AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 2: TRADE
CHAPTER 4: LOVE AMONGST THE DRAGONS
We fade in on a pair of hands finishing a note. The woman hastily folds the note up and sets it on the table. Then we hear a young girl's voice.
Girl
But why?
We pan down and see the girl tugging on the woman's robe. They're both airbenders, mother and daughter. Mom sighs and walks over to the other side of their small, thatched home.
Mom
Because people make mistakes sometimes.
The girl looks down, considering this.
Girl
But why?
Mom
Because they don't have all the facts. Or, or… Because they lie to themselves. They think they're doing the right thing.
Girl
But why?
Mom gets agitated and starts tossing clothes into a bag.
Mom
I don't know! Nobody knows! They just write it down after the fact.
The girl looks curiously at what her mom is doing.
Girl
But why?
Finally, mom turns around and grabs the girl by the shoulders, staring into her eyes.
Mom
It's simple, Yamani. Some people are just broken, and they can never be fixed. You'll understand that one day. (Sighs) Besides…
Mom looks down in sadness, before she lets go of Yamani and stands up.
Mom
...You're better off without me.
Then mom grabs the bag, along with her glider, and heads out the door. Yamani watches her mom walk out of the village through the window. Then she tilts her head in confusion.
Yamani
Mom?
Yamani walks over to the door. Then she propels herself with air out of the house to follow. The gust of air blows the note off the table.
We cut to the note, unfolded on the floor.
WW Federation
Ahno Prefecture
Jang
We cut to present day Yamani throwing open the flap to her tent and looking inside. She looks down and grabs her flute.
Yamani
There you are.
Yamani tries to blow through it but there's still something stuck in there. She growls in frustration, and then looks around at all her shelves and underneath the bed.
Yamani
Where's all my stuff? My sketches, my journals, all of my blueprints! Gone!
Yamani sneaks a glance towards the top of the shelf. No note. She raises her eyebrow, then shakes her head.
Yamani
Oh well. I got my flute, which is what I came here for.
Yamani turns around and walks out of the tent, passing by Kato. He looks at her with frustration.
Kato
Can you please stop ignoring me?
Yamani
Lalalala. What else is there to do? I could go check on my waterwheel. Oh wait, that still doesn't work because a liar named Kato never helped me fix it.
Kato
You want me to move the rock? I'll move the rock!
Yamani
Huh? (Finger in ear) What is that sound that I keep hearing? It sounds like a very dishonest spider-wasp...
Kato looks down and sighs.
Yamani
(Shrugs) Oh well!
Yamani keeps walking forward until Kato slides in front of her, blocking her path. She stops, and they look at each other.
Kato
Yamani. Can we please talk?
Yamani groans in over the top exhaustion, then looks at Kato.
Yamani
You just left me there! And ok, I'll admit, I had a pretty amazing adventure without you. But still! (Shoves Kato) What the zeph, man!
Kato
I'm sorry!
Yamani
I told you about my mom. You know I have abandonment issues!
Kato
I know. I'm sorry. I just... Didn't want anything to happen to you...
Yamani
Yeah, yeah... (Rolls her eyes) Why do you have to be so reasonable? Can't you see I was looking for a fight?
Kato
And you would win that fight easily. So, no thanks!
Yamani laughs and slaps Kato on the arm.
Yamani
You're not wrong.
We cut to the two of them walking through the abandoned village.
Yamani
Several questions. One: How are you alive? Two: What are you doing here? And Three: (She eyes Kato for a second) Nice haircut. I guess that one isn't a question, but it does beg an explanation.
Kato sighs and runs his hand through his hair.
Kato
Feng threw my hair in the fire for good luck.
Yamani
Mhm… Four: Who's Feng?
Kato
Oh, you'll meet Feng.
Yamani
(Nodding) Can't wait.
Kato
As for how I'm alive… People keep asking me that and I keep telling them the same thing. (Shrugs) I don't know!
Yamani
So, you're not gonna tell me what happened?
Kato
(Sighs) I'd like to say that I valiantly failed... But it turns out, Ta didn't even need me to rescue her in the first place!
Yamani turns to Kato and smirks.
Kato
So, that's embarrassing… And now? I'm like a chipmunkey, swinging from branch to branch.
Yamani nods and looks up at the sky.
Yamani
Not me. I got a plan.
Kato
You do?
Yamani
That's right, I'm going home. (Pause) You can join me if you want.
Kato looks back in the direction of Yamani's tent.
Kato
That's not home?
Yamani
No… This was never home.
We cut to 'The Reluctant Prince', Baka's sculpture, as he chips away at the right ear. Then, in the background we see Kato and Yamani arriving. Baka looks up, and his eyes widen in surprise. We cut back to Yamani, walking towards the campsite exuding hobo energy. Baka watches her in awe.
Feng comes out of her tent, carrying a basket. She looks up and sees Kato, smiling.
Feng
Hey Kato! I've- (Then she drops the basket) Who is that?!
Feng picks up a rock and gets ready to toss it.
Kato
It's okay! This is Yamani. She's a friend.
The camera pans over to Yamani, who gives a small wave. Feng narrows her eyes and keeps them on Yamani as she picks up her basket. Yamani then leans over and mumbles to Kato.
Yamani
Feng, I'm guessing?
Kato
Yup. And this is Baka.
Yamani looks over and sees Baka, who stares at her in wide eyed silence.
Yamani
Um… Hi?
Baka doesn't seem to be able to talk.
Kato
Sorry… He's usually not like this… You okay there, Baka?
Baka slowly nods, then he looks down.
Feng brings her basket over to the line where the clothes are drying. She continues to stare at Yamani.
Feng
What is she doing here?
Yamani
I came to get my flute. I made one out of a gourd but it went bad, so I tossed it.
Feng raises her eyebrow.
Feng
And how do you know Kato?
Yamani
Oh, we go way back. He didn't tell you?
Feng
No, he didn't. (Turns) Is this true, Kato?
Kato
It is...
Feng
Okay. (Turns to Yamani) So you serve the Earth Prince?
Kato
Alright, I think that's-
Yamani
The earth prince?
Feng
Correct. Do you serve him, yes or no? Because you're in his territory right now, and if you don't serve him, then I'll have to assume you're an invader.
Yamani
Um…
Feng
Yes or no?
Yamani
Careful now! You might wanna flip me over before you keep grilling me. Am I right?
Silence, then Baka chuckles. Yamani points to him.
Yamani
Thank you, strange man.
Baka smiles awkwardly and gives her a thumbs up.
Kato
I think we all just need to take a moment. Alright, Feng?
Feng glares at Kato, then looks down and nods.
We cut to an uncomfortably close close up of Batua, staring ahead. He blinks. Then we cut to a close up of Umi, opposite him. She looks at him in fear, then she gestures "Come on!" with her face.
We cut back to Batua, as he looks away for a moment, trying to think of something, anything. He draws a blank, then he turns back to Umi and nods. He leans in and closes his eyes.
We cut back to Umi, eyes wide and mouth curled in subtle victory. She closes her eyes and kisses Batua. And the crowd cheers.
Yamani sits cross-legged across from the firepit, fiddling with her flute while Feng eyes her suspiciously. Suki and Shan walk up from their tent and talk to Kato in the background.
Yamani looks over and glances at Baka, who is still staring at her. Then he averts his eyes.
Yamani
What?
Baka
(Gulps) Have you ever been the subject of a sculpture?
Yamani
(Chuckles) You're casting your net in the wrong stream, pal.
Baka blinks, then he looks mortified.
Baka
No, wait. It's not what you think-
Kato then walks up and sits beside Yamani.
Kato
You two getting along?
Baka mumbles something under his breath and chips away at the sculpture.
Kato
So where exactly have you been all this time?
Yamani turns to Kato and grins. Then she gestures towards the rest of the group.
Yamani
Alright, everyone! Storytime. Gather around.
Suki, Shan and Po introduce themselves to Yamani and sit down across from her. Feng remains in the background, eyes on Yamani. The fire crackles as she rubs her hands together.
Yamani
The last time I saw this one, (Points to Kato) He was setting off to fight a heroic battle. And I had the utmost confidence in him.
We flash back to Yamani and Shira on the ice cliff overlooking the capital. The cold wind is blowing in Yamani's hair.
Yamani
Welp. He's dead.
Shira grunts and tilts her head, then she looks down with sadness. Yamani sighs and pets her.
Yamani
Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. (Then she glares at the cityscape and sighs) I suppose habits are hard to break… So, what now, Shira?
Shira looks at Yamani, unsure herself. Then she steels herself to follow orders. Yamani recognizes this and shakes her head.
Yamani
No… Don't ask me. You've been doing what other people told you your whole life. Where do you want to go?
Shira's eyes widen, then she tilts her head.
Yamani
Don't look at me like that. I told you I was going to ask you this. I don't know why you're acting so surprised.
Shira then looks down bashfully.
Yamani
Shira!
We cut back to Yamani in the present.
Yamani
There was a lot of this. She's had a hard life. But, eventually she made up her mind.
Shan
What's it like to ride a dragon?
Yamani
...Windy.
We flash back to Yamani, on Shira's back as she soars through the air. Her face is jiggling from the great speed. She spits a bug out of her mouth.
We cut to Kamui, standing on the plaza docks. Shira catches his attention as she soars through the sky. Then we cut to Yamani on Shira's back, gazing down at the little ant that is Kamui.
The sun drifts down the horizon and Shira makes her way west, the expanse of sea laid out in front of her.
At twilight, we see a slice of water peel the bark off of a tree. Then we cut to Ta, practicing her waterbending on an island. Kirin's ship is in the background. Ta looks up and sees Shira pass by under the moon.
Ta's eyes widen. She watches the dragon disappear behind some trees before she blinks and resumes her training.
As the night goes on, Yamani sees the Fire archipelago appear on the horizon. She sits up and looks down at the volcanic island chain, expecting Shira to land at some point, but she continues flying.
Yamani
Wait, you're not stopping?
Shira shakes her head.
Yamani
Huh… I thought all dragons were from Kyoko…
As they pass by the island chain, Yamani discovers... More ocean, and then a small island reveals itself. Yamani gasps in surprise.
We cut back to the present. Shan raises his eyebrow skeptically.
Shan
There's nothing west of Kyoko.
Yamani
Technically everything is west of everything. (Beat) Because the world is a globe.
Shan
It is?
Suki
Shh!
Yamani
Anyway…
We flash back to Shira landing on the shore of the island, resting her head. Yamani dismounts and takes a few steps through the sand.
Yamani
(In the present) And then I fell asleep. But in the morning…
We cut to the sun rising dramatically over the horizon. As Yamani opens her eyes, she catches sight of dozens of dragons flying and twisting through the air. Dragons of all sizes and shapes and colors. She gasps in awe and then walks over to the top of a nearby sand dune.
As she reaches the top, she gazes out at the ruins of a marvelous city. Every inch of this whimsical setting is crawling with dragons. Yamani catches up with Shira, who leads her through this strange, mystical land.
Yamani
(In the present) Dragons as far as the eye could see. I came to understand that this may not be their original homeland, but they claimed it. They conquered it after we left. The humans.
We pan across the group, gazing at Yamani in wonder. We eventually land on Feng, who stares at the ground.
Kato
So, this was Shira's home.
Yamani nods.
Yamani
Not only that, this was where her love was. He waited for her. For sixty years.
Tears fall down Suki's cheeks, and she grabs Shan's hand.
Yamani
It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
We flash back to Shira and another dragon twisting along each other's spines as they fly through the air.
Yamani
(In the present) It inspired me.
Po
To do what?
Yamani
To build.
We flash back to Yamani cutting down a tree, then we see a montage of her constructing a device out of wood and other materials she was able to find. She studies the shape of the dragons, and their wings, and attempts to recreate this design with leaves and wood and canvas.
Yamani
I called it the Mechanical Dragon. It's the 11th flying machine I've tried to build. And it worked pretty well!
Kato
Until you tried to land it.
Yamani
(Smirking) Indeed.
Suki
So? What happened next?
Yamani
Well…
We cut to another flashback, but this one is different. The lighting is less heroic and more realistic. Instead of a grand dragon fortress, behind her are the ruins of a more modest structure. Yamani looks down in sadness, and then we hear a very strange noise.
The noise is that of a wind chime, but more ethereal. Like a chime traveling through the sky at great speed. This chime is accompanied by a visualization which hits Yamani in the ear.
Yamani blinks, and then her eyes widen. She looks to her side.
We cut back to Yamani in the present, with a complicated expression.
Kato
What?
Yamani
Hmm?
Kato
You said 'well' and then you went silent. 'Well' what?
Yamani
Oh… (Scratches her head) When an airbender forms a very strong attachment with someone, a path of communication opens up… Through the spirit realm...
Suki
...Huh?
Yamani
Eh. It's not important.
Feng snaps a stick in two and throws it into the fire.
We hear the tempo set on a woodblock, then some Kamakoi wedding music kicks in.
We cut to a very stylish earring hanging off a very stylish ear. The ear belongs to Nikua, General Ato's wife.
She frames the earring with her hand as the camera slowly zooms out, then she turns her head and shows off her other ear, adorned with the same colorful coral jewelry. More noblewomen surround her, chatting it up.
Noblewoman 1
It's so beautiful.
Noblewoman 2
Very Kamakoi.
Noblewoman 3
Wherever did you find them?
Nikua looks away with a mischievous smile.
Nikua
Ladies, today isn't about me. We're gathered here to celebrate our Emperor.
Noblewoman 3
Of course, Nikua…
Noblewoman 2
And his new wife. (Chuckles, then munches on a large berry)
The camera continues to slowly zoom out, then it starts woozily tilting sideways. As this happens, the wedding music descends into the lurch.
The camera drunkenly ambles through the crowd, laughing and dancing, until it eventually lands on Batua, sitting in his wedding attire. He's looking down with a bored expression.
Suddenly, Umi's hands come into frame and she manually turns Batua's frown upside down. She kisses Batua on the cheek, then whispers in his ear.
Umi
Everyone is looking at you.
Batua looks up and indeed, everyone is looking at him. He glowers at them.
We cut to a long shot of the reception hall. Everything is orderly. The servants move to and fro with trained purpose.
Then we cut back to Batua, his cheek resting on his hand. Umi has her arm around him, and we hear her chatting in the background.
Umi
I'm telling you, you can not find good seaweed product south of the thirty-third. It has to be from the north sea and it has to be fine silt tested.
Soana (Umi's friend)
Mhm. Mhm. I've been hearing some great things about the Laka rind.
Umi
Oh?
For some reason, this piques Batua's interest.
Soana
Yes, apparently… Oh, Tui, I never told you what Mubo said about the expedition, did I?
Umi
No! He's back?! Spill!
Soana
Let's just say... That a crate of wine was worth more to him than a promotion.
Umi gasps.
Umi
No!
Batua rolls his eyes and looks down again, disinterested. Then he looks up at the other side of the table and sees Kamui chatting with Ato.
Kamui briefly glances at Batua.
Batua sighs. A moment passes, and an earthbender comes up from behind him. Batua looks the earthbender over as he takes some empty plates from the table. Then the earthbender walks away and Batua narrows his eyes at the servant's back.
When the servant is out of view, Batua looks disappointed. Another moment passes.
Soana
He doesn't know how good he has it...
Umi
That's always been his problem.
The camera slowly zooms in on Batua's bored expression, then he suddenly hears an alarm ringing and perks up, before he realizes that it's actually a fork hitting a wine glass. He looks over and sees Pong drunkenly standing in front of the crowd.
Pong
Well, goooooooood evening, everyone! (Hiccup) Are you enjoying the wedding? The wedding I worked so very hard to put together?
The crowd awkwardly claps. Pong then looks at Kamui's table and raises his glass.
Pong
I know you are! Cheers! To the royal family! Come on, everyone! Raise your glasses! (Everyone raises their glasses) Yes… Just look at those beautiful people… All dolled up for the occasion.
We cut to the royal table. Batua is fascinated, while Kamui is trying to hide his smirk. Pong then takes a large gulp of wine, before staring back at Kamui.
Pong
You think I'm stupid, don't you? (Chuckles) Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I know all about your little game, General Kamui. (Hiccup) Mhm. You act like you like my work, but you don't. I'm just here for your amusement! Like a damn court jester! (Hiccup) Working me to the bone… And then you walk out of the festival before it's even over! Yeah, I saw you!
Pong drinks what's left in his glass, then he throws it to the floor, shattering it.
Pong
I am a proud Kamakoi citizen! And I will not be treated this way! You hear me?! I am the Jewel of Kiriko!
Kamui cracks a smile, and then Pong's eyes widen in anger before he starts marching towards him.
Pong
Why, you little-
Some guards scoop up Pong as he screams and swears at Kamui. Batua looks much less bored than before.
We cut back to the gang around the campfire.
Yamani
Anyway, I'm heading home tomorrow. Eastward. (Shrugs) If anyone wants to join.
Feng
As you can see, this is our home. But… Safe travels. And all that.
Feng looks back at Po as he kisses her, then her eyes widen as she hears Kato whisper to Yamani.
Kato
How do we get there? Another caravan?
Yamani
Eh… A caravan is risky. Plus, it costs money.
Kato
Why would money be a problem?
Yamani looks to the side.
Kato
Yamani? What happened to all that money you won?
She scratches her head.
Yamani
Yeah, about that…
We flash back to Yamani from below, standing on the rim of a volcano. She's emptying her bag, laughing maniacally as her winnings fall into the hot magma.
We cut back to Yamani in the present, grinning sheepishly.
Kato
(Skeptical) Did that really happen?
Suddenly, Feng grabs Kato's arm and pulls him in tight.
Feng
Well, good! That means Kato stays here.
Kato
Hold on, I didn't say that.
Feng
You're staying here.
Yamani raises her eyebrow at Kato and Feng.
Yamani
You two have some stuff to work out.
Yamani stands up and walks away.
Yamani
I'm leaving in the morning, so… Figure it out by then!
Kato looks at Feng. He untangles himself and stands up as well.
Kato
Look...
Feng then stands and gets in his face, staring him in the eyes.
Feng
You cannot possibly be thinking about joining her.
Kato
...Maybe I am!
Feng
Kato, that woman is deranged! And besides, this is your home. You can't leave.
Kato
...This is not my home.
Feng
(Pointing at Kato) Stop that.
Po
Feng…
Feng
No matter how many times you say that, it's never going to be true! You're in denial!
Kato
You want to talk about denial?
Po
Kato…
Kato
What about everything you refuse to talk about? Hmm?
Feng looks down, shaking her head.
Feng
That was before… It doesn't matter.
Kato
It doesn't matter?
Feng grabs her belly, rubbing it while she looks at Po, then she turns back to Kato.
Feng
I'm going to have lots of children, and you're going to bless them, and I'll never have to watch them die. The end. That's why you have to stay!
Kato
It doesn't work like that.
Feng
Yes it does, Kato. It does. I've thought about it for a long time, and I know the only reason we're alive is because you were on that boat!
Kato
Feng... Wong is dead because I was on that boat...
A moment passes, then Feng slaps Kato across the face. Kato looks at her in shock. Then Feng pounces on Kato, hitting him and yelling with each hit.
Feng
YOU! ARE! A! BLESSING! AND YOU'RE GONNA START ACTING LIKE IT!
She hits Kato one more time before Po picks her up. She continues swinging her arms wildly as he pulls her away.
Feng
He's talking crazy!
Feng breaks away from Po and angrily stomps away. We cut to Kato, who is looking down with guilt. Then Po reaches down and grabs his shoulder .
Po
Let me talk to her.
Kato nods.
We cut to Batua, sitting in the amphitheater. We see him briefly, before we cut to the Five Lakes Theater Company on stage.
Behind a curtain, an earthbender raises his hands. Then, on stage, a rock wall rises up. We see an actor dressed like Kato with a shocked look on his face, then he turns to the audience with a stupid expression.
"Kato"
Whoopsie-doodle!
The audience starts booing and the camera pans over to an actor who looks like Batua.
"Batua"
A rock pusher?! Seize him! You are no brother of mine!
The audience starts cheering. We cut back to the real Batua, who looks down.
"Kato"
Ow! Stop! Oh no, I pooped my pants!
Then the audience laughs hysterically. We see Batua surrounded by laughing audience members, including Umi. He hides his face behind his hand.
We cut to Feng , snapping another stick in half and throwing it. Po comes up to her and puts his hands on her shoulders, but Feng wriggles away in anger.
Feng
Don't do that!
Po
Feng… This isn't fair.
Feng
That's right! It's not fair! Some strange woman comes onto our turf to take our prince away? Our god? That's not fair in the slightest!
Po
Come on… You don't really think he's a god, do you?
Feng stands there, unblinking.
Po
Look, Kato was there for us when we needed him and I'll always appreciate him for that. But he's not a god. He's just a confused kid. (Feng still doesn't answer) Feng, please tell me you understand that.
Feng shakes her head and looks down.
Feng
No. You're wrong.
Po
You can't put all your expectations on him like this. It's not fair.
Feng keeps shaking her head, then tears start to fall down her cheeks.
Feng
No. No no no no no. Stop it. (Looks up) What are we going to do without him?! We need him!
Po grabs Feng's hands and holds onto them.
Po
We have each other.
Shan and Suki gather around Feng and nod in agreement. Feng looks around at them, before they surround her with a group hug.
Po
We're going to be just fine. I promise.
Suki
We'll look after you.
We cut to Kato, watching the group hug from afar with a small smile on his face.
We cut to a festive, decorated door in the capital, then we hear a knock. After a moment, the door opens and we see Kamui, who smiles and waves.
We cut to General Ato, holding the door. He smiles with confusion.
Ato
Kamui? What are you… That was some party, huh?
Kamui
Yes. Finally, a celebration without incident. Well, mostly. (He smirks at Ato)
Ato looks down with a bit of concern, then back up.
Ato
So… Why are you here?
Kamui
Actually, I wanted to speak with your wife.
Ato blinks, and then turns around.
Ato
Nikua?!
We cut to Feng hugging Kato tightly. She sobs as her head rests on Kato's shoulder. Kato looks ahead with a complicated expression.
Finally, Feng lets go of Kato and wipes her tears away. We cut to a wide shot as Kato bows towards Feng with respect. Feng bows back. Right before the shot cuts, Feng runs at Kato and hugs him one last time.
Kato walks towards Yamani's tent as the crickadas chirp around him. Then we cut to a close up of Yamani, as she finally dislodges a small rock from inside her flute. She examines the rock with confusion, then tosses it.
She's about to test it out, but then looks up as Kato pulls back the door flap on her tent.
They look at each other for a moment, then Kato nods.
Yamani
Be ready to leave at dawn.
A strange swell of music, moody and mysterious, leads us to later that night. Yamani is still in her tent, staring up. The camera slowly zooms in.
Suddenly, she sits up, cross legged, and closes her eyes. She concentrates, and then we hear the same sound as before, the wind chimes, emanating from Yamani.
We cut to a wide shot of the Koakono forest, and we see a visualization of the "ping" traveling outwards.
Then we cut to another 19 year old girl, Ziri, half a world away. From her skin tone and her wardrobe, we can tell she's a firebender. She's sleeping on a straw bed in a large stone structure. In the background, we can see some glowing geminite.
The "ping" reaches Ziri, and she opens her eyes in shock.
We cut to Kamui sitting across from Nikua in the living room. She sets a cup of tea down in front of him and he takes a sip.
Nikua
How many times has my husband invited you over for dinner?
Kamui
(Smirking) Many.
Nikua
And you've never shown up. (Beat) Not that I'm offended. We know you're a very busy man. But it is funny for you to show up here, now. Don't you agree?
Kamui
Well, this is a matter of great importance.
Nikua
Go on.
Kamui
You made quite a splash tonight, Nikua. In fact, when I put out a bulletin for thoughts, all the wives of nobility came forward. And they weren't asking about the band, or the spread of fine cuisine. They were asking about you.
Nikua
What about me?
Kamui turns his attention to the wall, then we cut to a pair of hooks, off of which the colorful coral earrings hang.
Kamui
They were asking about those earrings of yours.
Nikua lights up.
Nikua
Oh? (Then she walks over to the wall and holds one of them up) They are beautiful, aren't they?
Kamui
(Shrugs) I don't have much of an eye for accessories. But, I know a good business opportunity when I see one. Perhaps you could direct me to the merchant who sold them to you.
Nikua looks down in thought.
Nikua
Hmm… To be honest, even if I gave you a name, I don't know that you'd have much luck finding him. I found these on a trip to Kiriko, in the Trading Bazaar. But the seller seemed like he wasn't going to stick around for long.
Kamui
Shame… I would have cut you in. Say, a 15% finders fee?
Nikua
(Clicks her tongue) As tempting as that is… Like I said, I don't think he was there to stay. Although…
Kamui
Yes?
Nikua
Hmm… I remember him telling me about the source.
We cut to a close up of Kamui as he licks his lips.
Kamui
Oh?
Nikua leans back, racking her head.
Nikua
Yes… It was a lake… But, it was outside of Kamakoi jurisdiction, hence why it stuck out to me. Oh, what was it called?
The camera zooms in on Nikua as she narrows her eyes.
Nikua
It had an alliterative name… Lake… Lobao? No… Lake Laihai?
Kamui leans in.
Kamui
Lake-
Yamani
-Laogai.
We cut to Yamani and Kato walking through the village at dawn.
Yamani
An unremarkable little lake in an unremarkable part of the world. Or so they think… (Kato looks at her) Hidden away near this lake is a place called Tang's Fortress.
Kato
Tang's fortress?
Yamani
That's right. My home.
Suddenly, Baka runs out from behind them and catches up.
Baka
Hey guys!
Yamani
Hello, strange man.
Baka
Yeah… You make me very nervous for some reason. Anyway, I'm coming with you guys!
Kato
Glad to hear it! Did you say goodbye?
Baka
(Shrugs) They don't really care if I stay or go…
We cut to Y, K + B walking through a thick forest.
Yamani
There's an enormous valley between here and Tang's Fortress. Orthodoxy dictates that one must walk around the rim of the valley, but do you know how much time that takes? We won't get there for a month and a half! And I've been away from home long enough.
Kato
So, what's the plan instead?
Yamani
Well, lucky for all of us, I found a shortcut.
Yamani pushes some leaves to the side, opening up a hidden trail. Kato and Baka follow her as she walks through.
Yamani
So just follow me, and we'll be there faster than you can say-
As Yamani, Kato and Baka step out onto the path, a Kamakoi gathering reveals itself. 20 soldiers and a squad captain, constructing an outpost. They spot Y, K + B.
Yamani
...Whoopsie-doodle!
TO BE CONTINUED...