AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 1: FAMILY
CHAPTER 9: THE STONE OCEAN
We begin with a groovy, hypnotic, driving score. For now it's simple and sparse, accompanying a montage of the "mass production" of rice balls. We see airbender women making all the separate components, putting them together, and wrapping them in wax paper. Then they slide them down the line.
We see the woman upfront collecting the rice balls and making a record of it on a piece of parchment, then handing it off.
Then we cut to Lao outside of the fast food joint, filling two buckets with rice balls. We see another airbender to her side, her head covered by a hood.
She turns her head, and we see that it's Ta, in an airbender disguise, looking out at the street she's on. There are a dozen tiny shops and stands selling all sorts of things.
The woman in front gives Lao the last rice ball and Lao takes out Inuk's Royal badge and shows it to her.
Woman
Tell Inuk he needs to pay his tab. This is getting ridiculous.
Lao nods and hands one of the buckets to Ta.
We cut to Lao and Ta carrying the buckets to the dungeon entrance. Ta is having a harder time carrying hers than Lao.
We cut to Ta and Lao approaching the dungeon. 2 guards are outside the entrance.
Tak
Halt!
The music stops, save for a click to keep the tempo going.
Tak
Who goes there?
Kido
Cool your jets. (Turns to Lao) Sorry Lao, it's his first day on the job. Just show him your badge.
Lao
No problem at all, Kido. (She flashes Inuk's badge. Looks at Guard 2) And your name is?
Tak
Tak, airbender.
Kido
(Looking at Ta) So, who's the new girl?
Ta is hiding behind her hood.
Kido
Take off the hood, sweetie, let me see your face.
Ta reluctantly lifts her hood. Kido looks her over.
Kido
What's your name?
Ta
...Sarai.
Lao
With all the conspirators they locked up yesterday, there's a whole lot of mouths to feed, so I brought on some extra help. I hope that's okay.
Tak
You couldn't carry two barrels by yourself, airbender?
Lao pauses and then looks at Tak
Lao
(In flirtation mode) They're just oh so heavy. We're not big and strong like you are.
Tak
(Smiling) That's right.
Kido, glaring at Tak, walks over to the door and unlocks it.
Kido
Go on ahead, girls.
The groovy music starts again, sounding fuller now.
Lao
Blessed day to you both.
Kido
You too, Lao.
Lao and Ta walk up to the door and enter the dark hallway, before Kido closes the door behind them. Music over. He locks the door.
We cut to a close up of a ship in a bottle. We see a pair of tweezers gripping a small flag gingerly enter the bottle, before someone knocks on the door.
We cut Inuk looking up, then he looks back down and sees that he dropped the flag inside the bottle. He puts the bottle and the tweezers down and sighs, then he looks towards the door.
Inuk
Come in.
The door opens and Lohkan, the guard, comes in with some bandages wrapped around his head. Inuk looks up at him with sympathy.
Inuk
Lohkan. How are you holding up?
Lohkan
(Rubbing his head) Better, sir. (Then he takes a scroll out of his pocket) Do you remember that special, secret assignment you gave me?
Inuk stands up.
Inuk
Yes…
Lohkan
Well, this just came for you.
Lohkan walks over and hands Inuk the scroll. Inuk breaks the seal and opens it up, peering at it.
Lohkan walks over to take a look, but Inuk holds his hand up.
Inuk
Stop. The less people who know, the better.
Lohkan nods. We cut back to Inuk, who is rubbing his beard as he stares at the scroll.
We cut to a close up of the scroll, which looks like part of a map. There is a path going south towards an 'X'.
We cut to a woman sitting in a tavern near the Si Wong Desert. She takes a sip of tea, and then glances casually to her right.
We cut to Kato and Yamani, sitting across from each other on the other side of the room.
Yamani is staring at Kato, while Kato is looking away awkwardly, drinking from his cup. Kato finally looks at Yamani.
Kato
What?
Yamani
I heard you talking to yourself last night.
Kato puts his cup down and leans in.
Kato
Were you spying on me?
Yamani
I... Didn't have to.
Kato puts his head in his hands and sighs.
Yamani
You were very loud.
Kato
Yeah, I get it.
Kato looks over at the other end of the room. Jang is talking to a man by the door.
Yamani
So? (Kato looks back) What were you talking to yourself about?
Kato
For Koi's sake. Yamani, have you ever heard of boundaries? This is private.
Yamani
(Shrugs) I already know your big secret.
Kato looks down. Beat.
Yamani
And for what it's worth, I used to talk to myself all the time.
Kato
(Looks up) ...Really?
Yamani
Mhm. I was a pretty lonely kid. I made up this whole fantasy world called Friendly Town.
Kato cracks a smile.
Kato
Friendly Town?
Yamani smiles and nods.
Suddenly, the sunlight coming through the window is blotted out. Kato and Yamani look out and see a massive camelephant sidling up to the tavern. They both stare at it in wonder. Jang walks up from behind them.
Jang
Isn't that something?
Kato and Yamani nod. Jang sits down next to Kato and hands each of them a token.
Jang
(Sighs wistfully) It's been a while since I rode a camelephant.
Kato
(Incredulous) What? When did you ride one of those?
Jang
A long time ago. Maybe that same one. They live for centuries, you know.
Yamani
Huh...
Kato looks down in thought.
Jang
Well? Are you two ready to go?
Yamani
Right after I buy one of those sand melons.
Yamani gets up and walks away.
Jang
(Making a face) Sand melons? Blech.
We cut to Jang, Kato and Yamani boarding a carriage atop the camelephant. There is one other passenger in there. A man with a long beard. He nods at the 3 of them as they sit down.
Man
Hello there.
Jang
Heading to the library as well?
Man
No… Just a waypoint on my journey to Xianchu.
Yamani
Wow. Xianchu is a long way from here.
The man nods.
Man
I'm afraid I have a debt to pay...
Jang, Kato and Yamani all look at each other.
Man
Nothing serious. I owe my sister seventy wan. (Shakes his head) And I could really use the money right now... But that's none of your concern. You're going to a big old fancy library.
Awkward beat.
Yamani
Are you from Xianchu yourself?
Man
No. I'm from a little place down south. It's called Kangaroo island.
Kato, Yamani and Jang all look at each other, then they start laughing.
Man
What?
We hear a scream of agony, and an electrical hum. Then we cut to Hakoi's broken leg, being propped up on a chair. Umi's hands are lit up blue as she attempts to heal it. They're back on their ship.
Umi
Hold still!
Umi looks down at the leg with frustration, then she once again attempts to heal it. Hakoi lurches forward in pain.
Hakoi
Stop!
Umi steps back. Hakoi tilts his back, groaning in pain, then he shoots her an angry look.
Hakoi
Don't you know how to do this?!
Umi
Of course I know how to heal! It's just that… (Scratching her head) I don't know how much I can do because your leg is, like, seriously messed up, Hakoi. Like, oh my lord, it is disgusting.
Hakoi
Shut up, Umi!
Umi
I'm just saying!
Umi steps back again. Kayat is in the background. Hakoi groans in pain as he switches position.
Kayat
Sir, I may need to put your bone back in position.
Hakoi sighs, then he nods. Kayat walks over and grabs Hakoi's leg.
Kayat
Ready?
Hakoi pauses, then he quickly nods again before looking away with a snarl.
Hakoi
That stupid, savage, airbending idiot! (Winces) Mark my words, both of you. I will tear down their little treehouses and turn that whole village into a pile of- (Kayat snaps the bone back) AHHHHHH!
Umi faints in the background.
We cut to the sound of a door opening. Batua walks into his room, still somewhat injured. He's surprised to see that Ta isn't there. He walks in and shuts the door behind him.
Then he notices a note on the windowsill. He goes to pick it up.
Batua
'Lao has taken me to the library for the afternoon. Love, Ta.' The library? Yeesh.
Batua puts the note back and sits down on his bed for a moment. We cut to a close up of his face.
We match cut to the face of Batua's statue. Then we pan over to Pong, sitting in his studio with a cup of hot tea in his hands. He blows on it and takes a sip, then he hears a knock on his door.
Pong
...Come in.
The door opens and Ato walks inside. Pong sighs with relief.
Pong
Oh, it's you.
Ato
Good morning, Pong.
Ato walks through Pong's studio. He passes by numerous sculptures, including one that shares a strange resemblance to Squidward En Repose...
Ato then sits across from Pong, who seems a little bit twitchy.
Ato
So, I wanted to give you the news.
Pong looks nervous. Ato pauses, trying to draw out the suspense.
Ato
I talked to General Kamui and the rest of the council... And... They think you did a fantastic job.
Pong blinks, then he leans in with his eyebrow raised.
Pong
Really?
Ato nods with encouragement.
Pong
Hmm… Well, I suppose they were aware of my time constraints… (He looks to the side, a smile forming on his face) They really liked it, you say?
Ato
Of course they did! You shouldn't be surprised by that.
Pong
No… I shouldn't be. After all, I am the greatest living artist of our time. (He sits back with a satisfied look) It's only natural that my work would dazzle! Even under such outrageous limitations! I'm just that good.
Ato
That's right!
Pong takes a sip, feeling confident again.
Ato
That being said, they've made a decision. They'd like you to stay in the capital. Indefinitely.
Pong projectile-spits his tea in surprise.
We cut to a shot of Baka in his cell. He hears the sound of the door closing and looks over to the stairs.
We cut to a shot of the stairs. We see the shadows of Lao and Ta descending before we see their feet enter the frame. Baka raises his eyebrow.
We cut to Ta reaching the ground and looking around at the place. Lao walks over to Baka and gives him his rice ball, then she holds onto the bars, looking down at him.
Lao
(Whispering) I'm gonna get you out of here.
Baka looks curiously at her and unwraps his rice ball.
Lao brings Ta over to the cell where the theater troupe resides. She hands them all their rice balls and they grab at them hungrily.
Ta
The theater troupe? They're still alive?
Oni
I don't think Kamui even remembers we're down here...
Lao
That's good. That's really good. (She walks up to the bars, then she looks around before talking quietly) Oni, did I overheard you saying that your cousin lives in the capital?
Oni raises his eyebrow, before slowly answering.
Oni
Mhm...
Lao
You also said that he had a boat?
Oni
(Looks around) Maybe… Why?
Lao
(Leans down) You guys want out, right? Well, so do we. How do I get in touch with your cousin?
Oni
Okay, slow down… How do we know this isn't some sort of a trap?
Ayana
He's right. They already took our friend. What makes you think we would trust you?
Lao
Hmm…
Lao and Ta glance at one another.
Ayana
(Looking at Ta) And who's she?
Lao
She's… Another interested party.
Ta walks up to them and bows.
Ta
Sarai.
Ayana looks at Ta closely, then gasps.
Ayana
I know who you are. You're the-
Lao
Shh…
Ayana looks very confused, then she goes to Oni and whispers something in his ear. He looks at Ta with surprise. We see Teepo in the back, eating his rice ball with a glum expression.
We cut to a close up of Ayana and Oni whispering to each other, then Oni takes another bite and looks at Lao.
Oni
(Mouth full of food) I tell you what. If you two can find a way to get us out of this cell, we'll start talking about how to get out of this city. Deal?
Lao and Ta glance at each other again, then they look back. Lao nods.
Lao
Deal.
We cut to Batua and Kamui playing Pai Sho. Kamui is confidently, silently destroying Batua. Batua looks up at Kamui before he moves his piece, but Kamui doesn't offer any guidance.
They keep playing and Kamui makes the final move, earning victory.
Kamui sits back in his chair.
Then, Batua angrily knocks the table over, before he stands up and walks away.
Kamui
Stop.
Batua stops. Kamui stands up.
Kamui
When are you going to learn that I'm on your side? Everything I do, everything, is to serve you. To guide you.
Batua turns around and walks towards him.
Batua
'She outlived her purpose'?
Kamui sighs.
Kamui
I knew the princess wasn't in any real danger.
Batua's eyes widen.
Batua
Did you? Or did you just not care?
Kamui
My prince...
Batua
That's right, I'm the prince. Who are you? One of these days my dad's gonna die and then I'll be the Emperor!
Kamui
And then you'll finally get everything that you want. Which is what, exactly?
Batua stands there, unsure, then he scrunches his face.
Batua
...Respect!
Kamui
Then be respectable.
Batua opens his mouth to respond, but instead, turns around and leaves. Kamui narrows his eyes.
We cut to Batua stomping down the plaza angrily.
Tahno
Batua!
Batua looks over and sees Tahno doing forms. Batua sighs and walks over to Tahno.
Batua
What?
Tahno
I haven't seen you around the gymnasium lately.
Batua
Yeah, well, I don't have to do that crap anymore. I'm a big boy now.
Tahno
(Smiling) I wanted to talk to you. That was some wedding, huh? Very Kamakoi.
Batua doesn't respond.
Tahno
Can I tell you something? (Looks around, then talks quietly) I always kind of wished those rock pushers would try to play around like that. Gives me a reason.
Batua
(Narrows his eyes) They tried to kill my wife.
Tahno
Hey, you don't need any help in that department, am I right?
Batua
Excuse me?
Tahno
You know, because you're killing it in the sack every night. Up top.
Batua punches Tahno in the face. Tahno straightens out and rubs his cheek.
Tahno
Okay.
Tahno bends a water punch at Batua. Batua responds, whipping some water at Tahno.
Tahno dodges it, then pummels Batua with a large wave, knocking him to the ground.
Batua looks up at him in disbelief.
Batua
Are you crazy?!
Tahno holds his hands up and steps back. Batua stands up.
Batua
I'm the Crown Prince! How dare you attack me?!
Tahno
Come on, Batua. You sucker punched me.
Batua
Batua? (No response. Beat) Get on your knees.
Tahno
What?
Batua
You heard me, subject! Get down on your knees and kiss my feet.
Tahno
Pfft. You're crazy.
Batua
DO IT!
Tahno holds there for a second.
Tahno
No.
Batua
Are you disobeying your Emperor?
Tahno
Yeah. You know what? Eat shrimp, Emperor.
Batua stands there, baffled. Tahno turns around and walks away.
Batua
Kiss my feet!
We cut to a wide shot of Batua standing alone in the plaza. The camera slowly zooms out.
We cut to the Si Wong desert in the middle of the night. Kato and Jang are on a blanket in the sand. Their Camelephant is sleeping next to them, Jang is also sleeping. The rest of the party is a ways away, in a makeshift camp.
Kato is tossing and turning. Then all the sudden, a tiny gust of wind hits his ear. He opens his eyes and sees Yamani sitting cross legged on the sand.
Yamani
I know you can't sleep.
Kato
Thanks… Why are you up?
Yamani
(Shrugs) I can turn my brain on and off at will.
Kato
Okay… I guess you want it to be on. In the middle of the night… For some reason.
Yamani puts her finger up. Then does a quick grabbing motion with her hand in front of her mouth.
Yamani
Testing.
The sound of her voice is delayed, and comes from the darkness off to the right of Kato. He looks to the side, startled, then he looks back at Yamani.
Ventriloquism, airbending style.
Kato
How did you…
Yamani
Something I've been tinkering with. I throw my voice into a little air bubble. Then I let it pop.
Kato is in genuine shock.
Kato
That's... Incredible. I've never seen airbending done like that...
Yamani
(Nods) Shh. Don't tell anyone.
Kato nods his head and sits down next to her. They share a moment of silence.
Yamani
Hey, Kato?
Kato
(Widens his eyes) ...Yes?
Yamani
When are you going to earthbend for me?
Kato narrows his eyes, then turns to Yamani.
Kato
I don't get it. Why are you so obsessed with seeing me earthbend?
Yamani
Oh, I didn't tell you? I study bending. And you, sir, are a treasure trove of data.
Kato
Why am I a treasure trove?
Yamani
Because you manifested at seventeen. Seventeen. Do you know how rare that is? It's like… Lion-turtle rare. And plus, when you take into account all of the cultural implications… Fascinating...
Kato
Uhuh…
Yamani
You're like… (Yamani looks down) Huh… You're like sand...
Kato looks over at Yamani with a bemused expression.
Kato
Sand?
Yamani
Yeah.
Yamani grabs a fistful of sand and lets it pass through her fingers.
Yamani
It's kind of interesting, isn't it? It's earth, but it flows like water. Very contradictory.
Kato looks at Yamani with a raised eyebrow.
Kato
I guess so...
Yamani shrugs.
Kato
So that's why you came with me and Jang. You want me to be your test subject.
Yamani
Yes. Well, that, and… (Thinks before speaking) ...I have this strange feeling… That Jang, and you, are very important people.
Kato looks down.
Kato
I'm not.
Yamani
You were important enough for that imperial doofus to come looking for you.
Kato
(Shrugging) He was just tying up loose ends.
Yamani thinks for a moment.
Yamani
A coup?
Kato nods.
Yamani
Oof. You're lucky Jang was there to protect you.
The two look over at Jang, who is snoring.
Kato
Yeah. He's saved my life on more than one occasion.
Yamani
I bet. That guy is like a one man army.
Kato nods.
Yamani
Kinda makes you wonder how he got captured in the first place…
Kato suddenly narrows his eyes and strokes his chin.
Kato
Yeah… You're right.
Yamani
Hmm?
Kato
I've never seen him like that before. When he was… (Imitates pulling the breath out of someone's lungs) He's usually so… I don't know, calm.
Yamani
Did you spend a lot of time with him in the capital?
Kato
I did. He worked for me. It's funny, because now it kind of feels like I work for him.
Yamani
Yeah. I can see that.
Kato
He keeps saying that I have this mission. But he won't actually tell me what it is. It's so frustrating. (Pause) I don't like depending on him like this.
Yamani
But you do.
Kato sighs.
Kato
I have a father. I don't even know if he's still alive… But when he was, he was always kind of this walking legend. Untouchable. I've never said this to Jang, but… He was kind of like a second father to me. More grounded. Which is ironic because he's an airbender.
Beat. Kato then looks up at Yamani, who is staring off in the distance.
Kato
...Yamani?
Yamani
(Still staring off) You should tell him the truth. (Stands up) Goodnight.
Yamani walks off. Kato sits there, thinking. He grabs a handful of sand and stares at it flowing through his fingers.
We cut to Batua walking down the hallway to his room. He's even more injured than before. He takes out his keys and opens the door.
Ta is standing by the window. Batua walks over to Ta and puts his hands on her shoulders, massaging them.
Ta wriggles out of this and walks a few feet away. Batua looks down.
Batua
You're my wife now, Ta.
Ta
I know…
Batua
I want you.
Ta
(Grimacing) Me… Too…
Batua
Then show me.
Batua walks over to Ta and grabs her hand. He leads her over to the bed and sits her down. The camera slowly zooms in as Batua kisses her. This goes on for a moment before Ta breaks away.
We cut to a close up of Ta as her mind races, then she turns to him.
Ta
Batua, we have all the time in the world. Why rush? (Batua groans) I just need some time to adjust, ok? Please... Give me a little while to adjust and I promise you I will be the perfect wife. Deal?
Batua
...Deal.
Ta pats him on the shoulder, then lies down. Batua sits there with a thousand yard stare.
We cut to Jang, sleeping. Kato's hands come into frame and he shakes Jang's shoulder.
Kato
Jang.
Jang opens his eyes.
Jang
Mushi? (Looks around) What is it?
Kato
We need to talk.
Jang sits up.
Jang
Okay?
Kato hands Jang some tea. Jang takes a sip and gestures for Kato to continue.
Kato
Jang… Come on. Something doesn't add up.
Jang looks away, looking caught off guard, then he sighs and turns back.
Jang
Go on...
Kato
When you saved me, you took on that whole unit like you were a… One man army. You could have escaped from the capital any time you wanted, but you didn't, and the only reason I can possibly think of for why you didn't... Is that you have some sort of deep devotion to the cause of the empire... But we both know that's not true.
We flash back to Jang in the forest, looking up at the trees.
Jang
I answer to a higher authority than your little doctrine.
Then we cut back to the present. Jang nods.
Kato
No more evasion. No more stalling. You need to tell me what's going on right now.
Jang
I knew this day would come eventually. How I dreaded it. (Pauses, then looks back) Mu-... Kato... There are some hard truths that I'm not sure you're ready to accept. You understand, once we open this door, we must walk through it fully.
Kato inhales and exhales.
Kato
I'm ready. Open the door.
Jang
Very well… (Jang narrows his eyes) What do you know about the War of the Pearls?
Kato
...I know that it was a war between the Kamakoi and a group of rebel factions from the south. I know that one of those factions blew up a servant ship, unprovoked…
Jang looks to the side.
Jang
Yes. That is... More or less correct. (Turns back) I was there, Kato. Twenty years ago. (Kato's eyes widen. Jang sighs) There was so much bloodshed. So many lives lost. And... There came a point where it seemed like fighting was no longer an option for either side. A new strategy was necessary.
Kato raises his eyebrow.
Jang
Nineteen years ago, I was given an assignment. I was to infiltrate the highest ranks of Kamakoi society. Bloodlessly.
We hear a mysterious, Zelda-like strum of strings.
Kato gasps.
Kato
You never got captured at all.
Jang shakes his head.
Jang
I flew by night, landing on a servant vessel and I pretended like I was like all the others. Luckily, they never did a head count. I got brought into the capital along with them. They had me working on the docks at first, but I started making connections. Eventually, I gained the trust of your mother, and soon enough I was the personal steward to Kato, the crown prince of the Kamakoi.
Kato
But why? What was the end goal?
Jang
Kato? Once you ascended to the throne, who would you have chosen as your personal advisor?
Kato
...You.
Jang
And what would your campaign have been focused on?
Kato
(Beat) Freedom for all the servants living in the Empire...
Jang nods. Kato grabs his forehead in realization.
Kato
Of course.
Jang
You were going to be a great Emperor. You were smart, you were respected, and most importantly, you had the discipline to bring this Empire out of an amoral trench it had been wading in for centuries. It was all going according to plan... And then…
Kato
And then I earthbended.
Jang
(Nodding) Then you earthbended.
Kato sighs. A long moment passes, as we hear the desert winds sweeping across the land.
Kato
So what you're saying is… This whole time… (Looks at Jang) You were using me.
Jang puts his hand on Kato's shoulder.
Jang
I was. I won't deny it. But that doesn't mean I don't care about you, Kato.
Kato looks down, processing this with a conflicted expression. Then he suddenly realizes something and looks at Jang.
Kato
Wait… You said someone gave you this assignment. Who?
Jang sighs, then he looks off in the distance.
Jang
Miyuki.
Kato raises his eyebrow, then Jang looks back at him.
Jang
Avatar Miyuki.
TO BE CONTINUED...