1 Prologue: Veteran's Day

Long ago, there were four nations. Each nation represented one element of the Earth and was populated with benders who could control these elements. These nations included the Fire Nation, Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, and the Air Nomads. A spiritual warrior named the Avatar would emerge every generation to maintain peace between the nations.

The Avatar could control every element. The cycle restarts as one Avatar dies, a new one is born. An Avatar became the most powerful when entering the Avatar State which would allow him to fight with every Avatar before him/her.

One day, the Fire Nation attacked and slaughtered the Air Nomads. Killing all but, the one they sought the most. That was Aang, the new Avatar. A twelve-year-old boy who disappeared during the attack. Nearly a hundred years have passed since that moment and the Fire Nation expanded into an Empire as it constantly conquered territories that once belonged to the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes.

Within the Fire Nation Empire, there was a young boy named Macai. Son of the renowned Fire Nation General Eyre. He had golden-brown skin, dark brown slanted eyes that turned hazel in the sunlight, short wavy hair, a long nose, a glowing smile, and slightly pointy ears. Macai's mother, Yosari, told him that he was destined for greatness but told him she had a vision that his path would be unorthodox. Nine years before the return of the Avatar Aang, a six-year-old Macai's adventure began...

Veterans' Day

Macai wakes up, in his room. It is a small room with beige walls and dark brown drawers. The room also has a work desk for academic study and a light grey lamp on it. It is 6 am and his regular wake-up time. Macai pushes his fuzzy black blanket aside and makes his bed with great precision and speed.

Macai immediately turns left, facing his Fire Nation poster of Firelord Azulon. He kneels before it with great awe. He must do this every day. Macai rises and walks forward.

Macai glances up in the eyes of Azulon's picture and proclaims, "Today is a new great day that I have been blessed with. I will use this day, to honor my family, nation, and self. I will never forget the blessings that I have been born with, living in such a splendid nation. I will accept nothing less than excellence, as I live with a purpose to advance the will of my country."

Macai rises again from his knees, believing every word he says. Macai enters his bathroom, brushes and flosses his teeth, bathes himself, and combs his hair. Macai puts on his uniform and sprints out of the bathroom to his door and hikes down the stairs. Macai turns left and sees his mother, Yosari. She has long rich dark brown hair, slanted dark brown eyes, a small nose, golden brown skin, and a petite body. She only stands at five feet and one inch tall. Yosari: "Hi Macai, your breakfast is ready. I made your favorite, wheat noodles."

Macai faintly smiles, but restrains his excitement. Remembering what his father taught him. Macai's mother hugs him before he gets his breakfast, this is not a tradition every Fire Nation family follows, but she does not care. Even Eyre would not dare challenge her when it comes to this, it is not a battle that he sees worth fighting. Macai quickly takes his plate and a cup of water as he approaches the kitchen table. The kitchen has light grey walls, light brown cabinets, and a light brown table set with teal highlights.

Macai quickly sits down and notices his father sitting on the opposite side of the table across from him. Eyre has short curly hair, golden brown skin, brown less slanted eyes than Macai and Yosari, and a long nose. Eyre is tall, standing at six feet and three inches. Eyre glances at Macai in silence, for a brief moment. Every morning is like this.

Macai waits, wondering what his father's orders will be today. Eyre exhales, "I see you have been meeting your wake up routine time limits well recently. That is good, you are coming along. It was the same when I was a boy and Rylock taught me. Today is an important day, Veterans' Day."

Macai nods his head in respect. Eyre continues, "Today you will do the same thing you did last year, but if you finish early, I will allow a trip to the park." Macai smiles in excitement because he rarely gets to get out outside of Saturdays. Most days, he finds himself doing chores, schoolwork, combat training and learning about the history of the Fire Nation. This was a nice chance to do something new and fresh.

Yosari sits down beside her husband and smiles at her family. Eyre: "So, you know what is expected of you. Make sure you rake the leaves, clean the shed, feed the pig chickens, attend the Boys' Veterans' Remembrance Festival, and then you may go to the park. But after you return to the park, we will have our sunset exercise routine."

Macai gulps, thinking about the arduous conditioning that he must go through every sunset. Macai replies, "Yes sir."

Eyre callously says, "But first, you must complete your morning warm-up exercise. Lest you forgot."

Macai quickly retorts, "No father, I never forget."

Eyre calmly speaks, "So eat your breakfast, we have little time to waste. The day is short and must be maximized."

Macai devours his breakfast while his father slowly sips tea. Yosari locks eyes with her son and smiles. Macai smiles back and Yosari warmly comments, "I see you are enjoying your meal. I used scallions this time." Macai grins and continues to relish his meal. Once Macai finishes, he quickly puts his plate and cup in the kitchen sink and waits for his father to finish his tea.

Once Eyre is ready, the two depart outside, but not before Macai cordially says goodbye to his mother. Of course, she returns the favor. The rest of the day is filled with chore after chore and routine after routine until Macai has finally completed his last chore. Now it is time, he can go to the Royal Hyjun Park. Eyre sends the home-servant, Zyger to look after Macai.

Macai wishes he could see his best friend, Rosh. Unfortunately, he heard a day ago that Rosh has a dentist appointment, today of all days. Zyger is fun for an old man, so he will make the best of it. Zyger was never strict like his father, so he knew he could catch a break under his watch.

Zyger is in his mid-forties, with long black hair that has hints of grey in it. He also has brown slanted eyes, a large forehead, a short beard, pale skin, wide lips, a stubby nose, a beer belly (round extended stomach), and thick eyebrows. Zyger has a nasal voice and is wearing a striped brown and beige shirt. Zyger is friendly and likes to tell bad jokes.

Zyger and Macai are walking through the local town streets to reach the nearby park. The light blue sky is beaming with few clouds obstructing it. Many people of all shapes and sizes stroll through the town. The town consists of several beige buildings that range from one to five stories, each of them with a red roof to resemble the Fire Nation.

Occasionally a fire nation soldier can be seen standing guard in the crowd or on a rooftop. Zyger looks at Macai as they are nearing the park, "Macai that is a nice shirt that you are wearing."

Macai responds, "Nice, it's the same dark red uniform that I always wear."

Zyger smirks and replies, "I know. Still looks particularly nice on you today." Macai and Zyger finally enter the park. There are many trees and different things to see. Zyger notices a heavyset man with glasses, black straight hair, dark brown eyes, and broad shoulders. Zyger cheerily exclaims, "Rokel! I have not seen you in so long!"

Rokel chuckles and warns, "Settle down Zyger or you'll worry the troops."

Zyger gleefully asks, "What have you been up to?"

Rokel responds, "Researching, this time I have a project on the old spiritual visitations that have been occurring in several ancient cities. Particularly, those located on hills or mountains."

Zyger and Rokel get in an in-depth conversation that Macai has zero interest in hearing. Macai ventures off further into the park for a sense of fun and adventure. The boy runs past several lush trees and chases butterflies. After about three minutes, he has become extremely bored. He looks back in the distance at Zyger and Rokel and notices they are still in a detailed conversation. They are currently paying no attention to him, just as he hoped.

Macai runs deeper into the park past several trees. Telling himself he would return in their sight in three minutes. While this is happening, he suddenly comes to a screeching stop as he sees a girl about 5 feet across from him. Macai takes a deep breath then takes a good look at her. She has dark brown hair with two bangs, gold eyes, fair skin, a moderately thin frame, and a small nose. She looks to be about his age, perhaps a year younger.

Macai stumbles two feet back as he sees her. The girl glances in his direction, but Macai swiftly dives behind a tree to avoid detection. The girl smirks, noticing the occurrence but pretends that she sees nothing. She continues to look around in every direction, even at trees. She sits and gazes at the sky.

Macai slowly sneaks up behind her. The girl jumps to her feet and commands, "Stop right there!" Macai halts and smiles. The girl says, "State your purpose."

Macai giggles, "I just wanted to introduce myself." The girl breaks her battle stance and briefly grins then immediately transitions to a serious face.

She looks Macai up and down then asks, "Why did you not introduce yourself when you first saw me?"

Macai blushes thinking, "Oh wow, she saw me. Well, that's just great. Gotta think of something good to say." Macai smiles and the girl stares at him intensely.

She quickly remarks, "Well, spit it out!"

Macai smiles again, "I just hesitated for a moment. I wanted to make sure I approached you the right way."

The girl says, "That sounds like something a WEAK person would say."

Macai briefly drops his head then raises it and confidently says, "Perhaps, but a weak person would never be confident enough to admit his flaws." Macai confidently locks eyes with her. The girl is taken by surprise since few people challenge her, especially people her age.

She intensely stares at him back and responds, "Very well, what is your name?"

Macai steps two feet forward and triumphantly declares, "I am Macai, son of General Eyre of the Fire Nation. One day, I will be a great warrior and leader like my father." The girl chuckles, Macai glances at her and exclaims, "What is so funny?"

The girl responds, "You want to be exactly like your father? Why not better? Or create your own legacy?"

Macai is briefly caught off guard but, quickly rebounds and comments, "Who said I want to be EXACTLY like my father? He is a good starting point; I'll figure out it once I make it there."

Girl: "Pathetic. You should have it ALL figured out already."

Macai sharply comments, "Ohhhh because you already have everything figured out right?!"

The girl smirks and confidently answers, "Yes, I do actually. I will one day be Fire Lord and I will be the most feared Fire Lord who has ever lived. My enemies will tremble upon the mentioning of my name and I will efficiently suppress and destroy whatever resistance groups defy me. Unifying the planet with my order and wisdom."

Macai heavily laughs and stumbles. Then Macai rises back on his feet and asks, "By the way, what is your name?"

The girl boldly states, "I am Azula of the Fire Nation. Daughter of Ozai and future Fire Lord."

Macai freezes at the revelation, his mouth wide open. Macai thinks, Wow I thought I was a big shot. But she is Ozai's daughter. My goodness, those must be big shoes to fill. Azula arrogantly smiles at Macai and Macai responds, "Well, that is cool. Must be stressful, being the Firelord's Son's daughter."

Azula: "Stressful? Stressful is a term that weak people use who cannot handle the trials of life. Take that out of your vocabulary. It is captivating because I know I have big shoes to fill and I know that I WILL fill them." Macai nods.

Azula: "But, you seem to have a lot to live up to as well. Perhaps, we could talk some other time. You know where I live, but finding me will be more difficult than going to the crowded Fire Nation palace."

Macai scratches his head, "Ok, well I still stop by when I can. Are you free Saturdays and Sundays?"

Azula responds, "Definitely not Saturdays, our family often goes on trips during those days. On Sundays, I may be free for a brief time. Perhaps Tuesdays or Thursdays will be a bit better if you come in the midday."

Macai: "Perhaps, I can make that work, but that is far from easy. I live on Walin Ave. in Royal Caldera City, my dad has the huge gold house."

Azula: "I do not have time to visit you. You must visit me. I know you are busy as well, but you will have to find a way to--". Azula's statement is cut short as her mother runs through the trees behind her.

Fire Nation Duchess Ursa quickly lectures her daughter, "Azula, what are you doing? Running off again."

Azula groans, "You were just playing with Zuko, every time I tried to get involved you kept yelling at me."

Ursa (pointing her finger at Azula): "That's because you need to learn how to properly play with your brother. You were just being mean to him, pushing him, throwing things at him, that's not how you communicate." Azula's brother Zuko slowly moves in beside Ursa and looks straight at Macai. Zuko has a dark brown ponytail, fair skin, a long nose, and a long face.

Zuko interrupts, "Uh Hem." Ursa looks up in confusion and sees Macai.

Ursa: "Oh, hello. I didn't see you there little boy." Macai was taken aback by the interaction. From his perspective, Ursa was treating Azula unfairly. Macai steps two feet back after hearing the response. Ursa: "Don't be shy, I won't harm you. Where are your parents or chaperons?"

Zyger quickly runs through the woods from behind Macai with Rokel beside him. Zyger asserts, "Oh, thank goodness I was looking everywhere for you Macai." Zyger looks up and notices Ursa. Both Zyger and Rokel kneel in respect before Ursa.

Zyger taps Macai on his shoulder, "Macai, that's the duchess. Kneel for respect."

Ursa cautions, "That will not be necessary. I think he just got lost and ran into my daughter." Zyger gulps wondering if that is an issue. Ursa comments, "They seem to have an interest in each other. Perhaps they will be friends one day. But for now, boys are not permitted to get too friendly with girls outside of their families. I will keep his name in mind when the time is more appropriate."

Zyger blushes, "Yes, your highness. Of course, I will take note of this. I am just his watchman, I will notify his father."

Ursa continues, "I appreciated this thoughtful conversation, but we must go. We are on a bit of a schedule."

Zyger nervously says, "Oh, aren't we all. Macai has sunset training that must not be abandoned. Otherwise, his father will be furious."

Ursa remarks, "A furious Fire Nation father is never a beautiful sight. It was nice meeting you, Mr..."

Zyger: "Zyger, call me Zyger. I am sure you heard of General Eyre."

Ursa: "Yes, of course. I have seen him at a couple of formal events. I know my husband has worked with him." Ursa takes Azula and Zuko quickly departing. Zyger takes Macai and says goodbye to his friend Rokel. Agreeing to return to their discussion at a later time. Zyger and Macai jog back home while the run is beginning to set. Barely making it on time.

They notice Eyre outside with his arms crossed. Eyre: "You both are not early, but it's just early enough for me to give the two of you a pass. How did your excursion go?"

Zyger decides to not mention Azula, not knowing what reaction it might cause. Especially since Macai met her after running off. Instead, he says, "We had a very good time. I saw my old friend Rokel and he showed Macai a new game that he really loved." Zyger knew Eyre did not care much for games and this would not get much of a reaction out of him.

Eyre responded, "Oh, yes of course. Well, thank you Zyger. You did a good job as always. Macai, back to business as usual. Let's see what you have learned since our last session." The son and father train, intensely as always. Constant sprinting, diving, evading, fire bending, and questions are asked (about the history of the Fire Nation and his family). The training continues at night while Macai is exhausted, but his father keeps pushing him.

Macai asks his father, "Dad, can I get a break? It's well past sunset."

Eyre: "We are going a bit longer from now on. Every time you reach a goal, we must raise the threshold. We must make sure that we are always one step ahead of the enemy. You can not afford to get lazy, not now. And you must know how to fight at night when you are at your weakest state."

The night continues while Eyre pushes his son, constantly training for the next hour. Then Eyre claps and responds, "Good, you have done enough for now. I grant you a five-minute break, then work on your homework. A good officer is a diligent one."

Macai retorts, "But dadddd, I have already gotten ahead on my homework this afternoon."

Eyre: "Well, get FURTHER ahead. Idleness is unacceptable, I already let you go to the park. And you are questioning me quite a lot today, what has gotten into you? That kind of behavior is not becoming of a sharp future general or admiral depending on the branch you pursue. I am biased towards the army, but I will give you an option."

Macai nods his head and Eyre bends and looks his son in the eye. Eyre coldly says, "Do not question me, that is not your place. Or I will bound you to this house for an entire week. If that is not enough, I will send you to the strictest school I can find in the Nyarri Mountains." Macai starts shaking and Eyre slaps his right arm as a warning to cut it out.

Macai returns to his room to work on homework and Eyre sits on his living room desk. Quickly pulling out a map and his strategy book as he analyzes his future battle plans. His wife Yosari sits beside him and rubs his shoulders. Eyre freezes, knowing there is a motive behind this action. Yosari: "Relax, you're stiff."

Eyre: "I am doing what I need to make him strong, so he can live up to our family name."

Yosari: "I know you are doing what you believe is best for him. You are the head of this house, so it is not my place to say how you should raise him. I know our roles and perspectives are different. But please, be a little more supportive. Tell him he is doing a good job and give credit where it's due."

Eyre reacts, "I do give credit where it's due, but I am not going to give him credit for doing mediocre things like completing daily chores."

Yosari sighs and requests, "Can you still tell him you love him and give him a hug every now and then? Just so he knows he is and feels wanted?"

Eyre responds, "I will consider that request." Yosari hugs Eyre and kisses him on his right cheek. Eyre smiles, "I love you and I love him. I will tell him a bit more when the time is right. I would love to spend time with you, but please let me finish this work first. It will take about an hour."

Yosari: "It can wait, you could do that in an hour from now."

Eyre: "No, it cannot. I will do this first. A warrior must have his priorities."

Yosari remarks, "Of course, General Eyre. My apologies." She bows in respect and departs. Eyre groans then resumes his work. Macai is getting ahead on his earth science work when his mother enters the room and hugs him. Macai smiles and pats his mom on the back.

Yosari: "Your father loves you, hopefully, he'll tell you that soon. But, he does." Macai doesn't say anything, not knowing how to respond. Yosari: "You are a great son. Very kind, obedient, intelligent, and thoughtful. Never forget who you are and do not compromise your character for others."

As Yosari gets up and prepares to leave, Macai stands up, "I love you, mom." She hugs him a second time, then leaves. Macai sits back down with more energy and motivation to complete his work. After finishing more extra assignments, Macai finally decides to go to bed. He looks out the window and wonders when the next time will be that he can see Azula. He tells himself that he will visit her palace every time he gets a shot, she has to be around some time.

Update: I just came out with a Youtube video! The video includes an interview with me and the Avatar Wiki Ba Sing Se Times Staff! The video is titled "Avatar Macai's Journey Presentation" by Brian Hanes of course. You are welcome to check it out.