AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 1: FAMILY
CHAPTER 13: DANCE OF THE FLYING PEACOCK - PART 1
We fade in on a snowy hilltop. A caravan pulls up to a lodge, bearing the symbol of a trident. Outside the lodge is another caravan, sporting the Kamakoi insignia.
We cut to the interior of the lodge, a stuffy old cabin with animal skins on the walls. The door opens and a man enters, followed by his posse. Then we hear a familiar voice.
Kamui
(From offscreen) You're late.
The man hands his coat to one of his men and walks over to the table, pulling up a seat. We see him more closely now. He's Ta's father, King Kobo.
Kobo
Well, I'm here now...
Kamui looks at Kobo and sits back. Kobo takes out a pipe and packs it, then uses a spark stone to ignite it, taking a few puffs.
Beat. He puts the pipe down, eyeing Kamui with a trace of disdain.
Kobo
It's your meeting, General. Why don't you begin?
Kamui narrows his eyes before fake smiling
Kamui
Yes, I suppose I'll get right to it. (He leans back) Prince Kato is now of marrying age. A quality he shares with your daughter, Ta. Am I correct?
Kobo
So far.
Kamui
It's clear that a marriage between these two would be in both of our shared interests. So, it's been decided. Princess Ta of Aikira shall become Princess Ta of the Kamakoi, and she will live a life of luxury in the Capital. Good?
Kamui jovially pats Kobo on the arm. Kobo puffs on his pipe for a moment and thinks.
Kobo
You've come to us with such proposals in the past, and we've declined them. So, why would now be any different?
Kamui
Things are different now, are they not? Aikira has just suffered through an unfortunate famine, while the Kamakoi have never been stronger. Why, if it's pride that's stopping you, then allow me to put you at ease. (Kamui goes and grabs Kobo's hand) You can ask for help, and the Empire will gladly lend you a hand.
Kobo
(Chuckling) It's not my pride. (Kobo retracts his hand and stands up) It was good seeing you, Kamui. Give my best wishes to the Emperor.
Kamui again reaches for Kobo's arm.
Kamui
Don't be stupid, Kobo. Take a seat.
Kobo sighs and sits back down.
Kamui
You didn't let me finish.
Kamui takes out a piece of parchment and starts reading from it.
Kamui
Forty barrels of grain. Twenty barrels of oil. Seventy barrels of fish. Twenty bags of salt. Fifty eelhounds. Thirty earthbenders, and three ships. (He puts down the parchment) All in exchange for your daughter. Deal?
Kobo sits there, eyes locked on Kamui.
Kamui
(Gently) Aikira is suffering. But your people can thrive again, if you let them, Kobo. Bring them back home.
Kobo rolls his tongue around in his mouth, then he narrows his eyes.
Kobo
You're too busy to have your time wasted, so I'm going to make myself perfectly clear. This marriage is not going to happen.
Beat.
Kamui sits forward, narrowing his eyes.
Kamui
And why not?
Kobo
(Smiling politely) Let's just leave it there, Kamui.
Kamui
No, no. Tell me, Kobo. Why is this marriage not a good idea?
Kobo puffs on his pipe for a moment. Then we cut to a close up of the pipe as he places it down on the table.
We cut to two men, Kanato and Riko, walking side by side down the hallway of Kido's apartment building. (Remember Kido? The guy Ta killed? Okay, good!)
Kanato and Riko are both wearing special jackets and sunglasses. There's a crowd of people asking them questions and following them.
Kanato
Step aside, folks!
Riko
That's right! The Imperial Investigative task force is on the case!
Kanato
You have nothing to fear, now that the I.I.T.F. is here!
Sanak (Kido's landlord)
(Trailing behind them) Uh, Kido's apartment is just around this corner.
We cut to the inside of Kido's apartment. Kanato and Riko walk in, and then in unison, take the teabag out of their cup, finish their cups of tea, and then toss the cups.
Riko
Alright, everybody back up. This is a crime scene! Give my partner some room!
The crowd stands back as Kanato and Riko look down. The camera pans down to Kido and Tak's bodies. The two are on the floor, straddling each other. Ta and Lao clearly put some thought into how they arranged their bodies...
Sanak
Like I said. Kido and Tak were five days late on their rent. Another tenant smelled something funny, so I got my battering ram and busted in here. Then I found them like this.
Kanato
A funny smell, huh?
Riko
You know what else smells a little funny, Kanato?
Kanato
What's that, Riko?
Riko
(Dramatically adjusts his sunglasses) Crime. Alright everyone. Sit back and watch my partner do his thing.
Sanak steps back. Kanato slowly walks around, then he kneels down and his hands light up. He feels around Kido and Tak's bodies with his waterbending.
Kanato
I'd say that these boys died… Hmm… Three nights ago. Yes… Sometime in the middle of the night.
Riko
Three nights ago? We had a full moon that night.
Kanato
No obvious signs of injury, other than a bloody nose. No, this was clean. Real clean.
Riko
Are you saying what I think you're saying?
Kanato
What do you think I'm saying?
Riko
I think you're saying that these boys were doing some bloodbending after dark. Perhaps as part of some twisted sexual roleplaying? But they went too far, (Takes off his sunglasses) and they paid the price.
Kanato is walking around them, observing carefully. Then he notices a shoeprint.
Kanato
No… These boys weren't alone.
Kanato takes out his bag and starts trying to match different shoes with the shoeprint, then he gets a match.
Kanato
Aha. Airbender…
Riko
What was an airbender doing here in the middle of the night?
A man steps forward from the crowd.
Man
Excuse me?
Riko
Yes, you are?
Man
I'm their neighbor. I live down the hall. You know, on the night of the full moon I did hear someone yell for help from this very apartment.
Riko
And you kept this to yourself, citizen?
Kanato
Let him talk, Riko!
Riko
Sorry, continue.
Man
I knocked on the door and asked if everything was ok, and a woman answered, saying that they were… (Looks down)
Riko
They were what? Spit it out.
Man
(Clears his throat) She said that they were engaged in... (Whispers) Sexual activities.
Riko
(Pulls down his sunglasses, which are somehow on his face again) My god… Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
We see the obvious imprint of a key ring on the floor, which Kanato and Riko fail to notice.
We cut to the council chambers. Ahlaq unfolds a scroll and squints his eyes at it.
Kamui, Batua, Inuk and Ato are sitting across from the elders, Ahlaq, Takai and Kataia. Ahlaq starts reading from the scroll.
Ahlaq
'It is the opinion of Kanato, head of the-' Blah blah blah… 'That the attack on Kido and Tak was subversive in nature, and most certainly… Sexually driven.' (Ahlaq looks up for a moment, then looks back) 'There was a set of footprints, the shape and size of which indicate that they belonged to a pair of airbenders, most likely female. Because of the lack of external injuries, Kanato suggests that the causes of death were malicious deprivation of air, again, most likely involving a sexual component.' (Ahlaq sighs, then skips a few lines) 'Judging by the decay, they were most likely killed three nights ago, during the full moon.'
We cut to Batua, who looks up at that last sentence. He narrows his eyes, and then shakes his head, thinking it impossible. Ahlaq puts the scroll down and crosses his arms.
Ahlaq
It's clear that this situation is untenable. First Batua's botched wedding, and now this?
Takai
It's the moral degradation of our society! Happening right before our very eyes. City guards and servants… Midnight debauchery! (We cut to Inuk, who nods along, poker faced) Something must be done!
Kamui
(Casually looking off to the side) Worry not. I'll get to the bottom of this.
Kataia
Wait. (Kamui looks up) We cannot have another wedding massacre, General Kamui. These airbenders may generally be pacifists, but they're tight-knit, and they keep this Empire running.
Kamui
That's an interesting perspective. So you're saying we work for them, is that it?
Kataia
What I'm saying is… This can not be a bloodbath. Not again.
Takai
Not so close to the celebration.
Kamui
Excuse me. What kind of man do you take me for? What happened to those earthbenders was a necessary measure to protect the crown prince.
Kataia
(Skeptical) Yes... Well, whatever the case may be, this time it's going to be different. You will interrogate these airbenders here, under our supervision.
Kamui
(Nods) I live to serve.
Inuk stands up.
Inuk
I'll get you the roster of every airbender who works under my command.
Ahlaq
There's no need. We're working with a current roster. Unless there have been any changes we don't know about?
The room looks at Inuk. Inuk sits back down.
Inuk
Right, then we're all set...
Ahlaq nods. Kamui is thinking.
Kamui
You know, Ahlaq, you're right... This situation is untenable. I'm thinking, perhaps we should use the Dance of the Flying Peacock as an opportunity to set things straight?
Ahlaq
What do you have in mind?
Kamui
A speech. Yes... We end the night with a rousing speech, emphasizing unity and order. We shall remind the people what the proper relationship between a man and his servant is. And rip this scourge out by the root.
Ahlaq
Who shall deliver this speech? You, I suppose?
Kamui
No… We need someone young. Not that I don't qualify for that. (Chuckles, then looks at Batua) Hmm… How about Princess Ta?
Batua looks at Kamui, caught off guard.
Kamui
Yes… A nice, fresh face. She'll do marvelously.
Batua
Uh, sure. I'll tell her.
Kamui
Good. And meanwhile, I have to tell a certain somebody about the change of plans.
Kamui smiles deviously, rubbing his hands, then stands up and walks out. Ato watches him with a smile.
We cut to a close up of Pong in his studio, rubbing his face and staring down at the floor. Then he jumps in surprise from a knock on the door. He mentally prepares himself and then turns around.
Pong
Come in!
The door opens and Kamui walks in, looking around at the place. Pong looks slightly nervous.
Pong
General! Good afternoon. Um… Welcome to my studio.
Kamui
Please, call me Kamui.
Kamui walks around, looking at all of Pong's work. He sees the sculpture which is reminiscent of Squidward in Repose, and looks amused by it. Then he spots another one, which looks like a lumpy farmer, and picks it up.
Pong winces, holding his hands up.
Pong
Um, sir?
Kamui looks over at Pong, confused.
Pong
Your body gives off heat, which affects my very delicate work…
Kamui looks surprised, then he nods and puts the sculpture back down on the very edge of the pedestal. Pong rushes over and stops it from tipping over.
He then looks in worry as Kamui makes his way to the larger sculptures by the back.
Kamui
You've done an excellent job so far, Pong.
Pong
You really think so?
Kamui then puts his hand on the head of another sculpture and teeters it back and forth, to Pong's horror.
Kamui
I do. And I trust your preparation for the Dance of the Flying Peacock has been on schedule?
Pong runs over and stops the sculpture from teetering.
Pong
Um, yes. Despite another incredibly short deadline, I have made all of the necessary arrangements.
Kamui
That's wonderful to hear. (He walks around leisurely) Pong… The reason I came by is that I wanted to tell you we're switching things up this year. Our lovely Princess will be headlining the event, so… Shuffle things around to allow for that. Good?
Pong
But… The schedule has been meticulously designed so that…
He looks up at Kamui, who is about to pick up another sculpture. He runs between Kamui and the art, then looks up.
Pong
(Exasperated) Sure! I'll change the schedule! No problem!
Kamui
Great! (Raises his eyebrow) Are you okay? You seem tired.
Pong
Well, I suppose I'm looking forward to after the celebration when I can spend a little time at home with my family.
Kamui
But, Pong, your work has been most excellent. I'd certainly hate to lose you now...
Pong looks down. Kamui turns around and walks away, smiling.
Kamui
When you get Pong, you get the whole Pong! Remember?
We cut back to Pong, who stares at the door nervously as it closes. Then he tilts his head back in exhaustion.
We cut to a woman with her hood up on a city street. She turns around and we see that it's Lao, scanning the area. Then she heads up a flight of stairs towards a large building.
We cut to a man, Kirin, sleeping on a cot. He snores for a moment, before we hear a small bell ring. He opens his eyes, then angrily looks to the side.
Kirin
Go away!
He closes his eyes, but the bell rings again, causing him to sit up in annoyance.
We cut to a wide shot of the inside of his warehouse. There's a large pile of wood in the back, and several vats of water on the ground. Kirin walks through the room towards the door.
We cut to the door opening. Kirin sees Lao standing behind it.
Kirin
We're closed for the holidays. Put your order in writing and then put it in the slot with the others.
He points to a slot on the wall, then he starts to close the door, but Lao stops it with her foot. Kirin raises his eyebrow at her.
Lao takes a scroll out of her coat and gives it to Kirin.
Lao
I'm not here for parchment.
Kirin glances at the scroll, then he opens it up and gives it a read. Then his expression changes. He looks up at Lao.
Kirin
No, absolutely not. If you think I'm gonna get involved with my crazy cousin again, then you can just forget it.
Lao
He's here in the city. They arrested him on conspiracy charges.
Kirin
I know! And I want nothing to do with him or his little schemes. Not after what happened last time.
Lao narrows her eyes.
Lao
You're saying you won't help him out?
Kirin glares at Lao, crossing his arms.
Kirin
That's right.
Lao
Hmm. Oni thought this might happen. (She leans in) So he told me to remind you about Sami.
Kirin frowns.
Kirin
Oh did he?
Lao
He did. Remember Sami?
Kirin rolls his eyes, then he sighs.
Kirin
Fine...
Lao
Alright. I guess that did the trick. Oni said that you have a ship. Is it ready for voyage?
Kirin
Yes... But that doesn't mean I can break him out of jail!
Lao
Don't worry about that. All you need to do is make sure your ship is stationed at the palace dock tomorrow night. Not too long after the dance begins. If you can handle that, we'll take care of the rest.
Kirin
Bah… I swear, if Oni tries to pull a fast one on me, I will turn him in like that. (Snaps) You get me? (Lao nods) But yeah... (Groans) I'll be there.
Lao
You're doing the right thing, Kirin.
Kirin grimaces and closes the door in her face.
We cut to Lao walking down the stairs and out of the warehouse. She's walking back onto the main road when she suddenly runs into a pair of city guard.
Guard
Here's another one.
Lao
Huh?
One of them picks Lao up and puts her on a cart full of other airbending women. He cuffs her to the door.
We cut to the hallway outside of the council chambers. A crowd of airbender women are cordoned off by a row of guards, standing in the middle of the hallway.
The door opens and we hear Ahlaq's voice.
Ahlaq
Meng? From dock three? Please raise your hand!
Meng raises her hand. A guard leads her into the council chambers. She sits down in the chair in front of the elders, Kamui, Batua and Inuk.
Meng looks at Kamui for a moment, then at Inuk.
Inuk
Meng. Can you tell us where you were on the night of the full moon?
Meng
I was in bed by eleven. After that I was asleep until the morning. I'm an early bird.
Inuk
(Writing) Mhm…
The council looks at Kamui, who walks over to Meng.
Kamui
Okay Meng, just look at Inuk and relax. This won't hurt a bit.
Meng gulps as Kamui puts his fingers on her temples. We see them light up blue, producing the electrical hum.
Kamui
Meng. On the night of the full moon, between midnight and sunrise. Where were you?
The camera pans down to Meng, who is exhibiting the classic blank expression of a victim of Kamui's healing/interrogation technique/mindfucking. Her brain is lit up in a specific area behind her forehead.
Meng
(Blankly) I was down in the basement of the distillery with some friends until four in the morning. Then I went home.
Kamui
What were you doing down in that basement, Meng?
Meng
We were drinking what was left at the bottom of the gin barrels.
Kamui
I see. Not quite the same tale, is it? Tell me, Meng, did you do anything else that night between leaving the distillery and falling asleep?
Meng
Yes.
Kamui
And what was that?
Meng
I arrived at my quarters. I lit a candle and laid down in my bed. (Kataia looks worried) And then I started touching my-
Kamui
(Letting go of Meng's temples) Whoops.
Kataia
Ok! We're done here.
Meng grabs her head in discomfort and then looks violated and embarrassed.
Meng
Can I go now?
Kataia
Yes, sweetie, you're free to go.
We see Inuk put a check next to Meng's name. Batua looks at Meng with sympathy as she dizzily walks out of the room, then he looks up at Kamui, slightly disturbed. Kataia shoots a look at Kamui, who seems amused.
Kamui
(To Kataia) What? I'm no soothsayer. Perhaps you don't have the stomach for this.
Kataia
As much as I'd like to leave… I think these ladies would prefer a woman's presence in the room.
Kamui
(Shrugs) Suit yourself.
Ahlaq
Next up, Yani from dock three. Please raise your hand!
Cut to Yani raising her hand. She walks into the chambers and sits down on the chair in front of them.
We enter a montage. We cut from airbender to airbender as they sit in the interrogation chair. Over this montage, we hear Kamui's leering voice.
Kamui
Just look at Inuk and relax. This won't hurt a bit.
We see various shots of Kamui's fingers lighting up on different foreheads.
Ahlaq
Nariya from dock three. Please raise your hand!
Inuk puts a checkmark next to her name.
Ahlaq
Lahiri from dock four. Please raise your hand!
Inuk checkmarks.
Ahlaq
(Different cuts) Daoyi from dock four! (Check) Dock five! (Check) Dock six! (Check) Fei from the stables? Please raise your hand!
We see a collage of Kamui's face as he interrogates throughout the day. His expression goes from professional to twitchy, bordering on narcotic.
Nariya
-And then I fell asleep.
Lahiri
-I fell asleep.
Daoyi
-I fell asleep.
Fei
-I cut off a lock of my hair and I placed it on the shrine of divine Emperor Atakui.
Kamui looks surprised, and glances up at the elders. The elders shrug.
Kamui
And where is this shrine, Fei?
Fei
In my closet.
Checkmark, checkmark. We see a disoriented airbender walk out of the council chambers, then we cut to another, who vomits.
We cut to Inuk checking name after name after name. Then he comes across a familiar one, and he nervously looks up.
Ahlaq
The next is… Steward Lao! Please raise your hand!
We cut to Lao, raising her hand slowly.
We watch as Lao walks in front of the council, then she sits down in the chair. We cut to Kamui, who is cracking his knuckles. He stands up, walking over.
Lao and Inuk share a look, then we flash back to the morning after the full moon.
Inuk is lying down on his couch as the door opens. Lao walks in, looking exhausted and sad. They make eye contact, and then Inuk looks down at Lao's coat.
We cut to a close up of a blood stain on her coat. Inuk blinks and then peers up at her.
We cut back to Lao in the council chambers. Inuk then clears his throat.
Inuk
Um. Kamui, may I have a word with you?
Kamui
(Looks back, raising his eyebrow) Ok… If you insist.
We cut to Inuk and Kamui walking away from the elders and around the corner. Kamui twitches slightly, then snaps back and waits for Inuk to begin. Inuk clears his throat.
Inuk
There's no need to interrogate this one. I can vouch for her whereabouts that night.
Kamui
Go on…
Inuk pauses and then looks to the side.
Inuk
She was with me.
Kamui|
(Smiling slightly) Of course. Her being your personal steward, you two must work very closely together. (Inuk nods) So why the secrecy? Surely you wish her innocence to be on the public record. Unless there's something I'm not seeing…
Inuk ruefully shakes his head, then he looks down.
Inuk
I'll just come right out with it. Lao and I... (Sighs) Have been intimate.
Kamui
(Loving this) General Inuk… How could you? You're supposed to be a role model!
Inuk
(Puts his head in his hands) I know! I'm so weak! (Blubbering) I'm pathetic... (Kamui nods, judgmentally) Please, Kamui. Promise me this stays between us.
Kamui
You want me to hide something from the council?
Inuk
(Grabbing Kamui's coat and sobbing pathetically) I'm begging you! You know what this will do to my reputation!
Kamui looks at Inuk for a moment, staring him down in pity, then he smiles and puts his hands on Inuk's shoulder.
Kamui
Oh, you poor, sad, little man.
Kamui rubs Inuk's shoulders, then gives them a good pat and walks back into the main room.
Kamui
Lao, you're free to go. Who's next?
We see Inuk wipe his tears, then he flashes a devious smile before he turns around and walks back.
Batua looks at Lao as she leaves and then looks at Inuk with suspicion, but says nothing.
We cut to a shot of the window. We see the moon outside, partially obscured by a turret.
We cut to another airbender's head, Sora, lit up. She's speaking in the classic monotone.
Sora
I finished my chores around midnight. And I fell asleep not much later.
The elders nod. Inuk checks off Sora's name, and then Kamui lets go. Sora stands up and grabs her head, moaning.
Inuk
You can go.
Sora nods and slowly walks out of the room in a daze. We cut to Kamui, who plops down in his chair, exhausted, yet his fingers are still fidgeting.
Kamui
(Rubbing his hands together) Who's next?
Inuk
(Looking down at his sheet) That's it. Sora was the last one.
Ahlaq
She was?
Inuk nods.
Takai
That can't be it. We still have no idea who's responsible! This day has been a complete waste of time.
Inuk shrugs and looks down. Kamui looks at Takai.
Kamui
Not a complete waste. I know I learned something today.
Kamui then looks at Inuk, who nervously waits for Kamui to continue. Kamui then looks back at the elders.
Kamui
Kanato is a fool who doesn't know an airbender shoe print from a table leg.
Ahlaq
Huh?
Kamui
(Standing up) Nothing… It's been a long day...
Kamui walks away, fidgeting. This wakes Batua up.
Batua
If he gets to leave, so do I.
Batua stands up and walks out. Inuk soon follows, leaving the elders sitting there. They all glance at each other, looking slightly uncomfortable.
Ahlaq
Hey, remember what this was like before Kamui? Hmm?
The other two nod.
Kataia
He's useful. But he's a monster, make no mistake.
Ahlaq
No, you have it all wrong…
We cut to Kamui walking down the hall to his chambers from the back, along with his guards.
Ahlaq
That man is a humanitarian.
Kamui stumbles slightly, and his guard catches him.
Guard
You alright, sir?
Kamui
Just fine.
They get to the door to Kamui's chambers and he gestures for them to leave.
Kamui
That'll be all!
The guards nod and take their post. Kamui stumbles into his chambers and closes the door behind him. We hold on the exterior of the door for a moment...
Then we cut to a wide shot of Kamui's chambers. Kamui staggers towards his bed and falls into it.
We cut to a startling close up of Kamui. He looks unusually disheveled as he twitches and moans, accompanied by a faint reminder of the electrical hum.
We cut to Ta in Batua's room that night, staring out of the window at the palace dock. She hears Batua coming in and turns around with a fake smile. Batua takes off his coat and sighs.
Batua
What a day, what a day.
Ta
Good, I hope.
Batua
Eh…
Ta goes over and pours some wine for Batua. Batua goes up to her and taps her on the shoulder. She turns around. Batua is bowing deeply, then he grabs her hand.
Batua
Princess Ta, would you do me the honor of attending the Dance of the Flying Peacock with me?
Ta
Uh… Yeah, sure. I mean, we're married so why wouldn't I?
Batua stands back up and gives Ta a crooked smile, then he lies down on the bed. Ta turns around to look out the window.
Ta
Though, just so you know, I have plans to inspect a royal artifact later that night. It shouldn't take too long...
Batua
(Raises his eyebrow) A royal artifact? Found by who?
Ta
A servant, I think...
Batua
Oh. What kind? (Pause) An airbender?
Ta
I'm not sure...
Batua narrows his eyes. Then he sits up, looking at the back of Ta's head.
Batua
You know… Two members of the city guard were killed a couple nights ago. By airbenders, they think.
Ta continues to look out the window, saying nothing for a moment.
Ta
That's terrible.
Batua
I know! We were interviewing them all day, even your friend Lao. (Waits for a reaction) You two haven't been talking, have you?
Ta
(Shaking her head) No.
Batua
Well, whatever. We still have no idea who did it. But it's like, who would do something like that to a member of the city guard? Those men protect this city.
Ta shrugs.
Batua
I guess it's just one of those unsolvable mysteries… (He continues looking at Ta for a moment) Oh, I forgot to tell you... There's been a change in plans regarding the celebration.
Ta turns around and looks at Batua.
Ta
What kind of change?
Batua
The council wants you to give a speech at the end of the night. You know, about how waterbenders shouldn't be hitting on servants, or I don't know, something like that. They want you to be the closer.
Ta
Really...
Ta looks down. We see her face from below, full of sudden fear.
Batua
I hope that doesn't mess with your plans.
Ta
(Looking up with her fake smile) No. That sounds great.
Ta turns back around, staring out the window. Batua continues to look at Ta, suspiciously.
We cut to later that night. Batua is snoring. Ta quietly gets out of bed and grabs Batua's keys off of the night table.
We hear the door open and then close, but the camera stays on Batua as he snores.
Kamui (Voice)
No, no. Tell me, Kobo. Why is this marriage not a good idea?
We cut back to the close up of Kobo's pipe as he puts it down on the table.
A moment passes. Then we cut to Kobo, who slowly looks up at Kamui, dropping the polite tone entirely.
Kobo
You think I would let my daughter grow up in a place like that?
We cut to Kamui, who sits back and crosses his arms.
Kamui
A place like that... You know, many people say the Capital is the greatest city in the world. And you're telling me that it's not good enough for your precious daughter?
Kobo
Her, or anyone else with a heart.
The two stare at each other from across the table for a moment, neither blinking.
Kamui
I see…
Another moment passes. We see some of the guards on both sides put their hands on their weapons.
Then Kobo slowly leans forward.
Kobo
I bet you can get people to do whatever you want, huh? You just flash that ridiculous, phony smile, and they can't help it.
Kamui's smile slowly descends into a scowl.
Kobo
Yeah, there it is. There's the face I wanted to see.
Kamui doesn't respond. Kobo nods and then takes another puff from his pipe.
Kobo
You people... You stroll in acting like merchants, like the only thing on your mind is a good deal. But I see right through you. I know how dangerous it can be to make a deal with the Kamakoi.
We cut to a close up of Kamui's eyes. Then we cut to a close up of Kobo's eyes.
Kobo
So, to reiterate, you butchers won't get your hands on my daughter. Not without breaking the pact.
We cut to Kamui's scowling face, before it becomes relaxed again. He puts on a smile.
Kamui
You want to know what I think of our little pact?
Kamui picks up his glass of wine and childishly pours it over Kobo's pipe, making sure it all drips out. Then he stands up and motions to his guards. The group heads out of the lodge, but before he gets to the door, Kamui turns around.
Kamui
Remember this day, Kobo.
Kamui and his guards depart, closing the door behind them.
Kobo remains at the table. He pours a drink for himself and downs it, then he gazes forward. The camera slowly zooms in on his face as he becomes indignant. Then we hear a nervous thump of percussion.
We hear another one, as we cut to his daughter in the present, running down the alleyway towards the supply shed. All we hear are her footsteps.
With another thump, we cut to black. Then a candle is lit, illuminating Ta and Lao inside the cramped shed. Ta looks at Lao with devastation.
Ta
He knows... He knows...
Lao
What are you talking about?
Ta then grabs Lao by the shoulders, staring at her intensely.
Ta
Don't you understand?! He knows! He knows what we're doing! It's all over!
Ta lets go of Lao and grabs her own head, full of regret. Lao looks fearfully at Ta, before narrowing her eyes.
Lao
No… It doesn't make sense. (Ta raises her eyebrow) If Kamui knew, he'd be interrogating you right now. You wouldn't be here.
Ta looks down, processing this, then she looks back up.
Ta
Batua was asking me all sorts of questions! Questions about you! And you know he's too dumb to figure it out by himself!
Lao
(Shaking her head) He was fishing. That's what they do. They fish.
Ta
Lao, he told me that I have to make a speech tomorrow, at the end of the celebration. That means we lose our one chance to make a clean exit! Why would he do that if he didn't already know what we were up to?!
Lao
Ta, you're the princess. It's not that weird for you to be making a speech, right?
Ta furrows her brow.
Lao
No. You don't know for sure that he's onto you. He's just suspicious.
Ta shakes her head. Then she looks down, sighing.
Ta
It doesn't matter. None of it matters... (She puts her head in her hands) I'm so sorry, Lao.
Lao
For what?
Ta
For dragging you into this! (Tears up) Oh, Sia, what was I thinking?! Going up against an Empire? I'm so stupid! (Ta turns around, facing the wall as she sobs quietly) I can't do it, Lao... They always win and I can't stop them. I'm too weak.
We cut to the usually stoic Lao as she watches Ta cry. Her eyes slowly narrow, and then she slams her fist into the side of the shed.
Lao
No!
Ta looks back at Lao, surprised.
Lao
I'm getting you out of here. We'll just have to do it after the dance is over.
Ta
(Wiping her eyes) But once it's over, all the guards will return to their posts. That was the whole point.
Lao
I know, I know… (Thinking) We just… We need another distraction. Something big and loud to get their attention for just a second.
Ta
Like what?
Lao chews on her lip, thinking for a moment. Then she looks up with a smirk.
Ta
I've got it.
We cut to the alleyway outside the shed.
We can just barely make out the two whispering. The camera sits on the shed for a moment, and then a sickly string score oozes in.
The camera very slowly pans to the left, revealing the entrance to the alleyway at a corner.
Another moment passes, and then Batua peeks his head out from behind the corner, staring at the shed.
TO BE CONTINUED...