The Hardest Choice (malereader x avatar)

Chapter 11: The Siege of the North; Part 1

-Rewritten April 7, 2024-

The ship rapidly cut through the icy waters, its bow pointed towards the distant horizon where the North Pole awaited. Y/N stood on the deck, the crisp Arctic air biting at his skin as he surveyed the endless expanse of snow and ice. He could feel the anticipation building within him, a restless energy coursing through his veins like a current.

Iroh: We're close. [Y/N turns to look at him] We'll be there before the day's end.

Y/N nodded in response, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. He had spent the day perfecting his bending techniques, honing his skills in preparation for the impending siege. Despite the slight aching of his muscles, Y/N was buoyed by a sense of adrenaline-fueled excitement, reminiscent of the days when he would prepare for a sporting match as a child.

But he knew better than to push himself too hard. He needed to conserve his energy, to ensure that he would be able to fight with precision and skill when the time came.

As Iroh called him over, Y/N made his way to where his master stood, shaking himself slightly in an attempt to dispel the lingering excitement that coursed through him. Iroh's demeanor gave him pause, a sense of foreboding settling over him like a dark cloud. Pushing the thought aside, Sam spoke up.

Y/N: Soon we will destroy the Northern Water Tribe, master. [Smiling] After this, only Ba Sing Se will remain in our way to world domination. I've dreamed of this since I was a child.

Iroh pursed his lips, ever so slightly, and gazed into the distance. There was no glint of excitement in his eyes, much the opposite, even. Y/N furrowed his brow slightly in confusion before snapping back to attention as Iroh spoke.

Iroh: Indeed, it does seem that way. But no one truly can know what destiny holds for us.

Before Y/N could respond or dwell on the matter further, Admiral Zhao approached them, his smug demeanor grating on Y/N's nerves like sandpaper on skin.

Zhao: This will truly be one for the history books, General Iroh. Just think, centuries from now, people will study the great Admiral Zhao, who destroyed the last of the Water Tribe civilization. You're lucky you're here to see it.

Iroh's response was measured, his tone tinged with caution.

Iroh: Be careful what you wish for, Admiral. History is not always kind to its subjects.

But Zhao merely smirked in response, his confidence unwavering.

Zhao: I suppose you speak from experience, but rest assured. This will be nothing like your legendary failure at Ba Sing Se.

Iroh: I hope not.

Zhao: And Y/N, I know that you've historically been quite the pathetic bender, but try not to embarrass yourself too much tomorrow.

Y/N: [Smirking; sarcastic] I'll make sure of it, Admiral.

Zhao: [Nods] Good. [Yells to the crew] Tell the captains to prepare for first strike.

The deck of the ship hummed with activity as Admiral Zhao issued his commands with unwavering authority. Y/N watched from a distance, his gaze following the admiral's retreating figure with a mixture of disdain and grudging respect. Despite his personal feelings towards Zhao, Y/N couldn't deny the man's ambition and determination. He had risen from humble beginnings to become an Admiral on the cusp of conquering the North Pole, a feat that commanded a certain level of admiration, albeit begrudgingly.

As Zhao barked orders to the crew, Y/N turned his attention to the vast expanse of icy sea that stretched out before them. The ship cut through the frigid waters with purpose, its bow slicing through the waves like a knife through butter. They passed by an iceberg, its towering form inspiring a sense of awe in Y/N. Y/N couldn't help but marvel at the sight, the sheer magnitude of the ice sending a shiver down his spine.