Wielder of the white fire Book 1: Sparks

5) The Boy in the Iceberg

The small canoe glides over the arctic waters as if they were sliding on smooth glass. Their journey started off quiet, each teenager focusing on their own things. Zyla sat in the middle of the small boat, rowing along with Sokka as he sat in the front of the vessel with a proud and confident aura emitting from his presence. Katara sat in the very back, swishing small streams of water to practice her bending.

As time passed, Sokka's walls began to slowly crumble because of the small gestures that Zyla had done out of the kindness and sincerity of her heart that proved she wasn't so bad after all. For example, she would take the extra load of fire wood so gran gran could rest or shovel excess snow to create an easier path for the villagers to travel.

Despite his stubborn nature, he finds himself drawn to her genuine demeanor, eventually trusting her during the short time they have known each other. Although he still had some lingering paranoia due to the mystery shrouding the white fire but he decided to keep quiet in order to avoid having the same argument with Katara.

This slow blossoming friendship contrasted with Katara's immediate and unconditional trust for Zyla. To her, it was like having another sibling around. Another sibling that can share gossip, give each other advice, and can enjoy being teenage girls.

Back on the fire navy ship, the vessel was enveloped in a dark aura. Tensions were high and the atmosphere aboard was heavy with sorrow and grief as the crew mourns the tragic loss of their esteemed princess.

Word was sent back to the palace, yet the attitude of the remaining members of the royal family were rather different. Ozai, the patriarch and Fire Lord was in a rather odd mood as soon as he received the word about his eldest child's passing. His facial expression remained unchanged on his sharp, intimidating features. "Tell my staff to prepare a memorial service for my daughter, she will be greatly missed," he calmly ordered his advisor before drawing a deep breath, releasing a sigh and pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yes, your highness", the he advisor bowed before power jogging out of the throne room.

In the back of the advisor's mind, it seemed fake-Ozai's emotions. Considering how Zyla was treated during her time in the palace before her and Prince Zuko's banishment. He got a little ways down the corridor before he heard Ozai let out a roar filled with anger and grief. The advisor felt the intense heat on his back even halfway away from the throne room. Maybe he did care? Unbeknownst to the advisor, it was all real. Yet, it was real for all of the wrong reasons.

Azula, the youngest out of three children and prodigy of Firelord Ozai began her day like usual with morning classes. In the middle of her lesson, a knock interrupts causing Azula to roll her eyes in annoyance. She hated interruptions. Her professor opens the door with an annoyed look on her face but widens her eyes as she sees the FireLord standing in front of her. "My sincerest apologies, professor, but I'm afraid today's lesson will have to be cut short"

"That will be fine, my lord, take as much time as you need," the professor responded, beads of sweat forming on her wrinkled forehead as she bowed towards her superior. "Come, daughter, I have news to share in private," Ozai ordered calmly. His unusually calm demeanor was slightly frightening, a stark contrast from his usual intense aura.

"What is it father?" Azula queried as soon as they were out of range. "It's about your brother and sister." Azula rolls her eyes. What have they gotten themselves into this time.
Azula remains silent, awaiting for her father's response.

"There was a terrible storm and it caused the ship to sway violently. Unfortunately... Zyla lost her balance as she was attempting to run back inside to safety but she was carried out to sea as a result. The crew deployed the search and rescue boats but all they found was a bracelet that was a confirmed accessory that she wore ... I'm afraid that your sister is... deceased," he explains as he watched his daughter out of the corner of his eye as if he was seeing what her reaction was. On the outside, Azula's expression remained blank as it was before she was given word.