Chapter 1:

Some things you just cannot forget. Your memories of your cherished one or your family's oldest joke. They have made a permanent mark on your life. Without them, maybe you just might not been where you are standing now. As mine did.

Like some others, you may think that my memories are just about discipline and honor. Well, that's just how I was brought up in an upstanding and honorable family and well, expected for upholding that honor. Unfortunately, I cannot do much. I was set out to be the most beautiful bride wanted. And so I got a groom who got me where I was to be quiet, obedient, and most importantly, be the bodyguard of my husband. And well, the husband was the Fire Lord's right hand general. General Koran, the oldest man in the Fire Lord's council. A very wealthy and powerful man next to the Fire Lord and the most wanted man alive. My father, Commander Zhao had one daughter (so far). And I was (to my dismay) the lucky number one to get married off.

I was getting ready for my binding ritual to this man. It was going to take place I knew it. Not now, but soon, very soon. I was scared, being so naïve to old men and their wrinkly fingers. But what could I do? I was taught to being obedient and to listen. There was nothing I could do except avoid the old guy and pray that the days don't pass by so fast. But then, I guess there was a little detour in my plans. Someone else found me.

Every morning, since I moved to the capital, I go to my fighting school where they train us to be the best female warriors in the Fire Nation. Well, not to brag or anything, I was doing well and had graduated at the top of my class along with a few others. My father knew how good I was and knew that this fighting experience for me was going to get me far. Koran had my eye on me for some time. On some days when I was at school, he would watch me from the small watch room at the top of the school. It was great for spying in for it had a view of the whole training room. But that morning he was not there, yet my father strangely was.

"Ah, there's my beautiful daughter!" It was strange; never in my whole time has my father ever paid attention to me. He was always so busy with his sons.

"Yes, my father?" I bowed in respect to his title. He led me out of the room of girls and into the back where the rock garden was. Many times had I walked here and meditated. It was so peaceful, but this time it was different. Just talking with my father had made me feel so… fearful.

"I have wonderful news to tell you," he said lowly. "Meet me at the docks, you the one, at the edge of the marketplace."

He then faced me. "Do not forget." He said this sternly as if this was more important than to see his daughter for the first time. I nodded in understanding and headed inside where I joined Joni and Zindel.

"Nothing, just congratulations," I said in response to their questioning eyes. Then, our instructor continued our class.

Soon, it was at high noon, and the class had ended and as my father had instructed, was headed into the marketplace. I didn't want to go, as my father ordered. I knew was waiting for me at the docks. General Koran was going to ask me for my hand as soon as I was at the edge of the marketplace. The thought made me sick.

Zindel had left on her horse as soon as the class was over. She always did that since she had to go back to work as a blacksmith's daughter. Joni stayed behind with me for company until she left with a few other girls on a wagon that led to the marketplace. She was a captain's daughter. I would see her and Zindel again; in fact, they lived right down my road. It was like clockwork everyday.

Since I was the last to leave, I was always the one to close the school's gate. And so I did: I took one of the open gates and dragged it closed. Then I turned to pull the other close. As always, I expected a clang to signify that I had rightly closed the gate. But, it did not come. The other side of the gate was not closed. It was slightly opened. Frustrated, I took the other gate and slammed it shut. But this time, the other gate was moved slightly. Grunting, I took hold of both and closed them. They made a satisfying clang and I turned around to bump into something – or yet, someone.

"Hmm… I don't think I may have met you before." The boy said. "I guess you're new here aren't you?"

"Yes, I suppose so. What is it to you?"

"I thought that I knew everyone here, but you're just a new face."

"Well, I guess I set you wrong." I quickly turned and walked toward the market. If I spent more time with the kid, I was probably going to get late.

"Wait!" I turned to the caller and sighed.

"I'm sorry, but I can't talk to you."

"Why not?"

"'Cause."

"'Cause?"

"I just can't. Good-bye." As I turned, I waved and quickly walked away.

"Wait, wait wait." The kid caught up and stood in front of me. "What is so important now? Can't you stay and chat for a while?"

"No." And with that, I walked away.

"Well I guess you're a fairly good fighter to go to this school." I stopped and turned again.

"Yes, I guess I am."

"You know, many people like good fighters."

"I know." I said turning. Maybe this was an excuse for being late.

"Maybe, I can have a little duel with you?" I raised an eyebrow. "You know, to see how good you are." I paused a little.

"Sure." I smiled and began to walk away.

"Hold up," he stopped me again, "What's your name?"

"Ren."

"Just Ren?"

"Yes, Ren." And with that I ran off before he could ask me anymore questions. I turned back realizing that I didn't know this boy's name and saw that the boy was gone. Puzzled, I headed for my father.

At the marketplace, my father was red. I could tell he was angry for his fist flung in the air covered in flames. Oh no, I thought. I was late. I put my back to the wall of the marketplace. Oh help me have strength. It was a little prayer to anyone who would listen. With that, I stood up straight and began toward my father.