I don't own Atla.


a partly cloudy sky. A dead tree dominates the right side of the screen. a figure in the distance riding an ostrich horse. He wears a round, coolie type hat. close up of the figure. It is Zuko. He looks sullen.

He rides the ostrich horse over a rope suspension bridge. The ostrich horse puts a foot through one of the planks and almost loses its balance. Zuko acts quickly to right the animal and continues crossing the bridge.

Later, Zuko stops his mount mid-stride as he smells something. He looks two people in Earth Kingdom clothing around a campfire. Zuko sees food cooking and clutches his stomach. He moves his hand to the hilt of his two broadswords, two people by the campfire. A man approaches his pregnant wife who reclines against a tree. He rubs her belly and smiles at her.

Zuko's hand on his swords. He releases his grip as the camera tilts up to show his face. He lowers eyes in resignation and moves forward on his mount.

Shift to Zuko riding across a field. He is almost asleep in the saddle. he tries to take a drink from a waterskin. It is empty. The landscape is a grassy field strewn with huge, circular shaped stones with squares cut from the middle. Many are embedded in the earth.

They have grown heavy and he fights back asleep. His eyesight is blurry. He fights back asleep, jerking himself awake a few times. He has a momentary vision of a beautiful woman with dark hair wearing barely visible Fire Nation clothing, but he wakes with a start.

Zuko on his mount looking at a village in the distance.

Shift to several Earth Kingdom soldiers backs to the camera, One of the soldiers is shaking a pair of dice to throw in front of them.

Come on, spider snake eyes...said a Soldiers

Yeah! said the soldiers.

His two compatriots squatting next to him begin to hit him

Zuko enters the village on his mount. He rides up to a stall near the men.

Could I get some water, a bag of feed, and something hot to eat? asks Zuko

Not enough here for a hot meal. I can get you two bags of feed said the merchant

Zuko looks down in despair, the gambling soldiers looking at him. The soldiers turn back to their game as Zuko looks to the side at the sound of some laughter. A few kids peek from around the corner of the stall.

At the side, a kid hands his friend an egg, who throws it at the gambling soldiers. It hits a soldier on the head and the kids run off. The soldiers get up and look over and see Zuko's back to them. The street is otherwise empty.

You throwing eggs at us, stranger? asks Gow.

No said Zuko.

You see who did throw it? asks gow.

No said Zuko.

That's your favorite word, no? asks a soldier.

The egg had to come from somewhere said, Gow.

Maybe a chicken flew over said Zuko.

Thanks for your contribution. The army appreciates your support. You better leave town. The penalty for staying is a lot steeper than you can afford, stranger said Gow,

Trust me said, Gow.

Gow and his men walk away, then cut back to Zuko, the merchant standing behind him at his stall.

Those soldiers are supposed to protect us from the fire nation, but they're just a bunch of thugs said the merchant.

Zuko walks back over to his mount. A bright-eyed boy appears on the other side of the ostrich horse as he is about to hop up.

Thanks for not ratting me out said, Lee.

Zuko gets on and starts riding away. The boy looks nonplussed, then a smile spreads on his face and he follows. Zuko riding, then the camera zooms backward instantly to show Lee holding the ostrich horse's bridle.

I'll take you to my house and feed your ostrich horse for you. Come on, I owe you said, Lee.

No one can ever sneak up on us said, Lee.

No kidding said Zuko.

You a friend of Lee's? asks Gansu.

This guy just stood up to the soldiers! By the end, he practically had them running away said, Lee.

Does this guy have a name? asks Sela.

I'm, uh...said Zuko.

He doesn't have to say who he is if he doesn't want to, Sela. Anyone who can hold his own against those bully 'soldiers' is welcome here. Those men should be ashamed to wear Kingdom uniforms said Gansu.

The real soldiers are off fighting the war, like Lee's big brother Sen Su. Supper's going to be ready soon. Would you like to stay? said, Sela.

I can't. I should be moving on said Zuko.

Gansu could use some help on the barn. Why don't you two work for a while, and then we'll eat said, Sela.

You don't seem like you're from around here said, Lee

Uh-uh said Zuko.

Where are you from then? asks Lee.

Far away said Zuko.

Oh. Where're you going? asks Lee.

Lee, give it a rest. Stop asking the man personal questions, got it? said Gansu.

Yes. So, how did you get that scar? asks Lee.

Zuko slams the hammer into his thumb at this and stifles a cry of pain through gritted teeth.

It's not nice to bother people about things they might not want to talk about. A man's past is his business said Gansu.

The flashback begins with a pool of water. A hand with long fingernails enters the frame and touches the surface of the pool. A Fire Nation red robe adorns the arm to which it is attached. The person pulls her hand out of the water and opens her palm to reveal some small bits of food. A baby turtle duck enters the frame and squawks. It is fuzzy except where it is covered by its shell. It eats the offered food.

the garden in which the pool is located. It is a sheltered compound and very beautiful three figures sit by the pool, though their features are difficult to see at this distance. One is a woman, the other two are little boys of perhaps eight or ten.

Hey mom, want to see how Azula feeds turtle ducks? asks Zuko.

Zuko! Why would you do that? asks Ursa.

That was mean said Raiden

The baby turtle duck bobs back up to the surface unhurt baby blinks and shakes his head as its mother swims into the frame to make sure the baby is okay. Once sure of this, she swerves and attacks Zuko loudly. She jumps out of the pond and bites Zuko's foot. The young Prince yells in pain. Ursa removes the angry turtle duck and drops her back into the pond. She swims away with one final squawk of protest, her babies in tow.

Stupid turtle-duck, why'd she do that? asks Zuko

Because you deserved it said Raiden.

Zuko hugs his knees and looks sullen. His mother sits next to him.

Zuko, that's what moms are like. putting her arms around her sons If you mess with their babies, they'll bite you back said, Ursa.

She hugs Zuko and Raiden as they laugh.

cut to a young Azula and Ty Lee. Azula sets up for a cartwheel. She makes several successful flips but falls at the end. Ty Lee executes the move flawlessly and with incredible grace. She lands on her feet, but Azula knocks her over and laughs, pointing at the fallen girl.

Azula! said, Ty Lee.

A young Mai sitting with her back to a tree. She looks to her left to see Zuko, Raiden and their mother walking down the path across the courtyard. She looks away, her cheeks blushing red and a small smile stealing across her face. Azula notices.

Watch this said Azula.

She runs over to catch her mother and brothers ad Tylee laughs quietly

Mom, can you make Zuko and Raiden play with us? We need equal teams to play a game said Azula.

I am not cartwheeling said both.

You won't have to. Cart wheeling's not a game, dumb dumb's said Azula

I don't care. I don't want to play with you said Zuko.

Me either said Raiden,

We are siblings It's important for us to spend time together. Don't you think so, mom? said Azula

Yes, darling, I think it's a good idea to play with your sister. Go on now, just for a little while said, Ursa.

Ursa walks off, leaving Zuko and Raiden

Here's the way it goes said Azula.

Azula places the apple on Mai's head.

Now what you do is try to knock the apple off the other person's head. Like this said Azula.

Cut to a close up of the apple atop Mai's head Azula fires a blast at the apple, whose stem catches on fire. Mai looks surprised, then cut to Zuko, Raiden, Azula and Ty Lee. Zuko instantly springs to action to save the girl he thinks is in danger. Azula looks on smugly.

Zuko stampedes over to Mai. He jumps her, knocking the burning apple off her head, but also knocking them both into the pool.

See, I told you it would work said Azula.

Aw, they're so cute together said, Ty Lee.

You two are such... ugh! Said Mai.

I was just coming to get you. Uncle Iroh sent us a letter from the war front. You're soaking wet said Ursa,

Girls are crazy! Said Raiden and Zuko.

scene has changed to a night shot of an enormous stone wall. It has been breached and smoke rises from the piles of rubble. The shot pans down to reveal rows of Fire Nation soldiers at the base of the breached wall. On a stone parapet below is Iroh's headquarter tent.

(voice over) If the city is as magnificent as its wall, Ba Sing Se must be something to behold. I hope you all may see it someday if we don't burn it to the ground first said Iroh.

He laughs at this, then cut back to a frontal shot of Ursa, the letter scroll spread open in the foreground, with Zuko and Azula on either side. They laugh with Iroh at this comment.

"Until then, enjoy these gifts. For Zuko a pearl dagger from the general who surrendered when we broke through the outer wall. Note the inscription and the superior craftsmanship." said Ursa.

"Never give up without a fight," said Zuko.

For a Raiden, a pendant from a captured water tribe warrior that contains water with healing powers from the Spirit Oasis in the northern water tribe said, Ursa.

Ha, ha Raiden got a girly piece jewelry said Azula.

"And for Azula, a new friend. She wears the latest fashion for Earth Kingdom girls," said Ursa.

At least I didn't get a doll said Raiden.

If Uncle doesn't make it back from war, then dad would be next in line to be Fire Lord, wouldn't he? Said Azula.

Azula, we don't speak that way. It would be awful if Uncle Iroh didn't return. And besides, Fire Lord Azulon is a picture of health said, Ursa.

How would you like it if cousin Lu Ten wanted dad to die? Asks Zuko.

Yeah said Raiden.

I still think our dad would make a much better Fire Lord than his royal tea loving kookiness said Azula.

Flashback ends

Zuko is asleep on some hay in the barn. It is night. The barn door opens and Lee enters. He sneaks in trying to be quiet and takes Zuko's broadswords. Zuko detects this and awakens.

(voice over) You're holding them all wrong said Zuko

Lee gets up, a sunflower decorating his head. He looks ashamed and offers the swords back to Zuko. Instead of taking them, he puts his hands over the boy's.

Keep in mind, these are dual swords. Two halves of a single weapon. Don't think of them as separate, because they're not. They're just two different parts of the same whole said Zuko.

He gives the swords back to Lee. The boy practices a bit, then looks back to Zuko. His arms are folded and he has an uncharacteristic smile on his face. The boy laughs, then cut to them walking down a path, A full moon hangs overhead.

I think you'd really like my brother Sen Su. He used to show me stuff like this all the time said, Lee.

Fade to a day shot of the farm and some of the animals. Zuko gets on his mount. The family is there to see him off. Sela offers him a package.

Here. This ought to get you through a few meals said, Sela.

A sound is heard in the distance. They look up to see dust rising down the road. It's Gow and his men riding hard toward them.

What do you think they want? Asks Gansu

Trouble said Zuko.

What do you want, Gow? Asks Gansu.

Just thought someone ought to tell you, your son's battalion got captured. You boys hear what the Fire Nation did with their last group of Earth Kingdom prisoners? Said Gansu.

Dressed them up in Fire Nation uniforms and put them on the frontline unarmed, way I heard it. (he spits) Then they just watched said a soldier.

You watch your mouth said Gansu.

Gow moves his ostrich horse forward, but Zuko rides forward and blocks him.

Why bother rooting around in the mud with these pigs? Said Gow.

Gow and his men turn and go.

Another flashback begins as the dust swirls from the departure of the bullies.

It is a scene in the garden of the Fire Nation palace once again. Zuko, Raiden, and Azula run by laughing as a servant approaches Ursa who sits by the pond. He gives her a scroll. She opens it and stands up. A tear rolls down her face. Zuko and Raiden approach her.

Iroh has lost his son. Your cousin Lu Ten did not survive the battle said, Ursa.

End flashback

What's going to happen to my brother? Asks Lee.

I'm going to the front. I'm going to find Sen Su and bring him back said Gansu.

Gansu and Sela walk back to their home.

Lee begins to cry and runs to Zuko.

When my dad goes, will you stay? Asks Lee.

No. I need to move on. Here. (offers him his dagger) I want you to have this. Read the inscription said Zuko.

Lee takes the dagger and unsheathes it.

"Made in the Earth Kingdom." read Lee.

The other one said Zuko.

"Never give up without a fight." read Lee.

we return to another of Zuko's memories. He is in a room in the palace, wielding the knife he has just given away. He fakes death and falls over, revealing young Azula and Raiden behind him seated on a chair.

Raiden claps

You waste all your time playing with knives. You're not even good said Azula.

Stop it Azula said Raiden.

Put an apple on your head and we'll find out how good I am! Said Zuko.

By the way, Uncle's coming home said Azula.

Does that mean we won the war? Asks Raiden.

No. It means Uncle's a quitter and a loser said Azula.

What are you talking about? Uncle's not a quitter said Zuko.

Oh yes, he is. He found out his son died and he just fell apart. A real general would stay and burn Ba Sing Se to the ground, not lose the battle and come home crying said Azula.

How do you know what he should do? He's probably just sad his only kid is gone... forever said Zuko.

Your father has requested an audience with Fire Lord Azulon. Best clothes, hurry up said, Ursa.

Fire Lord Azulon. Can't you just call him "Grandfather"? He's not exactly the powerful Fire Lord he used to be. Someone will probably end up talking his place soon said Azula.

Young lady! Not, another, word said Ursa.

Azula runs past

What is wrong with that child? Said Ursa.

Scene changes to the Fire Lord's throne room. The chamber is filled with dark, ornate pillars holding up the roof. The center aisle leading up to the dais is clear. The Fire Lord sits on his thrown up the dais, which is separated from the rest of the hall by a trench of fire.

And how was it Great Grandfather Sozin managed to win the battle of Han Tui? Asks Ozai.

Great Grandfather won because... said Zuko.

Because even though his army was outnumbered, he cleverly calculated his advantages. The enemy was downwind and there was a drought. Their defenses burned to a crisp in minutes said Azula.

Kiss up whispers Raiden.

Raiden received a glare from his father and Raiden knew he would pay for this later.

Correct my dear. Now, won't you show Grandfather the new moves you demonstrated to me? Said Zuko.

Azula stands and performs a series of firebending moves. Zuko looks on, an uncertain expression on his face and his brother notice.

It's ok Azula's just showing off whispers Raiden.

She's a true prodigy. Just like her Grandfather for whom she's named said Ozai.

Azula sits back down next to Raiden.

You'll never catch up whispers Azula.

Stung, Zuko gets up and addresses the Fire Lord.

Zuko whispers Raiden.

I'd like to demonstrate what I've been learning said Zuko.

Ozai's face, which turns rapidly to a frown. Zuko tries to run through some of the same moves as Azula but with evidently less skill. After a few moments, he chokes on the routine and falls on his backside. He recovers and finishes the routine as his mother looks on in concern. Azula looks on her brother's failure with glee. Ursa and Raiden rush over to him.

I failed said Zuko

No, I loved watching you. That's who you are Zuko someone who keeps fighting even though it's hard said, Ursa.

Cut to a shot from behind Azulon head looking out over his son and his family.

Prince Ozai, why are you wasting my time with this pomp? Just tell me what you want. Everyone else goes said Azulon.

As they are about to exit the chamber, Azula grabs Zuko and Raiden by the hand and takes them behind some curtains.

What are you...? Asks Zuko

Shh! Said Azula.

They run behind the curtains and then peak out near where Ozai now addresses his father

Father, you must have realized, as I have, that with Lu Ten gone Iroh's bloodline has ended. After his son's death, my brother abandoned the siege at Ba Sing Se, and who knows when he will return home? But I am here, father, and my children are alive said Ozai.

Say what it is you want said Azulon.

Father, revoke Iroh's birthright. I am your humble servant, here to serve you and our nation. Use me said Ozai.

You dare suggest I betray Iroh? My first born? (the fire in the trenches rises up into the frame from below, mirroring the Fire Lord's anger) Directly after the demise of his only beloved son? I think Iroh has suffered enough. But you, your punishment has scarcely begun! Said Azulon

Cut back to the kids spying from behind the curtain. Scared, Zuko and Raiden breaks and runs away. Azula turns back to the spectacle, a cruel smile on her face.

Shift to Zuko asleep in his bed. The door opens and Zuko awakes. Azula leans against the doorway.

Dad's going to kill you or Raiden. Really, he is said Azula.

Ha-ha, Azula. Nice try said Zuko.

Fine, don't believe me, but I heard everything. Grandfather said dad's punishment should fit his crime. "You must know the pain of losing a son, by sacrificing one of your own!" said Azula.

Liar! Said Zuko.

I'm only telling you for your own good. I know, maybe you could find a nice Earth Kingdom family to adopt you said Azula

Stop it, you're lying! (holding his blanket for security) Dad would never do that to me or Raiden said Zuko.

Your father would never do what to you or your brother? What is going on here? Asks Ursa.

I don't know sais Azula.

Liar said Raiden.

It's time for a talk said Raiden.

(Ursa leads her out of the room.)

Then Raiden walk over to his twin gets on the bed and hugs him.

Azula always lies... Azula always lies said Zuko.

The flashback ends once again. In the present, Zuko is asleep on the ground

Azula always lies...said Zuko.

Zuko awakes at the sound of a wagon approaching. It is Sela. She is distraught.

Sela: You have to help. It's Lee. The thugs from town came back as soon as Gansu left. When they ordered us to give them food, Lee pulled a knife on them. I don't even know where he got a knife! Then they took him away. They told me if he's old enough to fight, he's old enough to join the army. I know we barely know you, but...said, Sela.

I'll get your son back said Zuko.

Hey! There he is! I told you he'd come said, Lee.

Gow and his men emerge from the shadows. Still silhouetted by the light from the sunset, Zuko dismounts and takes off his hat. Zuko and Gow face off, the latter backed by his men.

Let the kid go said Zuko.

Who do you think you are? Telling us what to do? Asks Gow.

Zuko: It doesn't matter who I am, but I know who you are. You're not soldiers. You're bullies. Freeloaders, abusing your power. Mostly over women and kids. You don't want Lee in your army. Your sick cowards messing with a family who's already lost one son to the war said Zuko.

Are you going to let this stranger stand there and insult you like this? Said Gow.

The soldier to Gow's left brandishes his spear and walks forward. Zuko pulls back as the soldier lunges, then draws the handle of his swords right into the stomach of the charging thug. The soldier is knocked backwards, gets up and runs off.

Another soldier runs at Zuko with his spear, but Zuko blocks and then brings him to the ground with a palm blow to the forehead. This thug gets up and runs away as well.

The last pawn charges Zuko with his spear, but Zuko breaks it in half with a blow. The thug drops the remains and runs.

Cut to Lee, who laughs with delight. Cut to a shot of the crowd that has gathered, Sela is among them. She is amazed at what she has seen.

Gow, made of sterner stuff than his men, draws his two war hammers and adopts a bending stance. Zuko in turns draws his broadswords. Gow slams the ground with one hammer, raises a rock and hits it with the other hammer. It flies at Zuko, who shatters it with his blades. Gow repeats the move twice in rapid succession. Zuko destroys one rock but is hit in the gut by the other. He recovers at runs at Gow with his blades.

Give him a left! A left! Said an old man.

It's not a fist fight said an old woman.

He's got a left sword, don't he? Asks the old man.

Zuko continues rushing his opponents. He chops several more rock but is again thrown backwards by one that gets through. He staggers.

Cut back to the crowd.

Look out! Said the old man.

Behind you! Said Lee.

Switch back to Zuko who is being steadily driven back by Gow. The thug leader alternates hammers as he smacks the ground, each time raising rocks and hurling them at the banished prince. Finally, with a mighty blow to the ground, Gow raises up a shock wave of earth and rock that travels along the ground between him and his opponent. A huge rock erupts from the ground as the shock wave nears Zuko, striking him in the chest and throwing him to the ground. The crowd gasps as Zuko falls in the dust, an expression of pain on his face.

the flashback resumes. Young Zuko is again asleep in his bed.

Mom? Asks Zuko.

Cut to Zuko sitting up, his mother silhouetted in the dark near him.

Zuko, please, my love, listen to me. Everything I've done, (she hugs him) I've done to protect you and your brother. Remember this, Zuko. No matter how things may seem to change, never forget who you are said, Ursa.

She lets him go and walks down the dark hall out of his room.

Cut back to the present with a quick shot of his face, then a wide overhead shot that show's Zuko laid out flat on the ground. The dust from his fall is still settling. Gow approaches. Cut to Lee, still tied up.

Get up said, Lee.

Switch to a close shot of Zuko. He opens his eyes and screams in fury. He spins as he gets up, firebending a circle of fire around him. Gow draws back, dropping his hammers. Zuko fires a blast at Gow that hits him full in the stomach. The thug is shot back and falls to the ground.

Cut to Zuko who finishes getting up. He is wreathed in fire and his expression is angry. Lee looks in surprise.

Gow recovers and gets back up. He assumes a bending stance. Zuko charges him, sending many bolts of fire from his blade in Gow's direction. One hit and the thug is thrown back into the wall of a nearby building. Part of it collapses on him after he impacts.

Who, who are you? Asks Gow.

My name is Zuko. Son of Ursa and Fire Lord Ozai. (sheathing his swords) Prince of the Fire Nation and heir to the throne said Zuko.

Liar! I heard of you. You're not a prince, you're an outcast! His own father burned and disowned him said the old man.

(Zuko turns away from the old man, ignoring the comment. Instead, he walks over to Gow, who cowers at the Fire Prince's approach. He bends down and takes the dagger back that the thug had apparently taken from Lee. He walks over to where Sela is untying Lee. After this is done, she moves in front of Lee as Zuko approaches, shielding him.

Not a step closer said, Sela.

Kneeling down and offering the dagger to Lee, who looks out from behind his mother.

It's yours. You should have it said Zuko.

No, I hate you! Said Lee.

He turns and walks away with his mother. Zuko kneels behind them, still silhouetted by the sun. The crowd stands still behind him

the flashback begins anew.

Young Zuko gets up out of bed and runs down the hall as he calls for his mother then he goes into his brother's room to find the room a mess and the bed has a large blood stain on it.

Then he runs outs of the room

Mom? Raiden? Mom, mom! Said Zuko.

Cut to young Azula who leans against a pillar somewhere in the palace, playing with Zuko's knife. She steps out from behind the pillar as Zuko passes.

Where's mom and Raiden? Asks Zuko.

No one knows and Raiden he was killed by intruder. Oh, and last night, Grandpa passed away said Azula.

Not funny, Azula. You're sick. And I want my knife back, now said Zuko.

He grabs for the knife, but she dodges and holds the knife out in front of her, taunting him.

Who's going to make me? Mom? Asks Azula.

He grabs the knife and runs out of the room. He runs into the garden where Ozai looks out over the pond.

Where are they? Asks Zuko.

Scene changes to reveal a ceremonial plaza somewhere in the palace. It is packed with people. As the Fire Sage speaks, On two dais stands the gold sarcophagus and smaller wooden casket. and the Fire Sage presiding over the ceremony. Around the sarcophagus stand members of the royal family, including Ozai, Azula, and Zuko, all dressed in white.

Azulon, Fire Lord to our nation for 23 years. You were our fearless leader in the battle of Gar Sai. Our matchless conqueror of the Hu Sin provinces. You were father of Iroh. Father of Ozai. Husband of Ila, now passed. Grandfather of Lu Ten, now passed. Grandfather of Zuko, Raiden, now passed, and Azula said the fire sage.

We lay you to rest said the Fire sage.

The Fire Sage holds the diadem above his head as two firebenders on the left and right light fire to the sarcophagus and another firebender lights the casket containing the body of Raiden ablaze. With the fire of the funeral pyres burning behind him, the Fire Sage crowns the new Fire Lord.

As was your dying wish, you are now succeeded by your second son. Hail Fire Lord Ozai! Said the fire sage.

Returning to the present we see a close up of Zuko. He is riding away from the village on his ostrich horse, his round hat back on his head. Cut to a wide shot of Zuko riding out of the village with either side of the street lined with villagers. An Earth Kingdom flag flies in the breeze on the left of the frame. Switch to a shot of some villagers, including Lee, as Zuko leaves. They look upon him with dull hatred.

Zuko rides into the sunset.

Scene changes to Raiden sitting alone away from the group.

Flashback starts

A young Raiden is sleeping in his bed.

When he is awoken by his mother.

Mom? Asks Raiden.

Raiden, please, my love, listen to me. Everything I've done, (she hugs him) I've done to protect you and your brother. Remember this, Raiden. No matter how things may seem to change, never forget who you are said Ursa.

Then she left and Raiden went back to sleep.

But a short while he is awoken once more but his time it's by his father,

Then Raiden looks down knowing what is probably about to happen.

Scene changes to a young Raiden on the deck of a boat looking back at the shrinking palace as the boat sails for Crescent island.

Flashback ends.

Raiden reaches into his shirt and pulls out the water tribe pendent contain the special water.

He grasps it.

One day Ozai you're gonna pay for everything you've done said Raiden.