Lightning is a pure expression of firebending
without aggression.
It is not fueled by rage or emotion the way
other firebending is.
Some call lightning the cold blooded fire.
It is precise and deadly, like Azula.
To perform the technique requires peace of mind.
I see.
That's why we're drinking tea.
To calm the mind.
Oh, yeah. Good point.
I mean, yes,
there is energy all around us.
The energy is both Yin and Yang.
Positive energy and negative energy.
Only a select few firebenders can separate these energies.
This creates an imbalance.
The energy wants to restore balance.
And in the moment
the positive and negative energy come crashing back together,
you provide release and guidance,
creating lightning.
[lightning sounds]
[lightning and thunder sounds]
I'm ready to try it.
Remember, once you separate the energy,
you do not command it.
You are simply its humble guide.
Breathe first.
[deep breathing]
[fire explosion]
This time we're going to try something a little different.
Instead of moving a rock, you're going to stop a rock.
Get in your horse stance.
I'm going to roll that boulder down at you.
If you have the attitude of an earthbender,
you'll stay in your stance and stop the rock.
Like this.
Sorry, Toph, but are you sure this is really the best way
to teach Aang earthbending?
I'm glad you said something.
Actually, there is a better way.
This way, you'll really have to sense the vibrations
of the boulder to stop it.
Thank you, Katara.
Yeah, thanks, Katara.
[boulder rolling]
[loud bashing]
I guess I just panicked.
I don't know what to say.
There's nothing to say. You blew it.
You had a perfect stance and perfect form.
But when it came right down to it,
you didn't have the guts.
I know, I'm sorry.
Yeah, you are sorry.
If you're not tough enough to stop the rock,
then you could at least give it the pleasure of smushing you
instead of jumping out of the way
like a jelly boned wimp.
Now, do you have what it takes to face that rock
like an earthbender?
No.
I don't think I do.
Aang, it's no big deal.
You'll take a break and try earthbending again
when you're ready.
Besides, you still have a lot of waterbending to work on,
okay?
Yeah, that sounds good.
Yeah, whatever,
go splash around until you feel better.
[fire explosion]
Why can't I do it?
Instead of lightning, it keeps exploding in my face
like everything always does.
I was afraid this might happen.
You will not be able to master lightning until you have dealt
with the turmoil inside you.
What turmoil?
Zuko, you must let go of your feelings of shame
if you want your anger to go away.
But I don't feel any shame at all.
I'm as proud as ever.
Prince Zuko,
pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source.
True humility is the only antidote to shame.
Well, my life has been nothing but humbling lately.
I have another idea.
I will teach you a firebending move
that even Azula doesn't know.
Because I made it up myself.
You probably think I deserve this, don't you?
[cute sounds]
Look, I'm sorry I hunted you,
but that's just the natural order of things.
Big things eat smaller things.
Nothing personal,
but this time it didn't work out that way.
Oh, I admit it, you're cute.
Okay, you convinced me.
If I get out of this alive,
it's a karmically correct vegetarian existence for me.
No meat.
Even though meat is so tasty.
[fly buzzing]
[making effort]
[surprise]
Hey, looks like my karma is already paying off.
That's okay, I got it.
[making effort]
Now come back, boomerang.