More months have passed, and Macai has grown closer to his friends in Nyarri. He has continued to train with Captain Hazo and his combat skills have steadily grown. While this is happening, the Fire Nation continues to battle against the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes as it expands its ever-growing empire.
One day, Macai reads a letter from his father. In the letter, his father says that he looks forward to watching Macai during the tournament as long as Macai makes it to the later stages of the Nyarri tournament. He would not have the time to watch the earlier rounds and would only be able to watch the Nyarri final. This letter puts immense pressure on Macai to perform well and impress his father.
It also creates a lot of excitement and wonder about what seeing his father will be like. After all the months that have passed. Macai wants nothing more than to impress his father. In this way, he is very much like his girlfriend. In the meantime, Macai goes on a trip with Dade and Kett to Kanna's house.
It is located on the Eastern side of the village. Macai walks through the central plaza with his friends to reach the destination. It is a Thursday afternoon, and the sky is bright blue with several clouds scattered throughout. Kanna's home is of a standard size and is much less fancy than Macai's. She doesn't have a large backyard like him and is close to several other comes in her town.
Every building looks roughly the same. It is now spring and people are dressing in lighter clothes. They are dark bague in color with velvet doors. Each door has a silver nob. Kanna sprints in front of her doorstep, "Come on guys, my parents are looking forward to company."
Dade: "Oh joy."
Kanna's father, Abel opens the door. His wife, Zefara stands beside him. Abel has tan skin, curly dark brown hair, is moderately short, and has thin brown eyes. Zefara has pale skin, hazel eyes, brown wavy hair, and has a tall thin frame. Abel extends his arms, "Hello, welcome. My wife Zefara made flatcakes."
Zefara comments, "They are low in fat and carbs. However, they are also surprisingly filling and are a good source of protein. I also put a few pinenuts in them."
Macai: "Wow, I've never had that before."
Kanna: "They are delicious."
Zefara grabs a basket of the flatcakes. Zefara: "Please grab some." Macai, Kett, Dade, and Kanna grab one. Then they meet at the living room table.
The house has light brown walls, a light brown wooden floor, a light brown ceiling, and several pictures scattered throughout it. There are also several plants scattered throughout the house. Kett eats half of his cake, then stops eating. Dade loves the cake and demolishes it within a minute.
Dade looks at Zefara, "May I please have another." Zefara slides the basket towards Dade. Dade takes one of the flatcakes and immediately gets to work. While this is happening, everyone talks at the table.
Zefara: "We are still so proud about how Kanna got a gold medal during the Winter Competition. We have her portrait that was painted of all the gold winners. One picture with Kanna separately and another of her team."
Abel comments, "We are going to keep the picture of Kanna, but we said we would let her take the picture of her team with her. So that she may remember her accomplishment and how she can do anything if she sets her mind to it."
Zefara: "It's truly wonderful that you all won awards."
Macai responds, "Absolutely. At first, not getting first place was hard for me. But Kett, Dade, and I all agreed that Kanna deserved that award more than anyone else."
Able comments, "Perhaps she did. But the focus should be on students performing well. As long as everyone does their job to the best of their ability, that is what matters. That is all a parent can ask for."
Macai thinks, Wow, that's definitely not how my father would see it or Azula's father.
Kett responds, "I just wish my parents cared one way or the other. They were always indifferent. I always worked hard to prove a point. To try to get their attention."
Zefara frowns, "Well, Kett. I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm sure there is more to it than that. Sometimes it can be difficult as parents to come across properly."
Kett laughs, "Oh please. My mother is barely even around. My father is indifferent and just tells me to go do things. He constantly puts me to work when he sees me."
Able: "Kett, if there is ever anything wrong, we are here to support you."
Kett: "Thank you, but I'm ok. I know I'm worth something. My friends sure know it and I won't ever give up. My grandparents always encouraged me when they saw me."
Macai asks, "Do you still see them?"
Kett replies, "Sometimes I see my grandmother. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away a couple of years ago. He had some heart complications." Kett suddenly gets tense, "It felt like a part of me died when he passed away. But he always said everything happens for a reason. Here I am now, still trying to figure out why. But one day I will, I sure hope."
Abel smiles, "Don't let his death be in vain Kett. Always remember his gentleness. Always remember that he would want you to keep doing your best."
Kett responds, "You sound like my grandmother. She would certainly agree. When she goes, man I don't know what I'll do."
Zefara responds, "You will keep living and you will have so much to show by then. You already have so much to show now. So many reasons to make them proud. I know you will do great on the upcoming tournament. I can feel it in my bones."
Dade comments, "I feel like our discussions always get serious right before like gets serious. That's fine, it always seems to work out. So why wouldn't it now?"
Kanna: "Of course it will Dade. Whatever happens, we've got your back."
Dade responds, "Thanks, Kanna. I see where you get your warmness from. You have such a wonderful family. My family is good too, but sometimes my mother comes off as overbearing. I guess it's because she had to raise me alone since dad died in that war. It's always been hard on me."
Kett: "I can't wait to see you in the tournament. Have you been working on your dueling skills?"
Dade: "I have, but I still want to further sharpen my skills. I think I'm about average now. I feel the nonbender tournament doesn't have the same zeal."
Macai: "You may get a bit less glory, but so what? Make the best of what you have Dade. If there is one thing you guys taught me, it's that. You can make your own way, who cares what society says. You just have to learn to play with the deck that life gives you and learn how to win with that deck."
Kett laughs, "That is so easy for you to say Macai. Compared to all of us."
Macai: "What?"
Kett: "A noble from the capital, telling us about making do with what we have. When you started out with more."
Macai: "It's not my fault. This responsibility comes with a lot of pressure and I still don't have it like all the nobles."
Kett: "Like who? Your girlfriend and Zuko? The top of the top? You're a top 1% but, being top 0.5% is what you want?"
Dade mutters, "More like top 0.01%."
Macai grunts. Abel: "Hey, you're all friends. Macai can't help how he was born. Yet he stands with you now. Judge him by his actions, not what he cannot control. A good friend is worth more than almost anything else. Do not take that for granted."
Kett: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean."
Macai: "It's fine. You told the truth. My father was always blunt with me. He rarely used formalities to make me happy."
Abel looks at Zefara. Abel: "I can't wait to see this tournament play out. I know you both will do great."
Kett: "Hey Dade, I just thought of something."
Dade: "Yeah?"
Kett: "We can't really train with you when it comes to your dueling. We don't know anything about it."
Kanna: "Well technically, we shouldn't even train together for the tournament because of the rules."
Kett: "Yeah but, I know someone who could train with you Dade. One on one, there are tales that he's a legendary Nyarri trainer. It might give you an edge since all the great trainers are expensive and only the nobles can afford them."
Dade: "I'm listening."
Kett: "Ever heard of Crazy Oktai?"
Dade: "Oh, that crazy old man who trains outside by himself."
Kett: "Yes, legend has it he was a great duelist before he was dishonorably discharged. Now he makes a meager living as a farmer, but every now and then he returns to the outskirts of the city. Not near noble land but, towards the abandoned mountains. They say he can be seen training outside."
Dade: "Maybe that's just a legend."
Kett: "It's worth a try. He says he will only train someone worthy. Apparently, a young guy who graduated a few years ago was trained by him and he got bronze in the non-bending contests. It's definitely worth a try."
Macai: "I agree, you should try it, Dade."
Kett: "Let's do it Sunday. Since Saturday, we already have plans."
Macai: "I can't go that day, I have training with Hazo."
Kett: "That's fine Macai."
Kanna: "I should be able to go, but I have chores that day. So I'll have to make it work."
Dade: "Well, your parents are here. Why don't you ask them?"
Kanna looks at her mother and father with puppy eyes. Able looks at Zefara. Able: "Yes that's fine with me. Zefara?"
Zefara: "Of course, but we careful out there."
Macai deliberates, Wow, that was easy. My father doesn't let me go on adventures when he has plans. Or didn't anyway, back when we were together at the Capitol.
Kett: "Ok, then it's settled. We will leave later that afternoon. Then we will search for that man, Oktai to train Dade into the best swordsman of all time."
Dade: "Now, let's not get ahead of ourselves. We will see, but I look forward to it."
Pursuit of a Teacher
While Macai is training with Hazo; Kett, Kanna, and Dade meet in the plaza square of Nyarri. It is a sunny bright day without a cloud in the sky and there is a cool breeze outside. Dade takes his sword with him and straps it on his back. Kanna: "Oh, it's such a beautiful day. I can't wait to see what's next."
A green bird flies on Kanna's right hand. Kett turns his head, "Lucky." Kett walks toward the bird and it flies away.
Kanna: "Why did you scare it away?"
Kett: "What? I just wanted to see it up close."
Kanna: "Your jealous energy scared it off."
Dade: "Come on guys. This is my moment. So enough of your bickering."
Kanna smiles, "Ok."
Kett: "Alright, don't get your undies in a knot."
Kanna and Kett follow their friend Dade as they travel through the town into the outskirts. They walk across a paved path and there is a distant forest left of them. While they are walking Kett warns, "Stay sharp, there are legends of the dangerous Mala Tigers in this area. They are swift and deadly.
Dade (referring to his sword): "It's so cool finally getting my sword. It's interesting how we don't get it until our last year."
Kett: "Well, it wouldn't be good if all the recruits killed themselves with weapons they don't know how to use."
Dade: "I know. I remember using my old wooden sword. Some students used wooden knives and spears. The archers had fake arrows. It all makes sense, but there is something special about having a lethal weapon."
Kett: "Don't get too excited about it or you'll make me think you aren't ready for one."
Dade: "Says the guy who could always shoot lethal fire out of his fingertips."
Kett shouts, "Hey! It's not like that... We don't know how to use it lethally when we're really young."
Dade: "It doesn't take long to find out and with a blind fit of a rage a toddler could hurt someone if they can bend. I never quite figured out why we were made this way, but we just need to accept the state of things."
Kett: "Stop being such a downer, Dade or I'll start calling you downer Dade."
Dade: "That's stupid."
Kett: "Is it?"
Dade dryly says, "Yeah." As the students continue walking, they cross yellow-green grass and the winds get stronger as they move further up the valley toward the mountain.
Kanna: "This guy doesn't spend his time in the mountains does he? Because I'm tired of being in the mountains."
Kett: "We haven't been in the mountains in months."
Kanna: "I know, but the valley outskirts are kind of cool."
Dade: "He's in the upper valley outskirts. Right before we get really high in the mountain. It won't be like Winter training."
Kett: "It's already a bit harder to breathe, but still not like the mountains. But we adjust pretty fast compared to the other people who have never been in the mountains before."
Kanna: "Macai adjusted quickly for an outsider."
Kett: "Macai's built differently."
Dade: "Indeed." Dade starts sniffing. Dade: "Do you smell that?"
Kanna: "What?"
Dade: "It smells like cinnamon. I heard that sometimes Oktai burns cinnamon in the valley outskirts. He does this while he trains."
Kanna: "Is this guy crazy?"
Dade: "YEAH, that's why he's crazy Oktai." Kett facepalms.
Kanna: "I know but, I thought maybe it was a joke or just because he's a loner."
Dade: "Ok, let's follow the smell." As they walk the smell gets stronger.
Kett: "You have a strong nose Dade, I wouldn't have caught that."
Dade: "I guess it's one of my nonbender gifts. Making do with what I have you know." The teens move out of the main path into the woods left of them. The leaves are light green.
While they walk Dade says, "I'm scared of animals."
Kett: "Don't be such a baby, I'll protect you. And you have that sword."
Dade defiantly chirps, "Oh, don't flatter yourself, I can hold my own. They just startle me, but I can take them."
Kett: "Whatever."
Kanna points, "Look." There is a light brown shed in the woods and there is a small camp fire that was recently dosed.
Kett: "Someone was here, but what are the odds that its crazy Oktai?"
Kanna: "I feel like it is a spiritual day. I believe he is near."
Kett: "You and your delusions."
Kanna confidentially says, "We'll see."
Dade: "Let's check the shed."
Kett: "Sounds like trespassing. He probably has a lock."
Dade tries to open the door and it is locked. Dade: "Kett, you can bash the door down with your firebending."
Kett retorts, "I will not, are you crazy?"
Dade: "I wasn't being serious, lighten up. No maybe, we can sit and wait for him to come out."
Kett: "Thirty minutes max."
Dade: "Come on, at least wait an hour."
Kanna: "An hour? That sounds boring."
Kett teases Kanna, "But you said you can sense that he's near. What happened sweetie?"
The door suddenly opens and an older man with medium-length white hair looks across at the teens. He has a long nose, dark brown eyes, pale skin, long thick eyebrows, a beard, and thin yet wide lips.
Dade: "Crazy Oktai?"
Oktai: "Begone, you goofy kids! Out! You are in my personal retreat!"
Kett: "Retreat? This is just a little cabin and some logs. How does an old man like you manage out here, seems like a lot of manual labor? Do you stay here for long?"
Oktai grins, "I am not here to answer questions. I said get out!"
Kett: "I'm a pretty good bender. I'd be careful if I were you."
Oktai: "You are a bold one, how old are you boy?"
Kett: "Sixteen."
Oktai smiles, "I was bold during your age too. Most run from me, I think that is a good sign. You all may be worthy of my attention, but not without a test first."
Kett: "Worthy, a test? What are you talking about?"
Okati swiftly draws his sword. Dade also pulls out his sword. Kett gets in a battle stance as does Kanna. Kett: "Are you insane? I'm not going to duel you old man. I'm a firebender!" Oktai laughs.
Kett raises an eyebrow and Okati leaps toward Dade with a spinning lunge attack. Dade is caught off-guard, and immediately pulls his sword up and backpedals as the elderly man approaches him. Oktai swings his blade diagonally at the left side of Dade's neck and Dade tilts his blade left, blocking the strike.
Oktai smoothly pivots his blade and swings it at the right side of Dade's neck. Dade readjusts and blocks. Oktai shifts his blade again and horizontally swings at Dade's left side. Dade ducks then pounces toward Oktai with a vertical swing. Oktai horizontally lifts his blade and blocks the attack then he kicks Dade in his stomach with his right leg.
Dade slides two feet backward in the dirt. Kett looks at Oktai on the left flank and Kanna looks at him on the right. Kett: "Is he testing him?"
Kanna shrugs her shoulders, "I don't know if we should fry him or not."
Oktai shouts, "Be alert at all times! Does Zyarri not teach its recruits properly?!" Oktai lifts a horn out of his left pocket and blows it.
Kett panics and fires two rapid flames at Oktai's midsection. Oktai pivots and diagonally rotates his sword. Blocking both of the flames with his sword. Kett: "What kind of?" Kanna thrusts both of her hands forward and fires a massive dark orange beam of fire at Oktai. Oktai flips in the air over the flame and behind Kanna.
Oktai springs forward and vertically swings at her. Kanna hops left and fires a massive blast of fire into Oktai's stomach. Oktai falls a foot backward. Oktai keeps a hold of his sword as he falls. Kett looks down at him in confusion. Kanna does the same.
Oktai coughs, "Good, very good. You may be worthy, but the test is not over." Dade gets up and points his sword at Oktai.
Kett: "Look, you've got thirty seconds to explain.."
Kanna points behind Kett, "Look out!" Kett turns around and notices a valley tiger with light brown fur and grey stripes sprinting toward him at eighty miles an hour.
Kett: "What?" The tiger lunges at Kett and Kett rolls left. The tiger repositions itself and looks at Kett. Kett looks back at the tiger and the tiger sprints toward him again. Kett quickly fires a ball of fire into the tiger's face and it collapses. Oktai nods his head in respect.
Oktai: "You attack quickly, most benders would not be able to hit that tiger on the first try."
Kett looks back at the old man, "Shut up!"
Oktai chuckles, "Calm down young man. I only test young people on measures I think they can handle."
Kett: "You don't even know us!"
Oktai: "I see many things. I'm a wise man."
Kanna hears a distant noise and turns around. She notices a tiger rapidly approaching her from about twenty feet away. Kanna shifts her hands from right to left and fires two balls of fire at the beast. The valley tiger sprints right, past the attacks. Kanna fires another two fire balls directly at the tiger. The tiger dives in the air over the attacks and soars toward Kanna.
Kanna's eyes widen and she breathes a stream of orange fire out of her mouth. The flames stretch twelve feet out and are three feet wide. The fire hits the creature center mass and sends it flying twelve feet backward. Dade's eyes widen and he looks at Kett. Dade: "Did you know she could do that?"
Kett: "Nope. I don't even know how to breathe fire."
Kanna: "I never did that before. It just happened."
Oktai smiles, "I may have never been a bender, but I have a tendency to bring out the best in people."
Kanna shouts, "Dade, behind you!"
Dade turns around and notices a tiger that is less than fifteen feet away from him. Dade steadies his sword. Oktai: "Yes young man, be patient. Control your fear. You must control your fear if you are to be victorious. Do not panic or it will take you apart. These tigers are much faster than men and have sharper reflexes. However, your sword has more range."
Oktai: "Feel the steps of the creature and be at inner peace." Dade takes a deep breath. Oktai: "Now, step forward with a vertical blow. In one smooth motion." The tiger closes in on Dade and leaps forward. Dade steps forward and swings his sword upwards. As the tiger extends its right arm to swipe Dade, its face is carved in two by Dade's sword.
Blood splashes from the puncture and its body falls still. Dade takes several deep breaths and looks in horror at his blade. Kett: "What have you done? He could have DIED?! We could have been KILLED!"
Oktai responds, "But you weren't. I said I would test you. If you know the tales, only the worthy may train with me. Only one student died during my tests. Because when I sense a student is unworthy, I do not train that student. I felt you all were worthy and so you were tested."
Dade: "One died?"
Oktai responds, "Well, yes. It was after he passed the initial test. I felt a strong spiritual inclination that you were all immediately ready for a big test. Also judging by your appearances, you are all near graduation. In a school like Nyarri, you should be ready."
Dade: "How did he die?"
Oktai: "He was tasked with going into a cave and retrieving an important object. He failed and was dispatched by a bear. But do not worry, everyone's test is different. This was your live action test. All students are different, so live tests happen at different times. You are the only the third students I tested in this way on the spot. Your future tests will not be in combat, but will be mental."
Dade: "You could be court marshaled for this."
Oktai: "You all sought me out. The Fire Nation knows I am a man of wisdom, they will not dare chase me. There are spiritual risks that come with such actions."
Dade: "You really are nuts."
Oktai nods, " We will begin basic training in this same spot next week. I get the feeling you have difficult schedules."
Kett: "We came for Dade to be trained, not me or Kanna."
Oktai rubs his hands together, "Indeed, but I will indirectly train you all. Just like I already have. By training Dade, you will all learn and I want you all to accompany him."
Kett: "Don't worry, we wouldn't leave him around a nut like you."
Oktai comments, "Before you all go, take these with you." Oktai gives the students beeds.
As they walk away Kett tosses his beads aside. Kanna stares at her's. Kett: "Get rid of that garbage. There is no use in it."
Kanna: "It just looks interesting."
Dade: "I still want to train. That man was in-shape for someone his age. He seems nuts, but his methods do work."
Kett: "You really want to train with that lunatic."
Dade: "Everyone's path is different Kett, you know that. As long as I'm heading in the right direction. If I don't do anything, those noble kids or kids whose fathers are still alive have someone to help them. I can't do this all alone. I'm going to need you Kett, and you Kanna, and I'm going to need an instructor."
Kett laughs, "Wait until Macai hears this."
Seasons Changing
Macai, Kett, Kanna, and Dade are talking in the cafeteria during a school day. Macai: "Wait, seriously?"
Kett: "Yes, I know it's crazy."
Macai: "Nice job breathing fire, Kanna. Looks like everyone is developing well. I can't wait for this tournament."
Kanna: "Hopefully we won't have to go against each other."
Kett: "Hey if we do, at least we made it that far together."
Dade: "Yeah, unless they make you guys fight in the first round. Ha ha ha."
Macai: "Let's pray against that."
Kanna nods her head in agreement. Kett: "Next time you'll have to come in my place Macai. I'm visiting my grandmother next weekend."
Macai: "Nothing says tough guy like someone who loves his grandmother."
Kett: "My grandmother is the strongest person that I know."
Macai: "I don't doubt it. My mother is the strongest and wisest person I know."
Kanna smiles, "That's so nice." Dade nods his head.
Dade: "My mother is the toughest person I know, but not the most pleasant. So I appreciate the sentiment as well."
Kanna: "I love both of my parents."
Macai: "Same, but my bond with my mom is just different. I respect my father more than anything."
A few days later; Macai, Dade, and Kanna travel toward Oktai's retreat. It is a rainy day, the sky is grey, and it is roughly 7.22 Celsius (45 Degrees) outside. Macai: "Well, it smells like sulfur outside."
Dade: "I guess he uses a different scent for a different day or session."
Oktai waits in the middle of his camp with his arms extended. Oktai: "Welcome, students."
Dade: "Hey."
Kanna: "Hi."
Macai: "Hello."
Oktai looks at Macai face to face. Oktai: "Hmm, you are also different. Your destiny seems to be special. But I can't fully analyze you. There seems to be a cloud of mystery around you."
Macai looks back in Oktai's eyes. Macai: "Really?"
Oktai: "You are a bold one, but not in the way of Kett or most young men. You seem unusually wise for your age."
Macai: "Thanks, I get it from my mother and a friend who is actually wiser than I. To some degree anyway, but he is more combative."
Oktai: "Hmm and you have a relationship with someone. Someone who is a girl of swirling coldness and darkness."
Macai: "Darkness?"
Kanna: "Azula." '
Macai: "Yeah, I don't need a lecture."
Oktai: "Not a lecture. I think there may be a speckle of light in her, but it is dim. Perhaps it will spark, but I can't say for certain if it will. But you, I can't guess anything about your destiny. All I know is it is big."
Macai chuckles, "So are you going to test me too?"
Oktai: "No, I don't think I will. You already have an instructor do you not?"
Macai: "I do."
Oktai: "I may test you one day, but you can still learn from what I've taught the others."
Dade: "What now?"
Oktai: "We train." Oktai makes Dade runs across the jungle and run through several routes that where he left markings to guide him. After Dade runs the routes.
Oktai makes Dade practice several sword attacks. Oktai: "Now then, ready your sword and keep a good grip on it." Breath in and out with control and inner peace. Dade breaths. Oktai: "Perform a leaping right strike, now." Dade lunges forward and swings his blade left diagonally.
Oktai: "No! You were too sloppy. Do it again more sharply. Let me demonstrate." Oktai spins forward and swings his blade left diagonally. However, Oktai does it in an immaculate manner, looking nearly perfect in form. Dade tries again and Oktai shakes his head. For the next twenty minutes, Dade constantly reattempts the same movement and fails.
Dade: "That's good enough! You are ridiculous!"
Oktai: "No, Dade. This is all part of the learning experience. One step at a time, we must perfect every step. If there is any hole in your style, your enemies will exploit it. You told me that you want to be great. You traveled out of your way to get here. Make it count, Dade."
Dade continues the drill for another five minutes until he eventually perfects the movement. Oktai: "Excellent, now then let us practice the next maneuver." Training continues slowly in this manner but, gradually Dade learns each attack.
The next week Dade returns. This time it is a hot day and is over 30 Celsius (90 degrees) outside. Dade constantly sweats as he trains in the heat. This time Kett and Macai watch in the distance. Dade soon masters every basic movement and attack. Oktai then makes Dade combine his attacks into combinations. Dade puts his attacks together one at a time and they sit as he swings around his sword.
Kett comments, "He looks really good, but I want to see how good he actually is in combat."
Oktai smiles, "In due time. For now, there are still steps to be taken."
Oktai blindfolds Dade, "Now then, they the test just as before."
Dade: "How am I supposed to fight while blind?"
Oktai: "Trust your inner instincts. Like I taught you before. Remember the movements, remember the steps, it is in your muscle memory. The best students can feel the movements of their enemies and know how to use their ears just as well as their eyes. We often get spoiled fighting with clear vision and over-rely on our eyes. This will fix that."
Dade follows the motion while blindfolded and makes constant mistakes at first. The repetitions occur and soon Dade looks sharp while blind.
Oktai: "I have a new test. While you stand there blindfolded, I will throw several objects at you. I want you to sense them coming and block each one. You must have faith, if you are to successfully defend yourself."
Dade nods his head. Oktai swiftly throws a rock at Dade's right shoulder. Dade tilts his sword left and knocks the rock aside. Oktai tosses another rock at Dade's left abdomen. Dade pulls his sword down left and blocks the attack. Oktai launches a third rock Dade's nose and Dade raises it too swiftly and swings past the rock. The rock flies into Dade's nose and everyone hears a pop.
Dade stumbles and Oktai says, "Back in battle position. Keep a clear mind. Hits are a part of the process." Oktai throws another rock at Dade's right nipple and Dade swings too far right and is hit. Dade backpedals. Oktai: "Ready yourself!" Oktai throws another rock Dade's left knee.
Dade bends his knee and tilts his sword low blocking the rock. His instructor throws another rock at Dade's forehead. Dade barely lifts his blade and is knocked down, leaving a red mark on his forehead. Oktai: "Enough for now, we will try again later."
By the end of that day, Dade stands and coincidentally says, "I am ready." Oktai nods his head. Oktai tosses a rock at Dade's left shoulder, Dade moves his blade left and blocks the rock. The instructor tosses another at Dade's right shoulder and Dade swiftly pivots and swats the rock aside. Oktai tosses another rock at Dade's nose and Dade ducks.
Oktai throws another rock at Dade's chest. Dade easily swats it aside. Oktai tosses a rock at Dade's left knee and Dade rotates his body to avoid the attack. Then Dade shifts back in his battle stance. Oktai claps, "You learn very quickly. Remember Dade, sometimes in life you will get hit. We prefer to not get hit, but the most important thing, is how you recover from the hits you take.
Oktai: "You may take off your blindfold." Dade does as he is instructed then knees in front of his instructor. Oktai does the same to respect his student. Oktai: "You have earned my respect Dade."
Macai looks at Kett in surprise and Macai smiles. Macai: "Reminds me of my training."
The next time Macai goes to his training, he asks Hazo, "Sir, permission for a special request."
Hazo: "Of course Macai."
Macai: "May I train while blindfolded this time."
Hazo raises an eyebrow, "Really?"
Macai: "The best benders know how to fight using our ears as well as our eyes."
Hazo responds, "That's an interesting proverb, but if you want to try it out then sure."
Macai goes through the basic movements with his blindfold and attacks with little mistakes on his first try. Hazo observes, WOW, this kid is special.
Macai asks, "How did I look?"
Hazo: "You got most of it down, but I want you to move a bit more fluidly. Like you normally do. Great start." Within the next week of training, Macai fluidly fights while blindfolded. Hazo tosses several objects at Macai while he is blindfolded and Macai dodges them all with ease.
Hazo then orders Macai to attack several stationary targets. This is where Macai messes up, he completely misses all of his targets. Hazo: "I'm not a pro at fighting while blind, but take off your blindfold and look at what you did." Macai raises his blindfold and notices burns throughout the ground but not on the targets.
Hazo: "Try to feel where the objects are around you. If you can. Sounds like something an earthbender would be better at, but maybe you can manage it."
Macai trusts in his instincts and then swiftly opens fire and hits all of the targets right in the center. Hazo: "Take off your blindfold and see how you did." Macai takes it off and smiles widely.
By the next week, Oktai looks at Dade face to face. Kanna, Kett, and Macai peers in the distance. It is a bright morning. The sky is a mix of teal and orange as the sun rises. Oktai: "You have passed all basic tests, but one. You must face me."
Dade gets in his battle stance. Oktai: "Let's see how much you have truly learned." Oktai advances and swings vertically at Dade. Dade tilts his blade diagonally and locks blades with his instructor. Dade shifts Oktai's blade in the right direction then vertically swings Oktai's right arm. Oktai leaps left and sprints toward Dade.
Oktai aims his blade low then lifts it with an upper diagonal strike toward Dade's right shoulder to break his guard. This is an advanced attack. Dade leaps left then pivots forward with a spinning horizontal attack toward Oktai's left shoulder. Oktai twirls his blade and turns it right, blocking the strike.
Oktai shifts Dade's blade up and swings a second time at Dade's right wrist. In most cases, there is nothing Dade can do to evade such an attack. However, Dade tries an unorthodox move. Dade makes himself fall backward on his back, causing him to evade the strike. Oktai leaps forward to aim his blade at Dade, but Dade rolls left and jumps back on his feet.
Oktai swings diagonally at Dade's left shoulder and Dade pivots his shoulder blocking the attack. Then Dade leaps forward and kicks Oktai in his stomach. Oktai falls two feet backward in the dirt and drops his blade. When Oktai gets up Dade grabs Oktai's blade with his left hand and aims them both at his instructor.
Macai and Kanna's eyes widen. Kett shouts, "Yeah, that's my friend!"
Oktai nods in respect, "Well done. You are ready Dade." Kanna, Kett, and Macai charge behind Dade. As soon as he turns around his friends start cheering. For the rest of the day, Dade celebrates with his friends.
Right Where I Want To Be
Macai looks at his friend Dade and smiles, "You did it. You are now a great duelist. They will be so shocked during the non-bender tournament. You are going to be phenomenal."
Kett: "I wonder why Oktai was dishonorably discharged."
Dade: "That's a good question, maybe I will ask him next time."
Kanna: "You should, but it might be a sensitive subject. Respect his boundaries."
Dade: "As if I have a choice. I still feel like he was holding back during that last session."
Kett: "Maybe or maybe you're THAT good now. But he still is a crafty man, I wouldn't even want to be on his bad side."
Macai takes a deep breath. Kanna: "What is it?"
Macai: "Nothing, I just know we have some big shoes to fill. This tournament is going to be insane."
Kett: "Not more insane, than any other day in life at Nyarri. We will do just fine. Win, lose, or draw. Life goes on Macai."
Macai: "I still don't fully understand that. I can't imagine life without."
Kett: "One day you will."
Dade: "In the meantime, let us enjoy the pre-tournament festivities."
Macai: "Oh yeah, there is a huge celebration before the tournament right?"
Kanna: "Yep, you're going to love it."
Kett: "It's so much fun. Even I must admit. I attend the one last year for the students a year above of us, before they graduate. There are fireworks, there is great food, people wear cool costumes, and there are music performers."
Macai: "So basically, the same as Chiko's celebration."
Kett: "There are also balloons which Chiko's celebration didn't have and it's on a much bigger scale. Nobles celebrate separately, you can celebrate with us. Maybe Chiko and Kento will come too."
Macai: "I think so, I like the sound of that."
Later that day, Macai returns home. Macai glances at Zyger in the living room. Macai: "How is it going Zyger?"
Zyger: "Great, I played a bet recently and won out on some money. About one of those Komodo Rhino races."
Macai: "Ahh gambling, I can't find any use in such activities."
Zyger: "Good, it's a bad habit even when you're good like me."
Macai: "One of your only habits that I dart my eyes about."
Zyger: "No one's perfect, but I only gamble for fun and in official and safer ways."
Macai: "Are you excited for this annual city celebration?"
Zyger: "Absolutely."
Macai: "I know the tournaments are risky, but you should bet on me. If you're going to bet."
Zyger: "Yes they are risky, even for my taste. But I'll definitely bet on you."
Macai smiles, "I'm glad you have faith in me."
Zyger: "Well, you're easier to have faith in than anyone else I can think of."
Macai: "Thanks." Macai walks upstairs and knocks on his mother's door. Yosari opens it with a smile.
Yosari: "How's it going, son?"
Macai: "Wonderfully, you look as beautiful as ever. Are you looking forward to the city celebration?"
Yosari: "Definitely. I can't wait to see what the city has to offer this time. I have a couple of friends who will be there and one who will be visiting me from the Capitol."
Macai: "Who?"
Yosari: "You know Su-Wei."
Macai: "That's right, she's such a nice lady. I'm happy for you, I know you'll have fun."
Yosari: "I definitely will son."
A week later, the celebration begins. The sky is covered with confetti that is tossed from rooftops. Soldiers stand outside as masses of people cheer and shout during the celebration. Trumpets can be heard flaring throughout the streets and bongs are beaten. Drums and flutes are also played in the streets.
While in the crowd Kett, Macai, Kanna, Chiko, Kento, and Dade stand together watching the fireworks. Macai (to Chiko): "You know this is really special, but it's not quite the same as that celebration your father had."
Chiko: "Well that means a lot coming from someone who comes from the Capitol. For someone like you, I'd think bigger is better for you."
Macai: "Don't forget that I grew up as a noble. In the Capital, nobles have private celebrations in addition to the city celebrations. While most people can only afford to enjoy the public ones in the Capitol."
Chiko: "That certainly makes sense."
Kett: "I see where you're coming from Macai. You can do more, but with fewer people in the smaller celebrations. However, the bigger celebrations allow you to see more and you can pick up that energy with the crowd."
Kanna: "Yes, but honestly sometimes simple vibes are the best. But let's enjoy this for what it is, and it is great."
Macai: "It is great, it has a different style than the big Capitol celebrations. The music has a bit more soul to it."
Kett: "Yes, there is something special about this valley and the mountain near it. We sing our own song."
Chiko: "Look, it's Uriah again."
Kento: "And his friends Takagi and Kaneko."
Macai looks ahead as they arrive. Uriah: "It's good to see you, Macai. We don't have long before the big celebration, so we thought we might as well say some encouraging words."
Kett: "Go somewhere else with that."
Uriah: "Kett, we've not done anything bad for months. Be fair, will you. No need for grudges."
Dade: "To be fair, they have been more mature recently."
Kett: "We grew up with these guys and they always had some sort of angle."
Takagi: "Yes as children. I think we've grown past that. We're nearly legal adults guys. It's time we start acting like it. Heck, most of us already are. Kett already is, I already am. Sixteen is the legal adult age you know."
Kett: "I know."
Uriah: "We've grown a lot since then."
Macai: "As if that magical year makes a difference. Sixteen is when society expects us to be at a certain point, but it is no biological change."
Kaneko: "If the state believes we should be at some point by then, then why can't you?"
Macai: "I'm not saying that you're not. That wouldn't be my place."
Uriah: "Anyway, best wishes Macai. You were a beast in winter training. Kanna and Kett also earned our respect. We know you'll all do great during the tournament. We just wanted to show our respect. That's all."
Dade: "Good luck Uriah."
Kett: "Best wishes to you guys, if you all are truly being sincere."
Kanna: "Best wishes."
Takagi: "Thank you. Who are these other two guys?"
Chiko: "I'm Chiko and this is my brother Kento."
Kaneko: "Nice to meet you both."
Kento: "Likewise."
Uriah: "Wait before you all go, let's have a toast. Several drinks to celebrate."
Kett: "I don't know about.."
Macai: "Ok, fine a toast to a bright new year."
Kett: "They have a tea maker a half a block away." Everyone walks to the tea makes and brews their own tea. Uriah stands next to Macai while he is sipping his tea. Uriah has a pill that contains an extract from a non-lethal yet performing degrading substance in his right pocket which has a delayed effect that wouldn't happen until Macai's performance day.
Uriah thinks, I just need to slip it in Macai's drink somehow. Macai starts drinking his tea and suddenly hears a commotion from a distant crowd when a drunk man is kicked out of a bar and escorted by two fire nation soldiers. While Macai and the others are distracted, Uriah tosses a dissolvable pill into Macai's drink.
Macai and everyone finishes their tea. Dade: "Ok, it's been nice talking with you all. We now want to have our own moment." Uriah, Takagi, and Kaneko depart.
Takagi: "Did you get him?"
Uriah: "Yes, I poisoned his drink. Don't worry, it won't kill him. It'll just make him slower and perform worse during the tournament. Which is all we need. It won't happen right away, during the first day. So that gives him a chance to win the first two rounds of the tournament. But after a couple of days, it will happen. By round 3, it should take effect."
Takagi: "Sounds good to me, we need his defeat to make sense."
Kaneko: "Also if one of us faces him by round 3, then we can have the privilege of beating him and getting decent credit."
Uriah: "I'll see what my father can do. Maybe there is a way we can better our chances of one of us facing him on that round. Anyway, I can't wait to see the real fireworks on tournament day." They laugh.