#Azula russian

[azutara-lover]

Azula: Katara, my love, you know that I love you very much BUT WHY DO YOU PUT CHEESE IN THE COFFEE?

Katara: It's a custom from my native country, it tastes very good, you should try it!

Azula: okay, I'll try that... disgusting thing

5 minutes later Azula was vomiting

[big-burry-latinas]

Has anyone at some point in their life thought about what the nationality of the avatar characters would be if they existed in real life? No? Just me?

Mai:Chinese Ty lee:Poland Azula:British/Russian Zuko:British/Russian Aang:Indian Sokka:Colombia Katara:Colombia Toph:German Suki:Spain

[theduckeminence]

Avatarverse Worldbuilding Concept:

What if the reason why the world of Avatar is so mish-mash in terms of culture is because during those years prior and during the process of unification of the Four Nations, alot of existing cultures continued to exist and persist in various spots among the nations?

What I mean by this is that numerous aspects of East Asian cultures (mainly China and Japan/Imperial Japan) existing primarily in areas of the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom could be the result of trade and migration — thus leading to major cultural exchanges between nations, and possibly certain aspects engraining itself into the nations’ way of living.

For instance, Kyoshi Island.

(image resource)

Kyoshi Island is most notable in its Ainu influences regarding the fashion of its residents. Quoted from a post by /@atlaculture (who’s going to be a large source for this post), they stated the following:

“The Ainu (アイヌ) are an East Asian ethnic group indigenous to Hokkaido (the northernmost island of Japan) and the Eastern Russian islands of Sakhalin and Kuril...Kyoshi Island exists in close proximity to the Southern Water Tribe, having their inspiration be the Ainu, whose islands are in close proximity to the Yupik and Inupiat peoples of the Bering Strait…”

Going off from this information, there’s two things that come to mind.

Since the Ainu is an ethnic group indigenous to Hokkaido — a northern island of Japan— neighboring with islands that also home other ethnic groups such as the Yupik and Inupiat people, this can offer an interesting concept that can add onto the Avatar world—

What if the ancestors of those born in Kyoshi Island consisted of a mixture between earth kingdom residents, & settlers from both from the Fire Nation and the Southern Water Tribe?

And since we don’t see it too often within the EK or other nations, aspects of South East Asian cultures could also be apart of cultures that exists within the islands of the Fire Nation — which can give the idea that those cultural influences could have originated from certain areas of FN for most of the time (unless I might of missed smth whenever I thought about the EK).

And the reason why the FN seems to lean more towards the ideas of Japanese, and the Earth Kingdom seems to lean more towards Chinese influences (at least, among major towns, groups, and cities such as Gaoling and Ba Sing Se), this could be because of cultural trends that had to the prominence of said ideas.

(Shown here is Toph wearing a Hanfu outfit from the Tang Dynasty & Azula wearing a Southeast Asian garb reminiscent of Cambodian/Khmer fashion).

Furthermore, another idea I have in mind is why the Northern Water Tribe is different — visually speaking — compared to the Southern Water Tribe. Cultural values and traditions aside, the NWT seems to lean a bit less towards Inuit-inspired influences, and more so towards various of other cultures. While the Inuit influences still exist, there also appears to be a mixture of Mongolian influences, as well as hints of other cultures in it as well.

(image resources)

Here in the images shown are examples of the misc. cultural influences within the NWT. In the left image shows a background NWT character wearing a tassel that is crossover between a Korean norigae (a decorative pendant/good-luck charm) and a traditional Korean hair ribbon known as a daenggi. In the right is another background NWT character wearing a hat that’s reminiscent of a Mongolian hat. I’ve also seen alot of people telling about the more Siberian influences the NWT has as well.

Personally, I like to think the reason the NWT may have these differentiating influences could be partially due to cultural exchanging/mixing with neighboring Northern regions of the Earth Kingdom.

(side note: shoutout to @atlaculture for the wonderful resources and explanations on the world of ATLA that inspired me to make this post :3! I highly suggest checking out their blog if you’re interested in learning more about the cultural influences found within Avatar!)

[thirdlotusprince3]

Azula: I’ve invited you here because I crave the deadliest game... Toph, nodding: Knife Monopoly. Azula: I was actually going to play Russian roulette, but now I'm really interested in whatever knife Monopoly is.

[poussacha]

2024 AO3 Wrapped!

Hi everyone! It's been another year, can you believe it? Time for another of my AO3 wrappeds! I have a LOT of information this year so I'll be posting the overview and the mini guide first then the month-by-month break down in a different post!

Enjoy!

There is also a separate, CUTER version on my Instagram here.

Fanfiction Mini Guide!

The Santa Clause

Barlie (Charlie Calvin/Bernard the Arch Elf)

Your Lamps Will Call Me Home by Solarcat | Rated M | 8k

Charlie Calvin's life changed forever the night his father became Santa Claus, but even Charlie didn't know how much it would keep changing.

North Pole Squad by flewtooclosetothesun_inc | Rated G | 1k

Every fandom needs a chatfic and the Santa Clause didn't have one yet.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Zukka

where the stars do not take sides by WitchofEndor | Not Rated (Also Gen) | 60k

When Azula is nine, she becomes an only child. She hears the Fire Lord call for Zuko's life, and in the morning, her mother and brother are gone. Azula may be young, but she isn't naive. She knows what happened to them. Which makes it all the more surprising when Azula tracks the Avatar down and fights his group of peasant friends, only to find herself staring into an eerily familiar face.

Wooing the water tribe by lenaballena | Rated T | 60k

Zuko is courting Katara, and with every passing day finds new and insane ways of showing that he would quite literally move the spirit world and earth to make her happy.

In hindsight, it probably would've been better if Sokka had realised he was in love with Zuko at literally any time before this. Or preferably, never fallen for his best friend in the first place.

knowledge and peace by thecelerystalksatmidnight | Rated T | 29k

Sokka is a man of science. Of math. Of tangible proof. Sokka started this journey two years prior without knowing what he was marching towards. Yet quietly, a path was worn. In the silence between words, Sokka understood the fundamental truths of nature. How could he not, when his father raised him with kindness and love? Sokka is at peace, here.

/

Or, Sokka is fifteen and follows his master into the Spirit World. It doesn't go the way that he plans.

Heart's a Thousand Colors by OhMyFreddy | Rated E | 125k

Sokka regularly has great ideas, and he knows that intentionally falling behind on Fire Prince Zuko's ship to "throw him off Aang's trail" is not one of them.

He goes with it anyway, and finds himself to not be the trickster he thought he was. Instead, he’s immersed deeper into the daily routines aboard the vessel. While the pursuit of Aang and Katara continues, Sokka struggles to maintain his grip on his metaphorical shield and sword against the Fire Nation soldiers around him, as each day finds him more included.

Worst, is the Fire Prince himself, who easily bested him in his village, and who makes it clear immediately that he will hunt down the Avatar whether Sokka is aboard or not.

But the longer Zuko hosts him, the more Sokka stumbles, and stumbles against *him*, and the more he finds his closest convictions challenged.

Wasn't my body rescued, wasn't it safe by sulkybender | Rated M | 15k

“If you want to laugh you can laugh,” Zuko says bitterly.

“Nephew,” Iroh says gently.

“Go on,” he says. His face is twisted up with some emotion none of them can name. He looks almost eager for it.

“I think I need some time alone with my nephew,” Iroh says.

As they back away, Zuko buries his face in his hands.

Below the Sun by CSHFic, VSfic | Rated T | 24k

Sokka is washed overboard while working on the fisherman's boat during the storm. He wakes on a deserted island.

Or... mostly deserted.

Gen

Salvage by MuffinLance | Rated T | 127k

Mid-Season-One Zuko is held for ransom by Chief Hakoda. Ozai's replies to the Water Tribe's demands are A+ Parenting. Hakoda is… deeply concerned, for this son that isn't his, and who might be safer among enemies than with his own father.

Podfic and translations in German, Hungarian, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian now available! See chapter one author notes for links.

I Wanna Be The Very Best by Haicrescendo | Rated G | 3k

[“Gym Leader Zuko?” He asks hopefully, and the grin the man sends him dashes his hopes into smoke.

“Afraid not,” the man says, “Zuko is my nephew and unfortunately, he’s not here right now.”

“Shit.” Sokka squirms a little. “Any idea when he may be back? I need his badge so I can—“ Go beat up Aang for being annoying and perfect at everything and making champion at thirteen goddamn years old while Sokka’s doing this whole thing late— “Better myself and reach true enlightenment. Uh. Sir.”

The man says nothing about Sokka’s age, just hmmms in consideration and rustles his bag.

“Call me Iroh,” the man says. “My nephew is like a spring wind, vivacious and—“

Flighty.]

Or,

The Pokémon AU that nobody asked for.

Keep Moving Forward to Stay Alive by Haicrescendo | Rated T | 3k

[“Watch the tail, child.”

Zuko watches the tail and cradles the baby Charmander carefully and close. It sleeps soundly like most infant pokémon and doesn’t stir even when he has to shift its position.

He knows at that very instant that he would rather die than see it harmed, and the potent spike of feeling burns his throat and the space behind his eyes.

Azula holds her Bagon with reluctance, uncomfortably, like she’d rather drop it to the floor.

Zuko never wants to put Charmander down.]

Or,

Zuko’s life has never been easy and somehow, it always manages to get harder.

The Deepest Water Haicrescendo | Rated G | 4k

[“You’re great,” Sokka says to Iroh, “But I’m going to murder your nephew. He’s dead to me.”

Despite Sokka’s forewarning that he would be coming and Zuko’s eventual confirmation via text that he would be there, Vulca’s gym leader is very decidedly not where he is supposed to be.

“You’re welcome to try,” Iroh replies, trying way too hard to sound serious and radiating amusement instead. “If you’d like, you’re welcome to battle me in Zuko’s stead.” He has that authority, Sokka knows, because Zuko’s told him so even though Vulca’s gym regent isn’t well advertised. Nevertheless, he shakes his head.

“No. It doesn’t count as a rematch if it’s you. Besides, I need to go find him and pound some manners into his damn head.”

“Again, you are very welcome to try.”]

Or,

Sokka gets blown off, helps rescue a pokémon, and maybe rescues Zuko a little bit too.

Have The Courage To Be Bold by Haicrescendo | Rated G | 5k

[Zuko wants to cry. He drops his face to the floor and sniffles into the wood and a few tears slip out of him anyway.

“Yes, you’re very fierce, little one,” Piandao tells Druk, very gently, with his hands up. “I will not hurt him.”

Zuko stifles a quiet little sob into the floor.

“Come, now. Off the floor, boy. Up, up.” Large hands grip Zuko by his upper arms and peel him up off of the floor, lifting him bodily and setting him back into his generic blue bed with its generic blue comforter. “Who did that to your face?”]

Or,

Zuko finds rescue from an unexpected source, is definitely not accidentally kidnapped on purpose, and beats up his fellow kids.

The Extra Mile by Haicrescendo | Rated G | 2k

[“Let me remind you that I haven’t seen you in person in like, a month, Researcher Pakku gave me the week to hang out with you, and instead of giving your favorite sister your undivided attention, you’re texting some weirdo who sends you...memes?”

“They’re really good memes, though!” Sokka protests, and shows her. Katara is not impressed.

“...Sokka, it’s a picture of a dude and a Butterfree going ‘is this a Pidgey?’. I think you need better taste in memes. And maybe friends.”]

Or,

The one where Katara very seriously considers an intervention for her brother.

Don't Say Your Heart's In a Hurry by Haicrescendo | Rated G | 5k

[Piandao rarely feels anger with this kind of intensity and the cold waves rocking through him are startling to the point that all he can do is mumble his address, throat tight, and hang up. He’s numb with fury as he heads straight to the house and barely manages to not slam the door open.

It startles Zuko anyway, perched on the sofa with Druk and Foxglove bundled up on either side of him.

“Are you...okay?” He asks after a moment of silence, because all Piandao finds that all he can do is stare at him. “Master Piandao?”

“I cannot believe you,” he finally manages to force out, “Two years. Two years here with me, and you let Iroh think you were dead.”]

Or,

The reunion chapter.

Catch Me If You Can by Haicrescendo | Rated G | 9k

[“Dude, it’s like seven am.”

“Uh huh.”

Zuko looks like he doesn’t quite understand why Sokka has a problem with this. He’s way too awake, and Sokka is not awake enough.

Sokka scrubs at his eyes.

“You know it doesn’t open til eleven?”

“Yeah, to the public. Sorry for thinking you’d want to skip out on the line that’s gonna snake through the whole city. Have fun with that—“ Zuko scowls and turns around to leave, and unthinkingly, Sokka nabs the back of his hoodie and tugs.

“No, please do not do that.”]

Or,

In which everyone’s a little nerdier than anticipated, Sokka is a public embarrassment, and Zuko gets honest.

You Found Me (made me into something new) by Haicrescendo | Rated G | 3k

[It’s born in a cage, in a lab that’s all stark white and generic blandness.

It’s alone, no mother or siblings present, just a face swimming in front of its shaky, infant vision. The face is considering and then ecstatic, and it feels a jerk of happiness, the first feeling it ever has.

It’s hungry but also tired, and wants to know about the world.]

Or,

The origin story of Zuko’s fire-breathing Pikachu.

Take a Pop Shot by Haicrescendo | Rated G | 5k

[Zuko leans back hard against the bed frame and sighs heavily and tips his head back to look at Sokka.

“Have you ever jumped off a cliff with a bungee before? Or, like, a waterfall?”

“What? No,” Sokka snorts. “Why, have you?”

Zuko’s quiet and considering, and he doesn’t look away.

“It’s scary,” he says, “But when you’re falling, you never want to stop. The fall feels like it takes forever, and you could do it and be happy for the rest of your life. And then you hit water, or the end of your tether. And it hurts, it always hurts, but the fall feels so good that you keep doing it, over and over again.”

“Are you falling right now?” Sokka asks.

“No,” Zuko murmurs. “Fall’s over. I hit the water.”]

Or,

Zuko implodes and Sokka wants pancakes.

Not Until I'm Ready by Haicrescendo | Rated T | 5k

[Zuko has a traveling companion.

A people one and not a pokémon one, he tells Uncle one night when they’re on video chat.

His name is Jet, he’s a year older, and Zuko found him. Well, kind of. It was kind of like they found each other, because Jet was taking a nap in a bush, and Zuko tripped over him and fell on his head. Jet had yelled and hollered about it, and Zuko had yelled and hollered back until both of them were out of breath, and now they’re apparently traveling together because Jet won't go away.

Zuko knows three important things about Jet.]

Or,

Druk evolves, June is doing her best, and Zuko and Jet’s excellent adventure.

Field and a River by Haicrescendo | Rated T | 7k

[It’s barely seven in the morning when there’s a pounding on the door to Vulca’s gym.

Zuko waits a few minutes to see if Uncle gets it (he doesn’t), and eventually drags himself out of bed. It’s early enough that the junior trainers aren’t here and the gym is deserted. Zuko hopes that they go away.

They don’t, and the knocking continues.

Zuko slides open the door.

“Hi there,” Jet tells him with a grin.

Zuko slides the door shut without a word.]

Or,

An unpleasant reunion, a little more trauma for everyone, and someone gets hit with the feels stick.

What Good is Winning (if you lose your heart) by Haicrescendo | Rated T | 9k

[“Let it be known, nephew, that I think this idea is terrible.”

“Noted.”

“Let it be known, Sparky, that I’m normally very supportive of your bad ideas and I also think that this one is terrible on an entirely new level for you.”

“Noted,” Zuko says between gritted teeth. “If you didn’t want to help, you didn’t have to.”

Toph rolls grey, unseeing eyes and flips him the bird.

“If you think I wasn’t gonna come help the second you told me about this shitshow, you’re out of your mind. You’ll die without me.”]

Or,

In which Gym Leader Zuko learns to pick his battles and hates having feelings.

Free Up Your Mind by Haicrescendo | Rated G | 5k

[Zuko slams the magazine down on the table. He’s livid, red-faced and gritting his teeth so hard that his jaw’s going to hurt later. He slams it down so hard, in fact, that it rattles Uncle’s tea setting.

“What did the local news do to warrant such a massacre?” Uncle asks mildly, hands instinctively wrapping around a full teacup. “A good ginseng could never.”]

Or,

Gym Leader Zuko breaks the internet.

Doctor Who

13/Rose

Pertinacia by lumidaub | Rated T | Comic

Rose Tyler finally makes it back but her universe has moved on. Finding her Doctor may not be quite as easy as she imagined.

A manga style comic.

Let Wonder Seem Familiar by tsukara | Rated T | 35k

The Doctor wrecks the TARDIS (again) with his regeneration energy (AGAIN), so the TARDIS thinks 'well, why not? The Time Lords are back (for now) and can fix any cracks that might happen, let's go get Rose Tyler--the Doctor's going to need all the help she can get soon', though she can't hold on to her when the TARDIS gets caught in her rematerialization loop. With Torchwood and UNIT gone, Rose tries to find the Doctor however she can--which leads her to MI6. At the same time, strange aliens are attacking spies around the world, which is exactly the sort of thing that would draw the Doctor in.

Post-Journey's End Reunion fic set in Season 12.

All This Can I Qualify by tsukara | Rated T | 8k

At the end of the events of Spyfall, everyone--including Rose--has returned to the TARDIS. There are five planets between Gallifrey and when the Fam finally ask her about what is going on.

Or: Five Planets Where the Fam Didn't Ask Where the Doctor is From and the One They Did

Every Line is a Place on a Map by disasterism | Rated G | 1k

Time deceives, disguises itself; it is not a year, a minute, an era, but a map. This is your map from London, UK to Dårlig Ulv Stranden, Norway to the edge of time. The Doctor/Rose Tyler; Bad Wolf.

Ed, Edd N' Eddy

KevEdd (Edd "Double D"/Kevin Barr)

Pick up lines by WeepingWillow1928 | Rated T | 1k

Kevin wants Double Dee's attention, and he's just desperate enough to take Nat's advice.

An Extremely Goofy Movie

Maxley (Max Goof/Bradley Uppercrust III)

🌟🌟FRESHIE AND III BY EDDAMAEASTER | RATED T | 95K🌟🌟

It's a semester later - Bradley has been all but a ghost on campus. Until Max is wandering through the music school and happens to glance into one of the practice rooms.

(One of the best if not THE best fic in the tag, I swear to GOD)

🌟🌟FIFTH COLUMN BY MADAM_MUFFINS | RATED E | 90k🌟🌟

A single dad to a child just as head strong as he was, Max finds himself struggling with broken dreams and trying to find his path in life as he enters into his thirties.

Bradley has one last chance to prove himself to his family. His father. That chance comes in the form of a failing toy factory in a city too close to the biggest personal failure in his life.

When paths cross and egos once again collide, how can Spoonerville be big enough for the two of them?

(SCREAMING MY HEAD OFF PLEASE READ THIS FIC)

Twin-Sized Mattress by AndSheWasBeautiful | Rated E | 23k

“Now you’ve put me in a tight spot,” Max laments as he re-buckles his belt, the bulge in his pants still distractingly taught. “Give me two more minutes alone. Or, you know, if you’re willing to lend a hand, we could have this dealt with in one?”

Bradley snarls at that, wrenching himself off the door and into the bathroom.

“Don’t even joke about it, freshman. You had some girl in here a second ago - what you aren’t fussy about who gets you off? Figures,” Bradley sneers, levelling the most disgusted look he can muster at Max. The disgust comes with unsurprising ease - all it takes is one sideways glance in the mirror and Bradley can dredge it up.

“Projecting much?” Max replies coolly.

-

The Gammas host a toga party.

Consequences by plaided_koala | Rated M | 4k

Bradley knows:

If you mix the alcohol with medications, there will be consequences.

Max Goof's Guide to Getting Girls by kingofheadaches | Rated G | 14k

Bradley Uppercrust the III is a virgin to everything. Never been kissed, never dated, never fucked, never done anything with sexual intentions. But when his father demands a fiancée before his father’s big gala, he has to be willing to take some help from his archnemesis-roommate, Max Goof.

Or Whatever by criesmom | Rated E | 13k

Max disentangled himself to slide out of the booth, offering Roxanne a hand to get up. They exchanged farewells with Tank and Bradley before heading towards the stairs, but with a final glance over his shoulder, Max could see Bradley still watching them leave. His face seemed more relaxed, maybe a little hollow. The expression sat in Max’s stomach long after he’d turned around.

Or

With Roxanne by his side egging him on, Max embraces the experimental nature of college life and gives something new a go - Bradley Uppercrust III

Don't let me down by Midnightblue66 | Rated M | Comic

Max is celebrating his victory at the X-Games after party when he sees a familiar face. Has Bradley finally come around to make up for his horrible behaviour?

Victorious

Reck (Beck Oliver/Robbie Shapiro)

Love in 60 days or less by Kheta | Rated G | 9k

Beck loves Jade but hates hiding and Jade loves Beck, but she hates complicated and.

And Beck comes out of the proverbial closet and other snippets of his life.

Jori (Jade West/Tori Vega)

You be the Moon, I'll be the Earth by PrettyLittlePottyMouth | Rated M | 30k

After Tori asks Jade for a favor, Jade discovers there's more to Tori than she ever expected. Tori worries that her secret is the only thing Jade finds interesting about her. Lunacy ensues.

Sam & Cat

SamCat (Sam Puckett/Cat Valentine)

I Know it Seems Far, but Just Be Where You Are by PrettyLittlePottyMouth | Rated M | 140k

Sam's arrival in Los Angeles changes everything for Cat, including the dynamics of her friend group, especially when it comes to Tori and Jade. Meanwhile, Sam struggles to leave behind her past and start something new. Lunacy becomes their new normal.

Star Vs. the Forces of Evil

Stomco (Star Butterfly/Marco Diaz/Tom Lucitor)

The Silver Bell Ball by boredomsMuse | Not Rated | 3k

How I imagine the Silver Bell Ball would have gone if Star and Tom tricked Marco into going. (And they were totally tricking him, it wasn't like they were actually avoiding their dance or anything.)

Demoncism by boredomsMuse | Not Rated | 2k

On the day of Tom's demoncism, Marco goes out and buys all the jello he can find. Because jello is the best thing to eat after the demon-equivalent of an operation.

Sophomore Slump by boredomsMuse | Not Rated | 3k

It's been a week since Demoncism and things on Earth are getting more and more tense for Marco. Especially with Star too busy to talk to him.

Being Erica

EricaTom (Erica Strange/Tom Wexler)

Me. And Me Now by sakuracorr | Rated M | 17k

Post season two. Sometimes it's hard to let go, especially when you have the ability to really find the answers to your "What ifs?"

Jujutsu Kaisen

SatoSugu (Gojo Satoru/Geto Suguru)

all your sugar lovin', it belongs to me by Gyyuuttt | Rated G | 757 Words

just some thoughts about stsg in an idol au that i don't think i'd ever be able to write into a story partly bc of lack of skill, and partly bc of lack of motivation

Life With Derek

Gen

Ding Dong, the Prince is Dead by slipslapslop | Rated G | 500 Words

“Wake up. We’re going to a funeral.”

“Derek what are you talking about?”

[zehrbear]

AZULA IS PROBABLY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, AND KATARA IS CERTAINLY A MED STUDENT!! IDK ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE THO!!

AHEYEYEGEYYEEYE U RIGHT U RIGHT

azula - business administration

katara - integrated 6 year med track bc she’s just smart like that

zuko - dual poli sci and history major

sokka - undecided. he changes his major every other week, his academic advisor is TIRED. but he does enjoy anatomy classes (tooootally not bc suki’s his TA nuh uh…)

suki - kinesiology. she wants to be a physical therapist 🤭

mai- russian literature with a minor in gender studies (she’s hot and scary)

ty lee- performance art with a concentration in dance

aang- environmental science! he wants to save the earf !!

toph - pre law. she’s in some of zuko’s polisci classes and intentionally plays devil’s advocate whenever he raises a point during discussion rounds 💀

[katyspersonal]

So, Rauh is Slavic + connections with Farum Azula?

I've noticed this first because of the area where you fight Magma Wyrm Makar at! It does have Rauh architecture, for starters:

But also, before this arena, you can find a unique variant of Chanting Winged Dame that appears to be wearing a variant of кокошник (kokoshnik), a traditional Russian tiara-like female headwear!

They have different variants, and this one appears to be triangle! I instantly recognised it, because this variant is very commonly found on depictions of Snegurochka (a Russian folklore character, she is a granddaughter to the guy who is basically our equivalent of Santa)!

Then, on the side note, Makar is a very popular name in Slavic countries! There is even information that it is straight up a name that appeared in Russia; back then, when old Russia accepted Orthodox Christianity from Greece, a LOT of names were adopted here from Greece too and then most were changed a bit over time in language environment! Makar is one of such names, originating from the word Μακάριος and changed into just Makar in environment with Slavic languages!

There are also some other things I've noticed that seem to match Slavic aesthetic! The first one features what could be another variant of kokoshnik, and also clothes that are very similar to a variant of sarafan, also a traditional dress in Slavic countries! I agree that the second image features appearances similar to Nox females, but also to this other traditional Russian folk look!

Again, I am kind of just spotting these because I've seen these a lot upon growing up in history and art classes, as well as on the events! Some of these just look soooooo similar, and darn name 'Makar' especially convinced me I am not overthinking it xD

There is also this statue in Farum Azula, that also has "Rauh aesthetic" and appears to be wearing a variant of a sarafan! These details were not something I could make sense of in the base game, they just seemed like nice aesthetic inspirations, but with SOTE, Rauh even became a thing, so...?

This statue is specifically found in the arena where we fight Maliketh and take Destined Death, and female figure being found near a Shadowbeast (three beings making one, kinda like if a Kamaitachi was a wolf instead of a weasel) does feel like an Empyrean! If you believe it could be Gloam-Eyed Queen, that'd make her have Rauh descent I suppose! Could she have even met Marika while she was still a Shaman? That's one doomed yuri if I've seen one dshfhfd

(I am also wondering if a link with Farum Azula could've explained the bat people in general? They could be a variant of a dragonborn, maybe... There is a Draconian preset for a Tarnished, that is just a humanoid with a 'rocky' skin, as well as Godrick mentions literal blood relation to Dragons in Japanese, proving the species can mingle! So, the so-called "bat ladies" + those annoying screaming mobs might be not just from Rauh, but one of the variants of an offspring of humanoids and Dragons?)

[avatar-legends-confessionblog]

Some people can’t process the concept that everyone has the potential to be a victim and oppressor, and many are both simultaneously.

Ioseb Besarionis dze Jughashvili was a disabled person who was born into poverty in Georgia (Caucasia Georgia, not Peaches Georgia), a nation that had been occupied by the Russian and Ottoman Empires for centuries. He joined a revolutionary movement and was incarcerated a number of times by monarchist authorities.

Definitely sounds like a victim! Must have been a good guy!

Of course most people remember him as Joseph Stalin, one of the most notorious mass-murderers and autocrats in history. He was responsible for the forced starvation of millions, ethnic cleansing, genocide, industrialized incarceration and torture, and the brutal occupation of conquered peoples.

Wait…but now he sounds like an oppressor!!!!! Which is he????? Why is the world so complicated??????

Azula was abused. Ozai probably did not have a warm and cuddly childhood either. No doubt Sozin, Azulon, and Long Feng have some element of a tragic backstory. But each of them chose to do evil, and the more evil you do the harder it is to see any other way and redeem yourself.

That’s why Ozai will probably never turn his life around, while Azula certainly still can like Zuko and Iroh.

X

[autisticshadowthehedgehog]

sconc middle names but me and cori are stupidt

last night me and cori got slap-happy and made a list of characters’ middle names so happy birthday sonic enjoy. tw catholicism jokes bc when we get slap happy we end up on that train

Sonic: His middle name is actually not Maurice. He won’t tell anyone what it is but it isn’t Maurice. Not in the “noooo it’s totally not ;)” way he legit doesnt know where anyone got that misconception from

Metal Sonic: His middle name IS Maurice. That’s where people got that misconception from

Tails: When he and sonic were filling out paperwork to make sure he legally existed Tails realized he didn’t know his middle name and could reasonably put “Tails.” Instead he put “Terminator”

rouge, losing it: oh my god are you serious tails: i was like five and thought it was cool sonic: you were right 

Knuckles: He literally doesn’t care so once again when filling out paperwork he’s like.

knuckles: so i guess my last name would be my tribe shadow: the knuckles tribe? knuckles: yeah shadow: so you’re putting down knuckles knuckles knuckles: yeah probably shadow: so what’s your middle name? knuckles: well take a fucking guess buddy

Amy: Also picked her own name. Debated between “Amy” and “Rosy” for a while before sticking with “Amy Rose”– rose for the pretty flower she loves and its symbolism, “Amy” because it means “much loved” and she’s desperate for affection. and then she well. picked a middle name that sounded cool

shadow: oh my god tell me your middle name isn’t “terminator” too amy: oh my gosh no amy: amy: it’s velociraptor shadow: oh my god amy: JURASSIC PARK JUST CAME OUT I WAS HYPED

Shadow: We had two (2) options: #1.) It’s something extremely Catholic like Clementinus. It doesn’t fit his brand so he just doesn’t tell anyone. also he can’t pronounce it. #2.) It’s like a deep, guttural screech/roar. Everyone assumes it was Black Doom’s name for him but no that was Gerald’s idea actually

Rouge: Francisca. Shadow was like “oh something really catholic as well” “actually my family were very much not catholic that’s just a funny coincidence.”

Omega: Terminator. Stole the idea from Tails

Cream:

Blaze: She has like 48 middle names cause she’s royalty and they’re like that

Silver: “In the future we don’t have middle names. We ate them for sustenance.”

Vector: ALSO something extremely Catholic like Benedict or someshit

Espio: “A ninja’s secret name is to stay absolutely secret. It is the key to their identity. Their soul. None shall know of it.” He picked his own middle name and it was SasuNaru and he’s embarrassed about it.

Charmy: Vector named him so it is also EXTREMELY Catholic. Charmy cannot remember it. “It’s VALENTINE, Charmy!! It’s literally one of the easiest Saints to remember!! Saint VALENTINE!!” “look i made a necklace out of gummy worms :D”

Mighty: it’s something like super normal like Evan or Thomas

Ray: Sunshine :D

Fang: It’s actually Nack. whudda think

Bean: And similar to Fang, it’s ACTUALLY “Dynamite.” Did he name himself? You’ll never know.

Bark: Something super Russian like Vladimir

Big: Big has no middle name he has no last name he is too powerful for all of us

Tikal:

Tikal: yeah we didn’t have middle or surnames in my time. Closest was just “oh that’s Pachacamac’s kid.” Tails: Okay but you need a middle name for paperwork so pick something Tikal: Termi-- Knuckles: No. Tikal: Okay. Lesbian

Jet: Tony. you know why

Marine: It’s just literally “Australian”

Sticks: “Classified.” Everyone is like “oh geez Sticks ok” and don’t realize her middle name is literally Classified

Surge: When she got to pick hers she picked Azula for obvious reasons

Kit: He picked “Surge.”

Belle: Periwinkle

Sage: Ann Ima. believe it or not, that is also. Catholic™

Tekno: Terminator

[loopy777]

Mini-Review: The Bounty Hunter & The Tea Brewer

Mid-to-light spoilers.

Well, so much for my idea of a fanfic where June goes on one last hunt, in a changing world, to either bring in the infamous Princess Azula or die trying.

I like the themes this thing is going for. It's kind of a Western in that it's about violent people having to deal with a changing world and the coming of civilization. I like that it acknowledges the tricky morality of formerly bad people earning forgiveness instead of punishment. And I like that it doesn't completely remove June's edge.

That said, I think the story was kind of aiming above its head and intended audience. This should be a messier story with some real tragedy in it. Acknowledging some tricky morality isn't the same thing as actually dealing with it or exploring it, and it ends up feeling rather shallow and pat. The end result is a fun little action adventure, but I feel like it was aiming to be more and fell far short.

I like all the new characters. The new bounty hunter characters are fun, and even the goofier ones don't overstay their welcome. I really like the villain; his transition from spy/saboteur to businessman/gangster is very Russian.

June gets some additional backstory, and thankfully no one felt the need to explain why she dresses like an old-school goth. But I'm honestly not sure the expansion was needed, other than adding a mother where one was conspicuously missing.

Speaking of representation and feminism, Iroh's awfulness to June in 'Bato of the Water Tribe' is acknowledged and brushed away with a, "I'm sorry about that, I was in my Season 1 characterization where I had some flaws and also people still thought that kind of thing was hilarious outside of anime for incels." So that's that.

Peter Wartman's and Adele Matera's art is as good as ever.

Ranking of the Faith Erin Hicks one-shot graphic novels so far:

Azula in the Spirit Temple

Suki, Alone

Katara and the Pirate's Silver

The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer

Toph Beifong's Metalbending Academy

[heinzpilsner]

Now, when I think about it, maybe I didn't give Zuko enough credit, assuming his central reasoning for tracking Yon Rha was Katara's anger management

Seriously though, the aggressiveness of their behaviour (and a flashback-like framing of Yon Rha story) kinda distract you from the fact that they can have different priorities in mind other than violence.

(Besides, roasting Zuko is fun, what else can I say? I've always been a kind of girl that pulls on her favorite boys' ponytails, lol.)

Maybe it was about getting information in the first place, after all. I mean, Zuko of all people can understand the importance of this - if he got anything from his last encounter with Ozai, it was knowledge.

(About this though. Again, the more I think about it, the more the fact that it was just a lucky result of Ozai's choice, and not a main goal of the encounter, doesn't make sense to me. I mean, imagine: you're going to escape the palace to help the Avatar to kill your father, and you have an uncle to rescue on top of that. Confronting Ozai in this situation only to deliver Zuko's "I've learned a lot, oh my father from whose power I'm supposedly free now" speech is extremely dumb and irresponsible idea. The only reason that would worth the risk was asking Ozai about his mother. Because, if Zuko believed Aang was going to kill Ozai, it could be his last chance to get the information. But I guess the writers decided what parallel Ozai with Azula was more important than common sense.

... I mean, Zuko's speech in itself is good. I actually cried a bit the last time I rewatched the scene with me being russian and all, you know, damn, atla is so relatable. I'd just prefer it was delievered in a different context.)

Anyway, back to the topic.

Zuko spent the whole night in front of Katara's tent, and I suppose it's safe to assume he spent it thinking. Who knows what was going on in his head and to which conclusions he came after his dialogue with Sokka? We can only assume. I assumed the worst, because I mostly read the situation by that the characters say directly (well, also because the results of Zuko's thinking process in the past made me facepalm way to often, lol).

But the more I think about tSR, the more I realise that such a superficial approach to reading the material will not get you far in understanding.

Now, I wonder - was Zuko really all that clueless about Katara's feelings towards him (whatever they may be) at the end of the sleepless night?

If we look at the way he behaved during the trip, and the fact that Katara allowed it, we can see a person who is completely sure in his right to act as the other person's partner. Who is aware of his high value in the eyes of another, and rightfully so.

This, to say the least, would be an alarming behavior for a boy who still believes in a girl's hatred towards him.

In the end, it depends entirely on how you want to read it, I guess.

Clueless And Creepy But Lucky Zuko or Surprisingly Intelligent And Sensitive Zuko, hmm?

Ah, choices, choices~

[azutara-lover]

I come to share one of my favorites azutara modern au

Those who want can use this au for fanfics, fanarts etc. as long as they give me credits

Katara

-156cm(5,1)

-Colombian,she and her family moved to the USA when she was 6-7 years old

-Bisexual

Azula

-178cm (5,8)

-Russian and American, she was born in Russia and lived there until she was 4 years old and then moved to the United States

-Lesbian

a height comparison for illustrators/writers who want to draw/write with this au :3

[chelemlem]

make a poll of your favourite female characters (no limits - as many or as little as you want) and see which your followers like the most!

tagged by @mecachrome 🩷

[dragomer]

My headcanons for Zuko and Azula’s kid.

Izumi: A playful mommy and daddy’s kid, frequently accompanying them around the palace as well as hanging out with the rest of her siblings. Izumi, despite being her playfully energetic self, knows when to be serious when the time comes.

Boris: The second oldest child of Zuko and Azula next to Izumi, Boris idolizes his mother during The Thousand Year War. Boris isn’t exactly liked by the rest of his siblings as they think he’s a moron and a weasel who backstabs anyone for his own personal gain. He does deeply care for his parents and siblings and would help or comfort them if they needed.

Gudu Zhe: Boris’ twin sister is a quiet introverted girl who rarely hangs out with her siblings, spending time in the library reading and learning about her nation’s history. This knowledge led her to discover her parents were siblings, but she doesn’t mind it, as long as she has the library then she’s happy to be their daughter.

Ren Zu and Baoshui: The two youngest children of the Zuko’s family, the inseparable pair both share the same love and passion for their favorite activity; causing mischief. Ren Zu always comes up with the plan as she believes she’s the brains of the pair while Baoshui serves as the muscle as he doesn’t really know much, despite being two years older. Much like his father, he finds himself being called a “dum-dum” by his sister.

Cool ideas! Boris sound more Russian and the other two sound more chinese than japanese but other than that I like it!

Thanks for the ask ^^

[leethepiper]

ATLA Fic recs

Blue

Iroh insists they create a new life and identity in Ba Sing Se. Zuko wants nothing more than to bide his time until his next opportunity to return home, until he realizes ‘Lee’ can get away with things Zuko never could. Zuko dons the mantle of the Blue Spirit again only to lose his focus when the Avatar comes to the city. This time, however, his attention is drawn to the annoying Southern Tribe warrior.

Better

Father loved to tell Zuko that Azula was the one born lucky, but she has no illusions. Every single step she took to the top was earned, by being smarter and better than everyone else. By never, ever, slipping up. Zuko tripped and fell into being crown prince thanks to Ursa, and he’s about to do it again thanks to the Avatar.

(An exploration of Azula from childhood to post-canon, through the events that made her a monster, and what remains when being a monster is no longer useful.)

Salvage

Mid-Season-One Zuko is held for ransom by Chief Hakoda. Ozai's replies to the Water Tribe's demands are A+ Parenting. Hakoda is… deeply concerned, for this son that isn't his, and who might be safer among enemies than with his own father.

Podfic and translations in German, Hungarian, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian now available! See chapter one author notes for links.

Turn a Blind Eye to the Rumours

When Katara speaks, she somehow says the right and the wrong thing: “Then he’ll forgive you. He will.”

Zuko doesn’t know whether to scream or laugh. The noise that he makes is sort of both. “Let’s just say my family isn’t the forgiving type.”

***

Zuko assumes that the others knows how he got his scar. Because…well, doesn’t everyone? His friends have travelled all over the world; they must have heard the rumours. It’s just something he’s got to live with.

Or, Zuko wildly overestimates how much Team Avatar knows about him, a conversation goes slightly differently, and the gaang plots a murder because that’s what good friends do.

A Long Way Home

For three years, Zuko searched for the Avatar. But he'd never really thought that much about what would happen once he succeeded.

Alternatively: Zuko actually has a plan for catching the Avatar at the North Pole. Somehow, it works. But after a few days of pai sho and tea, he begins to wonder if maybe it would've been better if it hadn't.

Moon of My Life, Flame of My Heart

Six plus one, POV outsider

Six times someone realized Azula might actually like (or even love) her wife Yue. Whether she realizes that fact or not is another thing entirely.

AKA

The very unlikely but weirdly functional arranged marriage between Princesses Yue and Azula, as told through the eyes of the unsuspecting people around them.

you make a really good girl (as girls go)

“Oh spirits,” Azula says, grinning widely. The Water Tribe is full of idiots. “You don’t want to marry Zuko, he’s useless. Also, he’s already engaged.”

“He is?” Yue blinks at her.

“Of course he is, he’s going to be the Fire Lord, he’s been engaged since he was twelve,” Azula says. A useless Fire Lord who she’s going to have to prop up, if not outright usurp, but Fire Lord all the same.

The things she does for this family, she swears.

Do You Hear The People Sing?

The Fire Nation has only rebelled once in its long history. They are a proud people, and a loyal one. They do not turn against their own for no reason. They protect their own.

Especially their Prince.

~~~ Basically this was a What if the Fire Nation said Fuck Ozai and rebelled AU. along with a sprinkling of world building built in. Enjoy!

a nation, held

It doesn’t take long for the rumors to start.

The Fire Nation prides itself on its civilization. It isn’t like the other, lesser, nations who throw their children away by sending them into war. Those uncultured and unfeeling savages who are destroying their own future faster than the Fire Nation can save them from themselves.

Every Fire Nation child goes to school. They learn reading and writing, the illustrious history of their country, and what will be expected of them as proper, upstanding Fire Nation citizens. They are to be protected, because children are the future glory of the nation.

The crown prince is thirteen when his father burns his face in front of an audience of hundreds.

half in the shadows, half burned in flames

“They say you tried to kill the Firelord,” Hakoda says. "Why?"

Zuko doesn’t know how to answer. Because I hate him. Because I love him. Because he wants to see the world burn. Because he knotted one hand in my hair and cupped flames against my face with the other.

Because my mother is dead.

Because my uncle is dead.

Instead, he shrugs tiredly and says: “Someone has to.”

Amnesia!Zuko Joins the Earth Army

Zuko loses his memory and becomes an Earth Kingdom war hero. His father is going to LOVE this.

Podfic now available!

Post-Canon Fire Lord Zuko (and his staff)

A few people have asked if I would make a series for my Fire Lord Zuko fics so they’re easier to read, so here we are! The fics aren’t linear, or necessarily connected (though I do recycle original characters, and occasionally reference an event mentioned in another fic) but you don’t need to read all of them in order to understand one of them, so you’re free to read whichever ones you want. Enjoy!!

Afternoon Tea

Of all the places he could have walked into--of all the tea shops in Ba Sing Se--(of which there are many)--he had chosen the one that Prince-fucking-Zuko worked at.

Or: Early on during his time in Ba Sing Se, Sokka stops for a cup of tea. This small action changes everything.

The Art of Burning

Zuko had never excelled at anything. Azula was a prodigy. Uncle always knew what to say. And Father... Father was strong, iron-like. But Zuko had only ever been good at surviving. Putting one foot in front of the other in a grim show of stubborn determination, gritting his teeth and bearing it. Survival was all he had ever been taught. He knew how to do it. So when he was kidnapped by the Southern Water Tribe, he expected to fight as he always had. He didn’t expect to be taught instead how to live.

In a warring land, the Water Tribe forgave the enemy in an act of defiance. For this, he was torn from them, and this time, his wounds won't heal so easily.

Forced back into nothing but survival, the last person Zuko expected to see was Hakoda's son. Hakoda was a promise of safety. The relentless blue of Sokka’s eyes was a promise of happiness. Zuko could have both if he just reached out his hands, but he found them clutching into fists. After all, he’d been burned one too many times.

But hey, at least between Hakoda and Sokka, Zuko could appreciate the family resemblance of pure, asinine stubbornness.

PODFIC AND TRANSLATIONS AVAILABLE

Honor Among Thieves

Father keeps on telling Zuko that he's acting without honor, but a lot of the time he won't explain what exactly Zuko is doing wrong, and what he should do to be more honorable. So, Zuko decides to do some research and ask around about how he should behave honorably.

Or: the servants of the Fire Lord's palace develop a soft spot for Zuko, Zuko confuses everyone around him with his particular brand of shout-y, aggressive politeness, and somehow Zuko accidentally ends up leading a revolution.

[hello-nichya-here]

You think the "the only valid ship for Azula is Azula x therapy" thing is bad? HAH wait until you see the Russian atla fandom in which people spew shit like "I only ship Azula x schizophrenia" and "Tyzula is romanticizing abuse", on a daily basis I really don't know how to put it mildly but like, the more I see Russian fandoms debating on controversial characters the more it seems to me they have ableism and dichotomy vision EMBEDDED into them which is the main reason I steered away from it and you're my comfort blog.

I've seen these "takes" in the brazilian fandom, and in the english-speaking, mostly american fandom. It's pretty wide-spread.

Which is why, like you, I stick to my comfort blogs where people have at least a basic understanding of the characters, even if I don't always agree with everyone.