Chapter Text

INT. DINNING ROOM

The entirety of SUYIN's Metal Clan, plus KUVIRA and AIWEI, has gathered in the large dining room that is also filled with all of the expanded Team Avatar. KORRA is next to SUYIN at the head of the table with ASAMI sitting beside her.

SUYIN

(to Korra)

Please, the whole idea of a queen is so outdated. The Earth Nation could do much better than that old system. You agree, right?

KORRA

(hesitant)

Um, I'm not really sure. I mean, the United Republic had their election but the Fire Lord is basically another Queen and the Chief of the Water Tribes is similar too.

SUYIN

(waves a dismissive hand)

You're just describing the way things are. I know as Avatar you are supposed to be the protector of balance and all that, but you need to look to the future too. After all, you're building this new Air Nation. How is that going to be run? Will Tenzin make himself King over my daughter and these other people?

ASAMI

(softly, mostly to herself)

I wonder who elected you.

KORRA and ASAMI both freeze as freezes a bit as ASAMI realizes that SUYIN heard her. But then SUYIN laughs.

SUYIN

True enough.

(leans forward to look past KORRA at ASAMI)

I'm sorry, I've forgotten your name.

ASAMI

Asami Sato, of Sato Industries.

SUYIN

(gesturing to her forehead)

Yes, of course! That airship you arrived in is one of yours, right? The techs were very impressed.

ASAMI

(smiles and seizes on an opening for a sale)

Yes, it is. In fact, the company is also debuting a new line of high output electric generators that are perfect for meeting the expanding energy needs of any modern city. If you want I could show you some of the...

KORRA grins and takes a drink as she leans back in her seat to facilitate this conversation between the two women on each side of her.

Across the room other groups are talking too. Well, most are. Suyin's husband BATAAR is sitting between LIN and TENZIN and looking very uncomfortable at the intense glowering LIN is projecting across the entire room.

BATAAR

(searching desperately for a cheerful topic)

So Tenzin, you are meeting with the other new local air-benders tomorrow? I think three have arrived by now.

TENZIN

(relieved)

Oh, yes! I am exited to have more pupils to teach. Not to belittle your daughter in any way but...heh, there are four ancient Air-Temples to fill.

(thinks of something)

Oh, Lin, if you end up staying with us all the way to the Northern Temple I could get the chance show you...

(he trails off in the face of LIN's frosty silence)

Somehow LIN's omnidirectional glare has gotten even more intense. TENZIN and BATAAR nervously sip their tea in unison.

Further along the table BOLIN sits between OPAL and MAKO.

BOLIN

Wow, this food is delicious!

OPAL

I know, right! Chef Naoshima is amazing. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal in my life!

BOLIN

(earnestly)

Oh, I had plenty from when Mako and I were living on the streets. I mean, you'd be surprised how bad food from a dumpster can be.

OPAL

(mortified)

I'm sorry. I didn't know.

BOLIN

(cheerful)

Nah, it's fine. That's all in the past. Now, I'm a sports star! I have my own apartment.

OPAL

(drowning in her own embarrassment)

That's...great. I...I have to go do the...

(she gets up and flees)

BOLIN

(confused)

Um, ok? Bye?

MAKO

(still eating)

Hmm, you were actually doing pretty good until she freaked herself out.

BOLIN

What?

MAKO

(turning to look at Bolin with raised eyebrow)

With Opal. All that flirting that was just going on over there?

BOLIN

Her? No, I could never get a girl like her.

MAKO

Dude, you dated the Avatar.

BOLIN

That was one date! That wasn't even really a date!

MAKO

More than I ever went on with her. But whatever, suit yourself.

BOLIN

(turning back to where Opal exited)

Hmm.

At another end of the table KAI and JINORA have only one place setting separating them, and are leaning forward over their plates to look at each other and laugh at some joke. KAI picks up one of the ornate utensils and makes a flourish with his hand to theatrically disappear it. JINORA smiles playfully as she mimes a polite clap.

KAI bows as much as he can while seated only to have BUMI clap him forcefully on the back from his chaperone's seat between them. BUMI is still grinning as he shoves his hand down KAI's shirt to retrieve a considerable collection of other potentially valuable items he had 'disappeared' from the table. KAI sinks back into his chair to sulk.

EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT

OPAL is practicing some of her air-bending moves in a small pavilion to work out some frustration with putting her foot in her mouth, when BOLIN approaches from behind her.

BOLIN

(affected 'cool guy' voice)

Hey, little lady. Wow, you're really blowing me away with your air-bending woosh pss ahh.

(saying wind noises)

OPAL

(frowns)

Why are you acting weird?

BOLIN

(same exaggerated voice)

Why are you acting weird?

OPAL

Whatever this...I don't like how your talking to me. Stop it.

(She turns to walk away)

BOLIN

(immediately remorseful)

Look, I'm sorry. I just get really self conscious when I know a girl likes me and I end up acting stupid.

OPAL turns back and sees BOLIN's sincere, terrified regret.

OPAL

(with a touch of wickedness)

Who said I liked you?

BOLIN

(wide eyed panic)

Oh, no. But I thought...! Mako said...!

OPAL

(giggling)

Just kidding. But do me a favor and stop trying. Er, no, don't stop trying, but stop trying so much. Just be yourself.

BOLIN

(comedically emphatic)

Myself? Oh, no, you do not want that. Pick someone else and I'll be him instead!

OPAL laughs again. They stand together in this pool of light under the sealed dome that blocks out the sky.

INT. KORRA'S ROOM

Hours later, KORRA is yawing and smiling as she finishes getting into her sleeping clothes. She wobbles slightly as she walks.

KORRA

Wow, tired.

She moves to grab something off the table but her hand misses and bumps it instead. KORRA sways slightly and blinks repeatedly. Then she reaches out again and notices her hand is shaking. Her knees start to buckle and she wavers. She has been drugged.

KORRA

(Rising fright)

What...?

She steps back but her ankle rolls and she stumbles to the side, catching onto the bed to keep from falling all the way. KORRA starts breathing harder and faster, tensing her muscles as she tries to power her way through this and stand up again.

KORRA

(reaches up towards her throat)

The dinner. Something in the...?

(through clenched teeth)

No, I have to get...!

Her rising heart rate only makes the chemical in her blood hit faster. Her attempt to stand fails and she falls back onto the bed. Suddenly a faint noise catches her ear. The window has opened a crack and there are the shadows of people outside. A small tube pokes in and puffs with a burst of air. A small dart strikes KORRA in the side. However, KORRA turns and punches out with an incoherent roar, summoning a huge burst of fire that fills half the room.

KORRA

Raah!

KORRA goes for a other fire punch but now she wavers and starts to fall face forward, the flames from her fist going wild and hitting the wall beside the window. The window now flings open and ZAHEER and MING HUA leap in. Together they quickly restrain an increasingly drugged KORRA. Even so it is almost a close thing on one last fire blast. However, soon KORRA goes limp into her bonds. The Avatar has been captured.

EXT. GARDEN

BOLIN walks back along a path with a contented grin on his face, having just recently parted with OPAL after talking for hours. Then he suddenly glances around as he realizes he is not entirely certain how to get from where he is to his guest room. As he looks around by chance he sees shapes moving out in the dark. Then he notices who they are carrying.

BOLIN

(screams out in alarm)

Korra!

Below him, MING HUA locks eyes on BOLIN and launches out a barrage of knife-like ice blades. BOLIN ducks back behind a wall.

BOLIN

Ahh! Ahh! Kidnapping! Need help!

All confusion banished by adrenaline he stomps down on the ground and launches up several stone tiles to shoot out. Both rocks smash against the sides of two guest houses. Inside, MAKO launches forward in his bed. A second later he throws open the front door in his sleeping clothes.

MAKO

Bolin?!

The door of the other building opens and ASAMI, wearing her nightgown, pokes her head out.

Now Zaofu guards have also heard BOLIN's yelling and they come running. ZAHEER, still carrying KORRA, and his gang are running at top speed towards some exit but when they see guards in front of them they stop and start to fight. Secrecy abandoned, P'LI breathes in and begins shoot out third-eye explosion rays that rattle the night.

Crack, crack, boom

The Zaofu guards attack with their hip mounted metal cable reels, trying to capture the intruders. However, as MING HUA and ZAHEER deflect the attacks GHAZAN sinks into his earth bending stance and crushes the marble paving between them, melting it into glowing lava. Then he thrusts his arms to each side, expanding the expanse of blistering molten earth to form a moat all the way around them as more Zaofu Guards converge.

As P'LI continues to blast at them, KUVIRA grabs and lifts up a decorative metal slab as a shield to protect her soldiers, but P'LI then changes her attack technique to send the explosion ray on a slightly arcing path bending around the corner.

A stalemate of sorts arises as the ring of lava keeps the Zaofu team back while explosion rays and lava plumes keep up their attack. MING HUA is very good at deflecting any projectiles out of the air. ZAHEER can jump out and do a bit of skirmish fighting but they yet can't get away yet while carrying KORRA.

The next wave of people come running, from different directions, including SUYIN and LIN. LIN dashes forward and punches out in perfect earth-bending form but the patch of stone she was aiming for only cracks instead of shooting out. Then SUYIN goes and at her command the earth burst forth with a wave of power. LIN grimaces.

By now MAKO and BOLIN are mostly hunkered down behind a low wall near the battle. There is a brief lull in the fighting and that is when OPAL appears from in the direction of the guest houses, drawn by the noise.

OPAL

(seeing Bolin)

Bolin!

BOLIN

Get down!

OPAL's shout attracts P'LI and an explosion bursts just a few yards away from OPAL. She barely escapes but the now missing support beam sends a bit of roof crashing down on her position. BOLIN and MAKO jump up from their hiding spot and fire off several covering shots at ZAHEER's team.

A little ways off, LIN joins SUYIN and KUVIRA behind a barricade.

SUYIN

Damn it, we can't get close enough to grab the Avatar! They're covering every angle!

(looking up)

But not from above. We could drop down on cables from outside the dome.

KUVIRA

(shakes her head)

No. Even if we got down undetected, that explosion fire-bender would take us out before we could complete a retreat.

LIN

(peaks her head our again and almost gets it removed by another explosion)

That fire-bender. Every move she does is focused entirely around that tattoo on her forehead. Her power must rely on the pressure point there. If I hit her right there with even a small fast hit it should give you a brief opening as her chi's knocked out of whack for a moment.

SUYIN

Are you kidding? With your bending in the state it's in that would put my people at incredible risk!

(Glances around and sees BOLIN punching off small fast shots of little rock fragments)

But what about that kid? He's a pro-bender, right? That's the kind of move those people make their living on.

For a moment LIN looks like she is about to now argue against her own plan since she will not be the one doing it. But then she nods and she dashes out of that cover just as SUYIN and KUVIRA dart in the opposite direction.

LIN comes skidding into MAKO and BOLIN's position.

LIN

(To Bolin)

I've got a job for you, kid.

EXT. THE OUTSIDE OF ZAOFU'S DOME -NIGHT-

SUYIN and KUVIRA dash up the side of the metal dome, aided by the cables that they shoot out from the spool harnesses at their hips. They they reach the seem in the massive 'petals' near where they come together at the top. SUYUN turns to signal to someone behind her further down the dome side, and a few moments later there is a gentle vibration as the petals begin to very slowly open. Then, when a thin gap has opened up it halts and SUYIN jumps straight down through the crack.

EXT. INSIDE ZAOFU

SUYIN falls down through the air above the fight, metal cables rapidly unwinding from the spools at her waist as they grip onto the roof above her. She allows just enough uneven tension to send her in an arcing circle, presenting a harder target. KUVIRA follows behind.

Off to the side, occasionally buffeted by explosion rays, BOLIN, MAKO, OPAL, and LIN crouch behind their cover.

LIN

Something small and light enough that they won't see it or won't bother to block it. Just hit right on the tattoo and shake her up.

BOLIN

(panicking)

Yeah, just do that. I'm not sure about this! I'm no great earthbender!

MAKO

(building his confidence)

Come on, it's one little pebble. You got this.

Up above, SUYIN's cables go taught and her fall transforms into an arcing dive straight towards ZAHEER'S ad hoc fortification. She and KUVIRA will each only get one chance at grabbing KORRA who is still crumpled down on the ground.

OPAL

Bolin, please.

He takes a deep breath in and out, before standing up out of cover. Then he ducks right back down as a splash of lava sends a few globs his way but right after that he jumps up again. BOLIN hops up and down on his feet a few times, then plants and punches with a sharp jab. The pebble shoots out like a bullet.

P'LI

(clutching her forehead)

Ah!

KUVIRA and SUYIN swing down and shoot out cables to wrap around KORRA and pull her up. Then they are soaring up again in sweeping swings as both women focus their power on reeling the cables back in.

MING HUA

(looking up)

They got the Avatar!

She makes to go after SUYIN and KUVIRA but ZAHEER races back in from fighting Zaofu guards and grabs her shoulder.

ZAHEER

No! We'll get another chance!

After a brief moment MING HUA nods and then in an instant her water arms explode outwards into a cloud of concealing fog.

MAKO

Rah! I can't see them!

BOLIN

Opal!

OPAL

(sudden realization)

Oh, right!

OPAL runs out and with great concentration makes a half spin before thrusting her hands out summoning a gust of wind. This blows the fog away, but the center of the rapidly cooling ring of earth is now empty. ZAHEER and the rest are gone.

At this moment TENZIN, BUMI, and others come running up.

INT. SECURITY OFFICE

KORRA is sitting on a cot, rubbing her temple and fumbling with her still addled senses. Staying upright at all is a challenge for her. BOIN is clutching his hands before his mouth in anxious worry while MAKO has his arms tightly folded and ASAMI sits on the edge of a chair she pulled up beside KORRA. TENZIN, LIN, SUYIN, KUVIRA, and AIWEI occupy the rest of the room.

SUYIN

(furious)

How did this happen?! My child was there! They attacked her! If Opal had been hurt...

KUVIRA

Mam, my guards are combing the countryside. We will catch them.

SUYIN

You couldn't catch them breaking into the most secure city in the world! You expect me to believe you now?

KUVIRA

Suyin, I-

SUYIN

No! I've had enough! This wasn't supposed to be possible. Aiwei?

AIWEI

(calm)

I trust in Kuvira's security forces. I know the precautions they take and I believe they are sound. Unfortunately, it is also clear that Avatar Korra was drugged by someone in the compound. These intruders must have had help; from within Zaofu.

LIN

He's right. It's just like in Republic City. Someone let Zaheer through the defenses. We need to question everyone here.

SUYIN

Right. Aiwei, get to work. Find who's responsible. Find them and bring them to me.

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM

AIWEI sits in a small room across a bare table from ZAOFU GUARD ONE. Behind a plane of glass, SUYIN and the rest of the group watch.

AIWEI

State your name.

GUARD ONE

(intercut)

Tian

GUARD TWO

(intercut)

Fong

GUARD THREE

(Intercut)

-- -- but people call me --.

AIWEI

There will be a few more questions. First-

GUARD FOUR

(intercut)

I've served five years.

GUARD FIVE

(intercut)

Born in Omashu city, yes.

GUARD SIX

(intercut)

Er, never without asking them first.

AIWEI

Do you have any prior association with the criminal Zaheer or any of the other intruders who attacked our city last night?

GUARD ONE

(Intercut)

No.

GUARD THREE

(Intercut)

No.

GUARD FIVE

(Intercut)

No.

KUVIRA

No.

AIWEI widens his eyes by the smallest degree a split second after he hears KUVIRA say this. Her face is as professional as always but AIWEI now seems to see something else there. He resumes the questioning with renewed intensity.

AIWEI

You were recruited by Madam Beifong in Ba Sing Se?

KUVIRA

(with a slight smirk)

If you call that a recruitment, then yes.

AIWEI

Did you have any prior knowledge of last night's attack?

KUVIRA

No, of course not. If I did they wouldn't have gotten one toe into the city.

AIWEI

Have you shared any knowledge of Zaofu's defenses with any outside party?

KUVIRA

(irritated)

No. Don't be ridiculous.

AIWEI

Did you let Zaheer and his allies into Zaofu? Did you drug Avatar Korra's drink?

KUVIRA

(angry)

All right. I cooperated to set an example but I've had enough. My men are out there searching for those criminals and that's where I should be too. I don't have time for this.

She stands and makes for the door. However, AIWEI makes a small gesture with his hand and AOTO steps in front of the doorway blocking her path. KUVIRA whips her head back at AIWEI with anger and disbelief.

AIWEI

Guard Commander Kuvira, please answer yes or no to the questions.

KUVIRA

Fine; no. Madam Beifong, call him off and let me get back to work.

AIWEI

(slow pronouncement)

I'm afraid we can not let you leave. You have been lying to us.

KUVIRA

What?! Aiwei, you idiotic old man, you can't actually think that...

(turns to the viewing window)

Mam, I was right there fighting by your side! Fighting Zaheer!

AIWEI

And yet he escaped.

(stands)

These men of the White Lotus will take you to a holding cell where you will remain until a thorough investigation can be conducted. In the event the facts uncovered prove you innocent, you will be-

KUVIRA

(Slams her hand against the glass)

Suyin! This is crazy. I...I would never...You have to trust me! You took me off the street and gave me a-!

SUYIN

(furious)

Take her out of my sight!

The White Lotus members grab KUVIRA by each arm and walk her down the hall. As she passes SUYIN, KUVIRA turns her head to look SUYIN in the face with full pleading eyes. SUYIN does not meet her stare.

KORRA

Wait, that's all it takes? He says she's lying and you take her away?

SUYIN

(the energy has been sucked out of her)

Aiwei can always sense a lie. Twenty years and he's never once been wrong.

As KUVIRA disappears out the exit AIWEI comes into the observation hall.

AIWEI

I can not yet determine precisely what she is hiding, but the vibrations of her pulse and breathing exhibited the telltale changes during questioning. A search of her quarters may turn up more.

SUYIN

(trying to contain herself)

Do it.

LIN

(skeptical and bitter)

So, he claims to have mom's truth-sense power? I've seen other earth-benders try to fake that before. But than again I suppose your quality choice of company rules the day here too, oh great Founder.

SUYIN

(trembling with anger and betrayal and a dozen other emotions)

Shut up, Lin. A band of murderers broke in to my home; threatened my family. I can't deal with your jealousy issues right now.

LIN

Jealousy? Of you?

TENZIN

Easy Lin. We've all had a long night.

LIN

(long held injuries bursting forth)

And what am I supposed to be jealous of? That I don't get to play queen in this shiny metal halfway-house for the criminals of the world with your oversized litter of brats running around? I'm surprised you even bother to lock up the people you catch. I thought you would have taken mom's approach to criminals and just send them off scot-free to live in the country so they aren't any more of an embarrassment to the family.

SUYIN

(ice in her voice)

Don't you dare talk about my kids.

LIN

(mocking)

Ha, and that's what you choose to deny. Figures, trying to make yourself seem like such the great mother since mom was so bad at it.

SUYIN

(the emotion breaks free)

Don't spin this around. You're the one stuck in the past! You're the one who tried to make yourself into a copy of mom, the great hero; stayed in Republic City, never married, took her same job. Well, you'll never be her. And now you've even lost almost all your bending. You're just a lonely, bitter old woman who tries so hard to make everyone else as miserable as you are.

(yelling at Lin while gesturing at Tenzin)

No wonder the only man you were ever with left you!

The room freezes for a long moment. Then LIN points to the long scars on her cheek as silent evidence of SUYIN's true nature.

SUYIN

(shaken)

I didn't...Back...That was an accident!

LIN

(low and firm)

No, it wasn't.

SUYIN is visibly distraught and agitated. She does not respond. There is a long moment of silence.

BOLIN

Wow. That was-

MAKO claps a hand over his mouth and drags him out of the room. ASAMI tugs gently on KORRA's arm to encourage her to follow suit. Behind them SUYIN hangs her head as her hands clench into fists.

EXT. GARDEN - DAY

MAKO, BOLIN, and ASAMI stand outside looking up. Then a gust of wind swirls the dust around them as KORRA comes in for a landing from her glider staff. Once her feet hit the ground she twirls the staff, collapsing the wings back into their hidden grooves.

KORRA

No trace of where Zaheer and them went. Tenzin is still up there looking but he made me come back.

(Flexes her arm, remembering the weakness the drug inflicted)

Rah. These guys just appear and disappear and destroy everything in their path. Who are they?

ASAMI

(pensive)

Do you think that maybe the Earth Queen could be behind this?

KORRA

What? Where did that come from?

ASAMI

First the attack on the political stability of the United Republic, which was once Earth Kingdom land. Then here in Zaofu where Suyin's been flaunting Ba Sing Se's authority for decades. I'm not saying anything in particular but Beifong, er our Beifong, said that Zaheer and his group had support from one of the national delegations to Republic City. There's one faction that's gaining the most from all this.

KORRA

(uncertain)

Hmm. Mako, what do you think about that?

MAKO

(distracted by some internal analysis)

Hmm? Oh, um maybe? It's to early to say for sure. What would the Earth Queen even gain by kidnapping you?

BOLIN

Maybe that Aiwei guy will get something more out of watsername, Kuvira. I mean he did find that incriminating note in her room after he went to check.

MAKO

(shakes his head)

Not sure, but I don't think he will.

ASAMI

(connecting dots)

Ah.

(concerned)

Oh.

MAKO

(elaborates)

Zaheer's been in prison by himself for thirteen years. Last time he was out Kuvira would have been what? Fourteen? How does that work with her now being this loyal ally? There's something suspicious about all this. It was too simple to catch her.

KORRA

You think someone set her up? Framed?

MAKO

Well, there's only one person who Suyin trusts to tell if everyone is saying the truth. The same person who's running the investigation. The way I see it, Aiwei is the only who can get away with lying here.

BOLIN

(innocently thoughtfully)

Well, technically him and Suyin since she was the one ordering the questions. No one's interrogated her.

MAKO, KORRA, and ASAMI find themselves looking around suspiciously at the grandure of Zaofu around them. It is a sobering shift in world-view.

KORRA

One suspicion at a time. Mako's right, it's worth checking out. While Aiwei's searching Kuvira, let's search him.

INT. AIWEI'S HOUSE

The door to the outside rattles slightly and then clicks open. MAKO puts away his lock-picking tools and turns to KORRA who still has her fist raised behind him.

MAKO

See, no need to smash.

KORRA shrugs in what might be disappointment.

ASAMI

You're sure this is Aiwei's place?

BOLIN

Positive. Opal pointed out who lived where while we were out walking around talking and...um. This is the place, ok.

(blushes slightly)

KORRA

Spread out. Look for anything suspicious.

They fan out and comb through AIWEI's desk as well as his bookshelves and cabinets. MAKO shuffles through files, KORRA peers under and around things looking for hiding spots, and BOLIN picks up and inspects random objects. Nothing of note leaps out at them

MAKO

(Looking at letters)

Correspondence from a lot of places. Omashu, Ba Sing Se, Republic City, but all of it looks normal.

ASAMI

(flipping through books)

He's got a lot of stuff on the spirit world. Could be some hobby of his or it could...Whoop!

(exclamation of surprise as something slides out from within one of the books.)

ASAMI catches what seems to be a dark disk a little smaller than a poker chip. It has the design of a red flower on it.

ASAMI

A lotus Pai Sho tile?

MAKO

The White Lotus? Isn't there some story about them and Pai Sho codes?

KORRA

No, wrong tile. Back when the Order White Lotus was a secret organization they did do secret messages and but they used, you know, the White Lotus tile, not the Red. I don't think that's anything.

MAKO

Ok, well how about this, he's got a bill here from-

BOLIN

(ducking away from the window)

Guys? He's coming this way!

KORRA

What?

MAKO

Everything back where it was! Now!

A few brief frantic moments later the front door opens. AIWEI halts in the doorway for half a breath before stepping in. He comes face to face with all four intruders standing in the middle of the room trying to look natural.

AIWEI

(surprised but polite)

Avatar. What are you doing in here?

KORRA

Sorry, but I had a few questions. Things I thought you might know the answer to.

AIWEI

(narrows his eyes slightly)

Did Suyin send you?

KORRA

No, and actually some of the questions are kind of about her.

AIWEI

(brightening)

Of course, Avatar. It is my honor to serve. May I offer you and your friends some tea?

KORRA

Um, sure.

AIWEI

(walking into the kitchen where he turns up a high fire under a small kettle)

It will be just a second. Please be seated and make yourselves comfortable.

KORRA and the rest sit down. MAKO chooses a seat where he can just barely see AIWEI in the kitchen. As he watches AIWEI goes over to a small row of ceramic pots by tea set marked as different types of tea. Then AIWEI pauses briefly before reaching far off to an awkward corner grab a very small container. AIWEI gets the tea leaves from in there.

A moment later AIWEI returns carrying a tea set on a tray. He pours into five cups from the small ceramic teapot.

AIWEI

This tea variety is a particular favorite of mine. I have it every day.

MAKO narrows his eyes. He saw how it was stored.

AIWEI

Now, what was it you wanted to ask me?

KORRA looks at the glass in front of her with trepidation. Even without seeing what MAKO saw, she was just drugged the night before and so has apprehensions.

KORRA

Er, it's about whatever's between Suyin and Cheif Beifong.

AIWEI picks up his own tea cup and leans back slightly as he cups it in his hands, lightly blowing on the surface. His face is calm and genial, but his eyes note one of his nicknacks slightly askew from where BOLIN put it down.

AIWEI

(easy talking)

Ah, yes. That family history is a tumultuous one. I do not claim to have first hand knowledge but it seems that...

KORRA, intent on listening to AIWEI, reaches our to grab her teacup. However, just as she grabs it MAKO leans over to put his hand down over hers.

MAKO

(to Aiwei)

Tell me about the red Lotus Tile.

AIWEI freezes. He shoots looks at MAKO and a KORRA. His face is no longer genial. He realizes his last ditch plan to drug all of them has failed. Then he relaxes and exhales a long slow breath.

Abruptly, AIWEI stands up and punches out with earth-bending at the clay teapot, shattering it and sending boiling water flying out towards the others. KORRA's hands snap into position and her water-bending plucks the splash out of the air, flinging it behind her. All four try to leap up too but AIWEI flicks up the metal table between them and rockets it out at them. KORRA bodily deflects it but this gives AIWEI time to run back a few feet where he thrust his hands down onto the floor and then lifts up to magically raise up a metal wall that locks into the celling.

KORRA runs up and slams her palms against the metal wall, denting it and trying to metal bend it open.

MAKO

Hurry! He's getting away!

KORRA

(Grunting with exertion)

I'm trying! I just learned this two day ago! Rah!

With a roar of effort KORRA manages to rip a hole in the wall. They leap through to the other side and are confronted with smoke as an unearthed stash of secret documents are already on fire. At the back of the room, the bookcase is slightly ajar.

BOLIN

(pointing)

Secret tunnel!

The four of them bolt forward, KORRA slamming the bookcase to the side so they can all rush down the staircase it reveals. At the bottom they adjust to the dark to see a long straight tunnel, a sturdy locked door, and between them and the door a large barrel topped with a ticking device that makes it look troublingly bomb-like.

The bomb explodes with earth-shaking force and everything goes white with fire.

EXT. GARDEN

OPAL, KAI, and several other new air-benders are standing in front of TENZIN as he shakes his head in response to some question when the muffled sound of the explosion rings out across the compound. Instantly TENZIN twirls his staff to deploy his glider and leaps up to fly off in a summoned hurricane of wind.

INT. SECRET TUNNEL

The explosion and smoke dissipate a little to reveal the four friends huddled down in the middle of a small dome of swirling air KORRA managed to summon up in time to deflect the force of the blast. KORRA has shoved ASAMI down to the ground below her, a split second calculation of safety priority, while MAKO seemed to have tried to shield BOLIN with his own body. Then after a second or two the air-shield drops and KORRA sags to her knees, exhausted. A blue-white light briefly blinks in and out of her eyes.

EXT. AIWEI'S HOUSE

TENZIN lands and throws open the front door with a forceful air blast only to find KORRA and the rest staggering out through the smoke. The smoldering building stands as a scar against the shining perfection of Zaofu.

INT. MANSION

ASAMI is still clearly shaken by her very near brush with death and KORRA stands by her chair, occasionally sparing a glance to see that she is ok.

ZAOFU GUARD

We managed to test the tea from Aiwei's house. They were right, it's laced with the same substance that drugged the Avatar last night.

BAATAR is seated beside SUYIN with an arm around her to provide her with support. SUYIN looks as if her world is crumbling around her. KUVIRA is now free but declines to look at her employer. ASAMI gets up from her chair and makes a slight motion to wave off her friends' concern as she makes her way to the table covered with the recovered contents of Aiwei's house.

TENZIN

(Half to Asami, half to the rest of the room)

We gathered what we could. Unfortunately, we have no idea how much he managed to destroy.

KUVIRA

Aiwei made no outside calls and sent no telegrams in the last month. No trace of any secret communications line has been found. But he had to have been getting a message to Zaheer somehow. There wasn't enough time for a letter to be delivered between the Avatar arriving here and this Red Lotus group's attack.

Off to the side, ASAMI touches the red Lotus tile they had found. Then she picks up the book it had dropped out of, now with a rather singed cover. She opens the book and flips through the pages until she finds the spot where she can still feel the indentation of where the tile had been pressed inside. That page has an illustration of a man sitting cross legged in meditation in the middle of a strange and magical landscape.

ASAMI

(to herself)

The spirit world.

MAKO

What?

ASAMI

(to the room)

The...Aiwei had tons of books on meditation and the spirit world. I know I've read that some spiritual masters can actually project their minds across the border into the other world. What if Aiwei could do that? What if one of Zaheer's people can too?

KORRA

(to Tenzin)

Is it possible?

TENZIN

(looking a little uncomfortable at every eye now focused on him)

Yes, I suppose it is. There are many stories of gurus who managed to meet other sages, living or dead or far away, in the spirit world as though they stood side by side. He might be able to do that.

LIN

Untraceable, undetectable communication. Perfect.

AOTO

(frustrated)

According to reports, Zaheer spend most of his time mediating in his cell. If this is true, then he was never truly imprisoned. He's been reaching out to his organization for thirteen years.

KORRA

(determined)

But the spirit world isn't like a phone-line. It's a place, so if that's where Aiwei and Zaheer are meeting then that's where we can catch them. I'll catch them.

(To Tenzin)

It is the duty of the Avatar to be the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds after all. Come on 'Mr. Spiritual', it's time to teach me how.

TENZIN

Er, Right. Of course. It is my honor and my duty to be your guide.

EXT. MANSION GROUNDS

KORRA and TENZIN are sitting in meditative positions in a beautiful part of the garden. A small crowd of hopefuls have gathered to watch, including Zaofu guards and the new air-benders.

KORRA

I feel like I've almost gotten this before. There's a certain 'edge' of awareness where suddenly I can see spirits that have crossed over into this world. But I guess I'm just stumbling around on instinct instead of knowing what I'm actually doing.

TENZIN

See spirits? Er, um yes. Of course. Now there are many techniques developed by the gurus of the past have to cross over, so we will see which works best for you. Ok? So let us begin.

They both close their eyes and sit in perfect quiet. In that quiet the sound of the breathing from the watching crowd gets louder and louder until suddenly TENZIN jumps up.

TENZIN

No. Nope. The spiritual energy here is all wrong. Come on Korra, I've scouted out other spots.

Their new location is a quiet and cool half-inclosed room with a water feature set into the rear wall. KUVIRA and her guards are now gone from the group of watchers. Every few moment the slow fountain it drips a single large drop of water down in to the smooth clear basin below.

TENZIN

Ah, there we go. Water meditation is a renowned and and ancient technique. Clear your mind. Let each drop banish every thought to leave you empty so that the next drop may come to renew that emptiness.

They sit in silence, with only the periodic drip of water.

KORRA

(without opening her eyes)

This is just making me have to go to the bathroom.

TENZIN

Korra, that's not...

(pause followed by an exasperation)

Great.

Next, they sit in a grotto while JINORA and BOLIN are in front of them gently tapping on ritual bells. Not all of the crowd followed them. At first TENZIN is serene but BOLIN is clearly having a lot of trouble keeping to the beat. His tolls are getting increasingly off as he struggles and it is like nails on a chalkboard to TENZIN. Soon he gives up in frustration.

They sit on a promontory in the wind. The watching crowd is yet smaller. TENZIN looks majestic with the edges of his robe fluttering in the gusts. KORRA is being repeatedly slapped in the face by her own hair.

Finally they are in a simple pavilion out in the garden. Only the core group is left. TENZIN and KORRA still sit in their meditative postures but KORRA's patience is running out.

KORRA

(frustrated)

Why is this so hard? I'm supposed to be the bridge between this world and the spirit world. So why won't it let, me, in!

(banging on the floor)

TENZIN

(impatiently)

Korra, patience.

KORRA

No, Aiwei and Zaheer's crew are both getting away! Enough of this 'find what works for Korra' just tell me what you did the first time you crossed over and I'll do that or die trying. So all right, what is it?

TENZIN

(reluctant and embarrassed)

Well...

KORRA

Oh, you've got to be kidding me.

Off to the side MAKO and ASAMI press their hands over their eyes in frustration as JINORA hangs her head. BOLIN glances around trying to catch on to the unspoken conclusion.

TENZIN

(to Korra, pride melting into almost pleading)

I have studied the spirit world and meditation my entire life. As Avatar Aang's son it's my duty, my responsibility to be a spiritual center for the Air Nation. Even if I myself am lacking, the time I have spend gaining expertise is sure to help you, Korra. I know you can do this. You are the Avatar.

KORRA

(Angry)

Yeah, I am. And this has been a big waste of time.

TENZIN opens his mouth to argue but instead he gets up and bows to KORRA. Then he silently turns and walks away.

KORRA

(grumbling to herself)

Where are those past lives of mine when I need them? They sure were quick to come out and chat when Amon tried to make me a defective Avatar. I could use a bit of help now.

But no help is immediately forthcoming. Time passes.

KORRA sits eyes closed in cross legged meditation, her fists placed together in font of her stomach. Her face changes expression as she struggles to figure out this spiritual secret. Then a voice speaks up from just out of sight.

JINORA

That feeling when you can see the spirits...

KORRA

(surprised but keeps her eyes closed)

Mm?

JINORA is sitting just behind KORRA's field of view on the other side of the low pavilion wall, in her own meditative posture.

JINORA

It's not an empty mind like my dad thinks. Not quite. It's more about giving up a bit of yourself, forgetting to value your own identity for a moment and instead understanding the existence and connections of everything else. People around you, animals, plants, even bits of metal or gusts of wind. They all have...intention.

(she smiles off into the distance perhaps at something only she can see)

That's when you can see. And that's when you can cross over.

KORRA takes a deep breath. Her expression changes slightly, the frustration melting away into a kind of serenity. She breathes out slowly. Then she breathes in.

EXT. SPIRIT WORLD

KORRA breathes out and opens her eyes. She is in a very different world.

KORRA

(awed)

The spirit world.

Korra turns around, taking in the massive twisting trees, impossible mountains, and a sky of sparkling colors. Little glowing creatures like jellyfish made of leaves drift by before swooping up out of sight. As she takes a step the world shifts around her slightly.

KORRA

Woah, that's unsettling.

(sits down)

All right, I'm here. Now how do I find Aiwei? Think. Think. What did Tenzin tell me?

(closes her eyes)

In the spirit world the-

AANG

(faintly echoing voice)

-experience that you feel is a reflection of the experience of your mind. I taught that to Tenzin when he was a child. It is fitting that he passed it on to you.

With a gasp KORRA snaps her eyes open to see the ghostly form of Avatar AANG sitting directly in front of her in the exact same position that she is in. With his shaved head and ceremonial arrow tattoos he resembles his son TENZIN but his robes are of an older style.

KORRA

Aang! Wait, how did I...

As KORRA reacts to AANG's sudden presence she quickly notices that every small motion of her body is mirrored exactly by AANG. The experience is like sitting before a mirror that shows her as a different person.

AANG

(smiles warmly)

We are one and the same. I am always part of you.

(turns serious)

But here in the spirit world what is hidden often finds its way to become clear. It is a dangerous place for humans and you are not yet prepared-

In the middle of his sentence, KORRA's outline pulses and a wave of vaporous energy flows out of her, sweeping over AANG and transforming him into an old man dressed in antique armor-like Fire Nation robes.

ROKU

-to meet the challenge of an expert here. Your body remains in the other world but you are still vulnerable. Here there are no elements here for you to control, only constructs of pure spirit. Your bending is useless.

KORRA reacts in surprise this sudden change in persons but manages to keep a hold on her calm, settling the wavering ripples of change that her emotions set off in the world around her.

KORRA

I have to try. Aiwei and Zaheer have been using this place to-

ROKU abruptly melts into the shadow of a woman in an ornate costume and face-paint under a fan-like headdress. She is the earth nation Avatar KYOSHI.

KYOSHI

(replacing Roku)

-set a trap for you. It is possible and so you should plan against that. Your enemies are resourceful and not to be underestimated.

KORRA

It's not a trap if I can't even find them! The only clear thing that book had was that drawing of the tree in front of a weird waterfall and that could be anywhere if it was real at all.

KYOSHI

Beware. You are strong but-

She shifts into another past Avatar, KURUK, a man clad in the furs and leathers of the Water Tribe.

KURUK

(his voice starts to echo)

-even Avatars die. That is how you are reborn. But to envision your journey, you must also envision its end.

KORRA jerks back at this sudden dire pronouncement and the visions of her past lives instantly vanish.

KORRA

Wait, no! I still have more to ask about...!

(irritated)

Perfect.

She looks around, lost in the expanse of the spirit world. It is wild and magical, but not very illuminating in her current quest. KORRA picks a random landmark, a mountain peak, and turns towards it.

KORRA

I kind of figured being the Avatar would be more helpful here. I'm the 'bridge between worlds' and all that. Well, I might as well get started if I want to catch Zaheer and Aiwei meeting. Once I get up higher I might be able to see some-

She starts walking but in the middle of her sentence she takes one more step and the world suddenly rushes into a blurring vortex around her. Panicking, KORRA falls to the ground, clutching the dirt, only to realize that she is now halfway up the mountain she had just been looking at in the distance a moment ago.

KORRA

(Shaken)

Woah, that was...

(realization)

Wait! "To envision your journey you must also envision its end." Maybe they, he, I, was saying something! That's how you move around in this place. That picture Asami found in the book!

She sits down into meditative posture again. KORRA closes her eyes.

KORRA

Come on. Breath like Tenzin said, focus like Jinora described. Think of the picture. The waterfall and the tree.

For a moment KORRA's face and her breathing are the only focus. Then there is another voice.

ZAHEER

Greetings Avatar.

Her eyes fly open and she jumps to her feet. Once again, KORRA is somewhere new, a grove of strange red trees around whose roots a lace of twining streams flow. Further ahead a waterfall flows impossibly from the top of a single stone spire. It is the spot depicted in the book's illustration and filling the roll of the illustrated man is ZAHEER, sitting in meditative posture.

KORRA

Zaheer!

She reflexively falls info a bending posture and punches out but of course bending does not work here.

KORRA

(a touch of fear)

You were expecting me. This is a trap!

ZAHEER

(holds up his open palms)

I have not tried to trick you, though I hoped you would find your way here. I am here alone.

KORRA

And I'm supposed to believe that?

ZAHEER

In the spirit plane your belief is all that matters.

The sky ripples and begins to turn black above them as KORRA clenches her fist. But she notices this with surprise and as soon as her fury transforms to fear she finds the world growing larger around her. However, as ripples spread out around her into the spirit world, the space immediately around ZAHEER remains untouched. Slowly, KORRA gets a hold of herself and the spirit world returns to normal.

ZAHEER

The world always warps around the Avatar. Here it is simply more literal.

KORRA

(growling at her inexperience and weakness)

I am going to catch you. And when I do, you're going to answer every one of my questions.

ZAHEER

Catch me? Quite unnecessary. I will answer any question you have, right here, right now.

KORRA

(after a long moment of deliberation she sits down in front of him)

Who are you? Who are you working with?

ZAHEER

(looking around with a peaceful expression)

You found the book. Did you happen to read the description of this place? It is called Xia Bao's grove, named for my first master. He is the one who set me on this path.

KORRA

I thought you were going to answer me.

ZAHEER

(serious)

I am. Xia Bao was a grandmaster of the Order of the White Lotus.

KORRA

(surprised)

What? You're White Lotus? No, you're not. If that were true then why the hell are you fighting me? Why do you keep trying to kidnap me?

ZAHEER

(Shakes his head)

The Order is not what it once was. It was founded as a secret association of masters from every nation, working together for the common good, free from the domination of mundane authorities. Then, out of fear of war, the fools stepped out of the shadows to openly serve Avatar Aang.

(smiles)

It is good that you have found a spiritual teacher. If things had gone differently all those years ago I would have the honor of doing so myself.

KORRA

You, teach me? Teach me what?

ZAHEER

(intense)

Freedom.

The air before him ripples and a vision appears. It is KORRA but different. A third eye tattoo is on her forehead and four water tentacles snake up behind her back like angel wings as she floats menacingly above a sea of lava. This is KORRA as she might have been. The top of a castle spire slowly sinks beneath the molten rock as KORRA jerks back from this vision, causing it to dissolve.

ZAHEER

The Lotus Order has failed its purpose, failed the world. It has been corrupted, preserving oppression and cruelty in the name of order, serving the whims of oppressive nations. My brothers and sisters in this struggle are the true heirs. We are the Order as it was meant to be. If the White has fallen then we are the Red Lotus risen anew.

KORRA

Give me a break. You say you want to help the world. I know you attacked Republic City! You killed the first president they ever elected!

ZAHEER

Exactly. Just like you we seek balance. We are trying to bring freedom to the people of the world. Freedom from nations and governments.

(passion begins to creep into his voice)

That's the path the Red Lotus wished to show you all those years ago. Think of the tragedy these arbitrary divisions have brought. You've seen it yourself! The empty temples of the air nomads, exterminated by an empire's war for conquest. Communities bled dry by the taxation of an oppressive queen who won't lift a finger to defend them. A city by the sea, torn apart as factions battled for its throne. And now the prospect of another war begins to rise. The people bleed over lines drawn on a map, over identities created and maintained by those who rule them. The air benders return only to be rounded up once again. True freedom can only be achieved when those governments are finally torn down.

KORRA

But that won't bring balance, that will throw the world into chaos!

ZAHEER

(smiles)

And that chaos will be our triumph. The natural order is disorder. Balance can only be achieved through constant flux. As the Air Guru Laghima said, "New growth cannot exist without first the destruction of the old."

KORRA

(rising to her feet)

You're insane. There's no way you'll get away with your plan. Even if you managed to capture me, I'll never help you. I am going to stop you. If you keep going you'll be killed.

ZAHEER

(shrugs as if that is not important)

You can not value yourself above all else. Only when you give up attachment to your own worth can you achieve greatness. My allies are strong because we fight for something greater than individual desire. Even you will come to help us in your own way.

KORRA

(getting close)

Never. There are only four of you. Five with Aiwei but no matter how strong you are you're up against the whole world!

ZAHEER

(calm and serene in contrast with Korra)

I promised to only tell you the truth here. I'm sorry you can not see it for yourself. Do not underestimate how many yearn for true freedom. And now Avatar, I have one more lesson...

(snaps out his arm to grab her)

You were foolish to come here without your full power.

The rocks and trees of the spirit world flows like water around ZAHEER, whipping out to attach against KORRA. KORRA struggles to fight against KORRAbut to her even one of ZAHEER's fingers is as unmovable as a mountain. The impossible liquid continues to rush up around KORRA as she fights through growing terror. Then as it starts to reach her face her eyes erupt with burning light.

EXT. MEDITATION SPOT

In the material world, the remaining watchers show signs of boredom from having sat here watching a motionless KORRA for quiet a while. Even ASAMI who is seated right by her meditating friend has started tracing her finger against the ground. Then KORRA gasps like surfacing from deep under water, her eyes swelling with blazing blue light. The area suddenly explodes into chaos as wind swirls and blasts every surface while the ground below them rumbles and cracks

ASAMI

Korra!

She leans over through the punishing wind to grasp onto KORRA and hold tightly, grounding her and keeping her from rising up into the air in the swirling ball of air. In a matter of seconds the light winks out of KORRA's eyes and the elemental violence vanishes as she sags.

MAKO and BOLIN run over to stop nearby only a moment before TENZIN comes rushing out of somewhere at top speed.

TENZIN

What happened? Are you ok? Korra, speak to me!

KORRA

(rubs her head to clear her thoughts)

Zaheer. He definitely has experience in the spirit world. Ow.

ASAMI

What did he do? Did he hurt you?

KORRA

No, he...

She opens her eyes again to notice the smashed gazebo around her. Then she notices that ASAMI still has her hands on her just before ASAMI jerks back in sudden embarrassment now that the moment of crisis is over.

KORRA

Yikes. Did I go all glowy eyes again or-

TENZIN

Yes. Your power lashed out briefly. The Avatar state is extraordinarily powerful. It can function as a defense mechanism, like you managed against Amon, but it can also be dangerous. Especially since you haven't yet learned to control it. You must be careful about falling into it. Towards the end of his life my father never used the state at all.

KORRA

(looks at the destruction around her)

I can see why. At least not near anything fragile.

TENZIN

(an expression that says it might not be so obvious)

I am not sure it is that simple. He never did explain his reasoning, at least not to me.

MAKO

(getting to the point)

Korra, what did you find?

KORRA

Zaheer and his friends are a bigger threat than we realized. They aren't just targeting me, and the violence in Republic City wasn't collateral damage. They call themselves the Red Lotus and they're lashing out against the entire world.

(Looks at Tenzin)

And he mentioned the new air benders.

EXT. ZAOFU AIR DOCKS

Two airships are loading up to depart. One is Korra's yin-and-yang marked ship and the other is a Zaofu original. BUMI, JINORA, KAI, OPAL and the other new air-benders are gathered around the boarding ramp to the Zaofu ship. SUYIN hugs OPAL goodby, then BAATAR comes in and gives her an even bigger hug. That is followed by BAATAR JR, WING, and WEI all joining in the hug, WEI even pulls in HUAN.

TENZIN

(to Korra)

I can't help but feel that I'm abandoning you when you need me most.

KORRA

I'll be fine. The new Air Nation needs you much more. And if I have a target on my back I can't risk them getting caught in the cross-fire. I don't think we can count on another miracle to summon up a fresh crop of air-benders.

(Joking)

And hey, if anything happens to me you'll have another Avatar pop up within the day. I mean, they'll be a baby but-

Both TENZIN and ASAMI glare at KORRA, not liking her making casual jokes about her own death.

TENZIN

Don't joke about that.

KORRA

(more serious)

I'll be fine. We've seen Zaheer's tricks now. You have a job to do, just like I do. We'll gather up all the air benders we can find between here and Ba Sing Se, and then when we get them all we'll come join you and Jinora at the Northern Air Temple. Then I'll see about tracking down the Red Lotus to finally...

The sound of a distant train whistle drifts up from far down the valley. KORRA turns to look and sees a long, heavily laden train chugging along the tracks that cross the mouth of Zaofu's valley. The train cars are stamped with the green and gold circle of the Earth Kingdom, and behind those it is pulling carefully stacked carriages of what looks like weapons. As KORRA moves to the edge of the airship platform the rest of the group comes up beside her.

ASAMI

What is that?

SUYIN

(glaring)

The Earth Queen. Moving her armies though my lands.

BUMI

(innocuously correcting)

Her lands.

KORRA

But where's all that heading?

LIN

If I had to lay a guess? Somewhere very near the United Republic. Zaheer just attacked our capital and kings can always smell weakness. There are still people who think the UR should never have been it's own nation. If the Red Lotus isn't working with the Earth Kingdom then they sure are both benefiting. I just hope that vice president of ours is up to the challenge.

(to Korra)

You'd better hurry with the Air Nation. The rest of the world needs you too.

The wind picks up slightly to toss their hair as they stand looking out at the army passing in the distance.

Shortly after, the two airships take off and head in different directions.