Note about Continuity: I realize that after Operation Zero Tolerance, everyone needed time to heal. This funeral takes place after that. Some of these characters still would not be able to make the funeral, but I’m changing that. I’m also assuming that certain people (especially the X-Men) probably had to really stretch to make ends meet to even make it to Muir Island, but that they all managed to do so nonetheless.

Disclaimer: The X-Men, X-Factor, Excalibur, X-Force, Generation X, and assorted X-characters are not mine. Welcome to my world and my version of them.

Prologue

Inside each envelope was a sheet of white, folded paper, which, when unfolded read:

"Piotr Nikolotevitch Rasputin was a country farmer, until one day a certain Professor Charles Xavier recruited him for his dream of a peaceful co-existence between mutants and humans. Piotr, or "Peter" as his friends often called him, fought for the dream, eventually whole-heartedly. He made a new family and many new friends. He fought like a hero, until the losses added up to be too much. For awhile, he strayed from "the dream", only to re-embrace it fully once he found his way home.

"Piotr Nikolotevitch Rasputin was more than just a good, nice man. He was a hero, from the moment he was born, to the moment he died. He proved it, beyond a shadow of a doubt."

The invitations went as follows:

" ‘In these times of sorrow,

when it seems there’s no tomorrow

it’s best to join hands

even from across the lands.’

We cordially invite you to our memorial service for Piotr Nikolotevitch Rasputin this upcoming Saturday, August the 23rd, 1998, at Muir Island, Scotland. We hope that you can attend."

The service was set at a later date so everyone could make it and preparations could be made in advance. The invitations were sent, phone calls were made, tears were exchanged, hugs and condolences given. In this case, nearly everyone felt the loss of a friend. The news of his passing quickly spread, and it was decided by everyone that they should scrape tooth and nail to get to Muir Island, and that they would be there on that day, no matter what. Plane tickets were humbly booked, plans were shoddily and uncomfortably made, and feelings were at an all-time low. Those who were strong enough to help did so, and those who couldn’t sat back and let someone else do it.

The X-Men got the letter right before Cyclops and Phoenix were about to leave, and they cancelled their plans to move at all. Right now, they knew that not only did they need to be with their friends and helping them, but that they needed to be helped, too. They already had plenty of doubts about leaving with all the recent events. All of the X-Men, "new and old", made plans to go to the memorial service.

X-Force was nearly about to split in their ways before they heard the news. They decided to part ways after the funeral. They even managed to find a heavily confused Domino, and decided that bringing her to Muir Island would be one of the best things they could do for them all right now. They needed to be with family.

X-Factor received word after, and only after, they were all healed. It was almost too close a call then to attend the funeral, but Valerie Cooper arranged quick flight arrangements and the like, taking care of everything for her wounded and hurt friends. They decided to attend the memorial service together, and heal with their family.

The news was solemnly received in the Massachusetts Academy, and Banshee, who was planning to go to Muir Island soon anyways, decided to take Jubilee with a little earlier than he had planned to attend the memorial service. Emma Frost elected to stay behind and watch the kids who had never met this hero before.

Word of mouth was spread to an old friend of Peter’s, who was in grave, horrible shape, but made up their mind to go, no matter what, to Muir Island to attend the memorial service. With the help of another friend, they managed to get arrangements that just might work.....

Things were bustling on Muir Island. For this specific purpose, they added on an auditorium like area, which could be used for recreational uses, whether they be watching a movie like in a theater or even performing a play, to Muir Island. They hired many architects, mechanics, engineers, and other people to add on the "auditorium" which was aptly named, "the Piotr Nikolotevitch Rasputin room." People readied themselves to speak on Peter’s behalf. The day came, and caterers were brought over with food to set up a large meal, "buffet style." People were sent out to welcome others in. Everything was planned, and eventually went according to the plan, or at least vaguely close to it.

The sun glinted on Muir Island, and little rainbows were cast on the ground from a crystal statue of a sword in stone. "Here lies Piotr Nikolotevitch Rasputin. He died in battle, saving others. Let this crystal shine and give us beauty and hope, much like he did. But nothing will be able to fully replace him. He will always be with us in our hearts."