The Call of the Earth

The Australian sun burned hotter than Naser had imagined.

Standing in Uluru's shadow, he wiped sweat from his brow while gazing up at the massive red monolith. Uluru—also called Ayers Rock—was one of Earth's largest single rock formations, rising from the central Australian desert like a silent guardian of ancient lands.

"Breathtaking," Naser murmured. "Photos don't do it justice."

"To the Aboriginal people, this isn't just a rock," explained his guide Jack—a mixed-race Australian of European and Indigenous heritage who served as the Watchers' local liaison. "It's sacred—full of Dreamtime stories and spiritual power."

"Dreamtime?" Naser inquired curiously.

"Creation myths," Jack elaborated as they walked the base trail. "Ancestral beings shaped this land in ancient times. Uluru bears witness—every crack and cave tells their story."

Naser nodded, sensing the monolith's ancient energy. Since arriving in Australia three days prior, he'd pursued leads about the Earthshaker relic. According to Michelle's family archives and Watchers intel, this artifact lay hidden within Uluru, guarded by "Earth Keepers."

"Any findings about these Earth Keepers?" he asked Jack.

"Fascinating clues," Jack replied. "Aboriginal legends speak of 'Earth Children' who commune with stone and soil, protecting terrestrial secrets. Moderns dismiss this as myth—but we Watchers know better."

"Do they still exist?" Naser's eyes sparkled with adventurer's excitement.

Jack smiled. "My mother descends from one such lineage. Though colonization eroded many traditions, some knowledge remains. I've arranged a meeting with Elder Kadu—but you must prove your respect."

"Absolutely," Naser agreed instantly.

As they circled Uluru, Jack pointed out sacred markings and caves while explaining their cultural significance. Naser listened intently, absorbing the land's spiritual essence.

By dusk, they reached a secluded Aboriginal settlement on Uluru's eastern side—a dozen simple dwellings where families prepared evening meals, the air rich with roasted kangaroo and bush herbs.

Jack led Naser to Elder Kadu's tent. The wizened man sat by a fire, his leathery skin etched with wrinkles mirroring Uluru's own weathered patterns.

"Elder Kadu," Jack introduced, exchanging brief words in the local language before switching to English. "Keeper of Earth Children traditions."

Naser bowed respectfully. "Honored to meet you, Elder. Thank you for receiving me."

Kadu studied Naser intently, his gaze lingering on the faint golden glow at the young man's wrists—the Hammer of Light's energy signature.

"You are a Wielder," Kadu declared in accented English. "The Hammer chose you."

Naser blinked in surprise. "You know of the Weapons?"

Kadu smiled faintly. "Our people guard knowledge of ancient powers. The Weapons and Relics maintain world balance."

He invited them to sit by the fire, where tribespeople served bush tucker—kangaroo meat, wild berries, and herbal tea.

"You seek Earthshaker," Kadu stated matter-of-factly.

"Yes," Naser confirmed, explaining their mission—Alicia's disappearance, the relic quest, and their hopes to locate her.

Kadu listened solemnly before speaking. "Earthshaker rests in Uluru's heart, guarded by our ancestors. But it's no ordinary tool to claim."

"I understand," Naser said. "I'll undergo any trials required."

"More than trials," Kadu clarified. "Earthshaker chooses its bearer—one who shows courage and strength, yet respects all life. Prove yourself worthy."

"I will," Naser vowed.

At dawn, Kadu led Naser onto the monolith. The rising sun painted Uluru in fiery hues, its sacred energy palpable.

At a hidden crevice obscured by brush, Kadu lit a peculiar red torch. "Beyond lie three trials—courage, strength, and earth harmony. Pass all, and Earthshaker may accept you."

Naser took the torch and entered alone.

The first chamber held a gaping chasm with no visible crossing. Inscription read: "Cross the void, prove courage."

Naser retreated several paces before sprinting and leaping across. As he soared, an updraft cushioned his landing.

The second trial was straightforward—a colossal immovable boulder inscribed: "Move stone, show strength."

His physical efforts proved futile until summoning the Hammer of Light. A single tap sent seismic waves shifting the rock aside.

The final chamber was an underground oasis teeming with flora and fauna. A mirror-still pool bore the command: "Respect life, harmonize with earth."

The water showed visions—forests razed, rivers poisoned, ecosystems collapsing.

"Not harmony," Naser whispered sadly. Kneeling, he placed hands in the pool, vowing protection.

The visions transformed—woodlands regenerating, waters clearing, life flourishing. The pool illuminated as Earthshaker emerged—a magnificent warhammer with gem-encrusted haft and earthen-metal head radiating primordial power.

As Naser grasped it, his Hammer of Light transformed, merging partially with the relic—its head growing denser with golden-brown fusion, runes glowing brighter.

"Trials completed, Wielder," resonated a voice like grinding tectonic plates. "You've proven worthy. Wield me to protect, not destroy."

Emerging from Uluru, Naser found Kadu awestruck. "Few pass all tests. Earthshaker accepts you."

Over two days, Kadu taught Nasar Earthshaker's abilities—sensing terrestrial vibrations, triggering controlled quakes, and most remarkably, creating subterranean tunnels linking distant locations.

"This takes immense energy," Kadu warned. "Start with short jumps."

Contacting the team, Naser learned Yeh Yao and Michelle had obtained the Phoenix Blades in Japan and Iceland, while Kristina pursued the Celestial Blessing in Russia.

At departure, Kadu gifted Naser a gemmed talisman. "This maintains your earth-connection worldwide."

"Remember," Kadu cautioned, "true power lies in balance. Earthshaker can topple mountains, but its purpose is protection."

At Alice Springs airport, Naser resisted testing his unstable tunneling ability, opting for conventional travel.

As his plane climbed, Naser studied Earthshaker's transformed head. No longer just a Hawaiian thrill-seeker, he'd become a true guardian—bound to the planet's pulse, ready to face whatever challenges awaited alongside his team.

Thus continued the Gaia Expedition—a journey for power, responsibility, and fellowship across the widening tapestry of their extraordinary mission.