INT CAPITAL CITY MEETING ROOM
With the hands all shaken, the various dignitaries from across the planet take their seats at the long table. As anticipated, the Water Nation delegation fills up the entire back two rows of chairs with the others hilariously small by comparison. Adachi sits among them.
At the head of the table is Kouichi, smiling to them all.
KOUICHI
It's a fine day when we can all come together like this, except when we have to speak on war! A truly unusual war of a single nation against a single Avatar. I'd like us to use this platform to speak about where we all stand in this conflict.
He motions to Brindauk, sitting to his left.
KOUICHI
Perhaps it's best if we started clockwise?
BRINDAUK
(clears throat)
Thank you, Emperor Kouichi. I'd like to start by thanking those that helped put this decision together...
He unravels a gigantic roll of paper, reading off from the list as long as Santa's.
CUT TO:
INT SECRET SILO - DAY
Pi-Ran is slouched down against the bars with his eyes averted from Zura. She throws small bits of paper at him with a bemused face.
ZURA
Hey.
She throws another piece of paper, bouncing it off his head.
ZURA
Hey.
A sock bounces off his head now.
ZURA
HEY!
PI-RAN
(coldly)
We have nothing to discuss.
ZURA
Why not? You're locked in here like me. Who'd you tick off? It wasn't my sister, was it? It'd be just like her to leave me down here...
PI-RAN
(coldly)
Your sister will be here soon, child. Of that, I am sure.
Zura sits on the edge of the bed.
PI-RAN
She was supposed to be somewhere safe, but someone...else wants us to fight. Wants me to go somewhere dark and lonely.
ZURA
Where?
Pi-ran's eyes flick up, looking over his glasses.
PI-RAN
A place you've never heard of - the darkest corner of your deepest regret.
(chortling)
You're a child, you have no true regrets.
ZURA
Who wants you to go there?
PI-RAN
Fuu-Ki, he goes by.
ZURA
Fun...ky?
PI-RAN
No! Fuu-Ki - a wraith, a servant, and a master!
CUT TO:
EXT SKIES ABOVE CAPITAL CITY - DAY
Voso drops down onto the open balcony of Kouichi's room, rolling as he lands.
INT KOUICHI'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Voso rolls up and pushes through the door into the hallway.
CUT TO:
INT SECRET SILO
Zura reaches for her stomach as it growls harshly. Pi-Ran looks towards her.
ZURA
(grunting)
Ugh, I hate not being able to eat when I want.
PI-RAN
(growling)
You're locked down here, and all you can think of is food?
ZURA
Well, I can't get out, can I?
PI-RAN
(shouting)
You can at least pretend to be in distress in there!
ZURA
Why? Does it make you feel better?
PI-RAN
(shouting)
Yes, it does!
He slams his foot against the metal shaft that slides food down into the cell. A fresh apple rolls down, much to Zura's delight.
PI-RAN
(angrily)
It isn't fair that he gets to control every facet of the world!
ZURA
(mouth filled with apple)
He's a powerful spirit?
PI-RAN
(simmering)
Hardly. He's a human. A truly evil one at that.
ZURA
But you're not?
PI-RAN
Not what?
ZURA
Not human?
PI-RAN
Not any more. Now, I'm...I was free. I...
He leans against the bars.
PI-RAN
(seething quickly)
My master, Nandaka, called to me in the darkness. I had never seen a spirit so brilliant. He guided me, made me feel strong - and now, he shuns me back into the darkness! I can't hear him anymore. Now, I'm alone again.
Zura lifts up half of her apple, the unbitten section presented to him.
ZURA
Want the other half?
CUT TO:
INT CAPITAL CITY MEETING ROOM
Everyone looks substantially more fatigued with Brindauk still going through his list.
BRINDAUK
The eponymous Harold, 'Perfect Coffee' Rian, 'Pass the Salt' Hectra-
A hand shoots up from the far end of the table.
PRESIDENT INJAYA (O.S.)
I'd like to start, actually.
PRESIDENT INJAYA (42) stands up with her tied dreadlocks around her neck like a necklace. Her dark eyes peer through sharp glasses at a piece of paper in hand. Her outfit is a beautiful suit of yellow and blue accents.
Kouichi smiles as the energy physically shifts in the room.
KOUICHI
Ah, Republic President Injaya - yes, please.
PRESIDENT INJAYA
I have here an officially stamped statement from Chui-Phun of the Earth Kingdom, who herself could not be here today.
Everyone at the table straightens. In the background, Adachi leans over to Mako.
ADACHI
(whispering)
What is this?
PRESIDENT INJAYA
She has reconsidered her position of aggression and has decided to open her office to talks of peace with Avatar Makami.
Grumbling rises all around.
PRESIDENT INJAYA
(loudly)
As such, the Republic will stand with Avatar Makami.
KOUICHI
(loudly)
Enough, enough, calm down everyone-
AKNA
Well then, the Water Nation stands with Avatar Makami too.
BRINDAUK
(quickly)
Yes, yes we do.
Kouichi looks stunned, turning slowly to Paya on his right.
MASTER PAYA
If the Earth Kingdom has finally come to their senses...then the Air Nation will side with Avatar Makami as well.
Paya smiles bitterly while Kouichi's lip quivers.
KOUICHI
(angrily)
Like spit you will!
He stands with hands slamming on the table.
KOUICHI
(angrily)
This communication hasn't been authenticated. It could be a trick perpetrated to make us all weak!
PRESIDENT INJAYA
My people are quite sure of this message's authenticity, Emperor.
KOUICHI
(angrily)
Are those the same people that refused to share this communication with any one of us? This...this is a horrendous ploy I had not expected to overshadow this table today!
MASTER PAYA
(calming)
No matter the authenticity of the letter, our best next move as world leaders is to broker peace.
Kouichi looks as though he's going to throttle Paya.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
You're losing them, Ongyo-Ki. You're about to lose everything you've ever worked for-
KOUICHI
(yelling)
I will not be held responsible for cowardice!
He pounds the table enough to knock over water glasses, bringing all eyes in the room back to him.
KOUICHI
(quickly)
When we formed this committee, we did so with an eye towards protection just as much as peace - one hand with sword, the other with aid! To just accept with blind recklessness a second-hand note is letting the voices in our heads win so we can sleep better at night!
He pounds the desk in unison with his words.
KOUICHI
(angrily)
We cannot lose to our own fears!
He walks around the table, enrapturing some while angering others.
KOUICHI
No peace without proof - no war without reason! This war was started due to senseless fear. Do not let this small gesture ebb away at the resolute need for our diligence!
The silence in the room is harsher than normal as Kouichi collects himself.
KOUICHI
(calming)
A peace in name alone can be far more dangerous than a quiet war, my friends.
The door suddenly bursts inwards with Voso wrestling one of the transformed scientists. Everyone stands around him with very few moving to help as the four-torsoed abomination growls at the room.
Brindauk ducks behind his massive congregation, none of which look ready to actually help him.
BRINDAUK
(screeching)
Form protective barrier!
They all jump at once, moving quickly to wrap around and interlock until a dome completely protects the leader. Adachi steps forward as Brindauk peers out from between a pair of arms.
BRINDAUK
(muffled)
You've got this, Adachi.
Adachi looks down as Voso helps himself up. Adachi and Injaya provide cover while others rush out.
VOSO
(mumbling)
Hey, Grandpa.
ADACHI
What is that thing?
VOSO
Evil spirit - are there any more of the scientists here?
Through two other walls slam spirits into the room stretched into an elephant's shape and a viper's respectively. Both Adachi and Voso spew forth their elements into the larger creature. As it slams into the wall, Voso turns to Adachi.
VOSO
Never mind, the party found us!
ADACHI
(shocked)
These are the scientists?
VOSO
Nailed it. We've gotta protect the diplomats.
The small bungalow of assistants covering Brindauk shuffle by as the viper recovers.
ADACHI
Where's safe?
VOSO
Behind a very solid door.
He freezes the head of the viper as it lashes out with boney fangs. Adachi turns to the group, shooting fire towards the other two spirits.
ADACHI
(shouting)
Move! Everyone out and to the left down the hallway!
CUT TO:
INT SECRET SILO
Zura finishes her apple looking out to Pi-Ran, who wraps up a sheet between his hands.
ZURA
So this Funky guy, do you think he'll come here?
PI-RAN
No.
ZURA
Why not?
PI-RAN
Why step out of the shadows when you can direct the sun instead?
He pulls tightly on the sheet, the threads all holding.
PI-RAN
The Avatar is acting on instinct. She doesn't realize she's being used.
ZURA
I doubt that. Makami never acts on instinct. It's all numbers and logic with her.
He turns to her as she turns away.
ZURA
One time, we were lost in the woods and she fell down a hill. I walked around shouting her name until sunset. We found each other and I was so relieved she didn't leave me in the woods, but she just smiled with her mopey eyes and said...
(bad Makami impression)
It was logical to come find you first, so c'mon!
She kicks the pillow up from the ground.
ZURA
You're probably right that she's on the way, but I really, really wish it was someone else. Someone that would show me that they love me.
The plates above rattle with some passing force. Then, a massive bang dents the roof entirely. Zura moves and looks towards Pi-Ran, who holds up one finger to his lips as he slinks into the shadows.
A rock wedge wrenches open the metal gate above, pouring loose dirt and sunlight into the dark space.
Makami lands on her feet on top of Zura's cage with her eyes up to watch the shadows.
MAKAMI
(whispering)
Zee? Zee are you okay?
ZURA
(coughing)
Yeah.
Makami slides down the bars with water freezing upon the lock while her eyes remain in the shadows. Zura waits with a frown on her face.
MAKAMI
(whispering)
I heard voices echo down here.
ZURA
I was talking to myself.
She uses a smaller rock wedge to break the lock and swing the door in. Zura keeps her arms crossed while Makami's eyes don't falter.
MAKAMI
(whispering)
Someone wanted to divert me here, so we gotta go before they show up.
PI-RAN (O.S.)
(chuckling)
Not so foolish after all, are you? Too bad you still don't see the full picture.
Makami stands low and ready in front of the door to Zura's cell.
PI-RAN (O.S.)
You've been played, Avatar.
MAKAMI
(sternly)
Stay here, Zura.
She carefully walks into the shadows while Zura looks on.
CUT TO:
INT CAPITAL CITY MEETING ROOM
Voso, Adachi, and Injaya are back-to-back in the center of the room. Adachi rips magma through the air, smashing the viper in the chest, through the hole in the wall.
Voso swings his arms to summon all the water in the room, spinning it into a circle around the elephant spirit. He leaps into the circle and churns around like a whirlpool. As the spirit moves to attack, a stream of water pushes it backwards.
Injaya can barely contain the largest abomination with her air bending. She dodges and pushes, but the creature's snapping jaws are coming closer and closer.
She and Adachi trip over one another, leaving them at the mercy of the two creatures. Voso is distracted for only a moment but the spirit makes him pay for his averted eyes.
The viper and trini-form spirits close in as the mooing of Forneus swoops through the air with a massive shadow.
Alrund comes sliding into the room via the hallway window, immediately spinning up an earthen dome to protect them all.
Voso smiles while moving himself from the path of his enemy's slamming head. He keeps rolling, gathering the water around his torso as he does. Finally, a large swipe of water takes out the creature's legs, bringing it to the ground.
The arms snap grossly to catch itself, but Voso is able to grab the spirit's wrist.
VOSO
Stop!
The spirit shakes in resistance.
VOSO
Leave this world and never come back!
It squeals in releasing energy as the body leaves this realm. Voso takes a breath of victory.
Suddenly, the viper snaps at him, his arms instinctively bringing up water to freeze its head halfway through its attack.
VOSO
(yelling)
Cheese cruise!
The ice cracks as he reels up, and a cage of earth shoots out to snap the spirit's mouth shut.
Alrund lands next to him with her hurt hand in an earthen cast.
VOSO
Where's Makami?
ALRUND
Saving Zura.
Voso looks over in distress.
ALRUND
I'm your back-up.
His eyes move forward again, his legs back-pedaling.
VOSO
(quickly)
Back up! Back up!
The two spirits roll swiftly towards them, melding together into an eight-legged monstrosity that skitters even faster.
ALRUND
Out here!
He looks back as Alrund hops up to another floor from the window sill. Voso blasts a scattered net of water as he steps into the sill.
EXT CAPITAL CITY AMBASSADOR BUILDING - CONTINUOUS
Alrund is above him, climbing up the building side and leaving footholds for Voso to follow. He climbs up slowly.
After only a few feet, the creature bursts out of the window, raining glass and stone down upon the streets.
VOSO
(shouting)
Don't touch me, I'm warning you!
One of the foaming mouths snaps closely to his ankle. He jumps up several holds in response.
VOSO
(shouting)
Ohhh, you are so lucky!
CUT TO:
INT SECRET SILO BOWELS
Makami walks cautiously through a shadowy environment with one of her hands carrying a small flame. The glimpses and glints from around her paint a mechanical underbelly with plenty of places to hide.
A pipe rattles to the ground, spinning Makami around to face the way she came. As she does, Pi-Ran lands softly behind her and swings a pipe at her head. Makami ducks forward, mule kicking him in the chest.
He slides back into the shadows. Makami sends a fire blast after him to no effect.
PI-RAN (O.S.)
(echoing)
You're supposed to be with Nandaka.
MAKAMI
While you and your spirits replace every decision maker in the human world? I'll pass on the vacation.
Pi-Ran slices from above, Makami using air to send him tumbling into the shadows again. She pops the cork on her water pouch and brings it around her, swiftly glowing the area in a bright blue that covers much more area.
Even so, there is no sign of him.
PI-RAN (O.S.)
(echoing)
I should've known you'd be too selfish to see what was right. You Avatars could never stomach being out of the spotlight. I don't blame you, of course. It is so very warm being embraced by all of humanity, isn't it?
MAKAMI
And you think stealing humans will save the world?
PI-RAN (O.S.)
(echoing)
Nandaka knows how to save the world. If only you would-
The whistle of metal through the air brings Makami to duck.
PI-RAN (O.S.)
(echoing)
LISTEN!
Her eyes widen.
CUT TO:
INT SECRET SILO - DAY
Zura ties together the blankets from the bed into a cloth ladder. She lifts up the pillow to remove the case, but looks down as she sees hundreds of tallies on the ground beneath three faded column headers.
ZURA
(mumbling)
What is this?
Upon closer inspection, these are the same markings from Makami's vision. She gently studies them, running her hands around the marks.
NANDAKA (0.S.)
(echoing)
Human, you have been in the presence of Raava.
Zura drops everything.
ZURA
(scared)
Who's there?
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
Please, you must listen. The fate of the world may rely-
Zura covers her ears from the booming voice.
NANDAKA (O.S.)
-upon you. Where is Raava?
ZURA
(scared)
I don't know who you're looking for!
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
The Avatar - do you know the Avatar?!
ZURA
(scared)
Yes! Yes! She's my sister.
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(echoing)
Then there is still hope.
With that, Zura is surrounded by a purple aura.
ZURA
(shouting)
MAKAMI!?
She is gone, teleported out of the cell into the unknown.
CUT TO:
EXT CAPITAL CITY AMBASSADOR BUILDING ROOFTOP - DAY
Alrund helps Voso to the top of the building as the creature skitters after them. He pulls from sparse birdbaths to arm himself, creating shuriken of water that pepper the beast.
VOSO
(shouting)
Pin it down!
Alrund jumps up, bringing bars of earth up as stairs to carry her forward. Overtop the beast, she slams down another bowl of tight gravel.
Voso regathers the water around him.
VOSO
Alright, be ready to make a hole so I can-
The creature's head bursts upwards and screams a terrible high-pitched screech directly into Alrund's face. She recoils with her hands over her ears, falling backwards. As the creature breaks loose from the rest of the stone, Voso springs forward to grab one of its thin legs.
VOSO
(shouting)
Leave this plane!
As though in a sigh, the creature relaxes and dissipates into nothing. Voso rolls over just as the clouds let loose a little rain.
VOSO
(panting)
Was that...the last of them?
A beat passes and he looks up at Alrund, who is on all fours.
VOSO
C'mon, don't keep me in suspense.
ALRUND
(loudly)
Hello?
He sits up, coming over as she turns to face him in fear.
ALRUND
(loudly)
Voso!?
VOSO
Al, why are you yelling?
She points to her ears.
ALRUND
(loudly)
I can't hear you!
CUT TO:
INT SECRET SILO BOWELS
Makami catches a thrown pipe, whipping water back into the darkness and losing her source of light. After a moment of silence, sparks highlight a moving battle. Pi-Ran swings harshly while Makami ducks, both of them with extreme skill and ferocity.
Then, a grunt from Pi-Ran is followed by a blast of fire to his chest, sending him through a piece of glass that shatters.
INT SECRET SILO - CONTINUOUS
Pi-Ran slides to a stop, coughing on the ground while rolling to his back. Makami comes into the room, marching up to him.
MAKAMI
I'm sending you back to the Spirit World.
She lifts him with two hands, his burnt chest showing a purple tint to the skin. She holds him up towards her face.
PI-RAN
(weakly)
Too...weak...
MAKAMI
If you don't struggle, this won't hurt any more.
She opens her mouth and eyes wide, letting the white light envelope him. Instead of purifying, he seems to be growing stronger.
He throws dirt into her eyes, causing her to back-up.
PI-RAN
(quietly)
Yes...yes, yes, yes, YES!
He grins maliciously while she recovers.
PI-RAN
(depraved)
More spirit energy - bring me more!
MAKAMI
(surprised)
You should've been purified.
PI-RAN
You can't purify what's already pure!
From his body whips one of the tentacles, driving her back into the remains of the glass. From above, Forneus' shadow is cast upon the hole. Pi-Ran looks up towards the massive creature.
PI-RAN
(quietly)
Teeming with energy...
The tail drops down above the cell, and Pi-Ran doesn't hesitate, climbing the exterior of the cage.
MAKAMI
(shouting)
No, no!
She blasts fire out of her feet to catch him, but he is already snatched onto Forneus. The great spirit moans in the air as its power is drained.
Pi-Ran's eyes are alive, crackling with purple energy.
PI-RAN
(shouting)
I'm coming to find you, Nandaka!
Makami slams into him just as he disappears in a flash. Forneus' shadow grows darker from above as it crashes into the ground, covering the area in dust.
CUT TO:
INT CAPITAL CITY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING - DAY
As guards roam the halls, Kouichi sits in a corner by himself. Adachi and Injaya are receiving minor medical attention while the other leaders are calming down from the calamity.
ADACHI
Madame President, I didn't know you were an air bender?
PRESIDENT INJAYA
Yes, my parents were bestowed the power during the last Avatar's opening of the Spirit World. They'd be very sad with my display today.
ADACHI
Well, I was a bit oafish myself. Retirement gave me more rust than I thought.
PRESIDENT INJAYA
And what did bring a decorated soldier such as yourself back into the fold?
ADACHI
My family's safety at first.
PRESIDENT INJAYA
And now?
ADACHI
(smiling cryptically)
Still my family.
He glances towards Kouichi for a moment, then back.
ADACHI
Then, my country called and I answered.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Ongyo-Ki, you must do more.
In the corner, Kouichi bounces his leg, looking like a nervous wreck with strained eyes and disheveled hair.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
We must turn the tide while their fear is at its peak.
KOUICHI
(whispering)
I can't do anything else if there isn't proof.
Kouichi's intern comes marching in quickly.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Here comes your proof now.
INTERN
Sir - this just came through.
He unfolds the several pages.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Declare your own war against the Avatar, this will unite the world and set the stage for our endgame.
KOUICHI
(whispering)
This...this is a forgery?
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
That is not important.
Kouichi places his hand against his forehead.
KOUICHI
(whispering quickly)
I...I think I'm going to be sick. These lies...they cannot continue until the web wraps around my own throat.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
You have never doubted me, Ongyo-Ki. Perhaps your fatigue is getting the better of you. Here...
Kouichi's eyes flash with green momentarily.
KOUICHI
(Fuu-Ki's voice)
I'll handle this for you.
Looking new, the possessed Kouichi stands towards the group, smoothing back his hair.
KOUICHI
(loudly)
To anyone that isn't an official dignitary, could you give us the room, please?
The leaders look to one another while the underlings file out.
KOUICHI
You as well, Adachi.
Adachi comes closer.
ADACHI
Sir, I-
KOUICHI
If I require an old stick in the mud, I'll be sure to call.
Adachi swallows his pride with a straight spine and closes the door behind him as he exits.
CUT TO:
INT CAPITAL CITY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING HALLWAY - DAY
Voso places a pair of ice bags in Alrund's hands for her head. She immediately uses them for her bleeding ears.
VOSO
This should help the headache at least, then we'll...can you read my lips?
Her eyes are closed in pain. He stands up quietly and moves to the main desk as the intern comes back.
VOSO
May I make an outgoing call?
INTERN
If the switchboards aren't going nuts, be my guest.
He grabs the phone as Adachi comes over.
ADACHI
You two alright?
VOSO
She needs a doctor for her ears. I asked for one, but there's a line awaiting medical attention.
ADACHI
I'll see that one's up here soon. Who are you calling?
VOSO
Baki. Have you heard anything about Zura being kidnapped?
ADACHI
(shaking head)
Does Makami know?
VOSO
She's rescuing her now, but I wanted to see if - Baki, is that you? It's Voso.
CUT TO:
INT AYAME HOUSEHOLD - DAY
Baki smiles into the receiver with Kin also listening.
VOSO (O.S.)
I just heard the terrible news, I'm so sorry.
BAKI
Voso, thank you. We're waiting, but we've also got boots on the ground knocking on doors in the neighborhood.
VOSO (O.S.)
You've not heard from Makami?
BAKI
She called earlier, but nothing since then...
CUT TO:
INT CAPITAL CITY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING HALLWAY - DAY
The diplomats are out with very grim faces as they walk by. Adachi catches Injaya to speak with her while Voso watches from the desk.
BAKI (O.S.)
Is there something I should know?
VOSO
No, I'm just...hold on one moment, Baki.
ADACHI
(to Injaya)
That can't be his decision.
PRESIDENT INJAYA
(whispering)
I assure you, it was, and he's going down in flames if it plays out badly. You need to help him see reason, Adachi.
He nods as she places a hand on his shoulder before walking away.
ADACHI
(to Voso)
Kouichi has ordered our military to join the war on the side of the Earth Kingdom.
VOSO
(loudly)
That's-
He checks himself and starts again.
VOSO
(whispering harshly)
That's complete insanity! Based on what?
ADACHI
(whispering)
An intercepted communication where Makami...she allegedly threatens the Fire Nation's government.
VOSO
(quickly)
That is so obviously not Makami-
ADACHI
I know, but he's sending troops to destroy her grounds.
VOSO
There are people that still live there, grandfather!
BAKI (O.S.)
Voso?
He puts the receiver back to his ear.
VOSO
Yes, sorry Baki - one more-
BAKI (O.S.)
It's okay, we overheard everything. We've got an idea.
The line clicks.
VOSO
(embarrassed chuckling)
Some spy, huh?
ADACHI
I'll speak to Kouichi. You get down there and do what you can to get the people out.
VOSO
And help Baki with whatever she has in mind.
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT AYAME RESIDENCE - LATE DAY
Baki stands on a soap box with an umbrella in one hand and a rolled up paper as a megaphone in the other. Kin is wheeling out the fabled cabinet of take-out menus as everyone from the neighborhood awaits orders.
BAKI
(megaphone)
We are moving to a new stage - everyone needs to line up and grab a handful of takeout menus! Then, you will head back to your homes and order like you've never ordered before! We need them all to clog up this street!
People begin taking handfuls of menus one after another. Baki steps down as Kin comes over.
BAKI
And you think this'll work?
KIN
The closest military outpost has to come over the bridge and straight through this neighborhood to reach Makami's grounds. We will use our organization and love for the fried to confound the enemy.
BAKI
Then let's grab some menus.
CUT TO:
INT KOUICHI'S ROOM
Kouichi, still possessed, throws a few things into a pit of fire as Adachi comes in behind him. We can see tapes, papers, and more amongst that being consumed by the flame.
KOUICHI
You're not needed, Adachi.
ADACHI
I disagree, sir. You've sent troops to claim the Avatar's grounds?
KOUICHI
And loyal soldiers are following my orders. After your lengthy career, I had hoped you'd be one of those types of soldiers.
ADACHI
(sternly)
I stand for the Fire Nation as you threaten to tear it apart.
Kouichi stops grabbing things and turns.
ADACHI
Your outburst earlier showed me your true colors. All that talk about doing the right thing and having a calm voice was just theater. I can see that clearly.
KOUICHI
Then what else is there to discuss?
ADACHI
If you won't listen to the plea of a friend, listen to your advisor: You will be ousted from office before your head hits the pillow tonight for this. The people won't stand for the false criminalization of the Avatar.
Kouichi slaps his hand atop a bronze bust of a former fire bender.
He finally turns with a smile.
KOUICHI
(chortling)
You know something, Adachi? You were always brighter than I gave you credit for, but never once did you shine that massive insight into a dark corner that truly needed scrubbing.
He pulls the head of the bust back, revealing a hidden pathway in the bookcase behind him. Kouichi moves into the shadows.
KOUICHI
(loudly)
Consider this my resignation, Adachi!
The door closes before Adachi can come any closer, leaving him with searching eyes.