INT. STONE TRAIN CAR - SHADOWY MORNING
Voso has his head pressed against the stone side of the rumbling train. Out the window is a neatly-cut wall of rock that has intermittent holes showing the glorious sun over green fields. His small spirit friends are asleep around his shoulders.
He begins to stir as a rapid succession of lights pass over his eyes.
TRAIN CONDUCTOR (V.O.)
We're coming up on Ba-Sing-Se now - please refrain from sticking any body parts out the windows.
ADACHI (O.S.)
Steady yourself, Voso.
Voso looks over at his grandfather, who is reading the paper. He flips it down as Voso stretches. Adachi looks casual without any sign of his military greatness.
ADACHI
We'll be in the palace soon.
VOSO
Oh yeah?
Voso sticks his head out the window, his hair blowing back. Adachi looks towards him with annoyance all over his elderly features.
VOSO
(shouting)
Does this train go straight to the Inner Ring?
A red and black claw of magma and stone hooks into Voso's collar, yanking him back inside. Adachi dissipates the hook just as a rock pillar screams past in the open window.
ADACHI
(grumbling)
How will you find out with your head taken off?
VOSO
I just wanted to see the wall.
ADACHI
It's just brown dirt piled high, boy.
VOSO
(excitedly)
Yeah, but the new buildings! I haven't seen pictures of Ba-Sing-Se since I was a boy. I want to see how much it's changed.
EXT. TRAIN AT EDGE OF BA-SING-SE - CONTINUOUS
The five-car train rushes forward with swelling music as the view moves up to show...Ba-Sing-Se, still the same as it's always been.
ADACHI (O.S.)
The city hasn't changed a pebble.
VOSO (O.S.)
Oh.
INT. STONE TRAIN CAR - CONTINUOUS
Voso looks out the windows with disappointment in his face. Adachi switches seats.
ADACHI
(quietly)
Listen to me, Voso. We will meet with President Inca and Vizier Alrund first to ascertain their state of mind, and hopefully find some common ground to bring peace between our nations. If they are forth-coming, then this will be nothing but a vacation for you.
VOSO
How will I know?
ADACHI
I'll give a signal - I'll ask for an order of spice cakes and horse jelly.
Voso makes a disgusted face.
ADACHI
You understand what's at stake here, Voso?
VOSO
I do. I'll be listening for your gross order, sir.
Voso gives a quick, wry smile that Adachi shakes his head at.
CUT TO:
EXT. DOCKS - DAY
Makami, Toyo, and Kota are - ever so slowly - coming into the frame with the Sloth-Sheep setting an excruciating pace. Kota is pushing on one of them to no avail. Makami and Toyo are walking alongside one another, he looking blissful while she looks pained.
KOTA
(grunting)
C'mon...you furry square...wheel!
MAKAMI
These beasts are hundreds of pounds of muscle, fat, and mid-grade yarn. I don't think you can push them any faster.
KOTA
(grunting)
Don't...science...me!
TOYO
I must say, Avatar, I'm impressed by your patience. Herding such an animal can-
KOTA
(yelling)
Move faster, sweater factory!
MAKAMI
It's just physics. If I can't move the animal, there's no use in pushing.
TOYO
Words that sound wise, but shouldn't an Avatar have the strength to move an animal?
MAKAMI
Well, yes, of course I could move-
SHII (O.S.)
(loudly)
Don't make a ruckus!
Toyo and Makami step aside as Shii rides by on the backs of two of the creatures, downing a glass of green drink.
SHII
(loudly)
We're incognito, don't forget!
He tosses the empty glass away with people in the background looking towards him as he rides off the screen.
TOYO
That's one way to move an obstinate creature.
He turns back to her with a smile.
TOYO
I find it tough to know if he's ever having a good day or a bad day.
MAKAMI
I think we're all still undecided.
Makami and Toyo are watching as Kota is passed out over one of the creatures as it slowly walks by.
KOTA
(fatigued)
I...won.
CUT TO:
INT. PRESIDENT'S ESTATE - AFTERNOON
Adachi, now in his military garb, is being led through a massive stone hallway. Green, gold, and grey colors flow in every direction. Around Adachi are his guard of six Fire Nation warriors with Voso looking around wondrously.
Several of Voso's spiritual companions tumble behind him, catching the surprised eyes of the last two Earth Kingdom guards. Light spills in from a pair of massive, opening doors.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL MEETING ARBORETUM - CONTINUOUS
The congregation walk towards a large square zen pit of sand and short trees. Standing in the center are the twins - PRESIDENT INCA (35) and VIZIER ALRUND (35). They both have a single tightly-wound braid across their opposite shoulder. The only real visual difference between them are the glasses on the President.
They are turned towards Adachi, who hasn't broken his stern mask.
GUIDE
(echoing)
May I introduce Comandante Adachi of the Fire Nation, his guard, and his grandson.
The group have stopped at the edge of the pit and bow.
GUIDE
Please rise in the company of President Inca and Grand Vizier Alrund.
PRESIDENT INCA (O.S.)
Oh, what a precious fresh face on him!
The President rises upon stairs of sand just in front of Voso, scaring him and the guards. Inca looks like a fan having met her favorite celebrity.
PRESIDENT INCA
You don't have the worried brow of a military man. You haven't seen a second of battle, have you?
VOSO
(slowly)
Uh, no, your madam-ness.
PRESIDENT INCA
Can you imagine such a gentle face just a generation ago, Comandante? No battle, fresh out of secondary school, working as a...delivery boy?
Voso looks shocked while the President smiles.
PRESIDENT INCA
(giggling)
You reek of packing tape.
President Inca walks past him with her smile steady and large.
PRESIDENT INCA
Packing tape, typewriter ink, and sawdust are the smells of this generation.
She has pivoted on her heels, turning to Adachi, who has narrow eyes.
PRESIDENT INCA
Far different than the smell of ash and burning mud from nearly a century ago, hm?
ADACHI
Madam President, the conquests of past regimes-
PRESIDENT INCA
(loudly)
All that time ago, you stole land from the Earth Kingdom that became the hallowed Republic.
ADACHI
That land was paid for in full-
PRESIDENT INCA
(loudly)
The Great Uniter was then met with vicious attacks and an unfair global alliance against her attempts to right the world.
ADACHI
A madwoman rightfully arrested-
PRESIDENT INCA
(sternly)
Now tell me, Commadante - what could you possibly bring to these negotiations that makes up for a century's worth of debt?
The room is quiet and tense, except for Alrund, who is holding up a small black speaker.
MASTER PAYA (O.S.)
(through the phone)
Wait, is this where you wanted us to break in?
CUT TO:
INT. MEDITATION CHAMBER - DAY
All of the air bending masters, still in their business suits, are seated on their closed briefcases in a circle. Master Paya is at the head and stands out as the only one in traditional air-bender vestments.
Through the large speaker in the middle of the room, a pair of laughs crackle through, much to the confusion of the circle.
CUT TO:
INT. PRESIDENTIAL MEETING ARBORETUM
Inca and Alrund are leaning on one another, laughing harshly. Adachi is struggling to hold the composure his career had taught him to hold to like life itself.
PRESIDENT INCA
(breathlessly)
I-I-I...oh my, his face!
The President has fallen completely back, sending up a wave of sand while Alrund staggers forward with her hands in contrition.
ALRUND
(breathlessly)
M-Madam President has...heh, has quite the sense of humor, Comandante.
Voso is next to Adachi as they share a clueless look.
ALRUND (O.S.)
(chortling)
We-we simply wish to...wish to show that the-that the past is the past. Air No-nomads, please...please.
CUT TO:
INT. MEDITATION CHAMBER
Master Paya is leaned towards the speaker.
MASTER PAYA
My name is Master Paya, Comandante Adachi. We, the Air nation Council, have been the arbiters of this negotiation since the beginning. We believe your presence will be a huge help in garnering a lasting peace.
CUT TO:
INT. PRESIDENTIAL MEETING ARBORETUM
Adachi eye-balls the handset now on a small table in the middle of the sand.
MASTER PAYA (O.S.)
(through the phone)
And we can personally vouch for the President's sense of humor.
Adachi's eyes move up to the recovering President's face.
ADACHI
(dryly)
Yes. Humor. The Fire Nation is renowned for our fits of laughter.
A moment of silence passes before the twins burst into laughter again, shocking Adachi while bringing a smile to Voso's face.
CUT TO:
EXT. DOCKS - AFTERNOON
Sage Shii is being helped up by a laughing Captain Sigrid as the sheep-sloths are slowly making their way up a ramp into a ship's hold.
SIGRID
...and then the mer-person said, "I'm not a fish, ye land lubber. I'm yer cousin twice-removed!"
Both of them burst into laughter as Kota is being dragged slowly behind one of the beasts. Several other unsavory looking dock workers walk over and around her, sneering up towards the laughing pair.
The short, muscly one with three hooks - the two on one arm shows one on the end of a hollow wooden cylinder where a hand would be and another attached directly to where his forearm should end - steps forward.
WINSTON
(loudly)
Are these abominations yours?
SIGRID
(laughing)
What of it, dock hand?
Winston has one arm off to the left, back down the dock, showing a trail of slow, gradual destruction continuing to unfold around the bags of grain and sugar at the slow mouths of the sheep-sloths.
WINSTON
(loudly)
These beasts wash upon our goods like the plague. Who will offer restitution for such an ill-harvest?
Coming from further down the dock with the slowest of the herd are Makami and Toyo, watching as Winston and his group grow angrier by the second.
TOYO
But you haven't really tried to air bend, right?
MAKAMI
No, not yet.
TOYO
Or earth bending?
MAKAMI
Or counting all the stars in the sky.
TOYO
That sounds much more difficult than just trying to toss around some gravel and wind.
His eyes narrow at Winston.
TOYO
(nodding forward)
Some friends of our captain?
MAKAMI
Doesn't look very friendly.
Closer now to Winston, his teeth are gritting hard enough to crack the fake gold molar.
SIGRID (O.S.)
(loudly)
Ye best be takin yer men away from my hold, lest you find ye and yer ilk-
WINSTON
(shouting)
GET HIM!
SIGIRD
(quietly)
Oh crud baskets.
Sigrid is quick to the wheel as Shii throws around his air bending with an odd, off-balance precision, sending some of the attackers off the side as Sigrid pulls away.
SHII
(loudly)
Are my-hic-where's Makami?
SIGRID
(shouting)
They all be below - shove us off with ye fancy arm magic!
Shii obeys as Kota pops up from the hold with concern on her face.
KOTA
(sternly)
We're leaving without Makami!?
CUT TO:
EXT DINGY DOCK
Winston and the others hop into small dinghies with two per boat. They blast off with water bending pushing them across the wave tops.
In the background are Makami and Toyo with a handful of Sheep-Sloths beginning to bray. In front of them is the choice of a rusted metal rowboat or an uneven, nailed wooden rowboat. They look to one another with pained eyes.
CUT TO:
EXT SIGRID'S BOAT
Kota launches driftwood off the side of the boat to little effect as the others chase them relentlessly. Shii cycles air into the sails while Sigrid holds tight to the steering wheel.
Behind, Winston shoots his hook towards the back bannister. It hits with a thud, giving others on the boats around him a way onto the ship.
CUT TO:
EXT DINGHY DOCK
Makami shoves at the butts of three of the animals at once. Toyo judges her openly in the background.
After one more futile shove, she steps back and gathers her arms together.
MAKAMI
Alright, now, move!
A blast of air from her arms finally moves them off the dock. Their bleating signals utter fear just before they splash into the unseen water. Toyo lets his arms drop as she sighs in frustration.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Oh, great, I can air bend now.
CUT TO:
EXT SIGRID'S BOAT
Three of the pirates are battling Shii, who is still uneasily dodging like the air bending master that he is. Bending and swirling mix with an unusually jerky movement style - just as a blast pushes away the enemies, Shii seems to let the energy throw him off balance, creating confusion for every swinging enemy.
Fire and slices of water pepper Kota as she swings around a net-firing gun on the front banister. Shii shoots one of the water benders up high for Kota to catch them in the woven fabric.
KOTA
(shouting)
Bullseye!
She ducks out of the way of another blade that slices a large part of the sail, sending it tumbling into the blue sky.
CUT TO:
EXT OPEN WATER
The two ships have been broken apart and rebuilt, giving the animals, Makami, and Toyo a metal floor with a low wooden fence around the edge. The sail in the middle isn't being used. Instead, Makami's flame shoots out the back while Toyo is using his metal bending to steer them.
TOYO
(over the waves)
Is this as fast as an Avatar can go?
Makami glares over her shoulder.
TOYO
(over the waves)
I mean, it's impressive for a small child...
Makami lets go further, pushing more fire out of her fists - too much. The wooden fence is in flames while the metal floor is melting, sending the animals away in bleating panic.
She drops her hands in defeat as the boats move further and further away...
But then, the shard of the sail flutters down upon them. Her eyes brighten up almost instantly. Toyo, meanwhile, battles the flames with tiny splashes.
TOYO
(frazzled)
You. Are. An. Agent. Of. Chaos!
CUT TO:
EXT SIGRID'S BOAT
The battle begins to turn as Shii is tasked to put out more and more fires on the bridge. Sigrid uses a water nozzle to defend himself from Winston, who is dodging the water skillfully. His extra hook helps him swing around, finally jabbing into the nozzle's line and taking away the pressure.
Winston yanks back his hook before aiming it towards Sigrid.
Suddenly from the sky, a Sheep-Sloth crashes into Winston, sending him to the wooden deck while the animal bounces harmlessly. Sigrid looks up, shading his eyes from the sun.
CUT TO:
EXT SKY ABOVE SIGRID'S SHIP
High in the sky is a make-shift air balloon kept afloat by Makami's unique mixture of flame and air. Hanging beneath her is the metal platform and Toyo, who struggles to hold tight to her ankle and the metal around his wrists.
Kota waves from the deck far below.
MAKAMI
(sternly)
Load another furry bullet, Mister Toyo!
TOYO
(struggling)
Another...shot launching!
CUT TO:
EXT SIGRID'S BOAT
One of the water benders dives into a tangle of ropes halfway up the main mast.
GRUNT ONE
(panicked)
Please no - I'm terrified of sheep-sloths!
His screams are muffled as one of the animals slams against his face. Kota is in the background helping Shii back to his feet.
Sigrid runs in, shaking one of his fists into the sky.
SIGIRD
(shouting)
What are ye doin'!? Yer hurting the cargo!
KOTA
(annoyed)
Those stuffed shoes can't feel a thing!
SHII
(woozily)
Here comes the big birdy, sissy.
All three of them duck as the rickety airship comes in for a screeching landing. The sheep-sloths are practically raining down with Sigrid running around, trying his best to catch the beasts.
SIGRID
(seething)
These kindly animals have seen enough torture not to be added by yer roughhousin', young lady. Why do ye think I freed them in the first place?
MAKAMI
Freed them? They aren't yours?
SIGRID
(angrily)
Nay! I'd never enslave such beauteous animals!
Makami's eyes dart here and there as Winston finally moves himself out from beneath his fluffy tomb. As he does, Makami holds out her hands, stopping him dead.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
I forecall the sailor's code of honor to discuss recompense!
The battle around them freezes with the sailors awaiting Winston's response.
CUT TO:
INT. FIRE NATION AMBASSADOR QUARTERS - EARLY EVENING
The guide has led Voso and Adachi into a vast chamber where the entire floor is covered in pillows. Warm sunlight seeps through the sheer curtains and open shutters on either side of the pillow island.
GUIDE
Please do let us know if we can bring you anything to make your stay more comfortable.
Adachi high-steps through the pillows around to face the guide.
ADACHI
Actually, I don't suppose I could have any spice cakes with horse jelly?
Voso stops fluffing one of the pillows, looking sideways at his grandfather. Meanwhile, the guide has burst out laughing.
GUIDE
(laughing)
Oh-oh sir, you are too funny! Horse jelly has, of course, been outlawed for decades in the capital!
Adachi looks momentarily snapped with the opposite corners of his eyes and lips twitching.
GUIDE
(calming down)
I shall leave an attendant out front - ah, what a jokester!
The sound of the door closing brings Adachi back, his hands swiping at the sides of his hair to maintain the neatness. Voso drops the pillow as Adachi looks back and nods.
EXT. AMBASSADOR QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
Looking up from the deep valley out the side of the ambassador's quarters, we see Voso poking his head out to survey. There are multiple stilts on the right to hold up the abode.
He jumps out with a stream of ice catching his feet into a mid-air slide. He keeps recycling the ice while ascending, coming up to an open window at the side of the grand palace.
He snatches onto the wooden sill just as two attendants walk by, staying out of sight as they pass. The water pools into cubes around his ankles as he waits.
Once they finally push by, he swings himself through the window.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL COMPOUND - CONTINUOUS
As he slides to a stop, he rotates his wrists to bring the water up from his ankles to rings around either bicep. His face is focused as he slides carefully into a door on the opposite side of the hallway. Just as the door closes, another group of well-dressed attendants turn the far corner.
INT. JANITORIAL CLOSET - CONTINUOUS
There is light rising from his spirit friends phasing into the human world in his palms. He smirks at them as they stretch like they just woke up.
VOSO
(whispering)
Hey guys.
His eyes shoot up and his friends duck down to a dim glow as the shadows of the passing attendants run across his face from the door slats. They pass quickly and the lights return.
VOSO
(whispering)
Ready to go to work?
INT. PRESIDENTIAL COMPOUND - CONTINUOUS
The spirits squeeze beneath the door before rushing towards either end of the hallway. A short, stalky mushroom with a pink cap stands guard by the door.
CUT TO:
INT. JANITORIAL CLOSET
Voso sits cross-legged with a deep breath running through him and his eyes closed.
VOSO
(whispering)
Don't let me down, guys.
As he settles, his spiritual energy permeates his body through a light green aura.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE BEGIN - PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
- A small, green twisted branch with tiny black eyes spies on a group of giggling handmaidens. The small creature is tangled inside of a tall, green curtain, and the scene is visually warbled at the edges, signifying Voso's power being used.
HANDMAIDEN
(warbled)
Have you seen the ruckus room? It's filled with cream pies...again!
- Looking down from the rafters is a donut-shaped spirit with four short arms and white eyes. It overlooks a pair of guards standing in front of a sun-lit doorway.
GUARD ONE
(warbled)
And, I mean, it's not like anyone will even see the rash.
GUARD TWO
(warbled)
Yeah, but you said it's green, dude. Get it checked.
- Peering at President Inca from behind a set of stairs is a small, three-headed swan with lavender feathers and orange legs. The President is in casual attire without her glasses on and is speaking into a speaker phone.
PRESIDENT INCA
(warbled)
And you believe he'll relent?
MASTER PAYA (O.S.)
(warbled)
I believe he'll have to if he wants peace.
PRESIDENT INCA
(warbled)
I believe you need him to.
CUT TO:
INT. JANITORIAL CLOSET
Voso's face contorts as he listens to the President.
PRESIDENT INCA (O.S.)
(warbled)
Otherwise, the Air Nomads will stay adrift on that cloud in the sky.
CUT TO:
INT. AIR NATION TEMPLE
Master Paya is almost grinding his prayer beads between his fingers as he holds the phone receiver to his ear. He is alone in the earthenware, wired chamber.
PRESIDENT INCA (O.S.)
Is that what you want for your people, Master Paya?
MASTER PAYA
We signed a contract, President Inca. I assure you we will deliver on our end. There is one late aspect that I must insist upon.
PRESIDENT INCA (O.S.)
Oh?
CUT TO:
INT. PRESIDENT INCA'S CHAMBERS
The swan waddles closer in the background as the President is taking in the smell of some closer, bloomed flowers.
PRESIDENT INCA
What can you trouble me for now?
MASTER PAYA (O.S.)
The Avatar-
CUT TO:
INT. JANITORIAL CLOSET
Suddenly, a white light splashes over Voso. His hand blocks the light from his eyes. As the glow finally softens, a glowering shadow is cast down with hands on hips.
ALRUND (O.S.)
A new custodian, hm?
Voso is finally able to look up, but soon wishes he hadn't. Alrund has her cold eyes filled with power above her glowering smirk.
ALRUND
Or did you just get lost?
CUT TO:
EXT SIGRID'S BOAT - EVENING
Makami and Sigird sit at a wobbly table across from Winston on the bridge of the ship. The others surround the meeting. Kota hugs one of the sheep-sloths next to a dock worker, who cowers away.
MAKAMI
So, Captain Sigrid here was merely transporting the furry ones from harm.
SIGRID
Aye lass. A hateful farmer beat and whipped these poor creatures. They deserve to live and BE FREE!
MAKAMI
(slowly)
O...kay, and as these were not his property, he cannot be held responsible according to the Dock Neutrality Act agreed upon by the five nations.
WINSTON
That law does not extend to piracy and the damages of the pirated.
SIGRID
(angrily)
Bite your tongue with those hurtful labels, matey!
WINSTON
(angrily)
Uncouth vagabond!
Both stand to attack again, but duck back down to their chairs after Kota fires another net over their heads.
KOTA
(in a pirate accent)
Back in yer seats, ye salty Crab-Dragons!
MAKAMI
Look, Winston, do you know what you would have to go through to prove you are eligible for compensation? Filing with the local magistrate a three-week processing time, another four months to hear a decision...
Makami continued to speak about the logistics of the road ahead, causing both Winston and Sigrid to wilt further and further. Toyo and Shii are in the background, exchanging a look.
MAKAMI
...which would lead to your shipping license being worth less than the supplies you lost.
There is a long silence before Makami shrugs harshly towards Winston, who clears his throat. In the background, Shii looks towards Toyo and gives him a gentle nod.
WINSTON
(hesitantly)
Well, yes, be that as it may, my friends and I will need...well, you see, we lost, uh, money, and-
Toyo smiles, pulling out a sack of ban from his robes. He tosses them onto the table, surprising everyone.
TOYO
That should cover it, hm?
CUT TO:
EXT. SIGIRD'S BOAT - LATE EVENING
Winston and the others are rushing off into the sunset, tossing their gold into the air. Toyo and Kota waves them off while Shii heaves over the side of the ship. Makami pets one of the animals with a smile. Sigrid carries one like a fireman, rushing it away.
SIGRID
(rushed)
Ye need to get out of the sun or ye'll burn!
Shii bumbles back up as Makami spins to hold him up.
SHII
(woozily)
My great study will be my ruin, ugh.
MAKAMI
Go on down to the hold. We're almost to the Southern Metropolis.
SHII
(woozily)
No, no, I have to make sure we're...we're - oh no!
Shii rushes off the screen as Toyo and Kota come walking by. Kota puts her fingers in her ears and runs by Makami.
KOTA
(loudly)
La-la-la-la I can't hear you, gross old man!
Toyo stops next to Makami.
TOYO
He'll be fine. After several showers.
MAKAMI
Great. Thank you, by the way. All I had was another hour of legal arguments.
TOYO
You're a bright ball of wax, Avatar, that's for sure.
MAKAMI
(face dropping)
I don't know what kind of Avatar I'm going to be. Or what kind I can be. I was just finding my place as Makami too.
TOYO
Any type of Avatar is better than no Avatar. Remember that, hm?
Makami gives him a half smile before slowly walking away. Toyo walks to Shii and slaps his hand on the groaning man's back.
TOYO
Get it all out, fellow sage?
Toyo leans closer, his eyes suddenly turning sinister.
TOYO
(whispering)
Just to be clear, I am now the leader of this little crew, per our agreement.
Shii glowers up in shame while Toyo's confidence grows.
TOYO
(whispering)
I'll get the glory for the Avatar's training and, if she finally stumbles upon greatness, that glory is mine too.
SHII
(grunting)
Yes, I know.
TOYO
(whispering)
Really, with how unrefined and fresh she is, this is going to be a long project.
Shii looks over, watching Makami struggle to tie a knot for one of the sail lines.
TOYO
(whispering)
Can't bend most elements, can't control the ones she can bend, doesn't think she should even have to over-power anything...
He keeps watching as inspiration hits her face.
TOYO
(whispering)
I'd really like to know why you paid such a high price to get her out of that situation? Why give away the glory, Shii?
Shii leans up, watching her wrap a piece of metal tightly around the rope, keeping it tightly together. For a moment, she looks proud. Then, she drops her chin to crossed forarms, vibrating her lips in frustration while staring into the sunset.
Shii smiles, his eyes filling with pride and hope across his older features.
SHII
(quietly)
Because she's worth it, Toyo. You'll see.