A Living Myth RWBY X Child!Dragon Faunus! Male! Reader

Side Story Chapter 7

Bonus Ch 7: Crossroad
It was late into the night when (Y/N) finally decided to give up trying to sleep. After the meeting with Acris, nobody was willing to talk. The alpha had made things very clear to them: (Y/N) belonged in Treecaster, and he would stay there. The boy felt sick to his stomach that his grandfather had just so easily dismissed his concerns about the team, his family, leaving him behind. (Y/N) felt panicked by the whole thing. He didn't want to stay here, he wanted to be with his sisters, out there stopping Salem and making the world safer for dragon Faunus! The girls had tried to cheer him up, to soften the blow of their impending separation, but it was apparent that they were just as torn up about this as he was, so they all just hugged in silence.
After everyone fell asleep, (Y/N) slipped away from the room and began to wander the halls. They still felt cold and unfamiliar to him, he felt no warmth like he did when he was with his sisters. It was all just so....
Empty.
He eventually came to a balcony which overlooked the kingdom. It was a lovely view, but it didn't ease (Y/N)'s spirits. He leaned against the railing and looked out into the night, unsure what to do.
"It's a little late to be out and about,"
The boy turned and saw Angeal behind him, smiling sadly. He shrugged.
"Couldn't sleep,"
The older male walked beside him to look at the view.
"What do you think of it? All of this is gonna be yours some day,"
"It's...nice, I guess,"
"Just nice?"
"It's cool to see so many dragons,"
"And?"
(Y/N) turned to him and snapped.
"What do you want me to say, Angeal?"
The older dragon leaned against the rails.
"I want you to tell me what's bothering you. You've been off since the meeting,"
(Y/N) sighed.
"You wanna know what's wrong with me? Fine. I don't belong here!"
Angeal's brow rose.
"(Y/N), every dragon Faunus belongs here,"
"Well not me! More than half of my life was in the outside world! No scratch that, I didn't even live in the city before! All of my memories are from the treehouse!"
"What are you saying then?"
"I'm glad to have found this, to find my kin...but Team RWBY is my family, where I belong. Besides, bad things are happening outside of Treecaster and...I have to be there to help fix them!"
"Why? Why do you have to be there?"
(Y/N) looked away as he felt a sadness sweep over him. He clutched one of charms.
"Because I already lost people because I didn't act,"
Angeal's eyes widened as he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"(Y/N), what happened to your parents-,"
The boy pulled away.
"I'm not talking about my parents! During the Fall of Beacon...I lost friends, people I cared about. One of them died trying to stop it, and I might've been able to prevent her death. I couldn't say goodbye, much less apologize to her. All I have left to remember her are my memories and this charm. That's it,"
"(Y/N)...."
He stood up straight with a determined look.
"I can't just sit here and do nothing while those same people wreck the world. If I did, I'd never be able to face her again. I have to help the world, even if it does cost me my life. If I don't, what's the point of me having all my powers? What's the point of any of us having these powers if we don't use them!?"
Angeal blinked slowly, before smiling and shaking his head.
"I kept saying you were just like your dad, but it turns out, you're more like your mom,"
(Y/N)'s anger melted into confusion.
"What do you mean?"
The older dragon placed his hands on the railing and looked up.
"Your mom...Tifa told you she was a scout. Well, she saw all the pain the outside world felt, and she thought we had to at least try to make the world better. We have been hiding for countless years, so long that we don't even remember why we're hiding in the first place, and she said it was time we stop hiding like vermin and start setting things right,"
(Y/N) bit his tongue. He knew full well why the dragons were hiding, Salem. Angeal continued.
"Well, your dad seemed to agree with her. That's why he quit the Fated Four and moved your family out of the city,"
"Wait, but Zack said-,"
"(F/N) asked me not to tell Zack the truth,"
"And what was that?"
"That your father got into an argument with your grandfather about us leaving Treecaster and returning to the outside world,"
"My dad...he wanted us to reveal ourselves?"
Angeal nodded.
"Yeah, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a little before you were born. Your dad told me he was gonna convince Acris to allow dragons to leave the forest and offer aid to the outside world. Your grandfather forbade it. He said that revealing ourselves would destroy us, that others would hunt us for our power, and we would be wiped out. (F/N) kept insisting, and when Acris warned him he'd punished him for insubordination...your dad threatened to challenge him for the right to be alpha.
"He could do that!?"
"Of course. As the eldest son, (F/N) had the right to challenge his father for the throne at any time. Mostly, the title is passed on peacefully, but if your father had instigated a challenge, your grandfather would've been forced to accept or give up his crown,"
"And if he didn't give it up?"
"Then they would've fought for it, like animals. Only the strongest may lead Treecaster, and Acris knew he wouldn't have won. After that, your father and mother moved from the city. (F/N) didn't want you raised around that animosity I guess,"
"Is...is that why grandfather acts so coldly? Because he's still upset with my dad?"
Angeal took a deep breath.
"I think your grandfather blames himself for what happened to your family. If he hadn't been so stubborn about it, he could've likely prevent the tragedy. He did his duty as the alpha, but I think he believes he failed as a father. And now, here you are, a living reminder of his failure,"
(Y/N) felt a burst of confidence fill him.
"Maybe this time, he'll listen," he looked at the older dragon. "I'm going to talk to him. I'm going to set it straight and tell him the world needs dragons again,"
"I'd caution against it, but judging by the look on your face, you won't listen to me. The alpha's probably still in the throne room, so I'd tell him you're leaving as soon as you can. If it's any consolation, you've made a great member of the Fated Four,"
The boy smiled and nodded.
"Thanks, Angeal,"
(Timeskip)
(Y/N) stood right outside the throne room. He could tell his grandfather and a few guards were inside. He took a deep breath, summoning all his courage as he grabbed the door and opened it. Acris was sitting on his throne and seemed surprised to see (Y/N) come in.
"(Y/N)? It's late, you should be resting,"
The boy approached his grandfather.
"I know, but I need to talk to you. It's important,"
The older dragon seemed a bit annoyed, but nodded.
"Go on,"
Clenching his fist to keep his nerve, (Y/N) looked his grandfather in the eyes.
"I need to make something clear: I am not staying here,"
Acris's eyes narrowed.
"What?"
"I'm glad I found this place, I'm glad I found you, and Uncle Zack, and my other grandparents. But this isn't where I belong anymore. I've lived in the outside world for most of my life, and most of it was terrible, inhumane, but the things I experienced at Beacon? I would go through it all again if it meant being with my sisters,"
"(Y/N), the outside world is too dangerous for us. The other Kingdoms do not want us, that's why they drove us underground,"
(Y/N)'s eyes widened.
"Wait, that's what you think?"
"It's the truth,"
"No, it isn't! They didn't do this to us!"
His grandfather slammed his fist against the armrest.
"Of course they did, (Y/N), that's all they know how to do! Cruelty, hate, greed, it's what drives! It's why outsiders cannot be trusted! Think of your parents, boy!"
(Y/N)'s met his grandfather's wrath with strength.
"Outsiders are my family, the people who saved me. Not every outsider is evil, I've met those capable of evil and those who are selfless. Besides, the Kingdoms didn't force us into hiding, because I've met the person who actually did,"
"What nonsense are you talking about, boy?"
He looked down, weighing his options on wether or not he should reveal the secret. On the one hand, Oz had kept it a secret to protect people, to prevent panic. On the other hand, it could be the only way to get his grandfather on their side. The dragons were powerful, and would be an amazing asset in the fight against Salem, who would continue to hunt them regardless of if they continued to hide. He took a deep breath.
"The Grimm have a master, her name is Salem. She's the one who hunted our kind,"
"A master, you say? What a ridiculous sentiment. Those humans have been putting stories in your head,"
"Salem is very much real, I've seen her, spoke to her. She admitted to hunting us. You have to believe me grandfather! It doesn't matter if we keep hiding, she'll find this place eventually! We have to-,"
"ENOUGH!"
Acris slammed his fist against the armrest and stood.
"(Y/N), everything we do now, we do to preserve our people. We were nearly wiped out by the outside world. This is only place safe for us! Your father and mother didn't understand that, and look at what happened,"
"My parents did what they thought was right!" (Y/N) roared back. "They wanted to help the world, not hide from it! And they were right! The world, our world, is in trouble!"
"And that same world killed them! Dragons stay in the city where they are safe, where they are protected by their alpha and the Fated Four. That is how it is done,"
(Y/N)'s eyes narrowed.
"Things change, and they could either be peacefully or violently,"
Acris sat back down.
"I will not hear of this argument anymore tonight. We will discuss your behavior in the morning," he looked over to one of the guards. "Take him back to his room,"
The guard nodded and walked over to the boy, aggressively nudging him along. (Y/N) glared at his grandfather.
"Just because you're scared, doesn't mean the rest of us have to hide,"
He stormed out in a huff, not seeing the subtle signal Acris gave to the guard. (Y/N) felt rage boil in him. His grandfather was still just brushing his thoughts aside, just like he had with own son! Did he actually regret what happened? Cause he sure didn't seem like it! His nostrils flared as the guard caught up to him, looking down at him.
"You should show respect to your grandfather. He protects us all,"
(Y/N) grumbled under his breath as the guard became more aggressive.
"Do you hear me, brat? If you know what's good for you, you'll stop thinking like an outsider and start thinking like a true dragon,"
"If cowering underground like a worm is what it means to be a true dragon, then I don't want any part of it. Besides, no matter what he says, I'm not staying here,"
"No, I suppose you won't,"
Out of nowhere, the guard struck out at the boy with his lance, grazing his cheeks. (Y/N) pulled away at the last second in complete shock.
"W-what are you doing!?"
"Protecting my kind,"
The guard charged as (Y/N) dodged out of the way. The boy tried to fight back, but he was at a severe disadvantage. He didn't have his weapon and the guard's lance made it difficult to get in close, and his fire breath wouldn't work on another dragon. With few options, (Y/N) could only dodge and try to get around the guard so he could get to his sister, or Qrow, or anyone for backup! At his first opportunity, he tried to fly past the guard, but his leg was caught and he was thrown through the window. The glass shattered around him as he fought to get his bearings again, only to hear more people from within the castle. He saw they were the other guards from the throne room, but too his horror, they seemed to be their to help their companion, not him. Outnumbered, (Y/N) activated Ruby's speed charm and dove into the gorge around the castle, trying to find cover. The guards followed after him, shouting angrily. However, their voices seemed to fade and for a moment, he thought his semblance would be enough to get him away. Then he felt a hot white pain overcome him. His muscles seized as he plummeted to the ground, his aura breaking on impact. The pain, lightning dust from what he could make out, didn't end and he cried out in pain as two of the guards caught up and approached the helpless child with raised weapons, ready to end it. Before they could, a spear launched through the shadows, sending the smaller guard flying.
"Halt!" The other guard yelled as a massive form shot out from the darkness and overwhelmed him with massive strengthen. (Y/N) could only make out the cries of pain from the guards, and the sound of fists making contact with flesh, but that was all. As his vision began to blur, he felt a hand pluck something from his back, and the pain subsided. A figure knelt beside him with a look of horror. He recognized it.
"H-Hodar?"
The older dragon said nothing as he heard the rest of the guards approaching. He plucked up the boy and ran as (Y/N) lost consciousness.
(Timeskip)
It was some time before (Y/N) woke up. When he did, he noticed he was outside, beside a river if he was to believe his ears. He groaned as he forced himself up, hissing a bit from the ache the lightning dust had left. He glanced around and realized he wasn't in the city, but back in the forest. He also noticed some herbs left beside him and a cooked fish. Giving them a suspicious sniff, he bit into the fish. It was cooked well, but it was bland.
"You should eat the herbs, they'll help," a quiet voice spoke beside him.
Nearly choking, (Y/N) sprang back, arching his back, only to realize it was just Hodar, sitting with his back to him, facing the river he had heard. The boy relaxed a bit, but was still suspicious.
"Where are we?"
Hodar pointed to a small den formation in some boulders.
"My home. They won't find us here,"
"Oh," the tension was uncomfortable, so (Y/N) joined the large dragon Faunus by the water. The older male avoided eye contact. "Why did you save me from the guards? You didn't have to,"
Hodar looked down.
"I did. I already stole so much from you, it was least I could do,"
(Y/N) side glanced him.
"Did you really kill my parents?"
He nodded in shame.
"Yes, as though I wielded the weapons,"
(Y/N) sank his claws in the earth in a fury. He want to scream, to cry, to take out every unfair thing that had happened to him on someone, but he kept himself anchored, only hissing out.
"Why?"
"I didn't know,"
"WHAT DO MEAN YOU DIDN'T KNOW!? YOU DIDN'T KNOW THOSE HUNTERS WERE COMING TO HUNT DRAGONS!?"
Hodar flinched away.
"I didn't mean to let them in, I didn't know they were there!"
"Then why do you think it's your fault?! Did you just notice them and just hoped only my family would be attacked? Was that it!?"
"No! I..I didn't! I was-,"
"You were what!?"
Hodar clutched his head.
"I was just following the alpha's orders,"
(Y/N) froze as his eyes widened.
"What?"
Hodar finally looked at him, his expression broken.
"I was just following Alpha Acris's orders to open the southern gate for a brief period,"
Okay, I know this side story has been a bit of a detour and not my best stuff, but we'll be finishing up next chapter, I swear. Sorry if this is bad, guys, I had this idea for the story, but with all the delays and Volume 8, I just really want to finish this up and continue on. Thanks for the patience.