Chapter Text
Russia, Moscow August 7, 1993.
On the cold streets a man with long blond hair tied in a ponytail, blue eyes, almost pale white skin, wore a black sweater and underneath a red long-sleeved shirt and a black tie, a black overcoat, very heavy and warm black pants, and black boots, this man walked through the cold streets, carrying a black suitcase, on his face he wore a doctor's mask that covered his mouth to his cheeks and black gloves.
He walked calmly and without worry, even though the street was quite empty, but the fear of being robbed was less than any other fear.
Ghouls.... creatures that resemble humans but with the difference that these eat human flesh, they were stronger, faster and crueler, and even knowing about these creatures the man continued to walk calmly, the reason? Simple, he was not afraid of the ghouls, after all his job was limited to investigating and hunting these monsters, it was nothing that he needed to be afraid of, he had already seen several ghouls... and already killed several of them.....
As he walked, he heard his cell phone ringing, he put his hand in his pocket and answered it.
Nikolai: Nikolai speaking... - Nikolai said in a calm and carefree voice... but also... tired.
???/Nikolai, have you arrived at the designated location?/ The voice on the phone was a woman's, she seemed a little worried about her colleague.
Nikolai: Almost... a few more blocks and I'll get there - Nikolai spoke as he turned a corner - Don't tell me you're worried, Natasha? - Nikolai spoke with a humorous tone, he heard the voice sighing.
Natasha/Yes Nikolai, even if you are the best among us, you are still human, besides having a daughter to raise/
Nikolai: Don't worry Natasha, I'll be fine, after all it's just an investigation.
Natasha/An investigation of an apartment building where everyone died, no survivors and you still go alone?!/
Nikolai: I'm not going alone, I'm just going earlier than the others.
Natasha/Nikolai, you're at risk of meeting Baba Yaga!!!! Don't you have any attachment to life?!??!/ Natasha finally lost her patience, Nikolai moved the cell phone away from his ear a little because of the scream.
Nikolai: If Baba Yaga is there, then even better, I can find him from there - Nikolai spoke with a humorous tone, but he only heard a sigh from Natasha.
Natasha/Just be safe...and don't enter the building until everyone has arrived...you hear?/
Nikolai: Yes Tasha, I heard perfectly, I promise I'll wait, well I'm almost there I'll call you later - Nikolai turned off his cell phone and put it away again, he then quickened his pace a little - I'm not going to wait for damn it.
Nikolai walked a little further until he reached the crime scene, police officers surrounded the place and tapes guarded the place, when they saw Nikolai they saluted.
Police Officer: Mr. Rasputin!! It's an honor to see you again, but where are the others?! - the police officer asked curiously because it was rare to see an investigator alone.
Nikolai: They are coming, my partner is coming with another group, but don't worry, I will start the investigation, when a red-haired woman named Natasha arrives, tell her that I entered the building - Nikolai spoke as he went towards the entrance, the police officers agreed with him and wished him good luck.
Upon entering the building, Nikolai could smell blood and iron in the air. At the reception, there were already torn bodies left, leaving only bone and some remains of flesh. He soon began to see the first bodies. They seemed to have been killed quickly, some had holes in their rib cages and others in their skulls.
Nikolai: Clean and painless drilling... a krylo or cheshuya most likely, but it was an entire building, it's hunting season, but a cheshuya-type ghoul wouldn't commit such genocide... so it must be a krylo, after all, they're always the ones who burn the most calories when using their sotovyy telefon-ubiytsa, this ghoul must have run out of hunting options and risked a place that would arouse suspicion, but what was the reason? Maybe to bring food to his offspring? Or maybe a sadistic ghoul who simply enjoys killing - Nikolai spoke as he observed the first bodies, but he knew there were still more floors to see.
The further he walked, the more bodies were found. On the first and second floors, only the bitten skeletons and blood stains remained. On the third floor, the skeletons were already redder, indicating that not all the flesh had been devoured, but the skulls were still broken, indicating that the brains had been devoured along with the eyes. On the fourth floor, the smell of snare was very strong and the bodies...still recognizable, mutilated people, skin ripped off, holes in the heads, some still had their organs outside the body. He walked through the corridors of the fourth floor, seeing the most recent massacre in the building, until he heard a noise coming from one of the rooms. As a precaution, Nikolai pulled out his revolver and went to the room, with slow and cautious steps. The door, like all the other rooms, was open. When he entered, he saw nothing new, just two bodies that...appeared recently dead. The body of a man whose body had been split in half and a woman whose head had been ripped off. Both showed no signs of having been devoured. He heard it again. a noise, it sounded like crying or heavy breathing, and this sound came from a room next door, he walked and saw a room full of toys, he saw a closet with a small opening, and at a glance he saw a glow, Nikolai approached the closet, cocked the gun.....and opened it.
Nikolai: DON'T MOVE!!! - Nikolai screamed as he opened the closet and pointed the gun expecting to see the ghoul....but what he saw....was a boy with black hair, green eyes holding a baby.
???: Please.....don't kill us... - the boy said in fear, he cried as he looked at the investigator, the baby in his arm cried very quietly.
Nikolai:....Don't worry, boy, I came to help - Nikolai put away the gun and spoke in a calmer tone - What's your name, young man?
Dmitry:Dmitry....sir?.....
Nikolai: Nikolai Rasputin...but you can just call me Niko, kid. - Nikolai spoke in a gentle and friendly tone in an attempt to calm the boy. - Tell me, Dmitry, is this your brother? - Nikolai pointed to the baby who was crying silently in Dmitry's arms.
Dmitry: It's my sister... Yulia - Dmitry spoke as he looked at his little sister, he then subtly shook her in an attempt to calm her down.
Nikolai: Those are beautiful names - Nikolai said as he stroked the boy's head - tell me, do you know what happened? - he asked and little Dmitry remained silent for a few seconds.
Dmitry: A....monster attacked the whole building....we didn't hear it until suddenly our door was broken down, mom hid us here while dad went to get a gun.....I heard some gunshots but then screams and then....silence....nothing but silence and the smell of blood..... - Dmitry spoke with tears that threatened to come out - My parents...died?
Nikolai: I'm sorry, kid - Nikolai extended his arm, indicating a hug, which Dmitry quickly accepted.
They stayed like that for a few seconds, but Nikolai said he would get Dmitry out of there, he then held Yulia for a few seconds and let Dmitry get warmer clothes for both himself and Yulia, after getting ready Nikolai picked Dmitry up.
Nikolai: I recommend... closing your eyes - Nikolai spoke with a somewhat sad tone, after all he didn't want to traumatize these children even more.
After passing through all the floors, Nikolai arrived with the children to the police officers, and when he arrived and handed the boys over to the police officers, a black car appeared, it stopped near the area and a woman wearing clothes similar to Nikolai's got out, she had long red hair and green eyes, a scar on her left cheek that resembled a cut from 3 claws, when she saw Nikolai she looked at him with a certain anger, Nikolai on the other hand swallowed his saliva.
Nikolai: Hey Tasha.....you arrived quickly....that's great - Nikolai tried to hide it but it was useless.
Natasha: You entered the building, didn't you? - Natasha said as she approached, as she got closer she crossed her arms and looked into Nikolai's eyes.
Nikolai: Would you believe me if I said no? - Nikolai spoke with a bit of sarcasm, Natasha just sighed at her partner's stubbornness.
Natasha: What did you find out?
Nikolai: Bodies everywhere, some just the skeleton, others more whole, but it's not the work of Baba Yaga, after all there are remains, I found these young people who survived the attack, according to what they said it was so fast that they only realized too late, luckily someone called the police, that must have scared the ghoul - Nikolai summarized what he had seen, Natasha looked away to the children, she saw how scared they were, she then turned her gaze to Nikolai.
Natasha: Any clues as to where he might be?
Nikolai: None, but I didn't see the entire top floor either.
Natasha: So what are we waiting for? Let's go - Natasha then went to the building and Nikolai went with her.
Passing the bodies again, now with Natasha, upon reaching the top floor, Nikolai and Natasha looked at all the rooms, and unfortunately for both of them, Dmitry and Yulia were not the only children in the building. Upon reaching the last room, they heard some grotesque sounds... as if someone was eating and made sure the others heard it. Both investigators, hearing this, immediately drew their revolvers and, with slow steps, entered the last room of the building. The sound of someone chewing grew louder, the smell of fresh blood and... sounds of something being broken were heard. Upon entering this apartment, it did not take long for them to find the origins of these sounds.
Natasha: We found him - Natasha then pointed her revolver at the ghoul and cocked it, the ghoul soon heard the noise and turned to them, he was tall, black hair, pale skin and red eyes, a long-sleeved black shirt and white pants, he was barefoot, he stared at the investigators... just waiting for a move.
Natasha pulled the trigger but the ghoul dodged in time and tried to advance but Nikolai managed to kick him away, the ghoul recovered and looked directly at Nikolai and finally recognized him.
???:Santa....Klaus?!?!? - the ghoul spoke scared, in panic more specifically, he then saw the window and jumped out of the building.
Natasha: DAMN!!! HE'S RUNNING AWAY!!!
Nikolai: Not on my watch!!! - Nikolai jumped out the window where the ghoul had escaped and began to chase him.
The ghoul when he jumped out the window landed on the ground, he looked back and to his surprise Nikolai fell hard on the ground and looked at him, the frightened ghoul soon ran with everything he could and Nikolai chased him, they ran for a while until they ended up in an alley, the ghoul looked back scared, he saw Nikolai approaching, walking calmly, the ghoul ran even faster, he ran until he ended up with no way out, he looked back again and Nikolai was close, he stopped in front of the ghoul.
Nikolai: I recommend you surrender, comrade, otherwise I will have to use violence - Nikolai spoke with a certain sarcasm, he didn't care if the ghoul would surrender or not, after all... he was too dangerous to leave alive.
The ghoul then entered a more aggressive position and wings emerged from its back, they were giant, their tissue seemed thick and heavy, their black color due to the concentration of cells, these flesh wings looked like owl wings, Nikolai looked at the ghoul with a certain disinterest.
Nikolai: Violence then? Great - Nikolai pressed a button on the handle of his briefcase and from it a one-handed axe appeared, a blade that was only on one side and black in color - The sotovyy telefon-ubiytsa of the Krylo type are fast but they burn a lot of calories, and unfortunately for you, my meaty oruzhiye is of the pantsir type, so... You're screwed.
Nikolai went up to the ghoul, who pointed his wings at Nikolai and fired his "feathers" at Nikolai, he defended himself using his axe, he destroyed the ghoul's shots and approached him quickly, the ghoul then began to jump between the walls of the alley and tried to find a gap in Nikolai, but it was useless, Nikolai defended or dodged all the attacks, the ghoul did everything, he tried to cut or shoot at Nikolai but nothing worked, he tried another attack but Nikolai in a quick blow cut the ghoul's legs off making him fall and hit the wall.
Nikolai: It's over, comrade - Nikolai looked at the ghoul who was trying to regenerate, but Nikolai was faster and shot the ghoul in the legs with his revolver. The ammunition exploded on contact with the ghoul's skin. Nikolai shot the ghoul in the spine and legs. The ghoul screamed in pain as Nikolai approached. - Normal bullets don't work on you, and that's obvious... but AGs were created for this. Explosive bullets with a poison that slows down your regeneration... quite useful, don't you think? - Nikolai spoke as he put away his revolver and raised his axe. - Any last words?
???:Please....Mercy.....
Nikolai:.....Unfortunately......I have no mercy..... - Nikolai then brought down the axe and stuck it in the ghoul's head, a clean and painless blow, blood flowed and the silence of the night hung - May God have mercy on his soul....
Nikolai then put away his oruzhiye, grabbed the ghoul by his collar, and carried him into the building.
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Natasha spoke to more investigators who had arrived, they soon saluted and Natasha looked back seeing Nikolai holding the ghoul.
Natasha: I see you were successful again, congratulations Nikolai - Natasha said with a small smile, Nikolai approached and handed over the ghoul's body.
Nikolai: Take his body to the myasnoye oruzhiye breeding group, he is a krylo in case they ask - Nikolai handed over the body and the other investigators nodded and took the corpse, Nikolai then looked at his partner - And the children?
Natasha: They've already been taken to the orphanage, they'll be well taken care of there, but you already know that - Natasha spoke as she crossed her arms, Nikolai nodded - Hey, do you want a ride home? It seems we don't have any more calls for the night.
Nikolai: I....would love a ride...as much as I love walking...but Sofia must be missing me already.
Natasha: Well in that case, follow me - Natasha said with a smile and walked towards the car and Nikolai followed right behind.
When they arrived at the car, they both got in and Natasha quickly started the car. The night seemed calmer now, the silence in the car was... comfortable.
Natasha: It's been a long night, hasn't it? The ghouls are usually more aggressive around October, but it seems they're getting bolder.
Nikolai: Maybe this has to do with Baba Yaga's return and also the fall of the Union must have some blame, after all we wiped out their herds.
Natasha: Well... who would have thought Stalin was a ghoul? And to think that all this time they used the war as an excuse to get easier food.
Nikolai: At least they were used for food, imagine if they were used as toys?
Natasha:....You know....your humor continues to be extremely macabre and cruel Nikolai - Natasha looked a little scared at her partner, he was always someone very macabre when telling jokes.
Nikolai: Well, both you and I were born in the most fucked up time in this country...don't blame me if I don't know how to tell jokes.
Natasha: Yeah...you're right about that, but changing the subject, how is Sofia?
Nikolai: She's fine, she misses you and Boris, you could stop by for something to eat.
Natasha: You know, that's a great idea! We can make plans to go out and go to that coffee shop you like.
Nikolai: That's a great idea, after all we can't drink anything with a child around, so coffee replaced vodka for now.
Natasha laughed at her friend's comment and he also joined in the laughter, after a while talking and laughing, they arrived at Nikolai's destination, his house, it was a brick house painted red, a two-story house and well designed, simple but screamed comfort.
Nikolai: Well this is my stop - Nikolai said as he got out of the car - See you tomorrow Tasha.
Natasha: See you tomorrow Nikolai - Natasha said goodbye with a smile as she accelerated her car and left.
Nikolai went to his door and took a key from his pocket. He then unlocked the door and entered the house. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable, a beautiful house that welcomed you with a pleasant feeling. After putting his coat in the coat closet, he soon noticed the living room lights were on and went to see. When he saw who was sitting, he saw a little girl with short black hair and white skin, wearing a very cute little dress.
Nikolai: Sofia, I'm here - Nikolai spoke as he approached, his daughter, upon hearing his voice, turned to him, her eyes were completely gray, indicating her blindness.
Sofia: Otets!! - Sofia got off the couch and ran to her father and hugged him, Nikolai returned this small gesture from his daughter.
Nikolai: Sorry for the delay, my malen'kiy angel, tell me, have you eaten anything yet? - Nikolai knelt down to be at his daughter's height, who was looking at him.
Sofia: Yes dad, I already had dinner, I was a little hungry, sorry for not waiting for you - Sofia said with a small smile, Nikolai gave her a little caress.
Nikolai: It's okay, daughter. Dad took a while to get here, but I hope he waited at least to watch a movie with me - Nikolai said with a smile under his mask.
Sofia: Of course I waited!! Now go take a shower, dad, you smell like blood.
Nikolai: Ok ok - Nikolai got up and went to the bathroom while Sofia sat back down on the sofa.
In the bathroom, Nikolai had already grabbed another set of clothes. He let the water fill the bathtub while he undressed. When he finally undressed, even taking off his mask, he threw himself into the bathtub. He felt his muscles relax. His mind wandered a little, thinking about what he would do the next day. Maybe visit the CCG headquarters and see how his daughter's newest "cousins" are doing. It would be good to take Sofia to headquarters. She would love to see Natasha and Boris again. After a while, Nikolai finished his bath and got up. He put on his underwear and pants and then looked at his body in the mirror. He had several scars, whether from claws, cuts, bullets, burns, but the worst was the one on his mouth. Nikolai had the skin ripped off his mouth, making it possible to see his teeth and his mouth raw.
Nikolai: It's still horrible as always.
He finished getting ready and went to the kitchen, he saw that there was still plenty of food in the fridge, after getting something to eat Nikolai sat on the sofa and turned on the TV, a random movie was playing, Sofia listened attentively to the movie and when there was a scene that she couldn't tell what was happening by the sound, her father explained, after a few hours Sofia ended up falling asleep on her father's lap, Nikolai seeing this and realizing that the clock already showed 11:40 pm, he picked up his daughter and took her to her room, when he got to the room he put his daughter on the bed and covered her with a blanket.
Nikolai: Good night....my little angel.....
After saying this, Nikolai left the room and went to sleep...tomorrow would be another day of work.
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Continued