The Saga of Kazai
Chapter 2: The New Avatar

A/N: At long last, the saga will continue.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor do I own any of the characters or locations from that show. However, I do own Kazai and all of the other original characters that you will meet in this story, as well as the idea for this story.

Please enjoy.

The excitement turned to shock as people began to turn to stare at me. I just stood there, unable to move. The Avatar? Me? Surely there must be a mistake.

"Get up there," someone hissed.

A little life kicked into my legs, and I began walking toward the platform. The crowd parted as I advanced, giving me perhaps far more room than was necessary. Torri sensed my discomfort and nuzzled my cheek, but I could barely feel it as I made my way up the steps. The Fire Sages dropped to their knees in front of me. "It will be a pleasure serving you, Avatar," they intoned.

I just stared. Was I supposed to say something? "Um...thank you, Fire Sages," I managed. "I look forward to...being the Avatar?"

That seemed to satisfy them, and they rose. Fire Sage Hiro approached me. "Turn around," he whispered.

Reluctantly, I did so. As I did, I could see the looks of the people in the crowd. There was shock, confusion, even anger in some cases. He stepped close to me. "Say something to them," he whispered.

Like what? I'm your Avatar, please don't kill me?

"Um..." I started. "Hi, everyone. I guess I'm your new Avatar."

Hostile silence greeted my words. A sigh escaped my lips. "I get it, you're not happy it's me," I said. "All I can promise is that I'll do my best to...protect the world...and stuff. That's what the Avatar does, right?"

Someone coughed, and in the back, I could hear a baby crying. "Well," I continued. "If that's all, I guess I'll get going. See you around."

I began walking down the stairs, followed closely by the Fire Sages. The crowd took a few more steps back. Torri squawked furiously at them as we walked past. He was going to get a lot of extra meat for dinner.

"Wait! Kazai?!"

Mother and Father came racing after us. I kept walking. "Kazai!" Mother yelled furiously. "Hold it right there, young lady!"

Sighing, I paused and let them catch up. The Fire Sages eyed them warily. "Avatar Kazai, are these your parents?" one asked.

"Yes."

"Ah, good. This will make things easier," Hiro said. "Lead on, Avatar Kazai."

We continued on to my house. The Fire Sages studied it for a moment before entering. I guess they'd never willingly entered a lower class house before. Once inside, Mother busied herself with making some tea while Father and I sat with the Sages in the main room. I stared at them, wondering what on earth was about to happen.

Hiro spoke first. "I'm sure that you are a little shocked at today's events, Avatar Kazai. As are you, Sir."

Father nodded. "Indeed, I think the entire town is. But there is no need to be so formal with me. You can call me Ryozo," he said. "Now then, please, what do we need to know?"

The Fire Sages nodded in approval. "Very well, Ryozo. Avatar Kazai, you now need to begin your training in the other elements. I believe you are already proficient in Firebending?"

"Well, I didn't go to the Shu Jing Firebending Academy to learn pottery."

The Fire Sages all laughed at that. Then a second Fire Sage spoke up. "We will have to test you before you can move on to Airbending, Avatar Kazai" he said. "Just as a formality, of course."

Of course.

"Where will I be training in Airbending?" I asked.

"Airbending?! What's this about Airbending?" Mother demanded as she entered with the tea.

Hiro frowned at her. "Surely, Madam, you're aware that the Avatar is able to bend more than just her native element?"

"Of course I am. But are you sure that my daughter is the Avatar?"

"Completely sure."

I raised my hand, redirecting their attention. "How do you know?" I asked. "I certainly didn't."

The Fire Sages all smiled. "After Avatar Dato passed, all newborns in the Fire Nation were brought before the Fire Sages for testing. You passed the test."

I frowned in confusion. "What test was this?" I asked.

In response, a Fire Sage pulled out a rolled up cloth and put it in front of me. When I opened it, I recognized some toys from my youth. There was a clay turtle, a hand drum...four toys in all. I glanced up at them. "Why do you have my old toys?" I asked.

"These are the four Avatar relics. You chose these four out of hundreds and hundreds of choices."

I blinked, then stared back at the toys. "Are you sure I didn't pick them because I liked them?" I asked.

"You chose them because you recognized them," Hiro replied. "And for no other reason. You are without a doubt our new Avatar."

A moment passed. Then a smile began to spread across my face as the news sunk in. "All right then. I'm the Avatar," I said.

"But what about marriage? Family? She's a woman – she can't go around the world getting into fights! That's not her job!" Mother protested.

The Fire Sages, Father, and I all stared at her in shock. "Heina, why are you being so hostile about this?" Father asked. "Kazai's the Avatar – you should be proud of her!"

She pursed her lips. "Of course I'm proud of having the Avatar for a daughter," she replied.

Hiro shook his head. "Madam, the Avatar's training is not optional," he said sternly. "She has a responsibility to our world and to the Spirit World. Once she's fully trained, she can consider other things, but not before."

Mother looked like she'd been slapped. I heard her mutter something about "proper place" before she exited the room. Father looked embarrassed as he watched her go. "I apologize for my wife," he said. "I don't know what's wrong with her."

Hiro just waved his hand. "Have no worries, Ryozo. There is always some measure of reservation from the parents of the Avatar...and usually the Avatar herself."

I shrugged. "I don't have any reservations," I replied. "When do I need to take my Firebending test?"

"Now."

Remember to review. Don't make me get Koh out here.