AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
BOOK 1: FAMILY
CHAPTER 1: THE PRINCE - PART 1
2,000 years before Avatar Aang…
We begin our journey on a black screen. Before we see anything, we hear the ambient noise of a warship on the sea. We hear the crew chatting and the sounds of ropes being tied. Beyond that, we hear the sounds of the ocean, as the warship sails.
Suddenly, an ancient score pipes in. The sound of a woodblock perhaps, and then a rolling bass drum, before we cut to our first visual.
Under a cloudy sky, a blue flag adorns the mast of a warship, flapping in the wind. This flag is emblazoned with the insignia of the Kamakoi Empire; a fierce looking Koi fish with two arms, one holding a scepter, and the other clutching a dagger made of ice.
AVATAR: EMPIRE OF ICE
We cut to a wide shot of the back of the enormous, wooden ship, as soldiers and guards move to and fro. The camera pans across the length of the ship, until we get to the bow. A middle aged man, Kamui, stands on the bow with his hands behind his back. He's wearing the fancy blue coat of an imperial general.
Then we cut to a medium shot of Kamui, still from the back. His hair is blowing in the wind as he looks out at the maze of glaciers ahead of him. A guard named Miku walks up behind Kamui and clears his throat.
Miku
Sir? You wanted to see me?
Kamui
Yes. Miku.
Miku
Yes, sir?
Kamui gestures for Miku to join him at the edge of the ship. Miku nods and walks over. As he walks up to the bow, Kamui points ahead.
Kamui
See that?
Miku looks into the distance and sees a sparkle on the horizon.
Miku
Yes, sir. That's the capital.
Kamui nods. Miku stares at the sparkle in concealed wonder, then he looks back at Kamui.
Miku
I can't wait to see what all the fuss is about.
Kamui turns his head toward Miku, and we hear him give a polite single laugh, before he turns back to the sea.
Kamui
It's been five years since I was last inside the city walls.
Miku looks over at Kamui.
Miku
Of course… How do you… How do you feel? Are you excited?
We cut to the back of Kamui's head, still not seeing his face. Kamui shrugs.
Kamui
I suppose.
The two stare out for another moment.
Kamui
We arrive in two hours. Tell the princess.
Miku nods, then he turns and walks over to the cabin. Miku opens the door and walks below deck. He passes by the second level of the ship, where 6 sailors are powering the ship with waterbending. Miku continues walking down the stairs until he gets to the bottom level.
We cut to a small piece of parchment, on which an illustration of a man and a woman is drawn in ink. A pair of hands clutches the illustration in a dark room. Suddenly, we hear the door swing open.
We cut to Miku standing in the doorway as his lips curl up into a vicious smile, before he knocks on the doorframe.
Miku
You awake?
There's no answer. Miku continues to stare for a moment, until we cut to Princess Ta, 17, bathed in shadow. She's facing away from Miku, sitting on a dingy cot, looking down at the illustration. Miku starts walking towards her, and she stuffs the parchment in her pocket.
Ta
Yes. I'm awake.
Miku
We're arriving in two hours. Get your stuff packed up and ready to go. (He eyes Ta) And would it kill you to put some makeup on? This is the prince, not some merchant's boy.
Ta nods her head and gets off the cot, starting to put her clothes in a bag. Miku narrows his eyes, and then he slowly turns around, walking away. Ta looks back as Miku leaves. As soon as he's out of sight, she sits back down on the cot and grabs her head in her hands. We cut to a wide shot of Ta, sitting in the darkness, quietly sobbing.
We cut from the darkness to a bright blue wall of ice. Adorning the wall is a massive taxidermy display of a giant squid and an orca shark battling it out. The camera pans down to reveal Prince Kato, 17, sitting on the throne. He has a shrewd expression on his face.
Kato
You may rise.
We cut to a wide shot, revealing the vast room he sits in. It is the main hall of the Kamakoi Palace. Next to prince Kato is an airbender in his late 50's, Jang, holding a clipboard. In front of Kato, an earthbending woman, Jin, is bowing deeply. She then stands and looks up at Kato.
Kato
And who is claiming charges? (Nods) Step forward. (A member of the city guard, Batam, walks forward holding a bag. He looks suspiciously at Jin, bowing quickly) Let's get on with this. What happened?
Batam
I caught this rock pusher sneaking around the marketplace without a chaperone, and then, when I caught up to her, she was eyeing up the eel cart like she wanted to take something. I asked her where he was and you know what she does next? She tells me she doesn't need a chaperone! So I took a look inside her bag. (He takes the bag and holds it upside down as its contents spill all over the floor) Look at this. Incense. Vinegared rice. Earrings.
Batam tosses the bag and looks at Jin. Jin looks up at Kato, who narrows his eyes at her.
Kato
Earrings?
Batam smiles cruelly at Jin, before Kato's gaze shifts over to him.
Kato
This is why you're here, taking up my valuable time? A pair of earrings?
Batam
A pair of earrings that she stole. She's a thief!
Kato sighs and shakes his head.
Kato
Batam, as I'm sure you're aware, this new economic initiative was my idea.
Batam
(Scrunches his face in confusion) What?! That was you? I thought that was some bleeding heart council member!
Kato
No... It was a royal decree. And for you to continue to ignore it, well… One could call it treason. (Batam looks at Kato with disbelief) But I won't. Not yet. Now, here's what you're gonna do for me in return. You're going to reimburse Jin for every last cent of what you just spilled all over my floor. Then, you're going to spread the word to all your little buddies that I'm onto them. Got it?
Batam looks angrily down at the floor.
Batam
I never expected the crown prince to take the side of a servant over one of his own…
Kato
This servant-… Jin is co-leading the construction of the east wing. She's a dedicated wife and mother. And she has excellent taste in earrings. (Jin smiles at Kato, Kato smiles back, and then looks at the sullen Batam and sighs angrily) Take out your coin purse. (Batam reluctantly retrieves his coin purse) Jin, how much was the rice and the incense?
Jin
It's okay, you don't have to-
Kato
Jin…
Jin
Seven Kue.
Kato tilts his head at Batam, who angrily fishes 7 bronze coins out of his purse and drops them on the floor in front of Jin, then he spits on the floor and walks out. Kato rolls his eyes at the dramatics.
Jin
I'm so sorry, your majesty.
Kato
Please. How are you? How's Han? He ever get that foot looked at?
We cut to a close-up of Jang's clipboard. He puts a check next to Batam's timeslot.
We cut to Kato and Jang walking through the palace hallway, surrounded by wedding decorations.
Kato
I mean, we could go back and forth about whose loyalty matters more, but at the end of the day, it really wasn't that much money.
Jang
Yes, but I'm not sure public humiliation was the best strategy. You know what kind of men join the city guard. Weak men. Who hold grudges.
Kato
Hmm… Well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. (At this moment, the two step out onto an elevated bridge which connects the two wings of the palace) As for now, what's next on the docket?
Jang takes a look at his clipboard. We see his finger run down the many tasks Kato has already completed that day, ending with his talk with Batam.
Jang
Next is… Lunch.
Kato
That time already? The day just gets behind you.
Kato walks to the side of the bridge and looks down at his subjects. The crowd cheers as Kato waves and smiles at them, then he takes a right and starts walking down the stairs.
Jang
My prince. (Pointing behind him) The dining hall is this way.
Kato
Yeah… (Continuing down the stairs) I gotta talk to Batua.
We cut to Kato's brother, Batua, 16, standing under a large tent with the other military cadets. We hear the instructor's voice.
Instructor
Okay, class. Take first position. (Claps)
Batua groans and tilts his head back. Then he slides his foot back and gets into a waterbending stance.
We cut to Kato and Jang, walking through the Palace Plaza towards the gymnasium. Kato peeks inside and sees the cadets doing waterbending forms. Kato scans through them from a distance, before he locates Batua at the far left. Prince Batua is doing the forms along with everyone else, though his proficiency is questionable.
We cut back to Kato, who watches his brother bend a stream of water. Kato privately mimics the forms along with the class for a while. Then the boys split up into groups of two and start sparring.
Batua is paired with another 16 year old cadet named Tahno. Kato watches as Batua gets his butt handed to him by the far superior Tahno. Tahno then wraps an ice hook around Batua's ankle and yanks on it, pulling Batua's foot out from under him. Batua ends up on the floor.
The instructor bows and walks off as the cadets disperse. Kato walks towards Batua and watches Tahno help him up off the floor. The two talk, and then Batua nudges Tahno in the side as he sees Kato walk up.
Tahno
-That's 'cause he's a stiff.
Batua
Shh.
Kato
Hey guys. How was class?
Tahno
It was excellent, your majesty.
Tahno turns and walks away. Kato narrows his eyes and looks at Batua.
Kato
You told them they can call me Kato, right? (Batua shrugs) ...You either did or you didn't.
Batua
What is this, an interrogation?
Batua shoves past Kato and walks away. Kato turns around and catches up with him, walking alongside him.
Kato
So… What's going on with you?
Batua
Nothing.
Kato
Clearly it's not nothing, or you wouldn't be avoiding me.
Batua
Yeah, because everything is about you, right? Please. Get over yourself.
Kato stops and watches as Batua keeps walking.
Batua
And stop following me!
Kato sighs angrily as Jang walks up behind him.
Kato
We're going in the same direction!
We cut to the dining room of the palace. Batua sits alone at one side of the table, angrily dunking sashimi in a bowl of fish sauce, spilling sauce on the table, then taking a bite. Across from Batua is Kato and Batua's mom, Empress Kyana, and at the head of the table is Emperor Atakui, wearing the imperial crown.
Emperor Atakui looks slightly troubled as he finishes off a large glass of wine. Kyana looks at him.
Kyana
(Quietly) You ok?
Atakui nods and pours himself another glass. Kyana watches with worry, and then rids her head of it and turns to the side.
Kyana
So, are you excited?
Kato
(Offscreen) Oh yes, I'm very excited to see how these programs turn out. (We cut to Kato, who is standing off to the side of the table, posing heroically) I have a meeting with the merchant's guild coming up that I've spent months preparing for.
Kyana
...Kato? Honey? You do remember what tomorrow is, don't you?
We cut to a wide shot, revealing all of the wedding decorations in the room.
Kato
Oh, right... Yeah, I'm excited! Super excited!
Kyana
You better be. I put my heart and soul into this decor.
Kato
And it looks beautiful, mom. (To the side) Um, Jang, scratch everything for tomorrow.
Jang
I never scheduled anything for tomorrow, my prince.
Kato
Oh. Good.
Kyana
See, Jang knows. Everybody knows but you. You're working too hard, Kato.
Kato
Yes, well... (Looks down) Jang, can you get me a slice of moonmelon?
Jang nods and then walks over to the table, and starts cutting up a moonmelon. Kato hears a cough from offscreen and raises his head up again, getting back into his heroic pose. Atakui and Kyana look at Kato proudly.
Atakui
(To Kyana) Cut him some slack, Kyana. Seventeen years old and he's already running the place! (Atakui laughs and then begins to cough. He looks at Kato) Let me tell you, when I was a young prince, all I did was sit back and relax.
Kyana
There was nothing relaxed about you at seventeen, Kui.
Atakui smiles at Kyana and starts walking his fingers up her shoulder. We cut to General Inuk walking towards the table, a group of city guard behind him. He stops and claps his hands together.
Inuk
Ah, there you are. The royal family. (Inuk smiles at Kato) Just so you know, your uncle is due to arrive within the hour. (Atakui's face drops) And he brings with him a very special gift.
Kato looks over at Inuk and smiles, then looks hesitant. He hears another cough and gets back into pose.
Kyana
I think Prince Kato is mourning the end of his bachelor lifestyle.
Kato
(Embarrassed) No…
Inuk
Well, worry not, my prince. The women of Aikira are renowned for their beauty.
We cut to Batua, angrily tearing a chunk of fish with his teeth.
Inuk
I should know… I may or may not have had a brief yet passionate affair with a young lady from moonlight island… (Inuk sighs wistfully, Kyana shoots him a sharp look) But, um. (Clears his throat) That's neither here nor there.
Kyana
(Looking at Kato) They're also renowned for their connection to the moon.
Kato nods at Kyana. Jang walks over to Kato and hands him the slice of moonmelon. Kato grabs it and takes a bite.
Inuk
Well, I'm going to prepare for the imminent fanfare. See you all soon!
Inuk and his guards walk off. Inuk stops by a large curtain across from Kato. Behind the curtain is a sculptor named Baka standing on a stool with a hammer and chisel in his hands. Inuk peeks behind the curtain and looks impressed. We cut back to Kato, finishing the moonmelon. Baka coughs again and Kato straightens up.
Kato
You know, you're cutting this real close, Baka.
Baka
(Chiseling) Apologies. I'm just trying to get it perfect, your majesty.
Kato nods in understanding and continues to pose.
Kato
I really can't wait to see this thing.
Atakui and Kyana look at him again, then they look over at Batua, who is slouching over in his seat as an earthbender cleans up all the fish sauce he spilled.
With a blast of a tsungi horn, we cut to an aerial view of the palace dock at sunset, as General Kamui's warship pulls in. There is an enormous crowd gathered at the dock, of Kamakoi citizens, city guard and servants. The royal family sits off to the side.
We cut to a wide shot of the ship as it comes to a stop. The door opens and General Kamui steps off. The crowd goes wild as Kamui waves. We finally get a close up of Kamui's face, who looks pleasantly bland as he waves to the public.
The camera slowly pans to the side and we see Ta step out into the light. She's dolled up and wearing a fancy dress and looks completely expressionless. She's followed by some soldiers.
Kamui leads Ta down the dock to thunderous applause. We see Kato and Batua standing next to each other, looking out from their perch. As Ta comes closer, the two brothers get a better look at her. She's definitely beautiful. They both blush in unison.
Kato & Batua
Holy Koi…
Then the two look at each other, sharing an awkward moment, before Batua looks away, bitterly. Kato lingers, looking at the back of Batua's head, before he turns back to Ta. Inuk runs out and greets Kamui, while Ta makes her way towards Kato.
We cut to a shot of Kato and Ta in profile. Ta approaches Kato, and then bows hesitantly. Kato bows back, then steps down towards her, reaching into his pocket. We cut to Ta's hand as Kato slips an ornate, emerald ring onto her finger.
The crowd applauds some more. We cut to Kamui, clapping politely alongside them, then he turns to his brother, Emperor Atakui. The two share a complicated look of their own, before Kamui sticks out his hand. Atakui narrows his eyes, and then shakes it.
We cut to the interior of the Kamakoi war room. We see the various lower ranking city officials and the council of elders watching as Kamui walks through the doorway to more applause. Kamui demures modestly, and bows. He walks down the steps and the camera follows him as he walks across the room. As the camera pans, it reveals the World Map, etched into the wall.
The land of the world map is broken up into different colored blocks which represent the various world powers at play. The biggest by far is the Kamakoi Empire, represented in blue. The empire's span is thus; the entire northern landmass, encompassing 3 of the 4 great northern cities, The whole fire archipelago, and most of the northern half of the earth continent. The rest of the earth continent is made up of various multicolored kingdoms. To the east of the northern continent is a large island which is represented by a white block, and the 4th great northern city is located on this island, Aikira.
Kamui is standing beside the map. Inuk walks up to him, clapping.
Inuk
Would you like to do the honors?
Kamui makes a look like 'Oh, I couldn't possibly', but the crowd eggs him on.
Kamui
Oh, very well. You've twisted my arm!
Kamui turns to the map, and raises his arms. The white block of Aikira slowly melts into a liquid state and Kamui bends it out and into a ceremonial vessel. Inuk then hands Kamui another vessel, which Kamui takes and sets on the table. He slowly takes off the lid, playing the moment for as much anticipation as possible.
We cut to the contents of the vessel, a shimmering blue liquid. A stream of the liquid rises up and the camera follows it as it twirls through the air and settles into the Aikira slot on the map. We cut to Kamui gently clenching his hands, and then cut back as the liquid freezes into a solid block. The tsungi horn builds up as the camera zooms out to reveal the reunification of Aikira as the 4th great northern city under control of the Kamakoi empire.
The crowd applauds. We cut to Atakui, who is slowly clapping, while eyeing Kamui with suspicion. As their eyes meet across the room, Atakui gestures for Kamui to follow him. Kamui nods and looks out at the crowd with a faux anxious face before walking off.
We cut to Atakui, looking concerned as he grabs his glass of wine and takes a sip. Kamui walks out of the door and finds Atakui.
Atakui
(Slightly slurred) Having fun?
Kamui
(Looking at the glass) Not as much as you, apparently.
Atakui smirks and puts the glass back down. (As he talks, he emphasizes 'Bold' by jabbing his fingers into Kamui's chest.)
Atakui
You know, it's a pretty bold move to keep your Emperor out of the loop. Well, to try to, anyway.
Kamui
...I'm not sure what you mean.
Atakui
(Leaning in) I know what happened in Aikira.
Kamui's eyes react with the faintest surprise. Atakui nods, then he takes his glass and walks away. Kamui rolls his tongue around in his mouth cagily as he watches his brother turn the corner.
We hear soft, diegetic music as we fade to the next day. Prince Kato and Princess Ta are on stage in formal outfits facing each other. We see them again in profile. The two move closer, nervously, looking into each other's eyes. They hesitate for a moment, then Kato kisses Ta politely and formally on the lips, before turning back to the crowd. Ta turns to the crowd too as they clap. She looks overwhelmed, while Kato looks detached and regal. Kato takes her hand in his and raises it up in the air.
Kato and Ta step off the stage and walk down the carpeted path, holding hands. They stop by the royal table.
Kato
Ta, I'd like to formally introduce you to your new family. (We pan past them as Kato says their names) My father, Emperor Atakui. My mother, Empress Kyana. My brother, Prince Batua, (Batua doesn't look up) And of course, you've already met my Uncle Kamui.
Kamui turns around and looks at Ta, politely.
Kamui
Princess.
Ta's eyes widen and she looks away. Kamui shrugs and turns back around, then Kato looks at Ta, waiting for her to say anything, which she doesn't.
Kato
Ok, um… Do you want to sit down? Or…
Ta lets go of Kato's hand and hurriedly walks away, leaving Kato standing there. He looks awkward for a moment, then claps his hands together and smiles.
Kato
You know what? I'm gonna give her some space…
Kato walks around the table, and Jang pulls out his seat for him.
Kato
Thank you, Jang.
Kato sits down and looks over at Batua.
Kato
…So, are you still in that mood? (Batua doesn't answer) I guess so!
Kato sighs awkwardly and then glances at the empty seat next to him
We cut to Ta, who is stumbling through the crowd, hyperventilating. Waterbending nobles are turning towards her in confusion or trying to talk to her as she makes her way through.
She ends up at an empty table in the back of the room. We cut to a low angle shot as Ta grabs onto a chair for support and tries to breathe.
Man (Offscreen)
Are you okay, Princess?
Ta takes a moment, then looks up. We cut to see that everyone around her is staring at her. Ta's eyes widen, and then she vomits all over the table, to the mild disgust of the crowd.
Ta looks like she is about to cry, before an airbending woman, Lao, comes out from the crowd and takes Ta's hand.
Lao
Come with me, Princess. (Ta nods and grabs her hand as Lao leads her away) There we go. (To the crowd) Nothing to see here, folks. Wedding jitters, that's all! Go back to celebrating!
The crowd turns away. We see Inuk watching Ta and Lao from a distance with a sympathetic look on his face.
Lao leads Ta through the doors out into the hallway, and sits her down. Then she grabs a piece of cloth and wipes off Ta's face. Ta begins to cry, and Lao looks awkward for a moment, before rubbing Ta's arm.
Lao
No... Don't be embarrassed. I'm gonna get you looking nice and pretty again, okay?
Ta sighs and looks up at the ceiling.
We cut to an overhead shot of a koi fish on a cutting board. A cleaver comes down and chops the koi's head off, then the cleaver comes in at a horizontal angle and begins to cut the fish into thin filet's.
We cut to a wide shot of the large palace kitchen. We see the airbender chefs preparing the food and sending plates via airbending onto large trays. Then the earthbender staff takes the trays out of the kitchen. We follow one of those earthbenders as he brings a tray of sashimi plates out to the royal table. Another earthbender follows with a tray of octopus. They drop the trays on the table and then distribute the plates out to the family members.
Atakui and Kyana are whispering flirtatiously with each other as Atakui drinks. We see Jang is now sitting in Ta's seat, next to Kato, going over the contents of a scroll with him. Jang glances over at Kamui with a strange expression, before looking back down at the scroll.
Batua takes a piece of fish and bites into it, then loses his motivation to keep eating it and it falls out of his mouth. He rests his cheek on his hand, looking depressed.
We cut to Kamui, who is pouring a glass of wine for himself. He looks at Batua with sympathy, then he grabs Batua's wine glass.
Kamui
Batua, would you like a glass of wine?
Batua looks up, surprised, and then looks over at his parents, who aren't paying attention.
Batua
Um, okay...
Kamui smiles and pours Batua a glass, then hands it to him. Batua takes the glass. He hesitantly takes a sip, then looks, intrigued, as he gulps down some more. Kamui politely sips on his.
Kamui
It's been a long time since I've seen you, my prince.
Batua
Yeah, I guess...
Kamui
Are your studies going well? Your military training?
Batua looks down and shrugs. Kamui eyes him as the gears turn in his head, he then shifts his attention towards Kato.
Kato
(To Jang) Do you want some of this sashimi? It is… Unbelievable.
Jang looks conflicted, then he nods.
Jang
Well, I suppose it is a special day...
Kamui watches as Jang takes a piece and bites into it.
Jang
Oh, wow…
Kato
See, what did I tell you?
Suddenly, Kamui clears his throat.
Kamui
My prince. (Kato looks up at Kamui) As I'm sure you're aware, it's improper to have one's servant at the dinner table, especially during a celebration such as this.
The table goes silent, waiting to see how Kato will respond to this.
Kato
(Plainly) Well, it's my celebration, and I certainly don't mind. Does anyone else have a problem with it? (He quickly looks around, and then back at Kamui) No? (Shrugs) I guess not.
Kato goes back to looking over the document with Jang. Atakui looks at Kato with pride.
Kamui
Excuse me, just because there is a consensus on bad manners at this table, it does not mean you are excused from them. Please have your servant stand up behind you.
Kato looks up at Kamui and the two have a little staredown. Kamui doesn't budge. Finally, Kato sighs and looks at Jang. He gestures for Jang to stand up, which he does.
Kato
Happy?
Kamui nods.
Kyana
(To Kamui) Some things never change. After all these years, you're still a stick in the mud.
Kamui
Rules are important, Kyana. Customs. Traditions. These things mean something. Am I wrong, Prince Kato?
Kato opens his mouth, but before he can respond, Atakui interrupts him.
Atakui
What do they mean? Hmm? Why don't you share some of that knowledge with us, Kamui? Like, for instance, what's the definition of a pact?
Kamui looks at Atakui, smiling
Kamui
Here's some knowledge about the rules. Those who don't follow them become unruly. And we all know what happens next.
Kamui stands up and walks away from the table.
Kyana
(Whispering) What's going on with him?
Atakui shakes his head and pours himself another drink. We see Batua looking up and watching Kamui walk away, then he looks at the rest of his family.
We cut to a man, Tenpo, in a fire nation robe and a red kabuki mask, stepping forward. A flame appears over his head. We cut to a younger man, Teepo, standing inside of a large wooden box, looking out through a hole, he is seemingly creating the flame from a distance. We cut back to Tenpo as he walks towards a woman, Ayana, in a blue dress, wearing a female kabuki mask. Tenpo puts his hands up and starts speaking in verse.
Tenpo
O Princess, I bring you fire flakes and camelephants,
And hope we speak in compatible elements,
For I know the risk posed by my fire,
In your lovely ice empire.
A head of cabbage just misses Tenpo's head and hits a prop wagon. We cut to a wide shot, and see these two actors standing on stage in the amphitheater. There is a banner overhead which reads 'West Kyoko Theater Company'. The seats are packed, and some citizens are lightly heckling and throwing food. We see the box seats, in which the royal family sits.
Ayana
O, I cannot marry thee,
For reasons that you soon shall see,
With icy heart, I bear a curse,
I cannot stand high temperatures!
Halfway through this stanza, we cut to Kamui, who is silently mouthing the words along with the actors. We pan across the royal family, Atakui is drinking, Kyana is watching contentedly, Batua is angsty, and then we arrive at Kato and Ta. Ta is sitting there, bewildered, while Kato is writing something down on a piece of paper.
Kato stops writing for a moment, and thinks, then resumes writing. Then he hands the paper to Jang, who is behind him. The two whisper to each other, then Kato nods and grabs the paper back and starts writing again. Ta glances at Kato, then glances back, subtly shaking her head.
We then cut to the stage. Tenpo walks into the wooden box and takes off his mask, while another man, Oni, walks out of the box. Oni is wearing a mask which resembles the face of a koi fish and an exaggerated blue robe. He walks over to Ayana, and raises his hand. We cut to Kamui as he mouths the next couple of lines.
Oni
O Princess, I come from the mighty sea,
Perchance to catch a glimpse of thee,
I do not wish to cause a rift,
But I forgot to bring a gift.
Kamui mouths the first two lines, however, he gets tripped up on the 3rd line, not recognizing it. He narrows his eyes, looking confused. The camera slowly zooms in on Kamui as he realizes something and stares at the actors with suspicion.
As the play goes on in the background, we see Kamui then looking around at all the people in the audience who are witnessing this. We see the faces of a few citizens and servants who noticed those two lines. Then we cut to Ta, who seems to realize as well, and she looks at Kato, who is oblivious.
Kamui turns to Atakui, who we see from the right side. Atakui appears to be frowning.
Kamui
Mhmm. Now do you see what we're dealing with? (Atakui doesn't answer) Atakui?
Kyana hears Kamui and looks over at him.
Kyana
What's wrong? (She sees Kamui looking at Atakui's face with concern, and she herself looks up and nudges him) Honey, you okay?
We see Atakui from the left side, and he appears to be smiling. His glass of wine is shaking in his hand.
Kyana
...Kui?
We cut to a straight on shot of Atakui, who seems to be having a stroke. The right side of his face is sinking down. He lets out a groan and the glass slips out of his hand.
On the sound of the glass shattering, we cut to the inside of the palace medical chamber. A massive room with relief sculptures on the walls and 4 large ice tablets with hieroglyphic writing on them. We cut to Atakui in bed, barely conscious. 4 women are standing around him. Laka, the main physician, is surveying his lower chest with her healing ability, lighting up certain areas. Kato, Batua and Kyana are standing off to the side. Kyana is crying. Kato is shocked, and Batua is twisting a rag in his hands. Laka turns around and walks over to them.
Laka
There is severe corruption in his liver and pancreas. This corruption entered the blood some time ago and has been circulating through the canals. We suspect that there was a gathering of corruption near his brain sometime this evening.
Kyana
(Through tears) His drinking…
Kato
Laka, what can you do?
Laka
At this stage… I can attempt to remove the corrupted parts with surgery, but this may be a fatal operation.
Kato nods, as Kyana continues sobbing.
Atakui
(From his bed, croaking) All of you out! I want to talk to my boy.
Everyone clears the room except Kato. He goes up to Atakui.
Atakui
Laka… she talks as if I'm already dead. (Coughs) Pay her no mind. We Kamakoi, we're built tough! (Beats his chest, coughs some more)
Kato smiles and a tear rolls down his cheek.
Atakui
Kato, my boy. Listen. (Coughs) I've made mistakes in my life. Pride… Anger… I did what I had to do to secure our legacy, you understand? (Coughs) But you're not like me. (Kato doesn't know how to take this, but Atakui smiles) You have something that I never had. I'm not quite sure what to call it… But it's there. (Taps Kato's chest with his fist) You're going to make a fine Emperor.
Kato
But… How do you know?
Atakui grabs his hand.
Atakui
Because you're my son.
We cut to Batua in the doorway, eavesdropping with a pained expression. A hand drops on his shoulder. He looks back and sees Kamui, who smiles sympathetically and puts his arm around Batua.
Kamui
I know the crown prince can sometimes… Hog the attention. And the glory... (Batua nods and looks down) But I always thought the second son was just as important.
Batua looks up at Kamui with a twinkle in his eyes, not knowing what to say.
Kamui
Do you like Pai Sho, Batua?
We cut to a wide shot of Batua and Kamui in Kamui's chambers. Batua is staring down at the board. He pensively moves his hand towards a tile and looks up at Kamui. Kamui nods, and Batua moves the tile.
Kamui
What you did there is called the Blue Lily Gambit. Develop it and you can entrap me in this corner.
Batua
But you can easily get out of it… With your sandalwood tile.
Kamui
Yes. I do have the sandalwood. So I do this. (He moves the sandalwood in a vertical line 6 spaces)
Batua looks down at his options.
Kamui
What's your next move?
Batua
Hmmm…
Batua thinks for a moment, then he slowly moves his cherry blossom tile 4 spaces horizontally.
Kamui
Mhmm. That is... Well, it's the expected move. It's the move 99 out of 100 men would make. And it's a fine move.
Batua
But it's not the best move.
Kamui
No. (He narrows his eyes, considering something, then looks back at Batua) Batua, you're at a crossroads right now.
We cut to Batua, who looks surprised by this statement.
Batua
I am?
Kamui nods.
Kamui
Because, see, life has just handed you a very rare gift. An opportunity. And what do we do when that happens, my prince?
Batua looks down at his pieces, not knowing. He hovers his hand above the board indecisively. Then Kamui's hand comes into frame and moves Batua's Blue Lily tile diagonally 4 spaces. Batua's brow furrows as he processes the possibilities of this unusual move, then his eyes widen and he lets out a surprised laugh, before looking back up at Kamui.
We cut to a wide shot of the two of them at the table.
Kamui
Well? When an opportunity comes along, what do we do?
Batua
(Tilting his head) We… Move diagonally?
Kamui then leans forward, placing his hands on the table.
Kamui
We seize it.
TO BE CONTINUED...