AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 2: TRADE
CHAPTER 7: THE FALSE EMPRESS
Zota
What is that, daddy?
We cut to Zota as a young girl, watching as Zamuto pries open a box in their newly purchased beachfront mansion.
Zamuto
It's everything. Call it a new obsession. Call it what you want, I don't care.
Zamuto takes the lid off of the box and pulls out a porcelain object for Zota to look at. Her eyes sparkle.
Zamuto
What do you think?
Zota
It's a lizard!
Zamuto
It's a squid-lizard, Zotie. (Beat) A squid-lizard. (Zota nods) And I think I know the perfect place for it.
Zamuto carefully raises the knick-knack and hangs it on the empty wall beside them. He ruffles Zota's hair as they look at it.
The camera lingers on the squid-lizard on the empty wall, before slowly fading to the same wall years later, now completely covered in porcelain lizard-hybrids of various shapes and sizes.
We see the collection for a brief moment before it's destroyed.
BOOM!
Dust and shards go flying. Ta and Oni create a shield of ice around themselves to block the shrapnel. Zamuto flinches as he takes some to the face.
Ta then lowers the shield and looks at Zota's wild eyes from across the room. Zota looks back, then she winds up again.
Ta
Come on guys, let's go!
Ta leads Oni and Teepo out of the mansion as another explosion rings out.
BOOM!
The three of them narrowly avoid being crushed by a chunk of ceiling. We cut to Zamuto watching in horror as his house gets destroyed.
Zota
Come back here, thieves!
Zota runs after the three of them as they escape through the front garden. She winds up for another attack before Zamuto yells out.
Zamuto
Wait! Stop! (Zota stops and turns around) The resale value!
We cut back to Ta, Teepo and Oni as they run through the bushes. Ta looks back at the collapsing mansion and Zota standing in the doorway, then she sees Lao and Ayana gliding down from the roof.
The two airbenders land in a panic, following the other three to the beach.
Ayana
What was that?
Oni
It was the daughter!
Ta
Zota.
We cut to Lao, who recognizes the name. The group makes it to the beach and they find The Lion Turtle anchored behind some rocks.
We hear the sound of more footsteps and see the silhouettes of Zamuto's private security force approaching. This is intercut with Ta and Co. boarding the ship and pulling the anchor up. It seems as if the security force is going to be on top of them-
But they're too late. The Lion Turtle is already sailing into the distance…
We cut back to the ship. Teepo breathes heavily and shakily as Ayana comforts him.
Once they've sailed into open water, Oni and Ta stop bending and they raise the sail.
The group takes a moment to collect themselves, before we cut to Ta. She shoots Lao a sharp glance.
Ta
A warning would have been nice.
We cut back to the Phong mansion. Zota is frantically untying Zamuto from his chair as the mansion burns around them. Another chunk of ceiling falls down.
She finally gets him untied and they run out of the house. Zamuto then bends over, hysterically grabbing his knees.
Zamuto
I thought I was done for! (Laughs, then he turns around and his laughing turns into crying) My house! No! My fifty thousand square foot beachfront property! (He sobs, then whines Into hands) The resale value…
Zota walks up behind him, hands clutching her mouth.
Zota
I am so sorry, Daddy.
Zamuto turns around and smiles at Zota, before putting his arm around her.
Zamuto
Oh… It's not your fault, Zotie… Well, it is your fault. But you were just protecting your old man. (Zota briefly smiles, before looking solemn again) Whew, I thought for sure that scary girl was going to turn me into a drooling idiot…
Zota
What are you talking about?
Zamuto
Nothing. Nevermind. You really came through for me tonight. You know that? (Zota nods) But this whole 'burning house' thing...
Cut to a wide shot of the house. A side wall collapses inward.
Zamuto
...That I'm not so thrilled about.
Zota looks up at him in concern. He looks back, saying nothing. And after a moment, Zota gets it.
Zota
How can I make it up to you?
Zamuto grins and ruffles Zota's hair.
Zamuto
Those thieves? The ones that thought they could get one over on your old man? I want you to kill them, Zotie. (Beat) Bring me their heads in a box.
We cut to a close up of Zota. Her eyes widen slightly. Then she nods.
Zota
Yes, father.
We cut to a piece of graffiti etched onto a wall in the capital. It depicts Empress Kyana having sex with an anthropomorphic boulder.
Kataia is looking up at it, along with a crowd of amused onlookers.
We then cut to Batua, who is walking through the plaza as nobles and merchants yell at him from the sidelines.
Noble 1
Where is she?
Noble 2
Why are you protecting her?
Noble 3
She's a rock lover!
Batua looks down in conflicted fear as his guards usher him back to the palace. Suddenly, the crowd starts throwing food items at him.
We cut to Batua as he gets dinged by a head of cabbage. Suddenly, one of his guards (Aki) draws a few ice daggers, but he gets nudged by another guard (Takutu).
Takutu
This your first day, kid?
Aki
(Looks at Takutu and nods) I just graduated.
Takutu
Well, they should have told you about this. (He bends Aki's daggers back into water) You don't threaten the nobles, no matter how riled up they are.
Takutu and a 3rd guard raise an ice shield to protect Batua from the crowd.
Takutu
It's not conducive to a civil palace environment, you understand?
Aki
…No?
Takutu
(Ponderously) See, out there in the world, there's violence. But in here? Everyone is safe. That's why the capital is the greatest city in the world.
Aki nods and considers this.
We cut back to Batua, and hear the crowd again.
Noble 4
You got rid of the false prince! What about the false empress?
We cut to a close up of a Pai Sho tile. A familiar finger then slides the tile 2 spaces forward.
Admiral Tarakano looks down at the board. He and Kamui are in the war room, with a Pai Sho board on the large table.
Tarakano
Ah, the Three Fingered Sage maneuver. How very… You.
Kamui
Once you learn to counter it, I'll stop playing it.
Tarakano rolls his eyes. The two play a few more moves while the palace staff make the noise of work in the background. Tarakano then looks up at Kamui.
Tarakano
So,-
Kamui
You're curious, aren't you?
Tarakano
(Looking away) Perhaps.
Kamui pulls out the journal he's been reading and hands it to Tarakano.
Tarakano
(Confused) 'Property of the Mayor of Friendly Town'?
Kamui
(Sighs) Yes. One of many mysteries. (Beat, takes the book back) I was so sure I had it figured out, Tarakano… Truth be told, there's only one airbender I know capable of this kind of cunning. (Beat) Jang.
Tarakano
Who?
Kamui
An elderly steward to my nephew, the false prince. Of course, in hindsight, he was probably more like an advisor. Jang was… Fiendish for an old man.
We briefly flash back to Jang throwing pepper dust in Kamui's eyes.
Kamui
He crippled my son, and made the city guard look like a pack of nurse maids.
Tarakano
You think he could be the inventor? (Kamui nods) So what's the mystery, then?
Kamui
(Opens the journal) Listen to this journal entry. 'Kaji said I'm going to become a woman soon. I asked her if I could instead become a parrot hawk. She laughed, but it was a real question.'
Tarakano raises his eyebrow. Then Batua arrives on the scene with his guards.
Tarakano
(Nods head) Emperor. (To Kamui) We'll finish this game another time.
Tarakano stands up and walks away. As he goes, Kamui stows the book away in his bag.
Batua
What was that book?
Kamui
Nothing. (Smiles) Sit.
Batua looks down at the Pai Sho board between them and warily takes a seat. There is a long moment of silence before Batua scratches his head.
Batua
Well… I'm here.
Kamui nods in thought, then he looks back at Batua with concern.
Kamui
Emperor. Don't you think it's odd that you still haven't spoken with Kyana?
Batua's eyes get wide.
Batua
What? Why?
Kamui
Don't play dumb.
Batua
(Rolls his eyes) The graffiti? Come on… It doesn't even look at her. (Batua realizes this answer won't satisfy Kamui) People are bored and they want something to yell about. Who cares? I just won't leave the palace for a while.
Kamui
Hmm… Batua, don't you want to be respected?
Batua
(Shrugs) Sure.
Kamui
And how is anyone supposed to respect an Emperor who's too afraid to talk to his own mother?
Batua
(Red faced) I'm not afraid. I can talk to her!
Kamui
You must admit, this whole thing looks very odd from a political perspective. Unstable.
Batua looks down at the board for a moment.
Batua
Maybe…
Kamui
You're going to have to make nice with her. Soon. Today. (Batua gulps, saying nothing) Yes? (Batua still says nothing) Of course… Ah, nevermind.
Batua
(Looking up) What?
Kamui
Nothing, your majesty…
Batua
No, tell me.
Kamui
Well… (Slowly leans back, shrugging) Perhaps your mother's time in the capital has simply run its course…
Batua
(Confused) What are you… Where would she go?
Kamui shares eye contact with Batua, and Batua's eyes widen.
Batua
No. I don't think-... I'll talk to her, okay? (Stands up) Today.
Kamui
Very good.
Batua walks away with his guards in tow. We see a close up of Batua as he exits the war room. He looks very nervous.
Batua
Oh, fishhook…
We cut back to Kamui. He takes out the journal again, before suddenly being tapped on the shoulder. He turns around to look at a steward.
Kamui
Yes?
Steward
Sir, a captain of the seventh legion just arrived. Captain Tyuk? He says he has something important to tell you.
Kamui raises his eyebrow.
We hear the roiling of the water, before we cut to Ta standing aboard The Lion Turtle. The ship is bobbing up and down on the open sea.
Ta takes a moment, then walks down into the cabin, descending the stairs and walking into the kitchen area, where the group is waiting for her. The group minus one.
We cut to the inside of the washroom, where Lao is cleaning up. She takes a look at herself in the mirror, unsure of what to think, before she hears her name called.
Ayana
Lao! It's time.
Lao inhales and gives herself one more dissatisfied look, before she exits the washroom.
We cut to Ta, addressing the group as they sit in the kitchen.
Ta
So. We did it. We have our answers.
Everyone looks forlorn. Teepo especially, who stares with disdain at a random spot on the table.
Ta looks down as well, with a look of consideration. Then she looks up. She's about to say something before she's interrupted by Teepo.
Teepo
We didn't kill him.
Ta then momentarily glances at Lao before nodding.
Ta
I know…
Oni
That wasn't the mission. (Looks at Teepo) The mission was to find out what happened to Tenpo. And we did.
Teepo
Really? You believe Zamuto?
Oni
Well… Why not? It's better than any explanation I can come up with. Besides, why would he make it up? (Sighs) I know it's not what you want to hear, but-
Teepo
No… No, no, no. No. My brother did not die like that. As a lookalike. He's still alive.
Teepo looks out amongst the group of solemn faces, then he turns to Ta.
Teepo
You agree with me, don't you, Ta? How can we trust anything that creep says?
Ta looks back at Teepo, conflicted.
Ta
Honestly… I don't know.
Then we briefly flash back to Zamuto tied up in the chair, thinking out loud:
Zamuto
Is it at all possible the false prince isn't dead?
We cut back to Ta, remembering this moment. Oni puts his hand on Teepo's shoulder.
Oni
…Teepo, listen-
A tear begins to roll down Teepo's cheek and he stands up and walks away. Oni looks to the side with regret.
Ayana
Teepo!
Ayana then gets up and follows him. Ta, Lao and Oni all stare at the hallway for a moment, before Ta looks back at the two of them.
Ta
Well. Meeting is postponed.
With a stomp of percussion, we cut to the door to Kyana's chambers. We also see the back of Batua's head. He stands there for a while, stuck in place.
Guard
Sir?
We cut to Batua in profile as he sighs, looking down. Then he shakes his head and goes to open the door.
Kyana looks up from her desk, then almost jumps out of her seat at the sight of her son. Batua doesn't say anything. He just stands there, looking at the floor. Suddenly, Kyana stands up and faces away from Batua.
We cut to a wide shot of the two of them. Batua takes a few steps forward, looking up at her.
Batua
So, I um… Look… (Clears his throat) I know you're mad at me, but you're my mom and I'm the emperor and… It's weird if we don't talk. Like, for the public.
Kyana's eyes narrow.
Batua
I have an image to maintain. So… Come on, let's just move past this. (Beat) Mom? Hello?
Nothing.
Batua
Really? This is how you're gonna play this? News flash! The entire capital hates you right now! They all think you had sex with an earthbender! And maybe they're right! Why am I even trying to save you?
Still nothing.
Batua
The world is cut-throat, mom! Deal with it! When an opportunity comes along, you have to-...
Batua looks down.
Kyana
You know what you did. I want you to say it.
Batua blinks, then he turns to Kyana with the truth before suddenly stopping and doubling back in anger.
Batua
It's always about him... Always! All I ever heard my whole life was Kato this, Kato that! (Pauses, tears up) I'm your son, too! And you know what? Maybe you deserve to be miserable! And maybe dad…
Kyana
What? Deserves to be dead? Is that what you were going to say?
Batua
...Kamui believes in me! Which is more than I can say for you two!
Kyana
(Shaking her head) Kamui only believes in Kamui.
Batua narrows his eyes.
Batua
What do you know?
Then he turns around and pouts.
Kyana
Batua… Do you know why Kato got all the attention? (Beat) It's because he worked tirelessly, day in, day out. He had a goal, he had ambition. He had a plan for this empire!
Batua slowly turns around to look at her again.
Kyana
Batua, as soon as you realized you were a bender and Kato wasn't, you just gave up! You stopped caring about anything! You thought you deserved all the praise in the world for something you were born with but you never worked for it. You just moped around when you didn't get it.
Batua is looking down angrily, rubbing his face.
Kyana
Who are you, Batua? Besides 'a waterbender'? Besides 'an Emperor'? Isn't there something that you care about?
Batua
I don't know... I don't know!
Kyana
Yes you do. What is it? Just give me something, anything.
Batua
Fruit!
Kyana blinks.
Kyana
...What?
Batua
I like… (Sighs, covers his face) Fruit.
Kyana
I don't understand...
Batua
(Flustered) I… I like how there are different varieties of fruit… And how there are little differences in taste, or how they feel… And I like putting them in different... Categories...
Batua looks up at Kyana, who is staring back with intrigue, then he gets embarrassed and looks away.
Kyana
(Small smile) You like botany.
Batua looks up at the ceiling and groans.
Batua
I'm the waterbender! I'm supposed to be a warrior! But I'm a bigger dork than Kato is!
Then Batua stops and slowly looks up at Kyana.
Kyana
'Is'?
Batua
(Blurting it out, can't stop himself) Kato is still alive. I saw him… Four months ago.
Kyana
What?! …But the execution!
Batua
It wasn't him… (Brief flashback to Batua beheading Tenpo) It was a man named… (Sigh) I don't know what his name was. But I killed him. He looked like Kato.
Kyana starts pacing, processing this information.
Kyana
He's still alive... (Then she stops and looks at Batua) Where is he now?
Batua
I put him on a ship. It was headed for-
Suddenly Batua's eyes widen and he reaches into his pocket. Slowly. Then he pauses before taking out a crumpled piece of parchment and handing it to Kyana. She opens it up and glances at it.
Kyana
What am I looking at?
Batua
It's a shipping log…
We cut to the parchment.
Kyana
'Earthbenders to Ranakata. Takeoff from shipping zone 3. Dock 12. Sunrise.'
Batua
It never made it…
Kyana
(Her eyes move across the page) 'Status: Unconfirmed.'
Kyana looks up from the parchment at Batua.
Batua
Uncle…
Kyana's eyes widen, then she sets the parchment down on the table, tapping it a few times in thought.
Kyana
Kato was on this ship?
Batua
(Nods) And there's another thing…
Kyana
What?
Batua
After the riot this morning… I think he wants you dead.
We cut to a close up of Kyana. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, before nodding.
We cut to a shot of the plaza from the window of Pong's studio. Pong and General Ato are standing by it, looking out at the flora.
Ato
The Blue Lilies are stunning this year. My compliments to the gardener.
Pong
(Morose) Yes. Quite the last view.
Ato turns to Pong, looking concerned, before the door opens and some guards walk in.
Guard
Pong. You've been summoned to General Kamui's chambers.
Pong nods, then he turns to Ato.
Pong
Well, I suppose this is goodbye, my friend.
Ato
What are you talking about?
Pong follows the guards out of the room. Ato shakes his head, rolling eyes.
Ato
I'm sure he just wants to talk!
Once Pong and the guards are gone, Ato looks extremely nervous and turns back towards the window.
We cut to Kamui, sitting at his desk. He's admiring an intricate, bejeweled knife.
Then we cut to the fat Captain from S.2-EP.5. He's sitting across from Kamui, looking confused. The Captain wipes some sweat from his forehead and looks at the knife.
Captain
Was it a gift? I don't get it. Why are you-
Kamui
Shh.
The door suddenly opens and Pong enters the room, surrounded by guards. Kamui looks up and smiles.
Kamui
Pong! My dear friend. So glad you could make it.
The guards usher Pong in, then walk back towards the door. Pong bows nervously.
Pong
G-...General… Listen, if I could explain myself. I was drunk-
Kamui waves his hand dismissively.
Kamui
Hush now. Forget about that.
The Captain turns around and raises his eyebrow at Pong.
Captain
(To Kamui) Is this your sculptor?
Kamui
That's right, Captain Tyuk. Pong is indeed our royal sculptor. How perceptive you are.
The captain grins and rubs his hand on his coat.
Captain
So, you'd like a rendering of my likeness? Is that it?
Kamui
(Ignoring the question) Stand up. (The captain looks confused, stands, Kamui then addresses Pong) You. Take his seat.
Pong looks around, then slowly walks over and sits across from Kamui.
Kamui
(To the captain, pointing) Go stand over there, against the wall.
Captain
Um… May I ask why?
Kamui
For the exercise, of course. We both know you could use it.
The captain cracks a sneering grin and nods, walking over to the wall. Pong watches him, then he turns back to Kamui, reclining in his seat.
Kamui
Captain Tyuk. Tell Pong everything you just told me.
Captain
…Are you sure? Why should a sculptor be privy to such… Sensitive information?
Kamui
(Camera slowly zooming in) Go on. Tell him.
Captain
Fine… (Clears throat) Well… As you know, we've begun to develop the eastern ridge off the Koakono forest. Just last week, me and my squad were setting up a base camp and we received some... Unexpected visitors.
Kamui
You're gonna love this, Pong. One of them was your predecessor.
Captain
Yes, the servant lover. Baka.
Pong chuckles mildly at this.
Pong
In the middle of the forest? How strange… Is he doing Pastorals now?
Kamui
Tell him who the other two were.
Captain
Well… One of them was a loudmouth airbender. And then the last one… Kamui, are you sure I should tell him? (Kamui nods) The last one, um, to the best of my knowledge… Was the false prince.
It takes a moment for this to register with Pong.
Pong
Excuse me? I don't understand. The false prince is-
Kamui
(Admiring the knife) Frustratingly hard to erase, it seems.
Pong
Sir, if the public knew Kato was still out there, the Emperor-
Kamui
I know. (He suddenly puts the knife down and stands up, looking at the captain) And what happened next, Captain?
Captain
(Looks down) He got away from us, sir.
Kamui
Ah! You hear that? He got away! He just got away!
Captain
My squad was made up of new recruits. It was-... I almost apprehended the boy myself, but he used his sneaky rock pusher tricks on me, and well-
Kamui
Shut up. (Cpt. clams up. Kamui turns back to Pong) Captain Tyuk had within his grasp the most dangerous threat to the stability of our empire and he just… (Shrugs) Let him get away. Does that seem acceptable to you, Pong?
Pong blinks, unsure of how to respond.
Pong
I don't know... I lack a military education…
The camera starts inching closer to both Pong and Kamui in their respective shots.
Kamui
Okay… So you wouldn't have done it differently? Is that what you're saying?
Pong
No.
Kamui
No, what?
Pong
(Gulp) No, that is not what I'm saying.
Kamui
(Slowly) So say what you mean to say.
Pong
(Nods, shakily) Well, sir. If I had the false prince within my sights, I would make sure he was good and dealt with. (Looks at Captain) For the sake of the Empire.
We cut to the captain, who looks back at Pong with wary disrespect.
Kamui
(Nods) Mhm. Would you say the captain is a traitor?
Captain
What?! I bleed Koi!
Pong
(Looks back at Kamui) …Yes.
Then we cut to a wide shot, beat, the tension releases for a moment as Kamui walks back to his desk and sits down. He picks up the fancy knife once again, staring at it.
Captain
Oh, this has got to be a joke! You're going off the word of this artist? This dandy? By his own admission, he has no military training!
Kamui
Pong, tell me. How do you think the captain should be punished?
We cut back to Pong, who looks at the Captain. The Captain looks back, noticing how freaked out Pong is. Something suddenly dawns on the Captain and he smirks to himself.
Pong
Customarily… Traitors are put to death.
Pong takes one more look at the Captain before looking down. Beat.
Kamui
Well?
Pong's eyes widen, then he again looks at Kamui, who slowly turns the knife over, holding it out for Pong to take. Pong looks at this gesture in surprise, then he stands up, shakily.
Pong
I'm no stiff.
Kamui nods and puts the knife back on the table, watching as Pong slowly walks over to the captain. The captain looks somewhat skeptical. On his way, Pong walks by a vase full of water.
The captain then raises his hands in a mock bending position.
Captain
You wanna go, fancy-boy? Hmm? I may not be the strapping soldier I once was, but I still got it where it counts. Right, General?
Kamui doesn't answer. The captain looks over at Kamui, who is silently observing the situation. Then he raises his eyebrow and looks back at Pong, who is standing before him, looking terrified.
Beat.
Captain
Come on, Kamui. Give this poor guy a break.
The Captain looks at Pong's expression, and a bead of sweat falls down his forehead.
We cut to Pong's hand, next to the vase. His hand slowly rises along with a bulge of water, before the door to Kamui's office suddenly bursts open.
Kamui looks surprised at the sight of Kyana, standing in the doorway.
The water drops back into the vase and Pong turns his attention towards Kyana, along with the Captain. They both sigh with relief.
Her eyes are wide for a moment, before Kyana breathes and bows to Kamui. Kamui bows back.
Kamui
Empress. Welcome.
Kyana
Hi, Kamui… (She turns to Pong and the captain, raising her eyebrow, before turning back to Kamui) Can we talk?
Kamui
Sure! Why not?
Kamui turns to Pong, raising his finger and nodding.
Kyana enters the room. Lingering by the doorway, we can see Batua hiding behind his guards.
Kyana
(As she walks) My word, it has been a panic the past few days, hasn't it?
She stops in front of Kamui, standing by his desk.
Kyana
Makes you wonder.
Kamui
(Tilts his head) Wonder what?
Kyana
Hmm… Well…
Something catches Kyana's attention and her gaze shifts, as does ours, to the bejeweled knife sitting on Kamui's desk.
Kyana picks it up, her eyes glimmering in recognition.
Kyana
This knife…
Kamui
Yes?
Kyana
It was given to you by Lakoa's grandfather. I remember. (Looks up at Kamui) At your wedding.
Kamui
(Nodding his head, with a slight smile) Mhm.
Kyana
(Snapping her finger) It was on, um…
Kamui
Indigo Island.
Kyana
Yes! It was beautiful.
Kamui
Mhm. (Looks down at the knife) It's really quite a masterpiece, I couldn't have-
Kyana surprises herself by plunging the knife into Kamui's shoulder. His eyes widen and they both fall over, her hand still on the knife.
Kyana
YOU KILLED MY SON!
Kamui and Kyana fall to the ground, blood spurting out of his shoulder.
Pong and the Captain both gawk at what's unfolding in front of them.
We cut to a close up of Kamui's face. He looks shocked but also a little impressed.
Kamui
Empress…
Kyana grabs the knife with both hands and pulls it out of Kamui's shoulder, causing more blood to spray out. Kamui groans in agony. Kyana draws the knife back, preparing to strike again with focus in her eyes, before she gets blasted to the side by a wave of water bent by Kamui.
Kyana tumbles across the floor, dropping the knife.
Batua hears the commotion and looks inside. He sees Kyana on the floor, coughing up water, and then sees Kamui grabbing onto his desk, almost upright again.
Batua
What happened?!
We see a close up of Kamui's shoulder wound. He tries to heal it for a moment, and it glows blue as he groans in pain.
Kamui
Batua, go back to your quarters. The adults need to have a conversation.
Kyana tries to grab the knife again, but Kamui hooks it with an icicle and brings it back to himself. Kyana then looks at Batua with fear.
Kyana
Just go, please!
Batua watches as Kamui makes his way towards Kyana and she backs away. Then he watches as Kamui turns a stream of water into a bunch of daggers. His eyes widen.
Batua
No!
Batua clumsily bends water out of the vase and slams it into Kamui, causing him to drop the ice daggers and topple over. Batua then grabs Kyana's hand and helps her off the floor. As Kamui stands up again, he sees Batua holding his arms out, protecting Kyana.
Kamui
(As he raises more daggers) Oh, how disappointing. (He points the daggers in Batua's direction) You never were cut out for this.
Suddenly, Batua's guards enter the room, including Aki and Takutu.
Guard 1
Halt!
Takutu
Put the daggers down, General. Before we put you down.
Aki
(Whispering to Takutu) Isn't he The Serpent? What if he-
Suddenly, Aki coughs up blood. The camera pans down to reveal an ice dagger in his neck. Takutu and the other guard raise their weapons and go for Kamui, but they don't stand a chance. Even with one hand, Kamui easily dispatches them, and their bodies fall to the floor.
Batua
Oh, koi! Oh, koi! Come on!
Batua grabs Kyana's hand and they run out of the room. Kamui grits his teeth in pain, then he raises more daggers and follows them.
Kamui
Where are you going? I just want to talk!
As Kamui walks out the door, the camera slowly pans across the room, passing over the bodies of Batua's royal guards. Finally, it lands on Pong and Captain Tyuk, who are both standing there with dumbfounded expressions.
The two glance at each other, and we hear more chaos and sounds of fighting outside the room.
We cut to Umi, snoring loudly as she sleeps in Batua's chambers. We hear somebody repeatedly knocking on the door until Umi finally opens her eyes in annoyance.
Umi trudges over to the door and opens it, finding her steward.
Steward
Empress, there you are!
Umi takes a moment, before replying haughtily.
Umi
Yes?
Steward
I'm so sorry. I know you don't like it when I interrupt your beauty sleep.
Umi
That's right.
Steward
Believe me, this isn't like that other time with the shrimp plate. I promise.
Umi
It better not be.
Steward
It's not.
Umi
Well? Come on, then. Let's hear it.
Steward
(As the Steward explains, the camera slowly zooms in on Umi) There's been an incident, your majesty, between the Emperor and your father. It came to blows. Now the royal guard has split allegiances. Some stand with your father while others stand with your husband, and the two sides have turned the palace into a warzone. Please, Empress, we have to get you behind the barricades before you're caught in the crossfire. Quickly!
The camera stays on Umi, who says nothing as she processes this information. Then she sighs with annoyance, rolling her eyes.
Umi
I was going to buy some new earrings today...
TO BE CONTINUED...