AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hi! My name is Clara (she/they) and I've been writing TLF for almost 3 years now. Currently ironing out older chapters so I decided to make a little introduction here before you can start reading. Alternatively, you can also skip this.
What is Distorted Reality?
DR is a fanfiction written over a decade ago by the very kind and talented Ogro and with some beautiful illustrations done by RocketAxxonu, the latter being how I discovered it. Thinking the story was discontinued, I started working on a reboot of sorts in 2020, which is also when Ogro actually continued DR. At this point it's actually finished and I HIGHLY recommend you check it out before or after reading my fic.
Okay, so what is The Last Firebender now?
While the original intention of TLF was to retell the same story with some mild adjustments, it has in the meantime transformed and evolved into being its own thing. For one, all of my chapters, or episodes, follow the 3-act-structure of a television series, much like the original show, though TLF is much longer in comparison. I also have a very unique writing style that is very similar to a screenplay, while also including a lot of important elements from traditional novel writing. It's probably not for everyone, but oh well.
What can I, the reader, expect from this?
If you're the kind of person that dislikes fanfiction if characters don't act exactly like they do in the source material, this is probably not for you. My goal here is to tell a story that builds on the original show, takes influence from DR, but also just manages to exist on its own. If you're a fan of the idea of heading into an almost entirely new adventure with lots of fun character moments, action scenes, new locations and set pieces, romance, LGBTQ+ representation, and a story that builds up slowly towards a big finale, then you might want to check it out.
Anything else?
Yes - have fun reading this! And for all the folks who have been reading it, continue to support it, leave reviews etc. - thank you very, very much, from the bottom of my heart :)
Without any further ado...
Fire... Earth... Water... Air...
My uncle used to tell me stories about the old days, a time of peace when the Avatar kept balance between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads. But that all changed when the Water Tribes attacked...
Only the Avatar mastered all four elements. Only he could stop the ruthless waterbenders. But when the world needed him most, he vanished.
A hundred years have passed, and the Water Tribes are nearing victory in the war. Three years ago, my father and the men of my village journeyed to the Earth Kingdom to help fight against the Water Tribes, leaving me and my brother to look after our island.
Some people believe that the Avatar was never reborn into the Air Nomads and that the cycle is broken, but I don't really care what happened. Yet, many still believe that somehow the Avatar will return to save the world.
Avatar: The Last Firebender
Based on Distorted Reality by Ogro
Written by Carrotine Clara
Book 1: Fire
Episode 1
The raven-haired girl
Act I. - The last days
It has been three years since Aang last journeyed to the Spirit World. Three years since he spoke to any of his past lives, three years since the war has ended. Or at least since people have stopped fighting.
And it's not like he hasn't tried, to communicate that is. As far as the war was concerned, he and his friends were nothing more than broken soldiers, running from the clutches of the Fire Nation, which has since taken over everything. Six months after Sozin's Comet arrived, the Navy conquered the Northern Water Tribe, the South had already been lost for years at this point. In these desperate times, whenever Aang had a moment, he meditated, trying to reach out to Roku, Kyoshi – anyone. Most of the time the group was able to stay in one place for a few months before escaping. This should be their last hideout. Their last chance. Aang's last chance.
KATARA: How is he doing?
Katara's arms are crossed, her face reeks of the exhaustion of the last few years. She flinches at the explosions outside the temple.
ZUKO: It's the only chance we got. We have to trust him.
Zuko puts his hands on her shoulder in an effort to soothe her. A failed effort unfortunately. As the explosions and the shouting gets louder, more resistance members rush down the Air Temple hallway towards the battle.
Azula watches closely from above, like an eagle-hawk eyeing its prey, eagerly following the struggle below. Rows of Fire Nation soldiers and tanks roll towards the front entry of the Southern Air Temple. The fighting is vigorous, troops march onward, but at a high cost.
Azula is standing on the main platform of the flagship. It was recently re-decorated, with a golden dragon head on the very top, apart from easily being the largest one in the fleet. The admiral of the airship approaches her cautiously.
ADMIRAL: Your grace, we are advancing, but we are met with heavy resistance, much larger than we possibly expected-
AZULA: Not a problem. They are trapped. They came here to die.
The admiral pauses in awe.
ADMIRAL: Yes, but I'm afraid at this rate-
Azula turns around in anger.
AZULA: What?!
The admiral gulps.
ADMIRAL: I'm afraid at this rate our losses will far succeed what we calculated. Perhaps if we halt the advance-
AZULA: And let the rebels regroup? Perhaps we should provide them safe conduct as well while we're at it.
The admiral got the message. He bows, turns around and leaves. Azula stands there for a few more seconds, looking down at the battle in contempt.
AZULA: This is the last time you got away, Avatar.
Another explosion. The earth walls created by Toph and the other benders crumble into pieces as the tanks advance. Fire balls shoot at the main entrance, one of them hits Monk Gyatso's statue, destroying it in the process. Katara and Zuko exit the temple, ready to fight.
KATARA: This is it then.
ZUKO: We only have one chance...
Katara opens her water pouches.
KATARA: Please Aang...
Inside the temple sanctuary Aang sits in silence, meditating. His mind jumping all over the place.
For years Aang pushed the weight of the world off his shoulders. He wanted to be a kid, he wanted to grow up. He needed to grow up. He regrets it now. As he nervously scratches the hair on his scalp he tries to calm down, yet the more he hears the shouting, the explosions, the screams - the more he thinks about his friends in danger - the more he panics. His breathing intensifies. Momo anxiously crawls around him.
AANG: I should be out there... I should be helping them...
He can't take it anymore. He jumps up and, in a nervous breakdown, starts bending air and fire furiously in all directions. Momo hides behind one of the Avatar statues, some of them are getting hit by Aang's vicious outburst.
AANG: Please! Roku! Kyoshi! Anyone – I NEED HELP!
Another tank flipped over by Toph's masterful bending skill. Yet, as more Fire Nations soldiers advance, the more desperate it gets. Finally, a fire blast hits her in the shoulder, she falls down.
TOPH: OW!
KATARA: Toph!
Another fire blast is about to hit her, Zuko steps in and blocks it, retaliating and blasting the attacker away. Meanwhile Haru and Katara come to aid the blind girl.
TOPH: It's fine, don't mind me...
Katara covers her shoulder in a glowing water meant to heal her wound.
ZUKO: Katara, there's too many of them – we need to go back inside!
KATARA: We won't leave her out here, we don't know what Azula will do to her-
TOPH: Katara!
Toph grabs her hand and pushes the glowing water away from the wound.
TOPH: I trust Aang. Please.
Katara tears up.
ZUKO: We need to get back inside.
HARU: I'll stay with Toph.
Zuko runs ahead. Katara hesitates.
ZUKO: Come on!
TOPH: Go on, I'll be alright.
Aang is nervously pacing up and down.
AANG: What was the point of any of this? Why did Roku even try to help me if he knew I would fail? Was I destined to fail?!
Momo looks at him curiously, wondering why the human is talking to himself.
AANG: And meanwhile I'm in here, unable to do the basic thing that any Avatar is able to do – when my friends are out there, maybe dying-
While unable to really calm down, he slowly runs out of steam. He halts and looks at the lemur to his left. He sighs.
AANG: What should I do Sabachi...
He plunges on to the ground and sits with his head lowered. He does this for a few seconds, when...
AANG: "Sabachi"?
Momo looks at him in confusion.
AANG: I meant Momo of course.
The lemur now reacts and climbs on his shoulder.
AANG: Who is Sabachi? Am I losing my mind?
Momo purrs at him and licks his face. Aang can hear more and more sounds of the raging battle. He takes a deep breath and gets up.
AANG: No. I can do this.
He assumes a fighting stance. Momo flies on to one of the higher shelves.
Inside the main hall Sokka and Suki are tirelessly fighting off Fire Nation soldiers. Many of the leftover volunteers of the resistance are bravely doing the same, yet, as a sheer endless number of soldiers enters, the resistance shrinks.
SOKKA: I don't know how much longer we can take this.
He cuts away a gout of flames with his sword, Suki jumping in to kick the attacker away.
SUKI: I trust Aang, but if he fails-
SOKKA: He won't fail.
Another flame blast hits, without bearing much success, as a sudden water flash extinguishes it. Zuko jumps in, pushing the soldier against a wall, Katara right behind him.
SOKKA: Where's Toph?
AZULA: Oh, don't worry, she will be fine.
Chime.
Everyone flinches in fear and turns towards Azula, who has entered the hall with a flock of soldiers behind her. For a moment, the fighting stops.
AZULA: I was hoping to get a better challenge from the Avatar and his little resistance, yet all I'm seeing is a bunch of loser children.
Zuko and Katara exchange looks. Katara shakes her head.
ZUKO (quietly): Do it.
Katara tears up again.
A huge fire blast hits the few defenders remaining, the combined power of earthbenders, Katara's water, and Zuko is able to partially block it. Zuko in particular retaliates, slowing down the attackers, if only for a second.
ZUKO: GO!
Katara runs for it. Azula immediately catches on to the diversion, but Zuko manages to distract her for at least a little while longer.
Katara surfs on a stream water, not quite as elegantly, but at least it is a quick way to navigate through the temple halls. She eventually reaches the correct hallway - the temple sanctuary is within her reach, until suddenly flames hit her wave and she crashes on to the floor. Four soldiers have been able to follow the waterbender, approaching her with caution. Katara expects the worst, when a sudden gust of wind flings them all away violently. Appa lands in front of her and grunts happily. She pets his head.
KATARA: Aang is still in there. What is taking him so long?
Appa grunts in horror, as more flames shoot above him. He turns around, only for him and Katara to realize that the flames are blue.
AZULA: Finally. I bet your boyfriend is in there.
KATARA: You'll have to go through US to get him!
Azula shrugs.
AZULA: Very well.
With quick precision she shoots lighting directly at them. Katara and Appa both jump aside, the projectile hits its intended target – the sanctuary's doors.
The bang of Azula's flash triggers a great many emotions in him. His vulnerability, his guilt. But there is no time left for that.
The lightning opened the door only by an inch, but enough for Aang to see a flash of what's outside. His eyes meet Katara's. With great determination, he sits down in a meditative stance. He takes a deep breath.
KATARA (from outside): Aang, you can do it!
And with tears in his eyes, the glowing finally returns to Aang's body.
Aang opens his eyes again. He finds himself within the sanctuary, yet something is off. The sounds of battle are gone.
AANG: Katara? Hello!?
His heart is beating out of his chest. He can't wait any longer and rushes towards the door, trying to burst it open with an air blast, unsuccessfully. He instead opts to crash against the door, pushing it open in the process. He looks outside and, instead of seeing the corridor, or Katara, he sees a wide, grassy field, spanning endlessly into the distance. He made it.
AANG: Finally. The Spirit World.
He steps outside and, for the first time in ages feels cozy, one might even say a little bit happy. He smells the fresh air as it breezes across his face.
AANG: I haven't been to the Spirit World since-
ROKU: Since you last used your powers in Ba Sing Se.
Aang looks to his right and suddenly sees Roku, his past life.
AANG: I swear, two seconds ago I looked, and you weren't there.
Roku laughs. Aang shares a smile with him.
ROKU: You haven't been in touch with your spiritual side lately, have you?
Aang's smile slowly disappears.
AANG: No...
Roku sighs.
ROKU: The injury Azula inflicted on you hasn't healed yet.
Aang reaches for the gaping scar on his back but flinches before touching it.
AANG: No. Katara tried everything, it's just-
ROKU: It's a wound that affects you in more than one way.
Aang feels how he is filling up with emotion.
AANG: I know! And I've tried to get rid of this spiritual blockade but...
He tears up.
AANG (teary): I just CAN'T! The world is in shambles – it's more unbalanced than it has ever been before, and it's my fault!
He collapses on to his knees and starts sobbing. Roku unfolds his hands and kneels down in front of him.
ROKU: I know your pain Aang. I can feel it.
Aang clenches his fists and his sorrow turns to anger.
AANG: No. You don't know what this feels like.
He gets up. Roku looks up in shock.
AANG: You don't know what it feels like to lose – you died before the war started – I am in it!
Aang turns around.
AANG: You don't know what it's like be a failure...
The soft breeze that was sweeping across the hills and fields just a moment ago turns into heavy wind. The sky turns into a dark-shaded grey.
ROKU: I do.
Roku gets up, Aang starts to regret his tantrum.
ROKU: I do, because I am you.
AANG: But you're not me.
Aang looks at the ground with grief in his eyes.
AANG: My friends are getting captured - or worse. And there's nothing I can do about it...
Roku now also gets up and turns around. Aang doesn't see this, but his skin looks pale and sick, his voice sounding fittingly weak.
ROKU: I was afraid things would turn out like this.
Aang's rage slowly dwindles as he turns around. Though he can only see Roku's back, he notices something is wrong with his prior incarnation.
ROKU: The other Avatars always try to think about possible alternatives in case things go bad. And so, I have always known that, should you fail...
The winds grow heavier. Aang can hear screams, voices that sound familiar, but also don't.
AANG: What's going on? Roku, what's happening?
Suddenly, Aang's tattoos and eyes start glowing again. Roku turns around and Aang watches the decay. All other previous lives loop in front of Roku, until eventually, after Kyoshi shows herself for a moment, Roku begins to disintegrate. Aang tries to reach out for him.
AANG: Roku...
ROKU: I'm sorry Aang. I should never have let this happen...
Roku turns to ashes before Aang's very eyes. When it is done, the glowing fades away and Aang looks around in horror.
AANG: Roku? Roku?! What am I supposed to do – WHAT AM I GOING TO DO NOW?!
The lush grass turns to dry, yellow bush - the winds get heavier, ash falls from the sky.
AANG: How can I save my friends?! HOW CAN I SAVE THE WORLD!?
Kyoshi appears in front of him one last time.
KYOSHI: We will guide you, Aang.
She disappears, as the winds clash against Aang, smashing him against the ground. He tries to get back on his feet, yet the winds have become too strong, dragging him across the hillside, which is now losing all the died of grass it previously had.
AANG: No! Kyoshi!
An especially strong wave hits him, and he flies across the plain, eventually smacking against solid rock. He turns and gazes at the previously non-existent mountain and identifies it as an erupting volcano. The winds drag him uphill, and he realizes that, instead of being pushed, he is getting sucked in by it. In a panic, he desperately tries to hold on to something.
AANG: No!
He reaches the peak of the volcano and is dragged inside. He falls into a gaping black abyss.
AANG: KATARA!
The raven-haired girl looks annoyed at her brother, who clumsily tries to sneak towards a flying guinea pig, sitting in a dry jungle tree. As he lays on his stomach, he awkwardly crawls across the yellow, grassy ground, one broadsword in each hand. As he does so, Azula sighs, flicking her bangs behind her ear. The girl is wearing a combination of pink pants and shirt, with a red fabric covering it, creating a dress-like shape. Her hair is long, black and hangs loose across her shoulders.
AZULA: Zu-Zu, how do you expect to catch a flying rodent on the ground?
His snake-like movement halts. The boy is wearing a crimson shirt and pants, with a vest on top in an even darker shade.
ZUKO: I know perfectly well what I'm doing.
He continues to crawl like a snail, with comical sound effects accompanying it. Azula slaps her forehead.
AZULA: Just let me use my little trick.
She takes on a combat stance. Zuko realizes this and quickly gets back up on his feet.
ZUKO: Azula – DON'T!
He tackles her, and the tiny gout of fire misses the flying guinea pig, shooting only barely above the tree and into the sky. Azula rolls over and sits up, massaging her temple.
AZULA: Great job dum-dum, you lost us our dinner.
Zuko gets up on his feet in a fury.
ZUKO: You almost hit the tree with your little fire-magic! You know what happens if we hit one something on this island – did you forget what fire does to dry grass?!
Azula frowns on the ground, refusing to admit the mistake to herself or her brother.
AZULA: Whatever, now it's gone.
Zuko retracts back his swords and begins to walk in the other direction.
ZUKO: Come on, Azula. We need to head back home.
Like a spoiled child she remains seated for a few more seconds. When she does finally decide to get back up, she hears a high-pitched squealing coming from behind her. The flying rodent decided to fly back on to the same branch and is now making squeaky noises at the raven-haired girl. Zuko is already a few meters away and stops.
ZUKO: Azula?
The guinea pig continues to squeak. Azula clenches her fists.
AZULA: Oh no, you don't.
As soon as Azula begins the chase, the rodent flies off.
ZUKO: Damnit, not again...
Her brother chases after them.
As the rodent soars from tree to tree, Azula runs on the ground with a certain kind of grace that Zuko can't quite comprehend. Or keep up with.
ZUKO: Azula, come back!
She jumps above a dry tree trunk, and slides below the one following after. Meanwhile Zuko clumsily climbs over both and even manages to drop from the second one. As his face is firmly planted on the ground, he begins to notice something in between the dried grass. Small flakes of ash. He starts to worry.
ZUKO: Azula, please wait!
His words don't reach her. With cat-like precision and with extreme endurance she chases the rodent, coming a little bit closer with every leap.
AZULA: I almost got you now...
The crescendo of the chase forces the rodent to land on a tree side, with Azula starting to leap from branch to branch in order to climb it. The rodent screams and climbs towards the treetop.
Zuko is, in the meantime, trying to catch up. His movements are not as acrobatic as those of his sister, but he manages to get a hold of it. He looks to his right, and sees the jungles density lowering, behind the mighty wood Zuko begins to recognize the shape of a mountain.
ZUKO: Azula!
This time his sister did hear him, almost causing her to lose her balance, but she manages to hold on. The chase continues and the rodent looks down in terror.
AZULA: You'll regret the day...
The rodent reaches the top and quickly digs through a pile of dry foliage. Azula grabs on to a tree branch.
AZULA: ...you insulted...
Zuko looks up and sees what is happening.
ZUKO: Azula, stop!
Azula breaches through the treetop and shots a blast of fire straight upwards.
AZULA: The last firebender – AZULA!
She stops and comes to her senses. In front of her is a giant mountain, a volcano to be exact. It is one of two volcanoes, which gives their home the appropriate name of the Twin Islands. One of the volcanic twins stands firmly in the ocean, while the other one, the one Azula is looking at right now, is located on soil. Her stare finally focuses on the little rodent, which has managed to escape on to a small mountain ridge, where it starts running towards the top. Azula hesitates.
ZUKO: Azula come down here, you know we're not allowed to intrude on the Twins!
She looks down and thinks about it for a second. Azula has already lost track of the rodent but is somehow magically intrigued by the twin volcanoes. A feeling she can't quite explain.
She decides to leap from the tree and grab on to the ledge.
ZUKO: Oh, Uncle is going to get so furious.
He makes a praying motion with his hands.
ZUKO: Please forgive us, Agni.
He runs towards the volcano.
Standing on top of the ledge, Azula holds on for a few moments. Looking down, she stares in awe at the dense, dried-out jungle. She can't see the village from here, but she can see a tiny smoke trail in the distance. She can also see her brother, climbing up towards a lower side of the ledge.
AZULA: Oh no, Uncle is going to get furious at me...
She decides to follow the trail upwards regardless, coming closer to the top of the volcano. She claps nervously.
AZULA: Okay little rodent, come out come out, wherever you are!
Her steps become more and more cautious, as the volcano seems less hospitable. Azula starts to get annoyed.
AZULA: Come on! If I'm already breaking the rules, I might at least get home some dinner home!
She takes a turn and finds herself on some kind of plateau. From here she has a pretty clear view of the other volcano, the other sister so to speak, with the vast ocean behind it. The water below looks grey and toxic, her uncle claiming it was a blessing from the spirits, who tried to protect their village from the Water Tribe raids. That was about the age Azula stopped believing in the stories of her uncle.
Azula turns her head and sees the flying guinea pig soaring towards the jungle. She crosses her arms.
AZULA: Well, great.
ZUKO: Azula!
She turns in slight fear of hearing her own name but tries to keep her composure.
AZULA: Look who made it. I guess I won that little race.
ZUKO: Azula, stop. We need to get down from here. It's forbidden to-
AZULA: I guess technically the rodent won, but we can discuss that later if you want.
ZUKO: Azula! It's dangerous up here!
AZULA: Oh please, don't bother me with your fairy tales! The last time the sisters erupted was... what? A hundred years ago? What are you so worried about?
A gap in the ground right next to her cracks open all of a sudden, with a blast of toxic volcano fumes shooting out of it. Azula flinches to the side, stepping on another crack.
ZUKO: Watch out!
He runs towards her and pushes her aside, right as a second stream of gas blasts open. It hits Zuko, who, despite covering his face, gets dizzy and walks off the volcano edge.
AZULA: Zuko!
Several eruptions now cover the plateau in toxic fumes, impairing her view. Azula tries to stand upright but can't get anywhere. She begins to panic.
AZULA: ZUKO!
This was all her fault. She begins to tear up.
AZULA (teary): No...
Her sadness erupts into anger.
AZULA: NO!
She starts violently blasting gouts of fire in random directions. They are significantly larger than the two shots she has performed before, yet they are also much more sporadic und lack the usual precision of Azula's movement. She shoots one last flame charge, unknowingly, directly at the volcano. After a few seconds, a sudden air wave smacks her on to the ground, but also blows away any remaining volcano fumes. After Azula gets up and choughs a bit, she realizes she has regained clear vision again. She rushes towards what she can now identify as the plateau's edge.
AZULA: Zuko!
She halts and looks down. Her brother landed on top of a large tree, only a short distance below the volcano. Zuko grunts.
AZULA: Thank Agni you're alright!
ZUKO: Don't use the Lord's name in vain.
Azula rolls over her eyes but smiles in relief.
ZUKO: What are you smiling about?
AZULA: Nothing. Come back up here.
She offers her hand. Zuko sighs.
ZUKO: Might as well, we're already screwed.
He takes a leap, grabbing on to Azula, almost pulling both down in the process. With combined strength the two siblings get back on top of the plateau. They both gasp and cough in exhaustion.
AZULA: Okay... next time you pull me...
She shuts up and turns around. Only now does she notice the ominous red glow coming from behind her.
Inside the volcano wall, behind the tiny crack Azula blasted earlier, she can see a glassy, shiny object hidden inside.
ZUKO: That wasn't there earlier, was it?
AZULA: I... think I made that.
Zuko looks at her in disbelief.
ZUKO: You? How?!
She steps closer towards it and takes a peek inside the crack. The crystal light blinds her at first, but once she looks inside, she hops back in utter shock.
AZULA: Zuko! There's someone inside there!
ZUKO: No way.
He also takes a peek. Azula is trying to calm down, but she can't believe her eyes.
ZUKO: Holy Agni!
AZULA: I think he's alive.
Azula looks down at the ground in horror. She takes a deep breath.
AZULA: Step back.
Timidly, he follows her command.
Azula takes on a bending stance, one she has learned from the forbidden books in Uncle's collection. Her legs apart and firmly on the ground, she does a powerful pushing motion with her arms, creating a stable and precise flame, one that smashes against the red crystal. Nothing happens, Azula is dumbfounded.
ZUKO: That was... pretty good, I think.
She stands back up and crosses her arms.
AZULA: Oh, don't pity me with your-
A second, much more powerful gust of wind erupts, shattering the red crystal in an instant. If it had hit either one of the siblings, they would have been blasted somewhere into the jungle woods. Behind the crystal Azula sees a wall of air, a second protective sphere so to speak. The lava inside the volcano, which would have started to flow out by now, gets instantly cooled down and dried to form solid rock.
The boy in the volcano steps forward. His glowing tattoos and eyes have an intimidating affect towards Azula. Perhaps this was the voice that called her to come here.
The glowing disappears and the boy collapses.
ZUKO: He's... alive. I can't believe it.
Azula rushes towards him and holds him in her arms.
AZULA: Come on, wake up.
Aang begins to open his eyes.
Act II. – The boy in the volcano
A wooden ship sails by the volcanic rocks that plagued others before. These islands are notorious for their difficult navigation, and are mostly avoided by other ships, except the occasional raid. It wasn't a big deal for the prince. His mission was clear, and he knows how to get it.
A sudden air wave hits the blue mast, carrying the emblem of the Water Tribe – a large crescent moon in front of huge waves. The ship experiences some turbulence, and the crew with it. The prince holds firmly on to the ship's nose, while looking straight ahead. He takes off the telescope strapped on his belt and looks through it. On top of the left volcano the prince sees a raven-haired girl shooting fire at the rock.
From below the deck an old, wrinkly lady emerges, her arms folded inside her sleeves.
KANNA: What is the meaning of this, Prince Sokka?
Sokka lowers the scope and grins greedily.
SOKKA: Finally.
He walks past by the old woman, ignoring her and passing by the other crewmen towards the rear end. Offended, Sokka's grandmother follows him.
KANNA: I was asking you a question, Prince-
SOKKA: Silence, woman. You know exactly what this means.
He tries to set the course for the Twins.
KANNA: Well, I'm very happy for you my prince, but you must be aware that the waters surrounding the twin sisters are extremely dangerous for vessels.
SOKKA: Are you questioning my methods?
He tries to build up his posture in an intimidating fashion, but the old woman is little impressed.
KANNA: Fine. If you just want to sink the ship, I'm not going to stop you. Just be sure to hand me over an escape raft before you do so.
His machismo-confidence disappears slowly, and the much larger, more intimidating men around him start looking at him funny.
SOKKA: We won't go to the volcano, because we already know where to find the bender.
As he triumphantly postures and watches the ship turn around, a second blast shakes up the wooden raft, and Sokka looks back in shock.
SOKKA: Apparently that firebender is much stronger than I assumed. I'm looking forward to it...
Aang opens his eyes abruptly and in pain. Images flash through his head. Shouting. Screaming. A glowing. Blinding light in the middle of the night. Waves crashing against rock. An explosion. Ash.
He twitches around. Azula begins to panic.
AZULA: I think he's dying!
ZUKO: Do something!
She glances at him.
AZULA: Like what?
With every new word Aang's unconscious state breaks open a bit more. He finally opens his eyes, adrenalin pumps through his veins as he looks straight ahead. His eyes match with those of a raven-haired girl.
AZULA: Hell...o?
He creates an air blast in his left hand and launches Azula down the volcano ridge. Aang is in full battle mode. A second figure attacks him with two swords, Aang dodging both swipes with acrobatic jumps. He blows away the weapons and freezes on the spot.
He looks directly at the yellow eyes of Prince Zuko. But... it can't be. He is missing his strength, his upper body muscles – most of all, his scar. Aang lets his guard down, allowing Zuko to push him away. Aang's regular strength, a product of years of war, feel suddenly vanished. With no grace he falls down, a steep cliff behind him. Zuko grabs a hold of his broadswords and threatens the Avatar with it.
ZUKO: I don't know who you are, but you WILL leave my sister alone!
AANG: What...
Azula gets back up. Aang is losing his composure – he frantically looks at Azula, back at Zuko, and so on. Azula is missing that cold stare, those calculating eyes – no, she HAS to be playing it. And... Zuko is in on it? Or is he? Why is this happening now? And where even is he?!
The siblings get a glimpse of the boy's nerve - or lack there off.
ZUKO: Hey! Did you hear me?
AANG: Where am I?!
Zuko is baffled.
ZUKO: Uh... I'm the one asking questions!
Azula carefully approaches.
AZULA: You're an airbender.
The boys look at her in shock. Aang grabs his head and notices his missing hair.
ZUKO: Can... you understand us?
Aang looks at his entire body. He is wearing the airbender robe from years ago. He looks visibly younger. Zuko starts talking in a comical voice.
ZUKO: Can u under-stand UUUS-
Azula jabs him.
AZULA: Stop it Zu-Zu! Of course he can understand us.
Despite missing the harshness of the real Azula, she still looks right through him. The one thing Aang remembers clearly is talking to Roku, after then everything gets blurry. He still hasn't forgotten his friends. He hasn't forgotten Katara.
All of this, seeing one of his supposed friends and... her. Aang decides to roll with it. Perhaps Roku sent him on a spirit quest. Or perhaps he's dreaming.
The boy, which he now is again apparently, gets up on his feet, and assumes a peaceful stance. Zuko is dumbfounded, Azula smiles. This worries Aang, but he continues.
AANG: I'm sorry for attacking you-
He coughs out a good amount of ash, the siblings step back in disgust. After he is done his voice is significantly higher pitched than he remembers.
AANG: I'm sorry for attacking you. I thought you were... somebody else.
AZULA: You fight with many girls, wind-boy?
Aang frowns. To his surprise, Azula's body-language suggest regret.
AZULA: I'm sorry, we're a little surprised too...
Aang doesn't buy it, but he plays along.
AANG: It's okay, I-
ZUKO: How did you get inside that rock?
Aang and Azula share a little moment of giving Zuko the silent treatment.
ZUKO: I mean, crystal, I guess. Did you use that thing to cover yourself?
Aang looks inside the cave and gets a humungous smile. Appa. He jumps at the bison and strokes his head.
AANG: Appa! Come here buddy, wake up!
The beast grunts, the siblings can't believe their eyes.
ZUKO: What IS that thing?!
A certain sparkle of joy appears in Azula's eyes. One that Aang can't see right now, nor would he believe its genuineness, and one that the raven-haired girl hasn't experienced in years.
AZULA: Oh, wow.
Appa gets up and exits the cave, shaking the ashes off his fur, and covering Zuko in it. Azula managed to dodge it.
ZUKO: Yuk! Great.
Azula giggles. A sound Aang despises, yet Appa has some other plans. The bison approaches a cautious Azula. Aang, who has gotten on top of his head, secretly wishes that his pet would trample her. Yet instead, Appa licks her with his gigantic tongue, a gesture that the raven-haired girl only partially appreciates.
AZULA: Ew. Well, thanks...?
AANG: Appa. His name is Appa.
He pets the bison, though with his eyes glued to Azula, as if he was a housecat closely watching perceived danger. Azula catches on to this.
AZULA: Nice to meet you, Appa. I'm glad he likes me.
AANG: So, it seems.
Zuko has meanwhile tapped off all the additional ash from his body.
ZUKO: That's all nice and well... Appa, but-
Appa grunts.
ZUKO: Uh, hello. It's really nice to meet your pet, but we should get going...
He freezes mid-sentence and awkwardly points at Aang, wanting to finish of the sentence with Aang's name, but not being able to do so since he hasn't heard it.
AANG: Are... you alright Zu-
Aang catches himself mid-sentence.
AANG: ...-Zu?
Azula laughs. Aang doesn't react.
AZULA: I think my brother Zu-Zu just realized you haven't actually told us your name.
ZUKO: Yeah! What is it?
AANG: My name is Aang.
The two older siblings are dumbfounded by the coldness of this smaller child.
ZUKO: Oh, well... hi! I'm Zuko.
Azula jabs him with her elbow.
ZUKO: Not Zu-Zu...
Aang scoffs. Azula notices.
AZULA: Well, this one already introduced himself. My name is Azula.
She reaches out her hand for him, Aang flinches. He saw the same person countless times attacking his friends, destroying homes. Yet this isn't the same person. Or is it?
AANG: I should get going.
He pulls Appa's reins in the opposite direction, down the narrow mountain path, which barely fits the beast.
ZUKO: Okay? Bye!
Zuko waves like an idiot, according to Azula at least. She is dumbfounded, yet intrigued by this strange, bald boy.
AZULA: Bye Aang.
Azula and Zuko walk alongside next to each other in silence. They have long left the sisters, and are now exiting the dry jungle woods, walking on an even dryer grass steppe. Zuko has been noticing that his younger sister is acting weird in recent times, especially today. Yet, in spite of her usual fierce, outwards, loud-mouthed personality, she hasn't spoken a single word since they left the volcano. He strokes his left arm and thinks.
ZUKO: So... you think that buffalo can fly?
He gets her attention.
AZULA: ...why?
He puts his hand behind his head.
ZUKO: I don't know. I think I read that airbenders have flying buffalos in one of my-
AZULA: Books. Yeah, I figured.
She still has her arms crossed.
ZUKO: Or was it a bison? I'm not sure.
Azula groans.
AZULA: Who cares Zu-Zu, let's just go home...
He smirks and tries to play it cool.
ZUKO: Well, Azula, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you miss this "Aang"-
She shoves his face away and he falls down.
ZUKO: Come on! I found him interesting too!
AZULA: Then maybe you should ask him to come back.
Aang and his bison wander aimlessly through the not-so-dense jungle, the animal seemingly unhappy with this. Appa grunts in a deep pitch.
AANG: I don't know. Somewhere off this island...
Appa grunts, disapproving. Aang responds angrily.
AANG: What? I'm just as lost as you are!
Now Appa's grunt sounds flat out intimidating.
AANG: I said, I don't know! Let's just go, Appa! Yip-yip!
The beast stops and starts shaking.
AANG: YIP-YIP!
Instead of following his command, Appa throws Aang forward and on to the ground.
AANG: Ow!
Appa grunts loudly, while Aang gets back up in fury.
AANG: What was that all about?!
The beast turns around and walks in the other direction.
AANG: Hey! Stop, come back!
He chases after his pet and trips over a tree branch.
AANG: Appa! What are you doing?
Appa grunts again, for a long period and with different pitches. Aang gets back up on his feet and runs after the bison, his anger starting to be replaced with guilt.
AANG: I know I'm not really myself, but it's...
Aang stops.
AANG: I don't know if you could understand.
And with that, Appa flaps his tail, runs a few steps, and soars into the sky. Aang reaches out in shock.
AANG: No! APPA!
He hesitates to jump or do anything else to stop it. Lowering his hand in defeat, Aang looks down at the ground. His last friend in this world gone. Completely alone. He sinks down to the ground.
As the wooden ship sails across the ocean and towards its target, a giant, flying bison passes over it, no one noticing it, since all of the crew members are busy mounting the ship and controlling the waves. Prince Sokka is busy training rather clumsily on his own.
There's only one person on the ship who catches a glimpse, the lieutenant, and second in command. Kanna walks up to him after the beast is already gone.
KANNA: What is it, Lieutenant Bato?
BATO: Nothing.
He rudely brushes by the old woman.
The two siblings pass through their last obstacle, a field of palm trees surrounding the village, almost like a shield, although it's not a very effective protection against fire or the Water Tribe. Azula takes the lead.
ZUKO: What are we going to tell Uncle Iroh?
She sighs as they enter their little tropical village.
AZULA: Don't worry it's going to be fine. We'll just say we got lost while hunting, and then-
IROH: AZULA!
They freeze in the spot as their uncle exits the wooden hut and angrily storms at them. The entire rest of the village stares at the situation unfolding.
ZUKO: Oh no...
Azula gulps nervously. Iroh comes to a hold right in front of them.
IROH: Where in Agni's name were you?!
Zuko shivers comically.
AZULA: Well Uncle, you see-
Zuko manically waves his hand.
ZUKO: It was Azula's fault! She ran after our dinner, and we climbed on to one of the Sisters and there was this kid-
Azula boils cartoonishly and is about to shove her brothers face into the sand.
IROH: Azula.
They both turn around and look with a frightened face upon their uncle. Iroh sighs deeply, the other villagers have already begun to look away and continue as usual. Incidents like these, between Iroh and his troublesome niece and nephew, occur regularly. The situation has gotten worse since their father left. Iroh sighs.
IROH: You know very well that the island volcanos are sacred, thereby forbidden.
Zuko falls on his knees and cries in a comical fashion.
ZUKO: We're so sorry Uncle, we're so sorry – we will never do it again!
IROH: Alright, get up.
He pats his nephew in an attempt to calm him down.
IROH: Come on now Azula, let's get back inside. Tea is ready.
The two walk back to their hut, Azula standing still, not in contempt, but as if she is waiting for Iroh to notice. And so, he does.
IROH: Is everything alright?
She looks down at the ground.
IROH: Did you burn something again?
ZUKO: Well, she did use-
AZULA: Zuko!
She glances at her brother.
IROH: Azula?
AZULA: I didn't burn anything.
She finally decides to face her uncle.
AZULA: We found something.
Zuko shakes his head nervously, this time Iroh is irritated.
IROH: On the volcano?
AZULA: No. Inside.
Back with Sokka, the prince faces one of his own soldiers in one-on-one combat on the ship's deck. His weapon of choice is an intimidating broadsword-machete-hybrid, with a leather and bone handle. The soldier across from him carries no visible weapon. Lieutenant Bato is apparently acting as a referee.
BATO: One more time.
Sokka gets ready. He charges at the soldier, who counters his rush with a wave, which he summons from behind. The young prince rolls over to the side and throws his boomerang when a second, smaller wave hits him from the back and sweeps him across the deck. The soldier looks terrified, Bato shaking his head and sighing. Sokka, wet and defeated, starts throwing a tantrum.
SOKKA: What the heck was that?! How was I supposed to get around a second wave?!
BATO: My prince...
Sokka calms down. Supposedly Bato is the one crewmember Sokka doesn't view as disposable.
SOKKA: Next time you'll give me a hint!
BATO: Next time, you'll be facing a firebender.
Sokka's boomerang flies back aiming for Bato's head, who catches the thing without turning around. Sokka gulps.
BATO: And from what we've seen, from the way her attacks startled our ship, you're going to have to be prepared for a little more than a "second wave"...
Bato makes a motion and creates two huge waves on both sides of the ship. They block the sun, covering Prince Sokka in shadows. This triggers some unpleasant memories.
BATO: As a non-bender, you have to be more inventive than that.
He drops his stance, and the waves fall back down, shaking the ship, Prince Sokka, but not Bato.
BATO: We will be reaching our destination soon. You should get ready, my prince.
Bato leaves. Sokka sits in a puddle of salt water for a few more seconds before getting back up.
A tea pot is put on the stove, inside the small, moody hut.
IROH: Zuko, would you be so kind and ask our neighbors if we can borrow their flint stones?
ZUKO: Uh... which ones?
IROH: Oh, any would be fine.
Iroh forces his nephew outside with a warm smile, Zuko complies. After the boy has left Iroh smirks at Azula, who sits grumpily at their small kitchen table. In his hand he shows her his own set of flint stones, before sitting down across from her.
IROH: You do not seem surprised.
AZULA: Zuko never likes the "difficult" conversations.
Iroh prepares dry tea leaves in a bowl.
IROH: Can you really blame him in these times? His sister is one of the last firebenders, maybe ever. He knows when you are caught by Water Tribe patrols, they will most likely take you away.
She scoffs, knowing her guilt, but refusing to admit it.
IROH: Which is why it concerns me that you used your ability on the volcano.
He raises his eyebrows. His concerned, but peaceful interrogation techniques always break her.
AZULA: Something called me. I think it was Aang.
Iroh scoffs surprised.
IROH: Aang? That sounds like a very strange name.
AZULA: He's an airbender. He was trapped inside the volcano somehow. I got him out of there with my fire.
Iroh nods. Judging by his body language this message genuinely seems to have triggered something. Azula is intrigued.
AZULA: What is it?
IROH: Azula, do you remember what I told you about the Sisters?
Her attention is shortly replaced by annoyance.
AZULA: Yeah, that they erupted 100 years ago and that they're magic...
IROH: 100 years ago. That's when the Avatar disappeared.
She is immediately back on board.
AZULA: The Avatar?! I thought the waterbenders killed him.
IROH: At the start of the war, when the Water Tribes attacked the Air Nomads, they killed most of them. Some of them fled, some of them were taken as prisoners.
AZULA: That means the Avatar could have survived.
She has to pause a moment to digest the information.
AZULA: But... but wouldn't they know? I thought the Water Tribe launched the attack in order to kill the Avatar.
IROH: No Avatar ever showed up. Their methods of warfare are brutal, but... often lack the brains.
AZULA: So, this means Aang could be the Avatar.
IROH: Maybe. It's hard to answer how he survived inside an active volcano for 100 years...
Azula looks at her uncle with the same sparkle in her eyes that she had when she first saw Aang.
AZULA: There's only one way to find out.
Their conversation is abruptly ended as they hear noises outside. Screaming, the village bell, and drum music. That's when Zuko runs into the room.
ZUKO: They're here.
The drums are intense and loud, with a very fast rhythm to accompany the incoming attack. The soldiers ready themselves, putting on armor and face paint. In addition, their uniforms include a wolf-shaped helmet. Sokka's helmet is the largest one, of course.
The infantry readies their spears, the benders fill their bags with ocean water.
KANNA: Is this really necessary? I thought we are hunting a small girl.
SOKKA: Don't concern yourself with the matters of warfare, woman. I will be facing a powerful advisory. I will need everything I got.
Two male servants start putting his armor and makeup on.
KANNA: Oh yeah? That will go well.
Sokka shouts, as the drums are getting louder.
SOKKA (shouting over the drums): What?
KANNA (shouting over the drums): Nothing my prince, good luck!
SOKKA (shouting over the drums): Thank you!
The village is in disarray, women are running around, the screaming children are being brought into the huts for safety. Grown men are nowhere to be found, with the exception of Iroh, who exits with his niece and nephew. Iroh looks at the approaching ship in horror.
IROH: They're coming for you, Azula.
He turns around.
IROH: Quick! Go inside and hide!
AZULA: No!
Iroh looks at her in confusion.
ZUKO: What? Azula, if they capture you-
AZULA: I won't fight.
She looks back towards the palm trees.
AZULA: But we will need help.
Iroh smirks, but only a little.
IROH: Fine. Go find Aang.
ZUKO: Aang?!
Zuko's face takes on a cartoonish expression.
On a dry grass field, stretching far beyond, Aang walks onward aimlessly. His mind similarly wanders around with no real focus or direction. Images flash inside his mind - Azula inside the Southern Air Temple. The failed attack at Sozin's comet. The failed invasion of the Black Sun. When Ba Sing See fell and Azula struck him down. When Appa was lost. When the Moon Spirit died. When he ran away from Gyatso. When-
KATARA: Aang! Aang?
He snaps out of it, frantically looking around but seeing nothing but grass, jungle and the volcanoes in the back.
AANG: KATARA?! Katara, where are you? I can't see you!
KATARA: Me neither! But I can hear you!
Aang nods, then falls on his knees.
AANG: At least there's that...
KATARA: You... sound different.
He gets back up in a rush.
AANG: I know it's-
He sighs.
AANG: It's a lot to explain, and I don't know how much time I've got...
KATARA: Aang, it's okay.
Words of relief which Aang really needed to hear.
AANG: Where are you know?
KATARA: Azula captured us, she will be taking is to the capitol.
AANG: Are the others alright?
Katara sighs.
KATARA: I don't know, Aang.
He is at a loss for words.
AANG: Katara... I... I-
KATARA: Aang, calm down.
He shuts up.
KATARA: I don't know what's going to happen next, I have no idea what your spirit journey encompasses – whatever is set for your future...
Katara's image appears in front of him.
KATARA: ...but I know you can do this.
The images of terror disappear and are replaced by the kind and wonderful memories of Aang and his friends. How they laughed, how they cried. How the fought, how they lost. Always as one. And most of all, he remembers Katara. How they met, how they trained. When they kissed. That soft and warming kiss as she gently places her hand on his face. Katara's voice echoes in his head.
KATARA: Aang. Aang! Are you alright, Aang?
The feeling of her smooth hand starts to burn a bit, as it kind of feels like...
AZULA: Aang. Aang! Are you alright Aang?
The burning feeling turns out to be Azula, who lightly smacks him on the cheek repeatedly.
AZULA: Come on, Aang! Are you dying again?!
He shouts in panic as he leaps up from the ground. Azula jumps back and screeches. After a few seconds the mayhem is over and a calm, standing Aang looks down at the scared Azula sitting on the grass. For the first time ever, he feels compassion. Azula is, in contrast, very much pissed.
AZULA: Don't you ever do that again!
She is obviously embarrassed that someone caught her vulnerable like that.
AANG: I'm... so sorry, I think I passed out from the heat...
With cat-like precision the girl jumps back on her feet.
AZULA: Whatever, we don't have time for this.
Aang suspects something is wrong.
AZULA: Our village is under attack - I know we only just met, but... please. We need your help.
AANG: Who is attacking you?
Azula scoffs.
AZULA: Well, have a guess. The Water Tribe, of course.
His pupils widen and fear runs through his body again.
The ship lands on the shores. As the boarding crew of Viking-like warriors hops on to the beachhead they emit battle cries, in perfect synch with the fast-paced drums on deck. The entire village has barricaded itself behind the flimsy-looking huts. All look outside at the intimidating wolf-clothed aggressors as they approach their only system of defense - Zuko, both broadswords drawn.
Bato jumps off the ship and assumes a bending stance, eyeing Zuko. He mumbles to himself.
BATO: He's not here.
Finally, a figure emerges, one carrying a dark blue and light grey wolf helmet and presenting himself as the main attraction. This is Sokka of course, the rest of his armor appearing more stylish than functional, even including a toga-cape-cross.
The prince draws his equally expensive sword, jumps down and manages the beach landing.
SOKKA: Nailed it.
He steps forward and sees Zuko, who, while presenting himself as ready, has a hard time hiding his nervousness. The drums stop.
SOKKA: I am Prince Sokka of the great Southern Water Tribe. I have come here today with a gift!
Zuko clenches his swords. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Iroh appears, his posture suggesting that he will attempt to peacefully block the invaders.
IROH: Welcome to our humble island, your highness. How may we be of service?
Bato moves forward and walks past by them.
SOKKA: Well-
BATO: Don't waste our time old man, you know why we are here.
Sokka is laughably incapable of responding.
IROH: Oh, I can assure you that there are no firebenders on the island. The last one, my brother, was taken away years ago.
A lie.
BATO: You were freed from him. Firebenders are dangerous lunatics who burn down dry lands like these on a whim.
ZUKO: It's only so dry because you drain our water!
BATO: Watch it, boy!
He prepares to attack, Iroh intervenes.
IROH: No! Please don't hurt him! He didn't mean it!
BATO: Move away old man!
Bato washes Iroh to the side with a brutal wave, all while Zuko is unable to intervene. Even Sokka seems a bit horrified.
SOKKA: All right. Now, before anything else gets broken, I'm just here to ask a simple question - where is the raven-
BATO: Where is the Avatar?
Everyone is baffled. Iroh, who managed to recover from his hit, looks nervously at Bato, who appears more intimidating than the actual prince.
ZUKO: What?
SOKKA: Avatar? Lieutenant, what are you-
BATO: I saw his flying bison. The animal is extinct, but we know some of them fled. I'm convinced the Avatar was stuck in that volcano and-
SOKKA: "Convinced"? I don't care about "convinced", I care about a girl, with raven-black hair, firebending on the volcano, and I want to take her with me!
Bato is clearly holding back.
BATO: But your highness, the Avatar is a much more valued prisoner than some random fire bending woman.
SOKKA: The Avatar is dead. Nobody cares, Bato!
The lieutenant is boiling.
BATO: Maybe I do.
Meanwhile, Zuko is trying to figure out a plan.
SOKKA: That's good for you, but as long as I am the captain, and you're my inferior, I will call the shots. Is that clear?
ZUKO: I'll tell you where they are.
Everyone's attention shifts to Zuko.
SOKKA: What was that?
ZUKO: I'll tell you, if you can beat me in a one-on-one fight. Your highness.
IROH: Zuko, don't.
ZUKO: Trust me, Uncle.
Sokka smirks devilishly.
SOKKA: Deal.
In a small fit of rage Bato turns around and walks back towards the ship.
Azula watches impatiently, as Aang strolls up and down the grassy plains, talking to himself.
AANG (nervously mumbling): I can't do this. I can't face him...
Azula is internally switching between trying to comfort him and thinking of a sassy comment. She looks to her right and in the direction of her village. She worries, finally pushing her to do something.
AZULA: Hey, where is that... buffalo of yours?
AANG: It's a bison. And he ran away.
AZULA: Damn it.
She quickly goes back to serious.
AZULA: Wait, he ran away?
Aang looks like he is about to burst.
AANG (nervously mumbling): I can't do this, no. I... I can't, I-
AZULA: Aang...
AANG (nervously mumbling): What if I... no, I can't do it...
Fear runs through his veins again. If the Water Tribe is the enemy here, then that means-
AZULA: HEY!
Aang flinches. He is calm again. Azula on the other hand caught some of his fear.
AZULA: I don't have time for this! My family, or whatever is left of it, is in danger!
He feels sympathy for her again. He hates it, but even with every memory of his Azula stuck in his mind, these words hurt him.
AZULA: Please Aang! Just help us this once, you can leave after that, and you never have to see us again!
The sympathy turns into shame. Aang hesitates.
AZULA: Come on, isn't that what the Avatar is supposed to do?
Aang suddenly feels a rush of adrenalin.
AANG: How... do you know that?
AZULA: THAT'S what's important right now?! Really?!
Aang thinks for a moment. He is terrified of what he is about to encounter, or whom. But he has no choice. He takes a deep breath.
AANG: Come on let's go.
AZULA: How are we supposed to get there in ti- AH!
Aang rushes behind her and picks her up, carrying Azula in front of himself. He almost loses his balance due to her... well, weight.
AANG: You are heavier than I thought.
Azula's head turns red in a comical fashion.
AZULA: What did you just say- AH!
She shrieks, as the Aang uses his bending and takes giant leaps through the air. Azula is rightfully uneasy so high up, but also impressed by his abilities.
The ship drummers gather at the beach and start their tribal battle sound. The warriors gather around the two combatants. Even if Zuko manages to beat Prince Sokka, the surrounding crowd would most likely not allow it. The entire village watches through their flimsily barricaded shacks, Iroh being the only one present outside. Sokka smugly removes his helmet and toga.
SOKKA: This will be over quickly.
He draws his pompous blade. Zuko already has his broadswords out.
IROH: Please Zuko, you don't have to do this!
ZUKO: I have to.
ZUKO (whispering to himself): I'll give you all the time you need, Azula.
Sokka takes on a stance. The drums build up louder and faster until they finally stop in an exciting crescendo, indicating the start of the fight.
Silence ensues for a few seconds. Iroh watches from his porch, Kanna looks from the ship deck, Bato stands in between the half circle of drummers.
Sokka roars and charges, he swings his blade and Zuko dodges. He tries a chopping movement – Zuko stepping aside and the blade hitting the sand. His third swing hits both blades, as Zuko tries to counter. He attacks with many quick blade swings, which Sokka blocks or dodges, although not with ease. The blades hit each other at an increasing speed, with neither gaining the upper hand. Bato begins to clench his teeth.
SOKKA (exhausted): Come on...
They two opponents cross swords and attempt a pushing contest. Zuko seems to win.
SOKKA (exhausted): No...
Sokka steps aside, Zuko almost falling on his face, the prince using the opportunity to swing his heavy sword with great force. Zuko is too slow and only manages to block last second – the sheer force of the huge sword is enough for Zuko to drop his own weapons.
SOKKA: Your sword fighting skills are impressive.
ZUKO: Yours are not.
He is not yet defeated, charging at the prince, who attempts another swing with his sword. Zuko dodges – he sees the knives the prince is carrying on him. Sokka roars again. Zuko throws sand in his face and temporarily paralyzes his opponent, who in response starts swinging his weapon around at random. Zuko manages to dodge it, he runs towards him, and hastily grabs one of the knives, positioning himself in front of Iroh. Sokka regains his vision as Zuko realizes he is... not holding a knife.
ZUKO: A... boomerang?
SOKKA: Hey! Where did you get that?
Sokka narrowly dodges as his opponent throws the boomerang at him. He is now angry, pointing his blade at Zuko.
SOKKA: Enough of this! You are defeated – surrender now!
Zuko gulps. His mood brightens as he can suddenly see a silver object flying back at him – directly towards Sokka. The prince notices and turns around.
SOKKA: What are you-
The weapon smacks Sokka directly in his face and the prince stumbles. Zuko catches his new weapon, runs by Sokka and picks up both of his swords. Iroh smiles for a moment.
That is until a blast of water hits Zuko in the back, causing him to fall down. A whole series of attacks sweeps him across the beach and before Iroh's feet, who runs towards him. Sokka was almost hit as well, had he not jumped to the side.
SOKKA: Hey! I'm not done yet!
BATO (angry): Enough of this childish nonsense!
He walks towards Zuko, twirling water around his own arms.
BATO: You have embarrassed yourself enough, Prince Sokka. I will end this.
His arm water freezes and turns into icicles. No one stops him, neither the soldiers, nor Sokka. Iroh can only watch.
In that moment, a figure emerges from palm trees, suddenly drawing everyone's attention towards him.
ZUKO: Aang!
BATO: There he is.
His attention shifts drastically, and he shoots the icicle at Aang, who dodges. Only now does he see the girl being carried, who suddenly jumps off and blasts a gout of fire towards Bato. A direct hit on the left side of his face. The lieutenant falls over with a grunt. Zuko and Azula take on fighting poses, standing in opposition to the now mobilizing Water Tribe soldiers. Outnumbered by a lot, Azula is not intimated.
AZULA: We are the Fire Nation! You are on our land, and we want you GONE! Get out of here now, before you end up like your captain!
She points at Bato, who struggles to get up, with his hand on his face.
SOKKA: Hey! I'm the captain!
Azula is even less intimidated.
AZULA: Who are you?
SOKKA: I am Prince Sokka, of the Southern Water Tribe!
Aang looks up in terror. He landed a few seconds ago, with no one paying attention to him. He steps forward, his heart full of fear.
SOKKA: I will take you as a prisoner, in the name of the Great Chief Hakoda!
AANG: No...
SOKKA: If you shall resist, I will flood your village until all of your houses are part of the ocean floor!
Aang walks next to Azula.
AZULA: Aang, this is probably where you should-
His tattoos start glowing, so do both of his eyes. Azula steps away in terror and the warriors point their spears at him. A circle of wind forms around him, he starts hovering.
A cold sting pierces through Aang's back. The same striking pain that he felt back in Ba Sing Se. This time he can't see images, only black, as he collapses on to the sand.
AZULA: Aang!
As Azula rushes towards the body, she is also hit by a water wave, behind her stands Bato, who performed the attack. Azula gets back up and readies herself for battle, but is unable to follow through, as two warriors grab her from behind and tie her up. Zuko lies on the ground unconscious, having been hit by another one of Bato's waves. So does Aang, Iroh only standing there and looks in horror upon what is happening. Tears run down his eyes.
IROH (teary): I hope you are happy now.
BATO: Not yet.
The lieutenant has stopped hiding his face. A fresh, burning scar is covering most of everything around his left eye. He walks towards Aang's motionless body, when Sokka finally intervenes.
SOKKA: What was that back there, Bato? You almost hit me with your attack!
BATO: I saved you! You were clearly incapable to do so yourself. Now hand me over the Avatar!
SOKKA: No! Even if he WAS the Avatar - which is impossible because the Avatar died 100 years ago - I'm definitely not letting that glow-eyed freak on my ship!
Bato is boiling once again.
BATO (angry): But sir...
SOKKA: Go to Kanna and let her check out your wound. That is an order!
Bato has to use every muscle in his body not to retaliate against Sokka right now. He simply groans and walks away.
BATO (cold): You will regret this, your highness.
The other warriors carry the flailing and tied-up Azula aboard. She looks upon her family one last time, even at the unconscious Aang. Some tears flow down her face. Sokka meanwhile puts is toga and helmet back on, as everyone jumps back on board.
SOKKA: Nice island you got.
Act III. – Aang returns
These words echo in Aang's head. The situation gives him a migraine - fighting alongside Azula against one of his closest friends. Why? What is he doing in this world?
He wakes up inside a wooden shack. His vision is still dizzy he looks down and-
AANG: My shirt!
He jumps up in shock, calms down after a few seconds. Behind him, standing across from him, is Iroh, filling a teapot with water and lighting the stove with flint stones.
IROH: I'm sorry, I took the liberty to tend to your wounds.
He tries to force out a smile but gives up. Aang meanwhile checks on his back. He has a new wound now, very similar to the one he used to carry in his world. This one isn't as big though, neither can he feel a lot of pain from it. He also realizes that this is the first time he considers his home "his world". What would this here be then?
IROH: I'm afraid parts of your clothing got ripped apart by that waterbender...
Aang feels sympathy for the old man. He sits down again.
AANG: Thank you for helping me.
IROH: Oh, you really don't need to thank me. Azula was quite fond of you.
Aang can see his sadness again. He shouldn't. He shouldn't feel bad for Azula, the person who hunted him down for the last three years. The person that took so many innocent lives. But he does.
AANG: Azula...
IROH: I don't know what happened there on the beach, but I do suspect that not every airbender can do that.
He scoffs. If Azula managed to figure it out, so did Iroh probably.
AANG: I'm... I'm sorry I couldn't protect her.
IROH: Oh, don't be. I couldn't either. I'm afraid no one is truly safe from the Water Tribe...
Aang shudders after that sentence.
AANG: Can you tell me what happened in the last 100 years?
Iroh removes the boiling tea pot from the stove and pours it into two separate cups.
IROH: Oh, I don't even know where to start...
He hands Aang his cup of tea, then sits down across from him.
AANG: Has there... been a war?
IROH: If you could call it that. The Water Tribes have always been... unique, yet 100 years ago, one day the sun set and didn't rise for an entire day. Years and years of intense rain that never seemed to end. That's when the raids began.
Aang gulps. The image of seeing the sky engulfed in red was bad enough. Now this world had its own Sozin, its own comet. Its own terrible war. Aang assumes the worst.
AANG: The airbenders?
IROH: That was their primary target. When the armies of the north and south marched against the Air Temples not many survived...
Aang's eyes suddenly flash up.
AANG: Wait. Not many?
IROH: Some of them survived, yes. But no one knows what happened to them.
Aang is slightly more relieved. More airbenders? At least something. But it only changes little in the grand scheme of things. When Iroh pauses, Aang can hear a yelling outside. It's the sound of Zuko.
IROH: My poor nephew isn't taking it so well...
Aang feels incredibly guilty. He hates this world, he hates that he is here, and he absolutely despises the fact that he can't help his friends.
But he can't stop. He heard Katara, there is no confirmation that it was the real Katara, but he has to believe.
IROH: I know this is a lot to ask, but-
He gets up from his seat with an expression of determination.
AANG: Can I borrow a shirt?
His partially ripped pants fall off, revealing his underpants.
AANG: ...and maybe some pants too.
The people of the village have slowly started to come out of their huts again. Looking dour and sad they mostly continue their work from earlier, no one really saying a word.
Zuko is the only one making any noise. He runs around frantically back and forth on the beach, picking up rocks and shells, throwing them at the waves as if that had any effect. Occasionally, the movements are accompanied by a loud, painful scream, gaining him looks of pity from other villagers. He finally sits down and Aang walks up behind him.
ZUKO: What do you want?
AANG: I want to help you.
ZUKO: You should have helped by protecting Azula.
Aang sighs, but he won't give up.
AANG: Please, I... I know we can do this-
ZUKO: What do you want me to do? And what do you want? You don't know us, what's your stake in this?
Aang can't answer. Zuko angrily gets up.
ZUKO: Why don't you just leave?!
Zuko quiets down and realizes Aang is not wearing his previous clothing. He kept his brown nomad boots but strapped them over a pair of fluffy grey pants, similar to his normal once. A brown belt is placed around his stomach, behind it a dark red shirt, plain and simple, a similar color to what Zuko is wearing.
ZUKO: Is... that my shirt?
AANG: Listen, I know I screwed up.
Aang sighs.
AANG: I have disappointed a lot of people in my lifetime - I don't know how, but we will save Azula.
Zuko crosses his arms in suspicion, closely resembling the body language of his sister.
ZUKO: And why would you want to do that? Last time we spoke you wanted to run away.
Aang looks down at the ground. He restrains from crying, but the memory of his friends is truly what pushes him here. He looks Zuko directly in his eyes and smiles.
AANG: Because that's what the Avatar is supposed to do.
Aang swings the broad sword multiple times against the palm tree. It involves no real technique or precision, besides not trying to chop his own fingers off. Zuko stares at this in confusion, some of the villagers join in.
ZUKO: Uh... Aang?
AANG: Yes?
He continues to chop into the tropical wood.
ZUKO: What... are you...
AANG: Well...
Aang hits a critical spot, and the palm tree falls over. This draws a lot of attention, the entire village in fact, which gathers around Zuko and Aang.
IROH: Zuko, what is going on here?
ZUKO: Well, we...
AANG: We are building a raft to get back Azula.
The villagers are shocked, Iroh displays a light smile, which Aang reciprocates.
ZUKO: Yes! We are – wait, what was that?
An older man steps forward.
OLD MAN: And who said you could chop down our palm trees?
Aang gulps. To his surprise, the old man smiles too.
OLD MAN: We have more than enough in reserve! Come on, we'll help you out.
Aang and Zuko share a nod.
Over the course of a short period the entire village comes together for this common goal. Some of the stronger women and the old man push logs, other women and the children bring ropes, knotting the whole thing together. A mast is raised with combined forces. The children of the village are impressed by this strange, bald boy raising logs and jumping around with his airbending. The old man ties a knot next to Zuko.
OLD MAN: It's him, right? That's the Avatar.
Zuko really only now realizes.
OLD MAN: He's finally back. I have been waiting my whole life for something like this.
After a bit the raft is almost done, only missing...
AANG: Does... anyone have a sail?
A door opens and Iroh approaches his nephew and Aang, holding a red cloth in his arms.
IROH: I haven't seen this in a long time...
Zuko unfolds it, revealing an old Fire Nation symbol. The village cheers, Aang shudders, mumbling to himself.
AANG (mumbling): Remember, these people are the ones suffering...
IROH: Aang, would you like to have the honor?
Aang panics.
AANG: Uh... no, I... don't think that would be alright, me being... an airbender and all...
ZUKO: I'll do it.
Zuko ties the sail on to the raft. Iroh approaches.
IROH: Is everything alright?
AANG: What? Yeah, sure! I'm just... nervous.
IROH: I have great confidence in you.
He puts his hand on Aang's shoulder.
IROH: You can do this.
Aang looks behind Iroh, spotting the Fire Nation flag being raised. He begins to question his mission.
The village pushes the, can't really call it a boat, into the water. Zuko und Aang climb on top, the village gathers at the beach.
IROH: Be sure to hold on tight, Zuko!
ZUKO: Tight? How fast is this thing going?
Aang takes a deep breath, then takes on a stance very similar to Azula on the volcano. He shoves a huge amount of air with high velocity towards the sail – the raft races into the seas, almost like a high-speed boat. Zuko grabs on to the mast and screams in a comical fashion. Iroh watches the raft speed away from the beach. The village cheers.
IROH: Thank you, Avatar.
The wet cloth cools Bato's scar. He has not yet realized how bad the damage is, though the left side of his face burns like hell every time he touches it. He groans.
KANNA: Lieutenant, you have to rest.
BATO: I'll sleep when I'm dead, woman.
He slams the door behind him. Kanna scoffs.
KANNA: Fine, help yourself then, you douche bag-
AZULA: Are you letting them talk to you like that?
The raven-haired girl has been put in metal chains, an expensive craft within the Water Tribes. She is sitting below deck and smirks at the frustrated Kanna. Next to Azula stands a waterbendig guard.
KANNA: That is not your place to speak, young girl.
AZULA: Don't call me girl. I'm in chains, I'm not considered a person here.
GUARD: Silence.
Kanna feels some form of sympathy for the prisoner. She addresses the guard.
KANNA: Is it really necessary for you to put her in chains like that?
GUARD: Of course it is! These savages are a threat to our ship and society!
AZULA: Hello? I'm right here!
KANNA: Oh, I think you should go help Lieutenant Bato, he's still very vulnerable.
Azula raises an eyebrow.
GUARD: Are you sure you'll be save next to her, Chief Mother?
KANNA: Oh, I think I will be fine.
Her smile is somehow both warming and icy. The guard feels a bit afraid.
GUARD: Well, only for a minute.
He pounds his fist on his chest, which is equivalent to a bow, then he walks back on deck.
AZULA: Nice distraction. Are you going to let me go now?
Kanna emits a groan of mockery.
KANNA: You wish.
She cleans up the little medical table, on which she treated Bato.
KANNA: When you're my age you will understand. You will know what the right thing to do.
AZULA: Or know when it is "my place to speak"?
Azula frowns in anger, her chains functioning as a restraining jacket. Kanna approaches her.
KANNA: You seem very determined despite your... condition.
AZULA: You seem quite submissive for someone they call "Chief Mother".
Kanna stops and squats down in front of her.
KANNA: You have a lot of fire in your heart.
Azula repulsively smiles.
KANNA: Tell me something dear, was that boy the Avatar?
Azula's pupils grow in shock.
KANNA: I'll take that as a yes.
She gets back up and walks away.
AZULA: You're going to lose!
KANNA: And why is that?
AZULA: Because I'm not the only one here in chains!
Kanna stops on her way out. She scoffs, then leaves. Azula remains below deck and, as soon as Kanna is gone, she begins to thrash around, wiggling in her metal chain like a caterpillar. Ultimately, she only manages to fall over.
AZULA: Great...
Suddenly, shouting is heard from above, bootstraps run across the boat deck. She tries to get back up, struggling to do so.
AZULA: Ugh! Why is this so difficult?!
SOKKA: Ugh! Why is this so difficult?!
Sokka is attempting to draw a portrait of himself, failing miserably at it.
SOKKA: Why can't my face just look like that?
A soldier suddenly runs up to him.
SOLDIER: Your highness, a ship is approaching!
SOKKA: Oh please, we're the Water Tribe, who is going to...
He turns around and looks at the approaching ship. It appears to be drifting at an insane speed.
SOKKA: What is- deploy our defenses!
Crew members seem confused.
SOLDIER: Do you mean... waterbenders?
SOKKA: ...yes.
A small squad of the waterbenders on board get in v-formation, with Bato at the top. In contrast to a gear up prior to the raid, the warriors are now gearing down, removing every part of their weapons and equipment – even their shirts. They gather at the ship's edge. Bato raises his arm. Sokka draws his sword and waves around.
SOKKA: Waterbenders, go...
Bato lowers his arm.
BATO: ATTACK!
The squad leaps into the ocean, surfing with their gracious arm movements, and charging towards the approaching raft.
Aang tirelessly shoves wind into the sail. Sokka's ship is now in reach – but so is the bending squad.
Zuko holds on to the ship's mast for dear life. He has to shout in order be heard by Aang.
ZUKO (shouting): Aang, we're about to get company!
The benders are closing in. Bato is clenching his fists, in pain, and in determination.
ZUKO (shouting): Aang?!
AANG (shouting): Just hold on!
The squad closes in, they start preparing coordinated wave attacks.
ZUKO (shouting): AANG?!
AANG (shouting): Let go, NOW!
Zuko follows his command. He lets go now, while Aang collects as much air as possible, slowly going in a circle until... WOSH! He blasts straight down, catapulting the two into the air, using inertia to land on the backside of the ship.
Aang sticks the landing, Zuko not so much.
ZUKO: A heads-up would have been nice...
Immediately, troops armed with spears approach them, one of two tries to stab Aang, who jump-dodges and blasts him into the other, launching them both off the ship.
AANG: I'll look for Azula, try to distract them!
ZUKO: "DISTRACT THEM"?!
Aang jumps forward on to the main deck, meanwhile another spear-equipped soldier charges at Zuko. The raven-haired boy blocks the first blow with his left sword, dodges a swing, and hits the soldier with both swords, leading to a push-off between sword and spear. Zuko realizes he can just step aside, and gravity does the rest – the warrior plunging into the ocean water.
ZUKO: Hm. I could get used to this.
Three soldiers attack Aang at once – clubs and spears, all seemingly no real threat for the Avatar. He sweeps them off the boat with air, three more approaching from behind. He tackles them individually - blowing away the club, jump to the side, with which he creates a vortex that drags the disarmed attacker across the deck. He hits the second attack with the first one - they both fall over. Third one chops an axe at Aang, who narrowly dodges, terrified of its sharpness. He makes a quick hand twirl, and the axe-soldier is launched into his other two crew mates. Two more spearmen happened to stand behind them – they all get thrown off-board, accompanied by a comical bowling sound-effect.
Zuko is attacked by a club warrior, he dodges the blows, and skillfully manages to disarm the man with his swords, kicking him down the stairs.
SOKKA: Hold it!
Zuko stops and turns around. Sokka, wearing his ridiculous toga-cape, draws his equally ridiculous bone-sword, pointing at Zuko.
SOKKA: I believe our fight was abruptly ended, despite my apparent victory.
ZUKO: Despite your apparent stupidity!
Zuko grabs his newly acquired, silver boomerang from behind and throws it at Sokka, who dodges, leaving Zuko with a nervous expression.
SOKKA: HA! Is that all you go-
AANG: Zuko! Step aside!
Zuko does so, allowing Aang to spin a tornado with his wrists. He directs it at Sokka, who only watches in disbelieve, right before the wind hits him. He screams comically while being launched into the water. Zuko catches the boomerang once again.
ZUKO: Uh... thanks.
AANG: Okay, I'll look for Azula now.
Water splash sounds appear behind him – Bato, and two of the benders, manage to surf on deck.
AANG: Change of plan – you'll look for Azula!
The first one shoots an aqua jet from the left, Aang jump-dodging, while Zuko rushes below deck. He quickly finds Azula in chains, in the corner, on the ground.
ZUKO: Azula!
AZULA: Zuko, watch out-
Zuko is hit in the back of his head with the handle of a club. The person holding the club is Kanna, Zuko falling down unconscious.
KANNA: He's not as tough as you, dear.
Azula scoffs.
AZULA: Can't say much against that.
In a surprise attack Azula stretches her feet against Kanna, shooting a gout of fire, narrowly missing the old woman, who, in shock, falls over and is also knocked out.
AZULA: Always got to do everything myself...
She crawls across the floor like a caterpillar. The fire blast she conjured starts spreading fast.
Outside, Bato creates a barrage of icicles, which he launches at Aang. The boy jumps away and climbs on to the mast, more ice shards flying towards him. He dodges, looking at the sail and getting an idea.
On the ground, Bato and the two others are creating a gigantic icicle directed towards Aang. Before anything happens though, the Avatar takes a DEEP breath, blows a HUGE wave of air into the mast, and manages to push the ship forward. The subsequent shaking of the vessel breaks off the combined effort of a torpedo-icicle, one of the men even falling down.
Sokka watches his ship driving away from below.
SOKKA: Hey! That's MY ship! My father paid a lot of money for that!
Bato grins his teeth. Aang flies down, does a spin, knocking down Bato for good. The other bender tries to hit Aang with a liquid whip, yet he has to use the water as a shield instead, as a sudden flame blast flies at him, knocking him backwards and off the ship. Aang lands and sees the crawling Azula.
AZULA: Oh, so you came back.
AANG: Where's Zuko?
AZULA: Yeah... about that...
Aang looks behind her and sees smoke coming from inside. He runs into the lower deck, sees Zuko, and throws him outside with a blow of air, which unfortunately also causes him to draw in a lot of smoke. Images flash again, this time they seem unfamiliar, yet also familiar. Nuns running around, heavy rainfall, smoke, Appa flying, lava – all under a bright moonlight.
AZULA: Aang? Might need a little help!
Aang starts coughing vigorously. But as he is about to exit, he sees Kanna, unconscious, lying in the corner. At first, he hesitates. Who are the baddies? Isn't it the Water Tribe? But then again, Kanna is only an old lady. He coughs again, then sort-of sloppily carries the old woman outside with is bending.
Meanwhile, Zuko regains his consciousness.
ZUKO: Ow. What happened?
AZULA: Uh, hello? Over here!
He runs at her, still in chains, still on the floor.
ZUKO: How am I supposed to get you out of there?
Next to him appears the body of Kanna, out of her pocket flies a key.
ZUKO: Huh. I guess that's that.
As he frees his sister from her chains, Azula looks below deck. The fire has gotten worse, and so has the smoke.
AZULA: Aang-
She inhales a bit of smoke, immediately causing her to cough.
ZUKO: Is he still down there?
Azula tries to run inside, Zuko holding her back.
ZUKO: Azula, don't!
AZULA: Let me go! I'm going in there!
BATO: You're not going anywhere.
They turn around and see Bato is back on his feet, surrounded by the other benders, who have, and still are continuing to re-appear on the ship.
BATO: Your little arson-quest ends here. I know your friend is the Avatar – and you're all coming with ME!
Aang struggles to remain conscious. The images paralyze him. He knows where to go next. But how will he save himself and his new friends. Wait... friends?
Two glowing eyes and a glowing arrow walk up the stairs on to the deck.
BATO: Step aside.
Azula and Zuko do so, watching closely what is going down. The waterbenders all fire their attacks against the silhouette – direct hit.
AZULA: AANG!
The water evaporates. Bato instinctively jumps aside, as a gigantic flame burst flies directly in his direction, then upwards, hitting the sail and mast, setting it on fire and splitting it in half. The other waterbenders are terrified. As Aang shoots more warning shots, the waterbenders jump off the deck in terror. Bato can't believe his eyes.
BATO: I knew it...
Aang steps forward revealing that, despite the intimidating lighting, he is merely a boy. Bato uses water to pull Kanna towards him. He carries her, jumping off-board as well, surfing away into the distance.
Aang collapses, still conscious but weak. This time Azula catches him before he hits the ground.
AZULA: That was... amazing!
He coughs. His mind is not yet at peace with the idea of hearing Azula say that. He smiles anyways.
AANG: The feeling is mutual.
Aang coughs.
ZUKO: Uh, guys?
Aang and Azula look around, realizing only now that the fire-damage to the ship is more that critical.
AZULA: Aang?
AANG: Yes?
AZULA: Did you... by any chance plan our getaway?
The siblings look at the Avatar.
AANG: Uh... escape rafts?
The fire intensifies. Aang gets up on his feet again, the trio walking towards the ship edge.
AZULA: I hope airbenders can swim...
Aang looks up. A big, bright smile appearing on his face.
AANG: No, but they can fly.
Everyone looks up. From above appears the shape of a giant, flying bison, coming towards them.
AANG: Appa-
He has to cough again, Azula catching him before he falls down. Appa parks himself within jumping distance.
ZUKO: NOW!
The three jump, right before the burning mast breaks off, dropping on the exact same spot they were standing just moments earlier. Zuko takes the reins, Azula and Aang sit in the back.
AANG: Oh, there's my staff.
He picks up his bending-aid, which had been missing for the entire episode.
ZUKO: Aang? How do I fly this thing?!
AANG: Appa, yip yip!
The beast grunts, flapping his beaver-like tail and flying the heck out of there.
Sokka is watching all of this from the ocean.
SOKKA: Hello? Can your prince get some help?
The waterbender squad surfs towards him, Bato, still carrying Kanna, in the front.
SOKKA: Lieutenant! I'm so glad to see you! What happened to my ship?
Bato glares at his superior.
BATO: Quite a lot, your highness. Perhaps something we should discuss with your father.
Sokka gulps.
Dawn is already upon the small Fire Nation island, as Appa lands there. The village, up in arms, decided to celebrate this occasion with a somewhat lavish feast, although it mainly involves dancing around a fireplace, with Iroh sounding the tsungi horn. It is now Zuko's turn to rock the floor, which he does with great enthusiasm.
Aang watches all of this from a safe distance, his tree trunk being near enough to catch the light but still far enough to be removed from the celebration. He watches Zuko, who is dancing like his life depends on it.
ZUKO: I kicked the Water Tribe's butt with the Avatar!
The village cheers.
AZULA: Strange to see him like that, right?
Azula's arms are crossed, though with a smile attached. She sits down next to Aang.
AZULA: You fight pretty well for a... 14-year-old?
AANG: 12. Well, technically 112.
Azula smirks in response. Aang takes it as positive, reciprocating with a smile of his own.
AZULA: You know, you act pretty weird for your age.
Aang scoffs.
AANG: I guess so. Been through a lot...
She puts her hand on his, a gesture of empathy.
AZULA: Hey, it's okay. We lost our parents too. Well, we lost mom. Dad is... complicated.
Aang shudders slightly at the thought of the Phoenix King. Azula looks over to her brother, who still enjoys himself.
AZULA: Amazing how he turned out, after everything that happened.
Aang, while admittedly feeling bad after hearing this, can't quite bury his demons. Her father was responsible for almost everything bad that happened in his world, who knows what he might have been here. He pulls his hand away and grabs Appa's reins towards himself.
AANG: You know, I should probably be going.
Azula looks up in shock.
AZULA: What? Now? Where?
AANG: I don't know. Guess I'll go back to that volcano. See if I... lost anything. After that, who knows.
He hops on to Appa and takes his reins.
AZULA: Aang?
They share eye contact.
AZULA: Thank you. Again.
He nods.
AANG: Yip-yip!
Appa grunts and the beast flies away. Azula sighs. Looking back at the fireplace, no one seems to have noticed the bison flying. Or her for that matter. Perhaps...
Inside their little hut she crams up an old backpack, a simple one at that, but still serving its purpose. She stuffs it with food supplies, extra clothes, some styling products, comb, washing utensils, toothbrush-
ZUKO: What are you doing?
Azula tries to comically hide the rucksack behind herself while sitting on the floor.
AZULA: Uh... nothing. How about you?
ZUKO: Are you packing your bag? Wait, you're not doing what I think you're doing?
IROH: I'm afraid she is.
They rapidly shift their looks and attention towards the kitchen counter, where their uncle is standing, sipping tea.
AZULA: Uncle! I was just-
IROH: Packing your bags and running away to go with the Avatar?
Azula can't decide if she should be angry or be honest.
IROH: You will be needing this.
He hands both of them an extra bag of food supplies, including his very famous lava cookies.
ZUKO: Uh... thanks, but why am I getting one?
IROH: Oh, I assumed you wouldn't let your sister travel the world on her own.
ZUKO: Wait, we can actually go?!
Azula displays a smile, getting up on her feet. Zuko is packing his own bag in a cartoonish manner.
AZULA: You knew?
Iroh sits down.
IROH: I always knew I can't keep you here forever. I dreamt of the day that an opportunity like this would arrive for you to finally be able to choose your own destiny. I am so proud of you both.
Azula starts crying tears of joy, rushing towards her uncle to hug him. Zuko joins in on it, crying in an exaggerated manor, though still earnest.
ZUKO (teary): I love you too, uncle!
IROH: There's one more thing.
They all stop, and Iroh brings forth something from beneath a floorboard. He unravels it and reveals the crown prince artefact, the one Roku started wearing in Aang's world.
IROH: This is an ancient artefact, inherited in our family for generations. Technically the eldest is supposed to wear it, but...
He holds it over Zuko, who scratches his head, indicating the lack of long hair to wear such a head piece.
ZUKO: Azula can have it.
She takes it with great precaution, eyeing it as if it were a cat's prey.
AZULA: Thank you, uncle.
Zuko has meanwhile managed to pack his own bag.
ZUKO: So, where is Aang?
Azula frowns.
AZULA: Well...
IROH: Did he leave?
AZULA: ...yes.
Iroh strokes his beard, Zuko imitating this motion.
IROH: That's the other thing...
AZULA: I know, he's the Avatar, he probably does mysterious things.
ZUKO: Who made you the expert?
Before any bickering occurs, Iroh can intervene.
IROH: No, it's not that. There is something else about the boy. Something beyond the fact that he is the Avatar...
Azula is hooked on Iroh's assertion.
AZULA: What is it?
Iroh lays his hand on her shoulder.
IROH: You will find out soon enough.
Sitting inside the frozen volcano, Aang meditates, trying to achieve his Avatar State once again. This is how he came into this world, on the exact spot, nonetheless. Perhaps he can get some answers this way. Perhaps even a way back. He focuses as hard as he can and...
He sighs. Nothing.
Appa sits outside, supposedly not being able to wait for their departure, grunting as if they tried to communicate.
AANG: I know you want to go. And it's not like I can get any answers here...
The bison walks up to Aang and starts licking him. This humors him a bit.
Behind, on the volcano ledge, Azula and Zuko have tried to reach Aang, although they are now stopping, on Azula's hand sign. She can hear everything from here.
AANG: I don't know what else to do. I have these visions, these memories, but it's... it's like they're not mine.
Azula raises an eyebrow in suspicion.
ZUKO (quietly): What did he say?
AANG: I want to help my friends but... I don't know if I can do that.
Azula's suspicion turns into sympathy for the boy. Suddenly, indicated by his head tilting, Appa seems to notice the two siblings. He grunts. Aang gets up and points his staff in the same direction.
AANG: Who is there? Show yourself!
Appa grunts in a relaxed fashion, and as Azula and Zuko reveal themselves, the animal licks them both as well, Zuko being much happier about this than his sister.
AZULA: Yuck. Well, thanks...
Aang relaxes.
AANG: What are you doing here?
AZULA: We? Oh, we're just... camping.
AANG: This late? The sun is setting in a bit.
AZULA sighs.
AZULA: No, I lied. We wanted to find you.
Aang is perplexed.
AANG: Find me?
Zuko is still getting licked by Appa, appreciating it greatly, a feeling that appears to be mutual.
ZUKO: We wanted to come along with you.
AANG: You do?
AZULA: Yeah, I mean, you probably need a helping hand or two-
ZUKO: Or four!
AZULA: -or four with all the Avatar business.
Aang turns around, portraying mixed feelings through his body language, a fact that Azula does not miss.
AANG: I don't know if that's a good idea.
Appa is getting too playful, accidentally knocking Zuko down.
ZUKO: Why?
AANG: Because...
He can't say because he doesn't trust Azula. But it isn't his only response.
AANG: I've lost so many people now with the... war and everything. I just don't know what I would do if I lost two more.
AZULA: Listen.
She tries to show empathy, reminding Aang of her uncle.
AZULA: I know it's been hard for you. Or, well, at least I can guess. But we are here to help you.
ZUKO: And to see the world!
Azula glares at her brother for a second, yet, more importantly she manages to turn around Aang, who is now facing her.
AANG: I don't know what I'll do to myself if something goes wrong again...
AZULA: We'll be fine. And if not, trust me – it's not your fault.
"It's not your fault." These words echo through Aang's head multiple times with multiple voices. Each of them a friend of his, as if it was the long-lost magical formula that broke his spell.
He kneels down crying. Azula, who is at first surprised at this reaction, decides to hug him. Zuko and Appa join in as well, giving Aang a feeling of comfort. He feels a little bit at home.
The moon has risen now, a bright full moon that illuminates the mountain side. The trio is sitting on Appa, siblings in the back, Aang in the front. Zuko properly secures their luggage.
AZULA: Wow. With a moon like that you would have been lost against the Water Tribe.
ZUKO: Good thing we kicked bender-butts during the day!
Aang can't share the enthusiasm. As Zuko is still, clumsily, continuing his task, Azula leans forward.
AZULA: So, those visions you had, what did they show you?
Aang is not too surprised by Azula's level of intrigue.
AANG: Just... flashing images. People, a temple...
AZULA: Maybe that's where you need to go?
He reluctantly agrees.
AANG: I guess.
He looks back at Zuko.
AANG: Are you done yet?
Zuko struggles.
ZUKO (struggling): Just a... second...
The crown prince head piece falls out of Azula's rucksack. Aang immediately recognizes it.
AANG: What's that?!
AZULA: Oh, well, that's from uncle. It's an ancient artefact or something. Zuko is supposed to wear it.
Zuko turns red due to multiple emotional factors.
ZUKO: I'm NOT wearing that!
Azula laughs, Aang is intrigued. The decision to take this alternate Azula with him has brought him Roku's headpiece.
AANG: Maybe taking you along wasn't such a bad idea.
AZULA: Uh, what?
AANG: Uh... nothing. Yip-yip!
Appa flies off abruptly, enough to startle Azula. She screeches for a second. Then both boys look at her. They start laughing. Azula is comically enraged.
AZULA: That is NOT funny! I could have fallen off! Why does this thing not have seat belts?!
Her anger cannot quench the laughter.
And below them, around the volcano's waters, a single, wooden ship. And a blue mask that watches.