AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 2: TRADE
CHAPTER 6: BOMBSHELL
We cut to Batua, breathing heavily as Umi rolls off of him. They're both in bed, hiding their bodies under the covers.
They two have very different expressions on their faces. Umi looks satisfied while Batua looks slightly confused.
Umi
Well? (She runs her finger down Batua's arm) Did you like it?
We cut to a close up of Batua as he nods unconvincingly.
Batua
Um… I think so…
Umi
Boku! Pipe!
A guard comes in from offscreen, giving Umi her pipe and then lighting it for her. Umi takes a few puffs and blows smoke rings, then she tilts her head back in pleasure.
Umi
Mmm... I just fucked the Emperor.
Batua
(Chuckles) Yep…
Batua looks away with concern.
We cut to Batua and Umi walking around the plaza, arm in arm. Batua is pulling at the collar of his new coat.
Batua
It bunches up, that's all I'm saying.
Umi
It bunches up because you keep messing with it.
Batua
It's too tight.
Umi
It's a fitted coat, it's supposed to be tight. It accentuates your Imperial silhouette.
Batua
I like to be able to breathe. Okay?
They keep walking together, encountering a group of noblemen and soldiers.
Umi
Well, maybe it would be less tight if you didn't insist on wearing that silly necklace.
Batua looks down and stretches the string of his half pendant necklace.
As they walk, all of the soldiers and young noblemen are staring at Umi. She flirtatiously smiles at them and waves.
Batua
Who are all of these guys? I haven't seen half of them before…
Umi
They're my admirers.
Batua rolls his eyes.
Umi
What? You don't want your wife to be admirable? Your Empress?
Batua
(Fake smile) Fine, sweetie. You win.
We see more guys staring at Umi and then we land on Tahno and Hakoi by the gymnasium. Hakoi is stretching while Tahno stares.
Tahno
Batua… (Spits) How does that guy always land the hottest girls in the Empire?
Hakoi narrows his eyes and turns to Tahno.
Hakoi
Hey, that's my sister you're talking about!
Tahno
Yeah, and?
Hakoi looks at Tahno with disgust.
Hakoi
You know what?
Hakoi finishes his thought by abruptly walking away from Tahno, who continues to stare with envy.
We cut to Batua and Umi on a ledge, waving down to their people.
Then we cut to the back of Ta's head, accompanied by the sound of a malignant bell. She's scoping out the gated entrance to a sprawling beachfront mansion. On top of the gate, there's an illustration of a dragon wrapped around a palm tree.
There are servants carrying crates into the mansion, as well as statues and other works of art, some of which we saw last episode being carried out of King Yao's palace.
Suddenly, someone taps Ta on the shoulder and she turns around to find a large security guard.
Guard
Can I help you, miss?
Ta smiles and then giggles with embarrassment.
Ta
What a lovely house. I can't stop staring at it!
The guard raises his eyebrow.
Guard
You know this area is off limits to the public. What are you doing here?
Ta
Nothing! Um... Can you tell me how to get back on the trail? Please?
The guard crosses his arms and looks at Ta with skepticism.
Guard
You want to tell me what's going on here?
Ta looks down with hesitation, then she looks back up with conviction.
Ta
Look, me and my friends started a theater troupe and it's been really really hard to find success, and I know Mr. Zamuto Phong lives in this house!
Guard
Oh, for Tui's sake! Another one?
Ta
Please, I just want to meet him. I think he'll be very impressed by our work!
Guard
You know how many punks come around here claiming they're the next Kansek? Get a job!
We cut to a stick slamming down into the sand, then we cut to a shot from below, looking up at Ta, Oni and Teepo as Ta draws a diagram in the sand.
Ta
Three entrances. In the front, the formal entrance. That one is out.
We see Ta cross it out.
Ta
One from the side. I saw them hauling in a caged platypus bear. Maybe.
Ta draws two straight lines next to this one.
Ta
Finally, the servant's entrance. All the way back here. Probably our best bet.
Ta circles this entrance.
Oni
I have a question. How do we know Zamuto is actually going to be at this party?
Teepo
It's his house. Why wouldn't he be there?
Oni
You know how these rich people are.
Ta
Mhm. Truthfully, we don't know. This is a gamble.
Oni
Hmm…
Teepo
Oni, you know how slippery this guy is. This may be our only chance to find some real information on him! We have to get into this party. This is the plan.
Oni tosses a seed into his mouth and chews on it in thought.
Oni
How do we get in?
Ayana cuts in from the other side of the room. Her and Lao are meditating.
Ayana
How does anyone get into any party? A little charm goes a long way, my friend.
We cut to a close up of the front of a journal and see a couple of words: "Property of the Mayor of Friendly Town". Then we cut to see Kamui in his office, reading from it.
Kamui chuckles as he reads. Then he hears a knock on the door and puts the book down.
Kamui
Yes?
The door opens and a guard looks in.
Guard
He's here.
Kamui stands up, straightening out his coat.
Kamui
Ah. Send him in.
Kamui waits for a moment, before he remembers to stow the journal away in his desk drawer. Then a stout man with a big, bushy beard walks in and bows.
Man
General.
Kamui
(Bows back) Please, sit.
The man nods and sits down before Kamui does the same. Kamui looks the man over, then he smiles.
Kamui
I've wanted to talk to you for a long time. I'm glad you were finally able to make it to the Capital.
The man nods brusquely and mumbles in agreement.
Kamui
How do you pronounce your name? Is it Kanseek?
Kansek
Kansek. Like the poet.
Kamui
Ah, of course. Your parents had good taste. Tell me, do you have a favorite work by your namesake?
Kansek
(Shrugging) Never read him.
Kamui
Okay, then... We both know why you're here. And I'd like to issue an apology on behalf of the Kamakoi Trade Association as well as myself, personally. We take full responsibility for the loss of your purchase.
Kansek
An apology is good. An explanation would be better. Or a refund.
Kamui
Well, in as much detail as I'm allowed to give… (Kamui leans forward, talking quietly) There was a stowaway on the transport ship, an enemy of the Empire.
Kansek
(Leaning in) No…
Kamui
(Nods) Yes. Unfortunately, the earthbenders your company purchased were swept up in a nefarious plot of sorts. Which necessitated that the ship be… Abandoned in the north sea.
Kansek
Hmm… That's quite the story, General, but I have a business to run. I paid for goods which never arrived. How do you plan to address this?
Kamui
Kansek, please. We fully intend to reimburse the Ranakata Mining Company. In any way you see fit.
Kansek nods in thought.
Kansek
Hmm… In any way, General Kamui?
Kamui
Within reason.
We cut to Kansek in profile, twirling at his beard.
Kansek
Because I've heard talk that you can procure me a different sort of earthbender.
Kansek then grins mischievously. We cut to Kamui, who's sitting forward, stone faced.
Kamui
I'm not sure what you mean.
We cut to a group of giggling ladies in thick makeup and fancy dresses. A skeevy looking man is whispering something to the ladies and they nod, then he directs them towards the crowd.
The party is taking place in the lavish, enormous main room of the Phong mansion. Picture a Roman villa with a firebender aesthetic.
We hear upbeat, rhythmic music as the ladies disperse into the crowd, and the camera slowly pans across the high falutin party taking place at the Phong residence. We see two very well dressed men talking to each other, holding drinks.
RichPerson 1
I just bought a new boat, fastest boat in the North sea.
Richperson 2
Oh yes?
RP 1
Yes, indeed. I named it 'The Fastest Boat in the North Sea.'
RP 2
You rascal. (Motions) Porter!
A servant arrives with a wicker trash receptacle and holds it up for RP 2.
RP 2
(Impressed) Mm, quick response time. (He dumps the rest of his drink into it) You're a credit to your people.
The servant shows no annoyance until he turns around. We follow him as he brings the trash receptacle through the party and out of the back door.
As he exits through the back entrance, a hand grabs him and pulls him into the nearby bushes.
We cut to a close up of the guy surrounded by Ta and Co.
Oni
Shh.
Ta
(She produces a golden coin from her pocket) Clothes. Now.
We cut to the outside of the bush. Beat.
The servant stumbles out in Lao's beach clothes, looking confused. He takes another look at the coin in his hand and then shrugs and walks away.
Lao then emerges from the bush in the servant's clothes and enters the mansion through the back door.
We cut to two airbenders in a back closet, smoking something through a grass straw. One passes it to the other.
A1
He didn't even come home last night.
A2
Really? I'm so sorry.
A1
No, it was great.
Suddenly the door opens and Lao walks in. A1 hides the still smoking straw behind her back. Then they see that it's another airbender and they relax.
A1
Hey there.
Lao raises her eyebrow at the smell.
Lao
Um… I need a cart. You know, for the Shrimp.
A1
Right on.
A2
(Pointing) It's over there.
Lao looks over and sees a couple of carts off to the side.
Lao
Oh, okay. Great.
A2 nods at her. Lao nods back. Then she looks over at A1, who also nods to her. Lao nods back.
We cut to Lao, Teepo, Oni, and Ayana crammed into the bottom of a cart behind a curtain. We hear it being wheeled somewhere as they squirm around, scrunched together.
Ayana
Does everybody remember their names?
Everyone nods in unison.
Ayana
Let's hear them. I'll go first. I'm Umi.
Teepo
I'm Tazhi.
Oni
I'm Nue.
Ta
I'm Kimiko.
We cut back to Lao, still in the servant's clothes, who is wheeling the cart through the first floor of the mansion. We see the fancy folks in attendance.
Lao rolls her eyes.
Lao
I'm an airbender.
Lao goes out of focus as she heads towards the kitchen. In the foreground, we see the hands of the drummer of the band. He does a complicated fill and segues into the next part of the song.
We cut to a moving shot, panning through the kitchen as Lao wheels the cart.
Then we cut back inside the cart, where Ayana is pulling a small box out of pocket. The box opens and we see a long tube and some blow darts.
We cut back to Lao, who stops the cart at the bottom of a flight of stairs. A guard looks over and nods at her. She nods back and the guard looks away. Then Ayana's hand comes out from behind the curtain holding the tube, loaded.
Ayana peeks out and takes aim, then she gathers a little pocket of air with her fingers before compressing it and blowing it like a flu through the tube.
We cut to the guard's neck as the dart hits. He glances back at Lao and she nods again before he falls to the floor.
We cut to Oni and Teepo dragging the guard into the cart, behind the curtain. Then they all sneak up the stairs.
We cut to a long vertical brush painting. It depicts a dragon cavorting with some branches. Then we cut to Ta, who is staring at the illustration. We can still hear the band playing from downstairs.
The group is inside a bedroom. The room has a purple glow to it, as the light from the setting sun shines through a stained glass window. On the left, Oni and Ayana are opening up the closet and sifting through the clothes.
Oni
Hmm. These are for girls. I'm gonna look around.
Ayana
Careful.
Oni nods and quietly heads out of the room.
We cut to Teepo, who is looking around another room. A pair of broadswords on the wall grab his attention. Oni walks in and finds him, before they both go to the closet and find some more clothes.
We cut to a drawer opening. Inside is a pile of fancy jewelry, then we cut to Lao looking down at it with her eyebrow raised. She closes the drawer.
As Lao walks over to the window, she notices a portrait hanging on the wall beside it.
The camera slowly zooms in on Lao. She recognizes the teenage girl (Zota Phong) but she can't quite place her.
Teepo
Well? What do you think?
Lao snaps out of it and turns to see Teepo wearing a fancy, embroidered robe. He's showing it off to Ta, who scratches her cheek.
Ta
It's… Appropriate.
Teepo grins at Ta. Ayana then nudges Lao in the side.
Ayana
See? What'd I tell you?
Lao
Hmm?
Ayana points to Ta and Teepo, who are quietly chatting.
Ayana
Aren't they adorable?
Lao
...Really?
We cut to Lao's POV, panning from Teepo over to Ta.
Lao
I'm not so sure.
Ayana
Come on, Teepo is nothing like His Royal Pettiness. He's a nice kid.
Lao
Exactly.
Ayana looks over at Lao and raises her eyebrow.
We cut to another shot of Lao's POV. We see Ta say something deadly serious to Teepo and then dig her finger into his chest. Teepo nods back with force.
Lao blinks.
We see the drummer again, playing a military rhythm.
Then we cut to a montage of the rest of them finding suitable clothes, fastening the buttons and laces and generally suiting up.
The drums land on a decisive note as Ta fastens an earring to her ear.
We cut to the five of them in the middle of the party, surrounded by chit chat. They look around.
Teepo
So, um…
Ayana
What exactly do we do?
Ta scans the room.
Ta
Hmm…
We see the pan from her POV. Among the scores of chattering people, there's a man standing there with a drink in his hand.
Oni
Ta. In your old life, didn't you ever go to one of these events?
Ta
(Smirking) My people preferred a modest celebration.
Oni
Ah…
Ta
But the principle is the same.
Ta narrows her eyes and takes another glance at the man holding a drink.
Ta
Watch.
Ta abruptly starts walking towards the man with her finger pointed.
We cut back to him as he points at himself with a quizzical expression. Ta reaches him and tilts her head.
Ta
I know you. How do I know you?
The man starts wracking his mind.
Man
I wish I remembered! Though I don't… Odd...
Ta
(Pointing to herself) Kimiko? Ukuye?
The man claps his hands together.
Man
Ah, the Ukuye daughter, of course. It must have been at the Winter Festival on Indigo Island... (Looks her up and down) I thought you were taller.
Ta
Everyone always says that! And remind me, you are...?
Korotan
Korotan Kami.
Ta
Korotan Kami, of course. You're um… (Snaps her finger)
Korotan
Owner of the largest shark-whaling fleet this side of Kiyuga? Indeed I am.
Ta
(Bows) What a pleasure it is running into you!
Korotan
(Bows) Likewise. Your father is well, I hope. (Beat, narrows his eyes) Say, what is Kimiko Ukuye doing at a party like this?
Ta
(Blinks) To be honest… I'm hoping to meet Zamuto Phong.
Korotan looks around. As the camera follows his view, we see that behind the glamour there's a certain seediness to the affair.
Korotan then looks back at Ta with a strange expression.
Korotan
Really? You want to meet Zamuto Phong? Why?
Ta
I hear he's involved in some very interesting projects. Do you know if he's going to make an appearance tonight?
Korotan
(Distantly) I don't know. (Snaps back) Say… When you talk to your father, don't mention you saw me here. Okay?
Ta
...Sure?
Korotan
Great… Bye, now.
Korotan slinks away from Ta, disappearing into the crowd.
Ta turns around and looks back at the other four, shrugging. Then we cut to a montage of the five of them talking to different people throughout the party.
Oni
Hello!
Ayana
Hi.
Teepo
Good evening.
Lao
How are you?
Ta
How's the barley industry?
We cut an old man, holding a shaking cup.
Old man
Well, it's good. It's very very good. It was a very good season for barley, because it wasn't too moist. Barley thrives in a dry climate.
Ta
Uhuh, do you know if Zamuto is going to show up?
Old man
Ah, Zamuto. Let me tell you a very… Very long story about him.
Woman
(Blinks) Mr. Phong?
Oni
Yes.
Woman
Umm...
Ayana
Will he be attending the soiree?
Man
I'm not really sure...
Lao
Where is he, anyway?
Woman
Well, you know, that man is such a mystery. He could be anywhere! He could be dead for all I know!
Teepo
Is Zamuto Phong gonna be here?
Man
Who do you work for?
Teepo
Zamuto Phong?(Cut) Zamuto Phong? (Cut) Zamuto Phong?
We cut to a woman, who looks confused.
Woman
...Is that whose house this is? Wow…
Teepo angrily downs his drink and walks away.
Woman
Wait! Where're you going, cutie?
We see a timelapse of the moon descending down towards the horizon, accompanied by a lilting string.
The five of them meet back up towards the side of the room. They huddle.
Ayana
I'm sorry, Teepo. I really thought this was our shot.
Teepo
(Sigh) It's okay. Next time.
Oni
Next time.
Lao looks relieved.
All of them look at Ta, who pauses before she nods in agreement.
Ta
Yes, this isn't over. (Beat) We're gonna need a new plan. But first, we need to-
Suddenly, a woman butts into the conversation.
RP6
Shh! He's coming!
Oni, Ayana, Lao and Ta turn around to look as a blurry figure walks onto the stage across the room.
Teepo continues to face away for a moment, looking nervous.
At first we just hear him. He sounds drunk.
Zamuto
Yes, hello! Yes! Now, shut up! It's time to give the birthday boy some attention!
Teepo slowly turns around as the crowd applauds. We see his wide open, angry eyes.
Zamuto
I'd like to recite a poem I wrote this morning.
We finally cut to Zamuto Phong, an unimpressive looking man with a sly grin. He pulls a scrap of paper out of his pocket.
Zamuto
(Clears his throat) To Zarudo and Wei. You said I wouldn't be nothing. Now I'm living in a house ten times the size yours was. So, I guess you were wrong about that too! (He starts angrily pacing) Yeah, that's right! This is a fifty thousand square foot property! I'm a starchild! (He throws the scrap on the floor and stomps on it) Anyway… Enjoy the spread.
Zamuto walks off stage. There's an awkward silence, followed by more applause. We cut back to Teepo, who stares at the empty stage with awed disdain.
Suddenly a hand comes down on his shoulder and he turns to his side to find Ta. She nods at him. Then he looks back at the stage and exhales.
RP6
(In the background) I love him.
We cut to a hook being placed through the ring of a chain, and the military drum returns. The camera pans down to reveal a cow-pig carcass hanging from it.
As the camera keeps panning down, we see an airbender holding a tray of drinks and walking through the kitchen. He walks through the doors into the party and past a couple.
RP7
The invasion, the invasion, the invasion. What about my silver?
RP8 nods in agreement.
RP7
If the price keeps going down… You know.
We cut to a startling close up of Zamuto Phong as he shakes uncontrollably. Then we cut to a wider shot. Zamuto is spastically flailing his whole body for the entertainment of a young girl.
Zamuto
I'm insane! I can't stop shaking!
We catch a glimpse of the group watching him from a distance. Zamuto leans down and pinches the girl's cheek.
Zamuto
What's your name, little girl?
Girl
Azan!
Zamuto
(Wistfully) Azan… Would you like to see a magic trick?
Azan nods and Zamuto creates a flame with his fingers. He sustains it for a moment, then he passes his other hand over it and the flame goes out.
We abruptly cut to the moon in the sky, along with a chaotic tsungi horn.
Then we see a group of servant's carrying the cage with the platypus bear in it out of the house. One of them sighs.
Servant
He didn't even let her out of the cage...
We cut to a shot of Zamuto sitting, enjoying a drink as all of the guests leave. He presides over them like a lord, sipping through a straw.
We suddenly hear Ayana's voice-over. She's whispering loudly.
Ayana
Where are my darts?
Oni
It doesn't matter, just- ...Okay, yeah. That works.
We abruptly cut to a guard, who's bleeding from his mouth. He looks down and sees a wine-colored icicle protruding from his chest, then he drops to the floor. Behind him, Lao, Oni, Teepo and Ayana shuffle into a supply closet. Ta closes the door and looks out from the kitchen. The house is almost completely empty now.
We cut to one of the ladies with heavy makeup, who walks alongside Zamuto towards the stairs.
Then we cut to the two of them on the second floor. Zamuto is shaking his hips as he walks up the stairs.
Zamuto
Come on, you have to admit, that band is flamin'! I don't care what anyone says! Kamakoi music is not as good as the hot stuff!
The lady is too distracted by all the strange things on the wall to listen to him.
We cut to the door of Zamuto's bedroom. The camera slowly zooms out to reveal a large ice block hovering above the door. Then the camera zooms out a little more to reveal Ta standing to the right, holding it up.
The lady's fake laughter comes into focus and then Zamuto turns the corner and walks through his door.
Down comes the ice block, knocking him out.
The lady stares at the situation for a moment in shock, then she screams and drops her glass, running away.
Lady
AHHH! HELP!
Before she gets very far down the stairs, a dart hits her in the neck and she falls down.
Ayana
(From offscreen) Found them!
Cut to black.
We fade in on a hazy POV shot. As it starts to focus, we see an illustration of a farmer.
We cut to Zamuto, groggily opening his eyes. He's gagged and bound to a chair in the living room. He looks freaked out for a moment before he calms down and assesses the situation. Then he strains to look behind him.
We see the group in the background, whispering to each other.
Oni
Are we sure everyone is gone?
Ayana
Mhm. We did a sweep.
Teepo
Now all that's left is finding out what's in dear old Zamuto's head.
Ayana
You know what would make it easier? (She glances at Ta)
Ta notices that the four of them are all looking at her expectantly. Ta sighs and lowers her head, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
Ta
I haven't… I'll kill him.
The four all nod and give varying nonverbal responses to this. Ta then looks back at Zamuto.
Ta
We're gonna have to do this the old fashioned way. (Shifts focus to Ayana and Lao) You two. Up on the roof. Keep a lookout.
Ayana nods and heads upstairs. Lao hesitates, keeping her eyes locked on Ta.
Ta looks up at her, waiting, then she walks over to her. We end up on a tight shot with the two girls staring at each other. Ta looks up at Lao, who is taller than her.
Ta
Yes?
Lao continues to look at Ta with concern, then flicks her eyes over to Zamuto.
Lao
Ta…
Ta
No, don't start, Lao. Don't start with me.
Lao
I just-
Ta leans over, whispering forcefully in Lao's ear.
Ta
Do you remember why we're here? (Lao nods) Tell me.
Lao
(Shakily) We're interrogating Zamuto.
Ta
Mhm. So you know why you need to go upstairs, right? Why you can't be here? (Lao nods, Ta softens slightly) Don't think about all this. It's not real.
Lao looks confused by this comment, but nods and Ta pats her on the cheeks. Then Lao turns and slowly follows Ayana up the stairs, still looking confused.
We hear a loud scraping sound, then we cut to a close up of the chair legs being dragged to the center of the room.
Zamuto gets forcefully turned around, and then they yank the rag out of his mouth.
Oni
Remember us?
Zamuto blinks and stares up at the group, before he shakes his head.
Zamuto
I don't have a clue who you are. (Teepo narrows his eyes, Zamuto looks at him) Except you. You look kinda familiar.
Teepo looks away.
Oni
Maybe you remember a man named Tenpo? (Teepo holds back tears)
Zamuto
Tenpo… Huh… No…
Oni
The West Kyoko Theater Company?!
Zamuto's eyes widen, then he groans and shakes his head.
Zamuto
This crap with the play again? Did Kamui send you? Because I already told him everything!
Oni
We don't work for Kamui!
Zamuto
Then who do you- ...Oh. I see. You're them. You're the actors.
The camera pans across the three of them, each with a different expression. Oni is livid, Teepo is scared and Ta is stone faced. Zamuto eyes Ta for a moment, trying to figure her out.
Zamuto
Not her.
Oni
If you know who we are, you must know why we're here.
Oni raises some water and turns it into an ice dagger, before directing it towards Zamuto's face.
Oni
So, we're gonna have a little talk.
Zamuto
Wait, wait, wait, the face! Listen. There's no need for this to be an interrogation. I'm an open book!
Oni leans down and talks forcefully.
Oni
So open.
We cut to a flashback. Kamui is sitting in his office with a sour look on his face. He finishes a glass of wine and then taps his finger on the table, before the door opens and several guards drag Zamuto Phong in.
Zamuto
Hey, come on! Watch the face!
Then they throw him in the chair.
Guard
You want us to stay, sir?
Kamui
No. All of you out. I want some alone time with our friend.
We can see Zamuto flash a hint of a smile as the guards leave, shutting the door behind them. Then Zamuto and Kamui share eye contact.
Kamui narrows his eyes.
Kamui
Zamuto Phong. Zamuto, Zamuto, Zamuto...
Zamuto
Um… (He takes out his pipe) You mind if I?
Kamui shakes his head. Zamuto casually sits back and lights his pipe, taking a few puffs. The smoke rises in front of Kamui's face.
Kamui
You know how long we took trying to track you down? How many resources were spent? All for you. Some… Grifter, they tell me.
Zamuto
That's a dirty word. I'm an entrepreneur.
Kamui
You're also a father. No? (Zamuto nods) You see, we're not the only ones who were trying to find you. Your daughter has been quite anxious to see you. Seeing as her freedom rests on the outcome of this conversation.
Zamuto
(Puffs) Yes, my daughter, of course. My poor Zota. How's she doing?
Kamui
(Looks confused) Not well… She's been in the dungeon for two months. Waiting for you.
Zamuto
I'd like to bring my Zotie back home. How can we make that happen?
Kamui
Well, you can start by explaining why you hired the West Kyoko Theater Company to go on stage and spill Kamakoi secrets to the public.
Zamuto looks down, trying to remember, and then he chuckles.
Zamuto
Oh, that? (Laughs) I forgot I did that…
Kamui stares at Zamuto in disbelief.
Zamuto
Is that what this is all about?
Kamui
Yes, that is what this is all about. You changed the script. Why? What was the goal?
Zamuto once again lights his pipe.
Zamuto
(Puffs) The kid was messing with our profits. His whole buyback scheme was taking money out of the hands of merchants and putting it in the hands of servants. What? (Puffs) Anyway, Kato had a meeting scheduled with us, and we all knew what was coming. He wanted to take this buyback nonsense and spread it across the whole empire. No way we were gonna let that happen. (Puffs) So I thought, hey, maybe I tell everyone the kid's a stiff, and they uh… Turn on him.
Kamui blinks, then he smiles and closes his eyes.
Kamui
Well… This is embarrassing. (Chuckles)
We cut back to the Phong estate. A wide shot of Zamuto tied to the chair surrounded by Ta, Oni and Teepo. Zamuto snickers quietly.
Suddenly, Oni grabs Zamuto by his collar.
Oni
That's it?! You wanted to get rid of Prince Kato because he was... Costing you money?!
We cut to Ta, whose face lapses into sorrow for a moment.
Then we cut to Teepo, who looks confused.
Teepo
What about my brother?
Zamuto
Hmm?
Teepo
My brother, Tenpo! What happened to him?! Where is he?!
Zamuto shrugs, not knowing.
Teepo
No, don't shrug. You know something. Kamui hauled my brother out of our cell and told him that he looked just like Kato! Why?
Zamuto
Did he?
Teepo
Did he what?
Zamuto
Did he look like Kato?
Teepo
...Don't talk about him in the past tense! We don't even know if he's dead. We know nothing!
Zamuto stares up at Teepo, not caring. Then suddenly something occurs to him, and he looks intrigued.
Teepo
What?
Zamuto
You said Kamui said he looked like Prince Kato? (They nod) Huh… (He looks up in thought) Huh… Is it at all possible the false prince isn't dead?
Ta's eyes widen ever so slightly.
Teepo
What do you mean?
Zamuto
Well, think about it. Kamui grabbed your brother right around the time Kato was executed. But what if it wasn't Kato? What if it was your brother?
Teepo blinks. Then he becomes enraged.
Teepo
Are you telling me Tenpo was a stand-in?!
Zamuto
You're theater people. He was an understudy.
Teepo again grabs Zamuto by the collar and his other hand bursts with flame. Zamuto looks unafraid.
Zamuto
Why don't you untie me and we'll settle this like man and boy?
Teepo
Or I make this easy and burn your whole face to ash right here in this chair.
Zamuto
You're not going to do anything. Because you know I didn't kill your brother. Not really.
Teepo
But you set him up!
Zamuto shrugs in agreement.
Zamuto
I did. But I didn't kill him.
Teepo blinks, then he lets go of Zamuto and looks down, his flame going out.
Teepo
You're right.
Zamuto
Now let's talk about next steps, hmm? What do you want? Clothing? Jewels?
Ta suddenly steps in from the side.
Ta
It's not enough.
The other two look at Ta. Zamuto narrows his eyes.
Zamuto
Come on. What's your price?
Ta
I don't have a price.
Zamuto
(Tilting his head) Yes, I can see that now. You're running on something else entirely. Rage?
We cut to a close up of Ta's eye.
Zamuto
No... Pain.
We cut to Lao and Ayana on the roof. Ayana is sitting, keeping watch, while Lao is pacing back and forth.
Suddenly, Ayana stands up and physically stops her.
Ayana
Why? Why are you always nervous? You remember the last mission? It went off without a hitch.
Lao
I'm not worried about the mission failing.
Ayana's eyes narrow in confusion.
Ayana
Then why are you pacing back and forth like a hogmonkey on hot coals?
Lao looks down.
Lao
I'm so worried about her…
Ayana
(Rolling her eyes)Ta again? Let it go… (Lao flashes her an ugly glance) Hey! That man down there is a monster, and if Ta wants to do what Ta does best then I say good for her.
Lao
'What she does best'?
Ayana shrugs and then crosses her arms. Lao looks away, frozen in thought. Lao eventually betrays some guilt, but hides it.
Lao
I'm just… I couldn't help it. When I saw her at that wedding... Looking at the crowd like they were a pack of beasts ready to pounce… I started to think of her as a sister.
Ayana puts her hand on Lao's shoulder.
Lao
I wanted to save her. I had to save her.
Ayana
And you did.
Lao
Did I? Is that Ta down there?
Ayana faces Lao.
Ayana
Lao… You know what she's been through.
As Ayana and Lao face each other, a figure walks towards the house in the background.
Lao
But what if… We made the wrong choice?
We cut back to the standoff between Zamuto and Ta.
Zamuto
Listen, you were obviously wronged by someone, it's written all over your face. (Points to Teepo) And I know this little twerp has a problem with me but you don't seem like you have a problem with me. So, I think I can talk my way out of this.
Ta
(Skeptical) Is that so?
Zamuto
Hmm. You don't want money. You want... (Taps on his leg in thought) Revenge. Right? (He looks at the others) She wants revenge, am I right? On someone else, I mean! (Slightly smiling, turns back to Ta) How do you think I got this house? I can make anything happen. Anything you want. For Koi's sake, I got the entire empire to turn on the crown prince! So come on, what do you say? Let's get some revenge!
Ta slowly walks around Zamuto until she's behind him.
Ta
I told you I don't have a price.
She puts her hands on his temples. Zamuto seems to realize what's going on.
Zamuto
You got that son of a seabird to teach you?!
Beat.
Ta
Nope.
Zamuto's eyes widen.
Zamuto
Stop! You don't want to do this!
Ta
And why not?
Zamuto
Are you stupid? I once again direct you to look at my enormous house! You think you're just going to walk out of here once this is over? You have no idea the kind of storm I will rain down on you from beyond the grave!
Suddenly, we hear a familiar voice.
Zota
Dad?
Ta, Teepo, Oni and Zamuto all turn their heads as Zota walks in from the entrance room.
Then Zamuto's demeanor completely changes, becoming cowardly.
Zamuto
You're home! Oh, thank the flames!
Zota
What's... Going on here?
Zamuto
Zotie, you have to help me! These robbers, they wanna kill daddy!
Ta
(Blinks) What?
Zota
WHAT?!
We cut to the roof. Lao and Ayana hear an explosion, and they feel the mansion shake beneath their feet.
TO BE CONTINUED...