EXT STREETS OF CAPITAL CITY
Voso clutches his spirit, flying it low just above the cars still driving in the night. A police car, driven by Kota, rips through the street with Abe and Alrund on the roof, pulling ammunition from anywhere they can.
ABE
(loudly)
I don't think we can take out the spirit!
ALRUND
(loudly)
Then aim for him!
She javelins a rock spear that he turns to avoid. Abe and Alrund kneel on the roof to keep their balance as Kota swirls the steering wheel.
KOTA (O.S.)
(shouting)
Where is he going!?
ALRUND
(loudly)
Airport?
ABE
(loudly)
No, the docks. He can run faster on the water. Do we know where Zura is?
They and Al look worriedly at one another.
Up ahead, Voso glares over his shoulder.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Lead them away from the docks.
VOSO
(growling)
I can't leave Zura there for much longer.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Be careful, Sui-Ki. You're walking on the edge of a knife. If your strength is failing you...
Voso looks forward just in time to dodge beneath a traffic light. He angles his creature up, swirling it through several crossing wires.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Use your cunning to lose them.
He grips the hairs on his spirit's back, pushing it closer to the ground. Sparks from the rail system flit around him as he counts the corners, leaning close to his friends' ear.
VOSO
(loudly)
Fly them around the city, boy, and find me after you've lost them, alright?
The spirit screeches harshly in the night. Voso takes a few deep breaths.
VOSO
(shouting)
Now!
He rolls off the side as his spirit turns the opposite way, wrapping himself in thick, chunky ice that bounces him along the pavement.
He stands, slamming his back against a building, listening for the screech of tires. He's rewarded soon, Kota and the others taking the bait.
He sighs in relief and steps out, looking up to study the street sign. Behind him, a police car pulls up to the curb.
VOSO
(mumbling)
Not too far from the docks now.
The door closes, catching his attention at last.
ADACHI
(solemnly)
Voso.
Voso frowns heavily, turning to see Adachi's hard face staring back at him. The street is empty behind him minus a tumble of newspapers.
Adachi slides into a simple stance, his arms shaking with complicated emotions. Voso doesn't bother.
VOSO
(chuckling darkly)
C'mon, Grandpa. You know me. You know I'm-
Adachi juts a flaming arrow past Voso's head, causing the boy to duck and cover.
VOSO
(shocked)
Whoa, whoa! Not you too!
He holds his hands up while Adachi resets.
VOSO
(quickly)
I'm doing this for the greater good, Grandpa!
For another moment, Adachi lets Voso's belief that he's making it out of this melt away. The older man's features, while frozen, betray the deep conflict underneath it all.
Without warning, Voso tries to escape using ice steps to catch a passing train. Adachi takes the sparks from the tracks and fuels them into a wall of flame that sends Voso crashing to the ground.
Adachi high kicks the air, commanding the fire with his years of battle-hardened precision. Five points of flame cover around him with his stance wide and his palms facing the sky.
VOSO
(growling)
Fine! Fine! You deserve this!
Voso swings a wide blast with anger that Adachi simply ducks. The younger man swings more and more, never finding purchase while Adachi uses his flame to sizzle any threat away from his body. Finally, as Voso nearly falls over from fatigue, Adachi shoots two small blasts that knock him further back.
Then, two more, coming closer. Small, bullet-like flames keep Voso guessing and backpedaling. Adachi pushes him against a wall, feinting with another small blast that Voso falls for. Instead, the man loads up for a hard flame strike - strong enough to send Voso through a wall and laid out onto the pavement.
Voso grunts, trying to scramble away to find any advantage. As he does, Adachi just stalks him quietly.
From above, one of Voso's spirits drops atop Adachi with a playful "wee!" Adachi is caught off guard, but Voso's wide eyes sense victory.
VOSO
(loudly)
Freeze!
Adachi obeys, his eyes shaking. Voso stands up slowly, panting hoarsely. The spirit on Adachi's shoulder glows brightly with energy.
VOSO
(quietly)
I'm getting away now. But I'll be back. When I am, I hope you...
Voso trails off, his own emotions welling as Adachi, one of the hardest men in the world, lets loose two streams of tears down his frozen face. Voso turns away, unsure of what the end of his final sentence would even be anymore.
CUT TO:
EXT STREETS OF CAPITAL CITY - NIGHT
Above the streets, only glimpses of the spirit can still be seen, its evasiveness increased without their captain. On the road, Kota looks up out of her window.
KOTA
(shouting)
I won't be able to follow him much longer!
ALRUND
(shouting)
Don't bother - we know where he's going! Make a turn for the docks!
Kota brings her head in and zooms through another intersection while Al and Abe slide into the back.
ABE
(confused)
Uh, why did this cop have a bed in the paddy-wagon?
ALRUND
You probably don't want to know.
CUT TO:
EXT HIGH OVER CAPITAL CITY
Far above, Makami is on Forneus' back, looking down upon the city and the stack of steam rising from the factory.
MAKAMI
Fly out to sea, Forneus.
With that, she dives off the spirit's head.
CUT TO:
EXT GRAVEL PROCESSING FACTORY
Ambulances, fire control, and police have surrounded the area with nighttime onlookers everywhere around the exterior. On an adjacent building, Makami lands, rolls, then slides down the side.
She ducks under the police tape and looks around with urgency.
POLICE PERSON
(loudly)
Stay on the gurney!
They both turn to see Inca being held down by several officers and paramedics. Makami comes over.
MAKAMI
(calming)
Whoa, whoa, whoa, leave her be.
INCA
(growling)
Where is my sister!?
Inca has a half-wrapped bandage on her face, covering her awful burn only partially. Makami places her hands on Inca's shoulders.
MAKAMI
(calming)
She might be with my sister.
INCA
(growling)
Both of them are with your terrible husband by now. Do you know where he is?
MAKAMI
(quietly)
I don't.
INCA
(angrily)
Then why are you here?! Don't want to face the truth, Avatar?
MAKAMI
Please, let them help you, Inca.
She slams down to the gurney.
INCA
(sadly)
I don't want help - never did, but our stubborn sisters still gave it to me. My sister's a good woman, Makami. Bring her back to me.
The paramedics are able to help Inca into the back of an ambulance.
MAKAMI
I will.
The ground rumbles with the emergence of Injaya, locked inside of her stony prison.
MAKAMI
(surprised)
Injaya? What are you doing here?
INJAYA
(angrily)
Paying my debts, Avatar, as we all must.
MAKAMI
(coldly)
Where is he?
INJAYA
How much of the plan to you think Fuu-Ki reveals? How much string do you think I'm given with which I could save myself?
(growling)
I am here to take a fall, I now see. But if you could bring Voso back, I would appreciate not falling alone.
She closes her eyes and breathes through her nose, opening them sharply.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
His best bet out of the city will be using the spirits, but where would he take Zura?
She turns and takes off into a sprint, blasting her way over the crowd and spinning away quickly upon an air ball.
CUT TO:
EXT CAPITAL CITY DOCKS - NIGHT
Voso lands hard on the ground from the back of his spirit friend.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
They're closing in. Move.
VOSO
(growling)
I know.
He pushes up achingly, moving towards Shii and Zura, who still has her eyes closed.
VOSO
(tiredly)
Bring her to me.
Shii doesn't move while Zura flutters her eyes open.
VOSO
(agitated)
I said bring her to me, we have to leave.
ZURA
Boy, you're gonna look stupid when Makami gets here.
Voso steadies himself and walks over, grabbing the tied sheet and ripping it free from Shii's grip. He drags Zura along as she smiles up to him.
ZURA
And Kota, and Abe, and-
VOSO
(loudly)
No one is coming for you, you bratty little snot!
He leans hard against his spirit friend, breathing heavily. His head lazily turns to the small boat bobbing in the water - the last port of salvation left for him in Capital City.
ZURA
This must be really embarrassing for you. I can't imagine being caught in such a big lie. Where is there even left for you to run?
VOSO
(panting)
Back into everyone's good graces when I'm proven right. Get on.
ZURA
Uh, how did you want me to do that?
She flails her tied limbs.
ZURA
I'm just too well restrained to be of any help to my captor.
VOSO
(growling)
You think I can't make this harder for you, Zura?
ZURA
I think I've been kidnapped by worse coworkers then you at a company picnic.
She looks him dead in the eyes.
ZURA
No one will ever respect you or love you again.
Voso snatches her arm.
VOSO
Get on the spirit.
Zura resists with Nandaka's help, her arm shaking. The two remain locked, fighting an invisible battle for one of the longest moments in a very long night.
Suddenly, headlights illuminate the scene, bringing Voso away from her. Tires screech to a halt with Abe and Alrund jumping down prepared to battle. Kota isn't far behind with a tire iron in hand.
Voso hoists up Zura, holding her in a headlock.
KOTA
(angrily)
Look at yourself, Voso! You look pathetic.
VOSO
Let me leave with her. You don't know what's at stake here!
ABE
Hiding behind a kid is something you can't come back from, Voso. We'll get you help.
ALRUND
Or if Zura moves her head to the left, we can end this right now.
VOSO
Your aim that good? Why don't you swing those crosshairs to Toyo, unless you think he's innocent in all this?
ALRUND
Your debt has been due for longer than his.
The gravel around him starts to vibrate.
ALRUND
And you will not get away this time.
His back hits his creature, which hisses violently at the approaching enemies. He closes his eyes, placing one hand onto its body.
VOSO
(quietly)
I'm sorry.
With that, the creature screams in pain as it shrinks and disappears. Voso's eyes are wide in renewed strength. He brings water from beneath the dock, using some to absorb Zura and hold her while he comes out swinging.
Al's wave of gravel is swept up into a wave of froth that obscures him moving out of the way. Voso pushes through the pain of the night, climbing up to the roof of a nearby shop.
In the background, Zura is deposited into a small boat, gasping for air. Meanwhile, Shii stands as a statue.
Waves of rocks rip the shop to shreds beneath Voso's feet while Abe wrestles him for control of a pair of waves.
Kota chucks the iron hard enough to clip Voso in the shoulder, allowing Abe to slam Voso off the roof as the building collapses.
He tumbles to the wooden deck just at the feet of Shii. The old air bender finally takes a step in front of Voso as he rises.
VOSO
Keep them busy while I get away!
SHII
(mumbling)
No...
Voso grabs the back of Shii's neck roughly.
VOSO
(viciously)
Obey me! Stop them!
Shii bends forward, back kicking Voso onto his butt. His arms move in massive, synchronous swings that summon a tall tornado that tears up wooden boards and gravel. Abe, Alrund, and Kota are pushed back as well, leaving only Shii in the center with Voso.
SHII
(shouting)
No more!
Voso stares back bitterly at the edge of the tornado's eye, standing as Shii gathers every ounce of his might.
He fires quicker than Voso, sending him crashing into the boat with Zura in a show of tremendous force. The wind tears it from its anchor rope and shoots it out of the harbor. The wind blast doesn't die down until the boat reaches past the horizon.
When it does, Shii is all that's left on the dock. He stumbles forward, groaning and looking down at a shard of ice stuck in his stomach.
Kota runs up, sliding to catch Shii before he falls.
KOTA
(quietly)
Welcome back, old man.
SHII
(quietly)
It's-ah, it's good to be back.
KOTA
(quietly)
Hold on, Shii. Hold on.
Abe comes over while Alrund runs to the car, grabbing the radio.
ALRUND
(into the radio)
Mayday, mayday we need an ambulance at the docks...
She looks up as Makami rumbles down the road. Al gives her a half hug as the radio voice speaks. Al brings up the radio again.
ALRUND
(into the radio)
We have a civilian down at the docks and we need an ambulance now.
Makami looks past her horrified, moving ahead to Kota and Abe.
MAKAMI
(worried)
Guys?
Abe takes Kota's place holding up Shii while she hugs Makami tightly.
KOTA
(tensely)
I'm so glad you're safe, Ami.
MAKAMI
(quietly)
You too, Kota.
KOTA
(quietly)
It was Voso. All of this...
They separate with Makami looking down to Shii with pained eyes. She hugs Abe, swinging around to hold Shii's hand.
SHII
(sadly)
I'm sorry - I'm so sorry, Makami. He got away. With Zura.
MAKAMI
Stop that. You just hold on.
Shii holds tightly to her hand as the sirens grow closer.
CUT TO:
EXT OPEN OCEAN - NIGHT
The small dingy is barely afloat with the cabin completely crushed in by Voso's body. He is still there, unmoving with a painful clench of his teeth showing amongst the splinters. Zura writhes in the boat, trying to undo her restraints against a jagged piece of wood.
She gives up and climbs over the edge of the boat into the ocean.
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(female echoing)
I thought you didn't like water?
ZURA
(strained)
Yeah, well, no choice now. Gotta go before-
The water around her coalesces to bring her into the air. From the boat, Voso stands shakily with one arm hanging limply at his side, and his face filled with anger. He brings her back into the boat, freezing her to the deck and putting a band over her mouth.
VOSO
(grunting)
Where am I taking her?
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
To the North Pole, and the spirit portal from there. There are fewer prying eyes.
VOSO
(grunting)
Too far, too dangerous.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Not if you take the tunnel from the Southern Metropolis.
Voso slowly nods and stands straight. His one good arm swings, churning the water around him to push the boat forward into the night.
CUT TO:
INT AIR CAPITAL CENTRAL CHAMBERS - DAY
Makami stands in the middle of the grand cathedral with her outfit refreshed and a line of supplies walking past her. Master Paya comes in from Meelo's office, smiling with his hands behind his back.
MASTER PAYA
You seem ready to settle in, Avatar? We're, of course, glad to have you and repay your kindness.
MAKAMI
As I am happy that you could accept us, and use your medical facilities for Shii.
MASTER PAYA
(solemnly)
Yes, that goes without saying.
He steps closer as the last pair of acolytes carry a trunk through the room.
MASTER PAYA
If I may inquire, what has brought about this exile from Capital City, pleasant as it is for us?
The pair of doors in the background echo as they slam shut. The other doors are closed by Abe and Kota. Throughout the chamber echoes the sounds of locks sliding into place. Paya looks back and forth between the doors uneasily while Makami appears in complete control.
MAKAMI
Conditions have become unsafe for anyone associated with me in Capital City. Associates of someone named Fuu-Ki are out for us in force. Have you heard the name?
MASTER PAYA
I have not.
MAKAMI
Really? It's been all over the news, the papers, a new book that spills all the proverbial milk onto the proverbial ottoman. Capital City is on fire.
MASTER PAYA
I don't own any of those things... except some expired milk. Though, I still question why not Republic City, or one of the Emperor's many islands?
MAKAMI
(flinching)
The Emperor has been compromised, but I think you already know that.
MASTER PAYA
How would I? The last I saw of Voso, he was still in his hospital bed.
MAKAMI
I'm glad you brought up that day. Whom else did you speak with at the hospital?
MASTER PAYA
(laughing bitterly)
What is this, Avatar? Are you interrogating me?
MAKAMI
Did you talk to Toyo?
MASTER PAYA
(sternly)
I will not be spoken to in this manner within my own city limits!
MAKAMI
You will if the Avatar deems it necessary under your own legal code, Paya. Did you speak to Toyo?
MASTER PAYA
(growling)
This is how you return my kindness?
MAKAMI
This is how I treat someone under suspicion of treason against all of humankind.
MASTER PAYA
That's not a thing!
She comes closer, her hands coming around as fists at her sides. Paya doesn't back down, but doesn't dare challenge her eye contact.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
You are going to answer my questions.
His eyes flash to hers, matching her intensity.
CUT TO:
INT TOYO'S HOTEL ROOM - EVENING
Toyo and Kouichi read each other's penned confessions. Behind them are the three Avatar ghosts, looking around the room in mild confusion. Aang and Roku poke at the television to illicit a reaction.
Korra watches over Toyo's shoulder.
ROKU
What does this do?
AANG
Maybe for food?
(to Toyo)
Hey, is this for food?
KORRA
Don't be the annoying spirits in the room, you two.
Toyo and Kouichi hand back their written works to the other.
TOYO
Looks good to me.
KOUICHI
Yes, same. Now, if we sign them, they should be legally binding inside of the Fire Nation.
KORRA
This is a lot that you're willing to admit to.
TOYO
It's all what I'm willing to pay for. That's when I'll start to feel better, right?
KORRA
Not always.
KOUICHI
I'd never felt more free in my life than after you gave me the chance to leave Fuu-Ki for good. I had to lose everyone to pay for what I'd done. Not that I had much more than some pet fish to miss me after my exile.
He hands Toyo the pen with the ink of his own signature drying on the page.
KOUICHI
We have to put back what we stole. It doesn't mean we can't start again, though.
TOYO
But I loved where I was and who I was with already. I...I don't even know if everyone I love knows that I love them.
KORRA
(sternly)
You can't have it both ways, kid. Eat the gravel you're served now to maybe one day know what a good sandwich tastes like again.
Aang's stomach growls, much to the other Avatars' chagrin.
ROKU
You still experience hunger, Aang?
AANG
(moaning)
Always...
KOUICHI
I don't suppose you all know if Voso was taken down?
TOYO
Or Fuu-Ki?
ROKU
Makami has been blocking my attempts to contact her, leading me to surmise that the chase has not yet concluded.
KORRA
If those two are as bad as you say they are, Makami'll have her work cut out for her.
KOUICHI
(to Toyo)
Do you think she's up to it?
Toyo takes the pen and signs his name, letting the metal clatter to the table afterwards.
TOYO
(quietly)
Yeah, she's great at doing the impossible.
CUT TO:
EXT OPEN OCEAN - LATE DAY
Voso, his skin blistering and red, weakly churns his one good arm, barely pushing the boat forward at all. Zura sweats inside of her melting ice restraints, her cheeks flushed as well.
He goes down to one knee beneath the sun.
ZURA
(groaning)
Water...
VOSO
(panting)
Don't drink the ocean water.
ZURA
(groaning)
Gotta drink something. Nandy says to drink ice.
VOSO
(panting)
Of course you gave an immortal spirit a nickname.
He wobbles to his feet, bringing up a small, straight piece of metal from his jacket with his teeth and spitting it into swirling water in the palm of his hand. The metal stays at the top of the water, pointing the way forward for him.
VOSO
(panting)
We're going the right way, nearly there.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Your attachment will only make this harder if Nandaka refuses to leave.
VOSO
(agitated)
That wasn't a part of the deal, Fuu-Ki!
Zura leans her head up, frowning at Voso.
VOSO
(angrily)
You said that wouldn't happen!
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
I said that one of the spirits needed to be released from their human anchor. We must consider all options available to us. Unless you'd like to remove Raava from the Avatar, that is?
VOSO
(growling)
Don't be an idiot.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Your focus is wavering, Sui-Ki. I know you have fought through guilt and pain to come this far.
Voso's face angles to the sky.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
The Avatar is breaking down doors looking for you, my friend.
VOSO
(quietly)
I can't face her.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Then get to the mainland, push Nandaka to leave the girl's body. Fulfill the destiny of your rule!
ZURA
(quietly)
I feel sorry for you, Voso.
He turns to her with a hard stare.
ZURA
(quietly)
You're lost. You're just so lost. Nandy can help you. He can show you the truth. You don't have to be lost anymore.
VOSO
(facetiously)
Oh, could you introduce us at last? Could I finally be lied to by another spirit?
He raises her up with his good arm, using her ice restraints to pull her from the boat.
VOSO
(quickly)
I've already met your earworm and survived its attempts on my life. And here's some imparted wisdom from someone responsible for the decisions of lives and nations...
He brings her close to his face.
VOSO
(growling)
Everyone's lost - you, me, even Makami. Nandaka tried to kill us multiple times, and Fuu-Ki has only ever asked loyalty from me. If that's all it takes to save the world, then I'm willing to stumble around in the dark until I find something!
He slams her down, bobbing the boat while re-securing her bindings.
The boat shoots off towards the south on the next wave.
CUT TO:
INT AIR CAPITAL CENTRAL CHAMBERS
Paya is being led away in full, metallic restraints by a pair of guards. Adachi stands with Makami and Meelo, who looks on with his hand over his mouth as Paya is wheeled away like an old, struggling refrigerator.
MEELO
(shocked)
What is all this? He's been found guilty?
MAKAMI
We have witnesses. He will face an international trial if we can ensure a clean process.
ADACHI
He has quite a few names to give us before that can become a possibility. He's been operating as Fuu-Ki for years - a powerful enemy bent on bringing down multiple governments worldwide.
MEELO
(quietly)
There's no possible way - I've known him for years...
The guards stop moving Paya suddenly, one with very wide eyes moving to unlock Paya.
ADACHI
(loudly)
You there, stop!
Too late, the lock unlatches and Paya pushes the guards away. The metal band is still around his mouth as he pushes his way up the oculus. Makami crushes the opening, bringing him back down to the ground. Adachi blasts flames into the air above Paya that he redirects into the roof, splashing the fire all around.
MEELO
(loudly)
Paya, please!
Makami swirls air to extinguish the flames while Paya crashes the doors outwards.
ADACHI
(loudly)
Go after him, I'll put out the fire!
Makami rushes off up the stairs.
MEELO
(loudly)
Please, bring him back safe!
CUT TO:
EXT AIR NATION CAPITAL COURTYARD
Paya glides upon an air ball across the courtyard, trying to remove the lock on his mouth. The earth beneath him drops away while another layer rises up just beyond. He tries to climb it with his air ball, but the wall curls into itself before there is a dome in the courtyard.
INT EARTHEN DOME - CONTINUOUS
The darkness is absolute. Slight whispers of Paya's feet echo against the round interior as they land back to the ground. From the darkness sparks Makami's flame that she holds in her hand. He turns to face her with his hands out.
MAKAMI
You and I never saw eye to eye. We fought for your people in very different ways. When they know the truth, they'll all hate you - like I do.
(bitterly)
Because of you, I lost Voso and I don't know if I'll ever get him back.
He moans and shouts against his restraints, but nothing clear comes out.
MAKAMI
(seething)
Now, I offer you the exact same doubt.
She smothers the flame in her hand.
MAKAMI (O.S.)
Will you ever get out of this ball or not? Let that fester in the back of your mind.
The ground rumbles.
CUT TO:
EXT AIR NATION CAPITAL COURTYARD
Abe and Alrund stop running as Makami emerges from the ground. As she does, her arms rise and eyes glow white, the dome rising from the ground into a massive, spherical prison. Many people stick their heads out windows to watch the sphere float overtop the city and finally land at the outskirts - hundreds of yards away.
Makami relaxes her intensity as the other two come forward.
ABE
Didn't take it well, did he?
MAKAMI
Someone needs to be guarding him at all times. One from our group. We can't trust anyone else at this point.
ALRUND
I'll guard him for as long as I can stay awake.
ABE
(quietly)
How are things still getting worse? Is this really all Fuu-Ki - one guy?
MAKAMI
He's feeding off of Ananta Shesha's power. Makes him stronger than anyone ever should be, but we can stop him now that he's locked up.
Al nods and walks towards the giant ball in the distance.
MAKAMI
(to Abe)
How is he?
ABE
Not good. Kota's been with him a while now. Any update on where Voso is with Zura?
MAKAMI
No, I haven't checked. I...I need to see Shii.
ABE
Ami.
Makami nods and walks away.
MAKAMI
I know. I'll find him.
CUT TO:
INT SMALL HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Voso bandages his shoulder using his teeth while Zura, now bound in tight rope, slurps soup through a very crazy straw. He looks freshly showered.
She loses the straw from her mouth.
ZURA
(grunting)
Hey, straw down over here!
He ties the bandage tightly.
VOSO
Why can't you be more intimidated by life, huh?
He stands and comes over towards her, picking the straw back to her lips.
ZURA
Because you ain't gonna hurt me, V.
VOSO
That so?
ZURA
Mm-hm.
She takes the soup straw, slurping up the last of it while he stares into nothingness for a long while.
The slurping becomes unbearable enough for him to rip the straw out of her mouth.
VOSO
(quickly)
Cut it out!
ZURA
If you were gonna, you already woulda.
VOSO
(quietly)
Just because I'm hoping for a different outcome doesn't mean I'm unwilling.
ZURA
What outcome?
VOSO
Nandaka leaving your body, becoming unanchored. Giving himself up to save many, many more people and spirits.
ZURA
Nu-uh, not gonna happen.
VOSO
(viciously)
You're going to find a way, Zura. If Fuu-Ki's plan fails and that floating head refuses to leave, I'll be forced to take action.
ZURA
(quietly)
You wouldn't do that to me. You love Makami and you wouldn't do that to hurt her.
VOSO
(sternly)
I would have her suffer now to avoid monumental suffering later.
He stands up, moving past the small fire in their rustic room.
ZURA
Well, I don't believe it still. You'd never really hurt anyone.
VOSO
(bitterly)
Already have, Zee. You don't know what I've done to help from the shadows.
ZURA
All to save the world?
VOSO
You got it.
ZURA
For everyone except yourself?
He stops rooting around.
ZURA
You know that, right?
VOSO
Who else is gonna do it, hm?
Turning, he points his finger to Zura.
VOSO
That spirit inside of you failed. Even Makami - all the Avatars - have failed time and time again! Time's up, bill's due. I'm the one that has to pay it all back.
Zura lowers her eyes to the empty soup bowl.
ZURA
(quietly)
Okay, you win. I'm scared that you'll hurt me now.
Voso looks conflicted, his eyes piercing the back of her head. He finally shakes himself and moves to the back of the room.
VOSO
(mumbling)
Just let me work. We'll need to get to the tunnel tonight. Get some rest if you need to.
ZURA
(sadly)
Yeah, fine.
NANDAKA (O.S.)
(male echoing)
I'm trying to help, Zee or Zura. Just hang on.
CUT TO:
INT SHII'S CHAMBERS
Shii lies in the center of a bed with Kota tending to him. The room is small with his bed comfortably coated in blankets. Makami comes in quietly from the left, placing a hand on Kota's shoulder.
KOTA
Hey, Ami.
MAKAMI
How are you?
KOTA
Heh, tired, hungry, and feelin' helpless. You?
MAKAMI
(laughing emptily)
Same.
She slides down next to her, their heads coming together as they both sadly look at Shii.
KOTA
I know it's hard for you to be here right now.
MAKAMI
No, it's fine. I'm trying to not be my old self in times of crisis.
KOTA
An Avatar with personal growth? You are the complete package.
MAKAMI
(smiling)
Pretty good for some typist, right?
KOTA
You and me both, Ami.
They both smile tiredly at Shii, listening to his rasping breath.
KOTA
His breathing's worse, and he's got a fever now.
MAKAMI
Adachi?
KOTA
He's done all he can. He's hesitant to call anyone else in since we don't know who to trust.
MAKAMI
We have to do something.
She has a cloth dabbing over his head.
MAKAMI
He's been there for us, now we have to be for him.
SHII
(grunting)
Makami?
She leans closer while Kota comes to the other side, scooping out some water from a basin.
MAKAMI
(quietly)
I'm here, Shii.
SHII
(rasping)
Water.
KOTA
Got it here.
The two of them help him rise from the bed just enough to drink. Afterwards, he grunts back down in pain.
SHII
(grunting)
My hospital visit keeps getting extended, doesn't it?
MAKAMI
(smiling)
I think we can float the bill. You take your time.
SHII
(quietly)
I don't know what's happened over the past few days. My memories are dark. I have flashes of Zura and...Voso.
KOTA
He controlled you. You stole some-
MAKAMI
(quickly)
Anything you did wasn't really you.
Kota drops down to one knee.
KOTA
Except at the end when you blasted Voso in the face.
SHII
(quietly)
Did I?
KOTA
Absolutely! You did everything you could to help Zura.
SHII
(raspy)
I tried. I remember trying so hard.
He puts his hand on Makami's.
MAKAMI
You've been doing that since you first pulled me into this weird world. You're the only person I know to believe in a lost Avatar twice in the same lifetime.
SHII
(raspy)
You two believe in me. It keeps air in my lungs, to...to know that you believe.
KOTA
Don't stop with the air now.
SHII
(raspy)
I think...I think it's time for me to ask a favor of you, Makami.
MAKAMI
(quietly)
Anything.
She comes closer as he whispers into her ear. Her face drops, but she tries to smile as she pulls away.
MAKAMI
(weakly)
Yeah, yeah I will.
Kota watches on, afraid, as Makami assumes the lotus position and closes her sad eyes. After a moment, Makami's outline glows white and blue. The blue and white comes to a point in front of her, then expands out to form a human.
As the details fill in, Jinora's face - grown, poised, and soothing - is looking down upon Shii. She shows her blue air master arrows with pride from beneath beautiful, full brown hair. Shii's face ignites into bittersweet relief, his lip trembling.
JINORA
(echoing)
Hello, wild child.
SHII
(sadly)
Jinora...where's my cake?
Kota and Makami stand and slowly move out of the room as Jinora giggles. They look back with smiles as Jinora kneels down at his bedside, running a hand along his face.
Out in the hallway, the two of them hug tightly as soon as the doors close.
CUT TO:
INT TOYO'S HOTEL ROOM
Kouichi and Toyo share a large bowl of rolled, tied bread balls. Kouichi slices into one that pours out onto his plate a healthy amount of meat and imported vegetables. Aang and Korra stare over either shoulder at the morsel.
AANG
(quietly)
Is that...?
KORRA
(salivating)
Blubber Ball...
KOUICHI
You know, I'd offer you two mine, but...it'd just fall and make a mess on the floor. Oh well!
He throws a handkerchief around his collar while turning to Toyo, who is rolling his bread around the plate.
KOUICHI
Savor the flavor, not the look. Might be the last time you get something this good for a while.
TOYO
(mumbling)
I'm keenly aware.
Toyo looks over towards Roku, who is meditating on the bed in the lotus position.
KOUICHI
(to Toyo)
I did pass that edict to improve the prison system's food, but I doubt anyone went through with it.
He picks up a forkful.
AANG
Ah, could you...describe the taste to us?
KORRA
(to Aang)
Wait, aren't you a vegetarian? When did you ever have BBs?
AANG
Katara used to replace the meat with flower pulp.
Korra makes a disgusted face.
Toyo pushes away from the table and moves to the window. Kouichi takes his bite slowly, moaning and smacking his lips while Korra and Aang openly drool.
KOUICHI
(mouth full)
It's salty first, then hits you with the hearty, earthy vegetables. Then, all that boring stuff goes away and the meat taste hits - MMM-MMM!
Korra and Aang look tortured.
CUT TO:
EXT SOUTHERN METROPOLIS TUNNEL ENTRANCE - NIGHT
Voso, wearing a face-covering hat, is disguised as a rickshaw driver with Zura in the backseat, still tied and gagged but mostly out of sight. He pedals a bicycle attached to the two-person cab, coming to a stop at the back of a gigantic crowd of people waiting in front of the elevator.
A pair of workers are stood on small platforms in front of the open chasm down.
WORKER 1
(through megaphone)
We appreciate all of your patience - the re-freezing is taking longer than anticipated. We have been told the tunnel will be closed until tomorrow evening at the very least.
Voso gently grabs an older man walking by.
VOSO
Tell me what's happening.
OLD MAN
(monotone)
Water benders are re-freezing the glacier under us. The heat and weight of the people is melting the ice shelf. The tunnel between the poles is closed until they are finished. I'm avoiding my wife's sister, who's in town for the week.
VOSO
Stop talking.
(mumbling)
Great...
He re-orients himself on the bike.
VOSO
Forget you saw me.
He pedals forward while releasing the old man. The man turns back and waves after the rickshaw.
OLD MAN
(loudly)
Taxi!
(grumbling)
Ah, they never see me...
CUT TO:
INT MAKAMI'S ROOM
Makami sits down heavily, taking back some water while wiping at the back of her neck.
ROKU (O.S.)
(echoing)
Makami, please, come in.
Makami throws away the rag.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Oh, crud.
She folds herself into the lotus position quickly.
MAKAMI
Roku?
ROKU (O.S.)
(echoing)
Ah, there you are.
CUT TO:
INT TOYO'S HOTEL ROOM
Roku's eyes open on the bed while Toyo is still leaned against the window and Kouichi continues his feast.
ROKU
Makami, we have located Kouichi. He and Toyo have been cooperating splendidly.
Toyo looks back out the window as a rickshaw driver passes by. A sudden gust takes the driver's hat up off his face enough for Toyo to see Voso's cold eyes staring straight ahead. Then, as if in slow motion, Zura's panicked eyes make contact with Toyo's.
ROKU
They are eating now.
TOYO
(quickly)
Tell Makami Voso's here!
He jumps over the table towards the entrance.
TOYO
(loudly)
Tell her he has Zura!
Kouichi wipes his mouth and moves quickly to the door as well.
ROKU
Makami, he's here...
CUT TO:
INT MAKAMI'S ROOM
Her eyes are wide as she stares into Roku's face.
ROKU
And he has your sister.
She is up with a jacket around her shoulders in an instant.
CUT TO:
EXT SOUTHERN METROPOLIS ROOFTOPS - NIGHT
Toyo bends every clay roof before him, straightening them into a ramp to help him to intercept at the apex of a tall ramp out of downtown. Voso is taking the only road up, pedaling hard but slowly.
VOSO
(panting)
I can't get to the tunnel.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Get her to the spirit portal. I will redirect my resources there.
VOSO
(panting)
I'm gonna need a better snow vehicle.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(echoing)
Move quickly.
Flame splashes in front of Voso as the road levels out. He turns sideways and screeches to a halt, but the cab doesn't. Toyo lands and rips the metal from the back of the bicycle. Voso reaches up quickly with ice, snatching Zura out of the back.
Toyo tosses the metal to the side as Kouichi lands next to him. Voso stands alone, tossing his hat away. Zura's ice block is right behind him, her head the only body part still unfrozen.
VOSO
(surprised)
Kouichi?
(smirking)
And here I thought this was your first failure, Toyo.
TOYO
You and Fuu-Ki don't get to tally my failures anymore.
KOUICHI
It's over, Voso. You and Fuu-Ki are all alone in this.
TOYO
And Makami is on her way. You're cornered.
Voso's eyes sharpen, making it clear that he's done talking. He springs forward with an ice blade on his wrist. Toyo comes forward with metal gauntlets, and Kouichi has black flame in his hands. Before the clash...