A Hard Earned Prize

Gabriel Agreste had changed over the past two months. Ever since he was forced to give up the Butterfly and Peacock Miraculouses, things hadn't been the same. He had lost all hope in ever getting his wife back. Gabriel wanted to keep Adrien safer, but he needed time alone.

Natalie often kept him company. She almost filled the spot in his heart where the love for Emilie had been. He still couldn't forget about how Ladybug and Cat Noir had ruined his chance to ever be with her again.

That led Gabriel to a decision.

"We're almost there," Natalie said. The two were driving to a location where they could visit with a special ally.

"Good," he responded. This surely was the right decision. If Gabriel could not defeat Ladybug and Cat Noir, he needed to find someone else who would give everything to try.

After a couple of minutes, the car came to a stop. Gabriel rolled down the window and face Lila, whom he had revealed his secret to.

"Hello, Mr. Agreste," she said.

"Hello, Lila," he responded.

"It's been a while since we've last met."

"I know it has. It's just been an emotional time for me."

At the front of the car, Natalie frowned s bit. She knew the pain Gabriel was going through.

"Is there anything I can do for you? I would be happy to help," Lila said, although her face was more neutral than happy.

"Actually, there is something I need you to do," Gabriel began.

"Who does it involve?"

"It depends. Sometimes, everyone in Paris."

Lila raises her eyebrows, "Everyone in Paris?"

"Yes. I have to warn you, it can be quite a dangerous task."

Lila sat in silence. She had hoped this day would come.

"Are you up to the task?" Gabriel asked her.

"I am. Don't worry about me. I'll do everything I can to defeat those two, and all their other friends," she smiled.

Gabriel nodded in approval. He reached for the small box that sat beside him and flipped open the lid. He stroked the brooch with his thumb and closed the lid. Lila's eyes lit up when Gabriel handed her the small box. She opened the lid and looked at the brooch longingly. So much power was right in her hands. She could finally get revenge on Ladybug and Cat Noir.

"Lila Rossi, I am entrusting you with the Butterfly Miraculous." Gabriel nodded his head and reached over to close the window.

"Thank you, Gabriel. I promise I won't fail you as the next Hawkmoth," Lila said.

Gabriel closed the window and Natalie started the car.

"You did the right thing, Gabriel," Natalie assured him.

"I know I did. Lila will prove to be a powerful enemy. Her hatred for Ladybug will only push her further."

Lila put the small box in her bag and walked home. There would be much more privacy. All of her loyalty and hard work had paid off.

Hawkmoth and Mayura has only pretended to give up their Miraculouses. Lila has stolen them from Ladybug and Cat Noir to make it seem as if a new villain was on the rise. When Lila lost the Peacock Miraculous, she was sure Gabriel would be furious. When she gave him the Butterfly Miraculous, he simply thanked her for her loyalty. Gabriel must have been desperate.

Lila reached home to find, once again, her mother wasn't around.

Perfect.

She ran up to her room and locked the door. The small box opened to reveal the precious brooch. Lila pinned it on her shirt and watched in amazement as a Kwami appeared in a purple glow.

"Hello, Lila Rossi. I am Nooroo, and I will be your Kwami."

Lila's eyes lit up. She couldn't wait to transform.

"You know who I am?" she wondered.

"Yes, I do. I was always near my previous owner when you were around," Nooroo replied.

Gabriel left a note in the small box. It listed all she needed to know about Nooroo and the Butterfly Miraculous. Lila was excited, but she needed to plan carefully. After all, being Hawkmoth wasn't an easy task.