When Tadashi entered Zuko's room all he could hear was the sound of his elder brother groaning.

"It hurts….." his voice was trembling, clearly distraught.

"Just relax Prince Zuko," Iroh said to the boy, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Tadashi kept quiet, watching how his Uncle prepared a wet towel soaked in cold water and laid it over the bandage, helping to soothe the burns. Neither of them had realised that he was in the room and it stayed that way for a while until Iroh turned around to pick up a cup of tea and noticed him. He gave Tadashi a sad smile and motioned for him to come closer.

"I'm going to step out for a minute, your brother is here to see you." He told Zuko, before getting up and leaving with his tea in hand.

Tadashi approached the bed, not knowing what to do or say. Zuko had turned away, choosing not to face Tadashi and hiding the bandaging that was covering his left eye. The two stayed there for a few moments before Tadashi couldn't stand the silence and spoke.

"Are you ok?" he asked, immediately regretting he asked.

"Does it look like I'm OK?" Zuko shouted, turning to face Tadashi, "It hurts, it feels like my face is on fire and who knows what's going to happen to my eye….and what's worse is that father did it."

Tadashi gulped, sensing the betrayal that Zuko felt. He thought about releasing the heat on Zuko's face but couldn't bring himself to do so. It was an ability he had discovered by accident but even the concept of reaching out with your chi was apparently very dangerous for firebenders to attempt, the first and last person to ever display such a technique was Fire Lord Sozin. He realised that he was putting Naoko over his own brother by not helping him but he trusted her not to say anything, the secrets the two shared were deeper than any normal master-servant bond. But that wasn't the only reason, Tadashi still felt shook-up from facing his father, he doubted even something as simple as throwing fire would come out right.

"Sorry," was all Tadashi could say, looking towards the ground apologetically.

Zuko sighed in frustration, and turned to face the ceiling, unable to hold back the tears that were falling from his free eye.

"Don't worry about it, I'm not acting like an elder brother should right now,"

"What, don't kid yourself." Tadashi exclaimed, "You did what anyone of us would do in that situation. Even Azula, if she ever got in trouble, would probably do the same thing."

"That's a lie and you know it," Zuko retorted.

"Perhaps," Tadashi sighed, "But I'd like to believe that's true."

Zuko scoffed, using one hand to scratch the bridge of his nose then moving to caress his left eye before scowling in anger. Tadashi noticed how Zuko's body wanted to shake in rage, the air around the boy was warmer than usual, his emotions tampering with his chi.

"You know I fought a lieutenant named Zhao?" Tadashi said after a while.

Zuko raised his visible eyebrow, clearly stunned to hear that statement. Although he had seen the man there at the Agni Kai, he had met the lieutenant in the past before, having come from one of the new families that Ozai promoted in his reformation of the peoples government.

"How'd it go?" he asked, looking his younger brother up and down.

"I may have burnt his neck…." Tadashi chuckled awkwardly, feeling guilty saying the world 'burnt'.

"Oh," Zuko said, "That's good….I guess."

Tadashi suddenly felt worse, he didn't want to be in the room any more. Part of his mind was screaming at Zuko for not standing up to their father, for not being strong enough and for getting himself into this mess in the first place. That was the moment he realised why he liked Azula more, it wasn't just that she was younger than him but she was smarter than Zuko too. Her childish arrogance was admirable at such a young age, Tadashi could see it growing into overconfidence later in her life but with her natural talent and perfectionist attitude he doubted it'd be a problem. He also liked her more because they shared some of the same fears, a topic he hadn't mentioned to anyone, not even Naoko but one he knew brought them together. Azula meant more to him than he realised and it made Tadashi feel sick, thinking such thoughts in Zuko's presence. Luckily for him their Uncle Iroh stepped into the room.

"I see you've caught up," he said, sensing the atmosphere in the room, "Perhaps you should go now Tadashi and let your brother get his rest."

Tadashi simply nodded, moving to leave the room without another word. He paused at the door and turned so that he could see Zuko one last time.

"Good luck," he murmured quietly, grateful for the small smile Zuko returned.

After only a few days he had left.

There was no parade, no ceremony and neither Azula nor their father showed up. A small dingy looking ship was docked, soldiers handpicked from those unfortunate enough to annoy their superiors in the week leading up to Prince Zuko's banishment. Tadashi had stood there, giving words of encouragement to Zuko along with Ty Lee and Mai who said their goodbyes beside him. Mai seemed more distraught than usual, hardly able to look the banished prince in the eye properly. Ty Lee was also in a similar state, a first for Tadashi who was used to always seeing her all bubbly and optimistic. All three stood there at the docks as Zuko put on a brave face, in his defence he looked the part, ready to go into the world and bring back untold treasures or come with victories from glorious battles.

The three stood there, waving as the ship set sail, some of the soldier's families had also gathered, waving to their loved ones, the general atmosphere was quite gloomy. As the three walked towards the palace, Tadashi mentally sighed, glad that their Uncle Iroh had decided to go with Zuko. He imagined that without someone who had earned the title 'Dragon of the West' the journey would be near impossible. For a brief moment Tadashi contemplated what it would have been like to go with this older brother but as quickly as the thought came it left, a distasteful feeling welling up inside the boy. Before reaching the palace Mai and Ty Lee left, the expressions on their faces clearly said that they didn't want to appease Azula today. Tadashi grimaced, knowing that he'd need to do so instead, it was one of the rare times when he'd rather be alone then be near his sister.

However Tadashi was surprised to find that Azula was busy.

One of the palace advisors told Tadashi that his sister would be a lot busier from now on as her schedule had almost doubled with training, lessons and visits from ministers and generals. In fact Tadashi found out that even at times when they were supposed to eat dinner she was suddenly busy, Lo and Li were placed as her full-time instructors, no one was allowed to speak or bother her and anyone that disobeyed the Fire Lord's rules was to be instantly banished. At first Tadashi was warily proud of his sister that she was given more responsibilities and would be taught more, even for her young age, but as the weeks dragged by he started to grow annoyed at the situation. He was alone, no one could explain why, not even Naoko knew what was happening and his father was always conveniently busy whenever he tried to talk to him. The worst part was that everything seemed to stop for him, at first his tutors would still come in, teaching him firebending, politics and history among other subjects but even they started coming in less frequent as time went on.

On one particular day when no one came to him, Tadashi almost lashed out, intending to burn the whole place down. If it wasn't for Naoko and her quick thinking he knew that his father's wrath would be immeasurable. That vary same say Tadashi received a summons to the throne room.

"You summoned me, Fire Lord?" Tadashi knelt, supressing all the anger he still wanted to unleash.

"Yes boy, I want to finish our talk from last time. You see, ever since I banished Prince Zuko I asked myself what I'd do with you, you see it's no good simply being a royal you need to prove that you were born with the right to rule." He said with a small smirk.

Tadashi nodded, fearing where his father was going with this conversation.

"I want you to do something for me, a task that I can only entrust to you a smart and creative firebender," his grin went maliciously wider, "A special unit will be created for you, one that will test your skill, capacity and ferociousness in battle, taking out those meddlesome Earthbenders in the front lines."

Tadashi gulped, what his father was suggesting was more horrible than he imagined, compared to Zuko who was off chasing a ghost he would have to go fighting with the possibility of dying every day. His mind raced to find an answer, anything that would place him far from that kind of danger, anything to keep him away from death. It was that moment that he remembered something he overheard Azula saying a few days ago. The young girl had been complaining that all the generals were only looking to line their pockets with gold and gain more power, taking bribes from those that wished to run away from the army and effectively making it impossible for squads like the Rough Rhino's to hunt them down.

"If you'll permit me I have a suggestion," Tadashi spoke, his voice wavering slightly.

Ozai paused for a moment, surprised that Tadashi hadn't immediately accepted the offer. Although he wouldn't show it on his face he was amused by the sudden turn of events and grunted, a signal that let the boy know he should talk.

"I wish to setup a group between the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom, we'll work as intelligence agencies, reporting directly to you. Our job would range from assassinations to capture missions, assisting in the war however possible."

"And why should I allow the formation of such a group?" Ozai asked, slightly annoyed.

"As I mentioned we'd effectively be the Fire Nation's Military Intelligence and catch traitors, corrupt officials and take out important enemy targets. We'd interrogate any and all prisoners, creating the most efficient information network the world has seen. With my leadership and loyalty to both you, father and the Fire Nation there would be no one that could sway our minds and we'd provide results almost instantly."

"Instantly you say?" Ozai asked, looking into the determined eyes of Tadashi.

"Yes sir," the boy replied.

Ozai didn't speak for several moments and Tadashi wondered whether he did something wrong, holding off the urge to suddenly apologies. Fortunately Ozai let out an almost pleasant laugh before his smirk once again grew malicious.

"After careful consideration I believe this is indeed the best path for you, not only would you honour this family with untold achievements but you'll prove that you are indeed my son."

Tadashi chocked slightly, thoroughly confused by his father's words. He didn't know whether to be happy, insulted or depressed.

"Of course if I don't see any results within 2 years then you'll be sent to the front lines…..as promised." Ozai continued, nodding to himself.

"Thank you fa-"

"You'll also be leaving in two days," Ozai interrupted, motioning for an advisor to come forward, "Let it be known that from this day I place Prince Tadashi of the Fire Nation, my son, as the commander of the Fire Nations first true special operations branch. This ranking will be the equivalent to Admiral of the Navy and High General of the army. Do you accept this role?"

"Yes!" Tadashi spoke, bowling deeply.

With no other words needing to be said the boy left, unaware of the hidden glee behind Ozai's cruel eyes.

"This is perfect," Ozai said to himself, quickly dismissing the advisor after sending him to spread word of Tadashi's new role, "First I got rid of that failure for a son and now this one willingly sends himself away."

Ozai laughed, the fires around him moving about in an enticing dance. He went over his plans, a play of sorts that would leave no child of his alive save for his favourite, a plan that would ensure the Fire Nation rules the world long after his death and a plan that would cement his name in history forever.

The day Tadashi left was as unsurprisingly barren as Zuko's, no parade, no farewells or anything of the sort. Neither his father, Azula, Mai or Ty Lee were present, although he doubted the last two even knew he was leaving. However he could forgive Azula for not being there, the small girl had fought exhaustion to sneak into his room the night before, where they had said their goodbyes in peace. Azula, as usual, had learnt everything about his planned departure and what he intended on doing outside the capital city. But for once she had no words of malice, jealousy or mockery, only a face that clearly said leaps and bounds about how she felt. Tadashi himself was conflicted by that, on one hand he was extremely happy that she was genuinely going to miss him but on the other hand he felt guilty that he was pleased during her moment of loneliness. Surprisingly enough, the girl could only smirk in admiration when he told her why he suddenly felt conflicted, stating that it was only natural for someone in their family to act this way.

"It's weird," she had said that night, using a thumb to massage one of her eyes.

"What is?" Tadashi asked.

Azula paused for a while, looking around awkwardly before leaning in closer to Tadashi.

"I think something's wrong with me," she said, a look of concern on her face.

"What do you mean?"

Azula pouted, folding her arms as she thought of what to say.

"I don't know, but when mom left…I didn't care, with Zuko I was glad and Uncle is nothing more than a lousy loser of a traitor. Even if father was to leave I don't think I'd be…..too concerned."

Tadashi raised an eyebrow waiting for Azula to continue, however she remained silent, and her eyes darting about in a pedantic way.

"What do yo-" Tadashi began to ask before Azula interrupted him.

"So why do I feel this way?" Azula glared at her older brother, her fists tightening in anger, "Why do I feel like I'm about to lose a battle I never fought? Why do I have to feel worried that I'll never see you again? Tell me, why?"

Tadashi couldn't speak for a moment, but soon found he couldn't stop laughing, ruffling Azula's hair as he did so.

"Why are you laughing?" Azula asked angrily.

"It's called Kinship, I'm sure you've heard of it before but that's what it means to truly be family."

"What?" Azula recalled a lesson she had learnt about family honour and the specific mention of that word, "What has that got to do with me?"

"Azula, you're no fool. I'm your brother and you're my sister, nothing can change that. If you can't understand that then know that I'll always be one step ahead of you, not because you're not gifted or a natural bender but because I want to be there as your older sibling, understand?"

Azula's face reddened slightly as she nodded, gazing down at her feet which didn't seem to want to position themselves correctly.

"That sounds like Uncle," she said, refusing to look up any more.

"Nah, Uncle has nothing on me" Tadashi replied playfully, placing his hand on her shoulder. "I'll miss you too,"

Azula stiffened. She felt like she was going to be sick and turned around sharply, walking towards the door without another word.

"Oh, Azula!" Tadashi called before she stepped out.

"Yea?"

"Thanks for telling me that, it means more than you think."

Azula scowled softly before turning around, her cheeks still red but her eyes full of fire.

"If you tell anyone I said that I'll hunt you down myself and burn you, understand?"

"Sure thing Azu," Tadashi chuckled, waving her off.

Azula had nothing further to say and quickly left, feeling more determined than ever to master her firebending and prove to her elder brother that she was above this 'Kinship' he speaks of. Even as she reached her room, her cheeks were still faintly red. The next day had come quick for her, a sense of disappointment filled her as she was rushed off to her lessons, unable to see her brother off but the words he spoke last night still echoed in her mind, taunting her in a way.

Tadashi too felt odd on the small royal transport that would take him from the local docks to an uninhabited islands on the edge of the Fire Nation. From what he'd heard work had already started there and by the time he reached the island there would be accommodation and a general workspace, with completion slated to finish in less than a week's time. He had to admit that when the Fire Nation needed something done, they'd do it quick. The thought however made him realise that he wouldn't return for a long time, not until he could prove that this military unit would be worth all the resources that have been spent making it.

He could already imagine that the nobles were mocking him behind closed doors, treating this unit as the prince's plaything rather than something useful.

"Tadashi, your lunch is ready," the boy turned to face Naoko who wore a soft smile.

She was one of the people he requested come with him, having her around would make like easier and also a servant that was trustworthy was better than nothing. He also noticed that once they had set sail she was more relaxed than usual, happier and more upbeat too. Tadashi followed Naoko, wondering just how things were going to turn out for him, how he could really contribute to the war and most of all if he really was going to bring honour to his family as his father suggested.