INT CAPITAL CITY CONSERVATORY - DUSK
The crowd congregates around a massive, rounded area within a conservatory where the married couple's table sits beneath the retracted telescope. There is a band at the top of the rotunda, playing apparently nothing but some strings without instruments. Even so, they project beautiful harp and guzheng tones.
On the left are Makami and Voso standing before a massive crowd of women.
MAKAMI
(loudly)
Ready!?
The collective shriek makes her eye twitch.
She turns and tosses her bouquet into the crowd. The women rise like a wave. The smaller girl that catches it falls back and is swallowed.
GIRL
(falling away)
Someone marry meeee!
A massive sweeper pushes them off the floor to be replaced by a large group of gentlemen, all rotating their arms and readying themselves for the battle. Toyo is unbalanced, standing much higher than usual inside of a very long trench coat. He stands out to everyone, throwing him dirty looks from all around.
VOSO
(loudly)
Ready!?
The crowd grunts. Makami brings up Voso's hand, rips off one of the gloves with her teeth, and flips it into the crowd.
TOYO
(quickly)
Forward! Go forward!
Toyo falls forward without his "legs", revealed now to be Abe, both slamming to the ground. As he does, his eyes look up to see a small boy with the glove in hand and a few missing teeth. He smiles while Toyo groans back to the ground.
After the crowd dissipates, the high-pitched ring of a spoon against glass grabs for attention. Abe helps Toyo up, now dragging around the massive coat.
ABE
C'mon, let's go look for another excuse to get you married.
A pair of spotlights snap on atop Kota, who has an old announcer's microphone in hand.
KOTA
(through microphone)
Howdy peeps! I'm Kota - Makami's oldest friend and way cuter sister of Voso. I'd like to thank all the caterers and janitors working for us today.
A spotlight zips over to a group of them on a break, all waving to heavy applause.
KOTA
(through microphone)
And our jammin' band - The Air Kokyus!
The crowd cheers, showing the five-member band their appreciation. They're holding the strings of various instruments, playing them with air bending only.
KOTA
(through microphone)
And finally, I want to bring up the bride to answer a few fun questions from the crowd.
A spotlight catches Makami about to stuff her face with a massive turkey leg. She drops it to rattle the table and stands with a small wave to the applauding crowd. She licks her fingers as she hugs Kota. They release and hold the microphone between them.
KOTA
(through microphone)
The set-up here is that we asked the crowd as they came in for questions that you have to answer honestly.
MAKAMI
(through microphone)
Free fun fact: I hate being grilled with questions!
KOTA
Isn't she great, folks - alright, first question: How did Voso propose to you?
MAKAMI
Uhhh...
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT CAPITAL CITY PARK - NIGHT
A half-eaten donut lays in the grass, and a pair of very slow octo-sloths drag their way towards it. Makami and Voso are in the background exuberantly jumping.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT CAPITAL CITY CONSERVATORY - CONTINUOUS
Kota stifles a laugh while Makami talks.
MAKAMI
So, his octo-sloth won and his prize was us getting married.
KOTA
And if you'd have won?
She blushes.
KOTA
(inflecting up)
Oh, is it not appropriate for children?
The crowd laughs.
MAKAMI
What? No - he would've had to buy me some of those jelly-donut-dogs from a local vendor. Guilty pleasure.
GUY FROM THE CROWD (O.S.)
(shouting)
I love those things!
MAKAMI
I know, right?
KOTA
Okay, next question...
She squints.
KOTA
(reading awkwardly)
Can you please come pick up your island from our port?
WOMAN FROM THE CROWD (O.S.)
(shouting)
You're ruining our economy, and your dress is gorgeous!
MAKAMI
Thank you and sorry! I'll...think of something.
KOTA
Okay, people, this isn't a complaint box, let's keep the questions wedding adjacent, eh?
In the corner sipping his drink with bitter recognition of a bad taste, Adachi inspects his glass before sniffing it harshly. From the curtains behind him comes a hand that snatches his shoulder and pulls him through.
EXT CONSERVATORY BALCONY - CONTINUOUS
Adachi throws his drink and readies for a fight as he spins to the empty balcony. There is a maroon velvet curtain covering the space from the inside, but there is still a sparse set of patio seating. Beyond that is a view of the bay and suburbs to kill for.
ADACHI
(quickly)
Who's there!?
From around the short corner comes Kouichi, leaning hard against the wall and looking pale. Adachi lowers his arms in shock.
ADACHI
(surprised)
Kouichi!?
KOUICHI
(raspy)
Adachi, how's the family?
ADACHI
Kouichi, you...you've been missing for a long time. You ran away from us.
KOUICHI
(weakly)
I'd love to go over my personal failures, but we both know that'll take all day, my friend. I'm not here for forgiveness.
He grunts as he reaches into his tattered robes to pull out a long plastic box.
KOUICHI
(weakly)
I've come to-
The case slips out of his hands and hits the stone. Adachi helps Kouichi stay on his feet.
ADACHI
You need a doctor.
KOUICHI
(chuckling)
I've seen a few and they all give me the same scowl. I'm alone in this city now, Adachi.
ADACHI
I can get you to my basement. I can heal you there-
KOUICHI
(weakly)
Stop worrying about me. Take that and read it over.
Adachi looks down at the case resting atop his foot.
KOUICHI
(weakly)
Did I hear right - Makami has married Voso?
ADACHI
Yes.
KOUICHI
(weakly)
Well, happy days are here indeed. Too bad they won't last.
Adachi retrieves the container, eyeing the secured latch.
KOUICHI
(weakly)
Soon, you're going to hear a lot about a single name - Fuu-Ki.
ADACHI
Who?
KOUICHI
(weakly)
Read those documents. Trust no one - especially not Voso and Toyo, do you understand me? I've begun to think that this little world of ours may be in terrible danger because of Fuu-Ki.
ADACHI
Then I should inform Makami.
Kouichi pushes off the wall and turns.
KOUICHI
(weakly)
She's the wife of the enemy now, Adachi. I leave that decision to you, but be extremely careful as you navigate these waters.
He turns back at the corner with a soft smile.
KOUICHI
(croaking)
I was already swallowed up by a maelstrom. Can't have the same thing happen to you, old friend.
With a grunt over the wall, Kouichi disappears into the brush below to leave Adachi with his thoughts and the container of documents.
CUT TO:
INT CAPITAL CITY CONSERVATORY - CONTINUOUS
Master Paya helps Meelo scarf down a gigantic ice cream sundae. Both of the men look at the end of their ropes, groaning as spoons clatter to the table.
Makami walks up with a hand out.
MAKAMI
Master Paya, would you do the honor of a dance?
MASTER PAYA
(grunting)
I would really rather not move quickly right-
MAKAMI
(quickly)
It'll be a slow dance, then.
She snatches his hand and drags him to the dance floor, moaning all the way. He wipes his mouth clean while she eyes him carefully.
MASTER PAYA
You're sure I'm the one you want to be dancing with?
MAKAMI
Oh, of course! You and I have had a complicated history, so I'm just glad you're here.
MASTER PAYA
With all due respect, Avatar, I'd call our history mostly negative. From both sides.
MAKAMI
(laughing)
Don't sell yourself short, Paya. You've been much more negative than I ever could be.
He smiles politely with sharp eyes.
MAKAMI
Hey, speaking of minuses, how's the island selling business these days?
MASTER PAYA
Oh, well, it's going quite well. We just sold an island no bigger than this building to a very enthusiastic young man.
MAKAMI
You know, I've been thinking about buying an island for Voso. You know, for a wedding present.
MASTER PAYA
Don't you already have an island blocking a port?
MAKAMI
That's a boat. It has a motor and everything.
MASTER PAYA
Well, what kind of island did you have in mind?
MAKAMI
(quickly)
Oceanic with a tropical environment, likely somewhere on the edge of the Molten Ring where tides pull in the ash. No other settlements.
He looks away in thought.
MASTER PAYA
(slowly)
You know, I think I'm going to go get off my feet...
MAKAMI
(shrugging)
Okay, I'll have to find another place for the island-sized bag of riches we got for our wedding. Maybe I'll just invest it all in sand and fish.
MASTER PAYA
(quickly)
Wait, wait, there are some choice plots that just came to mind.
She smiles while eyeing Abe and Kota dancing like mad people all around the floor.
Close on them, Abe swings around the cloak like a vampire.
ABE
You like, huh? Snatched it from the church.
KOTA
Oh yeah? You could do kids parties with that thing.
ABE
Or warm a family of four.
KOTA
Yeah, and what's up with you trying to catch the bouquet, by the way?
ABE
Hey now, that was Toyo's game.
They fling the cloak around Kota's shoulder, smiling with locked eyes.
ABE
I'm more into dancing than standing at an altar.
KOTA
(laughing)
Good.
Up on a platform across the room at the main table are Toyo, Voso, and Alrund in that order. Zura is at the far end drumming with her utensils.
VOSO
(to Alrund)
Glad you could make it, Al.
She doesn't react, still smiling out to the dance floor.
VOSO
(louder)
Al?
TOYO
(to Voso)
She turned off her hearing aids.
He leans forward and throws a roll towards her. She leans back for it to pass by, glaring with her hands flittering quickly.
ALRUND
(signing)
What was that for!?
Toyo very slowly moves through the improper hand signals while exaggerating his mouth movements.
She nods her head as Voso stands.
VOSO
Alright, chocolate fountain time for me.
He walks away before Toyo slides over a seat, he and Alrund smiling sweetly towards one another.
ALRUND
Thanks for that.
TOYO
No problem-o.
ALRUND
Your sign language is putrid.
TOYO
I have very dumb fingers that need tutoring.
ALRUND
And you think the freshly-deaf like me can teach you?
TOYO
Now that you're away from mister-big-shot, you've got nothing but free time.
ALRUND
Nothing but time, huh? You don't think building myself a new life takes time?
TOYO
(shrugging)
Why do alone what you can do with a cool guy like me?
He slams his fist against a fulcrum fork that shoots a puff ball pastry into the air that falls into his mouth. A few people saw it happen and applaud him.
TOYO
(mouth filled)
No, no, please...
Alrund rolls her eyes hard.
At the chocolate fountain, Shii is being pulled away by a team of four with chocolate covering his lips. Voso watches and smiles after the man-turned-child.
SHII
(hyper-active)
Nononono-I'll be good, you can all share! Letmeletme!
Voso grabs a frosted goblet and catches some of the white and dark chocolate together.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Hello, Sui-Ki.
His eyes sharpen as he grabs a spoon.
VOSO
(quietly)
I told you this isn't the time.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
I apologize for my haste earlier. I skipped over my own pride and happiness at this wonderful day for you.
VOSO
(quietly)
Yeah, you're real good at skipping those important details, huh?
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
All I have missed is an explanation to you, Sui-Ki.
VOSO
Well, save it - I've got my weight in chocolate to double.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
This won't take long. Excuse yourself to the restroom, and afterwards, I leave the fate of my information in your hands.
Voso looks around, seeing Al and Toyo shooting puffs into each other's mouths. He glances to the dance floor where Abe and Kota are making everyone else jealous with their moves. Finally, he sees Makami, consoling her mother as she lets out prideful tears.
Voso sighs and backs out of the room, through the velvet curtains with his bowl of pudding.
VOSO
(quietly)
Make it fast.
INT CONSERVATORY HALLWAYS - CONTINUOUS
The scene is dark as the lights and sounds from the party fade away.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
To tell you everything, we will have to go to the beginning. Not of this story, no - the beginning of time and space.
From the darkness rushes forward gases and neon from a silent explosion. They form into planets and nebulous heavenly bodies amongst oceanic space.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
All was born from Hanma, the Great Creator, as it has been time and time again. From a single burst of energy sprang our world, the Spirit World, and the eldest spirits that inhabit both.
The view pierces through cloud and sunshine into a yellow and white pasture, running in lines of blown wind with spirits occupying the skies and ground.
Above them all are Raava, Vaatu, and Nandaka.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Raava and Vaatu you know well - one another keeping the balance of the world between light and dark. But Nandaka has no such purpose, no such allegiance to any world. This is a spirit of singular, ruthless pursuit.
Voso walks forward into the field now, eating from his pudding cup while the wheat folds around him.
VOSO
(mouth filled)
Pursuit of what?
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
The only aspect of our lives that can pass from one generation - one epoch - to the next: knowledge.
The wheat folds down to welcome a rapidly-growing seedling that blooms into a beautiful flower, growing with magenta petals and a brown, twisting stem.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Nandaka observes from the very beginning, notating variances in life and growth for thousands of years at a time - even encouraging it through his lengthy reach. But once the time comes when life has been studied to its full potential...
The plant is struck by lightning that instantly incinerates every color from its skin. Fire soon follows, roaring as it spreads across the wheat, sending the spirits dashing away.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
His intention becomes only destruction, all to learn.
Voso backs away, holding his hand up to shield his eyes form the heat.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
All to watch the world burn.
VOSO
But that's not what he said!
The fire goes away, leaving Voso to wipe away at his sweating brow in the dark area again.
VOSO
Nandaka said that Ananta Shesha was the destroyer - the one that you want to bring out is the one that will end the world.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Not the world, Sui-Ki.
The darkness is filled with a faint blue light, glowing up from a swirling pool. Voso turns to gaze into the spirals of green and yellow within the water.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Ananta Shesha's voice echoed into my dreams, revealing to me these truths. His fear is that Nandaka will destroy all that there is, starting with the balance of spirits.
Voso looks closely, seeing two dead fish - the moon spirits incarnate - floating on the water.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Our world is filled with spirits pushing and pulling, building and decaying, and for so long, they have been the only ones unknown to Nandaka. The human world has served as the great catalyst of all change. What would happen if these spirits would cease to exist?
Voso's eyes widen as projections of Raava and Vaatu also float in the water now, followed closely by Makami's hand.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
What would happen if there were no more warriors to protect us?
VOSO
(quietly)
No, no, nothing can destroy...this isn't real.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
It may be very soon, Sui-Ki. Unless we stop it.
VOSO
How?
The view changes to Voso cradling the planet in his hands like a mother regarding her egg. Behind him in overbearing proximity is the sun, making him sweat as his brow furrows harshly.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
We must discover Nandaka's whereabouts and merge his energy with Ananta Shesha's. All we have to do is move him to the Spirit World. My master will do the rest.
VOSO
But we...where is he? How can we know?
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
As I recall, he was already trying to make his move against Raava.
VOSO
(softly)
Makami...?
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Yes, her Avatar spirit is in danger, Sui-Ki. And if we allow Nandaka to destroy Raava...
The planet bursts into flame in his hands where his pudding cup was just a moment before, nearly bringing Voso to angry tears.
VOSO
(loudly)
No!
He blinks and the view is back to normal, his hands cradling his half-eaten cup of pudding.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
I know what this means to you, Sui-Ki, and I need your considerable tenacity and strength to help me save this world. Will you help me?
VOSO
(shaking)
Y-yes, I'll help save Makami. I don't care about the world, she...she must survive.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
I agree. I want to speak with you soon, my friend. In person, if you'll have me.
VOSO
(quietly)
In...person? Are you here?
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Not today. Today, I beg of you to soak in every breath of happiness you can.
VOSO
Wait, what do I do if I find Nandaka?
Silence greets him. Voso stands straight, wiping his hair back into place and drying his face before throwing the cup of pudding in the trash.
INT CAPITAL CITY CONSERVATORY - CONTINUOUS
Makami, Kota, and Abe are coming over, looking playful, as soon as he re-enters the room. Voso smiles despite his pale face.
VOSO
Dance time?
KOTA
No, little brother, it's time for some air.
Everyone looks at Voso with serious eyes for him to quickly get the point.
VOSO
(hesitantly)
Oh...oh, yeah! Break-
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT CONSERVATORY BALCONY - EVENING
All four of them plus Toyo are on the balcony looking around while Makami and Voso take charge.
VOSO
(continued)
-time to explain what in the world you've been researching?
MAKAMI
Yes, it is. For a few months now, I've been looking for an island where something terrible happened.
TOYO
Terrible how?
ABE
Avatar before her was kept there for most of his life, chained up. Kid died in the desert when he finally escaped.
TOYO
(mumbling)
Oh, well, no jokes from me then.
KOTA
I thought that Raava skipped a generation?
MAKAMI
Everyone did, but I met him - most everyone here did. The Pi-Ran we fought was Avatar Mei You Ren.
ABE
Wild, man...so, what's on the island?
MAKAMI
I'm hoping the owner.
KOTA
Who could be strong enough to hold an Avatar? And despicable enough to do that to a kid?
MAKAMI
Well, I have a name but no face - Fuu-Ki.
Voso and Toyo let their eyes meet for a moment.
MAKAMI
There are references to this person being the leader of a multi-pronged organization, but I haven't found any proof. Nandaka - er, the spirit that found Mei You Ren - was trying to fight against Fuu-Ki in this world through the fake Pi-Ran.
TOYO
And you think this is a person, not a spirit?
MAKAMI
I think this is a person that wants the world to end.
That slaps across everyone like a cold splash of water, even Voso and Toyo.
MAKAMI
He was the one sending spirit-eating creatures after us. He locked up Nandaka. I think he wants to bring Ananta Shesha, the be-all, end-all of spirits, back to devour the entire planet.
ABE
(sarcastically)
Happiest wedding ever.
TOYO
What do you need from us, Ami?
MAKAMI
We honestly only need to do a few things, even if they're...massively unlikely. Find Fuu-Ki, stop them, and find Nandaka in the human world.
VOSO
Wait, the human world?
She turns to him.
VOSO
What makes you think they're here?
MAKAMI
It makes some sense that they'd flee here, but it's just a guess. It's not my top priority when we have other more pressing issues.
KOTA
(darkly)
You know, like the world ending.
MAKAMI
Exactly!
VOSO
Toyo and I will help on the island hunt.
MAKAMI
But you have a whole country to run now.
VOSO
I'll say it's a work trip. Besides, this is a little more important than talking about updates to our traffic lights.
ABE
Oh, man, please tell me you're going to up the speed limit?
KOTA
Speed-y and I will grab some help and hit the books for more on what's-his-face.
Makami leads the others in, leaving Toyo to walk over to Voso, who stares into the brush.
TOYO
(whispering)
He will make us choose sides.
VOSO
(whispering)
It won't come to that. Let's make sure of it.
TOYO
(whispering)
Sure, let's lie like-
VOSO
(harsh whispering)
We've got this! No lies, alright? He...he finally told me more about all of this, and Makami's in danger - the most possible danger, do you understand?
TOYO
(whispering)
What did he say?
VOSO
(whispering)
That he wants to meet us in person - to talk. And that we need to find Nandaka before he tries to destroy the world.
TOYO
(whispering)
Nandaka's the one destroying the world? Why does Makami think-?
VOSO
(whispering)
Because she's mistaken, alright? We've...we've just gotta convince her otherwise - you and me, right? We keep them safe no matter what it takes.
Toyo nods unconvincingly and moves inside, leaving Voso alone to glare into the wooded areas below.
Suddenly, a bowl of chocolate splashes down next to him and splatters along his black pants.
ZURA (O.S.)
(yelling)
Sorry for the chocolate rain!
CUT TO:
EXT CONSERVATORY DOME - TWILIGHT
Zura leans over with a smile that quickly disappears when she sees Voso's angry eyes staring back.
VOSO
(shouting)
How DARE you waste chocolate, Zura!
ZURA
(quietly)
Hey, sorry, groom...brother-in...
She slides backwards from the edge.
ZURA
(quietly)
Angry man...
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(woman echoing)
He mourns for the semi-sweet?
ZURA
Nah, he's fine.
She stands to peer around the island - all of it visible from this mountain view. An old ship in the harbor sits behind a quiet neighborhood and beneath the clearing, star-speckled sky. She climbs the silver telescope.
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
Have the festivities concluded yet? May I speak to Raava?
ZURA
Yeah, sure, we'll drop on down there in a second. Hold your faces, dude - or whatever.
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
My faces cannot be held. Mortal, would-
ZURA
You've never talked to a human, have you?
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
My first time was quite recent. Why?
ZURA
Clearly, you haven't spake to anyone of mine intelli-level. We've gotta work on your communication.
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
Are my words lacking? They are amalgamated from the ages of existence that have concluded since the beginning of time. Do humans speak differently?
ZURA
Uh, yeah! We communicate by shifting our bodies and fluttering our eyes. You can't just be a rotating voice box.
She leans over and stares into the lens.
CUT TO:
INT CONSERVATORY CENTRAL ROOM
Paya and Shii, both with chocolate rings around their mouths, are coming up to the end of the telescope.
SHII
(loudly)
C'mon, Paya! I'm telling you, the stars are in the perfect position tonight to see the Tenzin's Scowl constellation.
MASTER PAYA
You're full of it, Shii. I'm going to lean down, look through this eye-piece, and prove you-
INT TELESCOPE LENS - CONTINUOUS
The view is an extreme close up of Zura's eye and cheek, close enough to see the gunk in her lashes and her sizable pores.
INT CONSERVATORY CENTRAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Paya comes back looking white as a ghost while Shii slaps his back.
SHII
See? Isn't it a dead-on likeness?
CUT TO:
EXT CONSERVATORY DOME
Zura pulls back and rubs her eye.
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
And you postulate that I am unable to communicate without these aspects?
ZURA
(groaning)
Look, I don't need another Makami-level thest-araus in my head.
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
Did you mean thesaurus?
ZURA
Turn it off, word-brain! You're cramping my thoughts. I'll take you down to talk to Makami now.
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
In your voice...when you said the name of Raava's human. Was that a tremor your communicated?
ZURA
That human is Makami, and if you have to ask, you're still not getting it.
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(male echoing)
Then, perhaps...maybe there is time enough for you to teach me how to communicate more effectively?
Zura spins on her heels.
ZURA
After all day where you've been hounding me - only now do you think you might suck at talking?
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
What I must say cannot be misconstrued in any way. Everything depends upon it.
ZURA
Alright, well, how do we get you better at that?
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
Perhaps you, as the one to point out this deficiency, could be the one to correct my actions?
ZURA
(sarcastically)
Oh, sure, I've got nothing else in my life I'd rather be doing than teaching a spirit how to human...
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
I appreciate your kind words and dedication.
ZURA
Wow, yeah, we have a lot to teach you, buddy.
CUT TO:
INT LIMOUSINE BACKSEAT - NIGHT
Makami, wearing Voso's jacket, sips a milkshake while Voso stares out the window. She finishes into noisily slurping clean the bottom of the glass.
MAKAMI
(lips smacking)
Kota wouldn't miss one chocolate fountain, would she?
VOSO
Dunno.
MAKAMI
Well, maybe we got one in that mountain of gifts. There was one in there that I'm pretty sure was a sarcophagus.
(mumbling)
I hope it's empty.
She turns to him.
MAKAMI
Hey, those are all going to the compound, right? Your place doesn't have much room.
He turns to her, nodding his head emptily.
VOSO
Yeah, of course.
MAKAMI
Buyer's remorse already?
VOSO
(chortling)
No, I'm just...
He sighs and rubs at the back of his head.
VOSO
You were late, and I was fine. You were really late, and I was fine. Then, you use our wedding to find information for Avatar business.
MAKAMI
(defensive)
For end-of-the-world prevention business. And it's not like I just married you to get into a room with Paya - I was being efficient.
VOSO
Yeah, ruthlessly efficient.
MAKAMI
(angrily)
I didn't even want to get married. You're the one that wanted rings and table cloths and...and you invited Kin!
VOSO
(voice rising)
What was I supposed to do? Screen the RSVPs since you did nothing to help!?
MAKAMI
(angrily)
I don't like wasting my time!
VOSO
(sarcastically)
Yeah, leave that for me, right?
MAKAMI
(angrily)
What I want first is a safe world that we can live in together regardless of a ring on my finger, Voso. How could you disagree with that?
VOSO
(angrily)
Well, I want something to live for!
The space is empty of noise for a moment as he rubs at his brow.
VOSO
(quickly)
I want memories that outlast this world, and personal time with the person I want to spend eternity with!
MAKAMI
(calming)
Well, you know I'm no good at that. I'm always on the verge of a new hobby or...
(sighing)
I'm sorry. I should've been there to help.
VOSO
(calming)
Well, I'm sorry I couldn't make it more exciting for you. You were right - we are not like everyone else, but a part of me...wanted us to just be normal for one day.
He takes her hand and slides down to place his head on her shoulder.
VOSO
I'm glad you didn't let that happen.
Her head falls to his.
MAKAMI
(softly)
Maybe we just won't ever get the picket fence in a quiet neighborhood, but that doesn't mean we'll be miserable.
VOSO
(softly)
I know, and I'm going to keep fighting for you and I to have that life.
MAKAMI
(softly)
Against who?
VOSO
(softly)
Anyone, everyone.
He pauses.
VOSO
(softly)
Even the end of the world if I have to.
She smiles and closes her eyes while his stay wide open, staring harshly into the ground.