AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 1: FAMILY
CHAPTER 4: MUSHI
We fade in on a wide vista, colored orange by the sunset. On the right is the northern shore of the earth continent. We see a tiny speck flying towards the shore, and it makes a landing on the beach.
We then cut to a close up of Jang's hands plummeting into the sand.
Jang
Oh, land! Sweet, glorious, dry land! How I missed you!
He grabs fistfulls of the stuff and throws some at Kato, who throws it back. The two are having a laugh. Then the laugh ends with a sigh and the two plop down.
Jang
I can't believe we made it...
Kato nods. He looks blissfully out at the sea. We see the calm image of the waves crashing onto the beach. Beat.
Kato
So, what's next on the agenda?
Jang
Well, we should probably move inland. Seeing as we'd like to avoid being spotted by a patrol ship.
Kato
Oh, okay… Move inland. (Jang nods) Is that what's written on the clipboard?
A second passes, before we cut back to Jang, who looks slightly worried.
Jang
Hmm?
Kato
It's just odd… Can I see it, please? (He looks at Jang expectantly, who looks back in confusion) Your clipboard?
Jang
(Gently) ...I don't have my clipboard, Kato. It was on the boat.
Kato
(Nods, then narrows his eyes) I see… (He looks around) Where are we?
Jang is still worried. Then he looks around at their surroundings.
Jang
I believe you call it Koakono beach.
Kato
Mhmm, okay. And um… How did we get here?
We cut to a close up of Jang, as he looks back at Kato.
Jang
You mean… You don't remember?
Kato blinks and then slowly turns away. Doom sets in his eyes. He looks like he's suddenly realizing where he is, and then he looks down at his hands. With a slam of percussion, we cut to a low angle, and we see Kato's apocalyptic expression through his outstretched fingers. He starts hyperventilating.
We cut to a wide shot as Kato stands up and screams at the top of his lungs. A flock of birds depart from the nearby trees. Kato takes a breath and then starts screaming again. We cut back as Jang stands up and puts his hand over Kato's mouth.
Jang
Kato, please! (Kato keeps screaming, muffled under Jang's hand) We're trying to stay hidden!
Kato keeps screaming at top volume. Jang lets go and looks out, spotting a Kamakoi warship in the distance. He rolls his eyes, then he looks at Kato with a dutiful expression, before slapping him across the face.
Kato reels back, facing away from Jang.
Jang
I'm very sorry, my prince. But we have to remain out of sight. For now, at least. (Kato doesn't respond, silently facing away) Kato?
Jang walks over to Kato and grabs his shoulder.
Jang
(Turning him around) Are you o-...
As Kato faces Jang, he looks vacant and serene.
Jang
...Kay?
Kato sticks out his hand.
Kato
Hi, there. Name's Mushi.
We cut to Kamui walking into the elder's chambers. The elders Ahlaq, Kataia and Takai are waiting for him. Kamui bows and then takes a seat.
Kamui
My esteemed council, it's good to see you this evening.
Ahlaq
I was having a lovely dinner with the consulate of Kiyuga when my steward whispered something in my ear. Do you know what he said, General Kamui? (Kamui smiles coyly and gestures to continue) He told me that our Crown Prince was being escorted to the gallows. By your military men. So I told my Steward, silly as he is, that he must have misheard the news. There's no way this is possible. (He then zeroes in on Kamui) But it is. Explain yourself.
Kamui
Well, I think we can all agree that the… Kato revealed himself to be no prince of ours. No prince at all, really.
Ahlaq
Excuse me? (Kataia whispers in Ahlaq's ear. He shows mild surprise) Oh… Okay, now this I did not know...
Kamui then presents the petition to them, and they take a look.
Kamui
A petition of no confidence, signed by 49 of the 60 council members. A substantial majority. As you can see, my men took no action outside the law.
Ahlaq
...In spite of this development. (Holds the petition up) And this piece of parchment. You cannot return to the capital and wave your… Position around like this! You have been here nary a week. How do I know that you did not return to the capital with the express purpose of stirring the pot?
Takai
Drumming up a conspiracy!
Kamui
(Shrugs) I had no knowledge of any of this before I arrived. With all due respect, the only conspiracy here seems to be an earthbending spy walking around with the full protections and status of a crown prince.
The 3 elders murmur amongst themselves.
Kataia
Is that what you truly believe, General?
Kamui
Well, it's not the only explanation. But it is the most palatable.
Ahlaq
Pardon?
Kamui
Let's say... The true crown prince was kidnapped long ago. As a baby. And he was replaced with a similar looking baby of earth heritage. Perhaps he'd been receiving treasonous communications from that realm the entire time.
Ahlaq
This seems highly unlikely.
Kamui
Then we are left with the unpalatable explanation.
Ahlaq
I see...
Takai
The fact remains! When enlightened to the boy's earthbending, you handed him over to your cut-throats to be slaughtered! Why did you not choose to interrogate him?
Kataia
Yes. We all know you're fond of that.
Kamui looks down.
Kamui
I will admit, the situation may have gotten out of my hands.
Ahlaq
Then I hear Kato and his servant have escaped the city?
Kamui
Yes.
Kataia
This is all very messy, general.
Takai
(Wistfully) I liked Kato. I believed he was very promising…
Kamui
Is your opinion of the boy relevant? He's a rock pusher! What more is there to say?
Ahlaq
(Stands up) I need to believe that you are not here to stage a power vacuum, and then install whoever you please! There are rules!
Kamui narrows his eyes, and then nods.
Kamui
I think I understand what you're saying. It's important to you that there be a... continuity of power.
Ahlaq
Yes… That is indeed what I'm saying.
Kamui
And on that I agree completely. (Claps his hands) Batua!
The door opens and Batua enters with an entourage of guards.
Batua
Good morning, council.
Kataia
Good morning.
Ahlaq
(Gesturing) Go on, Prince Batua.
Batua
I will take Kato's place. I am every bit the leader he was. I'm trained. I'm a waterbender, and I have the birthright.
Kataia
Are you… Okay with what happened to your brother?
Batua pauses and looks down.
Kamui
Batua commanded it.
The elders all look at each other.
Ahlaq
May Kamui and I have the room?
Kataia and Takai exit through the backdoor. Batua looks at Kamui, who nods and he walks out through the main entrance. Ahlaq watches the door as it closes, and then he turns to Kamui.
Ahlaq
The Empress. Where is she?
Kamui looks off to the side.
Kamui
...She's resting.
Ahlaq
(Nods pensively) Do what you must. But be discreet.
Kamui nods, then he stands and starts to walk out.
Ahlaq
Wait! (Kamui turns back around) What about Zamuto Phong?
Kamui
...I'm working on it.
We cut to a battering ram breaking down an apartment door. 4 guards storm in and find a teenage girl inside. She shrieks in surprise, her hands flaming up, and a parrot in the cage beside her starts squawking.
Moki (Guard)
Zota Phong?
Zota nods slowly.
Zota
What's going on?
Moki
We need your father's current whereabouts.
Zota
Huh?!
Moki
Current whereabouts! Where is Zamuto Phong?
Parrot
Zamuto Phong! Zamuto Phong! Zamuto Phong!
Moki
Shut that bird up!
We cut to Jang, peeling a bright yellow fruit. He separates the fruit into halves and gives one of them to Kato. The two are sitting by a campfire in the middle of the forest at night. Jang looks over at Kato, who still wears an unfamiliar, blithe expression.
Jang
Have you ever tasted a sunrise lemon?
Kato is happily eating the fruit.
Kato
Nope.
Jang
I see. Well, it's never too late to experience one of life's true delights. (No response) So, where are you from, Mushi?
Kato
Kangaroo Island.
Jang
Ah, yes, of course. Kangaroo island. Do you like it there?
Kato
(Shrugs) Yeah, it's alright.
Jang
And what do you do there, Mushi?
Kato
I'm a field hand.
Jang
Okay. That sounds interesting. Can you tell me a little bit about that?
Kato
Well… It can be back breaking... But, it's simple, honest work.
Jang
So, I hear…
Kato
And that's all you can really ask for.
The two continue eating. Jang rolls his eyes and then looks down, shaking his head. Kato doesn't look like Kato. Jang stores the empty fruit peel in his bag, and then rubs his temples.
Jang
Mushi… I wonder if you could help me out. I came here with a friend of mine named Kato. Do you know where I might find him?
Kato
I wish I could help you. But, I haven't met anyone by that name.
Jang
Hmm… That's too bad. I really wish I could talk to him.
Kato
How come?
Jang
Well, My friend went through a big change recently. He discovered something about himself that he never knew, and, well, it's making him go a little koo-koo.
Kato
I'm sure he has a perfectly reasonable explanation for whatever he's doing.
Jang
Yes, perhaps he's trying to scare me into thinking I'm in the middle of the woods with an insane person.
Kato takes another bite, and then lies down on the ground, staring up at the trees.
Kato
I wouldn't know anything about that.
Jang sighs, and then lies down as well.
We cut to a shot of the large metal entrance to the palace dungeon. We hear a key turn, and then the door opens to reveal Kamui and his guards. Kamui leads them inside, then closes the door behind them.
We cut to Kyana, sitting at the table in her refurbished cell. She looks dishevelled and done with everything. The door opens and Kamui comes in, sitting across from her. She looks at Kamui in disdain, and then blows the hair out of her face.
Kyana
The council will not appreciate that their Empress is locked up.
Kamui
I've spoken to the council. They're worried about you. As am I.
Kyana rolls her eyes, and then looks down, shaking her head. Kamui narrows his eyes.
Kamui
Kyana… Who is Kato's real father?
Kyana laughs bitterly.
Kyana
You would accept my answer?
Kamui
Perhaps. (Puts one leg over the other, sitting back) After all, we're family.
Kyana
(Smirking) You don't think of me as family. And I don't need to do what you do to know that.
Kamui nods, completely ignoring what she just said.
Kamui
I'll ask you again. Who's the father?
Kyana
(Smirks) He was a blind beggar from Omashu. I found him in a bath-house.
Kamui
(Smiling) Very good. Very amusing, Kyana. Though, I wonder... Is it worth spending the rest of your life in this cell? (Gets serious) Why don't you just tell me who the rock pusher is? Save yourself some trouble.
Kyana
(Narrows her eyes, then leans forward) Maybe I want to feel what it is you've put so many men through.
Kamui smiles.
Kamui
Is that so?
Kyana
Could be. Well? (Beckons with her hand) Let's get on with it. Time waits for no one.
Kamui looks at her with an intrigued smirk for a moment, then he sighs.
Kamui
No… Not today. I trust you'll come to your senses.
Kamui gets up to leave. He opens the door and then looks back at her.
Kamui
In the meantime, I'll send in some roast octopus. You must be very hungry.
Kyana
Starving.
Kamui gives her a pointed smile and then closes the door behind him. We cut to Kamui walking out of the dungeon with his guards. One of them is carrying a clipboard.
Kamui
Well? What's next on the agenda?
Guard
Nothing, sir. You're all done.
Kamui rubs his temples with exhaustion.
Kamui
Good...
We cut to Moki knocking on Kamui's door. A moment passes, and then it opens. Kamui is on the other side in his pajamas.
Kamui
...Yes?
Moki
Sir. We located the Phong girl.
Kamui
Okay… And?
Moki
...She doesn't know where her father is.
Kamui nods, processing this, and then he looks back at the guard.
Kamui
Anything else?
Guard
Uh... We put her in the dungeon. In case you want to-
Kamui shuts his door in the guard's face, and then he turns around, walking back in. We see a wide shot of Kamui's chambers, and then we cut to his bed. A young earthbender woman is lying down on the left side. She's gazing up at the ceiling with a sad, blank expression. Kamui climbs into bed on the right, settling in, and then he turns towards her.
Kamui
Sorry for the interruption. (She continues to blankly stare up at the ceiling) So. What's on your mind?
We cut to black, and then we see a POV shot of Ta opening her eyes in the early morning. Batua is standing over her with a cheesy grin holding a tray of food.
Ta screams and waterbends at Batua, causing him to drop the tray. The contents go spilling all over the floor. Ta snaps out of it and looks embarrassed and scared. Batua is standing there with his head in his hand and his eyes closed, looking exhausted.
Ta
I'm sorry...
Batua shakes his head and then puts on a fake smile.
Batua
That's okay! That's okay! I'll get you another one.
Ta just sits there, blankly.
Batua
...Hey, even better! We could pick the fruit right off the tree. What do you say? You wanna do that? With me?
Ta looks at the guards and then looks at Batua.
Ta
Okay.
Ta and Batua are out in the gardens by the gymnasium in the early morning. Batua holds up a fruit for Ta to look at.
Batua
This is called a Northern Laka. It's related to the Southern Laka. Did you know that?
Ta shakes her head, completely zoned out.
Batua
Fun fact. The Laka is named after, um… Laka.
Batua is looking for Tahno, his buddy. He finally spots him talking to some people.
Batua
Come with me.
Batua grabs Ta's arm and takes her over to the group. There are 4 from the academy, and 2 airbending servants arranging their lunch.
Batua
Gentlemen. May I introduce you to Princess Ta?
Tahno and the others look at each other.
Tahno
We heard what you did to your brother. Very cold, Batua.
Batua
Well, I am the ice prince.
Tahno chuckles, then he glances at Ta and smiles.
Tahno
Is this the princess in waiting?
Batua
Mhmm.
Tahno
Well, she is a fine gift. I can see why you, ya know… (Imitates slicing his neck)
Batua looks at Ta, who's looking down in disgust. Then he looks back at Tahno.
Batua
No, hold on, I didn't kill him. I banished him. (He turns to Ta, taking her hands) I banished him, that's all!
Tahno
(Raises his eyebrow) That's not what I heard. (Narrows his eyes) From my father. You know, Admiral Ato?
Batua looks down.
Batua
Uh...
Tahno takes a step towards Batua.
Tahno
Is your brother still alive?
Batua looks back up at Tahno. Then we cut to Batua knocking on Kamui's door in the palace. A moment passes, then Kamui opens it and looks at Batua with concern.
Kamui
Yes?
We cut back to Batua, who is nervously pulling on his collar.
We cut to a wide shot of Jang and Kato in the forest. Kato is still lying down, while Jang is sitting on a log. The ashes of the campfire are between them. We cut to Jang, who is anxiously rubbing his hands together. As the camera slowly zooms in on him, a quiet, nerve-wracking piece of music plays out.
Then we cut to Kato, and the music abruptly cuts out, revealing the sounds of the forest. Kato has reverted back to his familiar, scared expression, as he stares up at the trees.
Kato
I know I'm not Mushi.
Jang blinks, and then he looks over at Kato, before breathing a deep sigh of relief.
Jang
Oh, thank goodness. You really had me going there, Kato. Phew! (Kato doesn't answer) ...You are Kato, right? (Kato nods sadly) What was that? Who is Mushi?
Kato
(Sighs) I don't know… I'm so confused, Jang. So very… Very confused. (He sits up and looks over at Jang) Where are we even going?
Jang
You'll see. Come on. You're gonna love it.
Jang grabs his bag and stands up. Kato does the same, and the two walk away. The camera stays behind.
Kato
Okay… Because this whole forest thing? It's not gonna work for me.
Jang
(Chuckles) Yeah, you're definitely Kato.
The camera then pans down and we see a fruit peel that Kato left on the ground.
We cut to a shot of Inuk unfurling a map. It depicts the northern sea and the northern tip of the earth continent. There are several lines in the ocean. Inuk is showing this to Kamui and Batua.
Inuk's face is just barely concealing his outrage at the two of them. Kamui walks in closer to Inuk, who flinches. Kamui smirks at this.
Inuk
Here we are. See? These are the tradewinds. (Inuk runs his finger down one of the lines) They would have dropped Kato off at any one of these ports, so I sent a unit to each one.
Kamui
But… The servant is an airbender…
Inuk
Yes, and?
Kamui
So aren't the trade winds irrelevant?
Inuk examines the map again.
Inuk
Oh. Yes, of course. My mistake.
Kamui
(Sighs) We had all the time in the world to find him… (He shoots Batua a look)
Batua
Hey! I'm not the one whose squadron got bested by an old man. Thanks, Inuk.
Inuk
I don't even know what to say to you.
Kamui
Enough. We're wasting time.
Kamui grabs Batua and the two head out of Inuk's office. Inuk watches them leave with narrow eyes, and the door closes in front of him.
We cut to Kamui and Batua walking across the bridge quickly. The crowd below them is murmuring as they walk. Batua looks down at them.
Citizen 1
Prince! Prince Batua!
Kamui tries to get Batua to keep walking but Batua stops and waves at the crowd.
Citizen 1
Where is he?
Citizen 2
Where's the pretender?
Citizen 3
What happened to the false prince?
We see some earthbenders in the crowd looking up at Batua, including Jin and her two kids. Batua steps over to the ledge, looking down.
Batua
Worry not! The false prince is gone! I banished him!
The murmuring grows louder. We see some servants talking amongst themselves. Kamui puts his head in his hands, then he walks over to Batua and whispers in his ear.
Kamui
Listen to me. You just told all these earthbenders that there is an exiled earthbending prince roaming around out there. Do you understand the implications of that?
Batua widens his eyes, then he turns back to the crowd.
Batua
Uh… Worry not, my subjects! I misspoke! What I meant to say is... That... I will kill the false prince myself! (He leans over the ledge) Personally!
The crowd starts cheering. The earthbenders look up in worry.
Batua
And quickly, too!
Kamui
Okay, that's it!
Kamui grabs Batua by the arm and drags him away.
Batua
What?
We cut to Kamui ushering Batua to his room, tossing him in. Then he turns to the guard.
Kamui
Don't let him out of your sight.
The guard nods. Kamui then storms down the hallway, snapping for his men.
We cut to Kamui walking quickly down the stairs to the palace dungeon, his guards following behind him. We pan across a wide shot of the space as they walk across the room, then we see Baka pop his head out in the foreground, watching them.
We cut to the theater troupe, Tenpo, Teepo, Ayana, and Oni, all in various states of fear and discomfort, sitting in one of the cells. Kamui walks up to the cell, then one of his guards unlocks the door. Kamui opens it and walks inside, as they stare up at him.
Tenpo
Well? Were you able to find Phong?
Kamui
(Sighs) No. I'm working on it.
Tenpo
(Narrows his eyes) Then why are you here?
Kamui looks down at Tenpo, then he tilts his head in thought.
Tenpo
...What?
Kamui
Hmm...
Kamui gets down on one knee and really stares at Tenpo's face. He grabs him by the chin, turning his head from left to right. Ayana, Oni, and Teepo glance at each other.
Tenpo
What are you doing?
Ayana
General, please! If you talk to Zamuto Phong he'll tell you everything! Like we said!
Kamui lets go of Tenpo's face, continuing to look at him. Then he turns to Ayana.
Kamui
Oh, I believe you. This is a different matter entirely.
Ayana
Huh?
Kamui
Your friend here. (Nudges his head at Tenpo) He has a remarkable likeness to my nephew. You know, the false prince.
We cut to Teepo, who suddenly looks scared.
Kamui
And, well, circumstances have forced me to improvise.
Tenpo
Wait. I don't understand...
Kamui stands up, looking down at Tenpo.
Kamui
You're an actor, right? How about one last performance?
We cut to a close up of Kato, as he spits and wipes his mouth. Then he swats away all the insects buzzing around him. We cut to him and Jang walking through the forest. They both have dirt and sticks and leaves all over them. They're a mess.
They come across a wall of branches. Jang pulls them to the side, and the two step out into a cul-de-sac. We see them standing in a large field surrounded by impenetrable trees.
Jang
Here we are.
Kato looks at Jang incredulously, then looks out at all the trees, before he crosses his arms, waiting for the answer.
Kato
Huh? We're nowhere.
Jang
Mhmm. Exactly. Lose the hair tie.
Kato rolls his eyes, then he pulls the tie out and his hair falls to his shoulders. He hands the tie to Jang.
Jang
And the coat.
Kato
(Steps back) But… It's my coat.
Jang
It gives you away. Do you want reports being sent? About a kid in a fancy coat who looks just like the prince?
Kato takes off his coat with a sour look, which reveals the half pendant around his neck. He stares down angrily at the pendant, then he tears it off the string and tosses the string, stuffing the pendant in his pocket. Jang takes Kato's coat and throws it on a pile of sticks.
Kato
Wait! Don't burn it. Put it somewhere so I can find it later.
Jang
Sorry. There can't be any trace of us.
Kato grabs the coat, before Jang yanks it back from him and the two end up playing tug of war.
Kato
No! I lost too much already! I lost my friends! My family! My home! Everything! I'm not losing this coat!
They continue tugging on the coat until it tears in half and they stumble over. Kato looks in shock at his half-coat, before Jang snatches it out of his hands.
Jang
Do you think you're the only one who lost something? I lived in the capital for twenty years! Twenty years, I spent there! (Throws the coats down) I had a plan!
Kato looks up and raises his eyebrow.
Kato
A plan? What are you talking about?
Jang
...Nothing. Nevermind. (Looks down and shakes his head) What I'm trying to say is, I had a whole life in that capital. And I lost it all, just like you.
Beat.
Kato
You didn't have to save me...
Jang
Kato, it was my sworn duty to protect you.
Kato
No, by the official doctrine, It was your sworn duty to protect the prince. I was no longer the prince.
We cut to a close up of Jang, who looks up at the trees.
Jang
I answer to a higher authority than your little doctrine.
Kato slowly turns his head towards Jang. He looks surprised.
Jang
But... That's not the only reason I saved you. (Pauses, thinks) Kato, you may not realize it yet, but you're on a very important mission. And your work is far from over.
Kato narrows his eyes at Jang.
Jang
So here we are.
Kato looks around.
Kato
And where exactly is here?
We cut to a wide shot of the cul-de-sac.
Jang
This is where I was born.
Jang throws Kato's coat on the woodpile, then he takes out two spark rocks and lights the pile on fire. Smoke starts rising from it. Jang bends the smoke into a symbol. Then into another symbol. He pauses and scratches his beard, trying to remember, and then he does and he makes the 3rd symbol out of smoke.
From beyond the trees, suddenly there are the sounds of whistling from multiple sources. And then 2 strong gusts of wind from opposite sides create a tunnel in between the trees. Jang walks over to Kato, looking at the tunnel.
Jang
One last thing. For obvious reasons, you are not Prince Kato of the Kamakoi Empire. Not here.
Kato
...Then who am I?
Jang turns to Kato.
Jang
Well, isn't it obvious?
Kato looks confused, shaking his head. Jang smiles and puts his arm on Kato's shoulder.
Jang
You're Mushi!
Jang grabs Kato. He opens his air glider and flies up, before swooping into the space between the trees. Then the air current stops and the branches settle back into place, obscuring the tunnel.
TO BE CONTINUED...