Chapter 20: Draco's Past
Disclaimer: RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum, I only own my OCs.
Team RXDY
A pleasant morning comes for the all faunus team after they saved Iremia from the remnants of the Black Star Terrorist organization. The team rested at a small inn for the night at a neighboring village. But the dragon faunus' sleep is anything but peaceful. He tossed and turned in his sleep as he experienced a nightmare. One that refuses to go away. It was only through Yumi holding him that it stopped.
Entering the bathroom he takes care of business and flushes the toilet, hearing a small thud behind him. Gazing over his shoulder, he finds out he's grown a tail, estimated around six feet long and had green scales with black spikes running down the length and stopping at the fine tip. Looking into the mirror, Draco sees his reflection staring back at him. His yellow eyes with slit pupils, green scales dotting parts of his face and sees a set of black horns that pointed forward, curved up and backward protruding from his forehead. They shined under the bathroom. Draco believes the tail and horns appeared while he slept. Shaking his head, he uses his index claw to cut a hole in his jeans and underwear to make room for his tail.
He eats the breakfast he chose, which consisted of eggs, bacon, an apple and orange juice instead of coffee. After trying it one time, he found the taste horrible and avoided the stuff ever since. He eats his fill and steps onto the main entrance to watch the sun begin to rise over the horizon. But this normal breathtaking sight doesn't help quell the emotional torment that's been with him since that horrible night eleven years ago.
Draco forms a fist and hisses through clenched teeth as the memory reaches the surface of his mind.
Flashback eleven years before the events of RWBY
Draco was born to a rich and powerful noble family of dragon faunus. His species lived in a kingdom located on the continent of Anima, this kingdom almost rivaled Mistral in terms of population and architecture.
Draco's family was well-respected, having played a role in the founding of this kingdom named Han'ei ran by a monarchy styled government. Years of trade and hard work brought the kingdom to fruition.
Draco walked with his father Slifer Lance who stood 6'4" tall, impressive build, red hair, yellow eyes with slit pupils, pale skin coated with red scales on parts of his face, entire forearms, hands tipped with claws, wings that had a span of ten feet with a pale yellow membrane, black horns protruded from his forehead then curved backward and a thick, muscular tail with a bladed tip completed the look.
He wore a fancy blue shirt, jeans secured with a belt and brown boots.
Slifer looked to be a century old but the lifespan of a dragon faunus wasn't known, one individual was recorded being well over two-hundred which is still considered young to his species.
His four-year old son wore a red shirt, blue shorts and shoes. Draco's green hair was short at the moment and didn't show any physical features of his race yet.
As they walk through town the duo saw the citizens waving at Slifer who waved back.
He said, "One day, you'll might be in charge of this kingdom, son."
Draco asked, "I will?"
Slifer directed his gaze toward his son, "Indeed. Of course, you'll have to prove it to our king."
Draco fidgeted with the rim of his shirt, "But that looks hard."
Slifer ruffled his kid's hair, "You still have a long way to go before that happens." A feeling of peace and prosperity filled the air of Han'ei. No war, no hostilities from neighboring villages or any of the main kingdoms. Aside from a few squabbles here and there. However, the kingdom of Han'ei never let its guard down because an enemy can attack when you least expect it.
They soon reached his mom's greenhouse. Stepping foot inside, a tripwire triggers the service bell and Draco's mother Kasumi Lance entered their view.
Like her husband, Kasumi was also a dragon faunus approaching one-hundred, stood around 5'9, shoulder-length green hair, yellow eyes with slit pupils, fair skin, green scales lined her face, lacked wings, arms, upper chest, clawed hands, curved horns and tail with a spaded tip.
She wore a plain white short-sleeve shirt, charcoal gray jeans, work shoes and a white apron stained with dirt.
Kasumi smiled, "Hello dear, how are you doing?" She went up to her husband, hugging him and kissed Slifer.
Draco gagged, "Bleh, gross!" Breaking the kiss Kasumi giggled at her son's reaction.
She asked, "And how's my little man doing?"
Slifer told her, "Draco's doing well. I'm taking him with me to run some errands. How have things been here?"
Kasumi smiled, "It's great. I've been customers almost non-stop. I may have to hire people just to keep up with the demands."
Her husband chuckled, "Well, your flower shop is one of the most of the popular in Han'ei." And that was true.
Shortly after marrying Slifer, Kasumi opened her own flower shop quickly becoming one of the most popular in the kingdom. Customers had nothing but praises for the quality of the flowers and Kasumi's friendly demeanor. She had plans on expanding her flower business outside of Han'ei eventually.
They heard the service bell ring as the tripwire was triggered again.
She said, "Customer service time. I'll see you two after work." She kissed her husband first then looked at Draco, "And stay out of trouble, mister. Understood?"
Draco nodded, "Yes, Mom." The two departed the greenhouse and reached the center of town. The street was filled with dragon faunus going about their daily lives and visitors from the other kingdoms. The young Lance stayed close to his father.
The two wandered through town doing Slifer's errands. Gazing up at the sky Draco saw a meteor shoot across the blue sky. Just for the fun of it, he made a wish. Draco's father completed the errands he needed to do and returned to their home.
The Lances lived in a nice two-story house with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, one on the main floor and two on the second floor complete with a bath/shower combo, a finished basement that was transformed into a workout area, fancy kitchen with wooden cabinets and drawers, wooden floors, beige carpet in the living and family rooms, the stairs and the bedrooms. The living room had comfy couches and TV stand with a nice television.
On the second floor, the bedrooms had a king size bed for Draco's parents and a queen size for Draco.
Slifer currently worked as a project supervisor for a construction company of Han'ei. During his youth school was more important than making friends, while this sadly didn't make Slifer happy he understood school came first. The efforts were worth it, he graduated at the top of his class and almost immediately he began working in the construction business steadily working his way up the ranks until he was appointed project supervisor by his boss. By his mid twenties he was making a living and his fellow workmen praised his work ethic and drive, getting projects completed on time. With his financial situation taken cared of, Slifer felt it was time to look for someone to spend the rest of his life with.
The first few dates went fine but none of the possible suitors fit the qualities he was searching for, either because of their stuck-up attitude or not ready for a lifelong commitment. That is until he met Kasumi.
Almost immediately they clicked, finding great chemistry with each other. After spending a few months getting to know each other better, the two started dating. There Kasumi revealed to Slifer what she was looking for in a man and one secret she revealed was she loved alpha males, something that boosted Slifer's ego since he fitted that criteria but didn't let it get to his head.
Kasumi listened to what kind of partner Slifer was looking for in a woman. He was looking for someone who'll love unconditionally, was honest and kind but know when to stand her ground. He told Kasumi he found those traits in Kasumi. The female dragon faunus joked that maybe it was fate that brought them together, sharing a laugh with her boyfriend.
She next admitted to Slifer that she always dreamed about starting her own business. Slifer told Kasumi that he can oversee the construction of her greenhouse and flower store that caused Kasumi to fall more in love with him.
After two years, they got married. One year after that, Kasumi gave birth to a boy they named Draco Lance. Their child drove them up the walls from time to time but other than that, the two were blessed to have a handsome boy.
Anyway, Draco's fifth birthday was coming up soon and the parents were planning on what to do. Draco was the happiest faunus in the world. Born to loving parents, looking forward to starting school, make friends and think about what he wanted to be when he grew up.
Sadly, things would take a turn for the worst.
That night the calmness was broken with screams of horror, the sky turning a fierce red from burning buildings. Grimm ran wild in the streets tearing and devouring the populace, some dragon faunus fought valiantly but were eventually overwhelmed from the sheer numbers of Grimm. The kingdom's military was overwhelmed as well. One dragon faunus slashed a Beowolf's head off when another sprung out of nowhere, ripping him to pieces.
Draco's parents ran with their son looking for a safe place to hide. All around them the trio could hear screams of terror or the howl of a Beowolf echoing through the night sky. The burning buildings, the Grimm devouring their victims and the smell of blood in the air made it more frightening.
The only thing going through Draco's mind was why's this happening.
Slifer figured out what this was. It wasn't a massacre of his species, it's genocide. Someone must have a deep resentment and wish to wipe the dragon faunus off the face of Remnant.
Suddenly a pack of Beowolves ambushed the Lances, one of the Lycanthrope based Grimm bit Draco's arm Slifer killed it only for the second Beowolf to attack him. The same thing happened to Kasumi, who had no fighting experience and screamed as her body was torn apart right in front of Draco. The young dragon faunus stood there frozen in fear as he watched his mother being eaten.
Slifer defeated the Beowolf and two more approached him, saliva dripping from razor-sharp teeth as they growled at him.
He ordered, "Draco, run!"
Draco shook his head, "Not without you, Daddy!"
Slifer said, "I'll hold them off, you get to safety!"
Draco protested, "But…"
His father barked, "Don't argue with me, son, run!" With great reluctance Draco ran, Slifer watched him over his shoulder smiling before returning his gaze to the front baring his teeth and flexing claws. He roared at the approaching Grimm daring them to come forward.
Draco ran as fast as his legs could propel, all around he saw mauled or half-eaten corpses of his people. The smell of smoke became thicker as the fires intensified, the heat touching his skin. Suddenly a Feral pounced on him knocking Draco face-first into the ground. Not wanting to join the others in death he tried to get back up when the Feral raked its right clawed forepaw down his back, tearing through his shirt and flesh. Draco screamed in pain and strangely the Feral didn't finish him, instead the quadrupedal Grimm pinned him to the ground. What he saw next would haunt the dragon faunus forever.
A being appeared out of the smoke.
The woman had deathly pale skin, wore a black robe, white hair tied into a bun, ornaments dangled off the back end, veins ran up her arms and face, red eyes and black sclera. The Feral pinning him with its front right paw bowed its head to her.
She spoke, "This was the only survivor?" The Feral released a low growl and the woman looked into Draco's yellow eyes, "Your father put up a valiant fight but his efforts were futile." With no remorse she dropped Slifer's severed head in front of Draco, the sight forever burned into his mind as tears began to fall. The Feral grabbed hold of Slifer's head in its mouth and crushed the skull in a gory display of brain, muscle, blood and bone, further mentally scarring Draco.
Draco bared his teeth at her, "You...you...you monster! What did my people ever do to you?!"
The woman crouched down placing a pale hand on Draco's face, "Poor child. You have so much potential being wasted here." Draco shook his head ferociously to get the hand off of his face glaring daggers at the being responsible for this racial extermination. The Feral growled at the dragon faunus' defiance against its queen and opened its mouth and lowered its head ready to sever Draco's head from his torso.
The woman commanded, "No." The Feral obeyed her order pulling its mouth away.
Draco seethed, "I'll kill you, demon. I'll kill you!"
The woman gave him a cold smile, "Salem."
Draco asked, "What?"
The woman repeated, "My name is Salem, Queen of the Grimm."
Draco replied with pure venom, "I'll make you a dead queen!"
Salem answered back, "You don't know what kind of entity you're talking to." She stood up, "If you want to kill me, you'll have to earn it, child. Or should I say Draco?"
The dragon faunus growled, "How do you know my name?"
Salem chuckled, "I was there when your father ordered you to flee." She made a grasping gesture with her hand and a purple sphere of energy, "I'm not mortal, Draco. I transcend the concept of mortality."
Draco narrowed his eyes at her, "Mortal or not, you will pay for what you've done!"
Salem's eyelids lowered slightly out of perhaps amusement, "I can feel your rage, boy. It's hot like the flames around you. Come find me." Turning around the Grimm Queen departed the horrific scene with the Feral following its master. All the other Grimm left as well. The only noise in the air was crackling fire and smoke mixing with the blood. Getting up to his knees despite the pain in his back Draco took in the carnage all around him, the torn bodies of his people stared back with glazed over eyes. No words came out of Draco's mouth then he stared at his father's fragmented head. Sobs escaped from the dragon faunus over the nightmare come to life. He screamed into the night.
The kingdom of Han'ei, proudly built on the backs of hard labor and trade, reduced to a blazing ruin in one night. Not even the castle where the ruling royal family resided was spared.
He didn't care if his anguish lured more Grimm, all he could do was scream and scream until he couldn't anymore. The tears streaming down his cheeks only increased when realization hit. He was the last of his kind. Draco got to his feet and ran where his mother was, arriving at the sight Draco's eyes shrank in horror at the unrecognizable corpse of Kasumi. The left arm was torn from its socket and the lower half was eaten with the upper half being chewed up. Parts of her torso were also devoured exposing her ribs that were snapped like pieces of wood, her beautiful face was covered with slashes and her guts were hanging out from her sliced open stomach. The only thing keeping her body connected was her spine that was halfway severed. Blood pooled around her.
Draco sank to his knees again, his fingers digging into the dirt as sorrow engulfed him. He felt the effect of shock and blood loss setting in collapsing onto the pooled blood of his mother, his breathing disturbing the red liquid. A haze began to descend on Draco's vision and then everything went black. Soon he'll be reunited with his family. Unfortunately, fate can be a cruel mistress.
Beeping noises woke the only surviving dragon faunus from what he perceived as eternal sleep, looking around with half-open eyes Draco figured out he was in a hospital bed but where? He faintly heard the nurse witnessing his awakening and rushed out the door calling for the doctor. Lifting his right arm the boy saw it hooked up to an IV but that didn't matter letting the limb drop back down to the bed. Yellow eyes stared at the ceiling, fresh tears came as the memory of last night returned. Every time he tried moving his back hurt. Draco picked up the sound of the door opening and a young human doctor entered and watched the man approach his bedside.
He introduced himself, "Greetings, young one. I'm Doctor Lythol. What's your name?"
The dragon faunus said, "Draco Lance."
Dr. Lythol briefly looked at the clipboard holding information then back to Draco, "You are quite fortunate to have been found."
Draco asked, "Where am I?"
The human replied, "The Mistral Hospital in the kingdom of Mistral."
Draco queried, "How long have I been here?"
Dr. Lythol said, "You've been unconscious ever since you were brought in almost four weeks ago."
Draco asked, "Four weeks?"
The young human nodded, "Yes. Needed to perform surgery on your back and had to remove infected tissue to prevent you from getting gangrene, requiring skin graphs and antibiotics. Do you have any recollection of what happened?"
Draco looked at his hands, "Carnage. Nothing but carnage! My people were murdered by the Grimm. My parents...my parents…" He broke down right there.
Lythol queried, "Do you know any relatives we can contact?" Draco shook his head no.
The nurse rubbed his back, being careful not to apply too much pressure on the healing injury wishing she could do more for Draco. After relaying information to him including Draco would be staying one more night, Dr. Lythol left. Draco looked at the ceiling again his yellow eyes lost their vibrant glow. His stay at the hospital was uneasy for the staff, he was quiet. He didn't talk, got up to use the restroom occasionally with some assistance from the nurse, was force fed his food and watched television. But the staff couldn't blame him after witnessing a traumatizing event.
The next day, Draco was released from the Mistral Hospital and refused any help including seeing a therapist or psychological evaluations. Although he had to attend physical therapy after being bedridden for an entire month.
With no relatives to contact and no home to return to, Draco was labeled an orphan. He turned down offers to being adopted or living in an orphanage since it'd remind him of home.
A nice aroma reached his nose, he followed it to a food cart that cooked hamburgers and hot sandwiches. Staring at the food caused saliva to drip from Draco's mouth as he imagined how it'd taste after taking a bite but that prospect was shattered when he discovered he had to pay for it. His stomach growling, craving food. Draco walked away knowing he can't eat without money on hand. He sat against the wall of an alleyway hugging his legs falling further into despair. He wished his parents were here to comfort him.
A few days go by when pedestrians began noticing his plight, some gave him money, offered food and even new clothing and to adopt. A part of Draco was grateful for it. At the same time he felt envious whenever he saw a couple with their child.
He cursed Salem for rendering him the last of his kind for no apparent reason. The despair he felt slowly turned into anger, that anger turned into hate, which turned into desire for revenge. Over time, this began to fuel Draco, propelling him forward.
One time Draco got involved in a fight with kids his age, mocking him for being without parents. That turned the flame within the dragon faunus into a raging inferno, inadvertently unlocking his semblance called Dragon's Fury. His teeth sharpened into fangs, sprouted claws, scales grew on parts of his body and his pupils became slits.
Releasing an enraged roar Draco brutalized his attackers and kept beating them even after the bullies started begging for mercy. The rational part of him broke through the red haze clouding his vision, forcing him to stop. The rage vanished and Draco looked at the bullies cowering in fear and then his clawed hands covered in blood. Shaking his head in forced denial he fled the scene and into the forest. Suicidal thoughts began to creep into his mind. Seeing his semblance still active Draco knew he could end it. One swipe across his throat or wrist and he'll bleed to death. However, the burning desire for revenge thwarted any chance of that happening, persuading him to save those thoughts when he found the monster responsible for all of this. Draco agreed with it, driving the suicidal thoughts out.
Growling noises caught his attention. Looking ahead of him Draco saw a pack of Ursas walking into view. Flexing his stained claws the dragon faunus dared the Ursas to attack him. The bear Grimm charged as one. With no formal training Draco fought like a wild animal yet this blocked out the pain he felt any time one of the Ursas landed a strike on him. After tearing the Ursas apart the dragon faunus panted as his semblance deactivated.
Years pass and Draco's hunger for revenge soon surpassed actual hunger for food and water. He found himself in the hospital many times due to malnutrition and dehydration or sustaining injuries. But the dragon faunus didn't care. His obsession with finding Salem kept him from dying. He slaughtered Grimm like the monsters they are. Little did he know that Salem was watching him via the Seer and was pleased to know he hadn't quit living. Draco resorted to stealing food, water and clothing with a few close calls with the local police.
When Draco turned twelve years old, he was sitting near an alleyway hugging his legs battling a bout of depression when a pair of footsteps caught his attention, looking upward his dulled eyes lock with two faunus.
The one on the right was an ox faunus currently standing around 6'2" tall, the same age as Draco, tanned skin, dark brown eyes, curved horns stuck out of short black hair with a few blonde streaks, developing physique, wore a red tank top, blue jeans, shoes and had a sapphire necklace dangling around his neck. On his wrists were a pair of silver gauntlets with an emerald at the front.
The other faunus in front was obviously the leader and female.
She stood around 6'3, looked to be sixteen years old, fair skin tone, long, straight black hair that reached her mid-back, wore an eye patch over her left eye leaving only her right eye visible and was the color of blood, lean and athletic build and 36D bust. She wore blue armor, short-sleeve black shirt, black leggings and dark brown boots. Strapped to her back was a claymore resting in the black silk covered scabbard.
The female stepped forward crouching down in front of him, "Why are you sitting here by yourself?"
Draco looked to his right, "What's it to you?"
The one-eyed faunus said, "Curious as to why someone so young would be out here all alone."
Draco snorted, "If this is your attempt to feel sorry for me, don't bother."
The woman titled her head as she used her piercing gaze to look into his eyes, "You're sad. The eyes tell me that. Did something happen?"
Draco glared at her, "I don't want pity. Go away!"
The ox faunus joined his leader, "Easy, kid. We mean you no harm."
Draco smiled bitterly, "Ha, that's rich coming from you. You're the same age as me."
The female faunus introduced herself, "My name is Rena Schwartz. The person behind me is my teammate Xavier Stone."
Xavier waved his hand, "Hello."
Draco replied just to make them go away, "I'm Draco Lance. Now get lost."
Rena shook her head, "I can't do that." When the dragon faunus glared at her she explained, "Your eyes tell the story. Something traumatizing happened and you need a hug." She came closer prompting Draco to curl further into himself. He tried making himself intimidating it proved useless when Rena wrapped her arms around him pulling the dragon faunus into a hug. Draco attempted to break the hold but Rena's grip was strong.
Draco cried wrapping his arms around her, the one-eyed faunus gently stroked his hair whispering soothing words into his ear. He eventually calmed down and pulled back to stare at her now seeing her beauty for the first time.
Rena stood up leading the dragon faunus to believe she was about to leave with her teammate. That was put to rest when she extended her hand.
She offered with a surprising gentle tone, "Come with us. You'll be safe with me and Xavier plus you'll have company." Somewhere beneath the desire for revenge the lingering innocence surfaced compelling Draco to take up on Rena's offer. And so, he did. Taking hold of her armored hand Draco was pulled to his feet, becoming the third member of what would later become Team RXDY.
The trio left the forest and into Mistral City. The first line of business was to get Draco clean, get him new clothes, gain muscle and train him for the work he's about to be part of.
One year when he turned 13, Rena revealed to Draco what kind of work the team did: mercenary work that included exterminating Grimm, capturing or killing wanted criminals including ex-hunters/huntresses, human or faunus. When Draco gave her a questioning look, Xavier came to her defense stating they don't kill innocent people or loot.
During a training session, Rena observed Draco sparring with Xavier pinpointing weak spots in Draco's attacks and told what he needed to improve on.
Draco had his white t-shirt and black jacket off, leaving him in his charcoal gray jeans and polished shoes. Training and proper nutrition provided his body with the fuel needed to grow muscle which was coming in nicely. Plus he got his aura unlocked.
The dragon faunus made a miscalculation in an attack, enabling Xavier to exploit the opening. With his gauntlets glowing white-hot Xavier charged landing successful blows on Draco's stomach and ending with an uppercut. With the sparring complete Xavier offered a hand to pull his teammate up, Draco accepted it. Getting back up he retrieved his t-shirt and jacket.
He ultimately built his shotgun Perses and grew comfortable with his teammates. Rena's calm and collected nature along with Xavier's friendly personality allowed Draco to start healing his emotional pain for the most part but the fire of revenge still burned.
End of flashback
Coming out of his trip down memory lane, Draco feels a burning sensation in his left hand. Bringing it up he sees his claws pierced the skin drawing blood, his aura healed it instantly. He sees the sun peeking through the trees.
A breeze comes through and a white flower petal slowly drifts into Draco's waiting hand, staring at the petal causes a sorrow exhale to escape him while tears fill the edges of his eyes. He wonders if this is his parents' way of saying they're still with him in his heart.
His hair shadowed his eyes, "Damn you, Salem. You are responsible for putting me on this path." He formed a fist glaring at the morning horizon, "I lost one family, I won't lose another!" He closes his yellow eyes fighting back the tears that desperately want to escape. He can't allow himself to cry. Not yet. Not until he avenged his people.
A soft voice called out, "Draco." Turning around the dragon faunus saw Yumi walking up, "You okay? We've been looking for you."
Draco said, "Just...reflecting on the path I find myself on." Despite her memory problems, Yumi knows what he's referring to.
She walks over to a flat rock sitting on it then pats the spot next to her, offering Draco to sit with her. He accepts, joining the wolf faunus in watching the sunrise. The two sit in silence.
He broke the silence, "Thank you, Yumi."
The wolf faunus turned her head to face him, "For what?"
Draco stared at her with a smile, "For being my teammate and friend. I feel without you, Rena and Xavier, I wouldn't be here."
Yumi gave him a megawatt smile, "You're welcome, Draco. Friends look out for each other. By the way, when did you get those horns and tail?"
Draco said, "They came into being while I slept. Heh, the only thing missing is breathing fire or sprouting wings." A collection of footsteps catches their attention turning their bodies the duo see the other half of Team RXDY standing, full from breakfast and ready to go.
Yumi asked, "Another mission?"
Xavier replied, "No, we're heading back to Vale. Since the Vytal Tournament is next month, there has been fewer mission requests. So, we can use this for R&R. Plus I've never spectated the tournament in person before."
Yumi said, "None of us have."
Rena added, "I did promise father I'd pay him a visit sometime." The group grab their weapons and set course for Mistral to ride an airship to Vale City.
Draco follows his teammates, his tail gently swaying.
'Mother, Father, you and my people will be avenged.' He thought.
A/N: Chapter 20 done.
Well, today marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 20 years since that horrible day. Ain't that crazy?
Here we get to look at Draco's past and what set him on this path of revenge.
Read and review.
Stay tuned for chapter 21.
Vader 23A