Chapter 77: Disciples of Justice Part 3
Sand Battle
Suki, Ty Lee, the army firebender captain, a Fire Nation (FN) army archer, a UN earthbender, and an FN army spearman walk across the desert. Suki: "Looks like most of Zerrel's remaining forces are attacking Macai's unit."
Ty Lee: "At least that makes the job easier for us."
Army spearman: "Sometimes I don't mind a bit more action. Why let them take all the credit?"
Suki: "We just did a lot of fighting. We'll still get plenty of credit." The ground shakes and a crawler emerges between Ty Lee and the United Way earthbender. The crawler immediately dives into the earthbender and pulls him underground. Ty Lee widens her eyes knowing she has no way to combat the creature.
Ty Lee picks up a sword from a fallen soldier, "I'm not used to these things at all. It's a bit heavy." Another crawler rises behind the firebender captain and Suki. The animal immediately lunges at Suki but the Kyoshi warrior leaps right as she evades the attack. As the animal swoops past her, Suki activates hidden blades within her fans then flips forward and vertically slashes the creature in half. Green blood flows around her armor and knocks her down.
The other crawler reemerges behind Ty Lee. The army archer darts an arrow into it, and it growls but is not stopped. The crawler lunges at Ty Lee again and she leaps left but drops her sword. Ty Lee: "Ooops!" The firebender captain zaps another stream of fire at it while it goes back into the ground. The animal rises again directly in front of the army spearman. The trooper falls on his back in terror and the animal dives at him as it looks to finish him off. Just in the nick of time, the captain shoots a beam of orange flames through the creature.
The Halo 3 Warthog Run: The Complete Extended Version [Youtube] (Music Starts)
Meanwhile, an unconscious Macai lays on the sand while Zerrel soars over Azula. The princess extends her right hand and pops a blue bolt of fire at him. The firebender launches himself ten feet forward with a gust of yellow fire as he soars behind Azula. Azula rolls left to avoid being pulverized by falling fire shapes above. Zerrel keeps himself in the air as yellow fire from his legs flows into the ground.
Azula rotates her body and directs a ray of blue and white flames at Zerrel. Zerrel douses his flames and falls about five feet lower before he reignites his yellow flames, keeping himself above ground. Azula leaps in the air and kicks a rod of blue flames at the DOJ warlord. Zerrel crosses his arms, but the impact of the explosion knocks him seven feet back and five feet down into the sand. Zerrel rolls in the dirt and coughs as Azula smoothly lands three feet in front of him.
Azula: "Oh Zerrel, looks like you're losing your touch."
Zerrel looks at her while he's still on the ground, "Don't be so sure!" Zerrel hops back on his feet and pops a backhanded bolt of yellow fire at Azula's face. Azula ducks then rises back to her feet, slightly raises her right leg, and kicks a blue ball of fire at Zerrel's face. Zerrel dips and rises then shifts both of his hands and shoots a yellow rod of fire at her.
Azula jumps over the rapid surge of fire because it moves too fast for her to block it and she kicks a light blue ball of fire from her left foot at Zerrel's neck. Zerrel blocks the ball and Azula lands just two feet in front of him. As Azula lands, she immediately generates a blue fire dagger from her right hand and then lunges at his neck with a horizontal swing.
Zerrel ducks and pounds Azula twice in her stomach with yellow fiery punches. Azula stumbles a foot back and moans, "Ugh." Zerrel rotates his arms again and shoots a yellow beam of fire at her. Azula moves her arms to block the shot but is knocked back six feet and rolls in the sand.
Zerrel smiles, "I'm just getting heated up." Macai lunges left of Azula's position and punches four white flames at his rival. The firebending legend rotates his arms left to right as he blocks the first two flames. Zerrel then spin left to avoid the other two shots. Azula flips back on her feet and kicks a blue blast of fire at the DOJ figurehead.
Zerrel flips right and Macai punches another barrage of four white fireballs at him. Zerrel blocks the first two fireballs with his arms and raises his left leg to avoid a low flame. A fourth flame hits Zerrel on his right side. Steam flows from the burn. Macai: "It's over Zerrel, just give up!"
Zerrel howls, "I will fight to the end!!" Zerrel extends his left hand and bolts a beam of bright yellow and white flames at the 31st commander. Macai rolls left then Zerrel rotates his body and rapidly hurls three yellow flames at Azula. Azula rotates her arms right to left as she blocks the first two flames and blocks the final flame with her left knee. Zerrel pivots and pops a yellow brick of fire at Macai.
The elite firebender slides left in the sand but nearly trips while doing so. Azula steps forward and pumps three blue flames at Zerrel. The DOJ leader bobs side to side as he evades each flame. Zerrel bends down then extends his right hand (he normally leads with his left) to confuse Azula and shoves a ray of yellow fire at her face. Azula rotates her body left as she narrowly gets away from the shot.
Macai leaps ahead and punches four white flames at Zerrel. The DOJ mastermind blocks the first two flames with his arms and the third one with his left knee. However, the fourth flame hits Zerrel on his right side. Zerrel stumbles backward and bends right. Steam flows from his burn. Macai: "Last chance to surrender."
Zerrel: "You know I won't!" Zerrel rotates his left leg and kicks a yellow fireball at Macai's face. The commander crosses his arms and blocks the shot. Azula pops two blue flames at Zerrel. The firebending master rotates his right arm and blocks the right flame. Zerrel barely pivots his left arm in the other direction in enough time to block the second flame. Zerrel raises his right hand and hurls a cascade of yellow flames at the Fire Nation princess.
Azula spins left then Zerrel hurls three yellow fireballs at her fiance. Macai rotates his arms as he parries the first two flames but the third flame hits Macai's right shoulder and causes him to stumble a couple of inches backward. Azula runs ahead and punches two blue flames at Zerrel. The DOJ founder leaps in the air and extends his left hand as he pushes a ray of yellow flames at the firebending prodigy.
Azula blocks the flame but stumbles a foot back from the shot. Smoke flows from her arms but her face shows nothing less than immense determination. A battle-hardened Macai charges at Zerrel and punches two white flames at his opponent. The older firebender blocks the flames then pulls down his left hand and sends a shockwave of yellow fire surging toward Azula. Azula spins left and forward then Zerrel turns and shoots a tirade of yellow flames at Macai.
Azula moves up Zerrel's left flank and creates two blue fire daggers as she closes the distance. The princess immediately lunges at him with a horizontally right swing but Zerrel rotates his arm and smacks the right dagger out of her hand. Azula lunges at the DOJ leader's neck with her left hand but Zerrel grabs a hold of her wrist and yanks it to the left; causing the dagger to fly out of her other hand.
Azula glides her right leg and pops Zerrel in his stomach with a fiery right kick. Azula follows up with a left hook which turns Zerrel's cheek pink. Zerrel swiftly backhands Azula and she falls to her knees. Zerrel kicks Azula with his right leg and she tumbles a couple of feet backward. Macai extends his arms and shoots white rays of flames at his rival. Zerrel hops right and pops two yellow fireballs at Macai.
Macai blocks the flames and slides toward his opponent. As Macai slides forward he pops a white brick of Fire at his enemy's stomach. Zerrel jumps over the fire brick and pumps two yellow flames at Macai's exposed body. Macai rolls against the ground and tumbles past the attack as Zerrel lands two feet behind him. Zerrel briefly thinks he finished Macai but the young man rises back to his feet.
Zerrel hears the commotion and is annoyed by Macai's persistence. The DOJ master rotates his body and pumps another two yellow flames at him. Macai sprints ahead and dives low as he rams his body against Zerrel's legs. Zerrel falls and Macai pounds him with three venomous punches. Macai slams his left elbow into Zerrel's face then hammers his left fist into Zerrel's face thrice. Macai looks back at his nemesis and notices that his face has several bruises.
Zerrel laughs, "Well done. You are clearly an adaptive fighter and a worthy opponent. Now end it, fulfill your destiny."
Macai generates a white fire dagger from his left hand, "You're too dangerous to be left alive."
Zerrel smiles, "Indeed." In an instant, Zerrel presses his hands against Macai's chest and blasts the commander off him with a yellow gust of fire. Macai flies three feet in the air and six feet back. Macai rolls side to side and groans as Zerrel stands back up. The DOJ leader slowly walks toward him. Zerrel: "And now, history will be made. Today is the day that you will die by my hands. Your journey ends here!"
Azula gets up and hurls a blue flame at the back of Zerrel's head. Zerrel rotates his body left and faces his opponent. Azula wastes no time as she closes the distance. Zerrel pops a yellow flame at her face but Azula blocks the shot then generates a blue fire dagger and slams it into Zerrel's stomach. Zerrel gasps and falls in the sand.
(Music Stops)
Macai gets up, dusts himself off, and moves beside Azula. Zerrel murmurs, "Ohhh, I have been defeated but my message won't die. They will remember me."
Azula: "No, you will be forgotten."
Zerrel: "You know better than that. I am a legend and still my battle will wage spiritually after death."
Macai: "You will be tormented continually in the spirit realm for your misdeeds."
Zerrel: "Oh, liar!! I will become more powerful than ever before!"
Azula: "You're putting a lot on the line for spirits that already failed you in this realm. They abandoned you.
Macai: "Seems like the light is stronger."
Zerrel: "No! There must be a balance you fool, but the Avatar and technologically advanced governments truly create an imbalance. If you want a real balance, kill the Avatar and then everyone will be equal. Time will change and others will rise again to destroy them. It is set in stone, the lines have been drawn, and this war is not over. So long as people live in this world, the unseen war rages on."
Macai: "And every time your friends rise from the dark, their time will end and the righteous forces will knock them back down. People have tried to end the cycle for hundreds of generations. Each time they failed. You might also want to end governments but people and institutions should be treated as innocent until proven guilty. If the governments betray the people then we will beat them the right way as people and the Avatars have time and time again in the past."
Zerrel: "And what if the Avatar aligns itself with such governments? What makes them worthy to decide?"
Macai: "I wish I could answer all of your questions, but the truth is I don't know. The universe is too vast for us to completely understand it in these short lifespans no matter how brilliant or wise we are. But I do know this, that as long as something is wrong or off someone will fight until they are right. But one day it is my hope that there will be no more pain or sorrow. If we are to ever see that day, we must accept that we humans as individuals or even groups will never be capable of making that decision of who lives or dies based solely on our views. We are spiritual creations, what gives us the right to judge?"
Zerrel responds, "I suppose in the end we will see who is right." Zerrel closes his eyes and dies.
Azula looks at Macai, "Well, I must say, I've never met anyone like him before. And to be honest, he will be remembered. But so will we. And in the end, everyone will have to decide what they want their legacy to be. Because we all will pass one day. I know one thing, sitting on the sidelines and waiting is not the way to go. But if we do decide to go on a path, then we should at least commit to it like Zerrel did."
Macai adds, "The only thing to add to that, is that if that path causes so much pain and destruction that we are starting then it obviously is not the right one. It's one thing when we realize we're on the wrong side and make a change then people we once trusted attack us. But if the path is truly right, then the steps to get to that path should be honorable. We were raised to believe that the end is what matters, not the means. But in truth, the righteous end is one that consists of righteous means. And if we want the strength to really stay on the right path it is one that consists of a certain level of self-denial and sacrifice. Such a path requires the greatest and highest level of faith."
Call of Duty: Finest Hour |Bridge At Remagen [Youtube] (Music Starts)
Zuko, Dade, Sonna, General Mak, and an army firebender engage a DOJ team that consists of a machete warrior, a spearman, a brute with a long ax, and a waterbender. The machete warrior swings down vertically at Dade who blocks his strike. Dade rotates his sword left and moves his enemy's blade in the same direction then diagonally slashes his foe. Sonna launches an arrow into the cultist spearman's right shoulder and he falls.
The brute with the battle-ax charges directly at General Mak but he pulls his hands down and sends a surge of red-yellow fire into the heavytrooper. Zuko extends his right arm and kicks a rainbow flame at the waterbender across him. The DOJ waterbender dashes left but Zuko shoots another bright flame from his left leg at the man's abdomen. The waterbender raises a wall of water, but Zuko's fire travels through the water (which is already weakened because he is in a desert) and nails him.
The waterbender collapses and two wingmen emerge over them. One wingman archer fires a projectile at Zuko's chest. The Firelord rolls forward and Sonna launches an arrow in his chest. A sword-wielding wingman glides toward her but General Mak pumps a haze of red and yellow fire bricks into the cultist, blasting him far away. Zuko: "Looks like we mopped them up nicely."
The ground suddenly shakes, and a crawler emerges behind General Mak. Zuko immediately pumps a gush of bright orange and multi-colored fire through the animal. Green blood flies on the general's back and neck. Mak slowly turns around and gives Zuko a thumbs up. Another crawler rises a few feet right from Dade's location. Dade gasps then the creature looks at him and the marine faints.
Sonna launches an arrow in the animal's body, and it immediately glides after her. Dade starts to wake up and sees the crawler soaring toward his girlfriend. An enraged Dade sprints after the monster then dives on its back and thrusts his sword into it. Dade and the animal still accelerate toward her but Sonna sprints away from them. Zuko turns and jabs a gust of rainbow flames through the animal's head.
Dade falls off the crawler's remains and lays on the sand to rest. General Mak: "Don't rest yet. I don't think we're done."
Zuko's team notices Rosh, Arret, Irina, Dengo, and a spearman run toward them. Dade gets up and crosses his arms, "So you finally decided to join the party, how's it going?"
Rosh points ahead of them, "Not so well. We aren't finished. All of Zerrel's remaining forces are heading this way."
Dade looks ahead and notices a swarm of wingmen descending on their location. The marine looks down and sees scores of swordsmen, archers, spearmen, brutes, firebenders, earthbenders, waterbenders, and messengers heading in their direction.
Irina: "Why are they all coming to this location and not equally spreading throughout the battlefield?"
General Mak: "They're most likely looking to kill Zuko. So they're also heading for us because we're with him."
(Music Stops)
Avengers: Infinity War | Main Theme [Music Starts]
Dengo comments, "We're so dead."
Zuko shouts, "How dare you say that! Didn't Macai train you better than that?! No matter what happens, we fight until the end! Imagine if the people at the Capital heard we were all slaughtered like cowards who were begging for our lives. They will show us no mercy when they show up, they have nothing left to lose at this point. But we won't ask for any."
Zuko continues, "We all know why we signed up. We made an oath to serve the people of our nation and to pursue the best well-being of this world. Maybe some of you forgot that, maybe some of you never believed it. But if anyone does not believe it, I give you permission to flee right now." The Firelord points in the opposite direction, "Come on, go!"
No one leaves. Zuko nods, "Alright, then we came to fight. And if we die today, then we die as fearless warriors. The people will be remembered and inspired by our stories. They wanted to break us and ruin our image. But instead, we will inspire others to fight on for a better future. So let's fight, for freedom and justice!"
The Fire Nation marines, army troopers, and officers shout in unison, "For freedom and justice!!" Irina readies her spear, Rosh enters his battle stance, Dengo twirls his sword, Sonna extends her bow, Dade points his blade forward, General Mak crosses his arms, Arret extends her arrow, an army firebender looks ahead, and Zuko amplifies his hands with light orange fire that has specks of every color in it.
Zuko: "It's been a pleasure fighting alongside you all. If I don't see you again here, then I hope to see you in the spirit realm."
Dade looks at Zuko, "So what are we doing boss? Are we going to hold the line and attack them from behind? Or maybe we could just fall back and regroup with the others."
Zuko reminds Dade, "There is no falling back, their wingmen will catch up with us. And if we run their archers will pick us off."
Dade: "Ok got it, then we wait on standby."
Zuko: "Actually, we're going to charge."
Dade looks at him in shock, "C-charge, ok. Ok, I'm ready."
Sonna pats him on the back and looks him in the eyes. Dade looks worried. A worried look also emerges from Sonna's face, "It's ok Dade. It's alright." She presses her head against his, "If we die, we die together."
Dade holds her hand, "Now that doesn't sound so bad. It isn't the first time we've stared death in the face, is it."
Zuko steps in front of his team. General Mak cautions, "Zuko what are you doing? You're leaving yourself an open target!!"
Zuko: "Don't worry about me. I'm being the leader I say I am. If I fall, then I fall leading from the front. If a leader isn't willing to die on the frontlines with his allies, how good of a leader is he really? I know sometimes it's not the wisest decision but we're all at risk here anyway, so I might as well take them head-on. Iroh always said I was like a bull. And you know what bulls do, they charge!!"
General Mak busts out laughing. Zuko gives him a serious stare then also laughs. Zuko: "But seriously let's get out there." Hordes of DOJ warriors close in with their grim grey uniforms. Zuko leaps in the air and punches two explosive balls of light orange fire into his enemies. One ball hits a swordsman but also blows up a spearman and earthbender beside him. The other hits a man with a chainblade, a trooper with dual swords, and a mace warrior.
Zuko lands and kicks a rod of multi-colored fire into a cultist firebender across him. Sonna launches an arrow into a swordman's chest. Dade charges at an enemy axman who swings horizontally at his neck, but Dade rolls forward and thrusts his blade into his opponent's stomach. Rosh pumps red-orange flames into two enemies in front of him and General Mak blasts aside an incoming duelist with a gust of red-yellow fire.
The army swordsman left of General Mak is blasted aside by an orange flame. A volley of bricks is fired at the general's head, and he dives to the ground. Rosh gets knocked back by a beam of water. Zuko zaps axman in front of him and an earthbender raises a wall of earth before he launches it into the Firelord. Zuko flies five feet back but Irina and Dengo sprint beside him.
Irina: "Don't worry sir, we'll cover you."
Zuko leaps back on his feet, "It's been an honor." Another wave of five enemy troopers charge in their direction. Zuko already grows weary and knows it will only be a matter of time before they're all slain if the battle keeps playing out like this. As the team stands in a defensive position a large shadow soars over them. Zuko and the marines look up.
They notice Aang's flying bison Appa about twenty feet over their position. The young Avatar, Aang leaps off the animal and extends both of his arms. A powerful ball of air lands between the five troopers and blasts them across the battlefield. Aang gracefully lands in front of the team. Irina and Dengo look in awe. Irina: "It's the Avatar!!"
Dengo: "I don't believe it."
Zuko smirks in glee, "Aang, you're back."
Aang grins and salutes him, "That's right and it looks like I came just in time!" Another wave of three enemies charge at Aang but he swiftly rotates his staff and blasts them several feet back with one swift stroke. A DOJ firebender leaps forward and shoots a beam of orange and yellow flames at the legendary hero. Aang extends both of his hands and extinguishes the flame.
The Avatar then pulls his hands down and extends them. A volley of sand knocks back eight warriors at once. A cultist waterbender pushes a beam at him but the teen opens his mouth and breaths a gust of orange fire into the water surge. Aang leaps in the air and punches two airballs into the waterbender and a swordsman beside him.
Aang lands on the ground again and a messenger with a chainblade horizontally swings his weapon at the youngman. Aang ducks then kicks his legs around and shoots several earth stones into the messenger and two troopers beside him. Rosh looks back along with General Mak. Rosh: "Wow, look at him go! I've never seen anything like it."
(Music Stops)
The Clone Wars: ARC Trooper Theme | EPIC VERSION [Youtube] (Music Starts)
Katara glides down with a gust of water softening her landing. The young woman smacks aside a DOJ swordsman and earthbender with two with a subsequent water torpedo and water tentacle. Up above Sokka rides on Appa while Toph waits beside him. Toph stands up and pats Sokka on his cheek, "See ya soon wiseguy."
Sokka beams, "See ya melonhead." Toph leaps directly off the creature and soars down over several of her enemies. About eight fearsome DOJ warriors look up.
DOJ spearman: "Look, that girl is coming down."
DOJ brute: "What does she think she's doing?!"
DOJ waterbender: "Oh no! I think she's trying to---". Toph lands directly in between the ground and a shockwave of earth blasts the eight warriors away from her. Toph extends her hands and shoots a volley of rocks into an incoming spearman, swordsman, and firebender.
Katara points up, "Oh no, Sokka's in trouble!" Two wingmen archers shoot arrows at Sokka but Appa rotates his body side to side as he avoids two arrows. Sokka swats away two projectiles that are directly fired at him while still riding Appa.
Sokka complains, "Hurry up, I could use some help here!!" Two wingmen swordsmen accelerate toward Appa and steadily start closing the distance. Sokka looks side to side, "Aww great!" One wingman soars a few feet right and over Sokka's position. Sokka looks up and starts panicking, "Awwww, think Sokka think!!"
Sokka: "Aha!" Sokka pulls out his boomerang, "Boomerang fly!" The teen throws his boomerang into the wingman, which knocks him out of the sky. Sokka loops Appa around and descends his location as he retrieves his boomerang. Sokka kisses his boomerang and puts it back on his utility belt. Another wingman soars a few feet behind the Water Tribe warrior.
Meanwhile, three DOJ warriors charge at Aang. One is a waterbender (on the left), one earthbender (in the center), and one firebender (on the right). Aang extends his left hand and blasts the waterbender away with a beam of water. Aang stomps his right leg and a shockwave of earth blasts the earthbender back. The firebender shoots a gust of orange flames at Aang but he rotates his right hand horizontally; sending a surge of sand to counter the flames and sweep his opponent away.
Another firebender punches a barrage of five fireballs at Aang. The Avatar leaps in the air and kicks a rod of wind into his opponent's chest. The man flies seven feet back and hits a brute in his face. The brute unconsciously tumbles over. Dozens of enemies close in on all sides. Three stones are launched at Aang, but he ducks, and the stones hit several DOJ troopers behind them. Aang wastes no time as he pumps two airballs into the troopers ahead of him.
A fireball smacks Aang on his right shoulder and he rolls left from the hit. Smoke flows from Aang's side as enemies close in. Aang groans. Earthbender terrorist: "Come on, let's kill him!"
DOJ swordsman: "Spirits bless us, we hit him!" Aang's eyes suddenly glow and he shouts.
Aang: "ENOUGH!!" Aang's scream is not just his own, but that of all the past Avatars before him. The amped teen extends his hands a whirlwind of air and sand blasts aside all of the troopers beside him. Aang raises his hands and launches himself fifteen feet in the air. Aang suddenly is flying in the air without the need to actively keep himself elevated.
Aang looks right and notices Sokka riding on Appa as a wingman is about to impale him. Aang extends his right hand and shoots a beam of water into the wingman. The beam literally travels 50 meters out before it hits the man, it is incredibly accurate for such a great range. Sokka gasps as he looks across at his friend.
Several wingmen fly toward the amplified Avatar at over 110 miles an hour. Aang soars toward them and immediately pumps a barrage of ice knives into five of the wingmen. Aang shoots the ice knives so fast that his hands move at a supersonic speed. Aang opens his mount and blows a massive gust of air into a pack of terrorists on the surface below. The ground shakes and a shockwave of sand blasts his enemies aside.
(Music Stops)
A wingman captain shouts, "Stop him!! All remaining forces, commit to eliminating the Avatar!"
A DOJ trooper looks up from the ground, "That's him, he looks like he's just a boy." Three Wingmen soar toward Aang but he horizontally extends his left arm and pumps three orange fireballs into them. The wingmen explode into metal bits. Two earthbenders look up at Aang and hurl a massive ball of earth at him. The young teen pulls his right hand up and catches the object in the air.
Aang pulls his hand back down and rapidly launches it right back into his enemies. As this is happening Toph propels a wide wall of stone through three DOJ warriors and Katara hurls a gust of water from over her head into two DOJ benders. An archer fires an arrow at the left side Katara's head, but she blocks it with a wall of ice.
Several wingmen fly around Aang and many of them fire arrows at him while others charge in his direction. The Avatar rapidly spins around and a storm of wind blasts all his opponents away as well as their arrows. Aang pulls his hands down and grabs onto vast amounts of sand. Then the Avatar pulls his hands forward then pulls them up. The ground trembles and a tsunami of sand rises fifty feet in the air. The sand wave is also about one hundred feet wide.
DOJ warriors look up in terror, many run, and several scream as the sand descends upon them. One DOJ waterbender freezes in terror as he looks at his impending doom. The wall sweeps away the remains of Zerrel's army. Dozens of soldiers of various sizes, from different military classifications, and with different abilities are all yanked away by Aang's storm of sand. Aang suddenly lowers himself and lands on the surface. The glow on Aang's eyes leaves and he collapses.
Katara, Toph, and Zuko rush to their friend. Aang gasps and puts his right hand on his forehead, "Ugh, I've got a headache now."
Katara helps him up before several 31st marines surround Aang. Rosh pumps his right fist, "Yeahhh!!! Way to go man!!"
Dengo jumps several times in the air, "Did you see that?! Ahhhhhh, that's the most incredible thing I've ever witnessed!!" Irina and Arret high five each other. Dade hugs Sonna and briefly pulls her up. General Mak and two Fire Nation army troopers start dancing in the desert.
Appa lands and Sokka leaps off him. Sokka: "Wow, that's gotta be one of the greatest comebacks in history." Sokka pats Aang on his back, "And now I'm hungry. I want some meat."
Katara kisses Aang, "We did it!"
Aang looks back at her, "Yes we did."
Zuko looks at Aang, "How was your spiritual journey?"
Aang slowly nods, "It was....amazing. But honestly, it was also insane and one of the most difficult moments of my life. Another story for another time, I need to rest now. But let's celebrate tomorrow."
Sokka: "There is nothing to do, we're in the DESERT!! And it's going to take a while to get out of this one."
Rosh comments, "Then you've never partied with the 31st. We'll make this desert feel like Ember Island, Ba Sing Se's greatest resorts, and the Fire Nation Capital's traditional festivals rolled in one."
Sokka: "Alright but I'm gonna hold you to that."
Rosh asks, "If I'm wrong then what?"
Sokka thinks, "Then you're going to have to treat me every time I go to the Capital."
Rosh: "That's a bit extreme..."
Sokka pats Rosh on his left shoulder, "Oh come on, you're a rich noble. You can afford it."
Rosh: "Well, I can't argue with that. Good thing I'm not going to lose this bet. And when I win, you have to agree to tell everyone at the United Way festivals that I gave you my autograph. Make it seem like it was an honor, because it is."
Sokka: "Ugh, ok. But you can also have my autograph, I know you want it."
Rosh: "No, sir that's not part of the deal. I'll take Aang's though."
Sokka: "Aww, come on, I'm really cool too!!"
Rosh winks, "Don't worry, I'll tell everyone I saw you."
Sokka: "Believe me, that will get you a lot of ladies." As this discussion is happening Macai and Azula notice Jarue, Kanna, and a watertribe swordsman emerge. Kanna's head is down and her face is sorrowful.
Macai looks at her, "Kanna, where is Kett?" Azula looks at both of them.
Kanna: "He, is gone."
Macai's eyes widen, "What?! You're joking right. Hahaha, not funny." Jarue stares at Macai and shakes his head. Macai bends down, "Oh, oh no. He was such a good friend, wow."
Jarue: "He gave his life to save mine."
Macai looks back at Jarue, "Then you better make good use of it."
Jarue nods, "I will."
Macai: "You couldn't heal him?" Kanna shakes her head.
Jarue: "No, he was too wounded and it took me too long to get to him." Rosh, Arret, General Mak, Zuko, and other marines emerge.
Rosh shouts, "Macai, guess who we have with us!!" Aang, Katara, Toph, and Sokka emerge alongside him.
Macai glares at Rosh. Rosh shrugs, "What I do?"
Macai coldly says, "Kett's dead."
Rosh: "What?!" Rosh freezes, "Really?" Kanna nods. Rosh: "Dang, that sucks."
Macai looks at Aang, "Avatar, can you bring him back to life?" Kanna, Rosh, and others look in surprise.
Aang: "I don't know how to do that. But I could try entering the Avatar state and seeing if it's ok."
Macai: "Please do it, Kett is a massive hero. He has impacted many villages and societies. It would mean a lot to us."
Aang: "Ok I'll try. I'll need some time to meditate."
Macai: "Don't worry, we'll you all the time that you need." Two hours later, Aang sits outside while his gang (Toph, Sokka, Katara, his small pet Momo, & Zuko) stands around him. Momo is a small white and grey-furred creature that has light green eyes with black pupils and large ears. Momo sits on Aang's right shoulder while he meditates.
As Aang meditates Katara approaches Kanna, "So your name is Kanna? My grandmother has the same name."
Kanna blandly says, "Small world."
Rosh looks at Katara, "She's a bit down right now. Her friend Kett died."
Katara: "Ow, I'm sorry to hear that. But Kett and Kanna both sound like Water Tribe names."
Rosh puts his hand on his chin, "Yea, those aren't your typical Fire Nation names. Maybe they just made them up or maybe they knew..."
Katara: "You never know. I recently learned that some people have ancestry from other nations that they look to hide from their children. Especially in the Fire Nation or even people from other nations with Fire Nation ties..."
Aang suddenly notices himself in another room with several Avatars around him. Aang asks, "Can I bring Macai's friend Kett back?"
The former Avatar Roku approaches himself. Roku has long white hair, a large beard, brown eyes, and fair skin. Roku: "No Aang, we cannot excessively intervene with the courses of reality. Some hardships must be present in life."
Aang: "But why? A lot of other people have happier endings. Kett was a hero, just like Sokka is. Although Sokka dying would hurt me even more, I couldn't imagine what we'd do if Sokka was just killed and Suki had to deal with it. Or any of us for that matter."
Aang notices Avatar Kyoshi. She is tall with dark brown hair and has makeup that covers her face. Kyoshi speaks, "So you think we should just be ok with people dying all the time?! Do you know how many Avatars lost loved ones before?! Revivals have happened occasionally, but most of us had to deal with any losses that came. Everything happens for a reason. The only reason some people come back is because that is best for everyone.
Kyoshi continues, "Sometimes pain is too. The pain can make people stronger and give people something to remember. Kett's death can keep the team focused and grounded on morals."
Aang: "Don't you think they would have already learned that lesson? If Kett comes back, they'll appreciate him even more."
Avatar Kuruk enters the discussion. Kuruk has a white fur coat, light brown skin, a strong face, a goatee, and light blue eyes. Kuruk: "It isn't just about them. Kett's death will inspire people from all over the world to fight against injustice and stay grounded in just values. It will inspire people generations down and those who didn't know of him. His death will only increase his fame and the importance of his message. While people often are distracted by their own selfish ambitions, they often miss the more important impact that it leaves on everyone else. Kett's passing serves a greater purpose but don't worry, he will be rewarded for his valor."
Aang opens his eyes and stands up. Sokka looks at him, "So, is Kett coming back?"
Aang doesn't answer the question and keeps walking. Sokka sighs, "I never even meet the guy but I feel so terrible right now."
Aang stands before Macai, Kanna, Dade, Rosh, Aiya (who has recently meet up with the team), and other 31st members. Aang: "Unfortunately, I cannot. I might be the Avatar, but I am not able to do everything."
Macai: "So that's it, huh?"
Aang: "His death serves a greater purpose. As annoying as that sounds you all know that deep down it's true. His passing will inspire people all over the world and it will help maintain the peace that we need over the next few decades."
Rosh: "I wonder why this cycle even needs to continue. I wonder why any of these questions even exist. I've had faith for a long time in what I believe, but tell me this Avatar.... Why can't that day of judgment just come when all of this just ends? When the evil is outright destroyed and the good prevails for good? Why do we keep beating around the push and playing games when we could just have a definite ending right now?"
Aang: "Because it is not up for us to decide. Never overthink spiritual things to the point that you confuse yourself. To some degree, you must have faith in the journey. To some degree, you must make the best of what you have. I know that's not the answer you want, but it is the one that you need. Kett died and you don't like it right; then make sure his death meant something. Make sure other people don't have to die like that just to get a point across and make sure as many people hear his message as possible."
Aang pats Rosh on the back and leaves. Rosh nods and sits in the sand. The captain exhales, "He's right about that..."
Macai: "Well, looks like we still have work to do."
Kanna: "That's right, but I know somewhere Kett is resting in peace now."
Dade looks at his sword, "Definitely can't say that for everyone."
Momo suddenly runs between Kanna and Dade. Sokka chases after him, "Stop it Momo! If you don't cut it out you won't get any more treats for the rest of the week."
Toph steps behind him, "You know Katara will cave in and give him treats anyway." Katara moves alongside Toph.
Sokka grunts, "Don't tell him that!"
Rosh comments, "It's not like he can understand what you two are saying anyway."
Sokka points at Rosh, "You shut it!" Momo leaps into Kanna's arms.
Kanna laughs, "Oh hi!!" Momo climbs on her back. Kanna: "Momo should have a play date with Skippy!"
Sokka: "Skippy?"
Dengo elaborates, "Kanna's pet. She found him while she was doing a recon patrol, he was all alone and she claimed him."
Toph: "Well, I guess that's kind of similar to how Aang found Momo."
Sokka: "Kind of."
Dade: "Yeah Kanna, take him them out to see Skippy. He's always in her room and often escapes from his cage."
Katara: "I'm down!"
Toph: "Oh yeah sure, why not."
Three months later, a massive crowd waits outside of Nyarri. Several people watch in the distance and Kett's family members sob in the background as they look at his casket. Macai stands on a podium with Kanna at his right and Dade on his left. Rosh, Zuko, Azula, Arret, Irina, Dengo, Aiya, and other marines watch in the front row. Aang's gang watches in the distance along with the Kyoshi warriors.
Sada, Jarue, Captain Apeko, Ronu, Serraj, Kaft, Tocai, Zyra, and other members from the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe militaries watch in the middle of the crowd. Tocai and Zyra were friends of the freedom fighter Aven who was slain by Macai's forces. Tocai looks at Jarue, "Never in a million years did I think I'd be at the funeral of one of Macai's officers. And I never thought I'd be in agreement with Macai. But he was just a pawn of a greater game."
Tocai continues, "And now he is one of our brothers. Not because of the experiences I've personally had with him but because of the things I know he's done to redeem himself."
Zyra: "Oh how touching it is to know that people can really change. Sometimes the worst circumstances can bring out the best in people."
Sada: "I thought the same thing when I first met Kett. We went on some wild adventures. I really wish he was still here, he was a great friend and ally."
Macai speaks at the podium, "It is an honor to see all the people here today who have come from different nations. But despite where you came from, you all have learned to put your own stubborn ways aside and do what is best for all. I want to salute all of the soldiers who lost their lives to protect others. Kett might not have been noble in title but he was the noblest person I've ever known. You see true nobility isn't about birth, it is about the selfless sacrifices a person can make for the greater good."
Macai continues, "A lot of times it is easy to do nothing, but inaction is an ally of injustice. A lot of times, it's easy to make excuses but Kett always held himself accountable along with the rest of us. Good leaders can learn from those over, under, and beside them. We are all in this together, if we really are committed to making life better for those around us. And there will always be pain in this world, but we can minimize it by sharing love, positivity, and commitment with those around us."
Zuko nods in respect. Macai: "So let us remember Kett, a man who put everything on the line to serve those around him. A man who challenged the evil system around him even when it wasn't popular. A man who fought even when there was no clear solution or victory to the problems around him. Deep down he knew that doing what was right leads to the best outcome, even when we don't know what that outcome is or even when we aren't sure if we like that ending. Ladies and gentlemen, true righteousness is difficult, but it will eventually lead to what is best."
A hopeful Jarue smiles and wipes a tear from his right eye. Macai: "I wish I could pursue an option that minimizes pain now and maximizes justice. But we don't live in that kind of world. One day, I know this will all end. One day, righteousness will reign and evil will be no more. But until that day comes, the cycle of war and the spiritual battle will continue. Until then the fight between good and evil will rage on. We will have ups and downs but whatever happens, I hope you stay on the right side. Just remember, that you only lose if you give up."
Tocai nods. Macai: "So fight with me!! I am your loyal brother and fellow servant!! Let justice, what is good, and love be our master. Let us keep our own comfort second to what is right and let us endure until the very end. If you're ever down or struggling, please lean on each other and don't abandon the truth. My brothers and sisters never judge someone that is being honest with you about his past flaws so long as that person is willing to change and improve. We all mess up sometimes, but we are in this together if we really are committed to what is right."
Azula smiles. Macai: "I love you all. And when I say that I don't mean I won't hold any of you accountable. We must hold each other accountable if we want to prevent future atrocities. But I love you all because I truly want what is best for each and every one of you. I love you all because I'm willing, to be honest about the flaws that I see, I'm willing to admit my own mistakes, and because I'm committed in my efforts to doing what is best for all of us. That is true love!! Love isn't a feeling; it is a choice!"
The crowd cheers. Macai: "Don't let anyone lie to you about what love really is. Because love is something that is revealed over time. And I hope that throughout my life, I will continue to strive to ensure that I am not a hypocrite. That my life will reflect what I believe and that I will really stay focused on helping others. I don't know what new challenges will face us tomorrow, but I know we will overcome them all if we fight in true love. Because true love can't be killed and it conquers all adversity. We all have the ability to love, but it is a quality that we must nurture throughout our lives. One day at a time and one decision at a time."
The audience claps. Macai: "We all have different skills to offer, different talents to share, different experiences, different challenges, and different audiences to work with. Whatever you have is what you should use to make a difference in someone else's life. So again, let us remember Kett. A champion of true love and service!"
Several months later an eighteen-year-old Macai is sitting in his office with a wedding ring in his hand. On the left side of his desk is a picture of him and Azula's wedding. Macai has a sharp black wedding suit and Azula has a beautiful white gown. There is another picture of Macai and Zuko standing side by side as well as a picture of Macai and Rosh. There is another picture of Macai helping rebuild cities that were destroyed by the Fire Nation and by Zerrel's Disciples of Justice. Macai looks back at the pictures on his desk and smiles.
Macai hears a knock at his front door. The commander opens it and sees his best friend Rosh. Macai: "Rosh, how's it going? That last event was amazing, you really got the people hyped up. Those children love you man, you really made a difference in their lives. I'm so glad soldiers are not just being seen as men of war and destruction but also as protectors and friends of their local communities."
Rosh smiles, "Absolutely, we're living the dream aren't we? Kett would be proud."
Macai laughs and his eyes become watery, "Yeah."
Rosh: "But I came because, I, because I had to share some news about my next big plans..."
Macai: "Next big plans, for what?! The inmate counseling? Or making a more effective counter-crime and terrorism system?"
Rosh: "Macai, I'm leaving the 31st."
Macai gasps, "What? I can't imagine our unit without you."
Rosh's voice starts cracking, "I know Macai, I know. But sometimes, we have to graduate from our old lives and move onto the next phase."
Macai nods, "Yeah, I get it. And it is YOUR life, it is not up to me to decide what your next move is. So if you know in your heart that this is what you need to do, you know I won't stop you. I'll support you with anything you do, so long as it is not immoral. This is gonna hurt us both, but I'll give you your resignation papers. What's next Rosh?"
Rosh: "Well, I plan on leading my own team. But not the marines or the navy. No more ships, I plan on working for the local army defense forces of a city called Yonashier. I need a new start. All my life I've been supporting you and I've loved every moment of it. But now it's time I chart my own path and legacy."
Macai hugs Rosh, "Go Rosh, find the next phase of your calling." Rosh hugs his friend back and squeezes his right arm. A tear flows from Rosh's left eye and he lets go of his friend. Rosh exits the room and Macai looks back from his desk as his friend fades away into the crowd ahead of him. Macai murmurs, "Go Rosh, go on your journey."
Gokolee Prison Complex (Excerpt from Ronin's Personal Journal)
"I have now been in this dreaded place for roughly two years. I'll never get over Macai's betrayal of our once-great nation. It is now an abomination. Zuko is a joke and caters to the needs of other nations rather than that of our people. Macai's speeches are just as deluded at this point, I'm not sure how they brainwashed him THAT MUCH. Azula even turned, but I won't give up. I'll stay on my path because it's all I've ever known and I'm not faint of heart.
I am not alone, Kedo is also here. Sometimes I see him in the yard. We are constantly being watched by other Fire Nation members. I want to vomit every time I think about those other guys. Every week, every month, every year they become more and more different than us. The few, the proud, the traditionalists. Seasons pass and Ozai may never rule again but a new strong ruler must emerge one day. One day the Remnant forces will rise again and when we do it'll be beautiful. We will make all these traitors pay in their own blood.
Until then I wait in this cell. I always stay in shape because I know our people will never give up and some of us will always hold onto our classic beliefs. When the time is right we will strike and I don't even care if we win at this point. All I want is to make as many traitors squirm as possible. To the Fire Nation and United Way beware because the fight is still in us!!"
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Congratulations, you have finished this series. You made it through four seasons so please pat yourselves on the back. Avatar: Macai's Journey will always be the heart and soul of this piece of lore however, AMJ will not be the last of this universe. Other projects are planned including spinoffs, prequels, sequels, and other possible expansions. Perhaps an AMJ comic and actual tv series are ahead. AMJ is so much more than a story or fanfiction; it is a movement.
Either way, thank you to everyone who has supported me. Thank you to the other writers who read my content and spread the word about my project. Thank you to the readers who read my content of your own volition. Thank you to my personal friends who took a look at this. And thank you to everyone who believed in me, participated in the AMJ polls, or looked at my content in the Avatar Wiki. If you would like to encourage the future growth of AMJ, search "Avatar: Macai's Journey Wiki" and check out the wiki content for the fan story.
I am also working on social media platforms for Reddit, Discord, and Facebook as I look to maintain a buzz for this story. Even if you don't intend to look at any of these extra platforms, I'll appreciate anyone who tells a friend about this story, has them read it, or simply gets them to look at it.
AMJ now has it's own Wiki! For more info search "avatar-macais-journey.fandom.com".
Also feel free to check out my original series, Infinite Domain: Inception "Amazon.com: Infinite Domain: Inception Part 1 (Infinite Domain Inception) eBook : Hanes, Brian: Kindle Store".
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