#Azula's definition of honor is different considering she's not human

[blorboazula]

Azula 🤝 Katara in the dragon au: extremely bored by Zuko's obsession with honor

[ljf613]

Why Azula Doesn’t Need a “Redemption”

I recently read this fabulous meta by @deliciousmeta​​ about some of the issues with saying that Azula needs a “redemption,” and I completely agree and wanted to expound on it. 

The term redemption arc is so ubiquitous in fandom, especially when talking about Azula, and I hate it, but I can’t get away from it. If I want people to recognize that what I write is in any way about understanding or humanizing Azula, let alone about working on her healing or actively trying to do better, I have to tag it with “Azula Redemption,” or people won’t know what I’m talking about.

So let’s talk a little more about the concept of “redemption” within the Avatar world. 

The show does use the term redemption, particularly with Zuko and the Fire Nation, but it’s not talking about some arbitrary concept of “good person” vs “bad person.” No, words like “redemption” and “restoration” are specifically used regarding one thing: honor. 

Before we go any further, let’s define our terms: 

[ID: Dictionary definition of the word “Redemption”: Noun 1. the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil. 2. the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt. End ID] 

Redemption has two separate meanings. The first is about being saved from sin/evil, and @deliciousmeta​​​ already went into many of the issues with this, but I’ll add one more point: it’s passive. There’s a person being saved, and another person doing the saving-- and the show itself rejects this. Iroh, no matter how hard he tries, can’t save Zuko. Zuko has to make his own decision to leave on his own terms. 

The second definition is the one that’s important right now-- regaining something lost. Zuko (and the Fire Nation) has (or at least, believes he has) lost his honor, and he wants it back. 

(Side note: That idea of reclamation/repossession is also something to consider when talking about Aang/the Air Nomads, the Water Tribes, and the Earth Kingdom regaining everything they’ve lost in the war. (I might discuss that in another post.) Redemption isn’t generally the word you hear in regards to victims, but it does apply.) 

[ID: Dictionary definition of the word “Honor”: Noun 1. high respect; great esteem. 2. adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct. Verb 1. regard with great respect. 2. fulfil (an obligation) or keep (an agreement). End ID]

From Zuko’s very introduction, we see that he does honor his word, even when his opponents don’t. He told Aang he would leave the Water Tribe village in peace, and he kept his word, even when Aang did not. 

Zuko’s obsession with redeeming his honor (again, that second definiton of redemption) is because he has conflated the two meanings of “honor”; he lost his esteem (read: privilege), and he thinks that somehow means he’s lost his integrity. In his obsession with regaining the first, he loses the second. This culminates in “The Crossroads of Destiny.” When he turns his back on Iroh in Ba Sing Se, he has broken the trust Iroh had in him-- he’s dishonored himself. 

(Which, in a sense, is a microcosm for how the Fire Nation lost their honor-- they broke the trust all four of the nations had for each other.) 

When he returns to the Fire Nation, he has what he thinks he wanted-- esteem and respect (read: his father’s “love”). But it’s a hollow shell of what it should be. He’s always been a person of integrity-- the person who’s being honored isn’t him. (Or, at least, it isn’t who he wants to be.) 

And so this time, he rejects that first definition of honor. In essence, he says that respect is useless if the person’s actions aren’t deserving of respect. 

In doing so, he takes back-- he redeems-- his real honor. 

That’s what Zuko’s redemption arc is about. It’s not about “becoming a good person” or “being saved from evil,” it’s about taking back what he already had. 

So I have no problem with calling Zuko’s story a redemption arc, because that’s what it is: a tale of a boy, and eventually, a nation, taking back what they’ve lost-- their honor-- through his own hands. 

Any narrative about Azula, however, can’t be about that. 

There are two reasons for this. 

First off, Azula herself doesn’t care about honor. Unlike Zuko, her honor has never been something she valued. In “The Chase,” she rejects the very notion of honor when, after claiming that “a princess surrenders with honor,” she breaks her word. For Zuko, his honor is an integral part of his value system and who he is, but Azula has never even entertained the question-- if it doesn’t help her acheive her goals, it’s worthless.

Second, as I’ve mentioned, true redemption is about regaining something that’s been lost. What does Azula have to regain? Azula’s drive has always been about getting things she doesn’t have. (See Mirror & Misdirection - The Distortions of the Mirror Scene from @cobra-diamond​​ for more on Azula’s goals and motivations.) 

And the most of the things she’s lost are things she can’t get back: 

Her relationships with Mai and Ty Lee were flawed from the beginning. Even if she does build new ones with them, they can’t be the same. Her relationship with Zuko might not have started wrong, but it’s become so warped and deformed, I don’t think either of them could get it back to the way it was-- nor should they. Most people have a different type of relationship with their siblings as adults than they did when they were children, and that’s okay. Her relationship with her mother is fractured and messy-- even if they did want to make up, it would, again, have to be a different kind of relationship. (And if you’ve been following me for any period of time, you also know my feelings on her relationship with Lu Ten, which, obviously, she can’t get back.) 

Anything else-- her relationship with Ozai, her title and status, and that expectation of being a perfect princess-- are things she probably shouldn’t get back, because they would do more harm than good. 

So no, an Azula story would not-- could not-- be about redemption. 

Ideally, a narrative focusing on Azula would focus on two things: healing and atonement. 

[ID: Dictionary definition of the word “Healing”: Noun the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again. Adjective tending to heal; therapeutic. End ID]

[ID: Dictionary definition of the word “Atonement”: Noun 1. reparation for a wrong or injury. 2. (in religious contexts) reparation or expiation for sin. End ID] 

(Read @deliciousmeta​​​‘s take on the difference between “redemption” and “atonement.” In short, redemption is about “being saved” from “inherent badness,” while atonement is about taking responsibility for your actions and doing the best you can to try and fix the wrongs you’ve done.) 

At the end of ATLA, Azula has what, in layman’s terms, is commonly referred to as a mental (or nervous) breakdown. I’ve seen arguments about how that “proves” she’s a “horrible person” (coming back to OP’s argument about our obsession with categorizing people as “good” or “bad”), and I’ve seen competing arguments calling this ableist and furthering the stigmatization of mental illness. 

I’ve talked about nervous breakdowns before, but here’s the gist: they are a body’s way of crying out for help. In real life, mental breakdowns are meant to be followed with the sick person (because mental illness is just as much an illness as cancer or sickle-cell anemia) actually getting the help they need. 

What Azula needs is help-- preferably from an adult who hasn’t been personally affected by her actions, and who she doesn’t have pre-existing negative feelings about. She needs to be willing to accept that help (because you cannot help someone who refuses to be helped). And she needs to come to the realization that she has made mistakes-- that her actions have hurt people. 

Only then will she be able to start making atonement for her actions. 

What would that look like? I’m not sure, but I’ve got some ideas...... 

(No, I’m not going to tell you what they are, I have to leave some surprises for my future fics!) 

[theleagueof13]

SGE x ATLA

I chose Reena for Katara because of their similar looks, and considering Reena’s character exploration in OTK, I thought of her as a capable fighter. 

From the few lines Reena was given, I can’t tell if she’s a maternal figure, but I would headcanon it. 

OTK SPOILER: She is the princess of Shazabah, and goes against her father to help the main trio, which is something I feel that Katara would do if her sense of justice is provoked.  

I chose Agatha for Toph again because of the appearances (except that Agatha is tall), but I think some facets of their personalities are similar too. 

Agatha is tough and can be blunt to the point of abrasiveness. 

Seeing as Toph was originally meant to be male, her masculinity fits well with Witchy Agatha’s quirks. 

Toph tries to hide her crush on Sokka, which connects to Agatha’s initial rejection of romance. 

They both share a distaste for restrictive authority and prim-and-properness. 

Toph says  “One of the good things about being blind is that I don’t have to waste my time worrying about appearances. I don’t care what I look like. I’m not looking for anyone’s approval. …I know who I am.” Although Agatha isn’t blind, her character arc is learning to detach self-worth from beauty and loving herself. 

One part I would change is Toph’s lack of vulnerability and empathy, since Agatha is shown to be strong as a result of her desire to protect and care for people. 

I chose Hort for Sokka because they’re both characters used for humor, and they are underestimated in the group. 

I don’t think Hort will ever reach Sokka’s development, because he’s a little creepy towards Sophie whereas Sokka is chugging that Respect Women Juice by the end of the series. Hort does get the girl eventually, but Sokka had to grow out of his traditional gender role mindset in order for Suki to like him, which is much more commendable in my opinion. 

However, they both become warriors by utilizing their strengths. 

I’d make Hort more attractive in general because Sokka pulls every girl in the show, and Hort just… doesn’t. 

I chose Sophie for Azula because... it’s glaringly obvious? They’re both egotistical, formidable, cunning, persuasive, and ruthless. 

Sophie can identify people’s weaknesses and desires, and exploit them to her advantage. She is also a prodigy of Evil, and her true power explodes in her darkest moments. 

Still, Azula has far more control of her emotions (though Sophie gets better later on), and she is impenetrable, while Sophie’s greatest fragility is her need for love. 

Azula was shaped in her father’s image to be an efficient weapon, and therefore the humanity in her was ruined. In contrast, Sophie wants nothing more than to be Good. They’re both complex characters, but in different ways. 

Azula’s descent into insanity was catalyzed by her friends’ betrayal, which is always Sophie’s motive for “embracing Evil”. 

I chose Dot for Ty Lee because she has a cheerful, air-headed, and magnetic personality, but she can be equally threatening as her friends when she wants to be. 

They both have extremely unique talents (Ty Lee // acrobatics and chi-blocking, Dot // chocolate bending??) and they struggle to be their own separate person. 

Just as Ty Lee seems to be very in touch with spirituality and energy (many theorize her to be part air-bender), Dot has an incredible intuition and a higher emotional intelligence. 

Dot is seen to be attracted to Robin Hood, Hort, Ravan, and Kei for their looks, but unlike her, Ty Lee’s flirting actually has payoff. I’d have Dot gain success with her romantic interests to make the pairing more accurate. 

I chose Anadil for Mai because they are the secondary character in their  antagonist trios. Their personalities are reserved and apathetic. 

Unfortunately, Anadil doesn’t get much development and I can’t pinpoint any other similarities. But, I’d headcanon Anadil to have a more dignified upbringing like Mai’s, because her grandmother was the legendary White Witch of Bloodbrook and she would traditionally gain a high status from her ancestry. 

Mai’s softer side seems to come out when she’s around Zuko, and while Hestadil isn’t technically canon, the Maiko exchange of:

 “You’re so beautiful when you hate the world” 

“I don’t hate you”

“I don’t hate you too”

is like SUCH a Hestadil version of declaring their love. 

Mai’s betrayal of Azula and her decision to save Zuko is definitely something that Anadil would do for Hester if prompted. 

I chose Beatrix for Suki because... feminist icons!! Suki is a badass and can take on multiple people in a fight, while wearing makeup and a cultural dress. Beatrix... pales in comparison but she’s still amazing; her original quest was to battle pirates (hell yeah!) and OTK SPOILER: she literally becomes a knight. 

Suki was never bitchy like Beatrix was, so I’d say that her characterization in Book 2 and beyond is a better fit. 

Suki x Sokka is just beautiful holy shit (imo one of the best relationships), Beatrix doesn’t have a canon relationship but like if you’re going off these pairings here then,,, hortrix anyone? 

I chose Hester for June because, again, queen shit! They also look the same (tattoos, build, hair) lmfao. 

Unfortunately June doesn’t get much screentime [what a fucking waste]. She’s shown to be physically strong, brave, and independent. Her main goal is money (?), seems like something Hester would be motivated by if she didn’t have her coven. 

I can’t find any other things to talk about but just like, you know. 

I chose Tedros for Zuko because ... idk do I really need to explain this one? 

Daddy issues just radiate off them. Like come on, both their mothers left at a young age, their fathers were neglectful (not sure if Arthur was that outwardly abusive though), and they grew up under a lot of pressure. 

I’d connect Never Tedros to Zuko since Vanilla Tedros isn’t nearly “evil” enough. These are a few traits in common:

Anger issues, drama kings, the fear of not being enough, lack of wisdom, underlying toxic masculinity, the desire to prove themselves, the acceptance of struggle, occasional awkwardness, resilience, sense of morality, and everything else. 

And you can imagine Tedros talking about reclaiming his honor every five seconds. I know you can. 

[captain-azoren]

Myths and Iron: Cast of Characters

Besides the Avatar and Dragon Prince stuff, I’ve been wanting to do an original story and setting. Something more Low Fantasy ala Conan the Barbarian, kind of set around the time of classical antiquity. Too bad I can’t think of a plot, but I’ve always felt that good character development and interaction were more interesting anyway.

I’ve been brainstorming a few scenes in particular though that I’d like to share, if only to just get it out of my head. Before I do so, I should give my characters a brief introduction, if only for context. Quick note, this is all being done quick and dirty and with not a lot of research, so consider these just prototypes. “Myths and Iron” is just a working title.

Leodin: A pugilist hailing from the mountainous regions to the north-west. He learned to fight with his fists after a bloody, traumatic episode in his youth led him to shun most other weaponry. Leodin learned unarmed combat from an old master from the East, including how to harness chi. 

Leodin’s fighting style can be described as resembling mixed martial arts, combining boxing, wrestling, and joint locks, as well as kung fu (specifically chachuan) kicks to round it out. In DnD, he would be a Monk, but with more of a western gladiator aesthetic. Appearance wise, I’m thinking something like Levius Cromwell;

He acts stoic and controlled, but a deep seated, righteous anger boils inside him. Leodin found himself arrested and sent to fight as a gladiator in the Empire’s capital when the story begins. He catches the eye of my next character, Ibunet

Ibunet: A mysterious and ambitious priestess from a far off territory of the Empire, Ibunet wields ancient magical powers granted to her by her patron god through a scepter she wields. 

She acts an an agent for the royal court, her spiritual power giving her great political sway. She can be quite callous and mean to others, but she had a harsh childhood living in poverty that taught her to be pragmatic. Ibunet likes to indulge herself when she can, taunting her enemies and savoring her victories. 

Ibunet mostly relies on her scepter to cast spells and curses, but also wields a dagger for desperate, close encounters. She can also cast simpler spells on her own without the scepter.

For Ibunet, I’m thinking of something like Yennefer from The Witcher, but with more of an Ancient Egyptian/Stygian aesthetic. She’d be like the Warlock of a DnD group I think. Appearance wise, what I have in mind is something a bit like Eliza from Skullgirls, but with the face and hair of Yosira from Cleopatra in Space, maybe with purple eyes;

Ibunet acts as an antagonist/rival. She is haughty and looks down on those less powerful, but is not devoid of humanity. She is partnered with the other main antagonist, Clavius;

Clavius: A young, upstart officer in the Empire’s military. He has quickly risen through the ranks thanks to his natural talent and charisma. Clavius is a skilled warrior, cunning tactician, and magic user. Clavius has a lust for power and control, and ultimately seeks to rule the Empire himself. He has found Ibunet to be a useful ally, having charmed her into following him, but the feelings she has for him are not mutual.

I’m thinking of Clavius as being this really smooth, charismatic villain that has a lot of power and is very threatening. I don’t want to say he’s like Azula, because unlike her, he really is heartless and selfish. He is tall, handsome, and powerful, dressed in regal but intimidating armor. Thinking of having a very Roman Centurion look to him.

Yu Ling: An alchemist from the East. Has kind of a creepy goth girl vibe, and uses plenty of biting sarcasm. Think Sucy from Little Witch Academia mixed with a little Uncle from Jackie Chan Adventures. Throws a lot of bottles that explode into things. Pale skin and bad posture.

Anthea: A ranger/huntress seeking justice. Has a kind of Ancient Greek/Helenistic aesthetic. Wavy red hair and light blue clothing. Evokes the image of the goddess Artemis. Might make her Clavius’ sister? She uses a magic bow that can fire different types of magic arrows.

Zarun: An old mystic and master of illusions. He has had many adventures in his life, and gained much wisdom. Zarun’s legs are weak and frail, but he rides around on a magic carpet most of the time. He’s the Uncle Iroh of the group.Plays a sitar as a conduit for some of his magic, so kind of like a Bard. 

Njeri: A warrior who was also captured and sent to the gladiator arena. She and Leodin are freed with the help of Anthea. She is based on Okoye from Black Panther.Uses a spear and shield combo like Valkyrie from For Honor. Definitely the Fighter.

Yoshimaru: Ninja, master of stealth and infiltration. Moody and keeps to himself He’s a lot like Zuko in his Blue Spirit persona. Was sent from his homeland to gather intel on the Empire. Uses a lot of ninja tools. Not that great at direct combat, but very crafty.

And that’s all the cast I have for this semi Dungeons and Dragons party. With that done, I think I’ll write some scenes with them for funsies.