Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 27: An Unsettling Reunion

Macai has finally earned his rest and recuperation time. The Prompt Adjudicator and much of its crew have docked at the Fire Nation Capital. However, many members will leave the Capital to visit their own hometowns. Out of respect for their commanding officer, most of the crew members and soldiers visit the Capital first before returning home.

Now a year has nearly passed since Macai's graduation and he is almost fifteen years old. Macai is at one of his favorite tea shops with his friends. Macai is sitting at a table with Kett on his right, Kanna on his left, and Dade across them. Aiya is also sitting left of Dade's position. Macai: "So, what do you guys think of the Tea shop?"

The tea shop has hot pink walls, a light brown carpet floor, and a light grey ceiling. The tables in the tea shop are all light brown and the chairs are light grey with hot pink padding.

Dade: "It's nice."

Kanna chirps, "It's great!"

Kett shrugs his shoulders, "It's a bit too over-the-top for my taste."

Macai: "Just enjoy it Kett. I know it's different, but isn't this tea amazing?!"

Aiya: "It is, thank you so much for inviting me Macai."

Kett rolls his eyes, "You're both nobles. Of course, it fits your taste."

Kanna smiles, "I love it. I got sweet honey-flavored tea and I'm loving it!"

Dade: "It's good, it's different than what I'm used to."

Kett: "I just prefer the more bitter tea from Nyarri. I'm so used to it."

Aiya looks at Kett, "I can tell that you're hurting right now. Every time you are around nobles you get uncomfortable. It's ok Kett, we're all here for you."

Kett sighs, "I like you both because I got to know you two. However, not all nobles are like you. I had some bad memories and I've heard some horror stories about how nobles handle people in the Capital. If I stand up for myself and fight, I might be in prison."

Aiya: "Why would you fight someone?"

Kett: "You have no idea what it's like. Some of these stupid noble boys pick fights with us for no reason. I'm not like most commoners, I stand up for myself. It puts me in dangerous situations and I can fight very well."

Macai: "Some issues are best solved with diplomacy, rather than your fists."

Kett: "Diplomacy is for elites. We normal people are ignored. No matter how hard we try, no matter how much reason and logic we use. A noble doesn't have to be smart or skilled unless they're going against other nobles."

Macai responds, "You need to learn how to use different situations to your advantage. Play with the deck you have. They may not see you as a threat by default, so don't act like you are. Feign weakness. Pretend you are scared of them and can't handle them. Then use that to your advantage and play them."

Kett: "I never thought about it like that."

Aiya responds, "You also know Macai. He can help you."

Kett: "I'll just remember not to go here without you, Macai, or some other noble that I know around. I still would prefer to avoid such an issue altogether."

Kanna: "Alright Kett, be positive. Have fun. Stop being a downer."

Kett: "You're right. I just." Kanna pokes him in the stomach. Kett: "Hey, ok."

Dade: "Kett is very ticklish."

Macai: "Really?"

Dade: "Yep."