The Hardest Choice (malereader x avatar)

The Chase, pt. 2 (Book 2: Chapter 8)

They had found their prey. Again.

Through a small lens at the top of the tank-train, Mai had spotted the faint, wispy tendrils of smoke rising in the distance, barely visible against the dark sky. As they drew closer, it became evident that the smoke was coming from a campfire—a campfire that belonged to none other than the Avatar and his companions. Y/N felt a surge of adrenaline as the reality of the situation settled in. They were close, closer than they had been in days, and the thought of finally cornering the elusive group made his muscles tense with anticipation.

Y/N began to stretch, trying to shake off the stiffness that had settled into his limbs during the long ride. He could feel the tension in his body, a coiled spring ready to snap. He needed this fight, needed the release that only battle could bring. His mind raced, the familiar rush of pre-battle nerves mingling with a deep, almost primal hunger for violence. This was what he was made for—combat, conflict, the thrill of the chase. All the doubts and uncertainties that had plagued him would have to wait. Right now, he needed to focus on the fight ahead.

The night was deep, the sky an inky black canvas dotted with stars, though the first hints of dawn were beginning to creep along the horizon. The moon hung high, a pale crescent casting a silver glow over the landscape. The campfire ahead flickered weakly, a sign that the Avatar and his friends were likely on the verge of sleep or already asleep, their guards lowered. Y/N couldn't help but think of how exhausted they must be, having traveled so far and for so long. He almost pitied them—almost. As they approached, however, they could see the fire get doused and, within minutes, Appa flew away yet again. Mai cursed, then directed them in the direction Appa was flying in. It would be a while yet before they caught up to them once again.

Y/N was clad in his old armor, the familiar weight of it a comforting reminder of who he was—or who he had been. The metal plates fit perfectly against his body, molding to his form like a second skin. It had been too long since he'd worn it, and now, as he adjusted the straps and buckles, he felt a sense of pride and purpose returning to him. The armor symbolized more than just protection; it was a part of his identity, a piece of the warrior he once was. As he secured the last strap, he felt a surge of confidence, the anticipation of the coming battle igniting a fire within him. Whatever attachments or conflicts he had; they would have to wait. All he wanted now was the thrill of the fight, the rush of adrenaline that came with it.

Thirty minutes passed, and they began to see clear signs that they were getting closer to their quarry. A large, unmistakable footprint, far too large for any other animal, pressed deep into the earth—a clear indication of Appa's presence. Y/N's heart quickened. Ten minutes later, they spotted a campsite on the top of a ridge. There was no smoke now, no firelight to guide them, which told Y/N that the Avatar and his friends had learned their lesson. They were trying to stay hidden, but it was too late. The first light of dawn began to break, casting long shadows and turning the sky a dull gray. The world was still cloaked in darkness.

They reached the bottom of the ridge, their position disadvantageous but unavoidable. Y/N knew that they would be fighting uphill, a challenging position, but it didn't matter. Azula was already giving orders, her voice steady and commanding. "Get ready," she said, her words cutting through the morning silence like a blade. Y/N slipped his helmet over his head, the familiar weight settling onto his shoulders. His mongoose lizard, an eager and well-trained beast, pawed at the ground impatiently, its tongue flicking out as if sensing the impending battle. Y/N could feel the creature's energy, its readiness to charge into the fray, and he shared that eagerness. He was ready—more than ready. He had to be.

With a sharp hiss and a cloud of steam, the entrance to the tank-train lowered, revealing the cold, early morning world outside. The four Fire Nation fighters spurred their mongoose lizards forward, riding out into the open. Y/N's eyes were immediately drawn to the ridge above, where the Avatar and his companions stood silhouetted against the pale light of dawn. There was Aang, the boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders; Katara, the waterbender who had haunted Y/N's thoughts; Sokka, the strategist with his boomerang at the ready; and a smaller girl Y/N didn't recognize, her posture relaxed, cocky, and ready for a fight.