This episode comes directly after the existing episode 'The Southern Raiders.' It further explores Katara's conflict about her feelings for Zuko, and his for her.
Summary: After being stranded on the uninhabited Chi So Island, Zuko and Katara are confronted and conflicted with their feeling for each other, whilst Zuko must care for Katara after she's injured.
Chi So Island
Scene One:
Zuko and Katara take off from Whale Tail Island on Appa. Zuko is sitting in the saddle, and Katara is steering Appa. The sky is dark, suggesting coming rains; there’s no moon. Katara’s head is down slightly, and we see that she still feels conflicted about what happened on the island. They fly for a little while, and then Zuko looks down from the saddle at her.
ZUKO: You okay?
Katara looks back at him, looking startled, and then she hesitates briefly before looking back in front of her.
KATARA: I’ll be fine.
Zuko looks like he doesn’t believe her, but says nothing more. He looks away from her and tips his head back against the saddle rim. Katara hesitates again, briefly glancing at him, but refocuses on steering Appa. Then, however, it starts to rain and the wind picks up. Katara and Zuko both look up, and Katara sighs.
KATARA: Great. What are we supposed to do now? We’re in the middle of the ocean!
Zuko sits up and looks out at the surrounding waters for a moment. He looks over at Katara then.
ZUKO: Chi So Island isn’t far from here. See that reef down there?
Katara looks to where he’s pointing.
KATARA: Yeah…
ZUKO: If we just fly for about ten more miles in the same direction we’re going, you’ll see it. It’s uninhabited, but it’ll work for what we need. This rain is heavy now, but it won’t last long; it should be over by morning.
Katara looks uncomfortable and uncertain as she winces at the howling winds. She clutches Appa’s reins tighter.
KATARA: Uh…Maybe you should guide Appa…I’m not really sure where we’re going, and this wind…
Zuko looks surprised that she suggests giving the reins up to him, but climbs down to sit beside her. Katara hands him the reins, both looking unsure.
ZUKO: You know I don’t know how to fly this thing.
Katara looks uneasily down at Appa.
KATARA: I know, but…I’m just not feeling too good right now. Just fly him until we get to the island; it’s not far, right?
ZUKO: Right, but…
KATARA (irritated): Well, at least Appa won’t let us crash. Just pull to the left or the right to get him to go that way. It’s not hard.
Zuko blinks, looking down at the reins, and then up at Katara.
ZUKO: Uh…okay.
Katara sighs and climbs up to the saddle. She lays down and leans her head against her bedroll, rubbing her forehead. Zuko looks back at her uncertainly, as if considering calling her back to help, but doesn’t say anything and refocuses on steering. Katara’s eyelids droop slowly as she goes to sleep, feeling poorly because of the new moon, which greatly reduces her waterbending abilities.
Scene Two:
Zuko relaxes against Appa as he guides the sky bison, looking almost sleepy himself. But then his eyes widen and he sits up. Zuko looks out at the ocean and sees Chi So Island looming closely.
ZUKO: Finally.
He hesitates and then directs Appa downwards. Appa swoops down and lands on the beach. Zuko climbs up to the saddle and pauses at the top, staring curiously down at Katara, who’s asleep. He watches her for a moment, and then shakes his head and kneels down to shake her shoulder. Katara stirs and looks up at him.
ZUKO: We’re here. Come on.
He grabs his pack and jumps off Appa, heading off into the forest. Katara sits up and frowns, looking displeased, but she also hops off Appa and guides the sky bison into the forest, following Zuko. Appa growls and follows her, eager to get away from the rain. Zuko waits for Katara and when she catches up to him, they walk side by side, both occasionally glancing at the other but never saying anything. Both clearly feel awkward. Zuko shifts his pack over his shoulder.
ZUKO: Uh…feeling any better?
Katara looks surprised and looks at him.
KATARA: Uh, yeah, I guess so. My head was hurting pretty badly, but I don’t know why. It’s better now, though…
She looks in front of her again, as does Zuko, and silence descends over the two of them; the silence is clearly awkward, though. Zuko starts to say something else, but doesn’t. Katara glances at him out of the corner of her eye a few more times.
Scene Three:
They come to a clearing a few minutes later. Appa subsequently plops down on the ground and, with a growl, closes his eyes. Katara shivers as she sits down in front of Appa.
KATARA: Brr…it’s so cold out here.
She hugs herself, looking miserable. Zuko regards her for a moment.
ZUKO: I’ll see if I can find some dry wood.
He heads off into the woods. Katara looks after him, her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Then she pulls her knees up to her chest and rests her chin on them with a small frown.
Katara is asleep on the ground. Zuko has an armful of small twigs and branches, and he dumps them down carelessly before shooting a jet of fire at the wood to start a fire. Katara wakes and sits up, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
KATARA (jokingly): Took you long enough.
Irritated and thinking she’s chastising him, Zuko throws out his arms.
ZUKO: At least I found any at all! It’s hard to find any wood that’s halfway dry when it’s been raining for hours! You could be a little more grateful!
Bewildered, Katara stares up at him, clearly bemused by his outburst. Zuko drops his arms and sits down heavily by the fire, staring into it angrily. Katara looks ashamed, realising that he didn’t understand she was joking.
KATARA: I was just kidding, Zuko…I am grateful.
Zuko looks at her briefly out of the corner of his eye, as if assessing if she’s lying or not, and then he sighs miserably, realising his mistake.
ZUKO: Yeah, sorry. I’m…just tired.
Katara smiles gently and puts a hand on his shoulder. Zuko looks at it and then up at her in surprise.
KATARA: Get some rest, then. We’ve had a pretty miserable trip, haven’t we?
Zuko looks back to the fire.
ZUKO: Yeah.
Katara starts to speak again, but then pulls her hand from his shoulder and holds her hands out in front of the fire to warm them, resting her chin on her knees.
Scene Four:
Later, Zuko and Appa are sound asleep, and the embers of the fire have almost died. Katara, meanwhile, is tossing and turning, plagued by the memories of her mother’s death. She flips over on her back with a sigh, staring up at the moonless sky. She glances over at Zuko and sees that he’s still asleep. Katara then gets up quietly, takes a stick from the fire, and walks into the forest with the torch. She walks for a while, gazing curiously up at the trees and listening to the wildlife. Katara gasps as a monkey bird swoops past her, and then she laughs as the little creature lands on a nearby branch and chatters at her. She keeps walking and eventually comes to edge of a steep hill that overlooks a small lake. Smiling in awe at the beautiful scene, she starts to step closer, but then the rocks beneath her crumble, and with a cry, she falls down the rocky hill, landing hard on her left leg. Tears run down her face as she attempts to get up but is unable, her ankle badly sprained. Katara moans, apparently both in pain and angry.
KATARA: Great. Just what I needed!
She tries to get up again, but cannot.
KATARA: Ugh, why did this have to happen now?! I’m so stupid!
Katara looks around for some possible way back up, but sees none, which causes her to slump in defeat, looking depressed. She’s silent for a moment, thinking.
KATARA: Well, only one thing I can do, I guess. (yells) Zuko!
Back at the camp, Zuko opens his eyes, looking startled. He sits up quickly and rubs his eyes, apparently wondering if he was imaging something. He shakes his head and then happens to glance over at Katara’s bedroll, which is empty. His eyes widen.
ZUKO: Katara…
He jumps up and hurries off into the forest, a small fire ball resting in his palm. Katara, meanwhile, is resting her head against the ground, looking dejected. She shifts uncomfortably and winces at the pain her movements cause.
KATARA: Oh, where are you? (yells) Zuko!
A moment later, he appears at the top of the hill, but doesn’t see her at first. Katara sees him, however, and waves weakly.
KATARA: Zuko! Down here!
Zuko looks down at her in surprise.
ZUKO: Katara? What happened?
A blush reddens Katara’s face, and she looks sheepish.
KATARA: I, uh, slipped…I think my ankle’s sprained pretty badly…
Zuko skilfully jumps down to her and kneels beside her. Katara avoids his eyes, ashamed of her clumsiness.
ZUKO: You sprained your ankle?
He moves over to her side and examines her badly bruised left ankle calculatingly, using the fire light to see.
KATARA: I think so.
She tries to sit up, but can’t, and falls back to the ground with a gasp of pain. Zuko puts a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder to keep her down.
ZUKO: Don’t move; it’ll only make it worse.
He glances up at the hill that Katara fell down, and then back to her.
ZUKO: I’ll have to carry you back up. There’s no way you’ll be able to walk with a sprained ankle.
Katara looks very annoyed, and she huffs irritably. She glances at Zuko with narrowed eyes.
KATARA: I’m really not comfortable with that, Zuko.
Zuko rubs the back of his neck, looking embarrassed. Katara still looks upset.
ZUKO: How else are you going to get back to the camp? Don’t be such a baby.
Katara scowls at him, irritated and still in pain. She struggles not to cry, both because she’s insulted and because her leg hurts so badly. She looks at the ground, embarrassed and distressed.
KATARA (angrily): Fine. Whatever. Just get me back to camp.
She huffs and glares off into the distance. Zuko hesitates, and then scoops her up in his arms. Katara winces because of her leg. Their eyes meet then, and Zuko looks away, blushing. Katara is surprised by this.
KATARA: Zuko…?
Zuko doesn’t reply, but keeps going up the steep hill. Katara gasps once or twice as she’s jostled when he has to jump. A moment later, he sets her down on her bedroll and then straightens, watching as she shifts so that she’s lying down.
ZUKO: Don’t you have some magical water or something? Use that to heal yourself.
Katara looks up at the sky, avoiding his eyes and looking bitter. She turns over on her side, facing away from him.
KATARA (bitterly): I don’t have it anymore; I used it all on Aang when your sister shot him with lightning.
Zuko looks down at the ground, looking embarrassed to be reminded about Azula and his betrayal of Katara in the Crystal Caverns.
ZUKO: Oh…
He starts to turn away, but then looks back at her one more time.
ZUKO: Katara? I’m sorry about that.
She gives no answer, so Zuko sighs dejectedly and goes back to his own bedroll, whereupon he sits down and looks uncertainly at Katara before lying down. He turns over on his side.
ZUKO: Good night, Katara.
Katara looks surprised, but says nothing in reply. She looks embarrassed for being so snappy to him. Katara pulls her blanket closer around her.
KATARA (whispering): Good night, Zuko.
Scene Five:
Katara, using a nearby tree for support, attempts to stand up. Her broken leg almost buckles, but she manages to stay on her feet. Zuko is still asleep, as is Appa.
KATARA: C’mon…you can do it…
She gasps as she almost slips. Zuko, hearing her, stirs and turns over. Katara freezes as she watches him to make sure he doesn’t wake up, and then she continues to try to hobble a few steps forward. Her good foot cracks a twig, which wakes Zuko up. He opens his eyes blearily, and then, seeing her, they open wider in alarm. Katara rolls her eyes in annoyance and tries to keep going, but slips. Zuko catches her before she falls, to Katara’s annoyance.
KATARA (snappily): I don’t need your help!
Zuko looks surprised, and then irritated.
ZUKO: What do you think you’re doing? If you fall on your ankle again, that could permanently damage the bone! You need to stay still and not try to walk again.
KATARA: Don’t tell me what to do! I can’t just sit here and do nothing; the invasion on the Fire Nation’s in two and half weeks, in case you didn’t know that!
Zuko’s eyes narrow as he looks annoyed.
ZUKO: Yes, I know. But if you hurt yourself again, it’ll only take longer for you to heal. If you want any chance of fighting in the invasion, you’ll need to rest and gather your strength.
Katara crosses her arms and glares angrily away from Zuko.
KATARA (softly): I don’t like being this helpless, Zuko.
Zuko hesitates, and then puts his hand on her shoulder. Katara flinches slightly.
ZUKO: Let me help you, Katara. I know you hate me, and I understand why, but you have to let me do everything while you heal; Aang and the others can’t afford to lose you for the invasion…you’re a really valuable member of Aang’s group.
Katara hesitantly turns back to him and studies him. Then she gives him a small smile.
KATARA: So are you.
She sighs and then looks back at the ground.
KATARA: You’re right; I should try to heal.
Zuko nods approvingly and then picks her up gently. She puts her arms around his neck as he carries her back to her bedroll, looking dejected. Zuko sets her down and then walks off-screen, leaving her alone. Katara looks glumly at her broken leg, and then at the ground around her with a thoughtful expression. She spies a long, straight stick nearby and reaches for it. Katara then takes some bandages form her nearby bag and uses them to wrap the stick around her leg as a brace for her broken bone. Zuko looks on silently from where he’s tending the fire. Katara finishes and then looks over at him. He looks back. Katara then lowers her head.
KATARA: I don’t hate you, Zuko. I’m sorry if it seems that way; it’s just…you’ve been our enemy for so long, and I’m still having trouble dealing with the fact that you’re helping us now. It’s weird, you know? After everything that’s happened. And after you betrayed me in the Crystal Caverns…
She looks back up at him.
KATARA: I guess I’m still not sure you’ve really changed.
Zuko is silent for a moment, and he pokes at the fire with a stick absently.
ZUKO: That makes sense. If I were you, I probably wouldn’t trust me either.
Sensing that she hasn’t really made him feel better, Katara grimaces and tries again.
KATARA: I mean, so far you’ve been a great addition to our group. We would’ve had a hard time getting rid of Azula at the Western Air Temple if you hadn’t been there. And you got my dad back from the Boiling Rock! It’s just…you’ve changed sides before.
Zuko looks up at her resolutely.
ZUKO: That was a long time ago, Katara. I have changed since then, but obviously there’s nothing I can do to prove that to you.
He sullenly pokes at the fire again. Katara looks alarmed.
KATARA: Zuko…
She looks away, appearing defeated and mildly frustrated, as if she can’t say what she wants to.
KATARA: What did for me a few days ago…helping me find the man who killed my mother…
Katara looks back at him gently.
KATARA: It’s made me realise that maybe you have changed for good…You never would have done that for me a few months ago. That really meant a lot to me, Zuko.
He looks up at her, looking astonished and grateful. Katara smiles at him, and Zuko bows his head with a small smile.
ZUKO: I’m glad I could help.
Katara looks down too, appearing somewhat embarrassed about confessing how much Zuko’s help meant to her.
KATARA: Me too.
Scene Six:
Katara is lying on her back, hands behind her head as she gazes up at the clear blue sky. A monkey bird chatters in the distance and swoops across the camp. Katara looks up and laughs, clearly in a good mood. She looks to the side then as Zuko comes out of the woods, a dead young deer over his shoulder. He drops the animal beside the fire, kneels beside it, and greets Katara with a silent lift of his hand. Katara smiles and sits up carefully, still clearing favouring her left leg.
KATARA (happily): You’re back. How was the hunting?
Zuko raises an eyebrow at her cheerful mood, and then looks back to the deer and pulls out his knife.
ZUKO: Fine. I saw several herds of deer in the woods; there’ll be plenty for us for the next few days.
Katara sighs, her good mood briefly dampened.
KATARA: How much longer are we going to be here? We’ve been here for three days already. Sokka and Aang will be worried if we’re gone too long.
Zuko glances at her briefly.
ZUKO: We’ll be here until you’re strong enough for a four day trip on Appa back to Ember Island.
Katara huffs and flops back onto her bed roll, arms spread. She looks sideways at Zuko.
KATARA: That could be weeks, Zuko. We need to get back to Ember Island soon; I’ll be okay, I promise. Just put me in the saddle, and I can tell you where to go. We only have two weeks left until the invasion!
He pauses and glares at her. Katara glares back, undaunted. Zuko gets up and comes over to kneel beside her. He looks down at her, and she up at him. Zuko looks away after a moment, sighs, and then looks back at her.
ZUKO: Katara, I know you’re anxious to get back to Aang and the others, but you’re not strong enough for a trip back on Appa. You’ve barely been eating, and if something happens on our way back, we’ll be stuck in the middle of the ocean with no place to land and no help.
KATARA: But-
ZUKO: We’re going to stay here for at least two more days. (crosses his arms) If you want to convince me that you’re strong enough for the trip back, you can start by eating more. Okay?
Katara looks unhappy, and she sits up so that she’s sitting right in front of Zuko. She holds his gaze for a moment.
KATARA: Why do you act like you care so much? I’ll be fine, Zuko; I just want to get back to Sokka and the others. We need to get back! We need to be training, preparing; we can’t just sit here and wait for my stupid leg to get better!
Tears starts to run slowly down her face as she grows desperate. She bows her head as she continues to speak.
KATARA: We’re getting so close to everything Aang’s been preparing for for the last year, and now I’m stuck on this island with you, and I’m not there to help! Aang needs all the practise he can get if he’s going to defeat the Fire Lord, and-
Zuko tentatively cups her face with his hands, cutting her off abruptly as she stares at him in surprise.
ZUKO: Aang will be fine, Katara. From what I’ve seen of his waterbending, he doesn’t need any more practise. But he does need you helping him in the invasion, and you won’t be able to do that if you’re not healed and strong. Trust me, okay? I don’t want you to get hurt again…
Katara blushes and looks away from him. Zuko also blushes and pulls his hands from her face, looking to the other side. Both are silent for a few awkward moments. Then Katara lifts her head and look sat Zuko again.
KATARA: Two days. And then we’re going back no matter what.
Zuko nods and then gets up, going to the fire. He begins preparing the deer for dinner, and Katara looks on, studying Zuko carefully, as if with new eyes. He glances at her out of the corner of his eye a few times, but neither say anything. As the food starts to cook, Katara’s stomach rumbles, and she puts a hand to it.
KATARA: That smells really good.
Zuko shrugs and pokes at the fire with a stick absently.
ZUKO: Anything’ll smell good when you’re really hungry.
Katara gives a small frown and then sighs, lying back on her bedroll, closing her eyes. Zuko looks at her for a long moment then, clearly wanting to say something more to her. He sighs and shakes his head to himself and looks back to the fire. A few moments later, he takes of bowl of food from the fire and walks over to Katara. She opens her eyes as he bends down and hands her the bowl.
ZUKO: If you want to leave in two days, you’d better start eating so you can convince me you’ll be ready.
Katara takes the bowl. Zuko walks back to the fire and takes another bowl for himself. Katara begins eating with gusto, apparently having been very hungry. Zuko pauses and watches her with an amused expression before eating his own food. Katara finishes quickly and gives a satisfied sigh.
KATARA: That was really good. (with a sly smile) I never knew you were such a good cook, Zuko.
Zuko doesn’t look at her. He pokes aimlessly at his food.
ZUKO (remorsefully): You should taste some of the things my uncle makes.
Seeing his sudden melancholy, Katara attempts to comfort him.
KATARA: Well, he taught you well…
She looks down at the bowl in her hands and taps her thumbs against it a few times. Both are silent, and then Katara looks back at Zuko seriously.
KATARA: You miss him a lot, don’t you?
Zuko bows his head and closes his eyes, the light of fire flickering over his face. Katara watches him sadly. Zuko eventually looks over at her, his expression mournful.
ZUKO (softly): Yeah…I do.
He turns his eyes back to the fire.
ZUKO: He’s been more like a father to me than my own father…and I know he loves me more than my father does. He wouldn’t have banished me for speaking out of turn…He would have valued my opinion…He still does, even now, even after everything I’ve done. He still tries to help me and guide me down the right path, even when I get angry and push him away.
A slow tear rolls down Zuko’s face.
ZUKO: And after everything he’s done for me, I betrayed him. There’s no way he can forgive me now…
Katara is moved by his words; a small tear leaks out of her eye. She rubs it away with the back of her hand and then slowly stands. Zuko doesn’t notice, caught up as he is in his desolation. Katara slowly makes her way over to the fire, wincing once or twice because of her ankle. She comes to stand beside Zuko, who still hasn’t noticed her and is looking into the fire. Katara puts her hand on his shoulder, causing Zuko to look up in surprise. She smiles gently and sits down beside him, stiffly because of her ankle.
ZUKO: What are you doing over here? I’ve told you not to be walking around on your ankle.
Katara ignores his rebuke. She gazes at him confidently.
KATARA: Your uncle will forgive you, Zuko.
He looks back to the fire, unsure.
KATARA: After everything the two of you have been through together, he won’t give up on you now. He loves you, Zuko, and he won’t reject you if you sincerely apologise.
Still looking unsure, Zuko tosses a little piece of wood into the fire indecisively, clearly mulling over her words. Katara sits beside him silently for a moment, watching him sadly, and then she puts an arm around his shoulders companionably. Zuko looks stunned and then blushes. He looks down briefly, then back to her.
ZUKO: Maybe you’re right…Thanks, Katara.
She smiles at him and gives him a gentle squeeze before rising and walking stiffly back to her spot. Zuko looks after her and then back to the fire with a smile.
Scene Seven:
Zuko sits on the edge of a cliff that overlooks the ocean, arms draped loosely over his knees. He is looking up at the moon, the breeze tugging at his hair and clothes. After a moment, he drops his gaze from the skies and down to the ocean. He sighs, appearing conflicted and perhaps a little confused, as if he can’t make up his mind about something. He subsequently flops back into the grass, limbs spread in a star shape.
ZUKO (softly and to himself): I don’t understand. I didn’t feel like this a few days ago…
He looks to the side, unsure.
ZUKO: I mean, I used to think she was one of my greatest enemies; she was helping Aang rebel against my father…but now that we’re on the same side…
He props himself up on one elbow, running his fingers over the grass absently.
ZUKO: I can’t stop thinking about her.
He sits up restlessly and puts his head in his hands.
ZUKO: I’m so confused! How is it possible to feel so messed up inside?
He holds out first his left hand, then his right as he voices each conflicting emotion, as if they were held in his hands and he were looking at them.
ZUKO: I’m happier than I’ve ever been before, and I know joining Aang was the right choice, but I’m so scared. I’m so afraid I’ll do or say something to ruin it all, or I’ll wake up and find it’s all just been a dream and I’m back on the ship again, still banished and friendless…I don’t want to lose this. I don’t want to lose her…
Zuko looks back up at the half moon above and studies it for a while.
ZUKO (softly): I never realised how beautiful the moon is…
He pulls his knees up to his chest and wraps his arms around them, resting his chin on his knees and looking uncertainly to the right. He’s clearly restless and uncertain about his feeling for Katara.
ZUKO: I wish I knew what she thought of me…It seems like she likes me better now that I helped her find the man who killed her mother, but then…
He hold out his right hand explanatorily.
ZUKO: She’ll snap at me again, and I don’t know what to think.
Zuko sighs miserably and pulls his hand back in.
ZUKO: If only I hadn’t joined Azula in Ba Sing Se; then maybe she’d trust me more. But I guess I really don’t deserve her trust yet…I did do a lot of bad things to her people and her friends….
He jerks his head up suddenly, looking alarmed.
ZUKO: And what’s Aang gonna think? He likes her too.
Zuko grimaces and puts his head back down, looking dejected.
ZUKO: Great. Of course she’d choose him over me.
He puts a hand on his chest.
ZUKO (sadly): I’d choose Aang over me.
He groans and falls back into the grass, lying there silently with his eyes closed. The wind ruffles his hair and the surrounding grasses gently. Zuko is silent for a moment.
ZUKO: I hate being a teenager.
Scene Eight:
Katara is standing beside Appa and petting the bison absently as he eats the grass before him. She glances over her shoulder at the woods once or twice, looking for Zuko, who hasn’t returned yet. Frowning, Katara looks back to Appa.
KATARA: I wonder where he went off to.
Katara glances back at the woods.
KATARA (with concern): I hope he’s okay….
Appa growls and downs another mouthful of grass, oblivious to Zuko’s absence. As Katara continues to stroke the bison’s shoulder absent-mindedly, Zuko appears from the woods to her left, black circles under his eyes from lack of sleep. She hears him coming and turns, a relieved look coming over her face at the sight of him. Zuko rubs his eyes against his forearm as he comes into the camp, obviously very tired.
KATARA: Zuko!
She runs over to him and hugs him quickly. Katara then pulls away and stands before him, appearing frustrated. She crosses her arms.
KATARA: Where did you go? I thought something terrible had happened to you and I would have to have to fly back to Ember Island alone! You should tell me before you disappear off into the woods again! What if you had gotten hurt too?
Zuko merely regards her sleepily and then yawns.
ZUKO (tiredly and quietly): I’m fine, aren’t I?
He walks past her and to his bedroll. He lays down and pulls the blanket over him, turning away from Katara. She huffs in annoyance and starts to turn away, but then pauses and faces Zuko again. She bows her head slightly.
KATARA: I’m glad you’re okay, Zuko, but please don’t do that again.
She hugs herself protectively, looking a little embarrassed, and Katara looks sideways at the ground.
KATARA: I…I was worried about you…
Zuko’s eyes widen briefly, but he doesn’t turn to face her. Zuko gives a tiny sigh, looking like he very much wants to say something, but doesn’t. Katara, seeing that he gives no response, turns and walks back to Appa, still favouring her left foot. She places a hand on the bison’s shoulder, looks back at Zuko one more time, and then back to Appa. The sky bison growls and munches on another patch of grass. Zuko soon falls asleep. Katara watches him for a long time as she fiddles with a piece of her hair, clearly battling with her feelings about her former enemy.
KATARA (whispering): Sometimes I don’t know what to think about you, Zuko…
She looks away and blushes, and then sits down beside Appa, who is now lying down on his side and drifting into sleep. She stretches her legs out of in front of her, favouring her left leg. Katara reaches down and readjusts her makeshift splint, and then exhales heavily as she leans back against Appa. She studies Zuko again thoughtfully.
KATARA (to herself): I still can’t believe Zuko’s helping us now. I mean, just a few months ago, he was trying to stop us and capture Aang at all costs.
She looks to the side uncertainly.
KATARA: I wonder what changed his mind…Surely he wouldn’t just give up everything to help us! He’s the prince of the Fire Nation!
Katara crosses her arms over her chest, becoming suspicious of Zuko and his motives again.
KATARA: If he had captured Aang and defeated the Avatar, he would have been such a hero and had so much glory and honour for it! His father would have been so proud of him for it!…Why would he give all of that up?
Zuko rolls over on his back in his sleep, allowing Katara to see his scar. Her suspicion fades slowly as she regards him, and Katara sighs uneasily.
KATARA: Maybe he didn’t want to have to bow to his father anymore…Maybe he decided he needs to find his own destiny…
A small smile crosses Katara’s face as she thinks.
KATARA: Maybe he’s not so bad after all…
Scene Nine:
Zuko is still asleep, and it’s now late evening. He stirs and then sits up, rubbing his eyes blearily. Katara is at the fire, stirring the bowls of food. She hears him wake and glances over her shoulder at him.
KATARA (teasingly): Welcome back, sleepyhead.
Zuko yawns and runs his fingers through his hair.
ZUKO: How long was I asleep?
Katara gets up, a steaming bowl of food in her hand, and comes over to him. She kneels down in front of Zuko and gives him the bowl. He takes it with a murmured word of thanks.
KATARA (jokingly): Oh, a few hours.
She smiles gently and becomes more serious.
KATARA: About eight, actually. You were really exhausted.
Zuko grunts and takes a bit of the deer meat. Katara stands and goes back to the fire, still limping slightly. She sits and stares at the fire for a moment, poking at the embers with a stick. Then she looks back to Zuko.
KATARA: Where did you go last night? You were gone for a long time.
Zuko lowers his bowl and shrugs, avoiding her eyes.
ZUKO: Just down to the beach. The sound of water relaxes me.
Katara looks vaguely surprised.
KATARA: It does? I mean, I wouldn’t have thought…
Zuko looks up at her curiously, and Katara blushes. She gestures at him explanatorily.
KATARA: I mean, you’re a firebender. I would have thought that water wouldn’t be very soothing to you…
Zuko laughs softly, surprising Katara. He looks at her with amusement.
ZUKO: It’s just as relaxing to me as to anyone else, Katara. Near the water is…a good place to think.
Katara blinks in surprise as Zuko refocuses on his food. She glances unsurely down at the ground, then back to Zuko.
KATARA (softly): Uh…yeah…it is.
Both are silent for a moment, Zuko eating and Katara poking uninterestedly at her food. Zuko looks up at her after a few moments.
ZUKO: How’s your ankle?
Katara continues to poke at her food.
KATARA: It’s fine; the more I walk on it, the better it feels.
She looks up at Zuko.
KATARA: When are we going to leave tomorrow?
Zuko thinks for a moment as he looks up at the darkening skies.
ZUKO: That depends on the weather. See those dark clouds in the west?
Katara follows his gaze and then deflates with a sigh.
KATARA (dejectedly): Yeah. They’re going to be a problem, aren’t they?
She rests her chin on her hand and stabs the stick into the fire vengefully. Zuko, seeing her restlessness and melancholy, comes and sits beside her. He looks at her understandingly; Katara keeps her eyes on the fire. Zuko raises his hand, hesitates, and then lays it on her shoulder.
ZUKO: Don’t worry, Katara. We’ll be back on Ember Island soon.
Katara sighs and sits up straighter, moving her hand to rest on her thigh along with her other.
KATARA: I know; it’s just…I miss everyone, and I want to get back so I can help Aang train. He’s going to need all the training he can get to defeat your father.
Zuko looks uncertain, and he looks away from as he drops his hand from her shoulder.
ZUKO: It’s his destiny to keep balance and harmony in the world, and defeating my father will accomplish that. I think Aang’s going to have to do this on his own, Katara; he’s the Avatar. Whether we’re there to help him or not. It’s his duty to restore balance to the world, not ours.
Katara hugs herself, looking dejected and sad.
KATARA: You’re right, but I don’t want Aang to get hurt. I’ll feel better about letting him face the Fire Lord alone if I’m at least nearby to help him if he’s hurt.
Zuko frowns.
ZUKO: You can’t baby him, Katara. He’s got to do this alone, and that means winning - or dying - by himself.
Katara closes her eyes and looks away, the idea clearly painful to her. Zuko moves closer to her, becoming more earnest.
ZUKO: Katara, whatever happens when Aang fights my father…it’s his destiny. You have to let him face it.
Tears running down her face, Katara turns suddenly and throws her arms around Zuko’s neck, hugging him tight and pressing her face into his shoulder. Zuko looks shocked and freezes for a moment, and then he puts his arms around her, blushing. Katara sighs shakily, still upset.
KATARA (whispering): I’m so afraid he’s going to die, Zuko. Then what will happen to the rest of the world? It’d be years before the new Avatar would be old enough to-
Zuko hugs her closer.
ZUKO (gently): Shh. Don’t worry about that, Katara. Aang will be fine.
Katara pulls away from him angrily, tears still on her face. Zuko blinks in surprise.
KATARA: You don’t know that! If he dies, the world is doomed! And you know it!
She gets up and storms off into the woods furiously, leaving an utterly bewildered and stunned Zuko behind. He blinks a few times, starts to reach after her retreating figure, and then pulls his hand back and firebends angrily at the fire with an angry noise of exasperation. Zuko puts his head in his hands.
ZUKO: Girls are crazy!
He gets up quickly and storms off into the woods, in the opposite direction from Katara. Meanwhile, on the beach, Katara has her arms wrapped around her knees and she’s staring glumly out into the water. She reaches out after a moment and waterbends a small, sinuous piece of water from the ocean. Katara holds it in her palm and wiggles her fingers, making the water swirl in a swift circle above her skin. She sighs and then lets the water fall and splash over her palm and run through her fingers as she pulls her arm back around her knees. Katara huffs irritably.
KATARA: Boys are so insensitive. How can he say that Aang will be fine when he’s going to be fighting the best firebender in the whole world?
Her voice begins to escalate in volume with each sentence.
KATARA: Doesn’t he realise what’s at stake? He should know, of all people, what his father’s capable of! Ugh! He makes me so mad!
As she says the last word, she hits her fist against the sand, and a tall stream of water shoots up from the ocean, where it hangs in the air briefly before falling back into the water.
KATARA (heatedly): I will never, ever understand him! He’s so confusing! First he’s bad, and then he’s good, and then he’s bad again, and now he’s good again!
She puts her head in her hands, her words coming in a fast rush as she attempts to decipher what she really thinks of the Fire Nation prince.
KATARA: I just don’t get it; why is it so hard for him to make up his mind? I mean, when you think about it, it’s really not a hard choice! Ugh! He’s so confusing and indecisive and weird and annoying and…
With each describing word, her hand hits the sand and a stream of water shoots up from the ocean.
KATARA: And…and…ugh!
She clenches her hands into fists in exasperation.
KATARA (angrily): And why can’t I stop thinking about him?! Why am I talking to myself about how I feel about him?
Katara throws her arms out in desperation.
KATARA: There shouldn’t be anything to talk about!
She then crosses her arms stubbornly.
KATARA (irritably and trying to convince herself): He’s just a banished prince who’s part of Aang’s group, and nothing more. He means nothing to me.
Katara’s eyes widen slightly in alarm as she realises that maybe that’s not entirely true. She blinks a few times, thinking hard about how she really feels about Zuko. She reaches up and touches her mother’s necklace for reassurance as she begins to speak again, thought quieter this time.
KATARA: At least…
She looks at the sand beside her uneasily.
KATARA: He didn’t mean anything to me…
Her eyes widen further, and Katara suddenly blushes.
KATARA: Oh, no…
This idea of possibly having feelings for Zuko clearly alarms and unsettles her, and she flops back against the sand with a groan. Katara closes her eyes and exhales deeply. She then puts her hands on her heart and lays motionlessly for a while. Eventually, she speaks again.
KATARA (whispering): Stupid heart, why him?
She then rolls over on her side and curls up into a fetal position, a single tear leaking out of her eye.
Scene Ten:
Katara is struggling to reach Appa’s saddle with her bedroll, as she balanced precariously on one of his horns and is attempting to put her bag in the saddle. She’s clearly frustrated.
KATARA: Ugh, stupid…
She reaches a little bit further.
KATARA: Bag…
Katara loses her balance and has to drop the bedroll in order to stay on Appa’s horn. She windmills her arms quickly to stay balanced. Katara sighs heavily and glares down at the bedroll on the ground. Zuko comes over and picks it up, looking up at her with amusement. Katara frowns at him. Zuko smirks briefly and then tosses her bedroll up into the saddle. Katara glares at him and puts her hands on her hips.
KATARA: You’re such a show-off.
She jumps down and walks past him, hitting his shoulder with hers intentionally as she passes. Zuko is clearly confused by her frosty manner and turns after her.
ZUKO: You’re cranky today.
Katara throws his bag at him with intentional force, and Zuko has to step aside quickly to keep from being hit. He blinks, and then retrieves his bag slowly.
ZUKO: Uh…thanks?
Katara turns away from him, arms crossed and frowning. Zuko frowns quizzically and, after tossing his bag up to Appa’s saddle, he comes over to stand behind her. Katara says and does nothing. Zuko regards her silently for a moment, and then rubs the back of his neck, apparently feeling awkward.
ZUKO: Uh…Katara? Are you…okay?
She whirls around angrily.
KATARA: Do I seem okay to you? No, I’m not okay!
She stalks back to Appa, clearly avoiding him. Katara kneels down and begins packing some vegetables from the island into one of their bags. Zuko looks after her, bewildered, but he stays where he is. He holds out his hands questioningly.
ZUKO: Did I do something wrong?
Katara scowls.
KATARA (frostily): No.
Zuko only becomes more confused and exasperated.
ZUKO: Then why are you acting like you hate me again?
Katara merely scoffs and shakes her head, finishing loading the bag and standing. She gazes up at Appa’s saddle and jumps slightly in order to throw it up. But as she comes back down, Katara gives a cry of pain as she lands funny on her hurt foot. She falls immediately to the ground, tears falling down her face as she looks back at her hurt ankle. Zuko looks alarmed and runs over to her.
ZUKO: Katara!
He kneels beside her and reaches out to her, but Katara shoves his hand away.
KATARA: Leave me alone! I’m fine!
She looks away from him and closes her eyes miserably.
KATARA (softly): Just go away…
Zuko’s eyes widen, and he sits back on his heels, thoroughly confused.
ZUKO: Katara…
She looks back at him quickly and angrily, and Katara shoves him heartily in the chest. Zuko, not expecting this, falls back on his elbows, looking stunned.
KATARA: I said go away! I don’t need your help!
She wipes the tears from her eyes angrily and, using Appa as a prop, hauls herself up slowly and walks off, limping heavily. Zuko stays where he is on the ground, still stunned and utterly bewildered by her hostile behaviour. Katara pulls herself up on Appa and takes the reins, apparently ready to go. She stares ahead icily. Frowning, Zuko gets up slowly and looks up at her sadly.
ZUKO: Am I allowed to come with you?
Katara glares sideways at him and considers him for a long minutes. Zuko looks visibly nervous, as she’s obviously contemplating leaving him behind. She closes her eyes briefly and then reopens them with a scowl.
KATARA: No.
Zuko’s eyes widen, and he looks shocked.
KATARA: We were fine before you came, and we’ll be fine without you.
Zuko takes a desperate step forward.
ZUKO: Katara, please! Tell me what’s going on! Why are you acting like this all of a sudden? What did I do wrong?
Katara narrows her eyes.
KATARA: You’ll be fine, Zuko; it’ll be better for everyone if you just stay here. Goodbye.
Katara reaches back into the saddle and tosses his bedroll back out. It lands with a puff of dust on the ground beside him. She slaps Appa’s reins and the sky bison takes off. Zuko runs after them a few steps, and then he stops, staring after Katara and Appa, his eyes wide with alarm.
ZUKO: Katara!
Katara flies back towards Ember Island with a determined, almost angry expression. By the time the sun dawns the next morning, she has dark circles under her eyes and she’s obviously very tired. She glances back over her shoulder once, sighs, and then urges Appa on faster. The sky bison growls and propels himself forward, and Katara lowers her head, appearing conflicted about her choice to leave Zuko on Chi So Island.
Scene Eleven:
Suki, who is sitting on the dock closest to Zuko’s family’s house on Ember Island, is carving a piece of wood with intense concentration. She struggles with making a design on the wood a few times, and sighs. Sokka and Aang are on the beach nearby, Sokka sprawled out in the sand, and Aang lounging with a bored expression. Toph is back at the house. Suki looks back at the boys after a moment.
SUKI: Shouldn’t Katara and Zuko be back by now? It’s been almost two weeks since they left.
Sokka pops his head up with a sly expression.
SOKKA: Maybe Katara decided she likes Zuko better than Aang, and they decided to extend their field trip.
Aang looks alarmed, and then he scowls. He picks up his staff, which is lying next to him, and he whacks Sokka over the head with it in rebuke.
SOKKA (loudly): Ow!
He rubs his head, looking offended. Aang looks back at the ocean irritably, both frustrated and genuinely concerned about the validity of Sokka’s suggestion. Sokka holds his hands out matter-of-factly.
SOKKA: I’m just sayin’…it’s a possibility.
Aang scowls, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. Suki looks over her shoulder, a partially amused, partially admonishing look on her face.
SUKI (reprimandingly): Sokka. They probably just got lost or sidetracked.
She shifts her gaze to Aang and addresses him reassuringly.
SUKI: Don’t worry, Aang; they’ll be back soon.
Suki looks back to the ocean as Aang sighs and shifts impatiently. All are silent for a while, then Suki happens to look up and see Appa and Katara flying back towards Ember Island in the distance. She blinks once or twice, and then a smile crosses her face. Suki looks back at Sokka and Aang quickly.
SUKI (eagerly): Hey! They’re back!
Aang looks up excitedly, and Sokka sits up quickly.
AANG: Finally!
He grins and airbends himself over to the dock, twirling his staff skilfully over his head as he lands. Katara and Appa land a moment later, Appa’s landing causing a wave of water to wash over Aang, who laughs delightedly.
AANG: Thanks, buddy! Good to see you too!
Sokka and Suki come running up behind him. Katara smiles warmly at the sight of everyone, and she clambers down Appa’s side quickly, still clearly favouring her hurt ankle. She hugs Aang with a laugh, and then Suki.
SUKI: Welcome back! It’s so good to see you again!
KATARA (smiling): It’s good to be back.
She looks tired but happy. Aang looks expectantly back to Appa, clearly expecting to see Zuko too. But when he realises that Zuko’s nowhere to be found, he turns to Katara.
AANG (confused): Where’s Zuko?
Katara pulls away from hugging Sokka and looks back at Aang sombrely and a faintly annoyed frown, as if displeased that Aang notices Zuko’s absence. She lowers her head.
KATARA: He’s not coming back.
Aang looks stunned, as do Suki and Sokka.
SUKI (baffled): What do you mean?
Katara shrugs defensively, a frown creasing her forehead.
KATARA: He’s not coming back; what’s confusing about that?
Aang looks both disbelieving and sceptical, and Katara avoids his eyes. He comes to stand before her, studying her carefully.
AANG (seriously): What happened, Katara? Why isn’t Zuko coming back?
Katara becomes visibly frustrated and throws her arms out defensively.
KATARA: I don’t know, okay?!
Aang narrows his eyes, whilst Suki and Sokka look on with wide eyes. They exchange a glance, and Sokka shrugs and lift his hands quizzically.
AANG: I think you do know, Katara. Something must have happened, and it must have been something big to make Zuko leave.
Suki comes forward and puts her arm around Katara’s shoulder protectively. Katara looks down to the side, scowling and avoiding Aang’s eyes.
SUKI: Aang, if Katara doesn’t want to talk about it, don’t make her. She just came back from a long and stressful trip, and we don’t need to argue two seconds after she gets back.
Suki turns Katara and guides her back down the dock, back towards the house. Sokka and Aang look at each other, Sokka shrugs, and then follows Katara and Suki. Aang remains. He looks after them a moment, looks down to the side uncertainly, then turns back to the ocean, still frowning. Appa growls in the background, and Aang puts a hand on the bison’s side.
AANG: There’s something she’s not telling me, buddy. Something big. Zuko wouldn’t have just left us.
He gazes determinedly out at the rolling waves. Back on the way to the house, Katara looks over her shoulder uncertainly, and then forward again, looking nervous and slightly guilty.
(fade to white)
(end credits)
