AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 2: TRADE
CHAPTER 2: THE EMPEROR
We fade in on Batua lying down in bed in the late morning. The angle is down low and from the side, and there's something out of focus in the foreground. Batua looks utterly spent as he stares at the ceiling.
Batua then turns to his side, towards the camera, and looks at the out-of-focus object with resentment.
He sighs, and then slowly gets out of bed. As Batua walks out of frame, the focus shifts and we see the object that he was looking at was the imperial crown, sitting on his night stand.
We cut to a scale. A bag of vinegared rice drops onto the scale and it wobbles up and down. The dial eventually lands just past the fourth notch. The saleswoman eyes the scale, then turns to Jin.
Saleswoman
That'll be five Kue.
Then a familiar guard comes into frame, banging on the signpost. Jin is beside him, looking down.
Batam
Now hold on there, missy. That scale clearly says four.
The Saleswoman glares at Batam.
Saleswoman
Yeah, well I say five. Who are you gonna believe? Me or the scale?
Batam
(Pointing to Jin) I owe this lady! I'm trying to do something nice for her and you're making it very difficult!
Jin looks humiliated. She slinks off to the corner.
We cut to Jin walking through the marketplace, carrying a few heavy bags of groceries. Batam is trailing behind her.
Batam
See, Jin, I told you. The old way isn't so bad! You don't have to deal with those money hungry shopkeepers anymore, right?
Jin
I suppose…
Batam
Yeah… You've got it made. And like I said, if you need anything that your master won't provide, anything at all, just come to me and I'll help you out, no questions asked.
Jin
...Thanks, Batam.
Batam continues to follow her, fidgeting his fingers.
Batam
I guess what I'm trying to say is… I'll do anything to show you that I'm not that guy anymore. I was just upset because you wouldn't talk to me.
Jin looks exhausted.
Jin
I understand, Batam.
Batam
You do? Oh, that's great! I knew you'd understand.
Jin nods her head, lugging her bags.
Batam
(Sighs) I've just been feeling so bad about dragging you into court. And all over a pair of earrings… (Chuckles) What was I thinking?
Jin walks off with Batam in tow. They get lost in the crowd of customers and shops.
We cut to the plaza docks, as ships pull in and sail out. The traffic of business shuffles along.
We cut to the neighborhood where the nobility and the city officials live. We see a young couple moving into Inuk's old home.
We cut to Batua walking through the plaza with a glazed, bored expression, his hands in his pockets. He's leading a trail of servants and guards behind him, who are asking him things.
Servant
Hot towel, your Majesty?
Servant 2
Some tea?
Guard
Careful, sir. Incoming puddle on your left.
Servant 3
How about a fruit bowl, my liege?
Batua stops for a moment.
Batua
(Quietly) A fruit bowl sounds good...
We cut to Batua and his cronies from a distance. Servant 3 bows.
Servant 3
Right away, your magnificence!
Then Servant 3 runs out of frame and Batua walks on, continuing to ignore the rest of them.
We hear an angry sigh, then we cut to Umi, watching Batua from afar. A guard lights her pipe and holds it up to her mouth as she puffs on it.
Umi watches Batua walk out of her view, smoke drifting out of her nostrils, then she turns to her guard with frustration.
Umi
(Pulling at her collar) This is a two thousand Kue Hakinato coat!
She goes through a range of frustrated faces before landing on an over the top cutesy sad one.
Umi
Can you tell me what is wrong with that boy? (Takes another puff) Am I not as cute as little miss moonshine?
Guard
No, you are.
Guard 2
Cuter, even!
Guard
Yeah, super cute.
Umi blushes and rolls her eyes.
Umi
Oh, stop… (She becomes very calculated, then takes another puff) Alright. This ends today.
Then we cut to the entrance to the unfinished tunnel, which now needs a new name. Just at that moment, a construction crew finishes blocking it off.
Then we cut to a wider shot of the east wing of the palace. There are earthbenders on scaffolding and foremen down below, instructing them.
Kamui walks around the corner with Ato and Kataia, who is taking notes.
Kamui
-And here, well… there was some vague notion of extending this tunnel out into the ice cliffs. However, Ato made the executive decision to plug it up instead. This is because… Why again, general?
Kamui and Kataia look at Ato, who is staring at the covered up hole in resentment.
Ato
It was an eyesore.
Kamui
Of course. As good a reason as any.
Kataia scribbles this down and they continue walking around the palace.
Kamui
As you can see, the entire palace was ripe for a major security overhaul.
Ato
And frankly, it was long overdue. Ever since I was a kid, I thought we lent the servants here far too much trust.
Kamui
It's true... They grow up in the greatest city in the world, and think that title belongs to them.
We cut to Kataia looking up at the earthbenders on the scaffolding above her. Some of them look back down at her.
Then we cut to a montage of various Anti-Riot measures Ato and his crew have put into place.
Ato
Retractable ice walls at every choke point. Secret panels within the walls. A completely revamped prison facility featuring tripwire gates.
We cut to the three of them walking around to the front of the palace.
Kataia
Well, General Kamui. This is all very exciting. So tell me, who are you trying to impress?
Kamui shrugs.
Ato
Isn't Admiral Tarakano arriving this week?
Kamui
Yes he is, Ato. Yes he is.
Kataia
Mhm...
Kamui
Kataia, this isn't about glory, this is about security. I'm simply trying to bring this old beast of a palace into the architectural present.
As the three continue down the plaza, we see the last of several destroyed walls being patched up. Kamui examines it, then turns to Kataia.
Kamui
After all, we don't want another 'Zota Phong' situation on our hands.
Kataia
Hmm… Was that an architectural mishap? I'd say that was poorly dealt with on a human level.
Kamui pauses.
Kamui
You don't think she got what she deserved?
Kataia
Do you?
Kamui
(Shrugs) It's not my place to say. You probably don't remember this, Kataia, but a woman's relationship with her father is…
Ato
Terrifying.
Kamui turns to Ato, smiling.
Kamui
You're expecting, aren't you, Ato?
Ato nods. Kataia rolls her eyes, looking down at her notes.
Kataia
I remember everything, Kamui.
Kamui
Mhm. I have one more thing to address before the next council meeting, if you'd follow me to my chambers.
The three walk into the palace and down the corridor towards Kamui's chambers. They find Umi waiting outside his door, startling Kamui.
Kamui
Umi.
Umi
Father.
Kamui turns to Kataia and Ato, smiling sheepishly.
Kamui
Exhibit A.
Umi closes the door behind her and walks into Kamui's chambers. Kamui steps over to his desk and opens the drawer.
Kamui
Pai Sho?
Umi shakes her head.
Kamui
Okay… (He sits down and puts his legs up on the desk) So. How's your new apartment? Are you adjusting to life in the capital?
Umi
Yes.
Kamui
...Good. Good to hear.
A moment passes, then Umi walks over to the desk and pulls the chair out, sitting across from him.
Umi
You know what I want. And I'm tired of waiting.
We cut to Tahno in the gymnasium. He dodges a waterwhip, then he sends out a few slaps. We cut to Hakoi, who dodges the first one, but gets hit by the second two, falling to the floor.
Hakoi groans, bringing his fist down.
Hakoi
Sea-spackle!
Tahno
All good! On your feet.
We see Hakoi's leg, which is completely healed. He stands up and gets into position.
Hakoi bends another attack, but he's shaky and his hits don't land. Tahno comes back, laying the smackdown on Hakoi, knocking him to the floor again.
Hakoi sits on the floor, looking down. Then Tahno's hand reaches into frame.
Tahno
Come on, buddy. You're doing great.
Hakoi sits there, not responding. Then he suddenly swats Tahno's hand away, looking scared.
Hakoi
Get away from me!
Tahno
(Looking around at the other students) Um…
Hakoi
You stupid savage, get away!
Hakoi stumbles back, grabbing his neck.
We cut to a wide shot. Tahno looks down awkwardly as the other students gather around and watch Hakoi make a scene.
Batua is also watching from a distance, eating out of a fruit bowl. He furrows his brow with intrigue before a guard taps him on the shoulder.
Batua
Yes?
Guard
The war meeting has begun.
Batua
Ah...
A moment passes, then Batua sighs and follows the guard. He turns around, glancing once more at Tahno and Hakoi as he walks away.
We cut to Hakoi, who's pinned up against the side of the tent, hyperventilating.
We cut to an old grizzled General, Suikama, sitting in the war room in utter silence. He's staring ahead with a look of confusion, picking something out of his teeth.
We cut to several other members of the war council, looking towards the head of the table. They all carry expressions of bewilderment and annoyance. One is slightly amused.
We finally cut to the head of the table. Batua is staring at the ceiling.
The ceiling is intricately carved with figures and eelhounds and crashing waves. Batua is staring at one figure in particular, a squire with a dumb, oblivious grin. He doesn't seem to know where he is.
Suddenly, Kamui taps Batua on the shoulder and he snaps out of it.
Batua
Huh?
Batua stares out at the war council. Then Kamui leans in.
Kamui
General Suikama asked you a question.
Batua
Oh. (Looks around) Which one is he?
General Suikama slowly raises his hand, glowering at Batua.
Suikama
I am he, your grace.
Batua
(Impatiently) So? What was your question?
Suikama stares at Batua like he's from another planet, then clears his throat.
Suikama
(Slowly) My question was this: In your opinion, what is the appropriate response to the recent insurrection which took place at our trading post on the Taku colony? Surely you have some sort of opinion which could-
Batua
I don't know! Stab them? Howbout we make them listen to you talk? That's torture.
The guards grin at each other.
Suikama
Excuse me?
The war room is in a rabble, full of arguing voices.
Councilmember 1
Very disrespectful.
Batua
Oh, come on! It was a joke!
Suikama
I didn't serve this Empire for fifty years so some punk could mouth off at me in the war room!
Batua
Did you forget who I am? Hint: I outrank you!
Kamui then takes out his horn and blows on it, getting their attention. The room goes quiet again.
Kamui
Esteemed members of the council, Taku? Really? The Emperor has no concern for these petty skirmishes across the sea. There are much bigger things on his mind.
Batua points at Kamui in agreement.
Kamui
Emperor Batua is thinking about the future of our great civilization!
Batua
That's right!
Kamui
Of course, he in his infinite wisdom knows that a future is only possible with an heir.
Batua
Mhm. (Blinks) Wait, what?
Kamui
And if one wants an heir, one must have a bride.
The door to the war room bursts open, and in marches Umi, followed by two dozen guards and groupies, and an audience. Batua's eyes widen in fear as she makes her way toward him.
Batua
(To Kamui) What's going on?
Kamui slinks away into the audience. Umi stops in front of Batua and bows before him.
Umi
Emperor, may I address the room?
Batua
...Sure?
Umi smiles, then she clears her throat.
Umi
When I came back to the capital after all of these years, and I walked out into the plaza, you know what I saw? I saw the future of this Empire sitting by his lonesome. My cousin, Batua. So strong, so grown up now. Yet, there was sadness on his face.
We cut to a close up of Batua, who looks deeply uncomfortable. The council members sit back, watching this unfold. General Suikama shakes his head at the tomfoolery.
Umi
Everyone in this room knows what happened six months ago. (Umi then looks into Batua's eyes) It couldn't have been easy to do what you did. And then, to go through the betrayal foisted upon you by that Aikiran trollop. Left all alone… (We see Kamui in the crowd, mouthing the last couple of words along with Umi)
Batua gulps. A bead of sweat drips down his face.
Umi
It makes me sad! Like, no God-King should ever have to go through that, least of all without a woman by his side!
Someone in the crowd whistles in agreement. Others are murmuring in excitement. Then we cut to a young council member, staring at Umi with a pained expression.
Umi gets down on her knee in front of Batua, then she takes his hand and looks into his nervous eyes.
Umi
I beseech you, great Emperor. Have me for a wife. And I'll be there, always. Right beside you.
The room goes quiet, all eyes are on Batua. We cut again to the young council member. He's looking down, trying to hide his tears.
Umi narrows her eyes.
Umi
Well?
Batua opens his mouth and a croaking sound comes out.
We cut to a wide shot of Pong in his studio, surrounded by his sculptures. We see him pull out a pitcher of wine which he sets down. Then he takes out a glass.
We cut to a close up of a letter on his desk. At the bottom is a signature, "Pong, the Jewel of Kiriko". Then the camera slowly pans up to Pong and we see that his eyes are red from crying. He picks up the glass. Then he throws it out of frame, shattering it. He chugs from the pitcher instead.
Pong leans back in his chair and sighs, shaking his head, before he reaches into his pocket and retrieves a small vial. We cut to a close up of the vial, a black liquid sits within.
Pong grits his teeth, staring at the vial. Then he makes up his mind. He uncorks it and drinks from it, before dropping the vial on the floor. We hear it roll away. Pong holds his eyes closed, waiting for something to happen.
Beat.
Pong opens his eyes, looking confused. Then his stomach starts to violently gurgle. We cut back to the wide shot as he grabs his stomach.
Pong
Fishhook!
Pong runs over to the bathroom and shuts the door behind him.
We cut to a ship on the horizon, arriving as the sun sets behind it. Then we cut to Kamui. He's looking through his window, peering at the ship through a spyglass.
We see a closer view of the ship, then the view from the spyglass pans up to the flag. The flag is made up of two parts; a white center and a thick blue border. In the white center is the trident of Ikira. The scepter and dagger of the Kamakoi surrounds it, encased within the blue border.
Kamui collapses the spyglass with a smile.
Then we cut to an unlucky earthbender, running and vaulting through a makeshift obstacle course. There's a cow-pig tied to him, they're back to back. As he runs, the cow-pig shakes around and throws off his balance. We hear a large man hooting and hollering, then we cut to Kamui watching this alongside Admiral Tarakano in his captain's quarters. Tarakano towers over Kamui.
Tarakano
Careful! She was shipped all the way from Omashu! (Belly laughs) You two have that in common!
The earthbender, Suno, climbs over a stack of books with bloodshot eyes.
Suno
Yes, sir!
Tarakano nudges Kamui, spilling his wine.
Suno
See, these rock pushers have a psychic connection to pigs. All kinds, too. Cow-pigs. Chicken-pigs. Um…
Kamui
Goat-pigs?
Tarakano
Yes! You know why? (He points to his head) They think alike. They both get all belly up in the mud. (Turns to earthbender) Hey, did I tell you to stop?!
Suno
No, sir!
The cow-pig squeals as he continues running around the room. Admiral Tarakano then forms some ice daggers and starts tossing them at the earthbender. The earthbender shrieks and dodges the projectiles.
Tarakano
Don't let my prize pig die, you hear me?
Suno
Yes, sir!
Tarakano throws a few more projectiles and then turns to Kamui with a sigh.
Tarakano
He's being punished. He incited a mass dancing frenzy the other night.
Kamui
I see…
Kamui takes another look at the earthbender, then he takes a sip of wine before putting the glass down on the table.
Kamui
Well, from what I read in the reports, you've already turned Aikira into a lucrative colony. Something we didn't think was possible. Not for a few years, at least.
Tarakano
Ah, yes. (Dusts his shoulder) Fortunately, I don't let learned men dictate my timeframes.
Kamui
Yes. (Narrows his eyes) Fortunately... Nevertheless, the work you've done there is most impressive. Many of us were left scratching our heads in delight, wondering how.
Tarakano nods, taking a pause.
Tarakano
It's because nobody sees the world the way I do, Kamui. We've gotten lost, thinking about the four elements as if that's what divides people.
Kamui turns to Tarakano and raises his eyebrow.
Kamui
But it's not?
Tarakano
Let me tell you, those fools on Aikira. They may have dabbled in the holy element, but they were no more civilized than my friend Suno, here. (Shakes his head) Heathens all the same.
Kamui nods.
Kamui
That's an interesting perspective, Tarakano. I can see how-
Tarakano suddenly grabs Kamui's collar, his eyes bugging out zealously.
Tarakano
They're in our midst, Kamui. Heathens lurking behind every corner! (Manic laugh) Tui and La, they pity us!
Kamui
What are you talking about?!
Tarakano
Because we're saviors, don't you understand?! Burdened with the task of taming a world full of wicked beasts! And savages!
Kamui
Alright, enough! (Kamui gets his collar out of Tarakano's grip, straightening out his coat) No need to become agitated…
Tarakano looks down at the floor, emptily, then he exhales.
Tarakano
I'm sorry, General. (He looks at Suno) The truth is, I don't want to do this to Suno. I love him.
Kamui looks at Suno as well, who is still running around the room.
Tarakano
But if I don't punish him severely… He'll get ideas! And ideas turn into actions! (Turns to Kamui) And you know what happens next.
We cut to Kamui, who is drinking from his glass again. He nods and heads out of the room.
Kamui
I do. Welcome to the capital.
Batua opens the door to his room and walks in, before stopping in his tracks. We cut to an older airbender lady, Jantsi, sweeping in the corner. She freezes in turn, then bows deeply at Batua.
Jantsi
Your Majesty.
Batua rolls his eyes and walks over to the bed, flopping down on it. Then he lies down with his hands behind his head and watches Jantsi sweep the floor for a while. The camera follows as she sweeps into the dustpan, then empties the dustpan into the bin beside her.
Batua relaxes his face, putting on an airy smile.
Batua
Yeah, sorry about the mess. (Shrugs) I'm a slob, what can I say?
Batua watches as she hunches over, fervently shaking her head.
Jantsi
Oh no. No, your grace. Not at all.
She continues to sweep.
Batua
It's okay! You can call me a slob. You're the one who has to clean up after me.
Jantsi shakes her head again.
Jantsi
It's a wonderful job, your grace.
Batua
(Testy) No, it's not.
Jantsi continues to sweep, trying to pretend this isn't happening. Batua's eyes narrow, then he looks down in thought, before looking back up at her.
Batua
What's your name?
Jantsi then stops and looks up at him with wide eyes, before glancing at the guards outside the door.
Jantsi
My name is Jantsi, your grace.
Batua nods, keeping his eyes on her.
Batua
Why'd you look at the door, Jantsi? You think I'm gonna do something to you? You're a nice old lady!
Jantsi raises her eyebrow in confusion.
Batua
(Angrily) I'm just trying to have a conversation!
Batua sinks his face into a pillow. Jantsi warily stares at him, then she slowly resumes sweeping the floor as Batua slides into a depressed posture.
Jantsi empties the dustpan again, before she glances back at Batua.
Jantsi
Fine. You're a slob.
Batua peeks out from behind the pillow and shares a small grin with Jantsi. Then there's a knock on the door.
Batua
(Shouting) What?!
Guard
(From behind the door) It's your uncle. He wants to see you.
Batua looks back at Jantsi, looking nervous.
Batua
Oh, boy.
We cut to a close up of Batua walking down the corridor, surrounded by his royal guards. A nervous bit of music starts playing as we see his POV. He turns right and arrives at Kamui's door. Then a guard knocks for him.
Kamui
Come in.
The guard opens the door for Batua, revealing Kamui sitting at his desk, writing something. Kamui is small and in the corner of the frame.
We cut back to Batua as he saunters in and hears the door shut behind him.
Kamui
(Not looking up) Your Majesty. Thank you for stopping by.
Batua glances over at the bed and sees that it's empty, then he looks back at Kamui.
Batua
Yup.
Batua awkwardly strolls over to the desk, tapping on his legs. Then he pulls a chair out and sits like he's trying to be casual.
Kamui
One moment…
Kamui finishes writing the letter. Then he puts it to the side and looks up at Batua.
Kamui
So. (He sits back and crosses his arms) You're marrying my daughter.
Batua accusatorily shrugs, raising his eyebrow.
Batua
Yeah! Where did that come from?
Kamui
Umi's had her eyes on you for some time. You hadn't noticed?
Batua
(Rolls his eyes) I guess I did...
Kamui
(Nodding) She's had many suitors, you know. Many suitors… Yet she chose you. Aren't you flattered?
Batua
She's… My cousin!
Kamui sighs and looks off.
Kamui
Have I ever told you about my wife?
Batua
No.
Kamui nods and then pulls out his pitcher of wine and two glasses, pouring for himself and Batua, then he slides one across the desk. Batua stares down at his glass while Kamui takes a drink.
Kamui
Her name was Lakoa. Wonderful woman. She used to sit on the edge of the canal right outside, by the palace. With her legs dangling off. (Chuckles) She swore that was her favorite spot in the whole city. Not the water gardens. Not the arboreum. Just some... Spot on the canal. That was all she needed. (Takes another drink, then looks at Batua) She was my second cousin. That's how it works, Batua. That's how you keep the bloodline pure.
We cut back to Batua still looking down at his glass of wine, which is now in his hands. He looks up at Kamui.
Batua
I don't love her…
A moment passes, then Kamui sits forward and narrows his eyes.
Kamui
Why not?
Batua looks surprised by the question.
Batua
Huh?
Kamui
Why don't you love her? You're not still thinking about-
Batua
(Wide eyes, gesturing) No.
Kamui
Then what is it? Is there something wrong with Umi?
Batua
No, nothing is wrong with her.
Kamui
Then what's the problem?
Batua
...I don't know!
Beat.
Kamui
(Glances at Batua's forehead) Are you sure about that?
Batua's glass lands hastily on the desk as he stands up.
Batua
No!
Kamui continues to stare at Batua, unblinking.
Batua
Okay, fine! I'll do it!
Kamui
Do what?
Batua
I'll marry Umi...
Kamui sits back and takes another drink.
Kamui
Well, don't sound so glum. This is wonderful news!
Batua slowly backs out of the room, eyeing Kamui.
Batua
I don't… I just… Yeah…
Batua grabs for the door behind him and opens it, keeping his eyes on Kamui.
Kamui
(Raising his glass) Congratulations, your majesty.
The door shuts.
We cut to Kyana, face down, sprawled out on her couch. Her long hair reaches the floor. Someone knocks on the door, but Kyana doesn't answer. Then after a moment, another knock. We hear a familiar voice.
Jantsi
Kyana?
Beat.
Kyana
It's open!
Jantsi comes inside and stands in front of Kyana, before retrieving a few letters from her sack.
Jantsi
You've got mail.
Kyana lifts her head to look at Jantsi, then she sighs and goes face down again, lazily pointing across the room.
Kyana
Leave it on the table.
Jantsi walks over to the table and drops the letters. She looks at the stone sculpture on Kyana's desk, then looks back at Kyana.
Jantsi
So… I saw Batua.
Kyana
Oh yeah?
Kyana then drags herself to the edge of her couch and angrily lifts herself up.
Kyana
How was he?
Jantsi looks up, trying to put it into words.
Jantsi
Moody.
Kyana narrows her eyes, then flops back down. Jantsi walks over and looks at Kyana with concern.
Jantsi
Please, Empress. You need to get up. Walk around. This isn't healthy.
No response.
Jantsi
Kyana? Will you please do that for me?
Beat.
Kyana
(Face planted) Just go...
Jantsi sighs and leaves, shutting the door behind her. Then Kyana lifts her head and looks toward the door with regret.
We cut to an old wooden sign painted with glyphs and a drawing of a bowl of soup. The sign is blowing in the cold wind. Suddenly, Kyana walks across in a hooded cloak, traveling up an old, derelict street.
This winding street is lined with abandoned shops and small homes above them. Kyana continues on until she reaches a staircase. She ascends, stepping past several people sleeping on the stairs.
On top of the staircase is a temple that's seen better days. The front of which is marked by a doorway. The woman pushes the doors open and walks inside.
Once she's inside, Kyana removes her hood and we see that she's put her hair up in a royal bun. The inside of the temple is weathered, but striking. There are murals of various events lining the ice walls, and enormous columns from floor to ceiling every 10 feet.
Kyana walks through the temple and comes upon a small pond. Inside are two Koi fish, swimming around and around. Kyana sits at the rim of the pond and greets them.
Kyana
Tui. (She turns to the other) La.
Kyana then looks around at the dilapidated temple.
Kyana
This temple used to mean something. (Clicks her tongue) Now look at it. It's disgusting.
Tui and La continue swimming. Kyana sighs, then she narrows her eyes at them.
Kyana
You're not gonna answer me? (Beat) Why did you even come here, then? So you could swim around in circles till the end of time? Why? Why do you do it?
We cut back to Tui and La, doing exactly that. Then we cut to a wide shot of Kyana's head in her hands.
Kyana
I'm so lost...
Suddenly, Kyana hears some voices and she turns her head.
We cut to Kyana walking down the portico towards a recessed altar. There's a flame within, casting shadows of people on the wall outside. Kyana stares at the shadows with interest and continues toward the altar.
Voice
-Join you as one in the eternal. Together you shall live, under his protection.
Kyana steps in front of the door and interrupts a secret earthbender ceremony. The bride and groom look at her in shock, as does the officiant and the small group of guests.
The groom suddenly puts his hands up.
Groom
Please. Take me. Not her.
The bride grabs his arm and they look at each other, whispering fearfully.
Kyana stands there, then she looks behind them. On the wall is an illustration made of ash. It depicts a young man sitting cross legged with his hands raised, palms facing up. Kyana looks from left to right. In one hand is the Water glyph. In the other is the glyph for Earth.
Kyana then looks up at the man's head. It's been separated from his body.
Kyana tilts her head, then shakily points at the illustration.
Kyana
Who… Who is that?
We cut to Batua in bed, holding his half-pendant necklace in his hands. The camera slowly zooms in on him, then he puts the pendant away and slides out of bed.
Batua walks up to the guard standing outside his room. He looks down, narrowing his eyes, then he looks up at him.
Batua
Who do I talk to about shipping records?
We then cut to a city official, sleeping in bed next to his wife. There's a loud banging on the door, then the city official groans and gets up. As he opens the door, he finds Batua, surrounded by a dozen guards. The CO rubs his eyes and blinks.
CO
Emperor?
Batua
I need to see some logs.
CO
...It's the middle of the night!
We cut back to Batua, then we cut to the CO unlocking the door to the Hall of Records.
We see the CO pouring some hot tea for himself as Batua rifles through the most recent files. Then Batua turns around.
Batua
No, this is too recent. I'm looking for a shipment that went out around four months ago.
CO
Alright… (Takes a sip) Follow me.
The CO lazily leads Batua down the hallway towards another room, which he unlocks.
CO
Go nuts.
We cut to Batua, sitting on the floor of the room, looking through files. There are pieces of parchment scattered all around him. He scans down a scroll and then finally, his eyes land on something. He narrows them.
Batua
'Earthbenders to Ranakata. Takeoff from shipping zone 3. Dock 12. Sunrise.'
Batua scans his eyes across the page, examining the outcome.
Batua
'Status: Unconfirmed.'
Batua blinks, then he slowly looks up with a nervous expression.
TO BE CONTINUED...