EXT SPACE
Ever-so-slowly, Makami floats within the battling orbits of the sun and her planet. Her eyes are wide but hanging onto the defiant anger needed to face down a god - Ananta Shesha. Its form is unknowably large, filling all of creation minus one small area of the universe. Even so, its eyes peer down at this singular being - the Avatar - floating between it and the completion of its task.
Makami's breathing is uneven, the fog from her air supply filling more and more of her helmet. She pushes it all away with water bending, revealing a surge of determination upon her face.
MAKAMI
(angry)
You've been sleeping and hiding for a long time, Ananta Shesha. I see you've made up for lost time. Can you even understand me?!
The eyes show no sign of change, each roiling with constellations.
MAKAMI
(angry)
You've absorbed Nandaka, which means you've absorbed their knowledge - you know you cannot do this! It's too early! You're throwing aside the entire balance, and there's no fixing this if it breaks!
There is silence and stillness.
MAKAMI
I'm begging you to put things back as they were before!
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(haggard and torn)
It's too late.
Her eyes shoot down to see the shimmer of Ananta Shesha's hand in front of her. From the palm has emerged a rotten, half-digested amalgamation of Fuu-Ki. The rags of his clothes hide the most rotten aspects, but the sickening aura throughout is still haunting against the scaley skin.
MAKAMI
Fuu-Ki?
FUU-KI
(droning)
There are no more names.
MAKAMI
Just yours.
FUU-KI
(droning)
All becomes me at the end. You are no longer to run from me.
MAKAMI
(angrily)
Don't worry about that - I'm not going anywhere.
CUT TO:
EXT SPIRIT HAVEN CITY OUTSKIRTS
Mako is at a three-tiered command panel with a headset on. Inca is next to him. Below, soldiers jog into place alongside volunteers and others behind large earth or metal walls with portholes.
The view pulls out to hundreds and hundreds of these setups behind the much larger main panel that is bulged out towards the rumbling hoard.
Back in on Mako and Inca, they look at one of the panels.
MAKO
Is everyone in place?
INCA
All ready.
MAKO
And Makami?
INCA
I've got an ear to the broadcast, but no sign of her yet.
MAKO
(grumbling)
If these spirits even reach our people, the fight's over without her. What about Toyo? Has he reported back?
INCA
The Avatar's family are our contact with Capital City.
MAKO
Do they have anything to give us?
INCA
They're sending help.
MAKO
People or supplies?
INCA
They're sending help, is a direct quote.
MAKO
Find out what kind of help.
INCA
Here they come now.
Baki and Zura step up to their platform with fire extinguisher nozzles taped to either arm and the metal cans strapped to their backs like backpacks.
INCA
The fire brigade is here.
BAKI
(huffing)
It's...all we could find.
ZURA
(puffing)
It was this...or stale bread.
INCA
Good choice then.
MAKO
What is Capital City saying?
BAKI
Nothing for a little while. Abe said that they were working on something 'immensely cool', I think were their words.
MAKO
(sternly)
Did you tell them that the spirits are about to break down our door?
BAKI
(quietly)
Well, no, been a bit busy finding weapons...
She rummages before coming back up with a headset and putting it to her head.
BAKI
(into microphone)
Abe, come in. This is Baki - do you read me?
CUT TO:
INT EMERGENCY SHELTER WAR ROOM
Abe stands in the shadow of something absolutely massive. They look small and barely able to contain their excitement as sparks fly from somewhere off-panel. They very meekly pull up the receiver.
ABE
(softly)
Yeah, I read books.
BAKI (O.S.)
(electronic)
Abe, the spirits have touched down and they're coming for us - how much longer until you can send help?
KIN (O.S.)
(loudly)
Tell her just a few more minutes. And call her...honey suckle.
ABE
(softly)
Few more books, honey suckle.
CUT TO:
EXT SPIRIT HAVEN CITY OUTSKIRTS
Baki is bright red while taking off the headset. The other three look at her perplexed and waiting.
BAKI
(embarrassed)
Heh, should be...few more minutes.
ZURA
(groaning)
Ugh, did Kin say something nasty?
BAKI
(nervously)
No, my sheltered daughter!
MAKO
A few minutes?
He peers out into the field as all the dust flying from the stampeding hoard flies back up into the hole in the sky.
MAKO
(darkly)
We might not have much more time than that.
CUT TO:
EXT SPACE
Makami keeps her distance from the risen amalgam in the eldritch palm. Ananta Shesha's many eyes loom in the background.
FUU-KI
(monotone)
My sleep was restless and fraught with nightmarish pain. Never before has an epoch caused me such discomfort - every century, every time growing in irritation.
MAKAMI
The Avatar Cycle? Every time Raava had to find a new human, you felt pain?
FUU-KI
(monotone)
Raava's every growth rang against my mind in a screech. Finally, I could stand no more. When I awakened, I was famished beyond comprehension. I snatched at the first spirits to become part of me, and this human was not far behind.
MAKAMI
That human has a name.
FUU-KI
(monotone)
There are no more names. This one understood that inevitability. He moved the human world to expend enormous amounts of energy very quickly. The fear and hate tasted stronger than ever before, and for a long time, he spared me pain.
MAKAMI
By keeping Mai You Ren locked up, he thought he'd have the Raava available to serve to you when the time was right.
FUU-KI
(monotone)
And he failed. The pain was excruciating. This vessel lashed out against the Great Bestower to-
MAKAMI
(loudly)
Nandaka! Their name was Nandaka, and as misguided as they were, they ceased to exist to save us from you!
FUU-KI
(monotone)
I know these feelings. They swim inside of me even now - so potent, this love for Raava. Regret for wrong action. A reset for all is in order.
MAKAMI
(shouting)
No! Don't you see? Those experiences were learned - emotional summations of the most important moments of their entire existence! You cannot just wipe them out!
FUU-KI
(monotone)
This is a faulty syllogism. What you call progress is an expanding weakness of action. Your existence is governed by the law of two - all will live and all will die. Such a simple balance holds unto the most complex of calculations. From one end of this universe to another, all building blocks, energy, and matter follow this creed.
MAKAMI
And what about you?
FUU-KI
(monotone)
I am one of few exceptions that prove the rule.
MAKAMI
That makes your rule broken!
FUU-KI
(monotone)
False. That makes our rule absolute. Mine is an esse ultra - an existence beyond. I am the apex of a universal flow state.
MAKAMI
And Hamsa - your opposite?
She watches with a smirk as the eyes narrow in suspicion.
MAKAMI
Yeah, that's right, I know all about Hamsa and what happens if I awaken them!
The moment of silence gives Makami a moment to swallow back the dryness in her throat.
MAKAMI
We are just weak creatures that grow as we face hardship, and sacrifice is sometimes demanded. But we still refuse - stalwart and true to the promises we have made to protect and serve. When we enter our flow states, we focus our hardships into a single last hope that we can save the day.
FUU-KI
(monotone)
You no longer need to shoulder such a burden. I am your great, last hope to save everything.
CUT TO:
EXT SPIRIT HAVEN CITY OUTSKIRTS
Small, mobile battalions hop down into inset, square holes in the ground one after another. Then, large rock walls rise with two of the benders in every hole working together. Spaced the way they are, each of them covers a lane that covers the entire exterior angle of the metal barrier.
Mako and a few other fire benders are near the barrier and light the ground. Several lines of fuel run around the holes and pass the frontlines towards the oncoming wave - close enough now to hear the growling.
The fire reaches a line of inset balloons, immediately inflating them into large, extremely bouncy balls. Spirits begin to hit them, phasing through slowly.
MAKO
(shouting)
LOAD!
With that, the sweating benders ready themselves. One of the balloons pop and the floodgates open.
MAKO
(shouting)
FIRE!
In thundering rhythm, the benders shoot their rock walls forward, reload, and shoot again in perfect synchronization. Mako brings up binoculars to see the spirits passing through the rocks, but doing so slowly enough that they are losing ground.
He brings his radio to his mouth.
MAKO
(shouting)
It's working - keep at it!
From the horizon, he sees fliers incoming. Mako turns to the turrets above him.
MAKO
(shouting)
WATER READY!
The men and women rotate gigantic fire houses around with water benders firmly shackled into place as well - two per cannon.
MAKO
(shouting)
FIRE!
Sea water blasts into the beasts, slowing them down as a team of four works to aim and keep the current strong.
CUT TO:
INT CAPITAL CITY OFFICIALS BUILDING - DAY
Kota and Adachi's secretary walk quickly down the hall together with the walkie-talkie between them.
KOTA
(to the receiver)
But you're almost ready, right?
ABE (O.S.)
(electronic)
Strapping in now. Is Adachi sure we don't want to save any for the homestead?
KOTA
We're going to check on him now from a nap, but he seemed pretty adamant to send everything...
Adachi's door is open as they approach. Kota doesn't hesitate to swing inward and see a perfectly made bed with a note folded over like a consummate professional did the folding. There's a breeze coming in from the open balcony door.
ABE (O.S.)
(electronic)
What'd he say?
KOTA
(quietly)
He says to send it all. Be careful, Abe.
ABE (O.S.)
(electronic)
I'm coming back, Kotes.
She picks up the note with her name on it, flipping it up to read. It says "Going to make you happy."
CUT TO:
EXT SPACE
Makami is on the right with Fuu-Ki on the left. The sun watches over them both in the background.
She looks down to her oxygen indicator to see it blinking red.
FUU-KI
(monotone)
I will save you from this cycle. I will save myself from this terrible pain, and I will reset everything back into harmony.
MAKAMI
Not if I find Hamsa first!
FUU-KI
(growling echo)
Accept that this age has passed, and we will improve unto the next.
MAKAMI
I only accept that you are trying to break the balance, tear away lives, and end all of recorded history in a flash...
Her eyes flash the bright blue and red of the Avatar State - a full declaration of defiance against the coming night.
MAKAMI
(all Avatars echoing)
But I won't let you!
The hand that held Fuu-Ki's form zips forward as Makami braces. The hand smashes her back into the planet's gravity. Her eyes still ablaze, she uses the immense heat around her as they enter the atmosphere to send massive bolts of fire into the eyes of Ananta Shesha.
EXT THE SKIES ABOVE THE GREAT TREE - CONTINUOUS
From any onlooker on the ground, it appears as though the sky is well and truly falling. The mammoth hand of Ananta Shesha, populated with stars, glows around the edges from the heat of the atmosphere. Bolts of flame blast up the arm, slashing at the skin of the cosmos.
CUT TO:
EXT CRESCENT MOON ISLAND - DAY
Toyo, Alrund, and Uma watch with existential horror on their faces as the hand from the stars crashes to the ground.
ALRUND
(quietly)
Is that...?
TOYO
(quietly)
Ananta Shesha, and...Makami's fighting back.
Uma turns to the rolling camera.
UMA
Ladies and gents, we are officially at the arm-coming-from-space time in this, our apocalypse, and I, for one, am glad this camera only sees my upper half.
Toyo nudges his way into the shot.
TOYO
(quickly)
Inca, Kota - anyone that needs to hear this: the Avatar is back and fighting Ananta Shesha!
CUT TO:
EXT SPIRIT HAVEN CITY OUTSKIRTS
Inca presses her earpiece closer to her head while watching Toyo's plea on the handheld television.
TOYO
(electronic)
To everyone that's fighting - keep going, keep struggling. Makami is doing the same for all of us!
INCA
(mumbling)
Darn right she is.
She turns and slides down the embankment to Mako, who watches the frontlines through his see-longers.
INCA
(shouting)
Mako - the Avatar is back!
MAKO
(excitedly)
Where?
INCA
(shouting)
She's fighting the big-bad.
MAKO
(shouting)
They always do, don't they? We could use more help here too!
ADACHI (O.S.)
I brought everyone I could.
Mako and Inca turn to see Adachi smirking in front of the rest of the world leaders - Akna, Brindauk, and Chui-Phun. They are in battle-ready attire.
Mako walks up, smiling and nodding at them all.
MAKO
(happily)
The best help I could've asked for, my friends.
AKNA
We brought as many as we could.
BRINDAUK
And I left my assistants at home, where they are preparing a warm bath and a mysterious egg for my victorious return.
MAKO
Then let's get you to your celebration. Water benders, I'll need on the towers. Any earth benders, line up over there. Adachi, you come with me.
Chui-Phun comes close of Inca, giving her the look of a mother to a daughter despite their similar age.
CHUI-PHUN
You're Inca, right?
INCA
Chui-Phun, you know I am. I babysat you.
CHUI-PHUN
Then, do make sure that I'm not the one babysitting you today. I think I've dug out of your problems quite long enough.
INCA
(dourly)
Yeah, point goes to you.
Chui-Phun gives only a small smile.
On the battlefield, the first wave becomes disorganized in their fatigue. Many of them grunt and sweat, doing their best to stay consistent.
MAKO
(shouting)
SECOND WAVE - SWITCH!
At that, the other two in the foxholes flip with the first two seamlessly, bringing everything back to harmony.
MAKO
(shouting)
THIRD WAVE - GO!
Hundreds of earth benders flood out from the back lines, including Inca and Chui-Phun, then Mads, who slides into their foxhole a moment after them.
CHUI-PHUN
(sternly)
Who are you? You're in the wrong place, kid!
MADS
I didn't have a partner. Mako tried to leave me behind.
INCA
No, I did, and I'm taking you back now.
She grabs Mads' arm, but Chui-Phun grabs hers.
CHUI-PHUN
We're about to switch!
MAKO
(shouting)
THIRD WAVE - SWITCH!
Inca and Chui-Phun spin up, but have trouble immediately syncing. They get it right after a few strides with Inca looking back to one of the panting soldiers.
INCA
(grunting)
You, take that one back with you when there's a switch, got it?
MADS
(angrily)
How could you do this!? I thought we were friends!
Their blocks nick the side of another lane's, allowing the spirits to gain ground. Chui-Phun makes another, thicker wall and Inca slams it forward to make up the difference.
CHUI-PHUN
(shouting)
Do you not remember what I just said about your messes!? We can't operate with five in one foxhole!
INCA
(shouting)
Yes, we can!
She elbows Chui-Phun out of the way and continues to fire without missing a beat. Her blocks are twice the size, flying at the same frequency as the other soldiers.
CHUI-PHUN
(shouting)
What in the world are you doing!?
INCA
(shouting)
You and Mads will be next to give the others more of a break!
She glances over her shoulder to Mads.
INCA
(shouting)
You'd better be ready, girl!
Mads gives a confident nod while Chui-Phun looks distressed between them.
CUT TO:
EXT THE SKIES ABOVE THE GREAT TREE
As the hand descends, Makami blasts a massive flame thruster out of one arm to slow Ananta Shesha's grasping claw. Her other hand gathers the clouds into slashes of water that do little against the cosmic skin. Remarkably, the momentum slows the arm, which is now nearly up to the elbow before the rest disappears into the sky.
As Makami holds it, her face grunting with exertion, Fuu-Ki's form descends from the flesh facing her.
FUU-KI
(monotone)
This is in vain. All I need is to touch the surface of your planet to infect it with my spirits. It is inevitable.
MAKAMI
(all Avatars at once)
WRONG!
As she screams, the white light vaporizes Fuu-Ki's form and causes Ananta Shesha to recoil in pain. As she falls with her back towards the planet, Ananta Shesha's palm absorbs the pain of her blast, writhing and retreating as a result.
CUT TO:
EXT GREAT SPIRIT SWAMP
Bread is organizing his kin with Makami very quickly coming down in the clearing between them. Several of them are in the trees with safety harnesses wrapped around their waists.
BREAD
(loudly)
Get'em goin'!
With the signal, vines shoot out from the underbrush, weaving together into a tight net that catches Makami, stretching her to the ground safely.
She comes out of the Avatar State as Bread helps her roll out of the net. Bread and the others try to come closer.
MAKAMI
(inaudible in the suit)
BREAD
Can't 'ear ya, Makami.
She rolls them all away roughly using the earth under their feet before taking off her helmet. As she does, red and blue fog seeps out as she seethes through her teeth.
MAKAMI
(growling)
Stay back.
Makami eventually stands up with the cracks in her face losing their glow. The fog seeps through the many new seams and tears in her suit.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
Thank you for the catch- I didn't know where I was going to fall. Was a little preoccupied, obviously.
BREAD
We could see. What sorta new sky poacher is that?
MAKAMI
The worst kind. Everything okay here for right now?
BREAD
Fit as pickles here.
He laughs and slaps his leg.
BREAD
And you was worried!
MAKAMI
(emptily chuckling)
Yeah, right. I gotta go, alright?
BREAD
On yer way - hold up...see that?
Makami follows his finger through the canopy to see a swirl of green clouds. They spew something through the end of a splitting funnel. The form is miniscule against the sky as it lowers.
MAKAMI
I'll find out what's happening. Stay strong here, Bread.
BREAD
Ain't no way else to be!
Makami flashes white and teleports away, leaving them all to peer into the sky to get another glimpse at the danger.
CUT TO:
EXT EDGE OF THE APOTH
Aang and Wan strike down two waves of spirits with the same technique as Makami while Roku and Yangchen stand next to Voso in the background. He looks worriedly up and down the breadth of the Apoth's border line, the spirits splashing against a nearly impenetrable line of Avatars.
VOSO
I thought there weren't that many spirits coming up?
YANGCHEN
Their frequency has increased.
ROKU
Significantly, and I fear there is a much larger force at play.
YANGCHEN
You sense it as well?
ROKU
Yes, it presses on my temples.
VOSO
What force?
All three of them turn away from the frontlines and float to another border.
ROKU
With the Spirit World emptied of other spirits, it's a simple task to feel such a dark force moving in unison, even over a great distance.
YANGCHEN
Yes. Their forces converge.
VOSO
To the Human World? Through which portal?
His eyes widen in horror.
VOSO
(quietly)
Spirit Haven City?
ROKU
I believe so.
VOSO
(quickly)
Wait, these are the spirits that poison the spirits of anyone they attack! You can't just stay here and hold the line! Regular people will have no chance against these things.
YANGCHEN
Young loud-ling, do you see that barrier?
She points towards a physical fold in the air - a distortion that forms a semi-translucent dome.
VOSO
Yeah, so?
YANGCHEN
That is the line which we cannot cross.
ROKU
If we did, we would join this evil Ananta Shesha. We would need an-
VOSO
An anchor, yeah, but there has to be a way. You could fight these spirits back, not just defend!
YANGCHEN
We would never be able to make it there before we were fully absorbed, fool.
ROKU
I am sorry, Voso, but what happens next is in the hands of Makami.
Voso, dejected, lets his head fall back to peer into the sky, wincing to catch a glimpse of Makami in the depths of space.