The commander of the Spartan Order did not waste any time trying to make Arendelle a fortress against invasion. He had set up his headquarters at the base camp outside of the underground bunker complex but in sight of the Arendellian castle. Reports from the Moscow Metro revealed that Hansa, the Fourth Reich, and the Red Line have declared a temporary truce in order to assist in this defense, which was good news given their hatred for each other. Tom had left the submarine's care to Captain Baranov, returning to Vladivostok and overseeing the production of high-quality firearms for the eventual war. The only people Colonel Mel'nikov was concerned about were those of OSKOM as they had more professional soldiers to offer on hand.

A strange rumbling noise echoed from the dark caverns where Arendelle and the legacy of the Soviet Union met. He turned his head to see an old companion step out from the shadows with a smile on his face. "Comrade-Colonel, we've managed to do something you'll very much enjoy."

"What's that?" The soldier wondered as he looked down at his table full of maps and reports, "Make it quick, I got ten other things to worry about."

"My engineers and I were busy in the motor pool. We've refurbished some tanks, APCs, and a few helicopters for use."

That knowledge alone was enough to grab his attention as he turned towards the engineer he had with him. Part of him was full of joy knowing that the old authority he once served still left an inheritance. Still, he had to temper his excitement. "Vladimir, what about fuel?"

"If we ration the fuel that has been stored in the facility, it will last us a few years," He answered, "We even got some artillery pieces and their ammo."

"Good. Keep fixing up anything we have in there. The more we have, the less bleeding we'll have to do."

Soon the man stepped away from the colonel and returned to the darkness as tanks roared to life and began to drive past the commander. Yet, they were not the only ones arriving on the scene. A collection of soldiers throughout the Moscow Metro were arriving in full force with whatever their leaders could provide. What had surprised him was the number of OSKOM troops showing up before he saw his counterpart arrive with a smile on his face and his visor raised. "Comrade, it's good to see you."

"Klebnikov," He greeted back as they shook hands, "What's the news from Novosibirsk?"

"We've managed to get a chunk of our people into Vladivostok and General Vinogradov managed to convince the leadership to grant you your reinforcements. How are things around here while I've been away?"

The Polis Ranger turned his full attention towards the castle below and the fjord it overlooked. He was unsure how much his preparations will help as the thought of the enemy's size came into mind. "I don't know. We don't have any estimates of their numbers but I am certain Prince Hans is going to return in force. The question is will we have enough to stop them and put them in their place?"

A rider approached the base camp in a green shirt and white trousers. It was the nobleman from Imperial Russia. The man had dressed up in his military uniform as he dismounted his horse and took off his hat. "I've heard rumors about the war that will come towards this kingdom. It has brought my majesty into making a decision - he's willing to lend his hand towards any efforts you make. My regiments are at your service."

"Thank you, Prince Vaska," Colonel Mel'nikov appreciated the man's presence, "Right now we are concentrating solely on the defense of the castle and its surrounding inhabitants. We're getting artillery to defend the fjord but I do not know if we have enough."

"Worry not, I've got three artillery batteries brought with me."

It managed to let Klebnikov let out a remark about the level of forces the noble brought with him. "It sounds like you got yourself a small army."

"Unlike the rest of my peers in court, I am a bit of an eccentric adventurer," Vaska Dolokhov answered, "You should have seen me when I gave the Ottomans a heart attack."

"Must be a sight to see."

He didn't have time for this conversation to get derailed. "As much I would appreciate a good story, we still have an army to face. Anything else the tsar is willing to offer?"

"Yes," The prince answered as he rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, "With such a small army, we've brought a number of vessels. His majesty is returning to St. Petersburg to rally the army to our aid but he's leaving behind the fleet at our discretion."

"A fleet with shore artillery. I hope it works well with the nuclear submarine we got in the water."

The prince was surprised by what he said. "Pardon me, a what?"

"Underwater warship?" Colonel Mel'nikov answered as he leaned his back against the table for stability and crossed his arms, "Captain Baranov is in charge of it and apparently, it has some torpedoes for stealth attacks. Right now he's returning with Artyom and the Queen of Arendelle but he'll be taking a break for most of the day before his crew heads out and starts checking out what Hans has in store for us."

Relief was all that the Queen of Arendelle could feel after spending time behind a magical barrier in Northuldra. The situation at home was dire but she was glad to know the truth about… everything. As she sat down on her bed and relaxed on her way home, Elsa remembered that night when Artyom confronted her about the ice magic. She had been afraid all her life until he walked in on hers and encouraged her to embrace it. The young woman loved him for that before being reminded about Prince Hans' treachery. Thinking about that man had made her blood boil but she would deal with him when the time comes. Now? The royal just wanted to love the man she almost lost forever.

People talked in the hallway before the door opened and Artyom entered the room. He took off his helmet and carefully placed his weapons in the corner. "I had just called in with your family. They've met with the Northuldrans and they're rendezvousing with us back at the castle."

She sat up and moved to the side before patting the space for the soldier to sit down. No word was said as he made his way over and sat beside her. His cheeks reddened before he grimaced in his thoughts.

"What was happening back there?"

Elsa was taken aback by the question before she realized it was about the ice island in the middle of the sea. "I was exploring my powers. A siren had been calling out to me and it originated there. I had to see what it had in store for me. Something tells me that I am the fifth spirit, a bridge between magical nature and the rest of the world."

"You were always magical," Artyom replied as he laid his head against the wall, "Part of me felt that you were different… in a good way."

"What is that supposed to mean? In what good way?"

She genuinely did not know if this remark was a compliment or an insult before the Russian let out a small chuckle. "Life likes to challenge people like a blacksmith creating a sword. It begins to be rough and course before the flames truly test whether you will remain as iron or become steel. It seems to me that you finally passed that test."

"You truly have your insights into the world," Elsa moved closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder. Having him this close made her heart flutter like butterflies before she asked the question about his well-being ever since their separation, "What happened to you? How did you make your return?"

"We had left the Caspian. It was the only good option left to us since we would have died there if we didn't take the Baron up on his offer to join him. That wasn't a life for me. We traversed through the wastelands and even picked up people along the journey before finding a train and heading east towards Vladivostok. However, our timetable was off the clock and we decided to stay in a valley to let winter pass before continuing on our journey. Circumstances then forced us to sift through the radioactive hellscape that is Vladivostok before I took a mutant's fist to the face."

She took a good look at him and saw his finger pointing towards his head.

"I don't know how I survived that to be frankly honest."

The queen took the moment to grab ahold of his arm and kept him close. "I'm just glad you're back. There's much for us to catch up on."

"Indeed," He answered as his hand locked with hers, "But the defense of Arendelle takes priority."

"The defense? What has happened while I had been away in Northuldra?"

The Russian leaned back and slumped against the wall. "Prince Hans is coming back with an army to take your kingdom. Colonel Mel'nikov is gathering everyone and everything he can to defend your home as we speak but I don't know if we have enough."

"Is your army not large enough to deal with whatever the prince has in store for us?" Elsa asked now concerned that the future of her people was at stake, "What can we do?"

"My people are well-armed for post-apocalypse survivors but we haven't had a massive war on this scale since the Hansa-Red Line War and that was a long time ago. That being said, we might make it out of this alive."

She smiled at that last sentence. It was a moment of optimism for him but one that was welcomed. "After what we have been through? I would think so."

"It's not just that," Artyom replied, "I know my people. When we are backed in the corner, we'll fight to the death and you managed to save us from our doom by helping us. Part of me thinks they'll return the favor."

"I'll take your word on it."

The queen crossed her legs before he let out a remark on a detail attached to her finger. "What is with the ring?"

"What's that?" Elsa looked down to see her hand before freezing in place at the ring on her finger, "It was a gift from Hans. He proposed to me that night."

She took the ring off and inspected the expensive decorations spent on its construction.

"I was a foolish girl who was so eager for love."

He scooted closer to her and took the ring from her hands. "Don't be too hard on yourself. Neither of us expected his treachery for a long time. Shit happens and all we can do is try to react to it when it does. If it gives you any solace, I could make a better ring than the one he bought?"

"Pardon?" Her eyes widened as she looked at him, "You could make a better ring?"

"You forget, your majesty, I was once a blacksmith before I was a stableboy."

The queen of Arendeele chuckled at the claim as she huddled close to him.

The base camp had been left behind as members of the northern expedition pressed forward. Iduna was eager to meet with her people after all of these years but her time living in Arendelle almost made her rusty as the expedition's guide. Life had changed after all this time and what she had known about her homeland would have been outdated or forgotten. She didn't know what to expect at this point and… she was afraid.

Her husband let out a remark as he walked beside her. "How are you feeling, dear? You seem to be letting out a sweat."

"I'm nervous," She replied with a faint smile before leading the way towards the familiar spots across the Enchanted Forest, "I've been with you for so long that my people might not recognize me as one of their own."

"It's okay we can face this together. We've been preparing for this day ever since I proposed to you that night."

The former queen smiled as she looked forward to facing her fear head-on. Her husband's confidence helped dispel whatever anxiety she had in her heart. Still, Northuldra was a place that was full of surprises. She looked over her shoulder to see the retinue of Arendellian servants and guards alongside the Russian soldiers accompanying the royals. With a party this large, they were bound to encounter her people at some point.

What truly surprised Iduna was the trail that had appeared in front of her. It was a familiar feeling as she recognized the path. Her home had its habits and sometimes her people would traverse them to the main camps littered throughout this land. If she could trace these pathways back then perhaps she could truly return to her people.

It was sudden but the group froze in place as green lines appeared throughout the forest and marked down any living soul among them. Yet, the origins of this source of light had revealed themselves as Russian soldiers stepped out from behind the thick trees before lowering their weapons. Polis Rangers of the Spartan Order presented themselves as one of the men raised his armored visor above his face. "Woah, lucky that didn't shoot first. You must be the guys from the base camp. We've been waiting for you."

Agnarr stepped forward as he wondered about them. "Where are the Northuldrans?"

"Not far from here, sir," One of the soldiers replied, "They're packing up their stuff and moving south. Their leader said that they were going to meet with the Arendellians to properly make up."

Iduna quickly took control of the conversation. "Do you know who the leader of the Northuldrans is? I need to know."

He shrugged his shoulders. "Some old gal by the name of Yalena. Why?"

"I know her. She is an old friend of mind. Will you take us to her?"

"Sure," The soldier answered before he gestured his hands towards the royals and their entourage.

Anna stayed behind while her parents went north. There was much to be said with Pavel as they took the moment to be away from the rest of the camp. A small blanket covered a piece of an open field between the Arendelle and Northuldra just so Pavel could arrive at the picnic with a bucket full of ice and champagne. This moment was also shared as Olaf accompanied them alongside a canine companion that the communist brought with him.

She thought about the origins of the creature and she took a chance to ask her question. "So where exactly did you get the dog from?"

"Eh, what?" He said nonchalantly as he placed the bucket between them and started petting it, "He's actually a wolf. Artyom encountered him on our travels."

"Wait, how did he tame a wolf? You got to tell me the story about that one."

The Russian smiled as he laid down on his side, looking at the princess as she sat down. "It's actually a funny one. Our comrade didn't tame him at all. He just gave him a slab of meat and passed it over to our wild companion."

"So he earned his trust?" Soon a thought came to her as she looked at the wolf accompanying them, only to reach her hand out to touch the creature, "Does he mind being pet?"

"I wouldn't do th-"

Before he had a chance to reply, the wolf growled but didn't snarl at her. Anna could tell that it was showing restraint before the royal pulled her arm away before the animal ceased and laid down on the grass beside them.

"Unfortunately, it takes time for him to get used to others. Don't worry, he'll rub up on you," Pavel looked around before noticing a small detail that concerned him, "Where is Olaf? He has the glasses."

"Right here! Just give me a sec."

The duo looked behind their backs to see the sentient snowman arrive with a covered basket before he set it down on the blanket. Then he presented two glasses for them before the Red brandished a bottle out of the ice and popped the cork onto the grass. "Ah, it's nice to have refreshments since I'd left Arendelle. Would have been nice to have something like this in the middle of the desert."

"Wouldn't that make you dehydrated and die of thirst?" Anna asked while Olaf poured enough for both adults, "What good can come of it?"

"I would die a happy man. Let's have a sip, shall we?"

They clinked their glasses as Olaf brandished took a step back and knocked the basket onto the picnic blanket while also dumping boxes of chocolates before them. "Oops, I didn't mean to do that. This was meant as a surprise."

"A surprise it is," Pavel replied as he reached for one box and opened the case between themselves, "Last time I had these was at your sister's coronation. Not going to lie, I missed these."

The communist picked one chocolate out from the box before Anna became mischievous and snatched it from his fingertips, only to toss it into her mouth. "Mine!"

"What was that for?"

"I really love chocolates," She said before the piece barely melted in her mouth, slowly garbled in sweetness, "Its my sweet tooth."

He began to drink but the soldier pulled the glass away from his lips and sat up. His expression changed as he grimaced at the taste. "What's wrong with this bottle? I'd expected it to taste better than whatever the hell this is."

"Is it that bad?"

She took a sip from hers before a strange feeling overwhelmed her. Part of her felt sick while the other part of her was strangely happy at this moment. The princess giggled as her skin felt a strange sensation flow threw her.

"Woah, I didn't expect that."

Olaf spoke up as he rushed to her. "Uh, I don't think she's okay."

"We can certainly admit that she is a bit of a lightweight," Pavel replied before he looked at the snowman, "Pack everything, I think she's drunk."

Agnarr followed his wife into the depths of the Enchanted Forest. He could not blame Iduna for being excited as this place was her home and she would be reunited with her people. Yet, what about his fate? How would the Northuldrans react that she married him? Would they show him disdain and fear for what had happened all those years ago? It was tempting to think that perhaps they may forget about it but how could they? He and his father came to their lands with the hopes of establishing a friendly peace between their peoples, only to leave disheartened now that his father is likely dead.

What truly lurked into his mind was the souls left behind. When he was a boy, he could hardly forget the Arendellian Honor Guard that accompanied the late King Runeard in a meeting with the Northuldrans. Was there a chance that he would find their remains, to give comfort for those who never knew the truth back home?

Those thoughts came to pass when the party had arrived on the outskirts of a Northuldran camp, not too dissimilar to the one he seen in the past. The guards along the outskirts were quick to alert their occupants as the expedition got closser. Iduna lead the way as they entered deep into the camp to find the elderly and the children take a good look at him and the others. He let out an uneasy smile but the animosity of the past dominated the feeling between the various peoples.

When they reached the center of the camp, an old woman was accompanied by a retinue of young warriors. She stood tall despite her tall age as approached the crowd with pride before speaking her mind. "More of you arrive from the south, what is the meaning of this?"

It was surprise to learn that she did not recognize the two royals who made it their quest to arrive in Northuldra. However, it soon changed when his wife stole a glance from him and made a gesture to follow her lead. They stepped forward as the crone patiently observed them.

"Who are you?"

The former queen slightly smiled before walking up to her. "Yalena, it's me. Don't you remember little Iduna?"

"That… it cannot be," Yalena replied as her expression shifted into that of emotional surprise, "I… we thought you were taken from us when the Arendellians acted treacherously against us."

"It's hard for both of us to accept that we've survived after all this time. I would like to introduce you to someone else, you know him already."

His dear wife stepped aside and brought the camp's attention entirely on him. Yalena's gaze looked at him for a mere moment before she too realized who was here. "You were Prince Agnarr, Runeard's son."

Then she shifted her attention between the two before smiling.

"I see that your friendship has grown into a marriage. One that has fruitfully provided a daughter."

"Two daughters, actually," Agnarr corrected, "Anna is back at the camp just beyond the border."

She smiled and nodded politely. "Yes, it would be nice to properly meet with your family."

A pair of footsteps broke into the center of the camp as all eyes turned their attention toward the newcomers. Yet, the former king recognized the uniforms of the Arendelle, the very same ones worn on his first visit to this land.

"Ah, you have arrived just in time," Yalena turned towards the older warriors before stealing a glance from Agnarr, "Lieutenant Mathias, I suppose you remember one of your own."

The old guard quickly bowed before him as the dark-skinned man was the first to rise and approached his charge. "Your majesty, I am glad you have survived."

"Likewise," He answered as the two men hugged, "We had thought you have been lost forever."

"I failed in my duty to protect your father, please forgive me."

Agnarr knew what he meant by that. "It has been decades since I had last seen my father, it was never your fault."

"Your daughter was here awhile ago," The lieutenant stated as he stepped back, "She said she went north to learn more about her connection with her powers."

"We know. Hopefully, we can catch up with her."

Another barged into the meeting and interrupted everyone. Sukhoi lowered his weapon as he made his announcement. "No need for that, Captain Baranov radioed in and called us. Artyom caught up with Queen Elsa and they're returning back to Arendelle by submarine."

"Thank you for informing us," Iduna replied with eager hope on her face, "If we go to the castle right now, we can make it there tonight. There we can properly celebrate a reunion of our peoples."

"Indeed, I'll send word back to the others to break camp."

Artyom stood on top of the submarine's hull with Elsa by his side. It was a smooth return into the fjord as the duo entered the harbor and bypassed a number of ships in their way. Their arrival did not go unnoticed as sailors and dockworkers alike had peered over the edges of their ships and decks to see the surface of an underwater vessel. Then it stopped near the edge of the docks as several pairs of footsteps approached them from behind.

The Polis Ranger and the queen turned around to see Captain Baranov and Tom standing before them. Soon the older soldier smiled as he smoked a cigarette between his lips. "Here's your stop, I hope both of you have enjoyed your ride. Make it quick, my darling, and I have to go out to sea."

"What will you do in the meantime?" He asked curious about the captain's intentions, "There's not much reason to do so."

"Your colonel radioed to me that he'll be needing our ship for convoy raiding operations. An armada of ships is expected to attack her majesty's kingdom and so I am needed for her role."

Tom walked up to the royal as he pulled out a small card with his name and an assortment of numbers on it and handed it over to her. "I normally don't do ferry favors but a threat to your kingdom is a threat to Vladivostok. That city has been producing high-quality firearms and so I want you to take this. There's a shipment of arms coming in and this will grant you access to whatever you need from our armories. Take it."

After the young girl took it, Captain Baranov smiled before he patted the young man on his shoulder. "Congratulations, comrade. Make this one count."

The two older men turned away and made their way towards the submarine's hatch as the young couple walked over to the docks. Artyom helped the lady off the warship as the submarine reversed back into the open sea. They watched silently as the black-clad vessel began to sink deep into the water, never to be seen again. Elsa remarked on that particular detail. "Funny how I never knew a ship could do that at all. What more fascinating things can your world bring despite being horrible?"

"That's a mystery my forefathers will take to the grave," He really didn't have an answer to that, knowing how little of his world has survived its descent into madness, "Let's go, I'm sure you want to take a break after that little adventure."

"Quite the understatement."

When they walked back towards the castle and arrived on the proper ground, the scenery had shifted from what had normally been peaceful. Now Arendelle's preparation for war was on full display as market stalls were replaced with an assortment of armored vehicles - both land and air. Yet, that was not all, the townsfolk were busy erecting defensive works or providing their own forms of contributions with their food and materials.

One of the commonfolk stepped out from the crowd before Artyom could recognize him. The man's apron had been covered in black smudges while his fingers were covered in soot. "Artyom, I thought you were dead!"

"Well, here I am," The young man's brain realized it was Martin the Blacksmith as he had forgotten about the man after all his time in his world, "What is going on?"

"The news of war, really. Arendelle is getting whatever is needed to fill the granary stocks. We have no gunsmiths or cannon foundries but the weaponry of your people already fills that gap already. Though, it does seem to be bolstered by the assistance of the tsar's honor guard."

Elsa spoke her mind on this issue and he was willing to let her speak. "How would you know so much about this? You're just a blacksmith."

"I've seen a thing or two back in my day as a doppelsöldner with wars to be fought and coin to be earned before I settled down," He answered as his facial expression showed a different man than the one with the warm fatherly smile, "Occasionally, I still receive and send letters to my old kameraden back in the Imperial Army."

"So what will you do to contribute to the war effort?"

A large smile was all he could give. "Rumor has it that thousands of Russians are coming into our world to come to our aid. I don't have enough steel to make swords but enough to make sabre briquets in volume. I'll be working overtime for that though. Speaking of which, how's your sword?"

Now the conversation was shifted in Artyom's direction as he drew his blade and took a good look at it. He remembered the last time he used it against the bear. "I've used it a lot more than I expected but your expertise could help."

"She could use a bit of a brush-up. Don't want your blade getting rusty, now, do we?" The Ranger passed his weapon over to the blacksmith, who took a nice look at its condition before nodding, "Yeah, I'll fix her up. Hand me your scabbard as well."

He passed it over to him as he made his way back to his workspace at home.

"Worry not, it shouldn't take me long."

The queen commented on the moment, "So what shall we do in the meantime?"

"A good meal shall do," He suggested as they walked towards the castle together, "Strange that I didn't think of a meal while finding you."

Leaving Northuldra was a large step but it was for Iduna's sake. She approved of her husband but now it brought into question what kind of future was left for her. So much time was spent trying to deal with the Arendellians in her country that she didn't think about life afterward. Sure, the older generations remembered the treachery by King Runeard; however, the younger ones only heard about it through stories and their first encounter with outsiders was with someone who was related to their people. She could see it through their eyes that they were as fascinated with them as they were with theirs.

Now the truly surprising part was the Russians. Their deaths were perhaps the most tragic of them all as they had no desire to get trapped in Northuldra. She sympathized with their plight that they had no way to return home before they died early on her land's curse. Yet, the otherworldly strangers were different from the last time she had encountered them. They were less orderly and professional while their eyes expressed strange tiredness she had never seen before. Whatever had befallen them was enough to make her question before one of these men walked beside the old woman.

He was the one who told of Elsa's current whereabouts but she sensed that his intentions were different than Iduna and Agnarr. He had been keeping a close eye on her ever since her people's departure from their lands. Now he was here and it was time to meet with it head-on but he spoke first. "Excuse me, I know this might seem like old news but I have a few questions."

"Speak," She answered wondering what it might entail, "I'll provide with what I can. Who are you?"

"My name is Sukhoi. I know the royals; however, you certainly don't know me."

Yalena turned her head towards the old man. "We shall see."

"Did you encounter a Colonel Romanov in the past?" He asked as he rested his arm on his weapon hanging from his shoulder, "He came with King Runeard and disappeared in your country."

"Perhaps."

She thought about the past but it had been so long since those days. However, she did remember a figure who looked like he was a grandfather among his men.

"Maybe I have… but this is ancient history. Why are you asking?"

"Closure," He answered with a solemn tone in his voice, "That man was my best friend's father. We came into this world with the hopes of finding him; unfortunately, the situation changed where we couldn't look for him and returned home."

The old woman had questions of her own, curious about the reasons for this investigation. "What happened to your friend?"

"He's gone now. Hunter died trying to protect me and his son."

"What about his son?" She asked, trying to be sympathetic to his emotions, "Where is he now?"

A smile replaced the sadness on his expression. "Artyom is with Queen Elsa as we speak. He doesn't know the truth about his grandfather and so it comes down to me to learn about it."

"I know how you feel. My husband was slain when we fought the Arendellians. He was the chief of our people."

"My condolences," Answered the Russian as the weather changed. The clouds began to darken as if it was to match the mood of the conversation, "No matter how different our people are, death is common in our lives."

It was strange for someone who appeared to be a warrior; yet, also be capable of discussing philosophy. The old woman continued to make her way south, knowing full well that she would see the people that Iduna had embedded herself with. They were not alone as soldiers in green blocked their path and marched down the same direction as the group.

"The tsar must be joining us at the castle."

She was unfamiliar with the name and turned towards Sukhoi. "Who is he exactly?"

"Tsar Mikhail Romanov, the ruler of Imperial Russia and the actual grandfather of my stepson," He clarified while they walked throughout the wild lands of Arendelle, "I think he'll be joining us while we wait."

"How can you tell?"

His hand pointed towards the organized ranks of soldiers. "That is the Preobrazhensky, they are the emperor's honor guard right now."

Soon it began to thunder.

The castle was much quieter than it used to be. A skeleton crew of servants and guards were left behind while everyone else had been busy in the north but Artyom paid that detail no mind. He walked through the halls as if it was his first time. It was strange to see some parts of life remain unchanged despite how much time had passed.

He visited the room containing all the paintings the family had throughout the building's history. How unfortunate that he had not visited this place unlike the other parts of the castle, the silence was enough to keep the Polis Ranger some company. Most of the paintings on the wall remained unchanged, save for a few. There were several that did not come from this world and the young man recognized the style as Princess Anna had bought them from the Moscow Metro after their visit to his hellhole of a homeland.

Now he had returned from his travels it irked him that the only discrepancy between him and this place was his soul. Part of him had been changed and the soldier did not know why, only that he felt out of place. Not a word or a thought had been considered about this subject but this room was not the place for this as the eyes within the painting made him feel vulnerable.

He sighed and made his way towards the exit and closed the door on his way out. There was a select few who truly knew the truth of how he felt at times - the Dark Ones and Queen Elsa of Arendelle. Ever since he had spoken to her at Polis, she was the only other human being who got to see the true part of him. Perhaps that is why he loved her - just seeing through the mask for the person he really was enough.

The windows tapped as they stood against the unrelenting rain while he was walking past the balcony. That was until he saw Elsa stand by her lonesome. Curious, the Polis Ranger opened the door with the most obvious question in his head as he took off his plash palatka and approached the queen from behind.

Artyom placed the Soviet poncho upon her shoulders and surprised her with his consideration. "Oh, I didn't know you were there."

"What are you doing out here in the rain all by yourself?" He genuinely wondered as the rain tapped splattered against his helmet, "You'll catch a cold."

"The cold never bothered me anyway."

He chuckled at her remark as he stood beside her. Then his eyes looked below to find the Arendellians and Russians frantically trying to keep the equipment and vehicles dry. "Come inside, otherwise your clothes will smell."

"I suppose that is something you know," She replied as she turned her head towards him, "I'm just having one good look at my home before everything changes."

"Such as?"

Elsa lowered her head. "Prince Hans. When he comes, this will be the last beautiful sight before the war comes. I'm just appreciating this before the blood spills."

"It's a terrible thought, indeed," Artyom stated as he placed his hands behind his back. His mind flickered back to the terrible moments when Exhibition station was at war with the Dark Ones. Yet, those days were over, "If it gives you any comfort, the feeling of terror and dread will pass. It would be inhuman of us not to feel that when we think our world is about to come crashing down."

"Perhaps I am fretting over nothing. Thank you, I needed your voice in these trying times."

His hand reached for hers as they stood in the rain together. Somehow, he felt like he was missing something for this moment, "Pity that we do not have an umbrella."