Flames of Betrayal (RWBY X Villain Male Reader) *REDUX*

Act 1: Kuroyuri Awaits

"A sword wields no strength unless the hands that holds it has courage."

Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Y/N didn't meet with Bartholomew the next day due to what had happened earlier. For now, everyone had decided it would be best to let him get some physical activity and take a break from the mental strain of facing his past trauma. So for now...he would meet with his next mentor: Theodore. Today they met on an hilly open field behind the estate, facing the winding hills and forest behind the outskirts of Mistral. Y/N didn't wake up until later in the afternoon, so their training took place later than expected.

The wind howled through the field, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and a distant hint of smoke. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the grassy expanse, where Theodore stood like a guardian statue, his enormous frame cutting an imposing figure against the fading light. For a moment, he surveyed the boy in front of him: Y/N Belladonna, a wiry lad with dark tousled hair and eyes that flickered like embers. Sweat glistened on Y/N's brow, and a nervous tremor coursed through his hands as he struggled to contain his power.

"Focus, Y/N!" Theodore's voice boomed, warm yet firm, like rolling thunder. "You can't let your emotions dictate your flames. You wanna burn someone to ash for calling you a pussy?"

Y/N nodded, swallowing hard. He had been trying, but the heat inside him surged, a tempest of fire and frustration. No matter how hard he concentrated, the flames danced just beyond his control—a living entity that responded only to chaos or fear. Because of yesterday, his emotions were far too out of whack.

Theodore took a step forward, his massive form blocking the sun. "Again," he commanded, voice unyielding. "Show me what you've got."

A flicker of defiance ignited within Y/N, summoning the flames in his hands, a glimmer of black and crimson radiating around his fingertips. He thrust his palms forward, unleashing a torrent of fire.

The inferno surged toward Theodore, but the man simply stood in front of it, the flames practically bending to his force. With a flick of his wrist, he extinguished the flames with an effortless gust of wind. The ground crackled as the fiery remnants cooled, hissing against the chill of the evening air. His giant gauntleted arm mechanically whirred with raw power and aura.

"You think that's enough?" Theodore frowned, an expression that combined challenge with encouragement. He moved in closer, feigning a stagger, catching Y/N off guard. "You've got the power, but you lack control. Actually, judging from that you just flat out lack power, control, or skill. You suck ass man."

With a snap, he lunged forward and, before Y/N could react, he was on him again. "You're too distracted!" Theodore exclaimed, his voice a thunderous roar. 

Theodore grabbed Y/N by the head and slammed him into the ground repeatedly. He got up and grabbed him by the legs before throwing him into a tree and shattering the wood, cracking it like a twig.

Y/N squirmed as he pulled himself out of it with minimal injuries, more from embarrassment than pain. "I think DCFS oughta do a case study on your training techniques." He winced, absorbing the pressure with a reluctant grunt.

"Harness it and become one with it. You're too fucking afraid of it to do anything!" He took a deep breath, the air swirling around him. "Close your eyes. Reconnect with that flame inside you and treat it like an extension of your body."

With a tremor of uncertainty, Y/N complied, squeezing his eyes shut. He could hear the rustling grass, the gentle whisper of the wind flowing against him. Consciously, he sought to quiet the chaotic storm within, to explore the depths of his own untamed fire.