Fire & Water: The Hybrid Bender
This is the story of Zirrinni, the daughter of a former Fire Nation Lieutenant and a Southern Water Tribe healer. Tanzo, Zirrinni's father, was banished from the Fire Nation for having fallen in love with Kami, Zirrinni's mother. While living in the Southern Water Tribe village, Kami found out Zirrinni was born with Waterbending and began to teach her when she was a little girl. Zirrinni proved to be a Waterbending prodigy.
Zirrinni was also the closest friend to Katara, a fellow Waterbender. The two were close enough friends to see each other as sisters. As the only other Waterbender in the Southern Water Tribe, Katara watched Kami teaching Zirrinni to master Waterbending.
However, things changed when Zirrinni and her mother discovered that the former was also capable of Firebending. Late one night, Kami and Zirrinni left for a seaport village in the Earth Kingdom (the same one from the show), where Zirrinni met her father. After being explained about why they were there, Tanzo taught Zirrinni everything he knew about Firebending. Tanzo and Kami were eventually married and lived happily in the Earth Kingdom.
This story shows her journey with Princess Azula after becoming a Waterbending and Firebending master.
Disclaimer: All I own in this story are Zirrinni, her parents, and her water dragon, Echo. Hiatari, Zirrinni's adopted sister, belongs to a friend of mine and will appear later on in the story
Author's Note: This will be set before Azula finds Iroh and Zuko
Zirrinni was walking through her village to pick up food, water, and supplies from the marketplace not only for her family, but her dragon, Echo. As she got all she needed, she made brief small talk with her friends from around the village. After she finished, she paid for everything then started to leave, only to accidentally bump into a girl about her age with a red ceremonial robe on, black hair, light skin, and gold eyes.
Even a brief glance told Zirrinni who she just bumped into and she looked a little scared.
"I'm so sorry, Princess Azula." Zirrinni said, giving a brief bow.
Azula looked at Zirrinni. "Your apology is accepted. May I ask you your name?"
"Zirrinni, Your Highness."
"You don't need to be so formal, Zirrinni."
The hybrid bender nodded. "What brings you to this humble village, may I ask?" She asked as she gathered all she bought and brushed any sand off that she found.
"One is that my ship needs to be refueled. The other is that I've heard stories of a girl being able to bend opposite elements. I'm hoping to meet this girl."
"Any way to identify her?"
"One way is by her eyes, they say. One blue, one gold." Azula then gave Zirrinni a full once over. "...like yours."
Zirrinni looked around anxiously. "...I try to keep it hidden as best I can."
Azula nodded. "Are you headed to your home?"
Zirrinni nodded back.
"I'll walk with you. I'd like to speak with you about something along the way."
As they walked, Azula told Zirrinni how she was hunting her uncle, Iroh, as he'd been declared a traitor to the Fire Nation.
"I've heard stories of the Dragon of the West." Zirrinni said.
"Hmm. My brother is with him. I'd be honored if you were to join me in searching for them, Zirrinni." Azula said as they soon arrived at Zirrinni's house.
"May I ask my parents?"
Azula nodded. "May I come in?"
"Sure." Zirrinni opened the door and Azula walked in first, followed by Zirrinni. "Mama, Papa! I'm back! And I've brought a guest!" She called out.
Tanzo walked to his daughter, only to freeze at the sight of the princess of the Fire Nation.
"I'm not here for you, Lieutenant." Azula said.
Tanzo relaxed a little as Kami walked into the room.
"Kami, may I present Princess Azula of the Fire Nation." Tanzo said.
Kami bowed to Azula. "How can we help you, Princess?"
Azula looked at Tanzo. "My uncle, the man you served under, is now a traitor to the Fire Nation. My father has tasked me with finding him and my brother."
"She's asked me to join her in her mission." Zirrinni said.
Tanzo and Kami looked at each other unsure.
"No severe harm will come to her. I give you both my word." Azula said.
Tanzo looked at Azula then slowly nodded.
"I have a condition, Azula." Zirrinni said and all eyes turned to her. "If and when we succeed, you speak to your father on the behalf of mine and I ask that when you do, my father be pardoned and my family's status of nobility be restored."
Azula considered the condition then nodded. "Deal."
Zirrinni nodded then looked at her parents. "I'll pack then Azula and I can leave after dinner."
Kami nodded then looked at the princess. "You're welcome to join us."
Azula nodded. Zirrinni went to the backyard with a big basket and Azula followed to see a large aquatic dragon. Zirrinni opened the basket to reveal it was full of fish. Zirrinni smiled as she gently scratched the dragon's chin.
Azula walked closer. "I've never seen a dragon up close." She said.
"This is Echo. I've raised her since she hatched." Zirrinni said.
"She's magnificent. May I...?"
Zirrinni nodded. "Gently, though. It takes her a little bit to get used to someone she's never met before."
Azula nodded then gently stroked Echo's neck. Echo responded with a low growl, but she eventually relaxed.
"As one who can bend both elements, are you able to easily switch techniques?" Azula asked.
Zirrinni nodded. "Would you like to see?"
Azula nodded then the two began sparring, with Zirrinni using defensive Waterbending and making easy transitions to offensive Firebending.
After a few minutes, the girls stopped.
"I'm impressed." Azula said with a smirk.
"I had two good teachers." Zirrinni said with a smile.
Tanzo poked his head outside. "Dinner's ready."
The two teenagers headed inside and ate dinner with Tanzo and Kami.
After dinner, Zirrinni packed a few things then hugged her parents. "Tell Tari I'll see her soon..." She whispered.
"We will, sweetie." Tanzo whispered back.
"Be safe." Kami said.
"I will, Mama. I promise." Zirrinni said then walked with Azula to her ship. Once ready, the ship immediately set sail.
That's chapter one. I hope you guys will enjoy this story. One final note is Echo resembles Saphira from the movie Eragon
Review and I'll post more chapters
