Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 17: The Prompt Adjudicator

Macai continues training with his instructor Hazo. Macai stands in a room with white walls, a white floor, and a beige ceiling. Hazo looks at his student, "You have done well Macai, but you still have much work to do."

Macai responds, "But I already have surpassed most active-duty soldiers."

Hazo replies, "While that may be true, I know you Macai. You still have a lot of unfulfilled potential. Now repeat the drill!"

Macai takes a deep breath, then he shifts his body from right to left. The young man rapidly shifts his arms left to right, releasing his signature gold flames. Hazo: "Good, keep going." Macai continues and fires his flames into several distant targets. He hits every target on the bullseye. Hazo: "Now, try the environmental tests."

Macai advances into his test courses, which are rigged with several constructed obstacles. Such as pits, triggered blades, and other deadly traps. Hazo normally wouldn't approve of such measures, but the Fire Nation Command mandated that Hazo put such measures in his training to ensure Macai was ready. This wasn't typical for most recruits, but Macai was far from the typical recruit.

Macai performs several flips and jumps as he evades the traps with little to no difficulty. Macai does it all, while beating the recommended timeframes. Hazo: "Well done, Macai. Now, show me the basics again."

Macai returns to his classic battle stance. Hazo presses a button and two machines automatically fire objects at Macai. Macai swiftly dodges the projectiles. Hazo smiles and nods his head, "Now show me your basic attacks again." Macai shifts his arms from right to left firing several gold flames. Hazo: "Show me a strong finish."

Macai leaps in the air. As gravity pulls him down, he extends his right arm and launches a powerful white flame from his right arm. The flame is blinding and covers a great radius and range. Hazo's jaw drops with surprise, "How did you do that?"

Macai looks at Hazo, "I don't know. I just did as you instructed and finished strong."

Hazo: "Show me the basics again." Macai returns to his classic battle stance and shifts his arms from right to left. He rapidly fires several white flames from both of his hands. Hazo: "I can't believe it, you just leveled up again."

Macai smiles, "I guess it's destiny, sir."

Hazo responds, "I guess so."

As Macai gets closer to his assignment, stories pass about Macai new feats. Macai requests that he be sent to the Navy after he hears about an elite marine unit that exists within the Navy branch. They specialize in rapidly deploying and attacking their enemies from Navy ships. Their officers are meant to have knowledge of naval and ground warfare. It seems like a new unique challenge and opportunity that Macai is up for.

Macai is suddenly given an invitation to visit his father at the Fire Nation Capital. Zyger and Yosari accompany him on this trip. After a long ride via carriage, they are back in the Capital. Macai's eyes widen as he looks at his birthplace. Macai: "Wow, it feels like I haven't been here for years. Even though it's only been one."

Yosari: "I feel exactly the same son."

Zyger: "Well, now I can catch up with Rokel. We can play chess again."

Macai: "We all know how that will end. You will win, as always."

Zyger smirks, "Maybe not this time, maybe I'll let him win this time."

The carriage stops at Macai's old golden home. Zyger, Macai, and Yosari exit the carriage and walk toward the front door. Zyger knocks and Maiden Umma opens the door. Umma hugs Macai, "Macai! I've missed you so much."