#airbender? I hardly know her!

[hypnoticsphere]

she last on my avatar till I…. airbender….

[s10127470]

Danny Phantom vs. Hazbin Hotel: Afterlife Designs

Happy Halloween folks!

This is my first time doing a special post for a holiday.

And for today, I wanted to have this discussion about a topic I had with some friends.

Specifically about two animated shows that both focus on an afterlife.

A poorly-defined and explained afterlife.....

Those two shows are none other than Danny Phantom and Hazbin Hotel.

However, one is able to get more across about that afterlife simply through its character design, while the other doesn't.

And if you haven't guessed already, it's the former.

But before we discuss how DP is able to get across more about its world simply through its character design (along with just having far better ones than Hazbin), first we need to talk about why both these shows have poorly-defined afterlives.

Danny Phantom’s was the result of conflicting visions.

Those being between the show’s infamous creator Butch Hartman, and its main producer and developer Steve Marmel.

Butch wanted the series to be relatively episodic and comedic, while Steve wanted it to be a little more darker and put more emphasis on story and world-building.

This resulted in Steve, along with most of the Season 1 and 2 crew, to leave the show.

There’s also the fact that Nickelodeon didn’t want them to mention the obvious, hence why despite the show being about ghosts, there was hardly ever any mentions of death in general.

And this wouldn’t be the last time they’ve done something like this.

Fellow Nicktoon, Avatar: The Last Airbender, famously killed off the character Jet, who was a one-off character in Book One before becoming a major character in Book Two.

When making his death scene in the episode “Lake Laogai”, Nickelodeon wanted the crew to make this scene more ambiguous.

Which the crew themselves would go on make fun of in the penultimate episode of the series, “The Ember Island Players”.

In the case of Hazbin Hotel, this can be all blamed on VivziePop.

Viz is famous for not exactly being that good at storytelling.

And this is especially the case when it comes to world-building.

She has a bad habit of revealing major details about the world in her chats and streams, and then never bothering to actually implement them into the show.

And when she eventually does implement those details (whenever that'll be), who knows if she'll even keep those details intact.

But with that out of the way, let's talk about the actual character designs.

Color Scheme:

Color schemes are crucial for character design because they directly influence how viewers perceive a character, conveying their personality, mood, and even their role in a story.

The ghosts of Danny Phantom and the sinners of Hazbin Hotel have a primary color: Green and red.

Largely thanks to the realms they inhabit: The Ghost Zone and Hell.

The sinners of Hazbin have been heavily criticized for their heavy use of red in their designs, and the fact that it's prevalent with many of the characters, can make looking at them a bit tiresome.

But the ghosts don't have that problem....

While their primary color is green, if you notice, the amount of green each ghosts has tends to vary.

Some have green eyes like Penelope Spectra, Ember McClain, The Fright Knight, Johnny 13, Walker and even the titular Danny himself.

Some have green hair like Kitty.

Some have green eyes and hair like Skulker and Youngblood.

Or in the case of The Dragon Ghost, scales.

Some have green skin like The Lunch Lady and Technus.

Hell, some don't even have any green like Vlad Plasmius, Sidney Poindexter and The Box Ghost.

Ghosts also have other colors to help balance out of the green.

Skulker for example is primarily made up of gray and black, with a little bit of blue and the aforementioned green.

Another thing that makes the green works is that it's shown to be part of the ghosts' physiology.

While you could argue that this applies to the sinners as well, since they have red in their eyes and hair, but look at these background characters.

There's hardly any red on them.

So this only really applies to the main ones.

(And also yes, just like everyone else, I do agree these guys have far better designs than the main cast).

Body Types:

If you know Viv, you'd know that one of her biggest criticism is her lack of body diversity.

Her characters are infamous for being INSANELY skinny.

Sure you'll get some characters like Adam, Verosika Mayday and Vortex, but they're the expectations.

Actually now I think about it, I think Helluva Boss has more diversity in body types present.

Most of the secondary characters and even I.M.P. themselves have differing body types from each other.

But the ghosts....

Actually, scratch that....

EVERYONE in Danny Phantom have unique and differing body types from each other.

The Danny Phantom characters would definitely pass The Silhouette Test.

The Hazbin characters would barely pass.

Outfits:

A character's outfit can really go a long way.

As it can tell you what a character is like by just looking at them.

Each of the main ghosts get this down right.

Even if you haven't watched Danny Phantom, one glance at each of these guys have already tell you what their deal is.

Skulker is a high-tech hunter.

Sidney Poindexter is a nerd.

Ember is a rockstar.

Johnny is a biker.

Technus is a technological genius.

Desiree is a genie.

Walker is a prison warden.

And The Box Ghost is a total loser.

But if someone who hadn't watched Hazbin Hotel looked at the characters, I'd highly doubt they would be able to get a read on what their deal is.

Maybe except for Charlie and Husk.

There's also the fact that a good chunk of the main cast causally wear formal attire.

Which doesn't make them stand out from each other that much.

Some of the ghosts' attire also give hints to when they lived/died.

Desiree lived during The Ottoman Empire.

The Dragon Ghost lived during The Middle Ages.

The Lunch Lady and Sidney lived during the 1950s.

Johnny and Kitty lived during the 1970s.

And Ember lived during the late-1990s/early-2000s.

The sinners unfortunately lack that.

They don't really have anything that would hint or allude when and where they lived or died.

Physical Traits, Powers and Biology:

One small but strong detail that really makes and breaks the ghosts and sinners are their physical appearances.

While this does get a little muddled for Danny Phantom come Season 2, there is a pretty solid explanation for it.

Throughout Season 1, the major ghosts we're introduced to were either humanoid or animalistic in their physical appearances.

This was a small but subtle detail to imply that the ghosts were, well, the spirits of humans and animals that were once among the living.

However, everything changed with the introduction of Clockwork, the master of all time.

This was quite strange, since he was a ghost.

This only got stranger with the introductions of ghosts like Frostbite and Undergrowth, who despite being ghosts, were notably more monstrous than the ones introduced in Season 1.

However, I think having ghosts there are just monsters or Eldritch-like entities is actually pretty cool.

It really helps makes The Ghost Zone feel like it's own universe and not have it completely be connected to Earth.

Plus, this was actually kinda intended from the beginning.

In the pitch bible for Danny Phantom, The Ghost Zone (originally called The Unreal and eventually Ghost World) was not only suppose to be an afterlife, but also a realm of fantasy, being home to monsters, Eldritch beings, and even mythological creatures.

It seems that for Season 3, Butch decided to go back to that concept.

Mostly like to continue avoiding having to state the obvious.

And given that he would go on record years later to say that ALL of the ghosts of The Ghost Zone were just monsters, I can believe that.

The best showcase of this is in the episode, "Boxed-Up Fury".

In that episode, Danny seeks the help of the actual mythical Pandora, who had her legendary box stolen by Box Ghost, who used it so that could FINALLY be taken seriously by everyone.

Along the way, he faces off against a wide array of monsters from Greek mythology.

These included a hydra, a gorgon, a centaur, a minotaur, and a cyclops.

I think the reason why people took a problem with many of the new ghosts was because the show itself never really explained which ghosts were the souls of the dead and which ghosts were just monsters.

As for the sinners, they're explicit said to be a sub-species of demons that were once humans but died and were sent to Hell.

But with that being considered.....would you be able to see that by just looking at them?

Due to how monstrous and animalistic they look, it's hard to see the sinners as being the living embodiments of once-living humans.

Made even worse with the fact that none of them have any canon backstories to possibly explain their appearances.

Or at least any that have been shown IN THE ACTUAL SHOW.

I know Danny Phantom has a similar problem, but remember, they were being restricted by a creator and a network that were too cowardly to address the damn obvious.

What's Hazbin's excuse?

Hell (heh heh), the sinners could've just easily been regular demons and it wouldn't make much of a difference.

Another thing to note about the ghosts and sinners are their biology.

The ghosts are able to fly, turn invisible, become intangible, immortality, and possess superhuman physicality.

Plus most of them to possess some kind of special ability.

Like Skulker and his ecto-skeleton with a variety of weapons, Desiree and her wish granting, and Johnny 13 and his Shadow that causes bad luck.

The sinners are......kinda lacking in this regard.

They have special abilities (albeit not as flashy or impressive as the ghosts), a few have the ability to transform into larger and stronger forms, and have animalistic tendencies.

And while we're on the topic of biology, we need to address the demon elephant in the room.....

As I just mentioned earlier, the ghosts are immortal, since they're dead.

And with the fact that the sinners are the souls of the dead, you would think they would be immortal too.

But if you've watched the show, then you'd know that isn't the case at all.

Although sinners can't age (dead and all), they can be killed via the use of the angelic weapons.

Who thought this was a good idea?

Just like Mantis said, this makes no sense!

Plus it's totally redundant with the fact that the sinners are already DEAD!

I know some people are gonna bring up Coco, which had The Final Death.

But there, it made sense.

Those living in The Land of the Dead would fade into oblivion after getting forgotten by everyone in the human world.

But in Hazbin, what's their excuse?!

And don't even get me started on how Sir Pentious dies and ends up going to Heaven.....

Also before we move on, I did wanted to bring up a few cool things about the biology of the ghosts.

In the TV movie, "The Ultimate Enemy", we find out that....

-Although ghosts can't die, they can still age, albeit slower than humans.

-Even though they can't die, ghosts can still be badly injured. As we see with Future Ember (who had her vocal chords destroyed) and Johnny (who became a paraplegic).

-Ghosts can even reproduce, with the reveal of Box Lunch, the daughter of The Lunch Lady and The Box Ghost.

As for the sinners.....

They can't age, but they can still die (once again, makes no sense).

And as far as we know, they can't reproduce.....

Which is for the better because the last thing I need to see is Angel Dust being able to have kids.

Anyway, that's all I have for now.

I wanted to do something special for Halloween.

Let me know what you guys think about this post.

And also, let me know if there's anything I missed, because I feel like I missed something in this post.

But until next time.....

[weepingchronicles]

yan!azula (atla) getting back reader 🙏🏻 (headcanons, or one shot please!)

yandere azula x airbender reader (part 2) platonic or romantic tw/cw: yandere, choking, death threats, verbal abuse, possessive behavior a/n: erm guys.. it's getting kinda scary  😰 😰 (part 1)

being with aang and the others was unlike anything you've ever experienced.

when you first met everyone you were scared- but they all welcomed you with open arms. katara emphasized with you, having her mother also die at the hands of the fire nation. sokka tried to flirt with you, which you were oblivious to, until aang and katara told him to knock it off. after that, you became like katara to him, like a younger sibling who'd he protect.

you were so naive to the world, never stepping foot outside of the fire nation before.

when aang had told you his story, how he was in a iceberg for 100 years and was the avatar, but more importantly one of the last airbenders- you could hardly believe it.

the more the gang told you their stories, the clear it became that the fire nation had took away your parents, your culture and your freedom. you knew azula was evil, but you still believed you had no other choice but follow her.

you told aang that you had no airbending ability, you thought you'd be discarded away, just for being useless

but aang did no such thing, just offering a smile and saying he's just glad he has someone from home.

and you did feel at home.

You woke up to shaking, and your eyes immediately lit up. For a minute, you were back in the palace. Azula waking you up so she could sleep beside you. It was when we were in our younger years and Azula would wake you up at odd hours of night, slipping with you under your blanket. You assumed it was because she had nightmares, you did too, but you never dared ask her about it, fearing you'd end up with a scar like Zuko's.

You woke up from your flashbacks and took in to the actual scene in front of you. It's Aang.

"What's wrong?" "It's someone. They're following, come on, we need to get onto Appa."

You all pack your sleeping bags and ride on Appa. It's still the middle of the night, and the cooling wind blowing past your hair is not making your exhaustion any better.

Finally you all spot a place to settle down, it's in a middle of a forest which will be hard for anyone to navigate through

You lay out your tents and sleeping bags again to finally rest. You find yourself somewhat missing Azula, when she would be nice for once and fall asleep beside each other until morning. You push back those thoughts, remembering how she treated you. If she really cared she'd let you go and be happy.

With all these thoughts swirling in your head, you don't notice yourself start falling asleep.

You feel a hand on your mouth causing you to snap your eyes open. There she is, Azula. It's only been a week and she's already found you. Your eyes look to where the rest of the gang were sleeping but instead they're gone!

"Aw, don't look so surprised. You really thought I wouldn't go looking for my favorite pet?" The nickname made you cringe and Azula removes her hand from over your mouth, but both her knees restrain your arms to the ground.

"Where's Aang, Katara and Sokka!?" You spit out, but you instantly regret when you see Azula's sly smirk turn to an expression of jealous rage.

"Really? I could kill you right now but you're more worried about your friends!?" Before you could reply, her hand slapped over your neck, squeezing around your throat. Perfect manicured nails dug into your flesh, practically leaching the breath you had left in your lungs out of you. Azula's eyes leaked of fiery rage, pure fuel and the truth is you've never seen her like this. She's dangerous, more dangerous than ever before but she is not as calculated. You knew that Mai and Ty Lee couldn't defeat the Avatar on their own so she must know that, but instead she came for you.

Still, your heart ached for your friends, the only true ones you've made all your life. You yourself felt a fire deep inside you, not as fiery as Azula's, but it was ignited when you first met Aang.

"Please.. don't hurt them." was all you could manage out before you start turning purple. Azula's face turned shocked, like she couldn't believe you care more about your friends than her. She dropped her claw-like grip on your throat, you let out a gasp of air before rolling to your side and coughing.

While you were coughing, Azula let go of your arms and stood. "(Y/N), they don't truly care for you. At least not like I do, look at what I have done for you! You really think a pesky water tribe girl, a non-bender and a 12 year old Avatar really care for you? Tell me, do you really think the Avatar would save you if you weren't from the Air Nation?"

You were on your side, refusing Azula to see your face. Was she right? It's true that Aang came for me because we are both air but Aang is a good person! He would definitely rescue me even if I were someone else.. right?

You felt Azula's hand cup your cheek and turn your gaze towards her. Her eyes now are half-lidded and the fire was just warmth now.

"(Y/N), please, come home now and we can forget about this. This is silly." She tucked a piece of hair away from your face, which would have been loving but all it made you feel was owned. Like you were a pet, something to leash and expect obedience from. You wanted to show her you were nothing like her, and she did not own you.

Without even thinking you smack her hand away, a surge of strength powering you as you stand up. You moved to shove away Azula but as you did so, a gust of wind flew her back more than 8 feet away from you.

What?

You look down at your hands and back at Azula wobblily getting up, pure shock but also confusion on her face.

You turn around, hearing a familiar girls voice calling you.

"Katara!" You yell, running back to her. "Come on, we have to go! This girl somehow took away my bending." The girl Katara was saying about sounded Ty Lee but you knew you had to get out before Azula fully recovers. You finally made it back with the others and flew away safely on Appa. You look down as fly away, Azula's form getting smaller and smaller by distance. Aang speaks, finally pulling you you of your daze.

"(Y/N), are you okay? How did you manage to fight off Azula?"

"I.. I don't know." The group looks at you with confusion but you're more confused than they are.

You were safe from Azula for now but you knew she'd be back for the Avatar, especially now since he wasn't the only Airbender..

And that's a wrap! Sorry it took so long, I got really busy and I couldn't figure out an ending I liked. Comment or request whether you'd like reader to fully escape Azula or not, or something completely different!

[the-badger-mole]

Can I give you a prompt for your 2k follower special? I'd love to see you do more of your Book 1 Zutara au.

Alright... cracks knuckles. Let me give this a shot.

Here's the thing, I honestly think that I did the best that I could with my Endless Impossibilities thread, but maybe I have a few headcanons left in me?

I love the idea of Book 1 Zutara being a one-sided, completely unwanted crush on Zuko's end. It starts out as a completely disinterested admiration for her waterbending. Zuko recognizes that she's a prodigy. Even untrained, she manages to give him a good fight. He also likes how feisty she is, which is something he questions in himself in his more introspective moments. (It's fine. Turns out he just likes challenging women who speak their minds).

On the subject of him recognizing her raw talent and admiring how well she does in a fight despite being untrained, he likes that she fights him as if she really thinks he can win. Zuko has a very skewed opinion of his own skill, and despite being able to best fully trained, grown men, he thinks, and is often treated like he is a sorry excuse for a firebender. So even though he often has to hold back on Katara the untrained prodigy, her moments of ingenuity, like when she scrambles Jun's mole with the perfume, make Zuko think that she's so much smarter than he is.

At some point, Zuko finds out that Katara is the daughter of the SWT's chief. The closest thing to a king they have, which to Zuko makes Katara a princess. Never mind that government in the SWT doesn't really work that way. The idea that Katara is royalty and not lowborn as he originally thought is very intriguing. I don't always put this in my Book 1 Zutara timeline, but I think it works there. I like the thought of Zuko spending lots of sleepless nights in his cabin considering the implications of this new information and what, if anything, it means (it means that once he's restored his honor and taken his rightful place as his father's heir, he can court Katara and not have it be the scandal it would be if she really were just a peasant from the SWT. But he won't admit to himself that's what he's thinking).

Zuko's not stupid. He knows that nothing could ever happen with him and Katara. Especially not while he's hunting down her friend. That makes the pinning so much more fun! (for us, the audience. Not so much for him). He hardly ever allows his feelings to get in the way of his mission. He's not intentionally losing to Aang (he really isn't. He's never fought an airbender before and there is a learning curve). But maybe he doesn't follow as closely as he could. Maybe he's gentler with Katara than with her companions. Maybe he takes a bit of inappropriate pride when he sees her getting better at waterbending.

Zuko has a lot of nightmares. There is plenty for him to have nightmares about, but he dreams about Katara too. They are sweet dreams, and he feels worse about them on waking than the nightmares. He feels like his psyche is torturing him with visions of what can never happen. At least he survived the things he has nightmares about. He'll never actually get to experience Katara smiling at him, or stroking his scared cheek without flinching. He'll never actually know how her hair feels brushing against his arm as she leans in to kiss him. He likes dreaming about her. He hates waking from those dreams.

That's it. That's all I got. I hope this satisfies you until I can actually pull this all together into a cohesive story! Thanks for the asks! I'll probably be doing 2k posts through the weekend, so feel free to drop something into my asks!

[imthepunchlord]

I had a thought of potentially what could've been for LoK's crew (krew? I don't like this sequel enough to know what this fandom calls them), and what I wish they did for season 1. And for this post, I am exclusively working off what I saw that first episode set up and imply.

So, Korra herself, I didn't like as a lead, but I did genuinely really like her in that very first episode. Which she was set up as a nice contrast to Aang.

Where Aang started with one element mastered, she knows three.

Where Aang had to spend seasons amongst the other nations to learn their culture and how to embody that elemental nature, Korra by set up, should have a solid idea of the culture of the other nations, and at least have 3 of the elemental natures down.

And where AtLA ends with Aang about to step into the messy politics of post war, Korra, by set up, should have a decent idea on how to go about politics, and be a decent politician and diplomat.

If the White Lotus has the agenda of preparing the next Avatar to be the Avatar that the world needs, more than just bending should be taught to Korra. And learning politics and about other cultures is an easy stand out to me on what should be taught to her.

But, if there's one thing the White Lotus didn't teach her, was social learning and experience.

Korra knows of the world, but hasn't seen hardly any of it

And she has interacted with people, but those were really the White Lotus members, the Gaang, her family, and any major figures that can come and see the young aspiring Avatar. She just has very limited social skills, especially with people her own age.

And Korra is just so full of wanderlust and lonely, and she's ready to embrace her role as Avatar, to be the peacekeeper of all nations and protector all people, but she doesn't genuinely really know the people. She doesn't know the world.

And when she has that chance to leave, she takes it.

And, hey, she has a good excuse to learn airbending, as Tenzin won't stay at the White Lotus to teach her, so she'll go to him!

And man, thematically, her needing to learn air while struggling with social skills is just so

while air is an element of freedom, festivity, and ideas, it's also an element that represents communication and social skills. And that's what she lacks. She's set up to have everything else, the empathy and expansiveness of water, the passion and power of fire, the precision and dedication of earth; now she just needs to learn air, and with it, connection and fun.

And so she goes to Republic City and she thinks she has this in the bag, she's a decent politician, she knows the other nation's cultures, she's the freaking Avatar.

Only she gets to learn that Republic City is a whole new beast of culture, and there's social etiquette she wasn't taught. Like, apparently, you can't go destroying a shop while fighting some thugs, you get in trouble for that. And it's bonkers to her that she's in trouble for this? Because this is what she was taught? To fight and defend those in need?

But it kinda works out as Tenzin gets her out, and it's agreed upon that she'll stay and get to learn airbending from him, and she'll get to stay at Republic City! She'll get a chance at new experiences, a chance to meet actual people, to genuinely learn of this world and--

she's immediately pulled into attending a gala hosted in celebration of her visit, meeting the rich of Republic City who are oh so eager to meet her. And this is where she meets Asami, who echoes her father's interest in having a close friendship with the Avatar, knowing it's going to boost their status and give them a powerful ally.

And Asami quickly gets to learn how naive and lonely Korra is. Korra is quick to accept anyone as a friend, as this party isn't about politics, it's a celebration of her, and it's her chance to make friends! And get a feel of the people here!

And Asami is quick to think she's got this in the bag, that she can manipulate Korra to meet her agenda and will have a powerful ally, only to quickly realize Korra will be a handful as she straight up punched Tahno in the face.

In Korra's defense, she was never taught how to deal with bullying as the White Lotus never thought she'd have to deal with bullying.

And as Tenzin proclaims Korra just can't go punching people in the face when they try to pick fights with her, Asami is learning then and there that Korra has no social etiquette. And if she wants to keep Korra as an ally, she's going to have to teach her how to go about society.

But the day after the party, Korra is grounded, and being the spitfire that she is, runs away to go explore Republic City. And through shenanigans I haven't thought of yet, she comes across Bolin and Mako, both of whom are floored and excited to meet the Avatar (though Mako won't admit it because he's trying to be "cool"), and Bolin is quick to realize not only does Korra not really know how to have fun, but it's her first time in Republic City, and it's his duty to be her guide and show her a good time, starting off their friendship.

And throughout season one of LoK, you have Korra learning social skills through Asami and the brothers. She learns the complexity and elegance of it through Asami, and the fun and open mindedness of social interactions through the brothers. And it bleeds into her learning airbending, learning to be more flexible, and not force her way forward.

And instead of the love triangles for their interactions, you got a petty silly rivalry between Asami and the brothers, as they're on an opposite spectrum of wealth and morals, and they have this idea that the other is leading Korra down a "dark" path with Asami seeing the brothers as "beneath" Korra while they see Asami as a snob who wants to "use" Korra (and she did initially and now Korra is her precious friend). So they're competing for Korra in the background, being passive aggressive, and Korra is just oblivious, thinking they're all good friends (and she's more focused on Amon who's clearly her Ozai to take out and she is so ready, she's been training for years!).

And throughout the season, Asami and the brothers learn to work together, to back Korra, to compromise and learn about each other, and they just become a genuine friend group, all who care about their very powerful though socially limited friend.

And when Asami's father shows his true colors and his villainy, and she looses all wealth and reputation, the Krew is there for her. She is welcomed into their home, finds their support and love. The brothers feel their small sad circle of family expanded to so much more and feel whole. And Korra's just, so happy to have friends. She feels happier. She's more whole. She grows wiser with them, learning things the White Lotus never taught, expanding her knowledge of the world and it's people.

They all had a rocky start, but now they're just thriving and whole.

[beifong-brainrot]

Do you think if Aiwei had been brought back to Suyin, she would forgive him? I mean surely, I hardly doubt any of Suyin’s kids would be happy to have Aiwei back after his betrayal — especially Opal, the twins, and maybe even Huan.

Though do you think Suyin could even forgive him?

I'd say maybe. I'm sure she was furious at him, but I think moreover, she was devastated.

Suyin is a very open person, due to her childhood which seemed to lack affection from her family. Which is what I think leads to her quickly bonding and getting attached to others.

I think that part of the reason she wanted Korra and the Krew to bring Aiwei back was because she wanted to make him explain himself (and maybe torture him a little). I think it would depend on what his story was and if he genuinely regretted betraying them buy we don't know shit about him.

Nevertheless, Suyin has proved herself to be an incredibly forgiving person. She values her precieved family too much to fully reject them. This is why I believe she was so quick to forgive Baatar Jr and later Kuvira.

I don't think the kids would be willing to forgive him, at least not immediately. Though depending on when this is happening Baatar Jr has no legs to stand on so he might. I always headcanonned that Aiwei and Kuvira's relationship was kinda like a school therapist and a belligerent teen, so I don't think Kuvira would be too willing to forgive him.

Huan is someone I theorise was incredibly close to Aiwei, and I think he would've been very hurt by Aiwei's betrayal, so it would take a lot of coaxing. I think he'd make a lot of passive aggresive art like "oh don't mind this it's my newest piece it's caller 'The agony of betrayal'" while making direct eye contact. I think he'd just kinda hide in his room he's emo like that.

Opal would, similarly, feel betrayed, especially after what the Red Lotus did to her and the other airbenders. Though, one of my headcanons is that one the reasons Zaheer took Aiwei out was that he knew Aiwei was close to Opal and that Aiwei would not be willing to endanger her. So I think this would also affect Aiwei's forgiveness by Opal.

The twins are, from what I can infer, very protective of Suyin, Opal and the rest of the family, so I can't see them forgiving Aiwei that easily. I think they'd be pretty alert and hostile with him, but not as much as with Baatar Jr and Kuvira post B4.

Though I could also see Wing being the one to get comfortable around Aiwei the quickest out of the siblings. Once he asserts that Aiwei is not a threat, I can see him loosening up more, especially if Aiwei would try to make amends and reach out. Wing seems more social, open and laid back, so I can see him being very hostile after Aiwei returns but also mellowing out later. He's like a puppy he barks super loud at first but you can win him over real quick. I think Wei would probably be similar to Huan- keep to himself but also be very angry. I can also see Wei being the most actively weary of Aiwei and making sure Aiwei is actually not planning something again.

[waterfire1848]

AU where Ozai wins the spirit battle against Aang during Sozin Comet and becomes the new Avatar.

Hello, @stardust948 !!! (This could have been a lot darker but I’m in a comedy mood)

1. When Aang loses, no one knows that he’s now not the Avatar. They just know he’s lost and was forced to flee with Sokka, Suki and Toph. Katara, Zuko and Azula are still at the palace and know something is wrong. They try to flee without Azula but she actually asks to go with them because she was beaten and she really doesn’t want to be alone to face Ozai (she doesn’t know why but she has a feeling he won). They get on Appa and fly to where Sokka, Suki and Toph were supposed to be and get the four. Since Aang is tapped out, they’re forced to fly off and regroup. They decide to head back to Ember Island for the time being so they can think over what to do. In this time, everyone tends to their wounds, Azula stays pretty much on her own, and Aang grows angry about how he failed. Katara, trying to help, offers a waterbending training sessions which Aang agrees to. When they try to bend a simple waterball back and forth, Aang finds that he can’t. In fact, he can’t bend anything aside from air. (Aang: What happened?! Katara: You’re sure you can’t bend anything besides air? Aang: Positive! It’s like the other three forms just disappeared! Katara: Well, if you’re not the Avatar anymore…then who is?)

2. Ozai is weakened very much by the Avatar’s attack and his airships have been damaged. He tells those who remain to stay put (cause he can’t be there and he’d die if he wasn’t center stage during Sozin’s Comet). It’s a set back but they’ll destroy the Earth Kingdom later. Ozai is brought aboard one of the ships for a medical examination and nothing is found to be wrong but Ozai, internally, feels off. He tells everyone to leave and remains in the room by himself, eventually falling asleep until they return to the palace. He receives word that Azula is gone but just takes the title back himself and is Fire Lord and Phoenix King at the same time. That night, he’s meditating when he decides to get some water. Getting up, he accidentally trips and waterbends. (Ozai is like 99% sure he’s not a waterbender). He tries firebending, but he also takes a wack at waterbending, earthbending and airbending and can do all of them. Ozai doesn’t know how but he’s the Avatar now. (Not only that, but there are a lot of angry voices in his head. He can’t explain it but once sounds like a very pissed off Earth Kingdom woman and the other a very, very pissed off Air Nomad woman).

3. The Gaang is trying to understand how Aang isn’t the Avatar anymore. Does this mean there’s a new Avatar? Who is it? Is there some new baby in the South Pole? Did Aang somehow start all over with his bending progress? While everyone else is freaking out and trying to find a solution, Sokka is trying to decide what they should do since Sozin’s Comet wasn’t the victory or defeat any of them suspected. They heard that Ozai didn’t continue with the attack so BSS is still standing but that doesn’t make any sense to them at all. (Sokka: He had the perfect opportunity to get rid of the city, why not do it? Aang: Maybe he realized he could choose another path? Everyone:… Sokka: Normally, I wouldn’t consider that but that might be a possible scenario here. Azula, off to the side: Ha! My father would sooner give up his bending than not use Sozin’s Comet. Katara: Then why is Ba Sing Se still standing? Azula:… Suki: Could something have happened to Ozai during that big light beam show? Aang….Huh?)

4. Ozai can hardly move without bending another element and, of course, he doesn’t want anyone to know he somehow can bend all four elements. Under normal circumstances, he’d be very proud to show off his new power but anytime he even considers using his bending in that way, Kyoshi is on him. (He’s 70% sure she can read his thoughts and it’s so annoying). This being said, I kinda want a Roku & Ozai friendship. Roku knew Azulon, a younger version but still, and Ozai has no fond memories of his father. (Kyoshi: Ah, daddy issues. Why does everyone in this family have daddy issues? Yangchen: Says mommy issues. Kyoshi: I do not have- Yangchen: Let’s not go back and forth right now….but you totally do. Kuruk: And it’s not everyone in the Royal Family who has daddy issues, Azula’s got mommy issues. Kyoshi: Oh, yeah, I forgot about her. Szeto: You and the comics). Roku and Ozai talk frequently after everything that happens. They develop kind of an older brother & younger brother relationship with Roku trying to give Ozai good life advice and Ozai saying “I’m gonna do the opposite of that.”

5. The Gaang decides to leave Ember Island and try to regroup with the White Lotus. While heading to the EK, they’re captured by FN soldiers and brought to the capital (without the Avatar and being tired from the comet both physically and mentally they aren’t on their best game). Everyone is put in prison, including Azula who is internally having a heart attack, when Ozai comes and demands to see Aang. Everyone, minus Azula, starts going crazy because they think Ozai is about to kill Aang. Instead, Ozai takes him to a private room and just starts yelling at him (Ozai: What did you do to me?!? Aang: What do you mean what did I do to you?! Ozai: I didn’t know being the Avatar was contagious!) Aang learning that Ozai is the Avatar now would probably make him both laugh, cry and nervously be like ‘what spirits in the spirit world okayed tbis’. (Aang: What do you want me to do? Ozai: I want you to teach me how to keep these other inferior bending forms under control. I can’t move my wrist without throwing water at something. Aang: Why should I help you? You were just trying to kill me a week ago. Ozai: I won’t let all your friends die. Aang: But then I really won’t help you and you’re back at where you started but now three masters down. Ozai:…What do you want?) Spoiler Alert: Aang wants his friends to be free but they find the knowledge that Ozai is the new Avatar way too terrifying and hilarious to just leave. Which is how Ozai gets Katara, Toph and Aang as his new teachers and maybe a “not as big a jerk as you could have been” award.

[blackbullet99]

The Idiocy of Aang Haters

First of all. People have a right to hate Aang. But hardly any reasons I come across are valid. Case in point this idiot on Twitter (or X if you wanna call it that).

First of all Aang was never a “nice guy” he was genuinely good person, the only time he started acting possessive was in EIP and even then he realized his mistake by the end of the episode, it doesn’t make up the forefront of his personality. He cared about Katara he never ignored her emotional needs at all, he was literally Katara’s biggest fan and would do anything for her. Also what mythology supports Zutara?

The only time we see Zuko comfort Katara twice in the whole show, which are both nice moments showing Zuko is a compassionate person. But to act like Aang never comforts Katara and just stands there is objectively wrong. When Jet dies Aang simply places his hand on Katara’s shoulder and thus reassures her, he also comforts her after bloodbending. We see Aang support Katara by offering to take her to The North Pole to waterbend, he gives himself up to Zuko to save Katara’s home. He helps Katara commit eco-terorism, he literally helps brings fun and levity into Katara’s life.

Aang doesn’t see Katara as an object, again that point is objectively wrong. We see Aang is literally Katara’s biggest fan. He admires her for her heroism and compassion in Imprisoned and The Painted Lady. He admires and respects her as a Waterbender and his Sifu. Whenever Katara’s in danger he’ll drop everything to save her. Even when they disagree about something they usually calmly talk it out even if they disagree. To act like Aang doesn’t value Katara is a gross mischaracterization. Sure Aang has feelings for Katara, but they’re friends first, they have a friendship built on mutual trust/respect where they value each other outside of attraction and their feelings exist within their close bond and friendship.

Regarding Aang and Katara kissing. Their first kiss outside of the cave in Omashu was mutual, sure Aang initiated it and it surprised Katara but it’s not like it was a one-sided affair. The one in EIP was wrong definitely, but that’s the point, Aang misread the situation, Katara was rightfully annoyed and Aang realized that it was stupid. It ain’t that deep, and it’s not like Aang S/Aed Katara. Also Aang had a dream about kissing Katara, okay? How is that bad?

“Both Zuko and Katara are people who've been shaped by a life of hardship thrust upon them at a young age by no fault of their own and therefore had to mature extremely quickly in order to deal with their environment. It's why they understand each other so well but Aang doesn’t”. Aang literally lost his entire nation. He was forced to carry the weight the of the world as The Avatar, younger than most too. He left because of many reasons, the weight of the situation, her peers alienating him, threatened to be taken away from his father figure. When he returned he saw his entire race was killed and he literally saw said father figure’s corpse. Aang also had to mature quickly and experience hardship through no fault of his own. Both him and Katara are both victims of genocide and colonization, both of their parental figure were killed. Zuko is a victim of child abuse, which is still very bad. This idiot ignoring Aang’s trauma doesn’t surprise me, given how they straight up downplay the effects of genocide and act like it doesn’t effect Aang because he was absent for 100 years and because he’s still able enjoy life and have fun.

So much of these points are downright repulsive, I don’t even know where to begin, this heartless POS is literally downplaying a child seeing their father-figure’s dead body and even though Aang was gone for 100 years, from his perspective he literally left The Air Temple only a few days ago and there would’ve been Airbenders around if The Fire Nation didn’t attack. Additionally it’s not like the genocide didn’t affect Aang, it comes up constantly in multiple episodes, it’s a core part of his character, he has survivors guilt, it’s why he’s so determined to save the world this time, it one of the reasons why he was so broken up when Appa was taken. But apparently because Aang likes to have fun, it means he has no trauma, what a braindead take, so people who have trauma can’t have fun. Aang literally chooses to enjoy life and have fun DESPITE what he’s been through, and that’s an admirable characteristic, it’s not like Katara isn’t above fun, in fact she’s drawn Aang because of this. They probably think Zuko is super mature because he’s so serious and focused on finding The Avatar and isn’t shown having fun, because to this moron, having fun mean you have no trauma whatsoever.

Back to this guy’s main point, while there are similarities between nations. The Fire Nation literally has the most power of the four nations and was straight up colonizing and invading The Water Tribe. Zuko and Katara do both get angry, both Zuko is much quicker to anger and even then two people who both get mad isn’t a good match for couple, they literally shot themselves in the foot with that one. Katara is literally a Waterbending Prodigy, love Zuko, but he isn’t a prodigy. “They care deeply about the people close to them”, so does Aang, so does literally everyone in The Gaang.

Literally none of this idiot’s points make sense. They clearly don’t understand the show they claim to love or its characters. They obviously aren’t a real fan of this show and it’s painfully obvious that shipping has blinded them.

Not to mention this person is a POS for downplaying and denying the effects of genocide, but also posts racist stuff like this. Scumbags like this honestly don’t deserve to have a voice or an opinion and the world would honestly be better off without trash like this loser. It wouldn’t surprise me if they were a Zionist too.

[clydethesnake]

Icy Waters Vol. I

Chapter Eleven

The next few days passed in a blur. �� 

Kiko was happy to finally be out of the busy city, though she was desperately missing her kids. She often wonders how they’re doing without her.   

Are they being looked after? Are they being fed? Are they keeping safe? The questions torment her frequently.   

There has been one thing that’s keeping her mind off her worry, however, and that person just so happened to be sneaking into Kiko’s room late at night.  

Lin cracks open the door to her room, poking her head in to confirm that it is the correct one, before she scurries in, a little comedically.  

Kiko snickers at the way she is walking, “Why are you walking like that?”   

The tired metalbender pouts, slightly grumpy at the teasing, “I’m trying to be quiet.” She sits on the bed next to Kiko, tucking her legs underneath her.   

The waterbender takes in what she is wearing; an oversized band t-shirt that looks suspiciously like Kiko’s; like the one she thought she’d lost on the boat, and loose shorts. Despite the fact that she’s clearly just wearing pyjamas, Kiko can’t help but drag her eyes over her figure.  

Kiko's lying lengthwise along the bed, reaching her hand over to rest on Lin’s calf as she talks a little more seriously, “I’m only teasing.”   

“I know, don’t worry.” Lin assures.  

Kiko hums and continues, “Did anyone see you?”   

The metalbender shakes her head, “No, I made sure Su was asleep in her room before I snuck out; she has a tendency to sneak into my room. Don't worry.” She places her hand over Kiko’s that was still resting on her leg.  

It's not that they were ashamed of the relationship—far from it. Kiko would love nothing more than to be able to parade Lin around on her arm around Ember Island, as well as in Republic City.   

But, they’ve only just began the transition into a new relationship, it’s hardly the time for meddling family members. They both agreed to keep their development quiet for the time being, until they’re ready to share.   

Kiko doesn’t think that’s going to last long, though.   

With Kya, Sokka and now Izumi on their trail, there’s no way they’re going to be able to keep it a secret for much longer. According to Lin, Su’s becoming suspicious, too. Toph, though, couldn’t care less.   

There is another factor that makes Kiko hesitant to share this new relationship, however. Tenzin.   

He's what made her so damn hesitant in the first place. She can’t help but feel bad at it. It's hardly her fault though, right? Lin clearly had no interest whatsoever in Tenzin.  

Though, a little part of her deep down can’t help but look forward to rubbing it in that smug airbender face.  

Kiko's slightly spiteful thoughts are interrupted by Lin leaning over her, “You still here?” She waves a hand in the waterbender’s face, who catches her hand and intertwines their fingers.  

She snorts and pulls Lin a little closer, “How could I not be with such a beautiful woman by my side.”   

Lin rolls her eyes slightly, a cheeks flushing red. She doesn’t say anything, just leaning down with her eyes locked on Kiko’s lips, who whispers against her, “Shy?” She asks when the metalbender pauses.  

She only shakes her head, before pressing her lips against Kiko’s, deepening the kiss almost immediately. The brunette tilts her head slightly, adjusting the angle all while wrapping an arm around Lin’s slender waist.   

Kiko can feel her take in a sharp inhale of breath when she presses their chests flush together, and she revels in the noise, other hand releasing Lin’s and moving to run through her silky black hair.  

Lin, seemingly becoming a little braver, runs her tongue along the seam of Kiko’s lips and allows herself to explore Kiko’s mouth with fervour, eliciting a small groan from the waterbender who tightens her hand on her waist in response.  

They kiss with passion and intensity, Lin clearly getting worked up as she pushes Kiko fully onto her back from where she had been slightly turned on her side, and leans over her, legs intertwined.  

Kiko can feel one of Lin’s hands run down her body from her waist to run her finger around the seam of her pyjama trousers, prompting the waterbender to take her hand from her partner’s hair to hold that hand. She reluctantly pulls away, though their faces stay close together.   

Lin keeps her eyes close as Kiko admires her; a small string of saliva still connecting their kiss-bitten lips.   

“Not yet.” She whispers, watching as Lin’s eyes open once again, revealing the emerald green eyes that Kiko has come to love.  

She only nods, once again closing her eyes and resting their foreheads against one another. Kiko inhales deeply, rubbing her nose affectionately against Lin’s, before pulling away and tucking her head under the black-haired girl’s chin.  

“Is there any chance you can stay tonight?” She asks hopefully, knowing that she will likely decline due to their agreement of not letting anyone find out quite yet.  

Lin hesitates, before tightening her arms around the waterbender and kissing the top of her head, “I just need to make sure I get up early to go back to my bedroom.”   

Kiko smiles against Lin’s chest, nuzzling her face in further like a cat in an attempt to get more comfortable.   

They look like a tangled mess of limbs on the bed; entwined legs and arms tightly hugging each other.   

Kiko thinks she’s in heaven  

---  

Despite the amazing time off on Ember Island, Kiko was glad to be home in Republic City, back working her two jobs and living on Air Temple Island.  

It was her first day back at The Union when she saw her again; Asako, who was looking as elegant as ever working at the bar.  

She always had an air of finesse around her—long black hair always freshly washed and silky, similar to Lin’s, though it was longer, and the red lipstick she always had painted on her cupid’s bow lips.  

Kiko never really wore makeup; never really had access to it growing up, unless she had rummaged through her mother’s. Some of her favourite memories was of her mother attempting to help the young waterbender put on some makeup. She was squirmy as a kid—never wanting to stay in the same place for too long.  

It was only occasionally that she wore makeup now—for when her and Lin go somewhere a little bit nicer, or if they were going to some sort of festival.  

However, she did notice that Lin liked to wear a small bit of makeup every day; some neutral lipstick making them look extra soft and kissable, as well as her slightly infrequent use of mascara.  

Kiko doesn’t think she needs any makeup; as cliche as it sounds, she really does think that Lin is the most beautiful woman she has ever seen.  

Asako notices her friend come out to the bar, pushing off the counter where she was talking to a customer before taking a once over of the waterbender.  

“Looking good, Kiko.” She smirks, “That got something to do with a certain metalbender, by any chance?” She asks, a cheeky smile spreading across her rosy cheeks.  

Kiko rolls her eyes; Asako had been continuously asking if anything had happened between her and Lin. While she was disappointed to be let down time and time again with Kiko’s news of no progress, the waterbender is excited to let her know the new development.  

She had already asked Lin, in anticipation for this, about whether she could disclose their relationship to Asako, considering their plan of keeping it low-profile for the time being.  

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Kiko smiles, giving her friend a quick side-hug before fiddling with her shirt cuffs.  

“Is that a yes?!” She practically screams, catching the attention of a few patrons at the bar.  

Kiko nods apologetically towards the old man that was currently rolling his eyes at them before nodding at Asako, “Yes.” Before she can elaborate any more, she notices a few more customers approach the bar, “I’ll tell you more later.” She whispers, placing a hand on her friend’s shoulder as she walks past.  

“Oh, girl. You’re coming back to my place after this.”  

Kiko only laughs, before approaching the new customer and take his order. She really was ecstatic to be able to share the news with her friend, despite knowing that Lin was a little hesitant at first, considering Asako and Kya’s ‘relationship’.  

“You want to tell Asako?” Lin questions, a little furrow between her eyebrows.  

They were back on the boat by now, in the same arrangements as they had been when they were arriving on Ember Island; Kya’s feet by Kiko’s head, with Lin’s head on the waterbender’s chest.  

Kiko was running a hand soothingly through her hair, and Lin feels slightly like she is about to pass out in her arms.  

“Only if you’re alright with that. I know that we’re keeping this... development private for now.” Kiko really didn’t know what to describe their relationship as — can she say that they’re dating? They never agreed on any labels or arrangements. What if she only saw this as a holiday fling?  

Before the brunette’s mind can race anymore, Lin is able to put her mind at rest, “We need to make sure she doesn’t tell Kya.”  

She always seems to know when I’m stuck in my own mind. Kiko thinks affectionately, before kissing the top of her head, “She won’t tell, don’t worry.”  

Lin only hums, tilting her head up and pressing a kiss against Kiko’s chin, before the waterbender tilts her head down to kiss her properly.  

Kiko’s shift goes relatively quickly.  

By the time she reads 22:45 p.m. on her watch, there were little to no customers left in the bar, a few stragglers the exception.  

She has a rag in her hand, wiping down the counter with disinfectant spray as she hears the bell ring above the door, shouting out the mindless words she does every night, “We’re closing soon, if you want a drink then final orders are in five minutes.”  

Footsteps approach the bar in front of her, “Lookie who it is. Beifong’s pretty little girlfriend. Tell me, are you still getting yourself into trouble?” He sneers with a disgusting smirk.  

Kiko's head snaps up at the familiar voice. Lieutenant Keta.  

She takes a brief and subtle look over her shoulder at the back door, where she knows Asako is right now. She can only pray to the spirits that she’s going to come out soon.  

The waterbender tries to ignore the disturbing feeling that rushes through her—the spine-chilling shiver that crawls through her body. The way he looks at her makes her want to tear her skin off. Like she’s a piece of meat.  

“Excuse me sir, is there anything you want to order?” She pretends not to know him, though she knows that he sees right through her. That he sees the fear that he instils in her.  

Kiko's dealt with monsters in her time, but this guy feels different.  

“Would you tell Beifong if I said you?” He gives her a smarmy smile; one that makes the waterbender believe that her scepticism of him isn’t completely unreasonable.  

She doesn’t know what to say, just gaping at the man in front of her, “I- that’s highly inappropriate.” She stutters, completely unsure of what to say.  

“Didn’t know you’d be a prude with that body.” His eyes run down her figure in the form fitting black shirt she’s currently wearing. Kiko wants to crawl out of her skin.  

“Sir, I-”  

Luckily, another voice butts in before Kiko can get into an even bigger mess, “I think you should leave.” Asako’s voice calls out from behind Kiko, her strong voice projecting from behind Kiko; a hint of warning in her tone.  

“You’ve got to be kidding me, right?” The asshole has the nerve to look shocked.  

“We have the right to deny service to anyone, especially people harassing our staff.” Asako stands confident in front of him, having made her way closer to the bar.  

“I’m a cop, you can’t kick me out!” Keta shouts in outrage.  

Asako’s composure breaks a little, “I will kick out anyone that harasses our staff, now please collect your stuff and leave.” She nods her head towards his bag and badge that is lying, discarded, on the stool next to him.  

He huffs and clenches his hands in an aggressive manner. Kiko isn’t subdued by any means; she will fight if she needs to. She's been doing it her whole life. But something about this man makes her shrink back.  

“You’ll regret this.” He points at the waterbender, before snatching up his things and leaving the bar.  

Kiko lets out a shaky breath, leaning her back against the bar. They occasionally got aggressive customers, yes. But no one has quite shaken her like Lieutenant Keta. I have to tell Lin about this.  

There were a few head turned by the disturbance, but luckily, a lot of the left over customers were either very drunk, or forgot about it very quickly.  

Kiko feels a hand on her shoulder, turning her head to be reminded of her friend that was standing next to her.  

“Are you okay? He was completely insane!” She points out, turning her head towards the door, as if checking to make sure that he is really gone.  

The waterbender can only nod, “He was.”  

“Have you met him before?” Asako asks with a furrow between her perfectly sculpted brows.  

“He works with Lin. Ran into him once at the station.” Kiko shakes her head, eyes trained on her shoes and arms crossed, “He said some weird things then, too.”  

Asako looks taken aback, “Was Lin with you?”  

“She sure was.”  

“And she didn’t do anything?”  

“Of course she did, ‘Sako. I had to pull her away.” The waterbender meets her eyes.  

The Fire Nation native can only nod and heave out a small sigh, looking a little relieved at Kiko’s assurance, “I’m gonna start closing up.”  

---  

Kiko needed this; sitting on her friend’s balcony smoking a joint of lillyweed.  

The waterbender looks across the horizon from the top floor. Despite working in a bar earning merely minimum wage, Asako is rather well off. Kiko thinks that she is part of some wealthy noble family that comes from old money in the Fire Nation—similar to Lin.  

Though, Lin lives in a rather humble apartment compared to Asako’s penthouse.  

Kiko takes a hit, tilting her head to rest on the back of the lounge chair as she blows the smoke out of her mouth, handing the joint back to her friend.  

“You need to tell me more. How did you two even end up on the beach?” Asako asks before taking a hit.  

The brunette chuckles at the memory, “I had told Lin earlier in the day that we could leave the festival if she was feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, and that’s what we ended up doing.”  

“Yes, and...” Asako prompts with the hand holding the joint.  

“What do you mean ‘and?’? That's what happened.” Kiko playfully rolls her eyes and takes the blunt out of Asako’s hand, enjoying that familiar floaty feeling roll though her body.  

“What happened after that, dummy!?”  

“Well, we sat on the beach and chatted for a while,” Kiko places a hand on her chin in a mocking thoughtful pose, “And then... let’s see... she was cold, so I gave her my cardigan.”  

Asako nods, gesturing for her to continue, “We were... lying very close, I guess. But then she said something that pissed me off a bit-”  

“-What did she say?” The black-haired woman is on the edge of her seat.  

The waterbender’s smile fades a little at her words, “She just mentioned how me and Kya are very close, and she asked if I was leading her on. Which is a completely reasonable thing to be a bit pissed about, by the way.” She hands the joint back to Asako.  

“Either way, I ended up kissing her.”  

The Fire Nation native lets out a little squeal, “How was it?!” Her excited voice cuts through the replay of the moment that Kiko had been replaying in her mind.  

She smiles dreamily, “Only everything I could’ve dreamed of, Asako. She’s like no one I’ve ever met before. She makes me feel.”  

“What did she do after.”  

Kiko shrugs a little, “We were both a little caught up in our own world, but eventually I snapped out of it, suggested we go swimming. Did I mention she was wearing one of the sexiest bikinis I’ve ever seen?”  

Asako shakes her head and scoffs a little, “Look at you, all lovesick.” She teases.  

“I really like her.”  

“I can tell.” Asako nods, her tone expressing that she is genuinely happy for Kiko. However, her face soon turns a little more stern, “Are you going to tell her about what happened today? With Lieutenant Keta?”  

Kiko shrugs again, “I don’t know. She has a lot on her plate at the moment; she’s trying to get her promotion to detective, apparently the triads are all kicking off, and now we’ve added a somewhat hidden relationship to her plate.”  

“It would be worth it to tell her. Don't want her finding out from other people.”  

“I guess you’re right.”  

---  

Lin was reading over some reports when she heard him; Keta’s smug voice filling the bullpen.  

“Saw that waterbender chick again last night. The one that works at the Union.” He shakes his head, “Had a right stick up her ass. For a broke girl, she really is picky about customers.”  

Lin's head raises at his words, surely he’s not talking about Kiko.  

“She was lookin’ all scared, like a puppy.” Lin bristles at his words, his description of the woman she knows is Kiko, “Had her sexy friend come over to kick me out.” He lets out a booming laugh and all colour drains from Lin’s face at his next words, “Y’know, if they weren’t such tightasses, I would’ve had some fun with them.”  

The metalbender clenches her fists in raw anger, restraining herself from going over there and slamming his face into his messy desk. Maybe if he did some more work instead of gossiping, then the triads wouldn’t be so many steps ahead of us.  

Maybe if he did some more work, then I would be home and inviting Kiko over right now.  

Lin can’t help but shake her head at the thought. His words made her angry, yes, beyond belief. But they also made her sad. Why hasn’t she told me? The black-haired woman tries to listen to her reasonable thoughts—that they’ve both just been busy and they haven’t even seen each other since the morning before that shift.  

But the other side of her brain is taunting; she doesn’t trust you.  

Lin knows that it’s wrong. Their relationship so far has been built on a strong foundation of trust, one that’s developed over the time of their friendship. So why would things have changed in a day? She berates her taunting thoughts.  

She takes a peek at the clock, noticing that it reads just gone 8 p.m. The only reason she was staying this late is because she’s been trying to find a lead on the triads, trying to find a mistake. It's not her case, she knows this.  

But the guy who has been assigned to it is currently mouthing off to his uninterested ‘friends’. At least his friends don’t like him either.  

Lin decides that she is going to focus for another half an hour, before she makes her way back home and contact Air Temple Island.  

She manages to get back to her apartment by half-past eight. Luckily, she doesn’t live far from the station.  

The metalbender doesn’t bother bending off her uniform when she gets home; focused on calling Kiko and ensuring that she’s alright. She dials the number for the women’s dormitories and is relieved when she recognises Kiko’s voice immediately.  

"Hello?"  

"Kiko?" She asks, just to make sure that it really is her.  

"Lin?"  

"Yeah, it's me. Are you alright?"  

Kiko’s concerned voice projects through the tinny phone, "I'm fine... Is something wrong?"  

"I just overheard Keta talking about a waterbender who worked at the Union. Did he come in last night?"  

Kiko sighs frustratedly, and Lin can practically picture her running her hand though her hair, "He did pay a visit last night, though I think he took it more of an opportunity to antagonise me."  

"Are you okay?" Lin's voice is filled with concern  

"I'm fine, just a little shaken up. I get a really bad feeling about that guy."  

Lin nods, though she knows that Kiko can’t see her, closing her eyes in frustration, “I know, me too.” She huffs out a small, frustrated laugh, “Y’know, today, he wasn’t even focusing on the triad case, he was gossiping about you to his friends.”  

The metalbender can hear Kiko let out a sigh over the phone, “I had a feeling that might happen. I’m sure that he’s going to be bitter about that for a while.”  

Lin can only hum, thinking during the small moment of silence before asking again to reassure herself, “Are you sure you’re alright?” Her voice is almost timid for asking again, but she needs to ensure that her partner is uninjured and mentally sound.  

She can hear Kiko’s small, amused laugh over the phone, “You really do worry a lot, you know that?”  

“Kiko-”  

“I’m fine, Lin. Don’t worry about me.” When Lin still doesn’t talk, she carries on, “I’ll come and visit tomorrow, and you can see for yourself.”  

Lin nods to herself, before agreeing, “Be careful.”  

“Always.”  

[best-nun-tournament]

Round 3, Match 1

Azula and Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender) vs Kraus, Eva, Rudolf and Rosa Ushiromiya (Umineko)

Propaganda under break

Poll Runner's Note: Eva and Azula are kind of similar except unlike Ozai, Kinzo is a huge misogynist. Feels kind of weird to make that distinction though like "Heartwarming! Genocidal Fire Lord respects women!"

Also telling Azula that her brutal murder spree was "inelegant" and "undignified" would work: she'd keep killing people, but she'd try to make it an elegant and dignified murder spree.

Azula and Zuko

Azula tried to kill Zuko multiple times, manipulated him, scared him, she was even kinda happy when Zuko got that big ass face scar. MAN she even said "I'll be celebrating the day i become an ONLY CHILD" and then proceeded to try and kill him. They also compliment each other Zuko is an 100% daddy issues man and Azula is like the mommy issues girl.

-----

They were always pitted against each other by their father, and indirectly by their mother. She was everything he was not. She liked to tease and torment him and he absolutely seems to dislike being within eyesight of her. Until he found his honor! Then he was able to redirect her lightning and save his nation!

-----

They are horrible to each other and if they would somehow team up everything would be on fire - literally

-----

She is the golden child, she knows this and uses it to her advantage She constantly mocks and belittles her brother She tries to kill her brother She tries to kill the people that her brother cares about

-----

Their whole relationship is just so messed up

Krauss, Eva, Rudolf and Rosa Ushiromiya

The four children of billionaire Kinzo Ushiromiya. Every year, they return home to Rokkenjima Island for a family conference. With Kinzo's health declining, to the point where he hardly ever leaves his room, the only topic on their minds is how to carve up his fortune.

Krauss is the eldest, and Kinzo's successor. Even if he's not the smartest of the siblings, his position as heir and imposing physique let him push them around. He even used to beat his younger siblings. Now, they suspect him of abusing his position as Kinzo's caregiver to embezzle their rightful share of the family fortune.

Eva is the second child, and incredibly resentful about it. She despises the fact that despite being so much more intelligent than Krauss, he's always above her just because he's older and a man. She's devoted her whole life to usurping Krauss' position, and then devoted her son's life to becoming the next heir instead of Krauss' daughter. When not scheming against her brother, she loves finding ways to torment and cruelly provoke her siblings, sister-in-law, and the servants.

Rudolf is the third, and with little hope of becoming heir, became a conman and a playboy (though he eventually settled down as a married man and white-collar criminal). Suffering from his sibling's bullying, he turned all their physical and emotional abuse on his sister Rosa. Though unlike Eva, he's stopped being cruel to her as an adult.

Rosa is the youngest sibling, and she's had a terrible life. Even as an adult, she's still terrified of Eva and acts dumb around her for fear of provoking her. But if she was given the opportunity, she could easily make them pay for what she's suffered.

[justsomeoneintoomanyfandoms]

Hi, I have a request if you’re interested, it’s an Azula X reader It’s basically like the episode in avatar last Airbender, the beach Basically reader is a spoiled rich boy and decides to throw a party at his dad‘s beach house. He invites, Azula and her friends and Brother. After he met them on the beach. Reader is instantly attracted to Azula and tries to make the move but Azula is awkward eventually though reader manages, and she eventually reveals her identity

Hi! Thank you for your request! Sorry it took so long. I hope you like the imagine!

Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Character: Azula

Word Count: 1k (1,010 words)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A rewrite of the beach episode. You're hanging out at the beach with your fire nation friends on a rare relaxing day. Will you be able to win Azula's heart by the end of the day, despite her trying her best to flirt with other people?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You couldn't take your eyes off her. But the burning net was starting to hurt your eyes so you supposed, in the interest of being physically able to look at her more in the future, you would look away now.

Since you had first laid eyes on the dark haired woman and her friends, you knew she was someone you wanted to know better. Her golden eyes held a fire in them that wasn't present in anyone else you had ever seen.

And then she destroyed that kid's sandcastle castle. Well we all had our quirks. You could certainly learn to live with someone that enjoys the tears of children.

Her friend, the flexible one with the long, light brown hair, was surrounded by men. You couldn't believe they were all over her when the dark, fire filled one was right there! Ah well, guess it just meant less competition.

The volleyball match was intense. Had you been able to tear your eyes off her and the flawless way she moved around the court, you would have seen half the beach captivated by the match.

When the net went up in flames, you could hardly believe your eyes. From the shouts from the others watching the game, you assumed you weren't the only one.

“Yes! We defeated you for all time! You will never rise from the ashes of your shame and humiliation!”

You weren't sure if pursuing this lady would be good for your health but you'd be damned if that was going to stop you from trying.

Gathering your courage (damn she was intimidating), you approached the small group.

“Hey, haven’t seen you around before,” You kept your eyes fixed on the woman who had so captivated you, “Y’know, I’m kinda a big shot around here.” The only guy in the group made to start forward but the lady you were talking to held out a hand, stopping him.

She smiled at you, a look made an inexplicable shiver run up your back though whether it was from delight or fear, you weren’t sure. “Carry on. You were saying?”

“I’m holding a party at my place tonight. You should come. Bring your friends as well. Just know that some important people will be there so try to be on your best behaviour.” You threw a wink her way, testing the waters.

Her smile grew and some unidentifiable emotion flickered behind her eyes.

“We’ll be there.”

~

The party was in full swing. Drinks were flowing swiftly and everyone seemed to be having a good time. You glanced around the room, searching for her. She and her friends had arrived at the exact time the party was meant to start, before anyone else had shown up. You had hoped to speak to her more then but you’d barely got out your warning that your dad didn’t know about the party before others had started arriving and you had been forced to play the host.

There she was, in the corner, staring back at you with eyes like molten gold. There was some unknowable emotion behind those eyes. You hoped it was concealed attraction but knowing what little you did of her, it could just as easily have been murderous intent.

You figured now was as good a time as any to try your luck. You weaved through the crowd, making your way towards her.

“Hey, having a good time?”

She looked at you for a moment before nodding.

“You wanna get some fresh air? There’s a balcony with a pretty good view.”

She nodded again. “Lead the way.”

The cool air and quietness of the balcony was a nice change from the energised atmosphere of the party.

You stood next to each other, taking in the view.

You decided to break the silence. “Is this your first time on Ember Island?”

“No. I used to come here years ago.”

“It’s pretty nice if you like sand.”

She laughed awkwardly loud. You looked across at her. She had a forced expression on her face. You hoped it wasn’t anything to do with you.

“Your arms look so strong.” There was that forced feeling again.

You turned to face her fully. Usually you would have taken the compliment but there was something weird going on.

“Are you okay? You’re acting strange.”

She sighed. “My friend said that to get a boy interested in me I had to look at him, smile a lot, and laugh at everything he says even if it's not funny.”

You felt your heart sink and rise at the same time. She clearly didn’t think you were funny if that forced laugh was anything to go by. But at the same time, what she had just said meant she was interested in you.

You were going to take that as a win.

“Well it worked. I’m certainly interested in you.”

But her expression didn’t change. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough to be interested in you. That’s all that matters.”

“Even if I’m the daughter of the Fire Lord?”

That threw you for a loop. This was the Fire Lord’s daughter? Azula? What was she doing at your meagre party? Oh god, you’d told her there would be important people at the party. She was without a doubt the most important person there.

You stopped your thoughts. Did that change how you felt about her? No. Not really. It just changed your perspective.

“So? Just because you’re the daughter of the Fire Lord doesn’t mean you’re not just a person as well.”

Her expression shifted. “Are you sure? There will be certain expectations. I’m very demanding.”

You smiled at her. “I think I can learn to live with that.”

A smile spread across Azula’s face. “Together, you and I will be the strongest couple in the entire world!” She lifted one hand, which filled with blue fire, “We will dominate the Earth!”

Yep, getting into a relationship with this one wouldn’t be good for your health. But that wasn’t going to stop you from trying.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey, did you enjoy this? If you like my writing, please consider donating to my Ko-Fi page! This will allow me to make some money off my writing, something I enjoy doing.

ko-fi.com/justsomeoneintoomanyfandoms

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[thispatternismine]

Always Read the Fine Print on Spirit Deals [7/?] - [insert that gif of the guy walking in with pizza & there's fire everywhere, but it's Iroh]

Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Relationship(s): Ozai/Ursa, Ozai & his family, Ozai & his issues

Summary: This fic is about two things:

1) Treating Ozai as an actual character with motivations beyond simply Being Evil For The Sake Of Evilness, & dealing with his relationship with his family. 2) Making him suffer.

OR:

Ozai makes a deal with a spirit. It does not go well for him.

Chapter 1: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Chapter 2: Things Go Very Wrong

Chapter 3: Ozai Cries in This One

Chapter 4: Azula Gets to Bully Her Father (As a Treat)

Chapter 5: Ozai Gives His Son A Hug (Out of SPITE, But Still...)

Chapter 6: Azulon's A+ Grandparenting

Chapter 7: [insert that gif of the guy walking in with pizza & there's fire everywhere, but it's Iroh]

Extract:

Iroh gave him an unimpressed look. "You know women are good for more than just that one thing? You can make conversation."

He snorted. "That's rich, coming from you. And she hardly liked conversing with me."

This got him another Look. "I wonder why."

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

A sigh. "Tell me, brother. Does anyone seek out your company when they have nothing to gain from it, or because of your station?"

He opened his mouth to answer... Only to be unable to come up with a single name. He'd always socialised a lot with courtiers, and more than a few women had tried to gain his attention before his marriage (though he'd always carefully kept them at arm's length, holding out such favour as a prize). But all of them had sought favours or political alliances, or simply wished to bask in being part of a prince's social circle.

Nobody sought out his company now. Except...

"Zuko! Zuko does!"

An eyebrow raised. "And nobody else?"

"You?" It wasn't meant to come out as a question, but it did, and he hated himself for it.

"So that's two."

(That absolutely was not relief that he was experiencing at that implied confirmation.)

"Now tell me, why do you think it might be that people avoid you?"

"They're fools," he snapped.

"Is that your only guess?"

[ tip jar ]

[btheleaf]

As a Pema fan and expert, I'm curious your opinion on how Pema takes so many people becoming airbenders but not her. I imagine her relationship to bending and particularly airbending is rather complicated. Thoughts?

First of all, thank you 😂 my obsession has granted me a new title it seems. Pema Expert :)

Answer under the cut

When Pema was a child, of course she wished we was born with an element. What kid doesn't? She was born in the Earth Kingdom and throwing rocks around is COOL.

As she got older, she saw the pressure that all the benders were under to try and master their elements or use them in their daily lives for work. She was born into a family of non benders and primarily surrounded herself with non benders. She harbored no resentment for benders but was glad she wasn't one. She just wanted to be herself and was content to be how she was.

Pema becomes an acolyte because she falls in love with the teachings of the air nation and their way of life. In the acolytes, she finds herself as a person, she finds freedom, she finds joy and happiness, and she finds Tenzin. Never once did she wish for an element when she was getting everything she ever wanted without one.

The only time she ever truly wished she was born with an element (as an adult) was once after Book 2. A spirit pulled Oogi into the ocean mid-flight, and she had to pull Tenzin from the water after he exhausted himself from rescuing the kids and trying to save Oogi. He wasn't responding to CPR, and in that moment she never wanted anything more in her entire life to be a waterbender. He coughed up the water eventually and didn't die, don't worry.

When Bumi first shows his element in Book 3, Pema is shocked at first and then very disturbed by the development. Bumi and her were the only nonbenders in the entire group, and now it's just her and the acolytes again. To her, he basically left her alone with all these damn benders.

She jokingly tells Bumi how uncool it is that they can't bond over being nonbenders anymore and Bumi just,, fully starts crying. Pema is shocked and confused as he breaks down and tells her that she deserves it more than him, that she should have been an airbender because she spent her life studying the culture. He's afraid that she'll resent him now because of it.

Pema smiles and hugs him and tells him that she doesn't want an element, even if it's air. She hardly has time to raise four young children and support Tenzin when he's nearly dying all the damn time running around on Avatar business. She doesn't have the desire or time to learn an element.

She tells him that she doesn't want that responsibility, and she's actually sorry the element fell to him because she knows that he's proud of his illustrious career in the UF as a nonbender. He cries even more when she says that, and that solidifies the fact that she doesn't want an element.

She's glad the harmonic convergence skipped over her.

[theblueeyedfirebender]

🍓🌿 and also 🌸 because I love hearing about pets if you have any :)

🍓 ⇢ how did you get into writing fanfiction? 

Sorry in advance this is a bit of a sob story. 🙃

When I was a kid - as young as elementary school - my family would occasionally have movie nights. Afterwards, I would often lie awake for hours, staring at my bedroom ceiling, and create my own stories about the movie characters. There were times I would wake up in the morning and actually look forward to going to bed that night so I could dive back into those imaginary worlds.

Sooner or later, I started writing things down. I didn't know the term "fanfiction" until sometime in middle school, but by then I'd been creating it for years. My taste for stories had expanded beyond that of the movies my family chose, and I was getting deep into the rich worlds of Star Wars and Avatar: The Last Airbender. But my parents - who are very religious and conservative - strongly disapproved of fantasy, so I hid my notebooks and didn't share my stories with hardly anyone. As a result, writing what I loved became a source of tremendous guilt and shame for me. I felt like I was sinning. I was told I was sinning when my parents inevitably found what I was writing and forced me to get rid of it (and it wasn't, mind you, anything inappropriate for a child).

Eventually, I just shut down that creative side of my brain. Used my skills for essays and emails and nothing more.

I'm in my late twenties now, and have only recently begun to fully embrace and nurture my creative gifts. This is thanks to my wonderful, encouraging (and super nerdy) husband, the incredible world of Fullmetal Alchemist, and all of you - on here and on AO3 - who have cheered me on. 💕 Thankful doesn't even begin to cover it.

🌿 ⇢ give some advice on writer's block and low creativity

Firstly, remember that it's ok to take a break from a project when you don't feel inspired. A few things that have helped me get back in the groove: take a walk, read, listen to music (cinematic scores seem to work best imo), or create something else (i.e. make that new recipe you've been wanting to try).

🌸 ⇢ do you have any pets? if you do, post some pictures of them

Yes! We have two cats.

This is Clover. She is a sleek, elusive princess who will bless you with her presence only if you are deemed worthy.

And this is Tux. Tux is a chonky bastard man whose origin story involves being discovered in a pile of literal garbage.

And yes, he really does sit like that.

Writer's Truth or Dare Ask Game

[the-badger-mole]

If I may prompt: I would like to hear your Aang Is Not The Hero rant, if you'd like to share (I have my own thoughts along similar lines, but I'm curious about your take).

It's something I've talked about before, but I don't think Aang adds that much to the story. He is the titular "Last Airbender", but his major contributions are either being a conduit for more powerful beings (La, the lionturtle, the Avatar State, which he doesn't have control over even into the post series comics), or he facilitates getting the Gaang from one place to another. He's the reason that the plot is happening, but he's not an active participant. He barely acknowledges that a war is happening, let alone takes it on himself to figure out how to end it.

To call Aang the "Real Hero™️©️®️" feels laughable when his accomplishments are stacked up against his friends. His fight with Ozai isn't even the emotional linchpin of the series. We all know that honor goes to the Agni Kai, but even confrontation between Ozai and Zuko had more weight. Heck, even the scenes with Sokka, Toph and Suki had higher stakes and emotional importance. Sure, Aang grabbing Ozai by the chin leech was funny, but Sokka clinging to Toph as she dangles in mid-air is a heart stopping moment.

Beyond that, no one's relationship with Aang matters that much. He isn't a particularly good friend to any of them, and he receives far, far more than he gives in terms of development moments (and he still manages to hardly grow at all). His most major contribution to anyone else's growth ends up with him completely misunderstanding Katara. By comparison, Katara is a much more integral character. She is the one holding the Gaang together. Her conflicts with her friends contribute to growth moments with all of them. Even Toph, as criminally underdeveloped as she is, has moments with Katara that lead to them both growing as characters.

If we want to name a true protagonist for the story, or the "Real Hero™️©️®️" , it's Katara. Katara is the true hero of the story. Without her, the plot falls apart. Aang is the inciting incident for Katara's story to move forward. Essentially, Aang is a McGuffin. He could be replaced by a magic wand and reliable transportation and very little about the story would have to change.

[goodbye432]

Zuko Is a Theatre Nerd

Rating:

General Audiences

Archive Warning:

No Archive Warnings Apply

Fandom:

Avatar: The Last Airbender (Cartoon 2005)

Relationships:

The Gaang & Zuko (Avatar)

Toph Beifong & Zuko

Characters:

Zuko (Avatar)

The Gaang (Avatar)

Aang (Avatar)

Katara (Avatar)

Sokka (Avatar)

Suki (Avatar)

Toph Beifong

Ozai (mentioned)

Azula (mentioned)

Iroh (mentioned)

Additional Tags:

Toph Beifong and Zuko are Siblings

Zuko is an Awkward Turtleduck

cactus juice

Suki is so done

Zuko is a theatre nerd

He is high on cactus juice

and trauma dumping like no tomorrow

Everyone else is just loading

Based on a Tumblr Post

Episode: s03e17 The Ember Island Players (Last Airbender)

Ember Island (Avatar)

Toph thrives on chaos

and we love her for that

Crack

Language:EnglishStats:Published:2024-05-31Words:741Chapters:1/1Comments:1Kudos:18Bookmarks:3Hits:116

Zuko is a Theatre Nerd

ZuriTurner999

Summary:

He turns to Suki who was already turning to leave for more firewood and shouts after her, “I take it you want to play my mother?” Or Zuko tries to cheer everyone up after the awful Ember Island play. What better way than to put on their own? Inspired by a tumblr post.

Everyone is silent after returning from the theatre. It’s frustrating, none of it was even close to accurate and the acting was frankly, atrocious. He’d have been more believable as a five year old; Pu-on Tim should be ashamed. He paused, this was an awful idea… they did look like they needed a distraction. 

“You know what? We can do better than that. Let’s make our own play. Sokka you can play my father” 

Sokka looked incredulous, “I don’t want to be your father” 

Zuko almost laughed but he forced his expression to remain flat, “Perfect, you already know your lines.” 

Now Sokka just looked confused. And concerned. He opened his mouth to ask something but Zuko had already moved on, turning to Katara, “You can be my sister” 

Katara was still looking over at Sokka, but her expression turned to disgust as she processed what he said, “That’s disgusting, the thought of that repulses me on a spiritual level. I would kill you.” 

Zuko nodded again, “Already getting into character, good work Azula” 

She kind of reminded him of Azula anyway. 

She went to object, but he was already turning to Toph, who was already grinning, “And you can be my grandfather” 

“I would rather die,” She contributed cheerfully. 

“Outstanding, a perfect impression. Could hardly tell the difference.” 

Toph’s smile got bigger. 

He turns to Suki who was already turning to leave for more firewood and shouts after her, “I take it you want to play my mother?” 

She shook her head and kept walking. Aang pipes up, “Don’t worry Zuko, I’ll help you with your play!” 

“Yep, you can play Uncle Iroh.” 

Toph cackled, “Wow Sparky really got some great family members there” 

“Family dinners are a riot” 

She cackles harder. He smiles a bit. 

“So are we just… not going to address that bundle of trauma?” Katara asked. 

Suki returned with the wood, ”No.” 

Zuko shrugged, Suki was already acting out of character by coming back. If they were doing this he may as well go all in. 

“Toph, you order Sokka to kill me,” he directed. Toph nodded imperiously and created a rock throne to glare down at him imperiously. Sokka managed to look even more concerned. 

“Why did your grandfather even want to kill you?” 

He shrugged, “My father wanted to be Firelord and he used the excuse that Iroh no longer had an heir. Grandfather liked Iroh best and said Father should also know the pain of losing a son. Now Katara?” 

She was gaping at him. 

“You eavesdrop then run to taunt me about getting killed by our father.” 

“What?” 

He ignored her, “Suki you get to beg Sokka for my life and kill Toph.” 

Toph obligingly fell off her boulder throne. Suki looked unimpressed, adding more wood to the fire. 

“Sokka, you’re the firelord and Suki is never seen again.” He went on, disregarding their growing horror completely. 

“Katara you act like you’re better than me, like usual, and Aang you can just start spouting old, vaguely helpful proverbs at me” 

Aang looked like he was about to start crying. 

“Sokka you light my face on fire” 

“Wait, wait, wait, I thought I was playing your father?” 

“Yes?”

Your father gave you that scar?” Sokka asked him, pointing to his own face. 

He arched a brow, “Yes, we’ve been over this. Now you banish me to find the Avatar.” 

“You were banished to find me?” Aang asked, “But your scar looked healed when I met you” 

“Of course it was healed, I’d been looking three years by the time you got out of that iceberg” 

“Obviously,” Toph intoned loftily. 

“I’m not dealing with this tonight.” Katara threw her hands up and left. 

Zuko stared after her, “Goodnight then.” 

Sokka gaped at him a bit longer before also heading over to his bedroll, “This is a conversation for future me.” 

“You’ve got so many issues, Sparky, it’s hilarious,” Toph giggled a bit more before throwing up a rock tent for sleep. 

Suki had already went to bed and had taken Aang with her before he tried to talk with Zuko. She was pretty sure he’d tried some of the cactus juice at the festival and was not looking forward to the emotional blowup that would happen when he remembered what he said. 

Zuko smiled. None of them were focused on that awful play anymore and he felt great, kind of floaty but he was sure he’d sleep it off. He wondered what was in that cup the lady had given him. 

He shrugged, going to his bedroll. That was a problem for tomorrow.