#kind of like that one miraculous ladybug episode if you think about it too hard

[sneefsnorf]

DANCE FUCKER DANCE!!!! (apologies, tumblr absolutely massacred the quality </3)

this little guy is part of my idea developmet for a game, im hoping to submit this as part of my portfolio for a game design course ^-^

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

While I also definitely wouldn't call him one of the worst characters in the show, I think the main upset over his character as a self-insert comes from this exchange:

Ladybug: What's with that trailer too? I am not scared of cats, at all. Animaestro: You haven't even seen the movie and you're already slamming it? Cat Noir: He does have a point, you know.

Which makes it seems like one of those take that, critics moments the show is full of, but it does kind of feel more awkward coming from the self-insert of the creator.

For context, this ask is in reference to my post about the lead writer's self-insert character.

I can see why someone would read it that way and I don't think that they're necessarily wrong to do so. I just don't think that it's the only good explanation.

It's hard to say if this is actually a dig at Miraculous fans or if it's just general commentary on the way that some people react to promotional material. I think we've all seen internet mobs form off of things as uninformative as single promotional picture or a random interview. Sometimes those mobs are totally overreacting and sometimes they raise valid points (see the Sonic design debacle). It totally depends on the situation, but I think it's fair to say that we do see a lot of overreactions, meaning that the point raised in this line has some validity in a general sense.

That being said, the line can certainly read differently depending on what property it's in. If you're watching this having been upset by Miraculous promos that ended up leading to content that was just as bad as you feared, then I get how this would rub you the wrong way. It's hard to be sure if that was intentional or not, but intent doesn't really matter when it comes to your ability to enjoy an episode like this. Once you've made the association, it's near impossible to get rid of it even if you learn that it was 100% unintentional. It's like trying to eat a dish that gave you food poisoning before. This one may be totally safe, but the bad memory is always going to lessen the experience.

For my part, I try to always give people the benefit of the doubt and I generally avoid promotional material because I apparently have a really good memory, meaning that promos often ruin stories for me. This means that I defaulted to reading it as a general commentary and is why this episode really doesn't bother me, but if it bothers you, then I think that's totally fair and make perfect sense.

[generalluxun]

You say that 'Strong Female Characters' are rarely allowed to struggle. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? How much can a person struggle and still be called a “strong character”? Is the common standard in mainstream fiction different between men and women? Is Felix a strong character? Is Gabriel a strong character? What about Andre Bourgeois? I’ve got a feeling Astruc considers Andre a strong character.

Felix is not a strong character. He is a Wiley powerbroker, but we saw the moment things didn't go his way he folded like a deck of cards in front of Adrien and Kagami in Emotion and had a breakdown.

Andre is a sack of meat and little more.

Gabriel is... strong in a sense? the show is very inconsistent on this front. It has taken time, planning, willpower, and determination to preserve his wife and become hawkmoth in the first place. Facing setback after setback and continuing on, also takes strength. S5 kind of goes all over with him in a messy way though so in the end it's. 🤷‍♀️

Marinette is supposed to be the 'Strong Female Character' in the show. She has all the earmarks of the old stereotype. She is good at all things, she plows through and always ends up winning. Her mistakes are trivialized and her victories amplified. This is a shame because honestly, a Marinette who struggled a little more would be a heck of a lot more compelling(seen in the movie and in lots of fanfiction)

But wait! you say, she struggles a lot! Her struggles are all self-inflicted, and while self inflicted struggles are valid, they can't be the *only* struggles someone faces. No one was ever a serious 'threat' to her love story with Adrien. Kagami was allowed to get in the way for one whole episode (and this after Marinette herself had Luka waiting in the wings) Adienette was just waiting for the train to arrive at the station. On the super side there was some build up of tension early on, but when the main char's power is 'Win the battle with this thing' it's hard to heap too much tension. Not only that S5 very quickly turned losing all the Miraculous into just the status quo of one akuma at a time. *They were fighting Monarch with paintball guns and winning* No stakes.

Before Emotion/Pretension I would have said Kagami qualifies as a strong character. She struggles in love and friendship, but she works and tries to find a path through. Her greatest enemy in love is also one of her first friends. How's that for a challenge? Watching how she interacted with the adrienette dynamic from day 1 up to Protection was great. THEN she got foisted off onto Felix as a prize and sold out Ladybug. Girl deserved better.

There are plenty of strong female characters (which is different than 'Strong female character') in other media though. Adora, Luz, Willow just to name a couple off the top of my head.

The problem with finding them in ML is that the plot tends to jerk them around randomly. Like, I would like to say Ms. Bustier, because she holds to an ideal and does work to keep to it until the end. But she also ignored one of her students doing zero work in her class for multiple years. That's... not good. That is what makes you think the strength might be vapid apathy instead. See how hard this is?

Oh hey! Duh, Alya! Alya is definitely a strong character. I mean, she's the one who gets Marinette on her feet. She threads this path of upholding her morals while tempering them with reality. She doesn't hide behind 'identity rules' to avoid tough decisions. She *trusts* people, though it can be a risk. She helps those around her whenever she can. Yes she's stuck holding the idiot ball for plot purposes now and then, but it's so blatant when it happens I can't count it against her.

[baenyth]

Bethany's Bizarre Miraculous Reviews Episodes 4-25 and 4-26: The Risk and Strikeback Two-Parter

Alright, we are finally back. Also is this really a two-parter? Why haven't I heard anyone talk about Risk, anyways?

Oh, and one more thing: I've been calling these reviews but really they're just my live reactions as I watch the series. But 'Bethany's Bizarre Miraculous Reviews' rolls off the tongue far better than 'Bethany's Bizarre Miraculous Live Reactions.'

Wait, was Luka always in the title sequence?

I mean, it'd be good for Chat Noir to know as a failsafe.

Wait, does Rena Furtive know?

So fun fact, that "Adrien No" scene from a future episode blew up on Twitter and I saw it get reposted to two of the Discords I'm in. In one of them they called Gabriel Agreste G-Man and that fucked me up. Just call him Poopmoth or Hawkmoth or something.

Weird ahh looking teeth

Wait, is Froggy's dad Tom Kenny or am I just hearing things?

No wait, that's the same VA as Poopmoth.

Holy crap! AOE attack! There's potential for that Wild West akuma idea I had!

Bro sees his father so little that even breakfast with him is a rare commodity

Shirt

Has this kid been up all night? I guess he has been taking risks...

Damn Adrien's sick of everyone's shit now

Wait, is Gabriel affected by Risk as well?

And it's the three girls I think genuinely adore and believe Lila.

Lila you bitch. Just let Marinette announce her love to Adrien. You're going to get aeons of time to spend with her anyways.

Oh right. Chloe's teaming up with Lila.

Both sides have a point, but really? Alya, you helped Marinette steal Adrien's phone just to delete an embarrassing message.

Is it just me or does this episode feel weirdly hard to watch?

"Oh Nathalie, I threw up at school because of dad's shitty-ass pancakes." "Get out my damn room!" "You've always been a whiny little bitch."

But it seems like Felix is actually starting to help Adrien now. Good!

The safe crackerr

Good. Now that you have Poopmoth's Miraculi, take them to the cops as evidence that Gabriel Agreste is Poopmoth.

Oh right. Nathalie has her walker things.

Knights don't typically convince dragons in these kinds of stories. At most they stand around idly and evade all the dragon's attacks until the dragon gets tired and gives in.

I'm tired of the word "Risk" at this point. This is too on-the-nose for themes. At least Simpleman was fun.

Oh god Kagami's character is getting poisoned already

Oh god Risk is just Simpleman but worse the IQ poisoning is real

Wait, Lila isn't disguising herself around her other mother? Or did she fake her death around the first mother?

Oh. They were fakes. Back to the "Yoink Gabriel Agreste" plan.

Kaiju

This has been hell so far to watch. Stop saying the word of the day without everyone screaming after it. On to part 2.

Well, Alya knows now. And Luka.

That fucking LEITMOTIF!!!

Wait, this is just reused from last episode!

THEY'RE STILL SAYING THE FUCKING WORD! I AM SO SICK.

Shouldn't Ladybug realize that kid has green skin?

And didn't anyone realize the frog marks on the backs of their necks?

Reused footage

Oh. Is Strikeback a Pokemon?

Nino's got a loose tongue. Noted.

FINALLY!

Oh. The sky's red now.

Well, the shitshow's over, now for Felix to ruin everything.

The traitor. Is he really sorry?

Oh god she's genuinely freaking out

And right in her time of need. Thank you, Chat Noir. Everyone say "Thank you, Chat Noir" in the reblogs/replies as well.

Alright, the ending was actually fine since I knew what was happening. Cathartic too. But otherwise these episodes were like Peewee's Playhouse without any good qualities. Up next is season 5. Play us off, Peewee's Playhouse ending with Peewee Pictures closing logo.

[celestiall0tus]

I'm going to make this quick

So, I've finally caught up to Representation for Miraculous. I have some thoughts, but nothing like I did with Migration. That one hit a special nerve. Beware for any spoilers for Miraculous S5

Intuition:

Gabriel is ballsy. I do commend him for his risk and seeing the failures, but holy fuck. The whole thing with his afib and the heart beating made me squirm, but only because I suffer from heart problems myself, so it made me uneasy hearing that.

Pretension:

Ok. Feligami is cute.

Revelation:

Boring until Hoaxer, then it got interesting.

Confrontation:

Kudos to Sabrina for taking a stand. Also, short hair Lila is choice. Granted I love short hair on women.

Also, am I missing something, or did Juleka not have a speech problem back in season 1? It could just be me, but I thought she spoke fine at least until the later seasons when she started mumbling everything. Did I miss something?

Collusion:

Leave the fucking pregnant woman alone!! FFS!! I fucking get that Chloe is a brat and is gonna be that way, but Gabriel, leave the pregnant woman alone! Fuck! I nearly fucking cried when she got akumatized after dealing with all that stress of the day. FFS!

Now for the one (I assume) people are really interested in. Revolution:

I fucking laughed. So, yes, I acknowledge that in a fantasy, fictional world that kind of shit can happen. But in the real world and real world logic, there's no fucking way any of that would have happened. It's just like my nitpick with Jagged "just ripping up his contract." In the sense of our world, it wouldn't work. So, I don't know how to take this episode. I didn't hate it, but it did make me laugh with how nonsensical it was. So, it could have been worse.

Overall I didn't hate Chloe. She fulfilled her role well enough. I am more annoyed with Andre though. Kudos for wanting to fix your mistakes, but maybe grow a backbone and punish your daughter? No? Send her off with Audrey? Cool. Whatever.

Another thing I have is the fucking deus ex machina moment for Ladybug and Chat Noir. Fuck that shit. It's painfully obvious and while good deus ex machina moments exist, that wasn't one of them. I would have preferred there was more build up because, to me, they aren't grown up. They are still kids physically and mentally. Emotionally too. Fuck it, all around.

Now for spoiler territory. Representation:

I don't know. It could have been worse?

So, the story of the Agrestes and Graham de Vanillies was interesting, but a part of me wishes we learned in a different way. Or at the very least, not have Felix and Kagami act it out. I wanted to laugh so hard at it because it came off as so silly. Though I do like the idea that Adrien and Felix were literally miracle children. That I do love.

Also, this will be triggering to some and cause some hate, but I need to get this off my chest.

Felix, honey, I acknowledge that being called a monster all your life by someone who was supposed to "love" you is extremely damaging, but I don't think that necessarily make Colt a thousand times worse than Tomoe or any other abusive parents. I know pain is relative and it falls to the perspective of the individual, but I was expecting a lot worse. Again, it could just be me, but I expected so much worse from Colt than just controlling his son and calling him a monster. As far as I see it, Colt just falls in line with all the other shitty parents. Nothing special.

Last thing that confuses me is Chat/Adrien's nightmare. I get it's meant to be a reference to Chat Blanc and the danger he possesses, but why? As far as we know, Adrien would have absolutely no idea about those events, only Marinette. So, why that? I was honestly expecting something to do with him as Adrien, not Chat. But I guess we need to fabricate a reason for Adrien not to tell Marinette the truth and give him trauma. Right? Right?

And wouldn't he still remember it anyway despite the miracle being performed? It's a nightmare after all. That shit haunts you. And the way Gabriel made it sound was that it just bought their worst fears to the conscious rather than dwelling in the subconscious, y'know, as nightmares do. Also, no one tell Juleka, but if I'm reading her nightmare right, Jagged doesn't really love her. I don't care about the birthday episode since all we see is Jagged giving attention to Luka, not Juleka too. But that's just my hot take.

Last thing for Representation I want to call out. Marcaniel canon finally?! Yes please. You cannot convince me otherwise after seeing them away from the crowd, alone, holding hands, and about to do what we all know was gonna happen. First JuleRose, now Marcaniel. Best part of the episode.

This has been a L0tus rant. Have a lovely day.

[flightfoot]

You ever notice how a lot of miraculous salt against Adrien and Marinette is just two bad faith interps of the same narrative problem?

Narrative problem: Ladybug has to do all the work and come out the reigning champ, even when it doesn’t make sense for Cat Noir not to be more competent/helpful in these moments.

Bad faith interp 1: Cat Noir is incompetent, dumb and lazy. He always looks to Ladybug for help when things get sticky and rarely tries to offer ideas even when she is floundering. He’s just there to flirt and let her do all the work.

Which is so not true because Cat Noir makes sacrifices in battle all the time. He’s a smart dude. While it’s true that he likes to have a good time out there, character wise he would love love love to help Ladybug when she’s floundering. When the writers need him to have ideas or make a good move or call, they let him. He’s more than demonstrated that ability. They just nerf him when they need Ladybug to look a certain way and suddenly he’s goofing up in unbelievable ways or acting as if she is the only one who can think and neglecting to process things himself. Which comes off really inconsistent and is more a statement on the writing than it is on his character. He’s not the only victim. A lot of the other holders get nerfed for the ‘Ladybug must do everything’ narrative too. Like RIP to Scarabella’s chance to be awesome in hacksan. Speaking of,

Bad faith interp 2: Ladybug is an arrogant, power hungry girl who loves the attention and doesn’t allow others to shine. She shoots down others ideas and is determined to come out on top.

Which is so not true because, first of all, the writers rarely give the other holders actual agency to act or ideas for Ladybug to shoot down. Characters who would normally be full of ideas are suddenly all “What do we do now ladybug?! We can’t think for ourselves, Ladybug!” And she follows suit because what else are you gonna do? And the times when the writers do allow Cat Noir to have an idea or disagreement (happened a lot more in season 1. I think the writers were more about the team dynamic then) she’s… pretty cool about it? There were a couple times when she disagreed initially and then came around pretty quickly like when she wouldn’t listen to Chloe or in the giant baby episode but usually it’s “you’re right, cat noir!” “Great idea Chaton!” Ladybug gets unfairly secretive when she anticipates danger, but the ‘Ladybug is too arrogant to share her spotlight’ pov is hella exaggerated and it totally ignores the fact that characters who would normally jump at the chance to help or act often turn into mindless zombies around her. I’m still puzzled by that scene in the season 2 finale where she is clearly at a loss and everyone is just staring at her like “you’ll think of something!” The writers kind of created their own issue with the uber stressed Ladybug.

Maybe you haven’t but I seen both these takes and im not trying to make it a competition. I hate them both. Season 5 seems to be fixing things in part but it may be too late for the Saltdom…

Tldr: I guess it can be hard to distinguish, but I really wish people would stop blaming the characters for writing choices that reflect poorly on them. Especially when the character themselves haven’t indicated they would behave in this manner. It exhausts me. I try to curate the best I can but salt is everywhere around the Mira fandom.

Yeah agreed on this, both these takes ignore context, as well as what the writers are trying to say.

Oh yeah, as far as the "Ladybug is arrogant and power-hungry" thing goes, I agree with your take, and wanted to add onto it.

Ladybug ain't super arrogant or power-hungry. Heck, she'd prefer to not have quite so much pressure on her shoulders. She IS willing to listen to others ideas, though she will sometimes shoot them down. The reason she has so much spotlight is mostly due to the show revolving around her rather than her, as a character, trying to hog the spotlight.

I sort of see where this interpretation came from, since she doesn't really collaborate with others all that much, but that's less of an unwillingness to consider others ideas, and more it just not coming up very often. I would like to see Marinette have to work as part of a team at some point with someone else who is also used to being the team leader, with someone who's used to being the final authority on things, because I think that'd be a valuable experience for her and would inform the way she approaches the rest of the Miracuteam. But she definitely at least tries to listen to others when making plans.

[noblechaton]

so. the ml movie huh. hm (big ol post with spoilers under this cut btw)

so after almost 10 years of being on this bug and cat train they finally get a big ol expensive movie and I think it was. fine? maybe? there's a lot going on here and while I don't think I can call it good and mean it I don't think it was the worst thing ever. a 6? out of 10 feels kinda right for me. got a lot to say here fwiw so buckle in if ya wanna read it all lol

main issue I feel is obviously them trying to adapt 5 seasons, each of which was dozens of hours at least, and a near decade of storytelling into a movie that doesn't even hit two hours. no idea why - I imagine the money ran out tbh - but running through the entire thrust of the series in ~1h40m movie just. was never gonna work man. feel like there had to be better options out there, like just adapting Origins with some episodes from S1 thrown in between them getting their miraculous and Hawkmoth revealing himself or something. idk. I ain't a writer

but then also I felt despite the short runtime that it sorta dragged on at times? like it got stuck spinning wheels here and there. Marinette constantly needing her confidence boosted even after being Ladybug for so long was weird. it's so strange bc they flashed through a dozen akuma - some of which looked kinda cool btw, be neat if they made the jump to the show - and yet it felt like there'd been no progress made? like the flow of time in the movie just. didn't work. a lot of stuff just sort of happens at you and you gotta hang onto whatever ya like and hope it doesn't just vanish in the river of events

voice acting in English was like. pretty solid honestly. maybe the best performances I'd heard from that side of the dub tho I have no idea what they were thinking with the singing voice for Marinette at least. couldn't really tell if Adrien's was still Bryce (I don't think it was but it wasn't as jarring) and I know Keith sang for Gabe's songs but whoever they got for Marinette just. wasn't even close to Marinette's normal speaking voice and it's super distracting. really weird choice. no shade on the singer tho she was solid imo just like. no connection to Marinette's normal voice really took me out of it

also the songs were kind of nonsensical most of the time and there's way too many of them. some are kinda good - Gabe's, Chat's and tbh I kinda liked the one over the credits to name a few - but like. they were not good enough for there to be what felt like 6-7 different songs in a movie that doesn't even crack 2 hours lmao

they made a ton of changes in terms of the story and general world and I actually kind of liked some of them - Ladybug learning to swing through the yoyo (which had a neat redesign) and doing so using that Ladybug vision was cool, I appreciate that we get a reveal and how it's done even if the end card was brutal, the miraculous seeking them out felt more like nice compared to just having the weight of the world dropped on them by some ancient man lol - but then there's others I didn't. Ladybug just never uses the cure until the end? I guess? she also doesn't purify the first akuma I don't think and like. nothing happens? Adrien's just sorta out and about? going to the school already? he gets a really understated intro imo. Gabriel sort of doesn't get an ending. I'd assume he's in jail? we get almost none of Adrien's perspective on getting the ring which is really weird

and that sorta extends into my feeling that somehow we did not get enough Gabriel in this. really weird saying that after having enough of that bum for the last 4 years of my life but his motives are carried hard by my knowledge of the show, and even then they're not really shown enough - he's not shown enough, and I don't feel Adrien is either. neither is the school setting or side characters, heck I'd say Adrinette gets kinda shafted overall since most of the development they get is in a montage sequence. there's a lot chopped out of this for the sake of a brevity that doesn't feel all that brief?

there's some good stuff in here for sure. the animation is undeniably pretty and slick even if some models are kinda wack. most of the action was fun and cool, the final sequence with Chat running up the tower and such was neat. I loved the Ladynoir something fierce honestly, the bantering and the sparring and the getting closer and closer. missed them being like that a lot tbh, someone on staff clearly did too. couple of jokes got me too like the opener with Chloe getting a single drop of coffee on her shirt lmao

but then there's a lot of stuff that really didn't work for me. Plagg being reduced to a fucking fart joke kind of made me mad lmao. them being super inconsistent with their powers was so weird. no lucky charm?? WHAT?? did I miss something?? no side character getting any focus beyond Alya was disappointing too and even Alya just dips out of the story after a while. breaking out into song once every like 15 minutes got old kinda quick too regardless of song quality (tho it was funny that Marinette seemed aware of the fact that she'd just participated in a musical number at one point lol)

Fu opens the movie with some really weird monologue and basically dips after the first akuma and they just. never find him again? he plays zero role beyond that point? Adrinette's first meeting is kinda cute in an understated sort of way but it's also sort of nothing and doesn't feel like a lingering thing for long afterwards - it ain't no umbrella scene dude. also Chat Noir seemingly drops the "my mom died btw" thing on Ladybug like she'd know that and she just sort of goes "Ah. Sorry, Chat." and that was. super fucking weird lmao

like I said. there's a lot going on - tho I gotta say for sure the writing was not consistently good. there were moments, flashes, Ladynoir is the strongest thing in the movie imo but there's so many fucking craters in terms of quality that it makes me so happy we get what we do in the show

on the whole I felt the movie was somehow way too condensed and yet too long at the same time. it felt like it was made by someone who really likes the surface details of the series but not the whole thing and like that's fine but I wouldn't say it was a good representation of the show. like the things I like about the movie are kind of all things I've liked about the show, and I like them more so because of that but also like I can't say the movie was good just bc I like the show lol

shallow is a good word for it I think. a flashy, expensive hour or so with little more beneath the surface which I feel sorta betrays the show it's based on where it's cutesy on the surface but has more going on under it. which like this feels very much made for the younger demographic and those that aren't into the show, like sort of an ad for someone's ideal version series even if it sorta strays really far from the show itself. as if someone perhaps in charge of this movie was clinging to what elements of their flagship series that they thought were keeping their company afloat and foolishly believed they could do it better than the creator or any other actual writer. wonder who that could be. anyway

as an adaptation of the show I don't think it was good overall and as a movie on its own it was like. fine. imo. wouldn't sway people into picking the series up but definitely not the worst movie ever made. super safe and super shallow, really messy with a few bright spots thrown in. a cluttered Ladynoir reveal fic where the Ladynoir bits are good and the rest is not. etc.

I like it but mostly bc I love the show - I would not introduce someone to the series with this and might not even urge casual fans to watch it either tbh. real mixed bag imo

also what happened to the "Awakening" subtitle? I kinda liked it and it's just gone. weird

[nicorfyrweorm]

I saw this post by @fantasiawandering and went "oooh!", so I guess I've been tagged.

How many works do you have on AO3?

108, which is... far more than I thought it'd be, now that I actually check.

What's your total AO3 word count?

680,841. That's... well, according to what I've looked up, that's about 8.5 novels, so... whoa...

What fandoms do you write for?

Doctor Who, Transformers (G1 and some Beast Wars) and Jujutsu Kaisen. I've also briefly forayed into Batman, Final Fantasy VII, One Piece, Dinosaur King and Zombies, Run!

You don't want to know how many unposted fandoms I'm in, trust me.

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

The first five installments of my Doctor Who S05 AU, After the Time War.

The premise goes as follows:

In one universe, the Doctor regenerated after sending Gallifrey into the Time War, and the Master along with it. In this one, the Doctor didn't regenerate... And the Master didn't get stuck in the Time War. ... Amy Pond still has to deal with a crazy alien, though. Or the one where the Doctor dies and the Master has to figure out who he is without the noise in his head or a friend by his side.

Each fic covers an 'episode' of Season 05, except for the first one, which covers the last part of The End of Time.

Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Most of the time. I would love to say always, but I sometimes leave the comments sitting for one reason or another, and by the time I get to it... Well, it doesn't feel right answering after who knows how many months it's been, though I'm trying to fix that.

What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I hesitate to name anything from the After the Time War series, because even the angstiest one has something that tells you it'll get better. Maybe some first parts of two-parters were angsty, but I wouldn't call them the angstiest. There's a few Transformers prompt fics that have dark or sad endings too, but again, not that angsty in my opinion.

I'll have to go with an oldie, surprised as I am to admit it. Somewhere Only We Know, a Transformers one-shot set in the far far future of the G1 iteration, exploring Starscream's fate after Cybertron's death.

What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I have a few, but I'll have to go with, ironically enough, Lost Innocence. Despite the title, it's the most wholesome. It's a Final Fantasy VII post-Dirge of Cerberus 'slice of life' oneshot focused on the Turks and AVALANCHE.

Do you get hate on fics?

I don't remember ever getting any. Perhaps a few unkind/too blunt comments, but not hate, and definitely not on Ao3.

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Nope. I do have some romantic pairings and relationships, but I tend to 'fade to black' if things seem like they are going to turn down that road, so people can take it whatever way they please.

Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

I have some between related fandoms, like Doctor Who and its spin-offs or different iterations of the Transformers franchise, but they could hardly be considered crossovers. The one that is not and which is the craziest by premise alone is City of Nightmares. It's a Batman/Miraculous Ladybug crossover of sorts, a oneshot that combines both worlds.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I don't think I have. Could be, but if so, I'm not aware of it.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Someone asked me for it once, on a different platform, but I'm not sure it ever came to be.

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No, though I've tried some co-writing in real life and it's hard.

What's your all-time favorite ship?

Season 7 Amy and Rory, from Doctor Who, could be one. Asmodeus and Fizzarolli, from Helluva Boss, are another one. And I can't come up with any others right now :P

What's the WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Big projects like After the Time War, in which I change something about a story (characters, premise, lore...) and then rewrite the story around that. I'll probably never do something as big as I'm currently doing, but I experimented with different ways of doing that in Devils' Fruit, a One Piece premise-change that covers up to the Time Skip, so I'll have to see if I could do something similar with those unfinished WIPs.

What are your writing strengths?

The ability to let the characters steal the show. I may have a plan about how a chapter/fic will go, but when I start writing, the characters say or do unexpected things and I follow them to its conclusion, even if it completely ignores my original plans. It can be a headache, but I like the results. They feel more 'organic'.

What are your writing weaknesses?

Discipline, or rather lack thereof. I write when I feel like it, but I have a bajillion fics at the same time, and when a new idea pops into my head, I have to try really hard not to allow it to take over. Usually, I do that by outlining it and then letting it go, which takes some time but nowhere as much as it would've otherwise.

Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I don't usually do it, because I don't want to botcher it, but when I must... I know a few languages, so I'm comfortable if it's in those languages. When it isn't, I try to avoid it, taking a "they started spouting gibberish" approach. And when I absolutely cannot avoid it, I tend to turn to online translators and be open to corrections.

First fandom you wrote for?

Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles, though it was very briefly and on a different site. The first 'serious' fandom was the Transformers franchise, with a brief foray into the Bay-verse and a more permanent one with the Generation 1 cartoons.

Favorite fic you've ever written?

Am I the only one that thinks that's a low blow? How can I choose? I guess I could say one of the newer ones, because I'm more experienced with life and writing and whatnot, but my first ones were the ones that gave me that boost to post, even if they're rough.

It's not on Ao3 because it's an old fic (2014-2018) and I would like to polish it a bit before posting it there, so it remains on FF.net exclusively. It's called Half the Truth, and it's a Transformers G1 fic about Spike figuring out some truths of Cybertronian culture and the fallout of those. It was the first fic that made me think hard about things, instead of it being just a story.

[theballadofmars]

Fuck it, do you know what I want? Long rambling full of crack coming:

I want Felix to come back to Paris because Duusu told him about the other miraculous being imprissioned and well he isn't going to let that happend. And he isn't going to let Ladybug take the miraculous like did you see how she treated the sentimonsters? How he just gives the miraculous to everyone without asking the kwami what they want? Nope he doesn't really like Ladybug and he is going to fix it.

So he comes back to Paris like "hey I'm going to study here for some time" and you got Adrien wanting to fistfight his cousin every fucking day.

And Gabriel. GABRIEL.

He's in panic because what is Felix doing here?

But anyway evil plans are evil plans so he keeps his routine of talking in his empty attic but the problem is: Ladybug gets back one of the miraculous? HOW!?

Plot twist: Ladybug doesn't have it. She thinks Hawkmoth has it. Because that's Felix plan: get the miraculous without the other two knowing.

And what's the miraculous he gets? The bee miraculous.

Felix: well, I need help to get the rest of the miraculous so do you have a holder in mind?

Pollen: Chloe Burgeois

Felix:

Felix: WHY!?

But well he has to get Chloe so he's like: this kwami wants you for some reason so get in the car loser we're going to destroy Hawkmoth.

(Pollen chooses Chloe because she thinks that Chloe can be better with a little but of help. Also they aren't searching for good people they're choosing anyone they want).

It's a miracle but Chloe and Felix got two more miraculous: Sazz and Trixx.

Felix: ok, what holders do you want?

Sazz: I'm fine with Luka!

Felix: Luka? The guitar boy who's so nice that no one can say something bad about him and doesn't have a personality appart from that and one of Ladybug followers? That Luka for a plan about tricking and sneaking and lying, including to Ladybug!?

Sazz: yes

Felix: *beaths hevealy* can't you choose another?

Sazz: I want Luka. You promised I could choose!

Chloe: he's got a point

Felix: FINE I GUESS I'LL GET THE GUITAR BOY! What about you Trixx? Pls tell me you choose an easier holder.

Trixx: well, my old holder rejected me, so I can't choose her again, not unless she wants me back

Felix: oh, that must be-

Trix: I want Lila Rossi

Chloe: whAT!?

Felix:

So now you have Felix trying to convince Luka and Lila to join his emo band. The worst part? They join him. The best part? They're the worst squad ever.

Like, they do the job, but you have rich kids bickering, Lila probably adding more fire and Luka in the midele asking himself why is he doing that?

But you know what? Maybe they're clowns, but for once they have a support group (Luka has people, but all his friend's are Juleka's classmates) and surprise! They can grow, because for once they have someone who loves them and laughs with them.

Luka can have a breakdown and stop being the nice chill guy for a moment to just be tired teen who's trying so hard but he has too many responsabilities. He's the moral compass (that and "the villains have the best songs" is the motive why he join them), but the others see him taking responsabilities and they're like: no fuck no luka stop let thay guitar down you're not going to serenate us fuck just rest and lidten to Surface Pressure on loop until you feel better but YOU'RE NOT WORKING TODAY!

Chloe has a squad telling her that no her mom is terrible she shouldn't try to be in her good side. Pollen helps her and they go shopping together. Also I have the hc of Chloe liking the idea of being a director (she did some videos of her being queen bee and I know it was a joke in the show but Chloe liking to make videos like his father? Yes that's my idea).

Lila is still lying at the begining because is what she does, and that's why she's a great fox holder. But then we can have an episode when she kind of breaks. Were Trixx looks at her and says something like: You tell great lies, but you're the greatest, most perfect lie of all. Lila being honest for once, Lila not having a motive for lying but she want people to like her. Also, another hc: Lila being aroace, and all the show she puts with Adrien is because yeah, who wouldn't be in love with him? But that's just another Lie.

And Felix, Felix has his plans and his motives but you know what? He can rest and take a nap and learns to trust the other three. He's not alone anymore, he doesn't have to do everything by himself.

So my crack hc is these four characters being the worst and at the same time the most efficient group who fucks with Hawkmoth and Ladybug but neither of them knowing.

They're just there while Paris burns helping sometimes like the group of chaotic neutral they are.

SOME DRAWINGS I MADE FOR THIS AU, OFICIALLY NAMED THE FOUR HORSEMAN AU:

1-CHARACTER DESIGNS

2-LOVE PROBLEMS

3-GROUP DYNAMICS (by the amazing @drawing2cope )

[huge-enthusiast]

Miraculous fic recomendations!!

This is just an excuse to show all my bookmarks? Yes. Yes, it is. I'm pretty sure most of this fics are really popular, but try see if you find something you didn't knew about!

All of the fics will be rated Teen and up audiences or lower. Also if I don't put the author's tumblr is because they didn't put it in the fic or/and I couldn't find it.

Pairing: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

knowing you by emsylcatac (they are not really the author of the fic but that's the account that says in the fic, the actual author doesn't have an account).

After dropping their transformations months ago, Marinette and Adrien see each other for the first time after being apart. They've both left too much unsaid and have to work to pick up the pieces of their confused hearts.

Chapters: 1/1

Post-reveal but mostly ladynoir, light angst with happy ending.

the last day on earth by Reiaji

The first time Marinette sees Chat Blanc, she's fourteen years old. The second time, fifteen—the third time, seventeen.

The closer she grows to Adrien, the harder it is to save him.

Chapters: 1/1

Post-reveal lovesquare, kinda heavy angst, hopeful ending.

tell me something i don't know by carpisuns (@carpisuns here on tumblr)

Do you think it still means something? To love someone, even if the universe said you had to?

The odds of having a soulmate are about negative one billion (or something like that). But somehow, like they always have, Marinette and Chat Noir find themselves together. They’re ready to finally tell each other everything, but it turns out that even soulmates have to keep secrets, and while their bond draws them together, duty forces them apart.

Chapters: currently 17/28 (WIPs can be exhausting but this one is 100% worth the wait!)

Mostly marichat but almost all of the lovesquare sides make an appearance, soulmates au, mostly fluff but it can get angsty if it wants to.

One Thing After Another by SKayLanphear

Marinette notices that, sometimes, Adrien acts a little out of the ordinary--like the time he stood in a cardboard box for no reason, or when he actually hissed at Nino. It's only when she starts to notice the similarities between Adrien and a certain feline that she begins to get suspicious.

Basically, Adrien acts like a cat when he probably shouldn't.

Chapters: 15/15

Mostly adrienette with one sided reveal by Marinette's side, miraculous side effects (by both sides wich is really cool!), it's fluff with a lil tiny angst for drama.

This would take some getting used to by Codango (@codango here on tumblr!)

Adrien peeked out from behind the chimney even as the magic of his own Chat Noir mask fell away.

She was still visible, her dark hair bobbing under the street lamps a couple blocks away.

“Marinette.”

Adrien blew out a confused breath. His fiery Ladybug… was the quiet little mouse who sat behind him in class?

“What. The.”

This… would take some getting used to.

Chapters: 8/8

Adrienette with one sided reveal by Adrien's part, awkward flirting, just fluff, nothing to worry about.

comfort food also by Reiaji!

In Marinette's house, cooking is a language of love, and Marinette loves Adrien more than most.

Chapters: 1/1

Adrienette with a little of ladynoir, super super fluff, a lot of insight into Marinette's chinese heritage.

The right side of his face by walkingonthestars (@hamsternamedmarinette here on tumblr!)

Marinette and Adrien are able to remain in their new seats in the back of the room at the end of Chameleon.

Chapters: 1/1

Adrienette, fluff with light angst.

it's a long way forward so trust in me by aloneintherain (@captainkirkk here on tumblr!)

“You’re not the only strong one around here, Chat,” Marinette said. She looked a little winded, but she wasn’t struggling to hold him up.

This close up, he could see the freckles on the bridge of her nose. He could see how that smug smile lit up her eyes. He could feel the strain of her arms—and wow, okay, he really wasn’t the only person around here with muscles.

Six times Marinette carried Adrien (plus one time he carried her).

Chapters: 1/1

All the sides of the lovesquare! Fluff with LOTS of mutual pining.

a fight that you were born to lose also by aloneintherain

When the prosecution starts throwing around the word victim in reference to Adrien, he has to stuff his hands under his thighs to keep himself from bolting out of the courtroom.

Adrien had felt unsafe during those last few weeks, but, until he had woken up and seen Father silhouetted in his bedroom doorway, that had only been paranoia. Father was controlling and cold, but he wasn’t hateful. Adrien was isolated. He was often hungry. And some weeks ago, when he had snuck out to visit Nino, sitting thigh-to-thigh on his bed while Adrien cried in that silent, crumbling way of his, he hadn’t argued when Nino put a hand on his shoulder and said, tentatively, That’s abuse.

But Adrien remembers being small and Father touching his hair after he’d aced another test; Father holding his scribbled drawings like they were something precious, and framing them around his office; Father, dressed as Hawkmoth, his eyes wild behind the mask, lashing his sword against Adrien’s baton; Father, collapsed against Mum, crying into her ashy hair.

Adrien finds out Gabriel is Hawkmoth, and Gabriel gets to bring his long-waited plan into action.

Chapters: 1/1

This one doesn't really focus in the ship that much as is an Adrien character study and an exploration of his relationship with his father, but they're still there so I put them here. Really heavy angst (this is one of this fics that haunt me in the middle of the night) with a happy ending. ❗TW: parental abuse, eating disorders❗

Supercut by LNC

Marinette loves her friends and Adrien can't deal.

Chapters: 1/1

Post-reveal lovesquare, again light angst, an exploration of Adrien's insecurities, Marinette Dupain-Cheng deserves the world, happy ending.

Madame Snare by jettiebettie

“Sounds like a lot of work for nothing. She should take this as a sign to have a relaxing weekend with no responsibilities.”

“It's a lot of work she put her whole heart into. It wouldn't be right for it to go to waste,” Adrien whispers to him. The look on Marinette's face is enough to cause Adrien's own heart to ache. If anyone deserves the satisfaction and pride from a job well done, it's her.

“Too bad there isn't anyone else who can walk in those death traps,” Plagg says. Adrien hums in thought, tapping his chin.

“I could.”

Chapters: 1/1

Marichat, episode-based, Chat Noir in a dress!!!, light angst but it's mostly just idiots being idiots and a lot of fun.

in the same sun by peachcitt (@peachcitt here on tumblr!)

"It’s hard to believe that I saw you last at the peak of summer, when the sun was close and warm - and so were you. It should go without saying that I miss you. I miss you something terrible."

//

"It’s been seven months to the day since I’ve seen you. I wish you were here more than anything else."

Two letters, signed with initials instead of names, found in Paris, France.

Chapters: 1/1

Ladynoir, just angst, that's it, written like letters. No ending, just pain.

an uncurtain discovery by Missnoodles (@ladyofthenoodle here on tumblr!)

When he returns from school on Wednesday afternoon, Adrien discovers the darkness in his own home. He struggles to come to terms with it. To his utter mortification and delight, Ladybug is nearby to rescue him.

(He does not discover that his father is supervillain. That will happen on a different Wednesday.)

Chapters: 1/1

Ladrien, it says it's crack, and don't get me wrong, is super funny, but I also found it sad as fuck?

An Open Secret by Kasienda

Adrien whirled around toward Marinette. She smiled at him.

He couldn’t smile back. He stared at her like the dumb blond model that he was often accused of being.

Something shifted in her expression. And her warm open Marinette smile transformed into Ladybug’s grin. He was looking at Ladybug right now.

He knew Ladybug’s name!

Her name was Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

And he couldn’t say anything! Not to Marinette! Not even to Plagg, who had confided two weeks prior that Master Fu was growing increasingly paranoid since the location of his home and hideout had been compromised. Their master had apparently decided that Chat Noir and Ladybug would have to give up their miraculouses if they ever discovered each other’s identities.

It wasn’t fair!

...

A fic where they both know, but can't openly talk about it.

Chapters: 4/4

Post-reveal... but is it? Mostly adrienette and ladynoir, fluff with light angst and them being absolute idiots at hiding their secret identity.

golden (like daylight) by okayanna (@anna-scribbles here on tumblr!)

Friendship, Adrien decided, shaking off the mental image of Marinette’s hurricane eyes and hesitant mouth, parted in a small, careful “o.” He had a very strong friendship with Marinette. That was all.

or

Adrien thinks a lot about words, love, and Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

Chapters: 1 + epilogue

Adrienette but has lots of ladynoir, another Adrien character study because I hate myself, it tries to not be angst but the writing will punch you in the guts and make you cry, it's so good.

Strangers in the Bright Lights by poodles (@ladybeug here on tumblr!)

Adrien is about two drinks in when he sees a girl at the end of the bar wearing black cat ears. It's kind of weird, so he watches her, and although it's crowded he can see her face when she turns around. She’s wearing a Chat Noir mask. He takes a quick look around- nobody else is wearing a mask. Just her.

Adrien finishes his gin martini and heads over to her. He could use some company tonight anyways, he hasn’t told anyone he’s back in Paris and Nathalie won’t arrive in town for another month. And it’s been a rough day, okay? A rough move! He’s not sure he wants to be back yet, and he spent most of the day in the Agreste mansion sorting through some photographs of his father he found in the study. Maybe he wants a drink and some stranger to tell him he’s pretty! That’s not a crime, is it?

Chapters: 1/1

Adrienette but it's also ladrien??? I think??? It's super super angsty but they're both drunk the entirety of the fic so it's also really funny.

Pick-Up and Chase by also SKayLanphear

After she accidentally trips into Adrien and apologizes about "falling for him," Marinette learns that he's no match for cheesy pick-up lines--whether they were unintended or not. And while she finds it flattering that he turns into a flustered mess with only a few words, Marinette comes to regret making him uncomfortable. That is, until she learns he's Chat Noir. At which point the phrase "just deserts" becomes a permanent fixture in her everyday plans.

A story in which Adrien is flustered, Marinette is smooth as glass at dropping lines, and Chat Noir gets the romance he was always asking for--even if he doesn't quite know how to handle it.

Chapters: 10/10

Adrienette with one sided reveal by Marinette's side, it doesn't say it in the tags but I'm pretty sure the characters are much older than they actually are in the show, so much fluff and so much flirting.

Pairing: Alya Césaire/Nino Lahiffe

Nino Has Done Nothing To Deserve This by GuardianKarenTerrier (@guardiankarenterrier here in tumblr)

It's nothing, really- just an innocent comment, a joke. But when they hear it, Nino and Alya come to a realisation.

There were, in retrospect, dozens upon dozens of hints. Now that they're suddenly aware of all their friend's flimsy excuses and rushed explanations, they're not only sure how they've missed it, they're not sure how anyone else has either. They realise that it had to be magic protecting their friends- and that same magic has ceased to work on the two of them.

Well, this means they'll just have to start watching over their friends themselves.

Chapters: 7/7

This is more a found family fic than anything else, Alya and Nino are the mom friend, has light angst but it's mostly identity shenanigans in the most bizarre way. ❗TW: eating disorders❗

christmas lights by demistories

Nino checks up and down the street, checking to make sure there’s no raging akuma headed his way before he crosses quickly and ducks inside the small café. He closes the door quickly before the icy air can blow inside and tugs his beanie down over his ears. He spots Alya sitting alone in the corner.

Chapters: 1/1

Just fluff!! Really short but really sweet.

hold on, i still want you also by Missnoodles!

Written for the @thedjwifizine ! Wich I also recommend if you wanna binge a lot of djwifi fics while also looking at amazing art!!!

Five times Alya ran into her ex, and the one time he stopped being her ex.

Chapters: 1/1

Light angst with a happy ending! I don't really like the ex-lovers to lovers trope but this one is the only exception.

I will continue to expand the list in the future! But by now I hope I was helpful in the search of new fics!

[howhow326]

So I am really bored from not doing during Summer Break and I thought "what if I did the Tumblr thing by making an AU lol" so here I am! BTW, I'm not going to be making fanfiction out of this (too much effort), it's just going to be one of those old school, throwing my ideas out there sort of deal. Soo

Everyone is a monster but Alya AU (I can't think of a better name, sorry.) In this AU, Alya discovers that her friends and classmates are secretly supernatural creatures. The AU starts around Season 2.

(Inspiration: @justanotherpersonsuniverse there is other magic AU, that one is way better than mine you should read it. I also took some ideas from a sorceress Marinette AU but I can't find it)

Alya/Rena Rouge - Human

Still a journalist, Alya is now obsessed with supernatural stuff instead of superheros. She is also the protagonist of this AU because I say so

Although Alya is still interested in Superheros, she considers their existence proof of the supernatural

This rabbit hole all began when Trixx first words to Alya were "Aww, I got stuck with a Human! Why can't I get a Fox spirit again?" Ladybug had to shush her before Chat Noir and Alya could press for details, but even she could tell Alya already got some ideas

Trixx lasts holder was a Huli-Jing by the name Da Ji and, yeah, look her up. Trixx is also responsible for starting the Masquerade around the supernatural world, and the Masquerade inside it (Humans don't know anything, Magic Humans know everything, Vampires know some stuff, and everyone else are only aware of their supernatural faction). Now, Trixx is influencing Alya to break the Masquerade because she thinks it is the key to defeating Hawk Moth.

Rena Rouge kept her miraculous, in this AU Ladybug left before Alya could give it back. Marinette trusts Alya, but she isn't sure she can trust Rena. Meanwhile, Chat dosen't trust her at all. Anyway, since she is a full time hero now, Alya is dedicated to instigating the supernatural, which is surprisingly hard because Trixx refusrs to tell her things she dosen't know (Them's the rules!)

Marinette/Ladybug - Witch

Before she became Ladybug, Marinette was one of the most talented child witches in basically the whole world. Her father's side of the family are a long line of French alchemists that learned to hide their potions inside food, while her mother's side of the family are a long line of Chinese spell casters. Also, her grandmother is an Italian Witch. Basically, Marinette is kind of like Harry Potter but OP and more famous and with a living parents.

Master Fu really didn't know Mari was a witch because the Guardian Order is hiding themselves from everyone despite being magic humans. Tikki was really scared of a witch getting her hands on the strongest miraculous so she made Mari promise she wouldn't use magic while as Ladybug

Both of Marinette's parents know she is Ladybug and support her because she deserves it. Also, everyone in the witch world knows Marinette is Ladybug? But normal humans don't, and neither does Hawk Moth. Basically, everyone in the witch world is ID from birth so if Hawk Moth was a witch everyone would be on his back.

I'm not entirely sure how Alya figures out Marinette is a witch, so lets just say something similar to gang of secrets happens early. Marinette's friendship with Alya becomes strained, and the only out is Marinette telling her about her powers. Mari isn't very supportive of Alya's investigations, because it goes against Witch world law, but if Trixx is okay with it then she guess its okay?

Ladybug is so overpowerd in this au! In the Style Queen episode, instead of Plagg beating her, Ladybug just goes "I don't have a choice!" and uses magic as a superhero for the first time. She forces the Lucky Charm to instantly create one of her Dad's ice potions and just yeets it at Style Queen, which freezes her in place. She then uses a Destruction spell (basically a less powerful cataclysm) to remove the barrier around the Akuma and the rest is history! Although, after Ladybug de-transformed, Marinette faints from exhaustion. Tikki thinks that using magic with a miraculous might be draining even more energy from it's caster than normal and she makes Marinette promise again to never use magic as Ladybug, even if it's an emergency. Mari agrees... with fingers crossed.

Adrien/Chat Noir - Dhampyr

Adrien is half Vampire, half Human. The Human is Emilie and the Vamp is Gabriel. Gabriel really wanted to turn her into one, but she had to be willing in a blood sharing ritual.

Most Dhampyrs have a weaker version of their parent's vampire powers but Adrien straight up has ZERO powers. But he does have some vampire weaknesses, which Gabriel uses as an excuse to keep Adrien locked inside the house.

Vampire society is like Vampire: the Masquerade but less depressing. Vampires believe that they rule the night, and are ignorant of of most supernaturals. Of course, there are always rumors.

Plagg thinks it is absolutely hilarious that his new holder is a powerless Dhampyr. He told Adrien that if he wants his powers so badly, he could get himself killed so he can back as a real Vampire (which is apparently a thing that can happen). Adrien does not appreciate the joke. Also, Chat Noir does not have any vampire powers because a miraculous can only enhance what is already there.

Alya is on to him, she heard that he is allergic to garlic and silver, and that last allergy isn't a thing. She also learned he gets heat strokes easily and considers it proof that he is a Vampire. Marinette dosen't believe it because he can eat human food (Vampires can only eat blood, but not Dhampyrs) and he hasn't shown any vampire powers yet. Although she really disagrees because she has a crush on him. Anyway, Adrien is actively trying to uncover his father's secrets in this AU and since I have no idea how he is doing that he has no idea either.

Nino/Carapace - Half-Djinn

Nino's father is a human and his mother is one of the Djinn, which is the same thing as a Genie. When his father still lived in Morocco, he found a lamp in an oasis that summoned his mother (which is apparently a bit more accurate then being trapped but not by much) and wished for children. His mother granted his wish, and lived with him for a bit. However, it is against Djinn law to mingle with humans, so when their relationship was found she was removed in punished. Nino's father fled to Paris in order to avoid his own punishment for interacting with a Djinn.

That was really sad, so uhh, Nino has magic water powers! He can create water, make mist based illusions, and some other stuff! His magic isn't as broken as Marinette, but it is a lot faster since Marinette needs ingredients or spoken spells with hand signs but Nino can just... snap his fingers and do magic (Mari is so jealous when she finds out).

Alya dosen't suspect Nino to be a supernatural at all because he seems so... normal? But Marinette catches him purifying a dirty river during a class hike and tells Alya. Alya dosen't want to believe her, dosen't want to believe that Nino is lying, but she decides that finding out is Rena's job.

Rena Rouge stalks Nino to his house (which is bad but he did the same thing in Rocketear so whatever). Just as Rena starts spying into his window, she catches Nino making some mist illusions to entertain Chris. And before Alya can process what she is seeing, Chris starts shooting water out of his hands! Alya demands an explanation from Nino the following day, so he tells her the story from the first bullet point and... yeah. Alya apologizes to Nino and explains that she was scared him hiding things from her, so Nino promises to have no secrets from her from now on.

Wayzz isn't sure about a half-Djinn getting a miraculous, so he tells Nino to not use his powers while transformed. Nino agrees... and promptly disobeys him! Unlike Marinette, using magic while transformed dosen't hurt Nino, so he is free to shoot water at bad guys. Chat Noir questions how he is doing that and Carapace says "turtles like water?" Ladybug is annoyed, but since it helps the team it can't be that bad right? Nino using his water powers was the tip Hawk Moth needed to realize supernaturals are using the miraculous. Also, Nino is a full time member and gets his miraculous before Chloe in this AU because I said so.

Chloe/Queen Bee - Werewolf

Chloe's mother is now descended from French nobility that lost power during the Revolution, and Audrey encouraged her husband to become a politician because she wanted to live like a Queen. Also, Audrey's family are LITERAL MAN-EATERS!!! Man-Eating werewolves.

Most werewolves in Europe died out around the same time most wolves went extinct there, but the ones that managed to hide survived into the modern day. Chloe's family survived because they used their wealth and power to feed on the populace without anyone ever knowing.

When Chloe promises to become nicer in Despair-Bear, she actually stays acting nicer (with a mean streak) after the episode. I am restoring Chloe's character arc.

In Queen Wasp, instead of revealing she is a superhero to Paris, she reveals she is a Werewolf! And she attacks her mother, forcing Audrey to reveal she is a Werewolf!! Alya is losing her mind, Marinette is losing her mind, the Witch world is losing it's mind and going over doomsday scenarios (too many people saw the transformation for a forget spell to be used, the transformation was recorded on live TV and posted on the Internet, some of the people that saw are suspected Supernaturals that barely care about the Masquerade), the Vampire world is losing it's mind and realizing that they don't rule humanity, its crazy!

After going on a small rampage, Chloe transforms into Queen Bee in an ally way and props herself up as Paris new superhero that will "capture all the werewolves"! Team miraculous are scratching their heads on who she is, but Chloe immediately reveals her identity to Adrien so he can tell her parents she isn't coming home. I have no idea how the rest of the episode, or season, is supposed to go because Chloe blew everyone up!

Okay I was going to put the villains down here but this post turned out a bit longer than expected... which means there will be a next time!

[graaythekwami]

The Little Things - ML One-Shot

(Spoilers for the season 4 episode Hack-San)

-------

"Out for a solo patrol, Chat Noir?"

Chat Noir jumped slightly, not quite use to hearing an unfamiliar voice up here on the rooftops, and turned. The figure was standing on a chimney a ways from him, the reds of her costume matching the setting sun.

"Scarabella?" Chat Noir said, looking at the temporary Ladybug heroine he had met the other day. His surprise quickly gave way to worry, eyes widening slightly. "Did something happen to Ladybug? Is there an akuma out right now? Is–"

Scarabella held up her hands, but didn't come closer. "No no no, everything is okay– I just wanted to talk to you, that's all, and Ladybug said you often did some patrols in the evening..."

He gave a tight smile, shoulders relaxing slightly. "Not really a patrol, not like what me and M'Lady do when we patrol. It's just... to get some fresh air, I suppose."

He was slightly startled when he turned and found Scarabella walking towards him, as he hadn't heard her steps. She had some papers in her hands, and an uncertain smile on her face. She paused a little ways away from him.

"Is it okay if we talk for a bit?" Scarabella asked. "I don't have a lot of time, and then I can leave you to your... 'patrol'."

"What's up?" Chat Noir asked, trying to sound as casual as possible. His feelings on Scarabella were... mixed. She was an ally and she had spirit, but he would be lying if he said there was no bitterness when he thought about her. About what she knew and why she was there.

"I... I wanted to just show you this," Scarabella said, holding up the papers in her hand, before carefully setting it down on the roof near him, before retreating back slightly. "I had to edit out a few 'tips' for identity reasons, and Ladybug doesn't know I'm showing this to you, but considering my sudden appearance I figured maybe it would help if you saw it."

Chat glanced at the papers, then back at the spare heroine. "I don't want to go behind Ladybug's back."

Scarabella blinked, then let out a small laugh. "Oh, no, no, it's not like it's something I can't show you. It's just the list of tips she gave me of how to be Ladybug while she was gone."

"Okay?"

Scarabella smiled. "Read them, would you? Please?"

Chat Noir looked at the papers, before carefully picking them up and unfolding them. Sure enough he found a list of 'tips', each one carefully numbered off. His eyes scanned down the list, noting a few numbers were missing, which must have been the editing she had been referring to.

Chat Noir's eyes jumped back up to the top, and began reading. He could tell right away that it was indeed written by his Lady, and he could almost hear her voice as he read.

Tip 1 - Keep the earrings in at all times, they are easy to misplace. DO NOT TAKE THEM OFF.

Tip 2 - Always have sweets for Tikki on hand.

Tip 3 - Not just for recharging if an akuma appears, make sure you have something she can snack on if she's hungry.

Tip 4 - No. Seriously. Holders know no fury like a kwami starved.

Chat Noir snickered, knowing fully well what she meant. His interactions with Tikki had been limited, and she had been a very sweet kwami. Ladybug told pretty much the same story... except for the times she didn't have cookies or macarons on hand for her kwami. It turned out the little Ladybug kwami was just as passionate about her sweets as Plagg was with his cheese.

Tip 11 - Tell Chat Noir what's going on right away if an akuma shows up. Since I wasn't able to talk my way into staying in Paris like I thought I didn't get time to tell him I was leaving.

Tip 12 - If you see Chat Noir patrolling at night don't worry, it doesn't mean there's an akuma or somewhere you need to take my place. My Kitty is a free spirit and Paris is our city.

Tip 13 - Leave out croissants for him if he happens to come by where you are on patrol.

Tip 14 - The chocolate covered ones are his favorite. Chat loves anything with passion fruit too.

Tip 15 - Chat Noir likes any kind of sweets, actually, but try to get him his favorites if you can.

There was a small smile on his face as he read, eyes carefully looking over each word, warmth in his heart. The tips soon drifted back towards things regarding the Miraculous, a good dozen involving Lucky Charms and explaining how the yoyo worked.

Tip 25 - Lucky Charms might be bigger than you think! Be prepared to leapt out of the way in case a piano comes crashing down instead of a pencil.

Tip 26 - Don't ask Tikki to explain Lucky Charms. She'll be vague and she'll do it on purpose.

Tip 27 - Don't try to force a Lucky Charm to work. It's just kind of instinctual? I don't know how to describe it.

Tip 28 - Ask Chat Noir for help if the Lucky Charm is too confusing. He's been Misterbug before and has helped me defeat villains with countless Lucky Charms.

Tip 29 - Just ask Chat Noir if you have any questions, he's a professional.

Tip 30 - Don't ask him so many questions though that you stress him out! Akuma fights are hard enough and with him being the most experienced he'll have enough to worry about without a bunch of questions.

Tip 31 - Just follow Kitty's lead, he knows what to do.

Tip 32 - Chat Noir has good instincts and enhanced senses, listen to him.

Tip 33 - When Chat Noir makes a joke try to laugh, even if you think it's not funny. It makes him happy. :)

"My jokes are always funny, My Lady!" Chat Noir exclaimed in protest, though there was a smile on his face.

Tip 34 - Make sure Chat Noir is happy.

Tip 35 - Don't make fun of his purring, he's self conscious about it even though it's adorable. (He embraces everything cat except for the purring, I don't know why.)

Tip 36 - Purring doesn't always mean he's happy! Cats can purr when they're hurt! If he takes a hit and you hear him purr then you got to defeat the akuma as quickly as possible! Sooner you can cast the Miraculous Ladybugs the sooner Chat Noir isn't hurting!

Tip 37 - Don't let Chat Noir take any hits for you.

Tip 38 - Seriously. He does that way too much and I don't like watching it. Stupid self-sacrificing cat. Make sure he stays safe.

Tip 39 - Or else.

"These aren't even tips at this point!" He said, holding back a laugh.

"She does that a lot," Scarabella said with a fond smile. "With 675 'tips' a good chunk of them are ramblings."

"Six hundred and what-?" Chat said, quickly flicking through the papers and towards the end. Sure enough the very last one stared back up at him, the same number as Scarabella had promised.

Tip 675 - When you say "Miraculous Ladybug" don't forget to throw the Lucky Charm.

He flicked back a few more pages, eyes scanning the various notes that had been left. Many were just like he had expected when Scarabella had first told him what the list was: advice on what to do with different types of akumas, how the timer worked, tips for finding the akumatized object, and what to say to a victim after they were freed from Shadow Moth's control.

But then there were others, small little mentions of him and things he hadn't even realized his Lady knew or noticed, things he didn't know people cared about.

Tip 142 - If Chat Noir is dismissive with how his day has gone crack a few jokes. He tries to cover up when he's had a bad day and this is the best way to lift his spirits.

Tip 143 - Chat Noir loves hugs. Quick hugs, tight hugs, long hugs, he adores them.

Tip 144 - Chat likes to be scratched under the chin and behind his faux ears. It makes him purr, but don't mention the purring (see tip 36).

Tip 145 - Chat Noir is a cuddler.

Tip 146 - Ignore all the last few tips. Respect Chat Noir's personal space.

Tip 147 - But don't be distant either, support him! Fist bumps, pats on the back, you know, be friendly.

Tip 148 - You better be nice to my Kitty. I'll be watching all akuma coverage.

Tip 149 - No booping Chat Noir on the nose. That's our thing.

Tip 150 - No bonking him with the yoyo, carrying him in your arms, or using the nicknames 'chaton' or 'kitty', again those are our things, not yours.

Tip 151 - You can use the nicknames 'Chat' or 'CN'.

Tip 152 - He may kiss your hand. Chat Noir is a gentleman, don't let the costume fool you.

"M'lady..." Chat Noir said softly.

Tip 355 - Let Chat Noir handle the media, he's a pro at that.

Tip 356 - Don't leave him alone to deal with all the reporters though, that's a lot of pressure.

Tip 357 - Chat's ears and tail can tell you a lot about how he's feeling. I've read a lot of cat behavior articles and it's helped me a lot.

"Hey!" Chat Noir protested, even though his Lady wasn't here to see it.

Tip 598 - If anyone makes any comment about Chat Noir being dangerous or being a sidekick, you don't hold back.

Tip 599 - If it's a reporter that makes this comment give me their name and who they work for so I can make sure they never get an interview from the heroes again.

Tip 600 - Send Chat Noir a cat meme on the yoyo to cheer him up if anyone does say anything about him.

"I need to go," Scarabella said softly. "Feel free to keep those, I... I just wanted you to know that she was thinking about you. You mean a lot to her, Kittycat."

Chat Noir looked up at Scarabella, vision blurring slightly, but a smile was on his face. "I don't think 'Kittycat' was on the list of approved nicknames, Scar."

Scarabella scowled. "Well I can tell you that one isn't on my list of approved nicknames either."

Chat Noir grinned. "I'm sure it will grow on you."

"Purrhaps," Scarabella said, before giving a salute and a smile. She then tossed her yoyo, swinging away. Chat Noir watched her for a moment, before looking back down at the list he had been given.

He smiled, holding the papers close to his chest as he laid down on the roof, letting out a happy sigh.

[ehud1564]

I did not like evolution.

I hate how Cat Noir is suddenly competent and knows more about time travel than Ladybug. No. That's some bullshit.

I don't like Ladybug giving the Bunny miraculous to Cat Noir. That was a very cheep moment.

I hate how distractable and incompetent Ladybug was in this episode. Monarch appeared incredibly weak right next to her, and she didn't think to even try to tie him up. I guess it was kind of shocking for a second but like. No.

And Ladybug taking the Rabbit miraculous despite Monarch tying it to the dog miraculous a mere second ago in front of her and spelled out why she shouldn't take it. Instead of literally any other miraculous. Was incredibly idiotic. She could have easily stolen the bee miraculous, Which would have been really helpful in this exact situation. or the Chicken Miraculous, or even go for the dog since that's what he can use to make sure no miraculous will be taken. She could have rushed more and taken more than one. But no. She only took the one miraculous it was obvious he would be able to easily get back.

I hate the concept of Lila joining with Gabriel. That will be incredibly dumb.

I hate that it took this long for Alix to finally become a hero. She's a thousands times more worthy of it than Nathaniel. Or Mark. Or even Juleka. You could have given her literally any other miraculous in the meantime.

Gabriel can fuse all the miraculous and not even die. I thought they forgot they themselves established that fusing miraculous is hard, and this is the first time they actually acknowledge that. And it's too little too late. He should die. At the very f****** least there should be some long-lasting effects.

This episode continues the season 4 trend of incredibly obvious lucky charms. Which sucks the fun out of the entire concept.

I appreciate seeing Nathalie using her brain. That is my singular positive thought about this episode.

[ml-salt-central]

“Kuro Neko” Salt:

I know this is late and I’m so sorry it took me so long to post this, I accidentally deleted my original draft of this post and I really, really, REALLY didn’t want to watch this episode again. Okay so... let’s begin because this is gonna be a LOOOOOOOOONG one:

Oh my god, seriously Gabriel? Gigantitan AGAIN?! Holy shit, this is pathetic

Okay, Imma get this out of the way immediately: I don't feel bad for Adrichat at all and his conflict with Maribug this season is forced and stupid

Like... he's not showing up to battles on PURPOSE now instead of him being unable to show up due to circumstances outside of his control so that kills any sympathy I could've had for him in this episode immediately

And if feeling left out bothers Adrichat so much then why the fuck doesn’t he just talk to Maribug about it instead of sulking and expecting her to notice, Mari is not a fucking psychic!!!!

Okay I will admit that the combo move Pigella, Pegasus and Carapace did to defeat Gigantitan was pretty cool and a good use of their powers (Too bad the scene gets ruined by reminding us that Zoé exists)

“Chat Noir’s a partner like any other”-Mari. This is a factual statement no matter how much the episode wants to paint Maribug as wrong for saying this, Adrichat has been shown time and time again to either be on the same level of power as the temp heroes and sometimes just fully useless

This episode wants to show us how irreplaceable Adrichat is but it fails miserably at that not only because the beginning of the episodes shows that Maribug has been dealing with akuma attacks with no issues with the help of the temp heroes but also because the reason the episode provides for why Adrien NEEDS to be Chat Noir is bullshit but we’ll fucking get to that later... :)

Another reason why Adrichat is unsympathetic in this episode: He never once considers how Ladybug feels or how his actions might affect her, I know it's hard to give a fuck about Mari but seriously, Adrichat doesn’t even think about how becoming the guardian might have affected Maribug and that maybe the reason why Maribug has been acting so hostile towards him and hasn’t noticed how left out he’s feeling is because having so many responsibilities put on her is stressing her the fuck out?!

Okay so Adrien takes off his ring and quits being Chat Noir (What is this? Like the third time this has happened?), he leaves the ring unattended on the roof, adding to Maribug’s stress because Adrien doesn’t care about anyone’s feelings but his own

Maribug says that she doesn’t have time to let Adrichat help her retrieve the miraculi of the temp heroes he knows the identities of but apparently she could not only retrieve all the miraculi but also make it all the way back to her house while remaining transformed. This timer is so inconsistent and nonsensical sometimes

So, um... fuck Plagg! Like he’s out here lecturing Maribug and telling her that it’s her fault Adrien quit which... no? Fuck no! How was she supposed to know Adrichat was upset when he never made that fact known to anyone?! Again, MARI ISN’T PSYCHIC!!!!

Mari might kind of suck as the guardian ngl but she’s not at fault for this conflict, she wasn’t acting maliciously this is just her doing what she can to stop akumas when Adrien decides to not show up

Oh nooooo! Adrien is heartbroken because Mari has the audacity to rely on someone other than him? Oh my god, Plagg you’re so right/s

Also isn’t this conflict supposed to be about Adrien feeling left out of fights? Since when did this become about his love for Ladybug? They can’t even keep the reason for this conflict consistent?

“The Problem is that Chat Noir is in love with me”-Mari. That’s also the issue with Adrien’s character as a whole but yeah... I don’t blame Mari for deciding to find a new holder for the cat miraculous because Adrien fucking sucks as a hero

“Do I need to remind you that he’s a competent hero who’s powers complement yours?”-Plagg. BITCH, SINCE WHEN?!

The montage of Adrien being sad does nothing for me

It would be nice if Mari’s stress and anxiety were treated like something she has to learn how to deal with instead of being used for jokes, you know? Mari having anxiety is literally one of the few things that are interesting about her

Also where the fuck is Alya? If Mari knowing the identity of the cat miraculous’ holder is such an issue then why doesn’t she just ask Rena Furtive or even Su-Han to try and find a new one? Like what the fuck? This episode literally has to ignore the existence of two characters in order to work

Plagg’s plan of lying to Maribug so he can give the cat miraculous back to Adrien feels as gross and manipulative as Maribug’s plan to find out Adrichat’s identity in “Ephemeral”

Oh? Nathalie can walk again? That fucking sucks. Also, obligatory “Gabriel, please die... :)” moment here

Mari, girl, why did you fall for this?! Can’t you tell that Plagg is obviously ly- Oh right, the writers decided to take away your brain cells for the rest of this episode...

“If I become Chat Noir once again, Ladybug will keep  rejecting me”-Adrien. Then move on and learn to take a “no” for an answer, bitch

Again, Plagg’s plan feels so manipulative and gross! Also this plan is supposed to make it so that Adrien isn’t left out of fights anymore but like... are we just gonna forget that Adrien was making the ACTIVE CHOICE to not show up to fights at the beginning of this exact same episode?!

Okay but Adrien’s new alter ego “Cat Walker” is better than Chat Noir in every single way which is kind of infuriating because this shows that Adrien CAN be better as both a hero and a partner to Ladybug but chooses not to

Despite being the title antagonist, “Kuro Neko” is really not that relevant to the episode’s plot, I mean it shows up after we’re halfway through this whole thing and is only here to help (and fail to) prove the writers’ point on why Adrien needs to be Chat Noir. This is one of those episodes where the villain of the day feels tacked on and like an obligation

I will give Kuro Neko this, the concept of the heroes’ not knowing if it’s an akuma or a sentimonster is interesting but eh... also it´s a sentimonster and Gabriel just didn’t akumatize the kid whose emotions he used to create it for some fucking reason (He’s an idiot)

Mari, you might suck as the guardian but the fact that Adrien quit because he’s petty was not your fault no matter how much the episode tries to blame you for it

Okay, the words Cat Walker said to comfort Ladybug were so sweet, nice and he said exactly what I was thinking but... this feels wrong, idk it’s just that it lowkey feels like Adrien is just saying this because it’s part of his new facade to always say what he thinks Maribug wants to hear instead of him learning his lesson and admitting that his decision to quit was stupid and petty which... is kinda slimey and manipulative, I dunno. Nothing has happened to make Adrien learn his lesson so this moment feels unearned and the fact that he’s saying this while lying about who he is doesn’t help either

Okay so, the reason why Adrien HAS to be Chat Noir instead of Chat Walker is because, get this, Mari fell in love with Cat Walker despite only knowing him for not even an hour in her perspective because he’s “Too Perfect” so she can’t use her Lucky Charm properly since she’s so fixated on him and... I hate this, I hate this so fucking much

Yes, Mari has done stupid shit in the past because of her crushing on a boy but she has never let this get in the way of her work as a superhero. This show calls itself “Feminist” and then has the female lead become a useless buffoon just because of some guy that (as far as she knows) she JUST met!!!!!!

After Mari tells Cat Walker the stupid reason on why she can’t figure out how to use her lucky charm, he leaves and she manages to take care of Kuro Neko on her own, once again showing that she doesn’t really need Chat Noir on an episode that’s supposed to be about why Chat Noir is needed

Ladynoir moment at the end that I don’t care about

And just like that the conflict that has been building up for multiple episodes of the season is over, this whole thing was stupid and this resolution sucks, but hey, this is ML, what else is new?

In conclusion:

This episode is such a fucking mess, it has good moments but with absolutely no build up and this plot line just suuuuuucks! Also fuck Plagg, all my homies hate Plagg now

[immaturityofthomasastruc]

I’m really appreciative that you write such thorough analysis for Miraculous and don’t speculate too much until you’ve seen episodes in full, but I wanted to know what you think of the episode titles for Season 5?

I liked the system of mainly naming episodes after akumatized villains and sentimonsters, because it was easy to remember what happened and find episodes again. If I want to rewatch the episode where Lady Wifi was the main villain, I know that I can just search for the episode titled ‘Lady Wifi’. It’s a system shared by a lot of kid’s shows, and also famously by adult shows like Friends. If I want to find that episode I vaguely remember where they mess around with a pet duck, then "The One With A Chick And A Duck" is a pretty helpful title (obviously it doesn’t help me track down other things in the episode like sub plot events, but it’s the main thing that happened). So why would Miraculous go for something completely different all of a sudden?

Having all 27 episodes titled with just one word ending in -tion feels like a really bad idea to me, because it’s so much harder to see at a glance who or what each episode is about. With such a limited naming convention it’s also inevitable that you’re going to end up using some very similar words (e.g. revolution and revelation, protection and pretension) and that’s just immediately going to cause difficulties when you’re trying to search for an episode. Double difficult if you happen to be dyslexic.

I like to think of myself as a fairly well-read adult, but if anyone asked me to give the definitions of derision or deflagration off the top of my head then I’d have no idea. That and the age rating increasing slightly for Season 5 really speaks that Astruc is still pushing to make Miraculous less of a kid’s show because he believes that people won’t take his work seriously otherwise, but if anything he’s just alienating fans with how pretentious it’s all becoming.

The idea of giving a theme to every episode title in a show or season can help give said show/season its own identity. Take the episode titles of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend for example. The first season’s episodes all exclaim something that happens to involve Josh, representing how obsessed Rebecca is with him. This continues in the next three seasons, with Season 2′s titles being questions about Josh, as if Rebecca is questioning her feelings for him, and Season 3′s titles are simple statements about Josh with periods at the end, and all reference Josh bitterly after he left Rebecca at the altar, and Season 4′s titles are statements referring to Rebecca herself, as she’s working on improving.

With the episode titles in Miraculous Ladybug’s fifth season, while I can see the idea to focus on the Miraculous themself and the concepts they represent, it’s hard to really get invested in them because they’ve always been poorly defined. I already talked about this in my Master Fu analysis post, but the show’s done a poor job talking about the Miraculous by establishing the origin of the Kwamis in an issue of the cancelled tie-in comic, so most viewers won’t get the idea behind this theme naming because they don’t get why each Miraculous is associated with a certain “power” (i.e. destruction, illusion, protection) when that’s not even the name of the power in the show.

It’s kind of ridiculous that the showrunners expect anyone to remember the abstract concepts associated with each Miraculous when they’ve barely been touched upon.

[don-quixotine]

So how come Marinette just lets everyone have their Miraculous back for Season 4 even if Shadowmoth knows who they are, but a plot point of Season 3 was that Chloe couldn't use her Miraculous anymore because Hawkmoth knew who she was? Even in the Visperia episode Ladybug says that "unlike Chloe you'll keep it a secret" but then just tosses whoever their Miraculous back just because? Rocketear just has Carapace helping to catch non-akumatized dinosaurs because it'll look cool I guess. I know Astruc went out of his way to assassinate Chloe's character but can the show just be consistent?

Hey anon! What a great question indeed.

I think the one thing people tend to forget when comparing Chloe with the rest of the Miraculous users is that there is, in fact, something that does set her apart: Her repeated offenses against Ladybug's rules of secrecy and use.

But let's review what we know Chloe did before we get into that:

The first time Chloe had a Miraculous, it was not handed to her. She found it and refused to give it back at first.

She tried to stage an emergency to position herself as a new hero, effectively risking a bunch of citizens.

She revealed her identity for personal gain.

Finally, the biggest offense: In the moment of truth, she sided with Hawkmoth.

Now let's compare that with what the other Miraculous holders did:

Get hit by Miracle Queen and be forced to reveal their identity.

The main difference between Chloe and the rest of the Miraculous holders when their identity was revealed is that she chose to exploit her power for personal gain while the rest of the holders were victims of an akuma.

One may say, "Yeah, but what if she didn't know that revealing her identity would make her Hawkmoth's target?" Really? The self-proclaimed Biggest Ladybug Fan ™ doesn't know how her favorite heroine's villan works? Especially after being his target in countless ocassions? I am not sure.

Of course, this is up for interpretation, but I find it hard to believe that Chloe, someone who is allegedly as passionate about Ladybug as Alya, doesn't know the stakes Ladybug faces. My interpretation is that she knew, she just thought that it wouldn't matter because she'd be able to face him so long as she had a Miraculous (and it kind of checks out because in Heart Eater she threatens him: "If I had my Miraculous...")

Chloe committed the mistake of thinking that just because she was handed a Miraculous once she'd be entitled to have it again. Even more so, that she'd be able to decide when that happened. Another important point here is that her official "handing" (in Malediktator) was a result of Ladybug losing the Miraculous. Ladybug wouldn't have trusted Chloe otherwise. And pointedly, Ladybug is giving Chloe the same treatment in S3 as she is giving the rest of the holders in S4: She is giving her the benefit of doubt. Trusting that she will be careful. She only stops trusting her once her offenses are crystal clear.

So, when Ladybug tells Vesperia she knows she'll be able to keep it a secret, she is referring to the fact that she won't willingly reveal her identity. Not that it won't happen by accident.

Then, on the topic of the show being inconsistent regarding identity reveals as a plot point. Honestly, I feel like this may be a result of having the episodes out of order, not a fault of the show itself. Because now that we have a few more episodes you can see that the consequences of revealing your identity are still front and center in the plot of S4.

S4 is built on what happened in S3. And interestingly, we are now asking Alya, Nino, and Adrien the same question we asked Chloe in S3: How do they deal with the secrets they've been entrusted with? And now, Nino has now broken the rule, too. The only reason why it seems inconsistent that he hasn't gotten any consequence, is because the consequence isn't here yet. It lies in the episodes ahead.

This ties to the point of Ladybug handing back Miraculous to people whose identity has been exposed. I wouldn't say that the logic of who gets a Miraculous is inconsistent because it's not a precept, it's a decision taken by a character, and characters are not supposed to act perfectly (where would be the fun in that?).

Personally, I think that Ladybug trusting the same people again is a result of her current difficulty trusting herself as a Guardian. My interpretation is that she much rather keep the people that have already proven they're trustworthy, and trust they will do the right thing. Which is why she keeps going back to Carapace and Rena (as implied in Rocketear), and why she is trusting blindly in the fact Chat won't question these shaky decisions, which will be, as we are beginning to suspect, a catastrophic mistake especially once it is revealed that they affect his interests.

But she trusts them with the Miraculous because... who is more trustworthy than her friends?

Cue the angst.

🌝 EDIT: Another point I wanted to add is how it will be SO interesting to see whether Chat ends up paralleling Chloe or not. Because when you think about it, her decision to side with Hawkmoth was ultimately driven by the idea that Ladybug doesn't care about her. After all, one of ML's story morals is that you can't always control the situations around you, but you can control how you react to them.

Let's see how the kitty cat fends in that test of fire 😏

Ok, NOW cue the angst.

🌝🌝