Avatar: The Kharonical

The Hermit

Ext. FOREST – DAY
The dense trees part to reveal a small, humble hut nestled in a clearing. The wind rustles the leaves, and a distant bird call fades as footsteps crunch against the forest floor. Kharon, a young Earthbender with an air of forced confidence, pauses outside the hut. His face betrays the slightest hint of unease before he steels himself, brushing aside any hesitation.

INT. HERMIT'S HUT – DAY
The hut is simple yet inviting. Sunlight filters through gaps in the walls, casting a soft glow over the Hermit as he sits cross-legged, carefully pouring tea into a pot over a small, steady flame. His posture is calm, yet his movements deliberate, as if savoring every moment. Kharon steps inside, and the Hermit doesn't look up.

Kharon
Are you the Hermit? I was told you could... help me.

The Hermit glances up, his eyes meeting Kharon's with a knowing calm.

Hermit
Help you? The hermit chuckles That's a curious word for the Avatar to use. But yes, they call me the Hermit.

Kharon straightens, looking down his nose with a hint of arrogance.

Kharon
So you know who I am. Then you must know why I'm here. I know how odd it must sound, but Khraon takes in a deep breath I cannot master Earthbending.

The Hermit raises an eyebrow, then returns to his tea.

Hermit
An Avatar who cannot master his own element is certainly odd. The Hermit grins Please, take a seat.

Kharon stares at the Hermit's welcoming hand. He steps closer, and kneels by the table with two delicate teacups.

Kharon
It is pathetic to call myself the Avatar when I cannot do what I was born to do. Even my baby brother can Earthbend. He scoffs

Hermit
It is indeed odd to call yourself an Avatar, but Earthbending has little to no part in it.

Kharon twitches his head in surprise to the casual tone of an insulting comment.

Kharon
I am the Avatar! He stands If you do not believe me and do not want to aid my quest to change the world, then I am sorry for intruding. He walks to the door

Hermit
Change? Any person can bring change, but not every person is an Avatar. So perhaps an Avatar is not only around to bring change, hm? Is it possible the Avatar can be much more than that?

Kharon
I do not have time for old men and riddles.

Hermit
You are young, you have time for riddles and so much more. This world He pauses Your world is much more complicated than anyone can imagine. Anyone living, that is. He gestures once more to the seat and Kharon slowly moves towards the table Have you been able to speak to Korra?

Kharon
I... I have seen visions of a place, old and dark. Like a castle hall with candlelight,
Hermit
The atrium, certainly. But have you truly met no other Avatars? Certainly Kioshi would be more than happy to help a young Earthbender.

Kharon
Nobody is there. They have left me all alone.

Hermit
Now, now. She has not left you. The Korra I know would gladly appear and critique your ability to manipulate dirt. Welcome or not He chuckles

Kharon
You knew Korra?

Hermit
In a way. I have only met her when she was young.

Kharon
Young? You are no older than 30! Please be more up front if you wish to lead me on. I would happily accept tea with a lonely hermit, but an Avatar would not take these lies.

Hermit
Is that true? You do not know them as well as you think you do.

The ground begins to softly rumble as if a distant quake is edging the hut. The Hermit's eyes widen as Kharon's face grows red.