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Chapter Text

SOLID COLOURED BACKGROUND

ZAHEER(male) 

(Voice Over)

Earth-

A Silhouette of KYOSHI(female, towering, armoured) stomps her foot, raises a wall of earth, punches forward, shoots chuncks of rocks from the earth wall and launches it forward. 

Fire-

A Silhouette of ROKU(male, slender, elderly) spreads his arms apart, shoots two clouds of fire from his knuckles.

Air-

A Silhouette of AANG(male, 40, shaved head, bearded, flowy robes) presses his fists together, creating a ball of air that surrounds him.

Water-

A Silhouette of KORRA(female, 18, ripped, long double-braids, white tank top, baggy trousers) swirls a stream of water and swings it forward. 

WATER PAINTING OF AANG(13), ZUKO(male, 17, burn scar on his left eye), KATARA(female, 15), SOKKA (male, 17, ponytail with shaved sides), TOPH(female, 13, short)

ZAHEER

 (V.O.)

Since I was a boy, I've been hearing the story of Avatar Aang and his team of friends, how they ended the tyrannical reign of Fire Lord Ozai and the Hundred Year War. 

INTERIOR. MEETING CHAMBER — DAY

AANG(50, bearded) and WHITE LOTUS LEADER(male, 45, goatee) bows to each other.

ZAHEER

 (V.O.)

After I joined the Order of White Lotus, I learned he has entrusted the Order to take his next reincarnation as a protege, guiding them to become the Avatar the world needs. 

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY HARBOUR — DAWN

KORRA(18) stands at the shore, holds her head high, one hand on her hips. 

ZAHEER 

(V.O.)

Much has changed since his passing. To bring balance in this new age, the Avatar needs to master more than the four elements.

 

Chapter Text

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE – GENERAL'S IGLOO — DAY

TONRAQ (male, 33, towering, beefy, long dreadlocks, clean-shaven face, blue winter parka) stands by his wife SENNA(female, 30, compact build, low ponytail, blue winter parka), watches their child KORRA(8) play with snow. KORRA squeezes a heap of snow into a snowball and tosses it into the air, jumps and strikes the snowball midair with her fist. The snowball crumbles, a thin layer of snow covers KORRA. KORRA laughs. SENNA waves at TONRAQ, TONRAQ follows SENNA to the—

INTERIOR. IGLOO

SENNA shuts the wooden door.

TONRAQ

(Confused)

What's wrong?

SENNA

Our daughter… She's eight and still hasn't shown any sign of bending.

TONRAQ

…That's probably for the best. If Korra isn't a bender, then my brother will have no choice but to abandon his plan, and the South will be safe.

SENNA

Unalaq wants the South, he will do it one way or the other.

TONRAQ sighs, massages his temples with his fingers and shakes his head.

TONRAQ

You're right.

KORRA opens the door and rushes towards her parents.

KORRA

(Hands in the air)

Mom, Dad! I can bend!

TONRAQ

(Overjoyed)

That's wonderful, Korra! Show us.

KORRA gets into a bending stance and punches forward, streams of fire shoot out from her knuckles.

TONRAQ stays speechless for a couple seconds and glares at SENNA.

SENNA

Tonraq I swear, I have never acted unfaithfully-

KORRA lifts her arm, draws the water from a bucket on the floor. She swings her arms in circular motions, the water swirls between her hands.

TONRAQ hangs his jaws in the air.

TONRAQ

Oh. Dear. Spirits…

SENNA rubs her eyes and blinks several times.

SENNA

Am I dreaming?

TONRAQ

I'm afraid not, my love.

SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE PORT — AFTERNOON

A speedboat approaches the shore and parks. WHITE LOTUS LEADER(60) walks down the plank with ZAHEER(male, 30, buff, chiseled face, buzzcut, scar on his right eyebrow). They bow to KORRA's parents.

WHITE LOTUS LEADER

Greetings, Mr. Tonraq  and Mrs Senna. I am Grand Lotus Huang'pu and this is Master Zaheer, the Order's second-in-command.

TONRAQ and SENNA bow in return.

ZAHEER

We received your telegraph about your daughter, can you prove it?

KORRA straightens her posture and puffs her chest.

KORRA

Sure I can, don't blink.

KORRA takes in a deep breath and exhales a cloud of fire from her mouth. She lifts her arms, draws water from the snow on the ground, juggles the stream of water between her palms.

ZAHEER raises his eyebrows.

ZAHEER 

Incredible…

ZAHEER bends down, brings him to eye level as KORRA.

ZAHEER

Korra, when did you find out you can bend fire?

KORRA

Yesterday, when I waterbend for the first time.

WHITE LOTUS LEADER exchanges looks with ZAHEER.

ZAHEER turns to KORRA.

ZAHEER

Have you ever found yourself bending earth or air?

KORRA pouts and shakes her head.

ZAHEER pats KORRA on the shoulders.

ZAHEER

It's alright. That's why we're here.

ZAHEER stands up.

WHITE LOTUS LEADER approaches TONRAQ and SENNA.

WHITE LOTUS LEADER

Does Chieftain Kya know about this?

SENNA shakes her head.

TONRAQ

We didn't tell anyone but the White Lotus.

WHITE LOTUS LEADER brushes his goatee.

WHITE LOTUS LEADER

You made a wise decision. There is a reason why, throughout history, the Avatar's identity wasn't announced until they were sixteen.

KORRA

Why?

WHITE LOTUS LEADER

To give them the time to grow as a person, so that they are ready when their duty calls.

KORRA lifts up her chin.

KORRA 

But I am ready to be the Avatar.

ZAHEER lifts a corner of his mouth.

WHITE LOTUS LEADER

I see... Then you will travel the world to master the four elements, meanwhile Master Zaheer will mentor you on your worldly and spiritual duties.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE OUTSKIRT -- NIGHT

KORRA (11) draws water from the snow on the ground, bends them into two streams that circle around her and shoots pikes of ice from the water streams.

Chieftain KYA(female, 56, blue winter parka) smiles and nods. 

KYA

Well done, Korra, you are now a waterbending master.

KORRA drops her fighting stance and bows to KYA.

KORRA

Thank you, Kya.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE PORT — DAY

KORRA(11) throws herself into the arms of her father. TONRAQ(36, goatee) embraces her tightly. Her mother SENNA(33) hugs her from behind.

KORRA

I'll miss you.

TONRAQ

We, too, sweetheart.

TONRAQ and SENNA kiss KORRA on the forehead.

KORRA slowly pulls away from her parents, boards the ship and bows to ZAHEER(33).

The ship sails away and disappears at the horizon.

FIRE NATION ROYAL ACADEMY TRAINING GROUND — DAY

KORRA(13, red and black uniform) exchanges strikes of flames with her classmate. The INSTRUCTOR(female, middle aged) walks around the class and gives feedback to their techniques. They spar for another round and the INSTRUCTOR dismisses the class. KORRA steps out of the training ground, fetches a towel from her bag and wipes the sweat off her face. KORRA walks towards the—

ACADEMY LIBRARY

INTERIOR. ACADEMY LIBRARY — NIGHT

KORRA(16) glances at the pile of books and scrolls on the desk, slides a bookmark into the book in her hand and closes the book, then falls asleep on the desk.

ZAHEER(38) walks to her and puts his cape over her back.

REPUBLIC CITY CENTRAL PARK —DAY

KORRA(18) and ZAHEER(40, greying beard) sit in a lotus position on the grass with their eyes closed.

KORRA slouches her posture and nods repeatedly. ZAHEER opens his eyes and claps his hands in front of KORRA's face. KORRA jerks awake and yelps.

GHAZAN(37, wiry, long black hair and mustache, tattoos covering his arms) approaches them, KORRA hops onto her feet and lets out a relieved sigh.

ZAHEER shakes his head, then closes his eyes and returns to his meditation.

KORRA

Phew! You came just in time, Ghazan.

GHAZAN chuckles and performs a fist-bump with KORRA.

GHAZAN

I feel ya. I fall asleep everytime he nags me to meditate.

ZAHEER

I can hear you.

GHAZAN covers his mouth with his hand.

GHAZAN 

(Jokingly)

Oops! I'm sorry, Grand Lotus, can I keep my job?

ZAHEER cracks a smile.

ZAHEER

Yes, Ghazan, you are still the Order's second-in-command.

GHAZAN

Alright Korra, let's start. Remember, listen to the earth, then tell it to move.

KORRA assumes a wide stance, closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath. She stomps her foot. A pebble rises from the ground. KORRA grumbles, drives her fists forward, the pebble shoots forward and collides with the tree, leaving an indent inches deep.

KORRA

That's pathetic!

GHAZAN 

Don't beat yourself up, your speed is better than seven out of ten earthbenders.

KORRA

But I can't defeat enemies with pebbles.

GHAZAN chuckles and scratches his moustache.

GHAZAN

(Mysteriously)

You'll be surprised.

Ghazan lifts his arms and raises a wall of earth.

GHAZAN

There, hit it as fast as you can.

KORRA straightens her posture and gets back into her fighting stance. She stomps the ground again and raises two pebbles and fires them at once. The pebbles come to contact with the wall and leave deep, bullet sized holes. 

GHAZAN

You're doing great.     

KORRA repeats the drill for a dozen times, each time she increases the number of pebbles she bends.

ZAHEER opens his eyes and rises to his feet.

ZAHEER

(Solemnly)

Ghazan, we have a problem.

GHAZAN glances at ZAHEER and nods.

GHAZAN 

Korra, that's it for today. Knock yourself out in town.

KORRA

Really? 

GHAZAN

Go before I change my mind.

KORRA

(Overjoyed)

Yes !

KORRA sprints away and vanished out of sight.

ZAHEER's expression hardens.

GHAZAN

What's wrong?

INTERIOR. UNDERGROUND FIGHT CLUB —NIGHT

KORRA(white tank top, blue shorts, barefoot) exchanges strikes with a YOUNG MAN(big, muscular arms). YOUNG MAN throws an overhand, KORRA ducks to the left, livershots the YOUNG MAN with an uppercut.

The YOUNG MAN stumbles, KORRA lands a hook on his temple. The YOUNG MAN stumbles and crashes to the ground.

The REFEREE (male, middle aged, formal suit) raises his hand and starts to count to five, the YOUNG MAN struggles to get up with his shaky legs but fails.

The REFEREE approaches KORRA and lifts her arm, then he picks up the microphone.

REFEREE

The winner tonight, four rounds in a row by knockout-

The REFEREE turns to KORRA, hands her the microphone and leans to her ear.

REFEREE

(Whisper)

What's your name, champ?

KORRA sniffs and wipes the blood off of her nostrils with her free hand and moves the microphone close to her mouth.

KORRA

Korra.

KORRA hands the microphone back to the REFEREE. Audience cheers and applauds, their voices echo in the stadium.

INTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY — WHITE LOTUS HQ — NIGHT

KORRA walks into ZAHEER.

ZAHEER glances the bruises on KORRA's face, then the stack of cash in her bloodied hand.

ZAHEER

What happened?

KORRA turns her head away.

KORRA

I went to prizefighting. I'll have it patched up in no time.

ZAHEER

I have no doubt. Afterall, you learned from Kya, daughter of the legendary waterbender Katara.

ZAHEER clears his throat, KORRA turns back to look at him.

ZAHEER

I've discussed with Ghazan, you are ready for your first Avatar assignment. You and I will depart tomorrow to the South Pole.

KORRA frowns.

KORRA

(Worried)

Are mum and dad alright?

ZAHEER

Your parents are safe. We're helping Future Industry to investigate a series of lost shipments they expected to receive from Southern Water Tribe.

KORRA

Lost cargo? How is that an 'Avatar job'?

ZAHEER

Future Industry suspected the presence of a large pirate group at southern water.

INTERIOR. FERRY CHAMBER — DAY

KORRA lies asleep in the bunker bed against the wall. ZAHEER sits on the floor in a lotus position on the opposite end of the chamber, eyes closed. A loud steam whistle can be heard.

KORRA stirs awake, sits up and glances over the window.

KORRA

We arrived already?

ZAHEER

I believe so.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE PORT — DAY

The ferry parks at the port, a plank stretches out from each of its two gates and breaches the land. Passengers unboard in lines.

ZAHEER(grey winter parka) follows the crowd, KORRA(blue winter parka) walks behind him, each carries a shoulder bag.

KORRA

(Yawning)

Why aren't we using the Order's ship?

ZAHEER

To keep the element of surprise.

KORRA

To surprise who?

ZAHEER's eyes narrow.

ZAHEER

I'm not sure.

ZAHEER and KORRA set their foot on land. KORRA stops and scans around. ZAHEER waves at KORRA.

ZAHEER

Follow me.

EXTERIOR. GENERAL's IGLOO — DAY

KORRA follows ZAHEER to the entrance.

Two GUARDS(fully armoured) approach them.

GUARD 1

State your name and business.

KORRA

My name is Korra and I'm here to see my dad.

ZAHEER

And I'm her mentor Zaheer.

GUARD 2 stretches out his hand.

GUARD 2

Identification, please.

ZAHEER reaches his hand to the inner pocket of his robe, slowly and steadily. He brings out a badge and presents it to GUARD 2.

GUARD 2 glances at the White Lotus symbol and gold embroideries on the badge, and exchanges looks with GUARD 1. GUARD 2 nods, turns and gestures to the igloo's door with his hand.

GUARD 1

Please, come inside. And we do not recall this visit.

KORRA frowns and glances at ZAHEER.

ZAHEER puts his badge back into his pocket and reaches for the door knob. KORRA rolls her eyes and follow ZAHEER to the—

INTERIOR. GENERAL'S IGLOO

TONRAQ(43, greying hair but not his goatee, fully armoured) stands up from his desk and approaches KORRA and ZAHEER.

KORRA rushes towards TONRAQ and hugs him.

KORRA

I miss you, dad.

TONRAQ wraps his arms around his daughter.

TONRAQ

I miss you, too, sweetheart.

Chapter Text

INTERIOR. GENERAL'S IGLOO — CONTINUED

KORRA tightens her hug. Pops can be heard. 

TONRAQ

Easy, you just popped my back.

KORRA 

Sorry.

KORRA pulls away. 

KORRA 

 What's with all the secrecy, dad?

TONRAQ's expression hardens, takes a step back and folds his hand behind his back.

TONRAQ

I will arrange a vessel to help you track down the pirates, radio us when you have them located. Lure as many ships as possible towards the shore, my fleet will be waiting for them.  

ZAHEER

It will be done.

TONRAQ bows low to ZAHEER.

TONRAQ

The words 'thank you' are not enough to express my gratitude, Grand Lotus.

ZAHEER bows back to TONRAQ.

KORRA looks back and forth between TONRAQ and ZAHEER, then looks down, puts a hand under her chin and purses her lips.

TONRAQ

Avatar Korra,

KORRA lifts her head and meets her father's gaze. She pauses momentarily and straightens her posture.

KORRA

(Solemnly)

General Tonraq.

TONRAQ nods at ZAHEER and cracks a faint smile.

TONRAQ

Are you aware of the Winter Solstice?

KORRA

Yes, it's merely four days away, the Water Tribes will hold the Glacier Festival in celebration.  

TONRAQ

That's correct, Avatar Korra. However, this year Chief Unalaq of our sister tribe from the North has decided to visit us. I would like to have our operation finished before his arrival, without his knowledge.

KORRA

I will not let you down.

KORRA and TONRAQ bow to each other.

SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE PORT — EVENING

ZAHEER and KORRA each carry a shoulder bag, and walk towards a massive cargo ship .

ZAHEER

You did well during the meeting.

KORRA

Not without a great teacher.

ZAHEER smiles.

KORRA

It doesn't add up. Why doesn't dad want my uncle to know about our pirate-hunt? Wouldn't we do better with the North's help?

ZAHEER

If Unalaq is trustworthy, then yes.

KORRA 

Come on, he's my uncle .

ZAHEER

I don't suspect him to do you harm, but I can't say the same with his intentions towards the South. 

ZAHEER and KORRA walk up the plank and set foot on the ship's—

DECK

About forty CREW MEMBERS in coveralls and safety helmets patrol the parameter. Hundreds of stone discs stack in low piles. ZAHEER and KORRA drop their shoulder bags. Each zippers their bag open which contains a set of armours. The two gear up themselves.

ZAHEER

The… dispute between the North and the South arose before you were born. If the situation spirals out of control-

KORRA ties a pair of waterskins around her waists, she fastens the buckle. A loud click.

KORRA

I'm the Avatar first and foremost. I know.

KORRA looks down. ZAHEER pats KORRA's shoulder and nods. From the —

STAIRWAY

YANG(female, 48, lanky, maroon winter parka, safety helmet) and JEE(male, 48, compact build, same attires) ascend to the DECK, and walk towards ZAHEER and KORRA. YANG and JEE stretch out their hands and shake hands with ZAHEER and KORRA.

YANG

My name is Yang, this is my husband, Jee. We are executives from Future Industry.

JEE raises a finger.

JEE

Top executives.

YANG slaps her forehead.

KORRA

The Satos sent their big jets, huh?

JEE

(Laughs)

Having you as the Avatar, I can't complain.

YANG

Okay that's enough… Our reports show the pirates prefer to attack around midnight,

JEE brings out a map from his pocket and points to a clump of dots on the map. 

JEE

-and, mostly in this area.

YANG checks the watch on her wrist.

YANG

To reach there before midnight, we will depart in thirty minutes. Questions?

JEE raises his hand.

YANG

(Sarcastically)

Yes?

JEE takes a step towards ZAHEER and squares up to him.

JEE

Zaheer, what kinda mission did you send our daughter on?

ZAHEER

I can't answer the question, for you and your daughter's safety.

JEE turns to KORRA.

JEE

You gotta spend a lot of time with the White Lotus, right? She's about Zaheer's height,

JEE puts a finger on his left cheek, draws a line across his lips and stops at his chin.

JEE

-a really long scar like this.

KORRA shakes her head. YANG pulls JEE back.

YANG

Sorry, he's just worried. 

JEE

'Just worried'?!

YANG

Come on, you know how she's like, going radio-silent for weeks, then 'sorry, get caught up in the moment'. 

KORRA

During my training, sometimes I couldn't contact my parents for months… It's awful.

JEE

(Sighs)

I'm her father and will always be proud of her, but sometimes I wonder if she could be half as sentimental as you are.

 

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN SEA — NIGHT

The cargo ship sails across the ocean, a circle of flashlights light up the water near the vessel and its—

DECK

The CREW MEMBERS line up at the edge of the deck in pairs, in each pair one looks out through a telescope, the other assumes a fighting stance. ZAHEER, KORRA, YANG and JEE gather at the centre of the deck.

ZAHEER

Where did you assemble the crew?

JEE

If I tell you they're selected from our employees, will you believe me?

ZAHEER

No.

JEE

Yeah, I thought so.

CREW MEMBER 1

Enemy detected at six-o-clock!

CREW MEMBER 2

Enemy advancing at three-o-clock!

CREW MEMBER 3

We're surrounded. Captain, what do we do?

BOLIN(male, 18, stocky, square face, button nose)

All stations ready for combat! Find the flagship!

CREW MEMBER 3

Copy.

BOLIN switches on the motorola on his belt.

BOLIN

Navigation: on my mark, full throttle-

Spikes of ice each the size of a car appear on the sky, fly towards the cargo ship from all directions. A dozen crashes down at its deck.

Some CREW MEMBERS waterbend, deflect the ice projectiles into the sea, other CREW MEMBERS firebend and earthbend, streams of compressed flames and stone discs shatter the rest of the projectiles. 

CREW MEMBER 4

Incoming!

Eight pirate ships advance towards the cargo ship , and launch another barrage of ice spikes. Two dozen ice projectiles crash down from the sky towards the deck.

CREW MEMBER 4

Flagship identified at six-o-clock!

BOLIN

-steer 180, course south!

CREW MEMBERS shoot out fire streams and stone discs, shatter the ice projectiles. More ice spikes overwhelm them. KORRA joins the fight. A couple of them land on the deck and shatters the stone discs. Five more ice spikes fly towards a couple earthbender CREW MEMBERS. 

KORRA stretches out her arms and waterbends. The projectiles halt midair. She launches them back towards the closest PIRATE SHIP, destroying its cannons. Three more ice projectiles fly towards KORRA from her back, an array of stone discs collide with them mid-course and break them to powder. KORRA turns back. 

BOLIN

(Winks)

Now we're even. 

The cargo ship turns, several ice projectiles miss and hit the water. Two pirate ships flank the cargo ship , and closes in the distance. BOLIN darts his eyes between the two pirate ships closing in and other pirate ships at distance.

YANG and JEE grab the dual electric batons on their belts and assume fighting stances.

ZAHEER turns to BOLIN.

ZAHEER

We'll fight them off, Captain. Take us to the shore.

BOLIN nods.

BOLIN

All waterbenders, steer the ship, course south.

KORRA looks around, waterbender CREW MEMBERS gather to the end of the deck, waterbend and push the tides. The ship boosts in speed.

Earth and firebender CREW MEMBERS launch fire streams and stone discs at the two pirate ships closing in.

KORRA waterbends a tidal wave ten stories tall, the tidal wave crashes down on the PIRATE SHIP on the right and washes over its deck. She freezes the water, ice traps all the PIRATES chest deep in the ice. 

PIRATES from the pirate ship on the left launch several metal cables the thickness of human arms. The tips of the cables hook onto the railings of the cargo ship .

KORRA punches and shoots streams of fire from her knuckles. The fire streams knock out the PIRATES OPERATING METAL CABLES. Two dozen PIRATES fire their crossbows at KORRA.

BOLIN and two earthbender CREW MEMBERS launch stone discs. The stone discs intercept the arrows. 

More PIRATES rush to the cable-launchers and crank the contraptions. The cables shorten and pull the pirate ship closer to the cargo ship .

ZAHEER leaps over the edge of the deck, and lands on a metal cable. 

The PIRATES fire their crossbows. ZAHEER leaps into the air, spins his body for a full turn. The arrows miss. He lands on the PIRATE SHIP DECK, knocking out two PIRATES as he lands.

YANG and JEE look at each other and replicate ZAHEER's movements.

KORRA firebends, two jets of fire ignite under her fists, propelling her overboard. 

PIRATES swarm towards them. ZAHEER leaps into the middle of the swarm, maneuvers between swords, arrows, streams of water and fire, knocking out several PIRATES at a time.

YANG and JEE stand back to back. The PIRATES charge at them. They swing their dual electric batons, blocking arrows, dodging fire and water streams. They cover each other's opening and drop every PIRATE that comes near with one strike. 

BOLIN

(Amazed)

Dear spirits!

KORRA sprints, knocks down PIRATES with fire streams. She bends water from her waterskins and swings the liquid as two whips. The water whips swipe several PIRATES into the sea. She rushes towards the metal cable contraptions and blasts concentrated fire streams. The fire streams damage the contraption.

Three arrows fly towards KORRA, she looks back and yelps in surprise. She barely misses the arrows, one leaves a shallow cut on her face. 

On the CARGO SHIP, BOLIN shoots stone discs. The stone discs fly across the pirate ship 's deck, knocking out the three PIRATES HOLDING CROSSBOWS. 

BOLIN

Cut the lines!

KORRA sprints towards the edge of the pirate ship deck. Several PIRATES chase her.

BOLIN shoots stone discs, knocking them back.

KORRA bends water from the sea and freezes the water into an ice blade. The ice blade cuts back and forth a couple times and slices through the metal cable. 

The cable snaps and the pirate ship spins, then smashes into the rims of the cargo ship . The rim of the cargo ship pierces into the side of the pirate ship. 

PIRATES, ZAHEER, JEE and YANG stumble upon the impact. Some PIRATES roll across the deck of their ship.

BOLIN looks far into the sea. A fleet of Southern Water Tribe navy ships engage the rest of the pirate ships. Each side fires their ice cannons at the other. BOLIN waves at his CREW MEMBERS. 

BOLIN

Follow me!

BOLIN charges at the PIRATE SHIP, the CREW MEMBERS follow him and they jump overboard.

Together with ZAHEER, KORRA, YANG and JEE they quickly subdue the remaining PIRATES.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE SHORE — DAWN

Half of the navy ships are damaged. SOUTHERN SOLDIERS line up the captured PIRATES and send them into transport trucks.

JEE and YANG converse with TONRAQ. JEE and YANG stretch out their hands. TONRAQ shakes their hands and nods.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE CARNIVAL — NIGHT

Vendors play music, put out huge signs and display games at their booths. KORRA idles around the parameter and bumps into BOLIN, who wears a green winter parka.

KORRA

Sorry.

KORRA glances at BOLIN.

KORRA

(Surprised)

Hey, you're the Captain.

BOLIN salutes KORRA and smiles.

BOLIN

Aye-aye. Name's Bolin.

KORRA

Captain Bolin-

BOLIN

'Bolin' is fine.

KORRA's expression hardens.

KORRA

Okay, Bolin. Do you work for Future Industry?

BOLIN

You wouldn't believe me if I said 'yes', would ya?

KORRA breaks a smile and rolls her eyes.

BOLIN

Yeah you're too smart for that. I'm a Captain of the United Forces.

KORRA

What?! 

BOLIN turns to a booth with the sign 'Fire Nation Grills' and buys a couple kebabs from the VENDOR. He takes a huge bite off one.

BOLIN

Relax, I'm not going AWOL or anything. Here-

BOLIN hands KORRA one kebab.

BOLIN

-this stuff's amazing.

KORRA takes the kebab, takes a bite from it, promptly swallows it and coughs.

KORRA

Man that's spicy…

KORRA breathes out sparks from her mouth.

BOLIN

Wow. Never thought a firebender could do that .

KORRA

Wait, I haven't introduced myself, how rude of me. Name's Korra, the Avatar.

KORRA stretches out her right hand. Bolin shakes hands with her.

BOLIN

I came here under General Iroh's order to protect the Future Industry executives. Turns out they fight better than me.

BOLIN shrugs.

KORRA chuckles.

KORRA

Yeah, I never expected that .

BOLIN looks around and gestures to KORRA.

KORRA leans closer.

BOLIN

(Whisper)

I think they're Brotherhood members. 

KORRA

(Frowns)

So?

BOLIN

Well, rumours say The Brotherhood is building a secret army to overthrow the City Council and make bending illegal.

KORRA

(Scoffs)

That's crazy. They might be a little militant but they aren't into politics. Who told you this anyway?

BOLIN

My brother Mako. Ever watched pro-bending? He's a five-time champion.

KORRA

Well, duh. His job depends on bending, of course he's gonna be paranoid about it. Besides, if there is anything like that, Sifu would've found out long ago.

BOLIN

Who's your Sifu?

KORRA

Grand Lotus Zaheer.

BOLIN scratches the back of his head and chuckles awkwardly.

BOLIN

Yeah, I guess you're not the one enjoying gossip, then. Are you gonna interrogate the pirates?

KORRA

Nope. He said I haven't developed enough restraint.

BOLIN

(Shrugs)

I don't know, but you're very observant.

KORRA scratches the back of her head and smiles awkwardly.

KORRA

Thanks.

BOLIN and KORRA walk towards a—

BOOTH,

Two dozen glass bottles hang on strings in a line. A red dot painted on every other bottle. The end of each string attaches to a horizontal bar that attaches to a rail. The VENDOR approaches KORRA and BOLIN.

VENDOR

Interested in testing your aims? 

VENDER pulls out a dozen pebbles from his pocket.

VENDOR

You got twelve shots. Every bottle with a red dot you hit gives you one point. If you hit a blank one, you get one point taken away from you. If you score nine points, you win a prize.

BOLIN pulls KORRA aside.

BOLIN

Can you earthbend yet?

KORRA

Yeah… still new at it.

BOLIN

Then the game is perfect practice for you.

Chapter Text

INTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE TOWN HALL — NIGHT

KYA, TONRAQ, ZAHEER, YANG and JEE gather at the round table at the centre of the hall. TONRAQ hands each of them a copy of the sketch of MING HUA(female, 35, petite, long black hair, bony face).

TONRAQ

According to the pirates, this woman hired them to attack our ships.

 

JEE

So this woman is behind everything , huh? 

 

KYA stares at the paper and frowns.

KYA

She looks familiar, I swear I have seen her somewhere. (Shakes her head)Damn, why can't I remember?

 

YANG

She could be anywhere in the world, she can easily hire another group of pirates.  

 

ZAHEER

We need to catch her.

 

JEE

(Stands up from his chair)

Catching international criminals? That's well above our pay grades.

 

YANG

He's right. We've investigated the situation, found the culprit, and now we’ll report to our superiors. 

 

ZAHEER

Catching a criminal like this requires international effort. Through Future Industry we can get the United Forces on board with this- (glances at JEE and YANG) if they haven't already.

 

JEE stares at ZAHEER then laughs. YANG stands up from her seat and bows to TONRAQ, ZAHEER and KYA.

YANG

We will relay the information as soon as possible.

JEE bows to KYA, TONRAQ and ZAHEER, then exits the room with YANG.

EXTERIOR. CITY HALL — CONTINUED

YANG

We'll leave tonight.

 

JEE

Please dear, we're at the South Pole during Winter Solstice, at least stay and see the Glacier Festival. 

 

YANG

Fine… One night.

 

EXTERIOR. CARNIVAL BOOTH — CONTINUED

KORRA walks to the VENDOR and hands him a couple coins.

KORRA

I'm in.

KORRA grabs the pebbles from the VENDOR and earthbends a pebble, juggling the pebble in her hand.

KORRA 

Easy enough.

 

VENDOR

Earthbender, huh? 

VENDOR walks towards a lever , the bar slides back through the rail. The glass bottles on the strings swing back and forth.

VENDOR

Good luck.

 

KORRA takes a deep breath. She earthbends and shoots the pebble. The pebble is an inch away from one of the glass bottles with red dots, then a blank bottle swings back and collides with the pebble .

VENDOR

Minus one point.

 

BOLIN

Try curving your shots.

 

KORRA earthbends and launches another pebble. The pebble flies in a semicircular course, and comes at one bottle with a red dot from the right. The bottle swings up and the pebble misses. 

KORRA 

(Stomps the ground)

Damn it.

 

BOLIN

You gotta time it.

KORRA tosses a pebble to BOLIN.

KORRA

You show me how it's done.

BOLIN smiles, steps in front of KORRA and earthbends, launching the pebble. The pebble curves its course, a red-pointed bottle swings down and crashes with the pebble as it reaches its lowest point. 

VENDOR

Zero point.

 

BOLIN steps aside and gestures to KORRA. KORRA earthbends, another pebble spins in her hand.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER SHORE — NIGHT

JEE and YANG walk along the shore. Decorations fill the streets, hundreds of ships enter the port . Thousands of people, mostly in blue parka, unboard the ships . JEE raises his camera and clicks on the shutter button repeatedly.

JEES

Looks like we have waterbenders from the entire world.

 

A trail of camera tape falls off from the camera. 

JEE

Oh come on…

JEE rolls up the tape and carefully stores it into a metal box . YANG takes out another roll of camera tape .

YANG

Last one.

Loud steam whistles can be heard. People rushes towards the—

PORT, 

a destroyer approaches the dock. 

YANG

(Frowns)

That ship isn't the South's.

 

JEE

It isn't, it's the North's. But who cares? That's one cool battleship.

 

JEE

(Adjusts his camera 's lense)

You gotta be kidding me. 

 

JEE adjusts the camera 's lense again and snaps the shutters several times. YANG takes a look at the camera tape . 

The photo shows MING HUA unboards with a squad of NORTHERN SOLDIERS. YANG takes out the sketch of MING HUA and places it beside the photo.

JEE

So the North is behind this -but why?

 

YANG

We need to find Captain Bolin.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE PORT — NIGHT

Crowds gather around the Destroyer .

A squad of NORTHERN SOLDIERS stand in formation. MING HUA(navy blue robes with long and baggy sleeves) stands beside the end of the gangplank . UNALAQ(male, 41, willowy, clean shaven face, long hair with accessories) walks down the plank, hands folded behind his back.

Murmurs among the crowds grow. Phrases "what's the north doing here", "they brought a battleship" can be heard. Some of the crowds give angry stares at the NORTHERN SOLDIERS, others point their fingers to UNALAQ. 

The crowds make their way for KYA, ZAHEER, TONRAQ and a platoon of SOUTHERN SOLDIERS. KYA raises her hand, the murmur gradually subsides. 

KYA, TONRAQ, SENNA and ZAHEER exchange looks. ZAHEER nods. KYA steps forward.

KYA

Greetings, Chieftain Unalaq. It's my pleasure to have you celebrating the Winter Solstice with us.

 

UNALAQ

The pleasure is mine, Chieftain Kya. I came here to show the North is willing to set our differences aside and move forward together as one.

 

KYA stretches out her arm. UNALAQ and KYA shake each other's forearms.  

TONRAQ spreads out his arms and walks towards UNALAQ. The two hug, but each narrows their eyes as they rest their chin on the other's shoulders.

TONRAQ 

(Joyfully)

It's always good to see you, brother.

 

UNALAQ

(Joyfully) 

I can only say the same, brother.

They pull away from each other's embrace. The crowds applaud.

UNALAQ

Lady Senna, my brother is lucky to have you as his wife.

 

UNALAQ and SENNA shake each other's forearms. UNALAQ turns to ZAHEER.

UNALAQ

You must be the Avatar's mentor, Zaheer.

 

ZAHEER gives UNALAQ a brief bow.

UNALAQ

Walking about whom, where is my niece?

 

TONRAQ 

Probably at the carnival. We both know what it's like to be young.

 

UNALAQ

Indeed.

 

ZAHEER

I'll go look for her.

 

UNALAQ

I won't worry about it, let my niece enjoy her life.

 

ZAHEER

Life is best enjoyed with families, would you agree?

ZAHEER exchange looks with TONRAQ. TONRAQ nods. 

TONRAQ

I couldn't agree more. Thank you, Grand Lotus.

 

KYA

(Smiles and bows briefly)

Perhaps I should leave, too. Don't wanna spoil a family reunion with my guards.

 

KYA and ZAHEER leave and head towards the city .

INTERIOR. CITY HALL — SOME TIME LATER

On the floor ZAHEER meditates in lotus position. KYA paces back and forth. ZAHEER opens his eyes and rises to his feet. 

ZAHEER

There is no need to worry, Chieftain Kya.

 

KYA

Don't worry?! Unalaq is behind the pirates, no doubt, and he's probably up to something else.

 

ZAHEER

I agree, but we need to play along to uncover his plot. A Master of the White Lotus will investigate the situation with us. She will arrive in a few hours.

 

KYA

What? How?

 

ZAHEER

I just talked to her through the Spirit World.

 

KYA raises her eyebrows.

EXTERIOR. CARNIVAL BOOTH — CONTINUED

Three rolls of broken glass bottles hanging on the railings. Pebbles scatter around the parametre. KORRA hands the VENDOR a yuan bill. The VENDOR smiles, hands KORRA another dozen pebbles. The VENDOR pulls the lever. Another set of glass bottles swing back and forth. 

KORRA earthbends a pebble and shoots it in a curved course. The pebble hits a red-painted glass bottle .

VENDOR

One point.

KORRA repeats the results with the second, the third, the fourth, but misses on the fifth pebble. 

BOLIN

Breathe easy, it's all about timing.

 

KORRA relaxes her shoulders and squares her stance. The pebble hits the target at the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth shot.

VENDOR

Nine points.

VENDOR searches his booth and hands KORRA a pocket watch .

VENDOR

Here's your prize.

BOLIN and KORRA leave the booth and cruise around the Carnival.

KORRA

(Hands BOLIN the pocket watch )

Have it, Captain. May your ships be always on time.

 

BOLIN 

No, you won the prize, keep it.

 

KORRA

Only with your help.

 

BOLIN 

(Smiles and takes the pocket watch)

I'll keep it in good shape.

ZAHEER, YANG and JEE sprint toward the two.

JEE

(Panting)

Captain Bolin! Finally, we found you.

 

ZAHEER

Korra, there’s a new situation.

 

KORRA

(Confused)

What's going on?

 

BOLIN

(To Yang and Jee)

And you told me you're not leaving until tomorrow.

JEE shows KORRA and BOLIN the sketch of MING HUA, side by side with the photo of MING HUA and NORTHERN SOLDIERS.

EXTERIOR. GENERAL'S IGLOO — CONTINUED

TONRAQ opens the igloo's wooden door and gestures to UNALAQ.

TONRAQ

Please, come on in. 

UNALAQ follows TONRAQ and SENNA to the inside of the igloo .

TONRAQ heads to the stove , picks up the teapot and pours three cups of tea.

SENNA

It might not be much, but it's a warm, cozy place for winter nights.

 

UNALAQ and SENNA take seats on two sides of the table . TONRAQ places a cup before SENNA and UNALAQ, then sits down beside SENNA. 

TONRAQ

Unalaq, you arrived early.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE PORT — NIGHT

YANG, JEE and BOLIN sprint towards the dock and onboard the cargo ship . 

BOLIN barges into the radioroom. He snatches the speaker from the radio and switches on the device.

BOLIN

(To the speaker)

Attention all crew members, attention all crew members–

EXTERIOR. CARNIVAL PLACE — NIGHT — CONTINUED

Several CREW MEMBERS stop their conversation and pick up their motorolas

BOLIN

(Off screen, through the speaker)

-this is Captain Bolin. Report to the ship immediately. Repeat, report to the ship immediately. There's an emergency, we're leaving in an hour.

 

The CREW MEMBERS exchange looks with each other and shrug. They make their way towards the shore.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE PORT — MIDNIGHT

A speedboat approaches the port and parks at a location with few traffic.

KUVIRA(female, 22, lean, a long scar from her left cheek across her lips to her chin, black shoulder length hair, brown winter parka) switches off the engine. She takes out her telescope and points it towards the Destroyer :

Only four NORTHERN SOLDIERS patrol on its deck , one of them yawns and naps against the railings.

KUVIRA frowns and lowers her telescope . She puts her hand under her chin and remains still for a moment. Then she reaches for her pocket with her left hand, brings out a pencil and a map of the Southern Water Tribe. With her left hand she draws a star along the area that indicates the port . She raises her telescope and points it towards the city :

SOUTHERN SOLDIERS patrol the busy main road near the city hall . At the opposite side of the road stands the General's Igloo .

KUVIRA lowers her telescope . She draws a star on the map at where it indicates the city centre , then sketches several lines, each line connecting the two stars. She puts the map and pencil back into her pocket, steps out of the speedboat and sets foot on land. 

She ties her hair into a half ponytail as she approaches the city .

Chapter Text

CITY OUTSKIRT — MIDNIGHT

INTERIOR. CHIEFTAIN'S IGLOO

KORRA, ZAHEER and KYA gather around the table.

KORRA 

You're saying, my uncle's behind the pirate attacks?

 

KYA

If he's competent enough to be a Chieftain, he couldn't have missed something as major as his Captain of Guards hiring pirates behind his back.

 

ZAHEER

The only explanation is he gave her the orders. 

 

KORRA

That's ridiculous. What can he possibly gain attacking our ships?

 

ZAHEER

Not directly, but as a diversion.

 

KORRA

To what?

 

KYA  

To our fleet. 

 

KORRA

You think he's plotting an invasion?

 

KYA

Unalaq has always wanted control over the South. Why do you think your father left the North in the first place?

KORRA shoots up from her seat, slams her fists against the table.

KORRA

How dare you!

 

ZAHEER

(Sternly)

Korra.

 

KORRA 

My father served you for decades, this is what you give him in return?! 

ZAHEER narrows his eyes.

ZAHEER

Avatar Korra, compose yourself!

KORRA grits her teeth and sits down.

ZAHEER

What Chieftain Kya said are mere speculations. As the agent of world balance, you must take every possibility into consideration.

 

KYA

(Lowers her gaze)

 I don't suspect your father conspiring against me, but Unalaq is a powerful manipulator, he won't hesitate to exploit the bond of kinship.

 

KORRA

What should I do?

ZAHEER lays his hand on KORRA's shoulders.

ZAHEER

I trust you to make the wise decision.

KORRA stands still for several seconds. 

KORRA

I have to go.

KORRA bows to KYA and ZAHEER, and rushes outside. She waterbends the snow, the snow forms a sledge, KORRA hops onto the snow sledge and skies down the hill, towards the

—CITY.

INTERIOR. GENERAL'S IGLOO — CONTINUED

UNALAQ

(Sips on his tea)

You make a good host, brother.

 

TONRAQ

Please, we're all kin. It's the least I can do.

UNALAQ nods.

UNALAQ

Remember our conversation before you  left for the South?

TONRAQ empties his teacup in one gulp. 

TONRAQ

Of course, brother.

 

UNALAQ

I have my troops stationed nearby, they can create a blockade in no time. It will guarantee your success in the coup. 

SENNA glances at TONRAQ. TONRAQ straightens his posture and gazes into UNALAQ's eyes.

UNALAQ

I know you are an inspiring leader. Your men are loyal and loyal to you. Together we will unite our tribes, and with your daughter speaking as the Avatar, no one will speak a word against this.

 

TONRAQ 

(Cracks a faint smile)

You haven't changed a bit, brother.

UNALAQ laughs. TONRAQ hardens his expression.

TONRAQ

But I have.

TONRAQ and UNALAQ square against each other for moments.

UNALAQ waterbends, draws water from his waterskin. The water pulls SENNA towards him, he freezes the tip of the water stream to ice and presses the ice blade against SENNA's throat.

TONRAQ shoots up from his chair.

TONRAQ

(Fist clenched)

Let her go!

 

UNALAQ

(Maliciously)

You betrayed me and our cause. You put this on yourself.

 

TONRAQ

No, Unalaq. Our 'cause' was treason all along.

SENNA punches between UNALAQ's legs. UNALAQ shrieks in pain, SENNA breaks free from UNALAQ's grasp.

TONRAQ lunges and tackles UNALAQ. The two men roll across the room and struggle for the better position. SENNA grabs the war club from the wall and sprint towards the two men.

UNALAQ waterbends the tea from the teapot, he hurls the liquid at the door knob, and freezes it to ice. The door creaks open, TONRAQ and UNALAQ tumble onto the street. SENNA chases outside with her war club.

EXTERIOR. MAIN STREET — CONTINUED

A squad of SOUTHERN SOLDIERS rush towards the two fighting men on the ground.

A dozen PEOPLE nearby waterbend, drawing water from the snow. They launch streams of water, knocking the SOUTHERN SOLDIERS in their heads. The SOUTHERN SOLDIERS fall unconscious. PEDESTRIANS nearby scatter and flee.

More SOUTHERN SOLDIERS hurry to the main street.

SENNA

SPIES! They're Unalaq's spies! 

More SPIES arrive and engage in waterbending combat with the SOUTHERN SOLDIERS. SENNA lets out a battle cry, raises her war club and dives into the tumble.

TONRAQ locks UNALAQ in an armbar. UNALAQ waterbends with his free arm, a stream of water hits TONRAQ in the head. TONRAQ lies in the snow unconscious.

UNALAQ breaks free from the ground brawl, reaches to the inner lining of his parka, and brings out a flare-torch. A red flare fires out of the contraption, launching into the inky sky.

EXTERIOR. ALLEYWAY — CONTINUED

MING HUA glances at the red flare in the sky. Two streams of water pop out from the sleeves of her robes. She waterbends, the tips of the water streams freeze into ice blades, slice off the sleeves, revealing nothing but two stumps on her shoulders.

MING HUA stomps the ground, an ice pillar rises under her feet, lifting herself into the air. She bends the two streams of water like arms, the water arms hook onto the roofs and swing her between buildings.

A metal pellet hits her in the torso, one of her water arms loses function and dissipates in a splash. MING HUA yelps and falls off the roof. A moment later, she gets up to her feet:

KUVIRA stands seven feet away.

KUVIRA

Captain, where do you think you're going?

MING HUA's eyes widen in surprise but quickly assumes a fighting stance. 

MING HUA

That's none of your business.

KUVIRA assumes a southpaw fighting stance, her expression hardens.

KUVIRA

Yes it is.

MING HUA waterbends her water arm, swings it at KUVIRA, its tip freezes into an ice blade as it closes the distance.

KUVIRA pivots to the right, misses the ice blade by inches and lunges forward.

MING HUA bends the snow under her feet and glides back. She bends her water arm, as it touches the snowy ground, pikes of ice shoot up from the snow.

KUVIRA leaps into the air, dodging them, then continues to press forward.

EXTERIOR. STREETS — CONTINUED

KORRA dashes down the street and runs into a commotion:

SOUTHERN SOLDIERS fighting against the SPIES.

She startles, takes a sharp turn and enters an—

ALLEYWAY

MING HUA waterbends, drawing water from the snowy ground, launching a rain of ice shards.

KUVIRA sprints to the wall, gaining a footing on the wall through the momentum. She bends the bricks under her feet, uses them as stairs as she scales across the wall. Her left hand reaches to the pouch on her belt. She metalbends and fires out metal pellets, shattering the ice shards on her way, closing in the distance.

MING HUA draws water from the snow with her bending, the water forms two additional water arms on each side of her shoulders. She wields her water arms (six in total), blocking the alley like a giant spider. She swings three of them on one side, the tips of water arms freeze to ice and drills into the wall.

Cracks spread through the wall. KUVIRA leaps off the wall as it crumbles.

MING HUA grins and bends the other three water arms, freezing their tips into ice blades and swings them down at KUVIRA.

KUVIRA fires three metal pellets, striking MING HUA in the shoulders and the side of her neck.

MING HUA grunts, all her water arms lose function and turn to splashes.

KUVIRA lands on her feet as MING HUA plunges to the ground. A piece of debris the size of a car breaks off from a neaby building, burying MING HUA underneath.

KORRA rubs her eyes and blinks several times.

KUVIRA stretches out her left hand, the metal pellets scattered across the ground fly back into the pouch on her belt. She approaches the debris and lifts the debris by hand, the debirs moves for a couple inches, but not more

KUVIRA

Hey, you-

 

KORRA

(Points at herself)

Me?

 

KUVIRA

Yes. Are you Avatar Korra?

KORRA nods.

KUVIRA

I need you to remove the debris so I can check her pulse.

 

KORRA

(Frowns)

Aren't you an earthbender? Do it yourself.

 

KUVIRA

I can't.

 

KORRA

What do you mean 'you can't'?

 

KUVIRA

(Takes a deep breath)

It means: I can't bend anything larger than a brick.

KORRA laughs.

KORRA

Seriously, you think I'll believe you after all of that?

KUVIRA reaches for her pocket and brings out a White Lotus badge. KORRA startles as she notices the silver embroideries on the badge.

KORRA

You, a Master? (Scoffs)You aren't much older than me.

KUVIRA stares at KORRA and doesn't speak.

—MOMENTS LATER

KORRA

(Sighs)

Alright, I believe you. But I'm still new at earthbending, so… it's gonna take a while.

KORRA earthbends, and lifts a piece of debris the size of a suitcase. 

KORRA 

Hah, I can finally bend bigger rocks.

KORRA earthbends one chunk at a time until she removes the remaining debris.

KUVIRA approaches the unconsious MING HUA and places a finger on her neck.

KUVIRA

She's alive.

KORRA lifts MING HUA with one arm and places the woman on her shoulders.

KUVIRA raises her head: a full moon in the sky.

KUVIRA

Don't heal her until she's securely contained.

 

KORRA

(Waves dismissively)

Come on, bloodbending isn't that common.

KUVIRA chuckles and points at the scar on her lips.

KUVIRA

You want to test your luck like I did?

KORRA startles, she opens her mouth but no word comes out.

KUVIRA

What?

 

KORRA

(Turns her head away)

Nothing.

 

KUVIRA

We need to take the prisoner to a holding cell as soon as possible.

 

KORRA

Then what are we waiting for?

SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE PORT — DAWN

A destroyer park in the port.

INTERIOR. DESTROYER INFIRMARY  — CONTINUED

Two SPIES carry UNALAQ(undergarments, bruises and cuts covering his body and face) into the pool.

The MEDIC waterbends. The water glows in blue, UNALAQ's wounds close slowly.

UNALAQ

(Resentfully)

Tell our men to move in, I want their every ship sunk and their city encased in ice.

 

SPY 1

As you wish, Chieftain.

SPY 1 bows to UNALAQ and jogs away.

EXTERIOR. MAIN STREET — CONTINUED

KORRA carries MING HUA and walks alongside KUVIRA. KORRA glances at the damaged infrastructure. A platoon of SOUTHERN SOLDIERS patrol the street.

KORRA 

(Horrified)

What happened here?

 

KUVIRA

(Calmly)

A failed coup, apparently.

 

KORRA

(Frowns)

You're heartless.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1 runs towards the General's Igloo, and opens the door.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1

They're here!

The igloo's door opens, ZAHEER, KYA and SENNA step outside. GUARD 1 and GUARD 2 supports TONRAQ(bruises on his face) to walk. KYA waves at the SOUTHERN SOLDIERS.

Four SOUTHERN SOLDIERS approach KORRA.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1

We'll take the prisoner.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 2 and SOUTHERN SOLDIER 3 place MING HUA(unconscious) onto a stretcher and carry her away, SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1 and SOUTHERN SOLDIER 4 follow behind. 

KORRA rushes to TONRAQ and embraces him. TONRAQ smiles and pats KORRA's back.

KORRA

Dad, I'm so glad you're safe! 

SENNA hugs the two from behind. The three slowly pull away from each other.

KYA bows to TONRAQ.

KYA

I should never have doubted you, General Tonraq.

 

TONRAQ

That's quite alright, I was a different man back then. I always knew my past would come back to haunt me one day.

ZAHEER smiles and nods at KUVIRA.

ZAHEER

Well done, Master Kuvira, as always.

KUVIRA tries to hold back her smile as she bows to ZAHEER.

KUVIRA

I'm honoured, Grand Lotus.

 

KORRA

Dad, mom, did you catch Unalaq?

 

SENNA

(Shakes her head)

Unalaq infiltrated the city with spies. They started a riot and he got away.

 

TONRAQ

He tried to sway me into staging a coup, so he could take over the South.

 

SENNA 

What do we do now, Chieftain Kya?

 

KYA

(Clenches her fists)

Guard!

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 5 approaches KYA and bows.

KYA

I want every ship in our fleet armed and loaded.

 

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 5

Chieftain, a third of them are still going through repairs from the previous operation. 

 

KYA

Tell them to hurry up, have the rest of the fleet ready in an hour.

 

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 5 

Yes, ma'am.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 5 salutes and jogs away.

KORRA

Think about what you're doing, Kya, you're starting a civil war.

 

KYA

Your uncle has started the war already.

UNDERWATER — CONTINUED

A fleet of Northern submarines approach the Southern navy fleet. The submarines launch an array of torpedoes, hitting the bottom of the ships and explode.

EXTERIOR. MAIN STREET — CONTINUED

Explosions can be heard. Shockwaves shake the ground.

KYA, SENNA, KORRA, ZAHEER and TONRAQ scan around. TONRAQ stumbles, GUARD 1 and GUARD 2 hold him from falling.

KYA

(Concerned)

It's from the harbour.

KUVIRA reaches for her pocket and brings out a telescope. She holds the telescope in front of her eyes.

KUVIRA

You're not going to like this, Chieftain.

KUVIRA hands her telescope to KYA.

KYA puts the telescope in front of her eyes and gasps in horror:

The entire Southern fleet sinks into the ocean. 

Chapter Text

EXTERIOR. MAIN STREET — CONTINUED

KYA loses her grip on the telescope. 

KUVIRA

(Catches the telescope midair)

Careful. (Puts the telescope into her pocket)

 

TONRAQ

What happened?

 

KYA

Our fleet… the entire Southern fleet… destroyed…

 

TONRAQ

Unalaq… I can't believe he's-

 

TONRAQ shakes his head and sighs. TONRAQ pulls away from GUARD 1 and GUARD 2. He tries to straighten his posture and takes his steps, but ends up limping. 

TONRAQ 

I'll gather the rest of our troops to defend the city. Unalaq wants a fight, the South will give him one.  

 

KORRA rushes in front of TONRAQ and spreads out her arms. 

KORRA

No dad, you're injured, let me help you.

 

KORRA cracks her knuckles.

KORRA

I will make Unalaq pay.

KYA takes a deep breath.

KYA

(Sternly)

No one's fighting until we relocate the civilians somewhere safe.

 

KUVIRA

Inland.

 

KYA

What?

 

KUVIRA

We move them inland, deep into the tundras. The North will spend forever to find them, and in case the North gets the upperhand in the city, we have a base to fall back on.

 

KORRA

Are you crazy? The Everstorm will kill them!

 

TONRAQ

I admire your talents in strategy, Master Kuvira, but you don't understand the extremes of the South Pole. Every Winter Solstice a snow storm ravages the South for forty days. We named it Everstorm. If one doesn't seek shelter, they will perish without a doubt. 

 

KUVIRA

Do you think the casualties will be any less if they stay in the crossfire?

 

KORRA

Whatever you say, we're NOT sending our people to certain doom.

 

KYA massages her temples with her fingers.

 

KYA

Grand Lotus Zaheer, I trust you to make the best decision.

ZAHEER brushes his beard.

ZAHEER

We most certainly need to relocate, somewhere discreet and easy to fall back on. But remember they are, afterall, civilians, so heading into the Everstorm should be our last resort. 

 

KYA

(Raises her finger)

I know just the place. 

KYA leans towards TONRAQ and whispers in his ears. TONRAQ nods.

TONRAQ

But we can't just all leave the city, we have to fight for our home.

 

ZAHEER

Worry not, you will have plenty of chances. There is a way to end the war overnight, but I need to use the library to get the information for our plan. Until then, you and your troops need to defend the city. 

 

KYA

Tonraq, you're injured, evacuate with the civilians, I'll prepare the city's defense.

 

SENNA

I'll go with you.

KYA bows to SENNA.

KYA

Thank you, lady Senna.

TONRAQ hugs SENNA and the two kiss.

TONRAQ

Be careful, my love.

The two slowly pull away from each other.

TONRAQ

I promise I will take care of our people, Chieftain Kya.

 

ZAHEER approaches KUVIRA.

ZAHEER

Help Chieftain Kya defend the city, and you might want to give your parents a call.

KUVIRA nods.

KORRA

(Raises her hand)

Count me in.

 

ZAHEER

No, Korra, you have a more important duty.

INTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE LIBRARY — DAY

ZAHEER and KORRA each sit in front of a mountainous pile of scrolls. Each picks up a scroll, rolls it open, scans it briefly and puts it down, and repeats.

KORRA

Not this one, not this one… nope… 

KORRA stops her searching, rubs her eyes, stretches and yawns.

 

KORRA

What are we exactly searching for?

ZAHEER stops his searching among the scrolls.

ZAHEER

The prophecy of Yì.

 

KORRA

Right. Sorry, Sifu.

 

ZAHEER

That's alright. Take a break.

 

KORRA

I can't, every minute I waste I'm putting hundreds of lives on the line.

KORRA blinks repeatedly to keep her eyes open.

ZAHEER

A scholar needs their rest to keep their mind sharp, so does a warrior.

 

KORRA

You're right... Twenty minutes.

 

ZAHEER

(Nods)

I will wake you up in time.

KORRA falls asleep on the desk.

INTERIOR. UNDERGROUND CATACOMBS

Civilians fill the CAVE, some bring their own quilts and blankets, SOUTHERN SOLDIERS run around and deliver sleeping bags for those who didn't. Murmurs echo in the chamber, cries of infants and children can be heard.

Another group of civilians enters the cave. TONRAQ, GUARD 1 and GUARD 2 enter behind them.

GUARD 1

They're the last group, General Tonraq.

 

TONRAQ

(Nods)

Help them to settle down.

 

GUARD 1

Yes, sir.

 

GUARD 1 and GUARD 2 run to join the SOUTHERN SOLDIERS. They hand rations to civilians.

CIVILIAN 1

Will the North attack us during the Everstorm?

 

CIVILIAN 2

When will we be able to go home?

 

CIVILIAN 3

Our fleet is gone. It's only a matter of time before the North takes our city.

 

CIVILIAN 4 

(Hysterically)

We're doomed!

 

TONRAQ slams his fist onto the chamber's icy ground and waterbends, cracks spread on the ice. 

 

TONRAQ

Everyone listen up!

 

The room falls silent. All civilians turn their heads to TONRAQ.

 

TONRAQ

The North chose war at the most sacred time of the year. Some of you are afraid: do they have a bottom line at all? I understand. In fact, their Chieftain Unalaq attacked me and my wife in our very house. What the North did to us is nothing short of evil, and I have a few questions for you: will you allow the very people who committed these hideous acts to be your rulers? Do you think they will reign with justice?

 

CIVILIAN 5 

(Raises her fist)

We will never let the North take over our home. Who's with me?

CIVILIAN 6 raises his fist. More civilians follow.

CIVILIAN 6

General Tonraq, let us fight alongside you!

 

TONRAQ

Everyone, I am overjoyed to see such bravery, but this is not your battle. You are the hope of the South, you are the reason we die for. Me and my men will lay down our lives before the North can get to you, for as long as you are well and free, the South cannot be conquered.

 

Half a dozen seconds of silence, then the first applause is heard. The applause spreads across the entire crowd in a matter of seconds.

INTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY — WHITE LOTUS HQ — AFTERNOON

GHAZAN glances at the clock. Its needles point to three o' clock. GHAZAN assumes a lotus position on the ground and closes his eyes.

EXTERIOR. SPIRIT WORLD — XAI BAO'S GROVE — DAY

GHAZAN(spirit) manifests at the centre of the forest. He looks around. KUVIRA(spirit) walks out from the treelines. 

KUVIRA

(Bows)

Sifu. 

GHAZAN smiles and gives her a nod.

GHAZAN

Glad to see you, Kuvira. How are things in the South Pole?

 

KUVIRA

Not good. The North sank the South's fleet, now the Water Tribes are at war.

GHAZAN raises his eyebrows.

GHAZAN

During the Glacier Festival?

 

KUVIRA

Yes.

 

GHAZAN

Wow, Unalaq must really want the South.

 

KUVIRA

The Avatar, Grand Lotus and I are helping with the South's defense. But the North has put the South's navy out of commission and now has control over the shore.

 

GHAZAN brushes his mustache.

GHAZAN 

I'll talk to the United Republics Council, but you know they're obsessed with 'good image' (grumbles)... Update me on the situation daily if you can, see you soon.

 

KUVIRA

Wait. Can you relay a few words to my parents?

 

GHAZAN

Of course. I'm all ears.

KUVIRA takes a deep breath.

KUVIRA

Please tell them: I'm at the South Pole. And once my assignment is finished, I will take the first ship back… swear on my dignity.

GHAZAN gazes into KUVIRA's eyes for a few seconds and nods.

GHAZAN

I'll call them right away. Be careful.

 

KUVIRA 

Thank you, Sifu. I will.

KUVIRA(spirit) bows and her form dissipates.

EXTERIOR — CITY OUTSKIRT — SOUTHERN FORCES CAMP — NIGHT

A snow storm rages across the mountains and closes in the distance. SOUTHERN SOLDIERS scour back into their tents. 

INTERIOR. COMMANDER'S TENT — CONTINUED

KUVIRA sits in lotus position. She opens her eyes and gets up to her feet.

KYA

How did it go?

 

KUVIRA

Master Ghazan will try to get the United Republics to join our side, but no guarantee. We have to be prepared to fight this war alone.

Howls of wind can be heard off screen.

KYA 

 The Everstorm is here.

 

KYA lifts up the tent's door curtain. Snow swirls in the wind, so heavy that it blocks the view. KYA puts down the door curtain, a thick layer of snow covers the doorstep.

KYA

(Teasing)

Still want to head into the tundras?

 

KUVIRA

(Solemnly)

No. I was ignorant about the South Pole, and you prevented a tragedy.

KYA raises her eyebrows. 

KYA

No wonder you are the youngest Master of the White Lotus, humility is rare among people of your age. Your parents must be very proud of you.

 

KUVIRA  

(Look away)

I hope so.

Silence ensues. KUVIRA tosses a piece of charcoal into the fireplace.

—MOMENTS LATER

KUVIRA

You don't think the North will attack during such condition?

 

KYA

Knowing Unalaq… There's no guarantee.

INTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE LIBRARY — NIGHT

KORRA scans the scroll in her hand.

KORRA

(Overjoyed)

I found it!

ZAHEER rushes to KORRA's side and reads from the scroll.

ZAHEER

"The ancient prophecy of Yì (易): when the spirits return, a new Chieftain is anointed to replace the old, like fresh spring replacing that of a stale pool. Their struggle is preordained, and the new Chieftain, he who remains, shall unite the Tribe under his rightful rule."

 

KORRA

Sounds more like an apocalypse than anything. How will this help us?

 

ZAHEER

If a Water Tribe citizen takes down Unalaq in a duel, they will become the Chieftain of the North and the South, and declare the war over. 

 

KORRA glances at the text.

KORRA 

But it says "when spirit returns", how can we possibly make that happen?

 

ZAHEER

We must remove the barrier between the spirit and the physical world, then some spirits will cross over to the physical world. Only an Avatar can accomplish such a feat.

 

KORRA

What should I do?

 

ZAHEER

You will open the two portals located at the poles, and you might be able to do it from this room.

ZAHEER assumes a lotus position and gestures at KORRA.

ZAHEER

Come, I will guide you to the Spirit World. 

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN SEA — NIGHT

Snow. A fleet of Northern submarines emerge from the water.

INTERIOR. NORTHERN SUBMARINE

NORTHERN SOLDIER 1 looks through the spyglass. He rushes to the COMMAND CHAMBER, and knocks on the door.

INTERIOR. COMMAND CHAMBER — CONTINUED

UNALAQ sits leaning against his throne. He frowns and waves at ESKA(16, female, androgynous blue robes, eye make-up) and DESNA(16, male, identical blue robes), the twin holding deadpan facial expressions. ESKA and DESNA exchange looks with each other and open the chamber's door. NORTHERN SOLDIER 1 glances at the twin and gulps.   

ESKA

(Apathetically) 

You better have a good reason to disturb our father.

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 1

(Nervous laugh)

Yes… yes of course, Princess Eska.

 

DESNA

(Apathetically)

I give you permission to speak freely.

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 1

Chieftain, Prince and Princess, the Everstorm has arrived.

UNALAQ grins from ear to ear and rises from his seat.

 

UNALAQ

Excellment. Watch over the radio, attack at once upon receiving message from my heirs.

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER remains silent for several seconds.

UNALAQ

Do you not understand me, soldier?

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 1

No Chieftain. It will be done.

NORTHERN SOLDIER 1 bows and exits the door. 

DESNA 

During the Everstorm, father?

 

UNALAQ

(Nods)

During the Everstorm. We attack, nature will wipe out the South for us.

 

ESKA

But father, nature doesn't discriminate.

 

UNALAQ

Everything comes with a price. (Stands, approaches Eska and Desna) But if you succeed in your mission, you might be able to save them all.

 

He halts at arms length away from the twins and and hands a motorola to each.

 

UNALAQ

Tonight, you and your sister will infiltrate the South's camp and take out Chieftain Kya. 

 

ESKA

"Take out"?

UNALAQ draws a line across his neck with his finger. 

UNALAQ

Once you're done, you radio our fleet to attack.

 

ESKA

As you wish, father.

 

UNALAQ

I know you two never let me down.

ESKA and DESNA exits into the—

HALLWAY

—and closes the door.

ESKA and DESNA halt and exchange looks with each other.

Chapter Text

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN FORCES CAMP — NIGHT

Heavy snowstorm. ESKA and DESNA waterbends the snow around them, forming a dome around them. The wind ravages the land, echoes in the air like a howling pack of wolves. 

ESKA

(Apathetically)

I can't believe father used us as assassins. 

 

DESNA

(Apathetically)

Father was about to send our troops to expire in the Everstorm. We are saving their lives. 

 

ESKA

Father wouldn't care either way.

 

DESNA

You're not wrong, sister.

Crunching footsteps can be heard in the snow. DESNA puts a finger on his mouth. The two hide behind a TENT and stand back to back. 

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1 walks out of the TENT, he yawns and unbuckles his belt. Splashes of water and whistles can be heard off camera. 

DESNA rolls his eyes. ESKA twists her face in disgust. 

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1 buckles his belt and stretches. ESKA and DESNA waterbends, the snow around him turns into spears of ice, the ice spears trap his limbs, their tips pointing at his throat. SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1 shudders and whimpers. ESKA and DESNA approach SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1 from behind.

DESNA

Shh… be quiet.

 

ESKA 

Or else.

ESKA waterbends, the ice spears extend, pressing against SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1's throat.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1

(Voice trembling)

Wh-what do you want? 

 

ESKA

We want some information.

 

DESNA

(Menacingly) 

Where, is, your Chieftain?

INTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE LIBRARY —NIGHT

KORRA and ZAHEER sit in lotus position, eyes closed.

SPIRIT WORLD – WETLAND JUNGLE –DAY

ZAHEER(spirit) and KORRA(spirit) manifest among the trees. KORRA looks around.

KORRA

I don't see any portals.

 

ZAHEER

 I can only guide you into the Spirit World. Only the Avatar knows the portals' whereabouts in this plane.

 

KORRA

But I don't.

 

ZAHEER

Your Avatar Spirit has all the knowledge you need. 

ZAHEER(spirit)'s form dissolves.

KORRA

Sifu, wait!

KORRA grumbles. She shrugs and heads into the foggy jungle.

SOUTHERN FORCES CAMP — CONTINUED 

INTERIOR. COMMANDER'S TENT

KYA sleeps on the cot in her parka. KUVIRA sleeps on the ground beside the fireplace, her left hand lays on the pouch on her belt, her right palm pressed against the ground. KUVIRA opens her eyes, then her eyes narrow. She gets up, rushes to KYA's cot and claps her hands. KYA stirs awake.

KYA

(Yawns, irritated)

What?

 

KUVIRA

Our camp's been infiltrated. There are two of them.

 

KYA

(Rubs her eyes, eyes wide open)

Are you sure?

 

KUVIRA

Affirmative. They're closing in on us, we need to move.

KUVIRA lifts the door curtain and gestures to KYA. KYA follows KUVIRA outside.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN FORCES CAMP — NIGHT

Heavy snowstorm. KYA and KUVIRA walk among the tents. Soon they find a trail of crisp clear footprints on the snow. 

KYA

Still fresh, they can't be far.

KYA and KUVIRA follow the trail of footprints. They turn on the next corner. A spear of ice flies towards KUVIRA. KYA steps forward and waterbends, shattering the ice spear into pieces. KYA and KUVIRA stand back to back and assume fighting stances. 

The snow in the sky turns to water and forms a dome around them, an array of ice spears rain down at all directions. KYA waterbends the snow on the ground, a snow wall raises at an angle, absorbing the ice projectiles. KUVIRA metalbends, dozens of metal pellets launch from the pouch on her belt, collide with the ice projectiles, shattering the ice. 

A couple ice spears slip through KUVIRA's defenses. KUVIRA barely dodges them, the spears leave several cuts on her arms and shoulders, she takes the cuts in silence. KUVIRA flicks her wrist, the metal pellets fly back, spinning around her hands.

ESKA and DESNA approach KYA and KUVIRA from opposite directions. ESKA glances at KYA.

ESKA

Brother, the Chieftain is mine.

 

DESNA 

(Glances at KUVIRA, then back to Eska)

Suits me well.

SOUTHERN SOLDIERS rushes to the scene, bending shards of ice at ESKA and DESNA. The twin waterbends, the snow in the sky forms a tornado, swiping away the ice projectiles, burying SOUTHERN SOLDIERS and nearby tents in whole.

ESKA

Now it's just the four of us.

KYA waterbends the snow, a circular wall of water surrounds her. She waterbends and launches shards of circle from the water streams. ESKA bends the snow under her feet, skis away, misses the projectiles. ESKA swings her arms and waterbends, a line of sharpened ice breaches KYA. KYA bends the snow under her feet and glides away. ESKA waterbends, adjusting the ice's course to follow KYA. KYA turns and bends a pressurized stream of water. ESKA dodges the water stream, KYA closes in the distance.

DESNA waterbends, the snow around him accumulates and releases as an avalanche. KUVIRA sprints parallel to the avalanche. The avalanche outspeeds her, she leaps into the air, spins her body midair. She lands a split second after the avalanche passes. KUVIRA gets up and sprints towards ESKA. ESKA waterbends the snow underneath KUVIRA's feet and turns it to ice. KUVIRA slips and falls, but she uses the momentum to roll forward. ESKA waterbends, consecutive shards of ice hits KUVIRA's back. She takes the hit without making a sound, rolling across the snow, leaving a trail of blood.

DESNA

For an earthbender, you're surprisingly hard to hit, but you can't outrun a waterbender in a the snow.

 

KUVIRA 

You're right, I can't.

With a flick of her wrist, KUVIRA bends a dozen metal pellets, hitting all the major pressure points on DESNA's body. DESNA laughs robotically.

DESNA

Everyone who hasn't been living under a rock knows chi-blocking exists, do you think we'd arrive without proper protective equipment? 

KUVIRA attempts to stand up. DESNA bends a stream of water, knocking her down halfway.

DESNA

It's over.

KUVIRA's expression darkens. She bends four pebbles out of her pocket, launching them in spinning pairs of two. DESNA scoffs, dodges them with ease and bends a stream of water at KUVIRA. KUVIRA flicks her wrists, the pebbles melt and reverse their course. 

Two discs of lava on land DESNA's shoulders, searing his flesh. DESNA screams in pain and stumbles. The water stream turns into a splash and falls to the ground. KUVIRA earthbends, retrieving the pebbles.

ESKA snaps her head to her brother's direction.

ESKA

(Horrified)

Desna!

KYA bends a stream of water, knocking ESKA off her feet. ESKA gets up and runs to DESNA. Tears fall down from ESKA's face, muddying the make-up around her eyes. ESKA waterbends, a column of snow lifts her up.

ESKA

(Hysterically)

You will pay!

KUVIRA frowns and lavabends the pebbles, two lava discs spin around her hands.

KUVIRA

(Coldly)

You want to taste my lava?

ESKA bends the snow to swirl around her and DESNA. The snow forms a tornado, blocking the view. It subsides seconds later. The twins are nowhere to be found.

SOUTHERN SOLDIERS climb out of the snow and sprint to KYA and KUVIRA.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 2

Is everyone alright?

 

KYA

I'm fine, (points to Kuvira) this one needs a healer.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 2 approaches KUVIRA. KUVIRA raises her hand to stop the SOLDIER 2, and stands up on her own, limping slightly as she follows SOLDER 2.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 3

What do we do now, Chieftain?

 

KYA

Take the injured, we move into the city. 

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN SEA — DAWN

Snow. A fleet of NORTHERN SUBMARINES float in the ocean. 

INTERIOR. SUBMARINE — RADIOROOM

Four NORTHERN SOLDIERS sit in front of the radio, adjusting levers. White noises can be heard. UNALAQ paces back and forth. 

UNALAQ

Any news from my heirs?

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 1

No, Chieftain. We haven't received any signal.

UNALAQ slams his fist against the wall. His breath shallows, his chest heaves up and down. He turns away from the camera.

UNALAQ 

Attack the city.

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 2

(Horrified)

But Chieftain, Prince Desna and Princess Eska are-

UNALAQ swings his arm, a stream of water flows out of NORTHERN SOLDIER 1's waterskin, it hits NORTHERN SOLDIER 2 in the neck and freezes into ice, choking him against the wall. NORTHERN SOLDIER 1, 3 and 4 lower their gazes and turn away from the scene. 

UNALAQ

(Sneering)

Treason is punishable by death. 

UNALAQ clenches his fist. The ice sharpens, pressing against NORTHERN SOLDIER 2's throat, drawing drops of blood.

NORTHERN SOLDIER 2

(Gasping for air, horrified)

Yes Chieftain… it will be done…

UNALAQ flicks his wrist, the ice melts into water. NORTHERN SOLDIER 2 falls off from the wall. The soldier grabs his throat and coughs. UNALAQ bends the water back into NORTHERN SOLDIER 1's waterskin. 

UNALAQ 

Go back to work.

UNALAQ exits from the room to the--

HALLWAY,

He takes a couple deep breaths, his hands jittering.

UNALAQ

(Closes his eyes)

Eska, Desna, forgive me- (chokes on his breath, a streak of tears roll down his face) -Your sacrifices will not be forgotten.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN SEA — DAWN 

Snow. Hundreds of BOATS depart from the NORTHERN SUBMARINE fleet and sail towards the shore. The cannons on the submarines launch enough ice projectiles that curtains the sky.

EXTERIOR. CITY — CONTINUED

Heavy snowstorm. Snow swirls among buildings, in the streets, blocking the view. The ice projectiles smash into the city's buildings. Glass shatters, walls crack, smaller igloos crumble under the impact. 

INTERIOR. CITY OUTSKIRT — DETENTION CENTRE 

MING HUA sits in her cell, painting with her foot. An ice projectile flies to her window and crumbles the wall. MING HUA grins, slips on her boots. The ice melts to water and adheres to the stumps on her shoulders like arms. She leaps out of the building. 

EXTERIOR. DETENTION CENTRE — CONTINUED

Sounds of cannon bombardment can be heard. MING HUA bends her waterarms, climbing over the walls like a spider. MING HUA sets foot on the snow.

INTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE LIBRARY — CONTINUED

KORRA sits on the floor in lotus position, eyes closed. ZAHEER stands beside her, arms crossed. KYA rushes into the room. Muffled ice projectiles landing can be heard. 

KYA

They're bombing the city.

 

ZAHEER 

(Calmly) 

I am aware.

 

KYA

We need that plan of yours, now.

 

ZAHEER

It is already in motion. (Gestures to KORRA) The first step can only be completed by the Avatar. I will protect her body until her spirit returns.

 

KYA

For how long? 

 

ZAHEER

As long as she needs to. When she returns, so will the Southern Lights. The Everstorm will cease and spirits will dance in the sky.

 

KYA

(Scoffs, frustrated)

"Southern Lights", "Spirits dancing in the sky"? Seriously, are you out of your mind? Those are myths! 

 

ZAHEER

(Frowns)

Have you forgotten the prophecy of your tribe?

ZAHEER picks up the scroll on the table and hands it to KYA. KYA scans through the scroll.

KYA 

You… you believe Korra can bring the spirits back?

 

ZAHEER

If she can't, no one can. And you might want to get some rest, Chieftain, you have a duel to prepare.

 

KYA

(Sternly)

No, I'm the Chieftain. I will never desert my people. 

 

ZAHEER

Unfortunately, I can't offer you a solution. It's a decision only you can make.

SPIRIT WORLD —WETLAND JUNGLE — CONTINUED

KORRA heads deep into the jungle, water splashes onto her boots. KORRA halts and looks around. Fog and vines surround her.

KORRA

(Loudly)

Hello?

Stirs and chirps can be heard. A couple SPIRIT SPARROWS appear from the vines and fly away. KORRA chases the sparrows.

KORRA

Spirits, wait!

The SPIRIT SPARROWS fly into a dense bunch of vines and disappear. KORRA makes her way through the dense vine. AANG (40, spirit form) stands a few feet in front of her. KORRA yelps in surprise.

KORRA

(Hesitantly)

…Aang?

AANG smiles.

AANG

It's nice to meet you, Korra. You are finally connected to your spiritual self.

KORRA scratches the back of her head.

KORRA

That's great. Do you know where the spirit portals are? I… need to open them.

 

AANG

The Avatar Spirit does carry this knowledge, but first, you must know why the portals between the spirit and physical world were closed.

 

KORRA 

Why?

 

AANG

Long ago, before the portals were closed, spirits and humans lived alongside each other, but the spirits were more powerful back then, driving humans to the brink of extinction. The Avatar closed the portals, separating the two worlds, with themself being the bridge.

 

KORRA

But what if we don't need the bridge anymore? We have progressed in technologies, and bendings. We're not helpless now.

 

AANG

I have handled several disputes between humans and spirits in my lifetime, the spirits' power declined and ours grew, I suppose the trend has only continued in your era.

 

KORRA

Then why do you hesitate to help me open the portals?

 

AANG

Opening the portals will cause the two worlds to merge, this will bring unforeseeable changes.

 

KORRA

My sifu told me segregation leads to division, and now my own tribe is falling apart. Maybe it is time for a change.

EXTERIOR. TUNDRA — DAY

Heavy snowstorm. Bombardment of ice cannons can be heard. Outline of CITY can be seen on the horizon. ESKA walks, carrying DESNA on her shoulders. ESKA carefully puts DESNA down.

ESKA

We are out of the cannons' range, we will be safe here.

ESKA waterbends the snow and applies the liquid onto DESNA's severely burned shoulders. The water glows in blue.

DESNA

Father attacked before we radioed back.

 

ESKA 

(Indifferently)

Father does not tolerate failure.

 

DESNA

(Indifferently)

We are merely pawns to him.

 

ESKA

You are correct. He has become a deplorable man, or perhaps, (lowers her gaze) always been.

 

DESNA

I suppose you have no intention of returning to father?

 

ESKA 

You know me well, brother.

DESNA's wounds heal slightly. 

ESKA

Healing your wounds will require more time than usual, the lava has damaged your muscles.

 

DESNA

Worry not, sister, I have patience. Since we will not return to father, what have you in mind?

 

ESKA

We will need rest first before any attempt to strategize, (narrows her eyes) -but I promise you, Desna, that lavabender will pay for what she did to you.

Chapter Text

INTERIOR. UNDERGROUND CATACOMBS

SOUTHERN SOLDIERS carry their injured comrades into the cave on stretchers. Civilian VOLUNTEERS and HEALERS rush to attend the wounded. They bend water from the walls of the icy catacombs onto the soldiers' wounds. The water glows blue. TONRAQ trots around the perimeter, giving directions to HEALERS and VOLUNTEERS, until every injured person is attended to. 

KATARA(86, female, low bun and hair loopies, blue winter parka), at the corner of the cave. KATARA applies water on the wounds of a severely injured SOUTHERN SOLDIER. The water glows in a blinding white. The SOUTHERN SOLDIER opens his eyes and coughs. TONRAQ approaches KATARA and bows.

TONRAQ

Your healing works miracles, Master Katara. 

 

KATARA

(Smiles)

It's only possible with the spirit water. Which I, ironically, got from the North.

 

TONRAQ

Still, I can't thank you enough, you saved hundreds of lives in an afternoon. 

KUVIRA approaches TONRAQ. 

KUVIRA 

General Tonraq, I suggest you secure all entrances. The North is advancing inland, it's a matter of time before they find us.

  

TONRAQ 

It's already been done. 

TONRAQ glances at the scratches on KUVIRA's face.

TONRAQ

Do you need a healer?

 

KUVIRA

No, I'm fine. Master Katara treated all the major injuries I had.

 

KATARA

That's not true.

TONRAQ glances at KUVIRA, then KATARA.

KUVIRA

There are people needing a healer more than me.

The wounds on the SOUTHERN SOLDIER's body close. KATARA bends the spirit water off of his skin. There is not a mark on his healed skin. Two VOLUNTEERS carry the SOUTHERN SOLDIER to rest. 

TONRAQ 

(Shrugs)

Well, he's the last one.

 

KUVIRA

(Glances away, shrugs)

It's an old injury, but I suppose it doesn't hurt to try.

TONRAQ glances at KATARA, nods and leaves. KUVIRA removes her parka, revealing a baggy black shirts underneath. She sits down in front of KATARA.

KUVIRA

(Unbuttons her collars, takes a deep breath)

Alright, I'm ready.

KATARA bends the spirit water and applies it onto KUVIRA's back. The water glows in a blinding white. KATARA bends the water to KUVIRA's shoulders, arms and heart. KATARA's eyes widen.

KATARA

I have never seen anything like this... All your chi-paths are damaged, it's a miracle you can bend at all.

 

KUVIRA

(Chuckles)

Yea... Me, too.

 

KATARA

How did this happen?

 

KUVIRA

I had an altercation with two bloodbenders. It took me a week before I could bend a pebble.

KATARA's face saddens, she lowers her gaze and bends the spirit water back into her waterskin.

KATARA

(Sighs)

The injury is beyond my ability to heal. 

 

KUVIRA

(Looks away briefly and returns with a smile)

Proverb says every curse is a blessing in disguise: I learnt to not test my luck, and use my bending more creatively.

KATARA forces a smile on her somber face.

KATARA

When I was 15, I met a bloodbender. I didn't want to see anyone to experience what I had, so I outlawed the practice, but deep down I knew it wasn't enough… I'm sorry-

KUVIRA

(Raises her hand and interjects, determined)

Please don't apologize. From the day I joined the White Lotus, I accept the risks that come with my profession.

KUVIRA stands up and puts on her parka.

KUVIRA

I need to go help with our defense. 

KATARA rises and stretches out her right hand. They shakes each other's arms.

 

KATARA

(Nods, solemnly)

Good luck, young warrior.

KUVIRA bows to KATARA and leaves.

EXTERIOR. CITY STREETS — DAY

Heavy snowstorm. NORTHERN SOLDIERS and SOUTHERN SOLDIERS engage in urban warfare. A squad of SOUTHERN SOLDIERS hide behind a wall. The SERGEANT gestures to his men. The squad moves forward for a block. An array of ice shards fly towards them in all directions. The SERGEANT and his squad bend streams of water, blocking the ice shards. Two SOUTHERN SOLDIERS get hit by the ice shards in the head and fall to the ground unconscious.  

SERGEANT

Retreat!

Two SOUTHERN SOLDIERS pick up their unconscious comrades and swing them onto their shoulders and sprint towards where they came from. The SERGEANT bends a couple shards of ice towards the end of the road and follows his squad. Another array of ice shards fly over their heads. Two squads of NORTHERN SOLDIERS chase them down the road.

The squad retreats for two blocks and hides behind a building. The SERGEANT fetches the motorola on his belt and switches it on.

SERGEANT

We're outnumbered. They're pushing us back!

EXTERIOR. CITY — SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE LIBRARY — DAY

Heavy snowstorm. KYA picks up her motorola.

KYA

Fall back to the library.

Dozens of SOUTHERN SOLDIERS approach the library from all directions. 

KYA

Fortify the place!

KYA waterbends the snow on the ground, a wall of ice rises eight feet tall. SOUTHERN SOLDIERS amulets KYA. More SOUTHERN SOLDIERS arrive and join them. A ring ice wall surrounds the library. KYA and SOUTHERN SOLDIERS bend a snow column that elevate them. The columns rise just high enough to put their eye level above the walls.

NORTHERN SOLDIERS appear on the horizon. KYA bends a shard of ice towards them, SOUTHERN SOLDIERS follow her. An array of ice shards rain down on NORTHERN SOLDIERS, knocking a dozen of them unconscious. 

NORTHERN SOLDIERS bend ice shards of their own, the projectiles collide with the ice wall, leaving cracks on the wall. The cracks spread on the wall. SOUTHERN SOLDIERS bend the icewall, melting the damaged parts into water and freezing it back into solid ice. SOUTHERN SOLDIERS launch another round of ice shards.

EXTERIOR. SHORE — DAY

Snow. The fleet of NORTHERN SUBMARINES forms a blockade near the harbour.

INTERIOR. SUBMARINE — COMMAND CHAMBER

UNALAQ sits on his throne, his fingertips tapping the arm-rests repeatedly. NORTHERN SOLDIER 1 enters the chamber and bows.

NOUTHERN SOLDIER 1

The South is holding strong at the city library. We haven't encountered any civilian, so we suspect they must be there.

 

UNALAQ

(Rises from his throne)

No, there isn't enough room in the library. They must be hidden elseswhere, away from the crossfire.

UNALAQ approaches the map on the table, traces his fingers along the roads outside of the city, then stops at a mountain range. A grin forms across his face.

UNALAQ

Yes, mountains, filled with catacombs, perfect place to hide.

UNALAQ approaches NORTHERN SOLDIER 1

UNALAQ

Ready the boats, it's time to end this war.

EXTERIOR. SHORE — DAY

Snow. Dozens of boats approach the land. Loud engines can be heard. A snowy cliff ahead of them.

EXTERIOR. BOAT -- CONTINUED

UNALAQ raises his hand. NORTHERN SOUTHERN 2 switches on the radio.

NORTHERN SOLDIER 2

Halt.

The boats halt. The engine noises die out gradually.

UNALAQ swings his arms forward, a tidal wave rises to ten stories tall and crashes down upon the cliff. UNALAQ waterbends, the water freezes into ice, forming a bridge to the top of the cliff. He leaps out of the boat, bends waves to carry him forward. He sets foot onto the ice bridge, bends the ice underneath his feet, gliding upward. NORTHERN SOLDIERS emulate his moves. 

UNALAQ turns back. Hundreds of NORTHERN SOLDIERS stand behind him. UNALAQ walks forward into the mountain range, NORTHERN SOLDIERS follow him.

UNALAQ

(Clenches his fists, quietly)

You're wrong, Tonraq. The Water Tribe should and will be One.

EXTERIOR. MOUNTAINS — CATACOMB ENTRANCE — DUSK

Heavy snowstorm. SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1 and 2 stand at guard. SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1 looks through a telescope, SOUTHERN SOLDIER 2 shivers and fastens the hood of his parka.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 2

Man, you really think they'd come for us?

 

SOLDIER 1

(Shrugs)

I don't know. We all thought no way they'd attack during the Everstorm, and how did that turn out?

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1 hands SOUTHERN SOLDIER 2 the telescope. SOUTHERN SOLDIER 2 leans outside and continues observing with the telescope. SOUTHERN 1 retreats into the cave and bends the snow off of his parka.

SOLDIER 2 raises the telescope. The telescope reveals NORTHERN SOLDIERS on the horizon.

SOLDIER 2

Dear spirits… they're here!

SOLDIER 1 sprints into the catacombs.

INTERIOR. UNDERGROUND CATACOMB — CONTINUED

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1 rushes into the chamber, where TONRAQ and his troops are stationed. 

TONRAQ

(Stands up)

What's wrong?

 

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1

(Huffing)

The North… they're here!

TONRAQ frowns and brushes his goatee, contemplates for a brief moment.

TONRAQ

He's trying to encircle us. Sergeant, take the civilians, retreat further into the catacombs.

 

SERGEANT 2

(Stands up and bows)

Yessir. (Waves at SOUTHERN SOLDIERS) Let's move!

SERGEANT 2 and SOUTHERN SOLDIERS retreat into the caves

TONRAQ gestures to KUVIRA, who stands at the corner.

TONRAQ

Master Kuvira, I'll give you two platoons of my troops. Drive them west.

KUVIRA nods and waves at SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1. The two exit the cave chamber.

The cave chamber is empty. TONRAQ stands at the centre of the cave.

TONRAQ

(Expression darkens)

If this is what you wish, Unalaq, so be it.

EXTERIOR. MOUNTAIN — NIGHT

Heavy snowstorm.  NORTHERN SOLDIERS march on the mountain trails, UNALAQ leads at the front. An array of ice shards rain down from the HILLS from both sides. The ice shards hit a dozen NORTHERN SOLDIERS, they fall unconscious. NORTHERN SOLDIERS halt, gather around UNALAQ and assume fighting stances.

On top of the —

HILLS,

— SOUTHERN SOLDIERS bend the snow. Avalanches rage down the hills from both sides. 

NORTHERN SOLDIERS and UNALAQ bend a dome of ice around them. The avalanche passes above and around them. NORTHERN SOLDIERS waterbend, the ice and snow around them melts. UNALAQ bends the water around him, the water forms a vortex, elevating him. UNALAQ bends the water melt by NORTHERN SOLDIERS into two streams, and swings it like two long whips. The two water streams skim over the top of the hills, swiping SOUTHERN SOLDIERS down the cliffs. 

A metal pellet hits UNALAQ at the back of his head. UNALAQ yelps, his water vortex loses function, he crashes to the ground. He touches his wound and grunts, blood covers his hand. Two NORTHERN SOLDIERS rush to UNALAQ and bends water onto UNALAQ's wound, the water glows in blue. Other NORTHERN SOLDIERS form a human wall around UNALAQ.

NORTHERN SOLDIER 1 

(Glances at the distance)

What is this?

Two disks of orange-red approach Northern troops at blinding speed. NORTHERN SOLDIERS barely dodge the projectiles. Heat singes the soldiers' clothes and sets the fabric on fire. 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 2

(Horrified)

Lava! It's lava!

 Two spinning disks of molten earth pass through the northern soldiers' formation back and forth several times. Soldiers bend the snow to extinguish the fire, breaking their formation. 

UNALAQ

(Gets up to his feet)

Retreat!

NORTHERN SOLDIERS sprint to the direction they came from.

EXTERIOR. CLIFF — CREVICE — CONTINUED

KUVIRA hides in the crevice. She stretches out an arm, the lava disks return to her. She moves her fingers, the lava solidifies to two pairs of pebbles, falling into her hands. She puts the pebbles into her pockets.

EXTERIOR. MOUNTAIN — NIGHT

UNALAQ and NORTHERN SOLDIERS traverse the mountains. They take another turn. TONRAQ and two hundred SOUTHERN SOLDIERS block the road. TONRAQ raises a hand, gesturing his troops to halt.

TONRAQ

(Sternly)

Brother.

UNALAQ gestures the northern troops to stop.

UNALAQ

(Grits his teeth)

Tell me, when did you become a traitor?

 

TONRAQ

(Arms crossed around his chest)

The moment I became a father.

UNALAQ launches a barrage of ice shards, TONRAQ bends water from the snow, deflecting the projectiles. The brothers charge at each other, their troops follow. Two sides trade blows, bending streams of water and shards of ice at the other. At an instant, a dozen soldiers lose their life. Blood stains the snow in crimson.

EXTERIOR. CITY — SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE LIBRARY — NIGHT

The snowstorm continues. The two sides exchange arrays of ice shards, stuck in a stalemate. The SOUTHERN SOLDIERS' attack keep NORTHERN SOLDIERS at distance. NORTHERN SOLDIERS replenish their troops with a seemingly endless supply of soldiers. 

INTERIOR. LIBRARY — CONTINUED

KORRA sits in lotus position, eyes closed. Muffled bombardments can be heard. ZAHEER calmly stands beside KORRA, arms crossed. 

SPIRIT WORLD — WETLAND JUNGLE — CONTINUED

KORRA

Maybe it is time for a change, starting from bringing the spirits back.

 

AANG 

I am your past life, and I can only offer you one perspective, that is, the past. 

The surroundings shift and blur, then solidifies at—

SPIRIT WORLD — BARREN LAND.

The sky is ink dark, without a star. The land is split into two hills spiraling in opposite directions. A column of golden light shoots up from the top of each hill —the portals.

AANG 

Future is a mystery. And you, the Avatar, must see various perspectives before making the decision that serves best to your world. I offer you this wisdom. 

AANG(spirit)'s form dissipates. KORRA glances at the portals and remains still for a couple seconds. She then stretches out her arms towards the portals. The ground shifts and shrinks. The two portals are now four feet apart. KORRA stretches out her arms, her hands touch the portals. Her eyes glow in white. The ground shakes.

EXTERIOR. OUTSIDE CITY — MOUNTAINS — NIGHT

Snowstorm ceases, the sky clears out. Southern Light fills the inky sky with colours. From the pole, a column of golden light pierces the sky. Moments later, SPIRITS of eccentric forms emerge from the golden light column, floating in the sky.

Both NORTHERN and SOUTHERN SOLDIERS pause fighting, gazing towards the sky in awe.

Chapter Text

EXTERIOR. MOUNTAINS — NIGHT — CONTINUED

Murmurs spread among both the Northern and Southern troops.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1

It's the Southern Light!

 

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 2 

The spirits have returned.

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 1

Does that mean… 

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 2

…the prophecy! 

UNALAQS turns to his troops.

UNALAQ

Enough with the gossip. Attack!

NORTHERN SOLDIERS remain still.

UNALAQ

(Infuriated)

I am your Chieftain and you will do what I say.

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 3

Not anymore. A new Chieftain is anointed by the spirit to unite us all.

 

UNALAQ

(Expression darkens)

So does the prophecy say.

Unalaq bends a shard of ice towards NORTHERN SOLDIER 3. TONRAQ bends a stream of water, blocking the projectile halfway. 

All NORTHERN SOLDIERS turn their attention to TONRAQ. 

TONRAQ

(Sternly)

You're a shame to the Chieftain title. They deserve better than you!

 

UNALAQ

(Scoffs)

You think you're better than me? (Points at the bodies of Southern Soldiers lying in snow) Look at how many men died under your command, and yet you think you're worthy of being the Prophesied One?!

 

TONRAQ

(Takes a deep breath, determined)

I don't know about that, but what I do know, is I must stop you from killing our people.

UNALAQ sneers and assumes a fighting stance. SOUTHERN and NORTHERN SOLDIERS move back and collectively form a circle around UNALAQ and TONRAQ.

EXTERIOR. CITY — LIBRARY — NIGHT

The ice wall defense around the building long since crumbled. SOUTHERN and NORTHERN SOLDIERS engage in a close quarter brawl. All of them pause and turn their head to the sky as it is being filled by Southern Light and flying spirits. Silence ensues for several seconds before murmurs grow.

NORTHERN SOLDIER 4

Spirits are dancing in the sky.

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 5

The prophecy!

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 6 

(Glances at his comrades, then Kya)

The new will replace the old… Whoever takes her out becomes the Chieftain!

NORTHERN SOLDIERS exchanges looks at each other and charge.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 3

Protect the Chieftain!

SOUTHERN SOLDIERS gather around KYA. The two sides exchange streams of water and shards of ice. NORTHERN SOLDIERS outnumber SOUTHERN SOLDIERS, but they shove each other aside to get ahead. SOUTHERN SOLDIERS fight in unison and keep them at distance.

An avalanche mows through the battlefield, skipping the SOUTHERN SOLDIERS, burying NORTHERN SOLDIERS waist deep in the snow. KORRA elevates herself on a vortex of air, her eyes glowing white. 

KORRA

(Voice echoes with multiple past lives)

Isn't the spirits returning not enough of a sign? You all belong to one tribe, start acting like one.  

KYA glances at SOUTHERN SOLDIERS and points to the battlefield. SOUTHERN SOLDIERS exchange looks with each other and approaches to pull NORTHERN SOLDIERS out of the snow. 

The glow in KORRA's eyes fade, the air vortex dissipates, her boots touch the ground. KORRA stumbles, ZAHEER catches her with his arms.

KORRA

What happened? I remember I touched the portals, (Massages her temples) then everything was a blur…

 

ZAHEER

You brought the spirits back, and ended a war between your tribe.

 

KORRA

I did it… (laughs) we did it!

 

ZAHEER

I am proud of you, Avatar Korra. (Clears his throat, brushes his beard) -Now, you can work on controlling the Avatar State, but perhaps it will be easier after you master airbending.

KORRA rushes to ZAHEER and hugs him. ZAHEER's eyes widen in surprise, then he smiles and pats KORRA on the back.

Both NORTHERN and SOUTHERN SOLDIERS surround KORRA. 

NORTHERN 4

Who will be our new Chieftain?

 

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 3

(Urgently)

Are you going to take out Chieftain Kya?

 

KORRA

What? No!

The soldiers close in the distance.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 4

Are you going to take control?

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 6

Is this part of your "plan"?

 

KORRA

(Agitated)

No! I don't even know what you're talking about.

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 6

What about the prophecy?

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 5

Yeah, just tell us who's our new Chieftain.

KORRA's breath shallows.

KORRA

Stop!

KORRA roars at the sky, a stream of concentrated fire shoots out from her mouth, forming a cloud of flame in the sky. The crowd gasps. KORRA looks down, avoiding the crowd's gase. 

KORRA

(Grasping her hair, frustrated)

I don't know alright? Just cut it!

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 5

You're the Avatar, how can you say you don't know?

ZAHEER steps in front of KORRA.

ZAHEER

(Sternly)

Destiny is a mystery, even the Avatar isn't exempt from this. The prophecy will unfold on its own terms. Now, no more questions. 

Gradually, the crowd disperse. The soldiers cruise around the battlefield, locating the injured and carrying them away on stretchers.

EXTERIOR. MOUNTAIN — CONTINUED

TONRAQ and UNALAQ, each dual-wielding a pair of ice blades, engage each other at melee combat. UNALAQ swings his arms, striking down with his ice blades, TONRAQ parries with his own. TONRAQ sweeps his brother in the leg, throwing UNALAQ off his feet. TONRAQ kicks the ground, a pillar of ice launches UNALAQ into the air and swings down with his ice blade.

UNALAQ hurls his ice blades towards TONRAQ midair, TONRAQ hastily blocks with his own. Both pair of ice blades shatter, TONRAQ blocks with his arms, ice shards slices into his flesh.

UNALAQ crashes into the ground, picks himself up and makes distance from TONRAQ. The two circle around each other, breaths shallow, beads of sweat roll down their foreheads.

UNALAQ bends a spiral of water. TONRAQ swings his arms in a circular motion , redirecting it back to UNALAQ, and freezes it into an array of ice shards. UNALAQ charges, breaking the ice shards with his bare fists. He pivots left and swipes his other leg across the snow, a barrage of ice rises from the snow and extends to TONRAQ. 

TONRAQ bends a sledge of ice underneath his feet and skis away, around, then towards UNALAQ. He leaps into the air bends two water whips, freezes their tips into ice blades and swings them down at UNALAQ. UNALAQ  bends an array of ice shards at. The ice shards hit TONRAQ front and centre, knocking him off course.

TONRAQ's ice blade slices through UNALAQ's left shoulder and leg. TONRAQ crashes to the ground and bends his water whip, swiping UNALAQ off his feet.

UNALAQ and TONRAQ roll across the snow, leaving behind two trails of blood.

KUVIRA and two platoons of SOUTHERN SOLDIERS approach the scene.

KUVIRA

(Looks around, calmly)

What's going on?

 

NORTHERN SOLDIER 4

(Glances at KUVIRA's brown parka)

You aren't Water Tribe, are you? It's our prophecy, the new battling the old. 

Both TONRAQ and UNALAQ struggle to get up. TONRAQ, whose face is covered in blood from numerous cuts, gets half-way up. He coughs and spits blood. UNALAQ gets up to one knee, unable to stand. The cuts on his left shoulder and leg sliced his muscles in halves, leaving a pool of blood around him.

Tonraq presses his hand against his ribs and wills himself to stand on his feet. He takes steps towards UNALAQ, still heaving for air. TONRAQ bends an ice spear hovering above his hand. 

UNALAQ

(Gaze into TONRAQ's eyes, accusingly)

What are you waiting for?

 

TONRAQ

It's over, Unalaq.

 

UNALAQ

(Resentfully)

Did you forget the prophecy? Only 'he who remains' becomes the Chieftain. 

 

TONRAQ

(Somberly)

Don't make me, brother.

UNALAQ glances at the sky. The moon is mostly full. He closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath. He lifts his right arm and clenches his fist. 

TONRAQ's ice spear turns to a splash of water, his limbs twist in unnatural angles. He screams in pain.

UNALAQ

(Hysterically)

Hah, I never knew I'm a bloodbending natural. 

KUVIRA fixes her gaze on UNALAQ, her expression darkens. Her left hand reaches for her belt, bending a metal pellet from the belt pouch. A hand grabs onto her wrist. KUVIRA turns her head to the direction.

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 1

We can't intervene. 

KUVIRA gazes at the soldier for a moment, then her expression softens.

KUVIRA

My apologies.

KUVIRA puts away her metal pellet and returns to an impartial expression. She clenches her fists.

UNALAQ swings his right arm, bloodbends TONRAQ's body smashing it into the snow repeatedly. UNALAQ stops until beads of sweat roll down his forehead. TONRAQ stirs and lets out a weak cough.

UNALAQ

(Breathing heavily)

Goodbye, brother.

TONRAQ opens his eyes and flicks his fingers. A spike of ice rises from the ground, impaling UNALAQ through the chest. 

TONRAQ struggles to sit up, locking gaze with his brother. UNALAQ grits his bloodied teeth, then falls limp with his eyes wide open. 

TONRAQ stretches out his hand, closes his brother's eyes.

Silence ensues. All observe the scene in shock, except KUVIRA, who smiles.

— MOMENTS LATER 

SOUTHERN SOLDIER 2

(Fist in the air)

Long live Chieftain Tonraq!

— A FEW SECONDS LATER

NORTHERN SOLDIER 3

(Fist in the air)

Long live Chieftain Tonraq!

More soldiers raise their fists and join the chanting. The phrase "long live Chieftain Tonraq" grows louder and louder, echoing in the air.

TONRAQ stands up, his gaze unfocused, not a shred of joy in his expression, his face covered in tears.

EXTERIOR. NORTHERN WATER TRIBE CAPITAL — SPIRIT OASIS —DAY

At the centre of the oasis stands a column of golden light that is the spirit portal. CIVILIANS and SOLDIERS walk into the spirit portal.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE — SPIRIT FOREST — MOMENTS LATER

The Northern CIVILIANS walk out of the golden light column that is the spirit portal. They approach the —

SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE CAPITAL.

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE — CITY HALL — DAY

CIVILIANS and SOLDIERS gather around the building, filling the nearby road. The crowd is tightly packed, people touch shoulders. JOURNALISTS have their cameras rolling.

On the STAGE stands KORRA and TONRAQ (bandages around his forehead). At the front row stands ZAHEER, KYA, SENNA and KUVIRA.

KORRA glances around the crowd nervously. ZAHEER gives her a thumbs up. KORRA takes a deep breath and approaches the microphone. The crowd quiets down.

KORRA

Thank you for being here. The Spirit Portals connected the North and the South, from now on we will head into a new age, united as one: The Water Tribe.

 

KORRA

(Gestures to Tonraq)

When our tribe was at the brink of tearing itself apart, General Tonraq defended his people from war and tyranny, regardless if they are from the South or the North. A man with the heart of gold, he was called upon by destiny. Fulfilling the prophecy of Yì, he is the rightful Chieftain anointed by the spirits!

 

Thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd. KORRA steps back, TONRAQ approaches the microphone and raises his hand. The crowd gradually quiets down. 

 TONRAQ

Brothers and sisters, as your Chieftain, I vow to dedicate my life to serve you. To never repeat the atrocity that occurred in the past few days, we can't let one man make all the big decisions, because we're all human, and we all make mistakes. So I propose a new way to rule, a Council of Elders, wise men and women from the North and South chosen by you, my brothers and sisters. Lady Kya (gestures to KYA), please come forward.

KYA steps onto the stage. 

TONRAQ

According to our people's votes, you are the first Elder in the Council. Congratulations.

 

TONRAQ and KYA shake each other's forearms. The crowd applauds. A wave of flashlights from the cameras. 

EXTERIOR. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE PORT — AFTERNOON

TONRAQ and SENNA walk arm in arm. ZAHEER and KORRA follow close by. They approach KUVIRA, who stands beside a mooring, hands in her pockets.

A speedboat approaches the shore and parks at the port. BOLIN (civilian clothes), YANG and JEE run towards them.

BOLIN

(Waving his arms)

Hey guys! Nice to see you again.

KORRA throws herself to BOLIN and hugs him. KORRA lifts BOLIN off his feet and spins in circles. ZAHEER raises his eyebrow, TONRAQ and SENNA exchange looks with each other and smile.

JEE

(Lightly jabs Kuvira's shoulder)

Look who's here?

 

KUVIRA

(Astonished)

Father?

 

YANG

(Smiles)

And me?

 

KUVIRA

Mother… I was just about to leave for Republic City.

 

YANG

Ghazan relayed us your words. I mean- (chuckles) you've never sworn on your dignity before. Then we heard the Water Tribes were at war with each other-

 

JEE

We know you can take care of yourself, but… you know, families look out for each other, yeah?

 

KUVIRA

I... (Looks away, sheepishly) I don't know what to say.

 

JEE

(Smiles)

You don't have to say anything, my little monster.

KUVIRA laughs upon hearing her father's words.

KORRA approaches BOLIN, hands on her hips.

KORRA

(Teasingly)

So, Captain, how did you find time to visit us from your busy schedule?

 

BOLIN

Well, I heard about the civil war, but the Council won't do anything about it. So I requested a vacation and came here thinking I could help. (Awkward smile) But it seems nothing the Avatar can't handle.

 

KORRA

It was a team effort. The Water Tribe is one now and my dad's the Chieftain.   

 

ZAHEER

And the Southern Light is back, along with the spirits.

Zooms out. All eight of them walk towards the CITY.

BOLIN

Wow, sounds like I missed a lifetime.

EXTERIOR. CITY — MAIN STREET — NIGHT

Aurora lights up the sky with an explosion of colours. At the horizon the golden light of the spirit portal can be seen.

INTERIOR. GENERAL'S IGLOO — KORRA'S ROOM — NIGHT

KORRA throws herself into the bed and stretches her limbs.

KORRA

(Yawns)

Ah, I miss you, bed. Whatever Republic City has for me can wait.

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY STREET — NIGHT

Five TRIAD ASSOCIATES approach a busting tavern. The customers looking down to avoid their gaze, except three MEN, who continue to converse while keeping their eyes on the TRIAD ASSOCIATES. The BARTENDER approaches them.

BARTENDER

H-How can I help you?

 

TRIAD ASSOCIATE 1

(Menacingly)

 Nice bar, ain't it? 

BARTENDER nods nervously.

TRIAD ASSOCIATE 2

(Bends a flame, juggling it around his hand)

Hand us some yuan bills and we'll make sure nothing bad happens to your business.

Each of the three MEN put on the a black mask with the character "义" on it. The three MEN rise from their seats and square up to the TRIAD ASSOCIATES.

CUSTOMER 1

(Overjoyed)

It's The Brotherhood!

The three MEN each take out a telescopic baton and swing it, the batons unfold to full length. They each flick a switch on their batons, electric sparks dance around the batons, crackling.

MAN 1

(To TRIAD ASSOCIATES)

Get out of here.

 

MAN 2

Before things get ugly.

TRIAD ASSOCIATE 2 bends his flame at MAN 2. MAN 2 ducks under, the flame hits a table, igniting it. CUSTOMERS scatter. MAN 3 kicks a bucket of water, extinguishing the flame.

MAN 3

(Spits at the ground)

Typical benders.

MAN 1 swings his baton at TRIAD ASSOCIATE 2, hits him in the ribs. TRIAD ASSOCIATE 2 drops, his body withers in pain. 

TRIAD ASSOCIATE 1 bends water from his waterskin and hurls it as a whips. The MEN dodge and close in the distance. TRIAD ASSOCIATE 3 and 4 bend boulders at the MEN. The MEN swing their batons, smashing the boulders to pieces. 

TRIAD ASSOCIATE 5 bends a stream of fire to MAN 3, MEN 3 flinches in surprise, blocks with his arms. A gust of wind extinguishes the flame, drives TRIAD ASSOCIATE 5 into the nearby wall. TRIAD ASSOCIATE drops unconscious.

MAN 3 swings his baton again, an arc of compressed air knocks all remaining TRIAD ASSOCIATES off their feet. The TRIADS ASSOCIATES yelp in horror, pick up their unconscious partners and flee the scene.

MAN 3 drops his baton and trembles. MAN 1 exchanges look with MAN 2. The two switch off their electric batons, fold them, put them into their pockets, and approach MAN 3.

MAN 3

(Drops to his knees and buries his face in his hands)

Oh spirits… What have I done?

MAN 1 and MAN 2 each lays a hand on MAN 3's shoulder.

MAN 1

You saved these people from the triads, brother.

 

MAN 2

(Hesitantly)

With your… airbending.

 

END OF BOOK 1

Chapter Text

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY — WHITE LOTUS HQ — TRAINING SQUARE — DAY

THREE MONTHS LATER (screen caption) 

KORRA (white tank top, blue trousers, fur boots) and BOLIN (dark green Changshan tunic) run towards each other and hug.

KORRA

I'm so glad you came, Bolin. Is your shift over this soon?

 

BOLIN

I switched with Captain Zhou. Gotta see your big day.

 

KORRA

(Nervous laugh)

Great, now I'm even more on edge.

 

BOLIN

(Lightly jabs KORRA's shoulder)

Relax, you're tutored by one of the best earthbenders in Republic City. You'll crush it.

GHAZAN (green waist length tunic, baggy brown trousers) approaches the two.

GHAZAN

(Waves)

Ready for your final test, Korra? If you pass, you can start airbending.

 

KORRA

(Deep breath, slams her fist into her other palm)

I can't wait.

 

GHAZAN

(Thumbs up)

That's the spirit.

GHAZAN and KORRA move to opposite corners of the training square .

GHAZAN 

Alright, show me what you got.

KORRA stomps the ground and punches forward, launching three consecutive boulders, each the size of an automobile. GHAZAN swings his fists, smashing the boulders into sand and gravel. KORRA bends the sand, obscuring GHAZAN's vision and charges at him, while launching an array of gravels into the cloud of dust.

A loud crack can be heard. GHAZAN tunnels out of the ground from behind KORRA, then he hurls an array of cannon-ball sized rocks at her. KORRA slips and weaves, doding the projectiles and fires a barrage of rocks. GHAZAN lifts his arms, a stone wall blocks the projectiles.

BOLIN

(Loudly)

Timing!

GHAZAN kicks the ground. The ground beneath KORRA shifts into quicksand. KORRA stumbles and bends the sand under her feet, the sand hardens. She barely regains her footing.

BOLIN

(Forms a trumpet with his hands, yelling)

Timing!

GHAZAN launches two boulders approaching KORRA from left and right. KORRA bends two walls of earth beside her, blocking the boulders. 

GHAZAN raises his fist and sends an uppercut, a rock flies upwards from the ground towards KORRA. KORRA kicks the ground, sending another rock, colliding with the projectile mid-course. She swipes her arms, the ground below GHAZAN tilts and spins. GHAZAN loses balance and stumbles. KORRA launches three boulders at GHAZAN. GHAZAN stretches out his arm, the boulders melt into lava inches away from him, and falls to the ground. GHAZAN flicks his wrist, the lava on the ground solidifies.

GHAZAN

(Rises to his feet and dusts his clothes)

Not bad. You're the second person to ever bested me like that.

 

KORRA

Does that mean I passed the test?

 

GHAZAN

(Smiles)

Of course.

GHAZAN and KORRA bow to each other and step out of the training square. 

GHAZAN

(Glances at KORRA and approaches BOLIN, arms crossed)

Are you treating the Avatar well, Captain?

 

BOLIN

(Nervous laugh, straightens his posture)

Yes, sir.

KORRA blushes and looks away.

KORRA

(Embarrassed)

Knock it off, Ghazan.

 

GHAZAN

(Shrugs)

Hey, Zaheer asked me to look after you when he's not around, I'm just helping a friend in need.

KORRA rolls her eyes.

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY — AIR TEMPLE ISLAND — DAY

A speedboat parks on the island shore. ZAHEER(grey Zhongshan suits and trousers, waist length cape) and KORRA unboard the speedboat . 

TENZIN(53, male) heads towards the two's direction. The man, tall with balanced proportions, has a shaven head with blue arrow tattoo, dressing in a yellow traditional robe topped with a red cape. Behind TENZIN are several ACOLYTES (red and yellow traditional robes). TENZIN and the ACOLYTES halt, press their fists together and bow.

TENZIN

Grand Lotus Zaheer, Avatar Korra, welcome to Air Temple Island.

ZAHEER and KORRA bow in return.

ZAHEER

Master Tenzin, Avatar Korra is ready for her airbending training.

TENZIN nods.

ZAHEER bows to TENZIN, boards the speedboat and sails away.

TENZIN

It's an honour to serve you, Avatar Korra. (Gestures forward) I will give you a tour.

EXTERIOR. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND — WOODS — DAY

It's afternoon. The sky clear, breeze shaking branches on the tree. Shuffles can be heard.

TENZIN

My father, Avatar Aang, told me this on my first day: The essence of airbending is following the path of least resistance.

A leaf falls off from the branch, spinning in the air. TENZIN stretches out his arms and circles around, summoning an air current that follows his motions. The current turns the leaf, maintaining it at the same spot in the air. TENZIN halts and the wind ceases. The leaf falls into the palm of his hand. KORRA watches in awe. 

TENZIN bends a spout of air, blowing the leaf into the sky.

TENZIN

Now, your turn.

KORRA replicates TENZIN's movement. A violent downdraft sweeps through the forest, blowing the leaf out of sight, shaking the branches, breaking them. A rain of small branches falls to the ground, flower pedals scattered across the ground. TENZIN glances at the surroundings.

TENZIN

(Sighs)

They were just about to bloom…

 

KORRA

(Lowers her head)

My bad.

 

TENZIN

That's alright. Airbending requires a mind at peace. Let's try it after some meditation.

EXTERIOR. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND — PATIO — CONTINUED

Both KORRA and TENZIN sit in lotus position, eyes closed.

SPIRIT WORLD — FOREST — DAY

KORRA(spirit form) wanders in a forest of giant lily-leaves. She repeats the circular airbending movements, but generates nothing. KORRA assumes a firebending stance and punches forward, nothing comes out of her knuckles. She assumes a more squared earthbending stance and stomps the ground. The ground does not respond.

KORRA

(Confused)

Why can't I bend?

 

EXTERIOR. PATIO — CONTINUED

KORRA opens her eyes and slams her fist onto the ground, cracks spreads upon impact and extends to TENZIN. TENZIN startles and opens his eyes.

TENZIN

What's wrong?

 

KORRA

(Frustrated)

This is going nowhere.

 

TENZIN

You need to be patient, Avatar Korra.

 

KORRA

(Stands up)

But I can already bend air. Look.

KORRA throws punches, sending gusts of wind from her knuckles. TENZIN slaps his hand on his forehead and grumbles.

KORRA

Please, teach me how to fight. I'm ready.

 

TENZIN

Nope, the fact that you keep thinking about fighting tells me you aren't ready. You need more meditations.

 

KORRA

(Annoyed)

I was in the Spirit World, nothing ever happens there, I don't even have my bending.

 

TENZIN

(Agitated)

Can't you think of anything else other than your bending?!

 

KORRA

(Raises her voice, hands on her hips)

Well, I am learning how to airbend, aren't I?!

 

TENZIN

I can't talk to you when you're like this!

 

TENZIN storms away.

KORRA

Fine!

KORRA trudges toward the shore, bends the tide, skiing away on water.

INTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY — WHITE LOTUS HQ — DAY

The sun is beginning to set. In his office, ZAHEER sits in front of his desk, reading a giant folder of documents in his hand. The door opens, KORRA enters the room. 

ZAHEER 

(Puts down the documents and glances KORRA)

Hello, Korra.

 

KORRA

(Arms crossed)

Tenzin doesn't know how to teach.

 

ZAHEER

(Brushes his beard)

Tell me more.

INTERIOR. WHITE LOTUS HQ — SOME TIMES LATER

KORRA

(Waving her hands avidly)

-and he just walked away from me!

 

ZAHEER 

(Contemplative)

Hmm… (stands up, gestures Korra) Let's go outside.

EXTERIOR. WHITE LOTUS HQ — TRAINING SQUARE — CONTINUED

ZAHEER

Show me what you can do.

KORRA punches forward, bending gusts of wind from her knuckles.

ZAHEER

Now, show me the form he taught you.

KORRA gets into a bladed stance, stretches out her arms and moves in circles. A downdraft sweeps down at ZAHEER, knocking him off his feet. ZAHEER regains his balance midair and lands gracefully on his feet.

KORRA

(Rushes to ZAHEER)

Sorry, Sifu, I still can't control it yet.

 

ZAHEER

It's okay. Let me see your stance.

KORRA assumes the same bladed stance. Zaheer approaches KORRA and taps on her shoulders.

ZAHEER

You are too tense. Relax your shoulders and allow your arms to move freely. Remember, you're not bending fire or earth. The more you try to control air, the less control you have over it.

 

KORRA

(Perplexed)

You lost me there.

 

ZAHEER

Air is constantly shifting, like water, but lighter. Try incorporating your waterbending techniques.

KORRA moves her arms in circular motions, a swirl of wind between her hands and slings to a tree nearby, blowing and breaking small branches from it.

KORRA

(Scratches her hair)

Once the wind starts to swirl, I have no control over its direction.

 

ZAHEER

Exactly. Air shifts like water but is volatile like fire. Once the wind starts to blow, it has a mind of its own. An airbender must be ever observant of the shifting air currents around them, never engaging more than they need to. So they must maintain a calm mind devoid of emotion.

KORRA lowers her head and stares at the ground.

KORRA

(Embarrassed)

I… I think I owe Tenzin an apology.

 

ZAHEER 

(Smiles and nods)

Do what your heart feels right.

INTERIOR. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND — TENZIN'S QUARTER — DAY

TENZIN sits in lotus position, eyes closed. His wife PEMA(36, female, soft features, red and yellow traditional robes) approaches him from behind.

PEMA

Is everything okay, my love?

 

TENZIN

(Opens his eyes, turns to PEMA)

I'm confused… (deep breath) I was teaching the Avatar like how dad taught me, but she won't listen. I don't know how to talk to her anymore.

 

PEMA

Avatar Aang taught you in a certain way, because he was your father and he knew you. Maybe if you try to understand her, you can find a way that suits her. 

 

TENZIN

I think you're right… Thank you. (Stands up and fetches the glider hanging on the wall) I will be back soon.

TENZIN unfolds his glider and leaps out of the window. Bending the air around him, he flies towards Republic City.

EXTERIOR. WHITE LOTUS HQ — CONTINUED

ZAHEER and KORRA lifts their heads to the sky. Tenzin approaches the training square , folds his glider and lands smoothly with a spurt of air.

KORRA

(Bows)

Master Tenzin, I'm sorry for how I treated you. I needed to learn patience and had no right to be that disrespectful. 

 

TENZIN

(Bows in return)

I need to apologize to you, too, Avatar Korra. A Master must adapt his training style to his student, not stuck to his dogmas.

GHAZAN approaches the three, carrying a folder.

GHAZAN

(Presents the folder)

Master Tenzin.

TENZIN takes the folder. He opens it and flips through the pages. He nods at GHAZAN, then ZAHEER.

TENZIN

(Solemnly)

Thank you. (Bows) I give my highest respect to the Order of White Lotus for dedicating this case. I will call the City Council for a meeting immediately.

TENZIN seals the folder carefully, slides it into the inner linings of his robes, unfolds his glider and takes off, flying away.

KORRA 

(Looks around, to ZAHEER)

What's going on?

ZAHEER

It's... not my place to speak. (Glances at GHAZAN)

GHAZAN

(Looks away, shrugs)

Well, it's confidential.

The door opens, KUVIRA (brown bomber jackets, loose black trousers) steps outside. She scans at ZAHEER, GHAZAN, then KORRA.

KUVIRA

Those were the evidence I collected.

 

KORRA

(Confused)

What evidence?

 

KUVIRA

(Pauses for moments)

Evidence for my case- (Eyes narrows, coldly) -A case that dragged way too long.

KUVIRA recollects her composure, bows to the three and turns to leave.

KORRA

Wait, don't go.

KUVIRA turns back.

KORRA reaches for her pocket and brings out five tickets.

KORRA

Bolin got some extra tickets for the probending championship tonight. Do you want to join us?

 

KUVIRA

(Glances at the ticket)

VIP, huh? Sure. 

INTERIOR. PROBENDING STADIUM — VIP CHAMBER— NIGHT

A knock on the door, BOLIN reaches for the door and opens it. KORRA and KUVIRA stand outside. BOLIN throws himself into KORRA and hugs her. KUVIRA lifts an eyebrow.

BOLIN

You came!

 

KORRA

Of course I will. Who wants to miss the chance to meet a probending champion?

The two pull away from each other.

All three enters the chamber. BOLIN closes the door and gestures KORRA and KUVIRA to take a seat. 

BOLIN

(Glances at KUVIRA)

I remember you, we met at the South Pole.

 

KUVIRA

Yes we did.

 

BOLIN

(To KORRA)

You know her, too?

 

KORRA

(Nods)

Once you see how she fights, it's hard to forget.

A loud strike of Gong can be heard. The crowd gradually quiets down.

BOLIN

(Excited) 

Here we go…

INTERIOR. STADIUM — ARENA — CONTINUED

Two groups of three, one with red head gears the other with blue head gears exchange stone discs, jets of fire and water. BLUE WATERBENDER knocks out RED EARTHBENDER back with a jet of water.

COMMENTER

(Off screen)

The Armadillo waterbender knocks The Fire Ferret earthbender back to zone two.

BLUE EARTHBENDER follows up with a stone disc, knocking RED EARTHBENDER out of the arena into the water surrounding it.

COMMENTER

(Off screen)

The Armadillos follow up their attack, knocking him out of the competition!

MAKO (20, male, red head gear, slender, sharp features) grits his teeth, throws a series of jabs, bending jets of fire at the BLUE WATERBENDER. The waterbender stumbles and rolls across the arena for twenty feet.

COMMENTER

(Off screen)

The Fire Ferrets are out for revenge, knocking The Armadillo waterbender into zone three.

RED WATERBENDER follows up with a stream of water, knocking the BLUE WATERBENDER off the arena. BLUE EARTHBENDER launches a stone disc, hitting RED WATERBENDER in the temples. RED WATERBENDER falls off of the arena.

COMMENTER

(Off screen)

What a turn of event, a double knock-out. Now it's one against two for The Fire Ferrets! 

MAKO relaxes his arms and performs the boxers' shuffle. 

COMMENTER

(Off screen)

It's the Dance ! Mako the Drunken Master is doing his signature move!

MAKO flicks his wrist, gesturing to his opponents. BLUE EARTHBENDER and BLUE FIREBENDER exchange looks with each other and launches a barrage of fire jets and stone dics. MAKO tilts to his body just enough to miss them. MAKO pivots to the side and returns with jabs and crosses in quick successions, knocking the BLUE EARTHBENDER off his feet. He rolls across the arena and stops himself on the edge.

BLUE FIREBENDER presses on his attacks of fire streams. MAKO weaves under the flames and throws a couple uppercuts. Fire jets land clean on the BLUE FIREBENDER's chin, sending her into the air and rolling across the arena.

COMMENTOR

(Off screen)

Mako knocks the Armadillos into zone three!

MAKO slowly strides forward, advancing his position. The two get up halfway. MAKO drops and throws a round kick, an arc of fire sweeps the two athletes off their feet, knocking them into the water.

COMMENTOR

(Off screen)

He finishes his opponents with a single strike. What a knockout! 

REFEREE steps into the stage and lifts MAKO's hand into the air.

COMMENTOR

(Off screen)

Presenting to you, champion of this year, five years in a row: The Fire Ferrets!

INTERIOR. DOWNTOWN — MANSION — LIVING ROOM — NIGHT

The living room is filled with collections from all four nations. MAKO (maroon tail-suits and trousers, with silver lining) gestures at two long rows of leather couches.

MAKO

Any friend of my brother is a friend of mine. So, please, make yourselves at home.

BOLIN fetches the teapot from the stove and pours four cups of tea. He hands the first cup to MAKO.

BOLIN

Congratulations.

 

MAKO

(Teasingly)

Come on, was there any doubt?

BOLIN hands KORRA and KUVIRA each a cup of tea, and lies down on the couch. KORRA sits down beside BOLIN and looks around the room.

BOLIN

Snobby place, huh?

 

KORRA takes a sip from her tea, letting out an relaxed sigh as she sinks into the couch.

KORRA

(Smiles)

Zero complaints.

KUVIRA drinks her tea and lays the cup onto the table. She stands up and scans the room, she notices a Dombra hanging on the front wall. She approaches the musical instrument and turns back.

KUVIRA

(To MAKO)

May I use it?

 

MAKO

Of course. Authentic Earth Kingdom craftsmanship, but I've never had the talent for music.

 

KUVIRA

(Nods)

Thank you.

KUVIRA takes the Dombra and returns to her seat. She strikes the strings a couple times to test the notes and starts playing. A fast paced but solemn melody. She sings along and finishes with a quick tap on the instrument.

MAKO

(In awe)

I have never heard anything like this… (to BOLIN) You got any idea?

 

BOLIN

The music sounds like Earth Kingdom.

 

KORRA

(Contemplative)

I... I think I've heard this before: 'To the Dearly Departed'.

 

KUVIRA

(Raises an eyebrow)

How?

 

KORRA

I once travelled to the Chin City during a carnival. An Elder told me the song was to honour their Leader's passing.

KUVIRA looks away, frowns briefly and returns with a faint smile.

KUVIRA

(In an indifferent tone)

You're well travelled, Avatar.

 

MAKO

Wait, it's supposed to be a memorial song?

KUVIRA nods.

BOLIN

(Hesitant)

Why... are you playing this to us?

KUVIRA puts the Dombra back onto the wall.

KUVIRA

Three years ago, my parents played me the song before I went on a mission for the White Lotus. 

 

KORRA

…what kind of mission? 

KUVIRA stares at MAKO, BOLIN and KORRA. Silence ensues for several moments.

KUVIRA

(Determined)

A mission I hope to finish soon.

Chapter Text

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY MIDTOWN — CASINO — NIGHT

A new moon in the sky. The sign "Crimson Moon Casino'' hangs on the front of the building. Two long lines start from the casino entrance , stretching to the end of the street. SECURITIES(formal tail-suits) pad searching the visitors before letting them enter. 

INTERIOR. CASINO — CONTINUED

ASAMI SATO(19, female, tall and slim, black suit over crimson blouse, black waist length hair, eye and lips make-up) gathers around a table with one WOMAN and two MEN. The three put down the piles for the bet and started the gamble. But they take turns scanning the surroundings. The noise of piles bumping at each other, covering their conversation.

MAN 1

(Eyes focused on the tiles)

They're here. Upstair quarter, on your left.

ASAMI tilts her head slightly upwards.

TARRLOK (38, male, tall with broad shoulders, blue tail-suits over white shirts, three long dreadlocks, clean shaven face) and NOATAK (41, male, similar build and attire, crew cut, sideburns) converse with a man and a woman in formal suits. The two parties laugh and shake hands with each other.

ASAMI SATO turns her gaze back to the table. She reaches for her pocket and brings out a photo of YASUKO SATO (42, female, half-up topknot, similar features to ASAMI SATO).

ASAMI SATO

Three years… sorry to have you waiting this long. I will avenge you tonight, mother.

ASAMI SATO puts her photo back into her pocket, her expression hardens. 

INTERIOR. NEXT BUILDING — CONTINUED

Nine BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS(black tactical clothes), gather near the apartment window, each wears a mask with the character "义" and has two electric batons hanging on their belt. A static, then BROTHERHOOD MEMBER 1 picks up his motorola.

ASAMI SATO

(Off screen, through the speaker)

Targets identified, we're in position.

 

BROTHERHOOD MEMBER 1

(Towards his motorola)

Copy.

BROTHERHOOD MEMBER switches off his motorola, waves at his teammates, opens the window. BROTHERHOOD MEMBER 2, 3, 4, 5 each brings out a contraption and aims outside. Three metal cables shoot out from the window, the claws at their tips hook onto the roof of the Casino building . Each of the four BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS presses a button on their contraption, a drill-head unfolds. Each drilling their contraption into the weight bearing wall. 

The remaining four BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS each takes out a claw-shaped contraption, hooks it onto the cables and glides along the line towards the Casino building. They land on the roof, pry open an air tunnel and toss a dozen grenades into the tunnel.

INTERIOR. CASINO — CONTINUED

Mustard coloured gas spread out from the ceiling, gradually filling the room. People upstairs cough and weep uncontrollably.

DOWNSTAIR CUSTOMER 1

Tear gas!

People downstairs scatter towards the exits. ASAMI SATO exchanges looks with her three other companions. ASAMI SATO reaches underneath the table and pulls out four gas masks from the crevices of its frame. The four each put on a gas mask. ASAMI gestures at her teammates. The four mingle into the crowd.

Five SECURITIES rush inside, running against the crowd. They run into ASAMI SATO and her team of three. The team swing their fists with a jab- cross combo, gusts of wind shoot out from their knuckles, knocking the SECURITIES to the ground and into the wall. The SECURITIES fall unconscious. 

On the upper floor , electrical zaps can be heard, followed by couples of yelps. Eight more SECURITIES fall downstairs. Five more yelps and thuds. Then silence.

ASAMI SATO and her team of three each take a huge leap, a spurt of air lifts each of them to the upper floor . The four bends a downdraft, blowing away the mustard gas. Five BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS lay on the ground, unmoving, their skin a pale blue, a layer of frost form covering their still opened eyes. The four startles but quickly regain their composure.

TARRLOK and NOATAK lean against the wall, heaving for fresh air.

TARRLOK

(Wipes his eyes clean)

Thank you, Noatak.

 

NOATAK

(Catching his breath)

Of course, Tarrlok, it's what brothers do.

 

ASAMI SATO and her team of three surround TARRLOK and NOATAK and point their fists towards the brothers.

NOATAK

(Shields TARRLOK from the front, to ASAMI SATO and her team)

I suggest you take my mercy and leave. 

 

ASAMI SATO

(Squeezes her fists tightly, Resentfully)

What do you know about mercy?! 

 

TARRLOK

(To ASAMI SATO)

What business do you hold against us?

 

ASAMI SATO

(Scoffs) 

What was I thinking? Of course you don't remember. I guess it's just another day in the office when you monsters killed her. 

ASAMI SATO punches forward, a gust of air knocks NOATAK into the wall. Her teammates follow, three gusts of wind shoot out from their knuckles. TARRLOK lunges forward, shielding NOATAK. The wind slams TARRLOK against the wall, blood trickles down from his mouth.

NOATAK clenches his fists. The limbs on ASAMI SATO and her three teammates' bodies twist in unnatural angles. NOATAK drives his fists downward. ASAMI SATO and her teammates' bodies slam against the ground. 

ASAMI SATO

(Struggles to get up to no avail)

You filthy bloodbenders!

TARRLOK gets up and swipes his arm, bloodbends ASAMI SATO, slamming her against the wall. The glass on her gas mask shatters.

TARRLOK

(Coldly)

Watch your mouth, Lady.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Yelling)

I will kill you both!

 

TARRLOK

(Scoffs)

Really?

 

NOATAK

What makes you think you will survive tonight? 

TARRLOK and NOATAK's bodies tense up and convulse. Electric cackles can be heard. They fall to the ground unconscious. Another two BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS hops off from the air tunnel, each holding a taser. They retrieve the taser and pull off their masks, revealing the faces of YANG and JEE. 

YANG 

(To ASAMI SATO and the other three)

Can you walk?

The four nod and get up.

JEE 

Let's get out of here.

All of them dart out of the building. Police sirens can be heard from a distance. 

INTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY — CITY HALL — NIGHT

EARTH KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE(mae, green traditional robes), FIRE NATION REPRESENTATIVE (male, red traditional robes) and WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE (female, blue traditional robes) gather at the round table . TENZIN opens the door and enters.

EARTH KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE

Councilman Tenzin, glad you're here, we're just about to get started.

 

TENZIN

(Glances around)

You're having a meeting?

 

FIRE NATION REPRESENTATIVE

Precisely. 

 

WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE

We realized the Council needs a reform.

 

TENZIN

Reform? Why?

 

FIRE NATION REPRESENTATIVE

I have a question for you: how many people are in this room?

 

TENZIN

Four, represent the four elements, four cultures.

 

EARTH KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE

And that's where the problem lies.

 

WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE

After Chieftain Tonraq unified the Southern and Northern Water Tribe, we now present as one.

 

EARTH KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE

Which means, an even number of council members. We risk reaching draws when casting votes.

 

FIRE NATION REPRESENTATIVE

We have two proposals: one, elect a non-bender to fill in the fifth seat.

 

WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE

Two, one of us will have to go in order to maintain an odd number of council representatives.

 

TENZIN

(Glances at the three REPRESENTATIVES)

I support the first option. Non-benders have been contributing most of the technological innovations in the last decades, it's about time to give them the recognition they deserve.

 

WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE 

(Shakes her head and massages her temples)

I knew it'd be a draw…

 

EARTH KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE

(Raises his hand)

Objection. A lot of benders are already blaming technology for taking away their jobs. Electing a non-bender into the council will only worsen the hostility, providing the Crimson Moon Triad more recruitment opportunities. Social unrest will tear the city apart.

 

WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE

I agree with Councilman Zheng.

 

FIRE NATION

(Clenches his fists)

And placating a bunch of criminals? Three-fourth of them should be in jail at this very moment and yet we haven't even touched a single member in their higher ranks.

 

EARTH KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE

(Sarcastically)

So you want to conduct a raid on an 'officially legal' corporation with no sufficient evidence? That's a great way to convince people we're an oppressive regime. 

 

FIRE NATION REPRESENTATIVE

(Irritated)

The triads are killing people and you're sitting here concerned about public image?!

 

WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE

(Sternly)

If we lose the public trust, we will have an even harder time moderating triad activities. You think the problem now is bad enough? It's going to get worse!

 

TENZIN

(Voice amplified by airbending)

Everyone, calm down.

The other three REPRESENTATIVES turn their heads to TENZIN. 

EARTH KINGDOM

You have a better solution?

 

TENZIN

Actually, I do.

 

TENZIN brings out a folder from the inner lining of his robes and lays it onto the table. EARTH KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE takes out the papers from the folder, both the WATER TRIBE and FIRE NATION REPRESENTATIVE lean in and glances on the document.

WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE

(Frowns)

The Cabbage Corps hired them to steal Future Industry design and sabotage their warehouses?

 

EARTH KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE

Look, (Points at the photo in the document) The Crimson Moon Triad is also behind the bombing of Cabbage Corps R&D centre three years ago, a suspected sabotage from its competitor Blackstone Global. 

 

FIRE NATION REPRESENTATIVE

(Flips a page)

Wait… cross border human smuggling? 

 

WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE

(Shrugs)

They follow the money. (To TENZIN) Where did you get the documents?

 

TENZIN

From the White Lotus.

The three REPRESENTATIVES exchange looks with each other.

The door slams open, LIN BEIFONG (51, female, muscular, greying ear-length hair) trudges into the room She wears a full set of black metal armour with a golden police badge on the chest, her metal boots produce clicking sounds as she walks.

FIRE NATION REPRESENTATIVE

(Sternly)

Chief Lin Beifong, this is a Council meeting.

 

LIN BEIFONG

A crime has occurred. Councilman Tenzin, I need you to go with me.

TENZIN's eyes widen.

INTERIOR. CASINO — NIGHT

LIN BEIFONG takes TENZIN towards the bodies of the five BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS. All of their masks have been removed. POLICE OFFICERS scan the parametre searching for evidence.

LIN BEIFONG

Witnesses said they were asphyxiated by airbenders.

 

TENZIN

I wasn't here. Just ask the City Council.

 

LIN  BEIFONG

Where are your kids?

 

TENZIN

(Irritated)

Are you serious?! My oldest is 11! Who are these 'witnesses' anyway?

 

LIN BEIFONG

I'm not allowed to say. It's the only lead we got. Do you have an alibi for them?

 

TENZIN

(Massages his temples)

Just ask my wife Pema.

LIN BEIFONG stops POLICE OFFICER 1.

LIN BEIFONG

Deputy, go to Air Temple Island and check with lady Pema.

 

POLICE OFFICER 1

(Salutes)

Yes, ma'am.

 

POLICE OFFICER 1 leaves. 

LIN BEIFONG

(To TENZIN)

It's just routine procedure. I don't believe your kids did it. The thing is, the witnesses said those airbenders were adults.

 

TENZIN

Impossible. Me and my family are the only airbenders in the world.

 

LIN BEIFONG

Actually, we've received multiple calls recently claiming people are levitating and blowing things around. But when we arrived, we couldn't find them.

 

TENZIN

That does sound like airbending… but how is that possible?

ZAHEER approaches entrance and presents a White Lotus badge with golden embroideries to POLICE OFFICER 2. The POLICE OFFICER 2 bows and lets him pass. 

LIN BEIFONG

(To ZAHEER)

Great, you're here. What do you think, Grand Lotus?

 

ZAHEER

Avatar Korra opened the spirit portal during the Water Tribe Civil War, connecting the spirit and physical world. There might be ramifications.

 

TENZIN

(Astonished)

Are you saying… the cosmos is granting people airbending?

 

ZAHEER

Correct.

 

ZAHEER approaches the five bodies laying on the ground. He bends down, presses their limbs with his finger and examines the skin.

ZAHEER

They didn't die of airbending. (Gestures LIN BEIFONG) Look-

ZAHEER presses the skin of a body and holds it for several seconds. He removes the finger, the skin bounces back to the original shape without delay.

LIN BEIFONG

(Puts a hand under her chin)

No edema. It wasn't asphyxiation.

 

ZAHEER

Which means the blue tone of the skin comes from bruising.

 

LIN BEIFONG

Even, extensive bruising of the entire body… (frowns) in theory, it can only be bloodbending.

 

ZAHEER

(Nods)

Exactly.

 

LIN BEIFONG

But it wasn't a full moon last night.

 

ZAHEER

Remember metalbending was once considered impossible. The world is never short of people with extraordinary abilities.

 

LIN BEIFONG's eyes widen, she turns around and rushes to POLICE OFFICER 3.

LIN BEIFONG

(Urgently)

Deputy, take Tarrlok and Noatak to the station.

POLICE OFFICER 4 sprints towards LIN BEIFONG

POLICE OFFICER 4

(Huffing)

Chief Beifong, we lost the witnesses.

LIN BEIFONG clenches her fists, a metal cable fires out from the contraptions she carries on her back armour. The cable scrapes against the ground.

LIN BEIFONG

Damn it!

 

ZAHEER 

Our only lead left is the new airbenders.

 

TENZIN

How can I help?

 

ZAHEER

Patience. Sooner or later they will show up to your doorstep. After-all, they would need to control their bending.

INTERIOR. UNDERGROUND — ABANDONED SEWER— DAY

ASAMI SATO and her three teammates sit leaning against the wall. YANG and JEE cleans up ASAMI SATO and her three teammates' wounds and wraps bandages around it. ASAMI SATO sulks her head and avoids eye contact with everyone.

YANG

(Sternly)

(To ASAMI SATO) What were you thinking? (Gestures to the other three) And what were you thinking? Five lives are lost forever.

 

JEE

If Brother Lee hadn't alerted us at the last minute, all of you could be dead. Or worse, be framed by Tarrlok and Noatak for their deaths!

 

ASAMI SATO

(Lowers her gaze)

I'm sorry.

 

YANG

(Takes a deep breath)

It's okay. Learning from your mistakes is what matters.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Lowers her gaze, a streak of tear rolls down her face)

Please don't tell my dad about this…

 

HIROSHI SATO 

(Off Camera)

Why not?

HIROSHI SATO(51, male, sturdy build, greying hair and beard, dark grey trench coat with gold linings) approaches ASAMI SATO and bends down, facing her at eye level. ASAMI SATO turns away.

HIROSHI SATO

(Solemnly)

You were seeking justice. It's something to be proud of.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Clenches her fists)

But I failed. And I put everyone in harm's way.

 

HIROSHI SATO

(Lays his hand on ASAMI SATO'S shoulder)

Asami, look at me.

Hesitantly ASAMI SATO turns to face her father.

HIROSHI SATO

The universe granted you airbending for a reason. You are destined to avenge your mother. 

 

The trap door creaks open. KUVIRA steps out into the chamber. ASAMI SATO meets her gaze.

(FLASHBACK)

INTERIOR. FUTURE INDUSTRY WAREHOUSE — DAY

YASUKO SATO's body lies on the ground, limbs twisted into unnatural angles. HIROSHI SATO(48) falls to his knees, lifts his wife's lifeless body and buries his face into her body. Muffled sobs can be heard. ASAMI SATO(16) rushes to the scene, freezes in shock for several seconds and breaks down to tears. 

ASAMI SATO

(Grits her teeth, clumps her hair)

I promise, mum, I will make them pay.

 

HIROSHI SATO 

(Lifts his head and turns to ASAMI SATO, face covered in tears)

I will help you with all I got, Asami.

KUVIRA (19, no scar) kicks the door open, scans the environment and sprints towards the Satos. She brings out a White Lotus Badge (no embroidery) from her pocket and presents it to the Satos.

KUVIRA

Where did they go?

 

HIROSHI SATO

(Wipes his face clean)

Harbour. Port 3. They're stealing our prototypes.

 

KUVIRA

(Glances at YASUKO SATO's body, surprised)

Bloodbending?

ASAMI SATO sniffles and nods.

KUVIRA

I'll find them.

KUVIRA metalbends two blades from her arm-guards and darts out of the warehouse.

(END OF FLASHBACK)

ASAMI SATO

(Shocked)

It's you . You're alive?

 

KUVIRA

(Checks her own pulse)

Last that I checked, yes.

 

ASAMI SATO

But I thought Tarrlok and Noatak-

 

KUVIRA

(Grins)

Not quite.

 

ASAMI SATO

How did you know it was us?

KUVIRA reaches for her pocket and brings out a newspaper, the front page shows the photo of the inside of the Casino building.

KUVIRA

(Points at the newspaper)

News says five Brotherhood members are killed during the attack, I need to make sure my parents are safe. (Glances at YANG and JEE)

YANG and JEE smile.

HIROSHI SATO

(Frowns)

How did you find us? Only The Brotherhood knows about this place. 

 

KUVIRA

I might be a bender, but my parents raised me no less than a daughter of The Brotherhood. 

HIROSHI SATO glances at YANG and JEE briefly.

HIROSHI SATO

Very well. I will share this knowledge with you, if that means one step closer to bringing my wife's murderers to justice-

HIROSHI SATO gestures at ASAMI SATO and her three companions.

HIROSHI SATO

-they can all airbend now.

 

ASAMI SATO

It's not enough. We still have no chance against the bloodbenders.

KUVIRA puts a hand under her chin.

KUVIRA

(Contemplative)

Miss Sato, what is Future Industry's biggest competitor?

 

ASAMI SATO

That will be Cabbage Corps.

 

KUVIRA

Then we will use them to lure out the Crimson Moon Triad. First, we need to create a reason for them to act against Future Industry…

(FADES TO BLACK)

EXTERIOR. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND — TRAINING SQUARE — DAY

KORRA stretches out her arms and assumes an airbending stance. TENZIN walks around the KORRA and lightly nudges on her shoulders.

TENZIN

Your stance is too wide. 

TENZIN guides KORRA into a more bladed stance.

TENZIN

Now, when you move your feet, imagine you're a feather brushing against the ground.

KORRA circles around. A breeze swipes across the training square.

TENZIN

That's right, calm and light. 

The wind turns into a swirl, following KORRA's course of movement.

PEMA approaches TENZIN.

PEMA

Tenzin, we have a guest.

 

TENZIN

(To KORRA)

I'll be right back.

TENZIN follows PEMA to the—

INTERIOR. GUEST ROOM

ASAMI stands up from her seat and bows to TENZIN and PEMA.

ASAMI SATO

Master Tenzin.

 

TENZIN

(Bows in return)

What's your name, young lady?

 

ASAMI SATO

My name is Asami Sato. I came here searching for your guidance.

 

TENZIN

How can I help you?

 

ASAMI SATO

I woke up one day and suddenly I can do this-

ASAMI SATO takes several steps back. She swings her arms, a gust of wind blows the door open.

TENZIN hangs his jaw in the air, frozen in awe.

Chapter Text

INTERIOR. GUEST ROOM — DAY — CONTINUED 

TENZIN turns away and wipes his eyes.

TENZIN

(Looks into the sky)

Can you hear me, father? We aren't the last airbenders in the world anymore…

TENZIN collects his composure, takes a deep breath and approaches ASAMI SATO.

TENZIN

(Smiles)

Thank you for reaching out to me. I'm beyond happy to show you the art of airbending.

TENZIN gestures to ASAMI SATO. ASAMI SATO follows TENZIN outside.

EXTERIOR. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND — TRAINING SQUARE — DAY

KORRA continues practicing her airbending form. Wind follows her arms' direction.

TENZIN

Korra, meet your new classmate Asami Sato.

KORRA stops her practicing and glances at ASAMI SATO, puzzled.

ASAMI SATO

(Bows to Korra)

You must be Avatar Korra, it's nice to meet you.

KORRA glances at TENZIN, then back to ASAMI SATO and bows in return.

KORRA

(Hesitantly)

Are you sure? What about you and your father's company?

 

ASAMI SATO

My father can take care of Future Industry alone, at least for a few months. I think I developed airbending for a reason, and I will regret it if I do nothing about it.

 

KORRA

Technically, it was my fault… I opened the portals between the physical and the spirit world, and now it's starting to disrupt people's lives. 

 

ASAMI SATO

(Astonished)

Your 'fault'? You gave me airbending! I should be thanking you.

KORRA frowns. She glances at TENZIN, whose expression is overwhelmed by joy. She recollects her composure and makes a smile with her face.

KORRA

(Enthusiastically)

Then what are we waiting for? Let's get started.

INTERIOR. WHITE LOTUS HQ — DAY

ZAHEER and GHAZAN gather around the desk. They glance at the newspaper.

GHAZAN

"Brotherhood Clashes with Crimson Moon Triad, Five dead, twelve injured " (glances at Zaheer) no way it's that simple.

 

ZAHEER

Of course not. From Chief Beifong's information, multiple witnesses claimed the attackers were airbending.

 

GHAZAN

They probably developed airbending after Korra opened the portals.

 

ZAHEER

I agree with you on that. What remains a question is their motive.

 

GHAZAN

(Puts a hand under his chin)

I get what you mean. If it's simply bad blood between The Brotherhood and Crimson Moon Triad, they could've just taken down a few random associates and ran.

 

ZAHEER

(Nods)

The Brotherhood members were killed by bloodbending. So they must've stayed long enough for Tarrlok and Noatak to respond, then remained in the fight until the brothers bloodbent them.

 

GHAZAN

The only explanation is they were targeting the brothers.

 

ZAHEER

Indeed. It's why I suspect the attacker had a more… personal motivation.

 

GHAZAN

(Glances at Zaheer and sighs)

Do we really have to do this?

 

ZAHEER

(Solemnly)

Ghazan, preserving Truth is a creed of the Order of White Lotus.

EXTERIOR. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND — TRAINING SQUARE — CONTINUED

KORRA performs the basic airbending forms she learnt. ASAMI SATO replicates the bladed stance of airbending flawlessly, bending swirls of wind as she moves.

KORRA glances at ASAMI SATO and frowns, but continues her practice.

TENZIN 

Let's try something more advanced.  

TENZIN takes KORRA and ASAMI SATO to a maze of wooden panels . He bends a gust of wind, causing all the wooden panels to spin.

 TENZIN

At the heart of airbending is its evasive movements. Follow the path of least resistance, be a leaf in the wind.

 

TENZIN picks up a leaf from the ground, bends a gust of air, blowing the leaf into the maze. The leaf rides on the air current, moving between the spinning panels until it finally flies out from the other side of the maze. 

KORRA bounces her feet and charges into the maze. Her glance jumps among the spinning panels erratically. She lunges and rolls forward, squeezing a way between panels. Then she runs into a spinning panel head on, slamming her into another panel nearby, again and again until she stumbles out of the maze from the other side.

KORRA gets up to her feet, hand over her forehead.

KORRA

Geez, that hurts.

 

TENZIN

Don't force your way out, follow the wind.

 

ASAMI SATO stretches her arms out, assumes a bladed stance and steps into the maze. She turns and steps away from the spinning panels, sweat rolls down her forehead. But she remains on her toes, sneaking between the temporary opening between the spinning panels until finally exiting the maze. ASAMI SATO wipes the sweat from her forehead.

TENZIN

Well done, you already grasped the concept. With more practice you will be able to perform the movements at ease.

KORRA glances at ASAMI SATO, her eyes narrow. But she says nothing and approaches the spinning panels.

INTERIOR. WHITE LOTUS HQ — CONTINUED

KUVIRA opens the door and enters the meeting room . ZAHEER, GHAZAN and AIWEI(60, male, slender, glasses, piercing jewelry from his nose to his earlobe) sit in a row in front of the long table. 

KUVIRA 

(Glances at the three and bows)

Grand Lotus, Sifu, Master Aiwei. I was called here for a meeting. 

 

AIWEI

That is correct, Master Kuvira. (Gestures to a chair on the opposite side) Please, take a seat.

KUVIRA takes the seat appointed by AIWEI.

ZAHEER

Have you read today's newspaper?

 

KUVIRA

Yes. Another conflict between the Triads and The Brotherhood. Five deaths, twelve wounded.

 

GHAZAN

 We think it's not that simple.

 

KUVIRA

I agree. Witnesses claimed to see attackers airbending. Whoever is behind the attack was trying to frame Councilman Tenzin, so they will have time to cover up their involvement.

 

ZAHEER

Airbending can't be easily faked. Chief Beifong told me she has been receiving calls on people suddenly developing airbending.

 

GHAZAN

And Tenzin's alibi checked out pretty quickly.

 

KUVIRA

I guess they don't have the brightest mind.

 

AIWEI

On the contrary, the suspect's plan is brilliant. By hiring The Brotherhood and random airbenders to attack the Crimson Moon Triad, there will be no lead pointing to any clear direction. 

 

ZAHEER

But evidence suggests the attack was targeted at Tarrlok and Noatak.

 

KUVIRA

(Glances at AIWEI, then ZAHEER, laughs)

You think I was behind this?

 

GHAZAN

We don't know. But if Tarrlok and Noatak crippled my bending, I would take every opportunity to let them pay.

 

KUVIRA frowns.

AIWEI

(Leans forward)

Are you involved in the attack at Crimson Moon Casino?

 

KUVIRA

(Clenches her jaws)

No, sir.

 

AIWEI

Have you met with anyone involved in the incident prior to the attack?

 

KUVIRA

(Sternly)

I have not , sir.

 

AIWEI

(Pushes the frame of his glasses, to ZAHEER and GHAZAN)

Her heart rate and breathing, through what I can sense, shows she is telling the truth. 

ZAHEER's expression softens. GHAZAN slums into his chair and sighs in relief.

AIWEI

We apologize for the inconvenience, Master Kuvira. It was the only lead we had.

 

KUVIRA

I understand. I would've done the same.

 

GHAZAN

(Expression softens)

These criminals are despicable, I just don't want you to lose yourself in the pursuit of justice.

 

KUVIRA

(Straightens her posture, determined

I've been constructing a case against them for three years, I plan to win fair and square (clenches her fist) -to demonstrate my power.

EXTERIOR. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND — TRAINING SQUARE — DUSK

KORRA wipes the sweat off her forehead and picks herself up.

KORRA

One more time.

 

TENZIN

Do you want to take a break?

 

KORRA

(Shakes her head)

I'm okay.

TENZIN airbends, a gust of wind passes through the wooden panels and has them spinning.

KORRA takes a deep breath and approaches the spinning panel maze . She closes her eyes as she steps into the spinning panels. Air currents swirl around KORRA's face, brushing against her hair. She takes a side step, moves past the narrow space between two spinning panels. And repeat. Until she maneuvers her way out of the maze.

KORRA opens her eyes and glances at the spinning panels in disbelief.

KORRA

I did it…

 

TENZIN

(Lays a hand on KORRA's shoulder)

Yes. You did it.

KORRA throws herself into TENZIN and hugs him.

KORRA 

Thank you, Master Tenzin.

 

TENZIN

(Surprised first then smiles)

Of course, Avatar Korra. Patience is the least I can offer as a mentor.

The two pull away from each other.

TENZIN

Pema should have dinner ready by now. Would you like to join us?

 

KORRA

You bet. I'm starving.

INTERIOR. LIVING ROOM — CONTINUED

KORRA and TENZIN enter the living room. JINORA(11, female), IKKI(8, female) and MEELO(6, male) bicker in front of the table. MEELO airbends, blowing a towel into IKKI's face. IKKI airbends a plate towards MEELO. JINORA bends a gust of wind, blowing the plate off course. The place collides with the wall and shatters. TENZIN massages his temples and takes a deep breath. 

JINORA

(To IKKI, yelling)

What the heck Ikki?!

JINORA raises her fist and airbends. TENZIN grabs JINORA's wrist, the wind shoots off course towards the ceiling.

TENZIN

Jinora, that's enough.

 

IKKI

(Points to MEELO)

He started it!

 

TENZIN

 Ikki, you're being careless with others' lives. And Meelo, stop bothering your sister!

KORRA glances at the scene, then sneaks her way to the corner of the room and sits down. PEMA and ASAMI SATO carry the dishes to the table. 

PEMA

Thank you, Miss Sato.

 

ASAMI SATO

Master Tenzin taught me more in an afternoon than I have ever figured out on my own. It's the least I can do.

KORRA glances at ASAMI SATO.

PEMA, ASAMI SATO and TENZIN all take their seats around the table. Everyone begins eating.

TENZIN

(Takes a sip of water)

Pema, I don't understand. There have been hundreds of people that developed airbending in the past three months. Why hasn't anyone else reaching out for us?

 

PEMA

Perhaps they just wanted a normal life after all. One doesn't suddenly become an Air Nomad after they start to airbend.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Stops eating and sits straight)

May I share my thoughts?

 

TENZIN

Of course, Miss Sato.

 

ASAMI SATO

Many of them have chosen to join the Triads. Future Industry has been threatened with extortions demanding higher and higher prices … My dad is a non-bender so he was forced to pay them.

 

KORRA

And that's why you reached out for Master Tenzin?

 

ASAMI SATO

(Nods)

I finally had a chance to protect my family against the triads. I'm not going to let it slide.

TENZIN stops eating and stares at his bowl.

— MINUTES LATER

ASAMI SATO glances at her watch, stands up and bows to TENZIN and PEMA.

ASAMI SATO

It's late, I have to go home. Thank you for the dinner.

TENZIN and PEMA stand up and bow in return. ASAMI SATO leaves.

KORRA

(Stands up)

Excuse me, I need to use the washroom.

EXTERIOR. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND — NIGHT 

ASAMI SATO approaches her speedboat parked at the shore. She halts and turns back. KORRA stands in the nearby bush, arms crossed.

ASAMI SATO

(Annoyed)

You've been giving me stares all day. What's your problem?

 

KORRA

(Points at her eyes and then towards ASAMI SATO)

Just want to let you know, I'm keeping an eye on you. 

ASAMI SATO rolls her eyes and continues walking.

KORRA 

And it wasn't because I'm jealous of you having more talent in airbending.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Scoffs, sarcastically)

Yeah, sure it wasn't.

ASAMI SATO boards her speedboat, turns on the engine and sails away. KORRA glances at the parting speedboat, a grin rises to her face.

INTERIOR. UNDERGROUND — ABANDONED SEWER — NIGHT

A dozen BROTHERHOOD AIRBENDERS(black tactical clothes) form pairs of two, sparring each other with airbending. KUVIRA stands leaning against the wall. A trapdoor opens. ASAMI SATO climbs out of the trapdoor.

KUVIRA

(Glances at ASAMI SATO)

Are you followed?

 

ASAMI SATO

Of course not.

KUVIRA bends down, slams her palm against the metal floor and closes her eyes:

From the point of contact, seismic waves ripple outward, tracing every detail in the environment in the form of silhouettes –-herself, ASAMI SATO, the BROTHERHOOD AIRBENDERS, the walls. The ripple expands in all directions, all the way to ground level, showing not a single person beyond the chamber .

KUVIRA opens her eyes, rises to her feet and nods at ASAMI SATO.

KUVIRA

How did things turn out, Miss Sato?

 

ASAMI SATO

Piece of cake. I learnt many techniques, and I said what I had to say to Tenzin.

 

KUVIRA

Did you raise the Avatar's suspicion?

 

ASAMI SATO

I thought so at first, but it turns out she was just jealous that I pick up things faster than her.

 

KUVIRA

(Pauses, then frowns)

I wouldn't let my guards down.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Waves)

I know, I know. 'Never underestimate your enemy'.

 

KUVIRA

Know that I can only cover you so far. The White Lotus is taking an interest in your attack last night, and if they find out about your involvement, I will have to follow my orders.

 

ASAMI SATO

Don't you worry about me. You did a great job explaining different ways I can end up dead or in jail. (Expression darkens) None of it matters, (Clenches her fists) I will avenge my mother and these bloodbenders will die. 

 

KUVIRA

(Arms crossed)

I don't know if I should be impressed or terrified.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Walks past KUVIRA, smiles)

Try both. 

ASAMI SATO approaches the BROTHERHOOD AIRBENDERS. The airbenders stops their practice.

ASAMI SATO 

Brothers and Sisters, here's what I learnt today. (Puts up a bladed stance, arms stretched out) First, this is the basic airbending stance, the key is…

(ZOOMS OUT AND FADES TO BLACK)

INTERIOR. WHITE LOTUS HQ — NIGHT

KORRA opens the door and enters Zaheer's office . The chair is empty, the lamp turned off. She exits the office, walks along the hallway and finds ZAHEER and GHAZAN playing Pai Sho on the patio . 

ZAHEER

Korra, how is your training today?

 

KORRA

It was great. I finally learned how to move like an airbender.

 

GHAZAN

See? Next thing you know, you'll be a fully realized Avatar. 

KORRA nods in silence.

ZAHEER

What's wrong?

 

KORRA

Something odd happened today… Well, someone .

ZAHEER raises an eyebrow.

KORRA

A new airbender came to study under Master Tenzin. She's Asami Sato.

 

GHAZAN

(Laughs)

Hiroshi is one lucky man. First he built a billion yuan company, now the Avatar's got an eye on his daughter.

 

KORRA's expression remains solemn. ZAHEER clears his throat, GHAZAN collects his composure and puts on a more serious face.

KORRA

Something about her just doesn't add up. She turns away from her company and lets her father run it for her. She's courteous beyond reasonable when talking to Master Tenzin. Heck, she even goes out of her way to help his wife prepare dinner. I doubt her motive is as simple as she claimed.

 

ZAHEER

She is Fire Nation by heritage, her culture puts great emphasis on respect to mentors.

 

KORRA

It doesn't stop there. She claims she developed airbending a few days ago, but she mastered the basics in no time and figured out how to move like an airbender on her first try.  

 

ZAHEER

(Frowns)

That is concerning... Tenzin told me it took him a week to reach that level, and he was born with airbending. 

 

KORRA

I think she's lying about her skills.

 

GHAZAN

You think she has something to do with the attack on the casino? 

 

KORRA

She's probably one of the attackers.

 

ZAHEER

Even if she were, the evidence is too far stretched to persuade anyone. For now, just keep an eye on her.

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY HARBOUR — SMALL YACHT — MIDNIGHT 

On his deck, MAKO(maroon pajamas) lays on the lounge chair and gazes at the lights tracing out the skyline of Republic City. An abnormal wave swipes across the deck, knocking MAKO off from his chair. The water freezes, trapping his entire body in ice except his head. Four ATTACKERS in ski masks set foot on the deck. 

The YACHT OPERATOR rushed upstairs to the deck. ATTACKER 1 swings his fist, a gust of wind knocks the YACHT OPERATOR off the deck. MAKO breaths out sparks from his nostrils, steam rises from the ice that encases him. Slowly, the ice begins to melt.

Two BODYGUARDS rush to the deck, hurling streams of fire. ATTACKER 1 and 2 leaps, spurts of air lift them high into the air. They slam their fists as they land, knocking the BODYGUARDS off their feet. They sprawl their body and spin their legs, two swirls of air currents throw the BODYGUARDS off board into the ocean. 

ATTACKER 3 runs downstairs. Seconds later, the engine starts. The yacht sails full throttle away from the harbour.

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY HARBOUR — SPEEDBOAT — CONTINUED

BOLIN(green United Forces uniform) patrols the shore on his speedboat. A yacht on the horizon. He raises his telescope and aims it towards the 

—YACHT

MAKO melts most of the ice and breaks free his limbs from it. He bends a stream of fire at ATTACKER 1 and 2. ATTACKER 3 bends a stream of water, knocking him off his feet. The flame misses. ATTACKER 1 and 2 bends hurls their fists, consecutive gusts of compressed air drives MAKO back. MAKO's head hits the railing and falls unconscious.  

ATRACKER 4 ties MAKO's wrists and ankles with chains and puts a bag over MAKO's head. 

SPEEDBOAT— CONTINUED

BOLIN drops his telescope, turns his speedboat on full throttle. He closes in the distance from the yacht and bends stone discs at the ATTACKERS.

ATTACKER 1 and 2 bends spouts of air, shattering the stone discs. ATTACKER 4 bends water from the ocean and hurls it to the speedboat as spears of ice. BOLIN steers the yoke, barely avoiding the projectiles. Two ice spears crash on the rim of the speedboat , leaving huge dents on the metal. 

BOLIN scans around, a fishing boat on the horizon. He picks up a trumpet from the floor.

BOLIN

Stop them! They got my brother!

A couple ice spears flies towards his face. He throws himself to the floor. The ice projectiles soar over his head.

Over the fishing boat, a MAN and a WOMAN each slips on a mask with the character "义". Each raises a rifle like contraption and aims at the yacht .

Over the yacht, two darts hit ATTACKER 1 and 3 in the neck. They fall onto the deck, they grit their teeth, their body paralyzed. 

The fishing boat closes the distance to the yacht . Another dart flies towards ATTACKER 2, he bends a spurt of air, swiping it away. A stone disc hits him in the back of his head. He falls unconscious. 

From the speedboat, BOLIN bends another stone disc, raising it to his eye level.

ATTACKER 3 rushes upstairs to the yacht 's deck. 

BOLIN launches the stone disc, it hits ATTACKER 3 in the head, knocking him out.

INTERIOR. UNITED FORCES NAVAL BASE — GARAGE— DAWN

MAKO, BOLIN, MAN and WOMAN (Both still wearing Brotherhood masks) carry the four ATTACKERS(unmasked, unconscious and restrained) into the garage. They drop the ATTACKERS onto the floor. 

MAKO

(To MAN and WOMAN)

I didn't think I would ever say this to Brotherhood members, but thank you for saving my life.

 

MAN and WOMAN exchange looks with each other.

MAN

If you want to know the truth about The Brotherhood, be present at the Future Industry warehouse in Dragonborough, four days later, sundown. The code is 'justice for all'.

 

WOMAN

When the police arrive, remember you're saved by two simple fishermen.

 

MAKO

Don't mention it. I never trusted them anyway.

 

The MAN hands a card to MAKO, then leaves with the WOMAN.

MAKO stares at BOLIN.

BOLIN

Don't look at me like that, I'm not a snitch.

 

MAKO

So are you going to check out the secret rally with me or not?

 

BOLIN

Someone's gotta be there in case you're kidnapped again.

MAKO

(Annoyed)

Come on, I was caught by surprise!

Chapter Text

INTERIOR. UNITED FORCES NAVAL BASE — BARRACK — DAY

MAKO naps on a cot. BOLIN, yawning, converses with a DETECTIVE. KORRA rushes into the living quarters.

KORRA

(Exclaims)

Spirits, I'm so glad you're okay!

 

BOLIN

(With a smug smile)

Why wouldn't we be?

KORRA hugs BOLIN and approaches the DETECTIVE.

KORRA

What happened?

 

DETECTIVE

The Crimson Moon Triad tried to kidnap him(gestures MAKO). Two waterbender, two airbenders. Captain Bolin caught them during the act on patrol and was able to subdue them with the help of two fishermen passing by.

 

KORRA

What are their motives?

 

BOLIN

(Shrugs)

Well, Mako's rich, and the Triads want some easy ransom money.

 

DETECTIVE

(Nods)

That is the most plausible explanation.

 

MAKO stretches and gets out of the cot.

MAKO

(To KORRA)

Don't believe them, the Triads have been smuggling firebenders for years. The Armadillos' firebender told me the Triple Threat Triad kidnapped and smuggled her out of the border. And they would've gotten away if it weren't for the Earth Kingdom border guards.

 

BOLIN

Bro, not the time for your crazy theories.

 

MAKO

(Frustrated)

I'm serious! The guards found out they were trying to sell her to the Warlords in Si Wong Desert for some experiments. She testified in an Earth Kingdom court, it was on the newspapers! Do you read anything printed outside of Republic City? 

 

KORRA

(Surprised)

I've seen that article. 

 

DETECTIVE

(Glances at KORRA, Then to MAKO)

Do you believe your kidnappers had the same motive, sir?

 

MAKO

Absolutely.

 

DETECTIVE

If your theory is true, our Triad problem would be bigger than we've ever expected. I will contact Chief Beifong. (Hands MAKO a card) And sir, if you require witness protection, please call the number on the card.

DETECTIVE leaves.

BOLIN approaches KORRA.

BOLIN

How's your airbending training?

 

KORRA

Took me some practice to grasp it, but it's getting better.

 

KORRA

(To MAKO)

Two of your kidnappers were airbenders, right?

MAKO nods.

KORRA

(Pauses for a few seconds)

I think I just had a breakthrough in my case.

 

BOLIN

(Puzzled)

You have a case?

 

KORRA

(Nods)

Ever heard of Asami Sato?

 

BOLIN

The heir of Future Industry? Everyone in Republic City knows her.

 

KORRA 

She just showed up at Air Temple Island with airbending. I knew she's involved in the attack on the casino, but I couldn't figure out how.

 

MAKO

Clearly she's associated with The Brotherhood. If some new airbenders joined the Triads, I wouldn't be surprised some others joined their rivals.

 

KORRA

(Excited)

Exactly!

 

BOLIN

Korra, there's something you need to know. Mako and I just received an invite to a Brotherhood rally.

 

MAKO

I think you should join us.

EXTERIOR. UPTOWN — SUNDOWN

A shiny automobile stops in front of a rusty warehouse . MAKO(a black trench coat over his maroon suits) and BOLIN(civilian attires) and KORRA(grey formal suits) steps out of the vehicle. The three cruise around the warehouse, and find a faded bearing-wheel shaped logo on the side wall.

KORRA

(Halts)

This must be the place.

 

BOLIN

Looks shady.

 

MAKO 

(Shrugs)

Duh.

The brothers circle around the building and notice the door on their second pass. MAKO approaches the door and knocks. The door opens and an USHER, a stocky man in his 30s with broad shoulders, steps toward the three, arms crossed.

USHER

Code?

 

MAKO

'Justice for all'.

 

USHER 

(Steps aside and gestures to the room)

Welcome to the rally.

 

MAKO, BOLIN and KORRA enter the warehouse. The warehouse is filled with crowds. 

A long row of tables in the centre of the room. On the tables stacks of batons, tasers, smoke grenades and more weapons on display. INNER MEMBERS, distinguished by their masks and black tactical clothes, stand behind the tables, conversing with people who approach them, handing weapons to those who bring cash. On the back a giant flag with the symbol "义" covers the entire wall. 

The three approach one of them who stands behind a stack of darts. MAKO picks up one dart and examines its crafts.

INNER MEMBER 1

Be careful with these. Each one of them comes with a shot of shirshu toxin enough to paralyze you for hours.

MAKO's eyes widen, he exchanges looks with BOLIN. 

MAKO

(To INNER MEMBER 1)

Can I buy some?

 

INNER MEMBER 1

What's your name?

 

MAKO

It's Mako.

BOLIN slams a hand on his forehead.

INNER MEMBER 1 reaches for his pocket and brings out a notebook. He flips through the pages.

INNER MEMBER 1

Sorry, Brother, you have to attend a training session to buy weapons from us. Would you like to sign up? 

 

MAKO

Sure.

 

INNER MEMBER 1

(Hands a card to MAKO)

 Here, you'll find the address and time for the next session.

 

MAKO

(Nods)

Thanks.

 

The three head away to a corner of the room.

MAKO

I was right. They are building a secret army!

 

BOLIN

I don't know, more like an underground dojo.

 

KORRA

I always thought they function more or less like a triad, but it seems they're not as organized. Most of them are regular people arming themselves so they can fight crimes they encounter. 

 

MAKO

Just wait for me to prove my theory. (MAKO glances at the card in his hand) I'm gonna get into their 'inner circle'.

 

BOLIN

(Sarcastically)

Wow, I can't wait. 

 

INNER MEMBER 2 carries a gong and moves in front of the crowd. He strikes the gong.

INNER MEMBER 2

Brothers and Sisters, may I have your attention, please!

The crowd gradually quiets down and turns their attention towards the centre of the room.

INNER MEMBER 2

The Brotherhood welcomes everyone who pursues justice. Bender or non-bender, we will help you to become empowered. 

 

A dozen more INNER MEMBERS step forward and form a line. Each of them assume a bladed stance and circle around light-footed. Gusts of wind follow the direction of their punches. The crowd applauses and cheers. BOLIN and MAKO join them.

KORRA's jaw hangs in the air, her eyes wide open.

INNER MEMBER 2

If you discover you can airbend, sign up for our training course at the counter.

 

Two dozen people instantly rush to the tables. 

MAKO

(Casually)

Surely it's a scam?

 

KORRA

No. These are legitimate techniques.

 

BOLIN

(Hesitantly)

That's a… good… thing?

KORRA stares at BOLIN for several seconds. A smile rises to her face.

KORRA

You're right Bolin, that is a good thing. Thanks. 

KORRA hugs BOLIN and kisses him on the cheek.

KORRA

I'll be right back.

KORRA rushes towards the counter. BOLIN, taken by surprise, freezes in his place.

MAKO

(Pats on BOLIN's shoulders)

Bro, you've captured the Avatar's heart!

 

BOLIN

(Blushes)

Cut it, Mako.

EXTERIOR. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND — TRAINING SQUARE — DAY

ASAMI SATO and KORRA each assume a bladed stance, approaching each other from two opposite corners of the training square . TENZIN stands outside of the training square.

TENZIN

Remember, keep it light. You can start.

ASAMI SATO and KORRA exchange punches, bending spouts of air at each other, slipping under the other attack. They evade in a circle route around the training square. KORRA throws an ax kick, ASAMI SATO dodges aside, she drops and spins her leg across the ground. A breeze swipes KORRA off her feet. KORRA spins her body midair and knicks forward. A spurt of air knocks ASAMI SATO to the ground.

KORRA lands on her feet and stretches her hand to ASAMI SATO. ASAMI SATO ignores KORRA and rises to her feet on her own.

TENZIN

That's it for today's lesson, I have a meeting to attend. Feel free to do some extra practice.

ASAMI SATO and KORRA bow to TENZIN. TENZIN leaves.

KORRA

What's on your mind?

 

ASAMI SATO

(Massages her neck)

I stayed up late for some paperworks last night. I need some rest. (Waves at KORRA) I'll see you later.

ASAMI SATO leaves. KORRA reaches for her pocket and brings out a card. She stares at the card for a long time.

KORRA

(Frowns, mumbles)

Whatever secret you're hiding, Asami Sato, I'm very close to finding out.

INTERIOR. CITY HALL — DAY

FIRE NATION, EARTH KINGDOM and WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE enters the chamber. TENZIN sits at the round table.

FIRE NATION REPRESENTATIVE

Another meeting, Councilman Tenzin?

TENZIN nods and gestures at the chairs at the round table. The three representatives each assume a seat of their own.

TENZIN

(Solemnly)

We need to call for an election of a non-bender representative.

 

WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE

Here we go again…

 

EARTH KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE

Did you skip reading the newspapers altogether? The attack on the casino and a kidnap attempt on a pro-bending champion. That's two high-profile crimes in one week! The tension between The Brotherhood and the Triads are at an all time high, and you're going to call for an election?!

 

FIRE NATION REPRESENTATIVE

(Angrily)

At least Councilman Tenzin is doing something for our people. What have you done, Councilman Zheng? Nothing.

 

EARTH KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE

(Slams his fists against the table)

Councilman Lee, What he proposed can put the city into a turf war!

 

FIRE NATION REPRESENTATIVE

Then we'll call in the United Forces. It's about time to rid the city of these triad scums!

 

WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE

Woah, calm down! Martial law is a serious measure, we need to avoid using it as much as we can.

 

TENZIN

I know it's a huge risk, but have you ever asked yourself why The Brotherhood is now everywhere in the city? Our police force has failed so much that non-benders are left to protect themselves and their families. Yes, I know this is a risky move, but can we afford to disappoint our people further? We already knew the Crimson Moon Triad engaged in human trafficking across borders, and I doubt it will be enough for them. Do you want to live in a Republic City run by crime lords?

 

WATER TRIBE REPRESENTATIVE

Electing a non-bender into the Council is guaranteed to put The Brotherhood in power. And you know what? (Grins) Together we might have a chance to bring down the Triads once and for all. (Raises her hand) I change my position in favour of the election. Anyone else vote in favour?

Both TENZIN and FIRE NATION representatives raise their hands. 

TENZIN grabs a wooden hammer and knocks the table with it.

TENZIN

Majority in favour. A non-bender representative will be elected to the Council in four weeks. 

 

EARTH KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE grumbles and storms out of the city hall .

INTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY SUBURB— CONDO UNIT— AFTERNOON

A radio on the living room table , playing music from the speaker. A metal bar is installed perpendicular to the door frame. Hanging onto the bar, KUVIRA (loose black t-shirts and trousers) performs pull ups with crisp forms.

The radio shifts to static. Then TENZIN's voice comes out of the speaker.

TENZIN

(Off screen, through the radio)

Citizens of Republic City, the Council has decided to add a seat for a non-bender representative, an election will be held in four weeks. The policy is a direct response to the Crimson Moon Triad. Whatever crime you have been and plan to do, it will not go unanswered. Republic City will ally itself with anyone who-

KUVIRA lets go of her left arm and metalbends the switch, turning off the radio. She takes a deep breath and continues her reps at an explosive speed.

(FLASHBACK)

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY — ALLEYWAY — DAY

A truck speeds through the street, TARRLOK(35) grabbing the steering wheel, NOATAK(38) sits beside him.  KUVIRA(19, without scar) approaches a small automobile parked nearby, metalbends, tearing the door open. She bends a small strip from the door and hops into the automobile . She shuts the door, taps her hand on the key slot and closes her eyes: 

Seismic waves ripple out from the point of contact, mapping out the shapes of different pins in the lock. She opens her eyes and bends a couple dents on the metal straps, then slides it into the slot and turns it. The vehicle engine switches on. She shifts the gear and presses her foot on the gas pedal.

The automobile closes in the distance on the truck . KUVIRA leans her upper body out of the automobile and earthbends. Columns of earth rise, blocking the road in front.

NOATAK leans out of the truck 's window and swings his arms. A barrage of ice shards flies towards the automobile .

KUVIRA twists the steering wheel, the automobile takes a sharp turn to the left. The ice shards skims over the side of the car, breaking its windows on the right.

TARRLOK hits the brake and the truck slows down.

KUVIRA opens the door, leaps out of the automobile and rolls on the ground. The automobile crashes into the truck. TARRLOK and NOATAK stumble out of the truck .

KUVIRA regains her footing, stomps the ground and drives her fists forward. The earth column melts, a pool of lava spreads to the full width of the road. The lava spreads further, melting the tires of the truck . With nowhere to retreat, TARRLOK and NOATAK approach KUVIRA.

KUVIRA

(Points her fists at the brothers)

It's over.

KUVIRA slams her fists downwards the ground in front of TARRLOK and NOATAK cracks, a wave of lava bursts out from the ground. 

TARRLOK and NOATAK stretch out their arms. The lava halts and solidifies a foot away from them. KUVIRA's limbs twist in unnatural angles.

TARRLOK

You're right. It's over.

TARRLOK swipes his arms to the side, KUVIRA collides with a nearby wall. NOATAK moves his arms, KUVIRA crashes into the pavement.

KUVIRA glances at the brothers at the corner of her eyes. She twitches her fingers, two gravels strike TARRLOK in the shoulders. TARRLOK yelps and attempts to lift his arms to no avail. NOATAK glances at TARRLOK, astonished.

TARRLOK

It's chi-blocking. I won't be able to bend for a while.

 

NOATAK moves his arms, bloodbends KUVIRA, smashing her into the truck 's windshield. The glass shatters. KUVIRA raises her head, a long gash on her left cheek, slicing her lips from the middle. 

NOATAK

(Clenches his fists)

I will put you down for good.

Starting from her fingertips, KUVIRA's skin turns to a pale blue. As the colour spreads, a layer of frost covers her fingertips.

Sirens can be heard from afar. 

TARRLOK

Lets get out of here, can't afford to have multiple witnesses.

 

NOATAK lowers his arms, releasing his bloodbending grip. NOATAK and TARRLOK darts away and vanishes at the corner of the street as KUVIRA struggles to get up.

(END OF FLASHBACK)

KUVIRA(22) hops off the bar, huffing for air. Her arms jitter from the exertion, sweat covers her face. She heads towards the sink , opens the facet and brings her head to the water. She lifts her head, the reflection in the mirror stares back at her, her scar starts on her left cheek, across her lips and ends at her chin. 

KUVIRA

(Points at her reflection)

Listen, you should've died that day, but you survived just fine. You're lucky, understood?

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY — INDUSTRIAL AREA — SUNDOWN

KORRA, MAKO and BOLIN walk along the mountains of rusty shipping containers around them. MAKO glances at the card in his hand and stops at a shipping container painted with "461".

MAKO

We've arrived.

 

KORRA

According to what I learned during the rally, their airbenders should be here, too.

MAKO nods, approaches the back of the shipping container and knocks on the doors. An INNER MEMBER opens the door.

INNER MEMBER 3

Invitations only.

 

MAKO shows the card to the man. The man gestures to them inside and locks the door from the inside.

MAKO, KORRA and BOLIN glance around. Two INNER members instruct a dozen people practicing chi-blocking with dummies. Three INNER MEMBERS demonstrate the use of electric batons and tasers to another dozen people.

INNER MEMBER 3

What do you want to practice tonight?

 

MAKO

Teach me how to chi-block.

 

INNER MEMBER 3

(Gestures to the dummies)

Over there, Brother.

MAKO heads to the people practicing with dummies.

BOLIN

Umm… maybe another time for me.

 

INNER MEMBER 3

Not a problem, Brother. (To KORRA) And what about you, Sister?

 

KORRA

I heard you offer airbending training here?

 

INNER MEMBER 3

Of course. The instructor will be here shortly.

KORRA nods and moves to a corner of the room. She leans her back against the wall, her feet fidgeting.

Minutes later, a knock on the door. INNER MEMBER 3 approaches the door and opens it. KORRA glances over the entrance and gasps in surprise. ASAMI SATO enters the room. 

INNER MEMBER 3

(To ASAMI SATO)

We have a new one.

 

INNER MEMBER 3 gestures KORRA. ASAMI SATO meets KORRA's gaze, her eyes widen.

Chapter Text

EXTERIOR. INDUSTRIAL AREA — NIGHT

Far form the warehouse, MAKO and BOLIN walk around the area.

BOLIN

(Halts)

We should call the police.

 

MAKO

You can't. If you call the police you're helping the Crimson Moon Triad.

 

BOLIN

Attacking a building with innocent lives in it isn't a crime?

 

MAKO

No bystander was hurt. They were targeting Tarrlok and Noatak, these people are probably victims of the Triad!

 

BOLIN

A murder attempt is still a murder attempt.

BOLIN picks up his steps. MAKO moves in front of BOLIN.

MAKO

(Sternly)

These people don't deserve to go to jail.

 

BOLIN

Mako, move aside.

 

MAKO

(Frowns, fists clenched) 

Not gonna happen.

 

BOLIN

Guess we're doing this the hard way, huh?

MAKO and BOLIN each assume a fighting stance, squaring up at each other.

INTERIOR. SHIPPING CONTAINER — CONTINUED

ASAMI SATO regains her composure, glances at KORRA.

INNER MEMBER 3

(Glances at KORRA, the to ASAMI SATO)

I see. Are you two an item?

 

KORRA

(Coughs, shocked)

What? No.

 

ASAMI SATO

We're both big fans of the Fire Ferrets, that's all.

 

INNER MEMBER 3

(Chuckles awkwardly)

My apologies. Anyways, excuse me.

INNER MEMBER 3 walks away.

ASAMI SATO

(Frowns)

Let's take it outside.

 

KORRA

That I can agree.

EXTERIOR. SHIPPING CONTAINER — NIGHT

KORRA

(Assumes a fighting stance)

Don't move, you're going to answer some questions.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Arms crossed)

Ask away. I didn't come here to fight you.

 

KORRA

How long have you been able to airbend?

 

ASAMI SATO

About three months.

 

KORRA

And how long have you been teaching The Brotherhood?

 

ASAMI SATO 

Since I've been training on Air Temple Island. Are you done?

 

KORRA

(Scoffs)

Not even close. You're behind the attack on the Casino, aren't you?

ASAMI SATO frowns, glaring at KORRA silence.

KORRA

(Takes a step close, bends a pair of fire daggers from her knuckles)

Answer the question.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Deep breath)

Yes.

 

KORRA

Did you plan the whole operation to assassinate Tarrlok and Noatak?

 

ASAMI SATO

You got me. Now what?

 

KORRA

(Surprised, extinguishes her fire daggers)

Why?

 

ASAMI SATO

(Coldly)

Because they killed my mother.

EXTERIOR. INDUSTRIAL AREA — CONTINUED

BOLIN stomps the ground, launching several boulders at MAKO. MAKO stretches out his arms, a shrill in the air, a spark appears in front of his knuckles, releasing a cloud of concentrated flame. The boulders crack and shatter. BOLIN throws a series of round kicks while stepping forward, rock projectiles shoot up from the ground. MAKO slips and pivots to the side, dodging the projectiles. BOLIN lifts his arms, an earthwall raises, blocking the alleyway. He turns and walks away. 

MAKO ascends to the air, two jets of fire under his fists, he flies over the wall and lands in front of BOLIN.    

BOLIN

Mako please, move.

 

MAKO

Not gonna happen.

BOLIN grits his teeth and throws punches relentlessly, launching a barrage of rocks. MAKO swings his fists, streams of fire counter the rock projectile mid course. MAKO presses forward, closes in the distance and throws a spin-kick, bending an arc of fire. BOLIN raises a wall of earth, blocking the flame. MAKO sneaks his way to BOLIN's right and strikes BOLIN in the shoulders with his fists. BOLIN yelps as his arms fall limp.

MAKO

(Mumbles)

Wow, that was quite effective.

MAKO takes several steps back.

MAKO

Get it out of your system?

BOLIN struggles to lift his arms, but the earth doesn't respond to him.

BOLIN

How dare you Chi-block me!

BOLIN lunges at MAKO. KUVIRA leaps down from a stack of shipping containers , tackles BOLIN and traps him in an arm-lock.

KUVIRA

(To BOLIN)

Are you done? 

BOLIN nods. KUVIRA releases him and helps him get up to his feet.

KUVIRA

What are you fighting over?

 

BOLIN

(Points to MAKO)

Ask him . 

 

MAKO

Ask me ? You started it!

 

BOLIN

Yeah, after you tried to stop me from reporting an attempted murder!

 

MAKO

(Squares up at BOLIN)

Towards the most notorious crime bosses of Republic City.

 

KUVIRA

(Steps between MAKO and BOLIN, pushes the two away from each other)

That's enough, I'll be asking the questions. Bolin, who are you trying to report, on what matter?

 

BOLIN

Asami Sato. We just found out she's involved in the attack on Crimson Moon Casino.

KUVIRA's eyes widen for a brief moment, but quickly return to a neutral expression.

KUVIRA

I see. Mako, why do you try to stop him?

 

MAKO

Are you kidding? If anyone in this city had it coming, it's the Crimson Moon brothers. They've taken dozens of lives and the law can't touch them, why shouldn't people seek justice?!

 

BOLIN

It's not justice, it's revenge.

 

MAKO

Either way, they deserve closure.

 

KUVIRA

I agree. All that Miss Sato wanted was to avenge her mother.

 

MAKO 

How do you know?

 

KUVIRA

I was assigned to the Yasuko Sato case. 

 

BOLIN

The press said Yasuko died of hypothermia.

 

KUVIRA

(Scoffs)

Yeah, because Tarrlok and Noatak froze her blood and bribed the forensic scientist. That's how they got away scott-free. 

 

MAKO

Freezing someone's blood... how?

 

KUVIRA

(Expression darkens)

Bloodbending... with or without a full moon.

 

BOLIN

(Glances at MAKO, then KUVIRA, sighs)

I promise I won't report Asami Sato to the police. I just hope Korra will do the same.

EXTERIOR. SHIPPING CONTAINER — CONTINUED

ASAMI SATO

(Stretches out her hand)

Take me to jail if you want, just promise me you'll catch them. 

 

KORRA stares at ASAMI SATO for a couple moments, then puts down her stance.

KORRA

(Firmly)

I will help you bring them to justice, but this doesn't mean you're off the hook.

ASAMI SATO frowns and laughs bitterly. 

ASAMI SATO

I can't ask for more.

INTERIOR. DOWNTOWN — FUTURE INDUSTRY TOWER — NIGHT

KORRA, BOLIN  MAKO and KUVIRA follow ASAMI SATO to the meeting chamber . The door is closed. ASAMI SATO gestures at KORRA, MAKO and BOLIN to stay back as she and KUVIRA approach the door. ASAMI SATO knocks. HIROSHI SATO opens the door.

ASAMI SATO

Hey, dad.

HIROSHI SATO and ASAMI SATO embrace each other and pull away.

HIROSHI SATO

Asami? You are early.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Smiles)

We're one step closer to avenge my mother. I can't wait to start the preparation.

HIROSHI SATO glances at KORRA, BOLIN and MAKO.

HIROSHI SATO

(To Asami)

What are you talking about, dear?

 

KUVIRA

It's alright, Mr. Sato. The Avatar and her friends are helping us.

 

HIROSHI SATO

I see. (Gestures to KORRA, BOLIN and MAKO) Let's waste no time, come on in. 

INTERIOR. MEETING CHAMBER — MIDNIGHT

KORRA, BOLIN, MAKO, ASAMI SATO, HIROSHI SATO and KUVIRA gather around the desk. HIROSHI SATO picks up the paperwork in front of him and glances at the document. A BUTLER pours each one of the six a cup of tea. HIROSHI SATO hands the paperwork to the BUTLER. The BUTLER nods, retreats outside of the chamber and closes the door.

KORRA

(To ASAMI SATO)

So you pulled the strings on Tenzin to call for an election? 

 

ASAMI SATO

Hardly. Councilman Tenzin has long been advocating non-bender representation on the City Council. I merely gave him a little bit more motivation during my time at Air Temple Island.

 

HIROSHI SATO

(Sips on his tea)

And it wasn't us who came up with the plan. It was Master Kuvira's idea.

KORRA grabs KUVIRA by the collar and lifts her up from the chair.

KORRA

I trusted you! 

 

KUVIRA

(Calmly)

I haven't done anything that betrays you.

 

KORRA

(Tightens her grip)

You deceived us!

 

KUVIRA

I merely withheld the information that will cause us inconvenience.

 

ASAMI SATO 

(Shoots up from her seat, slams the table)

Let her go!

 

BOLIN

Korra, you need to cool off.

 

KORRA

(To KUVIRA) 

Did you plan the casino attack, too?

 

ASAMI SATO

(Irritated)

I told you it was all me. I didn't even know she's alive until my attack failed.

 

KUVIRA

(Raises her left fist, five metal pellets float in the air, surrounding KORRA) 

Get your hands off me, Avatar. Last warning.

KORRA releases her grip and backs off, fists clenched. KUVIRA stares at KORRA for a few seconds and bends the metal pellets back into the pouch on her belt.

MAKO

What are you trying to do anyway?

 

HIROSHI SATO

We all want the same thing: bring Tarrlok and Noatak to justice.

BOLIN holds KORRA and gently guides her back to her seat.

BOLIN

What's with all the secrecy? We're more than willing to help you do that.

 

KUVIRA

(Chuckles)

Did you forget it already? You tried to report Miss Sato to the police after you found out the truth. 

 

BOLIN

(Lowers his head)

Fair…

 

MAKO

But we talked him out of it, didn't we?

 

KORRA

(Shakes her head, disappointed)

I can't believe you have this little trust in us.

 

KUVIRA

(Sternly)

This isn't a matter of trust, this is about whether a woman goes to jail for perhaps the rest of her life.

 

KORRA 

(Looks away, arms crossed)

Don't expect me to get over it soon.

 

HIROSHI SATO

(Clears his throat)

Now with that out of our way, let's go through the next step. I will campaign for the election.

 

KORRA

(Confused)

What does it have to do with catching Tarrlok and Noatak?

 

HIROSHI SATO

We use the information as bait.

HIROSHI SATO opens the door.

HIROSHI SATO

Lee?

 

BUTLER

Yes, Mr. Sato.

 

HIROSHI SATO

It's time to spread the news.

 

BUTLER 

(Nods)

Right away. 

The BUTLER disappears at the end of the hallway .  

INTERIOR. MIDTOWN — MANSION — DAWN

TARRLOK paces back and forth in the living room . NOATAK sits on the couch smoking. Half a dozen smeared cigarette ends scatter on the floor.

NOATAK

Brother, will you please sit down? I'm already tense as it is.

 

TARRLOK

(Halts, urgently)

This is bad. If a non-bender rises to the Council, there's no doubt they will issue a raid on us. We must figure out a way to call off the election.

 

NOATAK

(Sighs)

What do you think I'm doing? (Throws the cigarette end to the ground, steps on it to extinguish it) I say we buy off some politicians to oppose the election.

 

TARRLOK

I'm afraid it's not enough. Not to mention it can be easily traced back to us. (Hold his hand under his chin) We need to cause something… more disruptive. 

 

NOATAK

Social unrest? That should have a good chance to get the election canceled. But it's easier said than done.

 

TARRLOK

I say we pay off a couple newspapers. These journalists always know how to strike fear in people's hearts.

 

NOATAK

That will be expensive.

 

TARRLOK

Yes. But at least we won't be in jail, would we?

 

NOATAK

(Nods, lights up another cigarette)

Indeed. Let's get some extra cash in case we have to leave Republic City. Better safe than sorry.

INTERIOR. DOWNTOWN — CABBAGE CORPS PLAZA — DAY

The SECRETARY(47, male) darts down the corridor and rushes into the CEO office . Behind the desk sits LAU GAN-LAN(61, male, green traditional robes and Guanmao hat, graying hair and beard) reading paperworks.

LAU GAN-LAN

(Puts down the paperwork)

You didn't knock.

 

SECRETARY

(Catching his breath)

We have a problem, boss. Hiroshi Sato just made himself a candidate for the new seat in City Council. His butler sent the paperwork this morning.

 

LAU GAN-LAN

I'm aware... We can't allow our biggest competitor in power. 

 

SECRETARY

Should we run our own campaign?

 

LAU GAN-LAN

No. Let's wait for a couple days and see how Hiroshi's campaign goes. We might be able to save a few million yuans. (Waves at the SECRETARY) That will be all, Huu, you can go. Remember to knock next time.

 

The SECRETARY nods, exits the room and closes the door. LAU GAN-LAN reaches for his telephone, dials in a few numbers and picks up the speaker.

INTERIOR. CRIMSON MOON CASINO — UPSTAIR PRIVATE QUARTER — NIGHT 

LAU GAN-LAN follows two SECURITIES to the quarter . The SECURITIES opens the door and gestures inside. TARRLOK and NOATAK sit beside each other on the couch. LAU GAN-LAN approaches the brothers and takes the seat at the couch on the opposite side.

TARRLOK

(Stretches out his hand)

Fancy seeing you here, Mr. Lau.

LAU GAN-LAN shakes hands with TARRLOK. NOATAK stretches out his hand, LAU GAN-LAN shakes hands with him.

LAU GAN-LAN

The pleasure is mine. You and your brother are the best "professionals" in town.

 

NOATAK

Let's not beat around the bush. How can we help you?

 

LAU GAN-LAN

(Laughs)

That's my style. I need you to take care of my old rival Hiroshi Sato.

 

NOATAK

How much?

 

LAU GAN-LAN

Half a million.

 

TARRLOK

Come on, the man's at least worth the same as his wife, don't you think?

 

LAU GAN-LAN

Eight hundred grand.

TARRLOK and NOATAK exchange looks with each other.

NOATAK

We have a deal.

Chapter Text

INTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY — WHITE LOTUS HQ — NIGHT

In the office , ZAHEER glances over the newspaper and shakes his head. GHAZAN approaches him and reads from the newspaper.

GHAZAN

" Non-bender for City Council: Another Act to Marginalize Benders" That's a perfect recipe for disaster.

 

ZAHEER

Indeed. If this continues to develop, a riot is on the way.

 

GHAZAN

You think someone is pulling the strings?

 

ZAHEER

(Nods)

Everything in this world is more than what it appears.

  

GHAZAN

Should we intervene?

 

ZAHEER

No. We must remain politically neutral under all circumstances, that is the foundation The Order of White Lotus is built upon. 

 

GHAZAN

Surely you don't mean repeating the same mistake during the Hundred Year War? 

ZAHEER

We won't stand by idly this time. We do what The Order is meant to do: uncovering the Truth. The people will make their own decisions accordingly.

 

GHAZAN

Roger. I will contact Kuvira.

 

ZAHEER

(Nods)

Thank you, Ghazan. Before you go, have you seen Korra lately?

 

GHAZAN

Not really. What do you need?

 

ZAHEER

(Nods)

While we investigate the conspiracy, the Avatar will mediate any unrest if it occurs.

INTERIOR. FUTURE INDUSTRY TOWER — DAY

KORRA, BOLIN, MAKO, HIROSHI SATO, ASAMI SATO and KUVIRA gather in the meeting room. A radio on the centre of the long table. Static can be heard from the radio. At the head of the long table, HIROSHI SATO sits hands folded in front of his face. KORRA paces back and forth in the room.

KORRA

So... we're just gonna wait for Tarrlok and Noatak to show up?

 

HIROSHI SATO

(Calmly)

Yes. Neutral Jing is the essence of our plan.

 

BOLIN

How are you sure they're gonna show up at all?

 

HIROSHI SATO

Cabbage Corps should've already known I'm running a campaign for the seat in City Council. Their CEO has ties with the Crimson Moon Triad ever since- (Chokes on his words, looks away and wipes his eyes) Excuse me.  

 

ASAMI SATO lays a hand on HIROSHI SATO's shoulders.

ASAMI SATO

Their CEO Lau Gan-Lan hired the Crimson Moon to steal our prototype. Mum ran into Tarrlok and Noatak during the act and… (lowers her gaze) the rest is history.

KORRA glances at the Satos, she opens her mouth but refrains from speaking. KORRA looks away and exchanges looks with BOLIN. Silence ensues. MAKO fidgets his feet awkwardly.

A voice comes out from the radio speaker.

REPORTER

(Off Screen, through the radio)

Breaking news! Benders from the city have gathered in front of the City Hall, protesting against non-benders for taking away their jobs, seeing the election as another step from the government to outlaw bending. The police are struggling to contain the situation as tension continues to develop! 

HIROSHI SATO switches off the radio.

KORRA

(To KUVIRA)

So much for your plan, now I'm in an impossible position!

KUVIRA lowers her gaze and frowns.

HIROSHI SATO 

A citywide riot provides a perfect opportunity for the Triads to do their dirty work. Normally I would suggest we hunker down, but I won't stand between the Avatar and her duty.

 

KORRA

What if they attack you while I'm gone?

 

HIROSHI SATO

I love Republic City. Getting my revenge means nothing if our home is gone.

 

ASAMI SATO

Dad, no. You're the only family I have, I can't afford to lose you, too.

 

KUVIRA

Bolin, Mako and I will defend your father. 

 

ASAMI SATO

No offense, but we don't stand a chance against two bloodbenders without Avatar Korra.

 

KUVIRA

We don't have to. I can buy you time to safety.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Horrified)

No, you'd-

 

KUVIRA

(Raises her hand and interjects, solemnly)

I've gathered all the evidence needed to convict them. Our victory is already ensured, I don't have to live to see it.

ASAMI SATO slums into her chair, covering her face in her hands, she takes a couple deep breaths and recollects her composure.

ASAMI SATO

Go, Avatar.

KORRA glances at ASAMI SATO, then HIROSHI SATO, who nods at her. She clenches her fists and rushes out of the chamber .

EXTERIOR. CITY HALL — DAY

Thousands of PROTESTERS dress in traditional robes of their respective cultures gather outside of the building. Different shades of red, blue and green flood the city square . The PROTESTERS carry cardboard signs of " stop non-bender supremacy " and " protect workers' rights ". Some of them bends puffs of flames, splashes of water and pebbles and spouts of breeze, forming a carpet made of the four elements above their heads. The PROTESTERS chant the slogans "bending is a right" and "we want our jobs back". 

POLICE OFFICERS barricade the nearby roads, leaving only one entrance from the main street . LIN BEIFONG guards the main road with three units of POLICE OFFICERS.

LIN BEIFONG

(Eyes widen, to the main street)

What the flameo-

Two dozen BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS (black tactical clothes and gas mask) march down the mainstreet in formation. They remain in complete silence, their boots hitting the road in synchronized pace.

The PROTESTORS approach the Brotherhood formation. LIN BEIFONG and her POLICE OFFICERS metal bends the barricades, blocking the entrance.

PROTESTOR 1

(Towards The Brotherhood formation)

Here comes the non-bending elites!

 

PROTESTOR 2

They replaced us with machines!

 

PROTESTOR 3

Now they want to make bending illegal!

LIN BEIFONG glances at a LIEUTENANT. 

LIN BEIFONG

Crowd control.

 

LIEUTENANT

Yes, ma'am.

The LIEUTENANT gestures to other OFFICERS. POLICE OFFICERS spread out and press forward, driving the PROTESTORS back. A PROTESTOR bends a stream of water, knocking a POLICE OFFICER off his feet. Other PROTESTORS follow with their own bending attacks. POLICE OFFICERS bends a wall of earth in front of the crowd. PROTESTORS hurls streams of fire and water, rocks and gusts of compressed air, tearing down the wall in a matter of seconds.

LIN BEIFONG 

Fall back! (Picks up her motorola) All units to city square!

POLICE OFFICERS assume a tight formation and move back slowly. Gust of wind and streams of water hits a couple OFFICERS in the head, knocking them unconscious. PROTESTORS push forward, trampling whoever ends up on the ground. 

JEE (masked) gestures to his comrades. They hurl an array of grenades into the crowd. The grenades release a cloud of knock-out gas. Upon contact, POLICE OFFICERS and PROTESTORS alike collapse to the ground.

LIN BEIFONG and a platoon of her officers barely escapes the gas, coughing and heaving for breath.  approaches her.

JEE

Call in the United Forces. We'll buy you some time.

 

LIN BEIFONG glances at the BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS, then gestures to her officer. The whole platoon darts away with her.

JEE takes out an electric baton and a shock glove. 

JEE

(To YANG)

Well, what do you say?

 

YANG

(Masked)

I say get this under control

The BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS dart into the crowd.

INTERIOR. FUTURE INDUSTRY TOWER — MEETING CHAMBER — DAY

HIROSHI SATO holds a shock glove, adjusting the power switches. MAKO, BOLIN and ASAMI SATO stand guard near HIROSHI SATO. KUVIRA puts one hand against the wall, eyes closed.

BOLIN 

This is like a stake out, but in reverse.

 

MAKO

(Stretches and yawns)

I don't think they're coming for us today. Maybe we should all take a nap-

 

KUVIRA

(Opens her eyes)

Window! 

An icicle shatters the glass. From the opening, a stream of water carries five TRIAD ASSOCIATES into the room. ASAMI SATO punches forward, a gust of wind sends TRIAD ASSOCIATE 1 out of the building. MAKO shoots jets of flames from his knuckles. TRIAD ASSOCIATES 2 bends a wall of flames, neutralizing MAKO's attack.

KUVIRA moves her fingers, a metal pellet flies out from the pouch on her belt. She flicks her wrist, the metal pellet flies through the flame wall and hits TRIAD ASSOCIATE 2 in the temple. TRIAD ASSOCIATE 2 drop unconscious, the flame wall dissipates.

TRIAD ASSOCIATE 3 bends a stream of water from his waterskin. MAKO bends a stream of fire to counter, a stone hits him in the gut. TRIAD ASSOCIATE 4 points his fists at MAKO, bending another rocks towards the firebender. 

BOLIN stomps the ground, launching a rock of his own. Two rocks collide mid-course, shattering to sand and dust. BOLIN bends another rock at TRIAD ASSOCIATE 4, knocking him back.

KUVIRA bends the dust, hurling it towards TRIAD ASSOCIATE 3's eyes. TRIAD ASSOCIATE 3 shrieks in pain. ASAMI SATO throws a spinning kick, a spout of air drives TRIAD ASSOCIATE 3 out of the building.

MAKO, BOLIN and KUVIRA glance at ASAMI SATO, astonished.

MAKO bounces back and forth, bending an array of flames at TRIAD ASSOCIATE 5. TRIAD ASSOCIATE 5 bends several rocks to block the flame. MAKO pivots to the side and points forward with two fingers. A lightning bolt fires from his fingertips and explodes at TRIAD ASSOCIATE 5's feet. The man hits the wall and falls unconscious.

TRIAD ASSOCIATE 4 glances over the window, then glimpses at ASAMI SATO and gulps in horror. ASAMI SATO's eyes narrow, she raises her fist. HIROSHI SATO grabs ASAMI SATO's wrist. A spout of air collides with the ceiling, leaving cracks on the concrete. 

TRIAD ASSOCIATE 4 

(Drops to his knees, shuddering)

Please, I have a family!

ASAMI SATO grabs the man by his collar and lifts him off the ground.

ASAMI SATO

(Scoffs)

And why should I care? The Crimson Moon didn't give a second thought when they murdered my mother.

 

HIROSHI SATO

(Sternly)

Asami, that's enough.

ASAMI SATO drops the man, grumbles as she walks away.

HIROSHI SATO

Where are Tarrlok and Noatak?

 

TRIAD ASSOCIATE 4

I don't know. They sent us here, told us to 'make some noises, roughen him up a little and bounce'.

 

HIROSHI SATO

Noted. Thank you for the information.

HIROSHI SATO touches the man's shoulder with his shock glove, zapping the man unconscious.

HIROSHI SATO

(Contemplative)

Looks like Tarrlok and Noatak are using them as a diversion.

 

KUVIRA

There's only one explanation-

 

KUVIRA, MAKO

(Simultaneously)

They're trying to flee the city.

KUVIRA glances at MAKO, surprised and impressed.

MAKO 

The harbour, most likely.

 

KUVIRA

(Nods) 

Land and air traffics are compromised due to the riot, it's the fastest way out of the city.

 

BOLIN 

If we're going to fight bloodbenders, we all have to go to stand a chance.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Expression darkens)

Then what are we waiting for?

BOLIN glances at the unconscious TRIAD ASSOCIATES.

BOLIN 

Not so fast, we have to figure out what to do with them.

 

KUVIRA

We can dump them on the street.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Assumes an airbending stance)

Consider it done.

KUVIRA steps in front of ASAMI SATO, blocking her from the TRIAD ASSOCIATES.

KUVIRA

Not through the window. We'll carry them downstairs and leave them on the sidewalk.

 

HIROSHI SATO

(Concerned)

Asami, are you okay?

 

ASAMI SATO

(Turns her head away)

I'm fine. 

ASAMI SATO picks up TRIAD ASSOCIATE 1 and heads towards the door. 

MAKO

Wait, what if they're already offshore when we arrive?

 

BOLIN

Come on, I never planned to fight them on shore.

 

MAKO

Are you crazy?! How are we gonna fight them on open water when we don't even have a waterbender!

 

BOLIN

(Grins)

 I'm a Captain of the navy, remember?

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY DOWNTOWN— DAY

KORRA rushes down the streets, gasps upon seeing the scene.

The PROTESTERS overwhelm the combined forces of the police and The Brotherhood. A group of POLICE OFFICERS and BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS pick up their injured from the ground and retreat. A barrage of ice pikes and fire jets fly towards them. 

KORRA stomps the ground, a wall of earth rises, blocking the projectiles. 

BROTHERHOOD MEMBER 1

(To KORRA)

Find Yang and Jee.

 

KORRA nods and walks towards the chaos. She stretches out her arms and moves in a circular motion. A spiral of air forms around her and expands. The current grows stronger, extinguishing flames, creating a path in front of her. PROTESTERS struggle to keep their footings, forced to step back. KORRA sprints into the city square, an array of ice shards heads towards her way. She bends a tile of stones to block them. 

PROTESTER 4

It's the Avatar!

A dozen PROTESTERS glance at KORRA and flee the scene.

KORRA's eyes dart around the perimetre. Thirty yards away a group of PROTESTERS surround two BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS. Two EARTHBENDERS launch an array of stones, knocking the two down. 

KORRA swings her arms, bending streams of fire. The fire whips and swipes across the crowd, PROTESTERS jump back. KORRA presses forward, launching a series of fire jets at the PROTESTERS. The PROTESTERS rush back, two of them raise a wall of earth, blocking the projectiles and run away. She sprints towards the two INNER MEMBERS and helps them get up to their feet.

KORRA 

(Glances at their faces)

Yang, Jee?

 

JEE

Thanks for saving our lives, Avatar.

 

KORRA

(Smiles)

My job is to save people.

 

YANG

Hold them back, the United Forces should arrive at any minute now. We can take care of each other.

KORRA nods and heads into the crowd.

YANG and JEE hold onto each other's shoulders as crutches and walk away. 

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY HARBOUR — DAY

TARRLOK and NOATAK approach a speedboat , TARRLOK throws a bag onto the boat's floor and hops into the boat.

NOATAK

 So we're just gonna run away like this?

 

TARRLOK

Downtown's in riot, (points at the bag) here goes three hundred grand from Lau Gan-Lan's deposit, should last us a while. It's now or never.

 

NOATAK

 The United Forces will be here to deal with the riot, there isn't an election anytime soon. 

 

TARRLOK

They will put the city under martial law –the last thing we want.

 

NOATAK

Our concern is with the police, not the military.

 

TARRLOK

I figured there will be a crack down on us regardless. Why do you think I sent goons to give Hiroshi a visit?

 

NOATAK

You suspect Lau is setting us up?

 

TARRLOK

Yes and no. (Turns on the engine) You're going with me or not? 

 

NOATAK sighs and hops into the speedboat. TARRLOK pushes the throttle, the speedboat sails away from shore.

NOATAK

How are you so sure about the crack down?

 

TARRLOK

Our cover's blown. The police saw the Brotherhood scums we killed at the casino. Doesn't take a forensic scientist to tell it's from bloodbending. We can't bribe our way out of this. 

 

NOATAK

I see. You think we alerted the White Lotus.

 

TARRLOK

(Nods)

There isn't a single thing in this world the White Lotus doesn't know. They're everywhere. 

 

NOATAK

(Laughs)

You don't happen to think Lau Gan-Lan is a White Lotus operative? 

 

TARRLOK

No. Everyone expects Cabbage Corp would do something to get rid of Hiroshi after he signed up for the election. The White Lotus might've used this situation to lure us out.

 

NOATAK

(Contemplative)

And we haven't received any news from the goons, which only proves the point.

A battleship appears on the horizon.

TARRLOK

What is the navy doing here?

 

An array of stone discs flies towards the speedboat . NOATAK stands up, bending a tidal wave, absorbing the stone discs. 

NOATAK

Now you know.

EXTERIOR. DOWNTOWN — DAY

KORRA stomps the ground, raising four long walls of earth around her . She spreads her arms apart, the earth walls move towards the edge of the square, pushing the PROTESTERS away from the square. PROTESTERS move to the nearby roads.

Several PROTESTERS hurl flames and rocks at KORRA. Two tiles of stones rise, shielding her from both sides. KORRA turns her head to the direction.

From the main street , two companies of UNITED FORCES SOLDIERS march to the city square. GENERAL IROH(37, male, clean shaven face, tall with broad shoulders, uniform) leads the formation at the front. GENERAL IROH switches on an electric speaker.

GENERAL IROH

Leave this perimetre immediately. The city is under martial law. 

GENERAL IROH approaches KORRA.

GENERAL IROH

(Salutes)

Thank you, Avatar Korra. We'll take it from here.

Chapter Text

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY WATER — DAY

BOLIN stands on the rim of the battleship . Four stacks of earth discs pile on the deck behind him. A spiral of water heads towards the ship, he bends two stacks of earth disc, blocking the water stream. 

BOLIN

(Turns back)

Mako, Kuvira, fire away!

MAKO and KUVIRA rush towards the cannon on the battleship. KUVIRA metalbends the lever on the cannon, turning its barrel to the speedboat. MAKO bends continuous flames into the firing chamber. The flame comes out from the other side of the barrel as a concentrated stream.

TARRLOK twists the yoke, the speedboat takes a sharp turn to the right. Compressed fire stream explodes several feets away from the vessel, tossing it into the air. TARRLOK and NOATAK abandon their boat, each bends a vortex of water elevating them above the sea. 

More concentrated fire blasts head towards them. The two bends their vortex of water, doding side to side, missing the blasts.

NOATAK waterbends a tidal wave, absorbing a continuous blast of fire.

NOATAK

Why is the military after us?

Another cannon fire blast heads towards TARRLOK. TARRLOK bends a stream of water to counter. The water quickly evaporates. Three splotches of molten rocks fly out of the steam. TARRLOK gasps and dodges. The projectile lands in the water and sizzles. 

TARRLOK

It's not the military.

INTERIOR. BATTLESHIP — NAVIGATION ROOM — CONTINUES

HIROSHI SATO glances at the two moving vortexes of water on the sea, and pushes the throttle to the highest gear.

EXTERIOR. BATTLESHIP — CONTINUED

The battleship closes in on TARRLOK and NOATAK, who glide to the side of the ship on water vortexes. BOLIN bends a stack of stone discs and launches them all at once. The waterbenders retract the vortexes of water and glide on the surface of the water. The stone discs fly over their heads. ASAMI SATO swings her fists and legs, consecutive gusts of wind knocks TARRLOK and NOATAK off their feet, tossing them into the air.

BOLIN

Mako!

 

MAKO sprints to the edge of the deck, two fingers pointing towards the sky. A lightning bolt fires from his fingertips. NOATAK rushes to bend a plank of ice in front of him and TARRLOK. 

The lightning explodes into a web of electricity, shattering the ice. The water splashes. TARRLOK and NOATAK are nowhere to be found.

KUVIRA

(Rushes to the center of the deck)

Over here, now!

MAKO, BOLIN, ASAMI SATO run to KUVIRA. The four stand back to back in fighting stances, all eyes on the water.

A wave splashes on the deck and freezes to ice. TARRLOK and NOATAK(singes and burns cover both of their clothes) glides along the ice bridge, upwards. MAKO stretches out his arm, pointing two fingers forward, sparks around his fingertips. NOATAK holds out his hand, MAKO's arm twists to his back, the lightning bolt explodes near his feet, knocking him into the air. MAKO crashes to the ground unconscious. 

NOATAK

You don't understand the power we possess.

ASAMI SATO grits her teeth, spins two round kicks, bending two arcs of compressed air. KUVIRA lavabends two pairs of rocks from her pockets and hurls them out in spinning discs. BOLIN stomps the ground, bending all two stacks of stone dics, launching them in a barrage. The lava and stone projectiles ride on the arc of air, gaining speed. 

NOATAK stretches out his arms and clenches his fists, bloodbending ASAMI SATO, BOLIN and KUVIRA. The three crash into the deck face-front. TARRLOK swings his arms, a tidal wave thirty story tall rises behind him, forming a temporary opening when moving past him and freezes into an ice wall metres thick. The arcs of air cut deep into the ice wall, stone and lava discs collide with it, shattering it into pieces. 

BOLIN and ASAMI SATO struggle to get up. NOATAK drives his hands down, slamming the three back onto the ground. KUVIRA twitches her fingers, two metal pellets fly out from her pockets. TARRLOK clenches his fists, KUVIRA's arms twist against her joints. The metal pellets fly over NOATAK's head.

NOATAK

(Scoffs)

You expect us to fall for the same trick?

 

TARRLOK

We should've finished you long ago.

TARRLOK and NOATAK bloodbend in unison. A layer of frost covers each of BOLIN, ASAMI SATO and KUVIRA's fingertips and slowly creeps up to the rest of their hands.

A gust of wind knocks TARRLOK and NOATAK off the ground. Fifty yards away, KORRA levitates on a vortex of water. She moves her arms in circular motions, a cyclone of air draws the two spinning in the spiral, tossing them off the deck.

INTERIOR. NAVIGATION ROOM — CONTINUED

HIROSHI SATO glances over the window. NOATAK and TARRLOK free fall into the ocean. HIROSHI SATO flips a switch on the control panel.

UNDERWATER — CONTINUED

NOATAK and TARRLOK waterbends, keeping bubbles of air around them and sink under the surface. Two torpedoes fire from the battleship, heading towards their way. The two gasp, bend the undercurrent, scattering away from the lines of fire. The torpedoes explode, popping the air bubble around them. The two waterbends, surfacing on spouts of water, coughing and heaving for air. 

EXTERIOR. SEA-- CONTINUED

KORRA punches, consecutive jets of fire shoot from her knuckles. The flame blasts through the water spouts, disrupting their structures. TARRLOK and NOATAK fall to the water, a barrage of stone discs hit them mid course. On the battleship deck, ASAMI SATO throws a round kick, a spout of air, sending NOATAK and TARRLOK higher into the sky. BOLIN swings his arms, bending a dozen stone discs. 

The first couple stone discs connect with their gut. TARRLOK and NOATAK shield their arms in front of their faces, blocking the next couple of stone discs. KUVIRA swipes her hands forward, eight metal pellets strike TARRLOK and NOATAK in the pressure points on their shoulders and legs. The two shriek in pain, their limbs falls limp as they plunge to the water.  

KORRA, BOLIN, ASAMI SATO and KUVIRA all fix their eyes on the surface of the water.

Minutes pass, the water remains still. 

MAKO stirs awake.

MAKO

(Glances around)

What happened?

KORRA bends the water vortex, carrying herself onto the deck. The battleship sails towards the shore.

KORRA 

(Somberly)

We won.

 

MAKO

(Hesitantly)

Ahh.. congratulations?

 

KORRA 

(Sulks her head)

Sure.

 

MAKO

Where are they?

KORRA heads into the cabin. BOLIN glares at MAKO then chases KORRA.

KUVIRA

(To MAKO)

Dead, presumably.  

MAKO's eyes widen, then glances at ASAMI SATO, whose expression remains solemn.

ASAMI SATO

We did it…

 

KUVIRA 

Yes, Miss Sato. You have avenged your mother.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Glances at the water)

This doesn't make any sense, I got what I wanted, I should be happy, but I'm not. And I don't know why!

ASAMI SATO hurls her fists forward, a gust of wind shoots into the sky. KUVIRA stands leaning against the railings, arms crossed, not shifting the slightest in her posture and expression.

ASAMI SATO

Are you happy seeing them dead?

 

KUVIRA

I wasn't personally invested in this.

 

ASAMI SATO

(Shocked)

They almost killed you. Aren't you at least… angry?

 

KUVIRA

Anger doesn't restore my full bending power, or bring your mother back. It doesn't serve us, so why cling onto it?

 

ASAMI SATO

(Frowns, then sighs)

As if emotions are servants you can just… summon and dismiss.

 

KUVIRA

It's exactly what they are.

INTERIOR. CABIN — CONTINUED

KORRA and BOLIN enters the cabin.

BOLIN

Korra, are you okay?

 

KORRA

(Grasps her hair)

Am I okay? I just killed two people!

 

BOLIN

Technically, Kuvira and I did. 

 

KORRA

Come on, we all did. It was a team effort.

 

BOLIN

(Lowers his gaze)

You're right… But they deserved it anyway.

 

KORRA

(Smiles bitterly)

I guess Asami Sato gets to keep her secrets afterall.

BOLIN spreads out his arms and embraces KORRA.

KORRA

Thanks, Bolin. You always know when I need a hug.

EXTERIOR. REPUBLIC CITY STREET— NIGHT

A platoon of United Forces soldiers march down the road. On the sidewalks civilians halt and stares at the soldiers.

The SECOND LIEUTENANT raises a hand. His troops halt.

SECOND LIEUTENANT 

(Glances at the civilians)

Go home. Curfew in effect until sunrise.

Civilians exchange looks with each other and head into the buildings nearby, some give angry stares to the soldiers.

INTERIOR. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND — LIVING QUARTERS — NIGHT

TENZIN, PEMA and their kids gather around the dinner table.

PEMA 

(Enters, carrying plates of food)

Dinner's served.

 

MEELO

I'm starving.

PEMA sets the plates onto the table and sits down besides TENZIN. MEELO digs his hand into the dishes. IKKI glances at MEELO and rolls her eyes.

IKKI

Manners, Meelo.

JINORA and IKKI begin eating. PEMA picks up a bite of food with chopsticks, she glances at TENZIN, who sits as still as a statue. PEMA puts the food into her bowl and puts down the bowl.

PEMA

(To TENZIN)

Are you okay, dear? 

 

TENZIN

(Glances at JINORA, IKKI and MEELO)

I'm fine. I just don't have an appetite. 

TENZIN stands up and leaves the living room. PEMA follows him to the—

PATIO.

PEMA

(Approaches TENZIN and lays a hand on his shoulders)

What's been bothering you?

 

TENZIN

(Slouches his posture and sits on the stairs)

This is my fault. The riot, the martial laws… it all happened because I called for the election.

 

PEMA

The issues between benders and non-benders have been there since the first machine was invented. Technologies took away jobs from benders, but for non-benders, it gave them an equal footing for the first time in history. Electing a non-bender into the council is a step in the right direction.

 

TENZIN

(Closes his eyes and exhales long)

But at what cost? 

 

PEMA

Change can be uncomfortable, but your decision will change thousands of lives for the better.

 

TENZIN

(Leans forward, puts his hands around his head)

Would you give me some space, dear? I need to think this through.