[Toph and Iroh begin to share a conversation over tea on a rocky hilltop]
People see me and think I'm weak. They want to take care of me, but I can take care of myself, by myself.
IrohYou sound like my nephew, always thinking you need to do things on your own, without anyone's support. There is nothing wrong with letting the people who love you help you. Not that I love you, I just met you.
[laughs] So where is your nephew?
Iroh
I've been tracking him, actually.
Iroh
[looks away; slightly sad] Yes, a little bit. [cuts to shot of the rocky ledge where the two sit, the mountain region in the background] His life has recently changed and he's going through very difficult times. He's trying to figure out who he is and he went away.
So now you're following him.
Iroh
I know he doesn't want me around him right now, but if he needs me, I'll be there.
Your nephew is very lucky, even if he doesn't know it. [gets up to leave] Thank you.
Iroh
My pleasure. Sharing tea with a fascinating stranger is one of life's true delights.
[happily] No, thank you for what you said. It helped me.
Iroh
I'm glad. [Toph rises to leave, but turns around briefly]
Oh, and about your nephew... Maybe you should tell him that you need him, too.
Iroh
[drawing the Fire Nation symbol in the sand before Zuko] Fire is the element of power. The people of the Fire Nation have desire and will, and the energy and drive to achieve what they want. [draws the Earth Kingdom symbol] Earth is the element of substance. The people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse and strong. They are persistent and enduring. [draws the Air Nomads symbol] Air is the element of freedom. The Air Nomads detached themselves from worldly concerns and found peace and freedom. Also, they apparently had pretty good senses of humor! [grins]
[Zuko stares blankly at Iroh]
Iroh
[continuing, drawing the Water Tribe symbol] Water is the element of change. The people of the Water Tribe are capable of adapting to many things. They have a deep sense of community and love that holds them together through anything.
Why are you telling me these things?
Iroh
It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If we take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations, will help you become whole.
All this "Four Elements" talk is sounding like Avatar stuff.
Iroh
It is the combination of the four elements within one person that makes the Avatar so powerful. But, it can make you more powerful, too. [prods him in the chest with his staff] You see, the technique I am about to teach you is one I learned by studying the Waterbenders.
Uncle, I don't understand. What are you doing with the Avatar?
[glares at him] Saving you, that's what.
[Zuko starts to advance on him, but Iroh holds him back]
Iroh
It's time we talked. [to Aang] Go help your other friends. We'll catch up with you. [Aang and Katara leaves]
[not looking Iroh directly in the eye] Why, Uncle?
Iroh
[seriously] You're not the man you used to be, Zuko. You are stronger, and wiser, and freer than you have ever been. And now you've come to the crossroads of your destiny. It's time for you to choose. It's time for you to choose good.
[Iroh is suddenly immobilized by crystals, startling Zuko]
[enters followed by two Dai Li Agents] I expected this kind of treachery from Uncle. But Zuko, Prince Zuko. You're a lot of things, but you aren't a traitor, are you?
[slyly] It's not too late for you, Zuko. You could still redeem yourself.
Iroh
The kind of "redemption" she offers is not for you!
[glares at him] Why don't you let him decide, Uncle? I need you, Zuko. I've plotted every move of this day, this glorious day in Fire Nation history, and the only way we win is together. At the end of this day, you will have your honor back. You will have Father's love. You will have everything you want.
Iroh
Zuko, I am begging you. Look into your heart and see what it is you truly want.
[she gestures for the Dai Li to leave, then pursues Aang and Katara, as Zuko considers his choice.]
Iroh
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]
Did you really mean that, Uncle?
Iroh
Of course. I told you ginseng tea is my favorite.
Iroh
Sailing into Fire Nation Waters... Of all the foolish things you've done in your 16 years, Prince Zuko, this is the most foolish!
Iroh
Have you completely forgotten that the Fire Lord banished you! What if you are caught?
I'm chasing the Avatar, my father will understand why I'm returning home.
Iroh
You give him too much credit. My brother is not the understanding type!
Iroh
(after diverting their ship to replace a lost game piece) I've checked all the shops on this pier. Not a lotus tile in the entire marketplace.
It's good to know this trip was a complete waste of time for everyone!
Iroh
Quite the contrary. I always say, the only thing better than finding something you are looking for [crew members begin to walk past carrying Iroh's purchases] is finding something you weren't looking for at a great bargain!
You bought a Tsunghi horn?
Iroh
For music night on the ship. Now, if we only had some woodwinds.
[Pirate Captain and Zuko are fighting]
Iroh
Are you so busy fighting you cannot see your own ship has set sail?
We have no time for your proverbs, Uncle!
Iroh
It's no proverb. [Aang and others getting away in pirate ship]
Bleeding hog monkeys! [Zuko laughs; the pirates laugh as they drift after Aang and his friends]
Hey! That's my boat! [runs after them]
Iroh
Maybe it should be a proverb.
Aang, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault.
Iroh
Yeah, it kind of is.
[charing up] Give me the boy.
You're really gonna hand over the Avatar for a stupid piece of parchment!?
[about Sokka] Don't listen to him! He's trying to turn us against each other.
([o Sokka about Aang] Your friend is the Avatar?
Sure is, and I'll bet he'll fetch a lot more on the black market then that fancy scroll.
Shut your mouth, you Water Tribe peasant!
[sternly] Yeah, Sokka. You really should shut your mouth...
[still trying to con the priates] I'm just sayin', it's bad business sense. Just imagine how much the Fire Lord would pay for the Avatar. You guys would be set for life!
Iroh
After the duel, the Fire Lord said that by refusing to duel, Zuko showed shameful weakness and so he was banished and sent to capture the Avatar.
LJLt. Jee
So that's why he's so obsessed. Capturing the Avatar is his only chance he has of things returning to normal.
Iroh
Things will never return to normal, but the important thing is the Avatar gives Zuko hope.
(pushing through a crowd) Out of my way! Step aside, filth!
Iroh
He means no offense! I'm certain you bathe regularly...
Well, if it isn't my new friends, Angry Boy and Uncle Lazy.
[Iroh laughs heartily for a moment.]
This will truly be one for the history books, General Iroh. Just think, centuries from now people will study the great Admiral Zhao, who destroyed the last of the Water Tribe Civilisation. You're lucky you're here to see it.
Iroh
Be careful what you wish for, Admiral. History is not always kind to its subjects.
I suppose you speak from experience. But rest assured this will be nothing like your legendary failure at Ba Sing Se.
Iroh
[solemnly] I hope not, for your sake.
Avatar: The Last Airbender · 494 quotes
