(See the end of the chapter for notes .)

Chapter Text

EXT. EARTH KINGDOM TOWN

In the distance, the Water Tribe ships anchored outside a small ocean harbor. However, the focus of this shot is inland, on a town in the middle of a heavily agricultural valley between temperate forested mountain ridges. The center of the town is an ancient walled city, but the new growth around it is modern. Korra's airship is moored in a field nearby. Large open pit mines are visible in the near distance.

KORRA exits the airship to meet a small delegation from the town. Her friends descend behind her as a vehicle carrying UNALAQ and ESKA with other Northern Water tribe people pulls up on the road nearby. The leader of the local delegation, EARTH TOWN MAYOR, bows.

EARTH TOWN MAYOR

Thank you for coming in our hour of need, Avatar. Nothing we have tried has managed to placate the great guardian. We are in sore need of your guidance.

KORRA

It is my honor. All right, when did this spirit first appear? The first sighting. If we can figure out a timeline for when it arrived maybe that will tell us-

EARTH TOWN MAYOR

Oh, Avatar, um, I'm afraid you might misunderstand...The spirit has always been here. Shanshang has been the guardian spirit of the holy mountain since before our ancestors first arrived in this valley. For thousands of years he was a quiet blessing to this land, but now in only the last year...there's been, incidents.

OPAL

You mean deaths.

EARTH TOWN MAYOR

Er, yes. Well, disappearances.

KORRA

Don't worry. I will figure out how to stop this.

They begin walking into the town. Many of the buildings are starting to be festooned with decorations. BUMI looks up at some of the decorations as the pass.

BUMI

Nice kit.

BOLIN

Yeah, it looks like you're ready for a party. Little early, isn't it? Isn't New Years still a couple weeks away?

EARTH TOWN MAYOR

The new year is always our most important festival, and this particular date is of course a very exceptional number.

MAKO

It's one seventy six. What's so special about that number?

EARTH TOWN MAYOR

Oh, of course, in the United Republic you use the new calendar. No, we in this town keep to the the traditional Earth Kingdom system, divined from the motion of the stars and the planets. In that, our current year is nine thousand nine hundred and ninety nine. A once in a lifetime event to say the least.

KORRA

(suspicious and agitated)

Wait. Ten thousand years? That sounds like an ominously round number. And now all this ancient spirit stuff is happening across the world, something about a great change coming. That's got to be something. Is there some ancient legend or something of what happened the last time around that could give us a hint?

UNALAQ makes like he is beginning to talk but the EARTH TOWN MAYOR interrupts.

EARTH TOWN MAYOR

(very worried)

You think our guardian spirit's rage is brought on by the heavens?

TENZIN

(sighs)

We'd have no way of knowing. Korra, I don't think you've really grasped how long ten thousand years is. The oldest written legend we've ever discovered is four thousand years old. The entire concept of writing itself was invented about five thousand years ago.

KORRA

Oh. Ok, never mind. Still, why didn't anyone tell me about this new millennium thing before now?

UNALAQ

(unexpressive)

In our Tribe's holy calendar, this is year eleven eighty four.

ASAMI

I...sort of did. Remember, we talked about the special New Years party at the observatory? I said I'd bought that dress?

TENZIN

(to Korra)

I know the White Lotus taught you the traditional calendars. Also, I mentioned this exact same fact to you three weeks ago.

KORRA

(defensive)

Never mind. Never mind.

(to Asami)

Wait, what does an observatory have to do with ten thousand years?

ASAMI

(winces)

There's kind of going to be a grand alignment of all the planets on New Years night.

KORRA

See? That: suspicious.

VARRICK and ZHULI pull up in a new car and get out. ZHULI is carrying a movie camera.

KORRA

Also: that.

(to Varrick)

What are you doing up here?

VARRICK

Shooting some test footage! Also, you know, the spirit crisis thing, general safety of the people, yadda yadda. I've got investments in the area.

KORRA

Don't you always.

OPAL

I was in this valley two years ago, before Kuvira rolled through. These mines have been massively expanded since then.

VARRICK

They certainly have! Snapped them up as soon as they got cut free from Kuvira's nationalizing. Almost criminally cheap, right Zhuli?

ZHULI

(nods)

Almost, sir.

KORRA

(glares)

Your company comes here, and then the spirits attack. Just like the southern oil wells.

VARRICK

Don't worry, I'm sure you'll figure that all this spirit stuff. I've got faith in you. Ooh, Zhuli, get Bolin in this shot. I love that kid! Charisma out his ears!

MAKO shoves his hand over the lens and pushes them back. ESKA is watching this whole exchange with great suspicion.

BOLIN

What do they mine here anyway?

OPAL

It's a unique mineral, a some special stone. Around here they call it Turtle Bone.

BOLIN

Woah. That's a big turtle.

MAKO

It's not actual turtles. That's just a name.

ASAMI

And Varrick's name on the mining equipment. Now why am I not surprised? It always seems like he manages to be one step ahead of me.

MAKO

(suddenly more serious)

Yeah, that. Asami, back at the Fire Nation I found something out you might need to know. About the Water Tribes and about Varrick. It seems he has a secret on his boat.







EXT. BROKEN TEMPLE, DAY

They approach a small Daoist style temple at the edge of the town. It is heavily damaged, with walls smashed and what look like massive claw marks gouged in the wooden pillars.

EARTH TOWN MAYOR

The temple was one of the first places the guardian spirit attacked. Since then everything has been getting worse.

TENZIN

When was this?

EARTH TOWN MAYOR

Sixteen months ago, long before anyone got hurt. At first we thought someone had offended the Shanshang and he was just reminding us of his authority.

KORRA

Sixteen months? But that was even before Kuvira's spirit energy weapon was first fired. Damn it, If there wasn't an easy solution, I was hoping that the cause was at least an easy one to understand.

UNALAQ

The truth is rarely easy to grasp, and the path to right action, never so.

KORRA

(sighs)

If the spirit has been here thousands of years like you say, then one of my past lives has to have met him at some point. I'm going to find who that was, and then bring all their memories to the front. I'm not going to make the same mistake I did with the Face Stealer. I won't endanger more people with my ignorance.

MAKO

Uh, ok. What are the rest of us supposed to do in the meantime?

KORRA

Go somewhere safe. This is the Avatar's responsibility.

ASAMI starts to objects, but then she reconsiders and nods.

ASAMI

Of course. Whatever we can do to help.

BOLIN

Uh, sure?

ASAMI, BOLIN, MAKO, and OPAL exit and start walking back towards the town.

BOLIN

So, what? I guess we could go see what Varrick's filming now? Where did he get to?

OPAL

Korra's acting weird, isn't she? All this reliance on the dead Avatars unnerves me. I noticed you didn't mention what Mako said about Eska sneaking on the southern ship.

ASAMI

Korra's almost literally got the weight of the world on her shoulders. In addition to all the...other stress. Not everyone grew up with a family as accepting as yours, Opal. If we can help her by keeping out of the way for a bit, then that’s what we will do. There are plenty of other ways we can aid the mission.

MAKO

(raises an eyebrow)

And you think sneaking onto Varrick's ship to spy helps that?

ASAMI

Like Korra said, spirits are the Avatar's responsibility. We can help with the humans. Varrick is caught up in all this somehow, and if you're right about Eska, Unalaq now knows what he’s up to. I don't like Korra being left out of that loop.

MAKO

(nods)

And at the moment, Varrick and company are here in town filming instead of down on their boat. And I'm not in my jurisdiction. Bolin, ready for some criminal trespassing?

BOLIN stretches his arms and cracks his knuckles with a smile.

BOLIN

Born ready. Right. Like the lady says, we'll...go for a walk. Ask a few questions, see a few things.

ASAMI

(frowns slightly)

Stop making me feel like a mob boss.

BOLIN

(sly grin)

Right, boss. Whatever you say.

ASAMI

(exasperated)

Opal...?

OPAL

Of course. Come on boys. It looks like the air nation has a new public service mission.







EXT. BROKEN TEMPLE

KORRA sits in lotus position meditation. Around her, the light on the rest of the scene dims as she remains unchanged. All the other people nearby and the temple itself fade away. Then her half-closed eyes briefly flash with light.

Shadowy figures of past Avatars, in the exact same posture, fade in and out of view all around her.

NUMEROUS VOICES

(indistinct whispering)

Effort and strain begins to show on Korra's face as the shifting ranks of Avatars seem to be pulled past her, like she is searching through the back rows. There are always more Avatars appearing in the misty distance behind them. A soft voice female begins to speak, at first hard to make out but slowly growing more distinct.

ANCIENT AVATAR

The people of the valley sent word for the Avatar to mediate in a dispute regarding the other world. I came, and I said...

The shape of ANCIENT AVATAR coalesces in front of KORRA. Then ANCIENT AVATAR's eyes snap open.

ANCIENT AVATAR

(commanding yell)

Spirit!







EXT. PAST EARTH KINGDOM TOWN

Zoom out from ANCIENT AVATAR's face to show her standing in this same valley in the far past. The town and temple are both much smaller and show archaic construction. ANCIENT AVATAR looks into the forest that starts nearby.

ANCIENT AVATAR

I have come as the bridge between the spirit world and the material world!

Then a large spirit, SHANSHANG, slowly materializes under the shadows of the trees. The spirit is bipedal but hairy and animalistic, with a crude wooden mask on its face and thin green vines wrapping around a few places on its body. It vaguely resembles a giant Aye-aye, from what can be glimpsed between the branches.

SHANSHANG

(loud whisper)

Tell me, do you remember?

ANCIENT AVATAR

Yes, with great effort I have gained the memories of our last meeting, from over two thousand years ago. Back then you were kinder, you would not even resort to scaring people off like this.

SHANSHANG

(shakes head sadly)

You do not remember. Every new body, the memory fades. Is she even still there?

ANCIENT AVATAR

She? Who are you talking about? A past Avatar?

SHANSHANG

It does not matter.

SHANSHANG steps forward and the ANCIENT AVATAR sinks info a fighting stance. But then the tension vanishes as SHANSHANG kneels.

SHANSHANG

(Bows head)

I will acquiesce to the humans' desire, for my debt to what is past. For forgiveness for what is yet to come. That you both might find your way back to the beginning. That you might remember your true power.

At the last word, SHANSHANG's head snaps to the side and looks straight into the camera.







EXT. BROKEN TEMPLE

KORRA snaps out of the meditation with a sharp breath.

TENZIN

Did you find the memory you need?

KORRA

Yes, a memory. A life. One from maybe three thousand years ago. I've never dug so far back before, after a certain point it all starts getting hazy. The past Avatars blur together.

(stands)

It seems this spirit is in my debt, somehow, so this stop may be easier than the last fight. But he's still dangerous, so I don't want anyone going with me who can't hold their own against a powerful spirit. Chief Unalaq?

UNALAQ

Of course, Avatar. Eska, in my absence oversee the defense of the town. Pull more troops from the ships in case this spirit also chooses to attack the vulnerable.

ESKA

Of course, Father.

KORRA

Then let’s go.

KORRA and UNALAQ exit into the trees.

ESKA

(to NORTHERN SOLDIER)

You have command of the town defense. You will reinforced this place with the ship's marines, however I have other duties back in the harbor. Unlike my father, I notice people. I notice who is suddenly absent.

NORTHERN SOLDIER

(hesitates slightly, then salutes)

Yes, mam.

BUMI and TENZIN exchange suspicious looks at ESKA blatantly countermanding her father a moment after he left.







EXT. MOUNTAIN FOREST, DAY

KORRA and UNALAQ walk through the trees.

KORRA

Does Eska know that spirit water swirl technique you used back in the Fire Nation?

UNALAQ

Unfortunately, no. The purification ritual requires rare spiritual talent in addition to water-bending skill. She is sadly lacking in the former.

(turns to Korra)

You could learn the technique.

KORRA

There's a lot I need to learn. It's twice now I've heard the spirits say I have forgotten something. That the Avatar has forgotten. Well, at least the answers start now.

They enter into a forest clearing near a cave with ancient holy carvings on the rocks. KORRA steps forward and plants her feet on the ground.

KORRA

Spirit! I have come as the bridge between the spirit world and the material world!

SHANSHANG materializes in the shadows, He is now much bigger than he was in the vision, wilder and covered in more clinging vines that look thicker and more painful.

KORRA

(shaken)

Woah. I guess three thousand years is a long time.

SHANSHANG

(deep, slow, growling voice)

Avatar.







EXT. EARTH KINGDOM HARBOR, SOUTHERN DELEGATION SHIP, DAY

MAKO, BOLIN, and OPAL sneak down to the wharf right beside the southern delegation's cargo ship. Across the harbor, there is a commotion as Northern Troops march off the northern ship and head off in the direction of the old town. ESKA is visible staying behind on the northern ship.

BOLIN

Wait, why are the northerners leaving their ship?

MAKO

(suspicious)

All the northern troops leaving, but Eska the head of security is arriving instead. Why would she do that?

OPAL

Doesn't matter, like Asami said, we have to know what Varrick's up to.

MAKO

And you two can do that. I've got to investigate what Eska has planned.

BOLIN

Mako, are you sure that's a good-

OPAL

No time. There's no one on deck here so we have to go now. Mako, do whatever you want.

She summons up a wind and carries her and Bolin up onto the southern ship. MAKO splits off to head towards the Northern Ship.







INT. SHIP HOLD

BOLIN

I'm mind of having second thoughts, and maybe third thoughts. Are you sure Korra is going to like us breaking in to spy on her parents?

OPAL

We're spying on Varrick, not them. Luckily there's almost no one onboard right now.

BOLIN

Yeah, wait. Where is everyone? I didn't see any of them in the town.

OPAL and BOLIN sneak through corridors until they find the hold. It is entirely filled with weapons and war vehicles.

BOLIN

Woah, what is all this?

OPAL

This is a new war about to happen. And Varrick wants to be the one to start it.

ZHULI enters behind them.

ZHULI

No. The war has already begun. I'm afraid the rest of you just haven't noticed yet.







EXT. SOUTHERN AIR TEMPLE, DAY

JINORA descends from the air on top of her bison, towards the spires and cliffs of the temple above the clouds. She lands on a designated platform as air acolytes come out of the temple to meet her.

ACOLYTE

Welcome, Master Jinora, to the Southern Air Temple.

(gestures)

The archive has been prepared for you.







INT. SOUTHERN AIR TEMPLE

JINORA searches among books and ancient artifacts in a dusty archive room.

JINORA

(frustrated)

This is all useless. All these writings are recounting ancient spirit stories Korra can probably just remember being there for. If this kind of global disturbance had ever happened before, the Avatar would know before these books.

JINORA looks up at an ancient artifact. She has a realization.

JINORA

Before books.

JINORA exits the room.

Inside a new chamber she begins to opens shelves. JINORA examines fragments of an ancient pot, laid together they show a painted image of a human figure standing on a black Yang symbol, reaching up to grasp a white Yin symbol above. The Yin, the Yang, and the human figure all have the same arcane pattern as Korra sometimes shows glowing on her body.







EXT. MOUNTAIN FOREST, DAY

The spirit stands in the shadows under the trees. Long clawed hands grip around tree trunks. Behind him, reality seems to waver and limp humans wrapped in vine cocoons can now be seen.

UNALAQ

(quietly)

Avatar. The missing townsfolk. They are still alive.

SHANSHANG

(slowly, to Korra)

I know... I know you.

KORRA

Shanshang the spirit, the humans of this valley are under my protection.

SHANSHANG

(growls)

You stink of humanity. Stink.

KORRA

As Avatar it is my duty to mediate with the spirit world. Tell me what started this. Why have you started attacking humans?

SHANSHANG

Started? Resumed.

KORRA glances at UNALAQ, confused, turns back to SHANSHANG.

KORRA

What do you mean? You were attacking humans before? No, I remember, back then you were just chasing them off. Scaring them at worse.

SHANSHANG

(unfocused)

You promised, so long ago. But you failed. You said you would protect, but even with half the power of the world you abandoned those who trusted you. They carried you on their back and you let them die!

SHANSHANG lashes out in an attack which KORRA just barely avoids.

SHANSHANG

I feel him rising. I tried to remain, but change is coming. The other wakes.

The fight continues.

KORRA

Unalaq! Now!

UNALAQ begins his spirit purification technique, weaving thin ropes of levitating water.

SHANSHANG

(blissful)

Yes.

(fierce)

No. His power is returning, and so are we.

More, smaller spirits appear out of the forest and charge forward, disrupting UNALAQ's water-bending. KORRA lashes out, attacking all the targets, but even she is being driven back.

KORRA

(to Unalaq)

All right! I'm open to new ideas!

UNALAQ

Run!

KORRA

Yeah, that works.







EXT. EARTH KINGDOM MINE, DAY

The hillside above the mine explodes in dust and KORRA and UNALAQ come flying out over a small cliff. KORRA air-bends and catches UNALAQ to let them both land safely. The spirits jump down after them.







EXT. NORTHERN BATTLESHIP, DAY

ESKA stands on the deck of the ship, and can see the plume of dust rising far off in the distance. Her hand clenches. Then she hears a sound from somewhere behind her on the ship. She summons up water bending spikes of ice, and lashes out to catch MAKO. ESKA is surprised to recognize him, then she glares.

ESKA

Police. Trespassing on a military ship. I could kill you on sight. Explain why you're here.

MAKO

I'm talking a walk. And you could kill me, but then there'd be more questions about why you're here when you sent all the soldiers off inland. Does your father know you're here?

ESKA

You are not in the position to be asking-

There is a strangled scream somewhere else on the ship. ESKA lunges forward and presses an ice blade to MAKO's throat.

ESKA

Who else is with you? Now many?

MAKO

None! That wasn't mine! But if someone's attacking, then I can help you with-

ESKA roughly freezes him to a wall and rushes off down the ship. MAKO hangs his head in exasperation before he breathes in deeply and begins melting the ice with careful fire powers.







EXT. SOUTHERN DELEGATION SHIP IN EARTH HARBOR, DAY

OPAL and BOLIN exit the ship with ZHULI following behind.

OPAL

Zhuli, there's no way you and Varrick are going to keep this secret. We're going to tell Korra about those weapons the second she gets back.

ZHULI

As you wish. The time for secrecy has passed anyway.

VARRICK enters.

VARRICK

Actually, that time is not over quite yet.

Off in the distance a series of small explosions go off along the Northern ship, just below the waterline.

BOLIN

What the hell?!

VARRICK

Ok. Now the time for secrecy is over. Well, it's been nice talking to you folks. Zhuli! Warm up the engines! Undo the ship rope things! Hey, give my best to the Avatar. If Sato fires you, Bolin, call me. I'm always hiring!







EXT. NORTHERN BATTLESHIP, DAY

ESKA runs along, rocked by an explosion that sends water spray up over the ship side to splash her. She sees people in dark clothing with cloth-wrapped faces sneaking along and ESKA attacks with water bending, but the saboteurs fight back with their own water bending. Then MAKO joins in with fire bending, aiding ESKA.

MAKO

Eska, duck!

ESKA listens, and dodges an attack but then fights him as well. She freezes him to another wall.

MAKO

Really? Again?

The saboteurs escape to the water and disappear within. There is clearly some water bending disturbance within. MAKO frees himself and fires off a few futile fire blasts. However, ESKA is left on the ship with one masked woman as a captive.









EXT. EARTH KINGDOM MINE EXTERIOR, DAY

The fight continues. KORRA can drive back the lesser spirits but SHANSHANG is still a problem. The spirits seem to have any greenery or plants cooperating with them and hindering KORRA and UNALAQ.

SHANSHANG

You stink of human! She is so weak! Why should I resist his darkness when it makes me strong!

KORRA spots the entrance to a mine tunnel within the larger quarry.

KORRA

The plants are helping them! Drive him inside the mine. Earth-bending gives me the advantage there!







INT. MINE TUNNELS

The fight continues through the mine as SHANGSHANG rages. KORRA passes a huge octagonal piece of the special stone that has been mined out, and looks at its odd shape curiously. Then KORRA and UNALAQ burst into a larger chamber. A massive scull juts out of the rock on the far wall, partially excavated. Parts of it have clearly been hacked away. Turtle-bone stone is the actual bones of some massive beast.

KORRA

What in the-?

SHANSHANG enters.

SHANSHANG

(to Korra)

You! The way was shut and both your halves imprisoned in flesh and in wood! The great ones were your children and you forgot them! The humans were in your charge and they forgot you! And then the humans killed their protectors! How could you let that happen?

KORRA

I don't understand what you're talking about! But whatever happened it was long ago! The people who live here now bear no responsibility for what once-

SHANSHANG grabs KORRA, lifting her up.

KORRA

I wasn't talking to you.

SHANSHANG throws KORRA across the chamber. She manages to break her fall before smashing into the wall but then the spirit attacks her ferociously, driving her back. UNALAQ tries to help but is swatted aside. SHANSHANG grabs KORRA again and draws her close to inflict some terrible damage.

KORRA's eyes blaze with light as she enters the Avatar state just in time to shield the mortal blow. SHANSHANG is thrown back by a blast of wind. Arcane patterns briefly glow in KORRA's body.

SHANSHANG

(wondrous)

She is still awake.

(yells)

I see you! Raava!

His call shakes the cavern, and KORRA is startled out of the Avatar state. Once she is out she flinches, expecting an attack, but in that moment UNALAQ manages to get his purification ritual water streams to start wrapping around SHANSHANG. KORRA rushes forward and begins to help, performing the same moves to add her own strength. Light begins to fill SHANSHANG's body.

SHANSHANG

(softly)

Do you remember...when we were friends?

KORRA

Who were you friends with? This Raava? Who is Raava?

SHANSHANG

(softly)

I am not talking to her.

The spirit fades away.







EXT. MOUNTAIN FOREST, DAY

Leaves and branches spout and grow out of nowhere, parted a moment later as the former captives stagger out, vines dropping off them as they walk forward.







EXT. EARTH KINGDOM TOWN

KORRA and UNALAQ walk back into town, leading stumbling former captives. KORRA is carrying one of them, but UNALAQ is the one staggering with exhaustion.

KORRA

Well, it looks like your daughter managed to hold down the fort pretty well. There doesn't seem to be any real damage...

More Northern soldiers walk into view, clearly very serious and with hand on their weapons.

KORRA

(concerned)

Wait, what happened?







INT. AD HOC NORTHERN MILITARY POST, EARTH KINGDOM TOWN

ESKA

(coldly furious)

Three explosions, planted below the waterline to disable our ship's propellers. All while our soldiers were here protecting this village from the Avatar's continued incompetence.

TENZIN

(indignant)

Wait just a-

ESKA

However, one of the traitors slipped up.

Soldiers drag SENNA into the room.

KORRA

(shocked)

Mom!

ESKA

This woman and her husband led the sabotage team that tried to sink a military vessel. Presumably to get a head start and start arming the southern rebellion with the war materials in their own ship.

KORRA

That's insane! What the hell are you accusing-?!

ASAMI

Korra, it's true. Opal and Bolin saw inside Varrick's ship. It was filled to the brim with weapons and explosives.

ESKA

Weapons which are now racing off to the south while we are stuck here making repairs.

SENNA

Korra...

KORRA

(horrified)

Mom. What did you do?

SENNA steels herself, but looks down instead of at her daughter.

SENNA

I acted on behalf of my people. It was a risk, but we had to take it. This is the only way we could arm the South before Unalaq's forces arrived to crush us. This was our only chance for independence.

KORRA

Damn it! Damn it! How could you do this? We're in the middle of a huge conflict with the spirit world and you choose now to pull this. Another damn war?! After everything Kuvira did you try to go and do the exact same to the Water Tribe.

SENNA

(to Korra)

There is no Water Tribe . There have always been two separate peoples, the south and the north. The south has been effectively independent for a hundred years, until Unalaq tried to strangle our entire economy. Just think about it, how could you expect two peoples on opposite ends of the globe to share a single culture? The only way that could happen is by the tyranny of fake holy conquerers like him. Well, now we've had enough. We deserve to stand on our own.

KORRA

He's not... I'm trying to help you.

SENNA

You're trying to help the whole world.

(looks down)

I heard you speak back in Republic City, when your eyes started to glow. That day it wasn't my daughter in front of me, it was the Avatar. And I have made peace with that.

UNALAQ takes an ominous step forward towards SENNA. All the soldiers tense. SENNA looks up to lock eyes with him.

KORRA

(to Unalaq)

Wait a moment. No, wait. Unalaq, there's got to be-

UNALAQ

Do not worry, Avatar. This...

(gestures)

None of this matters.

ESKA

(skeptical)

This attack caused our battleship significant damage. It will take days to recover. That seems like it matters to me.

UNALAQ

What seems significant is not always so. And no matter what violence people like this may undertake, the true balance will always return. They are fighting the nature of the universe.

BUMI

(suspicious)

What exactly you talking about?

UNALAQ

I am simply telling you I am not worried. I have planned for this.

UNALAQ exits and KORRA moves to follow.







EXT. EARTH KINGDOM HARBOR, DAY

Everyone steps outside after UNALAQ to see more Water Tribe warships appearing on the horizon.

MAKO

More Northern warships.

BUMI

(breaths in)

Must have sent order for them when we were still in Republic City, and unlike us, they haven't been stopping. So that's why he's been so confidant this whole time. An extra army up your sleeve will do that.

KORRA

Unalaq, care to explain? That does look like an invasion.

UNALAQ

After my audience with you in the United Republic I saw that there was no hope of the southern leaders acting in the general interest. Unfortunately, conflict is the nature of our world. But if we cannot hope for lasting peace, we can strive for balance; chaos and order in equal measure. For that, the wise must sometimes exert force. You yourself have shown me that, Avatar.

ESKA

(calculating)

Three more warships? With the supplies Varrick smuggled to the south it will still be a tough fight. The south will have been preparing for this day for years.

UNALAQ

I know they have. But I have been preparing for something far more important. We will act in our own time.

KORRA clenches her fist at her side in frustration.

ASAMI

(cautiously volunteering)

Our airship should almost be able to keep pace with Varrick's boat, despite this wind. They only have about four hours head start. Depending on the weather, the airship will arrive in the south at most a day after them.

KORRA

Then it's past time to go. Unalaq, take whatever time you need on the repairs. This problem is my responsibility to fix. And I will fix it.

UNALAQ

(bows)

I have absolute faith, Avatar. We will talk again soon, in this world or the other.







INT. AIRSHIP

The airship lifts up and passes over the new Northern Ships sailing into the harbor with the wounded ship. KORRA stands at the window, eyes closed. BUMI and TENZIN approach from behind.

TENZIN

Korra, we can ensure your mother gets fair and lenient treatment. This incident occurred in Earth Kingdom territory so Unalaq had no authority to arrest her. This illegal rendition means both sides are in violation of international-

KORRA

Enough.

BUMI

Hey kid, here's no way you could've stopped this thing. Any civil war that gets to the point of boiling over has already been simmering for centuries.

KORRA

Then I should have acted centuries ago. I let it come to this over a dozen lives.

TENZIN and BUMI exchange worried looks.

TENZIN

Korra, you have two incredible crises pressing on you right now. It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed. There is quote that my father always used to say: the most perfect solution is always-

KORRA

(snaps)

I remember what I said.

ASAMI, BOLIN, and MAKO enter.

ASAMI

Hey?

KORRA breaths out a deep breath. Then she turns back to face everyone.

KORRA

Hey.

MAKO

Uh, sorry about your mom...being a terrorist?

ASAMI winces at his bad wording.

BOLIN

At least no one got hurt?

KORRA

It's a distraction. Just a distraction. Thank you for all your help, but I have bigger things to deal with now. I just hope I'm enough to stop them.

KORRA exits, leaving everyone else on the bridge looking worried.









EXT. SPIRIT WORLD TREE GROVE

KORRA materializes into existence in a meditative posture. She has returned to the same otherworldly grove under a waterfall where she once met with Zaheer. Shortly after, UNALAQ appears as well. Spirits move in the distance.

KORRA

You found me.

UNALAQ

I have much practice in this world.

(looks around)

Xi Bao's grove. A beautiful sight.

KORRA

The spirit world. Sometimes I wonder...if more people could see this place, would they still be so ready to tear each other apart in our world.

UNALAQ

(After a moment)

Avatar, there is something... What your mother said to justify her actions, about the Water Tribe... How much did the White Lotus teach you of the ancient legends of our people? Of how we came to settle in the north and the south?

KORRA

The Water Tribe? Um, I know the old story of the two brothers, separating and each founding a home. But that's too ancient to be more than a myth. I mean, it has the older brother walking across ice from the south to the north in one day, obviously some creative license.

UNALAQ

I suppose your education was incomplete.

UNALAQ takes a step forward and KORRA looks like she is along tugged as the landscape begins to rush past around them. They land in a new location around a lake of twisting fog.

UNALAQ

Avatar, do you not wonder how we of the Tribe had managed to maintain a single culture across the north and south despite being separated by the entire breadth of the world?

KORRA

Oh. Huh, yeah it's... I guess I never really thought of that. It's just one of the things that...is. I didn't question it. I guess there's always been a lot of sailing back and forth between the Tribes?

UNALAQ

Well, yes, but there is also another way. One of our greatest secrets, known only to the spiritual leaders of our people. And now to you. The north and the south are connected more than you know.

UNALAQ holds out his hand and the air shimmers above the lake, creating an image of a forest in the middle of a frozen wasteland.

UNALAQ

Deep in the North, in the heart of the mountains and endless ice, at the very pole of the world, there is a green forest.

The image draws closer, showing the space under the trees.

UNALAQ

For thousands of years, holy men of the Water Tribe have made the journey across the ice to find that forest and to pay homage to the spirits who live within. Those who succeed are rewarded, they may find their way to the center of the forest and the light within.

In the summoned image, a man walks through the forest towards a shimmering dome of energy.

KORRA

A light?

UNALAQ

A beautiful light. And the holy man who steps inside that light in the North, with great effort and skill may find a way to emerge in a different forest, one at the south pole of this earth.

The image disappears

KORRA

What? Across the planet. How in the world is that possible?

UNALAQ

Exactly. In the middle of that blinding light of spiritual power, there is a wall, a barrier that allows a tantalizing glimpse of the true beauty beyond; the beauty of the spirit world. Distance means nothing in that world, and by its power is our globe knitted together. So our tribe is knitted together as well, one people, unified by our faith in the spirits and our trust in those who know their ways.

KORRA

(realizes)

You've gone through the portal.

UNALAQ

When I was still young. I was the last of our tribe to do so, and it nearly killed me. The South had even then abandoned honoring the spirits, and the ice had all but swallowed that holy forest I emerged into. When I said that the south's lack of faith has harmed the world, I say so as an empirical fact. But still the journey was worth it for it was the closest any man could ever hope to come to entering this Spirit World in the flesh. That is, until the day you stood your ground on that hill outside Republic City, faced a weapon, and stepped through the skin of the world.

KORRA

That's why you really came to me and wanted me to come to the south. That portal. You think the southern portal is the key and I can do something there to fix it. To limit the spirit attacks. But wait, why did you wait to tell me this?

UNALAQ

I was afraid you would not trust me. So far your experience as Avatar has been founded on political crises, so that is naturally the lens through which you see this new situation. If I had started with ancient legends, I was afraid Varrick would have been able to convince you I was an old fool, and get you on his side. I chose to wait until you discovered the truth for yourself. Perhaps that was a mistake but at the time it seemed like the best option.

(looks up)

Ah, our third master approaches.

JINORA materializes into view a little ways off in a standing meditative posture. Then she opens her eyes to look around.

JINORA

Korra?

KORRA

(glad)

Jinora!

JINORA

(smiles)

Have you left the Earth Kingdom yet? I'm still in the Southern Air Temple.

KORRA

I sent Opal to meet with you, she should be joining there soon.

JINORA

(shivers)

The spirit world feels different somehow these days. Not bad, but different.

KORRA

The spirits seem to think so too. They keep talking about something approaching, returning. The last one said "him".

(pauses)

The spirit of the mountain also said "Raava". Called me that, but like he was addressing the Avatar state itself inside me.

JINORA

You know, it's possible he was. The scholars have always said that the Avatar is the bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, a union of both. It's possible that's more literal than we thought.

JINORA raised her hand and creates an image of the painted pottery shard she found at the Southern Air Temple. KORRA reaches out to touch the white Yin shape. Her other hand absently touches her sternum.

JINORA

Korra, that's the same pattern I saw glowing on you when you fought Zaheer.

KORRA tenses for a moment, but then relaxes herself. For the briefest second, the spirit world darkens around her,

KORRA

You think that design is the mark of a spirit, that it's somehow connected to me. To the Avatar.

(looks down at the Yang shape)

And then, that other one...

UNALAQ

"Him". The rising power. The change that is coming.

KORRA

Darkness.

(to Jinora)

How old is that pot thing? No, wait, I can guess. Ten thousand years? The ten thousand year planetary convergence on New Years Eve, I have a pretty good feeling of when that rise will be complete. So the question is, who is rising? Who is he ? And who is Raava?

JINORA

I don't know. It's all so long ago. So much has been lost, even most of the spirits seem to have forgotten.

UNALAQ

The answers lie within you, Avatar. Somewhere deep in the past. You must cast your mind further back in time, through the memories that you say are too distant to reach. You must free yourself to open your mind to your full potential.

KORRA

You're right. This is my responsibility. I'm through with being surprised. Korra can make mistakes, but the Avatar can't afford to.







EXT. AIRSHIP, SUNSET

KORRA stands up from her sitting posture alone on the top of the airship as it flies away from a coastline. A snowflake falls on her cheek. In front of her, storm clouds are building.







INT. AIRSHIP, KORRA'S CABIN, NIGHT

ASAMI lies in the bed, asleep. A breath of air stirs her hair. She slowly wakes, confused, and sits up in bed. The space beside her is empty, sheets thrown back. Across the room, KORRA is standing looking at maps and books on the desk and wall she has set up as an office.

ASAMI

(softly)

Korra?

KORRA does not move or look back, but the air shifts in the room again. ASAMI hesitantly gets out of bed and starts to walk over.

ASAMI

(still soft but a little louder)

Korra, what are you-?

KORRA turns around and her eyes are shining with the light of the Avatar State. Her expression is fierce and alien. ASAMI jerks back in fear as wind rustles the room. KORRA stares at ASAMI with harsh glowing eyes, then slowly turns back to the maps without saying anything. ASAMI shrinks back to the bed, unnerved and afraid. She clutches at her knees as she sits up in bed, silently watching KORRA stand at the other end of the room.