The Hardest Choice (malereader x avatar)

Chapter 1: The Boy In The Iceberg

Water. Earth. Fire. Air. 

My grandmother used to tell me stories about the old days, a time of peace when the Avatar kept balance between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads. But that all changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar mastered all four elements. Only he could stop the ruthless firebenders. But when the world needed him most, he vanished. A hundred years have passed and the Fire Nation is nearing victory in the War. Two years ago, my father and the men of my tribe journeyed to the Earth Kingdom to help fight against the Fire Nation, leaving me and my brother to look after our tribe. Some people believe that the Avatar was never reborn into the Air Nomads, and that the cycle is broken. But I haven't lost hope. I still believe that somehow, the Avatar will return to save the world.

Time Skip, 3 Years Later

Y/n was covered in sweat despite the chill of the south pole. He had been practicing firebending all day, as was his normal routine. Throughout the 3 years he had spent with Zuko and Iroh, his bending, as well as his physical attributes, had improved drastically. Iroh had taken over Y/N's training and had successfully made a massive impact on him. Y/N was strong, fast, fierce, and intelligent. Iroh had trained his bending through meditation and practice, his body through physical exercise, and his mind through learning and Pai Sho. 

Y/N put his hands on his knees, breathing deeply. Sweat dripped onto the cold metal of the ship's deck. Y/N watched the small puddles quickly freeze over. He turned to Iroh, who was playing Pai Sho and drinking steaming tea.

Y/N: Master, I'm not sure how much more I have left in me. I can hardly stand.

Iroh: I see. But, I do wonder if your enemy would stop just because you are tired. [Takes a sip of his tea and observes his board] And how many times must I tell you Y/N, you can call me uncle.

Y/N: Fine, fine "uncle". And maybe my enemy would stop, if they had any honor.

Iroh: [Sighs and smiles] They rarely do. [Moves a piece] Speaking of honor, where's my nephew?

As if on cue, the Fire Nation prince stormed onto the deck. He wore standard military equipment: a dull red shirt made of cloth over various pieces of Fire Nation armor. His appearance gave no sign that he was the son of the most powerful man alive: the Fire Lord. Iroh turned to him.

Iroh: Ahh, nephew. Have you decided to join us?

Zuko: No. I don't have time to play Pai Sho and I'll train later. I'm here to speak with some of the crew.

Iroh: [Looking slightly sad] There's nothing wrong with Pai Sho.

Zuko prepared a, most likely moody, response. However, as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by a massive beam of light in the distance. Y/N turned around to look at it. The light was blinding, a massive column of white stretching all the way into the sky. Y/N shielded his eyes. After a few moments, the light faded, the landscape becoming normal once more. Zuko clenched his fist, his eyes widening.

Zuko: Finally! Uncle, do you realize what this means?

Iroh: [Pursing his lips] I won't get to finish my game?

Y/N couldn't stop himself from letting out a small laugh at the comment. Zuko turned glared at him, shutting him up.

Zuko: It means my search is about to come to an end.

Iroh sighed, his disinterest evident. He didn't respond, instead focusing on his game. After a moment of thought, he put down another piece on the board.