Zuko

The Beach

Fire

Ty Lee: [Frontal view of Azula and Ty Lee from behind Zuko. Apologetically.] Sorry, Zuko, I ...

Zuko: [Turning around.] For so long I thought that if my dad accepted me, I'd be happy. I'm back home now, my dad talks to me. Ha! He even thinks I'm a hero. [Close-up of Azula, who smiles.] Everything should be perfect, right? [Aerial view of campsite.] I should be happy now, but I'm not. [Turning back to the others.] I'm angrier than ever and I don't know why!

Azula: [Frontal view.] There's a simple question you need to answer, then. Who are you angry at?

Zuko: [Close-up.] No one. I'm just angry.

Mai: [Side-view of the three girls.] Yeah, who are you angry at, Zuko?

Zuko: [Close-up.] Everyone. I don't know. [Becoming frustrated.]

Azula: [Frontal view.] Is it Dad?

Zuko: [Close-up.] No, no.

Ty Lee: [Frontal view.] Your uncle?

Azula: Me?

Zuko: [Close-up.] No, no, n-no, no!

Mai: [Close-up.] Then who? Who are you angry at?

Azula: [Camera pans left, past Ty Lee, to Azula.] Answer the question, Zuko.

Ty Lee: [Close-up.] Talk to us.

Mai: [Extreme close-up.] Come on, answer the question.

Azula: Come on, answer it.

Zuko: [Frontal view from behind the girls. Losing it now; furiously.] I'm angry at myself!

Azula: Why?

Zuko: [Close-up.] Because I'm confused. Because I'm not sure I know the difference between right and wrong anymore.

Azula: You're pathetic.

Mai: [View from behind Zuko.] I know one thing I care about. [Walks up to Zuko. Frontal view.] I care about you. [They kiss.]

The Avatar and the Firelord

Fire

Fade to a close-up of the scroll Zuko is reading.

Zuko: That can't be it! Where's the rest of it? [He searches the scroll to find more information.]

Zuko: [Angrily.] You sent this, didn't you? I found the secret history, which by the way should be renamed history most people already know! The note said that I needed to know about my great-grandfather's death, but he was still alive in the end.

Iroh: [Looking up at Zuko.] No, he wasn't.

Zuko: [Confused.] What are you talking about?

Iroh: You have more than one great-grandfather, Prince Zuko. Sozin was your father's grandfather. [Cut to a bewildered Zuko.] Your mother's grandfather was Avatar Roku.

Zuko: [Shocked.] Why are you telling me this?

Iroh: Because understanding the struggle between your two great-grandfathers can help you better understand the battle within yourself. [Zuko sits down, with his head facing down.] Evil and good are always at war inside you, Zuko. It is your nature, your legacy. But, there is a bright side. [Zuko looks up.] What happened generations ago can be resolved now, by you. Because of your legacy, you alone can cleanse the sins of our family and the Fire Nation. Born in you, along with all the strife, is the power to restore balance to the world.

Iroh: This is a royal artifact. It's supposed to be worn [Zuko stands.] by the Crown Prince.

The Day of Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse

Fire

The scene changes to where Zuko is confronting Ozai.

Ozai: Why are you here?

Zuko: I'm here to tell the truth.

Ozai: [Off-camera.] Telling the truth during the middle of an eclipse. [Cuts to shot of him.] This should be interesting.

Zuko: First of all, in Ba Sing Se, it was Azula who took down the Avatar, not me.

Ozai: Why would she lie to me about that?

Zuko: Because the Avatar's not dead. He survived.

Ozai: [Shocked and horrified.] What?

Zuko: In fact, he's probably leading this invasion. He could be on his way here right now.

Ozai: [Rises from his seat and points toward the door.] Get out! Get out of my sight right now if you know what's good for you!

Zuko: That's another thing. I'm not taking orders from you anymore.

Ozai: [Angrily.] You will obey me, or this defiant breath will be your last!

Zuko: [Pulls out his swords.] Think again. I am going to speak my mind, and you are going to listen.

Zuko: For so long, all I wanted was for you to love me, to accept me. I thought it was my honor I wanted, but really, I was just trying to please you. You, my father, who banished me just for talking out of turn. [Points a broadsword at his father.] My father, who challenged me, a thirteen-year-old boy, to an Agni Kai. [Cuts to shot of Ozai, looking angered.] How could you possibly justify a duel with a child?

Ozai: [Scornful.] It was to teach you respect!

Zuko: It was cruel! And it was wrong.

Ozai: [Angrily.] Then you have learned nothing!

Zuko: No, I've learned everything! And I've had to learn it on my own! Growing up, we were taught that the Fire Nation was the greatest civilization in history. And somehow, the War was our way of sharing our greatness with the rest of the world. What an amazing lie that was. The people of the world are terrified by the Fire Nation. They don't see our greatness. They hate us! And we deserve it! [Camera view shows top profile of Zuko and Ozai through an overhead grate.] We've created an era of fear in the world. And if we don't want the world to destroy itself [Cuts to shot of Zuko.], we need to replace it with an era of peace and kindness.

Ozai: [Laughs.] Your uncle has gotten to you, hasn't he?

Zuko: Yes. [Smiles proudly.] He has.

Zuko: After I leave here today, I'm gonna free Uncle Iroh from his prison and I'm gonna beg for his forgiveness. [Cuts to shot of Ozai.] He's the one who's been a real father to me.

Ozai: [Laughs.] Oh, that's just beautiful. And maybe he can pass down to you the ways of tea and failure.

Zuko: But I've come to an even more important decision. [Closes eyes and momentarily pauses.] I'm going to join the Avatar and I'm going to help him defeat you.

Ozai: [Smugly.] Really? Since you're a full-blown traitor now and you want me gone, why wait? I'm powerless. You've got your swords. Why don't you just do it now?

Zuko: Because I know my own destiny. Taking you down is the Avatar's destiny. [Puts his swords away.] Goodbye.

Ozai: [Camera focuses on Zuko walking away, the Fire Lord in the background, now on his feet.] Coward! You think you're brave enough to face me, but you'll only do it during the eclipse. If you have any real courage, you'll stick around until the sun comes out. Don't you want to know what happened to your mother?

Zuko: What happened that night?

Ozai: My father, Fire Lord Azulon, had commanded me to do the unthinkable to you, my own son, and I was going to do it. [Cuts to side-view of Zuko.]Your mother found out and swore she would protect you at any cost. [Camera focuses on Ozai.] She knew I wanted the throne and she proposed a plan, a plan in which I would become Fire Lord and your life would be spared.

Ozai: Your mother did vicious, treasonous things that night. She knew the consequences and accepted them. For her treason, she was banished.

Zuko: [Grows teary-eyed.] So she's alive?

Ozai: [Calmly.] Perhaps. Now I realize that banishment is far too merciful a penalty for treason. [Ozai closes his eyes. Shot fades to outside where the solar eclipse begins to end.] Your penalty will be far steeper.

The Western Air Temple

Fire

Zuko: Listen, I know I didn't explain myself very well yesterday, I've been through a lot in the last few years, and it's been hard. But I'm realizing that I had to go through all those things to learn the truth. I thought I had lost my honor, and that somehow my father could return it to me. But I know now that no one can give you your honor. It's something you earn for yourself, by choosing to do what's right. All I want to do now is play my part in ending this war, and I know my destiny is to help you restore balance to the world. [To Toph.] I'm sorry for what I did to you. [Bows to her.] It was an accident. Fire can be dangerous and wild, so as a firebender, I need to be more careful and control my bending, so I don't hurt people unintentionally.

Aang: [Looks at Zuko shocked, hearing these words, and thinks for a moment.] I think you are supposed to be my firebending teacher. When I first tried to learn firebending, I burned Katara, and after that, I never wanted to firebend again. But now I know you understand how easy it is to hurt the people you love. I'd like you to teach me. [Bows before Zuko.]

Zuko: [Bows.] Thank you. I'm so happy you've accepted me into your group.

Aang: Not so fast. I still have to ask my friends if it's okay with them. [To Toph.] Toph, you're the one that Zuko burned. What do you think?

Toph: Go ahead and let him join. [Pounds her fist into her palm jokingly.] It'll give me plenty of time to get back at him for burning my feet.

Aang: [Turning to Sokka.] Sokka?

Sokka: [Shrugging.] Hey, all I want is to defeat the Fire Lord. If you think this is the way to do it, then, I'm all for it.

Aang: [Approaching Katara.] Katara?

Katara: [Glares at Zuko for a moment and Zuko starts to sweat; reluctantly.] I'll go along with whatever you think is right. [Aang smiles.]

Zuko: [Excitedly approaching the group.] I won't let you down! I promise!

Sozin's Comet, Part 2: The Old Masters

Fire

Cut back to Zuko, who becomes worried and ashamed before walking toward the tent. Cut to Zuko from behind as he approaches the tent before stopping. Close-up of Zuko. Side-view as he sits down. Katara walks up to him.

Katara: Are you okay?

Zuko: [Frontal view.] No, I'm not okay. My uncle hates me, I know it. [Katara sits down next to him.] He loved and supported me in every way he could, and I still turned against him. How can I even face him?

Katara: [Close-up side-view of Zuko.] Zuko, you're sorry for what you did, right?

Zuko: More sorry than I've been about anything in my entire life.

Katara: Then he'll forgive you. He will.

Zuko: Uncle?

Zuko: [Cut to view of Iroh from behind.] Uncle, [Cut to view of Zuko over Iroh's shoulder.] I know you must have mixed feelings about seeing me. [Cut briefly to view of Iroh from behind before back to a frontal view of Zuko.] But I want you to know, [Starts to cry.] I am so, so, sorry, Uncle. I am so sorry and ashamed of what I did. I don't know how I can ever make it up to you. But I'll- [He is cut off. Cut to side-view as Iroh pulls him into a hug, while starting to cry as well. Close-up of Iroh who starts to smile. Close-up of Zuko who becomes shocked and confused.] How can you forgive me so easily? I thought you would be furious with me.

Iroh: [Close-up.] I was never angry with you. I was sad because I was afraid you lost your way.

Zuko: [Side-view of the two.] I did lose my way.

Iroh: [Releases him.] But you found it again. [Frontal view.] And you did it by yourself. [Frontal view of Zuko over Iroh's shoulder.] And I am so happy you found your way here. [Side-view. Hugs him again.]

Zuko: It wasn't that hard, Uncle. You have a pretty strong scent.

Sozin's Comet Part 4: Avatar Aang

Fire

Cut to inside the Royal Palace, where Aang, now wearing the robes and necklace of an airbending master, opens his eyes from his meditation as Zuko approaches, still wearing the Fire Lord attire.

Zuko: I can't believe a year ago my purpose in life was hunting you down. And now ...

Aang: And now we're friends.

Zuko: Yeah, we are friends.

Aang: I can't believe a year ago I was still frozen in a block of ice. The world's so different now.

Zuko: [Puts a hand on Aang's shoulder.] And it's gonna be even more different... when we build it together. [They hug warmly and go outside.]

Zuko: Please. The real hero is the Avatar. [Aang walks next to Zuko. Crowd cheers again. Aang turns his head slightly. Cut to side-view of Katara. The camera rotates as she smiles up at Aang proudly. Cut to overhead view of Aang and Zuko, their backs to the camera, looking out at the crowd.] Today this war is finally over! [Cut briefly to Haru, Tyro, Mechanist and Teo as the crowd cheers. Cut to front view of Zuko.] I promised my uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation. And I will. [Panning front view of Zuko and Aang, as seen from the crowd's perspective.] The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided. [Cut to side shot of Aang, rotating around, as he turns to see Zuko smile at him, before turning back to the crowd.] But with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path and begin a new era of love and peace.

Zuko: kneels down, preparing to be crowned Fire Lord. Cut to a Fire Sage approaching with the headpiece.

Fire Sage: [Puts the Fire Lord headpiece into Zuko's top knot.] All hail Fire Lord Zuko! [Everyone cheers again. Zuko rises.]

Aang

The Awakening

Fire

Back in the sea, Aang struggles to stay above water or reach his glider. After letting out a scream, a wave overcomes him and he falls into the water. He re-emerges after a brief time.

Aang: I'm not gonna make it. I failed. Within the lightning strikes, the spirit of Roku appears before Aang. Roku?

Roku: You haven't failed, Aang.

Aang: But everyone thinks I'm dead again. They think I've abandoned them, and I'm losing this war. I'm letting the whole world down.

Roku: If anyone is to blame for the state of the world, it is me. I should have seen this war coming and prevented it. You inherited my problems and my mistakes. But I believe you are destined to redeem me and save the world.

Aang: I don't know.

Yue: You already saved the world. And you'll save the world again, but you can't give up.

Aang: Determined. You're right. I won't give up.

Katara: You're okay!

Aang: I have so much to do.

Katara: I know, but you'll have our help.

Toph: You didn't think you could get out of training just by coming to the Fire Nation, did you?

Aang: What about the invasion?

Sokka: We'll join up with my dad and the invasion force the day of the eclipse.

Toph: Notices Aang's damaged staff has washed ashore. Hey! What's ... oh, it's your glider.

Aang: It's okay. If someone saw it, it would give away my identity. It's better for now that no one knows I'm alive.

The Western Air Temple

Fire

As the team runs back to their hiding spot, Combustion Man gears up again, but is dizzy and cannot aim properly. His next shot fails to escape, causing an explosion around him resulting in the building he stands on getting destroyed. Cut to his metal arm as it flies away from the explosion, followed by the falling building. The gang looks on, shocked. Haru, Teo, and The Duke all appear from behind a pillar also shocked. Zuko climbs a plant root, having survived the ordeal. Later, Zuko again approaches the gang.

Aang: I can't believe I'm saying this, but ... thanks, Zuko.

Sokka: Hey, what about me? I did the boomerang thing.

Zuko: Listen, I know I didn't explain myself very well yesterday, I've been through a lot in the last few years, and it's been hard. But I'm realizing that I had to go through all those things to learn the truth. I thought I had lost my honor, and that somehow my father could return it to me. But I know now that no one can give you your honor. It's something you earn for yourself, by choosing to do what's right. All I want to do now is play my part in ending this war, and I know my destiny is to help you restore balance to the world. To Toph. I'm sorry for what I did to you. Bows to her. It was an accident. Fire can be dangerous and wild, so as a firebender, I need to be more careful and control my bending, so I don't hurt people unintentionally.

Aang: Looks at Zuko shocked, hearing these words, and thinks for a moment. I think you are supposed to be my firebending teacher. When I first tried to learn firebending, I burned Katara, and after that, I never wanted to firebend again. But now I know you understand how easy it is to hurt the people you love. I'd like you to teach me. Bows before Zuko.

Zuko: Bows. Thank you. I'm so happy you've accepted me into your group.

Aang: Not so fast. I still have to ask my friends if it's okay with them. To Toph. Toph, you're the one that Zuko burned. What do you think?

Toph: Go ahead and let him join. Pounds her fist into her palm jokingly. It'll give me plenty of time to get back at him for burning my feet.

Aang: Turning to Sokka. Sokka?

Sokka: Shrugging. Hey, all I want is to defeat the Fire Lord. If you think this is the way to do it, then, I'm all for it.

Aang: Approaching Katara. Katara?

Katara: Glares at Zuko for a moment and Zuko starts to sweat; reluctantly. I'll go along with whatever you think is right. Aang smiles.

Zuko: Excitedly approaching the group. I won't let you down! I promise!

The Avatar and the Firelord

Fire

Sozin: Without you, all my plans are suddenly possible. Cut to Roku. I have a vision for the future, Roku.

Aang: Who's ... wait, that's me, isn't it? Cut to a long shot of three Air Nomads. A nun holds up the baby to the light while two people, presumably the infant's parents, stand in the shadows.

Roku: Make sense of our past, Aang. Cut to Roku and Aang. And you will bring peace, and restore balance in the world. He slowly disappears.

Aang: Roku? Roku!

Sozin: With Roku gone, and the great comet returning, the timing was perfect to change the world. Cut to Sozin, standing on a balcony, from the behind, looking at his soldiers and the Fire Navy ships. I knew the next Avatar would be born an Air Nomad. So I wiped out the Air Temples. Scene changes to a burning temple. The camera slowly fades into an extreme close-up of Sozin's face. But somehow, the new Avatar eluded me. Scene changes to Fire Navy ships searching in the polar regions. I wasted the remainder of my life searching in vain. Cut to underside of the ship. I know he's hiding out there somewhere. Camera pans below to show the iceberg Aang was trapped in. The Fire Nation's greatest threat ... the last airbender.

Zuko: That can't be it! Where's the rest of it? He searches the scroll to find more information.

Zuko: Angrily. You sent this, didn't you? I found the secret history, which by the way should be renamed history most people already know! The note said that I needed to know about my great-grandfather's death, but he was still alive in the end.

Iroh: Looking up at Zuko. No. He wasn't.

Zuko: Confused. What are you talking about?

Iroh: You have more than one great-grandfather, Prince Zuko. Sozin was your father's grandfather. Cut to a bewildered Zuko. Your mother's grandfather was Avatar Roku.

Zuko: Shocked. Why are you telling me this?

Iroh: Because understanding the struggle between your two great-grandfathers can help you better understand the battle within yourself. Zuko sits down, with his head facing down. Evil and good are always at war inside you, Zuko. It is your nature, your legacy. But, there is a bright side. Zuko looks up. What happened generations ago can be resolved now, by you. Because of your legacy, you alone can cleanse the sins of our family and the Fire Nation. Born in you, along with all the strife, is the power to restore balance to the world.

Iroh: This is a royal artifact. It's supposed to be worn Zuko stands. by the Crown Prince.

Katara: You mean, after all Roku and Sozin went through together, even after Roku showed him mercy, Sozin betrayed him like that?

Toph: Cut to Toph. It's like these people are born bad.

Aang: Cut to Aang from the side, with Sokka standing near him. No, that's wrong. I don't think that was the point of what Roku showed me at all.

Sokka: Shrugging. Then what was the point?

Aang: Cut to Katara, Toph and Sokka from the behind, as Aang speaks. Roku was just as much Fire Nation as Sozin was, right? If anything, their story proves anyone's capable of great good and great evil. Cut to an aerial shot of the hardened lava wave. Everyone, even the Fire Lord and the Fire Nation have to be treated like they're worth giving a chance. Shot cuts to a close-up of Aang's face. And I also think it was about friendships.

Nightmares and Daydreams

Fire

Aang: Oh, look. Another hallucination. An imaginary bed made out of clouds.

Toph: Hey! It's real! We spent hours working on it.

Sokka: We made it for you. A good night's sleep will probably take the crazy away. We hope.

Aang: Look! You guys keep telling me that I need to sleep, but I can't! The invasion's tomorrow!

Katara: Concerned. Aang ...

Aang: No, Katara! There's still so much I haven't learned. I don't need sleep. What I need is practice. Quick, hit me! He begins to wobble.

Katara: I'm not going to hit you.

Toph: You want me to do it? Sokka nudges her back.

Katara: Approaching Aang, placing a hand on his shoulder. Listen to me. You've been training for this since the day we met. Moves behind him, talking over his shoulder. I've seen your progress. You're smart, brave, and strong enough.

Aang: You really think so? Katara nods.

Sokka: We all do. You can do this. You're ready.

Toph: You're the man, Twinkle Toes!

Aang: Thanks, guys. He nods, yawns, and rubs his eyes. Katara aids him to the bed, where he lies down. You know what? I think I am ready. The other three watch as he falls asleep quickly. He falls into another dream, meeting with Ozai again. Your days of tyranny are over, Fire Lord!

The Day of Black Sun Part 1: The Invasion

Fire

Sokka: Are you ready for the Fire Nation to know the Avatar is alive?

Aang: I'm ready. Sokka and Aang shake hands and the group hugs.

Toph: I hope you kick some serious Fire Lord butt, Twinkle Toes.

Hakoda: Everyone listen up. Team Avatar comes out of the hug. The next time we resurface, it'll be on the beaches. So stay alert, and fight smart. Now break time's over, back in the subs. Sokka, Toph, and Momo leave Katara and Aang standing alone together.

Aang: Turning to see Katara. Katara, I ...

Katara: Speaking at the same time. Aang, I ...

Aang: You go first.

Katara: We've been through so many things together, and I've seen you grow up so much. You're not that little goofy kid I found in the iceberg anymore. Aang blushes. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm really proud of you.

Aang: Everything's gonna be different after today, isn't it.

Katara: Yes, it is.

Aang: What if ... what if I don't come back?

Katara: Aang, don't say that, of course you'll- Katara is cut off as Aang kisses her. After the kiss, Katara blushes and stares sadly after Aang as he confidently snaps his glider and flies away.

Sokka: Katara, what are you doing? It's time to submerge.

Katara: What? Right, I'm on it. Jumps onto Appa and waterbends a sphere of water around his head before submerging.

The Firebending Masters

Fire

Zuko: Cut to Zuko. I can't believe there are still living dragons. My uncle Iroh said he faced the last dragon and killed it.

Aang: Looking at Zuko. So your uncle lied.

Sun Warrior chief: Cut to the smiling chief from the side. Actually, it wasn't a total lie. Iroh was the last outsider to face the masters. Raising his hand above slightly. They deemed him worthy and passed the secret onto him as well.

Zuko: Surprised. Shot cuts to an aerial shot of the courtyard. He must have lied to protect them, so no one else would hunt them.

Aang: Cut to Aang. All this time, I thought firebending was destruction. Since I hurt Katara, I've been too afraid and hesitant. But now I know what it really is ... it's energy, and life. He smiles.

Zuko: Yeah. It's like the Sun, He curls his hand into a fist. but inside of you. Do you guys realize this?

Sun Warrior chief: Smiling. Well, our civilization is called the Sun Warriors ... so yeah.

Zuko: That's why my firebending was so weak before. Because for so many years, hunting you Turns toward Aang as screen zooms out to show Aang. was my drive ... it was my purpose. Aang turns toward Zuko as well. So when I joined you, I lost sight of my inner fire. But now, I have a new drive. Cut to Zuko's face as screen zooms in. I have to help you defeat my father and restore balance to the world.

Sozin's Comet Part 2: The Old Masters

Fire

Cut to aerial view as the eel hound sets off followed soon after by Appa. The camera pans up slightly as the Order of the White Lotus members wave. Cuts back to the side of the island, now close to the mountains. Cut to the top of the trees on the island and the camera pans down to Aang swimming in the water. Aang stops and Momo chitters behind him as he dives in the water. Cut underwater as Aang swims to the front of the island to take a closer look. Cut to frontal view of Aang and the camera pans down to follow him as he swims. He stops and an eye opens behind him. Cut to frontal view of a surprised Aang and he swims back as a giant paw moves underneath him and lifts him up. Cut to above the water as Aang and the paw emerge. A wave of water covers the camera view before falling down to reveal a face. The camera cuts and zooms out to show the entire creature as Aang stands on it's paw.

Aang: Side-view. A lion turtle! Frontal view. Bows to it. Frontal view of Lion turtle. Maybe you can help me. Everyone, even my own past lives, are expecting me to end someone's life. Frontal view. But I don't know if I can do it.

Lion turtle: Frontal view of the lion turtle's face from behind Aang. The lion turtle's mouth is not moving, yet it is speaking to Aang. The true mind can weather all the lies and illusions without being lost. The true heart can tough the poison of hatred without being harmed. Extreme close-up of its left eye. Since beginningless time, Side-view of the lion turtle as it lifts it's other paw out of the water and moves it toward Aang. darkness thrives in the void but always yields to purifying light.

Lion turtle: Wait for him. He will come.

Ozai: Close-up. It's time for this world to end in fire, and for a new world to be born from the ashes.

Sozin's Comet Part 4: Avatar Aang

Fire

Aang: With the voices of all previous Avatars. Fire Lord Ozai, you and your forefathers have devastated the balance of this world, and now you shall pay the ultimate price! Aang, under control of his past lives, combines all four elements together for his final attack. At the last second, however, he manages to regain control; he comes out of the Avatar State, lets his attack die out, and floats to the ground, freeing Ozai in the process. He now speaks in his normal voice. No, I'm not gonna end it like this.

Ozai: Even with all the power in the world, you are still weak!

Lion turtle: In the era before the Avatar, we bent not the elements but the energy within ourselves.

Lion turtle: Aang remembering. To bend another's energy, your own spirit must be unbendable or you will be corrupted and destroyed.

Ozai: Out of breath. What? What did you do to me?

Aang: I took away your firebending. You can't use it to hurt or threaten anyone else ever again.