AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 1: FAMILY
CHAPTER 6: A PLAGUE OF REMEMBRANCE
We fade in on the interior of a very fancy looking door. Then we hear some commotion outside before someone knocks aggressively on the door.
Soldier 1
(Loudly, calling out) Open up!
No response. Then the door gets blown off its hinges and flies past the camera. We see a group of soldiers outside with a battering ram, though they don't look like the city guard. There's a sandy beach behind them.
Soldier 1
(As he walks in) Hello?! Anyone home?
Another soldier pops his head in and then looks around.
Soldier 2
Whoa. Nice place.
We see a wide shot of the luxurious, empty, beachfront property.
We then cut to Kamui in the palace dungeon. He's sitting on a chair with a look of disappointment. Zota Phong is sitting across from him, her head in her hands.
Zota
See? I told you I wasn't lying! (She rubs her head in discomfort) I have no idea where he is...
Kamui sighs and then takes a sip of tea.
Kamui
So, Zamuto is just off the map. Gone in a puff of smoke.
Zota
No, he's on a boat somewhere, obviously. He travels for work! Haven't one of your captains spotted him by now?
Kamui shakes his head. Zota sits back and crosses her arms.
Zota
Then I don't know what you expect me to do.
Kamui narrows his eyes, then takes out a piece of parchment and a pen, handing them to Zota. He also takes out a vial of ink and places it on the table.
Kamui
I'm going to send a letter to the merchant's guild headquarters. It's going to be from you. (Zota raises her eyebrow) 'Dear father. Please crawl out of whatever hole you're hiding in and report to the capital. I'm stuck in this little, tiny cell, and General Kamui won't let me go until you show up and explain yourself. Love, Zota'.
Zota looks at Kamui in disbelief. Kamui sits back and shrugs.
Kamui
Phrase it however you like.
Zota shakes her head, muttering, and then she dips her pen in the ink.
We cut to Kamui in his chamber, rolling up the parchment. Then he stamps it with the royal seal. We cut to the letter slipping into the holster on the back of a falcon, and then the falcon flies off into the sky.
We fade from the capital skyline to a blue sky over the sea. Then we pan down to two royal teenagers on a fancy ship. Hakoi and Umi, 15 and 16.
Umi
(Fingers in ears) La la la la! Whatever you're saying, I don't care! Because it's not about my seaweed lotion!
Hakoi
Stop it! (Pulls her fingers out of her ears) Do you see any cute boys on this ship? No! It's just you, me, and captain clean! (Captain Kayat gives Hakoi a dirty look in the background) Nobody cares how you look!
Umi narrows her eyes.
Umi
Hakoi! This is a daily skincare regimen! (Umi's eyes get big and sparkly) Do you even care about my health?
Hakoi looks down, guilty.
Umi
What kind of a brother are you?
Hakoi
Alright! I'm sorry…
Captain Kayat looks disturbed by Umi, who is smirking slightly, then she looks down in fake sadness.
Umi
That's okay...
Kayat turns to the side, and we see that the boat is arriving at a familiar beach. A sailor grabs the anchor and throws it over the side of the ship.
Kayat
Here we are, sir. Koakono Beach.
Hakoi looks at Umi with a worried smile.
Hakoi
We're just gonna make one more stop. Okay? Then we'll deal with your whole... Lotion thing.
Umi
(Rolls her eyes, then she suddenly recognizes the beach) Wait! Koakono? You can't get off here! (She runs up to the side of the ship) This forest is haunted by, like, evil spirits!
Hakoi
Exactly! (Umi raises her eyebrow) Think about it. If the Kamakoi are so scared of this forest, wouldn't that make it the perfect place to hide? So that's where we're gonna start our search.
Umi
Huh… That's actually kind of smart…
Hakoi
It was my idea!
Kayat rolls his eyes as he unlocks the eelhound pen. Hakoi walks over to the side of the ship. Kayat arrives with the eelhounds and Hakoi looks back at Umi.
Hakoi
Hop on! Let's go!
Umi
(Cocks her head back) What are you, nuts?
Hakoi rolls his eyes, and then hops on the eelhound.
Hakoi
Fine, you stay on the ship. And when I haul in this rock boy and his servant, I'll make sure to tell dad exactly how courageous you were.
We cut to Umi, already reclining on a lounge chair. She nods.
We cut to Kayat and Hakoi on their Eelhounds riding up to the shore. Kayat holds a royal sock up to the eelhound's nose. The eelhound sniffs it, then sniffs around the sand and looks at the forest, yelping. Kayat blinks.
Kayat
We've... Got a match. (Turns to Hakoi) I can't believe it. They were here.
Hakoi fistpumps and glee.
Hakoi
Yes! I knew my idea was good! (Turns to Kayat) My idea.
Kayat nods, looking embarrassed for Hakoi. Kayat's eelhound leads them into the forest. Hakoi then pauses and looks with fear, and we cut to an off kilter shot of the forest. We hear strange animalistic noises calling out to him. Hakoi gulps, and then nervously continues.
We cut back to Umi on the deck of the ship. She lounges for a moment, and then narrows her eyes and sits up. She looks at the sailor, who's awkwardly standing off to the side.
Umi
You there. Entertain me.
The sailor looks at Umi like a trout in a platypus bear's mouth, then he steps forward and clears his throat.
Sailor
Um… Oh, okay. I got one! (He gets into position) An air nomad, a rock pusher and a General walk into a tavern.
We cut to Batua, sitting on the throne in the main hall. We see the giant squid and the orca-shark behind him. He looks down with a smug expression.
Batua
Stealing? That's not a very nice thing to do.
We cut to Jin, looking up at Batua. Batam is standing next to her, and her goods are all over the floor again.
Jin
Your Majesty, this is harassment! I purchased these goods legally, and I've told this to Batam time and time again! But he doesn't listen to me!
Batua raises his eyebrow.
Batua
How did you purchase anything?
Jin
...The buyback program. Servants now earn a ten piece for every Kue earned by their master. (She looks down)
We cut to Batua, who seems lost.
Batua
Um… Do I look like an economist to you?
Jin
No, your majesty.
Batua
Then why are you throwing numbers in my face?
Jin looks up, confused.
Batua
Look, I don't know what this buyback crap is. Frankly, it sounds like something my traitor brother cooked up, am I right? (Jin suddenly looks sad) Mhmm. Well, guess what? He's gone, and I don't care about any of this. So, here's an idea: If you don't want Batam to bother you at the market, stop going to the market without a chaperone! How's that sound?
Jin closes her eyes and shakes her head. Batam smirks at Jin, and then he looks up at Batua and bows.
Batam
Thank you, your majesty.
Batua
Yeah, yeah. (Gesturing rudely) Get her out of here.
We cut to a wide shot of the room as Batam drags Jin away. Kamui is standing next to Batua, holding a clipboard. Batua turns to him.
Batua
That program she was talking about? Axe it.
Kamui nods, and then he writes something down. We pan over and see the 3 elders sitting by the side of the room. Batua then looks at the door.
Batua
Next!
We cut to the door, and then General Inuk walks in, surrounded by his posse. He looks down at the floor in thinly veiled disdain, and then his eyes flick up to Batua.
Inuk
You wanted to see me? ...Your Majesty?
Kamui looks away with a small smile as Batua shifts in his throne.
Batua
Yes. I heard what happened, General Inuk. (Inuk doesn't react) I heard that as the false prince was escaping, General Kamui ordered you to call your squad, and you defied him.
Inuk looks down.
Batua
I think it's pretty obvious what's going on here. So, I'm gonna let you start talking.
Inuk quietly chuckles in disdain, then he looks over at Kamui, who is looking back. Inuk nods, then he looks over to his right hand man.
Inuk
Admiral Ato?
Ato looks up, surprised.
Ato
Yes, sir?
Inuk
(Flatly) It is clear to me that I've lost my ability to lead the city guard. As a prudent citizen, I step down and offer my position to you.
Ato
(Eyes sparkling) Are you serious?
Inuk
(Still flat) You are hereby promoted to General. Congratulations.
Inuk takes a key ring out of his pocket and hands it to Ato, who stares down at it in wonder.
Ato
Thank you so much, General Inuk! (He turns to Batua) And thank you, Prince Batua. I promise I won't let you down!
Batua nods, attempting to appear wise. Inuk's posse all exit alongside Ato, leaving Inuk standing there. He looks up at Batua.
Inuk
So… What now, my prince?
Batua
(Smirking) I think I have just the job for you… Liaison to the east wing construction unit.
Inuk sighs, then he turns and walks out. Batua shifts in his seat again, exuding satisfaction.
Kamui
Alright, time to head to the war room.
Batua
What? (Groans) I thought we were done.
Kamui
No... We just started.
We cut to Kato, lying in a cot, sleeping. We hear some birds chirping in the background. Kato's eyes suddenly burst open. He sits up quickly, and then groans and grabs his head.
Cut to Jang, who's outside the room, tying up his shoe. Kato walks over to him.
Kato
Jang. We have to go. I've been made.
Jang
What?
Kato
That woman… The engineer. She's onto me.
Jang
Yamani? (Kato nods, Jang laughs) Don't worry about her. She's nuts.
Kato
Huh? I don't think so...
Jang
I was talking to Ohai last night. Apparently, since she arrived 3 years ago, she has not made herself very friendly. A real loner, Ohai says.
Kato
So?
Jang
So, even if Yamani says something, who's going to believe her?
Kato looks off to the side.
Kato
She didn't seem crazy to me… (He eyes Jang's 'leaving' posture) Where are you going?
Jang
There's a village about 3 miles away from here. I have a meeting there.
Kato
What? A meeting? With who?
Jang
Let's just say, this person may be of some use to us. (He whispers) And to our mission.
Kato
What mission? (Jang smiles and then grabs his glider) Wait, stop! You were just gonna leave me here? With these people?
Jang
Kato, what are they gonna do? Sing you a little song? It's hardly dangerous.
Kato looks surprised at Jang, then he shakes his head.
Kato
You say I'm on some kind of mission, but what is it? (He steps closer to Jang and lowers his voice) Are you talking about returning to the Capital?
Jang looks out for anyone listening, and then he grabs Kato and brings him back inside their tent. They sit across from each other.
Kato
Well?
Jang
Listen. I will explain everything to you in time. I promise. But, you need to be patient. Can you do that for me, Kato?
Kato gives Jang a strange look.
Kato
You've never talked to me like this… I don't think I like it…
Jang
(Chuckles) All your life I've addressed you as a prince. Now I'm addressing you as a trusted friend. That's appropriate, wouldn't you agree?
Kato looks up at Jang, then he nods,
Jang
Stay here. Relax. I'll be back tonight.
Kato looks annoyed, but he relents. Jang and Kato walk out of their tent and Jang opens up his glider. Jang nods at Kato, who sighs and looks down, before Jang flies off into the sky.
We cut to Batua, sitting on a chair in the war room. He looks like he's about to fall asleep. We hear the ranting and raving of a general in the background. The camera zooms in on Batua as his eyelids droop, and the sound fades away.
Kataia
Prince Batua?
The sound comes back and Batua wakes up with a snort.
Batua
Huh? What?
Kataia
Your father? How is he?
Batua
Oh, um… He's still just lying there, same as before. (Shrugs)
Kataia nods, then she looks at Ahlaq, who looks back.
Kataia
What about your mother?
Batua pauses, then he narrows his eyes.
Batua
You know what? I'm bored. Seeya!
Batua stands up and heads out of the room. As he walks by, the camera follows him and pans across everyone watching him. Kamui and Ato included.
We see the rock wall that Kato bent through the floor. Two earthbenders are standing by it. They push it back down.
We cut to a close up of the two earthbenders. They're looking at Batua and whispering to each other.
Batua approaches the door and looks at a guard standing nearby.
Batua
What? You got a problem? Huh? (The guard shakes his head) Didn't think so!
Batua exits and closes the door behind him. We cut back to the table, as the 3 elders look at one another.
Kamui
The boy's got spirit.
Ahlaq
Kamui, are you certain about this?
Kamui
(Narrows his eyes) About what?
Ahlaq
(Pause) About this wedding? I mean, we just had one, featuring the very same bride.
Kamui
Well, we might as well get some use out of the princess. (Pointedly) Seeing as it took some effort to procure her.
We cut to Inuk, who looks down in shame.
Takai
Who will be tasked with decoration, General Kamui? You've got the famous Baka in the pit. And as for the Empress… (Furrows his eyebrows) Where is she again? (Nobody answers) We have no decorator!
We cut to Ato, who looks like he has an idea.
Ato
If I may, I think we need someone bold. Someone on the cutting edge. Not the prince's mom.
Everyone looks at Ato.
Kamui
General Ato, do you have someone in mind?
Ato
Yes. Yes I do.
We cut to Ta and Lao in Batua's room. They're both looking in the mirror. Ta is crying while Lao braids her hair.
Lao
Aw... It's ok...
Ta
I'm trapped, Lao. There's no way out of this. I'm going to have to marry that… Kin killer.
Lao
He's not that bad… Sure, he'll be pushy for a while… But, once you have his kids, he'll leave you alone.
Ta sobs, then she looks at Lao, grabbing her arm.
Ta
Please help me.
Lao crinkles up her face.
Lao
What can I do?
Ta
You can… Send a message for me. To Aikira.
Lao clicks her tongue, then looks down.
Ta
Please. I'm begging you. I have no one on my side.
Lao
I'm so sorry, Princess… I don't have access to a messenger. Or a ship. I'm just a servant...
Ta nods, then she looks down, tears falling down her face. They hear the door unlock. Batua steps in and looks at his room.
Batua
Whoa.
We finally see the entire room, which is in shambles. It looks like Ta destroyed the place in a fit of rage. Batua blinks, and then he looks at Ta.
Batua
Your hair looks really nice, Ta.
Lao
(Bows) Your Majesty. I should get going...
Ta
(Quietly) No, stay…
Lao wriggles away and slinks out of the room.
Ta and Batua look at each other for a moment in silence. Then Batua steps towards her.
Batua
I think it's time we had a talk.
We cut to Kato walking through the village, muttering to himself.
Kato
Leave me alone in this strange place, just take off in your glider. No, you don't have to tell me anything. I'll just do whatever you say. Stupid Jang.
Kato walks by a group of airbenders putting up supports for another treehouse. Then he notices Yamani.
Yamani looks toward Kato, who quickly ducks behind a tree. He waits there for a moment before looking around the tree again. Yamani is right in front of him.
Yamani
Good morning, Mushi.
Kato
Hey… I was just heading off to the… Um...
Yamani waits for him to continue, which he doesn't.
Yamani
Listen, I'm sorry if I came off a little weird last night. That plum wine is deceptively strong.
Kato
No kidding...
Yamani
So, we're alright?
Kato
(Narrows his eyes) Sure...
Yamani
Okay, great! In the spirit of this new friendship... May I ask you for a small favor?
Kato
Uh... what kind of favor?
Yamani
Come with me. I'll show you.
Yamani takes Kato over to a stream. There is an old wooden water wheel submerged in the stream. The waterwheel is connected to an irrigation system. The wheel seems to be jammed by a large rock jutting out of the stream.
Yamani
I've been trying to get this old wheel to spin again. But the darn thing is just stuck.
Kato walks over and looks at the big rock jutting out. He looks back at Yamani.
Yamani
You think you can help me out?
Kato
You're kidding me, right? (Yamani looks confused) Come on. This is an obvious ploy to get me to earthbend.
Yamani
(Confused) ...Yes, I would like you to earthbend. That rock. Please and thank you!
Kato
The answer is no. Sorry.
Kato begins to walk away.
Yamani
...Are you a waterbender?
Kato stops in his tracks, and then turns around.
Kato
Excuse me?
Yamani
You kinda look like a waterbender.
Kato walks towards Yamani.
Kato
What's your problem?
Yamani
Hmm?
Kato keeps marching towards her, and stops short of knocking into her.
Kato
Coming up to me last night? Saying that I look like I'm hiding something? What exactly is your problem with me?
Yamani just stares at him.
Yamani
Yeah. Definitely some waterbender. (She waves her finger around) It's in your eyes.
Kato
(Sighs) You want to see some earthbending?
Yamani
Yes, please! (Claps)
Kato shakes his head and looks at the rock. He gets into position.
Kato
Alright, here we go...
Kato concentrates. Suddenly we flash back to Kato in the war room. Kato has just raised the stone wall, saving Batua. Kato looks at Batua.
Batua looks at Kato with shock, then that shock turns into bitter contempt. We hold on that look of contempt for a moment.
We cut back to Kato in the present. He's breathing heavily and sweating. He takes a moment and shakes his hands and then gets back into position. He once again tries to bend the rock.
Suddenly, we flash back to Kato as he's being carried to the gallows.
Random woman
Rock pusher!
We cut back to Kato, who falls to the ground. He sits, holding his knees and looking shellshocked. Yamani has a "Yikes" face.
We cut back to Batua's room. Ta is staring out the window. Batua is looming behind her. We see his reflection in the glass.
Batua
I know this is all very strange. I mean, we're getting married. And you must be hearing all kinds of things about me.
Ta
Mhmm.
Batua
Let's cut to the chase… I made a move for the throne, and I won, and I know that can be kind of intimidating. Being in a room with a man who's... Capable of anything.
Ta
Like murdering his own brother?
Batua
Exactly. But I want you to know. You don't have to be afraid around me. Everyone… They all think I did this because I have these deep principles. But I don't care about any of that.
Batua walks up closer to her.
Batua
Ta, I killed my brother. I won't deny it. But I killed him for a good reason.
Ta
...What reason?
Batua
The best reason of all. Love.
Batua puts a gaudy necklace around Ta's neck. Some thang with gems and whatnot.
Batua
So whaddya say? Will you join me? Prince and Princess?
We hear Ta's heartbeat as the camera zooms into her face. Then she looks down.
Ta
(Quietly) What if I say no?
Batua blinks, then he goes through a sequence of irate expressions before he lands on an attempt at being coy.
Batua
Ta, I didn't want to have to tell you this… But I'm the only one on your side. The only one. Do you know what that means?
Ta says nothing, her eyes narrowing. Batua takes a step towards her.
Batua
It means you either marry me, or you end up just like him. (Gets friendly again) So? Will you join me?
Ta's heartbeat slows down. She looks determined, and then she turns around.
Ta
(Flatly) Yes.
We cut to Yamani standing over Kato, who is still on the ground.
Yamani
This philosopher from down south, he opened his temple to refugees from the north, and he noticed that certain refugees, people that had been forced to live in the lower ranks of Kamakoi society, were afflicted with a disease of the mind. So he started interviewing them. What he realized was that when one of these refugees encountered a familiar object, or a familiar setting, their minds traveled back in time. Suddenly they felt as if they were back in the Empire, feeling that fear and anger all over again. He called it a Plague of Remembrance.
Kato
(Shrugs) The world is full of pain. How you deal with that pain is on you.
Yamani
And how are you dealing with your pain?
Kato stares off. Beat.
Kato
So, this philosopher, he makes all of these amazing discoveries. People who get hurt feel pain. Brilliant stuff. But what does he do with all of it?
Yamani
Well… This philosopher comes to the same conclusion as you. The material world is full of suffering. No question about it. In fact, the material world is suffering. So his advice was to detach yourself from the material world altogether.
Kato
I don't know… This sounds like some airbender hooey.
Yamani
Whatever happened to you. Whatever led you here to this moment. Your dreams, your hopes, your goals… Your pain... It's all weighing you down. You'd be better off if you let it go and became wind.
Kato
Hmm.
Yamani
Or so they say...
Kato looks at Yamani.
Kato
Do you believe in any of this?
Yamani takes a moment.
Yamani
I haven't made up my mind yet. Maybe it is just airbender hooey.
Kato stands up.
Kato
This is too much. I have to go.
Yamani
What? Come on, we were just getting to the good stuff!
Kato walks away, facing her.
Kato
No. You're trying to pump me for information. I know how this goes. I need to… I need to talk to Jang.
Yamani watches him with fascination as he ducks under some branches and exits.
We cut to a grand caravan arriving outside the palace.
We're in the reception room of the palace. Kamui, Inuk and Ato are sitting at the table waiting for Pong. A procession rolls up and 4 extravagantly dressed men come through the door, each blows on a horn in unison.
Pong makes his flamboyant entrance.
Pong
I was wondering when I'd receive my invitation.
Kamui
Pong, is it?
Pong
That is correct, I am Pong the 4th. The greatest living artist. And you must be the Serpent.
Kamui
I no longer answer to that name.
Pong
Very well. Then I shall call you Kamui. I assume general Ato has regaled you with my lengthy list of accolades, so I shan't waste time. When you get Pong, you get the whole Pong. I will work tirelessly. I will dedicate myself fully and completely to the restoration of the Kamakoi name.
Kamui
The restoration?
Pong
Wha-...(He looks at Ato) Not to imply a valley, only to say that the peak we reach together will be higher than any before it.
Kamui
(Amused) Very good.
Pong
As I was saying, I seek to immortalize, no, deify. No… Monumentalize the grandeur of-
Kamui
You will sculpt prince Batua's royal portrait for his wedding, as well as set up the decorations for the palace. If that goes well, then we'll see.
Pong
(Looks at general Ato again) You do realize I'm the premier ice sculptor of our time. You get the whole Pong or none of the Pong.
Kamui
I don't think so.
Pong
Ok, I see what's going on here. The hard sell. What do you want, a lower price? Never! How much lower?
Kamui
That won't be necessary. I want your genius working at full capacity.
Pong
Very well. The young prince certainly has made a name for himself. I shall be doubly inspired.
Kamui
Yes. It is the return of traditional values in this great Empire.
Pong begins to walk away, but then he stops.
Pong
Oh, my curiosity has gotten the better of me. (He turns around) I must know. Who bedded the Empress?
Kamui looks down, frustrated. Ato gives the signal to stop talking. Inuk looks off to the side.
Kamui
The official story is not that.
Pong realizes what he's done.
Pong
I deeply apologize, I was simply-
Kamui
Pong. Stop talking yourself out of a job and get to work.
Pong
Very well! And when is this blessed event to take place?
Kamui
In three days.
Pong blanches.
Pong
Three… Three days?
Kamui
Yes. Will that be a problem?
Pong
No. I'll start right away.
Pong turns and leaves. Kamui sighs and rubs his temples.
Kamui
It is never ending, the destruction Kyana has left in her wake.
Ato
Isn't this kind of on you?
Kamui looks sharply at Ato.
Ato
You're the interrogator. What are you waiting for? Just do… What you do. Get the truth out of her.
Kamui sighs and looks to the side, rubbing his beard.
Kamui
To subject the Empress to such treatment would be improper...
Ato
(Leans in, quietly) With all due respect, sir. We all know what happened in Aikira. When did improper suddenly become a problem?
Kamui looks at Ato with surprise, then he flashes a hint of a smile.
Kamui
Careful, Ato.
We cut to Kato walking through the forest. He's muttering to himself again. He walks for a while, and then bumps into a tree. He looks up and sees a carving of a laughing face. It's laughing right at him.
Kato
What the…
Kato looks around and realizes he doesn't recognize his surroundings at all. He doesn't even remember what path he came from. There are paths jutting out in all directions.
Kato's eyes widen. He's totally lost.
Kato
Jang!
We cut to Jang walking up a flight of stairs. He gets to the top and knocks on an old wooden door.
There's a silence for a moment.
Voice
You may enter.
Jang opens the door and finds a man leaning over, pouring colored sand on the floor. He's making a mandala. Jang walks inside. They're in a simple stone dwelling.
There are 4 glyphs on the wall. One for each element.
The man inside, Llami, turns around.
Llami
Jang... It's been quite some time. (Jang nods) Your arrival, I assume, means the mission was a failure.
Jang exhales, and then narrows his eyes.
Jang
Yes and no. The equation has certainly changed, to say the least.
Llami
Hmm?
Jang
I need to find her.
Llami
You're going to have to be a little bit more specific.
Jang points at the 4 elemental glyphs on the wall.
Jang
Her.
We cut to Kamui walking down the stairs into the dungeon. He walks past the theater troupe.
Ayana
Where is he?! Please! Tell us something! (Rattles the bars) Please!
Kamui ignores her and continues walking through the corridor. He gets to Kyana's door.
Kamui opens the door and walks inside. Kyana is bedraggled over the table. She looks up and greets Kamui with a look of disgust.
Kamui
It's been days. You never requested for me.
Kyana says nothing.
Kamui
Kyana, my dear, aren't you tired of this cell? Don't you want to go back to your palace chambers and curl up in that big, cozy bed? Or perhaps... Attend your son's wedding?
Kyana sneers. Kamui sighs and pulls out a chair, sitting down.
Kamui
Why don't you confess? Unburden your soul. (Leans in) Tell me who he is.
Kyana
He's nobody. There is nobody else. For the hundredth, thousandth time! (She slams the table)
Kamui
After all this carnage, all this mayhem. You still sit here and lie to me.
Kyana smiles, then she shrugs.
Kyana
I suppose you'll never know. That is, unless you come over here and find out for yourself.
A moment passes, then we cut back to Kamui.
Kamui
(Narrows his eyes) You want to play this game with me? You want to push me this? Fine.
Kamui stands up and walks over to Kyana, he pauses.
Kamui
(Flatly) But let it be known that I tried to play nice, Kyana. I tried.
Kyana
Stop stalling. I know you love it.
Kamui flashes the slightest hint of a smile and tucks Kyana's hair behind her ears, then he puts his index and middle fingers on her temples.
Kyana is scared but ready.
Kamui's hands light up blue, accompanied by an eerie electrical hum. Kyana's brain also lights up from behind her forehead. It's like he's trying to heal it. Almost... The focus of the blue light shifts from part to part as Kamui searches for a specific section of her brain.
Then he finds it.
Kyana's eyes suddenly go slack, and her expression becomes sedated. The electrical hum continues.
Kamui
(Wistfully) You're not wrong, Kyana. I do love my job. (Smirks) But don't go around telling everyone.
Kyana doesn't answer. The camera pans down, and she's looking blankly ahead.
Kamui
Let's begin. (Clears his throat) Kyana? Is your son Kato a spy?
Kyana
(Blankly) No.
Kamui
As far as you know… Are you a spy, Kyana?
Kyana
No.
Kamui narrows his eyes and nods.
Kamui
Are you an earthbender?
Kyana
No.
Kamui
Okay. (He inhales and exhales) To the best of your knowledge, who is Kato's real father?
Beat. We cut to a close up of Kyana.
Kyana
My husband. The Emperor.
We then cut to Kamui, who blinks in surprise.
TO BE CONTINUED...