EXT OUTSKIRTS OF AIR NATION CAPITAL
Zura sits next to Alrund, both of them with blankets over their shoulders and a small fire warming their feet. Neither of them look happy, Zura staring dourly into her steaming mug.
ALRUND
(quietly)
I'm sorry you lost your spirit friend.
ZURA
(quietly)
I'm sorry about Toyo.
They sit in silence. After a moment, she turns to Alrund.
ZURA
Are you going to-?
ALRUND
Don't want to talk about him.
She nods and cuddles into her blanket further.
ALRUND
(quietly)
He doesn't deserve it.
ZURA
(mumbling)
He saved me...
ALRUND
What?
ZURA
Voso, or Fuu-Ki - whatever - they took me, but Toyo and Kouichi tried to save me.
ALRUND
Tried to?
ZURA
Toyo eventually did. Kouichi...
ALRUND
Oh.
She looks down angrily for a moment before pounding hard against the side of the ball at their backs.
ALRUND
(loudly)
You uncomfortable in there, ringleader!? Don't you think I'm not blaming you for all this!
ZURA
(loudly)
Yeah, you...air bag!
ABE (O.S.)
Hey...?
Al smiles over the short fire at Abe, who carries more blankets and a thermos. Zura stands up sharply.
ABE
(quietly)
Thought it was a good time for a shift change, blankets et cetera. You've been on duty for almost a full day, and Zee's gotta get some rest.
Zura laughs, snorting a snot bubble embarrassingly. She turns away while Al climbs up the boulder.
ALRUND
(quietly)
I don't want to go back there. Did you bring any food?
ABE
You can't just...oh. It's because he's there, right?
She doesn't meet their eye contact.
ZURA
But he's in prison now, and he's not getting out. You don't have to see him. Not ever if you don't want to.
ALRUND
(bitterly)
Yeah, actually I do. I can't just pretend he's...look, I don't have to really explain this, do I?
ABE
Not to me, of course, but...maybe for Zura's benefit...?
ZURA
I get it. You're trying to move on but you can't because...
She glances towards Abe.
ZURA
I just get it.
ALRUND
What should I do then?
ZURA
(sighing)
Face him. Cut the tie for good.
ABE
I know this is a tough time for everyone, you know, relationship-wise, but Ananta Shesha...?
Zura turns to face the other two at last, the mood stiffening with the demon's name.
ABE
Nandaka is gone, we know that, so does that mean he's risen? We failed?
ZURA
It doesn't feel any different.
ALRUND
I know, I'm afraid to be relieved that we're still here.
ABE
Yeah, that's what I'm saying - let's not spit in the face of good luck. What's our plan right now anyways?
ABE
(grumbling)
You two practiced this, huh?
ZURA
No, it's just all we got right now.
All three look sad and disappointed - defeated by time and pressure.
CUT TO:
EXT AIR CAPITAL STREETS - MORNING
Makami shuffles her way across the cobblestone streets as people open shutters and otherwise begin their day. She finds herself in front of the university where much of the activity is centered.
MEELO (O.S.)
Makami?
She looks up to see Meelo coming forward with concern on his face. Her own is blank, vacant, and still hasn't recovered its glow. He approaches with books in hand.
MEELO
(relieved)
I'm so glad to see you back - does this make the mission a success?
MAKAMI
(quietly)
Not quite.
MEELO
Well, how bad is it?
Her eye twitches towards tears again in a way that catches Meelo's attention.
MEELO
Come, we'll go to my office and you can fill me in.
CUT TO:
INT MEELO'S OFFICE - DAY
Green tea pours out of a clay spout into two cups.
MEELO (O.S.)
That sounds incredibly bad.
Makami takes one of the cups in hand with a small breakfast in front of her. The office itself is a rounded cubby with uneven walls. Meelo takes the other cup and sits across from her on the ground.
MAKAMI
I'd have been happier with a zero-sum outcome. Instead, we are quietly waiting for the end of the world.
MEELO
(quietly)
And Voso...his actions must weigh heavily on you still.
MAKAMI
(quietly)
That they do.
She takes a drink of the tea.
MAKAMI
(quietly)
They...he did...
MEELO
(calmingly)
We don't have to speak about him if it pains you so.
MAKAMI
No, I need to say it. I feel like a traitor to my own world. Like the hypocrite all my detractors scream that I am. He did what he did for me - all of it, to protect...to protect me.
MEELO
Do you believe that?
MAKAMI
I believe...yes, I do. I believe he exploded who I was into this grand ideal that he could protect and fight for. I was his scapegoat.
She takes another, long drink of the hot tea, slamming the cup to the table.
MAKAMI
(angrily)
But here I am, only able to think about him when the world's death is on the line.
MEELO
You've not thrown the world away, Makami. You need time to mourn.
MAKAMI
(shakily)
I have never been so blind as I was around him.
MEELO
Love is a driving force amongst us all. You can't have its highs without its lows.
MAKAMI
There's this theory in star science about this invisible matter holding our universe together. I used to read about it with a flashlight in bed, thinking it was romantic. The universe was always held together, always hugging itself tightly, even as it tumbled through space.
MEELO
And you think he was what held you tightly?
MAKAMI
(quietly)
What if he was? What if the world dies because I can't hold together without him?
MEELO
You're a practical person, Makami. You don't need a practical answer from me regarding what happens if Ananta Shesha is freed.
Meelo grabs the teapot and pours her another.
MEELO
For what it's worth, I think you're looking at this all wrong. I too read about the stars, and what I find most fascinating is our sun. Do you have any idea how powerful it truly is?
Makami takes the cup up and tips it back and forth.
MAKAMI
Uh, about twenty-six zeroes worth?
MEELO
(chuckling)
Of course you do, and yet...
She takes another drink of the tea.
MEELO
It will perish some day. So many, many, many generations from now, those twenty-six zeroes will be reduced to none. This is a meditation on the natural state of all things - nothingness. Every moment Nandaka was in our world was a struggle. Raava has struggled for thousands of years to keep Avatars bending heroically.
Makami's shoulder twitches hard, bringing her opposite hand up to comfort it.
MEELO
The natural state for all of us is stillness. Nandaka was so blinded by those new feelings it experienced with your sister that it forgot that fundamental truth.
MAKAMI
(confused)
How do you know so much about Nandaka?
Her eyes dart down to Meelo's tea, untouched and still steaming.
MEELO
I know a great deal, Avatar. About Pi-Ran, Toyo, Yaohui, and the many others that have served me.
As her face contorts into anger, her eyes turn afraid. Her wrist tries to come up, but can only limply knock against her cup. Meelo catches her head as it falls forward.
MEELO
(soothingly)
Now, now, no more struggling - see? Doesn't that feel better?
He stands up, sliding his door lock closed.
MEELO
Gentle stillness to ease your weary muscles? Doesn't it just feel natural?
Meelo comes around the table and leans down to whisper into her ear while her eyes can do nothing but stare ahead in horror.
MEELO
(whispering)
Much like Shii, I took a new name long ago for reasons both sentimental and spiritually cleansing. I believe you've waited for a long time to meet me by this true name, Makami. I. Am. Fuu-Ki.
CUT TO:
INT TOYO'S CELL
The earthen cell is woefully inadequate for holding a skilled earth bender at bay, but even so, Toyo lounges against one wall with his head angled down, unphased at how comically simple it would be to escape. A close-by door opens, Kota coming in with a tray of food. He comes up to his knees, staying in the center of his cell.
TOYO
Kota? Why are you bringing me breakfast?
KOTA
Oh, I don't know...Everyone else has visited a prisoner, I was feeling left out. Besides, this is my breakfast.
She sits with the tray in front of her, the food looking exquisite.
TOYO
Has anyone slept?
KOTA
Not well. What do you know about what's happened?
TOYO
That Zura's safe and Makami was chasing Voso and Fuu-Ki.
Kota's eyes diverge, her chopstick prodding a pile of potatoes.
KOTA
(quietly)
Not anymore.
He moves forward, but she snaps the chopsticks towards him.
KOTA
(quickly)
Just because you and I were pretty neutral doesn't mean I don't hate you for what you did.
TOYO
Then, why are you here?
She scoops some rice into her mouth.
KOTA
(cheeks full)
Because I need to feel something besides sadness, and hate will do just fine for me.
He sits back, crossing his legs.
TOYO
Fair enough.
KOTA
Did you get my brother into that life?
TOYO
No. We were brought in by Kouichi. I beat him to climb the ranks, then worked with him against Fuu-Ki. He protected Zura with everything he could.
KOTA
(mumbling)
What a shame he didn't make it.
Toyo bites his tongue as she continues to eat. She glances up to him.
KOTA
Paya's imprisoned too, you know? The whole operation has crumbled to the ground. How's that feel?
TOYO
Not a moment too soon, but way, way too late.
Her chewing slows as she slowly nods. After a moment, she takes her large muffin and tosses it to him.
KOTA
Gotta keep my hate level up or I'll be falling into some very turbulent sleep.
TOYO
What else can I say?
KOTA
How about you tell me everything that you handed in on that confession of yours? I'm sure I can find something there to hate you for.
CUT TO:
INT MEELO'S OFFICE
Grand Master Meelo, now revealed as the insidious Fuu-Ki, hums as he wipes food off of Makami's plate into the sink. She still lies upon the table in the background, now with a small blanket over her shoulders.
He switches to whistling, turning back to smile at her before the water shuts off.
MEELO
I will say, you and Voso had me quite panicked there at the end. It was no small feat to hold Nandaka at bay while I controlled him, and you are no slouch.
He turns and dries his hands on a towel.
MEELO
You never have been. The questions you asked from the people you interrogated - my goodness, you were so close so many times! It was exhilarating to face an Avatar for so long. You see, my little operation wasn't large enough to matter when Korra was still alive.
(mumbling)
Although, she was quite dull outside of fighting.
He brings the towel over to clean the table next to Makami's side-turned face. Her eyes are frozen open, forced to watch his calm, steady hand.
MEELO
There was a time when I was quite intimidated to go against a fully-grown Avatar. Years ago...
FADE TO:
EXT EARTH KINGDOM HOUSE - FLASHBACK
A younger Meelo (40) walks with members of the white lotus, nodding his chin towards a house. His head is full of brown hair and his icy blue eyes scan around atop his slim frame.
MEELO (V.O.)
I saw an opportunity to strike my enemy while they were still young. The White Lotus located the boy who would grow to be the Avatar, and I was happy to accompany them.
The door opens and a single father looks intimidated with his newborn child in his arms. Meelo and the White Lotus all bow as the child starts a fire on the man's shoulder he quickly pats out.
CUT TO:
EXT BOAT DECK - FLASHBACK
The deck bends back and forth harshly beneath the storm above them. Meelo holds the child in his arms, using his incredible balance to stay still as the waves crash the soldiers back and forth.
MEELO (V.O.)
A storm met our boat on the way back. While I wasn't as powerful then, I could still do some damage.
Meelo smiles towards the angered clouds, swinging one arm up to drive forward a massive gust of wind that slides beneath the rocking hull, capsizing the vessel.
MEELO (V.O.)
Here ended the White Lotus, but the tragedy of the young, missing Avatar became the international mystery for many months. I had to play up my part as well - the marooned air bender only has so many options for escape, after all.
CUT TO:
EXT ISLAND BEACH - FLASHBACK
Meelo uses an air ball to surf up onto the sands, still holding the child. In the background is an exploding volcano, darkening the sky in the distance.
MEELO (V.O.)
While time ticked away, I isolated the boy and procured my jailer, Yaohui. Back then, I had other associates known by Sui-Ki, Kin-Ki, and Ongyo-Ki.
CUT TO:
INT SECRET SILO - FLASHBACK
Meelo stares at the burst-open bars and empty cage beneath the oculus. He looks dour with three others behind him in the shadows.
MEELO (V.O.)
Imagine my shock when they failed me, letting the young Avatar out into the world.
Meelo raises and lowers his arms, gripping the air as he does. The three in the shadows claw their airways before falling to the ground.
MEELO (V.O.)
A sadly consistent truth - you can only trust yourself to be committed.
CUT TO:
INT MEELO'S OFFICE
Meelo replaces the small, white flowers in his table's vase. The table is immaculate minus Makami's still torso.
MEELO
Many nights, I waited for the worst, searching high and low for where he would re-emerge, be crowned, and oust me. Alas, the world forgot very quickly about the Avatar.
He takes a seat next to her, staring into her wide, watering eyes.
MEELO
That is one truth that Voso understood. The world will forget even the greatest legends, watering them down to glitter and the bang of a drum. So, he fought for you.
He leans closer to whisper.
MEELO
(quietly)
Even if the world were to survive, it would still forget your name, your deeds, and your little stone statue. Why fight for what is already lost, Makami?
He leans back, staring blankly forward.
MEELO
(quietly)
I thought he would be the one with me to see it happen - to see the skies turn black and Ananta Shesha's eye to open from beyond the sky.
His hand pats her paralyzed shoulder.
MEELO
I suppose you and I share that pain.
MAKAMI
(weakly)
W-why?
Meelo looks to her with surprised eyes, withdrawing his hand.
MEELO
(chortling)
Well, I should've guessed you'd need another cup. Too much strength in that will of yours!
He moves to stand.
MEELO
We can fix that.
MAKAMI
(weakly)
W-why?
He stops, coming back down and leaning closer.
MEELO
What was that?
MAKAMI
(weakly)
W-why do this?
Meelo has a sinister smile and a cocked head. He bends over, laying his head on the table with his face looking directly into her shaking eyes.
MEELO
(quietly)
You want to know why? Fine. We're all just waiting for the end now anyways, aren't we?
CUT TO:
INT TOYO'S CELL
Toyo slowly picks at his muffin while Kota naps on the ground just to the side of his cell's front. The tray still has a few morsels on it, but is mostly picked clean.
The door opens again, and Toyo drops the muffin to the ground. Alrund comes in with an unreadable face and her arms folded behind her back. He wipes the smudges off his face, but only smears them further as he stands.
TOYO
Al?
ALRUND
(mumbling)
Gotta be kidding me with this cell.
She kicks at the loose clay.
ALRUND
Any earth bender would be out of here in a second, or through these wooden bars.
TOYO
(quietly)
They're pretty fragile too.
He gives one a stiff jab and it falls to dust, leaving him a massive gap to pass through.
TOYO
I don't think the Air Nation ever had prisoner-keeping in mind.
ALRUND
Then, why not escape? Leave and start a new life with new people you can gut in entirely new ways?
He winces at her barb.
TOYO
Because I want to pay for the mistakes of this life.
ALRUND
(hissing)
How noble.
She crosses her arms at her front and averts her eyes.
ALRUND
(quickly)
I told myself that you wouldn't get to me - I'd stare you in the face and feel nothing at all.
She breathes sharply through her teeth and spins back to the door.
ALRUND
I just don't know yet.
TOYO
Don't know what?
ALRUND
If I want to hate you forever, or toss you into a volcano.
TOYO
(quickly)
Before you go...
She stops but doesn't turn.
TOYO
When I told you I understood what you were going through with having to grit your teeth through hate and revenge, this is what I was talking about.
ALRUND
I know.
She turns to him with sad eyes.
ALRUND
And I pity you now more than ever.
After another shake of her head, she rips open the door into a white light that engulfs the screen.
CUT TO:
EXT SPIRIT WORLD - FLASHBACK
Jinora, Meelo, and Shii, then known as Kai, all stand in their glider suits upon a thin hilltop. All of them are in their twenties with Jinora and Kai holding hands. Meelo looks through a pair of binoculars.
MEELO (V.O.)
We four were inseparable. Me, Jinora, Shii - or Kai - and my other sister, Iggy.
Iggy lands haphazardly, using Meelo to make sure she didn't go flying off the hill top. They smile to each other before she snatches the binoculars.
MEELO (V.O.)
We were all proud to serve at the behest of my father and the Avatar. While Korra dealt with the more serious matters, we handled what we could. This time, we were after a pair of children that were lost in the Spirit World.
The four bound forward, Jinora and Iggy in the sky while Kai and Meelo push forward on the rolling hills. As they pass by, the hills open eyes all along the slopes and other smaller spirits take notice of their movements.
MEELO (V.O.)
We searched for two days, camping amongst the oddities of the land. Kai and Jinora made friends with several of them. As ever, Iggy and I were weaker spiritually. Together, we didn't mind it. We had each other.
Iggy swings down to make faces at Meelo, who returns a funny one of his own. Jinora points to a wooded thicket shrouded in fog in front of them. A pair of children skip into the dark entrance.
MEELO (V.O.)
We finally spotted them entering a small grove, and our tradition began.
From above, four hands enter a circle - three as fists, and one as flat as paper.
Meelo celebrates his victory while everyone else makes soundless excuses.
MEELO (V.O.)
I would enter the woods with Iggy and Jinora. Kai would monitor from above.
Kai kisses Jinora on the cheek and flashes into the sky with his gliding suit and a staff. Meelo and Iggy both make grossed-out faces before all three head into the woods.
MEELO (V.O.)
We three grandchildren of Avatar Aang entered.
CUT TO:
INT FOREST OF LOST SOULS - FLASHBACK
Meelo and Iggy are in front, watching the trees wave like paper. Jinora is behind with her eyes closed, walking slowly.
MEELO (V.O.)
Iggy and I kept Jinora safe so she could divine which way the children had gone, but these were dangerous woods. Hungry and ancient woods. Jinora struggled to maintain her focus amongst such dark energy.
Iggy points and takes off.
MEELO (V.O.)
We spotted them running away over and over again. Every time we thought we were catching up, they would evaporate like phantoms. Jinora warned us to stop and turn back, but as we tried...
Meelo and Iggy stop with their eyes wide, turning as Jinora backs to them.
MEELO (V.O.)
The thicket erased our path. Jinora sensed a strong, vile presence coming towards us. She wanted us to leave, but Iggy and I just turned towards the rumbling bushes ready to fight. What came from the brush was...horrible.
From that direction comes a pair of decayed, dying spirits that are half in their original bodies, half turning into the poisoning creatures of malice seen attacking Makami and others in the present.
MEELO (V.O.)
Sickly depictions of Koh, the Face Stealer and the Mother of Faces - powerful, vicious spirits - swung claws at our throats. To see such powerful creatures reduced to green decay gave me hope that we could beat them.
Jinora and Iggy dance around the claws of the Mother while Meelo blasts the Face Stealer hard enough to snap his centipede-like body in half. Instead of ceasing the attack, the decayed body is replaced by a red-eyed, ferocious spirit that continues the fight.
Iggy runs across the Mother of Faces' large body that decays further and further the more it swings. Jinora blasts a column of air through the treetops.
MEELO (V.O.)
Jinora sounded the retreat.
Meelo was first into the air tunnel, ascending instantly. Iggy was next, but was slashed across the back by one of Koh's small pincers as it passed.
MEELO (V.O.)
We all escaped with our lives, we thought.
CUT TO:
EXT SPIRIT WORLD, EDGE OF THE FOREST - FLASHBACK
Iggy is on the ground, curled towards Meelo with sweat on her brow and pale skin. Jinora meditates beside them while Kai helps Meelo pour water into Iggy's mouth.
MEELO (V.O.)
Iggy was pierced by the decrepit Face Stealer, infecting her spirit almost immediately. Jinora used her spirit to call to Korra while our sister writhed in pain. Kai and I were helpless.
Jinora's eyes open and she comes over, looking at the wound and putting her hand to her mouth in shock.
MEELO (V.O.)
You know this poison well. It seeped into her spirit and, already weak as it was, began to consume. Korra had told Jinora she was on her way. We smiled in relief, knowing that she need only to hold on for a little while longer.
The time passes with everyone but Iggy changing places.
MEELO (V.O.)
Korra would come to save my sister.
Time passes again with a small fire alit and Jinora asleep. Meelo is hugging Iggy into his lap while she holds her expression in tight pain.
MEELO (V.O.)
We all believed in her, as we had so many times before.
Time passes unto a morning where Meelo is giving his sister chest compressions, tearfully counting out the number one after the other. Jinora pulls him back as she bursts into black bits, scattering to the wind. All three of them look ill, their arms growing green.
MEELO (V.O.)
But it was too late.
Korra arrives in the foreground as Meelo drops to his knees before his sister's empty clothes.
MEELO (V.O.)
She came too late to save her, but just in time to save us. Korra purified us using water from outside Spirit World, and demanded we all go home to mourn.
Meelo dashes into the forest again with Korra reaching after him.
MEELO (V.O.)
I didn't listen.
CUT TO:
INT FOREST OF LOST SOULS - FLASHBACK
Meelo runs with tears in his eyes and a snarl on his lips. He has a staff in hand, ready to tear the spirits that did this asunder.
MEELO (V.O.)
It was no longer about those lost children or my father's musings on patience. I was the right hand of vengeance prepared to strike.
The two great spirits strike from the brush with Meelo spinning between them skillfully. He spins on one finger, sending sharp air blasts that knock against them harmlessly.
From behind, Korra - aged and clad in armor - rises with blasts of water and fire, knocking them over. As Koh spins around, his tail slaps Meelo hard into the woods.
MEELO (V.O.)
I was thrown from the battle. I felt like I was in the air forever, tasting hatred on my lips for the very first time.
He slams into a pile of husks in a small clearing.
MEELO (V.O.)
I remember colliding with shells, discarded by all the spirits of malice now inhabiting these woods. Then, one of the bodies moved. I bounded up, my foot caught, and I tripped into an open hole in the ground.
CUT TO:
INT MEELO'S OFFICE - PRESENT DAY
His hand pushes Makami's hair out of her eyes while they shake with anger.
MEELO
(quietly)
That is where I met Ananta Shesha, asleep yet radiant. My spirit absorbed his power and his message. This world, and the plague-ridden history that allowed it to happen, must die to be reborn. Without Avatars, without classes and separation. Without the memory of the past as an anchor.
He stands up, straightening his outfit like a leader of people satisfied with his own speech.
MEELO
So, Avatar Makami...
He holds her up by her hair, smiling calmly into her face.
MEELO
How did my story strike you?
CUT TO:
INT TOYO'S CELL
Kota sits up as Toyo finishes his muffin.
TOYO
Morning.
KOTA
(groggily)
So much for keeping me awake. How long have I been out?
TOYO
Not long. You missed Al.
KOTA
Oh, I'm sure I did. You know no matter what she says or calls you, you'll never be able to push back right? You've lost all of your power.
TOYO
Is that what it's like between you and Abe?
KOTA
First off, Abe didn't just lie to me for years - wait, Abe wasn't a part of this, right?
TOYO
Not that I'm aware of.
She sighs and stands up, bringing her tray with her.
KOTA
Good - and second, Abe and I are just friends.
TOYO
Don't wait.
She turns to him perplexed.
TOYO
It's the end of the world, Kota. Live accordingly.
KOTA
Nice advice from a guy behind bars made of dried rice and bread. Not really living like there's no tomorrow, are you?
TOYO
(quietly)
Some debts can't wait to be paid.
KOTA
(seething)
Now you've got my hate going! You sound just like him, offering to jump off a cliff to save us some trouble - you know what? Alrund's right about anything she ever says about you.
She kicks the door to have a guard open it.
KOTA
(angrily)
But only the negative stuff!
The door opens and closes, leaving him with his eyes wide.
CUT TO:
INT MEELO'S OFFICE
He is across from her, swirling a new cup of tea while he has her chin resting atop a small stack of books to stare directly into his eyes. Makami's look is intense while he looks almost remorseful.
MEELO
Iggy left an immeasurable crater - even Jinora felt it, peace be upon her spirit. When she took over for Dad, she tried to prevent it from every happening again by closing us off from the world, moving us back to nomads.
MAKAMI
(weakly)
P-Paya. You...used him.
MEELO
Oh, to no ends! The man had such ambition and an immutable desire to grow. I let him pull us onto the world stage. It gave me so many more hands to shake and minds to connect.
(smiling)
Do you remember when you introduced me to your mother? Your sister? Kin? I can control them all.
He sips his tea loudly.
MEELO
Can your Avatar powers do that, hm?
MAKAMI
(weakly)
What...do you...want from me?
MEELO
(shrugging)
After all this time, I am just grateful to have an ear to bend that understands the work I put into all this.
Another loud drink.
MEELO
I mean it, I'd write this down as the Legend of Meelo if it'd survive Ananta Shesha's awakening. Maybe it'd be a best-seller like that louse Pi-Ran's book.
Her shoulder twitches catch his eye.
MEELO
Best get you another dose.
He hoists himself up while putting down his tea.
MEELO
I'd love to keep this going until I go to meet Iggy and Jinora in Ananta Shesha's coil.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
You won't meet them there because their spirits are anchored.
He freezes, looking at her with wide eyes.
MEELO
Anchors won't matter after he awakens.
MAKAMI
(groggily)
And if the anchor is an Avatar? I've seen your family in the realm of Aang and Korra, both of which are anchored to me. As long as the Avatar spirit is mine, I will fight until the absolute bitter end to keep them from you.
MEELO
(darkly)
Will you, now? Do you really think you can defeat Ananta Shesha? Bend his will even slightly? Mock his highest servant?
MAKAMI
(angrily)
I will fight until you've lost your form and memory. Until they've passed on and forgotten you.
MEELO
(anger rising)
You couldn't.
MAKAMI
(quickly)
I can if I lock them inside of Raava. Raava will survive no matter what happens. Then, they will pass through life after life, never knowing freedom again.
He sits back down with his eyes twitching in bloomed anger.
MEELO
(seething)
You dare threaten me now? As helpless as you are?
Makami grunts as she lifts her torso off the table slowly. He smiles devilishly while her upper body wobbles, struggling to stay strong.
MAKAMI
(shaking)
You've taken who I love away from me. I will do the same of you.
MEELO
(laughing)
Well, there's some spirit in you yet! Here I thought you'd given up on the world?
MAKAMI
(shaking)
No. I never will again. I have to stop you.
MEELO
Well, go ahead. Try to stop me.
He sits upright with his hands in his lap while her shaking continues. After another moment, she flops down to the side this time, bringing another chuckle out of Meelo.
MEELO
I'd thought not. You stay down there for a moment now and think about what you did.
He readjusts himself into the lotus position.
MEELO
I'll pay your mother and sister a visit.
On the ground, Makami's teeth clench almost hard enough to crack.
MEELO
Perhaps I'll put them in the ball with Paya until you learn just how recursive cruelty can truly be.
Her eyes spark in white like a flash of lighting. She moves with veracity enough to demolish the table and grab one of Meelo's wrists. He glances up to see a towel in her hand, protecting from skin-to-skin contact. He shoots out two fingers, but she uses his empty tea cup to block his strike.
MAKAMI
(echoing)
ENOUGH!
Her eyes and mouth flash white, but the shadow of Ananta Shesha remains strong, fighting against the cleansing blast. More and more power comes out until the shadow is torn away.
She stumbles backwards, falling to her butt as she comes down from the Avatar State.
MEELO
(softly)
I feel it now, here at the apex of the world. The pinnacle of creation reveals to me all that is, and to me, all is still. I'm coming, master.
MAKAMI
(panting)
No...no you don't!
Her eyes glow again as she pounces forward, sealing away his bending ability with a thumb upon his chest and his forehead.
He finally snaps out of it as she falls to the opposite wall.
MEELO
(shocked)
N-no, how...how could you do this? I-I-my energy is...what did you do to my bending?
MAKAMI
I gave you stillness, Fuu-Ki. Isn't that what you've always wanted?
He frowns bitterly for a moment before snapping a fist forward with a desperate yell. Then, he attacks.
Meelo fights and moves with flowing moves, but Makami simply blocks and weaves through. Each of his bounces from the wall take more energy until the old, large man is winded.
Makami catches his feeble, final punch in the air and gives him nothing but a cold stare.
MAKAMI
You will never see your master's plan to completion, Fuu-Ki.
Meelo wheezes desperately, his eyes assessing the room for any way out. Finally, he eyes the tray of incense ashes at his feet.
MEELO
(seething)
Watch the skies grow dark, Avatar. Prepare to huddle together in fear!
He slams his foot down, catapulting the ash into Makami's eyes. He moves towards the window and climbs the wooden ledge.
He turns back as she clears out her eyes just enough.
MEELO
(seething)
I'm coming master!
MAKAMI
(shouting)
No!
Before she can catch him, he is below the window, falling the several stories to the ground. As she cleans her eyes, the sunshine outside the window begins to dim.
CUT TO:
EXT AIR CAPITAL STREETS
Students, matrons, and patrons all look at the sky where green-tinted clouds have rolled across the sun in a moment, making it dark enough to re-ignite street lamps.
Toyo is among them, looking up with his hair slicked back and his face washed. He clutches a hood tightly around his ears.
MAKAMI (V.O.)
Every once in a great while, there is a change in the air that everyone can feel at once.
CUT TO:
INT TOYO'S CELL
Al comes into the open door, seeing him having very easily broken out. In his place is a note in the dirt. She comes closer, frowning as she reads.
It reads "The time we had together was the time of my life, but I have to forgive myself before I can expect it from you. Love, T".
MAKAMI (V.O.)
One that scares us with what it reveals about who we are.
She presses her hand down in the air, filling in the note except for the bottom line.
MAKAMI (V.O.)
About what we can't bear to let go of because we don't know if we can survive without it.
The "Love, T" floats up to her hands, her eyes conflicted as she stares intensely at the rock.
MAKAMI (V.O.)
And that's when you have to fight to keep yourself visible - when the darkness swallows everything else.
CUT TO:
INT REPUBLIC CITY MEETING CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Makami stands at the head of a small table of dignitaries, purple clouds signaling the ominous end of days out the open windows. No one looks up, and several chairs are honorarily kept open.
MAKAMI
I need help. I need the people in this room, and especially the people ready to fight on our behalf. The Avatar cannot work alone in this crisis. Our world needs to band together now to face what's coming. I'll tell you all I know about Ananta Shesha and how to fight him.
CUT TO:
INT MAKAMI'S ROOM
Makami has fire in one hand and Voso's note in the other. She stops with the folded corner just at the flame's threshold, her hand shaking.
MAKAMI (V.O.)
But it may not be enough. Those memories of how we used to be may never come back again. We may never have another chance to protect what we love.
She calmly puts out the flame in her hand.
MAKAMI (V.O.)
And what we've lost.
CUT TO:
EXT THE APOTH - SPIRIT WORLD
The center of the realm of Avatars' past is empty with a hint of night from the background. There is stillness here, which makes Makami uncomfortable as she walks into the realm. She finally stops near the left-edge of the screen, staring down at something we cannot yet see. She sits down, bringing out the unfolded letter.
The view pans over to show the spirit of Voso, bound and unconscious against the base of Avatar Kyoshi's monument. His eyes and mouth are both bound across his blue spirit.
She unfolds the letter in her hand.
VOSO (V.O.)
Makami, I don't know what to say. I'm writing on pure emotion because I know I'm going to see you soon. I'll try to say only smooth, evergreen things like I miss the way you laugh in a quiet room. I miss bumping into you on the streets of Capital City. Those really were the simpler times, weren't they? Now, I'm helping Grandpa spy and I'm hearing voices in my head from a thing named Fuu-Ki. Don't worry, I'm sure he's friendly...? Anyways, I want you to know that, whenever you read this, I love you, Makami. It's gonna cause me to do and say some stupid things in my life, but know that I will always fight for you. And forgiving me for some of those stupid things would be swell too.
She folds up the note carefully with her face, despite the stoicism, showing tears on the edges of her eyes.
VOSO (V.O.)
Love, V.
Finally, Makami cracks and lets it out, quietly mourning lies of Voso in the middle of the last sanctuary. She stares at him for only a moment longer - all she can stand, before breaking into sobs.
CUT TO:
EXT THE EDGE OF EXISTENCE
At the black, swirling hole seen before near Nandaka's realm, purple, ravenous spirits have gathered to offer themselves to Ananta Shesha. The eye opens at the center of the black, the entirety of it purple with roving dots of red.
Around the hole, the sky begins to crack. They splinter and spread, giving only a glimpse at the great devourer as the spirits raise themselves into towers just to be closer to this reborn god.
END OF SEASON 3
Welp, that's Season 3! Thank you for everyone that's read and commented and favorited - the end is coming in Season 4, which will be up soon. Thanks again for the support!