INT. PRESIDENTIAL HALL - DAY
The applause clatters on as Makami turns towards Adachi, then Inca, bowing to either of them. Voso's fingers grind into his own palm, and Makami's crew look to one another for answers.
INCA
Alright, bring it out!
Alrund slams her feet into the ground, bringing up a fourteen-horn brigade and a massive tiered cake with brown and green icing. She brings out comes cards to read from, handing them to Inca.
INCA
Wow, the Avatar? Me? Here? In the Earth Kingdom? I never thought I'd see the day. This delicious cake represents the-
Makami looks genuinely happy as she rises to speak again through the hoopla.
MAKAMI
(loudly)
And I renounce my citizenship to any other established nation.
Now it's Adachi's, Alrund's, and Inca's turn to synchronize their loud "WHAT?!". Inca drops the cards, and from the top of the cake springs a flamboyant group of four go-go dancers on a platform, doing a kick-line in the four colors of the nations.
DANCERS
(in unison)
Wel-come to us de-ar Av-a-tar!
ALRUND
(hissing)
Stop that!
INCA
The Avatar...is clearly confused.
MAKAMI
(chortling)
Hardly. Whomever wrote this contract sure seemed like they needed a compass to find a comma though.
(projecting to the room)
Paragraph four of subsection three, titled Earth Kingdom Terms of Disengagement: The current Avatar insert-name-here for as long as she/he claims citizenship in any nation shall be required to claim the Earth Kingdom as her nationality.
Alrund and Inca speed-read the document together, but their expressions show the reality setting in.
MAKAMI
Thus, if I renounce all nations and just be the Avatar, then I'm not required to do anything. I appreciate this opportunity to broker peace between two great nations.
ALRUND
(panicked)
Then...then the deal's off completely!
ADACHI
(sternly)
Advisor Alrund! The President has signed this document before the entire world! Any revocation at this point would be an act of war!
Alrund bites her tongue as Inca holds up her hand. Her lip trembles with anger.
ADACHI
Madame President?
INCA
(viciously)
The Earth Kingdom will honor the nature of its agreement. Now, remove yourselves from my grounds and return all waterpark paraphernalia. All of you!
Inca speeds away as Alrund slowly turns, seeing Voso biting his lip to stop himself from laughing. She finally follows her sister.
Makami steps away from the table, sparing a glance at Voso before Kota hugs her from behind.
ADACHI (O.S.)
Voso?
He turns to face his grandfather, who sports a soft smile.
ADACHI
Well done, lad.
VOSO
(shakily)
Yeah, it...it all worked out.
CUT TO:
EXT. PRESIDENTIAL PALACE - MID-DAY
The ambassadors are saying their good-byes at the front of the palace. Even the guards have relaxed, trading helmets with one another to mark the occasion. Voso is nowhere to be seen.
The Avatar shakes out her hand to Shii's delight.
SHII
Your arm sore?
MAKAMI
Yeah, that Mako guy can shake a hand.
SHII
You'll need that political training soon to work up your stamina. Although, you might just be a natural.
MAKAMI
(nervously)
Do not tell people that or they'll expect more out of me!
SHII
With what you just pulled off, I think those expectations are nearly high tide.
Both of them look to Paya and Meelo as the masters walk by with their packs over their shoulders. Paya also wheels a large trunk, looking much happier.
She nods towards them.
MAKAMI
You said they're the world's litigators, right? Could they train me?
SHII
Hmph, those two have abandoned the path. I don't think they'll have any interest in helping anyone that can't pay them.
Her eyes flick away for a moment before walking up to Meelo and Paya.
MAKAMI
Gentle-benders, hey!
PAYA
(grumbling)
Avatar.
MAKAMI
(remorsefully)
Yeah, hey, I heard that you all helped the President with this negotiation. I hope they didn't give you any guff about getting what you earned...?
The masters look at each other with comical frowns.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. PRESIDENTIAL HALLWAY - FLASHBACK
Paya and Meelo stand stoically in front of an open door. Alrund throws a huge bag of money that knocks down Paya. Meelo looks to him and chuckles, but is then knocked down by a flying chest made of rock.
SLIDE CUT BACK TO:
EXT. PRESIDENTIAL PALACE - DAY
They blink back with wide smiles.
PAYA
Not at all, Avatar. Did you need anything else from us before we left?
MAKAMI
Actually, I was wondering if you might train me?
PAYA
Shii is a capable air bender. He should be up to the task.
MAKAMI
Oh, no, sorry, I meant train me in the whole being-politically-correct-while-you're-being-political thing. I'm a fast learner, and I won't take up too much of your time.
MEELO
I'm sorry, Avatar, but now is simply not a good time. With Sozen's Comet flying through the sky this evening and another important client to visit, we must make preparations.
MAKAMI
My crew can come help with the preparations while I come see the client?
Paya and Meelo roll their war chests away.
MAKAMI
And afterwards, I'll be happy to pay you for your services.
Paya speedily backpedals with dust rising from his speed.
PAYA
(sweating)
You - the Avatar has money?
MAKAMI
I...have a very loyal following that is willing to help me learn.
Meelo comes forward with a wide smile.
MEELO
Then we invite you and your group to follow us to the train station.
She turns back to Kota and Abe, both of which are already holding their bags and hers. Shii and Toyo aren't far behind.
KOTA
Here ya go!
MAKAMI
Oh, great. Hey have you seen...you know who?
Kota shakes her head just as Adachi comes up with a smirk.
ADACHI
Avatar Makami. I just wanted to congratulate you again for your...display earlier. An attention to detail will be invaluable at your level.
MAKAMI
Thank you, sir. Uh, your...assistant, I believe, he, uh...
She pulls out a folded note and hands it to him.
MAKAMI
He dropped this earlier. It looks important.
He bows and lets his shoulders relax.
ADACHI
I'll pass it along, Avatar. Thank you again. I hope you enjoy the comet's passing tonight. And...be careful.
KOTA
(sarcastically)
Hey now there's some advice you can only get from a boardwalk fortune teller for a copper.
Kota and Adachi exchange side-eyes as she passes, grabbing Makami's shirt.
ADACHI
(growling)
Just keep her safe, Kota.
KOTA
Sir, yes, sir.
CUT TO:
INT. PRESIDENTIAL CHAMBERS - MID-DAY
Inca and Alrund couldn't be further apart while still being in the same giant room. Alrund scans fervently over the document in front of a vanity while Inca scratches her fingers through separate sand pits, her face blazing with absolute scorn.
The room itself is gaudy with silk and shiny, marble floors.
ALRUND
(quietly)
I-I wrote this by my own hand, had them check and re-check this multiple times - I swear to you this language was never in there before.
She holds the page over a short flame.
ALRUND
This is fake - it will be missing our watermark...
Through the page comes an Earth Kingdom watermark, stopping her accusation in its tracks. Her eyes flick up in the mirror to the back of Inca's head.
INCA
(simmering)
You failed me, sister. You failed your country. You bumbled the one task we could not bumble. We're the joke those delegates will be whispering over phonelines to their superiors and families.
Alrund peers down at the paper like it's a rising corpse.
INCA
Was it the boy?
ALRUND
(quietly)
It must've been.
INCA
Then, you'll need to move quickly. His capture is now paramount to keeping our sovereignty.
ALRUND
Our sovereignty?
INCA
Yes. Look around you, Alrund - if we come out with nothing, my kingdom falls back into the mud pit for another hundred years. Get me something I can use.
Alrund lowers the paper into the flame, burning it quickly from the middle. Her eyes have focused into strong anger.
CUT TO:
EXT. BACK OF THE PRESIDENTIAL MANSION - DAY
Voso is leaned back with his spirit creatures asleep on a banister. He peers over his shoulder periodically at the group of diplomats.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(warbled)
Everything worked out after all.
VOSO
Yes, but not according to plan. Makami's just a genius. Those two still betrayed me.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(warbled)
Predictably so. Why are you away from your friends?
VOSO
It's still not safe.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(warbled)
You wouldn't be contemplating revenge against those that tried to wrong you, now would you?
A beat passes.
VOSO
There has to be a way.
FUU-KI (V.O.)
(warbled)
Your grandfather, perhaps?
VOSO
I don't trust him anymore. Will you help me?
The rock against his back clamps around his mouth, torso, and legs. He is stuck in the wall for only a moment before being slammed down into the ground face-first, disappearing beneath the surface without a trace.
His spirit friends awaken and look around for him.
CUT TO:
EXT BA-SING-SE AIRFIELD - MID-DAY
The dust kicks up high atop the busy pavement of the airport outside the distant walls of Ba-Sing-Se. Covering their faces while moving through are Paya and Makami. He is in the lead with a huge phone against his ear as they walk quickly to a hanger.
PAYA
(loudly)
Yes, your lordship, I'm coming up personally to see to the negotiations. No, I'm on my way now. It's called a Porto-Yapper.
Makami catches up as they enter the hangar.
INT PRIVATE AIR HANGAR - CONTINUOUS
At the center of the small hangar sits an odd airplane. There are two seats up front within a glass cockpit, and instead of engines, there are two compartments on either wing with fans in the front and back. Alongside the metal compartments are air benders putting on flying gloves, helmets, and face masks.
Makami leans close to Paya's head to try to listen to the other side of the conversation.
PAYA
(into the phone)
No, I don't think it will come to...
Paya double takes to Makami, giving her an odd look.
PAYA
(into the phone)
Yes, I'm even bringing up the Avatar to ease the situation.
He turns as they both approach the ladder into the cockpit.
PAYA
Yes, I'm sure it's the real one. We'll land in a few hours.
He hangs up the phone, putting it around his shoulder on a massive strap.
MAKAMI
Is this the newest model of-?
PAYA
(quickly)
I know nothing about this aircraft, or any other, besides where I sit and how quiet the ride is.
Paya climbs the ladder with Makami looking after him.
MAKAMI
How quiet is the ride? And where do I sit?
INT PLANE COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS
Paya flops down at the front, sliding shut the glass top and looking relieved by the lack of noise.
PAYA
(sighing happily)
Ah, sweet silence...
Makami flops down in the seat behind him, shaking the vessel.
MAKAMI
(excitedly)
I think it's the Air Fare 20XX version, which gives us...YES! Cup holders!
PAYA
(dead)
Yes, fantastic, Avatar.
MAKAMI
So, who's this client? Is it a serious situation?
PAYA
(mumbling)
It's a hostage situation that's been going on for weeks, but thanks to the Earth and Fire nations, it's been page-eight news.
Makami backs up and wipes away her smile.
PAYA
I know you're riding somewhere in the clouds off of your miraculous save, but you need to be the passenger this time. Listen and learn, understood?
MAKAMI
I'm ready.
CUT TO:
EXT BA-SING-SE AIRFIELD
The plane slowly pushes itself out of the hangar with a baker's dozen air benders standing on the wings with their bodies strapped in around their waists. Working together with the benders inside the metal tubes, the plane angles towards the runway.
With a single burst, they accelerate and lift-off swiftly, heading north.
CUT TO:
INT. UNDERGROUND EARTH KINGDOM CAVERNS
Voso is bound tightly in connected earthen cuffs around his ankles and wrists. His spiritual gang are trying to break him out using their hands. The old stone basement all around him doesn't look like a jail cell but rather a research space with the tables and beakers.
VOSO
(quietly)
Find something made of...wait, someone's coming!
The creatures vaporize into the air as light splashes across the stones. Then, a shadow fills the doorway.
A pair of black whips crack in the air above his head.
GRIGSY (O.S.)
(gruff teenage voice)
What is this that's fallen into my basement, hm?
The shadow comes closer with another crack in the air.
GRIGSY (O.S.)
A boy who's betrayed his country? You know what we call Fire Nation traitors in the Earth Kingdom?
The GRIGSY (15) is shown as a young man with a boy scout-like vest, shining with various badges in an earthen sash. He's very small overall with skinny arms.
GRIGSY
A fire fly!
Voso laughs at the punch line, including snorts that happily confound the guardsman.
VOSO
(chortling)
Th-that's pretty good. Got any more?
GRIGSY
Hmm, well...oh, yeah! Listen to this one: What do you call a water bender that slips?
Voso shrugs.
GRIGSY
A waterfall!
He pulls out all the laugh he can muster. Before long, there is a loud clang of metal as the door opens behind Grigsy. He spins and puts on a mean face for Alrund as she enters with a bitter expression.
GRIGSY
I was torturing the prisoner with tickles, ma'am!
She offers him nothing more than a side-eye as she passes by. Her eyes land on Voso, who has wiped his smile completely.
ALRUND
(growling)
You think you're quite clever, don't you boy? You think you can spend one night undoing months of planning? You think there won't be consequences for that!?
She turns to Grigsy, who peers forward with intense dedication and air in his tiny chest.
ALRUND
(loudly)
Grigsy! The phone!
He nods hard enough to bring the brim of his helm over his eyes, then nearly off his head when his head returns upright. Voso watches the small guard move over to a table with an old phone on it, and senses one of his spirits seep out of his shoulder.
ALRUND
We'll be calling your grandfather and spinning this entire incident as your fault. You will be presumed missing in action, then...
Alrund sees the spirit roll along the ground towards the phone, her face growing fierce.
ALRUND
(loudly)
Stop that spirit!
She and Grigsy attempt to squash the spirit, but with every strike, it simply phases through, running along the wall and leaping off like an action hero towards the phone line.
On its way down, it snatches the phone cord and yanks it out of the wall. Alrund and Grigsy watch on helplessly for a moment before Voso snorts to himself.
VOSO
Hey, Grigsy - what do you call a team of professional benders that have phones on their heads?
Alrund finally boils over, spinning and slamming Voso with more and more earth until his entire body is covered minus his head. Voso grimaces in pain as Alrund spins and grabs a handful of Grigsy's hair.
ALRUND
(growling)
You will stop this chumminess right now and guard him as you would any other prisoner, understand!?
GRIGSY
(in pain)
Yes, yes, yes, yes!
ALRUND
(growling)
Or else-!
GRIGSY
(in pain)
No, don't take away my juice pouch, jeez!
She rips her hand away, using her bending to press Voso against the wall to hold him in place.
ALRUND
I'll be back with further instructions. If you see any more of his spirit friends, put him in the tank.
She slams the door, leaving them alone again. Grigsy huffs and crosses his arms.
GRIGSY
(grumbling)
Thanks for getting me into trouble...
VOSO
Sorry, Grigs - mind if I call you Grigs?
GRISBY
No...but only if we're still enemies like Miss Leader wants.
VOSO
The worst of enemies, Grigs.
The younger boy smiles, then remembers himself and scowls at Voso, who just nods and sweats in his new stone suit.
CUT TO:
EXT NORTHERN METROPOLIS - MIDDAY
The plane swoops in on the Northern Water Tribe, whose modest infrastructure climbs a steep wall to a massive glacier at its back. Sparkling ice catches the sunlight, revealing the stark difference in populations between here and the Southern Metropolis. As Makami looks down on the streets, they are practically empty.
CUT TO:
INT NORTHERN METROPOLIS PALACE - MIDDAY
Inside of a large, fur-lined room, several dressed soldiers huddle around a phone off its receiver atop a side table. The soldiers have ice shields surrounding the phone as if it could blow at any time.
Hopping around them in the background is BRINDAUK (40) - the dark, long-haired ruler of the Northern Water Tribe. He looks terrified as he paces, jumping every now and then to miss tripping over the ankles of the soldiers in his long, blue and white jacket.
BRINDAUK
(worried mumbling)
Where is he? What do I pay those windbags for?
The door in the background bursts open to Paya, fiddling with the blue arrow tie around his neck, and two understudies in suits.
BRINDAUK
(relieved)
Finally, I called you hours ago, Paya!
PAYA
And I came as quickly as I could. Has there been any change?
Makami wanders in slowly, staring at the awkward scene in the middle of the room.
BRINDAUK
No, no, there's been no further communication - but they said they'd call today!
MAKAMI
How long has the phone been off the hook?
Paya quietly groans while Brindauk leans out, looking first to her, then to the phone.
BRINDAUK
(quietly)
What do you mean? It's on the cradle.
MAKAMI
Yeah, but it's backwards, and the cord can get bunched up so the hammers don't go down all the way.
The air bender underlings stifle a chuckle at the gaffe. Master Paya straightens his tie and backpedals towards the phone, gesturing towards Makami.
PAYA
(through his teeth)
May I introduce Avatar Makami.
He quickly fixes the phone and turns back around as Brindauk steps closer to her.
PAYA
Makami, this is-
BRINDAUK
(dropping to a knee)
I will marry you on the spot if you can help us, Avatar. I will lay down my bachelor lifestyle to-
MAKAMI
Heh, whoa - what exactly is the problem?
She catches the eyes of Paya as they glow red with burst blood vessels.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
...is what you should be telling Paya so I can observe the situation.
PAYA
(grumbling)
Indeed so.
He twists to Brindauk, helping the man off his knee.
PAYA
We should have time to prepare. I hardly doubt she'll call the moment the phone-
The sudden ring tenses all soldiers at once. Brindauk climbs over them, flipping the phone off the receiver with a stick. Once it's off, he backs up behind Paya.
BRINDAUK
(nervously)
You're on speaker, Akna. What do you want for him?
AKNA (O.S.)
(angrily in a worn-away southern accent)
I've been tryna call you all day, Brindauk! Tell your boys to stop callin' psychic hotlines!
BRINDAUK
I have an in-house psychic, so have a laugh over that if you can!
PAYA
Akna, this is Master Paya. I understand we're still at an impasse.
AKNA (O.S.)
Darn right we are. I'm nottabouta let some law breaker go. Those rides got height limits for a reason, Brindauk. Everyone on that Bouncy Vroom-Vroom ride could've had an ouchie because of your assistant. I know how bored ya'll are up there, but that don't give them cause to come askin' for trouble down here.
BRINDAUK
(desperately)
Please, no one else knows how to work the oven and we're running out of poh-poh chips!
Makami rubs at her temple in the corner, catching Paya's disapproving glance.
BRINDAUK
(desperately)
I have the Avatar up here!
Paya's eyes go wide while Makami jumps from hearing her title.
AKNA (O.S.)
That so?
BRINDAUK
You better believe it - Avatar Maquis!
MAKAMI
(slowly)
Uh, it's Avatar Makami, actually.
AKNA (O.S.)
Well, the boy wasn't lyin' after all. Name's Akna, Avatar - leader of the Southern Metropolis.
MAKAMI
Yes, I'm a big fan of your 'Ice-ice-Baby' policy. Iced treats are extremely important to me. It's an honor, ma'am.
She catches Paya's intense stare, then turns to the two other acolytes who have written "Go!" and "Avatar Power!" on their legal pads for her to see.
MAKAMI
In...regards to the current situation...is the assistant a water bender, by chance?
AKNA (O.S.)
Oh yeah, we've seen the guy bending his tears into the hallway to catch the guards' attention.
BRINDAUK
He's a sensitive, beautiful soul!
MAKAMI
(quickly)
Akna, would you be open to letting him work down his crime?
The room is silent in consideration.
MAKAMI
I happen to know that you're missing an experienced bender for Rubber World's hydration department. What if he helped train the younger workers for a few days?
BRINDAUK
(quickly)
Two days! Seriously, or the blubber-loaf will go bad.
AKNA (O.S.)
Right, fine, but you better believe we're sending him back with a Rubber World rules and regs booklet strapped to his forehead. And Avatar?
MAKAMI
Yes, Akna?
AKNA (O.S.)
Good work. You did what that blow-hard Paya and his cronies couldn't do in two weeks.
PAYA
Thank you, Akna.
He walks over the soldiers and slams the receiver back to the base. Turning around, Makami is high-fiving the air underlings while Brindauk slides up next to Paya with a smile and a small box.
BRINDAUK
(happily)
Well, this was a resounding success. An inspired idea to bring the Avatar, Master Paya. Saved me from having to take that installment plan after all. Just one easy payment a day before the next payment tier would've kicked in. What luck!
From the box comes a very small bag of money that he drops into Paya's hands.
BRINGDAUK
You've earned every copper, my friend!
Paya's eyes snap to Makami, who is now signing autographs.
CUT TO:
INT PRESIDENTIAL CHAMBERS - MIDDAY
Alrund quietly walks into the room behind Inca, who is furiously writing in front of a wide-open window.
ALRUND
(quietly)
He's captured.
INCA
(coldly)
Yet, you're still here instead of with him.
ALRUND
(quietly)
I...came back up to say that I'm sorry, Inca. I've never failed you before and I don't know how to react. All I know is that I hate myself for derailing your great vision.
She drops her head as Inca lays down her pen.
ALRUND
(sadly)
Please, forgive me.
INCA
Do you remember my speech when I was elected?
Her eyes come up as Inca rises, her back still to her sister.
ALRUND
We titled it "A Nation of Families".
INCA
A singular goal of innovation, cooperation, and domination. A family of millions that could rely upon any single one of them to do anything.
She turns with cold eyes to Alrund.
INCA
A family that doesn't fail when the heat is at its highest. It doesn't matter that you've never failed before. My dreams of sending an earth bender to space, keeping the Fire Nation at bay, opening the first water slide that stretches coast-to-coast - all of it, big and small, hinges on your approach to that brat.
ALRUND
(softly)
I know.
Alrund stamps her feet, squares her shoulders, and regains her intensity.
ALRUND
And I won't fail you again.
INCA
If you do, we're at war.
Alrund flinches at the word.
INCA
And I don't mean our nations, Alrund. I mean you and I will war, and you will lose.
She doesn't flinch a second time, instead only nodding and marching out of the room.