#it was frustrating I liked kya so much and her story but I was like can we please get rid of the men!!!!!
Text
King
queen! Ramonda x king! reader
“Your Highness-”
“King. Do not be afraid to say it.”
Warnings: ANGST, explicit language, implied homophobia, mentions of misogyny and sexism, character death, gore, mentions of blood, violence, etc, ends in fluff
Word Count: 8.5k+
Tags:
@percsanej @k3nn3dyxo @doms-fav @sweetalittleselfish-honeyy @g4yforu @widowmakker @becauseimswagman11 @zayswriting @inmyheadimobsessed @malltake12 @msudaku @faeriah-thvv @mbakuetshurisprincess @honey-teaaaaaaaaa @pinkcorns @takeyakii @yamsthoughtss @thethickersidee @shurisbathwaterr @shurismainbxtch @justariellovee @blackgirlfariyy @chocoflagcutiii @taiiunknownn @zhanylai @ziayamikaelson @beautybyfire @pinkwrightt @jenlouvre @letitiasleftfoot @6-noir @kya-rosee @saintwrld @ilikegecos @shurismainbxtch @motheroffae @marsolgy @verachiii @shuriszn @playgurlxoxo @ashleighshaw @te-23 @iminlovewithdomandtish @limbozqueen @letitiamyevangeline @youralphawolf72 @biganimeweeb246 @vampzxi
Requested by: @mysteryofthe90s
A/N: Takes place in an AU where Ramonda marries reader instead of T'Chaka. Reader is of a royal bloodline and Wakanda is far less progressive than we see in our movies.
The request was literally just "reader gets kidnapped and Ramonda goes to any lengths to get her back", but of course I had to take that and run with it, but yall, I'm sooo freaking proud of this one and of the work I've been putting out recently. I hope you guys enjoy!
No greater love story exists than that of Wakanda’s rulers.
King and Queen.
Bound together since childhood, she didn’t make a move without your hand intertwined with hers.
She had a calculating young mind, moving about life like a chess piece in a game she was never to lose.
Truly, Wakanda had no greater ruler than your queen. All the kingdom’s operations, all its policies were in her hands. Behind the scenes, nothing moved unless she did, not even you.
Her bronze eyes fluttered back and forth with apparent boredom. What others thought was her simply blending into the background, you recognized as profound observation. She stood, soaking in the fast-paced words of the elders far quicker than you could have imagined.
Game plans came to play right before her with everything they tried to throw at you.
This meeting was truly pointless, and it only called for you, but today was special, and you weren’t about to leave her out of any of the day’s events.
The elders were strategic. One fuck up on your behalf, that’s all it would take for the unforgiving geriatrics.
“What do you foresee you are to do if the country is unsatisfied with a female as their sole protector?”
She saw the way your brows furrowed at the question. The corners of your mouth barely moved south, just a millimeter or two. You were growing frustrated with the hypotheticals. They’d been throwing them at you for over an hour now and it was taking the patience of a God to keep you respectful.
You hadn’t ingested the heart-shaped herb yet, and you were sure telepathy wasn’t a power it would bestow on you, though you would see no use for it. King and Queen have been together so long, you’d become one- mind, soul, and body.
Your pitch-black irises sparkled with fury, settling on her much softer ones. Her brown beauties extinguished the fire within you, even if only for a moment.
Words didn’t even need to be exchanged. You could hear her voice in your head loud and clear, though her lips remained sealed. “Control.”
Control yourself. Walk with grace. Handle your shit.
The mantra flowed so smoothly through your mind. It was comical, how tired you’d grown of hearing it. She’d been repeating the same words, over and over and over again since you were adolescents. She found no other way to control your temper than that statement, so simple, yet so effective.
“I do not believe my father left his throne for his daughter to be disrespected on, hm?”
Your distinguished voice led the elders to drop theirs to a mumble. What should have been complete silence at their King speaking were whispers instead.
“Should’ve been a son-”
You couldn’t pinpoint who had said it. A disadvantage of not yet having the panther-like hearing.
“And yet, it wasn’t; perks of being an only child. My father was proud to have a daughter, Elder. He brought me up as an heir, so that I may one day take over the mantle, both as king and as Black Panther, so with all due respect, hold your tongue.”
The smile may not have played across her face, but it danced behind her eyes. Your queen was proud; you so often attempted to ignore her when she vocalized what you did not want to hear, but clearly, you’d been listening. You spoke in such a way, the older aged Wakandans winced as though they’d been burned.
“Your majesty, tradition states that you were to marry and-”
You did marry. She was right there in the room with you with the title of ‘Queen’ having been bestowed upon her for quite some time now.
“I did marry.”
And that was her cue.
With her head held high, the queen made her way across the board, past the onlooking pawns, through the bishops and rooks, not a knight in sight, straight to her place beside her King.
What a handsome couple the two of you were. Her white dress contrasted deeply with your dark suit, creating a beautiful eyesore. Night and day, black and white, a menacing pair.
Though her head was absent of its crown, she stood beside you poised perfectly as though a line of string ran from her spine to the ceiling, holding it in the straightest of lines.
“We mean no disrespect to the queen, however-”
They always mean disrespect, regardless of what they said.
“Then I suggest you quit talking before I get disrespectful.” These closed-minded seniors could get your blood boiling like no other. Your voice wavered with anger, though your Queen’s steady words rang in your ears. “Control, my King.”
A deep breath was all it took for you to continue. “Our country is far more advanced than the small-minded council that attempts to run it. They reacted with enthusiasm when I took the throne after my father’s passing. They welcomed my Queen with open arms. I do not foresee them having a problem with my taking of the Black Panther mantle, just as my father did before me, and his father before him.”
Her hand rested on your shoulder before you could continue. To outside eyes, it was an empty gesture; to you, a hidden “well done.”
“Your Highness-”
“King. Do not be afraid to say it.”
Their hesitation proved that they were indeed, afraid to say it. The council continued to speak, your title not daring to utter from their lips.
“What are you to do if they are not as welcoming to a female protector as they were to a woman King?”
All heads swiveled when it was not you to answer, but instead your Queen. “Do you see any reason why they would have a problem with it?”
What a funny sight, the view before you. Five ancient leaders, all mouths gaping like fish out of water.
“Ramonda, the question was directed to the throne holder-”
Rage fueled you to your feet. “You dare speak her name, yet refuse to utter mine?”
Their cowardly forms sat silenced. Ramonda stood behind you, unfazed by your outburst, still standing straight and proud.
“We are through here. Meeting adjourned.”
Hands intertwined as they always were, you and your Queen made for the door. You were through with this damn council, with these damn elders. How your father put up with it for so long, you had no idea. No wonder he’d rather the ancestors than this-
“Your Majesty, uh, King-” The word was spit from their lips like it hurt. “What are you to do if someone were to challenge you for the title?”
Truth be told, this question sounded more like a threat than a hypothetical. Your steps froze in place, your Queen standing just before you. “I shall fight for my title, council.”
They could hear your footsteps retreating from the room with an echo that could surely be heard across the country.
The giggle she let escape as soon as the throne room doors were closed was far too loud. The queen’s lips were pinned to your cheeks, pecking at your nose, your lips, your forehead.
It broke your hardened exterior, planting a too-wide grin across your cheeks. “Did I handle my shit, my love?”
“Yes, ukumkani wam (my King), you handled your shit.”
The waters rushing your feet were a good distraction from the loud chanting that came from the crowd of onlookers surrounding you.
She stood at the front of it, baring a corset far too tight and a face of armor, both of which she’d expressed her hatred for.
“Will this be long, sithandwa sam? This corset is very uncomfortable, and I’d like to get it off-”
“So long as nobody has the sense to challenge me, my love, this won’t be long, no. Then I can peel that corset off of you myself.”
You hadn't needed to see her cheeks redden to know your words caused her to blush. Even now, though she stood quite a bit away, you knew they burned with the wideness of her smile.
The rocks beneath you were slick and admittedly hard to walk on. You truly prayed that this would be an unnecessary occasion, one that would go by uneventfully.
The chanting ceases, producing an eerie silence. Zuri’s voice was booming, his royal purple robes being soaked at the hem due to the rushing waters. You stood, tall and ready, spear in one hand, shield in the other, with lightweight clothing adorning your figure.
“Victory, in ritual combat, comes by yield, or death! If any tribe wishes to put forth a warrior, I now offer a path to the throne.”
“Yuh!” It was loud and resounding, coming from your furthest left. The members of the tribe ingested the call and threw it back into the crowd. “The Merchant Tribe will not challenge today.”
“Haye! The Border Tribe will not challenge today.”
“Ibombe! The River Tribe will not challenge today!”
Three tribes refused to challenge. Perhaps this would be easy after all.
“Aye! The Mining Tribe will not challenge today!”
Four down- one to go.
“Mayafa!” His tribe doesn’t take the liberty of repeating him as the other tribes did. A silence passes over all Wakandans present. Your Queen is doing what she does best- observing.
You can feel the uneasiness present in her bones as your eyes never leave the Jabari warrior.
“Zakar, what are you doing?” Zuri’s usually thunderous voice is brought down to a whisper. He can’t hide the shock that rings in his words.
“It is Challenge Day; and I, Zakar of the Jabari Tribe, wish to challenge for the throne.”
Gasps and murmurs sprinkle across the crowd. Between your pulled-together brows are anger and surprise as well. Even your calculating Queen seems thrown off.
Zakar was nothing more than a muscle man with an ape-like brain to match his ape-like proportions.
If it was a challenge he wanted, a challenge he would get.
All eyes were on you as you stepped toward the brute. Shoulders squared and chest out, you stood as your father taught you to. “I accept.”
“My King-”
Bast-bless Zuri. His worry for you was not very well hidden beneath his aging features. He’d surely watched your father through his own Challenge Day, standing amongst him as a friend more than a mentor and it would be your will that he stand beside your own son or daughter for theirs as well.
“It is okay, Zuri.” His hands squeezed yours with a passing gesture as you stepped toward your newfound enemy.
Nose-to-nose and eye-to-eye; Zakar showed no signs of intimidation. His breath was hot, his nostrils flared, and a disgusting grin plastered across his face. “Well, Princess?”
“King,” you corrected. “I am your King. And I accept.”
Ramonda’s breath caught in her throat.
His facial armor was replaced and a weapon identical to yours was thrown into his hands.
Your eyes wandered to his primate-like shape. He and you would have surely trained in different weight classes. His reach was much larger than yours and it would take quite a few hits to get him down. You didn’t want to have to impale him to get him to yield.
You were sure, though, that he would not show you the same mercy. That spear of his weapon would pierce your flesh with no mercy and you’d be damned if you were to die in front of your Queen in such a brutal way.
Someone grabbed her hand, but she wasn’t sure who. Everything around her went blurry, fading into a mess of colors. Ramonda’s only focus was you.
How dare you accept such a challenge? The two of you hadn’t spoken of you fighting today and for you to just go and accept it- You were going to die. Zakar wouldn’t hold back; the larger man’s strength was what yours wished to be. He was going to kill you, for sure.
How dare you take the chance to drop dead in front of your Queen?
The Dora Milaje and Jabari Warriors barely had time to take their stances before the blunt end of Zakar’s spear came swinging toward you.
The ugliest sound echoed through the waterfall as your shield just barely saved your fate. His quick actions confirmed what you already knew- He would not be playing fair.
Ramonda could feel every muscle in her body tense. She so badly wanted to jump in, to help you, save you, fight with you. You more often than not trained together; she was just as skilled as you were.
And had it not been for the strange hand squeezing hers, she probably would have.
Every swing, every jab, she followed. She waited, breathing ceased, for you to take the upper hand. His spear swung hard to your left, so you dodged right. He came at you with his shield, so you retreated. You couldn’t even pick up your own weapon, too busy escaping his.
The edge of the waterfall grew closer and closer. The rocks beneath you held no grip and exhaustion filled your lungs.
Zakar’s patience was dwindling. “Stop running, Princess.”
Princess. That’s all you would be to them. A princess beneath her father, the true king. A princess who was handed the title and did not earn it. You were still that little girl adorned with bows and lace, and not Wakanda’s king who would bear the crown proudly.
The elders saw it, Zakar and the Jabari saw it, hell you wondered if your people saw it as well. You didn’t have time to meet your Queen’s gaze, though you could feel it stuck on you. She was watching; she was always watching.
Ramonda was watching, counting on you, rooting for you. She saw you as Princess and now she sees you as King.
The flesh on your arm burned as Zakar’s spear sliced it open. The ivory color of your bone peeked through. It was the arm that gripped your weapon and it nearly buckled out of your hand. The breath was knocked straight out of your lungs when he followed up with a fist to your gut. Your scream pierced the air, fueling Ramonda’s body forward as yours fell to its knees. Several hands attached to several invisible bodies held her back, though they could not hold her tongue. “Sithandwa sam! Sithandwa sam-”
“I will give you a moment before I finish you, princess. Address your wife.”
Your eyes fluttered upward, vision blurry and hazed as it rested upon your Queen. “M-Mondie-”
Her loose curls bounced to and fro. No nicknames, no affection. Maybe later, but not now.
“Zilawule, sithandwa sam!”
Control yourself, my love.
Your gaze bore into her distressed features. Your lids were heavy and your arm hurt like hell, as did your ribs.
“Hamba ngobabalo!”
Walk with grace.
Your head fell, eyes filling with tears that fell into the waters beneath you.
“Ndijonge (Look at me) Y/n!”
“Ndijonge, sithandwa sam,” she begged, much softer.
Your gaze was drawn away from the rushing waters and back onto your wife.
“Phatha ikaka yakho.”
Handle your shit.
“I am your Queen, my love! That is an order.”
Every damn thing hurt when your injured arm moved to pierce the rocks under you. Your legs were shaky, barely able to hold your weight.
Zakar’s chuckle was booming. “You attempt to get up, girl? Fine, then. I’ll just knock you right back down.”
“Remind me to have you banished for the way you speak to your King, Zakar.”
“Banishment will not be possible when you are with the ancestors. Just ask your father-”
Had he said it loud enough for everyone to hear, they’d surely react the same way you had.
The roar that came from you was ugly, followed by the crumbling sound of Zakar’s mask as your spear came in contact with it. Your backhand swing had been too quick for him to foresee and the clay mask shielding his face broke into many pieces as it fell into the water.
The headache that would plague him tonight would be one from hell. Your foot came in contact with his chest, barely knocking him back with the first kick, but succeeding on the second one. Thank Bast for the slippery rocks that you stood on; there was no way you’d have been able to get him down otherwise.
His large body hit the ground hard and you could see the anger flickering behind his eyes. The blunt end of your spear almost broke with the force you used to shove it into his shoulder. You were prepared to pop the bone right out of its joint.
“Yield, Zakar.”
He stayed silent, stare never leaving you. Your weapon dug further into his aching body.
“Yield. I can not let you up unless you do, because I am certain you will not let me live, and if that is the case-”
Your spear flips, drawing the sharp end into his flesh instead. “If that is the case, Zakar, then I can not let you live.”
It feels as though the entire kingdom of Wakanda is holding its breath. Slowly, the sharp weapon sunk further and further, disappearing within his tissue. His face was contorted with pain, teeth-baring a grimace. “Yield, Zakar, before you bleed out!”
His eyes were animalistic, his voice low enough so only you could hear. “Is that not what you want?”
Zakar gave you no chance to answer. “I yield.”
In unison, everyone in the crowd breathed a sigh of relief. You felt a weight lift from your shoulders and nodded a ‘thank you’ to the warrior on the ground. “Take a deep breath.”
He did and in that same breath, remained silent as you pulled the spear from his shoulder. Zuri rushed over as the Jabari tribe picked their leader up from the ground.
The pendant that your father wore on his challenge day, and his father before him was heavy, adorned with panther teeth as it hung around your neck. Your right hand was lifted into the air, fist up as Zuri’s deep voice declared “Y/N Y/L/N, King of Wakanda, and the Black Panther!”
Louder than any other screams and cheers was Ramonda, leading the chant, fist-pumping into the air.
The chambers that held the heart-shaped herb were way too hot and way too dark. You wanted nothing more than to be in the presence of your Queen, your Mondie, promising that she’d be awaiting your return from the ancestral planes.
You couldn’t ignore the impending feeling of doom as you lay down, arms crossed over your chest in a salute. The herbal drink had been prepared and it was your move as to what happened next. Zuri stood above you, placing the bowl to your lips as he spoke.
“Allow the heart-shaped herb to bestow the powers of The Black Panther and take you to the ancestral plane.” The drink was bitter and burned like liquor as you swallowed. Convulsions wrecked your body as your system digested it.
“Azzuri, we call on you. Come here, to your daughter.”
The sand. That was the part you dreaded the most. It began to cover your body and you inhaled deep, thankful to breathe while you still could. Everything became muffled when the first grains hit your face.
“Praise the ancestors,” Zuri’s voice was barely above a whisper.
Everything was dark.
The gasp that came from you was desperate, as though you’d been drowning. Dirt surrounded you, and you willed your eyes to adjust to the low light.
The garden you sat in was familiar. You hadn’t been in it in quite a while, but you’d never forgotten its layout. You stood, allowing the white garment you were clothed in to flow around you.
It was instinctual, the way your feet led you to a bench in the far corner, concealed with desert roses and blue lilies. It wasn’t a surprise to see your usual place already occupied.
The gentleman wasn’t as old as he should have been to leave this life. He was dressed in white clothes of his own with a gentle smile greeting you as you approached.
“Baba-” You sat next to him, in disbelief that you could see him again, so alive, though he wasn’t.
“Uyenzile (You did it), intombazana yakho (my daughter).”
Your smile was bright, though your eyes were dull with the tears that threatened to spill. “I did it, Baba.”
“You are King.”
“I am King.” It hurt to get the words out. It was the only time you’d said it and truly fucking meant it.
His shoulder pushed into yours, joy prevalent in his features. “Who did you have to fight, hmm? Who dared challenge the daughter of Azzuri?”
“Nobody at first. Then the Jabari made their entrance-”
Just as quickly as it came, his smile was gone. “The Jabari? Zakar?”
Your head bobbed. “Zakar.”
“Are you- were you hurt?”
You couldn’t look at him and tell him you’d gotten injured. You attempted to pivot the conversation instead. “I did it, baba.”
He wasn’t swayed. Your father was too smart a man. “Be careful, y/n/n.”
“Be careful? Of what? I won. I am King, I am The Black Panther; he can not challenge me again.”
His head hung, shaking slowly. “Tradition says he can not challenge you again.”
“As it says, then it shall be!”
“Ukususela nini, intomba (Since when, daughter)?”
Your silence failed to satisfy him.
“Tradition says that when your mother and I had you, we were to conceive again, for a son, an heir.”
You didn’t want to hear him.
“Tradition says that when I died, you were to marry a man, and he was to be king.”
You didn’t want to listen.
“Tradition says that he- your husband- was to be the Black Panther.”
He knelt in front of you, grasping your hands in his own and squeezing tight. His hold on you caught you both off guard; neither of you could have fathomed a second chance at a moment like this.
“You have broken tradition since you came out of the womb, y/n, my girl. And I am so proud of you for it. Wakanda needed to progress, and you-” His hand released yours, gently holding your cheek instead. “You are exactly what this country needs.”
Tears fall down your cheeks at your father’s hold. You embraced it, knowing that after this, you’d never feel it again. “Am I truly meant to be King, baba?”
“Have I not raised you so?”
Your bottom lip curled back into your mouth and your head nodded ever so slightly. “But heed my warning, my girl. Zakar will not take lightly being bested in front of the country, especially not by a woman. Especially not by my daughter.”
Your brows pulled together into a focused furrow. “I’ll be careful.”
His lips press to your forehead gently. “I know you will do wonderful things. You were born to do wonderful things.”
He stood and began to retreat. You panicked when his hand left yours, not ready to say goodbye again. “W-wait, Baba. Don’t go-”
“Eh? Y/n, what have I taught you?”
“Y-you said you’d never leave me, but-”
“And have I?”
Your hands outstretched to beckon the unfamiliar world around you. “What would you call this, Baba?”
His steps grew closer to you and his fingers lightly pierced your chest. “I have not left you. I am here.” His hands moved to your temple. “And here.” They moved once more to cup your face. “And here. You look just like me, you know.”
“Now go. Rule your kingdom.”
“Baba,” You hated the way your voice sounded, so whiny and helpless. “Ndiyakuthandana (I love you).”
He was fading away fast and you could feel yourself being pulled back to reality. His words were so faint, you thought you’d imagined hearing it. “Ndiyakuthandana, my girl.”
Zuri’s face was filled with worry when you shot up from beneath the sand, gasping in the dusty air that surrounded you. “Are you alright?”
You accepted the hand he was offering you, using it to stand. “Never bury me alive again.”
Night fall crept on the Wakandan horizon and Ramonda’s usually still mind was flooding with unease. The hem of her skirt swept the palace floors as she wandered aimlessly.
It was such a large space for just the two of you and without you there, it was so quiet. Dora stood at every outbound door and while they shared her polite smiles, they didn’t speak.
It had been hours since Zuri swept you away for the ancestral planes and while Ramonda was uncertain how long the private ceremony would take, something didn’t feel right about the seven hours you’d been gone.
She was an hour into her mindless stroll down the same halls of the royal residence before it was abruptly interrupted.
“My Queen, are you alright?”
Had they not spoken, Ramonda would have run them over. She blinked slowly, taking in the figure before her. She hated to admit she recognized neither the face nor the voice, yet she did recognize the armor; red and gold with beautiful neckplates and shoulder pads to match.
“General- I apologize, I didn’t see you there-” Her words are steady through the nerves that shake her being.
“It’s alright. Are you?”
“Am I what?”
“Are you alright, your Majesty?”
Hesitation almost silenced the Queen. How would it appear that she be so disheveled and muddled?
But she needed help. There were many royal customs that were foreign to her and she had no way to navigate them.
“General, has my wife returned from the ancestral planes yet?”
The worry Ramonda tried so hard to shove down resurfaced when the General’s face contorted to a look of confusion. “She left the planes hours ago. She was making her way back toward the palace last I saw of her.”
Ramonda’s legs almost gave out underneath her, but the composure she held was truly that of a Queen. “S-she left-”
“Has she not returned, your Majesty?”
Ramonda’s head just swayed back and forth.
The General was quick to turn on her heel with a brisk walk that the Queen struggled to keep up with.
“Qokelela (Gather)!”
A sea of red poured into the halls, all heading toward the throne room. Dora Milaje, all with their spears drawn and their steps nimble. They were surprised to see the white crown among the swarm of bobbing bald heads.
The throne room scarcely seemed large enough for the bodies that rapidly filled it. In the forefront stood the General and their Queen, heads held high through the dread that sank to the pit of their stomachs like cement.
The Dora General was silent, awaiting Ramond’s orders. All eyes were on her and it was a feeling she was unsure she’d ever get used to.
A deep breath steadied the rapid drumming of her heartbeat. Control yourself.
“General, around what time did you see my wife returning home?”
“1300 hours, your Majesty.”
“It’s going on 2200 hours now, ladies. I’m hoping this is just an overreaction, but really, I’m not sure. Go to the grounds, the tribes, the herbal garden, search even the castle. Bring my King home, please.” Walk with grace.
With a harsh tap of their spears on the stone floor, the room empties just as quickly as it filled. Only the General and the Queen remain and Ramonda feels the deep breath she was holding finally release.
“Your Majesty-”
Many coily curls frame the young royal’s face and they bounce when her head shaked to and fro. “I will have to grow used to being called that as well, hm?”
“I believe so.”
“You won’t just call me Ramonda if I asked you to, will you?”
The smile that plays on the General’s face is sympathetic and she can see the idea form in the Queen’s mind before she even says it.
“General, I am just Ramonda. Call me Ramonda.”
Pearly white teeth shine behind her dark smile. “Queen Ramonda, I am Esi. Call me Esi.”
“Esi, are you the first friend I have made here?”
“If so, then I am honored to be.” With a bow of her head, she begins to walk off, but not before Ramonda calls her back.
“Esi, bring me Zuri, please. And keep me updated. Once I have finished speaking with him, I will be joining you and your army in the search.”
“We’ve got the search covered-”
“I have no doubt that you do. However, I will be joining you regardless. I’m bringing my wife home.”
Zuri hadn’t expected to be awoken in the dead of the night, nor was he expecting the Queen of Wakanda to be awaiting his arrival.
“Your Majesty,” both of her hands fit in his like a glove and his tight squeeze is full of compassion. “What is the matter?”
Ramonda doesn't appear to be a spouse in distress. Every feeling of fear, or doubt or dread was unreadable on her features. “Zuri, my friend. Where is my wife?”
“Y/n? Is she not here?”
“She is not. She never returned from the herbal gardens-”
The older gentleman’s head shakes in disbelief. “She did. She had to have returned; where else could she be?”
“That is what I am trying to find out.”
A beat of silence passes between the two, unspoken thoughts swarming their minds.
“Zuri-” The Queen hesitates, knowing that what she is about to ask is such a personal question. “Do you know who she saw? When she went to the ancestral planes?”
His nod is slow and sad. He can never hide how much he misses his old friend and Ramonda knows the answer before he even speaks it. “Baba?”
“Azzuri, yes.”
“Was it- Did she say anything about it? Did anything happen that would cause her to run away for any reason?”
“Not that she mentioned. You know how that girl was with her father; I can not foresee it having been a bad encounter.”
Ramonda is silent. It was a stretch that you would have willingly not return to her, but your genius Queen had to dot all her I’s and cross all her T’s.
“She did repeat something he told her-”
Ramonda was all ears, focused in on every word Zuri spoke. “What did she say?”
“He told her to watch her back. That Zakar wouldn’t take too lightly to having been defeated by her.”
An insincere chuckle left Ramonda’s lips. It was an ugly sound as anger flooded her body. The corner of her lips curled into a grisly pucker and Zuri scanned her face, interpreting her reaction.
“You suspected Zakar, didn’t you?”
“I did, however, as Queen, I can not go throwing around false accusations.”
“Is it a false accusation if you know it to be true?”
A sad smile looks so out of place on Ramonda’s mouth.
“Zuri, you know how this works even better than I. I have no proof to accuse Zakar and I can not start a civil war with the Jabari that she will have to clean up when she returns.”
“If she stays in the hands of Zakar, that when will become an if.”
The cloak covering the Queen’s shoulders floats to the floor with a slight shrug. The crown atop her head is removed and underneath, her bountiful curls are braided tightly against her scalp. She’s stood aside long enough, talked long enough. Thoughts of bringing you home were all that played through her mind and the mountainside home of the Jabari tribe was her destination.
“I will not let that when become an if, old friend.”
Handle your shit.
She’d never stepped foot in the land of the Jabari before and was illprepared for the snow that coated the ground and the below zero temperatures. She realized it foolish to have come alone, and had she been in her right headspace, she would have realized it sooner.
Eyes of the Jabari watched her from every direction and the entrance to a cave drew closer and closer. It was guarded well, by bulky men whose faces were concealed by gorilla masks. The opening of the cavern was blocked off as she approached.
“I need to see Zakar.” Though her body shivered from the cold temperatures, her voice remained steady and firm. The men didn’t budge.
“Zakar is not taking any visitors. He is healing.”
Had smoke been able to come out of her ears in a cartoonish fashion, Ramonda was sure it would have. Her composure did not sway, nor did her expression change. “I need to see Zakar.”
One of the men bent to the Queen’s height, meeting her eye-to-eye. Her knees didn’t buckle and her gaze didn’t dare look away. “What did I just tell you?”
Ramonda’s set to respond, hell, she’s set to exile the whole damn tribe. A faceless voice breaks the tension between the two; the voice she’s there to see.
“Let her in.”
It would have been a childish thing had she stuck her tongue out at the bruly warrior as he stepped aside to let her in, so she refrained. Instead, she walked through the wall of broad men, straight to the wide throne that held their awful leader.
His thick brows were deep set on his eyes, weighing heavy on his face and his left arm and midsection sported a collection of white bandages.
He didn’t look thrilled to see her and she mirrored the feeling. “My Queen,”
How disgusting it sounded coming from his mouth. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Your calculating Queen stood silent for a moment, scanning the room around her. It was cold, so fucking cold, with icy stares to match. Every corner held a warrior, equipt with armor and weapons. She couldn’t help but wonder if that was the norm or if it was only due to her company.
“Zakar-” She hated how his name tasted, rolling across her tongue. “I think thanks are in order.”
“For what?”
“For giving us quite the eventful day. My wife couldn’t just take the throne that was rightfully hers and go about her way, hm? You had to step in and give us a challenge.”
“You are thanking me for getting my ass beat in front of the entire kingdom? And by a princess?”
Ramonda’s jaw was hardset and it took every ounce of control within her body to respond respectfully. “King. Your King.”
When Zakar stood, Ramonda couldn’t help the slight intimidation she felt at the way he towered over her. Her body took a step back without her permission and she cursed herself for it.
“My king would have balls, your majesty-”
“It is common to want in a leader what we cannot have ourselves-”
Zakar laughed at her rebuttal and it angered the Queen. He continued as though she hadn’t even spoken. “You see me as the villain in your little happily ever after, but that is not the case. It is the other way around, honestly. You and your wife come in and shake up tradition, age old tradition. Excuse me for trying to put things back the way they should be.”
“Who is to say that is the right way and my way is wrong?”
Hmm, Zakar’s deep voice rumbles the entire cave. “Why have you come here, your Majesty?”
“I have reason to believe you have something that belongs to me.”
“Are you accusing me of thievery?” At his words, the Jabari soldiers in the room draw their weapons across their chests, armed and ready.
Your wife is quiet, choosing her next words carefully. Before she can get them off her tongue, Zakar speaks once more. “Let’s say I do have something of yours; I suggest you act tactically. You want this thing back in the same condition that I received it, do you not?”
That’s all she needed. That was enough proof, hell, it was a whole fucking confession.
Ramonda stepped toward the gorilla-like man, not caring of the weapons that were pointed at her.
“Unlike my wife, Zakar, I will not hesitate to kill you.”
Her words were so low, the brutish man barely even caught them. His eyes were dark and angry when the Queen pulled away and began to retreat further into the snow, toward the cave entrance once more.
“Leaving so soon, your Majesty?”
Ramonda’s middle finger was pointed to the sky, directed straight to the Jabari leader as her back stayed turned to him.
“Ramonda!”
The sound of her name bouncing off the stone palace walls caught her off guard. She hadn’t heard it be called in such a way since childhood.
Her entire body swiveled to see Esi running straight toward her, anger dancing across her features.
“You’ve finally referred to me by my name-”
“You went to the Jabari tribe, alone?”
Ramonda winced at the General’s tone of voice. Her scolding was loud enough for outside listeners to pick up. “I did-”
“What were you thinking? They could have killed you-”
“They have her, Esi.”
Esi’s sigh was annoyed, her eye roll expectant. “Yes, your Majesty, we know that.”
The Queen didn’t have time to focus on the formal terms she and the General seemed to be back on. “You know?”
“We know. We have dozens of Dora surrounding their borders as we speak. We’re trying to find an in without jeapordizing her safety. We still do not know where in the land they are keeping her, though we assume its close to Zakar so that he may keep tabs-”
“Let me take lead on this-”
It would not have been possible for Esi to control the surprise that overtook her at the Queen’s declaration. “Let you what? No! Absolutely not-”
“She’s my wife, Esi-”
“And she is our King-”
“She’s my wife! Damned with your king, she is my wife, and I need her home.”
Ramonda was becoming emotional. The day’s events were catching up with her, as was the reality that you were laying cold somewhere in his midst, hurt or worse.
“Ramonda,” Esi’s voice was soft, her gentle hands grazing the Queen’s forearms. “We are trained for this; willing to die for this. We can not let you-”
“Esi, I hope you can still consider us friends after this.”
“After what-?”
“I am stripping you of your title as General. Step down. That is a direct order-”
“Ramonda-!”
“I am appointing myself General and-”
Tears swam behind Esi’s lids. “Your Majesty-”
Ramonda grabbed Esi’s hands and held them. She needed a deep breath to continue, fighting back tears of her own. “I will reinstate you, my friend. I am sorry, but I-” Her voice broke, and with the grace of a true Queen, she continued. “I must bring my wife home.”
The Dora Milaje stood in salute, awaiting instructions from their new General. Ramonda stood before them, silent with Esi on her right, face set hard with an emotion impossible to read.
“The Jabari have Y/n.” This wasn’t new information to anyone in the room; they didn’t stir. Ramonda continued.
“We’re bringing her home, by any means necessary. We have suspicions she is being kept either in or just outside Zakar’s throne room. It is a cave covered in snow and ice and flooded with Jabari warriors who are just as willing to die for this as we are.”
Her eyes searched through the crowd. Staring back at her were various hues of brown, all armed, all ready.
“We’ve already got the border surrounded; they know we’re coming and what we’re coming for. Get her out, alive.” The stress she put on that last word didn’t do justice for how much she meant it. Alive was the only option.
“Get me as close to Zakar as you can. I do not care if he gets out of this alive or dead; I will distract the ape man while you locate and retrieve the king. Understood?”
“My Queen,” Esi’s voice is quiet and still holds the authority it did before her title was stripped from her. “Aren’t we to get you out alive as well?”
The words were hard to get out, but Ramonda knew she meant them. “Get her out, alive,” she repeated. “If the King has been located and retrieved, then retreat.”
“Your Majesty-”
Ramonda’s clenched teeth were bared, displaying the force it took for her to echo herself. “Retreat.”
Nobody dared question her again and with a quick nod and cross of her arms, the Queen was satisfied. “Masihambe (Let’s go).”
It seemed as though the mountainside had grown colder since Ramonda was last there just hours ago. The Dora Milaje marched in step behind her, Esi at her side. The cave entrance was just before them, and it was blocked off completely. Jabari men and women stood, shutting off the cavern to the outside world and they didn’t budge when Ramonda approached.
Nobody spoke, not a single word uttered. Their curved staff mirrored that of their leaders and they seemed angsty, ready for a good fight.
“Shukuma (Move).” Ramonda’s voice was loud and declarative and still, they stayed.
A voice even louder boomed over the brigade of bodies. “Let the woman through.”
Zakar’s men move at his command, but not before one of them tries to be ballsy. His staff swings for Ramonda’s head, just missing clipping her scalp before his weapon falls to the ground with a clank. The Queen turns just in time to see the spear of a young Dora fly through his thigh.
She can’t hold back her gasp when the large body drops to the ground, crying out in pain. Everyone is frozen, awaiting the move of another. The Jabari warriors let the weight of what just happened sit on their shoulders for a moment before preparing to attack. Another readies his staff to swing, preparing to rip the girl’s head straight off her body, but Zakar’s words keep him in place.
“Yibambe simile (Hold off).”
His men recollect themselves, reestablishing their blockage of entry to the cave.
“Yiza,” His command is directed at Ramonda now, and she continues her trek to his throne.
“Your Majesty, I was trying very hard to be nice. But you align your army at my borders, push your way into my home, and injur one of my men.” He rises from the wooden seat, staff ready in his uninjured hand. “I do not take very kindly to that.”
Ramonda doesn’t speak. Her eyes are on his movements, his actions. He’s slower to move on his injured side, which makes sense. It’s the side you impaled and he hadn’t allowed himself enough time to heal before starting shit with your kingdom.
His right side, however, is much stronger; she has to guess it’s his dominant side. And though he may be damaged on the left, he had a room full of people to make up for his handicap.
Realistically, it’s too many people. She’s unsure if the large army is due to the impending threat looming over everyone present, but it still wouldn’t make sense. They’re all huddled around his throne, not spread about where they could be more useful.
She takes a closer look at the large seat that Zakar refused to leave unattended. It was wide and tall, which wasn’t unusual, because of his size and stature. But why leave a wooden chair guarded?
Your Queen truly was a genius. It didn’t take her long to figure it out and when she did, it took everything she had to remain expressionless.
“I do not take very kindly to kidnapping, Zakar.”
“There you go, making empty accusations again-”
The spear in Ramonda’s hand is itching to take out the gorilla man’s other shoulder. “I am not willing to play mind games with you, indoda embi (ugly man). Is this really something you wish to do? Cut the Jabari off from Wakandan resources and protection? Risk the greatest country in the world turning against you?”
“What good is the greatest country in the world if it is run by imbecils whom are incapable of-”
“What makes me incapable? What makes my wife incapable?”
The brute man is silenced.
“You and the elders of this country are so focused on what we have between our legs, more so than the minds we have. We have shown you no reason to doubt us, and yet you do because we are women? I thought we were supposed to be more progressive as a nation than that.”
Zakar is flustered, unable to find the right words and vocalize them.
“Tradition states-”
“To hell with tradition!”
“That is your problem, your Majesty-”
“Thula (Be quiet), Zakar.”
Silence once again. Zakar is frozen in place as Ramonda takes timid steps toward him and his throne.
“To hell with your misogynistic, sexist, homophobic traditions. This is my kingdom now.”
She gets closer, ignoring the staffs drawn and pointing at her from every direction.
“This is our kingdom now.”
The sharp end of her spear is pointed to the wooden throne. Ramonda has no doubt that the thick wood will give way with a stab or two of her vibranium weapon, but she’s worried. She doesn’t know how far underneath the piece you are and she doesn’t want to risk stabbing you.
It’s a chance she’s going to have to take.
“This is our kingdom now!”
The first hit cracks the wood and debris fly back at her. The Jabari warriors surrounding the piece prepare themselves to swing at the Queen, but their hesitation is their downfall. The Dora outnumber them by hundreds and it only takes a second for their staffs to be pressed against their windpipes, holding them in place and out of Ramonda’s way.
“This is our kingdom now, and we shall make new traditions!”
The second swing of the sharp object shatters the wood and splinters take the air. Zakar wasn’t expecting the throne to breakaway. His thick staff coming in contact with your Queen’s thigh release the gut-wrenching sound of bones crunching.
Just as quick as he was able to get his hands on her, they hit the flood with a disgusting squelch. The bright crimson of his blood shines on the fresh white snow and his scream causes the entire cave to shake on its foundation.
Where his hands once were are gorey blood and flesh. Esi’s spear is covered in the same blood that spurts from his body.
You’re curled up in a hole underneath the space where Zakar’s throne once sat. Ramonda’s heart breaks to see you in the fetal position, unconscious and unresponsive.
Her breath catches in her chest as she watches, waiting for yours to rise and fall. It does, but it’s so slow, that she worries it won’t continue for long.
It’s an agonizing pain, one that travels through her very being, trying to stand on her now broken leg. Her spear is used more as a crutch as she hobbled over to the giant, brought to his knees.
“W-What did you do to her?”
He doesn’t respond.
“Answer me, Zakar!”
Silence.
Esi’s still-bloody spear digs into the side of his neck, just enough to draw a fresh cut. “Unless you want your head to roll with your hands, I suggest you answer your Queen.”
His voice is strained when it finally speaks. “I did nothi-”
“Lies! She is lying here, unconscious! What did you do?” Esi’s anger mirrors Ramonda’s.
She turns back to your body, lying so still and quiet and the hole full of ice that you lay in. Her calculating mind goes to work once more. “Wait, Esi. Zakar, did she take the heart-shaped herb before you took her?”
“Took sounds so harsh-”
Esi’s spear presses deeper, drawing a steady flow of blood, causing the big man to change his words. “Y-yes, she had already taken it.”
“So she already had the powers of the Black Panther?”
“Yes.”
Ramonda nods, a sigh of relief escaping her. “She’s in hibernation.”
“Hibernation? Your Majesty, you’re telling me that if our protector experienced too-cold temperatures, then she’s down for the count?”
“No, Esi, not usually, but she’s been buried in a box full of ice.”
“Is she okay?”
“She will be,” Ramonda’s head points to you, her beloved, still curled into yourself. “Yiza,” she commands.
While your army come and retrieve you from your frozen slumber, Ramonda hops over to a still-kneeling Zakar. She drops until they’re face-to-face, thankful to relieve some of the pain radiating through her leg.
“I should have had them kill you.”
“Then why don’t you?”
Ramonda is hushed. Why doesn’t she? He shattered her leg, took you prisoner-
“I don’t know, to be honest.”
Zakar’s eyes are filled with surprise as he drags them upward to gaze at the Queen sitting before him. He’s even more surprised to see hers full of empathy.
“Come back to the palace with us. We have a lab, filled with doctors who can fix you and your injured men-”
“Why should I accept your help?”
“What other choice do you have?”
The sound of your voice is truly melodious to Ramonda. Her head spins and if her leg weren’t shattered, she would have run right to you.
Your words were shaky as your body tried to regulate its temperatures. Dora surrounded you, wrapping you in the garments of their winter wear and as you stood on unsteady legs, they moved with you, every step.
“You ought to be thankful of my wife, for showing you mercy. Had it been the other way around, I would have let Esi behead you.”
Her snicker could be heard from her place behind the Jabari leader. Ramonda’s eyes were on you and they refused to leave, too afraid you’d leave her presence again.
“If you do not accept her offer to be patched up, you’ll surely bleed out here, will you not?”
He didn’t respond and you bent beside your Queen, lowering yourself to his level.
“Zakar, as beautiful as this red looks, contrasting with the white snow, I believe it best you accept.”
Silence.
“Well, unlucky for you, to have a stubborn King. Aye,” You called out to your army, awaiting their attention. “Mthathe (Take him), and his injured men too. Esi, notify the lab that we’re on our way.”
Ramonda was all too grateful when you scooped her into your arms, bridal style. Her arms fell into place wrapped around your neck and you held her close, tight, too afraid to let her go.
“My Queen,” you greeted softly, rubbing the tip of your nose to hers.
“My love,” the tears she’d been holding back for far too long finally spilled over and her hands moved to cup your face, pulling you close.
“I see you handled your shit, sithandwa.”
Ramonda’s chuckle was full of relief and my god, it was such a beautiful sound to hear.
“Yes, my love. I handled my shit.”
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Hello Jalebi, how are you? Hope everything's good. I have been following you for a couple of years now and am in awe of the work you put to keep this fandom alive. You are truly amazing! So for my ask, this scene where arnav is intentionally rude to kushi after that night he fainted and she took care of him and Anjali made Arnav realise that he has feelings for kushi and Arnav is literally in shock to realise that indeed he cares for her. My question is why is he shocked? He already came to that realization after the whole "kushi might be in an accident" scenario, I mean by the end of it he is minutes away from proposing her. He wanted to hate her after the contract marriage but he couldn't. Isn't that why he always looks haunted? Like there is internal battle all the time. So why is he so shocked when Anjali tells him something that he already should have known? Thanks for taking your time to answer this .
Hello Anon!
I'm doing well :) Thank you so much for the love - reading these always gives my fuzzy feels <3 <3 <3
I have very complicated feels for that scene because Anjali clearly saw Arnav belittle his wife and lie to her and she just romanticized it all under the pretext that he doesn't want Khushi to feel guilt.
She doesn't even confront him, she's like "aww you love Khushi, you care for her, that's why you're being a piece of crap to her..."
Which makes me wonder if Anjali ever was truly happily married or just twisted everything in her life to make it all rosy?
In fact the whole scene doesn't make sense. Arnav made a mockery out of Khushi's care and he's not just telling her he was unwell - he said after knowing she spent all night looking after him and caring for him.
And this is a woman who loves to sleep.
Also the whole scene of Khushi caring for Arnav despite him treating her terribly is taken straight out of abusive relationships.
Arnav being abusive wasn't the issue - the fact that they tried to romanticize this was.
Which is why it felt like a forced moment so as to the audience doesn't "hate" Arnav for lying to Khushi because "oh he's in love".
Khushi - too - irritated the hell out of me during the Swami track - but this was also the show rewriting any growth Arnav and Khushi had so... they could lengthen the show? I don't know tbh.
Lol, Arnav being surprised matches my surprise cause for the life of me I couldn't see whatever Arnav pulled was a reaction of love.
I don't understand any of it tbh. It's one of those plot points where I'd lift and put it somewhere else in the story where it would make more sense - like the scene itself makes more sense when Anjali tries to counsel Khushi on how to get closer to Arnav (his aversion to affection) and then counsel Arnav on how he should open up further to his wife.
There - this makes more sense than whatever we saw.
So tbh, I don't understand that scene and motivation. I think the intent was to show that underneath it all Arnav cares for Khushi and that whatever he tried was to distance himself from the growing attachment to Khushi despite her 'treacherous' character.
And in my opinion, this would've been better translated if Arnav actually closed himself off from Khushi and she gets frustrated why he's being in a certain way until he snaps.
Arnav playing games is a trait - post Diwali angst was so so so well done - but it was done to prove a point. His selfish need to show Khushi that he fits best in her life than whoever she's engaged to and it matters to her where he shows his affection (it was toxic but written damn damn damn well). They tried to show this is a revenge for the Swami track but that also was so horrifying to me, so...
Kya bolu ab? They kept showing progress between the two and then scrapping that progress for whatever reasons they best know which is why most of post marriage feels like a loop instead of fitting cohesively.
Which is understandable considering TV shows are, unfortunately, written daily based on TRPs instead of plotlines.
Best,
Jalebi
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Hello, I just wanted to say I'm reading your Sin and Duty fic, and I really really love it! You're a great writer!
Also, if you don't mind my asking, why did you choose to make Bumi Zuko and Katara's son? I'm just curious and would like to hear why.
Thank you, and have a good day!
I'm glad you're enjoying the story!
The idea of Bumi and/or Kya being secretly Zuko's child(ren) is one that comes up now and again in the Zutara fandom, and one that I've never liked, because it's pretty much always written or talked about in a way that romanticizes Katara cheating on her husband. The inspiration for what would become Sin and Duty came to me after I, for some reason, read a one-shot based on the premise of Kya being secretly Zuko's daughter, in which Katara was the only person who ever knew and there were basically no consequences for any of the characters' relationships.
This frustrated me so much that I immediately sketched out an idea for my own AU in which there were Maximum Consequences for Zuko and Katara having an affair. The original plot sketch was much darker and had more of a downer ending than the story actually wound up with, mostly because it was written out of anger. But I decided to make Bumi the illegitimate child instead of Kya so that I could work in the angle of him secretly being a firebender as well, which would force the issue of the secret having to come out at some point, since Bumi himself couldn't be kept in the dark.
So basically, I chose to write a story about a character who is the product of adultery in order to make the point that adultery is bad.
#and then i got death threats from people thinking i was glorifying adultery#bc the internet be like that#catie answers things#blade liger 4ever#catie writes things#project code name: actions have consequences
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Still about the Christmas Sequel to IHTBY, I know I’m mean for it, but it would be hilarious to see Azula actually pranking her parents and Zuko into believing she’s pregnant, when it seems that she and Sokka didn’t even banged yet, in this setting. And the way you depicted Ozai is exactly like I imagine him in a modern setting. Also liked Ursa and Azula’s dynamic. Ursa clearly loves her children, but I can’t blame Azula for resenting her. And poor Zuko seems to be clueless about everything.
x'DDDD oooh hell, the trolling potential there is terrifying. I really don't know if Ozai would ever recover from such a shock. The man is just perpetually paranoid about that concept, he'd believe it 100% and he'd probably make her take an ecography test to make sure it's not true even after she says she's messing around and that it's not possible x'D while Ozai is certainly grateful, deeeeeeeeeep down, that Azula decided to date a good-hearted nerd, of all things, he still is an idiot about protecting his daughter from the evil claws of... this good-hearted nerd xD
I'm glad my depiction of Ozai works for you in this setting! I do know that the popular take is to make Ozai an extremely problematic/abusive parent and spouse regardless of the setting... but I really wanted IHTBY to be a pretty idealistic AU, in general, without the heaviest clouds of canon baggage. Hence why I refused to kill off Kya, I saw that happen so many times in so many AUs and most the time it feels like people just don't think Sokka and Katara could be the same characters without Kya dying? Well, sure thing, because they'd be a lot less traumatized :'D in short, I don't see the drawback in keeping her alive, and having a chance to play with the concept of Kya's character is always enjoyable. So yep, writing a pretty positive and wholesome AU allowed me to think about what kind of man Ozai could be in a world slightly less ruthless than the one we see in canon. And while he's obviously not a great, perfect dude, he's evidently a lot less unpleasant than many other Ozais I've written. (Yakuza AU Ozai still takes the cake in the "worst Ozais I've written" contest, I'd say...)
As for Azula and Ursa's complicated dynamic... yeeeeeah, there's a lot to work with there, haha. I have to admit I've developed a very unexpected liking to the potential bond between these two in later years, because back when I wrote the original IHTBY? I was just soooo mad at Ursa after The Search, so the whole angle in IHTBY of Ursa being with Ikem in secret and cheating on Ozai was mostly about me exteriorizing my frustration with that comic :'D
... Then the joke was on me because then the sequel made Ursa something like an emotional core of the story. The jumpstart of her development, when Azula brings them the invitation to Sokka's family's party, kind of unleashed my brain when it came to her character's potential XD There's a lot that can be done with her character in a lot of settings (... not so much for me in comic-compliant ones, but anyway...), but one of the things that the Christmas story was absolutely going to feature was Ursa finally facing Azula directly, reconciliating with her (and of course, ending things with a certain someone...) and eventually finding her place in her own family once more. So... yeah. I really should get going and just write it xD
Zuko may be the most hilarious character in this story, unintentionally so. He's constantly clueless about things, and in remaining clueless, he's surprisingly way more innocent than anyone expects from him. He was going to have a very lighthearted subplot in the sequel, definitely lighthearted compared to the much heavier plotline with Ursa, so... if you enjoyed clueless Zuko, all the more reason for me to get on with writing the rest of it, haha. He's just really funny in this story, most of all because he's not even trying to be funny XD
#anon#ihtby#... I think one of my favorite scenes in this entire setting#is Zuko catching Sokka and Azula kissing right outside his house#just as he's taking out the trash#and he just loses his shit#Sokka is a little panicky#Azula just goes all out with the flippancy#it never fails to make me laugh#... then Sokka runs away when Zuko finally comes back to his senses and I laugh even harder#oh IHTBY Zuko is too funny
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Much like last book, anything that doesn’t get its own dedicated post is going into this brain dump post.
Big Picture
Overall flow
This book was a slog from the jump, mainly because how it ended made the prospect of 14 episodes building to that finale daunting
In retrospect, with the entire season finshed, I can say the first six episodes, despite their flaws are “better.” Even though I had such a difficult time watching those on a consistent basis.
I better understand why the “Beginnings” two parter is such a breath of fresh air on the whole for so many people. Even if it does introduce Vaatu, and with him begin the slide in story quality.
But really, there was a precipitous drop in the last two episodes of the book.
Also remember how I said this show had a cast size management problem? Well here’s where it starts worsening. We drop Tarrlok, Amon and Hiroshi… but keep Korra and the rest of the Krew, Tenzin and his family and Lin. Then add Korra’s family, expand Tenzin’s family with Kya II and Bumi II, plus Varrick…
Korra’s spirituality arc:
I- don’t have much to say here
I thought I would, but I don’t
There’s remarkably little to say
Which is odd for an arc that’s supposed to be about rounding out Korra’s knowledge and understanding of spirits and spirituality
Themes:
The big thing that jumps at me is identity, which Tenzin embodied well. Shame more of that didn’t completely trickle down to Korra
Character opinions
Korra: I’m kind of frustrated and underwhelmed, but less with Korra herself and more how her arc has been handled, and going to be handled going forward
Mako: I came into this season expecting to hate Mako more than I did in book 1, but that didn’t happen. He, his romance subplots not withstanding, was fine. In fact, his police work storyline was a relative bright spot.
Bolin: frustrates me immensely. Had a good moment or two in this season, but at this point I despise how he’s written.
Asami: she has some good moments, but she’s hurt by barely getting anything to do. In a sense, she’s the Krew’s Toph in terms of having no arc
Tenzin: I’m a little stuck for what to say, here. I guess I don’t hate what they did with him? He does bring up the question of how airbending and spirituality work, but that’s another story.
Bumi II: I don’t hate him, but I don’t particularly like him either.
Kya II: favorite new addition this season. She doesn’t get too much to do, but she more often than not holds the familial brain cell
Lin: poor Lin. She spends most of the season playing disbelieving boss for Mako’s Cassandra storyline. I still love you tho
Tonraq: meh.
Unalaq: an absolute mess, but could’ve worked with a clearer sense of where they were going
Eska: don’t hate her but don’t care for her either. She did present a contrast for some franchise weirdness, though.
Desna: I was surprised by how much I liked him. Probably helps that he’s not weighed down by a terrible romance subplot like his sister
Varrick: he’s absolutely awful, amoral businessman and thrives in the role of self-interested schemer who helps when it’s to his benefit
Shipping
sigh yeah, I’m dedicating a section to the messes this time
Even if I wasn’t big on Makorra, the way it’s handled is such a mixed bag. On one hand, when their break up happens mid season, I could see where both of them were coming from. But there are several points of their relationship that feel like they’re written with this air of “women, amirite?” When Mako is having difficulty understanding what Korra wants or needs at the moment
And that’s before getting to the whole amnesia element… 😒
But then I’m not really against or for Masami. They can be cute together, but the way the decided to have them get back together, kinda, felt weird. Then they torpedo that too…
Do I have to comment on Boleska? It was bad, just bad. Made worse by trying to have Bolin get back together with her at the end of the season.
Looking at Varrick and Zhu Li’s dynamic in book 2, and looking forward to the finale, they’re really going to try to pass this off as romance?
Stray observations
Asami and Bolin are actually a good duo and them hanging out before Bolin got swallowed by his dumb plots for the season was nice
Despite generally not caring for the Beginnings two-parter, I did come to find myself coming around on them. I still didn’t think it was a necessary story but it’s well told for what it is.
Also there’s something about Raava saying “we will be together for all of your lifetimes” that just hits
In “The Guide,” Tenzin brags about the garden at the Eastern Air Temple being the very one that Aang trained with Guru Pathik in. So that’s apparently public knowledge? Oh okay
Why is Unalaq working for Vaatu?
(No really, why is Unalaq working for Vaatu?!)
Despite all my grievances with Bolin’s handling for the book, there’s something wonderfully poetic about Varrick’s plan unraveling due to that “knucklehead earthbender” he underestimated
At the end of the season, the level of detail for my notes plummeted. Around “Darkness Falls.” I basically gave up.
But I also find it interesting that there’s the decision at the end of whether or not to leave the spirit portals, when Korra is presented with an opportunity to that no other Avatar was: to stop being the Avatar. But there’s not even a debate there, she just wants to reunite with Raava and try to regain her connection to her past lives.
Mind, the “leave the spirit portals open” idea has a lot of ways that it should backfire
The franchise never going to get to deal with the can of worms that Korra’s successor 10,000 years in the future will have both Raava and Vaatu inside them, will it?
From what time I’ve read, this was the most hellish season of either show to finish. It took from May 2011 for the writing process to begin to November 11, 2013 to finish mixing the final episode, which then aired 11 days later.
And on a personal note, gathering my thoughts on this season was much harder than with the first.
It’s been like pulling teeth to try say what I wanted to about this
Now onto book 3 😬
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Where the Crawdads Sing
“For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life--until the unthinkable happens,” (Delia Owens).
What on earth was this nonsense? This book was awful. It felt like nothing was happening even with a murder investigation going on in the background and then a trial looming large toward the end of the novel. I don’t understand how an author can make a murder feel so darn dry either. Perhaps the most painful thing for me, however, was how the vast majority of the characters spoke—their deep, southern drawls, their heavily accented speech. It is hard to understand in real life if you are not accustomed to it; it is even more difficult on paper, and I found myself reading the same sentences over and over again in frustration. It was AWFUL! Not to mention, there wasn’t anyone who really drew me in to the story or was particularly interesting. Some characters were better than others, but as a collective, they didn’t appeal to me much. Jumpin’ was probably my favorite though simply because he seemed like both a kind and genuine soul and one of the few who could find it within himself to be kind to the “Marsh Girl.”
With that being said, this novel reminded me of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, in part because of the prejudice Kya faced from her town while on trial and in part because it was a coming of age story in which she fully matured following the events that took place during the trial. I wouldn’t say that’s a bad thing, but the book didn’t seem as original as it could have because it reminded me so much of Lee’s work.
Now, let’s talk about the cover. Why? Just why? I’m pretty sure that’s supposed to be Kya and it looks like she’s paddling in a canoe. I don’t recall there being mention of her using a canoe, and the boat she was known for using had a motor. I don’t like how the cover not only fails to tell me anything about the novel’s contents, but how its art is incongruous with what was written within its pages. I honestly wonder who signed off on it. The only thing that redeemed this dumpster fire of a novel at all were the final two pages. That was an interesting ending. But everything else about this novel sucked. Period. End of story.
Rating: 2/5 stars
#Barkley Cove#North Carolina#Harper Lee#To Kill a Mockingbird#Where the Crawdads Sing#Marsh Girl#Delia Owens#Catherine Kya Clark#Kya Clark#Jumpin'#Tate Walker#Jodie Clark#Chase Andrews#Tom Milton#Scupper Walker#Book Review#Original Post#Where the Crawdads Sing Review#Where the Crawdads Sing Book Review#Murder#Murder Mystery
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July/August Stories and Glows
What a summer am I right? No honestly where did it go? It went by so so quickly, it felt like it was actually never even here! But it was and it was one of the best summers ever, of course, it had its lows…we are talking really really lows but nevertheless, it was a life-changing summer full of wonderful experiences! While the summer was glowing we are slowly but surely approaching autumn which in my eyes is basically winter (I don’t handle weather below 20 degrees celsius pretty well!) and I hope you are all ready for it! But we can’t truly wrap up summer without talking about the amazing stories that made my summer whole this year so let's get started!
As always the struggle with what I should start is real but this time somehow the choice was a little easier because I have a new all-time favourite and I just need to start with it! I’m talking about the amazing, masterpiece that is "Where the Crawdads Sing”….just WOW! I have never read the book but now I totally get why it was so hyped! This movie is not only the best movie I saw this year it is now one of my favourite movies ever! It was so incredibly good, I have no words…I left the cinema in shock and not only because it was so good but I never ever saw that ending coming! I didn’t doubt her not even for a second! It was sooo gooood!!! Daisy Edgar Jones was absolutely incredible, I love her! To be honest she was the reason I wanted to see the movie in the first place! I loved her character, I loved her style and I loved her name, Kya is now on the list of my favourite names. OHH and Taylor’s "Carolina” as the soundtrack?!! Are you kidding me??…amazing it was stuck in my head for days and I loved it! This movie had everything, drama, it made sad, it made me angry, it made me happy and most importantly my absolute favourite it had mystery and crime! Chef’s Kiss! Stunning! Loved it! I highly recommend it!
Now that we have the best of the best out there I believe we can continue with the rest. I think I’m going to continue with the books, only because I only read a series (of 4 books for what is worth) oh no wait I’m lying I read more than that never mind, but we are moving on to this category nevertheless.
Ok single book first, I have read "Where She Went” by Gayle Forman…finally after I believe 5 years since I finished "If I stay”, I finally got around to read this and I am very glad I did! I was afraid to read this sequel because I didn’t want to see Mia and Adam broken up, I choose to live with the open ending because it was better than knowing for sure that their story ends bad. Well, thank God I changed my mind and read it because now I know for sure that everything is ok between them! It was a good book and it helped me close a chapter, it was a healing book. It was very nice to see his point of few, to see what he felt and how the accident affected him too. There were some lines in there that made me so emotional…God, to be honest, I was so convinced that they wouldn’t end up together, that I made my pace with it and it was so good to be proven wrong in the end!
Now the book series, that I will always and forever associate with the summer of 2022 ... the “Red Queen” series by Victoria Aveyard!
Ahhh what can I say about this one…I have very mixed emotions about it, on one hand, I love it but on the other, it was soooo frustrating, especially at the end!!! I can’t get over the end!!!! Just can’t!!! After everything that this story put me through I can’t accept or get over that ending, it’s pure torture!!!! It’s not an ending for me I can’t accept it as one I need moreeee! AHHHH I loved the idea behind this series soooo much it had so much potential, the world-building was so good but I feel like the execution wasn’t. This could have been up there with the classics, Divergent, Shadowhunters and all that but something was missing, the special something that could have made this truly amazing wasn’t there and it frustrates me because I had so many expectations and again it had so much potential, I wanted it so bad to be up there with the classics! I have waited and waited for that BUM moment but unfortunately, it never came! The series had me hooked even though it was very slow-paced and as I was approaching the end, it was hard to let it go because I felt so emotionally attached to it even with its many flaws!
The first book felt like a mix between Selection and Divergent and I really loved that, the second book was a little disappointing, I felt like nothing really happened. Book three was good again I really really enjoyed it! I believe it’s my favourite, it had the most interesting plot of the entire series with Mare being held hostage by Maven and the battle where they resecured her was the best! Book four was again a little disappointing, the ending felt so rushed after soooo much dragging out the story unnecessarily and ahhh I would have loved to see Cal’s point of view at the end too and not just Mare’s assumptions about his feelings. Ahhh...I don’t know…I loved it but I wanted to love it more and it. makes me sad that I don’t love it as much as I wanted to. All I wanted, in the end, was for Mare and Cal to be together, after all, they went through but…ahhhhh and I have to put a controversial opinion out there... I kind of Iiked Maven, he was one of my favourite characters I can’t say why because well he did some very bad things but I guess I’m kind of sharing Mare’s feelings from book 2. Oh and he really fooled me in book 1! Oh but do you want to know who I didn’t like? Cameron for some reason! I have nothing against her but the chapters from her point of view really annoyed me... ohhhhh and Iris’s chapters were soooo boring! But by the way, I have to say how much I love the names of the characters (especially Maven cough cough) they are so unique! And I appreciated that the author thanked other authors in the acknowledgement section! As I said very mixed thoughts and feelings about this one but I’m glad I read it nevertheless, because it truly was a journey!
Let’s get back to the movies and shows shall we, I have a huge list?!
Alright let’s do the Netflix movies first: "Hello goodbye and everything in between”, this was such a great movie! I cried from the beginning till the very end without stopping, it made me so incredibly emotional it was cute and ahhh, it made me realise that I should have enjoyed high school more! I loved it, I love everything that makes me feel deep emotions and this movie defiantly did!
Next on the list we have "Look both ways” starring the amazing Lily Reinhart, I loved this movie! The idea behind it was really interesting, seeing both possibilities simultaneously and leaving the ending open…it was really good!!! It was the first time where I was totally ok with an open ending! I think I wouldn’t have enjoyed the movie as much if the ending wouldn't have been open! Ohhh and I loved her style, the colour palette and OMG the fact that she was into animation…I never saw this in any movie before and I loved it!
OH and of course, the movie everyone seemed to talk about this summer: "Purple Hearts”! I love Sofia Carson, I love her voice, I love her music, I liked the songs in this movie and I loved Cassie’s style and attitude but other than that…I mean yes it was a good movie and I shared a tear here and there but I wasn’t like WOW, you know? I get the hype and it was good but it wasn’t amazing for me!
The next movie category is Disney movies or better say movies on Disney plus!
First things first I know it’s embarrassing to say this but I have never watched "High School Musical 3” before…I know shame on me but now I finally did and again the whole high school is ending topic really got to me, it made me very emotional and I was sad while watching it. I have to say though that "High School Musical 2” is still my favourite!
Next on the list we have "10 things I hate about you” another classic I never got to see before and I really liked it! I had a great time watching it and I just love the late 90s early 00s vibes! If I may say so it is my favourite time period!
I also watched "Black Swan”, it creeped me out a little, to be honest, and it was a little disturbing but it was also very interesting from a psychological point of view and I loved the 2009 vibes!
We also have a few Pixar movies on the list that I have been wanting to watch for a long time, starting with "Luca” which was very cute, I loved the "Silencio Bruno” scene so much and I loved the Italian vibes! God, I love Italy!!!
I also watched "Encanto”, I had such high expectations for this one because everyone was talking about it...it kind of let me down a little. I loved the music, I love the story and all the gifts every family member had but like…I get the moral of the story that you are enough and don’t need a gift in order to be special but I was very frustrated about Mirabel not getting a gift and the moral would have only made sense to me if the others wouldn’t have got their powers back at the end! I'm just saying!
"Turning Red” is next, it was nice and it had some funny moments and I really enjoyed that one song from the boy band but like Billie Eilish and Finneas wrote it so it had to be good!
Before we go into what you all have been waiting for, meaning the Marvel section I still have some movies left but we are going to them in a lightning round so let's go:
"Bullet Train”, Brad Pitt’s new movie, I had a great time watching it, it was very funny! The humour made it for me!
”House of Gucci", I love Lady Gaga but this movie was very disappointing! I thought it was going to be about fashion and the story behind Gucci but it was all about business and I don’t know...it wasn’t really my cup of tea!
"Venom 2”, well to be honest I don’t remember much from it, it was ok, I think I liked it more than the first one. It was nice but nothing Wow!
I can’t post this without saying anything about "Riverdale” I’m sorry!
I know I say this every single time but I can’t get over Jug and Betty not being together every episode breaks my heath even though I do like Tabitha! Anyhow what I actually wanted to say is, that I love the potential for the next season, I love the 1950’s vibes and I love that they are teens again! And just putting it out there even though it is very unlikely, I hope Jug and Betty get back together!
Ok, that’s that we have finally made it to the long-awaited Marvel section…what should I start with?
I believe I have to start things off with "Thor Love and Thunder”, I enjoyed it, I had a good time, it was funny it was emotional and I loved it but "Thor Ragnarok” still is my favourite Thor movie! Oh but I loved that we finally got an explanation of what happened between him and Jane and why they broke up!
Now I have finally watched "Spiderman No Way Home”, I was sooooo hyped for this movie I wanted to watch it sooooo bad, I have only heard great things about it so I was all in for it… now I have absolutely adored seeing all three Spidermans' together, that was the best part of the whole movie! Oh and Andrew saving MJ OMG I cried, that was very emotional! And I’m happy the bad guys were healed but like ahhhh the movie was very frustrating, Peter aka Tom whom I love very much.... ahhhh made me so angry!!! If he would have listened to Dr Strange…to anyone really, all of that mess wouldn’t have happened!! I don’t know, I liked it but it was very frustrating!
Next on the list, we have "Loki”... absolutely stunning, I can’t wait for season 2! I love Loki, I love Tom Hiddleston, I loved the story... I just loved it, it was amazing!!!! And it kind of gives me hope that he maybe, just maybe is still alive!
OMG "Wanda Vision”, is another absolutely stunning series…I loved it so much!!! It would have made way more sense to watch it before "Dr Strange and the Multiverse of Madness” because I would have understood what happened to her better, how she became the Scarlet Witch but it was soooooo good nevertheless!!! I loved that each episode was in a different time period, I loved the mystery and it was very interesting to discover how all of that was happening and who was behind it! The first three episodes were a little slow but after that, it got very very intense! I loved it and please let Wanda still be alive!
And so we almost made it to the end, we only have one more movie left: "The Eternals”, I hate to end this on a sad note but I didn’t like this one! It was very slow, I didn’t quite understand what was actually happening and I don’t know…I had great expectations for it and it didn’t live up to them, unfortunately! To be honest I was waiting the whole time for the after credits so that Harry Styles would show up! I hope the sequel is better but it has to be since my good old Harold plays a bigger role in. it!
And with that we have finally reached the end, thank you so much for reading, all the best and till next time! Happy autumn everyone!!!!
#where the crawdads sing#daisy edgar jones#movies#movies reviews#book review#where she went#gayle forman#red queen#victoria aveyard#mare barrow#maven calore#netflix#hello goodbye and everything in between#look both ways#lily reinhart#purple hearts#sofia carson#disney plus#luca pixar#encanto#turning red#marvel#thor love and thunder#loki series#wanda vision#spiderman no way home#the eternals#high school musical 3#10 things i hate about you#house of gucci
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Katara and the “Trophy Wife” Trope as Depicted in Legend of Korra
I’ve seen a few posts where people express that they feel like when Katara is labeled a “trophy wife” or when Legend of Korra is criticized for having Katara be a wife and mother, that the critics are devaluing being a wife and mother or are just attacking how Katara is depicted because of not liking her endgame romantic pairing. These are incorrect understandings of the criticism about how LoK handled Katara’s character.
While there is a lot that could be said on this topic, I’ll be focusing on the points brought about by a specific comment (as this post is largely shaped by the comments I wrote in response to it):
the thing is, katara wasn’t treated as a trophy wife. we don’t know much about what anyone did between the comics and LOK. she helped in founding republic city, she helped take down amon, she trained waterbenders and healers (while also earning herself the title of the best healer in the world) and she raised a family. she also trained korra. z*tara shippers are just mad because they think she had kids with the wrong person.
There isn’t canon confirmation that Katara did the things the commenter listed. LoK says that Aang and Zuko set up Republic City with no mention of Katara, she is briefly cited as having helped ban bloodbending but she isn’t at Amon’s trial nor is Katara mentioned as being involved in helping bring down Amon, and there is no mention of her extensively training anyone except Korra and Kya. The only major confirmed things Katara did between the AtLA comics and LoK are get married and have kids, and then move to the South Pole when Aang died.
“But she is also a healer in LoK!” Katara’s healing skills are only used under the Worf Effect trope - to prove how serious an ailment is, they show Katara unable to heal it. The audience is told that Katara is a powerful healer, but she doesn’t actually heal any major problems during LoK. Katara’s role as a healer is not to add dimension to her character, but to serve as a plot device.
The “trophy wife” criticism is not about Katara being a wife and mother. There is nothing wrong with being either of those things. The criticism lies in how being a wife (now widow) and mother are the only things Katara did in her life that LoK decided were important enough to mention. Compare this to Toph, who is a mother too, but who also gets other accomplishments. She was the founder of the metal bending police, and the longstanding former Chief of Police. LoK decided that Toph did things in her life worth mentioning in addition to being a mom. But because LoK chose not to mention anything for Katara, the implication, whether intentional or not, becomes that she didn’t do anything else important enough to bring up. Katara is a side character in LoK, but how Toph is handled proves LoK could have done better by Katara, but it didn’t.
This is a common and problematic trope - when the female lead becomes romantically involved with the male lead, she is reduced from being an independent character with her own role in the story to only being relevant as the male lead’s wife and mother of his children.That is what is meant when people express frustration at LoK’s depiction of Katara by saying LoK made her into a “trophy wife".
Although it seems pedantic, the frequent “why didn’t Katara get a statue too?” complaint is really a reflection of this larger issue. Aang, Zuko, Sokka, and Toph all have statues featured prominently in Republic City. Cities don’t just put up statues dedicated to any random person, they’re reserved for people worthy of note. So by giving Aang, Zuko, Sokka, and Toph statues, LoK signals that these characters did important things with their lives that had a big, positive impact on people. By omitting a Katara statue, LoK implies, intentionally or unintentionally, that unlike her friends, Katara didn’t do anything important enough in her life to merit a statue commemorating her or her accomplishments.
#Katara#Avatar#AtLA meta#anti Bryke#Legend of Korra#Avatar analysis#I actually don't know what the tags would be for something like this#avatar meta#Katara deserved a statue#in this house we stan Katara#look I wrote a thing
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Fanfic Overview Review!
Tagged by: @soopersara
Tagging: anyone who wants to answer these is totally welcome to. Feel free to tag me if you answer these. I need new fics to read.
How many works do you have on AO3?
21 (23 on FFN)
What’s your total AO3 word count?
380008
How many fandoms have you written for and what are they?
Inuyasha (FFN)
Sailor Moon (FFN)
ATLA/LOK (FFN/Ao3)
Are there any new fandoms you want to write for?
Not at the moment, but I'm open to finding a new obsession
What are your top 5 fics by kudos?
When You See Me
The Worst Blind Date Ever!
Down the Road and Back Again
All the Things That Are and Will Be
Harbinger Bloom
Which of your fics do you want more attention for?
ALL of them!!!!
.
.
.
But I'm happy to start with Summer Bloom. It's a Toph-centric fic that focuses on her friendship with Katara and Suki.
Do you respond to comments, why or why not?
Sometimes. If I can't think of anything other than "thanks" to say, I won't do it.
What sorts of things do you normally write?
I don't know if I "normally" write anything. Most of my stories have a happy ending, though.
What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?
It's probably a toss-up between In Kya's Garden and Choices and Consequences. Both are only on FFN for now, but if I'm supposed to stick to Ao3, then the angstiest story I have on there is probably A Toast to My Father
What’s a fic that pushed you out of your comfort zone?
A few of them, I think, but probably the one I remember most vividly being comfort zone pushing was Face in the Crowd. Despite being a fan of true crime, I don't read a lot of mystery novels, so I completely winged this one. Summer Bloom would be a close second. It was my first attempt at a coming-of-age comedy.
Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?
I tried it once. It was a Sailor Moon/Captain Planet crossover. I actually don't think the story was that crazy, but I ended up pulling it down because I wanted to make some pretty major edits. Then the flash drive that it was on crashed or got corrupted or something. I lost everything... It was too much to try to start from scratch. I think I was almost at 20 chapters at that point, and I wasn't anywhere near the end of the story yet. It still hurts a little to think about.
Have you ever had a fic translated?
Not one that's still available to read.
Have you ever co-written a fic before?
Yes. I started co-writing a fic with my bff in HS, but we never finished it. It was fun plotting the story with her, but we have very, very different standards when it comes to posting schedules, and it got frustrating for both of us.
What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?
SHHHH!!!! I don't even want to hobble myself like that. I am absolutely going to finish both of my WIPs that are currently on hiatus....eventually
What are you currently working on?
Actively? Down the Road and Back Again. I think I'm past the halfway point on this one, and I hope to be finished with it by my birthday.
The ones that are currently on long-term hiatuses are The Djinn Dilemma (ATLA) and Lost and Found (Sailor Moon). Once I'm ready to continue these, I'll probably move all my FFN works over to Ao3 and finish them there. FFN is getting aggravating.
I also have bits and pieces of other fics that I hope to start posting soon. Fingers crossed.
What are your writing strengths?
I think I do a good job with characterization. I don't try to make all the characters exactly as they are in canon all the time- I put them in scenarios that aren't in the shows that they're from- but I do my best to make them react in ways that feel authentic to their canon characters- yes, even if you hate my interpretation of certain characters (*ahemAangMaiahem*) my goal is to make them act in ways that make sense for who they are in canon.
What are your writing weaknesses?
I have a hard time with the dialog to description ratio. Sometimes it feels like I'm on the right track. Other times I feel like everyone's talking too much.
What was the first fandom you wrote for? Most recent?
The first was Inuyasha, which was also the fandom that introduced me to fanfic in the first place. My most recent and most prolific is ATLA.
What’s your favorite fic you’ve written?
That's like asking me to name a favorite child. I'm proud of all my stories because I had fun writing them. But, I guess the fic that has a special place in my heart is Looking For You (Sailor Moon). It was my first complete multi-chapter fic that wasn't based on a movie plot (my actual first complete multi-chapter fic was Mama's Little Maybe (Sailor Moon), but I lifted wholesale from the movie "Bachelor Mother")
What fic are you most proud of?
Again, I'm really proud of all of my fics, but gun to my head...probably Fairest (Sailor Moon). Specifically, the last chapter, where the Doom Tree gets to speak its piece is probably the best prose I've ever written (is it cheating to point out a particular scene? I had fun with the whole fic, but that part just hits different). Seriously, the bit about wanting to sing with the rest of the universe gave me chills. I don't know how I came up with it, but I hope the next time I tap into whatever well of creativity that came from it's for an original story that I can actually get paid for.
#atla#zutara#sailor moon#usagi mamoru#senshi/shittenou#please read and enjoy the fics i linked if you haven't read them yet#i love getting new readers!#ask the badger mole
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Number 4 and 10 for the angst prompts please? 😊
Okay, here you go!
I'm leaving the conflict behind this story open to the readers' imagination 😁 However, as a little note: I can’t see either of them cheating on the other so that's definitely not what was on my mind.
Hope you enjoy the angst!
“But it’s my fault right?”
“It sort of is.” Kya flinched inwardly at the harsh brutality of her own reply. She was not facing Lin, could not make out her reaction from where she stood bent over and stuffing her clothes into her duffle bag. She could imagine though the pain leaving a mark on Lin’s face as if her words had slapped her.
Her fingers were trembling, her sight was swimming in and out of focus as she tried hard to concentrate on the mechanical motion of packing. Lin didn’t say anything, but she still felt her presence in the room, blocking the doorway and therefore the way out. Seconds were dripping by and Kya knew that sooner or later she would have to get up and face her lover, even if all she wanted was to just get away as quickly and unobtrusively as possible.
“I’m sorry,” Lin’s voice sounded pathetic. The words didn’t sound like they were hers. That’s because she still doesn’t get it. Anger surged up in Kya again. Anger and frustration but also pain.
“Don’t you think it’s a bit late for that?”
There was no more packing to do. She couldn’t postpone the moment she had to face Lin any longer. Carefully she tied the ends of her bag together and stood up. Lin was leaning against the door frame, she had discarded the upper parts of her armour, leaving her in her usual white tank top, her dark pants and metal boots. One of her arms was wrapped protectively around her upper body, her face was a mess. Puffy eyes and pale cheeks glistening from sweat and dried tears.
The sight added another crack to Kya’s heart. Seeing Lin hurting so much was hurting her all the more, but the cause of their fight was still hovering there like a dark cloud. Her own eyes began to sting again, she swallowed her tears down and glanced at a spot behind Lin.
“Please,” Lin whispered, “What can I do?”
Nothing. Like you’ve been doing all this time. Now there’s nothing left to do. “Just let me pass,” Kya replied instead with a defeated tone and approached the door.
When she was half way through, Lin’s arm came up, blocking her way. Kya’s grip on her bag tightened and she pressed her eyes together in desperation. She needed to get out of here.
“Don’t go, please. Stay.” Lin’s begging was too much. Kya pushed against the arm, which gave way after a split second. She hurried through the adjourning living space, where the traces of their shared lives seemed to be shouting at Kya, telling her to stop and rethink. She blocked them out, she needed to get out of here.
Finally, she reached the massive platinum door that guarded the entrance. She had always treasured it, comparing it to Lin who also was strong and protective and symbolised comfort and security to Kya. Now she feared she would be burned if she touched the door’s handle. But she had to. She couldn’t stay here any longer.
“Kya!” Lin had followed her. Instinctively she turned around at the sound of her name, for a split second forgetting her escape plan.
Lin was standing close to her now, close enough to touch if Kya wanted too. She felt her own traitorous fingers twitch slightly at the thought. “What?” Her tone was passive.
“Please. I… .” She doesn’t know what to say. She simply doesn’t get it.
Kya closed her eyes again, trying to block out the new wave of pain and disappointment. She felt Lin’s fingers brushing against her arm, trying to hold her back. She was always so gentle with her. It was becoming too much, she had to get out.
Avoiding the touch she quickly turned back around and opened the door. “How was I such an idiot, to believe that you, out of all people, could ever love me?” Her words were softly spoken, almost a whisper, but she knew from the sharp intake of breath that Lin had heard them.
“No-,” before Lin could really say anything Kya was out of the door, sprinting down the stairs. She heard the sound of her name resonating through the stairwell, but it only drove her to move faster. She held tightly to the railing, allowing it to guide her down and away in safety while her eyes were now swimming with tears. She had to get out.
#tysm for prompting me!#kyalin#kyalin fanfic#kyalin ficlet#kya ll#lin beifong#avatar fanfiction#my writing#kya ii
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after all these years - zuko x reader
gif credit: @forgotten-or-unknown-truestories
a/n
I love the concept of the gaang interacting with all there children and i haven’t seen to many oneshots about it. I hope you enjoy this one because i think it’s my favourite one yet. keep requesting
- smells x
the laugh of children could be heard echoing through the hallways of the palace, the patter of feet coming closer and closer to banquet hall were y/n was helping organize decorations for the banquet this evening
uh oh here we go
“your highness the children are here to speak with you” the guard explained, trying to suppress his grin
“thank you enzo, let them in please” y/n smiled kindly to the guard, knowing what was coming next
the children all came in dressed in there best clothes for the feast they all huddled into a group,all whisper shouting until lin and kya pushed tenzin forward to speak
“um hello auntie y/n, we were wondering if we could ask you something?” little tenzin asked very shyly, looking down towards the ground trying not to make eye contact with y/n
“of course what can i help you all with?” y/n smiled to the children
“well um-m see we where...” tenzin stuttered his face becoming redder by the second, the children beginning to giggle behind him except for lin who scowled at all of them for teasing tenzin
instead izumi took over instead pushing tenzin back to the group
“well mum, you know how we are all supposed to sleep in our separate rooms after the feast tonight. we were wondering if instead we could bring all our sleeping mats into one room and stay together?” the young girl spoke very quickly to her mother drawing out the last part, looking at y/n with pleading eyes
“like a sleepover” bumi added stepping forward to stand with izumi
“we promise to be extra, extra good aunt y/n don’t we guys?” kya said turning around to the kids, all of them nodding their heads and giving cheesy smiles
spirits how am i supposed to say no
“well if all of your parents say it’s alright, then i don’t see why you can’t” y/n exclaimed making eye contact with each of them giving them a warm smile
a wave of cheers erupted from the group, all of them running to y/n to wrapping there little arms around her legs yelling thank you over and over again
“now all of you run along the feast will start soon” y/n smiled to the children as they ran off happily discussing who was going to sleep next to who
izumi ran back one last time throwing her arms around y/n’s waist and squeezing it tightly
“you’re the coolest mum ever!” izumi exclaimed smiling widely, before running back to her friends
y/n smiled to herself, before walking over to help one of the guards hang up a picture frame
after hours of hanging up artwork, lighting candles and setting the table the feast was ready to begin. the children all sat at there table while all the gaang sat together, the people of the fire nation began to enter as zuko gave the opening speech to allow the feast to commence.
“it is not true” y/n exclaimed crossing her arms and pouting at her friends all teasing her
“love it’s true, they asked you because you can’t say no to them” zuko chuckled amused, placing a arm on his wife’s chair smilingly at his wife
“no it is not!” y/n exclaimed flabbergasted at her husbands comment, throwing her hands in the air
“sure it isn’t buttercup, i’m sure that if they you asked you something you could say no” toph teased the woman, taking a sip of her drink looking staring at y/n knowing she would crack under her hard stare
“there just so many of them and they always make tenzin talk for them and he has these little pleading eyes so i can’t say no” y/n rambled out before, snuggling her head into the crook of zuko’s neck out of embarrassment
the group laughed loudly at y/n, katara and aang nodding agreeing with knowing of there son’s bargaining capabilities
the rest of the feast was a roaring success, everyone leaving with full stomach’s and droopy eye’s. the children all ran to the large room filled with sleeping mats, cushions and blankets the adult’s followed behind laughing at the children’s antics. the children all changed into there sleeping wear and began to settle for bed, y/n volunteered to stay with the children until they fell asleep.
“be good for aunt y/n okay guys” aang said nodding at kya,bumi and tenzin all lying on there sleeping mats
“we love you” katara whispered placing a kiss on each of there heads before walking out of the door arm wrapped around aang’s waist smiling
“be good you two, okay?” toph exclaimed to lin and su, the girls smiled giving toph a quick hug before running back to there sleeping mat, sokka also winked at the beifong sisters from the door making both the girls giggle before walking out with toph
“izumi, i’ll see you in the morning okay?” zuko whispered into the girls ear giving her a tickle before walking over to y/n
“i’ll see you later love” zuko exclaimed kissing y/n on the head before walking out waving to all the kids before shutting the door
the children erupted with loud voices and shuffling of mats now moving them around after there parents had gone lin and tenzin sheepishly moving there mats next to one another, kya and izumi moved so they would be next to su and bumi.
y/n shook her head and smiled at the children, lin and tenzin reminding her of herself and zuko when they were travelling with the rest of the gaang
“okay, now that you have moved and gotten all of your talking out it’s time for sleep” y/n exclaimed to the children, resulting in a wave of groans and sighs
“but mum we aren’t tired yet!” izumi whined flopping dramatically back onto her sleeping mat, y/n rolling her eyes at her daughters antics
she really is so much like zuko
“could you tell us a story please?” lin asked hesitantly a chorus of yes and pleases following lin’s question
“well i suppose so, what story would you like?” y/n questioned to the children
they all turned to each other and huddled little snippets of conversation could be heard like “no that’s boring” or “weird”, finally su and kya turned around with a squeal
“could you tell us the story of how you and uncle zuko met please?” the girls giggled and the boys groaned
“it’s going to be all gross and romantic” tenzin sighed in annoyance placing his chin in his hand
“what’s wrong with romance tenzin?” lin raised her brow at young air bender with a smirk plastering her face
tenzin let out a muffled nothing blush dusting his cheeks as he looked away from the young beifong girl
“well zuko and i didn’t get a long at first actually, we met at the northern water tribe when we fought against each other.” y/n began to explain to the children
“stop, leave him alone” y/n yelled as she jumped in front of aang and sent water crystals flying at zuko’s head, the fire prince shielding himself with a wall of fire
“i don’t think we have met yet, prince zuko soon to be capture of the avatar” zuko mocked the girl, sending back a ball of fire which y/n gracefully dodged
“i wish i could say it was a pleasure to meet you but it isn’t” y/n yelled sending a wave of water over freezing zuko in a block of ice
“by the way the names y/n” y/n smiled running over to help katara with aang
“woah you trapped dad in ice” izumi gasped looking at her mother with wide eyes
“yes well he was trying to capture aang” y/n explained to her daughter, making the other kids giggled at the thought of the two men trying to capture each other
“i met zuko again when he joined our group at the northern air temple, i didn’t trust him at first i was still convinced he was trying to capture aang. so he tried to convince me that he wasn’t.” y/n smiled at the memory
“spirits y/n what is it going to take to get you to trust me” zuko yelled at the girl throwing his hands in the air out of frustration
“i don’t know zuko, all this time we have been running from you and i’m not sure if i can trust you” y/n yelled back tears beginning to form in her eyes
“please y/n just give me a second chance” zuko pleaded, showing y/n a side of himself that she had never seen before
“okay i will give you a second chance,if you hug me” y/n said smirking at the boy
“what why would you want that” zuko exclaimed stepping away from the girl exasperated at the idea
“come on zuko one hug and i’ll give you a second chance” y/n teased opening her arms and wrapping them around zuko
the fire bender turned a bright shade of red as the girl squeezed him tightly, zuko reluctently wrapped his arms around the girl
y/n smiled contently, quickly placed a kiss on his cheek and skipped away yelling a “thanks zuko” over her shoulder
zuko stood there in shock placing a hand on his cheek were y/n has kissed him
“auntie y/n why did you hug him” kya asked tilting her head
“yes why did you hug me?” zuko questioned leaning against the door smirking at his wife before walking over to her, scary all the kids and y/n
“zuko spirits, how many times have i told you not to sneak up on me” y/n scolded the man whacking him on the chest causing him and the children to chuckle
“sorry love but i wanted to see what was talking you so long but now i want to know why did you hug me” zuko questioned his wife
“well i know how much you hated being hugged or anything involving another person touching you ,it made you feel like you were trusting them which weren’t really open too. so i knew that if you let me hug you and you accepted it that then you truly trusted me and i could trust you.” y/n explained to her husband smiling at him as the kids awed at the couple
“also i had a bit of a crush on you then” y/n laughed before zuko hugged her tightly and whispered in her ear “i love you”
“now i think that is enough stories for tonight so goodnight everyone” y/n exclaimed waving to all the kids blowing out all of the candles, before walking out the door
“thanks for that zuko i don’t think i-mph” y/n was silenced by zuko’s lips pressing against her, still after all these years it sent fire works through her body
“thank you for trusting me love” zuko whispered tucking a stray piece of y/n’s hair behind her ear earning a loving smile from his wife.
“i would do again it a thousand times” y/n gleamed embracing zuko tightly just like she did all those years ago.

#zuko x reader#zuko imagine#zuko fluff#zuko gif#fire lord zuko#prince zuko#alta#avatar the last airbender#team avatar#avatar: tla#avatar zuko#tenzin#bumi#kya#su#lin beifong#toph beifong#beifong sisters#lok imagine#the legend of korra#legend of korra#atla sokka
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Repost from 2012 .__.
30 Day Writing Challenge Day 3
3. Restless
Her apartment was freezing that night. Sighing, Lin shifted in her bed to a more comfortable postition, but she couldn’t seem to find one. The woman sat up and swung her feet over the edge of her bed and cradled her head in frustration before standing. There was no use in trying to sleep as it was clear that it was not coming. She stretched before making her way to the kitchen.
Lin placed the tea pot on the cast-iron stove and waited for the water to boil. Her hand traced the patterns intricately cut into the iron. Her mother had made the stove, years ago when Lin first got the apartment.
She had graduated top of her class at the Beifong Metalbending Academy, but was not feeling her best, as the other students scowled at her.
“She only graduated with top marks because Sifu Toph is her mother!” She heard someone say as she walked up to receive her diploma. Normally, a remark like that wouldn’t bother Lin because she had worked very hard to get where she was, and spirits be damned if her mother ever let her slack off! Nevertheless she stood tall and accepted her certificate and police badge with pride. Her mother taught her better than to let others get the best of her.
Later that night, while everyone was out celebrating, Toph led her away from Kya, Bumi and Tenzin.
“What is it mother?” She asked, letting Toph take her hand.
“Take a walk with me, Lin” Toph smiled as they left the house. They walked in silence for a few moments before stopping in front of an apartment building. It was brand new.
“Mother what is this?” Lin said looking up at the building. She had a funny feeling about it.
“Your new home.” Toph said with a grin. Lin’s eyes lit up in shock as she continued to surveythe building.
“Mother,” She said, just barely above a whisper. “Why-“
“A Beifong needs her own space and a proper home,” The older woman said, punching her daughter in the arm. It didn’t bother Lin. She learned early on that it was a sign of affection. “C’mon, let me show you your new apartment.” She pulled her daughter eagerly into the building.
It was a three story building and her apartment was at the top floor. It was a loft. Her eyes lit up again in wonder as she let them feast. Finely crafted matching, wooden furniture and a bamboo plant in corner of the room decorated the house. The floors were finished and wood paneled. The Apartment itself was scarcely furnished and she liked it. Lin was never someone who made a kerfuffle over material things. Rule number one in the Beifong household: If you invest too much time in material objects, then you lose sight of who you are.
“Mother, I…I’m speechless.” She said taking Toph’s hands in hers. Although grateful, she didn’t feel like her mother needed to do this.
“What’s wrong?” Toph asked. Lin’s heart rate must have dropped. She sighed, cursing to herself.
“I don’t deserve this,” She said, with an air of defeat in her voice. She hated admitting her insecurities to anyone, least of all her mother. “I worked just as hard as my colleagues and don’t think it proper to accept this.”
“You worked harder than more than half those nitwits and you know it.” Toph said crossing her arms. When Lin didn’t respond, Toph sighed and cupped her daughter’s face gently. “You deserve everything given to you. You are not spoiled or ungrateful. You are hardworking, and stubborn and the best daughter anyone could ask for.” Toph felt tears slide down Lin’s face and wiped them away. “I heard what those kids said at the graduation ceremony.”
Lin blushed. She had not realized that her mom was paying attention. “And felt you get embarrassed. But,” She said moving over to the the kitchen. “That’s why you left on top of the heap. You were the only competent one. Sokka thought so too.”
“He did?” Lin said looking up at her mother. If anyone was harder to impress than Toph, it was definitely Uncle-Sifu Sokka.
“Don’t ever let anyone get in your way. How many times do we have to tell you that?”
“I know.” Lin bowed to her mother. “Thank you Mother.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Toph said and beckoned the younger girl to her. Lin obeyed, following her into the kitchen. A small table stood in the middle of the room with two chairs around it. It was cozy. Toph stood by the stove. From far away it looked like your typical cast-iron stove, but Lin gasped as she moved closer.
The stove had very detailed markings perfectly cut on all sides. A winged boar proudly splayed its wings on the oven door and the title ‘Beifong’ was boasted on the back. Lin grazed her fingers over the stove and closed her eyes allowing herself to feel the energy that came from it. It felt so warm and familiar, like her mother. She smiled.
“You made this?” Lin asked softly.
“Well, You like cooking, which is beyond me. I swear you had to have picked that up from Uncle Sokka, because I hate it!” Toph said rolling her eyes. “But yes I made it. Out of the strongest iron we could find. That thing will last forever!”
Lin continued to stare at the stove, the best thing about her apartment.
The whistling teapot brought Lin back to the present. She still forgot to this day how much of her mother’s presence still resided in the apartment and felt so grateful for that. Especially nights like these. It was when she felt Toph the most.
She poured herself a cup of tea and sat by the open window on the large sil, letting the breeze caress her face. It had this calming effect on her. Spirits knows she needed it. Careful not to burn herself, she sipped her tea, enjoying the scenery when a pair of strong arms wrapped themselves around her waist.
She turned around to face her lover, her blue eyes never more welcoming. Lin leaned into Korra’s embrace and lifted her chin up to meet her lips. No words passed between them but it was clear to both that this was what the other needed. They slept on the window sil that night.
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Season 1, Episode 1,P1
You snickered as you teased Oogie with an apple over his head, making him do a barrel roll in the air, startling the Airbender family into waking up. "Well, glad to see your awake, cause we're about thirty minutes out." "(Y/N), you haven't been up all night again, have you?" Pema asked, a frown on her lip as Tenzin took the reigns and gently blasted you in the back with your crazy cousins. "I-I couldn't sleep." You began handing out the dumplings you and Pema had made. Tenzin sighed as Meelo was suddenly biting his head, with a sudden burst of energy as Ikki began asking constant questions, making the 30 minutes seem even longer.
"Jinora, Ikki, mind helping me out?" You asked with a grin, at the girl's excitement. They loved doing your hair. You sighed softly, as they got to work fixing your hair so it was similar to a water tribe style, with braids placed here and there, before finally putting it in a low pony tail at the base of your neck. Finally, the village was in sight. And you know that waiting for you was your dear Grandmother. You grinned as you used your glider to reach her before your cousins, hearing your cousins cry out in annoyance. "Hey, no fair!" They cried indignantly. Your laughter echoed in their ears as you flew down where you sensed Gran-Gran's energy. Her blue eyes sparkled as she watched you land in front of her.
Gran-Gran laughed joyously as you brushed the snow off your body, flinching as the snow melted against your skin. "Aah! It's colder than a witches tit out here!" You cry out, dropping your glider, in exchange for getting the water out of your clothes, before smiling crookedly at your grinning grandmother. "Sorry for the language, Gran." She chuckled before engulfing you into a hug. "Your grandfather used to say much worse." You took a step back, sliding your glider into the holder on your back. She gently brushed your bangs back, smiling at your bright blue arrows. You had earned your arrows when you were 6 years old, due to your discovery of creating ice puppets out of drawings.
You had also earned the title of Waterbending Master and Healer when you were eight.
Making your family proud of you.
"Gran-gran, are you trying to make me face Ikki and Jinora's wrath?" You asked, hiding your arrows again. You didn't like the attention that your arrows brought you, and Korra wasn't aware of you gaining them either. You wanted to see how long until she realized it. Which surprised you, as you've been friends with her since you were a year old and she was just born.
You snap to attention when your grandmother started to speak, "You've grown into a handsome young man, (Y/N). You're strong and goofy like your father, but agile and gentle like your mother." You smile, rubbing your thumb over your father's ring, and your other hand grasped your mother's pendent underneath your airbender robe. It was one of the material things you had left of your mom, but the memories you made with her, are things no one or anything can replace or change.
Your moment was ruined when Oogie landed with a grunt. You could hear Uncle Tenzin talking over Ikki's chipper voice. "Yes, Ikki. As I have been telling you for the last 15 minutes, we are finally here." The three kids cheered as the girls used air scooters to slide down the bison's tail to get off, following their father, who walked tiredly over to you two. "Hello, Mother. I can't tell you how happy I am to see you. Please help me." Tenzin glared at you as snickered. "Hmph, thanks for the help, (Y/N)." The older Waterbender chuckled, as she picked up her youngest grandson. "Unhand me, strange woman!" Meelo cried, flapping around, in Katara's grip.
"That's our grandmother, Meelo." You chuckle as Meelo blush and flipped out of the Waterbending master's hands, and over to play with Ikki as Jinora ran over. "Gran-Gran, I've been reading all about your old adventures. I've been dying to ask you! What happened to Zuko's mom?" She asked clasping her hands together, looking at Katara expectantly. "Well, Jinora, it's an incredible tale--" You didn't even blink as Ikki suddenly hopped in front of Katara's view. "Gran-Gran, you look old! How old are you? And why is it so cold in the South Pole? Can we make a campfire and all huddle around it and tell scary stories and make snowmen? And then can we make the snowmen move with waterbending and chase us? Wouldn't that be fun? Huh, wouldn't it?" You patted Jinora, who was clearly disappointed and sadden she wouldn't get her question answered yet.
You then used waterbending to make an Ikki snowgirl and began moving her in a circle, before laughing loudly. "Sure was fun to me!" You mocked, before the airbender kids decided to chase you. "Wait! My bad!" You cry out as they began gaining on you. Tenzin chuckled before noting Pema slowly sliding down Oogie's back, before rushing over to her. "Pema, let me help you." He grabbed her hand in his, and braced her back against his hand. "Careful now, careful." "Stop doting on me. I'm not helpless, I'm just pregnant." She chided, looking down lovingly at her bump. She loved her husband, but this was her fourth pregnancy, you'd think he'd calmed down by now.
She smiled when her mother-in-law moved forward to hug her. Backing away slowly, Katara placed a hand on her bulging stomach. "The baby's strong. I see another airbender in your future. Pema frowned slightly, before speaking up, startling Katara and Tenzin. "All I want is one child like me. A nice non-bender, who doesn't blast wind in my face every five seconds." Katara chuckled knowingly, as Tenzin pulled at his beard thoughtfully. "Mommy, look!" Meelo called, making the adults look at them.
Meelo was a snowman, Jinora was air-skating, and Ikki was building a misshapen snowman. "I'm a snowbender!" The child twirled around, sending snow onto Pema, who rose an eyebrow at her son's antics. Turning to the giggling Waterbender, she asked,"Were Tenzin and his siblings this crazy when they were kids?" Deeming it was safe, you landed next to your Gran-Gran, as your grandmother began speaking. "Kya and Bumi certainly were.But Tenzin has always been rather...serious." Katara winked at you and a giggling Pema."Mother..please." Tenzin stated monotone, before peeking behind you with a well hidden gin.
You were well aware of the girl behind you, but didn't react until her feet left the ground, and your hands moved on their own. You created a snow beanbag chair that caught the surprised girl. You use airbending to hover over a pouting waterbender. "Heyy Korra. " You grinned at her pout. "Aw, how'd you know I was behind you?" She asked, as you gently let her down, and hugged her properly. "I could sense your movement in the air." You let go as she huffed jokingly. "Korra..look at you, so big and strong. You've grown into quiet the young Avatar." Tenzin placed his hands on her shoulders and looked down at her with a proud smile. "Master Tenzin, I'm so glad you're here!" She started, with an eager grin.
You frown at your uncle's wince. "Yes, well..." He hesitated before looking at Pema, who pushed him forward. "You're going to have to tell her sooner or later." "Wait, tell me what?" Korra asked, her excitement gone. "You're not staying, are you?" Gran-Gran spoke up. Tenzin sighed sadly, as Korra wore an heartbroken expression."I'm afraid not, we're only staying the night. Then I must return to Republic City." "But no, you're supposed to move here..You're supposed to teach me!" "I'm sorry, Korra. Your Airbending training is going to have to wait." Tenzin said solemnly.
--That night--
"So, how long until you're ready to teach me?" Korra asked at dinner. "A week, a month?" "It could be much longer." You popped a dumpling in your mouth as Korra continued to ask questions. "I don't understand. Why are you making me wait?" "I have a responsibility to Republic City. I'm one of its leaders, and the situation there is very unstable right now. "But you also have a responsibility to teach me. Believe me, I'd be happy to find another airbending tea-" Korra stopped, and looked at you. You were currently feeding your little companion hiding underneath the table.
Sensing eyes on you, you looked up to find everyone looking at you. "What? Nevermore isn't hurting anyone." Everyone smiled at your bliss. "I didn't even know you brought Nevermore, (Y/N). Where was she hiding?" The baby dragon crawled into your lap, begging for more. "Wait, what if (Y/N) stays here and teaches me the basics of the spiritual side?" "Huh?" You question as your uncle shot the idea down quickly. "No, (Y/N) has his own responsibilities to handle. I wish there were another way." Frustrated, Korra stormed out into the cold, and you counted to 10 before following her with Nevermore, chirping on your shoulder.
You found Korra talking to Naga angrily. "...don't understand it, Naga!" She didn't notice your presence until you cleared your throat, sensing she calmed down enough to listen to logic. "Oh, hey, (Y/N). How long have you been standing there?" She asked, sitting on a rock. "Long enough. I didn't come here to pick sides, but I do have a suggestion." You knelt in front of her, and gave a soft smile. "Sneak away, tomorrow morning after we leave. If you keep waiting for permission, you're never going to get anything done. You'll be known as Korra, the Safe Avatar." You smirked to yourself, knowing she was thinking over your words. "See ya in the morning,Korra."
You left her, before walking to the edge of the water, closed your eyes and slowly began dancing, moving your arms and hips, imitating the waves. The ocean began glowing colors, matching your aura, turning different shades of purple. You were surprised to see this new color; whenever you did this, the water stayed the various shades of blue. "Your aura has changed, child." You smile, seeing your Gran Gran standing behind you with a smile. "Hey Gran, I was just--"(Y/N), you don't need to explain yourself to me." She sat down, and patted the snow next to her, and your curled into her side.
She began stroking your nose with her pinky finger, and humming softly, just like your mother used to. "Rest now. You've got quiet an adventure ahead of you." You smile and listen and somehow find yourself in a dreamless sleep.
--The Next Morning--
You kissed your grandmother's cheek goodbye, and hopped onto Oogi as Tenzin gently commanded him. "Oogi, yip, yip." The bison groaned lowly, before taking off. Your cousins continued waving goodbye to the South Pole, but you caught Korra's eye. You smirk, before quickly sending a note into her hand. She tilted her head, curious as to what you wrote, and there in your fancy neat handwriting, was a simple:
'When you come to Republic City, look for the pro-bending gym, and find two guys named Mako and Bolin, and enjoy the show.
Catch ya later, (Y/N).'
#legend of korra imagine#lok x reader#lok mako x male reader#legend of korra#legend of korra x reader
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Linzin Week 2021 Day 4: Gaoling / Nobility
Note: Here is my contribution for Day 4: Gaoling / Nobility. I admit - this was a bit of a ramble, a ramble that I rather enjoyed as I tried to put into writing this plot bunny I had in mind. Hope you like it. (unedited as of posting time)
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Pairing: Lin/Tenzin
Rating: Teen
One shot, AU
You may also read this in AO3.
Lin scrabbled around the room, lifting objects and crouching under furniture. Apparently, searching for clothes appeared to be challenging if they were strewn haphazardly the night before.
Aha.
She crawled partially under the bed, taking care not to stay on the floor too long, to grab her shorts. Her top and underwear, meanwhile, she snatched from behind the lounge seat.
As she put on her underwear, she mused at how the past days went -her five days of independence in Ember Island.
It definitely was lovely, a nice escape from reality and the pressures of her life. She knew she had to make the most of it. It would not be long before the lackeys of her grandparents would find her.
Lin believed herself stealthy and crafty enough to escape Beifong manor undetected. She was proud to say that she did all that and managed to arrive at Ember Island without bribing anyone. She liked to think that she would have made a good criminal or detective if she were not born into the House of Beifong.
Poor Suyin. Her grandfather was sure to tighten security at home now. There was no way her younger sister would manage to have the same ‘liberties’ she had.
Lin snorted as she tied her hair up.
Not like there was a lot of freedom to begin with.
A groan came from the figure on the bed.
Lin hurried dressing up. It simply would not do to have to have that morning after conversation.
The man continued to slumber on, turning to his side, mouth open with a bit of drool at the corner of his lip.
She smiled at the view while she stuffed her other belongings into her satchel.
As much as she wanted for a repeat of the night before (and earlier that morning) and to run her fingers through his soft brown hair, the earthbender knew that her self-control would be tested. She was bound to end up not leaving at all. And that, she sighed at the memory of the pale wiry arms that were wrapped around her, would be catastrophic. There would have been no way for her to hide her identity if her family descends upon Ember Island.
After one final look, Lin Beifong slipped out of the hostel room of her technically three-night stand. She fled to the inn on the other side of the island to prepare for her trip back home.
It was unlike her to be reckless. But damn Agni, did she need this.
But, of course, her life being her life, her luck being her luck, little did she know that this act of rebelliousness would have its repercussions.
---
Tenzin bit his cheek to stop from furiously answering back. They were at the last leg of their diplomatic tour.
Tour.
He scoffed.
More like the Search.
As in the Search for a bride.
Correction – the Search for His Bride.
It was quite tedious, honestly. They have been at it for more than a year now. His father descended from the Air Nomads but this was amount of time on the road was ridiculous.
He did not mind travelling, honestly. He enjoyed it. The feel of the wind while using his glider or the sight of the clouds while on Oogi… In fact, the misguided yet hopeful part of him saw to it that he travelled at least monthly to Ember Island, in a bid to recreate the blissful memories of a past vacation (or rather, in a bid to try and meet the earthbender again, though he failed at spotting her every time).
On the other hand, travelling with his parents meant having a retinue composed of his father’s main advisory council and security. It was fine – for the most part. Accompanying his father during his diplomatic visits around the world was unique, educational and inspiring.
What he hated was that the advisors tended to barge in at all times of the day, leaving no respite for the family when they were on the road.
Right now, for example, Abbot Yuji was going on about the status of the Northern Air Temple.
His father is the Avatar and the one of two of the last airbenders so it was expected that this was well within the territory.
What was grating was how Abbot Yuji started to describe the temple and the lovely female air acolytes that populated it.
Having an acolyte from your Air Temple married off to the family of the Avatar? Outstanding. Having an acolyte from your Air Temple married to the only single airbender? Priceless.
He was getting frustrated at the blatant -.
“Stop frowning, Tenzin.” His mother whispered to him, leaning at his side. “You know Bumi underwent the same thing.”
Oho but no, Bumi did not.
The thought made Tenzin frown deeper.
Avatar Aang and Master Katara’s eldest son had gone ahead years ago and caused a scandal when he eloped in the Fire Nation capital. It was a love match.
Even Kya, the most free-spirited of the siblings, had discarded tradition, gotten engaged them wed to an air acolyte. It was also a love match.
Tenzin wanted the same, except, since apparently he was the only one left of his family bloodline to take over his father’s position in the Air Nation, it was close to impossible to form any lasting romantic entanglements.
There was a lot to take up, to get heavily involved in the Air Nation. To be fair, all of the children of the previously last airbender were equally exposed and poised to lead as part of their birthright. However, Bumi went on to be the consort of the Crown Princess of the Fire Nation. Then, just a few years ago, Kya agreed and, together with her wife, settled in the Southern Water Tribe to take up the mantle as the chosen heir of the late Chief, their Uncle Sokka.
That left him – Tenzin, the airbender.
The master airbender, his father would proudly introduce him – all shaved and tattooed. Despite the ceremony being a few months old, it all still felt fresh to him. It certainly felt odd to him to be shaven and so Tenzin had taken it upon himself to grow out a beard.
Anyone who would marry him would be part of the most powerful dynasties to date. His currently unmarried state was not due to the lack of prospects. And yet for some reason, his parents still saw it fit to keep going back to Gaoling.
Gaoling – which was the only city-state in the entire Earth Kingdom that had their nobles shun the Avatar and his family when they dropped by to visit last year.
Gaoling – where, coincidentally, was where they were a few miles in.
“Why do we keep going back here?” Tenzin turned to his mother once his father made his routine exit of the satomobile. Aang would usually leave the vehicle and go ahead of the convoy, using his glider to reach their destination earlier. “They don’t seem interested in meeting up with us anyway.” He was referring to the highborn family of the area.
Katara paused in the knitting she was working on. “Your father was almost betrothed to their daughter.”
This information took Tenzin aback. They all grew up hearing their parents’ epic love story. This was mainly why they had wanted the same for themselves. So, to hear that it was almost a different story was surprising.
Tenzin shook his head. “What happened?” He eyed the gates with the winged boar insignia the loomed nearer.
“Your father was going around at that time, seeking for support to campaign against the tyranny of the Fire Lord.” His mother tucked her yarn and work in progress in a weathered pouch. “It did not help his case that he had abandoned his role for years on, resulting in the Air Nomads being wiped out. There was a bit of bargaining and one of the conditions of Lao Beifong was to have the Beifong heiress wed Aang.”
Tenzin vaguely noted that the rest of their convoy turned left to the town proper while only their vehicle urged on forward.
The gong sounded from outside of the satomobile, announcing their arrival at the large ominous gate of Beifong estate.
“And then?” Tenzin prodded urgently as the gates opened and the satomobile crept slowly into the grounds of the Beifong family.
“Aang was weighing his options then when the younger Lady Beifong refused adamantly. We were turned away that same moment from the estate. In an unexpected turn of events, Toph Beifong saw it fit to defy her family and joined us. She became your father’s earthbending teacher.”
Tenzin’s eyebrows raised.
He had grown up to tales of his father’s bending masters. Only the blind earthbending master Toph, who became the world’s first metalbender, remained a bit of a mystery to him. For one thing, aside from the Monk Gyatso, he never met her. He only learned now that she has a surname.
There was a sense of anticipation now.
Maybe they will get to meet her in a few minutes?
Tenzin looked out the window. They were now parking in front of what looked to be a sprawling mansion. They have certainly made it further than they did in the last non-visit, where the guards did not even open the gates for them.
The metalbender was the stuff of legend. After having established a metalbending academy, Tenzin can find no trace of what happened to Toph Beifong.
So much was his anticipation that Tenzin did not notice the somber expression of his mother.
---
Lin sat in front of the dresser in her bedroom, silently watching as her grandmother’s maid finished tucking her thick black hair into a bun and placing the last strand of beads coiled around it. After ascertaining that she did not need any further help, the maid made herself scarce, stating she will be back once Lady Beifong called for Lady Lin’s attendance.
Lin blinked once at her reflection on the dresser mirror.
Twice.
She did not feel like herself.
She tilted her head.
She did not look like herself either.
If she were to be honest, the last time she truly felt like herself was the reprieve she had during her stolen time in Ember Island.
Breathing deeply, she reached for a tissue. Methodically, the young woman wiped off one side of her face, then the other.
She blinked again as the angry red marks on her cheek became visible.
---
A touch of his wife on his arm and Avatar Aang knew what she was asking.
It was unusual for none of the Beifongs to be standing in attendance to welcome their visitors.
Aang tucked his wife’s arm into his and patted it. He nodded to his son to follow.
Various household staff bowed to them as Aang led them deeper into the manor. Tenzin looked around curiously, keeping himself within hearing distance of his parents.
“Lord Beifong is in bad shape; he has been since the fire that broke out in the estate last year.” Aang finally shared.
Katara gasped in dismay, gripping Aang’s arm tightly. “And Lady Beifong?”
“She’s doing the best she could. She is…coping.”
“And their grandchildren?”
Aang shrugged weakly, stating he had not seen the grandchildren of the Beifongs yet.
“Is this why they are now considering the proposal…?” Katara trailed off, tossing a quick glance at their son who was seemed to be preoccupied by the framed portraits they were passing.
The Avatar nodded. “I had hoped it would be a joyous occasion, but this is what we’re dealt with.”
---
Tenzin clutched the warm teacup, looking into the dark tea in contemplation with what he had learned so far.
He sat at his parents’ side at the formal tearoom of the Beifongs, a silent participant and observer. Across them, Lady Poppy Beifong sat demurely, seemingly fragile and with the graceful bearing of someone born into the nobility. The airbender found it hard to believe that this woman gave birth to his father’s tough earthbending master.
Pleasantries were exchanged at the beginning and a stream of maids served them tea and an assortment of light snacks. His father shared about the different festivals across the nations that they had attended recently while his mother told stories about the flora they encountered during their trips. Even he was called upon to talk about the developments across the reconstruction of the Air Temples. Lady Beifong calmly spoke about the renovations in their estate, to revive the areas that the fire had touched.
After some obscure statements that were traded among the other people in the room, Tenzin was struck by the realization.
Toph Beifong was dead.
For how long – Tenzin tried to recall of portraits in the hallway – it must have been a long time ago as all of the portraits and photographs were quite dated.
Oddly enough, grandchildren (Toph’s children?) were mentioned and yet there were no photographs of them.
---
Lin tapped her fingers somewhat nervously on the armrests. She tried to get engrossed in the book she was reading, but her mind was not into it.
A few rooms down, her future was being decided, so much for being a young woman of independent means.
As expected, upon her return from Ember Island, Lin received the scolding of her life. Never mind that she was already in the twenties – running off on her own was unbecoming of a Beifong Lady.
Words were said. Lord Lao Beifong’s word was final and his granddaughter had no other recourse but to continue to submit to the duties of the Beifong heiress. The families that depended on their lands for a living were part of her responsibility. Both the Beifongs and their staff flourished under Lin’s attention. Lao was pleased with the profitability of their produce and in turn, with Lin. At least, until it became a Problem.
Once it became apparent, Lord and Lady Beifong cut down the number of their staff and security, locking once again the Beifong gates, unwelcome to any visitors. It was during this period when the Avatar and family had passed by for a diplomatic visit the year prior.
It was also in this situation, a few months later, did fire strike in the household. With the limited staff, it took a long time to get the fire under control. By then, her grandfather, who had been at the indoor arboretum at the time, had inhaled much of the smoke.
Lin and her sister had sought to pry open the gates of the arboretum that had gotten tighter during the fire. In a miscalculated move, metal shrapnel that Suyin fashioned out of her practice cables flew from her grasp and hit Lin as they both struggled to release their grandfather. Despite the blood dripping to her chin and Suyin’s teary apologies, Lin did not pause and endured the pain while working on metalbending the gates open.
They did succeed though Lord Beifong was not the same presence as he used to be.
Once assured that her grandfather would live, Lin endured one of the longest nights of her life.
Since then, changes as to how the household was run were made. Since then, Lin took it upon herself to manage the estate as penance. After all, if it were not for her situation, her reckless behavior, there would have been adequate support in the estate to prevent the fire from spreading.
Bringing herself back to the present, Lin stopped her woolgathering as the knock on the door signaled that her presence was wanted by her grandmother and her visitors.
With one last look, Lady Lin stood to meet with her prospective in-laws.
---
Tenzin waited in tense silence with his parents.
He knew the drill – they had done this song and dance numerous times with other noble families around the different nations. Discussions about potential courtships between him and the daughter, eliciting information about familial expectations and loyalties… Nonetheless, not a single marital agreement came about.
One word from him and his parents would cease and back off from the negotiation or pursuing the potential bride.
Today, however, sitting in the opulent tearoom in the Earth Kingdom while waiting for Lady Beifong and her granddaughter, felt different. There was something in the air, a history that seemed to tie the two families. Or at least, the Avatar and his earthbending master (who, Tenzin learned had quietly passed during the birth of her second daughter).
Click-click-clack-click-click-clack.
Lady Beifong’s shoes echoed at the corridor, followed by a softer set of steps.
The door slid open.
---
Lin kept her head bowed as she greeted the family of the Avatar.
A Beifong lady keeps her eyes averted. So, she did.
A Beifong lady keeps silent until spoken to. So, she did.
She sat down beside her grandmother, hands crossed on her lap, vaguely paying attention to the discussion.
That was why she was surprised to feel a cool hand touching her scarred cheek.
---
“…Introduce you to my granddaughter.”
Everything paused for Tenzin when Lady Beifong stepped aside to present the younger Lady Beifong.
He caught sight of her face.
Her eyes. He will never forget those eyes.
He went through the motions next, his body on autopilot as his mind brought up memories he frequently revisited.
Those eyes which crinkled in laughter when he dropped her in the sea.
Those eyes whose pupils dilated in the dark as he gripped her thighs high.
Those eyes which rested on his without judgment while he whispered his fears of not being a good enough bender for his parents.
Lin now sat before him, where he now found it easy to observe her.
Her face – her porcelain skin was slashed --- who could have done this, what could have happened?
He was barely aware of what he was doing, he reached out gingerly to touch –.
SLAP!
Lin looked at him aghast.
His parents and her grandmother faced them in alarm.
Lin stood up. “Excuse me, everyone, grandmother, may I be excused?” Without waiting for a response, she bowed and rapidly made her way out of the room.
“I-I-I,” Tenzin stammered, dazed. “I apologize I don’t know what came over me.” He motioned to follow. “I need to find Lin.” He bowed and went out as well.
---
It took them a few more minutes to recover from what happened.
And it took them several more to realize that they never did mention yet Lin’s name to Tenzin.
---
“Wait, Lin – I’m sorry – wait!” Tenzin managed to grab her arm when she turned at the end of the corridor.
Lin shrugged him off. “How dare you!” She gritted out, each word hard with controlled anger. “Just because I look like this,” She waved a hand in the direction of her scarred cheek. “I don’t fit the mold of the perfect debutant your parents might wish for you – you don’t have the right to -!”
“Lin, I’m sorry – and it’s… it’s me!” He placed his hand on his chest. “Tenzin, from the beach.”
“No, you’re not.” Lin stared at him.
“I’m Tenzin – from Ember Island, don’t you remember me?” He plodded on, almost desperately. Didn’t their encounter mean anything to her like it did for him?
“No, you’re not him.” Lin shook her head frantically. “Were you hired by grandmother? Suyin? This isn’t a funny joke.” Her voice rose a pitch with each sentence.
What.
Then it clicked.
Damn – his hair.
Maybe Bumi was right – his personality came with his hair.
“No, Lin, it really is me – I – I’m a master bender now.” He raised his hands up, showing the tips of the tattooed arrows.
---
Lin took a step back, finally taking in the man who was her potential betrothed.
It couldn’t be…could it?
He did sound and look like the Tenzin she met last year…
Then it clicked that it was him.
How could she not have recognized him when she had retreated to thinking about their time in Ember Island as an escape…
“Excuse me, Lady Lin? It’s his feeding time.”
Lin froze, almost regretting her instruction to the governess that she could interrupt whatever Lin was doing at any time. She swallowed thickly, ignoring Tenzin’s dumbfounded expression and plastered a smile on her face.
She turned to the governess who had been looking for her and reached out her arms to take the precious bundle for her.
“Hello, dear, are you hungry now?” Lin Beifong nuzzled the baby in her arms.
---
Footsteps clattered nearer to where they stood.
Lady Beifong, Master Katara and Avatar Aang came to a halt as they rounded the corner.
Lin, Tenzin and even the baby turned to face the new arrivals.
Tenzin leaned forward, gravitating towards the child, who blinked back at him with bright grey eyes.
“Sweetie,” Katara started cautiously. “Not to be anything but – don’t forget about propriety, don’t act too...familiar with them.” Her eyes darted towards the Beifongs and their staff, likely worried that any action might be turned against him and he would not escape the situation unscathed.
“I think I’ve done more than enough to be familiar with Lin, mother.” The airbender tickled the nose of the child, to the outraged gasp of Lady Beifong and the widened eyes of his mother.
“Ah-CHWOOOOSH!”
Silence fell on the group.
The baby giggled as he rubbed his nose.
Lin and Tenzin shared a look of awe.
Of all their trips to Gaoling, Avatar Aang could claim that this was his favorite.
The day he met his airbending grandson.
---
Avatar Aang and Master Katara’s children all grew up hearing their parents’ epic love story. This was mainly why they had wanted the same for themselves.
The eldest, Bumi eloped with his childhood sweetheart, the Fire Nation’s Crown Princess Izumi. It was a love match.
Their only daughter Kya married her air acolyte wife in a simple Southern Water Tribe ceremony. It was also a love match.
Their youngest child, Tenzin wed the mother of his child, Lady Lin Beifong of Gaoling. It was, as everyone concluded, also a love match.
-------------
Note: And that's the end~. Love it or hate it - let me know!
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reminiscence. (? x f!reader) pt1
so THIS idea came to me the other night and i wasn’t quite sure if i wanted to make it into a fic or not but i’m already like way too excited about it so here we go hehe
!!! this is also my first legend of korra fic !!!
pt2
She could hear the heavy footfalls of someone coming down the steps and braced herself. The door swung open, revealing a tall and lanky man with dark hair. A red scarf was draped around his neck. She smiled gratefully up at him.
“Hi!” She said cheerfully, her voice wavering only slightly.
The door slammed in her face. After the initial shock, she started knocking. “Um! I’m not really sure what that was about but I could really use your help! If you would just give me a second-”
The city was incredibly loud. As the girl walked, she flinched at each new sound. It was overwhelming. She hadn’t experienced anything like this before. At least, she didn’t think she had. Her last week had been spent below deck on a freight ship, listening to the crash of the waves and the blow of the foghorn. The sound of people shouting and bells and the small beeps of the mobiles that drove past her all seemed so...loud. She didn’t want to be here. But she was in Republic City for a reason and it was currently a piece of paper that lay bunched in her fist in her pockets. The city was cold, too.
She followed the street signs and made a left, turning into a residential area. The buildings were nice, she thought to herself. She liked the architecture.
Her brisk pace slowed as she reached her destination. She walked up the concrete steps and took a deep breath, pressing her finger against the doorbell. Why did she feel so nervous? Was that normal?
She could hear the heavy footfalls of someone coming down the steps and braced herself. The door swung open, revealing a tall and lanky man with dark hair. A red scarf was draped around his neck. She smiled gratefully up at him.
“Hi!” She said cheerfully, her voice wavering only slightly.
The door slammed in her face. After the initial shock, she started knocking. “Um! I’m not really sure what that was about but I could really use your help! If you would just give me a second-” The door swung open again but she realized half a second too late and accidentally hit against his chest. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“What do you want, (Y/N)?” The man’s tone was as sharp and biting as the cold air. It made her wince.
“(Y/N)?” She repeated, tasting the name in her mouth. She couldn’t tell if it was familiar or not. “Is that my name? Do you know me?”
The man scoffed and gave her a massive eyeroll. “I’m sick of your games. Bolin’s not here, why don’t you go find someone else to bother?”
“Who?” She shut her eyes tight and shook her head. She was so frustrated. All week, she had been frustrated. “Please, just listen to me! I don’t remember anything about who I am. I woke up a week ago in a place I didn’t know but I didn’t even know if I really didn’t know it! All I had was this.” She hesitantly gave him the piece of paper. It was the only thing that had kept her grounded. It was all she had.
The man took the piece of paper between his fingers and eyed it. A flash of recognition crossed his face, but the girl did not notice it. She would have if she remembered who he was.
With a tired sigh, the man stepped aside, allowing the girl to enter. “Come upstairs.” She followed him quietly to the top of the steps, where the room opened up into an apartment. It was large, with windows overlooking the city. The view took her breath away. She looked around, trying hard to recognize something, but she couldn’t.
“Tell me everything that you know,” He said. He had a pen and paper. She swallowed.
“I don’t really know. I remember waking up but I didn’t know where I was. I didn’t know anyone. I don’t even know my own name, or how old I am, or if I have any family.” She could feel the tears stinging at the back of her eyes. She looked away so he wouldn’t see them fall. If she thought about how lost and alone she felt, she became worked up. “All I had was that piece of paper in my pocket. It seemed to be the only thing I had left of my life so I asked a man where it was. He told me Republic City and let me board his ship to get back there. He was very nice,” She finished quietly.
The man finished writing down her story and eyed her curiously. She stared back at him. “I know it seems insane,” She whispered, “But I really don’t know who I am. I came here to get some answers.”
“You’re (Y/N) (L/N),” He said, walking over to pick up the telephone. “I haven’t seen you in months.”
The next thing she--(Y/N)--knew was that the man was walking her down the street. He had introduced himself as Mako. She repeated his name slowly in her head. Mako. Mako. Mako. None of it rang a bell.
They walked to the docks where (Y/N) had started her day. He bought them two tickets and they waited patiently on a bench for the ferry to arrive. “Where are we going?” She asked. Mako made her nervous. He didn’t seem to like her very much.
“Air Temple Island,” He explained. “I know a few people who might be able to help you get your memory back. And then we never have to see each other again.”
(Y/N) frowned. “I can tell you don’t really like me, but I don’t have any of my memories so I don’t know why.”
“You’re not a very nice person,” Mako said simply. (Y/N’s) frown deepened and she looked down at her shoes. That didn’t make her feel very good. Was she mean in her past life? She didn’t feel mean now.
“I’d like a clean slate,” She said. She hated how small her voice sounded. “At least while I don’t have my memories.”
“I’m not the one who gets to decide that.” He stood and walked to the end of the dock. “Ferry’s here.”
The ride was quick and comforting. It reminded her of being out on the ocean. When they reached the docks of Air Temple Island, (Y/N) looked around for the person that would be helping her. Suddenly, a giant polar bear dog bounded in front of them, with a Water Tribe girl riding it. She was pretty, with copper skin and dark hair and piercing blue eyes. Her face was oddly serious.
“Who’s this?” She asked, her question directed at Mako.
“This is (Y/N),” He said. She gave a small wave.
“It’s nice to meet you.” The girl looked at Mako, her eyebrows shooting up high in surprise.
“This is (Y/N)?” She asked. “The (Y/N)?” Mako nodded.
“I think I’m missing something,” (Y/N) said. “Do I know you?”
“No, I came around after you were gone. I’m Korra. I’m the Avatar.”
(Y/N) looked up at Mako. “What’s that?”
“What’s the Avatar?” Korra asked, shocked. Mako held up a hand to stop her.
“(Y/N) has amnesia. She can’t remember anything. She didn’t even know her own name until I told it to her an hour ago. Can you or Tenzin help?”
Korra eyed her up and down. Her scrutinizing gaze made (Y/N) feel nervous, like she had done something wrong, but she wasn’t sure what. “We can try,” She said. “Kya’s here. She might do a better job than either of us.”
They walked up so many flights of stairs that (Y/N) was panting by the time they reached the Air Temple. An old man with a dark beard and an arrow tattooed on his head stood next to a woman with grey hair dressed in clothes that were similar to Korra’s.
“Tenzin, Kya, this is (Y/N),” Korra said. “She showed up on Mako’s doorstep this morning.”
“She doesn’t remember anything,” Mako said. “I had to tell her what her name was.” (Y/N) felt her cheeks get hot as she stared at these strangers. When she had imagined walking up to the address that was on the piece of paper, she had assumed it was going to be her family. Now she just felt like everyone was eyeing her as if she were a specimen.
“Why don’t you come inside with me?” Kya asked, taking (Y/N) by the arm. Her voice was the nicest one she had heard all day. (Y/N) smiled at her gratefully. “Quite a day you’re having, huh?”
“It’s been quite a week,” (Y/N) sighed. “I thought when I came back here I’d have all the answers but now I just have more questions than I started with. And that’s saying a lot.” Kya let out a chuckle. She led her to a room at the back of the house. It was simple, just a wooden room, but in the middle was a pool of crystal clear water.
“I’m a waterbender,” Kya explained. “Do you know what that is?” (Y/N) nodded. She knew the basics of the Four Nations. She even knew a little bit about Republic City, but that knowledge was a little more fuzzy. “Fantastic. I need you to take off your coat. I’m going to see if I can heal your memories.”
(Y/N) tossed her coat to the floor and with Kya’s help, entered the pool. “Just lie down and relax.” She did as she was told and let herself float atop the water. She closed her eyes. She could feel the warmth that radiated from Kya’s healing hands. For the first time since she woke up, she felt completely safe.
Outside, they were completely unsure of what to do. Tenzin, Mako, and Korra discussed the odd nature of the girl’s return. “You’re telling me,” Korra said, “That she just showed up out of nowhere after months of no one hearing from her and that doesn’t scream suspicious to you?”
“It’s definitely suspicious,” Mako admitted, “But I knew (Y/N). The old (Y/N), at least. When she told me how she felt, all I could think was that it seemed...genuine.”
“Seems like a trick to get Bolin back,” Korra grumbled.
“You both need to remember that the girl inside is not the same girl you know,” Tenzin held his head high as he imparted his wisdom onto the two teenagers. “You might have preconceived feelings regarding her but until she gets her memories back, you cannot hold the past against her. Especially if she doesn’t know what the past is.”
Kya emerged a few moments later, her face looking grave. “It’s worse than I expected. She didn’t just hit her head and forget a few things. Someone stole her memories.”
“How can you be sure?” Mako asked.
“I can feel a hole in her being,” Kya explained. “Everything that she ever knew about herself is gone.”
“How is that possible?” Tenzin mused.
“I don’t know. But it’s important that you all refrain from telling her everything about her past. It could overwhelm her and seriously damage her chances of ever getting her memories back.”
As if on cue, Bolin walked up the final steps of the temple, giving his friends a big wave. “Hey guys! How’s it going?”
Then, (Y/N) exited the house. Her hair and clothes were sopping wet. “I was wondering if I could get a change of clothes? I’m freezing.” She crossed her arms over herself to keep any warmth she might have had. Her eyes locked with the dark haired, green-eyed boy from across the pavilion. She smiled at him.
Kya and Korra rushed over to (Y/N) and quickly ushered her back inside. Mako watched as the smile on Bolin’s face slowly fell. He looked at his big brother, his expression sad. “Why is she here?”
Mako pulled Bolin to the side. “I told you not to come looking for me.”
“How was I supposed to know that you’d be here?” Bolin questioned. “Mako, tell me what’s going on!”
Mako sighed. He had hoped that he would’ve gotten a few days before Bolin found out about this, so he could perfectly piece together his explanation in a way that wouldn’t absolutely shatter all of the progress his brother had made in the past few months. “She showed up earlier today, at our house. She doesn’t remember anything about who she is. She doesn’t remember us.”
“You’re lying,” Bolin said, shaking his head. “It’s a trick. She’s just trying to--”
“Bolin,” Mako placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Kya said that someone stole her memories.”
Bolin’s eyes started watering and his bottom lip began shaking. He wasn’t sure what was worse: that his ex-girlfriend was back or that she didn’t remember him.
“This is all she had with her.” Mako pulled the piece of paper (Y/N) had given to him at the beginning of their day. He handed it to Bolin, who unfurled it. He laughed bitterly, half-choked by the tears that spilled down his face.
“I wrote this,” He said softly. “I gave this to her on our first date and told her that if she ever needed to find me, this was where I’d be.” Mako stared sadly at his brother before pulling him into a hug.
---
Tag List!
@beifongsss , @realimbo , @lavendercrystals , @tomshollandz , @zukosvice , @itsivyberry , @awesomelupe , @musicalkeys , @aroyaldarknessblr ,
#lok#legend of korra#writing#fanfiction#korra x reader#asami x reader#bolin x reader#mako x reader#mako#korra#asami#bolin
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Hc about how Kya stands up for Lin, in front of Su and tells her all the things Lin swallowed and how amazing she is and how much she really hurt her sister?
It happens after dinner at Air Temple Island one night when the kids are asleep and some of the adults have been indulging
By some I mean Su, who notoriously cannot shut up when she’s tipsy and has spent the last hour or so telling the Krew “hilarious” stories of Lin when she was younger. Everyone starts out laughing, but eventually the stories get less funny and more mean-spirited
Even Korra and Bolin are like “ummmmmmm...” Mako has gone very stiff. Things just get increasingly uncomfortable, but after the last time they got involved with a Beifong Family Argument, everyone’s a bit hesitant.
When Lin’s jaw twitches, Kya gives a warning “That’s enough, Suyin.” Su obv ignores her, but Lin puts a hand on her arm like “Thanks, but its not worth it.”
Lin leaves when Su begins ‘comparing’ their bending styles, telling Kya in no uncertain terms she needs a moment alone.
“Off she goes again to hide. Honestly, I don’t know why I keep trying if she’s so determined to be so bitter about every-“ “I SAID THAT’S ENOUGH, SUYIN!”
Not even Tenzin has seen Kya this angry before. But hot damn, every half-full glass in the room is wobbling as Kya rips into Su
“Why you keep trying? You’re the one who’s lucky Lin was willing to even look at you again, and it only happened because you used Korra and Opal to force your way back in. Lin had every spirits-damned right to drop you like a bad herring.” “Excuse me, she’s my sister-“ “You permanetly scarred her FACE! And after all she’s done for you and your family since you waltzed back in, biting her tongue and keeping herself from throttling you because of how much she loves you, you still poke and jab at every single painful wound every chance you get, like an ungrateful little spider-ant!”
This goes on for nearly ten minutes, and that’s only because Kya is sober enough to stop herself. If she’d been anywhere near as tipsy as Su.... hoooo boy
Su looks at everyone else for help and literally no one gives it. Pema just stares her down, having already had this conversation. Tenzin shakes his head, Mako glares full force.
After a bit, Korra and Asami sneak outside to go find Lin. She’s in the garden working out some frustration, so they tell her whats going on. She goes to try and stop Kya but Korra stops her. “Shes right, Lin. Su needs to be put in her place. And im sorry, for before. I should have listened to you.”
Later as they go to bed, Lin hugs onto Kya and says that she’s grateful, really, but she didn’t have to do that. Kya tells her she most certainly did.
#wow this got away from me#basically someone oughta deck su for running her mouth#yall know i love her#but someone punch her please#lin deserves better#kya will NOT stad for it#i also have a strong headcannon that pema actually gave su what for earlier#so lets say pema gives the dissapointed ‘im watching you’ speech#the one that lets you know ur on thin ice but you dont really listen to bc this person is a relative stranger#and kya holds back for a while bc she does love su like family#and remember lil baby su#but at this point she goes OFF#thats our lin#im a healer but....#but shes a cool matriarch™️
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