INT NANDAKA'S CHAMBER - SPIRIT WORLD
Nandaka, Makami, Voso, and Raava are all in their same positions with the face the same.
NANDAKA
(deep echoing)
To stem Ananta Shesha's awakening, we must diffuse the energy building from the human world. I have been halted from leaving my chamber to complete this task.
MAKAMI
By the spirits outside?
NANDAKA
Indeed. I believe them to be servants of Ananta Shesha, but I know not how his will endures as he sleeps.
VOSO
Those must've been the spirits that tried to nibble on you back in the city.
RAAVA
(echoing)
There is a human agent of Ananta Shesha's in play whose identity is as yet unknown to us.
NANDAKA
Yes, that is logical. I took inspiration in Raava from Vatuu's tales, using form-shifting spirits to enact my plan.
MAKAMI
And replacing these humans with those spirits?
NANDAKA
Yes. These humans created the weapon that released so much energy at once, giving much of it to Ananta Shesha. They were obvious first targets.
MAKAMI
(concerned)
First?
The face is back to the dragon with light blue light.
NANDAKA
(child echoing)
It became clear that another release of such energy would give Ananta all the energy he needed to awaken. Thus, I resolved to make this an impossibility.
VOSO
What does that mean?
The face is silent for a moment.
NANDAKA
My agents are nearing the completion of their assignment as we speak.
CUT TO:
INT SOUTHERN ICE METROPOLIS ICE PALACE - DAY
An armed group of soldiers in Water Nation garb escort one of the scientists towards a throne of ice.
NANDAKA (V.O.)
(deep echo)
I have instructed the spirits to bring themselves to each of the nations...
SOLDIER 1
Madame Akna, this man is a defector from the Earth Kingdom and brings news.
Standing from the throne is AKNA (50). She has a muscular body with a joyful smile and different-colored eyes. Her arms are covered with grey fur while her center dons the blue of the water nation.
AKNA
(vivaciously loud)
Well, come on over, and let's see if we can work something out.
CUT TO:
INT AIR NATION INNER CHAMBER - DAY
All of the masters sit in a large circle, listening to the account of the pair of scientists that are on the run, their fingers entwined. Meelo and Paya sit up a stair listening to them.
NANDAKA (V.O.)
Each will assimilate the leaders of the nations, bringing their human bodies here for safety.
CUT TO:
INT KOUICHI'S OFFICE - DAY
Kouichi, looking far better for a fresh set of clothes and a shave, speaks with Adachi over a desk of papers. The door in the background opens with another of the scientists coming in with hat in hand.
NANDAKA (V.O.)
Then, I will have complete control over these weapons.
CUT TO:
INT NANDAKA'S CHAMBER - SPIRIT WORLD
The face glowers down to a distraught Makami and conflicted Voso.
NANDAKA
(deep echoing)
And then, there will be a small measure of harmony. Raava...
RAAVA
(echoing)
Yes, Nandaka?
NANDAKA
You will help by separating yourself from your vessel and remaining here.
VOSO
(shocked)
What would that solve?
NANDAKA
Raava is the one creature still in existence that I cannot control, and it has never been more paramount that you stay out of Ananta Shesha's clutches. If you were to perish attached to this human's spirit, he would intercept your energy and be freed. Neither you nor I must leave this chamber until the energy has harmonized, Raava.
MAKAMI
What makes this place so special?
His face is of the full-faced man.
NANDAKA
(feminine echoing)
This place is located in the breadth between time and space. As such, the energy level cannot change nor be detected. Here is the only haven from Ananta Shesha that exists.
VOSO
So all that "I would go out but I'm trapped" stuff is a lie, right? You'd rather send other spirits to fight your battles.
NANDAKA
(feminine echoing)
I do not know how else I can fight. I have never...done this before.
RAAVA
(echoing)
I have made my decision, Nandaka.
Raava rises up to the face of the ancient being.
RAAVA
(echoing)
It is only through my connection with human kind that I know the peaks and valleys of truth. It can be true that humans are savage and destructive, but it can also be true that they have hearts capable of saving the world. I know that I can only be at my strongest if I am connected with Makami's love and determination. I cannot just stay here, and we should not take away the destiny of humanity.
Raava begins to move back into Makami's palm.
RAAVA
(echoing)
We shall return and begin the path to harmony.
Raava dissipates completely.
NANDAKA
(angrily)
No, that shall not happen! None of you know what is best. Humans cannot be trusted with the fate of existence.
MAKAMI
You must bring back your spirits, Nandaka. We can-
NANDAKA
(angrily)
You will do nothing, human!
The tentacles around them begin to rumble, their exit closing rapidly behind them.
VOSO
(shouting)
You can't do this!
NANDAKA
I will do what is necessary to maintain order - even if I must hold you here for eternity, Raava!
The tentacles slam against the ground where Makami and Voso just were, the two barely dodging out of the way.
CUT TO:
INT EARTH KINGDOM PALACE ENTRYWAY - DAY
Sparse few guards are yawning and otherwise barely attentive in the grand lobby. Growing from the distance is the rumble of an engine, finally grabbing some of their attention.
Suddenly, Abe's car comes flying in through the open front door in the background. The bumper hits hard against the stone floor, but the car keeps on running with Shii holding on for dear life in the front seat.
The guards, meanwhile, drop their weapons and run.
CUT TO:
INT NANDAKA'S CHAMBER - SPIRIT WORLD
Makami leans back into the ground, dodging one swinging tentacle while using a knot of air to block three more.
Voso uses the little water he has to whip the tentacles away from himself and the bodies.
CUT TO:
INT EARTH PALACE HALLWAYS
Toyo and Alrund brawl with three other guards, Al using acrobatics to subdue her two while Toyo simply contorts his into a hog-tied position with metal around the wrists.
ALRUND
Is that necessary?
TOYO
He'll look back on this one day and laugh, right guy?
The guard growls incoherently, causing Toyo and Alrund to back away and turn.
ALRUND
(whispering)
Those binds are tight, right?
TOYO
(whispering)
I hope so now...
Another pair jump out, including the teenage version of the old lead of the guard, Grigsy. He sports a patchy, pre-pubescent moustache and flowing, jet black hair. Alrund drops into a fighting pose immediately.
GRIGSY
(pre-teen voice)
Prepare to...wait, ma'am? Like, THE ma'am?
ALRUND
Yes, it's me, Grigsy.
GRIGSY
(fake deep voice)
Well, move right along, ma'am and sir.
ALRUND
Good decision, Grigsy.
She passes by with Toyo smiling as he follows.
TOYO
(whispering)
Love the 'stache.
CUT TO:
INT NANDAKA'S CHAMBER - SPIRIT WORLD
Makami and Voso flip until they are backed together, having dodged whipping tentacles.
VOSO
Attack him?
MAKAMI
No, let's make for the door.
VOSO
Distraction?
MAKAMI
I've got one ready.
VOSO
I'll grab the luggage.
MAKAMI
Go!
Makami flicks her wrists and jumps to land upon a ball of air that zooms around the room. The tentacles covering the doorway give chase to clear Voso's way.
He is down by the many bodies, his spirit friends already trying to pull fruitlessly on the large forms.
VOSO
Hey, everyone, c'mere!
The spirits all touch his hands as they glow.
VOSO
Yep, it's time, buddies.
CUT TO:
INT EARTH PALACE HALLWAYS
Abe swerves to avoid the few guards staying to fight while Shii protects them from projectiles.
ABE
(shouting)
Do you remember where that big meeting chamber is?
SHII
(shouting)
Uh, through those doors, I think.
ABE
(shouting)
Then I hope this lock breaks - hunker down!
The engine revs as an earth blast hits the rear tire, blowing it out immediately. The car swerves to the left, hitting the door sideways and crashing through into the grand meeting hall.
INT GRAND MEETING HALL - CONTINUOUS
It skids to a noisy stop with Shii and Abe both grunting as they look around.
SHII
(moaning)
He's not here, Abe.
ABE
(seething)
Really? C'mon, there should be at least-hmph!
Abe is dragged out of the car backwards by his head and thrown across the ground by a banding arm. The arm slings back, missing Shii barely before he springs out of his seat with an air blast, landing atop a high ring near the top of a pillar.
SHII
(shouting)
Abe!?
ABE
(moaning more)
I'mma kill it!
The banded arm smacks against the pillar just as Shii leaps to another one. Two more spirits in disguise come out of the shadows on all fours, losing their robes as they dash towards Abe.
INT NANDAKA'S CHAMBER
Voso straddles his spirit cat as it rumbles forward on the ground, leading a sprinting convoy of his large friends. Each of them has at least one of the bodies on their backs as they rumble ahead.
NANDAKA
(angrily echoing)
You will not lead this world to ruin!
Makami rides atop a white seal with a snake for a head, looking back at the mask of Nandaka.
MAKAMI
(shouting)
No, we won't - and neither will you!
The tentacles group together and twirl forward as one, hoping to strike a decisive blow. Makami glows into the Avatar State, holding up a hand to block the tentacles with a thunderous impact.
NANDAKA
(echoing)
Impossible...
Makami is out of the Avatar State as the tentacles hover in the air. She watches Nandaka as she rides away.
NANDAKA
(echoing)
So be it, Raava.
A white flash of light envelopes Makami and the spirits.
INT THE HALL OF SCALES - CONTINUOUS
All the spirits rumble out of a white portal with Voso leading the train. He smiles back to Makami, who gives him a thumbs up.
VOSO
(shouting)
Keep up, everyone!
They enter into the tunnel single file.
CUT TO:
INT EARTH PALACE BED CHAMBERS - EARLY EVENING
The doors are kicked in by Alrund and Toyo before an eerie silence tested only by wind. Pi-Ran stands by the balcony with his hands behind his back, not giving them a look.
ALRUND
Don't move. You are coming with us to Republic City.
PI-RAN
Ah, Alrund of fallen vizier fame. I suppose I should welcome you back home.
ALRUND
That's behind me now.
She drops into a stance while Toyo looks sharply to the corners of the room.
PI-RAN
Is it? I don't recall ever seeing you punished for nearly destroying an entire nation of people.
She tenses to move, but Toyo grabs her shoulder, pointing to the red light of a camera in two separate corners.
PI-RAN
Of course, I know why. I know everything about you and Voso.
Pi-Ran slowly turns to a boiling Alrund.
PI-RAN
Won't he be so proud of his pet after this? How far you've fallen - playing fetch for a child...
TOYO
You can't take us both on, Pi-Ran. Come quietly.
PI-RAN
Oh-ho, and you're Toyo...right? Or is it Kin-Ki?
Toyo's eyes grow cold in an instant.
PI-RAN
I know all about your master too. Well, which of you will it be? Which animal wants their bone the most?
Toyo and Alrund both hesitate, glancing towards one another while they fidget in their stances.
Alrund is the first to swing, but it is at Toyo, stapling him to the wall with stone rings around his neck and wrists.
ALRUND
(quickly)
I'm sorry...
She spins and pulls the ground Pi-Ran stands on forward, out of camera range. He dodges her earnest strikes while Toyo frees himself, snapping a nearby copper basin into fourths. He uses two of the fourths to slam Alrund's hands to the wall while the other two wrap around Pi-Ran's ankles.
TOYO
(quickly)
Apology accepted.
Pi-Ran grunts as he snaps his way out of the restraints and begins to run away.
TOYO
(grunting)
Aw, c'mon!
He spins and bolts off after him.
ALRUND
(shouting)
Wait!
Toyo gives her a glance as he turns the corner away.
CUT TO:
INT EARTH PALACE MEETING HALL
Shii dodges several tentacles, but is eventually slammed against the wall in front of the front-end of the car. The creature climbs into the front seat, standing over the windshield with its humanoid face growling with a mishapened skeleton beneath.
Shii recovers and looks at a loose rock in front of the grill.
He runs forward a short distance and dropkicks a blast of air into the rock, which hits the grill. The air balloons snap open, sending the creature flying backwards into the two chasing Abe.
Abe looks back at Shii with a huge smile.
ABE
Nice use of safety!
Shii limps up and over, snatching his canteen out of the front seat.
SHII
(grumbling)
Do we have anything that can hurt these things?
ABE
Hurt, yes. Actually get rid of...
They both turn to the shadow where the three growl with bright red eyes.
ABE
Still unproven.
CUT TO:
EXT NADIR - SPIRIT WORLD
The convoy of spirits has stopped, and Forneus is happily swirling around Makami. The creatures are all shrinking as Voso catches his breath.
MAKAMI
Hey, really great thinking in there. I hadn't thought to try giving spirits energy to increase their...
She looks at him wobbling on his feet.
MAKAMI
Are you okay, V?
VOSO
(huffing)
I can make it. Not...don't have lots of energy to give out.
He points to the cliff.
VOSO
(huffing)
How're we getting over that?
MAKAMI
Well, Forneus is our best bet, but I don't think you can carry all this weight, buddy.
VOSO
Try...do what I did with them. Give Forneus some spirit energy.
MAKAMI
I guess I could try...it's just energy, right?
She places her hands on Forneus' wings.
MAKAMI
Just moving energy from one form to another. How much do you give them?
VOSO
(tiredly)
A decent chunk.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Well, here goes 'decent'.
Her eyes close and hands glow as Forenus' body does. Suddenly, Forneus grows past the size of a car, then a bus.
VOSO
(quickly)
Whoa, whoa, okay, I think that's good!
By time she finally lets go, Forneus is an albatross, his shadow massive. She smiles up at him from the ground.
MAKAMI
(chuckling)
Heh, whoops. I'm better with percentages than vague allusions, I guess.
VOSO
No kidding, hun. Alright, everyone on board!
The bodies, the two of them, and the smaller spirits all easily fit atop Forenus' back. Makami and Voso sit near the head amongst the smaller feelers and point their direction.
MAKAMI
Let's head towards the portal, Forneus!
VOSO
(mumbling)
This thing needs car belts.
MAKAMI
(chuckling)
We'll have to get him fitted.
They float over the pit of danger easily, moving at incredible speeds towards the exit.
CUT TO:
INT EARTH PALACE HALLWAYS - EVENING
Pi-Ran rounds a corner in the hallways with the late daylight splashing in through the right. Toyo keeps pace about half-a-hallway behind, and Alrund swings awkwardly around the corner in the background with her hands still wrapped in metal and chunks of wall. She quickly bends the ground to swallow his legs up to the thigh, then speeds past him.
TOYO
(shouting)
You know I'll just get out again!
Alrund jerks both of her arms in the air like she is turning a large safe wheel. In response, the entire section of the hallway between her and Pi-ran snaps off from the palace, flying through the air.
Toyo can only watch in shock.
TOYO
(quietly)
Well played...
CUT TO:
INT FLYING HALLWAY - AIR ABOVE BA-SING-SE
Through the tumble, Pi-Ran has extended his tentacles to maintain his balance while Alrund hops and rolls from wall to wall, coming ever-closer. She uses his tentacles to break the metal on her hands before mule-kicking a sharp spear of earth that grazes against his cheek.
She gives herself rock coverings around her feet, dodging to her back and rolling over an earthen shield for protection. She tosses dirt into Pi-Ran's eyes to blind him.
CUT TO:
INT EARTH PALACE MEETING HALL
Abe and Shii back up further and further while the creature that comes out extends to its full height. No longer three, this amalgamation has several arms, some with the muscles of a gorilla and melded faces that stare with six red eyes.
ABE
I'm about willing to call this a draw.
SHII
Agreed.
The creature makes a concerned noise as it turns its head sideways. Then, it rushes off to some unknown call, leaving Abe and Shii in a state of shock.
SHII
If anyone asks...?
ABE
Oh yeah, we totally kicked its butt.
SOLDIER 1 (O.S.)
(shouting)
Freeze!
Soldiers move in, finally ready to act after the fight is over.
CUT TO:
INT FLYING HALLWAY
As Pi-Ran swings at her feet, Alrund jumps, spins and lands as the hallway tumbles, then does it again, bringing archways of earth up, down, and around to entangle Pi-Ran's extra limbs.
Her acrobatics enrage him through the stone holds, slamming her hard with a pillar of his combined tentacles. She tries to catch her fall, but lands harshly on her wrist, grasping it almost immediately while throwing a cone of earth over top for protection again.
PI-RAN
(shouting)
Why retreat, pet!?
He slams against the cocoon incessantly, the outer layers denting and breaking apart.
PI-RAN
(shouting)
I'll send a message to that boy in your honor!
The hallway suddenly hits something solid, sending Pi-Ran flying away. Al yelps while slamming against the crumbling rock wall before falling through a cloud of dust.
CUT TO:
EXT BROKEN HALLWAY - NIGHT
Toyo lands from the ridge above, looking at the remains of the hallway carefully. He sees footsteps heading up a pathway to the left.
Then, he hears a cough from a nearby bush.
Slowly, he steps forward until he sees Alrund propped against the hillside, holding her wrist on the verge of tears.
ALRUND
(sadly)
He's gone. He got away again.
Toyo eases his stance.
TOYO
The guards weren't far behind me. If we're going to get away...
ALRUND
(angrily)
Do you realize what you've cost me? You miserable...horrible, selfish man.
TOYO
(pointedly)
I cost you nothing. You're playing one little game with Voso while I'm trying to play several at once!
Alrund stands up in his face.
ALRUND
(shouting)
This is about my life! This is no game to me - I cannot fail! I want my life back more than you could ever imagine!
There are rustles in the bushes down the hill.
SOLDIER 3 (O.S.)
(shouting)
Up there!
TOYO
(harshly)
I've never seen quite so much delusion at play. You swing at me first, blame me, and now you're about to get me caught.
ALRUND
(defeated)
Then run away. Voso will...it's safer for me in jail.
TOYO
Not if they find out who you are.
She looks at him gravely while slowly getting down on her knees.
ALRUND
(coldly)
You really don't have any idea how terrible your friend truly is.
Toyo looks down, then towards the dancing lights coming their way. He moves next to her, down on his knees while she stares straight ahead.
It isn't long before the flashlights dance their ways across both of their faces.
SOLDIER 3 (O.S.)
(shouting)
We've got them!
CUT TO:
EXT CAPITAL CITY SIDE STREET - NIGHT
Zura and Kin walk home after a long night. Zura's shirt is very disheveled as she zig-zags while Kin, ever proper, is doing her best to walk straight as well.
ZURA
Uggghhh, karaoke is always good, but with cabbage wings and orange sauce - it's the best night eva!
KIN
I think...I think I'm exhausted.
ZURA
(belching)
No kidding. I'mma crash tonight. Hey, Kin?
KIN
Yes?
ZURA
On a scale of volcano-diving to licking batteries, how crazy was just quitting my first job?
KIN
I'd say somewhere between riding a bicycle against traffic and meeting the emperor in nothing but your underwear.
ZURA
(snort laughing)
I'mma do that one day...
The street lights begin to pop on around them.
ZURA
But it was for the right reason, right?
KIN
You are going to be asking yourself that for an immeasurable amount of time.
ZURA
...but the answer is yes, right?
KIN
(chortling)
I think your mother has a lot to be proud about. Plus, you can use it as a bargaining chip with your sister.
ZURA
Psh, yeah, like I'll ever see her again.
The two split walking past a person in a trench coat. They don't notice the person stopping behind them.
KIN
She is technically fighting a war right now.
ZURA
Za-za-za whatever, I never saw that girl even before-huh!
A net fires around Zura, snatching her into the air and back towards the person.
KIN
(shouting)
ZURA!
ZURA
(shouting)
KIN!
The metal chest of the revealed android slams shut before the creation turns and rockets away. Kin throws one of her shoes limply, but can do nothing else but stare off in horror.