(See the end of the chapter for notes .)

Chapter Text

EXT. COUNTRY TRAIN TRACKS - DAY

Kuvira's special locomotive is chugging along through long miles of beautiful scenery and small farms.



INT. KUVIRA'S TRAIN

KUVIRA, BAATAR, and BOLIN are together facing VARRICK and ZHULI. VARRICK has the confidant grin of someone who has scored a victory. A glass tube sits on the table with a bit of vine suspended inside it. Small motes of light flicker around the vine.

VARRICK

(Lounging back in his chair, making elaborate gestures)

And after the whole thing with Amon's Equalists the UR decided to try having elections. I thought, fine, I know how that works. So I gave a boatload of money to both guys running. Then Raiko wins but gets killed at his own inauguration! Now his number two, Chang, is in charge who I've never done a thing for and I can't even get his secretary to make me an appointment! Ugh. Me and democracy are done.

BAATAR

(impatient)

I think Kuvira might have heard enough of your personal story. Focus on the science.

VARRICK

Sure. But first, can I offer you some tea? Zhuli! Do the thing!

ZHULI calmly goes around pouring tea from a pot.

BAATAR

(deadpan)

That's our tea you're giving us but ok.

(leans forward)

What are the actual technical specifications of your discovery?

VARRICK

(waves his hand)

Oh, they're very specific. Hey, I heard you... Baatar was it? The Beifong boy! ... you did some great work on designing those new mechanized battle suits. So a man of science like you'll be perfect to appreciate the demonstration I've got set up back there in the rear cabin. Again, thanks for the money to build the prototype.

KUVIRA

(cutting off Baatar's building frustration)

You've said your spirit energy device can harness the same power the Avatar uses? It's her strength?

VARRICK

Well, yes and no. Yes as in of course it is. Everything's electricity in the end. No as in...it might be? I've got no actual idea how that Korra girl does her stuff. But this is a spirit doohicky and they always call the Avatar the bridge between this world and the spirit world. She's got to be getting all that fancy power from somewhere.

BOLIN

(hesitant)

I don't know. Something about all this "spirit energy" makes me feel uncomfortable. Man was not meant to know and all that. It just sounds like the kind of stuff you say in a spooky story right before some magic monster comes for revenge by stealing your family and transforming your arms into fish.

KUVIRA

(blinks)

Fish arms?

VARRICK

(enthusiastic towards Bolin)

I know exactly what you mean! That tingling on the back of your neck. That's the sensation of being on the edge, my man! Of staring the unknown in the eye and riffling through its pockets to find the future!

(points to Bolin)

I like this kid. You're the lava boy aren't you? Photogenic, we should get you on billboards.

KUVIRA

(shakes her head)

We're not here for stories or billboards. It's my responsibility to bring this country into the future. To make the rest of the vast country catch up to the islands of prosperity like Zaofu. This discovery could be that path.

(indicates to Baatar)

KUVIRA looks out the window as the train passes a large open pit mine and a factory with belching smokestacks.

BOLIN

Yeah, all that stuff is great but if we're still catching up in development, why go after this new doohicky?

KUVIRA

(hangs her head)

Because we're still catching up. This misrun country has lagged behind for centuries and the rest of the world sees our weakness. We have resources but little else. We're producing cars now but they're based on United Republic designs. Our trains are purchased from the Fire Nation. Our weapons come from Sato Industries. We need something of our own. The Avatar's not here to protect us.

BOLIN

Korra will be back. Soon, I'm sure.

KUVIRA

(looking out the window as they pass the windy open pit mine and the flame of a factory by a river. All four elements are represented)

Not soon enough. And besides who says she'd choose our side.

(sighs)

It's the Avatar's duty to protect the balance between the four elemental nations of the world. But even at the best of times, with all her strength, she's only one person. And she's not here. The rest of us try to do our part but there's never enough. Not enough to protect everything that needs to be protected.

(turns to VARRICK)

All right, Varrick, let's see this new future of yours.



INT. PRISON

ASAMI and her father HIROSHI sit across from each other in the small room.

HIROSHI

(grateful)

Asami, after all these years.

(pause)

I've written you letters.

ASAMI

(quiet and angry)

I know. I got them.

(places a large bundle of unopened letters down on the table)

HIROSHI

(hangs his head)

I want you to know that I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you.

ASAMI

Pain? Sorry? You built weapons for a terrorist! You waged war against our country! You're responsible for hundreds of deaths. If Korra didn't stop you and Amon then who knows what would have happened. I've spent the last three years clawing the company out of the ruin your insanity left it in and I've done it alone!

HIROSHI

Please, everything I did I did for...I thought I was was doing it for you. But I was wrong. I was so blinded by hate against those that had hurt us, those who took your mother from us, that I thought injustice could only be fought by power and violence. But that was just another injustice. My time in this prison has given me the space to see that.

ASAMI

Save it. I'm not here for your halfhearted apologies.

HIROSHI

(sad)

Then why are you here?



INT. KUVIRA'S TRAIN

The group enters into a different train cabin. This one is devoid of furniture and instead is full of of complex electrical devices. It all centers around a complicated machine build up around a large glass tube housing what looks like the trimmed limb of a living tree. It glows faintly.

BOLIN

Ooh, fancy yet ominous.

VARRICK

Right. Once I figured out how to measure spirit energy I went straight to the most spiritual place I could find and started chopping stuff down. Boy, the locals weren't happy about that! But hey, I left them most of their sacred tree, the torches and pitchforks were hardly necessary.

(gestures vaguely to the side)

Zhuli!

ZHULI

Yes sir.

(begins to attach cables and screw in vacuum tubes)

VARRICK

Let's get the generator it up to fifty Zhulis of energy this time.

BAATAR

(disbelieving)

You named a unit of energy after your assistant?

VARRICK

(cheerful)

Yup! Named a unit of weight after her too.

KUVIRA

(sarcastic)

I bet she appreciated that.

VARRICK

(in his own world)

These special plants seem to half-exist in the spirit world, so that means half their stricture is spirit energy. The chi's balanced in positive and negative but if you tip that just a bit then all the positive flows out, blah blah, tons of electricity, yada yada. Zhuli! Do the thing!

VARRICK puts on thick dark goggles, handing a pair to KUVIRA as BOLIN and BAATAR fumble to find their own. ZHULI, suddenly wearing goggles, flips a large lever.



INT. PRISON

Several teacups and a newspaper on the table show ASAMI and HIROSHI have been talking for a while.

HIROSHI

(nods)

I do know the struggles of running the corporation. At times every decision you make seems to be wrong. All you can do is try and correct yourself.

ASAMI

(frowns)

You think I should be more worried about Varrick and his spirit energy project? I mean he's smart and greedy but he seems...unfocused?

HIROSHI

(shakes his head)

I don't know. I never met the man. Still, I would keep a close eye on him. I have learned many harsh lessons over my life. And as a father it's my duty to try and pass them on.

(meets Asami's eyes)

Be wary of a clever man who can only see the end of his journey, not the path.



INT. KUVIRA'S TRAIN

The machine powers up. KUVIRA and BAATAR quietly hold hands.

VARRICK

Ha, ha! See, this is why you skip straight to the full scale test!

BAATAR

Wait, what?

Alarms start going off

ZHULI

We're getting too much power! Feedback loop! Shutting down!

VARRICK

No! Leave it! Just need to bleed off some of the Zhulis...I've got it!

He starts messing with the back end of the machine. Electricity starts to crackle around the device along with strange spirit effects. The tube with the sample is now filled with blinding light.

VARRICK

If I can just get it to-

ZHU LI

Sir!

(Grabs him and pulls him back)

The back cap of the machine explodes in a huge blast of energy as a massive beam of purple light lances out with a landscape-shuddering sound. It only lasts a second but the back half of the train car is completely destroyed. The metal walls are peeled back and anything remotely near the path of the beam has been melted or vaporized.

The train starts coming to a screeching halt. Shouts sound out from further up its length.

ZHULI lands full on top of VARRICK.

VARRICK

(inches away from Zhuli's face, looks her in the eyes)

Wow.

(sits up with enough force to dump Zhuli off him)

Now that was something! What even was that?

BOLIN

(finally has his fear reduce enough to scream)

Aaah!

KUVIRA

(standing at the ruined, melted end of the carriage in awe)

Varrick, I think I will buy your technology.

VARRICK

(dazed)

Honey, I don't think you can afford it anymore. The price just went up a bit.

KUVIRA

Any amount you name. I'll pay.

BAATAR

(short of breath and still frightened)

He's right. We can't afford to buy. We couldn't even at his previous price.

KUVIRA

We can't afford not to.

BAATAR

(frustrated)

No I mean we literally have no money to pay him, even after seizing the Yi province mines. We've been surviving on cash handouts from the world leaders and what spoils we can claim from the warlords we defeat. But we're all out of warlords and the Earth Kingdom's about to crown a new king so nothing more is going to be coming to us from the politicians.

KUVIRA

Our country needs strength. We need a bargaining chip on our side or the world will tear us apart. And we still have the people.

(to VARRICK)

Free labor pulled from the prison camps, as much as you need. Any factory or facility you want is yours. Any supplies from across the Earth Kingdom, requisitioned immediately. You will be a national priority. That is what I can offer you if you can deliver this technology. Now tell me, is that acceptable?

VARRICK

(reaches forward to grab her hand and shake it with enough speed to unnerve Kuvira)

I think I can make that work.

(plotting smile)

Out the destroyed back of the train they can see a mountain ridge with huge semicircle sliced out of its side into a smoking scar.



EXT. LOW RENT STREET, EARTH KINGDOM TOWN OUTSKIRTS - AFTERNOON

A slightly dingy two story apartment building overlooks a low traffic street. This edge of the town is right at the limit of development, across the street the hills get steep enough that it transitions into new-growth forest of spindly trees. KORRA stands on the walkway in front of the open door to her tiny second story apartment, leaning her forearms on the railing with a bottle in one hand. She takes a brief drink as she looks out at the people on the sidewalks below. People are sitting on short stools at low tables placed outside a tiny restaurant, women are watching after children, and dirty men are walking back from jobs of labor.

As KORRA watches, she slowly breathes in and out. Her sight blurs and then refocuses. Now she can see vague shapes moving in the forest on the other side of the street. One of the small spirits detaches and drifts across the road, flitting right by pedestrians who show no sign of seeing it. The spirit approaches an old woman who is lighting incense sticks at a tiny little shrine the size of box at the corner of the restaurant. The spirit moves in close, settles onto the roof of the shrine and seems to breath in deeply. Up on the balcony, KORRA smiles.

Then a faint suggestion of purple washes over the town like a wave from the distance. None of the humans below react to it at all. The wave reaches the spirit on the shrine first who shudders as if in pain before twisting and expanding as it thrashes with semi transparent tentacles. KORRA just has time to be surprised before the purple wave reaches her and she clutches her head in a sudden grimace of pain. Then she looks up at the thrashing spirit. Its tentacles pass right through solid objects but when they intersect with unseeing humans those people stumble, trip, or touch their chest as if something does not feel right. The spirit is darting this way and that like a cornered animal.

KORRA immediately dashes off on pure instinct to go down and stop this problem, whatever it is. She reaches the street but the spirit already seems to be calming down and returning to its previous shape. As soon as she gets near, it dashes towards the forest. The spirit stops on the edge of the trees and turns to look back at her, then it fades out of sight.

KORRA runs across the street, provoking confused stares from the other pedestrians. She looks into the forest and sees nothing. Then the spirit fades into sight deeper among the trees, runs a few paces and then turns to look back at KORRA. She takes another step forward and it fades away again, only to appear once more further up the hill. KORRA briefly looks back at the road before hiking up into the woods after the spirit.



EXT. WILDERNESS - LATE AFTERNOON

A few hours later KORRA is still hiking through the mountains. The trees are now tall old growth now. The spirit continues its fading in and out always a bit ahead of KORRA.

KORRA

(calls out, exasperated)

You know, I'm going to be really pissed if you're not actually leading me anywhere. Hello, Mister Spirit? Miss Spirit? I don't know...Paku? That's a name. Fifi? Spot?

She steps into a open space surrounded by tall trees. The spirit is in the center, then it suddenly races off, zigging and zagging as almost a streak until it vanishes into the forest.

KORRA

Hey! Wait! Damnit, get back here! What was that purple pulse? Why did you lead me here?

(makes a small thrashing motion in anger as the spirit is gone)

Why can't I meditate into the spirit world any more? Why can't I hear my past lives? Why do I keep...failing?

There is a faint noise like rushing wind traveling in a circle around her. KORRA looks up and one corner of the forest outside the clearing seems to be filled with darker shadows.

FEAR MOTHER

(Offscreen whisper)

Avatar.

KORRA

(raises fists then forces herself to relax into a formal posture)

Who are you? Are you the spirit who brought me here?

FEAR MOTHER

(offscreen spectral voice)

You bring much with you. Avatar. Both worlds wait. Change is waking.

The shadows between the trees move to slowly reveal a huge and terrifying spirit that somewhat resembles a blindfolded human woman clad in insect legs and white robes.

KORRA

(taking a deep breath to steel herself against this sight as her heart beats faster)

You're talking to me. Change? The pulse. What was that? I could feel it. Is that why you called me here?

(she pauses but receives no answer, increasingly frantic)

What do you want?

FEAR MOTHER

Call? No.

(leans forward)

Show. Help.

(rattling inhalation)

Feed.

KORRA takes a single hesitant step to the side and as she moves this reveals the image of shadow-Korra standing directly behind her, hiding in her silhouette. Blazing white light shines out of the apparition's eyes and mouth. KORRA hears it and spins around, jerking back. Across the clearing FEAR MOTHER smiles and retreats back out of sight into the forest.

KORRA's breath is growing harsh and quick as she tries to look away from shadow-Korra. She begins talking to herself in an effort to calm down. Shadow-Korra steps forward across the ground.

KORRA

(shaking her head repeatedly)

No. Not again. You're not really here. It's just a figment of my mind the spirit is toying with. Stress and broken nerves. Not real and can't hurt me at-

Shadow-Korra dashes forward and punches KORRA. The punch causes a very real impact and KORRA flies back. KORRA rolls and gets up off the ground into a fighting posture.

KORRA

(afraid)

What? No, but you're not real-

Shadow-Korra dashes forward to attack again but this time KORRA dodges. Shadow-Korra lashes out and the long length of chain wrapped to her arm whips down to smash into the earth right where KORRA used to be. KORRA attacks back with the elements but Shadow-Korra dodges them all with unreal flickering motion. The fight continues until KORRA lands a good firm hit that sends Shadow-Korra down to the ground hard. KORRA stands over the apparition to deliver a final blow.

Liquid mercury begins to flow out from under Shadow-Korra, forming a pool around her. KORRA jumps back in fear as the mercury begins to reach out tendrils for her. KORRA leaps up a tree with air-assisted dodges.

KORRA lands on a tree branch and for a moment sees a new human figure standing a little ways off in the woods. Then suddenly KORRA jerks off balance. She looks down to see a chain wrapped around her ankle. On the ground below, Shadow-Korra is standing up in the middle of a huge pool of mercury, gripping with one arm onto the chain that has trapped KORRA. Then Shadow-Korra begins to slowly sink down into the pool of mercury.

KORRA

(fights agains the pull)

No!

As Shadow-Korra's face and hand vanish down into the mercury, KORRA is pulled down off the branch and lands heavily in the mercury pool. KORRA tries to fight against the metallic tendrils that rise up to wrap around her but she is losing this fight. Despite her strength she is held down nearly flat. She looks up, struggling, to see FEAR MOTHER gliding in to lean towards her.

FEAR MOTHER

(hisses)

See. Understand. Change.

But right as FEAR MOTHER gets close a large stone smashes into the side of the spirit's head. The spirit jerks back and KORRA manages to turn her head to the side and see the person she had seen before from the tree branch now standing nearby.

FEAR MOTHER gets hit by another projectile and retreats. KORRA tries to yell for help but the mercury tendrils are now wrapping around her mouth. Through hazy sight KORRA looks up to see an old woman with dirty bare feet, TOPH, standing nearby. TOPH stands and watches as the struggling KORRA is pulled down below ground level in the mercury pool.

Cut to black.

EXT. WILDERNESS - LATE AFTERNOON

Fade from black.

KORRA is lying on the dry forest floor, right where she fell. There is no sign of mercury anywhere.

Then KORRA gasps and wakes up panting. She sits up and thrashes, looking for the mercury but sees none. Then she looks up and sees TOPH, a short grey haired old woman, sitting nearby on a convenient little hillock. Her feet are bare and dirty.

TOPH

(sarcastic, not looking at Korra)

Well, you took your time coming to. Not been getting your beauty sleep?

KORRA

What? How...?

(looks around, then back at Toph)

Who are you? Where did those spirits go?

TOPH

(ignoring the question about her identity)

As far as I heard, the only spirit hanging around your flailing was Fear Mother. Lady thing? Lots of legs? I sent her packing. Anything else you saw here is on you. But the real question is what's the Avatar herself doing up this corner of nowhere?

KORRA

Wait. You know who I am?

TOPH shrugs noncommittally.

KORRA

(Shakes her head, then touches where Shadow-Korra hit her, winces)

I followed a spirit from the town. A different spirit, or spirits. I think. I don't know. They've never done this before.

TOPH

(dismissive)

Figures, I guess. These trees and mountains out here are stuffed with spiritual energy.

KORRA

The trees? Wait, did this place draw me, or the spirit I followed, or the spirit who attacked me?

TOPH

(testy)

How the hell should I know? All your avatar stuff never made a lick of sense.

KORRA

You don't know what...? Wait, but you banished that spirit! You have to know about them.

TOPH

(still not looking in Korra's direction)

I didn't banish nothing. She ran. Fear Mother's a strong enough spirit to live on this side but if they want to stay in our world full time they have to accept the deal that getting beat up hurts.

(smirks)

She flicks her hand to send a rock smashing into a tree with earth-bending to illustrate her point.

KORRA

(stands up)

All right, who are you? How did you recognize me? You spoke about me like you know me but I've never seen you before. How did you find me here?

TOPH

(sighs)

Didn't mean to find anyone, but here we are. Ugh, the Avatar and magical destiny. That always did annoy me. That and all the questions.

(shifts her foot and the hillock of earth rises up to help her stand with a faint grunt)

Well, the sun's going down so we might as well get moving before I have to lead you around the dark like a dog on leash. Come along, twinkletoes.

KORRA

(pieces together the hints and behaviors)

You're blind.

TOPH

(grins)

And still can see more than you, Korra. Now hop to it, kid, I'm not gonna let you drag down my pace.



EXT. REPUBLIC CITY NEAR CAPITAL BUILDING - DAY

This part of the city is being decorated with pennants and bunting in the colors and symbols of the Earth Kingdom.

WU

(cheerful)

Ahh. Isn't it wonderful, Mako? All this for me! I mean, they could have gone a little more all out on the bunting but then again this is my coronation as a King of the People. I'll have a better party once we get back to the Earth Kingdom. And besides the troop of performing giant badger-moles I requested will be providing the needed extra pageantry. They obey the voice of the king, you know.

MAKO

(glancing around the busy streets)

Yeah, great. How about we go ahead and get inside the building.

WU

(notices a crowd gathering near the edge of the police presence)

Where's your heart? Some of these fans must have come all the way from the home country to see me crowned. I'll give them a little sneak peak.

MAKO

(judges the crowd's mood better)

I don't think that's a good idea.

WU

My lovely people! Your prince is here!

The crowd turns. Some of the people are honestly excited but a much larger portion begins to scowl. Some boo. A few of the men are startled by WU's appearance from an unexpected direction and retreat to a huddled whispered conversation.

PROTESTER

(to Wu)

Your family ruined our home! Down with Queens, down with Kings!

PROTESTER 2

Kuvira and the army've done more for the kingdom than you royals ever did!

MAKO

(to Wu, begins to move)

We're out of here, Wu.

WU

(confused and upset, hangs back)

What? But...

The whispering plotters are back, making their way forward through the crowd. MAKO spots them, and sees one holding something concealed under his coat. The man moves to strike and MAKO spins back, igniting fire around his hand preparing to punch out, but the weapon the man reveals from under his coat is a pie. MAKO freezes in surprise and the pie hits WU in the face.

PIE MAN

For the earth nation! Kuvira!

(runs away)

WU

Ah! I've been hit! Mako!

MAKO grabs WU and hauls him off as the crowd begins to jeer.



INT. REPUBLIC CITY CAPITAL BUILDING

Inside is a bustle of activity getting ready for the ceremony. A small squad of air-benders are there including TENZIN and OPAL. MAKO enters, half dragging WU behind him. MAKO spots the air-benders.

MAKO

You're here already.

(looks upward in relief)

Thank you.

WU

Oh, that was horrible! I want those people arrested! Mako, you're police, go arrest them!

MAKO

I'm not doing that. Er, I mean they're probably long gone by now.

A door opens and the EARTH MINISTER enters.

EARTH MINISTER

Ah, Prince Wu, I...What happened?

WU

A lawless democratic hellscape happened, minister.

(deep breath)

But that's ok. I'm becoming king today. There's going to be a parade with eight hundred dancers and fifty trained badger-moles performing amazing feats and next time someone come at me with a pie I'll have an army to order after them.

EARTH MINISTER

Um, my prince? Eight hundred dancers? I thought you received our explanation about the, er, financial constraints? It was mailed to your penthouse.

WU

(dismissive as he is cleaning himself off)

Pff. I don't read mail.

(stops)

Wait. Constraints? How many dancers will there be? Seven hundred? Six hundred? Seven hundred and fifty?!

EARTH MINISTER

I'm afraid we've had to cancel the parade you designed entirely.

WU

But what about the giant badger-moles? What about their amazing feats?!

EARTH MINISTER

(shakes head)

I'm afraid not.

(looks thoughtful)

I'm not even sure the United Republic has that many of the creatures in this whole country.

WU

(wails theatrically)

You were supposed to import them!

(turns around)

How could this happen?

PRESIDENT CHANG

(enters with his staffer entourage, LIN, and ASAMI)

It happened because my government refuses to foot the bill for this glorified party by a single yuan more than is necessary.

PRESIDENT CHANG walks forward across the room, holding up his hand to over his mouth whisper one last comment to ASAMI who nods firmly and splits off slightly, recognizing MAKO.

EARTH MINISTER

(bows)

President Chang! Of course the Earth Kingdom is thankful for the United Republic's support.

PRESIDENT CHANG

(not impressed)

Hmm.

WU

Chang, maybe you don't understand. Unlike this young country of yours, there's a thousand years of tradition involved in the coronation of a king of the Earth Kingdom and there are very important details that-

PRESIDENT CHANG

(interrupts)

Oh, I understand, Prince Wu. You should too. You're effectively a government in exile. We've been hosting you here in Republic City because if you'd returned home before General Kuvira did her work you'd have been killed in the streets. The world leaders have already pumped enough money into stabilizing the Earth Kingdom. But don't worry, we'll be sending a full complement of advisors to help you in your reign. Right now we just need you try and not cost us more by getting assassinated.

WU

(huffy, gestures to Earth Minister)

Fine. He'll just put the crown on my head and it'll all be over.

The EARTH MINISTER squirms.

WU

(darkly)

What?

EARTH MINISTER

(hesitant)

Unfortunately, the crown of your ancestors has been missing since the palace was looted in the chaos after your aunt's death. In fact we've only been able recover a single piece of the royal jewels.

(holds up a large gold and jewel earring)

WU

(deadpan)

You're going to crown me with an earring?

EARTH MINISTER

Er, I thought it could be more of a...royal broach?

(holds the earring up against WU's chest)

PRESIDENT CHANG

(dry)

Dashing.

The front doors of the building open, letting in the sound of a cheering crowd outside. The group that enters now is a squad of military officers in sparkling green and steel uniforms. The group is led by KUVIRA, followed closely by BAATAR, BOLIN, and VARRICK. Their boots sound loud against the stone floor.

VOICES OUTSIDE

(together)

The Great Uniter! Kuvira! Kuvira!

PRESIDENT CHANG turns towards KUVIRA. This is who he actually came here to meet. Behind KUVIRA, BOLIN cheerfully waves at his brother and friends.

PRESIDENT CHANG

(much more genial now)

General Kuvira, welcome.

KUVIRA

President Chang. It's an honor to be invited.

PRESIDENT CHANG

(good humored)

This is your celebration too. There were those who thought what you've achieved in the Earth Kingdom wasn't even possible. Now, three years later, your job's done and you've proved them wrong. The other world leaders and I were right to trust you.

KUVIRA

(not very happy)

There are still a few provinces that have not officially reentered the Kingdom.

PRESIDENT CHANG

(dismissive)

A formality, since they never officially left. But your army's task is done. The balance has been restored; trade and commerce are able to operate in the Earth Kingdom again, thanks to you.

(glances at Earth Minister)

In fact, we've decided that it is only fitting that you will be the one who gets to officiate the final part of Prince Wu's coronation ceremony.

KUVIRA

(looks at Chang, the Minister, and Wu)

If you advise so, of course. I'll always take time for someone worth listening to.

WU

Ah, Kuvira. It's nice to meet you after hearing so much about...

KUVIRA walks past WU without acknowledging him. BAATAR moves up to KUVIRA's side to calm her down.

BAATAR

(quietly)

Honey, calm down. Yes, Wu is an idiot. But as kings go he'll at least either let us do our job or be easy enough to work around. That is if we don't antagonize him and drive him securely into the arms of all those foreign "advisors" Chang is sending to the capitol. So we might as well not make enemies.

KUVIRA reluctantly nods, but before she can turn back to Wu she is distracted by a new sight. ASAMI and VARRICK are off to the side, talking.

KUVIRA

(motions over to him)

Come on, Varrick.

VARRICK

(sly smile)

Actually, I think I'm going to watch the king ceremony from over near by Miss Sato here. Only seems appropriate, what with her signing over all that all that money on our new buisness deal.

KUVIRA

(suspicious)

Deal? What new deal?

ASAMI

(sighs at Varrick forcing the issue here, introduces herself)

Asami Sato. My company just finalized a contract this morning for purchasing VarriCorps entire spirit energy devision and all resultant technologies. Sato Industries now owns the project. Varrick apparently wanted the chance to shake my hand in this very conspicuous place.

(shoots a suspicious look at Varrick)

KURVIRA

(furious at Varrick)

What?! The spirit energy project... We had a deal you traitorous little...I just built you an entire industrial complex and you turn around and sell it again?!

VARRICK

(smiles innocently)

Well, since she just bought that part of the company, I think it,s Miss Sato who owes you a thank you for that complex. Or maybe not, since my new sale price reflected those additions.

(decides to get out of range of Kuvira's rage)

Free market, what can you do? Oh, Prince Wu, I love the fashion statement! Is that key lime? We should chat.

(exit)

KUVIRA remains standing near ASAMI and looks between her and PRESIDENT CHANG.

KUVIRA

(her eyes narrow)

Even for Sato industries that's a ton of money to shell out on short notice. How did...? Ah. I see. Your government can't yet move openly but it can still work to deny my nation any advantage. The United Republic is stealing this advance from my people. It only makes sense they'd turn to the woman who profited off of our civil war.

ASAMI

(briefly offended but then back to business)

My company supplies both your army and rebuilding your country. And once any consumer products come from the spirit energy project you'll be the first one we call.

KUVIRA

Consumer products. But no weapon.

ASAMI

(drops pretense, moves in closer)

No. So far your people have managed to conceal exactly what happened that day on the train but whatever it was Varrick discovered, it's getting shuttered.

KUVIRA is thrown off her balance. Here, away from her army, people are snubbing her and manipulating her left and right.

TENZIN

(interrupting)

Ah hem. It seems the last Earth Kingdom delegation is here.

BAATAR

(relieved that something is going to distract Kuvira from wanting to punch Asami in the face)

Oh thank you, thank you. Now at least we can...

(sees who is entering)

Oh. Great. Zaofu city.

SUYIN BEIFONG enters leading the delegation from Zaofu. They are dressed in green and silver too but it is long robes instead of tight uniforms.

KUVIRA

(her face loosens in surprise and good memories)

Suyin?

SUYIN does not even look KUVIRA in the eyes. She simply sweeps past them as if they did not exist, her expression tightening with concealed emotion as she does so.

BAATAR

(angry)

Hello to you too, mom.



INT. CAPITAL BUILDING SIDE ROOM

MAKO shepherds OPAL into another room while getting ASAMI and BOLIN to come with him.

OPAL

(shakes free)

What was that about? I should be out there with my family. With my mom when she faces Baatar and Kuvira.

MAKO

By this point getting one less Beifong in that room seemed the most I could do to stop a war braking out right here. Your mom's arrival with the rest of Zaofu didn't exactly cool things off.

BOLIN

(enters)

Bro!

(hugs MAKO)

Man, it's been way too long. And Asami! And...

(hesitates, losing his enthusiastic energy)

Hey Opal. You left without saying goodby last time.

OPAL

(A little bitter)

I figured you were busy. That free-roaming army of yours isn't going extort the country by itself.

BOLIN

That's not my call. And those were bandits we were fighting! General Kuvira's followed every rule and restriction and...no, I'm not going to do this.

ASAMI

(conciliatory)

Right, there's too much tension in the air already. We're all doing what we can to keep the balance.

(smiles at Bolin)

You called us Team Avatar once, right?

MAKO

A team with a missing Avatar.

(to Bolin, deliberate topic change)

Still, look at you! My little brother got all...important.

BOLIN

I know! Sometimes I see myself in the mirror and think I'm in trouble, until I realize it's just me.

OPAL

(warmer)

You do look...nice. I like the new uniform.

(bit of blush)

BOLIN

(self-effacing)

Please, you're the one wearing the whole skin-tight wingsuit thing.

(curving hand gestures)

OPAL

(blushing harder)

Asami designed them!

BOLIN

Once again thank you, Asami.

MAKO puts his hand against his forehead. ASAMI looks guiltily amused.

MAKO

(turns his head towards the door they entered from)

Well, I haven't heard any metal-bending combat back there so things seem to be cooling down.

OPAL

(sighs)

You know my mom. It's just that with Baatar...she still feels betrayed. The more you love someone the worse it is when you fight.

There is a pause as everyone thinks about how they are working for different factions, all wearing different uniforms.

ASAMI

(quietly)

I went to see my father in prison.

MAKO

Woah, are you sure that's a good idea?

ASAMI

I don't know. I just feel...I feel like we're falling apart. The world, us...me. I'm trying but I don't always know what's the right thing to do.

BOLIN

Man, who does?

OPAL

(pause)

Where could Korra be?

ASAMI

(sad, then determined)

I don't know. I only wish... But until she's back, we have to do our part, all of us. To try and live up to her example. Try and earn what she gave for us.



EXT. MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS, VARIOUS LOCATIONS - EVENING

TOPH leads the way through the steep forests. This is an expanse untouched by man. In any place the slope gets too severe the earth suddenly jumps up in front of TOPH to form an earth-bending path. These do not always remain in place for KORRA to get all the way across. They reach a steep canyon, but TOPH does not even break stride. She flicks one hand and a huge pillar of stone erupts out of the mountain side, just as another erupts from the other side to meet and form a bridge. KORRA follows across, faintly amazed, before her looking at the view around them is interrupted by the rough bridge shuddering and beginning to retreat back unto the ground.

KORRA

You live out here on your own?

TOPH

What of it? I know you've got places you're supposed to be and you're here.

KORRA

That's not...

(sighs, and takes a new tack)

Why did that spirit attack me?

TOPH

(shrugs)

I'm not even sure it was attacking. Spirits seem half crazy if you try to think of them like humans. Hell, could be Fear Mother was trying to help. Somehow. Something's got all them in a tizzy lately.

KORRA

I've seen that vision before. That hallucination. I was fighting myself. Me in the Avatar state from when Zaheer tried to...kill me.

TOPH

You're not big on subtlety with your issues are you, kid?

KORRA

Could it be the spirits are doing something to me? The vision's been following me. Everywhere I've gone for the last six months. Maybe-

TOPH

Then that one's not on the spirits. Spirits in this world stick around one place where they have power. They don't follow you across the world. No, it's all in your mind. Of course when it comes to the Avatar I'm not sure how much difference that makes.

KORRA

(disappointed)

Oh. Then I'm just-

TOPH

(interrupts)

Crazy? Yeah, but we all are. Don't go thinking that makes you special.

KORRA

Rah! Stop that! How are you even walking around like this when you're blind? It's freaking impossible!

TOPH

Impossible? Pff. I know who you are. You take your first breath and the world shakes with magic. You fight a man in a mask and suddenly the air nation returns. Spirits flock around you, destiny clings to you, and the dead speak out your mouth. Kid, impossible's your thing.

KORRA

(subdued)

They don't. Not anymore.

TOPH

What?

KORRA

The dead. My past lives. The previous Avatars. Ever since I was injured I haven't been able to hear them. My body is supposed to be healed but I'm still weak, I can't enter the spirit world, and I keep seeing...I recovered from my injuries. I should be better but there's... there's something wrong with me.

TOPH

(actually stops and turns towards Korra, serious instead of mocking)

Hmm. Maybe there actually is a reason I found you.

(turns back)

Come on. Looks like I've got to teach you some stuff. Again. You're going to hate it.

EXT. REPUBLIC CITY, STAGE IN FRONT OF CAPTAL BUILDING - DAY

All the officials are gathered up on the stage in front of the capitol before a large crowd. WU stand in the center beside the EARTH MINISTER as he pins the "royal broach" on WU's chest.

EARTH MINISTER

Now rise, Wu of the Huoting dynasty, King of all the Earth Lands, lord of beasts, and glorious defender of Ba Sing Se. Long may you reign!

The crowd claps.

EARTH MINISTER

And now, as our new king assumes his full title, the regency welcomes the Earth Kingdom's most loyal citizen forward, to receive recognition for her tireless service. General Kuvira.

KUVIRA steps forward and the crowd outside the honored guests goes wild with cheering. WU places a medal around her neck. KUVIRA takes a place at the microphone.

KUVIRA

I'd like to say a few words.

WU

(bitter)

Whatever. It's not like we have a parade to get to.

The crowd cheers again.

KUVIRA

(wandering speech)

I am so honored by the welcome I've received here in this country. But I shouldn't have been surprised. Many of you who live here in the United Republic are of the earth nation too, my brothers and sisters. A majority even, I believe. After all, this land here was part of the Earth Kingdom for thousands of years before the war.

The other politicians on the stage are starting to wonder where KUVIRA is going with this joke in bad taste.

KUVIRA

(speaking extemporaneously)

Since the beginning of history, our world has been made up of four nations. Earth, fire, air, and water. These cultures did not always live in harmony but there was balance. Then came war, colonization and the extermination of the Air Nation. The avatar who ended the war thought that this United Republic could replace the Air Monks as a new fourth country and remake the balance. But now, by a miracle of Avatar Korra, the Air Nation is back. The ancient balance of the elements can be restored. Earth, fire, air, and water.

(change in intensity)

But that can not happen if the Earth Kingdom's rulers remain the puppets of foreign masters.

PRESIDENT CHANG and TENZIN exchange looks. LIN begins to whisper to her cops.

KUVIRA

While invading armies marched across our lands, the Earth Kings did nothing! When the country descended into banditry the nobles in Ba Sing Se did nothing! Now the world leaders want to restore that system of corrupt monarchs because they know it is broken. It will keep us weak so they can exploit us for our resources. Well, I have fought up and down the length of our country and I know that our people are not weak! We are strong! We will not surrender to the past, but instead we will charge forward to capture the future.

Tension and anxiety begins to flood through the crowd and the stage.

KUVIRA

I, Kuvira, born on the dirty streets of Ba Sing Se, herby abolish the title of the Earth King!

WU

Wait, what?

PRESIDENT CHANG jumps to his feet as LIN giving hand commands to her cops.

KUVIRA

I abolish all titles of nobility! They sold us out for sliver and gold! I declare that all the foreign industries pillaging our lands will be nationalized to serve our country! They've plotted to destroy us! From now on domestic technology and innovation will lead us! We will have no more puppet kings! Instead we will have a strong and unified Earth Empire for all the earth nation people, wherever they are! And I will always protect you!

The whole area is dissolving into chaos. LIN's police move forward but KUVIRA's troops rush into protective formation around her. SUYIN and the Zaofu delegation get up and begin to leave. TENZIN is organizing the retreat of the air nation delegation but OPAL breaks to follow her mother.



INT CAPITOL BUILDING

BOLIN runs inside after being separated from KUVIRA outside. He comes to a halt and looks around, but only finds VARRICK who's had ZHULI set up a makeshift champaign station on a windowsill.

VARRICK

Hey, Bolin! Crazy out there, right? Did Kuvira let you in on that little stunt beforehand?

BOLIN

She didn't tell anyone. I don't know if she even knew herself. Did you see where she went? I need to...Wait, what are you doing?

VARRICK

(raises glass)

What's it look like? Celebrating!

(gestures)

Zhuli, the the, the thing,

ZHULI slides in to hand BOLIN a glass of champaign.

BOLIN

(disbelieving shock)

But she just nationalized all your factories in the Earth Kingdom! Why are you celebrating?!

VARRICK

(sly look)

You mean she nationalized all the stuff I just finished selling to Asami Sato. Now Kuvira has to put me back in charge since I'm the only one who knows how to make her spirit tech on any sort of time table. Plus I already cashed Sato's big check! Couldn't have gone better if I planned it myself. That sounds like celebration time to me!

BOLIN is choking on confusion and conflicting emotions.

ZHULI

(points)

General Kuvira went that way after Suyin Beifong and the Zaofu delegation.

BOLIN

Thank you!

(exits at a run, still holding champaign glass)



INT. CAPITOL HALLWAY

In a hallway, BOLIN runs into MAKO.

MAKO

Bolin, what the hell was that?! Kuvira's whole command of the reconstruction army was based on her promising to step down. And you're celebrating this, this coup?!

BOLIN

(looks down at champaign glass and tries to find a place to put it down)

I'm not, I'm...I don't know. Things are crazy right now. And where's Prince Wu?

MAKO

I don't know! I lost track of him in the chaos! For all I know, your boss has already had him killed.

BOLIN

Hey! She wouldn't do that! And besides, you can't actually think that Wu was the perfect ruler for the Earth Kingdom. You know that guy better than anyone!

MAKO

That's not the point.

BOLIN

Isn't it? Look, we'll talk but I need to-

(hears a sound)

I need to go!



INT. CAPITOL PARLOR

BOLIN bursts in though a door and sees KUVIRA standing in the open floor.

BOLIN

Sir! I...

He freezes as he notices the room is divided into two camps. On one side are KUVIRA, BAATAR and several soldiers. On the other are SUYIN, OPAL and Zaofu persons leaving BOLIN in the gap between the factions.

KUVIRA

Suyin. I want to talk with you.

SUYIN

I think the whole world just heard what you have to say. Should I call you Queen Kuvira now? Dictator? Tyrant?

KUVIRA

That's not what... This was the only way to protect our people.

SUYIN

"Protect." Is that what you say you're doing?

(to BAATAR)

Baatar, I'm ashamed that any child of mine is complicit in this. She's poisoned you.

BAATAR

(outraged)

Poison? Mom, I love her! And she loves me.

(tries to reason)

President Chang and the other world leaders were sending battalions of "advisors" with Wu to control our entire government. That would have been the end of the Earth Kingdom just as surely. Do you think Zaofu would've been spared?

KUVIRA

(to Suyin)

I've looked up to you all my life. You're the one who taught me how corrupt and broken the royal government was. You took me in off the street, let me into Zaofu, gave me a position, and showed me a path forward that said our tradition-bound nation could actually have a future. Now I have a chance to create that future for everyone. You could have been queen! The world leaders asked you years ago! I only took this command when you refused it! Please, Suyin, I need your help. Together we can spread modern technology and progress to every corner of our country.

SUYIN

(ambivalent)

The future...

(angry)

...built at the point of a sword.

KUVIRA

Rah! Fine! Abandon us again, like you abandoned Ba Sing Se to riots and anarchy. Go back and hide in your playground of a city. Horde its treasures like you've always done. I'll do it without you!

BAATAR

(to Suyin)

All my life you claimed to love our nation. But then you also claimed to love me.

OPAL

Baatar! How dare you talk to mom like that!

SUYIN and all the Zaofu faction exit. After a moment alone in the room, BAATAR moves close to KUVIRA. KUVIRA hugs him tightly as the shared tension of the day crashes into them.



EXT. LITTLE BA SING SE, REPUBLIC CITY - DAY

MAKO is talking to a MAN ON STREET while holding up a little photograph of Wu.

MAN ON STREET

Yeah, I think I might have seen a guy that looks like that. Just a few minutes ago? I think that was-

WU

(in the distance, wailing)

Stop it, stop it, stop it!

MAKO

(to man on street)

Never mind, I think I found him.

Around a corner MAKO enters a shopping center modeled as a miniature version of Ba Sing Se. WU is there causing a scene by tearing down posters of Kuvira. Young men dressed in imitation of the uniforms of Kuvira's army advance towards WU.

KUVIRA PARTISAN

(to Wu)

Hey! What do you think you're doing?!

WU

That woman is a criminal! I hereby decree that any picture of her is henceforth illegal!

KUVIRA PARTISAN

(advances and looks threatening)

Yeah, you don't look like President Chang to me. Who the hell do you think you are?

MAKO

(muttering to himself as he approaches)

Don't say your name. Don't say your name.

(Yells to WU to get his attention)

Hey!

(Wu does not respond)

Hey!

(still does not respond)

Hey, Prince Wu!

Everyone turns towards MAKO and then looks back at WU.

MAKO

(mumbles to himself, self castigating)

Should not have said his name.

(to Wu)

Run!

MAKO runs forward to push past the Kuvira Supporters and then sweeps his arm across to make a wave of fire that hangs in the air for a second and makes the supporters stall in their chase. WU runs off ahead of him, up to the center of the shopping center.

The center of the shopping plaza is a small building modeled on the royal palace of Ba Sing Se. Inside it is a buffet style food court. In the middle is a little fake throne where children can pose for a picture in a bit of costume like the Earth King. WU bursts into this building, spots the throne and the small boy sitting on it.

WU

No! That's mine!

He snatches the hat and little cape from the boy whose mother grabs him and rushes him off from this obviously unstable man. WU puts on the toy hat and cape and collapses down on the fake throne, crying. MAKO approaches slowly.

MAKO

(uneasy around this much emotion)

Uh, so. Little Ba Sing Se? Doing some...shopping?

WU

(horse)

This whole place is a kitschy tourist trap.

MAKO

I thought you loved kitsch.

WU

(sobs)

I do!

(recovers from crying and leans back in the toy throne)

One woman says I'm not king and then everyone just starts talking about what to do next like she's right. She took away who I am! How can she do that? Why are people letting her?

MAKO

Um.

WU

(softer)

How can they hate me? I haven't even done anything yet.

MAKO

(floundering)

Well, maybe you start? Have the, your "people", ever even heard your voice? Hey, look. Nothing's settled yet. Kuvira surprised everyone today but I'm sure there are plans being worked on. I mean, you're still you, right? Isn't that sort of the base requirement to be King?

(winces at this terrible pep talk)

WU

(actually comforted for some reason)

You're right. I am me. The people of my kingdom are sure to rebel against the evil Kuvira, and everyone will love me for my sacrifice during this time. Great point Mako.

MAKO

Uh, right. That's what's going to happen. Any day. Just...hold on.

(awkwardly pats Wu's shoulder)