Chapter 10 Heeeeere's Kre'as

Kre'as fell into a heavy silence, his mind torn between duty to his family and kingdom and the desire for a different path. He struggled with conflicting thoughts but eventually spoke up, standing from his seat.

"Thank you," he said, expressing gratitude towards the vendor. "Your words have been helpful."

The vendor nodded in response. "Anytime. Stay safe out there."

Kre'as subtly cringed hearing the vendor's best wishes and returned to the bustling streets, his mind weighed down by the poem, that it spoke true to him. After he is done, what will be left of him? He knew what was expected of him, but the potential loss of innocent lives for some unknown reason troubled him deeply. Was there another way?

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a commotion in the distance. Recognizing the sound, Kre'as quickly stood up as he saw the river that ran through their village rising. Figures appeared on top of the water's surface, adorned with blue tattoos - Atlantean warriors.

Kre'as leapt towards the rising body of water in the sky, causing Pascha the commander of the squad to question his presence. "General Kre'as, what brings you here?" she asked with a hint of suspicion. "Just taking a small detour," Kre'as replied coldly, giving orders for them to leave immediately. Confused by the sudden command, the soldiers exchanged wary glances.

"Our king has ordered us to take over this area, as it is essential for our people's survival. The rivers and streams join here, making it the perfect location for a new settlement," Pascha explained, showing her loyalty to the king. Kre'as found himself in a difficult predicament and after an internal struggle, he proposed an alternative solution.

"Can we at least give the villagers time to evacuate? I have met a merchant there who has given me a favor," Kre'as suggested.

Pascha's smile turned menacing and with a flick of her hand, frozen spikes emerged from the lake and attacked the village without hesitation. The screams and cries of fear filled the air as the soldiers followed suit, shooting frozen spikes past Kre'as in a fury of violence.

"You forget who you are, Prince Kre'as. You are a general of our army," Pascha taunted, her silver eyes glowing showing her royal pedigree. "Do not get in the way of our centuries of resentment." Kre'as remained unfazed by her provocation and calmly questioned her motives.

"Do you truly believe these villages are responsible for our imprisonment?" he asked, despite feeling somewhat guilty about their fate. He chose not to intervene, still struggling with his conflicting thoughts.

"No, but it is a convenient way to let of some steam," Pascha replied, wearing a sinister smile, turning the water into tendrils ready for battle.

Kre'as had no words to argue her reasoning, he too had shared the same fate as her, however, it was her lack of respect, it irritated him deeply. With a show of force, he forcefully lowered the floating lake back into its crevice, overpowering them all. "What is the meaning of this?" Pascha shouted, looking at Kre'as and seeing his eyes glowing silver, mirroring her own. "Just letting off a little steam," Kre'as replied coolly, using his blood-bending powers to bring Pascha and her soldiers to their knees.

"This is treason," Pascha growled as her head was forced to bow.

"You are correct..." Kre'as responded, causing Pascha to feel sweat beading on her forehead. "I have not forgotten my position as a prince, my dear cousin. It is you who has forgotten how to address me with proper decorum. As punishment for your treason, I will keep you in this position until nightfall. Perhaps by then, you will remember how to show respect."

Pascha could only grind her teeth, the only part of her body still under her control. "Well, it was nice catching up with you cousin. I'll see you later," Kre'as said dismissively before turning his back on the Cabbage vendor and the villagers. He left them to their fate; he was no savior, but a destroyer.

———————

The next morning...

As Kre'as arrived at the imposing gates of Republic City, he noticed that they were firmly shut and guarded by an army of soldiers. The streets were eerily quiet, devoid of the usual bustle of civilians. "A wise decision," he thought to himself as he strode towards the city. "But will it be enough to stop me?"

His eyes gleamed with amusement as he surveyed the new defenses that had been erected in his absence. He couldn't help but let out a deep chuckle, feeling a surge of power rush through him. "I suppose I shall be a gentleman and knock," he murmured, raising his fist.

Kre'as' fist struck the wall with a deafening force, causing an explosion of broken debris to rain down upon the city. The ground shook violently, buildings swayed and groaned in protest. A wave of terror washed over the remaining inhabitants too stubborn to leave as they cowered inside their homes, praying for safety from the destructive force unleashed by Kre'as. The sound of crumbling stones echoed through the once-quiet streets, leaving a trail of chaos and destruction in its wake.

——————

Moments earlier…

"We have to protect the world at all costs," Aang said firmly, determination etched on his face. "We cannot let the Atlanteans win."

"Agreed," one of the fire benders said. "We'll create a wall of fire around the city, so they can't get in."

"Good idea," the Avatar nodded. "Water benders, you'll create a barrier around the harbor.

Airstrike force, you'll take to the skies and attack from the sky."

"I'll stay at the highest point and attack him from there. I apologize for dragging you all into this, but I know I can't face him alone. This is our only chance," Aang said with regret. Sokka comfortingly placed his hand on Aang's shoulders and replied, "It's okay, Aang. That's why we're here; we stick together until the very end."

Aang nodded in gratitude towards Sokka for his reassurance. It was unlike Toph to smile, but Aang pretended not to see it as he asked about the wall's progress.

They had managed to construct sturdy walls around the oceans and paths leading to Ba Sing Se, while also reinforcing their own walls with metal for added protection.

The earthbenders had sprung into action when Kre'as left a week ago, using their bending skills to create towering walls made of earth and metal. Some even dug underground tunnels for easier movement throughout the town. Toph watched with pride as her people worked tirelessly to protect their homes. Ever since news of Kre'as' departure from the North reached them, everyone had been on edge. Every drop of water or tremor of earth sent shivers down their spines as if a blade were constantly hanging over their heads, ready to strike at any moment. They were no longer living, just existing until Kre'as returned. Even though their encounter with him had been brief, it left them scarred and constantly on edge.

Toph's seismic sense was always on high alert, scanning the earth outside the walls for any signs of danger. Suddenly, an icy cold aura cut through the ground, freezing her in place like prey caught in a predator's gaze.

Before she could even react, the main wall shook violently, cracks spiderwebbing through its structure and into the ground below. The collective thought of everyone inside echoed in Toph's mind: "He's here." Fear and determination filled the air as they prepared to face their enemy head-on.

Through a small crack in the wall of earth, the hole lit up with two silver glowing eyes, "Heeeere's Kre'as"