The Water Bender and the Fire Prince//Zuko Fanfiction

10 ~ Zuzu

Enyo walked through the small Earth Kingdom town carrying a bag of vegetables. The bag had slowly gained weight as she walked through the marketplace, picking up various food and supplies, including a massive cabbage from an enthusiastic merchant. 

Enyo, Iroh, and Zuko had arrived on the Earth Kingdom shores a few weeks ago. Since then, they had been darting from town to town, trying their best to avoid being recognized. It wasn't as though they were fugitives-- Zuko was the only one banished-- but it was better to avoid trouble, especially from Earthbenders.

Enyo pulled the bag strap higher up her shoulder. The weight was pulling it downwards. 

Iroh had sent her into town to grab a few supplies. They were running short and Enyo was fairly certain they'd be moving towns soon. It would be best to reach a big city, and then it would become easy to blend in. They were heading for Omashu but had changed route towards Ba Sing Se after hearing of Omashu's capture.

Enyo turned the corner and shifted the bag to her other shoulder. If she was lucky, Zuko and Iroh would still be near the spa she had left them at-- Iroh had insisted on getting a massage, and Zuko was cranky.

The road was worn, and a warm spring wind pushed her hair back. Winter was finally fading and a few tiny flowers were starting to pop up at the edge of the dusty road. A few of the houses she passed had their windows and doors propped open, colourful curtains bobbing in the breeze.

Enyo turned another corner and came into sight of the spa. The bag hit the ground and she stared. Those were Fire Nation guards outside of it. How the hell had Zuko and Iroh messed up enough in the hour she had been gone to attract the attention of the Fire Nation?

Enyo frowned as she picked the bag up, beginning to approach. These weren't normal for soldiers though. They weren't the kind that typically patrolled the Earth Kingdom towns. Her eyes darted to the arms of the uniforms, which bore the royal insignia-- she had seen it many times whenever Zuko wore his.

It was a visit from the royal family.

Enyo quickened her pace until she stood just behind the soldiers. Inside the spa, she saw a short girl, with harsh facial lines and sharp eyes, talking to Iroh and Zuko.

Enyo stepped around the soldiers, staring at the girl. Why did she look so familiar?

"Enyo!" 

Enyo stifled a frown. She knew that tone from Iroh. His voice had a mild shake to it-- he was nervous. 

"Who is this?"

Enyo straightened her shoulders at the scorn in the girl's tone. Enyo might not be Fire Nation, but this girl didn't get to speak to her like that. 

"My goddaughter, Enyo," Iroh gestured for her to approach and stand near him. She did so. "Enyo, this is my niece, Princess Azula."

Enyo's eyebrows jumped, and she bowed-- it was more respect than she normally afforded Zuko and Iroh, but the way that Azula focused her beady eyes on Enyo made her nervous. Enyo had known that Zuko had a sister, but had never expected to meet her. Did Enyo have a sister? She shuffled slightly, brushing one hand back to touch the spear on her back. The other hand went into her pocket, clutching the two stones. She still had no inkling as to what they meant, but they had to be good luck.

Azula scanned her once and turned her gaze away, evidently bored. Enyo pursed her lips. She wasn't Azula's target. 

"What are you doing here?" Zuko stepped forward. Enyo stepped back. This place was made of wood. If these two started bending, this whole place would burn down. 

"Always so quick to the point," Azula scoffed. She straightened, moving towards the door. 

Enyo reached for her bending. There were a few pots of water around that she could pull from if needed.