INT ROOM ONE-TWO-TWO-ONE
Makami, looking rested, helps Voso stand. He is still in his hospital gown while she looks ready for an adventure in full gear.
MAKAMI
(struggling)
Okay...okay, just-
He slips back down to the bed with a grunt.
MAKAMI
(sighing)
I don't understand what's happening. You didn't have any weakness in your legs until recently.
VOSO
(ragged)
It comes and goes. The doctors think it's heavy metal poisoning, but they can't find a metal bender.
MAKAMI
(exacerbated)
If only we knew one who is also a close personal friend and overall decent guy!?
VOSO
(coughing)
Do-don't make me laugh. He's coming by today.
He takes her hands as she sits down beside him on the bed.
MAKAMI
I just need someone I can trust to deal with Fuu-Ki's lackies while I go to the Southern Metropolis. Abe and Kota are game, but Shii's still having trouble. Adachi's out, but I'd really rather him be on house rest until he kicks the cane.
VOSO
(ragged)
I'll watch over Shii until I get out of here, then we'll both help Abe and Kota.
MAKAMI
You focus on getting back to full strength first. It's not like I have any idea what these Sui-Ki and Kin-Ki people look like anyways.
VOSO
(ragged)
Isn't that why you're going south?
MAKAMI
Sort of. I need to find Pi-Ran to see if he knows anything else and protect him from Fuu-Ki.
VOSO
(ragged)
By yourself? What happens if there's danger?
MAKAMI
Then I'll go Avatar mode and hang him upside down by his baby toes until he spills the info.
There is an awkward pause.
MAKAMI
That was a joke.
VOSO
(ragged)
Top notch.
She rolls her eyes and kisses him on the forehead sweetly.
MAKAMI
Glad your high standards don't have metal poisoning.
She stands up and makes for the door, spinning before she reaches it.
VOSO
(growling)
Hey, remember that note I gave you forever ago?
MAKAMI
Yeah...yes, I think so.
VOSO
(ragged)
You don't sound like you have it on you, huh?
MAKAMI
Nope, and no take-back-sies anyways. I'll judge the content based on its own merits.
She smiles sweetly at him while he can only muster a smirk. Now alone in the room, Voso looks down and wrings his fingers together. He stands without any issue and walks over to the window, peering out before he pulls the blinds closed.
A knock comes, sending him flying back to his bed. The covers settle before the door squeaks open.
VOSO
(ragged)
Come in.
A nurse jabs her hip into the door to open it, walking backwards with Shii in a wheelchair and an oxygen mask. He's smiling widely from behind it.
VOSO
(ragged)
Who's this handsome demon, huh?
NURSE
(happily)
He just had to come in to say hi. I'll leave you two alone for a little.
As she exits, Shii takes his mask off with force, leaning closer to Voso.
SHII
(whispering)
Do you have any warm socks? I think he's stealing mine and replacing them with paper bags.
Voso points to the top drawer.
VOSO
(ragged)
Help yourself. How are you otherwise?
SHII
Oh, I'm a coughing mess. They brought in some water healer - calls himself Chet.
Shii puts the socks on either of his hands, sighing back in relief.
SHII
(soothingly)
Soooo warm.
His coughing starts again, his socked hand bringing the mask back up to his face.
Voso watches him recover.
SHII
(inhaling sharply)
You and I...need a holiday.
VOSO
(chuckling)
Yes, we do. Where to?
SHII
(muffled)
Somewhere with very thin air for me.
VOSO
(ragged)
Maybe that tunnel under the ocean?
SHII
(muffled)
I've always...wanted to learn how to fish.
CUT TO:
EXT MAKAMI'S COMPOUND
The unmistakable sheen of a gold-plated front grill shines beneath sunrays. Abe's head pops up looking tired above a very fluffy-looking robe. Alrund and Toyo stand in the background with Kota, who looks very satisfied with herself.
ABE
The newest, top-of-the-line air intake, water-infused fuel system that offers the rider ease of mind behind the wheel and in their wallet.
Their hand runs sensually along the blue hood.
ABE
(excited)
Cobalt blue paint, sealed to resist extreme heat and the toughest water bender.
Coming to the window, they knock on the passenger side twice.
ABE
(ecstatic)
Glass tough enough to withstand the business end of a stampede, baby!
They twirl around, landing with hands out to the side facing the group.
ABE
And all I had to do was get famous to get one!
ALRUND
It's an impressive eye-sore.
TOYO
Where'd you pick this up?
ABE
Nowhere - someone sent it to me.
Abe hands Toyo the card, the small envelope made of a thin tissue paper.
ABE
Some anonymous soul that wants naught but to sleep well at night knowing I will take the utmost care of this magnificent stag.
Toyo opens the card as Al and Kota lean closer.
TOYO
(mumbling)
"For everything." Hm.
He looks to Al first, who shrugs her shoulders.
ALRUND
(whispering)
Like I'd even know what to buy. I can't tell a water wiper from a tooth-scrapper.
KOTA
Wait, water-powered? That's a new one to me.
ABE
It's the newest thing! Why worry about where your next fill up is when you can just grab a bottle of water and presto!
They produce a key fob and click a button to retract the cloth roof into the trunk. It's replaced by a pair of aggressive thrusters on the back for even more speedy potential.
ABE
(nodding)
Huh? Heh? Isn't it great?
KOTA
We're happy you're happy, Abe.
A car pulls up with Makami and Zura stepping out - Zura from the driver's seat and Makami looking a little dizzy.
ZURA
Oh you are such a baby.
MAKAMI
(woozily)
I love my equilibrium intact, thank you.
Makami hugs Kota, then Abe while Zura starts giving out high-fives.
Abe picks up Makami and swirls her in the air.
ABE
(excitedly)
Thank you thank you thank you!
MAKAMI
(dizzily)
For what!?
He puts her down and she immediately tumbles into Toyo's arms. He helps her back up with an awkward smile.
TOYO
For the new car.
MAKAMI
(grumbling)
I'm going to be sick...
ZURA
(coyly)
Hey, Abe.
Abe flinches away from her hand as it jolts up for a high-five. Kota catches them by the shoulders.
KOTA
(quickly)
I think Abe was just getting ready for a test drive of their new toy - who wants in?
Al comforts Zura while moving the towards the car. Abe recovers well enough, circling around to the driver's seat.
Makami recovers much the same, holding onto Toyo's arm for stability.
TOYO
Haven't you been twirling through the air?
MAKAMI
When I expected to be, not when Zura was ramping over some fruit vendor in a crosswalk.
He laughs as she straightens.
MAKAMI
She can give you a ride to the hospital if you need one.
TOYO
(chuckling)
After she crashes me into a wall?
MAKAMI
(chuckling)
No, so you can go help Voso.
TOYO
Oh...oh yeah, that little task.
He wipes across his lips to recover his composure.
TOYO
Say, I heard you're going to fulfill your own little task?
MAKAMI
Yeah, I'm leaving in a few minutes. Have to move while the trail is warm.
TOYO
You know, all I'd be doing here is worrying and helping Al with paperwork - nothing I can't skip to come along?
MAKAMI
(hesitantly)
I...I don't know.
TOYO
C'mon, don't tell me you're worried about little ol' us getting hurt?
MAKAMI
How can I not be?
He puts his arm around her shoulder, scrunching them together.
TOYO
When have you ever seen someone get the drop on me, huh? I'm a pair of six eyes to watch your back.
MAKAMI
(chortling)
Yeah, a real diguetidae.
TOYO
I do not know what that means, but I like it!
MAKAMI
(laughing)
Alright, alright, you can come.
They separate, moving in opposite directions. She moves into the compound.
MAKAMI
Let me grab a few things.
TOYO
Sounds good.
He turns to the group admiring the entire car, coming close to Al and Zura, who gazes down.
ALRUND
(whispering)
It wasn't your fault, Zee. Not at all. Give them some time, yeah? Just keep praising the car and they'll get over it in a flash.
Zura flashes a smile, jumping up into the backseat, shaking the whole car.
ZURA
(loudly)
Wow, this seat feels great on my butt!
KOTA
Oh yeah?
She slides into the backseat while Toyo gently pulls Al aside.
TOYO
I'mma help Makami with something down at the Southern Metropolis. Wanna come?
ALRUND
Well, I can't. I have my job here.
TOYO
It's a pretty important thing she's doing, Al. You can call in sick.
ALRUND
I...well, I - I can look after Zura.
He loses the smile, turning his back on the group and crossing his arms.
TOYO
(whispering)
This wouldn't have anything to do with Voso being weak, would it?
She stares into the ground.
TOYO
(whispering)
If you do this, Al, your life is-
ALRUND
(whispering quickly)
It has to do with my sister, okay?
(slowed)
I signed Voso's name on a transfer order to move her somewhere I could visit.
TOYO
(whispering)
Dangerous.
ALRUND
(harshly whispering)
Yes, please tell me all about how this endangers my life some more.
TOYO
(whispering)
Someone should since you're stuck in one-life-to-live mode.
She walks away from the entire group.
TOYO
Al?
KOTA
Where's she going?
TOYO
(sighing)
Away from me...
His gaze readjusts on Adachi, who has just parked and is exiting the driver's side of his car. Toyo straightens up and plasters a smile on his face. Adachi marches up with his uniform loosely tucked and his weight heavy on the cane. Kota comes forward to hug her grandpa.
KOTA
Hey!
ADACHI
Hello, Kota.
TOYO
Adachi, you're just in time! Abe needs one more for the test drive.
ADACHI
Actually, I was just looking for Makami.
KOTA
She won't be out for a while - c'mon!
She drags Adachi into the backseat with her as Abe and Zura get settled in the front seat.
Toyo waves as Abe rumbles the car away. Just as they do, Makami comes out.
MAKAMI
Couldn't wait another minute?
TOYO
Nope, they were raring to go. Shall we?
CUT TO:
INT ROOM ONE-TWO-TWO-ONE
Voso and Shii both sit back in their respective chairs eating small piles of pudding and green gelatin. Shii's oxygen mask is slack on his chest while he chuckles. Voso's spirit friends play with his breakfast on the plate.
SHII
You're kidding?
VOSO
No, Kota and I had to wash the whole house while Makami washed all the paint off Zura.
SHII
(chuckling)
Kota the enabler - did she ever grow out of that?
VOSO
No, not at all. Now she just has employees to enable her even further.
Voso takes a long drink of water while Shii finishes his vanilla pudding.
SHII
You wouldn't know it now, but Meelo was something of a disaster artist growing up.
VOSO
And your wife?
SHII
All three of them were - the whole family. They took Korra's lead, er, the Avatar before Makami.
VOSO
Wait, you've had three wives?
SHII
(chortling)
Not a chance!
He takes a few breaths out of the oxygen mask.
SHII
Meelo's father, Tenzin, had three children. Him, my wife, Jinora, and Iggy.
VOSO
I didn't know that. Did Iggy wise up like you did and get away from the politics?
SHII
(quietly)
Not quite.
He takes a long gasp of the oxygen. After a moment of silence, Voso pushes away the food tray.
VOSO
Speaking of sisters, we should bring Zura in here with Kota. I'll call my grandfather and have them in for a little picnic - how's that sound?
SHII
(muffled)
I don't know. I don't...
He lets his mask fall away with a frown.
SHII
I don't like them seeing me in here.
VOSO
That's pride talking. I'm in here with you.
SHII
And you want out just as much as I do. You see the glimmer in their eyes, don't you? That little anxious spotlight wondering if you're as weak as this place makes you feel.
VOSO
I've...Makami was...nah, she didn't mean anything by it.
SHII
Tell me.
VOSO
(sighing)
It's a small thing, really. She just...it was the way she smiled when she left. Like she was dropping off a pet at a hotel while she was going away.
SHII
It's hard not being out there, isn't it?
Voso shoos away his spirits from his lap. They take to the air instead.
VOSO
(quickly)
I can't do what I used to in my position. New walls keep springing up, funneling me to do my duty. How do I tell which ones to break and which walls to follow?
SHII
Those walls are there to protect you - to keep you out of places like this. The only way to know the answer to your question is to live in a world without any danger, I suppose.
Voso puts his oxygen mask against his mouth as he rolls his head away from Shii.
VOSO
(mumbling)
A world without danger...
SHII
Give your grandfather a call and let's get them in here, hm? You and I will get changed into our regular clothes for a change of pace.
Voso extends his hand out to Shii.
VOSO
(mumbling)
Deal.
Shii takes it with a bewildered look, both of them smiling soon after.
CUT TO:
EXT STREETS OF CAPITAL CITY - CONTINUOUS
Abe roars through the busy streets with very little regard for the other drivers. Adachi and Kota hang on for dear life in the backseat while Zura has her hands up like a roller coaster lover.
ADACHI
(loudly)
Perhaps you could slow down?
ABE
(shouting)
Yeah, the brakes work great - watch!
The tires squeal against the brake pads before a red light, pushing everyone to lock their elbows in fear. Sure enough, the car's tires do stop on a single silver piece.
ZURA
Oo, a silver piece!
She reaches out of the car to pick it up.
KOTA
(to Adachi)
What's got you all flustered, grandpa?
ADACHI
My driver doesn't take such...liberties with the road.
Abe adjusts the rearview mirror to look at Adachi through it.
ABE
Are you hiring?
ZURA
Those old government cars could never outpace this thing, even with how cautious you drive.
Abe's head turns like a terminator's, then suddenly cocks.
ABE
Cautiously, you say?
ZURA
Well, I mean, with the engine this thing has, you should be able to make highway speed in about a second, not the lunar year it's taking you.
Abe grabs their seatbelt and clicks it in with a vengeance. Kota and Adachi fumble to do the same.
KOTA
(nervously)
Nabendu, you be careful. She doesn't know the speed demon inside of you.
ABE
(lowly)
Oh, don't you worry about ol' Abe. I've got a road to tame. Then, we'll get onto Makami's assignment even faster.
KOTA
(whispering)
Oh boy...
ADACHI
What's this about an assignment from Makami?
KOTA
Search and capture.
The tires peel out, eventually catching and revving them to full speed quickly.
KOTA
(shouting)
We're looking for the sidekicks of this Fuu-Ki guy.
ADACHI
(shouting)
Is Makami looking too?
ZURA
(shouting)
She's heading south to get more information.
ABE
(shouting)
And missing out on this joyride! Did you time that, Zura?
Red and white lights flash from behind them. Abe closes their eyes and lets the car slow down as they pull to the right.
ZURA
(excitedly)
Three-and-a-half seconds.
KOTA
(mumbling)
That's about as long as you had this car.
ABE
(sadly)
Not again...
ADACHI
If I get us out of this, drive to my house, got it?
ABE
Uh, sure. Thanks, Adachi.
ADACHI
Don't thank me. You won't enjoy what I have to show you.