Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 8: The Dust Before Dawn

It has been several weeks since Macai's disappearance. Azula has not heard anything about her boyfriend's departure and is restless. She has asked several students where he went, and no one has been able to answer her questions. She has questioned several teachers at the Royal Boy's Academy, and they refused to answer her. Azula is at her home trying to think of a way to discover what has happened to Macai. She invited Ty Lee and Mai to her room to discuss this matter.

Azula is sitting on her bed while Ty Lee and Mai are sitting in chairs across her. Azula: "I have no idea where he went. This isn't like him. I don't know what to do and who to ask."

Ty Lee: "Why don't you ask Rosh? Macai tells him everything."

Azula: "Ah, right. But if I ask Rosh, he probably won't tell me. He doesn't trust me."

Mai: "Then beat him until he tells you the truth."

Azula: "Rosh is stubborn and persistent. He would be difficult to break. I have a better idea." Azula looks at Ty Lee and smiles, "Ty Lee, Rosh is much more likely to tell you the truth than me."

Ty Lee gasps, "But I broke up with him and kicked him out of my house. He won't trust me anymore."

Azula: "Nonsense, he is crazy about you. His walls may be up now, but they can slowly be broken down. You must gradually regain his trust and start dating him again. Then he will answer your questions about Macai's whereabouts. After I have gotten all I need of him, you will be free to continue dating him if he has straightened up his act."

Ty Lee smiles, "Really?!"

Azula nods. "Of course, but that's only if he cleans up his act. With Macai away from him, I believe the odds of that are greater."

Ty Lee gleefully says, "Yay."

Mai responds, "Unless Macai is not really gone and is still here. Perhaps he was asked to stop seeing you, Azula."

Azula frowns. "We will see."

A Fateful Visit

Rosh is returning home from school on a Thursday with Spinge and Barge. Spinge laughs. "I can't believe Jacen did that. He broke his trumpet when he pulled that stunt."

Barge: "What a maniac."

Rosh: "Oh well."

Spinge: "Cheer up, you're still acting like a downer because Macai is gone. You'll get to visit him soon enough."

Rosh: "I know, I know."

Barge: "Well, in the meantime, let's play some foosball."

Rosh: "Remember when Zyger taught us foosball tricks? I miss him too."

Spinge shouts, "Rosh stop it!"

Rosh: "Ok, ok." Ty Lee emerges in the distance and walks toward the boys. Rosh freezes.

Spinge points his finger. "Stay away from us, Ty Lee! Rosh remembers how you wrongly rejected him. You made your choice long ago and I doubt you'll ever truly change your mind."

Ty Lee sighs. "I'm sorry, but it's not your decision. It's Rosh's."

Spengi looks at his friend. "Tell her, Rosh."

Rosh confirms, "He's right, you blew it, Ty Lee. I was hurt when you shunned me, but I always hoped that one day you would return. Deep down, I knew that if did it would only be to fulfill one of Azula's goals."

Ty Lee locks eyes with Rosh. They both get teary-eyed. Spinge: "This is all touching, but we must go, Rosh." Spinge takes Rosh by the hand and starts to direct him away.