INT CABBAGE CORP STENOPOOL - MORNING
Inside of the revamped floor, typewriters have been replaced with large printing presses with employees tending to the metal, ink, and paper. One employee is squirted in the face by the black ink at the end of the line. He sticks out his tongue, now covered in ink, and scrapes it with a pair of papers.
Another carries the finished pages into the foreground.
INT KIN'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Kin sits at her desk peering into a mirror with a pair of tweezers against her face. She closes them at seemingly random places along her cheek. Otherwise, she is prim, upright, and very professional as always.
Turning from a desk in the background is Zura, now three years older with her crazed hair piled in two spots atop her head. Her freckled face is more filled out, and her eyes are quizzically staring at her boss.
ZURA
What are you doing?
KIN
Removing skin flakes. Unsightly little things.
ZURA
You, uh, okay? You usually don't try to snatch the dust from the air unless there's a big crunch coming.
KIN
My habits are not so predictable.
She puts down the tweezers and turns to Zura.
KIN
Is your work as speculative as you are?
ZURA
It's done.
Zura's smile enlarges as she gazes at the foreground.
ZURA
And just in time - Hey!
Kin spins around to see Baki and Kota in the window holding up a picnic basket and waving. Baki sports a more casual outfit while Kota is in a full business suit with a shorter haircut.
ZURA (O.S.)
Lunch time!
Kin turns to Zura, who is standing, revealing her ruffled shirt, and kicking off her shoes beneath her desk.
ZURA
You're coming right?
KIN
I...not today.
ZURA
C'monnn, you'll get to see my sister and...
Zura slides closer to Kin's face with a sneaky expression.
ZURA
(whispering)
My mom made your favorite.
KIN
(whimpering)
Toasted red berries...?
ZURA
Mmhmm.
Kin shakes herself out of it.
KIN
I can't today. Duty calls. Give the Avatar my best...and your mother.
ZURA
I'll try to sneak back a berry for you.
Kin shoots her hand up remorsefully towards Baki as Zura leaves the office.
INT CABBAGE CORP STENOPOOL - CONTINUOUS
Zura and Kota hug before they all start walking.
KOTA
Dang, girl, look at you grow!
BAKI
Did you not invite Kin?
ZURA
She said she had business. And hi to both of you, and sorry - I don't know, she said a lot of things!
KOTA
Calm down. Let's go meet that celebrity sister of yours.
The three of them walk off-screen right.
CUT TO:
INT KIN'S OFFICE
Kin sighs in her chair before flipping her mirror back around and looking into it. There is a drawn crown that reads "Promoted" in lipstick above her head. She gazes longingly into the glass.
CUT TO:
EXT. AIR NATION CAPITOL - EARLY AFTERNOON
Earth benders work to re-form the white stone of the former sky-bound city. Around them is construction equipment and air benders in paper-made, ineffective hardhats pointing at plans.
Gliding through the middle ground is Makami on the back of Forneus.
MAKAMI
Excuse me - coming through!
Everyone parts ways with smiles and waves. She uses one of the rocks as a ramp to push her over a short trailer before gently air bending her way off of Forneus' back and onto the ground.
She takes off in a run.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Running late, running late, running late!
CUT TO:
EXT MAKAMI SQUARE - EARLY AFTERNOON
Master Paya, looking unaged by the years, is seated atop a raised stoop in a tuxedo colored in Air Nomad colors. He is flanked on either side by other masters, and the crowd facing him are all in the same lotus position.
Behind him on the stoop is a tarp covered object that appears as tall as a person.
MASTER PAYA
(loudly)
And on this auspicious day celebrating the rebirth of our sovereign city, we look back to honor Avatar Makami's heroic intervention.
CUT TO:
EXT AIR CAPITOL ROOFTOPS
Makami balances atop a gutter as she runs forward, hopping from one chimney to another. Before she runs out of runway, she bursts herself off screen to the right with a pair of small fireballs.
CUT TO:
EXT MAKAMI SQUARE
Paya's hand is on the tarp.
MASTER PAYA
(loudly)
Let this monument stand as a reminder of bravery in the face of destruction.
Makami flies in from the left to the delight of the crowd as the tarp flies off. She lands in the same heroic pose as the statue of herself, now revealed, as the crowd applauds. One over-exuberant man bounces from the ground, foaming out the mouth and points towards her in excitement.
MAKAMI
Salutations, Air Capitol! It's great to be back to see the tremendous progress you've made in rebuilding your homes and sacred grounds.
She extends her hands out to the left.
MAKAMI
I accept this award with humility and thanks.
The sitting masters all look around for what she's talking about for a moment. Finally, Paya stands up.
PAYA
(clears throat)
Yes...
He moves her hands to touch the statue.
PAYA
This award in the form of a giant statue, and a commemorative plaque.
Makami recovers and smiles while putting her arm around the statue's shoulder. She looks down to the plaque.
MAKAMI
(loudly)
Yes, this plaque that reads... Memento Vivere! Yes, remember to live, kids!
Paya leans close to her while applause rises.
PAYA
(whispering)
How nice of you to show up.
MAKAMI
I know, I'm sorry. The headwind was rougher on Forneus than I thought and I had to compensate by...
Paya walks away while the crowd disperses. Makami smiles at them while following Paya.
MAKAMI
Hey, wait. Are you travelling to Capitol City for the big meeting?
PAYA
Grand Master Meelo is on his way as we speak. I am needed here.
MAKAMI
Oh? Shii told me you would both be in town. I was hoping to take everyone out to their favorite Fire Nation eateries while you were.
PAYA
I wasn't invited to be in town.
MAKAMI
I can put yours on hold, of course! When will you be around again - sometime this year? I can show you the changes to the compound.
PAYA
Not for as long as I can possibly manage. I've had quite enough of Fire Nation food and your hospitality.
Makami's face drops as he walks faster.
MAKAMI
C'mon, it wasn't all that bad, was it?
PAYA
Two years cooped up inside of your rancid, tiny compound, feeding off of the luxurious gifts bestowed upon an Avatar by rich benefactors is not the way we will ever choose to live again.
He is closing a wooden door on Makami's face, but she catches the wood in hand.
MAKAMI
Hey, hold on. I didn't mean to offend you. I didn't mind your people staying-
PAYA
(harshly)
No, nor did they mind living in the spotlight - the glitz and glamor of their great savior making them forget their lost homes. You may have the favor of my people, but I'm not blind to all that you cost us. No longer will the Air Nation live in the shadow of the Avatar.
The door is allowed to slam this time as she backs away.
She is back up to the door, prepared to bang her fist against it when a jaunty song plays from her pocket.
MAKAMI
(growling)
Grr, late again!
She rushes off to the left.
CUT TO:
EXT MAKAMI GROUNDS - AFTERNOON
Coming through the archway is Sage Toyo, who is now wearing the hat of an elder despite still being quite young. He smiles and bounces as he walks, whistling away. He suddenly stops and turns back.
TOYO
(loudly)
Well, are you coming or not?
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT JUST OUTSIDE MAKAMI GROUNDS
Just in the shadow of the gate is Voso clutching a trio of uneven flowers with the roots showing fresh dirt. His other hand pushes his hair flat on all sides.
VOSO
(mumbling)
You look just like you did in my dreams...no, no.
TOYO (O.S.)
(yelling)
Time to seize the day, Captain!
Voso takes a heavy breath and shoots out of the shade.
EXT MAKAMI GROUNDS - CONTINUOUS
Voso, only a few steps in, receives some recognizing smiles. Toyo keeps walking until Abe emerges into the courtyard with their arms up, turning Toyo.
ABE
(yelling)
There he is!
Toyo has a big smile on his face and his arms out for a hug. Abe walks right by him.
ABE
The prince of the court comes back at last!
Toyo turns back trying to play cool while Abe full hugs a happy Voso.
ABE
Back from the city of slides and secrets, are you?
VOSO
Yeah for a few days at least.
Abe releases him and pulls back.
ABE
Here to train at last? You gotta stay here while you're in town, buddy.
VOSO
I hope to if I can talk with-
ABE
(shouting)
What's that? You want to challenge me!? Clear the area! Time for a big-wig duel - to the rope!
Abe passes Toyo with only a sideways glance.
ABE
Toyo.
TOYO
Abe-bendu - wait, no!
Shii has come out to watch as a few acolytes take Voso's flowers and his unbuttoned jacket.
VOSO
Does no one else play this little game with you?
ABE
Nah, Makami's gotten much, much more boring since you last saw her, trust me.
VOSO
(laughing)
Don't blame her.
Both he and Abe leap to a taught rope, Voso barely able to keep his balance while Abe bounces on their toes in anticipation.
ABE
First to knock the other down?
VOSO
Can I just fall down now?
Toyo blends next to Shii. The two glance sideways to one another, smiles on both faces.
SHII
An elder now, are you? Striking accomplishment for someone your age.
TOYO
Youngest ever. Missed you at the ceremony, Shii.
SHII
(chuckling)
My sage days are behind me now, but I hope you carry the mantel with pride and grace.
He pops the top off his drink pouch while Abe and Voso drop into their ready stances.
TOYO
I take it she's not here.
Shii grunts and shakes his head. Toyo looks away in disappointment while the fight begins.
Abe rubs their fur gauntlet against the rope to create a spark of heat. The embers flow through the air into a flame chakram with Voso just barely dodging, using his water skills for escape and defense. Abe steals some water into a sawblade of ice that Voso leaps over.
As he does, Voso splits the blade into several hands that fling back to Abe to no avail. They take a deep breath, blowing it out and spinning his arms until the air tightens into a pair of turbine blasts.
Voso pushes them away with a shield of ice as he comes closer. The second fires just as he grabs Abe's forearm, using his secret power to gain an advantage.
VOSO
Fall down.
On command, Abe is on their butt much to the delighted murmuring of the crowd.
VOSO
I've officially defended my lady's honor.
Voso hops down with a smile, but as soon as he lands, a loud rip resounds from his pants. He goes pale.
ABE
You must be the luckiest person in the-
VOSO
(too loudly)
Ha-ha, you said it - we SHOULD talk in private.
Voso pushes Abe into the closest room with the flowers covering his butt.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAPITAL CITY PARK - AFTERNOON
The small park bustles with quiet activities, including a group of people playing small, simple games. Up on a hill, Baki unfolds a picnic blanket while Zura, up on her tip-toes, hangs a small steaming cylinder from a tree branch.
Kota opens the basket with a confused look at Zura.
KOTA
Whatcha doin' there?
ZURA
Blood-Snake repellant. They're all over the island this time of year. Remember when you yanked me out of a tree before one bit me, Mom?
BAKI
Yes, that one time, years ago. Now, what's the bet that your sister will even show up?
KOTA
I won't take that bet. She'll be here.
ZURA
Psh, she's ditched me the last three times.
BAKI
(sighing)
Five in a row for me.
KOTA
Oh, well, we hung out just last...um, year!
Zura and Baki watch her suspiciously.
KOTA
(quickly)
What kinda person wouldn't check in on their best friend, huh? Or their beautiful, talented, smart...talented-
BAKI
Okay, enough, the jig is up. Makami probably connects with you because you have new things to talk about with your life what with your new job, apartment, and whatever else.
(sighing)
I'm just stuck in my little rut.
ZURA
What about your airplane from the house's comet insurance payout? What about your recipe book? Like three of our neighbors won't stop asking me every morning when it'll be done.
BAKI
Those ninnies are excited about a new cloud in the sky. My daughters are roaming the world and rubbing elbows with business barons at sixteen - what am I doing?
She pinches Zura's cheek much to her embarrassment.
BAKI
I just want a little more.
MAKAMI (O.S.)
(yelling)
I'M HERE!
Makami comes soaring in, sliding on her knees through the grass until she lightly smacks up against the tree with one shoulder and shoots a smile to Zura right next to her.
MAKAMI
Hey, you.
The two high-five in an awkward way.
ZURA
(mumbling)
Hey.
Baki launches at her daughter for a hug. Kota sits just to Makami's left.
BAKI
I'll put a tracker on you, girl.
MAKAMI
I'm sorry for being a ghost. Everyone thinks I can help rebuild everything at the speed of sound.
The two pull away as food begins to come out.
MAKAMI
I just recently hired someone to keep me on schedule.
KOTA
Helga, yeah, she's, uh...great.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
Sure she is, but I've had to make my own shortcuts - like today, I was riding Forneus and I'd usually take magnetic south for six nautical miles before veering sixty-eight degrees west-south-west, but I didn't account for variation in the poles and ended up here six minutes late!
ZURA
(sarcastically)
Gee, your job sounds soooo exciting.
Makami makes a face at her sister while sitting against the tree.
BAKI
Then tell us about your job, missy.
Zura becomes visibly uncomfortable.
ZURA
(grumbling)
I'unno...
BAKI
(to Zura)
Oh flame it out already! Two promotions in half a year, this one. She even hired her first intern!
ZURA
(mumbling)
Fired my first intern, Mom. He was a jerk.
KOTA
Weed out the jerks one at a time, I say. How's our old boss?
MAKAMI
(grunting)
Ugh, Kin...
ZURA
She's good.
KOTA
(to Makami)
Remember when she told us we had to use the payphone outside when the phones were out?
MAKAMI
Yep, tough to forget being splashed with mud while I'm trying to order stamp pads.
ZURA
It's not like that anymore. I mean, the office smells like fear, and no one looks her in the eyes...but she's different.
BAKI
(to Makami)
She almost came out today to see you.
MAKAMI
(darkly)
I'm sure she couldn't skip her claw sharpening session.
MAN (O.S.)
(shouting)
Checkmate!
Makami looks around the tree at the commotion. There is a small group of people applauding a game of chess and a standing younger woman celebrating.
BAKI (O.S.)
What about your new job, Kota?
Makami stands up in shock as Avatar Kyoshi's spirit, just barely visible, clearly points her towards a chair across from the champion.
KOTA
I'm basically founder of the new Shin family business. Gramps gave me that old racetrack as a gift.
BAKI
Wait, when did he get that place?
KOTA
Kouichi gave it to him as a retirement present. Old man Adachi didn't know what to do with it, and wanted to make up for years of bad relations with me.
BAKI
Two windows broken with one stone then?
KOTA
You got it, Momma Ayame.
(to Makami)
Is that what you'll ask for when you retire, Ami?
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
No, have them hold the sauce for me okay?
KOTA
(to Makami)
Yo, you okay?
MAKAMI
Uh, yeah...I'll be right back.
She runs down the small hill and pierces through the crowd, all mumbling in excitement that the Avatar is there. She commences an inspection of the chair immediately, paying no one else any mind.
CHESS PLAYER
Well, well, well...
Makami looks up above the board to the sharply-dressed woman.
CHESS PLAYER
A queen has come out to play. Does the Avatar think she can face me?
Makami looks around as she slides into the chair.
MAKAMI
(slowly)
Y-e-s...yes. What color?
A rush of air accompanies several dozen reporters and onlookers behind Makami, which does little to phase her. The champ, on the other hand, takes a deep gulp as lightbulbs flash all around them.
CHESS PLAYER
(nervously)
Uh, wh-white.
Up on the hill, some are climbing the tree just above their picnic, raining down seeds and leaves. Kota spins to growl at the gathered crowd.
KOTA
Stupid jerks, let us eat! Can you fire these guys too, Zee?
Zura glares down the hill towards Makami.
ZURA
I wish I could...
A nest of tiny fire snakes falls on to her head, making her shiver as they all slither away harmlessly.
CUT TO:
INT CABBAGE CORP STENOPOOL, FRONT OF KIN'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Through the glass and some speedy foot traffic, Kin sits straight with her desk in complete order. A moustachio-ed man knocks on her door with a small suitcase in his other hand.
Kin waves him in as she stands.
CORPORATE MAN
Miss Junjo. Please, don't get up. Kin, here is...
The door closes out the audio. Through the glass, her smile quickly turns to shock as the man speaks. Then, she looks devastated as he hands her a pink piece of paper.
He opens the door and is out in under a minute.
CORPORATE MAN
Thank you for everything, Kin.
She slides her glasses off her nose, letting them clatter to the desk.
CUT TO:
INT MAKAMI'S ROOM
Abe sits with a group of sewing needles between their teeth, holding up a massive tear straight through a pair of trousers.
ABE
(mumbling)
Yep, you ripped'em alright.
Voso walks in from the background with a flowered towel around his waist.
VOSO
No thanks to you wanting to claim your territory.
ABE
(mumbling)
Hey, I lost.
He spits the needles down, perfectly pinning the pants to an angled drawing board.
ABE
(grumbling)
Somehow...
The door opens.
TOYO (O.S.)
You were looking to make an impact tonight.
Toyo comes in looking mockingly at Voso's towel.
TOYO
I suppose this would do it.
VOSO
(harshly)
I'll tell them it was your fault and get your fancy hat taken away.
Toyo just laughs while Abe has begun to weave. Voso swings his eyes around the room.
VOSO
Wait, isn't this...?
ABE
Ami's room, yeah.
Voso's face goes red from embarrassment.
VOSO
(quickly)
You mean to tell me I'm standing in my girlfriend's room half naked?!
TOYO
(giggling)
Won't she be surprised.
VOSO
(desperately)
Abe, you've gotta get those fixed quick!
ABE
Will you relax? She doesn't have training for another hour, and she's always late.
He waves his hand dismissively.
ABE
Be happy she's out saving the world for once.
VOSO
Oh great, now you tempted fate by saying it out loud!
TOYO
(chuckling)
Who knew pants were the secret to that 'Voso Cool'?
Abe and Toyo chuckle while Voso's face turns red.
CUT TO:
EXT CAPITOL CITY PARK - AFTERNOON
Looking down upon a shaking, pale hand that hovers over a chessboard filled with a lot of black pieces. Makami sits, waiting patiently with a throng of lenses and eager faces all around her.
Finally, the champion, sweating like the world is a sauna, moves a knight. Makami responds with a quick bishop exchange to remove a pawn.
MAKAMI
Mate in four moves.
The champ falls back hard, wiping at her brow. Flash bulbs go off at a blinding pace. The former champ covers her eyes and leans forward.
CHESS PLAYER
How do you deal with all...that?
MAKAMI
You get used to it. Good game.
PACHISI PLAYER (O.S.)
Excuse me?
The crowd just to her left parts to reveal a small old man waving above a Pachisi board. He nods towards the chair across from him.
BEGIN MONTAGE
- Makami tosses a set of six shells onto the table. The board is a quad-directional cloth with colorful half-egg pieces. Four of the shells are face-up, making her very happy.
MAKAMI
(shouting)
Charkoni!
- A game of tic-tac-toe concludes with Makami victorious again. She's stood and doing the wave with her shoulders in celebration.
- A red checker jumps five black ones in a row.
MAKAMI
King me.
- One stone falls into the end of a mancala board from a very smug Makami's hand.
MAKAMI
Bao.
CUT TO:
EXT PICNIC AREA, CAPITOL CITY PARK
Zura cleans up quickly in between the stream of people. Kota and Baki stand as well, wrapping their lunches. Baki comes closer to her daughter.
BAKI
Zee, stay a while longer.
ZURA
Gotta get back to work.
KOTA
(to Zura)
She'll be back. You know she loves her brain games.
ZURA
(mumbling)
Yeah, sure.
BAKI
Zee...
Zura pulls away from them both, moving into the crowd without looking back.
ZURA
See you at dinner.
KOTA
(to Baki)
I can wait for her if you need to take off?
BAKI
(quickly)
I'm going to wait for my eldest daughter to show me some love and attention, thank you.
The air is awkward for a moment.
BAKI
(sighing)
When did I become the annoying child?
KOTA
Never, Mama Ayame. Your eldest daughter just...loves from afar a lot.
Kota pushes aside a few onlookers to clear their line of sight.
CUT TO:
EXT GAME AREA, CAPITOL PARK
Makami looks to the left as the crowd stops applauding, seeing one last table with a hunched over man sitting before a group of three cards.
She slides into the opposite chair just ahead of the trailing crew of people.
MAKAMI
Just ignore the people and let's have some fun, huh? What game is this?
She reaches out for one of the cards.
MAKAMI
Are you gonna ask me to find the lady?
The man snaps a hand forward, his eyes suddenly up as purple sheets, to snatch her wrist.
MAKAMI
Hey!
His head writhes in change, his skin flashing to a sickly shade of green. Makami finally yanks her arm loose while the group of people scatter behind her. Camera crews remain, watching the shapeshifter rise off the ground.
It settles on the jagged form of an over-sized, corrupted fox spirit that crashes to the ground. With lightning speed, it snarls its teeth at Makami, taking her forearm in its mouth.
They wrestle with Makami's other hand covering itself in earth, striking the head harshly and breaking her forearm free.
KOTA (O.S.)
(shouting)
Makami!
A powerful stream of fire from her hand pushes the beast back as Kota and Baki arrive. The creature recovers quickly and dashes into a retreat.
MAKAMI
(shouting)
Stay back!
KOTA
Look!
The creature, hopping on invisible steps in the air, climbs into the sky before flashing into a puff of dark fog.
Makami stops, snatching at her forearm in pain as four black spots remain on her skin.
BAKI
What happened?
MAKAMI
It bit me.
KOTA
Let's get her to the training center.
