The wind pulled, stroked the seas and tossed about as an untamed animal would. The clouds above were dark, thick and threatened to rain on the heads of countless Fire Nation soldiers. The air itself seemed to anticipate the future, its saltiness only less striking than the chill that sent thousands of men to rekindle the fire within their cores. Already ships had arrived at the pre-destined meeting point. Scouts, cutters and a wide variety of battleships were pulling in over the days where Admiral Zhao and General Iroh oversaw the entire operation.

Not too far, but certainly closer to the North Pole lay two ships. The first a pirate ship, familiar to those around the Earth Kingdom as the vessel belonging to the Crimson Raiders, a ship that preferred cold steel to the art of bending. The second ship was its polar opposite, taking after the innovative design of Fire Nation ships and stuffing it with as many features as their budget would allow.

The Dragon Inferno.

Designed as a Royal Barge, this ship used the latest combination of metal alloys that could be afforded, shaped into the sleek and fast nature of such boats. The metal was given a dark red coat of paint, but because it's metal plates were laid in such strange pattern it gave off the appearance that the boat was made of dragon skin. Unlike most ships though the boat didn't feature a tall tower where commands would be given but rather the station for the captain was within the belly of the beast, using a complicated system of mirrors to obtain multiple views of the surrounding area. Where this tower would usually be was a raised platform that featured an entrance to the deck below, this also meant the ship was wider than most with every room being below deck. Despite this large change the most striking difference was the creature that stood at the front of the ship. In the shape of a dragon this monstrosity was made from red metal and gold plating, giving the impression that a living dragon dwelled on the boat. What made this more than a simple decoration was that the structure was hollow, allowing for soldiers to wait within and use the various holes covered by gold plates to attack with a mixture of Firebending and Earthbending. At the mouth, where the Dragon seemed to be indefinitely roaring, a Ballista was mounted, protected by the Jaws of the dragon yet still able to turn a good half circle in any direction.

This ship that had only been completed less than a month before departing on its first voyage had run Military Intelligence budgets to its limit. Not wanting to owe either the Royal or Noble Faction with the financial backing of this project Tadashi had allowed the entire savings for two years as well as his personal funds to go into the construction of the vessel.

"It's….scary."

Sikumi shivered, looking at the monster that was anchored close to the boat used by the Crimson Raiders. Her first impression of the ship as it drew up to the pirate ship and even now as they sailed across in a small cutter she couldn't help but feel as if the entire Fire Nation's rage was stored within the golden eyes of the dragon.

"So, this is how it is." Hideki murmured as he nodded to Aki and Tadashi who spotted him above deck, ready to receive them.

The rest of the welcome party included Yaki, who retained his big and bulky stature nodded, but were also waiting as well. They bore the standard Fire Nation Intelligence uniform that Naoko had designed herself. Because of the cold weather the troops wore a black undergarment beneath their armour, hiding all visible skin except for the hands and face. For both the males and females the armour worn was the same, red and grey plates that protected the body, formed to fit around the each wearer and conserve as much space as possible. Because of these needs the armour had to be made specifically for each person, including a helmet that covered the face much like the Navy faceplates but instead with the shape of a dragon. The dragon, although hunted by the Fire Nation, were respected as intelligent creature matching that of humans which made them worthy adversaries and gave honour if killed in battle. To design this armour after the Dragons the nation claimed to represent was supposed to be a symbol of power and intelligence, but it also had the effect of elevating the strike team's myth-like feats amongst those that barely got a glimpse of the armour.

However this wasn't what they wore. Although the armour was suited for cold weather and could handle any sort of skirmish the members of Intelligence wore a similar outfit to their standard kit but featured white coloured plating with blue trimmings, a white faceplate and extra padding. It allowed wearers to hide in the snow without being seen easily. All those aboard the Dragon Inferno currently wore this armour, although they were permitted to not wear the helmet and outer frame due to the warm temperature within the ship.

As Tadashi stepped aboard the vessel Hitachi was first to salute, giving a small bow before stepping back as Naoko approached the boy. The girl who was barely older than Tadashi gave a soft smile and hugged her Master and friend, the action not surprising anyone that stood there that moment

"I take it this is Sikumi?" Hitachi asked as the waterbender stepped onto the ship.

"Yes, she's quite something." Tadashi confirmed as Sikumi gave a small bow herself to the man.

"Quite something eh?" Naoko grinned, "I sense a story you haven't told me."

Tadashi was quick to shake his head as Aki laughed and Sikumi blushed slightly before standing to the side.

"Don't misunderstand," Tadashi said, giving Naoko a light shove, "Just look at her and you'll see."

The words made Sikumi slightly uncomfortable but she knew what he meant. This wasn't the first time she had been told that people saw more of themselves in her eyes. Whether it was an ability that some waterbenders possessed or something entirely different she didn't know but her father had once said she looked all the more beautiful for it.

"I…..see." Naoko said, "wow….I mean…this is-"

Aki laughed.

"That's exactly what I said the first time too." She said, motioning for the others to come aboard.

"I'll show everyone else to their rooms," Yaki nodded, as the crew of the Crimson Raiders finally joined up with the rest of Military Intelligence.

"So, what happened?" Hideki asked.

His question, although vague, was directed at the crew of the Crimson Raiders and their recent voyage. With a deep sigh Tadashi explained everything, including how they had obtained knowledge of Zhao's invasion plan, the pirates and Zuko as well as Kuro's death.

"That's shame, poor soul was due for a promotion soon as well." Hideki said after a moment of silence. "Still, it's rather surprising that you actually saw a living spirit and it didn't try to kill you."

"I think the answer is to be civil," Aki mentioned, nodding towards Sikumi who was the main reason it all went well anyway.

"That may certainly be true but the information you obtained there, especially this book about Firebending is very interesting indeed." Hideki said aloud.

At the mention of the book Tadashi took it out of the satchel he was carrying and showed off its pages which demonstrated almost every known Firebending technique and a few more they didn't know.

"It really is an interesting book," Tadashi agreed. "But I never knew firebending could be colours outside of red and blue."

The others nodded, because the orange-red hue that fire was naturally seemed the only logical thing to expect from Firebending, as well as the blue fire that came about from intense concentration and practice.

"It's said here that purple fire is an ignition of the soul, using passion as a fuel to enhance the source of your fire."

"What source?" Naoko asked.

"I don't know, the book doesn't say." Tadsahi admitted, "But it says some of the first Firebenders were the ancient sun-warriors which lived in a now-ruined city within the Fire Nation if I'm not wrong."

Hideki nodded, having heard of similar rumours himself.

"Perhaps they know." Tadashi spoke, "I'd also look for the true answer to this silver fire that the text describes as the very essence of our bodies. Not that I'm interested though, I'd rather learn some of the techniques listed here."

"I thought we agreed they were dangerous?" Aki asked.

"What? Dangerous!" Naoko gave Tadashi a hard look, giving him cause to chuckle awkwardly.

"We don't know for sure, but it's something that we'll investigate. Um…." Tadashi trailed off as he couldn't reply further.

Naoko understanding the hint turned to the others and smiled in such a way that the others knew her orders were absolute.

"Could you show everyone to their rooms whilst I speak to our Director?" she asked Hideki who merely nodded and walked off towards the ships interior followed by the others.

Once they were out of sight and no one could be seen Tadashi sighed heavily and almost collapsed, supported by Naoko who quickly took his things and bore his fatigued body.

"What's wrong?" Naoko asked.

"Everything."

"What exactly constitutes as everything?"

"I don't know…."

"But if you don't know then how can anything be wrong?"

"That's not logical at all."

"Perhaps that's true but neither are you."

The two continued their pointless bickering for a quart-hour before Tadashi found the strength to stand by himself.

"I miss home, but not the home I will return to. I couldn't go and relax whilst people are out there giving their lives for something they may or may not even believe in! Zuko…..he almost died, how am I supposed to feel about that? I miss Azula, her antics, our competitions, everything! There's something inside me that burns, I don't know what it is but I've hurt people in ways that haunts me, I die a little every second I think about it."

"Tadashi…" Naoko sighed, taking a hand to his head and stroking it ever so slightly.

"Home is wherever you make it, right? I can't quite say I know what you see in your younger sister but I'm sure she misses you too." Naoko answered, mentally debating on what she should say next, "I think that you believe yourself too strong, but it's only natural since you're a Prince of the Fire Nation."

"Am I? Some days I think I'm too…."

"Emotional?" Naoko suggested.

"Exactly. I'm just so…..ouch!" Tadashi was somewhat stunned when Naoko flicked his head.

"Forgive me for talking out of line but have you seen the rest of your family? Zuko is readily prepared to shout down anyone that gets in his way, quick to get angered and easily annoyed my small mistakes. Azula is no better, always trying to make life worse for the servants and will bend at people just for the pleasure of it. And your father…well I don't even think he has a happy side." Naoko half-ranted, looking out towards the ice caps before realising she had just bad-mouthed Tadashi's family a bit too easily.

Despite the grave dishonour she had committed Tadashi laughed. It wasn't sadistic, sarcastic or even self-harmful but a laugh of pure joy that lasted a few blissful seconds.

"Is that how they really come across like?" Tadashi asked, wiping away a tear.

"Um….yeah." Naoko said, watching to see if Tadashi's mood would change again.

"I suppose they are all a mad-lot, myself included. Maybe I was too quick to judge," he said before his mood did indeed dip again, "But I don't think it excuses the way those men died."

"Something you haven't learnt to control perhaps?"

"But that's what the initial firebending lessons are for!" Tadashi retorted.

"Of course, but maybe this is something else? You said yourself that you saw the spirit of Agni through Sikumi, perhaps this is something you need a spiritual teacher to guide you on?"

"That may be the case," Tadashi sighed, "But where do we find someone like that?"

"The Avatar?"

"What!? Are you suggesting I just go up to him and ask for advice?"

"Well you did save him twice, and if you ask really nicely-"

"No." Tadashi interrupted her, "I can't appear weak before him if I wish to make this partnership work."

"Fine," Naoko sighed, "But I do wish you'd take care….I mean look, you're not eating properly and you've thinned."

"I've also become a lot stronger," Tadashi added with a small smirk.

"That's not important, strength isn't important."

"You mean physical strength isn't important and inner strength is the key to a long life, you sound just like my….oh I'm an idiot." Tadashi shook his head, chuckling slightly.

"You said it, not me." Naoko laughed quietly.

"I guess I really should speak with my Uncle," Tadashi admitted.

The two continued to study the horizon as over time the shape of fire nation ships became visible. The large vessel that could only belong to Admiral Zhao was visible in the distance too.

"So, what's the plan?"

This time it was Tadashi that smiled, a hint of bravado in his eyes as he turned to face Naoko.

"Let's meet up with everyone first."

Tadashi, Director of Military Intelligence

You have done well for our Nation, striking both the enemy and traitors who have lost their way, though it surprises me to hear that Admiral Zhao is intending to commit such a foolish act. Your advisors have told me that the upmost research was done to verify this information and I'll hold them to their word.

With this letter I give you permission to stop Zhao, but only as long as the Invasion is successful. On the small chance that Zhao fails his, life is forfeit by his own right and you would only be hastening my desire to get rid of incompetence.

For the glory of the Fire Nation,

Fire Lord Ozai

The central command room was equally impressive as the outside of the ship, but for more technical reasons. The room that everyone was seated in was huge, broken up into 3 main areas. The first section, where the Director and the higher command situated allowed for easy access to maps and other resources, elevated above the other areas to allow quick commands to be issued. The second area was below the command area but featured a large table with refreshments, more documents and stations to accommodate all the captains and where mission critical units could obtain orders easily. The final area surrounded the first two. Around this great room were multiple stations where officers sat. Here the tables were erected with mirrors that connected to periscopes, enlarging images that allowed those within to see the outside of ship with ease. The wide mirror and those within the periscope allowed the officers stationed to see a clear image of what was happening as well as allowing those around to quickly see without too much trouble. During the night the ship used oil and fire to light the scope which increased the usability of the device.

But that's not where it ended, the ship also featured a complicated set of relay lens within its walls, leading to a set of mirrors on the command tables and the wall behind them. Using a complicated design of levers, switches and panels it was possible to push an image from one periscope to the much larger lens, although the image would often appear distorted and didn't work at night.

In this great room Tadashi was sat at the large table with Naoko, Hideki, Sikumi, Aki and half of the Intelligence crew. The others were manning the periscopes, performing checks on the other equipment on the boat or topside where cargo from the pirate ship was being transported to the Dragon Inferno.

"The plan is rather simple, we will use Sikumi's knowledge of the Northern Water Tribe to attack Zhao before or during the time he attacks the Moon Spirit." Tadashi spoke out to those on the room.

"As the Director said, we will use information gathered from the Spirit Library to mount an offence that takes us through the ice tundra into the city without alerting the cities soldiers." Hideki continued, pointing at a map that had been laid out on the table before them.

Hideki continued to outline how a two-man team consisting of Aki and Sikumi would infiltrate the Northern Water Tribe from the west, finding the spot where the Ocean and Moon Spirit were situated and keep watch over it until the time was right. In the meantime a team consisting of Hideki, Tadashi, Naoko and Yaki would escort Zhao and General Iroh so that they can deal with the threat if the first team failed. Aki would wear the winter variant uniform to help increase success chances whilst Sikumi would wear traditional Water Tribe clothing that had been acquired beforehand. The second team would wear the standard uniform which had been nicknamed 'Dragon Scales' as a homage to its appearance. Everyone else was to also wear standard uniform unless told otherwise.

"What about the rest of us?" another firebender spoke.

"Unfortunately this vessel isn't quite equipped for full-scale warfare so we'll have to wait until the land assault until we can act." Hideki answered, before pointing at a location close to the Northern Water Tribe's ice wall, "But before that moment you'll enter the Northern Water tribe and once in, your mission is to take out several key locations using the underground ice caverns."

Sikumi wanted to voice her concern that innocent people could get hurt but Hideki insisted that the targets were mainly the armouries, training grounds and entrances to the various districts in the city. The plan meant that during the battle Water Tribe and Fire Nation units could not move about much, preventing too much damage and limiting casualties. The other two locations would be targeted for the equipment stored there to be destroyed. Once the battle was over if would be beneficial to the fire nation to leave the Northern Tribe defenceless and unable to use practical weapons. Buildings and other structures could simply be remade again and would be a waste of time to destroy. It was then that Hideki specified that those chosen for the mission would wear Winter Dragon Scales and they were to act as independent agents in this accord. If they got caught or fell behind enemy lines they should consider themselves dead. Tadashi protested this idea in its entirety but Hideki insisted it was best so that the other Nations wouldn't know of their existence, the only other organisation with a similar agenda being the Dai Li, but they were publicly known for over a hundred years.

The next day Operation Blue Sun went underway. Sikumi and Aki left first, taking a wooden two man vessel and leaving for the Northern Water tribe, the captain attempting to stay out of sight whilst Sikumi played the part of lost Water Tribe member.

The second team, consisting of 12 agents in pairs of 2 started scouting the underground areas as best as they could, taking rations in the forms of dried meat to sustain themselves for the night before the invasion. The last team, consisting of Zhao's escort met up with the Admirals warship that was anchored half a day away from the Northern Water Tribe. Because the normal Fire Nation troop had never seen the Dragon Scales of the Military Intelligence uniform the arrival of Tadashi and his team quickly became the talk of the crew. Rumours that dragon warriors had come to assist in the battle quickly spread and moral increased with the thought that the very spirits themselves were giving the Fire Nation a good omen. Since stepping aboard not one member, whether it was Tadashi or those still on the Dragon Inferno took off their helms and armour when visible to others.

"W…w….welcome, I heard that an escort would be coming but not dragons themselves." A messenger greeted Tadashi's team with some hesitation, failing to notice that the armour was only designed after those noble creatures.

"Please, just lead us to Admiral Zhao." Hideki spoke with a humoured tone, entrancing the messenger with a simple tilt of his head.

"Of…of course!"

The man, dressed in standard armour led the group of four through the ship, every man whether they were in armour or not glanced as these dragon-like uniformed people walked passed, an air of dominance emanated from the large man, compassion from another, observation from the third and the last which was also the shortest unnerved the crew as to why such a young person was with these strange people.

As the group walked down a particular hallway a lone soldier, wearing his helm and all didn't look as he almost walked into Tadashi, his larger frame and heavy armour more than capable of knocking over the younger boy.

"Watch where you're going?" Yaki said with a low growl.

"Peace, he didn't mean no harm," Hideki quickly cut in.

Tadashi nodded to the masked soldier to let him know that he was ok, since he hadn't fallen anyway, and carried on as if nothing happened. The messenger eyed the group with weary eyes hoping that nothing bad befell them whilst they were in his care. As he approached the door to Zhao's private command room the messenger breathed a sigh of relief and knocked on the door.

"Admiral, the Dra…..I mean the elite group are here." He said, opening the door slightly.

"Send them in," Zhao called.

The messenger widened the door and stepped aside as the four walked in. In the light that lit the room the golden sheen from the armoured mask gave the small group a spirit like aura. It didn't help that they had decided to wear a formal black and red cape that was intended to be used only for visits with royalty.

"This is a surprise," General Iroh stated, eyeing the four masked people before taking a closer look at the shortest, "I didn't think we'd be in the company of dragon men."

"Thanks for the kind words General Iroh, but we are just servicemen for our country with the intention of protecting certain….assets for the Fire Nation." Hideki spoke as Yaki started stalking around the room, giving it a light inspection.

"Oh, I didn't know I was some property to be watched?" Zhao asked in an annoyed tone.

"That's for the Fire Lord to determine." Hideki retorted.

"So it seems."

The two eyed each other for a few moments before Zhao turned away and faced the open door of the balcony where the Northern Wall was slowly coming up on the horizon.

"This will truly be one for the history books. Just think, centuries from now, people will study the great Admiral Zhao, who destroyed the last of the Water Tribe civilization. You're lucky you're all here to see it."

"Be careful what you wish for, Admiral. History is not always kind to its subjects." Iroh replied in a grim tone.

"I suppose you speak from experience, but rest assured. This will be nothing like your legendary failure at Ba Sing Se." Zhao chided.

Tadashi tensed slightly when he heard Zhao talk, merely standing in the room made him feel sick but hearing how easily the man was willing to put down his Uncle sparked something in him that just wanted to watch Zhao burn.

"I hope not, for your sake." Iroh replied, glancing in Tadashi's direction for a split second.

"Tell the captains to prepare for first strike." Zhao ordered as Iroh walked away, back through the door that the four had come in with.

As Zhao looked onwards and Yaki gave the nod of approval, Naoko and Tadashi slipped out of the room without a sound, their disappearance only noticed when Zhao turned to drink a ration of liquor from his stash.

"I thought there were four of you?" he asked.

"The other are scouting the area, it wouldn't make do to defend a ship we haven't seen properly with our own eyes after all." Hideki answered.

"Hmm, I suppose." Zhao thought to himself, "Do you ever take of those masks?"

"Under here we are faceless, servants of the Fire Lord as our armour suggests." Yaki spoke, giving the most patriotic tone he could muster.

"Ha, if that's the case why haven't I heard about you or that….interesting ship you call the Dragon Inferno?" Zhao asked, giving Hideki a doubtful look.

"The Fire Lord doesn't wish for all his secrets to be known, for it is his will that we're here after all." Hideki lied, wondering if Zhao would buy it.

"Again I have to take your word for it, the document you sent me was written by the Fire Lord after all." Zhao shrugged before gulping down the drink he had poured for himself.

Hideki mentally sighed, thankful that the forged document he made with the Fire Lord's stamp had fooled Zhao long enough to execute their mission properly. Looking at Yaki he contemplated taking out the Admiral now, solely based on the information Tadashi had told him but he also knew that the Director would be furious that he wasn't he one to finish the job. Not to mention starting a major invasion without the Admiral would certainly be a failure, something the Fire Lord would notice and question Tadashi about.

As Iroh walked slowly and carefully, taking in all the sounds around him. He was almost certain that no one was following him but his gut also told him that he wasn't alone either. Just moments ago he had spoken with Zuko again and warned him to be careful, something the teenager rarely considered when setting off. He could feel it that something bad was going to happen but he didn't know what.

As he walked back to the area where Zhao was no doubt gloating over his supposed victory that was yet to happen he could feel the trebuchets at work, slinging huge chunks of flaming rock at the Ice wall. The steady thump of the ship as the large machine worked told him that the Fire Nation were quick to start with the attack. The ageing man paused for a second, giving a quick prayer for all those that would fall today before moving off back to the position he was expected to be in.

Upon arriving back at Zhao's room the four guards with their strange armour were studying the battle, the smaller one having noticed as Iroh entered the room. He gave a small chuckle before looking up at the sky as the moon started rising higher into the sky.

"It's almost twilight, Admiral. As your military consultant, I must advise you to halt your attack. Waterbenders draw their power from the moon, and it is nearly full tonight. You should wait and resume the attack at daybreak." Iroh stated.

"I agree with that assessment," Hideki nodded.

"Oh, I'm well aware of the moon problem and I am working on a solution." Zhao said, turning to face Iroh, "But for now, daybreak it is."

Hideki nodded at the command and raised a flag that was by his side, signalling to the other ships that the attack would stop for the day. This allowed the men to rest for a while as they prepared themselves for what could end up being a long campaign. As the moon rose higher still Iroh excused himself and Tadashi followed yet again, this time without Naoko. The golden mask did indeed reflect candlelight so the young boy was especially careful when tailing Iroh but he followed the old general until he met up with the masked soldier again that Tadashi recognised from before.

"If you're fishing for an octopus my nephew, you need a tightly woven net, or he will squeeze through the tiniest hole and escape." Iroh said cryptically, watching Zuko at work with a boat he prepared for himself.

"I don't need your wisdom right now, Uncle." Zuko retorted.

Tadashi kept to the shadows as he listened to the conversation between the two.

"I'm sorry. I just nag you, because ... well, ever since I lost my son ..."

"Uncle, you don't have to say it." Zuko tried to cut him off.

"... I think of you as my own."

Zuko turned to face his uncle, giving him a sympathetic look. Tadashi on the other hand felt uneasy about the comment. His thoughts went back to watching his father punish Zuko and the way he regarded his brother and to a lesser extend him to. Even though the comment should have sounded treasonous he fully understood it.

"I know, Uncle. We'll meet again. After I have the Avatar." Zuko hugged his uncle and got on the boat.

"Remember your breath of fire. It could save your life out there." Iroh warned.

"I will." Zuko nodded, as the boat lowered into the water.

"And put your hood up. Keep your ears warm!" Iroh called out.

"I'll be fine!"

Tadashi scoffed in amusement at Zuko's annoyed voice. For a while things were quiet as Tadashi expected that Iroh was watching Zuko sail off then all of sudden a hand grasped his shoulder.

"You're not the only one that can walk in silence nephew." Iroh gave Tadashi a wry smile.

Tadashi in turn jumped, giving his uncle a bemused look before taking off his helm.

"How did you know it was me?" Tadashi asked, honestly surprised.

Iroh chuckled softly before looking back out towards the direction Zuko was heading, closing his eyes for only a moment before facing Tadashi again.

"I think you know how, since it's a talent that only Firebenders who train hard enough can master." Iroh spoke carefully.

"You sensed me?" Tadashi asked, the only other mention of this ability having been the book he carried.

"But I think we have more to talk about, the look on your face says it all." Iroh said with a serious look on his face.

Tadashi nodded, putting his facemask back on.

"It's about Zhao."