When months passed after news of the new world reached the Metro, the armies poised to attack the bunker-complex of D6 found themselves shocked and surprised. There was another world and it didn't help that the major states were overshadowed by the massive support Polis Station received from the Kingdom of Vale. Representatives from every single political entity had showed up, from the big three to the small independant stations.

Their arrival was fitting during the Vytal Festival, where the symbol of many cultures and nations came together for a common goal of peace. Despite the optimism, the Russians were tolerated at best and disgusted at worst. These humans from another world did little to impress the councils of Remnant. It was a sad fate they would receive from such an advanced civilization.

All except one…

Specialist Schnee had dressed up for the occasion in a slender dark-blue dress. Her family, including her sister, had attended the social occasion. As the ambassadors had their conversations with those from the major four kingdoms. Even the students who participated in the tournament enjoyed their time with their teams and opponents from across the globe.

Yet, she didn't enjoy the party. Meetings with Headmaster Ozpin's inner circle weighed down on her mind as she restricted herself to becoming an aide de camp. There was Qrow, but he kept to his nieces and interrupting their enjoyment would spoil their fun. Not to mention, the eyes of her father keeping tabs on her.

Her father, the CEO of the Schnee Dust Company, the man she hated. She was born out of his greed and he embraced it. Winter recalled her childhood memories of his strict rules, anything that could potentially tarnished the family name could not be tolerated. She couldn't stand such madness, but she had to endure until she reached military age. The only reason she joined the military was to escape his control, a relief and a curse. Weiss would endure such emotionless torment alone.

Out from the company of business partners, she saw a familiar face walk up to her while she grabbed a glass of wine from a waiter. Willow Schnee, her mother, had come to see her. "Winter, it's been a long time since we've last talked."

The specialist expressed a warm smile as she departed from her superior and embraced her mother. "Good evening, mother. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing fine." She answered before taking a sip from her glass. "I want to know how you have been doing."

"Fine." Winter replied. "My position, as you know, is hazardous, but not terrible."

"I believe you, but I must ask about that one Russian I keep hearing about. Rumor has it that you two know each other ways back. Is this true?"

"Artyom?"

"So you do know him. I'm happy that my daughter has taken an interest in someone."

Winter's cheeks warmed up to the comment. "Mother, it's not like that."

"I disagree, I find it preferable than those suitors your father wants you to accompany. Quite an improvement I should say."

"Don't talk like that, we're in public."

"No worries." Mrs. Schnee assured her daughter. "I still have a face to wear for these occasions. Still, I'm happy you've been making friends ever since you joined the military."

"Mother, have you reduce your alcohol intake. You know you shouldn't be drinking too much."

"I know, but I'll break that worry for this occasion if you don't mind. Anyway, your grandfather is coming to the event. That is a sore sight to see after all these years, wouldn't you agree?"

Winter was surprised at the news. "Grandpa Nick? Traveling here with his current health might hurt him."

A friendly, but scratchy voice caught her attention. "I disagree, my dear Winter. These old bones haven't failed me yet."

Turning around, the specialist's military facade disappeared when she saw her grandfather leaning on his cane. "Grandpa Nick, I didn't think you would come here." The weary old man who let his hair grow out while he retained his beard despite the norms of Atlas society. However, many knew better than to belittle the man who carried a story of success.

The old man chuckled. "The news convinced me and it's not hard to forget that camera footage of my granddaughter in the field. Besides, Weiss told me all about your friend from the other world."

"Oh…"

"Surprised? Hopefully, we would meet this young man at this time."

She wanted that to happen, but Winter knew the injuries he had endured. There was never a chance he could join the party. "I hate to admit it, but Artyom has suffered tremendous injury. I doubt we will see him tonight. I am sorry to disappoint you."

Nicholas Schnee allowed a sigh to escape his lips. "Such a sad thing that a young man like him couldn't join us. I was rather curious about the stories I keep hearing about him."

Her mother was quick to comfort him. "It's okay. There may be another chance we may talk to him."

"That is the issue, I doubt I'll ever have the chance. I have to head back to Atlas and see to my health. At least it wasn't a complete loss to come here. I have you, Willow, and Weiss to look forward to seeing."

Doors opened, bringing the attention of every single person in the room. From civilians to military personnel, their heads turned to see the newcomer arrive. For Winter, it was a surprise. They were waiting for a Polis representative to attend the moment; however, she was shocked. The other Metro representatives couldn't give a good impression on the natives of this world, but this man proved otherwise. Even for a people, who have survived the end of the world, they were still capable of showing off.

A young man in a dark-blue uniform entered the room as his shoes tapped the marble floor. The Atlesian Military had a knack for such, but to learn that Polis could compete with them was shocking. There was a patch over the right side of his chest with a strange design of the letter M while a skull appeared underneath. Aside from the elaborate design of the uniform, there was a medal planted on the other side.

Yet, Winter recognized the person wearing the uniform.

When he took off his cap off his head, she spoke. "Nevermind what I said about him not coming."

"What makes you say that?" It appeared he wasn't aware of the new arrival. "Who is this man?"

"Grandfather, Artyom is the representative for Polis." She watched as the young man seemed unnerved at the amount of eyes looking at him. They all waited for him to do something.

However, a Hanza ambassador walked over to him and shook his hand. "It's quite a surprise that Polis would send you of all people." Then he looked around at the curious faces. "Everyone, I would like to introduce you to the Savior of the Metro."

The young Russian tapped his shoulder. "With all due respect, I prefer you don't bring so much attention for me."

"Nonsense! I think you deserve it after what you've been through."

Despite the friendly nature of the Hanza ambassador, Winter made her way to rescue her friend from what could end up as a disaster. "Artyom, I thought you were recovering from your injuries?"

The Ranger expressed his surprise with the widening of his eyes. "I did. A swig of vodka and a cup of tea tend to do plenty of work."

"Come with me, I want to introduce you to someone." She brought him into the crowd of the Atlesian aristocracy before the entire room returned to their one cliques and conserved among themselves. When she brought him to her grandfather, Winter grabbed his attention. "Grandpa Nick, I would like to introduce you to Artyom."

The senior Schnee stood tall and brought out his hand. "I've heard many stories about you, young man and you may want to entertain me with them."

The Russian glanced over to the specialist with confusion. "You're introducing me to your grandfather?"

"Of course. Consider it an honor that you've met the Schnee of all people." He replied. "Say, what is your name again? Names tend give a good impression on me and I hope you foreigners give off something different."

Winter began wondering. "Grandfather, I don't think we could ask that of him. It might be-"

To her surprise, the Russian displayed otherwise. "My name is Artyom Alekseyevich Chyornj, Polis Ranger of the Spartan Order."

Mr. Schnee placed a hand on his shoulder. "I must say, I should head over to the Metro and see if it is a place to see."

"I wouldn't recommend it."

"Really? How so?"

Artyom's demeanor changed. "The Metro is a hell hole and I truly mean it in every sense of those words. The only reason anybody would want to go there is when you really want to die."

The warm smile Nicholas Schnee expressed turned as well, with a respectful nod realizing his mistake. "I apologize if I offended you in any way."

"Offend me? No, you're mistaken. It is a fact where I am from. Ask anyone in this room who lives in the Metro, it's a hell hole."

"Still. I didn't mean to garner such a response from someone such as yourself." Then he changed the topic to something different. "Say, how did you meet my daughter?"

Winter couldn't believe he was asking that question. The information regarding one of Atlas's secret programs couldn't be divulged to the public, including family. "Grandpa Nick, we can't really say much about it."

"I understand. Do not worry, Winter. Perhaps closed doors would help alleviate the matter from the burden you carry." Then his eyes began observing Artyom's uniform. "Not everyday do you see something like that in your life."

Mrs. Schnee joined the trio, but for a short moment. "Father, Jacques has some associates he wants to introduce to you."

He glanced over to her. "What? More suitors for poor Winter? You know how those go, Willow."

Rather than bring her friend bringing into a mess, Winter walked up to him and whispered to his ear. "Follow me. We're going outside."

After the duo sneaked out of the party, Artyom and Winter found themselves standing in a frozen garden as snow slowly floated to the ground. The specialist felt a sense of relief as she walked over to farthest place away from the door's entrance. "I'm sorry if my grandfather was asking you questions you didn't want to answer."

The Ranger walked up beside her as they looked over the rest of Vale from the balcony. "I don't mind. He seems like a good guy in my opinion." Then he slipped his cap onto his head. "It's not like my step-father wouldn't do the same."

"Did you know that he was in the party?" She asked. "I didn't tell my parents, but Grandpa Nick might be suspicious. He has a keen sense when it comes to people."

"Are you afraid I might embarrass you?"

"No, not at all. It's rather the opposite. I'm afraid my grandfather wouldn't like me to be in your company."

A chuckle escaped from Artyom. "I don't blame him. Guys who make a living on bullets and mushrooms are not something to be proud of." He answered. "Tonight reminds me of home, a bit."

"It does?"

She saw him smile at his own memory. "After you left and I unofficially joined the Rangers, I was alone on the surface and had to find the Sparta Base. During my journey, I think I found my house and perhaps a picture of my mother and I. The snow reminds me of that moment minus the poisonous air."

Then the duo stood beside the railing as Winter's hand held his. "I have to ask you a question, why did you risk your life for me. You know you couldn't handle them during the aura transfer."

Artyom lowered his head before looking at her. "How would I put it, because I love you." He replied. "I've never met someone who would endure some of my burdens when I left my home. Ever since you've been given such an important task that you never exactly had a choice in, I felt I was obligated to help you." Came his explanation. "You were there for me and now I'll be here for you."

"That is very sweet of you." She stated. "I've met many men who tried to express their love for me many reasons, but yours is the most honest one yet." Her head leaned forward and stole a kiss from the Polis Ranger. "I think you deserve a token from a maiden-in-distress."

His cheeks were filled with blood as he turned away in embarrassment. "If Uhlman was here, he would be telling the others about it."

"Be happy my father is inside. He wouldn't have any of this."

"Perhaps, but there is an old saying before the war."

"What would that be?"

"From Moscow with love."

Winter wouldn't believe him. "You're lying. There is no such saying."

"I disagree, my fair lady."

"I didn't think you would have such charm."

"Thank the vodka." He replied. "Now I'm in a mood to sing."

"What kind of song would that be?"

"One, I think you will agree with." Artyom answered. "Not even a whisper is to be heard in the garden…"

Many eyes monitored the Moscow Metro System, particularly the agents they had sent to infiltrate the ranks of every organization. However, such news of another world had caught their interest as it could be a potential asset. If the stories were true about the new world that agents have entered, it could tip the scale.

None of the Metro states knew of their true intent. Good. They would not allow it. They had survived for so long and endured so much. These people needed to think they were alone.

Although the call was up to his superior, the man watching the world of the Metro needed to inform the commander. His hand reached for the phone on his desk and dialed the number. A long line of awaited him while the observer's eyes focused on one monitor displaying a firefight between a Nazi and Communist units. Barbarians. Going to their baser instincts just to survive.

When the line had been connected, he heard a man's voice speak to him. "Yes, what is it?"

The observer rose from his desk and looked down at the document regarding about the world known as Remnant. "Get me in touch with the president, this is top priority."

Author's Note: You know, Artyom actually fits the RWBY naming rules. Artyom is a derivation from the word Artemis, the Greek god of hunting. Chyornyj literally means black/darkness. So he fits some of the fandom bits of RWBY.

This is the final chapter and I'm happy I reached this point. I'm kinda laughing that the story's initial chapters were intended put into a railroad plot, but my desire to be creative demanded change. Oh was that a good thing.

If anyone is confused about that last bit, thank the Metro 2035 novel for that.

The sequel is called My Fair Lady. A fitting title, wouldn't you agree?

delta2177: These lips are sealed.

Gamerman22: You're welcome.

Lt. Frostdromeda: I intend to make a sequel, but that will take some time.

TMDF-Artyom: You're welcome.

TheShadowOfZama: If there is one thing I've learned about stories, you need conflict and there is plenty of potential for conflict on Remnant and in the Metro. Now about Jacques Schnee, I may have made him too much of an ass to begin with. However, it's behind closed doors. It's rather something I deliberately made since Jacques has that strained relationship with General Ironwood. The difference between Ironwood and Miller, the colonel knows how much Artyom has endured since his first steps to save his home station. In his eyes, it's a great disrespect for someone to belittle someone like him.

Psihopatul: Spasibo.

Guest: Although the story will be open-ended, there will be a conclusion. It's one of the quirks of Russian literature, concluding a story whether it implies the next following events are good or bad.

The Many: Yes, Remnant has monsters that are attracted to negative emotions, but you can't escape poisonous air. The lost souls, damned forever, still lurk in the tunnels and bring the unfortunate to their fate. The afterlife is gone with only the gate to Heaven still working, but bringing a stalker to his doom rather than salvation. The laws of reality have been altered and the humanity that once ruled the Earth have become nothing more than rats lurking through the remains of their own civilization.