Last time: Sokka and Katara set off on Appa to rescue Aang from the Fire Nation

CUT TO:
INT. FIRE NATION SHIP.

Aang stands behind a plain, metal table. Zuko enters, looking jumpy while Iroh brings in a basket and sets it before Aang.

AANG

(Not turning around)What do you want
with me.

IROH

As I said before, my nephew would like me to
give a simple test.

AANG

Test?

IROH

I assure you, it won't hurt. I've performed this
test hundreds of times. It only takes a few
moments, and then you're free to go.

Aang nods.

IROH (CONT'D)

I'm going to put a few things in front of you on
the table.

AANG

That's all you want?

IROH

My name is Iroh, and you have my word.

Iroh reaches into the basket and pulls out a vase of water, then pours it onto the table. It condenses into a circle. He shoots a look at Zuko who hasn't moved his eyes from Aang.

Iroh, who doesn't look pleased, places a candle before Aang. The flame grows. He then takes the candle back and puts the rock onto the table. It stands on end.

ZUKO

(looking excited and a little shocked)
You are my prisoner, airbender. I'm taking you
back to the fire nation.

AANG

No, wait! You said-

IROH

(Interrupting, trying to calm Aang down)
I apologize, I should have explained further.
If you failed the test, as all others did, you would
be free to leave. However, against all odds and all
my expectations, you have passed the test. You
are the only one in the world who could, an it is
truly an honor to be in your presence.

ZUKO

With you, I shall restore my honor.

Iroh doesn't look pleased, but he follows Zuko as he leaves. Aang just watches the door close, looking upset.

CUT TO:
INT. FIRE NATION SHIP—HALLWAY

Iroh runs to catch up with Zuko.

IROH

Prince Zuko!

Zuko pauses and then turns around, waits impatiently for his uncle to catch up, and then turns to continue walking with him down the narrow hall, which is barely wide enough for the two of them.

ZUKO

Finally, Uncle! I can now return home and
reclaim my honor! I can face my father
without shame and without fear.

IROH

(Sighs)
You give my brother more credit than I.

ZUKO

(Shakes his head quickly, as if he hadn't
heard right)
What? But you saw it! He is the Avatar!
Once I turn him in, my mission will be
complete and my exile will end!

IROH

But will your father see it that way?

ZUKO

Why wouldn't he? I will have fulfilled my part!

IROH

(Shakes his head slowly)
Because he is the Fire Lord; the leader of
the entire Fire Nation. He will do what he
thinks will gain more support from his people.

ZUKO

(Stops walking and narrows his eyes)
Are you saying that my father won't accept
me back?

IROH

(Also stops and turns to face Zuko)
I am saying that you should not count your
turtle-ducks before they've hatched.

ZUKO

I have been awaiting this day for three long
years. Why should I not anticipate?

Zuko begins to walk away. Iroh doesn't follow.

IROH

(Calling out calmly)
You realize that your father will kill him.

ZUKO

(Stops, but doesn't look back. After a few
moments, his eyebrows furrow)
By that time he won't be my problem.

Iroh watches Zuko walk away, his expression sad.

ZUKO (CONT'D)

Make sure the guards take his staff from him. I
allowed him to have it before for your sake, but
I do not want him escaping.

CUT TO:
INT. WAR SHIP, ROOM WHERE AANG WAS LEFT

FIRE NATION SOLDIER 1

(To Aang)
Give us the staff, boy.

Aang backs away, silently refusing to do so. His eyes glance to the door.

FIRE NATION SOLDIER 2

(To Aang)
Don't even think about escaping! This is a
Fire Nation War Ship!

Before he can even finish speaking, Aang moves, using airbending to leap over the stunned guards. Then, also using airbending, he closes the door. Looking down the hall, he sees three Fire Nation guards. They come at him, but he again uses airbending to clear the way, running along the side of the ship and escaping onto the deck.

For a moment, Aang just stands on the deck, looking lost. Then he hears a groaning noise, and looks up with a smile. Before he can even take a step, Zuko comes running out onto the deck. Aang clicks his staff and it opens into a glider.

ZUKO

(Yelling)
Don't move! You have no where to run!

Aang ignores him completely, and runs to the side of the ship, holding his staff aloft. Zuko and the soldiers chase after him. Iroh watches, concerned, from the doorway onto the deck.

When Aang reaches the front of the ship, he jumps off without hesitation.

ZUKO

NO!

Shot of Aang's glider heading out between the icebergs surrounding the ship. Zuko reaches the front of the ship, unable to take his eyes off of the glider.

CUT TO:
EXT. HIGH ABOVE THE SHIP AND ICE

Aang's glider comes swooping up the side of the ice shelf to land gently on Appa's back, facing Katara and Sokka.

AANG

(Looks down at the approaching ship)
You came. Thank you. Something's wrong.
I have to find out what.

SOKKA

Why?

AANG

(Looking apologetic)
I can't explain right now. I can take you
back to the village.

KATARA

I can't go back, Aang.

AANG

(Surprised and worried)
Why not?

KATARA

I'm a water bender, Aang. If I stay in the
village, and the Fire Nation finds out, they'll
kill me.

AANG

(Now looks utterly shocked)
What?

SOKKA

(Sokka points down to the War Ship)
The Treaty of Mozon states that the Southern Water
Tribe can remain in the South Pole only as long as
there are no water benders. If she goes back now,
they'll follow us. If they find her, they could burn
down the entire village.

AANG

(disbelieving)
The Fire Nation is that powerful? Why do you let
them rule you that way?

KATARA

(A little angry)
It's not like we have a choice. If we fight them,
we'll die. The Treaty is the only thing keeping our
village alive. I had to leave eventually anyway.
(Calming down)
Besides, we'd like to go with you.

CUT TO:
EXT. WAR SHIP DECK

Iroh walks up to a silent Zuko. The prince watches in anger as the bison takes off and flies into the distance.

IROH

(cautiously)
Zuko...

ZUKO

For a moment, I had my honor back.

IROH

You will have another chance. ZUKO
(Calm but angry)
Yes, I will.
(Turns around quickly)
Captain!

Does anyone know how to delete these line breaks? AARG.

Anywho, thank you all for your patience, and I'm sorry the chapter is so short. The next one is twice as long, promise. Please leave a review on your way out!