『Free! – Series Four – Cosmos World Chronicle』
フリー!– ザ第4シリーズ – コスモスワールドクロニクル
『~Extra Stories Arc~』
番外編
Book 0.5: Earthly Tales of the Past
Book 1.5: The Prince of the West Star
Book 2.5: Rasputin's Trailblazer Adventure (You are here)
Book: 3.5: Magic Six of the Resurrection!
Book 4.5: Darkness of the Witch!
Synopsis: One of the fearsome villains from Generation 1.0 returns in a unique spin-off adventure series! After departing from the heavens, Rasputin learns more about the nature of all the realms of story. A new revelation is revealed, extending into another Ancient Greek tragedy of a king who carried one of the most cursed reputations ever known to the humans! But, that's not the only secret that lies within…
A 3-Episode Arc
Ep 1: BIONICLE (Sometime after The Last World's apocalypse)
Ep. 2: Delta!Earth (Pre & Post The Last World)
Ep. 3: Duniya, Post-Curse (of Gen 3.0)
"Raspy if that's the only form of magic you got, getting back here will be…" Pandora began.
"An adventure," he smiled, "That's what I'm doing…I love you, mom."
Trying hard not to cry, she held him by the arm, "I love you too."
Rasputin took off on the bike, entering the portal and disappeared into the unknown as Pandora could only pray for a safe quest with hopes of finding his happy ending at long last.
~Episode 1: A Cursed Warrior~
The Bota Magna Forest, Spherus Magna
Post-The Last World
VROOOMMMMMMMM…VR-VR-VRRROOOOMMMMMMMAAAA!
The sole-human drove on his newly modified motor bike now uses protodermis as fuel instead of gasoline. One of the Nynrah Ghosts (a Fe-Matoran or Matoran of Iron element after learning more about the inhabitants) modified his bike as payment for his service for a year working in a sweat shop.
During that time, he got to explore much of the regions outside of Averax Magna but was told that no humans have been there since the Time of Darkness. Out of curiosity, Rasputin wanted to see what kind of humans were able to make it to these holy grounds.
The young adult gripped harder on his bike as he soared across the dirt road, traversing through several hills and forests towards the great kingdom. After crossing through a meadow, he saw an explosion of energy from the horizon. Upon driving closer, he saw a group of Glatorian and Toa trying to subdue a gigantic dragon-like beast.
Kardas roared and unleashed another nuclear-like energy blast, incinerating one of the Toa to ashes. Zaria dodged the attack and finally unleashed a gigantic-like cage made of iron in hopes to keep the beast inside. Orde used his psionic powers to make an illusion on the beast, thinking that it was nighttime and suddenly dropped to sleep.
"Good job!" Tahu called out.
"Yeah but we lost one of our friends," said Chiara, "Edrak…all these ashes!"
"We'll make sure his legacy is remembered," Takanuva said.
"W-what's that noise?" Pohatu asked.
Zaria turned and threw another cage up, trapping Rasputin inside. The human cried out, but the group of Toa arrived to see.
"Oh, it's just you," said Zaria, "What are you doing in a dangerous area?"
"I was on my way to the kingdom when I heard the conflict," he answered.
Tahu used his Elemental Fire Blades, releasing the human from the makeshift prison. Rasputin sighed as he turned on the engine again.
"Where are you going?" Ackar asked.
"I'm not comfortable answering…" Rasputin said.
Gali approached him, "You don't have to answer. But lately, there's been some strange events happening beyond the Outer Walls of our domain. You don't have any powers of your own for protection."
"Then does this mean I have to head back?" the human asked.
"We'll do our best to search-investigate and keep you posted-checked," Lewa answered.
Rasputin's Hut, North Averax City
The sole human sighed as he cooked on a boiling pot of some stew made of plants and some organic-based creature natives of the planet. Some of the residents suggested he try to use some Thornax but it smelled like burnt rubber.
For about 2 years in this world or so, he adapted to the ways of the Agori and Matoran. According to their timeline, it was at least 200 years since the apocalyptic stampede that nearly destroyed their world but by the powers of the three saviors from Olympia, faith was restored.
At some point, he met one of the Turaga elders named Vakama who could see the future through a sacred fire. Fascinated by this, Rasputin went through training as he recalled his previous life in Russia ages ago by using similar ritual techniques. However, the rebirth as a Chiropteran did hinder those abilities in exchange in becoming a hunter.
Upon hearing this story, Vakama stated, "You may have been in the shadows like the Makuta, but you have thrived into the will of our Great Spirit."
Rasputin watched Vakama chanting a tune to the fire before it flared on a symbol that closely resembled as…
"W-what is that?" Rasputin asked.
"Not what I'd expect from the flames," Vakama stated, "This is…"
Rasputin's mind flashed back to the present as the stew was almost burnt (as usual) before turning off the flames. He went up to a mirror to look at the tattooed symbol on the back of his neck.
A loud knock was heard on the door. Rasputin quickly put on his scarf and opened to see one of the villagers approaching.
"Velika…" Rasputin said, "How are you?"
"Alive…thanks to the will of the Great Spirit," the Po-Matoran said, "But alas, I am afraid that a few things require of your assistance."
"Is this a part of your campaign again?" Rasputin looked annoyed, "You and Perditus, along with Atakus and Kabrua…"
"Never mind about us," Velika said, "We won't pull you into our affairs but something of foreign has come to this world…and Kabrua asks of you to help translate what is presented."
With a sigh, Rasputin asked, "Where is it at?"
Hours Later: The Western Forest
Rasputin rode on his motor bike while Velika and Atakus rode on a Thornatus V9 with Perdiitus and Kabura racing through by foot as its nature of the Vorox species.
They drove through the woods before finally reaching to a prairie field where the walls stood. However, it was impaled by 4 gigantic crystals that smashed through the walls.
"W-what in the name of…" Rasputin's eyes widened.
"They appeared earlier this afternoon," Atakus said, "The Toa tried to investigate them, but they couldn't read the inscriptions. An Agori tried to read he runes but no avail."
"But Nokama has the Mask of Translation, why didn't you go to her?" Rasputin asked.
"Nokama would've taken her time to do this," Perditus replied, "We need to know what these words are…"
"We will pay you," Velika reassured him.
Rasputin finally approached to the gigantic four crystals looming above. While he noticed they were filled with some sort of writing from the bottom all the way up, he noticed four symbols engraved on…
"A wing-shaped cross, a paw, some triangular pattern, and a sunlight," he muttered, "Where did these come from? They certainly don't appear like anything…"
He looked down to see a smaller, fifth crystal about his height glowing in some dark-based energy. It drew his attention to the light…before even realizing his hand was about to touch it…
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZAAAAAAHHHHHH
An explosion of energy was unleashed, throwing everyone across the landscape as Rasputin tumbled down to his knees in sheer agony. He could feel blood rushing down across his face as his vision was gone temporary before it flowed back into his eye sockets.
He opened his eyes as everything around him was crimson, reminding him of a tragedy that was locked away from his heart…
Three tragedies will be fulfilled…
Death of a father
Wed to a mother
Blinding of the son…
A strong, warrior man walked on the paths of a crossroad when he saw an older man in a chariot, leading to a conflict with the latter mortally wounded…
The battle against a massive creature was initially spoken in a riddle but the man would then slay the Elder Bairn's head off, saving the city from a plight…
But the wedding of his mother would bring another curse…a deadly plague to the city of Thebes…leading to the revelation of the truth…of his destiny…all because of his father's terrible crime and punishment upon an innocent life...
"N-No…" Rasputin growled as he could hear the words of that cursed name echo in his head. He opened his eyes and to his surprise, his vision was normal once more. However in his hands, a sword made of solid blood and gold was tethered to his soul.
"W-what in the name of…" Atakus gasped.
"Aha! I have heard of you…your reputation proceeds you…Bastard King of Thebes" Velika said.
"We never met…" the voice of Oedipus came out of Rasputin's mouth.
"No…but I know of someone who knows of your destiny…your tragedy and your rebirth as some pathetic healer and of course…a Chiropteran," Velika answered back.
"Velika…what are you talking about? Didn't we come here for the message?" Perditus asked.
"That's the idea…for two birds killed in one stone," the Po-Matoran dissolved his disguise and taking on the form of the Sphinx again, "Now that I am freed from this cursed body thanks to that foreign power…I shall rise once again!"
"You…" Kabrua growled as he fired his launcher to blast at the Sphinx but it was no effect. The monster turned and snatched the Vorox before consuming it.
Perditus and Atakus fled to the woods as the reawakened Oedipus readied his sword, "I slay you once. I will do it again!"
Flashback: Corinth, Ancient Greece (Gen 1 Main Verse)
Over 100 Years before Alexander the Great's reign…
Polybus returned to the house as Merope was feeding a young Oedipus some grains and milk. The adult man was covered in several cuts and bruises, prompting Merope to check up.
"What did you do now this time?!" she chastised.
"They're getting closer," he replied, "Corinth may soon start to suffer. We already lost three of our numbers to them."
"No," Merope was in denial, "They can't!"
"What's going on papa?" Oedipus asked.
"Oedipus, honey, it's time for you to finish up and go to bed," Merope replied, "Father is going to be alright. He's exhausted."
After putting the young, cursed child to rest, Polybus was treated for his injuries with herbs while a healer assisted with some alcoholic substance to kill the germs. Merope found an old, ratty piece of silk to bandage the wound on his left arm.
"You have to not be so reckless," she added.
"The Elder Bairns are not giving us a choice," he insisted, "They show no mercy upon who they feast. They will eat and eat until there is nothing left of mankind."
"Why are the gods not doing something about this?" Merope felt nervous to ask.
"…one of my comrades think that we have been punished by them," Polybus answered, "For what indictment lay upon us mankind…I fear…it is beyond retribution."
He grunted as Merope tied up the knot before looking at the night skies, "I fear they will come to this town next if we don't push them back to the sea."
Oedipus listened to all of this behind the wall, fearing for what could yet to come…
4 Years Later…
The 15-year old Oedipus readied his sword before running across the field, slicing up stashes of hay and grass in half. He then picked up a few heavy mini boulders before doing some sort of squats with them and discus-based exercises.
Polybus was pleased with the child's progress as it was no doubt that he could make a great candidate for the Olympics. Oedipus finished his training and looked at his developing muscles taking place. He couldn't believe that such discipline could make wonders like this.
"You are doing well there, Oedi," Polybus grinned, "Pretty soon you can face them."
"I-I can?" Oedipus asked, "You mean…?"
"Yes. The war of the Elder Bairns has been going on now but thanks to some alliances we had from other towns, some sort of peace has been maintained. But alas, they are beginning to weaken our barriers," Polybus explained, "These monsters must be stopped."
"I don't understand…why are they attacking and killing humans?" Oedipus added.
"…A rumor has said that a man from another town seized the life of an innocent child and violated in ways of coercion. Apparently that child was a descendant of one of the gods and thus…the latter has cursed mankind to these monsters as punishment," Polybus replied, "In order to maintain the peace…warriors like myself hunt them down in order to keep our loved ones alive."
"And you think I can be of some help?" the teen asked.
"I think you have the greatest potential out of everyone here," Polybus replied, "You…dearest Oedipus may be the answer to stop the Elder Bairns. But first…we must find the seer who can guaranteed us a future."
Present Day: Rasputin/Oedipus vs. Sphinx
The Sphinx roared and slashed its claws at Rasputin but the later sparred it with his sword before jumping backwards to dodge another attack.
"Pathetic…" the Sphinx said, "Clearly you're not the same as you once were!"
Rasputin grunted and narrowed his eyes, "I may have changed but the sins that were done have not."
"So…you finally accepted your fate?" the Sphinx asked.
"I accepted the past…but I will change my future!" he answered, charging again as several trees were smashed down and explosions of dirt and dust filled the battle.
The Sphinx jumped up and soared over to unleash a wavelength attack from its mouth as the human narrowly dove beneath it.
Just how can I defeat this monstrosity, Rasputin thought, it's not the same as it was back then…
The four crystals stood there in his way between the Sphinx. When he touched them earlier…something felt like a rebirth in his blood. He tapped the blade of the sword on one of the crystals as it glowed in red like fire. The Sphinx soared down to ready its claws and hands but Rasputin struck the beast from its belly, engulfing the monster in flames as blood exploded out.
The elder bairn burned to dust and ashes as Rasputin stood alone once more. He had no idea if the others were still around, but it didn't matter. More likely the Toa will find them and bring them into the kingdom.
I need to understand these symbols, Rasputin thought, why do I remember now as Oedipus? What about my crimes from the past? Is there really hope for me to move on from all of this? Will I ever find peace? Or is she right about me deserving to be in the flames of inferno?
The air around him grew foggy as he turned to see Toa Gali arriving on scene with Toa Gaaki as the former nodded.
"These crystals," Gaaki muttered, "I sense they are not from this world."
"Rasputin, it's time we get you back home. I know you are wanting to find answers, but this is a chaotic time period we are in," Gali added.
The human looked at them, "These crystals resonated with me, bestowing me with powers."
As proof, he ignited the flame on his sword, surprising the two Toa of water.
"I know I don't belong in this world. I only came here to seek some refuge, but it turns out that things are getting more chaotic with each passing day," he continued, "So I must ask with all due respect, I need to look beyond the walls of Averax Magna."
"We'll ask Mata Nui and Skralla for this arrangement," Gaaki answered, before she began to space out for a moment, "Wait…"
"What's the matter Gaaki? Is it another vision?" Gali asked.
"Those symbols…they…are, indeed not of this world. But chasing after them…except if he's the chosen one…" the other Toa muttered before her mind snapped back to reality. With a sigh, Rasputin joined the two as they began their trek back.
Averax Palace
After discussing the events to the royal family, Skralla looked at Mata Nui with a soft nod, "If what Gaaki says is true…he has to go."
Mata Nui got up and stated, "Rasputin. You've been a good citizen to the Agori and Matoran. Even the Turaga speak highly of you. However, despite what may be happening outside of the Averax Walls, if you are destined to go past them, then go."
"Thank you…" he smiled.
"On the condition that you do not go alone," Mata Nui added, "We will arrange a caravan for you with some of our numbers to ensure your safety."
"W-who would join me?" Rasputin asked.
Flashback: Corinth, Ancient Greece (Gen 1 Main Verse)
Over 100 Years before Alexander the Great's reign…
Battle against Chernabog
An army of several dozen men marched their way through the slopes of the north mountains while the skies were blood red of the evening sundown. They were all led by Polybus and Oedipus being an apprenticed member after years of training and practicing.
"So why are we here?" Oedipus asked.
"At dusk, a legend says the mountain comes to life, led by the dangerous monster who is said to be creating the Elder Barins upon us," he said before turning to the army.
"Tonight ends the Reign of the Elder Bairns! By sunrise, we will rise again in mankind and peace restored to our civilization!"
The crowd roar loudly for several moments as the sun finally met its horizon. Moments later, the ground shook as everyone grew deathly silent to see the events unfolding. By the peak of the mountain, the earth exploded, revealing a massive-winged monster with horns of the devil staring down at its unwanted intruders.
"T-this can't be!" Oedipus gasped as he recalled a warning from one of his teachers a couple of years ago.
With a roar, the Chernabog unleashed undead skeletons to attack the humans, leading to an all-out chaos. Polybus instructed Oedpius to strike his sword at the demon's horns to defeat it. With a shove after hesitation, the young warrior raced his way up the mountain.
The beast unleashed rain of fire, earth and ice to push the humans back while Oedipus's eyes glowed red and raced his way up faster and faster with ease. He was about to get towards the belly of the monster when it detected him the last moment. Chernabog grabbed Oedipus with his hand and pulled him up to meet at its face.
"Soooooo…you are the one who is sent to destroy us," Chernabog's voice echoed in Oedipus's head, "Pathetic…you're being used among humans to kill your kind."
"I'm not your kind!" Oedipus replied.
"Your eyes are like the blood of my creations, you are hungry…mere food from those domesticated animals and the flora are not enough," the monster spoke with a soft growl.
"Let me go!" Oedipus demanded.
"Have you forgotten…that you were cursed?" the demon asked, "You killing your father and marrying your mother?"
"W-what the hell are you talking about!? I would never do such a thing!" Oedipus said.
"We shall see…human…or Elder Bairn…" Chernabog answered as he brought him closer to his mouth, "If I don't eat you first."
His anger rising, Oedipus breaks the fist outwards as the flesh turned into stone and crumbled. The human tumbled down too as he mustered all his strength to throw his sword upwards at the weaker horn, it sliced through like a perfect boomerang. The Chernabog roared in pain before collapsing its entire body into the boulders and rocks it came from while the skeletal army withered to dust.
Horrified by what was happening, Oedipus ran just as Polybus tried to find him. He couldn't bear to believe or not with this horrible message. Oedipus would then find an oracle who would verify this prophecy to him, prompting the man to flee Cornith, not knowing that the town of Thebes would fulfill its curse…
Peace was only but a brief reality despite the Chernabog's defeat. More of these flesh-eating monsters would resume once more, threatening mankind again and again…
Present Day: The Sands of Aqua Magna
Rasputin, accompanied by Vastus, Toa Norik, Zaria, Kulas and Pohatu arrived at the shoreline where the Great Sea stood. It took them about 5 days after the outer walls of the kingdom to reach to this point on the planet. More memories of his past returned to his mind as the estranged human could only wonder, why was he even cursed to do these things.
Maybe that's where I need to start…if my first life was as Oedipus, why was I truly cursed to begin with? Who is responsible fore giving me this fate? I need to know…and punish whoever did this to me.
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
"A bell?" Toa Kulas muttered.
Rasputin looked up to pay attention to what was their surroundings. Sure. The sea was calm and breezy, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary here. They scattered nearby to look around for a few minutes.
"Hey, I may not be a carver like my kind but you guys wanna take a look at this," Toa Pohatu called out.
The group met the Toa of Stone looking upon a strange carving with various, unidentified symbols.
"I can recognize some of these," Zaria answered, "Looks like a bow, some goblet, and what was that weird-thing again with the rectangular…?"
"A book, a harp, some weird-shaped chest, and…a bell…like that noise earlier," Rasputin finished the rest.
"Do you know what they are?" Vastus asked.
"…I don't but I do know that these are not native to this world," the human said, "Perhaps we should take this back. Maybe Vakama would know."
1 Week Later: The Sacred Fire
With help from the elderly Turaga, Rasputin would later find out that these symbols indeed are not native to this world and that they must be found. Realizing that this may be his chance to depart, he asked Mata Nui and Skralla to let him go and find the meaning of this.
"We will certainly miss you," Skralla answered, "But you are right. This isn't your destiny here."
"If our kingdom still sands, we will welcome you back," Mata Nui reassured him.
"Thank you," Rasputin said as Brutaka activated his Kanohi Olmak to set a dimensional portal. Activating his vehicle, the human drove through the gateway and into the road of voyages, looking for another exit…
Delta!Earth Year 2015,
Interstate-10 Westbound, near Phoenix, AZ
The gateway opened as the first thing Rasputin noticed was the intense heat of the sun and desert while trying to avoid getting hit by cars (something that he learned in the afterlife realm thanks to Alex and the others when learning how to drive).
How many people live here…he thought, not realizing he would soon hit a far larger city called Phoenix. The city was vast and far with mountains scattered about, stunning him. Palm trees and cacti would decorate the landscape as well as the skylines of downtown and Tempe could be seen throughout.
At least this is a world of humans, Rasputin thought, but how to get situated here is another story…
He drove towards the Mini-Stack that would give him options to continue going Westbound I-10, North State Route 51, or East Loop 202. With a shrug, he took on the option to head north on the 51, passing through the Piestewa Mountains and several mansions that would decorate there. Upon reaching the Loop 101, he turned westbound, hoping to find some place to stop to but after recalling some of the geography here from Alex and Sergi, the only area of town that would be quieter and away from the city…
I think he said something about Lake Pleasant, Rasputin recalled, heading towards the I-17 junction.
~Episode 1 END~
