AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 2: TRADE
CHAPTER 5: THE LONG WAY
We cut back to the flashback from EP 1.12. A 6 year old Kato is standing on the palace bridge, waving down at his subjects.
Crowd
Prince Kato! Prince Kato!
Kato is then bumped by a guard. He looks back and sees that guard and another guard dragging an elderly earthbender across the bridge out of the palace.
Kato and the earthbender share eye contact for a moment. Then the earthbender loses his grip and falls. Kato watches as the guards kick the earthbender in the ribs repeatedly.
We cut to a close up of Kato crying in his palace chambers. The camera slowly zooms out and we see Jang's lower half in the background, retrieving a handkerchief from the closet before he walks up to Kato and wipes his face.
Jang allows Kato to blow his nose into the handkerchief, then he puts the hanky in an air-sphere and brings it to the fountain to wash it.
Jang
(In the background) What's wrong, Kato?
Kato looks down. Jang walks back and leans over, giving us a look at his younger face. He rubs Kato's shoulder.
Jang
C'mon. You can talk to me.
Kato wipes his face again and looks at Jang.
Kato
Why would they do that to Mushi?
Jang
Who's Mushi?
Kato
(Sniffles) He's the old man who works in the plaza garden.
Jang
Okay… And what did they do to him?
Kato
I don't know… Something bad… He had a rope around his neck.
Jang
(Nodding) I understand.
Kato sniffles again, shaking his head.
Kato
He was nice! He taught me and Batua how to plant a tree! But father said…
Jang
(Raises his eyebrow) What did the Emperor say?
Kato looks back at Jang.
Kato
He said that Mushi had a wife.
Jang closes his eyes, sighing. Then he rubs Kato's shoulder again and walks out of frame. The shot stays on Kato.
Jang
I'm sorry, my prince.
A moment passes, and we see a change in Kato's expression. The gears in his head are turning. Then he narrows his eyes.
Kato
It doesn't make sense.
Jang
(In the background) What doesn't make sense?
Kato
Well… My dad has a wife. It's my mom! Inuk has a wife. My uncle had a wife, I think… And nobody put a rope around them! (His brain churns for another second, then he turns around to look at Jang) Why Mushi?
A beat passes, and then we suddenly cut to Jang by the fountain. He slowly turns around with wide, momentous eyes.
Jang
One moment.
Jang walks over to the door and peeks outside. He sees a couple of guards chatting down the hallway. Then we cut back to Jang, his one eye in the stripe between the door and its frame.
Jang
Kato? Have you talked to anyone else about this yet? Your parents, or... Any of the priests?
Kato
(Shaking his head) No, not yet…
Jang takes a breath, his heart beating out of his chest.
Jang
Very well. (Beat) Let's talk about Mushi.
He faces Kato and closes the door behind him.
We cut to a very different door, 12 years later. A large stone entrance, carved with a swirling relief of flowers and wind. We hear thunder crackle, and rain is pouring down.
Then the door slowly opens, and we see Jang walk out. He looks stunned, dismayed even.
There are some monks behind him, out of focus. They're watching him. He runs his hands through his gray hair and looks out at the rainstorm. Then he looks back inside once more at the monks before closing the door behind him.
We cut to a wide shot. A distant, lost score creeps in as Jang starts his descent down the long, winding staircase. The southern air temple looms behind him.
As he continues down the stairs, he passes by another bald monk, sitting cross legged in the rain. The monk opens his eyes and glances at Jang.
Monk
Leaving so soon?
Jang looks over at the monk, resolute.
Jang
I am.
The monk looks to the side, sighing.
Monk
It's probably for the best...
Jang nods, then he walks down a few more steps.
Monk
Where will you go, Jang?
We cut back to Jang in profile. He looks out at the storm, wondering the same thing.
With the plunk of a wobbling bell, we cut to Kato, Yamani and Baka, covered in forest filth and staring out at a battalion of Kamakoi.
We cut to the soldiers, who aren't quite sure what to make of this. Then one of them raises his eyebrow.
Soldier 1
Baka? Is that you?
K + Y turn towards Baka, who takes a moment before nodding.
Soldier 1
What are you… What are you doing out here?
Baka stands there, not saying a word. Some of the other soldiers start murmuring.
Soldier 2
Who is that?
Soldier 3
I think he's some famous musician or something.
We cut to the squad captain, whose sight shifts from Baka to the airbender beside him, and then the earthbender beside her. He narrows his eyes. Then he adjusts his coat and walks towards Baka.
Captain
Baka? As in, the Baka? From the Capital?
Baka nods again.
Baka
Yes sir.
Captain
Hmm… Last I heard, you were following the false prince. And you had developed a taste for servants...
The murmuring grows louder. Baka shakes his head.
Baka
Both lies, sir.
Then the Captain gestures at Yamani and Kato.
Captain
Then who are these two? Part of your traveling band?
Before Baka can respond, Yamani pulls out her flute and plays a little lick.
Yamani
Does that answer your question?
The captain stares at Yamani, who stares back. The soldiers have gone quiet. Then the captain starts to laugh, and they all laugh along with him. After he's done, he walks up to Yamani and looks her over.
Captain
You amuse me. What's your name, airbender?
Yamani
What's your name, waterbender?
The soldiers gasp. B + K turn to Yamani in a panic and she shrugs. Then the captain takes an angry step towards her.
Captain
Listen here-
Yamani suddenly pulls a dust cloud up, obscuring their vision.
Yamani
Come on, let's go!
Yamani grabs Baka and Kato and they head back into the forest. We see the captain and his soldiers stumbling around in the dust cloud.
Captain
Bring me the servant lover and his loudmouth tramp!
Soldiers
Yes sir!
The soldiers charge out. The captain wipes his sweaty face and sits down, having a drink.
We cut back the gang. As they run, Baka trips on an exposed root and falls. Y + K stop and look back. Before they reach him, a soldier leaps out, riding an eelhound. The soldier sends an ice shackle at Yamani, who dodges it and then engages him in a brawl. Another eelhound bursts in, carrying two soldiers.
We follow Baka as he runs from attack after attack, then we shift focus to Yamani, who is holding the soldiers back. She turns to her side.
Yamani
A little help here, Kato?
Kato nods at Yamani, then he gets into stance, but the Kamakoi have stopped attacking. We cut back to them, staring at him in confusion.
Soldier
Did she say Kato?
Yamani smacks her face.
Soldier 2
What the Koi is going on around here?
A flying rock narrowly misses Soldier 2's head, then he turns towards Kato, who's bending another one out of the ground, which he throws and misses again. Soldier 2 slaps his eelhound on the side.
Soldier 2
Get him, girl!
The eelhound thrashes her tongue, then she leaps at Kato. He instinctively raises a rock wall, which the eelhound slams into, knocking Soldier 2 off her back. The soldier tumbles to the ground and Kato runs over to him, raising another big rock out of the ground.
Soldier 2 coughs up some blood and looks up at Kato, who's poised to smash his head. Kato looks down at the soldier's terrified expression and he hesitates. Then he hears Baka call out.
Baka
Help!
Kato turns to look, and as he does he lets go of the rock, letting it fall on the soldier's head. He sees Baka being dragged away by Soldier 3. Then he looks back and sees what he just did to Soldier 2's face. He backs off in terror and runs after Baka.
We pan across the chaos as Yamani takes care of more soldiers, who start to retreat.
Then we arrive at Baka, who is still being dragged towards the captain.
Soldier 4
We got the artist, sir! But the mophead got away.
Captain
Let her go, she's nothing. (Looks at Baka) But you, you're worth something to someone.
Baka flops to the ground, looking up in fear.
Baka
What do you want?
Captain
Come on, get him on the wagon.
Soldier 3
There's another thing, sir.
Soldier 3 whispers something in the captain's ear, and he widens his eyes.
Captain
Him?
Suddenly, a harsh high note is blasted on the flute and Yamani arrives on the scene. The soldiers look up in frustration.
Soldier 3
Oh, Koi. Her again.
Baka
No! Go! Go on without me!
Yamani narrows her eyes and shakes her head. Then Kato arrives beside her, out of breath. Yamani gathers a huge amount of air and compresses it into a little ball. She holds her hands around it, poised to clap, and looks up at the exhausted soldiers.
Yamani
You guys like your eardrums intact? Hmm?
The captain looks at her angrily, then looks at his exhausted men, before he growls and rolls his eyes.
Captain
Just let him go. They won't get far. This is Koi country.
Two of the soldiers grab Baka and throw him to the ground near Y + K. Baka stands up shakily and walks over to them. Yamani keeps her eyes on the captain. The captain looks back at her, then shifts his focus to Kato.
Captain
The false prince. (Smirks, then shakes his head) Won't be long now, traitor.
Kato's eyes widen slightly. Y, K + B slowly back away from the encampment and into the woods. Baka looks humiliated.
When they're out of sight, Yamani carefully defuses her airball and sighs in relief.
Yamani
Whew. A couple more of these and I'll be deaf myself.
Kato
So, what do we do now?
Yamani
Well, my friend. (Shakes some leaves and branches out of her hair) Looks like we're taking the long way back.
We cut to a long shot of the three of them from the back as a bit of music builds up.
We cut to the entrance to a cave and the music cuts. Suddenly, a tiny head pops up from the side and we see how big the cave actually is.
Yamani
Echo!
Yamani's word bounces around inside the cave. She enters, followed by K + B.
Kato
Um… Explain.
Kato's words also bounce around.
Yamani
We're not taking the long way.
Kato
But you said-
Yamani
I know what I said.
Kato
So... We're in a cave… Because?
Yamani continues walking and leads the two of them to a large object covered in a sheet. She pulls the sheet off and reveals a prototype for a flying machine. Baka's eyes widen.
Baka
(Quietly) Who are you?
Yamani
This is my tenth flying machine prototype. I call it… Number Ten.
Baka
A flying machine? I thought you made all of that up...
Baka looks at Kato with confusion and fear. Kato looks back, unsure.
Yamani
That's right. This little baby is gonna get us across the valley. Unfortunately, it's not quite as well conceived as my eleventh prototype, the Mechanical Dragon, but it'll get the job done just fine.
Kato
The Mechanical Dragon exploded!
Baka
What?!
Yamani
(To Kato) Would you relax? It didn't explode. It crashed.
Baka
I don't know if I can do this.
Yamani
(To Kato) See what you did? (Groans) Look, maybe it's not the most stable design, but it's the only design I have left...
Kato
What do you mean, 'have left'?
Yamani
(Looks down) I had stacks of drawings and blueprints. Three years of hard work. All gone. Stolen.
Kato looks down with guilt.
Kato
Stolen? By who?
Yamani looks up at Kato and gives him a slightly accusatory glance, tilting her head.
We cut to Kamui. His eyes are wide with wonder, behind a large sheet which is covering the rest of his face. Then a knock at the door.
Kamui
Come in.
Kamui puts the sheet down as Admiral Tarakano walks in, looking slightly annoyed.
Tarakano
What can I do for you, General?
Kamui
Sit down. (Tarakano eyes his chair with suspicion, then pulls it out and sits) When we were talking on your ship... When you first arrived, I mean... You said something very interesting. Something I continue to think about.
Tarakano
I say many interesting things. So?
Kamui
You said 'it's not just the elements that divide people'.
Tarakano
I did say this, yes.
Kamui
And it's a fair point. But, would you agree with the notion that every element brings with it a… Certain type of person? For instance, to one degree or another, every waterbender is industrious, yes?
Tarakano
To one degree or another, sure.
Kamui
Right. Just as every earthbender is servile, every firebender is emotional, and every airbender… (Waits for Tarakano to complete this thought)
Tarakano
Is passive. Yes. Yes. This is old news, General.
Kamui nods and holds up the sheet again.
Kamui
...Do you think an airbender is capable of imagining a war machine?
Beat.
Tarakano
Excuse me?
Kamui
(Chuckles) Let me explain. When my son left school to find the false prince, I was furious. But his foolish little mission may not have been a complete waste of time. He managed to bumble across a secret little airbender village in the Koakono forest. One of several, it seems. All part of some childish fiefdom known as the Federation of Wind Weavers...
Tarakano raises his eyebrow.
Kamui
Anyway, on our first expedition, the scouts found a seemingly empty camp. But inside one of the tents was this. (He motions to the table, and what's on it) A treasure trove of drawings and writings.
Kamui lays out some of these drawings on the table and Tarakano leans in to take a closer look. He looks confused by them.
Kamui then shows Tarakano the detailed schematics of what looks like an ancient tank.
Kamui
In all my years, I thought I'd seen it all. (Beat) But this?
Tarakano strokes his beard in thought, scrutinizing the drawing. Then he throws it on the pile and shrugs.
Tarakano
So you found these in an airbender's tent. Doesn't mean they were drawn by an airbender.
Kamui
(Nods) Fair point.
Tarakano leans back and crosses his arms.
Tarakano
It could have been one of our men. You know, failed out of a smithing practice, wanted to get his work noticed?
Kamui
Could be… Could be… (Beat) Our scouts found something else in the tent.
Tarakano looks up with curiosity as Kamui slides a small note across the table, then he picks it up and unfolds it.
We see a close up of the note:
WW Federation
Ahno Prefecture
Jang - Tall, late 50's
We cut to Jang, taking his last steps down the long staircase that leads from the Southern Air Temple. As he walks, he takes out his canteen for a drink, but it's tapped. He sighs and checks the rest of his supplies.
Jang takes out his bag of pepper powder and looks inside. We cut to see that the bag is nearly empty. He raises his eyebrow and then continues walking across a large windswept meadow.
We suddenly cut to a wooden post being nailed into the ground. The camera pans up to a preteen, maybe 12 or 13, who wipes sweat off of his forehead as he grabs another one, driving into the ground. Then the boy grabs a tarp and loops it around one post, before trying to stretch it to the other. He stumbles and twists the tarp up, letting it fall to the ground.
The boy looks down in frustration.
Jang
You need a guide-post.
The boy suddenly looks up at Jang, raising his eyebrow. Jang steps towards him.
Jang
Without a guide-post, you put too much strain on the tarp. Here, let me show you.
The boy smiles before a stern voice calls out from the distance.
Father
Jenji?
The boy, Jenji, turns to look, and we cut to his father standing by a farmhouse in the distance. They're both bald. His father walks up and looks Jang over with suspicion as Jenji stands behind him.
Father
Can I help you?
Jang
Apologies. Your boy was struggling to raise his tent. I wanted to give him a hand.
Father
If he's struggling, he can come to me. (We see a close up of the father eyeing Jang) ...Are you an airbender?
Jang creates a little sphere of air with his fingers.
Father
Hmm. Around here, those of the faith keep our head shorn.
Jang
(Shrugs) I'm an old man.
Father
And you're standing in the shadow of a great temple. Yes?
Jang takes a look at the Southern Air Temple behind him, then he looks back at the father.
Jang
...Yes.
Father
Very well... Come. You can stay here for a meal and some rest. As is tradition.
Jang bows and follows Jenji and his father as they walk towards the farmhouse. Jenji looks back toward Jang with curiosity.
As they walk, they pass by a few fields of crops. Jang notices a plot of hot peppers.
We cut to a pair of wooden wheels rolling across the ground. Y, K + B are pushing Yamani's 10th flying machine prototype toward a cliffside.
The wheels come to a stop, and we cut to a long shot of the group right near the edge. Yamani opens the hatch to the machine and motions towards it.
Yamani
Alright. Get in.
Baka shoots a terrified look at Kato, who looks back and nods. Then Kato climbs inside and sits down. Baka follows him, and soon enough, Yamani joins them near the front.
We cut to a close up of Yamani. She pushes the hair out of her face and closes her eyes, clasping her hands around the wooden levers.
Yamani
(Exhales) You got this.
Baka
Wait, what?
Yamani pulls a lever and we cut to see a large pair of canvas wings unfold atop the machine with a whoosh and snap. With another lever, she tilts the wings forward, and then pumps air into a pair of tubes.
Suddenly, the machine is rolling forward. Baka grabs Kato's hand.
Baka
Oh, Koi. Oh, Koi. Oh, Koi.
She continues blasting air and the machine is now heading towards the edge of the cliff at great speed. We hear the rickety frame of the machine as it goes. We cut back to Baka and Kato, who are beginning to scream.
Then the ground is no longer beneath them. The machine enters freefall and Baka and Kato are full on shrieking. Then the sound goes out and Yamani kisses her fingers, before she grabs hold of the second lever.
Yamani
Come on, baby!
She pulls it and a second pair of wings unfold. After a perilous moment, the machine stabilizes and they start to hear the humming of air beneath them.
Yamani
Yes! Number Ten!
We cut back to K + B, who are frozen in terror. Then Kato blinks and reboots, looking around.
Kato
You did it. We're flying. We're flying!
Yamani
That's right. See, Baka? Nothing to be afraid of.
We cut to Baka, who remains frozen in fear. Kato slides into frame and waves his hand in front of his face.
Yamani sits back and puts her feet up on the console, looking proud of herself.
Kato then looks outside the window at the view. He looks down at the ground below them.
We cut to see that the valley is littered with the wreckage of Yamani's previous flying machines. Kato gulps.
We cut to a bowl filled with unidentifiable brown stew. The camera slowly pans up to Jang, who looks down with reluctance.
Father side-eyes Jang. We see the Mother and Jenji are also at the table.
Father
Well? Eat.
Jang takes a spoonful and sips on it. We cut to Jenji, eyes locked on Jang.
Father
I know it's not as decadent as what you're used to. Up north. Down here we live a simpler life.
Jang
Oh, I know all about that. Trust me.
The Father looks down for a moment, mulling something over, then he looks back up.
Father
I suppose you laugh at us.
Suddenly, the mother grabs the father's hand and looks him in the eyes. He shakes her off.
Father
That's alright. The world laughed at Guru Laghima in his day. And now? Thousands upon thousands follow his example.
Jang looks at Jenji.
Jang
What do you think about all of these rules?
Jenji
Hmm?
Jang
The bald head. The prayer four times a day. No material possessions. What do you think about it?
Before Jenji can respond, the father cuts in.
Father
Don't talk to my son like that.
Jang
Why not? I'm curious.
The father crosses his arms and gestures towards Jenji.
Jenji
(Scratching his head) I want to be like the Avatar.
Jang's eyes widen, and he turns towards him.
Jang
So you know?
Father
Yes. We know she resides in the temple.
Jang
You must also know about her… How shall I put this… Troubled past?
Father
And look at her now. A true airbender. Funny how that works, isn't it?
Jang
Funny is not the word I'd use.
The father smirks and shakes his head.
Father
You know… I used to feel bad for you airbenders in the north. Soldiers took your land, they took your home. Now I see they've taken your compass as well. I suppose you had fish sauce and animal flesh up there, no? Is that why you can't stomach the food of your ancestors?
Jang
Fish sauce, shorn heads, these things mean nothing. Tradition means nothing! It's a smokescreen, an illusion! It's not important! Not compared to the real evils of the world. But you don't mind those, do you?
Father
(Yelling) How would you know what is and is not important? Like the guru says; a grain of sand blows into the eye of a warrior, a grain which until then had no part to play, and it turns the tide of war!
We cut to a porcu-fly buzzing through the air. Another porcu-fly bumps into it, and then gets surly and engages it in a fight. The first porcu-fly aims and shoots its barbs at its rival. One of the barbs hits, the other two fly through the air and the camera follows them.
They fall and fall and fall and then they poke two holes through a sheet of canvas.
We cut to Yamani, who is looking back towards Kato. Baka looks upset.
Yamani
Didn't I tell you that?
Kato
No… Actually, I thought you weren't interested in sex. With anyone.
Yamani
Why would you think that?
Kato shrugs. Yamani looks to the side and blushes.
Yamani
She's a firebender.
Kato
Really? What's her name?
Suddenly, the sound around them changes. Yamani turns and looks out.
Yamani
...Why are we spinning?
We cut to see Number Ten spinning out of the air. The wing has two holes in it. Resume screaming.
Yamani attempts to correct the flight but it's too late.
Kato
YAMANI!
The background is whirling violently behind the window. Yamani shakes her head for a moment, then she grabs onto Kato and Baka and jumps out the window.
BOOM!
The machine explodes in a fiery blaze, which stops short of the air bubble encasing the group. As K, Y + B descend, Baka's head hits a tree branch and he gets knocked out, flopping to the ground.
We pan across the fiery wreckage and then across Baka's still body. Kato coughs up some ash and runs over to him, grabbing his hand.
Kato
Baka?
No response. Kato's eyes widen, then he puts his hand on Baka's neck and looks slightly relieved, but still upset, before turning around to Yamani.
Kato
You said this was safe!
Yamani
It was safe! I don't know what happened!
Kato
He trusted me and I told him this was safe! Now look!
Yamani narrows her eyes.
Yamani
What, you think you're with Jang? Getting free caravan rides around the globe? Hmm? Nothing is a given in this world! Nothing! You should know that by now!
Kato
...What?
Yamani stares at Baka, then she grabs her hair and looks away. Kato walks up to her, taking on a sympathetic tone.
Kato
Hey… What's going on with you?
Yamani
(Blinks) I don't know…
The camera slowly zooms in on Yamani.
Yamani
I think I've-
Suddenly, she's interrupted by Baka.
Baka
WOOOOOOOOO!
Kato turns around in surprise to see Baka, coughing up heaps of ash.
Baka
THAT WAS INCREDIBLE!
Jang
Listen here!
We cut to Jang, who stands up from his chair, emphatically.
Jang
I ate meat in the capital. I tore fish apart between my teeth. Why? Because I'm a man! I'm a human being! And when they come for you and put you in chains, then you'll know. You'll break all your own rules because those are the only rules you can break. Then you'll know.
Father
Get out of my home! Now!
Jang
With pleasure!
Jang turns and storms out, slamming the door behind him. Jenji looks down at his hands.
Yamani
Yeah… We're taking the long way.
We cut to the silhouette of K, Y + B, sitting around a campfire. Baka is still amped up, giggling, and then coughing. Kato pats him on the back.
Kato
Still got some soot down there?
Baka nods.
Kato
You seem to be in a better mood, though.
Baka looks off to the side for a while, then smirks and shakes his head. We cut to Baka's hands rubbing together anxiously.
Baka
My father worked for your family. And his father, and his father, and his father before him. Four generations of cowards. (He looks up) No more.
Jenji opens his eyes the next morning. He hears his father.
Father
Jenji. Wake up. Fetch the pail.
Jenji nods his head and sits up. We cut to Jenji walking out of his home and rubbing his eyes. He walks towards the well. As he walks, he passes various crops, then something catches his eye.
He turns and sees that dozens of hot peppers have been plucked from their plants.
We cut to a well dressed young girl, spooning soup into her mouth with an unsure expression. The camera pans across and we see her mother doing the same, and we see her father nervously dunking a piece of meat into some broth. The father, King Yao, has a crown on his head.
There are several Kamakoi guards watching the royal family with blank faces.
The family is in the dining room of a fairly modest palace, which is painted in various shades of green. In the background, we see Kamakoi soldiers taking statues and other works of art, as well as various ancient heirlooms out of the palace.
We hear some soldiers accidentally drop a precious statue on the floor, and King Yao winces. Then a soldier strolls up to him from behind, placing a scroll on the table in front of Yao and unrolling it.
Soldier
Sign here, please.
Yao looks fearfully at the soldier, then he dips his feather-pen in ink and signs the bottom of the scroll. The soldier rolls it back up and pats Yao on the back.
Soldier
Thanks. Your majesty.
Yao nods. We cut to a close up of the soldier's face hovering next to Yao's.
Soldier
Why are you so nervous? (Hands on Yao's shoulders) Eat. Drink. Be a happy king.
The soldier snickers and then turns and walks away. Yao looks down in sorrow. His wife, the queen, grabs his hand before the soldier turns back around.
Soldier
Oh, and by the way. We're gonna have you go on your first mission this week.
Yao
What?
Yao turns to look at the soldier, who claps his hands together.
Soldier
Aren't you excited?
TO BE CONTINUED...