlett Johansson

Johnny: Taron Egerton

Meena: Tori Kelly

Gunter: Nick Kroll

Eddie Noodleman: John C. Reilly

Miss Crawly: Garth Jennings

Clay Calloway: Bono

Porsha Crystal: Halsey

Nooshy: Letitia Wright

Suki Lane: Chelsea Peretti

Darius: Eric André

Alfonso: Pharrell Williams

Nana Noodleman: Jennifer Saunders

Big Daddy: Peter Serafinowicz

Norman: Nick Offerman

Meena’s Grandfather: Jay Pharaoh

Meena’s Mother: Leslie Jones

Meena’s Grandmother: Laraine Newman

Stan: Adam Buxton

Barry: Jim Cummings

Hiro Hamada: Ryan Potter

Baymax: Scott Adsit

Fred Fredrickson: Brooks Wheelan

Wasabi No Ginger: Damon Wayans Jr.

Ethel (Go Go Tomago): Jamie Chung

Honey Lemon: Génesis Rodríguez

Cass Hamada: Maya Rudolph

Allistair Krei: Alan Tudyk

Riley Andersen: Kensington Tallman

Jill Andersen: Diane Lane

Bill Andersen: Kyle MacLachlan

Grace Hsieh: Grace Lu

Bree Young: Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green

Valentina Ortiz: Lilimar

Dani: Melanie Injeyan

Ally: Libi Rose

Sofia: Anaiya Asomugha

Nour: Deya Nurani

Coach Roberts: Yvette Nicole Brown

WALL-E: Ben Burtt

EVE: Elissa Knight

Captain B. McCrea: Jeff Garlin

M-O: Ben Burtt

John: John Ratzenberger

Mary: Kathy Najimy

PR-T: Lori Richardson

VAQ-M: Carlos Alazraqui

VN-GO: Carlos Alazraqui

POW-R: Ben Burtt

SR-V: Carlos Alazraqui

HAN-S: Ben Burtt

GRAB-E: Ben Burtt

FIX-IT: Carlos Alazraqui

D-FIB: Tara Strong

BRL-A: Ben Burtt

Junior: Andy Samberg

Tulip: Katie Crown

Jasper: Danny Trejo

Alpha Wolf: Keegan-Michael Key

Beta Wolf: Jordan Peele

Pigeon Toady: Stephen Kramer Glickman

Leo: Adam Sandler

Squirtle: Bill Burr

Ms. Virginia Malkin: Cecily Strong

Summer Chapman: Sunny Sandler

Jayda Wenger: Sadie Sandler

Eli: Roey Smigel

Skyler: TienYa Safko

Mia Ruiz: Reese Lores

Anthony Martello: Ethan Smigel

Logan: Gloria Manning

Cole Wiseki: Carson Minniear

Kabir: Benjamin Bottani

Zane: Coulter Ibanez

Cole H.: Bryant Hardy & Corey J.

T.J.: Aldan Liam Phillipson

Drone: Robert Smigel

Grug Crood: Nicolas Cage

Eep Crood: Emma Stone

Guy: Ryan Reynolds

Dawn Betterman: Kelly Marie Tran

Ugga Crood: Catherine Keener

Gran Crood: Artemis Pebdani

Thunk Crood: Clark Duke

Phil Betterman: Peter Dinklage

Hope Betterman: Leslie Mann

Sandy Crood: Kailey Crawford

Belt: Chris Sanders

Sash: James Ryan

———————————————————————————-

Trigon Roth: Kevin Michael Richardson

Slade Wilson: Will Arnett

H.I.V.E. Headmistress: Andrea Romano

Mikron O’Jenesus (Gizmo): Lauren Tom

Baran Flinders (Mammoth): Kevin Michael Richardson

Billy Strayer (Billy Numerous): Jason Marsden

Seymour (See-More): Kevin Michael Richardson

Komand’r (Blackfire): Hynden Walch

Sebastian Blood (Brother Blood): John DiMaggio

The Brain: Jeff Bennett

Monsieur Mallah: Frank Welker

Laura DeMille (Madame Rouge): Hynden Walch

General Immortus: Xander Berkeley

The Amazing Mumbo: Tom Kenny

Dr. Arthur Light: Rodger Bumpass

Neil Richards (Mad Mod): Malcolm McDowell

Conrad T. Frakes (Control Freak): Alexander Polinsky

Drury Walker (Killer Moth): Thomas Haden Church

Professor Chang: James Hong

Kitten Walker: Tara Strong

Fang: Will Friedle

Puppet King: Tracey Walter

Trident: Clancy Brown

Emil LaSalle (Warp): Xander Berkeley

Atlas: Keith David

Cironielian Chrysalis Eater: Catherine Cavadini

Master of Games: Jim Cummings

Johnny Rancid: Henry Rollins

Malchior: Greg Ellis

Kardiak: Dee Bradley Baker

Adonis: Greg Cipes

Punk Rocket: Greg Ellis

Katarou: Keone Young

Mae-Eye: Lucille Soong

Andre Le Blanc: Dee Bradley Baker

Dowd (Ding Dong Daddy): David Johansson

Trogaar: Gary Sturgis

Red X: Scott Menville

Private H.I.V.E.: Greg Cipes

Baron Ryang: Khary Payton

Cinderblock: Dee Bradley Baker

Plasmus: Dee Bradley Baker

Overload: Dee Bradley Baker

Jimmy Crystal: Bobby Cannavale

Jerry: Spike Jonze

Robert Callaghan: James Cromwell

Emotions

Riley’s Joy: Amy Poehler

Riley’s Sadness: Phyllis Smith

Riley’s Anger: Lewis Black

Riley’s Fear: Tony Hale

Riley’s Disgust: Liza Lapira

Riley’s Anxiety: Maya Hawke

Riley’s Envy: Ayo Edebiri

Riley’s Ennui: Adèle Exarchopoulos

Riley’s Embarrassment: Paul Walter Hauser

Riley’s Nostalgia: June Squibb

Dad’s Anger: Pete Docter

Dad’s Fear: Carlos Alazraqui

Dad’s Sadness: Josh Cooley

Dad’s Joy: Patrick Seitz

Dad’s Disgust: J.P. Karliak

Dad’s Anxiety: Roger Craig Smith

Mom’s Sadness: Lori Alan

Mom’s Anger: Paula Pell

Mom’s Fear: Laraine Newman

Mom’s Joy: Sherry Lynn

Mom’s Disgust: Mona Marshall

Mom’s Anxiety: Mona Marshall

Singing Voices

Adrien Agreste: Drew Ryan Scott

Story

Editorial

Art

Camera & Staging

Animation

Global Technology

Dailies & Sweatbox

Simulation & Crowds

Characters

Sets

Effects

Lighting

Rendering

Production

Creative Development

Post Production

Stereoscopic 3D

Internal Production

Post Production Sound

Additional Voices

Rose Abdoo, Jason Alexander, Vida Alves-McConaughey, Wes Anderson, Jennifer Aniston, Awkwafina

Diedrich Bader, Dee Bradley Baker, Ike Barinholtz, Kelly Baskin, Brian Beacock, Morgan Berry, Nelson Beato, Paul Briggs, Paul Brittain, Reba Buhr, Ty Burrell, Adam Buxton

Nestor Carbonell, Sheila Carrasco, Dominic Catrambone, Catherine Cavadini, Allegra Clark, Blake Clark, Townsend Coleman, Josh Cooley, Christian Capozzoli, Ben Cox, Emerson Cunningham, Madeline Curry

Doug Dale, Julia Davis, Grey DeLisle, Laura Dickinson, John DiMaggio, Ben Diskin

Dorothy Fahn, John Farley, Bill Farmer, Zehra Fazal, Frankie Figliozzi, Erin Fitzgerald, Joe Fria

Germar Terrell Gardener, Heidi Gardener, Joel Marsh Garland, Ana Gasteyer, Grant George, Sean Giambrone, Isabella Gómez, André Gordon, George Griffiths, Charlotte Gulezian

Todd Haberkorn, Chris Hackney, Janie Haddad, Jon Robert Hall, John Michael Higgins, Stephanie Hsu, J.C. Hyke

Asa Jennings, Caspar Jennings, Leo Jennings, Louise Jennings, Oscar Jennings, Lileina Joy

Carrie Keranen, Elijah Kim, Jo Koy, Emily Kuroda

Mela Lee, Thomas Lennon, Sonya Leslie, Dawnn Lewis, Jenifer Lewis, Lilimar, Riki Lindhome, A.J. Locascio, Amanda Lund

Robert Marianetti, Matt Mercer, Malcolm McDowell, Dan Milano, Casey Mongillo, Naoko Mori, Brad Morris, Scott Mosier

Lucas Neff, Laraine Newman, Minae Noji

Joe Ochman, Patton Oswalt

Sunita Param, Chris Parnell, Gregory Perler, Rhea Perlman, Paul St. Peter, Adeline Krupinski Poliodoro

Alex Quijano

Chad Reisser, Dan Reitz, Chris Renaud, Andy Richter, Noah Robbins, Zeno Robinson, Jon Rudnitsky

Alejandro Saab, Jeanne Sakata, Jackie Sandler, David Shaughnessy, Rob Schneider, Laura Silverman, Keith Silverstein, Christian Slater, Robert Smigel, Christopher Corey Smith, Christopher Nicolas Smith, Anton Starkman, Haviland Stillwell, Nicole Sullivan, Susan Sullivan, Cree Summer, Nick Swardson

Jorma Taccone, Fred Tatasciore, Brian Tee, Chris Titone, Haley Tju, Tiffany Topol, Alan Tudyk, Nick Turturro

Paris Van Dyke, Rebecca Vigil

Kyra Wachtenheim, Kari Wahlgren, Ezra Weisz, Sabrina Weisz, Edgar Wright, Stevie Wonder, Kimberly Woods

Anne Yatco, Jaboukie Young-White, Ryan Yu

Music

“You Don’t Stop - NYC”

Written by Ali Dee

Performed by Chris Classic and Alana D

Property of Walt Disney Records; Copyright ©2013

“Thunderstruck”

Written by Angus Young and Malcolm Young

Performed by AC/DC

Property of Columbia Records; Copyright ©1990

Parody of “A Frigate That Flies” from “The Pirate Fairy”

Written by Gaby Alter & Itamar Moses

Performed by Kevin Michael Richardson, Will Arnett, Andrea Romano, Lauren Tom, Jason Marsden, Hynden Walch, John DiMaggio, Jeff Bennett, Frank Welker, Xander Berkeley, Tom Kenny, Rodger Bumpass, Malcolm McDowell, Alexander Polinsky, Thomas Haden Church, James Hong, and Tara Strong

Original Song Performed by Tom Hiddleston, Jim Cummings, Mick Wingert, Carlos Ponce, and Kevin Michael Richardson

Property of Walt Disney Records; Copyright ©2014

“One Big World” (from Orca Encounter at SeaWorld)

Performed by Jaimi Gray, Kimberly Woods, Reba Buhr, the Crossover Characters, and Cast

Property of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.; Copyright ©2017

ZAG Entertainment Team

Production Babies

Special Thanks

Sound created in Dolby Atmos

“Teen Titans” is property of Warner Bros. Animation; Copyright ©2003

“Sing” is property of Illumination; Copyright ©2016

“Big Hero 6” is property of Walt Disney Pictures; Copyright ©2014

“Inside Out” is property of Pixar Animation Studios; Copyright ©2015

“WALL-E” is property of Pixar Animation Studios; Copyright ©2008

“Storks” is property of Warner Animation Group; Copyright ©2016

“Leo” is property of Netflix Animation; Copyright ©2023

“The Croods” is property of DreamWorks Animation SKG; Copyright ©2013

All brands depicted in this film are protected by trademarks and copyrights owned by their respective owners.

©2026 ZAG Entertainment

All Rights Reserved

For the purposes of copyright law in the United Kingdom, ZAG Entertainment was the owner of copyright in this motion picture immediately after it was made.

Created and Produced at ZAG Entertainment Paris, France

[manilafm]

most wanted characters by the members/admins, please?

Everyone who is a member/admin. of this RPG would love to see Rose Granger-Weasley, Pansy Parkinson, Draco Malfoy, Ron Weasley, the rest of Ginny Weasley's brothers ( Percy Weasley, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, and Bill Weasley ), Cho Chang, Cedric Diggory, Mr. Remus Lupin, Katie Bell, Neville Longbottom, Mrs. Molly Weasley, Mr. Arthur Weasley, Mr. James Potter, Mrs. Lily Evans-Potter, Emma Vanity, Romilda Vane, Penelope Clearwater, Hugo Granger-Weasley, Professor Severus Snape, Professor Minerva McGonagall, Marlene McKinnon, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Sirius Black, and Oliver Wood from Harry Potter ; Gerald Johanssen, Arnold Shortman, Patricia ‘Big Patty’ Smith, Nadine, Sheena, Lila Sawyer, and Sid from Hey, Arnold! ; Payton Saunders, Autumn Brooks, Sakura Watanabe, Max Warren, Kara Sinclair, Ezra, Hope Castillo, Julian Castillo, Katherine, Koh Sunya, Derek, Nick, Shane, Wes Porter, Nishan Khandaar, Chelsea, Owen Harris, Brigette, Lacey, Kimi Chen, Quinn, Asher Rollins, Chase Cunningham, and Fibikemi ‘Phoebe’ Ayotunde from High School Story ; Sam Puckett, Freddie Benson, Carly Shay, Spencer Shay, and Gibby Gibson from iCarly ; Elena Gilbert, Hope Mikaelson, Joesette 'Josie’ Saltzman, and everyone else from The Vampire Diaries / The Originals / Legacies ( excluding Damon Salvatore, though ) ; Youngmee Song, Mrs. Eliza Biskit, Mr. Fisher Biskit, Mrs. Lauren ‘Betty’ Smith, Sue Patterson, Joshua 'Josh’ Sharp, and Mr. Roger Biskit from Littlest Pet Shop ; Adrien Agreste, Alya Césaire, Nino Lahiffe, Jessica ‘Jess’ Keynes, Alix Kubdel, Luka Couffaine, Nathalie Sancoeur, Kagami Tsurugi, Mrs. Emilie Agreste (neé Graham De Vanily), Mr. Gabriel Agreste, Lila Rossi, Mrs. Sabine Cheng, Mr. Tom Dupain, Master Wang Fu, Félix Graham De Vanily, Lê Chiến Kim, Max Kanté, Mylène Haprèle, Ivan Bruel, Nathaniel Kurtzberg, Marc Anciel, Ms. Caline Bustier, Principal Damocles, Ms. Mendeleiev, Fred Haprèle, Armand D'Argencourt, Mr. André Bourgeois, Jagged Stone, Nadja Chamack, Mr. Roger Raincomprix, Mr. Alim Kubdel, Jalil Kubdel, Xavier Ramier, Mr. Otis Césaire, Mrs. Marlena Césaire, Nora Césaire, Wayhem, Ms. Anarka Couffaine, Ondine, Mrs. Amélie Graham De Vanilly, Grand Master Su-Han, Ms. Tomoe Tsurugi, Aurore Beauréal, and Mrs. Audrey Bourgeois from Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug & Cat Noir ; and lastly, we would also absolutely love to see Peter Parker, Loki Laufeyson, America Chavez, Carol Danvers, Pepper Potts, Mary Jane Watson, Michelle ‘M.J.’ Jones, Cindy Moon, May Parker, Kamala Khan, Wade Wilson, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Thor Odinson, Emma Frost, Billy Kaplan, Tommy Shepherd, Clint Barton, Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson, Wanda Maximoff, and Jean Grey from Marvel !! However, if you have any specific fandoms in mind to bring into this RPG, please send us another ask with the FULL name of the fandom !!

[miraculouscontent]

Do we actually know Nadja doesn't pay Marinette for babysitting? Like yes it's not seen on screen but couldn't she have done it off screen. I mean we don't see Jagged pay Marinette for the album cover.

Are you guys tired of hearing me talk about this yet?

Until we see evidence that she does, I don’t believe it. No character gets to act the way Nadja does while getting the oh-so-coveted “benefit of a doubt” from me.

- Nadja comes early for the cake in “Timebreaker” when that is not only dumb but also inconsiderate. Even in “Prime Queen,” she’s running late when she dumps Manon off with Marinette when this is her last chance at showtime apparently. Both of these things also negatively impact Marinette, so I’d presume any other action she could do follows the same exact formula.

- She’s apparently friends with Sabine (for some ungodly reason) so Marinette could very well feel bad about being paid and would easily fold to Nadja if Nadja wanted to skimp “once or twice” because she’s a pushover who “can’t say no.”

- I also must add to the above two reasons (Nadja being early in “Timebreaker” and Sabine being friends with her) that she doesn’t even have Marinette’s phone number despite having Marinette babysit before. In “Timebreaker,” this means that she calls Tom and Sabine on their anniversary (which apparently Nadja doesn’t even know about since she points out the bakery being closed like this is some strange thing; plus, if she already knew, it would’ve been more considerate to just call Marinette) to bother them about her first world problems concerning her cake not being presented to her earlier than she asked for it. This also implies that, when Nadja needs Marinette to babysit, she either shows up unannounced to ask (which puts Marinette on the spot) or calls her parents to ask Marinette for her (which is lowkey manipulative since it means Marinette would have to say “no” to her parents about her babysitting their friend’s daughter; even if her parents pass the phone off to her, they could still be there/nearby to hear the conversation).

- Nadja has no problem exploiting teenagers for her own personal gain (hi, “Prime Queen”).

- With Jagged, he’s requested Marinette’s services once for an album cover (which she got on the news for, so say whatever you want about being paid in Exposure™️, that’s a huge deal; also, moot point, but it’s not Jagged’s job to ensure that Marinette’s paid as he’s not the guy behind finances) and then again for a poster (that we did not see the process of; didn’t see him asking for it nor did we see her handing it over to him). With Nadja, she’s been shown repeatedly dropping Manon off with Marinette and also picking Manon up. If it was just once, I could say that, okay, sure, maybe let it slide, but not when Marinette has watched Manon this many times without a single line about, “hey, at least I’m getting paid!” Marinette gets something for working for Jagged, in addition to being a huge fan of his. All she gets from Nadja is a headache and wasted time.

- The benefit of having a friend’s kid babysit one’s gremlins? Cheap labor, plain and simple. I’ve seen how this show works, I’ve seen the way Marinette’s treated, and I’ve seen this trope of “lol character suffers and gets nothing in return because life sucks.” Nadja drops her kid off with Marinette because it’s convenient and cheaper than a babysitter, otherwise she would either have a babysitter ready at all times or use the, “sorry, my babysitter had to quit on me today because [reason],” every single time she leaves Manon with Marinette.

- Smaller thing, but listen to Nadja’s excuse for why Manon can’t take the Ladybug plush in “The Puppeteer.” Her excuse is essentially that Manon already has so many toys at home and she wouldn’t even know where to put it. Either she’s weakly trying to make an excuse to Manon so Manon backs off (instead of being firm and telling Manon to get over herself), or she’s serious and is basically openly admitting to letting Manon be spoiled rotten. I’ve seen this far too many times: the parent who spends endlessly on their kid and then throws their hands up like gee why is my kid such a spoiled brat?

Point being, when Nadja gets it together and becomes a half-decent person, I’ll give her the benefit of a doubt and say that maybe she pays Marinette.

For now though, nah, there’s just doubt, and I’d bet that her earrings are as cheap as she is.

[goggles-mcgee]

Replaced: Did You Hear? (Story for Miner249er)

First Chapter of a new story for @miner249er Summary:  Lila had made good on her promise to make sure Marinette lost her friends. She didn't do it by antagonizing Marinette, she didn't convince everyone Marinette was a bully, no, Lila Rossi made everyone forget about Marinette Dupain-Cheng. They replaced her with a liar, with Fool's Gold, and even though it hurt she knew she had to move on. They replaced her, so it only seemed fitting she replace them so she could heal and be happy.

They truly didn't know what they lost till it was gone.

Did You Hear?

To run a boulangerie/patisserie was no walk in the park, especially not to run one in Paris, France, more so if it was a popular one that was known for its treats by many. That was Tom & Sabine’s Boulangerie and Patisserie to a T, it was loved by many, it had a good chunk of regulars, and it tended to stay busy no matter the time of day. That was why they were looking to hire more help. Sure, Marinette helped when she could, but that was just the problem, "when she could" started to turn into a less and less frequent thing. She was busy with her friends and she was busy with her own work as a designer. Of course they were proud of her, but they had always hoped she would take over for them, even with her clumsiness. So it hurt to admit they couldn't rely on her like they wanted to, thus the post on their official social media pages went up, as well as their signs. Word spread that Tom and Sabine were looking to hire, and they were beyond pleased.

They had many applicants apply, and they had already done their fair share of interviews, and yet, no one stood out to the couple. There had been teens looking for a part-time job or just work experience in general, they even had some regulars apply, and yet, none of them felt like the right fit for the shop. Then a woman came in, she was a single mother looking for a job that would help support her child and her better than all the multiple part-time gigs she worked already. She wanted stability and was willing to work for it. They were instantly taken in with her drive to work and her obvious compassion for her child. She was Italian so she hit it off with Tom right away as he told stories of his mother and she shared her own. She did admit she had no baking experience other than baking in her own home but she told them she was more than willing to learn and would put in the effort to do so. 

Maybe it was foolish, maybe it was risky, but they both really liked her and felt like she would be the perfect fit for their shop, so they hired her on the spot. Giada Rossi was the newest employee at Tom & Sabine’s Boulangerie and Patisserie, and all were thrilled. Tom and Sabine had another set of hands to help lighten their ever increasing load, and Giada had a well paying job that would let her quit all her small paying, time consuming, part-time jobs. It was a happy moment that was shared with some eclairs, handshakes, and a goodbye from the couple with a promise to work hard from Giada in return. It made the whole day feel lighter for Tom and Sabine, soon they would have more help, they wouldn’t have to wonder whether or not Marinette could help them out or not.

It was a wonderful start to their day, so why did it have to take such a turn? No, it wasn’t an akuma, there wasn’t an emergency that disturbed their day, it was a comment. A simple thing that was said without much thought, but maybe that’s what made it worse? It was said with such casualty, like it was something they should have known, or should have been funny, and instead it was like an anchor dropped in their stomachs. 

“Can you believe this?” Nadja had asked with a laugh as she held up her phone, though she failed to notice she hadn’t exactly shown Sabine what she had been talking about. Tom was out front with her as it was after the lunch rush and it had been helping out with the influx of customers they always got during lunch. 

“I don’t think I’m caught up on the latest gossip, Nadj.” Sabine joked as she boxed up her friend’s order, she made sure nothing was smudged or broken as she placed them in the box before closing the lid and finishing off the order with a ribbon. 

“Oh it’s so silly! Some magazine reporter saw Marinette having lunch with Jagged Stone and his assistant and they thought Marinette was their daughter.” Nadja said with a laugh as she turned her phone to face Sabine and show her friend what she was talking about. “Now everyone is coming forward with pictures of the trio to show off the “Rolling-Stone Family,” it’s so funny.”

Nadja said it was silly, it was funny, but when Sabine saw the picture of her daughter sitting at a table at what seemed to be that new café she had been talking about for months and had wanted her and her father to visit with her, with Jagged and Penny, she felt a lump in her throat. They did look like a family, she couldn’t even deny it. With the way you could see Penny mid-shake of her head with a fond smile on her face as Jagged ruffled Marinette’s hair and how the little Chinese-French teen was trying to slap away his hand as she laughed. It would have made for a warm wholesome picture if it didn’t make Sabine’s heart squeeze nor made her feel like she had been hit with a tidal wave of guilt. That should have been her and Tom sitting with their daughter, laughing with her, having a meal with her. When…when was the last time they had a meal like that together? 

“Sabine?”

“Hm? Oh. Oh! Sorry Nadja. That is funny. Here’s your order, I hope you have a good rest of your day, say ‘Hi’ to Manon for me and Tom.” Sabine said with the best smile she could muster as she tried to rush her friend out so she could be alone with her thoughts for a moment. 

“Oh, uh, merci Sabine. I’ll talk to you later.” Nadja gave Sabine an awkward smile as she grabbed her order and made her way to the door with a short wave, one Sabine barely returned.

Once she saw the door close with a final click, she immediately grabbed her phone from its spot under the counter. Usually she was never on her phone unless it was an emergency or her break, but this was something she had to see, had to look at with her own eyes. She wouldn’t tell Tom, not yet, not until they closed. There was no need to cause him worry and distract him while he was in the kitchen. No, no, that was a disaster waiting to happen, so she would just tell him once their day was done. But what exactly would she tell him? Marinette had lunch with Jagged and Penny? No. If she said that, Tom would just be happy for their daughter and the fact she was achieving more success in her dream towards being a designer. He wouldn’t understand, so she would have to see just how far this “silly” rumor went so she could warn him beforehand. Her husband had always been the more emotional of the two, he let things get to him very easily, an example being his akumatization. In that way, he and Marinette were very similar, sometimes she just didn’t know what was going on with her daughter.

Maybe that’s why that picture, that article, and all the other pictures she was now looking at made her heart wrench. When was the last time her daughter smiled at her and Tom the way she was smiling at Penny and Jagged in the photos, or laughed and joked with them, there was one picture that nearly made her cry then and there if she hadn’t heard the bell of the door ring. She helped the customer or customers out but it was all a haze, before she knew it, it was closing time and even that passed in a haze. Tom made his usual conversation she was sure, but she wasn’t certain if she actually responded in kind or not, she just went through the motions. She wasn’t even sure when they had gotten upstairs into their living room but she felt herself being led to the couch and all she could think was how thankful she was for her husband and how kind and caring he was.

“Mon chou?” She heard Tom say softly.

“It’s…It’s stupid.” Sabine wasn’t going to pretend there was nothing wrong, because she felt like everything was.

“Feelings aren’t stupid, especially not yours Sabine. What happened?” Tom asked as he took one of her hands in his.

“Are we good parents?” 

“...I would like to think we are Honeybun. Where is this coming from?”

“Tom. We forgot Marinette’s birthday.” The words were out in the air before she could stop them and the memory of the last picture she had seen came flooding back. Jagged and Penny were standing on either side of Marinette as the girl smiled down at a cake full of candles in a dimly lit room. All three were wearing party hats and the biggest smiles for the world to see and it ripped at Sabine’s heart. She couldn’t even bring herself to read the caption that Jagged had written out, there was no doubt it was probably heartfelt and sweet. She couldn’t even describe the picture to Tom so she handed him her phone that had the picture still there when she unlocked it. She flinched when she heard his sharp intake of breath.

“What…?” Was all that came out of his lips and Sabine understood. She did, she really did, but she needed him to say more, anything more. She couldn’t stand the silence that stretched as her husband looked down at the picture on her phone, despite him being a large man, he looked incredibly small in that moment as he cradled her phone in his hands and just shook his head in disbelief. “We forgot…we never forget.”

“It was last week and we forgot.” She confirmed as she stared at nothing in particular straight ahead. “And…and that’s not all.”

“Sabine? What do you mean? What could be worse than missing her birthday? Is she hurt? Is Marinette hurt?” Tom asked in a hurry, already ready to run into action, but all Sabine had to do was put a hand on his arm for him to somewhat calm down and sit back down on the couch beside her. 

“She’s not hurt. Physically at least, I can’t say for sure she’s not hurt emotionally with us.” Sabine explained, if it was even possible, Tom seemed to deflate further into himself. “And by ‘that’s not all,’ I meant, there are more moments like that one on my phone. You just have to scroll to see them.” 

She didn’t watch but she knew he was going through the pictures she had seen and probably others she had not. She didn’t have the heart to keep looking at the admittedly long list of posts that had to do with her daughter, Jagged and Penny as a “family.” The thought of it stung the more she tried not to think about it, but she couldn’t fight it, when was the last time they had done anything as a family? Not something that was for the bakery even if it was all three of them, nothing for Marinette’s school that was obligatory, and not a holiday or just their dinners. How sad was that? She couldn’t even count breakfast nor lunch as they weren’t always together or it was rushed, it really was sad and it made the pang in her heart sharpen.

Sabine heard Tom grinding his teeth so she turned to look at him and saw the powerful grip he had on her phone and the intense look he was giving it so she gently took it from him and pressed the side button to put it to sleep. “Tom?”

“Give me a minute.” He rasped out before he exhaled loudly and planted his face in his hands. Where once he looked as stiff and ready to pop at a moment's notice like a wind-up toy, now he just looked defeated. “How did we miss so much? Sabine … this … this is…”

“It’s bad. I know. Tom … Tom we missed so much.” Sabine couldn’t hold back the sob that forced its way out at the end of her sentence. 

She felt her husband rub circles into her back as she cried. “I don’t know. I… we’ve really messed up.” He mumbled wetly. 

“Her birthday… We have to make it up to her somehow. I just can’t believe we forgot! We didn’t forget last year so how is this year any different?” Sabine asked, though she didn’t really expect a response. 

Tom was quiet, he was never quiet, not even in his sleep, his snores had taken time to get used to but now they were something that lulled Sabine to sleep. “Last year… Last year, didn’t her friends help plan a party for her?”

“No? No. I think last year was the dinner with your father and mother.”

“Are you sure? I don’t remember that, I remember my mom and dad, I just don’t remember dinner… maybe if I go through my pictures.” Sabine watched her husband pull out his phone and still continued to watch as he most likely went through his picture like he said he would do. Though, the more she watched, the more the pit in her stomach grew, Tom’s face had become so distraught merely moments after he had begun his search.

“Tom?”

“Sabine…Sabine, we have so much more to apologize for. We haven’t been the best parents…and that’s hard to admit but I think we also have to admit we haven’t even been good parents.”

“Tom, what do you mean?” Sabine asked, she hated how her voice shook and her mouth felt like cotton. 

She heard her husband take in a shaky breath before he ran a hand over his face. “We… Sabine… We weren’t here for her birthday last year.”

Her heart dropped. “What? No… No, that can’t be right. If, and that is a big ‘if’ Tom, if we weren’t here, where were we?”

“Honeybun, we were at Europain.” Her husband’s voice came out strained as he answered.

“We were at the exhibition…that’s right. We got tickets because we had been saving up, but the dates…”

“They were during Marinette’s birthday.”

“I remember.” Sabine mumbled brokenly. “I remember because we were so happy but then your mother had called and asked what we were doing for Marinette’s birthday because she was going to be in town.”

“And we panicked because we forgot. We forgot her birthday was coming up and we didn’t have enough money set aside to get Marinette a ticket so we could take her with us.” Tom continued her train of thought. 

“We told her we had had the tickets for a while…we lied, Tom…we told her we had forgotten about them and she told us to go. That’s when your mom offered to watch Marinette for the days we would be gone…”

“And that’s when my mom and dad took Marinette out to dinner. They sent us a picture of them all.” Tom finished. There were no more words said between the two. Really, what else could be said? 

What finally broke their seemingly never ending silence was the sound of the front door opening and closing. Sabine winced when she felt her neck pop from how fast her and Tom looked over at the door from their spots on the couch, Marinette who had just walked in stared back at them. Sabine had opened her mouth to say something, anything, but nothing came out, she guessed the same could be said about her husband. The small family just stared at one another before Marinette shrugged and gave them a small smile, Sabine let herself feel some small amount of hope. Maybe they still had a chance to reconcile their relationship, Sabine didn’t know how they would but she was confident they would be able to. They were the Dupain-Chengs’! People always admired them, always complimented them on having a wonderful business and beautiful family, so they could surely get over this little hurdle. There was no doubt in Sabine’s mind.

“Good, I’m glad you guys are here.” Marinette said as she made her way over to them, but instead of sitting on the bigger couch with them she pulled the foot rest of the chair so it was on the other side of the coffee table and took a seat on it. 

“Where,” Tom had to cough to clear his throat when his voice came out a bit strained at first. “Where else would we be, Marinette?”

Sabine watched as Marinette raised a brow at them, the small bit of hope she had made way and all Sabine could feel was that something bad was going to happen. “Well, I mean, you guys are always in the bakery. If not there then you’re out getting groceries together or planning something new for the shop, or…”

“W-Well, we’re here now Sweetheart. Was there something you wanted to talk about?” Sabine asked as calmly as she could, she didn’t want to let her daughter know about their worries, and the fact they just realized how awful of parents they had been. Sure they weren’t mean or anything of the like, but they had been absent and that could be just as cruel to a child. 

“Actually yes!” It was said with Marinette’s usual brand of enthusiasm, maybe even more so, but it did nothing to lessen the grip of uneasiness that seemed to clench harder around Sabine’s stomach. It grew when Marinette pulled out a stack of papers and set them on the table in front of them with a smile directed at them that scrunched up her nose. Sabine hadn’t seen that smile in a long time. 

“What is the stack of papers Mari-bear?” Tom asked as he finally found his voice.

“Those,” Marinette said as she gestured to the papers but didn’t actually look in their direction, she was maintaining eye contact with Sabine, “are emancipation papers that I would like you to sign.”

It was like a punch to the gut, and from the wheeze she heard from her husband, Sabine guessed she wasn’t the only one who felt like that. She shakily reached out to take a paper, to confirm that what her daughter said was true. She desperately hoped this was some sick joke, she prayed it was, but when that paper was in front of her face by her own hands’ doing, she knew it wasn’t some cruel joke. This was very much real. Neither parent made a sound, neither one could even think of words to respond to their daughter who was still smiling at them. The smile was not cruel, it was not smug, it was not even sad, it was just expectant. 

“Now I know this probably came as a shock, but I honestly don’t know how it could be considering you two have been neglecting your parental responsibilities for much longer than is legal and appropriate. I understand that running your own business is time consuming but I’ve also come to understand that just because you had another responsibility did not mean you had any right to make me less of one. You are under legal obligation to fulfill your parental duties just as much as I, the child, am to fulfill mine.” Marinette spoke confidently, with no hesitation and Sabine felt the cracks in her heart deepen. 

“I have given you both my respect as is expected of me according to the Article 371 French CC. I think it would be in your best interests to sign off on the forms, it is a way to come out of this with at least some respect still intact towards you two. Either way we would be going to court, what I mean is, if you are going to try and fight my decision, but I warn you, the evidence is stacked against you and I won’t hold back. You as parents were supposed to protect me, in safety, in health, and in morality. You may have given me a home as per your duties…” At this Marinette began to look around their house as though it truly were just a place she had to stay, and not as the home Sabine and Tom had created. 

“So you did fulfill the Garde aspect of your responsibilities, but what about Surveillance? You took care of me, that is until you deemed I was “mature” enough to be left to my own devices. I…five years of age is not that age of majority, then and only then are your parental responsibilities fulfilled. You had to protect me, I thought you would protect me from anything, everything. But when bullies came along you did the bare minimum. That’s not even getting into the fact you left me unsupervised in the kitchens more times than I can count. I have scars that are proof enough of that. And don’t get me started on my mental health. Neither of you helped or protected me from that. Surveillance says you have to pay attention to your child and its needs…” Marinette didn’t explain further, and really she didn’t have to. Tom and Sabine were realizing they well and truly screwed up worse than they had both ever expected. 

“And that’s not even to mention the Éducation part of everything. We have had many problems with my schooling, namely you two not taking my concerns seriously when it came to my asking for a transfer of classes or just a transfer plainly. Even when I begged and begged. There’s so so much more but I don’t want to get into everything, and I think you would prefer it if I didn’t as well. I have a job already, I make a steady income, I can cook for myself, I know how to budget, I can be happy on my own. I’ve basically been practicing my whole life so really this would just be making it official and it would help me get out of one of the several unhealthy environments I am in. So please, I ask the last thing you do for me is let me go, so I can be free and you can be done and not worry about parental duties anymore.” 

Sabine started sobbing. 

Footnotes:

*Europain: also known as Sirha Europain, is the leading exhibition for bakery and pastry professionals in France and abroad.

*Until the Act of April 4, 1970, the French CC used the terms 'puissance paternelle,' which states the power of decision the father had over his child or children (this power belonged only to the father.) In Art. 371-1 French CC the "autorite parentale (parental authority)" is now defined as "a collection of rights and duties aimed at the child's interests." This concept of parental authority encompasses several aspects, including care and protection, legal representation, a maintenance of personal relationships, determination of the child's residence, the child's education, a maintenance obligation towards the child, administration of property, and civil liability of the parents for damages caused by their child.

*"Autorite Parentale" encompasses several different rights and duties. The child, regardless of age, owes honor and respect to their parent(s) (Art. 371 French CC). The parental authority belongs to the father and mother until the child reaches the age of majority or is emancipated. 

*Although the March 4, 2002 reform of the French CC no longer mentions the classical triptych that formed the contents of parental responsibilities (Garde, Surveillance, Education), French authors assert that these three fundamental parental tasks still exist and remain part of the parental responsibilities. Garde means that the parents should live with their child or, more generally, determine where the child should live. Surveillance, a term no longer used in the new legal provisions, still exists as a parental duty. It means to take care of, to protect, and to pay attention to the child and its needs. Education, the last duty, means that each parent shall contribute to the education and support of their child in proportion to their means, to those of the other parent and in proportion to the child's needs.

[a-chlolix-blog]

Rumors fly that Queen Bee is dating Miss. Hound and Bunnyx both since Queen Bee and Canigirl were both on a mission.

Nadja: Queen Bee, rumor has it that you're dating both Bunnyx and Miss Hound!

Queen Bee, Bunnyx, and Miss Hound: ???

Queen Bee: What are you talking about?

Nadja: The photos don't lie! *shows them pictures of Queen Bee and Canigirl kissing*

Queen Bee, Bunnyx, and Miss Hound: ...

Miss Hound: *starts laughing historically*

Queen Bee and Bunnyx, blushing: THIS ISN'T FUNNY, HOUND!

Nadja: ???

[the-delta-42]

My Gift to You

My gift to you

Marinette pressed her forehead against her desk, her mother’s birthday was coming up, her grandparents were going to be there, and she didn’t have anything to give her mother as a present. Any questions she’d asked had received the same response.

“I’m old enough to not need gifts, Marinette.”

Tikki was dozing on top of her head, as Marinette gnawed on her pencil. Her phone pinged, a reminder for her to attend a therapy session her dad had set up. Marinette accidentally knocked a box over and she got up, making a violin she hadn’t touched in ages to fall out.

Marinette paused, her eyes going between the notification and the violin, an idea formed in her mind.

MGTY

Marinette waited for Kagami to finish with her fencing lesson. She saw her walking out and talking to Adrien.

“Kagami,” Called Marinette, making her way over, “I need your help with something.”

“Hi, Marinette.” Greeted Adrien, looking at her, “How can we help?”

“Actually, I just need Kagami for this,” Responded Marinette, “Sorry.”

“What is it?” Asked Kagami, while Adrien looked put out.

“A few years ago, I used to play the violin, before I stopped,” Said Marinette, “then I found it and I was hoping you could help me get back into playing it.”

Kagami and Adrien stared at her.

“What?”

“I never knew you could play the violin.” Said Adrien, surprised.

“There’s a lot you don’t know, I used to be able to speak Chinese.” Stated Marinette, getting a frown from Adrien and Kagami.

“Why’d you stop?” Asked Adrien, tilting his head to the side.

Marinette froze, she didn’t want to explain the whole situation to Adrien, not in public.

“That’s…personal.” Replied Marinette, nervously looking around the room.

Kagami frowned, before looking Marinette in the eyes, “I’ll bring it up with my mother and see what I can do.”

Marinette grinned, “Thank you!”

Kagami grunted as Marinette pulled her into a bone-crushing hug.

“Sorry!”

MGTY

Marinette scratched at her leg, while Phillipa, an Asian woman, sat across from her.

“Marinette, if you’re not comfortable at the speed we’re going, there’s no shame in admitting that you’re struggling.” Said Phillipa, gently resting a hand on Marinette’s shoulder.

“*Hello, my name Marinette Dupain Cheng, my parents named me Xiuying, and I am 16 years old.*” Said Marinette, in broken Mandarin.

“Okay, that’s great,” Praised Phillipa, smiling, “You come really far, Marinette.”

Marinette nodded, taking deep breaths.

“Are you ready to tell me why you stopped speaking Chinese?” Asked Phillipa, as Marinette took a deep breath.

“I-I was attacked in a park because I was speaking it.” Said Marinette, quietly and her leg starting to bounce, “This, this man came out of nowhere and started kicking and punching me. The, the babysitter that my parents hired was talking to her friends a-and didn’t notice until my brother tackled the man. I, I was scared I was going to die a-and t-thought that if I didn’t speak it, t-then nothing bad w-would happen.”

Phillipa frowned, quietly making notes on a pad, “Then the whole business with Li happened, didn’t it?”

Marinette gave a shaky nod.

“Marinette,” Sighed Phillipa, “it took you a lot of strength to tell me that, and a lot more to survive it. I’m certain that your parents are proud of all the progress you’ve made.”

Marinette hiccupped and gave a small smile.

MGTY

Marinette nervously tugged at the cheongsam she was wearing for her mother’s birthday party. The room was dark, with everyone hiding behind anything they could find, in the hopes of surprising Sabine.

“Why do I need my eyes covered?” Asked Sabine, as Tom guided her into the room.

“You’ll see.” Said Tom, as he drew to a stop, “Now, I don’t want you to open your eyes until I say, okay?”

“Fine.” There was a bit of frustration in her tone, as she folded her arms.

“Three. Two. One.” Tom counted down, “Now!”

Sabine opened her eyes as the lights came on and everyone yelled, “Surprise!”

Sabine placed a hand over her heart.

“Happy birthday, love.” Said Tom, kissing her on the temple.

Sabine looked around the room, spotting Marinette in her cheongsam and her parents off to the side.

“Mother.” Gasped Sabine, making her way over to them.

“Qilin,” Smiled Lin, grasping Sabine’s hands, “how are you?”

“I’m fine, how?” Sabine trailed off, catching sight of her three eldest, “Let me guess, Skye and Michael brought you here.”

Lin chuckled, “No, Xuiying did that, but Qiang and Suyin did help us get here, although, Tao only offered to help after we got here.”

Michael was waving a hand in front of a camera he was setting up, while Skye quietly interrogated Marinette’s friends. Sabine noticed that Toby was in a corner quietly talking to something.

“Are those…?” Sabine trailed off, as Michael walked over to Toby, flicked him in the forehead and picked up a pair of one-year olds and carefully balanced them in his arms.

“Now, I know what you’re going to say, ‘you’re too young to be a grandmother and I’m too young to be a father’, but these two little terrors are Briana and Sam.” Introduced Michael, handing his two children over to Sabine, “Bri likes to make a lot of noise, hence the dummy,” Briana suckled on a pacifier staring up at Sabine, “and Sam likes his sleep.” Sam was dozing against Sabine, drool dribbling down his chin and onto Sabine’s arm.

Sabine stared at her two grandchildren, before looking up at Michael, “Are these…?”

“Marlene’s?” Finished Michael, wincing, “Yeah.”

Sabine carefully adjusted the two, with Sam gurgling in his sleep. Briana reached up and grabbed onto Sabine’s hair, before giving it a tug.

“Okay,” Michael intervened, picking Briana up, “We don’t pull hair.”

Briana giggled and grabbed a fistful of his beard and gave it a tug. Sabine adjusted Sam, before looking at Skye. She appeared to be laughing with Nadja, probably discussing a case that she was working on.

“Xuiying,” Said Lin, making Sabine look at her, “why don’t you bring your violin down and play us something?”

There was a sudden silence as everyone looked at Marinette.

“Wait, Marinette can play the violin?” Asked Alya, still trying to hide the box of party supplies behind her.

“Mother, Marinette hasn’t played in a while,” Started Sabine, as Marinette vanished up to her room, “maybe we should let her get more comfortable with it again, before having her play for an audience.”

There was a crashing sound, followed by a small scream, before Marinette came back downstairs with her head wrapped in a towel.

“What happened?” Asked Sabine, as Marinette winced.

“You know what you said about not storing my fabric scissors while they were open?” Started Marinette, making Sabine frantically check her ears.

“Well, I knocked mannequin over and accidentally gave myself a hair cut.” Rushed Marinette, getting an exasperated look from her mother.

Sabine rested her head in her hands, sighing, “Alright, let me see the damage.”

Marinette smiled, before pulling the towel off her head. Sabine stared at Marinette’s clearly not accidental haircut. Marinette’s hair now hung loosely, unrestrained by the hair ties that used to keep them in pigtails. Her hair was a mix between a pixie cut and the bob that Sabine had. Sabine frowned and looked closer at Marinette.

“You’re not wearing your contact.” Murmured Sabine, noticing Marinette natural grey eye-colour.

“I’ll be honest, things are a bit blurry.” Responded Marinette, holding her violin and bow in her hands.

Marinette smiled at her mother, before slowly making her way into the living room, “Apologies if I deafen anyone.”

Without another word, Marinette placed her instrument into position and started playing. Sabine frowned, recognising the starting of the theme for a soap opera she liked to watch, before slipping into a piece from a video game she played while pregnant with Marinette.

Sabine felt herself getting choked up, as Marinette finished the piece she was playing. There was a smattering of applause, before Marinette looked at Sabine.

“*Happy Birthday, Maman.*” Said Marinette, making Sabine breakdown and pull Marinette towards her.

“That was sickening.” Mutter Alya, wiping her own eyes.

Nino hummed, opting to watch Sabine and Marinette.