The Peruvian Expedition

Peru's sky was bluer than Yeh Yao had imagined.

Stepping out of Lima International Airport, he couldn't help looking up at that almost unreal azure expanse, feeling strangely awed. Compared to Moscow's frigid cold, Peru's climate was warm and pleasant, the air carrying unique scents of spices and vegetation.

"The air here is wonderful," Naser inhaled deeply with satisfaction. "Much better than Moscow's icebox."

"Don't get too relaxed," Kristina warned, her soldier's instincts keeping her perpetually alert. "We're not here on vacation."

"Easy there, Kris—" Naser patted her shoulder and immediately received a warning glare. "Uh, I mean Major Ivanova. Of course we know the mission's serious. But that doesn't mean we can't appreciate the scenery along the way, right?"

Marcus was already arranging transportation, conversing fluently in Spanish with a taxi driver. Yeh Yao noted once again how effortlessly Marcus handled local languages wherever they went, deepening his curiosity about the mysterious mentor's background.

"We'll stay in Lima tonight," Marcus informed the group. "Tomorrow morning we fly to Cusco, then proceed to Machu Picchu."

"Why not go straight to Cusco?" Michelle asked, always seeking efficiency.

"Altitude sickness," Eunice explained. "Cusco's over 3,400 meters above sea level. Flying directly there could cause severe reactions. Staying in Lima helps our bodies adjust gradually."

They took two taxis to a hotel in Miraflores—one of Lima's safest and most beautiful districts, near the Pacific coast with exquisite parks and modern architecture.

From their balcony, the Pacific stretched endlessly, sunset transforming the waters into molten gold. The seven enjoyed a lavish Peruvian dinner—fresh seafood, spicy stews, and local delicacies.

"Latest intel," Marcus briefed them over dinner, "Machu Picchu has been secretly quarantined under 'emergency archaeological work.' But reports indicate multiple disappearances of tourists and staff."

"How many Shadow Creatures?" Kristina cut straight to tactical concerns.

"Unclear," Marcus admitted. "But energy readings suggest this Hellgate is larger than any we've encountered—possibly hundreds, even thousands of Shadows."

The number silenced the table. They'd only faced small groups before—never such overwhelming numbers.

"Can we do this?" Alicia voiced everyone's doubt softly.

Yeh Yao squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We have to. No one else can."

"Yeh Yao's right," Eunice agreed. "The Book states only the five wielders united can seal the primary Hellgate and stop that future entity."

"And we're not alone anymore," Naser added, looking around. "We're a team—a family now. We'll watch each other's backs."

"Well said," Michelle approved. "Teamwork is our greatest advantage. Each brings unique skills—together we can overcome anything."

Kristina nodded sternly. "We need detailed tactics. No reckless charges."

"Once in Cusco tomorrow, we'll finalize strategy," Marcus said. "For now, rest and prepare."

After dinner, Yeh Yao and Alicia went to the rooftop garden overlooking Lima's nightscape, distant waves murmuring beneath the city lights.

"Nervous?" Alicia asked quietly beside him.

"A little," Yeh Yao admitted. "But also... an odd calm. Like we've been preparing for this moment all along."

Alicia leaned against his shoulder as they shared a rare peaceful silence.

"Whatever happens," she finally said firmly, "we face it together. Like always."

Yeh Yao turned, kissing her forehead in the moonlight. "Together. That's our promise."

At dawn, they flew to Cusco. The hour-long flight revealed dramatic landscapes—coastal plains giving way to the breathtaking Andes.

"The Inca homeland," Eunice pointed out the window enthusiastically. "A civilization built on the roof of the world—their engineering and astronomy still amaze today."

Upon landing, altitude sickness struck immediately. Thin air made breathing labored, headaches and dizziness forcing slower movements.

"Take it easy," Marcus advised. "Deep breaths, plenty of water, no exertion. Our bodies need time to adapt."

They checked into a historic boutique hotel—a converted colonial mansion with stone walls, wooden beams, and a courtyard fountain blending old-world charm with modern comforts.

After lunch, Marcus convened them in a meeting room to plan tomorrow's approach.

"Per latest intel," he displayed a Machu Picchu satellite image, "the Hellgate is near the Temple of the Sun. The site's overrun with Shadows preparing some ritual."

"What kind?" Michelle frowned.

"Unknown," Marcus shook his head. "But energy patterns suggest spacetime manipulation. That future entity may be trying to expand the Hellgate permanently."

"If it succeeds?" Alicia worried.

"Catastrophic," Eunice said gravely. "Per the Book, a fully opened primary Hellgate would merge our world with the Shadow Realm—collapsing reality itself. Apocalypse."

The grim prognosis weighed heavily until Kristina broke the silence.

"So what's the plan?"

Marcus pulled up a detailed map. "We'll take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu's entrance. Normally strict visitor controls are in place, but the Watchers secured passes as an 'emergency archaeology team.'"

"Once inside," he continued, "we advance rapidly to the center. Expect heavy Shadow resistance."

"Smaller teams would be stealthier," Kristina suggested.

"Agreed," Yeh Yao nodded. "Team One—me, Kristina and Naser—draws enemy attention. Team Two—Michelle, Eunice, Marcus and Alicia—flanks toward the Hellgate."

"Logical division," Michelle approved. "Team One has melee strength; Team Two has ranged support for the critical objective."

"Upon reaching the Hellgate," Eunice explained consulting the Book, "all five Weapons must form a specific array to unleash combined energy for sealing it."

She showed a pentagram diagram. "Each wielder at one point, channeling power to converge at the center. But precision is vital—any error risks destabilization. And we'll be vulnerable during the minutes-long process."

"Hence needing guards," Kristina concluded. "Someone protects the wielders mid-ritual."

"That's why Alicia and I accompany Team Two," Marcus said. "We'll defend during the sealing."

Hours of meticulous planning yielded a complete operation: depart at dawn, reach Machu Picchu by noon, execute in afternoon.

That evening, Yeh Yao stood on his balcony overlooking Cusco's ancient streets, the starry sky framing distant mountain silhouettes.

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. Alicia entered holding a small package.

"For you," she said, offering it nervously.

Inside was a handmade bracelet with intricate patterns and a tiny silver charm.

"An Inca protection amulet," she explained. "I know it's superstitious, but... with tomorrow's danger, I wanted you to have extra safeguarding."

Touched, Yeh Yao fastened it immediately. "Thank you. I'll wear it always."

As she adjusted the clasp, Alicia met his eyes earnestly. "Whatever happens tomorrow, remember—I've loved you since we were children. I just said it too late."

Yeh Yao drew her close. "And I love you. That won't ever change."

They held each other under Cusco's stars, drawing courage before the coming storm.

At dawn, seven resolute figures gathered in the lobby. Each wore practical gear, packs stocked for the fateful mission ahead.

"Everyone ready?" Marcus surveyed the group.

The five wielders exchanged glances, then nodded as one. They were prepared to face their ultimate trial.

"Then," Yeh Yao said steadily, "we move out."

Their prearranged transport took them to Ollantaytambo Station, where they boarded the train to Aguas Calientes. The route—considered among the world's most scenic—wound through breathtaking mountains along the raging Urubamba River.

But the seven had no eyes for vistas. Final tactical checks occupied them—Kristina distributed specialized comms; Michelle calibrated energy sensors; Eunice reviewed the Book's ritual details.

At Aguas Calientes, they immediately caught the bus to Machu Picchu's entrance. As predicted, the normally bustling visitor center stood nearly empty, just a few uniformed staff at the gates.

Marcus presented their passes. The officers inspected them reluctantly, but Yeh Yao noticed their glazed expressions.

"Those men... something's off."

"Prolonged Hellgate exposure causes mental deterioration," Marcus murmured. "The real reason for evacuations."

Entering the ruins, the unnatural atmosphere was palpable. The tourist-thronged citadel now lay deserted but for wind whistling through stone walls and eerie distant shrieks. Ominous clouds swirled solely over Machu Picchu despite surrounding sunshine.

"Feel that?" Eunice whispered. "The energy... it's wrong."

Even Alicia sensed the oppressive dread permeating the ancient stones.

"Stick to plan," Yeh Yao reminded. "Team One draws attention; Team Two flanks to the Temple."

The groups split. Yeh Yao, Kristina and Naser advanced along the main path, soon encountering their first Shadows.

These were unlike previous foes—larger, more grotesque hybrids of insects and reptiles, with pitch-black soulless eyes.

"Engage," Kristina ordered, summoning her Gauntlets.

Golden energy erupted with her punches, shredding Shadows. Naser's Hammer unleashed shockwaves while Yeh Yao's Sword danced lethally through the horde.

Their coordinated assault pushed steadily toward the center.

Meanwhile, Team Two navigated a hidden trail toward the Temple of the Sun. Eunice's Bow eliminated patrolling Shadows with precise shots.

"We're close," Marcus pointed ahead to the majestic stone structure.

As they approached, energy fluctuations intensified. The ground bore strange glowing runes—distorted versions of their Weapons' symbols.

"Those aren't Incan," Eunice noted. "They're warped—inverted energy channels."

"Amplifying the Hellgate," Michelle confirmed as her instruments spiked.

Reaching the Temple's entrance, the sight within stunned them.

The chamber had been transformed. At its center swirled a massive energy vortex—the Hellgate—easily ten meters wide, pulsing malevolent violet-black. Dozens of Shadows conducted some ritual around it.

But most striking was the figure at the vortex's edge—humanoid but with grayish skin, fully black eyes, and partial mechanical fusion. His robe bore the same twisted runes.

"The future entity," Marcus breathed.

Just then, Yeh Yao's voice crackled through comms: "Team Two, we've diverted most enemies en route. Status?"

"Hellgate located with the entity conducting a ritual," Marcus responded. "Must act immediately."

"Understood. ETA soon," Yeh Yao replied amid battle noises.

Marcus turned to the others. "No time to wait. Michelle, Eunice—ready your Weapons. Alicia and I will cover you until the others arrive."

As the two wielders summoned their Staff and Bow, the glow alerted the Shadows, which shrieked and charged.

"Protect the wielders!" Marcus drew his custom weapon while Alicia brandished an energy dagger.

The desperate fight began. Outnumbered, they barely held their ground until—

A silver streak cleaved through Shadows. Team One had arrived, reinforcing the defense.

"Hold formation!" Yeh Yao commanded. "Cover the wielders advancing on the Hellgate!"

The five wielders and two guardians formed a mobile perimeter fighting toward the vortex.

Yet the future entity remained unnervingly calm. Only when they neared did he speak, his voice echoing both externally and mentally.

"Just in time to witness rebirth."

"Stop this!" Yeh Yao shouted. "You'll destroy our world!"

The entity shook his head like a disappointed teacher. "No, young wielder. I save humanity. The future you cannot see—civilization's collapse, Earth's death. My plan is evolution—the sole path of survival."

"By unleashing monsters? Killing innocents?" Alicia challenged angrily.

"Necessary sacrifices," he replied calmly. "Like amputating a limb to save a life. Shadow genes will make humanity stronger against coming environmental collapse. There is no alternative."

"We'll face future threats our way," Yeh Yao declared. "Not by dooming the present."

The entity sighed. "I'd hoped for understanding." Raising his hands, he unleashed a surge of energy, the Hellgate expanding violently. "Then I must proceed by force."

As he spoke, his form mutated—growing larger, more monstrous, merging further with Shadow traits.

"Now!" Yeh Yao ordered. "Formation!"

The five wielders instantly took positions encircling the Hellgate in a perfect pentagram. Marcus and Alicia guarded the perimeter against relentless Shadows.

"Begin ritual!" Eunice cried, aiming her Bow skyward.

Five beams of light converged above the vortex, forming a brilliant orb that pressed downward, compressing the Hellgate.

The entity roared in agony, lashing out with disruptive energy waves. Alicia was struck down.

Seeing this, Yeh Yao's fury ignited unprecedented power in his Sword, intensifying the orb's radiance.

"For Alicia! For this world!" He poured every ounce of strength into the blade.

The others followed suit. The orb expanded blindingly, engulfing the Hellgate entirely. A deafening explosion of light erupted—

When vision cleared, the Hellgate had vanished. The entity reverted to humanoid form, kneeling weakly.

"You've doomed future mankind," he gasped despairingly.

"The future isn't fixed," Yeh Yao countered. "We'll find another way—without sacrificing now."

Suddenly, the entity produced a strange device. "If I can't change the past..." He activated it, creating a small spacetime rift behind him. "I'll deprive you of one wielder."

As he lunged, Alicia tackled him—but he grabbed her wrist, dragging them both into the closing rift.

"Alicia!" Yeh Yao screamed, reaching futilely as the portal vanished.

He collapsed to his knees, staring at where she'd disappeared. The others stood stunned, speechless.

"Where... where is she?" Yeh Yao's voice trembled.

Marcus placed a hand on his shoulder. "I don't know. That rift could lead anywhere—anywhen."

Yeh Yao rose with iron resolve. "Then I'll find her. No matter where or how long it takes."

"We will," Marcus vowed. "But first, we must confirm the threat here is truly over."

Their inspection showed all Shadows gone, the Hellgate fully sealed. Sunshine finally broke through over Machu Picchu's stones.

But for Yeh Yao, victory tasted bitter. Gazing at where Alicia vanished, he whispered a promise:

"I'll find you, Alicia. Wherever you are, however long it takes—I'll find you."

The others stood behind him in silent solidarity. They knew this expedition wasn't truly over. One chapter had ended—but new challenges awaited.

As night fell, the seven—now six—departed Machu Picchu carrying both triumph and loss. But in Yeh Yao's heart, a new mission had taken root:

Find Alicia. Across time and space if necessary.

This was the Gaia Expedition's next chapter.