-Rewritten June 15, 2024-
A gentle breeze flowed through the resort. Y/N watched as the pink leaves of the cherry blossom he was sitting under shook in the wind, a few falling gently onto the soft grass below. Y/N looked up to see Master Iroh getting a massage from several of the workers, a relaxed smile on his face. Zuko was leaning against the wall behind him, gazing into the distance.
The three were in the town of Yojao, a village of decent size in one of the northern Fire Nation colonies. Their trip there had been long and brutal, floating on a makeshift raft for weeks after their ship had been sunk. While they had been lucky enough not to have their ship damaged by Aang's fish-monster, they had hit a glacier barely a day later, leaving Y/N, Iroh, and Zuko stranded on what barely constituted a raft.
Iroh suddenly let out a loud groan, his relaxation obvious. Y/N looked at his master, whose smile only grew larger as he spoke to no one in particular.
Iroh: This is what I've been missing. Who knew floating on a piece of driftwood for three weeks with no food or water, and sea vultures waiting to pluck out your liver could make one so tense?
Neither Y/N nor Zuko responded, causing Iroh to look up. Y/N simply had nothing to say, and shot Iroh a quick nod to show he agreed. Zuko, however, looked tense, angry. Iroh, noticing this, quickly got up, walking over to Zuko before sitting down beside his nephew. After a moment, Iroh spoke up in a soft tone.
Iroh: It's the anniversary, isn't it?
Zuko: [In a brooding tone] Three years ago today, I was banished. I lost it all. [Looks up] I want it back. I want the Avatar, I want my honor, my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless. [Looks on regretfully]
Iroh: I'm sure he doesn't. Why would he banish you if he didn't care? [Zuko gets up and walks away; he grimaces soon after; to the masseuse] Uh, that came out wrong, didn't it?
The masseuse grimaced and quickly looked away, trying to look busy. Iroh looked to Y/N, who responded gently.
Y/N: I won't lie, Master Iroh; that was one of the worst things you could have said right there. [Smiling slightly]
Iroh: [Smiling and putting a hand on the back of his head] It seems that I am cursed to always say the wrong things to that boy. [Shrugging] This has certainly heightened the tension in my muscles. [To the massagers] I think that I need another massage. Who wants to do the honors?
Y/N laughed quietly at his master for a moment before standing up, holding onto the rough bark of the tree as he did so. He wordlessly left the resort, opting instead to explore the village in which they were staying. As Y/N navigated through the bustling village of Yojao, he found himself surrounded by the vibrant sights and sounds of life in the northern Fire Nation colonies. The narrow streets were lined with traditional Fire Nation architecture, adorned with crimson banners bearing the emblem of the Fire Lord. Y/N passed by bustling market stalls where local vendors peddled colorful fruits, exotic spices, and finely crafted Fire Nation wares. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of street food sizzling on open grills, tempting passersby with mouthwatering delicacies.
As he walked, Y/N exchanged polite nods and greetings with the villagers, who regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and friendliness. Children played games in the alleyways, their laughter echoing off the stone walls. Y/N paused to admire a group of artisans at work, shaping molten metal into intricate jewelry and weapons. The distant hum of activity from the nearby harbor reminded Y/N of the colony's strategic importance to the Fire Nation's naval operations.
Turning a corner, Y/N stumbled upon a small shrine dedicated to Agni, the Fire Spirit. Intricate incense offerings and flickering oil lamps adorned the shrine, casting a warm glow over the sacred space. He paused briefly, offering a silent prayer for guidance before continuing his stroll. Nearby, an elderly villager tended to a miniature bonsai garden, carefully trimming the branches with practiced precision.
YOU ARE READING
The Hardest Choice (malereader x avatar)
FanfictionY/N is a fire bender who grew up in the Fire Nation. His parents are rich and influential, so y/n went to school with Azula, Mai, Ty Lee, and Zuko. After Zuko was banished, y/n decides to join him on his mission to capture the avatar. Will y/n join...
