INT AYAME HOUSEHOLD, LIVING ROOM - DAY
Zura sits, staring at a closed, plain closet door with a padlock keeping it closed. Hanging from the doorknob is a sign reading "Don't open - I'll know!"
She sighs from her position, grumpily closing her eyes.
ZURA
(quietly)
How do I breach this stronghold?
KOTA (O.S.)
Why's this door open?!
Zura leans her head backwards to see Kota coming in with a stick in hand.
KOTA
(loudly)
I swear, if you're robbing this place, I've got my swinging muscles bulked-up defending - oh, hey Zee.
ZURA
Hey Kota, just me. C'mon in.
Kota tosses the branch back outside.
KOTA
Just...taking a rest on the floor?
ZURA
Staring at a problem until it fixes itself. You?
KOTA
I promised your sis I'd keep an eye on you and Mama Ayame. What's...?
She takes a step past Zura, staring at the locked closet.
KOTA
Did you lose a key?
ZURA
Mom has it, I'm not allowed in. But I need to get in, so how do I get in?
KOTA
Without your Mom knowing? This seems like a heist. Is this a heist? You shouldn't heist from your Mom.
ZURA
(sarcastically)
Oh, okay, thanks Kot-om. Or Mom-ta.
KOTA
Should I just turn around and pretend you're just working from home?
ZURA
I am working from home - if I don't get in there, I'll lose my job. I think.
KOTA
And asking your Mom to just open the door is...?
ZURA
(sighing)
You weren't here the last time Makami tried to make a statue out of family stash.
Kota looks away darkly, her eyes zooming out to a thousand yards.
KOTA
(darkly)
No, but I was there for the aftermath. I've never seen Makami dig so deeply into a tub of creamy juice.
She pokes the lock.
KOTA
I don't suppose you know any metal benders in town?
ZURA
Only Makami's friends.
KOTA
Picking the lock?
ZURA
It's magnetic, I think. Really specialized - she paid a lot for it.
Kota turns to Zura, a finger on her chin.
KOTA
(musing)
So we can't open the lock, can't wait, can't break the door...hm.
ZURA
I know, right?
KOTA
This is totally a heist, Zee.
Kota rolls up her business-casual sleeves.
KOTA
And I'm here for it! Get me the schematics for this door, and any tools you have around the house.
ZURA
Uh, schematics, sure.
SMASH CUT TO:
A FEW MOMENTS LATER
The small dinner table has barely anything on it after the time jump. There are two screwdrivers, a small wood saw, three loose bolts, and a ball of frayed string. In the middle of it all is a crayon-drawn picture of a door with arrows pointing to hinges as well as the lock.
KOTA (O.S.)
This is it? Isn't there a random tool bag hanging out in an attic?
ZURA
We don't have an attic.
Kota steps in, snatching up the screwdrivers and jamming them up her sleeves.
KOTA
Alright, then let's get into the nitty-gritty-door-y-plan-y.
ZURA
It's already got a name-
KOTA
Not important!
MONTAGE BEGIN
- Shown in a dark color palette with yellow outlines and in a sharper art style, Zura descends from above to face the door with only the screwdrivers in hand.
KOTA (V.O.)
You'll descend to the door hinges with the screwdrivers. We'll have to use one like a slammer.
- The scene changes with Kota slinking in, looking like a beautiful, mysterious mystery novel heroine. She hoists the door off its hinges.
KOTA (V.O.)
Then, I'll come in to use my superior bat-swinging muscles to swing the door off the hinges.
- Finally, Zura's avatar holds up the box of memories, it shining like a holy grail.
KOTA (V.O.)
You grab the thing, we put the door back, and greet your Mom with nothing but love and a fully-intact door.
Returning to the table, Zura looks unsure, but Kota is head-first into the idea.
KOTA
(deep voiced)
Let's crack this egg.
ZURA
Yeah, let's...do that.
BAKI (O.S.)
(shouting)
Thanks for the ride!
Kota and Zura go cold, spinning in place - one to the door and the other to the conspicuous table.
ZURA
(whispering)
She is going to freak!
KOTA
(quickly)
Super freak!
With that proclamation, Kota shoves the drawing, the bolts, and the string down the garbage disposal, flipping the switch up and down to a clanking symphony.
KOTA
C'mon - c'mon!
BAKI (O.S.)
Why is this door open!?
Kota spins with Zura, both looking uncomfortably rigid as Baki comes in with to-go bags in hand.
BAKI
Zura, just tell me if we've been-
ZURA
(quickly)
Nope, nothing stolen!
KOTA
(quickly)
Or out of place.
ZURA
(quickly)
Or heisted!
BAKI
Hrm, well, what brings you by, Kota?
KOTA
Couldn't think of a better way to spend my only free night this week than to check in on those kooky Ayames.
ZURA
Why are you home early, Mom?
BAKI
(eyes rolling)
Ugh, long story - let's dig into the best take-out the coupons I had in my purse could buy and I'll tell you the whole story. Kota, hope you like rice pudding.
KOTA
Boy, do I!
Zura and Kota grab a chair, looking to one another once before glancing to the door.
BAKI (O.S.)
So, I was serving two biker guys - this really cute pair with matching nose rings that interlocked with one another...
The girls lock eyes again, Zura pleading with Kota with nothing but her gaze.
BAKI (O.S.)
-and then tried to tell me 'that's not how you make a yakisoba plate', and I said-
KOTA
Hey, Momma Ayame, don't suppose you have any rice juice hanging around do you?
BAKI
(smiling)
You mean my favorite winter drink? You don't have to ask me twice.
ZURA
(grumbling)
It's the middle of the year.
KOTA
(whispering)
Change of plan, go with it.
Baki pops a pair of long, skinny bottles with her thumbs.
CUT TO:
INT HEART CHAKRA CHAMBER, MAKAMI'S ROOM - DAY
The glob soaks itself into the short blue carpet in the foreground as the ceiling to Makami's room opens, the slide extending downward. The room itself is utterly plastered with pictures of Voso against pink and red backgrounds. Sunlight pours through the open window.
Makami and Raava land on the carpet, she taking only a few seconds to catch her head in her hands.
MAKAMI
(groaning)
Oh, this is the most embarrassing...
RAAVA
(echoing)
Voso seems to have a permanent place in your heart chakra.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
Yes, thank you, Raava.
She looks around for the creature while Raava turns, floating closely to one of the larger pictures of Voso with several marshmallows in his younger mouth.
MAKAMI
Let's just find the way out of here before anything else mortifying happens.
She stops, seeing that the door is the type belonging to a bank vault.
RAAVA
(echoing)
Why are the others not here?
MAKAMI
The others? Oh, you mean the other Avatars that shunned me - those others? Behind that very sturdy door, I bet.
RAAVA
(echoing)
Oh, no, wait, found them.
Makami turns to see Raava peering out the window, walking over. The two of them study as the window overlooks a field of laid-out couples, trios, and groups with Avatars in the middle, each with those that they love.
MAKAMI
Well, at least it's not my face on them anymore. Psh, look at Kuruk.
She points towards the boisterous water bender, who is wooing and wowing several women - and a few men - all at once.
MAKAMI
What a show off.
RAAVA
(echoing)
He always loved the grand attention of others.
MAKAMI
But what about Ummi?
Raava groans, Makami seeing the dark spots on their skin growing.
RAAVA
(echoing)
The heart chakra cannot be tainted with the pain of loss if you're the Avatar. Ummi's love comes with heartbreak, thus he represses it from this chakra.
Makami turns back out the window sadly, watching Aang with Katara just next to Korra and Asami.
She then backs away from the window, turning into the room to stare at the pictures of Voso.
MAKAMI
(sadly)
He's not here, huh?
RAAVA
(echoing)
Makami, don't-
MAKAMI
(sadly)
Even in my heart of hearts, I can't find any time to see Voso.
The posters on the wall begin to decay, turning to dust.
RAAVA
(echoing)
No, Makami, don't lose who you are!
MAKAMI
(sadly)
Maybe I should pull down the blinds, lock the door...
Raava groans while the dust creates a wall of hands, all reaching for the window and Makami.
MAKAMI
Maybe I'll just be alone forever.
Raava illuminates suddenly enough to shock Makami out of her stupor. The hands shatter back to the walls.
MAKAMI
(quietly)
I'm...I don't know what that was. Thank you, Raava.
RAAVA
(weakly)
It's fear, Makami. That is why you must be careful here.
Raava shrinks in size even further.
RAAVA
(weakly)
You must...always remember what drives you. What you love and what you'll do to see them just once more.
MAKAMI
I didn't know you knew about love, Raava?
RAAVA
(weakly)
I know only through your eyes. It is what drew me to Juan, and what draws me to you, Makami.
Makami looks down for a moment, then over to the vault door.
There is a soft tap from the other side.
VOSO (O.S.)
(muffled)
Makami? Are you coming out? I miss you.
She smiles to Raava before they both move over to the door.
MAKAMI
(loudly)
Move out of the way, V. I'm coming out.
The heavy latches echo against relieved metal. The wheel spins in her hand, and Raava floats closely behind into another beam of bright light.
CUT TO:
INT AYAME HOUSEHOLD, LIVING ROOM - MIDDAY
The new plan has gone off the rails. Zura eyes the door still while Kota and Baki, the latter with blushing cheeks, toss slices of sashimi into one another's mouths.
Kota tosses a slab of thin fish into Baki's mouth from across the table, both women celebrating.
BAKI
(slurring)
Nice, nice! Now you, you drink!
KOTA
Heck yeah!
As Baki turns to wipe her mouth, Kota tosses the drink behind her into the sink. It gurgles with the fluid, the drain still clogged with the dissolving evidence.
BAKI
(slurring)
That sink - ugh, Zura, when are those prickle-pusses coming back to finish the kitchen?
ZURA
(mumbling)
Not sure, Mom.
BAKI
(slurring)
Well, well, well-y well, little do they know that my two daughters...are...are...
Kota and Zura lean forward, waiting for Baki to finish as her eyes flitter.
BAKI
(regretful)
I'm sorry, I'm just so comfortable in this chair right now.
KOTA
Zee, why don't you help your mom upstairs.
BAKI
(slurring)
No, I want the chair!
KOTA
And...bring her chair too.
Zura glares at Kota.
KOTA
(forcefully)
I'll stay here and clean up.
ZURA
(rolling her eyes)
Alright, Mom, c'mon. Let's tuck your chair into bed.
Zura moves over with Baki in repose, trying to lift the chair a few times to no avail. She finally just resorts to dragging the chair across the floor.
BAKI
(slurring)
On Wong, on Shang, on Blitzen, and Blaine!
Zura thumps up one step at a time while Kota waves.
KOTA
Yes, happy holidays.
She stands up, craning her neck for another moment before springing to the closet door.
KOTA
(loudly)
Why don't you turn on her favorite show up there!
BAKI (O.S.)
(slurring)
Prawn Stars! I never get to see them live!
Kota slides into stealth mode, producing the screwdrivers from her sleeves.
ZURA (O.S.)
Yeah, Mom, here's your show.
The theme to Prawn Stars plays in earnest with a few trumpet-laden bars. Kota hammers one screwdriver into another to the theme, hitting upon each of the loud bursts.
One hinge pops off.
KOTA
(quietly)
Jackpot.
CUT TO:
INT BAKI'S BEDROOM - MIDDAY
Zura, finally getting her mother out of her chair, has her in bed. Around the room are pictures of Zura and Makami, including one of the whole family in old-western style clothing holding various odd weapons. The light of the television floods from the left.
ZURA
Alright, comfy?
BAKI
(slurring)
It's the middle of the day, Zura, and I'm in bed - Zura! This is...this is great. Now I know why you sleep...why you sleep so much.
ZURA
I know, right?
BAKI
(slurring)
Kin's not...she didn't see me like this, right?
ZURA
I don't think so.
BAKI
(slurring)
And your sister? Did Makami stop by?
ZURA
Fat chance.
BAKI
(slurring)
You hush - she is the queen of the entire world! How come...why don't you look up to her anymore?
Zura stands from the bedside.
BAKI
(slurring)
Do you 'member when you two would plot and scheme together? You loved getting in trouble with her.
ZURA
Yeah, I did.
BAKI
(slurring)
Then...then give her a call, alright? She-I don't judge you for loving who you love, Zee.
ZURA
Uh, what?
BAKI
(slurring)
When you...when she gets back from the war, you and her should e-rope. Elope-y - whatever.
ZURA
Okay, Mom, you're confused and I'm mortified.
She turns to leave.
BAKI
(slurring)
Just love who you love, Za-kami. Be love's vengeance!
ZURA
O-okay preacher mom...
CUT TO:
INT AYAME HOUSEHOLD, LIVING ROOM
Zura jumps down the stairs to see Kota holding the door open from the hinges.
KOTA
(grunting)
Get whatever you need out of there before the Mom Cops catch us.
ZURA
Why are you so into this?
KOTA
(grunting)
Questions after I put down the heavy door!
Zura moves towards the closet, looking at a very organized set of craft boxes and pictures hanging from strings. Zura moves away some of the boxes marked 'Zura', 'Makami', and 'Dream Bucket'.
ZURA
Where is it?
KOTA
(grunting)
If you could go faster, my muscles may not be as strong as I thought.
She leans over the last few boxes, seeing a shrine made out of carved clay pictures inside of a diorama. The materials are of their living room and the statues are of Baki, Zura, and Makami - the latter two playing tug-of-war in front of their relaxing mother.
In the back of the diorama rests what Zura has been looking for. She carefully removes it, popping back out of the closet with a smile.
ZURA
Got it!
KOTA
(groaning)
My hero - move!
Kota starts inching the door back into place.
KOTA
What is that anyways?
ZURA
It's...dumb, don't worry about it.
She slides the hinges back into place, turning to eye Zura.
KOTA
Don't be dodgy, tell me. Secret plans for world combination?
ZURA
Just an assignment from primary school where I had to write about something precious to me. I chose Makami.
KOTA
(suspiciously)
And...you're going to do what with that, exactly?
The two make eye contact for a long moment until Kota sighs.
KOTA
Look, whatever it is, just remember that your sister loves you-
ZURA
Psh, yeah, okay-
KOTA
-and your mother loves you both. You'd be selling her memories of you both too.
ZURA
(sadly)
Yeah, but...what about making my memories?
KOTA
I feel like you could do both without hurting your Mom.
Zura takes the pages in both hands, preparing to tear them in half.
BAKI (O.S.)
Zura, what's that smell? Did someone open the memory closet?!
Kota and Zura lose their color together, meeting eyes.
KOTA
(whispering)
The fuzz are here in three seconds - choose good or choose death by mom!
ZURA
(quickly)
Good, good, good!