INT. OLD PAGES OF A TOME
We are watching the animations of drawings on a page of a woodblock rendition of a flowing bender. The faceless body imitates the motions and results of benders from across the four nations. This is a nameless Avatar from times long past.
SAGE SHII (V.O.)
Water, Earth, Fire, then Air. This is the cycle of the Avatar.
The drawing faces a woodblock-inked hurricane, using a spinning chop to disperse the natural disaster amidst the waves. Along the head, arms, and legs of the figure are blue arrows, representing the four cardinal directions.
SAGE SHII (V.O.)
Avatar Rinpoche of the Air Nomads saved an entire village from the ravages of a hurricane.
The arrows glow a bright blue before the ink fades away.
A moment later, the ink reappears with the Avatar taking a powerful stance above a split in a rocky crag.
SAGE SHII (V.O.)
Avatar Kiyoshi split a continent in two to stop a madman.
The drawing shows the Avatar blasting air in one direction as her eyes ignite. The ink fades away a moment later.
Coming back, the ink depicts a bundled-up avatar handing one person at the beginning of a long line an ice cream cone.
SAGE SHII (V.O.)
Avatar Kaline invented ice cold treats that children and adults could enjoy!
The light comes from the ice cream cone this time - so blue you can almost taste the blueberry.
CUT TO:
INT. AYAME RESIDENCE LIVING ROOM - DAY
We slowly pan back from Makami's intensely excited eyes. They are wide and sparkling.
SAGE SHII (O.S.)
Avatars have punctuated history with decisions that range from great to...slightly apocalyptic.
The view is out enough to see the pages and binding of the book. Makami flips the pages with her smile as wide as her eyes.
SAGE SHII (O.S.)
You're the first Avatar born of the Fire nation since Avatar Roku - almost two-hundred years ago.
MAKAMI
(excitedly)
What kind of treats did Kaline make? Like...creamy drops, choco-drips, or cold rice pudding?
Out further, Shii sits on the grey couch in Makami's living room with the book coming into his lap. He stares at her with confusion.
SAGE SHII
Sugar cane mixed with ice balls. She'd even add colors to the ice to create-
MAKAMI
(overwhelmingly excited)
ICE POPS!?
She does an impressive backflip from the seated position on the couch. Shii's eyes widen as his hand shoots to his floppy hat to keep it on his head. She flourishes on the landing, rattling the floors and almost knocking out several glasses in the kitchen in the background.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
I LOVED ice pops when I was a kid - wait, does that mean I...did I technically invent my own favorite dessert?
SAGE SHII
(thinking)
Well, the Avatar spirit does travel from body to body, accumulating experience and ability...so, in a way, yes.
The door opens with Zura cartwheeling through the living room at an intense speed, drawing both Shii's and Makami's stares.
ZURA
(quickly)
Hey Makami, we got those sandwiches you...
Zura, stopping in a handstand, has caught the sight of Shii. In a flash, she is on her feet and hiding behind Makami sheepishly.
MAKAMI
So much for that brave face of yours. Do you want to bring out your married feet?
Zura disappears behind Makami completely.
MAKAMI
She's not always great with strangers, and her way of dealing with the shyness is...
From around either side of Makami comes Mister Pan and Misses Pen. Makami smiles towards Shii, thankful that the man is taking it in good humor.
MAKAMI
Completely inexplicable.
BAKI (O.S.)
(muffled)
Girls?
Everyone turns towards Baki as she comes waddling into the home with far too many grocery bags on her arms, around her neck, and in her mouth.
BAKI
(muffled)
Help me with the groceries!
She looks towards Shii and lets the bag straps drop from her mouth in surprise.
BAKI
Oh!
Shii gently sweeps his hand, swirling miniscule twisters that take the bags over to the cabinets and fridge.
Baki straightens her waitress outfit while bowing slightly with cautious eyes towards Shii. Makami stands between them, smiling.
MAKAMI
Mom, this is Fire Sage Shii. He, uh...
Shii steps forward with his forearms warmly crossed over the book at his front.
SHII
I have some wonderful news to share with you about your daughter.
CUT TO:
EXT. NOSHIMURA RACE TRACK - MIDDAY
Looking down, we see the open air, oblong racetrack with a dozen very small lanes on the dirt. A capacity crowd quietly murmurs before the next race begins. Around the racetrack are multiple monorails on the track and above it, and above the scene are hot air balloons with various advertisement banners.
With a loud, short horn, the crowd rises to their feet as the racers are off.
Around and close, it is revealed that the riders are astride Giant Lobster-Rats. The riders are benders, using their flaming whips to attack the other riders while the creatures scuttle on their bright red feet, chasing a huge wheel of swiss cheese riding the monorail.
CUT TO:
INT. BOX SEATS, NOSHIMURA RACE TRACK
A pair of crystal sake cups are clinking together just before the view pulls away to reveal Adachi standing next to a very invested FIRE LORD ICHIRO (39). The leader peers through binoculars and out the glass towards the race, pumping his fist in urging.
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
(resoundingly)
Go! Go! GO! Don't settle for second place! You will disgrace your lobster-rat family!
ADACHI
Your Lordship, if I may-
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
(even louder)
GO! GO! Noooo...
He slacks back in his audacious chair, bronze flame reliefs catching his weight. He tosses the binoculars backwards. A servant dives out of nowhere in the background, catching the tools on a pillowed serving platter with a grunt and a relieved sigh.
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
(pointedly)
That tip hotline said I would find luck in the fifth race of the day! ADACHI!
ADACHI
(calmly)
Yes, your highness?
Ichiro turns in surprise, as if just realizing his head of the military was present at all.
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
Ah! You are light-footed for an old man, Adachi.
ADACHI
Sir, I-
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
(bursting in)
I have a - wait, no, TWO assignments for you, my commandant.
The lord is up from his chair, showing him as shorter than Adachi and looking positively lost beneath his extensive red robes. A swarm of butlers approach him like robots with open smorgasbords of food on trays. He looks around passionately at the food, choosing a large bundle of fire-orange grapes from the bunch.
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
First, you will find that hotline and help them redefine what a "sure-fire win" means.
He takes the lowest hanging grapes into his mouth.
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
(eating)
Next, you will go to that Earth Kingdom capital...what's it called, Kouichi?
Adachi and the Fire Lord look over to a well-dressed man named KOUICHI (37). His gold and copper rings clank against the filled, short glass in his hand while his black, sharp mustache pushes beyond the bounds of his unadulterated, ambitious face.
KOUICHI
Ba-Sing-Se, your highness.
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
(grumpily)
Yes...there. You are to go there in order to further peace talks.
Adachi bats between the lord and Kouichi with a shocked expression.
ADACHI
(surprised)
But your majesty-
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
(condescendingly)
Now, now, Adachi, you are simply my last hope to save those people from themselves.
Ichiro tosses the grapes behind him to be caught again by a servant's platter like a diving wide-receiver.
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
I have given them every chance to turn back from the brink of war in the presence of diplomats, Generals, and even our Grand Advisor himself.
Kouichi takes a bitter drink with a scowl appearing as the glass lowers.
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
I need you to ascertain how far apart we truly are...
Ichiro is close to Adachi, who still hasn't recovered from his blind-siding of this appointment.
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
(whispering)
And their military weaknesses, should they not relinquish.
The Lord folds his hands behind his back as he walks towards the wide view into the racetrack.
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
Our people have steeped in peace and absorbed it well. We have moved beyond the One-Hundred-Year War, but the return of Sozen's Comet has everyone looking up history, which definitely should stop - like, now.
He pivots back to the room. A servant is borrowing the binoculars and peering into the track.
FIRE LORD ICHIRO
(lordly)
It is time for the rest of the world to see us as more than arbiters of a war so long ended by my Great-Great Uncle-
SERVANT
Sir, the next race is beginning.
Ichiro is back in his seat with the binoculars in a flash, no longer interested in the worldly conversation.
As the rest of the room returns to their separate conversation, Kouichi gently elbows Adachi with a charismatic smile.
KOUICHI
Now, there's a face that only a foreign diplomat could love, huh?
ADACHI
(grumbling)
I'm a military leader, not a diplomat.
KOUICHI
And I'm an opinionated man. His highness has-
FIRE LORD ICHIRO (O.S.)
(shouting)
MOVE YOU LAZY LUNCH SPECIAL!
Kouichi and Adachi wince as they turn away and keep their voices down.
KOUICHI
(whispering)
The Earth Kingdom ambassadors have fled Capital City, trade has slowed to a crawl, and the Air Nation Council have requested new faces come in. Fresh temperaments not yet beaten down by months of negotiation.
ADACHI
(whispering)
But to spy on them as well is already war.
KOUICHI
(whispering)
It isn't war - it's smart peace. Bring someone with you that you trust. Someone non-military. I know you're far more used to seeing the battlefield from an over-head view, but Ichiro is right - Sozen's Comet will cast us in a war-mongering light when it returns.
Adachi glares down, filled with the dread of the mission ahead while Kouichi pats him on the shoulder.
KOUICHI
(whispering)
Convince them that peace is in their best interests. We're all counting on you, my friend.
ICHIRO (O.S.)
(in lament)
No, that's the wrong way! Turn around!
Adachi and Kouichi share a dead-eyed stare.
CUT TO:
INT. AYAME RESIDENCE LIVING ROOM - DAY
Makami's smile continues with tea in her hands while sitting next to Shii. Opposite them is Baki's hand gripping tightly along the warm cup. She is leaned forward with her empty hand waving.
BAKI
So...you're trying to tell me that Makami - my daughter - is the Avatar. THE Avatar? Not one of those ones that sells carwash coupons, right?
SHII
More the ancient-savior-we'd-thought-lost kind.
MAKAMI
(chortling)
Shoulda put that on my college entrance paper instead of the geosynchronous orbits of planets around the sun.
The joke lands with a thud in the room, and a glare from her mother. Makami's sipping of her tea echoes awkwardly.
BAKI
(to Shii)
I'm sorry, what's your interest in all of this?
SHII
I am but a humble servant that witnessed the Avatar in action.
BAKI
(suspiciously)
And...?
An awkward pause fills the room again as Shii stumbles.
SHII
(nervously)
We-well, we must see what elements she knows, bring the best masters in the world to train her, reveal her on the world stage, and, ultimately-
MAKAMI
(over-excitedly)
Mom, get this - one of my spiritual ancestors invented my favorite dessert. Isn't that-?
BAKI
(anxiously)
Are you sure she's the Avatar? How could you be? You said you just...
Makami waves her arms, bringing the tea in her Mom's cup into the shape of "Hi Mom" in the air. Baki is unenthused, even as Shii looks over-the-moon. Zura pokes her head up from behind the couch, surprise on her face.
SHII
It is a great honor, Misses Ayame.
BAKI
It's Miss.
Baki stands while letting the teacup clang to the metal table.
BAKI
(angrily)
And I don't appreciate you filling my daughter's head with-
The loud phone ringing fills the room. Zura's feet, complete with fake glasses now, come shooting up from the back of the couch.
ZURA (O.S.)
(in squeaky voice)
We'll get it!
Zura kicks the phone off the cradle and holds it deftly against her foot's "ear".
ZURA (O.S.)
(in squeaky voice)
What a day to call the Ayame residence - how may we help you?
Makami looks back to her mother with annoyance.
MAKAMI
(grumbling)
That'd be why I couldn't get through the other day...
Zura's feet are turning sideways as though confused. Low speaking is heard from the phone, but it's not loud enough to reach Zura's real ears.
ZURA (O.S.)
(in squeaky voice)
Sorry, can't hear you, hotman. Try-
Makami snatches the phone away, glaring down to her sister.
MAKAMI
(harshly whispering)
You're a fire toad!
She puts the receiver to her own ear.
MAKAMI
Hello, Ayame residence?
VOSO (O.S.)
Ami, that you?
Makami's eyes explode in size with sparkles as the background turns to floating, heart-shaped balloons that are pumping up in size.
MAKAMI
(exaggeratingly sweet)
Oh, Voso, how sweet of you to call in the middle of the day!
With Makami now in the background completely in her own space, Shii turns forward with Baki's finger in his face accusingly.
BAKI
(accusingly)
What's your real game, buster?
SHII
(confused)
Real...game?
BAKI
(accusingly)
What do you really run, hm? Marketing scheme? Shell corporation? I've seen the news, I know these streets aren't safe.
SHII
(humorously)
Well, actually, they are quite safe.
Baki drops her finger and steps back to her chair.
SHII
Crime and corruption are both at incredibly low rates on most of our islands.
Shii sets his tea down.
BAKI
Then why do you even need my daughter's help?
SHII
The Avatar may not be needed to stop street-crime anymore, but globally, we are marching face-first into disaster. Republic City's economy is on the brink of collapse. The Air Nation is overwhelmed as the world's councilors, and the Water Nations are losing their homes. That's before we approach what's on the news every night...
The view focuses on a newspaper headline on the table in the foreground with "War Imminent" in ugly black letters. Shii and Baki are in the background.
SHII
The Avatar is a part of the great balance. We need her to help keep the world from spinning off its moral axis.
Makami slides across the wooden floor on her socks, pumping her fists in celebration.
MAKAMI
(excitedly)
I've got a second date with Voso - tonight!
She does an odd dance resembling 'The Robot' before blasting herself up the staircase in the background, leaving Baki and Shii in a state of shock.
Finally, Baki stands.
BAKI
(sternly)
My daughter is not ready to be some savior. She's too young and has too much...too much life to live before you ship her off to fight your wars. And don't think for a second I haven't read what's going on out there - you will not take advantage of my daughter's ambition!
SHII
Miss Ayame-
BAKI
(sharply)
I trust you can see yourself out, Fire Sage.
Shii pauses only a moment before standing and bowing respectfully.
SHII
(politely)
Thank you for taking the time and inviting me into your home.
Shii shuffles off with the gentle sound of the door closing from off-screen. Baki quickly re-tightens her apron with Zura's feet bouncing into the screen.
BAKI
Ready up, foot friends. It's time to cook up a storm.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHIN RESIDENCE ROOF - DAY
Voso runs a sewing needle with red thread through something unseen beneath the shade of the Great Fire Bridge above. In the background, his small spirit friends are surfing along an ice loop-de-loop with small yips of enjoyment.
ADACHI (O.S.)
Voso? Are you home?
Voso's teeth tear the thread apart near the main cloth.
VOSO
Yeah, on the roof!
He holds it up with a smile, although we still can't see what the design is. The spirits are bouncing down to the ground, turning into several identical potted plants.
Adachi slowly emerges with no more humor on his face than we last saw.
ADACHI
No packages today?
VOSO
It's my off-day. I'm getting ready for my date tonight, sir.
Adachi visibly relaxes with pride.
ADACHI
A date? With whom?
Voso looks towards him coyly, swiping back his hair.
VOSO
It's, uh, it's Makami.
ADACHI
(happily)
The older Ayame girl? I haven't seen her for years. Where has she been?
VOSO
Well, she literally just stayed the night. I think you were asleep in your chair when we got in.
ADACHI
Oh. She must be very quiet.
VOSO
Yeah, well, anyways, I want to be...more than friends? And she...might too? It's a little confusing, but I'm going for it.
ADACHI
Good, great! That for her?
Voso folds up the bolt of cloth.
VOSO
Uh, yeah. Miss Shang lent me the materials.
ADACHI
(chuckling)
You and your sister are growing like creeping crystals. Where has all that time gone? I...uh, I...
Adachi seems to remember himself, snapping back into his military presence.
ADACHI
I need you to accompany me to Ba-Sing-Se tomorrow.
Voso's face sags almost instantly.
VOSO
(quietly)
Tomorrow? But, but-
ADACHI
Yes, tomorrow. You'll have your date tonight, then we shove off at first light.
VOSO
(disappointed)
I was hoping for...I dunno, ANOTHER date after that. Soon.
ADACHI
(tempering)
We won't be there for longer than a couple weeks. A month or two tops.
Voso sweeps his foot across the roof, sending dust into the air.
ADACHI
I need you on this one, soldier. Come through, and there might be a new Tokoyo Fire Hawk in it for you...
Voso's eyes sharpen in interest, but quickly taper.
VOSO
(sarcastically)
Oh, yeah, let me get my hopes up for that just like I did for the trip to Varrick World when I helped you with Republic City.
Adachi scratches at the back of his head as he comes closer.
ADACHI
(pushing through his own capture)
And...that trip is still coming. We Shins...well, we make a lot of promises. We're not always great at keeping them, either, but when we make one that matters...
Adachi's hand comes down warmly on Voso's shoulder.
ADACHI
We keep it through thick and thin.
The two share a smile with Voso's hiding all-the-more disappointment.
ADACHI
There's a good lad. Now, pack up, and, uh, bring your friends tomorrow.
The flowers are all jumping for joy, doing flips with their leaves flapping.
ADACHI
Tonight, why don't you leave them here and make it just you two?
The same flowers now droop in disappointment, but Voso's smile picks back up.
CUT TO:
INT. FIRE SAGE BREAKROOM - DAY
The many Fire Sages on the premises are shirking their duties inside the mess hall. Some are playing cards while others are read with adorably small glasses. Sage Toyo and Elder Sage Akira from earlier are playing Pai Sho.
The double-doors in the back of the room explode inward with Shii happily playing a flopping, old accordion.
SHII
(musically)
I have con-firmed she's the Av-a-tar! With your help, she will go far! Come bm bro-thers let's ha-ve our vic-tor-y par-ade!
Many of the others have begun to clap along to the beat. Toyo is turned and smiling towards the display while Akira shows his eyes slowly widening and his upper lip curling.
SHII
(musically)
Come one, come all - cele-brate with me!
Kozan leans up from the background with his eyes covered in a sleeping mask that reads "Out for lunch" in red stitches. He slides it up as he stands.
SAGE KOZAN
(shouting)
What is this?!
The clapping calms down, but Shii cannot be wilted.
SHII
(musically)
Ava-tar, Ava-tar, known by Makami near and far!
SAGE KOZAN
What proof do you have?
Shii refuses to be brought down, continuing to dance to the joy of others. His air bending aids him with dashes across the front of the room, much to Kozan's annoyance.
SAGE SHII
(happily)
I saw her bend flame AND WATER! I saw it with my own eyes, felt it when she kicked my butt...
Elder Sage Akira's eyes widen as Shii continues unabated.
SAGE TAKE (O.S.)
Makami Ayame is the new Avatar!
ELDER SAGE AKIRA
(loudly)
Shii!
The frivolity pauses on the spot. Kozan is forward to gather everyone else's attention while Toyo, unable too truly lose his smile, leans in to Akira and Shii.
SAGE KOZAN
(projecting)
If he believes this is indeed the Avatar, then we must prepare immediately!
The view is close to Shii as he kneels down, the accordion whining loudly as one end drops to the floor. Toyo leans his head on his hand playfully while Akira looks pale.
SAGE SHII
I apologize for my frivolity, Elder Sage-
AKIRA
(harsh whispering)
Get the girl off the island. Tonight.
Shii's expression changes gravely while Toyo retains his smirk in the background.
AKIRA
(harsh whispering)
You've said her name in a room full of potential enemies.
TOYO
(sarcastically)
Enemies? Here, amongst the eldest fools in the archipelago?
AKIRA
(harsher whispering)
You do not know who else may be listening!
He slams his flat hand on the table, concealing something in front of Shii. He is slowly drawing his hand back...
AKIRA
(whispering)
Or who may be an unknown enemy.
Revealed on the table now is a Red Lotus tile - a representation of enemies from long ago now portending a return. Toyo grasps the tile and stands, feeling the weight of his new responsibility on his shoulders.
SAGE SHII
(whispering)
I will find her at once.
AKIRA
(whispering)
Take Toyo with you.
Toyo nods solemnly and stands.
AKIRA
(whispering)
Do not return with her until she has fully awakened. Trust no one that knows of her. They will be the spies in this new threat. Go!
Toyo and Shii make their way through the excited room while Kozan leans over Akira, slapping the old man on the shoulder with a smile.
SAGE KOZAN
This is what we've been waiting for, Akira.
The door quietly swings shut as Shii and Toyo escape.