The halls of the communist station brought a feeling of friendliness in the air; however, the artificial euphoria was created to keep the civilians in check. Everyone in the Red Line knew there was no friendliness in their stations, just fear from the people in authority. No one had a voice to cry out against the Reds for forcing their iron boot onto its population. Those who did, were executed as those who refused to accept the ideals of the revolution. There were survivors of these purges, but they reluctantly accepted the people who spoke of "order" amongst the remaining Russian people.

There were some who believed being underneath the communist rule was a better alternative compared to the Fourth Reich. Pavel could not blame them for choosing a pragmatic decision. Yes, neighbors would be spying on each other if they held any "suspicious" activities or were secretly making religious sermons behind the Red Line's back. However, he knew the Red Line was the only people in the Metro that could win the hearts of the people if the Nazis halted their propaganda machines against his people. If only he was given a mission against them instead of the Polis Rangers.

Pavel found himself standing in front of a red door as he sighed at the events soon to come. General Korbut of intelligence had called on him to go on a mission to find creatures the Spartan Order wanted to kill a year ago, the Dark Ones. Ever since the news of their introduction from Exhibition to their destruction confirmed by Polis Station, the Metro found itself under threat by the creatures who threatened humanity's existence. However, Pavel learned from his superior that the Dark Ones could be the key to controlling the Metro and eliminating the Nazis and the merchants of Hansa.

He knocked on the door, knowing he was going to have a mission in capturing one.

There were sounds of locks clicking and unraveling as the red door swung open, only to reveal an older man staring looking down on him. It was hard for Pavel not to keep his eyes off him since his he had a disfiguring scar over his right eye. The general of intelligence had a reputation for being merciless and that scar was evidence when someone dared to question it. "Ah, Major Morozov. I see you have come here for a briefing."

Pavel took the opportunity to salute him. "Yes, general. I'm ready and awaiting orders."

"Lock it," General Korbut said as he took his seat behind his desk. "whatever is said in this room must stay behind closed doors. Do I make myself clear?"

The major quickly nodded and locked the door soon after as he straightened his composure before the general's presence.

"Major Morozov, I have a mission for you that requires your expertise. This one requires you to capture the Dark One that has been sighted at the Botanical Gardens."

The shaved officer knew what he was being asked to do. "Sir, there have been reports that the Nazis patrols have been sighted along with a few Polis Rangers present. What should be done if my forces contacted these patrols?"

"Eliminate them and leave none alive. The Nazis and the Polis Ranger must not know about your mission in the gardens, understood?"

"Yes sir." Pavel answered with enthusiasm. "Should radio contact be establish as soon as the target is captured?"

"No, unless it is an emergency that requires my full attention. You and your men will be ordered for radio silence and must not attract any attention from the Spartan Order in D6. Is that all?"

The major was quick to answer with a nod. "Yes sir. I'll spare you the details of the mission."

"Good, do not leave me disappointed major. I did not promote you for no reason, dismissed."

When General Korbut had said those words, Pavel was quick to exit the room and leave the office of the general to the man himself. As soon as the door was closed behind his back, he felt relief knowing he was not under the eagle eye of a man who could easily replace him with another.

He had to gather a Stalker team as soon as possible and capture the Dark One before the Rangers find it and kill it. The question was, why was General Korbut so interested in capturing a Dark One?

Headmaster Ozpin sat quietly in his seat as he took a sip from his coffee. He would be meeting with his circle of friends about the matters of Remnant, particularly about the threats that crept from the shadows. There was a moment of silence in his office, but he knew better than to simply disregard the silence. It did not mean that he was the only one here. "I know you're there." The headmaster began.

Across his desk and on the other side of the room, a figure stepped out from behind a pillar. He was an old man, but his outfit and his packs suggested that he was a traveler. His beard almost resembled the people who lived in the Kingdom of Mistral to the untrained eye. However, Ozpin knew he was not from Mistral. "It's been a long time." The old man said with a thick accent. "When was the last time we talked? I cannot recall."

Ozpin rose from his seat as he walked halfway across the room. "The era of the Great War. It's been quite some time since we last spoken. I remember how you said farewell to Remnant after that conflict. Now what brings you back to this world?" He said while he leaned on his cane. "You said it would be the last time you would see the world you created."

The old bearded man chuckled. "I said that. How could you remember that?" He wondered. "It's been literal ages since we've least met."

"You forget, I don't. Now Khan, why are you here?"

Khan smiled at the man's memory. "I'm here to tell you about the future of Remnant and it's intertwining fate with another world."

Ozpin raised an eyebrow. The old gods of Remnant have never told him the plans of the worlds ever since he spoke with them from the beginning. "How can I be sure you are speaking the truth? You never told anyone about the future and the fate of the world. It's rather strange that you would be doing this with me."

"It's complicated. Very complicated." The old man replied. "A war is coming and it's not from the enemy you are familiar with. Remnant will be caught up in it."

"Is there a way to prevent?"

Khan shook his head. "I can tell the future, but I cannot change it. That decision belongs in a man who is not from Remnant."

"How large is this war going to go?" Ozpin questioned.

"It will affect your school, my friend. However, you should be able to find him since the Grimm accidentally brought him out."

"Tell me, Khan. Who is this special person?"

Then the old man simply chuckled. "You'll know who he is."

The headmaster smiled. "So then, what have you been doing all this time?"

"When my brother and I left Remnant, we explored a new world unlike this one. Never had I enjoyed a life beyond the world of Remnant."

"I can see that you enjoyed your time in that world." Ozpin commented. "What could possibly go wrong with that world for fate to include Remnant?"

Khan's expression changed. Unlike the happiness he brought into the room, he expressed very little emotions to the headmaster. "The people who lived in that world had brought destruction among themselves and my brother and I found ourselves stuck in the dirt alongside them. It's not something I wish for Remnant to deal with once Remnant and Earth collide."

Ozpin was quick to be concerned about the matter itself. "Who would destroy a world?"

"No one, but idiots and fearful men." Khan explained. "Remnant has not dealt with intercontinental weapons aimed at each kingdom. Though, you shouldn't be worried with such matters."

"Shouldn't worried?" The headmaster asked. "I should be. The safety of the school relies on my ability to protect it and now you tell me that there will be a war coming."

"Forgive me, that world's attitude has… been rubbing off on me."

"Khan, I have one more question. Will you help me?"

The old man smiled once more. "Of course. You're still my friend." Khan quickly walked behind the pillar.

Ozpin chased after him, only to learn he was not there. It was the work of a man who knew how to use shadows or rather a god who went as he pleased. "Good to see you again, Khan."

It had been a year since the incident with the Atlesian Project. The world Winter lived in made her wonder what could have happened if she remained there, even if it was temporary. She informed General Ironwood about what she saw on the other side of the portal and he seemed interested if not intrigued at the possibility. However, the general grew very concerned about the possibility of losing his best specialist in the field. The items she brought back from that dead world was enough evidence to prove that the world on the other side existed. This was also enough to allow Specialist Schnee to be an "active" specialist despite some criticism from some members of the military.

The specialist walked into the hanger as she began to walk over to the nearest transport on her right. General Ironwood was already on academy grounds, discussing private matters with the headmaster with Beacon Academy. As she found a seat in the transport, she found herself in the presence of four inactive Atlas Knights. It was strange to find herself back in the world of Remnant after what she had seen over in the dead city of Moscow. How could she stand living with herself after seeing humanity fighting over whatever leftovers remained from a devastating war?

Winter could not stop thinking about that world. Those people had it worse than anyone on Remnant had. Even those who lived outside of the main kingdoms were better off than the Russians. If only the people of Remnant saw what she saw on that side of the world, she would be comforted to know that on this world would try to show some concern for these people.

Then she could not help, but remind herself of the young man who was born in that dead world. Artyom, it was the only reminder of him aside of the gas mask and the Bastard gun she brought with her. Those tools and weapons were simple tokens to remember the good man who was simply trying to protect his home. The possibility of Artyom's fate did little to comfort her since she knew he would go through dangers just to get a message through destructive forces, whether it be man or beast.

When the transport left the hanger, she heard someone dispatch a transmission. "To all Atlas servicemen on the ground, we had an event in development. Vacate civilians from the premises, I repeat, vacate the area. Possible threat is present. Be advised, we also have an unconscious man on the field."

Specialist Schnee looked through the windows and noticed the front lawn of the academy grounds. The sight surprised her when she noticed the dozens of civilians fleeing from the scene while a bear was present. However, it was not an ordinary bear and Winter knew it. Its size was unnatural for any bear, but she also knew it was no Grimm creature she had ever come across. It held no traits to be considered a Grimm, but there was a strange feeling that she somehow knew about its origins.

Her mind recognized the voice that quietly whispered into her head. Once more, Hunter was there to guide her. "Artyom's here."

It had been ages ever since she heard Hunter's voice. "Hunter…"

"It's a long story. I'll talk to you about it after you help the kid out."

"How is he here?" She asked the voice in her head.

"Honestly, I have no idea."

Artyom opened his eyes.

He heard people screaming as his eyes began to see the world through the gas mask. There were dozens of people, without gas masks, fleeing from where he was. Artyom couldn't question why they were running away, but there must have been a mutant that threatened them. However, his first thoughts were concerned about how these people were breathing on the surface without gas masks unless this part of the surface was breathable.

Could it be that he found a place on Earth that had survived the bombs of the old world? He had to ask, but there was another matter that occurred in his mind. The Moscow Metro was not known for its hospital surface so either these were a different set of mutants, Artyom realized that he was not in the dead city. The question was how he managed to go from the Botanical Gardens.

Then he heard a long growl come from behind his back.

Artyom began to look over his shoulder as he saw the mother bear snarling at its surroundings; however, her eyes noticed him. The young man jumped to his feet as he felt the creature's immediate rage be directed towards him. As he brought his customized Kalash with him, he sprinted away from the mutated bear while he found himself on the green grass. He looked towards his explosive belt and dropped a claymore on his way back.

The thunderous charge of the bear was met with a blast that exploded behind his back.

He turned around with his Kalash at the ready, only to see the bear stunned by the explosive power of his claymore. Realizing his opportunity, Artyom lined up his assault rifle and began to open fire on the creature without remorse. Despite his weapon's firepower, the bullets did little than tickle the bear with bullets.

To fight this monster, it required a different kind of weapon. As Artyom swapped out his assault rifle for his Hellbreath, he noticed the bear shake its head and begin to run after him. However, the young man was quick to charge up his weapon's battery before loading the fifteen millimeter ball bearings. "Come on." Artyom whispered to himself.

When the case of ball bearings was finally set in place, his eye lined up his scope towards the monster. Artyom pulled the trigger as he heard the "zaps" every time his weapon discharged a shot. His scope jumped up after each shot, a recoil he had to compensate for.

The mutated bear closed the distance with its jaws snapping after him. However, Artyom was quick to jump to his right while the bear skidded across the ground. Then he looked back to his target and continued firing his weapon at the laid down monster. He was quick to check his battery supply, only to see the needle tell him he was at half supply. "Got to recharge it."

He looked back at the bear bring itself off the ground as it continued to charge after him. The creature was relentless in its ability to kill him. Artyom would have left it alone had the area not be surrounded by innocent people.

There was one additional weapon Artyom had with him that could possibly fight off this monster. As he swapped his Hellbreath out for his third weapon, the bear swung its hand into his body.

The young man was tossed aside, thanks to the forceful push of the monster attacking him. As he landed on the ground, he felt the glass on his gas mask shatter. Artyom closed his eyes for his own good as the glass began to fall out of place. Then he opened it once more, only to see the bear snap its jaws at him.

Artyom was quick to draw his automatic shotgun and pull the trigger. With each shot, a shotgun shell flew out of his gun before he pumped the weapon for the next shell to enter the chamber. He continued to fire his weapon without hesitation since he knew the odds of survival if he continued this fight against the monster. If he didn't kill it, Artyom realized he would be dead at its hands and be eaten as a result.

Little did the young man realize, he fired his last shotgun shell. "Shit." The Ranger swore to himself as he loaded his shotgun shells into the clamps of his automatic shotgun. There was little time to bring out his Kalash and his Hellbreath was empty. He would have to make do with his grenades.

Pulling out his yellow-green incendiaries capsules from his belt, the young man threw his ordnance at the oncoming beast causing both the ground and beast to be alit aflame. The carnivore continued its advances while the flames were still present. It was a tough beast that was for sure. He loaded his shotgun shells as he reached down for his grenades, only to learn he was out of incendiaries.

Artyom was knocked back from its headbutt as his body was once more tossed into the ground. He looked at the bear and saw it raise itself on its hind legs before bringing its full weight onto the ground. With the possibility of death, he rolled over while he loaded his shotgun to fill every clamp.

When the predator landed on the ground, he was met with its vicious face. The Ranger took the opportunity to shoot all six shotgun shells into the beast. As his weapon fell empty, he watched with horror when its mouth was about to snap onto his body. If he didn't flee from it, the bear would have killed him with its jaws.

To Artyom's surprise, there was a blur of red and black that came to his rescue. When the blur had finally cleared, he saw a man standing on the back of the bear with his sword in hand. Blood was drawn as Artyom noticed the sword embedded into the mutants back. The stranger wore a weary red cape, but could possibly be close to Uhlman's age if Artyom asked him. That didn't matter when the bear began roaring. "Hey kid," The stranger began. "you look like you could use some help."

That was an understatement for Artyom. He was fighting a giant bear mutated bear with everything he had in his disposal. However, he would appreciate the help. "T-Thank you." Artyom struggled underneath his gas mask. It was difficult to speak when there were shards of glass in the way.

"No problem." He replied before pulling his sword out of the bear's spine. "Let's end this before it gets out of hand."

Artyom rose from the ground as he swapped out his shotgun for his railgun. He could never agree more than ever. As the Ranger looked through his gasmask, he noticed the creature didn't make the effort to continue fighting. Maybe it was tired and weary from the burns he inflicted on its skin?

The bear made a slight puff from its nostril while the eyes were looking straight into its soul. No longer was he looking at the eyes of an enraged mother, but that of a dying creature. It accepted its fate as the stranger stood beside it. "Allow me."

The young man spoke in objection. "No, don't." Artyom stated with his hand raised at the middle-aged man with the giant sword. "Let me do this." He replaced the empty container of ball bearings and recharged his battery power as he aimed down the sights of the dying mother bear. The Ranger felt guilt in his heart, knowing he was putting down a mother bear that had just lost its cubs to a monster on the surface. He knew the creature was dying and there was no other way for it to live. "I'm sorry." He whispered to himself as he fired three shots into the bear's head.

There were veteran Rangers on the surface who gave him advice to shoot a mutant's head just to give it a swift death. It was case for this issue as Artyom lowered his Hellbreath as the mother bear lowered its head towards the ground and its eyes were closed. At the very least, he gave the mother bear a chance to see its cubs in the afterlife. If the afterlife still existed.

A hand patted him on his back as he heard the Ranger's voice. "Damn, you did well for a guy who isn't a huntsman."

Artyom gave the stranger a quick glance, confused about what he just said. "Excuse me, I don't understand." He could smell the man's breath through the broken glass of the gasmask. The stranger almost reminded him of Bourbon, but this man didn't express it in his appearance.

"I was complementing you. You don't seem like you're from around here."

At the mention of those words, Artyom took the time to look around and noticed how the landscape contrasted to the buildings of the dead city. There were people thriving around, pavement that was not broken, and there were people standing on the surface without gasmasks. What kind of world did he find himself in?

There were four mechanical machines that approached him. They acted as if they were human, but their behavior said otherwise while they wielded weapons aimed at him. What kind of machines were these things? "Stranger, lay down your weapons or we will take you by force." They spoke in an unsympathetic voice. Artyom felt helpless knowing there were machines aiming weapons at him.

The stranger standing beside him began to step in between the Ranger and the four mechanical machines. "Hey look, this guy didn't do any harm. Why don't you lower your weapons and just talk this out?"

"Stranger has brought a weapon to the premises and has discharged shots at Beacon Academy, threatening the safety of civilians and students." The machine replied.

Artyom heard a voice speak out from behind the four human-like machines, but it was in a commanding tone. "Knights, stand down." The voice almost sounds as if Miller was a woman; however, there was some degree of familiarity. "Qrow, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be sober before you walk around a public area?"

The man named Qrow, shrugged his shoulders despite the demand. "Turns out that there was a guy who needed help in fighting off a giant bear. Can you blame me for helping him out?"

"Stand aside, let me see this man."

Qrow did as he was told while the world froze for Artyom. It was impossible. After all this time, away from the Dead City, he was looking at the uniformed young lady with a sword beside her.

"Wait a minute, I recognize that look. Who are you?" She asked.

The Ranger knew better than to call Winter a young lady. "Winter, is that truly you?"

Her eyes expressed her shock as soon as he spoken. "Artyom?"

It was time that he revealed himself to her. The young man raised his armored slit and detached his gasmask from his face. "How long has it been since we last saw each other?" Artyom asked.