Avatar Dakota

Chapter 1

Crowds accumulated on the streets of the capital city.  It had been known since the last Avatar that the next one would be a Fire bender, but very few expected the next Avatar to be part of the royal family. Many were excited to hear that their imperials were destined to help the world once more. But to every yin there's a yang, and several were jealous. Why couldn't their child be the next Avatar? They were already above everyone else, so why should a member of the royal family become Avatar?

Despite the jealousy of some and the joy of others, they all gathered on the sides of the road, throwing guesses out as to which child would be the next Avatar.

"It's gonna be Anthony. He's the oldest and strongest!"

"No way! Zoey is definitely the strongest! And she's way more agile than the rest!"

"You're crazy! It's going to be Ashe! She's the quickest and smartest of the bunch!"

Yet, all their guesses would soon prove to be wrong.

The crowds looked down the street, noticing a group of Arctic foxes dressed in white uniforms walking towards the castle. The White Lotus, as they're better known, is responsible for finding and supporting the Avatar. After 15 years and no signs of the Avatar, the only ones that were left were the imperial children.

The White Lotus ascended the grand staircase in front of them, the guards opening the doors upon reaching the top. At the end of the hall, the four red panda children sat respectfully in wait, and the Fire Lord walked forward to greet their new guests. The group of Arctic foxes gave a quick and respectful bow to the Fire Lord.

"Fire Lord Kazuo, it's an honor to stand before you today." The leader of the group stated. Kazuo smiled at them.

"The same goes to you. I never thought I'd be able to meet the White Lotus under such circumstances. Come forward and I'll introduce you to my children."

The prince and princesses kept their heads angled down and their eyes tucked low. The Fire Lord gestured to them individually in age order.

"This is my oldest son, Anthony. Next is Zoey, Ashe, and my youngest daughter, Dakota." He grinned pridefully.

The leader walked up and down the line, examining each of them carefully and thoroughly. He extended his finger and pointed.

"You. Dakota."

Dakota's head quickly shot up in surprise, followed by her siblings.

"M-Me?" She choked out meekly. The fox extended his paw to her.

"On your feet."

Dakota took his paw and stood on nervous legs. She felt as if a cold blanket had wrapped around her. She wasn't supposed to be Avatar. It was supposed to be one of her siblings, not her! She could feel her siblings glaring daggers into her back as she walked forward with the White Lotus and a very excited Fire Lord. She hid behind her father the whole way, keeping her eyes to the ground as her long tail swayed anxiously. The doors swung open, and the crowds outside quickly quieted down.

"Citizens of the Fire Nation, your new Avatar has been chosen," the Arctic fox announced with a powerful voice. It seemed like everyone leaned in just to get a glimpse.

"Introducing Avatar Dakota!" He finished. Fire Lord Kazuo pulled Dakota in front of him. The crowd was silent at first, then spontaneously erupted into cheers and applause. Dakota gave a nervous half smile and waved gently. The crowd quieted down again.

"Go on Dakota, say a few words. I'll be right here if you need me." Kazuo encouraged. Dakota's blue eyes narrowed. She wasn't exactly a talkative person, at least in front of an entire capital city.