Prince Zuko, the Imperial Guard, they're coming to take the prince into custody.
- What? - The Imperial Guard?
- They're already on their way. - Lieutenant Jee, slow down.
I was just on Admiral Zhao's ship going over the latest... fuel usage figures.
Lieutenant Dang and I were burning the midnight oil.
So funny, your face. Oh!
Dang stepped out to take a message.
Keep drinking.
I overheard them discussing new orders. Orders from the Fire Lord himself.
He sent his personal guard to bring Prince Zuko back to Capital City,
where he is to stand trial...
For treason.
- Treason? - Are you certain?
Yes, sir. I heard Dang order his men to shore to meet the guard.
Tonight? That means he'll be here any minute.
This is Zhao's doing.
Somehow, he's convinced Ozai you've turned against him.
Pohuai, Zhao's figured out you were the one that freed the Avatar.
Prince Zuko, you need to leave, now.
Do not start the engines until you are well clear.
Stay off the main roads, and travel only at night.
Uncle, we can't let my father believe I've turned against him.
I know, but first you must get to safety. Let me sort things out with Ozai.
Thank you, Lieutenant Jee.
Stay safe, Your Highness.
Jee had no idea.
It was all too easy to get him to take the bait.
What will you tell the Fire Lord about his son?
I'll tell him the truth.
That the prince chose to put his needs over those of his countrymen.
And that his son was a traitor.
Blasting jelly.
The prince!
Zuko.
Now I need to deliver my condolences to General Iroh.
I'm sure he's been through a terrible shock.
Zuko's on his own,
and he wasn't anything like I thought he'd be.
He just seemed so alone.
I'm shocked.
Sokka, Aang made a connection with him.
Right?
I just realized Zuko and I, we both have a lot on our shoulders.
This whole time, I've been worried that I don't know what I'm doing.
And the truth is, I don't.
I haven't learned any of the other bending skills,
and I'll probably continue messing up,
but at least I'll be able to do it with my friends by my side.
That's right. Team Avatar.
What is it, boy?
Look!
It's the Northern Water Tribe!
We did it. We finally made it.
They're here!
Avatar, welcome
to Agna Qel'a.
This is...
Beautiful.
It's perfect.
We've been expecting you.
- Mother! - Your beast is in good hands.
My men will take him to our buffalo yak stables,
which are in a heated grotto with plenty of light and space.
Make sure he gets seaweed.
Lots of seaweed.
Of course.
Welcome. I'm Arnook, chief of the Northern Water Tribe,
and I offer you our hospitalities and our protection
in the name of the Ocean and Moon Spirits.
Thank you. You don't know how long we've been looking forward to this.
I can't tell you the joy it brings us to welcome
a long-lost brother and sister from the South.
This is Master Pakku. He is our senior waterbending master.
And this is my daughter, Princess Yue, our tribe's spiritual leader.
There's something I need to tell you. You're in danger.
Avatar Aang...
I know it sounds crazy,
but I've seen a vision, and in it, the North is under attack.
We know.
Several days ago, our scouts picked up a Fire Nation fleet steaming this way.
We've been keeping track of them ever since.
We are grateful to have you with us.
With the power of the Avatar on our side,
we'll teach them a lesson they won't soon forget.
Citizens, it is a great day for our city as we welcome mighty allies,
and we shall celebrate their arrival with a feast.
- Feast. - The spirits have protected us...
- Stop staring. - Huh?
I can't help it. There's something about her.
- Have we met her before? - No.
Now quit it before they think something's wrong with you.
More than there already is.
I swear, I will not rest until I hunt down these villains.
Our enemies can't be allowed to get away with such a brazen crime.
And I know where to start the hunt.
I know who did this.
It was Ozai.
Ozai's lost all shred of humanity.
He's become so obsessed with conquering the world,
he cannot tolerate anyone who would get in the way of this,
not even his own flesh and blood.
I see.
I sympathize.
It does make what I'm about to say
a bit awkward.
The Fire Lord
has given me the honor
of leading a great armada
with orders to conquer the North.
We know the Avatar is headed there,
to the last great Waterbender stronghold,
and so I am setting out to take it.
Forgive me, Admiral,
but you weren't the first to come to mind for such a... prominent mission.
I admit that I have little experience in battle.
Of course, that also means that I have no track record of failure.
Unlike you.
Ah!
That's enough.
Enough!
The Fire Lord deems your performance
below average.
But I defeated him!
You should've finished him at least two moves earlier.
Thus, you will undergo another trial tomorrow.
You realize he's playing games with you, right?
Didn't feel like a game when that boulder was flying at my head.
Just saying your father already knows you're the best.
He just doesn't want you to know that.
Let my father empty his prisons.
Send every bender he has at me.
I'll burn everyone in the world until he admits the truth.
What truth?
That I'm the one.
Why don't you just go and talk to her?
And say what? "Hey there. Sokka, Southern Water Tribe."
She's just a girl.
She's a princess and a spiritual leader.
She probably sleeps on a throne and only eats dewdrops and sunshine.
No way.
Stewed sea prunes. My favorite.
Is it good? What's it taste like?
Like...
like home.
Katara?
I just wanna say thanks for helping me get here.
I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
A world I wouldn't have seen if it wasn't for you.
So enjoying the food, are we?
It's delicious.
You say you were entirely self-taught.
Yes, I feel like I've come pretty far, but I still have so much to learn.
That's why I couldn't wait to get here to meet other Waterbenders
and especially esteemed masters like you.
It must've been difficult to grow up cut off from other benders.
The Fire Nation's attacks took so much from you.
From all of us.
The worst part was I... I couldn't do anything about it.
What's important is you survived.
That is what we do.
Water is the element of change.
And we Waterbenders have always adapted to the flow of life.
Tomorrow morning, go and find Yagoda.
She is one of our finest instructors, and she can start you on your journey.
Thank you, Master Pakku.
How about some cloudberries?
Here you go.
Thank you.
You can help me finish this.
Come on. It's pretty good.
What do you think?
It's delicious.
When I was a kid, I used to hide out here when my dad would meet with the elders.
He said he wanted me to see how things worked in the tribe
because, someday, it would be my responsibility.
Not very fun.
Hmm, so I'd hide out here with the grans and make dessert.
You are just a girl.
Did you think I wasn't a girl?
No, no, no. I just figured with you being a princess and all...
- That I was stuck up? - Yeah. I mean, no.
I mean, that's what I thought, but, no, you're ordinary.
Not ordinary, because that wouldn't be good,
and I think I should stop saying words now.
I get it.
I know out there I seem all...
but that's what they expect me to be.
Don't get me wrong. I love serving my community,
but every now and then, I just have to go somewhere and...
Make dessert?
No, I get it.
You know, back home, it was my duty to protect the village.
I took that seriously.
Katara would probably say too seriously, but the thing was...
It's your responsibility.
Yeah.
Yeah, and if I didn't do it,
who knows what could've happened.
You know, I made a promise to my dad, and I was gonna keep that no matter what.
But there are times it would've been nice to not have to worry.
Times I wish I could be...
Just a boy?
Yeah.
How do I know you?
Princess Yue.
They're ready for the evening blessing.
Thank you, Hahn.
You didn't have to leave the feast. One of the priests could've come.
It was no trouble at all.
Really.
Welcome to our ice wall.
It has withstood attacks for over a century.
Chief Arnook, if you don't mind,
I'd love to talk to our brother from the South. Some combat advice.
Me? You wanna ask me about fighting?
You have something none of us have.
Experience.
Tell me, Fire Nation armor. Is it metal?
The reference we have has spikes on the shoulders.
Uh, no metal. Leather.
And, uh, they don't have shoulder spikes anymore.
The rest of the platoon should hear this. Would you mind coming to talk to them?
Um, sure.
Great.
Tell me, Avatar Aang,
what do you think is the best approach to the coming battle?
Might I suggest you lead the offensive front?
You could spearhead an attack...
Actually, airbending is primarily a defensive discipline.
Our style is to evade and avoid conflict.
But you're not just an Airbender.
You're the Avatar.
Truth is, I haven't mastered any other bending.
But that's why I came here, hoping someone could teach me?
But we've heard stories of how you've saved communities,
defeated the Fire Nation platoons,
even battled monsters.
How were you able to do all that?
My friends help me.
We work together.
It would've been wise to have focused on your training
during your journey.
It seems we won't be able to count on the Avatar.
Water is life.
Water allows life to flourish.
And to heal.
Master Pakku told me we'd be having a special guest today.
Thank you for having me.
I'd heard stories of water healing,
but I didn't think it was still being practiced.
Oh, yes, it's a vital part of our culture.
Would you like to try it?
Feel the flow of energy through the body.
Connect that flow to the energy in yourself.
Healing...
is more than a physical process.
It's about empathy.
You must understand what it means to feel pain.
Then take that pain away.
You are a natural.
Thanks.
I've gotten good at picking things up quickly.
We had to think on our feet a lot.
Nothing to focus your mind like a fireball coming at your head.
Which reminds me. When do we get to fight training?
Excuse me?
I think my basic forms are pretty good, but I could use help
with accuracy and increasing power.
I'm sorry, but women don't fight.
We use our skills to heal, not to harm.
I don't want to just heal.
Healing is a noble and sacred tradition.
The highest of callings.
No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that.
It's just that... I think my skills lie more in combat.
So if it's okay, I'd like to train in fighting techniques.
In the Northern Water Tribe, women aren't allowed to fight.
Aren't allowed?
That's not right.
But that is our way.
Understood.
They seem like a good group.
We've trained them as best we can,
but none of them know what we're about to face.
None of them have seen real battle.
Hey, I'm sure they'll do great.
Especially with you leading them.
So...
Princess Yue.
She seems great.
Yue, she's dedicated, kind, generous.
She represents the highest ideals of our tribe. She is the best of us.
You like her.
Um...
The princess and I,
we were betrothed.
It was arranged by our parents when we were children, but when she turned 16,
she broke it off,
which is her prerogative.
Wow.
But she never gave a reason why.
So
you would've gone through with it?
You would've married her?
Thank you for coming to pay your respects to Avatar Kuruk.
I'm here to do a little bit more than that.
I'm hoping Kuruk can help me make a difference in this fight.
Is that a problem?
It's just been a long time since anyone went to Kuruk for anything.
The truth is, his memory has faded for most.
During his time as the Avatar, Kuruk didn't engage much with the world.
Some say he became enamored with the Spirit World
and spent most of his time there.
Unfortunately, that meant he wasn't around much
to help us deal with our problems.
So he didn't do his job as the Avatar.
He let everyone down.
I believe there must be more to his story.
I hope you're right because I need help,
and he's the only one who could possibly understand my situation.
Hello, Aang.
I see you made it to the North.
Yes, because the Northern Water Tribe's in danger.
Avatar Kyoshi showed me a vision
of Agna Qel'a being destroyed by the Fire Nation.
I need to stop that from happening.
You can't.
If she showed you the North being destroyed,
then it will happen.
But the battle's outcome is still uncertain.
Whether the Fire Nation prevails,
whether the Waterbenders survive,
all of that is up to you.
I'm just one kid.
No, you are the Avatar.
When I was at Kyoshi Island,
Avatar Kyoshi helped me unleash these incredible energies.
The Avatar State.
Yes! She said it gave me the strength of a thousand benders.
I can use that power to save the North.
But to gain control over it,
you need to first master the other disciplines.
Except she was able to take control.
She could channel the power through my body.
She was in control. You can do that.
That's not possible.
- Yes, it is. Kyoshi did it. - I'm not Kyoshi.
- But you still could! - No, I can't!
After I became the Avatar,
I discovered dark spirits were on the verge
of crossing over into our realm from the Spirit World.
I had to stop them,
so I spent my life fighting them.
The war I waged on the spirits
damaged my body and corrupted my soul.
In my condition,
I wouldn't be able to control the Avatar State
any more than you could.
And despite all my sacrifices,
I still couldn't save the one that mattered the most.
A predatory spirit came to seek vengeance on me.
Ummi, my beloved,
paid the ultimate price.
The spirit stole her face.
- Koh. - Listen to me, Aang.
The Avatar must walk alone,
or else the ones you love will suffer.
Oh, sorry. I was looking for Katara.
Oh.
I should get going.
Is something wrong?
No, I'm just
a little tired.
Mm. I guess you need to go and "recombobulate."
I knew it! It was you!
- Yes. - You're the fox!
Yes.
But how?
Not long after I was born, I got very sick,
so my father pleaded with the spirits to save my life,
and... a miracle happened.
The Moon Spirit answered his prayer
and imbued me with some of its essence and restored my life.
That's the night my hair changed color.
So you're a spirit?
Part spirit, mostly human.
Being of both worlds has meant that I can be a bridge between the two.
That's why I became a priestess,
is to help people connect with their spirituality.
It also means I have the ability to visit the Spirit World
in my dreams.
So you pop over there just for fun?
Wouldn't you?
It's magical.
Not quite the word I would use.
You didn't like it?
What's not to like?
Nearly being mauled by a spirit monster
or getting my face eaten by a predator or reliving the most painful memories...
Painful?
It was nothing.
Never mind.
Don't do that.
Don't make it less than what it is.
It was something that happened when I was a kid.
I overheard my dad saying he was disappointed in me.
That I wasn't cut out to be a warrior.
That he didn't believe in me.
Do you know what I remember about you from the Spirit World?
You were worried about your friends.
You knew they were in trouble, and you had to help them.
Your heart.
That's what sets you apart.
That's what makes you a warrior.
I have a feeling if your father saw you now, he would agree.
I need to know something.
Why did you turn down Hahn?
Hahn is wonderful.
He is everything that a girl could want.
But he is not the boy of my dreams.
My friends mean everything to me.
I can't do this without them. It's how I made it this far.
And with their help is how I'll make it through this battle.
We're Team Avatar.
There is no Team Avatar.
There is only the Avatar.
Stop thinking about what you need,
and think about what's best for them.
Being the Avatar means being the one who bears the burden.
...alone.
I made... a carving this out.
A bear!
Uh, actually, it's a fish.
See? It has a fin.
Oh.
Hey, so did you talk to Kuruk?
Was he able to help?
No, he couldn't help me.
I'm on my own.
Ah, Katara, how was your time with Yagoda?
Great, but I wanted to ask.
Where will I be stationed during the battle?
Women aren't allowed in combat. I thought you knew.
No, I didn't. I wouldn't have accepted it if I did.
It's not a matter of accepting anything. It's how things are done.
It's stupid, and it's wrong.
This is not up for debate.
I've been fighting Firebenders ever since I left home.
Can any of your men say that?
- Doesn't matter. - Why not?
This isn't about them. It's about you.
You're not strong enough. Women aren't strong enough.
You haven't been training and preparing to lay down your life for everyone here.
And I'm not going to let what happened to the Southern Tribe happen here.
They won't let me fight.
They've been stuck behind this wall for so long,
they've become frozen in time.
Maybe we should talk to Yue.
- Or maybe... - Maybe we should listen to them.
Maybe it's better if you didn't fight.
This battle, it'll be like nothing we've ever faced before.
People are gonna get hurt and die.
I can't lose you and Sokka.
Aang, you're not gonna lose us.
But just the thought I could is gonna hold me back.
These people need the Avatar.
And I can't be the Avatar with you around.
I wonder what they'll call me when the news reaches Capital City.
I quite like "Zhao the Conqueror." It should have some flair.
Admiral, if I understand these battle plans,
you are attempting a frontal assault on Agna Qel'a.
The city is surrounded by impassable barriers on three sides.
Its front is protected by an ice wall.
What makes you think you can succeed when so many others have failed?
Because I have something none of the others had.
I have destiny on my side.
Despite what our propaganda would have you believe,
the Waterbenders are neither weak nor cowardly.
Underestimating them will lead to tragic consequences.
That won't happen.
For one thing, the fleet has been outfitted with new, deadlier weapons,
but... more importantly...
I have personally made arrangements
to ensure our victory.
What is that?
This...
this is destiny.
He's attacking the fortress head-on, like a bull in heat.
There may be more, but he's keeping it to himself.
I fear I've underestimated Zhao. He's more dangerous than I thought.
Yeah, I figured that out
as I was swimming away from the burning wreck of my boat.
We've almost reached the North. Have you got a plan yet?
A plan?
The plan is to prove my father wasn't wrong
to trust me with this mission.
The plan is to go in and capture the Avatar once and for all.
The plan is to reclaim what's rightfully mine!
So no plan?
I'm working on it, Uncle.
I'm still surprised by Zhao's boldness.
I'd have thought it beyond him.
It's almost as if he's working with someone else.
Someone much smarter.
Choose your opponent.
No.
- You must select one... - No, I'm done.
- Azula, stop playing games. - I'm not the one playing games.
This is your last chance. Fight or fail.
No.
You dare!
Ha!
You wanna test me?
Set me loose.
Let me go into the world and show you what I can really do.
I'm through playing games here.
Hmm.
Look, Pakku's an idiot.
It doesn't matter what other people think.
It doesn't matter if Dad didn't think I'd be a great warrior,
but I can still be great in some way.
The point is, I get to decide,
just like you get to decide who you are. Not Pakku or anyone else.
I'm gonna challenge Pakku to fight.
I know. He's a master.
He's probably gonna mop the floor with me, but it doesn't matter.
All my life, I've held myself back,
and I'm not gonna let someone else do it to me now.
Katara.
Remember at the Southern Air Temple when you said we had to go with Aang?
That we had to help him save the world?
You were right.
If we hadn't gone with him,
I wouldn't have seen how two kids from the Southern Water Tribe
can measure up to anyone.
Firebenders, Earthbenders, spirit creatures,
even strapping, young Northern Water Tribe Warriors...
Sokka, if you're trying to talk sense into me, you're not doing a very good job.
Sense? Who's talking sense?
No, what I'm trying to tell you is...
go kick his ass.
- What's going on? - I'm not going to fight you.
Because you're afraid of what you might learn. That you're wrong.
Please.
Go back to the healing huts with the other women.
Whoa!
Fine. You wanna learn how to fight?
Study closely.
Had enough?
Is that all you got?
I'll say this.
You're an excellent Waterbender.
But you still won't let me fight.
No.
No one's pushed Master Pakku like that.
That was incredible. Those ice disks. How did you do that?
Can you show me?
Well, I doubt anyone's gonna say you're not strong enough now.
No, they'll just say I lost.
Did you?
You said you're afraid of losing us, and that's why we can't stay by your side,
but it's my decision to fight,
not Pakku's and not yours.
Yeah. Do you think we came here just to leave you on your own?
Silly Avatar.
I don't know if I can protect you.
You can't.
Yeah, and worrying about who will or won't get hurt,
it's not just the Avatar who has to deal with that.
That's what it means to be a family.
Kuruk, Roku, Kyoshi.
They all said that I need to do this by myself.
The Avatar must bear the burden alone.
This is the past.
Now, only one person can tell you the future.
The person who'll write The Legend of Aang.
She means you. You got that, right?
Soot.
The Fire Nation's here.
Okay.
Time to fight.