Days passed since they camped out in the ruins of the post office, waiting for their contact. Elsa still remembered how she killed the man in front of, not just Artyom, but Olaf as well. She had a cot laid out for her as she pressed her back against the ground, its hard uncomfortable position reminding the queen of what she did earlier. The others were outside as her snowman walked up to her with a faint smile. "Elsa, how are you doing?"

The Queen of Arendelle shifted her eyes towards him. "Fine, the waiting is killing me."

"It's not the waiting that is concerning me," Olaf replied, "You haven't had a good night's sleep since the fight. What's worrying you?"

A slight pause echoed between the two as she formulated her thoughts about the event into words. "I… I don't know. Every time I close my eyes, he's still there. Yet, what was wrong was also right. He almost killed Artyom."

"Do you need another hug?"

"It will not erase that moment," Then she sat up and realized that it did feel nice to receive one, "But I don't mind if you do it."

Olaf gently wrapped his arms around her and embraced her.

She looked over his shoulder, only to find Artyom enter the room with two cups in his hand. He squatted beside her and handed one of them for her to reach. "I decided to make some tea. Maybe it might help with what you're going through?"

His eyes expressed sorrow, a side of him that she never knew until now. As he sipped his cup, the queen felt like she needed a conversation with him alone. "Hey, mind helping out Pavel with anything? Artyom and I need to talk."

The snowman nodded his head, understanding what was asked of him. When he left the room, Elsa knew it was time to talk. Especially, now that her friend was familiar with this feeling more than she was. "How did you do it?"

Artyom glanced over to her. "What do you mean?"

"You know what I am talking about. How did you handle… your first kill?"

"I never had the time to process it really," He answered while looking at the depths of his cup, "So much happened in such a short time that it never really occurred to me. Now? I don't know."

His mood became dark as Elsa noticed his tightened grip around his drink. He seemed troubled by the thought as well. Maybe she asked too deep a question? "If you're not okay to talk about it, I understand."

The young man's head shook at her response. "There is a point where you get used to the killing. At first, you justify that and as time goes on, it becomes a form of acceptance. The one that truly irked me was when I had to cross the frontlines between the Red Line and the Fourth Reich on my way to Polis."

"What happened to you? Was it some kind of transformation that changed how you viewed the world?'

"No," He answered, "It was where I killed the most people. I had to cross the frontlines, but I did not know how. There was a moment where perhaps I could have found another way as I stayed in the shadows. As I listened in the darkness, there are soldiers who do not deserve to be killed for performing their duties."

Her eyes widened at what she was hearing. The fact that Artyom was revealing this dark past of his did not comfort her. "You killed them? Didn't you? What justification did you have to kill them other than sneaking past them."

Artyom let out a breath. "The Red Line and the Fourth Reich both tried to kill me. One thinks I am a spy and the other as a communist. I was bound to get caught, sooner or later, but there was no way for me to talk it out. They would shoot me the moment I revealed myself."

"Why are you telling me this? Is this what I have to go through if I have to continue on this journey to find my sister? Will I have to experience what you experienced back then? What is the point of all of this?"

"I need you to understand," Came his answer as he turned his head towards him, "What I saw from you that night was a scared girl who just wanted to save her sister. From that moment onward, I do not think you have it in you to kill like I can. It would be wrong for me to see you become like me."

Elsa looked at the floor and began to think about what he said. It was a consideration for her, but as she thought about Anna, it changed her thinking. "If I am to continue this search for my sister, we will encounter more of these bandits along the way. I must do something where I am not helpless along the way as I save the only family I have left."

He nodded his head. "You can still help, just not offensively."

"What are you talking about?" Now she was confused at where this conversation was going, "Artyom?"

"You do not need to kill people, your majesty. You have that power to do that. Not me."

Pavel stormed into the room with his weapon at the ready. "We got company. Get ready people."

It was time that their talk had ended as they left the room to find out what was going on outside. When Elsa looked around, the scenery was relatively nice to enjoy had it not been for the heat of the desert. As she looked around, Pavel pointed his finger to the west and took a position behind a van from their previous encoutner with the bandits.

Off in the distance was a vehicle approaching them as they readied themselves for a fight that would happen. Artyom and Pavel raised the barrels of their guns and trained their sights on the newcomer while Elsa looked around and thought how to handle another group of bandits if a fight started. Olaf walked into the van to pull out a strange pipe in his hands and the queen could help except be surprised that her snowman was willing to fight hard on their behalf.

The vehicle decelerated from its current speed and slowed down into a halt, only for one person to step out with their hands raised. As the person drew closer, she revealed herself and spoke. "Peace, I mean your people no harm. I am your contact."

Pavel was the first to reply. "What took you so long? We had a patrol walk up on us."

"Forgive me, but the Baron and the Munai-bailer have sent men to the ruins nearby and I had to reach all of you somehow without being undetected."

Artyom lowered his weapon and eased tensions between the two. "My name is Artyom. You just talked to Pavel. The girl is Queen Elsa of Arendelle and the snowman is Olaf. We're here to get Anna."

She smiled. "My name is Giul, I am a local around these parts who havent been kept in servitude ever since the Munai-bailer showed up. Your Anna is in my lighthouse to the northwest, but if we are to reach my hideout, we would have to bypass the ruins occupied by the enemy."

"Damn, is there no way around?" He asked, "The last thing we need is to get into another firefight."

"I understand, but the Baron's paranoia has demanded a full lock-down of the Caspian. His best lieutenant, Saul, is among those in the ruins. The number of soldiers your people have brought have shaken them."

Elsa began to refocus her main attention on Giul. "Can we get my sister out?"

She nodded her head. "With the vehicles we have, it will be in and out. Understand that we will bring attention to ourselves if we do this."

"I am willing to go all the way."

Saul had his outpost postioned in the largest building within the ruins. If there is one thing he enjoyed about it, he had full sightlines across the other half of the Caspian. Even the Baron had no idea about how much he had to cover in such little time. He stood atop the rooftop and watched the opening to the east.

The arrival of some military force changed things for the worst. Sure, the Baron was on in A-game, but a ragtag group of misfits were no match for professional soldiers. It got worse when he thought about what he said the last time he talked to the man. After all, he was hoping for this contact of his to do something that will jeopordize them. The question is, where was that contact.

The bandit's eyes saw movement in the distance as he grabbed his binoculars from his person and looked through the glass. Two vehicles were driving across open terrain before they would have to enter the ruins of the town. One was a truck and the other was a van. The former was mostly empty; however, he recognized the face of the woman leading the other vehicle.

It was Giul, the witch who had been haunting the Baron and his men the moment they had enslaved and indoctrinated her people. She would be troublesome on her own.

The next was the van following her, there were more people inside, but two of them were readily armed. He would have to catch them by surprise.

Saul looked over his shoulder to see one of his men working the radio while having a full-course meal beside him. "Dude! We got company. Warn the boys at the ship and set up around the ambush site. Let them fuck up from one side and we'll come in from the rear!"

The radioman understood as he quickly pushed his food away from his workspace and put on his headset. "This is eagle, fishtrap! I say again, fishtrap! Let's make this a good catch people."

Artyom sat quietly in the passenger seat as he readied himself for the onslaught with the bandits. Pavel did everything he can to keep the van up with the truck, his hand gripped onto the steering wheel and the stick shift. When they entered the ruins of the town, both tensed up in their seats as the Polis Ranger looked over his shoulder to find Elsa and Olaf in the back. Their faces were uncomfortable with the situation they were in before he looked back to the front.

An ambush could come from any direction and there were multiple hiding spots for their assailants. The tension only grew worse as the Polis Ranger scanned his surroundings. Yet, the drive through the ruins made Artyom realize there was something wrong - no obstacles to halt their advance. If it were him, he would have tried to plant some explosives on the ground or make barricades to direct the advance into a killzone.

The drive continued to be relatively peaceful as the convoy, even after they bypassed the ruins and returned back into the open desert. Why the bandits did not attack at that moment? Then his eyes noticed a large cloud engulfing the land behind the convoy. "That is catching up to us. We better get moving."

Pavel looked at the rear mirrors and agreed with him. He reached for the radio strapped to his chest. "Giul, there is a sandstorm behind us. We better speed things on before we're caught in the middle of that."

She quickly spoke up. "Understood, but be careful. The Munai-bailer are always watching."

The lead vehicle fastened its pace as Pavel stepped his foot on the pedal. Then they managed to enter a geographical depression. Artyom looked around to see the cliffs above, another potential spot for an ambush. Soon after, their vehicles rose from that vulnerable spot and pressed onwards. As they continued pass the dunes, an engine roared to life on their left as a truck sped into them. "Ambush!"

A group of bandits were inside the truck as they rammed Giul's vehicle with great speed. Their front smashing so hard that the rear end swung her to the point of tipping over. Then it fell over on the right side, landing into the sand.

Artyom quickly swung his Kalashnikov to the left and fired away. He was fortunate enough that the enemy were so clustered together that it make shooting them easier. Most found themselves torn apart in the back, stumbling across the bodies of their comrades. At the same time, Pavel slipped out of the driver's seat and brought out his weapon, firing upon the fortuante few who escaped the initial carnage. He stole a glance from the Polis Ranger. "I'll check up on Giul, protect the queen!"

He nodded his head as he looked to the back to see a frightened Elsa and Olaf doing their best to avoid the gunfire. "Hey, I need you to make us some cover. We're too exposed."

His words didn't seem to ring on her terrified face. "I can't kill again."

"It's okay," There was no time for this, but he had to consider her feelings. His hand reached out for her hand and held hers for a moment, "Just make some walls. Let me take care of this."

The queen's fear managed to subside as she reluctantly slipped out of the van while Artyom stepped out of his seat to secure his surroundings. "Give me a moment."

Out from the east was a dozen bandits appearing over the dunes and unleashing their fire. Bullets whizzed past his armored helmet as he stepped in front of Elsa, shielding her while lowered his armored visor. One round managed to strike him in the chest, but his armor was fortunate enough to make him stumble back. His scope sought out the person responsible and with a single pull, ripped blood from his skull.

The volume of gunfire increased as a hailstorm of bullets peppered the van before the queen immediately raised a wall of ice on his behalf. Enemy rounds found themselves stopped by the magic used against them. Artyom ran over to the edge of his cover, only to see his enemy settling down from their side.

Olaf joined him and began to peak his head out. "Ah, what happens now? They're trying to kill us and we're stuck here."

He shook his head. "I don't know."

The queen spoke for herself. "Maybe there is a way to scare them off?"

"What?" The Ranger looked over his shoulder to see Elsa's hands pointed towards the area in front of them, "You got an idea."

She nodded her head with a faint smile. "You know how I made Olaf?"

"Now is not the time!"

"What if I made a bigger snowman, much more scarier?"

Artyom took that thought into consideration. A snowman that was much scarier than Olaf. How could she pull it off? His eyes focused on the dune, only to see one of the bandits lugging around a strange tube on his shoulder. Experience in tunnel warfare made him afraid of what could happen. "Sure, make it quick. They're going to hit us with an RPG."

"Okay!"

Her hands reached out towards the open ground where she constructed her snowman. Flakes of snow and ice streamed out of her fingertips, like a ball of yarn making a sweater. Unlike Olaf's adorable design, this animation was worth two trucks and perhaps large enough to give a Librarian a pause. Once it was completed, it's head looked around and wondered what it was doing in the middle of the desert.

The bandits on the hill took notice and immediately fired upon it, only angering the snowman into hostilities. It roared in their direction, regardless of the magazines being hosed into its body. Then it charged towards the dune, the mouth unleashing a breath of ice in their general direction. An RPG was fired, but fear managed to make the shooter miss the construct from close range.

They could hear a faint cry of the bandits fleeing the scene upon seeing Elsa's creation. It's loud thumping footsteps routing the ambushers from their kill. He did not want to admit it, but seeing the size of that snowman did scare him. "Damn, remind me not to get on your scary side."

She calmly laughed at his response as she took her place in the van. "You're welcome. I will be honest, that was not something I had in mind."

"What did you have in mind?" He asked turning his head towards her, "I was thinking about creating a blizzard, but maybe that is a bit much."

Pavel returned to the van with an unconscious Giul in his arms. "We need to leave, now! The sandstorm is on top of us!"

Everyone looked back to find the large clouds immediately engulf the ruins they had left behind. Artyom hastily grabbed Olaf and tossed him alongside Elsa before closing the rear of the van shut and rushing towards his seat. "Go, go, go!"

He looked in the rear-view mirror on his side, watching as the sandstorm continued to catch towards the group. They immediately drove away from the ambush site with caution thrown to the wind as they continued towards their destination. "Giul says that there is an opening to the cave where she lives. It's full of traps meant for these bastards. Artyom, Olaf, I need you to clear it out so it's safe for everyone else. Elsa, cover your face."

The ambush failed and Saul was angry. That girl back there managed to bring out a snow monster from her fingertips, making the ambush moot. He had hoped to capture some of them and interrogate them for the Baron, but there were other plans in store.

His remaining convoy had approached one of the outposts watching over the slave ship beached in the shore. It had also served as a checkpoint to those who were approaching the oil rig where his boss resided. As his vehicle was parked to the side of the road, he watched a column of his peers move past him with their combat slaves.

News of the fighting had intensified and demanded more manpower than they were capable of. Fortunately, the Baron explained that if they lose plenty of slaves in the fighting, those that survived would be quality breeders to raise and sell their children to buyers. At the same time, he had told the dumb bastards that if they did him a great service in combat, they would be greatly rewarded.

Saul had to admit, his boss had some form of foresight that none of the other groups were capable of. Most would think they would go on an endless raiding spree instead of shipping fuel and slaves to gangs outside the Caspian.

One of the checkpoint sentries walked up to his window with a radio in hand. "Saul, what's up? You need anything."

He rolled down the window with a smile. "Tell Wolf and his boys that if they want a hefty reward and a good word with the Baron, they join me on capturing a few people."

"A slave raid, right now?"

"It isn't a slave raid," He had something else in mind, "Not really, but there is someone who could give us an edge where we need it."

The man let out a crooked smile as his teeth rotted away. He pressed a button on his radio, "Wolf, Saul needs you and your boys for a little scouting. Might help keep the bastards off our backs. Pitch in, will you."

A grouchy voice vibrated through the speaker. "Saul wants me? Eh, I'll bite. Give me a few minutes, I'll give them a speech 'fore we go."

The small-time crook smiled at what was in store.

Anna had heard of stories from adventurers getting caught in a sandstorm, but to experience it herself was something else entirely. Grains of sand tapped against the windows as the wind howled past the lighthouse. She remained in the tower like the trapped princess she was in those old children's stories. It is just that she never considered that she would be that girl waiting for help.

Silence filled the tower as she played with the strange soundbox on Giul's table. She turned knobs and would hear anything that would come out of it. Stories of bandits talking to each other, songs automatically being played, or a business meeting. Yet, they could never fulfill the enjoyment of being with her sister.

Mechanical parts began to move outside of the window as she looked through the glass, expecting Giul to return. As the elevator reached the top, the princess was caught off-guard to find Olaf and Elsa arriving. Behind them were Artyom and Pavel, carrying Giul in her arms. She quickly went over to the door and opened it wide enough for them to get through.

Flying sand from the storm began to spill inside; however, it was only for a short time. Once the group had gotten through, they began to settle down and take their seats across the small area in the lighthouse, whether it would be on a bed or the floor.

Elsa immediately hugged her with joy as tears flowed from her eyes. "I thought I had lost you."

The princess gently wrapped her arms in return. "It's okay, I'm fine. Giul managed to free me before taking refuge here."

Olaf was quick to join them. "Do you two need a hug?"

Anna freed one hand from her sister and extended the gesture towards the snowman. He eagerly joined them and embraced the family, but while they enjoyed the moment, her eyes looked around to find Pavel lay Giul on the bed before turning around with a smile. "I won't lie, it's incredibly adorable to have a snowman give you hugs when you need it."

"What happened to Giul?" She asked, "She was fine earlier."

The communist stole a glance from the Polis Ranger before walking to her. "We were ambushed on our way to rescue you. She has the wind knocked out of her, but nothing too serious to worry about."

"What happens now that you have found me? Will we go back to Arendelle?"

Artyom stood up and looked outside the window. "Yes. As of right now, the Caspian has turned into a warzone and the moment you leave, the better. A lot of blood is going to be shed here."

His words were certain, perhaps hardened by experience, but Anna realized that this world had no place for people like her. Taking it to heart, she released her hold on her family before looking back towards Pavel and went to check on Giul. The woman was breathing fine while he checked her health.

Their previous conversation made the silence awkward; however, she noticed he tried to talk and immediately hold himself from speaking. "What's on your mind?"

The major turned his head with somber expression. "Part of me is thinking that none of this wouldn't have happened if I wasn't such a prick about my beliefs."

"It's not your fault. None of this is anyone, really. Both of us were unfortunate to be at the wrong place at the wrong time." Anna replied.

"Perhaps, but here we are. I just hope you forgive me about what I said about you."

She smiled at his sincerity. "Apology accepted. Let's hope we can manage to get back to the castle."

Prince Vaska had been quiet ever since the attack on the otherworlder's base. What he had learned in that room changed everything. Every detail needed to be relayed to the man who ruled the empire.

The last time he had been to the Winter Palace was back when she was among them. Now the halls remained quiet as the palace horse and grenadier guards saluted him on arrival. With each step, his boots clicked against the marble floor as he reached the office of his better.

Two cuirassiers stood straight and tall, their swords at their sides. "Let me through, his majesty needs to see this."

Both men stole a glance at each other before opening the doors before him. No word was spoken as the Russian nobleman entered the office of the tsar. On the far end of the room was a wooden desk made out of the highest quality of wood crafted especially for him and the old man sitting behind it almost looked like Grandfather Frost. His beard was enough to make the Patriarch of the Church jealous while his face was wrinkled through years of stress whether it be foreign or domestic issues. The old emperor was reading the local newspaper as he sipped a cup, but then his eyes looked past his glasses and noted his arrival. "Prince Vaska, what a pleasant surprise to find you here? Did you finally find my daughter?"

He took a quick bow before his ruler and raised his head. "Unfortunately, I have, sire."

The tsar placed his paper down on his desk before adjusting his reading glasses. Then he waited.

"Princess Marya has been found, but her body is gone. Sire, she is gone."

He grimaced at the news trying to resist the urge to cry. "I was afraid that was her fate."

Vaska knew there was more to that based on what he read and learned from the Russians from another world. "Tsar Mikail, I still have more to talk about."

"Proceed."

"You remember that young man who brought her to his world? The one Marya liked?"

"Yes? What of him?"

"Both of them were in love and they… had a child."

The moment he mentioned that, the tsar was brought into a frenzy. "She had a child? Do you know about his whereabouts?"

He nodded his head. "Your grandson is alive and well, but he's currently in the service of the Russians you have heard about in the news."

"Yes," His eyes glancing at the paper, "Their attendance at the Arendelle Coronation is not exactly subtle. Is there a way you can bring my grandson to the palace?"

"I will do what I can," Vaska answered, "He is a relatively remarkable man based on what I have learned from him."