#her mother and iroh and her friends and even her father that she went to such lengths to please

[orangepanic]

Voices in the Night

Ikki couldn't sleep. The moon was too bright and there was a hummingbird moth that kept tap tap tapping at her window and her head was too full of thoughts. So up she went, using a cushion of air to glide down the hallways so her mother wouldn't hear her steps and be cross.

Once outside the moon was even brighter, like a big wheel of sky bison cheese. Ikki couldn't see the hummingbird moth though. What she did see was a butt. A butt with dangly legs hanging out of one of the open windows.

"Hello, Mr. Butt!" she chirped. There was a yelp and then a man tumbled out into the bush. When he stood he had sticks in his spiky brown hair. "Oh, hi Mako," she corrected.

"Shh!" Mako pressed his finger to his lips like a teacher. His face was all red and his shirt was unbuttoned. "I was only, um, looking for... yeah." Then he took off running across the grass.

"Bye Mako!" Ikki whispered, waving. He was funny. No wonder Korra liked him.

She turned and walked the other way around the residence. A lot of people had been staying on the island lately to help her dad with what to do after those scary Equalists and making a new council and stuff, so she wasn't surprised to see a flickering light on in one of the detached residences.

"I'd never leave you unsatisfied," said a low voice, followed by a wet sucking sound. "Until tomorrow then." The flickering light bounced a bit until it was outside, where it resolved into a tiny flame carried in the hand of a young man Ikki had known all her life.

"Hi, Iroh!" she called. "Can't sleep, too?"

Iroh jumped like someone had blown air up his pants. The flame in his hand winked out. When his eyes finally settled on her she saw him sag in apparent relief.

"What are you doing out of bed, munchkin?" he asked quietly, jogging over. "It's late."

"There was a moon and a hummingbird moth and Iroh, what are all those red smudges all over your mouth? Were you kissing? Oh it'd be so romantic! Who were you kissing, Iroh? Was it a princess? Are you gonna make her a princess? Where's your belt? Are---"

Iroh clapped a hand over her mouth and steered her back in the direction of the house. "I wasn't here," he whispered in her ear. "There's extra candy in it for you tomorrow if you can remember that."

"Mwhf frn nu---" Iroh released the hand over her mouth. "Okay, goodnight General Not Here, I like rock candy, the apple ones, and I hope it was good kissing and that you go home and have good dreams about your princess where you get married and I'm invited and you fly away on a dragon together into the sunset and have lots of babies."

Iroh rubbed at his mouth with the back of his hand, blushing. "Go to bed."

Ikki waved at his back and started back to the front door. The idea of candy made her remember there were leftover sweet buns in the kitchen which no one could tell her she couldn't have if they were asleep.

Suddenly a dark shape detached itself from the shadows of one of the far buildings. Ikki stopped in her tracks. There were no more Equalists, her father said, and no bad guys coming to get them. Still, something about the way this person moved screamed "bad guy" all the same. He wasn't walking so much as slinking. A slinky bad guy slinking away from who knew what badness.

Ikki opened herself and sent a jet of air at the man's back. He stumbled with a grunt and wheeled on her and he was old! Old like her daddy was old, with wrinkles and bushy eyebrows and a stripe of white down the middle of his gray hair like a skunk bear.

"What are you doing, kid?" he growled.

"We don't want any Equalists," Ikki said firmly, hands on her hips.

The big man's posture relaxed. Then, of all things, he laughed.

"Me, neither, kid," he said. "I hate those buggers."

Ikki snorted. Buggers. Like bugs. "So why are you slinking?"

"Visiting an old friend," he said. He rubbed at the corner of his mouth and smiled. "We're getting reacquainted. I like doing that on your island. It's fun for me. Do you know what irony is?"

Ikki did. "It's what auntie Lin bends."

A grin cracked across the man's craggy face. "She sure does bend alright," he said. Then he shook his head with a sharp laugh and started off in the direction of the ferry. Ikki wondered if he was going to meet Mako and Iroh for something. Maybe they were having a tea party.

#makorra #irosami #linzolt #ikki #i dunno i just thought this was funny #everyone gettin' some firebender tonight #secret relationships all around #tlok #iroh ii #mako #lin beifong #zolt #lightning bolt zolt #drabble #fanfic #korra #asami sato

[imagines--galore]

Can you please write a zuko x reader hurt/comfort fic please? I’m not sure what prompts you have for it. But take as much time as you need and feel much better soon.

Pairing: Zuko x Reader Rating || Genres || Warnings: T. Romance. Hurt/Comfort. A/N: Ok but this broke my heart a little but it turned out so sweet in the end!

It never got any easier.

Every time you went to see your father it would end in disaster. He refused to speak with you, or even acknowledge your existence. That you were standing there and speaking to him.

Nothing.

No reaction.

And it broke your heart a hundred times over.

It happened every single week. And you knew there would come a time when you would simply stop coming to him. There was so much going on in your life that you couldn't possibly keep coming to see him.

Your father. The war prisoner. One of the top generals when it came to cruelty against everyone who was not Fire Nation.

The man who had been condemned to jail for the rest of his life.

By the Avatar no less. And yet you could not bring yourself to feel anything other then acceptance of the fate that had befallen your father. He was cruel, through and through. His crimes against humanity were too long to list, and there was no power in the world that could free him from his prison.

And you were glad of it.

Which made you feel guilty.

                                           ————————–

Sighing deeply you entered the Fire Nation Palace from a hidden door and leaned against it, heaving a small sigh as you did.

Yet another unsuccessful visit. You had visited him, spoken to him. Though when you had mentioned the new Fire Lord, your father had made a response.

And that was to spit on the floor.

Your heart clenched in your chest and you slid down the wooden door, burying your face in your hands. It was hopeless. Aang had said so from the beginning. Had told you that your father's soul was too corrupted by his own cruelty and evil that there was no coming back from it.

Probably the reason that compelled him to remove your father's firebending abilities.

Still you had tried. Tried to talk to him, make him see the evil he and the rest of the Fire Nation had been doing. But all your words fell on deaf ears, and you were beginning to give up. Perhaps you should give up. Perhaps you should refocus your attention towards more meaningful projects.

Such as helping the new Fire Lord rebuild the Fire Nation. A daunting task for one so young such as yourself and the Fire Lord. And yet, one you were willing to tackles and would see to succession.

Surely it was much easier to achieve world peace then to connect with your father once more.

All of a sudden you felt someone rest a hand on your shoulder. Startled you looked up, only to catch sight of a familiar figure standing there.

"Hello Zuko." You spoke lowly in greeting, tilting your head back so you could look at him properly. It was still strange to see Zuko back in the Fire Nation Palace. After having been gone for so long.

You had barely seen him over the years, since his father had banished him. There was the odd run-in when he would dock where your father would be stationed, and you would take the time to speak with your friend.

Of course that was all a ruse to hide your true purpose.

A source of information to General Iroh, esteemed member of the White Lotus. Your mother had been a member, one of the few females to hold the title. And while you had never been closer to your father, your mother was a different story.

When she had died of a sudden illness, you had vowed to keep carrying out her mission and provide information to the White Lotus. You hoped your news had helped save lives.

It was the least you could do considering how the other people of your nation treated everyone so cruelly.

Once the war had ended, General Iroh had advised Zuko to appoint you as a member of his Council. You had agreed to his offer, saying you wanted to help him rebuild the world. And during those first few months, your long-lost friendship with Zuko had ignited once more.

In front of the rest of the Council, the Elders, and anyone of prominence, you were Fire Lord Zuko and Chief Advisor Y/n. But once duties were done for the day, you were simply Y/n, and he was Zuko. You had worried that things would be different between the both of you now that Zuko was Fire Lord, however, it seemed he was still the same old Zuko, the one you had played with in the palace gardens as a child.

"Did you go to see your father again?" He asked, sitting down next to you. You sighed and gave a nod. Reaching up you ran a hand through your unruly hair. You had unpinned it before going to see your father. Less chance of people recognizing you when you had your hair down.

"And still no progress." You responded to which he nodded in understanding. "I'm having the same trouble as you are. Father won't give up Mom's location." The despair in his voice caused you to forget about your own pain momentarily. It would still be there to be wallowed in after you figured out a solution to Zuko's problem.

"Need me to go in there and extract the information from him?" You held out your palm to allow a small fire to erupt between your fingers and allowing it to flicker there. "Fire is an excellent form of torture."

He knew you were only joking, which was why he only shook his head at you before reaching out to engulf his hand with yours, putting the flame out. "I think he will tell me eventually. But for now, let him stay where he is."

You hummed in agreement. "Let them both stay where they are. I mean we're both amazing children to even want to speak to them after what they did to us." While Zuko had suffered physically at the hands of his father, you had been subjected to mental and emotional torture while living with your father. The man had never once said a kind word to you. And you would've been happy never visiting him again, but Iroh had been the one to urge you to speak with your father.

To try and make amends.

"Do you think our father's were born bad or that it was because of circumstances that they turned out the way they did?" You asked, allowing your body to relax against his as you leaned your head on Zuko's shoulder.

Thank goodness the both of your had removed the uncomfortable armor for the day.

"I believe they were both given a choice, and they picked the wrong one." He shrugged. "Or perhaps they thought they picked the right choice because it would benefit them. But then again, it does make them selfish doesn't it?"

You heaved a deep sigh and nodded. "Well I suppose it is a good thing the both of us have each other to get through this." Perhaps trying to look on the opposite spectrum would give you the little pick me up that you needed. His hand, which was still holding yours, squeezed your fingers a little, as he hummed in agreement.

After a few moments of sitting in silence, Zuko finally spoke. "I'm glad I have you by my side Y/n. Its made things easier for me here." Being back here still felt strange. He had spent so many years traveling that being inside the palace was a little unnerving to him. But somehow, your presence seemed to make things easier for him. And not just the Council. You were always listening and observing even if Zuko wasn't, and you would always fill him in if he missed something.

And as for you? You were just happy you had your best friend back.

Though Iroh had suggested that the both of you take a step further when it came to your friendship.

Crazy old man.

"You know I sent my own sources out. To try and fine your mother." You admitted to which he gave you a surprised look. You smiled at him. "What? Did you think I wouldn't look for Lady Ursa once I heard she was alive? I recall being her favorite at times when you did something she did not approve of."

It had been a soft of playful rivalry between the two of you, to see who would be pronounced as the favorite of the day. Lady Ursa had become something of a surrogate mother to you during the years of your mother's sickness. Sometimes you missed her just as much as you missed your own mother.

Zuko's answering smile was soft and adoring as he leaned his forehead against yours. "Thank you Y/n." You smiled, leaning into his embrace, enjoying the way his hand fit into yours, and how the very scent of him had you calming down.

"Thats what friends are for." He pulled back only to raise an eyebrow at your words and the teasing glint in your eyes.

"You do remember our status has changed since the marriage was arranged?" He asked, prompting you to shrug.

"So? Doesn't mean our friendship has to be effected. You're still that annoying boy I met when I first came here." You reached up to playfully muss his already disheveled hair. He playfully batted your hand away, grabbing your wrists to stop you, he pinned you with a look.

"But it does mean I can do this." A quick peck on the lips, followed by one of each cheeks, which had you feeling a little flustered. "An added bonus to our already established relationship." You declared, grinning at him, all your previous worries forgotten.

#zuko x reader #zuko x y/n #zuko x oc #zuko #avatar the last airbender imagine #avatar the last airbender fanfiction #avatar the last airbender

[phoenix-king-ozai]

Ursa in the comic and Ursa in the show are two different people. Seriously show Ursa legit went lol with her kids at a city burning. Not to mention comic Ursa comes off as really stupid because she legit endangered herself, Ozai and Zuko by writing about Ikemi being Zuko's dad because of Azulon found that shit they'd all be fucked. She's lucky Ozai found that shit because if Azulon had, they would all be on the hot seat.

I think they wanted to do something with Ursa but original characterization made it difficult so they just scrapped it in favor of this weird love triangle.

My thoughts on this horrible and horrendous comic: The Search that butcher Ozai & Ursa’s complex characterization along with the Urzai relationship. Even besides destroying my favorite ship, this comic had very piss poor writing and ludicrous decisions!

Zuko mentions that Ozai and Ursa along with their family used to be happy, and we saw that in Zuko's flashbacks. Yang, just decided to make Ursa a victim because in his mind: URSA WOMAN, OZAI BAD MAN, SHE MUST BE HELD, HOSTAGE!!! While Ozai and Ursa arrange marriage does make sense and was confirmed by the creators. It doesn't mean that Ozai and Ursa's relationship was ALWAYS BAD, or SHE WAS KIDNAPPED! Plus, the Urzai relationship is quite normal in the antiquity of Asian societies that the Fire Nation is based on aka Shogunates of Japan and Imperial Chinese Dynasties!!!

Ozai HIMSELF stated in the comics that he tried to be a good father to Zuko and Azula during their young childhood which is canon to flashbacks that Zuko has in the show. Zuko HIMSELF also stated that Ozai tried to be a good father to him and Azula. WHICH ALSO EXPLAINED WHY ZUKO TRIED SO DESPERATELY TO GET BACK IN HIS FATHER'S GOOD GRACE AGAIN AND REGAIN HIS FATHER'S LOVE!

So, in conclusion, Ozai did love and care for Ursa, Zuko, and Azula. Despite, according to the comics he was ALSO FORCED into an eugenics experiment with the granddaughter of his grandfather's old rival and friend. On the orders of his father Fire Lord Azulon and the wishes of the Fire Sages.

People love to give Ursa a pass on how she treated Azula because she was forced into marrying Ozai [which doesn't make sense considering Zuko is also Ozai's child just like Azula] because of Fire Lord Azulon power politically and socially. So, I guess Ozai is justified in how he treated Ursa, Zuko, and Azula simply because Azulon wanted Ursa to be his son's broodmare and for Ozai to train his children to be ruthless powerful fighting soldiers aka human weapons and loyal slaves to him (Azulon) and later Iroh and Lu Ten when they become Fire Lord? According to the logic of Ursa-stans and Ozai & Azula bashers, Ozai simply raised his children how he has been ordered to do and had absolutely NO REASON love and care for them.

Therefore, I get angry when so-called fans and Ursa-stan claimed that Azula had NO RIGHT to be loved and cared for by her own mother Ursa and that her neglectful treatment of Azula is justified because of Ozai's abuse. They like to claim that since Azula is a "rape baby" that Ursa did more than necessary for her daughter, and she has no responsibility to care for her daughter who is becoming more like her abusive husband.

First, canonically Azula IS NOT a rape baby, would you consider Zuko a rape baby then? And if he is, then why is Ursa so fond of Zuko than Azula or makes more of an effort to connect and help Zuko emotionally compared to Azula?

Second, even IF Azula is a rape baby, it is still not justifiable to treat that child horribly because of the action of its father, grandfather, and fire sages. Azula had no choice in being born the daughter of Ozai and Ursa or had a hand in the circumstances of their relationship!

Ozai's harshness and ruthlessness regarding Zuko have nothing to do with Ursa or Ikem's forbidden love! Ozai wants Zuko and Azula to both prove themselves. Ozai doesn't favor Zuko or Azula. It is about which child will succeed Sozin, Azulon, and his legacy as future Fire Lord. In fact, Ozai doesn't want Zuko or Azula to think that they are the “favorite” child. He wants Azula and Zuko to improve through competition. Because of the “only the greatest of pressures can forge diamonds” & “steel sharpen steel” mentality. Ozai has the mentality of an imperialist warlord. Ozai isn't trying to be the world's most loving and caring father but rather continue and build upon a powerful and dominant legacy that his forefathers had created before him. He wants Zuko & Azula to be cold, ruthless, heartless, vicious, and brutal imperialistic warmongers like him (Ozai), his father (Azulon), and his grandfather (Sozin).

Ozai's distaste and despisement of Zuko have NOTHING to do with Ursa and Ozai's arguments in ATLA show canon even in the Comics. Ozai was simply saying that to hurt Ursa's feelings and gaslight her over bullshit letters. Ozai views Zuko as a disappointment of a son, firebender, and prince. His skills in Firebending are pathetic compared to his sister's and his morality from his mother and later uncle is out of line with Ozai and mainstream Fire Nation Elite Imperialists. If Zuko was a ruthless and cold-blooded killer like Azula and was at least just as good as his YOUNGER sister, then Ozai would NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEM with Zuko as his son and heir! Zuko represents everything that Ozai was raised to hate and resent; compassion, morality, mercy, weakness, etc. Ozai hates his son for incompetence as a firebending warrior which is antithetical to Ozai as the strongest firebender in the series along with him being an Agni Kai champion along with the morality and softness that Ursa and later Iroh fostered in Zuko. The fact that Zuko doesn't conform to their society's warrior culture and morality bothers his father since Ozai was likely forced to conform since his own childhood under his father Azulon’s reign. Ozai probably resents that Zuko has his mother and uncle's affection whereas Ozai as a child probably didn't have his mother, Ilah's love to protect and care for him from Azulon's wrath due to her death in childbirth. Iroh got to experience his mother's love and presence along with his father's respect during his childhood, something that Ozai never had. Ozai resents his first-born Zuko son and relates far more with his second-born daughter Azula who is neglected like him.

I believe that Ozai and Ursa have a long loving, complex, and complicated relationship. Ozai’s imperialistic ambition and brainwashing along with paternal abuse by Azulon made him extremely emotionally damaged and unstable. Iroh had Ilah and Zuko had Ursa and later on Iroh to help love and guide them. Ozai probably only had abusive Azulon and neglectful Iroh; who both probably hate him due to Fire Lady Ilah’s death in childbirth.

PLUS, ACCORDING TO THE ORIGINAL WRITERS AND NOT THE SHITTY YANG COMICS, OZAI AND URSA HAD A GOOD EARLY RELATIONSHIP WHICH THE SEEDS OF WERE SHOWN IN THE SHOW!

#atla #sozin #azulon #ilah #iroh #ozai #ursa #zuko #azula #fire nation royal family #avatar the last airbender #avatar #fire family #atla comics #anti atla comic #fuck the comics #fuck yang

[transuncletaylor]

I'm thinking about why it looked like Zuko didn't have any friends growing up and why he either was with his mother or with his sister's friends, or even playing by himself.

I tried finding information on this, while Azula went to the Royal Fire Academy for Girls where she met Mai and Ty Lee, there's no information if there was a Royal Fire Academy for Boys, let alone if Zuko went.

But what if there was, but Zuko wasn't allowed to go or socialize with other kids as punishment by Ozai? Zuko was always berated and ridiculed by his father for lacking in his skills and training, so it could be that having time to play and socialize with kids was a reward for Azula for excelling and far exceeding her peers. He might have only gotten time to spend with Ursa, Iroh, Lu Ten, or Azula outside of studies and training at Ursa's insistence or Iroh taking Zuko away for tea when he could.

Ozai was totally ashamed of him the moment he was born, saying Zuko lacked the spark in his eyes that is common for firebended, so he could have also kept him locked up in the palace for fear that he would bring shame to the Royal family by not being a prodigy like Azula and making a fool of himself if he was in a more public area like a school. It would have been embarrassing for the prince to not be the top student.

(He's also definitely autistic and the few boys his age he would have tried to play with might have thought he was weird and avoided him on top of it all 😢)

#idk why im thinking about Zuko growing up with no friends #it popped into my head and i was like oh #zuko

[theerurishipper]

I saw someone say that zuko and Iroh wanted azula to obedient to them and another person say that iroh was a bad father figure to zuko because he looked away when he saw ozai disfiguring zuko. Uhh....

This is actually very funny to me, because let's look at who really talks about control in the show:

Ursa: [Cuts to shot of Azula looking at her reflection in the mirror, clearly angered; off-camera.] I think you're confused. All your life you used fear to control people, like your friends Mai and Ty Lee. Azula: [Closes her eyes before turning around sharply to face her mother.] Well what choice do I have?! [Cuts to shot of her standing in the room, her back to the mirror which still shows the reflection of her mother.] Trust is for fools. Fear is the only reliable way. Even you fear me.

Here's an entire scene where Azula admits that she's been trying to control people with fear her whole life. But no, it must be Iroh and Zuko who are trying to control her, and not the other way around!

And also, about Iroh being a bad father figure... Iroh was a barely a father figure at all to both Zuko and Azula pre-banishment. It was only after Zuko got banished and Iroh went with him that the two developed a father-son relationship. And that's not a flaw on Iroh's part. He isn't their parent. He isn't obligated to take on that role. He did anyway, because he knew Zuko needed him. And about Ozai burning Zuko and Iroh looking away, that's clearly something he regrets. It's part of the reason he joined Zuko on his journey. Ever since that day, he's done everything in his power to help Zuko break free of his father and heal. He's supported and loved him unconditionally and stayed with him through thick and thin. Iroh was definitely not perfect, but he was a wonderful father to Zuko, and was part of the reason Zuko was able to change and grow as a person. Zuko himself doesn't hold it against him, so I'm not sure why some people feel the need to bring it up.

Thank you for your ask!

#ATLA #Zuko #Iroh #Azula critical #Anti Azula #Asks

[specialagentlokitty]

Katara x Male!autistic!reader - heal what’s been hurt

Can you please write autistic male reader [unless you don't write male reader, then can be female] where reader comes from a family of firebenders and earthbenders? They can use both and reader can lavabend and lightning bend. Reader is afraid of waterbenders because he was almost killed by one and maybe Zuko catches Katara yelling at reader and reader [out of fear] lavanends in self defense. Katara ends up burned and Zuko yells at Katara and Sokka is mad until Zuko tells him what happened. It's not until dinner when reader comes out of the room [he/she] are staying in that Katara sees all the scars they have on [his/her] back and chest that she understands why reader is terrified of waterbenders. Katara ends up apologizing to reader but reader is still hesitant about her. Maybe they form a friendship? [Sorry if this is too detailed] - Anon💜

You never agreed with Zuko when he tried to chase down the avatar, you believed that it was time for the needless war to end, your family was proof different nations could get along.

Only Iroh and Zuko knew of your true heritage, that you were born to an earth bending mother, and a fire bender father, who happened to be a high ranking member of the army.

They fell in love in a small village in the earth nation, and your father hid her and her family as fire nation citizens from one of the colonies.

You never attempted to stop Zuko, your fire bending was on par to his, you could lava bend, and lightening bend, but you couldn’t bring yourself to hurt him.

He was your best friend.

Sitting on the floor of the fire princes room, you stretched and laid down as you stared at his ceiling.

“We’re leaving.” He said sternly.

“Oh come on!” You huffed.

“Pack a bag we need to go now.”

You sighed and grabbed your already packed bag, following after Zuko as he led you both away from the palace.

You did ask him over and over again where you were going, but he didn’t tell you.

He wouldn’t even tell you what happened.

You simply followed him on the blimp, resting your arms over the edge as you watched the world below you pass.

“Hey Zuko?” You asked.

“Yeah?”

“You’ve abandoned the fire nation haven’t you?”

You turned around to face him.

He looked so sad, and you sighed, walking over to him you placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m worried it to late.”

“It’s never to late to make the right choice Zuko, you’re doing what needs to be done for the good of the world. Iroh would be proud you know.”

“I don’t know…” Zuko mumbled.

“He will, all he ever wanted for you was to choose the right path in life. You got a little sidetracked, and went down the wrong path for a while, but you know what you need to do now. You’re your own person, in control of your own actions, and you’re doing the right thing.”

“You never agreed with me capturing the avatar, did you?” He asked.

You shook your head and rested yourself against the edge of the blimp with him, watching as the stars gently passed you by.

“Why did you follow me then? Why did you stay?”

Laughing slightly, you shot your friend a soft smile.

“I stayed because you’re my best friend you idiot, you’re like a brother to me, okay? You saved me, and helped me heal myself, and I’m here to do that to you, it’s what friends do.”

Zuko smiled, looking up at the stars with you.

“You’ve always been part of our family (Y/N), I know uncle sees you as his own son, and you’re the closest I’ll ever have to having a supportive family. You’re my brother, and you always will be.”

You grinned, turning to face Zuko as you held your your hand.

“Deal?”

Zuko smiled, shaking hands with you.

“Deal.”

“Great, I’m going to sleep!”

Laying down, you quickly fell asleep and Zuko stayed awake to guide you guys where you needed to be.

He didn’t wake you up when you landed, but when he came back feeling defeated he finally woke you up with a heavy frown on his face.

You stirred a little bit, sitting up to look at him.

“What’s wrong?”

“They won’t trust me, they won’t let me help.” He sighed.

“Get some rest Zuko, we’ll talk to them again in the morning, okay?”

He nodded and you helped him set up a camp, and while he went to sleep, you stayed up and kept watch.

You know you didn’t have to, you were safe here, but it was out of habit, and if you didn’t stay awake you knew Zuko would’ve, and he needed his rest.

Hearing a small twig snap, you looked over and quickly got into a fighting stance.

“Who’s there?”

You watched as the earth bender girl stepped forth, and you lowered your guard as you gestured for her to come over and sit with you.

You guys spoke for a little while, and you answered questions she asked you before she left, and you went back to staring into the fire.

Morning came, and Zuko guided you to where Aang and his group were camping out.

“Zuko.” Sokka snarled.

You took a step back as you stared at the clothes he was wearing, you were so focused on Sokka you didn’t even notice Katara had joined.

“Please just let us help!” Zuko begged.

“No! You can’t be trusted, neither of you can!”

“We want to stop this war, it’s all (Y/N) has ever wanted! A peaceful life for his family!” Zuko yelled.

“You’re both enemies! You chased us! Hunted us!” Katara yelled.

She took a step forward, and you took one back.

You were so zoned out you weren’t even aware that they had finally agreed to let you guys stay and help.

Zuko noticed this and he placed his hands on your shoulders.

“Breathe…” he whispered.

“Zuko… I need to go…”

“We’re going to find a room away from you all, to make you feel safer.”

With that Zuko quickly dragged you away.

He helped you through your panic, sitting with you until you were okay, and you decided that some sleep would help.

You avoided Katara and Sokka for days, either staying in your room or near Zuko, and finally Katara had enough.

Her and Sokka cornered you on the ledge outside.

“You’re just here to spy on us aren’t you?!” Katara yelled.

“N…no…” you spoke weakly.

“You are! You’re just here to get information and give it to the fire lord! It’s why you’re always sneaking around!”

You tried to speak, but you couldn’t find your voice, all you could do was shake your head at all the accusations she was throwing your way.

Your heart was pounding, you were struggling to breath and everything was getting blurry.

You couldn’t focus on anything, they didn’t look like Katara and Sokka, friends of the avatar, they looked like the people you dreaded. The people you feared.

Katara suddenly moved her hand and out of relaxed your raised yours, a wall of lava coming up between the pair of you and the two water benders scrambled back.

It came crashing down, and Katara screamed as bits of embers landed on her and burned her skin.

Zuko, Toph and Aang were alerted to the screams, and they came running to help.

Toph built a wall to stop the lava from travelling, blocking it in front of them so it couldn’t travel any closer.

With his airbending Aang put out the lava.

You stood there frozen.

“I’m sorry… i.. I’m so sorry…”

You shook your head and you ran past them, straight to the little room you were camping in.

“Look what he did! I told you they can’t be trusted!” Sokka yelled.

“It’s not his fault!” Zuko yelled.

While Aang helped Katara, and she healed herself with some water, Zuko and Sokka screamed back and forth.

Finally Aang jumped between them.

“I’m sorry, you have to go.” Aang said sternly.

“Let me explain! There’s a reason he did that!”

“Go!” Sokka yelled.

Katara sat there cradling her hands to her chest, tears in her eyes and Zuko frantically looked around.

“He didn’t do it on purpose!”

“Go!” Aang snapped.

Zuko sighed, nodding his head knowing he wasn’t going to be able to force them to listen to him.

“Wait, he’s telling the truth. (Y/N) didn’t do this on purpose. And (Y/N) was telling the truth when he apologised, he didn’t mean to hurt Katara.”

“Then he better have one hell of a good reason.” Sokka growled.

He crouched next to his sister and held her while Zuko sat down.

Aang and Toph did the same next to Katara, and they all stared at Zuko waiting for an explanation.

“(Y/N) has never had any intention of hurting anyone, he hates the war and wants it to stop because his parents live in constant fear of the fire nation. He actually set out to find Aang in the North Pole while I was trying to capture him, he was trying to warn him.”

Zuko sighed as he remembered that day.

“He didn’t get far when he was captured by water benders, he was moved to some sort of cell made completely from ice, he couldn’t use his bending to escape. The water nation wanted him to talk.”

The four shared a confused look, but carried on listening.

“They… the things they did to him are things you wouldn’t survive… no one could survive… but he did…” Zuko whispered.

“What did they do?” Aang asked quietly.

“They broke him, destroyed him, hurt him until there was nothing left but an empty shell of who he was before. But he couldn’t give them the information they wanted, and that’s when they tossed him into the sea to freeze, my uncle came across him and brought him back to our ship. It’s how I met him.”

Zuko looked up at them all.

“You have to understand what they did to him placed a deep fear of water benders in him, he is terrified of members of the water nation. Katara yelled and screaming put him right back in that cell, and out of fear he attacked her because he thought he was in danger, all he ever wanted to do was help the avatar.”

They all stayed silent for a few minute.

“He’s telling the truth.” Toph said softly.

“No! There’s no way the water tribe would do that to him!” Katara growled.

“It is hard to believe…” Aang spoke, “but Toph could tell if Zuko was lying.”

“You can’t be serious!” Sokka huffed.

After talking it over, they agreed to let the pair of you stay, and while Zuko stayed in your room with you, they stayed away from you both.

Zuko came out when dinner was ready, and he let you know that he would save you a bowl for when you were ready.

You were scared, terrified, but slowly you crept from your room, setting your burned shirt that you were trying to fix by the door.

You walked out and crept around the edge of the circle.

Aang was the first to greet you with a smile, and Zuko did the same, holding up a bowl for you.

Walking closer, you knelt to Zuko, whispering a thanks too him and Aang as you sat down between them.

You kept your eyes on your food as you slowly ate, but you couldn’t shake the stares on you.

Sokka and Katara were staring at you.

In the light of the sun, they could see the pale scars covering your chest, some even trailing up to your neck or around your side.

When you finished eating you simply just got up and left, while Sokka looked away shamed Katara had her eyes glued to you.

The scars on your back were worse, deeper, jagged, still healing.

After her dinner, she excused herself and got up, only to be stopped by Zuko.

“Give him his space, leave him a route to get out if he needs to…” he whispered.

“How did you…?”

“I saw you watching him.”

She nodded and thanked Zuko, making her way down to your room and carefully knocked lightly on the stone.

You looked up and when you saw her you shuffled back a little, eyes glued to her.

“Can I came in?”

You didn’t answer.

“That’s okay, I’ll just sit here.”

She sat on the far edge of your doorway, she took a deep breath.

“I’m really sorry for shouting at you, scaring you. I should have let you explain and not jumped to conclusions, I understand why you attacked me, it was to protect yourself and that’s okay. I’m really sorry (Y/N).”

You didn’t stay anything, you simply just carried on working on your shirt.

Katara watched you for a moment, a small smile on her face as she watched your struggle to sow.

“I can fix that if you want?” She asked gently.

You shook your head and she nodded.

“Okay, well, I’ll leave you be. But if you need help just ask.”

With that she got up and walked away.

You set your shirt aside and sighed to yourself, looking at the little pricks on your fingers from trying and failing to sow the holes closed.

You weren’t sure how long you were trying, but it was dark. Zuko had come in at some point and was fast asleep on the other side of the room.

Folding the shirt, you stood up and carefully crept out, making your way to a different section of the temple and slipped in.

You glanced at Sokka who was throwing a small rock in the air and catching it, and he stopped when you walked in.

He watched you pad over to Katara, laying the folded shirt next to her things before you backed away quickly.

“She’s really good you know, she fixes all my clothes for me.” Sokka smiled.

You said nothing and scurried away.

When Katara woke that morning, she sat up and stretched, reaching for her bag she froze when she felt an unfamiliar fabric and looked down.

“He dropped it off last night.” Sokka yawned and rolled over.

Katara smiled to herself and picked it up, getting straight to work.

It took her an hour, she then washed it, asked Aang to dry it and looked around for any sign of where you could be.

She couldn’t find you or Zuko, but she did find Toph playing with Momo.

“Have you seen (Y/N)?”

“Never before.”

“Toph I’m serious.”

“So am I.” She shrugged.

Katara sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Okay, do you know where he may be? Better?”

“Much! He’s petting Appa.” Toph said.

Katara walked over to where the flying bison as laid, and she found you just stood in front of him, ruffling your hands through his fur as you mumbled to the bison.

“(Y/N)?”

You jumped, spinning around to face her.

“I fixed your shirt, I washed it as well. Aang dried it so there’s no water on it.”

She held it out and you looked at her with suspicion.

“I’ll just set it here.”

She set the folded shirt on the floor and back away, and you walked closer so you could pick it up.

Again she found herself staring at the scars on your skin.

“They don’t hurt…” you muttered.

“What?”

“My scars, I know you’re looking at them. They don’t hurt, aside from one on my back, the rest are okay.”

“I can take a look at it for you if you want? I’m a healer as well.”

You looked at her.

Her healing it meant water, and she knew that and you knew that as well, so you shook your head and pulled your shirt over your head.

“That’s okay, but if you change your mind I’m more then happy to heal it.”

“Iroh already took a look, he said it’ll be the hardest to heal, because it’s so deep.”

“I’m really sorry they did they to you (Y/N), I really am. I can’t imagine what you went through, or why they would do that.”

You sighed, looking up at the water bender.

“It’s not your fault…”

“But it was my people.”

“And mine have killed yours, so I suppose it’s fair, right?”

“No, no it’s not. Because you didn’t do any harm to anyone, you were just trying to help us.”

“Zuko told you?”

“He told us everything after the incident, and I don’t blame you for what you did, Sokka doesn’t either, we both understand.”

You just nodded your head and went back to what you were doing.

Katara kept trying to talk to you, while you talked to everyone else, you stayed clear of her and Sokka.

Even as you guys had to move from the air temple, you still avoided them, you even went with Toph just to get away.

She was sitting in her tent when you came over and shuffled awkwardly in front of it.

“Is something wrong?”

Katara noticed your lack of shirt, and the dirt on your skin.

“Can you fix this?”

“Sure? What happened?”

You sat on the outside of her tent and tossed your shirt in.

“Zuko and I were sparring, we got carried away…”

Katara laughed and got everything she needed out.

You watched her carefully, trying to figure out what she was doing so you could start fixing your own clothes.

“It’s pretty simple when you get the hang of it, it just takes some practice. You just have to be slow and careful.” She explained.

You nodded your head.

“So you can lavabend right?”

“Yeah, it’s a trait that runs in my family.”

“Can you earth bend?”

“No, but I can lightening bend, I’m trying to teach Zuko, but he just keeps redirecting it instead.”

“Can everyone lightening bend?”

“No, it’s hard to learn, and extremely dangerous.”

You shuffled a little further in to the tent as it started to softly rain, not wanting to get the water on your skin.

“You have to have a clear mind, a clear energy. You must tame the energies inside of you, because even one slip up can cost you your life. But you can master everything, and still not be able to create lightening, honestly not many people try. Those that do are seen as foolish, reckless. Much like lava bending, you have to have utter control, because one wrong move can cause more damage, it can destroy whole cities if you’re not careful.” You explained.

“Oh I get it, it’s kind of like blood bending, or metal bending.”

“Yeah, except with those there’s no risk to your own life.”

“I see, that’s why you stick to fire bending.”

“Yeah, it’s simple, less dangerous, and is more of a self defence strategy. I try not to use my Lava or lightening bending, I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

Katara offered you a smile.

“That’s really noble of you.”

“Thanks…”

You looked out at the rain that was coming down heavier and shuffled further inside as the little droplet touched your skin.

Katara set your shirt aside, and moved some things to make room for you to get inside away from the rain.

“I don’t have a towel or anything to dry you with, can I bend the rain off you?”

You slowly nodded your head, you wanted the water off, and you squeezed your eyes shut as she raised her hands.

You waited the pain, but it never came, you felt the water leave your skin, and you slowly opened your eyes.

Katara shaped the water into a small ball, and carefully let it out of the entrance of the tent while you watched.

“Are you okay?”

“Can.. can you show me that again?”

“Are you sure?”

You nodded your head and she smiled, moving to sit next to you as she drew some water in to the tent.

She played with it, sending it between her hands, creating different shapes, separating it and putting it back together.

She kept glancing at you, making sure you were okay, and when she saw you flinch she sent the water back out.

“Everything can be used to hurt others in the wrong hands, but it can also be used to help people too.” She smiled.

You looked at her, shifting a little as you back started to ache.

“Can you… maybe look at my back…?”

“Are you sure? I’d need water to heal it to remove the pain.”

“We… we’re friends… so… I trust you…” you mumbled.

Katara smiled brightly, and shuffled behind you, letting you know exactly what she was doing before she did it, and when you moved or flinched she would wait for you to give her the all clear.

You were terrified, you wanted to get out of there, but when the water touched your back, it soothed the pain you were feeling, it felt almost nice.

“Thank you for trusting me (Y/N), I know this is really hard for you.”

You said nothing in reply, just simply sat there with your eyes closed as you slowly breathed in and out.

She was your friend, you could trust her, you knew she wasn’t going to hurt you, and maybe with her help you would be able to look at water with the love and fascination you did as a child.

Maybe water didn’t have to be such a frightening thing anymore

#avatar the last airbender imagine #avatar the last airbender x you #avatar the last airbender x reader #avatar the last airbender #avatar x reader #avatar imagine #avatar #katara imagine #katara #katara x reader #Katara x you

[ellakomskaikru]

The moment I think Azula really started wanting Zuko dead

After Azula went home after she conquered Ba Sing Se, I think that was when she was at her happiest. She had everything she wanted, except her mother. She had Zuko back home, her two friends with her, and she no longer had the immense pressure to be perfect now that Zuko was back home, because in her father’s eyes, she would still look better in comparison to Zuko even if she made a mistake. She had fulfilled her father’s mission and gone above and beyond by capturing Ba Sing Se. She was celebrated around the Fire Nation as a war hero.

When Zuko defected from the Fire Nation, it created a chain reaction that piece by piece, began to dismantle everything Azula held dear. First, I do believe that Azula was genuinely hurt by Zuko leaving. I think Azula did want to have a good sibling relationship with him while he was in the Fire Nation. So Zuko’s defection hurt her personally, not just because he betrayed their country. Zuko’s defection eventually caused Mai to betray Azula to save Zuko, which in turn caused Ty Lee to betray Azula to save Mai. Azula viewed this as her two friends choosing other people over her. I think she blamed Zuko’s defection for their betrayal.

That’s why in the episode The Southern Raiders, which is the episode after The Boiling Rock, Azula looks truly angry at Zuko and literally tells him that she’s there to kill him when he asks what she’s doing there. Azula also seems a little off even by that point. She’s not as in control as she was before. Her fighting is not the best it could be. Zuko and her fought to a stalemate until they were blasted off the airship when their two fires collided. Azula nearly died. She was falling to her death and barely survived by managing to propel herself with fire to the side of the cliff and hang onto it with her hairpiece.

So even though Azula did hunt Zuko on Ozai’s orders, I don’t think she actually wanted him dead until he defected which eventually caused Mai and Ty Lee to betray her. If Azula had truly wanted Zuko dead before, she could have had both him and Iroh killed in Ba Sing Se. Ozai didn’t care whether they were brought back alive or dead. Instead, Azula didn’t even just spare Zuko’s life, but she also spoke in his favor to Ozai so he’d get his position as prince back. And just a disclaimer, I’m not blaming Zuko for anything. He was absolutely right to leave the Fire Nation, and Mai and Ty Lee were right to do what they did. I’m just explaining the moment I think Azula truly began wanting Zuko dead.

#atla #azula #zuko #Ella’s original post #avatar: the last airbender

[notsofriendlyfriendlyreminder]

Just to pitch an avatar the last airbender: what if? style series:

Aang doesn't run away and in a match with a firenation soldier, he dies while protecting the other children. Cue a scene of the firelord Sozin burning the soldier who killed him, because the order was Capture the avatar, do not kill him.

In the southern watertribe Korra is born, and while the cycle wasn't cut, it was shorter and the energy causes Korra's mother to die.

When she turns 10 years old, she accidently burns her best friend, finding out she's the avatar, but instead of being confident and starting to train, she is kept just as a waterbender. The only people who know is her, her friend, her father, the tribe chief.

She gets excesive watertribe training, while the war is soaring outside. The plot of the series start when she is 15 and finishes her waterbending training. However, her father doesn't want her to leave because he saw the dangers of what war brings.

A big fight breaks out ending in Korra running away to start her training journey firstly accompanied by her friend who she burned.

First book - earth: Korra travels trough earth kingdom and it's very focused on war, Korra finding out how bad it is, feeling huge guilt because she didn't start doing anything yet. She ends up on the Kyoshi island, who took in a young girl who lost her arm because of the firebenders. She is a very skilled earthbender though, and in Korra kinda big first act of "avatarness", she gives her back hope to start bending again.

Second book - air: An issue she is facing now is that 1. it is believed that all airbenders were killed and 2. people from the fire nation are considered enemies. With her two friends she decides that the best course of action would be trying to talk with a previous avatar, but she doesn't know about Aang and so her best bets are the previous ones. After more aimless travelling and earth training, she hears a story about a sheltered village rumored to have a big old avatar temple. Unfortunately, they don't let outsiders in. Stuff goes down and eventually, Korra explains that she needs to go inside to try to contact the avatar about airbending. They send her away, but then during the night, a child sneaks out and tells them information- a way to sneak inside the temple, and the reason they are sheltered: A family of airbenders are hiding inside. Cue them sneaking in, getting caught, and Korra getting trained in airbending.

Third book - fire: From the airbender she also finds out that the firenation have been attacking northern watertribe, but they haven't been successfull yet. During the story, Korra also mirrors Aang in struggling to be stable in avatar state. She decides to go to the northern pole to fight firenation headon even with no firebending. During the midseason finale, she gets caught by none other but young Iroh. In the cell they end up talking and it's Korra to shake his beliefs. She manages to run away without his help though, but when sthe times gets rough, it's Iroh who helps in the last strech. During that fight Korra firebends again.

Finale: Korra is again in the northern southern tribe finding out the firelord himself wants to seize the island. In a state of panic, she goes to the water spirits. In there, saying outloud that she is scared, she ends up connecting with none other than Aang. He tells her about what went down and tells her that hope is never lost. Korra then decides to try waterbending techniques on firebending- WOWOWO it works, Korra wins, season one ends with Korra not being a trained firebender but being an waterbender, airbender and an earthbender. The war isn't over, but she defetaed the firelord once, she can do it again. And if she has to, she will do it again and again and again.

#BRAIN TIME #avatar #atla #avatar the legend of aang #avatar the last airbender #avatar legend of korra

[peony-pearl]

(this was part of a discussion from another post that I wanted to move to it’s own post bc this right here is the crux of my emotions for Iroh and Zuko and Azula; it does end kind of abruptly but yeah this is me wordvomiting my feels)

--------

Man the Iroh and Azula relationship in atla breaks my heart because, yes, there is favoritism - but the situations that built up to it are so specific and tragic on both ends (this is more of me rambling bc I have brainworms for this fam oughghghg if you read this thank you)

I do believe that Iroh did what he could to maintain a good relationship with both Zuko and Azula before he left for BSS. Zuko was 8, Azula was 6. That’s YOUNG. I almost wonder if she could remember what he looked like, because after Lu Ten’s death, I think he immediately took that journey before returning to the Fire Nation, thus there could have been another year or two+ until she saw him. She potentially went from ages 6-10 years old without seeing her uncle. Not to mention that even before Ursa left, Azula was already parroting Ozai’s rhetoric. Now with her mother gone, Azula had her father’s full attention and her friends (until the three were separated).

Zuko on the other hand, after his mother’s disappearance, didn’t have any friends from what we saw, nor did he have his father’s approval, and his relationship with Azula? We’re unsure of at this time, but all things considered, he’s had a resentment towards her because of the trauma Ozai is putting him through (which is also trauma to Azula by emotionally excluding her and putting her on a pedestal that he himself will topple). When Iroh returns, Zuko, who is most likely lonely AF, gives his uncle some attention, who then in turn, gives Zuko attention he’s wanted from one of his elders for a long time.

Azula, entrenched in Ozai’s teachings, resents Iroh for abandoning Ba Sing Se, and sees how he overindulges with tea and food to cope with the pain. She won’t be like him; and to even be seen near him by her father is embarrassing. But I’m almost certain she would see the relationship Zuko and Iroh were forging and it HURT. Iroh probably doesn’t force her to talk; that’s not the conversation he wants to have is to force her to spend time with someone she doesn’t want to be around. Besides, to anger Azula could lead to angering his brother, and he’s not at all ready for that mess. He of all people knows the almighty power of the Fire Lord; he was prepared to carry that glorious burden his whole life until it slipped from his fingers.

Ultimately Iroh is fine talking to just Zuko; but no one sees the seeds that are being planted. Iroh doesn’t realize how he’s still playing the game his father embedded in their minds. Iroh leaves Azula to her devices, unaware of how she is living the life that created and destroyed Iroh himself, while he can put his misplaced fatherhood upon Zuko. At this point, Zuko still just sees him as uncle.

And then the Agni Kai. Zuko is burned, and Iroh goes with him. I’m not entirely versed in the manga about Azula getting Zuko his ship, but I think it says a lot that Azula, even when upset that Zuko and Iroh had a relationship, made sure Iroh was part of the team because she knew Iroh could ensure Zuko’s survival. Plus it got him out of the palace so she wouldn’t have to keep seeing him or hearing his dumb laugh, or be invited to Pai Sho games (Which she did want to play but Uncle is SO ugh you know?)

And then three years pass. 3 long years in which Iroh and Zuko may not expect to go home. Iroh probably comes to terms with this; he’s older, jaded, still messed up from losing his son and everything that came with it. Zuko, however, wants his birthright (aka his father’s approval and love). Zuko and Iroh are waging this part of their lives together while Azula and Ozai are holding down the fort; she is becoming stronger and smarter, and has every ounce of her father’s approval.

I have a couple of headcanons as to why Iroh’s demeanor had a bit of a big change once we get to season 2. Nearly losing Zuko to the pirates made him realize how much he saw the boy as his surrogate son. So yes, the favoritism is there; they have endured things together for 3 years that have forged a bond that gives Zuko a father figure (that he didn’t really ask for) and Iroh a surrogate son (that he is more than willing to guide and smother) and this topic alone is enough to make me want to scream and wail because Iroh wanting nothing more than a second chance than to guide a son who wants his actual father who cares nothing for him and yet Iroh CONTINUES to try with Zuko? brain goes BRRRR

(but I also heavily headcanon Iroh’s presence during Yue’s sacrifice to have been a game changer in the way he carries himself and continues to live; but that’s just a headcanon; but the way that he watches a princess from a nation he has waged war upon sacrifice her life for a world she’s never seen when he’s lost his son and he almost lost Zuko and watching her fade away gives him stronger convictions to be a true father figure to Zuko; even if he’s still kind of bad at it for a while, his dedication to Zuko as a son really takes flight in the following season and I think this all ties together)

and then when Azula comes to collect them to take to Ozai and lies to Zuko about the thing he’s been wanting for 3 years. The thing that’s kept him up, ate away at him, the thing that SHOULD be natural - his father’s love. It’s a lie.

And Iroh defends his nephew unflinchingly from his sister - who is also just a pawn and a soldier, just like Iroh was. I personally like to imagine he taught her some of her skillset (but would she have retained it since she was last willing to learn from him around the age of 6? She is very smart after all).

But could Iroh have looked at Azula, realizing it was her that shot that lightning and, after Zuko called him a ‘shallow old man’, gone to Azula and asked what Ozai had put her through over the years? Or did he still revere the power of the Fire Lord, and the magnitude of power Azula holds.

This leads to one big problem with the family - communication. Especially for Iroh. Communication SUCKS in this family. Zuko is so volatile that Iroh often cannot bring himself to really explain things to Zuko in a clear way, which doesn’t help because Zuko NEEDS to be spoken to clearly because he does not get metaphors and proverbs - but is Iroh really even the best person to explain to Zuko that his father is hurting both him and his sister? When Zuko wants so desperately to go home and be loved? And yet hearing that his sister is suffering would enrage him when she’s only been adored by Ozai. And even then, if Iroh acknowledges Azula’s suffering, he doesn’t act to help her. Could he though? He doesn’t give up on Zuko (who struggled for validation) but he never attempts with Azula (who had the Fire Lord’s entire approval).

For Season 2, everything about Zuko and Iroh is the path to stay alive and stay free… which they’re not free. They never will be again because the Fire Nation wants them and in order to stay safe they must seek refuge indefinitely in BSS. Thus, they must avoid Azula, who is willing to enact on her father’s orders (he IS the Fire Lord, after all). Azula has also shot Iroh with fire. Yes, Iroh is much older and Azula is 14; but I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a point that Iroh looks at her and sees her traveling with her friends, facing the Avatar, besting Iroh himself in a situation and as he wakes up from his injuries after she attacks him, he goes ‘I’m done.’ He would continue to put all of his efforts on Zuko. There is a very potential life or death situation with them being wanted, and Iroh won’t relive losing a child under his care.

And yet he would know where Azula’s life is eventually going to lead her, because he was once her. But he left the Fire Nation to escort Zuko and to keep him safe. Zuko did everything he could to try and finish his father’s task, and now his efforts have only landed him a wanted poster. Azula has the Fire Lord’s blessing and her crown - Zuko and Iroh are all each other have, and they also have the bounty on their heads. The efforts Azula put through to ensure that Iroh kept Zuko safe have now reversed, and they are actively evading her as enemies. The painful irony.

Had Ozai never sent her out to collect them, I absolutely think Iroh would still remain open to his niece. Unfortunately, Ozai continues to task her with ways to divide her from her family and therefore keep her closer to his will. By entrusting her with their capture, he alienates her from her shamed brother and uncle, and then gives them reason to have grief with her and not want to be in her life as she actively and willingly serves her father, not once hearing them out on their side of the story. They are rushing to find a way to stay out of chains and survive while she flawlessly continues her family’s goals.

What if she was never tasked with capturing them? But was still traveling the Earth Kingdom to broaden the Fire Nation’s reign? What if there had been a point when she wasn’t poised to capture them or attack them? I can still see Zuko naturally being bitter that she’s there. Iroh may still even be wary, as having her around after they have not achieved a goal means failure and capture (which is what I reason their reactions to her showing up in The Avatar State to be; they immediately know something is off because without a letter, without warning, Azula shows up in full armor after they have not achieved their goal of capturing the Avatar; and Iroh heard lightning earlier, and if it wasn’t Ozai and he deduces it was Azula? Oh lord she knows how to conjure lightning now which means they’re in deep sludge); but imagine if she’s just there to start her overseas military career, not to capture them. What if she knew they were wanted? What if they saw her, knowing they’re wanted, and they avoid her until they come face to face with her and she’s even more hurt that they immediately believed she would be cold enough to turn them in? They really thought that low of her? lol okay HEY GUARDS. Or what if she was like ‘Zuzu I made sure you had that ship and crew, you really think I’d turn you in?’ Or the opposite? In which Zuko sees Azula and knows they can trust her, but the more they get help from her the more she worries that Ozai is going to learn that she’s been secretly helping them through their escapades as wanted men? What if it had been Azula that got them their passports to BSS and was like ‘go here and stay out of my hair I am BUSY and I can’t keep risking my neck for you like this’.

#atla #atla meta #Iroh #Azula #Zuko

[ask-ozai]

Iroh once claimed that before Zuko, his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all searched for the Avatar.

I know about Sozin's search, but could you please tell us more about your own and Azulon's searches?

They're state secrets and no one has ever known too many details about the expeditions, but that's Zuko's problem now. And since he just caused an hyperinflation, probably he is too busy to even notice if people start talking about it.

Firelord Azulon was the same age as Zuko when he left to find the Avatar, fourteen, but he was very different from Zuko. At fourteen, my father had already fought and won four Agni Kais, and he never knelt and begged for mercy like a coward. He was the pride and future of the Fire Nation, trained and educated from his earliest age to be the perfect Firelord.

His quest to capture the Avatar led him to the most logical place to start, the Northern Water Tribe, where he was greeted with fear and apprehension given Sozin's recent history with the airbenders. But my father had the gift of persuasion and charisma, much needed in his role as Firelord and world conqueror. They reached a non-aggression agreement with the Chief, which lasted until the last day of my father's life and is the reason why the war barely affected the Northern Water Tribe in a hundred years. My father knew that they couldn't conquer his natural enemies until they conquered the Earth Kingdom first, so he gave them a false sense of security. Better to keep them out of the war for the moment.

He met my mother on that trip, Ilah.

Now, unfortunately, I never knew exactly the circumstances of how they met, nor much about my mother at all. The mere reminder of her existence (and absence) was enough to ignite my father's ire for whole days. No one was allowed to talk about my mother when I was a child. Neither the court, nor the servants, and much less me. The little I know is from Iroh, but he didn't talk much about her either. She was a complete taboo.

But yes, my father fell in love with my mother on that trip and returned home quickly to tell his father that he had found the perfect bride for himself. Sozin refused, for some unknown reason (other than that he simply didn't like women very much, I guess), so my father had no choice but to challenge him to an Agni Kai to fulfill his will to marry. Iroh says that Sozin was dead for two minutes when my father threw him a lightning and won the Agni Kai. Sozin must have been proud. When the healers managed to restart his heart, of course.

I don't have much more to say, because my father's trips were rather brief and sporadic. He and my mother married two years later, when he was sixteen, and remained married for fifty years until my mother's death when I was born.

Once my father organized another search, with Lo and Li in charge this time, who went to look for the Avatar in Omashu, hearing that King Bumi had once been friends with him. It is said that Lo had an affair with him and there is even talk of a secret bastard that they had to hide, but nothing was ever confirmed.

My search for the Avatar was a different matter. I was sixteen years old, and the time had come to show my father my value. Evil tongues will tell you that it was just an excuse to get rid of me, but they were Iroh supporters so their opinion don't count.

I took a ship, a small crew, and Zhao and Michi (the only companions I had even a modicum of confidence in) and we went to search for the Avatar. We traveled throughout the Earth Kingdom for two very long years. We had some adventures, naturally, but nothing worth mentioning until we infiltrated Ba Sing Se pretending to be circus performers. I can't give many details about what happened there, because Michi, Zhao and I swore an oath of silence. And as useless as Zuko is, he can still put Michi in a dungeon. Especially now that her daughter dumped him. And that wouldn't be convenient for anyone.

Let's just say the previous Earth King died under suspicious circumstances.

#And unlike Sozin there weren't dildos on the crime scene #I also met a young lord beifong in ba sing se #But he didn't know who I was #He was a quite smart boy #I will always think it's a pity I couldn't kidnap him #His daughter look suspiciously like Lo #ask ozai #ozai #azulon #michi #ilah #Azulon x ilah #Atla #avatar the last airbender

[innocentimouto]

Katara and Zuko’s scene in BSS

I don’t like it. I want to be clear in that because I don’t want to offend anyone who might find this. If you love this scene and would hate to read someone, um, destroying it, please ignore this. Though this is more my hate to how it was written, but that is inevitably connected to being critical of Zuko because. Well.

Why does Katara even apologize to Zuko? Somehow his emotions become the center focus when if he really changed, he should be making the effort to reach out, not the other way around.

She apologizes for yelling at him.

‘Well it’s hurtful.’

You know what else is hurtful?

Toph getting in Aang’s face and telling him how pathetic he is in “Bitter Work”. Very few people give her any flack for that. In that episode, none of the characters think she needs to apologize. But it’s justified to help Aang?

There were other ways to teach him. She could have still been dismissive and mocking and been much less hurtful than that. I’m still confused on why Aang didn’t tear up there like when Katara snapped at him in Book 1.

And Katara had every right to be angry. Zuko invaded her home, destroyed it, threatened her grandmother, women, and children, her brother, Aang, etc. 

So she apologizes for shouting, but he can’t apologize for threatening her grandmother? For burning down Suki’s village which definitely hurt people, if not killed? For supporting the FN and that he was wrong and he’s sorry? I’m sorry, there is something very biased here.

What Zuko did to Katara and her people was horrible and I genuinely can’t watch that episode without tearing up or going cold.

Just. The writers rushing to make sure she apologizes. Just imagine them clutching their hearts because no, she can’t be mean to Zuko. Her popularity will drop! Her popularity---

Maybe you should have focused more on fleshing out the victims of the war than the literal colonizers----

Then it’s written off as she hates Zuko and that’s wrong. Zuko isn’t innocent in the war. She doesn’t hate him because he’s FN. She didn’t hate Jeong Jeong. She hates Zuko for supporting the Fire Nation throughout all their interactions. It’s not that she hates him because of his race. He personally did harm. The way it’s portrayed as wrong or ignorant never sat well with me.

(They made her bring up Ozai just to increase sympathy for Zuko. She never mentioned the Fire Lord before.)

Anyway, Katara hears him talk about what’s going on in his head, and then offers to use very special healing water on his scar. Immediately she offers him a solution, an actual way to deal with his problems, and a few minutes ago they were enemies.

She also conveniently didn’t mention: You know, that place where you stole Aang from? Where you taunted and looked down on me? Where you nearly killed Aang accidentally? Where you reduced the odds of us stopping the NWT from being conquered by taking the Avatar? Where, because of you, Zhao was able to reach the Spirit Oasis before us and the waterbenders lost their bending which would presumably end with many dead? And because of that, I lost my bending? And because of that, Yue died? And because of that, my brother lost someone he loved? And because of that a father lost his daughter? That place.

When did she ever show hatred for Zuko before this? She says he’s the face of the enemy, but we get no fear or hatred before this. We get hatred after this, which seems entirely because of his “betrayal” and not for his actions against her family and her friends.

Sokka mentions Yue and doesn’t even blame Zuko for it. And they still hadn’t learned Zuko wasn’t working with Zhao. How---

They also act like her saying her mother was killed by the FN is a revelation or something. Excuse you, atla writers. You couldn’t even bother giving her different lines, let alone a flashback until then! And then you have her saying that to Zuko, whom the writers went over and above to show how much he regretted leaving Iroh in Book 3, in so many different ways. And showed his trauma and reasons for doing what he did throughout Book 1 and 2.

So even to me, who loves Katara, I almost want to roll my eyes when she brings it up in BSS. Because it’s so lazy. Bring that up organically. Why didn’t she say 

your people took away all the waterbenders. Do you know how that feels? To lose that many people and to lose bending? To always be afraid it will happen again? Your people were so heartless and obsessed with destruction that you raided us again and again and would kill and destroy anything. 

Your people wanted to do that to me! And my mother sacrificed herself for me!

We never did anything to your people. We were innocent. Mom was innocent! I didn’t understand why. The parents of the benders your people would kill didn’t understand why. The kids who were orphaned didn’t understand why. But we learned. Because we had to. Because your people forced us to.

The Fire Nation are monsters. They never stop. They’ll kill because they can. And they’ll burn because they can. It doesn’t matter if the people they attack are unarmed, or children, or innocent, or not involved in the war.

And you’re just like them. You did the same thing. You were going to kill us when we were innocent. You were going to kill us for doing nothing wrong. You were going to do the exact same thing until Aang sacrificed himself for us. 

You’re no different from them.

#Katara #narrative against Katara series #zuko critical #Katara had REASONS for disliking Zuko #and it had more to do with his actions than the fact that he was the fn prince #why was it so hard for the creators to use her trauma in organic ways #sigh #well they're human #I shouldn't judge them so much over a cartoon

[jasminedragonart]

📘

i'm intrigued 👁👁

Okay, to preface, I have a few in mind for shadowhunters and a few for atla.

I'll post the ones for atla.

So the ones I have for atla are Zukka ones. The one I did for little Korra being brought up by Zuko and Sokka is most predominant in my mind. TW for suicide and child neglect. Also spirit death

In this one, Aang, if you've seen the other posts, dies in the North Pole after having his face stolen by the Face Stealer. Korra is born in the South Pole despite no one knowing that Korra's mother was pregnant. For this to make sense, basically, Hakoda heard that there was a fire nation attack at home and went to go see if everyone was alright. He gets there and his mother tells him that his kids have ran off with the avatar. While they're there, one of his men gets together with Korra's mother and for the first couple of years she's convinced that it's him (it is)

Back in the North Pole. Aang died in Zuko's custody. Sokka and Katara were ready to kill Zuko there and then, but Sokka figures Aang probably wouldn't want Zuko's death to be a consequence of his own, also that it wasn't Zuko's fault that Aang died. They take him prisoner instead, bringing him back home. Also, during all of this, Yue dies trying to save the moon spirit, meaning there's no moon anymore. Zhao has control of the North Pole, he has Iroh prisoner and the ocean spirit at his beck and call. Meaning that the sea is basically his to command now.

Back South, since there's a bit of time between Zhao taking over completely and getting proper control of the seas, Sokka, Katara and Zuko arrive home. Hakoda is gone, chasing after where Kanna sent him since he still believes that his kids are chasing the Avatar. Katara immediately goes after him, wanting to catch up. Sokka wants to go with her, but the village really needs him so he has to stay and he makes Katara promise to write to him every month so he knows she's safe.

Katara goes off. In the South Pole Zuko's kept in an igloo for about a month before Sokka decides he needs to put the stupid muscles Zuko has to good use. He has Zuko doing a lot of manual labour, and Zuko does it because his way home is essentially gone, like he's officially in exile forever now the Avatar is gone and he doesn't know when or if it'll be reborn because of the spirit influence in Aang's death. Around three years pass. Katara meets up with Hakoda but we don't really hear much about that. Instead Zuko and Sokka have become almost friends. Like Sokka's still wary around him, but Zuko's the only other guy his age in the village right now and there's not a lot he can talk to the little kids about.

At three years old Korra spies Zuko doing some firebending since Sokka makes Zuko cook a lot of their food and light a lot of their fires to cook said food. She tries it for herself and is successful, then she goes home to show her mother who, well, is horrified. Rumours start spreading in the village that Korra's father wasn't that man she said it was, and in fact she's either a firenation sympathiser or you know, something funny might have happened when Zuko's crew landed three and nine months ago.

Korra's ostracised, so is her mother, and Korra finds herself even more alone because her mother doesn't want anything to do with her. Eventually she comes across Zuko again, and Zuko, being the secret softie that he is, has heard all about this other firebender in the South Pole. He asks if she'd like to know more, and that it would be safer for her to do so she doesn't hurt anyone. Korra agrees and her and Zuko start meeting in secret. Sokka finds out, because Sokka is Zuko's jailer and he's bored, and he sees the two doing firebending. At first, he hates the idea. But the more he thinks about it the more he realises that Korra actually does need instructing, and that she's just a kid at the end of the day.

Things get worse for Korra at home. By five she's spending more and more of her time with Zuko and Sokka. It all comes to a head when news, since it's slow to reach the South Pole, comes that the Fire Nation has razed the Earth Kingdom. Korra's mother kills herself meaning Korra's left on her own. She ends up moving in with Sokka, Zuko and Gran Gran.

By the time Korra's nine she's pretty good at firebending, and she's happier than she has been in a long time thanks to growing up with people who care about her. She still gets name called by the others in the village, but so does Zuko and she doesn't feel so alone now. Ten and eleven find the letters from Katara stopping. The last Sokka knew Katara was saying something about going back to the North Pole with their father to try and help raise a resistance against the Fire Nation. Sokka's deeply worried, and now that a few more men are old enough to protect the village, he decides to go after her. Zuko wants to go with him, but someone has to look after Korra. Coincidentally, a week before he plans to leave Korra and Zuko (because it's known him and aang sometimes have the same dreams in the comics since he's descended from a past avatar) have a dream about the spirit realm. When they wake up, Korra blows the roof off their tent with airbending, which is when they all come to the horrifying conclusion that Korra's the avatar.

With this in mind Zuko insists that they come with him, at least until they get to Kyoshi island. He knows he won't be welcome, but with Korra's avatar powers coming in people will becoming more aware of her (like the priests and the spiritual people and whatnot). Sokka agrees, knowing Korra also needs to start learning the other elements, he's not letting someone else die because they were unprepared. So they head north, taking a dingy boat.

Things aren't as they left them however. There are literally no other boats allowed in the water but fire nation vessels. They find, when they get to Kyoshi, that they need papers in order to sail, and when they don't have them, while they manage to escape the guards, word is sent to Zhao who's on the lookout for a dingy water tribe boat now.

The Kyoshi warriors are gone. They start to look elsewhere in the earth kingdom, but a lot of it is either under fire nation rule or in ruins. There's no underground resistance to be found. Eventually, Sokka gives up looking for them since he needs to see what happened to Katara. They head North again. On their way, they stop a few times for food and supplies. Korra has a dream about a boar before one of these stops. They end up finding Toph running an underground earth rumble and Korra, who's still a little badass, wants nothing more than to learn how to kick people's butts like Toph. Toph, surprisingly, agrees. Since Korra's learned firebending before any other element she's still light on her feet (i think firebending and airbending are actually the closest in terms of styles) and she gets Aang's would be nickname. The Earth Rumble, on learning that this little nine year old, is the Avatar, remember another little kid who also needed their help and decide to tag along too. So now Sokka not only has a former prince, the Avatar and Toph but a bunch of muscly guys crammed into his tiny boat.

They head further north which is when they first get a taste for how Zhao has kept other boats out of the ocean. With the water spirits help he's managed to turn the waves against them, creating whirlpools and waves as big as buildings. They barely survive. Korra, as a result, decides she'd like to learn waterbending alongside her earthbending. Sokka ends up trying to teach her everything Katara showed him, but it doesn't work. Not because he's a bad teacher, but because waterbending doesn't exist anymore. Without the moon spirit, the ocean doesn't have the balance it needs and decided to punish those with its gifts by taking it away from them. Korra can't waterbend no matter how hard she tries. She does learn some airbending however. Zuko remembers he kept a lot of airbending scrolls and books he'd 'borrowed' on his hunt for the Avatar the first time. They go to this offshore place Iroh had bought for when the men and Zuko needed leave from their trip. There they spend a few months learning all they can about the elements while Sokka tries to find a way to get to the North Pole without dying in the ocean.

They head further north by taking the mainland this time. They eventually come to the end of the Earth Kingdom where they really do need a boat in order to continue. All of them end up taking a fire nation vessel hostage. They don't throw the people overboard, instead they keep them prisoner, hoping that by no one telling the fire nation there's anything wrong Zhao won't know.

They make it to the North Pole. Toph and the Earthbenders hate it. Zuko's used to the cold by now so he doesn't complain nearly as much as the others do. The whole place has been taken over, Zhao installed as the leader. They find Paku, who'd managed to escape the cull by offering his services as a healer, near the edge of the city, which is where they learn that the people inside the north pole can waterbend. Zhao is forcing the ocean spirit to allow the North Pole to keep their gifts, but only because they're using it to his benefit. Pakku tells them that Katara is here, so is Sokka's father. He takes them to some secret tunnels where Katara has been training with a few other waterbenders in her craft. They've planned an attack. There's a happy reunion, Sokka introduces Korra and Katara to each other, Katara is happy, but also sad that the Avatar is so young.

Katara is all ready to go with her plan, except Korra tells her that they can't leave anything to chance. Despite being nine, she's been having dreams these past few months about a way they can restore the moon spirit. If they did that, they wouldn't have to rely purely on the ocean spirit to give waterbenders their powers. They wouldn't have to worry about it being taken away in the midst of battle. Katara, because it's Katara, believes Korra without hesitation, asking how this is possible. The answer is that they need to go somewhere spiritual so Korra could help Katara and her to cross over. they don't know where that is, but Zuko thinks his uncle will.

They find out that Iroh is still alive. Katara and the others have heard news about him over the years. Apparently after the north pole he was delivered back to the fire nation. In his grief over losing his nephew and being branded a traitor, the fire lord had offered Iroh an option. Either die, or help the fire nation. Iroh didn't want to give up hope on seeing good die out so he decides to help the fire nation. He took over ba sing se with Azula, but while Azula is being groomed in the fire nation palace to take the throne, Iroh rules Ba Sing Se in her stead, delivering reports to the fire nation about the quelling of the earth kingdom every now and then.

They go to ba sing se where they find things not as they seem. It appears that the fire nation rule, but it's actually quite pleasant in ba sing se. The people are allowed to do what they like, a lot of refugees are earth benders too. Ba Sing Se is a safe haven now for those escaping persecution and the camps a lot of benders are put in when they're found. All of this is a secret however. Iroh has the Dai Li hypnotise any who want to leave with stories of fire nation rule and whatnot.

They find Iroh, who is very happy to see his nephew. He helps them by telling them about a few sacred places in the world that he travelled to when he was trying to get his son back. One of which is in Aang's old air temple. Suki, who's actually a guard in Iroh's palace now, agrees to help them get there, and together they all make it to the air temple- there's some shenanigans, I don't know, this is all an outline.

Anyway, they get there, Korra leads Katara into the spirit world. Together they journey to where the moon spirit would have lived, Korra telling Katara that the only way for it to be restored is for another spirit to take its place. Korra wants Katara to tell Sokka and Zuko that she's happy they were the ones to raise her, that they were very kind to her, as she planned to sacrifice herself to help the world. That's what the Avatar is for, and she knew if she brought Sokka or Zuko they would stop her, but she didn't want to be alone at the end. Katara sees a lot of Aang in her, and this is kind of their goodbye as Katara decides to become the moon spirit instead. Katara spent years researching spirits after what happened to Aang in the hopes she could get him back. She couldn't, but she could do this before Korra sacrificed herself.

Korra comes back and Katara is gone, Sokka's devastated, they all are, but balance is starting to be restored. They head back to the north pole where, with the spirits help now katara controls the moon, they defeat Zhao and gain back control of the waters. With the water tribe back, they start planning a proper resistance against the fire nation, Zuko going back to his uncle in the hopes of getting them on their side too.

Some other stuff happens I haven't planned out.

They win. Zuko's firelord, Sokka's an ambassador, Korra grows into the Avatar and in the night sky Katara and Aang's spirits are back together again, Katara her fourteen year old self following Aang as they have adventures in the stars.

#ask #inbox #fanfic writing #atla

[askathewierdo]

Flamio and welcome to my character analysis of Azula!

I have been reading since I haven't tried The Last Airbender fanFiction on Ao3 recently and an observation caught my eye and I was talking to over with my friend I'm kind of verbally came across some stuff about Azula that I felt like sharing.

So the main thing is that some fanfiction feel the need to give Azul a redemption Arc and others find a way to make it where she doesn't really need a redemption Arc. The main difference is that a redemption Arc means the character regrets their decisions and wants to atone for them or do better.

On the other hand what I've seen more and more of is where after the war she's mentally ill and is just so broken that she has no reason to be against the protagonists anymore.

This led me to kind of just think about well wait a minute why was she broken again? And so from that I kind of went back and it backtracked and backtracked until I went all the way back to basically her birth. Yeah you're in for a little bit of a talk. ;) Stick around for a deeper understanding of this ✨ traumatized✨ 14yr antagonist.

First you have a fact that she is a princess. She is the highest form of a celebrity being the princess of the leader of the nation who is winning a World War. She was raised with politics all around her. The world of politics is a ruthless one and she was raised from the cradle to be able to handle it. Any child born to nobility is. This led to her more sadistic and crueler tendencies however my belief is that they were nurtured by a simple thing that has great impact especially on children, a lack of someone to trust.

Unreliable adult figure in her life #1! Her mother, Ursa. Ursa put herself at a distance from Azula, one of the most memorable lines in which she speaks to her daughter in front of her daughter is,

"What is wrong with that child?"

Her reaction to jokes that Azula tells no matter how mean spirited they might be give off a cold and almost fearful relationship. Ursa did not act as a mother to Azula in any way. Azula saw this and acknowledged it. Azula's view on her relationship with her mother is easily summed up in Azula's comments in the episode The Beach.

"My own mother thought I was a monster. She was right, of course, but it still hurt."

Unreliable adult figure in her life #2! Her uncle, Iroh. While there are very few people who don't like Iroh in the show he is still human and does have a few faults. One of these failings of his is how he treated Azula. (Or at least this is my opinion on the matter.) Similar to Ursa, Iroh kept Azula at a distance. In the flashback to when Iroh is leading the siege at Ba Sing Se he sends a knife to Zuko and a doll to Azula. If anyone new Azula for more than a few days they would know that a doll is not the right gift for this person. Iroh giving Azula a doll and then a knife to Zuko is kind of a cold move.

We know that gender roles aren't really a thing in the Fire Nation, definitely not to the extent that the Northern Water Tribe has. We see a female soldier at the Boiling Rock and it's implied that there are other female soldiers among the army. Mai and Ty Lee are both trained in combat and Mai's proficiency with knives did not seem out of the ordinary. This makes Iroh's gift to Azula even more distant feeling. He could have sent a second knife or if he wanted to discourage her from violence try to find a better suited gift but a doll was not the right gift. And honestly, she already had flamethrowers at her hands whenever she wanted.

There's also after the episode The Chase when Iroh is injured after Azula shot him with fire trying to escape and Iroh is trying to teach Zuko how to redirect lightning, Iroh says something that even though Azula is on the enemy side feels like it's a little bit much to be aimed at a 14 year old girl even if she is dangerous.

"She's crazy, and she needs to go down."

Unreliable adult figure in her life #3! Her Father, Fire Lord Ozai the manipulative man himself. This man is so cold and manipulative that he knew exactly what to do to achieve what he wanted. He favored Azula because she was strong and his wife feared her and so he had the full ability to influence her without his wife's interference. He gave her just enough affection for her loyalty but purposely left her starving for verification and affection from him. He made sure to leave her scared of him leaving her.

At the very end of the show in the scene where he crowns himself Phoenix King she comes up and mentions that they will be leaving soon or something along those lines and he corrects her and says that he will be leaving that she'll be staying and she gets mad. She tells him that he can't throw her away like Zuko and that it was her idea in the first place. While she seems mad it's more fear in her eyes. Ozai turns to her and simply says

"Azula"

Any traces of anger are replaced with total and utter fear. If you look at the placement of their positions it's similar to Zuko in the Agni Kai when he got his scar. One could draw the conclusion that she was afraid of him treating her like Zuko and abandoning her. Ozai knew exactly what he was doing in this scene. He knew exactly what he was doing in every scene in relation to Azula.

In conclusion? She had literally no one she could trust. Those were the adults in her lives and she was the royal princess, nobles were going to want to use her and servants were beneath her and would not try to form that kind of relationship with her. There is an exception to this, she did have two friends after all who she did trust— to a point. Mai and Ty Lee. Well look where that ended up. At the Boiling Rock they betrayed her, this is exactly her breaking point. After that episode was when she descended into madness. Their betrayal was the cause or breaking point. She literally had no one she could trust.

Under Ba Sing Se she offered a way out for Zuko— that he took. She risked her own skin to make a place for her brother back at home. She wanted someone to trust even if it was subconsciously that she was trying to seek someone out. She knew her brother like the back of her hand, she knew he was too weak (kind) to try to manipulate or use her. She tried to help him how she could in her own way. (Keep in mind that he threw this away on The Day Of Black Sun and Ozai probably confronted Azula in some way about his confession and her lies.)

Also in the episode the beach she laughs when someone calls Ty Lee a circus freak but then looks regretful when Ty Lee lashes out. Azula does have compassion she just doesn't show it, generally in regard for her own safety.

In conclusion Azula really just needs someone she can legitimately trust who won't try to use her or manipulate her or hurt her. Also, she's 14.

This is also how people can make fanfiction where in post war Zuko and Azula end up in a shaky relationship because Azula realizes that overall he is her safest bet as far as someone she can trust.

If you're still here then thank you for reading my mind dump.

#avatarthelastairbender #avatar the last airbender #Atla #Avatar #Azula #Azula redemption #Azula character analysis #issue the antagonist yes #does she need someone to trust? #also yes #is she literally 14 years old #Y E S #throw ozai to kyoshi

[xoteajays]

animated/games/interactive fiction

digimon adventures

name: yukimi ‘yuki’ ono ship: mimi tachikawa digipartner / crest: lopmon / perseverance faceclaim: kayo hinazuki, yuzuru nishimiya, mitsuha miyamizu summary: In one word to describe Yukimi Ono: quiet. Quiet in life, quiet in everything. Everything but her anger. If anybody had bothered to get close, they might just have seen what was right below the surface. A girl stuck in the past, persevering after the worst thing that can happen to a person. The loss of a twin. Himari, dead at barely ten years old, leaving behind a broken family and a sister struggling to move on. Then came summer camp, the digital world and Lopmon, and Yuki had to pull herself together because now the world (both real and digital) was counting on a bunch of kids to save it.

pokemon

name: rhythmi ship: elite four rika team: skitty, tinkaton, grafaiai, tastugiri, appletun, phanpy faceclaim: maki kuwana summary: As far as Rhythmi is concerned, she’s got no future to head for. Her Kalosian adventure went up in flames and now her mother is moving them off to Paldea to join her somewhat-estranged father, Saguaro, at some ‘Naranja academy’. She has no interest in going back to school but she has no choice in the matter, not when she can tell how her mother is worrying about her. She, at least, doesn’t have to resort to ditching class when release comes quick in the form of this ‘treasure hunt’. She’s got her options laid out ahead of her now, a whole sprawling region … but a green-haired elite four member Rhythmi keeps running into is really throwing a spanner in the works.

[ fics / here ]

infamous-if

name: herah heart, born hellena ambrose ship: orion quinn faceclaim: salem mitchell band: spider lilies summary: From humble beginnings comes the newest band to grace the botb, Spider Lilies. With popular hits like wallflower and tethered, fans of the band were ecstatic about their win and were quick to defend them when news hit of the ensuing post-win clash between Underground Wastebasket and Spider Lilies - curiously, lead singer Herah Heart was nowhere to be seen during this brawl, arriving later in the evening with band manager Orion Quinn to pick up her battered bandmates.

name: benji butcher, born benjamin sawyer ship: g reign & victoria valentine, ex-boyfriend seven faceclaim: joseph quinn band: DEVOUR summary: If there’s a party to be had, DEVOUR will be there! High school friends turned bandmates, the newest band joining the botb is headed by Benji Butcher. Known for his high energy performances, it’s no surprise the audience goes crazy whenever they get on stage. However, new to fame and a newer face on the scene, there’s a rumour going around that DEVOUR rigged their most recent win against fan favourite Underground Wastebasket.

aang: the last airbender

name: ila ship: zuko bender: waterbender summary: A southern water tribe girl who left the water tribe at about age 13. She'd long since being practically an orphan since her father left with the other men to fire in the war and her mother died of illness. She'd been nomadic and traveling on her own ever since. It's not until meeting Zuko and Iroh on the boat to Ba Sing Se that her life starts to get complicated. Joining the Gaang, Ila is thrust right into the middle of the war, a horrible place for most to be but especially for a pacifist like herself.

detroit: become human

name: morgan nix ship: connor rk800 faceclaim: alex chen summary: Morgan Nix was practically a nobody. The ghost-writer for the famous android singer, NT200 - or 'Nita' as she was dubbed. Her life is simple enough, the pay was good enough to get by with. Then Nita becomes deviant. Having always cared for the human, Nita invites Morgan to run away with her. However, people are quick to notice their favourite android celeb going missing and Cyberlife's RK800 is put on their case under the assumption that Morgan had been kidnapped by NT200.

#oc masterlist

[princecosmosanon]

Zukka Fic Idea: Lunar Phototaxis

Originally I described this one as “Zuko is a sacrifice to the moon god (Sokka) and ends up becoming the consort of the moon god (Zukka)” which is pretty basic. This one is most straightforward story idea I have currently, at least in my opinion.

Warnings: mentions of rape/non-con, child and adult slavery/prostitution, mentions of pedophilia, referenced suicide, suicidal ideation and human sacrifice. Most of these happen before the events of the story and will mostly be mentioned, not happen concurrently with the main story itself.

Background details: In this AU, Zuko was born into a rich family off the coast of a continent still known as the Fire Nation, but they are not royalty. For most of Zuko’s childhood he had a normal life, but after his mother passed away (possible suicide) when Zuko was 14 life changed very dramatically. It turned out, much of their family’s wealth, while being somewhat related to trade, was also brought in by Zuko’s father selling their mother to his other rich “friends” which she agreed to do in order to protect her children.

Once Ursa was gone, Ozai instead switched to selling Zuko. Zuko figured it would only be a matter of time before Azula would be abused in the same way, so he prayed to Agni, the Sun god, to protect her. He figured he could endure it, as long as he could save her; and it seemed his prayer was answered.

His uncle Iroh, who was often traveling and doing actual merchant business, happened to visit and offered to take one of the children with him on a journey to the other continent (Earth Kingdom), and Zuko convinced both Iroh and Azula it was better for her to go. She did, and after a time Ozai and Zuko received a letter saying Azula had been selected to join an order of highly skilled warriors (Kyoshi warriors) and would be sending home some of her pay as time went on, cementing her in a safe place away from their father.

Zuko, though very grateful for his answers prayer, did start to feel bitter towards his situation. He didn’t have to “entertain” often but as he got closer to 18 he wondered how his father would get by after Zuko was technically an adult and could leave.

Turns out he couldn’t leave. Ozai had Zuko locked into his room, and claimed to outsiders that Zuko was troubled/ill in order to secure his claim on him and continue to use him for cash. By this point, it didn’t seem fair that he had no way out; even the window had bars on it to keep him from escaping or taking his own life. No matter how much he begged Agni he couldn’t seem to find the same blessing of peace, and Zuko began to curse his god instead, feeling only hopeless despair.

Then, at the peak of summer during Zuko’s 19th year, there was a solar eclipse. The phenomenon, while not impossible was still seen as a bad omen, as it was not predicted for another 50 years. It seemed the planets had fallen out of alignment, and the seas turned dark and stormy for weeks on end.

The story actually begins here, when Zuko is just past 20 years of age, thin from little to no exercise, pale from lack of sun, and bruised from abuse. His father, supposedly gaining clarity after receiving a strange letter from Iroh, declared the twin deities of the Moon and Sea had grown jealous of Agni and demanded blood. A sacrifice was needed to appease them and bring the warmth of the sun back to their coast.

Zuko, who in his adulthood has “lost his appeal” for many of Ozai’s less than savory friends, was taken from his cage of a room and sent out to sea, alone in a small boat, bound with no way to free himself and swim to shore. Zuko was resigned to the fate awaiting him, figuring it would be better to die than remain languishing in his room any longer.

Despite the harsh rain and rocking waves, the boat seemed to naturally remain upright despite it all, like the ocean were guiding him through the storm until there was not a speck of land in sight. Then, suddenly, the heavens cleared and the full moon shone down upon the abruptly still sea. Zuko’s boat, hitting the moonlight, sunk into the reflection of the moonbeams on the water. When Zuko should have drowned, instead it was like he was hit with a strong gust of air, and like that, he had entered the Realm of the Night Sky.

From there, Zuko meets Yue, the caretaker of the stars, one of the Moon god’s first High Priestesses who was welcomed into the Realm upon her death. She leads Zuko to the heavenly alter room where the twin gods, once known as Tui and La, are overseeing a procession of minor deities and spirits offer up sacrifices. One can only stay in the Realm if they offer something, and Zuko realizes he has nothing to offer but himself. So he does, fully expecting the worst, but the Moon god only takes a kiss.

Being touched by a god is overwhelming, and Zuko passes out only to wake in an empty bedroom. From there, he learns a lot of things, like how the Realm of the Night Sky works, what the other denizens do there, who Tui and La (who now go by Sokka and Katara) truly are, and why he was brought here in the first place.

A few little spoilers; Sokka started taking a male form after he changed his name, but he can change his body’s form after every new moon. And Zuko, despite now being in a godly realm, is still technically mortal though his age is suspended while he lives there as time doesn’t work the same in a world made for gods.

Anyway, shout out to @justaloadofgarbage-blog for being interested in this story idea! It’s pretty dark, especially the background stuff, but the story is supposed to be bittersweet. I have a lot of ideas on how I want to move things forward, but I don’t have any clear “end” in mind, so for now this will remain as notes.

#lunar phototaxis #fanfiction #fanfic ideas #zukka

[impossiblycolorfulpanda]

Aang approached Zuko and Iroh

Iroh: “Aang? Did you manage to locate Azula?”

Aang said nothing and stood there with bitter and contempt expression.

Zuko: “Aang? Is everything ok?”

Aang: “Yeah, yeah, everything is fine. I managed to find Azula.”

Zuko: “And?”

Aang: “Just out of curiosity, if I tell you where she is and you catch up to her, what are you gonna do do her.”

Iroh: “If she resists, we’ll have to defend ourselves and I think it’d be best if you came with us.”

Aang: “For what reason?”

Iroh: “I’d may come a time Azula will be an avatar level threat like her father and should be dealt with by him as well in a same manor.”

Aang: “You want me to take her bending away!”

Zuko: “She kidnapped her own sister and a bunch of other kids, played terrorist to our nation and revealed she wants to psychologically torture me into being her slave! Our hand is being forced. We have no choice.”

Aang angrily crosses his arms and continued glaring.

Aang: “Ya know, I was the first person to believe in you, thought we’d be friends before. Never had I imagined this.”

Zuko: “What are you talking about?”

Aang: “When I used energybending to find Azula, something happened. I went inside her mind. I saw the world in her perspective. Next, our spirits have intertwined and have become connected. We’ve barely talked and yet I feel closer to her then I ever have with anyone else.”

Zuko: “Ok, I’m sorry, that must have been a horrific experience for you.”

Aang: “(Chuckles) Could have been worse. All of my friends could have single handedly ruin my life and abandoned me without warning. Even when I did all I can to help them!”

Iroh: “I’m afraid we don’t follow.”

Aang: “I knew the two of you were flawed pieces of work but what you’ve done just makes you look like bitter, vengeful, self-righteous, sadistic backstabbing curs!”

Iroh: “Aang! Why would you say such a thing?”

Aang: “I know how you got you’re scar, Zuko. I know how you’re mother disappeared. You’re own grandfather put a hit on you but it was Azula who put a stop to it, by trying to tell you but you were to stubborn to listen, she then told your mother and she also acted coldly even when she believed. Azula came to you, she genuinely missed you, took you back in, gave you your home back and how do you thank her? You ditch her! Treat her like dirt! Blew her off! Left her to rot in that torture chamber you people dare call a mental hospital! Locking her in a cage LIKE AN ANIMAL! And now you dare ask ME TO TAKE AWAY HER BENDING FOR YOU!? WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU GUYS?!”

Zuko: “It’s not that simple...”

Aang punched Zuko in the face before he could finish, Iroh got in between them.

Iroh: “That’s enough! Look, Aang. I admire you want to see the good in Azula and once you take us to her, well try to take better care of her. We’ll do the best we can.”

Aang: “Right, by taking away her bending and put her into another cell for her to rot and die in! How noble! I guess you only care about people who will do something for you! You sound just like Ozai.”

Iroh: “I AM NOTHI...(closed his fists, squeezed his eyes shut and took a couple deep breaths)...I am nothing like him. He wanted to destroy this world, I intend to protect it.”

Aang: “Exactly! You claim to be some enlightened savior then do some actual saving!”

Iroh: “I...Maybe we should slow down and think ahead with this.”

Aang: “You know what? You do that! Hopefully you can think about if you really did that right thing, abandoning her! While your thinking, I’ll go help Azula!”

Aang stormed off.

Zuko: “Aang! AANG!”

Iroh: “Let him go. We’ll discuss this later when he calms himself. It couldn’t have been easy, seeing through someone else’s eyes.”

Zuko: “What he said. She really did care for me? Did we really go about this all wrong? Did I do to her what father did to me?”

Iroh: “Listen to me! You are not you’re father! I made sure of it!”

Zuko: “Why? Why go through the trouble helping me and only me? You claim to have wanted to absolve the sins of our family but you haven’t done much to make that happen, just set me up to do it. What are you hiding from me?”

Iroh: “...”

Zuko: “Uncle?”

Iroh: “We’ve all had a long day, maybe we all need to rest first and come back relaxed. Good night nephew.”

Iroh quickly left. Zuko grew suspicious.

#aang #azula #zuko #iroh #text #iroh critical #spirit bond #anti avatar comics