Book 2: Earth

Chapter 2- The Jade Sentinels

Korra couldn't believe her eyes as she stood on the bow of a formidable Fire Navy Light Cruiser. It was the first steel ship she had been on in her life and she couldn't resist exploring every nook and cranny of the vessel, from the galley, to the crew quarters, to even the massive fire turrets that lined the bow and stern of the ship. Mako had been kind enough to give her the freedom to do so while he was drilling the rest of the Southern Raiders. Officially she was still on the injured list, and although the scars on her back had mostly recovered, it still stung, even as she put on her usual light armor on.

It was an eye opening experience, she had seen dozens of these ships pull into the harbor during her time in camp, but she never thought she'd be on one. The crash of the waves and the smell of the fresh sea air was nothing like she'd ever felt before. It was exhilarating.

Yet, like everything in her life, there was a catch.

Although being on this Fire Navy Cruiser, miles out in the open sea and away from the prison was a liberating and thrilling experience, she knew she was still a prisoner, trapped by the conditions the warden had placed upon her in her search. It was like a twisted mockery of her life long dream, to be free, yet to still a prisoner. Still, she was determined to make the best of it, as she always had.

It wasn't easy leaving home, and the memory of it was still fresh in her mind

"Bye mom, dad, I'll miss you both." Korra put on a brave front as she hugged both Senna and Tonraq. What made it even harder was the fact that they were standing outside the cellblock where the warden had made their new home.

"We love you so much dear. Please, be safe." Senna wrapped her arms around her daughter warmly.

"I will mom..." Korra replied softly.

"You're old enough to see the world now Kor, and you'll probably meet a lot of people along the way" Tonraq gave Korra's head a firm pat, "Just be careful, and remember all the lessons we've taught you. You're old enough to be on your own now, we trust you."

"I will dad." She said with a smile. Then, as she walked out of the cellblock, she turned to give them one last look. Her father putting his arm around her mother for support.

They looked so relieved...yet so sad.

"I'll get you both out of here. I promise."

"Glad you're enjoying it."

Korra blinked, and then noticed footsteps behind her on deck. Mako smiled, taking off his helmet and walking to Korra on deck. His red scarf fluttered freely in the wind.

"I know! It's amazing isn't it-" Korra flushed, quickly remembering that she was still on duty. "I mean...yes sergeant."

"Just call me Mako." he replied casually. "Out here in the field, we aren't as stuck up as the garrison troops. Besides, you're one of us now. Don't be so intimidated by rank, we take care of each other."

"Yeah!" On Ji surprised Korra, wrapping her arm around her neck gleefully and throwing her slightly off balance. "Just take it easy okay?" The Fire Nation girl smiled cordially.

Hide also joined in, and nodded in support. "Mako runs a pretty fair ship, you'll get the hang of it in no time."

Korra couldn't help but smile as she saw her friends (yes, she was beginning to think of them as friends) supporting her. A lifetime of being mocked and abused by the prison guards almost made her forget what genuine kindness was like, and she was grateful to them for helping her.

"I don't know how you guys did it," She said, "but thanks for everything guys... I'm glad for a chance to get those raiders."

"You can thank the Sarge for it Korra." Hide replied, "He worked it out with the warden. I guess being the son of a famous general also does wonders eh?" He gave Mako a playful nudge.