(See the end of the chapter for notes .)

Chapter Text

<Spirits>

~Faith~







BLACK

The sound of wind mixes with building music.







EXT. DAMAGED NANFANG CITY, DAY

Open on KORRA standing in a street, wind and dust blowing through her hair. There is no sound but music and the sound of breathing. Then the view expands to see a massive city dotted with pillars of smoke and before her, Kuvira's colossus rises out of the river in front of her and stomps forward to do battle. KORRA breathes out and when she opens her eyes they glow with a blue-white light. She sinks into a martial arts stance and launches into a powerful elemental attack against the massive war machine.







EXT. LIMESTONE PEAKS NEAR COAST, DAY

Hard cut to AVATAR AANG, bald and tattooed with saffron robes facing attacking zeppelins and warships. The airships and boats are both noticeably less advanced than what is seen in Korra's era. AANG's eyes and tattoos glow as he drives them back with immense elemental power. There is sweat on his brow.







EXT. ERUPTING VOLCANO, NIGHT

Hard cut to AVATAR ROKU, dressed in flowing red robes with his grey hair done up in a topknot, faces a mountain belching lava and smoke. Behind him, terrified people flee a town as ROKU rises up with the glowing eyes of the Avatar State. It is now visibly well over a century before Korra's time and technology is less advanced. ROKU digs groves for lava, pushes back pyroclastic flows with wind and draws rain from the sky, before extinguishing fire with his hand. But still the lava and smoke get close. He coughs roughly as the fumes reach him. Behind him the town is now on fire.







EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF BA SING SE, DAY

Hard cut to AVATAR KYOSHI, a tall woman in green armor and white face paint, stands alone before a massive army wielding swords and spears. Green uniformed men leap step forward from the army to raise up rocks in earth-bending attacks at KYOSHI, as behind them a flurry of arrows flit up into the air. KYOSHI stamps the ground and clenches her fists as her eyes begin to glow. She punches out and throws forth a massive wave of rippling earth that smashes through the enemy army. The arrows begin to fall around her and one gets through her defenses, leaving a line of blood across her skin.







EXT. DARK FOREST, NIGHT

Hard cut to AVATAR KURUK, a man in a blue fur-lined jacket, whips his head back and forth as ghostly red eyes peer back from every shadow. He is panting, bruised, and bleeding but fierce flames burn above each of his hands.

Then, through the trees he sees a woman dressed similarly to him, sitting crumpled on the ground amid the roots if a tree. She throws out her hand toward him, terrified and desperate, but then black ghostly insectoid legs reach out of the shadows to wrap around her, pulling her back. KURUK bursts forward in an unheard shout, his eyes igniting into light, but just before he reaches her she vanishes entirely into the black shadows which then melt away to reveal unbroken rock and wood. KURUK screams in rage and loss as he rips the water out of every living plant and tree, shattering them and destroying all the forest in sight.







MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

The scene cuts are coming faster now. We see Avatars facing different foes, always fighting, but now we see them getting hurt more, despite their power. The costumes and settings change as we are looking back across thousands of years. There armored swordsmen, then shield and spear formations, and then chariots. Steel becomes, iron, becomes bronze. As the view goes further back in time, more of the phantasmal spirits are seen in these scenes.

But now the hits on land on the Avatars. A blast of fire washes over a man's side, a boulder sends a woman flying, an arrow slams into a woman's gut, a dagger takes another man in the back. Some are old, some are young, they wear every type of costume and stand in every type of local. But all the while they are still fighting and their eyes still glow with the same light. The music and their breathing is the only sound.







EXT. BATTLEFIELD, SUNSET

In silence except for the sounds of insects and a breeze through trees, dead bodies and broken spears and clubs lie strewn around the still expanse. The shields are made of wicker and hide, and the spears are tipped with stone but they were still deadly. Parts of the battlefield are on fire, other parts are torn up with stone of spikes of ice. A man with glowing eyes, dressed in ancient raw cloth and a vest of boar-tusk scales, AVATAR WAN, collapses to lay just barely propped up against a huge slab of shattered rock. Two arrows jut out of his torso. As he pants and gasps, the light of the Avatar State fades out of his eyes.

WAN

(faintly through grimaces of pain)

I'm sorry.

A gentle breeze blows across the battlefield.

WAN

I'm sorry. There...

(grimaces)

There wasn't enough time. There just wasn't enough time...

He trails off and sags as he lets out one last breath. That last breath is the only sound as the scene fades to black.

BABY

(Cries)







INT. BEDROOM, NIGHT

KORRA opens her eyes, lying in bed. She continues staring at the ceiling as she reaches out her hand to put it down on the other half of the bed. Then she slowly gets up and walks over to the window. She stands there, looking out at the moonlit night sky in her sleeping clothes.







INT. BEDROOM, MORNING

The door opens and OPAL stands in the threshold. KORRA turns to face her, now dressed in her customary clothes.

KORRA

(Walking to leave)

All right. Let's get back to work.

She steps out the door and two lines of armed White Lotus fighters bend at the waist to bow to her from each side, forming a path through this traditional Chinese style courtyard decorated in green and gold, KORRA continues walking out as the morning sun shines down on forested mountains beyond the front gate where crowds of local people are lined up to see her. An airship hovers above, emblazoned with a yin and yang symbol.







MAIN TITLE







EXT. ICY OIL DERRICK, NIGHT

Open on an icebound coastline, lit under a bright full moon. Pan along from traditional small hide-walled houses to newer buildings walled with corrugated metal and cement. Further along the unpaved road there is an old poorly maintained shrine of unmortared stone and carved driftwood. Then, past that, a large oil derrick enters view. In the area around the derrick, men work under electric lights as generators and motors chug along.

Off in the night beyond the pools of electric light, the moonlight on the ice shimmers. Then glowing yellow eyes waver into existence out in the dark.

Some of the derrick workers are dealing with machinery, then an error sends a stream of black oil spurting out onto the dirt and snow. A commotion spreads as people rush over to try and deal with the problem. Oil slick glistens on the white snow.

OIL WORKER 1

Damn!

OIL WORKER 2

Hey! Get that secure!

OIL WORKER 3

Someone, shut off the pressure!

OIL WORKER 1

(still shouting)

This stupid-!

A strange, grumbling roar-like noise echoes through the night. All the oil workers freeze in fear and confusion.

OIL WORKER 1

(slowly)

Ok.

(Looks around)

What the hell was that?

Shimmering shadows race forward across the snow towards the derrick facility, and then when they reach the work area the electric lights begin to go haywire before burning out one by one. The oil workers rush around trying to deal with all these problems in the dark and moonlight but one by one all the motors and engines for generators and pumping equipment go silent.

OIL WORKER 2

I don't like this. I've heard there's been-

The roar returns, louder now, and then a huge glowing creature materializes out of the dark air. It looks like some sort off fantastic spectral walrus creature and though it is faintly transparent and blurred at the edges it still causes real destruction as it attacks the compound. The oil workers run and scream, helpless before the abrupt attack.

VARIOUS

(panicked)

Spirits!

Then, suddenly, their screams are the only sound that remain. They stop and look around to see that the spirit creature is gone, leaving only crushed and gashed machinery to show that it had ever been there. After a moment the oil workers run out down the road towards the town in the distance.







INT. SENNA AND TONRAQ'S HOUSE

The oil worker fall down to their knees on the floor of this modest house of new construction. They are panting and covered in mud and snow. SENNA and TONRAQ, a couple in their late thirties, look like they've just thrown on more clothes after being awakened but they are concerned instead of angry.

OIL WORKER 1

(shaken)

The spirit world attacked us. We just barely survived.

TONRAQ

Are you sure it was a spirit and not-?

OIL WORKER 2

It was a giant glowing beast! Not something you can miss!

OIL WORKER 1

Please. These things are getting worse all across the south. The Tribe can't fight this on our own. We need help. We need your daughter.

The three oil workers drop into kneeling bows.

OIL WORKER 1

We need Avatar Korra.

SENNA and TONRAQ exchange worried looks.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY, DAY

The bustling city looks much as it always has, but now in addition to the normal cars and pedestrians these streets are crowded with people who dressed like religious pilgrims all moving in a consistent direction away from the city center. Every street corner has holy men begging or selling blessings, and hawkers have set up innumerable carts selling icons and charms.

HAWKER 1

Spiritual charms, five yuan!

The pilgrims pass right by advertisements plastered to walls that show Bolin grinning as he holds up a product. Just beyond, they pass a new statue of Korra set in a park. The statue is surrounded by piled flowers, offerings and prayers. Scattered people are kneeling and bowing before the statue, but still more continue on as the roads begin to exit the city. The view briefly follows a man well dressed in traditional Water Tribe clothes, UNALAQ, as he strides past the statue of Korra without flickering his glance towards it.







EXT. HILLS OUTSIDE REPUBLIC CITY, DAY

These smaller roads are now clogged with pilgrims making their way up the hill. Now the destination is visible, the massive crater that replaced the top of this low mountain when Kuvira's colossus spirit reactor exploded.

The crater itself is still a huge shallow bowl filled with a thick mat of vibrant green vines. Little motes of light glimmer here and there in the ground near this strange plant life and the lights grow more numerous near the center of the crater. The United Republic military has set up a barricade around the lip of the crater but a large crowd has spread just past that. There are even more venders here, selling religious paraphernalia and snacks with equal fervor.

HAWKER 2

Genuine shards of Kuvira's war machine! Also have spirit relics!

HAWKER 3

Blessed soil from the spirit crater!

HAWKER 4

Spicy dumplings!

The soldiers stationed in front of the barricade are clearly tired of these crowds and wave away or push back the few pilgrims who periodically get too close. Then UNALAQ strides out of the press of the crowd that seems to strangely part around him. Without paying any attention to the soldiers he continues straight towards the barricade. The soldiers wave him off. UNALAQ ignores this and only leans down to slip off his shoes.

CRATER SOLDIER

(Holds up a hand with a bored expression)

Military jurisdiction. Get back away from the barricade.

UNALAQ straightens back up and without glancing at the soldier, gestures out with his hands. Two streams of water rush out from small water-skins around his waist. The streams of water each hit and instantly turn to ice where two of the barricades come together. UNALAQ flicks his hands and the barricades slide apart, pushed by the ice.

The instant UNALAQ begins to water-bend the CRATER SOLDIER and his fellows jump to high alert. Crossbows jump up to attention and the CRATER SOLDIER ignites a small jet of fire to float above his fist.

CRATER SOLDIER

Woah! Cease water-bending immediately and slowly place your hands on your head!

UNALAQ steps through the barricade.

CRATER SOLDIER

(facing Unalaq)

Take one more step and we will-!

(Notices his fellow soldier tapping him urgently on the shoulder)

What!

CRATER SOLDIER spins back to see a squad of armed Water Tribe soldiers in blue and white uniforms marching out of the crowd. All the United Republic soldiers now seem a lot less eager to use their own force.

CRATER SOLDIER

(uneasily, to the UR soldier beside him)

Yeah, ya know, I think we call this in.

UNALAQ turns back and gently pats the CRATER SOLDIER's arm reassuringly. Then he turns again and walks off across the crater of vines and shimmering motes of light. The crowd outside the barricade is fascinated and pushes close to see what this man is doing, helped in part by the UR soldiers being rather curious as well. After walking a ways into the crater UNALAQ kneels down onto the vines and closes his eyes. The floating motes of light begin to congregate and then the crowd gasps as two spirits, one bestial and one humanoid, fade into view in front of UNALAQ.

UNALAQ opens his eyes to look at the spirits and then bends down in full kneeling bow to them. The spirits bow their heads and then slowly fade out of view again. Outside the barricade the crowd murmurs and begins begins to bow down too, mirroring UNALAQ.







INT. SATO MANSION

The entry to the party is decorated with a massive world map, the United Republic and the bifurcated Water Tribe highlighted.

MAKO, in a starched police dress uniform, is ushered through the tall front doors of the fabulous mansion. A small army of waiters and servers bustle around a fancy party that is already rather underway. MAKO looks very uncomfortable and tugs at the cuffs of his police dress uniform. ASAMI sweeps by in an elegant dress, whispering some firm last minute directions to various staff, before she spots him.

ASAMI

(to staff)

Make sure the President has what he needs, the Water Tribe delegation's going to be here any minute. And we're sure the south's boats are still delayed? Tell Bolin anyway.

(to Mako)

Mako! I thought you couldn't come, Bolin said you were working. I didn't know the police were sending you. Ha, well I sure I hope we don't actually need a detective here and... Oh no, we don't need a detective, do we? Tell me nothing's happened.

MAKO

(urgently reassuring)

No, no no no. Asami, I...I mean, Chief Beifong just sent me to make sure you let our security guys...

(resists the urge to face-palm)

...do whatever we want. 'cus you and I are friends. Er, sorry.

ASAMI

(smiles)

Don't worry about it. Really, I'm just glad to see you. Um, out of curiosity, what does Beifong want to do?

MAKO

(guiltily)

Punch holes in your walls for crossbow positions.

ASAMI

(hangs her head)

Of course she does. She's already had cops doing sweeps of the place for the last two weeks. I mean, I get it, the last two head of state visits were attacked by the Red Lotus and then Kuvira. I'm just getting a little tired of oafs with badges stomping around my house.

(looks at Mako)

Oh, wait, I'm-

MAKO waves her apology away without concern and instead seems uncomfortable about himself.

MAKO

(joking)

Nah, I mean I do have a badge.

(more serious)

Look, uh, I don't want to make this awkward. Me being here. I know Korra's coming back tonight and for the last year you two sort of-

ASAMI

(nods, distracted)

In a few hours. I've got the mooring field out back prepped for her airship. Now if I can just find where your brother got to then I can-

There is a commotion by the front door as more people arrive.

BUTLER

(announcing)

His excellency, Chief of the Water Tribe, Protector of the North and the South, Unalaq son of Inuqsuq.

The party guests all gather to witness the entrance. UNALAQ enters at the head of a long delegation, all men in various uniforms save for one young woman, ESKA, who trails in the back. He is greeted by PRESIDENT CHANG and TENZIN with ASAMI standing nearby.

PRESIDENT CHANG

Chief Unalaq, it is my honor and my pleasure to formally welcome you back to the United Republic.

UNALAQ

President Chang, Air Master Tenzin, the honor is mine. To gain the audience of the Avatar, any man would walk barefoot for ten thousand miles. I only had to ride on rather nice ship, so I consider this a light burden.

TENZIN

I would like to introduce our hostess for tonight, Asami Sato.

ASAMI bows which Unalaq returns as a polite nod.

UNALAQ

Miss Sato, I understand your corporation has been heavily involved in this country's reconstruction over the past year as well as clearing away the remains of Kuvira's colossus machine.

ASAMI

Er, thank you? It was my duty to help and Sato Industries had a lot of practice from assisting in rebuilding the Earth Kingdom.

TENZIN

(to Unalaq)

I heard your ship got in rather early today. You visited the explosion crater?

UNALAQ

(nods)

The Air Nation is observant as always. Yes, I was heartened by the new concern for spirituality that has filled this country since the war. Even if commercialism still reigns supreme here, I saw the promising growth of a new quiet humility in the United Republic.

Across the party VERRIK can be seen making a bit of a disturbance. BOLIN and ZHULI are standing nearby.

VERRIK

(loud and boisterous)

Ha ha, this is great! No place like Republic City, am I right? United Republic, whooo!

UNALAQ

(with distaste)

Ah, another prominent local figure. I suppose I expected Mister Varrick to be here.

ASAMI

(frowns)

I didn't. Excuse me.

MAKO watches ASAMI move off and he takes a step to go over and help her, but then he notices ESKA suspiciously slinking off into another room. MAKO narrows his eyes and follows her.

ASAMI crosses over to VERRIK, ZHULI, and BOLIN. VARRICK is talking to some party guest with expansive gestures.

VARRICK

(to guest)

I'm telling you, the oil fields in the south are going to be printing money faster than anyone can spend it. Sure right now the Water Tribe limits foreign investment but just you wait.

RICH PARTY GUEST

Even with the spirit attacks? Isn't it too dangerous to-

VARRICK

Hey, I'm the world expert on spirit energy technology. Remember the purple beam that almost destroyed this city! That was mine! Let's just say I've got the other world situation handled.

(sees Asami and pushes the Rich Party Guest away)

Asami! How the heck you doing! Long time no see. Great party, I've eaten sixteen shrimp already and stuffed more in Zhuli's pockets!

ZHULI

(bows)

Miss Sato.

ASAMI

(with an effort of restraint turns to Bolin)

Bolin, I see you've reconnected with your old war buddy.

BOLIN

(guilty)

Hey, look I've been trying to do what you said but Varrick... Apparently, he showed up at the door my own personal invitation. No idea how he got it.

VARRICK

(smiles)

Hey, did you know that apparently I own Bolin's apartment building? I guess some of our mail got mixed up, but good thing! Never would have gotten through the front gate without one of your employees' invites. You've got some top notch security here, Sato.

ASAMI

(to Varrick)

Yes, there's a sizable presence from two militaries here. I'm not sure this is the best venue for a convicted international criminal like yourself.

VARRICK

(shakes finger)

Eh eh. Pardoned international criminal. So that means I didn't do it.

ASAMI

That is the exact opposite of what it means.

In the other room MAKO follows ESKA and watches her covertly examining the party staff. He frowns in suspicion, grabbing a glass from a waiter as a sort of cover. Then she slips out of the main areas and MAKO follows. In the next room he confronts her.

MAKO

(polite but firm)

Hi, may I ask what you're doing back here.

ESKA

(looks him over)

Hmmm. No.

(walks away)

MAKO

(off balance)

What?

He catches sight of her going up a staircase, lurking after a waiter who looks a bit suspicious himself. MAKO follows and confronts ESKA again.

MAKO

Hey, this uniform means I'm police. So you need to come with me right now and-

ESKA

(deadpan)

Oh no, you spilled.

ESKA waves her hand with water-bending and MAKO'S drink flies out of its cup into his face. MAKO sputters and wipes his eyes but by the time he does so he's lost sight of her.

Back in the main party room, VARRICK makes conciliatory hand gestures at ASAMI.

ASAMI

(to Varrick)

Why are you here?

VARRICK

Why? Hey, I'm Water Tribe. Well, my parents were but still, ethnic pride and all that.

(his smile gets more predatory)

After all, it's not often the big Chief of the Tribe leaves the north. And you really should be proud of your security, Asami, I had to hand out a ton of bribes to smuggle my equipment in here.

BOLIN

Um, what now? Equipment?

ASAMI looks around, frightened as she notices several of the waitstaff all locking eyes with VARRICK and nodding on his command.

Up on the second floor, MAKO finds his way to balcony overlooking the main party room. He sees a big roll of canvas hidden behind the railing and right beneath is UNALAQ. MAKO's eyes go wide as he realizes the chief is the target. Then MAKO sees ESKA down a hallway, rushing towards him.

MAKO rushes forward to accost ESKA. She fights back and they have a brief martial arts bout back and forth in the hallway. It ends with MAKO holding a small jet of fire near her face and ESKA with a long spike of ice emerging from her sleeve to poke under his jaw.

MAKO

What's your plan? I saw you! Who are you with and why are you targeting Chief Unalaq?

ESKA

Targeting him? He's my father!

MAKO lets his fire wink out in surprise as he looks back to see two waiters walk up to the railing and hoist up the canvas roll with conspiratorial nods.

Down in the party, ASAMI grabs VARRICK by the jacket collar.

ASAMI

(furious)

Varrick, what did you do?

VARRICK

(smirks)

Stay and watch the pretty lights. Zhuli! Do the thing!

ASAMI whips around to look for ZHULI who has disappeared to suddenly be over by a curtain at the far wall. There is a moment of panic and then ZHULI starts up a previously hidden primitive film projector, just as up above a blank canvas sheet comes unfurling down over the huge world map decorating the party. Some of UNALAQ's delegation jump to high alert around him at this sudden disturbance and there are sounds of confusion across the party.

Then the lights go off a film strip begins to be projected onto the canvas screen. It starts with the grainy image of a train coming straight for the camera.

WOMAN AT PARTY

(screams)

Then the video of the rushing train freezes on a spliced photograph of VARRICK hanging off the side and grinning as title text blinks into the frame beside him. The sounds of the crowd are now more confusion and astonishment than fear at this primitive movie.

The screen now shows very slow pan of a snowy, mountainous landscape.

NARRATOR

(unseen)

The southern continent, land of beautiful glaciers and sparkling seas, home to the other half of the Water Tribe. For centuries, these hardy independent people have contended with isolation from their northern capital and the rest of the world.

The image changes to BOLIN standing in some sort of boardroom. He speaks as if he is the narrator but his lip movements clearly do not match up.

NARRATOR

(unseen)

Until now. Industry! New geological discoveries propel this cold land to greatness.

The screen then shows people working on an oil well, ASAMI looks back to see that she is now just holding Varrick's jacket. She also glances at BOLIN in confusion before she walks forward to lift up a table cloth and expose the NARRATOR hiding under the table, talking into a megaphone.

NARRATOR

Er, the only question now is, who will help them? Water Tribe wealth, United Republic knowhow, a brighter day for the new South!

The lights come back on.

VERRIK

(to the party)

That's right, people! Moving pictures! Another breakthrough technology from Verricorp! Investors, customers, line up by the size of your checkbook. Come, join in the power of the future and the new age to come!

VARRICK walks into the center of the party and locks eyes with UNALAQ, a sinister smile on his face.

BOLIN

(panicked, to Asami)

I swear I didn't know what about this. Aw, man, that means that modeling company who signed me was just Varrick again. Ugh. That guy really likes me.

LIN, wearing a dress uniform, approaches ASAMI.

LIN

(to Asami)

And let me guess, our twice traitor friend owns those oil wells? Chances are the Northern Chief is not going to be happy about this play against his authority. Is Varrick just purposefully making enemies now?

ASAMI

Oh, Chief Beifong! I-

(sighs)

I don't know. I'm still trying to not have a heart attack. Are you sure there's not any way you could arrest him for anything?

A servant comes up and whispers into her ear.

ASAMI

Korra's airship! She's landing now! Sorry, I've...I've got to go and...

(begins leaving)

Please don't punch any crossbow holes in my walls!

ASAMI exits.

LIN

(sips drink, unconcerned shrug)

Too late.







EXT. SATO MANSION AIRFIELD, NIGHT

The rear doors of the mansion open, spilling light out as many people exit towards the open field where a large airship is slowly descending. The airship has a large symbol on the side, a Yin and Yang surrounded by the four elemental symbols. Then the airship is lashed down in place and an exit ramp is attached. The view briefly switches to KORRA standing inside the airship as the doors open. Out come OPAL, JINORA, and two other air-benders, followed by two lines of men and women in White Lotus uniforms. Then KORRA steps out to make her way down the gantry.

ASAMI and KORRA see each other and both give wide smiles, but their faces are temporarily wiped impassive by other business coming first. PRESIDENT CHANG and TENZIN lead in front of UNALAQ's party.

PRESIDENT CHANG

Welcome back to the United Republic once again, Avatar Korra.

KORRA

(joking)

Ha. Sick of me already? I'll try and be gone longer next time.

TENZIN

Korra, it is my honor to-

BOLIN

(sees Opal)

Opal!

(Runs up to hug her and kiss her cheek)

Aw, I've missed you so much!

OPAL

(hisses)

Bolin!

BOLIN

(notices everyone staring at him)

Uh, sorry about that. As you were...important government people.

TENZIN

(sighs)

It is my honor to present Chief Unalaq of the Water Tribe.

UNALAQ steps forward and gives a bow deeper than anyone else has shown. KORRA is a little put off balance.

UNALAQ

I thank you, Avatar, for allowing me in your presence once more.

KORRA

Sure. The Kuvira situation wasn't exactly the best first impression for either of us.

(more formal)

Chief Unalaq, it is nice to see you again.

UNALAQ

You have done many great deeds over the past year, and yet I must trouble you with yet another concern. There is much we must discuss, of this world and the other.

KORRA

(serious)

Yes. Yes, we do.

(back to normal)

But I just got home. Unalaq, we've got the official meeting scheduled tomorrow and I've been traveling across half the continent. I'm looking forward to giving you my full attention as soon as I am capable. Can we hold the business for a moment?

UNALAQ

Of course, Avatar. Then, until tomorrow, I beg your leave.

VARRICK

(inserting himself)

Tomorrow, that sounds great! So what time we meeting? I've got a pedicure at nine but I'm open after that.

Everyone pointedly ignores him except for ESKA who looks like she means him harm.

ASAMI

(steps forward to Korra)

I've got rooms set out for you and your staff to refresh yourselves.

(gestures)

KORRA

(bit of a sly smile)

Thanks. I really appreciate it.

ASAMI leads KORRA and the rest of the white lotus party over to another entrance to the mansion. Their path goes around a corner or wall and hides them view for a moment.

ASAMI

(gently ribbing)

Are you really that tired after an airship ride? I thought you were a bit tougher than that, or has being out in the boonies made you-

KORRA pulls ASAMI in for a kiss. The White Lotus guards all awkwardly look out in different directions to not be watching.

KORRA

I've really really missed you.

ASAMI

(laughs)

Ha, you and Bolin. You've been gone two weeks.

KORRA

Counterpoint, I've been gone two weeks.

(goes in for another kiss)

ASAMI

(reciprocates)

It's nice having you back. I just wish I had a something better to drop you into the middle of.

KORRA

Trouble with the Water Tribe?

ASAMI

And Varrick too. Come on, I'll tell you inside.







INT. ASAMI'S OFFICE

KORRA

Ugh, moving electric photographs. I guess that's a thing now.

(frustrated)

Out there the Earth Kingdom's still a mess. Wu and his people are doing what they can from Ba Sing Se but after a year there's still Empire holdouts. Half the conflicts Kuvira stamped out burst back up the second she was gone. And then there's all these reports of trouble with spirit world. With that spirit energy gun destroyed, I thought the disruptions would die down but it's only getting worse.

ASAMI

Well, it's not your job to fix all that.

KORRA

Uh, yeah it...is?

ASAMI

(moves in close)

I mean not tonight. It will all still be there tomorrow, when you meet with Unalaq and your parents at the Water Tribe conference.

KORRA

(jerks back in surprise)

What? My parents are here?! Here here?

(looks around as if afraid to see them)

ASAMI

(confused)

No, I mean their ship gets in from the south tomorrow but... Korra, you didn't get my telegram?

KORRA

I've been hopping all over the continent for the last two weeks! I've been getting messages in a compliantly random order if they find me at all.

(presses her hand to her forehead in frustration)

Ugh, so my parents came with the southern delegation. Right. So I've got to deal with that too. Ok, I've got this.

ASAMI

Don't worry, you'll be fine. I'll be right there with you.

KORRA

Don't take this in any sort of the wrong way, but that's kind of what I'm nervous about.

ASAMI

Korra, I know things are...delicate with us, but we can handle this. We fought a giant robot together, Tonraq and Senna of the Southern Water Tribe should be within our ability.

KORRA

Yeah, thanks but...

(spots books and typed pages covering the desk)

Er, what's...Are researching my home village?

(turns page)

My village over the last two hundred years?

ASAMI

(embarrassed)

Ok, maybe I'm a little nervous about your parents too. I, uh, hired a cultural anthropologist to help me choose an outfit for my first impression.

KORRA

(brushes through the papers and photos)

Honestly, this is just impressive.

ASAMI

Do you know what you want to tell them? Your parents? About us and...

KORRA

(sighs)

I don't know yet. I'm just going to try and deal with all the politics and spirit stuff first so I have some space to think.

(laughs to herself)

Ha, like that's ever going to happen. But like you said, all that's tomorrow. Tonight we can just...be.

ASAMI

(moves close)

Just be. I like that. Hopefully you'll stay in town for a while this time. I got a new dress I think you'll l really like. I was going to wear it for the Millennium New Years party at the old observatory, so you'd better here.

KORRA

Oh, I'm sure I'll love the dress. Though you look just as good without the clothes.

(realizes the innuendo)

Wait, no, I mean anything you wear-

ASAMI

(laughs)







EXT. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND, DAY

Out in Republic City Harbor a large blue-flagged battleship can be seen. On the island, UNALAQ, ESKA, and the rest of the Water Tribe delegation walk together up from the dock, SENNA and TONRAQ with a smaller group a little bit separate. VARRICK and ZHULI are in the rear. ASAMI is already on the island waiting with BOLIN and MAKO.

ASAMI smooths her outfit one last time walks forward towards TONRAQ and SENNA.

ASAMI

(smiling)

Hello, I'm Asami Sato. I'm so sorry I wasn't able to meet you last night at the gala but I'd love to welcome you both to Republic-

ASAMI notices that TONRAQ is not looking at her at all, instead glaring at UNALAQ who is getting close now.

UNALAQ

(bows his head)

Tonraq, Senna, I am honored to finally meet the parents of the Avatar. Your daughter has risen to the dignity of her legacy in every way. You both are an honor to our tribe.

SENNA

Thank you, Chief Unalaq.

TONRAQ

(gruff)

Yeah, thanks.

VARRICK

(to Unalaq)

Hey, Chief! Great to see you again. Did you catch my little tech demo last night? Great stuff isn't it? Yeah, we'll talk later!

UNALAQ and his party continue on past, ignoring VARRICK, but clearly have left some tension with the Southerners.

ASAMI

(after a moment of tense silence, to Senna)

Yes. Uh. Korra's told me so much about you, Mam, and I'm happy to finally get the-

OPAL

(approaches and gestures)

Excuse me, Tonraq, Senna? Could you please follow me this way for a moment before the meeting?

ASAMI gives up as Korra's parents follow OPAL. A little ways off, around a corner, SENNA and TONRAQ meet with KORRA

KORRA

Mom, dad!

(hugs them)

It's so great to see you.

SENNA

Korra, you look so good! You've put on so much weight!

(embarrassed)

Er, I mean, since we last saw you you look so much healthier and-

KORRA

(laughs)

Mom, it's ok. Yeah, I'm finally back up to full strength.

TONRAQ

(grabs Korra by the arms)

Yeah you are. Come on, let's see those arms! Here we go, muscle contest! Grr!

KORRA

(shakes him off, grinning)

Dad! I'm not eight anymore.

SENNA

It's so nice to see you two together again. I just wish things back home weren't as bad as they are.

(gestures vaguely the way they came)

And, frankly, after seeing the view here I'm afraid it's not getting better.

KORRA

Oh, I guess you heard about the stunt Varrick pulled last night. Don't worry about him. I don't know how he got to this meeting today but I've dealt with the man before. I'll make sure whatever he's plotting doesn't work and we'll get the South the help you really need.

SENNA and TONRAQ exchange glances.

SENNA

But... Mister Varrick is the one helping us. That's why we came, to get you to work with him.

KORRA

What?

TONRAQ

You saw the boat Unalaq came in. It's a full battleship. That is not what someone who wants to "mediate with the spirit world" brings. That's what you bring when you want a war. Please, Korra, your home in the south needs you. Your people need you.

SENNA

(serious)

And we need you,

Some distance away UNALAQ and his party approach a building were White Lotus members and Air Nation including TENZIN, PEMMA, and JINORA. ASAMI, MAKO and BOLIN stand a little apart over near OPAL.

WHITE LOTUS

(announces)

I present Unalaq, Chief of the Water Tribe, grandmaster of the Order of the White Lotus, protector of-

UNALAQ

(holds up a hand to correct)

I am no longer a member of the order. I abdicated that when the Chieftainship fell upon me. The order is beyond governments and my continued association would have been a dangerous conflict of interest.

(smiles)

Still, it's good to see you all again. I would like to introduce my daughter Eska, a talented woman in her own right. She runs my security team.

MAKO

(mostly to himself)

Yeah, we met.

ESKA

(turns back to see Mako, deadpan)

Oh, hello Police. You tore my dress last night when things got rough.

MAKO sputters in embarrassment and surprise as ESKA casually walks away. A few people look very curious at what that was about.

An air-bender steps out and bows to welcome the delegations inside the temple. Most of the crowd enters the building while VARRICK, ZHULI, BOLIN, and MAKO remain outside.

VARRICK

Aw, this is no fun. Stupid closed negotiations.

(elbows Mako)

Hey, Mako, you up for a little breaking and entering?

MAKO

(not even looking at him)

Still a cop.







INT. AIR TEMPLE

Inside a large ceremonial hall, people are waiting for KORRA to arrive.

TENZIN

(to Unalaq)

Welcome to the Republic City Air Temple, allow me to formally introduce my wife Pemma and my daughter-

UNALAQ

Master Jinora.

JINORA

(startled)

You know my name?

UNALAQ

(bows his head)

I recognize a fellow master. Today there are so few who understand the spirits, growing fewer all the time. The other world echoes with your name and the promise of great deeds to come.

JINORA is amazed but in that moment, KORRA enters at the other end of the room. SENNA and TONRAQ separate from her and head over towards positions near UNALAQ.

UNALAQ

(turns towards Korra)

But now I must take my turn be that world's voice.

KORRA sits down, cross legged, on a slightly raised platform. Everyone settles into their official positions in front of her.

KORRA

This meeting was requested in order to come up with a solution to the string of spirit attacks in the southern Water Tribe. Now we're all here, so let's hear it.

UNALAQ

(bows)

Over the past year, the spirit world has come into unprecedented conflict with the material world. The members of my tribe living on the southern continent have suffered the most. That is why I have come to seek your guidance, Avatar Korra. The Avatar is the spiritual leader of the world, and right now the world is in sore need of such leadership.

KORRA

And your position is that the South's new oil wells have caused these attacks? You know, I've been dealing with upset spirits across the globe ever since the spirit energy weapon was first fired a year ago. I was under the assumption that Kuvira's weapon was what caused the trouble with the other world, not oil.

UNALAQ

True, I do not believe that the oil wells are the ultimate cause, but they and the practices that surround them are the reason the South in has suffered so much more than anywhere else. Since they were devastated by the Hundred Years War, people of the southern Water Tribe have lost the knowledge of how to properly honor the spirit world. Now their reckless damage to the natural world has made them a lighting rod for angry spirits.

TONRAQ

(scoffs in disgust)

UNALAQ

The South has been seduced by evil men holding the promise of money, and so our southern brothers have carelessly destroyed the environment while they forgot the sacred traditions of their culture. Instead they just mimic the hedonism of the United Republic, and now are at risk for it.

A few of the United Republic natives in the audience raise their eyebrows at this. SENNA is impassive with barely contained fury.

KORRA

Those oil wells provide most of the South's income. It's easy to see why they're nervous about your "restrictions", even if you say they will stop the spirit attacks.

UNALAQ

There are things more important than money. Avatar Korra, whatever your decision in this one matter you must know that I have not come here solely on behalf of the Water Tribe. I believe all these spiritual conflicts across the globe are linked by a single a greater cause. A cause you have yet to uncover.

(stands)

However, as Chief, my primary duty must be to the Water Tribe. This representative of the Tribe's navy will travel to the south and provide my citizens all the aid I can manage as soon as I can. I humbly request the Avatar's blessing and any guidance she might offer before we leave.

TONRAQ

(Steps forward)

Unacceptable! Those are soldiers! That's a damn warship he's sending south!

KORRA

Dad!

TONRAQ

No! The reason the North has been able to fight off their spirit attacks better than us in the South is because they have an army. We in the south aren't allowed to raise our own troops, even to defend against monsters! So now that we're finally getting rich enough to consider independence, Unalaq is using this spirit crisis as an excuse to come back and re-invade us!

UNALAQ

A leader cannot invade his own country.

TONRAQ

Shut it. If you really cared about our people you'd let us protect ourselves; raise our own army.

UNALAQ

You wish for more violence to secure this claim over this theft from nature. Nothing taken by force can ever be truly owned.

TONRAQ

(furious)

Real rich coming from you. Luckily, Korra knows better than to listen to some two-faced, self-righteous-

KORRA

(supernaturally loud Avatar voice)

Enough!

A sudden burst of wind rushes through the hall as everyone blinks in surprise to see KORRA's eyes glowing. Even her posture has changed and she no longer seems quite the same person.

KORRA

(Avatar voice)

This frequency of attacks from the spirit world is greater than I have seen in thousands of years. Next to that, the political squabbles of these people are unimportant.

Korra's parents are shocked and afraid. They have not seen the Avatar State before and it scares them to hear their daughter carelessly refer to them as "these people". UNALAQ watches KORRA with an almost ecstatic expression.

KORRA

(Avatar voice)

Operating out of this young city has narrowed my perspective. The Avatar serves the world, and so I must travel the world once again. I will sail to the south and thence to wherever I am needed to restore the proper balance.

Wind rushes once more and the light fades from KORRA's eyes. She sags slightly as if she just exerted a lot of energy.

UNALAQ smoothly rises as KORRA rubs her temple and breathes deeply, exhausted.

UNALAQ

Avatar, if I may provide some help?

SENNA

I don't think-

KORRA

(suspicious at first, the accepting)

Hrmm. Ok.

UNALAQ begins to water-bend out thin tendrils of water that touch KORRA at key points and then begin to softly glow. She flinches away at first, but then relaxes.

UNALAQ

(as he works)

Our frail human bodies are ill-suited to contain our souls at the best of times. I feel much the same when my mind returns from visiting the spirit world. I can only imagine the Avatar state is far more straining.

The water draws back and KORRA looks less tired.

KORRA

Thanks.

UNALAQ bows.

SENNA

Korra, please just listen to-

KORRA

I've made my decision. I'll go to the South and try to stop the spirit attacks there as you asked. However, I'm not going to turn away help and Unalaq is right, he is the Chief of the Water Tribe. His northern troops may be needed. We can get back to the issue of the south's local governance when the immediate crisis is over and people are safe. When that happens I'd be happy to mediate a compromise. Thank you all for coming today.

She stands, signaling the end of the meeting.







EXT. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND

SENNA and TONRAQ step out of the building, frustrated and upset. VARRICK approaches, much happier and more confident than they are.

VARRICK

I warned you about how your daughter's gotten. So, the meeting. Let me guess, complete disaster, barely one step away from violence?

(grins)

Isn't it nice when everything goes just according to plan?







INT. AIR TEMPLE, KORRA'S OFFICE (FORMERLY AANG'S)

KORRA paces around ASAMI, MAKO, BOLIN, OPAL, JINORA, and TENZIN.

BOLIN

So...that went well?

ASAMI

(to Korra)

You didn't tell me you were planning on going south.

KORRA

I wasn't. It's...the Avatar state makes things tricky. When I'm like that I'm not just me anymore. There are so many memories. But the things I say are still my decisions. With my parents there I was worried about being able to remain impartial.

MAKO

You sounded pretty damn impartial. Like you didn't even recognize them.

TENZIN

The Avatar State is the union of every Avatar who has ever lived into a single consciousness. It's an experience the rest of us can't imagine.

(to Korra)

Although, I will admit a slight bit of concern. My father never used the state to make public verdicts like that.

KORRA

Yeah well, your dad also had decades more experience than I do. I need every advantage I can get and I'm still barely keeping afloat.

TENZIN

I understand, and we will help you in any way we can.

JINORA

The Air Nation has been compiling lists of spiritual disruptions across the world. Any path you take to the south will pass by a number of them, and you would still arrive at your home village well before New Years.

KORRA

That's a good idea. Maybe I'll learn something at one of those other places that will make dealing with the south's spirit crisis easier.

ASAMI

(rapid planning)

All right, you'll want to leave as soon as possible, so I'll rush the resupply on the airship. Hmm, I'll have to draw up some standing orders for the company while I'm gone, so that means a call to the lawyers, and, oh Tenzin, if I could use your phone my butler can start pulling out clothes while I'm on my way back over. Crossing more than half the world, we'll be passing through a lot of seasons so I'll need a couple wardrobes.

KORRA

Wait, Asami, I didn't mean to drag you across the-

ASAMI

(holds up her finger to silence with a smile)

Shh. Of course I'm coming with you. A trip like this could easily take months and I'm not keen on relying on letters again. Besides, I kind of want a second chance to meet your parents for the first time.

BOLIN

Ooh, and Korra, if it's ok with my boss lady, I can come too?

ASAMI

Please don't call me your boss lady.

BOLIN

(to Korra)

I mean, I know Opal's going to fight tooth and nail to get on a mission like this.

OPAL

You've got that right.

BOLIN

So if I help I can be with her and I'll get to hang out with everyone again. Like in the old days of Team Avatar! Avatar Squad. Korra Crew?

MAKO

(frowns)

Two Water Tribe factions, spirits, and Varrick in the middle. Someone's plotting something. I don't like it, even without all the spirit stuff it still smells like a pile of gasoline.

(sighs)

All the way to the southern continent. What the hell, at least Chief Beifong probably won't fire me for taking leave if she knows I'm going to be miserable while doing so.

BOLIN

That's the spirit! Vacation! Spirit vacation! To stop the...spirit world.

KORRA

(frowns)

Hey, I didn't ask anyone to come and this isn't exactly going to be a-

TENZIN

(to Korra, not listening to her)

We'll need to make diplomatic arrangements for your new travel plan. I'll make the courtesy calls to the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom.

OPAL

I'm not sure how happy they'll be about all Unalaq's battleship moving through their waters. Korra's father was right, it looks a lot more like an invasion than aid.

BOLIN

It's a thin line to walk.

KORRA

(being ignored)

Wait what are you guys-?

JINORA

Dad, we should call uncle Bumi.

TENZIN

(sighs)

I guess we have to, He is the...

(struggles internally)

...most experienced military mind I know.

KORRA

(resigned but smiles)

Ok. Sure, whatever. All of you, thanks. It does feel nice to have everyone back together.

(turns and groans)

Oh right, now I have to actually do all the things I said.

ASAMI

(to Korra)

Come back to the city with me first. Your clothes are still at my house from last night. Er, no, your baggage is. Uh, I mean, you can coordinate the planning from there, near your airship.

KORRA and ASAMI exit as MAKO looks awkwardly uncomfortable at ASAMI's phrasing. BOLIN stands by MAKO smiling and very pointedly not looking at him. OPAL smiles but rolls her eyes at BOLIN.

MAKO

(to Bolin)

Shut up.

BOLIN

(smiling)

I said nothing.

TENZIN

(frowns)

What are you two talking about?

MAKO

(gestures no)

Oh no. No. Not touching that.

JINORA

(Stifles giggles)

MAKO exits.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY HARBOR, DAY

Two ships are in the harbor, the sleek military looking ship from the North and one large Water Tribe colored cargo ship from the South. The cargo ship has a large symbol of Varrick's company branded on it. The ships are slowly moving out under power.

TONRAQ and SENNA stand on the cargo ship deck with KORRA. KORRA gives them a hug and then deploys her glider staff, summoning a gust of wind as she takes off into the sky. She swoops past VARRICK and ZHULI on an upper balcony, then off over the water to UNALAQ and ESKA on the main ship. Finally she rises high up in the air to her branded airship which flies through the sky, flanked by a few flying bison.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY DOCKSIDE

Spectators watch the ships depart. PEMMA, with her youngest children, stands by LIN.

PEMMA

(waving at the ships)

You know, I wonder how all that is going to work. All those people together. All those factions. All those powers.

LIN

Eh, I give it even odds the whole fleet explodes.

PEMMA frowns at LIN.







INT. KORRA'S AIRSHIP

TENZIN, BUMI, and ASAMI stand at an observation window as they watch KORRA soar by and up to the top of the airship. MAKO and BOLIN can be seen walking by behind them in the airship.

BUMI

On an Airship with the Avatar. Brings back memories. Right, so first stop's at the Fire Nation. Some spirit whatsamahoozit trouble there for the Avatar to sort out. That'll at least let us test if this lot are all going to kill each other as soon as we blink.

TENZIN

(unenthusiastic)

Thank you for your expert military analysis, Bumi.

BUMI

No problem, lil' Tenzi. Unalaq's people are crazy fanatics but if I had to lay odds, I'd place money on Varrick being the one to start something. I mean, he's the one who invented all that spirit energy technology, and now he owns a bunch of southern oil fields when that's where the spirits are attacking most? Could be a coincidence, sure, but that guy's kind of burned through his second chances.

ASAMI

(shakes her head)

Varrick's been banned from development of spirit energy weapons technology. All his notes were destroyed in the war and all his equipment from Kuvira's army has been confiscated.

BUMI

(shrugs)

Sure, but he came up with it in the first place. That stuff's still in his head somewhere. What makes you so sure he can't do it again? That he hasn't done it again? Or even just grabbed some of the broken pieces from Kuvira's robot?

TENZIN gives ASAMI a look that indicates she should tell what they both know.

ASAMI

(uncomfortable)

No, I've...I've been keeping track of those materials. As much as it pains me to say, it looks like he's clean on that front.

BUMI

Or he's just good.

(grins at Asami)

Still, missy, got to say this time I'm liking having you on the team. Private sector intell's a nice change.

BUMI exits.

ASAMI

(belatedly)

This time. Wait, you didn't like me before?





