Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 10: Azula's Visit

After several weeks have passed, the time has finally come. Azula will soon be visiting Macai at his town in Nyarri. She got her friend Ty Lee to accompany her, unfortunately, Mai will not be able to tag along with her.

It is a cold morning, in Nyarri. The sky is a blue-grey color, and it is 5.55 Celsius (42 degrees) outside. Macai waits outside of his home, talking to Zyger to kill time. Zyger: "You impressed me with that last air trick that you did. You know the mountain squirrels watch you every time."

Macai chuckles, "Yeah I know. I see those little guys watching me in the distance. I got distracted and messed up a couple of times. Then I could hear Hazo shouting, 'Macai, do not lose your concentration!'"

Zyger responds, "It's hard for you to get on his bad side though. He really likes you."

Macai comments, "Well, I've never been late or made any mistakes that were too great. I do think he's less strict than my father though."

Zyger: "No kidding. What did he tell you about the spirituality of fire?"

Macai: "He said that fire is not just an expression of anger or rage. He said it is an 'extension of yourself' and that I should learn how to control it calmly and naturally. The power in firebending is linked to the natural energy that binds all things in existence."

Zyger: "Really?"

Macai nods. Macai has a brief flashback and sees himself standing in his front yard across from Hazo. Hazo's arms are extended. Hazo: "Macai, I traveled the world. I saw people from the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, and Fire Nation. In all of them I noticed certain trends that exist within all people. Humanity, love, and adversity that plagues all people. I will never forget the things that I learned but the best benders are stable benders."

Hazo continues. "Rage comes and goes. A consistent bender can fight when motivated or when hurt. The best bender has control and doesn't only rely on one emotion. Rage can make someone more powerful for a brief time, but it eats away at a person like a parasite. I've seen it happen to too many of my comrades and allies in battle."

Macai questions, "But isn't firebending different? Doesn't heat correlate with rage?"

Hazo: "Heat correlates with passion and feeling. We fight with a purpose, but it doesn't have to be about revenge or some unstable emotion. Rage opens people up to mistakes and emotional imbalance. Think of all the great Fire Nation leaders who fell so drastically because they could not control their rage. The Fire Nation education system doesn't go deep into it, but I can give you some sources to study it more deeply if you would like. But don't tell your father, he might not like this teaching."

Macai: "Interesting, I think my passion was always my source. I've never been too focused on rage. Nothing happened in my life to make me want to live off rage. I know a lot of benders who focus on hurting, wanting revenge on their enemies, or to prove themselves and pave their legacies. My father always wanted me to prove myself, but I never felt insulted when others did well. I just wanted to make things work for me."

Hazo: "That's good Macai, but when you finally go to war your outlook may change. When you reach a setback and you may change your mind. Life is full of ups and downs. One thing this nation doesn't teach us much about is the downs will come for all of us. No matter how smart, strong, or adaptive you are. But the strongest will adjust and adapt."

Macai nods his head. Hazo continues, "So when things get tough, remember to stay consistent. Do not allow your rage to blind you or you lose yourself forever. People often try to block the pain out with rage and hatred but it only lasts so long. You have to look at things as they are, but remain driven and productive."