It was another beautiful fall day in the Sacred Lands. The snowy mountains gave a beautiful contrast to the orange of the leaves and the brown grass.

Among one of the many roads that led to the Daytower, two figures could be seen mounted on two Striders, in what seems to be a race to reach the top of the mountain. Those were our favorite couple.

Aloy was in the lead, with Allam hot on her heels.

Aloy: Haha, I can see the top now! -the redhead yelled loudly as her boyfriend followed behind her.

Allam: Don't sing victory yet, here comes the Bullet Bill! -said the soldier while he accelerated his Strider.

Both youngsters laughed as they felt the cold breeze crash into their bodies. Aloy longed for that feeling of freedom and adventure, she was happy that they had decided to do this adventure. Both finally reached the gates of the Carja fort, with Aloy in the lead, winning the race.

Aloy: What was that about the Bullet Bill? -she said with a small arrogant smile.

Allam: You beat me just because I wasn't ready -said the ancient soldier with a confident smile as he got off his Strider.

Aloy: Yeah, sure -said the huntress with a proud smile on her face as she got off her mount.

They both grabbed the reins of their machines and entered the fort. The place has not changed at all over the months. It was just as busy as ever. The pair were chatting about trivialities until they heard a somewhat shaken man talking to some Carja guards. From what could be heard, he was talking about new machines, which caught the couple's attention.

They approached the man, who, judging by his clothes, seemed to be an Oseram. Behind the man was a large cart full of goods to trade. Next to him was a table that had a few weapons on it.

Guard: Look, I don't have time for this. Your stories of the Cut do not interest us in the least. If you care so much, why don't you go to the Claim and complain to them? -Said the soldier, his men only nodded, Aloy approached.

Aloy: They may not care, but we do -said the redhead with a smile, surprising those present.

Guard: Well look, annoy them with your stories, stupid Oseram -said the soldier Carja to go the other way without giving importance to the matter.

Aloy: Hey, I'm Aloy. And this here is my boyfriend, Allam; It's a pleasure -she introduced herself energetically, just as she introduced her boyfriend, who nodded in greeting.

Oseram: The pleasure is all mine; my name is Hermès. I tried to explain to these assholes what is happening in the Cut, but none of them understand -Oseram introduced himself.

Hermès was someone short, he had brown hair that reached the nape of his neck, he had a big scruffy mustache on his face. He had brown eyes and skin burned by the desert sun. He appeared to be about 45 years old.

Aloy: Why did you tell them that story? -asked the redhead curiously to the man.

Hermès: I arrived from the Cut about three days ago; and the things I saw there were unimaginable. When I came back, I thought about telling what I saw to the merchants and travelers of the Daytower, but the guards didn't let me finish my story -explained the man looking suspiciously at the guards.

Aloy: Can you tell me what you saw there? -asked the redhead.

Hermès: There are new machines hunting the Banuk in the area, machines never before seen by the human eye. There is one in particular that is huge, not the size of a Thunderjaw, but the size of a Begimo and with the strength of one, capable of emanating ice from its claws. In addition, the machines of always, somehow, are stronger, more resistant and aggressive than ever -explained the man to the young woman.

Allam was somewhat confused, since they did not understand what this "Cut" was that they were talking about.

Allam: Wait, what is the Cut? -asked the dark-haired man curiously.

Hermès: The Cut is part of the southern area of ​​Ban-Uhr. Its name is due to the Red Raids that the Mad Sun King Jiran made to the region -the Oseram explained, but that only caused Allam to have more questions.

Allam: Ban-Uhr? Where is this Cut? -asked the man curiously.

Hermès: Ban-Uhr is what the home region of the Banuk is called. I don't really know how their social class is organized or anything like that, I just know what most people know. The Cut is a week travel from here, it's past the Grave-Hoard, on the mountains. When you are in the mountains, you will walk to the northwest. You'll know you've arrived when you see Thunder Drum -explained the man and the soldier just nodded.

Inside Aloy's mind, a light bulb went on and she had an idea of ​​what could be happening, but at the same time, it was the perfect opportunity to have an adventure like the one she wanted so much.

Aloy: Could you give us a moment, I have to talk about something with my partner real quick -said the huntress with a smile and he simply nodded and raised his hand, indicating that there was no problem.

Aloy dragged Allam a few meters from the merchant, who confusedly moved to where his girlfriend was leading him.

Aloy: Allam. What do you think if we go to the Cut and find out what's going on there? -The redhead asked her boyfriend, who was looking at her thoughtfully.

Allam: I don't know...it's a rather long trip...but I have suspicions who may be creating the machines -said the old man, not sure of the plan.

Aloy: Come on Al, it's an adventure! We can learn a lot of new things and maybe learn more about machines. Also, imagine that your suspicions are true -said the Nora, while she saw how her boyfriend was mentally debating whether they should go or not.

Allam: I don't know Aloy...if these machines are as dangerous as Hermès says they are, I don't want you to get hurt...or worse -said the old soldier somewhat worried, while remembering the Battle of Meridian.

Aloy: Allam, I'm going to get hurt with any machine I fight, that's the world we live in, but I assure you I'm not going to die so easily -said the redhead trying to persuade her partner.

Allam: ... Alright -said the soldier giving up, he knew that if Aloy was up for something, she was going to do it no matter what.

The huntress smiled and gave a little squeak and hugged Allam around the neck, almost bringing him to the ground.

Aloy: Thank you, thank you, thank you, you are the best -she said kicking the air.

Aloy let go of her hold and gave her lover a kiss on the cheek, who blushed a little because of it. Both youngsters returned with Hermès, who was checking some things in his cart.

Allam: Hermès, Aloy and I are going to investigate what is happening in the Cut, but we are going to need all the information you have about the region, the natives and about these new machines, as well as a map of how to get to the region, if you have it available -said the soldier to the man, he simply looked at them surprised.

Hermès: A-Are you really going there? -He asked and the couple agreed.

Hermès: Well, the first thing you should know is that the Cut is very cold. The Banuk wear several layers of fur over them to protect them from the cold. If you like, I can sell you Banuk clothing for the extreme cold of the region. The way there is not so cold, it is a Tundra, like the lands of the Wild East. There are several Oseram settlements along the way, but there are others that are independent and serve as a trading point, you can resupply and buy equipment there -explained the man to which they both nodded.

Hermès: Second, the Banuk are not big fans of foreigners, they tolerate them up to a certain point. The Banuk are very proud and will see any foreigner as if they are inferior to all of them. And as far as I understand, the only way to earn the trust or respect of a Banuk is by proving your worth and surviving the inhospitable terrain of the region -he told both of them and they nodded as they listened carefully.

Hermès: About the new machines, there is not much I can tell you. I've only seen one, and that was a FrostClaw. It was big like a Begimo and its claws emanated ice. A beast that I never want to see again in my life -the man told them with the best possible description of the machine, both were surprised since they had never heard of that machine.

Allam: Do you have a map that I can use? -asked the ancient soldier and he nodded.

Hermès: I can tell you this is the best map you are going to find out there. None is detailed like mine -said the Oseram as he took his map out of his bag. He approached the table where the weapons he was selling were and opened it on it.

Allam used his focus and scanned the map. The focus of it demarcated the region location of the first Banuk settlement. Allam widened his eyes knowing what place it was.

Allam: Yellowstone National Park...who would have thought -said the man with a melancholy smile.

This melancholy did not go unnoticed by his girlfriend. But later she would ask him.

Aloy: Well, I think that's all we need to know. I'll take one of those Banuk clothes -said the huntress and the man nodded. He searched his wagon for an outfit and seeing Aloy's complexion, he found one in her size.

Aloy paid for the suit and thanked the man for the information. Allam did the same.

Allam: Thanks for the information, Hermès. What are you going to do now? -asked the old man.

Hermès: It was a pleasure, thank you for listening. As for me, I will finish my business here and go to the Claim. My family will want to hear about this -said the Oseram with a smile.

The couple said goodbye to the Oseram and returned in their footsteps.

Allam: We need snow gear; we better go back to the Embrace and talk to Sarah. There we can see what we can use to counteract the cold -said the ancient while he was looking at the map on his Focus, which had a marked point, a settlement called "Songs-edge"

Aloy: Allam. Are you okay? -The huntress asked her lover, who was lost in his thoughts. At first, he didn't respond but after putting a hand on his shoulder, she shooed him away a bit and snapped him back to reality.

Allam saw the concerned look on his girlfriend's face and he flashed the best fake smile he had.

Allam: Yes love, I was just thinking about the preparations for the trip. You know how I am; I plan everything too much. A habit from the military -said the soldier, but she was not satisfied with his answer and stood in the way, with a serious look.

Aloy: Remember when we promised each other that there would be no more secrets between us? I need you to keep our promise. What's the matter, love? -Asked the redhead as she looked at the soldier in his eyes.

Allam: Y-Yes...how can I forget, it was when we kissed for the first time...well, without secrets, as we had agreed. After I joined the National Guard, my friends Salaz, Nash and I took a trip through the West of the country, our first destination was Yellowstone, the place brings back memories -the dark-haired man explained to his girlfriend.

Aloy: Salaz? You had mentioned him before, right? -she asked him, with curiosity, the soldier only nodded.

Allam: Yes... he had died in a terrorist attack before the war... the last day of our trip -said the sad old soldier, remembering that horrendous day.

Aloy: Oh...sorry Allam, I didn't plan to make you sad -said the redhead sorry for what she did.

Allam: Don't worry, you were just being curious -said the soldier giving the hunter a hug.

Both separated from the embrace and continued their way out of the fort. When they left, they got on their Striders and decided to start their journey back to the Sacred Lands, towards the Sigma cauldron.

A week later...

Allam and Aloy stood in the center of the Sigma cauldron, which was active as usual, pieces of metal clanging in the distance. The couple explained the situation to Sarah, and she began work immediately. All of Allam and Aloy's equipment was confiscated by Sarah, so that she can work on them without any problems.

Allam came out of one of the rooms wearing a black cryogenic suit, but he was getting hot inside.

Allam: How do I look? -Said the soldier while he opened his arms and turned in his own center.

Aloy: You look good...What's that? -said the hunter, and then pointed to something behind him.

Allam turned around and Aloy slapped the ancient soldier's ass. Causing him to let out a small cry of surprise.

Allam: What was that for? -Asked the old soldier while he rubbed his butt.

Aloy:Not my fault you're so dummy thick -the redhead told him, biting her lower lip.

Allam: Oh, ha ha, you should really stop hanging out with Jante -said the ancient soldier sarcastically, as a blush formed on his face.

Sarah came out of one of the rooms that she accommodated and brought a table with wheels, which had next to it a mannequin with a white combat armor, on said table, there was some kind of energy rifle.

Sarah: Well, Allam, put on the armor -she told him while she helped him and taught him how to put on the armor.

Sarah: How do you feel? -asked the teenager to her brother.

Allam: Well...hot -said the ancient soldier.

Sarah: I know, it's conditioned for cold, genius -said the brunette sarcastically to her older brother.

Allam saw that his left bracelet had some kind of mouthpiece in front of it, next to a compartment with a green liquid. Allam saw that he, too, had some sort of pad in the palm of his hand. He pressed the panel and a blaze of fire shot out.

Allen: Shit! Do I have a flamethrower? This is fucking sick -said the ancient soldier happily.

Sarah: I had it saved for Christmas, but I think Santa got there early this year -she said with a smile as she handed the rifle to her brother.

Sarah: This is a Gauss rifle -she said as she presented the rifle to him.

Allam: Wh-How did you do it? -asked the old soldier to the engineer.

Sarah: Easy, there were several blueprints scattered around the mainframe. Apparently, GAIA left a large library of plans in this facility -explained the young engineer.

Aloy: How did you access them? -asked the Nora as amazed as the soldier.

???: With my assistance -said a female voice, well known to Aloy.

Out of nowhere, a green and yellow colored sphere formed in the center of the chamber.

Aloy: GAIA? -Said the woman, surprised, as she approached the holographic sphere.

GAIA: That's right Elizabeth, it's me -said the artificial intelligence with what could be said, happiness.

This took everyone present by surprise. Aloy wasn't very comfortable being called Elizabeth, but later she would make it clear to the AI.

Aloy: How are you alive? -asked the redhead with astonishment and curiosity.

GAIA: I'm not alive, but the young Blake followed the other GAIA's instructions, and she was able to restore me to my previous state, but with slight changes -explained the AI

Allam: Changes? What changes? -Asked the ancient soldier, making his presence known.

GAIA: General Blake, it is a pleasure and an honor to meet you, if I could, I would greet you as I should -she said while she played some military drums in the background.

GAIA: Dr. Sobeck has told me a lot about you, it's exciting to finally meet you. You don't know how much I wished that you came out of the ice to meet you. And regarding your question, I have reverted to the last version, when I activated, but I don't have control of the subordinate functions -explained the AI, taking Allam by surprise.

Allam: I understand...so you can't control Hephaestus, Minerva or Poseidon? -asked the soldier to be sure.

GAIA: Indeed, sir, but with Dr. Sobeck's instructions and her help, we can restore my subordinate functions -explained the AI, making the ancient soldier smile and begin to jump happily.

Aloy: So, we can put an end to the Madness of the machines and that they become docile again and continue their terraforming process? -she repeated to be sure of what she heard.

She watched as the siblings nodded and she had a big smile on her face. She was happy, GAIA was back and there was a chance that the future would be peaceful. She walked over to Allam and kissed him on the lips for the shock of the moment.

GAIA: I see that at the end of the day, Dr. Sobeck and General Blake joined as a couple -said the AI ​​with some mischievousness as she looked at the couple, making them both blush.

Aloy: GAIA, you can call me Aloy, instead of Elizabeth or Dr. Sobeck -she asked and the AI ​​agreed.

Allam: So, you made Aloy based on Aunt Eli, right? -asked the soldier and she nodded.

GAIA: That's right, sir, but that wasn't the original plan -said the AI, which brought confusion to those present.

GAIA: General Blake, if I may, I can tell you what I mean by this, but I'm worried -explained the AI, taking everyone by surprise.

Allam: What worries you GAIA? -asked the ancient soldier to the AI.

GAIA: It may be that what I tell you could affect your relationship with Miss Aloy and, in turn, cause unnecessary emotional stress, which I don't want to cause you -said the AI ​​somewhat worried and dismayed, more for Aloy's sake than for Allam's.

Allam looked at her lover and saw her sigh.

Aloy: Calm down GAIA, you can tell us -he said to the AI, ​​and it continued.

GAIA: The original plan was that, when General Blake woke up, I would incubate an embryo with genetic material from him and Dr. Sobeck, so that he would not be alone in the new world. But when HADES woke up, I had to take evasive action to protect creation, so when it came to incubating Aloy, I thought I could connect to Cryogenic Facility 2AB500, which General Blake was in, and wake him up, but HADES disconnected MINERVA before I could do that. Not being able to wake him up and knowing that I needed Dr. Sobeck in order to destroy HADES, the incubator only had Dr. Sobeck's genetic material -revealed the AI ​​to everyone's surprise.

Everyone present was stunned at the revelation. Allam and Aloy were in an emotional mess. They all had so many questions.

Aloy: Wait... are you telling me that Allam is my father? - Said the hunter disgusted and with confusion in her voice.

GAIA: No miss, General Blake is not your father. You are not biologically related -the AI ​​explained, but before Aloy could ask again, Sarah interrupted her.

Sarah: What did you mean by "alone in the world"? -asked the young engineer.

GAIA: The chances of you and young Janet surviving were very low. It's a miracle that you both are alive. The birth of the girl was used as an emergency plan, in case you died, General Blake would need something to face his loss and what better than a baby, daughter of him and Dr. Sobeck- explained the AI ​​to the sister leaving her puzzled.

Allam: GAIA...was that plan made by Aunt Eli or did you make it? -asked the ancient soldier to the AI.

GAIA: The plan was mine, but I used the knowledge given to me by Elizabeth. Dr. Sobeck loved you too much General Blake and I know you felt the same, so, fearing that your family would die in a state of cryogenization, I designed the plan and ran many tests until it came out perfect -explained the AI.

Everyone present was perplexed by what the artificial intelligence told them.

Sarah: L-Look...you better go home and rest...you have to...you know. Digest what you heard, and you have a long journey ahead of you -said the teenager and both young men nodded.

They said goodbye to GAIA and Sarah and left the cauldron. They both mounted their Striders and began the journey back to the Embrace. The trip was silent, neither said anything until they reached their home. It was already night when they arrived.

They both entered the cabin, Allam used the flashlight on his helmet, and they were guided to the room. When they entered, they lit the candles to have some light. The couple removed their gear and changed into their sleeping clothes and lay down on the bed.

Already lying down, Aloy hugged Allam's torso and Allam hugged her back, both were tired, but at the same time surprised by what they learned today.

Allam: Today was an...unexpected day -said the huntress to break the ice.

Aloy: Needless to say... GAIA is reactivated and we have equipment for the winter... but did she really had to mention that in the first place? -She ​​said while she looked at the Old One.

Allam: Yeah... still, despite everything she said and the ridiculousness of her plan... it makes some sense, you know? If I had a daughter... most of the stupid things I do and say wouldn't happen, but I would also do others for her -said the soldier with a smile.

Aloy: You being a dad...it would be a lovely concept -she said, falling asleep little by little.

Allam: Yes...maybe one of these days we will have children. What do you think A-? -Commented the old soldier to his girlfriend, but he saw that she was passed out in his arms.

Allam just smiled to see how tender she looked, he gave her a kiss on the forehead and covered himself with the sheet to protect himself from the cold.

Allam: Good night, princess -said the soldier to close his eyes and fall into the world of dreams.

Character Bio (Frozen Wilds):

Name: Allam James Blake

Aliases: Al|Old One|General Blake

Age: 21 years (biological) / 995 years (cryogenic)

Ancestry: Latino

Skin tone: Light tan

Hair color and shape: Black, medium length, curly

Eye color: Dark brown

Weight: 200lbs

Height: 5'10'ft

Rank: Chief of Staff|General of the Army|Alpha Prime

Equipment:

M-72 Gauss rifle

A rifle created by Sarah for Allam, using some old prototype designs that never saw the light of day. The rifle was modified by Sarah with the intention that she can fight against the most formidable machines and humans. This rifle uses 2mm energy bullets.

Sarwave combat armor Mk 2.7 (Winterized)

This combat armor was developed by Sarah using Allam's original Ultrawave armor and riot armor designs from the year 2064 as a base. She calls it "Sarwave", being of her own invention. This armor is conditioned to resist the low temperatures of the Cut region. The armor protects the wearer from freezing elemental damage, making them immune to cold attacks and resistant to fire attacks.

The helmet comes with a built-in flashlight, which helps him see in low-light areas. Said flashlight can be activated by pressing a button on the side of the helmet, the reinforced gas mask was added for intimidation and protection of the user's face, while the visors were modified to have different vision modes, such as night vision and infrared.

The armor's left bracer has a flamethrower that Allam can activate by using the pad in his hand. He could use freezing liquid or blaze, depending on the ammunition he has on hand.