History Fanfic / WeightOffYourShoulder

** {{Discussed}} in Chapter 12 when [[spoiler:Marinette reveals that her past self's letter included details about the "original timeline" Future!Alix created, including Chloe's fate. Future!Alix claims that Chloe ending up in the custody of her neglectful and abusive mother is "karmic justice"; Marinette ''strongly'' disagrees]].

** After Alya suggests that Ladybug might have [[NiceJobBreakingItHero unintentionally made things worse]] by dealing with Hawk/Shadow Moth and Chloe, Marinette asks her if she thinks that means that Majesta and ''other'' superheroes should never arrest villains or punish them for their crimes.

* BackfireOnTheWitnessStand: During Chloe's trial, she expects Ms. Bustier to serve as the perfect CharacterWitness for her. Unfortunately for her, Ms. Bustier's recent HeelRealization instead spurs her to be much more honest, [[spoiler:revealing Chloe's intentions to ally with Gabriel's legal team]].

** Chloe is so self-centered that she legitimately believes that she can convince [[spoiler:Gabriel Agreste to work with her and support her agenda to paint herself as a tragic victim of his villainous alter ego, purely on the basis that they can ''both'' dictate the course of Adrien's life that way]].

* BetterTheDevilYouKnow: {{Discussed}} when Alya questions whether things are getting to be "too good to be true" and if it was really ''right'' for Ladybug to deal with Hawk/Shadow Moth and Chloe so harshly, suggesting that something ''worse'' might happen as a result. Others dismiss the notion, questioning the concept of letting evil go unchecked for fear of what might replace it.

** Adrien's reputation as his class's resident "sunshine boy" is tarnished when he scolds everyone for daring to be ''happy'' about Chloe's KarmaHoudiniWarranty running out, making clear that he really doesn't ''care'' about how much she hurt them with her years of bullying and constant casual cruelties.
** Adrien eventually realizes that he was LovingAShadow with Chloe, having convinced himself that she was still the same sweet girl [[UsedToBeASweetKid she used]] to be [[HiddenHeartOfGold somewhere deep down]].

* CommonalityConnection: Played for horror when Chloe brags about how she expects her planned partnership with [[spoiler:Gabriel Agreste]] to work out ''perfectly'', as both of them are interested in [[spoiler:controlling Adrien's life and forcing him to bow to their will]].

** Gabriel Agreste, as per usual. In fact, [[spoiler:Chloe arrogantly assumes that she can make a partnership with him work precisely ''because'' both of them want to dictate every aspect of Adrien's life]].

** Chloe hopes to escape her legal woes by PlayingTheVictimCard, convincing everyone that she was manipulated and used by Hawk/Shadow Moth. Not only does she openly reveal this intention to Ms. Bustier, her plan hinges on working and coordinating with [[spoiler:Gabriel Agreste's legal team]], with no thought spared to how this might undermine her claims. She's caught completely off guard during her trial when [[spoiler:Ms. Bustier testifies ''against her'']] as a direct result of her actions.

** PlayedWith -- after the new Ladybug exposes how Chloe betrayed the Miraculous Heroes, Adrien complains that she was "too harsh" and "went way too far". Eagle and Uncanny Valley reveal that the United Heroez are ''also'' concerned about this, with Ladybug countering that Chloe ''willingly collaborated with a terrorist'' out of sheer ''spite''.
** By contrast, Marinette believes that Chloe [[spoiler:winding up in the custody of her abusive and neglectful mother]] ''would'' be taking things way too far.

** Chloe expresses only minimal gratitude for how her father and homeroom teacher have enabled her bratty behavior, thanking Ms. Bustier in passing for her support while also making clear that she's [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness not useful to her right now]] as she's "just a teacher" and doesn't have the clout she needs extend her KarmaHoudiniWarranty.
** While nowhere ''near'' as bad as Chloe, Alya helped set the whole plot in motion by ignoring Marinette's personal boundaries, demanding that she ''needed'' to share all her secrets with her friends just because Alya wanted to know them. Alya and the rest of the girl posse continue to push against Marinette's boundaries afterwards, though they're [[spoiler:being manipulated into doing so by Future!Alix]].

** Ms. Bustier is a LoveFreak who encouraged her students to TurnTheOtherCheek and forgive bullies like Chloe for causing trouble, claiming that they'd only learn by example. Yet she didn't apply this mentality to Shadow Moth, agreeing with Ladybug that he should face the harshest penalties possible for his reign of terror -- especially with how many times he akumatized her and her beloved students. She's even surer of this after learning that [[spoiler:he was none other than Gabriel Agreste, and that he intended to akumatize ''his own son'' by exploiting Adrien's horror and anguish at the reveal]].
** This also ties into her HeelRealization, as Chloe openly ''gloating'' about [[spoiler:her intent to work with him and his legal team and help control Adrien's life]] forces her to realize just how self-centered Chloe really is. During Chloe's trial, the whole class is shocked when the teacher ''doesn't'' sing her praises on the stand, instead revealing her regrets [[spoiler:and Chloe's ill intentions]].

** Despite how Adrien [[BrokenPedestal lost her respect]] due to his stubbornly defending Chloe's bratty behavior, Marinette immediately checks on upon after learning that [[spoiler:his father is Shadow Moth and was going to akumatize him]].
** Ms. Bustier finally realizes just how much of a SpoiledBrat Chloe is when the blonde brags about her intention to [[spoiler:continue working with Gabriel Agreste despite knowing that he's Hawk/Shadow Moth]].
** As much as she dislikes Chloe after she bullied her for years, Marinette's unimpressed by [[spoiler:Future!Alix insisting that she should be forced to live under the thumb of her abusive mother]], decrying the concept of that being "justice" or something she "deserved".

** Adrien loses a lot of clout with his classmates when he takes Chloe's side over theirs, sanctimoniously scolding them about how they should be ''ashamed'' of themselves for celebrating her downfall. He fails to consider how much ''they'' were hurt by all her years of bullying even while upbraiding them for not considering ''her'' feelings.
** Chloe obviously doesn't care about anyone [[ItsAllAboutMe aside from herself]], and thinks nothing of casually informing Ms. Bustier that she's no longer useful to her. She also openly gloats about how she intends to renew her KarmaHoudiniWarranty and [[spoiler:work with Gabriel to seize control of Adrien's life]], unable to comprehend how much that might horrify her audience.
** [[spoiler:Future!Alix]] doesn't give a damn about who gets hurt in their ongoing campaign to [[spoiler:twist time itself to her own selfish ends]]. Much like Chloe, this results in them thoughtlessly revealing too much, exposing their SkewedPriorities to others.

** Compared to Marinette, the new Ladybug has far less patience for all the obstacles between her and achieving her goals. While Marinette was constantly being pressured to placate Chat Noir, Chloe and other annoyances, her successor promptly lays down the law and cuts off their [[KarmaHoudiniWarranty Karma Houdini Warranties]].

** Chloe also plays with this: with her father's influence fading fast and Ms. Bustier no longer able to shield her from punishment now that her crimes extend far beyond her classroom, she decides that her best bet lies with [[spoiler:allying with Gabriel's legal team]]. While it's a desperate maneuver, Chloe notably isn't ''acting'' desperate; in fact, she openly brags to Ms. Bustier about her plans, gloating about how much [[spoiler:both she and Gabriel could benefit from such an alliance, as she can "help him" control and dictate Adrien's life as ''they both'' see fit]].

* GuiltByAssociation: {{Averted}}; [[spoiler:Zoe Lee]] was worried about this, as they [[spoiler:arrived in Paris after their half-sister Chloe and the former Mayor fell from grace]], but happily finds acceptance despite their fears.

* HeelRealization: During a conversation with Ms. Bustier, Chloe reveals that she's [[spoiler:trying to contact Gabriel's legal team]]. When her teacher protests such extreme measures, Chloe dismisses Bustier as practically ''useless'' to her now... but thanks her in passing for taking her side whenever "those idiots were being unfair". This forces Ms. Bustier to realize that the only thing Chloe learned from her overly permissive methods was that [[KarmaHoudini she could get away with whatever she wanted]].

** Par for the course with Chloe, who thoughtlessly dismisses her father's troubles as simply a sign that she needs to look ''elsewhere'' for the resources she needs to try and escape her own legal woes. She has also convinced herself that [[spoiler:Gabriel and his legal team]] will not only be ''willing'' to work with her, but that they will ''happily'' cooperate with her plans to pin all the blame on Hawk/Shadow Moth and let her [[spoiler:take over micromanaging Adrien's life]].

** The new Ladybug wastes no time exposing Chloe as a SpoiledBrat, reminding everyone of how she ''intentionally'' caused a near train crash in a bout of EngineeredHeroics and revealing how she personally betrayed Ladybug.
** The above also leads to Mayor Bourgeois being taken to task for how he coddled Chloe and shielded her from the consequences of her actions for so long, with his hotel being boycotted and his political opponents leading calls for a recall. Then he [[spoiler:attempts to skip town and abandon his daughter, but is caught, losing whatever remained of his reputation in the process]].
** On top of this, Chloe's exposure ''also'' triggers an investigation into Francoise Dupont that leaves both Principal Damocles and Ms. Bustier facing critical review. Ultimately, [[spoiler:Principal Damocles is fired, while Ms. Bustier gets one last chance to prove herself]].

** Since he was ChildhoodFriends with Chloe, Adrien recalled her as a LonelyRichKid yearning for her mother's love. This left him convinced that he was the only one who saw the ''real'' Chloe, determined to defend her from everyone who only saw her as a RichBitch SpoiledBrat. Eventually, he realizes that he wasn't just trying to convince everyone else that she was good deep down, but ''himself'' as well.

* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: Ms. Bustier has two of these in rapid succession: first, she overhears Lila arguing with her mother [[NeverMyFault blaming everyone but herself for her problems]] and finds herself wondering if this is really the same girl she supported so much in her class. Then she talks to Chloe and learns just how selfish and entitled ''she'' is.

** Adrien accuses Marinette and the rest of his classmates of this, berating them for their apparent LackOfEmpathy towards how Chloe is suffering. Ironically, [[PsychologicalProjection this applies to Adrien himself]] -- he refuses to acknowledge how much ''Chloe'' has hurt others through her constant cruelties, and blows off everyone's attempts to point out to him how she was an unrepentant bully.

** Nino is similarly concerned when Alya pulls a seemingly inexplicable about-face and begins criticizing how [[spoiler:Ladybug dealt with Hawk Moth and Chloe]], asking her outright what brought this on.
* PlayingTheVictimCard: Chloe hopes to extend her KarmaHoudiniWarranty by convincing a jury that she was manipulated and used by Shadow Moth. Tellingly, she expects to strengthen her argument by [[spoiler:working directly with Agreste's legal team to coordinate her defense]].

** Due to his MoralMyopia, Adrien stubbornly insists that it's ''wrong'' for Chloe to face actual consequences for her actions -- no matter how many people she hurt, things should stay just the same as they always were. This mirrors the greater overarching plot with [[spoiler:Future!Alix wanting to preserve ''her'' timeline despite how much Marinette, the Kwami, and everybody else suffered -- it's what she knows, so that ''has'' to be the way things are]].

** [[spoiler:Future!Alix]]'s story arc also parallels what happened with Chloe. Chloe felt entitled to the Bee Comb, insisting she was meant to be a hero despite acting decidedly ''un''heroic, culminating in her throwing a fit over not getting her way and proving how unsuited she was to the role. Compare that to [[spoiler:Future!Alix insisting that they ''must'' restore the original timeline -- the one where Shadow Moth becomes Monarch -- because that personally benefits ''HER'' and lets her become Bunnyx]].

** Chapter Twelve [[RuleOfThree goes for the triple]]: not only do they accidentally reveal that [[spoiler:Adrien/Chat Noir pulled a FaceHeelTurn in several alternate timelines]], they attempt to defend themselves by claiming [[spoiler:Chloe "got what she deserved" by ending up in the custody of her abusive mother]].
* ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections: Chloe's habit of using her father's position to threaten others -- as well as his habit of [[PushoverParents complying with her wishes]] -- bites him in the butt after Ladybug publicly decries her as a horrible person who betrayed the heroes and is personally responsible for many akumatizations. Mayor Bourgeois finds himself in danger of losing his position, while Chloe only cares about how his problems impact ''her''.

** Chloe hopes to [[InvokedTrope set this up]] via her planned [[spoiler:alliance with Gabriel]] -- she expects them to support her getting together with Adrien so that she can [[spoiler:help Gabriel control his life by proxy]].

** Adrien's eventual admittance that he [[spoiler:mistakenly believed none of his classmates ''understood'' Chloe in the same way that he did, only to realize ''he'' was the one who didn't understand her]] is inspired by a similar statement made in ''[[Fanfic/TheLamentSeriesChaoticNeutral Chloe's Lament]]''.

** This also applies to the replacement Ladybug. While the Ladybug in ''Two Letters'' was a narcissist who used her image to get what she wanted, the replacement is more focused on being a hero and saving lives. The only real flaws she has are her drastic (but still very effective) methods of stopping people that get in her way like Shadow Moth, Chloe and Chat Noir. Of course, those people had their karma coming a long time, so it's hard to really feel bad for them, which is why the new Ladybug's willingness to use these tactics is what makes her border ''very slightly'' on being a KnightTemplar.

** PlayedWith; [[spoiler:the new Ladybug is the Sentimonster that Mayura had created, who fully embodies Marinette's Ladybug side without the other parts of her personality. Turns out that a Marinette who's completely mission-oriented is also much blunter, while still [[WellIntentionedExtremist still highly heroic]], making others uncomfortable with her single-minded focus. Especially Tikki, who [[BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor isn't comfortable with her new user.]]]]

* ToughLove: {{Subverted}} -- Chloe attempts to excuse [[spoiler:Gabriel's treatment of Adrien]] as though it's nothing more than this, purely because she compares to her ''own'' desire to [[spoiler:dictate the course of Adrien's life]]. This only serves to horrify Ms. Bustier.
* TraumaCongaLine: PlayedWith darkly through Adrien. As far as he's concerned, Chloe's KarmaHoudiniWarranty running out and Ladybug no longer putting up with his constant harassment of her are both terrible, ''terrible'' trials. Then [[spoiler:Ladybug reveals that she suspects his father is Hawk/Shadow Moth, and strips him of the Ring when he refuses to accept this and attacks her]]. ''Then'' [[spoiler:he gets a full-fledged trauma conga line when his father reveals he ''is'' Shadow Moth, transforming in front of everyone attending his fashion show while bellowing that Ladybug just ''killed his wife'' -- Adrien's mother -- by blowing up his lair. And he fully intended to exploit his son's trauma by akumatizing him then and there]]. In short, Adrien ''thought'' he had it tough, only to learn just how wrong he was.

* UsedToBeASweetKid: According to Adrien, Chloe was much nicer when she was younger.

* YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness: {{Downplayed}}; Chloe dismisses both Ms. Bustier and her own father as being practically ''useless'' to her after the Bourgeois' fall from grace, as neither has the resources and connections she needs to avoid being punished for her actions. However, she still sincerely thanks Ms. Bustier for how she always supported her in class, triggering a HeelRealization for her teacher.
* YourApprovalFillsMeWithShame: Chloe is an EntitledBitch who gets incredibly upset whenever others don't bend over backwards to cater to her every whim. Yet she thanks Ms. Bustier for always taking her side whenever her "idiotic" classmates defied her will, opening her teacher's eyes to how she was constantly enabling a SpoiledBrat.

* LiteralSplitPersonality: Variation. [[spoiler:The new Ladybug is actually the 'Sentibug' Hawk Moth and Mayura created. However, in the process of transferring Guardianship over to her, she was infused with Marinette's ideas about what an "ideal" Ladybug would be -- namely, her without any of her emotional baggage and a willingness to be much more direct in dealing with problems.]]

* TimeTravelEscape: [[spoiler:The new Ladybug is the Sentimonster Ladybug Mayura created some time ago, saved by Marinette by yanking her into the future before she was destroyed.]]

** PlayedWith; [[spoiler:the new Ladybug is the sentimonster akuma Mayura had created, who fully embodies Marinette's Ladybug side without the other parts of her personality. Turns out that a Marinette who's completely mission-oriented is also much blunter, while still [[WellIntentionedExtremist still highly heroic]], making others uncomfortable with her single-minded focus. Especially Tikki, who [[BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor isn't comfortable with her new user.]]]]

* AdaptationalJerkass: While the Future!Alix in ''Fanfic/TwoLetters'' is undeniably a {{Jerkass}}, she at least [[JerkassHasAPoint has a point]] about the new Ladybug being a SketchySuccessor. ''This'' Future!Alix lacks such a stance, and sees nothing wrong with [[spoiler:telling Marinette and the Kwamis that they should just ''endure'' the horrors Monarch will put them through once he steals the Miracle Box because "that's just the way things are meant to go", as well as manipulating the timeline in order to have Marinette and Adrien to date and marry]].

** Chapter 12 brings with it the revelation of ''other'' bad futures that resulted from [[spoiler:Bunnyx's meddling with the timeline; on several occasions, learning that his father was Hawk/Shadow Moth/Monarch led Adrien to pull a FaceHeelTurn, either joining his father or becoming a supervillain in his own right, all while refusing to accept the reality of what was going on. Future!Alix uses this to justify the idea of keeping him LockedOutOfTheLoop]].

* EarnYourHappyEnding: Ultimately, things turn out ''much better'' for Marinette and her friends. [[spoiler:Even Bridgette, the former Sentibug, gets to live a normal life alongside Marinette as her sister, with them splitting the duty of being Ladybug -- and Bridgette lands a girlfriend as well!]]

* EarnYourHappyEnding: Ultimately, things turn out ''much better'' for Marinette and her friends. [[spoiler:Even Bridgette, the former Sentibug, gets to live a normal life alongside Marinette as they split the duty of being Ladybug -- and Bridgette lands a girlfriend as well!]]

** This also ties into her HeelRealization, as Chloe openly ''gloating about [[spoiler:her intent to work with him and his legal team and help control Adrien's life]] forces her to realize just how self-centered Chloe really is. During Chloe's trial, the whole class is shocked when the teacher ''doesn't'' sing her praises on the stand, instead revealing her regrets [[spoiler:and Chloe's ill intentions]].

** As much as she dislikes Chloe after she bullied her for years, she's unimpressed by [[spoiler:Future!Alix insisting that she should be forced to live under the thumb of her abusive mother]], decrying the concept of that being "justice" or something she "deserved".

* TheDogBitesBack: After how much Chloe took Ms. Bustier's unflinching support of her petty bullying for granted, it's ''highly'' satisfying when the teacher has a HeelRealization and [[spoiler:testifies against her at her trial, revealing her plans to partner with Gabriel's legal team and paint herself as an innocent victim]] to much of the blonde's surprise.

* TheDogBitesBack: After how much Chloe took Ms. Bustier's unflinching support of her petty bullying for granted, it's ''highly'' satisfying when the teacher has a HeelRealization and [[spoiler:testifies against her at her trial, revealing her plans to partner with Gabriel's legal team and paint herself as an innocent victim]].

* ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections: Chloe's habit of using her father's position to threaten others -- as well as his habit of [[PushoverParents complying with her wishes]] -- bites him in the butt after Ladybug publicly decries her as a horrible person who betrayed the heroes and is personally responsible for many akumatizations. Mayor Bourgeois finds himself in danger of losing his position, while Chloe only cares about his problems impact ''her''.

** A RunningTheme in ''Two Letters'' is the lack of learning. Most of the major characters show no signs of addressing any of their {{Fatal Flaw}}s; even when it's directly spelled out how they caused her retirement, they continue insisting that the original Ladybug needs to return and [[HoldingOutForAHero solve all their problems for them]] without so much as a ''glimmer'' of self-reflection. ''Weight Off Your Shoulder'', by contrast, has several characters go through [[JerkassRealization Jerkass]] and {{Heel Realization}}s, recognizing their mistakes and resolving to [[CharacterDevelopment change for the better]], while still accepting that the consequences of their actions won't magically go away.

* AbusiveParents: Gabriel takes his abuse of Adrien to whole new levels when he [[spoiler:transforms into Shadow Moth in front of all his guests during the fashion parade, as he fully intended to exploit his son's emotional reaction to the reveal by akumatizing him]].

** Adrien eventually realizes that he was LovingAShadow with Chloe, having convinced himself that she was still the same sweet girl [[UsedToBeASweetKid she used to be]] [[HiddenHeartOfGold somewhere deep down]].

* DisproportionateRetribution: PlayedWith -- after the new Ladybug exposes how Chloe betrayed the Miraculous Heroes, Adrien complains that she was "too harsh" and "went way too far". Eagle and Uncanny Valley reveal that the United Heroez are ''also'' concerned about this, with Ladybug countering that Chloe ''willingly collaborated with a terrorist'' out of sheer ''spite''.

** Chapter 12 reveals that [[spoiler:Bunnyx discovered ''several'' bad futures where Adrien pulled a FaceHeelTurn due to his utter refusal to accept that that his father had been villainous]]. Once again, they missed how close this hewed to illustrating their ''own'' situation.

* EvenTheLovingHeroHasHatedOnes: Ms. Bustier is a LoveFreak who encouraged her students to TurnTheOtherCheek and forgive bullies like Chloe for causing trouble, claiming that they'd only learn by example. Yet she didn't apply this mentality to Shadow Moth, agreeing with Ladybug that he should face the harshest penalties possible for his reign of terror -- especially with how many times he akumatized her and her beloved students. She's even surer of this after learning that [[spoiler:he was none other than Gabriel Agreste, and that he intended to akumatize ''his own son'' by exploiting Adrien's horror and anguish at the reveal]]. This also ties into her HeelRealization, as [[spoiler:Chloe openly ''gloating'' about her intent to work with him and his legal team and help control Adrien's life]] forces her to realize just [[spoiler:how self-centered Chloe really is]].

** The above also leads to Mayor Bourgeois being taken to task for how he coddled Chloe and shielded her from the consequences of her actions for so long, with his hotel being boycotted and his political opponents leading calls for a recall.
** On top of this, Chloe's exposure ''also'' triggers an investigation into Francoise Dupont that leaves both Principal Damocles and Ms. Bustier facing critical review.

** And then there's [[spoiler:Future!Alix, aka Bunnyx, who believes that having the Rabbit Miraculous grants her the right to craft what she sees as the PrimeTimeline. This includes trying to force Marinette and Adrien together, ignoring all signs that they're ''not'' meant to be together]].

** Chloe hopes to escape her legal woes by PlayingTheVictimCard, convincing everyone that she was manipulated and used by Hawk/Shadow Moth. Not only does she openly reveal this intention to Ms. Bustier, her plan hinges on working and coordinating with [[spoiler:Gabriel Agreste's legal team]], with no thought spared to how this might undermine her claims. She's caught completely off guard during her trial when [[spoiler:Ms. Bustier testifies ''against her'']] as a direct result her actions.

* CollectiveIdentity: [[spoiler:At the end both Marinette and Bridgette the renamed Sentibug, shares the role as Ladybug so that neither of them had to hold the responsibility solely on their shoulders]].

** Chloe hopes to escape her legal woes by PlayingTheVictimCard, convincing everyone that she was manipulated and used by Hawk/Shadow Moth. Not only does she openly reveal this intention to Ms. Bustier, her plan hinges on working and coordinating with [[spoiler:Gabriel Agreste's legal team]], with no thought spared to how this might undermine her claims.

* SympathyForTheDevil:
** While facing down [[spoiler:Future!Alix]], Marinette, Luka and the new Ladybug all remark on the underlying tragedy of their situation. Namely, how [[spoiler:she was burdened with a massive responsibility that she was in no way ready for]].

* CollectiveIdentity: [[spoiler:At the end both Marinette and Bridgette the renamed Sentibug, shares the role as Ladybug so that neither of them had to hold the responsibility solely on their shoulders.]]

** As much as she dislikes Chloe after she spoiled her for years, she's unimpressed by [[spoiler:Future!Alix insisting that she should be forced to live under the thumb of her abusive mother]], decrying the concept of that being "justice" or something she "deserved".

** Marinete thinks that [[spoiler:Chloe, who is about to face the consequences of her actions, doesn't deserve to live trapped with her abusive mother. That is not something she considers justice]].

** Marinette and [[spoiler:Future!Alix]] serve as counterpoints to each other. Marinette has a very low opinion of herself after everything she's endured throughout her career as Ladybug, giving up the Miraculous and her position as Guardian because she feels she never deserved them. She has high empathy for those who have suffered under Hawk/Shadow Moth, and wants to prevent further pain no matter what it costs ''her'' personally. At the other extreme, we have [[spoiler:Future!Alix]], who feels entitled to their Miraculous and dismisses all the suffering Hawk/Shadow Moth has caused as "just the way it has to be."

* TheGoodGuysAlwaysWin: Adrien [[WrongAssumption incorrectly assumed]] that this applied, spurring him to take his heroic responsibilities as Chat Noir completely for granted. He's horrified when it finally hits him that ''they could lose'', and that he was putting a lot of pressure on Ladybug to carry the day whenever he got taken out of the fight through his recklessness.

** Marinete thinks that [[spoiler:Chloe, who is about face the consequences of her actions, she doesn't deserve to live trapped with her abusive mother, that is not something she considers justice, that is what actually happens on the old timeline]].

** Marinete thinks that [[spoiler:Chloe, who is about face the consequences of her actions, she doesn't wants her to live trapped with her abusive mother, that is not something she considers as justice, that is what actually happens on the old timeline]].

** Marinete thinks that [[Chloe, who is about face the consequences of her actions, she doesn't wants her to live trapped with her abusive mother, that is not something she considers as justice, that is what actually happens on the old timeline]].

** Downplayed with [[Chloe, as much as Marinette wants to see her suffering the consequences of her actions, she doesn't wants her to live trapped with her abusive mother as part of it]].

* SympathyForTheDevil: While facing down [[spoiler:Future!Alix]], Marinette, Luka and the new Ladybug all remark on the underlying tragedy of their situation. Namely, how [[spoiler:she was burdened with a massive responsibility that she was in no way ready for]].

** PlayedWith; [[spoiler:the new Ladybug is the sentimonster akuma Mayura had created, who fully embodies Marinette's Ladybug side without the other parts of her personality. Turns out that a Marinette who's completely mission-oriented is also much more blunt, while still [[WellIntentionedExtremist still highly heroic]], making others uncomfortable with her single-minded focus. Especially Tikki, who [[BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor isn't comfortable with her new user.]]]]

** This also happens to [[spoiler:Future!Alix after she fails to convince Marinette, Luka and Sentibug to let her restore ''her'' future, granting her the chance to life a normal life]].