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zutarawasrobbed · 2 months

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ALTA Live Action Season 1 Initial Thoughts (Spoilers)

I just finished the season, and holy shit!

Quick things that need to be addressed/debunked:

“Sokka is no longer sexist”

I dont know what people were talking about when they talked about Sokka’s “sexism” being removed. It’s still there! But not in the overly exaggerated comical way it was in the original.

In fact, it’s more in line with ancient practices of indigenous tribes where men are seen as protectors and providers while women are expected to nurture. It’s not the same “boys are better than girls” narrative in the original.

Additionally, Suki still beats the fuck out of Sokka and humbled him really quick. They’re super cute by the way. And I love Suki’s “I like my men a little stupid” vibe. She’s great.

“Aang doesn’t run away like the original!”

That is not true. He does run away, but not because he’s trying to get away from the temple but instead to get some air because he feels overwhelmed. He’s more like taking a quick break and planning to come back. It’s not exactly the same, but almost. It also is done in a way where his guilt feels more justified.

“Katara doesn’t talk about her mom anymore like the original”

This is true… BECAUSE THEY SHOW INSTEAD OF TELL. I was honestly not prepared to see the death Kya in such graphic detail and how Katara was in the room hiding when it happened. It’s honestly really sad and more heartbreaking.

Plot:

The timeline seems to be ambiguous compared to the original series where it was “end of current year.” In fact, they repeat “three years” a few times, which makes me think if the series get greenlit for more seasons, it would be over a three year period.

Jet is still villainized but given more nuance and not a simple "good v bad" way like the original.

Zuko’s story about how he got his scar has additional lore that makes him come across as even more selfless and compassionate. The additional context of the platoon he advocated for in the war meeting, becoming his current crew, really added to the story.

Eradicated the nepotism baby plot point with Pakku only training Katara when he finds out he used to date her grandma. Instead, Katara proves herself and ends up teaching the other male fighters the techniques she learned from watching other benders use their elements and mimics them.

This season doesn’t have Aang learning any waterbending, but rather facing his trauma and the consequences of his actions. He get roasted by all his past lives. Which is an interesting choice, but I think it works well in how they executed it.

This season seems to actually be Katara focused and her journey of learning waterbending which I honestly loved because it really hits home the element of “water” being the story of an untrained waterbender learning her element. But, I do think Aang could’ve learned a little bending. It felt a little off.

Katara ends up advocating for all waterbending women and ends up leading an army of both men and women during the siege. She’s really bad ass and is given the title of master without being formally trained by Pakku. She made herself a master.

I think the timeline is a little wonky because of how much they had to fit in with the limited episodes they had.

Kuruk is given respect! I loved that.

June actually seems into Iroh which I thought was a funny but cool way to flip the script from the original.

The relationship between Zuko and Iroh is really beautifully executed. I love the depth they added with flashback scenes and their bond prior to the Agni Kai. It also wasn’t as frustrating watching Iroh and Zuko’s dynamic because Iroh communicated with Zuko in a way he could understand with straight answers rather than seeming to actively sabotage him with cryptic puns and shenanigans like the original.

They changed the love triangle with Yue Hahn and Sokka to be very healthy. They gave Yue autonomy and a choice in her relationship- which- again- is much more in line with indigenous cultures. Also, Hahn and Sokka’s relationship is really supportive and full of respect and no ill will.

They way they handled grief and the realities of war with the loss of life was very well done and really drove home the point that this is a war and these are child soldiers.

There’s a lot more but these are my initial thoughts. Will probably post more later.

Shipping:

Kataang is all but removed. Literally DOA. There is no indication of a crust on either side. It’s painted like a sibling relationship, which is like the original, but this time everyone seems to be on the same page. But, I swear the writers had to have read ZK fics because damn.

They canonized a popular Zutara theory/hc about the cave of two lovers and how the crystals would light up once it went completely dark instead of a “kiss” activating the crystal glow.

Speaking of the Cave of two lovers. They keep the Oma and Shu story with red and blue coloring. Making it come across more as foreshadowing than a direct link to the present tunnel story.

Sokka is put in Aang’s place with Katara in the tunnels and turned it into a story about the love of family and sibling bonds. Aang wasn’t even present.

Zuko and Katara share a meaningful look when they first see each other and continue to have a Katara centric scene followed by a Zuko centric scene and vice versa.

The scarf scene. I will not be elaborating further. If you know, you know.

Zuko and Katara fight scene in the North is epic. He still taunts her with almost the exact same dialogue but it’s so sassy- I love the banter.

Suki and Sokka were really cute and the actors had great chemistry. I think Yue and Sokka was really rushed and didn’t really feel anything about them, honestly. But I attribute that to lack of episodes to develop all that plot.

#zutara #katara #zuko #atla #atla live action spoilers

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blodgmonster · 2 months

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Thoughts on live action Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Not that anyone actually wants my take.

It's solidly in the middle. Not as horrible as that wrteched movie. Obviously, it's not as amazing as the original series. It was never going to be. It was NEVER going to be as good as the original. You can't top perfection. I don't hate it. I don't love it. Below the cut (for spoiler free...ness) are my likes and dislikes. Probably not all of them. I'm sure I forgot some.

LIKES

Iroh. His characterization was good and I like that it kind of addressed the fact that he's a war criminal. Our beloved war criminal.

Azula. I've always adored her and was worried they'd wreck her. Obviously, I want to see her blue fire, but she was clever and badass, and we saw her insecurities. And went she lightning bent? * chef's kiss * That's my girl. Also, glad they didn't have her grinning like a sociopath when Zuko got burned.

Kyoshi. They leaned HEAVILY into the fanon interpretation of her and she wouldn't have yelled at Aang but she was badass.

Aesthetics. The show looked good.

Jun and Nyla. Perfect

The line "You are the fire in which her iron was forged." Fantastic.

Yue. Less wishy washy, more proactive. Also, a waterbender who sometimes chills in the spirit world. Good for her. And no love triangle.

Big fish fuckin things up!

Sokka. The actor did a good job.

"Kick his ass." Sokka being fully supportive of Katara

Katara bringing all the women to the battle.

Having Zuko's crew be the division he got his scar for was a cool touch.

DISLIKES

Zuko fought back against Ozai in the Agni Kai? I think NOT. That's the whole point. Ozai attacked a CHILD who refused to fight back. That shows the depth of his evil. Why erase that?

Did Aang just...leave my boi Hei Bai raging and in pain?

Aang never learned waterbending!? Didn't even try? Why???

Where was Katara's rage? Yes she's hopeful and motherly and in touch with her feelings but she's also fucking angry and she's right and it's great. But cutting that, they made her one dimensional.

Cutting Sokka's character growth, wherein he learns to respect women. "It was problematic." Yeah, dude, that's the point. He was in the wrong and had to learn that.

Suki. They made her...less than somehow. Less capable. Less strong. Ogling Sokka? Unnecessary. Saying he brought the world to her? Lame.

BUMI. WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT? Bumi was so BITTER and CRUEL to Aang! It made me so mad. Yes, he's unhinged but he's also a playful genius

Aang was kind of wooden. They cut his joyful, playful nature. But that's at Aang'd core. Why cut that? And he sides with PAKKU when he says Katara can't fight? EXCUSE YOU? No. He calls him Master Poophead and teaches her himself.

Cramming all the spirit world stuff into one episode was weird. Koh, Wong Shi Tong, and Hai Bei all in one go? And having Gyatso there only to have him leave? What was that? And they stripped Koh of his purpose, telling Aang who Tui and La were.

What was Mai's wig? Good Lord. The wigs in general were meh, but hers was particularly heinous.

Kyoshi and Kuruk yelling at Aang. Too much yelling.

#avatar the last airbender #netflix avatar #natla #atla

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cabbageslost · 2 months

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Reacting to live action AtLA - ep 7

Spoilers, yo. So many spoilers.

Since the last episode didn't leave me feeling like I needed to take a moment to pause and process my "I'm bummed they missed this" stuff, and life is giving me a calm Saturday, I'm just gonna plow ahead while I have time.

Ooo.. suspense, subterfuge, sneaky-ass Zhao.. lol

Hmm, holding back thoughts on NWT. Gonna need them to let Katara get pissed before I can like this. The make-or-break of this episode for me, for real.

Still weirded out by the decision to have Azula not be the golden child. It's another way I think knowing the full story is hindering me. Having her be daddy's favorite all-in in the original set up the events of book 3 perfectly (where he had no issue with giving her his place while he declared himself Phoenix King.)

Okay, so Pakku still sending her to Yagoda. She does still need to learn to heal. Guess this is where that happens? And I still have hope that she'll get frustated and chew Pakku out for not teaching her actual bending.

Was Yue a bender in the original? I don't remember that being the case, but I don't hate it. Even kinda makes sense with the moon-spirit connection (assuming that still turns out to be there.)

Ah, here it is. Women aren't allowed. Get 'em Katara.

Wow.. were betrothed, huh? So you're saying she's available.

Aw, I was looking forward to the Spirit Oasis. This shrine's neat and all, but the oasis was lovely.. could have looked so cool in this. Dangit Kuruk, why are you adding to the people telling him to be alone?

I'm.. not minding this twist to Yue. it's kind of--wow, that escalated quickly. LOL Go get 'im, Yue.

"It's stupid and it's wrong." YAS!! They better let Aang back her--wait, WHAT?! What the actual everloving hell? I could probably forgive about any other change. Unwavering support of each other between Aang and Katara being tossed aside is not one I can forgive.

Azula vs Ozai, okay.

At least Sokka's got Katara's back. I will forever be salty about not hearing Aang support her, cheer for her on this, from moment one. Also stupid that he keeps getting told to do it alone, since that was never a thing. Roku actually made sure to focus on not just his relationship with Sozin (which bit him in the butt) but on mentioning Ta Min, who he was in love with and lived a long life with. Clearly not someone focusing on being alone. Anyway, cool fight with Pakku, but it can't hit the same if only 1 of the 2 in her crew are cheering her on.

This one shocked me. I thought so long as they gave me the fight, I'd be fine. They did, and really the rest of it I'm okay with... but Aang not believing in his friends? No. Not a decision I can get behind, no matter if you eventually end on him getting talked back into it. It's doubly awful because they honestly haven't shown that much interaction between the Team Avatar trio, and having us finally get some and THIS being it... yes, I will need a moment to steam.

#atla #natla #live action atla #reaction

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sifuhotthem · 3 years

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Okay! Light hearted headcanons about what happened after The Rise Of Kyoshi:

- [ ] Kyoshi swears to Kirima and Wong that they would never be so little in touch again, as between two the books. They also move their general quarter to Jianzhu’s maison so most of the time the Company lives together.

- [ ] Some weeks after Yun’s death, when almost everyone of Kyoshi’s team avatar is in her mansion recovering, she decided to invite Nyahitha too. She had the chance to tell Hei Ran the truth about Kuruk’s hidden life and to whiteness how deeply scarred Kuruk friends still were: and the poor sage had it the worst, living in the wreckage of the world, alone. It’s also Kuruk that asked her to take care of him: I hc that they loved each other, but never got actually together; their bond was something odder than the norm, as their task was: love was wide and infinite for Kuruk, who loved Hei Ran, Nyathitha, few women and men around the world and most of all Ummi. But Nyathitha, he was the one he shared everything with, the one he didn’t need to hide from. And our fruity Nyahitha never stopped loving Kuruk. So he also ends up living with Kyoshi and her team, becoming Kyoshi’s spiritual guide and parental figure: she learns to rely more and more on him and he finally found a new purpose. They basically have that uncle niece relationship as you see often in movies: the serious, sarcastic and tired of the world man and the kid with anger issue (Logan, basically). And from time to time Kuruk takes over and the two of them would play pai sho: the first time Nyahitha saw Kuruk again he started crying like a baby. Giving his edonistic and fraudly habits he gets along very well with Atuat and also with Kirima and Wong, but he never takes the oaths because he is still “a respectable sage”: still he plans with them one of two things. Hei Ran, once she is told the truth, sincerely apologizes to Nyathitha, but the two never totally grow into each other. Jinpa, on the other hand, becomes very fond of him, of his knowledge of the spirits world and his capacity to go out of the norm: eventually he introduces him to the White Lotus elders. There he fell in love again, in his 60, with a kind and smart earth kingdom man. They spend their life together and Nyathitha died he was as happy as he never hoped he could be again. Thanks to Kuruk, thanks to Kyoshi.

- [ ] Kyoshi develops a great relationship with Kuruk and takes really seriously his advices. Kyoshi also makes sure his legacy is well preserved, his honor restored; and Kuruk finally feels like his fight was worth it.

- [ ] Once they’re old and far from their daofei adventures, Kirima and Wong decides to get married. They loved each for a very long time as friends and sworn allies and fooled around for so many years: eventually, they think it would be fun to make their friends throw a party for two old bandits and they’re all rich, so why deprive themselves of all of those potential gifts?

- [ ] Atuat teaches Kirima healing, but she refuses to learn fighting: she doesn’t need it, she is better than those misogynist even accepting their game; whatever they do, she’s always one step further.

- [ ] Kyoshi’s team avatar is what they would call “the disgrace of Earth Kingdom ball rooms”: 3 queer couples (Rangi and Kyoshi, Hei Ran and Atuat, Nyathitha and his Earth Kingdom husband), three kitch daofeis, a wild monk, Auntie Mui (they often take her, just to piss of courts) and a spirit fox. Governator Te, tho, is always delightful to see them (once he is assured they won’t hurt him: the first time he recognized Lao Ge he passed out).

- [ ] Kyoshi lets the Flying Opera Company organise whatever operation they want, but being companions of the avatar naturally affected their behaviour. They go from criminals, to vigilantes (but still scam Ba Sing Se nobles every time they have the possibility).

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redundantz · 3 years

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Found an old write up of my Star War OCs Backstory and info 🤔

I’m not really a writer and usually don’t enjoy it at all so this is pretty big for me ahha

Yanna Sen'ka

Born on a distant planet, not uncivilized but not refined. A place full of plant life living in a small village on the edge of a forest near a large river.

She is an only child raised by her mother and father.

Her strong force sensitivity was noticed early on by Supreme Leader Snoke. Moulding and manipulating her thoughts and actions. Small whispers in her ear, little seeds of doubt, fear and anger. Building on her childlike fears and worries.

She clashed often with her strong willed mother. Who became distrusting of her daughters troubling and sinister behaviour. Only growing worse when she would go to her father for everything and get dotted on by him. Jealousy bloomed. Her mother was jealous of the great attention she got from him. And how she never came to her for help or comfort. All the while Snoke fanning the flames of your bitterness and resentment towards her. Becoming a dark ball of hate whenever near her. Often causing Yanna to lash out or run off sometimes for days.

Growing up in the forest she knew her way around well. What plants to eat and how to trap animals for food. She could spend days by herself. And she did. Not entirely out of her own desire. The other kids were also wary of her.

Her unstable behaviour and rumours surrounding her that strange and awful things happen.

On one of her outings by the waterfall, she was practicing her use of the force. Stacking rocks, building a little dam to catch the fish in the pond.

One of the village boys came through the brush spotting her using her powers. Startled, and still very angry the rock she had been floating flung into him with a startling velocity and power. So much so that his gasp of surprise was cut short and his limp body fell to the ground. In shock, she could only gape as blood started running down the stones into the pool. Dying it red.

Snapping out of it she started to panic and breathing hard, tears welled up in her eyes.

In shock, she just stared as the blood washed away. And a small consciousness came into the back of her mind saying. "You did nothing wrong my child. He saw you, you know what they would do if he told everyone. Imagine how disappointed your father would be if he found out? You don't want that....

Now, imagine how glad the other children will be now that he's gone. He was a useless boy, did nothing of value and lorded his false power over others.

And you my child have true power. Look what you did without even trying. Imagine what you could do with my full tutelage.

All of them would listen, never question you.

Your scum mother would never dare raise her voice at you...

And your papa would be so proud to look upon such a strong and accomplished daughter.

Now.... get rid off the body!”

Still horrified by what she's done yet with new found resolve she moves over to the corpse. Grabbing him by the back of his shirt she hauls him into the pool to be carried down river.

Washing away any of the blood on the stones and the evidence of her presence there. She glances at the body as it bobs down the river out of her sight before darting into the woods.

Frantic, she just couldn't get away from there fast enough still terrified by what she's done. She ran and wandered until her legs ached. The sun was setting causing the shadows in the forest to deepen before she climbed s tree to find a safe perch for the night.

Finally settling down and alone with her thoughts. The edge of panic had creeped off and she was surprisingly calm and serene. a voice in the night whispered "you've done well child...."

Looking up to the small group of stars she could see through the thick canopy. The fear and panic from earlier settled into the back of her mind she could only think of how glad she was rid of the boy.

None in the village could figure out what happened to the boy but everyone was on edge. And Yanna was put under more scrutiny. She couldn’t understand why everyone was so upset over the useless kid. Getting more and more withdrawn and angry.

Her mother was getting even worse to her as she got older and she got confronted by her if it was she who was the cause of the boys disappearance. Yelling and screaming, calling her a cursed child and that she stole everything from her. She was holding a knife in defence afraid of her own child or ready to attack..? Yanna looked for her father but he just looked at her with fear and uncertainty in his eyes. She felt despair. But really he was looking at his wife, maybe with clear eyes for the first time. As she went in to the attack, Yanna was able to avoid and fight back for the most part but her father tried to intervene and save her getting stabbed in the process. He wasn’t critically injured but she saw red and high pitched screaming filled her ears. Next thing she woke up to was her fathers body shielding her and the house, the village, and forest was on fire. Her mother was dead and her father was dead. Her mind was blank.

“It’s time”

When Snoke came to get her she was alone in the forest she couldn't stand to be around what she had done. Refusing to think about it as her rage died down. She couldn't. She just repeated what leader Snoke said to her before.

The code of the dark side.

Her only salvation.

She met Kylo Ren when she was 14. Only a few years older than her he was gangly yet exuded a great sense of power that radiated from him crackling and angry. He was reckless and had a childlike temperament.

She got on his nerves a lot and not always in purpose. Unlike him she has learned to focus her anger and fear. Her calculated control bothered him as she would look down on him every time he would throw a fit.

Often it would cause them to fight.

She wouldn't admit that she just liked to get on his nerves and show him how little control he had by flaunting hers. Also that she wanted to help teach him to master himself. Even though it should have been the other way around.

She knew it was not in her best interest but she grew quite attached to him. She was a decent comrade to the others. Especially Kuruk ren. He made her laugh with jokes and a sick sense of humour. Always having the most ridiculous of stories to tell. He even wanted to get in her pants a few times. She was tempted to be sure. Mostly to just get it over with and see what it's like. She really didn't enjoy his company "that" much. In either case she has never felt more included. she's finally a part of a group and working towards something bigger than herself. She was determined to be useful and prove herself. She wanted to make leader Snoke proud. He was the only one there for her her whole life guiding her, who truly understood her.

Master Snoke would train them all when he could but for the most part it was up to them to keep up their practices. Their fitness, saber wielding, meditation and use of the force. Most of the Knights would work independently as comradery was not something adherent to their teachings. Mostly sparing together to blow off extra energy and test their might.

Kylo was the over all strongest beating most of the Knights easily. A few where much more adept at swordplay and gymnastics each having their own strong suit . Some even preferring blasters and other physical weapons.

Yanna was not the best at swordplay, but was quite nimble and able to move around with a purpose from many years in the forests.

She would focus and use of the force to read movements and work around them. Reading their minds or just straight up using her powers to physically beat them or trip them. Usually that wasn't allowed in sparing but she didnt always listen.

Snoke chose Kylo to be the Master of the Knights of Ren and it must have been for a good reason. She just couldn't help but let a small part of herself felt slighted and jealous.

She was there when they helped kill all the Jedi training under Luke Skywalker. Snoke told her about Luke and how Kylo trained under him until he was shown the way to the dark side. How he was the cause of Vaders death. The Shinning example of pure darkness.

As a part of the Knights they all admired him greatly. None more so as Kylo. Not quite sure how deep his attachment goes.

They wore clothes and helmets in honour of him. Hoping to take up where he left off. Show the universe what true power is.

She has a special way she typically used her force powers. By exploding people's hearts. Not very messy but effective. Didn't require her to use her sword which was more for defence and secondary offence than anything.

Where would your character fall on a politeness/rudeness scale?

In the middle, she respects her elders and superiors but holds nothing back for her peers and children. Most rudeness is nonverbal just ignoring or blatant disregard.

How many friends does your character have?

Virtually none. The Knights of Ren are her closest allies. Kylo in particular and Kuruk. Leader Snoke himself has been her closest friend and Mentor.

Also Captain Phasma share a fun friendship the rare chance the meet.

How many friends does your character want?

She would say none. That ties to others always just end up in pain and are a weakness. In reality a few close good friends is what she wants and needs. People to share experience with and shared ambition.

How does your character feel about sex?

Not something she's particularly interested in. Neither is romance. Her life has been to driven and hectic to think of such things. Even being older it’s not really on her mind. If the fancy ever struck her she wouldn't say no. A few men/women and even the other Knights have tried. All their efforts just irritate her.

She does masterbate now and again, for release only when she's sure no one would know.

What was the best thing in your character’s life?

Her Father was her best friend and mentor. He would teach her all about living in the forest and wouldn’t treat her like a child. letting her figure stuff out on her own and make mistakes but always there to help out. But was also there to comfort her but was also a bit of a coward when it came to standing up to his wife.

#star wars #star wars oc #oc #yanna sen'ka #my writing #backstory #long post

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emberbent · 4 years

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Book 2: Air | Chapter 1: The Hall of Statues

Shinza landed at the Eastern Air Temple in the late afternoon, and Xia was eager to take off again. It was evident the dragon didn’t like to stay in one place for too long, but before she left, she communicated to Shinza through the heat that came off her scaled body: Safe. Arrived. Love. Exhausted, windswept, and still reeling from the long journey, Shinza placed her hand affectionately on Xia’s forehead, between her eyes. “Yes, thank you. I love you too.” Then, Xia ribboned off, back the way they’d come through the winding mountains like giants’ fingers jutting up from the earth.

The temple itself was breathtaking. Three main areas sat atop three separate mountain peaks, each connected by an elegantly arching sky bridge. The blue-tiled roofs, trimmed in gold, jutted proudly upward toward oblivion; at ground level, the tops of clouds drifted past Shinza’s feet. She craned her neck to take it all in, dizzy from vertigo and the thinness of the air.

Nearby, a bustling crowd was gathering, and their elated murmurs came: “She’s here!” “Look! The Avatar!” “I’ve never seen a dragon before.” Shinza turned to greet those who had come to receive her, all of whom were women and girls of varying ages. Some wore the traditional robes of the Air Nomads, some the sleek and elegant wingsuits of the new Air Nation. By now, Shinza was getting used to the level of attention she’d been receiving, but the way each person seemed so genuinely pleased to see her was humbling. Having the Avatar in their temple, she realized, was something deeply meaningful. The crowd parted and made way for a wizened old woman - clearly an Elder by the elaborate ochre layers she wore, and by the large, carved wooden necklace that adorned her neck.

“Hello, Avatar,” spoke the Elder. Her dark eyes twinkled as she offered a genial smile to Shinza, who felt a sudden fondness, as if she was reuniting with a long lost friend. She found herself coming forward and wrapping the woman in a familiar embrace. Several members of the congregation gasped, murmuring, Is she allowed to do that?

“Hi,” Shinza gushed, pulling away to hold her at arms’ length. It dawned on her suddenly that she didn’t know this woman. Her cheeks reddened. “I’m so sorry. I just feel… I feel like we know each other?”

The woman chuckled at Shinza’s confusion. She soothed, “We knew each other in a previous life. And now I have the distinct pleasure of having known two Avatars.”

Shinza’s eyes brightened. “You knew Avatar Korra?”

“Yes,” the woman replied. “She was a dear friend to me. Now, I’d like you to try something: close your eyes and think. Try to remember my name.”

She obeyed, searching the darkest recesses of her mind, following the warmth of friendship like a tether. Shinza’s brow furrowed in concentration as she caught tiny glimpses of Korra’s life. “Jinora,” she said, the name foreign at first until she said it again. “You’re Master Jinora!”

“That’s right,” she beamed, the laugh-lines around her eyes deepening. “You have an unusually strong connection to your past lives. Which means you’re highly spiritually attuned. I believe you’ll excel at airbending.”

A grin spread over Shinza’s face. After having had such a terrible time with firebending, she was willing to let herself believe that she might be good at something.

“It’s so good to have you here,” said Jinora. I want you to know that you’re most sincerely welcome and safe in our temple.”

“Thank you, Sifu. When do we start training?”

Jinora chuckled again. “Oh, child, I’m too old for training. Master Lo Sang will teach you airbending - don’t worry, you’re in very good hands. I’ll evaluate you at final testing, and I’ll be nearby as a spiritual mentor and a friend.”

She invited Shinza to take a walk around the temple to get to know her new home and to get some rest before the next day’s first lesson. Then, she summoned the congregation away with her, leaving Shinza in the open courtyard with a view of nothing but an endless, open gray sky.

Her room had the same enthralling view of the sky as the courtyard. Small and sparsely appointed, it still held a certain charm that Shinza appreciated. She let her little pack fall off her shoulder and onto the bed. Now that she had a moment of stillness and some room to clear her head, she perched on the edge of the thin mattress and let out an exhausted exhale, suddenly overcome with an onslaught of emotions: gratitude for being among the airbenders; longing for Amrit, whose three rapid punches to her spine had unlocked her fire, and whose kindness and relentless encouragement were a balm for her soul; and something else she couldn’t quite name as she realized that she would have to leave behind Republic City and all of its uncertainty and petty worries. But the thought of letting Nero go just didn’t sit right - not when Shinza hadn’t at least let her know she was okay.

Shinza sprang off the bed, intent, once and for all, on writing to her best friend, who hadn’t heard from her since the day she’d been discovered at the General’s Tea House. She pulled out the desk drawer and located an old-style parchment scroll and a writing kit. Her calligraphy was a little rusty, but it didn’t matter; she got to work making the ink and then sat down and unfurled the scroll.

Nero, she wrote. Hey girl!! Sorry it’s been so long. It turns out I’m a bender after all. Firebending sucks, though. Miss you!

No. Wrong. Shinza cringed and let the parchment curl up and roll off the desk. On a new one, she started over.

Dear Nero, she wrote. I’m sorry I haven’t written until now. Being the Avatar is--

Is what? Shinza couldn’t even begin to pick apart and describe the last year. Unwilling to waste another scroll, she painted a line through the characters and wrote underneath:

I don’t know who I am right now. I’m not Shinza Kwon anymore. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but it’s what I have to do. I love you, friend.

The ink dried. Shinza traced the characters with her fingers. Remorse made her shoulders heavy as she let the scroll curl and tied it closed with a bit of leather cord. She’d send it in the morning.

The inner parts of the temple were like nothing she’d ever seen or could even imagine. The images she’d seen in textbooks did the place no justice. The oldest parts were either original and extremely well-preserved from before the Hundred Year War, or they were faithful and thoughtful replicas. The newer additions, built more recently by the Air Nation, matched seamlessly with the original buildings carved from the mountainside. On the northern side of the main hall, a group of intermediate airbenders ran through a set of forms that produced enough wind to make Shinza brace herself as she walked past. Further up the mountain, connected by a sky bridge, was a stable where the Sky Bison lived. Two or three mothers, astonishing in their size and ability to float in the air despite their apparent mass, fussed over their young, who teethed on a sturdy metal ring bolted to the ground.

Near the peak of the mountain, Shinza came to a vast hall. Tiptoeing through the massive carved-marble doorway, she was drawn in by an undertow of deep, vibrating energy given off by the multitude of life-size statues within. The statues started in the center of the space and spiraled outward, filling the floor and lining the walls, story after story. She strolled slowly along, taking in the frozen faces of each statue, mouthing the names carved at their feet: Kuruk. Kyoshi. Roku. Aang. Korra. Yeong.

The last statue made Shinza pause. Yeong appeared to be no more than eighteen months old, his pose all chubby limbs and clumsy feet. His bright smile stood out like a beam of sunlight among the stoic faces of the other Avatars. Shinza crouched to study him. She’d known Yeong hadn’t been very old when he’d died, but seeing just how small he was was surreal.

“Yeong’s mother said she knew he was the Avatar before he was born,” said a voice behind Shinza. She turned to see a young girl, who came to sit cross-legged beside her. “It was a very difficult pregnancy. There’s a rumor that he could earthbend before he even left the womb. If it’s true, he would have been an incredibly powerful Avatar.”

Shinza glanced at the girl, noting the prominent azure arrow tattoos on her forehead and hands. “How did he die?”

“Illness,” she replied matter-of-factly. “He and his mother were in the care of the Earth Kingdom’s top doctors, but they still died.”

“I… that’s… wow.” Shinza grasped for the right words, but couldn’t find them. Instead, she introduced herself. “I’m Shinza, by the way.”

“I know,” the girl chirped blithely. “I’m Lo Sang.”

Simultaneously, Shinza cocked her head in disbelief and grinned with approval. Lo Sang was small and still carried the chubbiness of childhood. If she didn’t know any better than to say so, Shinza might have described her as adorable.

“Are you serious? That’s incredible. How old are you?”

“Ten, if you’re counting from conception, which I am. I’m the youngest airbending master in recorded history.” Lo Sang studied Shinza, her pale gray eyes darting rapidly back and forth. “Why? How old are you?”

Shinza’s cheeks burned. It was bad enough she was so late to the game; now she was being sized up by a child prodigy. “...Twenty-eight.”

“Wow!” Lo Sang larked. “Isn’t it a little late to be just starting your second element? You’re old enough to be my mom.”

“What?! No I’m not!” Shinza spluttered.

“Do the math,” Lo Sang giggled. “You definitely are.”

Without having to count, Shinza knew the little twerp was right. She turned away to look at the statues, feigning annoyance but unable to scrub the amused smirk off her face. Idly, she passed her hand through the space above the empty pedestal next to Yeong’s.

“Your statue will go there someday,” Lo Sang told her. Effortlessly, she summoned a gentle gust of air and lifted herself to her feet. “Our first lesson is at sunrise. You should think about getting some sleep. You know - rest your weary bones.”

“Goodnight, Master Lo Sang,” Shinza intoned. The young one gave her a cheeky smirk before she twirled her fingers, leapt up onto the little spheres of swirling air she’d created, and skated out of the hall.

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emletish-fish · 6 years

Text

Worst Prisoner Swamp notes:

ff.net

ao3

Notes:

This chapter covers the swamp to the start of the blind bandit.

So the swamp shows you people you love, irrespective of time (ie Aang seeing Toph in the swamp before meeting her. Hands down, I thought they were foreshadowing eventual Taang and I was so pleased. Much older Toph and Aang could actually be so good for each other. Aang needs grounding and Toph needs someone to help smooth those super abrasive and defensive edges and brave enough to climb over her defensive walls.)

Katara and Zuko first bonded about their mothers and I wanted to elaborate on a conversation about that, but I couldn't really find a place for it in book one. I felt like it would be perfect here as a flashback. Mostly because the swamp brings up a lot of issues for Katara, but also because by this point, I missed writing my drama llamas together. Just look at them, they are beautiful together.

Zuko's mum: So I think Ursa tried. However, I think she would have enjoyed Zuko's company more. Hands down that woman loved both those kids, but one of them was infinitely easier to be around than the other. She probably concentrated on teaching Zuko more, because he was receptive. Whereas I think Azula got more scoldings from her mother.

The flipside of this, and goodness have I seen it countless times, is that when there are two or more children, and one is very challenging – the “good one” is put under enormous pressure to always be “good”, because the adults don't want to deal with two difficult ones. I think that Ursa would have been quick to correct any behaviour Zuko showed that she didn't like. She would have done this lovingly, but she would have still done it, because she needed one “good” and “manageable” kid.

I am not at all with the Azula apologists who blame Ursa for 'withholding affection' and that's why Azula is the way she is. In the flashback we see Ursa scolding Azula a lot and that is because Azula's behaviour is deserving of a scolding. Ursa is trying to set boundaries. Azula is not an easy kid to raise right, but lordy is that woman trying. Azula is a product of her environment while also being responsible for herself and her choices.

I think Azula loves Zuko and her mother, deep down, in one big, hellish tangled ball of complicated feelings – which I will delve into when we get to it. Katara sees them as complete opposites, because in her mind Zuko = good, friend and Azula = evil gremlin. She doesn't want to see any similarity between them – but those two have more than a nose in common.

I can see Ursa trying to give them a more rounded knowledge of the world and an appreciation of the things she loved, like music. I chose tacky dramatic plays – because my goodness, both Zuko and Azula are ridiculously dramatic. I hate the comics and pretend they don't exist. I think rather than Ursa being a common actress, she was a noblewoman who was just really into the theatre. Zuko and Azula both learned that being super dramatic got their mother's attention and brought her amusement.

I also think the Ember Island Players were always that terrible.

Anyway, Zuko can remember a lot more fine detail about his mother, purely by virtue of being older before she vanished. Katara was young when her mother died. She was what? Seven? How much can the average person remember from when they were seven? I think this is why Katara couldn't interact with the vision of her mother more completely and why there was no sound/dialogue between them. She doesn't exactly remember what her mother's voice sounded like.

It's also really clear to me that Katara and Sokka don't really talk about her together. Katara brings her mother up will all and sundry random dudes, but Sokka looks really taken aback whenever she brings up Kya around him. I can't even say it's because it's old grief, as Katara is still hurting. My best guess is that as Katara assumed a more motherly role in Sokka's life, they talked about Kya less. Tragically, I think th thing Katara remembers the most clearly about her mother is how her mother died, because it was traumatically burned on her memory. Poor girl.

So the shared dream – give me this tacky trope lovely readers. I know, I know. It is tacky. But ATLA had gifted me a magic “everything is connected” tree and I am going to use it. That's why I had Zuko explicitly mention that he was sleeping under an banyan tree last chapter – because the trees are connected and...the trees know they miss each other and give them a dream hook-up, and...spiritual mumbo-jumbo, etc. Just give me this tacky, romantic trope.

So Zuko has given up/lost nearly everything. He's had to completely give up his identity, and his quest and everything he defined himself by. It just makes sense that his bending would be affected. So I have brought his season three storyline forward. Iroh's wisdom from under lake Lagoai is also brought forward. So Zuko will be on a quest to find what really matters. You go, you soft little bean. I’m sure it will be fun for you.

The thieving vigilante bit: I think this was an important milestone for Zuko, and while he didn't steal Song's ostrich horse in the last chapter, I still think he needs to get his vigilante on and explore some of his lower impulses. He's low-key ashamed of it (because his mama raised him better than to be a common thief, and that is why he is always lying to Iroh), but he is learning a lot about himself through it.

So swamps typically symbolise low points in character's journeys and places where a hard truth is learned, or properly understood. Poor Zuko is getting pretty close to rock bottom at this point. I think it would make sense that he would resist his Uncle's hopeful musings – because he has no hope and he thinks there is no point in being optimistic. There really isn’t much more left for him to lose. Soon we will see Zuko beginning to build himself back up, from scratch, away from his abusive environment and discovering things that really matter to him. He'll regain his sense of identity and purpose away from the terrible influence of his father and sister.

Honest Confession time: I think Yang Chen and Kyoshi were the bomb, and also infinitely better at being the Avatar than Roku and Kuruk. Both those women were so competent.

Look at her! Look at what she did!

If Aang can commune with his past lives, Kyoshi and Yang Chen would serve him much better as mentors. Because, hands down, Roku could have made life, the universe and everything one thousand times easier for Aang if he had just had the gonads to do his duty. Aang is very different from Kyoshi, but goodness does she have wisdom for him.

I think Kyoshi and Yang Chen had the best wisdom for Aang. I didn't like how he dismissed her in Sozin's comet. I thought it was a bit disrespectful to be honest. I don’t think Aang means to, but it has cornered himself into favouring letting a tyrant live and thousands of others die, because he doesn’t want to do his duty for personal reasons (just like Roku).

If Aany only draws wisdom from one source (Roku) it becomes rigid and stale. Aang needs to learn from his other past lives. I wanted Aang and Kyoshi to have a conversation, and get to hash out their differences and come to understand each other better. I wanted Aang to see the human side of Kyoshi, and her to thaw a little towards Aang and give him a break and encourage him.

When Aang confesses he didn't want to be the Avatar, I think Kyoshi would have known exactly how that feels. It's a pretty mixed blessing being the avatar. Anyway, I've always wanted to write a more philosophical conversation between those two, and so I am indulging myself a bit here, but I hope you enjoyed it.

Next Chapter: TOPH!!! (she needs the caps).

#the worst prisoner #Emletish rants #emletish writes #emletish fic #Azula #Zuko #Katara #Zutara #Sokka #Aang #Toph #taang #Iroh #Kyoshi

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