AVATAR: THE LEGEND OF KORRA
SYNOPSIS:
SHIRO SHINOBI (V.O.)
Korra and her friends have visited
the Fire Nation Capital City for
the first time! Upon her arrival,
she was trained to create lightning
by the reluctant Fire Lord Izumi,
but created a rift with her due to
the fire lord's stubborn nature.
Meanwhile, Mako found a stranded
little girl in the city and sought
to bring her home to her sister.
Recently, he tracked down the
girl's home and the two sisters are
now reunited.
BOOK FIVE: PEACE
CHAPTER SEVEN: THE FLAME DANCER
EXT. SUMI'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Sumi and Aiko hold each other joyously.
SUMI
I missed you so much, Aiko! I
promise to never lose you again.
She looks at her face.
SUMI (CONT'D)
How did you ever find your way back
home?
Aiko points up to Mako.
AIKO
This policeman found you with his
giant dog.
Sumi stands up and walks up to Mako.
SUMI
Thank you so much for bringing her
back. I owe you everything!
MAKO
It was no big deal. I'm just glad
she's home now.
SUMI
Would you like to come inside? I
was just making dinner.
MAKO
Uh, no thanks. I don't want to
intrude. I should probably get
going back to Capital City.
SUMI
No, I insist. You came such a long
distance and it's in the middle of
the night. Please stay for a while.
Mako shrugs happily.
MAKO
Well, okay then.
All three of them walk inside the house.
INT. SUMI'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The three are seated at a square table. Aiko and Sumi are seated across from each other.
SUMI
So, you're a Capital City police
officer?
MAKO
No, I'm actually a detective from
Republic City.
SUMI
Wait, so you're from the United
Republic? Have you been to the Fire
Nation before?
MAKO
Actually, this is my first time.
I'm on vacation with the Avatar and
our friends.
SUMI
The Avatar? Really?! How do you
like it here so far?
MAKO
Well, I gotta say, it's a pretty
nice country.
AIKO
(excitedly)
Sumi! I got to meet the Avatar!
Sumi looks over at Aiko sternly.
SUMI
Aiko, that's very rude of you. You
don't interrupt our guest when he
is talking.
Aiko looks down sadly.
AIKO
Yes, Sister.
SUMI
(to Mako)
So, I can't believe you went all
this way just to bring her back
here. I'm so sorry for having to
inconvenience you like that.
MAKO
It's okay, I wanted to help her,
and I don't mind traveling this
distance. How did you both get
separated in the first place?
SUMI
Well, I'm a dancer, and my job had
me temporarily transferred to
perform in a circus going to
Capital City. I couldn't get a
babysitter for Aiko, so I had to
bring her along. But after I
finished performing and the show
was done, they were packing up
rigorously and I thought I had her,
but she was lost in the crowd. I
tried to see if I could get back to
find her, but it's too far away and
expensive to travel. Luckily you
were there to bring her back.
She gasps in embarrassment.
SUMI (CONT'D)
Oh my goodness! I can't believe I
haven't asked what your name is!
MAKO
(chuckling)
That's okay. It's Mako.
SUMI
(pondering)
Hmm, Mako. That sounds like a Fire
Nation name.
MAKO
It is. It's actually short for
"Makoto".
SUMI
Makoto? That's such a nice name! Is
it okay if I call you Makoto?
Mako looks at her questioningly.
MAKO
Uh... sure, I guess.
AIKO
(to Sumi)
Is Makoto going to be our new
brother?
SUMI
Aiko! That's not nice of you. He's
only staying for tonight.
AIKO
Yes, Sister. I'm sorry.
Mako eyes both of them strangely.
MAKO
Uh, actually, I wouldn't mind
staying for tomorrow if it's okay
with you.
SUMI
You would? That'd be really nice.
MAKO
So you said you were a dancer. What
type of dancing do you do?
SUMI
I do traditional arts dancing with
firebending.
MAKO
You're a firebender? So am I.
SUMI
Wow! That's great! Actually, I'm
performing tomorrow night. Would
you like to see it?
MAKO
Sure. I just need to call my
friends tomorrow morning to tell
them I'm here.
INT. DREAM
Jinora opens her eyes and looks around her. Her surroundings are a dark brown atmosphere. She has no hair and is wearing her outfit from her tattoo ceremony.
A bright white circle appears. She covers her face from the brightness with her arms. She lowers her arms and sees the tall figure of Aang several meters away. She is surprised to see him.
JINORA
Avatar Aang?
She brightens up excitedly.
JINORA (CONT'D)
Grandpa! I never thought I would
get to meet you!
He turns around and starts walking away into the white sphere. Jinora becomes worried and runs after him.
JINORA (CONT'D)
No! Wait! Grandpa Aang! Come back!
I have so many questions for you!
He disappears into the whiteness. Jinora runs in as the entire area turns white.
As Jinora is running, the brightness goes down and she is slows down to the revealed area. It is an open field next to a cliff side and ocean. The entire scenery has a variance of the colors pink, orange, and blue.
JINORA
Where am I? What is this place?
A figure of a boy appears behind her. She turns around and sees Aang as a 12 year old boy standing in front of her with his eyes closed. He then opens his eyes and glares at Jinora. Both Aang and Jinora are standing in front of each other with the same height as if they are near reflections. The key difference is Aang's gray eyes contrasted with Jinora's brown eyes.
INT. PALACE SUITE / BEDROOM - MORNING
Jinora wakes up in her bed quietly. She sits up looks around at everyone else in bed. She looks down sadly and sighs with disappointment. She gets out of bed and walks out of the room.
EXT. CAPITAL CITY - SUNRISE
Jinora is sitting the edge of the crater surrounding the city. She watches the sunrise over the ocean ahead.
Korra flies up on her glider. She lands next to Jinora.
KORRA
Hey, Jinora. What brings you up
here this early?
JINORA
Hmm, nothing. I just tend to be an
early bird sometimes. How about
you?
KORRA
I just got a call from Mako saying
that he found the girl's sister and
he's staying with them for a day.
JINORA
That's great! I'm glad he made it.
KORRA
Mind if I join you?
JINORA
Sure.
Korra sit next to Jinora. Both of them gaze at the sunrise in the horizon.
KORRA
(softly)
It's beautiful, isn't it?
Jinora looks down, then at Korra.
JINORA
Hey, Korra, can I ask you about
something?
KORRA
Sure, what's on your mind?
JINORA
It's about Aang. When you still had
your past lives connection, did you
ever meet him?
KORRA
I did... though it was only a few
times.
JINORA
Can you tell me what he was like?
KORRA
Well, he was kind, peaceful,
gentle, but very strong. I saw one
memory where he stopped Yakone and
took away his bending. He was
amazing.
Korra looks over at Jinora.
KORRA (CONT'D)
What makes you so curious about
him?
JINORA
To be honest, I've always wanted to
meet him, and I thought it might
have been possible through you, but
then you lost your connections to
the past Avatars, and I gave up
hope for that.
KORRA
(embarrassed)
Oh... Sorry about that.
JINORA
Do you think it might be possible
somehow to reestablish your
connection with your past lives?
KORRA
Honestly, I don't know. I've been
all throughout the Spirit World
trying to find out if I can fix it,
but I couldn't find anything.
They pause continuing to look off.
KORRA (CONT'D)
I don't know if I'll ever see Aang
again, but whenever I look at
you... I see him.
Jinora looks at Korra surprised.
JINORA
Really? Why is that?
KORRA
Well, for one thing, you look just
like he did when he was a kid. For
another, you have the same love and
compassion he had for the world and
all living things.
Jinora smiles warmly.
JINORA
Thanks. That means a lot. It's
interesting considering you're his
reincarnation and I'm his
granddaughter... and we're both
friends.
KORRA
Yeah, it's like even though he's
gone, a part of him is still alive
in both of us.
They move closer together and hug each other.
EXT. SUMI'S HOUSE - DAY
Mako heads over the house as Sumi and Aiko head out of the door. Aiko is wearing a bright red school uniform.
SUMI
Hey, Makoto.
MAKO
Hey. I just called Korra at the
police station in town. I'll be
here until tomorrow morning.
Aiko looks up at Sumi.
AIKO
I'll head to school myself.
SUMI
Okay, I'll pick you up later.
Sumi kisses Aiko on the head. Aiko looks at Mako and waves as she walks off.
AIKO
See you later, Makoto!
MAKO
All right! See ya!
She runs off over to the town.
Mako looks at Sumi.
MAKO (CONT'D)
Wait, she's going to school? But
it's the middle of the summer.
SUMI
Yeah, the school system here is a
bit different from the rest of the
world. See, in the Fire Nation, the
climate and seasons are more hot.
So the vacation season is in the
spring.
MAKO
Oh, I see.
SUMI
Well, I'm gonna head out to get
some food in the market. You want
to come?
MAKO
Sure.
EXT. VILLAGE MARKET - DAY
Mako and Sumi walk through the market area. Sumi has a bag with some food.
SUMI
Do you have any relatives in the
Fire Nation?
MAKO
My mom grew up in Capital City. She
left for Republic City with my Dad
who was from Ba Sing Se. So
basically, I'm half Earth Kingdom
and half Fire Nation. I inherited
my mom's firebending and my little
brother Bolin got my dad's
earthbending.
SUMI
So you're brothers with two
different kinds of bending? That's
so cool! I didn't know that was
possible.
MAKO
I gotta say, it made pro-bending
practice a lot more interesting for
us that way.
SUMI
So what is the Avatar like?
MAKO
Korra is a great friend. She's
strong, caring, and determined...
She's a bit stubborn at times, and
we had our fights in the past, but
we've all really pulled through as
a team. Maybe I could introduce her
to you sometime.
They walk up and she picks up two loafs of bread, and hands in some copper coins to the clerk.
SUMI
Well, I guess I'm finished with
shopping.
MAKO
Really? It doesn't seem like you
have that much.
SUMI
My job doesn't always pay that
much, so I can only buy a certain
amount of things. I'm only just
recently able to afford Aiko's
school.
Mako looks over and picks up some vegetables and bread. He hands it to the clerk.
MAKO
Could I have a bag with this?
The clerk puts the items in a handbag and gives it to Mako. Mako hands over some cash.
MAKO
Thanks.
SUMI
Oh, you don't have to do that.
MAKO
(reassuring)
No, I insist. I've been through
hard times myself, and I want to
help in any way I can.
SUMI
Thank you.
They walk off.
MAKO
My brother and I lost our parents
to a firebender when we were young.
So we had to live most of our lives
on our own.
SUMI
I'm so sorry. Is that how you got
your scar?
MAKO
My scar? What do you mean?
She looks down at his left arm.
SUMI
That scar on your arm. Was it
because of that firebender?
Mako holds up his arm and looks at his wrist.
MAKO
(humorously)
Oh, that scar! Nah, I got this one
recently from lightningbending some
energy. It's nothing really.
SUMI
You sure? Well, okay then.
INT. SUMI'S HOUSE - DAY
Mako and Sumi take the food in and place it on the table.
MAKO
So, what ever happened to your
parents?
SUMI
I lost my dad in an industrial
accident around the time when Aiko
was born. So my mom was taking care
of the two of us. When I was 14 and
she was 4, my mom was sick and
died. That was three years ago.
She takes the food and puts it in the cabinets.
SUMI (CONT'D)
I've been struggling to support us
both since then.
MAKO
I'm really sorry. I know what
you've been through.
SUMI
It's difficult. I've had to be like
a mother to Aiko.
MAKO
Same here. I've always had to look
out for Bolin, and he's always been
this kid at heart while I had to
grow up for him.
He hands over his bag to her. They look at each other's eyes for a moment. She grabs one handle, but then the food suddenly slips out on the floor.
SUMI
Oh, my gosh! I'm so sorry!
MAKO
No worries. I got it.
He bends over and puts the food in the bag. He hands it over to her and she grabs it.
She smiles while looking embarrassed.
INT. MOVER STUDIO
Asami is leading Bolin and Opal through a studio where several people are working on making props and moving equipment around.
ASAMI
So this is Lightning Studios.
OPAL
What are all these items and
machines for?
Bolin points at all of the different sections in the studio.
BOLIN
Well you see, everything here is
made to be in the pictures. There's
the sets over there, there's the
lunch area, and that room over
there is where they keep the
extras. Sometimes, when setting up
a scene, we have to wait around a
lot for the crew to set things up.
It can take FOREVER just to light a
scene properly!
OPAL
It's difficult to set up lights?
BOLIN
Oh yeah! You'd think you'd just
have to light it normally- but no!
The have to add so many lights, I
was almost BLINDED sometimes!
Asami walks up to a man talking to two others. He turns to her and she looks at Bolin and Opal.
ASAMI
Bolin, Opal, I'd like you to meet
Hideki Sugimori, the director of
Heart of a Nation.
Bolin geeks out in front of him.
BOLIN
Oh my gosh! It's an honor to meet
you! Your mover was the coolest
thing I'd ever seen!
HIDEKI
Why thank you. You must be Bolin,
star of the Nuktuk serials.
BOLIN
(enthusiastically)
Uh huh! That's me!
HIDEKI
Well, don't take this the wrong
way, but to be honest, those movers
are terrible.
Bolin's expression shrinks and he pouts frowning.
HIDEKI (CONT'D)
Don't get me wrong- your
performance was fine, but I've
never seen more amateurishly cut
and produced films than those. The
quality is laughable and Varrick is
probably the worst director I've
heard of.
Bolin holds up his pointer fingers.
BOLIN
Okay, I admit, they're not the best
in quality, but it's the heart that
counts. Those movers were made to
inspire people to be aware of the
Northern Water Tribe's oppression
of the South at the time.
HIDEKI
(nodding)
I can see that. I guess it's all
subjective.
One younger man runs up next to Bolin.
CREW MEMBER
Oh my gosh! You're Nuktuk! Can I
have your autograph!
BOLIN
Why certainly, my most endearing
fan.
The man hands Bolin a pen and he writes on the man's poster of Nuktuk and Ginger kissing.
Opal looks closer at the poster and frowns.
OPAL
(suspicious)
Wait, who is that girl you're
kissing?
Bolin frantically finishes his signing quickly, crumples up the poster, and hands it back to the crew member. He nervously turns back to Opal.
BOLIN
Uh, NO ONE! She's no one! Just an
actress I co-starred with!
Opal raises an eyebrow. Bolin sighs.
BOLIN
Okay, she played Nuktuk's
girlfriend and we maybe kissed on
set a couple of times, but we were
never really together, honestly.
He looks down embarrassed.
BOLIN (CONT'D)
Look, it's true, you're not the
first girlfriend I've had. I've
been in a few other relationships
and it's been complicated. But
you're the one I love now, and
you're better than any of those
other girls ever were.
She smiles and moves his chin up to look at her.
OPAL
Bolin, it's okay, I know you well.
I know you're not cheating on me
and it's all just stuff from the
past. Nothing you did can ever
change the way I feel about you.
She leans forward to him and slowly kisses him.
OPAL
(softly)
I love you.
BOLIN
(softly)
I love you, too.
Hideki leans over to Asami.
HIDEKI
Wow, this guy is a good actor.
Maybe I should give him a cameo in
this feature.
EXT. SCHOOL - DAY
Children are let out of the school building. Mako and Sumi head over to Aiko.
AIKO
Sumi! Makoto! You're here!
SUMI
Hey, Aiko. How was school?
AIKO
It was great! Makoto, I want you to
meet my friends!
She grabs his hand and pulls him over.
MAKO
(laughing)
Okay. I'm coming.
She brings him over to a group of other kids.
AIKO
Guys! This is my friend, Makoto.
He's a detective!
All the kids look at him in amazement.
KIDS
Oooohhh!
Aiko moves him up closer to them.
AIKO
Makoto, tell a detective story!
All the kids cheer.
MAKO
(hesitantly)
Uh, I don't know if-
GIRL #1
Come on! Tell us a story!
BOY #1
Yeah! Tell us!
Mako pauses and looks around at the kids. He sees Sumi at the side smiling eagerly.
He looks down at the kids. Then he smiles and holds his hands up.
MAKO
All right. I got a story for ya...
He walks over to a short stairway and sits down on it.
MAKO (CONT'D)
... but you better have your hands
and ears ready, because it's gonna
be pretty intense.
The kids sit down looking at him eagerly.
MAKO
So I'm leading these cops on a
mission to find the Red Monsoons; a
triad of evil bloodbenders!
The children gasp.
BOY #2
What's bloodbending?
MAKO
(intensely)
The deadliest form of bending there
is.
He holds up his hands like claws.
MAKO (CONT'D)
(creepily)
Instead of controlling the
elements, they control the blood
inside you, and control you like a
puppet! These bloodbenders only
like to control people for their
own sick fun and amusement.
The kids look horrified as he sakes his hands in place. He holds up his finger.
MAKO (CONT'D)
BUT, they can only do it when the
moon is over half full. So all of
us got together to find the
hideout, and we went during a new
moon, when there was no light from
the moon.
(quietly)
So we found the hideout in an old
village in the Earth Kingdom. We
went on the day of the new moon and
waited for just the right moment...
They look wide eyed in anticipation.
MAKO
(loudly)
... we BUST into the place!
He springs up and punches fire twice to the side, startling the kids.
MAKO (CONT'D)
We attack the bloodbenders, and
they were completely powerless! It
seemed like we had won!
The children smile excitedly, but then he holds his hands up.
MAKO (CONT'D)
However... there was one guy who
could bloodbend... WITHOUT the
moon!
He clutches his chest exaggeratedly.
MAKO (CONT'D)
He started controlling me and I
couldn't move!
The children gasp.
GIRL #2
Oh no!
MAKO
I tried my hardest, but my muscles
ached, and my whole body hurt!
(hardening his breath)
There was nothing I could do! He
was about to finish me off... but
then...
He holds his two fingers out, and then he lunges that hand upward.
MAKO (CONT'D)
I shot him full of lighting! And I
blew him to the wall!
The children brighten up instantly.
MAKO
(triumphantly)
Then we had won, and the Red
Monsoons were beaten!
He calms down, crosses his arms, and looks at the kids in a cool way.
MAKO
(suave)
So... if you ever hear about a
crime that was solved in Republic
City, just keep in mind... it was
probably Makoto!
The children leap up and start cheering. They swarm around Mako happily. Excited from this, Mako looks around at them, then he looks over at Sumi who smiles while laughing endearingly.
EXT. SUMI'S HOUSE - DAY
Mako, Sumi, and Aiko walk on the road back to the house.
AIKO
That was amazing, Makoto! It was
the best story ever!
SUMI
(laughing)
Did you really shoot that
bloodbender with lightning?
MAKO
Well, that part was actually from a
different story, but it basically
happened.
As they approach the house, Naga runs up to Mako. He pets her head and rubs her neck.
MAKO
Naga! How's it going?
Some motorcycles are heard in the distance. Naga looks ahead and then snarls.
MAKO (CONT'D)
What is it, girl?
The three of them look back and see a gang on motorcycles in the distance.
SUMI
Oh no. Not them... Aiko, get inside
now!
Aiko runs into the house.
The gang swarms around Sumi, Mako, and Naga. They stop and the leader dismounts. He has tattooed sleeveless arms and a samurai sword sheathed on his back. His gang all have metallic weapons. He walks up to Sumi with a smug grin.
SHOU-JIN
Sumi! My girl! Long time no see!
Sumi glares at him angrily.
SUMI
What do you want, Shou-Jin?
SHOU-JIN
Heard you lost your sister. Me and
the boys want to help you find her.
SUMI
She's fine. She's back in the
house. Leave us alone!
SHOU-JIN
(carefree)
WHAT? Why are you so mean? I just
want to help. I heard you were down
on your luck. It must be hard
always dancing for people's
amusement with low pay. Maybe you
can join us. We'll support you.
He reaches out and grabs her arm. She jerks back trying to get out of his grip.
SUMI
NO! Get away from me! Let me go!
Mako walks in and breaks his grip throwing him back.
MAKO
Hey! She said let go!
Shou-Jin holds up his hands.
SHOU-JIN
Hey, hey. Calm down, tough guy. If
she doesn't want to come, she
doesn't have to.
He raises one eyebrow smiling.
SHOU-JIN (CONT'D)
You know what? I have a better
deal. Your sister has clearly been
too much of a responsibility for
you. Maybe we can take her off your
hands and you can have a free life.
SUMI
(shocked)
What?! No! Why do you want my
sister?!
The door to the house bangs open and two gang members are holding Aiko's arms restraining her.
AIKO
SUMI! HELP!
Sumi is horrified to see her sister being held hostage. She runs to her but is grabbed by two other thug.
SUMI
NO! PLEASE! DON'T TAKE HER!
MAKO
Hey! Let GO of her!
Naga charges in and slams the two thugs holding Aiko onto the ground. They run away fearfully.
Mako pulls one guy away from Sumi. As the other one charges to punch him, he grabs his arm and throws him to the ground. He glares at Shou-Jin and creates some fire daggers with his fists.
MAKO
Touch them again, and I'll have to
burn you all to a crisp!
SHOU-JIN
(angrily)
Just who do you think you are
messing with us, fire boy?!
MAKO
I'm the detective that's gonna have
to file you in for harassing a girl
and her sister if you don't get out
of here!
The other gang members move closer in clutching their sheathed weapons. Shou-Jin glares at Mako, but then he stops and has a look of realization. She slowly grins and looks at his gang.
SHOU-JIN
Stand back, boys! We don't want to
make a mess here!
GANG MEMBER
But Shou-Jin! He's just another
firebender. We can totally take on
him!
SHOU-JIN
This isn't just any firebender.
He's Detective Mako of the Republic
City Police Force. He's probably
with the Avatar. We wouldn't want
to get on his... bad side.
He slowly turns around and gets on his motorcycle. He and the rest of the gang ride off.
Mako looks at them as they ride off. Sumi runs to Aiko.
SUMI
Aiko! Are you okay? Let's get
inside.
All three walk in the house.
INT. SUMI'S HOUSE - DAY
Sumi sits next to Aiko holding her close. She looks up at Mako.
SUMI
I can't thank you enough for
scaring them off.
AIKO
(happily)
Yeah. Detective Makoto can take on
any bad guys!
Mako smiles at Aiko.
MAKO
Yep, I took on the bad guys.
He looks at Sumi concerned.
MAKO (CONT'D)
So what was their deal with you?
How do you know them?
Sumi looks down and pauses hesitantly.
SUMI
To be honest, I used to be involved
with them.
MAKO
So were you that guy's girlfriend?
SUMI
Yes, but that's only because I felt
like I had to. It was after our mom
died, we really needed help. So I
got with him and his gang: The
Sword Riders. But once I saw their
crimes, I left them. I totally
regret being a part of that gang.
MAKO
It's okay. Bolin and I used to work
for the Triple Threat Triad. We
were in a gang too. I guess it's
another thing we have in common.
INT. ROYAL PALACE / LU TEN'S ROOM - DAY
Lu Ten is sitting on his bed reading. Izumi walks into the room and he is startled.
LU TEN
Mother?
IZUMI
(earnestly)
Lu Ten. Is it all right if I talk
with you?
He nods and she sits on the bed next to him.
IZUMI (CONT'D)
I just want to apologize for my
behavior the other day, and for my
actions toward Korra. To be honest,
I just didn't want the Avatar to
fix my problems, and I didn't want
to admit I had any.
She puts her hand on his shoulder.
IZUMI (CONT'D)
But I realize that she was only
trying to be a good friend for you
and I've been denying you a normal
life. She was right. I've kept
treating you like a prince, when I
really should be your mother. I
understand if you hold any disdain
for me.
LU TEN
No, I don't hate you. How can I?
You only want me to be the best
prince I can be.
Izumi smiles nicely at him.
IZUMI
How about I make it up to you by
inviting Korra back?
LU TEN
That'd be good.
He looks up at her and smiles.
LU TEN (CONT'D)
You know what? It was really cool
seeing you fight against her. I
didn't know how good you really
were at fighting, Mom.
IZUMI
Well, I could have beaten her. She
just momentarily had a slight
advantage.
Both of them laugh.
EXT. SUMI'S HOUSE - SUNSET
In the front yard. Aiko is playing around with Naga. Mako walks up to her.
MAKO
So, I see you've taken a liking to
Naga, huh?
AIKO
Yeah, she's a great fun polar bear
dog. I wanna puppy-cub just like
her.
MAKO
Well, you'd have to go to the South
Pole for that.
He moves up to sit down next to her.
MAKO (CONT'D)
Last night, you said you wanted me
to be your big brother, right?
AIKO
(disappointed)
Yeah, but Sumi says you can't
because you're leaving tomorrow.
MAKO
Maybe so, but you know what? I've
never had a little sister before.
She looks up at him.
MAKO (CONT'D)
Do you think that just for today,
you could be my little sister so I
know what it's like?
AIKO
I can be your sister? Really? YAY!
MAKO
All right, then. Now come over
here!
He grabs her in his arms and tickles her belly. She laughs and stumbles out of his lap running away. Mako gets up and runs after her.
MAKO
(laughing)
Hey! Come back! I'm gonna get you!
He scoops her in his arms and tickles her some more. Both of them laugh together, and then he hugs her while holding her up.
Sumi watches them happily through the window.
EXT. ROYAL PALACE / COURTYARD - SUNSET
Korra walks up the stairs up to Izumi at the entrance. She bows to her.
KORRA
Fire Lord Izumi, you summoned me?
IZUMI
Yes, I know that you are frustrated
with me and I reacted to you with
resentment, but I have realized my
stubbornness and want to apologize.
Korra smiles and shrugs.
KORRA
Eh, it's no big deal. I was hard
too. I at least got to beat you in
a fire duel.
Izumi smiles apologetically.
IZUMI
I'm glad we can come to an
understanding. Maybe I should make
it up to you. I would like it if
you and your companions would join
me for breakfast tomorrow.
She holds out her hand and Korra shakes it.
KORRA
Sounds great. I'll see you then.
General Iroh walks up to them.
IROH
Avatar Korra, my lord, excuse my
intrusion.
KORRA
General Iroh! It's great to see you
again!
Izumi holds her arms behind her back.
IZUMI
(formal)
Ah, General Iroh.
Iroh stands straight.
IROH
Yes, Mother.
IZUMI
At ease, General.
He loosens up. Izumi smiles, walks up to him and hugs him warmly. He hesitantly hugs back.
IZUMI (CONT'D)
It's good to see you again, my son!
IROH
Mother? Why the sudden change of
demeanor?
IZUMI
The Avatar has helped me to
understand a few unfortunate errors
of mine. I don't necessarily need
to be so formal at every moment.
Iroh grins slightly.
IROH
Well... I'm glad to hear that.
Lu Ten runs up to Iroh.
LU TEN
Iroh! You're back!
Both of them hug and Iroh ruffles up his hair.
IROH
Hey, little bro! How's it hanging?
LU TEN
It's great! I've been learning a
new firebending move. Wanna see it?
IROH
Sure!
Zuko exits through the entrance.
ZUKO
Good to see you, General Iroh.
IROH
Grandfather. It's good to be back
home!
Korra smiles as she looks at all four of them together.
EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT
In the midst of a large crowd, Mako is holding Aiko's hand as she leads him through.
AIKO
My sister's stage is really close
to here.
They approach some seats and she takes him up to the front near the stage, then they sit down.
MAKO
Just out of curiosity, are you a
firebender like Sumi too?
AIKO
No, I wish I was. I wish I could be
just as amazing and beautiful as
her.
MAKO
Well, you don't have to be a bender
just to be great. When you grow up,
I think you'll be just as amazing
as she is.
The seats fill up and the back lights dim.
AIKO
(whispering)
Shh! It's about to start!
MAKO
(quietly)
Okay.
The lights slowly turn on. Several dancing women come in from the left and right of the stage to cultural rhythmic music. They are bending fire around in circles facing the audience and manipulate it around as they dance along the stage. They form a space in the middle where Sumi walks in wearing a dress with an exposed midriff.
She moves to the center of the stage and holds up two wands crossed in front of her. The other dancers exit the stage. After a pause, she holds the wands out to the sides and the ends are lit on fire. She moves the wands around slowly creating progressive streams of fire starting from the first points that they were lit.
Once the streams become several meters long, they stop growing and they both follow her movements. She moves the wands all around her spinning the flames in a gorgeous display. She walks around and dances in circles simultaneously and she manipulates the fire.
Mako watches in amazement at Sumi's performance.
She jumps and flips a few times times moving the fire streams around. She spins several times in place and the flames spiral around her. When she stops, she drops the wands and bends the flame streams around with her hands, manipulating them in creative circles, even flipping and bending the flames with her feet. She finishes by circling around and holding her hands together as the fire disintegrates.
The crowd stands and applauds. She bows, picks up her wands, and exits the stage from behind.
EXT. VILLAGE CIRCLE - NIGHT
The people are gathered around the stage meeting the dancers. Mako approaches Sumi after she thanks some people.
MAKO
Wow! What can I say? You were
amazing! I've never seen
firebending like that before.
SUMI
Thanks, Makoto. I'm glad you stayed
just to see me.
MAKO
You know what? How about I make you
some dinner back at the house? I
got some food from the market just
to cook something for you girls.
AIKO
Wow! You can cook?
MAKO
Of course. I had to take care of
myself and my brother somehow.
INT. SUMI'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Mako hands them some plates of stir fry and hands it in front of Sumi and Aiko at the table.
MAKO
So, I wouldn't say it's
professional, but it's something
from my home. I hope you enjoy.
Both Sumi and Aiko eat some of it.
AIKO
Mmm! It's really good!
SUMI
Yeah, this is good. Is this United
Republic cuisine, or is this some
style from the Earth Kingdom?
MAKO
It's... kind of a mix of a lot of
things.
He takes his own plate and sits down.
SUMI
So what are you going to do when
you get back with the Avatar?
MAKO
We're probably going to see more of
the Fire Nation. Maybe I'll meet
the fire lord, see some landmarks.
Then I guess after that, we'll head
back to Republic City and I'll
resume my work as a detective.
AIKO
(sadly)
Are you leaving tomorrow?
MAKO
Yeah, very early in the morning.
It'll take a while to get back to
Capital City.
AIKO
Couldn't you at least stay a little
longer?
SUMI
No, Aiko. He has a lot of things he
needs to do.
AIKO
(miserable)
But we had so much fun! Now I'll
never get to see you again!
MAKO
(happily)
Aiko, that's not true. Of course
I'll see you again. Maybe I'll fly
back here pretty soon with Korra
and everyone else. I can't tell you
how great it was to meet you two.
Aiko gets off her chair and walks up to Mako. She hugs him sadly.
AIKO
I'll miss you, Makoto.
He warmly hugs her back.
MAKO
I'll miss you, too. It's been great
having you as a little sister.
AIKO
Will you always see me as your
little sister?
MAKO
Of course, as long as you promise
to always see me as your big
brother.
AIKO
I promise.
They continue to hold each other. Sumi watches them tearfully.
EXT. CAPITAL CITY - NIGHT
Kai is surrounded by several kids in an open area. He waits as they stand off and they all hold their guards. He looks around at them on his guard and smiles.
KAI
Okay! Now go!
All the kids firebend at him and throw flames. He rapidly evades all of them and blocks them with airbending. He flips and kicks at the attacks.
After a little while they stop and take their breaths.
KAI
See? I told you I could dodge all
of you at once.
KID
(panting)
Wow, you are good!
Jinora approaches them and Kai notices her and runs up to her.
KAI
(to the kids)
I'll see you guys later!
He stops next to Jinora.
JINORA
Kai, what are you doing?
KAI
Hey, Jinora. Don't worry, this
isn't an underground match. These
are some kids I met from a school
who wanted to challenge me with
their firebending.
JINORA
(smiling)
Okay, I believe you.
The two of them walk off together.
EXT. CAPITAL CITY - NIGHT
Kai and Jinora are on top of a roof. Kai is leaning back on the incline of the roof with his arms folded behind his head. Jinora is sitting up next to him.
JINORA
So, you've been having fun all day
here?
KAI
I have. I went all around the city
and met lots of different people.
This city is great. It's honestly a
lot better than Ba Sing Se.
They look out at the sky for a moment.
KAI (CONT'D)
So... anything on your mind?
JINORA
Not really. I'm just glad to relax
is all. It's nice having no major
concerns or conflict in the world
for a change. Everything is so
wonderful now.
After looking up for a bit, Kai turns over to Jinora. He leans over and kisses her on the cheek.
JINORA
(giggling)
Hey, what was that for?
KAI
No reason. I just felt like doing
that... you know... because I love
you.
JINORA
(blushing)
Aw, that's so sweet of you... but I
think you actually missed.
She leans over to him, turns his head to her, and kisses him on the lips. He holds her and they both kiss.
INT. SUMI'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
Mako walks out of a room. He goes into Aiko's room to see her asleep. He quietly sits next to her and pets her head and her side as he smiles.
Sumi walks up to the door smiling.
SUMI
(quietly)
Hey.
Mako looks over her.
MAKO
(quietly)
Hey. I just wanted to see her one
more time. She's a great kid.
He leans down to Aiko and kisses her forehead. He walks out with Sumi.
EXT. SUMI'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
The sky has a soft lavender appearance with partial clouds.
Mako walks up to Naga and shakes her gently.
MAKO
(softly)
Hey, girl. Sorry, but we need to
get going.
Naga stands up slowly looking tired.
Sumi approaches Mako with her hands behind her back. He turns to her.
SUMI
I know I've already said "thank
you" so many times, but I can't
thank you enough for what you've
done for us.
MAKO
You're very welcome. I'm glad I got
to have this experience.
She holds up a bright red scarf to him.
SUMI
Before you leave, I want to give
you this. It's not much, but I hope
it will help you remember us.
He takes the scarf looking surprised.
MAKO
(skeptically)
Wow, really? Thanks.
He looks at it curiously.
SUMI
What is it? Is something wrong with
it?
MAKO
No, not at all. It's just that... I
used to wear my dad's scarf after
he died, before I gave it back to
my grandmother. It reminded me of
him.
SUMI
(embarrassed)
Oh, I'm sorry! I'm so stupid! I
should have asked you before giving
it.
MAKO
No. You didn't do anything wrong.
Actually, I love it.
He ties it around his neck and collar.
MAKO
I'll always wear it. I used to wear
my other scarf as a memento for my
parents death, but I've put that
behind me. Now, I'll wear this
scarf as a charm to remember you
and Aiko... for good luck.
She smiles and tears up.
SUMI
Thank you... Makoto.
She holds up her arms hesitantly to hug him. He moves up and hugs her. They embrace warmly. They let go and he mounts onto Naga.
MAKO
Well, I guess I'll see you later.
SUMI
Yeah... see you.
He holds up Naga's reigns and she walks out away from the house. Sumi goes back inside.
EXT. VILLAGE - EARLY MORNING
As Naga walks through the town she wines sadly. Mako bends over while sitting on her and pets her side.
MAKO
Hey, don't be sad, Naga. We may see
them again soon... I hope.
He hears some motorcycle engines from behind. He turns around and sees the motorcycle gang in the distance going in the direction of Sumi's house.
MAKO
Oh no. Not them again.
He turns Naga around and they start running back.
EXT. SUMI'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
Mako and Naga are on the road quickly head back to the house.
MAKO
SUMI! AIKO!
As he is getting closer to the house, the gang knocks the door down. Shou-Jin has Aiko locked in his arms screaming.
AIKO
SUMI! HELP!
They get on their motorcycles and drive off in a different direction. Sumi runs out of the door.
SUMI
NO! AIKO! GIVE HER BACK!
Mako speeds up on Naga with intensity.
MAKO
NAGA! GO! FASTER!
They curve to the side and chase after the gang.
EXT. TRAIL - EARLY MORNING
Mako and Naga speed up through the trail in the forest and start to catch up with Shou-Jin and his gang. Aiko looks to the side at Mako.
AIKO
MAKOTO! HELP ME! PLEASE-
Shou-Jin covers her face with a cloth while he's still riding and she struggles and passes out.
MAKO
AIKO! I'm COMING!
He throws fire at them a couple of times and they dodge by swaying to the side. Shou-Jin signals and two riders slow down so they corner Naga at either side. They take out their swords and start hacking at Mako. This startles Naga and Mako tries to move around and dodge their attacks.
At one moment, the rider on Mako's right swings at him. Mako ducks and kicks the guy off and then spins onto the motorcycle. He gets on and speeds up past Naga who slows down. He appears next to the other rider and moves up to him to blast some fire at the guy's motorcycle. The rider jerks to the side and sways out of control falling off with his motorcycle. Mako speeds up after the others.
The trail leads out to where a river is below at the right of the road. The two other riders next to Shou-Jin back up next to Mako. One of them slashes at Mako. He dodges some of the swipes. The rider lunges at him and Mako grabs the sword
pulling the rider off tumbling onto the ground. With the sword in his hands Mako throws it to his left into the rider's motorcycle which stabs it and blows a fuse. The rider frantically jumps off as the motorcycle catches fire. Mako rides past after Shou-Jin.
When gaining on Shou-Jin, Mako pulls speeds up and throws an upward flame toward him. Shou-Jin swerves to the left out of the way. Mako gets to Shou-Jin's right side and throws fire punches at him with one hand. Shou-Jin swipes at the fire
with his sword to block it. Mako punches again and pulls up close reaching out to grab Aiko. Shou-Jin rams him to the side and Mako is pushed away. At that moment, Shou-Jin rides up a diverging incline up a hill. He is now above Mako who is still on the level path.
Mako grunts in frustration. Then he holds his arm back and blasts some fire behind him for a continuous boost. He turns to the left and trails up the steep incline all the way up and lands on the top.
When he gets to the higher ground he stops sees that Shou-Jin is farther ahead and facing toward Mako not moving. He revs up competitively and charges toward Mako. Mako's face intensifies as he speeds up and they both charge toward each other. Right as they get up close to each other, Mako throws a powerful charge straight at Shou-Jin, who ducks and slashes underneath right at Mako's motorcycle.
The engine blows a fuse. Mako is startled and jumps off. His motorcycle explodes and he blocks with fire but is blown back and screams as he tumbles down the side edge. He rolls down and lands on the lower ground. He struggles to get up but collapses.
His vision is blurred as he sees Shou-Jin is stopped up above and cheers. Shou-Jin then turns around and speeds off and two motorcycles both with two riders on each catch up with him. Everything for Mako goes black.
EXT. TRAIL - MORNING
Naga runs up to Mako and licks his face. He slowly wakes up and holds onto Naga to get back on his feet.
MAKO
(worn out)
Uh... Naga... good girl...
He stands up then looks worried as he sees some smoke from where his bike was.
Mako is riding on Naga as they climb up to the higher ground. He looks off sadly in the direction that the riders went off to with Aiko.
MAKO
(sadly)
No... Aiko...
He rides back disappointed to the other way.
EXT. SUMI'S HOUSE - MORNING
Mako and Naga ride back to the house to see Sumi sitting on her knees sobbing in the middle of the front yard.
Naga stops and Mako leaps off to run up next to Sumi.
MAKO
(disappointed)
I tried to stop them... but they
got the best of me... I'm so sorry.
SUMI
(sobbing)
No! I can't lose her! My baby girl!
My sister!
MAKO
(frustrated)
I should have known Shou-Jin would
do this! I'm so stupid! I
shouldn't have left you two so
soon!
SUMI
(sobbing)
I'm so sorry, Makoto! I lost her! I
don't know where they took her!
I'll never see her again!
He holds her shoulders comfortingly.
MAKO
(determined)
Yes you will. Don't you give up so
soon. We can still track them down
with Naga.
She looks up at him with wide eyes.
MAKO (CONT'D)
I brought Aiko back to you once,
and I'll do it again.
He holds her up and they both stand up.
MAKO (CONT'D)
I promise you. I will never stop
until both of you are back together
safely.
She hugs him and resumes crying.
SUMI
Thank you so much! Thank you!
MAKO
She'll be okay. I promise, but we
need to get going now if we're
going to catch up with them and
make up for lost time.
He lets go and walks up to Naga.
MAKO
You should come with me. I need all
the help I can get in order to save
her.
She pauses and then nods.
MAKO (CONT'D)
Okay. Be sure to get the things you
need from inside and we'll be off.
INT. ROYAL PALACE / DINING ROOM - MORNING
Korra and all of her friends are sitting at a large square table with the Fire Lord Izumi, General Iroh, Prince Lu Ten, and Lord Zuko eating breakfast.
KORRA
It's good for all of us to just
hang out and be together, excluding
Mako, of course. He's still coming
back from his temporary detour.
IZUMI
Indeed, but there is also another
reason I requested you all to come.
Would you be interested in working
on some business matters?
KORRA
Sure, fire away.
ASAMI
I'm all about business. Let's hear
it.
IZUMI
Well, to be honest, this mainly has
to do with Bolin.
Everyone looks surprised and look over to Bolin who is stuffing his face. He pauses and looks at everyone awkwardly. Then he looks at Fire Lord Izumi.
BOLIN
(mouthful)
Wait, you're talking about me?
IZUMI
Yes. A month ago, I had a meeting
with President Raiko to negotiate
for earthbenders to transfer over
into the Fire Nation. My son,
General Iroh, had just escorted
them here yesterday. I'm interested
in starting a lavabending division
for excavation and warfare.
However, they need instruction on
how to lavabend. I would be pleased
if you, Bolin, would teach them the
skill since you are the only known
lavabending master in the world.
Bolin swallows his food and clears his mouth.
BOLIN
So... you want me to teach a whole
bunch of earthbenders how to
lavabend?
IZUMI
That is correct.
He scratches his head awkwardly.
BOLIN
(hesitantly)
Oh, um, well, I don't know if I
could do that, your honor.
KORRA
(to Bolin)
Why not? You'd be a great teacher!
BOLIN
Yeah, but, I don't know if I want
to teach them.
OPAL
Bolin, what's wrong? You could do
it.
IZUMI
The decision is yours to make. I
will give you time to consider my
offer.
BOLIN
(doubtfully)
Yeah, thanks. I just need some time
to think about it. That's right.
He gets out of his seat and walks out of the room. Opal looks to the others.
OPAL
I'll go talk with him.
She gets up and runs out.
INT. ROYAL PALACE / HALLWAY - MORNING
Bolin is walking through the hallway downtrodden. Opal catches up with him.
OPAL
Wait. Sweetie, what's the matter?
Why are you so skeptical about
this. It's a great opportunity.
BOLIN
I don't know. I don't feel like I
should be teaching anyone
lavabending.
She gently holds the side of his face and turns his head over to her.
OPAL
Why not? Tell me about it.
BOLIN
Well... ever since I hurt you, I've
never wanted to lavabend again.
When I first discovered it, I
thought that it was a great
ability. But I've realized how
dangerous it is and I don't want to
do something that could end up
hurting people.
He gently grabs her hand holding his face.
OPAL
(sadly)
You're still hurt by what you did
to me. Aren't you?
BOLIN
Yeah, I'm sorry, but I just don't
want to lavabend anymore. I learned
it from Ghazan, and I realize now
how terrible it really is.
OPAL
No it isn't. You have a great power
that you just need to be careful
with. That's the reason why you
would be the perfect lavabending
teacher, because you know how easy
it is to hurt anyone.
They look at each other and pause for a moment.
OPAL (CONT'D)
Please don't give it up just
because of me. I'm healed now, and
I know you will be careful with it.
Bolin sighs and smiles up at her.
BOLIN
(softly)
You're right. Thanks, Opal.
He kisses her cheek. They walk back into the room.
INT. ROYAL PALACE / DINING ROOM - MORNING
Bolin and Opal walk back in and everyone looks up at Bolin.
BOLIN
(determined)
Fire Lord Izumi, I've made my
decision... I'll do it. I'll teach
them lavabending.
EXT. SUMI'S HOUSE - MORNING
Sumi exits out of the house dressed up and with a bag Mako comes up next to her riding Naga.
MAKO
Are you ready?
SUMI
I'm ready.
He holds out his hand to her. She grabs it and he helps her on Naga sitting behind him.
MAKO
Okay, Naga. We need you to track
down Aiko's scent. We're going to
find her and stop the Sword Riders!
Naga barks and charges off through the road.
WRITTEN BY: BENJAMIN WEAVER