The Valkyrie of North

Moscow's winter was colder than Yeh Yao had imagined.

The moment they stepped out of Sheremetyevo International Airport, the biting wind felt like countless tiny ice needles piercing through their clothes straight to the skin. Even Yeh Yao, accustomed to Malaysia's tropical climate, had to admit Russian cold was an entirely new experience.

"Good lord, it's like a freezer here!" Naser complained dramatically, tightening his down jacket. "Hawaii's beaches seem so tempting right now."

"This is just Moscow," Marcus said calmly, his breath forming small clouds in the air. "Our destination is further north—it'll be even colder there."

"Even colder?" Naser's eyes widened in disbelief. "There are places colder than this?"

Michelle smiled faintly. "Welcome to Russia, Naser. Its winters teach you the true meaning of cold."

The five took a prearranged car to a luxury hotel in the city center. Outside the windows, Moscow's sights unfolded—grand architecture, vast squares, golden church domes, and snow-covered parks. The city exuded a unique charm where history met modernity, East blended with West.

"According to Watchers' intel," Marcus briefed them in the car, "the Gauntlet of Light's wielder is likely a woman named Kristina Ivanova—a Russian Special Forces operative currently stationed at a military base in Siberia."

"Special Forces?" Alicia asked, surprised. "That's not someone we can easily approach."

Marcus nodded. "Exactly. That's why we're stopping in Moscow first—to gather more information and find the right opportunity."

"Any leads?" Eunice asked, flipping through the Book of Prophecy for hints.

"Scattered reports," Marcus replied. "Three months ago, during military drills in Siberia, an 'unidentified incident' occurred. Officially, it was blamed on equipment failure, but witnesses claimed a female officer displayed 'supernatural abilities' to rescue trapped comrades."

"Fits the profile of a Weapon's wielder," Yeh Yao remarked, recalling his first summoning of the Sword.

"One more thing," Marcus added. "Kristina was recently recalled to Moscow for a three-day training course. This is our best chance to contact her."

"So what's the plan?" Michelle asked, her scientific mind always seeking clear steps.

"First, confirm her location and schedule," Marcus explained. "Then find the right moment to approach her—preferably outside military premises."

"Sounds like a spy movie plot," Naser said excitedly. "I like it!"

Eunice shook her head with a smile. "Naser, this is serious, not entertainment."

"Who says serious can't be fun?" Naser retorted, then turned to Marcus. "But how do we track a Russian Special Forces operative? That can't be easy."

"The Watchers have contacts here," Marcus said. "They're gathering intel. We'll get details at the hotel."

After settling in, they convened in Marcus's suite to review the plan. His laptop displayed a detailed dossier—photos, maps, timetables.

"This is Kristina Ivanova," he pointed to an image of a woman in her early thirties with sharp Slavic features—high cheekbones, deep blue eyes, and short blonde hair. Her expression was stern, her gaze radiating unyielding strength.

"She looks... intimidating," Naser commented. "Like she could kill with a look."

"She's in Alpha Group—Russia's elite Special Forces unit," Marcus explained. "Trained in some of the world's toughest combat, survival, and marksmanship programs."

"That aligns perfectly with the Gauntlet's traits," Eunice mused. "It chooses those skilled in close combat, fearless souls."

Marcus nodded, then indicated a map. "Intel says Kristina is staying at these barracks, training daily at this facility from 7 AM to 8 PM. But tomorrow night, she's attending a veterans' gathering at this club. Our best opportunity."

"A military party?" Alicia asked warily. "How do we get in? Security must be tight."

"Already handled," Marcus smiled. "We have five invites as an 'International Military Advisory Delegation.'"

"Thorough," Michelle approved. "But how do we get her attention? Walking up saying 'Hi, we're Light Weapon wielders here to recruit you' might not work."

"We need subtlety," Yeh Yao suggested. "Maybe weapon resonance? It worked when contacting Michelle in London."

"Good idea," Marcus agreed. "The Weapons share a natural connection. If we emit energy near her, her Gauntlet may react."

With the plan set, they prepared. Marcus briefed them on Russian military etiquette to avoid unintended offense.

The next day, they toured Moscow briefly—both to relax and familiarize themselves with the city. Red Square's grandeur, the Kremlin's majesty, and St. Basil's vibrant domes left deep impressions.

"This city has a unique charm," Alicia remarked by the Moskva River, admiring the skyline. "Both European elegance and Asian mystery."

"Russia has always been where East meets West," Eunice explained, her historian's knowledge shining. "This shaped its culture and national character."

By evening, they changed into formalwear—dark suits for the men, elegant dresses for the women—and donned discreet earpieces for communication.

"Remember, our goal is contacting Kristina, confirming she's the Gauntlet's wielder, then persuading her to join us," Marcus reminded them before departure. "Avoid unnecessary attention, especially from other military personnel."

The "Red Star" club, an exclusive venue for officers and officials, was understated outside but lavishly decorated within, blending traditional Russian and modern aesthetics.

Their invitations passed security checks smoothly. About fifty guests, mostly uniformed or formally dressed men, mingled in the grand hall with solemn yet lively atmosphere.

"Target location?" Yeh Yao whispered to Marcus, scanning the room.

Marcus subtly gestured right. "Near the bar—blonde in the black dress."

Yeh Yao spotted Kristina immediately. Even among tall soldiers, she stood out. Though wearing a simple black dress rather than uniform, her posture and alert eyes betrayed her military bearing.

"We split up," Marcus instructed quietly. "Yeh Yao and Alicia, approach the bar; Naser and Eunice, standby near the dance floor; Michelle and I will monitor from the entrance."

The operation commenced. Yeh Yao and Alicia casually ordered drinks at the bar while observing Kristina. She conversed with officers, stern but occasionally nodding or smiling.

"She's highly alert," Alicia noted softly. "Even in social settings."

"Military training," Yeh Yao replied. "We need the right moment."

The opportunity came when Kristina stepped aside alone for vodka. Yeh Yao subtly summoned a wisp of his Sword's energy—a tiny glow in his palm.

Instant reaction. Kristina stiffened, her eyes locking onto his hand with shock and wariness. Setting down her glass, she confronted them directly.

"Who are you?" she demanded in accented English, voice low and threatening. "That energy... it's not normal."

"We seek the wielder of the Gauntlet of Light," Yeh Yao replied bluntly, knowing honesty was best with a trained soldier. "And I believe we've found her."

Kristina's fists clenched reflexively. "Not here. Follow me."

She led them to a secluded terrace. Yeh Yao alerted the others via earpiece, and soon the full team assembled in the freezing cold.

Kristina eyed the newcomers suspiciously—until she noticed the faint glows from their hands. Her expression shifted from caution to astonishment.

"You're all... wielders?"

"Yes," Yeh Yao confirmed, fully summoning his Sword. "I bear the Sword of Light. This is Alicia, my friend. Naser wields the Hammer; Eunice, the Bow; Michelle, the Staff."

The others manifested their Weapons, multicolored energies intertwining spectacularly in the night.

Kristina's face cycled through disbelief, wonder, then resolve. She inhaled deeply, then extended her hands—golden light swirling into ornate gauntlets covering her forearms, their surfaces etched with the familiar ancient runes, each pulse vibrating the air.

"The Gauntlets of Light," Eunice breathed. "Legend says they're the ultimate melee weapons."

Kristina dismissed them, then met Yeh Yao's gaze squarely. "What do you want from me?"

Marcus stepped forward. "Major Ivanova, we need your help. The world faces an unprecedented crisis. Only with all five Weapons united can disaster be averted."

Over the next half-hour, they detailed the Hellgates, the Shadow Realm's incursions, and the future entity's plans. Eunice presented corroborating prophecies.

Kristina listened intently, interjecting with precise tactical questions. Her military mindset sought actionable intelligence and threat assessments.

"So you've assembled all five wielders," she summarized finally. "What's the mission?"

"Per the Book," Marcus explained, "we must locate and seal the major Hellgates, then confront this future entity to stop its plans."

"Sounds like war," Kristina observed, a warrior's glint in her eyes. "And war is my expertise."

"Then you'll join us?" Yeh Yao asked directly.

Kristina weighed the question silently, then nodded. "Da. But I must report to my commander for special leave. This may require... creative explanations."

"Understood," Marcus said. "We'll accommodate your duties."

"One more thing," Kristina added. "I want full knowledge of these Weapons—their origins, why they chose us, their full capabilities. If I'm to fight, I must know my arms."

"The Book and Michelle's family archives have records," Eunice offered. "We can study them together."

They arranged to meet next morning at the hotel to finalize plans. Leaving the club, Yeh Yao felt unprecedented hope—the team was finally complete.

"We did it," Naser cheered as they walked Moscow's icy streets. "Sword, Hammer, Bow, Staff, and now Gauntlets! Our superhero squad is assembled!"

Eunice rolled her eyes. "Naser, will you ever stop?"

"Hey, optimism's necessary," he shot back. "Especially when facing doomsday."

"Speaking of which," Michelle interjected, "what's next? All five wielders are found."

"Per the Book," Marcus said, "we target the primary Hellgate—likely in South America. Intel suggests Machu Picchu is the epicenter."

"Machu Picchu?" Eunice echoed. "The Inca ruins? That fits the 'Lost Garden' prophecy."

Back at the hotel, Yeh Yao stood by the window, watching Moscow's snow-blanketed skyline glitter under golden lights like stars on a white plain.

"Thinking again?" Alicia's voice came from behind—their now-customary nightly ritual.

"About our journey," Yeh Yao replied. "From Malaysia to Hawaii, Yunnan, London, now Moscow. We've circled half the globe to gather everyone."

Alicia joined him at the window. "An incredible journey, isn't it? Weeks ago, we were just students. Now we bear the world's fate."

"Sometimes I wonder," Yeh Yao murmured, "why us? Of billions, why did the Weapons choose us five?"

Alicia considered this. "Perhaps because we're ordinary enough to do extraordinary things. Different backgrounds, skills, but all willing to sacrifice. Maybe that's what the Weapons seek."

Yeh Yao smiled. "You always see the best in things. One of the countless reasons I..." He trailed off, the unspoken words hanging between them.

Alicia's eyes softened. She took his hand. "We've always been together. That won't change."

They stood quietly as distant church bells tolled, their chimes blessing this extraordinary odyssey.

The next morning, Kristina arrived with luggage and official leave papers.

"My commander thinks I'm on an international counterterrorism op," she explained wryly. "Not entirely false, given our enemy."

That day, the five wielders trained under Marcus and Alicia's guidance, learning to synergize their abilities. Each Weapon had unique traits—understanding these would be key to victory.

In a hotel conference room cleared for space, behind Marcus's energy barrier, they practiced.

"The Sword is balanced," Marcus explained as Yeh Yao demonstrated. "Offense and defense—energy slashes and shields."

"The Hammer specializes in brute force," Naser added, hefting his golden weapon. "Shockwaves that devastate wide areas."

"The Bow excels at precision strikes," Eunice said, nocking an emerald arrow. "Projectiles that track targets across dimensions."

"The Staff manipulates energy," Michelle noted, her amethyst weapon glowing. "Augmenting allies, creating barriers, healing."

"The Gauntlets are melee perfection," Kristina concluded, flexing her golden fists. "Enhancing speed and strength while annihilating Shadow energy on contact."

Together, their Weapons created astonishing synergy. Marcus drilled them in formations—Yeh Yao and Kristina as frontline defenders; Eunice providing ranged support; Michelle enhancing and protecting; Naser as mobile reserve.

After initial stumbles, their coordination smoothed.

"This feels... right," Yeh Yao observed post-training. "Like we've always been a team."

"The Weapons were forged to unite," Eunice said, consulting the Book. "Their bond transcends individuals."

"And we each bring unique strengths," Michelle added. "Making us greater than our parts."

"Well said," Naser agreed. "Yeh Yao leads; Kristina strategizes; Eunice knows history; Michelle's the brains; and I... well, I bring humor and optimism!"

Laughter followed—even stoic Kristina smiled.

"I admit," she said, "I doubted this team initially. But now I see our potential. If anyone can stop this crisis, it's us."

At dinner, Marcus received new intel. His grave expression drew attention.

"We've located the primary Hellgate," he announced. "Machu Picchu, Peru. Satellite scans show massive energy vortexes there—likely the source of all Hellgates."

"Machu Picchu?" Eunice echoed. "The Inca citadel? That matches the 'Lost Garden' prophecy."

"When do we depart?" Kristina asked, already planning tactically.

"Tomorrow," Marcus said. "Private jet to Lima, then Cusco, finally Machu Picchu."

"What's the situation there?" Michelle inquired. "Shadow Creature numbers? Local awareness?"

"Complex," Marcus admitted. "The site's secretly quarantined as 'archaeological research.' But disappearances suggest heavy Shadow activity, increasing daily."

"Sounds like our first real battle as a full team," Yeh Yao said solemnly.

"We're ready," Naser stated firmly, uncharacteristically serious. "We've found everyone, mastered our Weapons, understood the enemy. Time to fight back."

After dinner, Yeh Yao stood by his window, gazing at Moscow's lights, thoughts churning.

Tomorrow, they'd face their greatest challenge yet—countless Shadow Creatures, perhaps even the future entity itself. Danger loomed, but retreat wasn't an option.

A soft knock interrupted his reverie. Alicia stood at the door, her expression solemn.

"May I come in?" she asked quietly. "There's something I need to say."

Yeh Yao nodded, letting her enter. Alicia walked to the window, silent for a long moment.

"Tomorrow we face Machu Picchu," she finally said, voice trembling slightly. "Our greatest danger yet."

"Yes," Yeh Yao replied simply, unsure where this led.

Alicia turned, her eyes brimming with unspoken emotions. "Before we risk everything... there's something I must tell you." She took a deep breath. "Yeh Yao, we've known each other fifteen years—from kindergarten till now. You're my best friend, but also more than that."

Yeh Yao's heartbeat quickened, sensing what was coming.

"I love you," Alicia said, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. "Not just as a friend, but as someone I want to spend my life with. I don't know what tomorrow brings, but I won't face it with this unspoken."

Warmth flooded Yeh Yao's chest as years of suppressed feelings finally surfaced. He stepped forward, taking her hands gently.

"I love you too, Alicia," he whispered. "Always have. Since we were children, this feeling only grew. I just... never knew how to say it, or feared changing what we had."

Tears glimmered in Alicia's eyes, but her smile outshone any light. "We've wasted so much time, haven't we?"

"But we found each other now," Yeh Yao replied, drawing her into an embrace. "Whatever tomorrow brings, at least we have this truth."

They held each other tightly—two hearts finally united amidst Moscow's night, on the eve of their greatest trial. Here, there were no Weapons, no Shadows, no world to save—just this long-awaited moment of pure connection.

At dawn, the five wielders, Marcus, and Alicia assembled for departure, faces set with determination.

"Everyone ready?" Marcus asked, scanning the group.

The wielders exchanged glances, then nodded as one. They were prepared to face their ultimate challenge, to fight for their world.

"Then," Yeh Yao said, voice steady with resolve, "to Machu Picchu we go—to the final battlefield."

They left the hotel, stepping into Moscow's morning light, embarking for Peru. This was the Gaia Expedition's last and most perilous leg. But now, they were no longer individuals—they were a united team, ready for whatever awaited.

Together, they would face, fight, and prevail.

That was the true meaning of the Gaia Expedition.