The Search for Clues

The night in Cusco felt colder than usual.

Yeh Yao stood alone on the hotel balcony, gazing at the distant Andes Mountains silhouetted against the moonlight. Three days had passed since Alicia's disappearance—three endless days where every breath, every waking moment carried the ache of her absence.

He looked down at the bracelet on his wrist—the amulet Alicia had given him before their final battle. The cruel irony wasn't lost on him: this protective charm had failed to safeguard its giver.

"Yeh Yao?" Marcus's voice came from behind. "The meeting's starting."

Nodding silently, Yeh Yao took one last look at the starry sky before following Marcus into the hotel conference room. The other four were already seated, their expressions grave yet determined.

Since the battle at Machu Picchu, they'd remained in Cusco—partly to recover, partly to gather information about the spacetime rift and Alicia's possible whereabouts. The Watchers organization had mobilized its global network for any leads.

"Any developments?" Yeh Yao asked directly as he took his seat.

Marcus projected a detailed report. "Energy residue analysis from Machu Picchu confirms the rift was advanced temporal technology. But the problem is—it could lead to any point in time, past or future."

"Then how do we find Alicia?" Yeh Yao's voice carried quiet desperation.

"That's our focus today," Marcus replied. "We have several potential approaches."

Eunice opened the Book of Prophecy to a marked section. "According to this, the five Weapons of Light share a unique connection. If amplified, this bond could theoretically let us sense Alicia's location across timelines."

"But it requires an immense power source," Michelle added. "Ordinary energy can't sustain cross-temporal perception."

"The Ancient Relics," Naser interjected, drawing everyone's attention. "The Book mentions gathering relics would greatly enhance our power. Maybe that's the key to finding Alicia."

Kristina nodded thoughtfully. "Plausible theory. The relics are described as evolved forms of our Weapons—far more powerful with unique abilities."

"The Book references five relics," Eunice explained, turning pages. "Phoenix Blade, Earthshaker, Zephyr's Cry, Dragon's Roar, and Celestial Blessing. Each corresponds to one of our Weapons as their ultimate form."

"Where are they?" Yeh Yao demanded urgently.

"Scattered across ancient sites worldwide," Eunice answered. "But the clues are vague—no exact locations."

"We need more data," Marcus concluded. "Perhaps Michelle's family archives hold answers?"

Michelle confirmed, "There are relic records, but I'll need full access to our London collection. My ancestors conducted extensive research on them."

"Then England is our next stop," Yeh Yao decided. "We need those relic locations immediately."

"One more thing," Marcus added. "Watchers intel indicates while Machu Picchu's main Hellgate is sealed, smaller ones remain active globally. They're less dangerous but still threats."

"We should split up," Kristina suggested. "Some pursue relic clues in England; others handle remaining Hellgates."

"Agreed," Yeh Yao said. "Michelle, Eunice and I will go to England. Naser, Kristina—you and Marcus tackle the Hellgates."

With plans set, they prepared to depart. Next morning, Yeh Yao's group flew to London while Naser's team headed for another South American hotspot.

Aboard the plane, Yeh Yao watched cloudscapes through the window, his thoughts turbulent. He and Alicia had never been apart this long—even during university, they'd shared the same campus. Now she might be stranded in some distant era, facing unknown dangers alone. The thought was unbearable.

"We'll find her," Michelle said gently, noticing his silence. "Alicia's resourceful. Wherever she is, she'll survive until we reach her."

Yeh Yao managed a grateful nod. "I know we will. I just... can't stop worrying."

"Natural concern," Eunice reassured. "But we must channel it into action."

Arriving in London, they went straight to Michelle's ancestral estate. The historic mansion seemed to guard its secrets solemnly under the night sky.

After dinner, Michelle led them to the family library—a grand chamber with floor-to-ceiling shelves housing ancient tomes.

"My family were scholars and explorers," Michelle explained, retrieving several leather-bound volumes. "Particularly interested in ancient civilizations and esotericism. These are Grandfather's relic research."

The fragile pages bore strange scripts.

"Multiple ancient languages," Eunice identified, already studying the first book. "Latin, Greek, and older systems. Fortunately, I'm versed in these."

Michelle examined another volume. "This appears to be a relic index with possible locations."

They pored over the texts as hours slipped by. Near dawn, Eunice suddenly exclaimed, "Found it! The Phoenix Blade's description and location!"

Yeh Yao and Michelle hurried over.

"According to this," Eunice explained, "the Phoenix Blade exists as twin swords—Yang (Solar) and Yin (Lunar) aspects. Hidden in 'Volcano's Heart' and 'Glacier's Tear.'"

"Too vague," Yeh Yao frowned. "Could be anywhere."

"Wait," Michelle cross-referenced another book. "More details here. 'Volcano's Heart' likely refers to Japan's Mount Fuji—a shrine there guards a legendary blade. 'Glacier's Tear' matches Icelandic lore about an ice sword."

"Consistent with the Book's description," Eunice noted. "'Union of fire and ice, balance of opposites.'"

"So Japan and Iceland next," Yeh Yao decided. "We retrieve both blades to attempt locating Alicia."

"Other relic clues?" he pressed, wanting maximum information.

Michelle continued scanning. "Earthshaker's at Australia's Uluru; Zephyr's Cry in the Grand Canyon; Dragon's Roar in China's Huangshan; Celestial Blessing near Russia's Lake Baikal."

"Five relics across five continents," Yeh Yao summarized. "No coincidence—there's deliberate design here."

"Ancient civilizations may have shared knowledge," Eunice theorized. "These could be part of a global energy-balancing system."

"Regardless, we need them quickly," Yeh Yao said firmly. "Starting with the Phoenix blades."

Next morning, they updated Naser's team. After discussion, they maintained split roles: Yeh Yao and Eunice would seek the Yang blade in Japan; Michelle pursued the Yin counterpart in Iceland; Naser and Kristina would handle remaining Hellgates before hunting Earthshaker and Celestial Blessing respectively; Marcus coordinated globally while monitoring Alicia-related intel.

En route to Japan, Eunice studied archival copies.

"Per these records," she said, "the Yang blade is enshrined at a special Fuji shrine guarded by an ancient lineage with powers to identify true wielders."

"But Japan has countless shrines," Yeh Yao noted. "How do we pinpoint the right one?"

"The texts mention 'Fire Keepers,'" Eunice answered. "Likely the guardian family's title. We'll start there."

In Tokyo, they met Sato—a Watchers contact and Tokyo University history professor.

"'Fire Keepers,'" Sato repeated thoughtfully. "That would be the Takao clan, guardians of an ancient Fuji shrine for generations. Said to wield true flame-controlling abilities—real onmyōji."

"Are they still there?" Yeh Yao asked urgently.

Sato nodded. "Though few remain, they maintain the shrine. I'll arrange a visit tomorrow."

At dawn, they took a train toward Fuji. As urban sprawl gave way to nature, the mountain's iconic silhouette emerged—majestic and sacred.

"Fuji-san," Sato gestured respectfully. "A spiritual beacon for millennia."

After transferring to a rugged mountain road, they finally walked the last kilometer through dense forest. A torii gate marked the shrine entrance, beyond which stood traditional structures surrounded by ancient pines.

An elderly priest in ceremonial robes awaited them. Sato made introductions in Japanese.

The priest—Takao Haruaki—studied Yeh Yao intently before speaking fluent English. "Sato-san says you seek the Phoenix's Yang blade as Lightbearers."

Yeh Yao summoned his Sword as proof, its glow brightening the dim surroundings.

Takao's eyes widened slightly. "Indeed, a true wielder. My family has guarded the Yang blade for generations, awaiting its chosen."

"I need it to find my friend," Yeh Yao explained. "Lost through a temporal rift during battle."

Takao considered this. "The blade is more than a weapon—it chooses its bearer, not the reverse."

Leading them through hidden passages into a volcanic cavern, he gestured toward a stone altar holding an ornate box carved with familiar runes.

"This chamber connects to Fuji's heart," Takao explained. "The blade draws power from volcanic energies."

As he opened the box, blinding crimson light flooded the cavern. When it subsided, Yeh Yao saw the Yang blade—a magnificent sword with flame-patterned steel and ruby-encrusted hilt, radiating immense power.

"The Yang aspect," Takao intoned. "Symbol of solar fire and strength. Its twin, the Yin blade, embodies lunar ice and wisdom. Only united do they reveal true potential."

Yeh Yao felt an irresistible pull, stepping forward instinctively.

"Caution," Takao warned. "The unworthy are burned by its touch."

"Then how?" Yeh Yao asked.

"Summon your Sword. Let the blades commune. If it accepts you, there will be signs."

Yeh Yao obeyed. As the two weapons' energies intertwined, the Yang blade levitated from its box, runes blazing.

"It recognizes you," Takao murmured, astonished. "No trials needed—this is unprecedented."

The blade floated into Yeh Yao's grasp. Surging warmth spread through him as his Sword began merging with the relic—lengthening into a sleeker hybrid of silver and crimson, its runes growing more intricate.

"Incredible," Takao breathed. "Partial fusion between blade and Sword—never recorded before."

"What does this mean?" Yeh Yao asked, feeling the enhanced power.

"You share a rare bond," Takao said. "But full Phoenix potential requires uniting both blades."

"Michelle seeks the Yin blade in Iceland," Eunice noted.

"Know this," Takao added. "The Yang blade can briefly rend spacetime—creating portals across timelines."

Yeh Yao's pulse spiked. "Then I can reach Alicia?"

"Theoretically," Takao cautioned. "But it demands tremendous energy and precise control. Without knowing her temporal coordinates, blind jumps are perilous."

"We'll need all relics," Eunice concluded. "Each will enhance our precision in locating her."

Yeh Yao tightened his grip on the transformed blade. "Then our path is clear. Gather the relics, harness their power, and bring Alicia home."

Departing, Takao gifted them an ancient scroll. "My family's knowledge on wielding the blade's powers. May it aid your quest."

Yeh Yao accepted it gratefully. "Your wisdom honors us."

Takao bowed slightly. "Remember—true strength lies within, not just the blade. Face all trials with pure heart and steadfast will."

Returning to Tokyo, they updated the others. Michelle had reached Iceland pursuing the Yin blade; Naser and Kristina had sealed several Hellgates and were en route to Australia and Russia respectively.

"Progress," Eunice encouraged as Yeh Yao studied his reforged Sword. "Each step brings us closer."

Yeh Yao nodded, feeling the blade's enhanced resonance. "We'll find her. No matter where or how long it takes—I won't give up."

As their train sped through sunset-painted landscapes, Fuji's silhouette stood watch—a silent witness to this ancient yet newborn vow.

Somewhere across time, was Alicia gazing at the same mountain? Searching her own path home? These questions haunted Yeh Yao, but now he had hope and direction.

The Yang blade was just the beginning. Next, they'd gather the remaining relics, amass their power, and tear through the fabric of time itself to retrieve Alicia.

This was the Gaia Expedition's new purpose.