Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 45: Legendary Trial

Macai is transported to the Fire Nation Capital to stand trial. It is a rainy day, and the sky is grey. Several Fire Nation army troopers escort Macai as he travels in metal handcuffs over his hands and feet. Macai is released from a military vehicle that is located outside of the Royal Fire Nation Court. The Royal Court is a massive white building that is held up by several stone columns. Kanna, Dade, and Rosh follow closely behind as Macai is taken to a temporary cell.

Kanna, Dade, and Rosh wait outside as the youthful commander is transported into the facility. Rosh: "A lot of people are going to testify against him. Our opinions won't be enough."

Kanna: "To be honest, I don't even know if they'll call us up. Macai has enough currency to hire lawyers to help him, but the Fire Nation Intel Department can hire the judges."

Dade: "Macai's charge faces the penalty of death via guillotine if he is found guilty. I can't imagine the sight of that."

Rosh: "I wonder what Eyre's stance is on this."

Kanna: "I heard his response is nothing. He isn't even going to show up for this, I think he's unsettled."

Rosh: "He should be embarrassed for allowing it to happen, it's not too late for him to redeem himself and help his son! I know that's what my father would do." Meanwhile, Macai walks with several Fire Nation Troopers through the court building. The walls of the facility are light beige, the floor consists of dark grey carpet, and the ceiling is white.

The troopers escort Macai into his cell. Macai's cell has white walls, a light grey ceiling, and a light brown floor. One of the troopers asks Macai, "Why did you do it?" Macai sits on the floor and ignores him.

Macai: "They left me no choice. Why doesn't my cell have a bed?"

The trooper exits and locks Macai in his room. Macai sighs and stares at the ceiling. Two hours later the trooper returns and offers Macai's a white blanket. Trooper: "I couldn't get you a bed or even a pillow, but I was able to find a blanket. Sorry, it's all I can do."

Macai gives him a thumbs up, "Thanks anyway." Macai takes a deep breath and sits in his cell for another two hours. Macai falls asleep on the cold floor. Macai wakes up and a Fire Nation trooper stands on the other side of his door.

Fire Nation trooper: "You have a visitor. Come on." The Fire Nation trooper escorts Macai to a private room within the court. Macai sits in a maple brown wooden chair and Ozai emerges from the other side of the room. Macai's eyes widen and Ozai grins.

Macai: "You ordered my mother to be killed."

Ozai plainly responds, "And you betrayed my nation."

Macai briefly freezes. Ozai: "I know you are surprised, but I did what I needed to in order to make you into a strong and adaptive leader. Use your pain to fuel yourself and become a more redoubtable firebender."

Macai replies, "You're insane."

Ozai: "My methods are what some would consider harsh, but they are effective. The weak sit back and whine while the strong make the rugged decisions needed to win. Remember what your father taught you."

Macai: "Why would I care what that coward thinks? He wasn't even man enough to visit me."

Ozai: "But here I am Macai."

Macai snivels, "You KILLED MY MOTHER!!"

Ozai points at Macai, "No, the Voices of Accuracy killed your mother. All I did was push them in that direction, but I don't regret it. You can allow this moment to destroy you, or you can become strong and use it to evolve into one of the greatest warriors our nation has ever known. Your mother betrayed OUR nation, can't you see that? She wanted to undermine the stability of our establishment which would jeopardize our war effort."