Avatar: The Last Airbender – S02E02 – A Fight, Once Begun – Transcript

Avatar: The Last Airbender
Season 2 – Episode 2
Episode title: A Fight, Once Begun
Original release date: June 25, 2026

Plot: In a series of flashbacks, Ozai pressures Zuko and Azula against each other, despite their mother’s protests. She flees with her children, but they are caught. In the present, Zuko saves a young boy named Peng from bandits and is invited to dinner, where Zuko bonds with Peng’s sister Fei. She invites Zuko to stay permanently, but he leaves after learning that Aang was nearby. Aang, Katara, and Sokka attend an earthbending wrestling match and witness a blind girl effortlessly defeat her opponent, The Boulder. They are invited to meet the wealthy Beifong family and discover that their daughter, Toph Beifong, is the same blind earthbender from the wrestling match. Aang tries to convince Toph to teach him earthbending, but she refuses due to her overprotective family’s traditions. Disappointed, Aang leaves and is later confronted by both Zuko and Azula. Toph helps Aang and his friends hold off the firebenders, but when Iroh arrives to help Zuko, Azula wounds Iroh with lightning and flees. Fei and Peng witness the altercation and are horrified. Toph refuses her mother’s pleas to return home and becomes Aang’s earthbending teacher. Toph’s parents send The Boulder and Ji Shen to bring their daughter back.

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Transcript

Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.

[wind blowing]

[panting]

[grunts]

[mysterious music playing]

[panting]

Huh?

[woman panting]

[tense music playing]

[dramatic music playing]

[boy] I need to get this to the market.

You don’t support the army of the Earth Kingdom?

What are you? Fire Nation?

We need to sell this crop to make it through the winter.

[solider] The army has to make it through the winter too, and every civilian has to do their part.

You know better than the Earth King?

[boy] No…

[solider] Then we’re commandeering half your cart.

And you can show us gratitude for keeping you safe from all the baddies.

[boy] Stop!

[grunts]

[guard laughs]

Put them back.

Put them… back.

[quacking]

Azula! Leave ’em alone!

Look at that slow one.

I bet I can crack its shell.

[Zuko grunts]

Get off me!

[Zuko] You’ll hurt them!

[Azula] Zuko, get off!

[both grunt] I bet I can crack your shell.

Stop it, Azula. I’m not trying to hurt you.

[woman] Azula!

She threw rocks at the turtle ducks. I was training.

That’s enough. Now, you are brother and sister, right?

So you have to settle your disputes with respect and dignity.

[Ozai] Only if you are weak.

We are the descendants of mighty warriors.

They survived living by a code.

A fight, once begun, only ends when one wins…

And one loses.

[Zuko grunts]

[tense music swells]

[music stops]

I said put them back.

Even in a case of imminent attack, it’s a violation of Army Code 27, Sec. 4 to commandeer livestock or foodstuff from any home containing children.

Where’d you get that? Front lines?

Where’s your uniform?

You wanna talk about uniform? Hair five inches too long.

It’s hard to be fashionable out here. It’s a breeding ground for lice.

Those pauldrons are mismatched. Greaves, gauntlets, outdated.

And your boots.

What’d you do? Commandeer them from some other civilian?

Well, they’re small and rancid anyway.

[snaps]

[soldier] Yes.

Give me that.

[soldier 2] Don’t be a stranger, stranger.

Thanks.

They’ve been getting worse lately. You come from the war?

You’re a real soldier. They’re rejects.

My brother’s a real soldier too.

He’s stationed at Bin-Er. You been there?

Ever met a soldier named Sensu?

Sorry, kid. I…

I gotta keep moving.

Okay, yeah, but… you gotta have dinner, right?

[pensive music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

[Appa roar]

Dang it, Aang!

[Aang laughs]

Again? Did I scare you?

Yes! No. Uh, Aang did.

He always buzzes me with Appa every time he comes back from a scout.

Is this the list of supplies we need from Tau?

[Sokka] No.

That is. Oh, right.

You forgot to put “earth bending teacher” on it.

One who understands neutral jing. You should write that down.

Why neutral? The positive jing’s the best one, right?

No, jing is not good or bad. It’s just the way you do things.

Oh, so positive is moving forward?

Yeah, or like in a battle, it’s attacking.

Like a punch.

Well, actually, if you wanna hurt him and not yourself…

Oh, thanks.

Okay, got it. And the negative jing is like a block?

Or tactical retreat.

Yeah. Like living to fight another day.

But Aang needs to master the neutral jing.

What’s that? Like standing there and getting punched in the face?

No, of course not.

It’s… waiting and listening.

Oh.

[Katara] Hmm.

[Sokka] Huh.

The jing is kind of mysterious.

It’s just “jing,” not “the jing.”

The jing sounds so much better.

Great news. I scouted the town.

And they have the supplies we need to feed the refugees?

Sure. But even better.

They have the world’s biggest crocorhino egg.

Guys, it’s gonna be great. Come on.

[sighs] Well, be careful while I’m gone.

I’m never careful.

[Appa grunting]

[poignant music playing]

Hey, buddy.

Keep an eye on her.

Wait! Coming.

[ominous music playing]

[man whimpering] Wait.

Please! I don’t know anything!

[man 2 groaning]

[man] Wait! Wait, wait!

[whimpers]

[grunts]

[Ty Lee] Hmm.

I’m going to ask you one more time.

Because I know they came through here.

Bald head.

Blue arrows.

Which way did they go?

Ty Lee, can he not talk?

Sorry. I didn’t know you still needed him to.

It’s okay.

His eyes still work.

[man groaning]

That wasn’t so hard, now, was it?

[man groaning]

[Ty Lee chuckles]

[boy] But our place, it’s kind of perfect.

‘Cause it’s far enough that those goons get a backache chasing me, but not so far that the trip to the market’s unbearable.

The market’s small.

Ever seen a market so small?

You’ve probably seen bigger places before.

Hey, Fei.

That’s Fei.

What’s this now, Peng?

This is Li.

Li, this is my sister, Fei.

Li helped me at that stupid checkpoint.

You made it to the market?

Sold every single one.

Thanks to Li here.

[coins jangle]

Okay, well, thank the man, Peng, so he can be on his way.

[Peng] I said we’d give him dinner.

[Zuko] It’s okay.

Just wanted to make sure he made it home safe.

Come on, Fei.

He’s a good man. You can trust him.

[sighs]

Okay, you want some dinner, then?

That means come in.

[gentle music playing]

[Zuko] Uh…

[sighs]

[Katara] Aang, don’t you think an Earthbender just…

[music fades]

…earth bent it?

Why? To fool people into coming here to see it?

Come on, who’d do that?

It is making me hungry. Maybe it is real.

Then we better go get some food.

Unless you guys wanna stay a little longer.

I’ve…

I think I’m good. …observed it.

[Katara] Yeah.

[Aang] Huh.

[jaunty music playing]

[indistinct chatter] [sizzling]

Greetings. I’m the Avatar Aang, and these are my companions.

We are escorting a group of refugees, and we are in great need of alms.

Oh, and steamed buns.

You want food? For free?

No, of course not. I’ll gladly bless you, your business, anyone you like.

I also do weddings.

No.

When the Air Nomads travel, people usually take care of them.

I wasn’t expecting this.

You didn’t expect people to want money for goods and services?

No.

[sighs]

There’s got to be an easy way to make some money fast.

[clears throat] Hey.

You could always win it at Earth Rumble, kid.

What’s Earth Rumble?

Bending match.

Prize purse tonight is gonna be huge.

The winner wins a lot of money?

And a purse?

Where is it?

In a little town called Nanya.

[suspenseful music playing]

Nanya business!

[laughing]

We can figure out where it is. Yeah, there must be an arena.

Oh, what if it’s underground? Like, actually underground.

Hey. Found out where it is.

Follow me. How’d you get them to tell you?

A girl has her ways.

Let me guess.

Water bending.

One-trick panda pony.

[music intensifies]

[groaning]

[ice cracking]

Water tribe!

[Peng] And… and then the guard knocked him down?

[Fei] Peng, sit down and eat.

[rain pouring]

[thunder rumbling]

And then Li was like, “Your uniforms?”

“All wrong. Sloppy.”

“This whole setup? Scam. No manners.” [chokes]

[Peng] And that’s when they almost fought Li, but Li just stood there like, “Give those flower potatoes back.”

Take a breath, Peng.

[slurping]

Been a while since you ate?

Sorry.

No. No apologies.

I mean, you helped Peng.

The least we can do is keep you dry and feed you.

Would you, um…

Right. The dishes.

[thunder rumbling]

Headed to Kudi Village?

[somber music playing]

Just looking for someone.

A friend?

Someone I used to fight with.

So why don’t you wanna find them?

What do you mean?

You looked sad when I asked.

I’m not sad.

Just a little lost.

Our, um…

Our parents are away with the ostrich horse for the night.

So the barn’s empty.

That’s very kind.

[thunder crashes]

[rattling]

[gasping softly]

[rattles, clatters]

[panting]

[thunder rumbling]

[woman] Hey, Zuzu.

Let me see.

Let me see.

I know it hurts, Zuzu, but.

I promise you you’re going to survive.

I am so proud of you.

Proud of me?

I lost. I’m a loser.

Zuzu, there are no winners or losers.

Only those who practice courage.

And those who stand up for what is right, even when it’s the hardest thing to do.

And you stood up for those little turtle ducks.

That took courage.

I guess. [sighs]

Do you know who else protects the innocent?

The Blue Spirit?

[chuckles] That’s right.

Can you tell me the story again?

[woman] Yes.

They called their protector the Blue Spirit.

And no one knew if he was a spirit or a man blessed by the spirits for his good works.

He had two swords and a mask.

And a mask.

And though he hid his face, he fought with eyes bright and swords sharp and a heart that was untainted by hate or greed.

He said, “I will protect them, big and small…”.

“No matter the cost to me.”

Is the Blue Spirit real, Mom?

As real as you and me, Zuko.

[Zuko chuckles]

[tense music playing]

[fighter grunts]

[grunting]

[crowd clamoring]

[grunts]

[chuckles] You’re gonna be fine.

Of course I will. I’m the Avatar, after… [thud]

Oh! You’re gonna be fine if he doesn’t do that.

[fighter grunts]

[woman yelps]

Or that.

They’re just bluster and muscle. Lots and lots of muscle.

But nothing more. The bigger the whale walrus…

Oh, the duller the tusks.

As long as you dodge, keep your distance, they’ll burn out.

Stay light. Pepper them with air punches.

Be annoying. Got it. I can do that. I’m good at that.

Yeah, you are.

[fighter grunts]

[cheering]

Yeah! Let’s go!

Ah! [laughs]

A truly smashing victory by your favorite, the greatest Earthbender in the world, The Boulder!

[Sokka] Yeah! The Boulder! Yeah!

Now, who out there has the stones to challenge The Boulder for this purse?

[man] No one can challenge him!

Wow. That’s a lot of money.

And a nice purse.

You got this.

I got this. Win the money, buy the supplies, feed the refugees.

The Boulder… welcomes all challengers.

But beware.

With great reward comes great risk.

You’re ready, Aang. Don’t die, Aang.

[suspenseful music playing]

[Katara] Why would you say that?

[suspenseful music playing]

[crowd stomping rhythmically]

[announcer] And she’s back!

[crowd grunting rhythmically]

For the first time in weeks…

[stomping and grunting speed up]

…it’s the Blind Bandit!

[mysterious music playing]

The Boulder is amused by this comical challenger.

[crowd laughs]

[laughs]

[man] Destroy her!

[crowd chattering]

But it’s time for you to go, little Blind Bandit.

[Bandit] Hyah! Hyah!

[crunching]

[Sokka] You got this, Boulder!

[laughs]

[Sokka] No match!

[suspenseful music playing]

[chuckles]

A sly move.

The Boulder is conflicted.

Should he fight this tiny opponent…

[Sokka] Fight her!

…or release her back to whence she came?

[Sokka] Send her back!

What’s the matter?

You scared, The Pebble?

[crowd clamors] Oh!

[The Boulder grunts] Agh!

[groans]

The Boulder is no longer conflicted.

[dings]

[grunting]

[distorted mournful sounds]

[The Boulder roars]

[Sokka] Go, Boulder!

[The Boulder grunting]

[groans]

[grunts]

[grunts] [crowd gasps]

Ah! [man] Oh.

[Katara chuckles] Oh. Is she actually blind?

Either way, she’s amazing.

[Aang] She’s doing it.

Waiting and listening.

Just like Bumi said.

That’s it? That’s the neutral thing?

Jing, Sokka. Yeah, the jing.

[crowd cheering, applauding]

[grunts]

[Sokka] You got this, Boulder! You got it!

Don’t let her get under your skin!

[The Boulder grunts]

[object bursts]

[Aang gasps]

[grunts]

[Sokka] Come on, Boulder!

[The Boulder grunts]

Oh! Maybe you should give up.

The crowd doesn’t wanna see two little girls fighting.

[crowd gasping, laughing]

[rumbling]

[grunting]

[man] Come on, Boulder!

[yells] Yah!

[crowd gasps] Oh!

[laughing]

[crowd murmuring]

[The Boulder laughs]

Did The Boulder just squish a little girl?

[laughing]

[rumbling]

[crowd gasps]

[gasps]

[crowd cheering]

[Sokka] Go, Blind Bandit!

[triumphant music playing]

[cheering]

That’s her! She’s my teacher!

[Katara] Aang, wait! [Sokka] Where are you going?

Excuse me, sorry.

[Katara] Sorry, excuse me.

Excuse me.

Excuse me. Sorry about that.

Sorry.

[footsteps approaching]

[Aang] Excuse me.

[Katara] Aang!

[Aang] No, wait!

[man 2] Can you believe that?

We need to find her. I need to…

Aang, breathe.

She’s gone.

Avatar Aang, I am Ji Shen, Executive Secretary to the Beifong family.

The Bei who?

That’s the symbol we’ve been seeing all over town.

The flying boar seal of the Beifong family.

Lord and Lady Beifong’s holdings are as vast as the lands of the Earth Kingdom.

The Beifongs were great friends to Avatar Roku and wish to be the same to you.

Please, accept this invitation to a light introductory meal at Beifong Manor.

[Sokka] Whoa.

They’re rich.

If they can feed us, they can feed the refugees too.

Yeah.

What do you think, Aang?

[tapping]

Did I wake you?

No.

It…

Needed fixing.

It did.

[pensive music playing]

Um…

I mean, since you have such a long way to go and…

I mean, now that I… I know you’re clever-handed…

Well…

There’s, um…

Plenty around here that could use some fixing.

I mean, more than I could get done in a year on my own.

[foreboding music playing]

The big footprints go that way.

It’s the sky bison the Avatar’s always seen with.

Its fur is everywhere.

Why bring something that makes you so easy to track?

‘Cause it seems all cute and fuzzy.

But this set of three tracks goes the other way with no fur.

Follow the bison. I’ll follow the tracks towards that town.

You’re going into an Earth Kingdom town?

Alone?

What, are you worried about me?

Not about you getting hurt. Just about…

Me snapping and burning the town to the ground, leaving nothing behind me but a trail of blood and ashes.

Seriously, though, you’re… you’re not going to do that, right?

Of course not.

I am perfectly in control.

I will wait patiently for the Avatar to lead me to Zuko.

We’ll have a warm and brief reunion, and then I’ll tell him to come home.

Or else.

You’re not still mad at me for almost killing you, are you?

As long as you’re not mad at me for almost killing you.

No, I’m good.

What kind of trees are these anyway?

[uplifting music playing]

Wow.

This place is…

Yeah.

[Sokka] That’s Kyoshi?

That’s not to scale.

And my other past incarnations.

Roku, Kuruk, and Yangchen.

Those must be the past Beifongs.

I guess they really were friends.

They don’t have one of you yet, Aang. Avatar Aang.

At long last.

It’s so wonderful to finally meet you.

For generations, the Beifongs have been friends and benefactors of the Avatar, as you can see.

You’ve clearly come a long way.

Thank you. And it’s wonderful to meet you too.

But we actually have another request.

We’re traveling with a group of refugees who are in great need of food and supplies.

A most virtuous entreaty. Mm.

Does that mean you can help?

Oh, now. Let’s not discuss business before dinner, which will begin as soon as…

Ah, there’s our little flower now.

This is our daughter, Toph.

[mysterious music playing]

It’s the Blind Bandit.

Welcome, Avatar.

We pray you enjoy our most humble repast.

[music fades]

[Lord Beifong] The Southern Water Tribe.

Meeting you both is almost as rare a treat as the Avatar.

My dear husband is an eternal student of the world and its cultures and geography.

Well, a flexible mind holds both wisdom of age and curiosity of youth.

What our gran gran always says.

Charming aphorisms from the South. I will try to earn that compliment.

Thank you.

Ji Shen, make sure Toph’s soup is cool enough.

She’s quite, uh, delicate.

You’re the best Earthbender I’ve ever seen.

I’m sorry? Are you talking to me, Avatar?

Yeah. You’re the Blind Bandit.

[huffs]

I think you’re mistaking me for some other blind girl.

Understandable, but still quite offensive.

Your homeland is fascinating. Has there been any mining done there?

[Sokka] Mm.

Well, we are really very self-sufficient.

We have a kind of harmony with the lands and seas around us.

So you’re saying that there are vast, untapped resources in the South?

[Lady Beifong] What my husband really wants to know is what would it take for you to open your borders for trade?

Oh, our tribe’s great and ancient history is one of seafaring and trade, but that…

That ended when the Fire Nation attacked. That’s right.

The colonies and garrisons on the islands around ours make it impossible for our ships to pass.

[Lady Beifong] Our ships move with more ease.

Business knows no borders.

Well, in that case, maybe we should be negotiating with you about these supplies?

I noticed you’re short one portrait in your gallery.

Go on.

I need you to teach me earth bending. The way you fought at the Earth Rumble…

I’ve never heard of that.

My goodness. It sounds like a congregation of ruffians.

If he sits for a portrait, my husband and I will gladly provide all the supplies your sky bison can carry.

It’s a deal.

Okay, I guess you’re a two-trick panda pony.

I used bending.

Bending their will. [chuckles]

Right?

You’re a master of neutral jing. You can teach me to wait and listen.

Then listen to this.

Shut your hole.

[Aang grunts]

[Sokka] Mm.

[Aang gasps]

[sighs]

The Avatar has sullied himself. Do help him tidy up, please, Ji Shen.

No, it’s all right. I got it.

Ah.

Mm.

Marvelous!

Oh, bravo!

[chuckling]

As you can see, I’m ready to learn the next element.

I just need the right teacher.

Who taught Toph to earth bend? I’m sure she’s very accomplished.

No.

Toph is our little flower.

Her fragile nature wouldn’t agree with all that stomping and brouhaha.

You mean, you don’t…

[strained] No.

She’s…

[gasping] Having trouble breathing.

[grunts]

[Katara] It’s okay. He usually lands softly.

[Sokka] Oh, he’ll be fine.

[chuckles softly]

Are you unwell, Avatar?

I was, but not anymore.

[Lord Beifong] Of course you are.

Now that your refugees have everything they need, we can welcome you into the warm and potent embrace of the Beifong Clan.

I love a good embrace.

[Fei] I didn’t take you for a farmhand.

[Zuko] I’ve been a lot of things lately.

[somber music playing]

It was right over there.

They were just out here working.

My mom and dad.

And my older brother was already off with the army.

I was, um…

I was inside when I heard the raised voices.

And…

I don’t know how, but I knew it was them.

Fire Nation.

So I made Peng hide, and I ran out to try to get to them.

‘Cause, you know, I thought if they knew that we were a family, that… that there were kids here, that they might… might not, uh…

[sniffles]

It happened so fast.

And even when I knew it was too late, I still ran toward them.

And then he turned on me.

[sniffles] The one who did it.

I’m sorry.

I don’t really know why I told you all that.

We’ve all lost things.

You don’t need to be ashamed of your scar.

It means you made it out.

[foreboding music playing]

[thunder rumbles] Uh…

I need to get some more ties from the barn.

[exhales]

[Zuko’s mom] Remember who you are.

[young Azula] Mama! Mama! Mama!

[Zuko’s mom] I have to go on.

[Fei] We can’t give you anymore.

[soldier] We let you live, so hand the food over!

Stay back. I’ll cut you! No!

[Ozai] He flinches from conflict.

[Zuko’s mom] Because he’s kind.

Because he wants to help people. He wants peace and justice.

We are bringing peace and justice to the world under one rule, and that takes strength.

[sighs]

Zuko lacks strength.

Sometimes strength is knowing when to not fight.

You need to give him another chance.

You need to nurture his instincts instead of just thwarting them.

Not in this family. Not in this world.

If our son refuses to put his younger sister in her place, well, then she will take his place.

So you want them to hate each other? If that’s what it takes.

There is a greater destiny in store for both our children than you can imagine.

What do you mean?

You came to me with an impeccable, strong bloodline.

And we promised we would join our clans and make a family together.

You gave me an heir.

And a spare.

An heir? What…

[foreboding music playing]

Iroh is in line for the throne.

Lu Ten is the heir. I…

Leave my children’s education to me. They’re my children too!

I won’t let you turn them into monsters.

Is that what you think I am?

A monster?

[fire crackling]

[tense music playing]

[Zuko panting]

[men groaning and panting]

Get out of here!

[music fades]

I didn’t mean to.

It’s okay.

If you didn’t, I would’ve.

[somber music playing]

[footsteps approaching]

[Aang] There you are.

You and your big mouth almost blew my cover with my parents.

[Aang] Sorry. I just…

I really need an earth bending teacher.

Not my problem.

Shut up about it, and leave me alone forever.

But my friend Bumi said that my teacher would be a master of neutral jing.

Never heard of it. Get out of my way!

Pretty light on your feet, Twinkle Toes. Stay on the ground where I can see you.

Is this better?

Yes.

Now turn around.

Walk back towards the gate.

And keep walking forever.

Okay, so you don’t wanna be my earth bending teacher.

Oh! So he’s smart too.

But… I need to understand neutral jing.

And I’ve seen you do it.

Can you just show me how you earth bend?

I… I just do. Uh…

Who cares? I care.

Fine.

So, when I was little, I ran away from home, and I hid in this cave.

Why’d you run away?

I don’t remember. That’s not an important part of the story.

The important thing is that, in this cave, I met these… badgermoles.

I could feel them through the ground.

But what was weirder is that I could feel that they knew I was scared.

They were blind, like me, so we understood each other.

Earth bending, to them, wasn’t fighting.

It was how they interacted with the world.

How they created their own world.

[scoffs]

So that’s how they taught it to me, as an extension of my senses.

Everything’s vibrating.

[faint rumbling]

All around us.

The world is turning.

There’s water in the rivers deep underground.

Squirrels run across tree branches.

[squirrels squeaking]

Ants carry little bits of sand through the moss.

We’re all connected through the earth.

Even you.

I could feel the moment you walked into my house, Twinkle Toes.

I bet the badgermoles made you feel safe.

Do you ever visit them?

No.

This was near our house we had in Gaoling.

We don’t go there anymore.

[Aang] I’m sorry.

My sky bison, Appa, is my closest friend.

If I ever lost him, I don’t know what I’d do.

[exhales shakily]

Did you ever tell your parents all this?

They don’t get it.

They don’t want me to bend.

[sighs] That’s why we don’t go to Gaoling anymore.

They’re my parents, you know? [scoffs]

They’re just trying to protect me.

But you can’t be yourself here.

You could with us.

[scoffs]

Okay, you clearly don’t understand how my family works.

You’re born a Beifong, and then you have to live your entire life playing that role.

There’s no getting out of it.

I was born the Avatar, and I have to be the Avatar.

I don’t have a choice.

Right.

You’re an Avatar, and I’m a Beifong. [sighs]

Maybe I wouldn’t have chose this either.

I could’ve just been an Air Nomad.

But.

I would’ve never met my two best friends or traveled everywhere or even seen the world’s largest crocorhino egg, which Katara thinks is earth bent, but she’s wrong because it’s real.

I respect your decision.

Right.

Good.

And…

I really hope you get to see those badgermoles again.

[footsteps receding]

[tense, somber music playing]

[Peng] The Avatar’s here! The Avatar is in the village!

Bet a lot of people are gonna be there.

We should sell our flower potatoes and our melon yams.

Our cabbages, our tomatoes, and our kale.

Everything we have on the farm.

And then we can actually make some profit.

[door opens]

[Zuko’s mom] Zuko. Zuko, wake up.

What’s wrong? Wake up. We need to go. We need to go.

[foreboding music playing]

It’s too early. Or too late. Sh, my love. Come on.

Sh. Sh.

Sit, okay?

Sit here. Okay.

Don’t touch me. Sh, Azula!

[Azula] You shush.

[man] Yah!

[horses galloping]

Where’s Dad?

Mom, where’s Dad? Where’s Dad?

Azula, stop. Quiet!

[Azula] Stop touching me! Honey, please stop!

[footsteps approaching] [gasps]

[man] Stop! What’s happening, Mom?

It’s okay. Mom…

Honey, listen.

I need you to promise me that no matter what happens, you stay together.

Promise me that. And you hold that promise deep inside your heart.

We will, Mom.

[pounds on door]

[man] Out, now!

Drop the reins!

[horse whinnies]

You remember who you are.

[man] Spread out!

And you take care of your sister. Okay?

I love you both so much.

[man grunts]

No!

[screaming] No! No! No!

[screams] Mom! Mama!

[mysterious music playing]

[Zuko sighs]

[wind gusting]

I’ve been thinking about it, and I think you have too much positive jing.

Thank you.

Uh, it’s not a compliment. It’s, uh…

It’s like whenever we’re in danger or a battle or a giant sea serpent, for example, you always just yell “follow me,” and just rush right in there.

You know? So…

Right. Right.

Well, I’m the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, so it’s customary for me to lead.

Yeah.

I just think you shouldn’t be so reckless.

I think you know I can take care of myself.

Do I? You… you almost got boiled alive by a sea serpent.

I got grazed. And Katara healed me. I’m fine.

Okay.

You know what? Just forget about it.

Wait, what’s really going on?

No, if you don’t wanna take my fear seriously, it’s fine. It’s… We…

Forget about it. Sokka.

Did something happen? After Kyoshi Island? Something that’s making you so worried?

I know Aang got captured, and Katara was on the front lines in the North.

They talked to you about the North?

What’d they say?

Only what they went through.

[Sokka sighs]

[Suki] Look, clearly something heavy’s going on with you.

And I just want you to know, I’m here.

I’ll listen.

Nothing happened.

[tense, mysterious music playing]

Why are there two Fire Nation girls over there?

Hey!

You think that’s the Waterbender that’s supposed to be with the Avatar?

Sokka, follow me.

Uh…

[groans]

Should we beat them up and find out?

[Ty Lee chuckles]

[tense music playing]

[grunts]

[Ty Lee grunts]

[grunts]

[grunts]

[grunting]

[music intensifies]

Aah!

Aah!

[grunting]

[bone cracking]

[grunting continues]

[squeals] Aah! Ha!

[grunts]

What did you do to me?

Just relax your chi for a hot sec. You’ll be fine, cutie.

[grunting]

[dramatic music playing]

What did you just do to me?

Not so tough without your bendies, are you?

[knuckles crack]

[grunts]

The face? Really?

[Appa growls]

[dramatic music playing]

[roaring]

[panting]

She paralyzed me somehow.

[Katara] They’re after Aang. [grunts]

He’s back at the village. We have to warn him.

[panting]

[indistinct chatter]

[Azula] Hello, Zuzu.

Azula.

[tense music playing]

[Zuko] What are you doing here?

Is that any way to greet your sister?

[groans]

What have you done to your hair?

Stay out of my way.

You don’t have to do that.

Capture the Avatar, I mean. Father doesn’t care about that anymore.

What do you mean he doesn’t care?

He’s pardoned you for your treachery in the North, and he’s lifted your banishment.

Congratulations.

You’re lying.

I wish I were.

I’ve been sent to retrieve you.

You’ve done your best, Zuzu. We all know it.

And after all, that’s what really counts.

Isn’t it?

The Avatar is growing in power.

If he wants to win the war, we need to catch him.

Don’t question your Fire Lord.

He’s commanded me to bring you home, and I will do that.

One way or another.

So you’re running his errands now?

Yes.

Whatever errands he commands.

Conquer Omashu.

Fetch his fails on.

[Zuko] I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I know that you would never do anything that would be good for me.

Get over yourself.

You don’t register that high on my list of concerns.

Is that why you recruited Zhao to do your dirty work?

I don’t know what or to whom you’re referring.

At least this time, you had the dignity to come in person to try to thwart my mission.

Your mission is meaningless.

Then take a seat while I finish it.

I’m not going back without the Avatar.

Don’t be a fool, Zuko.

Look at the state of you.

I’m more powerful than you remember.

[tense music fades]

[indistinct chatter]

That might be the only earth bending I ever learn.

[Zuko] Avatar!

Zuko?

[Azula] I’m not finished with you!

[suspenseful music playing]

This?

This is the Avatar?

Zuzu, he’s a little boy.

Zuzu? [chuckles]

Who are you?

Can’t tell?

I’ve been told the family resemblance is strong.

“I will capture the Avatar and restore my honor.”

I’ve never said that!

[tense music playing]

[grunting]

[yells] Ya!

[grunting]

[gasps, grunts]

[groans]

[panting]

[grunting]

[yells] Aah!

[snarling]

[Peng] Fei, look!

[grunting]

[Peng] It’s Li.

[Zuko panting]

No, it’s not.

[Sokka grunts]

Your arm’s working again.

You were better than I thought.

[dramatic music playing]

[Sokka] Whoa!

[music intensifies]

Toph!

Why didn’t you just tell me there was gonna be real fighting involved?

[Azula grunts]

[panting]

[panting]

[all grunting]

[mysterious music playing]

Azula!

Stand down!

Not surprising you’ve aligned yourself with the enemy, Zuko.

[suspenseful music playing]

I know when I’m beaten.

A princess surrenders…

Ha!

[Zuko] Uncle!

[sinister music playing]

[panting]

[grunts]

[Zuko] Uncle.

Zuko, I can help. Whoa. Whoa.

[somber music playing]

Leave us alone.

We should go now, okay?

But we could help.

Leave!

[Sokka] Let’s go! Go.

[Zuko] Uncle…

So those were Firebenders, huh?

[scoffs] Can’t wait to get another shot at them.

Does this mean you’re coming with us?

[Lady Beifong] Toph!

[gasps]

What in the world are you doing out here?

I… I felt rumbling, so I came to find out what was happening.

The Avatar was in a fight. I had to help.

You felt rumbling?

[gasps]

You’re far too delicate to engage in that activity.

I’m not delicate.

And I’m not a flower.

I’m a rock.

And I’m blind, even if you don’t wanna say it.

Just listen to me.

This one time, Mom.

This is who I am.

We’re giving you far too much liberty.

Put on your shoes, and come home… now.

I’m never wearing shoes again.

[upbeat music playing]

Come on, Avatar. I’m gonna teach you to earth bend even if it kills me.

[chuckles]

[music fades]

[Zuko] Can you stand? [sighs]

[groans]

[Zuko grunts]

[Iroh groans softly]

[indistinct chatter]

[door slams, creaks]

[suspenseful music playing]

Peng!

Get out of here, Firebender!

[Zuko] Listen, Uncle, we have to go now. Come on. Come on.

Come on. [Iroh grunts]

[grunting softly]

[foreboding music playing]

You’ll get the rest on the safe return of our kidnapped daughter.

The Boulder will do his best.

But the Beifongs’ daughter will be very hard to pin down.

She is tough and short and very, very mean.

That’s why Ji Shen shall accompany you.

Bring my daughter home to me by whatever means necessary.

[The Boulder grunts]

[Zuko panting]

[dramatic music swells]

[music fades]

[dramatic, adventurous music playing]

[music fades]