Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar.
Time is irrelevant. It is just a measure of how long some event takes place; if no one existed on Earth, time wouldn't exist. Of course, the universe would keep going and all, but time wouldn't be there.
Humans obsess themselves with time, trying to save some for later by scurrying around in the dirt, mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, and trimming the trees all at the same time. And what do they do with the time they have left over? Absolutely nothing. They sit around watching TV shows that are basically boring soap operas, or they play video games that in a couple weeks after they've finished or got bored with it they'll put in the back of the closet where it'll gather dust. And those who interrupt their moments of utmost laziness look out! How dare others tell them they should walk the dog or be a part of their own family!
A human could never be satisfied; it's not in their nature. It's also not in their nature to be perfect, but they never give up on that idea. They're always striving to invent new ways to change themselves and to bring to life other impossibilities such as equality. Sometimes humans go to the extreme to change; plastic surgery, boob jobs, sex changes, all the while never stopping and appreciating what God has already given them. They tattoo their bodies and wear the latest fashions that show off too much without showing off everything. But beauty fades, people grow old, and the fashions of today change faster than the day itself.
Before the Civil War, the United States of America was the farthest thing from being perfect and equal, what with slavery and all. But it changed over the next 200 or so years, and thanks to the Civil Rights movement, the people of that country have come out ahead. Sure, they're still not entirely equal, such status could never be reached. Communism, the Soviet Union, and stories like Harrison Bergeron have shown them that. Even so, there is still room for improvement. For example, if a group of African Americans got together and made an all black college, nobody would have any complaints to bring to light. However, if people formed an all white college, the word "scandal" is brought to mind, and that's just the beginning of that fiasco.
Humans are a mystery. Emotions cloud their eyes and minds, making them completely unpredictable and complicated. And if it's not enough for humans themselves to be convoluted, everything they come in contact with they have to make complex beyond understanding. Then they look at the few of their kind with some sense in them and call them stupid or other various names of negative meaning just because they don't share in their views on politics, money, time, and material possessions. Why are humans like that? After all, time itself is irrelevant.
-excerpt from Cadmus' "Journal of an IbisMergeron"
Chapter 4: Dirty White Boy
Prince Zuko sat alone in his room in front of the small, candle-lit table. The eyes of the dragon-head that hung on the wall a little above the sanctuary watched as the prince directly across from it attempted to meditate. This was not the very first time the dragon-head had witnessed such an event; in fact, it was one of the only activities the boy ever participated in since his banishment. As it was only a ceremonial figure-head, the dragon-head could not comprehend the significance of the ritual Zuko was carrying out. Few people in the world did things like that anymore, but once dragons were a huge part of everyone's lives and thoughts. They were revered creatures that made frequent appearances all around the world. After the war started, however, the dragons failed to be seen anywhere. The old respect that people had for them faded almost as quickly as the mighty reptiles did. The Fire Lord of the time helped this process even more by hunting down gamins, (people who specialized in various services to dragons) and lakshies (servants of dragons who were granted special powers). Now these magnificent animals could only be found in bedtime stories, around the campfire, or in rooms such as this one, where they were still remembered and sought for comfort.
Zuko tried to concentrate on the flames that were atop the white candlesticks, but couldn't. People who think themselves wise say that the best way to meditate is to clear your head of all thought, but the astute of the world knew that this never works. If an individual tried the former of the theories, he would find that every time you cleared your mind, awful thoughts rush in, flocks of vultures on an untouched rotting corpse. This was certainly Zuko's problem, and even though he was trying to calm himself and concentrate on the fire instead of clearing his mind, unwanted visions kept swirling around in his brain. It didn't help at all that his physical being hurt just as much as his mental one did.
"Uhhh." Zuko finally gave up, resting his head in his lap. The pale spiders that were now his hands rubbed his temples. His whole body was not only sore, but thin from neglect. "Why…" he murmured for the umpteenth time. Flickers of last week's horrific meeting flashed through his mind, too powerful to stop.
Ha, ha, ha! I leave you hanging again! ;p MWVAHAHAHAH!
Hem hem…sorry 'bout that. Couldn't help myself. So, what do you think? REVIEW! And don't worry, you'll see the flashback at the beginning of next chapter, okay?