The portal allowed them to arrive at the base of the West and Eastern peaks of the Two Sisters. Already at the ridge between them their elevation was a steep 1,566m. A series of surrounding mountain ranges and the ocean itself lay spread out before them.
"I wonder if each of those mountains have a story too," Ladybug mused out loud.
"I wouldn't doubt it!" Chat Noir surveyed the impressive view, leaning on his baton. "Maybe one day people will look at some mountain, landmark or constellation and tell our story."
"Hmm..I'd like that," Ladybug smiled warmly at her partner. "I wonder what kind of story it will be..."
"You must each reach one of the peaks and collect the token of your vow to preserve peace, "their phoenix guide interrupted. "Both climbs are considered extremely difficult, reserved only for experienced climbers. A fall from either ridge would certainly end your life," Ember warned.
"The amount of times we've climbed the Effie tower and scaled crazy heights, I'd say we're experienced," Chat Noir winked at Ladybug confidently.
"Human towers and skyscrapers are one thing, but these are the heights of the mountains," the kwami replied. "Chat Noir must climb to the West and the Ladybug the East. The Western summit is higher at 1,646m, but the Eastern slope (although 1,606m) is exceedingly more difficult...nearly impossible they say."
"Nearly impossible, still means it is possible though?!," Ladybug asked looking out at the looming ridge.
"Do you want to switch?" Chat Noir offered concerned.
"The Ladybug must reach the Eastern Slope," the kwami of wisdom insisted.
"Thanks anyway...Don't worry Chat Noir," Ladybug assured him. "Like you said, as hero's we scale crazy heights all the time."
"Be careful Milady," Chat Noir hugged Ladybug tightly.
"You too Kitty," she replied earnestly.
"I'll see you at the summit!" Chat Noir said with a bow, and headed off to conquer the heights of the mountain of peace.
Ladybug turned to her own peak, and started her trek. After years of super hero workouts traversing the city of Paris, she thought a hike would be simple. Not this one though. The unfamiliar elevation's impact on her body made her head spin. If it wasn't for her enhanced miraculous abilities she was sure it would have made her swoon.
Her peak was restricted and no one was supposed to set foot on the deadly Eastern summit. Even though it was spring, icy snow still clung to the heights of the rock, making each step precocious. As ladybug her footing was nimble, and she grabbed for solid grooves in the stone to scramble upward. When she could not navigate up the rock on her own, she used her yo-yo to tether herself to higher positions and swing up that way. Each step took her both closer to the top and closer to a potential fall.
After a grueling struggle to conquer the mountain, she could finally see it! The Eastern peak! She stepped forward in relief, but her excitement turned to terror as her toe lurched from under her on some ice. With a short scream she fell sideways, thinking quickly to latch her yoyo to the cliff side.
She hung suspended above the stretch of the world beneath her, and let out a sigh. "That was too close," Ladybug said to herself. She put her other hand further up her yo-yo string to pull herself back up, but the motion caused the stone it was hooked to added strain. The rock crumbled away from the face of the stone, and gave way. Ladybug dropped...but not too far. A black gloved hand held onto her forearm tightly.
"Need a paw Bugaboo?" a breathless Chat Noir asked down to her.
Ladybug looked up at Chat Noir with wide eyes. He smiled at her, but her plummet from the climb had clearly rattled her normally cavalier Kitty.
"Chat?!" Ladybug gaspt, "How did you...?!Why are you here? Weren't you on the West side?!"
"Let's just get you up on solid ground first," Chat Noir grabbed under her other arm hoisting her up beside him.
She clung to him, and panted as the Adrenalin from the fall surged through her veins. "I thought I told you to be careful," he scolded softly.
"Believe me, that fall, was certainly not part of the plan," she grimaced, avoiding thoughts of what might have happened it Chat Noir had not arrived at just the right moment. "Thank you by the way," she said, still clutching tightly to his arms.
"Of course," Chat Noir quivered, relieved that she was safe, and also enjoying the firm grip his lady still held on him.
"...but how did you reach me?" Ladybug puzzled. "Aren't you supposed to be headed to the Western slope right about now?"
"Chat Noir flashed her a sly grin, "I have already made it to my summit." He produced a shimmering rainbow Ammolite gem between his fingers. "I may have rushed a bit," he added looking at Ladybug a bit shyly. "By getting my token as fast as possible, I thought I might have time to help you get yours."
"I'm so glad you were here! I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been," Ladybug clutched him arm tighter again. "But...do you think this means I've failed? We were told you had to climb the Western Peak, and I had to climb the east..."
"Yes, but Ember never said we couldn't help each other make it there," Chat Noir responded. "When we fight for peace, we always work together. This is supposedly the impossible peak," he spoke seriously, "but when we are together anything is possible."
"Then let's make it possible," Ladybug stepped to her partners side
"After you, Mi'lady," Chat Noir nodded.
"Like you said Kitty," Ladybug grabbed hold of Chat Noir around his waist with a laugh, "we're in this together!" Then she cast her yo-yo above them, and they shot upwards.
With the combination of Ladybug's yoyo for tethering to the rock and Chat Noir's baton for balance, they finally made it to the top.
Reaching the pinnacle Ladybug finally lifted her face from the rock she clung to and took in their surroundings. It was then that she realized that only a handful of people in all of existence had ever had the opportunity to stand where she was that very moment. This was a view like any other. She thought about the challenges of being a hero, and just like these rocks there was times it was difficult, overwhelming, or downright scary. But just like the climb, having a partner who she could always count on, gave her the strength to go on fighting. She glanced back at Chat Noir who stood back below her, just watching her take it the moment. It had been the same for him, when he had come to the top of the Western peak, and realized it had all been worth it!
There were no words, not a single sound. The air was cool and clear, and it refreshed Ladybug's very soul. There was peace...absolute, pure, uncomplicated peace. A thrill of freedom ran through her, as the breeze tossed her hair around her shoulder. "I will never give up on peace," Ladybug whispered, not wanting to disturb the moment.
At her words the rock at her feet started to sparkle, and open up to reveal a beautiful stone of Ammolite, the twin of the one Chat Noir had earned. With reverence she picked it up, and shifted it between her fingers allowing the light to catch in it.
Although holding one of the rarest gemstones in the world was amazing, she lifted her eyes once more to the panoramic view. Standing up for peace was not going to come easy...but the most incredible things in life were always worth taking risks!