(See the end of the chapter for notes .)

Chapter Text

INT. AIRSHIP, KORRA'S CABIN

KORRA sits on the floor, cross legged in meditation. Outside her window the light is red with sunset. She breathes deeply as the pace of her breathing slows. The door is slightly ajar and then swings open as ASAMI gently presses a hand against it. She sees KORRA is indisposed so she turns to head away but then KORRA inhales sharply and opens her eyes.

KORRA

Oh, hey.

ASAMI

Hi. Were you...in the spirit world?

KORRA

Yeah, sorta. Trying to get some more information before I plunge into the situation on this Fire Nation island. Figure out who the spirit causing their trouble is.

(rubs her brow)

Tenzin says the spirit world is even larger than our world, though you can't exactly map it. That's really cool until you actually want to find something and don't know what you're looking for. And without a way to focus on a clear question, my past lives are just a swirl of a hundred vague voices.

ASAMI

Oh. Ok.

(changes topic to something she can begin to understand)

It's a shame it was so hectic for the last few days with everyone getting the ships ready. I'd hoped that the delegations would be able all meet together again before leaving.

KORRA

(looks up at Asami)

Huh, is that your other "meeting Korra's parents" outfit? I didn't know you had two different ones.

ASAMI

Korra, please. I have twenty-six.

KORRA

Well, you'll get your chance eventually.

(frowns)

My parents keep on trying to set up a formal meeting with me about keeping Unalaq's forces out of the south. And they keep insisting that Varrick be there with us. I haven't replied to any of them. To tell the truth, I'm not even sure they always think of me as their daughter. Now that I'm healed, I'm just the Avatar again.

ASAMI

(distracting from this uncomfortable line of thought)

So what's the plan when you get to this first spirit attack site? Just punch out a few giant fireballs and send it packing?

KORRA

(laughs)

Let's call fireballs plan B. No, I'll try to figure out what the spirit wants and see if I can mediate it to leave this world of its own accord. But it's hard to tell, the Fire Nation military wasn't exactly clear on even what happened so I've got no idea what we're walking into. All I know is there have been some violent interactions over the last month. People are hurt.







EXT. FIRE NATION HARBOR, SUNSET

KORRA's airship comes in to be moored in a field near the harbor of a coastal tropical town at the edge of a forest, with two flying bison landing beside the aircraft. A military camp has been set up on the town's outskirts. The water tribe fleet is in the harbor. KORRA descends from the airship to meet a party of Fire Nation military. BUMI, TENZIN, and ASAMI follow down the ramp, meeting with JINORA and OPAL on the ground.

FIRE NATION OFFICER

(bows)

Avatar Korra, Fire Lord Izumi conveys her welcome to the Fire Nation and thanks you for coming to aid with this spiritual incident.

BUMI

(looks around)

Huh, you've already got a lot of troops here. The Avatar said fire blasts still work on spirits, so with this many men I'd have thought you would be able to drive anything out on your own.

FIRE NATION OFFICER

We have managed to establish a containment circle around the sacred forest, but after the initial force went in...

(Gestures inside a tent)

We've been cautious about sending any more people.

OPAL

Why? What went wrong?

KORRA stands in the entry to the tent and blanches at what she sees inside. She steps back outside.

KORRA

(horrified)

What...what did that to those people?

(reaches up towards her face)

What happened to their faces?

FIRE NATION OFFICER

We kind of hoped you'd tell us, Avatar.

A little distance off UNALAQ and ESKA stand near a small red shrine near the edge of a forest. The shrine has a lot of Fire Nation priests and government officials in suits standing around it consulting books and clipboards. UNALAQ looks at their performance with disdain.

KORRA approaches.

UNALAQ

(speaking to Korra without looking at her)

This shrine was once dedicated to the spirits of this land, however now it has been almost abandoned for decades.

KORRA

Don't blame these people for what's happening to them.

UNALAQ

I'm not. I’m only expressing grief for what could have been avoided.

(turns to Korra)

Have you learned anything about the spirit at work here?

KORRA

Not yet. But I've seen what it can do. Now let's see if one of my past lives saw it too.

She moves to the center of the little shrine and sits down on the floor in a meditative posture, closing her eyes as she faces the forest.

KORRA

(whispers)

Show me what you saw. Show me what I saw.







EXT. NORTHERN FOREST, NIGHT

A bright moon shines down on a man, AVATAR KURUK, as he moves through the forest following a small path. He looks to the sides suspiciously, seeing vague shifting shadows under the trees. Then he reaches a tent in a clearing and lifts the flap to step inside. There is someone lying on a bedroll inside there, and KURUK recoils in the exact same horrified way Korra did when she saw the injured Fire Nation soldiers.

KURUK storms back outside the tent and glares at the forest, catching sight of an indistinct black bulk moving deeper under the trees. He races off after it, fury in his eyes.

KURUK

(furious)

I see you, spirit! I know your name! Koh!







EXT. FIRE NATION HARBOR, NIGHT

KORRA opens her eyes. The rest of the group are standing around her.

KORRA

Koh. The spirit's name is Koh.

BUMI

What?

UNALAQ

(inhales)

I recognize that name. There are ancient legends of a spirit named Koh, the Face Stealer. An adversary who is worse than deadly.

MAKO

(suspicious)

And you just happen to know all that information off the top of your head?

UNALAQ

I am a student of ancient learning. There is more wisdom in the past than anyone can gather in one lifetime. Korra, as the Avatar, that , not your elemental power, is your greatest strength.

VARRICK and ZHULI approach.

VARRICK

Avatar! Great to see you! I've been meaning to catch your ear for a moment. See, I've got an idea about this spirit situation. Well, not just an idea, more sort of a product and since you've been loosening up the White Lotus' purse strings lately I'm sure we can come to a deal that gets it in your hands for-

KORRA

I don't have time for this.

(quietly to Asami)

Asami, find out what he wants. Chief Unalaq, if you could follow me and Jinora into the forest. I want everyone who has any spiritual power. This won't be easy.

UNALAQ

If my study of the sacred spirits can aid you, it is my honor to oblige.

TENZIN

(to Jinora)

Be careful.

KORRA, JINORA, and UNALAQ begin heading off in the direction of the forest.

VARRICK

(calling after Korra)

Or you could do something smart instead of just walking into a meat grinder. You know, I've got a new tech that...and she's gone. So, Sato, how the heck you doing?

ASAMI

All right, Varrick what are you playing at?

VARRICK

Who's playing? She wants spirit knowledge and last I checked, I'm the only person who officially knows how to turn spirit energy into weapons. That's knowledge right there.

ASAMI

(frowns)

The terms of your pardon included giving up all work on illegal spirit weapons. You should be careful about what you go around promising.

VARRICK

Yes, that is what the United Republic and Earth Kingdom made me sign. But since you're giving advice, one tycoon to another, you might want be watching out for how much our great Avatar relies on Unalaq. The guy's sharper than his holy man act lets on. After all, Sato, you wouldn't want your girl to get too into that whole "spirits are sacred" religion thing, would you? Those traditions might have a few things to say about your more... quiet activities.

(winks)

Hey, don't worry. I know all about keeping secrets.

VARRICK and ZHULI exit.

ASAMI

(to Mako)

Keep an eye on him if you can.

ESKA slinks off.

MAKO

(watching Eska)

I'll add him to the list.

View pans out. A building in the port has a large billboard next to it with the Verricorp logo.







EXT. TROPICAL FOREST, NIGHT

KORRA walks at the head of the group, UNALAQ and JINORA follow. There are strange creepy noises in the night. Then there is a new noise nearby and everyone jumps into fighting positions. It is revealed to just be a monkey. They relax, and then the monkey turns around to show blank skin where its face should be.

KORRA

(serious)

Koh, the Face Stealer. I...One of the past Avatars fought this spirit. Koh is an ancient power, and a dangerous foe. When we find him you must be careful to show no emotion at all. If you lose control for even a second, show fear, or surprise, or happiness, Koh will steal your face. And there's nothing anyone can do to help after that.

UNALAQ

(breaths in and out then turns)

This way. The spiritual energy feels stronger towards the center of the forest.

They continue walking.

JINORA

I know spirits can temporarily cross over to this world just as we can meditate into theirs, but everything I've read says that they can only retain this level of power under special circumstances, like the solstice.

UNALAQ

We are entering a time of change. Perhaps the old rules of order are not as strong as they once were.

KOH

(unseen)

No, they are not.

The three humans move into a defensive formation, watching all the shadows. Something large is moving out in the dark. They carefully blank out their expressions as the shadows around them get darker. KORRA steps forward.

KORRA

Koh the Face-Stealer, step forth.

KOH

(unseen)

Yes, I remember you, Avatar. It seems you have come to me once more, and with a new face.

Suddenly a giant creature like a monstrous centipede with a male human face rushes out of the dark. It stops right in front of KORRA, and she breaths in rapidly, but her face does not move. KOH pauses and then slowly backs up, undulating as his many legs make clicking noises.

KORRA

I am here as the bridge between spirits and the material world. You have harmed humans and so you must leave this land at once. This world is not yours.

KOH

No, but it once was.

KOH's face blinks like an eye and when it opens his face is that of a screaming baboon. KORRA manages to remain impassive. KOH blinks his face back to that of another human man.

KOH

Oh, Avatar, you are so boring now. All business. Although, you have brought me some more additions for my collection.

KOH suddenly lunges to the side, swirling around the three humans and jabbing towards JINORA and UNALAQ. They resist reacting and KOH is disappointed.

KOH

(to Korra)

It's a shame, Avatar, how much you forget between your lives. You endanger innocents again, and after you were so angry with me last time. Back when I met that pretty wife of yours. Ah, your fury was so entertaining. Tell me, do you remember her?

The spirit blinks his face and now shows a beautiful woman with long black hair.

KORRA

(her voice hard)

I know that the elements I wield can still hurt you, spirit. If I beat your manifestation here enough, you will be forced out of this world. So you have a choice to make, leave in peace or just leave.

KOH

(smiles)

That is true. It is possible you could drive me back across the veil. But it is of no matter. In the past I could only cross into this world once every hundred years, but now? Change is coming once again.

UNALAQ

(raises his hands in bending posture)

Avatar Korra, I know of an ancient water bending technique of unique effectiveness against dark, violent spirits.

KORRA

Sure. Try your trick. Though as someone said, giant fireballs work too.

The corners of her mouth twitch towards a smile. KOH's head whips around to focus on KORRA, even as she blanks her face again. KOH moves around, a foot away from KORRA's head.

KOH

(sniffs)

Oh? What's this emotion? Ah, I recognize that scent.

(moves back with a sinister smile)

Avatar, really you never do learn. Once again you have brought your love within my grasp.

KORRA

What?

KOH

And now, goodby. I will go claim my prize.

KOH races off on the forest and vanishes.

JINORA

He's heading back towards the town!

KORRA

(Horrified)

No. Asami.

She closes her eyes and then opens them in the Avatar state. Wind whips around her and she leaps up into the sky on jets of fire.

KORRA

(Avatar voice)

No!







EXT. FIRE NATION HARBOR, NIGHT

ASAMI is in a small sitting room with SENNA and TONRAQ. ASAMI is pouring tea and clearly trying to ingratiate herself. ASAMI's proper cotillion manners clash a bit with the parent's more rough country warmth as they sprawl back against the couches and chairs.

ASAMI

I am sorry for not being able to host you properly before but, well, things got a little crazy back in Republic City. At least I get to say hello properly now.

SENNA

Oh, don't worry about it. Mister Varrick said your party was wonderful, very fancy. It's a shame we missed it, but at least now I get to really put a face to the name Korra kept talking about when she was back home. You've been a really great friend to our daughter.

ASAMI

Er, yes. Well, I try to be?

(winces slightly)

A stifled noise comes from behind them before the view expands to show BOLIN standing in the back of the room watching with excitement and nervousness as if seeing a great performance.

TONRAQ

(eyeing Bolin)

Uh, what's he doing?

ASAMI

(sighs)

I can honestly say I'm not sure.

TONRAQ

I thought Korra said he used to be in the military. Now he's your secretary and...poses for pictures?

(takes a drink)

City folk are weird.

SENNA

(gestures to Asami's clothes)

That pattern is so pretty, you know I think my grandmother had something with the same look back in the day. Funny, that.

ASAMI

(nervously brushes off the comment)

Oh, really? Well, I guess that just goes to show how great an impact the Water Tribe has had on fashions in the United Republic. I've just always really liked this piece, for no particular reason.

She glances back at BOLIN who has somehow acquired snacks as he continues to watch her struggle through this conversation. ASAMI's eyes narrow as if to say that he is really not helping.

Sounds of commotion come from outside.

SENNA

What was that?

TONRAQ and ASAMI get up but BOLIN is suddenly pressed beside the window in a fighting posture, glancing out while exposing a minimum of his body.

BOLIN

(serious)

Something's happening over near the edge of the forest.

ASAMI

(cheerful)

Is it Korra's giant fireball? Or are they coming back already?

ASAMI exits outside and Korra's parents follow. BOLIN reluctantly brings up the rear.

On the street outside all the shadows suddenly get darker. Then in the distance a few jets of fire burst up above the roofline.

BOLIN

I think you should all get inside.

The huge dark shape of KOH suddenly comes rushing through the town, a massive monster that shifts and jumps between shadows. It is all eerily silent even in the flitting moments when the spirit is visible. After a moment of calm a Fire Nation soldier steps out into view nearby, stumbling slightly. Then the soldier collapses onto the ground, writing and clawing at the blank skin that used to be their face.

BOLIN

What the-?!

KOH

(unseen)

Greetings.

(becomes visible in the shadows)

Allow me to introduce myself, I am Koh.

TONRAQ

Run!

BOLIN and TONRAQ raise up rocks and water as weapons and strike out as ASAMI and SENNA run back. KOH emerges from the shadows as he attacks, his long insectoid legs smashing through walls. His coils throw TONRAQ back and then his many legs pin BOLIN against a wall. When he grimaces in pain, black stabbing shadows like teeth flicker into existence, grabbing at his head. As soon as his expression turns stoic they are gone again like they were never there.

KOH

(smiles)

Well, this is fun, human, but yours is not the face I'm looking for.

KOH throws him. BOLIN tries to fight back but the spirit races off. ASAMI and SENNA are running at full speed through the streets but KOH catches up to them easily.

KOH

(to Asami)

Ah, pretty girl. Hello. Now, look at me.

ASAMI turns away and hides her face in reflexive disobedience. KOH moves in slowly and confidently but then wind swirls around in a sudden hurricane. The ground trembles and suddenly a huge fire blasts down in between the spirits and the humans. KORRA drops down out of the sky to land in the middle, her eyes shining. She punches down and the earth ripples out to drive KOH back. Then KORRA raises her arms and massive snakes of water flow out of the harbor towards her, enough to expose the seafloor.

ASAMI looks up to see KORRA unleashing a terrible fury, thrashing the spirit with powerful attacks of all four elements. KOH can't really fight back and is just being thrown around as it is beaten. TONRAQ and BOLIN run up to join SENNA and ASAMI.

KOH

(beaten back by attacks)

There's the Avatar I remember. But even weaker now. Change is truly coming.

He darts towards ASAMI and KORRA drops down in the way, bracing to meet his charge with fury.

KOH

(charging)

After ten thousand years you are finally feeling his re(turn)-

KOH cuts off in mid stride as small tendrils of water begin to wind up around him. UNALAQ has reached the scene and is deploying a special water bending technique. In the face of his calm and collected movements, KORRA's avatar state fury begins to get less wild. Then she turns back to look at ASAMI. For a moment there is only the same stern anger on her face, and the Avatar State vanishes from her eyes and concern washes over her. KORRA drops down as the swirling air holding her up fades.

KORRA

(to Asami)

I thought...I thought he was... I thought you...

ASAMI

(shaken and bruised)

Korra, I-

KORRA grabs ASAMI in a desperate and passionate kiss.

Behind them UNALAQ finishes his technique and KOH begins to dissolve into particles of light.

UNALAQ

(lowers his hands and bows)

Go in peace.

KORRA

(to herself)

What? No! He was saying something. The spirit world, I have to find him, before it's too late. I have to cross over.

She drops down into a meditative posture, breathes in and out, and then the avatar light shines out of her half closed eyes. ASAMI looks up, dazed, at the whole crowd of people who just watched her relationship go rather public.

ASAMI

Um...







EXT. SPIRIT WORLD

The landscape is a fantastic, colorful vision of jungle and sea, twisted into impossible geography. KOH writhes in pain as KORRA fades into existence nearby.

KORRA

Koh!

The spirit's faces are switching rapidly as if they can't completely control it right now.

KOH

(angry and beaten)

Ugh. That human... He changed my mind. For a spirit like me that is wound to the core. Leave me alone, Avatar. You don't have your elements here.

KORRA

You said that something was coming. What did you mean? What is it that's changing?

KOH

(retreating backwards)

Is it my fault the humans manage to forget so quickly? However, you have no such excuse, Avatar. Don't you feel it? Every day. The cycle comes to turn once again. As darkness rises, you fall.

KOH's many legs scuttle back and he seems to camouflage slightly as the natural trees and landscape behind him line up just right. KORRA steps forward after him but as she advances her view of the scene shifts slightly and the image of Koh separates, showing to be just the parts of the scene lining up perfectly into an impossible optical illusion. Koh is gone. KORRA is left alone in the spirit world.







INT. TENT SET UP AT FIGHT SITE

KORRA sits on the ground where she first sat down. The tent has been raised around her and ASAMI and BOLIN are inside to guard her body. The light fades from KORRA's eyes as she opens them fully and comes out of meditation.

ASAMI

(to Korra)

So... Your trip go well?

KORRA

(shakes her head)

Ugh. No. It's...I'm missing something. Something I...

(looks up)

Oh crap.

(to Asami)

Uh, my parents were standing right there. Right next to you. When I....and we...

ASAMI

(tight lipped smile as she nods)

Yes. Yes they were. And they were still there when you conked out into the spirit world. So...that was an interesting experience.

BOLIN

(from off to the side)

It was really awkward.

ASAMI

Bolin!

(to Korra)

But that doesn't matter yet. Are you ok? I don't know...did you win or...whatever you were trying to do in that world?

KORRA

Asami, I'm really sorry. This whole thing is my fault, I-

ASAMI

(sincere)

I said I'm fine. Look, I clearly see that personal privacy is far less important than whatever's going on with the spirits.

(Uncertain smile)

And besides, they are your parents.

KORRA

(Hangs head)

Oh yeah. So...that's a conversation I'm having now. Got to say, not how I was planning to bring it up.

(more serious)

But Asami, I'm sorry. I took a stupid risk today. I went in without enough information and I almost got you hurt. I promise that's not going to happen again.

ASAMI

Korra, I-

KORRA

No, please. I promise.

ASAMI

(relents, smiles warmly)

All right.







EXT. FIRE NATION PORT TOWN, DAMAGED, NIGHT

TENZIN, and UNALAQ stand overlooking the damage to the town that is now milling with Fire Nation military. KORRA joins them in their watch. Down below, VARRICK and ZHULI are walking around the rubble with a primitive camera, near where northern soldiers are stationed.

KORRA

I've never seen a spirit that could do all this. This violence. The spirits are supposed to be the embodiment of the natural world, so what drove Koh to attack humans like this? There's no oil wells here.

UNALAQ

(quietly)

But Varrick's company is here. You saw the building.

TENZIN

(to Korra)

Spirits such as Koh the Face-Stealer are individuals, just like humans, and they vary in temperament as humans do. Every spirit is composed of two types of energy, swirling together. One, that of peace and stability, the other that of chaos and change. Yin and Yang, light and dark.

KORRA

(nods)

Good and evil.

UNALAQ

(firmly)

No. Good and evil are human concepts, born of human worldly ideals. Spirits have no use for that. No. The spirits are not good, but nor are they evil. They simply are. They are the fundamental existence of our world, and we humans forget that to our sorrow.

KORRA

(sighs)

It seems like there's a lot of darkness lately.

UNALAQ

Without the night, there is no dawn.

KORRA

(softly)

As darkness rises, I fall.

UNALAQ

(startled)

What did you say?

KORRA

Something that the Face-Stealer said, that I'm weaker. Weaker than the past Avatars he met a thousand years ago. I'm worried he may be right, I messed up here.

UNALAQ

Avatar Korra, do you know why I decided to come down and seek an audience with you?

KORRA

(confused)

Yeah, the spirit crisis in the south.

UNALAQ

No, I had decided even before it became clear from reports how bad things were getting. No, I made up my mind one year ago. The day you faced the full power of Kuvira's unholy weapon. Somehow you met that blast, and instead of being destroyed you did something incredible. You tore open a portal and physically entered the spirit world, body and soul. In even the most ancient texts there are only whispered legends of such a feat. In that one instant you, Korra, surpassed the mightiest Avatars who came before you.

KORRA

(uncertain)

Ok. That's interesting, but unfortunately not super helpful. Our problem is already a surplus of spirit world stuff creeping over to our world, upsetting the balance.

UNALAQ

Are we sure the current balance is the one we should be trying to preserve? The balance that made Amon and Kuvira and Varrick? Sometimes I wonder. Is this the best world, or just the only one we know?

KORRA

Well, I'd still rather keep it than lose it.

A moment of silence stretches.

TENZIN

(coughs)

So, Korra...Is Asami...all right?

KORRA

(uncomfortable)

Oh, uh, yeah. Yeah she's fine. Just a little, um, shaken?

TENZIN

Oh, good. Good.

(Awkward)

You know, the ancient air nomads were well known for their egalitarian practices with regard to sexual expression and-

KORRA

(embarrassed)

Ugh. Tenzin, no, please. Just...

(sighs)

Well, I guess we were going to get here at some point.

(turns to Unalaq, defaulting to her habitual confrontational aggression)

So what about you, huh? You're the master of traditional practices. The ancient Water Tribe got anything to say to me?

UNALAQ

(bows his head)

Not at all. It is not my place to offer any sort of judgement.

KORRA

(pleasantly surprised)

Oh. Uh, thanks. Sorry, I'd just sort of gotten the impression that the Tribe's old traditions weren't exactly keen on, er, women, uh, both...

UNALAQ

(calmly)

This is not a matter of men and women. The Avatar is an individual that transcends lifetimes. As such you are neither woman nor man. The rules of human morality cannot apply.

KORRA

(irritated)

No, I'm pretty sure I'm a woman. And if I’m some exception then-

UNALAQ

(uninterested in this whole conversation)

It is not important. We've seen that the spirits are growing wilder than I had ever thought possible. This crisis is far too great for you to get distracted with these worldly trivialities. My southern tribe still suffers. The world still suffers.

(steps away)

The secret surely lies somewhere in the past and it is up to us to uncover it.

(To Korra)

You must remember, Avatar. It may be our only chance.

TENZIN

I'm afraid Unalaq's right, about that at least. If we are interpreting what Koh the Face-stealer said correctly, it sounds as if this may have all happened before. I'll dispatch Jinora to look over the ancient spiritual texts at the Southern Air Temple. Perhaps she'll have some insight I never managed. If the spirit incidents in the Earth Kingdom are as bad as those here, I shudder to think what the South is suffering under now. But we need to figure out the cause of all this before we can hope to find a solution. Until then people will continue to be at risk.

KORRA

I won't let that happen. Not anymore. I learn from my mistakes.







EXT. FIRE NATION DOCKS, NIGHT

MAKO walks along in between the moored ships from the North and South. Then he catches a glimpse of movement on the Southern ship, a flash of someone moving stealthily. MAKO narrows his eyes in suspicion and jumps into action. He moves closer, trying to stay hidden. The person up on the ship suddenly jumps though MAKO doesn't see them land he hears the slight sound of water. He moves forward and suddenly stands up in surprise as he sees that it is ESKA on the dock

MAKO

Hold it! Who- Eska?

ESKA

Oh, hello Police.

MAKO

What were you doing up on the Southern delegation's ship?

ESKA

(deadpan)

I wasn't on the ship. I am taking a moonlight walk along by the harbor.

MAKO

(annoyed)

Don't try that. I saw you. Literally just saw you.

ESKA

(deadpan)

No you didn't.

MAKO

(frustrated)

Yeah I...

(serious and suspicious)

You're supposedly your father's head of security. After everything that happened I'd think that protecting the Chief would be the highest priority tonight, rather than snooping around Varrick's boat.

ESKA

(Looks up at the ship theatrically as if just noticing it)

Yes. You would think that.

(Walks past Mako with a smile)

MAKO

(Raises hand in a fire-bending posture)

Hold up. I still-

ESKA quickly shifts her arms and whips of water dart up from the harbor to freeze into spikes right at MAKO's throat. ESKA still looks very calm as she backs up.

ESKA

Goodnight, Police. Say “hello” to the Avatar for me.

She leaves and after a second the ice spikes collapse, letting MAKO move. MAKO stand there for a moment, getting his breath back. Then ZHULI walks out from a hiding place in the shadows.

ZHULI

(to Mako)

See, I told you she was up to something. The question is, what will you do now?







EXT. FIRE NATION HARBOR, DAY

The Water Tribe ships are pulling out of the harbor, as a military audience gathers around the airship to say goodby to KORRA and the others.

FIRE NATION OFFICER

(reading off a telegram)

The Fire Nation congress and Fire Lord Izumi thanks you for restoring the spiritual peace here, Avatar Korra.

BUMI

And let me guess, the next line says "Now get that foreign navy the hell out of my waters".

FIRE NATION OFFICER

It...It actually does.

TENZIN

(sighs)

In more diplomatic language I imagine.

FIRE NATION OFFICER

...sure?

KORRA

(smiles)

I've always liked Izumi.

OPAL

I'll fly ahead on my bison to the Earth Kingdom and lay the groundwork at Laocheng town. They've been reporting spirit attacks there too, seven over the past three weeks.

JINORA

I'll fly with you most of the ways on my way to the Southern Air Temple.

KORRA

There's spirit trouble everywhere now, and I can only reach a few places. We need to figure out why this is happening. There needs to be a way to put things right.

(breathes heavily)

I guess need to put a lot of things right.







EXT. SOUTHERN DELEGATION BOAT, DAY

The fleet sails across the open ocean. Korra's airship flies overhead. Then KORRA drops down from the airship and deploys her glider staff to fly down onto the Southern Delegation ship. KORRA lands on the main deck. SENNA, TONRAQ, VARRICK, and ZHULI are there to meet her.

SENNA

(a little tense and awkward)

Hello, honey.

KORRA

(nervous)

Mom, Dad.

VARRICK

(loudly)

This is awkward. Zhuli! Get the tea! I want the-

ZHULI

Of course, sir.

ZHULI raises up a pot and tea set already in her hands, causing VARRICK to jump a little.

VARRICK

Zhuli, you scare me sometimes. Be less competent.

ZHULI

I'll try.

KORRA

(to Varrick)

Hey, would you mind giving us some-

TONRAQ

Actually, I'd like him to be here. Varrick is fighting with us to give the South the independence to defend ourselves from the spirits and from Unalaq.

KORRA

(frowns)

That's not what I came to talk about. And really? After what you saw last night you're still worried about your politics?

SENNA

Don't say "politics" like it's unimportant. This is our lives, our dignity, our existence as a people. Your people!

KORRA

Yeah, your lives ! That's what I'm trying to save so maybe you can shut up about who gets to be Big Man in Charge for a second!

SENNA

Korra, that's not...we don't want to make any trouble for what you're trying to do with the spirits. We just want you to remember where you came from as well. You've been living in that big city for so long, you don't have to let all their fads and fashions change who you are. The values we tried to teach you when you were a family-

KORRA

Ah, there is it. Let me guess, those family values have something to say about Asami. Huh? Gah, at least Unalaq's old traditions are helping me fix some things. Mom, Dad, your pride and-

(to Varrick)

You. What have you been whispering to them? The Republic should never have let you go free after what you did with the Earth Empire. You're as bad as Kuvira, you just gave up quicker.

VARRICK

(smiles)

Yep, I'm a bastard and a coward, but hey, that doesn't mean I'm always on the wrong side. I happen to agree with your parents, the reason the South is doing so much worse in this spirit crisis is because Unalaq is keeping it from defending itself. Look at all those troops and hardware the Fire Nation had to keep their spirit contained. Unalaq doesn't let the South have any of that.

KORRA

Or let you have your oil fields. Damn it, troops? Hardware? You can't go to war with the spirits.

VARRICK

Why not? You just did on that island and it worked. Unalaq's all blinded by what'dyacall it...uh, faith. Look, if spirits can think like people, then they are people, and people don't deserve the be worshiped. And if they can't think like people, then why the hell are we worshiping them? I'm just doing what's best for humanity.

KORRA

Because it benefits you.

VARRICK

(villainous grin)

Of course it does, I'm human.

KORRA

Dad, you need to trust me. This guy is a liar and-

SENNA

I'm the one who reached out to Mister Varrick. Korra, you're the Avatar, defender of the entire world. But maybe the Southern Water Tribe needs someone who will defend just it. I'm sorry that it can't be you.

(a bit of anger in her voice)

KORRA clenches her fist and opens her mouth as if to say something, but then she turns and deploys the wings in her glider staff.

KORRA

(terse)

We'll reach the Earth Kingdom tomorrow morning. Like you said, I've got a job to do.

She flies off in a gust of wind, up to the airship above.