INT NEXUS OF THE WORLD
Makami and what's remaining of Voso float with a wide berth between them. Beneath beats the heart of the world with molten bands spinning around one another tightly. Above and behind, there are rays of light shining through waves of light green upon the standoff.
Voso can still only write upon the wall, his voice silenced. Visions of the outside world alight to spell out his statements.
VOSO
(written)
I know you have no reason to trust me anymore.
MAKAMI
Don't forget my reasons to mistrust you.
VOSO
(written)
Yes, several, but I've come back with information.
MAKAMI
Did Raava kick you out? How did you get here?
VOSO
(written)
Yangchen. Then roots - been trying to absorb me...
MAKAMI
Not my problem anymore.
VOSO
(written)
That's fair, but you need to leave here regardless.
MAKAMI
And you're the only one in the whole of both worlds that can save us, right?
VOSO
(written)
Not exactly...
He sighs as the ribbons of his spirit dangle.
VOSO
(written)
When I was in the Spirit World, I resisted being pulled for a little-
MAKAMI
(sternly)
Get to your point, Voso.
VOSO
(written)
As I was being pulled to this tree, I saw flashes of other spirits, each taking different pathways. Fuu-Ki was-.
MAKAMI
(shocked)
Fuu-Ki is here?
VOSO
(written)
Not in the tree, but he is somewhere in the human world.
CUT TO:
INT ADACHI'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Sideways lamps and haphazard candles illuminate Adachi crawling his way up from the ground. He's sweating profusely as he comes up to a small mirror inset above key hooks.
He opens his eyes to have one with a red iris set into green. The other stares on in fear and waning determination.
Adachi's mouth moves with resistance.
FUU-KI
(through Adachi's mouth)
You mustn't tire yourself, Adachi. We've got a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time.
ADACHI
(struggling)
N-no...I won't-
FUU-KI
(through Adachi's mouth)
Sh, sh, sh now. Let your spirit wash down the stream.
Adachi screams in pain.
FUU-KI
(maliciously)
Before I drown it myself!
CUT TO:
INT NEXUS OF THE WORLD
Makami and Voso remain as other formless spirits come in, spiraling into the molten heart.
MAKAMI
(bitterly)
What will it take to end him for good?
VOSO
(written)
He and Ananta Shesha are linked. If you take out the larger, the smaller will fall too.
MAKAMI
He says as though that's just an easy task... I came to the tree to find an ally, and I just find you trying to catch my attention. Well, I don't want it, Voso. Never again, do you hear me?
VOSO
(written)
I didn't do this. I don't know what or who is controlling the tree. I came here to help, but I don't know how.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
You're more valuable to this world as energy feeding into the Great Tree.
Voso's eyes sadden and his head drops.
VOSO
(written)
Watched a lot of spirits be absorbed into the tree. I very nearly took the dive when I first arrived here, but these small windows opened. To you all in the outside world.
MAKAMI
(sarcastically)
Oh, yeah, I'm sure the tree was trying to reunite us into a loving hug, right?
VOSO
(written)
It was trying to lure you here to consume your energy.
Makami is caught off-guard.
VOSO
(written)
You = largest energy source on the planet. Tree doesn't know friend from foe or complex strategy, only a threat.
MAKAMI
But, the Great Tree has helped Avatars of the past. Why would it help for so long then become a...beast?
Her eyes dance from one side to another, her mind moving amazingly fast.
MAKAMI
I need to speak to it.
VOSO
(written)
I don't know how.
MAKAMI
The same way we speak to any spirit.
VOSO
(written)
Spirit World not safe anymore.
MAKAMI
When was it ever?
VOSO
(written)
You don't unde-
MAKAMI
(sharply)
No, Voso, I just don't care what you have to say anymore! All this blustering is just you trying to prioritize me over the world again, like it'll somehow redeem you, but all it does is remind me of how...
The two hover with pain writhing in the air.
MAKAMI
(shaking)
Do not contact me again, or anyone else. You can just stay here and be a tree for all I care.
VOSO
(written)
Okay.
Makami's outline begins to glow.
VOSO
(written)
Good-
She teleports out of the space.
VOSO
(written)
-luck.
CUT TO:
INT EMERGENCY BUNKER WAR ROOM
Abe and Alrund interrogate Rogi, who is bound with small earthen handcuffs. Al watches him closely while Abe fiddles with some metal cylinder. The dormant robots loom in the background.
ROGI
(annoyed)
Could you not piddle-paddle with something that could blow us all up?
Abe freezes.
ALRUND
It's an empty tube, Abe.
ABE
(relieved)
Ha-ha, got me, Rogi. Just like we caught you in a lie. You tried to convince us that you were an innocent little guy.
ALRUND
And now you're lying about being related to Toyo.
ROGI
Hey, that's the truth! He's the one that got me this stupid job in the first place.
ABE
Whaaaatt? Toyo was an orphan.
ROGI
Yes, we were. He was the smooth-talker, I was the big-builder. We sold stuff to get by, and when he fell in with Fuu-Ki, I had to follow.
ALRUND
Why would we believe you at all?
ROGI
(groaning)
Has all the trust left this world?!
ABE
Find us some proof before you and your robots stay down here permanently.
ROGI
Okay, okay...the drawer behind your leg.
Abe lifts their hanging leg to see a small robot stand up with a drawer for a head. It pops open without anyone touching it, and Al immediately fishes through.
She comes back up with a bundle of letters. On the outside of each is Toyo's name with more writing beneath.
ROGI
All those are updates from above when Fuu-Ki and Kouichi used to care enough to send them with supplies. Go ahead, read them.
ALRUND
When did he send these?
ROGI
Up until a few months ago! We used to talk about him breaking me out of here and going back home.
ABE
And where's home?
ROGI
(sighing)
Home was always a little island in the mouth of Fein-Long Bay. Our aunt lived next door, always used to bake us little socks, er, make us little socks for our little feet.
ALRUND
This doesn't make any sense. Toyo never told me about any of these dreams, or of a brother, or of socks.
ROGI
Well, maybe he kept more secrets than you thought.
ABE
(snorting)
Right, well, excuse us for a sec.
Abe and Alrund turn away, moving towards the robots.
ABE
(quietly)
Something stinks in here, and it's not the unwashed robot father.
ALRUND
(quietly)
I don't know. How well did we really know Toyo?
ABE
You really think he was hiding a secret family member in a bunker?
ALRUND
That's his handwriting on the envelopes.
ABE
They don't even look alike.
ALRUND
The point is, we can use this to our advantage.
She spins back to Rogi.
ALRUND
It'd be a real shame for you and he to be apart any longer, right? I'm sure you both have some pretty brotherly things to talk about.
ABE
(slowly)
Yeah, like...sports moves and...favorite meat products.
ROGI
Oh man, I'd love to see him again! I'll do anything to help it happen!
ALRUND
And if we get you fresh materials, can you make more robots?
ROGI
Of course.
ALRUND
How many?
ROGI
As many as you need.
ALRUND
Deal.
(quietly to Abe)
Go back to the surface and tell Adachi we have a small army to lend out if he sends more supplies down here.
ABE
(quietly)
And you'll be here?
ALRUND
(quietly)
Yeah, I will be. I'll find out what else he's hiding in the meantime.
Abe chucks her on the shoulder softly, and she just looks back with a confused expression.
ABE
Hey, R-Man, where's the nearest exit? I'm going to get you those parts.
ROGI
(excitedly)
The tubes, of course!
All three look up to the wall of tubes facing outwards, penetrating through the metal hull.
ROGI
The big-brains behind this place wanted to be able to run a war from here, so any of those tubes can release you into the water. Hope you're a good swimmer.
ABE
(sarcastically)
Psh-ha, uh, okay, yeah let's just hope with hands clasped that me, the best momentum bender in the world, can make it to the surface okay.
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT BAY SURFACE - NIGHT
Abe gasps hard as they break the surface, their head covered in seaweed and sucker fish. Abe yanks them off while moving towards the shoreline behind.
ABE
(groaning)
Some got in my nose - oh no it's down my throat!
CUT TO:
INT SECURITY GUARD HOUSE - SPIRIT WORLD
Toyo and Mads work together at a table, her packing small spheres of metal with tight, black sand while he follows it with nails and screws before crimping it closed around a fuse.
He glances over to see Inca backing in through the door with an index card held against her forehead. A group of children enter too with their eyes locked on the index card.
CHILD 1
(loudly)
I see it - it's a star!
CHILD 2
(screaming)
NO, IT'S A MOON!
CHILD 3
(even louder)
IT'S A PICTURE OF ME AS A COOL ADULT!
INCA
Oh. My. Goodness - you're all right!
She takes the index card away and points it towards Toyo and Mads. 'This is why I didn't have kids' is what's written on the card. Mads chuckles quietly.
INCA
Right?
TOYO
(fake surprise)
I can hardly believe how psychic every one of you is.
INCA
(excitedly)
It's too great to keep bottled up - why don't you all take these clipboards and try to get some psychic adults to join us, alright?
They all scream in victory and sprint away with their clipboards in tow. Inca sighs down into her chair, tossing the card aside.
MADS
(chuckling)
How did you do that? Those kids are impossible to babysit.
INCA
Oh please, I've herded children of all ages for years. Takes just as much fake flattery if they're in diapers or a three-piece suit.
TOYO
And you think they'll actually bring in recruits?
INCA
Who could say no to a group of cute kids?
Mako comes in as they all chortle. He clears his throat, bringing Mads to a salute. Her hip knocks against the table, sending one of the bombs to the ground to be caught by Toyo before it blows them all up.
MAKO
I wonder if I might have the room with Toyo?
Inca pops up and walks slowly behind Mads as she marches out. Mako closes the door behind them.
MAKO
I finally had a chance to catch up on my messages in Injaya's old office.
TOYO
Quite a lot were there?
MAKO
(darkly)
I can still taste the ink. I had...to eat my way out.
He shakes his head and sits down.
MAKO
Anyways, one of them was from Adachi calling for a meeting of the global minds. I obviously missed it, so I'm assigning you to travel to Capital City and gather the details on what I missed.
TOYO
(nervously)
Whoa, not to give you reasons to kick me out of here, but I'm a fugitive from Capital City.
MAKO
Where you operated in secret for years, so I'm sure you can again.
TOYO
Not if I'm walking up to the leadership asking for state secrets.
MAKO
Then...use a proxy. I have all the faith in the world that you can do this.
TOYO
But why me? You have soldiers, a secretary - a freakin' goat-bat would be better for this than me!
MAKO
I have fewer resources now than ever, Toyo. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, is looking out towards Spirit World, waiting for an attack. You've got a level head, experience, and a good heart. Use them to find out if there's a plan. Please?
Toyo nods slowly.
MAKO
Thank you. I'm hoping you'll bring back good news.
TOYO
Yeah. I don't suppose you have a way for me to get there fast?
MAKO
I can call in a pilot. You'll be there in a few hours.
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT REPUBLIC CITY AIRFIELD - NIGHT
Beneath the rain, Toyo gulps hard as he looks into Baki's judgmental eyes. A plane is being readied in the background as Inca comes over, placing one hand on either of their shoulders from beneath a rain poncho.
INCA
He doesn't have any bags, so you won't have anything to throw into the ocean on the way, Baki.
BAKI
(grumbling)
Oh, I don't know about that.
She turns and walks off without him while Toyo lets his shoulders sag.
TOYO
This is all gonna be what I deserve, isn't it?
INCA
Better hope that news is good, buddy boy, or this is going to be one downer of a trip.
Toyo walks towards the small two-seater plane as Mako walks up beside Inca.
MAKO
This is a very kind bundle of strings you're pulling for him.
INCA
Is it?
MAKO
Forcing him to go face everyone he let down is the quickest way to forgiveness. And all it cost you was being my second in command.
INCA
You've clearly never done something so bad that you can barely look at yourself anymore.
The plane takes off into the rain and clouds with thundering engines.
INCA
Trust me, this could end up very, very bad for him.
MAKO
Then why ask me to send him at all?
INCA
I'm not doing it for him.
CUT TO:
EXT BARREN PLAINS - SPIRIT WORLD
Makami's teleport brings her to a tumultuous forest region where the trees, flowers, and ground are chipping up and away as if a tornado is just overhead. She looks around, seeing her own energy flow outwards from her fingertips, all swirling in the same direction.
MAKAMI
Ananta Shesha's power is this strong, even here?
She turns and ducks as a tree is uprooted, splashing into dust before it can even reach her. More do the same as she watches.
RAAVA (O.S.)
(echoing)
Spirit World is tearing itself apart, and our energy is being drained. We cannot stay here for long.
MAKAMI
We have to find that tree.
VAATU (O.S.)
(echoing)
What makes you think this shrub has a place in Spirit World?
MAKAMI
My theory is that the Great Tree transcends both worlds - that's why it has endless energy.
RAAVA (O.S.)
(echoing)
What makes you think it's even here, in this forest?
MAKAMI
This is where the Great Tree's energy is strongest.
The trees come up in sheets now, bursting into the dark black dust as even the color of the skies melts together into a grey.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
C'mon, where are you?
She runs forward, seeing only a single, picture-esque tree still firmly planted in the ground. The trunk is entwined like a double-helix into four, perfectly symmetrical branches. Makami comes close with one hand out, the tree glowing in reaction to her approach.
MAKAMI
This is it! Great Tree? If you can understand me, I mean you no-
As her hand touches the trunk, she evaporates into a blue and white mist.
CUT TO:
INT HEART OF THE GREAT TREE
Makami slams into the emerald floor harshly, grunting as she recovers. Around her are thousands of reflections of herself doing the exact same, bouncing off the shards and faces of brilliant green emeralds that show her own memories now. Her life unfolds in short, repeated actions.
Near the middle is a bundle that acts as a porthole to Voso's struggle.
MAKAMI
Voso?
He turns, seeing her, and presses his hands against the outside, mouthing her name silently. Then, just as suddenly, the view changes to a gurgling volcano through the igniting green light.
MAKAMI
(mumbling)
Where am I now?
SIDR-LOTE (O.S.)
(humming like a summer night)
Lo and behold, an Avatar finally steps into my domain.
The sides glow lightly with every syllable while the air around her vibrates.
MAKAMI
Thank you for allowing me to come here. My name is Makami. Do...you have a name besides the Great Tree?
From the floor and ceiling swirls together a slow pair of helixes that converge to emit a soft light. At the center of that light is a turbulent orb, beating like a molten core but far more fragile in appearance. This is the heart of the nexus between worlds - the very anchor that holds the Spirit and Human worlds together.
From the top flows out dark green strands of silken hair. After the hair comes a gathering of auburn roots attached to a miniscule scalp and an off-center, oval head. The features of SIDR-LOTE (ageless) are chiseled out of wood across deeply aqua skin. The neck is impossibly small down to an uneven, hewn wooden body and arms that connect to the torso with ancient vines.
SIDR-LOTE
(humming)
I am Sidr-Lote, eldest of all lives of this planet. Mine was the bridge that brought first contact between the Human World and the Spirit World.
MAKAMI
The first bridge? You mean of energy?
The spirit slides down like a helix to the ground, stretching its odd body upwards.
SIDR-LOTE
In the beginning, there was only Hamsa, the Great Creator. Through their form flowed all energy. Our cosmos was created as light and dark. Your world was created with only a spark of life yet the potential for all. Finally, through their grace, I was planted as the bridge between worlds - the great circuit for all energy to flow freely.
MAKAMI
Who is Hamsa?
SIDR-LOTE
The lord of life - my mother, father, and creator. Lord Hamsa sits at the apex of the great trinity.
MAKAMI
Above even Ananta Shesha?
SIDR-LOTE
Yes, Avatar. Even the great devourer bows to Hamsa. Life, at its peak cacophony, pains Ananta Shesha. Hamsa is the only entity in existence that can quell the Destroyer's pain and bring them back to slumber.
MAKAMI
Please, Sidr-Lote, I must find a way to speak with Hamsa. They may be able to stop Ananta Shesha from destroying everything.
SIDR-LOTE
What you ask is impossible, even for Raava.
MAKAMI
(desperately)
Please, you...you see the damage Ananta Shesha is doing to both worlds. That's why you're fighting it, right? To preserve life?
SIDR-LOTE
The preservation of life is but a side effect of my true mission - to preserve all energy. That is why the rogue spirit is such a menace.
MAKAMI
(quietly)
Voso?
SIDR-LOTE
It is of no consequence. My power pales against that of Ananta Shesha. My sole desire is to achieve harmony for this realm's rebirth at Hamsa's behest. I will gather all energy remaining on the planet to absorb and use it to signal Hamsa.
MAKAMI
(desperately)
No, this is too early! We deserve more time, please!
SIDR-LOTE
If that is what you truly desire, then combine your power with mine, Raava.
MAKAMI
What?
SIDR-LOTE
I am fighting the spirit you called Voso to regain full control of my reserves. With his will extinguished and your power combined with mine, I can offer the greatest defense possible against Ananta Shesha.
MAKAMI
You just said that you can't stop Ananta Shesha, but you and I combined might be able to?
SIDR-LOTE
I can feel Raava and Vaatu within you now. The two of them will make my beacon impossible to ignore.
MAKAMI
Then...if the best way is to join forces, I can absorb you and we can take the fight to him.
SIDR-LOTE
If you take that action, the Human World will fall out of alignment with the Spirit World, and all energy will become chaotic. It is simple physics, Avatar. You cannot be everywhere at once. I can.
MAKAMI
(quietly)
You're asking me to give up my life and my...and another's for a chance? Do you even know where Hamsa is?
SIDR-LOTE
There are none that do, sadly. I have watched many other Avatars stand bravely in the face of their own annihilation. None face what you do now, but sacrifice must be made to upend the will of the cosmos.
She tightens her fists and falls back to one of the emerald walls.
MAKAMI
(quietly)
I...I don't know.
SIDR-LOTE
You must leave so that I may combat this spirit. Return to me when you have an answer.
MAKAMI
Why try to defeat Voso? Why not have him help?
SIDR-LOTE
His will is set against my very existence. I will devour his strength after you see the wisdom in my accord.
MAKAMI
Only because he thinks you're trying to trick me.
She pushes off the wall and looks towards Voso as his fist pounds soundlessly against the barrier.
SIDR-LOTE
Worry not, Avatar. His will cannot rise to meet our resolve.
He kicks desperately with a ferocious face as vines rise behind him to attack. He turns and leaps away with the eyes in pursuit.
Makami watches after him with conflicting emotions.