Transcript:The Southern Air Temple

Act I
[Episode starts with Aang and Katara on Appa.]

Aang: Wait 'til you see it Katara! The air temple is one of the most beautiful places in the world!

Katara: Aang, I know you're excited, but it's been a hundred years since you've been home.

Aang: That's why I'm so excited!

Katara: It's just...a lot can change in all that time.

Aang: I know, but I need to see it for myself.

[Aang jumps off of Appa, and goes over to wake Sokka.]

Aang: Wake up Sokka! Air Temple here we come!

Sokka: Uggh! Sleep now. Temple later.

[Sokka falls asleep. Aang smiles evilly as he grabs a stick.]

Aang: Sokka! Wake up! There's a prickle snake in your sleeping bag!

[Aang drags the stick along to mimic the movements of a prickle snake.]

Sokka: Ahh! Get it off! Get it off! Ahh!

[Sokka hops around, and falls over. Katara laughs.]

Aang: Great! You're awake! Let's go!

[It cuts to a dock in the Fire Nation. Zuko and Iroh get off board a ship.]

Zuko: Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail.

Iroh: You mean the Avatar?

Zuko: Don't mention his name on these docks! Once word gets out that he's alive, every firebender will be out looking for him, and I don't want anyone getting in the way!

Zhao: Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?

Zuko: Captain Zhao.

Zhao: It's commander now; and General Iroh. Great hero of our nation.

Iroh: Retired general.

Zhao: The Fire lord's brother and son are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?

Iroh: Our ship is being repaired.

[The camera moves to show a ship with large amounts of damage, with pieces torn off.]

Zhao: That's quite a bit of damage.

Zuko: Yes. You wouldn't believe what happened. [Zuko can't think of an excuse.] Uncle! Tell commander Zhao what happened.

Iroh: Yes. I will do that. It was incredible! [To Zuko] What? Did we crash or something?

Zuko: Yes! Right into an Earth Kingdom ship!

Zhao: Really? You must regale me with all of the thrilling details. [Gets into Zuko's face] Join me for a drink?

Zuko: Sorry, but we have to go.

Iroh: Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect. [Faces Zhao.] We would be honored to join you. You have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite.

[Iroh and Zhao walk off screen. Zuko angrily walks after them. It cuts to Appa flying in the sky. Sokka's stomach growls.]

Sokka: Hey, stomach? Be quiet, alright? I'm trying to find us some food.

[Sokka gets a bag, and pours the contents into his hands. He finds crumbs from Blubbered Seal Jerky.]

Sokka: Hey! Who ate all of my blubbered seal jerky?!

Aang: Oh. That was food? I used it to start the campfire last night. Sorry.

Sokka: You WHAT? [Groans.] No wonder the flames smelled so good.

[Appa flies up to some mountains]

Aang: The Patola mountain range! We're almost there!

Katara: Aang, before we get to the temple, I want to talk to you about the airbenders.

Aang: What about 'em?

Katara: Well, I just want you to be prepared for what you might see. The Fire Nation is ruthless. They killed my mother, and they could have done the same to your people.

Aang: Just because no one has seen an airbender, doesn't mean the Fire Nation killed them all. They probably escaped.

Katara: I know it's hard to accept.

Aang: You don't understand Katara. The only way to get to an Air Temple is on a Flying Bison, and I doubt the Fire Nation has any flying bison. Right Appa?

Appa: Raagguh!

Aang: Yip yip!

[They fly up the mountains and see a beautiful temple.]

Aang: There it is. The Southern air temple.

Katara: Aang, it's amazing!

[Aang is visibly exited]

Aang: We're home buddy! We're home!

[It cuts back to the Fire Nation docks. The camera moves to a tent. Inside the tent, Zhao is talking to Zuko and Iroh.]

Zhao: ...and by the year's end, the Earth Kingdom capital will be under our rule. The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war.

Zuko: If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool!

Zhao: Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue. So, how is your search for the Avatar going?

[Iroh knocks over a weapon display behind them.]

Iroh: My fault entirely.

[Iroh walks away.]

Zuko: We haven't found him yet.

Zhao: Did you really expect to? The Avatar died a hundred years ago. Along with the rest of the airbenders. [Makes an evil expression.] Unless you have found some evidence that the Avatar is alive?

Zuko: No. Nothing.

Zhao: Prince Zuko, the Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Nation from winning this war. If you have an ounce of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you found.

Zuko: I haven't found anything. It's like you said. The Avatar probably died a long time ago. [Gets up.] Come on uncle, we're going.

[Guards stop Zuko from leaving.]

Soldier: Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape.

Zhao: Now remind me, how exactly was your ship damaged?

[It cuts to the Southern Air Temple. Aang, Katara, and Sokka are climbing up the mountain trail.]

Sokka: So when do I get something to eat?

Katara: You're lucky enough to be one of the first outsiders to ever visit an airbender temple, and all you can think about is food?

Sokka: I'm just a simple guy, with simple needs.

[Aang points at a stadium consisting of many tall poles in the distance.]

Aang: So that's where my friends and I would play airball, [Aang points somewhere else.] and over there is where the bison would sleep, and [Aang sighs.]

Katara: What's wrong?

Aang: This place used to be full of monks and lemurs and bison. Now there's just a bunch of weeds. I can't believe how much things have changed.

Sokka: [Trying to distract Aang from his sadness.] So uh, this airball game. How do you play?

[Aang smiles, then it cuts to Sokka guarding the goal of the airball court, while Aang prepares to score. Aang throws the ball into the air, and hits it with an air blast. It shoots across the poles as it flies into Sokka and they both hit the goal.]

Aang: [Aang laughs.] Aang seven! Sokka zero! [Aang circles his arm in a zero shape.]

Sokka: [Sokka is laying in a bush from being hit by the ball.] Making him feel better is putting me in a world of hurt. [Sokka then noticed the helmet of a Fire Nation soldier laying in the snow.] Katara, check this out.

Katara: Fire Nation.

Sokka: We should tell him.

Katara: [Yelling to Aang.] Aang! There's something you need to see.

Aang: [Aang runs to them from the airball court.] Okay!

[Katara feels sorry for Aang, and thinks about how sad he would be when he found out Fire Nation killed the nomads. She bends the snow over them onto the helmet and Sokka.]

Aang: What is it?

Katara: Uh... just a new waterbending move I learned.

Aang: Nice one! But enough practicing, we have a whole temple to see!

Sokka: You know, you can't protect him forever.

Act II
[Cuts to the entrance of the Air Temple]

Sokka: Katara, firebenders were here. You can't pretend they weren't.

Katara: I can for Aang's sake. If he finds out the Fire Nation invaded his home, he'll be devastated.

Aang: Hey guys! I want you to meet somebody! [Aang points to a statue.]

Sokka: Who's that?

Aang: Monk Gyatso! The greatest airbender in the world. He taught me everything I know. [Aang bows to the statue.]

[It cuts to a flashback of Aang's past.]

Gyatso: But the true secret, is in the gooey center. [Gyatso shows Aang the center of a cake by airbending the contents out.]

Aang: Hmm...

Gyatso: My ancient cake making technique isn't the only thing on your mind, is it Aang?

Aang: This whole Avatar thing, maybe the monks made a mistake.

Gyatso: The only mistake they made was telling you before you turned sixteen, but we can't concern ourselves with what was. We must act on what is. [Gyatso extends his arm to show Aang something. Aang looks to see Gyatso is showing him the beauty of the Air Temple.]

Aang: But Gyatso? How do I know if I'm ready for this.

Gyatso: Your questions will be answered when you're old enough to enter the Air Temple Sanctuary. Inside, you will meet someone who will guide you on your journey.

Aang: Who is it?

Gyatso: When you are ready, he will reveal himself to you. Now, are you going to help me with these cakes, or not?

[Aang smiles.]

Aang: All right.

[They take a stance.]

Gyatso: One. [They do a backwards step.] Two. [They make balls of air.] Three! [They launch their airballs, making the cakes fly. The cakes land on the heads of monks, and some Flying Lemur Bats run over to eat the cake. Aang and Gyatso laugh.] Your aim has improved greatly, my young pupil.

[It cuts back to present time, with Aang bowing to Gyatso's statue.]

Katara: You must miss him.

Aang: Yeah.

Katara: Where are you going?

Aang: The Air Temple Sanctuary. There's someone I'm ready to meet.

[Aang walks off. Katara looks at Sokka for answers, but he just shrugs. It cuts to the entrance to the Air Temple Sanctuary.]

Katara: But Aang, no one could have survived in there for a hundred years.

Aang: It's not impossible. I survived in the iceberg for that long.

Katara: Good point.

Aang: Katara, whoever's in there might help figure out this Avatar thing!

Sokka: And whoever's in there might have a medley of delicious cured meats!

[Sokka runs headfirst into the door. He tries pushing, but it doesn't open.]

Sokka: I don't suppose you have a key?

Aang: The key Sokka, is Airbending.

[Aang stands in front of the door, and shoots a gust of air into it. It unlocks, and the door opens.]

Aang: Hello? Anyone home?

[They enter the sanctuary. It cuts to Zhao and Zuko.]

Zhao: So a twelve year old boy bested you and your firebenders. You're more pathetic than I thought.

Zuko: I underestimated him once, but it will not happen again!

Zhao: No it will not. Because you won't have a second chance.

Zuko: Commander Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar for two years and I...

Zhao: ...and you failed! Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now.

[Zuko jumps at Zhao. The guards hold him back.]

Zhao: Keep them here.

[Zuko kicks the table, smashing it.]

Iroh: More tea, please.

[It cuts to Aang, Katara and Sokka in the sanctuary. They see large amounts of statues.]

Sokka: Statues? That's it?! Where's the meat?!

Katara: Who are all of these people?

Aang: I'm not sure. But it feels like I know them somehow. [Aang points at a statue.] Look! That one's an airbender.

Katara: [Katara looks at another.] And this one's a waterbender. They're lined up in a pattern: air, water, earth and fire.

Aang: That's the Avatar cycle.

Katara: Of course. They're Avatars. All these people are your past lives Aang.

Aang: Wow! There are so many!

[The camera goes up to show hundreds of statues.]

Sokka: Past lives? Katara, you really believe in that stuff?

Katara: It's true. When the Avatar dies, he's reincarnated into the next nation in the cycle.

[Aang looks at Roku's statue. He begins to stare at it.]

Katara: Aang! Snap out of it!

Aang: Huh?

Katara: Who is that?

Aang: That's Avatar Roku. The Avatar before me.

Sokka: You were a firebender? No wonder I didn't trust you when you first met.

Katara: There's no writing. How do you know his name?

Aang: I'm not sure. I just know it somehow.

Sokka: You just couldn't get any wierder.

[They hear something behind them. They turn back, and see a large shadow approaching.]

Sokka: [Whispering] Firebender. Don't make a sound.

Katara: [Whispering] You're making a sound!

Aang & Sokka: Shhhh!

Act III
Sokka: That firebender won't know what hit him.

[Sokka peeks from behind the statue to see a Flying Lemur Bat.]

Aang: Lemur!

Sokka: Dinner!

Aang: Don't listen to him. You're going to be my new pet.

Sokka: Not if I get him first!

[Both Aang and Sokka run at the Flying Lemur Bat, which causes it to run.]

Aang: Wait! Come back!

[Both of them chase the Flying Lemur Bat. It cuts to them running down a hall.]

Sokka: I want to eat you!

[Aang uses airbending to run past Sokka, and knock him off of his feet. When Aang is about to catch up to him, the Flying Lemur Bat flies away. Aang uses airbending to chase after the Flying Lemur Bat.]

Sokka: Hey! No fair!

[It cuts to the Fire Nation tent. Zhao enters.]

Zhao: My search party is ready. Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship,and you'll be free to go.

Zuko: Why? Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?

[Zhao laughs.]

Zhao: You? Stop me? Impossible.

Zuko: Don't underestimate me Zhao! I will capture the Avatar before you!

Iroh: Prince Zuko, that's enough.

Zhao: You can't compete with me. I have hundreds of war ships under my command, and you? You're just a banished prince. No home, no allies, your own father doesn't even want you.

Zuko: You're wrong! Once I deliver the Avatar to my father he will welcome me home with honor, and restore my rightful place on the throne!

Zhao: If your father really wanted you home, he would have let you return by now, Avatar or no Avatar. But in his eyes you are a failure, and a disgrace to the Fire Nation.

Zuko: That's not true.

Zhao: You have the scar to prove it.

[Zuko jumps into Zhao's face.]

Zuko: Maybe you would like one to match!

Zhao: Is that a challenge?

Zuko: An Agni Kai! At sunset.

Zhao: Very well. It's a shame your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you. I guess your uncle will do.

[Zhao walks away.]

Iroh: Prince Zuko, have you forgotten what happened last time you dueled a master?

Zuko: I will never forget.

[It cuts to the Southern Air Temple. The Flying Lemur Bat and Aang touch down on the ground. They continue the chase. The Lemur Bat goes into an area in the temple.]

Aang: Hey! Come back! [Aang goes in.] Come on out little lemur! That hungry guy won't bother you any more.

[Aang pushes away some curtains to see skeletons of Fire Nation soldiers.]

Aang: Firebenders? They were here?

[Aang continues looking, and sees a skeleton. He recognizes the clothing as Gyatso's.]

Aang: Gyatso.

[Aang begins to cry. Sokka comes in.]

Sokka: Hey Aang! You find my dinner yet? [Sokka sees Aang crying.] Aang, I wasn't really going to eat the lemur, okay? [Sokka spots the skeletons.] Oh man! Come on Aang. Everything will be alright. Let's get out of here.

[Aang's arrow tattoos and eyes begin to glow. It cuts to Katara, who is with the Avatar statues. The eyes of the statues glow as well. Katara knows this is because of Aang.]

Katara: Aang!

[Katara runs to find Aang. It cuts to the Earth Kingdom, where the same thing is happening in a similar temple. Then it shows the same thing happening in a water tribe. Finally, it shows the same thing happening in a temple in the Fire Nation. The Fire Sages see this.]

Fire Sage: Send word to the Fire Lord immediately! The Avatar has returned!

[It cuts back to Aang. He begins to create a storm with his airbending.]

Sokka: Aang! Come on! Snap out of it!

[The storm throws Sokka. Katara comes up.]

Katara: What happened?

Sokka: He found out firebenders killed Gyatso!

Katara: Oh no! It's his Avatar spirit! He must have triggered it! I'm going to try and calm him down!

Sokka: Well, do it! Before he blows us off the mountain!

[Katara fights the storm to get to Aang. Aang flies in the air. It cuts to the Fire Nation. Zuko and Zhao are in an arena.]

Iroh: Remember your firebending basics Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons.

Zuko: I refuse to let him win.

Zhao: This will be over quickly.

[A man rings the gong. Zuko begins shooting fire, while Zhao dodges it. Zhao then blasts one of Zuko's fire blasts apart. They continue with both shooting fire at the other.]

Iroh: Basics Zuko! Break his root!

[Zhao continues hitting Zuko with powerful blasts of fire, knocking him to the ground. Zhao shoots the finishing move. Zuko twisted around, and landed on his feet. He continued by shooting large fire blasts from his feet, making Zhao lose his balance. Zuko hit him with a powerful blast, causing him to fall over. Zuko prepares for a finishing move.]

Zhao: Do it!

[Zuko shoots fire, but purposly misses.]

Zhao: That's it? Your father raised a coward.

Zuko: Next time you get in my way, I promise I won't hold back.

[After Zuko turns his back, Zhao shoots a fireball at him. Iroh jumps in front of it, and stops it. He then tosses Zhao across the arena. Zuko jumps at Zhao. Iroh stops him.]

Iroh: No, Prince Zuko. Do not taint your victory. So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat? Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you. Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious.

[Iroh and Zuko leave.]

Zuko: Did you really mean that uncle?

Iroh: Of course. I told you ginseng tea is my favorite.

[It cuts to Aang.]

Katara: Aang! I know you're upset, and I know how hard it is to lose the people you love. I went through the same thing when I lost my mom. Monk Gyatso and the other airbenders may be gone, but you still have a family. Sokka and I! We're your family now!

[Aang begins to decend. He lands.]

Sokka: Katara and I aren't going to let anything happen to you. Promise.

[Katara takes Aang's hand, and he stops glowing.]

Aang: I'm sorry.

Katara: It's okay. It wasn't your fault.

Aang: ...but you were right. If the firebenders found this temple, then that means they found the other ones too. I really am the last airbender.

[It cuts to a while later, while Aang is looking at the Avatar statues.]

Katara: Everything's packed. Ready to go?

Aang: How is Roku supposed to help me if I can't talk to him?

Katara: Maybe you'll find a way.

[They hear something, and turn to see the Flying Lemur Bat. It runs to Sokka, and gives him some food it collected. Sokka eats it crazily.]

Aang: Looks like you made a new friend Sokka!

Sokka: Can't talk! Must eat!

[The flying lemur bat climbs onto Aang.]

Aang: Hey little guy!

[It cuts to them outside.]

Aang: [To the flying lemur bat.] You, me and Appa; we're are all that's left of this place. We have to stick together. Katara, Sokka, say hello to the newest member of our family.

Katara: What are you going to name it?

[It grabs a peach from Sokka.]

Aang: Momo?

[They all laugh. It cuts to them flying away on Appa. Aang is sadly staring at the Air Temple behind them. The clouds then block his view. It fades to credits.]