The fallout after the theft and attack at the school dance turned everything upside down. There had not been a crime like it since Hawkmoth had been defeated. Plus a non-akuma attack right in Ladybug and Chat Noir territory by random criminals was practically unheard of! To make matters worse, the Chat Noir impersonator still had not been caught and had disappeared leaving few clues as to his intent.
The Mayor had instantly shut the school down for the next week for repairs and demanded the school be refitted with state-of-the-art the art security to protect his daughter ("and other students too of course" he had added). Ladybug and Pegasus (aka Max) had offered to help with this over the weekend (which worked out well for the heroes so that they would be aware how to get around security when needed, while still protecting fellow students).
It wasn't until early Monday morning that Ladybug coordinated with Chat Noir to meet for their next portal jump. She had been relieved when he said that he could adjust his schedule for the week as well!
She had been replaying the balcony dance with Chat Noir in her mind all weekend. Every detail was etched in her memory, and she wondered how she had suddenly allowed herself to get so caught up in his charm. As much as she tried to deny it, there was something there. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it was something important...something she didn't want to lose.
As she waited on their usually rooftop meeting spot, she paced nervously. She wasn't sure she could keep the two dynamics separate much longer. The moments shared with Chat Noir as Marinette, Ladybug was not even supposed to know about. She stopped herself, and breathed in slowly. It was just Chat Noir. Her goof-ball partner. She could play it cool. She could...chatyeahh!" She screamed as Chat Noir pounced on her from behind.
"Hehheh! Even better reaction than I was expecting LB" Chat Noir laughed. "What has you on edge today?" He smirked, tightrope walking along the edge of the rooftop.
"You!" she shot back, and when his smirk widened, she added, "you were supposed to be here 15 minutes ago. I was wondering where you were."
"Sorry to keep you waiting! I tried to see someone before we left, but I guess she wasn't up yet," Chat apologized stepping next to Ladybug as she perched Kaalki's glasses on the bridge of her nose.
Ladybug pulled out Embed's quill and spun it in her fingers thoughtfully. "So who is this girl that you're checking up on so early in the morning?" She asked, not letting herself look Chat Noir in the eye.
"Someone I...wait are you jealous?!" Chat Noir eyed her.
"What?! No!" Ladybug sputtered. "You can do what you like! I'm just surprised you randomly drop in on civilian girls for whatever reason in full Chat Noir Casanova mode."
To Ladybug's annoyance the accusation didn't seem to dampen Chat Noirs spirits at all, in fact he burst out laughing so hard tears sprang to his eyes. "Oh the Lady has changed her red for green! You're so jealous!"
Ladybug pouted at him, and crossed her arms with a huff. "Just tell me none of these girls you're leading on know you're identity," she grumbled.
"Cross my heart," Chat Noir made the appropriate motion across his chest. "...and I admit, although I do have countless fans..."
(At this Ladybug rolled her eyes, but he continued...) "...but there is only one civilian I visit as Chat Noir. She's helped us before! Remember? Marinette."
At her alter egos name Ladybug froze, and bit her tongue.
"…But, she wasn't there anyway. I guess I can check in when we get back," Chat Noir summed up.
"That's nice...ah...nice that you have someone you can trust in the mask," Ladybug fumbled for something to say.
"Yeah it is," was all that Chat Noir countered with, looking over his shoulder back to Marinette's balcony.
"Ember Light!" Ladybug ignited the quill, releasing Ember before she said too much.
"So are you planning on being our guide this time or are you just planning on dropping us again?" Chat Noir glared at the Phoenix kwami when he appeared.
"As Ladybug pointed out to me, I should have explained," Ember nodded. "After all the Oasis did not work out quite as planned with the confrontation with the Snow Leopard. I did however leave you in the perfectly capable protection of Tigress and Red Panda."
"I'm going to miss them," sighed Ladybug.
"You won't for long," Ember tilted his head comically to one side. "They will be greeting you to explain the next portion of your next leg of the miraculous trials. Prepare yourselves for the wonders of India my young weilders! Paris is not the only 'City of Love"… Agra is our first stop!"
Ladybug channeled teleporting energy from the horse kwami, and they stepped through the portal into a place beyond their imaginations.
The early morning sun dusted the magnificent Taj Mahal of Agra with a soft glow. The flawless white dome at the center transcended down the elegant marble sides. Balanced in symmetry, the grounds and central rectangular pool drew them forward before the great wonder.
"Back for more already?!" teased a cheerful voice beside them.
They turned quickly to catch sight of the red panda in his kwami form.
"I noticed you couldn't stay away either!" Chat Noir smiled, "miss us already?!"
"Last time it was only an oasis retreat for you both! This time we'll really get to see you two weilders in action for the tests of Values!" the red panda perched on Chat Noirs shoulder.
"Where is Tigress?" Ladybug asked.
"Waiting over there," the red panda pointed off to the side of the grand shrine.
As they approached the tiger Kwami, she bowed politely. "Glad our last clash with the Snow Leopard did not dissuade you from further quests your," she smiled warmly.
"It wouldn't have been worth it to miss this!" Chat Noir spread his arms taking in the splendid surroundings.
"It is so very beautiful, but for some reason it almost makes me sad," Ladybug pondered our loud.
The tigress nodded serenely. "This was one of the most extravagant tributes to love...but it was a love lost much too soon. Emperor Shah Jahan built it in Mumtaz Mahal's memory. A monument to undying love. All the precious stones in the world could not compare to her," tigress spoke solemnly. "The trials you face in India will examine where you place your priorities...what you value beyond all else."
"There are three levels to the Value Trials here in India. Recognizing what has worth, determining what you are willing to sacrifice, and how to prioritize. Complete these to the satisfaction of the other wild kwami guardians and you will be granted far more miraculous power. Fail and the kwami might deem you unworthy to continue wielding the miraculous,'" the Tigress warned.
"Through it all don't lose sight of what is important," the red panda chipped in.
"We won't!" Ladybug assured them.
"Where do we start?" asked Chat Noir eagerly.
"The first wild kwami guarding the trials will be stationed in heights overlooking the Old Deli Spice Market. He is sure to find you," instructed the red panda with a wink, and bid them farewell as they stepped through Kaalki's portal to Deli.
As soon as they arrived to a rooftop overlooking Old Deli's bustling spice market they were overwhelmed by the thick aroma of spices in the air. People jostled each other to make it through the hectic streets. Electric wires crisscrossed overhead, and any available corner was taken up by sellers hard at work.
A gray langur monkey, with a face as dark as Chat Noir's suit perched next to them.
They glanced over and the langur looked away, so they looked down at the market again. Then the monkey peeled back at them, making them turn their heads back to him once more.
This game of his might had continued if Ember hadn't spoke up.
"Langur, I've brought the weilders all this way can you please you tell them what they are looking for?!" Ember groaned exasperatedly.
The monkey smirked mischievously and looked down at the market with a snicker. "Variety is the spice of life! So many! So many to look for! But will they find a single one? Can they even see the treasure all around them!"
"Langur..." warned Ember frustratedly making his flame flicker from orangish-red to an intense blue. One of the flames came too close to the cheeky monkey, and he leapt back with an angry hoot.
"What's up your tail feathers?!" He demanded to Ember scurrying behind Ladybug.
Ember breathed in deeply tempering his fire and channeling patience. All the monkey kwami always enjoyed testing it. (Oh how they irked him). He tried to speak more calmly, slowly repeating each word. "Would you be so kind as to tell them what their task is...please."
The langur swung off Ladybug's arm, and playfully leapt to her shoulder. Then he jumped to Chat Noir's baton, and slid all the way down to the ground. "You gotta catch me first!" He called as he bolted off across the roof.
"Get back here you crazy monkey! You know this is not how the trials work! This is not a game..." Ember's flame flecked angrily with blue again as he presumed the grey blur that zigzagged across verandas. Ladybug and Chat Noir stared after Ember swooping down behind him continuing to hurl threats...which only made the monkey cackle with glee.
"We better go before either of them makes enough of a scene that they draw too much attention," Chat Noir smiled. He propelled himself towards them with his baton, and was followed closely by Ladybug casting her yoyo.
Chat Noir was the one that finally caught up to Ember and talked him into calming down before he was spotted. Begrudgingly he agreed.
Ladybug continued to sprint after the langur. The monkey jumped through the vender's stalls, barely clearing mountains of colorful spices, dried fruit, and nuts. The monkey nearly tripped a man shouldering a heavy sack of rice on his back. They dodged in and out of the multi layered rectangular market, until finally Ladybug lassoed the kwami with her yoyo making him grin mirthfully at her. "Oh you are so much more fun than teasing tourists by taking their glasses!" The monkey exclaimed as Ladybug held him up. Then the monkey pulled out a pair of glasses and popped them on his face...but these were not just any glasses. These were Kaalki's miraculous the monkey had lifted from Ladybug.
"How did you?! You lil' pickpocket! You wouldn't!" Ladybug sputtered grabbing for the glasses.
"Oh wouldn't I...Kaalki full gal..."the monkey started to say when Chat Noir came up behind him and successfully snatched the glasses off his face.
The monkey completely undeterred just chuckled some more. Then he vanished out of the yoyo's hold and took his kwami form before them. "I win!" He announced.
"I caught you!" Ladybug folded her arms.
"Haha I do like you two, you try oh so hard...but silly weilders, no one can catch a wild kwami!"
Just then Ember shot forward from behind Chat Noir and pinned the monkey kwami to the ground. "Oww...okay...okay...I was just playing!" The monkey complained. "No one can catch a wild kwami except another kwami...I give!"
"Give them their task," Ember spoke lowly, not releasing his grip on the langur.
The monkey rolled his eyes, and grumbled, "You must find what is most precious in all of India."
Ember released him in a huff and returned to Chat Noir's shoulder.
The langur kwami sat up brushing the dust out of his grey fur, and continued. "The Ladybug will go to see the jungle rino kwami in the east, while the Black Cat will seek out the Thar desert guardian in the west. You must reveal to this assigned kwami the thing that is most precious in all of India."
"So some kind of treasure hunt...like searching for jewels?" Chat Noir questioned.
"Oh you are fun!" the monkey kwami taunted. "I've given you your little task! It is up to you to decide what is beyond the value of all the jewels in India! Good luck!" With that he transformed back into his animal form and bounded away, swinging up to the top of the market, laughing maniacally the whole way.
Ember shook his head, "I loathe monkeys."
"Oh common', Xuppo is great!" Ladybug defended.
"Have you ever had to have a serious conversation with Xuppo?!" Ember challenged.
Ladybug just smiled back at how ruffled Ember had become.
"What did the Langur mean about us going to different locations?" Chat Noir moved on, puzzling over the vague hint they had been given.
"From East to West you must search India and see if you can find what is truly priceless," Ember said. "You must experience more than just one place to truly discover what it is."
"Can you give me a lift to the desert?" Chat Noir asked Ladybug bitterly.
"I can get you there but first let's find something to eat together." Ladybug patted his shoulder. "Running around this market filled with the smell of delicious food made me realize I skipped breakfast today."
"Alright, but first we should maybe find a way to blend in a bit more." Chat Noir glanced behind Ladybug where a crowd had gathered to snap pictures. Ladybug quickly agreed and they gave quick smiles and greetings to the onlookers before edging their way to Chandi Chowk area and explored some of the branched off bazaars. Locals were selling almost anything you could imagine. They ducked into a small street side shop that sold jewelry, cloth, textiles, and traditional clothing.
The tightly packed shop was a welcome escape from the frenzy of rickshaw drivers, workers offloading inventories from vehicles, and livestock finding their way through the narrow streets. Ladybug grazed her fingertips across the fringe of hanging fabrics along the wall. So many vivid patterns and fabrics made her mind race with design ideas she'd love to try. Finally she settled on a sari with a red and black freckled scarf. Chat Noir chose a light, breathable tunic, which went almost to his knees and some matching pants. A green and black scarf with knotted tassels he wrapped at his neck hinted at his Chat-color scheme.
While Ladybug finished her purchase, Chat Noir went down the street and bought a couple refreshing mango lassies and spicy samosas. He turned with his hands full, and nearly dropped everything when he saw Ladybug.
It was simply unfair the way she could still make him weak in the knees without even noticing. There she wove her way through the busy market in a 'disguise' that only made her beauty stand out more. Ladybug wore an elegant deep burgundy sari. A single piece of wine colored fabric tucked and pleated in all the right places. Under peaked her tight fitting gold choli blouse. Then a red and black freckled palloo draped over her shoulder. All that gave away that she was Ladybug to anyone else was the tell-tale red and black spotted mask framing her eyes.
"I thought we were trying to blend in!" Chat Noir handed her the cool fruit filled yogurt drink, with a fresh samosa. "How will we do that when all eyes are on you?!"
Ladybug looked startled for a moment and then looked down at the folds of her scarf. "Maybe you are right! Oh no! Maybe I should have taken the other one. I can still go back…"
Chat Noir stopped her with a steady smile, and drawing his gloved fingers along her scarf. "Ladybug! I'm teasing. You look absolutely purrfect!"
Ladybug bit her lip, and ducked her head at Chat Noir's praise. She didn't get how his constant flirting had gone from cheesy to endearing. "I suppose in a city of over 20 million people, we might be able to go under the radar."
"Maybe," Chat Noir replied, glancing over his shoulder "…or there will be millions of photos of us on the net by the time we reach the end of the market!"
"I guess we better get going then," Ladybug sighed, and they ducked into a crumbling alley to teleport.
Ladybug dropped Chat Noir and Ember off through the portal. With a tight hug goodbye, and wishing him luck, the portal vanished with her. Chat Noir and Ember had arrived admits northeastern state of Rajasthan. The small city was filled with many different groups of people, decorated camels, and docile cows meandering through the streets...this was Pushkar. It clung to the edge of the Thar Desert, and thrived with life, thanks to its sacred lake. The 52 ghats (stone staircases) were dotted with throngs of people, leading to a rectangular pool on the lake filled with bright flower petals. Already the Bazaars were buzzing with conversing or haggling over leather crafts or exquisitely embroidered clothing and jewelry.
Chat Noir dropped his transformation in a secluded alley, and stopped in to buy supplies for his journey. Ember had warned that it would be quite grueling, right before he went dormant within his quill to leave Adrien to fulfill his quest alone with Plagg. He stuck out as Adrien, almost as much as he would have as Chat Noir. He items that would protect against the vicious heat. His dark green tasseled scarf he kept strung around his neck to pull up around his face when the sand kicked up. In a bag he assembled a canteen of water and some food that smelled so good, he wasn't sure he'd resist eating it all before the edge of the city, let alone make it last a day's journey across the desert. Plagg had certainly not wasted any time getting into the paneer Adrien had bought him.
The 14th century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir's unique red spite stretched up to the sky. The temple dedicated to creation, just reminded Adrien all the more of the urgency he felt to get back to Ladybug as soon as possible.
It did not take long to find a capable camel safari guide (named Anil) willing to take him to the nearby desert towns for his "treasure hunt." Adrien couldn't help a smile playing its way to his lips remembering the comment Ladybug had made in Australia about the fact that his choice of transportation at least had not been a camel. I'll probably be wishing for that wretched Jeep after a couple hours bumping along on a camel he thought strapping on his satchel to the bundle at the side of the camel's flank.
The shaggy camel was so tall; it had to kneel down for riders to get on. The guide went through some basics about the trip and tips on how to sway with the movement of the camel while on the move. Wrapping his scarf around his nose and mouth to block the loose sand caught on the wind, they were off.
Even though it was still early in the day the sun beat down mercilessly on them as the camels moved across the sea of sand. The sifting trickle of grains of sand sliding across the stable footed camels became a hypnotic rhythm as they drove forward. Perched up high on his camel, he could not quite get used to the uneven gate of his mount, making him bop around like a rag doll.
Although he tried to conserve water, his guide, Anil, would remind him frequently to re-hydrate. "Don't need anyone getting heat stroke or passing out on my watch," he had said sternly.
Across the heat waves rising off the sand Adrien finally saw their destination.
"We're almost there...I know I'll find this 'precious" thing somehow!" Adrien murmured to himself.
Arriving, Adrien thanked his guide who helped him down and collected his bag, leaving him to rest and water the camels while Adrien took a look around the small desert village. Adrien trudged through the coarse sand towards the sandstone structures. He caught sight of a flash of movement among the buildings. A jird scampered across again and then paused to stare right at him. It blinked twice, then ducked into an abandoned building. Adrien figured he'd follow. He'd met enough wild kwami over the past weeks, he had a feeling he was meant to follow…
…Meanwhile Ladybug has transported herself to a starkly different part of India on the opposite side of the country. The land was lush and green. It was like the ground itself breathed life. Ladybug had entered Jaldapara National Park hugging the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal. On the bank of the Torsa river she waded cautiously through the tall damp grass. A noise nearby made her grab her yoyo, and scan the dense forest.
Colorful parrots burst through the trees as a startled muntjac deer emerged in front of Ladybug. They both froze and looked at each other. Its short soft brown hair with creamy markings quivered at the sight of Ladybug. Ladybug was not prepared for the raspy barking sound the tiny deer made. Then it turned and leapt back into the jungle.
The announcement of her presence seemed to trigger a response in the jungle. For a long moment there was silence. Then there was a tumult of breaking branches and crunching leaves.
Ladybug braced herself, and the arrival of the rhino did not disappoint. The sturdy single horned was surprisingly swift and majestic for such a large armored being. He rose out of the brush majestically, raising his head in a calm confidence.
Ladybug respectfully bowed her head, and the rhino nodded in response. "You are the one I was sent to find?" Ladybug asked.
"I am," he spoke lowly.
"How can I find the most precious thing in all of India?" She inquired.
"It would truly take lifetimes to understand their value. And yet experiences in India, no matter how brief, you will encounter it."
"I'm sorry, I still don't understand," Ladybug's shoulders dropped.
"You may think I speak in riddles to confuse you, but the truth is that I speak vaguely because you must see for yourself to understand. I will come with you to The City of Joy. Don't worry little Ladybug. I have no doubt you will find more than you realized you were looking for." The rhino tossed his thick head and transformed into his kwami self. "Come along now, let's not waste a moment."
Ladybug, urged by the confidence of the rhino kwami followed dutifully through the portal to the busy city of Kolkata.
"At the end of the day you must meet me at the botanical gardens under the Great Bangon tree. There you will tell me what you have discovered," the rhino kwami said, leaving the fold of her scarf.
"So where do I start?" Ladybug asked to the rhino kwami.
"What do you treasure the most in your own life? Start there," the rhino kwami advised.
Ladybug thought for a moment and snapped her fingers. "Whenever I need inspiration at home I sketch outside the Louvre! This is the cultural capital of India! There are tons of museums planetariums, libraries, cricket grounds, football stadiums, and impressive architecture around Kolkata!"
Without another moments delay Ladybug flung her yoyo and zipped around the city, studying structures, temples, the Howrah Bridge and other landmarks. When man-made structures still did not quite feel right, she went through the Rabindra Sarovar. She thought a piece of nature in the park environment might hold what she searched for, but it was not right either. She even dropped her transformation, and dressed in the Sari she had picked up in old deli. This way she could slip unnoticed to museums were priceless artwork and jewelry artifacts were displayed.
Marinette ran her hands through her hair and adjusted her scarf. Everything she had seen was wonderful and unique, but nothing stood out as the single greatest treasure in all of India.
Marinette noticed a Rickshaw driver, adjusting his cart. These man-powered carts went everywhere, and encountered people from every walk of life. If anyone knew the highlights of the city it would them.
"Excuse me sir!" Marinette came up to him. "Could I get your help finding my way around the city? I'm looking for something."
"Of course," he nodded. "What can I help you find?"
"I'm actually looking for something special...but this might sound odd...I don't really know quite what it is yet. Do you know what makes Kalkutta really unique? What is the most treasured thing in India?"
The man looked thoughtful and then replied, "the tourist attractions are great, but to get a true sense of the city you should go by Mother's house, where Mother Teresa lived and worked.
"Of course," Marinette exclaimed. "There must be a really great monument there! Thank you again," she called to the driver.
Once Marinette arrived at the right location she didn't find anything of extravagance. Only a simple room, with a couple photos and a neatly framed Nobel Peace metal on the wall. Like the Nun herself everything was unassuming and serene. Speaking with the kind nuns continuing humanitarian efforts Marinette discovered that among other honors Mother Theresa had received the "jewel of India"; the most prestigious of all recognition in India.
"Maybe this was the clue she had been looking for," Marinette thought as she stepped back out to the street.
A soccer ball flew past her feet into the street, and Marinette reacted just in time to catch a little girl running after it.
The little girl looked up at Marinette with wide eyes and with a trembling lip, pointed out to where her ball had rolled.
Marinette reassured her and retrieved the ball for her.
"What is your name?" asked the girl, hugging her ball to her chest.
"My name is Marinette, what is yours?" She asked.
"Faridah," she smiled, then linked her hand into Marinette's.
Just then a worried mother came around the corner calling Faridah's name.
Faridah ran up to her and pulled on the sleeve of her sari, "Mama mama, Marinette saved my ball!"
The woman's eyes went wide and she scolded the girl for running off again, holding her tightly, then looked over at Marinette and thanked her for watching out for her little girl, insisting she join them for supper.
"I'm so sorry I really should be going. I've got to find..." but Faridah was already dragging Marinette to their home excitedly. Marinette couldn't help but think Faridah reminded her a lot of Manon (who she used to babysit) with her babydoll eyes.
Marinette was immediately welcomed with open arms into their home. The Bengali family gathered around preparing the meal together, with Faridah running around underfoot. A couple older siblings helped clean her up for dinner. Once they all had sat down to their meal Marinette was feeling like one of the family.
They laughed and talked about their city they loved. Marinette asked them what they thought might be India's greatest treasure and each member of the family had different suggestions. From precious gems like emeralds, exotic jungles, to the Taji Mahal, to their train system, golden temples, or ancient statues...each were impressive candidates. The oldest brother was absolutely certain it was his favorite cricket player. Faridah sat up proudly and declared that "Mommy" was the best in all of India. To which her mother blushed, and kissed her youngest daughter on the top of her head.
Before she knew it Marinette realized that her time was already up and she was still no closer to pinpointing what the answer might be. She thanked the family, bowing and they welcomed her to return any time. "A meal is not complete unless you are sharing it with others," the mother smiled warmly. Little Faridah even gifted Marinette Two red ribbons that been in her hair, which Marinette graciously tied in place. Then she took off her black and red flecked scarf, and gave it to the little girl who squealed with joy, and twirled around showing it off.
Marinette slipped Tiki some Roshogolla from the meal, which she enthusiastically ate, licking of the sugary syrup.
"Tiki, night is going to creep up fast and I have to have an answer for the rhino kwami. I haven't had enough time to see this city, let alone all of India! I was having such a great time with Faridah 's family, I got side tracked from checking out the other sites. What am I going to do?!"
"Don't worry Marinette!" Tiki encouraged her. "Just think back over what you've already experienced and what the Rhino kwami told you. Remember it is a question about what you value."
Marinette smiled back at Tiki and rubbed her little round head behind an antenna. "You always know just what to say!" She said thoughtfully. "You know Tiki, I think I have an answer after all. Let's go find that rhino.
Transforming in to Ladybug in order to make up the time she had lost, she flew across and out of the borders of Kolkata. Not far outside was the impressive botanical gardens in West Bengal. Ladybug passed through the manicured gardens of exotic plants and came to what looked like a dense forest. She wondered which tree was supposed to be the Great Banyan tree she was meant to find. At the centre she saw the rhino kwami waiting for her. "So this is the Great Banyan tree," Ladybug observed looking at the rather spindly truck that branches up toward the broad canopy. "I guess I expected it to be larger," she mused.
The rhino looked at her in amusement. This entire 'forest' of over 3,600 ariel roots is actually only a single tree. They are all linked together as one."
Ladybug stepped back hit with a new sense of awe at the unique tree.
"So weilder," the rhino continued, "have you discovered that which is most precious in all of India?"
"I've only been here a day and there is so much more I want to see...but among all of the experiences I've had I think I know what treasure you sent me to find."
"And what did you discover?" The Rhino kwami leaned forward...
…Back in the dunes of western India Adrien was determined to complete his own 'treasure hunt.'
Adrien had "tailed' the tiny desert gerbil (jird) and come to an abandoned sandstone building. The thick wall provided little shade from the sun, but the contrast to the viciously hot sand still made it a welcome relief.
Adrien leaned his back up against the wall next to the jird who regarded him curiously. "I am the weilder of the black cat miraculous. I have come to complete the Miraculous trial of value. Can you help me find the most precious thing in all of India?"
The jird cocked its head and stared silently back at him.
"Can you at least give me a clue?" implored Adrien.
"You could start by asking a kwami, instead of a common rodent," laughed a voice from beside him.
Adrien's eyes darted from the jhid's beady black eyes to the creature who had addressed him.
A blackbuck, only a couple feet tall, with beautifully spiraled black horns laughed again. "Would you like to continue playing cat and mouse with your new little friend here, or will you come with me to start your trial?" he asked.
"But I thought the gerbil was the kwami..." Adrien admitted sheepishly.
"I gathered that," the blackbuck said amused. "Shall we?!"
Adrien jumped to his feet and adjusted his scarf, as the wind blew the sand at them like invisible sandpaper across their faces.
The black buck bowed his face painted with prominent black and white markings around his eyes."Dust storms are just going to get worse over the next couple months. Winds can get up to 93 miles per hour around here. We need to keep moving so we don't get caught out on the dunes unprotected," the black buck warned looking over his shoulder.
Adrien nodded. Already the sand was gritting between his teeth, and the desert was sure to have other challenges as well. He was determined not get waylaid from his mission. "How can I find the most precious treasure in India?" Adrien asked.
"Keep your eyes open throughout today and I guarantee you will have caught a glimpse before nightfall," the blackbuck tossed his head. "But be careful weilder. We are near Marwar, the region of death. You humans must be strong and resilient to survive the Thar desert."
The blackbuck took his kwami form and nudged Plagg over in the folds of Adrien's scarf for a good vantage point. Adrien joined his guide once more, and helped him finish watering the camels for the next leg of the trip. They were headed to the city of Ajmer. As Adrien poured out the last of the jars of water into the camel's trough his guide, Anil, told him stories of desert adventures and the histories of the kingdoms of India. As they drove the camels through the desert As soon as Anil would finish a story it would lead into the next. Before Adrien knew it they were reaching the outskirts of the busy city.
"You seem like a salt of the earth kind of weilder, and that is saying something, coming from a kwami who has navigated one of the largest salt marshes in the world," the blackbuck said earnestly. He tilted his face with white circles around his eyes and vertical black stripes. "Not everyone values this treasure the way they should. I hope that you discover a piece of it here."
"It has got to be something old and valuable, right?!" Adrien glanced down at the blackbuck kwami and Plagg.
"Sometimes old, sometimes young...the beauty is in the variety. Experience life in the city and when you think you've discovered the answer meet me at the top of the Chittorgarh Fort before nightfall," the blackbuck winked, before leaving him to his search.
With many thanks to his guide, Adrien gathered his small bag of provisions, and headed out to find something impressive enough to achieve the title of India's most precious treasure.
At first Adrien transformed into Chat Noir to take in as much as the city as possible from the rooftops. It was second nature more him to leapt and propel himself quickly across the urban environment after his years doing the same in Paris.
He stopped by the beautiful Ana Sagar Lake with locals boating and dining on Ajmer chat, pav bhaji, and pani puri. There were children feeding the fish that greedily gobbled up their offerings. He then went further and found the green Daulat Bagh Garden and a massive statue. Then he even beheld a golden temple shining in the sun. He even found Buland Darwaza, known as the "Gate of Magnificence." The combination of intricately carved red stone and marble built in 1601 by Akbar which earned the reputation as one of the "finest examples of Architecture" in the country…surely it had to fit the bill. But there was still so much he couldn't experience from afar. He had to get down and experience more for himself.
Dropping his transformation discretely, he decided to start with the 1570's Akbar Palace and Museum near the city centre. Yet, although the paintings and weaponry was interesting, he knew in his heart he had to press on.
Each time, just as he felt he had truly discovered the greatest treasure, something else would catch his eye. As he wondered aimlessly feeling that he wouldn't be able to find it, he saw an elderly man with a thick grey beard stumble and drop some of his packages. Adrien rushed over, and helped the man gather his things.
"Thank you young man!" the man smiled, his eyes lighting up. My reflexes are not what they used to be."
"No problem sir," Adrien smiled back, stooping down to retrieve the last of the dropped parcels. "Can I help you with these?"
"Oh that is kind, but I wouldn't want to trouble you. I've still got quite a walk to reach home and I am in a hurry. Tonight is a special night!"
"No trouble at all," Adrien made sure to arrange the heaviest packages carefully in his arms. Then he had an idea. "Actually I'm new to your city. As we walk would you tell me about your city. I've be searching to find the greatest treasure in India."
"I don't know about the greatest treasure in all of India, but I certainly have some stories to tell. Others may not consider me a wealthy man, but I'd say I've lived a rich life," he replied thoughtfully.
He went on to share with Adrien not only about the exciting history and battles of his country, but also about his own life. His name was Chittranjan, and the name fit him; his inner joy wove through his stories, and drew Adrien in. Always a romantic at heart, Adrien especially enjoyed the tale the Chittranjan told of a gorgeous actress he had loved in his youth. He had even gotten a job as a camera man so that he could work alongside her. Yet for all his efforts and attempt to win her hand, she turned him away.
"You finally won her over didn't you!" Adrien guessed.
"Not at all!" Chittranjan laughed, "She moved away to the big city and became a Bollywood star and married a wealthy man to travel the world with. I haven't seen her since."
"Oh...I'm sorry," Adrien gulped, looking sympathetically at him.
"Haha...don't be!" Chittranjan laughed. "I had been so caught up with the girl out of my reach I couldn't see that the girl of my dreams lived right next door all along."
They rounded the corner and arrived the man's small home at the edge of the city with a neatly kept goat paddock on the side.
"So you did find love after all?" Adrien asked hopefully.
"More like she found me...I almost lost her because I kept looking over my shoulder for the one that got away. Luckily for me my Meenal is one patient and persistent woman."
A beautiful woman with wisps of silver tangled in her black hair, laugh lines on the corners of her eyes, and a bluebell colored sari leaned against the doorway. She raised an eyebrow with a humored expression. "I had to wait long enough...and here he still keeps me waiting!" She teased affectionately.
"But I always come through in the end my lady!" he pulled a jasmine flower out of the bag he had carried.
"Aww you," she took the flower and kissed it, giving him a wink with the twinkling eyes. "Now come and get ready for tonight! Our son just called to see if we were ready to head up to the fort yet, and you are not even dressed up yet."
"Find a love who will fight by your side, keep you on your toes, but also one to laugh with, and your years will be filled with joy!" Chittranjan said to Adrien, relieving him of the packages.
"I will remember that..." Adrien looked wistful, and then with a nudge from Plagg inside his scarf he added, "... but you never said...what do you think is the most precious in all of India?"
"You just met her," the man looked toward where his wife had disappeared into the house. Then Chittranjan turned to Adrien. "You have helped an old man during a week to celebrate! Through the next couple days we celebrate our grandson's marriage. Tonight at the Fort will be meeting all together for the sangeet, then tomorrow we will have the ceremony to see him married to the woman he loves. Please," he implored Adrien, "it would honour me to have you as our guest! You have never experienced India is you have missed out on our celebrations of life!"
"I don't want to impose. I couldn't crash their wedding!" Adrien tried to refuse.
"What! Not at all! In our community everyone is called upon to be a part of bringing two families together. The events last all week. Tonight our families will sing and dance in welcome, then tomorrow morning the wedding ceremony will commence. Come tonight and you will see for yourself! Didn't you say you were in search for the treasures of India?! Many travelers come to Ajmer to have a wish fulfilled." Then Chittranjan elbowed Adrien encouragedly. "Maybe there is a woman out there who you could bring to the celebration…maybe you'll find your own precious jewel!"
Adrien blushed a bit, but was overwhelmed by the generosity and warmth of the man. "If you are sure," Adrien finally conceded. "It is nearly nightfall anyway, and I had planned to meet my guide and partner at the fort anyway."
"Excellent!" The man cheered, and called to his wife to prepare for the evenings festivities.
After they freshened up and readied themselves, Adrien accompanied the couple to the Chittorgarh Fort in a tuk-tuk. This mode of transportation certainly made the evening even more of an adventure to the hills near Ajmer.
The elegant fort was larger than Adrien expected. As they drove up the elderly man animatedly told how it had been built by a fearless warrior, who had won many wars with his bravery. Candles and lanterns lit up the fort making it appear truly magical. Marigolds, jasmine, and diyas were wound along the staircase to the dining space for the celebration. Already it was filled with guests in vivid saris and embroidered tunics. The entire space was alive in color and joy.
"I have to find my partner before I join you," Adrien explained apologetically. "I'm not sure if she is here yet, but she was supposed to meet me here at the fort tonight."
Just then a large group of musicians started to serenade the happy couple and their guests. Dancers from the family took to the floor and no Bollywood film could have competed with the rhythmic and grace as they moved around the tables.
"No wedding in Rajasthan is complete without some lively Rajasthani folk music," the proud grandfather, clapped Adrien on the back. "Go find your Lady if you can, and ask her to dance. The night is still young and so are you!"
Adrien thanked him again, and slipped away through the fort, leaving the sound of the entourage of 20 singers celebrating the excited couple as they shared a meal with their families and friends.
Adrien had to hurry and change back into Chat Noir to get back to the upper ramparts of the old fortress to meet the blackbuck. Using his baton to propel himself he thought through all the things he had encountered that day. He kept getting distracted by conversation with the elder though. He couldn't help the flashbacks of the dance on Marinette's balcony, holding her in his arms, gazing into her eyes... He got so distracted he nearly dropped straight into a stone wall, and had to catch himself at the last minute. I have to stay focused he scolded himself. I've got to figure out the treasure of India so I don't let Ladybug down again.
Once he got to the top, he found the blackbuck waiting expectantly for him.
"Have you learnt what is most precious?" The blackbuck gazed at him intently.
"The greatest asset...the most priceless...the most precious treasure is..." Adrien paused. Then with confidence he turned to look at the blackbuck squarely, "It's people!"
…
"Each person," Ladybug concluded without any doubt to the rhino kwami.
"You have discovered the truth. They are more precious than any jewel or gilded monument," the rhino nodded. "It doesn't make people perfect...they can do great good and great harm... but their lives are precious none the less."
On the tip of the rhino's single horn shone a golden thread he presented to Ladybug. She took it and channeled the portal to join Chat Noir who had just received his twine of gold from between the horns of the blackbuck.
Ladybug smiled happily at Chat Noir. They had both made it through and were side by side once again. Chat Noir offered her their typical fist bump, but she leapt on him instead hugging him tightly, and kicking her feet of the ground. He seemed a bit surprised, but pleasantly so, that maybe she had missed him too.
She then looked around the fort, and heard the jovial music rising below. "Here I was thinking you were toiling away in the desert, and you're here partying," she teased.
"I was just waiting for you so the fun could begin," he smiled taking her hand and leading her down to join the dance.
The celebration lasted long into the night, and after they could not eat one more bite or take one more step in dance, they thanked their hosts. Secretly Chat Noir slipped an envelope with a generous gift for the couple into the grandfather's pocket.
"What a day Kitty!" she exclaimed. "I am totally spent! Let's find some place to set up camp for the night. I have a feeling we are in for a lot more surprises in the morning."
"I might know a place you can camp in style," Ember interrupted.
Through the portal they arrived in the desert to a retreat in the wilderness, with tethered camels peacefully munching their feed, outside a series of large white tents. Unlike typical sleeping bags thrown haphazardly on the ground. These tent were fully equipped with plush beds, and an exquisitely woven rug tying the room within the awning of the tent altogether.
"This is ours?!" Ladybug gaped.
"Like dessert royalty under the stars," Ember nodded. "Get some sleep."
'Thank you, we will," Chat Noir promised.
"…but I'm not going to sleep a second until I hear about the rest of your day!" Ladybug jumped onto the bed, hugging one of the overstuffed down pillows, and looking up at Chat Noir expectantly. "What were you doing before you ended up getting us invited to the wedding of the century?!"
"Oh you know...just riding a camel near the region of death," he replied dramatically.
"Oh my gosh! You're serious! A camel!" Ladybug exclaimed. "A cat on a camel! That must have been hilarious!"
"I say "Region of Death" and all you pick out is my camel riding skills?!" Chat Noir said incredulously, then appeared thoughtful, "…Actually, riding a camel is a great way to strengthen your legs and core...can't you tell?!" Chat Noir struck a pose arching his back and flexing his biceps.
Ladybug bit her lip. She couldn't help but notice Chat Noir's toned muscles that had only become more defined over their years of heroics. Her mind lingered much too long, and Chat Noir caught her starring. "Umm...Ladybug...My eyes are up here!" he teased, and promptly received the pillow she had held, thrown at him.
"Two can play at that!" Chat Noir challenged, and leapt to the bed, grabbing a pillow, and swinging it at Ladybug.
It caught her off guard and knocked her off the bed with a yelp.
"Oh my gosh LB! Are you okay! Sorry I just..." Chat Noir leaned over the side of the bed concerned.
"This means war!" Ladybug declared and both of them leapt across the room throwing pillows and decorative cushions they finally had to call a truce laughing and panting in a heap of sheets in a pile on the rug.
They talked about the day until finally they dropped off the sleep. They slept peacefully having no idea of the coming trial that might cost them their miraculous.
Hi again awesome readers! If you've gotten this far in the story or just jumped ahead to see what is new, thank you so much for taking the time to read my story:) Each encouraging word from each of you inspires me to write more! I appreciate it so much!
In this AU Chat Noir and Ladybug had already traveled to some amazing countries thanks to suggestions made by you, the readers! We have another chapter coming up really soon (I'm so close to finishing it!) in India (Such a amazing country! Thank you to one of the guest readers for suggesting it!). Other countries I plan to feature in this story include: South Korea, Germany, South Africa, Mexico, Whales, Trinidad and Tobago, Eastern Canada, Fiji, Easter Island, & USA (NY & San Francisco)-and maybe a couple others. Thank you again to all the readers for helping me feature these amazing settings!
Don't forget to Favorite/Follow the story...some key moments are coming up that will guide our favorite heroes inevitably to the reveal;)
Some fun 'meaning of names' from the characters this chapter:
Anil means 'wind'
Faridah means 'priceless gem'
Meenal means 'precious gem'
Chittranjan means 'inner joy'