It was such a relief to be back home with her children. Iduna hoped that the castle would finally be alive after all of these years; however, something felt off about Elsa's behavior. Years ago, she would have been a quiet girl, but still lived for some degree of excitement had her powers not interfered with her life. As a parent, she carried that mental regret that perhaps isolating her from the rest of the world was the most prominent mistake of her life.

What made her family truly fortunate was that someone helped her daughter leave the confines of her bedroom to meet with Anna on a daily basis. This stranger by the name of Artyom had saved her family from its self-destruction and she wondered if Elsa would speak of him, given how her sister expressed the closeness of their friendship.

She wandered through the halls after several days of rest and recovery. Her husband was proud that their girls could handle the affairs of the state despite having little experience to guide them. There was a consideration of retaking the throne, but even the servants spoke highly of Elsa's ability in diplomacy, whether it was nobles of Europe or the strangers from another world. That kind of reaction alone made the king and the queen let their daughter continue with her rule.

Queen Elsa of Arendelle, it would have been wonderful if she had seen the day of her coronation. Iduna continued to think about all the things she had missed and it deeply harmed her soul.

Gerda was carrying a stack of plates as she was passing by. "Your majesty, are you looking for something?"

Iduna raised her head out of deep thought and smiled. "I was looking for Elsa. Have you seen here?"

"Did you check the study?"

"No, what could she be doing there?" She asked.

"She is probably holed up in that secret room we found awhile back," The servant answered while calmly balancing her grip, "Perhaps you can find her there."

"I'll go check it out."

Before she could, Gerda seemed to have a question for her. "Just curious, have you seen a corkscrew lying around?"

The former queen shook her head.

"Oh well, Kai will have to fetch a new one."

She navigated back to the familiar rooms and hallways that have been adjusted to her daughter's liking. It was not like she could complain about the changes since Elsa was now in charge.

When she entered the study, it was as if all the memories of this room had flowed into her mind at a single moment. The endless hours of making that scarf, the day Agnarr proposed to her, and where the family made a friend from another world. All of it occurred in this room and it had its own fright given the current silence in a place that was so lively.

Iduna looked to her left to find the secret room where she would hide the knowledge of her Northuldran past. She remembered the sequence it took to unlock it and as the engineering fulfilled its purpose at opening the entrance, Elsa was sitting at her desk, underneath a well-lit room. It appeared that she was busy reading a book, but much to her horror, there was a black bottle and a glass beside her.

Her daughter turned her head, guilty of what lay in her possession. "Mother?"

She didn't want to chastise Elsa, but the former queen was worried. "Dear, are you drinking?"

"Yes," Came her answer as she turned her gaze upon the pages of her book, "My mind is troubled by some thoughts. I had hoped it would end my sorrow, but all it does is make me bitter."

The room was fortunate enough to have another chair and Iduna eagerly took it to seat herself beside her daughter. "What's wrong? If you need someone to hear you out, your father and I are available."

A page was flipped, revealing an elaborate drawing of Elsa in the chapel, surrounded by a number of nobles, "Have you ever felt regret in a conversation with somebody because something wasn't said?"

"Yes. A regret that painfully eats away at you," The sentiment was born from that fateful day when two girls thought their parents died, "Is there someone you want to talk about?"

"The one who drew this picture - Artyom," Elsa nudged her alcohol away from her as she released a faint smile, "I think I was in love with him but didn't know it then. A queen shouldn't act like a lady-in-waiting, yet, here I am. He made it possible for me to reconnect with Anna instead of hiding away in my bedroom."

Seeing her daughter frett over her feelings for someone she loved, but was now dead, had moved her. It told the kind of character he was, but also how much her life was changed. Iduna had seen a similar sentiment from Agnarr when he spoke of the last time he saw his father. "You cannot dwell on such matters. Life will often test you by how you react to the suffering it brings. Seeing you drink your sorrows away, pains me. What would he think if he saw you like this?"

The queen leaned back in her seat and glanced at the black bottle in front of her. "He would want me to stop."

Iduna remembered a faint moment where her daughters talked about true love. It was comical to see them bicker about innocent thoughts on how they would find their significant other. Anna was a firm believer in this idea about love at first sight, but Elsa perhaps knew it was far more complicated than that. Now she was experiencing the truth of that sentiment.

"It's funny when I look at Artyom's drawing," She began, "At my coronation, he didn't even sit at the front where all the nobles and foreign representatives were at. By the time I saw him, he was standing near the door, one blink away from being unnoticed. He did so much, but did not even express his desires other than helping me."

Her motherly instinct had called upon her and so she leaned forward to hug her daughter. There was joy in her voice while she reminisced with the past of a soul dear to her. "Love is ever a fickle creature and people often lack the ability to see the signs. Even your father and I had trouble noticing each other feelings."

Tears slipped from the girl's cheeks and crystalized into small ice. "I miss him, I really do."

A trio of men had found land; however, they were far from the train and any approach that would lead them there. Still, they were fortunate enough that a few wooden hovels and shacks still remained after these two decades. Pavel busied himself with a makeshift firepit, trying to give the flames a decent amount of life before they would press onward in their journey. At the same time, Artyom began to nurse the ill-treated local inside one of the shacks. It was a silent affair as the man seemed to keep to himself while the Polis Ranger finished cutting up fish as his meal.

A whistle roared outside as the soldier spoke up. "Comrade, the tea is ready."

He walked out to the firepit to find Pavel pouring steaming hot tea into cups that were salvaged from the shelter. Three cups for each soul as Artyom made his way towards the unnamed local was laid down on the couch. Once the drink was passed around, he spoke, "So, stranger, what brings you two in this valley? My people are not kind to trespassers, especially those with unknown purposes."

The two soldiers exchanged a quick look at each other before Pavel nodded his head. It took a minute to formulate some thoughts, but the caretaker replied, "There is a train near the dam. My people are simply lost soldiers, refugees, or unfortunate souls trying to find a good place to live. We have found it, but we will not make it until the rage of winter has passed. So we are staying here until the weather clears."

"Since you two have rescued me, I think my help is absolutely needed given how unfamiliar both of you are to this place. We need to meet with the Forest Court and earn their judgement as soon as possible."

"Why? We haven't done anything."

The unshaven man shook his head at the reply. "Yes, but the Pirates will view your actions differently. Our experience with bandits tends to make us shoot first and ask questions later."

Pavel scoffed at the man's explanation. "That's a shit policy if you ask me."

"You do not live in this forest. I am telling you what I know in exchange for my rescue."

Artyom quickly gestured his hand to stop his companion from making any remarks. "When will you be capable to bring us to this court of yours? There are women and children on that train and will reply in kind if they do attack."

The stranger took a sip from his cup before he continued. "Soon. This drink of yours is surprisingly energetic."

"It's a secret from my home," He answered, "I really hope it is enough."

"Well, you offered me quite a treat and haven't poisoned me. I hope we can trust each other enough to exchange a few names. My name is Roman."

"My name is Artyom and my friend here is Pavel."

Roman raised his eyebrows at the names. "I'd expected more from men beyond this valley."

"We're soldiers from Moscow," Pavel replied, "It's an incredibly long story that might be too hard to believe if we told you right now."

He expressed a smile on his face. "I would like to hear it if either of you would permit."

The flames crackled as usual; however, there was also another sound mixed into the air. Soon the trio was put on alert for detail so small as the communist reached for the teapot and dumped its contents on the fire. While the embers were extinguished at that moment, the Polis Ranger found himself wrapped in complete darkness as he lowered his night-vision goggles and embraced the green in his device. Pavel immediately sought shelter in the wooden hovel across from him as he rested the barrel of his weapon atop the window sill.

Minutes passed as they waited for ominous silence to end. There was something out there that was stalking their positions and its unknown pair of eyes made the situation even more unsettling. Then a single step made the ground shake and each advance was filled with a terrifying weight the closer it moved towards the small firepit. Artyom noticed an immense shadow beside his companion's shelter as it crept closer.

He could make out the face of the beast sniffing around until its gaze met him. A single minute passed as they stared at each other, unwilling to break line of sight lest the other gained the advantage. His hands reached for his assault rifle hanging from his person, his fingers waiting to switch off the safety and hold down the trigger.

The shelter's occupant on the other side had revealed himself as the giant bear turned its head and growled. Its hand swiped at the corner of the building, tearing it apart while Pavel screamed in absolute terror and fired his weapon.

Artyom was quick to move outside and rescue his comrade from the danger. His Kalashnikov lit up the night, the barrel loudly proclaiming where the fight was occurring. The bear was taken aback by the young man's assert of dominance as enough space was given for the communist to escape from his hiding spot. "Get Roman and leave, I'll hold it off!"

Not a single word had to be said his friend rushed out of the building and retreated towards Roman's spot on the couch. The young man looked over his shoulder to find Roman being carried by his shoulder, leaving him to stand his ground. The bear roared out of spite before it rushed forward with a thunderous charge.

He quickly brandished an incendiary grenade from his belt and tossed it at the beast's hide. Yet, such an incredible monster would take a while to be stopped in its tracks. He jumped to the right side, flanking the creature and emptying an entire magazine in a single hold of the trigger. It was not enough as the beast rotated its front towards him and made a sweeping reach with its paw. Unfortunately, the claws snagged onto his sling, taking the young man along as well.

When Artyom was untangled, he found himself flying into a clearing and landing upon tall grass. As he regained his senses and stood up, his weapon was nowhere to be found while the large bear followed up on this with another attack. It was too close to draw out his Hellbreathe hanging from his back and so he prepared for the fight of his life. The young man paused as he felt the vibrations coming from behind.

The monster of an animal howled a horrifying cry as he turned around and drew his sword. A silver flicker came from the blade upon seeing a simmer of the moonlight. Soon the tall grass began to flatten as the creature pressed the attack, exposing its head towards the Polis Ranger at his final stand. Then the maw was revealed as a fearsome battle began between the two, but it should have known better. The bear was the master of the wilderness; however, it was mankind that once ruled the world.

It underestimated the knight of the apocalypse as he gave an overhead swing and slashed into its left side. Yet, the soldier quickly responded with another, revealing a series of stings it would endure as a flurry of attacks began to leave marks onto its head. Although the cuts were small, it was the speed that of his fury that left such a terrifying impression on the bear that it stumbled away from him. He did not relent with his counterassault; however, the creature could not take it anymore.

The bear wildly swiped at him to stay back as if it had enough. For the first time in its existence, this apex predator found itself afraid of the prey it hunted. How could he not be terrified? Artyom had not only seen more horrifying creatures of the radioactive hellscape, but he had also slain most of them. This experience was no different for him and so the freak of nature rose up on its back legs, using its height to intimidate him.

He remained persistent in this fight by reaching for his grenade belt for his incendiary and throwing it at the bear's stomach. The flames splashed at the most vulnerable part of the animal as it leaned back uncontrollably, thanks to the pain. Yet, it did not end there as the young man rushed towards its hind legs and thrust his saber deep into its foot. He was rewarded when the monster could not control itself and landed on its back.

There was enough distance between him and the beast. As it rolled on the ground to put out the fire, the Polis Ranger sheathed his blade and slung his railgun from his back. The charge had deteriorated since its previous use, but he immediately squeezed the charging handle as the needle found itself put to the maximum. Its barrel was whining with electricity as Artyom lined up his sights on the bear.

When the flame was gone, it turned its head directly onto him and was making its second approach in the woods. Any trees that were in the way had found their roots torn up from the ground thanks to the sheer weight of muscle. He aimed for its head and let out a deep breath.

Artyom pulled the trigger as the ball-bearing was launched, leaving behind a trail of electrical energy before dissipating into the air. Unlike the cut of the Arendellian-crafted sword, the Hellbreathe was a weapon that would penetrate deep into the hide of his foe. He stole a quick glance at the charging meter stabilize and fired another round, stumbling it. This time, the bear began to hold its head with its paws, dealing with this newfound wound.

He did not relent, firing consecutively at his target. Yet, something felt wrong as it ignored his shots and threw itself into danger. The mouth widened as if it was willing to endure more suffering just to kill him. He slowly stepped back as his tube of ammunition was finally empty.

Now left with no choice, the soldier reached for the holster of his sidearm and drew the American-made pistol from Vladivostok. His reflex had allowed him to swiftly line up his weapon before his trigger finger tapped the firing mechanism so quickly that his magazine was empty in a mere few seconds.

Whether it was fate or luck, somehow the wounds it sustained were too much. The monster slowed down with each step as the head appeared to be weakened by the damage he inflicted. Instead of a triumphant conquest of an unfortunate human, the strength failed it and caused the beast to crash on the very ground. The eyes slowly flickered, but it was clear who had won the contest.

The soldier reloaded his weapons; however, he kept his Hellbreath in his arms as he lined up another shot at the mortally wounded animal. Much as Artyom knew how to kill with cold efficiency, he was not one to let it suffer a cruel and slow death. In another place and another time, it would have lived in these lands undisturbed of human interference, but not this night. He pulled the trigger once more, taking another life from this world.

What was truly amazing was that he did all of this in complete darkness, using his night-vision goggles. The equipment was never meant for this kind of combat, but he was glad that it on this night.

He barely had a moment to recover as a snap of a twig made him instinctively turn towards the origins of the sound. Dozens of men stood before him, wearing animal skulls atop their heads, all carrying a crossbows in their arms. Had they been watching him the entire time?

They froze upon realization that he had seen them; however, their weapons were lowered as one of them spoke up. "Avast, stranger, we don't mean any harm. Roman sent us to find you."

"Were you watching me the whole time?" Artyom asked as he slung his railgun over his back.

"Yeah. You were fighting the Master of the Forest. Anyone with any good sense would stay clear of the most dangerous creature in this valley."

"Was dangerous."

Another seemed to voice his concerned thoughts. "Who are you to be brave enough to stand against him?"

Artyom stole a glance at the bear as he raised his goggles. "I'm just a simple stalker."

The affairs of the motherland were a constant series of making calls and handing out paperwork. Yet, things began to calm down long enough for Colonel Mel'nikov to relax in his office at Polis. For the most part, he missed going out in the field to command troops and fire his weapons at enemies who dared to shoot the soldiers of the Order.

The door was unlocked as a Polis Guard stepped inside and snapped his boots together. "Sir, you have a visitor from OSKOM. Colonel Klebnikov wishes to speak with you."

He gestured his hand towards the younger soldier as he stepped aside and allowed the officer from the Novosibirsk Metro to enter. Soon after, he left and closed it on his way out. "Take a seat. Is there something you want to talk with me about?"

When the OSKOM soldier sat down, he adjusted his collar and nodded his head. "Yes. General Vinogradov and high command sent me a message. Apparently, they found something related to the teleporters."

He raised his eyebrows. "Really?"

"Teleporter stakes," He replied, "We found documents claiming that they were specifically designed to allow that stockpile of weapons and vehicles to be deployed anywhere as long as they are activated and planted in the ground. It probably explains why there isn't a vehicle section in the other world."

"Could you safely transport here so our scientists can inspect them?" Mel'nikov asked with genuine curiosity. Such asset would be a great addition to the Order's military projection.

"I can."

"Good. Anything else you wanted to talk to me about?"

"One of your men, Uhlman, reported something about some global interference while his stay at Vladivostok," He answered, "He said that there were sparse transmissions using your Order's codes."

That genuinely earned his attention as he leaned back in his chair. "When?"

"A few days ago. He also said the signal was getting stronger, which means that whoever is using them is getting closer to Vladivostok."

The colonel began to ponder in his chair as he considered the possibilities; however, the only time his people were traveling across Russia was the expedition. Then he remembered those who were cut off. Hansa, the Red Line, the Fourth Reich, OSKOM, and the Polis Rangers were trapped with their backs against an army of bandits. The political leaders had an axe to grind when they learned of his disaster with their troops, but then he remembered that Artyom was among the many.

Could it be that he survived? It was a thought that had never crossed his mind, but he was the only person present that knew about the expedition to the city in the far east. Maybe they did live? Yet, he kept that consideration away from his mouth.

"Colonel Mel'nikov?" His OSKOM counterpart asked, "Are you alright?"

He looked up and gave a slight smile. "I'm trying to think who it would be and all I'm getting is a blank."

Colonel Klebnikov did not say anything, but his expression and gaze hinted that he probably guessed it as well. Until there was something concrete for either man to investigate, he would have to keep a close tab on the matter until it resurfaced or disappeared in his reports.

A ship had arrived from the Southern Isles as Prince Hans waited in the docks. He was eager to see its cargo. After all, it had been part of his plan to swoon the queen under his influence. At the same time, he noticed the number of German mercenaries that had taken part in the disposition of the ship's cargohold. Soldiers in flamboyant uniforms stepped off the ship with crates in hand, often shouting at each other to be careful with their contents. They would serve him well in the events to come.

One of the mercenaries stepped off the ship, his armor more ornate and distinct from those below him. With each step, he carefully held a small box in his hands as he approached the prince in a seamless stride. "You're highness, I have come with your item just as you requested."

The box was slowly handed over to the royal as he opened the box to take a glimpse. A pink velvet color acted as a cushion for an ornate ring with a large diamon at the top, earning an eager smile. It looked perfect enough that he reached for his belt and passed a pouch of gold over to the mercenary officer. "Here is your reward."

"I know it is out of my place to ask," The German began as he took the money, "but when will my men and I see action? What we have been doing is more akin to dockworking than actual soldiers."

"In time, captain. In time." Hans answered as he turned away from his subordinate and initiate the most crucial of his plans.

The Baron waited for this day, watching as his men prepared the teleporter to function one more time. Although Giul hadn't been caught, she was no longer a problem as more gangs from outside the neighborhood heard the rumors of his operations and so they proclaimed their loyalty to him. News of fresh water and fertile lands was enough for him to gather his strength to solidify his rule in these lands.

"It's done!" One of his engineers shouted as he took a step back and flipped a switch.

A black sphere appeared in a blink of an eye as bandits looked at it curiously. "Good, step into the portal. We have a prince to meet."

Dozens upon dozens of men were eager to take the lead as he followed after them with a cane in hand. His bodyguards stayed close in their heavy armor, a contrast to the lightly armored men in rags.

When they entered, the men were embraced with complete darkness as some turned on their flashlights for better sightlines. Then they looked around to find that they had arrived in a dark room filled in stone. Fortunately, there had been people waiting for them with candles and lanterns in hand as they revealed themselves in clean uniforms.

The Baron had more questions to this arrival. "Where are we?"

One of the servants quietly spoke up. "We are underneath the royal castle. This place has not been used, save for his highness, Prince Hans."

"So where is he?" The old man demanded as he stepped forward with his cane, "At Arendelle, but he gave us strict orders to welcome your stay at his family home."

The servant who spoke turned towards the doorway as more servants entered the room with wooden tables or platters full of warm food. When the setup of food, silverware, and plates were placed, all the bandits were allured by the aroma of a smell they haven't had before.

"He will return soon, but please, enjoy."

Seleucus 01: You are welcome. I have a feeling that the reason why it hasn't gotten any reviews is because I haven't updated the fic on a consecutive basis. Right now, I'm posting because there's a massive backlog of chapters that have only been shown on SpaceBattles.