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UNIT I, ACT I The Chosen
SETTING: Noon in the Fire Nation capital. There is a gathering of nobles at the palace. Slowly a caravan of carriages made their way threw the main gates of the palace as a small group of Fire Nation soldiers escorted the caravan to the Palace. Zakku sat in the seat, staring at his hands nervous about being in the capital city. His adopted father is setting at the other side of the carriage.
ZENTI - Relax, Zak…
ZAKKU (Nervously moving his fingers)- That is easy for you to say…
ZENTI - Fire Lord Azulon isn't going to kill you the moment you step in the courtyard. I am respected as a leading general in the main council…he wouldn't go back on his permission to allow you to prove your loyalty.
ZAKKU - What is the Fire Lord like?
ZENTI - A militant, stern, ruler. He cares for what is best for the Fire Nation, and not necessarily for a single person. You'd better be on your best behavior…That means no flirting with any of the noble girls…
ZAKKU (Grins slightly)- Come on…It's not my fault…
ZENTI - Yes…yes it is…If you wouldn't always tell them how petty there eyes are or, how petty they look then I wouldn't have to constantly remind you that you need to act more like a noble…That was what your family was, remember? Noble…
ZAKKU (Looks out the carriage window; Fingers medallion)- Ya… I know…This medallion reminds me that every day… And thank you, for reminding me of that fact… Besides… It's true what I say… I really do think they look pretty…Honestly.
ZENTI (Looks unconvinced)- Really…What was the name of that girl you met while in the academy? Or when we took you by the port…or maybe…
ZAKKU (Pauses)- ... Ok… I can understand what you mean… But you can't honestly say that you didn't flirt…
ZENTI - I have done that numerous times, but I had real parents to teach me the right thing.
(Zakku glances at Zenti showing an expression of annoyance.)
ZENTI - Zak, you need to know that at this meeting, Azulon will bring up the history of your family at the trial. You need to find a way to prove to him that you have no grievances for it.
(Zakku remains quiet as he tilts his head away, resting it on his hand as he turns looking outside. Several nobles are gathered around looking at the carriage. Zakku smiled slightly as he saw some noble girls his age pointing and taking.)
ZENTI - ZAK! What did I just tell you?
ZAKKU (Looks to Zenti; Begins to move his thumbs)- Alright…Sorry.
ZENTI - Relax, we are here!
(Zakku swallows hard as a pure look of terror comes on his face.)
ZAKKU - Say what?
(The doors opened wide as sunlight poured in as Zenti walked out first, bowing with respect to several generals who had been Zenti's friends. Zakku stands up glancing around for a moment before bowing as well. After a moment both Zenti and Zakku stand up straight.)
GENERAL WITH SCAR - Greetings Zenti, my old friend. It is good to see you again.
ZENTI - The same for me (bows again)… I am pleased to see you again, Zer. This is my son… Zakku.
GENERAL WITH CURVED SWORD - Zakku? …I was unaware of you having a son…
ZENTI - My apologize for not being clear…He isn't my son, son…
GENERAL WITH CURVED SWORD - What… Zakku…Zakku Fenir, if I am not mistaking…
ZENTI (Nods)- That's right… Zak… This is Zer (points to the man with a scar), and this is Uingu (points to man with the curved sword).
ZAKKU (Bows again)- Honor to meet both of you.
UINGU - Pleasure to meet you as well.
ZER - Honor to meet you as well.
ZENTU - Forgive me for not staying longer but we must be getting to Fire Lord Azulon…
ZER - Of course…Till our paths cross again, good-bye, child of Zerru. (Turns; leaving)
UINGU - Most of us believe you will not survive the trial…however; I do hope that you do. You seem like a strong kid. I am pulling for you. (Looks to Zenti)
(Zenti smiles as he turns to start to walk, only to see Uingu following. He waves Zakku forward telling him to go on a head and he will catch-up. Zakku walks faster towards the Palace, nervous slightly as people watch him. The crowd murmur among each other.)
UINGU - Zenti, I am pleased to see that you are doing far better. Your command over the army has greatly assisted the efforts of the Fire Nation…
ZENTI - Yes, it has…but surely you didn't wish my audience about such matters, no?
UINGU (Smiles and nods)- As smart as you are cunning…The Fenir child…Zakku… He is of a gifted line.
ZENTI - All people are gifted…
UINGU - Yes…yes I know (laugh slightly)…Zenti, you have heard of the recent attacks, correct. (Zenti nods) Well, my forces have been thinly divide… you know, with the occupation of Earth Kingdom Territory, it seems that I am in need of well trained soldiers…
ZENTI - I know where you are going with this, but I do not like it. I was hoping that Zakku could serve his nation as a member of the Royal Guard…not as a soldier on the front.
UINGU - Is that not his decision? You can't protect him forever, Zenti. Sooner, or later, he will have to fight in the army, as all children with his… unique abilities.
ZENTI - Have you been watching him?
UINGU - No, of course not… If I had, then I would have surely known about his existence… No, I have heard rumors that a child from the country coast had been taken up but a city man and rose as his own. I heard that the child had committed a crime of murder…only out of self-defense…and was banished from living a normal, uninteresting life…I assume that he is that child.
ZENTI - You are correct.
UINGU - And as I said… It would be a shame to allow such strong power, and energy go to waste, no…Do not fear, Zenti, if you allow it, I will recruit him, train him using some of the best soldiers in the country…We all want the same thing… What's best for the Fire Nation, correct?
ZENTI - As you also said…it is his decision, not mine. If he wishes to join you, then he may…but, my friend, if he declines, you will not force him.
UINGU - Of course not…I swear, if he choices not to join me, I will not force him.
(Uingu continues to walk next to Zenti, escorting him to the main entrance to the palace. Zakku stands by the doors, as if to scared to enter. He glances around seeing the faces of several nobles, generals, and the masked faces of Royal Guards. After a moment he takes a deep breath as Zenti stands next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. Zakku looks to his side up to Zenti's face.)
ZENTI - Normally, seeing the Fire Lord is easier to do, if you enter the palace.
ZAKKU - I know… (Deep beath) I am ready.
ZENTI - Very good…show no fear, be brave.