Name: Rath Illuser
Gender: Male
Role: Fire Dragon Knight
Race: Yokai/Dragon Tribe
Image Color: Red and Black
Eye Color: Red or Purple
Hair Color: Black with mesh (mesh can be various colors)
First Appearance: vol. 1
Last Appearance: vol. 26
A powerful creature, assumed to be from another world, Rath traveled Dusis until he possessed the dead body of Illuser, and he used the large beast to travel Dusis and kill all that stood in his way. He killed a good share of the Spirit Tribe, as well as any humans, Yokai, or Dragons that he could. When Lykouleon and the Dragon Tribe discovered what he was doing, they tried to stop him. Being unable to kill the beast, or merely unwilling, Lykouleon cast a spell on Rath instead, passing over his own blood and body to turn him into a human child, which was then named a Dragon name, Rath. As he and Lykouleon share the same blood, Rath is Lykouleon's only heir. He was raised at the Dragon Castle unaware of his past until the Alchemist Kharl tried, unsuccessfully, to place certain memories in his mind. Rath learned of all that he did and discovered that the Dragon Tribe had kept his past secret from him, and he grew to resent them for it. He hated the Dragon Tribe and felt like he was only being used by them, and he especially took a dislike of Lykouleon, who he believed to be at most fault for the things that had happened.
Rath greatly dislikes his life and feels the need to keep his past a secret. He wants nothing more than to die, thinking that it will end the suffering he endures constantly. Rath is always putting up a front, keeping his distance from people so they can't see through him and his secrets. He loves Cesia very deeply, as she knows nearly all of his secrets and longs still to protect him. Despite their strong friendship, Rath feels a need to keep distance from Thatz and Rune, who both discovered his secrets.
He has a mysterious power that allows him to absorb others into his body, giving him their powers as his own. He absorbed Ruwalk's flesh into him, Lykouleon's blood, Illuser's body, Left Bird, Crewger, Kaistern, Bierrez, Gil, the Light Dragon, many Yokai, and anything else that he devoured when in the form of Illuser.
Rath believes that he has become unnecessary due to the fact that he no longer has the Red Dragon Crystal or the Fire Dragon. He wants to finally kill Nadil, which would then cause himself to die, as Nadil's soul is burrowed within his body. He longs to kill Nadil not to end his own life, but to protect Thatz and Rune from the things that he could possibly do to them if he ever lost control of himself and to save Lykouleon from Nadil's curse. For once in his life, Rath has become thankful for what the Dragon Tribe has given him, because he realizes that if they had not cared for him as they did, he would have been completely alone.
He is also really close to Kaistern, and really cares a lot about him even though he says he hates him. Weird child.
SPOILER ENDING WARNING
In the final volume, Rath saves Cesia and defeats Nadil in the most unexpected manner: a magic gun. Yeah. Weird. Never saw a hint of guns ever used in the world of Dragon Knights yet here it pops up >_> Might have been hinted at prior, but I know I totally missed it. Fancy looking thing, too. It's also believed that the spirit that appears next to him is Lykouleon. After Nadil is defeated, it can be assumed Rath assumes the position as Dragon Lord and he does look happier than he ever had been.
Gaiden appearances
- One Day Another Day from the 11/07 WINGS issue
- Happiest Children from 2/07 WINGS issue
- CONFESSION - Thats from 4/08 WINGS issue (back of the head shot >O>)
- CONFESSION - Rath from 6/08 WINGS issue
Compiled by: Kareru