Book 2: Earth

Chapter 4- Resolve

With dawn, came light food and water, and a summons from Asami that they were ready for the meeting. Hide and On Ji however, were ordered to stay behind with the rest of the Southern Raiders while Korra and Mako went into the fort. Their escorts, four silent armored Sentinels, led the pair through the inner most chambers of the fortress, adorned with crimson banners and gold embroidery. Great tapestries of past victories and Fire Lords decorated the halls they passed, a chronicle of the prestige and power of a nation that gave birth to this deadly order.

As they entered one of the first dueling fields and training courtyards, Korra thought the Sentinels were indeed a marvel to watch. Even before the sun had cast its first rays on the Fire Nation flags fluttering above the fortress, they were already on the parade square conducting drills and training full armor. They numbered several dozen members, all warriors in the black kimono armor, and they moved as though they were one, going through various sword forms with such elegance and deadly precision that it made Korra's own exercises back at the prison seem like a clumsy dance. Others were locked in spars, fighting each other with a combination of weapons, chi blocking and advanced fire bending forms.

It was no wonder that many of the Fire Nation, and their enemies considered them the best warriors on the planet. They were deadly, silent, precise, and under their calm, calculating exterior visage lay an intense, almost feral savagery that they brought to the battlefield.

"Impressive isn't it?" Asami said pointedly as she emerged to greet her guests. Mako and Korra both offered the perfunctory military bows, which Asami returned before gesturing them into the visiting chambers.

"You can say that," Korra said in awe. "I've...I've never seen anyone move or fight like this before."

"Neither have our enemies," Asami replied. "Until it is too late, that is. Consider this a privilege, not many have seen the Sentinels in training. They only see the results."

"Remind me not to get on your bad side then." Korra joked.

"You learn quick," the sentinel laughed, "Although some people don't remember it as often as they should." She looked teasingly at Mako.

As they entered the guest chambers, Asami led them to a simple table where several cups of tea were served. The three sat down quietly, Korra keeping her form ramrod straight, not wanting to upset the still-aching scars on her back, while Mako and Asami leaned forward as they each drank.

"To be honest, I'm half surprised you showed your face here Mako, after what happened last time. This must be some favor you're asking of me." Asami looked at Mako with a grim smile, and he seemed to flush a bit under the pressure. Korra meanwhile, was surprised for two reasons. One, he had never seem sergeant 'calm and collected' so flustered before, secondly, she thought. Mako...with Asami?!

"Look," Mako began speaking rather awkwardly at Korra. "It's not what you think."

"It's exactly what you think." Asami finished smoothly, with an almost amused tone. To Korra, she sounded she was over whatever went on between them, but it was obvious Asami still couldn't resist one last jab at the Sergeant. The Sentinel Warrior sipped her tea quietly, enjoying every moment of Mako's discomfort. To Korra's surprise, she kind of liked seeing this side of Mako for once; when he had absolutely no idea what to do. It was too amusing.

"That was in the past, back when we were Southern Raiders." Mako explained uselessly, which only made Korra raise more eyebrows.

After what seemed like an eternity (to Mako at least), Asami simply chuckled, deciding she had let Mako had enough.

"Ancient history, as Mako said. Let's not look back in the past." Asami said nonchalantly. "I had my pursuits, and Mister big shot here had his own, simple as that."