Chapter 45
Reunion Of the Undead
After the battle and the students were able to get back up with lots and LOTS of bandages and ice packs, they were able to reach the back of the Nav. This place was a few hallways and a couple of miscellaneous rooms. Yet the rooms with fighters came up and they reached Rasputin's room. His rooms name tag had chips on it and the door looked a bit damaged and with a sigh they were about to open the door. Kiralexia, who followed them, stopped Midoriya, and told them to show manners. He knocked on the door and Rasputin's voice came from behind the door.
"You may enter I'm just getting treated." Rasputin said with a bit of a muffle from well coming from behind a door.
They opened the door and saw two to three people surrounding Rasputin, covering him with cloth and bandages. They whetted towels and pressed it against there body. His eye was covered up with wrappings and his body looked completely bruised. He looked up at the students and smiled at them. He waved off the people around him and they walked out of the room. Kiralexia on the other hand was behind the door hiding at it's side simple because he wanted to surprise Rasputin big.
"Ah little heroes welcome. So what may I do to help you?"
"Well for starters WHY WERE YOU SO AGGRESSIVE TO US!?"
"What can I say? I love to fight and desired to make heroes break."
"So out of spite?"
"NO, just a desire to break my enemies down afterall. Heroes aren't all that good nowadays you know?"
"Then what made you snap with Kami?"
"SHE! insulted my friends AND mother. You think I can forgive someone who does THAT? I'd rather break my arms then ever forgive that CYKA." Rasputin said with venom in his words.
The students looked at each other and realized rather quickly that Rasputin was a man who was thick headed in his thoughts. Not bad but when it came to being wronged he'd stick with it. They all sighed and Midoriya decided to continue.
"Stick with grudges I see?"
"Yes, I still hold grudges with many villains that were from the empire. But enough of that why are you here?"
"Well as we said, were here to bring back an old friend. Kiralexia. Does that name ring any bells?"
"Several, but whoever that is on the news isn't the one I knew."
"Of course 6 years will change someone."
"Not THAT, it's the fact that how am I to trust the news when he's been dead for 6 years. The next thing I know he's alive and kicking the asses of Nomu's like nothing ever happened to him. Tch, guess that makes two people who aren't dead now." Rasputin said with a bit of venom in his voice.
At first the students were confused as to what he meant until. All For One came into there minds. Kiralexia told them how Rasputin grew a rage when it came to All For One, believing if he himself could beat him then he'd be the strongest of all time. So to here of his return and then of his own friend as well, it would not have been pleasant.
"Look non of us knew of his return, hell your own friend was hidden from us as well."
"How so?"
"He blended into the tree he rooted himself into, due to rust and overgrowth. Honestly it's a miracle he could've still been fixed from the state he was in."
"Heh, he never was an easy one to take out."
"Damn straight comrade." Kiralexia said walking into view for Rasputin.
Rasputin saw him and just stared. Everyone looked at him anxiously as he stared at Kiralexia, who was cleaner and yet still showed blood staining on him. Rasputin stood and walked up to Kiralexia with a dumbfounded face on. Kiralexia simply smirked at him as Rasputin suddenly snapped and slapped him across the face. He then did it again and punched them in the stomach. Kiralexia groaned as Rasputin did these to him and tears began to form in his eye sockets.
"What the hell buddy?"
"How is it that you act like nothing happened. You were dead for six years and come back like this!" Rasputin yelled out as Kiralexia stood back up.
"Well I am powerful and besides I wasn't high and mighty all the time before that fight."
"So this is the real you?"
"Of course old friend, why would it not be?" Kiralexia asked with Rasputin becoming moved to tears.
He then collapsed into Kiralexia in tears and began to cry. Kiralexia was taken aback but accepted it and embraced the giant of a man. The two were in an embrace for a while as Rasputin cried his heart out. With a sigh Kiralexia patted his back and comforted him from the pain he must've felt over the years. Of course Rasputin got a hold of himself and just looked warmly toward Kiralexia.
"It has been FAR to long Comrade. Where have you been?"
"Under a goddamn tree comatose for years until one Mei Hatsume repaired me." Kiralexia said looking over at Hatsume who leaned back a bit as Rasputin stared her down.
"You rebuilt my friend?"
"Yes?"
"How? He's more advanced then any hero aid equipment and those damned drones of UA."
"Oh it wasn't that hard, he was mostly intact when I found him and needed a lot of things."
"How'd you get those supplies."
'Uh, I have ways."
"heheheh, Thank you. I see you as a comrade Ms. Hatsume." Rasputin said with a smile wide on his face.
Hatsume beamed with happiness and Rasputin patted her head in endearment. He then turned over and saw Vanelis slink into view looking tired and anxious. Rasputin's expression changes and he immediately attacks him putting him into the ground in a fit of rage. Kiralexia and Midoriya both tried pulling him off of him and when he was pulled off Vanelis had a broken nose and a blood coming out of his mouth. Rasputin spat on him as he stood up and shook his head with a mix of anger and relief.
"Look I won't say I didn't deserve that but did you have to use that much force?"
"For a coward like you be glad I didn't go harder you bastard."
"I see that's still a testy thing for you and look I will say is. I'm sorry, I was afraid and felt unfit to fight at the moment."
"You could've aided us elsewhere but no, you ran and with that, costed me and EVERYONE everything. Many of us now can't go back home because of your cowardice."
"Well hey you returned home."
"I wouldn't call a fragile republic home. But are you serious on being sorry about ALL OF THIS?" Rasputin asked gesturing around the room and even to himself and Vanelis grew silent.
He had to think of what else to say. He knew full well he was in the wrong but he had reasons, if only they could see it as such. Ah well, he knew this would be an uphill battle. He sighed and answered Rasputin.
"Yes, it may seem empty but I do feel regret for my sudden choices and now I see I should've accepted my fate then instead of delay it." Vanelis said showing pity in his eyes. Rasputin stared him down and sighed. He lost a lot in the war and a sorry would not heal it all but, it showed a good progress.
"I understand that fear causes a lot of harsh choices and many we are unprepared for. However the lives lost from not just your fear of this 'fate' but the many more lost after when you could've stepped in and even killed All For One when he was weakest, I cannot accept it for now."
"I understand but do know I was unaware of his life as much as you so I did not have ill intent just allowing him to come back. Hey if you wish punch me again and we may start a new." Vanelis said with Rasputin dislocating his jaw with one punch.
Vanelis grabbed his jaw and relocated it cracking his head and the reconnected jaw. He shook his head and just muttered out 'fair but fuck you' before Kiralexia sighed of relief when Rasputin held out his hand. Vanelis knew what that meant and a small smile crept up his face. He shook his hand and the two seemed more, tolerable to one another. Rasputin then sighed again and looked to the students, bloodied and bruised and seemed a bit embarrassed at them.
"Apologies, I may have gone hard on you young ones."
"YOU THINK JACKASS!?" Bakugou yelled out bruised up and blood coming out of his nose. Rasputin laughed a bit and smiled at the boy.
"You have spunk kid I like that. Speaking of spunk, where is that Kami girl." Rasputin said showing a bit of venom in his words.
"Um please don't be angry." Kami said popping her head around the corner. Rasputin stared at her before sighing and spitting on her face.
"There have been worse that have happened to me BUT don't speak of my mother again. Lest you learn why I have the nickname, Steel Bone." Rasputin said in a low hush tone.
Kami was petrified yet took a breath out and Rasputin snickered as she calmed herself down. Rasputin was now much calmer and welcomed everyone with open arms, smiling and being incredibly friendly. It was startling considering the earlier moments they just had with him. He then gave Kiralexia a warm look before looking at the rest of everyone and giving a content look.
"Thank you for bringing my comrade to me." He said warmly before moving to Kiralexia and shaking his shoulder up laughing. "Man it has been far to long remember what happened last time we dealt with an airhead hero."
"Oh god, how could I forget. The scared shitless face made it all the better." Kiralexia said with a laugh himself
suddenly the short moment of Rasputin and Kiralexia reflecting upon the past was abruptly stopped when slow clapping was heard. Rasputin and Kiralexia turned there heads to see who was clapping. Kiralexia expected Ms. Midnight but is was actually Aizawa who just sneered and looked pissed off at Rasputin. Beating up ones students would do that to anyone. Rasputin however recognized Aizawa and his eyes narrowed as he got off of Kiralexia and moved to face the hero.
"Well well. Congratulations but I think we have to leave now."
"Aizawa."
"Kurchinov."
"You've shrunken last time we met."
"And you've gained chips."
"You have deeper bags a new record."
"Not as bad as yours that one month."
"You have them for life mine was a month."
"Some nerves."
"Sensitive."
"Dust brain."
"Svoloch'" Rasputin sneered with Aizawa glaring as the tall skeleton. He the sighed and backed off.
"This will get us nowhere we have to get a move on."
"As you've said but why are YOU here?"
"These are my students."
"REALLY?!" Rasputin answered looking around before retorting once more. "I am well aware of your, methods in teaching. A rather, cruel way I mean many would assume you did it just to have a semester off. Yet HERE, more then twenty, these ones must be good for you to do THAT." Rasputin said with a smirk.
Aizawa simply sighed and shook his head. He would argue against but knew it was impossible. Besides he just wanted to leave the frost ridden wastes that is Siberia. Rubbing his eyes with his fingers he looked back at the somewhat smug man and narrowed his eyes.
"Anyways care to guess why we are here?"
"No need I know, with Kiralexia here-"
"Hey don't forget me." Hina said catching Rasputin off guard. He looked and sighed before continuing.
"It must mean one thing. You want to bring the Elite from the Militia back."
"His plan not mine but yes. Hina gave us a device that tracked you hence how we found you."
"Ah the trackers, I remember it was a way for in case we all needed to go elsewhere for better hiding spots. Or for a fight."
"Yes but my point is, if she had one surely you have one right?" Aizawa asked with Rasputin pondering. With a small huff he looked back at him and answered.
"No. I do not have one."
"But how did we track you? Didn't it track the device."
"I took out the tracker and put it in my loin cloth." Rasputin answered ruffling through his loin cloth and pulling out a tiny blinking device.
"Well okay where is the device?"
"Gone." Rasputin answered coldly with everyone stunned.
"WHAT?! What do you mean gone. Broken or just lost?"
"Nowhere here I'll tell you this much. I didn't see a purpose, I always felt when the war was over I could retire my arms for the Militia and do this for a living. Away from dangers and hate, away from the turmoil of my… fragile government."
"So that's it huh, you're going to just be like that huh?" Aizawa said as Rasputin walked into his room and grabbed some items. He didn't stop when he went to retort to Aizawa.
"I don't know what you mean, I've always been like this." Rasputin the turned to face them leaning on his desk. "Why should I help heroes when all you've done is break whatever you touch?"
"We don't break things."
"Really? Then how about Russia? Our federation is a Holy Roman Empire mess because of outside heroes and even internal ones."
"That's-"
"Or how about your students, surely they are mentally drained from your… difficult methods."
"It's simply-"
"Better yet how about Shigaraki. You heroes have made people complacent and when he needed help most, none came to aid because of you." Rasputin said his eyes glowing more angry.
It should be noted as he spoke he began to get closer to Aizawa again. His fists began to spark with energy and clenched. Aizawa began to sweat a bit as Rasputin began to move to him.
"Listen-"
"Or why not ME?! I was ostracized and cast out by your own school. Because I looked like a monster."
'Wait you weren't a student we would've known."
"Of course not I said cast out for a reason. I had a talk with the principle then and all he said was, 'we don't want to scare people'. Tell me do you know what that means?" Rasputin asked narrowed brows and sneering with Aizawa taking in a breath and giving an answer.
"I can guess."
"It meant that even the rat, a goddamn rat, viewed me as a MONSTER!" Rasputin yelled grabbing Aizawa's collar and lifting him up from the ground.
At this point Kiralexia was getting a bit uneasy. He just got there to bring the Militia back and if Rasputin did this, well, there goes THOSE plans. Kiralexia with his nerves on edge began to speak to Rasputin to reason with him.
"Hey I know that sucks but that was decades ago. Let go of the past to look ahead."
"Oh like you have?! Besides this is justice to there irritating encounter we've had in the past years ago."
"Wait look I had nothing to do with that and I'm sorry."
"Heh, perhaps you are. Yet maybe it's better if I take your place." Rasputin said raising his hand towards Aizawa's head.
"ENOUGH!" A female voice shouted from the group of students.
Rasputin looked around before turning to the right and seeing Midnight standing proud with Miriko and Toga by her sides. His eyes dilated and rage seemed to dissipate. His grip around Aizawa's shirt loosened a bit before he snapped back and tried to speak.
"Nemuri-"
"Drop him." Midnight commanded. Rasputin looked towards Aizawa who was trying to keep a cool head here and looked back at Midnight.
"But-"
"NOW!" Midnight demanded with Rasputin scoffing and dropping Aizawa.
Midnight then got right up to Rasputin who just stared her down. Miriko and Toga stayed further back and Rasputin noticed them. Yet his eyes were on Midnight who just stared at him angrily. Rasputin then looked away a bit bashfully before returning to look at her.
"You look good. Though you've dropped your lingere."
"To much to fast."
"Hm figured people tend to be prunes like that." Rasputin then looked at Miriko and remarked. "I've heard goods things about you."
"HEY look at me." Midnight said slapping Rasputin lightly on his face.
"You've got some nerves pulling such a stunt."
"Come now he's a prick that must be pulled."
"He's a noble hero."
"He looks like Shadowsmith if he were even MORE of a washed up drunk." Kiralexia stifled a snicker at the remark with Aizawa getting flustered.
"Well. Pft you aren't entirely wrong. But still we came as allies not foes. So please tell us where must we go next?" Midnight asked sounding more calm then before.
Rasputin stared in silence as he was thinking. Aizawa got up and just shook his head as Rasputin looked at her motionless. He then walked up to Midnight and got her attention.
"Forget it, he's worthless now. won't even fight for the Militia or help us out anymore. let's just go." Aizawa said with everyone moving in unison away from Rasputin.
"Dom." he said quietly.
"What?"
"Dom. It is in rodnoy gorod, Hometown in Russian. I left it in my birthplace in case others wanted to join with Elite help."
"Well were is your hometown?"
"It is not far from here, hour drive at most." Rasputin said with Kiralexia connecting the dots.
"Gor-Kostey, the city of bones."
"Yes, I'm glad you remember."
"But you've not been there in years. Even after you 'retired' I doubt you returned."
"I just mailed it home and I was reassured it was safe. So if you want the device go to Gor-Kostey."
"Well that is helpful but why not join us?"
"Why should I? I live a good life here, not bothered by those damned Russian politicians that only line there pockets over aiding the citizens." Rasputin said with a bit of sneer at the mentions of politicians.
"Because you could be doing good once more."
"HA what a joke. I've done my part now do yours."
'But we don't know where to go and won't have good directions in this cold environment."
"I can find someone to help you but I would rather not be involved."
"Rasputin come on, if you've heard of Kiralexia then you must know of-"
"DON'T. MENTION. HIS. NAME." Rasputin spat back cracking the table by clenching it hard. Midnight didn't react yet Midoriya blinked many times and had to speak.
"What… what do you know of All For One?" he asked with Rasputin growling before before a sharp inhale and sigh.
"I know more then you heroes could dream of. He was the villain emperor, whose quirk could steal anothers."
"Well that we know of now."
"Let me finish. The man's smile could make any quiver, even I shuddered at the mans smile. His name may be lost to many even I do not know it, however one thing I know above you idiots is he had a brother." Rasputin said with All Might and Midoriya both stunned with shock.
"How… how do you know that who was his brother? Some second in command."
'Heh, just a man who disagreed with his brothers goals and it costed his life. As for how well, unlike the police we in the Militia knew of him FAR longer then I ever joined."
"Okay… wait why are you bitter with him? OTHER then this." Midoriya asked with Rasputin turning to face him and answering.
"I once viewed myself the strongest in the world. Always above others and clearing all challengers. Yet other then Kiralexia whom I viewed as an equal All For One made sure I was humbled. Yet instead I grew anger, for if I could take him out, then everyone would know that I have no others above me."
"So when he was defeated before you believed he was killed and you wanted to be above All Might."
"Indeed I'm sure any All Might fan would know the battle against the Russian Kostyanoy volf?"
"WAIT THAT WAS YOU!?" Midoriya exclaimed stunned.
"Yep. Figured he was weak enough to while not kill at least defeat yet even then he beat me. I had fought him a few more times but decided to give up and allow him to be above. And then a few months ago I hear that All For One lives and all that rage boils over and I am pissed. How dare that man mock me when even HE couldn't kill the neprikasayemyy."
"Comrade he did not know he was still alive, believe me. I learned that the hard way." Kiralexia said rolling his eyes as he looked away.
"I can see that weakened by that fight and a crushed head, easy to assume. But besides the point I am not involving myself in war anymore. Like I said this is my life and it is a good one."
"So that's it huh? you're just gonna waste away here fighting pointless fights until you drop?"
"In essence yes, better than being burnt, slashed apart, or turning to ashes. Now if that's all you wanted then leave I'd like to be left alone." Rasputin said grabbing some things in his room.
Many of the students and heroes decided it was no use and began to leave. Only Dabi, Toga, Midnight, All Might, Hina and Kiralexia stayed. Rasputin felt there eyes and could tell Dabi wasn't happy with his clear statement aimed towards him. Kiralexia moved towards Rasputin's side and put his hand on his shoulder.
"I can tell your true reason Rasputin, you're afraid aren't you?"
"Of course I am, you know what All For One's capable of. He almost killed you for gods sake."
"But I lived and if anyone can fight there own fears it's you."
"Maybe but I'm uncertain this Shigaraki he's, he's not like other villain leaders. His power is unnerving."
"Hey if we all hid in fear then they win, you have to stand to protect them." Midnight said with Rasputin looking towards her.
"Them? What other heroes unable to stand?"
"You know better I know who you truly are. Please don't just shrivel up into the obscure end." Midnight pleaded to Rasputin
Rasputin simply teared up a bit and looked away from her. She was clearly upset and Kiralexia was now joined with Toga and Hina who both put there hands on the giant man. There faces showed concern and worry. Kiralexia finally made his last chance to convince Rasputin.
"Rasputin if not for me then for them. We all came here to bring you home. Please." Kiralexia said to Rasputin who remained silent. After a few moments Kiralexia figured it wasn't worth speaking to him. "If you wish to go we'll wait outside. don't keep us waiting." Kiralexia said moving away from him with the others following suit.
Rasputin stood there pondering the idea. It would be nice to return to where he belongs yet… he feared facing that man again. He sighed having to think of what to do now, knowing he was bored of this life yet content. However he felt a call, an urge. To leave with them, even if the urge sounded, venomous.
"Come now, you think hiding will help? If we go down we should go down fighting." a voice said in a hushed whisper in his head.
Rasputin looked in the mirror and swore he saw eyes staring at him before disappearing. With a sigh he made up his mind. That urge of his was right, if he was to die, he'd die taking as many of those villains out. Reaching into his drawer he pulled out a locket and box with wrapping paper. He pocketed them both and moved out of the room. As he left he felt a chill leave his back and heard a chuckle. Ignoring that he continued to move through the hallway. When he found someone who worked for the ring he called them over.
"Something the matter Rasputin?"
"Ya cancel the matches. I've decided to leave with my comrades for now."
"But… as you say Rasputin. Hope you have a good life and return to us."
"Goodbye." Rasputin said with a bow before running off.
The worker stayed and sighed. He looked off to the side as shadow and smoke flowed. Eyes pierced through and the worker knew what this meant. The great plan was in motion.
"Seems the dies are cast." the shades eyes narrowed as the worker walked passed them and moved towards the meeting room. The shade smirked before fading away as the worker went out of sight.
Outside Kiralexia and the others were waiting getting cold from the sudden snow calling from the sky. Just then Rasputin showed up from the ring breathing heavily as everyone looked at him. Bakugou raised an eyebrow as Kiralexia and Hina both looked at him waiting for him to speak. Yet all he did was scoff a bit and hugged the two in a big bear hug.
"I'll be going with you to Gor-Kostey, better to die in the field then here." Rasputin said with a smile on his face.
"Great to hear that buddy now let's get some vehicles ready."
"Already got that covered, the least I can do for you." Rasputin said with Kiralexia smiling and sighing as Rasputin turned to Toga who just looked at him with a bit of worry.
He did not react to her the way she expected. Yet Rasputin noticed it of course and moved closer to her. He the knelt down to see her eye level and pulled out the box and handed it to her. She looked at it confused before tearing at the wrapping and seeing that it was a jewelry box. He opened it and saw a necklace in it with a simple wolf skull painted black with signs of wear and tear on it. She looked back up at Rasputin.
"It was my mothers, I wanted to give it to you on your 16th birthday but well the war happened. So I hope you like it." Rasputin said with Toga tearing up and hugging Rasputin with a happy expression on her face.
Rasputin froze for a bit before embracing her as well. She expressed how much she loved the gift and began to put it on. Rasputin smiled at her before standing up and cracking his bones. He then gestured to everyone to move alongside with him. Everyone agreed and moved with him. Soon enough they'd be on the move to his home town and the search for others would continue.