Line #207 Fanfic/WeightOffYourShoulder


1	After Alya and several other classmates confront her in her own bedroom, ''demanding'' to know all her deepest secrets and claiming they can't be friends if she doesn't spill everything, Marinette declares that maybe they aren't friends after all, driving them all out of her room. Guilt-stricken, she then decides to do something drastic...
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3	...and ends up dazed on her rooftop, her ex-boyfriend Luka checking on her along with the ''new'' Ladybug. Who, strangely enough, looks just like her. Marinette no longer recalls her time as Ladybug, but the new one reassures that everything's going to be alright, encouraging her to focus on living a normal life while ''she'' handles the protection of Paris. However, her successor has her own methods for dealing with Shadow Moth and his allies...
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5	''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/46075933 Weight Off Your Shoulder]]'' is a RecursiveFanfiction by Creator/{{cornholio4}} that explores a LighterAndSofter [[AlternateUniverse alternative take]] on the events of ''Fanfic/TwoLetters''.
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7	See also ''[[Fanfic/WhatGoesAroundComesAroundMiraculousLadybug What Goes Around Comes Around]]'', another recursive work by the same author that explores another RecursiveFanfiction of another story by the author.
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9	Unmarked spoilers for ''Fanfic/TwoLetters''.
10	----
11	!!This fanfic contains examples of:
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13	* AbusiveParents:
14	** 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]].
15	** {{Discussed}} in Chapter 12 when [[spoiler:Marinette reveals that her past self's letter included details about the "original timeline" Future!Alix created, including Chloé's fate. Future!Alix claims that Chloé ending up in the custody of her neglectful and abusive mother is "karmic justice"; Marinette ''strongly'' disagrees]].
16	* AdaptationalHeroism: In ''Fanfic/TwoLetters'', it is heavily implied (and eventually revealed) that Marinette intentionally chose an unworthy successor in order to punish all of Paris for how poorly they treated her. WordOfGod confirms this is not the case in ''Weight Off Your Shoulder''.
17	* 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 force Marinette and Adrien into a relationship. Of course it was subverted as Future Alix is suffering insanity from her role and was doing her actions to cope]].
18	* AdaptationalNiceGirl: Compared to her counterpart in ''Fanfic/TwoLetters'', Marinette shows no bitterness towards those who were previously akumatized. She also looked for a suitable replacement rather than deliberately choosing a SketchySuccessor.
19	* AllForNothing: This serves as [[spoiler:Future!Alix]]'s final attempt to defend their decisions, as they scream about how everything they did [[spoiler:with the girl squad and as Bunnyx]] ''couldn't'' have been for nothing, and that they ''have'' to [[spoiler:get Marinette and Adrien together]] no matter what.
20	* ArmorPiercingQuestion:
21	** Eagle asks the new Ladybug if her extended patrols are cutting into her free time, asking "Are you neglecting your civilian life, or do you even have one?" Ladybug responds by turning her back on the American superheroes and leaving.
22	** In the same chapter, Juleka disgustedly asks Alya and her friends "Is this all just a shipping thing?", pointedly reminding them that Marinette seems to be happy with Luka and wondering whether [[spoiler:they seriously want to restore the original timeline just to make their ship sail]].
23	** After Alya suggests that Ladybug might have [[NiceJobBreakingItHero unintentionally made things worse]] by dealing with Hawk/Shadow Moth and Chloé, Marinette asks her if she thinks that means that Majesta and ''other'' superheroes should never arrest villains or punish them for their crimes.
24	** When Tikki remarks to the new Ladybug that others might be right to be concerned about how well she's taking care of herself, Ladybug responds by reminding her "Didn't you want Marinette to take her duties more seriously?"
25	* BackfireOnTheWitnessStand: During Chloé'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 Chloé's intentions to ally with Gabriel's legal team]].
26	* BadFuture:
27	** As this story [[PointOfDivergence diverges from]] {{Canon}} early in Season Four, the ''rest of the series'' effectively becomes one here. Something reinforced by how [[spoiler:Marinette learned that Shadow Moth was going to steal the Miracle Box and become Monarch, something she was desperate to prevent at all costs]].
28	** In Chapter 11, it's revealed that [[spoiler:one timeline had Marinette and Adrien get married, only to eventually divorce due to Adrien being AllTakeAndNoGive, having never ''bothered'' growing as a person and continuing to rely upon Marinette to do all the heavy lifting]].
29	** 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... ignoring the little detail that Adrien has ''already learned'' about his father here, and it actually triggered his JerkassRealization]].
30	* BatmanGambit: Ladybug pulls one off in Chapter Three when she [[spoiler:makes it appear that she found Shadow Moth's lair and Cataclysms it in front of Gabriel's fashion parade, banking on Gabriel losing his cool and exposing his own identity. When he accuses her of murdering his wife, she reveals that the whole thing was an illusion created by the Fox]].
31	* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor: Tikki wanted Marinette to be an {{Ideal Hero}}ine who never let anything in her civilian life distract or detract from her duties as Ladybug. The new Ladybug provides her with just what she desired: a holder who ''only'' cares about protecting Paris, with no sign of a life beyond the mask. Ladybug reminds her outright about this when Tikki expresses her growing concerns about her.
32	* BecameTheirOwnAntithesis: Seen with [[spoiler:Alix and Future!Alix. In the present, the aromantic Alix is the least invested in Alya and the girl squad's shipping of "Adrienette". Her counterpart, however, has convinced herself that the two ''NEED'' to get together, and has been abusing the Rabbit Miraculous trying to reshape reality and create a "perfect timeline" where the two get their happily ever after. Future!Alix also shows NoSympathy for those suffering as a result of her meddling, making her a villain in her own right, if not in her own mind]].
33	* BecauseDestinySaysSo: Deconstructed. [[spoiler:Despite the timeline being much better overall, Future!Alix still wants to stop Marinette from resigning so that she can remain Bunnyx.]] In addition, it's eventually revealed that [[spoiler:Future!Alix is a ShipperOnDeck who is trying to ''force'' Marinette and Adrien to hook up and stay together forever, believing that they're meant to be even when she sees their relationship constantly falling apart]].
34	* BelievingTheirOwnLies:
35	** Chloé 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]].
36	** [[spoiler:Future!Alix/Bunny]] has convinced themselves that [[spoiler:Marinette and Adrien are 'destined' to be together courtesy of her blatant manipulations of the timestream, despite the fact that every branch where they hook up ultimately ends in unhappiness and tragedy]].
37	* 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 Chloé 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.
38	-->'''Max:''' I've heard of the phrase, and I must say with 100% certainty that I will gladly take 'the angel I don't know' over Hawk/Shadow or whatever Moth any day of the week.
39	* BrokenPedestal:
40	** Adrien's reputation as his class's resident "sunshine boy" is tarnished when he scolds everyone for daring to be ''happy'' about Chloé'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.
41	** Adrien eventually realizes that he was LovingAShadow with Chloé, having convinced himself that she was still the same sweet girl [[UsedToBeASweetKid she used]] to be [[HiddenHeartOfGold somewhere deep down]].
42	** He also goes through this with his own father upon learning that [[spoiler:he really ''was'' Hawk/Shadow Moth all along]].
43	* CollectiveIdentity: [[spoiler:At the end, both Marinette and Bridgette (the renamed Sentibug) share the role of Ladybug so that neither has to bear the responsibility upon their shoulders alone.]]
44	* CommonalityConnection: Played for horror when Chloé 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]].
45	* ControlFreak:
46	** Gabriel Agreste, as per usual. In fact, [[spoiler:Chloé 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]].
47	** 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 become a couple]].
48	* DeconstructionFic:
49	** One of the "rules" of ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'' is that [[OncePerEpisode every episode]] involves Marinette "making a mistake and learning a lesson". In practice, this frequently involves her [[TheScapegoat being blamed]] for whatever went wrong regardless of culpability, with others winding up as {{Karma Houdini}}s/learning ''nothing'' from their experiences. Here, Marinette has internalized this blame to the point of developing a GuiltComplex, and ultimately rescinded her guardianship when Alya and the rest of the GirlPosse got upset over her "keeping secrets". Even after losing all her memories of being Ladybug, Marinette continues to assume the worst of herself, believing that she must have been an utter failure as a hero who constantly screwed up.
50	*** Chapter Eleven includes a scene that further deconstructs the idea that ''only'' Marinette needs to learn from her experiences. As a direct result of this, [[spoiler:the Adrien]] shown in the BadFuture has remained completely stagnant, still expecting Marinette to [[HoldingOutForAHero handle everything for them]] while [[AllTakeAndNoGive offering nothing in return]]. This results in [[spoiler:their divorce, with Marinette finally recognizing that she can't keep making excuses for and enabling him anymore]].
51	*** The new Ladybug turns out to be [[spoiler:Sentibug brought back via time travel]] showing how the only way a teen girl could ever be an ideal heroine like Tikki and the show tried to make Marinette is if she had literally no life outside of heroism.
52	** It also picks apart the presumption that TheGoodGuysAlwaysWin through Adrien. Since he naively believes this to be the case, he sees nothing wrong with joking around as Chat Noir -- after all, their victory is guaranteed, even if he gets taken out of the fight through his carelessness or recklessness. Once he finally grasps that isn't always the case, he [[JerkassRealization finally realizes]] how much pressure he was putting on Ladybug to pick up his slack.
53	** The concept of BecauseDestinySaysSo is shredded courtesy of [[spoiler:Future!Alix, who uses this to excuse her attempts to ram her self-centered ideas about what the timeline ''should be like'' through]].
54	* DidntThinkThisThrough:
55	** As part of her efforts to help Marinette, the new Ladybug decides to [[spoiler:publicly announce that Marinette is her best friend, and that she provided invaluable support in the fight against Hawk/Shadow Moth]]. When confronted about this, she freely admits that she didn't consider how [[spoiler:this would completely disrupt the normal life Marinette wanted to have]].
56	** There's also how [[spoiler:Future!Alix/Bunnyx sincerely thought that she could condescendingly tell Marinette to QuitYourWhining and that things would get better ''eventually'']]. Even if they didn't intend to [[spoiler:let slip that things would get ''significantly worse'']], it's astounding how they assumed that would work.
57	** Chloé 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.
58	* DirtyCoward: During the epilogue, it's revealed that [[spoiler:Andre Bourgeois was caught trying to cut and run, abandoning his daughter and the mess he'd made in Paris in hopes of starting a fresh life somewhere else]].
59	* DiscontinuityNod: With the {{Canon}} timeline being [[RetGone Ret-Goned]] out of reality, the fic makes several references to things that will no longer happen... mostly to illustrate just how far-gone [[spoiler:Future!Alix]] is, driving home just what is at stake and how awful their desire to MakeWrongWhatOnceWentRight is.
60	* DisproportionateRetribution:
61	** PlayedWith -- after the new Ladybug exposes how Chloé 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 Chloé ''willingly collaborated with a terrorist'' out of sheer ''spite''.
62	** By contrast, Marinette believes that Chloé [[spoiler:winding up in the custody of her abusive and neglectful mother]] ''would'' be taking things way too far.
63	* DramaticallyMissingThePoint:
64	** Despite Marinette and several of his classmates spelling out for him that Chloé dug her own grave by being a selfish, SpoiledBrat who joined forces with a known ''terrorist'' out of sheer spite, Adrien continues to insist that it's unfair for them to ''want'' to see her punished for any of her crimes.
65	** Chapter 11 shows [[spoiler:Bunnyx watching a bad future where Marinette and Adrien got married, but their marriage fell apart due to Adrien never growing out of his passive overdependence upon others (especially Marinette) to solve all his problems for him. Bunnyx complains about how obstacles keep cropping up, even in timelines where they're happily together, ignoring all evidence that their marriage here was ''not'' a happy one]].
66	** This also applies to [[spoiler:the Adrien from said bad future. Even as the divorce is being finalized, he's begging Marinette to put a stop to it and fix everything for him. He also gets upset at hearing her addressed by her maiden name]].
67	** 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. They also ignore the little detail that in the ''current'' timeline, [[spoiler:Adrien actually had a JerkassRealization after his father's exposure]], underscoring how the new Ladybug's efforts have made things much better overall.
68	* EarnYourHappyEnding:
69	** 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 and having been adopted by her parents, with them splitting the duty of being Ladybug -- and Bridgette finds herself a girlfriend as well.]]
70	** This also applies to the alternate timelines/{{Bad Future}}s; as it turns out, [[spoiler:Adrien]] manages to do this in the one where [[spoiler:he and Marinette divorced]], as they actually ''learn'' from the experience and grow enough to handle the AwfulTruth about [[spoiler:his father being Hawk Moth]]. This directly contrasts with several universes where they ''don't'' go through that CharacterDevelopment and end up hit by LaserGuidedKarma instead.
71	* EntitledBastard:
72	** Chloé 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.
73	** While nowhere ''near'' as bad as Chloé, 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]].
74	** In one BadFuture, [[spoiler:Adrien and Marinette actually got married, only for Adrien to remain AllTakeAndNoGive, expecting his "everyday Ladybug" to keep solving all his problems for him rather than making any effort to improve and handle things himself. This culminates in them getting divorced, with Adrien still whining at her to fix everything for him even as he's being served with the papers]].
75	* EvenTheLovingHeroHasHatedOnes:
76	** Ms. Bustier is a LoveFreak who encouraged her students to TurnTheOtherCheek and forgive bullies like Chloé 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]].
77	** This also ties into her HeelRealization, as Chloé 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 Chloé really is. During Chloé's trial, the whole class is shocked when the teacher ''doesn't'' sing her praises on the stand, instead revealing her regrets [[spoiler:and Chloé's ill intentions]].
78	* EveryoneHasStandards:
79	** Despite how Adrien [[BrokenPedestal lost her respect]] due to his stubbornly defending Chloé's bratty behavior, Marinette immediately checks on him upon after learning that [[spoiler:his father is Shadow Moth and was going to akumatize him]].
80	** Ms. Bustier finally realizes just how much of a SpoiledBrat Chloé is when the blonde brags about her intention to [[spoiler:continue working with Gabriel Agreste despite knowing that he's Hawk/Shadow Moth]].
81	** As much as she dislikes Chloé 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".
82	* ExpendableAlternateUniverse: PlayedWith and ultimately {{Averted\|Trope}}:
83	** Future!Alix/Bunnyx takes this attitude towards all of the timelines that don't align perfectly with ''her'' vision of how things should unfold. So far as ''she's'' concerned, the only one that matters is the one where she gets what she wants, heedless of what sort of state she's leaving the abandoned ones in, underscoring [[BecameTheirOwnAntithesis just how much she's changed]] from present-day Alix.
84	** "Always Find Our Way Back Together", meanwhile, peeks into several of these alternate worlds, offering a glimpse of what becomes of them afterwards.
85	* ExplainExplainOhCrap: While discussing recent events with Marinette, Nino recalls how he became The Bubbler and has a moment of horrified realization, asking Marinette if [[spoiler:Gabriel ''intentionally'' upset him by refusing to throw Adrien a birthday party just so he could akumatize him]].
86	* FatalFlaw: A recurrent one, shared by several characters to the point of becoming a RunningTheme: LackOfEmpathy. Time and again, not caring about or considering the plight of others bites people in the backside:
87	** Adrien loses a lot of clout with his classmates when he takes Chloé'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.
88	** Chloé 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.
89	** [[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 Chloé, this results in them thoughtlessly revealing too much, exposing their SkewedPriorities to others.
90	** Recognizing this issue in themselves also triggers the [[HeelRealization Heel]] and {{Jerkass Realization}}s of Ms. Bustier, Adrien and Tikki, as it hits them how they dismissed or ignored the feelings of others.
91	* {{Foil}}:
92	** 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, Chloé and other annoyances, her successor promptly lays down the law and cuts off their [[KarmaHoudiniWarranty Karma Houdini Warranties]].
93	** Marinette developed a GuiltComplex due to being treated like TheScapegoat for everything that went wrong. The new Ladybug lacks this complex; while she sincerely apologizes for any mistakes she makes, she doesn't hold herself accountable for the actions and misdeeds of others.
94	** Adrien also serves as a foil for [[spoiler:Future!Alix]], given how both want to maintain a toxic status quo simply because it's what's ''familiar'' for both of them, as well as benefitting them in some small fashion.
95	** 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." Eventually, it's revealed that [[spoiler:she's been abusing her powers as Bunnyx to try forcing the timeline to bend to her will, whereas Marinette figured out a way to fix the future by giving her abilities up]].
96	* {{Foreshadowing}}:
97	** There are several hints regarding the new Ladybug's identity before TheReveal, with one of the biggest being when a random onlooker notices her [[spoiler:interacting with Tikki without her appearance having changed ''at all'']].
98	** After [[spoiler:Future!Alix]] dangles the carrot of Adrien and Marinette hooking up in front of the GirlPosse, Juleka questions their SkewedPriorities: "Is this all just a shipping thing?" Turns out that [[spoiler:yes. Yes, it is. It is ''all'' just a shipping thing taken ''way'' too far.]]
99	* FreudianExcuse: In the end, it's heavily implied that [[spoiler:Alix [[GoMadFromTheIsolation went mad from having to hide in the Burrow]] for so long, and latched onto the notion of ensuring that Marinette and Adrien got together as a way of feeling some small connection with her old friends, since Alya and the girl squad had been so invested in making their ship sail.]]
100	* FutureMeScaresMe: {{Discussed}} early on when Alya questions whether [[spoiler:Future!Alix is entirely trustworthy]], citing how various comics have used this trope. Eventually, it turns out that [[spoiler:she's right to be wary: Future!Alix is a ManipulativeBitch who's convinced herself that being Bunnyx grants her the right to manipulate time as she sees fit, a power she's abused to try and force Marinette and Adrien together. Her present-day counterpart is completely disgusted and declares that she hopes she ''never'' turns out as selfish and callous as her]].
101	* GodzillaThreshold:
102	** Marinette's situation [[PlayingWithATrope plays with this]]: while she started planning to find a successor and renounce her Guardianship after the confrontation in her bedroom, what fully cemented her decision was [[spoiler:Bunnyx accidentally revealing that Shadow Moth was going to get his hands on the Miracle Box and enslave most of the Kwami in the near future]]. Faced with this, coupled with [[spoiler:Bunnyx refusing to do anything to prevent this tragedy from unfolding]], solidifies Marinette's resolve and drives her to [[spoiler:strip the Rabbit Miraculous away from Future!Alix]].
103	** Chloé 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, Chloé 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]].
104	* TheGoodGuysAlwaysWin:
105	** 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.
106	** It's heavily implied that [[spoiler:Future!Alix]] also puts a lot of stock in this idea, despite being privy to [[spoiler:a bevy of {{Bad Future}}s sparked off by her meddling with the timeline]]. They appear to have convinced themselves that everything will work out [[spoiler:in the timeline they intend to create]], no matter what horrors unfold along the way.
107	* GuiltByAssociation: {{Averted}}; [[spoiler:Zoe Lee]] was worried about this, as they [[spoiler:arrived in Paris after their half-sister Chloé and the former Mayor fell from grace]], but happily finds acceptance despite their fears.
108	* GuiltComplex: Marinette is so used to being [[TheScapegoat blamed for everything that goes wrong]] that it ultimately drove her to give up her guardianship and pass her Earrings to somebody else. When the new Ladybug proceeds to start dealing with matters more aggressively and decisively, Marinette wonders if this simply proves that she was a {{Failure Hero}}ine all along.
109	* HeelRealization: During a conversation with Ms. Bustier, Chloé reveals that she's [[spoiler:trying to contact Gabriel's legal team]]. When her teacher protests such extreme measures, Chloé 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 Chloé learned from her overly permissive methods was that [[KarmaHoudini she could get away with whatever she wanted]].
110	* {{Hypocrite}}: [[spoiler:Future!Alix]] acts condescending towards Marinette, claiming that they can't do anything that risks endangering [[spoiler:her timeline]]. This is despite them casually [[spoiler:revealing that Shadow Moth would eventually get his hands on the Miracle Box]], followed by [[spoiler:outing Marinette's former secret identity to not just Alya, but Rose, Juleka, Mylene and her past self]].
111	** ''Then'' it turns out that [[spoiler:she's been meddling with the 'original timeline' all along, trying to arrange things so that Marinette and Adrien end up together]], adding whole new layers to her hypocrisy.
112	* IJustWantToBeNormal: Marinette gave up being Ladybug and her guardianship because KeepingSecretsSucks and she blamed herself for Alya and the other girls invading her privacy.
113	* IronicEcho: A letter that Marinette finds from herself written before she lost her memories; asks her to trust the information in it pointing out that if you can't trust yourself then who can you trust. Future Alix said the same phrase to her present day counterpart when trying to convince her to continue working with her the very next chapter.
114	* ItsAllAboutMe:
115	** Implied with [[spoiler:Future!Alix, who prioritizes preserving ''her'' timeline -- the one where she eventually gets to become Bunnyx -- over all else]].
116	** Par for the course with Chloé, 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]].
117	* ItsAllMyFault: Marinette has been ConditionedToAcceptHorror and blame herself for everything that goes wrong. Such as Alya and her other friends casually violating her boundaries and demanding secrets she couldn't share -- while she snapped at them for this transgression, she then immediately blamed herself for ''daring'' to get upset and decided to give up her guardianship and status as Ladybug in order to "fix the problem".
118	* InternalReveal:
119	** The first chapter opens with Luka having learned that Marinette ''was'' Ladybug, and has given up her duties and sacrificed most of her Miraculous-related memories in the process.
120	** In Chapter Three, [[spoiler:Gabriel Agreste is exposed as Shadow Moth, and Ladybug publicly touts Marinette as her "best friend" and a valuable ally]].
121	** Chapter Five has [[spoiler:Future!Alix/Bunnyx revealing to Marinette and the Kwami that Shadow Moth will eventually steal the Miracle Box, becoming Monarch]], along with [[spoiler:Future!Alix outing Marinette's former secret identity to Alya and the GirlPosse]].
122	** In Chapter Six, [[spoiler:Adrien confesses to Marinette, Luka and Juleka that he ''used to be'' Chat Noir]].
123	** Chapter Ten has Marinette discover [[spoiler:a letter from her past self that warns her about Future!Alix wanting to restore the original timeline, including lots of details about how said original timeline went beyond what happened with Monarch]].
124	* JawDrop: Marinette sports one as she [[spoiler:reads about the original timeline]].
125	* JerkassHasAPoint: When Adrien tries scolding the whole class for ''daring'' to be happy that their long-time bully is being punished, Lila remarks that she seemed to take a lot of joy in everyone else's misery.
126	* JerkassRealization:
127	** Adrien eventually has one after [[spoiler:his father is revealed to be Shadow Moth]], forcing him to realize that [[spoiler:Ladybug was right]] and start reevaluating all of his behavior. The more he looks at himself, the more he realizes that he doesn't like what he sees.
128	** Tikki comes to realize that she [[WasTooHardOnHim was too hard on Marinette]], refusing to acknowledge that her holder was a teenaged girl under a ''lot'' of pressure -- pressure she only added to by scolding her for any slip-ups or mistakes, insisting she couldn't afford any moments of weakness.
129	* KarmicOverkill: An InUniverse DiscussedTrope and overall [[AvertedTrope averted]]: When [[spoiler:Alix discusses the BadFuture/the fourth and fifth seasons of ''Miraculous Ladybug'' as she tries to put it back on track]], she tries to deliver what she thinks are good news by telling everybody that [[spoiler:eventually Chloé will get her KarmaHoudiniWarranty revoked and she will go live in New York with her mother]]. [[EveryoneHasStandards Nobody else in the room]] thinks it's "good" news [[spoiler:because they know first-hand how horrifically abusive Audrey Bourgeois is, how said abuse is Chloé's FreudianExcuse, and thus how forcing her to live a significant chunk of the rest of her life seing subjected to it 24/7/365 is supposed to be "justice".]]
130	* KeepingSecretsSucks: The "intervention" from "Gang of Secrets" proves to be Marinette's tipping point here, as she blames herself for the way her friendship with Alya and the other girls has been strained and decides the only way of fixing things is ensuring that she doesn't have anything to hide from them anymore.
131	* LaserGuidedAmnesia:
132	** Renouncing her guardianship erased all of Marinette's memories of being the superhero Ladybug, along with most of her Miraculous-related memories. However, she still recalls her brief stint as Multimouse.
133	** 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 live a normal life]].
134	* LaserGuidedKarma:
135	** One of the ways this work is LighterAndSofter than its inspiration is the usage of this trope. While ''Fanfic/TwoLetters'' featured ''all of Paris'' effectively being punished for how Marinette suffered during her time as Ladybug, her successor here is much more laser-focused on dealing with voiding the [[KarmaHoudiniWarranty Karma Houdini Warranties]] of those who were ''actually'' causing issues:
136	** The new Ladybug wastes no time exposing Chloé 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.
137	** The above also leads to Mayor Bourgeois being taken to task for how he coddled Chloé 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]].
138	** On top of this, Chloé'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]].
139	** The new Ladybug is also much firmer with Chat Noir, repeatedly taking him to task for his SkewedPriorities and sexual harassment of her. His refusal to stop leads to him [[spoiler:losing the Black Cat Ring]], with Ladybug publicly declaring that Chat Noir wasn't interested in [[spoiler:helping her expose Shadow Moth's true identity]].
140	** Gabriel's reputation tanks after he [[spoiler:publicly transforms into Shadow Moth]].
141	** Then there's [[spoiler:Future!Alix]], who displays absolutely NoSympathy for any of Hawk/Shadow Moth's countless victims and would happily [[spoiler:let him become Monarch unchallenged because "that's how things are supposed to go"]]. This callous attitude [[spoiler:gets her stripped of the Rabbit Miraculous]].
142	** Lila faces her own legal troubles after [[spoiler:Gabriel is exposed and arrested]], and throws a massive fit when her mother isn't able to get her out of it.
143	* LastEpisodeNewCharacter: The final chapter employs a TimeSkip; at some point in the intervening period, [[spoiler:Zoe Lee]] arrives in Paris, and winds up [[spoiler:hooking up with Bridgette]].
144	* LighterAndSofter: Than ''Fanfic/TwoLetters''.
145	* LiteralMetaphor: The new Ladybug is unfailingly dedicated to the job and spends all her time heroing. [[spoiler:She is Sentibug revived, an artificial being with no family or obligations beyond her purpose]]. She literally has no life outside her job.
146	* LiteralSplitPersonality: Variation. [[spoiler:The new Ladybug is actually the 'Sentibug' that 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.]]
147	* LooseLips:
148	** Marinette's plan to [[IJustWantToBeNormal become normal]] hits a major hiccup [[spoiler:when the new Ladybug makes public that Marinette is a very close supporter]].
149	** A significant plot point is that [[spoiler:Bunnyx accidentally reveals that [[Recap/MiraculousLadybugS04E26StrikeBackShadowMothsFinalAttackPart2 Shadow Moth would get all the Miraculous except for Ladybug and Cat and escalate his terrorizing of Paris significantly]] in the future]].
150	* LovingAShadow:
151	** Since he was ChildhoodFriends with Chloé, 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'' Chloé, 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.
152	** He also realizes that he was InLoveWithLove and the ''idea'' that he and Ladybug were meant to be together, as long as his naive belief that everything would work out simply because they were superheroes.
153	* MakeWrongWhatOnceWentRight: [[spoiler:Future!Alix wants to undo all the positive changes the new Ladybug has made and revert things back to ''her'' timeline -- the one where she gets to become Bunnyx someday.]]
154	* ManipulativeBitch: In order to get what they want, [[spoiler:Future!Alix]] selectively omits critical details from what they tell [[spoiler:Alya and the other girls]], cherry-picking what information they reveal in order to try and convince them that [[spoiler:the future she wants to restore is objectively better than what's currently playing out]].
155	* MeaningfulEcho: Following her HeelRealization, Ms. Bustier caps off her apology to Marinette by putting a fresh spin on her previous advice about the importance of "The Marinettes of the world":
156	-->'''Ms. Bustier:''' The Marinettes of the world deserve better than dealing with the Chloes of the world.
157	* 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 Chloé and learns just how selfish and entitled ''she'' is.
158	* MyGodYouAreSerious: [[spoiler:In the timeline where Marinette and Adrien ended up married; Alya and friends didn’t take Marinette’s concerns about her failing marriage with Adrien seriously nor her saying that she was going for divorce; it only sinking in that she was serious when Adrien confirmed that she had hired a divorce lawyer]].
159	* MyGreatestSecondChance: Tikki acknowledges that she pushed Marinette too hard, contributing to her GuiltComplex and belief that simply wasn't ''good enough'' as a hero. She becomes determined to fix her mistakes and keep the new Ladybug from losing herself entirely in her work.
160	* NeverMyFault: Lila has a massive temper tantrum when she learns that her mother can't help her get out of trouble this time, screaming about her mother's incompetence and blaming Ladybug and Marinette for all her problems.
161	* NiceJobBreakingItHero:
162	** By barging into Marinette's room and claiming she needed to "prove they were friends" by sharing all her secrets, Alya and the rest of the GirlPosse unintentionally pressured her into surrendering her Guardianship and giving up the Ladybug Earrings.
163	** Later, it's revealed that [[spoiler:Future!Alix/Bunnyx]] also played a role in this decision: [[spoiler:Bunnyx visited, ordering her to "suck it up", but accidentally revealed that Shadow Moth would eventually get his hands on the Miracle Box. When she refused to reveal his secret identity as that risked changing the timeline too much, Marinette stripped the Rabbit Miraculous from her]].
164	* NoSympathy:
165	** Adrien accuses Marinette and the rest of his classmates of this, berating them for their apparent LackOfEmpathy towards how Chloé is suffering. Ironically, [[PsychologicalProjection this applies to Adrien himself]] -- he refuses to acknowledge how much ''Chloé'' has hurt others through her constant cruelties, and blows off everyone's attempts to point out to him how she was an unrepentant bully.
166	** [[spoiler:Future!Alix]] told Marinette to "suck it up", [[spoiler:inadvertently revealing that things would get ''much worse'' before they got better, then treated Marinette's subsequent freakout like she was just throwing a tantrum]].
167	* NotHelpingYourCase: [[spoiler:Future!Alix]]'s complete LackOfEmpathy combines with their tendency to [[SayingTooMuch say too much]] while attempting to defend their actions.
168	* NotSoWellIntentionedExtremist: [[spoiler:Future!Alix]] claims that the new Ladybug presents an unprecedented threat, being a completely unknown factor whose presence may turn the future to the worst. In reality, however, [[spoiler:''Bunnyx'' is just pissed off at losing ''HER'' Miraculous -- and with it, all the control she was misusing to alter the timeline as she saw fit]].
169	* OOCIsSeriousBusiness:
170	** The whole class is shocked when Ms. Bustier steps into Alya and the girl squad's attempted 'intervention' and ''defends Marinette''. Prior to this point, their teacher has always preached the importance of Marinette "leading by example" and placating others. It's even noted that if not for [[spoiler:Shadow Moth being arrested]], her students might have attributed this to a sneaky ''akumatization''.
171	** Nino is similarly concerned when Alya pulls a seemingly inexplicable about-face and begins criticizing how [[spoiler:Ladybug dealt with Hawk Moth and Chloé]], asking her outright what brought this on.
172	* PlayingTheVictimCard: Chloé 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]].
173	* PlotParallel:
174	** Due to his MoralMyopia, Adrien stubbornly insists that it's ''wrong'' for Chloé 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]].
175	*** This is further driven home with Chapter 11 and 12's revelations about [[spoiler:the other {{Bad Future}}s Alix encountered. In one of these, Adrien's marriage with Marinette fails due to his utter refusal to change, as he takes her presence and hard work entirely for granted, expecting her to do all the heavy lifting keeping their marriage and his father's company afloat. In others, he [[IRejectYourReality rejects reality]] after learning about his father's villainous pursuits, turning evil himself]]. This perfectly parallels how [[spoiler:Future!Alix refuses to accept that things might not work out exactly the way she wants, insisting that she ''MUST'' create a "perfect" prime timeline that never actually existed outside of her own delusions]].
176	** [[spoiler:Future!Alix]]'s story arc also parallels what happened with Chloé. Chloé 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]].
177	** While it's not explicitly spelled out, Marinette's sympathy for [[spoiler:Future!Alix]] underscores the similarity between their situations: [[spoiler:both of them were saddled with ''massive'' responsibilities thanks to the Miraculous, far beyond what they were capable of handling alone. Marinette ultimately chose to deal with her burden by giving it up, looking for better solutions, while Future!Alix went mad with power.]]
178	* PointOfDivergence:
179	** In this work, Marinette decides to give up her guardianship and status as Ladybug in the middle of "[[Recap/MiraculousLadybugS04E03GangOfSecrets Gang of Secrets]]", triggered by how Alya and the rest of the GirlPosse barged into her bedroom, invaded her privacy and demanded that she spill all her secrets in order to 'prove' they were friends. As in canon, Marinette countered that maybe this meant they weren't friends after all; however, she then guiltily decided to try and fix things by giving up her guardianship.
180	** This also means that unlike canon, Alya is ''not'' rewarded for her pushiness by becoming her SecretKeeper; Luka and the new Ladybug share that status instead.
181	** Unlike [[Fanfic/TwoLetters its inspiration]], Marinette selected somebody she sincerely hoped would be a good replacement; said Ladybug wastes no time in trying to set things right and deal with the various problems plaguing both Paris and the superheroine.
182	** Marinette's replacement looks enough like her that no one has realized that Ladybug is not the same.
183	** Thanks to [[spoiler:Bunnyx having LooseLips in the middle of trying to maintain the timeline, the events of the rest of the series are definitely RetGone]].
184	* PostSupportRegret:
185	** Adrien gets hit by this twice: his efforts to defend Chloé cost him the respect of his friends and classmates, while defending his father costs him [[spoiler:the Black Cat Ring]]. Once he learns that both were worse than he realized, he's left wishing that he hadn't been so adamant on protecting them.
186	** Ms. Bustier finds herself regretting her insistence on punishing Chloé's ''victims'' and pressuring them to "get along" with their bully after realizing just how entitled and spoiled she is, with Chloé outright thanking her for all her years of service.
187	* PrivilegeMakesYouEvil:
188	** Chloé is accustomed to getting whatever she wants, thanks to her father being the Mayor and her homeroom teacher being so permissive. Not only did this lead to her willingly working with a ''magical terrorist'' when Ladybug won't let her continue being Queen Bee, she sees absolutely nothing wrong with [[spoiler:working with Gabriel's legal team]] or scheming to take complete control of [[spoiler:Adrien's life on his father's behalf]].
189	** Also applies to Adrien, to a lesser extent; one of his {{Fatal Flaw}}s is how he expects others to conform to ''his'' wishes, demands and way of thinking. He's nicer about it than Chloé, but treats it as a ''moral failing'' on the part of his friends when they don't comply. Several of the {{Bad Future}}s also highlight his tendency to be AllTakeAndNoGive, particularly the one where [[spoiler:Marinette divorces him after years of doing all the heavy lifting to keep their marriage and his company afloat]], or the ones where [[spoiler:he turns evil after learning his father is/was Hawk Moth]].
190	* RecursiveFanfiction: To ''Fanfic/TwoLetters''.
191	* RightForTheWrongReasons: After the events of [[WhamEpisode Chapter Three]], Mylene speculates that the secret Marinette was fighting so hard to protect from her and the other girls was that she [[spoiler:was secretly helping Ladybug]]. This isn't ''entirely'' wrong, but none of them are aware that [[spoiler:Marinette ''was'' Ladybug]].
192	* RuleOfSymbolism: Much of Lila's karma [[OffscreenKarma happens offscreen]] and is relayed by characters other than those providing the main [=POVs=]. In its own way, this is a fitting punishment for somebody whose crimes stemmed from her desire to [[AttentionWhore always be the center of attention]].
193	* SayingTooMuch:
194	** In Chapter Five, it's revealed that [[spoiler:Bunnyx came back in time and tried to convince Marinette not to go through with her plan, but accidentally name-dropped Monarch, then let slip that he'd eventually obtain the Miracle Box]].
195	** It happens again later when [[spoiler:Future!Alix tries convincing the girl squad to keep supporting her by revealing that Ms. Bustier became the Mayor in the original timeline, and that her policies help in dealing with the ''new'' Hawk Moth]]. Suffice to say, that last detail doesn't do them any favors.
196	** 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:Chloé "got what she deserved" by ending up in the custody of her abusive mother]].
197	* ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections: Chloé'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 Chloé only cares about how his problems impact ''her''.
198	* SetWrongWhatWasOnceMadeRight: PlayedWith; it's eventually revealed that [[spoiler:Bunnyx came back in time and tried convincing Marinette not to quit, but accidentally name-dropped Monarch. Not only did this solidify Marinette's resolve, she took the Rabbit Miraculous away from her. From ''Future!Alix's'' perspective, things have gone wrong, since she's endangered what she considers to be the only timeline that matters. Any positive changes are irrelevant]].
199	* ShipperOnDeck: Exploited by [[spoiler:Future!Alix]]; when their motivations are questioned, they get Alya back on board by claiming that [[spoiler:Marinette and Adrien eventually get together]]. Eventually, it turns out that [[spoiler:she's actually trying to make that happen ''and'' ensure that it sticks]].
200	* ShipperWithAnAgenda:
201	** Chloé 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]].
202	** Ultimately, [[spoiler:Future!Alix wants Marinette and Adrien to hook up because she's convinced that they'll make the perfect power couple. And ''damn'' all evidence to the contrary]].
203	* ShoutOut:
204	** Adrien's eventual admittance that he [[spoiler:mistakenly believed none of his classmates ''understood'' Chloé 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]]''.
205	** [[spoiler:Ladybug being in part the Ladybug half of Marinette without the parts that are Marinette]] is inspired by ''Fanfic/{{Missing\|MiraculousLadybug}}'' by the same author as the ''Lament'' series.
206	* SkewedPriorities:
207	** As usual in these types of fics, Adrien considers Chloé's feelings to be ''significantly'' more important than any of the people ''she's'' hurt with her selfish actions. When the new Ladybug reminds the public that Queen Bee was responsible for the near trainwreck that signaled the start of her brief career, along with revealing how she personally betrayed the heroes, Adrien complains to Marinette and her other regular victims that they're not being 'fair' and shouldn't be celebrating their long-time bully's misery.
208	** As Chat Noir, Adrien continues to sexually harass Ladybug, even after she directly warns him that if he doesn't start taking their job more seriously, she'll replace him with somebody who ''will''. She later announces to all of Paris that he [[spoiler:refused to assist in her plan to expose Hawk/Shadow Moth's secret identity]], and subsequently explains to Marinette and Luka that when she tried discussing this with him, he was more interested in trying to strong-arm her into a date.
209	** PlayedForDrama with [[spoiler:Future!Alix/Bunnyx]], who takes Adrien's LackOfEmpathy to whole new levels. Much like him, it is quickly established that they ''do not care'' about minimizing harm, indeed, [[spoiler:she wants to restore the timeline where ''Shadow Moth gets his hands on the Miracle Box and forcibly enslaves all the Kwamis'']]. They are ''so'' intent upon this that they willingly break their own rules, not caring about the potential consequences of their actions provided that they get what they want.
210	** In Chapter Seven, [[spoiler:Future!Alix tells Alya and the others that Marinette and Adrien ended up together in the original timeline, spurring Juleka to question whether her peers ''seriously'' consider it more important to ensure their ship sails above all else]].
211	** Chapter Eleven then reveals that [[spoiler:Future!Alix herself is a ShipperOnDeck of the worst sort, twisting and manipulating the timelines in hopes of creating one where Marinette and Adrien become a true "power couple"... while refusing to do anything about the horrors Hawk/Shadow Moth/Monarch or any other antagonists unleash]].
212	* SparedByTheAdaptation: [[spoiler:Ladybug used the power of the Mouse Miraculous to take Sentimonster Ladybug from just before she was destroyed in the timeline to the present to make her the new Ladybug.]]
213	* SpiritualAntithesis: To its inspiration, ''Fanfic/TwoLetters''.
214	** Both stories revolve around the concept of Marinette quitting, with readers coming [[InMediasRes into the aftermath]]. In ''Two Letters'', Marinette was embittered by her experiences to the point that she StoppedCaring, seeing all of Paris as {{Ungrateful Bastard}}s who took her protection for granted. She even deliberately chose a SketchySuccessor, seeing that as karmic punishment. Here, by contrast, Marinette still cares deeply about keeping Paris safe, carefully selecting a SuperiorSuccessor out of the belief that they could do a much better job than her.
215	** 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, Chloé 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.
216	** While those who opposed Marinette's decision to quit in ''Two Letters'' were being {{Jerkass}}es about it, they at least [[JerkassHasAPoint had a point]] that her successor was causing problems and needed to be stopped. By contrast, the people who want to undermine and undo Marinette's choice here are shown to be acting purely out of [[ItsAllAboutMe selfish self-interest]], only caring about ''themselves'' and their own personal gain regardless of the improvements made.
217	** 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 {{Jerkass\|Realization}} 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. Fittingly, the biggest exception to this is [[spoiler:Future!Alix, who created the {{Canon}} timeline by trying to force Marinette and Adrien to become a couple ''without'' either going through any of the development necessary to make that relationship ''work'']].
218	* StarCrossedLovers: PlayedWith; [[spoiler:Future!Alix ''sees'' Marinette and Adrien this way, believing that they're meant to be the ultimate power couple. However, every single timeline where they get together results in tragedy or the relationship falling apart... because in truth, they ''aren't'' compatible. Not without CharacterDevelopment, anyway, which Future!Alix refuses to acknowledge because she's hellbent on mashing them together as they are, heedless of how toxic the relationship is.]]
219	* SuperiorSuccessor: PlayedWith; one of the new Ladybug's biggest advantages is that she's taking up the role with advance knowledge of many of the obstacles standing between her and her mission. And unlike Marinette, she's not hampered by any complications from her civilian life, enabling her to deal quickly and decisively with those issues. Sadly, in the process, she leaves Marinette increasingly convinced that her inability to deal with those problems herself means that she was a {{Failure Hero}}ine.
220	* SympathyForTheDevil:
221	** 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]].
222	** During the above confrontation, Marinette also expresses this regarding [[spoiler:Chloé's canonical punishment]]; while she fully supports the idea of [[spoiler:her former bully getting karma for her actions]], she remarks that [[spoiler:forcing her to live with her abusive mother]] is a step too far for her taste, outright saying that it isn't really justice.
223	* TakeThat:
224	** During a public address, the new Ladybug makes her boundaries clear, stressing the idea that she refuses to be involved in any publicity stunts, promotions, or scams. She further specifies that "Coming to me with ideas for Ladybug [=NFTs=] will not even be dignified with a verbal response."
225	** The entirety of the [[WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug canonical show]]'s fourth and fifth seasons are represented as [[spoiler:a BadFuture that the whole cast accepts is better off RetGone]] and the sole defender has a serious case of SkewedPriorities. Not even [[spoiler:Chloé Bourgeois's]] canonical LaserGuidedKarma ([[spoiler:being shipped off to New York to live with her even bigger AlphaBitch of a mother]]) is seen as a good thing (if anything, [[spoiler:Marinette [[AbusiveParents considers it overkill]]]]).
226	* TimeTravelEscape: [[spoiler:The new Ladybug is the Sentimonster Ladybug that Mayura created some time ago, saved by Marinette by yanking her into the future before she was destroyed.]]
227	* TitleDrop: In the penultimate chapter, Marinette tells the new Ladybug that "You helped me remove the weight off my shoulder... Let me do the same for you!"
228	* TookALevelInJerkass:
229	** 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 [[WellIntentionedExtremist still highly heroic]], making others uncomfortable with her single-minded focus. Especially Tikki, who [[BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor isn't comfortable with her new user.]]]]
230	** And holy crap, [[spoiler:does Bunnyx fit here. [[TimeTravelingJerkass The power of time travel got to her head]] and she has wrecked the timeline repeatedly and enabled endless misery for everybody else in Paris for the sake of [[ShipperOnDeck putting Marinette and Adrien together, come hell or high water]]]].
231	* ToughLove: {{Subverted}} -- Chloé 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.
232	* TraumaCongaLine: PlayedWith darkly through Adrien. As far as he's concerned, Chloé'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 anguish by akumatizing him then and there]]. In short, Adrien ''thought'' he had it tough, only to learn just how wrong he was.
233	* TheUnfettered: {{Downplayed}}; Since the new Ladybug doesn't have any personal connections complicating matters, she's able to directly address many of the issues that were hampering Marinette. For instance, she feels no pressure to placate Chat Noir or soothe his wounded ego, telling him point blank that he needs to shape up if he wants to keep his Ring, and [[spoiler:takes it from him the moment he ''attacks her'']].
234	* UnwittingPawn: Alya and several of the other girls become concerned that the new Ladybug might be manipulating [[spoiler:their friend Marinette]]. The truth is more that [[spoiler:Future!Alix is manipulating all of ''them'']].
235	* UsedToBeASweetKid: According to Adrien, Chloé was much nicer when she was younger.
236	* WhamEpisode: Chapter Three offers up several doozies in rapid succession when the new Ladybug [[spoiler:reveals that she's confiscated Chat Noir's Ring after he refused to help her expose Shadow Moth, ''appears'' to Cataclysm his hidden base, Gabriel Agreste ''publicly transforms into Shadow Moth'' and attempts to akumatize his own son, then is captured and arrested]]... followed by [[spoiler:Ladybug declaring that Marinette was secretly helping her all along, dragging her into the public eye]].
237	* WhereAreTheyNowEpilogue: PlayedWith in "Always Find Our Way Back Together", which serves as one for several of the {{Bad Future}}s and alternate timelines shown throughout the story, showing what happens now that [[spoiler:Bunnyx isn't meddling with them any longer]].
238	* WistfulAmnesia: PlayedWith; while Marinette doesn't have any direct memories of her time as Ladybug or of being the Guardian, she still recalls being Multimouse. She also privately notes that while she doesn't recall dealing with Chat Noir's harassment directly, she's still able to surmise just how annoying having to constantly turn down his unwanted advances likely was. The "having a blissful life" part takes a sledgehammer as early as [[spoiler:the new Ladybug dragging her into the spotlight as an ally]], though, and only gets worse from there.
239	* YouAreBetterThanYouThinkYouAre: Both Luka and the new Ladybug reassure Marinette that she did a much better job than she realizes, as without her memories, Marinette tends to assume the worst about herself and that she was incompetent.
240	* YouHaveNoIdeaWhoYoureDealingWith: When confronted by an angry crowd, Gabriel angrily demands to know if the people surrounding him know who he is. Unfortunately for him, they do.
241	* YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness: {{Downplayed}}; Chloé 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.
242	* YourApprovalFillsMeWithShame: Chloé 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.
243

Context Fanfic / WeightOffYourShoulder