AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 1: FAMILY
CHAPTER 14: DANCE OF THE FLYING PEACOCK - PART 2
With an ugly stomp of percussion, we cut to the alleyway behind the palace. The angle is straight on, perpendicular to the wall.
On the left side of the shot, Batua peeks out from behind the corner. On the right side, the supply shed stands naked in the shadows.
We hear a jangly, off kilter score as Batua nervously eyes the shed.
We cut to a close up of Batua biting his fingernails. Then he hears the door to the shed being unlocked and he jumps up, startled. Batua panics indecisively for a second as the door opens, then he turns around and runs.
We cut to Lao's hand wrapping tentatively around the door, and then she sticks her head out, looking around. Ta follows.
We hear Batua's frantic footsteps, and then we cut to Kamui's door. Batua runs past the two sleeping guards and stops. Then we cut to a close up of the side of the door as Batua's hand raises, ready to knock.
But he pauses.
The camera pans over to Batua's conflicted expression. He looks down, scrunching his face, and then we hear the electrical hum of interrogation. It seems like Batua is picturing this in his head.
He takes one last look at Kamui's door, then he shakes his head and runs out of frame. We see the two guards groggily open their eyes as Batua runs past.
Then we cut to Batua's door. Batua runs down the hall and makes a sharp stop, causing him to stumble over. He gets back up and looks down the hallway before opening the door and running in.
Batua hastily gets into bed and pulls the blanket over himself. The music stops.
Batua tries to go into fake sleep mode but he's out of breath. After a moment, the door opens again and Batua goes back to fake snoring. Ta tiptoes in and puts Batua's keys back on the night table, then gingerly slides into bed next to Batua. She lies there, and then hears Batua's labored breathing and sees that he's sweating slightly. She narrows her eyes, then looks up at the ceiling.
We cut to the table in the war room the next morning. In the background, we see the world map. Then in front of it, a cage is plunked down on the table. Inside the cage is a peacock, doing its peacock thang.
We cut to Pong, staring at the peacock for a moment, before walking over to his assistant.
Pong
She looks wrong. Is something wrong with her?
Assistant
What do you mean?
Pong
She looks… Depressed.
The assistant looks at the peacock, not seeing it. Pong walks away, muttering to himself.
We cut to the plaza outside the palace. A group of earthbenders are lifting an enormous granite statue of a peacock. They place it on the stage.
We cut to Kamui in profile, looking down at the Pai Sho board. He moves a piece. We see Batua's hand come into frame and move another piece. Kamui looks down and nods his head.
Kamui
Hmm... Why that move?
We cut to Batua, who looks up.
Batua
Why? Is it bad?
Kamui
You tell me. What does that move accomplish?
Batua
Well, it cuts you off from progressing your oak tile, and your white lily tile on the diagonal.
Kamui
Very good. You're improving.
Batua
Really?
Kamui
Well, don't you agree?
Batua nods, and the two play a few more moves before Batua looks up at Kamui.
Batua
So, I've been thinking about what you said. (Kamui raises his eyebrow) You know. You asked me what I want when I become the Emperor.
Kamui
And as I recall, you said that you want respect.
Batua
Then you told me I had to be respectable. Honestly, I thought you were just trying to piss me off. But now I think I get it. You were trying to teach me something.
Kamui sits back and crosses his arms.
Batua
I know I haven't always been the perfect prince... But I wanna be better. (Tilts his head back, groaning, then looks back) What I'm trying to say is, I think I'm finally ready to... (Shrugs) I don't know... Listen.
Kamui
I'm glad to hear that, my prince… But I must remind you. Words only count for so much.
Batua nods.
Batua
My words must fit my actions.
Kamui
(Nodding) Mhm. (He looks up at Batua and smiles) Worry not, Batua. As long as you listen to my advice every once in a while, I've no doubt you'll make a fine Emperor one day. (Batua smiles) Oh, before I forget. I've procured tonight's speech from the archives.
Kamui retrieves a scroll and hands it to Batua. Batua opens it and looks at the title.
Batua
Lakui the Third…
Kamui
Magnificent orator. His harvest day speech is one for the ages.
Batua
(Rolling the scroll back up) Hmm… Okay. I'll make sure Ta gets this.
Batua opens his bag and puts the scroll in. Kamui moves his next piece. Batua looks down at the pieces for a while, calculating his next move.
Kamui
By the way, completely off topic. I was wondering something…
Batua
(Looking at the board) Hmm?
Kamui
Have you spoken with your mother yet?
Batua pauses, and then looks up at Kamui with a trout-in-the-bear's-mouth look.
We cut to Batua walking down the hallway towards his room. He unlocks the door and opens it to see Ta sitting at the mirror getting her hair done by an airbender. (Lao?) Batua's eyes widen.
Batua
What is she doing here?!
Ta and the airbender both turn their heads and we see that it's not Lao. Beat.
Batua
Oh. Sorry! (Nervous chuckle) You're just getting your hair done for the celebration. Nothing weird about that.
We cut to a close up of Ta, narrowing her eyes as Batua walks towards her in the background. He drops the scroll on the table in front of her.
Batua
Here's your speech. (Pause) ...By the way, you look so, so beautiful. Like a… (Racks his head) Like a fruit. (The airbender's eyebrow raises) Like a really pretty… Um… Fruit… And… I just want you to know that I'm trying, Ta. I'm really trying to make you happy, so… Just… Remember that. (Pause) ...Okay?
Ta
...Uhuh.
Batua
(Slightly nervous) Great!
Batua kisses Ta on the cheek and walks over to the bed. Ta unfurls the speech and begins to read it. Then she rolls her eyes.
The camera pans over at the airbender, who is staring down at the floor in abject awkwardness.
We cut to the inside of the bell tower. We see Tuak, the drunk bellman, climbing up the stairs, out of breath. Tuak opens the hatch to the bell room and a few bottles drop out and smash on the stairs below. Tuak climbs up into the room. The floor is littered with empty bottles and pitchers.
In the center of the room is the massive bronze bell.
Tuak burps and grabs his earplugs, then he stumbles over to the bell. He does some stretching before he grabs the bell and pushes it, then he sits on the floor, adding extra protection to his ears with his hands as the massive bell rings out.
We cut to the plaza. Folks from all over the city are being let into the main square. Many people in the aristocracy are being ushered by their servants or being carried in palatines. We see the exorbitant smorgasbord of food laid out on tables for the upper castes. There barrels of wine and casks of hard liquor. Over by the side is a tent with rice balls and beer for the servants.
We also see most members of the city guard leaving their post to join the celebration. The palace docks are deserted, as well as many other posts like the dungeon and the palace bridge. The guards intermix with the crowd of citizens and servants.
On stage is a firebender acrobatic circus. People are jumping up and down, through fire hoops, etc. Some people are clapping. Other people are heckling them and throwing things.
We cut to Pong, over by the plaza docks with his clipboard, quietly crying. Then a ship appears from behind a glacier. Pong looks up manically and runs over as the ship arrives. It pulls into the dock and the captain jumps out, tying it up.
Pong
Oh, thank Tui, you're here! Oh! I thought I was done for! (Knocks on the side of the ship) Come on, come on! We don't have much time!
A guy pokes his head out of the boat.
Guy
What? You said we were the closer!
Pong
Not anymore. You're on in ten. (Pause) Move it!
We see a group of people exit the ship with various musical instruments in cases. Eight of them in total step out, walking casually. Pong hastily ushers them towards the plaza.
Pong
Doubletime, folks! Let's go! Also, is it possible for you to tune your instruments on the way over?
We cut to see Batua and Ta being led to the Plaza by the palace guards. Batua puts his arm around Ta. Ta breathes and clutches the scroll in her hand.
We cut to a ship with a bronze serpent ornament on the front. Then we see Kirin come up from the cargo hold with some rope, preparing the ship. He ties the rope around… something, and does another thing. You know, boat stuff. Suddenly, we hear someone running over to the ship.
Kirin looks up and sees Lao. She stops gracefully with a puff of air and looks at Kirin. Kirin groans.
Kirin
Why are you here? What happened?
Lao
So. It's not the biggest deal in the world, but… There's been a slight change of plans. You have your shipping papers, right?
Kirin
(Sighs) Yeah... I'll go get 'em.
Lao nods as Kirin jumps off the ship and walks towards his warehouse. As she watches him leave, she reaches into her pocket and grabs the master keyring. She spins it around on her finger for a moment, then looks down at it.
We cut to a closeup of the keyring in her hands. She goes through all of the keys until she gets to a particular one, marked with a drawing of a heart.
We hear a bow slide across a string, before cutting to the band on stage, playing stodgy Kamakoi dancing music.
The Dance of the Flying Peacock is underway. We see the crowd, dancing in circles. We see Ta dancing with Batua, their usual contrast of emotions is present. We cut to Kamui, who is sitting off to the side, drinking from a flask. We see Ato and his wife dancing, among others, including Umi and one of her guards.
We cut to the bell tower. The bellman strikes the bell and the band stops playing. Everybody stops dancing and the air goes quiet.
A crew of priests walk out from the crowd and set the peacock cage on top of the ceremonial stone. We see the peacock cage open in front of the crescent moon, and the peacock timidly makes its way out.
We cut to an aerial shot, looking down at the stone. There are 7 different symbols inscribed in the stone, around the edge.
The peacock clucks a few times and saunters around, then it eventually makes its way to one of the symbols. The priests observe this. One of the priests goes and grabs the peacock, holding it up.
Priest
The peacock says… That we will have an excellent harvest this year!
The crowd cheers, and then the priest throws the peacock into the crowd. We hear it squawk and ruffle as it gets passed along.
We cut to Batua, who turns to Ta.
Batua
Alright, you're on. Good luck, sweetie.
Ta nods, and the guards escort her to the stage. We briefly see an aerial shot of Ta, walking through the crowd, surrounded by 6 guards. We cut to a shot facing the audience. Ta stands in front of them, and waves her hand, following more cheering.
We cut to a well off waterbending couple in their 20's named Kimi and Hoda.
Kimi
We love you, Princess!
We cut back to Ta, who looks down with annoyance at the scroll in her hands. She clears her throat.
Ta
'Citizens of this great empire!'
The crowd goes silent. She pauses and reads the next sentence, and then she sighs.
Ta
'In these brave new times, the most fundamental law must be that we act in accordance with the divine hierarchy.'
We cut to Jin and her kids, alongside the waterbender they work for, Jin covers her kids' ears.
Ta
'The waterbender wields the scepter. The firebender wields the scroll. The airbender wields the letter, and the earthbender… Wields the cart… Such as it was, is, and always shall be. But it is important to remember that with great power comes great… Discipline'?
We cut to Kamui as the speech goes on in the background. He looks up at Ta with a smirk on his face, and then he gets bored.
He takes a drink from his flask before getting tapped on the shoulder. Kamui turns around to see a man standing behind him. Kamui produces a sack of coins, which he hands to the man. The man nods and gestures for Kamui to follow him.
We cut to Pong, watching Kamui from a distance. As Kamui leaves, Pong's eyes pop open with furious embarrassment. Then he looks down with clarity, shaking his head.
We cut to Batua, looking up at Ta on stage. He looks at her with admiration followed by suspicion before he too gets bored and looks around. He spots Tahno in the crowd and walks up to him. Tahno is covered in bandages.
Batua
Hey, Tahno.
Tahno
(Looking over at him) Hello there, yOuR mAgEsTy.
Batua
Yeah… Listen, I didn't mean to flip out on you like that the other day. Well, you did insult my wife, but still. An Emperor shouldn't act like that. And I'm sorry.
Tahno
That's mighty big of you, Batua. Coming over here to say that.
Batua nods and smiles, looking back up at Ta.
Tahno
My old man, he beat me pretty good on your behalf. I'm sure you heard. (Batua looks down awkwardly) Yeah… Still hurts. It's okay, though. You know why?
Batua looks at Tahno, raising his eyebrow.
Tahno
In two years I'm gonna be on the city guard. My brother and my two cousins are already on, along with almost everyone else in my family. (He waves to some guards, who wave back at him) And when that happens, I'm gonna be in charge of protecting you.
Batua doesn't know how to respond. Tahno continues to look up at the stage.
Tahno
And that wife of yours.
Tahno walks off, leaving Batua standing there, stunned.
Ta
-We must understand that intimacy with the servant is akin to intimacy with the pet, or the wheel. It serves only to confuse the relationship.-
Batua looks around at the guards in his view. Some of them are looking down, some are looking at the stage, others are looking at Batua with unreadable expressions. Batua then sees all the earthbenders in the crowd who are staring at him with contempt. He starts to sweat and turns around.
We cut to Batua walking quickly through the crowd as Ta goes on in the background. He makes his way off of the plaza, pushing through the crowd of people, and then bumps into someone not facing him.
Batua
Hey! Watch where you're-
Batua's eyes widen as the person turns around.
Batua
...Going.
We stay on Batua for a moment, and then we cut to see that Kyana is looking back at him. The two stare at each other in shock.
Beat.
Batua
...Mom. I-
Kyana spits in Batua's face and walks away.
Batua stands there, humiliated, watching as Kyana disappears into the crowd.
Ta
-And the familial structure we depend on so much will crumble.-
We cut to the bellman, ringing the final bell of the night. Then we cut to a close up of Ta, who rolls the scroll back up and gazes out at the crowd.
Ta
(Whispering to herself) Get your last look, citizens.
We cut to a wide shot of Ta waving at the crowd with a smile on her face. The crowd is cheering wildly, then it dies down and they begin to disperse. We see the city guard going back to their posts.
The palace guards escort Ta off of the stage and walk her over to the side of the plaza. A group of kids run past the guards, who stop and watch them for a moment, before realizing that Ta is no longer with them.
Guard 1
Where did she go?
Guard 2 shrugs. They look around as the camera zooms out.
We cut back to the little kids running. We follow them for a little while as they weave through the crowd before landing back on Batua, who is standing there, humiliated.
An angry storm of percussion builds up as his face drops into classic Batua angst.
We cut to Batua marching angrily over to the wine cellar. The wine guy looks up from the underground room and sees him.
Wine guy
(French accent) My prince! It honors me that you would visit my storeroom personally! How may I-
Batua
Gimme a barrel! Now!
We cut to Batua propping the barrel up on his knees as he pours wine out into a glass pitcher, spilling much of it on the ground. Then he puts the barrel on the ground and grabs the pitcher.
He downs all of the wine in it, streams of red going down his face and staining his celebration clothes.
We cut to the bronze Serpent ornament on the front of Kirin's ship. We see a wide shot of the palace dock. Kirin's ship is sidling up to it. We see a few guards come down and approach Kirin. Kirin shows them his papers. They look through them, and then hand them back. The guards jump back up to their post.
We cut to Kirin digging around in his chest. He finds a red and white flag and affixes it to the mast.
Next, we cut to Lao, standing on the roof of the dungeon complex. She sees the flag in the distance and makes a bird noise.
We cut to Inuk, sitting on a bench in the plaza, he hears the bird noise and walks over to the dungeon before starting to run. He runs up to the two guards, Asuko and Matak, standing outside the dungeon, acting panicked.
Asuko
General Inuk. What's wrong?
Inuk
Quick! I need two able bodied men, there's been an accident!
Inuk gestures for them to follow and runs off. The two guards look at each other before following. Then we see Lao making a soft landing from the roof. She looks around before taking out her master key and unlocking the door.
We cut back to Inuk and the guards running. Inuk leads them to an alleyway and they enter before looking around and seeing nothing. Inuk is forming a block of ice behind them.
Matak
Uh, What's going on?
Matak turns around and gets smacked in the head by the ice block. Asuko soon meets the same fate. The two collapse on top of each other.
The camera pans up to Inuk, who sighs.
We cut to Ta. She's frantically gathering her things from Batua's room and putting them in a bag. She takes a look at her illustration of her parents for a moment and kisses it before stuffing it in with the rest.
She's about to close her bag when she hears the door being unlocked and looks up in frustration.
Ta
(Quietly)No! I thought I had more time…
The door slams open and Ta quickly kicks her bag underneath the bed. Batua walks in, drunk and agitated, his shirt completely stained red.
Ta
(Fake smile) Husband...
Batua is staggering towards her.
Batua
Ta… My wife. My gorgeous little plum.
Batua takes Ta's hand and guides Ta towards the bed. Ta glances out the window and looks longingly at her ship, then sits down with him.
He takes her hand and rubs it against his face. She fake chuckles and takes her hand away, but Batua grabs it back and holds onto it.
Batua
I need you, okay? I'm very confused right now and I need you.
Ta
You've been drinking... Maybe you should lie down.
Batua
I'm begging you. Please. Can you just for a second act like my wife? Just show me a little kindness? I've been patient… (Voice raising) How much more time are you gonna make me wait?
Ta
(Glancing again at the window) Not much longer. I promise...
Batua nods slowly, before he shakes his head in anger.
He stands up, stumbling. Then he turns around grabs Ta's shoulders, staring at her with wide eyed intensity.
Batua
I defended your honor. I saved you, twice. (Grits his teeth) I love you so much, Ta, and all I ask you for is a little bit of love in return! Why is it so hard for you to give me that?!
Ta
(Incredulously) You saved me? Twice?
Batua
Actually, no, three times! When I stopped my uncle from killing you along with my traitor brother! (Beat, widens his eyes) And now you're just like him. Everybody betrays me…
Ta suddenly looks innocent.
Ta
What are you talking about?
Batua
(Doesn't want to go here, but can't help it) I followed you last night, Ta! I saw you meet up with that airbender after I specifically told you not to! So don't try to deny it! (Beat) What in Koi's great fishhook are you doing in the middle of the night in a shed with some servant?!
Ta looks up at Batua, not answering. Batua stares at her, reading her expression, then he blinks.
Batua
You had something to do with those guys on the city guard, didn't you?
Ta doesn't answer, but her face gives it away. Batua's face contorts into panic mode.
We cut to Lao running down the stairs to the dungeon carrying a torch. Baka sees her run past. She flashes a glance at him and smiles.
Then we cut to The theater troupe, suddenly illuminated. Lao drops the torch on the floor in front of them.
Ayana
Cutting it a little close, huh?
Lao
(Taking out her master key ring) I know, I know. No time to explain.
Lao has the key for the theater troupe marked. She unlocks the cell, and Ayana, Oni and Teepo stand up and exit the cell, closing the gate behind them. They all run for the stairs.
Lao
Wait! (They stop in their tracks and turn around) The celebration is over! We can't go out there yet!
Ayana
What?!
Oni
So, what's your plan?
Lao grabs her torch and shines it on all the other prisoners in the dungeon. Then she looks at the theater troupe. They look at each other not knowing what to say.
Lao
Got any better ideas?
We cut back to Batua and Ta. Batua is looking at Ta in furious confusion while Ta stands by the window facing away from him.
Batua
Why would you do this?! I don't understand!
We cut to a close up of Ta, her mind racing.
Batua
Ta, if Kamui finds out about this, I won't be able to stop him! So you need to tell me what's going on, right now! But wait… If you tell me, then I'll know. And he'll know that I know, or that I knew... Oh, Koi, this is bad... Just tell me!
Ta's eyes are darting around. She looks at Kirin's ship, then, she takes a deep breath.
We cut to a close up. As her eyes open, we see her expression go dead. And then she exhales.
Ta
Fine. I'll tell you.
Batua
Wait-
Ta
You're right. About everything.
Batua
(Startled) Wha-... What does that mean?
Ta
You know… (Ta turns around to face him) Right? I mean, you have to know by now.
Batua
...I don't know.
Ta
Huh… (Gulps) Well, then I guess in addition to being cowardly and pathetic, you're also stupid.
Batua looks at her with surprised anger.
Batua
What?! You can't say that!
Ta
Why not? What are you gonna do? Huh? (Pushes Batua) You disgusting excuse for a prince! What are you gonna do?
Batua
(In disbelief) Ta! Come on… I don't want to involve Kamui, but I will if I have to! So, just calm down!
Ta
(Nodding) Yes. Why don't you go and involve him? Tell him. Right now.
Batua stands there, shaking his head in fear.
Batua
What? No...
Ta
(Grrrr) Come on! Tell him! Tell him that I'm a dirty, scheming, harlot! (She grabs his collar aggressively and speaks through gritted teeth) Tell him I'm gonna destroy your little empire!
Batua
(Breaking away) No… This isn't you... Someone... Put you up to this. Lao! She put you up to this!
Ta
Huh?!
Batua
I know this isn't you, Ta! You're a good person...
Beat.
Ta looks at him for a moment with wide eyes.
Ta
...You don't know that! You just...
Ta pauses, and then she cracks a smile. Suddenly, she's howling with laughter. Batua looks back with fear and confusion. Ta cackles for a while, and then she sighs and shakes her head.
Ta
I get it now. (Batua raises his eyebrow) You think you're a good person.
We cut to a close up of Batua, sweating.
Batua
...I am!
Ta tilts her head, almost sympathetically, and then she slowly walks toward Batua. She puts her hand on his cheek. This shocks him.
Ta
Oh, you poor thing. You must be so confused. Nothing ever goes right for you and you have no idea why.
Batua looks down at Ta with tears forming. He closes his eyes and puts his hand over hers.
Ta
Let me clear things up for you.
Batua
Ta, wait-
Ta
No. Shh. It's okay. You don't have to talk. I'll explain everything.
Batua closes his eyes. Ta gets up close, almost whispering in his ear.
Ta
I know you think you're a good guy, Batua, but the truth is, everybody hates you. Because you're a destructive fool and you ruin everything you touch. (Batua tries to talk again) No… (Angrily) No. Keep your mouth shut and listen.
Ta grabs Batua's head with both hands, looking straight at him. He opens his eyes and looks at her in fear.
Ta
Your brother was the only person in this whole place who ever treated me like a human being. So why would I possibly have any love for the pathetic, stupid, coward that killed him? Hmm? Think about that, Batua. How could I ever love you?
Batua suddenly furrows his brow. He shoves Ta's hands off of him and looks down at her, imperiously.
Ta
(Whispers) And I don't.
Batua looks away, tears running down his cheeks. Ta slowly walks around him so that he's facing her again. She looks deeply into his eyes.
Ta
(As hurtful as possible) Aw, you gonna cry?
Batua snarls and then slaps Ta across the face, hard.
Batua
Who are you?!
Ta stumbles over, then recoils slowly. She spits blood out of her mouth and defiantly smiles at Batua.
Ta
I'm your wife. Remember?
Batua looks utterly surprised by the person he's looking at, before his face again crumples with bitter anger and sadness.
He grabs Ta by the collar, bringing her face inches away from his.
Batua
(Angry tears) And I'm the emperor! You don't love me? Fine! I'll make you fear me!
Batua throws Ta to the side and then runs out of the room in anger. A guard looks up as Batua runs through the hallway.
Guard
Prince Batua?
Batua
(Wiping his tears) Shut up!
We cut back to Ta, who exhales, breaking character.
She centers herself, then she goes under the bed to grab her bag, before rushing over to the window.
As she heads over, she tears off Batua's necklace. We cut to a low angle and watch as the gemstones bounce and roll across the floor.
Ta bends a stream of water into a big block of ice, slamming against the window pane. We see it crack slightly. She slams it again, causing a few more cracks.
Ta
Come on, Lao.
We cut back to Lao, hurriedly shuffling through her key ring.
Lao
-Eleven, Twelve. Here we go.
We get a quick montage of Lao going through the keys for each cell and unlocking them. Dozens of prisoners of all sorts are being let out.
We see Akoro look up with a smirk as Lao unlocks the door.
Akoro
Well, well, well. Somebody finally came to their senses.
Lao then gets to Zota Phong's cell. Lao goes to unlock it. Zota stands up, eyeing Lao with suspicion and fright, before she slinks out.
We see a big buff firebender, Taisong, punching the wall, before he turns around to see Lao.
Lao
(As she's unlocking the door) Please don't hurt me!
Taisong
Why would I do that?
Taisong walks up to Lao and picks her up, kissing her on the head. Then he drops her and runs off, laughing.
Lao unlocks one last prisoner before getting to Baka, the sculptor. She flips to the key for his cell, the one marked with the heart. She goes to unlock the door and open it, waiting for Baka to stand up.
Lao
Baka, we have to go. Now!
Lao reaches her hand out for Baka to take. The focus shifts to Baka, who looks at her hand, and then he looks up at Ta with sadness.
Baka
...I can't.
Lao looks at Baka for a moment, before squatting down to his level.
Lao
What? You have to! (Grabs his hand) Baka, this is what we've been waiting for! Once we're out of the capital we can finally be together!
We cut to a close up of Baka. the camera slowly zooms in as he comes to a hard decision. Then he turns back to Lao, tears forming in his eyes.
Baka
I wish so badly that I could join you.
Lao
No. (Tears also forming) You can join me. Please…
Baka
(Shaking his head) I was born here, Lao. And if I leave this cell, I'll be a fugitive for the rest of my life. I have to stay.
Lao
But, I'll never see you again... (Baka looks at her with sympathy and sadness) No. No! I can't do this without you!
Baka
You are so brave, Lao. And so strong. (Pause, as he sniffles) You deserve better than this place.
Lao squeezes Baka's hand, tears streaming down her face. She kisses it, then looks back at him.
Baka
Go. Before it's too late.
Lao nods, then she stands up.
We cut to a close up of Lao. She feels the emotion for a moment, before breathing deeply and wiping her cheeks, then her face becomes stoic. She takes one final look at Baka, and then turns and heads for the stairs.
We cut to Batua stomping down the hallway towards Kamui's room. He's in a huff, punching his open palm and muttering to himself.
Batua
You think I'm a coward? You think I'm stupid? (Smirks) You're in big trouble now, Princess!
Batua gets to Kamui's door, which is surrounded by guards. He pushes past them.
Batua
Out of my way!
Guard
Your Majesty-
Batua bangs on Kamui's door repeatedly. He waits for a second before Kamui opens it in his sleepwear, somewhat drunk himself.
Kamui
Batua? It's very late.
He marches into the room, to Kamui's surprise.
Kamui
Wait-
Batua
Uncle, you were right! You were right about-
Batua stops in his tracks, staring at something on the other side of the room.
Batua
...Everything.
Batua tilts his head with confusion. Then he looks back at Kamui with his eyebrow raised.
Batua
Um… What's going on here?
Kamui
Yes. That. (Clears his throat) Shinji is my… Companion this evening.
We cut to Kamui's bed. A young earthbending woman named Shinji is lying under the sheets.
Batua glances at her again, and she lifts the sheets higher.
Kamui then walks over to Batua and puts his arm on his shoulder.
Batua
But she's…
Kamui
Yes, my prince. Well, don't act so surprised. She's an earthbender.
Batua
But... But we… The speech…
Batua looks up at Kamui with innocence.
Kamui
Those are the rules. And they are very good rules. For the city guard, anyway...
Batua raises his eyebrow, then he looks down.
Kamui
My prince... Look at Shinji. Go on. Look at her face.
Batua and Shinji share eye contact. Batua notices how scared Shinji looks.
Kamui
Do you think she's beautiful?
Batua
I guess…
Kamui
Mhm. (Pause) Shinji, stand up.
Shinji closes her eyes for a moment, then she slowly slides off of the bed, standing up in front of them. She wraps the bedsheet around herself.
Kamui
Look at that...
Batua is mortified. Kamui then leans down to Batua's level.
Kamui
Now, come on. I know you appreciate beautiful things, my prince. (Chuckles) Remember how hard you fought to keep that wife of yours?
We cut to a close up of Batua, who widens his eyes. We cut to Shinji, staring back at him in blank fear, then we return to Batua.
The camera zooms in on him as he reads her expression.
Kamui
(In the background) I'll never understand that one. The girl's a porcelain figurine. No, what you really want is a girl that can… Take a hit or two.
Batua suddenly snaps back. Then he looks up at Kamui with a hint of disgust on his face.
Batua
I have to go.
Batua starts to leave, before Kamui grabs his arm.
Kamui
Wait. What did you have to tell me?
Batua
...Nevermind. It's nothing.
Kamui
(Narrows his eyes) Are you sure?
Batua slips out of Kamui's grasp.
Batua
Yeah, I'm gonna go...
Kamui furrows his brow and nods.
We cut to Batua as he walks out of Kamui's room and down the hall, trying to make sense of what he just saw.
He walks for a moment. Then suddenly, an explosion rings out, shaking the walls.
Batua gasps and looks back to see the guards murmuring and banging on Kamui's door. Kamui soon comes out, fully dressed, running with the guards in the other direction.
Batua
What was that?!
Kamui is too far away to hear. Batua looks around, confused. Soon enough, another explosion goes off. It rumbles through the palace.
Batua
Ta...
We cut to Batua running down the hall once again. Guards are running past him, making their way out of the palace. One of the guards stops and grabs Batua.
Guard
There's been a security breach! Grab the Princess and hide!
Batua nods and the guard runs off. He continues running through the sea of guards and other personnel.
We cut to his feet, running across the hallway floor.
Then we cut to Batua arriving at his bedroom door in the deserted hallway. Batua grabs his key and unlocks the door, then busts it open.
Batua
Ta! I'm- (Pause) ...Sorry.
We cut to Batua standing in the doorframe. We hear the wind rustling as the camera slowly zooms out.
Batua
Ta?
The room is empty. We see some papers get blown off the desk and flutter across the frame.
Batua steps into the room and closes the door behind him. He looks over to the window, which has been shattered open, causing the draft.
We hear another explosion and the sound of people screaming in the background.
Batua slowly walks over to the window and looks out. He sees a ship sailing off towards the horizon.
TO BE CONTINUED...