AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 1: FAMILY
CHAPTER 16: THE BLUE LILY GAMBIT
We fade in on an unknown location. It seems to be the inside of a shack. The world map is hanging on the wall, and we can see a mountainous landscape outside the window. Three Kamakoi soldiers are hanging out. Two of them are at the table, playing cards, while the third is doing stretches.
Soldier 1
So... How's Saya adjusting?
Soldier 2
(Grabbing another card) Who cares?
Soldier 1
Okay…
They continue playing for a moment, when suddenly they hear a knock on the door. They all look up, confused.
Soldier 2
That's not Tamik, is it? Can't be.
Soldier 3
Tamik?
There's no reply. The 3 look at each other. Then 1 and 2 nod at 3, who's closest to the door. Soldier 3 rolls his eyes and walks over, then we cut to the door opening. Behind it, we see a familiar face. Jang!
The soldier raises his eyebrow. We cut to a straight on shot of Jang, who smiles, before he opens his hand and blows pepper dust into the soldier's face.
We cut to a wide exterior shot of the Kamakoi outpost. We hear a raucous fight going on inside, before soldier 2 crashes through the window and falls into the water below with a splash. The fight goes on for a few more seconds before we cut back inside.
Jang sits down and puts his feet up on the table. We hear soldier 1 croaking, badly injured, on the floor. Jang grabs a pot off the table and hits the guy over the head with it, then he puts the pot back down.
Jang
Shh.
Jang takes a moment to decompress, before he rummages through his bag and takes out his folded up map.
We see a close up of the map. Jang is well on his way to his destination. There are several outposts on the map which have been crossed out. Jang takes out his piece of charcoal and crosses out another outpost, the one he's inside right now. Next on the map is a trail to a mountain range. Jang looks out the window and sees that very mountain range in the distance.
Jang's gaze reaches the peak of the mountain, and an unsettling pang of music hits as we see a small temple on top of it. Then we cut back to Jang, who looks at the sight with a mix of emotions. He exhales, nervously.
We match cut to a crudely drawn illustration of Jang on a canvas nailed to the wall. Jang has a dumb expression and googly eyes. Moments after we cut, an ice dagger hits "Jang" right between the eyes, embedding in the wall.
We cut to Hakoi, sitting on a chair across from the illustration. His leg is now in a splint. Hakoi looks angry as he bends a stream of water above him, freezes another ice dagger and throws it. This dagger hits "Jang" in the crotch.
As Hakoi forms another dagger, we pan over to see Umi, lying down on a couch. 2 airbenders are massaging and pedicuring her feet, while another airbender is braiding her hair. She looks relaxed, then she hears the 3rd ice dagger hit the wall and she opens her eyes, annoyed. She looks over at Hakoi.
Umi
Don't make me get dad in here.
We then cut to Kamui, standing in the medical chambers. Kamui looks down, expressionless, hands behind his back. A medic casually walks into the room, whistling, then she sees Kamui standing there, before she promptly stops and turns around, walking back out. Kamui stays there for a while, then he too walks out of the room, leaving Atakui alone in his bed. We cut to a close up of Atakui, the camera slowly zooming in.
We match cut to Yamani, sleeping on Shira. She's mumbling something in her sleep, before she snorts and her eyes pop open.
Yamani
Monkey feathers!
Yamani blinks, and then yawns. She looks over at Shira, who looks back with concern. Yamani smiles and pets Shira's nose.
Yamani
Good morning.
Shira grunts in response. Yamani rubs her eyes, and then sits up.
Yamani
Hey Kato. You ready to get your butt whooped?
Yamani turns to where Kato was sleeping, but the spot is empty. Yamani looks at it for a moment in shock, then her expression becomes irritated.
Yamani
(Under her breath) Oh, you stupid, stupid boy.
We cut to a dingy ice ceiling. A drop of water slowly forms underneath it and drops. Then another one forms. We cut to a wide shot of an underground holding cell. Kato is behind bars, sitting on the ground. The sack that was over his head lies next to him. Another drop falls.
We cut to a close up of Kato. He rubs his face and then shakes his head, muttering to himself with regret.
Kato
(Quietly) Why am I so stupid? (Pause) No, Mushi. This is all my fault...
Kato sighs, then he hears the metallic sound of the hatch opening. His eyes widen, then he closes them and the camera stays on him.
We hear the hatch close and the sound of someone climbing down the ladder. Their feet land on the ground and they start walking.
The camera zooms in on Kato as the footsteps grow closer, and then they stop.
Kato waits for a moment, and then he opens his eyes.
We cut to Batua, standing on the other side of the bars with a look of surprise, guilt, amazement, etc.
We cut back to Kato, who's looking up at his younger brother with fear and rage, then he rolls his eyes, letting out a grim chuckle.
Kato
Just my luck… I get to see you before it's all over.
Batua chuckles awkwardly, and then grabs his head in anguish. He slides down the wall until he's sitting on the floor. We cut to a wide shot of the two of them sitting across from each other, bars between them. Batua then looks up at Kato.
Batua
I can't believe you're still alive...
We cut to Kato, who looks back in disbelief.
Kato
Yeah, I am! No thanks to you!
Batua nods sadly, looking back down.
Kato
(Looking at the cage) I mean, what is this?! (Batua just sits there, looking at the floor) Hello?!
Beat.
Batua
I messed up, Kato…
Kato
...Excuse me?
Batua
I… I made a mistake...
Kato
(Narrowing his eyes) A mistake?
Suddenly Kato stands up, walking over to the bars.
Kato
You know what a mistake is, Batua? It's… Misplacing your keys. You know what's not a mistake? Looking your brother in the eyes and calling him a false prince in front of the entire war room!
Batua
I know…
Kato
You betrayed me!
Batua
I know!
Kato rubs his nose in frustration and paces around the cell, then he looks back at Batua.
Kato
Well, now you have me right where you want me. You can finally kill your rock pushing, traitor brother. Everything you ever wanted.
Batua
(Sighs) I don't want to kill you, Kato…
Kato
...Then what am I doing here?! (Looking out at the cage) Why did you lock me up?!
Batua
(Standing up) Look, I knew you were gonna be mad at me, okay? That's why I put you here! (Kato walks towards the bars angrily, as Batua backs up) But listen! Listen! I just want to talk! Please. I want to try to… Explain myself...
Kato takes a step back, crossing his arms, with an expression of 'This should be good'.
Batua
That day, when I called you a false prince. I thought I could get them to exile you. Instead of, you know… Killing you! But they didn't listen to me! (Grabs the bars) Nobody ever listens to me!
Kato
Wha-... Is that supposed to, what, make it okay? How does that change anything? You still betrayed me!
Batua
Well, I mean, you did earthbend in front of everybody, so I don't really know what you expected me to do.
Kato
How about having my back? You're my brother! Oh, you know what? You are so in denial. Just admit it! Say it to my face!
Batua
Say what?
Kato
That I sickened you! The minute you saw me earthbending you thought, 'There's no way this rock pusher deserves to be anywhere near the throne'!
Batua
No! Wrong!
Kato
Oh yeah? Then why don't you enlighten me? Come on, let's hear your side of the story.
Batua shakes his head, looking down.
Kato
Mhm, see? Ugh. You haven't changed a bit. Just keep lying to yourself for the rest of your life! That'll go great! Nevermind the lives you destroy in the process! You just keep on swimming!
Batua's face slowly crinkles in the unstoppable, ringing truth. He suddenly can't fight back any longer and he looks up at Kato.
Batua
Ok, fine! I was jealous, alright?! (Grabs Kato by the shoulders, shaking him) I WAS JEALOUS! (He lets go and Kato looks at him with surprise) YOU WIN!
Kato
(Narrows his eyes) But, I thought you could 'never be jealous of a stiff'.
Batua
(Snickers) Yeah, well… Obviously, that was a big fat lie! You got to lead an Empire, and meanwhile I was stuck having to wake up at the crack of dawn everyday for military school! (Shakes his head) And everyone loved you so much. What about me? Where's my love? (Batua suddenly stops and rolls his eyes at himself) Sorry…
Kato
(Looking down, shaking his head) You cannot be serious. All this time… I saw your face in my head. Your disgusted face!
Batua
...Look, maybe I was a little bit… Surprised. But I don't care that you're an earthbender… Not really. (Sighs) I was jealous...
Kato
Mother of Koi, Batua! I tried to talk to you so many times! And it was always 'Oh, I'm fine!', 'Leave me alone! Stop following me!'
Batua
(Again groans angrily) I know! I know! But... We're talking now, right?
Batua has a cheesy grin. Kato chuckles ruefully and shakes his head.
Batua
Kato? (Kato looks up) Why did you come back? I mean, why would you possibly, possibly, come back to this place?
Beat.
Kato
I came back to rescue Ta.
Batua looks back at him with wide eyes, and then cracks up with laughter. Kato looks at him in confusion, then he gets angry.
Kato
What's so funny about that?
Batua
I thought you came back to kill me… But instead, you came back to save Ta! Unarmed! And you had that dragon! (Laughs) That's suicidal! Plus, it's literally pointless! Ta is gone!
Kato
(Kato goes from embarrassed to concerned) ...Is she dead?
Batua
No! Are you kidding me? That crazy princess busted herself out two nights ago!
Kato looks back at Batua, and then cracks up himself, joining him in laughter. The laughter slowly winds down, and the two look at the floor.
Kato
Are you seriously telling me I missed Ta by a day? (Batua nods) Well, that makes perfect sense.
Batua
You should have seen her. She was… Angry. She really hurt my feelings!
Kato
Yeah. She's…
Batua & Kato
Something else.
The two brothers sigh with affection at the thought of her.
Batua
Look. If I'm really being honest here. Everything I did… It was for Ta. With you gone, she would have to marry me. She would have to love me...
Kato looks at Batua with pity and disrespect, but also a slight bit of understanding.
Batua
(Sighs) But she didn't. And why should she? All I ever did was make her miserable…
Batua looks down. Tears slowly form in his eyes, and then he looks up at Kato.
Batua
I'm so sorry, Kato…
Kato looks back at Batua with indignation, then he relents and shakes his head.
Kato
What's done is done... Now we're here.
Batua nods.
Kato
Batua? You think you could let me out of here?
Batua
Oh, yeah. Sure.
Batua grabs his keys, and then unlocks the bars. He slides them over to the side. Kato walks out, then he punches Batua in the face. Batua rails back, stumbling.
Batua
Okay, fair…
Kato
Sorry. I told myself if I got the chance to do that, I had to take it.
Batua
Yeah, no, I… Totally get it...
Batua rubs his face, and then looks back at Kato. The two stand across from each other for a while. It's awkward.
Kato
How's dad?
Batua
Still unconscious...
Kato
(Nods) …And mom?
Batua looks down, biting the corner of his lip, then he turns around. We see a close up of Batua, facing away from Kato.
Batua
She's… Good…
Kato
Do you think I could talk to her?
Batua winces, thinking about the prospect.
Batua
Sorry… She's not here right now...
Kato looks like he knows Batua is lying. He rolls his eyes, but then his expression softens and he looks at the back of Batua's head.
Kato
Are you mad at her because you think she cheated on dad?
Batua sighs, lowering his head, then he suddenly raises his eyebrow, before turning back around.
Batua
Wait… You said that like there's a chance mom didn't cheat… Which is impossible… Right?
Kato
Oh, of course. I mean, how would that even work? The whole royal family just happens to have earthbending blood in them? From centuries back? I just happen to be unlucky enough to inherit it? That's crazy!
Batua
(Stepping back) Hold on. (Pointing) You just made it sound like it maybe isn't that crazy!
Kato looks at Batua, saying nothing. Batua stares back with wide eyes, and then he blinks and smiles.
Batua
Oh, I get it! You're messing with me! As if I'd believe something as… (Starts to think) Ridiculous as that… (Then he looks concerned)
Kato enjoys Batua's confusion for a moment, before he shakes his head.
Kato
Batua?
Batua is standing there, mind aflutter. He's staring at the wall. Kato goes and grabs Batua's shoulder, shaking him.
Kato
Batua? (Batua snaps out of it) What exactly is your plan right now?
Batua
Huh? My plan? You think I have a plan? I don't even know what I'm doing! (Groans anxiously while shaking his head) I really messed up, Kato! All of the earthbending servants hate me because they think I killed you. The city guard hates me. Kamui... Terrifies me. This is insane! I can't be the emperor! I don't even want to be the emperor! It's boring!
Kato
(Rolls his eyes) I didn't mean your life plan. I meant... Who were the men who brought me here? Someone else has to be in on this, right? Who?
Batua
Oh, right, right, right... It's General Inuk. He hates me too, but he still supports you, along with his men.
Kato
Huh... I always knew he was a little different. Maybe I can talk to him about getting out of here. Could you arrange that?
Batua
Getting out? No. Inuk supports you. He wants you back on the throne!
Kato
Oh... (Looks down) I see…
Batua
What do you… What do you think? I mean, (Scratching his head) I don't know if it's even possible. But if it was… Would you want to do that?
We cut to a shot of Kato, looking down, conflicted. Then he sighs and narrows his eyes, before looking up at Batua.
Kato
I need to talk to Inuk.
Batua nods.
We cut to a ground level shot of the metal hatch. The hatch opens slightly, making the familiar noise, and Batua peeks out before opening it fully. Batua climbs up and looks around, confused.
Batua
Lohkan?
Nobody is there. We cut to a shot from behind an alleyway. We see Batua in the background on the left, looking around. In the foreground, we see Lohkan's unconscious body being dragged out of frame to the right.
We cut to Batua walking through Inuk's neighborhood. He's trying to look inconspicuous, which is difficult because he has his royal coat on. He sees Inuk's home on top of the hill. We cut to him raising his hand to the door.
Batua
(Knocking) Inuk?
As Batua knocks, the door opens by itself. Batua raises his eyebrow and pushes the door all the way open. He walks inside and sees that Inuk's place has been turned upside down, utterly trashed. Batua's anxiety music comes back, but quietly at first.
We cut to a shot from outside, looking at Inuk's open door. We see Batua peeking out from behind the opening, checking to see if anyone is watching, before he shuts the door.
We cut back inside, as Batua steps over the wreckage in a panic. Now the music is at full volume.
Batua
No, no, no, no! (Calling out) Inuk?! Please tell me you threw a wild party last night! (He continues walking through the house, looking around) Hello?! General Inuk?!
We see a montage of him walking through every room in the house. Then he walks into Inuk's study, looking around desperately, before he drops to his knees.
Batua
Oh, Koi… This is it. This is the end of me. I'm a full blown traitor.
Batua hyperventilates for a moment, then suddenly, he sees a folder on the floor. We hear a curious pang of music as we cut to a close up of the folder, which is labeled 'Shipping Logs'. Batua goes to grab it, and then stands up. He opens it and we see him rifling through the contents. He finds a log that's only partially filled out, and looks at the date.
Batua
Huh, that's tomorrow.
Batua looks down the log of all the ships due to leave that day, and finds one.
Batua
'Earthbenders to Ranakata. Low risk'... (We pan to the right) 'Takeoff from shipping zone 3. Dock 12. Sunrise.'
We cut to Batua staring down at the shipping log, as his mind races. Then his eyes flick up to the window. Another moment passes, before we cut to the window and see the cityscape behind it.
We cut to Kamui from the back as he strides back into the council chambers. We see Ahlaq, Kataia and Takai watching him warily as he walks towards them. Kamui stops and stands in front of them with his hands behind his back.
Ahlaq
Why don't you take a seat?
Kamui shrugs and saunters over to his chair, stepping over the spot where Inuk died. Then he casually sits down, looking at his nails.
Ahlaq
So.
Kamui
It's alright. I accept your apology.
Takai
Our apology?!
Kamui
(Looks up) ...Yes.
Takai
For what?!
Kamui
For not listening to me when I first arrived. Now you see how dangerous that choice ended up being. But it's ok. All is forgiven.
Ahlaq
Kamui, you murdered a general in the council chambers! Without trial! There have to be consequences.
Kamui
(Chuckles) You would let Inuk destroy this place in the name of due process, wouldn't you?
Ahlaq
The man was surrounded. What could he have possibly done? No, that's not what this is about. The truth is, Inuk got under your skin.
Kamui
No, no, no. The truth is, I've been away for far too long. I've been out winning your wars, and I expected you people to run this city while I was gone. But you're old. Out of touch. You let my brother drink himself into a stupor, not to mention the million other loose ends. No, this can not go on.
Ahlaq looks at Kamui with a look of utter disdain.
Ahlaq
What would you suggest, General?
Kamui
This was a good start, but it was merely a first tear at the web of moral corruption. The jailbreak, the murder of Kido and Tak, and let's not forget the failed matrimonial uprising. (Here, we cut to Kataia, who silently sits there, eyes on Kamui) I've no doubt Inuk is responsible for them all.
Ahlaq
(Pointedly, at Kamui) Though we can't know for sure, can we?
Kamui
The point is. Inuk held a very powerful position in this city. But he was too soft. I have an admiral under my command, Admiral Tarakano, stationed in Aikira. He's a capable leader and he's proved himself. He will be promoted to General and assume Inuk's role. Good?
Ahlaq
Um… Are you sure an admiral is the best fit? This is a domestic position.
Kamui
Yes, well, I could ask for your approval, but why bother? I've already sent the letter.
Ahlaq shakes his head and looks at Kataia and Takai. Kataia has a poker face, while Takai just looks defeated. Ahlaq sighs and looks back at Kamui.
Ahlaq
Fine…
Kamui smiles and sits back.
Kamui
I have big plans for this empire. And I won't have you geriatrics mucking it up. With all due respect.
Ahlaq
(Chuckles in disbelief, then quietly to himself) Pick your battles, Ahlaq…
Kamui gets up to walk away, but Ahlaq interrupts him with a whistle. Kamui doesn't take it well, but he turns around.
Kamui
Yes, Ahlaq?
Ahlaq
There's something I wanted to ask you, Kamui. Sit down. (Kamui nods and does so. Ahlaq leans in) This business with princess Ta… Where do you think Prince Batua stands in all of it?
Takai
The boy has never shown anything but fierce loyalty to the empire. I would be shocked!
Ahlaq nods, looking back at Kamui.
Kamui
Yes. I would also be very shocked.
Ahlaq
Hmmm. Well… Find him. We need to sort this out before the boy does anything… Rash.
Kamui nods and walks out of the council chambers. We see Kamui narrow his eyes as he walks out, then suddenly, we flash back to the night of the escape. Batua is in Kamui's chambers, staring at Shinji.
Kamui
So, you wished to discuss something with me?
Batua looks back up at Kamui.
Batua
...Nevermind. It's nothing.
We cut back to Kamui walking through the hallway. He meets up with his guards and then he heads out of the palace.
We cut to the interior of the empty palace dungeon. We pan across the empty cells, before we land on Lohkan, waking up, chained to the wall. Lohkan groggily looks around, then he rubs the back of his head and looks at his hand, which is covered in blood.
Suddenly, Lohkan's eyes widen, as he realizes where he is. He thinks for a moment, and then he closes his eyes with sadness. We cut to his pocket, as his hand reaches in and retrieves a small vial of liquid.
Lohkan
(Sighs) Mother and father. Tui and La. Please forgive me. And good luck, my prince.
Lohkan stares at the vial for a moment, and then quickly uncorks and drinks from it. We cut to the floor, as we hear his body fall. The empty vial rolls across the frame. Right afterward, we hear footsteps descending the stairs.
We cut to Batua in his room. He's tearing off a large section of a decorative window curtain. He grabs the piece of curtain and drapes it around his body, tying it into a makeshift toga over his royal clothes. Then he takes the tie out of his hair and lets it down. He looks at himself in the mirror, eyeing his disguise. He narrows his eyes and then nods his head.
Next, Batua rifles through his drawers for jewelry. He finds a few pieces of gold and ruby and pockets them, then he heads out. As he leaves his room, the guard looks at him, confused. Batua ignores him and walks down the hallway.
We cut to a wide shot of the hallway. Batua turns right and leaves through the servant's exit. Moments after he disappears, Kamui walks in from a corner to the left, looking pissed off. We follow Kamui as he walks down the hallway towards Batua's room. He's just about to knock on his door when the guard stops him.
Guard
Batua just left, sir.
Kamui
(Turning around) And where was he off to?
Guard
I don't know...
Kamui
(Glaring) ...Thanks so much.
Guard
You are so welcome, sir.
Kamui shakes his head and walks away.
We cut to Batua walking through the city toward the shipping docks in his disguise. He takes out Inuk's shipping schedule and finds a ship scheduled to leave the next day, then he goes and finds that dock.
We see the captain, Sook, preparing the ship. Batua walks up to him and knocks on the side of the boat to get his attention. Sook turns towards Batua and looks him up and down, narrowing his eyes.
Sook
Can I help you?
Batua
Yes. (Batua grabs the shipping schedule, then pauses) Actually, let me start with this.
Batua digs through his pocket, then grabs Sook's hand and plops a bunch of expensive jewelry in it.
Sook
Whoa.
Sook looks in shock at the jewelry in his hand, then he looks back up at Batua, who winks.
We cut to Kamui, arriving at the shipping docks. He looks out at the crowd, searching for Batua. We see him scan from left to right in his POV. He goes right over Batua but doesn't recognize him in his disguise.
We cut back to Kamui. Suddenly, something catches his attention and he looks towards the sky, using his hand to block out the sun.
We cut to the sky, where he sees Shira flying away from the capital, flapping her wings. Kamui watches for a moment and tilts his head with intrigue, before looking back out at the crowd.
We go to his POV and see him scan again. Batua is now gone, but Kamui notices that Sook is holding up a piece of jewelry. Kamui examines the jewelry from afar, and his eyes widen before he takes out a piece of paper and starts writing something down.
We cut to a little later. Batua is walking back towards the palace. We see him walking for a moment, lost in thought, before he suddenly hears a voice.
Umi
Batua?
Batua snaps out of it and turns around to see Umi standing by the palace along with a group of servants. The servants are carrying what looks like an enormous ice marimba into the palace. Batua looks at her in shock, before looking around to see if it's an ambush. He sees nothing, and then looks back at her.
Batua
Hey there… Umi...
Umi
Putting on a production?
Batua
Huh?
Umi
Your outfit.
Batua looks down at his strange disguise and then gives Umi a rickety smile, scratching his head.
Batua
Oh, this? I'm just… Um... (Lazily racks his head) Trying to start a fashion trend.
Umi smiles and blushes.
Umi
Well, you're pulling it off.
Batua nervously laughs and looks down. Then he looks back up.
Batua
Well…
Umi
You're probably wondering what this thing is, huh? (Pointing to the instrument)
Batua
No. Not really.
Batua turns and walks away. After a moment, we cut back to Umi, who is watching him with intense eyes. Then she smirks and crosses her arms.
Umi
(To herself) Game on.
We cut to Kato, sitting on the floor of the underground cell, up against the wall, with a contemplative look on his face. He slides his hand across the floor and then looks down, realizing something. The floor is made of stone. He rubs his hand across it some more before he hears the hatch opening.
Kato stands up as Batua closes the hatch and climbs down the ladder. He walks around the corner to see Batua land on the ground.
Kato
Hey. (He looks up at the hatch) Where's General Inuk?
He looks at Batua, who's looking back with a face of bad news. Kato raises his eyebrow, and then his eyes widen.
Batua
He wasn't home...
Kato takes a few steps back, processing this.
Kato
...What about his men?
Batua shakes his head.
Kato
...Kamui knows. He has to. (He blinks and looks up at Batua) He probably knows we're both down here right now!
Batua looks up at Kato and gasps.
We cut to a wide shot above ground. We see the hatch open up a bit, as Batua scans the empty street before he climbs out. Kato soon follows. They both look around before running down the street towards the unfinished tunnel.
We cut to Kato and Batua sitting across from each other on the floor of the tunnel, The sea is behind them. Kato is holding the shipping log, examining it. He then rolls it back up and looks at Batua.
Kato
You're kidding, right?
Batua
Kato, this is the only way! Otherwise… (Shakes his head) This is the only way!
Kato
You can't just abandon your post! You're the Crown Prince! Besides, how do you even know we can trust this captain to keep his mouth shut? And besides that, (Holds up the scroll) This ship is heading for Ranakata. Not exactly the best spot to hide.
Batua
Hey, you should have seen this guy's face when I pulled out my royal jewelry. Trust me, another handful tomorrow and he'll take us wherever we want! And we'll figure it out from there! As soon as we're away from uncle...
Kato
(Sighs) Uncle... (Batua looks down, not responding) ...You know he's evil, right?
We cut to Batua, who looks pale, not knowing what to say. Then he shakes his head.
Batua
Come on… I know he's scary, but... We're the traitors, here… Everything he does is to protect the Empire…
Kato
Batua, he destroyed Ta's home. For like, basically nothing...
Batua
(Looks up at Kato in fear) What? No. No. I don't believe you… And… Even if he did do that, he didn't just do it for no reason! There was a... Reason...
Kato shakes his head while keeping eye contact with Batua. Batua widens his eyes.
We flash back to Batua slapping Ta across the face. Then we see Batua, who is cringing at the memory, head in his hands.
Batua
I didn't know that…
Kato looks at Batua with sympathy, and then he begins to smile.
Kato
Maybe we should get out of here. Just the two of us. (Batua looks up at Kato, smiling) Make up for lost time.
Batua
Yes! It's gonna be great! (He looks out at the sea) Just think about it. Two brothers, on an adventure! We even have the- (He looks at Kato's chest) Oh… I guess you don't have your necklace anymore. I wouldn't blame you…
Kato
Yeah… I gave it to a giant owl. (Batua looks at Kato, confused) It's a long story. Maybe I'll tell you about it on the ship.
Batua smiles again and looks down.
Kato
By the way, how exactly am I supposed to get on this ship without being seen?
Batua
Oh, it's all taken care of. He's meeting us right here, tomorrow morning. I told him all about the secret tunnel.
Kato looks disturbed by this, but then he breathes deeply and looks out at the sea, before glancing up at the ice cliff that Shira landed on.
Kato
Whatever happens, happens.
We cut to a very wide shot of the side of the palace from the sea. We see Kato and Batua sitting in the tunnel. The sun is setting in the background, reflecting in the water.
We cut to Batua leaving the tunnel in the dead of night and stepping onto the street. He walks back quietly towards the palace. As Batua rounds a corner, we cut to see that Kamui is watching Batua from his window. Kamui narrows his sleepy eyes.
Kamui
There you are.
Kamui turns and walks out of his room. We cut to Kamui walking quickly through the palace. He exits his hallway and walks out onto the main corridor, when he suddenly hears a guard running up to him.
Guard
General Kamui!
Kamui sighs and turns around, angrily.
Kamui
What now?
The guard looks at Kamui, not knowing what to say.
We cut to Kato the next morning. He is standing in the tunnel staring out at the sea as the wind blows. The sun is just starting to rise, coloring the sky purple. Kato looks slightly nervous and keeps looking back, waiting for Batua to show up. Then he looks down at the crumbled statue of the monk.
Kato narrows his eyes, and then bends down and brushes the snow off of a small piece of the statue. He looks down at it for a while, tilting his head. Then he hears Sook's ship approaching in the distance and stands back up, looking out.
We cut to an overhead shot of a drawer opening. Inside, we see various papers and paraphernalia, along with the half pendant necklace. We see Batua's hand linger over it, but he decides to leave it and instead grabs a compass and some more jewelry. He closes the drawer.
We cut to Batua grabbing some underwear and stuffing it into his bag. He's filling his bag to the brim. He closes it up, before he hears a knock on his door. He looks towards the door with wide eyes, suddenly sweating.
We cut to a wide shot of the room, with Batua on the right and the door on the left. Batua stands up and rubs his hands for a second.
Batua
(Sing-songy) Who is it?
Kamui
It's me.
Batua nervously stands there for a moment, then he kicks his bag under the bed.
Batua
Oh! Can you give me a- (Kamui unlocks the door and opens it) Second...
The two stare at each other for a little while, reading each other's expressions, before Kamui closes the door behind him and walks a few steps towards Batua.
Kamui
Going somewhere?
We see a quick shot of Batua glancing down at Kamui's hands, before looking back up at him.
Batua
What? No! I'm not going anywhere! ...Why would you say that?
Kamui
The packed bag under your bed.
Batua
Oh, that bag? No, no, no. The only thing that's in that bag is, um… Stuff.
Batua rolls his eyes at himself and looks down. Kamui narrows his eyes.
Kamui
Stuff...
Batua
Yep.
The two share a long and excruciating moment of awkward silence. Batua stares down at the floor. As we cut to a low angle, we see Batua wincing, caught red-handed. Kamui just stares at the top of Batua's head.
This goes on for a while, before the silence is finally broken by Kamui.
Kamui
My prince. The reason I'm here is because I have some rather tragic news to share with you.
Batua
Oh… (Blinks and looks up at Kamui) What is it?
Kamui slowly exhales, then he places his hand on Batua's arm.
Kamui
The Emperor...
We cut to Batua, looking bug-eyed at Kamui.
Kamui
He died last night.
TO BE CONTINUED...
We fade in on a very different location. A certain lake. (Y'all know which one I'm talkin' bout) We see a small canoe on the lake, and a man. He's sifting through some dirt on a pan, like he's looking for gold, but he finds nothing. The man sighs and then jumps back into the water. He swims around for a moment, then he goes a little deeper and sees a brilliantly colored coral just hiding out of sight. He swims down to get a better look and discovers a whole cove of colorful coral.
...NEXT SEASON!