Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 54: An Old Friend

One year after Hazo's death, a seventeen-year-old Macai continues service under Firelord Zuko. The 31st has remained a highly-effective unit. Irina has emerged from a 31st recruit to a 1st class private, Hakato has been promoted to a 1st class private, Hagenko has become a skilled 2nd lieutenant, Sonna has become a 2nd class lieutenant, Dade leads as a 1st class lieutenant, and Kanna remains a 1st class lieutenant.

The 31st regiment meets with the Vindicated Avenger and the United Way in the small Earth Kingdom city Banzebo as several 31st marines deliver supplies that allow both groups to donate important food rations, clothes, and school supplies to youth in the city. Banzebo is known for having massive inequality where the poorer students struggle to get the supplies to complete their school work.

The schools also don't have the supplies for the students and they automatically start with a disadvantage by not having the materials to complete their schoolwork with. Several of the poor children's parents' funds are stretched on food and clothing expenses which can make their lives more difficult. It is for this reason that the 31st raised several funds from the Fire Nation territories to help with the event and the United Way did the same.

Kett stands beside Macai as Sada talks to several parents during the event. The United Way earthbender Moriana helps direct line traffic alongside her friend Tyson. Kanna helps Hakato and Hagenko ship several boxes while Dade gives two children advice. It is a sunny day with a deep blue sky, a ground that consists of dark yellow dirt, and an environment with several small trees sprouting around the buildings. Macai looks at Kett, "I know it took a while, but we were finally able to set up this event."

Kett: "I'm glad it took a year. We had our responsibilities, but now we're really making a difference for these children and that's what it's really about. We could have rushed just to say we did it and done a worse job. You did more than I could have asked for Commander."

Macai: "Well, it's about time I used some of my privileges for the greater good. I also appreciate the leaders from other nations who still allow our voices to be at the table to make these events possible."

Kett: "Well-". General Mak rushes behind Macai with two Fire Nation army soldiers beside him.

Macai turns around and backhands the General. Mak trips and yells, "Ahhh!"

Macai's eyes widen, "General Mak, I'm sorry." Macai helps the General up. Macai: "I don't usually take orders from you, what brings you here."

Mak wipes blood off his nose, "No worries, but be more cautious Commander. I bring a message on behalf of the Firelord. Azula has escaped from her Asylum and she's causing a lot of trouble throughout our nation. She recently kidnapped several children but the Avatar has assisted Zuko with rescuing them."

Macai: "Did they engage Azula?"

Mak explains, "Zuko did briefly, but she escaped. Now they can't find her, but Zuko believes you have the best chance of pulling it off. You know her better than most of us and maybe you have a different way of influencing her."

Macai asks, "He still trusts me, after what happened earlier?"

Mak: "That was a year ago Commander. Your unit has proven itself time and time again since then. We'd be honored to have your assistance."

Macai: "What about Team Avatar? What are they doing now? It's been over two months since I last saw them. I remember when I met Katara, she was cool. And Sokka, he was, interesting."

Mak agrees, "Sokka is a special person. From what I know, they all have different responsibilities. But all of the team except Toph are going on an adventure with Aang as he embarks on a great spiritual quest. He hasn't been seen in over a month by anyone in our government, including Zuko."