The Blue Flame

Chapter 7

Aiya

The first day in the palace Aiya felt bittersweet. It had been a long time since she's been here. She left a few days after she found out about her mom. This memory was very prominent as she entered the huge double door entrance of the palace.

***

"What?" Aiya said in disbelief. "What do you mean she's gone?"

The guard cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, miss. Admiral- I mean you mother has passed on. It was during Sozin's Comet. I am truly sorry." the guard looked down.

Aiya felt as if the world fell apart around her. The news was so shocking, Aiya didn't have time to process what the guard was telling her. She felt her hands getting hotter and hotter until small blue flames appeared in her hands.

However, they disappeared as fast as they came. A familiar voice brought Aiya back into the world.

"Siku. May I have a word with Aiya?" a familiar voice said from behind the guard.

When the guard turned around to meet the face with the voice, Aiya saw Uncle Iroh.

"Yes, Sir." the guard bowed to Aiya and Iroh and left them alone.

Aiya was still so distraught. Although her heart calmed a bit at the sight of Iroh.

"Come here, Aiya. Let's go somewhere you love and talk. I'll bring tea." Iroh put his arm around her and guided her to a place Aiya was all too familiar with.

The fire lily garden.

Iroh set out a blanket for them to sit on and sip their tea in the middle of the garden. This is something Aiya did all the time to meditate or just to have peace and quiet.

"Iroh... Is what the guard said true?" Aiya asked after many moments of silence. She had a feeling that the guard was telling the truth, but she just didn't want to believe it.

Iroh stayed silent for moment and then said, "I'm afraid so Miss Aiya. Your mother was one of the kindest and strongest women I have ever met. She fought with bravery. Although her views of the fire nation were tarnished by Ozai, she still had good in her heart." Iroh paused. "She fought for you, Aiya."

Aiya started to cry. Her cry turned into a sob. She just couldn't believe her mother was gone.

"Your mother isn't gone, Aiya. She may be gone from this world, but she's just on the other side watching and taking care of you, okay?"

Aiya nodded her head. She couldn't get any words out.

Iroh held his arms out for Aiya. She sat up and took Iroh's offer of a hug. She embraced Iroh as if it was the last time.

Aiya was able to calm down for a bit. Her face was red and puffy from all the crying.

"Iroh, can I ask you a question?" Aiya asked. She was scared to know the answer.

"Of course."

"Who did it? Who killed my mother?" Aiya had rage and poison seeping from her tongue. She needed to know who killed her mom. She was going to make them pay.