AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 1: FAMILY
CHAPTER 8: THE PRINCESS
We fade in on Batua, sitting in repose on a bench in the garden. He's watching a band perform in front of him. Each with a white cloak and a golden instrument.
The camera slowly zooms in on Batua, before a hand taps on his shoulder. Batua turns around and sees Kamui standing behind him with a smile. Kamui leans down and whispers in Batua's ear.
Kamui
We're letting your mother out.
Batua doesn't respond.
We cut to Batua walking down the stairs to the dungeon. He walks down the long corridor and arrives at Kyana's room. Kamui unlocks the door and opens it, then Kyana walks out, tears running out down her face. She looks up and sees Batua.
Kyana runs over to Batua and hugs him.
Batua
Mom. You're okay...
Kyana continues to cry, and then slowly calms down. She sniffles.
Kyana
(Quietly) I know what you did.
Batua
What?
Kyana
(Whispering) Coward.
Batua steps out of the hug and looks at Kyana. She looks deadly serious, then she plunges a dagger into Batua's gut.
We cut to Batua waking up in his bed with a loud shriek, covered in sweat. He sits up and starts hyperventilating. The camera pans over to Ta, who is smiling at this.
We cut to the medical chambers. Kyana is finally out of her cell. She's sitting next to Atakui, holding his hand in hers, whispering to him.
Kyana
I'm sorry. I couldn't stop him by myself… I didn't have you by my side…
Kamui is watching this from the background, surveying them. For the first time, he looks unsure.
We cut to Kamui and Kyana walking side by side through the palace. Kyana looks very bitter. They arrive at Kyana's room and walk inside. Kyana walks over to her desk, looking down at it, facing away from Kamui. He stands there for a moment in silence.
Kamui
(Earnestly) I'm… Sorry, Kyana.
Kyana just stands there.
Kamui
I was wrong to doubt your allegiance.
Kyana
(Nods) Mhm.
Kamui takes a few steps towards Kyana.
Kamui
Then help me understand. Please. How could this have happened? How is it possible that Kato is an earthbender?
Kyana doesn't respond.
Kamui
You know I don't like it when things don't make sense.
Kyana sighs, then she turns around.
Kyana
Kamui, I have no more answers for you. You took them all.
Kamui looks down, exhaling through his nose. A moment passes, then he looks back up at her.
Kamui
Will you be attending the celebration tomorrow?
Kyana
(Closes her eyes) I would prefer not to.
Kamui
Very well…
Kamui skulks out of the room, leaving Kyana. She walks over to the mirror and sees her disheveled reflection, then she sighs.
We cut to a close up of Batua, as he breathes deeply, then looks forward with anxiety. We cut to a wider shot and see that he's walking down the hall to Kyana's room.
We cut to outside of her door. Batua stands in front of it for a while, staring at it. Then he raises his hand to knock.
Beat.
Batua looks down, slowly lowering his hand. Then he shakes his head. A guard is watching Batua with confusion.
Guard
You want I should knock on the door for you?
We cut to Kyana sitting inside. She turns her head.
Guard
(From outside) You wanna talk to your mom, right? How's she gonna know you're here if you don't knock?
Kyana's eyes widen. She looks at the door with an intense expression. Then we cut back to Batua, who is angrily whispering.
Batua
Can you please shut up?
Guard
What? I'm just saying. How's she gonna know?
Batua shakes his head and then walks away. We cut back inside to Kyana, as she gazes at the door. Then she looks away with a hurt expression.
We cut to a wide view of the palace and its grounds. The moon is crescent and mostly obscured by clouds.
We cut to the palace grounds, near the left wing of the incomplete pantheon statue. We see that the place is all decked out in wedding decoration like it was in the first episode, but it's not nearly as stylish.
We see an earthbender, Haruk, carrying a crate out of the great hall. He looks around to see if the coast is clear, then he opens the latch to an underground store room. As he walks down the stairs, the camera pans down with him, under the ice floor, to the cave-like storeroom below.
We see a group of earthbenders down there, 15 or so, men and women. Haruk sets the crate down on the floor.
We hear the crate being unlocked, then the top comes off and we see the group looking down at the contents.
We match cut to Lao in the dungeon, looking down into the barrel of rice balls. Lao sticks her hand in and shuffles around, before finding the one with the chalk writing on it.
Lao retrieves it, then she turns to Baka's cell.
Baka is lying on the floor with a defeated expression. Lao looks at him with sadness as she pushes his rice ball through the slot.
They share a grim moment together.
We cut to Inuk, in his home. He puts down a glass of wine and slouches back on his couch. Lao is sitting off to the side, knitting. Inuk looks troubled, then he turns to Lao.
Inuk
How is she?
Lao
(Doesn't look up) Who?
Inuk
Princess Ta.
Lao
She's... Adjusting.
Inuk sighs and pours himself another cup of wine.
Inuk
I suppose you think I'm a weak man, Lao...
Lao
Hmm?
Inuk turns around and takes a gulp.
Inuk
It's okay, I won't punish you. But I know you're thinking it.
She looks up at Inuk, confused.
Lao
I'm not sure what you mean...
Inuk
You don't think I'm weak? Really? I opened the gates to this city so that Kamui could run rampant. Him and that boy, that petulant little… (Takes a gulp) And I can't stop them! I can't do anything! (Another gulp) I tell you this, Lao. I may be a weak man, But I'm not an evil man. I am not an evil man.
Lao nods and continues to knit.
Inuk throws his wine glass at the wall, startling Lao.
Inuk
Don't you have any feeling? Any at all? I'm pouring my heart out to you!
Lao
You're drunk.
Inuk
I'm upset! And all you ever do is stare at me with those gray, pitiless eyes.
Lao rolls her eyes and looks off to the side.
Inuk
Don't you feel for me?
Lao
I'm not here to feel, sir. I'm here to do as you instruct.
Inuk looks down and shakes his head.
Inul
It's all broken, Lao…
Lao continues knitting, but looks up at Inuk briefly.
We cut to an overhead shot of Batua and Ta in bed, the night before the wedding. Ta, as ever, has a look of barely restrained terror. Batua has an expression of anticipation mixed with dread. (Is this possible with animation? Hopefully!)
Batua
Goodnight, my princess. Till tomorrow.
Ta doesn't respond.
We smash cut to the middle of the night from the same camera angle. Batua is asleep, snoring. Ta isn't in bed.
We cut to Ta in the darkness, forming a stream of water into a sharp dagger. She holds the dagger over Batua's chest.
She lets the dagger hang there for a moment, slowly lowering it. Then she looks toward the door.
We cut to the hallway outside. There is one guard, who is sleeping.
We cut back to Ta. She cringes indecisively, then looks down at the set of keys on the night table. We hear Ta slowly unlocking the door and opening it. She peeks outside and sees the sleeping guard. Then she gingerly slips out and closes the door.
Ta is tiptoeing down the hall. The coast seems to be clear. As she turns a corner, she sees something and stops.
We cut to Kamui's silhouette, standing at the other end of the hallway. Ta and Kamui face each other for a moment.
Kamui
Back to bed, dear.
We cut to the morning sun rising peacefully over the palace. We hear the imperial horn being played.
We cut to the great hall. Workers of all stripes are moving to and fro. We see Pong observing some last minute detailing on a plant display. He is clearly sleep deprived and going a little insane.
Pong
No, no. It's all wrong. The Azaleas go underneath the petunias. The petunias, you blind half-wit! Do I need to lend you my almanac?!
His worker nods and starts rearranging them.
Pong
And where are my cabbages?!
Pong runs away.
We cut to the kitchen, where airbender chefs are preparing the food. An airbender lugs a big fish carcass onto the table. She reaches for the knife board, then looks and sees that the knife board is completely empty.
We cut to Kamui and Batua playing Pai Sho. Batua moves his tile.
Kamui
(Shaking his head) That's not a good move.
Batua
Why not?
Kamui
Look at the board. You've focused so much on defending your right flank, that you've completely ignored the left. See?
Batua
But you've been attacking my right flank.
Kamui
Have I, though? How many pieces have you gained? Two? Maybe I'm fighting a false war to distract you, while I, (He moves a piece right into Batua's space through the left flank) Sneak in.
Batua
(Groans) There are too many things going on at once. I can't keep track.
Kamui nods.
Kamui
Life is full of distractions, Batua. You must be careful to not get swept up in them, no matter how... Charming they may be.
Batua narrows his eyes.
Batua
Are we still talking about Pai Sho?
Kamui
Please, forgive me. This discussion ought to take place between a father and son. And though I don't presume to be your father, I'd like to think that you and I have developed a similar... Understanding.
Batua
Okay, shoot...
Kamui
I have reservations about your fiancé.
Batua
Uhuh...
Kamui
I know that the Princess has a lovely face, but can you trust her? The way a husband trusts a wife?
Batua
She knows what'll happen to her if she doesn't go through with this wedding.
Kamui
My prince… Ta was specifically chosen for your brother because of his… Condition. You owe her nothing.
Batua
She never consummated with him.
Kamui
(Smiling) Right… What I'm saying is... Listen to your heart. Are you sure you really wish to marry this girl?
Batua
(Cocks his head back) Wha-... What are you even talking about? Of course I wanna marry her! I mean, if I don't, then what was this all for?
Kamui sits back, crossing his arms.
Kamui
'This'?
Batua
You know… (Gestures broadly around them) All this decoration. (Looks down and scratches his head, then glares at Kamui) Isn't it a little late to be asking me this?
Kamui
It's never too late to alter your strategy, my prince. (Moves a Pai Sho tile)
Batua
Well, I'm not going to. So drop it.
We see Pong, eavesdropping on their conversation. He breathes a deep sigh of relief.
We cut to Ta having her makeup done by Lao. As usual, she has a thousand yard stare. Lao looks at Ta and smiles.
Lao
You look really pretty.
Ta smiles weakly.
Ta
Thank you, Lao...
Lao
Of course.
Ta grabs Lao's hand tightly. Lao seems taken aback by this, but accepts it with a small smile.
We cut to a quick montage.
Batua's hair is being put up on a royal topknot.
Ta's dress is fastened tight.
We cut to Batua and Ta on stage. It is silent. They both move their faces closer, then right at the last moment, Ta holds back while Batua goes in and kisses her.
All the sound comes back as we hear the applause. Ta looks out at the crowd with no expression.
We cut to a sheet hung over something. The sheet is lifted, revealing Batua's royal statue. The statue is underwhelming. It looks like Batua, but it lacks the dynamic energy of Kato's statue. The unveiling is met with mild applause.
Pong looks out at the crowd. He makes a sour expression and walks off.
We cut to Kamui, politely clapping. Then he turns his attention back to his table. Ato, Inuk, Batua, and Ta are sitting at one end, while Lao and Ato's wife are sitting at the other. Batua has his arm around a grim looking Ta while he stuffs his face.
Batua
(Mouth full) I think the other guy was better. I mean, (Swallows) No offense Ato, but this guy sucks.
Ato
Pong is the crown jewel of Kiriko. He won the Empire seal for his mural commemorating the War of the Pearls.
Batua
Did he award it to himself? (Chuckles)
Ato frowns.
Batua
All I know is my statue isn't half as good as Kato's was. (To Kamui) What do you think?
Kamui has been distracted, he snaps back.
Kamui
(Shrugs) The statue was adequate.
We cut to Pong, eavesdropping again. His lackey offers him a handkerchief. Pong swats it away.
We cut back to Batua, who shrugs and looks at Inuk.
Batua
Thoughts?
Inuk is sitting there drinking with a look of disdain.
Batua
...What's got your fish in a net? It's my wedding. Be happy for me.
Inuk sarcastically raises his glass.
Inuk
To the empire…
Then he takes another drink.
Batua
Pfft. (to Ato) What's wrong with him?
Ato shrugs. Beat. We cut to Inuk swirling the wine around his cup.
Inuk
Say, Batua, I don't see your mother anywhere. Will she be joining us?
Batua rolls his eyes and looks back at Inuk.
Batua
Will your wife be joining us?
Inuk slams his hands on the table.
Inuk
Why, you little-
Kamui
Enough! Inuk, can I have a word with you?
Kamui and Inuk get up and walk off. Batua offers Ta a piece of food. Ta makes no reaction. Ato is watching this. He makes an awkward expression and slides over to his wife, kissing her on the cheek.
We cut to Kamui and Inuk. Kamui condescendingly straightens Inuk's coat.
Kamui
What's gotten into you?
Inuk
Nothing…
Kamui
This isn't normal. You're usually such a happy drunk.
Inuk sneers, then he looks across the room at Batua.
Inuk
It's just… The way he treats the princess. It's unbecoming.
Kamui looks over at the two of them, then back at Inuk.
Kamui
She's his wife now. He can treat her any way he chooses.
Inuk
That is exactly the problem.
We cut back to Batua.
Batua
(To Lao) Airbender. Fetch me another plate of unagi. The staff seem to have vanished.
Lao takes Batua's plate and heads over to the kitchen. We follow her as she walks towards the kitchen. The crowd of nobles passes behind her. She arrives at the door and opens it.
We see 3 earthbenders looking over a piece of paper, and several earthbenders in the background. A few are brandishing knives. Lao looks at this scene.
The earthbenders quickly put away the piece of paper and look at Lao. Lao looks shocked and drops the plate. It shatters.
Lao runs out and gets Kamui's attention, but it's too late.
We see the various noble waterbending families at their tables. We see the earthbending waitstaff. Each earthbender takes out a knife hidden in their sleeve, then holds it up to a waterbender's throat.
This is happening all over the hall, then suddenly, a waterbender counter attacks, and before they know it, a large scale fight has broken out in the great hall.
Kamui looks around at the chaos unfolding around him. He looks at Batua and Ta. Batua is clumsily fighting off an attacker, while Ta is being dragged away by her hair.
Kamui runs over to Batua's table, fighting people off. He throws an ice dagger at Batua's attacker, pinning his shoulder to the wall.
Kamui is fighting off several earthbenders at once. He raises a 5 foot column of ice under his feet so he can get some space, then he takes his horn out of his pocket and blows on it. The guards outside of the hall are alerted by this.
We briefly see Jin and her boys outside of the palace. They watch as the city guard run towards the hall.
The guards try to open the door, but it's being blocked. The guards start trying to get in with a battering ram. We see them also trying to get in via the kitchen, but that door is jammed too.
Suddenly the chaos comes to a quiet, and the armed earthbenders look towards one side of the hall.
We cut to a hand being held in the air. The camera pans down and we see that it belongs to Haruk, the earthbender, who is holding Ta by knifepoint. Batua sees this and gasps, then he arms himself with water.
Haruk holds the knife to Ta's throat and Batua backs down.
Haruk
We're not violent people! But you've pushed us to this! You've pushed us!
There is quiet. Kamui waits for him to continue. The waterbender elite who survived are looking on, some in astonishment, others in disdain. The earthbenders crowd around Haruk for backup.
Haruk
The great Tahnuk once said, 'When you deprive a man of his voice, he will find another way to speak'! Well, hear us now! It is god's honest truth that what happened just one week ago was an abomination, and it will not go unanswered! Prince Kato was a tolerant and measured ruler, and if freedom was unattainable, we would have served him as emperor with great honor! (Haruk points to Batua) But this boy. This usurper is nothing more than a petty tyrant! He has made a mockery of the very idea of family! Of loyalty! And we will not serve him! Not today or ever!
Batua narrows his eyes at Haruk. Kamui lowers his ice pillar and steps onto the floor.
Kamui
So, tell me. All this grandeur aside. What exactly is your plan?
Haruk
We know we will not find freedom here. So instead, you will arrange our safe return to the southern half of the earth continent! As many of us as you can fit on the boat!
Kamui
Or?
Haruk
Or I will kill the Princess.
We cut to Batua, who grits his teeth in anger. Beat.
Ta
(Under her breath) Do it.
Haruk looks weirded out by this comment.
Kamui
What is your name, earthbender?
Haruk
Haruk.
Kamui
(Nods) Aren't you going to ask me for my name?
Haruk
(Shrugs) You're my captor. Anything else is irrelevant.
Kamui
I see... Well, Haruk, I'm sorry to tell you this, but you should have chosen a better hostage. (Shrugs) The Princess has outlived her purpose.
We cut to Batua, mouth agape, looking appalled at Kamui. We also see a shot of Lao and a shot of Inuk, both disgusted.
We see a close up of Ta. She closes her eyes and breathes calmly, nodding her head. Then the camera pans over to Haruk's face. He gazes at Kamui in horror, then looks down and sheds a tear. He lets go of Ta, who falls on the ground, disappointed.
Kamui nods. Then suddenly, Batua punches Kamui right in the face.
Batua leaps at Haruk and throws a water fist at him. Haruk dodges it. Then Batua engages himself among the earthbenders.
He tussles briefly before one of them stabs him in the gut. Another stabs him in the shoulder.
Batua falls on top of Ta. The waterbending elite start screaming and panicking.
Kamui stands there and looks on with disappointment, rubbing his bruised jaw. Then the city guard bust down the door and start attacking earthbenders.
We cut to an aerial shot of the great hall in chaos. It's a bloodbath. The camera zooms in slowly on Ta, who is underneath an unconscious Batua. She pushes Batua off of herself and stares up at the ceiling, covered in his blood. When we arrive at a medium shot of her, We see a guard grab her and another guard grab Batua.
We cut to black.
Then we fade in on the city skyline the next morning. It is cloudy and snowing.
We cut to a room in the palace. Batua is sitting up in bed as a group of healers are tending his stab wounds. He winces as a healer closes up the stab to his shoulder. The other one is working on his gut.
Batua narrows his eyes..
Batua
I will never forget this. (Winces)
The healer nods her head. We see the healers hands over Batua's 2nd stab wound. We hear the distinct electrical hum sound effect that accompanies healing.
Then we match cut to Kamui's hand, which is twitching slightly in anticipation. As the camera zooms out, we see he is walking down the main plaza with Ato in tow. We see the feet of poor earthbending souls dangling above them, lining the walkway.
Kamui
How is he?
Ato
He survived the scuffle mostly uninjured.
Kamui
Good… He's fresh.
Ato looks slightly disturbed.
Ato takes Kamui to a secret holding cell, not in the dungeon, but in a room adjacent to Kamui's quarters. Kamui walks in to find Haruk sitting on the floor.
Haruk smiles and finishes eating his bread.
Kamui
You're in a good mood for someone so unsuccessful.
Haruk shrugs.
Kamui
So ferocious, you were. Right up until the moment you had to cut her throat.
Haruk
Yeah, I couldn't do it... Still though, seeing the great Serpent get clocked by his own nephew? Worth the price of admission.
Kamui
Really?
Haruk
Well, you take what you can get...
Kamui
Hmm. (Rubs his beard) So you do know who I am.
Haruk
(Bored) Kamui of the Kamakoi. The Serpent.
Kamui
(Smiles) Isn't there one more name you failed to mention?
Haruk raises his eyebrow at Kamui.
Haruk
Gosh, you are full of yourself, aren't you?
Kamui
Come on, spit it out.
Haruk
(Sighs) The interrogator.
Kamui
Yes… I think that moniker I'm the most proud of. I worked very hard to earn it. It brings me purpose. I think the true goal of any man's life is to know their purpose. Their place. Do you agree?
Haruk
I do. I've been thinking about that place a lot, lately.
Kamui
...What place?
Haruk
(Tilts his head) You know what I'm talking about, right? The place where all men go after they've drawn their last breath. All men. Emperors, peasants... Even generals.
Haruk turns around to look at Kamui. Kamui looks down at him with a glint of anxiety in his eyes.
Haruk
I'll see you there real soon, Kamui.
Haruk takes the sharp edge of his shackle and uses it to slit his own throat. The camera pans up to Kamui, sprayed with blood, shocked and angry. The chaotic blast of a tsungi horn plays.
Kamui
No! No!
Kamui grabs Haruk by the shoulders, shaking him. Then Kamui bends the blood off of the floor and tries to put it back into Haruk's throat. This doesn't pan out.
Haruk's body falls to the floor. He lies there with a smirk frozen on his face.
The tsungi horn continues as we cut to Inuk inscribing a note and handing it to Lao.
We cut to Lao, entering the palace, showing Inuk's badge. She walks through the hallway and up the stairs.
We cut to Ta, she's lying in bed hovering an ice dagger above her own heart. Then she hears the door open and sees Lao standing there.
Lao gives her a gesture and Ta gets out of bed.
Lao
(To the guard) Prince Batua has requested his wife's presence.
Ta sighs and looks up at the ceiling. The guard nods, and Lao quickly slips a note onto the table before she leaves with Ta.
The two walk through the hallway and down the stairs. Then suddenly, Lao grabs Ta and takes her outside through a back door.
We cut to an alley behind the palace. The camera follows as Lao brings Ta down the alley and then pulls her into a small shed. She locks the door from the inside.
We cut to a shot of Ta and Lao inside the comically cramped shed.
Ta
What are you doing?
Lao
I have a message for you. From General Inuk. And I can't risk anyone else hearing it.
Ta looks confused, but lets Lao continue. Lao reaches into her coat and pulls out a scroll. She unrolls it and starts reading from it. As she reads, her voice fades into Inuk's voice.
Lao
'Dear Princess Ta, of Aikira. You may not know me but I know you. I knew your parents, Kai and Tara, and I attended their wedding, several months after which you were born. I feel responsible for your wellbeing. Which is why it pains me so much to confess to you the horrible truth that haunts my every sleepless night. The truth is this: It was I who first suggested your marriage to Prince Kato.' (Ta's eyes widen, and she looks down) 'It's my fault your home was destroyed and it's my fault you ended up shackled to that peabrain brother of his. I wish I could go back in time and cut my own tongue out before I had a chance to utter this stupid idea. But that is neither here nor there. Whatever happens to me, I want my last act as General to be something of worth. I've entrusted my steward, Lao, to be of any use to you in the capacity of which you choose. I'm sorry, Ta, and good luck. General Inuk.'
Ta stands there, taking this all in. Lao waits for her response. Then Ta slowly narrows her eyes before she looks back up at Lao.
Ta
What do you want me to say? That I forgive him?
Lao
No, listen. (Whispers) I have a plan. It's not a great plan, but... I might be able to get you out of here. (Looks down, unsure) But I don't know, I've never-
Ta widens her eyes.
Ta
Yes. I'm in!
Lao
Shhh!
Ta
(Whispering) Sorry!
Lao
It's going to be dangerous, Ta. You understand? Very dangerous. Maybe you want to think this through...
Ta shakes her head, then she looks down. Beat.
Ta
I had already given up... I... Had an ice dagger pointed at my own heart, and I was going to do it. (She looks up with sparkling eyes) But then you knocked on the door. (Narrows her eyes) I'm in.
The two share a glance for a moment, then Lao breathes deeply and nods.
Lao
Alright. Step 1,-
Ta pulls Lao in for a tight hug. She starts sobbing, tears running down her face.
Ta
I will never forget this, Lao.
Lao smiles sadly, but her smile fades as the realization sets in. This is really happening.
TO BE CONTINUED...