AVATAR: EPISODE OF ICE
BOOK 1: FAMILY
CHAPTER 3: SERPENT
Black screen. We hear the skittering start of an opening score. The score grows louder and a storm of percussion slowly builds up into a chaotic crescendo, and then we cut back to the war room, moments before we left off, accompanied by the slow, steady beat of a large drum
We see an off kilter shot of Kamui from a high angle, barking at Kato. Batua is below, looking up at Kamui in fear.
Kamui
Do it! Defend your brother!
Kyana can't watch. Inuk whispers in his guard, Lohkan's, ear.
Batua looks down at the dagger inching its way into his coat, then he looks up at Kamui, feeling tricked.
Kamui
Hmm, perhaps the boy can't do it.
Batua looks down, angrily. Then we hear the rumbling, and we see the wall of rock rise up and shatter the ice dagger between Kamui and Batua. The room goes silent. We see various faces looking at Kato in shock, including some earthbending servants.
We cut to Batua, as he looks over at Kato. They share a look. Kato is just as confused as he is. We see some guards put their hands on their weapons.
Random woman
He's not just a stiff! He's a rock pusher!
Kamui looks at the rock wall and tilts his head like a bird.
Kamui
Well, that's interesting. (Turns to Kyana) Seize her.
Two military men grab Kyana. Kato and Batua look over at Kamui as he walks over to Kyana. Kato steps forward.
Kato
No! Let her go!
Kamui waves his hand and Kato is suddenly bound by ice to the arms of his ice-chair, then Kamui continues towards Kyana. The crowd is murmuring. Kato looks at his guards, who look at each other, unsure.
Kamui
Is there something you'd like to confess, empress?
Kyana shakes her head frightfully. Kamui grabs her head in his hand.
Kamui
Your offspring is an earthbender. How?
Kyana
I don't know!
Kamui
Lies.
Kyana starts sobbing. As this is happening, Kato is struggling to get out of the chair.
We suddenly cut to a close up of Batua, still on his knees, next to the rock wall. He looks at Kato with a combination of confusion, fright and disgust. He turns to Kamui grilling Kyana, and then he looks at the rock wall to his side. The camera zooms in as Batua puts all the pieces together. Then his eyes go dead.
He stands up.
Batua
Stop! Everybody stop!
The room goes quiet. Kamui turns to look at Batua.
Batua
My mother is innocent! She doesn't know the truth. But I do.
Kamui looks intrigued. Kyana looks worried. Batua pivots and looks at Kato.
Batua
The problem lies with him. (He points) This imposter.
Kato gives him a WTF expression.
Kato
Batua! What are you doing? I'm your brother!
Batua glances at Kamui, then he spits on the floor
Batua
Let me tell you something, sir. My brother doesn't push rocks! You know what you are? You're a pretender to the throne! A false prince!
Kato looks devastated. The room is silent, then slowly the crowd starts chanting "False prince" over and over.
Batua nods.
Batua
Yes! He should be banished! Exiled to the-
Random woman
Kill him!
Batua
Wait, wha...
The crowd agrees, and the military men start walking towards Kato. Batua gasps and looks at Kamui, who is just studying the situation. Inuk walks up to him.
Inuk
Commander. This is madness! (Kamui doesn't respond) The boy is your nephew!
Kamui slowly turns to Inuk, looking unmoved. Kyana is shouting and struggling to get free of the men holding her. Batua now has a face of dumbfounded tranquility as the chaos unfolds around him.
Kato's guards start attacking Kamui's military men. While the guards fight nobly, the military men fight dirty, and take the upper hand. 2 of them grab Kato's chair and hoist it over their heads, taking Kato out of the war room. Inuk watches helplessly as Kato's guards get slaughtered. He says something to Lohkan, and Lohkan runs out.
We cut to Lohkan running across the plaza towards the city guard HQ. Batam, the guard from episode 1, is standing outside, sharpening a blade. Lohkan runs up to him.
Lohkan
Batam! We need to round up the reserve unit! Quickly!
Batam nods, and lets Lohkan into the HQ. The two are walking quickly down the hallway.
Batam
What happened, sir?
Lohkan
General Kamui has turned against the crown prince! His soldiers are taking him to the gallows as we speak!
We cut to Batam's face as he nods, and the gears turn in his head. We cut to the gymnasium full of dozens of young troops, and we see Lohkan and Batam's shadows passing by the windows as they walk towards the door.
We cut to Batam as he stops at the door, key in hand. Then he pauses, looking down with a conflicted expression.
Lohkan
...What are you waiting for? Open the door!
Batam's eyes narrow, and then he bends some water and freezes Lohkan's head. Lohkan stumbles back, before Batam pummels his chest with another blast. Lohkan falls to the floor, the block of ice shattering, knocking him out.
We see a low angle shot of Batam as he bends over.
Batam
You'd save that servant loving stiff?
We cut to Lohkan as Batam grabs his feet and drags him out of frame to the left.
Batam
I say, off with his head.
We cut to Ta in Kato's room. The camera zooms in as she stares at the floor, then she hears the commotion outside. She walks over to the window and looks out, then she gasps.
We cut to Jang, he is on a canal nearby, tending to a blue arctic lily. He's in his riverboat. He takes a swig of tea and then hears the commotion. He turns around and sees Kato being carried by the military men, with Kamui behind them. He ties his boat to the stairs and gets out, running over to the procession.
Jang steps in front of the mob, keeping them from the gallows. He looks at Kamui.
Jang
What is the meaning of this?!
Kamui
Step aside, Airbender.
Jang
That is the Crown Prince of this empire! This is high treason!
Random woman
He's a false prince!
The crowd agrees.
Jang
What?
Kamui
(Nodding) This little rock pusher has been galavanting around the palace for god knows how long. His shameful ruse ends today.
Jang widens his eyes and looks at Kato.
Kamui
That's right. The boy's an earthbender. What do you have to say, now?
Jang
...I won't let you do this to him.
Kamui
(Sighing) I'm sure whatever sermon you have in mind can wait until after we've-
Jang grabs the ice chair Kato is in and bends a mighty wind at the mob. They all go tumbling. A whip of water narrowly misses his face and he throws the ice chair high up into the air while he engages some of the military men in combat.
In the background, Kato and the ice chair fall to the ground and the ice chair shatters.
Kato
Ow!
Jang is taking on 20 people at once and fairing somewhat well but is quickly being overwhelmed. Kamui is coming right for him. Jang takes out a bag of powder and airbends it into the crowd. The powder is like pepper spray, bringing most of the men to their knees in pain. The powder hits Kamui right in the face.
Jang runs over to Kato, he grabs him and they sprint in the direction of his riverboat. Kamui gets up, his eyes completely red and tearing. He points at Jang at Kato.
Kamui
Stop them!
Several of the men head towards Jang and Kato. The pair jump into the boat clumsily, causing it to nearly capsize. Jang gets up and blows a gust of wind in back of him which sends the riverboat careening down the canal. 5 guards are on ice surfboards chasing after Jang and Kato.
Kamui goes up to Inuk, who is just arriving and out of breath.
Kamui
The boy can not be allowed to escape the capital! Call your elite squad!
Inuk
Commander, I… What happened to your eyes?
Kamui
That servant is no feeble old man... (Kamui looks around at the other men rubbing their eyes) Apprehend the imposter!
The men nod and head towards the canal.
Kamui
(Turns to Inuk) Call your squad!
Inuk stands there, his mind racing, he looks up at Kamui, defiantly. Kamui narrows his eyes. Then he grabs Inuk's collar.
Kamui
Are you disobeying my order, General?
Inuk
...Yes.
Jang is in a mad dash. Kato is barely holding onto the mast. The air is whipping around them. They pass underneath a bridge. The waterbenders chasing them bring the bridge down in front of them. The ice crashes into the water, as well as several people, who are screaming. Jang panics and attempts to get an air bubble under his riverboat so he can go over the people and ice in the water. The military men just make a big wave and ride that over the people, who end up soaked.
We see parts of this city for the first time, but only as a blur. Jang is heading for a drain exit. The waterbenders try to destroy the drain exit as well, but Jang is working with two hands. He does a circular motion and creates a vortex of air that clears the drain. Him and Kato make it through the drain and out of the capital.
They both breathe a sigh of relief.
We cut to Kamui, who drags Inuk by his collar towards the communication board. He grabs Inuk's key and unlocks the chamber, and then steps inside. He grabs the massive horn and blows on it.
We see the elite soldiers getting on Eelhounds and dropping off the city wall into the ocean. They start chasing after Kato and Jang, throwing ice daggers at them.
Jang sees this and propels the boat again. The two are in the open ocean now, and a maze of glaciers is coming upon them.
Jang
Kato! Grab the ox head!
Kato grabs the two wooden shafts coming out of the front of the boat.
Jang
You're gonna have to steer!
Kato takes a deep breath and grabs the ox head. He tilts the boat to avoid a glacier.
We abruptly cut from the action to a wide shot of the empty war room. The only one inside is Batua, who is still standing by the rock wall. We cut to a close up of Batua, who's frozen in shock. Then he starts shaking his head, weakly.
Batua
(Quietly mumbling) No, don't kill him…
Batua slowly looks down. We cut 90 degrees to a shot of him in profile and see several guards walk by the door, and then look inside.
Guard 1
There he is!
Guard 2
Prince Batua!
Batua looks over at the guards, who bring him out of the room. As Batua steps outside, he sees a crowd gathered, and they start clapping for him and chanting "The new crown prince!" over and over again.
We cut to Batua, who looks out at the adoration, and then starts to smile.
We cut to the boat smashing into a glacier.
Kato
Sorry!
Jang gives Kato a look and then airbends away an ice dagger heading for him. He is running out of stamina. He looks ahead and sees two large glaciers coming up. He looks behind and sees the party of city guards on their tails. When the boat makes it to the glacier, Jang takes out another bag of powder and blows it at the city guards. The powder becomes a smoke screen. When the smoke clears, Jang and Kato are gone.
We cut to Batua outside Kato's room, holding a pitcher of wine. He looks down, exhales, and then nods at the guard, who opens the door. Batua walks inside and finds Ta looking out the window. He clears his throat and she turns around.
Ta
You! You're Kato's brother, right? Bato?
Batua raises his eyebrows and nods.
Batua
Batua.
Ta
What is going on out there?! They were carrying my… husband… out like a dinner plate! And then he took off in a boat?!
Batua smiles at her and walks over to the table. He grabs two cups and pours them both wine. Then he beckons her to sit down. She hesitates, then does.
Ta
Can you please tell me what's going on?
Batua takes a sip of wine.
Batua
You're really beautiful. Has anyone ever told you that?
We hang on Batua for a second before we cut back to Ta. A horrible realization is just beginning to set on her face. Batua waits for a response, and then he takes another sip.
Batua
I'm going to be the new prince, you know.
Ta is taken aback.
Ta
(Quietly) Excuse me?
Batua
And if the new prince likes you… Good things will happen.
Ta gets out of her chair and steps back.
Ta
What did you do? Where's Kato?
Batua looks angry, then he stands up.
Batua
I didn't do anything! It's him that… He lied to me!
Ta
What?!
Batua
Yeah! He's a liar… And a deceiver, and… You don't wanna marry someone like that!
Ta
(Looks at Batua's face, then she slowly points at him) You betrayed him.
Batua steps back, sweating.
Batua
Hold on. This is not how I wanted this to go. I wanted to tell you that I love you, and that you should marry me, because-
Ta bends wine in his face.
Ta
Get away from me!
Batua takes a step towards her, aggressively, and then notices the door opening and steps back. Kamui is standing there.
Kamui
Hmm. I thought I might find you here.
Batua
(Clears his throat) I was informing her of the news.
Kamui
Of course. (Kamui bends the wine off of Batua's face and back into the cup, then looks at Ta) Princess.
Ta looks down.
Kamui
May I borrow the Prince for a moment?
Ta nods. Kamui and Batua walk out to the hallway.
Kamui
Not fifteen minutes after your big move and I find you here. Shame. I thought your intentions were more noble.
Batua
They are. I meant every word I said in there.
Kamui
'He should be exiled'?
Batua
I… Well, I didn't… That was before…
Kamui puts his hand on Batua's shoulder, Batua flinches.
Kamui
Well, you may just get your wish. Your brother and the old man have escaped.
Batua
Oh…
Kamui
But we'll catch them, and when we do, I hope you reevaluate this newfound compassion for the imposter. In the meantime, we need to spread the news. Before it spreads on its own.
We cut to Kato with his head low, sitting on the floor of the boat. Jang's hand comes into frame with a cup of tea. Kato takes the cup. His hands are comically shaking. He takes a sip and then puts the cup down.
Jang looks down at him, then looks out on the sea. Kato lies down.
Jang
We're not out of the woods yet.
In the distance we see the great ice gates rise from the horizon. Then we see a wide shot of the massive gates. Jang's boat looks like a speck moving towards the gates.
A guard stationed atop looks down at them.
Guard
Halt! Who goes there?
Kato removes his hood.
Kato
It is I, Prince Kato.
The guard does a double take, then climbs down the ladder.
Guard
Your majesty. What are you doing out here?
Kato
...I'm going on vacation.
The guard looks suspiciously at the situation. Jang turns around and sees the city guard riding towards them in the distance, he gulps.
Jang
Um...Prince.
Kato
Yes, we really must be going.
Guard
Wait. (He takes out a telescope) That's the city guard. And they have their look-out flags up. Come with me while we sort this out.
The guard outstretches his hand for Kato to take. Kato hesitates. The guard looks suspiciously at Jang and then whispers to Kato.
Guard
Are you in danger?
Jang
With all due respect, we-
The guard holds his hand up.
Guard
Silence. I've asked your prince a question.
Kato
No. No danger here.
Guard
Well, we'll see what these folks have to say. (He rings the bell) Flags up! Flags up!
The city guard yells something in the distance.
Guard
What?
Kato grabs the guard's collar.
Kato
Listen, pal. If the prince wants to get through. The prince gets through. Now stop stalling and open the gate.
Guard
But… the flags are up, your majesty...
Kato
Do as I command or face the consequences.
The guard exhales and rings the second bell.
Guard
Open the gate!
Guard 2
But sir!
Guard
Do it!
The gates open. We see Jang and Kato tentatively pass through and sail forward. In the background we see the city guard finally get to the gate and the city guard and the gate guard talk. The gate guard rings the 1st bell again. As soon as this happens, Jang puts it into overdrive again and the two scramble to get out of there.
We cut to a montage set over tense strings. Kamui and Batua, along with military backup, travel through the neighborhood just outside the palace, home to the nobility. They bang on the door, until a high ranking official answers, then Kamui shoves a petition in their face. Those who sign it are left alone, while those who refuse are dragged out by the military. We see Batua indulging in some destruction of property along with the military men.
We see them travel back into the palace, and reach their final destination, Baka's studio. They break the door down, and find Baka with a group of people who scatter. Baka watches in horror as the military men start destroying his statues. They eventually get to the 9 foot tall statue of Kato.
We cut to Batua angrily staring up at the statue as the military men bring it to the floor, smashing it into pieces. Batua bends the head towards him and dropkicks it across the room, to applause.
We cut to the interior of the palace dungeon. The camera slowly pans across all of the cells. We see the theater troupe in a cell. We see some officials who refused to sign the plaque. We see Baka, the sculptor. Then finally, we arrive at a door.
We cut inside and see a much nicer cell, with furniture and wine on the table. As we pan across the room, we find Kyana, sitting on the floor in the corner, her hair covering her face.
We cut to a startling, straight on shot of Ta. Her face is red, and she's straining, teeth clenched.
Ta
(Growling) Come on…
We cut to her hands, shaking with focus in front of the ice wall in Kato's (Now Batua's) room. We cut to a close up of the ice, and it appears to budge ever so slightly.
Then we cut back to Ta and she lets go. Her hands drop to the side and she tilts her head back, exhausted. She looks back at the wall, determined, and then she turns to the fountain and draws some water out of it.
We cut to a wide shot and see Ta slashing the wall over and over with the stream, but it's not doing much. She groans and drops the water. We cut to a close of Ta, as she narrows her eyes, and then she rolls her sleeves up and takes several steps back, before running at the wall at full speed.
Ta hits the wall with a thud, again having no effect, and then she slowly slides down the wall onto the floor. We cut to a wide shot of the room as she clutches her head in tears.
We cut to a close up of the Blue Lily tile on the Pai Sho board. Kamui's finger presses down on it, and then the camera follows as it slides 4 spaces diagonally. Then we cut to Batua, who looks down at the board and sighs.
Kamui
I know what you're feeling, Batua.
Batua looks up at him.
Kamui
You're feeling great shame.
Batua looks off to the side, not wanting to show anything.
Kamui
Look at me. (Batua looks at him) That boy was not your brother. He was an imposter and a threat to this empire. (Leans forward) Your empire.
Batua nods.
Kamui
You may not believe it right now, but you showed true courage today. Your father would be proud.
Batua
...What about my mother?
Kamui now looks down and strokes his beard.
Kamui
Yes, well… You're not wrong to wonder about her.
Batua continues to look down at the board.
Kamui
Your move.
We cut to Inuk, who is sitting at his desk with his head in his hands. The camera stays on him for a while, before he hears a knock on the door. He looks up at the door through his fingers, before he slides his hands off of his face and sits up with bitter exhaustion.
Inuk
What now?
The door slowly opens, and Lao walks in, holding a scroll and looking down.
Lao
Sorry, Inuk… I know you're… (She holds out the scroll) This letter came for you.
Inuk
From who?
Lao
It doesn't say…
Inuk grabs the scroll from her, and opens it up, the wax seal comes apart, already broken. He looks up at her.
Inuk
You read it.
Lao nods. Inuk narrows his eyes at her demeanor, and then holds the letter open and begins to read it. The camera slowly zooms in as Inuk's eyes move up and down the scroll, then he gasps, running his hand through his hair as he continues to read. We cut to Lao. The camera continues to zoom in, and a chaotic percussive score builds up as she looks away.
We suddenly cut to Kamui sitting at his desk as Inuk barges through the door.
Inuk
I saw the report, Kamui! Tell me it's not true!
Kamui looks up at Inuk, intrigued.
Kamui
Hmm? What have you heard?
Inuk walks up and hands Kamui the scroll. Kamui grabs it and holds it up, scanning over it, then he lowers it.
Kamui
Oh. This.
Inuk gazes at the look on Kamui's face, and then widens his eyes in anger.
Inuk
What have you done?!
Inuk runs towards Kamui, bending a large stream of water out of the fountain and slamming it into him, knocking him out of his chair and against the wall. Two guards rush towards Inuk and grab him by the arms, as he squirms furiously.
Inuk
Let me go! This man is a criminal!
Kamui looks up at Inuk from the floor and spits the water out of his mouth, then stands up, nodding to his guards. They let Inuk go and he angrily bends another wave at Kamui.
Kamui quickly sidesteps the wave, then raises a stream for himself. Inuk brings the wave back around towards Kamui, who somersaults across the floor beneath it. As Kamui slides to a stop, he swiftly freezes a few ice daggers, and tosses one after another at Inuk.
The camera zooms in on Inuk, as his eyes widen, and then we see him get pinned to the wall by his coat. Kamui walks over to Inuk, freezing another stream. He holds the last dagger up to Inuk's neck, who looks back at him in fear.
Inuk
Please. Don't.
Kamui
(Narrows his eyes) My orders were to retrieve Princess Ta and bring her to the capital. I follow my orders to the letter. (He moves in closer, talks quieter) And I expect anyone who calls themself a loyal citizen of this empire to do the same.
Inuk shakes his head, sadly.
Inuk
No... It wasn't supposed to be this way.
Kamui stares at Inuk with intensity, then his expression softens.
Kamui
Your heart breaks for Aikira. (Inuk continues to stare back at him. Kamui then clicks his tongue) This is the man entrusted to run the city guard. No wonder it's in shambles.
Kamui lets go of the ice shards, which collapse into water. Inuk drops to the floor. Kamui then turns away and walks back to his desk.
We cut back to Inuk. He shakily breathes in and out, staring down. The camera begins to slowly zoom in on him again, and the chaotic percussive score returns.
We cut to a wave hitting the rocks. Kato and Jang are on a small island. Kato is sitting against a rock, then he turns as Jang comes out of the bushes and adjusts his pants.
Kato
Finished?
Jang nods.
We cut to the two of them on the boat. The sun is rising and the two of them are lying down while the boat moves along the current. Kato is listlessly tossing the rock up and catching it. He levitates the rock in the air for a moment, then he hears a gurgling sound and a large splash. Kato sits up and peeks over the side of the boat. A sea serpent has reared its head out of the water.
Kato
Jang…
Jang
Hmm?
Kato
A sea serpent.
Kato and the sea serpent lock eyes. Kato rummages around and finds his blade. He stands up, armed.
Jang
Put that down.
Kato
But it could attack us.
Jang
You think that kitchen knife is going to help you?
Kato looks at Jang. Jang sits up.
Jang
Leave it be, and it'll leave you be.
Kato lowers the blade. He and the sea serpent eye each other as they pass. The serpent eventually lowers its head back in the water.
Kato exhales and sits back down. He puts the knife away. Jang looks at Kato.
Jang
Boy, it's been a day, huh?
Kato lets out a grim laugh and nods his head. He stares ahead for a moment, then he narrows his eyes.
Kato
Jang?
Jang looks at Kato.
Kato
Am I... (Blinks) The Avatar?
The two stare at each other for a moment, before Jang chuckles.
Jang
The Crown Prince and the Avatar? Nobody is that lucky.
Kato continues staring at Jang, hoping for some sort of affirmation. Jang then sighs.
Jang
I'm sorry, Kato. You're seventeen. You would have known by now. (Kato then looks down with a grim expression) But hey, you're an earthbender. That's something.
Kato then frowns.
Kato
I don't want to talk about this.
Jang
Aren't you... I don't know, curious? (Smiles) I saw you bending that rock before.
Kato
I said I don't want to talk about this!
Jang
Oh, come on. As long as I've known you, you've wanted to be a bender. Well, you're a bender! Embrace it!
Kato
I wanted to be a waterbender! Not a… Koi, I can't even say it. I feel sick.
Jang
I think you're being a little dramatic.
Kato
No, I think I'm actually sick. What was in that stew?
Kato sticks his head out and vomits into the sea. Jang gets up and puts his arm on his shoulder. Kato wipes his mouth off and sighs.
Kato
My life is a joke. I've been cursed with this... Lowly element. And you say 'embrace it'. Pfft.
Jang
Kato, what have we talked about?
Kato
I don't hate them... I just can't be one of them! I mean, you saw the looks on their faces! My whole family wants me dead!
Beat.
Jang
(Sighs) This is my fault, Kato. (Kato turns to him) Your uncle is a dangerous man. Earthbending or not, it was only a matter of time before he found an excuse to take you out. (Looks out at the sky) And I should have seen it coming.
Kato
It wasn't my uncle... I mean, not really... It was Batua.
Jang turns and looks at Kato with surprise.
Jang
Really?
Kato shakes his head, ruefully.
Kato
My own brother. I saved him, Jang, and in return, he calls me a false prince. Like that. (Snaps his fingers) He took one look at me and he knew I wasn't fit for the throne. Not anymore.
Jang
Kato…
Kato
And maybe he's right. Maybe I am a false prince. Destined to roam the earth as a leper. Maybe that's my legacy.
Jang looks out at the sea, narrowing his eyes.
Jang
That is not your legacy. I assure you.
During this conversation, a rush of water has been gaining volume. Suddenly we hear the sound of a rope being unfurled in the air. Jang and Kato turn around and see an ice torpedo flying towards the boat. The ice pierces through the boat, connecting to the hand of a city guard by rope. Jang slices the rope with an airbending slice and tries to propel the boat but it's taking on water. Ice daggers are being thrown every which way.
Kato
What do we do?!
Jang finds his glider.
Jang
We're taking to the sky! Grab my hand!
Several more city guard are on their way. They're sinking the boat quickly.
Kato narrowly misses an icicle and grabs Jang's hand. Jang opens his glider and ascends, but Kato's grip isn't strong enough. Kato slips and plummets into the water below.
All the sound stops. And then we hear a splash.
Kato catches his breath, bobbing on the surface of the water. He sees the city guard approaching quickly. Then he looks up and sees Jang flying around in the air, trying to avoid the icicles. He's yelling something that Kato can't hear.
Kato closes his eyes. He breathes deeply and then focuses. The sound comes back.
Kato lifts his arms. Then we hear a rumbling sound, before an enormous pillar of rock shoots out of the ocean, carrying Kato along with it. The camera follows in a blur, as Kato is carried high above the sea.
Kato is now 40 feet up in the air, looking down at the city guard below. He laughs with glee and then loses his footing and falls off. We cut to Kato falling through the air, screaming. Then Jang swoops in and grabs him.
TO BE CONTINUED...