Wielder of the white fire Book 1: Sparks

2) Summer in the South Pole

Zuko paces around his room in deep thought. He thought about the argument they had, was she right? Why did their father send them on such an important mission when they were both in exile? Was it because he wanted them to do his dirty work? Did he really think the Avatar was dead? His thoughts came to an abrupt stop when he hears a soft knock on the door.

"Enter," he said in a monotone voice . Uncle Iroh appeared, his eyes bloodshot and puffy from crying. Zuko slightly widened his eyes. He hasn't seen his uncle cry this way since the death of his own son, Lu Ten. Due to the energy that was brought into the room, something was very wrong. "Uncle, what's wrong?" Zuko questioned, his eyes searching his uncle's as if he was trying to read his own thoughts. "We deployed search parties since the storms have settled down and..." Iroh trailed off causing Zuko's curiosity to burst through the roof.

"Come on, spit it out uncle," Zuko rushed. He can already hear Zyla correcting him which caused Zuko to mentally eye roll at the thought. "We found this," iroh choked out, attempting to hold in a sob. It was a tattered yarn bracelet, the colors of the fire nation intricately woven together and tied at the ends. Zuko made it for her when they were kids. It was to show that he was there for her. Zuko was surprised that she had worn it despite the many times they argued and fought each other.

"I'm so sorry Zuko," Uncle Iroh sobbed. Zuko stayed silent, processing the news of his sister's untimely demise. Tears rolled down Zukos face as he clutches the bracelet in his fist.

The morning sun lit up the horizon, providing little warmth to the barren arctic. The small village of Wolf Cove was preparing to start a normal day. "Sokka, I need you to go out to check the fish stock before you go play soldier with the children," Gran-Gran called to her grandson as he was putting his snow boots on. "Yes, Gran," he yawned while stretching.

Sokka, eldest child of the Chief Hakoda and the late Kya. At the age of thirteen, he was given a very special task by his father, which was to look after Katara and Gran-Gran while the men of the tribe went to fight in the war. He took that task to heart by being the the sole protector of the village. Aside from being a macho, fierce warrior (light sarcasm)- he calls the younger boys of the village and trains them to be fierce Southern Water Tribe warriors. The only thing- the boys are little kids close to six years of age. They couldn't defend the Water Tribe if they wanted to. It was more of a relief to the mothers as they could get tasks done a lot easier.

Sokka walks out of the igloo, the crisp air hitting his face. He draws in a deep breath before releasing, allowing the hot air to escape his lips. He walks to the entrance to the village before rounding the corner, making his way to the village stock. He dusts the lid off of the large icebox before checking the supply. "Should last us until the end of the next week," he told himself before shutting the lid. "Whew! Sure is warm out here," Sokka pants as he wipes some sweat from his brow. Wait? Why would Sokka sweat this much when he has been outside for so little time?

"Wait, why is it warm out here?" He asked himself, tapping his chin.

All of a sudden, a strange feeling came over Sokka, like he was being watched. He turns around, looking at the vast sea and few icebergs behind him. Maybe he was just being paranoid? He shook his head before turning his heel to walk back to the village when he heard a splash behind him. He swiftly turns around, his club ready at the go. He saw a large white tail go under the water causing him to let out a terrified screech before booking it back to the igloo. He swung open the door, causing Katara and Gran Gran to gasp, looking at him quizzically.

"Sokka, what's wrong?" Katara questioned with her brow raised. Sokka was a blubbering mess as he attempted to explain what he saw. "You poor thing! You're shaking!" Gran Gran gasped before rushing to get a blanket. "Slow down. Now tell us what happened," Katara spoke calmly in an attempt to calm him down. "I saw... I saw..." gran gran and katara's eyes widened with anticipation as they leaned in closer. "A sea monster!" He squeaked out, his voice going up a couple octaves.