Avatar - The Last Airbender (Storyteller Version)

Chapter 9: The Waterbending Master

Katara, Sokka, and Aang had travelled for what seemed like a long time, yet still it appeared as though the North Pole was beyond their reach. But after two straight days of flying since their last adventure, they found themselves passing over clear water with no land in sight. Suddenly, huge chunks of ice shot out from the water on all sides, trapping Appa! Seconds later, six boats surrounded them. But when Katara looked closer at the people aboard the boats, her face lit up in joy.

KATARA: They're waterbenders! We found the Water Tribe!

Shortly after, the waterbenders escorted their charges across the ocean to a massive wall of ice decorated with a Water Tribe insignia. Aang and his friends had reached the North Pole at last! And the home of the Northern Water Tribe was truly a sight to see. Unlike Katara and Sokka's village, this was a massive city constructed around a system of canals and waterways, with tall, elaborate buildings made of ice. The gates to the city were controlled by waterbenders who could bend the water and ice simultaneously to open or close them. After passing through these gates, Appa carried his passengers through the canal. Several citizens of the city gathered on the sidewalks, waving to the children. Beaming, Aang waved back. Surely they would find someone in this city willing to provide Aang and Katara the teaching they desired.

At the same time, far across the ocean, Admiral Zhao had returned to the Fire Nation. He was more determined than ever to get even with Aang, and he had a plan to do just that. He described his newest strategy to his soldiers.

ZHAO: He's heading north. The Northern Water Tribe. The Avatar needs to master waterbending. He's looking for a teacher. This isn't some little Earth village we can just march into. The Water Tribe is a great nation. There's a reason they've survived a hundred years of war. The frozen tundra is treacherous. The landscape itself is an icy fortress. We'll need a massive invasion force.

But Zhao knew that he had a major obstacle to contend with — Prince Zuko. He would have to get him out of the way. That night, the admiral strode onto the prince's ship, and after a brief talk with Iroh, he approached Zuko's room with a surprise announcement.

ZHAO: I'm taking your crew.

ZUKO: What?!

ZHAO: I've recruited them for a little expedition to the North Pole.

ZUKO: Uncle, is that true?!

IROH: I'm afraid so. He's taking everyone.

ZHAO: General Iroh, the offer to join my mission still stands—if you change your mind.

Furious, Zuko was about to lunge at Zhao, but Iroh stopped him. Neither the prince nor his uncle suspected that the admiral's evil plan was only just beginning.

Meanwhile, Aang, Katara, and Sokka arrived at a magnificent palace standing at the base of an enormous frozen cliff. That night, the travelers were all invited to a special feast in their honor. The children sat at low tables, while Appa curled off to the side. Chief Arnook, the leader of the Northern Water Tribe, addressed the crowd. Alongside him was a white-haired girl not much older than Sokka.

ARNOOK: Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of our brother and sister from the Southern Tribe. And they have brought with them someone very special. Someone whom many of us believed disappeared from the world until now—the Avatar!

CROWD: (Applauding & Cheering)

ARNOOK: We also celebrate my daughter's sixteenth birthday. Princess Yue is now of marrying age!

YUE: Thank you, Father. May the great Ocean and Moon Spirits watch over us during these troubled times!

ARNOOK: Now, Master Pakku and his students will perform!