Bolin: [As the pro-bender walks and comes into focus, his face is revealed; gesturing at Korra; both she and Toza turn to him.] There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you! [Cut to an annoyed Toza, and back to Bolin and Korra; lighthearted.] It's all right Toza, [Darts a meaningful glance at Toza.] she's with me. Korra: [Smiling; plays along quickly.] Yeah, I'm with him. Bolin: So, you see, we're together. Korra: [Smiles awkwardly.] Well, not together together, more like friends. Bolin: Right, friends. [Points at his chest; between his teeth.] No, no, I didn't mean to imply. [Clears throat.] Korra: [Softly.] Oh, you implied it. Toza:[Raising his arms, annoyed.] Ah, I don't care what you are! I got work to do.
Switch to a broader shot as he walks away while wiping his forehead with the towel that hung around his neck. He throws it to the ground and loosens his left arm.
Bolin: Rrright this way, miss.
Cut to Toza as he lifts a barbell with earthbending, and throws it to the side. He does the same with another barbell.
Korra: And thank you, sir! [Switch to close-up as she lifts a hand to the side of her face and whispers to Bolin.] Seriously, thanks.
They both walk away, smiling broadly, while Toza keeps repeating his exercise. The scene changes to a door being opened, with Korra and Bolin coming in. Korra glances around while Bolin smiles confidently.
Bolin: Whaddya think? Best seats in the house, huh?
Korra directs her gaze in the same direction as Bolin, her mouth falling open; screen zooms out to a shot of the entire Pro-bending Arena from inside. All the spots are directed at the playing field, and the stadium is packed with people. Korra: [In awe.] Whoa! Unbelievable! [Cut back to Korra, who is looking around, and Bolin as two figures enter the room behind them and head to the only closet.] This place is even more amazing than I imagined! Bolin: Name's Bolin, by the way. Korra: [Keeps looking around.] Korra. Mako: [Bolin turns to Mako.] Psst, [Close-up.] Bolin.
Switch to a shot from Mako's point of view as Bolin turns around, and walks toward Mako.
Bolin: Yeah?
Mako: [Frontal shot while he puts on his pro-bending equipment; quietly to Bolin.] I told you, you have to stop bringing your crazy fangirls in here before the matches. Get her out of here.
Bolin: [Shot cuts to Bolin; sighing.] Come on, Mako! Right, look, I kinda promised her she could stay, [Brightens, points over his shoulder at Korra.] but man, I got a good feeling, there's somethin' special about her. I know it! [He turns and walks toward Korra, grabs her by the shoulders and leads her to Mako, as the firebender looks at them, and the Avatar smiles.] Come here, I want you to meet my brother, Mako. Korra: [Switch to a frontal shot as Mako walks toward the ring; Korra offers her hand.] Mako? Wow, I-I heard you playing on the radio. Mako: [Ignores Korra completely.] Come on, Bolin, we're up. Korra: [Looks to her outstretched hand; rejected.] ... or I could meet him later. Bolin: [Frontal shot of Korra and Bolin; lightheartedly.] Yeah, sorry about that. My brother just gets real ... focused before a match. [He puts on his helmet and ties the strings.] Okay, I gotta go, wish me luck. [He shields his mouth with his hands.] Not ... that I'll need it.
***
Korra: [Frontal shot of Mako with Bolin and Korra behind him, the latter glaring at him; irritably.] Oh, you're still a jerk? Bolin: Ooh! [Chuckles and turns to Korra.] Korra: [Turns to Bolin.] Anyway, [Excitedly.] I've been immersed in bending my entire life, but I never learned how to move like that! It's like there's a whole new style here! [Crossing her arms.] Think you could show me a few tricks? Bolin: Ab-so-lutely! Mako: [Frontal shot as he is untying his protective gear; annoyed.] Right now? Come on, Bolin. Bolin: [Frontal shot; puts his hand besides his mouth and speaks a bit softer.] Just ignore him. [Louder.] Yeah, I could show you the basics. [Pensively puts his left hand to his chin.] I'm just not sure how my earthbending would translate to your waterbending, [Lightheartedly.] but we'll figure it out. Korra: [Smugly.] Won't be a problem. [Crosses arms slyly.] I'm actually an earthbender. Bolin: [Awkwardly; eying Korra confusedly.] I'm sorry, no, no! I didn't mean to assume. 'Cause I, you know, I was just figuring ... with your Water Tribe getup ... that you are ... a Water Tribe ... gal. Korra: [Casually and smugly.] Nope, you're right. I'm a waterbender. And a firebender. Bolin: [Holding hand to chin; confused.] Mm. Mm-hmm. I'm very confused right now. Mako: [Close-up of back of his head.] You're the Avatar, [Bows head, while closing eyes.] and I'm an idiot. Korra: [Slightly mocking.] Both are true. Bolin: [Eyes widen in shock; Mako has turned around to face Korra and Bolin.] No ... way. [He turns to Mako, shields his face from Korra with his hand while pointing at her; whispering.] The Avatar!
Scene changes to a slowly zooming in shot of the entire arena from outside.
Bolin: [Voice-over.] All right! Let's see what'cha got!
Cut to a shot of Bolin, now in casual clothing, and Korra in the gym with two piles of earth coins between them. The camera pans to the right revealing a net hanging on the other side of the gym as Korra decisively turns and raises her arm, an earth coin following the movement. She knocks the coin away with her other hand, and quickly repeats the movement, knocking two of the earth coins at a net. The camera swiftly follows the objects as they slam in the net, before cutting back to Bolin. Korra is still standing in her solid earthbending stance.
Bolin: That was great! Good power! But in a real match, you'd be a sitting turtle duck. [Cut to a frontal shot of a slightly disappointed Korra.] Not so upright and flatfooted! [Frontal shot of Korra and Bolin with Mako in the background as Bolin takes on a fighting stance, punching to air.] Stay light on your toes, right up until the moment when you need to dig in and strike. Then ... [He quickly raises two coins and almost immediately sends them flying toward the net.] pop, pop!
The camera stays with the two earth coins as they fly toward the net and nearly hit the exact same spot. Cut back to a side shot of Korra and Bolin; she stares at the net with open mouth, while he turns to her with a broad smile and gestures at the net, inviting her to give it another shot.
Korra: [Slightly shocked.] Okay, let me try it again. Korra looks decisive. Cut to a shot of her feet as she jumps from side to side, before throwing two coins at the net, mimicking Bolin's fast strikes. Bolin: [Impressed.] Wow! Nice adjustment! [Pointing at Korra.] You're a natural at this. Mako: [Aloof.] Not bad. Korra: [At Bolin, gesturing at Mako. Irritably; slightly down.] What's it take to impress this guy? Mako: [Close-up.] What? I said "not bad". [Close-up of Korra pouting at him. Cut back to Mako shaking his head; annoyed.] You know what, it's getting late. [Overview shot of Mako sauntering off with his hands in his pockets.] I think I'm gonna turn in. You kids have fun. [Close-up as he stops and glances back.] Nice to meet you, Avatar Korra. Korra: [Halfheartedly holding her hand up; sarcastically.] Yeah, been a real pleasure. Mako: [Back shot of Mako walking away; casually.] See ya upstairs, bro. Korra: Upstairs? [Slightly impressed and jealous.] You guys live here? Bolin: [Frontal shot.] Yup. In the attic. It's nothin' fancy, but we have some great views! [Side shot of them both.] So, back to bending. Why don't you throw that combo one more time?
*** Korra: [Close-up of Mako's sad face, cut to Bolin's; voice-over.] I didn't miss your match, did I? You guys look like you lost already. Bolin: [Frontal shot of the trio; dejected.] We might as well have. Mako: [Angrily.] Hasook's a no-good no-show! Referee: [Opens door.] You got two minutes to come out ready to play, or you're disqualified. [Exits.] Mako: [Bitterly.] Well, there goes our shot at the tournament ... and the winnings. Korra: [Points toward the other team in the room; Mako and Bolin briefly look up.] Can't you ask one of those guys to fill in? Bolin: Nah. The rules say you can only compete on one team. Korra: Well, then ... [Places hand on chest.] how about me? I'm a top-notch waterbender, [Crosses arms.] if I do say so myself. Bolin: But, you're the Avatar. [To Mako.] Isn't that cheating? Korra: [Close-up.] It isn't cheating if I only do waterbending. Mako: No way. I'd rather forfeit than look like a fool out there. Korra: [Offended and sarcastically.] Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence. Referee: [Enters again.] Time's up. You in or out? Korra: [Excitedly, instantly responding.] We're in! Mako: [Just as quickly.] We are? Bolin: [Excitedly getting up while Korra runs toward the closet. Just as quickly.] Yes! ***
Bolin: [Opens his arms; innocently.] What? [Rubs his stomach.] I'm a growing boy! Butakha : Overview shot.] Oh, and one more small item of business: The Fire Ferrets need to ante up thirty thousand yuans for the championship pot. Bolin: [Cut to a frontal shot of Bolin; shocked with his eyes wide open and blank.] Thirty thousand yuans?! [Pabu swings his tail for balance as Bolin suddenly slightly bends his head forward.] Butakha: [Side shot; puts a hand on Mako's shoulder.] Sorry, kids. You got 'til the end of the week to come up with the dough, or else, you're out of the tournament.
Bolin feebly reaches after Butakha as he walks away. Korra walks up to them as both brothers look at the ground with sad expressions. They glance to her as she stops.
Bolin: [Starts with a high-pitched voice, that slowly lowers to his normal one.] You wouldn't happen to have a secret Avatar bank account overflowing with gold, would you? Korra: [Pulls out her empty pockets.] I got nothing. [Frontal shot.] I've never really needed money. [Smiles softly while tilting her head slightly.] I've always had people taking care of me. Mako: [Wider shot. Mako picks up the ball and puts it in a bag; slightly accusing.] Then I wouldn't say you have nothing. Korra: [Close shot of Korra and Bolin, Korra looking somewhat guilty; apologetically.] Sorry, I didn't mean — Bolin: [Frontal shot.] No, it's all right. It's just [Slightly lowers his voice; sadly.] ever since we lost our parents, we've been on our own. Korra: [Frontal shot; compassionately.] I'm so sorry. I didn't know. Mako: [Broader shot as Mako picks up the bags with two training balls in it and zips it shut.] So, anyway, [Frontal shot, as he swings the bag over his shoulder.] how are we gonna come up with the money? Bolin: [Voice-over; excitedly.] Oh, oh, I got it! [Frontal shot, as he squats.] I got it! [Holds up his fire ferret.] I've been training Pabu to do circus tricks. Now people would pay good money to see that! Wider shot of the three teenagers. Bolin excitedly and hopefully looks at Mako, while both Mako and Korra look down at Bolin with a "you cannot be serious" expression. Mako: [Somewhat irritably.] Come on, Bolin. [Close-up of an excited Bolin.] We need serious ideas. Bolin: [Pabu chitters softly as Bolin holds him close; downcast.] I was serious. Mako [Walks away; cut to a frontal shot.] Don't worry about it. I'll figure something out. I always do. Bolin stands up and both he and Korra eye Mako's exit with a wondering expression. Scene zooms in on Bolin, whose look changes to a determined one as he glances to the side.
Cut to Central City Station. The scene pans down Fire Lord Zuko's statue to reveal someone sitting at its base while people are passing him by.
Bolin: [Voice-over.] Come one, come all. [Close shot of Bolin who has a small bridge set up. He is wearing a flashy jacket and a fake mustache, while Pabu is standing on a little can, wearing a bright lime green jacket. He excitedly speaks to the passersby while making wide motions with his arms.] See Pabu the fantastic fire ferret as he crosses the Ladder of Peril, [Gasps; whispers dramatically.] upside down! [Pabu continues to clean himself by licking his paws.] Psst, psst. [The moment Bolin signals Pabu, the ferret jumps on the plank and starts walking across it on his front paws. Bolin softly cheers him on.] Big finish, buddy. Stick the landing. [Pabu flips off and lands on one front paw.] Ta da! [Someone throws a coin in Bolin's cup.] Thank you, ladies and gentlemen! You are too kind! Seriously, too kind! You can come back here and put money right in this- [Shakes his cup, and his excitement vanishes as he hears that there is little money inside it.] Okay, that's fine, that's fine. [Zooming in shot of the single coin that is in the canister.] One yuan down, 29,999 to go.
Broad side shot as the typical red car used by the Triple Treat Triad pulls up to Bolin. Bolin looks up. Switch to a closer shot of the driver as he rolls down the window.
Shady Shin: Hey, Bolin. Is that you? Bolin: [Frontal shot; dejected.] Oh, hey there, Shady Shin. Shady Shin: [Frontal shot; gets out of his car and walks toward Bolin.] Heard you're a big time pro-bending player now. Not bad. Bolin: [Frontal shot; scratches his head.] Uh, thanks. Shady Shi: [Side shot.] So listen. I got an offer for ya. Lightning Bolt Zolt is lookin' to hire some extra muscle. Bolin: [Frontal shot; unsure.] Uh, I don't know, Shin. Mako told me to stay away from the Triple Threats. Shady Shin: [Frontal shot; mildly irritably.] Pfuh, your brother ain't the boss of you. [Slyly.] It's just a little security work. Nothin' crooked.
Shady Shin reaches in his pocket, takes out a wad of cash, and tosses it into Bolin's cup. A shot from inside the can looking up shows Bolin staring at the money with wide eyes and gasps in awe. He shakes his head and gasps even louder, while nearly sticking his head in the can.
Shady Shin: [Frontal shot; smiling confidently.] You game?
***
Bolin: [Scared.] Uh, hello, Amon, sir. [Attempts a goofy grin; switch to a back-shot of Bolin to show Amon.] I think there's been a big misunderstanding.
***
Mako: Bolin, you all right? Bolin: Yes! [Clasps his hands in relief, before extending them for a hug.] Mako! I love you!
** Bolin: [Side shot; bouncing along with Naga's strides.] Hah ... Oh ... Yah ... Stop ... I want ... to be ... on ... your back ... please!
Bolin: [Cheerfully.] Hello, fellow teammate! Korra: Hey, Bolin. [Rubs Naga's chest.] Bolin: Missed you at practice this week. Korra: Yeah, sorry about that. Bolin: Nah, that's all right. We're probably out of the tournament anyways unless some money miraculously drops out of the sky by tomorrow. Anyways, the reason I came by was to give you this. [Holds out a cupcake and a rose. Pabu climbs off his shoulder.] Ta-da! Korra: Wow, thanks. [Takes Bolin's gifts.] What's this for? Bolin: [Rubbing his chin.] Uh, oh I can't remember now. Oh yeah, now I remember. You saved me from Amon! Korra: Oh, that? [Shrugs.] It was no big deal. Bolin: No big deal, are you serious? I was totally freaking out when he was coming at me with his creepy mask all, "I will take away your bending forever." [Acts like a zombie trying to comically replicate Amon while Korra looks at him with a worried expression.] I mean that is.. scary stuff; I still can't sleep well. Bolin: Who's this Tarrlok guy? Is he bothering you? Huh, 'cause I could have a word with him. [Punches fist into his other hand.] Korra: [Somewhat amused.] Heh, no it's not like that. He's just some old guy who works with Tenzin on the council. Bolin: Oh, good. Good, that sounds better. I like that better.
"Soooo Korra. There they go, here we are, alone in the gym. Two alone-people. Together. Alone" "Work with me here, Pabu! You wanna look spic and span in your new uniform, don't you?" "So... what do you think of Korra. Y'know, in that girlfriend sorta way?" "I was talking about a girlfriend for me. Leave some ladies for the rest of us." "Bro, you're nuts. Korra and I are perfect for each other. She's strong, I'm strong. She's fun, I'm fun. She's beautiful, I'm gorgeous! Okay, I don't care what you think. I'm going to ask Korra out." "Yea, yeah. I know. G'ah. You know what I'm talking about, Pabu. I'm talkin' about real love." "Sooo, Korra. I was thinkin'. You and me, we could go get some dinner together. Sorta a date situation." "Are you kidding me? You're the smartest, funniest, toughest, buffest, talentedest, incrediblest girl in the world!" "I felt that way since the moment I saw you! Trust me, we're going to have so much fun together." "Who's the luckiest guy in the world? That's me, Bolin!" "Mm, so how do 'ya like it?" "That's great. 'Cause this is my favourite joint. See? You like water tribe food, I love water tribe food, just another reason we are so great together." "I know you usually handle these, but frankly your head's just not in the game. I'm gonna take this one." "Don't call me that. You're not my brother! You're a brother-betrayer. The only one I can trust anymore ... is Pabu. Pabu loves me. No, I'm not going anywhere with you, you traitor! WHY!!" "You're a bad idea!" "Uh. If everyone's done with the little thank-you party, need some medical attention over here." "Ow! Haven't you hurt me enough, woman?!" "Nononono -- Ooh, that's the stuff." "Ah, I'll be alright. But we had fun together, did we?" "Please, go on. I enjoy praise."
"Beat each other up! In peace! It's an inspiration to everyone!" "You're on Pabu.... Yes, nailed it! He's so talented." "Pfft. They got nothing on us buddy. Anybody can howl. Wooo ... Whatever."
"Asami already invited us to live in her Dad's giant mansion! From here on out, it's going to be the lap of luxury for us." "[pretending to be Pabu] Come on Korra! We all deserve a little rest and relaxation after all this craziness! We can swim in Asami's pool! It'll be fun!"
"This is the greatest place in the world. Watch this watch this -- Fetch me my towel, good sir." "'Master Bolin'! Hah! I love this guy! Now, pat me dry. Don't forget Master Pabu." "Ooh, Ooh, I vote makeovers!" "Yeah. Just stay put until the Chief comes back. That sounds very familiar, doesn't it? Why -- because you said it." "Hello Mr. Sato! Wow, what a really ... scary factory you have here under your mansion."
"I have a couple questions. Is this an all vegetarian island? Is that where you train airbending? Do we have to wear air acolyte clothes? Do we each get our own sky bison? And final question, how many trees are on this island?"
"Cover your ears, I can't go with you listening! " "A little privacy please!" "What? No! That's just gossip, where'd you hear that? Crazy talk is coming outta your mouth right now!" "Nothing! I mean... there was this one time during the tournament that Mako and Korra kissed, but ... Believe me, I was upset too, but I'm over it. I don't think it meant anything. "
"You are a wise and noble hobo. Mmmm, this is the best street gruel I've ever had! Seriously!" "Where does Hiroshi find the time to keep inventing new evil machines?!" "I like this man's confidence! So... how are we not out of this fight?" "Korra, Amon is a nasty dude. Be careful." "MR. SATO YOU ARE A HORRIBLE FATHER."
"Now I know that last match was garbage. Terrible. Even Pabu could've done a better job. But that's in the past. Because when you back a fire ferret into a corner mister, he comes out fighting! Now, let's get out there and bend like never before! Sre you with me?!" "Wow, look at all these people that came out to greet us!" "Whoa. Who are the lovely ladies?" "Oh no sure, I knew that ... Which one is Desna?" [sticking a hen in his mouth] "What? It's so good." "No problem! Pabu and I are natural assistants." "Man, this is nice. I gotta get into this whole 'business' thing." "It looked like you were just ... sitting on the pillow." "Is that how 'business' usually goes ...?" "[About to go flirt with Eska] Wish me luck! I'm going in! Wheeee!" "Hey, I'm Bolin. Friend of Korra's? You're uh, Eska right? Wow, I am loving these robes." "[sweating] Ahem. So, uh, you ... are from the North right? Cool, that's like my favourite direction." "You mean like a boyfriend? Or, uh, like a slave... " "GUYS! HEY, WAIT FOR ME! Check it out, I'm traveling in style! Woah! Okay, sorry, still getting used to the throttle." "Varrick gave it to me. He's awesome! He also gave me this fancy snowsuit, it's inflatable with internal heater, emergency beacon and food ration pouch! I mean if I get lost, I can survive on this thing for like, like a month! Who wants some freeze-dried cucumber quarts? Nobody? Did I interrupt the conversation?" "Can we not talk about dark spirits, please?" "Woah. So you were supposed to be Chief, then he became Chief. No wonder you guys don't like each other! ... Ow! What? Isn't that what happened?"
"You know I'll be really ... sad. When you have to leave. It's been really great getting to know you. Really. " "Mako! Oh, I'm so happy to see you! No, no I'm not alright, I can't take anymore! Listen, I don't wanna live in icy bliss with Eska! [crying] Don't make me ... please don't make me." "Break up with her? You can do that?" "Thanks Mako! Phew. I'm lucky you're so good at breaking girls' hearts. Korra better watch out! No, it's just... uh. You know what, nevermind." "Haha isn't this fun, guys? We never get to spend enough time together, just the ... five of us. So fun. -- You guys gotta save me. " "I tried! But everytime I bring up the subject, she threatens to freeze me in a block of ice and feed me to dolphin-piranhas!" "Why didn't you warn me your cousin had the power to reach into my heart and crush my soul with her bare hands?" "No, no, not to me it wasn't! I'm very bad at reading people, you should know that by now!"
"Would you relax? This place is great. And the best part about it? Eska doesn't know I'm here. -- I wasn't hiding! Hey. H-Hey. Hey." "Yes! Yes my swet ... koala-otter." "I tried to break up but Mako ... gave me terrible advice. Thank you Mako." "We're good to go. I gave all the money to some guys over there and I told them to 'take care of it' and then I winked. Huh. Pretty sure they got the message... [the judge arrives] Man, I should've paid him! "Your honor, if I may ...? ....may declare ... a mistrial?" "I was wanna be honest with you. When we first met there was this crazy spark, but I'm starting to feel that that spark is fading."
"What about me? What do I do?" "Wow. Usually, when I see flashing lights these, it's because I got hit in the head with a rock." "Well, I took a trip south for the Glacier Spirits festival, was briefing engaged to a princess, then went through kinda a ... tough break-up there. Was accidentally involved in a civil ... war ... but there's nowhere I'd rather be than Probending 9 in Republic City! Am I right? REPUBLIC CITY!" "Well, I definitely don't miss getting hit by things all the time. I mean, the humiliating losing is pretty old. Y'know, sometimes, I actually cry myself to sleep ... I guess what I miss the most ARE THESE FANS! THEY'RE THE GREATEST FANS IN THE WORLD! GIVE IT UP FOR DA FANS!" "The trick is, whenever I get confused, I just say 'Republic City' or 'Fans', and then everyone cheers." "[sees Eska's face] UAAHHGH!! Sorry, keep doing that." "I'm Nuktuk! What do 'ya think?" "Oh man, Varrick, that guy is a genius. He's going to help Asami sell her mechatanks in the south, and he came up with this great idea for Korra to get General Iroh to fight Unalaq without President Rikoh even knowing!" "And he's going to put me in the movers as this hero, Nuktuk! He's a man of action! But he's got a heart of gold. He was born in the tundra!" "Nuktuk, saves the day again!" "And Mako! What? There's no way Mako would have told ... .Right?" "I ... Is that a trick question?" "Wow. We got some major chemistry on screen. Am I right?" "What's wrong?? Are you mad because I left you in the clutches of the evil Unalaq? I'm gonna save you in the next episode! Ginger, let's work through this." "Hey, Mako, check this out! I did a little redecorating. It turns out one of the perks of being a star is lots of cash." "[Is that a marble statue of you?] It's also. A hat rack. [We don't even have hats!] That's because we have never had. A hat rack. And now we do?" "Mako, you seem stressed. I think you need to take a little dippity-dip." "You need my help? Uhh, I don't know, kinda busy." "I'm maintaining my instrument. As an actor, my body is my instrument." "You know, I recall a time when I needed your help, and you basically told me to get a life. So that's a no." "[What am I supposed to do now?] I don't know, Mako. Figure it out! Remember? That's what you said to me. Hurts, doesn't it. " "Ow! My instrument!" "[After kissing Ginger] Sorry, just kinda lost myself in the moment! It just felt so right." "Okay, okay. Kinda getting a mixed vibe here? Because a minute ago you were into me, and now you're not." "Can't say I've seen him. But I've been kinda busy, yknow, rehearsing for my next scene. There's gonna be some crazy pyrotechnics -- That's mover-speak for explosion. Or sometimes we just call them explosions. Anyway, wish I could stay here and hit-chat but I gotta go shoot my big scene."
"See, this is why I had to move out. Nopr, it was time for this eagle-hawk to spread his wings and fly." "Wait a minute. Are you two [GASP] You're dating again? Korra just left a week ago!" "Yeah, let it go Mako. Let it go."
"Hey, Mako." "I'm on my way to the big finale for Nuktuk, Hero of the South! Everyone's gonna be there except for, y'know, you ... because you're in jail it's tough." "No, I came by to give you my sincere, heartfelt words of encouragement. I know our lives have been moving in two different directions but I want you to know I will always be there for you. We are brothers after all. Even if one of us is a member of high society and the other one is a criminal." "You kinda look like one. 'Cause you're in a jail and that's where criminals live." "Ah, I see what you're doing, you're going for the insanity defense! Smart." "I just wish Mako were here to see it." "Of course I know. Juji's fine. He comes back to life at the end when the doomsday device shifts the polarity of the earth. Oops ... spoilers." "I guess I just miss my friends. Everything's going so well for me but it just feels so empty without everyone around. Korra's gone. Mako's in jail. You're doing ... business-lady stuff. Team Avatar's falling apart." "Unalaq is going to destroy the world? He really does have a doomsday device?" "... Never should've saved that guy." "I saved the president in real life! You were right about Varrick! He tried to kidnap Rikoh! But, it didn't work because of you! And because of me. Let's just say we both did good." "Sorry for ever doubting you, Mako." "Alright! Team Avatar is back in business! Hah-hah!" "It's a Varrick ship! You never know what you're going to find. There's a whole level filled with one-house mirrors. Of course, there's also the cat-gator deck. Ahh, I miss that guy, he really knew how to make a long trip interesting." "So, have you told Korra yet about how you guys kinda broke up then you kinda started dating Asami while she was gone?" "You know, a wise man once told me that delivering bad news to a girlfriend was like ripping off a blood-sucking leech. You just gotta do it fast and get it over with. [rubbing Mako's advice back in his face] " "I'm an Earthbender strapped to the wings of a plane, hundreds of feet in the air! So, no ...? " "Wait a second! Worst case scenario: So, we're fighting Unalaq, he closes the portals, let's just say if something happens to you, are we gonna be stuck there for eternity?!"
Bolin: Bumi says he airbended earlier, but he can't now. Oh, and I guess he's not very good at knitting either. [Upbeat.] I gotta say, I love being a part of this family. [Cut to a fuming Tenzin.] You got the grumpy dad, [Cut to Bumi still attempting to airbend.] the wacky uncle, [Cut to a fatigued Pema, while Rohan cries.] the put-upon mom, [Cut to Jinora, Ikki and Meelo, the latter placing a chopstick on either side of his mouth.] crazy kids. Well, that's just great. Asami: Where's Mako? Bolin: Oh, you mean the brooding teenager? He's staying in the police station. Korra: Still? Bolin: I told him Tenzin invited us to stay here since our apartment is a vine habitat now, but, [Styles his hair like Mako, with an upset tone.] he said he had to focus on work. [Puts his hair back.] Bumi: Oh, did you see that? I think the napkin moved. Kya: [Annoyed.] You blew on it. Bumi: Wait! [Ponders.] Maybe I can only do it when my life is in danger. Bolin, bend a giant boulder at me. Bolin: Yeah, I don't think that's a good idea.
***
Tenzin: True wisdom begins when we accept things as they are. You've started a new age, Korra. There's no going back to the past. [Bolin runs and interrupts Tenzin and Korra's conversation.] Bolin: Mako called! [Korra and Tenzin turn around.] The cops found a new airbender guy, but when they tried to bring him in, he ran away and climbed to the top of Kyoshi Bridge and won't come down. Ooh sorry, did I interrupt an Avatar wisdom session? Korra: [Walks past Bolin.] Avatar wisdom is the thing of the past, Bolin. [Taps Bolin on the shoulder.] Come on. Bolin: Oh okay. Is that a good thing? Korra: Depends who you ask.
"This is it Mako we made it this is where Dad grew up! Come here, look look!" "HELLO MIDDLE RING!" "Ahh, it's got that upper-ring smell." "Well, I can just stash Pabu in my shirt. These two are gonna be a little tougher." "But he's my new little brother. He's probably lost, and scared."
** Bolin: Kai, it's us. Mako and Bolin, your new family. [Bolin runs along to chase after Kai.] Bolin: Excuse me, coming through [Bolin squeezes in between two rickshaws.] Pardon me. [Bolin pulls a large grin.] Carry on. [Bolin runs along to continue chasing after Kai.] Mako: What are you doing running around robbing people? Kai: I was just practicing my airbending. [Kai pulls a large grin.] Mako: Yeah right. Let's go. [Mako grabs Kai's top.] You're in big trouble. Mako: Hey! [Mako bangs his hands on the side window.]
Kai smiles and waves at Mako and Bolin as the train leaves the station.
Mako: [Angrily.] Your little brother, huh? Bolin: Yeah ... just a lovable little scamp, isn't he? Mako: [Mako looks out the window.] Reminds me of my little brother.
*** Mako: All right. Let's see if we can catch a train back to the Upper Ring.
Scene shifts to a woman showing her ticket to the ticket master. The ticket master lets her through. However, Mako and Bolin tries to barge through, but end up getting blocked.
Ticket master: Passports and tickets.
Bolin: We can pay, hold on. [Both Bolin and Mako check their pockets to find that Kai has robbed them as well.] Where's my money? [Bolin and Mako widen their eyes in realization and stare at each other in disbelief.] No, Kai wouldn't-- [Bolin's eyes widen. Mako stares at him.] Aww, man. [Bolin pulls an exaggerated expression of dismay.] Ticket master: Step aside, beat it you two, [Both boys yell after getting pushed by the ticket master.] before things get ugly.
Mako stares to the other side, looking at two Dai Li agents. Both of them stare back. Mako stares back at the ticket master and turns around. The next scene shifts to Mako and Bolin walking outside Poh Kong station, at the same time, a train leaves Poh Kong station. The scene shifts to a messed up lower ring street.
Bolin: [Voice-over.] The bad news [Camera slowly pans down to reveal the back of the brothers' heads.] is we're stuck here. The good news is [Bolin puts his hand on Mako's shoulder and grins.] we can go the bathroom wherever we want.
Mako glares at Bolin with a blank stare and Bolin releases his hold on Mako, looking a little dejected.
***
Bolin: Ohh man, aww I slipped a disc sleeping here. It's been awhile since we spent the night in a trash pile. It's about how I remembered. Mako: I bet everyone's freaking out that we've been gone all night. [Mako brushes off a banana on his head.] Bolin: I'm worried about Kai; he's just a little kid out there on his own. He's probably really scared.
***
Bolin: Fwoo, I'm getting really hungry. [Gasps as a fruit stall comes into view behind them. Bolin looks at Mako.] Haah, we might have to hustle up a little breakfast with the old, [Gestures his hand out to the fruits.] fruit stand scam. Come on. [Bolin grabs a reluctant Mako by the arm and drags him to the fruit stand, where flies surround the fruit. Bolin wraps his arm around Mako.] You remember how it goes, [Does a shoving motion.] I push you into the stand, [Raises his voice a bit.] you scream. [Places a hand on his head dramatically.] I pretend to faint. Mako: I don't want any part of it. Besides, look at this fruit, [Cut to the bruised, moldy fruit with flies buzzing around it.] it's disgusting. We don't want to steal this. Tu: [Rises into sight from under the stand.] Hey, [Points to Mako.] you trying to steal my fruit? Mako: No, I just said I don't want any of this rotten fruit. Tu: [Eyes widens for a moment in surprise.] Oh, you're too good for my fruit? [Leans over and rests his hand on a stack of apples, several of which collapse into mush under the pressure.] This is the best fruit on the block. Mako: So you want me to steal? Tu: [Tu shows his fist to Mako and Bolin.] Just try me, buddy. [Kisses his bicep.] Go ahead. Bolin: I'm confused. Are we stealing the fruit or not? Tu: I knew it. [Tu points his finger at Mako.] Thieves! [Mako and Bolin turn around and try to escape, but Tu jumps out of his fruit stand and tackles them.] Chow: What's going on here? Tu: [Tu looks at his dad.] Dad, these fruit thieves are insulting our fruit. Chow: [Chow looks down and takes a closer look at them.] Bolin? Mako? Mako: How do you know our names? Bolin: Yeah, I mean I'm famous so I get that, but how do you know his name? Chow: You look just like San. [Mako and Bolin opens their eyes wider.] Tu, you'll never believe who these guys are. They're your cousins! My brother San's kids. [Tu's eyes widen.]
***
Chow: Your father sent us a letter years ago with your names, but that was the last we heard from him. Then we saw your pictures in the sports magazine with your bending team, and Bolin, we love those Nuktuk movers. They're hilarious! Bolin: Yeah, they're not really comedies, but uh ... Tu: Yeah, I could probably be a pro-bender or an actor or something if I lived in a mansion in Republic City like you guys. You don't know what it's like on the streets. You got to be tough. [Flexes.] Bolin: Oh, Mako and I grew up on the streets. We were homeless, then we were kinda in a gang, then we lived in a gym ... [Chow drags Mako and Bolin into their home.] Chow: Hey everybody! Look who's here, San's kids: Mako and Bolin. [Everyone starts to smile.]
*** Chow: Boys, this is your grandmother, Yin. Yin: Aw, it is so wonderful to meet my long lost grandchildren [Yin hugs Mako and Bolin.] Where is San and your mother? Bolin: Wait, you mean you don't know?
**
Bolin: This is so great! We never had a family before. Now we've got one, two, five ... eleven ... [Camera zooms out, showing a crowded room with dozens of people.] ... a big family! Yeah! Mako: So why did Dad leave Ba Sing Se? Chow: Oh, he always had big dreams. He couldn't wait to get out and see the world. Your grandfather thought it was ridiculous. He wanted San to stay home and work the fruit stand. But San was determined to leave, and they had a huge fight. [Yin looks sad and turns away.] And that was the last time they ever spoke. [Notices Yin's expression.] Oh, um ... sorry, Mom. Yin: [To Mako and Bolin.] Come with me. I have something to show you. Scene cuts to outside of the building. Through the window Yin, Mako, and Bolin can be seen seated on a sofa. Yin: [As she speaks, the scene shifts into the room.] This is the only letter we ever got from San. It says he married a beautiful girl from the Fire Nation, and had two wonderful sons. He sent this picture of you all on his birthday. [Holds up picture of Mako and Bolin with their parents.] Bolin: Look, Mako! Dad's wearing your scarf! Yin: I'm so sad that I never got to meet your mother, [Speaking to Mako.] but you have her eyes. I know from looking at you two that she must have been a wonderful bride for my boy. [As she is speaking, Bolin sniffs and wipes away tears.] Mako: [Looks downcast; takes off his scarf and drapes it around his grandmother's neck.] I'm sure they would want you to have this. Yin smiles and hugs Mako. Bolin joins in.
** Chow: [To Mako and Bolin.] You know, San would've been so proud of you guys! Traveling the world with the Avatar? He would've loved that! Mako: We actually need to get back to the Avatar in the Upper Ring. We're supposed to be helping her find airbenders in Ba Sing Se. [Everybody gasps.] Bolin: [Quickly looks around.] What? What happened? Chow: One of our neighbors started airbending about a week ago. A couple days later, two Dai Li agents come out of nowhere and snatch him up. No one's seen him since. Tu: They say the Earth Queen's locking all the airbenders up somewhere, and using them for experiments. Yin: Tu! Don't talk like that about Her Majesty! [She blows a kiss and bows to a portrait of Hou-Ting on the wall.] Long may she reign. Mako: [To Bolin.] We have to get back to the Upper Ring and tell Korra. [They get up from the table and start to leave.] Bolin: [Grabbing a stack of buns.] I hope Kai is okay.
Bolin: Awesome! Tu, you're the best cousin that I can have. [The rest of the family looks on with saddened looks.] And my other cousins as well. Yeah. Yeah, you're all the best. Mako:[Takes the passports.] Thanks. I know this wasn't easy. Yin: It's such a shame you two must leave so soon. Mako: I wished we could stay. But if it's true the Earth Queen is forcing airbenders into her army, we have to do something about it. Yin: I love you both. Come visit again. [Hugs her long lost grandsons, who hug her back.] Mako: We will, Grandma. Bolin: I love you too, Grandma. And Chow, and Tu, and Meng-Meng, and Chow Jr., there is Big Tee and Little Tee, and Medium Yu, and ... and ... and what was your name again?
***
Asami: Mako. Bolin. You're okay. Where have you been? Bolin: [Catching his breath.] We chased Kai. Train. Slipped away. Lower Ring. Slept in trash pile. Met our family. Grandma tears. Mako scarf. [Throws Pabu onto his head, mimicking Hou-Ting's royal headgear.] Earth Queen. Lying. [Slumps onto the floor.] Asami: Can you interpret that? Mako: The Earth Queen's been secretly taking away airbenders and forcing them into her army. Korra: [Angrily.] She was lying. I knew it! I swear, the next time I see her- Asami: [Whispering.] It's the Queen. Korra softens and looks at the Queen, who is carried in a sedan. Bolin: [Opens his outer shirt.] Quick! Pabu. Shirt. [Pabu jumps in, chittering in protest.] I know. Sorry. Kinda sweaty. Bolin: I love you too, Grandma. And Chow, and Tu, and Meng-Meng, and Chow Jr., there is Big Tee and Little Tee, and Medium Yu, and ... and ... and what was your name again?
***
Jinora: [Worried.] Guys, what if Kai was spotted airbending? He might have been taken too. Bolin: Probably not. He's surprisingly difficult to catch, like a— like a little, greased hog-monkey.
***
Asami: [Irritated.] Oh great, not the Queen again. Korra: Everyone, act natural. And Bolin - Bolin: I'm on it! [Opens his outer shirt. Pabu chitters in protest.] What? Hey, I'm not sweaty this time! [Points at shirt. Pabu jumps in, and wiggles around.]
***
Jinora Kai! [Runs and hugs him, than kisses him on the cheek; Kai smiles in a frozen stance.] Bolin: Whoa! Tenzin's not gonna be happy about this! Mako: Then don't tell him. Bolin: How can I not? This is too juicy! Kai: [To Mako and Bolin.] Thanks for coming to get me. I'm really sorry about stealing your wallets, and running away, and getting you stuck on that train. Bolin: [Sighs and goes to hug Kai.] We can't stay mad at you.
***
Korra: Where are the others? [Cut to Bolin, Mako, Jinora and Kai running down the temple steps.] Bolin: [Screaming at the top of his lungs.] We need help! Dai Li agents rise to new heights on earth pillars, and begin firing down at the escapees. Korra steers Oogi away from the airship. Bolin: Everybody, hang on. Bolin sends himself and his allies into the air with an earth pillar, as Oogi flies over to break their fall.
Bolin: [Excitedly.] Wow! Wow! Wow! [Cut to the dashboard of the ship as all four amazed teenagers look out the windows.] An entire city made of metal! Wohoho, [Turns and looks at Lin.] you should feel right at home, Beifong.
Lin is seated on a bench far away from the windows with her arms crossed. Naga and Pabu are near her.
Lin: [Unexcited.] Hmm ...
**
Aiwei: [As the tram passes a statue of Toph Beifong.] That statue honors the first metalbender, Toph Beifong, who expanded the possibilities of what benders were capable of. Here, everyone is encouraged to reach his, or her, highest potential. Bolin: [Excitedly.] Does Toph live here? Are we going to get to meet her?
***
Suyin: I'm so proud of those two. [The group walks away. Cut to the group heading to a gallery filled with metal sculptures, where a sculptor works on one with metalbending.] Huan, I'd like you to meet the Avatar and her friends. And your Aunt Lin. Korra: Nice to meet you. Huan: [Without looking back.] Hey. [Korra looks confused.] Bolin: Wow, that's a really nice ... banana? Yes, very, very lifelike. Huan: [Cut to Huan's back view. Sighs. Turns to Bolin and speaks irritably.] It's not a banana! It was inspired by Harmonic Convergence; represents the dawning of a New Age. [Bitterly.] Obviously. Bolin: Oh, yeah, no, uh, I can, I can totally see that. [Mako and Asami look amused in the background and they start walking off. Forms a frame with his fingers.] I can, oh, let me stand here. Yes, I can see that now. Yes. Thank you. [Walks off, speaking away in a mocking fashion.] Banana. [Whispers to Mako.] I mean, that's a banana right?
*** Opal: [Turns toward the guests.] Wow, Avatar Korra. [Stands up.] I can't believe you're here. You are so amazing. Korra: It's great to meet you, Opal. Bolin: Opal. That's a beautiful name. Opal: [Blushes and pushes some hair behind her ear.] Thanks. Bolin: I'm Bolin. [Extends a hand out.] Opal: Opal. [Shakes Bolin's hand.] But, uh, you already knew that. Korra glances back and forth between the two with amused curiosity. Bolin gets distracted by a bird and looks to the side somewhere while Lin storms toward them.
*** Bolin: Mmmm. I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical when he said "pea tendrils", [Laughs.] but this is delicious. Opal: [Laughs.] I know, right. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal in my life. Bolin: Oh. I had plenty when Mako and I were living in the streets. [Opal looks at him sympathetically.] I mean, you'd be surprised how bad food from a dumpster can be. Opal: I'm sorry. I didn't know. Bolin: No, no, it's okay, that's all in the past. Things are great now. I got to be a pro-bender, fought against a dangerous revolution, became a mover star, and now, I'm helping the Avatar rebuild a whole nation. Opal: [Envious.] Wow. Your life sounds so exciting.
***
Mako: So, you and Opal seemed to hit it off dinner. I think she's really into you. Bolin: Yeah, I know. She's sweet and pretty and super nice. Too bad she's not my type. Mako: Right, I forgot. Your type is dumb mover star or psycho ice princess. Bolin: [Spits out his toothpaste.] You know, that really hurts a little bit. Right ... [Presses a fist to his chest.] here. [Looks at mirror, adjusting his hair.] Maybe you're right, bro. Maybe Opal is Bolin material. Thanks. [Flirts with his reflection.] Yeah!
*** Bolin: [Flirting.] Hey, lady. Wow, you really blowin' me away with your airbending. [Pretends to airbend.] Ahhh, woo-woosh, psst. Opal: Why are you acting weird? Bolin: Why are you acting weird? Opal: I don't like how you're talking to me. [Walks off.] Bolin: [Chases after Opal.] Look, I'm sorry. I just get really self-conscious when I know when a girl likes me, and I-I end up looking stupid. Opal: Who said I liked you? Bolin: Oh no. But I though ... Mako said- Opal: Just kidding. But, do me a favor and stop trying. [Bolin looks crestfallen.] Look, don't stop trying. Just stop trying so much. Just be yourself. Bolin: Huh. Be myself. Yeah, I guess I can give that a shot. Bolin and Opal look at each other romantically. Korra clears her throat to make her presence known. Opal: Oh, hey Korra. Korra: Can I steal you away from Bolin for a minute? I need you help with something.
Suyin: Well, it's probably for the best. I'm sure Lin would be a horrible teacher. [Chuckles with Korra.] As the Avatar, you should have mastery over all the elements. I'd be happy to show you the basics. Korra: Really? That would be great! Opal: [To Bolin.] You should try it, too. Bolin: [Flinches visibly.] Uh, nah. I'm more of an earth guy. The dirt, rocks; y'know, maybe some light gravel. That's kinda where my heart is. Suyin: Okay, Earth Guy. Well, let me know if you change your mind.
**
Korra: Bolin? Is that you? Bolin: [Nervous.] No! Korra: What are you doing? [Bolin steps out from behind the rock.] Bolin: Oh, hey ladies. Just uh ... I was just looking for Pabu. Pabu! Korra: He's on your shoulder. Bolin: [Eyes shift to his shoulder and see Pabu.] Oh, look there you are! [To Suyin and Korra.] You know, I thought something was chewing on my ear. Probably need to get a shot. Pabu has sort of a ... a venom. Anyways, so what are you guys doing? You metalbending over here or something? Suyin: Want to give it a shot? Bolin: Nah, it's okay. I mean, only like one earthbender in a hundred can metalbend. Suyin: Well, don't believe everything you hear. The only thing limiting you is your attitude. Bolin: Well, maybe I'll just ... I'll just stay and watch. [Makes a rock stump for himself, and sits down. Korra turns back to the meteorite.] Suyin: Try to focus on the fine pieces of earth within the metal. [Korra takes Suyin's advice, and successfully changes the shape of the meteorite.] Korra: I can't believe it! I'm metalbending! Bolin: [Downcast, with a catch in his voice.] Wow, you picked that up really, really quick. Guess you're that one in a hundred. Suyin: [Puts her hand on Korra's shoulder.] Great job, Korra.
**
Back to Zaofu, as Bolin sneaks up behind a meteorite pedestal, whistling. He takes the meteorite from its pedestal and attempts to bend it.
Opal: [From behind Bolin.] Hey, Bolin. Bolin: [Shocked, hides the meteorite.] Opal! Oh, wow, you ... really know how to sneak up on someone. Opal: What are you doing? Bolin: Oh nothing, you know, just ... [Puts the meteorite back.] just thinking about my body and mustaches that I might have in the future. [The meteorite falls off the pedestal.] Opal: You're acting weird again. Bolin: Sorry. I wasn't really thinking about all my mustaches. I'm just frustrated. I've been trying to metalbend and I can't figure it out. Don't tell anyone, okay? Opal: Why not? Bolin: Because it's embarrassing. This isn't the first time I've tried, and I've been wanting to metalbend ever since I heard about Toph. Your grandmother is my biggest hero! Opal: [Walks over and puts her hand on Bolin's shoulder.] My mom grew up learning from Toph. Just go train with her. Stop being so scared. Bolin: You know what? Maybe I am scared. But what about you? I know that you want to go to the Northern Air Temple to train with Tenzin, but you haven't done it, because you're afraid too! Opal: You know what? You're right. I don't want to leave my family and disappoint my mom. Bolin: Look at us! Talking about our feelings, supporting each other. [Bolin and Opal hug.] Opal: It's nice.
**
Bolin: So, umm, I've been thinking, and I'd like to try to learn metalbending. [Suyin walks up to him.] I mean, I'm sure you have a waiting list or something of a couple years so. Suyin: Let's get started. The ground cracks beneath them and a meteorite falls and breaks. Cut to show an angry, panting Lin. Bolin: [Somewhat nervously to Korra.] I think Lin is mad about something.
** Bolin: You don't have any siblings, fighting is all part of the healing process.
***
Korra: Uhh, Whose going to knock? [Pushes Bolin closer to the door outside Lin's quarters.] BoliN: No, no, no, no, no, no! Not me! You're the Avatar, why can't you do it? Korra: Uhh, I can. But I just thought that ... Mako: I'll do it. [Knocks on Lin's door.] Uhh, Chief, you've been sleeping for sixteen hours. We just wanted to make sure that you're okay.
Tenzin: Lin willingly took you to her sister? Korra: Not exactly. We got a call about an airbender and it turned out to be Su's daughter Opal. She'll be headed your way soon. Tenzin: [Excitedly.] Really? That's wonderful! Bolin: [Shoulders Korra aside and grabs the microphone.] She is wonderful, and pretty, [Tenzin and Korra get annoyed.] and so smart, and she smells like flowers ... [Notices Korra glaring.] Sorry. Bolin, out. [Slides out of view.]
Wing: [Fist pumps.] I can't believe I'm sparring with the Avatar! [Camera pans down to his twin brother.] Wei: [Referring to Bolin. Bored and frowning.] I can't believe I'm stuck with her friend. Camera angle changes to an aerial view of the practice area and Wing earthbends a trail toward Korra who jumps and dodges. Bolin stands in front of Wei. Bolin: Hang on, I think I got it. Let me just try this. [Attempts and fails to bend a meteorite.] Nope, okay maybe- [He is cut off as he gets nailed with a slab of metal by Wei.] Wei: Trial by fire. It's the best way to learn metalbending. [Bolin ducks as a meteorite is sent toward him. He quickly bends a pebble at his attacker, directly hitting his forehead.] Agh! Mako: [Approaches the scene with Asami.] Whoa. Nice shot, Bolin! [Wei grabs his forehead with both hands and makes little moans of pain.] But I thought you were supposed to be practicing metalbending, not earthbending. Wei: [Rubs his red forehead.] Yeah, cheater. [Crosses his arms.] Bolin: Mako, metalbending is extremely difficult. No one gets it right away, if they can get it at all! It's not normal! [Cut to Korra, as she is able to dodge Wing's attacks and knock him to the ground with her cables.] Korra: [Jumps.] Woo-hoo! [Flexes her muscles.] Metalbending champion! Bolin: Oh sure. She's the Avatar. Asami: Guys, it's time to get cleaned up. Tonight is Opal's farewell dinner. Bolin: [Sadly.] Oh, now I have to say bye to Opal? This is the worst day ever! [Slumps his shoulders and walks away sulkily.]
Cut to Opal's farewell dinner, as the chef walks over and gives Opal her plate.
Opal: Thanks for making my favorite meal. Chef: I'm really going to miss you, Opal. No one appreciates my raw veggie wraps like you do. [Walks away to serve the remaining plates of food.] Bolin: [To Opal.] Every time I eat raw kale, I'm going to think of you. Opal: You're so sweet. Bolin: This stinks! We were just starting to get to know each other, and now you're off to the Northern Air Temple. Opal: We'll be together soon. You guys are coming up after finding more airbenders, right? Bolin: Yeah, but that's ... in the future. Ugh, I hate the future! Opal: [Holds up a piece of kale, which Bolin bites into.] Until then, we'll always have kale. Varrick: [To Bolin.] Kid, can I give you some relationship advice? Bolin: [Swallows.] Umm, no.
***
Bolin: [Mumbling.] Kale, kale, kale ... Opal ...
Pabu wakes up. The fire ferret leaps off the bed and hops over to the nearby window sill and looks out, noticing the four criminals. He paws against the glass and squeaks loudly in alarm in an attempt to wake his owner jolting Bolin awake.
Bolin: What? [His pet continues to shrill.] What's going on? [He sinks back and lays down to his pillow in annoyance.] Pabu, sleep!
Back outside the window, P'Li and Ghazan ducks down an alley between two guest houses while Zaheer and Ming-Hua hide under a window. Zaheer directs his gang onward to the adjacent bedroom window: Korra's. They crouch down beside it, and Ming-Hua raises a water tentacle up and forms a small sickle at the end. She uses the ice sickle to scratch the glass and carves a hole into the window with water bending. Cut to the inside of the room that Ming-Hua is attempting to break into and we see Naga sleeping in front of the bed. Camera pans right to Korra in her pajamas, deeply asleep. Camera returns back to the sickle on the window as it makes a complete circle. Water encases the cut glass and it pulls away quietly off-screen. Another water tentacle arm holding three red darts is soon raised. Naga awakens, hearing the commotion, but she is quickly knocked out by shirshu-spit darts. Korra wakes up to the sound of her whimpering, as Zaheer bends a blast of air into the window. She avoids it and jumps out of her bed, attempting to firebend, but she is hit by a dart as she lands. Ghazan and P'Li enter and pick her up as she loses consciousness. Back to Bolin's room, as Pabu leaps onto the bed to get his owner's full attention.
Bolin: [As Pabu chatters.] Huh? What? Oh, Pabu. [As the fire ferret jumps back to the window.] It's not play time right now. Okay, we are seriously going to have to have a talk- [Sees an unconscious Korra being held by the fleeing fugitives.] What the heck?! They've got Korra. They've got Korra! [Mako wakes up in the other bed and they quickly exit their room.] Mako: [Blasts fire at the gang.] Let her go! [Bolin sends at a boulder shortly after Mako's attack, but P'Li absorbs the fire, while Ming-Hua stops the boulder with waterbending. She sends a line of water at the brothers, but Mako counters it with more firebending. P'Li and Zaheer attack, which Mako and Bolin also avoid. They hide behind a pillar. Mako yells to the guards at the top towers.] They've got Korra! [Lights are shone onto the criminals, whose cover is up.]
***
Bolin: No way! That guy is lavabending! That's awesome ... ly not good for us.
***
Suyin: She's a combustionbender. If one of you can stun her, her powers will be knocked out temporarily. Mako Bolin can land a shot. Bolin: I can? Suyin: You have to take her out right before we drop down. Bolin: I do?
***
Mako: Copy that. It's Bolin time. Bolin: All right. Bolin time. Bolin time! [Bolin fires a boulder at P'Li, but she ducks and avoids it. The criminals immediately start firing attacks toward Mako, Bolin, and Asami's slab. Attacks go back and forth.] I can't get a clean shot! Mako: You have to! Wing: [From his walkie-talkie.] Are we a go? Mako: No go! Wing: Copy that, we're a go. Mako: I said no! Wait! [He is too late. Suyin and Lin drop down. Mako peers back at the criminals, who are preoccupied with the guards. P'Li looks up and sees Suyin and Lin.] Bolin, take the shot! [P'Li gets ready to fire, as Bolin quickly shoots another rock at her. The pebble hits her in the forehead, stuns her, and causes her attack to redirect back at the pillars behind the group. The explosion knocks the criminals down, as Suyin and Lin land.] Yes! Good job, little bro!
***
Bolin: He's not home. Or he's hiding in there. [Gasps.] Or he's invisible. [Mako looks at him very skeptically.] Probably just not home. Mako: We have to get in there and find some evidence that links Aiwei to Zaheer, otherwise Su won't believe us. [Team Avatar walks in and begins to search. Asami flips through a book on a table.] Asami: It's just an empty book. [Bolin gains interest in a jar on Aiwei's bookshelf.] Bolin: Hmm, it's like a desert on a jar. Mako: Bolin, put that back! We don't want Aiwei to know we were in here if we can't find anything. [Bolin moves to put the jar back, but has forgotten where it was.] You forgot where it goes, didn't you? [Mako puts the jar back on its shelf a few inches from where it originally was. He moves onto the end of the bookshelf, as he sees some marks on the floor.] These look like scuff marks. I think this bookshelf slides open. [He slides the shelf aside to reveal a cellar.] Korra: What do you think is down there? Bolin: Could be a storage cellar. Mako: Or it could be how Zaheer got in and out. Asami: Aiwei's coming back! Quick.
The trio run off of the stairs and slide the bookshelf back where it was, as Aiwei enters.
Aiwei: What are doing in my house? You are trespassing on the property of one of the highest-ranked officials in the city. You'd better have a good explanation. Bolin: We do. We do. We actually knocked on your front door and we thought we heard you say, [In a higher pitched voice.] 'Come in, I'm in the bathroom!' [Silence as Bolin changes back to his normal voice.] I don't even know why I'm saying that. You know I'm lying, and you don't even sound like that.
Bolin: [Spots a poster with his face on it.] Ohh look, they have a mover poster of me. [Mako looks at the poster with mild surprise.] Must be big Nuktuk fans, [Rubs hands together.] yeah, [He starts to walk forward.] I should go out and say hello ...
** Mako: [Looking at the Misty Palms Oasis and walking to the edge of the slope.] Bolin and I [Cut to a view of a town nearby in the background.] will investigate the Misty Palms Oasis, and see if he's hold up there. Bolin: Yes! [Folds arms.] I love it when you talk like a cop. Korra: I'm coming too. Mako: No. You and Asami wait here in case he comes back. Besides, we don't want to call too much attention to ourselves. Korra: [Reluctantly.] All right. Bolin: [Excitedly.] Ooh, Mako, Mako, Mako! We should wear disguises and pretend we're going undercover! That way, [Places a hand over his mouth and the other on his forehead.] no one will recognize us. Haha, police work is so exciting!
Scene changes to a hand unzipping a bag of supplies. Camera pans out to a back view of Bolin as he pulls out a bright yellow raincoat and drapes it over his head and body. Cut to his eyes as bright green goggles are worn. Camera pans out to the brothers dressed in identical outfits. Cut to Korra and Asami looking askance and unconvinced at them, as if questioning the effectiveness of their disguises.
Bolin: [Off-screen.] All right, now we need our undercover identities! [Camera focuses on Bolin now as he regales a sad story.] I'm an ex-United Forces operative named Ting-Ting. War was the only woman I ever loved, until Ivy came along and showed me what real love is. Tragically, she was taken from me by my archenemy Dr. Razor and - Mako: [Interrupts.] Enough! [Starts walking.] Let's just find Aiwei. Bolin: But I haven't even told your backstory. Mako: [Heads to the city.] I'm a cop. I don't have a backstory. Bolin: [Catches up to his brother.] Uh! You're good at this. [Chasing Mako.]
The scene fades to the expanded Misty Palms Oasis' entrance, with Mako and Bolin stepping forward. View changes to the spirits lurking and perched on the rooftop and telephone lines of the town, looking down at the two yellow-coated guys. Cut to a close-up of the brothers as they make their way down the street. View focuses on the center of the city, where there is an ice spring with three spirits lounging on it. Mako and Bolin pause and stop near the ice. They watch a guy sweeping and pushing three kiwi bird-like spirits outside the door with a broom.
***
Mako: Let's see if this guy knows anything. [Heads to the tavern.] Excuse me, sir? We're looking for a man about sixty, balding, wearing glasses in a long green robe. Bolin:And he's got this weird piercing that goes from his nose [Points to his nose.] to his [Points to his ear.] ear. Freaks me out.
***
Bolin: [Cuts to the city, where Bolin is waiting near the door of an establishment. A purplish spirit rises from a nearby urn.] Well, aren't you a cute little spir- [The spirit bites Bolin's finger.] Ow! Hey! [A couple recognizes Bolin.] Mako: [Heads from the door.] No luck here. Bolin: [Stage-whisper.] I think there might be a couple bounty hunters over there who recognize me! Mako: We've been made. Let's lose 'em!
The boys flee down a street, the couple close on their heels. They finally duck down an alley, hiding behind some boxes and barely escaping the notice of the female pursuer. The couple moves on as the brothers peek out of hiding.
Mako: Okay, I think we're clear. We should head back to Korra before someone else recognizes us.
Aiwei strolls nonchalantly past the other end of the alley. Bolin spots him and yanks Mako back out of view. Bolin: We could, or ... we could follow Aiwei instead. [Points.] Look! Aiwei strolls down an alley, eating food from a box. Mako and Bolin appear from behind, and spy on him. Mako: All right. [Puts on glasses and starts walking.] Stay cool and follow my lead.
Bolin: [Starts to follow.] Ting-Ting always finds his man.
***
Lily: [Walks up to Bolin and pulls out a poster for him to sign.] We're your biggest fans. Can you make it out to Lily and Macao? Bolin: Uh, I'd be happy to. Always love meeting my fans. [Signs the poster.] Lily: [Pulls out a doll that looks like Bolin. Holds it up to him and squeaks it.] I made this Nuktuk doll for you. Bolin: [Starts to smile.] Uh, it's ... cute. [Bolin grins as Lily squeaks the doll in a sound of agreement.]
***
Bolin: I'd just like to say, for the record, this room is definitely not perfect. [Naga's tail hits him in the face.] Naga! [Mako and Korra look out the window, and see Aiwei peeking out of his across for them.] Korra: There he is. Bolin: I thought stakeouts were supposed to be exciting. This isn't. At all! [Looks in the highest bedside table drawer.] Ooh, I wonder if there's any snacks in here. [There are no snacks, so Bolin keeps look in the other drawers and finds a Pai Sho board.] Hey, look! A Pai Sho board! Mako, you want to play? Mako: Kind of busy here, bro. Asami: I'll play. Bolin: Oh, well, ugh, no offense but I learned street Pai Sho from Shady Shin, and I'm pretty good. So, wouldn't really be a fair game. Asami: So? I learned to play from my dad, the diabolical genius. I'll destroy you. Bolin: Well, looks we've got ourselves a Pai-Shodown. [They set up their boards.] Ladies first. [They exchange a couple moves, but Asami stops and thinks on one of her turns.] Uh, I don't mean to rush you, but let's speed things up a bit. Asami: Why? This game is all about slow, methodical strategy. Bolin: No, it's not. This is a fast-paced, edge of your seat, game of chance! Don't think. Just go. Asami: I don't know what Shady Shin taught you, but it wasn't the real Pai Sho. Bolin: Oh really? I think Mr. Rulebook might disagree with you. [Reads from the rulebook.] The origins of Pai Sho date back over ten thousand years. It is a game of both strategy and chance. Wait, how can it be both? Asami: Let me see that. [Takes the book and starts reading from it.] There have been countless variations of Pai Sho through the centuries and each culture has its own rules and variations of the game. Bolin: That's no help at all. Korra, as the Avatar, you need to standardize these Pai Sho rules. Korra: [Sarcastically.] Okay, I'll put that on my to-do list, right after bringing back the Air Nation and taking down the group that tried to kidnap me. Bolin: That's cool. Whenever you get to it. Mako: Assuming we do find Zaheer, what then? Korra: Then I make him talk. Mako: He was locked away for thirteen years, Korra, and never broke. I don't think a little bending is going to intimidate this guy. Korra: You have a better idea? Mako: Yeah, we spy on them. If Aiwei and Zaheer don't know they're being watched, they'll talk freely. Then we'll find out who they are and what they want. Bolin: That's just like Pai Sho! [Reading from the book.] In order to defeat your opponent, you first have to know your opponent. Asami: Then I guess I know you pretty well. [Makes a winning move.] I win. Bolin: What? Ugh. All right, you know what that was just a fluke. Best two out of three. [They keep playing many times and Asami keeps winning.] Oh, come on! Best four out of seven. Eight out of fifteen. Seventeen out of thirty-three? [Time passes by and it gets close to sundown, and Bolin gets close to finally winning.] Ha, ha! Looks like you're on the ropes this time. Asami: I can't believe it. You might actually win this one. [Right at that moment, Pabu leaps off of Naga and onto the board, scattering the pieces.] Bolin: No, Pabu? [Crying a little bit.] Why? [The doll's head falls off and rolls near him.]
Bolin: So you guys were like locked up for fifteen years, huh? It must've been like crazy boring. Ghazan: Actually, it was only thirteen years. But it felt like thirty. Bolin: I mean, what did you do with all that time? Did you sing songs, work on crafts? Ming-Hua: Not a lot of craft supplies in a volcanic prison cell. Ghazan: And I must've renamed the constellations about a thousand times. When it rained, that was a big event. Ming-Hua: [Sighs.] I would've killed for some rain. Mostly I just made up stories about the guards: who was having trouble with his girlfriend; which one secretly wished he'd become a pastry chef. Bolin: Ooh okay, that sounds like fun. Let me try that on you guys. [To Ghazan.] You were raised by an older sister, your mustache grew in when you were ten and I'm sensing - just sensing - an unspoken attraction between you two.
Ming-Hua and Ghazan glance at each other awkwardly. Ming-Hua gives Ghazan a sulking look and turns away, surprising the lavabender.
Ghazan: [Smiles at Bolin.] Two out of three. Not bad. Mako: Bolin, would you stop making friends with the bad guys? Bolin: Sorry!
***
Prisoner: [Pulls out a mirror to reflect his face to the cell.] Take me with you. I haven't seen my wife and five kids for four years. Bolin: Four years? Prisoner: [Upbeat.'] The first few months were great, I-I could finally get some sleep, but ... [Dejectedly.] now I really miss them. Mako: [Ignoring their neighbor.] Listen. Bolin, this is up to you. I know you can metalbend. Prisoner: You can metalbend? Bolin: No. Mako: Yes you can. I believe in you. Prisoner: I believe in you too, Bolin. Bolin: I appreciate that, Mako, and fellow ... prisoner man. But I've been trying and trying and trying and I've never been able to do it. Not even a little. Mako: You've always had the ability deep down. You just haven't had the motivation. But this is your time! Get us out of here to save Korra. You can do it! [Rallying the other prisoners.] Bolin! Bolin! Other prisoners: Bolin! Bolin! Bolin! Bolin! Bolin: You're right. [Readying himself.] Okay, here I go. Metalbending. [Attempts to metalbend the bars, but to no avail. Sinks onto the floor, tearing.] I can't metalbend.
***
Mak: We have to get out of here, Bolin. Zaheer came here to take out the Earth Queen, and now Korra is next. Prisoner: You know that guy? He's my hero! Mako: Shut up! [To Bolin.] You have to metalbend us out of here. C'mon! I know you can do it! This is your time! Bolin: You said before "was my time". Mako: I know I did it, but now it's really your time. [Bolin stands up.] Do it!
Bolin readies himself and metalbends again. Cut to the prison where all the prison doors, except theirs, open. The prisoners laugh and run out.
Bolin: Did you see that? I did it! I mean, not for us, but I metalbent all the other cells open! Mako: [Palm to his face.] I don't think that was you.
Bolin: Should we do something? Mako: This isn't our battle. [Walks out.] We have to deliver Zaheer's message to Korra immediately. Bolin: Right. Okay, find Korra, deliver message. [Aerial view of palace.] Yeah, this should be easy. We just got to get out of the city and get to the desert, then somehow find her in the vast expansive wasteland that goes on for thousands, and thousands, of miles. [Sighs.] This isn't gonna be easy. Mako: [Sees a flying airship.] We need an airship.
The brothers run to the docking bay and enter an airship, where looters are stealing airship components.
Mako: Excuse me, may I have your attention please? I'm with the Republic City Police and I need to commandeer this airship to help the Avatar.
The looters, after listening to Mako, resume their activities, oblivious to the brothers.
Bolin: Let me give it a shot. [To looters.] Hey, the Queen's gold's on the third floor of the palace, second door on the right! [The looters listen in delight and run out; smugly to Mako.] You just got to know how to talk to 'em, bro. [The brothers run to the controls.] Mako: What, they took everything. I mean, who rips out a transmission radio? Bolin: Some folks just do not have respect for other people's property. [Stretches.] Now let's steal this airship! Mako: You know how to fly this thing? Bolin: Technically speaking, no. But, c'mon, how hard could it be?
A glass lens falls off the control. Bolin confidently pushes a lever with his right hand, causing the airship to skid forward across the airstrip as citizens scatter.
Mako: Up! Up! Bolin : I don't see any up button. I see levers and switches, oh, there it is. [The airship rises.]
Cut to the airship flying above Ba Sing Se, which is engulfed with flames.
Mako: The whole city is falling to pieces. Bolin: [Worried.] Mako, our family's down there. Mako: [Takes over the controls.] Move over, we're getting them out. Bolin: Oh, you think just because you dated Asami, you know how to fly this better than me? Mako: Yeah.
Mako pilots the airship above their paternal family's house and opens the hatch. Once they arrive, Bolin slides down the hatch, enters the home via the window, and discovers the family still in the house with no apparent attempts at leaving.
Chow: Bolin? What are you doing here? Bolin: I came to get you guys out. This whole block is about to go up in flames. Come on, Mako and I have an airship on the roof. Tu: We can't. Grandma won't go. Yin: This place is my whole world. I will not leave! [Walks up to Bolin.] Oh, but I'm so glad my little Bolin has come back to visit. Sit down, would you like some tea? Bolin: [As smoke seeps through the door behind.] Grandma, we don't have time for tea. Chow: Mom, please! Yin: [Obstinately.] No! I can't abandon the place where I raised my family. It's my home. Bolin: Grandma, there's one thing Mako and I've learned from all our years on the street. It doesn't matter where you go. [Cut to Yin, with tear-filled eyes.] If you have your family with you, you'll always be at home. Yin: [Firmly.] I'm not going. Bolin: Fine! [Slings his grandmother over one shoulder.] You leave me no choice. [To rest of his family.] We're rolling out! Yin: Wait. [Takes portrait of Hou-Ting.] Okay, let's go!
Bolin walks out of the house. The entire family climbs up to the airship. Cut to the airship leaving the house before the fire consumes everything.
Bolin Wait, I've got it. I'll disguise myself as a lost hiker, and once I'm in the temple, I'll distract the Red Lotus with my bird calls. [Creates bird calls and whistling.] That's when you all strike. Mako Bird calls, really? Bolin Well I haven't noticed you offering any suggestions.
***
Cut to the airship meeting room where Mako is seated, while Bolin walks past him. Mako [Annoyed.] Will you sit down? I'm already tense enough as it is. Bolin I'm just worried about Opal, and Pabu's not here to comfort me. [Sighs.] I hope he and Naga are doing okay back in Zaofu.
***
Asami Come on. [Punches the hairpin, freeing Tenzin before supporting him.] We have to get to the airship. Bolin Not gonna happen. The exit's blocked. Bolin bends the tiles beneath, forming a barricade to stop the lava flow. A pillar collapses. Tenzin groans, prompting Mako to run up and support him. Asami Where's Oogi? Tenzin Gone. All the bison got scared off during the attack. But, I think I know another way out. Bolin, can you get us to that wall? Bolin On it! Bolin bends the wall behind them. Cut to the temple exterior, where Ghazan lavabends the entire exit path before taking over Suyin's airship with Ming-Hua. As the airship takes off, a portion of the garden collapses. Cut to Team Avatar escaping to a meditation room. Bolin notices the lava approaching and blocks off the flow.
Tenzin Through there. Bolin opens the floor board and the group enters the tunnel, where Mako firebends to provide some light. Bolin [Getting uncomfortable.] Is it just me, or is it uh, getting really warm in here? [Notices approaching lava.] Oh, this is not good. [Blocks the lava flow.] Let's move it, people!
***
Bolin [As the tunnels glows orange.] We can't outrun it! This way. Bolin bends a tunnel on the side of the path, the group enters the tunnel before the lava approaches them. Cut to the mountainside as a rock falls off from Bolin's bending. Mako Now what? The group turns back to see the lava approaching the tunnel. Bolin walks toward the lava and stretches out his hands. Mako Bolin! As Bolin groans, the lava flies above him. He brings his hands together, pushing the lava back and solidifying it. Tenzin Incredible. Mako [Amazed.] You're a lavabender. Bolin I know. I just found out.
***
Mako It was all Bolin. I thought we were done for, then out of nowhere, he lavabends. Suyin I knew you had the potential for something big. You just had to believe in yourself. Bolin You're right. Being moments from death was a pretty good motivator too. Of course, we would have never made it back with Kai.
Suyin: [Hugs her daughter.] Oh, honey, I'm so glad you're safe. Bolin: [Throws Suyin aside.] Me too. [Hugs Opal while Suyin glares at him.]
*** The whole group looks at the fight, with Korra slamming two pillars toward Zaheer, who dodges the attack. Korra sends three rocks at Zaheer and charges toward him. Cut to the caves where Mako firebends to Ming-Hua, who dodges the attacks and swings out of view. Mako chases her while his brother engages Ghazan. Bolin sends two rocks at Ghazan, who blocks the attack before using his wall against Bolin. Bolin smashes the attack, but Ghazan hides behind the wall and catches him. Bolin regains his ground and throws Ghazan away, who retaliates with two rocks. Bolin dodges the attacks, and smashes a rock.
Bolin: What are you smiling about? Ghazan: I was just remembering the last time we fought. [Directs lava to Bolin.] Bolin: [Stops the lava flow.] Well, a lot has changed since then.
Bolin directs the lava back to Ghazan, who dodges the attacks. Bolin winks smugly.
Ghazan: So that's how you got out of the temple. Not bad. Let's see what you got!
*** Zaheer: No! No! You don't understand! The revolution has already begun. Chaos is the natural order of- [Bolin gags him with a sock.] Bolin: [To Opal.] See what I did there? I put a sock in him, literally. Opal: Classic Bolin. Bolin: I do what I do.
Bolin: We just got some good news. [Salutes Baatar Jr.] Two more Earth Kingdom states have agreed to join us. Baatar Jr.: Excellent! Thank you, Bolin. [Takes a folder from Bolin and turns to Kuvira, who is looking at a map.] We're ninety percent there, Kuvira.
**
Kai: Hey, what's your boyfriend doing here? Opal: If he's here, he must be with Kuvira and my brother. This isn't going to be good. Kai: [Shouts.] Bolin! Bolin: [Enthusiastically.] Kai! [They give each other a hug.] Wow, you are a lot heavier than you used to be. You're really growing up. Kai: What's up with your new hair? You look like a stiff. Bolin: [Annoyed.] Hey, Kuvira says it makes me look intelligent and professional. Opal: [Ruffles up Bolin's hair, back to its original design.] Don't believe everything she says. Bolin: Opal, I can't believe you're here too! [Gives her a hug.] I missed you so much. Opal: I missed you too.
***
Kuvira: You haven't heard? [Baatar Jr. and Kuvira look at each other.] Your brother and I are getting married. Bolin: [Awkwardly.] Isn't that great, sweetie?
*** Kuvira: It's time to go. We're not wanted here. Bolin: [Surprised.] What happened? Kuvira: It appears we can't make a deal right now. [Kuvira makes as though she would walk on, but moves back when Kai speaks.] Kai: Wait! Aren't you guys going to stick around and help? Kuvira: [Hands Kai the contract.] Here's the contract. We'll wait at the border for one day. You get the governor to sign it, and you'll have all the help you need. [Goes inside the train again and Baatar Jr. follows her.] Bolin: [Disappointed.] I guess ... I got to go. Opal: [Desperate.] Don't! Please, you can't turn your back on these people! Bolin: I'm not! I wanna help, but if the Governor wants us gone, there's ... there's nothing I can do. I'm sorry. [He tries to hug Opal, but she angrily pushes him away.] Hey ... Opal, please. Opal: [Angry.] Leave, if that's what you're going to do. [Turns around while folding her arms.]
Bolin sighs in disappointment, before walking inside with the rest of Kuvira's men.
Bolin: [Talking to Korra when Asami walks over to Korra's side.] Now don't take this the wrong way, but, I can't wait for you to leave! Mako: [Crosses his arms before his chest; looks annoyed at Bolin.] How else is she supposed to take that but the wrong way? Bolin: [to Mako.] I mean, because I've never had a pen pal before! [Turns to Korra; cut to a frontal view of him with Kya and Senna in the background.] I'm gonna write so many letters and, just to get the ball rolling, here. [He takes a letter from his pocket and hands it to Korra.] Spoiler alert: Pabu and I already miss you.
Korra takes the letter, as Pabu chirps happily. Cut to a frontal view of Korra, Asami and Tenzin with Republic City looming in the background.
Korra: [Looking down, smiling.] Thanks. That's sweet. Asami: [Leaning over and putting her hands on Korra's shoulders, as she looks up at her.] Are you sure you don't want some company in the Southern Water Tribe? I'm happy to come with you. Korra: [Turning away from Asami, the smile gone from her face, facing no one in particular as she stares ahead.] No ... I appreciate it, but I'll only be gone a couple of weeks. [Pulling her hands away from Korra's shoulders, Asami leans back.] A little time alone will be good for me. Cut to a frontal view of Tenzin and Jinora. Tenzin: [Lays a hand on Korra's right shoulder as he speaks.] Now, I don't want you to worry about a thing while you're gone. Your recovery should be your number one concern. [Shift to a close-up of Korra's downcast face as the camera slowly pans from left to right.] Jinora, the airbenders, and I have everything under control.
Shot fades from Korra's downcast face to the ship departing, the group on the dock waving goodbye to those on the deck of the ship.
Asami: Bye, Korra! Mako: Get better soon! Bolin: Don't forget to write!
***
Bolin: [Voice-over; formal.] My dearest Avatar Korra. Though several fortnights have passed since your departure to convalesce in the homeland of your tribesmen, I feel our friendship knows neither time ... nor distance.
Here, Korra sets down, on top of a crudely drawn picture of himself and Korra together, a second rough drawing of Pabu, Zhu Li, Varrick, and Kuvira . A third drawing rests in the background, depicting clouds, wind, stars, and a flower. Bolin's letter continues.
Bolin: [Voice-over.] You will be most pleased to learn that I found gainful employment with Sir Varrick and the Lady Kuvira. I set off on the morrow with some trepidation, [Close-up of Korra's sad face.] but I am eager to offer any aid I can in stabilizing the Earth Kingdom!
Bolin: Hello Republic Cit-ay! Bolin ... is back! [The frame zooms suddenly and dramatically on Eska, who is standing in the lobby with her brother Desna. Bolin sees her staring at him and reels back, seized by a fit of terror. He becomes more downbeat.] And ... Eska is also here.
Eska: [Slides in front of Bolin.] I see you have replaced me with a new girlfriend. [Kuvira is brought into the shot, talking to a soldier.] Well done, she seems very threatening.
Bolin: Oh no no, that's Kuvira, she's kind of my boss.
***
Mako: Bolin! [Bolin turns around, and they trade some mock-punches before hugging each other.] Look at you! My little brother got all ... important. Bolin: I know, right? I see myself in the mirror sometimes and I think I'm in trouble before I realize: it's only me. Mako: [Quick cut to Mako.] So, what's it like working for Kuvira? [Cut to Kuvira, who is talking to Baatar Jr..] From what I've heard, she's pretty harsh. Bolin: [Cut back to Bolin and Mako.] No! I—I mean, she can be tough, sure, but we're turning around the Earth Kingdom like you wouldn't believe! You remember how bad Grandma's neighborhood in Ba Sing Se was? All that's completely changed, I mean, we are really ... helping people. But what have you been up to? Fighting crime? [Mimics fighting.] Busting triads? Chasing the ladies, [Shouldering Mako playfully in the chest.] Mako-style? Mako: [Downbeat.] Well, I've been working for Wu. [Looks over to Wu, who is fixing his hair in the reflection of a window.] And, uhhh ... [Lets his head hang in disappointment.] Yeah. Bolin: So, have you seen Korra yet? Mako: No. She was supposed to come in with Tonraq, but he said she left the South Pole months ago. No one knows where she is.
Bolin gets a worried look on his face. Cut to Suyin, who is handed the keys to her room, when she is approached by Baatar Jr.
***
Bolin: Were you surprised? Because I was really surprised. Won't this turn all the world leaders against us? Varrick: [Calmly, holding a drink in one hand.] Relax, kid, what can they do? Kuvira controls the whole nation now, and Republic City is begging for the metal that we're mining. This train has left the station, and we own the track!
Zhu Li walks in, followed by a spirit vine on a cart.
Varrick: Now that's a nice looking hunk of spirit vine! Let's take it back to the lab and get it stabilized immediately.
Zhu Li gestures the men pushing the cart to take it away again, and Varrick goes with them. At the same time, Kuvira enters the room, and looks at Bolin, who sits uneasily in his chair, hands folded and head down.
Kuvira: You look worried, Bolin. Bolin: [Stands up out of his chair.] Yeah, well, I just have some misgivings about how you kind of ambushed Tenzin and the other leaders. Kuvira: You believe in the work that we've done for the people of the Earth Empire, right, Bolin? Bolin: I do, but ... Kuvira: [Interrupts him.] Then stick with me. I'm going to need your help now more than ever. Raiko and the other leaders want to bully us into accepting some idiot king who will serve them but neglect the people. We have to stand strong against them. Bolin: I'm just not sure about this whole "Empire" thing. It seems pretty aggressive. And what was that part about the crushing? Kuvira: That was just some ... tough rhetoric to let people know that we mean business. Believe me, [Puts a hand on his shoulder.] conflict is the last thing I want. Will you help me make history, Bolin? Bolin: [Doubts for a moment.] I'll stand by you.
*** Someone knocks on the door, and Mako, opening it, finds Bolin on the other side. Wu: [Peeking over Mako's shoulder, annoyed and alarmed.] Ugh. Get rid of him. He's with her. Mako: He's my brother. [Walks out to the hallway.] Bolin: Interesting ceremony, huh? Mako: You aren't going to keep working for Kuvira now that she's going against the wishes of the entire world, are you? Bolin: You don't understand. Kuvira is helping out all the poor people of the Earth Empire. People like our family. This is for the best. Mako: I don't know, bro. Bolin: Okay, why don't you come with me, and you'll see for yourself? We've done a lot of good, and Varrick is working on some new innovations. We're making history. Mako: By "crushing" anyone who gets in your way? Bolin: [Paraphrasing Kuvira.] That was just some tough rhetoric to let the people know that we mean business. I mean, Kuvira is basically just like Korra. [Mako gets the "raised eyebrow" look on his face.] She might seem hard to deal with, but just because she's so passionate and believes in what she's doing. Mako: It seems like she's just a dictator who's taking the Earth Kingdom by force. Bolin: [Aggressive.] Oh, okay, you think your new best friend in there [Points to the door of Wu's suite.] would be a better leader than Kuvira? Mako: Well, no, but still ... Bolin: Still what? Come on, Mako! I'm making a difference out there, what are you doing, huh? You're just some glorified butler for some snotty rich bozo!
Cut to Wu on the inside of the door, eavesdropping on the conversation of the bending brothers. He gets agitated at Bolin's remark. Back outside, Bolin walks off.
Mako: I'm sorry, I don't want to work for your glorious emperor and her military dictatorship. Bolin: [Turns around angrily.] Fine! I'm going to go back to my awesome train, where we bring freedom where ever we go! Enjoy licking the king's boots in your junior suite! [Storms off, leaving a disgruntled Mako in his wake.] Wu: [Consolingly, as Mako walks back in.] Sorry, sport, I heard it all.
Bolin Am ... I in trouble? Kuvira No. In fact, I have good news. We want you to be a part of our inner circle. Bolin [Excited.] Inner circle? No way! Yes! [Catching himself, he clears his throat; serious tone.] That is a great honor. What does it mean, exactly? Kuvira It means you've proven your worth. We're so close to uniting the Empire, but Su has some resentment towards me and Baatar that might cloud her judgment and stop her from making a wise decision. We believe you can help her see clearly. Bolin [Eagerly.'] I can do that! By the time I'm finished telling her all the great things we've done, she'll be begging to join! Kuvira Good. Because we're here. Kuvira metalbends the shades on the windows up, letting outside light pour into the car. Sitting in the bottom of the valley below are Kuvira's forces. Bolin looks at the massive army for a moment before turning back to Kuvira. Bolin Aren't all these troops gonna send the wrong message? Kuvira The army is here to project strength. You're here to present peace. A wide tracking shot follows the train as it moves on its elevated track toward Zaofu. Cut to inside the city; a set of double doors opens wide and Kuvira, Baatar Jr., and Bolin enter the room. The view zooms out and turns around to reveal Baatar Sr., Suyin, Wei, Wing, Huan, and Opal facing the intruders. Opal, who is sitting on the large table in the center of the room which carries the scale model of Zaofu, stands upon their entrance, her hands on her hips. Bolin [Happy.] Opal! You're here, too! [Trying to embrace her.] Opal [Turning away from him, crossing her arms.] No! You've chosen your side. Bolin Sides? There shouldn't be sides! [To both groups.] I know, why don't we all stand in a circle, huh? Maybe hold hands? Suyin [Ignoring Bolin.] I'm not giving up Zaofu. I don't care if you brought your entire army.
***
Bolin [Laughing awkwardly.] Okay, guys, obviously, there's a lot of personal, painful history here, so what do you say we just all forget about that stuff, huh? I mean, that's the past! [Cut to a shot of Wei and Wing as Bolin slides up into view behind them.] Right Wing? Right Wei? You guys know what I'm talkin' 'bout, right? High five! [He stands between them, offering said high-five to them both for a few seconds before giving up and sliding smoothly out of frame.] All right. No, that's cool. [He walks back to the center of the room.] You know what I think we need to do? Focus on the future! And the future is bright, let me tell you! [Speaking to the Beifong clan.] I've seen it! Yeah! [Chuckling enthusiastically.] Saw it last month! We went to this town that had nothing. Most of the people there had never seen a Satomobile before. Now, they have two Satomobiles, running water, and a magnet train that goes right through their town! I mean, how awesome is that? Opal They might have been happy when you first arrived, but I've seen what happens after you leave. Citizens are forced to work as slave labor, dissenters are sent off to who-knows-where! Bolin You're wrong, Opal! Now, I don't know what you think you've seen, but I am giving you the one-hundred-percent Bolin guarantee that we're making the Earth Empire a better place to live! Suyin [Advancing on Kuvira.] I can't believe you brought Bolin here to try and sway us. Leave! Zaofu will never accept you as their leader! Kuvira [Matter-of-factly.] Then you leave me no choice. You have twenty-four hours to agree to join the Empire, or we take the city by force. Quick cut to Bolin, who looks astonished by Kuvira's sudden ultimatum. The scene changes back to Pepper, still airborne. Cut to Korra and Meelo, the latter perched on the front of the saddle, looking into the distance with the aid of a spyglass. He cries out suddenly.
***
The scene changes to Kuvira's tent in the encampment in the valley. Inside, Kuvira sits at her desk, while Baatar Jr. and Bolin stand in front of her. Bolin seems a bit on edge. Bolin You were just bluffing, right? I mean, you're not really gonna attack Zaofu ... are you? Kuvira When people don't cooperate, we must find other ways of convincing them to join. Bolin [Timidly.] Other ... ways? How many ... times have we used these "other ways" in the past? Kuvira [Standing.] It's not for you to worry about. Bolin So, uh ... what does happen to all those towns and villages after we leave? I just realized I'd never really ... gone back and ... checked on them. Kuvira [Rising and walking around the table to face Bolin.] Those people are my loyal subjects, and they contribute to the Empire however I see fit. Now that you're in the inner circle, you're going to have to accept some hard truths. Bolin Maybe ... I'm not really an "inner circle" kind of guy. Or--or maybe, we don't take over Zaofu! Maybe we can just--let them be on their own, and then, "Yay! The Empire's united! Congratulations to us!" Bolin falters, cowering as Kuvira advances on him angrily. Kuvira I didn't know your personal feelings for Opal were stronger than your loyalty to me. Zaofu will join us. The only thing I'm second-guessing is my decision to bring you along. Maybe you need to spend some time in a reeducation camp. Bolin I ... thought that's where we sent people to learn new trade skills. Baatar Jr. [Unsympathetically.] Hard truths, Bolin. Kuvira [Menacingly.] Your loyalty seems to be wavering. Bolin [Panicked.] No--no, I'm totally on your side, completely, one-hundred-percent loyal. Bolin gives a hearty salute, while Kuvira, skeptical, glares down at him. Cut to the Zaofu metalbending courtyard, where Korra and Suyin stand in darkness.
***
Bolin [Whispering.] Varrick? Varrick?! Varrick Ahh! And the head voices are back! Varrick is looking at Zhu Li, who points a finger up at the ceiling. Varrick turns his head up and sees Bolin's head poking through a hatch in the top of the car. Varrick Bolin! Thank goodness you're here! Where did that hatch come from? Forget the hatch! There's something important I gotta tell ya! Bolin Well, there's something important I gotta tell you, too! He falls through the hatch, landing on his feet, and as he turns to Varrick. They both take each other's shoulders in a fervent panic. Varrick and Bolin [Simultaneously.] Kuvira's crazy! They stare at each other for a split second, then talk frantically. Bolin How'd you find out? Varrick When I refused to build her a superweapon, she threatened my life! Bolin She threatened me, too! And she's threatening Zaofu and it turns out, she's been threatening villages this whole time! [The men let each other go.] We gotta get outta here. Varrick I couldn't agree more, kid. Varrick motions to Zhu Li with a finger. As Bolin watches, she mounts a table next to the wall and jumps up through the hatch. Varrick walks toward Bolin, his hands raised. Zhu Li's hands appear above Varrick, grasp his hands, and pull him upward in a flash. Bolin promptly mounts the same table Zhu Li used and makes his own escape through the hatch.
***
Bolin Okay, I say we go up and around the mountains-- [Opens helmet.] --and sneak into Zaofu from the rear. Varrick and Zhu Li also stop, turn around and open their helmets. Varrick We're not going to Zaofu, that place is doomed! We gotta head to Republic City! Bolin What? No, nonono, we gotta help here. Varrick We'll be helping by warning the world about Kuvira's potential superweapon! Bolin [Doubtful.] Well, that's helping, but it's a completely different type of helping. [Bringing the arm of the mecha tank up to his chin.] Hmm. Let me think about this.
***
Cut to Kuvira's camp, where Baatar Jr. leads Varrick, Zhu Li, and Bolin through a doorway. The troopers push them through the entrance and they find themselves, to their horror, facing a furious Kuvira.
A yawn from Baatar Jr.'s left interrupts the conversation; Bolin is in a sitting position, rubbing his eyes.
Bolin: What's goin' on? Baatar Jr.: Go back to sleep. We only need Varrick. You'll need your energy when you get to the re-education camp. Varrick: [Suddenly emphatic.] I can't be expected to work without an assistant! Without Zhu Li, I'm helpless! Baatar Jr.: [As the frame zooms on his face.] One of the guards will be your assistant. I'll be supervising. Varrick: [Glancing at the guard next to him.] Well, I guess he'll be fine. As long as he doesn't need his hands afterwards! [Chuckling as he finishes.] Guard #1: [Turning to Baatar Jr.; nervously.] What's he talking about, sir? Varrick: [Sliding slowly across the floor toward the guard.] The last time we worked with the spirit vines, it created an uncontrollable blast [The guard's eyes widen as Varrick continues.] that burned through a wall and could still be blowing up comets in space, as far as I know! I wouldn't want to assist me if I were you! The guard turns his head toward Baatar Jr., pausing for a moment before speaking.
Guard #1: Maybe we should just let the kid help him out. Baatar Jr.: [Sighing.] Fine. Bolin can assist. Bolin: [Panicking as the guards advance on him.] Wait, what? I need my hands! [Stalling, tucking his hands under his armpits.] Uh, hold on! Can we have breakfast first? [Feebly.] While we still have hands?
The guards pull a dejected Bolin out of the cell by his collar. ***
Varrick: Bolin, do the thing. Bolin: What thing? Varrick [Agitated, whirling around to yell at Bolin.] The thing! I never had to tell Zhu Li what thing! Bolin: I'm not Zhu Li, okay? Pretend I don't know anything about anything that's happening here, also pretend I don't want to build a super weapon or get my hands blown off!
Varrick walks over to the table and grabs a pair of pliers, demonstratively showing them to Bolin, before continuing his work on the stasis capsule. Baatar Jr. walks in a little closer, eyeing his work.
Baatar Jr.: Walk me through what you're doing. I want to know every detail of your work. Varrick:[Puts a hand on Baatar Jr.'s chest and slightly shoves him away.] You know, when I started working with the vines, [Uses the pliers to tinker with the machine.] the point was to find a clean, unlimited source of energy, not develop some spirity death ray. Bolin: [Enters the frame and poking his head into the conversation as Baatar Jr. turns his head to face Bolin. Enthusiastically.] Clean energy! Sounds great! Who doesn't like that stuff? Let's do that instead! Baatar Jr.: [Annoyed.] Quiet! You're here to help, not talk. [Bolin walks back and Baatar Jr. turns to Varrick again.] And you of all people, should realize that once a discovery is made, it is our responsibility as scientists [Cut to a close-up of Baatar Jr.] to pursue it as far as we can. [Raises an eyebrow.] Wherever it leads. Varrick: [Sarcastically.] How would you know? You couldn't discover a wolfbat if it was building a nest in your butt.
Bolin chuckles in the background.
Baatar Jr.: [Angry.] You're pathetic. [Turns around and crosses his arms.] Wolfbats don't build nests. Varrick: [Sarcastically.] Ooh. You got me there, Dr. Science. You'll never know how it feels to give birth to genius, only to have it kidnapped, and raised by fools! Baatar Jr.: Are you done with your rambling, or do the guards need to encourage you to continue your work? [Guard starts to approach Varrick.] Varrick: [Raises hands in surrender.] Okay, okay, [Walks back to the vine.] The last time we ran the current through the vine [Winking at Bolin out of Baatar Jr.'s view as he walks past Bolin.] we couldn't control the power, so I'm trying something new to see if I can direct it.
Quick cut to Bolin, who looks confused by the wink. *** Cut back to the train, where Bolin is playing with a screwdriver and Baatar is closely studying the spirit vine weapon.
Baatar Jr.: So I see how the current interacts with the vine, and here is a kind of directional tube, but that is baffling here at the base. It looks like that would only redirect the energy back where it came from. And what's that piece of equipment you're fiddling with now on the power source? Varrick: [To Bolin, without looking.] Hand me the ... screw-turn-thingy, would ya? Bolin: Ugh, I can't believe you're helping them, you know this isn't right. [Hands Varrick the screwdriver.] Varrick: Funny story, Bolin. I first got the idea for harnessing spirit power when I watched that giant Unalaq-monster attack the city from my jail cell. That giant monster set me free! [Turns to Bolin with a meaningful look on his face.] Trust me, kid, I know what I'm doing. [Bolin gets a baffled look on his face, Varrick gets up.] That ought to do it. [Nothing happens.] Huh. [Taps the machine.] Okay, stand back. [Walks back a few steps. Bolin moves out of the way. Baatar Jr. raises his eyebrow and nervously steps back. Gives the machine a good, hard kick and it comes to life, glowing purple all around, and a ticking sound is heard. Raises his arms in triumph.] There we go! Baatar Jr.: What's that ticking? Varrick : hat's the timer. Baatar Jr.: [Cut to a close-up of a suspicious Baatar Jr. as he looks unamused.] The timer for what? Varrick: For the bomb, of course! Bolin: [Worried.] What?! What bomb? Varrick: [Matter-of-factly.] The bomb that's gonna explode in five minutes and destroy this entire train, all of the spirit vines, and everything else within a few hundred yards.
As Bolin looks around the train in a panic, Varrick addresses Baatar Jr. with a smug smile; Baatar Jr.'s expression grow progressively more angry as Varrick continues.
Varrick: You know what, I'd get out of here if I were you. This is the first time I've built a timer and it might run a little fast. Bolin and I are ready to go down with the ship, or train, in this case, but you seem like you have a lot to live for.
By now, Baatar Jr.'s face bears a look of barely suppressed rage. Bolin, meanwhile, is completely panicked.
Bolin: Nononono! I'm not ready to go down with the ship, or the train! ***
Bolin: That's everyone, our half of the train is clear. Varrick: That's good, we're almost out of time. Baatar Jr.: [Glaring at Varrick.] You're insane. Varrick: [Triumphantly.] You knew that when you hired me! Bolin, do the thing! [Bolin hesitates, not knowing what Varrick means; angrily.] Unhook the cars, oh, come on, that was an easy one!
The cars are unhooked with a single pull of a lever, shutting the door of Varrick's lab, while the rest of the train pulls away from them.
Bolin: Man, that was great! I gotta admit, you had me going there for a while, I really thought you were gonna blow us up! Now, how do we turn this thing off? Varrick: Ooh, we can't turn it off. We're gonna blow up-- [Bolin becomes horrified.] --but, we had a pretty good run, right? Bolin: [Grabs Varrick by the collar.] What are you talking about, "a good run"? I'm still running! I like running!
He runs over to the machine, looking at it from various angles, but does not know what anything does. He looks around the car and sees a hatch in the floor. He runs over and opens it, sticks his head through, and sees that it leads down to the tracks.
Varrick: [Poetic.] I'll see you on the other side, [Bolin stands up, glaring at Varrick.] Zhu Li. Bolin: [Slaps Varrick in the face and grabs him by the collar again.] I want you to know, [Points at him.] I hate you.
They jump down the hatch and Bolin catches them with his earthbending. Baatar Jr. is looking through a spyglass at the train as it suddenly blows up in a bright purple flash.
Baatar Jr.: I can't believe he actually blew himself up. That man was crazier than a sewer pipe elephant-rat. [Turns to his men again.] Let's get back to Zaofu.
Cut to the crater, where Bolin breaks through the wall, letting him and Varrick come out of a tunnel, coughing. Varrick starts laughing and lets out a victory roar.
Varrick: Yes! [Bolin just looks at him angrily.] You did it, Bolin, you did the thing! [Kisses Bolin on the forehead.] Bolin: I can't believe Zhu Li worked for you as long as she did.
Cut to a close-up of Bolin with unkempt hair, who is panting. The scene zooms out to reveal him carrying Varrick, who has unkempt hair and a stubble, on his back.
Bolin: How about you use your own legs for a while? Varrick: You know, when I fled Republic City with Zhu Li, she carried me twenty miles in one day. And that was after she sprained her ankle. Bolin: [Throws Varrick off his back.] Well, Zhu Li's not here, okay? Varrick: [Keeps lying on his back, waves his hand at Bolin.] That's fine, leave me here, let the worms gobble me up. I deserve it. Bolin: No way mister! You're not getting off that easily. You're responsible for that weapon Kuvira is trying to make. Which, may I remind you, could hurt a lot of people. Varrick: No, don't remind me! I know, I'm a horrible, horrible person! Bolin: [Calmer.] Okay, look. Kuvira fooled us both into doing her dirty work and I'm not happy about it either. But, you know how we're gonna make it up to the world? By getting back to Republic City and warning everyone what she's up to! So, I want you to take my hand [He holds out his hand to pull Varrick back on his feet.] and march with me out of this forest! Varrick: [Smiles and takes Bolin's hand.] You really have a way with words, kid. No wonder I made you a mover star. All right, I'll take the driver's seat for a while, hop on. [He bends over so that Bolin can climb on his back.] Bolin: Oh, great, my feet could use a break. [He jumps on Varrick back, who nearly collapses under the weight.] Varrick: [Grunts with the trouble.] Oh, boy, here we go! [He takes one step with great effort but they are soon trapped by a net, which hoists them up to a tree branch.] Bolin: Are you kidding me?!
***
Cut to Bolin and Varrick who are trying to escape from the net, bu to no avail.
Bolin: I wish Pabu were here. He could just chew us out of this. Varrick: You know who else has incisors sharp as a knife? Zhu Li ... Ahnah: Well look what we caught. Wonder if they were tracking us after we escaped. Bolin: Hello fellow travelers! I don't suppose you can help us out of this net? Ahnah: Why would we free a couple of lowly Earth Empire soldiers? Varrick: Lowly? We were part of Kuvira's inner circle! Bolin: Were, not anymore! Please, just, let us out! Baraz: I know just what to do with a couple of Kuvira's top men.
Baraz firebends a dagger and cuts through the rope of the net with it.
*** Cut to Varrick and Bolin, whose hands are tied together, while Ahnah bends water into her pouch.
Bolin: So how did a bunch of water and firebenders end up in one of Kuvira's reeducation camps? Ahnah: [Angrily.] Call it what it is: a prison. Baraz: Kuvira's been purging states of anyone who's not of Earth Kingdom origin and locking them up. Bolin: [Surprised.] Purging?! Baraz: What are you acting so surprised for? You must have known what she was up to, being part of her "inner circle" and all. Bolin: No, I swear! And the inner circle thing lasted like, less than a day! Varrick: [Irritated.] Will you at least tell us where you're taking us? Baraz: The border checkpoint. You're gonna help us talk our way past some Earth Empire soldiers. Ahnah: And once we're through, we'll see about letting you go.
Bolin and Varrick shoot each other a meaningful look, when Varrick jumps up as Bolin sends a wave of earth around, knocking everyone down. He quickly turns the ground in front of him into a pool of lava, holding everyone at bay.
Varrick: [Laughs.] Lava time! Bet you didn't expect that! Bolin: [Stands up again and snaps the ropes tying his hands, which were weakened by the lava.] Look, I'm sorry for what happened to all of you, but as I've been trying to explain, we don't work for Kuvira anymore. Varrick: Yeah. If our handsome mugs get recognized trying to go through that checkpoint, we're goners! Baraz: If you really are fugitives, you better listen up. We've been scouting this region for days. There's a wall stretching along the entire border and patrols guarding every part of it. That checkpoint is the only way out. Ahnah: It's not worth the risk, Baraz. How do we know they won't turn us in? Baraz: If he wanted us gone, we'd be at the bottom of a pool of lava right now. If any of us want to get out of the Earth Empire alive, we'll have to trust each other. Bolin: [Cools the lava so that it becomes solid again.] All right, where is this checkpoint?
***
Cut back to the Earth Empire, where Bolin, Varrick, and the prisoners approach the heavily guarded gate. Bolin and Varrick have made themselves look somewhat respectable again and the prisoners are tied together with rope around their wrists.
Bolin: [Whispers.] Follow my lead. Guard post soldier: [Salutes Bolin.] Good afternoon, sir. Can we help you? Bolin: You sure can. We captured these escaped prisoners. We need to get them to a secure facility. Guard post soldier: Where did they escape from? Bolin: Camp fourteen. Guard post soldier: Then why are you bringing them through here? Camp fourteen is the other way. Bolin: [Aggravated.] You think we don't know where Camp fourteen is? Kuvira wants them transferred. Guard post soldier: Then I'll need to see the transfer order.
Bolin gives Varrick a worried look and Varrick moves up to the guard.
Varrick: Listen pal! I had to fight off two badgermoles, six wolfbats and eighteen hog monkeys to capture these guys, so sorry if I don't have the paperwork! I was too busy cramming it in a hog monkey's mouth, while it was trying to eat me! I am in sore need of a shower and I have blisters that are the size of cantaloupes and twice as juicy! So you can let us through, or you can give us your name and rank and I'll make sure to pass it on to Kuvira! You know what happens to soldiers who question her orders, don't you? Bad stuff! Guard post soldier: [Nervous from Varrick's little display.] Let them through!
Two guards metalbend the gates on either side of the wall down and they walk through. Inside the wall, there is a guard working in a booth, where there are wanted posters of Varrick and Bolin. He recognizes them as Varrick waves to him and runs out to stop them.
Guard #2: Wait! Stop them, they're traitors to the Empire!
They all start running, but are halted by two mecha tanks that jump down from the top of the gate and land in front of Bolin and Varrick. They find themselves surrounded by four mecha tanks and four earthbenders.
Baraz: There's no way I'm going back to prison!
He makes a little dagger from his middle fingers, cutting through the rope on his wrist, and shoots fire at the soldiers, who throw up cover for themselves. They shoot the rocks back at the prisoners, who defend themselves with their fire and waterbending. Bolin and Varrick are under attack by a mecha tank, which attempts to mow them down with its flamethrower. Bolin throws up cover for them, but Varrick still crawls away.
Baraz is fighting a mecha tank as well, dodging its punches. Ahnah comes to his aid and bends her water into a slab of ice, causing the running tank to slide. Baraz blow it back with a few fire blasts, but the tank uses the spikes in its calves to stabilize and break the through ice. It shoots lightning, forcing Baraz and Ahnah apart, before shooting its flamethrower at Baraz, who holds his own with his firebending.
Bolin shoots a few boulders at two mecha tanks going after him, which yields no result. So he creates a pool of lava, but the tanks jump over it, cornering Bolin. Varrick, who is hiding underneath the gate, behind a wall, sees how a waterbender is knocked down. He and spots some sort of generator inside the booth. With a screwdriver he unscrews a table leg and wraps a length of electrical wire around it.
Bolin is still fighting the tank, but it continues to nimbly dodge the lava benders attacks. Finally, with a fissure, he manages to knock one of the tanks down, but another one is right there to shoot a bolt of lightning at him. He launches himself out of its path and continues the fight.
Meanwhile, Varrick has created an electromagnetic pulse, which he hooks up to the generator. Nobody pays him any attention, seeing how they are busy fighting off the benders. Bolin get trapped by three mecha tanks who all shoot fire at him, which he blocks with a wall of earth, but he is unable to escape.
Varrick: [Hooks up the cables.] Boy, I sure hope this works. He pushes a lever and the stick sends out an electromagnetic pulse, destroying all the electronics in the mecha tanks, causing them to fail, just as they were about to kill Bolin and Baraz. It takes everyone by surprise.
Varrick: [Laughs, pleased with himself.] I still got that Varrick touch! [Runs out, past Bolin.] We're clear, come on! Bolin: [Bolin sees how the prisoners are fighting a losing battle.] Varrick, wait, we can't leave them!
He jumps over his wall and runs up behind the prisoners, just as one is knocked down. Bolin creates a massive pool of lava, forcing the guards back to the gate.
Guard post soldier: Retreat!
Bolin bends the lava all the way to the gate and hoses the wall with it, securing the knowledge the guard will not follow them.
Baraz: Thanks. You didn't have to come back. Bolin: Yeah. I kind of did. Let's go!
*** Bolin: I know it might not mean much coming from a guy wearing this uniform, [He tugs at his shirt, near his belt.] but I'd like to apologize for what Kuvira's put you through. Baraz: [Extending his hand.] I appreciate that. Bolin shakes his hand. Bolin: Guess this is where we part ways. Varrick: [Laughing.] It's been a blast! Ahnah: We're heading north too. Why don't you come with us? It's the least we could do after you saved our necks. Varrick: [He looks over to rotting boat, barely floating in the water next to the dock.] On that hunk of junk? No thanks. I'm allergic to drowning. [Bolin glares at him and elbows him harshly.] I mean, uh, we'd love a lift!
Defeated, Varrick walks up the pier with the other three. Bolin jumps in and Varrick crawls in awkwardly causing great commotion, ultimately falling to the floor of the boat.
Bolin: [Raises up and talks to everyone; extremely bored.] Does anyone else feel like throwing themselves overboard? Varrick: [Raises up, widens his eyes, and points to himself with his thumbs.] Not me! [The refugees widen their eyes in surprise, slightly sit up, and turn their attention to Varrick, who sits up.] I've spent the last few hours tuning out all these incredibly boring stories ... Baraz: [Slightly moves; offended.] Hey! Varrick: [Ignoring Baraz's insulted exclamation and preparing to stand up.] All the while [Stands up and dramatically points his finger to the air.] mentally composing the most exciting tale [Lowers his head to Bolin.] ever told, soon to become the greatest [Leaping enthusiastically into the center of the ring of bored refugees.] mover [Spreads his arms out.] ever made! [Cut to a close-up of Varrick.] I present to you now: [Makes a screen with his arms smiling on a wondering Bolin.] Bolin, [Cut to a shot of the title screen of The Adventures of Nuktuk: Hero of the South.] as Nuktuk, Hero of the South— [A chibi head of Varrick appears lower right with a serious look on his face and eyelids half open.] Trademark Varrimovers International— [Brightens up with wide eyes and a smile.] in [The frame switches to several scenes from "Night of a Thousand Stars", one in which Bolin tears of his sleeves before fighting the assassins.] the incredible true story of Bolin! Hero of the world! Bolin: [Another view of him waving to the ecstatic crowd after he defeats them; confused.] Wait, am I playing Nuktuk, or is Nuktuk playing me? Varrick: [As the view cuts back to Varrick, looking at Bolin and holding up his hands, framing him in an imaginary shot.] Both. It's your true story, but we'll capitalize on the [Stops making the screen and looks to Bolin with a smile.] audience of the Nuktuk franchise. [Sags down with an annoyed look as if it is obvious.] Duh! Bolin: [Cut to a close-up of Bolin; guilty.] How can you call me "the hero of the world"? [Looks down.] I left my friends and family to join up with a psychotic dictator who imprisoned me and now, [Looks away in shame.] I'm running back home with my tail between my legs. Varrick Nyahbabababab! You're emphasizing the wrong story beads. Let me tell it. The story of Bolin begins in an exotic port of call. [Cut to a view of the Southern Water Tribe.] A wise sage, the richest merchant in the world, and a handsome devil all [Cut to a shot of Varrick's yacht in port.] sit on a single pillow in the living room of a luxury yacht! How do they all fit on one pillow? Bolin: [As the shot changes to Varrick sitting on his pillow, trying to levitate.] Ooh! Giant pillow! Varrick: Wrong! They're all the same man! Me! [Cut to the swami in "Rebel Spirit" who looks up to Varrick.] I try to teach a swami the power of levitation, but he's too stupid [The swami glares.] to understand it, so I kick him out. [The swami bows his head and retreats up the steps behind Varrick.] "Upon whom can I bestow my awesome knowledge?" I ask myself. Then, in walks Nuktuk, with a twinkle in his eye, a gorgeous dame on his arm, and a song on his lips. He bursts into a rapturous melody! [Singing.] "Where can I find my teacher?" [Cut back to Varrick who has his left hand out and his other on his chest as he sings.] Bolin: Oh, come on! I wasn't singing, you were not levitating, and Asami is just a friend, thank you very much. [Varrick appears slightly hurt and pouts. The camera slowly zooms in on Bolin, who looks up with a wistful smile.] If you want to tell my true story, you should start from when I met Korra. She came to the bending arena, one fateful night ...
Flashback to the events of "A Leaf in the Wind", as Bolin, meeting Korra for the first time, shows her the pro-bending arena.
Korra: This place is even more amazing than I imagined! Bolin: Name's Bolin, by the way. Korra: Korra. [The scene freezes.] Baraz: [Interrupting; voice-over.] Bo-ring! [Scene cuts back to the present with the circle of refugees.] When does the singing start? Bolin: [Irritated.] There wasn't any singing!
All the refugees break into a chorus of boos at the same time, some even giving Bolin a thumbs-down sign much to his surprise.
Varrick: You're on-screen talent, kid. Leave the storytelling to the masters. [Flash-cut to the scene from "A New Spiritual Age" in which Korra and Jinora are swallowed by a massive reptilian spirit.] So, the trouble begins when the Avatar is trapped in the Spirit World. The world's most evil villains realize that with Korra out of the way, the time is right to try to take out Bolin. [Cut to a shot of Bolin as Nuktuk in one of the movers, followed by another mover shot of the villains' hideout.] So, the worst of the worst team up. They're led by ... Zaheer, leader of the Red Lotus and master of the skies, a flying chaotic chaos machine! [Zaheer's montage is comprised of shots of him battling Korra in "Venom of the Red Lotus".] He's joined by ... Vaatu, the ultimate force of pure spirit evil in the universe. The biggest, meanest, scariest kite that ever flew! [Vaatu's montage is comprised of shots from "Harmonic Convergence" and "Darkness Falls".] Bolin: [Scenes of Vaatu avoiding Korra's elemental attacks from "Darkness Falls" plays on screen.] Wait! Zaheer didn't team up with Vaatu. How would that even happen? Varrick: [As if it was obvious.] How do you think?
Cut to a shot of the Tree of Time; in the background, the ringing of a telephone can be heard. The shot cuts to Vaatu, imprisoned within the tree. He holds the mouth- and earpieces of a candlestick telephone up to the places where his mouth and ears should be.
The shot splits into halves as a separate shot of Zaheer, speaking on the other end of the line from the communication room at the Northern Air Temple from "Enter the Void", expands to occupy the right half of the screen. Zaheer: [Suppressing a laugh with a half-smile.] Glad I caught you at home. [Slightly chuckles.] Vaatu: [Unamused.] Uh-huh. Very funny. Like I can leave this stupid tree. Zaheer: Hold on, let me conference in—
Cut to a level view of the stage as Amon emerges from a trapdoor in the stage with a line of Equalists behind him under loud approving cheers of the crowd. A spotlight is turned on, illuminating the Equalist leader, and the camera zooms in to a close-up.
Varrick: Amon! The reanimated [Cut to a close-up of Amon.] zombie body [Cut to Amon bloodbending Korra and Mako.] of the bloodbending leader of the Equalists! [Amon's montage consists of his introduction in "The Revelation" and him bloodbending Korra and Mako in "Endgame".] Amon: [A shot of him on the phone slides in from the left of the shot, dividing the view into thirds.] Hey, guys, I'm totally in for taking out Bolin. He's way too powerful and awesome. But can we please not include—
A shot of Unalaq, as Varrick portrayed him in the black and white mover, slides into the frame from the left.
Unalaq: Not include who, Amon? Varrick: [Narrating again.] The evil Unalaq. The diabolical but incredibly boring and unpopular sorcerer from the north, who's listening in on the other line! Unalaq: [Close-up] I've spent my life trying to defeat Nuktuk, I mean, Bolin, and I know just where to find him: With all the beautiful ladies!
Scene cuts to a montage of Bolin being kissed by Ginger in "Night of a Thousand Stars" and by Eska in "Darkness Falls".
Varrick: Yes, Bolin had a reputation as the world's greatest ladies' man. Bolin: Oooh, now the story's getting interesting.
Varrick: After leaving the beautiful but emotionally unstable Water Tribe princess at the altar, [Various shots of Bolin and Eska from "Rebel Spirit" and "Civil Wars, Part 2".] he met a fetching airbender, the heir to a vast Earth Kingdom fortune! [Several shots of Bolin and Opal, mainly from "The Metal Clan".] Bolin: [As a chibi-head with blushed red cheeks, in the lower right as shots of Opal continue. Longingly and gushing.] Opal, so smart and caring, so pretty to smell, [Bursting into tears, his ramblings becoming more high-pitched.] and she'll probably never talk to me again because I'm so stupid! Stupid! So, so, so [Nearly a whisper.] stupid. [As he bawls, the scenes in which she rejects him from "After All These Years".] Varrick: [His own chibi-head popping up in the lower left, irked.] Pull it together, you leaky lug. [Cut back to the boat where Bolin silently cries in the corner with a refugee close to him watch him. Dramatically.] But the darkest moment is always right before the dawn! For at his lowest point, Bolin sought advice from the man who started it all, the wisest of the wise—Me!—for some of my signature sage advice! [Cut to a shot of Varrick on a dock with Bolin, followed by the scene in "Peacekeepers" where Varrick hangs inverted, brainstorming. The scene is voiced-over by his own narration.] Nuktuk, I mean, Bolin, there's only one thing for you to do if you want to save the Avatar and defeat the "Fearsome Foursome" [The scene freezes as Varrick's chibi head pops up in the lower right. Thinking.] —I'm not really sure if I like "Fearsome", I mean, "Evil Squared" might be better. Whatever— You have to assemble the fighting-est airbender army of all time! But it turns out the airbender recruits are a sorry lot, [Cut to the obstacle course training sequence from "Original Airbenders".] so Bolin brings them to a secret mountaintop training facility, where he teaches them the ancient art of dodging fruit and balancing on sticks! Meanwhile, back with Zombie Amon ...
Cut to the conference call; Unalaq's image has vanished from the frame, leaving just Amon, Vaatu, and Zaheer.
Amon: Okay, guys, I think we finally ditched him. Unalaq: [His image sliding back into view; unamused.] Haha, very funny, I'm still on the line. So, about that evil plan to destroy Nuktuk.
One by one, Zaheer, Vaatu, and Amon all slide out of the frame to the right, leaving Unalaq by himself in the frame.
Unalaq: [After a brief pause.] Hello? Anyone there? [Insistent.] Guys!
The off-hook tone sounds from Unalaq's phone. Cut to a scene from "The Metal Clan", in which Bolin is trying to flirt with Opal.
Varrick: And with danger closing in, Opal realizes how much she loves Bolin and forgives him for whatever stuff he was talking about earlier, which will probably not be in the final cut of the mover anyway. Bolin: [As the scene switches to show Bolin and Opal standing in the metalbending courtyard; hopeful.] She does? All refugees: Awww! Varrick: And she kisses Bolin, magically passing on the airbender power of flight!
Cut back to the boat, where Varrick stands posing as if he is a bird, his hand on his head to imitate plumage and his lips pursed in the kiss he mentioned.
Bolin: Okay, that part seems a little unbelievable. Varrick: [On a roll, not dissuaded.] This is no time for thinking, kid! We're heading into the big finale! [Another clip from "Original Airbenders", a panning shot of the airbenders themselves.] Bolin gathers his airbender army to fight alongside Rotan and Juji against the Terror Square! [His chibi head in the upper right as a clip from a mover plays; enthusiastically.] Maybe that's the name of the bad guys, "Terror Square"! [More pensive.] What about "Legion of Darkness"? Well, we'll put a focus group on it. [Back to the plot once again.] Bolin teaches the airbenders to create a giant tornado. [As the clip of the tornado from "Venom of the Red Lotus" plays.] Then he flies around in the sky, [Mover clip of Bolin in the clutches of the giant bird.] pushes Zaheer into it, [Another clip from "Venom of the Red Lotus", showing Zaheer being pulled down into the tornado as he tries to escape with Korra.] turning him into wind, forever! But Bolin doesn't realize that the Universal Interplanetary Combination Zero-Hour—talk about a ticking clock—is almost upon him! [Clip of the planetary alignment during Harmonic Convergence seen from space from the episode "Harmonic Convergence".] And when Juji shoots his laser eyes at the evil Unalaq, [Mover clip.] the beams accidentally fly into the magic spirit doorway! [Clip from "Harmonic Convergence", in which the electric beams of energy jump from the arcing spirit portals to the Tree of Time.] They bounce off Vaatu, setting him free, [Clip of Vaatu's release.] and hit Bolin, turning him into a giant! [Shot of Korra's giant blue spirit and Bolin's head raising itself upright.] But when Vaatu is set free, the evil Unalaq, who has always been an annoyingly clingy person, is so close to Vaatu that they combine into one horrifying monster! [Clip from "Darkness Falls" in which Unalaq and Vaatu combine.] Giant Bolin and the evil UnaVaatu fight toe-to-toe, zapping each other with their laser beams as they stomp around Republic City! [Clip from "Light in the Dark" in which Korra and UnaVaatu do battle in the harbor.] It looks like the evil UnaVaatu might win! [UnaVaatu raises the giant Korra spirit, on the verge of corrupting it.] But thankfully, Bolin's spiritual mojo is so strong that he attracts the queen of the fairies! [The orb of light floats downward and in between giant spirit Korra and UnaVaatu, revealing Jinora with butterfly wings.] With her help, Bolin turns UnaVaatu into magic dust and sprays him into the sky. [Spirit Korra cleanses UnaVaatu and little flecks of cleansed spirit float upward into the air. Varrick is speaking almost in a revered tone.] And that's where the stars come from. [Clip from "A New Spiritual Age" in which the dragon spirit soars down toward Korra, nearly corrupted, and picks her up; Varrick's last sentence is rushed and mumbled.] Oh yeah, and he turns into a dragon and he goes into the Spirit World and he saves the Avatar. [Enthusiastically.] The end!
Flash-cut back to the boat as Varrick finishes his tale. After a moment, all the refugees rise to their feet, happily applauding Varrick's story. Bolin also rises to his feet.
Bolin: [Incredulous.] Wait! You like that? [As the applause dies.] It didn't make any sense! What about Zombie Amon? What happened to him, huh? And-and-and-and stars are magic fairy dust? [Walking over to Baraz, clutching the front of his ragged shirt.] Are you guys crazy? [Turning his head to look at Ahnah.] Are you crazy? Baraz: [Calmly.] It's just a mover. [Bolin lets go of him.] Don't over-think it. It's like a ride. Varrick: [Suddenly jumping up behind Bolin and putting an arm around his shoulder.] Never let the truth get in the way of a good story, kid! [Bolin is not amused.]
Bolin: Guys! [Raiko's eyes widen and narrow with annoyance and anger.] Oh, [Cut to Bolin and Varrick running.] perfect! You're all here.
Bolin momentarily bends over, panting in exhaustion, though when he erects himself, he gives a small wave and grin to all those present. Cut to a shot of Korra, Mako, and Opal, who look on in surprise.
Opal and Mako: [Synchronized.] Bolin? [Korra grins.] Raiko: [Even more angry.] What are you doing here?! Guards, remove these traitors! Bolin: [The guards seize him and Varrick.] No! We escaped Kuvira's army! [Turns to the council.] We're back on your side now! [Cut to a close-up of Bolin; yelling.] We have top secret information for you!
Shot pans across a serious Tenzin, a surprised Wu, and a thinking Raiko. Raiko nods. Cut to a shot of the guards who let Bolin and Varrick go.
Varrick: [Dusting himself off.] Okay, I guess we should've opened with that line. Bolin: Listen to me. Kuvira's making this thing that goes [Proceeds to make various explosion noises and yelling sounds] I don't know how it works, but it has this [More strange noises.] Varrick: [Steps forward; irritatingly.] It's a super weapon! Like a regular weapon, only super.
*** Cut to the exit of the building, where Opal walks out. Bolin catches up with her.
Bolin: Opal, wait! Please, [Goes in front of her. Cut to a side-shot; remorsefully.] I just want to say that I'm sorry for everything. Opal: [Crosses her arms in front of her chest and closes her eyes.] I'm glad you're okay, but it's a little late for "sorry". Bolin: I know, I know. [Cut to a shot of Bolin. Looks to the side.] I didn't listen to you, and I [Looks down with a raised eyebrow.] sided with Kuvira, and I helped her take over the Earth Kingdom, and topple your home, and get your [Cut to a medium close-up of a displeased Opal.] mom captured, and [Opal raises her eyebrow.] your brothers, and your dad ... [He sees Opal's displeased expression. Cut back to the shot of Bolin.] Wow, that does sound really bad when I say it out loud like that. But I'm gonna make it up to you. Lin: Pardon me, lovebirds, but I need a word with Opal. [Lin gestures to the side and Opal walks in that direction. Bolin follows her, but Lin raises her hand to stop him.] Privately. [Alone with Opal.] I'm sorry, kid, but Raiko couldn't convince the other leaders to attack Kuvira. Opal: So our family ... Lin: Looks like we're going to have to save them ourselves. Opal: Don't you think some other people would agree to go with us? Lin: This is an unsanctioned and dangerous mission into enemy territory. We can't ask other people to risk their necks for our family. If we want to break them out, we'll have to do it alone.
Pan to Bolin, who is still waiting by the exit. Mako and Korra walk up to him.
Mako: Bolin, I'm so glad you're back. I was worried about you. Korra: We all were. [They give Bolin a hug.] Bolin: Thanks, guys. Mako, I'm so sorry about the way we left things. I'm such an idiot. You tried to warn me about Kuvira and I ran off anyway, like an idiot. You were right and I'm just an idiot. I hope ... that ... I'll be able to earn your trust again. Korra: If anyone has lost people's trust, it's me. Ever since Kuvira kicked my butt, no one even wants me around. Mako: [Puts a reassuring hand on Korra's shoulder.] We want you around. [Turns to Bolin; equally reassuring.] And Bolin, you're not an idiot. You were just doing what you thought was right. Bolin: Aww, I love you guys. And I really wanna hug again. [Proceeds to do just that.] ***
Cut to an aerial shot of Air Temple Island. Bolin is walking in the garden.
Bolin: Pab-pabs, where are you? [Pabu appears in a tree behind him and jumps down into Bolin's arms.] Pabu! Oh, I missed you so much! [More dejected.] So, I don't know if you've heard, but Opal's kind of mad at me. I was hoping ... you could help me win her back. [Pabu chitters a few times; Bolin gets excited.] Awesome! Yes, I have an idea.
Cut to the outside of the temple where Opal is sitting on a set of steps, reading a book. Pabu runs up to her with a pink ribbon tied around his neck.
Opal: Hello, Pabu. [The fire ferret keeps running circles around her before leaning on her book.] Well, it's good to see you, too. [Notices the ribbon, which has a note in it.] What do you got there? Opal takes the note and reads it, suddenly getting a worried expression on her face. The scene shifts to Opal running through the greenery and toward a clearing where Bolin is sitting, pouring tea with a smile. Bolin: Opal, you made it! Opal: What's this? Bolin: A picnic, just for the two of us! Well, the three of us. Sorry, Pabs. Opal: So, this note Pabu brought me saying you broke both of your legs was just a ruse? Bolin: Maybe ... but now that you're here, don't you want to just sit back, relax, try some of my homemade steam buns [Holds up a basket.] —Pema's recipe—and watch Pabu do some of his world-famous backflips for entertainment? Ha-hah! Opal: [Sarcastically.] Oh. Steam buns. My favorite. This will totally make me forget that you worked for Kuvira, the person who captured my family and is probably torturing them right now. So yeah, let's just sit down and have a great picnic because we're so in love! [Starts to leave, but briefly turns back.] I'm sorry you had to see that, Pabu. [She walks away as Bolin looks on sadly.]
***
Cut back to Air Temple Island. Lin is on top of a bison and Opal is handing her the last of the belongings they are taking on their mission. Bolin runs to a spot near them.
Bolin: Where are you going? Opal: We've got some family business to take care of. Bolin: All right, listen. Before you go, I just want to tell you that I understand how you feel. I know there is nothing I could do or no big gesture that could make up for all my mistakes, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna stop trying to win you back because ... I love you. Opal: Thanks for saying all of that. [Bolin starts to leave, but stops when she keeps talking.] You know ... there is one thing you could do to win me back. Bolin: [Eagerly.] What is it? Yes, I'll do anything! Opal: [Turns to face him.] Come on a secret mission with us. Bolin: Where to? Opal: Zaofu. We're going to rescue my family. [Bolin's facial expression becomes more serious.]
The scene opens to the camera, tracking left to right to show Opal's sky bison landing on the outskirts of Zaofu. Opal and Bolin get off the bison together.
Bolin: All right, let's do this! [To Opal.] Saving the Beifongs and saving our love, because I vow to repair the rift that has grown betwixt us and make us whole again! Lin Beifong: [Angrily, walking between the two and giving Bolin a shove.] You. Zip it. Now. I had enough of your babble on the way in. Bolin: [Timidly.] Yes, ma'am.
***
Toph: You were only up to my waist the last time we were together. Bolin: [Excited.] Oh, man! Ohh, I can't. This can't be happening! [He waves hands in his face, becoming hysterical.] Toph: What?! Do you have to pee or something? [Opal giggles.] Bolin: No ... well, now, maybe. You're my hero! My name is Bolin. I'm dating your granddaughter, I mean, kind of. I may have screwed that up, but that's why I'm here and you're my hero! Oh, I said that. Can I have a hug too? Toph: What's up with him? Lin: He's an actor. So, you already checked the city for Su? How did you know she was captured? Toph: I've been living in the swamp and keeping watch on Zaofu through the vines. Bolin: Sure, okay, makes sense. Toph: By the time I got here, they were gone. I snooped around town and heard that they were taken away to some nearby prison camp. Opal: [Turns to Bolin with newfound bitterness in her voice.] Where would that be? Bolin: [Ashamed.] There's a factory and reeducation facility not too far away. Toph: [Disbelieving.] How do you know that? Opal: Bolin used to work for Kuvira. Toph: [Confused and agitated.] How did you end up dating the kind of dipstick who works for Kuvira? Bolin: [Pleading his case.] "Used to"! Lin: [Begins to walk away.] It's not his silver tongue, I can tell you that. [Toph and Opal follow.] Bolin: [Hastens after the group, disappointed.] Please tell me this attitude isn't hereditary.
*** Cut to Toph, Bolin, Lin, and Opal. Toph: She's lying. [Bolin lights up at this revelation.]
Cut back to Kuvira, who is addressing her subordinates.
Kuvira: Tell the troops and the factory workers to attend tomorrow's demonstration. I want them all to witness this incredible new weapon in action.
Cut to Opal, Lin, Toph, and Bolin, who leave the scene. Scene changes to the outskirts of the factory.
Opal: [Voice-over.] We should be thinking of a way to take out Kuvira while we have the chance. Bolin: Or at least destroy the cannon. If she takes that to Republic City, it could obliterate everything. Toph: I didn't come to fight with Kuvira or destroy a cannon. I'm here to save my family. [Gestures with her hand.] It will take everything we have just to get out alive. [Clenches both fists.] Bolin: [Thinks for a moment.] Hmm. Kuvira wants every single one of her people to see the weapon test tomorrow, so the factory will be mostly empty then. That's our best chance to sneak in and free Su without being spotted. Opal: [Mildly impressed.] Good thinking, Bolin. Bolin: Thanks. [Puts a hand to his head.] I kind of have a headache now. ***
Cut to an overhead view of Lin, Opal, Bolin, and Toph gathered around a stone table.
Bolin: [To Toph.] So let me ask you about metalbending. Su tried to teach me, but I couldn't get the hang of it. Toph: [While Opal and Bolin listen, Lin sits to the side and picks at her food.] I used to have an academy to train metalbending. Even blockheads like you can figure it out with the right instruction. Lin: Yeah, you're a real sensitive instructor. Bolin: I did learn how to lavabend. Toph: [Somewhat impressed.] Really? It's a very rare ability. [Smiles.] Maybe you do have some talent. Bolin: [Excited.] I can't believe ... you think I'm talented? [Fans himself.] That means so much to me coming from my hero. Lin: Yeah, she's real encouraging. Toph: Hey! I'm blind, not deaf. Bolin: So here's something I've always been curious about: Who's Lin's dad?
Lin whirls around with her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pursed. A moment of silence ensues.
Toph: He was a guy named Kanto. Nice man, but it didn't really work out between us. Bolin: And ... [Realizing Toph is not going to reveal anything more.] okay.
*** Opal: Kuvira caught Zhu Li and threw her in the town. Bolin: What? [Stands up.] No, I have to go save her. Lin: You can't go in there, kid. It's suicide. Kuvira's onto us. Bolin: We've been through too much together. I can't leave her. Toph, you said Zhu Li was lying about fixing the cannon. She must have been trying to stop it. Toph: For all you know, she could just have been covering her butt because she made a mistake. Bolin: [Adamant.] No, Zhu Li doesn't make mistakes. You guys leave. If we make it out, we'll make it to the city somehow. Opal: Bolin, no! [Turns to see Juicy fly in. Airbends herself onto Juicy.] You guys get out of here. I have to go with Bolin. [Flies off.]
***
Bolin: You know, I never had any family except for my brother [Moves to link an arm around Toph and Lin, much to their surprise.] until a few years ago, [Pulls them close.] and reuniting with them made me realize how special it is. Toph: Argh, enough! [Escapes Bolin's embrace, causing Bolin to collide with Lin.] Enjoy the ride back to the city [Lin shoves Bolin aside.] with the gum flapper here. Opal: Aren't you coming back to Republic City with us, Grandma? Toph: No, my fighting days are over. Don't tell Korra, but my back is killing me now. This is why you didn't see Katara messing with that civil war nonsense. At some point, you gotta leave it to the kids. [Walks off.] Zhu Li: I want to thank you for coming back to save me. And don't be too hard on Bolin for working with Kuvira. His heart was in the right place. Opal: [Playfully] I think Bolin has worked his way out of the polar bear doghouse. [Kisses his cheek.] Bolin: [Smiling triumphantly.] Yes! [Laughs.]
The conversation comes to an abrupt halt as Bolin bursts through the doors of the office.
Bolin: Guys! Good, you're all here! Raiko: [Standing up, as Lin, Suyin and, Zhu Li enter the room; angrily.] What's with you interrupting my important meetings all the time? Korra: [Standing up as well.] Su ... what are you ... you're okay! [The two women exchange a hug.] I'm so sorry about Zaofu. How did you escape? Bolin: Opal, Beifong, and I rescued everyone. But we had a run in with Kuvira. We saw her super spirit weapon up close. Like, really close. Way too close. Tenzin: Is she going to use it against Republic City? Zhu Li: Yes. I found out she's going to attack in two weeks. Bolin: Ooh! And Zhu Li's on our side now. Actually, she never really switched sides and I'm just gonna let her explain the whole thing. Zhu Li?
***
Cut to Varrick's face. He places two hands behind his ears and closes his eyes as he hums. Behind him, Bolin walks through a set of doors and addresses him.
Bolin: Varrick! Good, you're here. [Varrick turns to face Bolin.] Can I talk to you for a minute? Varrick: [Slouching against the railing of the balcony.] What is it? I'm busy inspiring my workers. Bolin: Well, I went to Zaofu and saved Su and her family ... and guess who else we found? [Gesturing in presentation.] Ha!
On cue, Zhu Li walks through the doors, looking slightly unnerved. Varrick, seeing her, straightens up, his eyes widening in surprise.
Varrick: Zhu Li. Bolin: [As Zhu Li looks more heartened, a soft smile on her face.] Now, isn't there something you wanted to say to her? Hmm? Zhu Li: [Stepping toward Varrick.] Please, let me go first. I know I said a lot of terrible things about you in front of Kuvira. But I need you to know ... [Places a hand on her chest.] I didn't mean one word. When you were being taken away, I thought my only chance to save you was to join her. [Close-up shot of Varrick's face; he looks touched by her devotion.] But every day, I hoped for the chance to see you again and tell you the truth. [Cut to Zhu Li's face.] Varrick, you mean the world to me and I'm sorry if I hurt you in any way. Varrick: [Cut back to Varrick, who speaks softly.] Don't be so hard on yourself. [He moves his hand toward Zhu Li as if intending to cup her face, though he suddenly drops it to her shoulder and his voice is full of newfound exuberance.] Apology accepted! Now be a good assistant and [Turns to face the hummingbird mecha suits.] man the assembly line! Zhu Li: [Grabs Varrick by the shoulder and turns him around to face her.] No! I am not your assistant anymore. [Points at Varrick, who bends backward.] If you want me around, you need to start treating me like an equal!
She walks off, leaving Varrick standing bent backward, while Bolin stands by in silence. When Varrick straightens up and shrugs, Bolin smacks his own forehead.
***
Mako: [To Bolin.] Did you know Kuvira was building that thing? Bolin: [Sarcastically.] Oh, did I forget to mention it? No, of course I didn't know!
***
Korra: Raiko surrendered. [Zoom on her face.] It's down to us now. Bolin: [Looking exasperated and terrified as he speaks.] How are we supposed to fight an entire army, a mecha giant, and that crazy weapon? Asami: We can't fight it, but maybe we can cripple it. [Turns to Zhu Li.] Zhu Li, when you were spying on Kuvira, did you learn anything about that metal monster?
Bolin: [His voice strained with exertion as people rush past him.] Go ahead, take your time, just bending a giant wall! Man, have we got a lot of people hurt! [As Bumi and Suyin carefully and slowly carry out an unconscious Baatar Jr.] Is that everybody?! Gah!
*** Bolin: This is my hometown and I hate to say it, but there's no use risking all our lives to fight that giant thing! Let her take the city for now! We'll think of some way to come back and beat her!
*** Bolin: You're about to get the world's largest hot foot, metal lady!
*** Bolin: Varrick, how come your electro-thingy shut down the small mecha suits but not the big one? Baatar Jr.: Because it's powered with spirit vine energy. I'm sorry. I wish I could help you, but it's unstoppable ***
Cut to a close-up of Bolin pinned against a wall, trying to dodge attacks from his opponent while sustaining his lava disc.
Bolin: Be with you in one second! Kind of busy! [Shoots his lava disc, which hits a steam pipe, releasing the fog into the room. As the guard recovers, a slow-mo shot shows Bolin charging and knocking him backward into the pipe. Loops around to reach Mako's sight. Zoom out toward Mako.] Okay, ready now!
Bolin makes his way to the lever. The scene changes to a split shot of the brothers looking at each other, their hands on the levers.
Mako: One ... two ... three! [They pull the levers, but an angle from the roof shows that nothing happens to the engine.] Nothing's happening! [Runs toward his brother.] Bolin: Kuvira must've done some override thing and taken control! [Zoom on his location as Mako approaches him. He removes his hands from the lever.] Mako: There's got to be some other way to shut down power from here. Bolin: [Looks down nervously at the controls as the shot zooms in on them. His fingers hovering over them, unsure.] Ummm ... [Switch back out to Mako overlooking him.] Mako: Come on. You spent all that time working with Varrick and Baatar Jr. Didn't any of their genius rub off on you? Bolin: [Beads of sweat on his face; turns back to Mako.] Look, the only thing I know about these vines is that if you mess around with them too much, [Close-up on Mako.] they explode. [Mako moves his eyebrows together with a worried look on his face.] Mako: [Looks nervously at the spirit vine core as the shot pans up on it. Cut back to him; he looks down and shuts his eyes briefly.] Get those engineers out of here. I have an idea. Bolin: [Looks up at his brother.] Want to fill me in? Mako: I'm gonna zap these vines with some electricity. Bolin: [Puts his hands up.] Let's back it up, okay? [Moves his hands around to prove his point.] I said that will make the vines explode. Mako: Exactly. This is our only way of shutting this thing down. [Starts to walk away.] I can handle it. Bolin: [Grasps his shoulder; switch to a shot of Mako turning to him.] No! You can't! This isn't the time to prove how awesome you are. I already know how awesome you are [Briefly looks away before looking back.] ... you're awesome. Mako: I don't have time to argue! [Fully turns to face Bolin.] I'm doing this, so get out of here! Bolin: [Close-up side-view. Bends his head down.] Okay, but for the record, [Looks back up.] I do not approve. Just, [Switch back toward Mako who is looking to the side.] get out as soon as you can. [Switch back as he raises his hand as Mako turns to him.] Promise? Mako: [Close-up before a closer view of their hands as he grasps Bolin's and shakes it.] Promise. [The brothers embrace.] Bolin: I love you. Mako: [As they separate, hands still locked. Removing his arm around Bolin's shoulders] I love you, too. Now go!
*** Bolin: [Voice-over.] And though the battle took a severe toll on our beloved city, out of the destruction, love did bloom! [Fade to Varrick and Zhu Li's wedding, where Bolin is marrying the couple.] So that is why, dearest friends and family, we gather today to celebrate the wondrous, and at time inexplicable bond between Sir Varrick and the Lady Zhu Li! Varrick: [Looks over to cameraman, who is filming the crowd; in a loud whisper.] Hey, pal, camera on me! This is my big day! [The camera is swiveled around and Varrick nods to Bolin to continue.] Bolin: True love is a fickle creature. [Cut to Bolin's friends and family in the audience.] Difficult to find, nearly impossible to tame. [Close-up on Varrick and Zhu Li.] But Varrick and Zhu Li have proven that even the longest of long shots [Varrick glances at Bolin, annoyed.] can have a chance at happiness together. Now, for the vows! [Pabu climbs on top of Bolin's shoulder with a small scroll around his neck.] Thank you, Master Pabu. Do you, Sir Iknik Blackstone Varrick of the Southern Water Tribe, Master of the High Seas, take the Lady Zhu Li Moon to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you promise to treat her not as your assistant, but as your honored and cherished partner? Varrick: You're darn tootin' I do! Bolin: And do you, Zhu Li, take Varrick, to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to care for him, in sickness and in health, [Looks down to note and gets a confused expression on his face.] and also scrub his callouses on a bi-weekly basis, which ... isn't really that much to ask ... [Crumples paper; to Varrick, annoyed.] Okay, I'm not reading all this. Zhu Li: [Close-up as she stares lovingly at her groom.] I do take Varrick. Callouses and all. Bolin: You may now [Varrick and Zhu Li lean in close together, Bolin takes a few steps back. Softly.] do the thing.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
S1EP1+2+3
Korra: [Smiling; plays along quickly.] Yeah, I'm with him.
Bolin: So, you see, we're together.
Korra: [Smiles awkwardly.] Well, not together together, more like friends.
Bolin: Right, friends. [Points at his chest; between his teeth.] No, no, I didn't mean to imply. [Clears throat.]
Korra: [Softly.] Oh, you implied it.
Toza:[Raising his arms, annoyed.] Ah, I don't care what you are! I got work to do.
Switch to a broader shot as he walks away while wiping his forehead with the towel that hung around his neck. He throws it to the ground and loosens his left arm.
Bolin: Rrright this way, miss.
Cut to Toza as he lifts a barbell with earthbending, and throws it to the side. He does the same with another barbell.
Korra: And thank you, sir! [Switch to close-up as she lifts a hand to the side of her face and whispers to Bolin.] Seriously, thanks.
They both walk away, smiling broadly, while Toza keeps repeating his exercise. The scene changes to a door being opened, with Korra and Bolin coming in. Korra glances around while Bolin smiles confidently.
Bolin: Whaddya think? Best seats in the house, huh?
Korra directs her gaze in the same direction as Bolin, her mouth falling open; screen zooms out to a shot of the entire Pro-bending Arena from inside. All the spots are directed at the playing field, and the stadium is packed with people.
Korra: [In awe.] Whoa! Unbelievable! [Cut back to Korra, who is looking around, and Bolin as two figures enter the room behind them and head to the only closet.] This place is even more amazing than I imagined!
Bolin: Name's Bolin, by the way.
Korra: [Keeps looking around.] Korra.
Mako: [Bolin turns to Mako.] Psst, [Close-up.] Bolin.
Switch to a shot from Mako's point of view as Bolin turns around, and walks toward Mako.
Bolin: Yeah?
Mako: [Frontal shot while he puts on his pro-bending equipment; quietly to Bolin.] I told you, you have to stop bringing your crazy fangirls in here before the matches. Get her out of here.
Bolin: [Shot cuts to Bolin; sighing.] Come on, Mako! Right, look, I kinda promised her she could stay, [Brightens, points over his shoulder at Korra.] but man, I got a good feeling, there's somethin' special about her. I know it! [He turns and walks toward Korra, grabs her by the shoulders and leads her to Mako, as the firebender looks at them, and the Avatar smiles.] Come here, I want you to meet my brother, Mako.
Korra: [Switch to a frontal shot as Mako walks toward the ring; Korra offers her hand.] Mako? Wow, I-I heard you playing on the radio.
Mako: [Ignores Korra completely.] Come on, Bolin, we're up.
Korra: [Looks to her outstretched hand; rejected.] ... or I could meet him later.
Bolin: [Frontal shot of Korra and Bolin; lightheartedly.] Yeah, sorry about that. My brother just gets real ... focused before a match. [He puts on his helmet and ties the strings.] Okay, I gotta go, wish me luck. [He shields his mouth with his hands.] Not ... that I'll need it.
***
Korra: [Frontal shot of Mako with Bolin and Korra behind him, the latter glaring at him; irritably.] Oh, you're still a jerk?
Bolin: Ooh! [Chuckles and turns to Korra.]
Korra: [Turns to Bolin.] Anyway, [Excitedly.] I've been immersed in bending my entire life, but I never learned how to move like that! It's like there's a whole new style here! [Crossing her arms.] Think you could show me a few tricks?
Bolin: Ab-so-lutely!
Mako: [Frontal shot as he is untying his protective gear; annoyed.] Right now? Come on, Bolin.
Bolin: [Frontal shot; puts his hand besides his mouth and speaks a bit softer.] Just ignore him. [Louder.] Yeah, I could show you the basics. [Pensively puts his left hand to his chin.] I'm just not sure how my earthbending would translate to your waterbending, [Lightheartedly.] but we'll figure it out.
Korra: [Smugly.] Won't be a problem. [Crosses arms slyly.] I'm actually an earthbender.
Bolin: [Awkwardly; eying Korra confusedly.] I'm sorry, no, no! I didn't mean to assume. 'Cause I, you know, I was just figuring ... with your Water Tribe getup ... that you are ... a Water Tribe ... gal.
Korra: [Casually and smugly.] Nope, you're right. I'm a waterbender. And a firebender.
Bolin: [Holding hand to chin; confused.] Mm. Mm-hmm. I'm very confused right now.
Mako: [Close-up of back of his head.] You're the Avatar, [Bows head, while closing eyes.] and I'm an idiot.
Korra: [Slightly mocking.] Both are true.
Bolin: [Eyes widen in shock; Mako has turned around to face Korra and Bolin.] No ... way. [He turns to Mako, shields his face from Korra with his hand while pointing at her; whispering.] The Avatar!
Scene changes to a slowly zooming in shot of the entire arena from outside.
Bolin: [Voice-over.] All right! Let's see what'cha got!
Cut to a shot of Bolin, now in casual clothing, and Korra in the gym with two piles of earth coins between them. The camera pans to the right revealing a net hanging on the other side of the gym as Korra decisively turns and raises her arm, an earth coin following the movement. She knocks the coin away with her other hand, and quickly repeats the movement, knocking two of the earth coins at a net. The camera swiftly follows the objects as they slam in the net, before cutting back to Bolin. Korra is still standing in her solid earthbending stance.
Bolin: That was great! Good power! But in a real match, you'd be a sitting turtle duck. [Cut to a frontal shot of a slightly disappointed Korra.] Not so upright and flatfooted! [Frontal shot of Korra and Bolin with Mako in the background as Bolin takes on a fighting stance, punching to air.] Stay light on your toes, right up until the moment when you need to dig in and strike. Then ... [He quickly raises two coins and almost immediately sends them flying toward the net.] pop, pop!
The camera stays with the two earth coins as they fly toward the net and nearly hit the exact same spot. Cut back to a side shot of Korra and Bolin; she stares at the net with open mouth, while he turns to her with a broad smile and gestures at the net, inviting her to give it another shot.
Korra: [Slightly shocked.] Okay, let me try it again.
Korra looks decisive. Cut to a shot of her feet as she jumps from side to side, before throwing two coins at the net, mimicking Bolin's fast strikes.
Bolin: [Impressed.] Wow! Nice adjustment! [Pointing at Korra.] You're a natural at this.
Mako: [Aloof.] Not bad.
Korra: [At Bolin, gesturing at Mako. Irritably; slightly down.] What's it take to impress this guy?
Mako: [Close-up.] What? I said "not bad". [Close-up of Korra pouting at him. Cut back to Mako shaking his head; annoyed.] You know what, it's getting late. [Overview shot of Mako sauntering off with his hands in his pockets.] I think I'm gonna turn in. You kids have fun. [Close-up as he stops and glances back.] Nice to meet you, Avatar Korra.
Korra: [Halfheartedly holding her hand up; sarcastically.] Yeah, been a real pleasure.
Mako: [Back shot of Mako walking away; casually.] See ya upstairs, bro.
Korra: Upstairs? [Slightly impressed and jealous.] You guys live here?
Bolin: [Frontal shot.] Yup. In the attic. It's nothin' fancy, but we have some great views! [Side shot of them both.] So, back to bending. Why don't you throw that combo one more time?
***
Korra: [Close-up of Mako's sad face, cut to Bolin's; voice-over.] I didn't miss your match, did I? You guys look like you lost already.
Bolin: [Frontal shot of the trio; dejected.] We might as well have.
Mako: [Angrily.] Hasook's a no-good no-show!
Referee: [Opens door.] You got two minutes to come out ready to play, or you're disqualified. [Exits.]
Mako: [Bitterly.] Well, there goes our shot at the tournament ... and the winnings.
Korra: [Points toward the other team in the room; Mako and Bolin briefly look up.] Can't you ask one of those guys to fill in?
Bolin: Nah. The rules say you can only compete on one team.
Korra: Well, then ... [Places hand on chest.] how about me? I'm a top-notch waterbender, [Crosses arms.] if I do say so myself.
Bolin: But, you're the Avatar. [To Mako.] Isn't that cheating?
Korra: [Close-up.] It isn't cheating if I only do waterbending.
Mako: No way. I'd rather forfeit than look like a fool out there.
Korra: [Offended and sarcastically.] Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence.
Referee: [Enters again.] Time's up. You in or out?
Korra: [Excitedly, instantly responding.] We're in!
Mako: [Just as quickly.] We are?
Bolin: [Excitedly getting up while Korra runs toward the closet. Just as quickly.] Yes!
***
Bolin: [Opens his arms; innocently.] What? [Rubs his stomach.] I'm a growing boy!
Butakha : Overview shot.] Oh, and one more small item of business: The Fire Ferrets need to ante up thirty thousand yuans for the championship pot.
Bolin: [Cut to a frontal shot of Bolin; shocked with his eyes wide open and blank.] Thirty thousand yuans?! [Pabu swings his tail for balance as Bolin suddenly slightly bends his head forward.]
Butakha: [Side shot; puts a hand on Mako's shoulder.] Sorry, kids. You got 'til the end of the week to come up with the dough, or else, you're out of the tournament.
Bolin feebly reaches after Butakha as he walks away. Korra walks up to them as both brothers look at the ground with sad expressions. They glance to her as she stops.
Bolin: [Starts with a high-pitched voice, that slowly lowers to his normal one.] You wouldn't happen to have a secret Avatar bank account overflowing with gold, would you?
Korra: [Pulls out her empty pockets.] I got nothing. [Frontal shot.] I've never really needed money. [Smiles softly while tilting her head slightly.] I've always had people taking care of me.
Mako: [Wider shot. Mako picks up the ball and puts it in a bag; slightly accusing.] Then I wouldn't say you have nothing.
Korra: [Close shot of Korra and Bolin, Korra looking somewhat guilty; apologetically.] Sorry, I didn't mean —
Bolin: [Frontal shot.] No, it's all right. It's just [Slightly lowers his voice; sadly.] ever since we lost our parents, we've been on our own.
Korra: [Frontal shot; compassionately.] I'm so sorry. I didn't know.
Mako: [Broader shot as Mako picks up the bags with two training balls in it and zips it shut.] So, anyway, [Frontal shot, as he swings the bag over his shoulder.] how are we gonna come up with the money?
Bolin: [Voice-over; excitedly.] Oh, oh, I got it! [Frontal shot, as he squats.] I got it! [Holds up his fire ferret.] I've been training Pabu to do circus tricks. Now people would pay good money to see that!
Wider shot of the three teenagers. Bolin excitedly and hopefully looks at Mako, while both Mako and Korra look down at Bolin with a "you cannot be serious" expression.
Mako: [Somewhat irritably.] Come on, Bolin. [Close-up of an excited Bolin.] We need serious ideas.
Bolin: [Pabu chitters softly as Bolin holds him close; downcast.] I was serious.
Mako [Walks away; cut to a frontal shot.] Don't worry about it. I'll figure something out. I always do.
Bolin stands up and both he and Korra eye Mako's exit with a wondering expression. Scene zooms in on Bolin, whose look changes to a determined one as he glances to the side.
Cut to Central City Station. The scene pans down Fire Lord Zuko's statue to reveal someone sitting at its base while people are passing him by.
Bolin: [Voice-over.] Come one, come all. [Close shot of Bolin who has a small bridge set up. He is wearing a flashy jacket and a fake mustache, while Pabu is standing on a little can, wearing a bright lime green jacket. He excitedly speaks to the passersby while making wide motions with his arms.] See Pabu the fantastic fire ferret as he crosses the Ladder of Peril, [Gasps; whispers dramatically.] upside down! [Pabu continues to clean himself by licking his paws.] Psst, psst. [The moment Bolin signals Pabu, the ferret jumps on the plank and starts walking across it on his front paws. Bolin softly cheers him on.] Big finish, buddy. Stick the landing. [Pabu flips off and lands on one front paw.] Ta da! [Someone throws a coin in Bolin's cup.] Thank you, ladies and gentlemen! You are too kind! Seriously, too kind! You can come back here and put money right in this- [Shakes his cup, and his excitement vanishes as he hears that there is little money inside it.] Okay, that's fine, that's fine. [Zooming in shot of the single coin that is in the canister.] One yuan down, 29,999 to go.
Broad side shot as the typical red car used by the Triple Treat Triad pulls up to Bolin. Bolin looks up. Switch to a closer shot of the driver as he rolls down the window.
Shady Shin: Hey, Bolin. Is that you?
Bolin: [Frontal shot; dejected.] Oh, hey there, Shady Shin.
Shady Shin: [Frontal shot; gets out of his car and walks toward Bolin.] Heard you're a big time pro-bending player now. Not bad.
Bolin: [Frontal shot; scratches his head.] Uh, thanks.
Shady Shi: [Side shot.] So listen. I got an offer for ya. Lightning Bolt Zolt is lookin' to hire some extra muscle.
Bolin: [Frontal shot; unsure.] Uh, I don't know, Shin. Mako told me to stay away from the Triple Threats.
Shady Shin: [Frontal shot; mildly irritably.] Pfuh, your brother ain't the boss of you. [Slyly.] It's just a little security work. Nothin' crooked.
Shady Shin reaches in his pocket, takes out a wad of cash, and tosses it into Bolin's cup. A shot from inside the can looking up shows Bolin staring at the money with wide eyes and gasps in awe. He shakes his head and gasps even louder, while nearly sticking his head in the can.
Shady Shin: [Frontal shot; smiling confidently.] You game?
***
Bolin: [Scared.] Uh, hello, Amon, sir. [Attempts a goofy grin; switch to a back-shot of Bolin to show Amon.] I think there's been a big misunderstanding.
***
Mako: Bolin, you all right?
Bolin: Yes! [Clasps his hands in relief, before extending them for a hug.] Mako! I love you!
**
Bolin: [Side shot; bouncing along with Naga's strides.] Hah ... Oh ... Yah ... Stop ... I want ... to be ... on ... your back ... please!
S1EP4
Korra: Hey, Bolin. [Rubs Naga's chest.]
Bolin: Missed you at practice this week.
Korra: Yeah, sorry about that.
Bolin: Nah, that's all right. We're probably out of the tournament anyways unless some money miraculously drops out of the sky by tomorrow. Anyways, the reason I came by was to give you this. [Holds out a cupcake and a rose. Pabu climbs off his shoulder.] Ta-da!
Korra: Wow, thanks. [Takes Bolin's gifts.] What's this for?
Bolin: [Rubbing his chin.] Uh, oh I can't remember now. Oh yeah, now I remember. You saved me from Amon!
Korra: Oh, that? [Shrugs.] It was no big deal.
Bolin: No big deal, are you serious? I was totally freaking out when he was coming at me with his creepy mask all, "I will take away your bending forever." [Acts like a zombie trying to comically replicate Amon while Korra looks at him with a worried expression.] I mean that is.. scary stuff; I still can't sleep well.
Bolin: Who's this Tarrlok guy? Is he bothering you? Huh, 'cause I could have a word with him. [Punches fist into his other hand.]
Korra: [Somewhat amused.] Heh, no it's not like that. He's just some old guy who works with Tenzin on the council.
Bolin: Oh, good. Good, that sounds better. I like that better.
S1EP5
"Work with me here, Pabu! You wanna look spic and span in your new uniform, don't you?"
"So... what do you think of Korra. Y'know, in that girlfriend sorta way?"
"I was talking about a girlfriend for me. Leave some ladies for the rest of us."
"Bro, you're nuts. Korra and I are perfect for each other. She's strong, I'm strong. She's fun, I'm fun. She's beautiful, I'm gorgeous! Okay, I don't care what you think. I'm going to ask Korra out."
"Yea, yeah. I know. G'ah. You know what I'm talking about, Pabu. I'm talkin' about real love."
"Sooo, Korra. I was thinkin'. You and me, we could go get some dinner together. Sorta a date situation."
"Are you kidding me? You're the smartest, funniest, toughest, buffest, talentedest, incrediblest girl in the world!"
"I felt that way since the moment I saw you! Trust me, we're going to have so much fun together."
"Who's the luckiest guy in the world? That's me, Bolin!"
"Mm, so how do 'ya like it?"
"That's great. 'Cause this is my favourite joint. See? You like water tribe food, I love water tribe food, just another reason we are so great together."
"I know you usually handle these, but frankly your head's just not in the game. I'm gonna take this one."
"Don't call me that. You're not my brother! You're a brother-betrayer. The only one I can trust anymore ... is Pabu. Pabu loves me. No, I'm not going anywhere with you, you traitor! WHY!!"
"You're a bad idea!"
"Uh. If everyone's done with the little thank-you party, need some medical attention over here."
"Ow! Haven't you hurt me enough, woman?!"
"Nononono -- Ooh, that's the stuff."
"Ah, I'll be alright. But we had fun together, did we?"
"Please, go on. I enjoy praise."
S1EP6
"You're on Pabu.... Yes, nailed it! He's so talented."
"Pfft. They got nothing on us buddy. Anybody can howl. Wooo ... Whatever."
S1EP7
"[pretending to be Pabu] Come on Korra! We all deserve a little rest and relaxation after all this craziness! We can swim in Asami's pool! It'll be fun!"
"This is the greatest place in the world. Watch this watch this -- Fetch me my towel, good sir."
"'Master Bolin'! Hah! I love this guy! Now, pat me dry. Don't forget Master Pabu."
"Ooh, Ooh, I vote makeovers!"
"Yeah. Just stay put until the Chief comes back. That sounds very familiar, doesn't it? Why -- because you said it."
"Hello Mr. Sato! Wow, what a really ... scary factory you have here under your mansion."
S1EP8
S1EP9
"A little privacy please!"
"What? No! That's just gossip, where'd you hear that? Crazy talk is coming outta your mouth right now!"
"Nothing! I mean... there was this one time during the tournament that Mako and Korra kissed, but ... Believe me, I was upset too, but I'm over it. I don't think it meant anything. "
S1EP11
"Where does Hiroshi find the time to keep inventing new evil machines?!"
"I like this man's confidence! So... how are we not out of this fight?"
"Korra, Amon is a nasty dude. Be careful."
"MR. SATO YOU ARE A HORRIBLE FATHER."
S2EP1
"Wow, look at all these people that came out to greet us!"
"Whoa. Who are the lovely ladies?"
"Oh no sure, I knew that ... Which one is Desna?"
[sticking a hen in his mouth] "What? It's so good."
"No problem! Pabu and I are natural assistants."
"Man, this is nice. I gotta get into this whole 'business' thing."
"It looked like you were just ... sitting on the pillow."
"Is that how 'business' usually goes ...?"
"[About to go flirt with Eska] Wish me luck! I'm going in! Wheeee!"
"Hey, I'm Bolin. Friend of Korra's? You're uh, Eska right? Wow, I am loving these robes."
"[sweating] Ahem. So, uh, you ... are from the North right? Cool, that's like my favourite direction."
"You mean like a boyfriend? Or, uh, like a slave... "
"GUYS! HEY, WAIT FOR ME! Check it out, I'm traveling in style! Woah! Okay, sorry, still getting used to the throttle."
"Varrick gave it to me. He's awesome! He also gave me this fancy snowsuit, it's inflatable with internal heater, emergency beacon and food ration pouch! I mean if I get lost, I can survive on this thing for like, like a month! Who wants some freeze-dried cucumber quarts? Nobody? Did I interrupt the conversation?"
"Can we not talk about dark spirits, please?"
"Woah. So you were supposed to be Chief, then he became Chief. No wonder you guys don't like each other! ... Ow! What? Isn't that what happened?"
S2EP3
"Mako! Oh, I'm so happy to see you! No, no I'm not alright, I can't take anymore! Listen, I don't wanna live in icy bliss with Eska! [crying] Don't make me ... please don't make me."
"Break up with her? You can do that?"
"Thanks Mako! Phew. I'm lucky you're so good at breaking girls' hearts. Korra better watch out! No, it's just... uh. You know what, nevermind."
"Haha isn't this fun, guys? We never get to spend enough time together, just the ... five of us. So fun. -- You guys gotta save me. "
"I tried! But everytime I bring up the subject, she threatens to freeze me in a block of ice and feed me to dolphin-piranhas!"
"Why didn't you warn me your cousin had the power to reach into my heart and crush my soul with her bare hands?"
"No, no, not to me it wasn't! I'm very bad at reading people, you should know that by now!"
2EP4
"Yes! Yes my swet ... koala-otter."
"I tried to break up but Mako ... gave me terrible advice. Thank you Mako."
"We're good to go. I gave all the money to some guys over there and I told them to 'take care of it' and then I winked. Huh. Pretty sure they got the message... [the judge arrives] Man, I should've paid him!
"Your honor, if I may ...? ....may declare ... a mistrial?"
"I was wanna be honest with you. When we first met there was this crazy spark, but I'm starting to feel that that spark is fading."
S2EP5
"Wow. Usually, when I see flashing lights these, it's because I got hit in the head with a rock."
"Well, I took a trip south for the Glacier Spirits festival, was briefing engaged to a princess, then went through kinda a ... tough break-up there. Was accidentally involved in a civil ... war ... but there's nowhere I'd rather be than Probending 9 in Republic City! Am I right? REPUBLIC CITY!"
"Well, I definitely don't miss getting hit by things all the time. I mean, the humiliating losing is pretty old. Y'know, sometimes, I actually cry myself to sleep ... I guess what I miss the most ARE THESE FANS! THEY'RE THE GREATEST FANS IN THE WORLD! GIVE IT UP FOR DA FANS!"
"The trick is, whenever I get confused, I just say 'Republic City' or 'Fans', and then everyone cheers."
"[sees Eska's face] UAAHHGH!! Sorry, keep doing that."
"I'm Nuktuk! What do 'ya think?"
"Oh man, Varrick, that guy is a genius. He's going to help Asami sell her mechatanks in the south, and he came up with this great idea for Korra to get General Iroh to fight Unalaq without President Rikoh even knowing!"
"And he's going to put me in the movers as this hero, Nuktuk! He's a man of action! But he's got a heart of gold. He was born in the tundra!"
"Nuktuk, saves the day again!"
"And Mako! What? There's no way Mako would have told ... .Right?"
"I ... Is that a trick question?"
"Wow. We got some major chemistry on screen. Am I right?"
"What's wrong?? Are you mad because I left you in the clutches of the evil Unalaq? I'm gonna save you in the next episode! Ginger, let's work through this."
"Hey, Mako, check this out! I did a little redecorating. It turns out one of the perks of being a star is lots of cash."
"[Is that a marble statue of you?] It's also. A hat rack. [We don't even have hats!] That's because we have never had. A hat rack. And now we do?"
"Mako, you seem stressed. I think you need to take a little dippity-dip."
"You need my help? Uhh, I don't know, kinda busy."
"I'm maintaining my instrument. As an actor, my body is my instrument."
"You know, I recall a time when I needed your help, and you basically told me to get a life. So that's a no."
"[What am I supposed to do now?] I don't know, Mako. Figure it out! Remember? That's what you said to me. Hurts, doesn't it. "
"Ow! My instrument!"
"[After kissing Ginger] Sorry, just kinda lost myself in the moment! It just felt so right."
"Okay, okay. Kinda getting a mixed vibe here? Because a minute ago you were into me, and now you're not."
"Can't say I've seen him. But I've been kinda busy, yknow, rehearsing for my next scene. There's gonna be some crazy pyrotechnics -- That's mover-speak for explosion. Or sometimes we just call them explosions. Anyway, wish I could stay here and hit-chat but I gotta go shoot my big scene."
S2EP9
"Wait a minute. Are you two [GASP] You're dating again? Korra just left a week ago!"
"Yeah, let it go Mako. Let it go."
S2EP11
"I'm on my way to the big finale for Nuktuk, Hero of the South! Everyone's gonna be there except for, y'know, you ... because you're in jail it's tough."
"No, I came by to give you my sincere, heartfelt words of encouragement. I know our lives have been moving in two different directions but I want you to know I will always be there for you. We are brothers after all. Even if one of us is a member of high society and the other one is a criminal."
"You kinda look like one. 'Cause you're in a jail and that's where criminals live."
"Ah, I see what you're doing, you're going for the insanity defense! Smart."
"I just wish Mako were here to see it."
"Of course I know. Juji's fine. He comes back to life at the end when the doomsday device shifts the polarity of the earth. Oops ... spoilers."
"I guess I just miss my friends. Everything's going so well for me but it just feels so empty without everyone around. Korra's gone. Mako's in jail. You're doing ... business-lady stuff. Team Avatar's falling apart."
"Unalaq is going to destroy the world? He really does have a doomsday device?"
"... Never should've saved that guy."
"I saved the president in real life! You were right about Varrick! He tried to kidnap Rikoh! But, it didn't work because of you! And because of me. Let's just say we both did good."
"Sorry for ever doubting you, Mako."
"Alright! Team Avatar is back in business! Hah-hah!"
"It's a Varrick ship! You never know what you're going to find. There's a whole level filled with one-house mirrors. Of course, there's also the cat-gator deck. Ahh, I miss that guy, he really knew how to make a long trip interesting."
"So, have you told Korra yet about how you guys kinda broke up then you kinda started dating Asami while she was gone?"
"You know, a wise man once told me that delivering bad news to a girlfriend was like ripping off a blood-sucking leech. You just gotta do it fast and get it over with. [rubbing Mako's advice back in his face] "
"I'm an Earthbender strapped to the wings of a plane, hundreds of feet in the air! So, no ...? "
"Wait a second! Worst case scenario: So, we're fighting Unalaq, he closes the portals, let's just say if something happens to you, are we gonna be stuck there for eternity?!"
S3EP1
Asami: Where's Mako?
Bolin: Oh, you mean the brooding teenager? He's staying in the police station.
Korra: Still?
Bolin: I told him Tenzin invited us to stay here since our apartment is a vine habitat now, but, [Styles his hair like Mako, with an upset tone.] he said he had to focus on work. [Puts his hair back.]
Bumi: Oh, did you see that? I think the napkin moved.
Kya: [Annoyed.] You blew on it.
Bumi: Wait! [Ponders.] Maybe I can only do it when my life is in danger. Bolin, bend a giant boulder at me.
Bolin: Yeah, I don't think that's a good idea.
***
Tenzin: True wisdom begins when we accept things as they are. You've started a new age, Korra. There's no going back to the past. [Bolin runs and interrupts Tenzin and Korra's conversation.]
Bolin: Mako called! [Korra and Tenzin turn around.] The cops found a new airbender guy, but when they tried to bring him in, he ran away and climbed to the top of Kyoshi Bridge and won't come down. Ooh sorry, did I interrupt an Avatar wisdom session?
Korra: [Walks past Bolin.] Avatar wisdom is the thing of the past, Bolin. [Taps Bolin on the shoulder.] Come on.
Bolin: Oh okay. Is that a good thing?
Korra: Depends who you ask.
S3EP3
"HELLO MIDDLE RING!"
"Ahh, it's got that upper-ring smell."
"Well, I can just stash Pabu in my shirt. These two are gonna be a little tougher."
"But he's my new little brother. He's probably lost, and scared."
**
Bolin: Kai, it's us. Mako and Bolin, your new family. [Bolin runs along to chase after Kai.]
Bolin: Excuse me, coming through [Bolin squeezes in between two rickshaws.] Pardon me. [Bolin pulls a large grin.] Carry on. [Bolin runs along to continue chasing after Kai.]
Mako: What are you doing running around robbing people?
Kai: I was just practicing my airbending. [Kai pulls a large grin.]
Mako: Yeah right. Let's go. [Mako grabs Kai's top.] You're in big trouble.
Mako: Hey! [Mako bangs his hands on the side window.]
Kai smiles and waves at Mako and Bolin as the train leaves the station.
Mako: [Angrily.] Your little brother, huh?
Bolin: Yeah ... just a lovable little scamp, isn't he?
Mako: [Mako looks out the window.] Reminds me of my little brother.
***
Mako: All right. Let's see if we can catch a train back to the Upper Ring.
Scene shifts to a woman showing her ticket to the ticket master. The ticket master lets her through. However, Mako and Bolin tries to barge through, but end up getting blocked.
Ticket master: Passports and tickets.
Bolin: We can pay, hold on. [Both Bolin and Mako check their pockets to find that Kai has robbed them as well.] Where's my money? [Bolin and Mako widen their eyes in realization and stare at each other in disbelief.] No, Kai wouldn't-- [Bolin's eyes widen. Mako stares at him.] Aww, man. [Bolin pulls an exaggerated expression of dismay.]
Ticket master: Step aside, beat it you two, [Both boys yell after getting pushed by the ticket master.] before things get ugly.
Mako stares to the other side, looking at two Dai Li agents. Both of them stare back. Mako stares back at the ticket master and turns around. The next scene shifts to Mako and Bolin walking outside Poh Kong station, at the same time, a train leaves Poh Kong station. The scene shifts to a messed up lower ring street.
Bolin: [Voice-over.] The bad news [Camera slowly pans down to reveal the back of the brothers' heads.] is we're stuck here. The good news is [Bolin puts his hand on Mako's shoulder and grins.] we can go the bathroom wherever we want.
Mako glares at Bolin with a blank stare and Bolin releases his hold on Mako, looking a little dejected.
***
Bolin: Ohh man, aww I slipped a disc sleeping here. It's been awhile since we spent the night in a trash pile. It's about how I remembered.
Mako: I bet everyone's freaking out that we've been gone all night. [Mako brushes off a banana on his head.]
Bolin: I'm worried about Kai; he's just a little kid out there on his own. He's probably really scared.
***
Bolin: Fwoo, I'm getting really hungry. [Gasps as a fruit stall comes into view behind them. Bolin looks at Mako.] Haah, we might have to hustle up a little breakfast with the old, [Gestures his hand out to the fruits.] fruit stand scam. Come on. [Bolin grabs a reluctant Mako by the arm and drags him to the fruit stand, where flies surround the fruit. Bolin wraps his arm around Mako.] You remember how it goes, [Does a shoving motion.] I push you into the stand, [Raises his voice a bit.] you scream. [Places a hand on his head dramatically.] I pretend to faint.
Mako: I don't want any part of it. Besides, look at this fruit, [Cut to the bruised, moldy fruit with flies buzzing around it.] it's disgusting. We don't want to steal this.
Tu: [Rises into sight from under the stand.] Hey, [Points to Mako.] you trying to steal my fruit?
Mako: No, I just said I don't want any of this rotten fruit.
Tu: [Eyes widens for a moment in surprise.] Oh, you're too good for my fruit? [Leans over and rests his hand on a stack of apples, several of which collapse into mush under the pressure.] This is the best fruit on the block.
Mako: So you want me to steal?
Tu: [Tu shows his fist to Mako and Bolin.] Just try me, buddy. [Kisses his bicep.] Go ahead.
Bolin: I'm confused. Are we stealing the fruit or not?
Tu: I knew it. [Tu points his finger at Mako.] Thieves! [Mako and Bolin turn around and try to escape, but Tu jumps out of his fruit stand and tackles them.]
Chow: What's going on here?
Tu: [Tu looks at his dad.] Dad, these fruit thieves are insulting our fruit.
Chow: [Chow looks down and takes a closer look at them.] Bolin? Mako?
Mako: How do you know our names?
Bolin: Yeah, I mean I'm famous so I get that, but how do you know his name?
Chow: You look just like San. [Mako and Bolin opens their eyes wider.] Tu, you'll never believe who these guys are. They're your cousins! My brother San's kids. [Tu's eyes widen.]
***
Chow: Your father sent us a letter years ago with your names, but that was the last we heard from him. Then we saw your pictures in the sports magazine with your bending team, and Bolin, we love those Nuktuk movers. They're hilarious!
Bolin: Yeah, they're not really comedies, but uh ...
Tu: Yeah, I could probably be a pro-bender or an actor or something if I lived in a mansion in Republic City like you guys. You don't know what it's like on the streets. You got to be tough. [Flexes.]
Bolin: Oh, Mako and I grew up on the streets. We were homeless, then we were kinda in a gang, then we lived in a gym ... [Chow drags Mako and Bolin into their home.]
Chow: Hey everybody! Look who's here, San's kids: Mako and Bolin. [Everyone starts to smile.]
***
Chow: Boys, this is your grandmother, Yin.
Yin: Aw, it is so wonderful to meet my long lost grandchildren [Yin hugs Mako and Bolin.] Where is San and your mother?
Bolin: Wait, you mean you don't know?
**
Bolin: This is so great! We never had a family before. Now we've got one, two, five ... eleven ... [Camera zooms out, showing a crowded room with dozens of people.] ... a big family! Yeah!
Mako: So why did Dad leave Ba Sing Se?
Chow: Oh, he always had big dreams. He couldn't wait to get out and see the world. Your grandfather thought it was ridiculous. He wanted San to stay home and work the fruit stand. But San was determined to leave, and they had a huge fight. [Yin looks sad and turns away.] And that was the last time they ever spoke. [Notices Yin's expression.] Oh, um ... sorry, Mom.
Yin: [To Mako and Bolin.] Come with me. I have something to show you.
Scene cuts to outside of the building. Through the window Yin, Mako, and Bolin can be seen seated on a sofa.
Yin: [As she speaks, the scene shifts into the room.] This is the only letter we ever got from San. It says he married a beautiful girl from the Fire Nation, and had two wonderful sons. He sent this picture of you all on his birthday. [Holds up picture of Mako and Bolin with their parents.]
Bolin: Look, Mako! Dad's wearing your scarf!
Yin: I'm so sad that I never got to meet your mother, [Speaking to Mako.] but you have her eyes. I know from looking at you two that she must have been a wonderful bride for my boy. [As she is speaking, Bolin sniffs and wipes away tears.]
Mako: [Looks downcast; takes off his scarf and drapes it around his grandmother's neck.] I'm sure they would want you to have this.
Yin smiles and hugs Mako. Bolin joins in.
**
Chow: [To Mako and Bolin.] You know, San would've been so proud of you guys! Traveling the world with the Avatar? He would've loved that!
Mako: We actually need to get back to the Avatar in the Upper Ring. We're supposed to be helping her find airbenders in Ba Sing Se. [Everybody gasps.]
Bolin: [Quickly looks around.] What? What happened?
Chow: One of our neighbors started airbending about a week ago. A couple days later, two Dai Li agents come out of nowhere and snatch him up. No one's seen him since.
Tu: They say the Earth Queen's locking all the airbenders up somewhere, and using them for experiments.
Yin: Tu! Don't talk like that about Her Majesty! [She blows a kiss and bows to a portrait of Hou-Ting on the wall.] Long may she reign.
Mako: [To Bolin.] We have to get back to the Upper Ring and tell Korra. [They get up from the table and start to leave.]
Bolin: [Grabbing a stack of buns.] I hope Kai is okay.
S3EP4
Mako:[Takes the passports.] Thanks. I know this wasn't easy.
Yin: It's such a shame you two must leave so soon.
Mako: I wished we could stay. But if it's true the Earth Queen is forcing airbenders into her army, we have to do something about it.
Yin: I love you both. Come visit again. [Hugs her long lost grandsons, who hug her back.]
Mako: We will, Grandma.
Bolin: I love you too, Grandma. And Chow, and Tu, and Meng-Meng, and Chow Jr., there is Big Tee and Little Tee, and Medium Yu, and ... and ... and what was your name again?
***
Asami: Mako. Bolin. You're okay. Where have you been?
Bolin: [Catching his breath.] We chased Kai. Train. Slipped away. Lower Ring. Slept in trash pile. Met our family. Grandma tears. Mako scarf. [Throws Pabu onto his head, mimicking Hou-Ting's royal headgear.] Earth Queen. Lying. [Slumps onto the floor.]
Asami: Can you interpret that?
Mako: The Earth Queen's been secretly taking away airbenders and forcing them into her army.
Korra: [Angrily.] She was lying. I knew it! I swear, the next time I see her-
Asami: [Whispering.] It's the Queen.
Korra softens and looks at the Queen, who is carried in a sedan.
Bolin: [Opens his outer shirt.] Quick! Pabu. Shirt. [Pabu jumps in, chittering in protest.] I know. Sorry. Kinda sweaty.
Bolin: I love you too, Grandma. And Chow, and Tu, and Meng-Meng, and Chow Jr., there is Big Tee and Little Tee, and Medium Yu, and ... and ... and what was your name again?
***
Jinora: [Worried.] Guys, what if Kai was spotted airbending? He might have been taken too.
Bolin: Probably not. He's surprisingly difficult to catch, like a— like a little, greased hog-monkey.
***
Asami: [Irritated.] Oh great, not the Queen again.
Korra: Everyone, act natural. And Bolin -
Bolin: I'm on it! [Opens his outer shirt. Pabu chitters in protest.] What? Hey, I'm not sweaty this time! [Points at shirt. Pabu jumps in, and wiggles around.]
***
Jinora Kai! [Runs and hugs him, than kisses him on the cheek; Kai smiles in a frozen stance.]
Bolin: Whoa! Tenzin's not gonna be happy about this!
Mako: Then don't tell him.
Bolin: How can I not? This is too juicy!
Kai: [To Mako and Bolin.] Thanks for coming to get me. I'm really sorry about stealing your wallets, and running away, and getting you stuck on that train.
Bolin: [Sighs and goes to hug Kai.] We can't stay mad at you.
***
Korra: Where are the others? [Cut to Bolin, Mako, Jinora and Kai running down the temple steps.]
Bolin: [Screaming at the top of his lungs.] We need help!
Dai Li agents rise to new heights on earth pillars, and begin firing down at the escapees. Korra steers Oogi away from the airship.
Bolin: Everybody, hang on.
Bolin sends himself and his allies into the air with an earth pillar, as Oogi flies over to break their fall.
***
S3EP5
Lin is seated on a bench far away from the windows with her arms crossed. Naga and Pabu are near her.
Lin: [Unexcited.] Hmm ...
**
Aiwei: [As the tram passes a statue of Toph Beifong.] That statue honors the first metalbender, Toph Beifong, who expanded the possibilities of what benders were capable of. Here, everyone is encouraged to reach his, or her, highest potential.
Bolin: [Excitedly.] Does Toph live here? Are we going to get to meet her?
***
Suyin: I'm so proud of those two. [The group walks away. Cut to the group heading to a gallery filled with metal sculptures, where a sculptor works on one with metalbending.] Huan, I'd like you to meet the Avatar and her friends. And your Aunt Lin.
Korra: Nice to meet you.
Huan: [Without looking back.] Hey. [Korra looks confused.]
Bolin: Wow, that's a really nice ... banana? Yes, very, very lifelike.
Huan: [Cut to Huan's back view. Sighs. Turns to Bolin and speaks irritably.] It's not a banana! It was inspired by Harmonic Convergence; represents the dawning of a New Age. [Bitterly.] Obviously.
Bolin: Oh, yeah, no, uh, I can, I can totally see that. [Mako and Asami look amused in the background and they start walking off. Forms a frame with his fingers.] I can, oh, let me stand here. Yes, I can see that now. Yes. Thank you. [Walks off, speaking away in a mocking fashion.] Banana. [Whispers to Mako.] I mean, that's a banana right?
***
Opal: [Turns toward the guests.] Wow, Avatar Korra. [Stands up.] I can't believe you're here. You are so amazing.
Korra: It's great to meet you, Opal.
Bolin: Opal. That's a beautiful name.
Opal: [Blushes and pushes some hair behind her ear.] Thanks.
Bolin: I'm Bolin. [Extends a hand out.]
Opal: Opal. [Shakes Bolin's hand.] But, uh, you already knew that.
Korra glances back and forth between the two with amused curiosity. Bolin gets distracted by a bird and looks to the side somewhere while Lin storms toward them.
***
Bolin: Mmmm. I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical when he said "pea tendrils", [Laughs.] but this is delicious.
Opal: [Laughs.] I know, right. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal in my life.
Bolin: Oh. I had plenty when Mako and I were living in the streets. [Opal looks at him sympathetically.] I mean, you'd be surprised how bad food from a dumpster can be.
Opal: I'm sorry. I didn't know.
Bolin: No, no, it's okay, that's all in the past. Things are great now. I got to be a pro-bender, fought against a dangerous revolution, became a mover star, and now, I'm helping the Avatar rebuild a whole nation.
Opal: [Envious.] Wow. Your life sounds so exciting.
***
Mako: So, you and Opal seemed to hit it off dinner. I think she's really into you.
Bolin: Yeah, I know. She's sweet and pretty and super nice. Too bad she's not my type.
Mako: Right, I forgot. Your type is dumb mover star or psycho ice princess.
Bolin: [Spits out his toothpaste.] You know, that really hurts a little bit. Right ... [Presses a fist to his chest.] here. [Looks at mirror, adjusting his hair.] Maybe you're right, bro. Maybe Opal is Bolin material. Thanks. [Flirts with his reflection.] Yeah!
***
Bolin: [Flirting.] Hey, lady. Wow, you really blowin' me away with your airbending. [Pretends to airbend.] Ahhh, woo-woosh, psst.
Opal: Why are you acting weird?
Bolin: Why are you acting weird?
Opal: I don't like how you're talking to me. [Walks off.]
Bolin: [Chases after Opal.] Look, I'm sorry. I just get really self-conscious when I know when a girl likes me, and I-I end up looking stupid.
Opal: Who said I liked you?
Bolin: Oh no. But I though ... Mako said-
Opal: Just kidding. But, do me a favor and stop trying. [Bolin looks crestfallen.] Look, don't stop trying. Just stop trying so much. Just be yourself.
Bolin: Huh. Be myself. Yeah, I guess I can give that a shot.
Bolin and Opal look at each other romantically. Korra clears her throat to make her presence known.
Opal: Oh, hey Korra.
Korra: Can I steal you away from Bolin for a minute? I need you help with something.
S3EP6
Korra: Really? That would be great!
Opal: [To Bolin.] You should try it, too.
Bolin: [Flinches visibly.] Uh, nah. I'm more of an earth guy. The dirt, rocks; y'know, maybe some light gravel. That's kinda where my heart is.
Suyin: Okay, Earth Guy. Well, let me know if you change your mind.
**
Korra: Bolin? Is that you?
Bolin: [Nervous.] No!
Korra: What are you doing? [Bolin steps out from behind the rock.]
Bolin: Oh, hey ladies. Just uh ... I was just looking for Pabu. Pabu!
Korra: He's on your shoulder.
Bolin: [Eyes shift to his shoulder and see Pabu.] Oh, look there you are! [To Suyin and Korra.] You know, I thought something was chewing on my ear. Probably need to get a shot. Pabu has sort of a ... a venom. Anyways, so what are you guys doing? You metalbending over here or something?
Suyin: Want to give it a shot?
Bolin: Nah, it's okay. I mean, only like one earthbender in a hundred can metalbend.
Suyin: Well, don't believe everything you hear. The only thing limiting you is your attitude.
Bolin: Well, maybe I'll just ... I'll just stay and watch. [Makes a rock stump for himself, and sits down. Korra turns back to the meteorite.]
Suyin: Try to focus on the fine pieces of earth within the metal. [Korra takes Suyin's advice, and successfully changes the shape of the meteorite.]
Korra: I can't believe it! I'm metalbending!
Bolin: [Downcast, with a catch in his voice.] Wow, you picked that up really, really quick. Guess you're that one in a hundred.
Suyin: [Puts her hand on Korra's shoulder.] Great job, Korra.
**
Back to Zaofu, as Bolin sneaks up behind a meteorite pedestal, whistling. He takes the meteorite from its pedestal and attempts to bend it.
Opal: [From behind Bolin.] Hey, Bolin.
Bolin: [Shocked, hides the meteorite.] Opal! Oh, wow, you ... really know how to sneak up on someone.
Opal: What are you doing?
Bolin: Oh nothing, you know, just ... [Puts the meteorite back.] just thinking about my body and mustaches that I might have in the future. [The meteorite falls off the pedestal.]
Opal: You're acting weird again.
Bolin: Sorry. I wasn't really thinking about all my mustaches. I'm just frustrated. I've been trying to metalbend and I can't figure it out. Don't tell anyone, okay?
Opal: Why not?
Bolin: Because it's embarrassing. This isn't the first time I've tried, and I've been wanting to metalbend ever since I heard about Toph. Your grandmother is my biggest hero!
Opal: [Walks over and puts her hand on Bolin's shoulder.] My mom grew up learning from Toph. Just go train with her. Stop being so scared.
Bolin: You know what? Maybe I am scared. But what about you? I know that you want to go to the Northern Air Temple to train with Tenzin, but you haven't done it, because you're afraid too!
Opal: You know what? You're right. I don't want to leave my family and disappoint my mom.
Bolin: Look at us! Talking about our feelings, supporting each other. [Bolin and Opal hug.]
Opal: It's nice.
**
Bolin: So, umm, I've been thinking, and I'd like to try to learn metalbending. [Suyin walks up to him.] I mean, I'm sure you have a waiting list or something of a couple years so.
Suyin: Let's get started.
The ground cracks beneath them and a meteorite falls and breaks. Cut to show an angry, panting Lin.
Bolin: [Somewhat nervously to Korra.] I think Lin is mad about something.
**
Bolin: You don't have any siblings, fighting is all part of the healing process.
***
Korra: Uhh, Whose going to knock? [Pushes Bolin closer to the door outside Lin's quarters.]
BoliN: No, no, no, no, no, no! Not me! You're the Avatar, why can't you do it?
Korra: Uhh, I can. But I just thought that ...
Mako: I'll do it. [Knocks on Lin's door.] Uhh, Chief, you've been sleeping for sixteen hours. We just wanted to make sure that you're okay.
S3EP7
Korra: Not exactly. We got a call about an airbender and it turned out to be Su's daughter Opal. She'll be headed your way soon.
Tenzin: [Excitedly.] Really? That's wonderful!
Bolin: [Shoulders Korra aside and grabs the microphone.] She is wonderful, and pretty, [Tenzin and Korra get annoyed.] and so smart, and she smells like flowers ... [Notices Korra glaring.] Sorry. Bolin, out. [Slides out of view.]
S3EP8
Wei: [Referring to Bolin. Bored and frowning.] I can't believe I'm stuck with her friend.
Camera angle changes to an aerial view of the practice area and Wing earthbends a trail toward Korra who jumps and dodges. Bolin stands in front of Wei.
Bolin: Hang on, I think I got it. Let me just try this. [Attempts and fails to bend a meteorite.] Nope, okay maybe- [He is cut off as he gets nailed with a slab of metal by Wei.]
Wei: Trial by fire. It's the best way to learn metalbending. [Bolin ducks as a meteorite is sent toward him. He quickly bends a pebble at his attacker, directly hitting his forehead.] Agh!
Mako: [Approaches the scene with Asami.] Whoa. Nice shot, Bolin! [Wei grabs his forehead with both hands and makes little moans of pain.] But I thought you were supposed to be practicing metalbending, not earthbending.
Wei: [Rubs his red forehead.] Yeah, cheater. [Crosses his arms.]
Bolin: Mako, metalbending is extremely difficult. No one gets it right away, if they can get it at all! It's not normal! [Cut to Korra, as she is able to dodge Wing's attacks and knock him to the ground with her cables.]
Korra: [Jumps.] Woo-hoo! [Flexes her muscles.] Metalbending champion!
Bolin: Oh sure. She's the Avatar.
Asami: Guys, it's time to get cleaned up. Tonight is Opal's farewell dinner.
Bolin: [Sadly.] Oh, now I have to say bye to Opal? This is the worst day ever! [Slumps his shoulders and walks away sulkily.]
Cut to Opal's farewell dinner, as the chef walks over and gives Opal her plate.
Opal: Thanks for making my favorite meal.
Chef: I'm really going to miss you, Opal. No one appreciates my raw veggie wraps like you do. [Walks away to serve the remaining plates of food.]
Bolin: [To Opal.] Every time I eat raw kale, I'm going to think of you.
Opal: You're so sweet.
Bolin: This stinks! We were just starting to get to know each other, and now you're off to the Northern Air Temple.
Opal: We'll be together soon. You guys are coming up after finding more airbenders, right?
Bolin: Yeah, but that's ... in the future. Ugh, I hate the future!
Opal: [Holds up a piece of kale, which Bolin bites into.] Until then, we'll always have kale.
Varrick: [To Bolin.] Kid, can I give you some relationship advice?
Bolin: [Swallows.] Umm, no.
***
Bolin: [Mumbling.] Kale, kale, kale ... Opal ...
Pabu wakes up. The fire ferret leaps off the bed and hops over to the nearby window sill and looks out, noticing the four criminals. He paws against the glass and squeaks loudly in alarm in an attempt to wake his owner jolting Bolin awake.
Bolin: What? [His pet continues to shrill.] What's going on? [He sinks back and lays down to his pillow in annoyance.] Pabu, sleep!
Back outside the window, P'Li and Ghazan ducks down an alley between two guest houses while Zaheer and Ming-Hua hide under a window. Zaheer directs his gang onward to the adjacent bedroom window: Korra's. They crouch down beside it, and Ming-Hua raises a water tentacle up and forms a small sickle at the end. She uses the ice sickle to scratch the glass and carves a hole into the window with water bending. Cut to the inside of the room that Ming-Hua is attempting to break into and we see Naga sleeping in front of the bed. Camera pans right to Korra in her pajamas, deeply asleep. Camera returns back to the sickle on the window as it makes a complete circle. Water encases the cut glass and it pulls away quietly off-screen. Another water tentacle arm holding three red darts is soon raised. Naga awakens, hearing the commotion, but she is quickly knocked out by shirshu-spit darts. Korra wakes up to the sound of her whimpering, as Zaheer bends a blast of air into the window. She avoids it and jumps out of her bed, attempting to firebend, but she is hit by a dart as she lands. Ghazan and P'Li enter and pick her up as she loses consciousness. Back to Bolin's room, as Pabu leaps onto the bed to get his owner's full attention.
Bolin: [As Pabu chatters.] Huh? What? Oh, Pabu. [As the fire ferret jumps back to the window.] It's not play time right now. Okay, we are seriously going to have to have a talk- [Sees an unconscious Korra being held by the fleeing fugitives.] What the heck?! They've got Korra. They've got Korra! [Mako wakes up in the other bed and they quickly exit their room.]
Mako: [Blasts fire at the gang.] Let her go! [Bolin sends at a boulder shortly after Mako's attack, but P'Li absorbs the fire, while Ming-Hua stops the boulder with waterbending. She sends a line of water at the brothers, but Mako counters it with more firebending. P'Li and Zaheer attack, which Mako and Bolin also avoid. They hide behind a pillar. Mako yells to the guards at the top towers.] They've got Korra! [Lights are shone onto the criminals, whose cover is up.]
***
Bolin: No way! That guy is lavabending! That's awesome ... ly not good for us.
***
Suyin: She's a combustionbender. If one of you can stun her, her powers will be knocked out temporarily.
Mako Bolin can land a shot.
Bolin: I can?
Suyin: You have to take her out right before we drop down.
Bolin: I do?
***
Mako: Copy that. It's Bolin time.
Bolin: All right. Bolin time. Bolin time! [Bolin fires a boulder at P'Li, but she ducks and avoids it. The criminals immediately start firing attacks toward Mako, Bolin, and Asami's slab. Attacks go back and forth.] I can't get a clean shot!
Mako: You have to!
Wing: [From his walkie-talkie.] Are we a go?
Mako: No go!
Wing: Copy that, we're a go.
Mako: I said no! Wait! [He is too late. Suyin and Lin drop down. Mako peers back at the criminals, who are preoccupied with the guards. P'Li looks up and sees Suyin and Lin.] Bolin, take the shot! [P'Li gets ready to fire, as Bolin quickly shoots another rock at her. The pebble hits her in the forehead, stuns her, and causes her attack to redirect back at the pillars behind the group. The explosion knocks the criminals down, as Suyin and Lin land.] Yes! Good job, little bro!
***
Bolin: He's not home. Or he's hiding in there. [Gasps.] Or he's invisible. [Mako looks at him very skeptically.] Probably just not home.
Mako: We have to get in there and find some evidence that links Aiwei to Zaheer, otherwise Su won't believe us. [Team Avatar walks in and begins to search. Asami flips through a book on a table.]
Asami: It's just an empty book. [Bolin gains interest in a jar on Aiwei's bookshelf.]
Bolin: Hmm, it's like a desert on a jar.
Mako: Bolin, put that back! We don't want Aiwei to know we were in here if we can't find anything. [Bolin moves to put the jar back, but has forgotten where it was.] You forgot where it goes, didn't you? [Mako puts the jar back on its shelf a few inches from where it originally was. He moves onto the end of the bookshelf, as he sees some marks on the floor.] These look like scuff marks. I think this bookshelf slides open. [He slides the shelf aside to reveal a cellar.]
Korra: What do you think is down there?
Bolin: Could be a storage cellar.
Mako: Or it could be how Zaheer got in and out.
Asami: Aiwei's coming back! Quick.
The trio run off of the stairs and slide the bookshelf back where it was, as Aiwei enters.
Aiwei: What are doing in my house? You are trespassing on the property of one of the highest-ranked officials in the city. You'd better have a good explanation.
Bolin: We do. We do. We actually knocked on your front door and we thought we heard you say, [In a higher pitched voice.] 'Come in, I'm in the bathroom!' [Silence as Bolin changes back to his normal voice.] I don't even know why I'm saying that. You know I'm lying, and you don't even sound like that.
no subject
**
Mako: [Looking at the Misty Palms Oasis and walking to the edge of the slope.] Bolin and I [Cut to a view of a town nearby in the background.] will investigate the Misty Palms Oasis, and see if he's hold up there.
Bolin: Yes! [Folds arms.] I love it when you talk like a cop.
Korra: I'm coming too.
Mako: No. You and Asami wait here in case he comes back. Besides, we don't want to call too much attention to ourselves.
Korra: [Reluctantly.] All right.
Bolin: [Excitedly.] Ooh, Mako, Mako, Mako! We should wear disguises and pretend we're going undercover! That way, [Places a hand over his mouth and the other on his forehead.] no one will recognize us. Haha, police work is so exciting!
Scene changes to a hand unzipping a bag of supplies. Camera pans out to a back view of Bolin as he pulls out a bright yellow raincoat and drapes it over his head and body. Cut to his eyes as bright green goggles are worn. Camera pans out to the brothers dressed in identical outfits. Cut to Korra and Asami looking askance and unconvinced at them, as if questioning the effectiveness of their disguises.
Bolin: [Off-screen.] All right, now we need our undercover identities! [Camera focuses on Bolin now as he regales a sad story.] I'm an ex-United Forces operative named Ting-Ting. War was the only woman I ever loved, until Ivy came along and showed me what real love is. Tragically, she was taken from me by my archenemy Dr. Razor and -
Mako: [Interrupts.] Enough! [Starts walking.] Let's just find Aiwei.
Bolin: But I haven't even told your backstory.
Mako: [Heads to the city.] I'm a cop. I don't have a backstory.
Bolin: [Catches up to his brother.] Uh! You're good at this. [Chasing Mako.]
The scene fades to the expanded Misty Palms Oasis' entrance, with Mako and Bolin stepping forward. View changes to the spirits lurking and perched on the rooftop and telephone lines of the town, looking down at the two yellow-coated guys. Cut to a close-up of the brothers as they make their way down the street. View focuses on the center of the city, where there is an ice spring with three spirits lounging on it. Mako and Bolin pause and stop near the ice. They watch a guy sweeping and pushing three kiwi bird-like spirits outside the door with a broom.
***
Mako: Let's see if this guy knows anything. [Heads to the tavern.] Excuse me, sir? We're looking for a man about sixty, balding, wearing glasses in a long green robe.
Bolin:And he's got this weird piercing that goes from his nose [Points to his nose.] to his [Points to his ear.] ear. Freaks me out.
***
Bolin: [Cuts to the city, where Bolin is waiting near the door of an establishment. A purplish spirit rises from a nearby urn.] Well, aren't you a cute little spir- [The spirit bites Bolin's finger.] Ow! Hey! [A couple recognizes Bolin.]
Mako: [Heads from the door.] No luck here.
Bolin: [Stage-whisper.] I think there might be a couple bounty hunters over there who recognize me!
Mako: We've been made. Let's lose 'em!
The boys flee down a street, the couple close on their heels. They finally duck down an alley, hiding behind some boxes and barely escaping the notice of the female pursuer. The couple moves on as the brothers peek out of hiding.
Mako: Okay, I think we're clear. We should head back to Korra before someone else recognizes us.
Aiwei strolls nonchalantly past the other end of the alley. Bolin spots him and yanks Mako back out of view.
Bolin: We could, or ... we could follow Aiwei instead. [Points.] Look!
Aiwei strolls down an alley, eating food from a box. Mako and Bolin appear from behind, and spy on him.
Mako: All right. [Puts on glasses and starts walking.] Stay cool and follow my lead.
Bolin: [Starts to follow.] Ting-Ting always finds his man.
***
Lily: [Walks up to Bolin and pulls out a poster for him to sign.] We're your biggest fans. Can you make it out to Lily and Macao?
Bolin: Uh, I'd be happy to. Always love meeting my fans. [Signs the poster.]
Lily: [Pulls out a doll that looks like Bolin. Holds it up to him and squeaks it.] I made this Nuktuk doll for you.
Bolin: [Starts to smile.] Uh, it's ... cute. [Bolin grins as Lily squeaks the doll in a sound of agreement.]
***
Bolin: I'd just like to say, for the record, this room is definitely not perfect. [Naga's tail hits him in the face.] Naga! [Mako and Korra look out the window, and see Aiwei peeking out of his across for them.]
Korra: There he is.
Bolin: I thought stakeouts were supposed to be exciting. This isn't. At all! [Looks in the highest bedside table drawer.] Ooh, I wonder if there's any snacks in here. [There are no snacks, so Bolin keeps look in the other drawers and finds a Pai Sho board.] Hey, look! A Pai Sho board! Mako, you want to play?
Mako: Kind of busy here, bro.
Asami: I'll play.
Bolin: Oh, well, ugh, no offense but I learned street Pai Sho from Shady Shin, and I'm pretty good. So, wouldn't really be a fair game.
Asami: So? I learned to play from my dad, the diabolical genius. I'll destroy you.
Bolin: Well, looks we've got ourselves a Pai-Shodown. [They set up their boards.] Ladies first. [They exchange a couple moves, but Asami stops and thinks on one of her turns.] Uh, I don't mean to rush you, but let's speed things up a bit.
Asami: Why? This game is all about slow, methodical strategy.
Bolin: No, it's not. This is a fast-paced, edge of your seat, game of chance! Don't think. Just go.
Asami: I don't know what Shady Shin taught you, but it wasn't the real Pai Sho.
Bolin: Oh really? I think Mr. Rulebook might disagree with you. [Reads from the rulebook.] The origins of Pai Sho date back over ten thousand years. It is a game of both strategy and chance. Wait, how can it be both?
Asami: Let me see that. [Takes the book and starts reading from it.] There have been countless variations of Pai Sho through the centuries and each culture has its own rules and variations of the game.
Bolin: That's no help at all. Korra, as the Avatar, you need to standardize these Pai Sho rules.
Korra: [Sarcastically.] Okay, I'll put that on my to-do list, right after bringing back the Air Nation and taking down the group that tried to kidnap me.
Bolin: That's cool. Whenever you get to it.
Mako: Assuming we do find Zaheer, what then?
Korra: Then I make him talk.
Mako: He was locked away for thirteen years, Korra, and never broke. I don't think a little bending is going to intimidate this guy.
Korra: You have a better idea?
Mako: Yeah, we spy on them. If Aiwei and Zaheer don't know they're being watched, they'll talk freely. Then we'll find out who they are and what they want.
Bolin: That's just like Pai Sho! [Reading from the book.] In order to defeat your opponent, you first have to know your opponent.
Asami: Then I guess I know you pretty well. [Makes a winning move.] I win.
Bolin: What? Ugh. All right, you know what that was just a fluke. Best two out of three. [They keep playing many times and Asami keeps winning.] Oh, come on! Best four out of seven. Eight out of fifteen. Seventeen out of thirty-three? [Time passes by and it gets close to sundown, and Bolin gets close to finally winning.] Ha, ha! Looks like you're on the ropes this time.
Asami: I can't believe it. You might actually win this one. [Right at that moment, Pabu leaps off of Naga and onto the board, scattering the pieces.]
Bolin: No, Pabu? [Crying a little bit.] Why? [The doll's head falls off and rolls near him.]
S3EP9
Ghazan: Actually, it was only thirteen years. But it felt like thirty.
Bolin: I mean, what did you do with all that time? Did you sing songs, work on crafts?
Ming-Hua: Not a lot of craft supplies in a volcanic prison cell.
Ghazan: And I must've renamed the constellations about a thousand times. When it rained, that was a big event.
Ming-Hua: [Sighs.] I would've killed for some rain. Mostly I just made up stories about the guards: who was having trouble with his girlfriend; which one secretly wished he'd become a pastry chef.
Bolin: Ooh okay, that sounds like fun. Let me try that on you guys. [To Ghazan.] You were raised by an older sister, your mustache grew in when you were ten and I'm sensing - just sensing - an unspoken attraction between you two.
Ming-Hua and Ghazan glance at each other awkwardly. Ming-Hua gives Ghazan a sulking look and turns away, surprising the lavabender.
Ghazan: [Smiles at Bolin.] Two out of three. Not bad.
Mako: Bolin, would you stop making friends with the bad guys?
Bolin: Sorry!
***
Prisoner: [Pulls out a mirror to reflect his face to the cell.] Take me with you. I haven't seen my wife and five kids for four years.
Bolin: Four years?
Prisoner: [Upbeat.'] The first few months were great, I-I could finally get some sleep, but ... [Dejectedly.] now I really miss them.
Mako: [Ignoring their neighbor.] Listen. Bolin, this is up to you. I know you can metalbend.
Prisoner: You can metalbend?
Bolin: No.
Mako: Yes you can. I believe in you.
Prisoner: I believe in you too, Bolin.
Bolin: I appreciate that, Mako, and fellow ... prisoner man. But I've been trying and trying and trying and I've never been able to do it. Not even a little.
Mako: You've always had the ability deep down. You just haven't had the motivation. But this is your time! Get us out of here to save Korra. You can do it! [Rallying the other prisoners.] Bolin! Bolin!
Other prisoners: Bolin! Bolin! Bolin! Bolin!
Bolin: You're right. [Readying himself.] Okay, here I go. Metalbending. [Attempts to metalbend the bars, but to no avail. Sinks onto the floor, tearing.] I can't metalbend.
***
Mak: We have to get out of here, Bolin. Zaheer came here to take out the Earth Queen, and now Korra is next.
Prisoner: You know that guy? He's my hero!
Mako: Shut up! [To Bolin.] You have to metalbend us out of here. C'mon! I know you can do it! This is your time!
Bolin: You said before "was my time".
Mako: I know I did it, but now it's really your time. [Bolin stands up.] Do it!
Bolin readies himself and metalbends again. Cut to the prison where all the prison doors, except theirs, open. The prisoners laugh and run out.
Bolin: Did you see that? I did it! I mean, not for us, but I metalbent all the other cells open!
Mako: [Palm to his face.] I don't think that was you.
S3EP10
Mako: This isn't our battle. [Walks out.] We have to deliver Zaheer's message to Korra immediately.
Bolin: Right. Okay, find Korra, deliver message. [Aerial view of palace.] Yeah, this should be easy. We just got to get out of the city and get to the desert, then somehow find her in the vast expansive wasteland that goes on for thousands, and thousands, of miles. [Sighs.] This isn't gonna be easy.
Mako: [Sees a flying airship.] We need an airship.
The brothers run to the docking bay and enter an airship, where looters are stealing airship components.
Mako: Excuse me, may I have your attention please? I'm with the Republic City Police and I need to commandeer this airship to help the Avatar.
The looters, after listening to Mako, resume their activities, oblivious to the brothers.
Bolin: Let me give it a shot. [To looters.] Hey, the Queen's gold's on the third floor of the palace, second door on the right! [The looters listen in delight and run out; smugly to Mako.] You just got to know how to talk to 'em, bro. [The brothers run to the controls.]
Mako: What, they took everything. I mean, who rips out a transmission radio?
Bolin: Some folks just do not have respect for other people's property. [Stretches.] Now let's steal this airship!
Mako: You know how to fly this thing?
Bolin: Technically speaking, no. But, c'mon, how hard could it be?
A glass lens falls off the control. Bolin confidently pushes a lever with his right hand, causing the airship to skid forward across the airstrip as citizens scatter.
Mako: Up! Up!
Bolin : I don't see any up button. I see levers and switches, oh, there it is. [The airship rises.]
Cut to the airship flying above Ba Sing Se, which is engulfed with flames.
Mako: The whole city is falling to pieces.
Bolin: [Worried.] Mako, our family's down there.
Mako: [Takes over the controls.] Move over, we're getting them out.
Bolin: Oh, you think just because you dated Asami, you know how to fly this better than me?
Mako: Yeah.
Mako pilots the airship above their paternal family's house and opens the hatch. Once they arrive, Bolin slides down the hatch, enters the home via the window, and discovers the family still in the house with no apparent attempts at leaving.
Chow: Bolin? What are you doing here?
Bolin: I came to get you guys out. This whole block is about to go up in flames. Come on, Mako and I have an airship on the roof.
Tu: We can't. Grandma won't go.
Yin: This place is my whole world. I will not leave! [Walks up to Bolin.] Oh, but I'm so glad my little Bolin has come back to visit. Sit down, would you like some tea?
Bolin: [As smoke seeps through the door behind.] Grandma, we don't have time for tea.
Chow: Mom, please!
Yin: [Obstinately.] No! I can't abandon the place where I raised my family. It's my home.
Bolin: Grandma, there's one thing Mako and I've learned from all our years on the street. It doesn't matter where you go. [Cut to Yin, with tear-filled eyes.] If you have your family with you, you'll always be at home.
Yin: [Firmly.] I'm not going.
Bolin: Fine! [Slings his grandmother over one shoulder.] You leave me no choice. [To rest of his family.] We're rolling out!
Yin: Wait. [Takes portrait of Hou-Ting.] Okay, let's go!
Bolin walks out of the house. The entire family climbs up to the airship. Cut to the airship leaving the house before the fire consumes everything.
S3EP11
Mako Bird calls, really?
Bolin Well I haven't noticed you offering any suggestions.
***
Cut to the airship meeting room where Mako is seated, while Bolin walks past him.
Mako [Annoyed.] Will you sit down? I'm already tense enough as it is.
Bolin I'm just worried about Opal, and Pabu's not here to comfort me. [Sighs.] I hope he and Naga are doing okay back in Zaofu.
***
Asami Come on. [Punches the hairpin, freeing Tenzin before supporting him.] We have to get to the airship.
Bolin Not gonna happen. The exit's blocked.
Bolin bends the tiles beneath, forming a barricade to stop the lava flow. A pillar collapses. Tenzin groans, prompting Mako to run up and support him.
Asami Where's Oogi?
Tenzin Gone. All the bison got scared off during the attack. But, I think I know another way out. Bolin, can you get us to that wall?
Bolin On it!
Bolin bends the wall behind them. Cut to the temple exterior, where Ghazan lavabends the entire exit path before taking over Suyin's airship with Ming-Hua. As the airship takes off, a portion of the garden collapses.
Cut to Team Avatar escaping to a meditation room. Bolin notices the lava approaching and blocks off the flow.
Tenzin Through there.
Bolin opens the floor board and the group enters the tunnel, where Mako firebends to provide some light.
Bolin [Getting uncomfortable.] Is it just me, or is it uh, getting really warm in here? [Notices approaching lava.] Oh, this is not good. [Blocks the lava flow.] Let's move it, people!
***
Bolin [As the tunnels glows orange.] We can't outrun it! This way.
Bolin bends a tunnel on the side of the path, the group enters the tunnel before the lava approaches them. Cut to the mountainside as a rock falls off from Bolin's bending.
Mako Now what?
The group turns back to see the lava approaching the tunnel. Bolin walks toward the lava and stretches out his hands.
Mako Bolin!
As Bolin groans, the lava flies above him. He brings his hands together, pushing the lava back and solidifying it.
Tenzin Incredible.
Mako [Amazed.] You're a lavabender.
Bolin I know. I just found out.
***
Mako It was all Bolin. I thought we were done for, then out of nowhere, he lavabends.
Suyin I knew you had the potential for something big. You just had to believe in yourself.
Bolin You're right. Being moments from death was a pretty good motivator too. Of course, we would have never made it back with Kai.
***
S3EP12
Bolin: [Throws Suyin aside.] Me too. [Hugs Opal while Suyin glares at him.]
***
The whole group looks at the fight, with Korra slamming two pillars toward Zaheer, who dodges the attack. Korra sends three rocks at Zaheer and charges toward him.
Cut to the caves where Mako firebends to Ming-Hua, who dodges the attacks and swings out of view. Mako chases her while his brother engages Ghazan. Bolin sends two rocks at Ghazan, who blocks the attack before using his wall against Bolin. Bolin smashes the attack, but Ghazan hides behind the wall and catches him. Bolin regains his ground and throws Ghazan away, who retaliates with two rocks. Bolin dodges the attacks, and smashes a rock.
Bolin: What are you smiling about?
Ghazan: I was just remembering the last time we fought. [Directs lava to Bolin.]
Bolin: [Stops the lava flow.] Well, a lot has changed since then.
Bolin directs the lava back to Ghazan, who dodges the attacks. Bolin winks smugly.
Ghazan: So that's how you got out of the temple. Not bad. Let's see what you got!
***
Zaheer: No! No! You don't understand! The revolution has already begun. Chaos is the natural order of- [Bolin gags him with a sock.]
Bolin: [To Opal.] See what I did there? I put a sock in him, literally.
Opal: Classic Bolin.
Bolin: I do what I do.
***
S4EP1
Baatar Jr.: Excellent! Thank you, Bolin. [Takes a folder from Bolin and turns to Kuvira, who is looking at a map.] We're ninety percent there, Kuvira.
**
Kai: Hey, what's your boyfriend doing here?
Opal: If he's here, he must be with Kuvira and my brother. This isn't going to be good.
Kai: [Shouts.] Bolin!
Bolin: [Enthusiastically.] Kai! [They give each other a hug.] Wow, you are a lot heavier than you used to be. You're really growing up.
Kai: What's up with your new hair? You look like a stiff.
Bolin: [Annoyed.] Hey, Kuvira says it makes me look intelligent and professional.
Opal: [Ruffles up Bolin's hair, back to its original design.] Don't believe everything she says.
Bolin: Opal, I can't believe you're here too! [Gives her a hug.] I missed you so much.
Opal: I missed you too.
***
Kuvira: You haven't heard? [Baatar Jr. and Kuvira look at each other.] Your brother and I are getting married.
Bolin: [Awkwardly.] Isn't that great, sweetie?
***
Kuvira: It's time to go. We're not wanted here.
Bolin: [Surprised.] What happened?
Kuvira: It appears we can't make a deal right now. [Kuvira makes as though she would walk on, but moves back when Kai speaks.]
Kai: Wait! Aren't you guys going to stick around and help?
Kuvira: [Hands Kai the contract.] Here's the contract. We'll wait at the border for one day. You get the governor to sign it, and you'll have all the help you need. [Goes inside the train again and Baatar Jr. follows her.]
Bolin: [Disappointed.] I guess ... I got to go.
Opal: [Desperate.] Don't! Please, you can't turn your back on these people!
Bolin: I'm not! I wanna help, but if the Governor wants us gone, there's ... there's nothing I can do. I'm sorry. [He tries to hug Opal, but she angrily pushes him away.] Hey ... Opal, please.
Opal: [Angry.] Leave, if that's what you're going to do. [Turns around while folding her arms.]
Bolin sighs in disappointment, before walking inside with the rest of Kuvira's men.
S4EP2
Mako: [Crosses his arms before his chest; looks annoyed at Bolin.] How else is she supposed to take that but the wrong way?
Bolin: [to Mako.] I mean, because I've never had a pen pal before! [Turns to Korra; cut to a frontal view of him with Kya and Senna in the background.] I'm gonna write so many letters and, just to get the ball rolling, here. [He takes a letter from his pocket and hands it to Korra.] Spoiler alert: Pabu and I already miss you.
Korra takes the letter, as Pabu chirps happily.
Cut to a frontal view of Korra, Asami and Tenzin with Republic City looming in the background.
Korra: [Looking down, smiling.] Thanks. That's sweet.
Asami: [Leaning over and putting her hands on Korra's shoulders, as she looks up at her.] Are you sure you don't want some company in the Southern Water Tribe? I'm happy to come with you.
Korra: [Turning away from Asami, the smile gone from her face, facing no one in particular as she stares ahead.] No ... I appreciate it, but I'll only be gone a couple of weeks. [Pulling her hands away from Korra's shoulders, Asami leans back.] A little time alone will be good for me.
Cut to a frontal view of Tenzin and Jinora.
Tenzin: [Lays a hand on Korra's right shoulder as he speaks.] Now, I don't want you to worry about a thing while you're gone. Your recovery should be your number one concern. [Shift to a close-up of Korra's downcast face as the camera slowly pans from left to right.] Jinora, the airbenders, and I have everything under control.
Shot fades from Korra's downcast face to the ship departing, the group on the dock waving goodbye to those on the deck of the ship.
Asami: Bye, Korra!
Mako: Get better soon!
Bolin: Don't forget to write!
***
Bolin: [Voice-over; formal.] My dearest Avatar Korra. Though several fortnights have passed since your departure to convalesce in the homeland of your tribesmen, I feel our friendship knows neither time ... nor distance.
Here, Korra sets down, on top of a crudely drawn picture of himself and Korra together, a second rough drawing of Pabu, Zhu Li, Varrick, and Kuvira . A third drawing rests in the background, depicting clouds, wind, stars, and a flower. Bolin's letter continues.
Bolin: [Voice-over.] You will be most pleased to learn that I found gainful employment with Sir Varrick and the Lady Kuvira. I set off on the morrow with some trepidation, [Close-up of Korra's sad face.] but I am eager to offer any aid I can in stabilizing the Earth Kingdom!
S4EP3
Eska: [Slides in front of Bolin.] I see you have replaced me with a new girlfriend. [Kuvira is brought into the shot, talking to a soldier.] Well done, she seems very threatening.
Bolin: Oh no no, that's Kuvira, she's kind of my boss.
***
Mako: Bolin! [Bolin turns around, and they trade some mock-punches before hugging each other.] Look at you! My little brother got all ... important.
Bolin: I know, right? I see myself in the mirror sometimes and I think I'm in trouble before I realize: it's only me.
Mako: [Quick cut to Mako.] So, what's it like working for Kuvira? [Cut to Kuvira, who is talking to Baatar Jr..] From what I've heard, she's pretty harsh.
Bolin: [Cut back to Bolin and Mako.] No! I—I mean, she can be tough, sure, but we're turning around the Earth Kingdom like you wouldn't believe! You remember how bad Grandma's neighborhood in Ba Sing Se was? All that's completely changed, I mean, we are really ... helping people. But what have you been up to? Fighting crime? [Mimics fighting.] Busting triads? Chasing the ladies, [Shouldering Mako playfully in the chest.] Mako-style?
Mako: [Downbeat.] Well, I've been working for Wu. [Looks over to Wu, who is fixing his hair in the reflection of a window.] And, uhhh ... [Lets his head hang in disappointment.] Yeah.
Bolin: So, have you seen Korra yet?
Mako: No. She was supposed to come in with Tonraq, but he said she left the South Pole months ago. No one knows where she is.
Bolin gets a worried look on his face. Cut to Suyin, who is handed the keys to her room, when she is approached by Baatar Jr.
***
Bolin: Were you surprised? Because I was really surprised. Won't this turn all the world leaders against us?
Varrick: [Calmly, holding a drink in one hand.] Relax, kid, what can they do? Kuvira controls the whole nation now, and Republic City is begging for the metal that we're mining. This train has left the station, and we own the track!
Zhu Li walks in, followed by a spirit vine on a cart.
Varrick: Now that's a nice looking hunk of spirit vine! Let's take it back to the lab and get it stabilized immediately.
Zhu Li gestures the men pushing the cart to take it away again, and Varrick goes with them. At the same time, Kuvira enters the room, and looks at Bolin, who sits uneasily in his chair, hands folded and head down.
Kuvira: You look worried, Bolin.
Bolin: [Stands up out of his chair.] Yeah, well, I just have some misgivings about how you kind of ambushed Tenzin and the other leaders.
Kuvira: You believe in the work that we've done for the people of the Earth Empire, right, Bolin?
Bolin: I do, but ...
Kuvira: [Interrupts him.] Then stick with me. I'm going to need your help now more than ever. Raiko and the other leaders want to bully us into accepting some idiot king who will serve them but neglect the people. We have to stand strong against them.
Bolin: I'm just not sure about this whole "Empire" thing. It seems pretty aggressive. And what was that part about the crushing?
Kuvira: That was just some ... tough rhetoric to let people know that we mean business. Believe me, [Puts a hand on his shoulder.] conflict is the last thing I want. Will you help me make history, Bolin?
Bolin: [Doubts for a moment.] I'll stand by you.
***
Someone knocks on the door, and Mako, opening it, finds Bolin on the other side.
Wu: [Peeking over Mako's shoulder, annoyed and alarmed.] Ugh. Get rid of him. He's with her.
Mako: He's my brother. [Walks out to the hallway.]
Bolin: Interesting ceremony, huh?
Mako: You aren't going to keep working for Kuvira now that she's going against the wishes of the entire world, are you?
Bolin: You don't understand. Kuvira is helping out all the poor people of the Earth Empire. People like our family. This is for the best.
Mako: I don't know, bro.
Bolin: Okay, why don't you come with me, and you'll see for yourself? We've done a lot of good, and Varrick is working on some new innovations. We're making history.
Mako: By "crushing" anyone who gets in your way?
Bolin: [Paraphrasing Kuvira.] That was just some tough rhetoric to let the people know that we mean business. I mean, Kuvira is basically just like Korra. [Mako gets the "raised eyebrow" look on his face.] She might seem hard to deal with, but just because she's so passionate and believes in what she's doing.
Mako: It seems like she's just a dictator who's taking the Earth Kingdom by force.
Bolin: [Aggressive.] Oh, okay, you think your new best friend in there [Points to the door of Wu's suite.] would be a better leader than Kuvira?
Mako: Well, no, but still ...
Bolin: Still what? Come on, Mako! I'm making a difference out there, what are you doing, huh? You're just some glorified butler for some snotty rich bozo!
Cut to Wu on the inside of the door, eavesdropping on the conversation of the bending brothers. He gets agitated at Bolin's remark. Back outside, Bolin walks off.
Mako: I'm sorry, I don't want to work for your glorious emperor and her military dictatorship.
Bolin: [Turns around angrily.] Fine! I'm going to go back to my awesome train, where we bring freedom where ever we go! Enjoy licking the king's boots in your junior suite! [Storms off, leaving a disgruntled Mako in his wake.]
Wu: [Consolingly, as Mako walks back in.] Sorry, sport, I heard it all.
S4EP5
Kuvira No. In fact, I have good news. We want you to be a part of our inner circle.
Bolin [Excited.] Inner circle? No way! Yes! [Catching himself, he clears his throat; serious tone.] That is a great honor. What does it mean, exactly?
Kuvira It means you've proven your worth. We're so close to uniting the Empire, but Su has some resentment towards me and Baatar that might cloud her judgment and stop her from making a wise decision. We believe you can help her see clearly.
Bolin [Eagerly.'] I can do that! By the time I'm finished telling her all the great things we've done, she'll be begging to join!
Kuvira Good. Because we're here.
Kuvira metalbends the shades on the windows up, letting outside light pour into the car. Sitting in the bottom of the valley below are Kuvira's forces. Bolin looks at the massive army for a moment before turning back to Kuvira.
Bolin Aren't all these troops gonna send the wrong message?
Kuvira The army is here to project strength. You're here to present peace.
A wide tracking shot follows the train as it moves on its elevated track toward Zaofu. Cut to inside the city; a set of double doors opens wide and Kuvira, Baatar Jr., and Bolin enter the room. The view zooms out and turns around to reveal Baatar Sr., Suyin, Wei, Wing, Huan, and Opal facing the intruders. Opal, who is sitting on the large table in the center of the room which carries the scale model of Zaofu, stands upon their entrance, her hands on her hips.
Bolin [Happy.] Opal! You're here, too! [Trying to embrace her.]
Opal [Turning away from him, crossing her arms.] No! You've chosen your side.
Bolin Sides? There shouldn't be sides! [To both groups.] I know, why don't we all stand in a circle, huh? Maybe hold hands?
Suyin [Ignoring Bolin.] I'm not giving up Zaofu. I don't care if you brought your entire army.
***
Bolin [Laughing awkwardly.] Okay, guys, obviously, there's a lot of personal, painful history here, so what do you say we just all forget about that stuff, huh? I mean, that's the past! [Cut to a shot of Wei and Wing as Bolin slides up into view behind them.] Right Wing? Right Wei? You guys know what I'm talkin' 'bout, right? High five! [He stands between them, offering said high-five to them both for a few seconds before giving up and sliding smoothly out of frame.] All right. No, that's cool. [He walks back to the center of the room.] You know what I think we need to do? Focus on the future! And the future is bright, let me tell you! [Speaking to the Beifong clan.] I've seen it! Yeah! [Chuckling enthusiastically.] Saw it last month! We went to this town that had nothing. Most of the people there had never seen a Satomobile before. Now, they have two Satomobiles, running water, and a magnet train that goes right through their town! I mean, how awesome is that?
Opal They might have been happy when you first arrived, but I've seen what happens after you leave. Citizens are forced to work as slave labor, dissenters are sent off to who-knows-where!
Bolin You're wrong, Opal! Now, I don't know what you think you've seen, but I am giving you the one-hundred-percent Bolin guarantee that we're making the Earth Empire a better place to live!
Suyin [Advancing on Kuvira.] I can't believe you brought Bolin here to try and sway us. Leave! Zaofu will never accept you as their leader!
Kuvira [Matter-of-factly.] Then you leave me no choice. You have twenty-four hours to agree to join the Empire, or we take the city by force.
Quick cut to Bolin, who looks astonished by Kuvira's sudden ultimatum. The scene changes back to Pepper, still airborne. Cut to Korra and Meelo, the latter perched on the front of the saddle, looking into the distance with the aid of a spyglass. He cries out suddenly.
***
The scene changes to Kuvira's tent in the encampment in the valley. Inside, Kuvira sits at her desk, while Baatar Jr. and Bolin stand in front of her. Bolin seems a bit on edge.
Bolin You were just bluffing, right? I mean, you're not really gonna attack Zaofu ... are you?
Kuvira When people don't cooperate, we must find other ways of convincing them to join.
Bolin [Timidly.] Other ... ways? How many ... times have we used these "other ways" in the past?
Kuvira [Standing.] It's not for you to worry about.
Bolin So, uh ... what does happen to all those towns and villages after we leave? I just realized I'd never really ... gone back and ... checked on them.
Kuvira [Rising and walking around the table to face Bolin.] Those people are my loyal subjects, and they contribute to the Empire however I see fit. Now that you're in the inner circle, you're going to have to accept some hard truths.
Bolin Maybe ... I'm not really an "inner circle" kind of guy. Or--or maybe, we don't take over Zaofu! Maybe we can just--let them be on their own, and then, "Yay! The Empire's united! Congratulations to us!"
Bolin falters, cowering as Kuvira advances on him angrily.
Kuvira I didn't know your personal feelings for Opal were stronger than your loyalty to me. Zaofu will join us. The only thing I'm second-guessing is my decision to bring you along. Maybe you need to spend some time in a reeducation camp.
Bolin I ... thought that's where we sent people to learn new trade skills.
Baatar Jr. [Unsympathetically.] Hard truths, Bolin.
Kuvira [Menacingly.] Your loyalty seems to be wavering.
Bolin [Panicked.] No--no, I'm totally on your side, completely, one-hundred-percent loyal.
Bolin gives a hearty salute, while Kuvira, skeptical, glares down at him. Cut to the Zaofu metalbending courtyard, where Korra and Suyin stand in darkness.
***
Bolin [Whispering.] Varrick? Varrick?!
Varrick Ahh! And the head voices are back!
Varrick is looking at Zhu Li, who points a finger up at the ceiling. Varrick turns his head up and sees Bolin's head poking through a hatch in the top of the car.
Varrick Bolin! Thank goodness you're here! Where did that hatch come from? Forget the hatch! There's something important I gotta tell ya!
Bolin Well, there's something important I gotta tell you, too!
He falls through the hatch, landing on his feet, and as he turns to Varrick. They both take each other's shoulders in a fervent panic.
Varrick and Bolin [Simultaneously.] Kuvira's crazy!
They stare at each other for a split second, then talk frantically.
Bolin How'd you find out?
Varrick When I refused to build her a superweapon, she threatened my life!
Bolin She threatened me, too! And she's threatening Zaofu and it turns out, she's been threatening villages this whole time! [The men let each other go.] We gotta get outta here.
Varrick I couldn't agree more, kid.
Varrick motions to Zhu Li with a finger. As Bolin watches, she mounts a table next to the wall and jumps up through the hatch. Varrick walks toward Bolin, his hands raised. Zhu Li's hands appear above Varrick, grasp his hands, and pull him upward in a flash. Bolin promptly mounts the same table Zhu Li used and makes his own escape through the hatch.
***
Bolin Okay, I say we go up and around the mountains-- [Opens helmet.] --and sneak into Zaofu from the rear.
Varrick and Zhu Li also stop, turn around and open their helmets.
Varrick We're not going to Zaofu, that place is doomed! We gotta head to Republic City!
Bolin What? No, nonono, we gotta help here.
Varrick We'll be helping by warning the world about Kuvira's potential superweapon!
Bolin [Doubtful.] Well, that's helping, but it's a completely different type of helping. [Bringing the arm of the mecha tank up to his chin.] Hmm. Let me think about this.
***
Cut to Kuvira's camp, where Baatar Jr. leads Varrick, Zhu Li, and Bolin through a doorway. The troopers push them through the entrance and they find themselves, to their horror, facing a furious Kuvira.
Bolin [Terrified.] Don't ... torture us.
S4EP6
Bolin: What's goin' on?
Baatar Jr.: Go back to sleep. We only need Varrick. You'll need your energy when you get to the re-education camp.
Varrick: [Suddenly emphatic.] I can't be expected to work without an assistant! Without Zhu Li, I'm helpless!
Baatar Jr.: [As the frame zooms on his face.] One of the guards will be your assistant. I'll be supervising.
Varrick: [Glancing at the guard next to him.] Well, I guess he'll be fine. As long as he doesn't need his hands afterwards! [Chuckling as he finishes.]
Guard #1: [Turning to Baatar Jr.; nervously.] What's he talking about, sir?
Varrick: [Sliding slowly across the floor toward the guard.] The last time we worked with the spirit vines, it created an uncontrollable blast [The guard's eyes widen as Varrick continues.] that burned through a wall and could still be blowing up comets in space, as far as I know! I wouldn't want to assist me if I were you!
The guard turns his head toward Baatar Jr., pausing for a moment before speaking.
Guard #1: Maybe we should just let the kid help him out.
Baatar Jr.: [Sighing.] Fine. Bolin can assist.
Bolin: [Panicking as the guards advance on him.] Wait, what? I need my hands! [Stalling, tucking his hands under his armpits.] Uh, hold on! Can we have breakfast first? [Feebly.] While we still have hands?
The guards pull a dejected Bolin out of the cell by his collar.
***
Varrick: Bolin, do the thing.
Bolin: What thing?
Varrick [Agitated, whirling around to yell at Bolin.] The thing! I never had to tell Zhu Li what thing!
Bolin: I'm not Zhu Li, okay? Pretend I don't know anything about anything that's happening here, also pretend I don't want to build a super weapon or get my hands blown off!
Varrick walks over to the table and grabs a pair of pliers, demonstratively showing them to Bolin, before continuing his work on the stasis capsule. Baatar Jr. walks in a little closer, eyeing his work.
Baatar Jr.: Walk me through what you're doing. I want to know every detail of your work.
Varrick:[Puts a hand on Baatar Jr.'s chest and slightly shoves him away.] You know, when I started working with the vines, [Uses the pliers to tinker with the machine.] the point was to find a clean, unlimited source of energy, not develop some spirity death ray.
Bolin: [Enters the frame and poking his head into the conversation as Baatar Jr. turns his head to face Bolin. Enthusiastically.] Clean energy! Sounds great! Who doesn't like that stuff? Let's do that instead!
Baatar Jr.: [Annoyed.] Quiet! You're here to help, not talk. [Bolin walks back and Baatar Jr. turns to Varrick again.] And you of all people, should realize that once a discovery is made, it is our responsibility as scientists [Cut to a close-up of Baatar Jr.] to pursue it as far as we can. [Raises an eyebrow.] Wherever it leads.
Varrick: [Sarcastically.] How would you know? You couldn't discover a wolfbat if it was building a nest in your butt.
Bolin chuckles in the background.
Baatar Jr.: [Angry.] You're pathetic. [Turns around and crosses his arms.] Wolfbats don't build nests.
Varrick: [Sarcastically.] Ooh. You got me there, Dr. Science. You'll never know how it feels to give birth to genius, only to have it kidnapped, and raised by fools!
Baatar Jr.: Are you done with your rambling, or do the guards need to encourage you to continue your work? [Guard starts to approach Varrick.]
Varrick: [Raises hands in surrender.] Okay, okay, [Walks back to the vine.] The last time we ran the current through the vine [Winking at Bolin out of Baatar Jr.'s view as he walks past Bolin.] we couldn't control the power, so I'm trying something new to see if I can direct it.
Quick cut to Bolin, who looks confused by the wink.
***
Cut back to the train, where Bolin is playing with a screwdriver and Baatar is closely studying the spirit vine weapon.
Baatar Jr.: So I see how the current interacts with the vine, and here is a kind of directional tube, but that is baffling here at the base. It looks like that would only redirect the energy back where it came from. And what's that piece of equipment you're fiddling with now on the power source?
Varrick: [To Bolin, without looking.] Hand me the ... screw-turn-thingy, would ya?
Bolin: Ugh, I can't believe you're helping them, you know this isn't right. [Hands Varrick the screwdriver.]
Varrick: Funny story, Bolin. I first got the idea for harnessing spirit power when I watched that giant Unalaq-monster attack the city from my jail cell. That giant monster set me free! [Turns to Bolin with a meaningful look on his face.] Trust me, kid, I know what I'm doing. [Bolin gets a baffled look on his face, Varrick gets up.] That ought to do it. [Nothing happens.] Huh. [Taps the machine.] Okay, stand back. [Walks back a few steps. Bolin moves out of the way. Baatar Jr. raises his eyebrow and nervously steps back. Gives the machine a good, hard kick and it comes to life, glowing purple all around, and a ticking sound is heard. Raises his arms in triumph.] There we go!
Baatar Jr.: What's that ticking?
Varrick : hat's the timer.
Baatar Jr.: [Cut to a close-up of a suspicious Baatar Jr. as he looks unamused.] The timer for what?
Varrick: For the bomb, of course!
Bolin: [Worried.] What?! What bomb?
Varrick: [Matter-of-factly.] The bomb that's gonna explode in five minutes and destroy this entire train, all of the spirit vines, and everything else within a few hundred yards.
As Bolin looks around the train in a panic, Varrick addresses Baatar Jr. with a smug smile; Baatar Jr.'s expression grow progressively more angry as Varrick continues.
Varrick: You know what, I'd get out of here if I were you. This is the first time I've built a timer and it might run a little fast. Bolin and I are ready to go down with the ship, or train, in this case, but you seem like you have a lot to live for.
By now, Baatar Jr.'s face bears a look of barely suppressed rage. Bolin, meanwhile, is completely panicked.
Bolin: Nononono! I'm not ready to go down with the ship, or the train!
***
Bolin: That's everyone, our half of the train is clear.
Varrick: That's good, we're almost out of time.
Baatar Jr.: [Glaring at Varrick.] You're insane.
Varrick: [Triumphantly.] You knew that when you hired me! Bolin, do the thing! [Bolin hesitates, not knowing what Varrick means; angrily.] Unhook the cars, oh, come on, that was an easy one!
The cars are unhooked with a single pull of a lever, shutting the door of Varrick's lab, while the rest of the train pulls away from them.
Bolin: Man, that was great! I gotta admit, you had me going there for a while, I really thought you were gonna blow us up! Now, how do we turn this thing off?
Varrick: Ooh, we can't turn it off. We're gonna blow up-- [Bolin becomes horrified.] --but, we had a pretty good run, right?
Bolin: [Grabs Varrick by the collar.] What are you talking about, "a good run"? I'm still running! I like running!
He runs over to the machine, looking at it from various angles, but does not know what anything does. He looks around the car and sees a hatch in the floor. He runs over and opens it, sticks his head through, and sees that it leads down to the tracks.
Varrick: [Poetic.] I'll see you on the other side, [Bolin stands up, glaring at Varrick.] Zhu Li.
Bolin: [Slaps Varrick in the face and grabs him by the collar again.] I want you to know, [Points at him.] I hate you.
They jump down the hatch and Bolin catches them with his earthbending. Baatar Jr. is looking through a spyglass at the train as it suddenly blows up in a bright purple flash.
Baatar Jr.: I can't believe he actually blew himself up. That man was crazier than a sewer pipe elephant-rat. [Turns to his men again.] Let's get back to Zaofu.
Cut to the crater, where Bolin breaks through the wall, letting him and Varrick come out of a tunnel, coughing. Varrick starts laughing and lets out a victory roar.
Varrick: Yes! [Bolin just looks at him angrily.] You did it, Bolin, you did the thing! [Kisses Bolin on the forehead.]
Bolin: I can't believe Zhu Li worked for you as long as she did.
S4EP7
Bolin: How about you use your own legs for a while?
Varrick: You know, when I fled Republic City with Zhu Li, she carried me twenty miles in one day. And that was after she sprained her ankle.
Bolin: [Throws Varrick off his back.] Well, Zhu Li's not here, okay?
Varrick: [Keeps lying on his back, waves his hand at Bolin.] That's fine, leave me here, let the worms gobble me up. I deserve it.
Bolin: No way mister! You're not getting off that easily. You're responsible for that weapon Kuvira is trying to make. Which, may I remind you, could hurt a lot of people.
Varrick: No, don't remind me! I know, I'm a horrible, horrible person!
Bolin: [Calmer.] Okay, look. Kuvira fooled us both into doing her dirty work and I'm not happy about it either. But, you know how we're gonna make it up to the world? By getting back to Republic City and warning everyone what she's up to! So, I want you to take my hand [He holds out his hand to pull Varrick back on his feet.] and march with me out of this forest!
Varrick: [Smiles and takes Bolin's hand.] You really have a way with words, kid. No wonder I made you a mover star. All right, I'll take the driver's seat for a while, hop on. [He bends over so that Bolin can climb on his back.]
Bolin: Oh, great, my feet could use a break. [He jumps on Varrick back, who nearly collapses under the weight.]
Varrick: [Grunts with the trouble.] Oh, boy, here we go! [He takes one step with great effort but they are soon trapped by a net, which hoists them up to a tree branch.]
Bolin: Are you kidding me?!
***
Cut to Bolin and Varrick who are trying to escape from the net, bu to no avail.
Bolin: I wish Pabu were here. He could just chew us out of this.
Varrick: You know who else has incisors sharp as a knife? Zhu Li ...
Ahnah: Well look what we caught. Wonder if they were tracking us after we escaped.
Bolin: Hello fellow travelers! I don't suppose you can help us out of this net?
Ahnah: Why would we free a couple of lowly Earth Empire soldiers?
Varrick: Lowly? We were part of Kuvira's inner circle!
Bolin: Were, not anymore! Please, just, let us out!
Baraz: I know just what to do with a couple of Kuvira's top men.
Baraz firebends a dagger and cuts through the rope of the net with it.
***
Cut to Varrick and Bolin, whose hands are tied together, while Ahnah bends water into her pouch.
Bolin: So how did a bunch of water and firebenders end up in one of Kuvira's reeducation camps?
Ahnah: [Angrily.] Call it what it is: a prison.
Baraz: Kuvira's been purging states of anyone who's not of Earth Kingdom origin and locking them up.
Bolin: [Surprised.] Purging?!
Baraz: What are you acting so surprised for? You must have known what she was up to, being part of her "inner circle" and all.
Bolin: No, I swear! And the inner circle thing lasted like, less than a day!
Varrick: [Irritated.] Will you at least tell us where you're taking us?
Baraz: The border checkpoint. You're gonna help us talk our way past some Earth Empire soldiers.
Ahnah: And once we're through, we'll see about letting you go.
Bolin and Varrick shoot each other a meaningful look, when Varrick jumps up as Bolin sends a wave of earth around, knocking everyone down. He quickly turns the ground in front of him into a pool of lava, holding everyone at bay.
Varrick: [Laughs.] Lava time! Bet you didn't expect that!
Bolin: [Stands up again and snaps the ropes tying his hands, which were weakened by the lava.] Look, I'm sorry for what happened to all of you, but as I've been trying to explain, we don't work for Kuvira anymore.
Varrick: Yeah. If our handsome mugs get recognized trying to go through that checkpoint, we're goners!
Baraz: If you really are fugitives, you better listen up. We've been scouting this region for days. There's a wall stretching along the entire border and patrols guarding every part of it. That checkpoint is the only way out.
Ahnah: It's not worth the risk, Baraz. How do we know they won't turn us in?
Baraz: If he wanted us gone, we'd be at the bottom of a pool of lava right now. If any of us want to get out of the Earth Empire alive, we'll have to trust each other.
Bolin: [Cools the lava so that it becomes solid again.] All right, where is this checkpoint?
***
Cut back to the Earth Empire, where Bolin, Varrick, and the prisoners approach the heavily guarded gate. Bolin and Varrick have made themselves look somewhat respectable again and the prisoners are tied together with rope around their wrists.
Bolin: [Whispers.] Follow my lead.
Guard post soldier: [Salutes Bolin.] Good afternoon, sir. Can we help you?
Bolin: You sure can. We captured these escaped prisoners. We need to get them to a secure facility.
Guard post soldier: Where did they escape from?
Bolin: Camp fourteen.
Guard post soldier: Then why are you bringing them through here? Camp fourteen is the other way.
Bolin: [Aggravated.] You think we don't know where Camp fourteen is? Kuvira wants them transferred.
Guard post soldier: Then I'll need to see the transfer order.
Bolin gives Varrick a worried look and Varrick moves up to the guard.
Varrick: Listen pal! I had to fight off two badgermoles, six wolfbats and eighteen hog monkeys to capture these guys, so sorry if I don't have the paperwork! I was too busy cramming it in a hog monkey's mouth, while it was trying to eat me! I am in sore need of a shower and I have blisters that are the size of cantaloupes and twice as juicy! So you can let us through, or you can give us your name and rank and I'll make sure to pass it on to Kuvira! You know what happens to soldiers who question her orders, don't you? Bad stuff!
Guard post soldier: [Nervous from Varrick's little display.] Let them through!
Two guards metalbend the gates on either side of the wall down and they walk through. Inside the wall, there is a guard working in a booth, where there are wanted posters of Varrick and Bolin. He recognizes them as Varrick waves to him and runs out to stop them.
Guard #2: Wait! Stop them, they're traitors to the Empire!
They all start running, but are halted by two mecha tanks that jump down from the top of the gate and land in front of Bolin and Varrick. They find themselves surrounded by four mecha tanks and four earthbenders.
Baraz: There's no way I'm going back to prison!
He makes a little dagger from his middle fingers, cutting through the rope on his wrist, and shoots fire at the soldiers, who throw up cover for themselves. They shoot the rocks back at the prisoners, who defend themselves with their fire and waterbending. Bolin and Varrick are under attack by a mecha tank, which attempts to mow them down with its flamethrower. Bolin throws up cover for them, but Varrick still crawls away.
Baraz is fighting a mecha tank as well, dodging its punches. Ahnah comes to his aid and bends her water into a slab of ice, causing the running tank to slide. Baraz blow it back with a few fire blasts, but the tank uses the spikes in its calves to stabilize and break the through ice. It shoots lightning, forcing Baraz and Ahnah apart, before shooting its flamethrower at Baraz, who holds his own with his firebending.
Bolin shoots a few boulders at two mecha tanks going after him, which yields no result. So he creates a pool of lava, but the tanks jump over it, cornering Bolin. Varrick, who is hiding underneath the gate, behind a wall, sees how a waterbender is knocked down. He and spots some sort of generator inside the booth. With a screwdriver he unscrews a table leg and wraps a length of electrical wire around it.
Bolin is still fighting the tank, but it continues to nimbly dodge the lava benders attacks. Finally, with a fissure, he manages to knock one of the tanks down, but another one is right there to shoot a bolt of lightning at him. He launches himself out of its path and continues the fight.
Meanwhile, Varrick has created an electromagnetic pulse, which he hooks up to the generator. Nobody pays him any attention, seeing how they are busy fighting off the benders. Bolin get trapped by three mecha tanks who all shoot fire at him, which he blocks with a wall of earth, but he is unable to escape.
Varrick: [Hooks up the cables.] Boy, I sure hope this works.
He pushes a lever and the stick sends out an electromagnetic pulse, destroying all the electronics in the mecha tanks, causing them to fail, just as they were about to kill Bolin and Baraz. It takes everyone by surprise.
Varrick: [Laughs, pleased with himself.] I still got that Varrick touch! [Runs out, past Bolin.] We're clear, come on!
Bolin: [Bolin sees how the prisoners are fighting a losing battle.] Varrick, wait, we can't leave them!
He jumps over his wall and runs up behind the prisoners, just as one is knocked down. Bolin creates a massive pool of lava, forcing the guards back to the gate.
Guard post soldier: Retreat!
Bolin bends the lava all the way to the gate and hoses the wall with it, securing the knowledge the guard will not follow them.
Baraz: Thanks. You didn't have to come back.
Bolin: Yeah. I kind of did. Let's go!
***
Bolin: I know it might not mean much coming from a guy wearing this uniform, [He tugs at his shirt, near his belt.] but I'd like to apologize for what Kuvira's put you through.
Baraz: [Extending his hand.] I appreciate that.
Bolin shakes his hand.
Bolin: Guess this is where we part ways.
Varrick: [Laughing.] It's been a blast!
Ahnah: We're heading north too. Why don't you come with us? It's the least we could do after you saved our necks.
Varrick: [He looks over to rotting boat, barely floating in the water next to the dock.] On that hunk of junk? No thanks. I'm allergic to drowning. [Bolin glares at him and elbows him harshly.] I mean, uh, we'd love a lift!
Defeated, Varrick walks up the pier with the other three. Bolin jumps in and Varrick crawls in awkwardly causing great commotion, ultimately falling to the floor of the boat.
S4EP8
Varrick: [Raises up, widens his eyes, and points to himself with his thumbs.] Not me! [The refugees widen their eyes in surprise, slightly sit up, and turn their attention to Varrick, who sits up.] I've spent the last few hours tuning out all these incredibly boring stories ...
Baraz: [Slightly moves; offended.] Hey!
Varrick: [Ignoring Baraz's insulted exclamation and preparing to stand up.] All the while [Stands up and dramatically points his finger to the air.] mentally composing the most exciting tale [Lowers his head to Bolin.] ever told, soon to become the greatest [Leaping enthusiastically into the center of the ring of bored refugees.] mover [Spreads his arms out.] ever made! [Cut to a close-up of Varrick.] I present to you now: [Makes a screen with his arms smiling on a wondering Bolin.] Bolin, [Cut to a shot of the title screen of The Adventures of Nuktuk: Hero of the South.] as Nuktuk, Hero of the South— [A chibi head of Varrick appears lower right with a serious look on his face and eyelids half open.] Trademark Varrimovers International— [Brightens up with wide eyes and a smile.] in [The frame switches to several scenes from "Night of a Thousand Stars", one in which Bolin tears of his sleeves before fighting the assassins.] the incredible true story of Bolin! Hero of the world!
Bolin: [Another view of him waving to the ecstatic crowd after he defeats them; confused.] Wait, am I playing Nuktuk, or is Nuktuk playing me?
Varrick: [As the view cuts back to Varrick, looking at Bolin and holding up his hands, framing him in an imaginary shot.] Both. It's your true story, but we'll capitalize on the [Stops making the screen and looks to Bolin with a smile.] audience of the Nuktuk franchise. [Sags down with an annoyed look as if it is obvious.] Duh!
Bolin: [Cut to a close-up of Bolin; guilty.] How can you call me "the hero of the world"? [Looks down.] I left my friends and family to join up with a psychotic dictator who imprisoned me and now, [Looks away in shame.] I'm running back home with my tail between my legs.
Varrick Nyahbabababab! You're emphasizing the wrong story beads. Let me tell it. The story of Bolin begins in an exotic port of call. [Cut to a view of the Southern Water Tribe.] A wise sage, the richest merchant in the world, and a handsome devil all [Cut to a shot of Varrick's yacht in port.] sit on a single pillow in the living room of a luxury yacht! How do they all fit on one pillow?
Bolin: [As the shot changes to Varrick sitting on his pillow, trying to levitate.] Ooh! Giant pillow!
Varrick: Wrong! They're all the same man! Me! [Cut to the swami in "Rebel Spirit" who looks up to Varrick.] I try to teach a swami the power of levitation, but he's too stupid [The swami glares.] to understand it, so I kick him out. [The swami bows his head and retreats up the steps behind Varrick.] "Upon whom can I bestow my awesome knowledge?" I ask myself. Then, in walks Nuktuk, with a twinkle in his eye, a gorgeous dame on his arm, and a song on his lips. He bursts into a rapturous melody! [Singing.] "Where can I find my teacher?" [Cut back to Varrick who has his left hand out and his other on his chest as he sings.]
Bolin: Oh, come on! I wasn't singing, you were not levitating, and Asami is just a friend, thank you very much. [Varrick appears slightly hurt and pouts. The camera slowly zooms in on Bolin, who looks up with a wistful smile.] If you want to tell my true story, you should start from when I met Korra. She came to the bending arena, one fateful night ...
Flashback to the events of "A Leaf in the Wind", as Bolin, meeting Korra for the first time, shows her the pro-bending arena.
Korra: This place is even more amazing than I imagined!
Bolin: Name's Bolin, by the way.
Korra: Korra. [The scene freezes.]
Baraz: [Interrupting; voice-over.] Bo-ring! [Scene cuts back to the present with the circle of refugees.] When does the singing start?
Bolin: [Irritated.] There wasn't any singing!
All the refugees break into a chorus of boos at the same time, some even giving Bolin a thumbs-down sign much to his surprise.
Varrick: You're on-screen talent, kid. Leave the storytelling to the masters. [Flash-cut to the scene from "A New Spiritual Age" in which Korra and Jinora are swallowed by a massive reptilian spirit.] So, the trouble begins when the Avatar is trapped in the Spirit World. The world's most evil villains realize that with Korra out of the way, the time is right to try to take out Bolin. [Cut to a shot of Bolin as Nuktuk in one of the movers, followed by another mover shot of the villains' hideout.] So, the worst of the worst team up. They're led by ... Zaheer, leader of the Red Lotus and master of the skies, a flying chaotic chaos machine! [Zaheer's montage is comprised of shots of him battling Korra in "Venom of the Red Lotus".] He's joined by ... Vaatu, the ultimate force of pure spirit evil in the universe. The biggest, meanest, scariest kite that ever flew! [Vaatu's montage is comprised of shots from "Harmonic Convergence" and "Darkness Falls".]
Bolin: [Scenes of Vaatu avoiding Korra's elemental attacks from "Darkness Falls" plays on screen.] Wait! Zaheer didn't team up with Vaatu. How would that even happen?
Varrick: [As if it was obvious.] How do you think?
Cut to a shot of the Tree of Time; in the background, the ringing of a telephone can be heard. The shot cuts to Vaatu, imprisoned within the tree. He holds the mouth- and earpieces of a candlestick telephone up to the places where his mouth and ears should be.
Vaatu: Hello?
Zaheer: Hey. It's Zaheer.
Vaatu: Oh. Hey, Zaheer.
The shot splits into halves as a separate shot of Zaheer, speaking on the other end of the line from the communication room at the Northern Air Temple from "Enter the Void", expands to occupy the right half of the screen.
Zaheer: [Suppressing a laugh with a half-smile.] Glad I caught you at home. [Slightly chuckles.]
Vaatu: [Unamused.] Uh-huh. Very funny. Like I can leave this stupid tree.
Zaheer: Hold on, let me conference in—
Cut to a level view of the stage as Amon emerges from a trapdoor in the stage with a line of Equalists behind him under loud approving cheers of the crowd. A spotlight is turned on, illuminating the Equalist leader, and the camera zooms in to a close-up.
Varrick: Amon! The reanimated [Cut to a close-up of Amon.] zombie body [Cut to Amon bloodbending Korra and Mako.] of the bloodbending leader of the Equalists! [Amon's montage consists of his introduction in "The Revelation" and him bloodbending Korra and Mako in "Endgame".]
Amon: [A shot of him on the phone slides in from the left of the shot, dividing the view into thirds.] Hey, guys, I'm totally in for taking out Bolin. He's way too powerful and awesome. But can we please not include—
A shot of Unalaq, as Varrick portrayed him in the black and white mover, slides into the frame from the left.
Unalaq: Not include who, Amon?
Varrick: [Narrating again.] The evil Unalaq. The diabolical but incredibly boring and unpopular sorcerer from the north, who's listening in on the other line!
Unalaq: [Close-up] I've spent my life trying to defeat Nuktuk, I mean, Bolin, and I know just where to find him: With all the beautiful ladies!
Scene cuts to a montage of Bolin being kissed by Ginger in "Night of a Thousand Stars" and by Eska in "Darkness Falls".
Varrick: Yes, Bolin had a reputation as the world's greatest ladies' man.
Bolin: Oooh, now the story's getting interesting.
Varrick: After leaving the beautiful but emotionally unstable Water Tribe princess at the altar, [Various shots of Bolin and Eska from "Rebel Spirit" and "Civil Wars, Part 2".] he met a fetching airbender, the heir to a vast Earth Kingdom fortune! [Several shots of Bolin and Opal, mainly from "The Metal Clan".]
Bolin: [As a chibi-head with blushed red cheeks, in the lower right as shots of Opal continue. Longingly and gushing.] Opal, so smart and caring, so pretty to smell, [Bursting into tears, his ramblings becoming more high-pitched.] and she'll probably never talk to me again because I'm so stupid! Stupid! So, so, so [Nearly a whisper.] stupid. [As he bawls, the scenes in which she rejects him from "After All These Years".]
Varrick: [His own chibi-head popping up in the lower left, irked.] Pull it together, you leaky lug. [Cut back to the boat where Bolin silently cries in the corner with a refugee close to him watch him. Dramatically.] But the darkest moment is always right before the dawn! For at his lowest point, Bolin sought advice from the man who started it all, the wisest of the wise—Me!—for some of my signature sage advice! [Cut to a shot of Varrick on a dock with Bolin, followed by the scene in "Peacekeepers" where Varrick hangs inverted, brainstorming. The scene is voiced-over by his own narration.] Nuktuk, I mean, Bolin, there's only one thing for you to do if you want to save the Avatar and defeat the "Fearsome Foursome" [The scene freezes as Varrick's chibi head pops up in the lower right. Thinking.] —I'm not really sure if I like "Fearsome", I mean, "Evil Squared" might be better. Whatever— You have to assemble the fighting-est airbender army of all time! But it turns out the airbender recruits are a sorry lot, [Cut to the obstacle course training sequence from "Original Airbenders".] so Bolin brings them to a secret mountaintop training facility, where he teaches them the ancient art of dodging fruit and balancing on sticks! Meanwhile, back with Zombie Amon ...
Cut to the conference call; Unalaq's image has vanished from the frame, leaving just Amon, Vaatu, and Zaheer.
Amon: Okay, guys, I think we finally ditched him.
Unalaq: [His image sliding back into view; unamused.] Haha, very funny, I'm still on the line. So, about that evil plan to destroy Nuktuk.
One by one, Zaheer, Vaatu, and Amon all slide out of the frame to the right, leaving Unalaq by himself in the frame.
Unalaq: [After a brief pause.] Hello? Anyone there? [Insistent.] Guys!
The off-hook tone sounds from Unalaq's phone. Cut to a scene from "The Metal Clan", in which Bolin is trying to flirt with Opal.
Varrick: And with danger closing in, Opal realizes how much she loves Bolin and forgives him for whatever stuff he was talking about earlier, which will probably not be in the final cut of the mover anyway.
Bolin: [As the scene switches to show Bolin and Opal standing in the metalbending courtyard; hopeful.] She does?
All refugees: Awww!
Varrick: And she kisses Bolin, magically passing on the airbender power of flight!
Cut back to the boat, where Varrick stands posing as if he is a bird, his hand on his head to imitate plumage and his lips pursed in the kiss he mentioned.
Bolin: Okay, that part seems a little unbelievable.
Varrick: [On a roll, not dissuaded.] This is no time for thinking, kid! We're heading into the big finale! [Another clip from "Original Airbenders", a panning shot of the airbenders themselves.] Bolin gathers his airbender army to fight alongside Rotan and Juji against the Terror Square! [His chibi head in the upper right as a clip from a mover plays; enthusiastically.] Maybe that's the name of the bad guys, "Terror Square"! [More pensive.] What about "Legion of Darkness"? Well, we'll put a focus group on it. [Back to the plot once again.] Bolin teaches the airbenders to create a giant tornado. [As the clip of the tornado from "Venom of the Red Lotus" plays.] Then he flies around in the sky, [Mover clip of Bolin in the clutches of the giant bird.] pushes Zaheer into it, [Another clip from "Venom of the Red Lotus", showing Zaheer being pulled down into the tornado as he tries to escape with Korra.] turning him into wind, forever! But Bolin doesn't realize that the Universal Interplanetary Combination Zero-Hour—talk about a ticking clock—is almost upon him! [Clip of the planetary alignment during Harmonic Convergence seen from space from the episode "Harmonic Convergence".] And when Juji shoots his laser eyes at the evil Unalaq, [Mover clip.] the beams accidentally fly into the magic spirit doorway! [Clip from "Harmonic Convergence", in which the electric beams of energy jump from the arcing spirit portals to the Tree of Time.] They bounce off Vaatu, setting him free, [Clip of Vaatu's release.] and hit Bolin, turning him into a giant! [Shot of Korra's giant blue spirit and Bolin's head raising itself upright.] But when Vaatu is set free, the evil Unalaq, who has always been an annoyingly clingy person, is so close to Vaatu that they combine into one horrifying monster! [Clip from "Darkness Falls" in which Unalaq and Vaatu combine.] Giant Bolin and the evil UnaVaatu fight toe-to-toe, zapping each other with their laser beams as they stomp around Republic City! [Clip from "Light in the Dark" in which Korra and UnaVaatu do battle in the harbor.] It looks like the evil UnaVaatu might win! [UnaVaatu raises the giant Korra spirit, on the verge of corrupting it.] But thankfully, Bolin's spiritual mojo is so strong that he attracts the queen of the fairies! [The orb of light floats downward and in between giant spirit Korra and UnaVaatu, revealing Jinora with butterfly wings.] With her help, Bolin turns UnaVaatu into magic dust and sprays him into the sky. [Spirit Korra cleanses UnaVaatu and little flecks of cleansed spirit float upward into the air. Varrick is speaking almost in a revered tone.] And that's where the stars come from. [Clip from "A New Spiritual Age" in which the dragon spirit soars down toward Korra, nearly corrupted, and picks her up; Varrick's last sentence is rushed and mumbled.] Oh yeah, and he turns into a dragon and he goes into the Spirit World and he saves the Avatar. [Enthusiastically.] The end!
Flash-cut back to the boat as Varrick finishes his tale. After a moment, all the refugees rise to their feet, happily applauding Varrick's story. Bolin also rises to his feet.
Bolin: [Incredulous.] Wait! You like that? [As the applause dies.] It didn't make any sense! What about Zombie Amon? What happened to him, huh? And-and-and-and stars are magic fairy dust? [Walking over to Baraz, clutching the front of his ragged shirt.] Are you guys crazy? [Turning his head to look at Ahnah.] Are you crazy?
Baraz: [Calmly.] It's just a mover. [Bolin lets go of him.] Don't over-think it. It's like a ride.
Varrick: [Suddenly jumping up behind Bolin and putting an arm around his shoulder.] Never let the truth get in the way of a good story, kid! [Bolin is not amused.]
S4EP9
Bolin: Guys! [Raiko's eyes widen and narrow with annoyance and anger.] Oh, [Cut to Bolin and Varrick running.] perfect! You're all here.
Bolin momentarily bends over, panting in exhaustion, though when he erects himself, he gives a small wave and grin to all those present. Cut to a shot of Korra, Mako, and Opal, who look on in surprise.
Opal and Mako: [Synchronized.] Bolin? [Korra grins.]
Raiko: [Even more angry.] What are you doing here?! Guards, remove these traitors!
Bolin: [The guards seize him and Varrick.] No! We escaped Kuvira's army! [Turns to the council.] We're back on your side now! [Cut to a close-up of Bolin; yelling.] We have top secret information for you!
Shot pans across a serious Tenzin, a surprised Wu, and a thinking Raiko. Raiko nods. Cut to a shot of the guards who let Bolin and Varrick go.
Varrick: [Dusting himself off.] Okay, I guess we should've opened with that line.
Bolin: Listen to me. Kuvira's making this thing that goes [Proceeds to make various explosion noises and yelling sounds] I don't know how it works, but it has this [More strange noises.]
Varrick: [Steps forward; irritatingly.] It's a super weapon! Like a regular weapon, only super.
***
Cut to the exit of the building, where Opal walks out. Bolin catches up with her.
Bolin: Opal, wait! Please, [Goes in front of her. Cut to a side-shot; remorsefully.] I just want to say that I'm sorry for everything.
Opal: [Crosses her arms in front of her chest and closes her eyes.] I'm glad you're okay, but it's a little late for "sorry".
Bolin: I know, I know. [Cut to a shot of Bolin. Looks to the side.] I didn't listen to you, and I [Looks down with a raised eyebrow.] sided with Kuvira, and I helped her take over the Earth Kingdom, and topple your home, and get your [Cut to a medium close-up of a displeased Opal.] mom captured, and [Opal raises her eyebrow.] your brothers, and your dad ... [He sees Opal's displeased expression. Cut back to the shot of Bolin.] Wow, that does sound really bad when I say it out loud like that. But I'm gonna make it up to you.
Lin: Pardon me, lovebirds, but I need a word with Opal. [Lin gestures to the side and Opal walks in that direction. Bolin follows her, but Lin raises her hand to stop him.] Privately. [Alone with Opal.] I'm sorry, kid, but Raiko couldn't convince the other leaders to attack Kuvira.
Opal: So our family ...
Lin: Looks like we're going to have to save them ourselves.
Opal: Don't you think some other people would agree to go with us?
Lin: This is an unsanctioned and dangerous mission into enemy territory. We can't ask other people to risk their necks for our family. If we want to break them out, we'll have to do it alone.
Pan to Bolin, who is still waiting by the exit. Mako and Korra walk up to him.
Mako: Bolin, I'm so glad you're back. I was worried about you.
Korra: We all were. [They give Bolin a hug.]
Bolin: Thanks, guys. Mako, I'm so sorry about the way we left things. I'm such an idiot. You tried to warn me about Kuvira and I ran off anyway, like an idiot. You were right and I'm just an idiot. I hope ... that ... I'll be able to earn your trust again.
Korra: If anyone has lost people's trust, it's me. Ever since Kuvira kicked my butt, no one even wants me around.
Mako: [Puts a reassuring hand on Korra's shoulder.] We want you around. [Turns to Bolin; equally reassuring.] And Bolin, you're not an idiot. You were just doing what you thought was right.
Bolin: Aww, I love you guys. And I really wanna hug again. [Proceeds to do just that.]
***
Cut to an aerial shot of Air Temple Island. Bolin is walking in the garden.
Bolin: Pab-pabs, where are you? [Pabu appears in a tree behind him and jumps down into Bolin's arms.] Pabu! Oh, I missed you so much! [More dejected.] So, I don't know if you've heard, but Opal's kind of mad at me. I was hoping ... you could help me win her back. [Pabu chitters a few times; Bolin gets excited.] Awesome! Yes, I have an idea.
Cut to the outside of the temple where Opal is sitting on a set of steps, reading a book. Pabu runs up to her with a pink ribbon tied around his neck.
Opal: Hello, Pabu. [The fire ferret keeps running circles around her before leaning on her book.] Well, it's good to see you, too. [Notices the ribbon, which has a note in it.] What do you got there?
Opal takes the note and reads it, suddenly getting a worried expression on her face. The scene shifts to Opal running through the greenery and toward a clearing where Bolin is sitting, pouring tea with a smile.
Bolin: Opal, you made it!
Opal: What's this?
Bolin: A picnic, just for the two of us! Well, the three of us. Sorry, Pabs.
Opal: So, this note Pabu brought me saying you broke both of your legs was just a ruse?
Bolin: Maybe ... but now that you're here, don't you want to just sit back, relax, try some of my homemade steam buns [Holds up a basket.] —Pema's recipe—and watch Pabu do some of his world-famous backflips for entertainment? Ha-hah!
Opal: [Sarcastically.] Oh. Steam buns. My favorite. This will totally make me forget that you worked for Kuvira, the person who captured my family and is probably torturing them right now. So yeah, let's just sit down and have a great picnic because we're so in love! [Starts to leave, but briefly turns back.] I'm sorry you had to see that, Pabu. [She walks away as Bolin looks on sadly.]
***
Cut back to Air Temple Island. Lin is on top of a bison and Opal is handing her the last of the belongings they are taking on their mission. Bolin runs to a spot near them.
Bolin: Where are you going?
Opal: We've got some family business to take care of.
Bolin: All right, listen. Before you go, I just want to tell you that I understand how you feel. I know there is nothing I could do or no big gesture that could make up for all my mistakes, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna stop trying to win you back because ... I love you.
Opal: Thanks for saying all of that. [Bolin starts to leave, but stops when she keeps talking.] You know ... there is one thing you could do to win me back.
Bolin: [Eagerly.] What is it? Yes, I'll do anything!
Opal: [Turns to face him.] Come on a secret mission with us.
Bolin: Where to?
Opal: Zaofu. We're going to rescue my family. [Bolin's facial expression becomes more serious.]
S4EP10
Bolin: All right, let's do this! [To Opal.] Saving the Beifongs and saving our love, because I vow to repair the rift that has grown betwixt us and make us whole again!
Lin Beifong: [Angrily, walking between the two and giving Bolin a shove.] You. Zip it. Now. I had enough of your babble on the way in.
Bolin: [Timidly.] Yes, ma'am.
***
Toph: You were only up to my waist the last time we were together.
Bolin: [Excited.] Oh, man! Ohh, I can't. This can't be happening! [He waves hands in his face, becoming hysterical.]
Toph: What?! Do you have to pee or something? [Opal giggles.]
Bolin: No ... well, now, maybe. You're my hero! My name is Bolin. I'm dating your granddaughter, I mean, kind of. I may have screwed that up, but that's why I'm here and you're my hero! Oh, I said that. Can I have a hug too?
Toph: What's up with him?
Lin: He's an actor. So, you already checked the city for Su? How did you know she was captured?
Toph: I've been living in the swamp and keeping watch on Zaofu through the vines.
Bolin: Sure, okay, makes sense.
Toph: By the time I got here, they were gone. I snooped around town and heard that they were taken away to some nearby prison camp.
Opal: [Turns to Bolin with newfound bitterness in her voice.] Where would that be?
Bolin: [Ashamed.] There's a factory and reeducation facility not too far away.
Toph: [Disbelieving.] How do you know that?
Opal: Bolin used to work for Kuvira.
Toph: [Confused and agitated.] How did you end up dating the kind of dipstick who works for Kuvira?
Bolin: [Pleading his case.] "Used to"!
Lin: [Begins to walk away.] It's not his silver tongue, I can tell you that. [Toph and Opal follow.]
Bolin: [Hastens after the group, disappointed.] Please tell me this attitude isn't hereditary.
***
Cut to Toph, Bolin, Lin, and Opal.
Toph: She's lying. [Bolin lights up at this revelation.]
Cut back to Kuvira, who is addressing her subordinates.
Kuvira: Tell the troops and the factory workers to attend tomorrow's demonstration. I want them all to witness this incredible new weapon in action.
Cut to Opal, Lin, Toph, and Bolin, who leave the scene. Scene changes to the outskirts of the factory.
Opal: [Voice-over.] We should be thinking of a way to take out Kuvira while we have the chance.
Bolin: Or at least destroy the cannon. If she takes that to Republic City, it could obliterate everything.
Toph: I didn't come to fight with Kuvira or destroy a cannon. I'm here to save my family. [Gestures with her hand.] It will take everything we have just to get out alive. [Clenches both fists.]
Bolin: [Thinks for a moment.] Hmm. Kuvira wants every single one of her people to see the weapon test tomorrow, so the factory will be mostly empty then. That's our best chance to sneak in and free Su without being spotted.
Opal: [Mildly impressed.] Good thinking, Bolin.
Bolin: Thanks. [Puts a hand to his head.] I kind of have a headache now.
***
Cut to an overhead view of Lin, Opal, Bolin, and Toph gathered around a stone table.
Bolin: [To Toph.] So let me ask you about metalbending. Su tried to teach me, but I couldn't get the hang of it.
Toph: [While Opal and Bolin listen, Lin sits to the side and picks at her food.] I used to have an academy to train metalbending. Even blockheads like you can figure it out with the right instruction.
Lin: Yeah, you're a real sensitive instructor.
Bolin: I did learn how to lavabend.
Toph: [Somewhat impressed.] Really? It's a very rare ability. [Smiles.] Maybe you do have some talent.
Bolin: [Excited.] I can't believe ... you think I'm talented? [Fans himself.] That means so much to me coming from my hero.
Lin: Yeah, she's real encouraging.
Toph: Hey! I'm blind, not deaf.
Bolin: So here's something I've always been curious about: Who's Lin's dad?
Lin whirls around with her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pursed. A moment of silence ensues.
Toph: He was a guy named Kanto. Nice man, but it didn't really work out between us.
Bolin: And ... [Realizing Toph is not going to reveal anything more.] okay.
***
Opal: Kuvira caught Zhu Li and threw her in the town.
Bolin: What? [Stands up.] No, I have to go save her.
Lin: You can't go in there, kid. It's suicide. Kuvira's onto us.
Bolin: We've been through too much together. I can't leave her. Toph, you said Zhu Li was lying about fixing the cannon. She must have been trying to stop it.
Toph: For all you know, she could just have been covering her butt because she made a mistake.
Bolin: [Adamant.] No, Zhu Li doesn't make mistakes. You guys leave. If we make it out, we'll make it to the city somehow.
Opal: Bolin, no! [Turns to see Juicy fly in. Airbends herself onto Juicy.] You guys get out of here. I have to go with Bolin. [Flies off.]
***
Bolin: You know, I never had any family except for my brother [Moves to link an arm around Toph and Lin, much to their surprise.] until a few years ago, [Pulls them close.] and reuniting with them made me realize how special it is.
Toph: Argh, enough! [Escapes Bolin's embrace, causing Bolin to collide with Lin.] Enjoy the ride back to the city [Lin shoves Bolin aside.] with the gum flapper here.
Opal: Aren't you coming back to Republic City with us, Grandma?
Toph: No, my fighting days are over. Don't tell Korra, but my back is killing me now. This is why you didn't see Katara messing with that civil war nonsense. At some point, you gotta leave it to the kids. [Walks off.]
Zhu Li: I want to thank you for coming back to save me. And don't be too hard on Bolin for working with Kuvira. His heart was in the right place.
Opal: [Playfully] I think Bolin has worked his way out of the polar bear doghouse. [Kisses his cheek.]
Bolin: [Smiling triumphantly.] Yes! [Laughs.]
S4EP11
Bolin: Guys! Good, you're all here!
Raiko: [Standing up, as Lin, Suyin and, Zhu Li enter the room; angrily.] What's with you interrupting my important meetings all the time?
Korra: [Standing up as well.] Su ... what are you ... you're okay! [The two women exchange a hug.] I'm so sorry about Zaofu. How did you escape?
Bolin: Opal, Beifong, and I rescued everyone. But we had a run in with Kuvira. We saw her super spirit weapon up close. Like, really close. Way too close.
Tenzin: Is she going to use it against Republic City?
Zhu Li: Yes. I found out she's going to attack in two weeks.
Bolin: Ooh! And Zhu Li's on our side now. Actually, she never really switched sides and I'm just gonna let her explain the whole thing. Zhu Li?
***
Cut to Varrick's face. He places two hands behind his ears and closes his eyes as he hums. Behind him, Bolin walks through a set of doors and addresses him.
Bolin: Varrick! Good, you're here. [Varrick turns to face Bolin.] Can I talk to you for a minute?
Varrick: [Slouching against the railing of the balcony.] What is it? I'm busy inspiring my workers.
Bolin: Well, I went to Zaofu and saved Su and her family ... and guess who else we found? [Gesturing in presentation.] Ha!
On cue, Zhu Li walks through the doors, looking slightly unnerved. Varrick, seeing her, straightens up, his eyes widening in surprise.
Varrick: Zhu Li.
Bolin: [As Zhu Li looks more heartened, a soft smile on her face.] Now, isn't there something you wanted to say to her? Hmm?
Zhu Li: [Stepping toward Varrick.] Please, let me go first. I know I said a lot of terrible things about you in front of Kuvira. But I need you to know ... [Places a hand on her chest.] I didn't mean one word. When you were being taken away, I thought my only chance to save you was to join her. [Close-up shot of Varrick's face; he looks touched by her devotion.] But every day, I hoped for the chance to see you again and tell you the truth. [Cut to Zhu Li's face.] Varrick, you mean the world to me and I'm sorry if I hurt you in any way.
Varrick: [Cut back to Varrick, who speaks softly.] Don't be so hard on yourself. [He moves his hand toward Zhu Li as if intending to cup her face, though he suddenly drops it to her shoulder and his voice is full of newfound exuberance.] Apology accepted! Now be a good assistant and [Turns to face the hummingbird mecha suits.] man the assembly line!
Zhu Li: [Grabs Varrick by the shoulder and turns him around to face her.] No! I am not your assistant anymore. [Points at Varrick, who bends backward.] If you want me around, you need to start treating me like an equal!
She walks off, leaving Varrick standing bent backward, while Bolin stands by in silence. When Varrick straightens up and shrugs, Bolin smacks his own forehead.
***
Mako: [To Bolin.] Did you know Kuvira was building that thing?
Bolin: [Sarcastically.] Oh, did I forget to mention it? No, of course I didn't know!
***
Korra: Raiko surrendered. [Zoom on her face.] It's down to us now.
Bolin: [Looking exasperated and terrified as he speaks.] How are we supposed to fight an entire army, a mecha giant, and that crazy weapon?
Asami: We can't fight it, but maybe we can cripple it. [Turns to Zhu Li.] Zhu Li, when you were spying on Kuvira, did you learn anything about that metal monster?
S4EP12+13
***
Bolin: This is my hometown and I hate to say it, but there's no use risking all our lives to fight that giant thing! Let her take the city for now! We'll think of some way to come back and beat her!
***
Bolin: You're about to get the world's largest hot foot, metal lady!
***
Bolin: Varrick, how come your electro-thingy shut down the small mecha suits but not the big one?
Baatar Jr.: Because it's powered with spirit vine energy. I'm sorry. I wish I could help you, but it's unstoppable
***
Cut to a close-up of Bolin pinned against a wall, trying to dodge attacks from his opponent while sustaining his lava disc.
Bolin: Be with you in one second! Kind of busy! [Shoots his lava disc, which hits a steam pipe, releasing the fog into the room. As the guard recovers, a slow-mo shot shows Bolin charging and knocking him backward into the pipe. Loops around to reach Mako's sight. Zoom out toward Mako.] Okay, ready now!
Bolin makes his way to the lever. The scene changes to a split shot of the brothers looking at each other, their hands on the levers.
Mako: One ... two ... three! [They pull the levers, but an angle from the roof shows that nothing happens to the engine.] Nothing's happening! [Runs toward his brother.]
Bolin: Kuvira must've done some override thing and taken control! [Zoom on his location as Mako approaches him. He removes his hands from the lever.]
Mako: There's got to be some other way to shut down power from here.
Bolin: [Looks down nervously at the controls as the shot zooms in on them. His fingers hovering over them, unsure.] Ummm ... [Switch back out to Mako overlooking him.]
Mako: Come on. You spent all that time working with Varrick and Baatar Jr. Didn't any of their genius rub off on you?
Bolin: [Beads of sweat on his face; turns back to Mako.] Look, the only thing I know about these vines is that if you mess around with them too much, [Close-up on Mako.] they explode. [Mako moves his eyebrows together with a worried look on his face.]
Mako: [Looks nervously at the spirit vine core as the shot pans up on it. Cut back to him; he looks down and shuts his eyes briefly.] Get those engineers out of here. I have an idea.
Bolin: [Looks up at his brother.] Want to fill me in?
Mako: I'm gonna zap these vines with some electricity.
Bolin: [Puts his hands up.] Let's back it up, okay? [Moves his hands around to prove his point.] I said that will make the vines explode.
Mako: Exactly. This is our only way of shutting this thing down. [Starts to walk away.] I can handle it.
Bolin: [Grasps his shoulder; switch to a shot of Mako turning to him.] No! You can't! This isn't the time to prove how awesome you are. I already know how awesome you are [Briefly looks away before looking back.] ... you're awesome.
Mako: I don't have time to argue! [Fully turns to face Bolin.] I'm doing this, so get out of here!
Bolin: [Close-up side-view. Bends his head down.] Okay, but for the record, [Looks back up.] I do not approve. Just, [Switch back toward Mako who is looking to the side.] get out as soon as you can. [Switch back as he raises his hand as Mako turns to him.] Promise?
Mako: [Close-up before a closer view of their hands as he grasps Bolin's and shakes it.] Promise. [The brothers embrace.]
Bolin: I love you.
Mako: [As they separate, hands still locked. Removing his arm around Bolin's shoulders] I love you, too. Now go!
***
Bolin: [Voice-over.] And though the battle took a severe toll on our beloved city, out of the destruction, love did bloom! [Fade to Varrick and Zhu Li's wedding, where Bolin is marrying the couple.] So that is why, dearest friends and family, we gather today to celebrate the wondrous, and at time inexplicable bond between Sir Varrick and the Lady Zhu Li!
Varrick: [Looks over to cameraman, who is filming the crowd; in a loud whisper.] Hey, pal, camera on me! This is my big day! [The camera is swiveled around and Varrick nods to Bolin to continue.]
Bolin: True love is a fickle creature. [Cut to Bolin's friends and family in the audience.] Difficult to find, nearly impossible to tame. [Close-up on Varrick and Zhu Li.] But Varrick and Zhu Li have proven that even the longest of long shots [Varrick glances at Bolin, annoyed.] can have a chance at happiness together. Now, for the vows! [Pabu climbs on top of Bolin's shoulder with a small scroll around his neck.] Thank you, Master Pabu. Do you, Sir Iknik Blackstone Varrick of the Southern Water Tribe, Master of the High Seas, take the Lady Zhu Li Moon to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you promise to treat her not as your assistant, but as your honored and cherished partner?
Varrick: You're darn tootin' I do!
Bolin: And do you, Zhu Li, take Varrick, to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to care for him, in sickness and in health, [Looks down to note and gets a confused expression on his face.] and also scrub his callouses on a bi-weekly basis, which ... isn't really that much to ask ... [Crumples paper; to Varrick, annoyed.] Okay, I'm not reading all this.
Zhu Li: [Close-up as she stares lovingly at her groom.] I do take Varrick. Callouses and all.
Bolin: You may now [Varrick and Zhu Li lean in close together, Bolin takes a few steps back. Softly.] do the thing.