By the time the ship had reached port it was getting dark. Tadashi had decided to come outside a few hours earlier, making sure to apologise profoundly to both Sikumi and Kuro who at least accepted the gesture face on. Sikumi merely sighed, as if she were scolding a younger sibling, her smile never wavering for a second. It was well known amongst those on the ship that Sikumi had unusual eyes. They bore no strange mark, shining as blue as the Water Tribe could get but a mystical air never left her gaze at certain moments in time. Her words would always be kind yet her eyes seemed to reflect a person being completely, both pure and unfiltered. Tadashi saw more than his pride staring back at himself but the measure of his worth in flames, both red and hot yet licked by cold and calculative blue embers. Although this sight lasted but a second he saw himself in the form of a crimson shadow, thrown against a sea of infinite cosmos, each star shining brighter than the last in an attempt to outdo each other. The majority were fierce plumes of orange, red and sometimes yellow. These the boy could comprehend as a child of fire, but the blue and purple flames which were already rare gave way to a silver wave of energy, each stroke of fire a thought or whisper that reached out to the young boy.

Images of the book he had taken came to mind. In the text he read it was common for soldiers who wielded blue fire to become the private guard of the Fire Lords of old, those that wielded purple flames were often revered as masters of the craft so ancient their bodies were said to have still contained Dragon blood. This same book went on to detail that one Fire Lord long ago had wed a female guard who wielded purple flames. This marriage brought about greater reverence to the Fire Lord at the time, establishing a law that the royalty were descendants of Dragons. Tadashi had thought this a crude way to gain more power but the book did mention that their union was that out of love to one another and everything else a mere coincidence. Not knowing how accurate that account was Tadashi simply decided to accept it as fact.

Despite his misgivings about past events the flames that burned before him was something else. The blue flames taunted him, its coldness licked him in a frenzy of passion, anger and fear, tempting him into a blind fury for power. The purple didn't act the same way though, it flew straight and true like an arrow, almost noble in nature which seemed to be reserved for the talented, perhaps a person like Azula who could eventually reach that level. But those were still nothing compared to the silver. He knew by looking at himself that he would never obtain such a glorious flame, no matter how hard he trained, meditated or swore to carry out Agni's will. This fire, brighter than the sun, purified his very soul and cleaned all doubts he carried about himself. This silver fire that must have been the very essence of Agni itself was reflected in all Firebenders but through Sikumi he could see it as clear as day, see but never reach. The silver burned in his very soul but to throw one's life was impossible, this applied to all benders, to throw about ones essence was an abomination of the soul.

That gaze, which lasted both a second and a lifetime, told Tadashi that everything would be alright. All he needed was hope that his will to move forwards would take him to a better place. Of course he still needed to apologies to Kuro first.

The stealth prone Earthbender was a lot stiffer, his fondness for Tadashi had all but disappeared with that confrontation in the meeting room. But that was a problem he could deal with himself, having been brought up around Fire Nation people he was always quite the prideful person, despite his differences in nationality and status. It was for that reason that he could still respect the boy who manned up enough to apologies out in the open, despite his status as a Prince and Director. The respect still remained, but that fondness would take some time to rebuild as a sapling eventually grows into a mighty tree.

The group that left the ship consisted of Tadashi, Aki, Kuro and another Firebender named Daiki, a rather large man who always seemed to blend in with his surroundings. Tadashi wore some of his nicer clothing, his nervousness slowly building up within his mind as they spotted the ship still in the harbour.

"It's awfully quiet, don't you think?" Aki murmured low enough that only the four could hear.

The others merely nodded in agreement but Kuro suddenly stiffened, his demeanour immediately alerting the others.

"What's wro-"Aki was about to ask before a huge explosion went off.

Tadashi didn't move, breath or even try to think as Zuko's ship exploded in a raging roar of red hot flames. The sight of metal, bent out of shape and the roar of a voice he instantly recognised as his uncles brought him back to reality. He wanted to rush over but as he saw a bird flying in the darkness the form of a pirate slipped past his eyes. The shadow moved about unseen to the world around it and re-joined another which headed away from the destroyed ship. In that moment a plume of rage exploded from the boy as he ran off after them, despite the calls from Aki.

Tadashi dashed towards the pirates, throwing boxes, people and anything that was in his way aside. He ran until the shadows led him outside the small village, where the pirates were waiting in a clearing.

"You!" he shouted, his eyes ablaze with tenacious fury. "You'll pay for what you did!"

"Heh, it's the small whelp." The captain said, surrounded by his pirates and some unfamiliar new faces. "We figured out it was you who sent my men to the spirits, so we returned the gesture. Of course only after filling up our ranks with some fresh swords."

As he finished speaking the others caught up with Tadashi, falling into stances so that they could protect the boy if need be. However the young director didn't even notice their appearance, his eyes fixated on the Pirate Captain, his words replaying in his mind constantly.

"I'll have his head…"

The words were a whisper but Aki heard them before Tadashi launched towards the pirates, uncaring who came upon him. Of course as the first pirate was within striking distance, a newly hired sell-sword, Aki turned her flames on the man burning him instantly.

"Blasted ash makers! Kill them all," the captain roared, drawing his own sword.

Kuro dashed to the side, using his earthbending to take out the enemy. His blasts of earth were the size of cannonballs and aimed for the heads of pirates that dared go near his comrades. Quickly the number of pirates started decreasing and those that even thought of fleeing were struck by Daiki whose aim was consistently on the mark. Tadashi swung mercilessly, hacking whoever went near him. Those that had the audacity to block or parry his attacks were met by the red hot flames of his firebending, leaving their faces charred and blackened or inflicting so much pain they couldn't fight. These unfortunate souls didn't draw many breaths after that as Kuro finished them off with sharp spires he created from the ground. Aki focused on those that approached Tadashi; her need to use her Long-Dadao, a modified version of the scimitar like weapon, increased. She killed without mercy, only stopping when a wild swing from the enemy failed to penetrate her light armour. In response she threw the sword at the pirate, hitting him in the abdomen and threw a fierce volley of flames that burned his arms, leaving him in so much pain that Kuro's earthbending was almost a kind gesture.

"Damn you Fire Nation, I'll send you straight to the spirits myself if need be!" the captain roared, his blade slicing into Daiki's arm, rendering it useless although not removing it entirely.

As the firebender cried out in pain he threw another wave of fire that missed the captain but burned the pirate behind him. Aki fell back, her exhaustion almost overtaking her need to protect Tadashi. In a moment of wonder, she looked on as he fought, his rage seemingly fuelling his actions. Daiki also retreated, sending a huge flame into the air in the hope that those on the ship would see it. Aki also wondered this, she anticipated that they would have investigated the explosion, it's sound and ferocity enough to wake up the entire village. It was during those moments that Aki saw the killing intent emanating from the pirate captain as he drew his sword, aiming directly for Tadashi's back as he lunged forwards. Too slow to act, call or even move Aki's entire being freezed as she watched Kuro jump in to the rescue, not with earthbending or weaponry but with his body, taking the blow directly into his lung.

"See, they are not unbeatable!" the captain shouted, hoping to rally his men.

Tadashi turned too late, the splash of blood on his cheek felt different to the rest and when he saw Kuro's crumpled body he knew what had transpired. The captain though didn't give his foe a moments chance to understand the gravity of his mistake and swung again for the boy. Tadashi, not one to make a mistake twice, met the sword with his own but as the captain stared down the boy, instead of seeing the amber eyes of the Fire Nation he was met by a maelstrom of fury, the ocean of blue fire that corrupted Tadashi's soul engulfed the sword he held and travelled to the captain, burning with a sickening coldness that sapped away at his very life.

The first time he had screamed no one really noticed apart from Aki who watched in horror, but the second time everyone saw the way Tadashi swung and shot shards of blue fire in short arcs. The smallest wisp of blue embers caught onto anything and burned with such a passion that the very fire itself seemed to be mourning. One by one the remaining pirates were slayed, the blue fire that Tadashi used wasn't natural but still deadly, burning everything in its path. As the last man fell the boy too mirrored this action, dropping to the ground as the mask that was the depth of blue fire suddenly left his mind.

"Did….I?" Tadashi could barely form the words before looking at Kuro's body that still moved, someone escaping the onslaught of fire.

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"So, this is how it ends."

Tadashi freely wept as he heard the words come from Kuro. Aki and Daiki also came upon their fallen comrade, still shaken by Tadashi's actions.

"Don't, we can take you to Sikumi!" Tadashi stammered, "Stay with us."

"Heh…." Kuro tried to chuckle but ended up coughing blood, "I'm nothing to worry about."

"But I never got a chance to…." Tadashi muttered, unable to look him directly in the eyes.

"Don't cry for me, there are better things to do with your heart." He spoke carefully, earning a look of confusion from the young prince. "I saw myself this morning and knew I wasn't meant to stay in this world much longer."

"How can you say such a thing?" Aki asked, very alarmed.

"You would say the same thing if you saw what I saw," he muttered, "the Director brings all sorts of wonderful people to him but I'm not one of those people. I…saw another, an Earthbender who is nothing like me, my better in every way."

"What are you trying to say?" Aki questioned.

"Find him. He who would rather fight with sword than rock. He who is old enough to be a father but has fought many battles throughout time. He who condemns the wicked much like you do…Director."

"Does such a man truly exist?" Tadashi asked quietly.

"Aye, he does. I feel it…..the call of the earth, my body should return….to sleep. I saw….but yes."

Kuro started rambling, his eyes slowly glazing as his voice gradually grew quieter. As his soul became one with the spirits all he would talk about is this mysterious person, how great he was, how fierce he could fight and how he envied such a man whose heart was as large as the ocean but as strong as a mountain. As Agni resided in all beings the flame that ignited his soul went out, disturbing Tadashi more than he could say. His body wouldn't move as his soul cursed himself for allowing such a thing to happen, he wanted to will the flame of Kuro back but knew he didn't possess such a gift, only Agni could perform such a miracle.

"We should take him back." Aki said, her eyes taking in every detail about Kuro's face as he eternally rested.

Daiki, forgetting about his injury and with Aki's help, put Kuro onto his shoulder and slowly started walking back. The trio were exhausted, both physically and mentally but they managed to reach the ship where the others were waiting at full alert. Tadashi quickly learned that they had indeed learned of the explosion and investigating, reporting that Zuko did not die and that they witnessed General Iroh taking him. This news brought little relief to Tadashi who found it hard to speak his mind, instead focusing on his decisions that led to Kuro's death. The crew on the ship had also caught one of the pirates who Tadashi must have missed and learned that Zhao had orchestrated the entire thing, the description of an 'overly proud ash maker' enough to tip them off. Without needing to go into detail they noted that the pirate was dealt with.

Aki who carried a few bruises and Daiki were healed by Sikumi without complaint but Tadashi was more stubborn, saying that it was his fault this whole thing happened. It wasn't until Sikumi that looked upon him with her sad eyes that Tadashi could accept that some things were out of his control. But it wasn't him or Sikumi that confirmed this but a small voice that seemed to travel on the sea breeze, settling into the mind of the young boy who commanded a ship of trained fighters.

"I think it's all the more important we speak to General-"

"No," Tadashi interrupted Aki, his mind clearer than most though it would be. "Right now that would be unwise. If Zhao is behind this than he is watching my Uncle, probably even drafting him for the invasion in the North."

Sikumi grimaced and mentally resolved herself for what would undoubtedly be a dangerous and bloody battle.

"So what do we do?" she asked.

Tadashi didn't know, he sighed as he tried to warm his body with his inner fire but the coldness that spread through his body was unbearable so he extinguished it and focused on the task at hand.

"We need to head towards the North, I want to be there before anyone else." He said, his tone gave away that this wasn't up for debate, "As much as I want to give Kuro the burial he deserves we just don't have the time."

"We can drop him off at a Fire Nation village on our way, I'll make sure they bury him…..as decreed." Aki stated rather bluntly.

The decree she spoke of was a rule that they had agreed upon over 2 years ago that those that died in service would not gain any recognition in death lest their accolades are used to give away the identity of those within Military Intelligence. Tadashi nodded in agreement, he then turned to go inside and as Aki reached out to ask another question he interrupted her.

"Sorry, but I need to write a letter and send it as quickly as possible." He said before leaving the company that was mentally getting used to the fact that Kuro wouldn't be with them any more.

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To Naoko

I write this with the news that Kuro has fallen.

I know there has been quite some time between the time since we last talked and such news is hardly appropriate but I need to speak to you, personally. There is much to say, both about my journey but also about matters of the mind and spirit.

Enclosed is another letter that I write to my father, please see to it that it is delivered directly to him with no eyes reading its content apart from your own. I also ask that you come with our second team to the North Pole, once you have set out we can talk of a meeting point but it is imperative you bring the battle class ship and Hideki along.

There is so much more I wish I could write but time is of the essence right now and a moment longer spent in the depth of this ship will do damage to my soul that I doubt could ever be healed.

Regards,

Tadashi

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My Lord

It is with this letter that I bring news of a threat to our Nation in the form of our newly promoted Admiral Zhao.

As the grace of our people would allow it the attack on the Northern Water Tribe will end in absolute Fire Nation victory, but the lengths this man will go to is a danger to us all. Such lengths that includes consorting with pirates to assassinate my brother. Of course this vein attempt at his life through deceitfulness failed and by the time he learns of this it will be too late because I plan on ending his life myself.

Zhao is a man who will lie and cheat his way to the top, I fear he has done this with you my Lord and has used your will to win power for himself. Such disrespect cannot be tolerated which is why I must do something about it as Prince to the Fire Nation.

This is a man who plans to kill the moon spirit, taking away the bending powers of the Water Tribes but also giving us eternal summers and days upon end that will cause naught but madness. This plan will only bring destruction to the Fire Nation and its people and that is something I cannot allow. Even as you read this my people are getting ready, we will strike down his deluded efforts and bring to light all the crimes he has committed over the years, atrocities that will forever shame the family he comes from and never allow another of his kind into power again.

When I left the Fire Nation I didn't realise how misguided and foolish the world really is. The people need a leader and they don't realise true power when they see it. It may please you to know that I struck down the very souls who dared rig Zuko's ship with explosives. I produced a fire so cold and blue that it burned the very spirit of his being, an image that I will never forget as long as I live. If this fire of mine will be used to cleanse those from this world that don't belong then so be it, but Zhao has become next on that list.

It is my hope that Azula learns of it too, I have high hopes for her as I suspect you do. One day she will do great things that will bring untold honour for the Fire Nation and if I can't do that then I hope to create the foundation to allow those miracles to happen.

With all this being said I'm afraid to let you know that the assault on the Northern Water Tribe will result in failure. I have looked at all the details, papers and into Zhao as much as my time allows and his greed will be the end of him, this I guarantee. But with the Avatar at the Northern front I fear he will lay waste to the resources you so cleverly diverted to this noble cause. With this in mind I will do my best to gain more for the Fire Nation than what that man would return with.

Your son,

Tadashi, Prince of the Fire Nation