Book 2: Earth

Chapter 15- The Trap

"Why should we help you?" Korra asked in annoyance.

A collective gasp filled the alleyway as Mako, Asami and the rest of the Fire Nation soldiers became wide eyed in fear of what they had just witnessed. As Phoenix Lord, Azula relished the fear that her authority brought to her, and she made sure that even the smallest traces of disobedience and disrespect was punishable by death or banishment.

And in the eyes of everyone in the courtyard, she had just committed a capital offense. The Yuyan Archers in particular, glared at Korra with hostility as they saw the disrespect paid to the prince. Some were even ready to train their bows and swords on her.

However, Zhenjin simply chuckled, waving them back.

"Maybe you should turn around first." He said patiently, giving the Water tribe girl a second to turn around and see him. Instead of the familiar recognition and look of fear and intimidation that he was used too, Korra instead gave a blank look, almost borderline quizzical.

"Sorry...I don't know you..."

"That's Prince Zhenjin you idiot!" Korra heard a whisper next to her, which Asami followed with a rather rough elbow digging into her kidney that made Korra keel over. This was done while Asami herself was simultaneously bowing (which Korra thought was rather impressive, if she wasn't in so much pain).

"My Prince, it is an honor." Asami said formally.

Korra took the hint and bowed as well, rubbing her aching kidneys in response. she didn't have to hit me THAT hard...

Zhenjin grinned, rather enjoying the scene. This was one of the rare times he had met other soldiers his age, having always been used to the older mentors and trainers that Azula had arranged for him. Usually, they would all scramble to bow at his feet, in fear of doing anything to displease the son of Phoenix Lord Azula. And while the fear and respect for authority was something he liked, it felt worn out after a while. He would never say it, but the casualness of Korra's greeting actually felt like a breath of fresh air. Still, it wasn't something to be encouraged.

"I'm sorry, your majesty." Korra said meekly. "It won't happen again."

He smirked. "You can be at ease. There's no reason to be so formal around me. After all, I'm no stranger to garrison duty myself."

Korra and Asami breathed a sigh of relief as they rose back to their feet. It never recalled to Korra during her time in the South Pole that the Fire Nation royalty would spend anytime outside of their palaces, nor had she seen any pictures of anyone other than Phoenix Lord Azula in her firebending lessons. Still, Zhenjin looked like the epitome of a young Fire Nation noble. With the formal top knot hairstyle, and the gold trimmed, crimson armor that was assigned to the elite firebenders. The golden flame crown on his head should have given his status away, and Korra cursed herself for making such a stupid mistake, being caught up in her frustration at losing the fugitives and all.

"I'm somewhat curious though, what's a Sentinel doing down here anyway?" Zhenjin asked. To be honest, he had never seen such a rag tag collection of warriors from so many different parts of the Phoenix Empire at once. Someone must have gone to great lengths to gather this amount of talent, he reckoned.

At that question, it was Mako who stepped up.

"It was actually my request, Prince Zhenjin." He bowed formally as he introduced himself. "I've asked Asami to help us track down two dangerous water tribe fugitives from the South Pole. As part of an assignment for the Southern Raiders."

Zhenjin turned, and a look of recognition filled his eyes as he saw the sergeant, followed by a smile.

"Mako? Is that you?" Zhenjin said in genuine surprise, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What are you doing here? I'd expect a fellow graduate of the Royal Academy to be commanding his own squadron of ships or troops by now. Not still stuck as a sergeant!"