To The World

Chapter 8: Manic

The scene opens on a messenger hawk flying toward an imposing Fire Nation fortress as the scene changes to its tower. The camera pans across the tri-level fortress and it's tall balconies before settling on a courtyard where a group of archers stand at the ready. Switch to a closer shot of a single archer. The archer draws his bow and releases three times in succession, sharply and accurately. Switch to a shot of the bowman's target. The first arrow strikes dead center, the second arrow splits the first arrow in half, and the third arrow splits the second arrow in half and completely impales the target. Switch back to a shot of the archers as they draw their bows. The camera pans up to a balcony where Colonel Shinu is arguing heatedly with Commander Zhao.

Shinu speaks in response to Zhao; somewhat angrily. "Absolutely not! The Yuyan Archers stay here. Your request is denied, Commander Zhao."

"Colonel Shinu, please reconsider ... Their precision is legendary. The Yuyan can pin a fly to a tree from one hundred yards away ... without killing it." He speaks; annoyed. "You're wasting their talents using them as mere security guards."

"I can do whatever I want with their talents, they're my archers, and what I say goes."

Zhao turns to face the colonel, frustrated and angry. "But my search for the Avatar is-!"

Shinu cuts Zhao off mid-sentence while getting close to him and scoffing angrily. "Is nothing but a vanity project! We're fighting a real war here, and I need every man I've got, commander."

"But-!"

Shinu turns furiously. "That's final! I don't wanna hear another word about it!"

Zhao fumes. In the background, the cry of a messenger hawk is heard. Camera shifts to an above view and follows a messenger hawk as it reaches Colonel Shinu. Shinu opens the container on the hawk's back and reads the message inside with a puzzled expression.

Zhao speaks up, intrigued. "News from Fire Lord Ozai?"

Shinu hands Zhao the message with irritation. Zhao takes the message, rudely brushing past the Colonel as he reads the news.

Zhao smiles smugly. "It appears I've been promoted to Admiral. My request ... is now an order."

Colonel Shinu bows respectfully, and leaves.

Shot of the Yuyan archers practicing. Zhao surveys their work with a glad expression playing on his face. The camera pans up to the roof of the tower where a mysterious figure in a blue mask is perched, seemingly for the entire conversation. The masked man disappears into the shadows. Switch to a shot of a vast mountain range. The landscape is blanketed with a ruined city.

The scene changes to a shot inside one of the ruined buildings where Team Avatar, minus Tai, has set up camp. Sokka is lying against Appa, huddled in his sleeping bag. He is coughing, and there is sweat on his face.

Katara presses a wet rag onto Sokka's forehead. "This should bring your fever down."

"You know what I love about Appa the most? His sense of humor." Sokka says in delirium.

"That's nice. I'll tell him."

Appa growls. Sokka laughs. "Classic Appa."

"How's Sokka doing?" Aang asks.

"Not so good, being out in that storm really did a number on him. And Tai still hasn't returned from his training since we landed." Sokka starts sniffing pitifully.

"I couldn't find any ginger root for the tea. But I found a map. There's an herbalist institute on top of that mountain. We could probably find a cure for Sokka there." Aang says.