Book 2 Chapter 14 City of Walls and Secrets

Amity's intro

Water. Earth. Fire. Air.

Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them, but when the world needed her most, she vanished. A hundred years passed, and me, Willow and Gus discovered the new Avatar, an airbender named Luz. And although her airbending skills are great, she has a lot to learn before she's ready to save anyone.

But I believe Luz can save the world

The episode opens to two fox antelopes, grazing on a hillside. They look up at the monorail tracks behind them as a monorail goes past, pushed by two earthbenders. Cut to inside the car where Luz, Amity, Gus, Willow, Eda, Camila, Boscha and King are awaiting their arrival at Ba Sing Se. Amity looks out from the window and notices the Inner Wall of the Earth Kingdom capital drawing closer.

(Excitedly.) "Look, the Inner Wall!" (Cut to a shot of the monorail approaching the wall. Cut back inside the monorail.) "I can't believe we finally made it to Ba Sing Se in one piece." Amity said

(Slightly skeptically.) "Hey, don't jinx it! We can still be attacked by some giant exploding Fire Nation spoon. Or find out the city's been submerged in an ocean full of killer shrimp!" Willow said

(Slightly annoyed, yet still jokingly.) "Have you been hitting the cactus juice again?" Boscha asked

"You better not have brought any from the desert." Camila said

"I'm just sayin', weird stuff happens to us." Willow said

A man, sucking a corn plant in his mouth, takes a seat between Boscha and Willow, startling them. The scene changes to Luz and Amity looking out the windows, the former closing her eyes sadly.

(Sympathetically.) "Don't worry Luz, we'll find Appa." Amity said

(Doubtfully.) "It's such a big city." Luz said

(Somewhat optimistically.) "He's a giant bison! Where could someone possibly hide him?" Willow asked

The scene shows the monorail entering the Inner Wall. Cut to Luz, Amity, Gus, Willow, Eda, Camila and Boscha viewing the giant city through the windows.

(Realizing the city's gigantic size.) "Oh." Eda said

The seven notice that Ba Sing Se stretches almost as far as their eyes can see, and it has many roads and buildings. Their train enters the monorail station, stopping there. All of them disembark.

(Sighs.) "Back in the city. Great." Boscha said

(Excitedly.) "What's the problem? It's amazing!" Willow said

(Shot shows Willow and Boscha with King resting on her shoulder.) "It's just a bunch of walls and rules. You wait, you'll get sick of it in a couple of days." Boscha said

Scene changes to Luz looking at the bison whistle in her palm, and she blows it.

"I'm comin' for ya, buddy." (Amity walks over to the downtrodden Luz, and places her hand on her shoulder. More confidently.) "He's here, I can feel it." Luz said

The shot changes to the monorail departing, behind the team. Cut to the other side of the track, where there is a woman with long dark hair that billows in the wind. She approaches them with a strange smile on her face.

(Excited.) "Hello, my name is Joo Dee! I have been given the great honor of showing the Avatar around Ba Sing Se. And you must be Amity, Gus, Willow, Eda, Camila and Boscha! Welcome to our wonderful city. Shall we get started?" Joo Dee asked

"Yes. We have information about the Fire Nation army that we need to deliver to the Earth King, immediately." Willow said

"Great! Let's begin our tour. And then I'll show you to your new home here. I think you'll like it!" Joo Dee said

(Slightly annoyed.) "Ugh!" (Walks up to Joo Dee.) "Maybe you missed what I said. We need to talk to the king about the War, it's important." Willow said

(Close-up on Joo Dee's face.) "You're in Ba Sing Se now. Everyone is safe here." Joo Dee said

Team Avatar has a confused look on their faces regarding Joo Dee's strange statement. Cut to an overhead shot of the area of the city near the wall. An ostrich horse pulls a carriage through the streets. Many shops and refugees line the streets. Cut to a shot of the inside of the carriage containing Joo Dee and Team Avatar.

"This is the Lower Ring." Joo Dee said

"What's that wall for?" Camila asked

"Oh, Ba Sing Se has many walls! There are the ones outside protecting us, and the ones inside, that help maintain order." (Shot changes to outside the carriage as the camera pans across some refugees.) "This is where our newest arrivals live, as well as our craftsmen and artisans, people that work with their hands." (Shot changes back to inside the carriage.) "It's so quaint and lively!" Joo Dee said

Cut to a shot of two men conversing in an alley. One of them is holding a large sword that glistens in the light. Both glare at the carriage as it passes. Cut back to the carriage, where Amity becomes unnerved, her face blanking out, while King, who was looking out of the window by hanging from the ceiling, quickly retreats completely into the carriage.

(Nervously.) "You do want to watch your step, though." Joo Dee said

(Nervous look on her face.) "Why do they have all these poor people blocked off in one part of the city?" Amity asked

(Upset and somewhat bored.) "This is why I never came here before. I always heard it was so different from the way the monks taught us to live." Luz said (Looks out the window.)

The scene changes to another part of the Lower Ring. Cut to Lilith walking down the street. Kaldo catches up to her from behind, holding a large vase with several orange flowers placed in it. Cut to a close-up of Lilith staring coldly at the flora and Kaldo.

"I just want our place to look nice, in case someone brings home a lady friend!" Kaldo said (He gives Lilith a nudge with the elbow.)

(Bleakly.) "This city is a prison. I don't want to make a life here." Lilith said

Cut to an overhead view of the street they are walking down.

"Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not. Now come on, I found a new job, and we start this afternoon!" Kaldo said

Cut to a shot from behind Lilith and Kaldo as they walk away. Someone's feet step out in front. Cut to a close-up of Ket staring angrily at the two firebenders.

"Look at them, firebenders living right under everyone's nose." Ket said

Longshot and Smellerbee walk up to Jet from an alley.

"Ket, you saw a man with a hot cup of tea. It doesn't prove he's a firebender. And what if he is, are we supposed to attack them? I thought we were starting over here, changing our ways." Smellerbee said

"We are. When I get the evidence I need, I'll report them to the police and let them handle it." (Walks forward a bit and turns his head to face the pair.) "Okay?" Ket asked

Smellerbee and Longshot exchange glances. Cut to a shot of the Middle Ring, where Joo Dee is continuing the tour in the carriage.

"This is the Middle Ring of Ba Sing Se, home to the financial district, shops and restaurants, and the university." Joo Dee said

Cut to a side-view of the carriage. Luz and Willow looked out of the windows, bored.

"Yeah, we met a professor from Ba Sing Se University. He took us to an ancient underground library where we discovered information about the war that is" (Cut to inside carriage. Leaning toward Joo Dee, losing her patience.) "absolutely crucial for the King to hear!" Willow said

(Smiling, excitedly.) "Isn't history fascinating? Look, here's one of the oldest buildings in the Middle Ring, Town Hall!" Joo Dee said

The carriage stops and Joo Dee exits. Willow stares at her, annoyed.

"Is that woman deaf? She only seems to hear every other word I say." Willow said

"It's called 'being handled'. Get used to it." Boscha said (Crosses her arms as everyone else glares sadly at Willow.)

"She's right about that." (as he gets kicked in the knee and holds it in pain.) "It was good while it lasted." Gus said

The scene changes to a small tea shop in the Lower Ring, with Ket leaning against the shop's wall. He turns around and peeks inside the window, spotting Lilith and Kaldo speaking with the shop's owner. Cut to Ket's view.

"Well, you certainly look like official tea servers." (Cut to close-up of the owner.) "How do you feel?" the Shop Owner asked

Cut to Lilith and Kaldo wearing aprons. Kaldo desperately attempts to tie the string behind his back, but his effort is in vain.

(Annoyed.) "I feel ridiculous." Lilith said

"Uh, does this possibly come in a larger size?" Kaldo asked (Cut to a view behind Kaldo with the apron strings not quite long enough to tie.)

Cut to a side-view of the threesome.

"I have an extra string in the back. Have some tea while you wait!" the Shop Owner said

The shop owner pours some tea in two cups, hands them to his new employees, and heads to the back of the shop. Cut to a frontal view of Kaldo and Lilith. Kaldo takes a sip from his cup, but his face contorts in disgust.

(Quickly holds the cup at a distance.) "Blech!" (Looks at it in disgust.) "This tea is nothing more than hot leaf juice!" Kaldo exclaimed

(Kaldo closely examines his cup. In an annoyed tone.) "Kaldo, that's what all tea is." Lilith said

(Angrily.) "How could you say something so horrible?! We'll have to make some major changes around here." Kaldo said

Kaldo angrily takes the tea pot and heads over to the window Ket is spying through. Ket gasps and moves away just in time as Kaldo dumps the tea out the window. Ket slowly stalks around the corner of the shop and leaves. The scene changes to the carriage in which Team Avatar is touring in, which is now in the Upper Ring.

"The Upper Ring is home to our most important citizens. Your house is not too far from here!" Joo Dee said

Fade to the carriage passing by another wall with a tall gate. Behind it, the roof of an enormous building can be seen.

(Close-up.) "What's inside that wall?" Amity asked

Cut to a closer view of the tall gate. Three men are standing in the gateway, wearing dark robes and wide brimmed hats, turning their eyes toward the group, looking somewhat hateful at them. Cut to inside the carriage.

"And who're the mean-looking guys in robes?" Willow asked

"Inside is the Royal Palace. Those men are agents of the Dai Li, the cultural authority of Ba Sing Se. They are the guardians of all our traditions!" Joo Dee said

(Close-up view. Bored and annoyed.) "Can we see the king now?" Luz asked

(Close-up view.) "Oh no, one doesn't just pop in on the Earth King!" Joo Dee said

Overhead view of the inside of the carriage. Luz nods her head, sadly. Cut to a shot of sky, with King flying, and descending and landing on the roof of a small house.

"Here we are! Your new home." Joo Dee said

Cut to behind the gang looking down at Joo Dee. A messenger comes, gives Joo Dee a scroll, and leaves.

(Close-up view.) "More good news! Your request for an audience with the Earth King is being processed, and should be put through in about a month." (Cut to behind the gang looking down at Joo Dee.) "Much more quickly than usual!" Joo Dee said

(Close-up view of Team Avatar. Surprised.) "A month?" Eda asked

(Close-up view. Smiling widely.) "Six to eight weeks, actually." Joo Dee said (Closes her eyes and grins.)

The scene changes to a brief shot of the house before cutting to the inside.

(Close-up side-view.) "Isn't it nice? I think you'll really enjoy it here." Joo Dee said

(Cut to a view of the entire room from the back.) "I think we would enjoy it more if we weren't staying for so long. Can't we see the Earth King any sooner?" Willow asked

(Covers Willow's mouth shut in panic.) "Don't say anything that would make them mad." Camila said

(Close-up view over Willow's shoulder. Smiling.) "The Earth King is very busy running the finest city in the world!" (Close-up on Willow, as an annoyed expression covers her face.) "But he will see you as soon as time permits." Joo Dee said

(Cut to King and Luz. Luz turns to look out the window determined.) "If we're going to be here for a month, we should spend our time looking for Appa." Luz said (At the sound of Appa's name, King wakes up.)

(Side-view of Luz with Joo Dee behind. Bows.) "I'd like to escort you anywhere you'd like to go." Joo Dee said

(Cut to Amity and Boscha. Annoyed.) "We don't need a babysitter." Boscha said

Cut to a view of the room from the back. Boscha gets up and walks toward the door.

"Oh, I won't get in the way." (She takes a step, blocking Boscha's path.) "And to leave you alone would make me a bad host!" (Close-up of Boscha, from behind, with Joo Dee in front.) "Where shall we start?" Joo Dee asked

Boscha turns around in annoyance. The scene changes to a brief overhead shot of the city before changing to a bowl of food tied to a pole. King jumps on the bowl and starts to eat, but is scared by a cat owl, who screeches at him. Cut to a shot of the room, where Team Avatar, accompanied by Joo Dee, is in a pet store and speaking with the owner at the counter.

(Close-up shot.) "I'm sorry, but I haven't heard anything about a flying bison. I didn't even know there were any." the Pet Store Owner said

(Cut to shot of Luz, Willow and Camila, Joo Dee lurking behind.) "If someone wanted to sell a stolen animal without anyone knowing, where would they go?" Luz asked

(Slightly frustrated.) "Where's the black market? Who runs it?" (Pointing at him accusingly.) "Come on, you know!" Willow said

(Grabs Willow's ear and pulls her away from the owner.) "Willow, get away from him." Camila said

"Ow, ow, ow!" Willow exclaimed

(Close-up shot. Nervous and perspiring.) "Uh …" (Looks at Joo Dee, who is standing behind Luz, Willow and Camila, shaking her head.) "That would be illegal. You'll have to leave now, your demon dog is harassing my sparrowkeets." the Pet Store Owner said

Cut to a shot of King eating the birds' food while defending himself from the sparrowkeets. The scene fades to an overhead shot of Ba Sing Se University, and cuts to Team Avatar standing in front of a student. A few students are walking around.

"Hmm ... I've never seen any sandbenders or nomads around here." (Frontal shot.) "You should ask Professor Zei, he teaches the class on desert cultures." the University Student said

(Annoyed.) "Right. And which of your professors could we ask about the war with the Fire Nation?" Willow asked

(Nervously.) "Uh …" the University Student said

The student looks at Joo Dee, behind Willow, who shakes her head at him. Willow notices this from the corner of her eye, but she quickly stops before she can see it fully.

(Close-up shot. Still very nervous.) "I don't know. I'm not a political science student ... I've got to get to class." the University Student said

He stands up and goes away, but trips, dropping his scrolls. He quickly picks them back up, and hurries to go. Joo Dee waves at him, smiling.

Cut to a shot of Luz, Amity, Gus, Willow, Eda, Camila and Boscha standing at the steps of their house. Joo Dee is still sitting in the carriage, and talking to them through the window.

"Well, I'm sorry no one has seen your bison. Why don't you go get some rest?" (Smiling.) "Someone will be over with dinner, later." Joo Dee said

As the carriage drives off, Willow, followed by the rest of the gang, notices a man in the house across from them peeking through a window at them. Close-up shot of the man's door as his head recedes back. Cut back to the gang from behind.

(She gestures to the rest of Team Avatar to follow her.) "Hey, come with me." Willow said

Everyone follows Willow across the street. Cut to a shot of Willow knocking on the front door. The same man appears and opens the door, smiling at them.

"You're the Avatar!" (Side-view of gang.) "I heard you were in town." (Overhead view.) "I'm Pong." Pong said

(Side-view of the gang. Smiles.) "Nice to meet you, Pong." Luz said

"So, Pong, what's goin' on with this city? Why is everyone here so scared to talk about the war?" Willow asked

(Frontal view. Shifts his eyes to the sides.) "War? Scared? What do you mean?" Pong asked

(Frontal view. Slightly annoyed.) "I can feel you shaking." Boscha said

(Frontal view.) "Look, I'm just a minor government official." (Looks to the sides to confirm that no one is present except them.) "I've waited three years to get this house. I don't want to get into trouble." Pong said

(Tight side-view of the gang and Pong.) "Get in trouble with who?!" Amity asked

(Puts his finger on his mouth, and whispers.) "Shh, listen, you can't mention the War here." (Overhead view.) "And whatever you do, stay away from the Dai Li." Pong said

As he closes the door, everyone looks at each other's faces in confusion. Fade to a shot of some apartments. Ket spies on Lilith and Kaldo, from a balcony in the shadows, hiding behind a clothesline in the apartment across theirs.

"Would you like a pot of tea?" Kaldo said

(Close-up of Ket.) "We've been working in a tea shop all day!" (View from the outside into the window where Lilith lays on a bed.) "I'm sick of tea!" Lilith said

(Pan across to Kaldo through another window.) "'Sick of tea?' That's like being sick of breathing!" (He rummages through the cupboard beneath the counter, where he is standing. Close-up view of the kettle.) "Have you seen the spark rocks to heat up the water?" Kaldo asked

(Side-view. Whispering to himself.) "They're not there." (Opens his fist to show some emerald colored rocks. Close-up side-view.) "You'll have to firebend, old man." (He sees Kaldo going inside, and narrows his eyes.) "Where're you going?" Ket asked

(View through the window. Coming back to the counter.) "I borrowed our neighbors'. Such kind people." Kaldo said

Close-up of the kettle. He strikes the rocks near a pile of twigs below the teapot, and creates a flame. Ket, frustrated, ducks behind the clothesline and leaves.

Fade the next morning, and the scene changes to a blue jay chirping, before the camera pans down to Team Avatar's house. Cut to Amity coming out from the door, yawning and stretching. She takes a roll of papers on a mail slot attached to the wall, and reads it briefly, gasping with excitement, before running back inside. The others are all lounging around the upper part of the living room, and she runs to inform them about the information in the roll.

"I got it! I know how we're going to see the Earth King!" Amity said

(Frontal view.) "How are we supposed to do that?" (Mimicking Joo Dee.) "'One doesn't just pop in on the Earth King!'" Boscha said

(Laughs from the imitation Boscha did of Joo Dee.) "Good one." Gus said

(Side-view of her and Luz. Reading from the papers.) "The king is having a party at the palace tonight for his pet bear." Amity said

"You mean, platypus bear?" Luz asked

"No, it just says 'bear'." Amity said

(Close-up view. She is lying upside down.) "Certainly you mean his pet skunk bear." Willow said

(pinches her nose in disgust.) "I hope it isn't a skunk bear, they have a powerful perfume." Camila said

(Frontal view.) "Maybe it's his armadillo bear." Boscha said

"If it is, don't make it mad, I learned that the hard way." Eda said (rubs her back remembering her encounter with one.)

(Frontal view.) "Gopher bear?" Gus asked

(Side-view of room.) "Just ... bear." Amity said

"This place ... is weird." Eda said

(Growing excited again.) "The palace will be packed. We can sneak in with the crowd!" Amity said

(Lies down.) "Won't work." Boscha said

(Frontal view. Slightly confused.) "Why not?" Amity asked

(Over Amity's shoulder view.) "Well, no offense to you simple country folk, but a real society crowd will spot you a mile away. You've got no manners!" Boscha said (Takes a pastry from a bowl and eats it.)

(Frontal view.) "Excuse me? I've got no manners?! You're not exactly 'lady fancy fingers!'" Amity said

(Burps. Over Amity's shoulder view.) "I learned proper society behavior and chose to leave it." (Throws the half eaten pastry to the side.) "You never learned anything. And frankly, it's a little too late." Boscha said (She picks her nose and flicks the snot off her finger.)

(Side-view of room. Excitedly.) "Aha, but you learned it! You could teach us!" Willow said

"Yeah, I'm mastering every element. How hard could manners be?" Luz asked

"Oh boy, here we go." Camila said (facepalms herself for what they will do.)

Luz grabs a nearby curtain and puts it around herself like a noble's robe, and talks in a very sophisticated manner.

"Good evening, Mr. Gus Water Tribe, Ms. Amity Fire Nation, Ms. Willow Earth Kingdom, Lord King of the King Dynasty. Your King-ness." Luz said (Frontal view of King as he peeks at Luz from under the carpet and slightly bows.)

(Stands up also wearing a curtain like a robe. Mimicking a typical high class person.) "Avatar Luz, how do you do? Go on." Willow said

Luz bows to Willow, and Willow, trying to outdo Luz's bow, bows back. Luz tries to further out do Willow's bow with a deeper bow and Willow returns this bow with an even deeper bow. Both of them try to bow at the same time, but they knock each other's foreheads' together and fall down.

Boscha walks toward Amity and Gus with the legs of Luz and Willow seen on the floor.

"Amity, Gus and Camila might be able to pull it off, but you two and Eda would be lucky to pass as busboys!" Boscha said

Cut to Luz and Willow, who are still on the ground with curtains still on top of them.

"But I feel so fancy!" (Boscha's snot falls on Willow's forehead.) "Ew!" Willow exclaimed

The scene changes to a shot of the house, at dusk, and changes to the inside of the house, where Luz, Willow and Eda are playing a game. Close-up of their hands.

(Closing their hands into a fist.) "Earth!" Luz and Eda said

(Wriggling her hands.) "Fire!" Willow said

Willow grumbles at losing the game, while Luz raises her hands triumphantly, while Eda flicks Willow's forehead while grinning. Amity, Gus, Camila and Boscha enter the room from a door, wearing makeup, exquisite Earth Kingdom dresses, and holding a fan each. Amity, Camila and Camila stare at the others calmly before giving in to a fit of giggles while Gus is embarrassed. Luz blushes and stares dreamily at the sight of Amity.

(Stunned.) "Wow, you look beautiful." Luz said

Willow flicks Luz's forehead. Amity opens her mouth to reply to Luz's compliment, but is stopped by Boscha placing her fans in front of her mouth.

"Don't talk to the commoners, Amity. First rule of society." Boscha said

Cut to a view of the room as Luz, Willow and Eda watch the four leave.

(To Luz, Willow and Eda.) "We'll get in the party, and then find a way to let you in through the side gate." Camila said

The sound of a gong is heard as King walks past them, wearing one of the curtains as a cape. Luz looks at Willow and Eda, who merely shrugs.

Cut to outside the tea shop where Lilith and Kaldo are working. A man walks in through the door. Ket is shown to be spying on the shop from an alley. Cut to a close-up of Ket's face with an expression of suspicion. Cut to a view behind him. Smellerbee and Longshot walk up behind Ket.

"Ket, we need to talk." Smellerbee said

"What? Oh great, it's you guys. Where have you been?" (Overhead view of the alley.) "I could use some help with surveillance here!" Ket said

"We've been talking," (Cut to a side-view of the threesome, tea shop in background.) "and we think you're becoming obsessed with this. It's not healthy." Smellerbee said

(Close-up shot.) "Oh, really? You both think this?" Ket asked

Frontal view of Longshot and Smellerbee. Longshot places his arm on Smellerbee's shoulder in agreement with her statement.

"We came here to make a fresh start. But you won't let this go. Even though there is no real proof!" Smellerbee said

"Well, maybe if you'd help me!" Ket said

(Side-view of the threesome.) "Ket, you gotta stop this." Smellerbee said

"Maybe you've forgotten why we need to start over." (View of Longshot and Smellerbee from behind Ket. Longshot and Smellerbee look down, guiltily.) "Maybe you've forgotten about how the Fire Nation left us all homeless. How they wiped out all the people we loved. If you don't want to help me, I'll get the evidence on my own." Ket said (He goes toward the tea shop.)

Cut to the outside of the tea shop, before switching to its interior, where Kaldo is pouring tea to a customer.

"This is the best tea in the city!" the customer said

(Frontal view.) "The secret ingredient is love." Kaldo said (He waves a hand through the steam coming from the teapot and walks toward the back of the shop where the owner is, while Lilith gives him a disgusted look.)

(Side-view. Turning to Kaldo.) "I think you're due for a raise." the Shop Owner said

Cut to the door as it is suddenly slammed open by Ket, he enters.

"I'm tired of waiting!" (Pointing an accusing finger at Lilith and Kaldo.) "These two people are firebenders!" Ket said

Ket unsheathes his hook swords and prepares to fight. View from behind Ket. Lilith and Kaldo quickly exchange a look, not knowing what to do. Cut to a view of Kaldo at the back of the tea shop with Ket at the entrance.

"I know they're firebenders, I saw the old man heating his tea!" Ket said

(Frontal view. Bleakly.) "He works in a tea shop." the customer said

(Frontal view.) "He's a firebender! I'm telling you!" Ket said

(Frontal view. Stands up, along with another man.) "Drop your swords, boy. Nice and easy." the customer said

(Frontal view. To Lilith.) "You'll have to defend yourself. Then everyone will know. Go ahead, show them what you can do." Ket said

Ket slowly walks toward Lilith and Kaldo with his swords. Just as one of the customers is about to draw his swords, Lilith steps in front and grabs them instead.

"You want a show? I'll give you a show!" Lilith said

Lilith takes the customer's broadswords and enters a fighting stance. She pulls a table in front of her with her foot and kicks it at Ket, who slices the table with his swords and jumps over it. As he lands, he swings both hook swords at the Fire Nation commander, who deflects the attack and jumps backward onto another table, which is sliced in half by Ket, swinging one of the swords through the middle of the table. Lilith steps onto one half of the table and balances on one foot. Ket continues his attack by cutting the legs on the half of the table Lilith is standing on. Lilith quickly jumps up, and as she lands, she swings both broadswords at Ket's feet, and Ket somersaults away and lands in a crouching position before charging forward at Lilith again. Lilith swings both of her swords at Ket. Just as both weapons clash together, the scene freezes and cuts to the Ba Sing Se Palace. Several high class citizens are lined up and being admitted inside by a guard, who is checking the invitation of one group before letting them pass. Amity, Gus, Camila and Boscha are next in line and approach him.

"Invitation please." the guard said

(Formally.) "I think this will do." Boscha said

Boscha shows the official seal of the Beifong family to the guard. The camera cuts to a closer, detailed shot of the seal, before cutting to the guard.

"No entry without an invitation. Step out of line, please." the guard said

(Irritated.) "Look, the Pangs and the Yumsoon-Hans are waiting in there for us. I'm going to have to tell them who didn't let me in." Boscha said

(Unyielding.) "Step out of line please." the guard said

As the guard points his finger to the side, Amity, Gus, Camila and Boscha move out disappointedly, when Amity notices a carriage, from which a man with high ranking clothes comes out, and two Dai Li agents bow to him. Amity has an idea, and she, along with Gus, Camila and Boscha, go to the leader of the Dai Li.

(Side-view.) "Sir, I'm sorry to bother you, but my cousin lost our invitations." (Whispering.) "She's a little blind." (Again, normally.) "Do you think you could help us? Our family's inside and I'm sure they're very worried." Amity said

(Close-up view as he smiles and bows his head.) "I am honored, please come with me." the Dai Li Leader said

The Dai Li Leader walks toward the guard at the entrance with Amity, Gus, Camila and Boscha following him. The guard bows to him and the five of them go into the palace. As they are walking in, Gus and Boscha stick their tongues out at the guard while his back is turned. The scene changes to an overhead shot inside the palace. At one end of the table is Bosco the bear eating a steak, his drool dripping off his chin. Seated to either side of him are two guests.

"He's taking all the good stuff!" the older guest said

"Quiet! You don't know what I had to do to get seats this near the bear!" the younger guest said

Bosco slightly hits the younger guest before pouncing onto the table and eating a large plate of meat in front of him. Cut to a close shot of the bear gorging. As he moves his head, Amity, Gus, Camila, Boscha and the Dai Li leader walk into the hall.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" (Close-up shot. Turning to the four.) "By the way, I'm Long Feng. I'm a cultural minister to the king." Long Feng said

(View of her, Gus, Camila and Boscha.) "I'm Hwamei, this is Kima" (view of Gus adjusting his headdress.) "That's our mom, Eliya" (view of Camila who bows a bit.) "and this is Dung." (Boscha frowns and pulls a string hanging from Amity's headdress, causing her pain.) "Ow!" Amity said

(Close-up shot.) "Now where is your family? I'd love to meet them." Long Feng said

(Side-view. Feigning looking around while doing a girl voice.) "Uh ... I don't see them right now, but I'm sure we'll find them soon." (Smiles.) "Thanks for all your help." Gus said

As they walk away, Long Feng appears in front of them.

"Don't worry, as your escort it would be dishonorable to abandon you ladies without finding your family first. We'll keep looking." Long Feng said (He turns around and leads the four, while Amity glances at Boscha, nervously.)

Cut to the outside of the palace. Luz peeks around the pedestal of a statue of a lion. Cut to a shot of Luz, Willow and Eda peeking around both sides of the pedestal.

(Worried and nervous.) "Where are they?" Luz asked

Luz, Willow and Eda duck behind the pedestal.

"Look, I came up with a back-up plan." (She picks King up.) "We dress King like a ghost, okay?" (Moves King in a circle.) "He flies by the guards, creating a distraction. Then, we blast a hole in the wall-" Willow started

Luz stands up and looks over the pedestal, and points to some busboys, as Willow stands up. Cut to some busboys unloading supplies from a carriage and taking them inside.

"Or we could go in as these guys. Boscha said we might pass as busboys!" Luz said

Cut to a shot of Luz, Willow and Eda.

"That can work." Eda said

"Okay …" (Rolls her eyes.) "But remember that King ghost plan. I think it's a winner." Willow said (Smiling, she, Luz and Eda sink behind the pedestal.)

The scene changes to outside the tea shop, as Lilith bursts out through the door and tumbles onto the street. Ket runs after her and strikes at Lilith with both swords. Lilith defends the strike and both combatants lock swords.

(Close-up shot with a sinister grin.) "You must be getting tired of using those swords." (Close-up shot of Lilith with a look of annoyance.) "Why don't you go ahead and firebend at me?" Ket asked

View behind the fighters as they move off screen to reveal Lilith at the door to the tea shop.

"Please, Mini, you're confused! You don't know what you're doing!" Kaldo said

Cut back to Ket and Lilith, fighting. Lilith swings at Ket, but Ket stops Lilith's broadsword with the ends of his hook swords, spins around and deflects it to the side. Lilith spins with her swords and tries to counterattack, but Ket hooks the ends of his swords together and begins to swing them at Lilith in large circular motions. Lilith retreats back a few steps to defend herself.

"Bet you wish he'd help you out with a little fire blast right now." Ket said

As Ket swings at Lilith's feet, Lilith stabs one of her broadswords through the hilt, pinning it to the ground. Ket looks at it with annoyance before focusing back on Lilith.

"You're the one who needs help." Lilith said

Both the combatants lose a sword, and continue fighting with only one. He turns in a circle and tries to swipe at Lilith, but Lilith quickly advances and swings her sword at Ket. Ket pulls his attack just in time to bend backward and avoid Lilith's blade, cutting the straw sticking out of Ket's mouth in half. The scene replays, but the second time, zooms in on the straw. Ket regains balance, and jumps backward onto the edge of a well.

"You see that?!" (Aerial view.) "The Fire Nation is trying to silence me." (View behind Lilith looking at Ket.) "It'll never happen." Ket said

Ket begins to attack again, hooking his sword to the top of the well and sending a flying kick toward Lilith.

The scene cuts back inside to the palace, where Luz. Willow and Eda are seen, standing to each other's sides, fully dressed as busboys, serving refreshments to the guests of the party. Luz begins pouring a drink while Willow and Eda are serving food to people who pass by.

(A little worried.) "Where are mom and the others?" Luz asked

"Forget about them! Just keep an eye out for the king." Willow said (She grows slightly annoyed as King's tail, which has been sticking out of Luz's hat, begins to wag in her face.)

(Slightly nervous.) "I don't know what he looks like." Luz said

"You know, royal, flowing robes, fancy jewelry." Willow said (She grabs King's tail, still wagging in her face, and vigorously stuffs it back into Luz's hat.)

The camera pans around the room to show the party guests, all fitting Willow's description. They are all adorned in fancy, flowing robes and headpieces, chatting and eating food.

"That could be anyone!" Eda said

Cut back to Luz, Willow and Eda as the camera pans right to show Boscha, walking up to the trio.

(Trying to speak in a fancy voice.) "Another crab puff, please." Boscha said (Willow leans in, eyes closed, with her tray to hand her a puff, unaware it's her.)

(Surprised and happy.) "You found us!" Luz said

(Back to her normal voice.) "I'd know your little footsteps anywhere, Twinkle Toes." Boscha said

Amity, Gus and Camila catched up to the group, and Luz blushes when she sees Amity.

(Opening her eyes, realizing who they are. Sarcastically.) "Thanks for letting us in!" Willow said

(Close-up of her face.) "Sorry, but the guy who escorted us in won't let us out of his sight!" Amity said

The camera pans out to show all of the party guests, none of which seem to be following them.

(Slightly confused, not seeing anyone following them.) "What guy?" Eda asked

Cut to an overhead shot of the group. As they look around for Long Feng, Joo Dee approaches the group, and is anxious to see them.

"What are you doing here? You have to leave immediately, or we will be in terrible trouble!" Joo Dee said

Joo Dee tries to push Willow, but she blocks her with her tray.

"Not until we see the king." Willow said

(Close-up of her face.) "You don't understand. You must go." Joo Dee said

Joo Dee shoves Willow into Luz, causing her to spill the water inside the pitcher she was carrying on a guest.

"Aarrrh! Oh!" the guest yelped

"Sorry. No, don't shout." Luz said

Luz uses her hands and foot to airbend a gust at the guest. Her hat is blown off, along with King. It dries the water on her, but also turns her hair, clothes, and makeup into a mess, leading Luz to smile sheepishly. The guest is briefly shocked, but smiles in amazement.

(Amazed.) "The Avatar! I didn't know the Avatar would be here." the guest said

All the guests' attention is now focused on Aang. Joo Dee's large, happy smile quickly turns sour and is replaced by a frown and a look of dread. Luz looks around at the guests as King hides back under the hat on the floor and slinks away. Luz blushes and waves at the crowd, laughing nervously, as Willow leans in toward Luz.

(Whispers.) "You keep their attention while Eda and I will look for the king." Willow said

(View of Luz from above.) "Watch this, everybody!" Luz said

Wide-view of the room. Luz jumps out of her busboy clothes and lands on the long dining table as Willow and Eda walk off into the crowd. Luz swings her arms over the guests' drinks, waterbending the liquid out of the cups. She jumps onto a pitcher and balances on top of it, while continuing to waterbend. Luz brings the liquid above her head and creates a swirling multicolored ball. The crowd cheers and claps as she spins around. Bosco growls with delight at Luz's antics.

Scene changes to outside the tea shop, where Lilith and Ket are fighting. Lilith growls as she swings her sword at Ket, who dodges the attack. He moves on to Lilith's side, and they end up back-to-back. Lilith and Ket attempt to strike the opponent behind them, but neither can get past the other's defense. Cut to a shot of two Dai Li agents walking toward the fight.

"Drop your weapons." the Dai Li agent said

Aerial view. Lilith and Ket step away and face each other. Lilith lowers her sword, as Ket points at Lilith and Kaldo.

"Arrest them!" (Frontal view.) "They're firebenders!" Ket said

(Panning view from behind Ket facing Kaldo and Lilith.) "This poor boy is confused. We're just simple refugees." Kaldo said

(Pointing to Ket.) "This young man wrecked my tea shop, and assaulted my employees!" the shop owner said

"It's true, sir. We saw the whole thing. This crazy kid attacked the finest tea maker in the city." the customer said

(Frontal view. Blushing.) "Oh, ho, ho. That's very sweet." Kaldo said

The two Dai Li agents walk up to Ket, who looks at them angrily.

"Come with us, son." the Dai Li agent said

Ket swings his hook sword at the agent, who catches the sword with his rock gloves. The guard disarms Ket, and both guards pull the boy's arms behind his back, binding his wrists together using their rock gloves' stones. Cut to Jet as the guards drag Ket away toward a wagon designed for holding captured criminals.

"You don't understand! They're Fire Nation! You have to believe me!" Ket said

The crowd begins to disperse. Cut to Ket in the wagon, on his knees, as he looks up as the doors are shut. The people left in the street watch the wagon go away. Longshot and Smellerbee look on, hidden within the crowd, and silently walk out of sight.

Cut to the palace, where two lines of guards walk into the hall. Eight of them are carrying a curtained palanquin, The Earth King is sitting on the platform. Cut to a shot of the crowd as they marvel in the Earth King's presence. Willow and Eda sneak through the crowd and attempt to get a better view of the king. Cut to the line of guards as they place the palanquin down and face the guests. Cut to Willow and Eda as Willow looks over at Luz and points at the king.

"Luz! The Earth King!" Willow said

Cut to a shot of Luz, who is entertaining Bosco with waterbending bubbles. Luz notices him and bends an air scooter, whisking down the table.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Luz said

Side-view of three guests pulling their food and drinks off the table before Luz can run over them with her air scooter. Cut back to an overhead view of the procession of guards and the Earth King. The platform is carried off while a line of guards walk up to the long dining table. Willow and Eda exit the crowd and try to follow the king, but two Dai Li agents grab them and begin leading them away, pulling their arms behind their backs.

"Hey, let us go!" Eda said

Cut to a shot of a Dai Li agent stepping out from a pillar in the hall throws his hands out, causing his rock gloves to fly forward. Cut to Amity, Gus, Camila and Boscha. While Amity and Camila are looking away, the gloves of the agent grab Gus and Boscha and pull them backward, covering their mouths to keep them silent. A second later, another pair of gloves grabs Amity and Camila and pulls them back the same way as Gus and Boscha. Cut to a Dai Li guard standing watch. The camera shifts down to show King still hiding under the busboy hat and trying to sneak past, his tail sticking out from under. The agent reaches down and pulls the hat off, with King looking up, surprised. Shot cuts back to Luz who has reached the other end of the dining table on her air scooter, knocking over several dishes. She dismounts the scooter and holds her arms up in triumph. Long Feng walks up to Luz from behind the line of guards.

"Avatar, it is a great honor to meet you." (He bows.) "I am Long Feng, Grand Secretariat of Ba Sing Se and head of the Dai Li. I'd like to talk to you. Your friends will be waiting for us in the library." Long Feng said

Long Feng gestures for Luz to follow him, as he goes into the library. Luz hesitates for a moment before hopping off the table and following. Cut to a shot of the library's large double doors shutting. The camera zooms out to show Luz and the others facing Long Feng, who is sitting in front of a hearth that illuminates the area with a green flame.

(Wipes the make-up off his face.) "Why won't you let us talk to the king? We have information that could defeat the Fire Nation!" Gus said

"The Earth King has no time to get involved with political squabbles and the day to day minutia of military activities." Long Feng said

"This could be the most important thing he's ever heard." Luz said

The camera shifts behind Luz's party and pans slowly to the right. Long Feng is visibly seated in front of them as the camera passes by each member.

"What's most important to his royal majesty is maintaining the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se. All his duties relate to issuing decrees on such matters. It's my job to oversee the rest of the city's resources, including the military." Long Feng said

(Frontal view.) "So the king is just a figurehead." Amity said

(Angry.) "He's your puppet!" Boscha said

(Frontal view.) "Oh, no, no. His Majesty is an icon, a skylord to his people. He can't sully his hands with the hourly change of an endless war." Long Feng said

(Side-view of room.) "But we found out about a solar eclipse that will leave the Fire Nation defenseless. You could lead an invasion …" Willow didn't get to finish

(Stands up, annoyed. Shot changes briefly to a confused Willow.) "Enough! I don't want to hear about your ridiculous plan." (Cut back to Long Feng.) "It is the strict policy of Ba Sing Se that the War not be mentioned within the walls." (Scene changes as he talks to the two Dai Li agents dragging Ket into a dark room, making him sit on a stone chair.) "Constant news of an escalating war will throw the citizens of Ba Sing Se into a state of panic." Long Feng said

"You have to believe me, they're firebenders! They won't stop until they win the War." Ket said

Several square stones from their rock gloves circle Ket's head and clamp down on his skull, holding it in place.

(Frontal view.) "Calm down, you're safe now." the Dai Li agent said

The agent stands in front of Ket, surrounded by a metal track. From behind him appears a small orange lantern attached to the track. It travels around the track and passes the camera, causing a white flash that cuts back to Long Feng.

"Our economy would be ruined, our peaceful way of life – our traditions – would disappear." Long Feng said

There is another similar white flash and the scene shifts back to the lamp circling the Dai Li agent.

"There's no war in Ba Sing Se." the Dai Li agent said

"What're you talking about?" (Camera changes to an aerial view zooming out.) "Where do you think all the refugees come from? You can't hide it!" Ket said

Close-up view of Ket as he watches the lamp continues passing by his face. The screen flashes white and cuts back to Long Feng.

"In silencing talk of conflict, Ba Sing Se remains a peaceful, orderly utopia, the last one on Earth." Long Feng said

Luz and the others stare at Long Feng with a mix of shock and horror at this revelation. The screen flashes white again. Cut to a close-up of Ket. A circle of stones covers his mouth, muffling his protests. The lamp passes by his eyes again. Cut to a shot of the Dai Li agent standing within the circular track as the lamp continues revolving.

"There is no war within the walls. Here we are safe. Here, we are free." the Dai Li agent said

Ket's eyes widen and his protests become silent, and the brainwashing begins to affect him. The screen flashes, and cut to Team Avatar.

"You can't keep the truth from all these people. They have to know." Camila said

(Stepping forward, pointing a finger at Long Feng.) "I'll tell them! I'll make sure everyone knows!" Luz said

(Side-view of the room.) "Until now, you've been treated as our honored guest." (Cut to a side-view of Long Feng and Luz. Long Feng steps forward and bends down to look Luz in the eye. Luz stares back at Long Feng, angrily.) "But from now on, you will be watched every moment by Dai Li agents. If you mention the War to anyone, you will be expelled from the city." (He turns around and walks over to the hearth with the green fire.) "I understand you've been looking for your bison." (View of Long Feng turning slightly to look at Luz.) "It would be quite a shame if you were not able to complete your quest." (Luz appears frightened, but her expression soon changes to that of anger. Cut to an overhead shot of the room. Long Feng sits down, as Joo Dee opens the doors and walks toward the group.) "Now, Joo Dee will show you to your home." Long Feng said

Cut to a shot from behind Joo Dee as she faces Luz's party. The group looks at her with surprise.

"Come with me, please." Joo Dee? said

(Surprised.) "What happened to Joo Dee?" Eda asked

Cut to a shot of Joo Dee's face.

"I'm Joo Dee." (Bows her head.) "I'll be your host as long as you're in our wonderful city." Joo Dee? said

Joo Dee smiles cheerfully at the group in the same artificial way.

Fade to credits.