#DESTIN IS A FIRE BENDER

[melzula]

All I Ever Wanted

pairing: zuko x reader

notes: this was originally requested by an anon but i also took inspiration from mitski’s song “your best american girl” while writing this. give it a listen during your read !

summary: as a peasant and servant girl for the palace, you should have known better than to fall for the Prince

The sun is warm against your skin and the grass is soft beneath you as you land on your back in a fit of giggles. Azula is unamused by your antics, but Zuko finds himself laughing right along with you. It’s a peaceful summer’s day in the palace gardens, and you spend it as you would any other day by playing with your friends.

“I caught you,” you tell him with a breathless laugh after turning your head to face him.

“No way, I was just going easy on you,” he argues with playful grin, his nose nearly brushing against your own due to your close proximity on the grass. Your heart beats fast in your rib cage as you try to ignore the rising heat on your face and play it off as a result of your exhaustion and not your nerves from lying with the Prince. You haven’t realized it yourself, but you have a crush on Zuko, a painfully obvious one that he hasn’t seemed to notice yet. What you also don’t realize is that he reciprocates the feeling, and he shares the thrill that comes with being your playmate.

“Are you two done yet?” Azula finally interrupts with a roll of her eyes as she offers you her hand and helps you up from the ground. “It’s my turn to hide this time.”

“I don’t think we can play anymore,” Zuko notes with a frown as his mother makes her way towards your group. You quickly bow in respect to the Fire Lady, but she waves you off with a smile.

“I’m sorry, y/n, but Zuko and Azula must attend their fire bending lessons now. I’m afraid playtime is over for today,” she informs you apologetically.

“Yes, Fire Lady Ursa,” you reply politely before turning to give both of your friends departing hugs. “Bye Zuko, bye Azula!”

“It’s too bad you’re not a fire bender,” Azula remarks after halfheartedly returning your embrace. “Maybe dad would let us play with you more if you were.”

Her words make your body hot with embarrassment and shame, and though you don’t voice your discomfort Ursa is instantly able to pick up on it. With a scolding glare, the Fire Lady quickly urges her daughter to apologize.

“Azula, that is not a nice thing to say to a friend.”

“But it’s true,” the girl mutters under her breath only to have her mother drag her away before she can get the chance to say anything else. Zuko hesitates then, giving you an apologetic look and promising to play with you tomorrow before rushing after Ursa and Azula.

You’ve never really cared about being a non-bender, but there’s something about Azula’s words that has you questioning your worth. As the daughter of a royal family servant with no title or money to her name, you knew you were lucky to be able to grow up in the palace and play with the Fire Lord’s children. However, you never once realized that you weren’t their equal. They were royalty, a Prince and a Princess destined to become powerful benders and ruthless leaders of the Fire Nation, and you were simply a girl who would one day grow up to live a life of servitude. You had no real future or purpose ahead of you, not like they did, and yet you were the only one unaware of your unfortunate fate.

Perhaps it’s because they never treated you in such a way, and your mother did her best to shield you from your true heritage. For now you could grow up blissfully unaware of the fact that your friends would one day outgrow you.

“Mom?” Zuko asks once they’re safe inside the palace. “Do you like y/n?”

“She’s a sweet girl,” Ursa notes with a faint smile, “and she makes you both happy. So yes, I like her.”

“Then why doesn’t Dad?”

The Fire Lady’s smile fades into a remorseful frown, and she simply ushers her son forward with a shake of her head. “Let’s not worry about that now. You’re going to be late for your lesson.”

Zuko isn’t satisfied with her answer, but he isn’t give a chance to discuss it further with her. For now, he remains content with the fact that he likes you, and his mother likes you.

That is enough for him.

~~~

The day is calm as you carefully hang the clothes to dry and enjoy the warmth of the sun basking on your skin. It’s rare that you get tasked with the outdoor chores, so you savor the opportunity for as long as you can. Doing the royal family’s laundry certainly beats scrubbing the floors of the palace, and you are grateful the spirits have taken mercy upon you today.

You’re freshly fifteen and the summer is just beginning. You’ve grown into a well-mannered young woman, and you’re old enough now to be able to take on some of the work that once fell to your mother. One day you will take her place and continue to serve the royal family until you’re no longer physically able. You’ll never get to leave, but you consider yourself grateful to live on the palace grounds. You will forever have a roof over your head, food on the table, and, most importantly, your friends.

You take great care to pin Azula’s dresses down without getting any creases or wrinkles in the fabric, and you’re so lost in thought that you don’t notice the figure carefully creeping up behind you. You’re too busy reciting the words to an old Fire Nation folk song your mother had taught you to pay any mind to your surroundings, and it gives Zuko the perfect opportunity to catch you by surprise.

“Y/n!” He exclaims with a grin as his hands land firmly upon your shoulders. You nearly jump out of your skin at the act, and your reaction has the Fire Prince laughing so hard his cheeks begin to hurt.

“Zuko!” You scold with an irritated scowl as you chuck a handful of clothespins at him in retaliation. “You need to stop doing that!”

“I’m sorry, you just make it so easy,” he teases with a light nudge to your side before taking it upon himself to pick up the pins you’d discarded.

“Shouldn’t you be getting ready to leave for Ember Island?” You ask him with a quizzical look as you resume your previous work of hanging the clothes.

“That’s actually what I was coming to talk to you about,” he admits with a sheepish smile. “I want you to come with us.”

“What? You’re not serious, are you?” You retort apprehensively, halting your movements to gauge his reaction for any hint of insincerity or humor.

“I am serious. You deserve to have fun once in a while too,” he notes with a careful smile. You’re too oblivious to notice the look of admiration on his face and definitely too concerned with finding a way to let him down gently to realize he’s inviting you because he likes you. Despite your own feelings for the Prince you’ve developed over the years, you’re much too self-depreciating to ever believe Zuko could possibly feel the same. If only you knew.

“I can’t just up and leave! There’s work to be done, a-and my mother would be so upset with me if I abandoned my chores and-“

“Azula will tell our father she wishes to bring you along as a personal servant so you can come with us, and someone else will be tasked with taking on your work while you’re away. There’s no way your mom could be upset with you for serving the Princess, could she?”

“Azula would really do that for me?” You question meekly, a hopeful glint in your eyes as you hang on to his every word. You’re trying your best not to get your hopes up, but you wish for nothing more than to leave the capital city to see the ocean for the first time and feel the sand beneath your feet. As the daughter of a servant and now a servant yourself, you know you’d never get a chance like this if not for the fact that the siblings had grown fond of you over your years of friendship together. You’re lucky, because you know without them you’d truly be nothing more than a floor scrubbing peasant.

“Of course she would, she wants you there just as much as I do,” Zuko assures you. Gently taking your hands in his own, he gives them a comforting squeeze and looks into your eyes with a loving smile. “We leave tomorrow morning. Bring enough clothes to last you three days and a bathing suit.”

“I don’t own one,” you admit with an embarrassed frown, but your friend doesn’t display any sign of judgement in the slightest towards your shortcomings.

“Then I’ll take you shopping myself when we get there.”

Your heart melts at his words, your gaze falling to the ground bashfully as you try not to dwell on the fact that he’s still holding your hands. You’re in love with the Prince, and the Prince is in love with you, and everyone but you has figured out just how much you mean to each other.

Even Fire Lord Ozai, who odiously watches the scene unfold before him from the top of the palace balcony.

~~~

The shores of Ember Island are beautiful.

The waves almost seem to sparkle underneath the moonlight as they crash peacefully against the shore, and down below the lively chatter of your friends carries through the air and fills your heart with contentment. You’ve had the most perfect time here at the beach, and it pains you to know that tonight will be your last night of freedom before you must return home and resume your life as a servant girl.

The wooden doors behind you carefully slide open and closed, and soon a familiar warmth joins you out on the balcony. For a while you say nothing, simply enjoying the closeness of him as you watch Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai practice tricks in the sand below. You don’t know how to thank the Prince for all he’s done for you, for always looking out for you since you were children, for never once treating you as less than for your heritage. You don’t know how to tell him that you love him with your entire being.

So he does it for you.

“I got you something,” Zuko says after a moment’s silence, waiting for you to turn your gaze to him so he may pull out a small clam from beneath his robes. You raise a curious eyebrow at his offering as he gestures for you to take it.

“A clam shell?” You note inquisitively as you turn the gift around in your palms, carefully feeling out its grooves and intricate ridges.

“Open it,” he directs you quietly, anxiously watching your movements with bated breath.

You smile curiously at your friend before delicately pulling the top half of the shell open to reveal the contents inside. Your eyes widen in surprise at the gift that greets you, and you immediately look up to Zuko to ensure this isn’t some kind of joke.

Inside the clam sits a beautiful gold necklace with a dainty sun pendant resting in the center that shimmers under the light of the moon. It’s beautiful, and it’s certainly worth more than your own life, which is why you immediately try to hand it back to him.

“I-I can’t accept this!” You hastily insist with a quick shake of your head as you struggle to return the clam to him. “It’s too nice!”

“You can accept this,” Zuko reassures you as he carefully pushes the gift back towards you. When his efforts fail due to your persistent attempts to give back the shell, he lets out a sigh and carefully removes the necklace from the clam. “Y/n, I want you to have it.”

“But why?” You demand apprehensively, almost flinching away when he moves towards you with the necklace. You’re completely overwhelmed by his gift and unsure of what it means or why you’d ever be deserving of such a thing. You don’t want to take advantage of his kindness or his status, and you feel like he’s done more than enough for you by bringing you along on this trip, so it just feels wrong of you to take it.

“Because you deserve nice things too,” Zuko explains, and after giving you a pointed look you finally allow him to carefully put the necklace on you. The sun rests daintily along your neck, and he thinks it suits you perfectly. “I brought you on this trip because I wanted you to have fun for once, but also because… well, because I love you, and I thought a romantic setting might make it easier to tell you that.”

“You love me?”

“You haven’t noticed?” He retorts with a meek smile. “I’m not the best at words, but I know that I’ve loved you since we were children feeding turtle ducks in the pond and playing tag in the gardens. You have the purest heart of anyone I know, the sweetest smile, you are everything to me. I hope that by accepting this gift, you’ll be accepting me as someone worthy enough to be your boyfriend.”

“Oh, Zuko…” you murmur softly, eyes full of tears as you throw yourself into his arms and hug him as tight as humanly possible. You’re still shocked by the fact that the boy you love will all your heart feels the same, but you try to remind yourself not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Zuko is right when he says that you deserve to enjoy what life has to offer just as much as he does, so maybe it’s time you finally start allowing yourself the chance to finally let your guard down. You can be more than just a servant girl from the palace.

You can be happy.

~~~

You sit quietly before the vanity mirror as your mother tediously brushes through your hair to ensure not a single strand is out of place. The wrinkles in her skin crease with her nerves as she carefully begins to pin your hair back into the perfect top knot. Immediately after your return home from Ember Island, you were informed that the Fire Lord wished to speak with you. You were expected to drop your chores for the day and make yourself decent before presenting yourself to him. His request to see you surprised you considering the fact you previously believed he didn’t even know of your existence, but it made you nervous all the same. If anything were to go wrong during your meeting, you’d be jeopardizing both yours and your mother’s jobs.

“Make sure to sit up straight and no slouching,” she reminds you quietly while stopping to admire her work. “Hold your tongue until he allows you to speak and thank him for all he has done for us. It is a great honor to speak to Fire Lord Ozai, so you must treat it as such.”

“Mother, what could the Fire Lord possibly want to talk to me about?”

She doesn’t meet your eyes at first, looking away as if contemplating carefully what her next words should be. With a sigh, she sets the brush down and looks at you through the reflection. “Word has spread quickly about you and Prince Zuko, and I think he knows.”

You swallow nervously at her admission, absently brushing your fingers against the sun that hangs around your neck. You never once considered what Zuko’s father would think about his son’s choice of a partner; Ursa had always treated you as one of her own, and Azula considered you to be a good friend, but what would Ozai say of the peasant girl who had stolen his son’s heart?

You don’t have much time to mull over it further as a guard arrives to escort you from your quarters to the throne room. All eyes seem to follow you as you walk through the palace, the gold and red hues overwhelming your senses as you do your best to remain calm. You have no idea what awaits you at the end of the hallway, but there’s no escape now as the grand doors open and you’re pushed inside.

Ozai sits on the throne with a wall of flames roaring behind him. His features are stoic but his gaze is menacing as his eyes watch your meager form approach. You immediately bow in respect to the man once you reach him and kneel before his seated figure. Just as your mother instructed, you say nothing until you are spoken to.

“So you’re the girl my son has chosen to be his partner?” He drawls with a raised brow, obviously not impressed by the person before him.

“Yes, sir. It is an honor to present myself to you, my Lord,” you profess as earnestly as possible while adding another bow for good measure. You need his approval not only to continue dating Zuko, but also to ensure you and your mother are both able to continue living behind the palace walls. Even if you are there as servants tucked away in the peasant quarters, it certainly is a better place to be than out in the streets.

“I know who you are, child,” Ozai scoffs callously as he peers down at you from his place on the throne. “You are the peasant girl who managed to worm her way into the lives of my children. You are a lowly servant with nothing to your name and nothing special about you, and yet you have managed to corrupt my only son."

“Fire Lord Ozai, I-I apologize if my actions have upset you,” you quickly try to interject, but he holds a hand up and signals you to halt your pathetic rambling. Ozai does not have the time nor care to hear your excuses or explanations. That’s not what this meeting is for.

“Do you know how poorly it would reflect on me to have Zuko galavanting around the palace with a servant? Do you know how poorly it reflects on him to be seen with you? It’s a disgrace, and it is something I will not tolerate.”

“I know,” you utter quietly, trying to make yourself appear as small as you feel on the inside. Despite what Zuko has told you, you know that his father is right. You are nothing compared to him. He is the sun, the Prince, the heir to the throne. His future ahead is bright, and there is much for him to accomplish. You have no future, no plans for your life, nothing as grand or important as him and Azula. You are not the sun or the moon or even the stars that hang in his sky, you are insignificant, and you will never be worthy enough to be his.

“A future Fire Lord cannot have a maid as a wife. You must break his heart so that he no longer wants anything to do with you, so that he can move on and find a girl more worthy of becoming the future Fire Lady. You must make it appear to be your own doing and not mine, otherwise it won’t work. Have I made myself clear, child?”

“Yes, Fire Lord Ozai,” you whisper softly, a single tear sliding down your cheek as you bow to the cruel man before you. “I understand.”

~~~

The clouds that hang overhead are gray as Zuko makes his way towards the servants’ quarters. It is unheard of for any royal to ever set foot on these grounds, and so all eyes watch the Prince curiously as he approaches your humble home and knocks gently on the door. Movement sounds from the other side, and after a moment he is met with the startled face of your mother. It’s clear that she hadn’t been expecting him, and he takes her by surprise when he bows to the woman in respect.

“I apologize for coming unannounced, but I was hoping I could speak to y/n,” he utters with a look of defeat on his face. His sullen features make his lack of sleep obvious, and his eyes are full of desperation. You’ve been avoiding him for weeks and he has no clue as to why, but he hopes to figure it out soon before he starts to spiral any further.

“She’s…” your mother begins to say, glancing unsurely behind her before looking back to him, “she’s not feeling well. You can come back another time.”

“But-“

“Please, Prince Zuko, we can’t risk you catching whatever it is she’s come down with. You must go.”

She gives him no time to argue before slamming the door in his face. Zuko is stunned, but his shock quickly turns to anger as he lets out a frustrated breath of flames from his mouth before stalking off to cool himself down.

His footsteps fade into the distance as he departs, and you can only sit by the window of your room and watch him walk away. There’s a tightness in your chest that makes you feel as if you can’t breathe, and once he finally disappears over the horizon you break down into an inconsolable mess.

You love Zuko with all of your heart, so it kills you to act as if he means nothing to you. You’re trying to do what Ozai has demanded of you, but it’s agonizing and difficult. You’re too much of a coward to face him and break it off for good, so you’ve resorted to avidly avoiding the Prince at all costs. You hope that by pushing him away he’ll take it upon himself to end the relationship; it would be much less painful that way, but he’s too stubborn for his own good, and he’s persisted despite your best efforts.

The days seem to blend together as you lock yourself in your room while your mother continues to turn Zuko away. You haven’t done any of your chores or worked in days, but Ozai has not faulted you for your incompletion of tasks. Breaking Zuko’s heart is your task, and so long as you keep your word he couldn’t care less what you did with yourself.

After another week has passed, suffocation finally catches up to you and you’re forced to leave your room in order to get some fresh air. You sneak out at nightfall when the palace is quiet and your mother is sleeping so that no one can detect your presence. You retreat to the well out in the back and stare contemplatively into the water below. Clutching the sun that hangs from the gold chain around your neck, you admire the moon’s reflection in the ripples and wish you could be anywhere else but here in the Fire Nation.

“I thought I’d find you here,” a voice utters quietly, causing you to jump in alarm at the intrusion. You turn to meet the solemn gaze of the Prince, and as your back hits the cool stones of the well you find that you are cornered. You can’t avoid him now, and it’s a fact both of you are aware of.

“Zuko, I… I was just leaving,” you stammer hurriedly as you try to push your way past him, but he catches you by the arm before you can get away.

“No, not until you talk to me!” He demands, his eyes full of desperation and despair. “You’re supposed to be my girlfriend, yet you keep avoiding me. Why? Was it something I did?”

“No, Zuko, you didn’t do anything,” you insist despite refusing to meet his gaze. You’re terrified that someone will see you both together and alert Ozai, and you wish he would just release you so you could go back to hiding away in your room.

“Then why won’t you even look at me?”

Slowly, you peek your head up to meet his exasperated face. It seems he’s not going to give up without a fight, so you’re going to have to resort to doing what you’ve been trying to avoid this entire time.

“I don’t love you.”

“W-What?” Zuko stammers in quiet surprise, his hold on your arm loosening slightly. He doesn’t believe what he’s hearing from you, and his mind is scrambling to process your words.

“I don’t love you. I want nothing to do with you,” you repeat firmly, your eyes hardening as you stare up at him and yank yourself free from his grasp.

“Y/n, you don’t mean that-“

“I do mean it! I feel nothing for you, Zuko. I never have. I just felt like I couldn’t say no to you because you’re the Prince, so I had no choice but to say yes to being your girlfriend.”

Hurt flashes across his features and you’re dying inside at having to be so cruel to him. The heart of your childhood best friend is in your hands and you crush it with every word despite how much it pains you. But it’s better for both of you this way, it must be. Ozai will never let you be happy together, but apart he still has a chance to capture the promised future ahead of him. You’re doing him a favor, and you hope one day he’ll be able to see it that way too.

“I don’t understand,” he murmurs weakly, tears beginning to well in his eyes. Then, with frustration clear in his tone, “This doesn’t make any sense!”

“Did you honestly think we could actually be together?” You retort in disbelief. “Azula always said you were a fool, but I didn’t think you were this naive. A servant and a Prince don’t belong together, and you’re the only one who can’t seem to get that!”

“Alright, fine,” Zuko mutters indignantly. His sadness has quickly morphed into anger, and you hate the way it makes you feel. “Can I just ask you one thing?”

You say nothing in response, and he takes your silence as a sign to continue.

“If you don’t love me, then why are you still wearing the necklace?”

Your eyes widen slightly as your hand immediately flies to your neck to clutch the pendant, and your heart slowly begins to sink to your stomach as you realize you’ve been caught in your lie. It’s your turn now to be at a loss for words, unsure what to say as you simply stare up at him with your mouth slight agape.

“You don’t mean what you’re saying,” Zuko says firmly as he moves closer to you. “Someone else is speaking for you, aren’t they?”

“I…”

“What’s going on, y/n?” He presses gently, carefully resting a hand upon your cheek. “Why are you acting this way?”

“I can’t tell you,” you argue weakly, your own eyes becoming full of tears as you allow yourself to melt into his touch. You’ve missed the feeling of his warmth and the comfort of his closeness, and despite your mind screaming at you to remove yourself from him your heart keeps you planted in place.

“That’s nonsense, of course you can. You’ve always been able to tell me anything, so why can’t you now?”

“Can’t you just believe me when I tell you it’s for your own good?” You plead emphatically despite the wavering of your voice.

“How can this possibly be for my own good?!” He retorts in exasperation. “I’ve been miserable without you. Life feels empty when you aren’t around, and I don’t know how to deal with the fact that the girl I’ve loved all my life can’t seem to stand me.”

“It’s not like that!” You cry defensively as the tears finally begin to fall.

“Then what is it?!” Zuko demands, and you can’t seem to take any more of this torture. The lies are killing you, and you can’t help but to finally crack under pressure.

“I’m not good enough for you!” You finally exclaim as you pull yourself away from his touch. You try to choke back your sobs but the ache in your chest makes the task difficult, and you can do nothing but let your words flow freely after keeping them bottled in for weeks. “I-I have nothing to offer you, nothing that makes me special, nothing ahead of me like you do. It’s an embarrassment to the Fire Lord for you to be with me, and it will be an embarrassment for you to have me as your Fire Lady.”

Stunned by your admission, it takes Zuko a moment to process your words. He steps towards you and you flinch, effectively breaking his heart in the process. It’s clear you’re frightened, but not of him. Your fear is geared toward someone else, and the culprit must be responsible for you now feeling this way.

“Who told you such nonsense?”

“Your father,” you admit quietly much to Zuko’s dismay. His eyes immediately harden and his chest is immediately tight with anger, but he does his best to keep his emotions at bay so as to not upset you further. “He spoke to me when we returned from Ember Island and told me we couldn’t be together. Ozai demanded I break your heart so that you can move on and find another girl more suited for this life than I could ever be. I didn’t want to, I still don’t want to, but I’m doing this so that you can have a better future. I’ll only hold you back, Zuko.”

After taking a moment to digest your words, Zuko carefully steps towards you again. You don’t reject his advances this time, so he allows himself the opportunity to carefully wipe away the steady tears that fall down your cool cheeks. Despite how much of a mess you assume you must look like, the Prince still sees you as the most beautiful girl he’s ever laid eyes on.

“I don’t care what my father says,” he assures you gently as he takes your hands in his own. “You’re not an embarrassment, and there’s no other girl that could ever compare to you. I love you, y/n, and I’m not going to let anyone ever get in the way of that.”

“You mean that?” You ask with a quiet sniffle, holding his hands tight as if he’ll leave if you let go.

“Every word. Let my father and anyone else who disapproves of our relationship say what they want to say. I want to be with you, and I hope you still want to be with me too.”

His looks to you with pleading eyes that seek your reassurance, and for a moment you hesitate. Being with Zuko is all you’ve ever wanted, and now he stands here before you professing his loyalty and his love to you. The boy from your childhood had stolen your heart, and you’d be lying if you said you wanted it back.

You know being with him won’t be easy, especially not with his father’s adamant disapproval of your relationship, but you trust Zuko, and so you have to trust that everything will turn out okay. You meet his desperate gaze and gift him a faint smile, and despite knowing you’ll regret this, you wordlessly lean in to meet his lips in a kiss.

You can worry about Ozai’s wrath later. But for now, you allow yourself to melt into his embrace by the moonlit well as you share your first kiss in weeks. It feels right being in his arms once more after spending so much time apart, and you hope you’ll never have to be without his touch ever again.

| zuko tags: @ilovespideyyy @yiyibetch @eridanuswave @lammello @a-monsters-love @taeeemin @livelaughlovekuni @lovialy @alexatiu

#melzula writes #request #zuko #zuko x reader #zuko imagine #prince zuko #prince zuko x reader #prince zuko imagine #azula #ursa #ozai #angst #atla #atla x reader #atla imagine #avatar the last airbender

[firelordsfirelady]

V. Ocean and Moon

Author: @firelordsfirelady

Imagine: When Y/N—a princess of one of the Water Tribes—is told she’s leaving her tribe, she never expects that she’s to be betrothed to the Fire Lord’s son, nor was she prepared to be exiled the very day she arrived at the Fire Nation. With her life in the hands of her new fiancée, how will life change for the princess? 

Pairing: Zuko x F!Reader

Trigger warnings: arranged marriage, feelings of fear, banishment, mentions of burns/abuse, frustration, violence, betrayal

Word Count: 921

Destined to be Yin and Yang

I own no rights to any of the Avatar Last Air Bender characters. 

Author’s Notes

The characters as all aged up so Zuko’s banishment happens when he’s 16 

Keep in mind I am bringing a unique world with inspiration from ATLA in their characters, some of the events that happen, bending, etc. Not many things may align or occur with what happened in the show. It’s intended that way, so I hope you enjoy it regardless.

See Y/N’s inspiration here. 

For two days, I did not leave my room nor did I open my door to anyone. Several times someone knocked at the door to bring me food or ask if I needed anything, but I assured everyone that I needed nothing. By noon of the third day, I was starting to feel better, but I still did not want to deal with Zuko and his attitude. I was busy working on my third drawing since I had sequestered away to my room when three harsh knocks sounded on my door.

“Gentle now.” Iroh’s muffled voice came from the other side of the door that was followed by three softer knocks on my door.

“Unless you have jasmine tea, go away.” I smiled to myself as I continued my sketch, knowing damn good and well that Zuko did not have any jasmine tea with him.

“I told you this was pointless.” Zuko grumbled before I heard footsteps walk away from the door. A few minutes later, however, a set of gentle knocks sounded on my door.

“I have jasmine tea this time.” Zuko grumbled from the other side of the door.

“Tell her you have cookies too.” Iroh’s softer voice said, and Zuko sighed heavily. 

“And cookies.” He said. “I brought jasmine tea and cookies.” Sighing heavily, I set my pencil down and walked to the door.

“I hope the cookies and tea are better than you have been to me.” I said as I opened the door to find Zuko standing there with a tea tray and a small plate of cookies with Iroh standing off to the side behind him. “The tea certainly smells divine.” Stepping to the side, I motioned for Zuko to enter. Iroh gave Zuko a small push forward before he turned and walked away. “You can place the tray on the desk. I won’t ask you to do anything more than that.”

Moving to stand by the bed, I watched Zuko set the tray down before he paused at the sight of the paper laying on the desk. Curiosity was evident on his face as he gently picked up the drawing I was working on. I felt my face heat up as I watched the prince look over my art before I took a seat on my bed.

“Go ahead and say that it is so improper of a princess to have such a hobby.” A humorless chuckle left my lips as I played with a strand of hair.

“I wasn’t going to say such a thing.” Zuko said quietly, which caused me to look at him through my lashes. I had drawn two koi fish—one black and one white—to represent the moon and the ocean spirits, and Zuko was studying the picture with curiosity. “What is the story behind the drawing?”

“I’ll tell you on one condition.” Zuko looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “Make me a cup of that jasmine tea?” Zuko set the drawing on the table before he set to work pouring a cup of jasmine tea. I smiled at him as he handed me a warm cup of tea. “Thank you.” 

Inhaling the vapor from the tea, I sighed with contentment before I took a sip and let the warm liquid wash over my insides.

“The two koi represent the two most important spirits to the waterbenders—the moon spirit and the ocean spirit.” I motioned to the picture. “The black one with the white dot is the ocean because we believe the ocean gives us life. The white koi with the black dot represents the spirit of the moon, and our ancestors learned to waterbend by watching the moon’s pull on the ocean.” Zuko took a seat on the chair by the desk as I continued my story.

“The spirits come to our plane once a year to be mortals for a night. Though I have never seen them in person, I’ve had visions of these two koi fish since I was a young child.” I motioned to the picture. “I’m not sure what form the spirits take when they come to visit us, but I cannot help but think that koi fish is fitting for them.” Zuko looked at the picture for a moment before he shifted his gaze back to me. There was a slight upward curve to his lips as he looked at the picture again.

“You can have it.” I said as he looked at the picture, which made him turn to look at me. “You can have the picture. I’ve drawn them more times than I can count. Plus, I have other pictures to keep.” I smiled at the firebender. “If you don’t want it, that’s fine too. My feelings won’t be hurt if you don’t.” I shrugged before I sipped my tea. “Thank you for the tea and cookies. I appreciate it.”

Zuko slowly stood up and gave me a nod. He looked at the picture for another second before he stood up and delicately grabbed the art off of the desk.

“…Thank you for sharing your story…and for the art.” He awkwardly said before he bowed and turned to leave the room. He paused as he reached the threshold of the door. “I am sorry about what I said to you the other day.” With that, he left the room and closed the door behind him. 

I stared at the closed door Zuko left through, and my cheeks felt warm.

Perhaps there was still some kindness left in the Prince after all.

Tag List @chevysstuffs @puttyly @ginger24880 @night-fall-moon @junieshohoho @0kauy @coolgirl458 @hypnoticbeing @angelruinz

#avatar imagine #zuko imagine #zuko x reader #avatar the last airbender #prince zuko #destined to be yin and yang

[prying-pandora666]

Who is Izumi’s Mom? Copium Edition

So we all know that Bryke have refused to confirm who Izumi’s mother is. Even when they released family trees, the conspicuously left Izumi’s mom blank.

So incredibly frustrating!

So since Bryke insists on baiting us and not giving us closure, here’s a dose of copium for all shippers.

First off! Izumi’s name means “spring fountain”. Remember that.

Secondly, she looks like this:

REASONS WHY YOUR SHIP OF CHOICE COULD STILL MAKE SENSE!

Mai - She looks the most like Izumi. She canonically dated Zuko (until they broke up AGAIN). The former comics’ writer believes they will make up. She and Zuko have a history surrounding fountains. Even with all the drama, she remains the most likely candidate.

Katara - It should be self explanatory why a child named “fountain”, as in water, may be a reference to the one water bender Zuko dueled with most. The two of them clearly developed a connection by the end of the show, and Katara once even offered to heal Zuko’s scar. This one is all but debunked due to Kataang being canon, but it’s still nice to dream! And no one can deny they look great together.

Jin - Zuko and Jin shared lovely chemistry on their one date. Zuko was even willing to risk getting outed as a firebender in the Earth Kingdom and imprisoned, just to make her smile. This scene is also significant because it involved a fountain. Considering the bulk of Zuko’s redemption happened in the EK and the plot continued into the comics dealing with the blended FN/EK colonies, I can see why this would be a good thematic choice.

Toph - A rarer pair but one that one storyboard artist snuck in a reference for! Toph and Zuko have a lot in common. They both come from families of status that abused them for their failure to conform. Toph was born blind while Zuko has a disfiguring facial scar that realistically should affect both his vision and his hearing to an extent. Toph also has a friendship with uncle Iroh and was the first member of the Gaang to successfully understand and comfort Zuko as well as she did. Some point out that Zuko’s daughter Izumi has vision problems (like Toph) while Toph’s daughter Lin has a facial scar (like Zuko). The name Kanto, the alleged father of Lin, can also be written with the characters for “crown capital” so some speculate it’s an alias for Zuko. Spring fountain could be a reference both to the Earth element’s season of spring as well as to a volcano, which is like a fountain combining fire and earth. This scene is the most telling, with two doves representing Zuko and Toph. When Zuko walks away from Toph, the two doves kiss, signifying that perhaps a romance between them is destined for the future. Luckily, Toph knows how to listen and wait. Everything that applies to Jin about making peace with the EK applies even more to Toph since she’s actually from a noble house.

Suki - A bit of a wild card since she’s dating Sokka! But the comics showed Zuko and Suki getting much closer. When no one else was on Zuko’s side during the conflict in the colonies, and even Mai dumped him over his desperate visits to Ozai, Suki stayed by Zuko’s side. She never lost faith in him and tried her best to be there for him. The two have clearly developed a close friendship and bond of trust. Some even see it as romantic, which spells bad news for our boy Sokka. However, seeing as the book Legacy implies Sokka and Suki broke up, perhaps Zuki shippers have more evidence to stand on than originally thought! Everything that applies to Jin about making peace with the EK would also apply, since Suki is also from the EK. Perhaps she could fan the flames of his passion?

Sokka - Okay we all know it’s not going to happen but they’re really cute and I get it. The fountain claim applies to Sokka same as it does Katara! Hey there’s always a chance! Korrasami proved that!

Ty Lee - Not a lot to go off here but it’s undeniable that the two have a weird, unspoken tension. Why is Zuko quietly beefing with his sister’s bff? It’s never explained. Something is definitely going on there! We just don’t know what it is. In the comics, Zuko does lament not playing with Ty Lee and the other girls more as a kid.

Azula - I mean… okay I get it. The features that Izumi has in common with Mai, she also has in common with Zuko. So it’s not impossible to see why some would think she looks like Azula too. But can we please not make ATLA into Game of Thrones? This certainly isn’t helping:

Jet - He’s dead now so it’s not possible. But did Jet actually have a thing for Zuko? You know… it was really unclear.

#atla #avatar the last airbender #avatar #Zuko #maiko #zutara #toko #zutoph #Jinko #zukka #Zuki #ty zuko #Jetko

[wileycap]

Okay, so I had a thought (and I'm about 300% sure I'm not the first one, but I was too lazy to check, I also don't know if canon has adressed this already):

When Wan Shi Tong was dragging the library into the Sprit World, how was Toph able to hold it?

Because Toph learned from the badgermoles.

Let's back up a little. The Ocean and The Moon are explicitly spirits. Fang, Roku's dragon, is able to traverse the Spirit World (and on the Solstice, even the physical world) freely, even though Roku isn't. Appa is spiritually connected to Aang and able to perceive it (with help) and follow the connection to Ba Sing Se.

I think all of the original benders are either spirits, or animals that crossed over from the Spirit World. And all of the bending styles we've seen have distanced themselves from the original sources of bending - even Airbending, because Aang and the historical benders don't fly freely, like Appa. Firebending is fueled by rage, that's explicitly stated, I don't have anything good for Waterbending so the source is firmly trust me bro, and in Earthbending, Toph's moves are based on a different martial arts style (Zhujia/Chugar family kung fu rather than the Hung Gar style used by other earthbenders*) than the other earthbenders we see - there is explicitly something different about learning from the original source. I also think all of the original benders, when crossing over, used their bending to anchor themselves into the physical world. For dragons, fire was life and the sun, for Tui and La, their eternal dance was their life and power, etc.

That's a long paragraph to say that no other earthbender could have held up the library. Toph learned her bending from the badgermoles, not as a fighting style, but as a way of interacting with the environment - the same way they do. I don't think she's necessarily aware of it, but I think that, because badgermoles are spirits that crossed over a long time ago, as Toph learned, she also unconsciously learned a style of bending that is much more spiritual than human-taught bending.

This also weaves nicely into the show's themes of destiny. Aang was destined to find Toph (he saw her in a vision, after all), and Toph was destined to teach Aang. But not only that, Toph was the only person who could have held up the library. She wasn't just holding up a big rock. She anchored it into our world.

And I think that's beautiful.

*BUT NOT WING CHUN THO THAT INFORMATION WAS LITERALLY ONE GOOGLE SEARCH AWAY ALL THIS TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS WING CHUN I SWEAR I HEARD IT SOMEWHERE AND INCORPORATED IT INTO MY BELIEF SYSTEM FOREVER thank you dear person in the tags i don't know if it's polite to @ you considering it was in the tags but thank you srs

#atla spoilers #atla #toph beifong #atla toph #toph #earthbending #fan theories #fan theory #avatar toph #avatar the last airbender #spirit world #i really like that #i really like that you can make up fan theories for this show without breaking canon at all #it shows a depth of writing and worldbuilding

[ivnxrori]

When Sun and Moon meet - S1

Zuko x Fem!WaterBender!Reader Enemies to Lovers

As one of the Princesses of the Northern Water tribe, you were blessed with a gift by the moon. However you were permitted to be allowed to use the gift at all costs. From many hidden waterbending usages, the aftermath of the avatar visiting the Northern Tribe had led to your beginning journey, hiding yourself as a water bender as a princess from the Northern water tribe

Warnings: fight scenes, reader passes out

Masterlist

҉ * ‧͙ ⋆ ⁺ ༓ ☾ Chapter 2 - Encountering the Sun

Due to the aftermath of Katara allowing females to waterbend, I decided to participate with Katara and her avatar friend. Which is unsurprising for my father and Master Pakku. It felt awkward finally doing waterbend without having to feel the anxiety of getting caught, weirder doing it in front of the people who I have been hiding most. “Well done, Y/N. Feels like you never even stopped waterbending in the first place.” Master Pakku compliments. I felt a shiver up my spine. “Yeah…” I responded with a tinge of guilt. It's because I never even stopped waterbending, I'm more surprised that no one has caught on. But even if they do, they cannot do anything. I close my eyes and sigh breathily. Slowly inhaling but instantly coughed from the smell of…burning…wait. I immediately open my eyes to see the black snow coming from the sky, but that is no snow…it's soot. “The fire nation” I whispered coldy.

Not too long I hear the warning drums against my ears, spreading news to the whole northern water nation. I sat next to Yue in our hideout with all of our people, slightly shivering even though I'm perfectly fine with the cold. I held Sivoy in my arms, silently praying to the spirits over the speech my father was giving. He was most likely saying the same thing as I. I just need my family to be happy and safe, especially Sivoy. I hugged Sivoy even tighter than I already was while he was babbling nonsense, playing with my hair. I wish there was a way to tell Sivoy of how much danger we are in but…there is nothing we can do but fight.

I heard the explosions ringing in my ears. This is real…this is all real. Oh how much I wish my mother was still here, she was taken too soon by the fire nation. I just hope my father, my sister and my brother will live. Another explosion hit, I cover my ears to prevent further ringing and wince. Yue held my shoulders and rubbed them to comfort me, I shouldn't be comforted at this moment, it should have been Yue who needed comfort. Yue was busying herself by telling factual information to Katara and the Avatar about  water bending while I leaned against the ledge to peace my own mind. My ears perked up from the word ‘Spirits’. “Spirits?” I sat up catching the three off guard. “You can talk to the spirits?” I leaned closer to the avatar. “Yeah, Aang can talk to spirits. The Avatar is connected to the spirit world and the real world.” Katara explained. “If that's the case…then follow me” I immediately speed walk towards the needed destination.

  ҉   ☾

“This is the most spiritual place in the North pole, unfortunately you have to go there yourself, but this area should be able to assist you...like it did to Yue and I.” Aang nodded as all four of us walked to the Spirit Oasis. “It's so warm here” Katara examined the area. “It's pretty comforting here” I smiled at the reactions of Aang and Katara, feeling mesmerized by the area. This area was very gorgeous indeed. Aang was able to sit down in front of the pond with the fish circling one another, resembling the yin yang. “Why is he sitting like that?” Yue questioned Katara as we both looked at him strangely. “He’s meditating” Katara answered “He’s trying to cross over to the spirit world, it takes all his concentration.” 

“Is there any way we can help?” “How about some quiet?” Aang retorted snappily. “Come on guys! I can hear every word you guys are saying!”. I held back a laugh as I continued to watch what Aang was doing. Both Yue and I were very intrigued. With a flash, both his arrow and his eyes were glowing. Yue and I flinched from the scene. “Is he okay?!” Yue panicked as I furrowed my brows. “He’s crossing into the spirit world, he’ll be fine as long as we dont move his body. That's his way back to the physical world.” Katara explained, pointing at Aang. I felt shivers up my spine, someone here… I glared at my surroundings while Katara and Yue were talking, trying to see who was approaching us. “Shh someones coming-” “Aw, aren't you a big girl now”. Us three turned around to see a boy. “No…” Katara shakily said “Yes…now hand him over and I won't have to hurt you” He threatened. The boy has a ponytail and a very visible red burn scar on his face. “Who is he?!” I freaked out while holding my stance to attack. “He is part of the fire nation-” Katara couldn't finish her sentence when flames were there the next second. Immediately coming to Katara’s defense as I attempt to push him away with the water given from the Oasis. “I see you made another waterbending friend, however I didn't come this way to lose to you” He got back up again attempting to continue fighting. “Katara froze him, it can keep him restrained” I yell, gathering up as much water as I possibly could. She nodded as we both pushed him against the wall, caging him. “Is it her? Is she your master who has been teaching you these moves?” The boy said spitefully and immediately burst through the ice. “No?” I retorted back, looking at him confused but the confuzzled face didn't stay long until he blasted another flame from the palm of his hands. I move back trying to shield Aang as Katara pushes him against the rock, knocking him out in an ice mountain. I exhale a breath of relief. “Thanks Katara” “I should be thanking you”

However the relief was short lived as we felt the sun rising up and the scar boy, once again getting through the ice. Catching Katara off guard she hit the wooden pole causing her to pass out. “Katara!” I yelled and attempted to push him away from Aang. “Shoot!” I grumbled, feeling my bending growing weaker. I looked at the sky trying to look for the moon, however there was no moon. The shine of the sun reflected off of me while I tried to hold eye contact against the enemy under the bright light. Couldn't the sun come out later? His finishing blow of flames causes me to move back, coughing through the dust swaying it through my vision. “You must have known, You rise with the moon, I rise with the Sun”. I glared at him trying to get back at him, already forming my water but unfortunately I lost all feelings of my legs, colliding with the grassy land, my eyes went from blurry to nothing…

<- Back - Next ->

a/n: Im editing this while watching s3 avatar, I was worried that s3 might clash with my fic but I managed to make do. Im submitting the chapters because this is before Y/N starts her journey, so her real powers will happen in s2 (I THINK). ALSO Zuko is in this chapter wooo!! Sad there is no romance yet and this is a slow burn. I might edit the previous chapters to write slow burn. I really want Zuko and Reader to be enemies and reader to really hate Zuko. Im trying to release a chapter once everyday but one spring break is up im not sure if I would be able to continue, however ill try my best! -- Taglist: @luvkvni @katovano @karmaswitch @someonesmember @velvet-spider @sh3sa1dwhat @nerdisthenewcool @meiraloves2dmen @fqnfics101 @iluvme547

#zuko x reader #prince zuko #zuko #zuko atla #zuko avatar the last airbender #zuko avatar #atla #fire lord #fire lord zuko #the gaang #gaang #zuko fanfic #zuko x y/n #zuko x you #alta zuko x reader #reader #reader insert #female reader #fem reader #x female reader #zuko imagine #alta x reader #avatar last airbender #prince zuko x you #prince zuko x reader #prince zuko x y/n #waterbending #waterbender reader #waterbender #avatar the last airbender

[imagines--galore]

||The Thread of Fate|| Part Nine

Summary: Soulmate AU. They say the Thread of Fate connects you to your one true love. It may tangle. It may stretch. But it will never break. Wrapped around your little finger it tightens when it feels your soulmate is close and loosens when they are far. And becomes visible with the colors of your soulmate’s Nation when you finally fall in love with them.

Pairing: Zuko x OroraOC (ATLA)

Rating || Genres || Warnings: T+ Romance. Adventure.

Previous Chapters - Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight,

A/N: So I didn't mean to stay away for so long but then life happened :/ Anyway! Hope you guys enjoy this REALLY long chapter!

To say it had been a close call would be an understatement. Not only had they escaped the Fire Nation Princess as well as the Fire Nation in the past few weeks, but somehow had managed to evade capture once more by two unknown assailants from the Earth Kingdom.

Hiding away in flower pots had certainly not been a comfortable idea, but it proved effective.

While the shopkeeper's son wheeled them away from the small village that had offered them refuge, Orora's mind caught up with all that had happened since yesterday.

Finding someone to help them.

The strange Pai Sho game.

The White Lotus Tile.

Escaping the Oasis.

Iroh's strange meeting.

Falling asleep on Zuko's shoulder.

The last one had a blush stealing across her cheeks, and the memory of it had her stomach flipping in on itself.

It was ridiculous just how strangely her body was reacting to what had happened. Especially when the waking up part had involved Zuko suddenly jumping to his feet and her body flopping to the side on the dirt floor.

He didn't even apologize for it, which only added to her annoyance of having been so rudely awakened.

As her annoyance faded to mild irritation, her mind began to wander had just how much her life had changed within the past few months.

Not only had she left home and her family, but she had also found herself a Master who could teach her. Her healing abilities had increased exponentially given the severity of the patients she had taken care of, not to mention how many she had treated. She had learned how to fight, a feat she was most proud of considering she barely had any training. The Moon Spirit herself had visited her and offered her advice. Her fingers unconsciously brushed against the white patch in her hair.

And then there was the fact that she had also found her soulmate.

Albeit one she could never accept but still. Not a lot of girls from the Northern Water Tribe claimed to have found their soulmates. Most of them had their marriages arranged to someone of their father's choosing before they could do so.

So perhaps she was fortunate enough to know who he was.

Just too bad he was the Fire Nation Prince.

Running a hand down her face the water bender sighed. "I need to stop fixating on him so much." She muttered to herself.

                                          ————————–

Boarding the boat that would carry them closer to their destination went about with no obstacles. Which was strange considering up till now whatever plan that was made hit a snag or two along the way. Still, she wasn't about to question fate and did remain on guard should anything go awry.

Her blue eyes were focused on the dock as it slowly grew smaller as the boat sailed away. Her Master had expressed his excitement by proclaiming himself a tourist, while Zuko remained as he preferred.

Pouting and brooding in a corner.

She barely overheard what they were speaking of, content on simply gazing at the clear water. She could see her reflection in it, could see the white patch of hair she had been blessed with.

Was that what it was then? A blessing by the Moon Spirit. Lifting her hand she brushed the tips of her fingers against the strands, tilting her head as she continued to observe her reflection. She wasn't someone who cared too much about her looks, but she didn't think she was unpleasant to look at. Cutting off her hair had been humbling in her opinion, and necessary. And the short hair did suit her, the strands now coming to just curl under her chin, the tips barely touching her collarbone. Still was she someone who could be described as being pretty? She pursed her lips, dropping her hand and shaking her head. Honestly, what was wrong with her? There were other more pressing things to worry about then her appearance.

"Orora, my dear." Iroh's voice barely registered in her mind, so lost she was as she gazed at the water, though she did make a small humming sound, to show she had heard him.

"It would seem there are a few passengers in need of your abilities."

That got her attention. Standing straight, the young girl followed his line of sight to see a young mother trying to console her small child. The little boy's arm was in makeshift sling, and even from here Orora could see how awkwardly the boy was holding his arm.

With an encouraging nod from her Master, the young waterbender slowly approached the duo. The mother looked up as she came closer.

"I'm sorry if his crying is disturbing you. It's just he's hurt an-" Orora shook her head, letting her lips curve into what she hoped was a friendly smile. "That is not the reason why I came. I'm a Healer, and I wanted to see if I could do something to help him."

So saying she bent down on her knees and reached out a hand towards the boy. "May I?" The mother looked a little unsure, but the child let out a loud whimper and she relented. Removing the sling, Orora uncorked her water pouch and coated her hands with the liquid. It glowed under her touch, mesmerizing the boy and distracting him from the pain as well as the fever that raged through his tiny body.

"It is a small break, but one I will be able to fix." Orora observed. She pressed her hands atop the boy's arm and took a deep breath. The blue glow around her hands intensified briefly before dying down. "Now try to move your arm." She encouraged with a smile, once she had removed her hands.

The boy was hesitant at first, but when no pain radiated from his injury, he let out a bright, happy laugh before swinging his arm around. Orora couldn't help but laugh lightly at his enthusiasm. "Well, it looks like you're all better now." She turned her attention to the mother who was looking at her in utter disbelief.

"He'll need something to make sure his fever goes away." Reaching into her bag she pulled out a small pack of leaves. "So just add this in his water and he should b-" The next moment all the breath was knocked right out of her as the mother all but threw herself forward and wrapped her arms around Orora in a tight embrace. "Thank you. Thank you so much." She all but sobbed. For her part, Orora patted the woman awkwardly on the back a few times.

When it came to physical displays of affection, her life had been quite lacking. Her father had never hugged her, her mother would only brush her hair in affection. The only embrace Orora could recall was one she had received from her grandmother. And that was so long ago.

She barely remembered it.

Once she was free of the embrace, the young girl quickly stood up and nodded at the small family before quickly retreating to where her two travel companions were. She moved to resume her previous stance when a voice stopped her.

"Why did you help them?"

Her head turned sharply in Zuko's direction. He was standing up against the support beam she had just passed, arms folded and a rather irritated look on his face. Which was the norm really.

"We're supposed to be keeping a low profile. You can't just go around and heal people." His words had her sighing in an almost exasperated manner. "Tell me Lee." The use of his other name sounded strange upon her tongue, and if Zuko were honest a tiny part of him didn't like hearing that name coming from her lips.

He much preferred Zuko.

Without so much as a hint of emotion in her features she continued. "If you came across a person, begging for water, and what you had was the last of your reserve would you give it to them?"

                                          ————————–

The silence that followed her words stretched on. Both teenagers refused to look away from the other, having started some sort of staring contest where neither wished to admit defeat. However there were subtle differences between their expressions.

Orora's face was tilted upwards slightly, silently challenging Zuko to answer and nearly taunting him with her eyes as she did. Zuko, on his part, had his lips pursed, and while Orora's stance was more relaxed and at ease, it was clear there was an inner battle that raged within the banished prince.

Then again, there was always a battle raging within him every waking hour.

Unable to bear the intensity of Orora's gaze, he was the first one to look away. The girl let out a small sound that was a mix between disappointment and annoyance. "When you're ready to give an answer to my question, I'll answer yours." She said referring to what he had asked earlier. With that she walked past him towards Iroh who stood nearby trying to act as if he wasn't paying attention to them. And failing at it.

"I'm going to take a walk around the deck. See if anyone else needs my help." With a nod of confirmation from her teacher, Orora gripped the shoulder of her water satchel and with one backward glace in Zuko's direction, walked off.

The young prince watched her as she left. He couldn't understand why she went about helping people like she did. Sure she had done it in the past, but that was mostly to get some money for provisions. These people couldn't give her any money.

Was she simply doing it out of kindness?! Was that even possible for a person to do given how dangerous things could get for her. She was a girl after all. Not defenseless, but still an easy target.

The thought of Orora being an easy target for anyone looking to take advantage of her had a sickening feeling settle in the pit of his stomach.

And it had nothing to do with the smell of the food he had received while he had been lost in contemplation. Pushing away the unpleasant thought, he turned his attention to the broth in his bowl and made a face. It looked like dirt, and he was sure it tasted like that too. He raised the bowl to his lips and no sooner had the broth touched his lips when he spat it right out.

"Ugh! I'm sick of eating rotten food." He growled, looking like he wanted to throw the bowl into the water. "Sleeping in the dirt. I'm tired of living like this!" Maybe it was the hunger gnawing at his stomach that had his previous emotions rising to the surface. Or maybe it was the thought of a certain waterbender getting hurt somehow.

"Aren't we all?" The voice came as a sudden distraction, prompting Zuko and his Uncle to look in the direction of the speaker. A teenage boy with a stalk of wheat in his mouth stepped into their line of sight. He was flanked by two younger teenagers. "My name's Jet and these are my Freedom Fighters, Smellerbee and Longshot." He introduced himself and his companions. The girl, Smellerbee, greeted back, Longshot simply gave a small nod of acknowledgment.

"Hello." Zuko spoke in a slightly dismissive tone, hoping they would go away. However, what Jet said next caught his undivided attention.

"Here's the deal. I hear the captain's eating like a king while the refugees have to feed off his scraps. Doesn't seem fair, does it?" Iroh, who was normally against stealing but couldn't deny his hunger spoke up. "What sort of king is he eating like?"

"The fat, happy kind." Jet stated in a slightly sarcastic tone. Hearing this Iroh's mouth hung open, as his mind began to concoct all sorts of delicious meals the captain might be eating at that moment. Jet turned his attention back to Zuko. "You want to help us "liberate" some food?" He asked with a smirk. Glancing down at the disgusting slop Zuko gripped it tighter in his hand before tossing it into the water. "I'm in."

                                          ————————–

With one final deep breath, Orora lifted her hands from the leg she had finished healing. "There. That should heal it." She informed the previously ailing old man who gave her a smile of disbelief and gratitude. His old wife reached out to clasp her hand in a motherly way. "Thank you so much my dear. We were afraid he wouldn't be able to find work with his injured foot when we got into Ba Sing Se." Orora smiled. "Well no need to worry about that now."

As she watched the old couple walk away, the man with an obvious spring in his step, her smile disappeared and she fell to the side, catching herself on the wooden railing. Raising a hand to her head, the young girl pressed her fingers against her temple to try and alleviate the pain that radiated from there. She had been healing for a good few hours now. And though she had had breaks inbetween where she would give out medicinal herbs to those who were sick, she had barely found time to stop and just rest. Let alone eat.

The sun had set a good hour or so ago. Maybe that was enough healing for the day. Her arms were aching from the multiple healing sessions, and her body felt heavy with tiredness. Was this what it felt like to heal people for such a long time? Your entire body felt like it was half-dead? Maybe she had overdone it.

But those people had needed her help, she told herself as she walked back to her travel companions, bending fresh water from the lake and into her water satchel. "Good evening, Orora." Iroh greeted as she sat down next to him. Giving a small nod, the girl stifled a yawn. "And to you Master." She glanced around, frowning slightly when she didn't see any sign of Zuko. "He has made some new friends." Iroh answered her unspoken question, prompting her to look at him in surprise. He simply smiled at her. She blushed at having been caught, but her embarrassment was forgotten when Zuko appeared with three other teenagers, bags over their shoulders.

Bags that was filled with food.

While Jet, as Iroh quickly informed her, distributed the food to the rest of the refugees, Zuko brought over several bowls of what looked like fresh food towards them. Iroh quickly accepted a bowl of noodles and began to slurp them down happily. Orora stared at the bowl Zuko held out towards her.

Their eyes locked, gold on blue, their string shorter when they were close. Slowly she reached out to take the bowl, their fingers brushing as she did. "Thank you."

It wasn't long before she had eaten her fill and was beginning to feel even more sleepier then before. Zuko had settled down beside her eating his own food.

Having distributed all the food, Jet came to sit down with them. She was only able to give him a nod of acknowledgement before resuming her semi-dozing state, trying hard not to fall asleep completely.

"From what I heard, people eat like this every night in Ba Sing Se." Said Jet. "I can't wait to set my eyes on that giant wall." He continued sounding almost wistful as he did. Iroh nodded. "It is a magnificent sight." Jet leaned forward, eager to hear more. "So you've been there before?"

The shift in conversation had Orora momentarily forgetting about her lack of sleep as both she and Zuko turned their attention towards Iroh. "Once. When I was a different man." The sadness and despair in his usually twinkling eyes made Orora's heart ache and she reached out to rest a hand on top of his in comfort. Her Master patted her head, silently showing he appreciated her concern for him.

Jet pursed his lips before speaking. "I've done some things in my past that I'm not proud of, but that's why I'm going to Ba Sing Se: for a new beginning. A second chance." For someone talking about the future he didn't sound so hopeful about it, Orora mused to herself.

"That's very noble of you." Iroh spoke, nodding at the teenager. "I believe people can change their lives if they want to." He glanced at his nephew. "I believe in second chances." Zuko too glanced at his Uncle, though his amber eyes shifted to Orora who rubbed the heel of her palm against her eye, yawning as she did. Iroh noticed too, prompting him to reach out and pat her on the shoulder.

"Perhaps you should turn in, my dear. You've had a tiring day." Wordlessly the girl nodded, barely able to keep her eyes open. Slowly she rose to her feet, and had barely taken a step forward when a wave of dizziness overcame her, tilting her to the side and straight into Zuko. Luckily he was quick enough to catch her, though he almost fell back himself. "Orora?" The urgency in his voice was evident as he shook her shoulder. The girl mumbled something under her breath. His Uncle quickly looked the girl over and smiled in exasperation. "She has worked hard today and has passed out from being tired." He finally stated. Zuko scowled. "Well couldn't she have passed out on her bedroll?" Even with the words coming out of his mouth, his grip around her shoulder and waist did not let up.

If anything he seemed to hold her closer. Especially with Jet looking at her like he was. Zuko did not like it one bit.

"I will lay it out for her." Iroh quickly stood and went off to get a pillow and blanket from where they were stored on the ship for their use. Zuko gave a small nod of confirmation, stiffening when he felt Orora shifting a little in his arms before settling once more. Her head rested against his shoulder, and her lips were parted slightly as she breathed deeply. His features shifted to a look of concern as he quickly tried to figure out just how long she had been healing and helping people. And that too on an empty stomach. Of course, not that he could've done anything about it. She was much too stubborn to actually listen to him, but at least he would've had the chance to tell her off when she returned.

But then why should he care? A voice whispered in his head. A voice that sounded suspiciously like his sister's. Why should he care about a lowly waterbender? What was she to him?

"She your girlfriend?" Jet's question cut through his dangerous musings. Zuko leveled a particularly irritated glare in his direction. "No." He snapped, the very word laced with poison.

Just your soulmate, his brain supplied, as Jet raised his hands in a gesture that showed he meant no harm before getting up and going to look for his companions. Zuko stayed where he was, and this time he purposefully avoided looking at the girl passed out in his arms. As soon as his Uncle returned with the pillow and blanket, he laid her down on the hard floor and left her to sleep.

And if he was extra gentle with his movements as he laid her down, he did not think too much of it.

And if he lingered over her, watching her as she settled to make sure she was as comfortable as he could get, his Uncle did not mention it.

And if he leaned back down to pull the blanket over her shoulder properly so she would not be cold, Zuko pretended that he didn't, consciously, allow his fingers to brush against the soft skin of her cheek as he pulled back.

And if he happened to glance at the string around their fingers glimmer with color, he ignored it completely.

                                          ————————–

Being on your own isn't always the best path.

His own words resonated in his ears and his mind from his recent conversation with Jet. As he watched the docks grow in size as they neared their destination, Zuko couldn't help but think over what he had said. He had tried that. He had spent nearly a month on his own and it had gotten him nowhere.

If anything, things had gotten only worse for him. Maybe he had gotten used to having someone around him.

His Uncle had been by his side since his banishment. He had been the unbreakable support Zuko had needed in his times of despair. And truthfully, he was the reason he had made it this far alive. How many times had his Uncle helped him out of difficult situations? Though he would never tell him, Zuko's affections and gratitude for his Uncle ran deep. And sometimes, even though he knew it was wrong, he wished that Iroh was his real father and not Ozai.

And then there was Orora. Someone who had come into his life and made it all the more complicated. He lifted the hand where the string was tied to his finger, and followed it's path to the other end. His soulmate stood next to Iroh. Her back was towards him, allowing him to observe her without it becoming awkward for either of them. Despite the fact that nothing would come out of them being each other's soulmates, he couldn't help but wander if mayb-

The sound of the whistle blowing cut through his thoughts as their boat finally docked. The crowd began to chatter excitedly as they made their way towards the gangplanks. Sighing to himself, he walked towards Uncle and Orora.

"Well now, just one more stop and we shall begin a new life together." His Uncle stated jovially as he led the way towards the gathering crowd.

Together.

Such an insignificant word that carried so much weight.

Orora glanced in his direction as she fell into step beside him. He allowed his gaze to meet her own for a brief moment before they both looked away.

                                          ————————–

Orora was sure that the ticket woman who stood behind the booth had to be a distant relation to her old tutor, Ms. Chiyo. She had a certain look in her eye, one that Orora had dreaded as a child since those beady eyes would assess her every move looking for a slip up on her part.

The woman had been her manners and etiquette tutor for a good few years, and Orora had despised her. She had always been so harsh and could be downright cruel at times.

"So," The woman spoke, looking over their tickets and passports as the three of them stood in front of her. Mr. Lee, Ms. Orora and Mr. ummm ... Mushy, is it?

Iroh, ever the polite old man, corrected her. "It's pronounced Mushi." The already irritated woman's expression shifted to pure annoyance as she glared at Iroh. "You telling me how to do my job?" She demanded, her voice rising in pitch.

Sensing that perhaps he had done wrong, Iroh was quick to shake his head as he approached the ticket booth. "Uh, no, no." There was a brief pause on his part before he continued with a smile on his face that was, for lack of a better word, sickeningly sweet.

"But may I just say you're like a flower in bloom. Your beauty is intoxicating." Orora could feel her face morph in one of disbelief and slight disgust at the words coming out of her teacher's mouth. Beside her Zuko was no better, looking just as disgusted.

For a moment Orora was almost afraid the ticket woman would call the guards, but instead she smiled in what the young girl could only say was a flirtatious manner and return Iroh's smile.

"You're pretty easy on the eyes yourself, handsome. Roar!"

Oh that part nearly had her bursting out into laughter. She clapped a hand to her mouth, while Zuko did the same but to his eyes, as if he had no desire to even witness what was going on in front of him.

"Welcome to Ba Sing Se." Their tickets were stamped, and they were officially citizens of Ba Sing Se. Iroh grinned happily as he collected the tickets and held them out for the two teenagers to take.

"I'm going to forget I saw that." Zuko grumbled before snatching his ticket and walking away. Orora accepted her ticket as well and followed after the prince, though she allowed herself to be amused by what had happened and let out a few giggles as she did.

Iroh brought up the rear, looking rather pleased with himself.

                                          ————————–

As they waited for their train to be called, Orora leaned back where she stood, watching as the refugees boarded the trains that would take them to their destination. It seemed strange to know that she would entering a city. She had only seen small towns and villages so far. But a city as big and grand as Ba Sing Se would surely be unmatched to what she had experienced so far. And that included the Northern Water Tribe.

A familiar voice broke her out of her thoughts. "So, you guys got plans once you're inside the city?"Jet asked as he sat down next to Zuko. Orora couldn't help but frown at the teenager's insistence to be around Zuko every chance he got. What was his problem anyway? She mused to herself, not even bothering to hide her scowl as she glared at the boy. Just then a Tea-seller walked by prompting Iroh to quickly get up and buy himself a cup of Jasmine. Though no sooner had he tasted the liquid when he began to lament his mistake. "Blaugh! Ugh, coldest tea in Ba Sing Se is more like it! What a disgrace!" Orora couldn't help but giggle, reaching out to pat her Master gently on the shoulder as consolation. "I'm sure we'll get you some nice warm tea when we get to the city, Master." He nodded in affirmation. "Hey, can I talk to you for a second?" Jet said motioning for Zuko to follow him. Zuko sighed and reluctantly rose, following after him.

Once more Orora found her eyes trained in the direction of the prince as he walked off. They stood a little ways away talking. But whatever the conversation was, it was over just as quickly as it began. She quickly looked away, not wanting to get caught and turned her attention to where Iroh was drinking his hot steaming tea happily.

Wait!

Hot?!

Steaming?!

A startled gasp fell from her lips, prompting Zuko to falter in his steps and follow her line of sight. His hand darted out to knock the cup of tea out of Iroh's hand. "Hey!" The old man protested even as his nephew leaned down to hiss at him through gritted teeth. "What're you doing firebending your tea?! For a wise old man, that was a pretty stupid move!"

"Honestly Master, that was reckless." Even Orora couldn't help but chime in. But Iroh wasn't listening to any of them, lamenting over his spilled tea. Orora glanced up toe Jet's retreating back. "He didn't see anything did he?" She spoke softly, dread filling her as she thought of what the boy might do should he discover that Zuko and Iroh were firebenders. "I don't think so. Besides, even if he did, he has no proof." Zuko stated firmly as a way of reassuring her as well as himself. The waterbender nodded, though there was a nervousness in her eyes that remained even as they boarded their train a few minutes later.

But then that all shifted to the very back of her mind as they exited the station and were greeted with their every first sight of Ba Sing Se. Eagerly looking out of the window, Orora couldn't help but stick her head out of the window and let out a little laugh of joy as the cool air brushed through her hair.

"I hope Ba Sing Se brings something new for us." She whispered to herself as she watched the scenic view pass by.

Beside her Zuko couldn't help but hope for the same.

                                          ————————–

Tag List - @wavesofchaos​ @violet-potter​ @rennysketch​ @emma-andrea1 @fuzzyfestcat

@msrawog

#zuko x y/n #zuko imagine #zuko x reader #zuko x oc #avatar the last airbender imagine #avatar the last airbender fanfiction #avatar #the thread of fate #avatar: the last airbender #avatar the last Airbender

[mxtantrights]

Bounded by shadow and blood (9)

azriel x magic!fem!reader

You don’t know who is taking you back to the dawn court. Yesterday’s events kind of displaced everything. It was surprising but the inner circle let you and Amren leave after the match. Nesta didn’t ask questions.

And when you and Amren got to the town house, she insisted on drinking to your win. Which you had to clarify to her more than once last night that it wasn’t really a win.

He handed it to you. He actually won. You don’t like to admit defeat but you know when to call a spade a spade. He’s good. Without his powers he was more than your match, he was better than you. If you were friends you would ask him for fighting tips.

You weren’t friends though.

And since your brother did not come here, you have no reason to stay longer than needed. 

Which is why you’re packing you bags once again. Maybe he went to another court. It could be possible that he told the council that the night court was his indeed destination when he really meant to go to the opposite end of the continent. 

Your front door opens, you know it’s Amren.

“We need you.” She says.

Yo turn around to face her, “What are you talking about?”

“It’s the thief, he’s asking for you. Says he wants to confess.” another voice answers. Out from behind the wall Cassian appears, arms crossed and tense.

“Lars?” You ask.

She nods once.

“Okay. Lets’ go.” You say.

Cassian walks over to you and places a hand on your shoulder. The feeling of winnowing is uncomfortable. It feels like your insides are being spread in different ways. But it’s over before it’s begun and you are face to face with Lars. And Azriel and Rhysand.

The two Illyrians are keeping watch at the door. You notice that Rhysand is watching you like a hawk while Azriel can’t seem to look in your direction.

Lars is chained to the wall, gash marks over his body. The cells smells like—you don’t feel like saying the words. You can see the blood and the puddles of murky water. 

He lifts his head up and looks right at you.

“So you’ve come back to play, pet.” He smirks.

“This is the fate worse than death?” You ask him.

He lunges at you but the chains hold him back. You don’t even flinch at his actions. You actually get closer to him.

“You wanted to speak to me so speak.”

Lars smiles at you. It’s not even a smile, but a snarl. All teeth, all bite. As if he weren’t the one in chains. As if he held all the power in the room right now. It unnerves you that he feels that way, especially with this secret looming about your brother and your abilities.

“You’re looking for someone.” He starts off.

You school your face to remain neutral. If you gave him even an inch of a reaction he would run with it. He would tease you with information that he may or may not have, and keep you coming back for more. He’d probably try to work out a deal so that he could leave this cell and the night court all together.

“Someone very important, because you don’t fit in here and you still made the journey. You don’t like it, you can’t blend in as well as you think you do in the dawn court.” He continues. You watch his eyes. They look like they are on fire with urgency. Waiting for you to take a but out of his treat. Once you bite you’re done for, you have to keep him talking.

“Don’t you want to know why I was in the dawn court?” He asks.

“You were there to steal.” You answer for him.

He shakes his head, “I wasn’t there to steal. Not really. I mean that was a personal quest of sorts, I was hired to go there.”

“By who?” You ask.

He gives you a look. You know who. You’re supposed to know who he’s talking about. Really he could be talking about anyone, your brother, a council member, another blood bender. The fact that he won’t name anyone gives you pause.

“Why wait until you were here? Why not tell me when you were in my possession?” You question him.

He laughs to himself. You don’t get it. He’s laughing, baiting you, he knows something but not enough. He would have demanded something of you by now if he knew anything important.

“It is part of the plan.” He says simply. 

You still don’t get it. He’s speaking in present tense about a plan when he’s in chains. The high lord of the night court just a few feet away, ready to rip into his mind no doubt. You can’t really ask Rhysand to go into his mind to see what he knows for you. 

Maybe Thesan was right, you should play nice with others.

Too late for that change now. No one in this cell trusts you. 

“I’ll leave you here to rot and figure it out on my own.” You put nonchalantly.

“That struck a nerve.” He smirks again.

“It seems like someone struck a couple of yours. We will not see each other again.” You say finally.

With that you turn around.. You hadn’t realized Cassian moved to stand with his brothers. That’s what Amren called them. Different blood but they were family nonetheless. Now the three of them stood together, only two of them looking at you now.

“I’m good here.” You speak.

Cassian tosses a look over to Azriel. The shadow singer nods his head. Then Cassian is peeling himself off the wall. He walks out of the cell and you follow behind him. He takes you down the hallway, which you think is just to psych you out. You two go up the dark staircase and up to the top level.

As you are about to continue walking Cassian stops all of a sudden. You halt a bit late and almost end up crashing into him. He turns around and looks at you. You can tell based off the look he’s giving you alone that he is confused. You’re a question he wants answers to. You wonder if it was him and Nesta that prompted Azriel to come to dawn so early and poke around.

“Did you enjoy your visit?” He asks.

“To the cells or to your court?” You ask him back.

He chuckles, “Both I guess.” 

“Lars was enlightening, then again I knew to expect the unexpected with him. This court on the other hand…” you trail off.

“You didn’t like Velaris?” He asks.

“Seeing how I was treated like a prisoner on parole, I can’t say anything good.” You answer.

He rubs the back of his neck, “I’m sorry about that. It’s just everyone is curious. Even more so now.”

He says the last words and still for a moment. You see it happen in real time. He hadn’t meant to say those words, but they mean something to him. Something happened that made them want to know more about you. 

“Now what?” You ask.

“Forget it. I can take you back—“ he cuts himself off. 

You watch as he takes out a knife. You take a step back. You don’t think he’ll use it on you but you aren’t going to think everything is alright. 

“General?” You ask.

He looks at you and then back at his knife, “Sorry. Amren just sent me a message. Something is going on in town.” 

“Oh?” 

Cassian, “There’s no way for you to get back to the house from here. And I need to go. Rhysand will take you back.”

He leaves no room for discussion. Then he’s gone. You want to believe that there was something actually going on in town. But you’d like to bet that this is just some elaborate scheme to figure out more about you.

You sigh and head back down the steps. You track Rhysand’s blood back to the cell. It’s brutal. You can hear the sound of the beating he’s getting. The sound of blows landing on his body. He’s not even making any noises  either. 

You peer your head into the cell. Lars is bleeding heavily. Azriel is the one delivering the beating. Looking at him like this, you can see why people fear him and his shadows.

“Az.” Rhysand calls to him.

Azriel turns around, they both do. They look at you then silence. In-between the silence your eyes dart to all three of them. From Azriel to Rhysand and to Lars.

“Cassian had to handle something. He said you could do it.” You speak.

Rhysand nods his head. Then he looks over at Azriel. The two having a conversation without words. Rhysand walks out of the cell and meets you where you’re at.

He holds out his hand, “Ready?”

You put your hand in his, ready to leave this court once and for all. Darkness surrounds you and gone is the scenery of the prison. All at once and scenery engulfs you. This is not the town house.

“Where are we?” You ask.

“My personal residence.” He answers.

The high lords home. Huh. You look around. It surely looks like it too. Lavish paintings, marble columns. You can sees the presence of a few people here too. 

“Any particular reason why we’re here?” You question.

Rhysand smiles, “Oh I think we both know the answer to that.”

He would not give up. You sigh as you watch him throw open the doors. Inside appears to be an office. It’s empty inside. He walks in first and you follow hesitantly. 

The high lord takes a seat at the ridiculously overflowing deck of papers. You take the seat across from him. 

“Your abilities are an anomaly to say the least, and everyone here wants to know what you can do and where your loyalties lie.” He speaks.

“What I can do is none of your business and as for loyalty, the dawn court is my home.” You answer.

Rhysand cocks his head, “There’s a war brewing.”

“War isn’t my thing.” You lie.

War wasn’t something you enjoyed. But several times over a few centuries you have had the honor of gracing a battlefield. Never on the front lines, you don’t like the spotlight. But you’re sure there are humans that know of your story and pass it down like a tale to their children. 

You wouldn’t let Rhysand know any of this.

“Even if it isn’t, from what we saw during your match with Azriel it would be beneficial if you were on our side.” Rhysand explains.

You hum, “as long as you align yourself with the dawn court It’ll be like I’m on your side.”

Rhysand is silent for a few moments. You watch as the gears seem to turn in his mind. He out of everyone probably knows more about you than you’d like to admit. While there were very little books on your kind he could send someone to follow you home. They wouldn’t make it past the wards but they would know where to look for more information. 

Maybe you should stop running from the truth. Really, you don’t need your abilities to be news to everyone on the continent. But if a few people know what’s the harm? It’s better they know about you than your whole community.

“I was here looking for my brother.” You offer.

Rhysand sits up at the new information. You know he’s eating this up.

“So Lars mentioned, vaguely.” He says.

“I found out he was never here, though he should have been. He said he was.” You explain.

Rhys sits back, “If you have a name maybe I can find him. It’s possible he was laying low.”

“He wouldn’t have given his name, even if he was here.”you strike him down.

“A lot of people would love to know about Velaris, and do harm to it and it’s people.” Rhysand says suddenly.

That is why Azriel first winnowed you to the woods. He wanted to know that you would keep Velaris a secret. No one knows about it. Not even Thesan. There was the night court and then there was Velaris. 

“If you’re asking me to keep quiet you don’t have to, Azriel beat you to it before we came here.” You the him.

“I know he did, “he states and then he looks past you. A second later the door opens “Now I am personally asking you to keep this a secret for the next time you visit.”

You turn around to see who it was that walked in, even though you don’t have to. You feel it already. It’s Azriel. He doesn’t dare look at you. Whatever happened during the match has made you persona non grata apparently. You turn back.

“I think if I want to see Amren, I’ll just invite her to the dawn court.” You answer.

“Well our doors are always open.” Rhysand offers.

You nod you head at the gesture. You knew it was laced with more than one intention but it was an offer nonetheless. You get up from your seat, seeing as the conversation is over. Rhysand tells you that you bags are already waiting for you at the dawn court, which you thank him for.

Rhysand gets up and holds his hand out for you. Even though Azriel is here, he could winnow you home. But whatever is going on with him won’t let him. He can’t even look at you, why would he touch you?

You take Rhysand’s hand and let him take you back to dawn.

#blood and shadow #acotar x reader #acotar imagine #acotar fic #azriel x reader #azriel imagine #azriel fic

[foxyanon]

To End A War: HoTD/TLK Crossover, ATLA AU

Book 1: Water

Chapter 1: The Avatar

Pairing(s): Aemond Targaryen x Avatar!Reader, Sihtric Kjartansson x Avatar!Reader

Summary: The end begins…

Word Count: 2,406

TW: Character death, mention of bloodbending

Disclaimer: I do not own any images used nor any of the characters from House of The Dragon, The Last Kingdom or Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Many thanks to @arcielee for making the dividers for this series!

Earth. Fire. Air. Water.

Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony, but everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements could stop them. Sadly, Avatar Aang was found and captured after having evaded the Fire Nation for 75 years. The air bender had challenged Fire Lord Daemon to an Agni Kai when the Southern Air Temple came under attack and subsequently lost the fight due to the vulnerability Aang experienced when he entered the Avatar state. The resulting massacre of the airbenders at the temple and the brutal death of the Avatar shook the world to its core, and it seemed all hope was lost.

Most of the knowledge surrounding the Avatar cycle was obscured from the public, many only knowing parts of the stories behind the legend. However, Daemon knew that he had only deferred the inevitable since the Avatar would reincarnate within the water tribe next. While the Northern Water Tribe had not shown to be the birthplace of the next Avatar, that left only the Southern Water Tribe. Fortunately for the balance of the world, the Southern Tribe was notoriously recluse and difficult to reach, even for the might of the Fire Nation. The ever moving icebergs and harsh snowstorms meant that the Fire Navy couldn’t reach any of the settlements within the South Pole. It is here, where the water bending Avatar has hidden for 25 years, waiting and training for the day where she would end this never ending war.

From the day of my birth, my parents knew I was destined for something greater than myself. My training began in earnest when I was old enough to walk since I was among the last of the southern waterbenders and the Avatar. My mentor, Master Hama, often took me away from the rest of the tribe for us to train away from prying eyes. From the beginning, she drilled the importance of not showing mercy to my enemies into my head, showing me how to pull water from every available source and how to manipulate water on a larger scale. When I was 16, she showed me a previously unknown form of waterbending, bloodbending. Since I knew her entire story, I knew she had suffered greatly under the hands of the Fire Nation and thus her unorthodox methods never phased me. I knew there was a great pressure on me to learn as much as possible, as the chances of me being able to learn any of the other elements were rather slim at the time being. The fate of the world rested on my shoulders and I was determined not to fail.

I remain hidden within Grey Wolf Village, far from the capital of the South Pole. I still train daily, but Master Hama’s age has started to catch up with her and she is incapable of going too far from the village for our training. Of all the lessons she has taught me, none have been more important than hiding my identity from the world. “The world is full of monsters disguised as men, you must never let them know who you are,” she would say. I often slipped away from the village, trying to teach myself the other elements whenever Hama wasn’t hovering over me. It was difficult, especially since I had a hard time connecting myself to my past lives and therefore couldn’t ask for their guidance. I knew I would need to find masters to help teach me the other elements, but that would be near impossible since I was the most wanted person within the Fire Nation.

It was on one of these secret excursions that I first saw them, the massive metal ship flying the banner of the Fire Nation causing my heart to nearly stop. I had been trying to teach myself fire bending, but it hadn’t been going according to plan. Instead, I somehow managed to nearly set myself on fire while also melting a fair amount of the snow around me. My failed attempt at firebending must have been seen from the deck of the warship, and now my people were going to suffer for my foolishness. They were sailing straight for the village and everyone there was defenseless, save a handful of warriors and Hama. Without thinking, I jumped into the saddle of my loyal companion, a polar bear dog named Ivalu and we ran towards our home, hoping to arrive before it was too late.

Prince Aemond had been watching along the shoreline, something in his gut telling him he was in the right place. Navigating the ice fields had been hazardous but he was determined to investigate every inch of the frozen landscape until his curiosity was satisfied. He could feel the eyes of his aunt, Princess Rhaenys, on him as he looked through the spyglass. Her ever constant presence by side since that fateful day both thrilled and infuriated him. The soft sound of Rhaenys moving the tiles across the pai sho board mingled with the seemingly calm breeze of the cold morning, a good sign in Aemond’s mind. He continued to ignore her, instead focusing on his own task when he heard a sigh come from behind him.

“You should rest, Aemond. Come, play a round with me,” she spoke in her usual soothing tone, no malice like he had been used to back home. The sound of another tile being moved into place then a contemplative hum filled the air as she waited for a response.

Aemond turned to face her, a scowl on his face as he glared at her. “No, I must keep looking. I do not have time for games, Aunt. We are in the right place, I am sure of it,” he ground out, turning back to the telescope and training his good eye back on the shoreline. Luck appeared to be on his side when he saw what could only be described as a fiery explosion and at the center of the scene, an indistinguishable figure that he could only assume belongs to the one person he has been hunting. A little further along the snowy landscape, he caught sight of a small village. “See there! On the ice there was someone firebending. There is only one explanation, Aunt. We have found the Avatar and their hiding place.”

A heavy sigh and another soft tap of a tile before Rhaenys clicked her tongue at her nephew's stubbornness. “Prince Aemond, we have been down this road before. I do not want you to get excited over nothing.”

“This time is different, I can feel it. Set a course for that village!” Aemond excitedly responded, feeling closer to the end of a long road than he had in a long time.

Upon my return to the village, I learned that the ship had already docked and several men had already come ashore. I slipped past the ice walls and stayed hidden behind a few of the tents, watching as my kin were rounded up and interrogated by a tall and imposing figure. He wore a standard Fire Nation uniform, but it was the way he carried himself that stood out the most to me. His long white hair was pulled back neatly and he wore an eyepatch over his left eye, the edges of a deep scar peeking out and marring his handsome face. I knew in an instant he was a member of the royal family, but I didn’t know his name. Dread started to settle in my chest as the realization that I have been discovered started to become my reality. I was pulled from my short lived self-loathing when I heard the wizened voice of my mentor bark back a retort to the foreign prince.

”Haven’t you taken enough from us already? Or does your greed know no bounds?” Hama asked, the anger in her voice strong despite her frail appearance.

The man simply stared at her, not moved by her words as he asked his question again. “Where is the Avatar? I know they are here, I spotted them along the shore. You will tell me where they are.”

The silence that followed must have irked the man, because he grabbed Hama by her parka before summoning a flame to his free hand. “Tell me now or she suffers for it!” he shouted, his jaw clenching when he received no verbal response.

Instead, the few warriors that remained sprung into action to distract the four other men that had come ashore. That split second was enough for the Fire Prince to loosen his hold of Hama before she too went on the defensive, knocking her captor to the ground with a smooth roll of her arm, the water whip snapping against his chest. The remaining women and children quickly made for safety while I jumped out from my hiding place, pulling water from the snow to send one enemy to the ground to buy time for my neighbors to hide. I quickly turned to see the prince get up and engage in a one on one battle with Hama, my mentor deflecting each of his attacks. He was quicker and more agile, but she was more experienced and had an environmental advantage. I wanted to come to her aid, but the subtle shake of her head as she kept his focus on her was enough to stay my hand. Instead, I focused on aiding the warriors of the village, keeping the fighting from advancing too far from the shore.

After a seemingly quick battle, only Hama and the strange bender were left. They were both breathing heavily as they pushed and pulled with one another. In his rage, he lashed out and Hama went flying back, her body crumpling into a heap on the ground. I quickly jumped into the fray with a shout, taking him by surprise as the rage began to simmer beneath the surface of my skin. The air was thick with tension as we stared at each other, my eyes locked onto his one blue one. My lips were pulled back into a snarl as I bared my teeth, my body poised to strike. He regarded me slowly, a flicker of recognition passing over his face as he dropped into a fighting stance.

Aemond stared at the young woman in front of him, her hair coming undone from its style and her breathing even despite the fighting against some of my best men. She was beautiful, from the stone cold focus in her eyes to the aggressive look on her face. For a moment, he was taken aback before realizing she looked a lot like the figure he saw earlier. The thought that he was actually standing face to face with the Avatar, the very person he was hunting and discovering they were a woman caused something to stir within him. He quickly squashed those feelings, knowing that she was the key to his future and he couldn’t afford to lose focus now that she was within reach.

”So, you are the Avatar? I thought you’d be…” he started to say, but a low growl escaped her throat and suddenly he was having to dodge shards of ice leveled at his head. With a bob and a weave, he evaded and went on the defensive as he started going through the motions. It was easy enough to get angry, memories of his final moments home and now the conflicting emotions swirling within him giving him an edge in the fight. Water and fire clashed as the two circled each other, Aemond’s steps harsher and heavier compared to the Avatar’s more fluid form.

The fight carried on for several more minutes, neither gaining ground on the other until the old woman joined the fight again. The two women moved in sync, backing Aemond towards the warship with offset attacks, not letting him get so much as a breath in. The loss of ground and the possibility of missing out on this opportunity set him off and he roared, throwing out his arms as the flames rolled across the ground, knocking both his opponents to the ground. There was a sickening crunch and he heard the Avatar cry out causing him to look up to see what had happened. The older woman was on the snow, her neck bent at an unusual angle and eyes lifeless as she lay there. The silence as the village gathered around, the Avatar holding the limp body of the woman he determined was her mentor. Soft sobs and incoherent words fell from her lips, the pitiful sounds breaking Aemond’s heart.

He stepped forward, the snow crunching underfoot alerting the grieving woman to his approach. She snapped her head up, tears streaming down her face and grief heavy in her eyes. A brief moment passed before she gently set the dead woman down and rose from her kneeling position, her gaze never leaving his. He was only barely aware of his Aunt on the deck of the ship, several more of his men standing on the gangplank and waiting for further instruction. That’s when the gleam in her eyes registered in his hazy mind and he felt fear for the first time in a long time.

One moment, Hama and I are beating back this aggressive man and the next, she’s gone. An overflow of emotions came over me; sorrow, grief, but most of all, rage. The sound of his footsteps was enough to send me over, the feeling of all my past lives suddenly came rushing to the forefront of my mind and I felt nearly invincible in that moment. One thrust of an arm and all the Fire Nation soldiers were sent flying back into the belly of the ship with the invisible force of a strong breeze. Another upwards punch and a solid step forward, the metal made a loud clanging sound as the ship suddenly closed with everyone on board. A twirl in place and strong push, the water and wind carried the ship away from my home with the force of a polar vortex and swept them all out into the glacier ridden sea.

I felt the immense power leave me before the world went black, the feeling of being caught before I hit the ground, the last thing my overworked mind registered before I passed out.

Drop me an ask if you want to be added to/removed from the tag list for this series!

Taglist: @valeskafics, @gemini-mama, @alexagirlie, @julessworldd, @mrsarnasdelicious, @whitedarkmoonflower, @officerbrowneyes, @xoxo-tala

#hotd #tlk #ATLA au #foxys fics #aemond targaryen #aemond x reader #sihtric kjartansson #sihtric x reader

[natlacentral]

For ‘Avatar’s’ Dallas Liu and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Zuko and Iroh’s relationship ‘was the most important thing’

One of the most emotional callbacks in Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is in the music.

The fourth episode of the series, “Into the Dark,” features a flashback to a funeral. As young Prince Zuko offers his condolences to his Uncle Iroh on the death of his son Lu Ten, the score transitions into an orchestral version of the familiar melody, “Leaves From the Vine.” The song, first heard in the animated “Avatar” series, has long been associated with the Fire Nation general’s grief.

“That wrecked me,” said Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, who portrays Iroh in the new live-action adaptation, now streaming.

“I only just heard the [new] song in December,” added Dallas Liu, who plays Zuko. “I started imagining our scene and [it] killed me.”

The live-action “Avatar” co-stars were in high spirits as they discussed the show and their characters’ relationship over coffee at a West Hollywood hotel earlier this month. (This reporter borrowed a page from Iroh’s book on the joys of spending time with fascinating strangers and opted for tea.) 

Both actors say they are big fans of the animated series, which originally aired from 2005 to 2008 on Nickelodeon. More than once they mentioned the high bar set by the original show and the responsibility they felt to honor its spirit (a previous attempt was not well received), especially because everybody else on set loved the show, too.

“Not even just me and Paul,” Liu said. “Our cast members, our writers, even our transportation and craft [services] team.”

“Avatar” is set in a world inspired by Asian and Indigenous cultures, where certain people have the power to manipulate elements through a martial arts-infused ability known as bending. The original series was the rare children’s cartoon that touched on weighty topics such as war, genocide and imperialism within a fantasy coming-of-age story of a young hero destined to save the world.

“Zuko is a character that I’ve always loved since my childhood,” said Liu of the exiled Fire Nation prince. He is desperately searching for the Avatar — a special bender reincarnated into every generation tasked with maintaining harmony in the world — in order to win his father’s approval and a way back home.

Accompanying Zuko on his mission is Iroh, a renowned general and former heir to the crown who’d spent years at the front lines of the Fire Nation’s ongoing war to conquer the other nations.

Iroh “seems very jovial, but you know there is way more to him than that,” Lee said. “He carries a profound sense of sadness and loss.”

Working within a franchise with a passionate fanbase is nothing new for Lee, who has appeared as New Republic pilot Captain Carson Tevain several recent “Star Wars” series including “Ahsoka” and “The Mandalorian.” But getting cast as Iroh has offered the “Kim’s Convenience” actor a chance to take on the challenge of portraying a character that is already well-loved.

For Lee, Zuko and Iroh’s relationship “was the most important thing to get right.”

“It’s such a backbone to [Zuko’s] story arc,” Lee said. “To his pursuit and where he starts and where he ends.”

Because while “Avatar” is a story that follows Aang (Gordon Cormier), the world’s last airbender, as he figures out how to embrace his destiny and become the hero he is meant to be, it’s also a story about the teens in Aang’s orbit carving out their own paths.

Knowing this, Liu appreciated that their “Avatar” explores Zuko and Iroh’s past a earlier than it was revealed in the animated show. While there are some hints, it’s not until the second season that the animation digs into the Fire Nation royal family’s (dysfunctional) backstory. And some flashback scenes, like Lu Ten’s funeral, are original to the adaptation.

“I was excited because there was no expectation for it already,” Liu said. “I think there are scenes and dialogue [from the animated show] that people are going to look for with a certain level of expectation. But for everything that is new for Zuko on our show, it allowed me to be an artist and be creative.”

These moments were blank canvases Liu relished. He explained that to prepare for the younger version of Zuko in these flashbacks, he took hints from what he learned from his time on “PEN15” watching creators Maya Erskine and Anna Conkle portray middle-school versions of themselves.

“I think I got to tap into that younger side of my own self because I do see similarities between myself and Zuko,” said Liu. “Especially 14-year-old Zuko because there’s no ounce of evil in him.”

Iroh is despondent at Lu Ten’s funeral, as a procession of guests stop by to express their sympathies for the death of his only child. When it’s his turn, Zuko only offers the sentiments that are expected of him at first. But then he shares more heartfelt words as he tries to console his uncle. It’s one of the show’s earliest looks at Zuko’s humanity and capacity for love.

“Dallas does some really, really beautiful work at that funeral scene,” Lee said. “That speech that he delivers is just so heartbreakingly beautiful and comforting. He does all the heavy lifting. I just needed to react to what he was giving me.”

Not for the first time, Liu is quick to respond to the compliment by expressing his own appreciation for everything he learned from Paul during their time together on set. 

“Especially that scene, and in a lot of our other emotional scenes, I can’t stress how much I actually relied on Paul,” Liu said. “He was always there every day to support me with honestly all of our scenes.”

Equally charming was when Liu tried to credit Iroh’s influence as the reason why Zuko is able to open up, for one brief moment, with Aang during another episode. Lee is quick to point out that Zuko’s compassion was something already within him from when he was younger, as seen in the flashback scenes. 

Lee is aware that “Avatar” fans have wondered whether he would sing “Leaves From the Vine” on the series. It was first featured in Season 2 of the animated “Avatar” in an episode that shows Iroh singing the song through tears after he sets up a small memorial for Lu Ten on his birthday. (That segment was dedicated to Mako, Iroh’s original voice actor, who had died before the episode aired.)

“I didn’t want to spoil anything … but I knew that one scene was coming up,” Lee said. It’s one of the reveals that leads to “everybody look[ing] at Zuko differently. I love that. This adaptation, it really is about subtext, past experiences, traumas, success, failures, all of that stuff.”

Both Liu and Lee hope that their Zuko and Iroh will get to continue on their journey.

“What I love about their relationship is, Iroh is there to give advice, but he never tells [Zuko] what to do,” Lee said. Zuko’s “got to find his own way, and he supports him. … I really do wish [we get] to do more [seasons], because I want to see that relationship flourish even more.”

#natla #atla #netflix avatar #netflix atla #atla netflix #avatar netflix #avatar the last airbender #la times #article #dallas liu #paul sun hyung lee #interview

[fictionally-attached]

It is now becoming more and more clear to me as to why the creators of Avatar the last airbender walked away from the live adaptation.

Toning down Sokka's sexism

Sokka being sexist is as important as Katara fighting against sexism. They are BOTH products of their culture. The makers of the Netflix adaptation forget Sokka was the only boy left to protect his village. He believed it was his duty to protect the weak. When he came across warriors that were women, he felt they knew nothing. Only to be humbled, he’d apologize, and accept he was wrong. He even fell in love with one of them (Suki). Sokka’s sexism came not just from his own trauma and trying to fill his father’s shoes, but also the fact that Water Tribe culture is very strict re: gender roles. This showed that although the Fire Nation were the bad guys each nation still had its own flaws and issues. Plus, by showing a likeable main character overcoming their prejudices, it does a better job teaching people to not be prejudiced than by just having the villains be prejudiced. This plot point is a HUGE focus on Sokka's initial development. He is not just some goofy side kick non bender. He learned that his views were flawed and GREW from it. This issue is still relevant to today and not just back in the early 2000s.

2. “We had to make it a serialized Netflix drama, which meant it couldn’t just be for kids. It had to also appeal to the people who are big fans of Game of Thrones.”

I'm fed up with the common misconception that making something appealing to adults necessitates it being dark and gritty. It's an oversimplified assumption that overlooks the nuanced maturity already present in the story. This series masterfully incorporated mature themes that resonated with audiences of all ages. From the genocide of the Air Nation to instances of child abuse endured by characters like Zuko, and the exploration of sexism within the Northern Water Tribe, ATLA didn't shy away from addressing complex issues. It also delved into cultural erasure, the horrors of war, the pitfalls of autocratic governance, and the struggles of characters dealing with PTSD, depression, and mental illness. These elements added depth and resonance to the narrative. Pushing for further grimness to cater to a different fanbase would undermine the series' existing richness and maturity.

3. “We decided to make Aang’s narrative drive a little clearer. In the first season of the animated series, he’s kind of going from place to place looking for adventures. He even says, ‘First, we’ve got to go and ride the elephant koi.’ It’s a little looser as befits a cartoon. We needed to make sure that he had that drive from the start. […] We essentially give him this vision of what’s going to happen and he says, ‘I have to get to the Northern Water Tribe to stop this from happening.’ That gives him much more narrative compulsion going forward.”

Giving Aang this drive right from the start completely changeshis character. A significant aspect of his development in the first season involves transitioning from someone who simply longed for a carefree childhood to one destined to fulfill the role of the Avatar. Remember, he's just 12 years old. Aang's sense of being overwhelmed by the weight of his Avatar duties is precisely why he fled and ultimately became trapped in ice. He wasn't eager to embrace his Avatar status, and that reluctance doesn't vanish overnight. He's a child burdened with the unimaginable responsibility of saving the world and stopping an entire nation. That essence of childhood doesn't evaporate with acceptance of his fate; it remained a fundamental aspect of his character arc across all three seasons. Maintaining his childlike innocence while navigating such weighty responsibilities is central to Aang's appeal and adds depth to his character. Moreover, the numerous detours the "gaang" takes contribute significantly to world-building, a vital element that imbued the original series with its charm. Will the remake ignore all of this???

In today's media landscape, there's a growing tendency to portray main characters as almost too flawless. While it's important to have protagonists that viewers can connect with and support, that doesn't mean they should be devoid of any imperfections. Flaws are what lend characters their humanity and depth, providing them with the opportunity to evolve and improve as the narrative unfolds. When a character begins the story with flawless beliefs and actions, it leaves little room for growth, resulting in a stagnant character arc.

I'm really concerned about how Zuko's and Azula's character development will be handled in the remake. They're both quite flawed characters, especially Azula. She was portrayed as being evil, yet also struggling with mental health issues. It's important to recognize that both aspects can coexist, and one doesn't excuse the other. This complexity was depicted well in the show's final season. I hope they won't simplify or remove these traits in the remake.

And what's next? Will they remove the beloved cabbage man too?

#atla #avatar the last airbender #avatar #the gaang #aang #atla sokka #atla aang #atla rant #atla zuko #zuko #katara #atla katara #toph beifong #ATLA

[circlique]

Color Theory in ATLA/LOK: Korrasami Bonus Round

Welcome back to Color Theory in ATLA/LOK! Today’s bonus installment is in honor of the person in the redandbluebracket poll who said “korrasami wear red and blue, but aren’t red/blue coded.” Oh, you dear soul. Please watch the show before you drop such a cold take next time (trust me, you’ll thank me, korrasami are a treasure).

In case ATLA/LOK’s base color-coding by nation/bending wasn’t enough for you, please read on to see why Korra and Asami are undoubtedly “red/blue coded!”

From ATLA, there is a clear effort by the show’s creators to color-code characters based on their nations of origin. Fire gets red, air gets orange/yellow, water gets blue, and earth gets green. Since Korra is from the Southern Water Tribe, so she wears blue. Asami is the descendant of Fire Nation colonists, so she wears red. Pretty simple, right? But this is only surface level. Admittedly, ATLA’s color coding was a bit more in-your-face than LOK’s. By LOK, the nations have started to intermingle a bit more, so the color coding is more subtle, less obvious, but still there. Color theory is important, or we wouldn't be here. This is tumblr, after all.

Let's start with Korra. Korra has been a talented bender from a young age. She was just a toddler when she showed a propensity for bending more than one element, cementing her identity as the Avatar. As a result, being the Avatar has been a huge part of her identity nearly as long as she can remember. She was raised in a compound in the Southern Water Tribe, isolated from most of the rest of the world as she completed her training. She was raised with the idea that she was destined to be the Avatar, the world’s hero.

Imagine her surprise when she travels to Republic City, a melting pot of cultures of all four nations, and finds that things aren’t quite hunky dory like she'd imagined. One of her first encounters in the city is with an Equalist, a nonbender demanding equal rights and the end of oppression by benders. Korra has never encountered anything like this before. A person demanding protections against benders? Korra is the Avatar. She’s the bender. She’s never seen bending as a problem. Her identity is being threatened. 

What colors represent the equalists? Gray…and red.

From the moment Korra meets Asami, there’s some tension between them. Some of this is because of the (stupid) love triangle between Korra, Asami, and Mako. Asami wears a lot of black, because Republic City is a melting pot, and as a result of this, many of the characters who live here wear more muted colors (Mako and Bolin, for instance, wear gray, with accents in their respective bending colors).

But Asami also wears red. She’s a nonbender. And later on? Her father is revealed to be supporting the Equalists. Originally, Asami was intended to be an Equalist! But Bryke decided she worked better as an ally than an enemy. Anyway, it just goes to show, as a nonbender represented by the color red, a color also worn by the Equalists, Asami is what Korra could be fighting against. The scene where Hiroshi Sato invites Asami to join him in fighting the benders? Where he holds out the electric glove to her and she takes it?

She could be like them. She could be an enemy.

But she isn’t.

In the end, she sides with Korra, but if we just want to go based on color theory? The tension was there, undoubtedly. At that moment, Asami was very, very red-coded.

Back to Korra. Her self-identity is wrapped up in being the Avatar, and she is suddenly faced with a world that doesn’t need, and in some cases, outright rejects the Avatar. What is she, then?

In western cultures, blue often represents authority and security. In eastern cultures, it often represents spirituality. Both of these are the essence of the Avatar in ATLA/LOK. With time, Korra’s character arc comes to revolve around what it means to be the Avatar, and, in particular, her spirituality as the Avatar. Blue is featured heavily in both ATLA and LOK in scenes involving spirits and spirituality. Some good examples would be Aang joining with the ocean spirit in the Siege of the North, Aang being represented by blue as he tries to overcome Ozai and remove his bending, the Spirit Portal that Korra opens in season 2, spirit projections being represented as blue, and Raava’s colors being white and blue. 

Over time, Korra’s overarching character arc comes to be about finding her place as the Avatar in a world that seems to not need her and becoming the spiritual bridge between worlds. Korra was not a spiritual character in the slightest at the start, so for spirituality and the color blue to be so heavily featured in her character? How can you say she isn’t blue-coded?

In fact, the only time she doesn’t wear blue? It’s during Korra Alone, when she’s undercover in the Earth Kingdom trying to “find herself.” When she’s ready to be the Avatar again, she wears blue.

Back to Asami. We’ve already talked about how she represented the possibility of being the enemy of season 1, in a way. She acted as the bridge between “the enemy” and “the ally” through her color representation. But what else? Red already has some very strong connotations in both western and eastern cultures.

In western cultures, red is excitement and danger. It can be adversarial. This has been represented already in Asami’s somewhat antagonistic casting as the opposing part of a love triangle and her almost-involvement with the Equalists in season 1.

But it can also be love. Even as early as the love triangle days, Korra admitted Asami was pretty and elegant. The seeds were there.

Furthermore, in Eastern cultures, red represents luck and happiness. Where is Korra more happy than when she’s faced with a challenge? Asami presents and encourages these challenges for Korra. She offers Korra a chance to learn to drive, something Korra has never done and is eager to try. Where Mako held Korra back and argued with her, Asami supports and encourages her. She doesn’t shy away from Korra’s intensity or warn her she could get hurt. She stands next to her and asks what she can do.

And their arcs? Mirrored, in a way. While Korra has to learn what in means to be the Avatar, and has to hurt to realize how other people are hurting, Asami practically loses everything. Her company, her father, Korra. While Korra becomes steeped in her blue, Asami becomes steeped in her red.

So, when Korra is at her lowest, she confides in Asami, the only person she feels understands her. The only person who matches and encourages her intensity, her passion, without holding her back. The red to her blue.

No wonder Korra fell for her.

That’s it for now. I hope you’re enjoying these so far! I’m obsessed with colors, and I’m sorry (no I’m not).

#avatar #atla #lok #tlok #legend of korra #the legend of korra #avatar the last airbender #korra #asami #korrasami #asami sato #wlw

[marymary-diva17]

Keeping the peace

Sokka, Katara and reader

Life with siblings had the moments where there was no peace, and everything was just chaotic have that was life with siblings. There had been some ups and downs when it came to growing up together, and maintaining the family. Now added traveling the world to help the avatar master all the elements, and during a time of 100 years war yeah there moment of peace and chaotic everyone you went.

Aang " good morning y/n"

y/n " good morning aang I have breakfast on the fire it will be ready soon, we will be having scrambles eggs with some bread and fruit"

aang " that sounds good"

y/n " thank you"

aang " it very quite around here where are sokka and katara" you soon sighed after aang had said towards words.

aang " did I say something wrong"

y/n " no but I have a feeling this peaceful and happy moment, will soon be ended right about ...:"

???? " sokka"

y/n " now" you and aang soon looked to see sokka and katara looking at each other, and they both seem very mad about something. It was to early in the morning to be fight right now for you, but knowing your siblings there was not stopping it.

aang " hey katara and sokka what the matter"

sokka " well katara once again is citric of my packing and folded skills"

katara " I'm just tell you the right away to do it"

sokka " well if you are going to be critic of me I will do you ... what about your gather of woof that not a good pile over there, y/n was lucky enough to start a fire"

katara " it was enough wood sokka maybe you should be working on cooking skills as well, because I have barely seen you cook this whole time yet and we are not eating bugs"

sokka " hey that least I'm bring something back to eat unlike you"

aang " guys I don't think we should be fighting it not good"

katara and sokka " stay out of it"

aang " hey I'm just trying to help it my job as the avatar"

sokka " well good job arrow boy"all three had soon stared fighting with each other. soon a water had splashed all three as they soon looked at you.

y/n " okay we are not having any more fighting this morning"

sokka ' really y/n you had to hit us with water that ..."

y/n " I will hit you with a big wave on a stick your chose or hush" sokka soon stopped speaking as you had looked at tiro.

y/n " aang I love you but you might want to watch when you announce you are the avatar"

aang " yes y/n"

y/n " good katara"

katara " yes"

y/n " stop judging sokka on how he packs the stuff he doing his best and it his way, let see if works best for us"

katara " okay"

y/n " you sokka stop judging katara on getting the wood we don't, need fighting between ourselves right now as we will be traveling together for a long time"

tiro " yes"

Y/n “ good now we are going to have breakfast and once we are done, we will gather everything and leave no more fighting please”

Tiro “ yes ma’am”

y/n “ good now come eat” the tiro knew you had won and there was no going against you, even due you are a good water bender you are also a good peace keeper as well. That was your role keeping the peace between the group, and making sure everyone is okay during the treacle and nothing bad will happen. Once breakfast was ate the group soon packed up and left together, the fighting had stoped and everyone seemed to be getting along while travel to their new destination.

#avatar #avatar x reader #avatar x y/n #avatar the last airbender #sokka and katara #sokka avatar the last airbender #sokka x reader #sokka atla #the gaang #katara x reader #katara and sokka #katara atla #atla x reader #alta x reader #alta x you #alta x y/n #aang #avatar aang #atla aang #aang x reader #team avatar

[firelordsfirelady]

VIII. Rooftop Heartbreak

Author: @firelordsfirelady

Imagine: When Y/N—a princess of one of the Water Tribes—is told she’s leaving her tribe, she never expects that she’s to be betrothed to the Fire Lord’s son, nor was she prepared to be exiled the very day she arrived at the Fire Nation. With her life in the hands of her new fiancée, how will life change for the princess? 

Pairing: Zuko x F!Reader

Trigger warnings: arranged marriage, feelings of fear, banishment, mentions of burns/abuse, frustration, violence, betrayal

Word Count: 1770

Destined to be Yin and Yang

I own no rights to any of the Avatar Last Air Bender characters. 

Author’s Notes

The characters as all aged up so Zuko’s banishment happens when he’s 16 

Keep in mind I am bringing a unique world with inspiration from ATLA in their characters, some of the events that happen, bending, etc. Not many things may align or occur with what happened in the show. It’s intended that way, so I hope you enjoy it regardless.

See Y/N’s inspiration here. 

“Y/N?” Iroh’s voice accompanied the knocks on my door. “Are you awake?” I groaned as I opened my eyes. The dull light in the room told me that the sun was high in the sky outside.

“I was concerned because it's roughly noon and no one has seen or heard from you.” The genuine concern in his voice put a small frown on my lips. I assume that Iroh must’ve heard my scream last night, and he is trying to shake the idea of his nephew having something to do with it.

“I am fine. I did not sleep well last night.” I sheepishly replied as I rolled onto my back. Rubbing my hands down my face, I stared blankly at the ceiling as an unsettling feeling slowly overwhelmed my body. “I will come out later.” I told Iroh, who I assumed bowed and walked away from the door.

The teenager from my dream last night kept haunting me, so I decided to get up and put down on paper what I had seen. Letting the spirits guide my hand, I effortlessly drew line after line until the image on the paper in front of me was the same vision I saw last night.

The Avatar. Zuko’s words from my dream last night echoed in my head as a deep chill went through my body and caused goosebumps to rise on my forearms.

“Y/N?” The sound of my name coming from the other side of the door accompanied by three short knocks at my door took my attention away from the picture. The voice on the other side of the door belonged to Zuko, so I moved to cover the Airbender with other sheets of sketches before I moved to answer the door. Zuko stood on the other side of the door and looked at me as I opened the door. “Are you alright?”

Should I tell him about my dream? I smoothed the hairs on my head down before I replied to Zuko.

“Do I look that bad?” I tried to keep my tone jovial to avoid any discussion about last night. Zuko averted his gaze from me as I walked away from the desk. “What time are we training this evening?” I asked, changing the subject. Zuko stepped to the side as I joined him in the hallway, closing the door behind me.

“Same time as yesterday.” He said as he turned on his heels. “Don’t be late.” Zuko didn’t turn back to look at me before he walked away. As he left out the door, I felt like an elephant climbed on my shoulders and got comfortable as I felt my heart race. I shook my shoulders, but I couldn’t help the unsettling feeling that loomed like a thick cloud over my head.

I trained with Zuko that night, and soon I began to have training sessions with Zuko every day. After our training sessions, he would accompany the walk to our rooms and end the night with a bow. Every time, after closing the door behind me, I would lean heavily against the frame for a moment before looking at the picture I drew of the Avatar.

Should I tell him about my dream? This became the new daily routine for a few moon cycles.

Zuko’s change in behavior had butterflies hatching in my stomach, but I hadn’t been able to shake the dream about the airbender. Tonight, I stared at the sketch that now included the rough details of Zuko’s desk in his room. 

Tonight, the air felt thick in the room, and I couldn’t take another moment of looking at the picture. I covered the image before I quickly threw a thick coat over my shoulders and made my way to the deck. Snow lightly fell from the sky as ice floated by as large chunks in the darken water around the boat. Zuko had mentioned earlier that we were in the waters near the Southern Water Tribe. I climbed the ice-cold steel ladder to the roof over the rooms. I gingerly made my way to the backside of the roof and laid down.

Placing my hands behind my head, I turned my attention to the stars burning brightly in the night sky. The crisp air entering my lungs was reminiscent of the winter air back home, and I felt an overwhelming sense of being homesick wash over me. A lump formed in my throat as tears blurred the edges of my vision as I missed the days were my biggest worry was the score on my waterbending skills demonstration. Blinking my eyes, I welcomed the tears as they slowly slid down the sides of my face and into my hair sprawled on the roof beneath my head. 

I miss home. A heavy sigh left my lips as I closed my eyes. Flashbacks of being under the water caused me to gasp before I placed a hand over the racing organ in my chest. The air in front of me turned ghostly white as whisps of smoke matched with my expirations. I keep telling myself that the dream was just that--a dream. 

“Had to get out too?” A soft voice asked. I looked towards the sound to find a sheepish looking Zuko standing a few feet away from me.

“Sometimes I feel trapped inside those four walls.” I admitted as I extended a hand to pat the ground beside me. “Plus, the sky is so pretty tonight.”

The moon was still casting a dim light on the slightly opaque layer of snow. Stars glistened in the sky around the moon like fireflies in a dark forest.

“I get that.” Zuko said, and I gave Zuko a smile as he laid down on the rooftop near me. Turning my attention back to the stars in the sky, Zuko and I laid in comfortable silence. As I looked up at the stars, I felt my heart start to race as Zuko spoke again. “Aren’t you cold out here?”

“I wouldn’t turn down a blanket.” I said with a lighthearted laugh. “I don’t mind it though. Honestly…” I bit my lip before I dropped my voice to a whisper. “it reminds me of the winters back home.” My heart squeezed in my chest at the feeling of being homesick.

“Do you miss your home?” Zuko’s question made my heart pick up its pace in my chest.

“I do.” The words were honest, but out of curiosity I asked, “Do you?”

Silence greeted my question, and I felt as though my body was pins and needles as the silence seemed to stretch on between us.

“I do.” Zuko’s earnest words made me turn my head to look at him. He laid there with his hands under his head as he stared up at the stars above us. His eyes looked up at the sky, but I could tell he was miles away by the look in his amber eyes. I let his words rest in the air between us for a few moments, but he broke the silence. “I miss the comforts of home.”

Are you opening up to me? The organ in my chest was hopeful while the logical part of my head was full of doubt. 

“Zuko…” His name escaped my lips into the quiet air between us. My heart threatened to burst out of my chest at my audacity. “If anyone can find the Avatar--it’s you.” Silence hung in air between us just long enough for the pins and needles to turn into ants crawling under my skin.

Should I show him the drawing? Tell him about the dream? Zuko scoffed and I turned to look at him. His face openly showed how much the mission has taken its toll on him, and I felt my heart ache for him. I rolled to lay with my head propped on my right hand and gave Zuko a soft smile as he slowly turned his head to look at me. Disbelief shown in the amber eyes as they searched my face for something.

“When I return home with the Avatar, I will be announced as the heir to the throne.” Zuko’s voice was low and level as he spoke. “Father may decide to change his mind about the marriage.” My stomach fell to my feet as his words hung heavily in the silence between us. “He might be inclined to suggest one of the General’s daughters.” I felt the slow cracking of my heart as it realized the gravity of what Zuko said. “There’s a chance I would have to accept the new arrangement.”

Did I miss understand what was going on? Clearing my throat, I broke eye contact with Zuko as I slowly made the transition to sit up. Tears of embarrassment threatened to fall from my eyes as my hair fell and blocked Zuko’s gaze.

“It’s getting a bit to cold out for me.” Standing up, I wrapped my arms around me to keep me warm for effect. “Good night, Prince Zuko.” 

The sound of my heart breaking overwhelmed my ears as I left without for him to respond. Tears slowly slipped down my face as I reached my door. I didn’t hear the door open as Zuko walked into the hallway as I disappeared into my room. Not wanting Zuko to know that I was crying, I held my breath and I closed my eyes. Footsteps approached my door then faded as its owner walked across the hall. I crumbled to my knees as I heard Zuko’s door close shortly after the footsteps stopped.

I don’t know why the thought hadn’t occurred to me until now that there was a chance that someone back in the Fire Nation would be awaiting his potential return home. I should’ve known he would have someone back home waiting for him.

Then why did this hurt so much?

I collected myself off of the floor and moved to sit in the chair at my desk. I lit the candle sitting on the desk and looked at the young boy taunting me from the paper he was penciled on. Taking the page in my hand, I held one corner of the paper over the flame and watched as the fire slowly consumed the picture until nothing but ashes remained. The ashes scattered across the surface of my desk as I blew the candle out then changed and laid down in the bed. Tears rejuvenated their mission to roll down my cheeks as closed my eyes.

Tonight I was sure of something else--I was catching feelings for the unavailable Prince.

Tag List @chevysstuffs @puttyly @ginger24880 @night-fall-moon @junieshohoho @0kauy @coolgirl458 @hypnoticbeing @angelruinz @preeyansha @playboygeniusphilanthropist @ssonni @chi-ara

#avatar imagine #zuko imagine #zuko x reader #avatar the last airbender #prince zuko #destined to be yin and yang

[jagsdoodloos]

Continued - A legends end.

Avatar Korra; Daughter of the southern water tribe and the Avatar. Born after the sudden passing of Aang, the last air bender, she became the new master of the four elements of earth, water, fire, and air. In her youth, Korra made her debut to the wider public, arriving in Republic City - Capital city of the United Republic. In short time, she proved her metal, confronting a series of great crisis and turmoil that befell Republic City's populous and the rest of the world. From the masked terror of Amon, to the treachery of Unalaq and the world ending Vaatu, Zaheer of the Red Lotus, and Kuvira's great coup - Korra rose to face threat after threat and triumphed.

Avatar Korra's courageous deeds, through her formative years, cemented her legacy in the annals of history. And in the years after, she would go on to face other trials, encounter many dangers and have high adventures. Yet even faced with impossible odds and the truly strange, she overcame these challenges, but never alone. Korra, with the help of dear friends, faithful companions, and the love of a good woman, would live a long rich life. A life that leaves a message of perseverance and hope in the face of doubt and darkness. And there would be no greater example of this lesson than perhaps Korra's most perilous ordeal of all! No other threat, not sense the battle with Vaatu, would push Korra's mind body and spirit to their limits. . . when Sozin's Comet returned.

The Legend of Korra is a tale that, to this day, enthralls generations of scholars and common folk alike, not the least of which is just how it came to an end. Avatar Korra lived to the ripe old age - of 110. Yes. Historians only knew of her passing until nearly 15 years later, when the next Avatar was found. You see in her final years, Korra vanished, seemingly without a trace. She told no one of her destination, not even her surviving friends and family, but not before tying up loose ends and finishing all her affairs thoroughly. Everyone has their own theory and suspicions as to her ultimate fate, but close friends and those within her inner circle suspected the real reason. Perhaps Korra, sensing her time drawing near, embarked on her final journey. A personal journey to make herself whole again. Her last journey and the final chapter to her legend. . . . A chapter yet to be told.

To be continued.

That was a long one! Sorry for the delay, but I had to have some Korra art to help flush out this pitch. I want to expand Korra's story like any fan and I want to see more official stuff. But until Nick or Paramount decide to do more with her and the franchise, like the fandom, we'll have to settle with some good old fanfiction. But it doesn't have to be this way. We're willing to give this studio money and time if it only just greenlights a new season or a tv movie or SOMETHING! I want more Korra.

As for what comes after LOK, well I like to think this concept idea could make for a new series for everyone. If at least one or two people. And I've got more on the way so stay tuned. Or if you can't wait, you can visit my Instagram - I got some vignettes up complete with art drops to go with them. So feel free to have a read.

And if you like my art style, again you can DM me here or there for art commissions work, so lets dish. And again, more to come.

#fanart #commissions open #fanfic #original characters #concept art #wip #original story #atla #atla fanart #legend of korra #avatar korra #korra fanart

[assortedseaglass]

Come Back To Me - Chapter Six

Billy Washington x OFC

[Masterlist]

Warnings: Language, Trigger Point (TV) Spoilers

Author’s Note: Thank you for being patient with me while I write this chapter. So folks, here we go…

Word Count: 3.5K

Late afternoon faded into early evening, and London was once again coming alive. School kids, their uniforms disheveled, ambled home. Restaurants were setting tables and chairs outside their premises, a few punters already drinking Aperol Spritz and Bellinis. Cyclists sped past the unmoving cars, desperate to be out of the heat. Billy watched as a tourist stepped into the road, only to be shouted at by a man clad in lycra on a racing bike. He rubbed his face and felt a trickle of sweat run down his back.

Billy’d never known a hotter July. Usually, his birthday week was spent away from the city. Away from the noise of a crowded London, with heat emanating from every building and body. As a child his birthday coincided with the summer holidays, and his parents always took him and Lana away to the south-coast seaside for a week. Looking back on his childhood, Billy could measure birthdays in ice creams, sandcastles and beach barbecues. Last year, he had been moping over Becky, who had initiated the first of their many breaks. Ida drove him down to Dungeness, where an old boat house full of friends waited for him. There was Sofia and Faisal, Joe from school, she’d even managed to get a few of the lads from football to come down. They had fires on the shingle beach, cooking fish the boys had caught that morning. They drank until only embers were left in the fire. Talked until their voices were hoarse. Spent the mornings swimming in the cold sea and afternoons reclining on the hot pebbles. Looking back, Billy thought that was the last time he belonged anywhere; at the edge of the world with a few people that had chosen to love him. Now, he was alone. Sweating in London traffic as he drove to pick up friends he imagined didn’t even know his surname.

PING. A text from Lana.

Billy, where the hell are you? It’s not funny now. Police called saying you missed a meeting with them!? Mum and dad are going spare.

He ignored it. They’d called him yesterday, singing happy birthday down the phone before launching into a tirade about where he was. I’ve gone away with friends for a few days. Birthday bender. That’s what he’d told them, anyway. Somehow, he wanted the truth; that he’d spent the morning at Gwen’s before getting drunk and sleeping on a pub floor, to stay hidden.

PING

“Christ, Lana.” Billy was about to silence the phone when he saw the name on the screen. Ida.

Hey, I know you don’t wanna talk, but just give me a message to let me know you’re alright. Hope you had a good birthday, I.

Two things happened simultaneously. Billy’s heart fell to somewhere around his stomach, and his thumb reached out to press the call button by Ida’s name. He stopped. An image of her tear-streaked face looking up at him as he pressed his body against hers flashed in his mind. Instead, he called his voicemail.

You have no new messages, and one saved message. Saved messages:

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Billy, happy birthday to you. I hope you’re ok, Bill, wherever you are, and having a good birthday. Don’t get too drunk.

They laughed sadly.

I left your birthday present at the flat, I hope you like it. It’s Ida, by the way.

To play this message again, press one. To save it -

He pressed one and listened to her sing him happy birthday again. Listened to her sad little laugh. Listened to her clarify who it was, as though he didn’t know every inflection of her voice by heart.

On and on he drove, wending his way through thoroughfares and back alleys. With each turn in the road that took him closer to his destination, he tried not to think about Ida. Or his arrest. Or the disappointed looks of his family. He cranked up the radio, the bass thumping and causing the old car to quiver. Popping some gum in his mouth, he nodded his head to the music. He couldn’t let the lads see him being his usual pathetic self. This was a chance to reinvent. To leave the past behind him –

PING

Mate. Can you call me? I’m with Becky

Fuck. It was Lana again. Truth be told, he had had too much to drink yesterday, and by his 7th or 8th pint had made some questionable calls to his ex at the prompting of his new mates. Sure, Becky had treated him horribly and kicked him to the curb, but no-one needs voicemails of drunken shouting left on their phone. Billy rang Lana immediately.

“Billy!”

“Can you put Becky on?” God, he needed to apologise.

“Where are you? Sounds like you’re driving?”

 “I’m driving to meet my mates. Let me speak to Becky.”

“What mates?” Thanks, Lana. “Anyone I know?”

Billy huffed in annoyance. “Just mates, Lana. Why? What’s going on?” He leant his arm against the window and rested his head on his hand. The traffic was slowing again, but no matter, he was almost there. A large group of people was up ahead, blocking the road.

“Listen, Billy, I’m not with Becky. I just needed you to call me.”

“You’re not with Becky?” He didn’t understand. “What do you mean? Why?”

“I need to talk to you. You’ve not been answering my calls, you’ve not been about,” Billy could hear panic in her voice and it only made him bristle more. Did they not think he could look after himself for one day? “Where are you driving to? Billy? Billy!?”

“Fucking arsehole!” A man shouted through Billy’s car window as he drove slowly through the crowd. Billy stuck up his middle finger and carried on. His mates were around here somewhere and if these tossers wanted to block the road then it was their problem, not his. A few people banged on the windows.

“Billy, where exactly are you?”

“Farringdon Tube Station,”

“Sounds busy, what’s going on? Billy, why are you there?”

He looked around at the signs they were holding. Antifa. Against the Far Right. All Are Welcome Here. Realisation was slowly dawning on him. Lana was still shouting at the other end of the line. “Billy! Listen to me. It’s important. What are you doing at Farringdon Station?”

“I was meant to meet the lads here. ‘Outside the tube’, he said, but I can’t see him. Just a load of lefty wankers.”

Lana sighed. “Billy, why did you drive? Was that your idea?”

“Nah, my mate asked me to give some of the lads a lift down. Must be some kind of joke.” The crowd were moving away from the car now, and Billy couldn’t see his mates anywhere. His voice grew quiet. “Yeah, he’s set me up, hasn’t he? They’re having a laugh, aren’t they? Knobheads.” He smiled faintly, if only to stop himself from screaming. Abandoned, again.

“Billy,” Lana’s voice was hurried now. “These new mates of yours, they’re not who you think they are.”

“Lana, what are you on about?” He leant against the window once more.

“Nic. Nic Roberts!” Billy’s mind remembered the large man Warren had introduced him to. “He’s…he’s a terrorist. One of the Crusaders that killed Nut.”

The world stopped for a moment. The heat of the day disappeared and the roar of London died. He thought back to when Warren introduced him to Nic. His opinions were a little extreme for Billy but he had been kind, welcoming, taken him under his wing. Everything came back into focus.

“You’re winding me up,”

“Do I sound like I’m fucking winding you up!?” Lana screeched, though she sounded panicked, not annoyed. “Have any of them been near your car?”

When he’d told the lads about his car, Warren said he knew a guy, Tommy, that could fix it up. All the men had chipped in and called it an early birthday present. It was him who Billy had been driving to meet. When he gave no answer to his sister, she continued. “Look around. Is there anything different about it?”

“Eh?”

“For fuck’s sake, Billy! Listen to me! I need you to check the car for me, ok? Have a look under the steering wheel, or under the footwell, anything that you can see that might be unusual.”

Billy’s voice was small and distant when he replied. “Right, yeah,” His hands followed Lana’s instruction. He grazed them along and under the steering wheel. Nothing. Around the mirrors. Nothing. Under the radio, knocking over some rubbish as he did. Nothing. Under the passenger seat. Nothing. He lifted the foot mat…

“Lana, there’s some masking tape underneath the foot mat,” His breath shuddered as he heard Lana sigh.

“Alright, ok. Can you really carefully lift up the masking tape?”

Billy hummed nervously in assent, slowly peeling back the mat. “There’s…there’s a wire, Lana.”

“Can you see where it’s leading to?” Her voice was urgent.

“Erm, th-th-the glovebox.” Billy hands were shaking and his breathing ragged. He held the catch of the glovebox a while, preparing himself for whatever was to come next. Ida flashed into his mind, and he pulled the handle. “Fucking hell,” he shouted, edging away. “Shit, shit, shit. It’s hooked up to summat. Looks like a bomb.” Panic flooded him. “I’ve got to get out of the car.” He fumbled for the door but Lana shouted.

“No, Billy! Do not get out of the car!”

“If it explodes I’m done for, I’m gonna die,”

“Do not get out of the car! You just need to stay calm and listen to me, alright. Here’s the plan. You need to drive away from the Tube. The police are looking for a safe location.”

A horn beeping behind him made Billy jump, and slowly, he pulled away.

“Right, we’re gonna go to Cranstead Fields, Billy. You know the way, yeah?” Billy almost laughed at the irony. Of course he knew the way. Of course that was where he was going to die, he’d spent so much timing living there.

“Yeah, I know it.” He could see the lads from football that he had grown up with. His favourite tree to climb, and the best one to shelter under. The view from the opposite end of the field, back to his house. Ida on the swings with a can of cider in her hand.

“I’ll meet you there. It’s gonna be ok, Billy!” He rubbed his eyes to push back tears. Would it be alright? Did Lana really know? “When you get there, keep the engine running, alright? Don’t press anything, don’t open the door, don’t touch anything. Stay still, I’ll be there as soon as possible.”

The first real waves of fear were beginning to wash over him now. “You’ve gotta tell mum and dad I’m sorry, yeah? And Ida,” His voice cracked.

“Billy, tell them yourself. You’re gonna be fine. I’m about five minutes away. Just stay calm, stay focused. I’m nearly there, alright?”

He nodded to himself, trying to brush images of his family from his mind, when a small beep sounded from the glovebox. Billy leant forward. “Shit, Lana!”

“What? What’s happened?”

“There’s a timer, Lana. There’s a fucking timer.” Eight minutes, counting down in red digits. “Shit. SHIT!”

“Listen, Billy,” Lana could hear his panic, hear him pounding the steering wheel.

“Fuck!”

“I’m gonna help you, I swear, but you need to focus, ok? I just need you to concentrate on getting to the park. You’re only a few minutes away. When you get there, drive straight onto the field and it’ll be fine, I promise. You’re gonna be safe.”

Billy’s phone vibrated. “Fucking hell, Lana, my phone’s gonna die.”

“Billy? BILLY!?” The line dropped and Lana swore. Somewhere not far away, her little brother was speeding towards Cranstead, heart full of terror and all alone.

*

Ida spent the rest of Billy’s birthday at her grandma’s house, helping her in the garden. When the Washingtons pulled into their driveway, she hurried indoors. Only hours before, Ida had told them they were a useless family, screamed in their faces and run away. She hadn’t mentioned this to her grandma, but when Gwen caught Val’s stony gaze following Ida’s retreating form, she surmised that the Washingtons had felt her granddaughter’s fiery wrath. It was no secret, that neither Ida, Billy, or even Gwen, liked the way the Washingtons treated their youngest.

Today, the pair were tackling the vegetable plot at the end of the garden, which backed onto Cranstead Fields. Her bare feet enjoying the warm dirt beneath her, Ida was busying herself with the sweet peas that stood next to rows and rows of green beans. She was tying them into small posies so that more could grow, while Gwen harvested a few of the courgettes and their flowers. Ida felt most content outdoors, working with her hands. She often imagined a life for herself, working as a researcher or teacher then coming home at the end of the day to a smallholding far away from the city. Chickens, a couple of dogs, flowers in the front garden, a sandy-haired man waiting in the doorway…

“Ida, tea!” Gwen called, placing a pot and two teacups on the garden table. They sat in silence a while, sipping their tea as Tiggy purred in the evening sunlight. The ringing of Ida’s phone broke the peace. Lana’s name appeared on the screen. Ida was in no mood to talk to Lana after yesterday; she needed some time to be by herself, to be selfish and put herself first. She cancelled the call. Immediately, it rang again. She turned the screen to her grandma, who read the name then raised her eyebrows. Ida gave her a look that clearly meant here goes, and answered.

“Lana.”

Lana spoke in one, quick breath. “Ida, Billy’s in trouble. These new friends of his, well, I don’t want to scare you, but they’ve planted a bomb in his car and he’s on his way to Cranstead-”

Ida’s scream was near silent. Horror was etched into every pore of her face. “A bomb?” she whispered.

“He’s freaking out. He might be there before me. Can you get there?”

A switch flipped in Ida, and the steely resolve that Billy loved so much about her leapt into action. “I’m at gran’s. I’ll be there.”

She sprinted away from her grandma and down the narrow path by her house. “Billy needs me,” she called back, and that was the only explanation Gwen needed. Barefoot, Ida sprinted towards the park, her cheeks burning, tears fighting to burst free and her breath roaring in her ears. Billy needs me, Billy needs me, Billy needs me, Billy needs me.

She saw him. That ridiculous old Vauxhall came speeding around the corner and disappeared through the park gates, closely followed by multiple police vehicles. Ida sped up, not caring about her feet which were bloody and battered from the pavement. Police tape was already up by the time Ida entered Cranstead Fields, but she carried on running until a policeman grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back.

“Step away from the scene, miss,” he said, trying to restrain her as she kicked her feet.

“He’s my friend! Please!” She fought against the man with all her might. “Lana asked me to come, please!” Ida screamed until she was hoarse.

“Ida?” She looked up to see a stout man with dark skin and shorn hair. He was completely kitted out in dark uniform, a sheen of sweat forming on his brow.

“Has?” Before he could reply, the roar of an engine filled their ears. Lana’s car skidded to a halt, and she exited almost before it had stopped. She made a beeline for Has. Ida, still restrained by the policeman, listened to them speak in hushed tones.

“I’m worried he’s gonna bolt,” Has said.

“Get everyone back, I’ll speak to him.” Lana ran towards Billy as Has approached Ida and the police.

“Billy, I’m here.”

“Lana,” Billy’s voice was desperate. Weak. Sweat was dripping from his forehead, from heat or fear, Lana couldn’t say.

“Alright? It’s gonna be fine.” Lana tried to sound as reassuring as she could. Her heart was hammering in her chest, fighting the urge to open the door and pull her little brother into her arms. “Stay really still for me, yeah? I’m gonna look around the car.”

“You’ve gotta do something. Lana!” His gaze followed her as she walked around the car. He didn’t want to be alone. Not now. He muttered under his breath, phrases between stay calm and I’m gonna die. He looked to the timer. 3.26.

“I’m gonna get out-”

“Stay still! Don’t touch anything, I’m gonna check the car ok?”

“Just hurry!” He sounded like a child and Lana tried to recall her training. Focus. “How bad is it?” Billy asked as she came back to the driver’s window.

“It’s fine.” Lana’s voice was focussed.

“I can tell when you’re lying, man! How bad is it!?”

“It’s fine,” she tried to sound convincing.

“Lana!”

“It’s fine!”

“Lana,” he was starting to cry. Hot tears fell from his wide, blue eyes.

*

Ida watched as Lana prowled around the car and the other officers talked in hurried whispers. A man, clad head to toe in grey combat uniform, a gun strapped to his back with only his eyes visible, was speaking into a comms device.

“EXPO is at the device. Cordon secure, sniper’s in position.” Ida gasped and ran forward once more, only to be caught by the same policeman.

“Miss, I will not hesitate to arrest you if you do not stay behind this cordon!” An ugly sob rent itself from her lips. She watched Lana hurry back towards Has, and she stilled to listen to them speak.

“The timer, it makes no sense.” Lana said.

“Why?”

“How would the bombers know where he’s gonna be when the device goes off? I don’t get it.”

“A decoy?” Lana nodded and returned to Billy. Ida could hear her screaming to him through the window.

“Billy listen to me. Listen to me! Billy look at me, yeah!? The timer means nothing. They put it there as a trick so that you’d open the door. Can you hear me? Don’t touch it. Stay still. It’s gonna be fine. Listen to me. I’m your sister, ok? You need to trust me! I’m gonna go and get some stuff. You’ve gotta trust me, it’s gonna be fine!”

Ida watched as she ran back to Has and they resumed their discussion. Every now and then, Ida glanced to Billy in the car. He was rocking back and forth, anguish painted across his face. “Lana!” she called out, but Lana ignored her.

“What’s happening?” said Has.

“Billy’s freaked out by the timer, but I’m sure it’s a trap. I need to get him out but the driver’s side might be rigged.”

“Passenger side?”

“That’s where the device is. I don’t wanna risk it, they could have done all the doors.”

As Lana and Has continue to speak, Ida turned to watch Billy once more. He was screaming for his sister, the words indistinguishable but the fear evident.

“Let’s extract him through the rear window,” Has said, laying a hand on Lana’s shoulder.

“LANA!” Ida screamed for her to hear. Both she and Has turned to look at her. “He needs you! He’s freaking out. He doesn’t understand what your saying. Let me go!” She shouted at the policeman. “He needs you there.”

“Ida, we haven’t got the time-”

“He needs someone! Send me! I can calm him down.”

Has interrupted. “That’s impossible, love, I’m sorry. We can’t have civilians at the scene.”

Ida ignored him. “He doesn’t trust you, Lana. Send me!”

Lana stared at her for a moment. Ida was right. Before she could act, the solider in grey spoke.

“Trojan Five Four, suspect is unlocking the door.”

“BILLY!” Lana screamed. Without thinking, Ida broke through the cordon. Billy needs me. She sprinted towards the car. Billy needs me. She watched as Billy struggled inside. Billy needs me. In her periphery, she saw a sniper’s gun raise in her direction. Billy needs me. Lana’s voice drifted towards her on the summer breeze, barely discernible to her now.

“DON’T SHOOT!”

Note: Thanks for all your well wishes! I’m off work and drugged up, but writing this is getting me through. Not too long until the next chapter <3

Tags: @jessssica1234 @anditsmywholeheart @bookwyrmsblog @phantomontheinternet @aemonds-wifey @slytherincursebreaker @valerie977 @i-killed-ramsey @greenowlfactif @yentroucnagol @schniiipsel @arcielee

#ewan mitchell #billy washington #billy washington x oc #trigger point series #aemond x reader #ewan mitchell x reader

[demonqueenbeee]

The look in her eyes was different from what it had been those years before. 7 years ago her eyes had been a bright blue that reminded him of hope and the flowing ocean. Hers and her brother's eyes were the first he had ever seen to be so purely watertribe. And she was probably one of the prettiest girls he had ever seen in general.

He did wonder what it would have been it he had just.....

But then there was the first betrayal and he saw the hope in her eyes dull and the clear blue seem cloudy.

He remembered the look in her eyes as Azula struck down the avatar. How she cried and then nearly drowned them all to get to the boy's charred body.

The second betrayal she wasn't there to see but it was perhaps the worst of them all.

Zuko had so desperately wanted to do right by his father. He wanted a place in his home, he wanted his birthright. He wanted his father's approval.

So he told his father about her healing and the spirit water which fully prepared them for the day of black sun.

That fateful day Azula took down the brother and the blind earth bender, Zuko battled the freedom fighters and the watertribe fleets and his father took down the avatar.

The world took a drastic turn from there. The avatar had died and his warriors had no choice but to escape but they were trapped.

The Phoenix King had the navy ready to stop any of the ships. The flying bison had been wounded, the forests had their army patrolling every inch. No one would have escaped.

The entire fleet of southern water tribe warriors would have been put to death. The blind Beifong girl would have been kept as a bargaining chip against her wealthy family. The freedom fighters ,being the children they had been, would have been jailed for life. Not a single enemy would have had an outcome besides prison or death.

But then she saved them all.

Her feat of waterbending had gone down in the books as the most powerful, most impressive waterbending to ever have existed.

She hadn't been on the ships quite yet. She had been delayed and then surrounded by the palace guards, certain death awaiting her if and when she fought back. He watched from his balcony as they circled her, bow and arrow, fire and knives ready to strike. She was a mere 10 heads from the ocean, so close to an escape but it had been too late. They had her trapped and they had her entire side trapped as well. It was hopeless.

Yet she persevered.

She moved so quickly that he was amazed as she managed to avoid every little attack thrown at her and simultaneously drown the attackers.

That was her defining moment. Gone was the girl who saved the avatar , instead there stood a girl with an impossible choice. She could have escaped into the ocean, she could be free at the cost of her family or she could do the impossible and fight.

And she did choose the impossible. It was as if she called on the ocean to help her. The water rose as high as the mountains, picking up the southern watertribe fleets but sending the fire nation navy into a cold and watery grave. The water even reached the second floor of the base they had attacked. They had to replace the entire floor afterwards.

He wasn't sure what happened after as he had been called to help try to combat the destination. From what he had heard, everyone one of the resistances survivors had escaped, very few of the fire navy men had been recovered but the water bender had been subdued.

A yuhan archer had managed to strike her in the shoulder, enough to stop her from destroying the entire base. His father himself came down to imprison her.

He hadn't really kept up with her from then on. He was sure his father dealt her some great form of torture for her attack. He honestly didn't want to know.

Not even a month later and the watertribe peasant had managed to escape. The rumor was the spirits must have taken pity on her.

During the full moon every single one of the guards had fallen unconscious and she was able to get a hold of the key and like a shadow in the night, she was gone, not to be heard of ever again.

She hadn't been seen with her brother and the remaining resistance, she hadn't fled to the northern or southern poles and there had been no sign of her in the fire nation colonies or smaller villages.

She had vanished.

He honestly believed maybe the moon spirit had helped her take down the guards and granted her a safe passage for how else could 5 fully trained fire nation guards be taken down so easily.

Well, today he had learned exactly why.

He hadn't even given her the most miniscule of scratches and yet she had cut through the dense fabric of his robes. He hadn't been prepared for her attack and had no time to don his reinforced leather armor. She had appeared out of nowhere and had taken down his airship with a sharp disc of ice , taken his men down with more ice and then she had gone after him.

She chased him into the grassland and even as her water ran out it was like she pulled it out of the air and out of the grass.

He had finally surrounded her in flames, the air had dried out the grass was blazing. He had her and soon she would be taken down and he would be on his way to assist his father in the attack being led by her brother.

He didn't know she had returned. He honestly wasn't sure if anyone, even her people, knew. No one was supposed to know his location. he was supposed to help his father by being the wildcard.

He was finally supposed to impress him. Show him thay he was fit for the throne. Azula was dead, the Phoenix King had no choice. This was Zukos moment.

His fire was a breath away from taking her down, he knew she could feel the blistering heat as it got closer and closer to her. He would deal this blow and all would be forgiven.

He should have known better. No one knew how the woman had escaped. No one knew what she was truly capable of. How she did what she did.

Now he did.

As his knees fell to the floor and his free arm jerked behind him and his flame went out.

He had no control over his own body anymore and it felt like torture.

“What are you doing?” he managed to say. “Peasant.”

She smirked.

In the past seven years she had grown to be even more beautiful than before but also more terrifying. Her bright blue eyes now where so cold and icy, it made him shiver.

“Restoring balance,” she said as she somehow managed to make it even worse for him.

He began seeing black spots, the world was spinning around him telling him he would soon be an unconscious heap on the ground, even more vulnerable to the warerbender than before.

“What are you going to do me?” he gargled, his throat feeling like it was constricted.

“Taking you with me,” she said to him. “It's time to fix this world and without the avatar, I've decided it's up to me and you are going to help. Rest up, we have a lot to do.”

With that the world went fully black and the last thing he swore he saw agni himself nodding at her in approval .

#zutara #atla katara #atla zuko #fanfiction #atla fanart #atla fanfic #zutara fanfiction #zutara fanart