whose woods these are (I think I know.)
is a Miraculous Ladybug Fan Fic by Reiaji.
The fic features an Alternate Universe where Adrien lives a harsh life as a servant in his own home to his Wicked Stepmother. His life would change forever when he comes across one of the king's knights, the mysterious Ladybug.
whose woods these are (I think I know.) contains examples of:
- Abusive Parents: Gabriel disinherits his son and lets him be treated horribly by his stepmother. Audrey treats Adrien like a servant and even her biological daughter isn't safe from her wrath.
- Cinderella Plot: The story is a Cinderella gender flip focused on Adrien.
- Denied Food as Punishment: Adrien is often given this type of punishment, often being locked in a cellar for extended periods of time.
- Easily Forgiven: Chloé sees herself as this since Adrien can't or won't bring himself to hate her for everything that's happened, even going out of his way to help her.
- Fairy Godmother: Plagg acts as one to Adrien, giving him the power to go to the ball while also granting him a boon.
- Family-Unfriendly Violence: More graphic than the show ever was including Hawkmoth ripping Ladybug's earrings off.
- It Only Works Once: Emilie saved Ladybug by appealing to his humanity, but she warns Adrien she won't be able to save her again.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Chloé is bratty, rude, and demanding. But she genuinely sees Adrien as a brother, loves him, and plans to take him with her when she leaves the house.
- Literary Allusion Title: The title is taken from Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening".
- Missing Mom: Adrien's mom is long gone before the start of the story.
- Parental Neglect: Gabriel is never home and can't be bothered to father his son or his stepdaughter.
- Rags to Royalty: Rags might be a stretch, but Marinette went from a baker's daughter to crown princess and the king's heir.
- Rich Sibling, Poor Sibling: Adrien was disowned by his father and treated like a servant by his Wicked Stepmother, whose daughter, Chloé, was given his inheritance and lives like a lady of the house.
- Riches to Rags: Adrien is disowned and his title given to Chloé leaving him little more than a servant in what used to be his estate.
- Royal Brat: Chloé who has a title to go with her wealth in this fic.
- Step Servant: Adrien's mother died but his father is still alive during the story. In fact, he's even worse than Adrien's Wicked Stepmother, in a sense. Shortly after remarrying to Audrey, Gabriel disowned Adrien and promised his inheritance to his stepsister instead, and actually watches and allows Audrey to abuse Adrien and treat him like a servant. It's a rare example where the biological parent is the one directly responsible for the child's misery instead of the Wicked Stepmother figure.
- The Unfavorite: Adrien is this compared to his stepsister Chloé in the eyes of his stepmother.
- Tragic Keepsake: The clothes that Chloé lends to Adrien belonged to her late father. It's very dear to her, especially his ring, and when Audrey finds Adrien with them she's furious.
- Wicked Stepmother: Audrey Bourgeois who treats Adrien like a slave.
- Won't Take "Yes" for an Answer: When Nino reveals himself to Adrien as the Guardian and asks for the Butterfly Miraculous, he doesn't expect Adrien to agree.The Guardian: The last thing I want is to be callous, Adrien. But if you have your father's miraculous, then I need it back.Adrien: You can have it.The Guardian: I know it must be difficult to part with, but I assure you, the butterfly is safest with—oh. (blinks, suddenly wide-eyed) You're not even—really? You're not going to argue?Adrien: I want it gone.
