#suki and the kyoshi's (she helps suki train new members and understand how to feel their surroundings)

[enbymai]

toph randomly visiting her friends all the time because she misses them, but pretends she's just there for the free food

#her visiting katara and aang in the southern water tribe and going penguin sledding with them and their kids #can she see on ice?? i assume not because its made of water not earth. but then it is still ground and she sees by touching the ground #oh but then her feet would freeze. she'd definitely have to wear shoes. #okay. maybe she'll begrudgingly visit them. or maybe when they're in their other home in republic city. #(i hc they'd have a home in both south water tribe and republic city) #then visiting sokka and zuko in the fire nation. #suki and the kyoshi's (she helps suki train new members and understand how to feel their surroundings) #i feel like she'd live by herself in the woods or something (sorta like in legend of korra) but in a cool house she built herself #but then whenever she'd want himan interaction she just shows up at her various friends and stays there for like a week or so #atla #avatar: the last airbender #toph beifong

[stitch1830]

The Gaang + parents finally meeting/holding newborn Lin? Toph is a single mother in this AU

Hi Anon, thank you for the ask! And pls this is so sweet my heart needs this serotonin :D

I feel like every Gaang member had their own moment with Lin. I'm not sure if it was like, right after she was born or just at some point when she was a newborn, but it seems fitting that all of them would have this cute interaction with Lin.

Aang: Would probably cry. He just thinks a newborn is so precious and means so much to him. He's a total sap, and talks to her about how she's the future and how her mom and aunts and uncles are going to help pave the way for her to change the world. Something super cheesy like that and has Toph complaining jokingly if she overhears him.

Katara: I usually HC that Katara delivers Toph's babies (in just about every AU. Toph only trusts Katara for that, unless she's like... TOTALLY not available). Delivering her best friend's child into the world is really special, and I think she'd find so much joy and emotion in that moment, especially when she hands Lin to Toph. Katara gets to see the look of pure joy on Toph's face when she holds Lin, and I think she'd take pride in being the one to help her, as well as humbled at the thought that she was able to see such an intimate moment between Toph and Lin.

Zuko: For Toph, I feel like he would cry when he got to hold Lin. Or at the very least get choked up. Toph is like a sister to him and I feel like he would become very pensive and consider just how fast time flies. It was only yesterday he was 16 and helping these teenagers save the world, and now they're all adults and having families of their own. And like Toph, he probably understands her fear of being a parent better than anyone. They both had poor upbringings and he knows how important it is for her to raise her daughter well. I think when he holds Lin, he makes a quiet promise to Lin to help Toph in any way we can.

Sokka: Perhaps Sokka tries to lighten the mood with a silly "she's so suqishy" comment, but the joke is either ignored or not delivered well, because damn, Lin is a beautiful baby. He's not the best at holding her or what to say in that moment, but as he rubs her chubby cheek with the back of his finger, he resolves to treating Lin like a niece, and decides then and there that he's gonna be the best damn uncle to her. Because she's Toph's kid, and he'd do just about anything for Toph and his found family.

Suki: She seems like the type to vocalize her joy and say it all to Toph and Lin. Suki adores Lin from the start, and jokes that perhaps she can train her to be the new Kyoshi Warrior leader. After all, Lin's a Beifong, and she's got that fighting spirit. Her moment with Lin is short and sweet, and ends with a gentle kiss to Lin's forehead.

Lao and Poppy: Lao and Poppy were always ecstatic at the idea of being grandparent (they try to ignore the lack of a spouse/nuptials lmao) and spoil the baby the second they learn Toph is pregnant. But when they hold Lin, it's a whole new feeling for them. Pride and joy and an love so strong they can only compare it to the time they had Toph. They aren't necessarily in a position to give advice or to tell Toph how to do things, but they try to find ways that they can be there for her and be supportive.

Okay! I think that covers everyone. Happy to elaborate even further if you want, Anon haha. Thank you again for the ask, and I hope you have a great day!

......

Send me asks about ATLA, or anything, really! :D

#toph #toph beifong #mama toph #atla #lok #gaang #aang #katara #zuko #sokka #suki #lao beifong #poppy beifong #headcanons #my asks #thanks for the ask! #anon #wo the serotonin is through the roof right now LOL #here's some fluff for your dash haha!

[theicequeenwrites]

Day 4: Relationships with the Gaang

Because I liked both of these prompts but didn't have enough time to make two pieces, I combined both of today's prompts from @atlaocweek This is lengthy, so most of this is under the cut!! read sister, sister on ao3

-taio meets the gaang at a confernece in ba sing se after being invited by sokka and zuko when they meet at an obscure bar

keep reading for their dynamics!

Katara

-taio and katara actually get along right away, despite what everyone thought would happen

-they're both down to earth but competitive and ruthless when necessary

-when he first moved to the palace, katara gave him some hints on surviving in court and gave him a messenger hawk so they could always talk to each other

-the first time he and azula were in charge of her kids though, she threatened him so hard he blushed for an hour afterward

-when azula and taio revealed they were in a relationship, she gave him the shovel talk

Aang

-aang and taio often team up with sokka to pull the best pranks of the rest of the gaang

-taio converts to being vegan because he falls in love with all the air nomad foods aang makes for him, he can't get enough of it

-he tries to teach aang how to write earth kingdom characters for an official meeting and aang ends up writing a very offensive message

-so taio ends up being the avatar's official earth kingdom translator as well as a teacher to their heiresses of the fire nation (and uncle to the kids of the avatar, which just baffles his mind)

Toph

-toph and taio understand each other on a deep level, they both had lives forced on them because of the war but in very different ways

-toph was the first to realize he had feelings for azula, because of her ability to sense heartbeats, and named herself as his best friend from that point out

-taio's the only person who knows who the father of toph's children are and she helps him formulate the perfect first date for azula

-he takes her back to the farm, and his mom immediately adopts her, making her all her favorite earth kingdom foods but with much more love than she's used to

Suki

-taio and suki didn't see much of each other in his early years in the palace because she was always at kyoshi island or training new recruits, but when they finally do actually spend time together, they get along in a quiet way

-some times they get drunk on traditional earth kingdom liquor, the type no one else can stand, and don't say a word, they're just there for each other

-slowly, after years and years of companionship, they start confessing small things, which turns into big things

-they don't go out of their way to hangout with each other, and aren't the first letter they send when something big happens, but they're still just as close

Sokka

-sokka and taio are brothers-in-law of sorts, they're married to zuko and azula respectively, and see a lot of each other. they have a dep respect for each other; taio can only imagine how hard it is to be a political figure and sokka can't imagine spending everyday surrounded by varying amounts of children

-but also they understand what its like to be married to a child of ozai, and everything that comes with it -the nightmares and guilt and bad habits

-they like to do random things together (like inventing cameras), cause absolute havoc, and spoil the the kids, they're the only members of the fire family ever to have limits placed on their spending because they get so excessive

-they also make a lot of public appearances together as "the husbands" and spend a lot of time fine tuning their politiking together and trying not to crack up when people are watching

Zuko

-zuko actually loves taio, he thinks he's the best guy he's ever met (besides sokka, obviously), he admires his openness and confidence, two things zuko still struggles with. and he loves how well he gets along with senna and izumi + all the other kids

-he thinks he's the perfect match for azula too. even after her 'redemption' and growth she's still wild and competitive and brash, and taio can match her or ground ehr when necessary

-zuko and taio share an interest in tea, and are often accosted by iroh and new blends that are a toss up in flavor

-as much as taio and sokka bond over being the trophy husbands, taio and zuko bond over being the sane husband and often watch their spouses go on wild adventures or do crazy stunts (like invent the first flame thrower)

+Azula

-taio wasn't looking to fall in love when he went to the palace, it was just a job. but then the 'unofficial royal nanny' as azula calls herself was always with senna and izumi who he was supposed to be teaching all about the earth kingdom. and suprisingly fast, they became good freinds, they just worked together

-during times when all the gaang's kids were in the palace they wrangled them together and then snuck away to the roof or the gardens to unwind together

-sometimes, azula would just fall asleep in his rooms and it slowly became a pattern. purely ~platonic~ cuddling. and the first time she had a nightmare when they were together, he had no clue what to do so he took her on a run, and ever since then when they can't sleep or have nigthmares they go run or hike

-and on her bad days, he knows how to take care of her, knows to just exist besides her, and not press for any more than that

-together, they cause absolute chaos on the palace, take in a plethora of young children and people who work in the palace that need parent figures

-taio never expected to engage with the gaang when he took the job in the palace, but he spends the rest of his life loving and being loved by them

#the gaang #atla oc week #taio #azula #azula x oc #aang #toph beifong #katara #suki #sokka #zuko #izumi #senna #the fire family

[dykejet]

Could you tell us about your oc? I'm very interested (:

omg!!!! Of course!!! Thank u for giving me an opportunity to gush abt her >:)🥺 (this is her 4 all who haven’t seen btw) I went on a ramble so it’s under the cut !

I have no 100% name for her rn, but I’m leaning towards Hana :) to my understanding(feel free to correct me if wrong), it means “flower” in Japanese, & as Kyoshi Island is 1 of the lands w more of an influence from Japan I felt it fits. As for her character, again there’s not actually much !! I eventually do wanna write for her, surrounding her experience as a Kyoshi Warrior & the relationships in her life :) I do have these tho:

Her “story” starts at 16-17. She’s a bit of a “ditz.” Outside of her role as a Kyoshi Warrior, she forgets things easily & her coordination w things like chores (no majorly sad parent backstory here lol, her parents are lesbian trade merchants/local florists) everyday matters etc leave sumn to be desired.

As a Kyoshi Warrior, on the other hand... very proficient:) She started training young(8) & rly fell into its meaning & duties. She’s a bit “nerdy” w it, it’s hard to get her attention when she’s sparring/sword-fan training/helping village disputes etc. Basically this is just a long way of me saying she’s nd & bein a Kyoshi Warrior is her sp.in ^__^

She’s better w the katana than she is the fans. When it comes to practicing /learning how to use their round shields, she’s also one newer members like to go to.

Her role during the war isn’t a Major one(for lack of better phrasing in my head). She’s one of the few Kyoshi Warriors who stay at Kyoshi Island while others went to help in the refugee transport hideout(I forgot the name vv;). She’s on constant surveillance by the land’s edges for any more Fire Nation invading, this being rly the first time for her the war’s felt “real.” That fact both brings a bit of shame & pride alike in her. Still, there’s little she wouldn’t risk for the home she’s known and loved all her life.

This is kinda where her gf/new relationship subplot comes in. I suppose her gf is an eventual oc as well ? Anyways, this is currently the point where Northern waterbenders are traveling to the South to give aid. They decide to take a “”pitstop”” at Kyoshi Island, bc pre-isolation they still remember how both tribes went to there/Yokoya for trade. Cue a girl waterbender who stows aboard one of the Northern ships to escape stifling parents who were soon to set a marriage for her up in the NWT. Said girl (no name) yet gets caught, but late enough they can’t bring her back(& reformed king pakku is like good for her !). She’s one of the NWTers that decide to step foot on Kyoshi Island and see how it is now, see if alliances can be made.

Unnamed OC goes bonkers seeing a literal group of girl-only warriors. Hana sees Unnamed OC and goes bonkers bc . Pretty Girl. Cue lesbian disastery between the both of them(no homophobia here tho bc lameee).

Anyways yea. From during to post-war, there’s a lotta flirting between em, in-person & letters between Kyoshi Island/SWT alike.

Back to just Hana :]. Anyways like I said. No “major”” war impact comes from her. A lot of her conflict and development comes from her friendships/love life/“outsider” opinion on the war/etc.... This is basically a slightly more angsty slice of life in the atla-verse hehe.

Not necessarily story-specific, but she IDOLIZES Rangi. Essentially as Suki does for Kyoshi(or at least in my hcs Suki does). Whenever she’s in an issue, she thinks “What would Rangi do?” If u wanna hear someone go on an hours long tangent about the life-changing(according to her) love story that is Kyoshi and Rangi’s story, u go to Hana. I’m half-tempted to make her Suki’s ex for fun lmao Also outside of Kyoshi weaponry she loves knives, it’s not rare 2 catch her twirling 1 around or w/e. This started Young so it’s also not rare to see a parent of her’s worrying she’s gonna stab herself/someone on accident :p

To summarize: my darling oc Hana is a chaotic lesbian who loves swords & loves her gf(hence the dyed lighter loopies & blue clothes) :) this is only the Surface of her character <3 also any1 feel free to ask further stuff abt her!!

#u all legally Have to read abt/love my oc now(lighthearted) #turtledux postz #atla #atla oc #kyoshi warriors #avatar #avatar the last airbender #answer #anon

[surelybystarlight]

Season 4 Letters

Late 12th month, 100 AG Dear Fire Lord Zuko,

   Rebuilding the Southern water tribe is going along better than expected. So much had already changed by the time we got here. The benders from the north have made leaps and bounds in bending strong buildings. With the men finally back from the war we hope to have many newborns come end of next Spring and are building a hospital in expectation.    I’m writing to inform you that we will be proposing a formal medical exchange program at the First World Summit in 2 months, at the 6 month mark since the end of the war, in hopes of expanding our knowledge of healing by combining it with the herbal knowledge of the earth kingdom and the surgical knowledge of the fire nation. I am asking for your support of this program. An exchange of professional knowledge will not only be a sign of good faith and respect of other cultures on the fire nation’s part. It will also act as a symbol of the new age we are trying to build, one of mutual healing and support.

   I know it’s only been 3 months since we last all saw each other in Ba Sing Se, but I miss you and Toph. Suki and Sokka are doing well, with the help of our father, Sokka’s established a council of tribe members over seen by the chief to make decisions. Him and Suki are leaving for Kyoshi Island in a few days, Suki has new recruits to train and Sokka is traveling as “Son of the Chief” to formalize diplomatic ties with Kyoshi Island and Omashu. I think he’s just trying to avoid the days of endless sun coming up. I don’t know how they are going to make it work, but I hope they do. Aang's doing great, trying to be the avatar and mediate every conflict he comes across every chance he gets.    Tell me, how are you doing, How’s Mai? How’s Uncle? Has he driven you mad with tea and proverbs yet? Hows Toph? I know things are still rough with her parents. Uncles idea of taking her on as a pledge (word!!) was brilliant. Toph supposedly getting a courtly education in the fire nation pleases her parents, and in exchange she doesn’t have to go back to being sheltered.

       Wishing you the best,        Master Katara Daughter of the Chief

(p.s. Still feels weird calling you that but I’ll get used to it.)

Mid 1st month, 101 AG Dear Master Katara Daughter of the Chief,

   I can assure you that you will have the fire nation’s support behind your proposal, I agree an exchange of knowledge and skills will be beneficial for everyone. Water bender healers will be in high demand here once our doctors learn of what you can do. Will you be joining in the exchange? There would be a prime apprenticeship in Caldera hospital and a place for you in the fire palace waiting for you.

   Things are ok, it’s stressful being firelord. It’s hard to not just yell at everyone, but I have to set a better example than my father. I'm so glad uncle decided to stay as my adviser rather then retire to his tea shop just yet. At this point I’ll take any advice I can get, proverb or not. Toph’s doing great, you know how she is, she doesn’t talk about the painful stuff. She’s been very useful in vetting the staff and nobles for Ozai supporters. She’s kind of become my unofficial bodyguard. She’s even complained that she wished someone would make an attempt on my life just to spice things up. If I didn’t know her better I’d be scared.    Mai left on a sabbatical a little while ago, said she needed to find out what makes her happy, not just what she doesn’t hate. I know we weren't going to find happiness with each other. Not after everything we’ve both seen. Last time I was truly happy and at peace was at the summer palace with the whole Gaang. I hope she finds happiness wherever it may be.

       Hoping you’ve found your happiness,        Firelord Zuko

(p.s. It still feels weird being called that)

Early 2nd month, 101 AG Dear Zuko,

   Why didn’t you tell me Mai left sooner? I know you never really forgave yourself for leaving her at the Boiling Rock, but you deserve to be happy too. You deserve someone who loves you and you love in return. I miss the summer palace too, even though we were preparing for a war, I haven't felt so at peace since. I miss our night time sparring matches, letting off steam. And the day to day routine of our little family. There were moments I could have lived in forever.    I mean, I am proud of the work Im doing, rebuilding my tribe is important to me. And being in a position to effect change on the world, to usher in this age of peace is so empowering. Aang wants to start and airbender acolyte program after the World Summit, which is just as important to him. He wants me to join him once the healer exchange program is off the ground. Wants me to become an acolyte and help him “rebuild” the air nomad culture. Maybe I’ll find peace in the air nomad philosophy. I know that it didn’t exactly always work for me in the past, but maybe I’ll understand it better if I study it. I want to be able to be happy at the air temples. The days of endless sun are here, I’m sure I’ll find the idea of Air nomad philosophy more agreeable once I’ve seen the moon in the night sky again. For now, Aang's Air nomad diplomacy is not appropriate for handling midnight sun madness.    I know I won’t get your response before I leave for the World Summit, so I’ll see you then.

       Hoping you find your happiness too,        Your friend, Katara

Late 2nd Month, 101 AG Dear Katara,

   I know you wont get this before the World Summit, but I wanted to write you anyway. I am proud of my work, I hope I’ll find fulfillment in bettering the lives of my people. Love is not a given for Firelords, when Mai left my court started looking for suitable candidates for Fire Lady. Their concern is more with stability and producing an heir than ensuring I'm in love. Love was just never in the cards for me, I was never the hero of our story destined to get my girl. You’re lucky to have a chance at happiness with Aang. Even if, as we are both painfully aware, Air nomad philosophy isn’t always applicable, as long as you’re happy with him.    And if for some reason you aren't, there will always be a place for you in my country and home.

       Alway your friend,        Zuko

Early 4th Month, 101 AG Dearest Zuko, Dear Fire Lord Zuko, Zuko,

   The World Summit was very eventful and beneficial for all.    I know I said some things after the celebration ball. That certain things happened, but I want to assure you that I will be joining Aang at the Air temples, it’s where I am meant to be. I want to be happy with Aang.

       Katara

Late 4th Month, 101 AG Dearest Katara,

   I understand, like you said, We aren’t the ones who get our happily ever afters. Just promise me you wont give up your own happiness for the sake of his. I’m not saying you have to come to the Fire nation if you don’t find peace as an Acolyte, just remember you aren’t a prize. Your happiness matters too.

       Always your friend,        Zuko

Late 6th Month, 101 AG Dearest Katara,

   I heard from Ty Lee that you’ve returned to the Southern Tribe to help run the healer exchange program and train new healers. I hope you find your happiness there. I know it couldn’t have been easy to leave the Air Acolytes, but I am proud of you. One of us deserves to find happiness

       Hoping you find your happiness,        your friend, Zuko

Mid 7th Month, 101 AG Dear Zuko,

   Due to the reluctance of water tribe healers, I have decided to join the healer exchange program and set an example by taking a position in the Fire nation. I will be returning with you to the Fire Nation after the 1 year of Peace Celebration to begin my apprenticeship.    I’ve heard you’ve yet to accept or even entertain any of the potential Fire Ladies, I know you said love isn’t in the cards for you, that we aren’t the heros, but you deserve to be happy too. Thank you for your support, I haven't found my happiness yet, but I hope I will soon.

       Yours Always,        Katara

Early 8th Month, 101 AG Dearest Katara,

   I was genuinely happy to read that you’ll be coming back to the Fire Nation with me. Like I promised months ago, there will always be a place for you in my home. I hope you can find your happiness in the Fire Nation. I look forward to seeing you again at the Peace Celebration.

       Yours Always,        Zuko

Early 9th Month, 101 AG Dear Master Pakku

   You would be wise to never doubt the insight of a guardian in the ways of their charges's heart. For no one knows said heart better than the one who watched it form. I won the pot, time to pay up old man

       Better luck next time,        General Iroh

Chapter notes

Zuko and Katara got really drunk during the World Summit ball and ended up sneaking off together to have a heart to heart. They lamented both feeling like they were supporting character. Katara said she felt like she was just supposed to be apart of Aang’s happily ever after regardless of if it was her happily ever after. They end up admitting to each other that their happiest moments were with each other and share a drunken passionate kiss. 

Afterwards Katara tries to bite the bullet and make herself happy with Aang at the air temple, but she doesn’t last very long because it really isn’t where she’s happy. She ends up leaving Aang, giving him a speech about needing her own happily ever after. 

Zuko and Katara come together for discrete yet passionate love making at the Peace Celebration. They decide to keep their relationship a secret for the time being both to protect Aang's feelings and to avoid court gossip. However, Uncle Iroh figures it out right away, he had a bet with master Pakku since the end of the war when Zuko took the bolt of lightning that the two would end up together.

#zutara #zutaramonth #zutara month #zuko #katara #letters #zutara month 2020

[mxrcayong]

the avatar series: 01.02

masterlist

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The apartment was borderline full. If anyone wanted the perfect example of the opposite of silence, it would be Doyoung’s and Tari’s apartment. Usually, the apartment would be full of conversation between the roommates – but never this many happening simultaneously. However, their neighbors wouldn’t be complaining. It’s Avatar Day! Everyone is celebrating today; evident through the cheers and large parties on the streets.

Kilari is standing on the couch, having a playful argument with Lucas who was sitting down and holding his arms up defensively. On the other side of the room, Taeil and Doyoung are discussing something they saw today at the festival regarding a strange performance that involved a clown that “looked deranged”. Sonan, Tari, and Johnny are preparing the table – Sonan talking with Johnny about his article while Tari just offered any extra commentary – which often included teasing Johnny and supporting Sonan. The food all arrived from local vendors only a few minutes ago; mostly consisting of fried rice, stir-fry noodles, chicken pan dan, and a series of skewers.

“But, you must have gotten some interesting feedback from the girl who went to her first festival today!” Sonan enthused, her emerald eyes gleaming as she motioned to Tarir. She always seems to have a positive attitude – everyone deems her as the mom friend, always the one to brighten moods and to make sure everyone has eaten. “How was it?”

Tari smiled, “It was really great.” A small silence followed as they continued putting down the plates, but was ended when Johnny looked up at her with disbelief in his eyes.

“What insightful comments, descriptive, newspaper-worthy.” This comment was responded to with a playful slap from both Tari and Sonan, making Johnny flinch. “Hey!”

“Finnneee.” She breathed out, “It was so much more fun than I imagined, but it’s just too crowded.”

“Is that why you left?” Sonan asked, looking up at Tari with a sympathetic look as she temporarily halted putting down the last plate.

“She left because she’s a coward.” Johnny teased, making Tari roll her eyes and stick her tongue out. “Honestly though, I bet you Hendery’s burn wasn’t even that bad. If the crowd was so bad, you should’ve just stayed with Doyoung and I. We could’ve protected you. Doyoung could’ve even casted an air bubble around us.”

At the mention of his name, Doyoung took his place next to the group. “Johnny, as a non-bender, you may not understand this but with great power…” he paused dramatically, “comes great responsibility. And I will not be using my responsibility to accidentally hurt others because of the bubble.”

“Didn’t you bend to fly a fork closer to you yesterday because you were lazy?” Tari reminded him, making Doyoung go red with a sheepish smile.

“Yes, but it was my responsibility to feed myself.” Doyoung excused, singing to himself.

“And Tari’s responsibility to heal me from you accidentally stabbing me with that same fork.” Johnny reminded. A glare warning Johnny of impending doom came from Doyoung, who was wondering what he did to deserve all this mockery. Especially as Taeil, Lucas, Kilari, and Sonan have all tuned in and started laughing at the conversation. “You stabbed me!” Johnny reiterated.

Without missing a beat, Doyoung turned to look at Johnny with the best sincere look he could muster. “Why are you here all the time?” Johnny decided to do a cute look, scrunching up his nose and pulling his lips into a tight smile. It was a common joke between the three of them; but it was usually said by Tari and then she would get scolded by Doyoung for making that joke.

“You love it really.” The butt of the joke said with too much pride.

Doyoung lunged at Johnny, pinching his sides. “Do not mess with me, I’m not scared to ‘accidentally’ stab you again.”

“And I’m not scared to forget my responsibility to heal you.” Tari said off-handly and quickly, making Johnny’s jaw drop with fake offence. “Come on everyone, let’s eat!” Before Johnny could retaliate, everyone came rushing to the table where the smell of relatively-fresh take-out food was enticing.

“You know, I really do nothing wrong and get treated like this.” Johnny sighed teasingly, taking his seat and eventually fake-crying. But everyone turned their head to look at him as soon as he said ‘do nothing wrong’.

Everyone in an unsynchronized chorus, everybody repeated after him. “Nothing?” Lucas let out a loud laugh while Tari snapped and did finger guns at Johnny from across the table.

“ANYWAY,” Sonan sang as everyone started reaching forward to grab their servings, “G-Dragon came across the stall today and said there will be a special event for Avatar Day.”

Taeil widened his eyes, “Honestly about time,” He chuckled, “This will be their first time doing something special for today.” NCT usually only has bending fights three times a week, but due to this special event, this week will be having four different bending fights. In addition, they normally never do bending fights on Tuesdays with G-Dragon famously calling Tuesdays and Thursdays ‘those awkward days that fail to fit in’.

“Yeah, but I can’t go because I have a warrior class to teach tonight – I’m gonna teach them some moves Kyoshi is most known for, but you guys should go.” She looked around the table, observing the reactions of everyone on the table. “If you emit aenough details, you could add that to your article.” She said to Johnny, as if he wasn’t convinced already. Everyone was on board – the bending club was how a lot of them have met and bonded with other members of the bending community. However, she couldn’t help but notice Tari scratching her head with uncertainty.

“Do you just hate fun?” Kilari poked her tongue out at Tari, also having noticed this behavior. “What’s up with you and today?”

Lucas fake gasped, “Are you secretly anti-bending?” Everyone joined his fake shocked reaction; hands covering their mouths or jaws dropped, revealing some pretty unsightly views of indigested food in their mouth. “Are you against the Avatar?”

Tari rolled her eyes, playing along. “Totally, all benders should not be benders. Okay? It’s unfair!” She said in the fakest valley-girl accent she could muster. “Also, close your mouths please, I don’t enjoy seeing unchewed food in your mouths.” That was only responded with Lucas over-exaggeratingly chewing his food, mouth open and revealing the indigested food in his mouth.

“I love how the only non-bender in the room seemed the most angry with that statement.” Kilari pointed out Johnny who was looking at Tari in complete disbelief, playing along as well. Johnny looked like a deer in headlights; his eyes widened, his lips slightly parted – having flinched to face Tari. “Okay, but seriously, why not? You love being there.”

Tari just shrugged, “Isn’t a whole day of festivities enough? Like, I’m not anti-Avatar but like, I don’t know! All we do is celebrate the Avatar today, but it was a group of people who helped? Like Katara and Sokka and Suki,” She pointed at Sonan as she was the granddaughter of Sokka and Suki, “And Toph and a shit ton of tribes.” She sighed, “And like, yeah, Aang was amazing, all the Avatars are amazing. But… where is the new Avatar? Will they even be good enough to live towards that standard? If we keep hyping them up, then the new Avatar will seemingly be nothing.” Even saying those words made her heart drop, a guilty feeling rushing through her veins as she put her thoughts into words – the first time she has said these feelinsg out loud.

Everyone went silent. Usually perspectives were for the Avatar and expressing excitement for the new one. They’d expect Tari to have that attitude; she was always the one who’d always uncontrollably smile at the sight of people bending. She was always the one who was quick to name facts about the Avatar or the history behind their world. In fact, when Tari was brought to a pub quiz night, she basically knew all the answers immediately.

Kilari was quick to speak; after all, she grew up in a family that’s the head of the group that basically focuses on celebrating the Avatar and identifying them. It helps that she’s one of the most outspoken people - other than Johnny - Tari knows.  “The Avatar will only be as good as their training, but they also have access to the previous Avatars.” She reminded, “And, the Avatar doesn’t need to do anything unless the world is in danger. Which, luckily, we currently aren’t. Their main purpose is to protect mankind and there’s not much to protect them from.”

“Except our danger is the current government,” Lucas added, about to say more but then noticed Doyoung and Taeil’s expressions warning him to stop the talk about politics. “But, let’s not talk politics over dinner. I definitely want to go to the fight. Majority rules as we all know everyone has nothing to do tonight.”

“Excuse me?”

“Except Sonan.”

Johnny came equipped with his camera, of course. It’s like these days he’s nowhere without it. He always wants to capture the action; even if the action is just his friend smiling at a cup of coffee. He wasn’t going to miss any action here. Before coming, everyone changed into less heavy clothes with the knowledge that the theater will be absolutely packed, and they’ll only sweat from the amount of heat from the crowd.

Entering the arena; which is flooded with people as it normally is, everyone felt like family. For such a secret community, it’s quite large. It’s always the same people attending, maybe with one or two extra people. The people who come are a community; they all support the same cause of allowing benders to be treated equally and enjoy seeing people try and improve their skill or show it off in the ring.

The theater itself is unknown, but the fighting ring is whispered about by everyone. It’s not like the government doesn’t know its happening - they just don’t know where, when, or how. It’s how they chose this abandoned theater, left in ruins that G-Dragon and the Big Bang crew bought and fixed to host make-shift, illegal probending tournaments since the government banned it 20 years ago. Due to the illegality, a community was built - but to be fair, its more like a family.  

The arena was full of whispers; everyone chatting and theorizing what they might do for the secret festivity. This year would be the first year G-Dragon did something explicitly special for Avatar Day, as the years prior, the day fell upon the usual fight days and therefore nothing special was done. “I’m going to try and go to the front, I think Renjun is the announcer for today’s match.” Taeil commented, excusing himself to the front.

“No way!” Both Doyoung and Lucas chorused, both obviously familiar with Renjun. “Let’s drop by and say hi, yeah?”

With that, it was Kilara, Johnny, and Tari against the crowd – going the opposite direction as their friends who already managed to move with the current and made their way to the announcer’s location. “This is the most crowded fight I’ve seen in a while.” Tari commented off-handedly, noticing how although it was the same people – all of the usual people were in attendance. As of the last year, only slightly above half the people would attend the event due to previous commitment or work.

“It really feels like the community is all back together, huh?” Johnny winked, smiling wildly as he scanned the crowd – diverting his attention similarly to Tari. They were on the first floor, which has an audience that is half-standing and half sitting, while upstairs is all standing. “It’s most likely due to the lack of work people had today so everyone can probably stay until the end of the match.” He reasoned before grabbing his camera to take photos of the crowds.

“Do you think the Osaka Prince will fight today?” Kilara asked, standing on her tip-toes to look over the crowd of people to try and get a better view of the fighting box where the pre-signed up fighters would sit and stretch.  All benders who participate fight under performance names. There was Mouse, Boulder, Osaka Prince, Flyer – all the names you can think. The cringiest one? It was a school boy who wanted to take a swing and signed up under the name ‘Swagbucks69’. “Literally, he is so hot, I will jump on him if I could.”

Johnny only chuckled, “I mean, he always fights. He is practically the king of NCT.” The Osaka Prince attended his first match two years ago and ever since then, he’s practically undefeated. Everyone looks to him as the owner of the rink – he managed to beat even G-Dragon, a previous pro-bender, during a match. The Osaka Prince is usually the last fight of the night, fighting whoever won the most matches and anyone who dares to go against him.

“And I’ll do anything to be his queen.” Kilara winked, making Tari chuckle and Johnny go beet-red at Kilara’s flirty manner. “Literally, like, he makes me so flushed.” She started attempting to use her tight-fitting crop top to fan herself over exaggeratingly. While Kilara and Johnny discuss the local celebrity, Tari made eye-contact with someone she didn’t expect to see there. The person was wearing a dark hood, her eyes making direct eye-contact with Tari as if she watching her the whole time. She held up her arm and signaled Tari to come over. Tari shook her head, refusing the offer and trying to look away, but as soon as the lady started mouthing words – she found herself entranced.

“You barely see his face!” Johnny commented, looking confused. All fighters also wear a mask that covers most of their face to avoid their identities being leaked.

Kilara suggestively looked at Johnny, “I don’t need to see his face to see the muscles on that guy. Were you not there when he fought shirtless?”

“I was, I think I have some photos of that actually.” He teased.

“Send me!” Kilara practically begged, “I bet Tari will enjoy the view too.” The use of her name snapped Tari out of her trance. “Okay wait can we try to get closer? I think I see him and I want him to see me.” Tari’s vision shifted and at the sight of a familiar face, a smile graced her lips as she lifted her hand up to wave.

Johnny thought for a moment, sighing in defeat. The things I do for my friends, he thought. “I know G-Dragon quite a bit from interviewing him a lot, do you want to sit in the medics box today? He lets me sit there whenever I ask.”

Tari stood back – not wanting to hold them back from having fun, “You guys go! I see a friend over there, and I don’t think I’d like to be that close.”

“You okay being alone?” Johnny asked, concerned and serious. Tari bit her lip and nodded, noticing this is one of the first times in two years she’s seen Johnny this serious.

“I won’t be alone, I see a friend.” She reassured, “I’ll meet you guys outside? We can work on your article tonight, Johnny.” The duo nodded, letting Tari head off, walking over to someone Johnny doesn’t recognize.  

“And you never asked for me before?” Kilara sounded almost offended as the two started their journey of squeezing through the crowd to get to the front.

“It’s because I almost always watch with Tari,” He commented between apologies to familiar faces for moving to the front to where G-Dragon usually stays, “And we know Tari. She gets sometimes flakey or anxious during these events and just needs to leave. I don’t like her leaving alone.”

Kilara sighed, remembering that Johnny and her only met a year back due to both of them knowing Tari. Tari actually brought them both here, accidentally promising both of them to hang out. It was a tradition for Tari to come to these, and Johnny and Doyoung always go with her. “You’re right, but I’m glad she found a friend.”

“Do you recognize him by the way?” Johnny asked, concerned to the unfamiliar face. Johnny, Doyoung, and Tari are practically inseparable – they know almost everyone the other encounters regularly.

“Umm,” Kilara searched through her head as they finally reached the edge where the rink meets the audience, “I think his name is either Sehun or Kyungsoo. They know each other from the coffee shop. I remember seeing him always come in to the café when I worked there for a bit and he was always with someone and I never distinguished who was who.”

Johnny nodded solemnly, “Okay, I’ll go ask G-Dragon if we can sit with Ten.”

“Hello everybody!” G-Dragon screamed, getting into the middle of the ring. “Welcome to the first ever Avatar Day special!” Everyone cheered, including Sehun, Suho, Chanyeol, and Jongdae who stood beside Tari. She came initially to say hi to Sehun after months of not seeing him, but he was quick to introduce her to some of his friends and mentioning that Kyungsoo had signed up to fight today. Tari remained more quiet, cheering not as loudly as the other people around her.

The spotlights lit up the arena, bringing the light to center the focus on whoever will be in the ring. The gray walls of the abandoned building felt blank in comparison to the lit up stage. It also reminded everyone here of the severity and the illegal nature of the event they’re participating in; even just as audiences. Everyone found this ban ridiculous; they still allow non-benders to fight with guns and tasers, and they still allow boxing. But they don’t allow bending tournaments. And the first duo who got caught in a bending tournament ended up in jail for 10 years and are still being patrolled and watched closely every day since. 

The stage is distinguished from the rest of the theater through a risen up ovular stage and with a buffer zone and a air bubble by an air bender to prevent any audience members to get hurt.

“Today, we celebrate the end of the 100 year war. But we first must acknowledge the beginning of it – by a fight between the air nation and the fire nation.” G-Dragon said in his story telling voice that entranced the audience, “Although we know the results of this in history, we’ll allow for some creative liberties.” G-Dragon had a marvelous stage persona; he was hypontising the audience with his gleaming smile and his charisma.  “Once that fight is over, the competition will begin. We’ll host 10 to 15 competitions between benders and the winner will move on to the next round. Whoever wins the finals will be, drumroll please” The sounds of people clapping their thighs filled the make-shift stadium with the drums by the medic box bellowing along. Tari noticed how Kilari and Johnny sat next to the famous dancer Ten, who Tari always wanted to talk to. She also noticed how Johnny looked up at the very moment she noticed him. When he noticed her eye contact, he greeted her with a soft smile and a wave. She returned this and then chuckled, pointing at the stage to remind him to watch.

“So, you’re probably sick of me yapping about! Today, our announcer is the amazing Renjun, who you may know from his podcast ‘Reloaded”. G-Dragon motioned to the box suspended on the second floor, where Renjun sits with Doyoung, Taeil, Lucas, and someone with blue hair she didn’t particularly recognize. She noticed Doyoung was already looking at her, probably previously looking for her in the crowd. He gave her a thumbs up as if asking her she was okay, to which she nodded and did a similar motion to him. He grinned and nodded, before turning his attention back to Taeil.

Renjun’s voice then filled the stadium, “Hello everybody, my name is Renjun and I’m your announcer for today.” He grinned, “Today we have an amazing group of contesters, but first we start with a fight between the Figure Penny and The Foreign Swagger!” Two people stepped on stage; The Foreign Swagger wearing a red vest with cream one-piece outfit and Figure Penny wearing black over wear reminicient of traditional army wear with red traditional bottoms. Figure Penny also wore a black headband, keeping his hair from his face. “After this, we’ll have The Mouse and The Ice Queen fight!”

Everyone’s shouts beat with the beat of the drum, with the beat of their hearts. Adrenaline – even second hand – seemed to be pumping their blood. The last fight was between the Mouse and The Osaka Prince, which made Tari think that G-Dragon set this up. No one has beated the Osaka Prince, so she cheered for the Mouse. Unfortunately, she was now left alone as the people she was with left to check up on Kyungsoo after someone messed up their aim and hit him in the crotch – which is a no-go area in the rules of the game. She told them to congratulate him for her as she didn’t want to fight through the crowd.  

The Mouse was one of the smallest contestants whose been fighting for a while. He hasn’t won any big games yet, but he won all the smaller matches he would do. It was impressive – he can’t be older than 17. Despite the mask on his face, Tari could distinguish some youthful features; particularly kind and innocent doe eyes and a face that looked like he has yet to see any major wrongs. She hopes nothing bad happens to him, she’ll make sure of it. At least, she hopes she can.

Tari mentally focus on each of their steps; they were both amazing benders. She knows she can never live up to them. They all equally deserve to be Avatar for the day, hell – Avatar for life. Every single bender today only showed that literally anyone is better than Tari in bending. If Johnny had powers for a day, he’d better than her in a second.

She couldn’t help analyze his movements; the beauty behind it, the skill. He truly is the king of the ring. The Osaka Prince moved in a way he is compressed. He kept his energy close to him, not trying to do any flare or any energy draining movements. He kept himself close, probably to prevent him from having more available targets. It’s clear that he uses multiple culturally bending techniques into his; Earth Bending’s conservation of energy and efficient movements plus its stability and Fire Bending’s precision and agility. He has the momentum of a waterbender – he gooes with each movement, completing each of them to it’s fullest and avoiding losing energy as a result of hastily ending it. It looks like he has some ability to control how long he stays in the air – probably something he learnt from the Air Nation, where they encourage the use of arms to make your momentum last longer while jumping and lunging. He also goes against tradition - she notices he doesn’t step off the balls of his feet – only a few times letting his heel touch the ground. She was always taught to stand with at least oone heel always on the ground to keep herself stable, but he doesn’t need that.

She also looked at the Mouse; but noticed it seemed he was mimicking some movements from the Osaka Prince. She swore the last time she watched the Mouse, he was more rigid with his movements. He must be learning from The Osaka Prince. She can physically see how much the Mouse seemed to cringe whenever his heels naturally touch the ground, as if someone taught him to stop doing it.

Tari was so distracted by analyzing the movements, she didn’t realise the Mouse hit the floor with a thump. The Osaka Prince has won again, making Tari roll her eyes. His movement was beautiful – but no offence to the Mouse, but he had no chance. This was a set up for failure.

About to leave early, she heard G-Dragon announce the winner before The Osaka Prince’s disguised voice took over the room. She turned around to face the stage, intrigued to what he will say.

“I win everyday,” Okay, so cocky, Tari thought to herself, chuckling. “And I am treated like royalty here already, but I’ve been training The Mouse and I think he has improved. He deserves to be the Avatar. I give my title to him.” Two thoughts ran through Tari’s head – both ‘I knew it’ regarding The Osaka Prince influencing The Mouse and ‘okay that was really sweet’.

She decided to leave early still, despite the amount of claps and applause that filled the room during the bowing moment. She overheard many people as she pushed through talking about ‘how fun it would be to be the Avatar’, ‘how blessed’ the Avatar is, ‘how powerful’ and ‘how amazing’ they must be.

It felt too much. Overpowering, her head spinning. She needed to leave. And once she managed to get outside, she let her back rest upon a wall, and she took deep breaths. She aimed her palm facing her and blew a gust of wind at her face.

“I’m glad to see you haven’t ignored your powers completely.” A voice chuckled. Tari quickly stopped an action – fuck, I’m caught, she thought to herself before berating herself. She’s usually so careful. “No, no, no, continue! I’m happy to see you do it. I thought you’d forget who you are when you got here.” It was the same lady frorm earlier.

“Sukiara.” She pushed herself off the wall, startled.

“Tari, I need to talk to you.”

As Johnny and Kilara left the theater to wait outside for Tari – they didn’t realise Tari would be out before them. They invited Ten and his friend Taeyong to come along, knowing Tari mentioned seeing them in the water bending gym and how she finds them impressive. Tari wasn’t with the person they saw her with earlier; but with an older woman. Tari’s arms were folded across her chest as she was looking at anywhere but the lady in front of her. They couldn’t see her face directly nor could they see the lady’s but it was definitely not the same person as earlier and clearly, Tari didn’t want to be there.

“I’ll try and pull her away.” Johnny noted, before a hand pulled him and Kilari back – startling them both, making their heart race faster than prior.

It was Lucas, who was followed by Taeil and Doyoung.

“I swear to the Avatar, you are a massive doofus.” Kilari swore, holding her heart. “Why did you do that?”

Ignoring the question, Lucas started rambling – loudly. “Dude, it must be so cool to be the Avatar. I swear, I think The Osaka Prince is secretly the Avatar and disguises himself as a fire bender to keep it a secret.”

“Interesting theory actually.” Johnny commented, still glancing over to Tari. But Tari heard Lucas’s voice from over there and she quickly walked away from the lady dressed in black.

“Bro, I’d kill to be the Avatar.” Lucas kept talking, making the crowd around him laugh. Tari can hear every word and it felt like her head was about to explode.

“You good?” Doyoung asked, quickly noticing the water bender walking their way.

She hid her grimace and pain behind a smile, “Yeah, perfect.”

Doyoung made a mental note in his roommate to do list; get Tari some ice cream, watch a movie, and once she’s in a better mood, ask her what’s up.

“ANYWAY,” Kilari said, interrupting Lucas who was still rambling about how cool it would be to be the Avatar and how he’d use his powers in a way that’s definitely not the purpose of being the Avatar. “Taeyong and Ten, this is Tari. She’s also a water bender.”

“Oh my gosh,” Tari quickly recognized their faces from the gym and from their performances, “I’m literally always in awe whenever I see you guys practice,, I always see you whenever I’m in the gym.”

Ten dramatically flipped his not-long enough hair, “Thank you, we try.” Taeyong got flustered, turning pink as he smiled and thanked her. “Why don’t we normally see you at the gym?”

Tari smiled softly, “I normally go to visit Irene, she’s the head of the gym. I bring her coffee and we have a chat once in a while.”

“How do you know her?” Taeyong asked. “I literally never see her around, she stays in her master room.” Irene is the designated Master of Water bending in Sooman city.

Tari decided to tell a half truth, “She’s a regular at the café I work at. We bonded over our families both being from the Northern Water tribe.”

Kilari noticed odd behavior radiating off of Tari and changed the conversation the best way she knew how. “Yo, you should’ve joined us there. I think the Osaka Prince winked at me.” She boasted.

Ten teasingly smirked, “it was at me honey.” This made Tari grin widely.

“Okay but back to the Osaka Prince,” Lucas started again. He was oblivious to the daggers Kilari was sending his way, “he is definitely the Avatar. Only the Avatar can be that good. Like I don’t think anyone is better.”

Kilari sent a hesitant glance to Tari, knowing how insecure she is with her water bending abilities. “Yeah,” Tari agreed softly, “I don’t think anyone can be better.”

request anything for future parts / penny for your thoughts here

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[araeph]

How do you see relationships between the Gaang progressing throughout adulthood? Bryke obviously did a bad job portraying them in general, and seeing how the other avatar writers felt the same, I imagined so much more for our favorite characters than what Bryke lazily did. Any thoughts on other characters like June?

First of all, therewould be NO leaving Zuko completely on his own to govern the Fire Nation. Thatis just a stupid move politically, militarily,

Jack: Spiritually, ecumenically, dramatically …

You name it. Thismeans that Iroh stays in the Fire Nation with Zuko, so that rather thanbacksliding by chatting with Ozai, Zuko would gain ground in his mission toredeem himself and the Fire Nation. The first few years would be extremelyvolatile, and there would be a lot of challenges ahead. He would have to searchfor his mother and reconcile, somehow, with Azula. But you know who would havebeen there to help him?

Aang. No, not theAang who decided “A promise is a promise!” and went into the Avatar State twice to attack Zuko. No, this Aang hascomplete control of the Avatar State, as he shouldhave by the end of the show, since that was one of the main goals of hischaracter. Aang would have gone to the Fire Nation first, since he spent theleast amount of time there out in the open and would have major trustrebuilding to do after what happened with Ozai.

During his time inthe Fire Nation, he would have discovered Ty Lee as an untrained airbender.This would give him the impetus to start looking for other airbenders, whomight not even know about their gifts. He would have difficulty with awork-life balance, but he would eventually find a way with the help of:

Toph. Toph’smetalbending academy is something I wholeheartedly approve of. I think sheshould eventually become a businesswoman and use her family’s vast wealth tomake Gaoling (and their new ally, Omashu) alternate power centers, so Ba SingSe wouldn’t have such a stranglehold on the rest of the Earth Kingdom, with metalbenders initially acting as private security, and later, a police force in the city. But while I understand that Toph has the attitude of a beat cop, she hates the city,walls, and rules, and there would be a bunch of all three if she became Chiefof Police. (P.S. She would have many more tea times with Uncle, and get that life-changing field trip with Zuko we allwanted to see.)

Toph would alsohave issues to sort through with her parents, and she would probably never seeeye to eye with her family. But one person would help coach her through it:

Katara. At first,Katara would bury herself in her work at the South Pole, helping her father,brother, and Pakku rebuild the Southern Water Tribe. She would be at the heartof social justice issues, especially for Water Tribe women, and would challengemore than one antiquated idea that the Northerners would bring with them. Shewould get many marriage offers once she turned sixteen, and to take a breakfrom it, she would answer Zuko’s request help find his mother. This leads toher realizing how stifled she feels at home, where everyone expects her tocater to them, in addition to helping lead their tribe. She would apply for adiplomatic post to the Fire Nation and eventually create her own cross-bendingschool, adapting her school from Toph’s metalbending academy. At first, shewould worry about not being at home enough to help the women’s rights movementin the Water Tribe, but someone else has the situation under control:

Suki. Suki would bean asset as the head of the Kyoshi Warriors, and also as a partner for Sokka.Her island’s location and the fact that the villagers wear blue all point toWater Tribe influence on Kyoshi anyway, and once the war is over and tradebegins booming again, she would work to make Kyoshi less of a spectator in theworld and more of a participant. She would be an excellent role model forSouthern Water Tribe girls who don’t want to be pigeonholed into the homemakerideal, and could also play a part in Republic City eventually. As the leader ofan island that was neutral during the war, Suki would be an ideal person tohave on the Republic City Council. (P.S. Why it’s a Council of Five when thereare no nonbending representatives in LOK is a mystery to me. This would fixthat oversight.) But who would lead the Kyoshi Warriors if she took up such aposition?

Ty Lee. Ty Lee didn’tget a real explanation for why she joined the Kyoshi Warriors, especiallyconsidering her misgivings about spending the rest of her life as a matchedset. She could turn the tables on the idea, lending individuality to theWarriors and teaching them chi blocking techniques while learning some of theirfighting styles as well. These nonbenders could eventually form the Equalistmovement, but a different one than in LOK—a morally ambiguous movement, insteadof a villainous cadre led by a demagogue.

In the end, though,Ty Lee is a wanderer, and I’m inclined to believe that she is, in fact, anuntrained Air Nomad. Eventually she would discover this, and that not only isshe not part of a matched set; she is possibly one of the rarest human beingsin the world. This would interfere with her “aura” for sure, because she’s notnecessarily cut out for the ascetic Air Nomad lifestyle. So while she would behappy for Aang to train her, she might also butt heads with him about how tobest secure the Air Nomad legacy for the future. Of course, since the AirAcolytes in Korra treated Kya andBumi so abysmally, in my opinion this could only be a good thing. Through itall, she would still keep in touch with:

Mai. I have adifferent character path planned for Mai than what other fans might suggest. Maibecoming a bounty hunter is a popular fanon idea, which makes sense, since shedid seem to enjoy tracking down Zuko and Iroh so that Azula could imprisonthem for life, as anyone would enjoy doing to a person they supposedly had acrush on. To me, Mai’s poker face and cool-under-fire attitude screams“White Lotus”, of which there are no female members that we know at the endof A:TLA. The main obstacle to inducting her into the Order would be that theWhite Lotus is based on principles of interconnection and understanding othercultures, which Mai categorically does not have. But this is one of the placesshe could thus grow the most, without having such character development tied toa specific person. The fact that she fooled the Fire Princess means she canplay both sides skillfully, which she’ll need to, considering a rival to theidea of a balanced world is going to be:

Azula. With Ozaiimprisoned and without his bending, Azula is the most creditable foe thefranchise still has. Patchy though her sanity might be, she is still extremelydangerous (as we saw during the Agni Kai). In an ideal world, she would use heralmost preternatural instincts for personal weakness and manipulation to be aruler, but the very confidence she exudes is based on her rigid mindset and afalse sense of Fire Nation superiority. As natural as leadership might be forher, she burned all her bridges when she banished or imprisoned every followershe had. I like the idea of her relearning the meaning of firebending from thedragons and bringing the Sun Warriors into the modern era, but it would be avery painful character path for her when just being mentally stable is a hugehurdle. I think she would need to stay in the Fire Nation for several years,slowly healing with Zuko’s help, before even attempting it.

There is one otherpath that I would consider for Azula, and that is: the Spirit World. Azula isnot a terribly spiritual person, but a spiritual journey such as Iroh underwentmight actually help her. It could train her mind to separate illusion and self-deceptionfrom reality, and give her a better sense of where she belongs in the world.Not to mention, the Spirit World is dangerous and full of tricksters such asKoh; I think she would enjoy the challenge.

And what about Sokka?

Well, Sokka’s character got shoved to the side in the comics, but honestly, him being on the Republic City council, helping the White Lotus, and likely being chief one day is just fine! Legend of Korra didn’t really do him the disservice that it did the other characters. However, there is one thing that he will never, EVER be, and that is the possible deadbeat dad of Suyin. For my reasons why, please look at this post.

I don’t have ideasfor anyone else, really, but we can’t leave out our most important character:

The GAang. In thecomics and LOK, the GAang all seem to have gone their separate ways, especiallywith Zuko being so isolated from everyone except Aang. Katara, too, seemsvery cut off from current events, which is unacceptable. The GAang remainedlifelong friends, regardless of any romantic relationships or lack thereof.Busy and hazardous as their lives might have been, they would always make thetime to write, visit, plan projects, and attend reunions together.

(P.S. I don’t knowthat June needs to develop as a character; she’s one of those tertiarypersonalities that’s just fine with the amount of screentime she has.)

#a:tla #avatar the last aibender #gaang #anti-bryke #anti atla comics #long post