Shiro Shinobi: [Narrating a newsreel by.] The Air Nation has its first recruit. Team Avatar's search for new airbenders in the Earth Kingdom led them to Kai, an orphan with a shady past. Meanwhile, Lord Zuko is hot on the trail of three escaped criminals who pose a great threat to the Avatar. Unaware of the danger to her, Korra continues her mission to find more airbenders. Next stop, the walled city of Ba Sing Se.
The Earth Queen
In the Sky
We see the Future Industries airship as it flies over the Earth Kingdom, with Oogi flying just above. Cut to the platform atop the airship, where Bumi and Kai are practicing their airbending, under the instruction of Jinora and watched by Asami, Naga, and Pabu.
Jinora: Light on your feet, Uncle Bumi. Remember, you want to be quick and evasive.
Bumi: [Moving around, his hands up like a boxer.] Don't worry about me, little lady. I've been in a scrap or two you know. Ha ha. [To Kai.] Oh, you're just a youngster, so I'm gonna go easy on ya. [As Kai runs toward him.] Wouldn't want to hurt a kid ...
Kai slides to the floor, and fires an airbending blast at Bumi's legs, knocking him to the ground.
Bumi: [Lying on the ground in pain.] Oh.
Jinora: Uncle Bumi, you've got to work on your stance changes. [Jinora and Kai help Bumi to his feet.] Kai, that was just, really good.
Kai[Rubbing his head, as Bumi feels his jaw.] Thanks Jinora, you're a great teacher.
Jinora stares at Kai for a second, before turning away, blushing. She helps her uncle away, but he brushes her off, before patting his body, looking for something.
Bumi: [Opening his coat.] Hmm, did I drop my wallet?
Jinora, looking behind Bumi, begins to chuckle as Kai strolls casually past them, fanning himself with Bumi's wallet. Bumi turns to look at the young boy.
Bumi: [Running after Kai.] Give me that, you little thief!
As Kai laughs at Bumi while running away we pull back to reveal Tenzin, Zakai, and Korra complacently watching the group on the platform below.
Zakai: [Chuckles] I like this kid.
Tenzin: You know your supposed to teach him to not steal right.
Tenzin glares at Zakai as he sheepishly smiles at Tenzin for not getting him to stop stealing.
Zakai: I'll go get to him...
Zakai said as he simply does a trick in midair and used his air-bending to stop him from hitting the deck as Korra just smiles in amazement to how Zakai did that move before she looks ahead abd tells how excited she is to restart a air nation civilization
Korra: It's so exciting to be on a diplomatic mission to Ba Sing Se. What's the Earth Queen like?
Tenzin: I've never met her, but I've heard she can be quite ... demanding.
Bolin runs to accompany Korra and Tenzin, swinging his legs under the railings in excitement.
Bolin: [Excitedly.] This is it, Mako! We made it! This is where Dad grew up! Come here! Look, look!
Mako: [Joining his brother; rather more calmly.] Okay, calm down, I'm looking.
We see the back of the airship approaching the Outer Wall of Ba Sing Se.
Korra: I wonder how many airbenders are down there.
The Lower Ring
We see the airship approaching the wall. As it gets closer, the sun shines brightly over the top, before revealing the expansive city beyond. The airship finally manages to pass over the wall before the scene cuts to within the Lower Ring as a peasant sleeps against a building while the airship flies above. As we see an overhead shot of the ring, smoke billowing from several buildings. Then back to the airship, as Mako, Bolin, and Korra recoil from the smell, the two brothers holding their noses.
Korra:Uhh, the Lower Ring looks terrible.
Bolin: [Holding his nose.] Yeah, I can smell it from here. No wonder Dad left.
The Middle Ring
We see the airship continues to fly over the ring, before making it over the Inner Wall and into the Middle Ring.
Bolin: [Shouting from the airship.] Hello, Middle Ring!
Upper Ring
We then cut to another overhead shot of the airship, as it continues over the Middle Ring, before finally making it to the Royal Palace. Cut to Zakai, Kai and Jinora, looking down in excitement.
Kai: Wow. Now this is more like it.
Zakai: You're telling me. You don't get to see this every so often.
As Zakai said patting on Kai's back.
Royal Palace, as the airship begins its descent, landing with a slight cloud of dust. Cut to the ramp as the party exits the airship, welcomed by a well-dressed Earth Kingdom man.
Gun: [Bowing.] Avatar Korra, Master Tenzin, it is a pleasure to welcome you and your party to the Upper Ring of Ba Sing Se. I'm Grand Secretariat Gun.
Korra[Bowing herself, as Bolin strolls past with Pabu atop his shoulder, followed closely by Naga.] Thank you.
Bolin: Aah, it's got that Upper Ring smell.
Gun: [Turning to Bolin.] Oh no, the queen hates animals.
As we see a shot of Bolin, Pabu, Naga, and Oogi.
Gun: You'll have to get them out of sight.
Bolin: [Scratching his head.] Well, I can just stash Pabu in my shirt, [Tilts his head at Naga and Oogi.] these two are going to be a little tougher.
Gun: [Begins to walk away.] Come with me, hurry, I'll take you to your quarters.
As the party follow Gun and we see a pond and they walk over a bridge spanning the water.
Gun: Now, when you meet the queen make sure you bow low enough, that's very important, and don't look her in the eye, she can't stand that. If any food is served, don't eat before she eats. Well actually, I have to taste her food first, then she eats, then you can eat. Better yet, just don't eat.
Zakai: That sounds like a high maintenance job for you.
Zakai said as he stares at Gun before looking around.
Korra: Yeah. Seems like an awful lot of rules.
Gun: [In exasperation.] Oh, you have no idea. And I'm the one who gets in trouble when people don't follow them, so please, please for my sake try not to upset Her Majesty.
Kai, who has a disinterest look around see's a man and watches in interest as an Earth Kingdom citizen walks past, festooned with various items of jewelry. With a sly look on his face, he sidles away from the group to go after them. Cut to the party's temporary house.
Gun[Spreading his arms.] Here we are.
Bolin: [Impressed.] Ooh, very swanky.
As the went closer to look inside of the house they were currently staying in, as the members of the group walk off to inspect the various rooms.
Gun: Now, go in and make yourselves comfortable, [Turns to Bolin and Pabu; forcefully.] and keep those animals out of sight in the backyard.
Bolin and Pabu walk off in a huff. Gun begins to exit the house, and Korra follows him.
Gun: Avatar Korra, if you'll follow me. We don't want to keep Her Majesty waiting.
Zakai: Have fun meeting the Queen.
Korra: Oh... I will.
Korra said last as she gave a two finger salute to which he responded to as well.
The Royal Palace
The scene changes to an overhead shot of the Earth Kingdom Royal Palace, before cutting to a side courtyard, where the Earth Queen Hou-Ting is supervising an extensive renovation project.
GunYour Majesty, may I present Avatar Korra.
Korra bows, but the queen, who has her back to them, does not pay them any attention.
Hou-Ting: [To the workers below.] You're ruining the koi pond! It's completely overshadowed by the topiaries! Guards, take that buffoon away and get me someone who knows what they're doing!
Two Dai Li agents grab the offending worker, and escort him away.
Hou-Ting: [To the worker's partner.] You, rip everything out and start over!
The young lady earthbends the ground beneath the topiaries and turns it over, leaving fresh ground in its place.
Hou-Ting: I am surrounded by idiots. [She turns to acknowledge Korra.] So, I finally get a visit from the Avatar. Let me guess, you want something.
Korra: Well, actually Your Majesty, I was hoping you could ...
Hou-Ting: [Cutting Korra off.] I hardly think you're in a position to ask me for favors after everything the last Avatar did to the Earth Kingdom. [She turns away from Korra.] He and Fire Lord Zuko took advantage of my father's weakness and stole our lands to make their own little empire. [She looks at Korra angrily.] The United Republic is Earth Kingdom territory!
Korra: [Uncertainly.] Well, I uh, I'm not sure what I can do about that.
Hou-Ting: Not that you care, but what's left of my kingdom is falling to ruin. Roving bands of barbarians are raiding villages in the countryside. And now, some of my subjects are refusing to pay their taxes. [She turns back to face the courtyard.]
Korra: I'm very sorry for your troubles, but actually ...
Hou-Ting: [Shouting down into the courtyard.] That topiary is supposed to be an eel swan [Cut to Gun as he lowers in head in fear of the queen.] not a turtle duck!
As Korra was looking at her a bit like a weird crazy person.
Elsewhere
We see Team Avatar's new house, with Zakai, Mako, Asami, Jinora, and Tenzin congregated around a table. As Zakai looks around and notices one member not with them.
Zakai: Guys, we're missing one member.
As Zakai said that Jinora caught onto what he meant.
Jinora: Hey, has anyone seen Kai?
Tenzin: [Standing up.] Kai?
Bolin: [Coming down the stairs; shouting.] Kai, little bro.
Bumi: [Bursting through a side door.] He's not over here.
Asami: I don't think I've seen him since we landed.
Mako: I knew that kid was no good. He was just waiting for an opportunity to run away again.
Jinora: We have to find him.
Mako: What's the point? He obviously doesn't care about us.
As Zakai looks at Mako in anger as he believes that Kai is a good person he's just rough around the edges... kinda like him.
Zakai: We cannot leave him alone.
Bolin: Yeah! He's my new little brother. He's probably lost, and scared.
Tenzin: He is just a little boy, and he's our responsibility. Besides, he's the only airbender we've recruited so far, we can't lose him.
Mako: Fine.
Zakai: I'll go find him. He was placed under my care and I let him get away. If there's one thing I'm good at it's finding people.
Zakai said as Mako offered to go with.
Mako: Bolin and I will help you find him.
Elsewhere
The scene cuts back to the Earth Queen, who is still shouting orders at her workers.
Hou-Ting: No, to your left! Your other left! [Turning to Korra.] Do you have these problems with your servants?
Korra: I don't really have servants. But, Your Majesty, the reason for our visit is that we're trying to gather all of the new airbenders who are popping up in the Earth Kingdom, and we'd like your help finding the ones in Ba Sing Se.
Hou-Ting: [Skeptically.] Airbenders in Ba Sing Se. Where did you hear that?
Korra: Before we left Republic City we got some reports.
Hou-Ting: Hmm. Well, before I even consider helping you, I'll need you to do something for me.
Korra: Oh, of course. What is it?
Hou-Ting: I have a vault full of tax money sitting in a town south of here. Barbarians have stolen my past two shipments. Go collect my money and bring it back here.
Korra: [Bowing once again.] Yes, Your Majesty.
The Earth Queen indicates to Korra and Gun that they should leave, and the latter hurriedly tries to walk the Avatar out. However, she pushes him away, causing him to fall to the ground.
Elsewhere
The scene shifts to Zakai, Bolin and Mako, looking for Kai near a bridge.
Zakai: Well this is where I last saw him. He couldn't have gotten far.
Bolin: Kai, did you go fishing? You under the bridge?
Zakai: Bolin? Why would he be under the bridge fishing?
Bolin: I don't know... seems like he could do it.
As Zakai Shakes his head he turns to one direction and sees Kai hiding in the stareway and smiles ahead of him before hiding again.
Zakai: Mako look.
As Zakai walked over to Mako as the two look over to where Zakai was pointing. We see Kai airbends at an Upper Ring man; his robes go up for a few seconds before coming back down. His hat also drops. Kai picks up his hat.
Kai: Here, sir, let me help you.
Upper-class man: Oh, thank you, young man. What a strange sudden breeze. [Kai goes around the man, fixing his robe, while looking for anything precious.]
Kai: Yeah, that was really weird.
Upper-class man: Thanks for your help. [Kai puts the upper class man's wallet in his bag.]
Mako: Kai! [Kai grins widely and slides out of view.] Get back here! [Mako starts chasing after Kai.]
Bolin: Kai, it's us. Zakai, Mako and Bolin, your new family. [Bolin and Zakai runs along to chase after Kai.]
The scene shifts to the street with a rickshaw. Kai turns into a corner, so does Mako and Zakai. Kai slides underneath a rickshaw, but Zakai and Mako both jump to the side of the wall and over the rickshaw. Kai does a barrel roll to evade Mako and runs off down an alleyway as Zakai and Mako chase after him.
Bolin: Excuse me, coming through...
We then see Bolin squeezes in between two rickshaws.
Bolin: Pardon me. [Bolin pulls a large grin.] Carry on.
Before Bolin runs along to continue chasing after Kai.
The Monorail Station
The scene shifts to a monorail station in Ba Sing Se. Kai runs up the stairs to get away from Zakai and Mako. Kai gets into one part of the monorail followed by Zakai while Mako gets into another. As Kai brisked across the monorail, he bumps into Mako and hesitates before a hand is gently placed on his shoulder and looks up to see an unamused Zakai as he only responds to him in a sheepish smile.
Kai: Hey... I was, uh, I just looking for you guys.
Zakai: You better have a good reason for doing this, Kai.
Zakai sounded serious as he and Mako were talking to him as he played it off.
Kai: Doing what?
Zakai sighed and then took his pack off his waist.
Kai: Hey!
Zakai then throws it to Mako as he looks inside to see stolen goods.
Mako: What are you doing running around robbing people?
Kai: I was just practicing my airbending. [Kai pulls a large grin.]
Mako: Yeah right. Let's go. [Mako grabs Kai's top.] You're in big trouble.
Kai slides out of his top only to leave it in Mako's hand and airbends the two brothers to the other side of the train. Everyone sitting in the monorail looks stunned. Kai runs out of the monorail. Mako and Bolin run to get off but the door closes.
Mako: Hey! [Mako bangs his hands on the side window.]
Kai smiles and waves at Mako and Bolin as the train leaves the station.
Mako: [Angrily.] Your little brother, huh?
Bolin: Yeah ... just a lovable little scamp, isn't he?
Mako: [Mako looks out the window.] Reminds me of my little brother.
Train conductor: [Announcer Speaker] Designated express line to the lower ring. Next up, Poh Kong Station.
Suddenly a window being shattered is heard as Bolin and Mako notices a open window and Zakai was nowhere to be seen.
Bolin: Well at least Zakai will find him before us.
Mako: Yeah... whatever...
Was all Mako could say as they were now stuck inside the monorail going down to the lower ring.
Elsewhere
We see the monorail exiting the Upper Ring wall. Train track sounds created by monorail. And we look to the side as it shows the side appearance of monorail going through the Upper Ring wall. The monorail arrives at Poh Kong Station, making a hard brake. After the monorail stops, everyone pushed Mako and Bolin out of the monorail.
Mako: All right. Let's see if we can catch a train back to the Upper Ring.
Scene shifts to a woman showing her ticket to the ticket master. The ticket master lets her through. However, Mako and Bolin tries to barge through, but end up getting blocked.
Ticket master: Passports and tickets.
Bolin: We can pay, hold on.
Both Bolin and Mako check their pockets to find that Kai has robbed them as well.
Bolin: Where's my money?
Bolin and Mako widen their eyes in realization and stare at each other in disbelief.
Bolin: No, Kai wouldn't--
Bolin's eyes widen as Mako stares at him.
Bolin: Aww, man.
As Bolin pulls an exaggerated expression of dismay.
Ticket master: Step aside, beat it you two, [Both boys yell after getting pushed by the ticket master.] before things get ugly.
Mako stares to the other side, looking at two Dai Li agents. Both of them stare back. Mako stares back at the ticket master and turns around. The next scene shifts to Mako and Bolin walking outside Poh Kong station, at the same time, a train leaves Poh Kong station. The scene shifts to a messed up lower ring street.
Bolin: [Voice-over.] The bad news...
As we slowly pan down to reveal the back of the brothers' heads.
Bolin: ...is we're stuck here. The good news is [Bolin puts his hand on Mako's shoulder and grins.] we can go the bathroom wherever we want.
Mako glares at Bolin with a blank stare and Bolin releases his hold on Mako, looking a little dejected.
Elsewhere outside the city
The scene changes to Future Industries airship leaving the Earth Kingdom Royal Palace. And shows Asami piloting the airship.
Asami: Are you sure we shouldn't have brought more people to collect the tax money?
Korra: There are royal guards waiting at the vault. [Korra turns around and looks at Asami.] I doubt anything will happen. I think Her Majesty likes ordering me around. By the way where's Zakai?
Asami: Oh he's with Mako and Bolin their looking for Kai. Why?
Korra: Oh...
Korra then blushed as she put her hands over her head.
Korra: Just wondering...
Korra said as she acts less interested in Zakai as Asami stares at Korra and put the pieces together.
Asami: You like Zakai?
Korra: No! I mean I like him...
As Korra then stares at Asami as she gives her eyes a knowing look before she responds to Korra.
Asami: Yeah... you definitely do.
Korra: I like him. As a friend who is basically has his flaws and tries to work on them. He likes to be supportive enough for me, helps out others other than himself, and...
Asami: Kinda hot bad boy attitude?
Korra: Yeah, Exactly! Kinda hot bad boy att...
She immediately realized what she was about to say as she glared at Asami who was really enjoying it.
Korra: Asami. Sometimes... you can be a jerk...
Asami: I know. Do you want to talk about it? When did you start have feelings for him?
Korra then looks to the side embarrassed contemplating whether to tell her or not.
Korra: Later let's just... finish the Tax run.
Korra said as she looks away a bit embarrassed that she mentioned it to her and blushes.
Back in Ba Sing Se, Lower Ring
We're showing an ostrich horse going past an alley way, where Mako and Bolin sleeping. Bolin is covered in newspaper and Mako is sleeping next to the trash.
Bolin: Ohh man, aww I slipped a disc sleeping here. It's been awhile since we spent the night in a trash pile. It's about how I remembered.
Mako: I bet everyone's freaking out that we've been gone all night. [Mako brushes off a banana on his head.]
Bolin: I'm worried about Kai; he's just a little kid out there on his own. He's probably really scared.
elsewhere
We shift to Kai in bed, ringing a bell. Waiter comes through a door with Kai's breakfast.
Waiter: Your breakfast, Master Fong.
Kai[Kai flicks a gold coin to the waiter.] Keep the change.
As the Waiter moves out of the scene.
Kai: I love Ba Sing Se.
As Kai reclines and gets back into bed, relaxed.
Meanwhile... in the Lower Ring
We go to an overhead view of a neighborhood of Lower Ring houses and zooms in to show a hungry Bolin and Mako walking along the street as the former holds his stomach.
Bolin: Fwoo, I'm getting really hungry.
As Bolin Gasps as a fruit stall comes into view behind them and Bolin looks at Mako.
Bolin: Haah, we might have to hustle up a little breakfast with the old, [Gestures his hand out to the fruits.] fruit stand scam. Come on.
Then Bolin grabs a reluctant Mako by the arm and drags him to the fruit stand, where flies surround the fruit and Bolin wraps his arm around Mako.
Bolin: You remember how it goes, [Does a shoving motion.] I push you into the stand, [Raises his voice a bit.] you scream. [Places a hand on his head dramatically.] I pretend to faint.
Mako: I don't want any part of it. Besides, look at this fruit.
As we cut to the bruised, moldy fruit with flies buzzing around it.
Mako: It's disgusting. We don't want to steal this.
Suddenly a fruit stand owned by the name of Tu, overheard them planing to steal from him.
Tu: [Rises into sight from under the stand.] Hey, [Points to Mako.] you trying to steal my fruit?
Mako: No, I just said I don't want any of this rotten fruit.
Tu: [Eyes widens for a moment in surprise.] Oh, you're too good for my fruit? [Leans over and rests his hand on a stack of apples, several of which collapse into mush under the pressure.] This is the best fruit on the block.
Mako: So you want me to steal it?
Tu: [Tu shows his fist to Mako and Bolin.] Just try me, buddy. [Kisses his bicep.] Go ahead.
Bolin: I'm confused. Are we stealing the fruit or not?
Tu: I knew it. [Tu points his finger at Mako.] Thieves! [Mako and Bolin turn around and try to escape, but Tu jumps out of his fruit stand and tackles them.]
Then Tu's Father by the name of Chow overhears the Commotion and sees Tu and Mako and Bolin fighting each other.
Chow: What's going on here?
Tu: [Tu looks at his dad.] Dad, these fruit thieves are insulting our fruit.
Chow: [Chow looks down and takes a closer look at them.] Bolin? Mako?
Mako: How do you know our names?
Bolin: Yeah, I mean I'm famous so I get that, but how do you know his name?
Chow: You look just like San. [Mako and Bolin opens their eyes wider.] Tu, you'll never believe who these guys are. They're your cousins! My brother San's kids.
And Tu's eyes widen in shock.
Halfway around the World, Northern Watertribe
The scene shifts to Zuko's dragon entering Agna Qel'a along with Zuko and Tonraq, riding on its back. Zuko's dragon roars. Zuko and Tonraq walks into Desna and Eska's throne room with the twins slouching on their thrones.
Desna: Lord Zuko, Uncle, this is a surprise.
Eska: Finally something exciting happens. Ruling the tribe is so tedious.
Zuko: Then you should enjoy this. We need to check on a secret ice prison in the western tundra.
Desna and Eska, who are standing up now, pull a smile.
Ba Sing Se, Lower Ring
The Scene shifts to some buildings in the Lower Ring of Ba Sing Se.
Chow: Your father sent us a letter years ago with your names, but that was the last we heard from him. Then we saw your pictures in the sports magazine with your bending team, and Bolin, we love those Nuktuk movers. They're hilarious!
Bolin: Yeah, they're not really comedies, but uh ...
Tu: Yeah, I could probably be a pro-bender or an actor or something if I lived in a mansion in Republic City like you guys. You don't know what it's like on the streets. You got to be tough.
As Tu Flexes his muscles to the boys.
Bolin: Oh, Mako and I grew up on the streets. We were homeless, then we were kinda in a gang, then we lived in a gym ...
As he immediately stopped by Chow as he drags Mako and Bolin into their home.
Chow: Hey everybody! Look who's here, San's kids: Mako and Bolin.
And Everyone starts to smile.
Male family member: No way.
Female family member: Come in.
Male family member #2: Welcome.
Old Family member: Is it true? After all these years?
Chow: Boys, this is your grandmother, Yin.
Yin: Aw, it is so wonderful to meet my long lost grandchildren [hugs Mako and Bolin.] Where is San and your mother?
Bolin: Wait, you mean you don't know?
Mako: I'm sorry, they were killed when we were little.
We look to Yin, as tears well up in her eyes at the news.
Elsewhere
We shifts to a village in the desert with the Future Industries Airship. Korra and Asami approach a building where the tax money is stored. As Korra looks around aimlessly. The villagers hide their faces away.
Korra: I don't like the looks of this. Let's hurry up and get out of here.
And a Royal Earth Kingdom guard opens the door.
Royal Earth Kingdom guard: You here to pick up the tax shipment?
Korra:Go ahead and load it on the airship.
We see four Royal Earth Kingdom guards bringing the tax money into the airship. Suddenly, a red light appears in the sky. The Royal Earth Kingdom guards look up in surprise, so does Korra and Asami. Four motorcycles jump up a ramp, two motorcycles accompanied the truck to the airship. Royal Earth Kingdom guards run away in fear, dropping one sack of gold.
Asami: So much for our escorts.
Then All the motorcycles and the truck heads toward Korra and Asami.
Korra:Maybe we should have brought everybody else.
The Motorcyclists circle around Korra and Asami, holding spears, clubs, and various other weapons.
Barbarians: Woo hoo!
Then the Barbarian Leader by the name of Gombo walks towards the two.
Gombo: Step away from the gold ladies and you won't get hurt.
Korra: Sorry to disappoint you, but we're taking this gold back to Ba Sing Se.
Gombo: Aww, we love gals with spirit, suit yourself.
Gombo attacks Korra, but she evades all attacks and earthbends him to her left. She subsequently earthbends two motorcyclists, throwing them up in the air. Other motorcyclists try to retreat but Korra earthbends all the motorcycles.
One motorcycle charges toward Asami, but she charges back and takes them down. Another motorcyclist charged toward Asami, but Korra earthbends them away from her. Another motorcyclist picks up one of the sack of gold with his spear, but Korra airbends them off their motorcycle. Asami charges to one of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist attempts to attack her with his spear, however, she evades with the backflip and stunned both people on the motorcycle. Gombo gets back up and attacks Korra with several kicks, but Korra earthbends him again. The barbarian leader runs away from Korra.
Gombo: Retreat, retreat! [The barbarians drive away from the airship.] You're on the wrong side of this fight, Avatar. That gold belongs to the people, not the Queen.
Korra: [To Asami.] Why do I get the feeling he's right?
Northern Watertribe, Secret Prison, in the Western Tundra
We see the Northern Water Tribe secret prison in the Western Tundra. Prison doors are opened by the members of the Order of the White Lotus. A strong blizzard rages on outside.
Eska: Why didn't anyone tell us we have a secret prison we could have been throwing people in?
Desna: I'd like to put my tailor in here. He never gets my cuffs right. They're so ... crease-y.
A lift comes up, and fence gate opens as Zuko and the group walk toward it. The lift is going down to the prison cell.
Zuko: We built this place secretly with your father to hold a very special prisoner. She's a powerful firebender named P'Li who can create explosions with her mind. Ironically, I hired a guy with a similar ability to kill the Avatar myself once.
As Zuko stops talking, Desna and Eska do not react at all and Tonraq merely glances at the old firebender as Zuko glances back at Tonraq and turns to him.
Zuko: Didn't work.
Eska: [After another short silence.] Don't feel bad. I tried to kill Korra [Tonraq glances over his shoulder at his niece.] after she ruined my wedding. It happens.
Tonraq: [Turns to the others.] Let's just focus on keeping this woman in prison.
When the door of the lift opens, basking the foursome in light, Tonraq is the first to walk out. An overview shot reveals the foursome exiting the elevator and as the scene slowly pans up, a deep chasm comes into view with a prison, guarded by two White Lotus members, on the other side. We see another overview shot as the foursome stands at the front of an expandable metal bridge that is slowly being extended to the other side.
Zuko: The intense cold prevents her from firebending.
Desna: [Cut to a frontal shot of the foursome. Desna glances around and clouds form at his mouth as he speaks.] There's certainly no way anyone's breaking out of here.
Zuko: That's what we thought about the other three prisons.
P'Li: [shivering.] There must be something exciting going on. No one interesting has visited me in thirteen years.
Tonraq: Don't get used to it.
P'Li: He's out, isn't he? Mmm, I'm feeling warmer already.
She smiles awaiting for her rescuers to come to this prison.
Ba Sing Se, Lower Ring
The Scene shifts back to Mako and Bolin's family's house. Everyone is grouped around the table with, eating.
Bolin: This is so great! We never had a family before. Now we've got one, two, five ... eleven ...
As we zoom out, showing a crowded room with dozens of people.
Bolin: ... a big family! Yeah!
Mako: So why did Dad leave Ba Sing Se?
Chow: Oh, he always had big dreams. He couldn't wait to get out and see the world. Your grandfather thought it was ridiculous. He wanted San to stay home and work the fruit stand. But San was determined to leave, and they had a huge fight. [Yin looks sad and turns away.] And that was the last time they ever spoke. [Notices Yin's expression.] Oh, um ... sorry, Mom.
Yin: [To Mako and Bolin.] Come with me. I have something to show you.
We have an overview outside of the building. Through the window Yin, Mako, and Bolin can be seen seated on a sofa.
Yin: This is the only letter we ever got from San. It says he married a beautiful girl from the Fire Nation, and had two wonderful sons. He sent this picture of you all on his birthday. [Holds up picture of Mako and Bolin with their parents.]
Bolin: Look, Mako! Dad's wearing your scarf!
Yin: I'm so sad that I never got to meet your mother, [Speaking to Mako.] but you have her eyes. I know from looking at you two that she must have been a wonderful bride for my boy. [As she is speaking, Bolin sniffs and wipes away tears.]
Mako: [Looks downcast; takes off his scarf and drapes it around his grandmother's neck.] I'm sure they would want you to have this.
Yin smiles and hugs Mako and Bolin joins in.
Meanwhile at the Royal Palace
Scene shifts to the Earth Kingdom Royal Palace with Korra, Gun, and Hou-Ting.
Gun: Your Majesty. The Avatar has returned with the tax payments.
Hou-Ting: Finally. Secure it in the vault.
Gun: It's being done as we speak.
Korra: So now, Your Majesty, if I could start meeting some of the airbenders here in the city.
Hou-Ting: The Dai Li thoroughly searched the city, but it seems your reports were incorrect. There are no airbenders in Ba Sing Se. So, you can gather your little band and be on your way tomorrow.
This made Korra mad as she basically did her work for nothing.
Korra: You make me do your dirty work extorting your own citizens for your stupid palaces and topiaries and then you just want to send me away? We're not going anywhere until we find some airbenders! We know there are some here!
Hou-Ting: [To Gun.] Get her out of my sight!
Korra and Gun start to walk away, but Korra turns back and points at the Earth Queen, inadvertently knocking Gun down.
Korra: [To Hou-Ting.] This isn't over! I'm going to find the airbenders!
And Korra walks out determined to find them.
Meanwhile
We shift back to Mako and Bolin at their family's home.
Chow: [To Mako and Bolin.] You know, San would've been so proud of you guys! Traveling the world with the Avatar? He would've loved that!
Mako: We actually need to get back to the Avatar in the Upper Ring. We're supposed to be helping her find airbenders in Ba Sing Se.
And Everybody gasps as if that was bad much to the two's confusion.
Bolin: [Quickly looks around.] What? What happened?
Chow: One of our neighbors started airbending about a week ago. A couple days later, two Dai Li agents come out of nowhere and snatch him up. No one's seen him since.
Tu: They say the Earth Queen's locking all the airbenders up somewhere, and using them for experiments.
Yin: Tu! Don't talk like that about Her Majesty! [She blows a kiss and bows to a portrait of Hou-Ting on the wall.] Long may she reign.
Mako: [To Bolin.] We have to get back to the Upper Ring and tell Korra. [They get up from the table and start to leave.]
Bolin: [Grabbing a stack of buns.] I hope Kai is okay.
Elsewhere
We see Zakai looking towards a street in the shadows to where a nobleman is walking, and a gush of air suddenly knocks his hat to the ground. And Zakai sees a familiar face as he glowers at Kai.
Kai: [Picks up the man's hat.] Here, sir, let me help you.
Kai turns a corner and walks down a dark alley, holding a bag of gold, with a sly smile on his face.
???: You know... that wasn't very nice of you to steal our wallets.
As Kai looks to see Zakai leaning on the alleyway wall with the light behind him shadowing his front face.
Zakai: It was a nice distraction and good reach and even steal. [Mockingly Salutes Kai.] I salute, good sir.
Kai then runs before Zakai follows him into the darker part of the alley and Zakai immediately grabs him.
Kai: Let me go!
Zakai: I will when you come back home!
Kai: I don't have a home!
Zakai then stares at Kai before letting go and looks at him weird.
Kai: Aren't you going to take me back?
Zakai: I will when you tell me a truth. One real truth: Did your family die?
Kai: No. They threw me out... I survived by myself just fine. I don't need anyone else.
As Zakai couldn't help but see himself in him if it wasn't for Bolin and Mako he would be just like him going down this path.
Zakai: I can't change you immediately but you have a home. You have to trust me. Please.
Zakai offered his hand to Kai as he looks behind him in horror as he follows his gaze and it was Dia Li agents standing behind Zakai as he said this to Kai.
Zakai: Run!
Zakai quickly used his Airbending to distract the Dai Li as they blocked that air attack with their bending as Kai and Zakai run with the money in Kai's hands.
Zakai: Drop the money!
Kai: No! Who are they?!
Zakai: Dai Li Agents! Earth Queens Private Earth Bender police that do her will!
Kai: How do you know that?!
Zakai dragged him down the street and sees two Dai Li in front of him and behind him he then grabs the Money and throws it in the air.
Zakai: HEY! FREE MONEY!!!
Immediately everyone swarms to the ground knocking and getting in the way the Dai Li and Kai and Zakai run away.
They go down an Alley and then both are blocked by the Dai Li agents as Zakai ordered Kai to run.
Zakai: Kai go back to Korra she'll protect you! Don't stop for anything, just go I'll hold them off!
Kai: But we can–
Zakai: GO!!!
As Zakai Earthbends Kai over the door. Kai did what he was asked and ran. He didn't even wait he ran. Ran back to the Avatar like he was told to do until he hears footsteps as he found a barrel and hid in it. As few Dai Li agents ran past him as he was scared to leave until a Dai Li agent hand covers his face.
Back with Zakai he was fighting with two Dai Li agents as he crushed both their rock hands and earthbends to fissure at them. Then from behind he sees three Dai Li and then on the rooftop four and two got up and followed by a third. He was surrounded on all sides before he decided.
Zakai: Is that all? For what it's worth... it's not enough to handle me.
The Dai Li took that insulting as they all attacked him at the same time and suddenly he used his avatar state of his own as they were red and air blew out and the wind destroyed the Dia Li agents rock hand as the wind blew them away and ripped off parts of their clothes as the Wind was far more powerful than anything they ever felt.
All six Dai Li agents clothes were ripped as they were in extraordinary pain as they barely move and Zakai breathed in a few times before his eyes go back to normal seeing two Dai Li agents hold Kai.
Kai: Hey! Let me go! I didn't do anything! I'm with the Avatar!
Zakai: Kai!
Kai: Zakai! Help!
The Dai Li agents see the problem in front of them and see that all the Dai Li agents were delt with as their clothes were ripped to shreds.
Dai Li Agent: Go!
One does what he was told and takes Kai as Zakai charges after Kai in order to protect him. The Dai Li fired a rock gloves to stop Zakai as he simply punched it and the Dai Li was shocked that happened but before he could get his wits about him Zakai grab his head and slammed him into the ground leaving cracks on it as he moans in pain along with the others.
As Zakai runs after Kai he chases him into a crowd of people where they were blocking his vision of Kai in every direction. Zakai then started to hyperventilate in anger as he had lost the boy he was in charge of yelled in anger much to everyone surprise as he punched the ground multiple times before leaving huge cracks leaving a bloody knuckle fist behind before seeing the people around him scared of him but then more Dai Li showed up as he got even madder as they surrounded him.
Dai Li Agent #2: Dark Avatar Zakai. By order of the Queen you must come with us.
Zakai didn't even respond in fact it was just silence. The 12 Dai Li Agents were in battle stance to begin with, these secret police of the Earth Kingdom these Earth-Bender warriors sent to do the dirty work for their nation actually felt sweat coming from their foreheads as some felt anxious and breathed slowly as to not make a mistake for they feared it would be their last as they faced the Dark Avatar and he was in a very, very bad mood.
As Zakai closed his eyes he waited until someone had attacked first as the people decided to hide as they fear that they will be hurt.
Zakai then opens his eyes and shows the calm angered stare at one Dai Li and they felt fear, before they fired Rock gloves at Zakai and the rest followed. As he simply dodged all and land on the ground fist first and sent some rocky wave and took the Dai Li down before a few get back up and make fissures and Zakai dodged each of them before making headshots at a few Dai Li as the groan in pain. Zakai then grabs two water pitchers and used them as tentacles on his arms and grab a wooden table and throw it at a Dai li as he destroys it but it was a distraction as Zakai kneed him in the face in midair.
One by one the Dai Li were uncertain that they could handle the situation anymore as they were as to describe being destroyed by one angry monster in human form. The brutality, the lack of fear, the calmness of Zakai was that of a trained warrior who could easily topple a government if he wanted to. The Dai Li agents had no idea that someone like him existed until they found him.
As the remaining Dai Li looks at each other they did something they never thought would be true. They Ran. Using the Earthbending on the floor all the Dai Li agents were safe underground as Zakai stared at the destruction he caused and see the people fear in their eyes as Ba Sing Se cops blew their whistles Zakai immediately ran and went into hiding as the Cops arrived and saw the destruction that held before them.
Ba Sing Se Cop: What happened here?
Frightened Civilian: I-I saw what happened...
Elsewhere...
We see Zakai was now in hiding as he grabbed a dirty trench coat and a musty smelling Scarf and sits next to the trash as Ba Sing Se cops passed him by as Zakai needed to get back to Korra and explain his actions.
In the Palace
Hou-Ting: WHAT HAPPENED?!
As the Queen yelled at the Dai Li force that was there to only capture Kai and then a few more Dai Li that was looking over them and we have a total of 18 Dai Li Agents all of them looking worse for wear as they kneeled before their Queen barring the pain.
Hou-Ting: I sent you to find Airbenders in my city and when I hear the Dai Li actively out in the open fighting against a Air bender, will raise the Avatar suspicions! What do you have to say for yourself?!
Dai Li Agent#3: Your Majesty we were prepared to fight a Air-Bender but the other one wasn't a air Bender he was a Dark Avatar Zakai. He fought us like... like a monster. But we did capture one Air-Bender and we did get The Dark Avatars wallet with his likeness from the paper and photos in his wallet we can shift the blame onto him being back to Evil.
As the Queen stares at Zakai portrait of his friends together as he took it recently after the battle in the harmonic convergence and an older photo when he was younger we see Pesres and the mother as she was looking at her in anger before grasping the photo.
Hou-Ting: FIND HIM AND BRING HIM TO PRISON WHERE HE WILL NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY AGAIN!!!
She stares at Gun and points at him and he cowered before her.
Hou-Ting: YOU! Make sure you place a reward big enough to rival a Upper Level Mansion! He will not leave this city Alive! If he leaves this City someone will be severely punished.
The Dai Li leave albeit shortly and slowly as they were beaten by one Dark Avatar as Gun runs and did what was asked as he Runs as to hurry and do what he's been told.
Elsewhere
We see a rocky surface onto which Kai, who is now wearing different attire, is thrown. He glares at the two agents who have thrown him in. One of them starts to speak, as a bunch of people are seen sitting around the prison.
Dai Li agent #4: Welcome to Her Majesty's army, First Airbending Regiment. From now on, you live to fight for the Earth Queen.
As we cut back to Kai's anxious face it was in shock as, the light on which gets darker as the prison door closes.
A/N: Looks like this is shaping up to be a interesting outcome. I changed a few things here seeing how it is annoying of me to add everything but... I suppose it's better now than ever. Find us next time in: Harm's Way.