The waves rocked the tugboat with violent succession. It rocked back and forth at the unrelenting force trying to carry it into the seas, but somehow, Captain Eduard Baranov managed to navigate through the sea's unstable nature. He was a man back in his element like he was fighting against Poseiden and defying the Greek god himself. At the same time, Artyom found himself to be the crewmember of Odysseus, trying to survive by holding on to the handlebars that kept him on deck.
Sometimes, the boat would shift to one side, causing the young man to shift his weight. However, the storm would change its mind by shifting to the other and forcing Artyom to readjust himself and brace for the dark outcome that would befall him. Thunder cracked above while lightning came down, trying to strike the duo who were caught amongst the chaos. Fortunately, the captain was willing to express himself. "Come at me you lousy bastard, I am Captain Eduard Baranov of the Red Navy! You will have to do better than that!"
The tugboat shifted forward as Artyom found himself landing near the wheel before the captain gave out his hand and helped him off the deck. It was only a matter of time before fate would get its chance. "Are you sure threatening the storm is a good idea?!"
"Yes," He laughed to his heart's content, "Not my first time trying to beat the storm, but it will definitely not be my last. Though, I can see that you're more of a land lover."
Eduard turned towards the wave in front of him.
"Another wave, kid. Brace!"
He looked ahead to see the front splash against the sea as gallons of water crashed into him and drenched the NBC suits they have been wearing since their departure from the old submarine base. His hands tightened their grip on the rails as he hoped to whatever god was out there had mercy on him. This experience was not one he wanted to endure any longer; however, he had no choice except pray for his own soul.
The vessel rocked once more, being lifted into the air, and flew for a moment. When they landed back into the water, the impact shook the tugboat hard enough that a strange sound whipped into the air as the weight shifted too far to the back. Artyom looked over his shoulder, only to see one of the cables holding the fuel rods, was released. He patted Eduard's shoulder as he looked at him. "What!"
Then he pointed towards the cables. "Keep the boat leveled as much as you can. I don't want to be tossing and turning trying to keep that on the boat."
"I'll try, but make it quick."
Artyom skidded across the boat and reached for the unlatched cable as he used his strength to hook it back down once more. "There, I got it."
Eduard's muffled voice managed to call out to him. "We overstayed our welcome, look!"
He looked back to the captain to see the seas recede for a moment to create a large monster wave in front of them. Yet, there was something ominous within the blue depths. A flash of thunder revealed a shadow of a horse floating inside with haunting blue eyes staring back at them. Even when the thunder was finished, it still remained. "What is that?"
"The damn creature that is causing all of this ruckus. It nearly tried to sink me and my boys when we got caught in the storm," He began, "I think it wants to finish what it started long ago."
Artyom drew his assault rifle and aimed at it. "Any idea how we'll deal with it?"
The captain grabbed the barrel of his rifle and lowered it. "That won't work. We'll have a fight of our lives once it comes out."
Upon saying those words, the horse stepped out from the rising wave, shaped by the seas. It galloped towards the tugboat with great speed and the wave it left behind followed. The fact that it commanded the force of nature as it charged made the young man terrified of his fate. As it drew close, the wave was large enough to engulf the vessel and its captain whole.
"This might be the end of us."
A strange and familiar feeling overcame Artyom. Once, he would have been afraid of the sensation his mind could detect, but now he welcomed it like an old friend. By every right, it should have terrified him, but the tugboat's war against the sea was too much for him. Then a dark-skinned hand reached out from behind the duo's backs. Power had been unleashed, brushing the rising waters aside and stalling the water horse in the air.
He turned around to find a Dark One standing there and Captain Baranov noticed the creature as well with great fear. "Oh god, what in hell's name is that?"
Eduard reached out for a holstered revolver on his side; however, Artyom gestured his hand out. "Don't! I think it is trying to save us."
The creature of the seas regained its momentum and leaped to the skies. Then it began to descend upon the group without hesitation. Yet, once again, the power of the Dark One rushed forth and knocked it back mid-air. The wave behind seemed to feel it as they shifted away from the tugboat now that the water horse was repelled from its attack. Despite the resistance, the seas fought backa again as Eduard tightened his grip on the wheel and stabilized the course.
Once more, the water horse commanded the waves to drown the survivors whole. Once more, the Dark One lunged its hand in its direction and fought back with psychic energy that Artyom had never seen before. It was too alien for him to be rescued by a Dark One instead of being hunted by one.
What was clear in the aftermath was nature's fight was over. The seas gradually became calmer, the thunder ceased to crack the skies, and only rain remained. It was the water horse that accepted its defeat as it rose to the surface and walked away to the wave that brought it here. The fierce battle decided the fate of two souls and they were fortunate to live in the end.
Artyom and Eduard turned towards hte Dark One and watched it disappear into thin air. He would have to answer the old man's questions when he demanded it. "I won't lie, the Dark One saved our sorry asses."
Captain Baranov laughed as he reached for his suit's headgear and slowly unwrapped his head. "Do you know what that thing is?"
"It's a mutant from Moscow," Artyom began as he leaned against the railing and breathed with relief, "A lot more friendly than it used to be."
"I suppose we have our issues. Vladivostok has electric spiders while your people deal with creatures with magic. Whatever it was, I am grateful we are even alive in the first place."
He concurred with the captain as the Polis Ranger removed his suit's headgear and embraced the fresh air that came with the freedom from his constraints. At this point, being called drenched would have been a nice way of describing their situation. Artyom began to inspect what little the tugboat had after the storm. The equipment that was once on board was probably at the bottom of the ocean and the only item that didn't get lost was the fuel rods themselves. If they returned to the settlement in Vladivostok, it would make up for the losses alone.
Captain Baranov alerted him with a refreshing sight that didn't involve the sea. "Land ho! I'll take her to shore and we'll take a much-needed break before we leave."
The shore appeared less lived-in and more like a wasteland on its own. It did not help that the scenery was much eerier than it had any right to be, but Artyom was used to that by this time. When the boat was close enough for dismounting, there was a shadow of a ship inland that had been shipwrecked. "Where are we? I do not know if we're close to the settlement."
"We're not. The storm took us to this strange place."
He looked towards the captain. "What is so strange about this place?"
"Long before Tom was in charge, there was an incident a few years back," Eduard began with his story, "We had a similar storm affect us, but a stronger ship to deal with the waves. We found a few survivors from that very shipwreck we're looking at right now. They're probably living a nice life under Tom's rule."
The context behind the shadow from afar had grabbed his curiosity. "You mind if I go to check it out while we rest up?"
His old shoulders shrugged at the question. "Go ahead, I need a smoke break anyway. Well, if my matches haven't gotten wet in the first place."
Artyom reached into his pockets and brandished a bullet light. "Here, it might help with that."
When the captain lit his cigarette, he handed it back to the young man who jumped off and was knee-deep in the sea. "Thank you, this stuff relaxes my nerves."
Once he received his lighter, the Polis Ranger struggled to get to shore as his drenched suit ate away at whatever energy he had left in his body. It was a small trek towards the shipwreck, but the thought of something valuable couldn't be passed up. As the sand and mud turned to dirt, Artyom paused in his advanced as he looked up at the flags that were still attached to the ships. He recognized the colors and the symbol of a kingdom he knew too well. It was the flag of Arendelle.
The mind quickly thought about how the ship managed to get here, but the lack of answers and the mysterious origins demanded his full attention. He ran towards the wreckage where the ship's starboard side was split open, allowing him to walk inside the bowels of the remains. His flashlight was turned on as he scanned for anything, but nothing had caught his eye. Then he noticed a wall of cabinets and drawers on his right.
When he came over and opened them up, only the occasional bug found itself discovered and scurried out of its hiding spot. At the same time, there was spoiled food and destroyed dishes that remained untouched ever since the landing. Yet, nothing was salvageable. Old habits from a time when he was a stalker had kicked in and Artyom considered the possibility that there may have been hidden compartments, much like the State Library in Moscow. Unfortunately, he did not find some secret button that would open anything. The disappointment had finalized when every corner of the ship became overturned and was no longer a possible hiding spot.
Exhaustion finally overcame the Polis Ranger as he needed a moment to sit down. He walked over to a nearby sitting spot and dropped his entire body without remorse for what was underneath. Suddenly, he heard a click from underneath. Artyom looked down to find a container inside and as he pulled it out, he brushed the dirt and dust off and sought for what was inside. He unscrewed the top and poured out the contents, only to discover a map and an additional piece of paper to go along with it.
The map was detailed and charted with arrows drawn from the Kingdom of Arendelle towards the north of the land. Then the second piece of paper involved a new foreign language that was beyond him. However, there were notes jotted down on the side. It made a mention of a place called the Dark Sea and a river that could be found at the end. Somehow it made a connection to Elsa's power.
If he ever returned to Arendelle, the queen would be the first to know. Artyom returned the papers back into its container and tightly screwed the top back on. This journey might be more than he bargained for; however, it might also bring answers to a friend he cared about.
Queen Elsa had sent her servants to prepare for her departure to find her sister. The necessary supplies and soldiers for the journey needed time, much against the advice of Colonel Mel'nik and his men. It was something about not being acquainted with their world, but she would not let that fear keep her from Anna. A storm had raged throughout the day as the open sections of the castle found themselves drenched in rain.
She stepped into the courtyard and made her way towards the stables. The horses had not been given the attention they needed, but they might find themselves useful for the journey. Elsa walked over to Alastor's pen to find the beast calmly eating hay in complete silence. She petted the creature, knowing full-well it needed a rider. Ironically, the queen realized that Artyom rode her horse more often than she did. Maybe it was time to hand it off to him?
Olaf crept into the room with his usual optimism. "Elsa, do you need a hug?!"
The queen looked back with a smile. Her sister's kidnapping did little to comfort her and she was partially glad a childhood friend was there. "Yes, I think I do."
The snowman eagerly jumped up to her and embraced her with a wide hug. Of course, the twigs scratched her, but Olaf's consideration would make up for it. Then she looked for a bale of hay on the side and used it as a seat. "Thank you, it's been tough right now."
"I heard the Russians have gotten through. It will be safe enough for all of us to come in their world," He noted, "They also said it's really hot for a snowman like me."
She picked him off the ground and pressed her hands against his cheeks. If he was coming along, the queen would have to make adjustments. "There is no such thing as a snowman in the desert. They just have a hard time believing I have the power to do that."
Her fingertips glowed as Olaf giggled with delight. "What did you do, Elsa?"
"You're not just any snowman who loves warm hugs, but a snowman with permafrost as well. I wouldn't want you to turn into a puddle when we cross into Artyom's world," The storm let out another crack of thunder and he turned around to see the sky from the doorway. It was strange to seem him act so enamored by the rain, "Olaf, are you okay?"
"Yes, I am, but it's the storm. Something about it is… magical."
She walked over and joined him by the stable entrance. "How so?"
"I don't know. There is some kind of theory going in my mind that it has a memory of sorts. It is the same way that I somehow still remember you and Anna despite years of separation." Now that was odd to hear him talk like that. He was a mere snowman, but he had thoughts of his own, "The rain might be trying to tell me something."
He immediately shook his head and paused before looking up to her.
"Maybe it is trying to tell you something?"
"Me?" Elsa wondered, "What can you tell me?"
"I don't know. It's not something I can do."
Prince Hans entered the courtyard from the main entrance to the castle as he quickly walked over, his clothes getting drenched. "Elsa, Kai and Gerda told me that your belongings is ready. I'm coming too."
The queen felt butterflies in her stomach when he was around; however, she needed to focus. "Thank you for informing me, we will depart when it stops raining."
He was about to speak, but was cut off when gunfire was set off outside the castle. It intensified as people screamed out of fear and terror. "We better check it out!"
The royals and the snowman rushed towards the entrance as they saw the marketplace filled with terrified citizens from both Arendelle and Moscow flee from the shore. Russian soldiers from various factions found themselves rushing towards the dock, their weapons raised in the skies as one soul pointed upward. "Demon! Put that fucker down!"
Bullet casings clattered onto the cobblestone ground as Elsa looked up to see the horrid creature of Moscow in the skies of her kingdom. It descended upon the fighters below; however, she reached out her and lunged an icicle between the monster and a Russian who was about to be snatched. "Hans, Olaf, take cover and get the people to safety. I'll help take it down."
The prince nodded his head and grabbed Olaf with him. "Let's go."
Her eyes focused on the demon; however, it was a lot harder to fight back every time it manuever with its wings. It seemed like the Russian soldiers were able to thward it's ability to plunge towards them without dying in the process. Then the flying monster turned away from the marketplace and towards the docks.
When she looked at its direction and where it headed, there was a boat with no sails approaching her kingdom. Two men were inside, but one man was armed enough to fight back against the demon as it made them its target. She ran towards the docks and watched helplessly as the beast reached down to snatch one of them off the boat. Fortunately, his weapon fought it off every time it tried to make a pass. Suddenly, the queen saw the man trying to fix his weapon before the talons of the monster snatched him off the boat. "No."
The monster's seemed content with its capture; yet, it changed when the Russian wearing the strange suit had drawn a sword and swung wildly. It created so much trouble for the demon that it had a hard time flying with someone trying to fight back. Then it released its hold on him; however, he reached out and held it by the ankle as he continued to slash away what he could reach. What really caught her full attention was when he slashed into its wings and forced it to descend into the water.
Elsa watched with horror as the man climbed atop and fought his enemy with fearless determination. Where the beast would swipe with claws, he would greet it with cold steel like a knight slaying a dragon. The man was uncaring about the fact that he and the winged creature would crash into the water, only that he would kill it. Then they crashed into the depths below with blood seeping out from the wounds.
The other man who drove the boat had leaned over to shout his compatriot's name. "Artyom!"
His name alone was enough to cause Elsa to come to his rescue. She took off her crown and began a running start from the docks and lept into the water in what was possibly her friend. The queen dived down where the blood went, but the blood had hidden him away. As she continued to swim closer to the bottom, Elsa found the creature with its throat slit from the sword. All that needed to be found was the man who killed it.
There was a glimmer that shined on the corner of her left eyes, only to find a dark figure holding on to the sword. She kicked her feet towards the sinking body and grabbed the empty hand as she pulled up to the surface. Never in her entire life did she have to carry someone that heavy. Fortunately, she had an ounce of hope when she brought the body near the surface. The boat from earlier had driven close enough to reach out for her and there was someone waiting to help her. A hand splashed the water, enough for Elsa to hold onto.
When she clasped the covered hand, the queen was pulled up by the driver as he helped her climb on board while dragging the Russian out of the water with his sword in hand. The queen grabbed the handle of the sword and sheathed it back where it came from before the driver pulled the mask off the monster slayer, revealing an unconscious Artyom. He took off his face and looked up to her, "You, I need you to put your mouth over his!"
His hands were placed on his chest while she was confused at his demand. "What?"
"No need to explain, but there is water in his system. We're going to get it out. Now put his mouth over his!"
Elsa hesitantly placed her mouth of his before turning his eyes towards the older man. "Anything else?"
"Put some air into him."
He pumped his hands into his chest with a systematic rhythm as she breathed into him. If this was necessary to save his life, she would do it. As time went on, the man accompanying Artyom counted to himself. Meanwhile, Elsa hated the thought that a friend of hers would die from drowning than a monster taking him up in the skies. He deserved better.
His eyes opened wide as he coughed up water from his throat. The queen leaned back and watched him regain his sense as he looked around. The boat's driver stopped pumping his chest and helped him sit up. "Young man, you have to be a crazy bastard to have done that."
Artyom smiled before he noticed Elsa sitting beside him. "Elsa, what are you doing here?!"
Realizing the question was directed at him, she quickly answered, "What do you mean? I've been in Arendelle after all this time. I should ask what are you doing here."
"Captain Baranov and I were just in our world a few hours ago. Then a storm caught us," He answered as if he was confused himself, "It's really hard to explain what we experienced. There has to be something magical about it."
Maybe Olaf was right that this was no mere storm at all?
An explanation was needed as Artyom was brought into the family room of the castle. Elsa trusted him long enough for answers, but that moment where he came to Arendelle without warning was concerning, even for her. She sat quietly in her chair… or what was father's chair as Artyom stepped into the room with his drenched armor. It was still a surprise to see him wear it after getting it so wet. In his hand was a strange tube container. Then he started the conversation about the most obvious detail. "I noticed that Anna was not here, did she leave while I was away?"
She stared at him as she rose from her seat. "I… I don't know where to begin. It happened so fast."
His attitude changed as he placed his object on the side and guided her to the couch in the room. When they sat down, he took a deep breath. "Take as much time as you need."
"Anna was kidnapped. Colonel Mel'nikov is forming a taskforce to rescue her, but I am worried what might happen to her."
"Do you know who kidnapped her?"
She shook her head at the lack of knowledge. "No, all I know is that we were attacked and she was taken in the chaos."
Artyom's face grimaced at the revelation of events as he tightened his grip on the cylinder container. "Bastards. If the colonel is doing this, I'm in. There is hell to pay."
"Thank you," The queen answered with genuine care in her voice, "Your help is very much appreciated."
"I thought I had something very important to show up, but finding your sister should be a priority."
She reached her hand out to the small container as he passed it over to her. "What is this exactly?"
"Captain Baranov and I accidentally found an Arendelle shipwreck off some coast. I came over to salvage its remains, but this might be worth your attention," He answered as he opened the cylinder and revealed the map to her, "The captain also said that he brought some of the survivors to Vladivostok. Once Colonel Klebnikov opens the portal there, we might be able to return them to the kingdom."
It was a strange thing to hear. There was no Arendelle ship, save for one. "This captain, is there a time to talk to him?"
Author's Note: Leave a comment when you can, I'll appreciate it.