It was already around noon and the heat has started to affect Alexei. He is starting to sweat, even if their speed was relatively moderate and all the windows in the jeep were open.

'Damn this heat…' he complained.

'At least it's not like the Afghanistan, poor T-72 drivers could not handle being more than fifteen minutes in the tank' Sergei said, keeping his eye on the road while cleaning his forehead. Like Alexei he is not going through the current heat all too well.

'At least we are lucky enough to be in a jeep rather than a tank' Natasha handles them a pair of towels.

'Don't you need these for your medical equipment?' Alexei asks. Natasha smiles as a response to his question.

'Don't worry. I have more than enough of them in reserve. You can have them to get through this heat wave much easier.'

'In that case, don't mind if I do' Sergei accepted his towel with big relief and started using it on his head that same moment. Alexei smiles and fixes his attention to road ahead while he cleans himself from swat. The road in front of them seems endless, with nothing but a single dirt road and green valley as far as eye can reach. There are some mountains in the distance but they are so far away you can only slightly see them above horizon.

'Comrade General, may I ask something?' Misha is still sitting at the back seat, he is not affected by this heat even the slightest. He still has his helmet on and his face does not show even the slightest hint of sweat.

'Go on Misha.'

'It's almost lunch time, if you don't mind I would like to go to one of our trucks and eat something.'

'I would like to go with Misha as well, check out some soldiers and few of the townsfolk along the way' Natasha also spoke. Alexei can see that she already prepared her medical bag.

'Hm…. Alright, you have my permission. Also see that some local kids come here and drive with us. I am sure they will enjoy it.'

'Yes comrade general!' both of them saluted and exit the jeep. Alexei can see Sergei smiling. He can already sense what he is thinking.

'Don't' he said to him.

'I won't, we are on a mission after all and the last thing I need is to see you irritated.'

'Good' Alexei focused his attention to the vast green valley.

'But you love kids, and love them a lot. It's really shame to see such good person like you not enjoying time with his own kids' Sergei could see Alexei sighting, this is definitely not the time or the place. But Alexei is calm. He does not want to allow personal feelings to interact with his delicate subject.

'I know, everyone and their dog are telling me that. Not caring that as a soldier I have a duty toward my motherland first and foremost' he looks Sergei in the eyes. 'Even if I die on the line of duty I would not regret my life, not even for a single second' he is sending him clear message about his stances.

'Of course, nobody mentioned that…' Sergei backs off. He clearly sees that he is still far away to convince him otherwise. And he is afraid that Alexei's biological clock is running out.

'Good' Alexei focused his attention again on vast green valley. There was few seconds of silence before the doors of the jeep opened again. Three little kids entered together with one teenage girl and the blonde elf that they saved yesterday. Both Alexei and Sergei are confused why are the two of them in their jeep. On the other hand all of the passengers on back seat cannot hold their amazement of riding in the horseless transport.

'Egh…. Excuse me…' Alexei started saying, the blonde elf and two of the kids' payed attention to him. 'But what are you doing here?' He is looking at blonde elf.

'Eh?' she started. 'I… I just wanted to thank you once again for saving me' Alexei can see honesty in her face. Her smile is warm and genuine.

'Oh please, you don't need to. We were just doing our duty. But tell me, are you really an elf?' the blonde elf got confused by his question.

'Eh?' she asked and titled her head to a side.

'If you are asking this I presume that Elves do not exist on your side of the GATE?' the blue teenage girl asks.

'That is correct assumption, on our side of the GATE only humans exists' Alexei answered. His answer impressed the teenage girl.

'Please, I wish to learn more about your world' she asks, Alexei can see the excitement in her eyes.

'Are you sure little girl? There are many thing considering our world you really do not wish to know' Sergei stated his opinion as well.

'Tell me, what is your name little one?' Alexei asks her.

'My apologies, my name is Lelei La Lalena. I am a mage apprentice with Sage Cat oas my apprentice.'

'A mage?' Sergei asks. 'Like a real magician?'

'Yes, I am just a beginner but my magic level can go up to medium level as far as some spells go.'

'I am guessing that you are also a scholar?' Alexei asks. Lelei sense great interests coming from him, his glowing brown eyes are also revealing that.

'That is correct, as magical apprentice it is my job to learn as much as I can.'

'And because of that you also harbor great knowledge.'

'That is also correct.'

'Hmm….' Alexei is examining her. She may be girl, fifteen or sixteen year years old, but her way of thinking and her serious stance is making her appear much more mature. 'The village chieftain said that he will make sure someone talks to me regarding the transfer of information but I never imagine it would be someone like you.'

'Are you concerned that I am not up to the task because of my age?'

'How odl are you exactly?' Sergei asks.

'Fifteen years old.'

'Damn… you sound like you have double that age' Sergei cannot hide his amazement.

'Please, despite my age I am very dependable and hardworking. I would love to work with you and help in any way I can' Alexei is surprised by her seriousness. The look in her blue eyes is not lying.

'I have no doubts about your abilities, you must forgive me but I am men that prefers old ways of thinking. To me you should be playing with other kids, not devote yourself to something so serious so early' Lelei is closely listening to Alexei. 'But I guess things works differently here. It will be an honor to work with you if you are half as good as you claim you are.'

'I… I am, you can be sure of that' Alexei is happy to hear her say that, her devotion won him over. 'We shall see then' he turns his attention to the blonde elf/ 'How about you miss? What is your name?'

'Ugh… my name is Tuka Luna Marceau' she answers after slight delay, being caught in the moment.

'Tell me Tuka, are you feeling well today?'

'I do, thank you once again.'

'Do you have somewhere to go to, family or friends that live outside your village?' To that question Tuka bowed her head. That reaction was everything Alexei needed to know the situation. That village was everything to her and she has lost it the moment that dragon appeared. 'Don't be sad Tuka, you are safe now. If you do not have anywhere to go then you are free to live with us until you find new home one day. I cannot fulfil the role of your lover or your parents but at least I can offer some sanctuary' Tuka became very happy after hearing that proposal. Her eyes are on verge of tears.

'Thank you…father….' she said.

'Excuse me?' Alexei asks, confused after hearing what Tuka just said.

'Wow, you are awesome mister' one of the little kids sitting between Tuka and Lelei declared so.

'Yes, you are so good mister' little girl sitting next to him cheered.

'Great guy' the last kid said so as well. Alexei is left speechless and confused.

'What do you know, you got a little fan club and a kid all in the same package' Sergei said so and didn't even tried to hide his smile. Lelei is also amazed to see someone like Alexei, and warrior who are also compassionate at heart. She is expecting to learn great things from him as to her he seems like he is scholar as well, despite current profession.

'Now wait just a minute…' Alexei started to talk to Sergei, but stopped once he saw that Sergei's smile drooped instantly. 'What's wrong?'

'There is someone sitting on the road.'

'Huh' Alexei looked at the front of the jeep, he too could see shadowy black figure sitting on the road not far from them. He also noticed scarecrows flying above her. 'I have a bad feeling about this.'

'What do you want me to do?'

'Continue driving and stop when we get close to it, we don't know if it will attack us or not' Alexei is slowly getting his pistol out from his holster. He wants to be prepared in case things go downhill once they reach whoever is sitting in the middle of the road.

'An Oracle!' One of the kids shouted and drew Alexei's attention.

'Oracle?' Alexei asks, but he received no answer. The kids opened doors and exit the jeep. They are rushing toward the black figure.

'Alexei?' Sergei asks, clearly confused at the development of the situation.

'Stop the jeep, let us see what all the commotion is about' Sergei nodded and stopped the jeep.

'Rory Mercury' Alexei turned around to see Lelei sitting in the middle and looking at the shadowy figure.

'Wow….' Tuka is near her, she seems amazed by the figure.

'I am guessing that she is someone famous?' Alexei asks.

'She is demigod and apostle to Emroy, the famed God of War and Death.'

'Pardon me Alexei, my ancient Latin is rusty but did she just said "god of war and death"?' Sergei asks, Alexei pats him on his right shoulder.

'It seems that gods really exists in this world, let us just hope that they are friendly' he turned his attention toward Lelei again. 'Tell me, should we expect any problems from her?'

'Despite her looks she is actually not a bad person. And she will never hurt innocent people, so as long as we are not doing anything unlawful we should be alright.'

'A code of honor eh? I like it' Alexei smiled and exit the jeep. He stands by the door and faces the dark figure as it came right to them, examining their vehicle.

'Oracle!' Rory smile as she sees several little kids rushing toward her.

'Greetings little ones' she proceeds to pet the nearest kid. 'Tell me, where are you from?'

'We are from the Coda village great oracle' one of the kids answers, 'we are currently moving out.'

'Is there some particular reason?'

'Fire Dragon was seen in this parts, the village chief is moving us all toward Italica for safety' the other kid now answers.

'Fire Dragon eh?' she asks, starting to slowly walk toward convoy.

'Yes Oracle, it already destroyed an elf village at the edge of the forest. Luckily for us these strangers offered to escort us to Italica' the kid point fingers to the first vehicle I the convoy, it sparked Rory's interest the moment she saw it.

'I see, so you were not forced out of your homes?'

'We were not Oracle, these strangers help us to pack our things for the trip.'

'Did they now?'

'Yes, they also gave us some very delicious food to eat and toys to have as gifts.'

'So a nice people eh….' Rory stopped at the front of the strange vehicle and touched it. She could feel the warmth under its metal.

'What is this?' she asks.

'I don't know, but it can go on its own. It's very comfortable to our own wagons as well.'

'Interesting…' Rory walks to the vehicle's right side, touching and examining it until she stopped in front of a tall man in what seems to be military uniform.

'Greetings young lady, how are you today' Alexei asks, not sure what kind of results he will get form this strange little girl. She smiled at his question.

'Very polite aren't we?' she asks.

'I am a military officer after all. Part of my creed is to be polite toward women.'

'I see…' she throws a look at the rest of the convoy. 'So you are really helping these people?'

'Of course, we could not leave them alone while that beast in the sky is roaming around.'

'I see… very noble of you. Mind if I join your convoy?' Alexei thought for a moment, he is very skeptical about her but if what Lelei said was true than it would be a good thing for her to join them. Having one of the local warriors to assist them would be great help.

'What is your name miss?' Alexei asks, keeping in mind that treating her like a kid is probably not the best idea right now - even if she looks like one.

'I am Rory Mercury, apostle of Emroy' Rory bowed while presenting herself. Obliviously to make more dramatic scene, Alexei raised an eyebrow and made a faint smile.

'My name is Alexei Kostadinov, commanding officer of the Red Army troops who are escorting this convoy' Alexei offered his hand, Rory shake it after a moment of hesitation.

'The Red Army? It's that how you call yourselves?'

'Indeed, we are an army of peasants and workers who has long ago stood up against its oppressors' Alexei can see that he didn't spark that much interest in her as there is something else on her mind.

'Very interesting…' she shifted her attention to jeep, 'will I be riding in one of these?'

'Sure, if you want' Alexei noticed that Rory got upset about something. She is looking at something behind him. Alexei turned around to see three Soviet soldiers, their weapons at the ready.

'Comrade General?' one of them asks, clearly wondering why the convoy stopped.

'It's alright comrades, return to your transports' three soldiers stand down, saluted and go back to their designated trucks. Alexei return back to Rory only to see that she already decided to enter his jeep and sit at his designated seat.

'The kids were right, this is really comfortable ride.'

'No wait just a minu….' Alexei started to complain, only for Rory to move herself on the edge of his seat and pat the empty space she left.

'How about we share this seat? Surely both of us are fit enough to sit here' she put an innocent smile on her face, but Alexei cannot help but sense sinister aura coming from her. Alexei cannot help but sigh, unable to reason with the little dark girl.

'You know Alexei, several kids in the jeep. The two of us alone… I have no desire to go in jail because of your strange fetishes…' Sergei said, only to be quest after facing Alexei's angry look.

'This is not time for jokes Sergei.'

'I understand Alexei… My mistake…'

'Sigh…' Alexei enters the jeep and sits near Rory. That is to say they are sharing a front seat. 'As soon as the kids enter continue driving' Alexei says while holding his head in his right hand. His head is starting to hurt.

'That is some very strange language you two are talking' Rory stated, 'but I like it.'

'I like it as well, is there a possibility I could learn it?' Lelei boldly states, as serious as she is just about to go on a war mission.

'Me too, I wish to talk with father on his own native language' Tuka said, her statement made Rory to rise her eyebrow. Alexei said nothing, he just continue to hold his hand in his hand.

'Alexei, what did they say?'

'They want to learn Russian Sergei, all three of them' it is in that moment that all the kids that were outside entered jeep and Sergei fire up the ignition. Alexei turned around to face Lelei and Tuka 'for now let us see until the end of this journey. Once we reach Italica then we can agree on everything you wish. Understand?' His proposition made everyone happy.

'Yes father' Tuka said.'

'I am looking forward to that' Lelei said.

'Indeed, it would be interesting to learn some new things' Rory said.

And with that they continued their trip. Alexei note how all three of them found riding a jeep quite enjoying. Alexei is thinking about the three girls that are riding with him in the jeep. The blonde elf called Tuka has certainly been through hell, and the fact she calls him "father" means that she must have some mental scarring from that event. In any case she is alone now and needs all the help she can get. Alexei is glad to see her smiling as she talk to the other two girls present.

The blue haired girl called Lelei reminds Alexei of his younger self the most. Intelligent, idealistic, determined and eager to learn new things, Alexei thinks that this girl probably knows too much for her own good. But that is alright as well, this is new world after all and having intellectuals who can grasp the knowledge of both worlds would be a very positive thing for everyone. She is mage as well. Using her talents for magic scientist back on Earth can probably develop new technologies which could make their world much safer and better for everyone. The possibilities are endless if the right cards are played.

In the end there is Rory, sitting near Alexei and still amazed at how jeep moves on his own. He is most mysterious of all three, even if she looks like a girl Alexei can see that is certainly not the case. She has a religious symbol among the population and the axe she carries is not for show either. But she does not seem evil or that much menacing. Having someone religious near the Red Army never brought any good results, especially with country's stance on religion. Nevertheless, if she is as powerful as people around them thing it's better to have her as a friend than foe.

The convoy continued forward at top speed possible. It was now middle of the day and the sun burned the countryside. The soldiers embarked from their trucks and started giving water bottles to the people in convoy, they brought extra with them and for the people in the convoy it was more practical to use plastic bottles then buckets to drink. Natasha came at the side of the jeep and offered a report to Alexei.

'So the people from this village are safe then?'

'Their immune system seems strong enough to protect us from any disease we may carry. But in future it would be wise to issue general vaccination just to be safe, we cannot be as careless as Spanish were when they were conquering America' Alexei bite his lower lip, getting approval from Moscow is going to be hard. Especially for medications not reserved for their own troops.

'Of course Natasha, I would not have it any other way as well. Tell me how much until we reach that town?'

'The chief said one more day of traveling.'

'One more day?' Alexei sighted. 'This heat is going to be the end of me…' he expressed his dissatisfaction while clearing his forehead with Natasha's towel. Natasha smiled, started looking for something in her medical bag and offered it to Alexei once she found it.

'Here Alexei, this should cool you down a bit' she offered him a wooden fan, that seems to have nice Indian motive to it.

'A fan I gave you for birthday last year?'

'The same' Alexei took the fan, open it fully and started cooling his head. He is enjoying the blessed current of cold air generated by the fan Natasha gave him.

'How about sharing some of that cold air, eh comrade?' Sergei asks to be cooled down as well. Alexei smile and start generating air in Sergei's direction.

'You deserve some after being so hardworking drive on this heat.'

'Thanks Alexei, can I take it?' Alexei passed his fan to Sergei who cools himself down with his right hand while driving with his left.

'You do not handle heat well?' Rory asks Alexei.

'My country is mostly based in northern part of the world, the weather we have there over the year is usually much cooler than in the rest of the world. This area we are in is probably situated around center, making the climate much hotter than the one I used to.'

'Well this area is considered the center of the continent. Up west we have great desert and on the north we have great forest and mountain chains with eternal snow on their top' Lelei step in to explain further. Alexei is picturing the image in his head.

"Giving that explanation logically we should be in an area similar to that of southeastern Europe but without massive mountain chain. It would be hot but grass fields and large deciduous forests mixed with a bit of pinophyta trees" Alexei looks out of his window to see vast valley of grass again. "This is after all a very beautiful world, not claimed by fires of industrialization yet. I wish I have the opportunity to enjoy it a bit before that happens" he looks at his rear mirror, he can clearly see distant mountain chain in it. But ne noticed something in it, he get closer to confirm it is not a simple black stain on the glass.

'Natasha can you see this' Alexei points his finger to the stain. Natasha turns around and looks at that general direction.

'Can I get binoculars?' she asks, Alexei took binoculars from his compartment and gave them to Natasha. She looked through them and run back to report.

'It's a dragon, the same one we saw in forest. It's heading straight for the convoy.'

'By Lenin…' Alexei turn to Sergei. 'Segei, park the jeep on the side of the road and make sure these three are safe.'

'And where are you going?'

'Where else? To lead the troops of course' Alexei said so and jumped form the jeep. Sergei speed up and park it at the side. Alexei rushed toward Natasha and he can see that Vladimir is rushing as well toward them.

'Comrade General….' he saluted.

'I saw it as well comrade sergeant, report.'

'I organized the men and we are getting into position, but the convoy wagons. They are too slow…' he didn't get to finish his sentence when the big stream of fire hit the wagons that were located in the middle of convoy. Luckily most of the other wagons started to rush in whatever direction they could, running as soon as some of them saw the beast in the sky. The fire managed to hit two of them, engulfing them in flames. Few other wagons rolled over, sending some of their passengers into graves as their spines and necks broke under the weight of the cargo or by falling on the ground violently. Children who were so happy just minutes before started screaming and running in any direction they could to avoid dragon's wrath.

As soon as Sergei parked the jeep all three of its passenger jumped outside.

'Hey, you three. Wait!' Sergei tried to shout to them but they would not listen. None of them understood his language after all. 'Damn it…' Sergei cursed as he grabbed his AK and rushed outside to join the others.

Rory stopped and look at the beast above, it made half of circle around convoy and was preparing to shoot it's deadly flames once again.

'I am no expert but I think I can create a barrier that could protect you for a few moments at least' Lelei declared so, Rory can see determination in her eyes and blue light illuminating from her staff. Near them Tuka grabbed old bow and few arrows.

'I am pretty underequipped for something like this but I can at least try to draw its attention' she said as she moved the arrow on the bow, stretching its strings and checking it's limits. It is not in such a bad shape but she would rather not have the strings snap in most crucial time.

'I see… Well then, I will count on two of you to aid me' Rory said so as she look once more at the flying beast that stooped in mid-air and was just about to unleash another stream of fire upon the convoy. 'If only we could find a way to bring it closer to the ground…'

Suddenly Dragon's belly got hit with something, it made the creature scream and preventing its second fire upon convoy. Several smaller explosions appeared on the Dragon's belly but it had little effect except to further agitate the creature. Rory also noticed a lot of smaller projectiles hitting the creature all over its body, but again to no avail. Then the three of them saw something flying toward the Dragon, it was aimed clearly at its chest but the creature moved so whatever was flying toward it hit its left wing instead. The projectile hit at the spot where wing and main body connect, the blast was so strong it cut the Dragon's left wing and the creature crushed to the ground.

Rory, Lelei and Tuka are impressed. Whatever that was it must be the work of Alexei's men. But they now want to take as much from the given opportunity as they can and all three of them rushed toward downed Dragon.

Meanwhile Alexei is observing the situation, looking at the downed creature from the distance. He can clearly see the damage that Bastion rocket made, the damage was not as he expects it would be.

'AK fire has no effect at all, autocannon fire only further agitates it and the only real damage is done by 9M117 anti-tank rocket.'

'Should I order the men to grab as many RPG's as they can from the trucks?'

'Yes comrade sergeant, divide the men into two teams. One will assist the injured civilians and the other will grab as many RPG's as they can and fire at the beast. Misha! Where are the MiG's?' Alexei shouts to Misha, who is crouching near one of the rolled wagons and working with his radio equipment.

'They should be here in 30 seconds comrade general!'

'Tell them to use anti-tank weapons, it's the only thing it will hurt this bastard! Relay that info to Mil squadron as well!'

'Yes comrade general!' Misha shouted as he doubled his efforts to find right frequency and relay that information to the incoming reinforcements. Alexei turns around only to see Sergei rushing toward him.

'What are you doing here?' Alexei shouted, he is not seeing any of the three girls from the jeep.

'Looking for those little three idiots, they rushed from the jeep as soon as I parked and vanished.' Sergei can see anger slowly building up in Alexei.

'Nevermind, we will find them. Go to KraZ's and take RPG, we will need as much as we can to take this monster down.'

'Understood comrade general!' Sergei saluted and rushed toward one of the trucks.

"Where could they have gone?" Alexei wonders as he spots them the very next second, rushing toward downed dragon. "Those idiots!" he curses in his mind as he run as fast as they can toward them.

Downed beast tries to rise slowly. The pain in its back is barely sufferable, it is ready for blood. Revenge for the ones who dare to hurt it. He can hear something beyond the dust cloud it created with its fall. The Dragon focuses its remaining right eye, trying to take a glimpse of what it could possibly be. The last thing his right eye saw was an arrow flying right toward it, an arrow that closed it forever.

The beast roared in pain and started rolling around. It was then that three humanoid figure stand to face it. Dragon was blind now but its hearing sense was still sharp. He could feel that they were right in front of him.

'Sorry, but that was all I could manage. The bow snapped right after I ejected the arrow.'

'Good work Tuka, you blinded him and gave us much bigger chance. Leave it to us now' Lelei said to Tuka as she started chanting her magic. Meanwhile, Rory stood in front of the wounded Dragon, ready to face it in battle.

'Hihi…. It seems that I will be entertained today. And by Fire Dragon no less' Rory licked her upper lip as she made her battles stance. Lelei formed magical shield in front of Rory just as about the Dragon is preparing to fire his deadly blast again.

'Sorry but this is the best I can do. I cannot guarantee that it will hold attack as powerful as this one.'

'Don't worry, it will be enough for me to strike the killing blow' Rory prepared as Dragon was just about to unleash its deadly flame. But she was pushed aside by an unknown figure. Next moment the Dragon unleashed it's flame, it was so strong that Lelei's shield broke in just a few seconds. Rory looked at the figure that pushed her away, it was Alexei. He is breathing heavily, meaning that he was probably running as fast as he could. His armor and helmet are alsod gone, it seems that he made himself as light as possible to reach her in time.

'Alexei…' Rory started, but she stopped the moment she meet his eyes. Rage as the only thing that existed in them at that moment. Alexei stood up and prepared his weapon.

'Stay here!' he shouted toward Lelei, throwing quick look toward Lelei and Tuka who were standing there silently. Amazed by his bravery 'you two as well!' He shouted again, clearly to attract the Dragon's attention. The beast got up on its two legs in meantime and was slowly focusing on Alexei's voice. Alexi took aim with his pistol and fired, he shoot three bullets aimed at creatures head. It worked as the creature got annoyed by his attack.

'Come on you bastard! Face me!' Alexei shouted as he started running toward the nearby clearing, firing on the move. Dragon sensed that his new prey was moving and he anticipated it's direction. He jumped with his two legs, and it was strong enough to land right beside Alexei. The jump made Alexei lose his balance and fall to the ground. But only for a second as he stood up, continued running and fire two more bullets at the beast. After few dozen meters Alexei stopped, behind him was open terrain so if Dragon fired the convoy would not be affected. Dragon was preparing to unleash his deadly breath once more, aimed directly at Alexei.

'Damn, damn, damn, damn…' Alexei panicked as he continued firing from his weapon, hitting only few times as Dragon was outside effective range of his service pistol. The convoy passengers were looking at him and anticipating what will happen next. Rory, Lelei and Tuka are worried this may be Alexei's end. Another brave soul killed as he tried to selflessly defend locals from horrifying beast. But just as the Dragon was ready to kill Alexei something happened. Huge explosion happened and the Dragon was knocked down to the ground, screaming in pain.

Everyone was confused at what just happened, moreover next few seconds as they heard something approaching. Then all of a sudden two strange objects appeared in the sky above them. Villagers, Rory, Lelei and Tuka were astonished to see metallic birds pass above them in such speed. They never saw anything like it.

'Yes!' Alexei cheered as MiG's finally arrived and unleashed their deadly weapons. But it seems that they first decided to use standard air-to-air missiles as Dragon was not hurt at all, only thrown aside and disoriented. "They will probably use anti-tank missles once they made a turn" Alexei thought. In the same time Vladimir is rusing toward him with fifteen soldiers, all armed with RPG-7's. Alexei saw them and quickly started shouting orders.

'Form a line!'

'Form a line!' Vladimir repeated Alexei's orders and Soviet soldiers formed a single line, crouched and readied their RPG's to fire. Alexei throw a quick look at the Dragon. The beast is still disoriented and it's exactly at the end of their effective range, Some 200 meters far away.

'Open fire!' the order was given and Soviet soldiers opened fire. Fifteen rockets fly toward blind and disoriented beast, six miss and the other hit it in various areas from neck to tail. The creature is screaming in pain and start rolling around in frenzy.

'Reaload!' Alexei shouted orders. The Soviet soldiers started mounting another projectile on their RPG's. Another loud sound soon appeared and volley of projectiles, big and small started raining on the Dragon, villagers looked above and saw more metal beasts in the air. This one was much bigger than the ones that flew just now and are able to hover in the air. All of them were fascinated to see something like this, it was like death incarnate appearing to punish the breast who dared to anger the men in green.

Alexei is overjoyed to see Mi-24's finally arriving and spending no time in bombarding the Dragon with their missile pods and machine guns.

From inside the craft the commander could see that there was no effect with standard armament.

'Comrade Lieutenant, the word just came on the radio. This creature has skin as strong as tank armor. Our standard weaponry is not effective. Use of anti-tank missiles is ordered' weapon system officer notified the pilot.

'Understood, preparing to fire Fleyta' Lieutenant replied and starts preparing his gunship for fire.

Alexei can see that MiL's have stopped firing from their main weapons. They are probably preparing to fire their anti-tank missile. Fire Dragon was still rolling in pain when all four Mi-24's fire a single Fleyta missile. Missiles hit and a large fire and smoke cloud engulfed the beast, the Dragon released cry of pain and suffering. Moments later another one, much bigger fire and explosion occurred, this time Dragon said nothing. His head could be clearly seen flying off to the side, detached form his body.

Few moments later MiG's flew over the battlefield. Preparing to make one more turn to make sure the creature is dead. But the creature is indeed dead, once smoke cleared a bit everyone could see Dragon parts scattered all around the field, gigantic crater was left nit he place where the beast once stood. Soviet troops started to cheer and hug between themselves, congratulating on a job well done.

'UUURRRAAA!'

Vladimir released a shout and all the troops followed him, except Alexei who just stood behind them silently. He is checking his pistol, only a single bullet remained in the clip. "I was lucky again, but I doubt the same situation will play out next time" he thought as he look at the sky and saw MiG's turning around and returning to base. The combined power of RPG's, Mi-24 and MiG 29 anti-tank missiles saved them. It took a lot of effort and resources but it was done.

'You….you….' Alexei turned around to see village chief and several more villagers behind him. Everyone is looking at him in shock and awe. 'You killed the fire Dragon'.

'Yes I did' Alexei throw a smile as he holstered his pistol back in its place.

'Not bad… for an army of peasants and workers' Alexei saw Rory, Tuka and Lelei approaching him. They were also surprised by what they just saw, except Rory who was smiling. Alexei can sense interest and pleasure behind that smile, he wonder what could that feeling mean.

'Comrade General,' Natasha approached Alexei and saluted him 'if the beast is dead I will need all the troops you can spare. We have a lot of injured people.'

'Are you gods?' Village chieftain asks Alexei.

'No we are not,' Alexei nod to Natasha and grabbed village chieftain's left shoulder with his right arm. 'We need to organize and tend to everyone who is wounded in this attack. Organize men from your village and I will organize mine.'

'S….Sure…' Village chieftain said and started giving orders to villagers who stood behind him.

'Misha!' Alexei shouted for his radio operator, he appeared few seconds later. 'Tell the men in MiL's have to stay here, we may have seriously injured people who will need immediate transfer to hospital at our base.' Misha nods and starts working on his radio. Alexei throw a quick glance to the three girls and saw that all three of them joined in helping injured people.

'And you did it again,' Alexei turn around only to see Sergei. He is not looking happy despite their victory 'rushing like an idiot to save someone. You learned nothing from Afghanistan.'

'Sergei, please…'

'Don't worry. I have no intention on debating anything here. Especially when situation is as sensitive as it is. But ask yourself Alexei, if those MiG's were late even for a second would you still be alive now?' Alexei didn't utter a single word. He looked at Sergei and just stood there silently. 'Next time you consider trying something so insane please stop for a second and remember all of our comrades, your mission, Natasha, those three girls who are tied to you now. Just imagine how lost and broken some of them would be if you had died. I am off to help the wounded, you might want to sort things out with village chief and see what to do next' with that said Sergei joined the nearest unit of soldiers who were clearing the insides of a turned wagon, trying to locate survivors.

Alexei knew that Sergei is right, he was always right about spiritual things and emotional matter of people around him. Alexei decided to put that thought for later, he now needs to see what to do next. He search for village chief and finds him among the group of villager, debating something.

'Chief, tell me… how bad were we hit?' He asks, felling little uncomfortable as he can see how desperate the chief is.

'Twenty people died in today's attack, among them were two children. Almost third of our villagers are injured in one way or another. But this would be a slaughter if not you and your men Alexei, I thank you…' village chief bow to Alexei, showing his respect.

'You do not need to thank me, we were merely doing our duty' he looks around and see many wounded villagers on the ground, assisted by either another villagers or Red Army soldiers. 'Tell me chief, what is your next move?'

'We will salvage all we can and continue our march to Italica. But I fear that not many of us will be able to enter the city now.'

'Why not?'

'See around you general, most of our belongings are in ruins. And we never had much money as we are simple farming community. To stay in Italica means to pay for the rent, and not many of us had that kind of money. But we will manage somehow. We are not as weak as we appear. Now that the threat of Dragon is nonexistent we do not need you or your soldiers to escort us to the city. Mere words cannot express for thankful we are, I am sorry we are not able to return the favor in equal proportion…' Alexei looked at the village chief, his old face show the sign of great relief and happiness. Even if they are having nowhere to go and not many positions these people are currently happy just to have survived the onslaught of the Fire Dragon. Alexei look at the three girls standing near them and watching, curious to see how situation will resolve.

'Tell me chief, you cannot return to your own village now that Dragon is gone?'

'We can but the harvest season is over and most of our supplies were destroyed in the attack or left behind, many of us would starve to death before the winter is over.'

'The forest is also swarming with bandits, as weak as we are now we would be easy prey for them. The walls of Italica are our only chance to be safe once again' one of the men standing behind village chief responded, the chief turned around and started arguing with the men. Pointing out how not all of them would be able to stay in the city. Alexei focus for the moment to think what to do next, he took into account all the factors known to him and possible consequences depending on the actions taken after this event. He came to one conclusion from which he and everyone else will benefit the most.

'Chief' the old men turned around again, now facing Alexei. The rest of the villagers as well as three girls are all interested to see what happens next.

'Yes?'

'After thinking for about and I wish to make a proposal to you and your people.'

'Go on' chief listens with great interest.

'Near our base on Alnus Hill we are building a small settlement, we planned to populate it without own people and hopefully establish trade network with the nearby cities. You and your people know the area and possibly have connections in more than one city nearby' Alexei put his right arm on chief's right shoulder. 'So what do you say that you and your lot come and live in that new settlement together with us? We can always expand it and build new homes for our soldiers. And giving how entire situation turned out I doubt many would complain to not choose to help our refuges in need of protection. So what do you say?' Alexei asks, village chief needed few moments to calm himself down.

'Are… are you sure it's ok general Alexei?'

'Of course, you have my word on that. And you can call me comrade Alexei chief' Chief's eyes filled with tears as he hug Alexei.

'Thank you very much, or people will forever be grateful to you' Alexei smiled and sighed, he throw a quick look toward the three girls to see all three of them smiling as well. It's like they knew he will offer his assistance.

Alexei went to organize his men. He jumped to the top of BMP and shouted for attention.

'Comrades, I am very proud of you all. We slay a powerful beast and our skills and swiftness would make Comrade Lenin proud!' the Soviet soldiers cheered with joy. 'Now another task is at hand, Comrade Sergeant!' Vladimir rushed to Alexei and saluted. 'Organize the men and make room in the trucks, these people are going with us.'

'With us comrade general?'

'That's right comrade sergeant, these people are now refuges and in correspondence to United Nation laws we as members of that organization are bound to assist them. Put all the critically wounded in MiL's, the lightly wounded to sit in the trucks and the rest as you see fit. Alright Comrades, let us take care of this people like we would do of our own. For the eternal glory of the Red Army and USSR, go and fulfil your assignments. URA!'

'UUURRRAAA!' the Soviet soldiers cheered and started preparing villagers for transportation in their own trucks.

'Good thing both of those trucks are filled with less than half their normal capacity, otherwise a lot of them would follow us on foot. We can put ten soldiers in BMP and freed up more space for the villagers' Segei approached and expressed his opinion. Beside him are both Natasha and Vladimir who just sent his men and decided to hear the rest of what his general has to say on the matter.

'Good, make it happen. Natasha?' Sergei went to organize the men while Natasha came next in line for giving opinion and reviving orders.

'There are not too many seriously injured, the five villagers who were are lift up to Mi-24's and sent to field hospital. The rest suffered some bruises and with the exception of one dislocated shoulder the rest are fine.'

'In that case take as many kids as you can and put them in medical jeep. They will endure the travel back a lot easier.'

'Yes comrade general' she saluted and rushed toward her medical jeep. Only Vladimir is left and Alexei also noticed the three girls approaching them. He had no doubt that they also had questions about all of this.

'Vladimir, do you have something to ask?'

'Alexei… are we really going to take this people as refuges?'

'Of course, are you against it Vladimir?'

'Of course not comrade general, but I am concerned about what will the Politburo say about this. There are many who disapprove you as a commander of this expedition, this kind of action will only give them more ammunition to fire at you' Alexei climb down from BMP and pat Vladimir on his right shoulder.

'I know that Vlad, that is why I am putting my faith in United Nations, media and NATO. This action will not only show us in brighter light but will also strengthen ort position in the world. As well as continue the influx of much needed investments into our ruined economic system.'

'And I have no doubt that comrade Ivan will make the best of that situation, making both the Party and Gorbachev happy. But your enemies will nevertheless use that fact to their advantage Alexei. Ivan can only hold them for so long.'

'I know that Vlad, but if I have to choose between helping those in need and facing the wrath of my enemies I would go with the option that would leave my soul in peace' Vladimir smiled to that answer.

'Very well, if such is your wish, I will go and organize the men. We should be in our main base tomorrow morning, I will radio Pavel and tell him to be prepared for when we come.'

'Good comrade sergeant, you may continue your task at hand.'

'Yes comrade general' Vladimir saluted Alexei and went to organize his soldiers.

'I am sorry lord general… may I have word with you?' Alexei turned and saw elderly men in yellow like robes, big blue hat and staff similar to the one Lelei was carrying. He can also notice Lelei, Tuka and Rory standing behind him.

'Go ahead, and its comrade general.'

'My apologies then… for that and for my young apprentice' Alexei look at Lelei and saw that she is a bit embarrassed. It must have something to do with an old man present here.

'And what did your young apprentice did that you must apologize to me?'

'She hastily offered her services to you without any sort of counseling and without knowing that you would require someone like her or someone more knowledgeable.'

'Someone like you perhaps?'

'Who, me?' the old men points to himself 'I would never accept it as I am an old men and only interested in passing my knowledge to my chosen student and enjoying retirement. Working for an army or sage is a thing of a past for me.'

'I see. Then you would have no arguments if I take Lelei as my advisor for this world?' The old men look at Alexei, he is confused about his decision.

'I won't, if she can balance between my lessons and your studies then its fine. But are you sure you are alright with her? She is smart and dedicated but there are a lot of scholars more knowledgeable than her' Alexei looks at Lelei, he can see that she is impatiently waiting for his answer.

'I am ok with her, after all who could refuse a person with such determination?'

'I see' old men smiled and offered his hand, 'My name is Cato El Altestan, I hope we will get along' Alexei took old men's hand and shake it.

'Me too mister Altenstan' Alexei throw a quick look to three girls and see all of them happy, blonde elf hugging Lelei and Rory just looking at him and smiling. Alexei is glad that he made people happy. Back in Afghanistan it was very hard to do so despite his best efforts. But this is new world, new world that is oblivious to the conflicts and division of the old world. Here they can start anew and do things differently while not being judged because of their past or the system and ideology their country is founded upon.

Alexei decided that few wounded villagers drive in his own jeep while he will sit down with the soldiers and villagers in one of the KraZ trucks. Not surprising at all, three girls also decided to drive in the same truck he was in. Everyone pretty much started to see them as his daughters, but Alexei didn't mind. He decided to left time and destiny to do their thing and play along for now, after they seated everyone the trucks started driving back to the base.

It was middle of night but nobody was in a mood to sleep, still shocked over the attack that happened a while ago. Alexei and several of the soldiers noticed how nervous the villagers are and that started to make them nervous as well. They wanted to do something, anything to make them feel a bit better. Few of them offered water and candy but to no greater effect. It only made entire situation that much awkward.

'Расцветали яблони и груши,' Alexei suddenly started singing 'Поплыли туманы над рекой. Выходила на берег Катюша, На высокий берег, на крутой…' the villagers were surprised to hear him sing. But they liked the song and got more relaxed listening to him sinning.

'Выходила на берег Катюша, На высокий берег, на крутой…' soldiers in truck also joined and sang last two lines Alexei just recited. Alexei continued, this time his soldiers singing together with him.

'Выходила, песню заводила Про степного, сизого орла, Про того, которого любила, Про того, чьи письма берегла…' Alexei and his soldiers sang while villagers listened and enjoyed. Some of them started moving left and right, enjoying the tune of the song. They didn't understand a word of their language, but they still enjoyed the song. Some of them even feel asleep while listening to it, the rest enjoyed as Alexei and his soldiers sing until late into the night.