Many Years Ago

The fire emerges from Jeong Jeong's fingertips while he stands on the square. His students merely watched, but one of them was more jumpy than the others. The young and hungry soldiers were eager to take the next steps before they were finished entirely with their training.

Zhao's eyes squinted, seeing the older man try and teach the others. It was pathetic how restrained they all were. It was like being held on a leash. He wanted to be set free, not have to hold back. What should he hold back for? To let the enemy be able to get up?

Demonstration after demonstration, Zhao became more antsy. Young men, who were just as eager to proceed stood patiently beside him watching Master Jeong Jeong. He ignored the urge to roll his eyes while they practiced.

He was so much more.

A young woman stood far away from them all, observing their movements, along with her father's. These men were near the end of their training with their master. They barely needed a master but still, before going into the navy, a lot was expected from them.

The glint in Amira's eyes caught Zhao's once again causing her to smile. Even not knowing him, she couldn't help but let her eyes glide toward him. Zhao on the other hand gazed in wonder over the girl who kept her distance yet had a devious look.

After the hour went by, the men started to disappear and left but Amira got closer. She stood in a doorway, her hand grasping the entrance lightly while her eyes danced around the training soldier. He was different than the others, he continues even when the others stopped. She looked back, not seeing her father there. She knew he would be cleaning himself off and resting from the training with the soldiers he had taught for long.

Why would he stay when he was the one who would stare at her father with the most disdain?

She walks out, her hands clutched behind her back as she observes him whipping the fire around. It was much different than how her father taught it. His back was to her giving her opportunity to get closer without him realizing. She could watch longer. It fascinated her how he bended. "Why do you do it like that?" The man yelps, whipping the fire towards her feet in defense, but she made no movements or expression of shock or fear. "Sorry?" Her voice was light yet filled with sarcasm. She then laughs, while Zhao stands in shock. Her laugh was sickly sweet. He didn't know what he expected from her now that she was closer than ever before.

"You're the girl I keep seeing around here? What do you do here?" He moves closer to her, wiping away the sweat from his brow, throwing the shirt over his shoulder. "Besides interrupting."

"Oh so you haven't realized yet." Zhao scrunches his brows in confusion. "My father is your master, and admiral, I would be more respectful if I were you." A smirk came on her lips as his face pales. She lets out another laugh and moves closer. "My name's Amira. What's yours?"

"Zhao."

"Your bending is quite different to my father's-"

"Amira!" Amira whips her head around, both of them seeing Jeong Jeong by the doorway. His glare sketched on his face meant trouble for one of them. His hair was tied up, kept neatly in his prime as an Admiral. "Get inside," he tells his daughter.

Amira sheepishly nods, but turns back to Zhao for a moment, another devious glint in her eyes. She walks back to her father, passing by him into the building. He didn't say a word to Zhao, but the look in his eyes said everything he needed to know. His daughter was not to be trifled with. Zhao bows before his master, despite the urge to ignore the man and walks off, taking his belongings with him. As he stalks off he looks back to the square, trying to catch a glance at the amber eyed girl with his darker eyes once more.

---

Another day of training, and Amira watched carefully. She gives a smirk as she catches the dark eyes she met finally. Despite her father warning her to stay away from the men - without mentioning Zhao's name - during their training, she still stayed, just as he was planning to stay afterwards. It had been three weeks since they met, and in three weeks Amira had taken any chance to speak to him.

Jeong Jeong's voice rings out like an alarm causing the men to disperse, all except one. The master leaves as usual to cool down and get ready to leave and soon enough his daughter walks up to Zhao. 

"I hope my father hasn't been too harsh with you." Zhao turns and smiles down at her. 

"Not as harsh as he could be if he knew." He chuckles while she looks to see if Jeong Jeong was around. "I'm not exactly his favorite." 

"I wouldn't take it to heart. He's like that." She moves closer as she turns back to him. "Besides, if he told you to stay away, would you?" Her confidence and straight forwardness catches him off guard. He clears his throat, turning away with reddened cheeks. 

"No." 

"I didn't think so." She turns back to where her father once stood and then turns to Zhao again. "Spar with me." 

He squints his eyes at her, partially confused and partially suspicious. "You want to spar with me?" He knew he was easily one of the best fighters under Master Jeong Jeong. 

"Why not? Are you scared?" She backs up, smirking with her arms behind her back. 

She raises a brow as he sighs. "You don't want to spar with me." 

"Oh I think I do." He chuckles as he then punches flames towards her, that of which Amira easily evades sliding out of the way. She swings her leg into the air, the flames escaping and flying towards him. She laughs as she side steps attacks and throws offenses towards him. 

"You're holding back on me, aren't you?" He was astonished at how talented she truly was. But he knew he shouldn't have been so surprised, her father was an admiral and a master to countless students. 

Amira shrugs as she smiles smugly. Zhao scoffs playfully while going for the attack again. He punches and swipes towards her, the two of them engaging in playful combat, growing closer to the other.  

Amira could see his weak points. Where he had no restraint and left his defenses open for the taking. She sweeps her leg out from her under him and slides it, letting the tall man fall to the ground with a thud. 

Zhao may have known he was the best of the fighters, but Amira knew he could use some help in his control. And that was where she used her advantage. She stands over him innocently with her hands clutched behind her back. "I promise I won't tell my father about this." She giggles as Zhao grunts from the ground. He glances down to her legs and his foot kicks her legs causing her to trip and fall over onto him. "That's cheating. I already won," she breathes out. 

Zhao lets out a laugh as Amira pouts at him. When he stops he stares into her eyes. "You're unlike any girl I've ever met." His sudden seriousness surprises her, she looks away with a blush. As she turns back to him she realizes how close they really were on the ground and her eyes flutter closed. His follow as both of them lean in until their lips meet. When they break apart they both smile until Amira stands up, ignoring the blush still on her cheeks. She holds out her hand to him. 

"Come on, before my father sees this. I don't know if you'll survive." He takes her hand, mostly pulling himself up. 

"It would be worth it." She laughs and he gazes down at her, admiring her laugh as if for the first time. It rang like a melody that he didn't want to end. 

---

Weeks Later

"Firelord Azulon found Avatar Roku's granddaughter. Apparently she's in a village not far from here." Ozai looked up from the pond near Amira's home as his eyes meet her darker ones. 

"That's great!" She pauses as he doesn't respond. "Or not? What's wrong?" 

There was something different about his childhood friend, but he couldn't think of what. Her face was brighter and somehow seemed more enthusiastic, but still headstrong and devious. Just like always. 

"I'm going to propose. He thinks it would be beneficial for the royal line," he huffs out. The young prince couldn't help but glare at the thought. Years ago, most of his life was planned and now once again it was planned for him by his father. And yet, Iroh was his first born, his heir and the one to receive it all. Him though, was left for the experiment of having the Avatar's granddaughter for a wife. 

"Well if your father entrusts you with this opportunity, then surely that means something." She stands, pacing around slowly around the pond not looking the prince in the eyes. Being the Admiral's daughter for quite some time let her grow closer to the princes of the fire nation. Iroh was always kind to her and she enjoyed their peaceful chats, but Ozai who was closer to her age was a friend she was closer to, despite how he seemed. She dealt with his anger, his fits of passion and arrogance for the childhood friend she had. 

"Perhaps." Amira raises an eyebrow at the prince and laughs in front of him. 

"You not speaking a lot worries me." She walks along the edge of the pond, balancing herself. "You shouldn't think so much into it. If this girl is going to be your wife, just be prepared and accept it. What's the worst that can happen?" Ozai watches as she walks, taking her words into account. If he was honest, years ago he assumed his father would arrange for them to be together but it never happened. She was always there though. It wasn't a romantic feeling even if he thought that there was a possibility for an arrangement, but the fact that she was never gone was a comfort.

The sun had start to set and Zhao had made his way through the grounds trying to find Amira. He had news that would change things for him and he had to tell her. He had to say goodbye to the girl he was growing to love. 

His steps grow lighter as he hears voices on the grounds near her home. It had grown late and he wondered who it could be. He peers from behind a tree and sees the slender figure of the prince. He had stood by now and stood in front of Amira. Zhao's jaw clenches while he watches him grow closer to her. He knew of the friendship between them, but how could he compete with a prince. Amira told him before she had no feeling of love for him, just friendship but he couldn't help but let that jealousy dig in.

"Thank you, Amira." 

"Of course. I'll always be there." She smiles widely, her eyes squinting while the prince gazes down, losing himself in thought. She was his closest friend and never faltered. Amira turns, feeling eyes on her back but when she looks no one is there. She shudders and holds her arms. "I think it's time for you to go back. I'll come to visit soon enough." 

---

On one of the final days of training, Amira stands beside the group of men, searching for the tall man she had gotten to know and like. "You looking for someone?" One of the men asks. "Are you looking for your father?"

"No, have you seen Zhao? Do you know him?"

"Oh you didn't know?" The look of confusion made the man nod in realization. "He went on a mission in the Earth Kingdom somewhere. It was confidential apparently." Amira stands silent, struck by the news. Why wouldn't he tell her? Did he not think it important enough to tell her after everything he has said to her and confided in her? She knew how important it was to him to rise in the ranks and to make a name for himself. Yet why did it hurt her to see that he couldn't even say goodbye?

---

Weeks Later

Amira's back was turned, she stood in front of the two men who were students of her father and laughed. It was polite conversation, she didn't mind it at all. They were both kind and interesting to speak with. Surely her father would approve of them rather than Zhao. These men weren't what she wanted, that she was sure of. One of the men look up from the short girl and laugh loudly. "Look who's back!" Amira looks up at the man in front of her and stares in confusion until she turns around, her eyes meeting his.

A confident - or cocky as Amira would describe - smirk was glued to his face as he sauntered over to the three. Amira huffs and turns to the two men, knowing he was coming right up next to her. "So how was it? Didn't think you'd be gone for so long," the other man says, none of them noticing the roll of her eyes.

"Didn't think I'd be back so soon. It was as great as you would expect."

"It was good to see you both," Amira speaks up, only facing the two of them before she walks off quietly, not bothering to look back. If she did, she knew she would lock eyes with him and she would feel compelled to go back. She sighs as her steps quicken to go home.

The two men watch as she leaves and then turn to Zhao. "Wow, she must hate you."

Zhao laughs off the joke and her strange behavior. "Actually I have to get going." He ignores the two men's words of telling him to stay and talk. He had to see her.

As soon as Zhao gets to her home, he knocks harshly on the door, standing tall in front of it, yet he never felt smaller. The door opens slowly, creaking as it went and there stood Amira, her dark amber eyes boring into his. Her expression was stoic as she looked around, as if expecting to find someone else around and then stood still in front of him. Her arms cross with a raised eyebrow. "Can I help you?"

Zhao furrows his brows, shocked at her attitude towards him. "I wanted to see you."

"Oh you did? You're weeks too late."

"What?" As she tries to close the door, he tries to fit his hand in there while she slammed it on him. He hisses in pain, shaking his hand. "What did I do?"

From behind the door, Amira yells, "you left me! Without saying a single word, you left! You didn't care enough to tell me! I wasn't important enough to you." Her hand was brought up to her chest while she clutches her dress. Zhao looks down at the ground, finally realizing. While he had left, he didn't realize he had someone home waiting for him. No one was ever waiting for him before. Especially someone like Amira.

"I didn't realize," his voice was lower, and softer than usual as he leans against the door. "Please talk to me." She was still silent but he spoke. "It wasn't that I didn't care." He takes a deep breath, looking around. He felt like an idiot. "I wanted to tell you but I didn't have time and I couldn't find you."

He couldn't tell her that when he did find her before he left that she wasn't home, that she was off with her friend and he couldn't bare saying anything then.

"If I found you I would have told you where I was going immediately." Silence. "Everyday I was gone I thought of you, Amira. I wanted to get back to you." After a moment he sighs and turns around.

The door opens quietly and she gazes up at him. Meeting him was a surprise she never thought she would receive and she was not prepared to let it go easily. Zhao turns back after hearing the door open and smiles down at her. He goes to says something but she rushes towards him and hugs him tightly, her arms wrapping around his neck, letting him return the favor and clutching her to him. "I missed you." 

"I missed you more." 

---

Ursa watched as the hushed conversation took place between the girl and Prince Ozai. They walked closely together, but Ursa didn't feel a sense of jealousy that should be expected of the Prince's fiancee. All Ursa could wonder is how close they were to each other. The girl turns her head towards Ursa causing her to look away from them. The young servants close by were trying to usher Ursa away but soon looked away as Amira started to step towards Ursa and the servants.

"Princess, it's an honor to meet you." Amira bows before the frowning girl.

Ursa didn't know how to react to her. She wasn't even married yet. "Just Ursa is fine. What's your name?"

"My name's Amira. My father is the Admiral for the navy." Ursa stares at the girl in front of her who had a bright smile on her face and kind eyes. Her tan skin was bright compared to her dark clothing. Yet her robes and dress were as beautiful as her. Why couldn't this prince choose a girl like her? Surely a daughter of an admiral was better suited for Prince Ozai than a girl from a small village. Ursa didn't know how to keep up with the royal life beside being quiet and obedient.

"I know it can get pretty lonely around here, plus my father is away most of the time, so I come here often. I'd like for us to be friends." She was so upfront with Ursa, it surprised her. Her confidence made her break the shell she grew over the time she was at the palace already.

"I'd like that."

"How has it been here so far? The wedding is coming soon, how do you feel?"

Even if the girl seemed nice, Ursa couldn't trust her. She seemed to be close to both of the prince's and yet acted freely. How much could she trust her? "It's an honor to marry the prince. I'm grateful," is all she replies. 

Amira falters before she hooks arms with the girl her age and walks away with her, glancing back at the stone faced Prince Ozai. Amira could tell the girl beside her was aching inside and couldn't exactly let out how she felt. Being friends with the Prince's, Amira knew of the pressures of royalty and now this girl was being subjected to it. 

Being Ozai's friend was enough to make Amira question some of his morals. She would learn to gain Ursa's trust, slowly enough to be her closest friend. 

---

The day had finally come, the day when he finally joined the navy. Zhao's armor suited him well as he approaches Amira with a proud expression. Amira stands there waiting for him, her hands behind her back but like she was hiding something. The two stood on the same square they met and the same one they shared their first kiss.

"What are you holding?" Zhao asks her. Amira smirks, her hands behind her back still. "Come on, show me." He puts his hands behind her, bringing her in close causing their faces to inch closer to each other, his hands then landing on the cool metal. 

"If you were patient, I'd tell you." She rolls her eyes with a chuckle and pulls herself from his grasp, revealing the bright looking sword. "I had it made for you." Her fingertips delicately held up the sword, letting Zhao take it by the grip.

He reads the inscription, his eyes thoughtfully glazing over. "My future is righteousness."

"For when you finally joined the navy. I know how hard you've worked for this." Amira looks down, a blush on her cheeks. She glances up at him but he was simply staring at her still. "Do you like it?"

Zhao doesn't speak for a moment, causing Amira's chest to tighten. He didn't utter a word at all as he stared at her. "Marry me."

Amira's eyes widen as she looks up at the tall man. "What?" 

"Marry me." 

"No I heard what you said, it's just-" she interrupts herself by standing on the tips of her toes and kissing him, her lips brushing against his . "Yes." She smiles widely at him, causing him to break out in a smile as well, hugging her close and spinning her around. 

---

83 A.G. (16 years ago)

"What's his name?"

"Zuko."

"He's amazing, I'm so happy for you, Ursa." Ursa looked up at her friend who gushed over her firstborn son. The look in her dark eyes said it all. Without looking up at Ursa, Amira says, "I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. I've been so busy, it feels like."

"How far along are you?" Amira whips her head towards Ursa, a smile growing slowly.

"Not long at all. I haven't said anything to anybody. Not even my father or Zhao." Amira smiles, a smile that Ursa did not know she could have. Perhaps it was her motherly instincts that could tell around the expecting woman. 

"When are you planning to say something?"

"I'm not sure. They're both extremely busy. I can't help but be nervous." Ursa puts a hand on Amira's shoulder, rubbing her to soothe her while she stares at Zuko. 

"You're going to be a great mother."

---

84 A.G. (15 years ago)

Slowly the sky grew lighter, but the sun did not appear in the moments of chaos. Amira's yells are louder than anything in the area of the home. Admiral Jeong Jeong stands outside while some servants rush in and out. He looks outside the entrance, waiting for the sun to come up, for the father to arrive, and for the screaming to cease.

The sun does not rise yet, but the screaming soon does stop. Amira, recovering from the rough birth, weakly holds her daughter in her arms. The light rays make their way past the curtains hitting the baby and the mother. Amira looks down at her child, gasping as she looks into her eyes. As a lady comes forward in concern, the light from the sun moves away behind a tree and her eyes are normal with their brightness. But she swore she knew what she saw for those few moments when the light reached their home.

The eyes of a dragon.

As the sun rises over the hill, Zhao comes rushing to their home. His steps beat into the ground until he finally sees the almost white hair of his father in law. "Jeong Jeong," he greets him. 

"She's inside." While Jeong Jeong did not like Zhao as much as his daughter did, he saw how happy he made her and accepted the fact that he was in their lives. Zhao nods and walks past him until he gets to the room. The servants take their leave and leave the couple alone. His eyes meet Amira's and he lets out a breath of relief. 

He makes his way over to the bed and sits next to her as she holds their child. He gazes down at her and smiles proudly. "She's beautiful." He couldn't take his eyes off of them both. But his attention is instantly brought to her bright golden eyes. They were just as beautiful. "What should we name her?" 

Amira pauses, stroking her daughter's cheek. Her enchanting eyes were so captivating, her whole being brought something new in Amira. "Ryoko." She looks up at him and he smiles. 

"Perfect."

--------

A/N: Okay I know what you're thinking cause I'm thinking noooo don't like Zhao but I can't help but write scenes for them because I love writing them even tho future Zhao sucks.

So this is like a bonus chapter before I start season 2. There are a bunch of time jumps but its just Zhao and Amira's past with how they met and other things. More flashbacks will probably be included later on. 

And yeah, Amira knew Iroh and Ozai when they were younger as well. And her and Ozai were not interested romantically in each other, but Ozai assumed when they were younger that Azulon would arrange a marriage between them but looks like Amira dodged that 

And Ozai is lucky Amira wasn't his wife cause she would have ENDED him the minute he even BREATHED abuse near her LOL

I'll be posting for season 2 soon so stay tuned!! Thanks for reading!