Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 58: The Mountain's Peak

Macai walks with Dade toward Iroh's home. Iroh once had a grand home, but how he has a small light brown ranch. Iroh decided to let go of his old hedonistic ways and enjoy the simple things in life. After the war ended, Iroh has spent more time meditating, reading, writing, making tea, and becoming wiser than he already was.

The sky is light blue with few clouds obstructing it. A slight breeze rolls through the sky and it is about 21 Celsius (70 Degrees) outside. Iroh opens his door and smiles heavily, "Ahhh, Macai, for what reason do I owe you the pleasure?"

Macai grins, "The pleasure is all mine Iroh. If it wasn't for you, I may have stood by the Fire Nation to my death. Even if I lived, I'd still be dead in spirit. I thank you for teaching me how to truly be alive."

Iroh nods, "You have come a long way, but it was YOU who decided to take my advice. Remember that, we all have a choice to make and you made the right one. But your work is not done, as long as we live we still have a mission to better this universe."

Macai nods, "I see."

Iroh points at his couch and table, "Please sit, I'll fix you both a cup of tea." Macai and Dade sit and Iroh pours them both a cup of tea. Iroh makes another cup for himself and they all sit.

Dade takes a sip, "Wow, this tea is so amazing. I thought Nyarri's tea was good, but you have it beat by a mile."

Iroh inquires, "Did you come for spiritual knowledge, or was there another reason for this visit?"

Macai: "Investigators from the Intel Department discovered something important recently about the Disciples of Justice (DOJ)."

Iroh: "I'm surprised they shared that information with you."

Macai: "They didn't, Zuko told me."

Iroh: "Then why have you come to ask me about them? Surely Zuko could come and ask me himself."

Macai: "Zuko has been very busy recently. I'm sure you know that."

Iroh frowns, "He can still make time for his UNCLE."

Macai: "And you know he will, I heard he's visited you a couple of times."

Iroh nods, "I know, I was just teasing. My nephew has had a lot on his mind recently."

Macai: "So at least you can enjoy my presence in the meantime."

Iroh grins, "Oh, of course, the more the merrier. If my niece wasn't so crazy, you might be my second nephew. Macai doesn't comment. Iroh: "Oh yes, I don't know why I said that."

Macai: "Intel investigators have interviewed a few terrorists from the DOJ that they captured after recent events. They have attacked different military centers more frequently and intensely. This group has been particularly difficult to deal with because they strike so quickly and often escape before we can catch them. But the Intel Department fears they are building up and getting ready for more grand and prolonged assaults."

Iroh: "What is it you want to know from me Macai?"

Macai: "They have also had some underground meetings as they look to gain more recruits. They seek out troubled, mentally disturbed, and depressed individuals. They also have been recruiting former inmates and people who have been 'rejected by the world'. We believe the leader is a man named Zerrel Chestan, are you familiar with that name?"

Iroh scratches his head, "Zerrel, hmm. Awww, yes, I remember." Dade scratches his head. Iroh: "Zerrel was once a proud Colonel in the Fire Nation, he led his own army unit. I knew of him back when I was still a young General in my thirties. They had a high success rate but fought in several brutal battles during the Hundred Year War."