AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 1: FAMILY
CHAPTER 2: THE PRINCE - PART 2
We fade in on the West Kyoko Theater Company's koi fish kabuki mask, hung up on the wall. Then we cut to a wide shot of the visitor's chambers that the troupe is staying in. Tenpo and Teepo are playing Pai Sho at a table. Oni is lying down on a couch, and Ayana is sitting on a chair, looking at a scroll.
We cut to a close up of the scroll. "The Wedding of Princess Kuama". Ayana is looking at the script in thought.
Ayana
'I forgot to bring a gift'… (Puts the scroll down) I don't get it. I still don't get it.
Tenpo
You know how these new directors are. (He moves a piece) Remember two years ago? Director Shikuya telling us to rename the characters so it would be more relatable?
Ayana looks down, unconvinced. Tenpo and Teepo continue to play in the background as she thinks about it. Teepo then looks over.
Teepo
Maybe it was an inside joke?
Ayana
But it wasn't funny…
Tenpo
(Shrugs) Well, you can worry about that. All I care about is getting back on that boat.
Tenpo moves a piece, then he looks up at Teepo and smiles. Teepo smiles back. Suddenly, they hear a knock on the door.
Tenpo
Hey, right on cue.
Ayana stands up and walks over to the door. As it opens, we see Kamui standing behind it, shadowed by a dozen guards.
Kamui
Good morning.
We cut to Kato, from the back, as he walks into the council chambers. An ancient looking room, where the three elders, Ahlaq, Kataia, and Takai, sit behind a large ice relief of what looks like a war.
Kato bows politely and then sits down in front of them. We see some guards exit the room and close the door behind them. Kato then looks up at the elders. Ahlaq takes out some papers and lays them on the desk.
Ahlaq
So. Let's talk. (Kato nods and takes out his own papers) I understand you've been a key player in some of the economic developments of this past year. Would you like to discuss how you see this-
Kataia clears her throat, and Ahlaq looks at her.
Ahlaq
Hmm?
Kataia
How's your father, Kato?
Ahlaq
Oh yes. My apologies.
Kato sighs and puts down his papers.
Kato
The medics have a word for it… He's… Unconscious. He's gotten a few words out here and there, but mostly he just sleeps...
The elders nod.
Kataia
I'm sure it's just temporary, my prince.
Takai
Yes. A minor hiccup!
Ahlaq
But, what if it's not temporary? (The other three look at Takai) What? Is that such a crazy question to ask?
Kataia
No...
Ahlaq
(To Kato) What do you think?
Kato
I don't know. I'm not a physician.
Ahlaq
No, I mean… (He pauses) Say the Emperor doesn't wake up. Not for a long time, anyway. Do you think you're ready to fulfill his role?
Kato
Yes, I am.
Kataia
(Surprised) Hold on, there. It's a big responsibility. I know what they've said about your father, but he was involved in quite a few projects you weren't aware of. The biggest one being military expansion.
Kato
Yes, well, that was never my strong suit...
Takai
Nonsense!
The other two elders look at Takai, confused, and then look back at Kato.
Kataia
It's a different world, the military. Different skill set.
Kato
...You don't think I can do it?
Kataia
It's not that… It's just… You answered awfully fast, Prince Kato.
Kato looks down, realizing he had.
Kataia
I don't want you to feel as if there are no other options.
Ahlaq
Yes. Remember, we can always install General Kamui as regent until you feel more prepared.
Kataia rolls her eyes privately and looks at Kato, who also looks disturbed by this prospect.
Kato
No… (Quietly) Not him. (He looks back up) I'll do it.
Ahlaq
You will?
Kato
(Nods his head) Mhmm. I'll be the emperor.
Ahlaq
Splendid. We all have complete faith in you. Now, shifting back to these numbers…
We cut to the outside of the door to the council chambers. The door slowly opens and Kato walks out, his mind racing. He closes the door behind him and walks off to the left.
We cut to Kato walking through the corridor. He passes by door after door until he gets to an open one, and turns to look inside. Baka the sculptor is sitting inside, sketching. He hears Kato walk in and then looks up in surprise.
Baka
Your majesty. I… What are you doing here?
Kato
Well, I felt bad about leaving you in a snowdrift last night.
Baka
(Standing up) Oh. Well, that's not your fault. Obviously. The Emperor's health is far more important than unveiling some statue.
Kato
Well, I'd like to see it. If you don't mind.
Baka
Mind? (Chuckling) No, I certainly don't mind. Come in, please!
Kato walks inside and Baka leads him to the backroom. The two pass by an assortment of sculptures, including a fairly risque sculpture which depicts a young woman in her sleeping gown. The woman looks kind of familiar. Baka looks embarrassed, and then he throws a sheet over it.
Baka
Whoops. Let's just pretend you didn't see that...
Kato smiles at Baka, and then nods. Baka directs him to the back of the room, where he comes across a 9 foot tall statue, draped in a curtain. Baka walks up to the statue and grabs the curtain.
Baka
Ready?
Kato nods. Baka pulls on the curtain and we see it fall to the floor in the shadow of the statue. We cut to Kato, who looks up, his eyes shimmering in wonder. We hold on him for a moment, before we cut to his ice counterpart.
Baka's statue is bold and dynamic, presenting Kato as a proud hero.
Kato
Wow. Just… Wow.
Baka
You like it?
Kato
Do I like it? (Chuckles) Yeah, it's… Pretty good… (We cut back to the almost intimidating statue, then back to Kato) Koi knows you spent enough time getting those details just right. (Flashes a jokingly annoyed glance at Baka, then looks back and smiles) It's perfect.
Baka
...Thank you, your majesty.
Kato bows, and Baka bows back.
Kato
I can not believe you did all of this with just a hammer and a chisel.
Baka
Yeah... I know all the great sculptors use waterbending these days, but… That's not an option for me. So, I put in the extra work.
Kato looks at Baka, knowingly, and slowly nods his head.
Baka
We're sort of alike in that way, aren't we?
Kato looks down, narrowing his eyes, and then he looks back up at Baka.
Kato
I suppose you're right.
Kato takes one more look at the statue before stepping out. Baka watches him as he leaves, and then he looks up at the Kato statue.
Baka
One day...
We cut to Batua, right before his face gets walloped with water. He keeps his stance, and breathes, then bends a stream of water back at Tahno, who just barely dodges it. Tahno comes back at him with a stream from the side, but Batua catches it in midair and redirects it, hitting Tahno in the stomach. Tahno lurches back, then looks up.
Tahno
Nice…
Batua looks proud of himself as he adjusts his coat, then he looks to the side and his face drops. We cut to Kato, waving. Batua turns to Tahno.
Batua
Come on. Again.
Batua immediately gets hit in the face again. We cut to Jang and Kyana, watching the three boys from a distance. Jang looks at Kyana, confused.
Jang
Sorry? What for?
Kyana
(Sighs) Two years ago. The Dance of the Flying Peacock. You told me you were worried about Kui's drinking. And I didn't want to hear it… (She looks down) The awful things I said to you that night...
Jang
I wouldn't dwell on it, Empress. Hindsight and all that.
Kyana
I know. It's just… I feel like I take you for granted sometimes. And I'm sorry.
Jang puts his hand on Kyana's arm. He looks in her eyes and nods. Kyana gives him a half smile, then she looks past Jang and the smile vanishes. We cut to Kamui approaching the two of them. Kamui nods at Kyana, and then sizes up Jang, who looks back at Kamui out of the corner of his eyes.
Kamui
Don't you have some corner to sweep?
Time almost seems to slow down as Jang flashes an imperceptible, ugly look at Kamui, before looking back at Kyana and bowing to her. Then he turns and walks away.
We cut back to Tahno and Batua. Batua is on the floor, coughing, while Tahno stands over him.
Tahno
Come on! Get back up, you can do it!
Batua looks up angrily at Tahno and raises his hand. Tahno grabs Batua's hand and helps him up. Just then, Kato, who is watching from the sidelines, looks at Batua's chest. We cut back to Kato's chest and we see that he's wearing a necklace, the end of which is underneath his coat. We then cut back to Batua and see that he has no necklace on.
We cut back to Kamui and Kyana.
Kamui
They were stooges. They didn't even know why the lines were changed. But their 'director' does.
Kyana
Hmm. Are you sure about this?
Kamui
You know I can only be sure. It's my curse. It turns out that their chapter of the West Kyoko Theater Company was recently sponsored by a new patron. A man named Zamuto Phong… He's the one who's responsible for the script change. They couldn't tell me where to find him, of course. The useless goons.
Kyana
Zamuto Phong? As in… Former speaker of the merchants guild?
Kamui
(Turns To Kyana) Oh… I see...
Kyana
(Nods) You know, I think Zamuto's daughter lives in the city. Maybe she could help you track him down.
Kamui
Yes, perhaps… Regardless, as I suspected, these 'actors' came here with the express purpose of spreading our dirty little secret. This is not good, Kyana. Not good at all.
Kyana
You know… (Staring at Kato) We've been hiding it for so long. Maybe it's not such a big deal after all...
Kamui
Really? With your husband gone, Kato is our representative. And now, when people think of the Kamakoi, they're going to think of some st-… Boy with no connection to the moon. (Looks at Kyana) No offense.
Kyana
Come on. The people love him.
Kamui
Servants love him. Is that how you want him to be known? As the servant prince?
Kyana
(Angrily sighs) Kamui, we've had this argument before, and as I recall, our solution was to procure Princess Moon Magic. Which you've accomplished. Now Kato will have a bending child, and all will be right with the world.
Kamui
I'm just not sure that's enough anymore. If this Zamuto Phong knows… Then the secret is out beyond the gate. (Strokes his beard) Kyana, the truth is, we all live in a state of unknowing. The boy has refused to even try to tap into his bending for years.
Kyana
Kamui, we tried, and tried, and tried. It's not going to happen.
Kamui continues to stare at Kato from a distance.
Kamui
But has he ever really been pushed?
Kyana looks at Kamui with worry.
We cut to Jang, sitting on a small boat on a canal near the plaza. He is packing some of his things inside of a bag. Then, he hears Kato walking up to him and he stows the bag away.
Jang
My prince. How did your meeting go?
Kato
It went well...Ish…
Kato jumps aboard Jang's boat and sits down on the floor across from Jang. Jang offers him a cup of tea and Kato nods. Jang grabs the tea kettle and pours the tea into the cup, then hands it to Kato, who takes a sip.
Kato
Mmm. Thank you. (Puts the cup down) Well… They asked me exactly what you thought they were gonna ask me.
Jang
Mhmm. (Takes a sip, then puts the cup down) And? What was your response? Do you… Feel ready?
Kato
I don't know… Atakami the blessed was only 14 when he ascended. But, he also made his eelhound an admiral, so… (Shrugs) I know I can do the job, but something is nagging me in the back of my head.
Jang
Go on.
Kato
I'm really worried about my brother. He's been so moody the past couple of months, and he refuses to talk to me about it. It makes me think, 'Am I missing something?' And if I am, then maybe I'm not as qualified for the job as I thought.
Jang takes a sip of his tea and nods, then looks at Kato.
Jang
You know, I wouldn't worry so much about Batua. (Kato raises his eyebrow) I noticed that he became upset when Inuk mentioned your new wife. He's probably just jealous.
Kato thinks about this, taking another sip.
Kato
I completely forgot I was married… I should probably go see her, shouldn't I?
Jang
(Smiling) Yes, probably.
Kato
(Nods) Walk with me.
The two put their cups down. We cut to Jang and Kato walking down the plaza towards the palace.
Kato
So… Do you think I'm ready, Jang? To be the Emperor? Even though I'm...
Jang
I think you're more than ready, my prince.
Kato nods. The two continue to walk.
Jang
However, there is someone you may have to worry about. (Kato looks at Jang) And it's not Batua.
We cut to Batua walking down the hallway towards Kato's room. He turns to the guard.
Batua
I need to speak to the princess.
Guard
About what?
Batua
...Who cares? Just open the door.
The guard shrugs and walks towards the door, holding his key. Batua breathes deeply, preparing himself.
Batua
(Quietly, rehearsing) I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. And I know you're unhappy with my brother.
We cut to an off kilter overhead shot of Princess Ta, lying in bed. She's diagonal and one of her legs is hanging off the side. Her eyes look red from crying. Suddenly, she hears the door being unlocked and lifts her head up.
We cut to the door opening and Batua walks in, shutting it behind him. He looks over at Ta, who gets up off of the bed and looks back at him, waiting for him to say something. Instead, Batua just stands there.
Ta
...What?
Batua
Uh…
Batua scratches his head, trailing off. He looks back at Ta, bug eyed. Ta stands there for a moment, then she steps forward with a look of cautious optimism.
Ta
What is it?
Batua blushes, before the door suddenly opens behind him. Kato enters the room, looking confused, and Ta's face drops.
Kato
Batua? What are you…
Jang enters the room behind Kato. Batua looks awkwardly at Kato, then back at Ta before quickly walking out. Kato looks suspicious, then he turns around and follows Batua. Jang looks over at Ta, waving politely.
We cut to Kato catching up to Batua and grabbing his shoulder.
Kato
Wait!
Batua rolls his eyes and stops walking. He turns towards Kato, gesturing rudely for him to start.
Kato
...What were you doing in my room?
Batua
Nothing. I was just… Um... I was looking for you.
Kato
Well, here I am.
Batua
Mhmm...
Kato
(Rolls his eyes) Batua, stop lying. You're so bad at it. (Batua frowns. Kato looks at Batua's chest) Why can't we just talk like we used to? I mean, you're not even wearing your necklace anymore!
Batua
So what? It was just some junk we found in a cave. It doesn't mean anything...
Batua looks down, his face melting into a very real hurt. Kato looks at Batua's expression, and then looks back at his door.
Kato
Princess Ta… (Kato looks back at Batua) Jang was right. You are jealous.
Batua lurches his head back in exaggerated denial.
Kato
Yeah. That's it, isn't it? You're jealous of me.
Batua
(He stares at Kato for a moment, before smirking and shaking his head) Of you? Please. I could never be jealous of a stiff.
Batua turns around and walks away. We cut to Kato, who blinks. Then the door opens behind him.
Jang
My prince?
Kato shakes his head in exhaustion, and then turns around, looking at Jang. He rolls his eyes and walks into his room. Then he sees Ta and lifts his face with diplomacy.
Kato
Princess. Hi there...
Ta looks at Kato with an alarming, blank expression. Jang looks at the awkward situation unfolding, and then turns towards the door.
Jang
(Walking out) Well, goodnight, you two.
He closes the door behind him, leaving Kato and Ta alone together. Kato looks at Ta for a moment, fidgeting his fingers.
Kato
So, um… How are you tonight, Ta? (No response) You doing okay? (No response) I know it's been a little crazy around here and we haven't gotten a chance to talk… But it seems like you don't really do much talking anyway, huh? (Kato chuckles nervously, then looks down)
We cut to Ta, who is looking at Kato out of the corner of her eyes. Kato walks towards her and gestures for her to get into bed with him. She slowly nods and then shakily climbs in. Kato unbuttons his royal coat and takes it off. He looks down at his necklace, the bottom of which is half of a broken stone pendant. Kato looks angrily at the pendant, before he takes off the necklace and puts it on the night table. Then he lies down next to Ta.
We cut to Batua, next door. He's lying down as well, with a resentful scowl. We see that the other half of the stone pendant is on Batua's night stand.
We cut back to Kato and Ta. Both are staring up at the ceiling awkwardly. Kato then gracelessly turns toward Ta.
Kato
Well, I suppose we should get to it…
Kato rolls over towards her and reaches his hand out to touch her shoulder. Ta flinches, and then lets out a cry and puts her hand over her mouth.
Kato
Hey, what's wrong? (Ta shakes her head, holding her hand over her mouth) Oh no, don't cry. Please don't cry. (Ta stifles her crying and lays there shaking) Ta, it's okay. You barely know me and we're supposed to… Do this… And the capital is huge and confusing. It's a lot to take in, I get that! I just want you to know that you don't have to be afraid. I won't let anything bad happen to you, I promise.
During Kato's monologue, the camera has been slowly zooming in on Ta, as her eyes narrow. Ta then turns and looks at Kato with a piercing stare. He looks back, waiting for her to say something.
Ta
You think I'm some farm girl? Aikira was a city too. Just as much as the capital.
Kato
Oh yes, of course. I didn't mean to imply-
Ta
You've never even been to Aikira, have you?
Kato
No. Sadly, I haven't. (Ta lets out a short, bitter sigh) But I heard it's beautiful. Maybe you and I could go some day.
Ta
(Scowls in disgust) You people… You play sick games. (Tears up) And it's not right.
Kato
Wait, what?
Ta
Don't mock me!
Kato looks at Ta with concern.
Kato
I'm confused… If I said something wrong, I apologize...
Ta sits up, and looks at Kato, angrily.
Ta
Stop it! Stop acting nice! Stop pretending like you don't know what you did to my home! (She grits her teeth, tears streaming down her face) Aikira is gone and it's all because of you! (She emphasizes the last word by slapping Kato)
Kato
What?!
Ta looks at Kato angrily, then sees his baffled expression, before her eyes widen.
Ta
You have no idea what I'm talking about…
Kato shakes his head, staring at Ta in confusion. Ta continues to look back, processing this. Then she gets off the bed and stands up.
Kato
Ta. Please. Tell me what happened.
Ta
(Looks at Kato in shock) I didn't want to marry you. And when… (Shudders in disgust) Kamui came to negotiate... My father said no.
Kato
He did?
Ta
(Nods) I'm an only child! Which means I carry the Aikira name on my shoulders! My father knew that if this marriage happened, Aikira would lose its independence… So he said no. But Kamui didn't like that… (Inhales, the memories flooding back) He laid siege to Aikira for 5 months. (Kato's eyes widen) We were already facing a food shortage, and the imperial army starved us out… (Tears up) So many died… But my father still wouldn't give Kamui what he wanted... (Starts crying) So I betrayed him! I gave myself up to save the rest of my people. And it was all for nothing!
Ta continues to cry. Kato looks down in quiet outrage.
Kato
Why was it all for nothing?
Ta looks at Kato, and then shakes her head. Then she turns around and looks out the window. We see the reflection of the capital from outside, as Ta walks up and sticks her palm on the glass.
Ta
(Blankly) Kamui told us that we had shown disrespect by making him wait... And his army razed the city...
Kato stands up, his hands over his mouth in shock.
Kato
I had no idea… (Looks up, then kicks the floor the emphasize) Ta, this will not stand! Oh, that fraud is gonna pay. I tell you that, Ta. That sea snake is gonna pay for his crimes!
Ta
(Ta turns around and looks at him) But… What can you do? I mean-
Kato
I'm the crown prince, for Koi's sake! There's a war meeting tomorrow. I'm going, and I'm gonna condemn Kamui in front of everyone! Then I'm going to strip him of his title, his lands, and make sure he never sees daylight again!
Ta stands there in disbelief.
Ta
...I don't know what to say. I didn't… Expect this.
Kato walks up to Ta and grabs her hands.
Kato
I'm going to make this right, Ta. For you and your people. I promise!
Kato looks at Ta, who is looking down at her hands uncomfortably. Kato realizes this and lets go of them, before taking a step back.
Kato
I'm sorry… I was caught up in the moment. (He takes another step back from her) It won't happen again.
Ta looks at Kato with surprise, and then she looks down.
Ta
Kato…
Kato
What, Ta?
Ta
What if… What if you do this for me... And I still don't want to marry you? (We cut to a close up. She winces) Does that change your mind?
Kato takes a step towards Ta and looks into her eyes. He gives her a sly grin.
Kato
Hey. Maybe I don't wanna marry you.
Ta widens her eyes. She looks up at him and smiles. Kato smiles back, then Ta laughs and brings him in for a hug. We cut to a close up of Ta on his shoulder, as tears stream down her cheeks.
Kato
Not that you aren't beautiful. It's just… I'm in a weird place right now.
Ta
(Chuckles) Me too.
Kato chuckles, then sighs. We cut to a wide shot as the two continue to hug.
We cut to the next morning, and we hear the score of a military drum as Kato gets ready. He puts his hair up into the royal top-knot, he puts on his fancy coat, etc. Then he looks down at the necklace on the nightstand. Kato thinks for a moment, then he puts it on, tucking it underneath his coat.
Kato looks at Ta, who's sitting on the edge of the bed. Ta looks back at him with a complicated expression, then she stands up and walks over.
Ta
Are you sure you want to do this?
Kato nods, then she grabs him for another hug. We see a close up of Ta, who looks slightly worried.
We cut to Kato marching down the hall towards the war room. He turns the corner and sees Kyana standing outside the door, waiting for him.
Kato
Mom? What are you...
Kyana
I thought you might come here. (Kato nods) You've never attended a war meeting before.
Kato
Yes, and it's about time we remedy that.
Kato walks towards the door, but Kyana stops him.
Kyana
Wait. Please. (Kato looks confused) Kato, you don't have to do this. (Whispers) Your hands are still clean.
Kato
I'm sorry, mom, but a grave injustice has occurred.
Kyana balls up her fists in worry as Kato slams the door to the war room open. He dramatically points at Kamui and almost resembles the heroic statue of himself.
Kato
General Kamui! Explain yourself!
Kamui turns around, along with the other members of the war council, General Inuk, and the civilian crowd. Everybody starts clapping for Kato. Kamui is smiling at him.
Kamui
Prince Kato! Join us! The monthly tribute has arrived!
Kato is thrown off his game by the warm reception. He looks around and sees many unfamiliar faces, and then his gaze turns to the chair at the far end of the table, where Batua is sitting.
Kato
Batua?
Batua smiles discreetly at Kato, and then looks back at Kamui, who is watching as 4 earthbenders lug a large crate onto the table. They look like they're struggling with the weight of it, and one of them drops his corner, letting the box slam down on the table diagonally. The earthbender looks scared, and a waterbender admiral comes and whips the earthbender with a stream of water.
Admiral
Careful, you oaf!
Earthbender
I'm sorry!
The admiral grabs the earthbender by the collar and lugs him towards the exit. Kato watches with him with disgust as he kicks the earthbender out of the room. Then he turns to Kamui.
Admiral
My apologies, General. He was very cheap.
Kamui clicks his tongue at the admiral, and then motions to the 3 other earthbenders, who pry the box open. Kato narrows his eyes as he sits at the head of the table. Kyana stands off in the corner of the room. The earthbenders get the box open and then walk away, before Kamui looks inside.
Kamui
Let's see what Manshinan had to offer us.
The crowd claps as Kamui reaches into the box. He pulls out a large bundle of bark and sniffs it.
Kamui
Mmm. Cinnamon. How original. (The crowd chuckles, and Kamui pulls out some bags of flour and spices) Leave it to the rock pushers to send us a box of things we already have. (Again, the crowd laughs. Kato looks unamused, and then looks at Batua, who is laughing as well. Kato looks down in thought. Kamui then pulls out a large quartz crystal) Wow, would you look at that. A big, pointy rock. That's it! It's just a rock, people! (The crowd laughs. Kamui then looks at Kato) What do you think, my prince? Is this bounty acceptable or should we pay them another visit? ...Kato?
Kato
(Kato snaps out of it) Huh? Look, we need to talk about something very serious. I was told that-
Kamui
Well, well, well. It seems our young prince is struggling to pay attention.
Kato
Excuse me?
Kamui
You can't fight, you can't focus. What can you do?
The crowd looks surprised by this comment, and then looks at Kato to see how he will respond. Kato smirks, and then opens his mouth to talk before Batua interrupts him.
Batua
I can fight. I'll protect my brother. And this Empire.
Kato rolls his eyes at Batua. Kamui nods at Batua as if this were rehearsed.
Kato
Excuse me! This isn't why I'm-
Kamui
You hear that, everyone? Prince Batua will protect his brother. How very noble. Come on up here, Batua, let's see what you can do.
Batua nods and gets out of his seat. Kamui and Batua go up to the raised platform in the center of the room and arm themselves with water. Then they start sparring. Batua is a little shaky, but Kamui is going easy on him. The crowd seems to be enjoying the show. Kato rubs his temples in frustration.
Kamui and Batua spar for a little longer, before Batua hits Kamui with a stream in the arm. Kamui mocks like it hurts, and then looks out at the crowd. Batua bows and the crowd claps for him, making him smile.
Kato
Okay, now that that's over, can we please-
Kamui
A man of his word. (To Batua) You certainly can protect your brother! Do we all agree? (The crowd claps again. Batua beams with pride) But, I wonder… Can your brother do the same for you?
Batua
Huh?
Suddenly, Kamui bends a ring of ice out of the ground and around Batua's legs and torso, trapping his arms. Then he brings it down, forcing Batua onto his knees. Batua looks utterly started. We then cut to a close up of the stream of water Kamui is raising up. He twists it forward and freezes the tip into an ice dagger, aimed at Batua's heart. We cut back to Batua, who gazes up at Kamui in fear. Kamui turns to Kato.
Kamui
Well?
We see Kyana, who is grabbing her face in fear. Then we cut to Kato, who is smirking.
Kato
Oh, puh-lease. I refuse to take part in this childish game. Am I right, people? (Kato then looks out at the crowd, who's looking at him with baited breath) ...Come on! This is ridiculous! Batua's not in any real danger!
Kamui smiles, and then bends the ice dagger closer to Batua's heart. Batua looks at Kato with fright, and Kato looks back, not knowing what to do.
Kamui
Are you too proud to save him?
Kato
(Gets up and starts marching over to them) Stop it. Let him go! Now!
Kamui
Make me! And not with your hands. With your bending.
Kato
(Stops in his tracks, then looks at all the guards in the room) Are you seriously going to let this continue?
The guards look amongst themselves, unsure. Kamui looks at Kyana and winks. She looks back, gesturing to cut it out and stomping her foot on the floor, but Kamui ignores it.
Kato
Hello?! Can somebody please answer me?!
Kamui
They want to see what their crown prince can do! So, come on, Kato! Show them! Show them how the blood of the Kamakoi runs through your veins!
Kamui moves the ice dagger ever closer to Batua. Kato starts breathing heavily.
Kamui
Do it! (The crowd starts joining in, chanting "Do it! Do it!" over and over) Yes! Show us the true power of the crown! You can do it!
Kato looks around, peer pressured, and then he shakily raises his hands, focusing on the ice dagger. We see a messy collection of shots, from Kyana's panicked expression, to the crowd egging Kato on, to Kamui aggressively encouraging him. We see the dagger inching ever closer and then tearing a hole in Batua's coat. We see Kato clenching desperately, trying to control the dagger. The montage of shots builds up as a chaotic score grows in intensity.
Then we cut to a close up of Kamui, his lips curled up in a cruel smile.
Kamui
Hmm. Perhaps the boy can't do it.
We cut to a close up of Kato, red cheeked and embarrassed. Then he closes his eyes and everything stops. All we hear is the sound effect that accompanies seismic sense...
Then the noise of the crowd rushes back as Kato screams angrily, raising his arms above his head, and a rumbling sound erupts from the floor.
We hear the floor burst open with a crash, and then the crowd goes dead quiet, except for a few gasps. We stay close up on Kato as he slowly opens his eyes, then he gasps as well, looking baffled. This is accompanied by the beginning of an eerie score. The camera starts to slowly zoom out as Kato lowers his hands.
As the camera zooms out, we see that everyone in the room is staring at Kato in shock. We keep zooming out until we see that a large wall of rock has burst out of the floor between Kamui and Batua, and the eerie music reaches its crescendo.
We cut back to Kato, from a low angle. We hear his heartbeat and his shaky breath, as he looks down at his hands.
TO BE CONTINUED...