Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 15: Tournament Part 2

Macai, Kanna, Kett, and Dade have all won the initial rounds of the Nyarri tournament. This has created a strong buzz in the city. Macai, Kanna, Kett, Chiko, and Kento discuss the matter at a Nyarri park near Macai's home. The grass is light green, there are several blue flowers scattered throughout the park, and the sun is beaming. It is about 22.77 Celsius (seventy-three degrees) outside.

Kento and Kanna are sitting while Macai and Kett are standing in the park. Chiko is laying on the ground during the discussion. Chiko: "Wow, I can't imagine what it's like fighting at the tournament. That must be amazing. I still have a year before I get my shot."

Kento responds, "You still get it sooner than me."

Macai: "It's exciting. The moment you finally get to see everything you've trained for start coming to fruition."

Kett replies, "It's cool, but it's still not the real battlefield. For me, nothing will be like this. This is still a game, but it's our last chance to get ready for the real war."

Dade: "That's true, but most people don't get sent on hardcore battles right away. It usually takes a bit of time."

Macai responds, "Sometimes that's true, but it completely depends. It seems like more and more recruits have been sent to major battles recently."

Kanna: "Well if anyone can handle it, it's the Nyarri recruits."

Kett: "Maybe, but training and the battlefield are two different things."

Dade: "My father fought on the battlefield for several years. But all his past missions were nothing like when he was sent to take down the Wall of Ba Sing Se. He lost his life during that battle." Dade shakes his head and goes silent.

Macai: "I'm sorry Dade, we'll make those Earth Kingdom scum pay. I promise."

Dade comments, "I don't hate them. They were just soldiers doing their duty just as we are soldiers doing ours. It's all part of the war."

Macai clenches his fist. "How can you say that?! He killed your father, you should avenge him!"

Dade: "That's not how I was raised. My father was an honorable yet loving man. He always told me that the other side was just doing their duty just like us. He said it was nothing personal. My father told me that he was only upset if factions committed certain heinous war crimes, but he even criticized Fire Nation leaders in our home when they did such things." Macai fell silent, not knowing how to respond.

Kento: "Macai, you amazed everyone with your new gold fire."

Macai: "Myself included."

Kett pats Macai on the back. "Looks like he's taking even more after his girlfriend with the unique fire."

Macai responds, "She will be impressed, then remind me that her fire is hotter."

Kanna: "We can't all be nearly perfect."

Macai: "No, we cannot."

Kett: "She's impressive but not without her flaws."

Macai: "Rosh thought the same."

Kett: "Didn't Rosh give her a close fight? Not saying she isn't top-notch, but don't fall for the aura of invincibility. Anyone can be beaten with the right strategy and game plan."

Macai: "You are so knowledgeable without half the strategic training of Capital Nobles. You never cease to impress me."

Kett: "Everyone's path is different, but thanks."

Kanna: "How is Rosh, by the way?"

Macai: "He's fine. He wrote me a letter recently. Steadily improving his combat feats and working his way up. He's also gotten better with his officer strategy. He misses me and all the distinct points I made in class."