On the morning of her sixteenth birthday, Zia woke to the sound of someone pounding on her bedroom door. Sleepily, she turned to look at the candle on her bedside table that kept time by burning an inch every hour. It was only three in the morning. She rubbed her eyes to be sure, then threw back the covers.
Who in the world could be pounding on her door at this hour of the morning? She thought irritably. She jerked the door open and her maid, Li, rushed in. She bustled around the room, quickly stuffing some of Zia's belongings into a satchel she carried.
As the daughter of a Fire Nation general, Zia was accustom to having servants, though she preferred to do almost everything on her own. This was a constant annoyance to her father who believed that Zia should spend more time learning how to act like a lady and less time dueling with his soldiers and practicing her Firebending.
"Li!" Zia demanded, "What the blue-blazes are you doing?" She crossed her arms and blew a wisp of dark hair out of her face.
"Hurry, Zia!" said Li in an urgent tone, "You must dress and come with me immediately!"
"Why?" insisted Zia stubbornly, "Is Papa trying to send me off to some damned boarding school again? This is a horrible hour of the morning for him to start trying to turn me into a lady."
Li paused with her packing for a moment, "No, I'm afraid this is much more serious than what school General Jon would send you to. The Fire Sages are here."
That got Zia moving. She began to dress quickly as her mind began to run wild.
The Fire Sages! They only came on matters of the greatest importance. Sometimes even the Firelord wasn't aware of their confidential dealings. What could they want with her? And why did Li think she needed to pack?
Zia pulled on her boots and Li, who was waiting for her by the door, led her down the halls to her father's study where three Fire Sages and her father were waiting for her. To her surprise, everyone bowed deeply to her when she entered.
One of the Sages, the shortest, greeted her. "It is truly an honor to be in your presence, Great One."
Zia was taken aback by their praise. Why were they treating her like royalty? She bowed respectfully in return, trying to hide her confused expression.
"Zia…." Her Father began. He wrung his hands absent-mindedly and wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. "The Sages have something very important to tell you."
Zia's gaze swung back to the Sages. She looked at them expectantly.
A Sage with a large mustache stepped forward. His deep voice was filled with humility and respect. "As you know, into every generation is born the Avatar," he said evenly, "Master of all four elements and the bridge between our world and the Spirit World. It is the Avatar's duty to maintain balance. Zia," He paused now and bowed deeply once again, "You are the Avatar."
Zia watched in shock as the Sages knelt before her, followed by her own father.
"It is our duty, and honor to serve you, Avatar Zia." The lead Sage with the mustache said.
Zia took an involuntary step backwards. She was the Avatar? How could this be? She was only a Firebender, nothing more. How could she possibly defend the entire world? It was all too much for her to take in.
"Are you…" She swallowed a lump in her throat, "Are you sure?"
"Quite sure," one of the Sages spoke, his face still downward. "The spirits do not make mistakes in matters of such great importance."
For the first time in her life, Zia didn't know what to say or do. She stood rooted to the spot, unable to move.
"We are here to help speed you on your way to learning the other three elements." The third sage said solemnly.
Zia slowly began to fully comprehend the situation. They wanted her to leave home! She would have adventures like she'd always dreamed about, but never had because of her father's fear of losing her as he had her mother.
She looked at the people in the room before her, realizing they were still kneeling before her. She motioned for them to rise.
I hope everyone doesn't bow to me like that, thought Zia.
"We would have announced it formally at your birthday celebration," explained the lead Sage, "But our spies have reported that there is a threat to the new Avatar's life."
Zia's eyebrows shot up. "Someone wants to kill me? Why?"
"The details are very vague, "the Sage explained, "But we have reason to believe that your life, should your identity become known, is in grave peril. We are here to make sure that you are safely escorted on your way to begin your Waterbending training."
Zia glanced at her father. He had not spoken since the Fire Sages had announced her identity. He stood by silently, his head bowed. He stroked his short beard thoughtfully.
"Papa?" asked Zia hesitantly.
He looked up suddenly, his gaze locking on his daughters. Zia was surprised to find that there were tears in his gray eyes. "It is your duty," said her father, struggling to keep the sadness out of his voice. "I, of all people, know the importance of duty. I also knew that the day would come when you would leave me to lead a life of your own." He placed both hands on Zia's shoulders. "I just didn't think it would be so soon or under these circumstances."
Zia swallowed, trying to make the lump in her throat go away.
"You are a free spirit, Zia," her father continued. "Just like your mother was. I must trust you to take care of yourself," He half-smiled at that, "And that is something I know you can do."
Zia embraced her father then. She had never thought that he knew her so well. She had never imagined that he might understand her desire to be free and on her own. Yet he understood perfectly, which was partially the reason he had never let her go.
General Jon hugged his daughter tightly, wishing that she wasn't so much like her mother, yet proud that she was. "Take care, Zia." He could not speak above a whisper for fear that his voice would break. "Go with my blessing." He released her then, offering an encouraging smile.
"Thank you, Papa." Zia was surprised to hear a quiver in her voice. She quickly wiped the moisture from her own eyes.
The Sages stood by politely, not wanting to interrupt the exchange between father and daughter. Finally, the shortest Sage spoke. "With your permission," he nodded to Zia's father. "It is rather urgent that the Avatar leave at once."
General Jon nodded in understanding. "Be safe." He said to his daughter.
"Yes, Papa." She replied just before the lead Sage took her by the elbow and led her away.
So what do you think? I know it's kind of boring right now, but there's an action scene coming up before too long. That is, if I continue with the story. I'm still not sure if it sucks or not so let me know! I'm better at writing action scenes than emotional fluff. Lol.
Until next time,
Flameo, hotman! ^_^