M: "Johann, I'm not understanding these new schematics you had me print off," someone said, entering through the half-crumbling archway of a ruined castle's outer wall, "these measurements of the ceilings are about 5 ft taller than the first ones we had, you can't possibly believe that people with wooden scaffolding and donkey powered elevators were able to build this place so high."

A countryhuman turned to face her, his flag wasn't of any known country, in fact, it was a mixture of two countries, exactly like the woman who spoke to him.

"Zal, these measurements are tiny in comparison to other old monuments of the world that were made even earlier in history," he said, though his mouth never once moved, "we've both traveled the world, you know what I'm talking about."

"The pyramids and the Taj mahal don't count, they both were built under the supervision of countries that had Eternal-like powers," she argued.

"Whatever, Zalia, these are the measurements that my instruments calculated, so these are the ones we are going with, they haven't been wrong yet," Johann grunted, grabbing the blueprints and rolling them up, "now, the first order of business, you and you're goons go check if that dimension rift thing spat anyone out this time, I don't want another incident with an ankylosaurus with a Russian accent destroying the back wall of the throne room."

"Alrigh, alright I'm going, you bossy brother," Zalia insisted, "you better hope there are no dinosaurs this time, otherwise I'm letting them eat you."

N: The dimensional rift fazed in and out of visibility; however, it was clear where it was with metal infrastructure outlining it.

Suddenly, the rift pulsed with activity, remaining visible as it grew, and all of a sudden two children were spat out, tumbling across the broken throne room floor. Once they had stopped, the two just looked at each other and laughed.

"I finally got you," the boy chuckled, looking no older than 7 with black hair and brown eyes, "you're it, Ella."

"That's not fair, Niko," the young girl frowned, her dark brown hair tied into pigtails as her green eyes started at him, looking no older than 5. Once they had gotten up on their feet, they began to wonder where they were, and realising they had no recollection of anything before they arrived, and they slowly were afraid of their new environment.

They jumped when the rift started pulsing again, so they quickly hid behind a large chunk of rubble, well hidden since they were small.

Soon two men were spat out, and the younger one grunted as the older one landed on him.

"Get the fuck of me, Wolfe," one of them spat, shoving the Saxon off him, "why is your arse so fat?"

"Shut it, Jo," Wolfgang grumbled, slowly getting up as he rubbed his elbows before helping his friend up. After assessing if they sustained any injuries, they fully took in the sight around them, and were confused at the rift behind them.

"How the hell did we end up here," Johann muttered, looking around in confusion, "and what is that?"

"I don't know," the Saxon muttered, then pointed to the doorway, or what seemed to be the remains of one, "but we can check out this place."

M: Before they could explore, the rift began pulsing one more time, dropping one more person out before completely disappearing, like it was never there.

"Argh, ow, that hurt," the man groaned, holding his face in pain, "what the hell happened?"

He stood up and looked around, his eyes locking on Johann and his mouth dropped, "Johann, is that you," he asked, "but how, I thought that I ... I was sick and I ... died."

He looked to the two men, "you both died too, didn't you."

N: Johann was in shock when he saw Rowen but Wolfgang was more focused on the question, trying to remember the last thing he knew.

"I...I remember lying in grass...dying," he muttered then his eyes widened, "I was killed in battle against the French."

"I just remember dying, ja," Johann spoke, kneeling next to his father, "and I don't know how we got here, but it's nice to see you again Hezyka," and he instantly hugged him.

Looking around, the Saxon began to figure out where they were, "isn't this Mandoria's castle? It looks like it's gone through hell."

M: "Yeah, it is," Rowen confirmed, standing up with his son, "strange that it is so dilapidated, if we were in the Great Beyond I would have expected it to look like its former glory. I mean, I don't feel dead, I'm breathing and I have a heartbeat, were we reincarnated?"

"-and then I shoved the gun down his throat and said, 'If you act like a bitch then you're going to die like a bitch'," a female voice said from the aforementioned doorway, and soon Zalia and a few humans came through, still talking amongst themselves, "In hindsight I should have shoved it up his a-"

"Hey, looks like that damn rift puked up people this time," one of the humans pointed out, "damn, I was hoping to fight dinosaurs again."

The countryhuman shook her head and took out a radio, "Johann, no dinosaurs this time, just people, from a long time ago by the looks of their clothes, let Poldara know that he and his dads will be having company."

With that out of the way, she put away her radio and stepped forward, "alright then people, state your names, place of origin, and what year you think it is, I want to get this shit over with as soon as possible."

N: Both Johann and Wolfgang were on edge when they saw Zalia, the latter clenching his fists just in case they had to fight their way out.

"Who the hell are you," he demanded, "and who the hell is Poldara and Johann? Can't be the same as our Johann?"

"Wolfe, you can't fight all of them," Johann warned, walking up to the Saxon, "it's six to one."

The Saxon stared down at the goons before sighing, "gut dann (fine then). I'm Wolfgang Schwartz, originally from Saxony, and I think it's been a couple years since America got his independence. 1780?"

"And I'm Johann Kress," the Mandorian continued, "I'm originally from Saxony but moved to the Kingdom of Mandoria, and I also think is 1780."

Niko and Ella glanced at each other, and when the younger one mouthed if they should reveal themselves, the older one shook his head, so they remained hidden.

M: "I'm Rowen Winters, born and raised in the Kingdom of Mandoria," Rowen said, crossing his arms, "Johann is my son, now if you don't mind, I think an introduction of yourself is only fair."

He didn't get an answer straight away, all seven of the newcomers just stared at them in shock, some turning white like they had seen ghosts.

"Uh ... Johann, could you come in here please," Zalia said into her radio, "and tell Poldara that the newcomers are extremely close to Dad and Uncle."

After recovering from the shock, the country cleared her throat and bowed in respect, "You're right, where are my manners, my name is Zalia, third-born twin of Belarus and Mandara Army, although you would know the latter as Derogan. Welcome to the Country of Mandara, in the year of 2093."

N: The three of them were in shock, as if a floodgate had opened and couldn't take in what has happened. While Johann was trying to find the words to speak, Wolfgang was the first to snap out of his trance.

"Two thousand and fucking ninety-three," he snapped, holding the sides of his head, "how the hell have we ended up 300 years in the future. How the...howww??!!"

"Country of Mandara? Mandara Army," Jo muttered, still in shock, "2093 and Derogan changed his name and had children. It's been 300 years and they're still alive but," he looked around, "the castle is still in ruins. I- I need to sit down."

The Mandorian sort of plonked onto the floor, the reality of being in the future setting in, and suddenly realising that the people he was once around had died long ago. Holding his head, he began muttering to go back home, a place where he was familiar with.

"Who's this Johann you keep on talking about," the Saxon asked, "and how can he hear us by talking into...whatever that is."

M: "That is an explanation for later, let's just say that things have changed a lot since you guys have been around," Zalia said, her voice becoming much more friendly now, "and Johann, or at least nowadays Johann, is my twin brother, our dad named him after you."

"Zal, what's going on, is everything ok," countryhuman Johann asked as he came in, tilting his head at the company.

"Johann, meet your human counterpart," his sister stated, "dad's brother and father have come back to life, as well as whoever the third guy is."

Johann blinked at this, slowly walking over and kneeling to OG Johann's level, "so you're really Johann Kress, that's so cool, dad and Uncle Mandara talk a lot about you, it's incredible to finally meet you."

"Uncle Mandara," Rowen repeated, "he's alive too? This is all so much to take in."

N: "Ja, this is way too much to take in," Johann agreed, looking up at Johann the countryhuman, staring at all the wires and tech on him, "how can I even hear you? You didn't move your mouth, and what is on you. I...I just need to lay down; it's all a dream."

While the Mandorian just laid down on the cobbled floor, Wolfgang asked, "is there a chance that we can go back?"

"But we died, unless we didn't die and this is a dream," Jo mumbled, "what is happening? Where am I?"

M: "I know, I know, it's a lot to take in," country Johann said, "as for going back, normally yes there would be a way to go back, but we haven't had any previously deceased people come out of the rift, so I don't know if it would work the same way."

"What do you mean rift, and you talk like this has happened before," Rowen inquired.

"Yes it has, but it's a very long and confusing story," Zalia stated, "you probably aren't ready for it just yet considering the time period you came from. How about we just take you to Uncle Mandara's estate, you all can rest there and reorient yourselves to the current situation."

Johann nodded in agreement, but he first rested a reassuring hand on his technical uncle's shoulder, "hey, it's going to be ok, we'll figure this out, everything will be alright."

Before the other could respond, one of Zalia's men called to her, "hey boss, there's two kids over here, are they with these guys?"

N: The two kids, since they are invested in what was happening, didn't notice one of Zalia's men sneak up on them, so when they heard his voice, they jumped and screamed.

Niko was the first to leave their hiding spot, helping his friend up before running to Wolfgang and hugging his leg.

"Nikolaus," the Saxon said in surprise, going down to one knee before hugging him, "Was machst du hier, mein Sohn? (What are you doing here, son)"

"Ich weiß nicht, Vater, (I don't know, father)," he answered, whimpering from his fright and also from the information he learnt.

Meanwhile Ella slowly walked over to the Johanns, glancing at the country before lying next to the human Johann, curling up into a ball.

Johann instinctively wrapped his arms around her, sensing that she was scared, so he sat up, "it's alright, Helena, I'm here."

Now in father mode, the Mandorian got back up on his feet, holding his daughter's hand, "bitte, take us to a safe place. The children are scared, and if we can remember how we died, I only fear what they can remember."

M: Johann bit his lip as he saw the children come out, he was thinking the same thing, except he also wondered when they died if they came back as kids.

"так, we'll take you all home," he said standing up, "Mandara and ... Derogan, aren't there at the moment, but Poldara should have notified them that you're here, they'll be thrilled to see you."

"Alright boys, you're all dismissed, we won't be working today," Zalia ordered, "report back to base then go ahead and have the day off."

Johann rolled his eyes, he wasn't going to tell these people about Zalia's line of work, not so soon, leaving him to just lead them out of the castle and to the makeshift parking lot, showing them his car.

"So this thing is called a car," he declared, "it's basically a horseless carriage made of metal, most cars run on this black liquid that comes out of the ground called oil, mine runs on electricity, which is what lightning is made out of."

He told them to stand back and he pushed a button on his keychain, which popped the doors open, which he had to explain how it happened.

"Take as much time as you need to get in, I understand that it might look a little scary, but I promise that it's safe, it won't hurt you."

N: Although the adults were more hesitant, the kids were curious and slowly approached the car, and once Helena took a step in, she beckoned her friend in to try out the soft seats.

Wolfgang was understandably afraid of his son willingly going into the vehicle, "it looks like those death devices the Ancient Greeks used; the one where you heat up a metal bull. Don't tell me that this 'car' heats up."

"It should be fine, right," Johann spoke uneasily, not wanting to leave his daughter behind, so he carefully stepped in, testing out the seats, "it really is a horseless carriage. Come in."

M: "I mean, it is made out of metal, so it can heat up," Johann said slowly, "but it has a system in it that blows out cold air, or hot air if it's winter, so it's not going to cook you."

Rowen hummed at this, though one couldn't tell if it was in interest or apprehensive. Nonetheless, he got into the front passenger seat since it was the only one left, and was immediately interested in all the buttons and nobs.

"What do all of these things do," he asked as the countryhuman got into the driver's seat, "are they just decoration?"

Johann couldn't help but chuckle, "No, they do all sorts of things, some can change the temperature like I mentioned before, others can play different types of music, watch."

He turned the car on and it rumbled to life, causing Rowen to squeak in surprise and hold onto his chair, but when Johann began to mess with the nobs and music began to play, it calmed him.

"Fascinating, I think I'm starting to like this future stuff," he declared.

"Trust me, this is only the beginning," Johann smiled, "I can't wait to see your reaction to TVs. Now, everyone put your seatbelts on, they are the strap-looking things on the sides of the seats, you put them inside the little box things on the opposite side of the seat and push until it clicks. Cars can go much faster than carriages so they are just to keep you safe, but don't worry, I won't go too fast."

N: "Yeah sure, can't be that fast," Johann chuckled, but the moment the car began to move he gripped at his seat, and didn't let go the entire car journey.

The journey was generally quiet, except with the kids admiring the view, until they rolled up to Mandara's estate. Johann couldn't help but recognise some of the natural landmarks, something he was happy that wasn't destroyed by Prussia.

Once they had arrived, there was a moment of silence as they took in their first ever car journey, until Wolfgang leaned in between the two front seats. "Did you seriously call that music," he shook his head in disappointment, "if this is the sort of stuff you're listening too, music has clearly only gotten worse over the centuries."

M: Johann definitely burst out laughing, and Rowen did too since he quite enjoyed the songs, "Come on Wolfie, they weren't that bad, besides, I remember that time you were drunk at the Unicorn and started singing, now that was bad."

"Huh, so you guys remember things when you were ... around, but not after," Johann voiced, "hmm, it's probably nothing, anyway, all you have to do is push the bright red button on the seatbelt boxes to unlock them, then pull the lever on the doors to open them."

With that said, he switched off the car and they all got out, then watched as Zalia's car drove up right after. She began to walk over but when her brother saw the cigarette in her hand he stopped her, "hey, put that thing out before you come over here, don't you be teaching these people bad habits."

"Calm your tits, Jo, it's not like tobacco didn't exist back in the 1700s," she grumbled, but still put out her blunt, "besides, you know I don't smoke around kids, Poldara made that very clear."

"Poldara is Mandara's son," the other informed them, ignoring his sister, "technically I guess that makes Rowen our grandfather and Johann our uncle, although," he turned to Wolfie, "I don't think I caught your name, are you related to us too?"

N: The Saxon frowned, "no, I'm not, and my name is Wolfgang. The only way you're connected to me is through Johann since we were from the same town when we were kids."

"Wolfe here was pretty against Mandorians for a while," Johann continued, "but you've gotten over it, right?"

"Sure, but it doesn't mean that I like being back here," the Saxon rolled his eyes, "now, can we get an explanation as to what is happening, why we're here, and to...everything."

M: "In due time, let's head inside first and get you all settled," Johann suggested, "Zal, Poldara knows we're here right."

"Yup, he should be coming outside right ... about ... now," the other twin said, and sure enough, the front doors opened to reveal a winged countryhuman in a wheelchair, being led by a huge Samoyed dog."

"Wow, you guys weren't lying, it's really them," he said, wheeling closer to the group and offered a handshake, "my name is Poldara, Mandara's son, it's so nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too, sir," Rowen greeted, shaking his hand, "it certainly wasn't our intention to visit, we're a little bit confused about what is going on."

"I understand, come on in, we'll explain everything there," the country said, "I already have refreshments in the living room, something that may help you all settle down, as long as my daughter didn't drink them herself."

N: "Refreshments will be nice," Johann nodded as they followed Poldara in, "so if you're Mandara's son, and you also have a daughter, then I'm a great-uncle."

"I can barely process you as a responsible adult," Wolfgang commented, "I mean, I do remember you actually maturing as the years go by, but seeing you as," he gestured the Mandorian's entire body, "you, you're probably your childish self."

"With a child," the Mandorian added before turning to Helena, "Ella, do you want to say hi to Poldara?"

The young girl just glanced between her father and the winged country before blurting out, "are you also in a car?"

M: The twins snorted at the comment before fully laughing, while Poldara politely chuckled.

"No, this is my wheelchair chair, it helps me get around when my legs aren't feeling good," he explained, patting his legs, "I got hurt awhile ago, I lost one leg and the other one isn't very strong, but hey, at least I don't have to worry about leg cramps."

He then led them all inside the castle-like mansion and to the large living room, it was quite homey in atmosphere and wasn't too fancy, which got a hum of approval from Rowen, who was glad that his sons still had a bit of the good days in them.

Everyone sat down and helped themselves to the drinks, lemonade for the kids and tea and coffee for the adults, even Johann and Zalia helped themselves to some. Once everyone was situated, Poldara slowly began to explain the situation, about the rift and why it was there in the first place, as well as previous instances when people and creatures were spit out.

N: While the adults were listening, the children were talking to each other, whispering about Poldara and Johann's looks, to which Wolfgang frowned.

"Why don't you tell everyone what you're saying," the Saxon spoke, "I did tell you that it's not good to talk behind someone's back."

Nikolaus, since he was a child, just bluntly pointed at their eyes and then to his. "Why is your eye black? Are you like Uncle Saxon?"

M: "Well ... yes and no, we are entities but a different type of entity," Johann corrected, "I believe that Saxon was one of the very first entities, he was a Full-Time entity, they focused on international matters, the current Head of Insurgents is a German named Iremacht."

"We are called special entities, we help enforce the laws within our countries," Poldara added, "although in Johann's case, he invents technology for Belarus, his mother. Uncle MA is a militant entity, his right eye is black instead of the left one, he is the head general of the entire Mandarian army, hence his name, Mandara Army."

N: "Why do Heads of Insurgents tend to be Germans," Johann wondered out loud, "so I'm guessing Royal would probably be a militant entity by now since she basically was the general of the British Army."

"Wait," Wolfgang's eyes widened, "if there's a new Head of Insurgents, does that mean-" He immediately stopped himself from continuing the sentence, since his son was still there, although Johann got the gist and his eyes widened in surprise. "Do you perhaps have a library of sorts," the Saxon asked, "it feels like we got to catch ourselves up on the last three centuries."

M: The three cousins glanced at each other, wondering what he was talking about, but Zalia caught on first and answered what she thought he was thinking.

"Iremacht didn't defeat Saxon to become the head of insurgents," she said, "he actually is only a couple of years older than Poldara, but what I will say is that he's the first head of insurgents in a long time, if you catch my drift."

"Yeah, pretty much," Johann grimaced, now understanding what was being talked about, "we do have a library though, I can take you there."

"Say hi to my family while you're there," Poldara said, "Adira is homeschooled and my husband is her teacher today."

N: The adults nodded as they followed Johann, although Wolfgang was quite eager to head straight to the library. Meanwhile the children were excited, happy that there's a chance that they could meet another kid.

When they had finally reached the library, Johann took a moment to admire its size while the Saxon beelined to the early 1800s section, finding anything about what happened after his death. Finding a book on France, he pulled it out and flicked through its pages before sighing. "France eventually lost the war," he sighed in relief, "at least I didn't die in vain."

Now that that was done, he went on to find anything about Saxon, so he searched through the many shelves until he found a book about insurgency in Europe, so he took it.

Walking up to the Mandorians, he flicked through the pages until he found a chapter named 'the death of Saxon'. Glancing nervously at Jo, he skimmed through the chapter and his shoulders fell.

"'Assisting with the revolution led by Vladimir Lenin, Saxon, son of Suebi, died in 1917 in Moscow,'" he read out loud, although he made sure that his son was out of earshot.

"Since then, his family fought for the end of the Great War, and sought to see that it was the end of all wars," Johann continued, "sightings of Anglo have significantly decreased, only appearing a couple times, and UK had refused to comment on questions about his grandfather."

When the Saxon asked who the UK was, the Mandorian just pointed at one of the many maps on the wall. "It looks like BE lost his empire," Jo explained, "and besides, BE had been calling himself UK ever since Ireland joined the union."

Wolfgang frowned before flicking through the book, seeing mentions of the Second World War, "this world went to shit."