Zhen hated the cold.

In retrospect, Zhen hated a lot of things but cold weather was at the top of his list. Still, his hatred didn't stop him from boarding a Fire Nation ship heading to one of the coldest regions on Earth. If only he didn't owe the new Fire Lord such a huge favor...

No, he shouldn't think like that. Zuko was a good friend and a great Fire Lord. Despite all the hostility towards the Fire Nation, he didn't hesitate in sending diplomats to the other two nations just a few months after the war. Although most convoys were greeted with rocks to the face when visiting key cities in the Earth Kingdom, Zuko was relentless in showcasing his good nature. Zhen even heard a few of the cities finally accepting the diplomats right before they set out to sea. Maybe the violent hostility most convoys were facing was the reason why Zhen was asked to become a diplomat for the Northern Water Tribe. From what he had heard, the battle with the Southern Water Tribe left some deep scars on the nation. They had lost a princess because of the Fire Nation and almost lost their guardian spirit because of Zuko. It was no surprise the Fire Lord wanted to deal with them last. Zhen had to be on his best behavior and ensure that he would not antagonize the citizens, even if he were to be bombarded with snow and ice. At least he was allowed to defend himself.

A knock at his bedroom door interrupted the tanned boy's thoughts. He turned away from the window and saw a solider enter the room. "Sir, we'll be arriving in 15 minutes." He stated. Zhen just nodded and began the arduous task of bundling up once the solider left. He dressed himself in the normal Fire Nation military armor but added another set of pants, gloves and a red scarf. He even sported a knitted hat he had bought before he left over his signature mohawk, making sure his ears were warm and toasty before leaving his room. He ventured through the metal ship and climbed up to the bridge, the large window greeting him with a magnificent view of the Northern Water Tribe gates.

"Remember boys, no Firebending." He announced to a couple of soldiers standing a few feet away, "We need them to like us." 

"Like you should talk." One of them chuckled. Zhen knew the comment was just light-hearted teasing but it still took all his power to just give a smile, albeit a bitter one.

"Yeah, yeah..."