phoenixrsing

[phoenixrsing]

Shōgun | 1.03 - "Tomorrow is Tomorrow"

#[ inspiration. ]

[phoenixrsing]

tropes: shadow syndicate,  moral event horizon,  noble demon.  

advancing the agenda of the fire nation and protecting its interests in republic city,  from within the shadows,  directly from the belly of the beast.  drawing upon his military experience and leadership skills,  lu ten gathered members—former soldiers,  mercenaries,  and individuals willing to follow orders without objection,  they embarked on a path of order through severity,  specializing in espionage and sabotage to assassinations,  compromising moralities.  their identities are concealed,  known only to a select few who have infiltrated the reigns.  lu ten can count on one hand the number of people who can connect him to the syndicate. agni kai triad, the organization, is not bound by traditional notions of morality or ethics. 

its members are willing to employ morally questionable methods in service of the fire nation,  understanding that their actions may require sacrifices for the greater good of their nation.  they maintain tenuous alliances with certain groups and individuals for mutual benefit, they also have rivalries with competing organizations vying for control and dominance. in particular, tensions run high with rival gangs such as the triple threat triad and the red monsoons, leading to occasional conflicts and turf wars.

dubbed as the dragon head, lu ten is more than willing to bear the burden of dishonor. they preemptively neutralize potential threats, including preemptive strikes against any threats to the crown—from inside fire nation and out. their funding is sourced from a combination of gambling profits, smuggling contraband, and extorting rival gangs. while on the surface, it operates as just another criminal gang, its true roots delve much deeper. influenced by fire nation traditions and rituals, members of the agni kai organization partake in initiation ceremonies reminiscent of ancient fire nation customs. the ceremony unfolds at a sacred shrine dedicated to the fire lord, adorned with flickering flames and offerings of incense. a sacrificial offering, often a boar-q-pine, is presented before the altar as a symbol of devotion and loyalty. initiates then partake in a ritualistic libation, drinking a mixture of spiced wine infused. three fingers of the left hand are raised as a binding gesture, known as the flame oath.

#[ introspection. ] #[ verse. LOK. ]

[phoenixrsing]

from intensive training at the age of seven. to recruitment into the military at fifteen. he’s been a part of active combat for five years.  numerous altercations with ambushes,  guerrillas,  and bandits during his travels as a nomad—particularly if he is identified as fire nation for his appearance,  or former military for his body language,  posture,  and gait. 

face scars.

his body serves as a reminder—a thin line,  scar begins just above his eyebrow,  a jagged line that extends diagonally downward,  crossing his eyelid and tapering off near his cheekbone.  slightly raised and textured,  forming a subtle ridge along the length of the scar.  the scar itself does not obstruct his vision,  as it lies above his eye and does not cross directly over the eyeball or the iris.  there is a slight alteration in his peripheral vision due to the scar tissue. 

body scars.

a faint scar along his forearm from a childhood training mishap involving a training sword and firebending practice,  the first of many to come. 

a series of intersecting lines mar the skin of his right shoulder,  remnants of a close encounter with a skilled earthbender during a skirmish in the earth kingdom.

on his left thigh,  a deep gash serves as a reminder of a perilous journey through rugged terrain during a scouting mission in the mountain—an advantage in landscape given to the earth kingdom. 

running diagonally across his back,  a scar tells the tale of an altercation with a rogue group of sandbending bandits who ambushed his unit.

phoenix brand. etched into the flesh of his right forearm is a stylized phoenix symbol, a mark of loyalty and allegiance to the fire nation; earned during a ritualistic ceremony before he entered the military—an alternative to dragon branding.

a thin, straight scar traces a path across the back of his hand from a broadsword wielded by a southern water tribe member, slightly faint.

#[ introspection. ]

[phoenixrsing]

“I’m almost never serious, and I’m always too serious. Too deep, too shallow. Too sensitive, too cold hearted. I’m like a collection of paradoxes.”

— Ferdinand de Saussure (via quotemadness)

#[ introspection. ] #basically.

[phoenixrsing]

 ‘ sorry, keiko. should i wear a bell around my neck? ’ his tone carries a lightness, a subtle touch of wry humor audible, even as he stands on the other end of her katana.

“ gah , where the hell did you come from ??? warn a girl next time you sneak up on her when she’s armed ! ”

@phoenixrsing liked !

#[ replies. ]

[phoenixrsing]

your muses aesthetic. list your muse’s aesthetic from tastes, smells, outfits, and sceneries. add as many subjects as you like, it can help with people tagging you in aesthetically pleasing things towards your muse.

tastes: traditional fire-nation cuisine. spicy fire-flakes, roasted pork, and hot tea infused with jasmine. dragon fruit, lychee, and mangoes, grilled sea pawns. aged fire nation wines with complex flavors of oak and spice. fire nation whiskey, intense and smoky, with hints of charred oak, toasted spices, and a touch of volcanic ashroasted chestnuts. green tea ceremonies, delicate jasmine tea, and rare white dragon jasmine tea leaves—a specialty of his father. rare spices from trees that are native to fire nation, including cumin, saffron, and cardamom.

smells: a scent of smoldering cinnamon, cloves, and star anise in the air. jasmine blossoms, lotus flowers, and orchids from the royal gardens. the crisp scent of autumn leaves and the smoky aroma of fire pits. herbal notes. a hint of sage, lemongrass, and mint leaves in herbal teas. sandalwood incense burning in meditation rooms. crackling hearth fires in the royal palace.

sights: volcanic landscapes. volcanoes looming on the horizon, with smoke rising from their peaks. intense flames swirling, casting shadows against the red walls. royal palace. opulent halls decorated with gilded ornaments, tapestries depicting ancient fire nation legends, and imposing thrones. fire nation technology—advanced warships, steam-powered machinery, and towering factories billowing smoke. traditional fire nation dances—graceful movements accompanied by the flickering light of torches and lanterns. colorful celebrations featuring elaborate firework displays, traditional music, and performances. endless amount of war memorials. monuments honoring fallen soldiers of the fire nation, with eternal flames burning in their honor. regal crimson robes with intricate gold embroidery, adorned with the fire nation insignia. messages of propaganda, supremacy, and strength through firebending. a recruitment poster featuring a soldier, with the caption, join the fire nation army and defend our sacred land.

sounds: the rhythmic sound of flames dancing in fire pits and torches. trumpets heralding the arrival of fire nation royalty, accompanied by drums and cymbals. war drums—thunderous beats echoing across training grounds, inspiring troops before battle. lightning crackling in the foreground. melodic tunes played on traditional fire nation instruments, the pipa and guzheng. the chirping of fire nation birds, the rustling of palm trees, and the distant roar of waterfalls. war machinery—clanking gears, hissing steam, and the rumble of warships off the shorelines. moments of quiet contemplation, where the only sounds are the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle crackle of embers. practicing the dizi, traditional flute in between training sessions.

sensations: the comforting heat of firebending flames against the skin during training sessions. luxurious fire nation silks and satins, smooth against the touch. intense warmth radiating from the earth's core during visits to volcanic hot springs. humid, sea breezes brushing against the skin from the coastlines. tactile connection—a sensation of firebending energy pulsing beneath lu ten's fingertips, responding to his every movement and command. resilient spirit and unwavering determination. a deep sense of connection to the spirits of fire. commitment to serving the fire nation. isolationism, a loneliness you cannot shake. failure is not an option. reluctant heroism, internal struggles between morality and obligations. inside of me, there are two dogs. one is mean and evil and the other is good and they fight each other all the time. when asked which one wins, i answer, the one I feed the most. ambiguous loyalties.

tagged by — me. tagging: @hotknickers, @denouemente, @linghung, @hookedswords, @dropovers, @fearbend, @kniveds, @yourideaguy, @bowbend, @rotpoetry

#[ aesthetics. ]

[phoenixrsing]

what specifically named color do you embody?

feldgrau

hesitant, neutrality, intelligence, regretful. you have so many things that you'd like to apologize for. your world has lost a majority of its luster and color due to all the things you've done and regretted, all the things you want to take back or try again. the people you've lost have told you that you need to work on yourself, and you don't know where to start anymore—you're not sure you ever truly did. it's cold, in the world, and you don't know how to make it warm for everyone, which is where your mistake lies. the world is cold and cruel, and indifferent to those who walk the earth. but that doesn't mean you can't try.

tagging: you.

#[ my muse taking a dirt nap; so memes! ]

[phoenixrsing]

amidst the atmosphere of turmoil and paranoia that permeated the nation during this reconstruction period, tensions rose among traditionalists and staunch supporters of his uncle's regime. propaganda pamphlets championing fire nation supremacy were circulated through the capital city and surrounding towns, despite laws suppressing seditious acts. his cousin has thankfully not eradicated those series of acts implemented by sozin. observations of influential nobility resisted any requests for redistribution resources to affected colonies, with stark nationalists waiting in the wings to voice their disdain. lu ten finds himself facing conservative elements resistant to direct change from those he considered former allies, friends—opposed to messages of a harmonious era, resistant to the maintenance of restoring balance.

his access to former circles in the military ranks, privy to discontent, hatred towards the government upheaval—described as a coup d'état from the opposition. the soldiers he once fought alongside now bear the burden of animosity in their gaze and scorn in their words, attributing the collapse of the empire, once believed unyielding, to his lingering family legacy, echoing sentiments that the sun will never set on the fire nation. the sun has indeed set, marking an era in its bloodied history that will not view his ancestors, his uncle, his grandfather, and his great-grandfather, favorably in printed textbooks. the statues of these men had been pulled down by earth benders, and paintings burned by rebellious groups who aligned with the viewpoint of the avatar and its alliances.

he is frequently questioned about his allegiance to the old ways, particularly by those who harbor animosity towards his father for pacifism, his cousin for reformation, and anti-authoritarian approach to governance. he says little, but his silence speaks for itself.

the room he finds his cousin in is spacious enough for his footsteps to echo. he's stationed before the wall of plunder, the emerald hues of art, sapphire colors within tapestries, a direct contrast to the red walls, and lu ten joins him as silently as he stands. he steps closer to touch the hilt of the sword. water tribe. his own collected spoils had been added to this personal, expanding collection over the years before his abandonment. yet it paled in comparison to the cultural centers that boasted hundreds of precious metals and valuable artifacts—some directly removed from burned corpses. it stands as a testament of the old. conquest and exploitation. there are ghosts in this room.

the corners of his lips carve upwards in a smile, a subtle acknowledgment to zuko. his smiles are easy, his laughs tumble forth effortlessly, and it's easy to slip into a face so familiar when he is with others. his father had scoured the far reaches of the world and beyond, and would have faced agni willingly, relentlessly searching for him—so the least he could do was answer written letters and be willing to entertain requests for visits. yet, the older man understood in ways that lu ten doubts he could fully grasp if their roles were reversed.

‘ i have. ’ he answers swiftly, changing the subject to prevent any lingering silence, follow-up questions that he did not want to answer. ‘ lordship looks good on you, cousin. ’ despite the bounties placed on his head by aristocrats from centuries-old families.

the sources of unequaled, unrefined, and defined strength are found in the pages as chronicled by victors. these architects of destruction, veiled in the designs of romanticized pride, the extent of their 'impassioned' engagements with the world reveals itself from the current quality of life of those impacted. it took him sixteen years to find normalcy in his people's worldly interventions. to see how it was not a cultural 'disruption' to impose fire nation ideals on others, but a necessity for their survival. despite being a well-read young man, he never seemed to find the words to articulate a convincing argument that would allow him to fully believe in the honesty of their intervention.

it was at the mature age of nineteen when he ventured into the world again, that was he able to grasp the fallacy of what he had been taught as taught as the righteous path of global advancement. in his dogged pursuit of the avatar, he partially turned his eye blind to imperial effects, but as ozai's usurper, he needed to undergo a personal reeducation. had zuko remained steadfast to the teachings of his forebearers, then he wouldn't have felt devoid of pride, especially being in the company of his esteemed cousin.

to be hosted by one of their nation's greatest servants was an honor in itself, but as they ventured deeper into the refuge of the former general's abode, zuko's heart gradually descended into turmoil. the fire lord's discerning eye couldn't help but capture the lavish ornaments adorning the scarlet walls each piece, rich in detail and alien in origin, whispered of lands beyond their borders of fire.

artifacts of the earth kingdom, artwork from the water tribes, taxidermied beasts from distant lands, and weapons that clearly weren't forged by their native blacksmiths each painted a grim tableau of a throne built on gore, ash, and bone. the pressure of this truth suppressed air from his lungs, and he gasped, realizing only then how long he had been holding his breath.

❝ cousin, ❞ he cracked, his voice barely above a whisper. ❝ i've been wondering—my letters and your father, have they been finding you? ❞ his golden eyes shifted softly from the foreign marvels to lu ten's back, curious. communications between lu ten and the family—what remained of it—has been, fair to say, off. it was concerning enough for zuko to free himself from the confines of the palace and seek his elder cousin out.

@phoenixrsing

#[ replies. ]

[phoenixrsing]

ANNE CARSON

in the preface to Grief Lessons: Four Plays by Euripides (2006);

personal photos, original edit

#[ introspection. ]

[phoenixrsing]

amusement flickers—a fleeting shift in his expression before it settles into neutrality. stepping back from the embankment, he leaves behind the canteen used to collect fresh water from the river. lu ten extends his hands in a gesture mimicking surrender, showing no intention of summoning fire amidst her element. there's no urge to act, only to react.

‘   lower your arms, girl.  ’ he says, his tone pleasant, as if they aren't at a potential standoff. despite their shared features and blood ties, he isn't like his cousin. the former fire nation soldier and abdicated prince has no interest in theatrics with children. however, that does not translate to underestimating the waterbender because of her youth or gender. he took a life at fourteen. before she could travel unaccompanied by a governess, azula had already mastered the art of bringing grown men to their knees with flames and retribution.

his amber gaze remains fixed as he rises from his kneeling position, flickering towards her arms, ready for any poised, potential movement.

❛ stand back ! ❜ panic rushes into her voice as katara holds her hands out in a familiar stance of summoning water, though she doesn't – not yet. after all, he hasn't fired any shot at her. stupid, she thinks of herself. if sokka were here, there's no doubt this unexpected confrontation would made her brother hesitate all the more from ever letting her out of his sight. it wasn't her fault the stupid firebenders who were chasing them seem to also coincidentally collect their water source here !

dammit, katara thinks around a bubble of trembling guilt though. maybe she should be paying more attention. what if she's the reason the avatar's capture ?

@phoenixrsing 💙'd starter call !

#[ to be tagged. ] #drophlet

[phoenixrsing]

‘  you treat all your ladies like this? ’  @yourideaguy

flames roar from the campfire, casting a warm glow that bathes those around him in a yellow hue, flickering red dances against their flesh, then orange. the moon hangs at its highest peak in the skies, the unfamiliarity of their faces, even his own family, contributes to that feeling of vulnerability he reluctantly accepted as a recluse among the sun warriors. such experiences constituted a series of lessons he was forced to swallow upon assimilation to the outskirts of society, carrying with them the mythos of old fire nation lore. fragments eradicated from their history books once his great-grandfather took power. his own cowardice, his abandonment. the elders of the ancient civilization did not take kindly to the truths he spilled once he revealed his name and his origins. encountering his cousin forces it all back to the surface. here, on ember island with the band of misfits his cousin integrated with, there are simply truths inevitable. he cannot outrun his past.

fragments of his power pulsate low behind his ribcage akin to a hummingbird out of reach—echoing, dormant in sync with breathing, with his pulse.

‘   only the special ones like yourself.  ’    tone slithering in sarcasm, he jokes.

#[ replies. ]

[phoenixrsing]

hc + list of collected artifacts from conquered territories.

the acquired treasures or spoils of war were later given back to each territory after the hundred years of war—but as it stands in his present canon, the number of collected artifacts ranges from ancient relics, weapons and armor, religious artifacts, and artistic pieces. these artifacts have been acquired by soldiers under his command, meticulously collected, and securely stored in various locations. some are housed within the royal vault, while others are displayed in war museums and cultural centers, which serve as a hub for propagating fire nation ideology—weakness conquered by strength. additionally, a portion of these treasures finds its place in his personal collection.

scrolls inscribed with historical prophecies from the foggy swamp tribe, and stone carvings from the si wong desert, believed to hold mystical powers. gauntlets crafted by skilled artisans from the earth kingdom, shields used by water tribe warriors, adorned with intricate carvings depicting tui and la.

sacred relics from temples across the earth kingdom, including ceremonial masks, prayer beads, and ritual implements. pottery from the western air temple, representing the spiritual beliefs of the air nomads. carved, ivory figurines from the southern water tribe, illustrating spirits of the sea and sky. fauna in hues foreign to the fire nation, preserved in jars, collected from the shores of the southern seas.

tapestries depicting scenes of daily life from conquered villages—architectural landscapes, agricultural practices such as farming and livestock rearing, symbolic weddings, hunting and fishing, community bonding, and traditions.

#[ introspection. ]

[phoenixrsing]

love like the galaxy (EP37)

 “i’m only joking around with you like men”

#[ visuals. ]

[phoenixrsing]

send me  ‘ hc ‘  + a word and i’ll write a headcanon about it regarding my character.

#[ prompts. ]

[phoenixrsing]

“Here’s to us, the rotten children: They made us into violence. Your bones, your skin, it’s all been turned into ash. Here’s to us, those born of violence, turned into a war-ground.”

— We are beauty and fire; ash we may be, but we are stronger than them. (CNS)

#[ introspection. ]

[phoenixrsing]

a stark imperialist mindset, firmly believed in the fire nation’s rule and its expansionist policies. raised in a culture that values conquest and dominance, he saw no issue with the status quo and was comfortable with the idea of colonizing other territories. he viewed the conquest of other nations as a natural extension of his nation’s power and influence. manifest destiny. he was indoctrinated with the idea of the fire nation superiority over other kingdoms—reflected in how the fire nation's educational curriculum is heavily steeped in nationalist propaganda. any one not fire nation depicted as an enemy to the state.

as a result, he is seen as a staunch supporter of these belief systems, earning favor from fire lord azulon as a potential heir due to his brilliant strategic mind and proficiency in military, political matters, and diplomacy. familial obligation, duty, and expectations. he is not cruel to his family and those he holds dear, displaying a softer side characterized by humor and loyalty. however, beneath this façade lies a simmering temper, akin to a slow-rising volcano. while he is not quick to anger, it takes significant provocation to set him off, revealing a more ruthless and pragmatic side to his personality. he values efficiency and results, but he is starkly loyal to the battalion under his command. he would sacrifice himself for his men, his family, and those he held in the highest regard. he exudes charisma and fearlessness in both his demeanor and actions.

he was close to his father. his mother hotaru, died during childbirth. his entire command dies under his watch. he loses pieces of himself on the frontline of the siege.

keeping your cards close to your chest is the best summarizing quote for his ability to be altogether guarded, and secretive when needed.

name: lu ten title: lieutenant colonel sexual orientation: homosexual, intended to enter an arranged marriage with a daughter of a high-ranking noble or government official, to produce an heir. age: verse dependent—currently 21, was 19 when he assimilated with the sun warriors. joined the military at 15, and served 4 years in direct combat. height: 187 centimetres. chinese zodiac: snake. western zodiac: leo.

#[ introspection. ]

[phoenixrsing]

&. 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

(  an  assortment  of  dialogue  prompts  for  various  crime  /  mafia  /  detective  /  criminal  underworld  scenarios.  trigger  warning  for  dark  themes.  feel  free  to  change  as  you  seem  fit.  )

❛ i always get paid in the end, one way or another. ❜

❛ maybe you just need someone to tell you what to do. ❜

❛ i don’t think you fully understand the situation you’re in. ❜

❛ rule one: don’t get caught. ❜

❛ i do what people pay me to do. ❜

❛ consider this a professional courtesy. ❜

❛ i want us to be friends. i want us to trust each other. ❜

❛ you thought you could just fuck with us, and we wouldn’t fuck with you? ❜

❛ can we just exchange three words without you pulling a gun on me? ❜

❛ the detective’s life isn’t an easy one. but it rarely lacks for excitement. ❜

❛ i don’t have time for distractions right now. ❜

❛ tell me, what was life like on the other side? ❜

❛ so, to what do i owe this pleasure? ❜

❛ how many fights have you been in this week? ❜

❛ you want a silencer pistol? sure, if one’s on sale. ❜

❛ go ahead. you might as well finish the job. ❜

❛ can i at least buy you a drink? ❜

❛ you’re gonna get yourself killed if you keep this up. you know that, right? ❜

❛ we’re not all savages here, sweetheart. ❜

❛ the only thing that’s gonna keep you safe in this world is that gun. ❜

❛ i’ll teach you something about punishment. ❜

❛ do we have your allegiance or not? ❜

❛ why is it whenever we see each other, you’re covered in blood? ❜

❛ you wanted the truth. i’ve given it to you. it’s up to you what you do with it. ❜

❛ you’re playing nurse to a killer, you know. ❜

❛ this your idea of laying low? ❜

❛ looks like you could use a bodyguard. ❜

❛ you look great. like a million bucks of real money. ❜

❛ working together again, it’s just like old times. ❜

❛ drink all you want, but we need to stay focused. ❜

❛ you’re like a cockroach i can’t kill. i mean it in a good way. ❜

❛ you eat, or you get eaten. animals call it survival. humans call it business. ❜

❛ i could teach you how to fight, but i wasn’t equipped to take care of you. ❜

❛ i wanted to hurt them for the way they hurt you. ❜

❛ no one’s worth a bullet between the eyes. ❜

❛ may i have my gun back? ❜

❛ who taught you how to do that? ❜

❛ i’m gonna make you an offer. one time only. ❜

❛ i had it under control. you didn’t need to do that. ❜

❛ you still have to keep up appearances. ❜

❛ the bodies he buried laid the foundation of what we are now. ❜

❛ imagine how quickly you can succeed if you just take what you want. ❜

❛ that wasn’t a punch. if i’d punched you, you’d be on the floor. ❜

❛ the choice to live an ordinary life is no longer an option for me. ❜

❛ i need you to focus on this case. not on me. can you do that? ❜

❛ you’re still an honest person. it’s the rest of the world that’s gone crooked. ❜

❛ all you need to do is exactly what i tell you to do. ❜

❛ i’ve done things i’m not proud of. i’ve hurt people and i’m going to hurt more. ❜

❛ blood money buys the best art. ❜

❛ everyone who ever helped me is dead. i don’t want that to happen to you. ❜

❛ i don’t kill people. not even scumbags like you who deserve it. ❜

❛ you treat all your ladies like this? ❜

❛ you’re not very good at retiring. ❜

❛ remember who the real enemy is. ❜

❛ you’re one of us now. nobody ever tell you that? ❜

❛ i’m the lucky one who pulled you out of the garbage. ❜

❛ if it were up to me, you would’ve been dead a long time ago. ❜

❛ everyone in that room has lived far worse than anything you’ve ever done. ❜

❛ if you’re doing it to help someone, doesn’t that make it okay? ❜

❛ you don’t get to be at the top without making enemies looking to tear you down. ❜

#[ prompts. ]