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azenkii · 4 years

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ATLA Fic Rec

because I've been spending way too much time reading it. Btw, this is a rec for gen fics and zukka fics.

Note: an asterisk after the description means that the fic or series is incomplete. (Sadly, this is a lot of them, but I'm pretty sure most of these fics are still currently updating.)

GEN:

Anything by MuffinLance is a must-read. my personal favourites are Salvage (where Hakoda ends up with one (1) grumpy new prisoner/crewmate/adopted son) and Little Zuko v the World (where Zuko is 12, and it's adorable).

The Family You Choose by TunaFishChris is a god-tier platonic soulmate au about zuko and the gaang, so like...go read that right now

The kintsugi series by discordiansamba is an AU where Toph's parents hire Zuko-as-Lee to be a bodyguard for her, and I love it so much. It has some of the best Toph-and-Zuko sibling bonding I've ever seen. *

Dragon Moon by Satirrian is a Dragon! Zuko AU and it's incredible. It also features Bounty Hunter Zuko, so do with that what you will. *

The What We're Given series by Haicrescendo is *chef's kiss*. It's an AU where Zuko flipped his father off early on into his banishment and started living his best life with Iroh. Enter the Gaang. Shenanigans ensue. *

The Internment series by Hannahmayski is another Zuko breaks free from his dad early AU, and it's also really good. Basically, Zuko was never given the option to capture the Avatar, making his banishment indefinite. He sails around with his crew fighting the Fire Nation and it's great. *

The best way to solve your problems (is to help someone else) by hewwodarkness is an AU where kids start disappearing in Ba Sing Se during Book 2, and Zuko takes it upon himself to do a little vigilantism. It's fantastic. *

The Blue Spirit AU series by H_Faith_Marr is an AU starting from, surprise surprise, the Blue Spirit episode. The Gaang takes in Zuko without knowing who he is, and the Power of Friendship™ goes to work on Zuko. *

The the first rule of earth kingdom fight club... series by ohmygodwhy is an AU where Zuko, among other things, fights in underground cage matches, meets Toph early, and realises that his dad might be wrong. It’s pretty funny and really good. *

The The Non-Existent Twin series by FoiblePNoteworthy is hilarious. It's an AU where Zuko poses as his own twin, Li, and the Gaang buys it hook line and sinker. *

The Guilt (The Jet Adopts Zuko AU) series by FoiblePNoteworthy is also really good. Like the title says, it’s a Zuko joins the Freedom Fighters AU. *

The new ways series by blueseam is just a Zuko and the Gaang bonding fic, mostly set in the Western Air Temple, with a side of Zuko not taking care of himself and the Gaang stepping up to the job. If you’re like me and am an absolute sucker for Zuko and the Gaang, go read this.

The Family Matters series by WinterSky101 is a really good fic if you’re looking for Hakoda and Zuko. That’s all I have to say: Hakoda and Zuko.

a nation, held by snowdarkred is a GREAT Fire Nation & Zuko fic - set before and during canon, not after it. Go read it, right now.

Notable mentions: a lot of works by naggeluide are gen and pretty funny, though if you don't headcanon any of the characters as LGBT+ you might not like some of them.

ZUKKA:

anything by Haicrescendo and dickpuncher420. For Haicrescendo, my personal favourite is the Carry On For You series, and for dickpuncher420, it’s love language.

sirens & sleepless nights by Satirrian is a modern AU that just borders on dystopian. Ba Sing Se has been overtaken by the Fire Nation, Zuko is a soldier who broke away from the Fire Nation and got shot for it, and Sokka finds Zuko on the street and brings him inside. It’s amazing, go read it!

do you take this jerk to be (your one and only) by jatersade is a fic that I’m 90% sure is on every zukka fic rec list, and it deserves to be. It’s an arranged marriage AU where Zuko is engaged to Yue, and Sokka is his cultural guide. *

midnight runs and other things by isamagicdragon is a modern AU where Zuko keeps sleepwalking into Sokka’s apartment. Shenanigans ensue. Also, top-tier Zuko, Mai and Ty Lee interactions. *

Unchained Melody by avocadolove is another fic that I see a lot on rec lists, and it 100% deserves it. It’s a long fic (as of now, it’s at 63.8k) and is an AU where Sokka, after getting taken to the Spirit World by Heibai, ends up as a ghost that only Zuko can see. Ft. great enemies-to-friends-to-lovers and an incredible plot. *

Ozymandias, King of Kings by Think_of_a_Wonderful_Thought is SO good. It’s an AU where, instead of being banished, Zuko was sent to work in a coal mine/prison, which eventually becomes the target of a Water Tribe raid after Aang’s return. It can get pretty dark, so watch out for that, and it’s really long (as of now, 168.8k). But trust me, it’s worth it. *

Heart Beat Here by thefangirlingdead is an adorable Modern AU oneshot where Zuko, while shopping for engagement rings with Katara, freaks out when Sokka lies about where he is. It’s a happy ending, don’t worry. One of my favourite fics.

feels like we only go backwards by oldpotatoe and A Certain Slant of Light by JustGettingBy are both amnesia fics where Sokka loses his memory several years after the war. They’re both so, so good. A Certain Slant of Light is finished, but feels like we only go backwards is not.

reality strikes, so bring back the night by zukkababey is a time-travel oneshot where Western-Air-Temple Sokka wakes up in the future to find his older self married to one (1) Fire Lord Zuko. Fluffy and funny.

maybe i just see you (in everything) by epicbubbles is a really cute Modern AU oneshot with love confessions and just fluff all around. 10/10 go read it!!

it’s the illusion of separation by argentoswan is a fic that has legendary status and it absolutely deserves it. God-tier Modern AU where Sokka ends up working at the Jasmine Dragon alongside his former high school bully, Zuko. (Kind of) enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, and it’s just...SO good. *

say you like your shirt soggy by crosspin is a reallyyy nice 5+1 fic. It’s Modern AU, and it’s pretty short (3.7k), but the amount of yearning that gets packed into that 3.7k,,,,*chef’s kiss*

and they were roommates by flydunes is another Modern AU where sokka puts up an ad for a roommate. Zuko moves in, and Sokka gets a crush. It’s just good vibes all around :) *

like blood from a stone by catalinacat is a Soulmate AU that took a completely different direction with the soulmate trope. The summary does a better job of explaining it than I can. *

absence of heat, excess of destiny by theycallmesuperboy is one of the best soulmate AUs out there. it’s not too long, only 4.3k words, but it covers the entire series and then some. Seriously, go read this.

it isn’t strange, but it’s true by theholyterror is a 5+1 post-canon fic with some of the best pining I’ve ever seen, ft. Ambassador Sokka and Fire Lord Zuko. The 5+1 is times Zuko went out of his way to touch Sokka. *

like the sun inside of you by ofherlionheart is another post-canon fic, and it’s incredible so far. the first chapter alone is 23k, so it’s already a decently long read. *

the stemverse: earth science zuko au series by acezukos is a REALLY good Modern/University AU. So far, it only has one work (earth system history) but that work is already *chef’s kiss*. The series is incomplete, but earth system history is complete!

rebellion’s such a hushed affair by zeitgeistofnow is a fantastic Modern AU that, like sirens & sleepless nights, borders on dystopian. Actually, I think it is dystopian, but it hasn’t been tagged as such. Anyway, 10/10, go read it right now immediately

Mark Time by foil is a Modern AU where Sokka ghosted Zuko years ago, and they get brought back together by Aang and Katara’s wedding. It’s really good, but the fic has some pretty heavy content, so make sure you read the warnings. *

That birds would sing and think it were not night by HisMomoness is a Modern AU that has Zuko tutoring Sokka, with absolute top-tier pining. Like, seriously, the pining is insane. Superr good

this love burns so yellow (becoming orange and in its time, exploding) by meliebee is one of the best post-canon fics I’ve ever read. It features a civil war in the Fire Nation (that gets resolved about halfway through) and some great Toph and Zuko interactions, as well as some Grade A pining.

boy problems by burnt_oranges is FANTASTIC post-canon and has sokka and zuko in an accidental arranged marriage, plus some attempted assassinations. It’s great.

zuko vs the homie sexual agenda by parmigiano has Zuko and Sokka pining for each other in Ikea. Do I need to say more?

Friendship Bracelets by peachcitt is a Modern AU best friends to lovers. Pretty short (4.9k), but the pining is immaculate.

isn’t this the vision that you wanted by nebulastucky is INCREDIBLE, I read it recently because it just got completed and it’s *chef’s kiss*. It’s post-canon ft. mutual pining and some reallyyy good ‘and there was only one bed’ scenes.

Real Slow and no one knows anything but us by surveycorpsjean and quidhitch respectively are two of my favourite post-canon Ambassador Sokka and Fire Lord Zuko fics. Go check them out!

The Duke’s a Hazard by naggeluide is a really nice AU starting from the Western Air Temple, where the Duke decides that Sokka and Zuko are now his new parents. They bond over coparenting, and the (kind of) enemies-to-friends-to-lovers is really good. Plus, it’s funny.

Those Who Favor Fire by CSHfic and VSfic is a really good fic of the Spymaster Sokka AU. If you don’t know what that is, it’s an AU where Sokka fakes his death and goes undercover in an organisation that wants to kill Zuko.

Fics I added after posting (so far, all Zukka):

The Road Between Action and Inaction by Donvex is a fic that I can't believe I left out the first time?? It's a modern hitchhiking AU and it's great.

Rituals of the Ocean Floor by Donvex is a nice one too. It's only around 2.2k words, but it's a Fox Spirit!Zuko and Sharkman!Sokka AU, and I just really like the writing style.

by the stars above, i knew we were in love by theycallmesuperboy and The Fate of Nations in Our Hands by sapphic_ambitions are both top-tier post-canon fics. Be warned: by the stars above is a liiiittle bit angsty.

blue's clues by parmigiano is a really good Modern AU where Sokka, a university student journalist, gets ahold of the phone number of the Blue Spirit, a new campus vigilante. He ends up talking to the Blue Spirit to get an interview out of him, and it's really cute!

Honourable mention: the Avatar Zuko series by the_cloud_whisperer is one of the best series I've ever read, and it's really long - it got completed about a month ago, with 493.6k words in total (415k if you ignore the extra work made up of author's notes). It develops all the characters really well, especially Lu Ten, but the main ship is Zukaang. Personally, my biggest problem with Zukaang is the age difference, and Aang is aged up to be Zuko's age (or older, I think? I don't really remember) in this. I kept reading it because the plot was too good to give up, and I do highly recommend it, but yeah.

I’ll add more fics if I remember them, but this is what I had bookmarked. Also, shameless self plug here because I also write ATLA fic @ azenki on ao3

#atla #zukka #fic rec #zukka fic rec

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thecelestial-art · 4 years

Photo

ok but like, here me out,,,,, avatar high school au but its just me projecting my personality and trauma

my instagram

Aang

Freshman

He's trying his gosh darn hardest

The group baby

Appa is a therapy dog so he spends the day with gyatso in his classroom :)

Hes a saint bernard

The best man

Despite katara being the ‘mom friend’ he runs the god damn show

Momo is a shit head sphinx cat

The gang dropped movie nights for “knitting nights” so they could all learn to knit him sweaters

Hes very fashionable

he hates it

sokkas best friend

Aang makes costumes so when halloween comes around momo is very scary as dorothy

Track and field babey

Does not curse

He has a hard time keeping up with world events

Straight (i'm not wrong)

he and toph have an ongoing tradition of going in full dress to waffle house before school dances.

it got to the point where now all the workers know them by name

they also accidentally crashed a white lotus meeting and just kept going

Azula

Band kid

Sophomore

Rich girl with 2 friends

Pre eng

i know most schools dont have this program, but mine did and holy shit. those were some overachievers

The most annoying mf on the planet

Not a single teacher likes her

The know it all that will fight if you don't agree with the facts

She was the ww2 kid

Capitalist in the worst fucking way

Closeted lesbian, when she figures that shit out she gets a lil better

The one who can drive

Mai

Bisexual

She's really good at math?? Like shes the gay who can do math

But cannot drive, bitch failed her permit more times than she can count

She nearly went to an all girls boarding school at one point

Sophomore

Colorguard!!

She has beat the shit out of people she's walked in on making out in the bathroom

Genuine friends with the faculty??

She takes programming/coding as a filler class but she's pretty good and continues to pursue it.

Her tumblr looks sick as hell

has caused a teacher to cry

Ty lee

Bisexual

Lesbian earings actin mf

Sophomore

Cheerleader

She is the nicest mother fucker and everyone loves her

Despite acting like an airhead she's really science orientated

When she takes biology she passes with flying colors

Very invested in social justice

She would never hurt a fly but she will fuck you up

The one with a healthy relationship with her father

has comforted a teacher she found crying in the parking lot

Iroh

Now runs the jasmine dragon where zuko works after school w/ katara

Knows every single kid who comes in and tries his hardest to make sure everyone feels appreciated

Former war criminal

In a book club

The white lotus? Yeah this is the white lotus

Idk if it would be the same as the show, or if its just an old person shit talking group

Zuko

Junior

His dad got full custody of him and his sister when he divorced their mom

But at 13 he got kicked out for another bullshit reason and ever since Iroh has had custody of both of the siblings

But bitch boy ozai has visitation rights but only wants to see azula

Theatre kid!!

I mean he was gonna join jrotc to appease his dad but he figured his shit out before he really joined

A republican turned leftist

Hes queer he just doesnt know which label to use

Himbo rights

He and katara are best friends idgaf about ships but they are bros

orchestra kid! (yes this is me self projecting bc we have similar trauma)

Violist

Teachers have no idea what to do with him bc on one hand he's very reclusive and on the other his sister has the worst opinions so they don't know

Katara

Sophomore

Still the mom friend but this time she goes to therapy

Bc she literally raised her brother after her mother died?? And then became a parental figure to her FRIENDS???

Biggest political activist, genuinely does her best at educating herself and others about civil injustices

Also really obsessed with cults and true crime

Choir kid

She takes AP history, english, and second language classes

Is trying her hardest in math and sciences

Huge stuffed animal collection

Student council vice president

she originally ran for president but jets gang voted him in as a joke

The teachers pet

Swim team bitches

Best friends with the school janitors

This is my au so fuck off she and zuko are chaotic friendgroup parents and annoying best friends i love them

and maybe something more???

who fucking knows theres a betting pool in the white lotus and so far aang is winning

Sokka

Junior

Bisexual

Gym and History teachers LOVE him

On the swim team and the fishing team

Started crying when he took his drivers test

Goes to gsa w/ toph and loses his fucking mind

He's the reason suki’s car is disgusting

In all advanced/ap classes in math and science

Was the kid who carries a portable speaker around until suki put him in his place

Still has to use his hands to figure out left and right

Yue

Technically she doesn't go to school with them she goes to a nearby private school

She met the gang at a football game and has been invited to every group outing since

Junior!!

Very invested in world politics

When she joins the group at school events she ends up making friends with all the staff

Debate team kid!!!

She's not a rule breaker she just knows their limitations ;)

at one point missed school for like 2 months and everyone thought she died

turns out it was just fucking pneumonia and sokka is one dirty liar

Suki

oh? you mean yue’s best friend bc we dont respect pitting women against each other in this household?

Junior

Bisexual icon!!!

Oh god what sport would she do??

Probably basketball??

Or she would just do martial arts outside of school

And have a ‘female empowerment’ club or somethin

100% believes in self government in society and that the current gov exists purely on the theory that all humans are inherently evil

Bitch for bernie

Her car is DISGUSTING

She asks if she can hit peoples juul and then throws it in the trash

The gym coaches really like her but she fucking hates them

Is very close with her school counselor??

She never wants to run but she keeps getting elected to homecoming court

Toph

Freshman

Former homeschool bitch

Joined the wrestling team and the fishing team??

She doesn't even like fishing she just thinks it's hilarious

Very good a pottery and that's her arts credit

She and iroh have lunch together every thursday

If she catches wind of you putting gum on desks they will find your body in a ditch

She makes sokka and suki take her to prom

She hates it she just likes to fuck with people at prom

Sometimes she just tells people she doesn't believe in something bc she cant see it

has been wearing the same sandles for the past 3 years bc “they’re reliable”

Cryptid hunter

Goes to gsa bc its better than any fucking reality tv show

Has nearly burnt the house down making ramen

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eastofthemoon · 3 years

Text

A Paladin in the Fire Nation

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

Rating: PG

Series: Voltron Legendary Defender/Avatar the Last Airbender

Summary: After the fight with Zarkon, Shiro accidentally gets tossed into another reality where humans have the ability to bend the elements. His best shot at returning home is with someone called the Avatar, while he waits he might as well take on the job of being the Firelord’s bodyguard.

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Zuko was silent as Shiro told them his story. He tried to keep an open mind these days and being close friends with the Avatar had caused Zuko to experience very strange things.

However, Zuko did have limits and Shiro’s tale was pushing them to the extreme.

“So you’re from another universe,” Sokka said slowly. “Where you go into space inside ships in the shape of lions, who are sentient and can become on a giant ship shaped like a person called Voltron, and fight an empire run by beings called Garlic.”

“Galra,” Shiro had corrected as Iroh poured himself another cup of tea, “but yes.”

“And you got here because your lion accidentally sent you here while you were fighting the emperor,” Toph added.

“Correct,” Shiro confirmed.

Toph and Sokka turned their faces to Zuko, likely waiting for his reaction. Zuko took a deep breath. “That is an..interesting tale.”

Shiro raised an eyebrow as Zuko stood and tucked his hands into his robes. “Toph, Sokka, may I speak with you in private for a moment?”

“You can use my bedroom and shut the door,” his uncle offered and by the sound of his tone had been expecting it.

“Thank you, Uncle, we’ll just be a moment,” Zuko said briskly.

Toph and Sokka followed close behind while Zuko was being very careful to not say a word until they were all inside and he shut the door.

“I’ll be the first to say it,” Zuko said as he turned to his friends, “he is insane, right?”

Much to his shock, neither of them instantly agreed. Instead, Toph was silent and Sokka waved a hand back and forth.

“Ehhhh, maybe but my gut is telling me no,” Sokka replied.

“You’re kidding,” Zuko said in disbelief. “Did you hear what he said? There’s no way for it to be true.”

“But that’s the thing,” Sokka said as he paced. “Look, a real criminal would probably try to come up with a reasonable explanation. Why would Shiro tell us that story unless it is the truth?”

“You’re saying it’s so crazy it has to be true?” Zuko asked.

“Exactly,” Sokka said with a nod. “Why even bother with telling us about giant lion ships if he assumed we wouldn’t believe it.”

“I’m with Sokka,” Toph said. “I monitored the guy’s heart during the whole time he talked, he’s not lying.”

“He could be good at lying,” Zuko argued. “You told me Azula is able to pass it.”

Sokka raised an eyebrow. “You honestly believe that Shiro guy is at Azula level of lying?”

Zuko opened and shut his mouth. He hadn’t even known Shiro for a day, but he had seemed confused by the interrogation earlier. It was possible the man was a very good actor, but still…

“It would also explain why his armor is so odd,” Sokka added, “and his arm too. Not even Teo and his dad have designs that advanced.”

“Plus, Iroh is taking him seriously,” Toph added. “That should say something too.”

Sokka touched Zuko’s shoulder. “Be honest, what do you feel in your gut about Shiro?”

Zuko shut his eyes. “My common sense is saying he’s delusional,” he sighed, “but my gut says he’s telling the truth.”

“So we are all in agreement then,” said Toph with a shrug. “Now what?”

“How about we start by telling Shiro we believe him?” Sokka offered.

Zuko nodded as he turned around and led them back. Iroh was pouring another cup of tea while Shiro watched them come back with concern in his eyes.

“We believe you,” Zuko stated and sighed. “Although a large part of me is calling me crazy for doing so.”

“I don’t blame you,” Shiro said with a nervous chuckle. “I would have a hard time in your position.”

“So then spaceman,” Toph said as she sat next to him, “how do you think you can get back home?”

“Yeah, if this Black Lion sent you here by accident can she just take care of it,” Sokka said as he and Zuko took their seats.

“I wish it were that easy,” Shiro said, “but I’m too far away for her to help even though I can still hear her.”

Zuko froze as he tilted his head. “You can..hear her?”

“In my head,” Shiro said as he tapped forehead. “We paladins form a connection with our lions and it allows us to communicate them with our minds.”

“I see,” Zuko said, trying to keep his voice calm while he felt his common sense glaring at him. What have I gotten myself into?

“Right, okay,” said Sokka who also sounded unsure as he crossed his arms. “Only person I can think of to help you is Aang.”

“That is what I was suggesting when you three entered,” Iroh said as he sipped his tea. “Since it sounds like at least some form of the Spirit World is parly how you came to be here.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call the Astral Plane a spirit world,” Shiro replied as he rubbed his neck, “but I can’t deny it isn’t that either.”

It certainly felt like a place where spirits could dwell.

Toph sucked the air between her teeth. “Yeah, well, you’re going to have to wait awhile since Aang is dealing with settling some disputes over in the Earth Kingdom.”

Zuko sighed but nodded. Some of the towns had been former Fire Nation colonies that had been given back, but the previous Lord it had belonged to had died and so his twin sons were currently arguing on who the towns now belonged to.

“He is supposed to come straight here when he’s finished,” Zuko replied firmly, “but it’s hard to tell how long as it takes.”

“I see,” Shiro said with a sigh. “If you can recommend where I can stay I would greatly appreciate it.” His frown tightened. “Also possibly where I can make some money since I have nothing to pay-”

“No need for either since you’ll stay here as our guest,” Iroh said.

Zuko choked slightly as he shot his uncle a look. We barely know him and you want him to stay in the palace?

Iroh slightly glanced at Zuko before sipping his tea. “Given your circumstance, I’m sure our GENEROUS Firelord would be more than happy to accommodate you until we can figure out how to get you home.”

Zuko twitched an eye and wanted to argue, but Sokka grabbed his shoulder and whispered into his ear.

“I get your concern, but it’s probably better if he stays here since I doubt we want a ton of people finding out we got a person from another world just dropped into our laps,” Sokka muttered.

Zuko frowned, but gave a slow nod. A lot of people would dismiss it, but there were a few that would probably try to use it to their advantage and there were a few former FIre Nation nobles he rather kept that information away from.

“Alright,” Zuko said as he tucked his hands into his sleeves, “although we’ll have to think of an explanation as to why I’m suddenly treating the intruder as a guest.”

“Just say it was a prank I pulled that went wrong,” Toph said with a shrug.

Shiro raised an eyebrow. “You expect the guards to believe that a mysterious intruder was all just a prank pulled by you?”

Zuko narrowed his eyes before sighing and massaging his forehead. “After the Badgermole and Groundpecker incident, they would.”

Shiro blinked. “The what?”

Sokka sighed. “Don’t ask, trust me.”

Zuko nodded in agreement.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Once Zuko had announced Shiro was a guest, he and Sokka escorted Shiro to a guest chamber. It wasn’t nearly as big as Iroh’s room, but Shiro was just grateful to not have to return to his cell.

The rest of the day passed by rather quickly. Iroh told Shiro he would get him some more clothes in the meantime, and Zuko had his armour returned to Shiro. He assumed it was a lost cause, but Shiro attempted to see if he could contact the paladins through his helmet. Much to his chagrin, all he heard was static.

It was killing Shiro to not be there with his team. They were probably all worried if he was dead, Keith especially. Shiro hated that he was putting him through this again, but it wasn’t as if he had a choice.

He briefly wondered if the Black Lion could just send a message that he was still alive, but Keith’s connection with the Black Lion wasn’t deep enough for that yet. Which meant, all Shiro could do was wait and hope this Avatar would be able to get him home.

Shiro tried not to dwell on this as he ate dinner. Zuko and Iroh had other duties to attend to, but Sokka and Toph joined him. They were energetic, but they seemed to be good kids. Truth be told, Sokka reminded him a lot of Lance, and he wasn’t sure if the two met if they would get along or butt heads as a result.

Shiro didn’t stay with them long. He was exhausted both from the day, and it hadn’t even been a full 24 hours since his life or death battle with Zarkon. So, Shiro went to bed early.

It hadn’t taken long for him to sleep, and it would have been restful if not for the nightmare.

Shiro was back at the Castle of Lion. He wasn’t sure how, but it was wrong.

The lights were off and everywhere there was nothing except darkness.

And no sign of any of his friends.

Shiro ran through the halls. “KEITH! PIDGE! ALLURA!”

He called out but no one responded.

“HUNK! LANCE! CORAN!” Shiro ran through the endless hall. “ SOMEONE ANSWER ME!”

He reached the control room and barged inside.

Shiro froze.

Allura, Coran, and all of the paladins lay motionless on the ground.

The only one who was standing was Zarkon as he wiped the blood off his sword.

“You took too long to come home, Paladin,” Zarkon scoffed as he slowly approached.

Shiro told his feet to run, but they remained planted. His body wouldn’t move.

“Your friends are dead because of you,” Zarkon continued as he raised his sword. “Now you shall share their fate.”

The sword lowered for his head.

Shiro gasped for air as he sprang up in his bed. Sweat dripped off his forehead as Shiro felt his heart pounding in his chest.

“Just a dream,” he muttered to himself. “Just a dream. They’re alright.”

For now, he thought darkly. But they could get killed tomorrow while you're stuck here all nice and safe.

Shiro grip tight on his bed sheets. Once he felt his heart calm down, he scrubbed his hand over his face.

“No way I’m going back to sleep,” he muttered.

If he was back at the castle, he would do some reading or go to the training room for practice. Shiro sighed as he tossed off the sheets.

I’ll go for a walk, Shiro thought. Maybe I can find a quiet place to do some training exercises.

He threw on some clothes and went out into the hall. Shiro headed towards the gardens. Iroh had said he would be free to go there and it seemed the most likely place where Shiro could be alone. He couldn’t see anyone being there this early.

The sun was just starting to rise as Shiro ventured outside. He didn’t see anyone in the garden, except for the ducks in the pond.

At least Shiro thought they were ducks.

The creatures certainly had heads and bodies of ducks, but upon closer inspection they seemed to have turtle shells on their backs.

“Turtle ducks?” Shiro muttered as he kneeled.

A small turtle duck glanced up curiously at him and quacked.

“You are actually not the weirdest creature I’ve ever seen,” Shiro admitted.

The turtle duck tilted it’s head, and then quacked once more before swimming away.

“I didn’t mean it as an insult,” Shiro said with a grin.

“What are you doing here?”

Shiro jumped slightly, and rose back up as he turned around to see Zuko.

He looked different. Zuko’s hair was loose and not as neatly tied up like earlier, and he seemed to be wearing more casual robes.

“Oh, uh, sorry,” Shiro said as he rubbed his neck. “I couldn’t get back to sleep and was looking for a place to train.” He then gave a frown. “Why are you up so early?”

Zuko’s eyes narrowed. “I am a firebender, and thus the optimal time to train is when the sun rises.”

“QUACK!”

Zuko froze.

Shiro glanced downward.

A small turtle duck quacked again before using its beak to tug on Zuko’s pant leg. It was only then Shiro noticed a small piece of bread in the Firelord’s hand.

Zuko sighed as he kneeled and tore off a piece of the bread.

“It..is also the best time to feed the turtle ducks,” Zuko muttered while blushing.

Another quack was heard when the turtle duck snatched the bread, gobbled it up and spirited towards the pond.

“I see,” Shiro said as he did his best to repress a smile, but couldn’t resist a small chuckle.

Zuko glared. “You find this funny do you?”

Shiro shook. “No, no, sorry,” he said quickly. “It’s just you look like my friend Keith when I caught him feeding some squirrels.”

He thought back to it. It had been Keith’s birthday, and Shiro had taken him into town to celebrate. They had ended up wandering into a park. Shiro had gone to get them some ice cream, only to discover Keith had been tossing some peanuts towards a squirrel.

Shiro may have quietly taken a photo on his phone before Keith realized he had been caught and blushed bright red.

Zuko frowned in response. “You mean rabbit squirrels?”

Shiro’s chuckles paused as he tilted his head. “Um..no squirrels.”

Zuko raised an eyebrow as the turtle duck finished the rest of the bread. “Your world must be very weird.”

Shiro held up his hands. “Look, I didn’t mean to invade your privacy. I’ll just leave.”

Zuko tossed the rest of the bread to a nearby duck and dusted the crumbs off his hands.

“It’s fine,” Zuko said as he stood. “I was about to leave anyway. There’s paperwork I wanted to get taken care of. You can use the garden if you like.”

“Um, thank you,” Shiro said, “and not just for the garden, but for also letting me stay here.”

“I’m not the one you should be thanking,” Zuko said as he crossed his arms. “That should go towards Uncle, Sokka and Toph for convincing me.”

“But it was still your decision in the end,” Shiro replied. “I realize it can’t be easy letting a stranger into your home.”

“It’s not,” Zuko said as he crossed his arms. “Frankly, I’m still suspicious of you.”

Shiro suddenly thought of Keith, who he knew would have had the same response as Zuko.

“Why are you smiling?” Zuko asked.

“Sorry,” Shiro replied. “You just remind me a lot of my friend Keith. He would have agreed with you.”

He couldn’t resist wondering if the two would get along.

“Then your friend is smart,” Zuko said as he turned his back to Shiro. “I’ll send a servant to fetch you when it’s time for breakfast.”

“You don’t have to-” Shiro began, but paused.

There was a metallic glint shone in the bushes. Why would there be-

Adrenaline and panic struck as Shiro dashed forward. “GET DOWN!”

He shoved Zuko to the ground and remained on top of him as an arrow flew over their heads.

“You okay?” Shiro asked as he and Zuko scrambled back to their feet.

“Ask our attackers that,” Zuko snapped and launched a ball of flame at the bushes.

There was a yelp and two men with scorched clothing tumbled out, one of them holding a bow.

“I don’t know who you are,” Zuko declared, “but surrender now and I promise you’ll be treated fairly.”

The archer snarled and prepared to launch another arrow.

“Oh no you don’t,” Zuko said as he charged and with fire burning in both his fists. The archer dropped the bow and pulled out a sword.

Shiro could only assume Zuko could handle it as the other attacker decided to rush at Shiro with a dagger. He dodged, grabbed the dagger with his cybernetic arm and twisted it out of the man’s hand before kicking him away.

The man stumbled, but quickly regained his balance. He glared at Shiro, and then stomped his foot to the ground. Instantly, spikes popped from the ground and headed straight towards him.

Shiro jumped and rolled on the ground just barely avoiding the spikes. He panted as he leaned on his knees.

“Wild guess, but I take it you’re an earth bender?” he shouted.

“Oh gee, aren’t you smart,” the man sneered as he raised his arm.

A small spike rose out of the dirt, only for it to harden as the man reached for it and snapped it off the ground.

The earth bender charged again.

Shiro sprang to his feet in time to block and flip the man, but not before he felt the spike cut at his normal arm.

He hissed as blood dripped slightly.

Really wish I had my armor on right now, Shiro grumbled.

Flashes came from fighting hand to hand. Having to ignore every cut, every broken bone and keep fighting.

No, no, not now, Shiro thought as he shook his head at the memories. It wasn’t the time.

Shiro looked up. The man had crashed against a tree, but was already getting back up. A battle cry caused Shiro to look over to Zuko. The young Firelord was holding his own, but the archer wasn’t slowing down with each swipe of the sword.

“Do the world a favor and die with your father!” the archer snapped as he tried to slice at Zuko’s head, but missed as the boy ducked.

Shiro heard movement and managed to block the earth bender by gripping his wrists stopping the spike just inches away towards his face.

Shiro grunted and realized Zuko was closer to him now as an idea came.

“Zuko,” Shiro called out, “I think these two should face each other instead!”

Zuko abruptly turned, frowned and gave a nod signaling he got the meaning. Swiftly, Zuko yanked the archer’s arm, and tossed him over just as Shiro did the same with the earth bender.

It was satisfying watching the pair collide into each other and fall into the pond.

Shiro dashed to Zuko’s side. “You alright?”

Zuko brushed the hair from his eyes and gestured to Shiro’s arm. “I should be asking you that.”

Shiro glanced at his arm and gripped the wound. “I’ve had worse.”

Zuko looked ready to say something, until the attackers climbed out of the pond. Both of them were dripping wet and eyes full of fury.

Shiro and Zuko got into fighting position, but suddenly mounds of earth sprang up and trapped the attackers with only their heads poking out.

Shiro blinked, but saw Zuko glanced over and spotted Toph who was now retracting her hand.

“You guys got into a fight and didn’t invite me?” she shouted.

“It was hardly planned,” Zuko snapped.

“Whatever,” Toph muttered as she walked over to them. “Everyone okay?”

“Shiro’s injured,” Zuko replied and sighed, “and he also saved me from getting an arrow through my head.” He slowly looked up and rubbed his neck. “Thanks for that.”

“Welcome,” Shiro said as he gripped his arm, “and it’s not that bad.”

“I think a doctor will be a better judge of that,” Toph replied as she crossed her arms.

Shiro opened his mouth but was cut off by a yawn.

“Okay,” Sokka muttered as he stumbled out, “why was there such a ruckus-”

He spotted the trapped angry men, blinked and then looked to the group. “What did I miss?”

“Nothing good,” Zuko muttered grimly.

Shiro nodded. He might not be in a war, but he had landed right in the middle of a lot of trouble.

#vldgen #atla #a paladin in the fire nation #vld #takashi shirogane #my writing

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dragonfiremage · 4 years

Text

Destiny - Chapter Five

Author’s Notes: Hi! yes, sorry for the way, but here is chapter five. I really enjoyed writing this one - I hope you guys enjoy it <3.

Chapter Preview: You stare at Iroh with surprised look. “Wait, so when you said ‘one who has eaten the fruit and tasted its mysteries’…you weren’t kidding? You've actually eaten fruit and tasted its mysteries?” You gulped at the fruit, even more worried.

[Previous - Chapter Four]

You uncomfortably shift on the ostrich-horse for what it seemed like the hundredth time the past few minutes and you cringe when the beast squawks in return. Behind you, Zuko growls in frustration and you feel the vibrations against your back, sending warmth to your face and cringing even more.

The knuckles on Zuko's hands turn white as his grip on the reins tightens. “Will you stop moving? It’s making the ostrich horse uneasy." Zuko seethes lowly, his breath warm against the back of your neck as it sends shivers down your spine. You thanked the Spirits that Zuko couldn't see your face as you feel your face heat up even more. Taking a breath, you feel the fatigue of traveling all day seep in making you feel more frustrated.

Glaring over your shoulder, you meet Zuko's narrowed amber eyes. Lips in a tight line, you mutter harshly in reply, "I will if you stop breathing down on me."

Both of you send each other daggers before you huff and cross your arms in irritation. Since the start of your travels, every step the ostrich horse took, Zuko's arms would brush against your sides or the top of your thighs as he held the reins in front of you. And with each accidental brush, your skin would tingle and make you uncomfortable.

You had tried your best to avoid touching him and creating more awkwardness between the two of you but you could only do so much considering you were on a strich-horse. The constant adjustinh on your part only added to the animal's agitation and to Zuko's. Looking up at the sky, you pleaded silently to reach your destination soon. Else, the idea of going back to your village and facing the wrath of everyone seemed more and more tempting as the day wore on.

The beast squawks and it pulls you out of your thoughts. How you got to this situation in the first place was beyond you. But the silence from Iroh was all too telling. Every time you would glance over at him, he would avoid your gaze and would continue to smile at nothing or hum a song, feigning innocence. You shot Iroh a glare every chance you could.

Meanwhile, Iroh silently watched (YN) and Zuko ahead of him, a small smile crossing his features. It was so nice to have you around again and just having both you and Zuko as company made his heart swell. He thoughts travel back to when he found you alone in the woods after helping the orphanage. You had changed so much since then and Iroh couldn’t help but smile fondly as he closed his eyes and let himself get lost in the memory.

_________________________________________________________

Iroh smiled over his noodles, drool leaking from the side of his mouth as he readied his chopsticks to dig in. He was about to take the first bite when the village bells went off, startling him and making him drop his noodle on the floor. He looked at it with sadness before he heard a crowd of people run by him, shouting, "Fire! Fire! There's a fire at the orphanage!"

The former General looked around, seeing panic fill in the villagers' faces. Pushing the bowl of noodles away, he follows the crowd as he sees the smoke ahead and quickens his pace as he hear panicked cries. When he arrives at the house, his eyes fill with worry as flames licked the sides of the building and the heat made it unbearable. Without second thought, Iroh runs into the fiery building, the villagers shouting in fear.

Iroh sees a group of children by the corner of the room, the fire not having reached them yet. He looked overhead and saw the flames make its way over to the corner and he breathes deeply before swinging his arms ahead and redirected to the opposite side of the room. Iroh runs over to the group, ushering them to a nearby exit, checking in each rooms on the way out to make sure he got everyone out.

As he exited the building behind the children, the house collapses and the villagers gasp in horror. Many people approached Iroh and thanked him for his fearlessness. The headmistress of the orphanages walks over to Iroh with tears in his eyes, bowing to him, before he turns the mistress turns back to the children as hugs them. He sighs in relief and he turns to leave and go back to his bowl of noodles when the mistress screams,"(YN)? Where’s (YN)?"

At her panicked tone, Iroh spins around as the mistress frantically examines all of the children before asking worriedly, “Has anyone seen (YN)? Please don’t tell me she was still in there…”

One of the children sniffles and wipes their teary face, “I think I saw (YN) run to the woods…”

Iroh places a hand on the mistress’ shoulder and nods to her, “Let me help you find her…”

The mistress just nods at him with tears in her eyes as she turns and starts yelling your name. Iroh walks over to the woods and starts looking for any kind of trail. He starts calling out your name as he walks between trees, looking above at the branches and low under the roots to see if you were hiding. He was about to turn when he hears a slight sniffle.

Iroh gingerly walks towards the sound and find a small child at the edge of the river, their knees bent and head tucked in as if to hide. The child’s shoulder trembles as another sniffle escapes them.

“(YN)?” Iroh whispers and, as he cautiously approved you.

You stop your sniffle as you stiffen. You slowly bring your head out of your tucked position to look over at the stranger. Immediately you recognize him and you flinch away. Iroh gasps when he realizes who you are. You look a little older than your 8 year old self, but Iroh recognizes your amber eyes and his eyes soften. The little servant girl that he met years prior sat by the river, wiping away her tears. The same girl that invited him for tea after he had conquered Ba Sing Se. The same girl whose mother was burned to death as punishment for the death of Firelord Azulon. The same girl whose family was banished in consequence.

Tears sprung out of Iroh’s eyes as he cooed at the child.

“General Iroh?” You sniffle as you stood up to greet him, tears still falling down your face.

“(YN)? The headmistress of the orphanage is looking for you -“

You wail as you rub your eyes, tears falling more freely down your face. Iroh shuffles closer and kneels down to your level, “What’s wrong?”

You look up at Iroh with guilty eyes and showed him your hands that were riddled with black soot. Iroh immediately understands and holds your hands to his, your skin hot. “You’re a fire bender aren’t you?”

Snatching your hands off of Iroh’s, you start bawling again, “I-I don’t know how to control it and I lost my temper and—and…I don’t want to be a fire bender!”

You scream as you wipe your hands on yourself, as if you could wipe the fire out of it. Iroh pulls you into a hug and he feels his shoulder get wet from tears. “It’s alright, my dear. Why don’t you come with me?”

You pull away from Iroh and he wipes some of your tears away with the pad of this thumb, his heart wrenching at your pained expression. Trembling, you mutter, “You mean I’m not going to be alone anymore?”

Iroh brings you into his embrace again, feeling your shaking form. “You will never be alone.”

_________________________________________________________

Iron’s smile widens at the memory, chuckling to himself when he hears you and his nephew continuing to bicker. How strange it was that he happened to stumble upon you that day. And now you were reunited with him and his nephew…

Zuko sighs tiredly behind you and you feel his hot breath hit your neck making you stiffen. You see his hold on the reins tighten as Zuko whispers harshly against your ear, "Can you stop being so tense? You're going to spook our ride."

His voice sent shivers down your back. You grumbled and begrudging let out a pent up sigh, your body sagging and leaning against Zuko's chest, ignoring the way your cheeks heated when you feel the muscles there.

Zuko wasn't faring any better than you as he stared down at your head with irritation. When the three of you left your village that previous evening, Iroh had managed to persuade both you and Zuko that he would ride with their pack while you and Zuko ride on another ostrich-horse together. They had both begrudgingly agreed and, since then, Zuko was stuck riding with you. It was hard enough trying to give you enough space with his arms wrapped around you to carry the reins, but when you leaned against him, the scent of your soap and your natural scent sent his head swimming.

He wasn't sure if it was because he'd been on the road for too long, but he reluctantly thought you smelled nice. He had to refrain himself from leaning over and press his face to the junction of your neck and shoulder. Your hair was braided to the side and the exposed skin of your neck was enticing. He was growing more and more on edge.

Zuko looked overhead at the sky in an effort to clear his head. He sensed that they were close to the Misty Palms - the sky was beginning to turn into array of dusty pinks and oranges. He glanced over at his Uncle who seemed more pleased that usual and mulled over what he said the previous night about being refugees at Ba Sing Se.

Was his uncle being serious? Why Ba sing Se of all places? This seemed more of Iroh’s plan than anything else. Zuko wasn’t sure if this was the life he wanted. It didn't sit well with him when he thought about a life of a refugee. It wasn't his destiny. His destiny still waited for him at the Fire Nation.

He silently hoped that his uncle was just pulling his leg with his idea of being refugees hiding in ba sing Se for the rest of their life.

Even you had questioned his uncle, your words echoing in his head, ‘Just live out your lives in hiding?’

Would a life in hiding be fulfilling? Is that what he wanted? He shook his head to clear his thoughts and continued focusing on the task in hand.

It was a short time after when you see the outlines of a familiar town. You let out a excited gasp and pointed at the village in the desert haze, “There's the Misty Palms. Finally."

At the sight of the village, Zuko and Iroh quickened their ostrich horse’s pace; the promise of rest and food making you restless and forget the way your back was pressed against Zuko’s chest. The found some fencing that would be a good place to rack-up their ostrich horse. When Zuko was near enough to the fence posts, he dismounted with ease and led you and the ostrich horse the rest of the way before securing the lead.

As you swing your leg over to one side to dismount, you momentarily forget how high up you are from the ground as your balance wavers while your hand desperately tried to find something solid to hold onto to. Your heart flutters when you feel Zuko’s warm hand slip under yours to steady you as he helps you to the ground. A blush creeps up your neck and Zuko clears his throat as he yanks his hand out of yours and pretends to brush something off on the ostrich horse. You clear your throat and mumble a quiet thanks before walking over to Iroh, who still has that sickening sweet smile on his face.

“Alright, to the Misty Palms!” Iroh exclaims with excitement as you giggle at his enthusiasm, arms linked as you both walked towards the small town. Zuko sighs, looking up at the sky with exasperation.

_________________________________________________________

As you made your way through the town, you feel the gazes of several people that made you feel wary. Upon further observation, you realized that this town was filled with lots of travels. Some that looked like they were here on a vacation while others looked like they were asking for trouble. Your hold on Iroh’s arm tightens as he leads you through town before he leaning over to you.

“You seem tense. Everything ok?”

Iron’s concerned voice breaks your thoughts as you tear your gaze from a couple of men that were staring at both Iroh and Zuko. “Hm, I don’t understand why they call this place an oasis. Not much of an oasis here if you ask me.”

Iroh chuckles, bemused. “No, I guess it doesn’t.”

Zuko keeps a narrowed gaze ahead, ignoring the way some the men were eyeing them. On top of that, the way some of the men that were looking at you had him on edge. He shuffled closer behind you, close enough to hear his uncle tell you how much he was craving a good cup of tea right now as they neared the tavern door.

You glance over your shoulder and meet Zuko’s gaze with a small smile before turning back to Iroh and shaking your head incredulously. Iroh’s love for tea was unparalleled sometimes. “How can you want hot tea in this sweltering heat right now?”

Iroh simply laughs at you as he slips his arm from yours to open door for you and Zuko. Once you three were inside, you note the weary looks you received from the patrons as Zuko led you towards table at the back of the tavern. Taking another quick look over at the tavern, you start to wonder why you were here in the first place.

Zuko must have been thinking the same because a few seconds after, he whispers harshly to Iroh, "No one here is going to help us. These people just look like filthy wanderers."

Iroh looks at Zuko incredulously and replies dryly, “So do we…”

The former general trails off as he sees something over Zuko’s shoulder. Iron’s expression changes from slight worry back to calm before pointing at something behind Zuko. "Ah, this is interesting. I think I found our friend."

You follow Iroh’s finger as he points to a man at the other side of the room and next to him - a Pai Sho table. You hung your head and shook your heat at Iroh. Pai Sho?! That’s why he brought us to Misty Palms?!

Zuko has a baffled expression on his face as he turns to his uncle with a raised brow, “You brought us here to gamble on Pai Sho?"

Iroh moved to stand up and walked over to the man. You looked over at Zuko and shrugged, just as confused as he was, before following Iroh towards the Pai Sho table and where a man sat with a cheerful smile.

Iroh motions to the table and asks man, “May I have this game?”

The man introduces himself as Fung and motions at Iroh at the chair before gesturing over to the Pai Sho board. "The guest has the first move."

The former General digs into his arm sleeves and reveals a White Lotus tile before placing it in the middle. You and Zuko exchange looks before you flit your attention back to Fung who strokes his chin and grins over at Iroh. Fung tucks his hands inside his sleeve, staring at the tile with care before cupping his hands towards Iroh, " I see you favor the white lotus gambit. Not many still cling to the ancient ways."

In return, Iroh holds his hand outs towards the Fung and bows his head lightly, "Those who do can always find a friend."

"Then let us play."

Both Fung and Iroh place tile after tile on the board, making some sort of significant design. Meanwhile, Zuko pulls a chair over and stares at the table quizzically. You glance back at the lotus tile and wonder about its significance before you pocketed your hands into your robes and feel the familiar smooth tile between your fingers. What did it mean? Jeong Jeong gave you this piece before you left, his words echoing in your thoughts, ‘In case you run into trouble, a game of Pai Shao and this white lotus tile will be your friend.’

Was that what Iroh was doing? You glance back at Fung and his demeanor seems friendly. Was the White Lotus tile a means of asking for help in secret? Looking over at Iroh, you combed through bits and pieces of your memory for anything about the white lotus until you remembered the first time Iroh introduced you to the game.

_________________________________________________________

"So what's this game again?" You sat between Iroh and Piandao, both men looking at the board intently. Piandao looks over at you and hushes at you playfully. pointing at the brush in your hand.

"Focus, little one. I told you to keep practicing your calligraphy," Piandao looks back at Iroh who finally makes his move after a few minutes of stroking his chin. The swordsman releases a frustrated sigh before palming his head when he realizes he's made the wrong move.

Iroh pats your shoulder and compliments you on your writing with a warm smile, “This is Pai Sho! A game of strategy."

Piandao laughs loudly and slaps his knee, thumbing over at Iroh, "Please! Pai Sho is a game of chance and it's meant to be played fast. But your man here is just old!"

You giggle as you place the brush back on its stand and push your pad of paper away, swinging your legs excitedly under the table. "Can I play too?"

Both Piandao and Iroh share a look before laughing together heartily. The master swordsman slides a tile over to you with smile on his face, "What do you think of this tile?"

They looked at you expectantly as you grab the tile from Piandao's hands and pull it closer to your face to examine it. Your face breaks out into a toothy smile as you trace the flower etched onto the wood. "Oohhh! This one is obviously a flower. It's pretty! Are all the tiles this pretty too?"

Iroh slides a cup of tea over to you and Piandao before sipping some from his own cup. "One day you will learn, but for now, what do you think of this one?" He pulls a tile from his sleeve and displays it to you.

You nod enthusiastically at Iroh before grabbing the tile from his hand and tracing the etchings with a fond smile, awe in your eyes.

_________________________________________________________

The sound of the last tile being placed on the board pulls you out of your thoughts and you examine the design on the table before you, a smile tugging at the corner of your lips — a lotus.

Fung opens his arms wide at Iroh, "Welcome, brother. The White Lotus opens wide to those who know her secrets."

Zuko growls over at both the men before settling his irritated gaze at his uncle, "What are you old gasbags talking about?”

“I always tried to tell you that Pai Shao is more than just a game.” Iroh smiles over at Zuko, rolling a piece of tile between his fingers before clutching it and sending you small, knowing wink. Zuko glances over his shoulder in time to see you turn your head to side with a bashful smile.

You were holding something back from him,’ Zuko gazes turns cold before snapping his attention back to his uncle and was about to retort until a gravely voice yells from across the tavern.

“It’s over! You two fugitives are coming with me!”

Your gaze snaps to a man who looks to be an earth bender and another man behind him who just shakes his head in disbelief. A flash of panic washed over Zuko’s face before its replaced with a determined one, his hands hovering over his broadswords. Before Zuko could even pull his sword out however, Fung places himself between the bounty hunters and you.

“I knew it! You are all wanted criminals with a giant bounties on your heads!” Fung pointed at you and you narrow your eyes at him. What game was he playing at? You glance around you, feeling more eyes on you as some patrons watched in interest.

Zuko glared over at Iroh, seething, “I thought you said he would help!”

Iroh turns to his nephew and places a hand on his shoulder reassuringly, “He is. Just watch.”

You and Zuko share a glance, this confused and concerned gaze matching your on. He felt somewhat reassured when he saw you go in your fighting stance as your gaze went around the room. If it was just him and Iroh, he would have felt out-numbered, but having you nearby gave him the extra boost of confidence that you three could get out here without anyone getting hurt.

Fung turns to the two men, wagging his finger at them, “You think you’re going to capture them and collect all that gold?”

At the mention of gold, more tavern patrons became interested at your group. Some of them put their drink down, standing up and pulling out knives to attack. You shuffled closer to Iroh and Zuko, a small tinge of fear settling in the pit of your stomach, as you stared around at the patrons with a small glare.

After a beat of silence, two men jump at the initial bounty hungers. The earth bender throws a kick at them and bends some rock from the ground and pushes at the incoming men.

Fung tugs at Iroh’s sleeve quietly and points over at the door as you, Iroh, and Zuko follow Fung and sneak out of the tavern as the patrons continued to fight amongst themselves. When you exit the tavern, you notice the sky has already darkened considerably and the stars were out twinkling above you. You ran behind Zuko who quickly glanced over his shoulder to make sure you were still following. Fung guides you to the outskirts of town and ushers you into a flower shop, the floral aroma hitting your nose pleasantly.

Once you were settled indoors, Fung bows to Iroh with respect and says, “It is an honor to welcome such a high-ranking member of the Order of the White Lotus. Being a Grand Master, you must know so many secrets.”

Order of the White Lotus? Grand Master? What’s going on? You thought as you looked around the flower shop. Fung leads you to the back as you pass rows and rows of various types of flowers.

Annoyed, Zuko quips, “Now that you played Pai Sho, are you going to do some flower arranging, or is someone in this club going to offer some real help?”

You roll your eyes behind Zuko. He’d been clearly not been paying attention at all. You racked your brain as you started to connect the dots. Piando, Jeong Jeong, Iroh…they all played Pai Shao at some point. Were they all part of this club then?

Iroh apologies to Fung, “You must forgive my nephew. He is not an imitate and has little appreciation for the cryptic arts.”

You giggle behind your hand but quickly cover it with a cough when Zuko turns around to throw a glare at you. However, as you glance around the various flowers nearby, you smirk at Zuko and suggest, “Zuko, why don’t you try relax and smell the flowers?”

Iroh throws a chuckle over his shoulder while Zuko clenches his fists and snaps his head away in annoyance. Fung leads them to a door with a peephole and knocks on it twice. The small window slides open and a pair of eyes looks at them suspiciously. “Who knocks at the guarded gate?”

Iroh replies without a beat, “One who has eaten the fruit and tasted its mysteries.”

The window closes and the doors open as Fung enters and motions Iroh in. Zuko approached the door but Fung places a hand on his chest and shakes his head. Iroh turns to his nephew who raised a brow in irritation, anger swimming in Zuko’s eyes. “Zuko, I’m afraid it’s members only. Wait out here.”

Iron’s gaze turns to you before nodding at Fung. “(YN), do you still have that lotus tile Jeong Jeong gave you?”

Puzzled, you nod and reach into your robes as your hand wraps around the wooden tile piece. Zuko looks at you quizzically. You were definitely hiding something.

Fung’s brows raises with sudden realization. “Ahh, an initiate. Please come in.”

Your gaze moves from Fung to Iroh, and then to Zuko who still had a puzzling look on his face. “I-initiate? Uh..I don’t remember signing up for anything…?”

Iroh just chuckles and nods his head over. You shrug as you enter the door but not before stealing a quick glance at Zuko whose faced had hardened with annoyance. Entering the dimly lit room, the door shuts with a soft click behind you.

Zuko grunts in irritation as he leans against the wooden post, glancing over at the flower next to him and taking a quick sniff at the fragrance.

Tch. What were you hiding? How did you know about this secret order? Zuko mulled over his thoughts as his mind flits back to your earlier expression. You had looked as confused as he was so he began to wonder if you were truly hiding something from him or if you were lying.

“Ugh!” Zuko quietly snarls as he starts pacing around the room, his patience growing thin. He plops himself down on the dirt floor and sighs.

It’s going to be a long night.

_________________________________________________________

Inside the room, there was one other man who was lighting up some more candles. You turn to look at Iroh who watches you carefully, “I don’t understand, Iroh. What am I doing here?”

Iroh touches your elbow reassuringly, his eyes kind. “Business first.”

You nod to him and follow him to sit around a table. Kato, the man who first opened the door, looks at you with a wary eye before looking at Fung who clears his throat. “Kato, this is a Grand Master. He seeks our help, brother.”

Kato nods curtly and looks at Iroh expectantly. Iroh begins, “We are on the run from the Fire Nation and, with a bounty placed over our heads, traveling has been extremely difficult. We seek your help.”

Fung and Kato look at each other before Kato speaks up, “What kind of help do you need?”

You glance over at Iroh who pauses momentarily and strokes his beard. “We need safe passage to Ba Sing Se.”

Wait…Iroh was actually serious about Ba Sing Se?

“Ba Sing Se? Are you sure, Iroh?”

Fung interjects calmly, his eyes boring into you, “Ba Sing Se is filled with refugees. It’s a perfect place to start over without anyone asking.”

You tilt your head in understanding and while concern was still heavy in your gut, you trusted Iroh’s judgement. Kato nods in agreement as he sits back on his chair in thought. “We will need to get three passports. You will need to travel to Full Moon Bay and from there, you will use these passports to get a ferry across to Ba Sing Se. We will give you safe passage out of the Palm Springs, but unfortunately, you will be on your own from there.”

Iroh nods with appreciation. “I think that will work, yes. We appreciate all the help we can get.”

Kato turns to Fung and says, “Tell Kanna to get three passports ready by the morning - I will pay him double.”

Fung nods and moves to stand from the table. He respectfully bows to Iroh before turning to you, “Good luck.”

Your eyes widen in surprise. Why was he saying good luck to you?

You turn to Iroh with a puzzled look and he nods over to Kato. Perplexed even more, your whisper to Iroh with a shaky voice, “Iroh…what’s going on?”

Iroh doesn’t answer you and instead focuses his gaze to Kato who turns his body to face you and says, “I see that you carry a Lotus tile with you. May I ask where you got it from?”

You look down at the tile in your clenched palm and reply, “Jeong Jeong gave it to me.”

Kato strokes his chin thoughtfully, “I see. And Iroh, you agree?”

Your gaze snaps over at Iroh who leans back against his chair, deep in thought before replying, “Yes.”

The former general turns to you as Kato stands up and moves towards the back of the room that’s full of cabinets. It’s filled with various bottles and boxes as Kato opens a grand cabinet that’s obscured from your view. Iroh touches your arm gently and with a reassuring smile, says, “It’s time you know. It’s time you know about the Order of the White Lotus.”

Your eyes widen at the name as you start connecting the dots. “The Order of the White Lotus?”

Kato politely interjects as he continues to shuffle around the room. “Yes, the Order of the White Lotus is an ancient secret organization that transcends the borders of the four nations. We are about philosophy, beauty, and truth. Our job is to keep order and protect the world from those who want to start chaos.”

Piando, Jeong Jeong, Iroh…who else was in the Order?

Iroh reaches over to place a hand over yours, “I think you’re ready. What do you think about being an initiate?”

You? A part of the Order? You weren’t even sure what that even meant. You were puzzled as you mulled over Iroh’s words - You’re ready.

Kato walks over to the table holding what it looks like a plate of cut fruit. “You don’t have to give your final answer tonight, but we will need to open your mind first to see if you are ready.”

You looked at the fruit on the plate warily before turning your gaze back to Iroh. “I…Iroh..I don’t know, but if you say I’m ready…I trust you.”

Iroh smiles and puts a hand on your shoulder reassuringly as he slides the plate of fruit to you. “Good, because this part you won’t like. This is called the Lotus Fruit and is said to have many magical properties. It allows the person to get closer to their spiritual spirit and more in touch with the Spirit World.”

You stare at Iroh with surprised look. “Wait, so when you said ‘one who has eaten the fruit and tasted its mysteries’…you weren’t kidding? You've actually eaten fruit and tasted its mysteries?” You gulped at the fruit, even more worried.

Kato leans over the table, his arms crossed. “I must warn you - it’s not very pleasant. If you can get through its effects, then we know you are ready for the next step.”

You pondered over their words carefully as you recall Kato’s words as he describe the Order.

We are about philosophy, beauty, and truth. Our job is to…protect the world.

You’ve always had a strong sense to protect the ones you love. After witnessing your mother’s death, you’ve never felt more helpless to protect anyone. Traveling with Iroh and training under Jeong Jeong, you slowly learned that the source of your fire’s strength didn’t come from your emotions or from your anger. But the idea of using your fire for good, to protect, fueled it. And in that sudden realization, you knew your answer.

A wave of determination washes over you as you release a determined breath, “Ok - I’ll do it.”

You reach over to grab a piece of the fruit, its flesh white but the fruit inside was a slight pink color. Bringing it up to your mouth and taking a bite, you grimace at the fruit’s bitter juice and it makes you gag slightly as you swallow it down. The taste lingers in your mouth as you smack your lips at the after taste before taking gulping down the rest of the fruit.

Nothing.

Iroh and Kato look at you expectantly and you shrug, “That wasn’t so bad. I don’t feel -“

In that instance, Iroh’s face morphs and you blink in surprise. He sprouts a third eye on his forehead and his ears begin to drop on the floor. With widened eyes, you glance to Kato whose mouth has turned sideways and you gasp. You look around the room and it spins, making you groan as you break out in cold sweat. The colors morph together as you see stars behind your eyes, while the room continued to spin. You feel like hurling, but you hold back as you grip your arm chair tightly trying to find something to ground you.

A white blinding light flashes behind your eyes and gasp. The light fades to a dull glow and you open your eyes, tears streaming down your face at the pain. You expected to see Iroh’s concerned face, but instead, you find yourself in a middle of a field covered by colorful fauna you’ve never seen before.

Wherever you were - it was beautiful.

An aura of peace and tranquility surrounds you like a warm blanket and you feel safe. The trees sway with the wind, your hair flying around you. Bright butterflies flit by you, some landing your shoulders while others danced around. You felt so free.

Somewhere in the back of your mind, you hear a deep voice, “What do you see?”

You kneel to the ground, surrounded by an abundance of bright, vibrant flowers, as you splay on your back. The sweet scent of the flowers and the wind calm your mind as look up at the bright pink sky, feeling tears in the corner of your eyes.

“It’s beautiful here.”

But a dark cloud suddenly blocked the sun and you stare up at it, feeling dread instantly wash over you. The once pink skies turn dark and purple, as a storm rages above you. The butterflies that were once soft and beautiful turned into monster bugs, snapping their tiny jaws at you. You scream and you start to run, tears falling down your face as you see the landscape turning dark and empty.

You scream, “No!”

The voice from earlier repeats itself, “What do you see?”

You fall to your knees as the landscape morphs again, this time the ground is scorched with fire and trees burn violently. The once cool and vibrant landscape had become hot and empty.

“No…it’s all gone. It’s gone!” Tears continued to stream down your face but a light ahead catches your attention. It was the only spot in the landscape that was still bright and vibrant. The ground in that circle was untouched, but darkness slowly crept in, the circle becoming smaller and smaller.

“Wait! I think I can save it!” You run towards the circle, determination filling your chest. You had to protect it - save it.

When you reach the circle, a bright light illuminates and you bring your arms up to shield yourself, as you shut your at the intensity. After a couple of seconds, you blink back and are surprised when you realize that you’re back in the flower shop. The plate of fruit in front of you was gone and replaced with a Pai Sho board, both Iroh and Kato laughing while they exchanged jokes.

It was like nothing had happened.

Iroh turns to you when he realizes that you’ve come to and smiles warmly. Kato laughs and pats your shoulder, “Ah! You’re finally awake! Your passports should be ready by now - you should leave soon.”

You blink at Iroh in confusion. “But the fruit…? Wait..how long was I out?”

Both Iroh and Kato stand up from the tables as they both turn to you. “The whole night, unfortunately. And yes, there is much to discuss, but now is not the time. You still have a lot ahead of you and we will be watching you - from afar."

Head still swimming, you followed both of them to door and Iroh steps through it. You catch Kato’s gaze who presses a small pouch to your hands, “For your headache.”

You nod at him quietly and pocketed the pouch.

Somewhere beyond the door, Zuko asks, “What’s going on? Is the club meeting over?"

Iroh nods and says, “Everything is taken care of. We’re heading to Ba Sing Se."

Zuko’s eyes widen with disbelief, his jaw slackening a bit, “Wait, you were actually being serious about Ba Sing Se? Why would we go to the Earth Kingdom capital?”

Iroh sees you waver on your feet and steadies you by holding your shoulders, you blink up at him still feeling lightheaded from the fruit. Zuko mouths to Iroh with concern, “What’s wrong with her?”

Fung calmly reasons, “The city is filled with refugees. No one will notice three more.”

“We can hide in plain sight there. And it’s the safest place in the world form the Fire Nation. Even I couldn’t break through the city.” Iroh shrugs, happily, holding on to your arm for support. You felt like hurling whatever you ate as the floor shifted underneath you.

“Uncle, what happened to (YN)?”

Fung and Iroh exchange looks before Iroh smiles sheepishly, “She accidentally gotten to some spiked drinks.”

Zuko seems to buy the excuse because after a few moments, he sighs and just shakes his head, “Of course she did.”

A bell interrupts their conversation as a young man enters the flower shop, flashing three pieces of paper at them. “I have the passport for our guests, but there are two men out on the street looking for them…”

Zuko and Iroh looked at each other before glancing over at you, on the verge of passing out. You felt so dizzy and weak, barely noticing the worried glances that Iroh and Zuko shared — and then you feel it. The familiar twist and clench in your stomach, and Fung seems to have predicted it as well because when you turn around to try to find a bucket, he pointed towards the back without a second thought. You run over to it and hurl whatever was in your stomach, the taste of the lotus fruit lingering in your mouth it makes you hurl again. The pat on your back is comforting as Iroh whispers over to you, “Don’t worry, every initiate goes through the exact same thing.”

You grumble at him, but now that the awful feeling was gone in your stomach, you felt much better - though the ground still occasionally shifted and it made you want to hurl again. Fung starts talking to Iroh about how to get out of the shop when Fung points over to the tall pots in the corner. Zuko looks at you with a tight lip, eyes filled with concern. “What happened to you?”

The taste of the fruit was still bitter in your mouth, but that sudden feeling of protecting something or someone rushed through you and you blink back at the sensation. You gulped at Zuko, his stare making your cheeks redden. “I’m not sure, to be honest. One minute they were talking about Ba Sing Se, and the next, I woke up with the biggest headache ever and with them playing Pai Sho.”

Zuko doesn’t seem to like your answer based on his raised brow, but lets it go when Iroh motions them over. Zuko slaps a hand on his forehead when he realizes the plan, “Please don’t tell me we're going to hide in that thing?”

Iroh just smiles at his nephew toothily.

Fung walks up to you three and says, “Kanna will guide you back out of Misty Palms. We’ve readied some provisions for you - enough to last you till Full Moon Bay.”

Iroh bows to Fung, “Thank you for your help. It is much appreciated. I hope we cross paths again in the future."

_________________________________________________________

Kanna looks over at you, Iroh, and Zuko, as he hands the passports to Iroh. After he led you out of the flower shop, using the flower pots to hide, he had dropped you off where your ostrich-horses were waiting.

“There’s some extra food and water in these packs. The travel to Full Moon Bay should only be two days from here. One and a half if you travel through the night. I hope you have a safe journey.”

Iroh nods at the boy and thanks him as Kanna turns back to the Misty Palms.

You help Iroh and Zuko load up the ostrich-horse with the new packs. Like the day before, Iroh mounts the ostrich horse by himself while Zuko helps you mount before jumping in behind you with ease. You scoff, “Show off.”

Zuko actually grins at you and it makes your stomach twist in a different way. You feel different. Instead of feeling that dread and anxiousness you felt when you rode with Zuko the day before, you felt calm. And when you feel his chest against your back, you felt instantly safe. Instantly relaxing, you let yourself sag against Zuko’s chest.

“Still feeling sick?” Zuko whispers softly next to your ear as he leads the ostrich-horse towards their destination, Iroh just a few feet ahead of them. Your head lulls against his shoulder and you nod quietly, his warmth making you drowsy as your eyes start to slip. “Yes.”

Zuko would never voice it, but when you had left the back room earlier, looking pale and dazed, he was worried. Seeing you in such a state of distress felt like a punch to his gut. And when he saw his uncle pat your back after throwing up, Zuko wished it was him. So when he felt you lean on him just now, he felt warmth spread through him. The feeling felt so foreign that it slightly scared him but hearing you groan in pain pushed those thoughts away. He wrapped a protective arm around your waist to keep you from falling.

You almost miss the way Zuko snakes his arm around your waist and pulling you closer to him as his other hand grip the reins. His hold tightened on you briefly and he mumbles softly, “Try to get some rest.”

You nod against his shoulder, as you squeeze the hand that’s around your waist and your eyes fall shut to a dreamful sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~

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zelzenik · 3 years

Text

my latest installment of “family portraits” is here! no prompts this time, but please feel free to keep sending them in if you have any ideas!

to read this on ao3/sub there/drop kudos, please click here :))

The waves crest and fall, and Sokka is restless, nearly frantic, by the time the boat finally reaches the harbor. Not wasting a single moment, he doesn’t even bother to gather his belongings before stumbling off the gangway and onto the dock. “Ty Lee - Is there any news?” he sounds breathless, as though he’s gotten the wind knocked out of him.

Ty Lee, head of the Royal Family’s contingent of Kyoshi warriors, twists her lips into an unusually worried frown. “She’s been struggling, Sokka. We need to get you to the palace as soon as possible.” Without further discussion, she motions for his luggage to be carried behind them, taking off as his escort to the palace.

The air is unsufferably hot and sticky, and Sokka’s already taken off his parka, draping it over his free arm. “How’s Zuko handling it all?”

“He’s worried,” Ty Lee replies shortly, glancing back at the Water Tribe chieftain. Her gray eyes, typically alight with laughter and life, are heavy with unshed tears. “He’s asked about your father and gran-gran. Will they be journeying here as well?”

“No,” Sokka shakes his head quickly. “Gran-Gran’s been feeling weak, and Dad decided it’d be best if he remained with Pakku to take care of her and look after the tribe in my absence. We’ve all been very concerned since receiving Zuko’s last message via Hawky.” He strides quickly up the palace steps where he and Ty Lee will part ways.

Twisting her torso and lifting her arms up in an elastic stretch, Ty Lee replies, “Katara’s very strong, Sokka. She’s already survived two pregnancies, and she won’t go down during her third.” She then extends her arm in a sweeping gesture. “Katara and Zuko should be in their chambers.”

Clunky boots thudding against the clean floors of the palace hallways, Sokka isn’t going to see Katara and Zuko. Not yet, at least. He reaches Ursa’s gardens in a matter of minutes, servants jolting out of his way as he tears down the corridors with the ferocity of a madman.

Under the cover of arching trees, by the calm of the turtleduck pond, his little nieces play. Izumi, recently five, and Kya, a robust two. Another figure sits beside them, but Sokka barely has time to register their presence as Izumi and Kya launch themselves at him. He drops his parka to the grass as his arms shoot out to catch them.

“Uncle Sokka!” Izumi exclaims, throwing her tiny arms around his torso.

Kya, with her gummy grin, beams up at him, repeating after her older sister, “Uncle! Uncle!”

Sokka can’t help it. His heart melts at the sight, and he scoops them both up in his arms as they let out identical squeals of delight. “My Zumi and Kya,” he nuzzles both their cheeks in turn as Kya giggles, tugging at his warrior’s wolftail and pawing away at his stubble. “I’ve missed you both so much.” His attention is drawn back to the figure sitting by the pond, fiddling idly with breadcrumbs. His voice gets caught at the back of his throat. “…Azula?”

“Sokka.”

“Auntie Zula’s feeding the turtleducks with us!” Izumi explains with a bright grin, beginning to squirm in his arms. He sets her down, and she makes her way back to Azula, throwing her arms around her aunt with a look of pure adoration.

“What’re you doing here?” he can’t help the edge that creeps into his voice. He bites back a harsh retort, acutely aware of Kya and Izumi’s presences.

In all honesty, he’d forgotten that Azula still lived at the palace. He’s seen her a few times since the end of the war, back when he visited the palace more often to be with his family and a certain Kyoshi warrior. After breaking things off with Suki, though, he hasn’t been back much since then. Suki was needed back on Kyoshi Island, and he was needed at the South Pole. Shortly after, Suki relinquished her position at the palace to Ty Lee, and Sokka succeeded his father as Chief of the Southern Water Tribe.

He visits on occasion, of course - He was present for Izumi’s birth, calming his anxious brother in law as Zuko wore down the carpet beneath them with his constant pacing. He was there for Kya’s birth too, taking care of Izumi as Katara and Zuko adjusted to life with a second baby in the family. Azula wasn’t present for either of those. What is she doing here now?

Azula, ever sharp and straightforward, replies, “I’m playing with my nieces.” Her pert chin is lifted, and her golden eyes follow him appraisingly. She’s twenty four now, the same age as Katara. It’s been ten years since the end of the war. A mere decade ago, she was a broken fourteen year old girl, breathing blue fire and lashing out at all who dared to get close to her, screaming in anger, ever haunted by ghosts that didn’t exist to anyone but her.

“I think you mean my nieces,” Sokka cuts in smoothly, tickling Kya who shrieks in laughter.

A slender brow arches. “They’re my nieces, Sokka.” Gaze never dropping Sokka’s, she breaks off little pieces of bread for Izumi to feed to the turtleducks. Her limbs are folded delicately, and her light red robe hangs from her lithe body gently. Unlike the topknot she wore when she was younger, her long dark hair hangs loose, framing her face. Izumi bears a startling resemblance to her, he realizes.

He’s just about to protest again when Kya’s arms fling out from him, her tiny hands reaching for Azula. Instead of handing the wiggling toddler off, Sokka reluctantly sits down beside his former enemy, shifting Kya in his arms. Izumi’s tossing bread into the pond with reckless abandon, accidentally hitting herself on the head with her enthusiasm.

“That’s definitely your side of the family showing,” Azula notes dryly. The corner of her lips turn up ever so slightly, though, and Sokka bears it silently, forgoing retaliation as Kya pats his cheeks happily.

Izumi pops in between them, throwing an arm around their necks and tugging them into a warm embrace. “I’ve never played with you both before!” she exclaims in excitement, and Kya claps her hands in agreement. “I can’t wait to show you my fire, Uncle Sokka! Daddy and Auntie Zula’ve been helping me, and Daddy wants to take me to see dragons one day!” She lights up a small flame in the palm of her hand, and Kya reaches for it with a giggle.

Jerking Kya back quickly, Sokka can’t help the jolt of fear that courses through him at his tiny niece wielding such bright fire.

Thankfully, Izumi doesn’t seem to register his scared reaction, but Azula places a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I know you’re excited, Izumi, but we still have to be careful with your fire. Do you remember what we spoke about the other day?”

Izumi’s small face scrunches in thought before her golden eyes light up. “We protect people by protecting and being the boss of our flame. I remember, Auntie Zula. That’s what you and Daddy always tell me.”

“I’m proud of you for remembering,” Azula says, her voice cracking lightly. “My smart, kind Izumi.” Stiffly, she opens her arms to the little girl who returns her affection freely.

Sokka doesn’t quite know what to make of the situation. Ten years ago, he would’ve laughed if someone told him he’d be sharing such a tender family moment with the firebending prodigy who chased them around the world and constantly tried to kill them. Granted, he probably would’ve done the same if he were told that his little sister would one day be Fire Lady, bearing children of Fire Nation blood.

He opts, instead, for silence, threading his fingers through Kya’s dark curls. Together, they wait by the turtleduck pond for what seems like hours. He desperately wants to find his sister and make sure that she’s okay, but he knows that Katara needs him here more, looking after her children. Ty Lee was right - Katara has Zuko, countless physicians, and herself. She’s a master waterbender, more than capable of taking care of herself and her baby. If he went to visit her now, she’d likely grow tired of his fussing, knock him upside the head, and get Zuko to kick him out of the room. Or worse, she’d do it herself.

Shuddering at the thought, Sokka focuses his attention back toward his nieces. He’s still floored at the way Azula has mellowed over the years, patient and tender toward both Izumi and Kya. She never raises her voice, and she’s attentive and doting with them in a way that even Sokka isn’t.

As the sun slowly begins to creep its way beyond the horizon, they spend the afternoon feeding the turtleducks, reading picturebooks, and eating a meal that’s brought out to them by the servants. By dusk, there’s still no word from Zuko and Katara.

Just as an overly calm Azula’s suggesting to an overly anxious Sokka that they get the girls ready for bed, a servant comes bursting into the gardens. “Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Katara have summoned you all to their chambers!”

Sokka’s so relieved that tears begin to course down his cheeks as he hoists a wide-eyed Kya onto his shoulders. Izumi, who typically tires by the time the sun sets, is bouncing on her heels excitedly. Even Azula appears more at ease as she holds Izumi’s hand, the heavy crease on her brow finally gone. They make quite the little caravan, Sokka decides, as they make their way through the palace to Zuko and Katara’s chambers.

Standing at the entrance, Zuko is haggard, sweat beading at his brow, fingers pressed to his temples. At the sight of his children, though, he breaks into a relieved smile, sweeping them into his arms and kissing the tops of both of their heads. “Sokka,” he greets, extending his arm and meeting Sokka in a strong Water Tribe grip. “Azula, thank you both for watching them.” He folds his little sister in a tight hug before turning his attention back to his children, “Are you ready to meet your baby brother now?” Grinning at their exuberant reactions, he leads them into the room. “I’ll be back out in just a second,” he promises, lightly closing the door behind them.

Sokka’s left standing in the hallway with Azula. “A nephew,” he can’t help but grin. He adores his nieces, and they can easily bend him to their every whim, but he can’t help the thrill he feels at the prospect of having a nephew too.

Hugging herself tightly, Azula repeats in a whisper, “A nephew.”

Finally, after what seems like an eternity later, Zuko returns, poking his head out of the door. “Hey. I believe you both have a nephew to meet.”

Unable to contain his excitement, Sokka quickly strides forward to follow his brother in law, pausing when Azula reluctantly peels herself from where she’s leaned against the wall. There’s such an uncertainty in her eyes that, after a beat, Sokka extends a hand out to her, and she hesitantly slips her soft one into his rough one.

They follow Zuko into his chambers where Katara smiles tiredly, propped up against a mountain of pillows, a tiny bundle in her arms. Izumi and Kya are at either side, curiously peering over her to look at their baby brother. “Sokka. Azula. Come.”

Zuko gathers his little girls into his arms, falling into a plush armchair and pulling them both to sit on his lap. He tousles their curly hair and hugs them both to his chest, watching over his wife proudly from the bedside.

Azula’s feet seem to be rooted to the floor, and Sokka tugs her forward gently, fighting the instinctual urge to rush to his sister’s side. “Katara,” he grins at his little sister, kissing the top of her head lightly. “I’ve missed you.”

Wrinkling her nose, Katara shoots back easily, “I haven’t missed you.” She then gives a small laugh, glancing back down at the little bundle in her arms. “Here,” she offers it up to him. “His name is Iroh.” Her blue eyes are heavy, and there are dark circles beneath them. This pregnancy was very difficult for her, he knows.

“Uncle will be pleased,” Azula says, the words sounding choked and strangled in comparison to her normally elegant speech.

With his girls tucked in his arms, Zuko watches them softly, love shining in his eyes. “He will. He’s to arrive within the next week or so from Ba Sing Se.” At that, both his girls twist up to look at him, wearing mirrored expressions of delight.

“Grandpa’s coming?” the question bursts from Izumi’s lips, and Zuko hushes her gently, nodding his head. She climbs out of his lap, crawling back up to nestle into her mother’s side, and Kya remains in Zuko’s arms.

Peering down at the little face, Sokka cradles the bundle against his chest, noting the shock of black hair atop the baby’s head and the tiny curled fists. He leans down slightly so that Azula can peek too, and his blue eyes drift toward hers before he can stop them.

Tears have been freely trailing down Sokka’s cheeks this entire time; he’d been overwhelmed both with fear for his sister’s life and sheer joy at the thought of her baby son. Now he can see that Azula’s had a similar response, albeit a more subdued one.

Hesitantly, she lifts a finger, catching Katara’s gaze from where she lies on the bed. At Katara’s nod of encouragement, Azula strokes a gentle finger along baby Iroh’s face, from his forehead, down to his nose, and across his soft cheeks. Unconsciously, she grips Sokka’s arm, gazing at the baby with such an unbridled love that he’s almost content to watch her instead of little Iroh. Almost.

“He’s our little nephew,” Sokka finally says, his voice heavy with emotion.

Azula looks up at him, the sharp angles of her face softening. “Our little nephew.”

His lips curve up into a smile. Their little nephew.

#zutara #sokkla #zuko/katara #katara/zuko #aunt azula #uncle sokka #zuko #katara #steambaby #steambabies #sokka #azula #zutara family #soft zutara #post atla #slight sokkla #family portraits #zel writes

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muffinlance · 5 years

Note

reading Little Zuko after rereading CHeating at Pai Sho. And Wow Kyo went through some off screen character development over the years. Year 1 (Little Zuko) of the Avatar hunt he's jumpy and scared of Katara. Year 3 (CaPS) he doesn't care about a giant flying bison landing in front of him. That guy went on a life changing field trip.

This ask. This ask makes me so happy. You noticed the Kyo background development, yay! Y'all have no idea the ridiculous amount of time I spend making up little slice of life adventures for the crew that will probably never hit the page except as little hints in their interactions.

Other trivia points, 'cause you've given me an excuse to gush:

Helmsman Kyo is slowly coming out as bi, because he realized A) Zuko really doesn't care and Kyo isn't going to get a dishonorable discharge over who he kisses (though if Zuko catches you making out in the linen closet you WILL scrub all those sheets in boiling water and he WILL supervise to make sure there's no laundry room adorable soap-bubble throwing, THIS IS A PUNISHMENT NOT ANOTHER CHANCE TO FLIRT), and B) the new guy is, like, really cute.

Also Crewman Teruko and him have been having on again off again flings since, like, month three, and he'd really appreciate it if everyone would stop assuming that SHE is always the one to break up with HIM. She is. But could they please stop assuming?

Also also, Assistant Cook Dekku and Hawker Genji were low-key marriage-equivalent even in Little Zuko, but they are the least showy couple ever (Dekku is super uncomfortable with PDA, though Genji has worked things up to publicly dancing at music night, GASP and always manages to get Lt Jee strumming a slow song for them). They're among the very few who chose Zuko's ship; they quietly put in their transfer requests a week apart, and their former commanders never figured out why two fairly competent crewmen would want to go to that rust bucket. There is a whole adorable saga on how those two hooked up over the course of a dozen little accidental meetups when their ships happened to be at the same port (and a hundred little Genji-abuses-his-access-to-the-messager-hawks super dorky culinary-coded letters that made it abundantly clear to Dekku that Genji would kill them both if he were every allowed anywhere near food preparation, leave the romantic surprise dinners to Dekku).

I briefly considered having Dekku be caught up north instead of Lt Jee just so y'all could watch Genji flip out, but I pretty much always default to "use a canon character wherever possible". Also, Jee and Pakku. Those crusty bastards deserve each other.

#I am done gushing now #but only because if I kept going I'd tell you why Crewman Teruko has no rank #and we can't have that #ask

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canvaswolfdoll · 6 years

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CanvasWatches: Dagashi Kashi

How did this get a dub?

Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful it got a dub, of course, since I enjoyed Degashi Kashi, but… how did an anime about Japanese Penny Candies/Snacks earn itself a dub? It’s so niche, so obscure, and so unlikely that American audiences would experience any of these foods for themselves,[1] that I wouldn’t even dream of it receiving a a Sub-only Release, let alone a dub. Heck, my even knowing about it was a combination of vaguely recalling some random bit from LoadingReadyRun discussing its upcoming release, and accidentally finding it through Funimation.

And it’s second season is also getting a Simuldub, which makes this series even more inexplicable, as it doesn’t strike me as a show that would inspire a revival.

Why does Dagashi Kashi have a dub? How does any of this happen?

I love anime.

(Spoilers below the page break)

Degashi Kashi is a slice of life comedy about a young boy who kind of wants to be a Mangaka, but whose dad wants him take over the family business: a Japanese Candy Store.[2] The young boy would rather not. Then a quirky, Degashi-obsessed girl arrives looking to recruit the father for her family’s snack company, but the father will not take the job unless his son will take over the family store.

Hilarity ensues. Also lot of trivia and history lessons about the Dagashi and its surrounding culture.

It’s a charmingly odd show that makes the most out of having only five cast members. There’s Kokonotsu (the noted son) his father Yo, Hotaru (the girl seeking to get Kokonotsu to take over the store) Saya (Cafe operator crushing on Kokonotsu) and Tou (Saya’s brother who looks like Dave Strider).

There’s pretty much no major plot to speak of, with only enough premise to carry the episodes between various Dagashi lessons.

Also some pretty tame fan service. And odd character designs.

The eyes are weird. Kokonotsu’s are mostly fine, as far as generic protagonist designs go, and Yo and Tou don’t have their eyes visible often enough for comment, but the girls have pretty out-there eyes.

Hotaru’s eyes are concentric circles, making her look a little crazed and possibly unearthly. Her design over all is pretty eccentric, as she’s dressed in a simplified gothic lolita style and is the only one without natural hair and eye color, but that I’m broadly used to, because… anime. She sticks out like a sore thumb, but that fits her role so I’m okay with her design.

Also, her dub voice is… unconventional. There’s a usual timbre and speaking pattern that I’ve grown to expect from female characters. Usually sweet and light, but able to range into comedic anger. A little wiggle room for personalization, but mostly samey.[3] Hotaru can have that quality, yes, but when she really gets going, it’s usually a little lower pitched, and there’s this vocal quirk that’s… very difficult to put into words, where she’s not actually putting on a mocking tone, but is next door to it in pattern.

Please try and find examples of this dub voice. I was surprised at first, but I quickly grew to like Tabitha Ray’s performance for sounding very distinct.[4]

Returning to eye criticisms, Saya looks constantly crazed.

Her irises remain constantly tiny. The thing about giant anime eyes is it allows space for fine tuning emotions. Normally, the pupils/irises take up about 40-60% of the total space, allowing space to make them grow to show interest or more emotion, or (as is more to the point) shrink to show shock or extreme anger or just a loss in mental stability.

There’s an expressive language one learns as they watch anime, and Saya is locked in the tiny iris end, so she looks like she’s supposed to be crazy, possibly planning on burning you alive with a scalding pot of coffee at any moment. But that isn’t her personality at all. Sure, her introductory scene was pretty textbook Tsundere, but she quickly eased into the Childhood Friend archetype, and either way, her shrunken eyes are unjustified. I got mostly used to the eyes, but it’s still poor design, since (ideally) character design should tell you something about the character, or at least be deliberately misleading.

Which leaves one last topic to discuss: Fanservice!

The portrayal of sexual elements is important for creators to consider. Good Art should hold a mirror to the human experience, and how an artist approaches the subject can say a lot.

Still, cultural norms and the ebb and flow of societal expectations, as well as the desire to draw in the target audience, makes the execution of fanservice fascinating to me. Where are the lines, on both a community level and personal level? Does the medium itself have an influence? Because a single misstep in fanservice can bring forth harsh criticism.

And, let me remind you that Avatar: the Last Airbender, one of the best animated series to broadcast on an American children’s television station, dedicated an episode to showing cute girls (and Zuko) at the beach in bathing suits. The oldest of whom was 16.[5]

So, Dagashi Kashi, to its credit, doesn’t feel fanservice-driven. Sure, some situations might be a little contrived (mostly surrounding Hotaru), but like the comedy of Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun, the show at least shows the steps that bring forth fanservice. And, to be honest, it’s pretty tame after the first episode. Mostly rain or sweat making Hotaru’s white shirt a little sheer to show off a little frill of her bra. Then the camera takes the perspective of Kokonotsu, who takes a very quick glimpse before averting his gaze.

Now, before I go further with my analysis, let me be clear: if the show cut all the fanservice scenes and took the maybe five total minutes they took (in twelve episodes) and expanded the Dagashi lessons, there would be no real loss. It’s superfluous material. But the fanservice shots also aren’t distracting nor derail the plot. They’re also mostly tasteful, and work is put in so the fanservice does work in context.

The element to execution that I think is most important is that it’s viewed through the the lense of youths, particularly Kokonotsu. No one’s ages are explicitly stated (not that I noticed, anyways), but there’s enough mention of homework that points to at least Kokonotsu, Saya, and Tou being school aged, most probably High Schoolers.[6] Hence, some awkwardness on the subject of romance and sex. So, yes, there will be some curious glances when the opportunity is presented.

Second, beside one scene concerning Saya, no one’s particularly victimized. The concept of fair consent is… curious when applied to fictional characters and the audience. It’s a debate that’s plagued superheroes for literal generations, and I’m not so foolish as to take a firm stance at this point.

So, setting aside arguments that fictional characters are inherently in a relationship of power imbalance with their writers,[7] in what cunning ways do you write a character (male or female) as being okay with a level of objectification?

You could have a character say they lack a nudity taboo, but that breaks the ‘Show, don’t Tell’ rule, and doesn’t clear accidental slips.

Dagashi Kashi manages to establish Hotaru’s lack of care in a such a blaze of insane glory that you don’t actually realize what the writers pulled until you’re writing a review spending an awkward amount of time discussing the show’s fanservice.

In the first episode, Saya meets Hotaru when the former sees the latter laying in the rice paddy she crashed into, coating her in mud. Being neighborly, Saya lets Hotaru use her shower. After which, Hotaru shows a casual disregard at being fully naked in front of both Saya and Tou. This is the most explicit scene in the series (in a PG-13 way) and is such obvious pandering, that you don’t even notice the show has taught you that Hotaru carries no reservations, so when the show very briefly shows off her body through the rest of the show, the audience knows Hotaru isn’t a victim.[8]

It’s a blatant, pandering scene that still serves a mechanical purpose. So that’s worth studying.

The only time either girl is victimized, it’s a transgression by Tou against Saya, when he uses a sticky hand to flip up her skirt. Credit to the direction, the camera stays firmly in front of her, where her skirt remained in place, and the audience sees nothing. Tou is also violently punished.[9] So the show went out of its way to show there’s a line: “accidental” fanservice from the indifferent Hotaru is kosher, intentional malice towards the unwilling Saya will not be justified by the camera.

I mean, obviously I’m not telling my fellow writers to showcase what they don’t think is okay to show, but I will say this: establish what you’re comfortable portraying and what you’re not, and try your best to inform the audience what the extreme is so they can decide if they’re on board.

Say whatever cynical thought you carry, I appreciate that many animes tend to front load the most egregious fanservice in the first episode, so after one episode you know what to expect.

Dagashi Kashi is a fun show, very educational about niche Japanese culture, and rife with things to overthink. Or not. The Japanese Snack trivia is a delight if you just want to watch at a surface level.

If you enjoyed this… frankly rambling navel-gazing review, consider supporting me on my patreon, checking out my webcomic or other works, or even just sending me questions or comments. Any support is nice. Helps me feel firm in following managka dreams instead of taking over the family candy store.

Except my family doesn’t have a candy store…

Man, why doesn’t my family own a rural candy store? That’d be cool.

Kataal kataal.

[1] Internet markets and subscription boxes aside. [2] Specifically a Degashi store, which seems to be a genre of Japanese snack foods. I cannot give further context, I’m afraid. [3] If I may have one quick dig at Japanese voice acting, girls always seem to have obnoxiously high pitched voices. [4] I should see if she’s done anything else. [5] A fact I present not as condemnation, but to provide an interesting perspective. I never see any debate over “The Beach”, which I think is also interesting. [6] I assume. Then again, Usagi of Sailor Moon is in middle school, so you can’t always trust your eyes. [7] Because it’s not a real person, and trying to apply such parameters to creator and creation is ridiculous. [8] And they don’t break the suspension of disbelief like Funimation did with Luccoa. [9] Now, the fact that this is a brother harassing his sister is a kettle of fish I will not dive into.

#CanvasWatches #dagashi kashi #CanvasReviews #anime

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