AVATAR: THE LEGEND OF KORRA
SYNOPSIS:
SHIRO SHINOBI (V.O.)
Varrick of Varrick Industries has
been one of the world's leading
industrialists and billionaires.
Recently, he found true love with
his long time assistant, Zhu Li,
and the two of them were married.
Afterword, they set off on their
honeymoon together, and just
recently, Varrick and his newly
beloved are returning to Republic
City. Was crazy ideas does this
mad genius have in store when he
returns?
BOOK FIVE: PEACE
CHAPTER FOUR: THE EDGE OF INGENUITY
EXT. REPUBLIC CITY / YUE BAY - DAY
On Varrick's personal cruiser, he poses with the wind blowing by him as the ship approaches the city docks. Zhu Li walks up to his side and gazes at the horizon.
VARRICK
(epically)
At long last, I return to reside in
the city. Not as a fugitive... but
as a hero. There, I shall resume my
lifelong ambition of ingenuity and
creativity in Varrick Industries.
He turns to Zhu Li and holds her in his arms.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
And with the love of my life by my
side, NOTHING... will be
uninventable.
She lays her head against his side.
ZHU LI
(romantically)
It'll be good to be back in
business again, my love.
Varrick let's go of her and switches emotional states.
VARRICK
(informal)
I know, right? Doing all this
romantic stuff on our honeymoon has
made me start to lose my creative
edge! I need more gizmos and
whatits in my environment to
inspire me!
He embraces Zhu Li.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Luckily, I will always have you
with me to "do the thing".
She puts her hand to the side of his face.
ZHU LI
You certainly will.
They kiss within their embrace. Then Varrick looks out and throws his hand up pointing ahead.
VARRICK
(shouting)
Look out Republic City! Sir Iknik
Blackstone Varrick is back in
business!
EXT. REPUBLIC CITY / DOCKSIDE - DAY
Varrick and Zhu Li walk off the ship onto the dock where Team Avatar is waiting for them. Korra and Asami shake hands with Varrick respectively.
KORRA
It's good to have you back in the
city, Varrick.
ASAMI
If you want to collaborate with
Future Industries on any projects,
just let me know.
VARRICK
My pleasure, ladies! I wish to make
a great comeback with my company.
He wraps his right arm around Zhu Li and she smiles.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Especially with my new wife here.
KORRA
(to Zhu Li)
Zhu Li! How was your honeymoon?
ZHU LI
(romantically)
It was wonderful. We went to the
Fire Nation and had the best
massage parlor, relaxed on the
beach. It's the most beautiful
place I've ever-
VARRICK
(eagerly)
Uh, Sweetheart. I hate to break
your conversation, but I REALLY
want to see our new industry
headquarters!
ZHU LI
Oh, of course. As you wish.
He grabs her arm and heads off past the group.
VARRICK
Until we meet again!
Zhu Li looks back at them as she and Varrick run off.
ZHU LI
Sorry! I'll talk about it later.
Korra, Asami and Mako look at them strangely as they run off. Bolin sighs happily.
BOLIN
Aren't they such a great couple?
INT. VARRICK INDUSTRIES / FACTORY - DAY
Varrick and Zhu Li overlook the work assemblies in the factory from the railing above.
VARRICK
Yep! Good to know everything was
successfully rebuilt after those
CRAZY Kuvira spirit laser
explosions. Feels like nothing ever
happened.
INT. VARRICK INDUSTRIES / VARRICK'S OFFICE - DAY
They enter into Varrick's office and he geeks out over all of his mini contraptions, models, and machines.
VARRICK
(excited)
My new office! It looks exactly
like my old office! It's perfect!
They recreated it exactly how I
left it based on my incredibly
detailed blueprint!
He picks up several Pai Sho tiles from a stack looking at each one of them with a huge grin.
VARRICK
HA! They even completely replicated
my treasured Pai Sho tile
collection!
ZHU LI
(puzzled)
Uh, you play Pai Sho?
He snaps back at her.
VARRICK
Of course not! One does not always
have to indulge in a game in order
to gain its collectibles!
He puts the tiles down, sits down at his work desk, and reclines his feet on top of his desk and his arms behind his head.
VARRICK
(relaxing)
Ah! I love the smell of
familiarity. Now! To get back to my
brainstorming!
He puts his two fingers on both hands pointed at his head as he shuts his eyes in a thinking position. Zhu Li stands by and watches him momentarily.
ZHU LI
(hesitantly)
So, have you thought of anything-
He holds up his hand at that moment.
VARRICK
No talking!
He puts his hand back to his thinking position.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
I need some peace and quiet in
order to get these ideas cooking!
In the meantime, why don't you
start cooking something downstairs?
She bows politely.
ZHU LI
As you wish.
She walks out of the office and closes the door as he continues his thinking pose.
EXT. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND / COURTYARD - DAY
Meelo is walking back and forth in the middle of the area next to Rohan. Ikki is leaning against the railing watching them.
MEELO
(dignified)
Okay, little brother, it looks like
you haven't unlocked your
airbending yet. So I'm gonna make
you go through every airbending
exercise to get through your block.
Rohan is looking up at Meelo indifferently. Meelo stands in front leans over him in an imposing way.
MEELO
So, do you have what it takes to be
an airbender?!
Poki flies onto Meelo's shoulders. Rohan brightens up and starts to chase after Poki in circles.
ROHAN
Poki!
Meelo growls and runs after Poki.
MEELO
(frustrated)
NO! Not Poki! AIRBENDING!
Ikki expression is melancholy as she watches her brothers. Bumi walks up next to her and leans on the rail from behind.
BUMI
(optimistically)
Well, what's wrong, little lady?
She looks up to the left at him.
BUMI (CON'D)
Lovely weather got you glum?
She looks back at her brothers.
IKKI
(concerned)
I just feel bad for Rohan. He's
never going to be an airbender and
he'll always feel sad and left out
from the rest of us.
BUMI
Now, there's nothing wrong with
that. Take it from me, he may be a
non-bender, but he'll still be
quite the scamp when he's your age!
IKKI
I guess it must have been hard for
you growing up and not being a
bender like Daddy and Aunt Kya.
Bumi starts to walk around and sits next to her.
BUMI
Well, it might have been tough
getting used to being the
non-bender in a family full of
benders, but you learn to get used
to it.
His expression becomes the slightest hint sad.
BUMI (CONT'D)
Your grandfather may have been
disappointed that I wasn't an
airbender, but he still loved me.
However, once your father came
around, he was always training him
in airbending, and he never had any
time for me after that.
Ikki moves up to him and hugs him.
IKKI
I'm so sorry, Uncle Bumi. I still
loved you even when you weren't an
airbender.
He smiles at her warmly.
BUMI
Aw. That's sweet of you...
He looks down at her with one eye widened.
BUMI (CONT'D)
(whispering)
... but you know what?
She looks up at him with wide eyes.
BUMI (CONT'D)
I wasn't alone, because you know
who looked after me when your
Grandpa didn't? Your Great Uncle
Sokka.
Ikki's face brightens up with joy.
He looks up epically.
BUMI (CONT'D)
He took care of me from that point
on. He was the funniest, most
intelligent, and most fearless
leader and non-bender I've ever
known! I dedicated my life just to
be as great of a man as he was!
IKKI
That's so cool! So Great Uncle
Sokka looked after you?
BUMI
That's right! The one and only
Sokka of the Water Tribe.
Her smile simplifies.
IKKI
Well, I guess the even brighter
side is that you did eventually
become an airbender. Grandpa Aang
would have been proud.
She kisses him on the cheek and hugs him even tighter.
IKKI
I love you, Uncle Bumi.
He hugs her back.
BUMI
I love you too, sweetie.
Back in the middle of the yard. Meelo keeps trying to instruct Rohan.
MEELO
(frustrated)
No, Rohan! You need to thrust to
airbend! Not punch! THRUST!
He thrusts with his arm and makes an airbending blast against the wall, but Rohan only laughs. Meelo groans in disappointment.
INT. VARRICK INDUSTRIES / VARRICK'S OFFICE - EVENING
Zhu Li walks into the door with a plate of a meal. She walks up to Varrick who is still sitting in his exaggerated thinking pose.
ZHU LI
I brought you some lunch. How's it
going?
He throws down his arms and turns over to her.
VARRICK
(irritated)
I told you not to interrupt me! How
am I supposed to think of anything
with constant distractions going
around?
ZHU LI
Sorry. It's just that it's been a
couple of hours. You still haven't
thought of anything yet?
VARRICK
No! Haven't I told you that these
ideas take time? You have to be-
He pauses and looks off muddled.
VARRICK
(confused)
Wait a minute, this isn't right. I
don't normally need to think out
these ideas. They usually come to
me every ten seconds!
He gasps and holds his hands to his mouth.
VARRICK
(frightened)
Oh no... I think it's happening to
me! I can't think of anything! I'm
losing my creativity! ALL WHILE I'M
STILL YOUNG!
Zhu Li runs up and puts her hand on his shoulder.
ZHU LI
Varrick! Calm down. It's okay. We
just got back from our honeymoon.
Maybe its too soon to get back into
your creative mindset. If you just
sleep it out, I think you'll come
up with something.
Varrick begins to relax and looks at her.
VARRICK
Maybe you're right. I'm rushing
into this too early. Thanks, Zhu
Li. You really are my one true
assistant-
(stammering)
Uh, I mean WIFE... You're my
wife... Yeah, that's right.
They hold each other warmly.
INT. VARRICK INDUSTRIES / BEDROOM - MORNING
Varrick and Zhu Li are asleep in bed. Zhu Li has her arm around Varrick.
Suddenly, Varrick's eyes open and he starts screaming horrifically.
VARRICK
AAAAAHHHHH! AAAAHHHHH!
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!
Zhu Li wakes up completely startled and sits up next him stabilizing him with her hands.
ZHU LI
Varrick! VARRICK! It's okay!
You're all right!
He stops screaming and rolls over to the side clenching himself and hyperventilating.
VARRICK
(terrified)
It's horrible! It's simply
HORRIBLE!
ZHU LI
Varrick, calm down. You just had a
bad dream.
VARRICK
NO! That's the problem! I didn't
have ANY dreams! I dreamt of
absolutely NOTHING! Just a blank
canvas!
He quickly sits up on the side of his bed sweating.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
I am losing my edge! I have to do
something to jog my mental system!
He storms out of the room. Zhu Li only looks at him concerned.
INT. VARRICK INDUSTRIES / GYM - DAY
Varrick and Zhu Li walk up to a high bar set.
VARRICK
Well, it looks like we're gonna
have to do this the old fashioned
way. I haven't tried this
Imagivation technique since the
Unalaq crisis.
ZHU LI
I guess it's worth a shot.
He puts on the hooked boots and picks up a pepper.
VARRICK
All right! Let the Imagivation
commence!
He eats the pepper and hangs up on the bar upside down as his head turns red.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Okay, I need to think of something
new that's never been done before.
He closes his eyes and clenches his teeth. One brief moment later, he sparks his eyes open.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Ha! I got it! That didn't take
long!
He flips back on the ground.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Take a note, Zhu Li!
Zhu Li picks up her writing board and pen.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
For Varrick Industries' next
development, we will make mover
cameras that process in COLOR!
ZHU LI
Actually, we're already developing
that technology.
VARRICK
We are? Oh yeah, I forgot. What
else is there?
He puts his finger to his face thoughtfully. Then he brightens up and holds up his finger.
VARRICK
Ooh! Here's something! Elevators
that move sideways!
ZHU LI
Those already exist, Sir.
VARRICK
Really? I could have sworn... Ooh!
Here it is! This time I really got
something! We'll make portable
heaters that people contain in
their own homes, for all those cold
and stormy nights! Ha! I got it! I
know we haven't made that one yet!
He looks to the side.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Write it down, Zhu Li! Varrick
Industries will make new
affordable portable heaters!
ZHU LI
That's great! So they'll be just
like the ones at Cabbage Corp.
Varrick pauses for a while.
VARRICK
(confused)
... What?
ZHU LI
You know, the ones they made a
couple of months ago.
He quickly grabs the board from her and throws it on the ground.
VARRICK
NO! SCRATCH THAT! We don't want to
make something that's already been
done like that! Much less from a
lame competitor like CABBAGE CORP!
Well now I'm plum out of ideas
again! We'll have to go to extreme
measures this time!
He marches out of the room and Zhu Li follows him.
EXT. AIR STRIP - DAY
Varrick goes up to a plane in the middle of the field as both he and Zhu Li have pilot suits on.
VARRICK
Now there's nothing that gets the
neurons working like an adrenaline
rush!
He gets into the cockpit.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Zhu Li! Take the time between my
ascent and landing!
Zhu Li pulls out her stop watch and presses the switch.
ZHU LI
Starting.
VARRICK
All right! Let's fly!
He puts on his goggles and starts the ignition. He moves out slowly and runs across the field. He ascends and turns around in the area. He flies around in circles and loops.
VARRICK
Woo-hoo! HA HA HAAA!
He starts rolling as he flies. The more maneuvers he does, the faster the plane flies. He slowly looses altitude and begins approaching the ground.
Zhu Li begins to worry. She runs a couple of steps in the direction of the plane.
ZHU LI
Varrick, No! You're flying too low
to the ground! Stop! Varrick!
At that moment, the plane's landing gear hits the ground at a slight angle and it comes crashing in and toppling over violently. Right as it stops, it explodes and Zhu Li watches far off in complete devastation.
She starts running frantically over to the wreckage.
ZHU LI
NO! VARRICK!
As she gets closer, a parachute springs out from far above in the air. She notices and slows down in relief.
She moves up to Varrick's approximate landing area as he slowly descends laughing.
VARRICK
HA HA HA HAA! YES! THAT WAS
AWESOME!
He lands on the ground and Zhu Li stops next to him and she frantically takes off his parachute set from his back.
ZHU LI
Varrick! Thank goodness! What did
you think you were doing?!
VARRICK
What did it look like?! I just had
a near-death experience! And it
was GREAT! I ejected right at the
last second! A NEW RECORD!
Zhu Li starts bundling up the parachute.
ZHU LI
Okay, just don't ever do something
like that again. I thought I lost
you.
VARRICK
Eh, don't worry about me! I always
try to push the boundaries of my
capabilities!
ZHU LI
So, did that cause you to think of
any ideas?
Varrick pauses and considers awkwardly.
VARRICK
(under his breath)
Oh yeah, I forgot. That's why I was
doing this.
He raises his arms frustrated and falls on the ground sitting.
VARRICK
AGH! GREAT! Now I just wrecked a
plane and got nothing out of it! I
don't think I have any other
options!
Zhu Li bends down to him looking sympathetic.
ZHU LI
Hey, it's okay. Don't give up yet.
There's lots of other things you
could do. Maybe you should talk to
Asami about something. She said she
could help collaborate on something
if you asked.
Varrick immediately brightens up.
VARRICK
Hey! Why didn't I think of that
before?! Of course! She's always
working on some exquisite
technology!
He jumps on his feet and grabs Zhu Li happily.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Thanks, Zhu Li! What would I do
without you?!
He smooches her on the forehead and marches off excitedly.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Take the rest of the day off!
ZHU LI
But, sir, what about this wreckage?
He waves his hand as he walks off.
VARRICK
Just leave it! We have plenty more
planes we can destroy later!
She sighs as she watches him.
INT. FUTURE INDUSTRIES / ASAMI'S OFFICE - DAY
Varrick is seated at the chair in front of Asami at her desk.
VARRICK
I'm telling ya, it's great to do
business with you again, Asami.
It'll be just like the old days!
ASAMI
Certainly, I'm sure I could find
something for us to work on
collaboratively.
VARRICK
Now just to be a hundred and fifty-
seven percent sure, you're not
still upset about all the stuff I
did, right? You know, blowing up
the Southern Water Tribe Cultural
Center, stealing your equipment,
alleged- I mean- attempted
kidnapping of the president, etc,
etc?
ASAMI
Nah, I'm pretty sure you've proven
yourself. Besides, those
hummingbird suits we both designed
have been a massive breakthrough in
repairing the city.
VARRICK
Well, that's good to know. You
gotta admit, they were especially
fantastic at breaking through
Kuvira's mecha colossus. Despite
the fact that, you know, she axed
off your father and squashed him.
He stops dumbfounded at his action and rubs his neck in embarrassment.
VARRICK
(quickly and apologetic)
Oh! Gee! That was didn't come out
right. That was insensitive. I
admit it- You know what? Scratch
this whole thing. That was stupid
of me.
Asami looks down sadly.
ASAMI
You're fine. I know you didn't mean
badly. I'll be okay. I lost my
father once before and had just
fixed relations with him, only to
loose him for good to Kuvira.
Her expression changes to anger.
ASAMI (CONT'D)
I can't believe she would be wiling
to kill people and destroy the
city! Even my father wasn't that
extreme when he was helping the
Equalists.
She closes her eyes and clenches fists while her eyes start to tear up.
ASAMI (CONT'D)
(angrily)
She's a monster! She deserves to
rot away for all that she's done!
Varrick gently holds Asami's arm.
VARRICK
(softly)
You know what Asami?
(loudly)
I completely agree! She was INSANE!
She even threatened to KILL ME by
throwing me off a train! Good
riddance!
He stands up dramatically.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
But enough on our traumatic
experiences! Let's get working!
EXT. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND / FIELD - DAY
Meelo is showing Rohan various airbending techniques as Ikki and Bumi continue to watch them from several meters away.
IKKI
(annoyed)
Is Meelo ever going to give up?
He's so stubborn.
BUMI
Oh, give him time. He'll stop soon
enough. Even I had to deal with
some stubborn recruits in the
United Forces' army.
Ikki changes her expression from frowning to concern.
IKKI
Do you think Rohan might ever be an
airbender?
BUMI
(shrugging)
Who knows? It's possible he's just
a late bloomer. I mean, I
eventually got airbending.
IKKI
Yeah, but that was because of
Harmonic Convergence. Even Rohan
was around for that, and he still
doesn't have airbending.
BUMI
It's not the worst thing. He could
still become an Air Acolyte. And
also, think about your mother.
She's always wanted a non-bender
kid to have around.
She looks at him surprised.
IKKI
She has?
BUMI
Yep! She's always had problems with
you kids always bending air and
being crazy and stuff.
He catches himself and clears his throat.
BUMI (CONT'D)
Well, not that there's anything
wrong with that, but now she has a
son who is just like her.
IKKI
Oh, I see! So when the rest of us
are off traveling the world, Mommy
will always have Rohan to help her,
keep her company, and not be alone!
BUMI
That's right!
IKKI
Huh, I guess that's not so bad.
Meelo continues to demonstrate to Rohan.
MEELO
Okay, now we're gonna try the air
scooter.
He begins to create a sphere of wind.
MEELO
You gotta just circle your arms
around like a ball, then jump on.
Like this.
He puts the air sphere beneath him and jumps on in a meditation pose. Then he jumps off.
MEELO
Now... you try it!
Rohan waves his hands around then falls backwards and sits down laughing. Meelo then facepalms.
MEELO
Ugh! This is the worst training
ever!
INT. FUTURE INDUSTRIES / ASSEMBLY AREA - DAY
Asami leads Varrick through the mechanical assemblies. She picks up a large battery.
ASAMI
With this new power source, we
should be able to have more long
lasting energy. I got the idea for
it from traveling in the Spirit
World.
VARRICK
(disgusted)
Eck! I have no interest in working
with spirit energy! I nearly
destroyed the entire world from
inventing the spirit vine power!
She puts down the battery.
ASAMI
Well, the good thing is that it
isn't actually spirit energy. It
just has properties and values
similar to the vines, only it's not
as unstable.
VARRICK
Huh, good to know my chaotic
endeavors led to something good.
You really know how to make the
best of anything, Asami.
He optimistically surveys the area with his hands on his hips. Asami looks at him awkwardly.
ASAMI
So... yeah. That's what's been
going on.
VARRICK
Great. Any ideas for new projects
you've got for us to work on?
ASAMI
Uh, no. Sorry, but everything is
just as usual.
Varrick drops his arms disappointed.
VARRICK
Ugh! I knew this would be a waste
of time! This hasn't helped me
think of anything either!
ASAMI
You know, it's okay to take a break
from inventing every once in a
while. You just have writer's
block. If you take the time off,
eventually you'll come up with
something.
VARRICK
(rudely)
Well! That's probably how you
function! But Varrick is never
supposed to run out of ideas! I'll
think of something if it's the last
idea I ever do!
He storms out of the factory.
INT. VARRICK INDUSTRIES / VARRICK'S OFFICE - DAY
Zhu Li is touching up all of Varrick's items when he slams the door open angrily, startling her.
VARRICK
THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT! I CAN'T
STAND THIS COLOSSAL BRAIN FART!
He storms up shoves Zhu Li a bit to the side, and sits at his desk gripping his head fiercely.
ZHU LI
What's wrong?! Did meeting with
Asami not help?!
VARRICK
NO! Of course it didn't help!
Nothing you're saying is getting me
past this!
(worried)
It's over for me! I'm done for! My
company is collapsing and will fall
to ruin!
ZHU LI
(calmly)
Actually, Sir, the company is doing
just fine. Nothing's wrong with it-
VARRICK
(angrily)
That's not the point! I don't want
it to be "just fine"! It has to be
"even better"! ARGH!
(holding up his finger)
Zhu Li! Do the thing!
ZHU LI
(hesitantly)
Uh... what... thing... sir?
He turns back to her.
VARRICK
THE THING! You always know what
the thing is! HELP ME OUT HERE!
ZHU LI
(nervously)
I'm sorry! It's just... there's no
specific context for me to figure
out-
VARRICK
I don't need to give you any
context!
He stands up fiercely and walks over to her imposingly. She flinches frightened.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
You always are supposed to know
what to do! If you can't give me
any answers, then GET OUT OF MY
OFFICE!
Zhu Li starts to tear up and runs out of the room closing the door. Varrick sternly sits back down and takes out a bottle from his desk's chest of drawers.
EXT. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND / FIELD - SUNSET
Meelo walks around Rohan as he sits down.
MEELO
All right! I'm not giving up on
you! If Dad can teach the Avatar
airbending, I can somehow teach it
to you too.
Rohan's stomach rumbles.
ROHAN
I'm hungry. I wanna eat.
Meelo throws his hands down angrily.
MEELO
No! You haven't started airbending
yet! You don't eat until you
airbend!
IKKI (O.S.)
Meelo, will you cut it out!
Ikki walks up to Rohan, sits next to him, and puts him in her lap.
IKKI (CONT'D)
Your not going to teach him
airbending! You'll never teach him,
and it's okay...
She plays around with Rohan and touches his face.
IKKI
(kindly)
... because he is perfect just the
way he is! He is the cutest,
sweetest, and most wonderful
brother we've ever had. Aren't you,
Rohan?
ROHAN
(happily)
Ikki!
She laughs and kisses him on the forehead.
MEELO
No! He is an airbender and he just
doesn't know it yet!
PEMA (O.S.)
All right, Meelo. That's enough.
Meelo and Ikki turn to see Pema approach him.
PEMA
You leave your brother alone. He's
not an airbender. You need to learn
to accept that.
MEELO
But I know he's an airbender! I
can teach him! Dad could teach any
knucklehead airbender how to fight!
PEMA
Well, you're not a master like your
father. You need to stop being so
stubborn. Now come inside. It's
time for supper.
MEELO
Forget it! You guys can eat without
me! Poki and I are gonna go eat
some berries!
He walks away from them.
PEMA
(angrily)
Meelo! You come back here right
now, young man!
MEELO
You're not the boss of me!
He gets on an air scooter and speeds off. Poki flies after him.
Pema sighs looking sad and disappointed.
PEMA
I don't know what's wrong with him.
Rohan stands up and walks over to Pema. She happily picks him up holding him and cuddling.
PEMA (CONT'D)
(playfully)
Hi, Rohan! Who's my favorite boy in
the world.
Ikki walks up to Pema with a saddened expression.
IKKI
Mommy, I just want you to know that
I don't mind Rohan being a
non-bender. He may be different,
but he is still special and
wonderful and just like you.
PEMA
Aw, thank you, Ikki. That means a
lot to me.
Ikki hugs Pema and Rohan happily.
INT. VARRICK INDUSTRIES / VARRICK'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Zhu Li slowly opens the door to peer in.
ZHU LI
Varrick? Are you doing okay?
Varrick?
She opens up the door and is shocked to see Varrick's desk is a mess and he has several liter sized bottles in front of him as he is slouched. He waves his arms around sloppily.
VARRICK
(slurred)
HA HA! ZHU LI! I DID IT!
ZHU LI
(shocked)
Varrick! What happened?!
VARRICK
(slurred)
I'll tell you what I did! I just
unlocked the Spirit World! IT'S
EVERYWHERE!
She leans in over him to look at the bottles.
ZHU LI
What have you been drinking?
He hold up a bottle smiling.
VARRICK
(slurred)
You want some? It's my very own
Varri-juice! I found it myself!
This stuff will sell like sweet
buns!
She picks up one bottle and looks at the label.
ZHU LI
Wait... is this... Si Wong...
Cactus Juice?!
He stands up and snatches the bottle from her hand.
VARRICK
It's MY cactus juice, and it's my
greatest creation ever!
Zhu Li clenches her fists in frustration.
ZHU LI
(angrily)
Varrick, stop it! You're obsessed
with your work and you're going
crazy!
VARRICK
(happily)
Crazy? I just reached my period of
enlightenment!
ZHU LI
No! You're intoxicated and you need
help!
Varrick stares at her hunched over with his eyes half closed and his mouth open.
ZHU LI (CONT'D)
Varrick?...
His point of view of Zhu Li is distorted and has a fish eye appearance with high contrasted colors.
ZHU LI (CONT'D)
Varrick, are you in there?!
VARRICK
(slurred)
Uh... I think so. Evurthing is...
kinda circular...
Zhu Li looks at him questionably. He smiles idiotically and reaches for her.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Look at you! You looks so cute in
the Spirit World!
She ducks away from his arms.
ZHU LI
No! Get away from me!
She moves to the side. Varrick swings his arms at her while laughing playfully. She dodges each of his movements. When he lunges and arm at her, she grabs his arm, vaults him over her, and slams him onto the ground.
She runs out of the room and Varrick struggles to get up.
VARRICK
Wait! You forgot to do the thing!
He clumsily gets up and runs out the door.
INT. VARRICK INDUSTRIES / FACTORY - NIGHT
Zhu Li frantically runs down a circular stairway.
Varrick runs up to the stairs but trips and tumbles all the way down.
VARRICK
Ow! Ooh! Shoulder! Femur! Pain! Ow!
He stops at the bottom of the stairs and groans. All the people in the factory just stare at him in confusion.
Varrick gets up and continues to run after Zhu Li!
VARRICK
(slurred)
Wait! Zhu Li! Come back!
EXT. VARRICK INDUSTRIES / BACK AREA - NIGHT
Zhu Li opens the door from the inside. Varrick catches up to her laughing. He charges toward her. He leaps for the door.
VARRICK
TAG! YOUR IT!
She dodges out of the way and he flies out of the door and slams onto the ground. She shuts the door right afterward.
Varrick runs back to the door and bangs on it.
VARRICK
(slurred and desperate)
ZHU LI! NO! LET ME IN! COME BACK!
I LOVE YOU THE THING!
He stops and turns his head to the side still dumbfounded and drooling. He sees the spirit portal in the distance. He gets up facing it and gasps amazement.
VARRICK
I FOUND IT! THE GREAT GIANT
NOODLE! MY LIFE'S AMBITION!
He runs off into the city toward the portal limping from side to side.
INT. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND / EATING AREA - NIGHT
Korra is eating at a table with Tenzin. The other acolytes and airbenders are at other tables.
The phone rings and Korra and Tenzin look over to it.
KORRA
I'll get it.
She gets up, walks to the side, and picks up the phone.
KORRA (CONT'D)
Hello? Who is speaking?
She pauses to listen. Her expression changes to worry.
KORRA (CONT'D)
Zhu Li? Are you okay?!
She listens some more.
KORRA (CONT'D)
Don't worry! I'm heading over right
now!
She hangs up the phone and runs out.
INT. VARRICK INDUSTRIES / VARRICK'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Korra runs into the room holding her staff. She sees Zhu Li sobbing at the desk. Korra walks up to her.
KORRA
Zhu Li! What happened?! Are you
okay?! Where's Varrick?!
ZHU LI
(sobbing)
He- He's gone crazy! He's obsessed
with his work and he's been
drinking cactus juice!
Korra has a questionable look.
KORRA
Cactus juice? Oh no. He didn't!
ZHU LI
(sobbing)
He ran off into the city! I don't
know where he is! If anything
happened to him...
Korra holds Zhu Li's shoulder comfortingly.
KORRA
Don't worry, Zhu Li. I'll make sure
he returns safe and sober. Just
wait here.
Korra runs out of the room.
EXT. REPUBLIC CITY - NIGHT
Korra flies around on her glider. Then she swoops down next to a building with some vines next to it. She retracts her glider and holds a vine with her hand closing her eyes.
Her vision trails through the inside of the vines and moves up to a point where she sees Varrick dazed and leaning against a garbage dump.
She opens her eyes and lets go of the vine.
KORRA
Okay, good. He's not far from here.
She opens her glider and flies off close to the city streets.
After turning a corner and flying a bit, she lands next to an alleyway seeing Varrick looking filthy and leaning against a trash can smiling and drooling. Some tiny flying spirits are circling around his head. He is mumbling incomprehensible words.
KORRA
Varrick. I found you.
She gently swipes the spirits away from his head. He looks at her completely dazed.
VARRICK
Mommy?! Are we back home? Is this
the Water Tribe?
KORRA
No, we're still in Republic City.
She picks up Varrick and puts his arm around her shoulders.
KORRA (CONT'D)
Come on. Let's get you sobered up.
She walks off dragging him along.
INT. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND - NIGHT
Varrick is seated at a chair against the wall.
Korra is standing in front of two barrels of water. She stands next to the right barrel and stirs the water around by circling her arms. She waterbends until steam starts coming from it.
She walks over to Varrick and pulls him up to the barrels.
KORRA
All right, buster, let's get you up
and out.
She holds his head and dunks his head between the barrel with cold water and the one with hot water. He starts waking up a bit at one point his head is out.
VARRICK
Ugh! HEY! Wait! Wait-
She dunks his head again and blows out bubbles from the water. She pulls his head out.
VARRICK
AGH! KORRA! I-
She dunks him in the hot water and he breathes out bubbles sporadically.
He flails his arms around and pushes her out of the way. He gets his head out of the water.
VARRICK
OKAY! OKAY! CUT IT OUT! I'M BACK!
I'M BACK!
KORRA
Well, it's about time! It took me
several hours to get you back to
normal. You starting to think
clearly again?
He holds his head groaning.
VARRICK
(tired)
Ughh... I think it's wearing off...
He makes a sudden gag reflex and covers his mouth. He leans
to the floor and vomits behind the barrel.
Korra makes a disgusted expression.
Varrick springs back up.
VARRICK
(groaning)
Yep! It's definitely coming out!
He sits back down on the chair.
Korra bends out some water to clean up the mess.
KORRA
What is going on with you? Why were
you drinking so much cactus juice?
And how much did you drink, anyway?
She throws the water out the nearby window.
VARRICK
Two bottles. I honestly didn't get
that far before completely zoning
out. I thought drinking that stuff
would give me hallucinations
leading to some radically great
ideas. Turns out most of those
hallucinations were on noodles.
Go figure.
KORRA
So is this just another one of your
crazy brainstorming methods?
VARRICK
Yeah. I've completely run dry on
ideas and I'm at the end of my
rope. I had this great high at my
honeymoon, but I've lost it all
since I got back.
(looking down)
I feel like I can't do anything
anymore, and I've only made things
worse for Zhu Li.
KORRA
(sympathetic)
That's too bad. I'm really sorry
for you.
He looks up sadly at Korra.
VARRICK
Say Korra, I know we don't usually
talk with each other eye to eye and
we're on completely different
leagues... but... is it possible
that... maybe you could give me
some Avatar wisdom?
Korra smiles compassionately.
KORRA
(softly)
Of course.
She pulls up a chair and sits in front of him.
VARRICK
Look, I probably will never be the
genius I used to be, but I just
want to set things right with my
wife. I've been a terrible husband
since we got back and she's
probably still mad at me right now.
KORRA
No, she's not mad at you. She's
just scared that you might make
everything worse for yourself.
You're a brilliant person. You've
made some great inventions in the
past, and I know you still have it
in you, but you need to take a
break and put that aside to think
about Zhu Li. She's your wife now,
and you've made a commitment to
look after her as her husband. I
saw when she was working for you,
and she is one of the most
dedicated servants I've ever seen.
What she's done for you, you need
to do the same for her.
Varrick looks down thoughtfully.
VARRICK
So... you're saying I should scrub
her callouses and clean her toes?
She pauses looking at him oddly.
KORRA
Well... not necessarily to that
effect, but... maybe you should do
something that she really wants.
Maybe ask her what she wants you to
do for her.
Varrick looks off to the side considering.
INT. VARRICK INDUSTRIES / BEDROOM - MORNING
Korra and Varrick open up the door to see Zhu Li sitting on the bed looking down sadly. She hears the door open and looks anxiously at both of them. She stands up holding the end bed post.
ZHU LI
(quietly)
Varrick?
Varrick looks back at Korra who nods at him. He looks back at Zhu Li sadly.
VARRICK
(apologetic)
Look, Zhu Li. I think I might have
gotten way too carried away with my
business. I was so worried that I
lost my stuff that I... lost my
patience with you. I was being a
complete idiot and I wasn't being
the husband you needed... Zhu Li...
can you ever possibly... do the
thing?
Zhu Li smiles apologetically.
ZHU LI
Yes... Apology accepted.
Both of them hug endearingly. Afterword, Varrick steps back and looks at her.
VARRICK
So, uh... I've realized lately that
some of the requests I have you do
for me have been a tad...
outlandish. What do you say we play
a little game of role-reversals? I
will do any request for you today.
How about I give you a pedicure,
or, uh... How about I massage your
kneecaps, or-
She puts her finger on his mouth.
ZHU LI
Let's just keep it simple. How
about a night out at Kwong's?
Varrick smiles comfortingly.
VARRICK
(warmly)
I wouldn't have it any other way.
EXT. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND / COURTYARD - DAY
Meelo is standing in front of Rohan. He looks back at Pema who is behind him.
PEMA
Meelo, what do you have to say?
He looks back at Rohan and sighs pouting.
MEELO
Well, I guess I better apologize,
Rohan. Sorry for pushing too hard.
You don't have to learn airbending
anymore.
Rohan walks over to Meelo and hugs him adorably while smiling.
Meelo looks at him oddly and simply pats his head.
PEMA
There. That wasn't so hard, was it?
MEELO
Yeah, I guess I can go without an
airbender sidekick. I mean, I still
have Poki.
Poki flies onto Meelo's shoulder and chirps.
Meelo holds up his fist with dignity.
MEELO (CONT'D)
But soon, I will have my life-long
dream to make my own army of
lemurs... and SKY BISON!
He spins and leaps up onto the rooftops laughing maniacally and running away.
Pema holds her head with her hand and groans.
INT. KWONG'S QUISINE - NIGHT
Varrick and Zhu Li are seated at a table. Varrick is laughing while holding a wine glass.
VARRICK
Ha ha! I'm telling ya, I had never
seen a mammoth-aardvark the size of
a koala-pig before that point!
ZHU LI
(giggling)
Wow! You really did see some
strange animals in the circus!
VARRICK
Yep. Part of the reason I became an
inventor was because of the
intermingling between the different
animals I saw. I mean...
(endearingly)
If a platypus-bunny... and an
eel-fox... can fall in love... why
can't science... blend with magic?
He shrugs questionably.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
But, I had a lot of crazy
nonsensical thoughts as a boy.
He holds Zhu Li's hand on the table.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Speaking of inter-species mingling,
remember the time we first met?
Zhu Li smiles romantically.
ZHU LI
(softly)
It was like love at first sight.
VARRICK
It sure was. I remember it like it
was just last month. It was the
time you had that interview with
me. Remember that?
FLASHBACK: INT. SOUTH POLE / VARRICK INDUSTRIES - DAY
Zhu Li, looking slightly younger and wearing a different uniform, follows an assistant through a hallway to a large double door. The assistant stands next to the door and holds her hand out.
ASSISTANT
Sir Varrick will see you now.
Zhu Li is holding a notepad in her arms. She nervously approaches the door and pushes the right door.
As it creaks open, she peers through to look around. No one is in the room. She walks in and closes the door. She continues to scan the room.
ZHU LI
Uh... hello?... Is anyone here?-
Varrick drops down in front of her hanging from the ceiling upside down. She gasps and flinches.
VARRICK
(happily)
Of course someone's here! This room
is never deserted!
Zhu Li looks up at him curiously. She tilts her head a bit to look at him upside down.
ZHU LI
Mr. Varrick. I-It's an honor to
meet you. I'm a huge admirer of
yours.
VARRICK
Please, call me Varrick. I like to
go by my sir-name.
He holds out his right hand while still hanging upside down. She holds out her right hand but stops looking at the difference in hands.
Varrick considers for a bit and then switches to his left hand grinning. Both of them shake hands.
ZHU LI
Well... Varrick... my name is Zhu
Li Moon. I'm a student from Nunavik
University, and I'd like to ask you
a few questions about-
VARRICK
Of course! The interview! Right
this way, Miss Moon!
He pulls himself up and climbs across the bars on the ceiling. Zhu Li looks up at all the bars across.
ZHU LI
Uh... If you don't mind me asking,
why do you have bars on your
ceiling?
VARRICK
For hanging upside down, of course!
This is one of Varrick Industries'
secret means of development and
research! In order to think big, I
have to act like a monkey-
chameleon! I have to be agile and
blend in with my environment!
Zhu Li raises her eyebrows and writes down on her notepad.
Varrick climbs over to the ceiling above his desk, he points to the chair in front of the desk.
VARRICK
Please, be seated.
She sits down at the chair while he still hangs above his desk.
ZHU LI
Aren't you... going to sit down
too?
VARRICK
Nonsense! I won't be able to do the
interview sitting normally! I'm
doing the whole thing upside down!
ZHU LI
Well... okay then...
(looking at her notes)
First question, what inspired you
to expand your company to other
locations on the world.
VARRICK
Well why wouldn't I? I mean the
Southern Water Tribe is okay, but
come on! I feel like I was born to
live in every nation! I'm an
"everywhere" man!
His face starts to look disgusted.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Pah! This interview is boring! What
about you?
ZHU LI
Wh-What? Me?
VARRICK
Yeah you! What are your business
plans?! Tell me about yourself.
ZHU LI
Oh, well, um... I've been trying to
find a career in manual assistance
and accounting; possibly work in...
Varrick Industries?
Varrick looks at her grinning and raises one eyebrow.
VARRICK
You do, huh?
He flips over and lands in his chair behind his desk. He leans up close to her.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Then tell me, "Zhu Li". If your job
required it... are you willing
to... pick out neck hairs?
Zhu Li looks at him confused.
ZHU LI
Neck hairs? Um, I-I guess... Sure.
He looks at her with a frowning squinted face. He immediately springs a huge open grin and wide eyes.
VARRICK
YOU'RE HIRED!
Zhu Li jumps back and falls off her chair. Varrick runs up and shakes her hand vigorously.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Meet me in my office at noon
tomorrow for your job requirements!
Zhu Li looks at him with surprise.
ZHU LI
Really? Um... that's- that's great.
Thank you!
VARRICK
Certainly! When you come back in,
bring some cotton swabs and a pair
of tweezers!
INT. KWONG'S QUISINE - NIGHT
Varrick pauses looking forward with a confused expression.
VARRICK
(flatly)
Huh... I guess it wasn't as
romantic as I remembered.
Zhu Li holds his arm gently.
ZHU LI
(kindly)
But it was worth it just to be with
you. I was willing to do any
unusual tasks just to be with the
most brilliant mind in the world.
They look into each other's eyes romantically. Then Varrick looks to the right and frowns.
VARRICK
(angrily)
Sheesh! Where's our lychee nut
sundaes?! I've been waiting over
twenty minutes for them!
A waiter runs in frantically and places the two sundaes in front of them.
WAITER
Here's you're deserts. Sorry for
the delay.
He walks off.
VARRICK
Well it's about time! The food
service here is lousy! I bet a
hand-tied waterbender could bend it
faster than...
He suddenly stops and looks off wide-eyed. He slowly starts to form a smile and starts chuckling and progressively laughing louder.
VARRICK
... he-he... he-he-he... he-he ha
ha... Haha Ha Ha! HA HA HA HA!
HAAHAHAHAHHAHHA!
(gasps)
AAAAHH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HAAAAA!
He laughs extremely and maniacally for a while. All the people in the restaurant eye him questionably. Zhu Li looks at him utterly scared and confused.
ZHU LI
Varrick?! What is it?!
He grabs both of Zhu Li's arms and looks in her eyes with pure excitement.
VARRICK
ZHU LI! I got it! I got and
actual idea! It may not be
something, but actually IS
something!
He leans his head straight in front of hers.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
ICE-CREAM BENDERS!
Zhu Li looks at him wide-eyed.
INT. ICE-CREAM BENDERS BAR - DAY
Several men are lined up behind a bar wearing blue caps. They wave their arms in front of some ice-cream. They waterbend the different ice-cream swirling it around in the air and mixing it together. One waterbender passes a mixture for the next one to bend, and then passes it to the next, and so on.
One of them throws in some sprinkles and nuts and the one at the end of the bar bends it into a bowl. He takes some whipped cream from the side and bends it over on top of the bowl. He finishes by picking up a cherry with his fingers and gently places it in the middle.
The man slides the bowl across with his hand and Bolin catches it. Bolin takes a spoon, scoops a bit, and and eats it. He smiles with delight with his mouth full.
BOLIN
(happily)
MMMMM!
Varrick looks across at all the people ordering and sitting down in the restaurant with Zhu Li at his side. Korra and Asami are on either side of them.
VARRICK
Look at it! The Ice-Cream Benders
Bar is going to be a block-staller!
KORRA
I have to admit, this is a great
idea having waterbenders to mix and
serve ice-cream.
ASAMI
Yeah, I thought it was a strange
idea at first, but it's really
selling well.
Zhu Li hugs him at the side.
ZHU LI
Everything looks like it's going to
be great, sweetheart.
Varrick smiles at Zhu Li. He looks at all three of the girls.
VARRICK
You were right, girls. I just need
to let my brainstorming rest for a
bit, and soon I would have a new
idea in no time.
He holds his fist in front determined.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
Not to worry! There will still be
more that's yet to come from
Varrick Industries!
He holds his hands next to his mouth.
VARRICK (CONT'D)
EVERYBODY! FREE ROUNDS ON THE
HOUSE! ICE-CREAM FOR EVERYONE!
Everyone in the place cheers and swarms up to the bar.
WRITTEN BY: BENJAMIN WEAVER