INT SPIRIT WORLD ENTRANCE
Voso steps into the Spirit Realm with his spirits all tumbling around him. The background is colorful with skies filled with majestic spirits. Some other people are walking around with cameras out, wandering between tightly-controlled velvet ropes.
He looks up to read "Welcome to Spirit City - Home of Varrick World" and snorts.
TOURIST
Hey, you mind moving along, pal?
VOSO
Sorry.
Voso moves aside for the man and his large family, connected to his bicycle by two covered wagons and tailed by a folding RV.
TOURIST 2
Thanks!
Following along, the full view of Varrick World comes into view - garish, metallic, and self-entitled "Fun For the Whole Generation!" The front gate shows dozens of entrances shaped in the visage of Varrick. Behind, there are multiple coasters, rides, and games involving the local spirits.
Voso steps through the crowd quickly, focusing more towards a cliff's edge just beyond the velvet ropes. As he comes close to touching it, he freezes.
GUARD (O.S.)
Hey, buddy.
Voso looks around as the voice seemingly comes from nowhere.
GUARD (O.S.)
You see that sign?
VOSO
No littering?
GUARD (O.S.)
The other one.
VOSO
Don't touch the rope, yeah.
GUARD (O.S.)
You wanna listen to the sign?
GUARD 2 (O.S.)
You should listen to him, kid.
He throws his hands up and turns away.
VOSO
Okay, whatever.
Only a few steps of thought later, he is snatched by a pair of workers wearing tall, stuffed spirit headdresses with their faces sticking out.
WORKER 1
(excitedly)
Better grab a seat, patron!
VOSO
Huh?
WORKER 2
(excitedly)
The show's about to begin!
They force Voso down onto a hump on the ground amongst a crowd of tourists. Children and adults alike cheer for a group of performers that are rising out of a stage.
THE SPIRIT SQUAD
(unified, goofy voice)
It's time to raise some...SPIRITS!
The quartet that arise flip out of an acrobatic tree configuration, each of them with springy antenna and four eyes on top of their heads.
Voso's eyes are wide while everyone else applauds.
CUT TO:
EXT NADIR - THE SPIRIT WORLD
Makami turns as she wanders around her small plot of land before the edge of the world. The ground is uneven and rotten, looking robbed of all nutrients and life.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
Okay, you're in some part of the spirit world, standing above a bunch of ravenous spirit-eaters, have no bending, and you're definitely keeping your cool...hm?
She stops as more wisps of spirit pass by.
MAKAMI
Spirits without energy. Where are they...?
She spins, seeing the wisps of Kyoshi's spirit pass by.
MAKAMI
Kyoshi!
Kuruk is close behind, her hands moving right through the scraps of his spirit. Both of them continue alongside other spirits, hovering towards the horizon in unison.
MAKAMI
No - guys!
From Makami's back floats Raava.
RAAVA
(echoing)
Makami, it's too late.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
No, no, spirits are energy and energy cannot be destroyed.
RAAVA
(echoing)
Their energy has transferred to you.
Makami slows to a stop, letting Kyoshi's form pass through her.
RAAVA
(echoing)
That is why the other saber sharks are so scared of you, child. You can absorb them completely, sending them here.
MAKAMI
But...I've seen Kyoshi out in the world since then, guiding me.
RAAVA
(echoing)
Behind you!
Raava reenters as Makami drops into the tall grass. One of the wild, dark spirits slams around like an upright alligator-gorilla, gnashing its teeth.
Makami lays flat as its powerful nose sniffs around, the ground echoing with every thud.
Suddenly, the beast's eyes grow wide before it grunts harshly and rumbles back off the ledge. Makami sits up with Raava peering out as well.
RAAVA
(echoing)
You are not safe here.
MAKAMI
(whispering)
What part of the Spirit World even is this?
RAAVA
(echoing)
This is Nadir - the edge of all spiritual energy. Primordial spirits of creation and destruction reside nearby, Makami. We cannot linger.
MAKAMI
(whispering)
I heard you the first time. I can't fight my way through those creatures.
RAAVA
(echoing)
You must find a way.
MAKAMI
(whispering)
Didn't you want me to be here to solve the problem at its source?
RAAVA
(echoing)
I never imagined that journey would bring us here. Bring us back to the human world quickly.
Raava disappears into Makami's shoulder as she sits up.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Work it out, Makami. Don't work it out too close to the danger, Makami.
She is in the lotus position sighing.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Time for an S.O.S.
Her eyes close and her fists come together in her lap. After a few deep breaths, she is in a meditative space.
MAKAMI
Forneus - can you hear me? If so, please come to...hm?
She cocks her head with eyes still closed.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
What is that?
FLASH TO:
EXT DARK BEACH - NIGHT
Back upon the dark beach, black water stains the sand as the tide slides up. The sounds of wildlife and rustling leaves accent the beach view. A skinny arm reaches up with a rough platinum cuff attached to a chain. The hand grasps towards the sun through a group of green leaves.
FLASH TO:
EXT NADIR - SPIRIT WORLD
Makami's eyes flutter open with a single exhaled breath.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
That vision again...what is it trying to tell me?
Another deep breath closes her eyes.
CUT TO:
INT VARRICK WORLD
Voso has the heels of his hands against his eyes as the Spirit Squad clumsily tumble through hoops in clear physical distress on stage. The purple one passes out inside of a hoop mid-tumble as the children continue to cheer.
VOSO
(mumbling)
Someone save me...
He looks up into the multi-colored sky while his spirit friends begin to stack atop his shoulder.
VOSO
What're you guys doing?
Through the portal flies Forneus, moving quickly to swoop down. His small gerbil friend snatches tightly to Voso's shirt. Atop the pile, a bunny-bat spirit stretches its wings up.
VOSO
You guys have lost your-
Forneus snatches the bunny-bat and Voso by extension.
VOSO
(shouting)
Whooooaaaa!
He hangs by his shoulder, looking up while snatching harshly to his shirt. The gerbil, while struggling, holds tight. He looks up.
VOSO
(shouting)
Forneus? Are you...do you know where Makami is?
Forneus sounds in a high squeak.
VOSO
(shouting)
Everyone hold tight!
CUT TO:
EXT NADIR - SPIRIT WORLD
Makami is still in the lotus position with her brow furrowed.
CHILD'S VOICE (V.O.)
(echoing)
Please! Someone! Anyone!
FLASH TO:
EXT DARK BEACH - DAY
The black sand stretches ahead from a low view-point as if though the eyes of a child. The eyes are down at a pair of worn, blown-out shoes that show small feet sloshing through the black grains. Shackles are tight on the ankles.
Looking back up over a ledge, there is a schooner sliding up the sand under the hand of three people.
CHILD'S VOICE
(ragged)
Hey...HEY!
The shackled hands wave back and forth until there is a sudden jerk on the chains. Through the eyes of this child, they are dragged through the jungle by the rattling metal on their arms. Their screams of pain are tough to handle.
FLASH TO:
INT CAGED SILO - NIGHT
The child lays on their back, staring up at the passing constellations through their metal bars. Their finger comes up.
CHILD'S VOICE
(mumbling)
One-one-one-one-four, five, six, seven, eight, nine-
A loud metallic lock disengages somewhere nearby. The view shows the child lifting a pillow to mark down the new number with a burnt stick. There is an area for tallies under "Days", but there is just a sad-looking question mark. The child marks down the number, drops the pillow, and throws the stick through the bars.
The footsteps stop just before the burnt stick - the person just a shadow.
CHILD'S VOICE
(desperately)
No, I haven't been bending! Please!
A hand extends and the vision of the child grows hazy.
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT NADIR - SPIRIT WORLD
Makami pops out of her state gasping for air and reaching for her throat. Raava reappears as Makami calms her heart.
MAKAMI
(panting)
Those are...memories? Of one of the...saber sharks?
RAAVA
(echoing)
It must be from the one we lost - your predecessor.
MAKAMI
(calming)
So you didn't skip a generation?
RAAVA
(echoing)
No. When the next in line is born, I enter their body through the spirit. It is a complete partnership, but mine with that boy was so very weak. He could never even attain control over the four elements.
MAKAMI
Or he wasn't allowed to. Those chains, the cage, and that island - all of it points to foul play.
RAAVA
(echoing)
You've dreamt of that island before?
MAKAMI
(bitterly)
Yeah, every few weeks.
She stands and wipes herself off angrily.
MAKAMI
It's been him, all along, calling out to me for help. Someone to find his story and tell it.
(sadly)
I don't even think he had a name, Raava.
She whips around.
MAKAMI
He was in trouble for bending...someone knew he was the-
(whispering)
-Avatar. Someone wanted to keep him locked up.
RAAVA
(echoing)
That is a troubling conclusion.
MAKAMI
There's no way that this Ananta Shesha spirit would...could a spirit do that?
RAAVA
(echoing)
Ananta Shesha is a timeless destroyer of existence. Such acts would be unnecessary to accomplish his goals.
MAKAMI
Hm, but the agent working with Ananta you talked about - would they think this is necessary for some reason?
RAAVA
(echoing)
That is possible. While he is not awake, his influence is undoubtedly growing to see such vicious spirits seeping in to Nadir.
MAKAMI
How do you know he isn't awake?
RAAVA
(echoing)
I don't, but I am hopeful.
Raava is quiet for a long moment with their glowing face angled down. Finally, the spirit faces Makami again.
RAAVA
(echoing)
Much of the knowledge we will need is beyond my time.
Makami looks concerned as Raava dissipates, leaving her by herself again.
VOSO (O.S.)
(distant shouting)
MAKAMI!
She turns to the sky with a disbelieving smile.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Voso?
Sure enough, he flies in with Forneus and his spiritual friends. He waves with a large smile while holding tight to his own shirt.
VOSO
(shouting)
Coming in for a landing!
One of the evil spirits snaps at his feet, scaring him enough to bring them up.
VOSO
(shouting)
Whoa, down!
Forneus swings in for a landing next to Makami, but she is waving them off.
MAKAMI
(shouting)
No, don't land! They're too close!
One of them snatches at Voso's ankle. Makami rushes up to meet them, her hands out in front.
MAKAMI
(mumbling quickly)
C'mon bending - come back now!
She sweeps forward but the fire that comes out immediately turns towards the opening void in the background. Her two fingers make contact with the passing shards of a spirit, transferring the energy to bend it, but the thin stream of air immediately absorbs back towards the same destination.
Forneus and the spirits make it over the edge to safety, but Voso is being dragged backwards by the malevolent spirits. He turns back to them as Makami comes closer.
VOSO
(shouting)
Get off of me!
MAKAMI (O.S.)
Lie flat!
He obeys as she moves into the Avatar State, blasting white light from her mouth and eyes. Voso scrambles back to his feet, but Makami pulls him down beneath the grass, covering his mouth with her hand. Forneus and the other spirits all do the same.
A spirit with the long neck of a dragon and the head of a mountain goat pops up, looking around for them. It brays hysterically as it does, infuriated at the lack of success.
Then, it darts back down below the cliff line, much to Makami's and Voso's quiet relief. They and the spirits sit up.
MAKAMI
(whispering)
We can whisper, I think.
They lock eyes for a moment, then spring into a hug where their heads butt together.
They smile and lock into the hug at last.
MAKAMI
(whispering)
Sorry for my hard head.
VOSO
(whispering)
Sorry for being clumsy. At least your hard head serves you for breaking down metal doors.
She chortles while Forneus and the spirits come to hug her as well.
MAKAMI
(softly)
I'm sorry to worry everyone.
VOSO
Well, I'm sorry for getting caught like an idiot.
MAKAMI
(giggling)
What are you little guys sorry about, huh?
They all grab to Forneus' tail and fly around like a kite while Makami and Voso make lovey eyes to each other.
CUT TO:
INT KOUICHI'S OFFICE - DAY
Kouichi welcomes Adachi in with a hearty embrace.
KOUICHI
(happily)
Adachi, you old battleship, you!
ADACHI
(happily)
Hello, Kouichi. How's running the country?
KOUICHI
Oh, the islands are still floating, so I suppose that counts for something, eh? Come in, take a load off.
Adachi sits, removing his tan boater hat that does little to hide his borderline-official garb.
KOUICHI
Any breakfast? Drink? Another present for Kota?
ADACHI
No, no. I see you're keeping Voso busy?
KOUICHI
Oh yes, that boy's personal vendetta against rest and relaxation continues. Now, tell me retirement has you bored already so you'll come back to work with me.
ADACHI
How are you, Kouichi?
He slides down into his chair with his arms out wide and a confused look.
KOUICHI
I'm good, I'm...I'm...
(sighing)
I'm mired in confusing times, my friend. Who sent you to check on me?
ADACHI
(shrugging)
No one. I read the papers and listen to the news. Reports that you haven't left this room for weeks had me concerned so I popped by.
KOUICHI
(grunting)
Weeks, they say? What would they know? I happen to know it's only been a day and a half...or so...?
He reaches for the intercom, depressing the button.
KOUICHI
Miss Eguchi, what day of the month is it?
MISS EGUCHI (O.S.)
(electronic)
The first, sir.
His face is frozen as he leans off the button.
KOUICHI
(whining)
I'm going to outlaw these fast, Earth Nation clocks!
ADACHI
Anything you can talk about, I'm here to listen.
He waves his hands with a smile.
KOUICHI
No, no, no, I'm just...clearly in need of some fresh air.
CUT TO:
EXT KOUICHI'S BALCONY - DAY
The doors open out with Adachi stepping into the sweltering sun. Kouichi comes out, his pale arms shielding his eyes like a vampire.
KOUICHI
(hissing)
Dirty sun!
ADACHI
I know, but it's good for you. Come look at Capital City.
They both step to the banister. Kouichi peers down as his arms continue to protect him.
KOUICHI
See? Everything's still on course. Those house pets. That person on a bike. That speeding car!
(shouting)
HEY SLOW DOWN BY ORDER OF THE EMPEROR!
ADACHI
Are you expecting everything to stop?
He drops his arms in a heavy sigh.
KOUICHI
I'm feeling surrounded, Adachi. No good options as far as the eye can see, and the Avatar has been completely absent.
ADACHI
I had noticed the lack of public siding with or against her. Could be taking it personally.
KOUICHI
That's an...evolving decision.
He slides closer with his hands wringing.
KOUICHI
(whispering)
I'm weighing the option from all directions, waiting for my moment...or so I thought I was. Now, I'm just about to run out of time.
ADACHI
(quietly)
How much do you have?
KOUICHI
(whispering)
Let's just say I shouldn't make any lunch plans.
He gently touches Adachi's forearm.
KOUICHI
(whispering)
I need your help, Adachi. As an advisor, just until this crisis is put to bed - please.
ADACHI
I...I won't be able to add anything.
KOUICHI
Yes you will! Just hearing a familiar voice outside of my head has already made the world of difference. Give it some consideration at least?
Adachi nods his head as they turn inside.
KOUICHI
You can't tell me that statue collection of yours is more riveting than matters of state.
ADACHI
No...but they do add some color to my walls, and basement, and bedroom, and kitchen.
KOUICHI
(laughing)
Ah, the innocence - where is that old Commandant, hm? The man who'd turn down any vice to send it my way?
ADACHI
Kouichi...
The jovial mood disperses from the air.
ADACHI
The person they're talking about in the news that needs to be rescued is Voso, isn't it?
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Tell him nothing.
Kouichi breaks eye contact.
KOUICHI
(chuckling)
You're concerned I'm running your boy ragged, are you? Always a grandpa first.
Adachi summons a smirk while opening the door slowly.
ADACHI
If it is him in trouble, and if I were to start giving you advice, I would tell you to leave him there and to do what's best for the world.
Kouichi is shocked backwards as Adachi leaves, the speaker behind him turning on.
MISS EGUCHI (O.S.)
(electronic)
Sir, you'll want to turn on the television.
He moves quickly to flip on the fat tube television that takes five seconds to warm up and fill with color. When it does fill in, Pi-ran stands with a sling for either arm and a bruised face, yelling into several microphones.
PI-RAN
(electronic)
This heinous attack by Avatar Makami was unsuccessful. I ask the world to see the damage she has done to me as a warning - speak to your leaders and have them rise up to condemn this Avatar!
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
He's lying.
KOUICHI
We've not heard from Sui-Ki?
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
The scientists were delivered. Sui-Ki has completed his mission.
KOUICHI
And her? Where is the Avatar?
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
She is not the point.
KOUICHI
(tired)
I'm not even sure what the point is anymore.
There is silence for a moment as he rubs at his eyes.
KOUICHI
I need proof of...something!
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Patience, my friend. We will both receive our answers soon enough.