AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 1: FAMILY
CHAPTER 5: THE WIND WEAVERS
We abruptly cut to close up of a card being placed on a table, and then we hear the shocked reaction of a small audience. The card has an illustration of a man with an arrow on his forehead.
We cut to a wider shot, and see that Tenpo and Ayana are playing a card game on the deck of a small ship. Oni is watching, along with a few sailors.
Ayana looks down at her hand, then she sighs.
Ayana
Alright, you got me.
She drops her cards on the table, then takes out her coin purse and hands over some money to Tenpo. He shakes his head.
Tenpo
Keep it. I just play for fun.
Sailors
Aw, man...
Ayana smiles, then she puts it back in her coin purse.
Ayana
Thanks, Tenpo.
The sailors disperse, leaving the 3 of them.
Tenpo
What do you say? One more game?
Ayana
Hmmm, I don't know. (She pulls out "The Wedding of Princess Kuama") I should probably study my lines.
Tenpo nods. Suddenly Oni nudges Ayana, who looks up. He points at something, which she sees, and then she shoots Tenpo a worried glance. Tenpo turns around and sees his brother Teepo standing by the side of the ship, staring out at the sea.
We cut to Teepo, as Tenpo walks up and leans off the side next to him. They both stare off for a moment, and then Tenpo turns and playfully punches Teepo on the shoulder.
Tenpo
Come on. Join us. (Teepo continues to stare out at the water) You love Hanan Dao.
Teepo
(Shaking his head) How can you play cards? While she's out there? How can you think about anything else?
Tenpo
Well... I have to. (Teepo narrows his eyes) Otherwise, I'd just be obsessing over something I have no power to change.
Teepo looks at Tenpo in disbelief.
Teepo
Is that supposed to make me feel better?
Teepo looks back out at the water. Tenpo looks at his brother with sympathy, then he puts his hand on Teepo's back.
Tenpo
It's just one more gig, Teepo. That's it. Then we're going back home.
Teepo looks back at him with a glimmer of hope. Then he nods.
THREE WEEKS LATER
We cut to Batua on the royal dock addressing the crowd. The crowd is cheering him on. He waves goodbye and steps aboard the ship.
We cut to soon afterwards, as the ship sails out towards the great ice gate. The Captain looks ahead at the water, and then the camera zooms out to reveal Kamui standing behind him.
Kamui
Repeat it for me one more time, please.
The Captain gulps.
Captain
When we get to the Kuai glacier, we stop, we wait, and then we turn the ship around.
Kamui
And why are we doing this?
Captain
Because Batua captured the false prince.
Kamui
And he is a...
Captain
Hero.
Kamui pats the captain on the back.
Kamui
Attaboy.
The captain shakily nods, and then they both look ahead.
Kamui
I hear Kiriko is lovely this time of year.
We cut to the captain, who has a smile on his face.
Then we cut to Batua. He sits down on the deck, looking unsure. His fingers are fidgeting. We stay on him for a moment, before we hear a sickly, descending string score as the camera slowly pans down through the floor to the cabin below deck.
Tenpo is down there, bound by rope to the support beam.
We hear a cacophony of flutes and other woodwinds, and then we cut to the real Kato.
Kato looks completely overwhelmed in a sea of airbenders. We see that Jang is talking to people, hugging them, etc. He points to Kato and a few of them shake his hand as he stares off. Suddenly, a woman wearing ceremonial garb, leans down and addresses Kato.
Ohai
Hello there, young man. What's your name?
We cut back to Kato, who stares back at her, bug eyed. Then he blinks and begins to respond, before Jang cuts him off.
Jang
It's Mushi. Sorry. He's a little overwhelmed at the moment.
Kato looks over at Jang, annoyed. Then he looks back at Ohai, who is staring at him with pity.
Ohai
Well, of course. (She leans down, condescendingly) Oh, you poor soul. Where does he hail from?
Jang
Kangaroo Island.
Ohai
(Looks back at Kato) So, you're an earthbender. (Kato nods) My word. Kangaroo Island. I hear that place is really… Lovely.
Jang
(Quietly) He didn't live there for very long.
Ohai again looks at Kato with pity. He looks down awkwardly as Jang and Ohai continue to chat. Then he starts trudging through the crowd of people. Everyone is in a large oblong room made of wood. There are elaborate woven rugs on the floor and hung up on the walls. We cut to Kato sitting in the corner of the room as the conversation buzzes around him.
The camera zooms in on him for a moment as he sulks, and then someone hands him a drink from offscreen. Kato examines the drink, and then takes a sip, before looking disgusted. He looks up and sees people passing by him and looking at him with interest.
Kato covers his face with his hair.
We cut to Jang and Ohai walking out of the room and onto a suspended rope bridge.
We cut to a wide shot and see that this is just one of many rope bridges suspended high up in the trees. There are several oblong treehouses jutting out of the trees like enormous beehives, which are interconnected by the rope bridges.
We cut to Jang's hand, which is sliding along a vine as he walks down the bridge.
Jang
It's been so long…
Ohai
Twenty years.
Jang looks at Ohai and nods.
Jang
I was sure I'd die before I returned.
Ohai
But you didn't. You survived, Jang. And now you're back home, where you belong.
We cut to Jang, who looks unsure. They continue to walk until they arrive at a raised wooden platform. They step onto the platform and we see a village of tents, high above the ground. Jang and Ohai walk through it.
As they walk, they pass by a woman who is high up on a ladder. She's nailing some reinforcements into the support beams, making a racket.
Jang and Ohai arrive at a large tent with a cross-stitching of a squirrel-bat on the door flap. We cut to Jang, who hesitates, then he looks back at Ohai.
Jang
Maybe this is a mistake…
Ohai
What do you mean?
Jang
(Looks at the door nervously) It's been such a long time… What do I say to him? Where do I even start?
Ohai
(Raises her eyebrow) You're not worried he still holds a grudge, are you?
Jang gestures that he is. Ohai smiles.
Ohai
That's not Sen. Trust me.
Jang nods, then he turns towards the door. He breathes deeply, then he opens the flap and walks inside. Sen is sitting on the floor in front of some scripture, humming. Jang looks surprised, then Sen turns around to look at him.
Jang
...Sen.
Tears are forming in the corner of Jang's eyes, then he notices something. We cut back to Sen, who is smiling warmly yet distantly.
Sen
Jang. My old friend.
Sen stands up and walks towards Jang, bringing him in for a hug. We cut to a close up of Jang behind Sen's shoulder. Jang looks kind of weirded out.
We cut to the door of the palace dungeon. We hear the key unlock it, and then the door opens, filling the space with light. Lao, Inuk's steward, steps inside, lugging a huge barrel. We see a guard named Kido standing next to her, he puts his key ring back in his pocket.
Kido
That looks mighty hefty, Lao. You sure you don't need any help?
Lao
(Fake charm) I'm sure. Thank you, though!
Kido
You're very welcome.
Kido closes the door behind her and her face drops. She trudges the barrel down the stairs. As she reaches the first cell, she plops the barrel down and fishes out a rice ball wrapped in wax paper. She passes the rice ball through a slot in the cell door. A man named Akoro hungrily grabs it and takes a bite, then he looks up at Lao.
Akoro
Hey there, little lady. You wanna help me break out of here?
Lao
No.
Akoro
I'll make it worth your while...
Lao walks over to the next cell. Zota phong is lying on the bench, looking up at the ceiling. She turns towards Lao with hopelessness. Lao looks down, then she grabs a rice ball and sends it through the slot. The rice ball falls to the ground. Zota just looks back up at the ceiling.
We cut to Lao hauling the bucket to another cell. She's startled by a pair of hands, which grasp the cell bars. We cut to Ayana holding the bars, looking desperately at Lao.
Ayana
Where did they take Tenpo?
Lao
(Retrieving rice balls) I don't know.
Ayana
Please! He's part of our troupe! He's Teepo's brother! (She points at Teepo, who is sitting in the corner of the cell in shock) And they just took him away!
Oni
Did they kill him?
Ayana looks in fear at Oni, and then back at Lao, who sends the rice balls through the slot.
Lao
I don't know.
Oni
Can you tell us anything?
Lao
No. I'm sorry.
Lao goes back and gets her barrel.
Ayana
What's going on out there?!
Lao walks away from them, carrying the bucket. She looks deeply sad for a moment, then she exhales and moves on. We cut to the barrel plopping on the ground again, and then the focus shifts to the background.
We see Baka the sculptor, sitting on the floor of his cell. He looks up at Lao, then he stands, smiling.
Baka
What are you doing here?
Lao looks back at Baka with a sad smile.
Lao
I asked General Inuk to put me on prison duty.
Baka nods in respect, then Lao grabs a rice ball out of the barrel. This one has a symbol written on the wax paper in chalk.
Lao
(Quietly) I got you the one with the pickled plum inside.
Lao sends it through the slot. Baka's eyes widen, then he grabs the rice ball and bites into it, closing his eyes. He looks back at Lao.
Baka
You are my savior.
Lao nods.
Lao
Hang in there, okay?
Baka looks back at her with worry, but he nods. Lao then grabs his hand. They share a meaningful glance, and then Baka nods again with conviction.
Lao grabs the barrel and heads through a corridor. She gets to a door at the end of the corridor and plops the bucket down again. She takes out a special package and sends it through a slot in the door.
On the other side of the door, Kyana grabs the package and sits down on the floor against the wall. She angrily unwraps it and finds some roasted octopus inside. Then she tears off a chunk of it with her teeth.
We cut back to the theater troupe, who are eating and talking. Ayana has her arm around Teepo.
Ayana
Tenpo is not dead. He is just fine. I promise you.
Oni
Don't say that. (Ayana shoots him a look) Don't fill the kid with false hope. He doesn't need it.
Lao exits the corridor and walks past the theater troupe.
Ayana
I'm just trying to help, okay?
Oni
You want to help? What we need is an exit strategy. (Ayana looks at him in disbelief) It's not that crazy! My cousin lives in the capital. And he has a ship.
Ayana
Shh! Do you want the whole palace to hear you?
Lao hears them, but doesn't react. She gets to the exit and starts walking up the stairs. We cut to Teepo, who is staring down at the floor.
Teepo
Even if we do escape… How can we go on without Tenpo? He was our leader...
We cut to Ta angrily slicing at the wall with a stream of water. She cries in frustration, and then examines the wall closely. We cut to a closeup, and she runs her hands over a very tiny groove. She rolls her eyes, then suddenly her eyes flick up to the glass window. She knocks on it with her hand.
We cut to Ta bending a large amount of water out of the fountain and forming it into a big block of ice. She lifts the block up with some effort, then she slams it into the glass window. The ice block drops to the floor with a thud.
We cut to a shot of Ta from outside the window. She looks at it in surprise, then walks up to it. As she approaches, the focus shifts to the glass. We see Ta looking in wonder at a small crack that has formed. Then she hears a knock on the door.
Ta turns around in fear and melts the ice block back into water before the door opens. Ta then raises her eyebrow. We cut to see that Lao is standing at the door with a box in her hand. Ta walks over.
Lao
Good evening, your majesty.
Ta
Uh, hi?
Lao
My name is Lao. I serve General Inuk. And he told me that you may want some company because… Well, nevermind… (She smiles awkwardly)
Ta
...I don't understand. You want to accompany me? To what?
Lao opens the box, which is full of cosmetic products.
Lao
I can braid your hair, or paint your nails, or massage your feet. Whatever you want. You say the word.
Ta looks very caught off guard, then she shrugs.
Ta
Okay. Come on in, I guess...
Lao walks inside and the door closes behind them.
We cut to a close up of Kato, who looks just about done with this.
Kato
(Mumbling) Mushi. It's Mushi.
We cut to Sen, who nods, then he looks at Jang.
Jang
Sorry. He's shy.
Sen
He's suffering from a plague of remembrance. I can already tell. Just by the looks of you two, it's been a hard couple of years.
Jang and Kato glance at each other, then they glance back.
Jang
Yes, (Clears his throat) There was much hardship.
Kato nods in agreement. Sen then leads the two of them down a rope bridge towards a large donut-shaped treehouse in the distance. Sen looks at Jang.
Sen
I truly cannot believe that you're back. Mushi, this man here? He's my brother. (Kato looks back, surprised) We may not be from the same womb, but we're brothers, all the same. In a way, Jang started this whole community.
Jang
Stop it. Don't do that. This was your dream as much as it was mine.
Sen
Perhaps…
Kato
What dream?
Sen
Well, Mushi, it all started three generations ago.
We cut to a story presented as animated ink drawings on parchment.
Sen
For centuries, our people lived on top of a hill not too far from here. We were very religious, and we lived in a temple dedicated to the study of airbending. But one day, our temple was wrestled away from us by the Empire of Ice. Those of us who were captured were forced to tunnel deep inside the mountain, mining for precious metals. A lucky dozen of us escaped, and ventured down the hillside, deep into the forest.
We cut back to Sen, Jang and Kato on the rope bridge.
Sen
By the time Jang and I were born, there were only a few dozen of us left, fighting over scraps. But Jang brought us all together. Under the flag of the Federation of Wind Weavers.
Kato looks at Jang in surprise, then he looks back at Sen.
Kato
What happened next?
Sen
Well, after a while, the village was stable, and it began to grow. At this point, Jang would take off for months. Years even, sometimes. And we all got used to it, I suppose. (We see Jang, looking off in thought) The last time I saw him was twenty years ago. (He turns to Jang) You were shacking up with that strange woman.
Jang nods, and chuckles.
Sen
And then I never saw you again. No one did. What happened to you, my brother?
Jang turns to look at Sen, pausing.
Jang
...I got ambushed. On my way to Osan Prefecture.
Kato raises his eyebrow. Sen sighs and puts his arm on Jang's shoulder.
Jang
I am so sorry…
Jang nods, looking down. Kato is looking at Jang. He looks slightly sceptical about something.
We cut to Jang, Ohai, Sen, and Kato, sitting in the large donut shaped treehouse. The enormous trunk of the tree shoots right through the middle of the structure. A woman comes up to the table and sets 4 cups of tea down. Then she bows and walks away.
Ohai
We're going to throw a celebration tonight. (She raises her cup) For you, Jang.
Sen raises his cup as well. Jang gives a crooked smile and raises his cup, clinking with them.
Jang
If you insist. Though I would never ask for it.
Sen
Of course you wouldn't.
Ohai
You never told people your needs, Jang. You act as if you have none.
Jang shrugs and furrows his brow.
Ohai
Let us do this for you.
Sen
Wait. Hold on a moment. What do the scrolls say about festivities this close to the solstice?
Ohai
That's a good question, Sen. I'm almost certain there's a rule about kicking off before sunset. Or... Ending before sunrise?
Sen
I'll go and retrieve the scrolls in a moment.
Ohai
(Turns to Jang) Have you heard of the Scrolls of Laghima.
Jang blinks, and then looks at Ohai.
Jang
...I have.
Sen
They're extraordinary. There are entire philosophies born in the south which are just now making their way to us. (Turns to Kato) Mushi, you may learn a thing or two from them as well.
Kato
But, I'm an earthbender...
Sen
That's alright. Guru Lagima's wisdom transcends all boundaries.
We cut to Jang, who is almost rolling his eyes at this, then he looks at Sen.
Jang
I think what's best for Mushi is some time to rest and… Reflect. (Sen nods and then takes a sip of tea. Jang looks down, his brain spinning, then he looks back up) Is this what you've been doing? Poring over these old tomes?
Sen and Ohai glance at each other, then back at Jang.
Ohai
Well, yes… Is that so strange?
Jang
I'm just wondering… What happened to the plan? To retake the air temple?
Ohai
(Looks confused) Oh, Jang...
Sen
My brother, it was fun to imagine when we were kids. But remember, the whole point of retaking the temple was to reestablish our connection to the airbending religion. And we've accomplished that down here.
Jang looks down and narrows his eyes with intensity, before snapping out of it and smiling politely at Sen.
Jang
Yes, I suppose you're right.
Suddenly, the woman who was hammering the reinforcement walks towards the table. As she approaches, Ohai looks worried. The woman slams her hands on the table and leans forward.
Yamani
I need six people for a job. The east structure of the schoolhouse is caving in at a rate of one and a half cubits per month, and I'm going to need to reinforce it.
Ohai
Very well. I'll ask for volunteers tomorrow morning. (Yamani nods) By the way, how long will this job take?
Yamani
(Pauses) Just a couple of days.
Ohai
Mhmm, and this is with sanctioned construction techniques?
Yamani
...Mhmm. Yep!
Ohai
Yamani…
Yamani
Okay, look, my technique is just better! And it saves so much time! (Ohai crosses her arms) You're hanging an anchor off my foot, Ohai! You're turning a four day job into a month long kerfuffle!
Ohai
I'm not going to tell you again. You have to abide by the scrolls.
Yamani growls in frustration and then looks down. She's about to walk away, when she notices Kato, and is taken aback.
Yamani
Hello...
Yamani turns and walks away. The camera stays on her face as she does, and then we see Ohai turn in the background.
Ohai
My apologies, Jang. (Yamani's eyes widen, and she stops) Our engineer. She's a little bit-
Yamani suddenly turns around.
Yamani
Jang? You mean like… The famous Jang?
Ohai nods, looking nervous. Yamani then walks back to the table towards Jang and sticks her hand out.
Yamani
Yamani. Pleasure.
Jang shakes Yamani's hand, then he nods.
Yamani
What a treat! These two? (Points at Ohai and Sen) They talk about you all the time. You must mean a whole lot to them.
Jang looks down, demurring. Yamani then turns her attention towards Kato.
Yamani
And who's your friend?
Ohai
This is young Mushi. He's an earthbender. He worked for Jang as a field-hand back in the capital.
Yamani looks very confused for a moment as she stares at Kato. He stares back, suddenly nervous, but she smiles and sticks out her hand. Kato awkwardly shakes it.
Yamani
It's very nice to meet you, Mushi.
Kato
Mhmm. You too.
Yamani gives Kato another amused, yet sceptical look, then she looks back at Jang. They share eye contact for a moment, before Yamani taps on the table and spins around.
Yamani
(Walking away) Welp. Seeya tonight!
We cut to the moon in the night sky. Then we pan down to Batua and Kamui, who are sparring on the deck of the ship, which is anchored behind a large glacier. Kamui is going easy on Batua.
Kamui
Show me your ice dagger.
Batua raises a whirling stream of water and freezes it into a dagger. He swoops it down, making a slicing sound.
Kamui
Good. Good... (Narrows his eyes) It's going to be you.
Batua
You mean…
Kamui
Yes. You will be the one who delivers justice.
Batua's eyes widen, then he looks down.
Batua
Um. Okay...
Kamui
(Raises his eyebrow) You've killed before.
Batua shakes his head.
Kamui
Your words must fit your actions, my Prince. You condemned your brother to die. For that to mean anything, you must be willing to swing the blade yourself. That is how you gain trust.
We suddenly cut below, to Tenpo, who can hear everything they're saying.
Batua
So, I… Cut his head off?
Tenpo is trying to start a spark with his hands tied.
Kamui
Consider this a test. When the time comes, you'll know what to do.
We cut back to above deck. A crewmate comes out, holding a replica of Kato's coat. Kamui goes over to the coat to inspect it. He flips the collar inside out and frowns.
Kamui
This stitchwork is… below expectations.
Crewmate
I'm sorry, Commander. We're working on a deadline here.
Kamui sighs
Kamui
Well, hopefully the crowd will be in such a frenzy that they won't notice this abysmal- (Kamui sniffs the air) ...Do you smell smoke?
We cut to Tenpo running out of the smoking cargo bay. Burnt ropes are flying off of him. Kamui sees this and shakes his head. Batua turns around and shrieks.
Tenpo runs to the edge of the boat and jumps into the freezing water. He swims for a little while before the crew waterbends him out of the sea and back into the ship. Tenpo lies there, shivering. Kamui walks up to him, then he tilts his head in fake sympathy.
Tenpo
Why are you doing this?!
Tenpo looks at Kamui angrily, then gives up and looks hopeless. He starts to cry. Batua looks down at Tenpo with pity.
We cut to Jang, standing on a raised platform in the middle of a small meadow. He clears his throat.
Jang
I've never been one for public speaking. I'm more of a behind-the-scenes sort of person, I suppose... Some of you may remember that about me...
Jang looks out at the crowd, full of unfamiliar faces, and then at Ohai and Sen, who look up at him with affectionate blankness. Then he sees Kato, standing off to the side, looking grim. Jang looks down for a moment, then he looks back up with a mixed expression.
Jang
I'm home. What more can I say?
Jang turns and unceremoniously walks off the stage. We hear some people awkwardly clapping in the crowd.
Then we cut to a wide shot of the festivities. A band is on the stage, playing some fun music on panflutes and wooden drums. The crowd is happily dancing along to it.
We see Jang walking over to the side with two cups in his hands. The camera follows him until he arrives in front of Kato, who is sitting underneath a droopy tree. Jang hands him a cup and sits down next to him.
Kato takes a sip, and then looks confused, but he shrugs and takes another drink. The two of them sit there for a while.
Jang
Thoughts?
Kato
(Takes another sip) These people are very strange...
Jang chuckles and nods, then he takes another sip, himself.
Jang
I'll tell you something, Kato. This place has certainly changed.
Kato looks up at Jang.
Kato
How?
Jang
I don't know… (Takes a sip) Maybe I've changed...
We cut to the band on stage, playing their song. Suddenly, Yamani strolls onto the stage and whips out a wooden flute. She starts soloing in a manner reminiscent of free jazz. The bandmates look at each other with concern.
Then the crowd starts booing. Yamani keeps soloing until a gourd gets thrown at her head. She looks down at the crowd and then smiles and bows, blowing kisses.
Yamani
Thank you! You're too kind!
Another fruit gets thrown and she redirects it with airbending, walking off stage.
Yamani
Point taken!
We cut back to Kato and Jang. Kato takes another sip, and then narrows his eyes.
Kato
Jang?
Sen suddenly walks out from the left, followed by a woman.
Sen
Jang, I'd like you to meet my daughter, Oola.
Jang looks up in surprise. Then he stands up.
Jang
Oh, yes. Oola. (He bows, she bows back) We met when you were very young.
Oola
(Smiles) My father told me.
Sen
Oh, I'm so glad you two are getting a chance to talk. Jang, you must tell her about the war of the pearls.
Oola
But dad, you've told me that story before.
Sen
Yes, but I can't tell it like he does.
Jang, Sen, and Oola walk off, leaving Kato. He drinks another sip, then pauses before downing the rest of the cup. He wipes his mouth and the cup falls on the ground.
Kato looks out at everyone with a bitter expression. The music gets more and more distant as the camera slowly zooms in on his face. He narrows his eyes. Then the spell is broken by someone coming into his frame of vision.
Yamani
Hello, Mushi.
Kato stands up and drunkenly stumbles, then he looks at Yamani.
Kato
Hey… Yamani, right?
Yamani
Yup!
Yamani also seems kind of drunk. There's an awkward moment.
Yamani
Your friend Jang. He's kind of a legend around here. I don't know if you knew that. (Kato shrugs) Yeah... I've heard so many stories about him. But for some reason... On the day I finally get to meet him… (She narrows her eyes) I'm more interested in you.
Kato raises his eyebrow.
Kato
Um... I'm flattered, but-
Yamani
Not sexually. I'm interested in you because I think you're hiding something.
Kato
That's preposterous!
Kato pauses, then he turns and looks at Yamani. She narrows her eyes and smiles.
Yamani
Preposterous?
Kato
What, I can't be a field hand and have a good vocabulary?
She crosses her arms.
Yamani
I never said you weren't a field hand.
Kato
Oh, okay. What is it then? You don't think I'm an earthbender?
Yamani
(Shrugs) You could show me something to prove me wrong.
Kato
I could. But I won't. Because I don't have to.
Kato nervously turns around and walks back towards the party. Yamani watches him leave with fascination.
Yamani
(Quietly) Who are you?
We cut to Batua, standing on the side of the ship in the early morning. His hair is blowing in the wind. We see Kamui walk up to Batua in the background, then he stops, standing behind him.
Kamui
We arrive in two hours, my prince.
Batua nods. Beat. Kamui starts to walk away.
Batua
Uncle?
Kamui stops, then he half turns back, waiting. Batua looks out at the water, then he closes his eyes.
Batua
...I don't think I can do this.
Another moment passes, then Kamui exhales. Batua turns and looks at him.
Batua
This guy is just... Some actor! He hasn't done anything to me! How can I… Just… I mean, did you see the way he was flopping around in the water? It was pathetic!
Batua looks down anxiously. Kamui then puts his hand on Batua's shoulder.
Kamui
I understand.
Batua
(Pause, then blink) You do?
Kamui
Of course. I should never have asked this of you. I apologize.
Batua exhales in relief, and then he smiles.
Kamui
I see now that you had it right the first time. (Batua raises his eyebrow) You have a kind heart, Batua. And the people should know. When we return to the capital, you will tell them that your brother has been banished, and that it is your princely right to have done so.
Batua looks surprised, and then worried. Kamui takes his arm off of Batua's shoulder and stares out at the sea.
Kamui
And sure, some might be upset, but… I say we let the chips fall where they may.
Kamui pats Batua on the back and then walks away. Batua stares out at the sea. A large seabird flies through the air and into the distance.
We fade to a wide shot of Kamui addressing the crowd. He's standing on the raised platform of the gallows. Batua is standing beside him.
Kamui
He was a man who deceived a great many people! How do we respond to this? What do we say to a man who deceives this Empire? We say that it will not stand! That we are interested only in the truth!
The citizens of the Empire are cheering.
Kamui
And the truth is, This Kato was a spy, nothing more than a dirty imposter sent to wreak havoc on a most grand scale! An earthbender out of place! (Spits) And the real Prince Kato? What would you guess, my citizens? That those low life rock pushers took him in and treated him with dignity? As we did with our guest? I would think not! (Kamui then pauses, bows and steps to the side) But in the end, it is up to the Crown Prince to decide the imposter's fate.
Batua nervously stares out at the crowd. They all look at him in silence. Beat.
Batua
(Sweating) Um…-
Random woman
Kill him!
Batua looks up, surprised.
Other Rando
Kill the False Prince!
Batua gazes out at the crowd, and then he starts to smile.
Batua
Do you want me to kill him?
The crowd agrees. Batua walks to the edge of the platform.
Batua
I said, Do you want me to kill the filthy rock pusher?!
The crowd agrees louder. We see some earthbenders in the crowd looking at the scene with righteous contempt.
Batua
Well, guess what?! I caught him! The imposter's right there on my ship! (Applause, he turns) Guards, bring him out!
We cut to Tempo, bound and gagged, dressed up as Kato, and getting dragged out of the ship by a couple of guards. He's screaming and crying, but muffled. We cut to a wide shot as they drag him up the stairs to the gallows. Then one of them holds him while the other ties him to the post. The earthbending servants in the crowd are watching with horror.
Batua bows and walks over to Tenpo. Tenpo looks up at Batua with devastation and anger. Batua looks back with sympathy, then he closes his eyes and shakes his head, before looking back at the audience.
We cut to his adoring citizens. Panning across them. Then we cut back to Batua as he poses heroically for the audience.
Batua
Who's your new prince?!
Crowd
Prince Batua!
Batua
I didn't hear you! I said, who is your new Crown Prince?!
Crowd
Prince Batua!
Batua
That's right!
Batua bends an ice dagger and holds it over Tenpo, being careful to avoid eye contact with him. He looks out at the crowd once more, and they go silent in anticipation.
Beat.
Batua
Goodbye, brother!
Batua raises the ice dagger. Then we cut a long shot, from up high in the palace window.
From a distance, we see Batua swing the dagger. Then Tenpo's head comes off, rolling down the steps.
We cut to a wide shot of Batua's room. Ta is a silhouette, looking out through the window at what just happened. Then we hear the distant applause of the crowd.
TO BE CONTINUED...