firelords-and-waterbenders

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It’s suki!

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Does anyone else think that when Zuko behaves like a jerk toward Aang, it's partially because he's taking out his anger at Azula on Aang?

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Why would you leave this in the tags??? 😂😂😂

It would be wonderful if someone wrote a fic with a psychologist who a) believed that Azula was traumatized and experiencing significant mental health issues and obviously needed therapy and support while also b) being an imperialist who thought there was generally nothing wrong with Azula’s ideology and actions.

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I went on pinterest and screenshotted random toph panels to sketch out in hopes it helps my art block go byebye

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Zuko and Azula in "The Beach"

Lately I think a lot about "The Beach" episode [x], especially about this small detail of great teamwork Zuko and Azula have during the game.

Zuko is looking ahead, directly facing their rivals (who had the control of the ball at this moment) but his body is clearly lowered to the ground, left hand most likely touching the ground, legs bent and widely spaced - a clear contrast to Mai standing near and how he stood before on two separate occasions

which is why I think Zuko willingly create an opportunity for Azula, so she could jump higher - something she definitely used to their team’s advantage. If Azula simply jumped on her brother’s back when he wasn’t expecting it or wasn’t ready, he would probably just fall face down from the impact but as the scene shows, he had no such problem nor was angry about it in the following scenes.

During the game sequences there was no dialogue shown between our protagonists, so it is hard to determine if Azula in advance called Zuko to give her a “lift” or Zuko offered on his own, or did they were that much in sync they just acted without thinking. Regardless I like this few seconds long interaction, because for me it implies how they trusted each other despite all the rivalry and bitterness from previous episodes. Like Zuko trusted Azula won’t use that moment to hurt/humiliate him by overuse of force, the same as Azula trusted in Zuko’s strength and that he won’t mess up by losing his balance. It is a small thing but no less sweet to see them working well together when fighting for the same goal - what reminds me a bit their teamwork from the previous season finale.

Interestingly, it was also the second time Zuko assisted Azula in scoring against their rivals while not scoring himself any point on screen. The first time happened almost right at the beggining of the game (second from total five sequences)

while each girl have the solo sequence of winning a point:

Azula's first attack,

later Ty Lee landing on the net

and Mai kicking the ball (and presumably scoring)

while Zuko’s two actions are shared only with his younger sister while there is no sense of competition between the siblings, something contrasting a lot with some previous and later episodes.

Azula is bossy and competitive through most of the episode and her brother lets her be that without a complaint. Azula and Zuko get along pretty well and A) do not argue (with the exception of the campfire scene and then they argue not even for the whole scene itself) and B) don't get on each nerves the way they do in the palace, with Ozai's presence looming in the back of their mind. I absolutely adore this episode, as it humanizes all our Fire Nation characters by showing them as teenagers outside the war zone but also giving us a bit of insight into what Azula and Zuko could be if Ozai didn't pit them against each other. And they could be a great team!

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Ty Lee is a Free Spirit, but She Doesn’t Value Freedom

It’s a common assumption that Ty Lee values freedom above all else and doesn’t like being controlled. However, this is heavily contradicted by Ty Lee’s actual actions and behavior.

To start off, Ty Lee is a free spirit.  As Azula’s comments reveal, running away to join the circus is extremely abnormal behavior for a Fire Nation noble girl, and most people in that category would never, ever consider it.

However, that does mean that Ty Lee actually values personal freedom. Although she preferred staying at the circus to joining Azula’s mission, Ty Lee seems to be perfectly happy acting in a subordinate role once she’s forced into joining. There are even a couple scenes where Ty Lee clearly acts in anticipation of what Azula’s orders might be(in “The Guru” and “Boiling Rock, Part II”), rather than waiting for Azula’s orders. Ty Lee only becomes uncomfortable with the control Azula exerts over her and Mai when Mai dangerously pushes the boundaries.

Then we get “The Beach.” I’ll only very briefly mention that in the one scene there were Azula acts in a very controlling manner, Ty Lee seem perfectly happy to comply with Azula’s wishes.  More importantly, this is what Ty Lee says when she airs her deepest issues:

Ty Lee: Do you have any idea what my home life was like, growing up with six sisters (cut to shot of Ty Lee) who look exactly like me? (she stands up) It was like, I didn’t even have my own name. (she falls to the ground crying) I joined the circus because I was scared of spending the rest of my life as part of a matched set. At least, I’m different now. (close shot of teary-eyed Ty Lee) Circus freak is a compliment! Mai: (sarcastically) Guess that explains why you need 10 boyfriends, too. (Cut to shot of Ty Lee looking angrily toward Mai and putting her hands on her hips) Ty Lee: I’m sorry, what? Mai: Attention issues. You couldn’t get enough attention when you were a kid, so (looking downward) you’re trying to make up for it now.

Note that Ty Lee’s issues don’t center around needing freedom or disliking being controlled, they center around needing attention and wanting to be unique.

Finally, Ty Lee ends ATLA’s narrative by joining the Kyoshi Warriors, a hierarchical group of child soldiers, presumably in the most junior position. This strongly suggests that she doesn’t mind being ordered around it. All.

Is there one of the Dangerous Ladies who heavily values freedom?

The Beach:

Mai: (Cut to wide shot of the four of them. Mai lays back carelessly on the rock she is sitting on) What do you want from me? You want a teary confession about how hard my childhood was? Well, it wasn’t. (close shot of Mai) I was a rich only child who got anything I wanted. As long as I behaved…(cut to shot of the clouds above) and sat still…and didn’t speak unless spoken to. (cut to shot of Zuko listening) My mother said I had to keep out of trouble. (Cut to wide shot of the four of them around the fire) We had my Dad’s political career to think about. Azula: Well, that’s it, then. (close-up shot on Azula) You had a controlling mother who had certain expectations, and if you strayed from them you were shut down. That’s why you’re afraid to care about anything, and why you can’t express yourself. Mai: (close shot of Mai) You want me to express myself? (she stands and yells) Leave me alone!

Return to Omashu:

Mai: There really is no fathoming the depths of my hatred for this place. (Cut to a wider shot to show Mai walking next to an older woman carrying a baby. They are being escorted by Fire Nation guards down a tunnel or passage.) Governor’s Wife: Mai, your father was appointed governor. We’re like royalty here. Be happy, and enjoy it.

Later:

Mai: (somewhat surprised) I thought you ran off and joined the circus? You said it was your calling. Ty Lee: (releasing Mai and smiling widely) Well, Azula called a little louder. Azula: I have a mission (she puts one of her hands on each of their shoulders) and I need you both. Mai: Count me in. Anything to get me out of this place.

Yes, but it’s Mai who values freedom and doesn’t like being controlled.

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Everyone talks about how Appa is apparently obese for a sky bison and Aang is over feeding him. Undeserved in my opinion (hes just big boned obviously)

But nobody talks about how Druk (Zuko's dragon) is a complete fatass compared to other dragons.

For example: These are pics of Roku's Dragon, Fang, and Sozin's Dragon

Do you see how long and noodley they are. They're actual dragons too, not Wyverns like GoT dragons. (Note the 4 legs)

And heres Ran and Shaw:

See, still very noodley. And these are quite old, large dragons.

And this? This is Druk:

And Its not just the angle because even when he is sitting down he's fat

Obviously Druk has lived a life of luxery, he's a pampered little prince

#who out here body shaming appa #he looks just like the other sky bison we see #also it’s hard to judge body condition through floof #do you think palace staff runs around sneaking druk snackies #does Zuko need to send out a memo George HW Bush style asking people to stop sneaking the lizard snackies

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still crazy to me how theres people who think azula is genuinely evil and that her being 14 is not an explanation for nearly all of her behavior like ive done worse things at 14 . no i havent but u get my point

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Fortnite, are you sure about this? Did you think it through?

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I’ve been doing a Avatar study…

(Mostly just to learn how to draw the Gaang.)

First off Aang!

I love this lil goober

And Katara! (She’s not finished yet…)

She’s so fun to draw

My girl is full of unchecked rage and I love that about her <3

More to come… >:D

Not to flex to hard but can we hyper focus on that hand???

I ate that shit up and you can’t fucking lie!! 😤

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Sokka's girlfriend looked great today.

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Zuko would make a terrible puppet Firelord

I have seen the idea thrown around that Azula must have intended to use Zuko as her puppet Firelord and that must be the only reason that she brought him home. On the other hand, we have people talking about Zuko potentially being a White Lotus puppet. Yet it’s pretty clear that Zuko would not be a great choice as a puppet Firelord.

Zuko is impulsive, stubborn, opinionated, and arrogant. Once he settles on a course of action, he will let nothing discourage him from it, whether it be the weight of circumstances or the advice of others wiser than him.  He often  disregards the opinions of even those he acknowledges to have great wisdom.  Throughout the series Iroh struggles, with little success, to make Zuko listen to him, and at least once Azula shows great frustration about how impossible it can be to make Zuko listen to reason. He’s no King Kuei, and a “puppet-manipulator” would struggle both getting Zuko to follow their “guidance” in the first place and in preventing him from spontanously flying off the handle and impulsively changing policy. And of course, Zuko is not the sort of person to accept playing second-fiddle when he’s the official Firelord.

Meanwhile, for Azula in specific, trying to use Zuko as a puppet would have obvious drawbacks. First, he strongly dislikes her, and legally and symbolically empowering people who strongly dislike you is generally not considered to be a good move when you are trying to perputuate your own power. Second, figureheads and pupper rulers are normally used because they have some form of legitimacy that the “real” ruler lacks and cannot easily acquire. Yet Azula has an extremely strong claim to the throne in her own right, and, due to her embodiement of many Fire Nation values, she’s also more popular with the court and the public than Zuko is. Zuko literally complains about how “ everyone adores her,” after all. Azula has little to gain from trying to use Zuko as a puppet.

With all of that said, I think it’s possible to imagine a circumstance where Zuko finds ruling to be tedious and boring, and thus leaves most of the work and responsibility of ruling to others. However, that’s very different from situations where where people imagine someone trying to intentionally use Zuko as a figurehead.

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a little toph series I did this month on Jo-fi

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A tale of Ba Sing Se.

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Reasons to get an AO3 account as a reader

Every time I see someone who reads lots of fic on AO3 but doesn’t have an account, I have to wonder if they realize how many features AO3 has just for readers. This is not an exhaustive list, but here are a few (and I’ve saved the best for last!):

Bookmarks - You probably know these exist because you’ve seen them on fic you read. But did you know that you can:

Make private bookmarks that only you can see - they don’t show up when someone clicks that “bookmarks” link. Not even the author can see them. 


Organize your bookmarks with tags.

Filter them like you would a search.

Add your own comments/descriptions, either for your own benefit or the benefit of people looking for something to read. (Just remember that unless your bookmark is private everyone including the author can see tags & comments.)

History - AO3 can track every fic you’ve ever viewed. My history is 373 pages long. However, you can delete any fic from your history with the click of a button, clear your entire history at once, or turn this off.

“Marked for Later” - Some people use bookmarks to save fics they haven’t read yet, but there’s also a separate system for that. When you’re logged in there’s a “Mark for Later” button on each fic. Then you can filter your History down to just those Marked for Later. Once you’ve read a marked fic you can then hit the “Mark as Read”  button and it will drop off this

The downside to both the History and Marked for Later is that this system currently can’t be sorted or filtered beyond that, but it can be useful nonetheless if you want to save your Bookmarks for rereading your faves.

Locked fics - Some people lock their fics to registered users for many reasons. They don’t want their fics showing up in search engines, they don’t want bots stealing them, they’re having a troll problem, etc. Without an AO3 account you won’t even see that these exist.

Comment notifications - You have an inbox on AO3, and anytime anyone replies to one of your comments you will get a notification. No more having to go back and check fics to see if authors replied to you! You can also opt to get an email every time.

Customize how you see the site - You can use site skins, hide tags or warnings on fics, skip the extra step to view adult content (if you’re 18+), even customize how your browser titles the window.

Last but very much not least:

Subscribe to fics, series, or authors - I honestly don’t understand how anyone keeps up with WIPs without this.


Get an email every time a new chapter is posted, or every time one of your favorite writers posts a new fic or chapter!

Don’t want to read a WIP as it’s being posted? Subscribe and know as soon as the last chapter goes up.


Worth getting an account just for this alone tbh. 


How are you living without it???


(Hitting subscribe is also one more way to show an author you care, although authors can’t see subscriber #s on series.)

There are probably more, but those are the main ones. Yes, you have to wait a few days to get an account, but it’s worth it. If you’re worried because you don’t want people seeing you kudos certain fics (that one tentacle fic you’ll never admit to having read?) - the way login is setup it’s actually super easy to log out, leave anonymous kudos, and log back in without leaving the fic. AO3 is designed by users; they’ve got your back.

And hey, if you ever decide to take the plunge and post something, that’s one step out of your way!

(And seriously, subscribing is a game-changer.)

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Fighting Styles: Azula

Today I’m going to take an in-depth look at Azula’s fighting style, which, after much debate between myself and my Sihing and Sidi, has been identified as a mix of Northern Shaolin and Chaquan/Chachuan (查拳). I’m mainly going to focus on Chaquan/Chachuan, because Northern Shaolin refers to a ton of different styles, and thus is not as easily defined, and Chachuan is what makes Azula’s fighting style unique in comparison with other firebenders. So let’s get started, shall we?

First, what exactly is Chaquan/Chachuan? 

Chachuan (The Cha Family Fist) is a substyle of Changquan (長拳), a Northern style which literally translates into “The Long Fist”. Changquan is one of the most popular styles of kung fu in China, due to the “showiness” of its acrobatic forms, and is often performed at tournaments. While it does not technically fall under the category of “Northern Shaolin”, since it did not originate directly from Shaolin, Changquan contains many elements in common with Northern Shaolin styles, due to the constantly evolving nature of kung fu in China throughout history. It is said that the alleged creator of Changquan, Emperor Zhao Kuangyin, was greatly influenced by Shaolin styles, and the resulting prevalence of Changquan in turn greatly influenced the Northern Shaolin styles. 

The four families of Changquan are: Cha (The Cha Family/Muslim Fist), Hua (The Hua Family/Flower Fist), Pao (The Cannon Fist), and Hong (The Red Fist). Azula specifically uses the Cha Fist (which itself is split into three different families of Zhang [faster, more agile, more compact], Li [more upright, more comfortable, more graceful], and Yang [more powerful, more continuous, and more direct], but due to the limitations of her fighting animations I cannot discern exactly which family style she uses).  

The most notable contribution of Chachuan is the form known as Tantui, or the “Springing Legs” form. Many styles of kung fu, including Northern Shaolin, have incorporated Tantui (or some version of it) into their core curriculum. In fact, it is so ubiquitous, that the Chinese Government adapted the original Cha 10-Road Tantui System as the basis for the contemporary sport of wushu. Though the Tantui System has been adapted into the curriculum for many different styles, and nowadays can be considered a style of its own, the Cha Tantui remains unique due to its irregular, off-beat rhythm and angular strikes, as well as frequent angle changes, which are the defining characteristics of Chachuan.

Other notable characteristics include:

1. Balanced use of both hands and feet

2. Heavy emphasis on a strong offense, as well as numerous counter-attacks, because Chachuan relies on a strong offense to provide defense…

(…which coincides with Azula’s general style of fighting…)

3. Swift, forceful, and economical strikes, usually delivered at angles

4. Wide extension of the limbs, to maximize the space between the body and the fist, keeping attackers at a safe distance

5. Arms outstretched and striking in two different directions, in order to increase the user’s awareness of their surroundings and their effectiveness versus multiple combatants

  6. Sweeping blows, from both hands and feet (Azula is a big fan of the low sweeping kick in particular, which she performs at least 3 times during the series)

7. Impressive acrobatic kicks and leaps (The 10-Road Springing Legs Form provides the basis for this.)

8. High degree of maneuverability, in contrast with more grounded forms like Tai Chi and Hung Gar

Chachuan is a style that is noted for its extreme beauty, elegance, and grace, as well as its acrobatic nature, versatility, and combat effectiveness. During the Tang Dynasty, it was the martial art of choice employed by soldiers in the Imperial Army due to its ability to fend off multiple opponents.

Unlike Northern Shaolin, where nearly every strike is delivered with a high degree of power, Chachuan’s forms and attack sequences are performed in continuous waves, with each movement leading into another, coalescing into a single (or multiple, depending on the situation) powerful strike(s) at the end. 

Like any seasoned Chachuan user, Azula attacks in waves. She favors quick strikes that produce smaller bursts of flame, which usually culminate in one large burst at the end. The idea behind this is to chip away at your opponent’s weak spots with quick, soft blows, then finish them off with one or more hard blows at the end. The same applies to Azula, who likes to finish her fights with lightning generation (a Northern Shaolin form, but she performs it with the movement style of a Chachuan user). 

The odd rhythm of Chachuan lends to its general unpredictability, and, along with a number of “sneaky” moves, makes it one of several styles (such as Drunken or Monkey) that actively relies on deception to evade and quickly dispatch its opponents. Graceful, quick movements transition abruptly into powerful strikes, interspersed with steady stances and sudden stops. It has been said that Chachuan users are like candles blowing in the wind; dancing gracefully one second, but still and steadfast the next. Any time a Chachuan practitioner is standing still, you’d best be prepared to defend, dodge, or block yourself against a series of incoming attacks. 

Because it is a physically demanding art form that requires a high level of flexibility, Chachuan users must begin training at a very young age, and most competitive performers of the art are quite youthful. It is also a popular style among young girls and women.

   Chachuan is one of the few martial arts in the world which remains relatively unchanged over the course of time. It is a style that embodies contradiction and balance, and has been heralded as vigorous, yet precise, graceful and authoritative, elegant but forceful. In combat, skilled Chachuan practitioners must be extremely efficient, due to the high physical demand the acrobatic style places on its user. The prodigious skill required of a Chachuan practitioner, along with its renowned beauty and effectiveness, make it the style perfectly suited for Azula’s personality. 

Random Notes:

The first form of Chachuan is called muzi (母子) or “Mother and Son”. The form Azula demonstrates as a child during “Zuko Alone” is very reminiscent of this form. Foreshadowing of her lingering resentment towards Ursa and Zuko, perhaps?

Interesting to note is that from Season 3 onwards, Azula begins wearing heavy armor. This would likely have impeded her ability to perform Chachuan to her full capacity, causing her to tire more quickly than normal.

Though Chachuan and Northern Shaolin have similar moves, the execution style overall is different. You can see the difference between the way Zuko bends and the way Azula bends. Zuko’s strikes tend to demonstrate a noticeable exertion of force and power (heavily external hard blows), whereas Azula’s strikes exert force abruptly and unexpectedly. Another noticeable difference is in the posture; while Zuko’s stances tend to be more upright, like most Northern Shaolin stances, while Azula’s stances more often include angles or leaning due to the elements of Chachuan in her style. (If you’re interested in seeing the differences in these two forms, watch a video of the Tantui form as performed by a Northern Shaolin practitioner and a Chachuan practitioner.)

Chachuan is called The Muslim Fist because it was allegedly founded by Cha Shang Mir, a Muslim General in the Chinese army, and was predominantly taught to and practiced by Muslims in ancient times. Nowadays, it is one of the more popular styles of Changquan taught in China, though it is still extremely popular among the Northern Islamic population. 

The style of Chachuan is deeply rooted in Northern Chinese-Islamic philosophy and spirituality. Its key principle is the idea of achieving harmony and balance by embodying contrasting elements. When Azula is “off” in Sozin’s Comet (Zuko subtly noting her loss of sanity and inner balance), her fighting style suffers considerably.

And that’s the long summary of a short glimpse at Chachuan. If you want moves like Azula, go out and learn some Cha Fist!

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wait hold up. hakoda knowing how to make explosives is like. a thing. like not only does sokka mention that hakoda taught him to make explosives when he uses them to fake firebending, hakoda's signature tactic against the fire nation is tangle mines - mines often being things that explode, it's just that these work differently. and in day of black sun when they take down the battlements we see him tossing explosives into them and his injury comes from (presumably) being hit by debris from his own explosion. and isn't that a smart fucking tactic when you're fighting against people who shoot fire from their hands? like you chuck one at a firebender, they send out fire to block it, explosion in their face.

point is. sokka gets so hard on himself for not being a Strong Warrior like his dad when his dad is out here fighting a war with engineering and clever strategy. just like sokka does