EXT VARRICK WORLD - SPIRIT WORLD
A group of small children sit very politely before a woman in a safari outfit and hat. She wears a thick glove as if for an eagle, standing inside of an animal pit where small spirits are happily being pet by other keepers.
ANIMAL KEEPER
Alright, children, we're going to try to summon the dreaded Sky Croaker!
CHILDREN
(together)
OOoOOOOOOoOOOOOOOOoOOOooOHHH!
ANIMAL KEEPER
We're all going to have to work together to summon him. Everyone ready? Repeat after me...
Her eyes travel up and widen before she flails in panic.
ANIMAL KEEPER
(shouting)
DIVE FOR YOUR LIVES!
She lunges out of the way while Forneus' massive shadow passes over them all, sending a strong breeze through.
CHILDREN
(together)
DIVE FOR YOUR LIVES!
The children all fall down as the Sky Croaker - a spirit frog with multiple rows of tiny wings on its back - lands on a post and gives an unusually harmonious croak.
EXT REPUBLIC CITY SPIRIT WORLD GATE - CONTINUOUS
The gate glows brightly just a moment before Forneus bursts through, taking out a few erected signs and barriers for "The Greatest Show Not On This Planet".
The spirit levels one of its wings with a tall building to allow Voso and the awakened people to step off, all of them clearly shaken. Makami meets him at the edge of the wing.
MAKAMI
You've got them?
VOSO
I'll get the scientists to safety then warn the President while I'm here. You need to get to as many of the others as possible.
MAKAMI
I'll head to the Air Nation next.
VOSO
Good, but hurry. The leaders are due for a meeting in Capital City.
MAKAMI
How do you...?
She spins around to see a giant billboard of Kouichi winking next to a message "World Leaders - See You Today, XO, K-Man."
VOSO
(shrugging)
I never knew just how awkward that man was until I started working for him.
MAKAMI
Okay, let's just meet in Capital City after I visit everywhere else.
VOSO
That's pretty much always our plan, isn't it?
MAKAMI
(chuckling)
It really shouldn't be this complicated.
VOSO
I know.
He backs away with a pained expression.
VOSO
Be careful, Ami.
MAKAMI
You too, V. I love you.
VOSO
And I you.
He moves to help the scientists down a stairwell as she marches back to Forneus' head.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Let's go, Forneus.
The creature takes off with an animalistic moan into the early day, soaring above the amazing city.
EXT REPUBLIC CITY SIDE STREET - CONTINUOUS
The scientists are hugging and taking breathers as Voso emerges from a nearby building. He scans around for a moment before letting out a heavy breath and putting his hands on his knees.
He looks over to the group.
VOSO
Everyone thirsty? Hungry?
The group nods together with Pi-Ran shambling up to Voso.
PI-RAN
Young man, where are we now?
VOSO
Republic City, Pi-Ran.
PI-RAN
(surprised)
You know me?
VOSO
I...thought I did. What's the last thing you remember?
PI-RAN
(struggling)
I remember...I was writing a speech. My friend...my friend Fuu-Ki was helping me.
VOSO
(whispering)
Fuu-Ki? You...are you sure?
PI-RAN
Of course. Fuu-ki was one of my dear friends...please.
Pi-Ran gently grabs at Voso's torn sleeve.
PI-RAN
Please tell me nothing has happened to him?
VOSO
No, no, Fuu-Ki is alive and well.
A flash - a crack in the mask - showed disappointment in Pi-Ran's eyes.
PI-RAN
(sighing)
That's fantastic news...oh!
(whispering)
I'm sure you have another name and I don't need to know it, but please tell him I'm ready to come back as Sui-Ki whenever he needs me to. Before anything...final happens, of course.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
My friend, you have returned.
Voso pats Pi-Ran gently on the shoulder, sending him back to the group while Voso wanders towards the opening of the alley.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
The Avatar did not fail us after all.
VOSO
(whispering)
No, she got me out. We were in the Spirit World learning.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
My relief is overwhelming. And your mission?
VOSO
(whispering)
What we learned about was very interesting, Fuu-Ki. Something called Ananta Shesha.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
This is not the time for complications, Sui-Ki.
VOSO
(harsh whispering)
You were using us, weren't you? To unleash some sort of doomsday.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
We cannot waste time on this bickering.
VOSO
(whispering)
My mission is complete, I have all of the scientists here now, but there are copies of them as spirits in the world as well, including Pi-Ran. The real version of Pi-Ran doesn't remember anything of the last few years, so we've been chasing a spirit - a lot of spirits.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
A troublesome enemy indeed. Who would send such a foe?
VOSO
(whispering)
The same spirit that told me about your little deal, Nandaka. He's trying to stop your all-destroying ally from awakening.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Nandaka...I've heard the name but know little else. Regardless of what explanations I owe you, we must undo this spiritual invasion and secure the scientists. I've sent your underlings to your location. They will take them the rest of the way safely.
VOSO
(whispering)
And the spirits?
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
The Avatar may be our best resource for their disposal.
VOSO
(whispering)
I'll help her.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Can you, Sui-Ki? Can you rend a spirit to naught but ribbons? Could you live with cold death staining your soul?
VOSO
(quickly)
I'll do what it takes, Fuu-Ki. Then, you and I are finished.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
One disaster at a time, Sui-Ki. Head straight to Capital City. The President of Republic City has already departed for the meeting.
He sees Kozan, Yasuhiro, and Ju-Fen coming with coolers in their arms.
VOSO
(smirking)
Miss me?
All three of them shrug and nod unconvincingly.
VOSO
(whispering)
And how, exactly, did the other scientists escape from you three?
Voso cocks an eyebrow before turning to the scientists.
VOSO
Okay, everyone - dig in and listen up, please!
CUT TO:
INT GRAND MASTER MEELO'S QUARTERS - DAY
Meelo meditates upon a round pillow atop a small platform. Several candles are alight around him with calm rays of sunshine peering in through small windows. A faint smile plays across his plump face.
The sounds of his door opening fill the chamber and the candles are blown out.
GRAND MASTER MEELO
(grunting)
Yes?
He opens his eyes as a deep growling fills the chamber.
CUT TO:
EXT AIR NATION OUTSKIRTS - DAY.
Makami flies in on the tail of Forneus, letting go above the oculus into the center of the Master's chamber.
INT AIR MASTER MEETING CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS
She rolls as she lands, popping up quickly.
MAKAMI
(shouting)
Meelo? Paya?
Meelo's door slams outward with one of the amalgams catapulting near Makami's feet. She jumps back as one of the four mouths snap at her ankle. Meelo lands with his twirling staff, ready for battle.
GRAND MASTER MEELO
Makami, glad to see you. Are you here for this creature?
MAKAMI
Sure am. How many scientists came here from the Earth Kingdom?
GRAND MASTER MEELO
Two...the other went with Paya to Capital City.
The monster snaps in both directions at once, splitting its body into a pair of spider-like abominations with crab pincers attached to long, thin arms on either side of their heads.
One pushes towards Meelo, who juggles it in the air before slamming it into a pillar.
The other moves with Makami, snapping at her ankles as she darts backwards into a pillar.
MAKAMI
C'mon!
It lunges again as she leaps up, hooking her legs on a low bronze sconce. The creature jams its claws into the stone pillar, holding it still for Makami to begin bending.
She uses water from two nearby basins to wrap in white streams around the creature and dissipate it from the human realm.
GRAND MASTER MEELO
(grunting)
Don't forget this one, please!
She leans up to see Meelo on the ground, holding the creature at bay with his staff as it gnaws on the wood. She swings her body and the water, swirling it tightly around the creature as it dissipates in the same way as the first.
GRAND MASTER MEELO
(panting)
Ah...ah, this takes me back.
Makami carefully comes down from the fixture as Meelo stands gingerly.
MAKAMI
The other one is with Paya?
GRAND MASTER MEELO
Yes.
MAKAMI
Can you call your delegation and warn them? I have to get to the other nations.
GRAND MASTER MEELO
Yes...yes, I'll do that now. Thank you, Avatar Makami.
She nods and whistles up into the opening for Forneus.
GRAND MASTER MEELO
Makami, your friends went after Pi-Ran already. They haven't come back since.
MAKAMI
I'll check on them, but I wouldn't worry.
Forneus' tail lowers into the chamber from above.
MAKAMI
They can take care of themselves. Stay safe, Meelo!
She leaves through the oculus while Meelo places his hand on his heart.
GRAND MASTER MEELO
(mumbling)
You as well, Avatar.
CUT TO:
INT EARTH KINGDOM JAIL
Abe is in the foreground, leaning over heavily on the bars. Shii is in the background wrapping Alrund's wrist while Toyo leans away from everyone in the back corner.
The cell itself is made of platinum and wood with a conspicuous hole in the center of the floor.
ABE
(shouting)
Guards, if you think for one second that I'm using that bathroom hole in the floor, you are ALL insane!
SHII
Abe, could you get us out of here instead of leaving bad customer reviews?
They turns back to the group.
ABE
(annoyed)
With what, my sweat? Nothing's moving in here besides that.
SHII
(excitedly)
Actually, yeah, why don't you use your sweat to cut the bars?
TOYO
(monotone)
Cutting through platinum with sweat...now why does that sound impossible?
SHII
Okay, then what about the floor...?
Everyone glances disgustedly towards the hole in the center. An animal's belch echoes from the horrendous well.
ABE
Yeah, no way.
(to Al)
What about you? Any ideas?
They nod towards Alrund, who is spaced-out and bruised. She glances to Shii and Abe.
ALRUND
(softly)
Call the Avatar. There's no way out from the inside.
TOYO
(scoffing)
Yeah, right.
Toyo walks over to the door, reaching out from the bars.
ALRUND
I helped create these cells. The ceiling is lined with platinum, the bars conduct electricity if they bend too much. There is no way out.
TOYO
Well, why doesn't someone pull out their portable talking-phone to call up Makami then, huh? Some sort of cordless monstrosity that allows you to call people anywhere at any time!
He has a small earthen spike in the lock with a small coil of metal.
SHII
You said you designed these, Alrund?
ALRUND
(softly)
Yes, when I worked...with my sister, Inca. I was her right-hand.
ABE
(slowly)
Wait...oh, you're the-
SHII
(quickly)
The newest member of our team, whose past we accept.
He smiles to her.
SHII
No matter what happened.
TOYO
(mumbling)
Of course you do...
The metal piece echoes as he throws it away.
TOYO
(voice rising)
You two never hold a grudge - would never, ever, in a million years think about excluding someone from your little group. You always go off of Makami's word, right?
He turns, his eyes full of pain.
TOYO
(angrily)
Tell me I'm wrong, go ahead. Tell me how much more pure she is compared to me for saving your lives!
ABE
(angrily)
What did you expect to happen? You hide under some fancy hat and some vague responsibilities. Where were you when we needed someone to train Makami? When I needed a friend?
TOYO
(hissing)
I was off saving the world while you were teaching her to stir soup with a finger!
SHII
We don't trust you, Toyo. All those advancements, secret assignments, coincidences...I was happy when you decided not to help any longer. Relieved, really.
TOYO
(simmering)
That's it, then? Jealousy from a man that's lived two lives and a fake water bender I fished out of the underbelly of a water park?
He levels his eyes with Alrund, who stares back without emotion.
TOYO
I won't keep the company of fools.
He turns and slams his fists forward, rumbling the entire cage with a massive slam of rock against the bars from the outside.
ABE
(shouting)
What are you doing, Toyo!?
He rips back his hands, bringing a pillar of rock into the back of the cell with clattering force.
TOYO
Getting out.
He repeats this over and over, bending the bars little by little. With another rip forward, the bars finally give way enough for a small space to open.
Toyo pushes back the rock while the other three recover.
TOYO
Yeah. Real escape-proof design.
He lifts himself up and slides through the gap.
ABE
Hey, Toyo!
ALRUND
Let him go.
Toyo walks through the wide chamber towards the staircase.
ALRUND
You can't reach someone that wants to run away.
He pauses on the stair for only a second before disappearing up and away.
CUT TO:
INT NANDAKA'S CHAMBER - SPIRIT WORLD
Back at the edge of existence itself, Nandaka remains still with its light glowing lowly.
Suddenly, the chamber is rocked from the outside, bringing Nandaka's white light through the plain face brighter.
NANDAKA
(all voice echoing)
This cannot be!
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
You must be Nandaka.
NANDAKA
(anxious)
Show yourself, slave of Ananta Shesha!
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
I thought you would stay in place with my spirit army on your doorstep, yet you still overstep your bounds.
The rumble increases.
NANDAKA
(angrily echoing)
You cannot overpower me!
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
I can as long as I wield the energy of Ananta Shesha.
A bright red leg of a reptile slams through the dome from above, the claws digging into the tentacles.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
You will call your spirit posing as Pi-Ran to the location I desire if you want to keep your precious freedom. Then, you will untether yourself from the human world completely. Is that understood?
The light from the face holds at a steady, unchanging brightness.
CUT TO:
INT NORTHERN WATER TRIBE PALACE - DAY
Makami whips another amalgam into the ground, this one looking like a snake with the eyes and wings of a fly. She freezes it before using white light to purify them into oblivion.
The terrified office workers all around give her only a high-screech from the back of their throats as thanks.
MAKAMI
Brindauk has already left, right?
As someone falls over in shock, another person nods their head.
MAKAMI
Have them clear the tube - I need to use it!
She spins and skates out on the ice.
EXT NORTHERN WATER TRIBE COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS
Makami works her way atop any icy surface she can, sliding downwards towards the great tunnel. Forneus is overhead, following her.
MAKAMI
(shouting)
Meet me at the Southern Metropolis, Forneus!
She skates past a pair of sour-looking guards.
GUARD 1
You know, the Northern Metropolis is pretty great too!
MAKAMI
Whatever you say!
She slides on her legs, bending backwards near to the ground to slide beneath a railing and into the massive elevator shaft.
INT THE GREAT UNDERWATER TUNNEL - CONTINUOUS
She waits for the platform to completely descend, finally able to see the bottom.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
C'mon, propulsion, warm-up.
As the platform clicks into place, the bubbling whine of a hydro generator in the back obeys.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Brakes release...
A loud clank obeys again. The platform jolts forward slowly.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Clutch the track in three...two...one.
The gear catches and the speed picks up immediately. Inside of the tube, she can see the complete ocean and its wildlife. Massive fish swim around on either side while above shows the rudders of small schooners and large frigates. She observes it all with her back heel tapping in time with the passing of the overhead lights.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Forty-two...forty-three...forty-four...
By time she counts to fifty, a pleasant noise indicates her arrival.
INTERCOM (O.S.)
(indistinguishable)
Belbome tru'da 'Outh'roplis.
Makami looks up the shaft as it rises and rotates into place, curling her fists in preparedness.
MAKAMI
(sighing)
Fine, be impatient!
She spins a blast of air beneath her, launching up into the sunlight.
EXT SOUTHERN METROPOLIS CITY CENTER - CONTINUOUS
Makami bursts up into the air as the abomination, flittering around like a bat with the legs of a kangaroo, crashes through a ceiling with someone in their front pouch. They scream in fear while Makami floats closer atop her tornado.
MAKAMI
(shouting)
Hold tight!
Three bursts of fire come from Makami's fists. The creature dodges two of them, but the third knocks its face. Makami falls with it to the near-by tall roof of melting ice.
MAKAMI
Whoa...easy.
The creature cries out loudly, causing her to cover her ears for a moment before bending the pure white around it.
The creature gone, the young man stands up with rubbery legs.
MAKAMI
You alright?
The man simply passes out at Makami's feet.
CUT TO:
EXT EARTH KINGDOM FIELD - NOON
The screech of the creature reaches all the way here where, after the dust splits, Pi-Ran wanders and listens to the echo. He pulls back his hood, looking shocked into the air.
PI-RAN
(quietly)
It can't be...
(shouting)
You told me they wouldn't be involved! Why is the Avatar still here!? Answer me!
Pi-Ran snorts in frustration, turning back towards the dust and rock.
PI-RAN
(growling)
Alone again, robbed again...where is it?
His foot clangs against a metal panel hidden beneath the dirt.
ZURA (O.S.)
(echoing)
Hello? Is someone there!?
He lifts up a chain that runs tangentially to the panel, following it to a smaller panel that he lifts out of the dirt.
CUT TO:
INT SECRET SILO
Zura stands in the center of the same cell where we saw Shii and Kota in the first season. Her fingers play with some dust as it trickles down. Around the floor are spent plates and a half-painted sign for help.
In the background is nothing but shadows.
ZURA
(shouting)
Please - I'm pretty stuck down here!
The lights clank on in the background to blinding results. While Zura recovers, we see an observation room complete with a secondary cage that has a bent hole in some of the bars. Around the bent-out metal are torn pieces of fabric and a broken clipboard.
ZURA
(mumbling)
Who's there?
PI-RAN (O.S.)
Are you uncomfortable, child? Are you thirsty? And hungry? Perhaps wishing for an army to rain down to save you?
The outer gate opens with a horrendous squeak. Pi-Ran steps out with his eyes gazing up at the lights.
PI-RAN
That's by design. Every single scrap of metal is where it's meant to be. Even the spaces in the bar are meant to give you hope - space to imagine an effortless existence again. Or for the very first time.
ZURA
What are you talking about coo-coo berry!? Let me out of here!
PI-RAN
I don't know how.
ZURA
(angrily)
If you put me in here then you can get me out!
PI-RAN
I didn't.
A door slams shut in the shadows upstairs, followed by a swift lock.
PI-RAN
(voice rising)
Fuu-KI? Is that you pulling these strings? Come out! Face me!
ZURA
(grumbling)
What in the world is going on?
PI-RAN
I'm here following a taunt from Fuu-Ki - I thought he wanted to settle this in person. You are locked in here because he wants you to be. You and I are bait.
Zura drops down to hug her knees.
ZURA
(sadly)
Bait for who? I don't even...
She sits back angrily.
ZURA
It's my stupid sister.
PI-RAN
Sister?
ZURA
(scoffing)
Oh, like you don't know. She's the Avatar!
Pi-Ran turns away slowly, letting his eyes drift down and widen darkly.
PI-RAN
(quietly)
So, that's your plan, Fuu-Ki?
He turns up with anger in his eyes.
PI-RAN
(shouting)
You haven't changed at all! A heart so black somehow got blacker!
He runs through the gate and up into the control booth while Zura angrily stares into the ground.