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flightfoot · 7 months ago

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Miraculous Halloween Fic Recs

It's Halloween, so I figured that people might be in the mood for some spooky, supernatural, or just plain Halloween-related fics! All of these are complete.

Herbs And Steam by @liiinerle

Juleka le Flor Blef, nature witch from near the forest of Couffaine, arrives at Eiffel Castle so she can partake in the Queen's Trials - a contest to determine the strongest witch in all of France. She wants to prove the strength of her magic, but when she arrives, her attention is quickly distracted by two very interesting women: Kagami, the princess, who seems to act nothing like a princess should; and Marinette, the blacksmith, who has created a magic all her own through metal, steam, and ingenuity. Juleka is immediately besotted with both of them, and needs to work extra hard to focus on her magic. Juleka also soon becomes aware that there is stronger magic at Eiffel castle than she had expected. For one thing, there's a tree in the courtyard put there years ago by a witch whose powers seem to surpass hers; for another, there's Alya la Pluvie Versaunt, who must be the most powerful mage Juleka has ever met...

Unusual poly here, there aren't a lot of Juleka/Kagami/Marinette fics! I love the world here, getting to see all these different witches honing their craft, and Juleka making friends with many of them - though especially the nonwitches Kagami and Marinette, of course XD. If you like some femslash or a good fantasy AU, this fic should scratch that itch!

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Soul Seeker by hislittlelady

After a shooting on her 6th birthday, Marinette Dupain-Cheng died. She was brought to the afterlife by her grandmother. She was content. Until the paramedics did their jobs and suddenly she wasn’t dead anymore. Waking up to find that half of her soul had remained tethered to the afterlife, allowing her the ability to see things others can’t, Marinette grows up an outcast. It isn’t until she moves in with her only friend, a detective she’s known since preschool, that she finds her purpose, solving his harder cases with the help of her spiritual connections. Three years later, she’s thriving. Her own business, two best friends, a K-9 drop out as a companion- life couldn’t get better. Until she meets Chat. A ghost with amnesia and a mask to match, Chat isn’t sure what he needs to move on to the afterlife (and, considering he’s stuck around for another three years, he doesn’t seem in all that much of a hurry to figure it out either!) When Amelie Agreste, a socialite from out of town, comes to Marinette for help locating her missing nephew, Marinette knows her career and her life will be on the line. But even a murderer intent on silencing her forever can’t keep Marinette from seeking the truth.

This is a really fun detective story. You can probably guess one or two of the major twists (not counting the twist of "Adrien is Chat Noir" which I certainly HOPE isn't a spoiler to anyone reading this), but that doesn't make it any less satisfying, especially with how Marinette's and Chat's relationship is developed. Or well, what interactions we see from them, since they've known each other for years by the time the story starts. I adore the "my friend is a ghost" trope, and the identity shenanigans and mystery around what actually happened to Adrien kept me wondering.

It's an M-rated fic, which I'm guessing is mostly due to an attempted sexual assault at one point in the story, though it doesn't get very far before it's stopped. I also want to warn Luka fans that he's not shown in the best light in this fic, though it's not too extreme.

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Through Yellow Eyes by @echo-has-queries

"Nooroo bleeds and Paris drowns in his blood." The day of the Blight, Paris bore witness to a horror too grand to comprehend. Only Chloé Bourgeois bore witness to a miracle. Marinette, Alya and the rest of Paris will need more than faith in Gimmi to survive. As the city's sanity hangs by a thread, bodies, minds, and souls are traded with the unknown in order to hold on to the things they each treasure most. Written for the AU Roulette Challenge 2024 with the prompt: Cosmic Horror AU

If you like Cosmic Horror (Lovecraftian I think? Though this isn't really my wheelhouse), then this is the story for you! I love seeing how Paris copes with the madness seeping through its streets, somehow going about daily life despite it all.

Kwamis here are more inhuman, more separated from humanity. There's no cute little miniature form to help bridge the gap. While humans can still meld with kwami, it's not all quite as firmly in the human's control as it normally is, and the side effects are worse. It doesn't help that the kwamis can't fully understand squishy little humans' wants, needs, or morality.

Like, as Ladybug, Marinette can't remember her human name, and her human concerns are somewhat muted. While as Marinette, she can't remember certain aspects of her time as Ladybug, and only regains those memories when she transforms again. She also has to be careful about restoring everything, as she can't just give Tikki a cookie and call it a day. Instead, she herself needs to eat enough to compensate for the lost energy, which can be a substantial portion of the goods in her parents' bakery.

As for Adrien... well, this is still going off of Sentimonster Adrien, though the ritual to create him went differently... and went wrong. But he is still Adrien.

Chloe's interesting as well, she's this sort of priest, this missionary for the kwamis, but her methods are... well, not the best. She still has a bunch of her canonical hangups, even though she IS somewhat helpful.

I love Alya in here, she's just desperately trying to figure out what's going on so that she can try to fix it, especially since Nino's one of the people who's been driven mad by the Blight. She does find some answers, and even ends up being partially responsible for Ladybug's creation and Chat's and Ladybug's subsequent fight against the worst effects of the Blight, but the risks, danger, and side effects she suffers are still significant. Though some of those side effects can be used to her advantage.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this AU and thought it was an interesting take on the subject, I highly recommend checking it out!

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Centuries Overdue by @rosie-b

Long ago, an evil Darkness spread across Europe, claiming the lives of many in the magic community. Trained by Plagg himself, Adrien made it his mission to stop the Darkness before it snuffed out the lives of more Mages and Talents, as it did to his own parents. Though he seemed to succeed in his mission, the pages of his old journals tell a different tale. In the modern world, Marinette is a fashion student, working at a small library for the summer to earn extra credit. She’s never believed in magic before, but when she finds the old Agreste journals in her library, her beliefs about reality begin to crumble. Determined to find the truth, both about magic and the unsolved death of one Adrien Agreste, Marinette begins on a journey that will eventually lead her deep into the city’s catacombs, where an ancient force sleeps, but is ready to awaken once more…

If you want a nice Magic AU, this is your jam! I slowly became more invested with Adrien's fate as Marinette did, and I loved seeing bits of this magic society. And of course, Adrien and Marinette always find their way to each other, even if Marinette happens to be a few centuries overdue.

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the monster who loves you by @purplecatghostposts

Mum nods, clapping her hands together. “Your brother is finally feeling better and is coming home today! Isn’t that so exciting?” Félix pauses mid-bite, processing her words. Mum waits expectantly, as if expecting him to jump for joy, or his equivalent of it. But… Félix doesn’t have a brother. (Or Félix’s brother is a monster, but only in the most literal sense. Félix’s father is a monster despite being very, very human. He learns to navigate the world through these two truths.)

I loved how this story emphasized the differences between different kinds of monsters - the type who inhabit horror stories, who look terrifying, and the mundane, human sorts of monsters who are often the most dangerous. And how monsters can choose to act humanely, while humans can choose to act monstrously.

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See This Chance by @19thsentry-blog

Luka died in 2016. Yep. Crushed by the Arc de Triumph when Mayura’s Robustus slammed into it. It was kind of a big deal, but once you’re dead, you’re dead—especially when there’s no Lucky Charm to bring you back. Luka’s been dealing with it in the typical ways. Written for FeLuka week 2023.

Yes, this is FeLuka. Not one of the typical ships I read, but I ain’t opposed to it, and this is a nice foray into the pairing. I love ghost AUs! Luka’s just fumbling around, unsure what to do with his incorporeal existence, until he starts haunting Felix. It’s an intriguing plot and I gotta admit, I wish it was longer so it could be fleshed out more, but what’s here is good.

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Attack of the Crystal Zombies by @trainsinanime

Kagami had spent more and more time hanging out with Zoé, talking about things like families, expectations and crushes on Marinette. It was only natural, probably, that she would help Zoé practice flirting. That was definitely a great idea. Granted, the deadly Akuma battle around them was a bit of an issue…

Quality Zoegami fic here! I loved how Kagami kept thinking she was bad at flirting, but it was sure working on Zoe XD. The akuma attack going on around them, interweaving with their conversation, added a bit of spice to the whole affair!

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Anchor by @liiinerle

“Marinette. Please take that sabre out of your neck.” “Right. Thanks. I forgot it was there.” She grabbed hold of the guard and pulled; the blade slid out like it had only been run through butter. After dropping it on the floor, she picked up one of the teacups and picked up a biscuit from a tin she’d brought in; she placed the biscuit on the saucer plate and handed the whole thing to Kagami, who could only really resign herself to accepting it. —– Marinette has raised Kagami from the dead, and also happens to be dead herself. It turns out some bad choices were made in the past. But that doesn’t mean they’ll lead to bad outcomes for them now.

I love this, Marinette’s incredibly blase about being a zombie - which makes sense, given how long she’s had to get used to the idea. And she’s waited so long, tried so hard to bring Kagami back as well, though if she didn’t WANT to be back, she’d accede to that request. Luckily, Kagami doesn’t seem to mind as long as she’s with Marinette XD.

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delicate in every way but one by katrinette

When Marinette finds a wanted ad that provokes just enough questions in her mind that she can’t help answering it, the reward is sweeter than she could have imagined.

I love the little bit of worldbuilding we get here about vampire society, and Adrien’s usual awkward adorableness in asking Marinette for a certain necessary favor. It’s always neat to see such familiar characterization in a supernatural setting like this.

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How Marinette Learned to Stop Worrying And Love The Ball by @rosie-b

Hidden from the crowds thronging around the busy fairy portal in Paris’s town square, a fae gate sits at the edge of the forest, locked, rusty, and full of ancient magic. Marinette thinks that this abandoned gate must not work anymore… but one day, a fairy disguised as a black cat steps through it.

Ah, Fantasy Soulmate AUs, my beloved XD. This ain’t the only one of this fic type I’m gonna be recommending. This is just a cute fluff fic without much strife. I love Marinette and Chat Noir being able to be childhood friends via his visits, even if he has to pretend to be her cat whenever he comes over, and I ESPECIALLY adore Alya being his chaperone and quickly becoming friends with Marinette in her own right. It ain’t a complicated plot, but it is a nice and warm fic.

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a winter so warm by @rosekasa

winters were hard for even the best of vampires, but at least adrien had marinette to keep him warm with her cuddles. december was going to suck without her. so it was only to be expected to get extra cuddles in before she left, right? (well, not really, considering those heating supplements he was taking, but she didn’t need to know about that).

This one’s mostly just cute cuddly adorableness! It’s basically like all those “Marinette gets the Ladybug trait of needing to cuddle up to someone for warmth”, but with Adrien instead. And of course featuring Marinette being a very talented witch who just wants to help Adrien stay warm when she isn’t there XD.

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Stitched Together by @nedjsmlfavs

Stitch Witch Marinette was just supposed to be having a nice, terrifying outing with her best friends. She never expected to find a magically trapped kitten, but here we are! Whatever happened to this poor little guy?

Poor Adrien, being transformed and chained up for ages, having no idea that he was gonna be rescued. But at least he got to have fun at Marinette’s place as a cat!

Most of this fic is adorable, though with some dark undertones lying in wait. After all, SOMEONE chained up that poor little kitty…

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I Put A Spell On You by dazaimaru

Friday, October 25. 6 days until Halloween.

It’s their first high school Halloween dance, and Marinette and Adrien are ready to throw on some non-superhero costumes for once--that is, until an akumatized witch spoils the party and threatens to reveal what lies underneath everyone’s disguise.

With Hawkmoth taking full advantage of the spooky season, the days leading up to Halloween are certainly going to be thrilling! Especially considering Marinette’s growing feelings for a certain black cat…

This one’s mostly just some really cute Lovesquare shenanigans around Halloween, with some really fun sequences like Marinette and Adrien getting body-swapped and Marinette temporarily becoming a vampire (and also Marinette repeatedly stunning Adrien with her outfits. I was just waiting for him to pass out from blood loss from a nosebleed).

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don't you worry child by @mexicancat-girl

Marc and Nathaniel have a good life, married and living together in a cottage in the woods. But they consider having children at some point. Marc in particular really wants to start a family with his husband. He knows the fey are real, so he goes searching in the woods to find one to strike a deal. He may get a bit more than he bargained for in the process.

This is based on a tumblr post that’s been going around, which I think a lot of people will recognize as they continue going through the story. That post is credited at the end of the fic, so as not to spoil the plot.

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The Convention by Peppermint_Shamrock

“Oh, sure, when Ladybug comes up with unusual solutions, it’s “clever” and “inspiring”. But when I do it, it’s “oh no” and “you’re going to get us all killed, Marinette”,” she grumbled. “At least Adrien believes in me.” When an Akuma rages through a comic convention, everyone is forcibly transformed into their own cosplays. Unable to transform into Ladybug, Marinette has no choice but to fight as a civilian alongside her friends. At least she was dressed as her partner. Written for Miraculous Spooktober Day 5 Prompt - Costume Party

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Ghost of You by its_just_lori

It finally happened. The akuma attacked at the wrong time. They weren't prepared. For the first time, there was a casualty. Someone was killed. Marinette didn't care that her identity was exposed to the world; she couldn't stop blaming herself for what happened. If only she'd been ready... if only she'd done more... There's nothing for Adrien to say. There's nothing he can do other than stay by her side and help her through this pain.

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The Pink Lady: Marichat May 2018 by @seasonofthegeek

In this story, Chat Noir, Carapace, Rena Rouge, Queen B, and Paon are the heroes of Paris. The Ladybug Miraculous has been lost for almost a century and it takes all of their combined power to cleanse akumas sometimes but they’ve found something that works since they don’t have another option. Hawkmoth is one of their villains, but not the only one plaguing Paris. Chat Noir happens upon an old hotel one night on patrol and discovers something and someone he didn't expect.

#ml fanfic rec #halloween #miraculous ladybug

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imthepunchlord · 8 months ago

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God, I REALLY hope Juleka wins the Butterfly poll when it’s time for it - she’s the only one out of ALL the girls whose main color is actually Violet (as opposed to Pink or Indigo), and I feel like her character development wasn’t handled as well as it could’ve been (NONE of the character arcs were, but she sticks out to me in that she’s one of the more recurring supporting characters due to being Luka’s sister yet is simultaneously forgotten by both the canon show and the fandom in how things would affect HER SPECIFICALLY instead of adjacently through the people around her). I also feel like she would be a good match with whatever you’re going to solidify for Bugettes!Nooroo based on the tiny hints you’ve teased about him, both in itself and compared to Roaar, with whom I feel there were existing avenues for it to work but could’ve been sold to us much better in-show. Plus, I’d really just like to see her in a hero suit that’s actually purple; it still bugs me personally that PURPLE Tigress is far more magenta in actuality, almost red even, and very much like REFLEKTA’S main color at that.

Yeah we will see, as ultimately it'll come down to how the polls go, and I know Marinette and Rose have also gotten mentioned for Butterfly.

Juleka will also appear in the poll for Mantis, as Indigo is that in between blue and violet. So it's all kinda up in the air on how it'll go.

I also do agree. Juleka is one of the classmates that does stand out to me in her potential, and yeah it's butchered. So badly. This is primarily on the writers, but one of the things I dislike about Luka is the factor that, for the Couffaines, he's the priority. You could cut out Juleka and you wouldn't miss much. Like, the worst aspect is learning Jagged is their dad, but it was more Jagged and Luka's story than Jagged with both kids. Like, what was the point of making them both his kids when only kid really got priority in this revelation?

And yeah... Juleka with Tiger isn't really my go to pick either. I get her whole thing is trying to find her voice, to be heard and stand out. And with a kwami named Roaar, that does technically work off that agenda, but the power is One Punch Man vs doing something tied to vocals or sound. Which kinda makes the kwami's name a little random (honestly all Zodiac kwamis have really strange names that don't relate to their powers or themes).

The other odd detail is that, when you think of felines that are about roaring, tigers aren't what immediately come to mind, it's the lion. They roar to establish territory, to be heard and say "I'm here!", unless Roaar is meant to be a sort of mix of a tiger and lion? As she doesn't have a body covered in stripes?

I know that, supposedly, there's a Lion Miraculous coming, but it's not official yet.

Either way, tigers I more associate with hunting, stealthy ambush. Not really speaking out. I'll give it, tigers can be tied to leadership which does involve being heard, but it's more military leadership. They're more tied to war, aggression, and strength.

As for the kwami, to me, Roaar came off a bit of a bully. Which maybe Juleka just needs that tough love/push to speak up, but I personally didn't really care for their interactions. Though I still say Mullo and Mylene were the worst paired characters out of all kwamis and humans.

And yeah, Roaar visually doesn't really match with Juleka.

Technically, she matches with Cat the most.

Her main color is black, with bits of purple and green.

While Plagg is meant to be a black cat, there are times he's purple. And of course he has them big green eyes.

I could also see Juleka visually working with Kaalki. I see a hue of purple in her gray, and there is the green eyes to work off as well.

There's also the intrigue that Juleka wants to be a model and Kaalki expects someone famous or wealthy, getting a holder who isn't but wants to be, Kaalki would have to work with them to get them to where they both want Juleka to be; though I do see them butting heads a bit as it's pairing two of high and low status, but that could be fun. Plus, there's the pun potential of Juleka learning to be a show pony with Kaalki's help (she could've also called herself Knightmare).

And yeah, with Butterfly, Juleka could've done well. You do have to communicate with others, so Juleka would have to work at talking with others, to express her thoughts and to be heard, and there's some pressure to be taken off as it's more long range communication vs close, but the option is there for close range communication whenever Juleka is ready for it. And Nooroo would be a gentle and patient guide.

We'll have to see if it happens though.

#ask Punchie #slight luka salt #ml salt #juleka couffaine #bugettes au

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shtosh-ka · 10 months ago

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"You and I are alike, Nooroo.. It’s Ladybug who is to blame for our fate.. do you understand? We both became villains because of her.."

My headcanons on the relationship between Lila and Nooroo:

Lila will always be different personalitys in front of Nooroo - Lila, Iris, Ceris.

In their relationship, Lila applies a tough emotional swing to Nooroo :(

In each personality, Lila will behave differently towards Nooroo:

Lila's personality: blames Nooroo for all "his" atrocities, instills in him a feeling of guilt.

Personality Ceris: convinces Nooroo that they are similar, supposedly Ladybug forced them both to become villains.

Iris Personality: Friendly with Nooroo, she interacts nicely with him.

Nooroo does not understand which of his owner's personalities is real.

Ceris's personality causes Nooroo a strong feeling of anxiety

Nooroo prefers to see his owner in the form of Iris - after all, she is very sweet and caring with him - this is what he wanted so much: a kind and sweet holder.

Nooroo understands that Iris's identity is most likely a lie, but he harbors hope that she really loves him and cares about him.

For Lila, Nooroo is nothing more than a tool to achieve her goals. She understands that he has a personality and feelings, which is why she manipulates him, but she treats him in a consumer way.

When Lila plays the role of Iris in front of Nooroo, she deliberately acts friendly towards him in order to create dissonance in him so that Nooroo does not protest.

And although Lila uses her personalities to bring down Nooroo, she believes that he is incapable of protest. She considers him a weak creature.

The phrase Lila(Ceris) at the beginning that I wrote reminds me of the conversation between Eren Yeager and Reiner at the beginning of the fourth season of AOT hahahahaha

#artists on tumblr #art #digital art #illustrators on tumblr #nooroo #miraculous kwamis #miraculous ladybug #miraculous fanart #miraculous lila #lila rossi #lila miraculous #headcanon

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celestiall0tus · 3 months ago

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Miraculous Salvation - Chapter 3 - Double Deals

Beginning || Previous || Next

Tikki and Plagg manifested in London, England in the dead of night. The city hummed with activity as they shifted into a pair of humans. A few passersby gave Tikki an appraising look before they saw Plagg and hurried along.

“Careful. You’re scaring them,” Tikki cooed.

“Then they shouldn’t leer at you,” Plagg growled.

“So overprotective. It’s one of the many things I love about you. Now, we have several choices to approach. I brought us here to meet the Butterfly Avatar first. I would have preferred Pollen’s little pawn, but I know how you feel about Pollen.”

Plagg snorted. “What I feel is that you give a little too much love to your prized pet.”

“Oh, sounds like someone is jealous,” Tikki teased.

“You know I am. You are mine, but you refuse to be mine.”

“Only when I want to be. Besides, Pollen is such a lovely kiss ass. How could I not love her more than you some millennia?”

Plagg growled and hissed. “Enough of this chatter. Let’s find Nooroo’s pawn.”

Tikki growled as Plagg vanished into the Unseen. She rolled her eyes and followed him. They found a lingering essence trail that was intertwined with Styx’s pawn. They exchanged glances before they followed it to a mansion. They stepped back into the material plane as they phased through the walls into the dark manor.

“Sheesh, where’s all the lights?” Tikki complained.

Plagg rolled his eyes and grabbed Tikki’s wrist. He navigated through the halls while Tikki fumed behind him.

“Is it too much to ask you to hold my hand?” Tikki griped.

“Is it too much to ask you care about me more than the others?” Plagg shot back.

“Ugh! This again?”

Plagg stopped and snapped at Tikki. “Yes, again. I am your equal, the destruction to your creation just as you are the creation to my destruction. We were made for each other, but you insist on fraternizing with the lesser kwamis.”

Tikki held her chin up as she tore her hand from Plagg’s hold. “Get over yourself, Plagg. Let’s go.”

Tikki stepped back into the Unseen as she followed the essence trails while Plagg remained in the material plane, watching her from there. They arrived at an office with a light visible from the crack at the bottom of the door. Tikki materialized once again and stepped through. Plagg rolled his eyes and stepped through with her. They looked down at a very muscular white man with a cut jawline and slicked back blonde hair. He gazed up at them from his documents with deep, icy eyes.

“Who are you and how did you get in?” the man asked.

“Walked through the walls. You know, kwami things,” Tikki mused.

“And to what do I owe this visit?” the man followed up.

Plagg pulled up a seat and sat down. “Congrats, Nooroo, we’ve decided to go along with whatever plans you have for this rock as part of the game.”

The man grinned. “Have you now? Nooroo told me this may happen or may not. Either way, we were going to move forward with his plans.”

“Well, you’re in luck. I picked this marble and the others are here. Well, except Gimmi and Vana, but that’s nothing new. So, what does Nooroo have planned for this world? Are we dealing with a specific plan, or did he leave it to you to decide?” Tikki asked.

“He said to surprise him.”

Tikki grinned. “I like surprises. Well, you have Creation and Destruction here to help you. I’m sure we can-.”

“Actually, I don’t need you, Creation,” the man cut in.

“Excuse me?” Tikki demanded.

“I can mimic creation so long as I have ashes left from the ruins of the old world. As generous as your offer is, I would only need Destruction to aid me.”

Plagg tuned out Tikki’s bickering with Nooroo’s pawn. He admitted to himself he may be annoyed with Tikki, but they hadn’t been separated during any of these games. The thought made him a little anxious. Surely neither of them could entertain the notion.

Plagg’s eyes widened as a chill ran through him. Spectral hands grazed his shoulders as he felt a familiar presence. He shuddered as Vana’s voice echoed in his head.

“She’s so unfair to you. You do all these things for her, but what does she ever do for you? Maybe it is time you two spent a game apart. Maybe it’s time you taught her you won’t be ignored anymore. What do you think, Plagg? Isn’t it time you spoke up and demanded respect, or will you roll over and take it like a good little kitty cat?”

Plagg sneered as Vana’s presence vanished. He cleared his throat that earned a groan from Tikki.

“What now, Plagg?” Tikki demanded.

“I think we should go forward with his idea. It could be an interesting experiment, don’t you think so? Who knows, we might be surprised by something, and you do love surprises,” Plagg pointed out.

“Then what am I supposed to do?” Tikki demanded.

“You’re full of ideas. You’ll think of something. You always do. Oh, I know. Perhaps you could go running off to your favorite pets. Maybe they can entertain your childish whims.”

Tikki stomped her foot and vanished. Plagg rolled his eyes and faced the man.

“I make no apologies for her. She’s too much of a brat for her own good,” Plagg commented.

“It’s all good. I’m just happy she didn’t take it out on me. Nooroo warned me of Tikki’s temper.”

“Neither you need to worry about so long as we work together. Speaking of, what do you call yourself?”

“Colt Fathom.”

“Alright, Colt. We have a lot to work out, but first, we need players. I hope you have some lined up. The others are eager to get started.”

Colt pulled out a folder and placed it on the desk. Plagg took it and opened it to several documents inside. He skimmed over them and the pictures. Among them were two men and four, possibly five, women.

“Tell us about these people,” Plagg ordered.

“The first one is Gabriel Agreste and his son, Adrien Agreste. Gabriel has become a sodden fool after his wife’s death. He struck a pair of deals with me. One to save his dying brand, and the other to bring his wife back. I don’t expect him to be loyal, but he’s on very fine, fragile strings,” Colt explained.

“And the boy?”

“Adrien has grown quite rebellious and is often up to no good like any boy his age. I do expect to have trouble controlling him until we find the right thing to dangle in front of him.”

Plagg snorted. “Anyone can be bought for the right price. What about the blondes here?”

“Audrey Bourgeois and her daughters, Chloe and Zoe. Audrey wants to see the slate wiped clean to allow for newer, better ideas. Primarily in the world of fashion. You’ll find she’s often at odds with Gabriel. As for her daughters, Chloe is the eldest, and a little spitfire. Audrey has suggested Zoe, the more sheltered of the two, but I personally prefer the spitfire.”

“Dangerous game there. Spitfires are controllable.”

“Maybe not, but when I usher in this new world, we’ll need people to lead it. My son may be like myself, but it’ll fall to him to carry the torch and inspire hope. I want an acceptable woman for him to be presented with. Zoe is a child while Chloe is a woman. For the interest of the new world, I aim to ensnare Chloe.”

“This will be interesting then. What about these last two?”

“The Tsurugis. Tomoe and her daughter Kagami. Tomoe was born blind but managed the impossible. Granted she has been in possession of a kwami since she was a girl. However, she feels hindered by the views of the masses as she pushes further in the world of technology, only to be pushed back. Much like Audrey, she wants the slate wiped clean to usher in a newer, better age.”

“What of the daughter?”

“Hard to tell. Kagami is a brilliant young woman. Incredible academics, a master at anything she puts her mind to, but a touch awkward when it comes to socializing. A small hiccup, but her brilliance greatly outweighs her lack of social skills. Add on top that she’s frighteningly obedient to her mother.”

Plagg smirked. He put the folder on the table and spread out the documents and pictures. He felt the presences of the other kwamis gather around him in the Unseen.

“Alright, everyone. For those that want to join me, pick your player. All are for grabs, except the Tsurugi girl. That one is mine.”

The air charged around Plagg as four kwamis materialized as humans. Plagg watched as each took a paper, leaving Zoe’s all alone on the desk with Tomoe’s. They all gave Plagg a mischievous smile and nod.

“Alright, we’ve picked our players. How long do you plan on making us wait?” Plagg asked.

“We shall not wait at all. Come. Let us leave for Paris.”

Colt ushered the kwamis out before he left his office. The voices of the group faded into the distance. Once they were gone, an owl kwami materialized as a small woman. She gazed down at Zoe’s documents, took them, then vanished.

Gimmi hovered in the nothing of the Unseen. She waited until a prismatic light formed from the nothingness. She looked up as Vana’s voice spoke from it.

“I have some news!”

“What is it?”

“Plagg and Tikki are going to be separated for this game. And! And, Plagg, Corbin, Orikko, Stompp, and Fang are all on their ways to Paris, France with Nooroo and apparently Styx’s avatars.”

“Paris, you say?”

“Indeed. Oh, and one more thing. I may have seen Sass, Duusu, and Longg around this boat on a river not too long ago. Perhaps a deal could be struck with them?”

Gimmi smiled. “Thank you, Vana. I’ll head that way.”

The light vanished and Gimmi stepped onto Earth. She moved through the Unseen to the boat that Vana spoke of. True as his word, Sass, Duusu, and Longg hovered outside of the boat. They all turned to her as she approached.

“Gimmi? What brings you here?” Sass asked.

“Reasons that are my own, but may be shared if conditions are met,” Gimmi said.

“Can you speak clearly. Not all of us speak cryptic,” Duusu mumbled.

“Very well. How would you all like to teach Tikki a lesson?” Gimmi asked.

The three perked up at the proposition.

“I thought as much. Work with me, and we’ll make this game ours. What do you say?”

“Fuck yeah, let’s do it!” Longg cheered.

“Hold on. You’ll protect us from Tikki and Plagg’s retaliation attempts, won’t you?” Sass asked.

“Of course. I have no qualms with Plagg, I will stop him if he tries to do anything. After all, we know how much of a pushover he is for his Sugarcube,” Gimmi remarked.

“Let’s do it then. We’ve seen the brutish barbarian that Plagg is aligning with, and we don’t agree with the image they’re creating. Pity because Nooroo is one of us and he picked such a boorish creature,” Duusu complained.

“And we don’t know where Wayzz is,” Sass added.

“And you’re worried you can’t create a paradise without them, yes?” Gimmi asked.

“Who cares about a paradise this time? I want to see those beasts stopped,” Longg hissed.

“Then why are you here?” Gimmi pressed.

“Magic. It’s weak, but it’s here. And those girls are the source of it. Look!” Longg yelled.

Gimmi peered in at the group of young women. There were four in total. One was chubby with fair skin and blonde hair, another blonde that was thin as a twig with pale-fair skin, a tan-skinned girl with brown hair, and another twig of a girl that towered over the others with long black hair with purple dyed tips and terribly pale sin. She watched as the girls moved around and prepared a makeshift ritual.

“What are they doing?” Gimmi asked.

“Trying to invoke some spirits or something like that. The plump one is worried about summoning another demon, but the black-haired one keeps dismissing that fear,” Sass answered.

“Invoking spirits, eh? Let’s give them a show then, shall we?” Gimmi asked.

“But who will get who?” Duusu demanded.

“You three fight over the others, but the black-haired girl is mine,” Gimmi said.

Sass, Duusu, and Longg exchanged glances, but didn’t stand in Gimmi’s way. They watched as Gimmi slipped into the room as the girls finished their preparations and sat around a ouija board. Each girl put a hand on the planchette while the black-haired one lit some candles. She placed her hand on the planchette and took a deep breath.

“We seek to make contact with any spirits out there. If you wish to speak with us, use the energy from the candles,” the black-haired girl called.

Gimmi slipped into the room and blew out the candles one by one. The girls gasped and looked around as they were plunged into darkness. Gimmi motioned for Longg to join her, and Longg did.

“Make a flame above the planchette for me. We’re going to make this a spectacle.”

Longg grinned and ignited a tiny flame that hovered over the planchette. The girls froze as the flame appeared and they all stared at it. Gimmi grinned as she infused herself with the ember. The orange light shifted between every color possible as the flames leapt up and formed into her eldritch appearance. The girls all stifled screams as they each covered their mouths and gawked at the apparition.

“Long has it been since I felt magic like this from this corner of the universe,” Gimmi spoke, her words low and whispery.

“What… what are you?” the black-haired girl asked.

“Please don’t be another demon,” the chubby blonde begged.

Gimmi chuckled. “Demon I be not. I am so much more.”

“But what are you?” the black-haired girl asked again.

“A wandering spirit in search of something,” Gimmi spoke.

“What are you looking for?” the tiny blonde asked.

“I look for the able for I come with grave news. Terrible people seek to remake the world in their image. People who have obtained powers like what I possess,” Gimmi explained.

“What? What are they going to do? And why are you here with us?” the tan-skinned girl asked.

“I was drawn in by magic of old to a coven of witchlings. An offer I have for these little witchlings,” Gimmi said.

“What’s the offer?” the black-haired girl asked.

“I have the ability to bestow upon thee powers to rival these villains. Powers that will allow you to restore the world to how it was always meant to be,” Gimmi answered.

“How was it always meant to be?” the chubby blonde asked.

“Wondrous and savage. A thing of beauty where nature ruled over men. Forests as far as the eye could see, a world free of grime and pollution, a world ripe with magic. A paradise.”

The chubby blonde and black-haired girls’ eyes widened and shone. The other two looked hesitant. The black-haired girl stood.

“You mean we’ll get real, real magic?” the black-haired girl asked.

“And make nature thrive?” the chubby blonde asked.

“Indeed,” Gimmi said.

“What do we do?” the black-haired girl and chubby blonde girl said in unison.

Gimmi smiled as she collapsed the flame in on itself. The girls shielded their eyes from the blinding light. The room lights flickered on as they lowered their hands. They gasped as they looked at a Gimmi, who appeared as a mirror of the black-haired girl, but her hair white with pink tips.

“Woah!” the black-haired girl exclaimed.

“I hope this doesn’t upset you. It is… a habit of mine to mimic my holder to be,” Gimmi said.

“Holder? I don’t understand.”

“You will. For now, introductions. I am Gimmi, kwami of reality. And you are?”

“Juleka.”

“Well met, Juleka. Now, the others. Come out now and present yourselves.”

Three bodies appeared next to each girl. Next to the chubby blonde was a lean, muscular, tan-skinned woman with a black undercut ponytail dressed in a simple white crop top, black pants, and combat boots. Beside the tan-skinned girl was a flamboyant man dressed in the finest, most extravagant clothes. Near the tiny blonde was a tall, pale man with long black hair, angular features, and a black trench coat.

“Beside each of you is the kwami that will bestow upon you the powers to combat this evil and restore the world to paradise. Well, go on now. Don’t be shy,” Gimmi urged.

Longg smirked and knelt beside the chubby girl. “Pleased to meet you, dragonling. Name’s Longg, and I’m the kwami of nature. With my power, you will be Gaia incarnate.”

The chubby blonde’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Unbelievable right. Everything that is nature from the trees to the rocks, the waters, and even the fires that cleanse will be yours to command.”

“Oh my Gaia, this is a dream come true! I’m Mylene! Super amazing to meet you!”

Longg smiled and took Mylene’s hands. She placed her hand on top of Mylene’s palm as a necklace appeared in Mylene’s hands

“The pleasure is all mine.”

“Charming. Are you done? Well, you are now. Greetings, mortal creature. I am the fabulous Duusu, the kwami of all that is beautiful.”

The tan-skinned girl’s eyes widened. “Beautiful? Then why choose me? There… there are way more beautiful people out there than me.”

“Ah, such an objective statement. Perhaps there is, perhaps there isn’t. Who can really say? Except me. I am an expert. And you darling are beautiful, for a mortal. What do they call you?”

“Uh, Vivica.”

Duusu cooed. “What a lovely name. I expect us to get along just fine.”

Vivica opened her mouth when Duusu tossed a brooch into her hands.

“No need for words. I already know how grand an opportunity this is to bring true beauty back to the world. This rock is sorely lacking in it after all. Alright, Sass, let’s go. Chop, chop!”

Sass rolled his eyes before he looked at the tiny blonde. “As the flamboyant chicken said, name is Sass. I’m-.”

“Chicken? Do I look like that fluffed up, angry little cock? No, I don’t. That annoying little bitch boy could never be such a fabulous creature such as myself,” Duusu interrupted.

“And I don’t care,” Sass hissed.

Duusu gasped, offended. He crossed his arms and turned his back to Sass.

“Anyway, I am the kwami of life. With my power, you can restore life and heal your allies, or inflict pain and death on you enemies. Whichever suits you.”

The tiny blonde smiled. “That sounds lovely. The first part. You know, I’m usually the healer. Though it’s more fantastical in games than what I really do.”

Sass smiled. “What’s your name, little one?”

“Rose.”

“Rose. A fine name for a healer. Soft, but powerful. Here.”

Sass pulled his hand out of his pocket and offered Rose a bracelet. She accepted it, bowed her head, and slipped it on.

“And me?” Juleka asked.

“I give you yours on one condition. You wait to reveal yourself,” Gimmi said.

“What? Why?”

“In part because I want someone in this game to get a little too comfortable before we announce ourselves. Regrettably, the reality is when you activate our powers for the first time, all the others know. As reality, I am the greatest and wish to keep myself a secret just a little while longer. But I promise, when we are finally one, it will have been worth the wait.”

Juleka looked away. “You… will you stay here with me at least?”

“That I can do.”

Juleka smiled, nodded, then looked at the others. “What do you say, girls? Do we do this?”

“I’m in!” Mylene cheered.

“I suppose? My dad always says that change starts with you. If you want to make things better, you have to do to something about it, right?” Rose commented.

Vivica hesitated, then sighed. “What’s the worst that could happen, I guess?”

Juleka cheered. “Alright, we’re all on board. Let’s go!”

“Uh, when is this enemy attacking?” Mylene asked.

“No idea, but they are gathering their forces soon. I imagine it won’t be much longer. However, lucky for us, we have, let’s call it, an unfair advantage,” Gimmi answered.

Duusu and Longg smirked while Sass remained stoic.

“Don’t worry, dragonling. We have an inside. Right, Gimmi?” Longg asked.

“That we do. And you all will be the firsts to know when the enemy is mobilizing. In the meantime, get to know each other. You have this luxury after all.”

Rose gasped. “We should get snacks and just have a night.”

“Yeah. Let’s go see what’s in the kitchen. Let’s go, girls!” Juleka cheered.

Gimmi, Longg, Duusu, and Sass watched as the girls left.

“So, what now?” Longg asked.

“As I said. Enjoy the luxury of time, and unfair advantages.”

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baenyth · 1 month ago

Text

Bethany's Bizarre Miraculous Reviews Episode 6-2: The Illustrhater

Alright, episode 2! A kid gets akumatized instead of Nathaniel! Let's go!

What is she writing?

Also Nooroo's been turned into a statue. Has he been like that since the London Special?

Alright, Pepe-Silvia-esque lore breakdown but they don't know enough, maybe if Marinette was upfront about the truth they could use that extra knowledge to do a least a little bit of whittling down,

That is a very good concern, honestly. You decided on this method however, Marinette. And besides, one of the teammates is why you chose to hand out the Miraculous full-time.

Felix hasn't been akumatized. He resisted akumatization but he's killed people on his own. (Wow, I am salty about these three things, aren't I? Marinette should tell the truth. Adrien and Marinette shouldn't be together. Felix shouldn't been redeemed. Hotdog Taco Hamburger. Hotdog Taco Hamburger.

Eepy

Marinette, what you're doing is a polycule with extra steps. At least include Luka in there as well.

Honestly cute! I shouldn't be too hard on this relationship. It's going to come crashing down inevitably. (Then again they didn't give Lukanette and Adrigami more than an episode...)

Exposition on hero duties while Marinette contradicts herself in a panic, got it.

Did they just expose themselves? Are they allowed to do that? Do they think Marinette and Adrien completely obscure their identity? Did no one see them transform? Is this because of the Miracle Queen incident? Do they think the new Hawkmoth already knows?

Dramatic irony lmao

And her face lmao

Oh my god. She's ditching Adrien to do hero work in front of one of the two people hurt most by being ditched by their partner to do hero work.

Ah, lore. Also we can say that Mayor Bustier is mentioned. Not getting a bingo on the top row or middle right row.

More akumatized people...

Disgusting cookies

Oh. And Anxiety stimming.

Aw, cute kid! Miraculous has cute elementary schoolers now!

Marinette, just calm down and do what feels natural to you. If nothing feels natural in this relationship, then maybe it's beCAUSE YOU SHOULDN'T-

She's at it again!

No! The wind! Adrien should've put it under the plate!

More dramatic irony lmao

Alright. The kid's a jester done right and I love the cel-shaded look the drawings have. Not very practical at getting Miraculous, I don't think. Or maybe the kid's limited by her imagination?

Oh boy! I love those boxes of art supplies!

That's the moral of the story!

And the failsafe. I'm guessing Baldy-Bald will object and try and make Luka the guardian?

So do movie theaters in Paris actually have double seats like that?

Diavolo behavior! But with a multitude of disguises instead of Doppio!

Alright, cute little fun episode, my grievances with this ship aside. I'm still salty that it took one episode for Marinette to work on these flaws because it made Lukanette feel that much more disrespected. But no matter. Luka hasn't even shown up yet!

As for the bingo board and axes of funk, nothing happened to add to the bingo board and I'm not sure if I should have an anti-mark, but as for the axes, this akuma was pretty funky. The sad pencil jester theme? The simple cell-shaded drawings? Plus with a little more skill and imagination this kid's constructs could've easily incapacitated one or more of the heroes. Another upper right!

#miraculous ladybug #miraculoustalesofladybugandcatnoir #miraculous #marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste #ml ladybug #chat noir #ml chat noir #lila rossi #ml critical #alya cesaire #nino lahiffe #rena rouge #carapace

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justanotherpersonsuniverse · 1 month ago

Note

Ok so I didn’t see that you’d posted til the 17th, which is atrocious but I’ve been up to stuff and not on ao3 as much

I am indescribably hyped to read the new chapter, the glorious days that you post panthera are always fabulous

Onto the notes, major spoilers for Feast, chapter 76 of Panthera Noire!

—

Dear god it’s refreshing to read your writing again, something about your style just hits right, specially cause I’m a bit hung over rn blegh

Gabriels nightmare is incredibly written, the fact that panthera does give this grown man nightmares is genuinely hysterical and utterly deserved.

Ehehehe your dialogue for gabriel is splendid, don’t like how he treats nooroo but the idea of him putting the broach on his night shirt is amusing, do you think he does it super fast cause hes para and like jabs his thumb while putting it on?

Daw juleka and rose being cute, this won’t last will it…

What on earth is alix’s dad doing up a mountain in tibet? I can’t remember this episode aside from a few clips so idk if this is pulled from canon or if this is something you’ve made up. Either way why was he up there he’s a little museum guy

Oh em gee marinette pov!! A rare delicacy

I love when alix jokes about things she shouldn’t know. How about a bunny miraculous indeed…

Oh marinette… the guilt Juleka feels about lying about her identity is like a whole different brand to what marinette feels when obfuscating the truth, marinette can like compartmentalise it into justifying her actions until it gets to someone really close but even then shes like welp its for their sake and mine cant do anything about it

None of that is important i just like it

Something something chess metaphor for how marinette uses the heroes and either she is the queen in these scenarios or panthera is and marinette is the king…

Tbh plagg calling wayzz a bootlicker kinda bangs, they’re quite literally gods and concepts and have been through loads of holders, the relationships for kwamis and their holders is always a bit weird to me, ach its something i fixed in my own stuff

Hmm interesting how juleka can hear so well, it would be funny if she’d just seen juleka hanging out with master fu but that’s more comedic value than plot progression

I really do love how you’ve got panthera and Fu’s relationship, there’s respect but also he’s not another person who she bends over backwards to accommodate like ladybug its a very good balance

Fu’s reaction to Feast is splendid, and interesting backstory… he’s like old as balls so i never really thought about his parents, i think i assumed he was born into the order but being abandoned is a curious twist, you’ve given me something to think about for my own work actually, even if its never mentioned its helpful for how to write him

Its been 3 days i got distracted and went to the club, dreadnought oldest rock club in scotland :D omg panthera would fucking love the dreddy i feel so at home with the like 50 year old goths who live there

Anyway, i also got ill so remembering about this was like amazing

I love how theatrically juleka and plagg speak even tho they’re like totally serious

Omg i hate gabriel. I understand him most of the time but ugh the fact that he’s acting like that towards nathalie when she’s going through the same thing emily did is just enraging

I mean i get that it might make him act more weird but still

Poor wee adrien man

Omg panthera acting like spiderman always gets me, its her little interactions with people that are so cute even tho she doesn’t know them but she does she makes so much effort to be down to earth with people ach

Fantastic chase scene, but alos hello?? Not Juleka trying to scheme if they can just save the miraculous and leave fu to Feast thats insane girl

“There's my girl” on god ladybug do you not hear yourself speak?? Thats your wife girl…

The type of friendship they have is sooo… married 40 years the spark died out but they still bicker and rely on each other. One of my pals and i act like that sometimes it’s good fun

Oh dear i feel so bad for Fu, like he makes bad decisions but mann that guys traumatised

I do love how panthera is like this horror entity type thing while ladybug seems to be more human. Panthera is a danger to all old men with high blood pressure fr

Honestly seeing LB fight without the suit is interesting but I’ll always adore Panthera or Juleka fighting without the suit, tho we did get a little bit of that last chapter, and, obviously, in the theatre arc

OH MY GOATS

I always love seeing civilians banding together against the akuma, alix having a molotov is so in character, i bet a hundred smackaroos she got the booze from Anarka

I like marinettes conversation with Fu, i cant articulate why but its a good scene

YAY more ladynoire flirting for no fucking reason we are so back

I mean we need to be for chat blank to hit as hard…

On that note i forgot what a goated season season 3 is, what with chat blank, reflektdoll with the kwami swap, timetagger time travel... And more i’ve forgotten

Good question why IS her plan always vore???

This actual made me cackle, awesome comedy cap

Oh no why’re we getting into Fu and Feasts relationship… youre making me attached to the senti monster bro i can’t have that

Oh fire tine ‘lego’ skeleton… i hate how the guardians lived after being eaten by Feast like I know the miraculous cure fixes shit but i feel like it should only fix the stuff that LB has been directly involved with. I don’t know whether you’ll keep the guardians dead or not but i can hope!

NOOO feast dying is just making me like really sad bro he was just hungry…

Monkey hands on head over here

Oh marinette the least subtle person in the world… actually just pmo cause i was wanting panthera to bring it up tho i guess it is proper evidence that marinette hasnt and her reasons make some sense but ugh

Toxic yuri continues cant wait for it to explode… maybe thats connected to the chat blanc incident?

I think the dissonance between how panthera sees him as a person who made mistakes and still holds him accountable while ladybug sees him as this tragic story who just needs to be coddled and taken care of is interesting

NOOOO FU WHY make them both guardians omg no. i mean yes its important cause its such a big deal, tho i cant see some of the conflict in season for coming about based off of marinettes vehemence to not put out too many miraculous when season four was crazy for handing them out like candy… we’ll just have to see how it plays out i suppose

Oh wait hang on am i diot? Is marinette just too focussed on herself to see that Fu has also been training panthera or is panthera missing some information? She might be missing some stuff with how she delegated asking for the B team miraculous to be permanent to marinette…

Hmm

I do like how set on killing hawkmoth panthera is, her scales of justice are perhaps a bit skewed and deviant, devient superego… yeah lets not psychoanalyse this using freud

AWESOME CHAPTER!!! Sorry it took so long for me to read i am busy with college bullshit… home stretch this year thank fuck

HEHEHE ITS ALL GODO IM GLAD YOU ENJOYED!!!! I had so much goddamn fun with this chapter and being able to set so much stuff just here has been a blast.

As for Marinette, Fu, Juleka, and all the guardian stuff. You're right on Marinette being too focused! In her pov, it says Fu stares directly at her when referring to guardians. In Juleka's, he stares at both of them

Marinette has never considered Fu may have been teaching Panthera the same shit hes been teaching her. In her eyes, shes been trained for this job and only her!

And so she brunt forces that worldview whenever she talks to juleka, esp about the miraculouses.

In her eyes, Panthera doesnt know as much as she does! So of course shes taking the lead, of course she's not making the right decision on letting the others have their miraculouses full time- of course its right for her to take control! Fu knows best, and Ladybug knows what Fu wants, so Ladybug knows best!

It's not meant to be demeaning, its not meant to strip Pantheras autonomy, but it does!

And thats a pattern with them. Ladybug is the plan guy and that has gotten to her head about how they treat their partnership.

#panthera noire au #sneak a cat

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yolowritter · 1 year ago

Text

In Defense of Chloe Bourgeois Part 2: Why is Chloe?

Hello everyone! In case it wasn't obvious by the title, this is a part 2 to this post right there! I'd sincerely recommend reading it since you'll need the context. Anyhow, moving right onto where I left off!

[...]

Okay...deep breath. In and out. I'm...totally fine. Anyway, considering all of the above, it's pretty clear that Chloe has a lot of problems. Mental Health problems, to be exact. And natually, this circles back to her bigget fault in this entire show. Bullying the main character. Now, bullying sucks. It's bad, don't do it. This is coming from a person who got relentlessly bullied for years on end by the way, so I'm on Marinette's side here! She's right not to trust Chloe in Vanisher, because she's fourteen and has years worth of trauma related to this girl! In her experience Chloe is never helpful, and often the antithesis of that word. Sure, Ladybug should have looked past that as part of her job, but Chat Noir doesn't either! The only reason he ever gives her the benefit of the doubt is because it's Adrien under the mask! So as far as I'm concerned, Marinette didn't do anything wrong (yet) with how she handled Chloe. And any mistakes she does make are if not justifiable then at least understadable given their history. But on the Chloe side of things, she has every reason to hate Marinette. From all the classmates we have info on, Marinette is the only one with a happy, complete and loving family in the way that Chloe has always wished her's way. Obligatory reminder that Alya wasn't in their class until Origins. We never see Alix or Sabrina's moms, I'm half convinced Nino's parents don't exist because they've never been mentioned once the whole show, Max and Juleka only have their moms and possinly daddy issies, etc. Something ain't right with any of the familial situations here. So obviously, when Chloe sees someone who she's been taught by Audrey (again, her role model in formative years) is "beneath" her, as in, fundementally inferior to their own existence, and Marinette has a loving family that adores her unconditionally, is it any fucking wonder she acts out???

Again! And this is the last time I'll say it! So sing along, everyone! ~Bullying is bad! Don't do it kids!~ What Chloe does (even without that horrendous spider-pool-thing of a retcon) is obviously wrong!!! Okay??? It's bad!!! Because hurting other to feel better is a shitty thing to do! Nevermind that it doesn't work!!! I am not going to repeat myself again! But the root of Chloe's problems is her family. She's been raised by two (barely one, but let's pretend) people who make me wonder if parenting licences should be a thing, and are prime examples of the fact while every kid deserves a parent, the opposite is very much not true! Marinette effortlessly has what Chloe craves, parental love! And at the time they first meet, they should both be like 9 or 10! Obviously Chloe takes things too far, but considering she's emotionally stunted and the people around her have to do as she says, no wonder she's royally pissed the moment she encounters something that she can't throw daddy's money at and win! That's what Audrey taught her is correct, and what Andre constantly encourages!

Understanding all of this, we circle back to Style Queen. Fucking Style Queen, man. Chloe accidentally finds the Bee Miraculous. And honestly? The argument of "Marinette shouldn't have dropped it" is fucking ridiculous. Listen, the coffee cup in Sentibubbler I can understand, but don't grasp at straws like this. For Nooroo's sake! Moving right along, dear God does this go badly. Up to this point, we've got a vague idea that Chloe is willing to help Ladybug and Chat Noir (aside from just being a self-proclaimed superfan), given that she did so in Vanisher, Despair Bear, and possibly another episode that I'm forgetting about. Doesn't matter. So now, Chloe Bourgeois is in possession of a magical macguffin that gives her heroes their superpowers. Naturally, this is a pretty big thing. Unfortunately, Chloe doesn't even get the chance to be responsible here, because Audrey immediately goes on a rant about how useless she is and how she could never be "exceptional". Aka: hits all of Chloe's trauma buttons with a Greathammer. Wonderful job, local Karen! This immediately prompts Chloe to take what she knows is exceptional (superpowers) and flaunt it in her mother's face. She transforms in a room full of people, including Gabriel Agreste, but I don't care about him in this rant, and runs out to try and find a crime to stop!

Because of course, heroes do good things! But you know, helping an old lady cross the street or rescuing a kitten isn't exactly "exceptional material" so Chloe instantly goes for the heavy hitters. And has the incredibly stupid idea of the whole train wreck bs. Yes, I know it was a subway or something, I don't care. The point stands. Naturally, stupidity attracts dumbassery, and so the local watermelon and her furry companion show up to put a stop to Chloe's shenanigans. Kudos to Ladybug by the way, for recognizing the situation for the problematic mess that it was and trying to comfort Chloe. Excellent character delevopment from Marinette here. Unironically I love that she still does this even though she doesn't have to. Nowhere in the superhero manual does it say "talk to your bully because she's having a shitty moment with her abusive mother", but Marinette does it anyway because she's cool like that. And then...a miracle happens! Praise Nooroo, because Chloe "Queen B" Bourgeois apologizes for causing a mess! I can't believe it! And then...Nadja does what reporters do best, and screws everything up. As an aside, can you tell I don't like "reporter" characters? This goes for Alya too, I hate it when they insert themselves in clearly private situations for the sake of a "scoop". My sister in Nooroo, if it's a scoop you want then go interview Andre Glacier! I do like Alya, got a whole "In Offense to..." post about her in the works. And I promise not to bash her. It's the writing's fault.

Anyway, back to Nadja being an idiot. Because naturally, a child is in emotional distress! And even more naturally, she decides the best way to handle a clearly fragile situation in a city where people get turned into violent supervillains for feeding the goddamn pigeons (lookin' at you, Xavier!) is to...live stream it on television. For the entire country of France! And even more naturally, she also gets Chloe's abusive mother on the line so the child in question can be belittled on NATIONAL TELEVISION for what she already knows is wrong, and has been handled by the proper authority. Because I don't trust a single adult in this universe, Ladybug is a thousand times more reliable! Like seriously, she's just been Akumatized!

Does Nadja want it to happen again? Anyway, this utter debacle marks the beginning of Chloe's career as Queen Bee, the superhero Ladybug brings in when she needs to and then puts back in the box until next time! Mind you, I do not blame Marinette for this, considering that she acknowledges Chloe is capable and willing to help, even says so to her at one point. Then we go through Maledictator, Heart Hunter, Miraculer, etc. And it becomes pretty clear that Hawkmoth is actively targeting Chloe. Because, you know, she's the only Miraculous Holder whose identity was public. All the while, Chloe actually seems to mellow out a little bit in her civilian life. Sure, she does that hillarious thing where interviews Queen Bee which is honestly just funny and should have been given extra points for the effort of doing it herself instead of forcing Sabrina to do it for her. I mean that instead of encouraging Chloe's bad behavior by being unreasonably permissive, miss Bustier should encourage her good behavior little by little, like doing things on her own and the compliments thing she has the class do. To her credit, Chloe does seem to be trying, and slowly finding her footing with all these new dynamics. Even with Sabrina, she seems to be treating her better now. They play "Ladybug and Chat Noir" together, and all that stuff. I won't get into it here because I want to move onto the actual conclussion of this rant, but you get my point.

Despite all this, Chloe is still very...Chloe. But she does seem to be doing a little better. I'm fairly sure Marinette or at least Adrien acknowledges that at some point, but anyway. The reason why I think Chloe's behavior improves is because she finally feels like she belongs. In Team Miraculous, I mean. Sure, Ladybug is their leader who she listens to, but that's just the thing. Ladybug leads, she doesn't boss people around. And Chloe already looked up to her, and willingly chooses to follow. It's good for her, even if we're taking baby steps here. And then...Miracle Queen happens. I'll honestly be damned as to why Marinette got butchered here, because this is a fault of the writing. Like, I'm sorry, they build up this understanding that Chloe can't be Queen Bee anymore between her and Ladybug, and then just...take it away? H-how do you take away an established dynamic??? Not like this, that's how! People are saying Marinette should have sat Chloe down and explained things better, and yeah okay that would have helped, but you guys realize Gabriel was actively praying on her worst feelings, right? Gabriel who knows Chloe's family and also has emotional manipulation powers? All he had to do was feed into all these doubts one last time and get her to agree for like, five seconds. Akuma goes in, and she's on his side now!

And hot take? I like Miracle Queen! I like the direction they tried to take this in! Because it's clearly a "battling your inner demons" storyline, which fits perfectly with the fact that Chloe needs a good support system to function properly. She's still so deeply steeped into the crap that Andre and Audrey taught her that she needs help, and that's okay! For Nooroo's sake, needing help from your friends is completely okay! You should ask for it when you can't do something on your own! And Chloe does try to! She has a fucking Batman Signal knock-off on her rooftop! It's...certainly a method. Then again she doesn't have Ladybug's phone number, so... Anyway yeah. The thing is that I think it's okay for Chloe to need a support system, and then Gabriel takes advantage of her when said network isn't there. He's actively manipulating a child here. Yes, Chloe does give into his manipulation and by extension her own darker self, but I think that's the point. Or at least I perceive it as a "healing is hard, takes time, mistakes will be made alone the way" kinda thing. Which works regarldess of a "Redemption Arc" or no! if they wanted to redeem Chloe, then here's another huge conflict to work through! Here's something that ruined the trust she had with Ladybug and left them both vulnerable! Here's a really cool plot thread that can be explored between Chloe and Adrien, because he's the only who as far as Chloe knows, doesn't hate her (which would be logical to assume for Ladybug given what she did). You want to go "Corruption Arc"? Welp, here's a tale of caution! Here's a display of Hawkmoth as a competent villain who utterly decimated Ladybug's team! Here's a reason for Chloe to defensively slip back into old patterns and emphasize that she's bitter towards her friends because nobody helped her! Again, great character conflict! Beautiful idea, a fine message even!

Surpring absolutely nobody, Thomas Astruc does neither of these. Or rather, he tries to do both, and fails at both. Let's keep the Chloe point for a bit longer before we bring Zoe into this mess, okay? The problem I have with Miracle Queen is that it fundementally half-asses the above, in quite possibly the stupidest way possible. Like I said above, it was previously established (I'm fairly sure in Miraculer) that Chloe understood she couldn't be Queen Bee anymore. And yeah okay she seemed bummed, but still got Ladybug's reasoning. Because you know, Marinette talked to her about it! And then the show just...forgets this happened??? I get that Chloe wants to be a hero, which I think is probably her only halfway healthy coping mechanism for all the crap she's dealing with, but she's clearly shown to agree with Ladybug's decision, even begrudgingly. And suddenly, with almost no fanfare or buildup, Gabriel "Mothballs" Agreste swoops in for a glory kill and manipulates Chloe into getting Akumatized. Again, I know this is a "battle with her inner demons" thing, but it genuinely doesn't matter! Because Hawkmoth is grooming her right now! Aside from the horrible connotation of the word, it also refers to general manipulation of a person's mental state. But you know what peeves me greatly? This seems to happen instantly! I would have loved it if we took two or three episodes to show Chloe being upset over losing the one place (Team Miraculous) where she felt accepted, I would have liked to see her talk to Sabrina about how she feels like shit because she can't help Ladybug anymore. Even better, an outburst where despite logically understanding that she's right, Chloe blames Ladybug for taking the easy way out of the Queen Bee problem.

Let's face it, Ladybug did take the easy solution here. Now, I don't blame Marinette at all for this. She's fourteen, has the world's weight on her shoulders, a very poor history with Chloe, and took the Bee Miraculous away because she thought that this would keep her teammate safe. Marinette did the best she could, with good intentions! Personally I think Fu should have stepped in here at least indirectly, but he's a poor mentor to Ladybug anyway (yes I have a "In Offense to..." post for him in mind) so of course paranoid Fu wouldn't involve himself. The point is that neither Marinette or Chloe are actually at fault for Queen Bee getting benched. It's a shitty situation that only delays the inevitable bomb from dropping on the heroes' heads by just a bit longer. Now, during this lull in storytelling, Hawkmoth should have tried approaching Chloe again. You know, send another Akuma maybe as she's venting to Sabrina about how she hates the situation she's been placed in. As a reminder, Chloe is the first person to reject an Akuma in this entire show. So for her to again (if more reluctantly) refuse Gabriel's offer to team up would be in character. A second interaction here could have forshadowed Miracle Queen better. Maybe Chloe pauses after Hawkmoth is done pitching his plan, and then after a second or two, she throws him out of her head. Give us another episode where's struggling, and I think her "turn to the Dark Side" in Miracle Queen would have been received much less poorly than it actually did.

This isn't to say that Chloe shouldn't have accepted Hawkmoth's offer. In my opinion, it's a good thing that she did, because it builds character. Even if I "Redemption Arc" had always been the goal, they absolutely could have still done this, so long as it got even a little bit of buildup. And...we again to the fundemental problem I have with Astruc's writing. I know there's other people in the room as well, but it's he who is the "lead writer" and who also made the most buzz about this choice online after Miracle Queen first released. Thomas just...doesn't know how to build up major events. With the sole exception of Shadowmoth's Last Attack, which I have nothing but praise for as a finale, Thomas literally never bothers showing us anything. This is also a problem I have with Gabriel's eventual spiral of insanity, because while "show don't tell" is a good policy to have, even "tell" is a much better option than nothing at all! The reason why Miracle Queen feels so bloody jarring is because for the first and last time in this show's history...they mostly managed to build up a proper Character Arc. Except Thomas and Co. fumbled at the end, and didn't devote almost any time to the entire Season's payoff!

I unironically believe this is just a targeted attack meant to drive anyone with common sense completely and utterly mad, because they spent twenty-something episodes building up to Miracle Queen...and failed to explain why it even happened. I mean yeah, "Gabriel bad, he has a plan, it actually works for once" is what we get, but this is a logical fallacy in and of itself, because if it was the plan from the beginning, then why isn't there any buildup for the final part of this character development? Thomas' failure to properly show the aftermath of Chloe's benching, and make it clear that she is falling into her bad habits again, therefore reverting to a "villain" character because she lacks the support system which helped her be a better person, is the exact reason why anyone is even arguing that there "should" have been a Redemption Arc in the first place!

Note again: Time for part 3, I promise I'm nearly done! Not like this took two weeks to write or something!

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miraculouslbcnreactions · 1 year ago

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Hello! I've been reading through all your posts so far and even though I am personally an ML fan and not a salter, I love media analysis and I'm sad that there isn't much of them in the fandom. There are directions in the show that I'm not satisfied with and I'm currently working on a rewrite for a future comic.

I'm curious about your ideas and takes on how you would personally rewrite ML, right now one of my issues is figuring out how the Peacock Miraculous works bcuz of sentimonsters. How would you write them?

I'm glad that you're enjoying my stuff! I label it all as salt because - as best I can tell - this fandom defines that as anything even slightly negative, but my goal is more analysis and discussion than angry ranting. Talking about what a piece of media did wrong and how you would improve it is a fantastic way to improve your own writing. It's why I got into media analysis in the first place!

Funnily enough, I do have a massive rewrite out there somewhere on AO3, so I DO have thought about how to handle sentimonsters. Or, more specifically, I've thought about how to handle the peacock. I'll give those first, then circle back to sentis.

In my humble opinion, the idea of sentimonsters should be scrapped for the following reasons, all of which existed long before the sentitheory was even on my radar:

Sentimonsters are too derivative. They feel like akuma clones and not a unique power. You can tell that the power was only created because they wanted/needed a power that would let the peacock be used at a distance the same way the butterfly is even though no other miraculous works this way.

If you want to do a slavery plot, the kwamis are right there being enslaved. You don't need to add human-looking slaves to the mix. Especially given that many of those human-looking slaves are apparently fine to kill off? Just, the ethics around the way the show does sentimonsters will always make me feel icky. Meanwhile the kwamis don't have the awkward element of being magical constructs that were made to serve. They were a free people before the miraculous. The one way I've played with using Felix is as a kwamis freedom fighter instead of a senti one.

Sentimonsters have too nebulous of a lore. In what way are they emotions brought to life? Outside of Feast, emotions don't seem to effect them at all. Nooroo's powers feel far more emotion based than Dusuu's and it bothers me.

There's also the fact that one of the show's biggest problems is character bloat. No writer alive can write a satisfying story that features a team of 36 characters! (18 humans + 18 kwamis) This is why the kwamis act as a hive mind once Marinette becomes the Guardian. You just can't write that many characters into a scene and keep their personalities straight, so they're now a single unit even though it makes Sass and Wayzz feel out of character.

Give all of that and the way the miracle box is kinda... well, it feels a little too cultural appropriation-ish for my tastes. I won't go on a full rant here, but to give two highlights: the zodiac miraculous don't seem to have a thing to do with the real Chinese zodiac and a box based on Chinese lore would NOT use a black cat for the symbol of bad luck. Black cats being bad luck is relatively modern European lore. In other words, the Chinese stuff is just there for ascetics and not actually representative of Chinese culture, so I had no moral issues scrapping the miracle box and making a much smaller version and neither should you if you're so inclined!

The thing about lore is that it only matters as much as the show makes it matter and, outside of a few key miraculous, I really do think you can change them without most readers caring because of how little the powers actually matter to the show's lore. Like they have completely scrapped the idea of making a person match their miraculous even though that was supposedly a big thing back in season two. This is extra true because it took us so long to learn all the powers in canon, so there are a lot of fics that pre-date the canon reveal and do different things.

But if you want to keep sentimonsters to be more canon accurate, I would consider all of the following as options or things to keep in mind. Feel free to use all or none of them as I'm probably never touching this plot and, if I do, it will doubtless be different from whatever you do:

Doing something to make the difference between valid and non-valid sentimonsters abundantly clear and not just "the creator decides who is valid" OR just don't make any sentimonster valid and have Emilie have used the miraculous out of a desire to help people because she didn't know it would kill her

Have Gabriel be more conflicted about the use of sentimonsters since, you know, his kid is one and Adrien, Felix, and Kagami are the only sentimonsters he dealt with for many, many years

Consider having Nathalie make one sentimonster (maybe even present it as her own child) in order to help Gabriel so it's not a slew of akuma 2.0 on the battlefield. Instead its someone at the school looking for Ladybug and Chat Noir after the villains realize that they're teenagers. (This could be a good way to use Lila and make her powers make sense)

Redo Dusuu's Force or make the tie between sentimonsters and emotions more clear. Like Felix is made from jealousy and Adrien is made from love so that's the source of their conflict

Use Felix as a third, morally neutral party who only cares about sentimonsters and have him act toward those goals like we all thought he was going to after season five. Magneto from X-men should be your template for him not whatever canon did.

Consider letting Kagami know from the start and let her know that she and Adrien are meant to be, but she's not allowed to tell him the truth or something. If you don't go that route then, at the very least, have her finding out be a big deal for her relationship with her mother.

Go all in with Adrien's commands. Gabriel wants Adrien to date Kagami? He's going to date Kagami. None of this Y-7 undo button BS. Go big or go home.

Give the sentimonsters a way to break free. That's what the power of love is supposed to be about. You could go super cheesy with this if you combined it with Adrien's source emotion being love. The literal love child using the thing that made him to overcome what he was made to be to be what he wants to be sounds very fun to me.

Consider giving the senti kids superpowers. It's honestly kinda weird how relatively normal they are. Like, sure, Felix is supposed to be super smart, but we only know that from his Wikipedia and that's about it.

I could go on, but that's a lot, so we'll stop here. Feel free to send additional asks or message me. I have many, many thoughts about how to fix canon while trying to stay true to the core ideas of the story. Or, at least, the things I consider to be the core. I legitimately enjoy the adaption process and think the fun of fanfiction is largely trying to fit alternate takes on canon into the base framework so it still appeals to fans of the source.

#ml writing salt #ml writing critical

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