Wielder of the white fire Book 1: Sparks

4) A new life

Back on the ship, Zuko was restless. He tossed and turned until he eventually lies flat on his back, staring up at the ceiling. His eyes swell with tears of anger and regret. In his mind, he kept replaying that fateful day over and over and over again. Each time he thinks of it, more tears fall from his eyes, dripping onto the pillow and on his bare shoulder.

He never thought he would miss someone that he can't stand sometimes. He couldn't stand how she babied him so much, he couldn't stand how she would win most of the arguments they had, he couldn't stand how she was always there for him during the two years they had been banished, he couldn't stand how selfish he was. Lastly, he couldn't stand that their last interaction was a fight. Zuko angrily shoots a fire blast at the wall, a small whirl of smoke took the place of the flames. Then, he began to sob.

Five more days passed, making it ten days since Zyla was found. It was also five days since Zyla saw the dragon in her dreams. Each day passed, getting closer to the end of the week. She became antsy and often found herself pacing around the village in deep thought. What does the dragon mean? How does she know me? Is it an omen of some sort?

Meanwhile, the village doctor gave a report about how Zyla should be experiencing flashes from her old memory, meaning that she should remember small parts about herself.

During those five days, Zyla managed to tell everyone her name. They were glad that she had remembered something; it was a small accomplishment but became a gateway to many improvements. Katara and Zyla strolled the village, carrying firewood and the last of the fish from the icebox to make tonight's supper. "When we drop the load off, can I show you something I've been working on?" Katara questioned, her light blue eyes meeting Zyla's golden ones.

Zyla noticed a subtle confidence in Katara's tone of voice. It seemed like whatever Katara was working on sounded interesting. They dropped their load off at the igloo and went outside of the village to the shore. The waves gently swept against the icy shore, pushing and pulling. The morning sun caused the snow to glisten like crystals.

Katara and Zyla stand on the shore, their feet covered by snow. A gentle breeze blows by, causing Zyla to wrinkle her nose due to the cold air. "Alright, are you ready for your mind to be blown?" Katara smirked, her blue eyes appearing to brighten, showing a hidden confidence that is attempting to make an appearance.

"I'm ready, maybe it'll bring my memory back," Zyla jokes, causing Katara to laugh. "Alright, prepare to be shocked." Katara removes her mittens before cracking her knuckles. Zyla raises her brow out of curiosity, but continues watching. The air seemed to be charged with quiet intensity as Katara, immersed in full concentration, began to bend a small stream of water. Zyla's eyes widened in sheer amazement at the display of bending shown before her. Although Katara was no waterbending master, it was incredible to see such talent blossom from such a young soul.

The intensity of Zyla's gaze seemed to reflect the flames of her Fire Nation heritage, flickering with curiosity that transcended her forgotten past. The widening of her eyes was not only a physical reaction; it was a window into the depths of her rediscovered fascination. As Zyla watched Katara shakily bend the water, she had caught sight of a reflective piece of ice that sparkled from underneath her boot, prompting her to avert her gaze.

As her eyes met her reflection, she was taken aback. In the ice, she saw herself adorned in red and golden robes, as if the robes were fitted for a queen. Her hair was white as the surrounding snow, styled half up with a small golden hair pin that allowed the top knot to stay in place. The vision had Zyla's eyes burned a pure fire that burned a faint yellow, almost white.

It was a vision that contradicted her current appearance, sparking a moment of disbelief. Zyla rubs her eyes in confusion. By the time they had adjusted, the girl she saw was replaced by the image of the white dragon that appeared in a dream not too long ago. Her expression remained unchanged, still calm and content. This prompted Zyla to jump with a small yelp, causing Katara to drop the water with a she had been bending and turn towards Zyla with a confused yet concerned expression.

"What's wrong? Did you see a mink snake?" Katara questioned. Before Zyla could respond, Sokka's hurried arrival interrupted them, causing Katara to scrunch her nose in annoyance. "There you two are! I've been looking for you guys!"

"Is something wrong?" Zyla queried. "Gran gran said that we need to go fishing before dinner because the supply is out. Besides, what were you two doing out here?"

"Oh, Katara was showing me a waterbending move that she had been working on," Zyla replied with a bright smile, her eyes flickering with amazement.

"Alright, enough with the water show. We've got some important business to attend to. Gran needs us to refill the icebox so the village doesn't go hungry by the end of the week," Sokka said to the girls in an unamused tone. Although he was right, the girls did deserve a small break. "Sokka, give it a rest. We were just having bit a bit of fun," Katara responded with an annoyed eye roll. Hey, what are brothers for? Gotta love 'em am I right? "Katara's right sokka, lighten up a bit," Zyla added with a small yet awkward thin lipped smile before folding her arms over her chest.

"Fun won't refill the icebox," now it was sokka's turn to cross his arms. "Just quit splashing around and get serious." "Serious? That's your middle name, isn't it?" Katara smirked in amusement. Normally Katara avoided dumb arguments like these, but seeing Sokka's unamused expression satisfied her to an extent. "Maybe we can find a serious fish for you, Sokka?" Zyla chimes in with a small giggle. Sokka now focuses his attention towards Zyla. His expression blank yet still unamused by the teasing he received from his younger sister.

"Very funny. Speaking of funny, what's up with that oversized goose egg on your forehead, Zyla" Sokka smirk knowing he stuck a nerve. Zyla immediately halted her giggling and scowled at the boy who had a smug grin on his face. "I thought I told you to quit making jokes about my forehead!" Zyla hissed as she pulled the hood of her parka over her head in order to cover the knot.

The infamous knot had mysteriously shown up right after having the dream. Ever since then, Sokka had been tormenting her with jokes and sly remarks.
"Alright, enough fun. Let's go before Zyla's egg hatches," Sokka states, waving his arm to signal the girls to go to the fishing canoe. Sokka was then met by a swift punch to the arm in response from Zyla.

A little while later, they had reached the canoe. It was a small boat but big enough to fit at least three people. As the trio were once settled, Sokka pushed off of the small dock with his foot, releasing them out onto the open water.