#by doing so he shows his hand and azula then knows what his weakness is 👀

[prying-pandora666]

Do you ever think about the characters when they’re alone?

You know, the things the narrative pretty clearly communicates but which we never actually see?

Like how many nights Zuko must’ve laid on his cot in his ship and cried, missing his home, his family, his bed, his life… How many times he wrapped himself up in a blanket and pretended it was his mom holding him again. How many times he woke up from a dream where he’s back home and unburned only to wake up on a cold, hard metal ship, uncomfortable and shivering, hearing the groans of strained metal. Alone. You have no Nation. No place you could settle down. Everyone hates you but none more than your own homeland. What if Uncle dies? Or leaves too? What then? What will he do?

Or how many times Katara dreamed that her mother dying was just a nightmare! That it was all a dream and mom is still alive, dad is still home, her childhood didn’t get cut short. How many times Katara must’ve woken up and sat up looking for mom only to find she’s in the middle of nowhere, in a bedroll, surrounded by other kids she feels responsible for. How many times she cried by herself, wishing she had someone to “mom” her the way she does for everyone else. How often did Sokka have nightmares? How often he feared the Fire Nation showing up and killing them all. That he alone would have to stand up and fight them. How many nightmares of being burned alive, failing, and then watching his tribe suffer the same fate because he couldn’t protect them. How often did he cry out for Hakoda quietly, muffling his words into his pillow, wishing for dad to protect him again?

Surely Toph had her share of night terrors. They’d be dark because she doesn’t know sight, but surely there’d be sounds and a sensation of being trapped, locked in, like in a tiny metal cage. The kind where she discovered metalbending. How many times did she cower and flinch at night, dreaming that metalbending really wasn’t possible? That she’d spend the rest of her life trapped, forced to be an isolated, beautiful bobble, seen but not heard, never allowed out of her prison again?

How often did Aang wake up to the sound of Gyatso calling him, only to sit up and realize it was a dream? His people are dead. His entire way of life is dead. It’s never coming back. No, really. It seems too horrible to be true, but it is. They’re all dead. You are all that remains of your culture and you’re only 12. You can’t possibly know enough to preserve it. What are you going to do? You want to ask Gyatso. You can’t. He’s dead. He’s been dead for 100 years. He’s not even close to having been alive. And yet he feels like he was just here…

And then there’s Azula. Whether living in Ozai’s palace and forced to live every day in anxiety - forced to be perfect in every way - because you know that no one in this world loves you. The only thing keeping you from being the new Zuko is your usefulness. You keep father’s favor by performing, no matter how horrible or traumatic the task, hoping it’ll finally be enough to earn his love and you can finally know what it’s like to be cherished and held and wanted the way mom loved Zuko. Or… when she’s in the abusive asylum. Chi blocked so she’s immobile. Stuffed into a straitjacket. Mistreated and unable to defend yourself. You can’t even tell anyone because no one comes to visit until your brother needs something from you. You cry only in the dead of night, muffling your sobs into the mat you sleep on, brushing away your tears with its coarse fibers since you can’t even use your hands to move your bangs out of your eyes. Never show weakness. You know that much.

How often did they all dream of a warm and safe place where they’d be loved and protected? I hope they all got it in the end, LOK be damned. Every last one.

#avatar the last airbender #atla #avatar #Aang #Katara #Sokka #Toph #Zuko #Azula

[oneatlatime]

Atla season two predictions

We're halfway through season 2! I did a post on my thoughts on the show and its characters when I reached the halfway point of season one. My thoughts are mostly the same, and there's only one new character of note (all hail Toph!), so I thought this time I'd mark the halfway point by taking wild stabs at predicting where the rest of the season is going to go. I'm going to try to do at least one prediction per character. This is entirely guesswork. Once the season is done I'll come back to this post and see how prescient/stupid I was. Without further ado...

The season finale will have Azula as the Big Bad and introduce the Fire Lord as the Big Bad for season three. This is exactly what happened in the finale of season one: Zhao was big bad and Azula was introduced. So less prediction, more extrapolating based on existing data. It was a winning formula in season one, so I'm hoping the writers will do it again. I'm also hoping that Azula will follow Zhao's fate because quite frankly I don't like her very much. Tl;dr, Azula and her crew will get swallowed by a giant badger mole spirit.

Toph is getting a subplot. She feels like a character with nothing left to work on, and now that Aang can earthbend, her purpose is accomplished. So she needs another purpose in the story. That, or they're going to leave her behind at some point. I wonder if she's in season three? She'd better be. So either Toph is going to remain a character with no need of an arc, in which case her subplot will revolve around something she already excels at, or the writers are going to throw a curve ball and reveal a heretofore unknown weakness that she's going to have to work around. If it's the former, my money is on one of the idiots from the pro-bending tournament hunting her down to avenge their humiliating defeat at her hands. If it's the latter, my guess would be something intellectual that plays on her high society background. Political intrigue? Spy work? A cult? Maybe she finds out that her parents are colluding with the fire nation? Tl;dr SuperToph, somehow.

Appa comes back. This is not a prediction, this is a DEMAND. He breaks free of his captors (seriously, he went down way too easy), runs away into the wilds of the earth kingdom, and following some innate air bison sense, stumbles upon a lost colony of his fellow bison who escaped Sozin's genocide. (and have somehow remained entirely undiscovered for a century despite being each the size of a house and able to fly to boot well the earth kingdom's got a lot of empty spaces just go with it) They spend a few weeks chilling until Appa gets found. Season three can end with Appa's Air Bison Hunny showing up with a baby sky bison. Tl;dr Papa Appa.

Project Make Zuko Decent gets a new CEO. The current one sucks. Some new character is going to be introduced to provide Zuko with both the motivation and the guidance to become a decent person. Iroh's had a season and a half and made pretty much no progress; Zuko's spent all of season two trying, and has made himself somehow worse. Maybe not worse, but certainly more worn out. Time for new blood. I'd like to think that this show is above cliche, but let's be honest, it's going to be a love interest. They tried it with a kid brother in Zuko Alone and it didn't work. So some nice earth kingdom girl. Like Song, but with more backbone. Maybe she's really good at swords. They can bond over that. I feel like Zuko would be easier to connect with over something he knows he's good at. It would be less fraught than bonding over bending. She also lost her mother to the fire nation; they can bond over that too. The writers laid the groundwork in Zuko Alone, might as well use it. The more Zuko can empathise, the faster he'll get decent. I hate to see a character who exists solely for 'Man Pain' or 'Man Growth,' but let's be honest, Zuko is not self-aware enough to grow without some major hand-holding, and Iroh isn't volunteering. I know that Zuko is on the cover of my season three DVD so his 'get decent' arc has to be complete by the end of season two. Tl;dr Zuko gets schooled.

Sokka has been underutilised this season (as has Katara), so he's going to get something major. The Library set him up to lead the gang to that Earth Kingdom town who's name I forget so they can share the date of the eclipse with the king, but you know Aang isn't budging until they get Appa back. So for the next few episodes, Sokka will be in Master Tracker Mode, using all the skills he learned at the South Pole and more to rescue Appa. There can be flashbacks to him learning the skill from his dad/grandfather/uncles/Bato, then flash forward to see him applying that skill successfully, adapting it to a different climate and incorporating insights he's gained since the show started. We had Zuko Alone, now I want Sokka Alone with the ghosts of his family. Although I don't think Aang would be willing to sit out on Appa retrieval, so Aang's going to have to be urgently needed for Avatar reasons right when Sokka stumbles on the clue that is the key to finding Appa. The group splits and reunites to see the earth kingdom king, Sokka triumphant and Appa in tow. Tl;dr Sokka channels Liam Neeson with probably a lower body count.

Momo is going along with Sokka for aerial reconnaissance.

Katara needs something juicy too. She's mastered waterbending, so her growth has to be personal rather than skills-based. Maybe she gets her world view challenged? Maybe she meets an evil earth kingdom or water tribe person? Evil to the core; she's already met bunches from both nations who are stupid/malicious. Hang on - I forgot about Jet. So she meets an evil water tribe person. In the earth Kindgom. Somehow. Maybe she meets a good fire nation person? How about a fire nation healer/doctor/army medic? Someone who can show her that firebending isn't all bad. Can you heal with any element other than water? I have no idea, but it would be cool if you could. If you really want to challenge her, a fire nation firebending healer who is genuinely compassionate to people of all nations, but who is also proud to be a fire nation citizen and fond of their nation. That would REALLY confuse her. Doubly so if there's some healing technique that she desperately needs to learn from this person. Katara seems like the type to think that one person = one opinion, and that there is only one right opinion, ever, in all things, and that is hers. Show her someone complex, hypocritical, layered, but still a force for overall good. Tl;dr let's torture Katara.

Aang! It's been a while since his duties as Avatar have conflicted with his personal convictions. Actually, it's been a while since his duties as Avatar have come up at all, apart from training and getting chased for being the Avatar. Aang is going to encounter some problem that can only be fixed by an Avatar, likely something like the giant panda from season one. Maybe pissing off the Owl spirit causes unrest in the spirit world? Maybe Aang's going to have to fight a war on two fronts: fire nation v. other nations and spirit world v. physical world? Or maybe Aang's going to have to mediate in a spirit world civil war? Aang's got enough friends in the spirit world that maybe the giant panda and his friends take offence to the owl mouthing off about the avatar and it snowballs from there? It seems to me that pissing off a spirit is the kind of mistake that should have consequences beyond that spirit's episode. And this need for the Avatar comes up just when there's a solid lead on Appa, so Aang has to learn to delegate the Appa-finding to his friends while he's off saving the world. Tl;dr Aang has to do some Avataring.

Iroh needs to get his act together and come up with a better plan than following Zuko at a safe distance. This is more of a wish than a prediction, because Iroh's still very much a big old question mark to me. It's easier to predict what the child/teenage characters are going to do, because apart from maybe Toph, they have limited and already defined means. But Iroh's lived decades. He could very easily have resources, skills, connections, knowledge etc. that viewers haven't seen yet that he could call on at any time. He could pull anything out of the blue and I'd believe it, because that's how the world works when you're a sociable person who knows how to talk your way into things and has spent decades doing so. There have to be some earth kingdom collaborators around from his invading days who could be blackmailed/flattered into helping Iroh and Zuko get back on their feet. Tl;dr Iroh phones a friend. I can see the plot for the rest of the season ending in three ways:

A)Sokka's news about the eclipse causes the earth king to arrange a direct strike on the fire nation capital, killing Azula in the finale. The fire lord escapes, Azula gets promoted to fire nation martyr, and the war enters a new, worse, heightened, far more scorched earth/bloodthirsty state at the start of season three.

B) The Earth King says "yeah kid, we've had star charts for millennia, we know about the eclipse, they know about the eclipse, it'll be the one time their defences are at their absolute highest, this plan is dumb as hell, go away." This is the one I think is most likely.

C) News of the eclipse never reaches the earth king, because it turns out that unless the local king is your nonagenarian former best friend, getting a royal audience is hard if you're a water tribe nobody, and maybe his friend is the Avatar, but he's also twelve, and even in a kid's cartoon letting twelve year olds have a say in national policy is a bit of a stretch. The eclipse nonsense remains a one-episode occurrence that was just the set up required for Appa's Appa-napping, and the rest of the season is spent de-Appa-napping Appa, until a surprise appearance by Zuko jr. and her girlies in the finale.

#atla #avatar: the last airbender #avatar the last airbender #season 2

[heinzpilsner]

Some more quick thoughts on "Southern Raiders" (Ugh, there are so many layers in this episode to analyze, and so many different angles. It's like a freaking kaleidoscope. My autistic brain could get stuck in this mess for eternity.)

Basically, there are three separate choices with "Katara confronting Yon Rha" situation:

1) facing/not facing him at all

2) killing/not killing him

3) harming/not harming him in any other way

I'm not interested here in the moral side of things - it's too difficult topic for me to decipher, to be honest.

I'm here for a "mental health" perspective.

And psychologically speaking, both "facing your mother's murderer" and "specifically seeking a person and killing him with your own hands" are not really good experiences, especially for a 14-year-old girl who is already in a bad state of mind.

Hmm... But there is still point three to consider, isn't it?

The only thing facing Yon Rha seemingly could help Katara with was to make her feel powerful.

"I'm not a helpless little girl anymore. I can beat the person who hurt me. I can have a semblance of control."

But this is all it was - just a semblance.

The thing is, Katara knows from the start she can beat Yon Rha. This man couldn't be stronger than Azula.

And feeling powerful by beating or killing someone obviously weak and helpless is a psychologically degrading experience, no matter what the person in question did to you. In perspective, it can become an unhealthy addictive coping mechanism, and this is something you shouldn't encourage in yourself or a person you care about.

Basically, that's the problem with Zuko's "closure" on the Day Of The Black Sun as well. His whole speach was pointless from a practical point of view - Zuko couldn't change Ozai's mind on anything. In essence, what Zuko was really trying to achieve by making his temporarily powerless father listen to him is to feel in control (well, and prove to himself what he wasn't a coward by not leaving the palace quietly like any reasonable person on his place would do). But the power his father held over him was never something physical, and it almost costed Zuko his life in the end. Offering the similar experience to Katara only shows what Zuko didn't reflect on what really happened that day.

So facing Yon Rha was at best pointless, and at worst harmful experience for Katara. The real reason why she felt so angry and helpless would not go away like this.

In the end, I believe the "killing/not killing" angle most people choose as a point of focus doesn't give enough credit to the complexity of the problem.

Something like this, I guess.

#atla #katara #zuko

[kurosstuff]

Azula x reader: baby steps

Summary: even azula is capable of learning such a soft thing. Here's her starting to slowly do it♡

Warning(s): kinda sad but fluff, insecurity, no words spoken except once (is that even a warning idk) hand holding(the horror/j)

It's short and sweet I hope

Getting back to writing for azula before a request! Tell me If I made any mistakes please

Gentle isn't in Azulas dictionary

She is not known for such a thing.

"Showing anything gentle is weak. It won't bring anything to being the Fire Lord so why bother with something so useless" she always sneered

That was always her go to excuse for why she isn't gentle with anything or anyone. Gentle will never help anyone achieve anything- how did her father get to where he is today? By being nice and gentle? Fat chance.

Gentle is usless

Unimportant

But Azula is well aware of how gentle it is good at the same time. She sees it when her mother treats her brother with the love and affection she so desperately needs but will never admit. She sees it everywhere she goes, so why is it so different for her? Azula would love to put the silent blame on her father for yet again ruining what she craved, but she knows - even though he helped with her mindset. Azula herself is to blame for her harsh borderline sadistic treatment of others so one thing is for sure-

She doesn't know how to be gentle.

Doesn't know how to be genuinely kind to anyone. She was taught at a young age to be a fighter - a warrior. Someone to be the future Fire Lord - she never saw a reason to learn how to - even years later, of realizing what she really wanted - needed. She didn't deserve it anyways- but then she met someone who showed that even she deserved to be loved.

You-

You were never afraid to just hold her hand- speak such kind words even ignoring how she complained how cheesy you were. How idiotic it all was.

Why bother to show her such a thing? Why does it make her feel good? Like she's needed. Like you genuinely want her- not the Princess. But Azula herself.

Deep down her biggest fear is something she knows shes not. She isn't her father- she would never hurt you or do anything to make that thought a reality. She has the misfortune of inheriting her fathers temper among other things. The day she realized how much she loves you was also the day she made a pledge- to never get mad at you- which also meant to never burn you. She wasn't her father who burned his son. But she dreads the day her nightmare may become a reality.

Months into the relationship and she never made a move to hold your hand much less hug you- she didn't know how to do it really. Only times she's hugged anyone was when Ty Lee jumped on her to hug her or you did. But never once did Azula herself do it. But she knew at some point she'd need to at least attempt it.

So she will. This is Azula she can do this- can do anything.

-

Sitting beside you in her room - one of the hourly reading moments you do to 'pass the time' or whatever but insist on spending time with Azula still. She just chalked it up to it being something weird only you would do. Playing with the crown in her, she waited for her moment silently. Eyeing your hand while trying to be secretive about it- it failed. You saw how antsy she was getting- how she was staring at your hand the past week like it was gonna grow wings and fly away- or as her brother stated be burnt to a crisp by how intently she stared

You let your hand fall beside you- holding the book in one hand trying not to obvious on how you were watching her. Seeing her hand slowly move the crown down and inch towards your hand- you knew you made the right choice.

Azula's heart pounded- it wasn't anything big or world shattering by any means- but to her- to Azula this was a big step in the direction she wanted. To be able to gently hold you. She just needed to work on baby steps annoyingly.

She flinched as her fingers touched your hand- frozen in a silent thought before slowly covering your hand with hers. Softly covering your hand as if she was afraid to break it- slowly she breathed out in relief.

The two of you sat in her bed- you reading(not) and her siting happily holding your hand. Finally working the courage to do something she's been wanting to do on her own since the beginning of your relationship.

#azula x reader #atla x reader #not me forgettinf how to write azula #tell me if i got her at least somewhat ig

[my-tatteredwingsof-freedom]

God the amount of tiktok/twitter people who severely misunderstand Azula as a character is so exhausting. Did we even watch the same show?

Azula was a victim of abuse just as much as Zuko but in an entirely different way. Ozai pit Azula and Zuko against each other because he realized he could do something with Azula that he couldn't with Zuko; he could mold her into the next version of himself. Azula one hundred percent was most like Ozai even when she was young. Zuko, on the other hand, held all the traits Ozai, and the Fire Nation as a whole, believed were weak; he was compassionate and curious, he believed in being fair and just, and he never saw sense in pointless death which we saw in the flashback of how he got his scar.

Azula, however, was young and already feeling like she was being separated as "different" by their mother; Ursa was not a perfect parent by any means. And Ozai gave Azula the praise and affection that he refused to give Zuko. Ozai celebrated her while Ursa shied away from her. Can you imagine being a little kid and knowing that your own mother viewed you as an outsider, a monster?

Like, i dunno, but parents favoring one over the other and pitting them against each other in everything at such young ages definitely feels abusive to me. Mentally and emotionally. And besides, we KNOW that the Fire Nation's teachings and histories were manipulative; their own historical texts they taught in SCHOOLS were WRONG. It isn't hard to figure that Ozai's parenting, even if he valued his daughter more, would be just as twisted and wrong. What would he have done if Azula had turned on him? If she had spoken out against him or did exactly what Zuko did in the war council? Ozai wouldn't have hesitated to hurt her to prove a point. He already did it to one kid. If Azula stopped being useful to him, stopped trying to please him and be the best at everything, there would be no way Ozai would have kept treating her like she was his pride and joy.

Azula was a victim of abuse and was groomed to become Ozai's successor. The amount of pressure that puts on a kid, especially one who from a young age already felt like a monster in the eyes of a parent that was supposed to love them, is one hundred percent abusive. Azula was the perfect child and it cost her everything. No, she wasn't a perfect person nor a good one. But she was a victim to not just Ozai, but the Fire Nation's corruption as a whole. She loved her brother. That was confirmed by the creators a long time ago; Azula loved Zuko more than anything but she also loved being better than him, than everyone, because that was what gained her their father's favor. It gave her the sense of satisfaction and the security of a parents love.

To see her be reduced to nothing but an insane and heartless killer is so exhausting. What's that quote? "My father is the worst man alive and I am his favorite daughter"?.

Azula was fourteen. She wasn't a good person by far but no child is born evil. But evil is a hundred percent taught.

#skylar screeches #ugh sorry i never make posts here but its so exhausting #azula is such a complex character and Ive been an Azula stand for years #hate to see a great character so badly misunderstood #i don't want discourse btw i don't engage with fandom drama usually #atla #azula #avatar the last airbender

[azure-firecracker]

ATLA Live Action Episode 6: Overall Thoughts.

I have mixed feelings about this one. It made the least changes from the original, which means I have nothing really to commend it on that the original didn’t already do, but at the same time, I don’t have anything to complain about either. In isolation, it is a very good episode of television. In isolation, it’s the best episode yet, but I have a harder time crediting it because most of the good stuff in here is from the original. Onto the specifics:

This episode continued the trend I don’t love of Aang being just a vessel for cliché heroic lines. I get that the show is supposed to have a more mature tone, and maybe some of Aang’s more childish traits wouldn’t have translated well, but they could have at least put SOMETHING interesting in there.

In terms of the Aang/Roku scene, I didn’t love it. I don’t like this “the avatar must not have friends” dilemma the show is pushing. It’s tired. We’ve seen it in every fantasy show. A variation of this could work as part of Aang’s work, but it doesn’t work as his central conflict. It’s too overdone.

Also, Katara wasn’t in this episode, so I couldn’t get annoyed at them for butchering her character. Definite plus.

Another plus was June! Didn’t love her flirting with Iroh but she was fun and entertaining. Arden Cho did a wonderful job. I hope they bring her back more, she’d be a great recurring fun character to have around.

I did love all the stuff with Zuko. I loved the juxtaposition between younger, idealistic, naive Zuko and current, hardened Zuko. Even though live action Zuko is softer than animated Zuko, this episode really did a good job of showing how he has been hardened by his experiences, relative to what he once was. I liked his conversation with Aang, and how the two clearly have a connection despite their circumstances. I generally like it when those types of stories are played out in a non-romantic context because it’s so rare. A lot of the lines between them were a bit cliché, but they worked (except for the line going right into the flashback where Aang was like “You can’t have always been this way. That one was a little heavy handed).

In terms of the flashback itself:

Younger Zuko seems softer and more naive than animated Zuko, which works with the way we see Zuko here. He had a lot of good lines, especially his line about giving the weak a chance. I know some people didn’t like that he fought back against Ozai in the Agni Kai, but to me it worked. It showed that he was still trying to please his father, and just how willing he was to sacrifice his morals to do it (though not willing enough for Ozai).

Speaking of Ozai, I find it interesting how he’s portrayed here. The original show portrayed him as very uncaring, willing to banish Zuko for disobedience but not really caring if he came back. Here it almost seems like he genuinely thinks this is good parenting, like he genuinely believes this will make Zuko stronger. Obviously he’s still horrible and abusive, but I actually think it works better than the original. It goes hand in hand with how he seems to really think he’s doing the right thing for the world with the FN (because newsflash…that’s what imperialism is!) A villain who really thinks they’re right is always more interesting than one who just wants power and is horrible. I think they could do interesting things with him and I’m intrigued.

Iroh was really sweet in this episode. I liked that he tried to stop Ozai from having the Agni Kai, and that he was with Zuko afterwards. It always puzzled me why he didn’t do that in the first place, and while Iroh having flaws makes sense (he should have flaws!) that particular flaw didn’t seem right, so I liked that addition.

And rounding out the fire family flashback (haha alliteration!) we have Azula. She didn’t really do anything here but the bangs were a great choice! I found it a bit weird that the camera kept zooming in on her expression during Zuko’s burning, but her expression was very neutral. It’s another change I like from the original. I think Azula smiling in the original works and is super interesting, but this show is clearly taking steps to make her more humanized right off the bat, which I appreciate as an Azula stan who has to deal with…many people who don’t see her as human. I’m not sure what to make of her expression, but I did notice that it’s the same one she used when Ozai burned the spy in episode 3 (good job Lizzy Yu!) It seems like a mix of fear and joy and detachment, like she’s trying to relish it but also she knows it could happen to her, but she doesn’t want to admit that, and also she just wants to detach from what’s happening. It can be interpreted in many ways!

One minor thing: I didn’t like that this Agni Kai was outside. The really dark, all red, fiery throne room looked a lot more menacing. And they literally already have that set! Having it outside made it look so much more mundane.

Back to the present:

Blue Spirit escape sequence was great! Again, basically torn from the original so no surprise there. I appreciate that they didn’t feel the need to change everything, and the mask looked great. I also loved Iroh’s last line about the mask being the real you. That’s a theme that could come back for a number of characters (Aang, Zuko, Katara, Azula, Mai and Ty Lee…) And I did get this spoiled, but the addition of Zuko’s crew being the 41st was great. Lovely. Super sweet. A wonderful way to pull at the heartstrings.

I’ll give this episode a 9/10. A very strong episode of television, but I can’t give it a 10 because the strongest stuff is plucked from the OG.

#atla #avatar the last airbender #netflix atla #natla #atla live action #atla stream of consciousness #aang #roku #katara #zuko #iroh #ozai #azula #june atla

[impossiblycolorfulpanda]

An alternate scene of mine about the debate of Ozai's fate if Aang was separated from the gaang and was held captive by the FN right after being revived in Ba Sing Se until Zuko delivers him back to the gaang as he tries joining.

Suki: But he looks so sweet and innocent.

Zuko: Well that sweet kid grew up to be a monster and the worst father in the history of fathers.

Aang: But he's still your father none the less.

Zuko: You're going to defend him?

Aang: No. I know he's done horrible deeds and I know that I had to take lives at the North Temple and the North Pole to protect innocent people and Gyatso resorted to taking lives when he tried to save himself. But I don't think I can destroy the fire lord this time.

Sokka: Sure you can. You're the Avatar. If it's in the name of keeping balance, I'm pretty sure the universe will forgive you.

Aang: Would the fire nation feel the same way?

Sokka: Yeah...?

Aang: Regardless of what he is, the fire nation idolize him. They appreciate him as their ruler, not to mention Sozin has been spreading lies about me and other nations for generations. Everyone was indoctrinated, including Ozai and Azula. We need to show them that we're the good guys.

Zuko: An admirable idea, but it's not possible. My father finds the very concepts of mercy and peace to be laughable weaknesses. Indoctrinated or not he's not gonna stop doing horrible things.

Aang: Not everyone in the fire nation feel the same way. I believe if we showed mercy to the fire lord, they'll appreciate it, Azula included, even if he doesn't.

Katara: Azula?

Aang: She's not as ruthless as her father is. She tries to be only because she loves her father. He has to live, for Azula's sake if nothing else.

Zuko: My father's a bad influence on Azula, she'll be better off with him dead.

Aang: How do you know she won't become worse than ever in the process of trying to avenge him? Can he at least live long enough until she and the others are shown the truth and reject his policies like you?

Sokka: Buddy, Azula shot you with lightning, right after Katara healed you, she held you, Suki, and my dad prisoner, she's a good enough of a liar to fool even Toph, and she was the one who inspired the fire lord to commit the same genocide as the air nomads in the first place. She's clearly evil in her own right.

Aang: She could've taken my life again in the worst of ways. She could've done the same to Suki and your dad. She could've placed me in the boiling rock next to them. But she didn't. She promised to be civil if I was civil first and she delivered. I got to spend the most time with her and I know there is good in her. I can feel it. She can be saved. She can be turned to the good side, but not if I kill her father.

Toph: Azula brainwashed you the same way Long Feng brainwashed Jet, didn't she.

Aang: No.

Zuko: I get where you're coming from. She was the one who overturned my banishment and kept quiet about my secret conversations with our uncle. She even asked me to go to the beach with her. But we may have to prepare to put her out of the way as well if she becomes a big enough problem.

Aang: You can't seriously mean that! She's your sister, she wouldn't have done any of those things if she wasn't capable of love!

Katara: Aang, we understand what your saying it's just...

Aang: Just what, Katara? What?

Katara: We're trying to help!

Aang: Then, when you figure out a way for me to save the Fire Lord, the Fire Nation, and Azula from themselves and restore their internal balance, I'd love to hear it! (Walks away.)

Katara: Aang, don't walk away from this! (Walks toward Aang.)

Zuko: (Puts a hand on Katara's shoulder to stop her.) Let him go. He needs time to sort it out by himself.

Suki: He and Azula didn't have a thing, did they?

Zuko: I don't know. But they did seem close and friendliest to each other until the war meeting, they even danced together at a party that was not too far from here before he helped us burn it all down.

#atla #atla au #azulaang #sort of #ozai #aang #azula

[spaghetti-oh-s]

Azula was perfect. Her flames were steady, her balance sure, her posture upright and proud. She never had a hair out of place, never stuttered, was never taken aback.

She was perfect, and no one would ever know how hard she worked to stay that way.

She studied meticulously, practiced until she couldn’t stand and then kept going. She took care of her body, kept her skin clean and her hair healthy. She spent hours running through possible conversations in her head and practiced her reactions in front of her vanity mirror.

Azula was perfect.

Zuko wasn’t. He didn’t learn fast enough not to show weakness, not to make mistakes (Mother and Uncle and Lu Ten did him a disservice by allowing him to be so weak). Maybe it’s because he didn’t have an older sibling to learn from, but really, by now he should have realized what not to do.

Apparently not, seeing as she’s currently getting dressed for his Agni Kai. She’d like to say that she can’t believe that he could be so stupid as to openly disagree with a well-respected general at a war council, but she doesn’t make a habit of lying to herself. Other people, yes, but she has too much self-respect to hide from the truth.

Her hair is smooth and silky, sliding easily into it’s topknot. Her hairpiece is secure - it wouldn’t fall out, even if she did the hardest kata that she knew.

She carefully lines her eyes with charcoal, identical wings on either side.

Her shoes click softly against the wooden floors as she makes her way to the Agni Kai arena. Her robes swish as she sits next to her uncle.

Zuko walks into the ring and kneels, facing away from the other side as is customary.

She almost laughs at the surprise on his face when the match is started and he turns around to see Father where he expected to see some old general. (She doesn’t, of course. That would be unbecoming. She merely sits still and looks bland and pretty.)

Poor Zuzu - he never learns.

It’s hard to resist rolling he eyes when he immediately kneels and pleads for mercy. She allows herself an internal scoff; honestly, the fact that he doesn’t see how much worse he’s making this for himself is pathetic.

Father cups his hand to Zuko’s face, and Azula knows exactly what’s coming.

She doesn’t move a muscle, doesn’t tense up or bite her lip, even as she sees flames lick at her brother’s face.

Then he screams and something in her

just

sort of

crumbles.

He screams and her vision goes red because how dare Ozai touch what is hers, how dare he touch Zuko, Zuko belongs to Azula, he belongs to her, how dare he.

She raises from the bench, graceful as ever because she is perfect.

She circles her arms and points two fingers, and she doesn’t tremble because she is perfect.

Zuko crumples to the ground just as Azula’s lighting blasts Ozai across the arena.

#atla #avatar the last airbender #princess azula #zuko #fanfic

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Request: How ATLA and LOK characters act when you're cuddly and playful

Katara - Finds it sweet and blushes

 Katara loves any type of affection and kindness so she'd adore a partner who liked cuddles. The playful side she could take or leave but affection would really be her love language. She'd also be very reciprocating so if she sees her partner making an effort with her you best believe she's going to do the same back and shower them with love and care.

Also, our girl's been through some things and basically had to step up and be the support system of her family at the age of 8 due to general sexism so I think she'd really like not having to be the one doing all the caring in a relationship. She can just be looked after and allowed to be weak for once. I actually think it would be very therapeutic for her and she'd feel such a release to know she has someone who will carry all of that with her.  

Sokka - Mocks you for it

Sokka has this thing about acting older than he is right? So I think he'd call you childish for wanting to playfight or cuddle with him and he'd totally mock you anytime you asked him to ESPECIALLY if he was in front of the others. However when you're alone he'd slyly snuggle closer to you or sit practically on top of you until you noticed him and initiated contact in some way. Then of course you’d tease him back. 

"I thought you said it was babyish to want to cuddle huh? Not what established warriors do". 

"I know, I was wrong now please just spoon me woman!".

Then he’d just get to the stage where he admits he likes affection and there’s nothing unmanly about that. A full-on speech in front of everyone making it a bigger deal than it has to be and everyone’s just like “yeah we all like cuddles too” but you’re still proud of Sokka anyways. 

Azula - Pretends to hate it but loves it sm.

Similar to Sokka, Azula is not someone who would admit she likes affection. Due to her upbringing she just associates it with weakness and that instinct is hard to shake. With you she tries to keep this act up but it slips away very quickly. At first she’d very much resist any sort of physical affection because she doesn’t know how to say she likes it.

"Eugh you know it's the middle of the summer don't you? Why are you trying to cuddle me?" Azula groaned. 

“Because you’re so cute...but I can move away if you want”. 

“No you’ve already messed up my cushions so you might as well stay”. 

“No if you hate it so much I’ll just move” you smiled back teasingly when Azula catches your hand and sighed.

“Stay...please. I mean if you want...”.  

Then it quickly becomes her safe space. Given the lack of love and affection from her mother, father and uncle Azula is a lot more touch starved than Zuko so being held and physically affectionate would actually grow to be something she craves. She feels safe and loved in your arms and all her ego just melts away leaving the wonderful Princess Azula. She’d let herself be vulnerable with you and through this realises being weak isn’t actually a bad thing. 

Zuko - Would be terrified at first and then love it

Zuko is not the best person with words, we've all seen his "Zuko here" moment and the countless other times he said the wrong thing. So I think he'd secretly really like his partner being cuddly and playful because 1. it reassures him that you love and care for him which he needs after having Ozai as a parent. 2. because it gives him a way to non-verbally express how he feels. 

Instead of fumbling over his words to tell you how nice you look he can just take your hand instead. Rather than trying to explain how he worries he's not good enough he can just snuggle up against your side and close his eyes. 

Of course at first he’d just panic and go into overthinking Zuko mode wondering how much affection he’s supposed to show back, are his hands sweaty, is he making too much eye contact, is he making too little eye contact etc until one day it just clicks. 

From then on he would use it as his love language and he would LOVEEE that his partner is so comfortable with it and likes to initiate it. It would in turn give Zuko the confidence to initiate things and show physical signs of his affection. 

Basically I think Zuko would adore this which is made even more adorable due to his moody emotional persona. 

Mai - Hates it

There's no getting around this one. Mai is not a touchy, cuddly, playful kind of person and there’s nothing wrong with that! 

However I do think opposites attract so that's exactly the type of girlfriend she'd end up with (Ty lee anyone?). Therefore Mai would 100% know what she's getting herself into and honestly I think you'd find a balance with it. 

At first she'd be like why does she want to hold my hand every time we walk down the street but then she'd absentmindedly find herself reaching for you in a crowded party and enjoying the reassurance it brings her. 

Importantly you'd also change for her and learn to read Mai's body language and give her space when she's in her "nobody fucking touch me" mood. You’d be the type of couple with very healthy boundaries and independence. 

I also think because Mai is less playful having a cuddly partner would really bring out another side to her and soften her up a little. Man I'd love to see more soft Mai, we were robbed of perfection.

Ty lee - Is just playful and affectionate right back but x10 as much

So Ty lee is ripped right? I mean she's basically a professional gymnast so her core and muscles are no joke. Therefore I feel like whenever you're being playful with her or messing around she's used her skills against you and just love it. 

She could easily flip herself out of a hug so she was the big spoon or twirl out of your arms and tug you into hers. She'd love to do this just so she can make you laugh, smile or even better blush. Ty lee sometimes gets written off as being very childlike and innocent but I think she's got a cheekier side, I mean she did grow up with Mai and Azula!  

I also think Ty lee would know exactly how to hold someone based on her chi blocking experience. She'd know what pressure to apply to different parts of the body and how she could best make you comfortable so she'd be an excellent person to cuddle with.  

Suki - So sophisticated she always makes you melt

In my mind Suki just has life figured out so as a partner she'd be so smooth and always a few steps ahead of you. To the extent you actually make it your mission to try and make her blush at least one. You do this by surprising her at random moments with affection. Sneaking up to her and planting a kiss on her cheek or randomly tugging her into a hug. 

It doesn't go to plan. 

Suki either just kisses you properly or flirts with you making you a blushing mess unable to look her in the eye. Suki finds this adorable and so keeps doing it, when she finds out you'd been trying to floor her this whole time she finds it hilarious.

There’s simply no surprising a Kyoshi Warrior.

Korra - So So So So Sooooo excited

Korra loves when you get all cuddly with her because she adores being the big spoon! She'd just love to wrap her arms around you and have you safe and close against her chest. So much so actually tries to encourage it. 

She'd purposefully make the room temperature a little bit cooler when she knows your coming over and would suggest you watch a mover on the sofa together. She'd also conveniently place blankets on her side of the sofa and wait. Eventually you'd scoot closer and closer to her before asking if you could cuddle up under the blanket with her. Korra would try and play it cool, agreeing like it wasn't her master plan this whole time but she'd accept so fast she kind of gave it away. You'd just chuckle and smile because despite being the Avatar, Korra is her brilliant self first and you love her so much. Also just imagine Korra's big strong arms wrapped around you on a rainy or snowy night...

Asami - A little bit flustered

Asami is the put together queen but she'd become rather flustered to have a partner who is so openly playful and affectionate. 

At first she'd be taken aback and unsure of how to react...but we all saw my girl racing, she has a competitive side. So whenever you're in a playful mood she joins in because she likes to win. She is in totally unchartered water but that doesn't mean she's not going to try. Tickle fights are something I could see Asami getting really into. You'd both be squealing and laughing, hair askew, sweaty, clothes dishevelled...it'd be so unlike Asami to be messy but she loves it and adores that you bring this playful carefree side to her. It's in those moments that she forgets all her worries in the world and it hits her just how much she's in love with you.

Mako - Has no idea what to do, awkward af

Mako is very physically protective in public but not so much in private. So for example if you were in a crowd he'd immediately grab your hand and pull you close to him. That wouldn't bother him because he knew the situation. However if you just came into the living room one day and wrapped your arms around him, then he'd freeze. 

"Y/n...what are you doing?" Mako asked. 

"Hugging my boyfriend" you chuckled "is that okay?". 

Mako nodded "erm of course...do you want me to hug you back?". 

"Only if you want to" you shrugged and he nodded "okay" and wrapped you in a very awkward hug. 

I think it’d be hilarious because Mako actually looks like he’d be great to cuddle with. He’s tall, with broad shoulders and long limbs not to mention very attractive and pretty much always in a tank top. So it’d be very endearing for him to totally clam up and have no idea what to do when you hold him. Then like all my other faves with repressed trauma he’d love it and secretly request to be the little spoon in a very unsure and small voice. 

You’d of course indulge him and find a way to comfort the very tall firebender. 

Bolin - LOVES IT MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THE WORLD.

So well all know that Bolin is basically a walking ball of affection right? He would go absolutely crazy if his partner wanted cuddles from him. 

If his partner was the type of person who is pretty affectionate 24/7 he'd still get excited every time and probably encourage it a lot like Korra. 

Whereas if his partner wasn't very affectionate I think he'd genuinely get emotional if you asked to cuddle him or even just grabbed his hand.

"Bolin are you crying?". 

"No I just have something in my eye...now come here!". 

Also I think Bolin would be the comfiest person to cuddle in the whole Avatar universe because he’d put so much effort into it. You're cold? He’d find as many blankets as he can and wrap you up in them. Your neck hurts? Pillow. You're tired? He doesn't care just fall asleep in his arms and he'll (easily) carry you to bed later. 

I also have a suspicion like his brother he'd lowkey love to be the little spoon and I can picture nothing cuter than shy Bolin asking his partner to hug him and his partner of course obliging him because who could say no to this adorable human being? 

Kuvira - Scary but softens when you get to know her

I love opposites attract tropes and so a cuddly playful partner for the great Uniter would be wonderful. Kind of like with Mai it would be a mix of different boundaries and personalities but because Kuvira is very strict I can imagine you'd have to have known her for a while before she’s affectionate towards you. 

Similarly she can be pretty intimidating to be around so you'd have to know her well to feel comfortable hugging her or acting playful around her. 

However I suspect because of this and everyone being scared of her Kuvira would like a partner who isn't afraid to initiate cuddles and admires your bravery. If there's one thing Kuvira doesn't like it's pushovers (looking at you Bataar Junior) so even if you are different as long as you're your authentic self she'd respect and love that.

_______

Done! I hope you liked it @captainblunder  

I didn’t do Toph and Aang because they’re children and even thought this is sfw it just felt weird writing about 12 year olds in this capacity. 

#katara #sokka #azula #zuko #mai #ty lee #suki #bolin #mako #korra #asami #kuvira #avatar #atla #avatar the last airbender #atla imagine #avatar imagines #legend of korra #lok #legend of korra imagine #lok imagine #katara x reader #sokka x reader #azula x reader #zuko x reader #mai x reader #ty lee x reader #suki x reader #bolin x reader #mako x reader

[tobitofunction]

🐉 part 6

Took a while but here’s the next part

part 7 part 8

Everything went so far, one minute everyone is fighting Azula and than suddenly a large tree lady with three faces popped up from the pool, light blue face masks floated beside her,"She's beautiful" you admitted even though the floating face mask made your skin crawl," I am the Mother of Faces. Through me, separateness came into the world. Through me, came identify" she said her voice was soft, it floated through the air like a leave in the wind," Each season I grant one favour to one human. You make your request now" Aang's face morphed to a surprised one, he looked at the two older siblings, Aang than turned to the mother of faces again,"Is it possible to have two?" he asked,"Don't test my generosity young Avatar, one" the mother said," They waited so long, if we only get one they deserve to get it"Zuko smiled at them,"We find Ursa in another way, I promise" you smiled wrapping your arms around his, he smiled down at you,"Go ahead Misu" Zuko said, as the older woman passed him with a grateful smile.

"This is ridiculous" you heard Azula his followed by the sound of breaking ice,"Your such a disappointment Zuzu, even if your strong your weak"Azula hissed breaking the two of you apart to make her way to the mother where Misu was making her request," We seek a Princess of the Fire Nation, her name is Ursa. Tell me where to find her" Azula said destroying Misu chance to help her brother, even though she hurt Haku, your heart broke for her, however the mother of faces answered, showing a face which was familiar to all of you," That's Norkio" Zuko gasped seeing the face of the woman which invited you all to her house before. "Azula is gone, she's probably on her way back to the town" you said,"We take Haku, it be faster," you said climbing onto the dragons back, Zuko followed by wrapping his arms around your waist,"Let me help, knowing Azula you two need all the help you can get" Sokka said,"Gaomagon ao pendagon kostā carry another kempa valītsos (Do you think you can carry another heavy boy)" you said, Haku grunted not sounding really happy about it but still agreeing to it,"Come on up, just a heads up Sokka it can be bumpy mostly since you two are heavier than Suki, Ty-Lee and me combined" you said making Sokka gasp,"Are you bodyyyy" Sokka was cut off by Haku flying off, he clung to Zuko like a baby kola would to his mother.

The second you landed in front of the small house, Sokka tumbled off the white dragon who was side-eyeing the water tribe boy,"That was the scariest, yet COOLEST THING I EVER HAVE DONE" he said but you hushed him at the end,"Kesan tepagon ao iā dozen sheeps istin skoriot arlī, ñuha kostōba valītsos (I will give you a dozen sheeps once where back, my strong boy)" you said rubbing his neck,"What's going in there? Noren's family... don't tell me Azula-!" Sokka said making you turn around both of them had their backs pressed against the wall and Zuko peeked through the small window," No, they're fine, they're just eating dinner" Zuko said moving away from the window, the light from inside still illuminating his face, Sokka breathed in relief, and so did you,"Thanks to Haku, we got here before Azula did" Zuko did walking over to the dragon rubbing his neck,"I'm going inside, Sokka stay here and keep and eye out for Azula" Zuko said,"Can you come with me?" Zuko asked gently wrapping his hand around your wrist,"Of course,Gūrogon care hen sokka (Take care of Sokka)" you said to Haku before walking towards the door with Zuko.

Noren opened the door, his face didn't show any surprise it was like he was expecting the two of you,"I knew you would return" he said with a soft smile, Zuko looked confused but before he could say something Kiyi ran over to the two of you and tried hugging the both of you at the same time,"You returned because we're best friends right" she said making you giggle,"Come eat dinner with us"she said dragging the two of you to the dinner table.

The food was delicious but Zuko didn't eat any of it, he was just staring around the table taking in the comfortable atmosphere," Noriko, could I ask you something?" Zuko than said suddenly,"Of course" she smiled,"Are you happy?" he asked, Noriko was taken back by the question,"What an odd question to ask?" she said awkwardly,"Please just answer it","Of course I am happy. I am where I belong" she smiled which made Zuko smile as well, he began standing up,"Zuko where are you going?","We have bothered them enough, let's go home. We have a wedding to plan after all" he said holding out his hand, you sat there unsure for a while looking at Noriko before sighing and taking Zuko's hand,"Can I go to your wedding?" Kiyi asked, "Of course, we wouldn't want it any other way," you said,"Wait!" it was Noren he rubbed his wife's shoulder and looked at Zuko,"Tell her what you came here to tell, I knew this moment would come sooner or later," he said. Zuko at first seemed unsure but you nudged him slightly and gave him a reassuring smile,"My name is Zuko, I am the Lord of the Fire Nation...and I am your son".

Silence filled the room, Noriko sat there shocked unable to say a word, however soon the silence was broken by Noren," I recognised you immediately due to your scar, I tried to learn as much as possible about Ursa's past. I knew you would come. I'm sorry for lying to you, I hoped I gave you enough information to satisfy you, yet still live a peaceful life with Ursa" he said bowing his head,"Ursa?" Noriko said confused as Kiyi climbed her lap,"That was your old name, my love, from your old life. You were once a Princess of the Fire Nation, you had two children, one turned out to be the Fire Lord" Noren explained,"Mommy, what is Daddy talking about?" Kiyi asked,"You don't remember any of it because an old spirit altered your memories" he explained further,"I also have an old name, Ikem" Zuko's face morphed into a surprised one,"Than I am where I am supposed to be…..with my father and mother” you looked at Zuko with confusion so was Norten, he shook his head, ” Ursa and I-“but cut off a loud scream,” It’s Haku” you said just than Sokka was blasted through the wall, crashing on the table,” You're having dinner without me….that’s so mean,” he said,” What’s going on?”,” Azula? She attacked out of nowhere, I tried giving Haku a command but he didn’t he respond, he's holding her back though” he said getting up,” I did say once a dragon is bonded, they will only listen to the one who they are bonded with” You smirked,” Than give him a command before Azula comes in”, you where about to speak when a lightning strike hits your shoulder making you fly back into a wall. Kiyi shrieked and hid behind her mother who was behind Noren.

Zuko ran over to you checking if you were okay, Haku's growling made him look back," Finally. I can't tell you how long I waited for this moment".

"My shoulder hurts" you mumbled, making Zuko sigh in relief," Get Noren and Kiyi out of here, Azula if focused on our mother. Sokka and I while take care of her" Zuko said watching Sokka hit Azula with his boomerang giving you the opportunity to rush over to Noren and Kiyi,"We need to leave" you said,"But my wife-","Kiyi isn't safe her, the boys got this, trust us" you said Noren hesitated a moment before moving with you.

"Wow," Kiyi said seeing Haku, meanwhile Noren tensed,"No need to be scared, Haku is mental," you said,"And he's getting used to carrying more people, so no need to worry about the weight," you said grabbing Kiyi from Noren and placing her onto the saddle with you following," Dragon's are real, you're even cooler now" Kiyi said as Noren sat behind you,"Sōvegon (Fly)" you said Haku immediately took off, you look downwards and saw Blue flames emerge from the house,"Don't worry, Ursa will be fine" you said feeling Noren grip tighten around you.

Kiyi was having the time of her life flying on Haku,” Haku land” you said Kiyi was trying to copy you making you giggle. “Hello Appa,” you said as you dismounted Haku,” You are safe here,” you said. Here you waited for the other's return, you heard Kiyi giggle and saw her playing with Appa,"This is a ski bison he belongs to the Avatar" you said making her eyes go wide,"Wow the Avatar" she said," Noren is everything okay?"you asked," I'm worried about Ursa" he said,"She will be fine Zuko and Sokka are amazing fighters and it's probably not the first time they fought Azula" you said putting a hand on his shoulder,"I want to apologise again, I shouldn't have lied I just didn't want our peaceful life to be disturbed","It's okay, I would have done the same too. You were trying to protect your family but now have a bigger family, isn't right Kiyi" you said,"What does that mean?" she asked as Noren picks her up,"Zuko and you are siblings you share the same mom....also Noren what did Zuko mean earlier? He called you his father?" Noren shrugged his shoulders,"Does it mean I'm also a warrior princess like you?" you smiled as Kiyi gained your attention again,"Yes, you be living in a palace and we play every day if you want" you said making her giggle.

Couple of hours later Kiyi was sleeping, you placed on Appa,"I hope this okay?" you said patting his neck, Appa roared softly in response,"That means he okay with it" Aang said from behind you, him, Katara and Sokka were waving at you,"Did everything work out?" you asked,"Yes the other water tribe siblings got what they wanted and are heading back to South Pole" Katara smiled,"But Azula got away" she said," What? Where is Zuko? Is Ursa okay?" you asked,"Yes Ursa is okay, she regained her memory and her face, she and Zuko are catching up" Aang said making both you and Noren breathe a sigh of relief,"Isn't anyone else worried that Azula can pop out any moment and attack us?" Sokka asked,"Aang do you know what Zuko meant by calling Noren/Ikem his father?" Aang sighed,"It's not my place to tell you" he said making you frown.

You and others waited for a while for Zuko to arrive with Ursa. Kiyi was still asleep, Noren quickly embraced his wife and you approached Zuko,"Is there something you need to tell me?" Zuko gulped and took your hand and led you a bit away from the others.

You read through the letter Zuko gave you,"So Ursa forged a letter claiming you aren't Ozai son?" he nodded,"Why were you so afraid of telling me this?","As before I didn't know if it's true or not, I was scared if word went to your father he will break the engagement off" you sighed,"My father agreed to this engagement because of your mothers blood, you have the Roku's blood flowing through you, being Fire Lord was only a bonus" you kissed his cheek,"And I don't really care for any of, I fell for you in such a short time because I felt a connection to you and I like you dorky side" you said leaning your head on his shoulder,"Dorky huh?" he said gently playing with your silver locks,"But next time don't hid something this big from me okay?" Zuko nodded,"I promise"

#zuko x you #zuko fanfic #firelord zuko #zuko imagine #zuko x reader #zuko x y/n #zuko x fem!reader #avatar the last airbender zuko #avatar the last airbender

[roththeprimordial]

Ursa: Wow, that was a good one, Aang!

Aang: Hehehe, yeah, Monk Gyatso taught me that!

Azula: Ugh, please forgive my boyfriend's idiocy, Mother. He never knows when to stop with the stupid jokes.

Aang: Jokes you laugh at behind closed doors.

Azula: Shut up.

Ursa: I'm so happy you two could swing by for a visit... Actually, there's something I'd like to talk to you about, Aang...

(Ursa turns away and calls out for Kiyi)

Ursa: Kiyi! Can you come over here for a moment?

Azula: Hold on! No! If you have something to say to him, then I'll be by his side.

Ursa: It's nothing serious, I assure you. Besides, Kiyi has been wanting to spend time with her big sister. And I think it'll be good for BOTH of you.

Kiyi: I'm here, Mom. Oh, hi Aang, Azula!

Aang: Hi, Kiyi. Geez, your getting tall!

Azula: Oh, hello, Kiyi...

Ursa: Kiyi, your big sister heard about your talent of braiding hair, and she'd love to do it with you!

Kiyi: Really!?

Azula: Pff... Oh please, I'd rather stick my tongue in an ant hil-

(Aang lightly elbows Azula with a smile)

Azula: ... Oh fine!

Kiyi: Yay!

(Azula gets up and walks away with Kiyi)

Ursa: ... Avatar Aang, you have done great things in the world. You SAVED the world... But to me, you've done an even greater deed. You saved my daughter.

Aang: Oh, well, thank you Ursa. But, it's no big deal, I saved her from falling out of the sky once, but that didn't-

Ursa: Hehehe, no. I meant in another way. You saved her from herself. Azula is not perfect. She had a lot of flaws, flaws that her father exploited... Once Ozai saw she had talents, he began molding her. He taught her that kindness was weakness, that showing mercy was weakness. That using violence and fear were the only ways to get what you want. Each time she hurt Zuko, or a classmate, or whoever else of that nature, Ozai secretly encouraged it... I was... Honestly frightened of her. Don't get me wrong, she was my child and I loved her. I just... Didn't show it enough. And because of my weakness, Ozai transformed her into what she later became.

Aang: Ursa, please don't blame yourself. You did everything you could, but, Ozai just had too strong of a grip over her.

Ursa: Thank you for your kind words, Aang. But I don't deserve them. Before and after Sozin's comet, she started to unravel. She lost her grip on reality. But, even after all of that, you were there to pick up the pieces. Despite all she did to you and your friends, you showed kindness to her. You showed her love. Something I wasn't capable of doing... I've never seen her so well off and happy before. You are the light in her life.

Aang: I think your giving me a little too much credit, Ursa...

(Ursa leans forward with a serious expression, staring eye-to-eye with Aang)

Ursa: Aang, I understand how powerful my daughter is. She is one of the most powerful firebenders in the world. Possibly in all of history. But no matter what, she's still my baby, and I love her. Please, please promise me, you'll do whatever you can to keep her safe. Keep her happy. I know I have no right asking you something like this, but as her mother, I want her to live the best life she can. Can you do that for me, Aang? Can you make her happy?

(Aang gave a sincere smile before gently grabbing Ursa's hands and looking her in the eye)

Aang: I SWEAR on my life... I will keep her safe and happy...

Ursa: Thank you, Avatar Aang...

#Atla #Avatar #Avatar the last airbender #Aang #Azula #Ursa #Kiyi #Azulaang

[agentemo]

Netflix's ATLA initial thoughts, ep 8: Legends

Honestly love Katara joining Aang in attacking the ships. I still wish he could waterbend too. Oh Sokka is here! Teamwork :')

Awkward CGI ftw. I had to mention it at least once.

Iroh giving Zuko advice makes more sense! That's the kind of thing I wanna see! That said, "Lu Ten woulda been proud" is not as strong as "You are like a son to me." Whack dialogue strike 74.

Bringing in the airship early is...a choice. And oh man Iroh, you will find out what job soon enough.

WHY HAVEN'T WE SEEN AANG WATERBEND

I GUESS WE'LL SEE ALL THESE WOMEN FIGHT INSTEAD I'M NOT CRYING

Sokka and Yuuue sitting in a...on an ice block

Master Katara seemingly as earned in this show as in the OG. Which is extra points against this show lmao you're supposed to improve upon the flaws you stupid remake!

Fucking fire sage traitor ass bitch. I don't mind the sages having this information; makes sense. I also like that the ocean and moon spirits appear rarely instead of BEING mortal. That is the kind of flaw improvement I like to see.

I don't love the super powerful being (Aang) seeing things others don't. It's giving hallucinations for plot purposes, which I hate.

Momo came here to nearly die, I see. I'll allow it. There's a push and pull (heh) between realism and fantasy and they are leaning toward realism. It works if Yue has powers and needs to save someone in an oasis that is not just a 10 by 10 island.

I love seeing the adults act. They're so believable lmao.

Katara Zuko fight! Lmao and Aang telling her to go easy on him. I wish that was earned.

"Yes. You're looking at her." PERIODT! I...wish that was earned.

Zhao wanting firelord is bullshit. Also how do you know which fish is the moon? Must... not... nitpick... final... episode.......

I will say Zhao's actor ate this whole season. He came to the Netflix buffet and had his fill and then some.

Color grading, I kiss you on the mouth.

So many water tribe warriors would have died in the wake of the death of the moon spirit. I'm glad they showed that. It hurts to watch but I didn't sign up for this live action remake to have my hand held.

I finally believe this kid as Aang and it took him about to go kaiju. Maybe because I couldn't see his eyes.

Speaking of kaiju!!! Fuck it up, kings! We BIG mad with the Avatar and ocean spirit!

He's a small man! Who's gonna meet a small end!!!

Okay. I love Azula in this. They made a good choice here. Actually no. They made many good choices here. They brought her forward a season and they made so many compelling choices with her character. Incredible.

Yeah keep throwing fireballs at a water kaiju you dumb fucks.

Sokka and Yuuue... and then just Sokka...

Katara, he can't hear you. Stfu.

I love seeing the aftermath except I don't. Fuck the aftermath. Have I not cried enough?

NOT THE GUY WITH THE DIMPLES

You don't! Have to be a warrior!!! To be a hero!!!!!!

A man needs his rest!!!!!! And a me needs their CRY

Chemistry between the trio in the literal last scene of them lmao.

Azula helping conquer Omashu? Under the shadow of the siege of the north? Brilliant.

NOT AZULA BEING A WEAK SACRIFICE.

Yeah what the FUCK is next, Azula?

G-give...me season 2? Now. I want it now.

More thoughts coming....well I have a lot of work the next few days but this will be front of mind anyway lol

#avatar the last airbender

[seldomscilence16]

Whumptober Day 2:

"I'll call out your name, but you won't call back." 

Thermometer | Delirium | "They don't care about you." 

Fandom: ATLA (AU)

Prompt used: Title, Delirium, "they don't care about you."

Alright this ones short cause I rewrote it like three times… anywho, have some light Zuko angst. I'm gearing up for a little more intensity in day three so 😬. Beating up in first paragraph tw!

…

Another punch, right beneath his ribs, has bloody spittle flying from his mouth, choked air being the only sound accompanying the motion. He refuses to give them that satisfaction, to show that weakness here, they can beat him bloody and blue, but Zuko was once a crown prince, he's been through far worse than this.

Fire licks at his ankles, an angry yell filling the air. 

"Why do you protect them? What? It's not like they like you. They don't care about you. Why do you think they haven't come? You offered them an escape and they took it, each and every one of them. You are a Fire Bender Zuko, a Prince- Banished or not- you are alone. Tell me where the Avatar and the traitors went, and your misery can be over." Zhao has a crazed look in his eye, fire sparking across his finger tips. 

Zuko doesn't answer, spitting a glob of blood at the Admirals feet instead. It earns him an angry kick that has him finally falling to his knees, but he grins up anyway like he's won. Zhao can't seem to realize that Zuko knows they won't come. He's not worth it, Zuko knows this, all of what Zhao says. But they're all safe, and that was Zuko's priority. 

Zhao, seemingly fed up with Zuko's silence, waves a dismissive hand and the guard behind him knocks his weapon over Zuko's head, hard. The world fades around him, and he welcomes the momentary peace of the darkness. 

"You know Zuko, the writer of Love Amongst Dragons also wrote my least favorite poem."

His mothers stare is blank, sitting under the shadows of their tree, staring across the pond. Across her cheek is a bruise, uncovered but remnants of makeup still visible. Curled into her side, Azula sleeps, eyebrows furrowed. Zuko makes a noise to indicate his attention, trying not to ruin whatever this moment is.  

"Always pointing out what I lack

I can never tell your aim

It's not just your bags you pack

And I'll never be the same

Life on the rack

I'll call out your name

But you won't call back."

She pauses, but the poem seems to ring out in the following silence. 

"Do you know why it's my least favorite Zuko?" She answers before he can, "I always wanted true love… this poem, written by the same writer of my favorite play, reminds me to find the good." At this, she cups his cheek gently, careful not to disturb his sister, "You two. I hope you two can find love and happiness someday. Promise me, you'll never let anger rule you."

And Zuko, well how could he say anything else,

"I promise."

Zuko wakes with his mothers voice in his ears, and her hand in his hair, Azula's soft breaths filling the gaps. The performing frog and turtle duck are odd, and very dramatic, is that really the voices they'd have?? Zuko can only watch them idly, too tired to truly decipher if the animals before him exist or not. 

"...won't call back!" The turtle duck strikes a dramatic pose, tragically dejected. 

Huh… is… that what Zuko was doing? His mother told him to find happiness, so in his banishment, he'd turned a new leaf. His crew were basically pirates now, and they were actually helping the Avatar. He was doing good, but he supposed it was over now. He'd be taken back to his Father and punished for crimes against the throne, probably never see the light of day again. 

"You shall not reign any longer!" With a weird sun behind the Frog, he goes down with a downward strike of the Turtle Ducks wing. 

The thump of the frog is echoed by a louder thump that moves the surface beneath his cheek. His sight moves up slowly, blurry and doubled- the animals continue out his peripheral- to find a figure doing something at the cell door. They're not in red, rather tones of blue and gray, though he lets his sight fall again when his head throbs. It feels like he has two bad eyes, and the throbbing ache at the back of his skull is doing him no favors. He decides to go back to the animals, its easier.

It's only when feet go through the performance that he's reminded of the whole thing. Something hisses above him, and then theres a delicate touch at his nape,

"Hey buddy, we're gonna get you out of here. Your sister is scaring the guards now, and her friends are clearing a path, and the others are waiting at Oppa to get ya to your ship. Just uh… yeah let's move nice and slow." 

"But da 'urtle du' isnt f'nished yet." 

"... well, they can finish later." 

"M'kay."

#whumptober 2023 #no.2 #“I'll call out your name but you wont call back” #Delirium #they dont care about you #atla #avatar the last airbender #fic #blood tw #beating tw #zuko angst #halucination #turtle duck #zukos mom #i did a poem thing kinda #abuse mentions

[robthegoodfellow]

I was thinking about Billy and Max and how an abusive parent can affect sibling relationships and then I just so happened to scroll past a post about Zuko and Azula because tumblr knows my love for AtLA will never die.

What follows are some rambling thoughts fueled by an amount of wine.

Aside from the sudden need for an AU wherein Billy and Max are fire-benders, the parallels really struck me: how both Billy and Zuko were belittled, verbally/physically abused by their fathers in ways that made them feel like outcasts in their own families, that pushed them to hone their bodies into something that would lend them power, that led to their lashing out against others (Neil sending Billy out to find Max is a miniature version of Ozai banishing Zuko to find the Avatar). And then I thought of how their mothers abandoned them in abusive households. The only difference is Zuko had Iroh (and writers with souls. and brains), whereas Billy had no one (and shitty ass writers).

It’s been explored by others more effectively how Max showed signs of mimicking the abusive tactics she observed at home and used them against Billy in the fight scene in season 2, and that reminded me of how Azula perpetuated Ozai’s abuse of Zuko (obviously to a way more extreme degree). But then it made me rethink some assumptions I’d been making about Max… like Azula, she’s blunt and outwardly confident (or at least… abrasive?? which can read similarly!) when we meet her in season 2, using sarcasm/insults as her main mode of interacting with peers. And she’s a tomboy, seeming to reject “girly” hobbies and style of dress in favor of “boyish” ones… and if you compare those traits to Azula, and consider why Azula embraced and honed particular traits, it opens up the potential for a different read on Max.

A lot of people assume Max would have gotten flack at home for not being girly enough. But what if the traits we see in Max are ones that Neil had a hand in fostering, both by being a snide jerk role model himself, but also because Neil is a misogynist. (Like Ozai, he throws his weight around with his wives, demanding obedience and submission via sadistic assholery) Because there’s a reason why “girl power” trends of the 80s/90s involved girls/women acting more like boys/men, up to and including padding the shoulders of their powersuits to look like a linebacker... and it’s because femininity was perceived as weak and inferior. In that sense, it would track that Neil would approve of Max being a tomboy and being assertive and being snide… because Neil disdains anything feminine. Max being a tomboy is therefore good, but Billy exhibiting any weak or “girly” behaviors is cause for mockery and insults. Max is rocking that internalized misogyny that tells her she’s not like other girls, and Neil would have undersigned that shit.

JUST LIKE AZULA. Ozai groomed her to be just like him.

Max tells Lucas in season 2 that she doesn’t want to be like Billy. And that line hits a bit different when you consider the possible effect that Neil may have had on her perceptions of Billy and herself. That in order to occupy a position of power, you must act like Neil, or how Neil approves of… and whatever you do, don’t be like Billy.

But of course this only applies to season 2, because as usual, there’s approximately -5 continuity between seasons re: character development. (see: steve. robin. eleven. the other people)

#max mayfield #billy hargrove #abuse tw #it is entirely possible that this makes no sense #but i still want that fire-bender AU #eleven could be an air-bender #steve could be an earth-bender #idk why it just seems right #like you know how it's good to set controlled fires so nature can renew or whatever #that's what billy's fire could do for steve #metaphorically #whoops i made it harringrove #typical

[suzukiblu]

part three of this fic for @primtheamazing:

Azula lays awake late into the night, staring up at an icy ceiling and chafing in her metaphorical bonds. This whole place is made of ice; she could burn right through it and go anywhere she liked, if only Zuko and the Kyoshi Warriors weren’t on the other side of the door. 

She could do anything she wanted, if only she wanted something. 

She wants so many things. 

They’re all impossible. 

She’s cold, so she breathes fire into her lungs and closes her eyes. She won’t show weakness. She won’t hesitate. When she gets her chance, she’ll get her revenge. Zuko will never know what hit him, except he’ll know EXACTLY what hit him, because she won’t give him the mercy of a quick or painless end. No, he’ll see her. He’ll know it was her. 

He’ll die, and he’ll die knowing he deserved it. 

Traitor. 

She’ll never get to Mai. Mai’s not stupid enough to get anywhere near her. Zuko, though . . . 

Zuko’s always been stupid. 

Ty Lee . . . 

No. She won’t waste her chance on worthless, frivolous, mercurial Ty Lee. Zuko’s the one who’s going to suffer for this. Ty Lee . . . 

She’ll burn her, of course, given even the scrap of a chance. Scar her as badly as she’s going to scar that Kyoshi Warrior. But Zuko’s the one she’s going to kill. 

Azula exhales a lick of blue-hot flame, and lays awake. Everything that’s happened, everything Zuko’s done . . . she thinks about it all, and thinks about her revenge. She won’t let ZUKO have what’s hers by right. He didn’t earn it. The Avatar handed it to him on a platter, because he debased and lowered himself for it like the worthless, useless creature he is. 

SHE earned it. She did everything she needed to do, and did everything right. She didn’t make a single mistake. 

But Zuko was a fool, and Mai and Ty Lee betrayed her, and her father left her behind to rot, and Zuko brought his disgusting WATERBENDER to an Agni Kai, and now . . . 

Azula breathes in. She breathes out. She thinks dark, ugly thoughts, and they soothe her. 

Very little soothes her anymore, but the thought of the way she’s going to make Zuko pay for all this is . . . something, at least. 

It’s not much, but Azula will take it. 

She lives in a nation of cowards and traitors and weaklings, and she’s in a frozen room she could melt right through, and she’ll never, ever get what she deserves in life. No matter what she does, she’ll never have any better than he does right now, except for the brief moment of victory she’ll get when she burns Zuko’s throat out. 

She falls asleep. 

She dreams. 

.

.

.

Azula dreams about, of all things, the moon. It hangs fat and full in the sky, the light almost overpowering, and she bares her teeth against it. It’s a symbol of everything she hates, everything that was taken from her, and she wants to burn it down. 

It’s the ugliest thing she’s ever seen. 

A girl with hair as white as death steps in through the high window, looking confused. Azula stares at her. 

“Who the hell are you supposed to be?” she says. 

“My name is Yue,” the girl says, simple and polite, though she still looks confused. “Are you . . . lost?” 

“Lost?” Azula scowls at her. She’s never lost. She isn’t stupid enough to be that unprepared in life. And “Yue” is the one who came HERE. 

“Just . . . humans aren’t supposed to be here,” Yue says, looking around the same room that Azula went to sleep in. “It’s always empty.” 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Azula says flatly. “What, am I supposed to think you’re a spirit?” 

“I’m the moon,” Yue says. 

“Then I hate you,” Azula says, baring her teeth. It’s not enough to contain the way she feels, but it’s a start. Yue bites her lip. 

“I’m sorry,” she says. “I don’t . . . what’s your name?” 

“Everyone knows my name,” Azula says scornfully. She’s a prisoner. She’s a princess. She never meets anyone who hasn’t been warned about her. 

“I don’t,” the moon says, as if it isn’t the entire reason she lost, and Azula feels loathing and ugliness and ANGER and– 

She hurls herself at the moon, at the girl, at Yue, all flame and fury, and Yue cries out in alarm and throws her hands up. The fire on Azula’s fists vanishes–goes out like it’s nothing–and water crashes up from the frozen floor and throws her back towards the bed. She shrieks in incoherent rage and Yue cries out again, clapping her hands over her mouth with a horrified expression. 

“I’m sorry!” she says. “I’m sorry!” 

“I’ll kill you!” Azula snarls, lifting a hand to call fire, and wakes up. 

.

.

.

Azula is in bed. She’s not cold anymore, oddly, though the room also feels colder than it’s ever been. She blinks, slowly, and wet hair slides into her eyes. 

What . . . 

She sits up in the moonlight, and exhales flame–for warmth, for true brightness, for– 

It comes out ice and fog. 

She SCREAMS.

#azula #atla yue #atla #avatar: the last airbender #primtheamazing #rinfic

[attackfish]

Not sure if you already have this AU, but 5 headcanons for a suki and azula role swap?

I don't. I do have one where Suki and Toph are Fire Nation princesses, and Zuko and Azula are the Earth King's kids. And I have one where the Kyoshi Islanders are firebenders, and Suki is Aang's first firebending teacher, but I don't have a straight swap. Unfortunately, you caught me in an introspective mood. You won't be getting five headcanons, more like possibilities.

In my complementary elements AU, the one where Suki and Toph are Firelord Ozai's daughters, Suki is a nonbender. Suki's lack of bending and Toph's blindness mark them both out for disfavored status, and they are each disregarded and discarded by their father. So how does Suki's position change when Zuko is the older brother, and Suki is a firebender?

Ultimately it comes down to what you think Ozai values in Azula as opposed to Zuko. I don't think it was actually her firebending talent, not really. Ozai picked his favorites when Zuko and Azula were still both very young, and I'm not sure Ozai would have been capable of judging whether his preschool aged child was prodigious. Likewise, Zuko himself is shown not to be a slouch with firebending, defeating a master firebender in the prime of life, when Zuko himself is only sixteen. The show regularly tells us that the real thing holding Zuko back as a firebender is his utter lack of confidence, and deep sense of shame, both of which were caused by Ozai's disfavor, while it's also implied that Azula's status as a prodigy is a self fulfilling prophecy, because she spent her childhood both being told by her abusive father, how wonderful she was at firebending, and also told that she had to be wonderful at firebending or she had no value whatsoever, and would be discarded like her brother, so she worked obsessively to be perfect at firebending.

So if not firebending talent, what was the deciding factor? Ultimately who an abuser like Ozai chooses to favor is somewhat arbitrary, however, it's implied that it was her lack of Zuko's strong innate sense of compassion. She didn't feel the same sort of distress that her brother did when bad things happened to other living creatures, and Ozai, who liked to make bad things happen to other living creatures, saw this is something he and his daughter had in common, and therefore something that made her special and better than everyone else. And instead of attempting to help his child build that empathy muscle, like Ursa was doing, Ozai instead nurtured this lack of compassion until it became outright ruthlessnes, and a worldview in which she viewed everyone who wasn't either herself or her father in terms of how she could use them.

Suki has quite a bit in common with both Zuko and Azula, showing signs of both being perfectionistic, and having a strong sense of duty and honor. But does she have that innate strong sense of compassion? I would argue she does, and this is what causes her to lead the Kyoshi Warriors into leaving to find a way to help people during the war.

So if both of Ozai's children share the "weakness" of a tender heart, does he even pick a favorite, or does he simply resent both of his children, and blame Ursa for their defectiveness?

As for Azula on Kyoshi Island, it really depends on how much of Azula's cruelty you think is innate, and how much was caused by being raised by Ozai. If it's entirely a product of his raising, then we have no idea what Azula's personality would look like without his raising, because her perfectionism and her deep anxiety about failure, as well as her entire worldview, are entirely shaped by his raising.

If, on the other hand, you see Azula's cruelty as something she was born with, things get interesting, because with without her status as a princess and everyone knowing that her father approves of her actions, somebody like Azula would have to be very sneaky, and very careful about who she picks to target for control and victimization. And if she were able to be that sneaky for long enough to be appointed to the head of the Kyoshi Warriors, I have to imagine that being a Kyoshi Warrior would become really horrible really fast.

#avatar the last airbender #azula #atla suki #zuko #ozai #posts i created #do you want to ask a question it doesn't have to be a question #azula needs her own warning #suki fans #zuko is a dweeby little turtleduck #noodle lord ozai #mother bear ursa