Naya and the Last Airbender

iv. All Hail...

A few weeks later...

NAYA was frightened.

Ursa disappeared not long ago, leaving her and Zuko alone. Although she had her parents, Naya didn't see much of her mother. Her father was around periodically, but not enough to satisfy her.

Zuko also concerned Naya. Although they rekindled after the heartbreaking events that loomed over the palace, he wasn't the same. He had a good heart, but something bad stirred inside him. All these events were a chain reaction that would lead him to combust.

Her father also voiced how uneasy he was about Ursa's disappearance and Azulon's death. They were the two who kept Naya safe against Ozai, but now that they were gone he could do whatever he pleased. It was obvious that Ozai had a deep hostility for the family, especially Naya, since Azulon cared for Toril as a son.

Ozai saw the little girl as a threat, and she would have to be eliminated. Toril was aware of Ozai's intentions and that was why he was fearful for his daughter. A threat to Ozai's power meant terrible consequences.

And that is why Naya felt wrong about getting ready for Ozai's crowning and Azulon's funeral. Why would she go if the man detests her?

"I still don't understand why-" Naya started. Her mom tugged on her hair as she braided it.

"Naya, your father and I already told you that Ozai is practically family. You have to go to this. Azulon is being laid to rest, and he was fond of you," Kanya said as she tied off her daughter's hair. It was traditional Fire Nation attire that the two wore, but they couldn't have looked so out of place.

Kanya was more Water Tribe-like than Naya. Her dark skin, brown hair and blue eyes looked foreign in contrast to the red clothing. Naya fit in only slightly more than her mother. She had hazel eyes and black hair from her dad. But what made her look so distinct from the rest of the Fire Nation was her tanned complexion, from her mother.

Her father strode into the room in his formal clothing. He was the true resemblance of a Fire Nation individual. His pale skin with amber eyes and pitch-black hair. He radiated power and authority. Her father had more respect among the Fire Nation than Kanya and Naya: the rejects.

"But Ozai hates me," Naya emphasized.

Both of her parents stood over her, something that wasn't very typical. Her parents had lives outside of the Palace, meaning they were never around.

Toril knelt down and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Do this for me, okay? Azulon raised me and he is dear to me. And we can forget about Ozai, for now."

There was a look in his eyes that told her he too was frightened. Frightened of what will become of them with Ozai's growing power.

Naya gulped, an awful sensation dwelling in her gut.

There was a knock.

Zuko emerged in the doorway with a small smile on his face. He was dressed in the Royal white and gold attire. He looked handsome. Naya could hardly look at him without her stomach doing dozens of flips.

"Pardon me Toril and Kanya, but I wanted to talk to Naya," Zuko said. He bowed while he spoke, his head down with one fist clenched and the other hand straight up. The Fire Nation's sign of respect.

Toril chuckled. "Hello, Prince Zuko. I think it's best you head to your father. We don't want to upset him. Naya will meet you at the ceremony and thereafter."

Zuko and Naya connected eyes. Her cheeks grew warm as she stared at the maturing boy, someone turning from a kid to a true Prince. Naya never felt more out of place. Zuko accustomed to his newfound status nicely, while Naya felt like a prisoner of war. She was a product of two people that weren't meant to be, living in a place that shunned everything but perfection.