"Nooroo, I have a question for you."

Gabriel Agreste stood in his observatory with the lens opened. He was not here to akumatize any strong desires today; instead, he was here to prepare himself strategically for his future plans. Recent events had called into question his understanding of the specifics of his power, and it was past time he went to the source for information.

The swallowtail-like kwami emerged from the lapel pin hidden under his striped tie, looking timid under the designer's scrutinous eyes. As always, what he wanted wasn't a request, and there would be consequences for not answering. "Yes, Master?"

"Since you continue to insist that the miraculous isn't to be used for evil, why don't you tell me what its original purpose is."

This piqued Nooroo's interest. Was Gabriel finally starting to consider alternatives to his villainous deeds? He doubted it, especially with that tone of voice, but if he could spin the idea the right way… it was a chance he had to take.

"The miraculous of the Butterfly draws on the universal concept of communication. Communication is the expression of ideas between different parties. Much of it is sensual, such as verbal cries and language or visual displays and appearances. Much of it is not, like the biochemical processes that activate specific responses within living beings. Since the purpose of communication is almost always to further the desires of the communicating parties, the Butterfly Miraculous grants the power of Metamorphosis, which bestows superpowers onto another being so they can achieve those desires.

"An empowered individual is usually called a Champion, for the purpose of the miraculouses is to be used for the betterment of humankind, and a champion of the people is one who fights for such improvement. The power of the Champion is strongest when utilized by someone with high intellect and a strong drive, but who lacks influence. Metamorphosis will grant them the powers they need to communicate their needs and transform them into results."

"That's not helpful. How am I supposed to detect someone's intelligence and determination when all I can sense is their desires?"

"You're not, because the miraculous isn't meant to be used to manipulate people! The most effective use of Metamorphosis involves having allies that one already knows, so that the wielder and receiver can identify what gap needs to be filled with a granted power. It is the miraculous of communication not for granting communication powers, but for maximizing the benefits of having good communication."

"Ooh, are we talking about our powers!" an energetic voice suddenly added. Gabriel turned to see Nathalie had entered the room, along with her kwami Duusu, who was the one who spoke.

"To an extent. I need to iron out the consistency of my akumas, and that means understanding what sorts of people and desires generate strong powers."

"And what have you discovered so far?" Nathalie inquired. Her steps were accompanied by the mechanical sounds of a lower-body brace (top of the line, of course), and she was moving slowly. The revival of Mayura last week was only the beginning of a long recovery process.

"Only that Nooroo can't grant me the ability to hone my desire sensing to targets that would be more effective with my powers." He gave Nooroo a stern look. "Quite disappointing, really."

"It's not my fault, it's a restriction built into the miraculous–"

"Silence! I do not want to hear excuses!"

Nathalie placed a placating hand onto his shoulder. "Sir, if I may, that appears to be a common theme among the miraculouses. You know that my sentimonsters, while formed from strong emotions and designed to protect them, are only effective with one who can also manage those emotions, because they act only on orders from the holder of the amok.

"Our archnemesis Ladybug has a similar application of her Lucky Charm, judging by our numerous encounters and from having both emulated her powers using our own. The Lucky Charm may create an object, but in order to achieve victory, Ladybug must use her own creativity to combine the object with others to form something greater than the sum of its parts.

"I am sure we can make similar connections with the other miraculouses if we research them in the grimoire. In any case, I believe the lesson here is that you would benefit from finding consistent allies to accept your akumas, like Lila Rossi has been."

Gabriel shook his head. "Lila Rossi is a fairly unique case. You will not find many people both capable and willing to side with a villain being portrayed by the media as a domestic terrorist who are not themselves serious about causing true destruction to the city or its inhabitants. That would not do, I want this conflict resolved with a net zero output of damage.

"Miss Rossi happens to fill the criteria due to her incredible skill at deception and her directed hatred towards Ladybug. It is already a delicate balance, for that matter, for she holds no true loyalty to anyone but herself. I have managed control as Gabriel Agreste by manipulating her into believing that she is the one benefitting from our alliance, and she has no choice but to respect my authority as Hawk Moth. I am fully responsible for granting her powers and, should she make it necessary, capable of removing them, and I am almost certain that this alone retains her allegiance to me. There is a reason she was not involved in the plot to obtain the Miracle Box; she would undoubtedly demand use, if not possession, of the Fox Miraculous as compensation, and it would be too easy for her to use those powers against us. That such desire I can detect within her even without Nooroo's power."

One of his Hawk Moth smiles crept its way onto his face. "However, I may have found a promising candidate just today. I still need more information on him, so it will take some time to chart out and execute."

Nathalie nodded. "Excellent, sir. I look forward to hearing more of this idea once it is completely formed. I must ask, do you still intend to pursue your plan to akumatize Marinette Dupain-Cheng? You have not spoken of it in some time."

"Only if I can find another avenue with which to disrupt her heart. I do not believe Miss Dupain-Cheng nor the Collège Françoise Dupont will be caught unawares by Miss Rossi's scheming a second time. There is still quite a while before my arrangement to work with her more closely through fashion will be enacted, which is currently my only route that could bear fruit. But we must tread carefully, because I also do not wish to destroy my professional relationship with her. She truly does have exceptional talent for someone her age."

"Very well, sir."

Gabriel turned his attention back to the observatory window. "I think that's enough of the evil dialogue for the time being. As much as I wish that Hawk Moth could appear more than every few days, my fashion company isn't going to run itself, and I need to be ready for the big day coming up.

"After all, we can't allow him to miss his own birthday party, can we? Mwahahahaha!"

His evil laughter continued as the lens over the window closed, leaving the room shrouded in darkness once more.