Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 7: Changing Tides

The legendary story continues, and Macai's life takes a fundamental twist that will change the course of his destiny.

A Foggy Dawn

Several people in the Fire Nation Capital wait as Ozai prepares a hearing for his son. Iroh stands at the left side of the throne room and Azula on the right along with a few other guests as they watch the incident. An injured Zuko returns from his throne room with his burned eye covered by white padding wrapped around his left eye. Ozai stands at his throne with two Fire Nation soldiers standing beside him. Zuko kneels a few feet across his father, his head trembling in shame.

Ozai: "Zuko, for your heinous failure, you will be stripped of your birthright. Azula will now be the next in line for the throne." Azula smiles.

Zuko struggles to hold his tears back. "Father, please. Let me make it up to you."

Ozai: "Silence! You have no honor and no right to speak to me. You will be exiled from the Fire Nation and can only return if you bring me the Avatar!"

Zuko looks up in surprise. Ozai: "Yes, we believe he still lives, lurking somewhere in the shadows. Though what you did was shameful, moments like this sometimes bring out the best in us. Perhaps, you are of some use afterall. We'll see. I'm going to send you a small ship and a crew that can help you complete your expedition." We

Iroh: "But what about the schooling he didn't finish?"

Ozai: "He knows most of the essentials. He's not Azula, but he can have a tutor sent with him the first year or two to catch up on some things during his search."

Iroh: "I will go with him. To guide him and help him grow as an effective leader." Ozai glares at Iroh in disgust.

Ozai: "Very well. If that's what you want."

Iroh grins. "Of course, it'll be like an extended vacation."

Ozai looks at Zuko. "You have until sunrise tomorrow to get out of my kingdom. I have already made the arrangements while you were recovering from your injury. I will have Captain Endo escort you to your ship and introduce you to your crew. It will be a small ship with little firepower however it will be faster than most Fire Nation cruisers, which is ideal for your mission."

Zuko and Iroh depart. Ozai looks at Azula. "Soon you will have your chance to prove yourself and the throne will be yours."

Azula: "Father, do you think there is any chance that Zuko will pull off his mission? Especially with Iroh's help?"

Ozai sighs. "I doubt it, but he will get further with Iroh. Iroh won't do the mission for him, it will still ultimately be up to him to complete his task. But we will see. In due time. Now then, please get back to your daily duties." Azula nods her head and leaves.

Zuko and his uncle.
Iroh looks at Zuko as they exit. Iroh pats Zuko on the back. "I know this is all very confusing and hard for you to accept. However, I would like you to know that I have personally selected the crew members who will travel with us. While you were injured, this was brought up to me with Ozai. I told him that I knew some crew members that would be willing to travel with you."

Zuko: "Can I meet them before we go?"

Iroh: "I was on top of that as well. I set a time for you to meet with them."

Zuko: "Do they know you're coming too?"

Iroh: "Yes, they know. I didn't tell Ozai immediately because I was still thinking things through at the time. This all happened so fast." Zuko hugs Iroh.