AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 2: TRADE
CHAPTER 1: FOUR MONTHS AGO
We begin season 2 with a story animated in the style of a children's book. As Kato narrates the story, we see it play out in limited watercolor animation.
Kato
Guru Lobsang feared the worst. He could hear the trees shaking so much their acorns were falling to the ground. He could hear footsteps, which were so big and heavy, it sounded like the entire world was rumbling. Lobsang stepped outside and saw Ogawa, the spirit beast, who stood fifteen men high. The beast looked down at him with piercing red eyes. 'Do you wish to trample my village?' Lobsang asked the spirit, and Ogawa shook his head. 'Nay', he roared. 'That is not what I seek.' 'Then why have you come?' Lobsang wondered. Ogawa scratched his mighty chin and smiled. 'I would like to offer you a trade.' He roared. 'I know of the Shama clan, your enemies from across the river. They are gathering in numbers, and soon they will descend upon you with arrows and spears.' Lobsang nodded and replied, 'That is correct, spirit. But these human quarrels do not concern you.' Ogawa then smiled. 'Oh, but they do. The Shama clan desires the Tomo jewel, the treasure of your people. And they will slaughter every one of you in their quest to obtain it. However,' roared the beast, 'If you hand the jewel over to me, I will trample the Shama clan for you and leave your village in peace.' Lobsang thought about Ogawa's offer. He thought about it for three days and three nights, before he returned to the red-eyed beast. 'I've thought about your offer,' Lobsang told him, 'And my decision is this'-
We cut to Kato, sitting by a campfire in the forest. His hair is much shorter than it was the last time we saw him. He's also wearing an airbender robe. He looks down at the scroll in his hands. Then he rolls it up, anticlimactically.
We cut to an earthbending couple, Suki and Shan, sitting across from Kato.
Suki
No, why'd you stop? We were just getting to the good part.
Kato
I'm sorry, I can't read another one of these old stories. There's always some spirit monster that shows up halfway through and changes the whole plot.
Suki smiles fondly at Kato.
Suki
It's a fable.
Shan
You know what I always wondered? Where are all these spirits? I mean, I've never seen a single spirit in my entire life. Where'd they all go?
Suki looks down, thinking about this. Then we cut to another earthbender, Feng. She's looking at Kato with a reverent expression.
Feng
They took human form.
Kato sighs and looks down, rubbing his face.
We suddenly cut to a rough, unfinished stone sculpture of Kato. We see the face being chiseled out by a pair of familiar hands, as Kato sits in the background behind it. Kato looks at Feng with a smile.
Kato
I love you, Feng. Truly. But you have to stop saying that.
Feng sighs affectionately towards Kato. Suki yawns, and then looks at Shan. Shan looks back.
Shan
You think it's about time?
Suki
(Nods) Alright, we're going to recite our prayers before bed.
Suki and Shan stand up. Feng also stands up, followed by a large man named Po. Suki then turns to Kato.
Suki
Would you like to join us, Kato?
Kato looks up at Suki. We hang on this shot for a moment, before we match cut to where we left off last season. Kato is in the unfinished ice tunnel, looking up at Sook.
Sook
I ain't got all day, kid. You comin' or what?
Kato looks down indecisively, then he looks behind him. We cut to a wide shot of the tunnel, as Kato looks toward the camera for Batua. He's not there. Kato looks down and closes his eyes.
Kato
Batua...
FOUR MONTHS AGO
We cut to Kato standing at the front of Sook's ship. The wind blows in his hair as he sails away from the capital. We stay on him for a long time, before Suki walks up behind him and taps him on the shoulder. Kato turns around and looks at her.
Suki
Hi, Mushi. We're gonna be reciting the prayers of the badgermole. If you'd like to join us.
Kato looks down, and then he looks back at Suki.
Kato
No thanks.
Suki looks strangely at Kato for a second, then she nods and walks away. Kato looks back and watches as she gathers with the rest of the earthbenders on the ship. They get down on their knees and close their eyes.
Kato watches them for a while with a complicated expression. Then he looks over at the two waterbender sailors hanging out on the other side of the ship. Kato narrows his eyes at them, before turning back around to look at the sea.
We fade to a wide shot of the north sea. The great ice gate is on the right. Sook's ship is sailing towards it from the left. We cut back to the ship as Sook steps out of his quarters and walks onto the deck, blowing his whistle.
Sook
We're arriving at the gate! Come on, everyone. You know the drill.
The earthbenders nod, and begin to stand up, forming a line. Kato watches and then follows, standing at the end. They all start filing into the cabin. Kato walks along with them, and eventually comes face to face with Sook, who gives Kato an annoyed glance.
Kato
Um, this ship is headed for Ranakata, right?
Sook nods, disinterested.
Kato
Where exactly on Ranakata?
Sook
The silver mines. Now follow the others and get below deck.
Kato's eyes widen.
Kato
Wait, didn't my brother pay you off to change course?
Sook
No, he paid me for two extra seats on the ship. (He looks down, admiring the ruby ring on his finger) He never said anything about changing course. Now, come on. Move it.
Kato gasps as Sook shoves him into the cabin. Then he turns and follows the rest of the group below deck. Sook follows behind him.
The earthbenders funnel into a door on the lower level, and inside is a room full of shackles lining the walls and support beams. There are 40 people in the room, families, children, etc. Kato fearfully walks into the room and turns around, facing Sook, who looks at everyone and then sighs lazily.
Sook
We're gonna skip the shackles today, all right guys? There's a lot of you, and I… I'm just gonna skip 'em... (He points) But don't get any funny ideas.
Sook closes the door behind him, and then locks it. Kato sighs, surrounded by people. There is conversation all around him, but he focuses on one in particular, a mother and son.
Son
I'm scared...
Mother
We're going to get through this. Because that's who we are. Grandma had no legs and she was a great dancer.
Kato raises his eyebrow.
We cut to two guards, Soto and Akim, standing atop the ice gate. They're staring at Sook's ship as it comes to a slow stop below them. Soto nudges Akim in the gut, and shows him a folded up letter with a royal stamp, then looks back at Sook's ship.
Soto
This is the one he's talking about.
Akim nods, and then swings over the ledge and climbs down the ladder. Sook's ship comes to a full stop, and then Sook comes out of his quarters, holding a scroll.
Sook
I've got my papers right here.
Akim
(Gesturing) Great! Come on up so we can give it a quick once over.
Sook nods and climbs off the ship onto the ladder. He follows Akim, climbing up to the top.
Akim
This shouldn't take too long. I know you've got a busy schedule.
Akim gets to the top, and sticks his hand out. Sook grabs Akim's hand and hoists himself up as well, before handing the scroll over to Akim, who unrolls it and examines it, mumbling what it says under his breath. We cut to Sook. He looks at Akim for a moment, then he suddenly flinches, coughing up blood. The camera pans down to an ice dagger sticking out of his chest. The dagger retreats out of his body, and he falls to the floor, bleeding out. Soto is standing behind him, bending the dagger.
Akim looks up at Soto, nodding, before he crumples up Sook's scroll, tossing it aside. Soto turns Sook over and examines his clothing, before finding some of Batua's jewelry in the pockets.
Soto
Whoa. Take a look at this. (He shows Akim the jewelry)
Akim
Holy koi, these must be worth a fortune. Very nice.
Soto
(Pulling the ruby ring off of Sook's finger) Dibs on this ring.
We cut to a wide shot as Akim dumps Sook's body off of the gate. It falls for a moment and then lands in the water, making a quiet splash. We see Soto climbing down the ladder and boarding Sook's ship.
We cut to the waterbender sailors on the second level of the ship. The door opens and they turn around to see Soto, who pulls out the letter from before, then hands it to one of the sailors. They pass it around, reading it before looking up at him.
Soto
Alright, boys. Let's do this thing.
We cut to an even wider shot of the sea. The ship is in the middle of the ocean now, with no land in sight.
We cut to Kato, sitting on the floor of the room. We again hear conversation all around him. The camera slowly zooms in on him as he sadly looks down. Suddenly, someone sits down next to him, wearing a hood. Kato turns to them, confused.
Kato
Um… Can I help you with something?
Before we cut to the person, we hear their voice.
Baka
Is that a dead man's face I see?
Kato
...Baka?!
Baka takes off his hood and nods at Kato.
Baka
Prince Kato. I must say, you are probably the last person I expected to see on this ship.
Kato looks at Baka in shock, and then nods.
Kato
Likewise. (Then he looks around at all the people on the ship) And call me Mushi. You never know who's listening...
Baka nods, looking around, then Kato looks back at him.
Kato
What is going on?! Why are you on a servant ship? Shouldn't you be at some artist's retreat on Kiriko?
Baka sighs.
Baka
Things have changed quite a bit since your brother took over. His majesty saw it fit to strip me of my title, my status, and well, everything else, really.
Kato
...What happened?
Baka looks off in the distance, and then we flash back to the fancy holding cell, as Baka is dragged out by Kamui's guards.
Baka
I don't understand! I told you everything I know! Why are you doing this?!
Kamui
Because I don't like you.
We cut back to Baka and Kato. Baka stares at the wall with an angry smirk. Kato looks down in shock.
Kato
You know where this ship is heading, right?
Baka nods, fearfully.
Baka
I suppose my experience with a chisel may come in handy when it comes to swinging a pickaxe…
Kato slowly turns to Baka with a grim smile on his face.
Baka
There's always a bright side, eh, Mushi?
Kato
Yeah, if you squint just hard enough.
Baka looks at Kato and nods. Suddenly the room goes quiet, and everyone looks around. Kato looks at Baka, as a low droning note of music starts up.
Kato
What's going on?
Baka
(Narrows his eyes) We've stopped again.
The droning note continues, in addition to some bangs of percussion. We cut to a wide shot and see that Sook's ship has stopped in the middle of the sea.
We cut to Soto meeting up with the sailors on the second level. They split up and each group enters a door on either side of the room. We see Soto and the group on the left in the outer shell of the ship. Each of them bends an ice dagger and starts poking holes in the hull. We cut and see the other group doing the same, as water starts to pour in.
We cut to the deck of the ship. Soto quickly walks out, gesturing for the others to follow him. The 8 sailors walk out and stand on the edge of the deck. Each one forms an ice platform, and then they jump out and land on the platforms, using waterbending to propel themselves forward.
We cut to an earthbender named Wong, staring out of a small porthole in the room they're locked in. Then he turns to his sister, Feng, and motions for her to join him. Feng stands up, confused, and walks over to the porthole.
Feng looks out. She watches as Soto and the 8 sailors ride off.
Feng
(Loud) Um, excuse me? I think something is terribly wrong...
She looks at Wong with concern before turning to the rest of the room. Everyone is staring at her, including Kato and Baka.
Feng
I… I could be mistaken, but I think the captain just rode off with all the sailors…
Some people start murmuring, before a man replies to Feng.
Man
No, that's impossible. They wouldn't just leave us out here in the middle of the ocean!
Wong
(Stepping forward) I saw it, too...
Kato looks at Baka, before he looks down at the corner and sees water start to stream in from a few holes in the wall, and from under the door. Soon, everyone begins to panic. A man named Shan runs up to the door and starts banging on it.
Shan
Captain?! Hello?! Can anyone hear us?!
We cut to another wide exterior shot, and we see that the ship is slowly sinking into the water. We cut back inside, and see that the floor is covered in two inches of water now. Some people are screaming, other people are on their knees praying.
Woman
Somebody help us! Koi, help us!
We cut to Feng and Wong, holding hands and whispering to each other.
Wong
I want you to know that I am so sorry, Feng. About everything.
Feng
(Shaking her head) No, stop that.
Wong
Please, listen to me. I think this might be the end...
Kato stands up in a daze. Next to him, Baka is laughing. Kato turns and looks at him in confusion.
Baka
I don't know why I'm laughing! This is very serious!
Kato blinks, and then looks out at the people all around him, panicking.
Woman
We're all gonna die!
A large man named Po rolls up his sleeves and walks towards the door.
Po
No! We are not gonna die today, folks! Make way!
Everyone moves out of the way as Po runs towards the door and slams into it with his shoulder. The door remains locked as water continues to pour in, now approaching 6 inches off the floor. Po walks backwards, and then runs toward the door again, his feet splashing in the water. He slams into the door again, causing the lock to weaken.
We cut another exterior shot, and we see that the ship is now starting to tilt backwards as it sinks into the water. We cut back inside as the room tilts. Po takes another run at the door and busts it open. Behind the door is more water, which crashes in, knocking people back. The water continues to rise, submerging half of the room.
Po
Everyone follow me! Grab your children and make sure they hold their breath!
Po dives down and swims out of the room and up the stairway to the cabin door. We cut to the exterior as he opens the door and climbs out onto the deck just as it starts to sink into the water. We see Suki and Shan behind him, followed by Feng and Wong. We cut to Kato and Baka swimming through behind a few other people.
Kato swims forward for a moment, before turning and looking surprised. The intense music builds as we see a large carnivorous fish hybrid swimming with purpose towards the group. Bubbles come out of Kato's mouth, then he grabs Baka, and bolts for the surface as more carnivorous fish move in.
We cut to see Po, Suki, Shan, Feng and Wong on the tip of the deck, the only part of the ship still above water. Kato and Baka surface in fear as the water around them starts to turn red. We see Feng look down in horror and bring Wong towards her.
Feng
Oh, no…
As the tip of the deck slowly sinks into the water, we see various people surface, only to scream and get dragged back down. Clouds of blood color the seawater around the group. Kato looks down in fear as his feet sink into the water. Po looks around, thinking quickly.
Po
How many of us are earthbenders?! (Suki raises her hand, and then after a moment Kato raises his hand as well) Okay guys, we're gonna have to raise a platform, you ready?!
Kato shakily nods. Then he gets into position along with Po and Suki. All 3 of them raise their hands up. We cut to another carnivorous fish, heading for the group's feet, before it gets knocked back by the rising pillar of earth.
Suki, Po, Shan, and Kato end up on the pillar. Kato grabs Baka's hand and hoists him up. Po hoists Feng up, who then reaches out for Wong. He reaches out and grabs onto her hand.
Then all the sound goes out and Wong's hand slips out of her grip. We pan down and see it disappear beneath the water.
We cut to Feng as her eyes glaze over with horror, hand still outstretched. We stay on this shot for a while in complete silence. Then suddenly the sound comes back. Feng lowers her hand slowly.
Feng
No!
Feng winds back to jump in the water, but she's stopped at the last second by Po, who grabs onto her. She screams and tries to squirm out of his grasp.
Feng
NO! WONG! NO!
We cut to a wide shot, as Feng sobs in despair. The camera slowly zooms out as the water around them becomes more and more red.
As a threatening string note is played, we cut to a long shot of the group on their pillar in the middle of the sea. The sun is lower in the sky. We cut to Feng, who is lying down in a fetal position while Po holds onto her hand. Shan is pacing back and forth. Kato and Baka are standing on the other side of the pillar, isolated from the rest. We see the fins of the carnivorous fish circling around the pillar.
Shan
If we stay here, nothing changes. I know it's scary, but we have to move forward.
Suki narrows her eyes, and then stands up.
Suki
That's it. We break off the top of this pillar, and we bend it forward like a raft. That should work, right?
Po nods at Suki and stands up. Then she turns to Kato.
Suki
Mushi, you ready?
Kato nods and walks over to them. Kato, Suki and Po get into position, and break the top of the pillar off. They move it forward, but the weight distribution is off and the pillar starts to tilt over and sink into the water. The group starts screaming and they end up submerged again, before Kato, Po and Suki raise another pillar, which the group ends up on.
Suki puts her head in her hands and Feng starts crying again. Kato looks at Baka, who looks back. The two don't know what to say to each other. We hear the sad ambient noise of the scene for a moment, before Suki stands up.
Suki
I have bread!
Suki fishes around in her bag and then produces a loaf of bread.
Suki
I know it's a little wet… But, at least it's something, right?
Everyone gathers around and Suki begins to take out small pieces of the bread for them to have. Kato takes his piece and then looks into the sky, taking a bite.
Suddenly, he sees a silhouette against the sun. He squints his eyes and looks up at it. It's a large creature, flapping its wings. Kato smiles.
Kato
Yamani?
The creature comes into view and we see that it's not a dragon at all. It's a large seabird/falcon hybrid. The group screams as the seabird flies towards them. It swoops down and grabs Suki's loaf of bread in its beak, and then flies away. The group stares at it in shock, before they look back at each other in despair.
We cut to a close up of Feng, as the sun sets behind her. She's looking down, transfixed by the water.
Feng
This is our lot in life… They can do whatever they want to us. Round us up, put us on a sinking ship for their own amusement. We're nothing but playthings. (We cut to her POV of the water. The camera slowly zooms in) I'll see you soon, Wong.
Feng again looks like she's about to jump in the water, before Po grabs her hand. Feng turns and looks at him in anger. Po looks back with a comforting face.
Po
Please, Feng. We can't lose our spirit.
Feng
(Crying) But there's no reason! Tell me why this happened! Tell me this isn't all just a sick game!
We cut to Kato, sitting away from everyone else. He suddenly realizes something, and looks at Baka.
Kato
Oh, no...
Baka looks back at him.
Baka
Hmm?
Kato
(Eyes widen) Oh, no. This is why Batua never showed up. Kamui must have interrogated him and found out I'd be on this ship… Which means… (He stares down into the water) All these people are dead because of me…
Feng
What did you just say?
Kato's eyes widen, and he turns around and looks at Feng.
Kato
Huh?
Feng
You just said 'All these people are dead because of me'. What did you mean by that?
Kato stares at Feng with wide eyes.
Kato
I… I don't…
Feng
Why is my brother dead?! (Feng stares at Kato with sad anger, before her eyes widen) I know you… How do I… (Suddenly she grabs her face) It's you. The earthbending prince.
The camera cuts to Po, who raises his eyebrows, and then pans over to Shan and Suki, whose mouths drop open in shock.
Suki
Sweet cinnamon. I knew you looked familiar! (Points) You're Kato, the earth prince!
Kato freezes, and then looks down awkwardly. We see Baka, who smiles privately.
Shan
We saw you get dragged on stage. We saw your brother decapitate you. And yet, here you are. How is this possible?
Tears start to fall down Kato's cheeks.
Kato
I don't know… (He looks up at Feng) I'm so sorry! This is all my fault!
Feng stares back at Kato, tears also running down her face. Then she starts walking towards him. He takes a step back defensively, but Feng grabs him and pulls him in for a hug. Kato looks utterly confused as Feng holds onto him.
Feng
So, there is hope after all…
Kato looks down, not understanding, and then he looks up at Suki.
Suki
They've tried to kill you twice, now. (Smiles) But you refuse to die. Maybe you can't die...
Kato
What?!
Suki
And as long as you're with us, we can't die either.
Feng squeezes Kato even tighter.
Feng
The earthbending prince will protect us.
Kato
Wait, slow down. (He breaks away from Feng) I'm not the earthbending prince. I'm not any prince! I'm nobody!
Po
What's our next move, Kato?
Kato
(Looks at Po) Huh?
Po
We trust you, completely. What's our next move? Don't even think, just say it.
Kato blinks, and then takes a look around. He looks down at the pillar, and then looks ahead.
Suki
(To Shan) He's got something.
Kato
I think Suki's idea can work. I think we can detach ourselves from this pillar, but we need to keep it completely balanced.
Kato stands up. Then he takes his shoes off and rests his feet on the solid rock. We cut to his toes, wiggling up and down. He raises his eyebrow, then he looks at Po and Suki.
Kato
Both of you take your shoes off.
Po and Suki nod, laying their feet on the bare rock.
Kato
You can feel it, right?
Po looks down and focuses. The camera pans over to Suki, who moves her feet around, getting a feel for it. She then looks up and nods.
Suki
Yeah! I can feel the weight!
We cut to an overhead shot of the pillar, and the top of their 6 heads. Kato points over to Po's side.
Kato
Right now it's focused on your side, Po. Suki and Feng should walk towards me.
Feng and Suki's heads migrate towards Kato's side. They get further and further from Po and he chuckles.
Po
I suppose I ought to cut down on the noodles.
Suki
You're perfect the way you are, Po.
Kato holds his hand up and Suki and Feng stop.
Kato
Okay, good.
We cut to a close up of Kato, as he breathes in, then breathes out again. We see the other members of the group, anxiously preparing.
Kato
Ready?
Suki and Po confirm, and they get into position. We cut to a close up of the pillar. The rock splinters and tears, and slowly, the puck-shaped platform of earth detaches and drifts into the water.
We cut to a shot from beneath the murky water. The carnivorous fish swim hungrily, watching and waiting.
We hear a twangy, earthbender score as a montage begins. We see Kato, Suki and Po guiding the platform across the sea. Sunset fades into night which fades into sunrise which fades into daytime and that fades into sunset.
We cut to Kato, as he corrects the balance, exhausted. We cut to Suki and Po, who are also completely exhausted. He looks around at everyone, on the edge of hopelessness again, before he looks at Baka, who nods at him. Kato nods back.
Kato
I know you're all tired, but we can't give up. We can't let them win. We have to keep going!
The group looks reinvigorated, and then Suki holds her first up in the air.
Suki
For the earth prince!
They keep going. In the distance, a small island slowly appears on the horizon.
SIX WEEKS LATER
We hear the sound of hammering, before we cut to Po and Baka hammering wooden pegs into a wooden beam. We cut to a wider angle, to see that the two are constructing a small boat on the beach.
Then the camera starts to pan across and we see everybody working on a task. Suki is using two stones to smooth out wooden parts using bending. Feng is weaving grass together to make a sheet. Shan is cutting down a tree, and Kato is up on a pillar, collecting fruit.
Kato lowers the pillar and we see that he's almost completely bald. He then walks over and stores the fruit in a woven basket, which is already filled up most of the way, then he walks over to another tree.
He hears Suki and Shan chatting, and then turns around and watches the group for a moment, with the hint of a smile on his face.
Beat.
Then, Kato turns towards a rock on the beach and stares at it.
We cut to a flash back. Kato is sitting against that same rock with his royal coat on and his long hair tied up. He's staring at the sand with a distant, terrified expression, nervously twitching. We hear the leaves rustle, and then Jang walks out of the bush, adjusting his pants. Kato looks towards him.
Kato
Finished?
Jang nods, and we see Kato looking at him for a moment, before he stands up and follows Jang to the boat.
We cut back to Kato, in the future and almost bald. He continues staring at the rock before someone taps on his shoulder. He turns around and sees Feng.
Kato
Hi, Feng.
Feng
Hello, Prince Kato. (She holds up her sheet) Can you touch this for me, please?
Kato
(Hiding his reluctance) Of course. (He reaches out and touches it)
Feng holds the sheet up and clenches it against her chest.
Feng
Thank you. Now, no wind can unravel it.
Kato nods. As Feng walks away, Kato looks off at the horizon. He sees an imperial ship passing in the distance, and his eyes narrow.
Kato (VO)
So, here's the problem.
We cut to Kato addressing the 5 others in a circle on the beach
Kato
We're in the middle of the north sea, which means no matter which way we go, we're guaranteed to run into the bluecoats. So, how do we travel without being seen? (Gestures) Suki, would you like to share your idea?
Suki clears her throat.
Suki
Yes. Hello everyone. I'd like to direct your attention to the limestone butte just behind us.
Shan
(Grabbing her hand) There's only one beaute I see, and she's standing right here.
Suki
Aww… Look. (Everyone looks at the butte) I'm thinking, if we could create a hollow dome out of this white rock and hold it above the ship,-
Feng
We would look just like a glacier!
Suki
Yes! That's what I'm hoping for, at least. I think if it looks really authentic, those blue bastards won't be able to tell the difference.
Baka then looks at Suki.
Baka
Authentic, you say? (Holding up his chisel) I believe I can help you out with that.
We cut to an Imperial ship as it slowly sails through the frame, the hooting and hollering of the Kamakoi soldiers blaring loudly. As it passes by, we see the "Glacier" behind it, floating in the opposite direction.
The ship disappears into the distance, then we cut to inside the "Glacier", and see Kato, Suki, and Po holding it up, while Shan looks out of a pair of eye holes in the back. Baka and Feng are also crammed in there.
Shan
Okay, we're in the clear.
Kato, Suki, and Po lift the dome off of the boat and put it in the water, attaching it to the boat with a rope. Then Feng lifts up the woven sail. The ship sails forward, as the wind blows in their hair.
Shan (VO)
Say this does work. (We cut back to the group in the circle) Where can we go without being caught as soon as we step on shore?
Everyone looks at Kato, who looks down in thought. Then he looks back up.
Kato
I think I may know… But if I'm wrong about this place, then I'm all out of ideas…
We see the group look at Kato in acknowledgement, then nod. We cut back to Kato as he scratches his chin, and stay on this for a moment, before we cut to Koakono beach, the same place Jang and Kato landed last season. We watch as the "Glacier" pulls into shore.
TWO WEEKS LATER
We cut to a bundle of leaves, and hear the sounds of forest critters. After a moment, a pair of hands reaches through and pulls the branches back. We see Kato in front, looking calm and determined. We see the other 5 behind him, looking over his shoulder. He sighs in relief.
Kato
Looks like the coast is clear.
We cut to a wide shot of the group walking through the deserted airbender village at dusk. We see all of the old walkways and structures. We see the schoolhouse, which still has a gaping hole in the floor and ceiling. We see the treehouses, mostly emptied out, vines starting to reclaim them.
Then we cut to Shan, who hears something and stops. He clears his throat and the rest turn around and look at him as he puts his finger to his mouth.
Shan
Shh.
Shan narrows his eyes and quietly pulls back a branch. We see the other 5 looking through, and then we cut to their POV. Through the leaves, we see 3 Kamakoi soldiers rifling through the contents of a tent.
We cut to the 3 soldiers. One of them holds up a quilted blanket, turning it over for the others to see.
Soldier 1
Look at it. We won't be able to get 3 Kue for this piece of junk. (Tosses the blanket, then groans) Face it. We're too late.
We cut to Feng, who narrows her eyes hatefully at the soldiers. Then she pushes the branches aside and starts marching towards them.
Po looks surprised and tries to stop her, but he's too late. Feng reaches for a grapefruit sized rock and hurls it at soldier 3. It hits him square in the back of the head, knocking him out. Soldiers 1 and 2 turn around in surprise.
Soldier 1
What in the world?
Soldier 2
(Readying some water) She's a rock pusher!
Feng
That's right! And you're in earth prince territory, bluecoats!
We cut to Kato, who looks surprised by this.
Soldier 1
(Raising his eyebrow) The earth prince? (Smirks) One of your little folk heroes, I suppose.
Soldier 2
More like fake heroes. Hehe.
Feng
No, he's very real. And he's gonna be the death of every last one of you.
Soldier 1
Excuse me?!
We cut back to Kato, who looks down with his head in his hands.
Kato
(Quietly) Feng, what are you doing…
Feng
He's gonna tear down your empire, brick by brick! And then he's gonna unite the world under his name! (Laughs) And in twenty years, no one will even remember the word 'Kamakoi'!
Soldier 1
(Chuckles, then cracks his knuckles) Is that so? Well, I'd love to meet this earth prince. (Mocks looking around) Where is he?
Soldier 2
Yeah! Come on out, your majesty.
Feng turns to the bushes. We see the rest of the rest of the group look at Kato expectantly. Beat.
Suki
(Whispering) Come on, Kato!
We cut to a close up of Kato, as the soldiers mockingly whistle for him. He looks down at his feet, trying to walk forward, but something is stopping him. Then he starts hyperventilating, frozen in place. Po walks up behind him and pats him on the back.
Po
Don't worry, we got this.
Kato blinks and looks up at Po. We cut back to the soldiers, who look at Feng with smug expressions.
Soldier 2
Now, what was that about the death of us all? Pretty big talk for a little… (He looks up, and then suddenly steps back) Girl…
We see the enormous Po walk out of the bushes. The soldiers arm themselves and get ready, before Suki also walks out in front of them, and then Shan follows, carrying a big stick. The two soldiers look at their sudden outnumbering, and then drop their weapons, holding their hands up defensively.
Soldier 1
Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa. Come on, folks! (Nervously laughs) We don't want to fight! We were just looking for some airbender junk to sell!
Soldier 2
Yeah, we'll stay out of your territory! No problem!
Feng shakes her head. Then we cut to Suki, who smiles.
Suki
Sorry boys, but you sunk our ship. And you're not going anywhere.
Soldier 2
What ship?!
We cut to Baka wincing as he watches the two soldiers receive a merciless beating. Then he looks down to the right. We cut to Kato, who is sitting on the ground with his arms around his knees, staring down in shame. He also winces as he hears the brutal violence, and then closes his eyes and puts his hands over his ears. We hear the screams of the 2 soldiers, and a scary bit of music builds up.
Feng (In the background)
For the Earth Prince!
We cut to Kato opening his eyes in the early morning.
TWO MONTHS LATER
We hear the sounds of birds chirping, and then slowly zoom out to see Kato lying down next to the ashes of the campfire. The scroll is on the ground beside him. We see that Baka is still up, working on his stone statue of Kato. Kato blinks and then looks around, before sitting up.
Kato
What time is it?
Baka shrugs. Kato stands up and stretches, then he looks down at Baka.
Kato
Have you been working on that all night?
Baka nods, then Kato walks over and looks at Baka's statue of him. It's quite different from the last one.
Baka
You have a whole new energy about you. (We cut to the statue's face) I call it 'The reluctant prince'.
Kato looks at the statue with a mixed expression.
Then, we cut to Kato walking through the camp. He passes by Feng and Po, who are still sleeping. He gets to a wooden pail full of water and grabs it, splashing some on his face. Then he sits down for a moment.
We see him staring ahead, and then we flash back to Kato and Jang in the desert, as Kato looks at him.
Kato
So what you're saying is… This whole time… You were using me.
Jang
I was. I won't deny it. But that doesn't mean I don't care about you, Kato.
We cut back to Kato in the present, as he looks down in confusion. A moment passes, and then he hears Suki.
Suki
Good morning, Kato.
Kato looks around and smiles at her.
Kato
Good morning.
Suki
Shan and I are working on reinforcing the supply tent. We were wondering if you've been able to find any linen or tarp around here?
Kato
No… I could look around for some.
Suki
Oh, you're a blessing. (She hugs Kato) Thank you.
We cut to Kato, who looks awkward, then he nods with a small smile.
Kato
Mhm.
We cut to Kato walking through the lower section of the airbending village. He comes across the river with the waterwheel. The rock is still there. He walks further and then comes upon a tent, before he opens the flap and walks inside. The tent is mostly cleared out, but then Kato looks down and sees a flute on the floor. He raises his eyebrow at it. We cut to Kato standing inside the tent for a moment in thought.
Then he hears something strange coming from outside. It sounds like a whistle at first, and then as it gets closer it starts to sound like a large rickety object falling from the sky. Kato gasps, and then covers his ears as the object collides with the ground.
BOOM! There's an explosion, and Kato hunches over, guarding himself as the earth shakes, and flying shrapnel hits the side of the tent.
Kato waits for a few moments, head in his hands, before he slowly stands up and walks over, looking out from behind the flap.
Kato
What the Koi...
We cut to the scene outside. The camera pans across a debris field of burning wood chunks and canvas. The camera keeps panning until we see Yamani, standing up and coughing, covered in soot.
Kato does a double take. Then we cut to Yamani, who blows out a fire on her shoulder before she sees Kato. Then she narrows her eyes and smirks.
Yamani
Well, look who it is. My arch nemesis.
TO BE CONTINUED...