#atlas air fleet

[rwby-confess]

Confession #283

[celestialvoyeur]

💛💙SPIRK FIC REC - MY FAVOURITES💙💛

As a follow up to my recent post about how few fics make it to my favourites list, and how special they are to achieve that distinction, I decided to share my current list.

I’ve shared some of these individually in the past but here you’ll have them all together. 

If you've read any of these already then I'd love to hear your thoughts on whether you loved them as much as I did! 🥰

(NB: these are not listed in any order of preference. Mostly it’s the reverse order in which I read them)

Leave No Soul Behind by whochick Words: 258,951

AOS, AU Canon-Divergence. Spock, Kirk and the other valiant members of the Emergency Personnel Ambulance Service fight to save lives and turn the tide of the ongoing war against Nero and his fleet before it’s too late. Such a beautiful slow burn for Spock and Kirk.

Atlas by distractedKat Words: 135,529

AOS. Follow on from 2009, Kirk, Spock and the rest deal with the aftermath of Nero’s attack and rebuilding after the decimation of the ‘Fleet and Academy. An exciting tale with twists and turns involving black ops, bad-mirals, action, love and fierce loyalty.

The Lotus Eaters by aldora89 Words: 93,594

AOS. Stranded on a planet together, with multiple dangers and very little hope of rescue, Jim and Spock have no choice but to rely on each other to survive. Spectacular plot, amazing world building, fabulous original character and an epic slow burn Spirk love story!

With Your Feet on the Air and Your Head on the Ground by flippyspoon Words: 39,188 @flippyspoon

SNW. A phenomenal Spirk fic in which Kirk is stuck in Spock's mind while the crew work to find a way to retrieve his body. A wonderful getting to know you/falling for you hard tale. Wonderfully written and highly entertaining.

Evolution by Rhaegal (RhaegalKS) Words: 149,293

AOS. Covering the first year of their 5 year mission, this is totally flawless. The character voices are perfection, the prose spectacular. The whole thing plays like an AOS movie. It’s phenomenal.

Emotions by LadyRa Words: 35,569

TOS. Spock gets drugged on a shore leave and is overwhelmed with its effects. Kirk tries to pick up the pieces. A beautiful, and wonderfully grounded, story of realising how much they mean to each other.

And When the Bond Breaks by LadyRa Words: 24,631

TOS. Spock takes out a shuttle to investigate an anomaly and returns to an Enterprise that’s not his own. Time travel shenanigans with such emotional depth that it will traumatise you in the best way. Stunningly good!

All Our Tomorrows Come Today by flippyspoon Words: 18,156 @flippyspoon

SNW. A newly introduced Jim and Spock accidentally get a glimpse into the future and see what they’re going to be to each other (a.k.a. Spirk’s Greatest Hits). A stunningly told story about finding the great love of your life. 

I Won't Make That Mistake Again by Moreta1848 Words: 69,402 @jennelikejennay

SNW/TOS. An epic story detailing Spock and Kirk’s love throughout their lives, beginning from their meeting on Pike’s Enterprise (SNW) and continuing on to an eventual  Generations fix-it happy ending. Wonderful!

No Going Back, No Before by spirkme Words: 78,486 @spirkme915

SNW/TOS. Timeline shenanigans, spies, twists & turns, pining, angst, sacrifice and so so much love!

The 1,000 Hour Sleep by spqr Words: 27,227

SNW. Jim’s been infected with a pathogen that means he can’t sleep, but it he doesn’t he’ll die. Cue Spock and his Vulcan telepathy helping Jim to achieve the sleep he needs, while they get to know each other within their shared mindscapes. A sweet and exciting story about falling in love and overcoming your own inner demons.

First Best Destiny by Ophelia_j Words: 387,733

TOS/TNG. Such a very special fic. Epic in its scope, it covers the entire timeline of Spirk from their very first meeting through to a  clever and satisfying Generations fix-it ending. It provides extra scenes, additional dialogue and internal monologues to expand on existing canon in a really compelling and effective way. Truly this is my new TOS canon.

The Steadfastness of Stars by itsnatalie Words: 61,566

AOS. After Beyond, The crew investigate sudden climate change on a frozen planet and find more than they bargained for. The perfect mix of great plot, fun original characters, action, mystery, world building and deep deep love.

Let Forever Be by gunstreet Words: 43,446 @gunstreet

TOS. A really compelling character study of James T. Kirk. An excellent companion piece to City on the Edge of Forever. Exploring what Jim and Spock got up to, and all they had to overcome, while trying to find Bones and their way back home.

Time After Time by spaceisgay (ChancellorGriffin) Words: 138,921

SNW. Kirk spends a 6 month rotation on the Enterprise as part of his command training. OK, if there’s a favourite of my favourites then this may be it. It’s such a stunning version of their love story, with a beautifully constructed plot. It runs the emotional gamut from moments that will have you laughing out loud to moments that will have you in floods of tears. 

milk and honey by spaceisgay (ChancellorGriffin) Words: 28,651

SNW. Kirk and Spock meet for the first time when they wake up in a prison cell together. A really fun, and extremely clever, version of the ‘aliens made them do it’ trope. It’s intriguing and funny with a real depth of feeling throughout.

The Promised Land by gunstreet Words: 58,260 @gunstreet

TOS. A story that explores the time Jim and Spock spent apart between the end of the 5 year mission and TMP. It’s a beautiful story of reunion and renewal of love. Sometimes achingly sad, but it’s worth it for the happy ending.

Again, if you've read any of these already then I'd love to hear your thoughts on whether you loved them as much as I did! 🥰

[not-aurii]

Rewatching ATLA and I think that one scene when Azula shows up to blow them off the Air Temple they were staying at (forgot which one, sorry), is already a tell that she's losing her mind a bit.

Because, this is right after Mai and Ty Lee betray her. And in The Day of Black Sun episode, when asked if she wanted to follow the gaang, all she says is:

"There's no point. They'll be back soon." And she was right, they would be back soon.

So why did she suddenly decide to get an entire squad of airships, just to blow up her brother and the Avatar?

Even when Zuko asks her, she doesn't give him a proper answer, just saying she's "celebrating becoming an only child".

I think this was her way of trying to feel better about herself with a win. Any win would do.

Because this attack is so weird for Azula, out of character even. An entire fleet of warships? Not just a small group to be inconspicuous? Of course, Mai and Ty Lee are no longer an option, but... why not just take the Dai Li?

Why the need for this sudden show of force, when just her presence alone is more than enough to make anyone cower in fear? Why does she feel the need to remind them that she is That powerful?

Because she's already suffering the consequences of Mai and Ty Lee's betrayal. Because she's already starting to doubt just how much power she actually has over people. Because she's already losing sight of herself, little by little.

This is also why I love the way Azula and Zuko's fight ends:

They're both falling from the sky, seemingly to their deaths with no way out, but the gaang grabs Zuko at the last minute, making sure he's safe. His connection to people, his choices to help and redeem himself, were what saved him in the end.

Azula is all alone.

She saves herself, but barely so. Even Zuko has a split second of "she might actually die" and then goes "Of course she didn't". Like it's expected. Like it's a law of the universe that Azula would be all alone and able to save herself, and that's nothing grand or anything else. It's just how it is. Azula has always been by herself, always been alone, always keeping herself safe the only way she knew how: fear.

And then that fails her too. So what is she supposed to do now?

She's falling. No one is going to grab her, keep her safe. And the only way she knew how to do that by herself, for herself, is gone.

Fear wasn't enough.

But what else is there for her to grab on to?

[pedanticat]

The finales of volumes 6, 7, and 8 all ended on ominous notes such as the cast being shocked by the Atlassian air fleet, Salem arriving in Atlas, and the destruction of Atlas. Yet V9 has been the first finale in a long time that ends on a triumphant note between the warm colors of the finale scene, the cast being awestruck by the fact that Vacuo has reinforcements to combat Salem and an instrumental version of This Will Be The Day playing triumphantly! 

[simplyfandomish]

Imagine you’re an Earthbender

Simplyfandomish Masterlist

word count: 779 warnings: None! Named Reader?? But it’s for plot purposes🤐🤐

note: this will possibly become a very short series because I love ATLA but don’t got the time nor enters to make a full story😅 so definitely expect more parts to come!!👀👀

Aang was ecstatic to be reunited with his old childhood best friend. Of course, he was! Bumi was quite literally one of the four things that connected Aang to his previous life before being consumed by an iceberg 112 years ago; Next to Appa, Momo, and his airbending of course. 

Tears collected in both of their eyes as Aang and Bumi wrapped their arms tight around one another - Finally reunited after a century. Bumi knew all those years of chugging down onion-banana juice every morning was a genius idea! 

However, the happy moment was interrupted when an Omashu guard rushed into the throne room. “Your Highness!” 

Bumi and Aang parted from their embrace. “Yes, yes, what is it?” Bumi asked. 

The guard seemed hesitant, “We finally received news on the whereabouts of Princess Serenity.”

“ ‘Princess’?? You had kids??” Aang was both surprised and stunned. Bumim never really seemed like the family man type. Sokka and Katara were surprised that such a crazy man was even able to reproduce! They wondered if his lineage was just as kooky as he was. 

“I did, but Serenity is not my granddaughter by blood. We kind of… adopted each other a while back.” Bumi’s voice grew soft as he spoke of Serenity. His eyes hardened slightly, “Where is she?”

“She’s been captured by a Fire Nation fleet near a mining village by the Mo Ce Sea shoreline.” 

Aang and Katara gasped; Sokka gritted his teeth. 

“How long ago?”

“Just this morning. An Earth Kingdom scout heard some Fire Nation soldiers boasting about ‘hunting the last Lion Turtle’. We believe she’s been transported to the Mo Ce Sea prison rig under the control of Warden Takei.”

Bumi stroked his long white beard in thought. “Hmm. I’ve heard Warden Takei is one of the more ruthless wardens of the lot.”

“What should we do, Your Highness?” The guard asked again.

“We can go and rescue her!” Aang proclaimed. 

Bumi smiled and rested a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I appreciate your efforts, Aang, but I have faith in my granddaughter.” He began to erupt into laughter, “Besides I feel bad for those Fire Nation weasels! They have to deal with her!” He snorted so hard his nose hurt. 

Aang, Sokka, Katara, and even the guard shared concerned and confused looks. 

“But Your Highness, this is Omahu’s Regent we’re talking about.” The guard tried to explain. Bui cut him off, “And I taught her everything she knows. Of course, I’m worried for her, but she’s a smart girl. She’ll escape from underneath their noses as she did the other seven times.” He shrugged, beaming at Serenity’s impressive track record. 

“ ‘Seven times’?!” The Gaang gasped. 

“Yes, yes, she’s trying to break an old friend’s record of escaping thirteen times! Ambitious my granddaughter is!” Bumi chuckled and snorted again. 

The Gaang and the guard didn’t seem too convinced…

“I can not wait to send the news to Fire Lord Ozai that I have captured the Last Mighty Lion Turtle!” Warden Takei’s grin fell into a snarl, “What a stupid name that is! And to think she’s just a young girl!” The warden cackled, his laughter echoing throughout the prison rig’s metal structure.

Serenity smirked as she stared up at the air duct above her. 

As soon as she was escorted onto the prison rig in the middle of the Mo Ce Sea, she was thrown into solitary confinement deep in the belly of the large metal monstrosity. She was dressed in bland red prison garb instead of her usual bright green and gold wide-sleeved blouses and loose pants and her hair was down, flat, boring without its loops and hair accessories. 

Taunted by the warden and the guards that she had no way to escape, that her days of resisting Fire Nation rule were finished, and that she was to be shipped off to the Fire Lord’s Palace within two days time when the next shipment of supplies came in.  

Serenity stayed quiet through the tauntings. She was used to it and even grew annoyed; She had heard the same spiel from several other wardens, the same taunts and jeers from other guards, and had been promised seven times that she would be meeting Fire Lord Ozai. 

Serenity snickered as she plopped down on the cold prison floor and stretched her legs. “After seven times, you think they’d learn that they can’t contain me~” She chuckled, and a small snort came from her crinkled nose. “And eight is my lucky number!”

At least the Fire Nation was kind enough to leave her necklace and bracelets alone... 

[howlingday]

Blake: What's your favorite ship?

Yang: Mm... I'd say the HMS Dreadnought.

Ironwood: One from the Atlas air fleet.

Jaune: The USS Monitor.

Pyrrha: The Titanic!

Nora: ...

Nora: Spice Cream~.

[splosh-crime]

Death of the Moon AU

Zhao successfully kills the Moon Spirit Tui and incapacitates Yue before she can fix it.

The tides and weather are so thrown out of balance that ATLA becomes an almost fully-submerged planet, with only the tallest mountain peaks remaining as islands; most notably, the Air Temples, Omashu, & Crazy Herbalist Greenhouse.

Yue is both waterbending and the Avatar Cycle’s only chance to return. Until then, the return of the moon is the Gaang’s new mission.

Northern Water Tribe is one of the first communities submerged due to being the coastal city and epicenter of La’s grief. La wishes to protect Tui’s corpse under his waves.

The majority of Fire Nation territory, including the capital (Caldera City), is completely submerged. What remains of the Fire Nation’s citizens lives on rare mountainous colonies, the navy, mercantile fleet, fishing industry ships, and the elite’s literal showboats.

Fire Navy ships undergo catastrophic amounts of bad luck, so many sinking that it may be a curse from La. Civilians are encouraged to join merchant and fishing ships instead.

The Herbalist’s Greenhouse, Gaoling, and Eastern & Southern Air Temples are the planet’s main sources of food besides aquatic life.

Refugees learn quickly to survive off fishing and farming aquatic plants, learning from Water Tribe members and Coastal City residents.

The Northern Air Temple’s tech-enhanced citizens remain free as always, their gliders becoming an even more valuable transportation method with so little ground to walk on. To be safe, they gain a focus on naval technologies, building the whale submarines early and spreading their borders with floating docks.

Toph is warned of the incoming disaster by the spiritually connected Badgermoles. She, along with her fellow Earth Rumble Competitors are able to raise Gaoling and part of its surrounding forest high enough to create a mountainous island before the floods arrive. Tall enough for even the Badgermoles to remain underground.

Sokka fails to contain his smugness when his sister asks for boomerang lessons to supplement her waterbending.

Ba Sing Se, Eclipse Invasion, or Boiling Rock Prison Break storylines are either postponed or erased since all those places are underwater.

If you are inspired enough to write or draw this, please tag me! I’d love to see your work!

[chiptrillino]

How the hell do you find every accurate representative culture fashion for the avatar gang? Like it pains me the hell how people this good and hardworking can find these gorgeous cultural clothes and accessories and draw them so well and detailed like you- TELL ME YOUR SECRETS (Please)

idk about accurate. at the end it is still a fantasy world inspired by real life cultures contrasting or soothed out to fit a charakter personality and traits. listen if i spot an option to have a older fire lord zuko with his titts chest out i will go for it and nothing can stop me not even accuracy i say this as if i didn't already do it in private with seethrough material hahah

there is not much secrets behind it though, sorry its research, fact checking. often even the most random things. at least that is my method. you go to google and type in what you need and would like to know. read the wikipedia article for some general understanding on the topic but them go to the source part and check these out. or like double check these. if reading is not your thing there are lots of dedicated youtubers or ticktockers that love to share and explain parts of their culture or tradtions (clothing included. depends on what you research.) contemporary to that or after that you build up your visual library by collecting images on pinterest, or google or websites covering the topic you are researching. make your own folders or pin boards.

an amazing blog for atla real life culture sources is of course or beloved: @atlaculture blog!

https://www.tumblr.com/atlaculture who recently began to dedicate some post in flashing out more water tribe and air normad cusine, also instruments. its a delight to read through.

of course you have an easier time with some research than with other. some things are clear others a contradicting some are barley documented. it is also necessary to have an occasional reality check. like reread your sources see if there is something new. replace what you misunderstood before. don't always go for what looks pretty and aesthetically good to you. there is a reason why things looked like they did. was it the material, was it protection, was it culture.

a part looking at contemporary photography i personally preffere to look at how people liked to depict themself at that time. Statues, wall painting, illustration, old fotos from that time and compare them to current pictures to see how they used to stylize this element or to see what was essential to them. thats probably my old art-history phase flaring up again though hahah. at the end it is also how you Interpret and headcanon the atla world for yourself. before i were able to redesign jet i had to figure out how i want to draw fire nation armor. because to me jet repuporses a lot of the armor from the enemy. a shin guard will be used as an arm protection. the red shirt he wears is fire nation, a shoulder guard that fits will just be used as it is. i just assume that FN armor is better in being fire resistent than earth kingdoms ones.

but fire nation armor is a chellenge on its own again. because is it tang dynasty? is it song? but the collar protector is a typical thai armor element. how do i combine that? is there a history behind it?

speaking about armor what would be the southern water tribe one? if it is lamellar ivory armor, how and why does it look so different by season 3 at the day of the black sun? did the southern water fleet separated form their home begin to adopt EK styles. switching out kuspuk and parkas in for sleeveless wrap shirts and armor with inside plating like they have in ba sing se? because that what was aviable to them?

(appart everything the talk of armor is in general really curious because... what do you wear when you go in to fight against fire??? in the poles you can argure that it is not a concern. if you burn you roll in the snow but in the EK... hm.. they dont have fancy heat resistand clothing like fire fighters have now.... armor is ment to cushion off impact and or slicing. our standard armors conzept can work well against earth-, water- and air bending (to some degree) but fire burns what do you idealy do against that? leather helps to some degree)

while the southern water tribe is clearly circumpolar people inspired (although lacking lots of world-building which you can kind of excusing it with... the war destroyed everything but also... uh.... its a nearly 20 year old show.... ) the northern water tribe shows korean or even mongolian elements. so what do you want to focus on? i personally like to make things connect because these characters live in one world togheter and trade and exchange happens. (yes even during a 100 year war or at least there had to have been a time of influence and the lack of exchange froze(*snorts*) this culture in time) you know... migration? and transition of style and life through out history.

maybe i overthink things to much for just drawing some clothes... -srugs-

[bridgyrose]

Ruby woke up as she heard the door to the room open and close, still not ready to get up and move. Her head still spun about the thought of having a second chance to redo what she considered her greatest failure as if the world wanted to torment her. It didnt matter to her how many people were saved, what mattered was losing Penny. And even though Penny was back, it didnt ease her thoughts that she was going to lose her again. 

“Now that you’ve had a bit of time to rest, how do you feel?” Ashe asked as she sat down a bag onto a small table. 

“A little better,” Ruby answered quietly with a lie as she sat up. “I should get going though.” 

“Are you sure? You can stay here a while longer. Besides, where do you need to go?” 

“I need to find my sister-” Ruby paused for a moment as she thought about it. Going back to Yang was a priority, but after that she didnt know what she was going to do. Find out why there were airships everywhere? Try to find Penny again? Fail to save another kingdom. So many options and yet, she couldnt find it in herself to try for any of them.

Ashe shook her head and went to the door. “Come with me. There’s something I want to show you.” 

Ruby tilted her head. “Show me?” 

“You look like you could use some fresh air. And maybe some time away from the city.” 

Ruby nodded and got up to follow Ashe out of the inn. Her heart started to pound in her chest as they made it to the city streets, her eyes instinctively glued on the airships above. A fleet too similar to Atlas when it fell, yet the danger here didnt seem to be as clear as it used to. 

“Just focus on where you’re walking,” Ashe said quietly as she took Ruby’s hand. “You dont need to worry about the airships right now.” 

Ruby had wanted to argue, but instead found herself nodding in agreement and following Ashe’s instructions. She looked away from the airships and only focused on the steps in front of her. Cement sidewalks turned into cobblestone and then to wood as they made their way to the docks and onto a ferry to head to the island of Patch. As the sounds of the city started to die down the farther away they got, Ruby couldnt help but stare at the water in front of them. 

“Feeling better.” 

“A little, but… why are we going to Patch? Everything I read said that no one lived there anymore.” 

“Its because no one lives there anymore that it makes the island the perfect place to relax. And I have to make my way over there anyway.” 

“Why?” 

“I’ll explain when we get there.” 

Ruby nodded with a soft sigh and watched the water as the ferry made its way to the island. She had to admit it was peaceful and a ride she never thought she’d take again after leaving Patch. Going home seemed like a far away dream she had given up on in order to try to save the world, and worried about how her dad would react to her coming home after leaving so abruptly. And yet, as the island grew closer, she couldnt help but feel a bit at peace. 

Once the ferry landed at what was left of the dock on the island, she stepped off and stared at the remains of the village. It had been clear no one had lived here for years, buildings were being reclaimed by the land as vines and bushes started to take over stone walls. Wooden frames had rotted out and a few buildings had collapsed down into the ground. For a village she never thought she’d see again, this wasnt how she imagined coming back. 

“Everything okay?” Ashe asked, concern in her voice. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” 

“Something like that,” Ruby answered as she looked away from the ruins. “What exactly did you want to show me here?” 

“Its a bit farther, over near a cliff side.” 

Ruby cocked a brow, curious about what Ashe wanted to show her, but continued to follow her past the ruins of the village and deeper onto the island. The longer they walked, the less she recognized the island, and yet the walk felt familiar to her. One that she had taken hundreds of times to get home.But once they reached the cliff, Ruby slowed to a stop as she recognized exactly where they were, her eyes resting on two tombstones in the ground, one well kept with a bit of moss covering the stone, the other cracked and worn by the weather. 

Ashe knelt down in front of the stones, wiping the moss off one and looking for the pieces of the other. “I swear, its like there’s someone here waiting for me to leave so they can desecrate this place.” 

Ruby slowly walked over the graves and knelt down in front of the pristine one, wiping a bit of moss away from the engraving. The name “Summer Rose” was still visible and tears slowly rolled down her cheeks. Even after all these years, her grave seemed untouched. 

She wiped away a few tears and then looked over Ashe’s shoulder to see who the other grave was for. The name had been destroyed over the years, though enough remained to make out the name “Rose”.

“I really wish people would leave this grave alone,” Ashe said as she finished gathering the stones and started to piece them together, her eyes glowing as she melted the rocks in place. “One story paints a bad picture and suddenly everyone thinks she’s a villain.” 

“Who’s grave is this?” Ruby finally asked. 

“Her name was Ruby Rose. And the women of my family have been tasked with watching over this grave.” 

Ruby felt her heart stop as she stared at her own grave. Then, she finally saw the glow of Ashe’s eyes and her body shook in fear as she remembered seeing Cinder’s eyes glow just before she died. The way the fire burned in her eyes, the heat of the flames on her skin as she cried out in pain. 

Ashe finished putting the grave back together and pulled away. “I dont remember why it started, but one of my ancestors came here and vowed to protect this grave. The story that was passed down was that Ruby was a great warrior who finally brought humanity together and led the way for an evil witch to be defeated. Though, that story seems to have been forgotten over the years in favor of her being the villain that nearly killed our saint. And while I cant stay here to protect this grave always, I do try to make it back to put it back together.” 

Ruby slowly nodded as her heart slowed with each breath. “Why… why do people think I- er… think she killed Penny?” 

“Depends on the version of the story you hear. Some say she turned on Penny, some versions have her as some sort of creature called a grimm. Either way, the only thing the stories have in common is that this grave is empty. Whether she scattered to the wind, evaporated into smoke, or buried somewhere else doesnt matter. But none of that matters. Its all legends anyway.” 

“Then why did you bring me here?” 

“You looked like you could use a quiet place and nowhere is quieter than here. Most people avoid it thinking its cursed.” 

Ruby stood up and made her way to the cliff’s edge and sat down, listening to the sounds of the waves below her crash into the cliff side. She closed her eyes and laid down just like she would when she was younger, letting her mind clear. A moment to relax in the quiet as she let go of her fears and worries.

[phoenix-king-ozai]

Underestimating Ozai's prowess is foolish!

Ozai was fooled by Azula regarding Zuko's "killing" of Avatar Aang because Ozai deeply values and trusts Azula as his capable enforcer and imperialist commander daughter. Azula probably subconsciously missed Zuko along with having him back taking some pressure from her as heiress. Zuko's killing and hunting of the Avatar was more about proofing his worth and value as a ruthless, capable, efficient, and effective Prince of the Fire Nation more than anything.

Of course, Ozai nearly got one-shoted or heavily damaged by lightning redirection by Zuko and Aang. The first time by Zuko was completely unexpected and was a new technique that Iroh personally developed, and Ozai never heard and learned about. Ozai also probably never expected Aang to learn lightning redirection in the short time since Zuko's rebellion. Ozai obviously, can't learn lightning redirection because the movement is based on waterbending forms that Ozai wouldn't learn because of his Fire Supremacism views.

Ozai isn't harmless or useless without his firebending skillset. However, he can't be Fire Lord and rule the Fire Nation without his firebending prowess and abilities. I heavily doubt there was ever a non-firebending Fire Lord in ATLA history besides possibly later on with Izumi when Zuko affected and changed the Fire Nation's social culture. Even with his firebending, he is still completely harmless to Avatar State Aang. Ozai and Azula would be foolish to challenge the full-realized Avatar State Aang.

The true form of firebending has less to do with actual power and more about the righteous and moral path regarding firebending. According to the creators, "Ozai is the most powerful and dangerous firebender of his era. Period!" However, "true" firebending is about using fire to create, protect, and provide warmth whereas imperialistic firebenders such as Sozin, Azulon, Ozai, and Azula view firebending as a weapon of war, destruction, conquest, and carnage. Zuko didn't gain a power boost by meeting and training with the dragons but a skill boost by following a philosophy of firebending that suits his personal morals. Zuko became more controlled and focused outside of his rage-based firebending in comparison to Azula due to her mental breakdown and the opposite of Ozai who is always controlled and focused with his rage and fury-based firebending.

Of course, Ozai's legacy is overshadowed by Sozin and Azulon. First of all, Ozai's reign was cut short by Avatar Aang awakening the Avatar State; the reign was only 5 years old compared to Sozin and Azulon's many decades of reigning. Sozin began the Air Nomad genocide, Azulon began the Southern Raiders, and near complete domination of the Earth Kingdom. The only thing regarding Iroh's legacy is that he "killed" the last dragons became the Dragon of the West and led the Seige of Ba Sing Se which was a horrific failure. Iroh's "legacy" isn't all that impressive beside the near conquest of Ba Sing Se which is a military and strategic achievement. Ozai has dueling Agni Kai achievements. Basically, fighting as a group vs one-on-one comparison. Prime Ozai vs Prime Iroh is probably an extremely difficult toss-up match. It is possible that Iroh is a superior commander and tactician whereas Ozai is a superior fighter and duelist. They are both probably excellent in each other expertise nonetheless, however; just they have their preferences. For all we know, Ozai could have led a blockade around the Earth Kingdom port cities during the Seige of Ba Sing Se with a massive Fire Nation navy fleet considering that a six-hundred-day seige needed supplies and manpower across the oceans without Earth Kingdom interference.

Azula is more of an annoyance and nuisance during the ATLA comics considering there is no way she or any of her supporters can defeat Avatar Aang in his Avatar State in order to overthrow Zuko's reign. The best they can do is kill or assassinate Zuko and Aang with poison. Also, the only side character that can possibly threaten Ozai in an actual fight bearing lightning redirection surprise is post-prison training buff Iroh. Azula and Zuko are getting stomped which is why Azula deeply fears dueling her father when he is enraged during the Phoenix King Coronation and why Zuko fled during the Black Sun Invasion. Aang, Toph, Katara, Suki, Sokka, Mai, and Ty Lee are getting curb-stomped by a full-power Ozai. Ozai and Iroh are grown-ass men and trained royal princes who are war criminals...these children would get shit-diffed by a blood-lusted adult fire-hazard duo. This is why Ozai wasn't chasing down Aang during Books 1 to 3 because the Gaang would have been killed brutally, viciously, and violently. Especially, until the very end Aang didn't know lightning redirection.

I can't wait for the live-action version of Ozai, Azula, Iroh, and Zuko to hit the television screens! I just know it going to be amazing and epic!

[stitch1830]

toph having a lot of nightmares after getting kidnapped and being tortured a lot but hiding it from kanto

but then one night kanto finds toph crying and shaking uncontrollably after a nightmare and finds out it's because of the kidnapping

Hi Anon, thanks for the ask!

Okay but @twinkle-toph and I have this fleeting idea of an AU about her getting kidnapped and the whump is 0-0.

It would take quite the event for Toph to get taken, mostly because she's. You know. The Greatest Earthbender in the World. But, even the mightiest have flaws and aren't perfect, and I can see an instance or two where her guard might be off and her blindness on wood or in the air or in the water gets taken advantage of.

When she comes to her senses and spends days, maybe weeks, in a cell and trying to figure out her escape, her resolve starts to fade and the situation gets to her. I think she'd tough it out while imprisoned, but once she's free/escaped, all she can think about is her time there, the sounds she heard, the pain she felt, the fear she lived with.

She tries not to let it show how much it messed with her head, because she never wants to be seen as weak. Kanto notices that Toph is off, though. He's always noticed the little things about her, and ever since she returned, she's been slightly different. She hides it well and denies it anytime he brings it up, but Kanto knows Toph better than anyone. He tries to give her an appropriate amount of space, but when he sees her crying, he drops everything to comfort her.

The nights are toughest for Toph. It's when the world gets quiet and she's left alone with her thoughts and they're often unbearable. When she sleeps, it's because she's exhausted and can't keep her eyes open any longer. But she hates sleeping, because that's when the nightmares come. She barely remembers the nightmares, but they're always terrible and have her wake up in a cold sweat. There are a few nights early on when Toph wakes up alone, but then after Kanto, she wakes up and he's there to calm her down and bring her back to reality. His big, warm arms wrap around her and while at first his touch jarring, she feels so safe in his arms—

They don't really talk about what happened, but Kanto hypothesizes. He doesn't ask, he just waits for Toph to tell her story on her terms. It takes a while, but eventually, she reaches a point where she not only tells Kanto, but wants to tell him. She wants to be open and honest with him, and this is one of the first steps for her.

AH—The hurt/comfort is so so good—

Thanks for sending this ask over, Anon! Love the Kantophy questions of course, and feel free to send more! Hope you have a great day!

......

Send me asks about ATLA or LOK! :D

[rwbyuser24]

Was Ironwood out of character during volume 8?

Now, this is going to be a bit, wild. This subject have been talked already, but, I think I can give my grain of salt. Let's start. 1. No, he always was sinister.

Since the beginning we could have say that we saw his paranoia. Bringing his army just because a message of Qrow.

"The queen has pawns".

That despite the fear that would bring Grimm. "It's the Vytal Festival. A time to celebrate unity and peace. So I suggest that you not scare people by transporting hundreds of soldiers halfway across the continent."

Even during the Vytal Festival, Ozpin mentions again that that fear would bring the Grimm. "And fear will bring the Grimm. A guardian is a symbol of comfort. But an army is a symbol of conflict. There's an energy in the air now, a question in the back of everyone's minds... "If this is the size of our defenses, then what is it we're expecting to fight?""

So, he doesn't care about the Grimm attacking Vale civilians.

Other matter. We can say he doesn't care about the faunus. He have two seats in the council and never did anything to stop Jacques Schnee and his faunus oppression.

"So, our kingdom's greatest minds, in cooperation with the Schnee Dust Company, are proud to introduce... the Atlesian Paladin!"

He cooperated with them. And never attempted to stop their exploitation. He have 2/5 of the political power in the kingdom.

Nor he have stopped the SDC colonization of Vacuo. This is not something that happened before the Great War, this is something recent as the SDC was created by Nicolas after the war, and since Jacques assumed power, the things have gone even worse.

And even Marrow admits that the law is not equal.

"The law isn't perfect, you know. It's certainly not equal."

"Trust me, I'm well aware."

Later, we have also the fact that he didn't cared too much about Mantle.

The Grimm entered in Mantle during the first episode. And the defenses weren't enough. This is something even pointed out by the characters.

"I guess the city defenses aren't doing much."

"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me."

This wasn't only done by the writers to make a fight scene where Ruby's group show off. It establishes a fact, that ironwood doesn't care about its people.

Think about it, he left them to die.

He also put the close of borders and the embargo, even when that only provoked discomfort in the kingdom.

There is also the fact that he didn't upgraded the security network in Mantle. Consider that the Atlas technology have been previously hacked, so he really needed to upgrade the system.

"Well, if we're dealing with the same enemy from Beacon, hacking into Mantle's system would be easy. Fortunately, the rest of Atlas is running on an upgraded network."

There is also the fact that he haven't been acting legal all this time.

"Yes, which is exactly why we have checks and balances."

"We're supposed to, but lately you've been running roughshod all over them, making unilateral decisions without us."

And let's no forget about how he was willing to declare the martial law. Let's consider that it would only bring more negativity and therefore attract Grimm. Yes, it was to unite the world and restore global communications, but it was at the cost of Mantle.

"What's more important? Establishing communications, unite the world? Or appeasing a few city blocks?"

He only refers to them as "a few city blocks". Nothing more, nothing less.

That and the fact that he was willing to left Mantle to die during As above, so below.

"What we need is to start evacuating Mantle. If it's completely overrun, it's not going to be safe anywhere. Use the fleet to get--"

"If I move the fleet, then Atlas is vulnerable. I… I tried to keep the kingdom safe. And now we're losing everything."

He could have used the fleet to evacuate Mantle to Atlas, but initially he refused because he prioritized Atlas. The city was without heating, and the Grimm have launched an invasion. If he didn't do something, everyone were going to die. Ironwood was already ready to left them to die.

And let's not forget about how he outright admitted that he would be leaving Mantle to die.

"But we're nowhere near finished evacuating everyone! You'd be leaving Mantle to die."

"Yes… I would."

So, if he was already willing to leave Mantle to die, why would it be weird that he threaten to nuke Mantle? Is so different leaving Mantle to die and nuke it?

2. Yes, he was originally a good person.

Despite Ozpin's claims that bringing his army would attract Grimm. At the end, the citizens of Vale weren't afraid, and no Grimm was attracted to the city. I mean, there were Grimm attracted to the city, just not because of the Atlas military... it was because of Cinder's plans and actions.

And, what's more, he used his army to protect the citizens of Vale. He later bring even more troops because he wanted to protect Vale. Of course, he didn't know his army was going to be hacked.

Even during the battle of Beacon, he and his troops fought along the students against the Grimm and the hacked atlesian robots.

He later closed the borders and made the embargo because he needed to make sure no one infiltrates inside the kingdom.

"I needed to ensure Salem couldn't infiltrate Atlas. And I wanted my military here, protecting my people."

His plan of Amity wasn't only to benefit Atlas city, but also to unify the world and joined defeat Salem. He also planned to use his military to help the rest of the world.

"But everything will fall apart. Grimm will be everywhere!"

"You're right, but Atlas is willing and prepared to assist."

According to this card of RWBY Arrowfell, Ironwood is someone willing to help all of the world, not only Atlas.

Other characters have also mentioned about Ironwood's willingness to help the whole world.

"A new communications tower. He's trying to help... everyone."

"I used to think you were hiding something to protect yourself. But I can tell there's something much bigger going on here. Now I think it's to protect something else. Us… Atlas, maybe even all of Remnant. And you're afraid of what might happen if you tell the truth."

There is also the fact that he attempted to protect Mantle. He put soldiers and Atlesian knights. Forces in charge of defending the city. They, along the small manta ships and Penny. Penny isn't there just because she is a robot, as there are also human soldiers there.

He also acknowledge the problems in Mantle and wanted Ruby's group to help down in Mantle.

"No. No, you're right. Things in Mantle have been... hard to manage lately. I'm not blind to its issues. In fact, that's what I want to talk to you about. With the launch of this mobile communications tower and tensions down in Mantle, I think there's a lot of good your teams can do here."

And, there are some missions on the mission board to help Mantle.

"We need someone to escort children to pre-primary school down in Mantle. There's not actually any danger, but the parents fret, and that attracts Grimm."

"A massive Sabyr is loose in the Mantle sewers! We need two brave warriors to flush it out!"

The military, and Ironwood since he is the head of it, was worried about Grimm being attracted to Mantle, and Grimm being a threat to the people of the Mantle.

Later, Ren and Nora were assigned to protect the wall on Mantle.

"Diverting all construction resources to Amity Tower means there are going to be gaps in Mantle's defenses against Grimm. They'll need help on the perimeter."

"But there's still plenty to do in Mantle itself."

Yes, they are helping because of the lack of Mantle defenses. But, they were there ALSO because the military wanted them there, not only protecting Amity tower.

Ironwood also was someone willing to participate in the debates of the council. Of course, it made him mad, but at the end, he was willing to comply.

"I swear if I have to sit through one more council meeting like that…"

"Actually, I've already informed them. As this is now the site of a classified military operation, it didn't even require a vote."

"My father's first act. We've all been invited to dinner where the General will be defending his seat on the Council."

Ironwood was anyway willing to go to a meeting with the council, instead of simply shooting everyone who opposed him.

We also have the fact that, despite initially not being willing to use his fleet to evacuate Mantle, at the end, he was willing to help them.

"All we can do for the moment is what we can to save Mantle. That's what's in front of us."

Ironwood was willing to help Mantle and even focus on it, even after knowing that Salem was immortal. At the end, while he was willing to abandon Mantle, it was because he thought that Mantle couldn't be saved. And that even Salem wanted him to evacuate Mantle to Atlas.

"How do we know they didn't want us to bring people into Atlas by the thousands?"

"We are saving who we can." So, if Ironwood did care about Mantle, but only abandoned the city because he thought that it was Salem's plan... Then, it doesn't makes sense that he later tries to nuke it. Even when he already left Mantle to die. It's different abandoning the city than being the one who pulls the trigger. He was willing to help Mantle till he thought he couldn't anymore. 3. In conclusion. There are two perspectives about it. I think that both perspectives have their pros and cons. I'm not here to tell you which interpretation is correct.

Whether the volume 8 was well written around Ironwood's character, or not. Some might consider his fall into villainy something natural, while others would see it as something out of character. But, I'm not the one with the final word, what do you think? Comment it and leave your opinion!

[msfantasy-anime]

Something Stupid

Izuku Midoriya x Reader

Summary: Deku is in love with a villainess and says something stupid

Warning: Aged up, Deku is an adult hero, Smut, Minors DNI, profanities, manipulative, BJ, face riding, domination, sub Deku, squirting, dumbification

Part one - Masterlist - Tip Jar

Cat and mouse is how you’d describe your relationship with Deku.

You would commit a crime.

He would chase you.

You would escape.

At first you hated him. That green freckled do-gooder always getting in the way of your next pay day. Ever since Deku stepped in, your burglary success has gone down quite dramatically.

You’re not quite sure when it happened, but one day you started to look forward to seeing that irritating crystal green eyes stare back at you with that intense ferocity he always did.

The way his muscles clenched around your form when he tried to pin you down.

The positions he’d put you in to stop squirming out of his grasp.

The commands he’d call would make you melt ever so slightly.

Your not quite sure when it happened. All you know is that one day you wanted to be trapped under those muscular arms, pinned into an impossible position as he make commands whilst pounding into your tight little hole.

There was something just oh so delicious about it all.

Corrupting the international hero everyone loved.

What would they think of their precious Deku sweating and whimpering under the devious villain as she milks him of all his essence?

These are the dirty thoughts that plague your mind regularly.

But atlas this is just a mere fantasy.

Deku would never sink to that level.

You will always remain at arms length… or so you thought.

It was just like every other night, you had stolen a precious relic and here is god-damn-Deku to save the god-damn-day.

This night you were really hoping not to see him.

You were holding The Koh-i-Noor, the maharaja had secretly commissioned you to steal the diamond from the English Sovereignty Exhibit which is hosted in Japan. This isn’t just some random pay-day, this is a middle finger directly to the English monarch and there was no way Deku is going to ruin this heist for you.

“I’ll give you one chance to return the diamond, do it now, or I won’t go easy on you.” Deku exclaims as electricity whips off his form. A playful gasp escapes your lips at his threat.

“Oh silly Deku, I’ll never want you to go easy on me. I’ll always want you to take me the hard way~” You coo as you dash across the roof onto the next.

“Must you flirt with every hero? I’m being serious, you’ve gone too far this time.” His teeth clench making his jawline taut in that way that makes you swoon inside.

“Now, now, don’t be jealous. My flirtatious are reserved for yours truely.” You turn around and flash him a cheeky smile and avoid his narrow kick into your frame. “Why would I flirt with anyone else? Your the only one I want to be pretzeled under your heavenly thighs.”

Making a mad dash for the staircase you make haste for the fire exit only to be pushed down onto the concrete below your feet. You splay flat across the floor as you take the impact of your fall, quickly kneeing into the ground ready to take off at a mad speed again, only for Deku to grab your head and push it back down.

You hold your arm out-stretched placing the diamond as far away from Dekus’ reach, back arching, hips high in the air. You feel Deku press his hand down onto your neck from behind to prevent your escape. His fingers stretched out the the relic you are holding onto in sheer desperation. You lock your legs around Deku and push your hips back into him to create some distance from the relic.

Deku groans as your ass slides across his crotch, his fingers quickly fleeting to wrap tightly around your hips and he unconsciously pulls your hips harshly back into his crotch once again.

A sudden blush shoots across your face.

Utter shock shrouds you as you finally feel and hear Dekus’ arousal.

More than that, he actually grabbed your hips and pressed it into his bludge for a second feel.

A sly grin spreads across your face as you lean over and look over your shoulder to see an very pink and embarrassed Deku pulling away from you.

“Oh god, oh my god, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.” Panic fills him as he crumbles at his pathetic actions. “I can’t believe I just did that! Im so sorry!”

He falls back on his butt as you slowly rise onto your hands and knees, slowly crawling towards him like a hungry jaguar. “Oh Deku, you naughty boy!” Your laughter was teasing. Crawling between his legs, you begin to straddle him and continue your teasing taunts. “I can’t believe our precious hero just pressed his fat bulge into a villains ass, what would your fans think?” He began to whimper at your words as you began to slowly rut against his hips.

“I-I- d-didn’t mean too!”

You smile a the pitiful display beneath you. Deku looking incredibly pitiful as his hands wrap around your hips once again to add extra friction to your rutting. He begs for forgiveness whilst he is still whimpering and pressing his harden bulge against you. “My precious Deku, why are you lowering yourself to rubbing up against a villain? Are you not taking care of your needs properly?” He gives a shameful nod as he diverts his gave downwards. “There’s no need to be embarrassed, I’ll happily take care of you, just sit back and relax.”

Sliding off his lap you free his member from his suit, cupping his balls you rub them expertly in your hands, earning you an explicit moan. “Oh my, I didn’t realise how severe this case would be. You poor thing.” You wrap your hand around his raging boner and begin to slowly stroke him as you lock your eyes onto him. Placing his tip to your lips you give the smallest of licks. Deku rolls his head back and groans at the sensation. “I want you to look me in my eyes when I suck your cock for the first time.” He rolls his head back and looks at you.

Mouth widening, your mouth sinks on his veiny boner earning your Dekus s’ precious whimpers. Nose touching you pull your mouth back as Deku throws his head back once against, clutching the back of your neck, continuing to guide yourself along his shaft.

This was fun.

Your imagination could not have prepared you for the delicious sight before you. Your precious hero, clutching desperately at your hair, his face turning an impossible pink. His teeth gritting in desperation as you suck away at his weeping cock.

“Please- haft cum.” You nod and hum in agreement. Deku moans at the sight, his chest heaving heavy breathes. His muscles clench under the pleasure of it all as he releases his load down your throat. Swallowing eagerly you lick his tip collecting the final bead of cum adorning his shaft.

“You make me feel so hot, I’ve always dreamt of riding that gorgeous face of yours, do you mind?” Delirious from his unloading, he slides onto his back, waving for you to join.

Freeing your self from your confines you lower yourself slowly to Deku. He grabs your meaty thighs in haste and slams you into his mouth. Rolling your body down into his mouth you lull your head back at the sensation. His slimy tongue encircling your swollen clit, he sucks and nips at your box as you continue to ride his face. A warm sensation spreads across your thighs and crawls slowly up your abdomen.

“Deku your tongue feels so fucking good!” You praise, pressing your hips into his mouth. “Too fucking good!” You moan as a coil tightens in your tummy. Your so close to the edge. “Lemme ride your dick, I wanna ride your dick.” You whine as your squirm on top of his tongue. His fingers press bruises into your thighs, locking your pussy onto his face. “Mh-!” The coil in your stomach snaps releasing heat across your body.

Shuddering, Deku pulls his mouth away from your box and flips you onto your back. He grabs your ankles and drags your form to line himself up. He presses his tip to your slit and slides it along your sopping core. “Do you want me to fuck you?” He asks.

It was funny.

Too funny to hear the dirty words ‘fuck’ falling from his mouth and it was too funny that he’d had asked such a stupid question. A heavy laughter erupts from your lips at the absurdity of his words.

“Yes Deku. Incase you didn’t notice, I’m absolutely wet for you.” That’s all he needed to hear. Slamming his fat shaft down your tight slit. You choke on a moan as he bottoms your tight hole.

“S-s-so good.” He exclaims as he continues to pound into your weeping hole.

This scene was filthy.

You laying on your back as Japans number one hero holds you by your ankles, slamming his hard cock mercilessly into your sweet gummy cunt.

The cacophony of moans and groans that escape each other as you rut mindlessly into into one another, searching desperately for your highs. Using each other unapologetically.

Deku presses the back of your thighs into your torso as he begins to slam into you. The new angle pressing his thick dick into that sweet sponge spot. “Oh fuck Deku- your cock feels so fucking good, mh gonna fucking cum on you. Mh gonna cum.” You whimper as his tip rubs desperately against your special spot.

“Mh sorry- haft cum. Pulling out.” Your hands wrap around his arm, pressing painfully into his flesh.

“Don’t you fucking dare pull out.” You threaten, as your back arches, head throwing back at the coil retightening.

“Hafta cum- sorry!” Deku pulls out with a second to spare spraying his hot cum all over your stomach with a defeated groan.

Anger fills you as your orgasm rescinds back. You push Deku onto his back and straddle him. “Naughty boy! If you just came in me I would’ve had the best orgasm and could’ve just taken a pill!” A shameful blush cross his face and you begin to line up his member and slide down.

“Ah too sem-sensitive.” He squirms pitifully beneath you.

“Good!” You bite back viciously, as your hips slam down his lap at a delectable speed. His shaft rubbing against your sponge spot once again. Your orgasm is fast approaching. Looking down at Deku, he continues to mewl and squirm under your ferocious sex. “What is it?!”

“Too-too much!” He whines.

“Want me to stop?” He sniffles and shakes his head.

“Good. Then be a good little bottom and let me fuck you dumb.” A small cry escapes him at your words.

Poor precious pathetic little Deku. Whining how it’s too much, but moaning and rutting against your slick sex. It’s all too much. Seeing your precious little hero howling at the overstimulation. His eyes rolling back, the slight dribble that is escaping his mouth. Swear dripping down him.

It was so fucking unbelievably hot.

Your coil snaps harshly, a fire spreads ruthlessly across your abdomen making you come undone too fast. “Fuck!” You scream.

You coat Deku in your essence, your stickiness dripping down his thighs. The feeling of your fluttering walls clenching intoxicatingly. He looks up at your o face making him cream instantly on the spot.

Your hips slow to a halt as you come down from your high.

Both breathing heavily you roll off to his side and press a wet kiss to his lips, he leans into your mouth desperately.

“That- that was the best sex I’ve ever had.”

“Thank you.” You whisper pressing another kiss into his cheek. “Same here.”

You tiredly move to stand only for your legs to wobble as you stand. You fix your costume and pick up the diamond once again you give Deku a small wave.

“Your not leaving already are you?” You swear Deku looked almost upset, but his voice remained neutral.

“Hafta- I can’t let you arrest me for a rightful crime” You pause looking at Deku one last time. “Don’t look so upset my little lamb- you’ll see me again I promise.”

———————————————————————————

“How could Japans number one hero let a low class villain escape with our precious diamond!” The museums director is sweating and yelling angrily. The hero’s representative sigh and message their temples.

“A heros protection does not guarantee any outcomes. We will investigate this matter and provide a incident report.” The directors fist slams into the table.

“Screw your incident report! I paid a lot of money for your failure of a service- oh Y/n! Thank goodness you are here!” Deku looks up at the familiar figure entering the room holding a tablet and one hand. “What does the security footage show?!”

His heart sinks in his chest.

“The feeds show Deku pursing the thief only for the cameras to malfunction soon after- IT confirms its impossible to retrieve further data.” The directors vein pops from his head, teeth clenching together an angry hiss escapes his lips.

“Get this useless hero out of here! I should’ve just hired Dynamight to begin with!”

“Director~ if I may. Deku saw and fought the villain himself. It would be best if Deku investigates the incident further rather than involving a second party in-“

“Non-sense. Dynamight has done excellent work for us in the past, the one time he wasn’t available for service this goes and happens.” The director grabbed the woman’s hands and began stroking it. “My dear Y/n I’m so sorry. I know how hard you worked on curating the English Sovereignty Exhibit only for some low life to come in and ruin all your hard work.”

“Fear not Director, I have full faith Deku will solve-“

“No! Deku, your fired! We are locking down the museum and contracting Dynamight first thing in the morning! Y/n my dear, please attend tomorrows contract meeting, I would like you to provide a report to Dynamight on the Koh-i-noor, please ensure you provide a full analysis on its significance and who may want it.”

The director takes his leave with his secretary in tow. You look towards a defeated Deku seeing his representative give him a small pay. “Head up, we can’t always win. Meet me in the car when your ready, we will drop you home.” She gives Deku a small smile and takes her jacket leaving you two in the room.

“I’m sorry for-“

“No need to be sorry my little lamb.” Deku whips his head up instantly, looking at your face his eyes drinking into your grinning face. You had placed a finger to your lips and point to the camera before moving your hand out in front of you. “I’m sorry things had to end this way. Thank you for your services, I trust we can continue working together another time.” She says teasingly.

Deku shakes her hand, feeling a small chip being pressed into his palm. She yanks his arms forward, leaning into his ear she whispers. “Hold onto our tape for me.”

[hrh-princessanne]

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, has attended the stand-down parade of Number 47 Squadron and the retirement of the C-130 Hercules. The Princess Royal, who is Honorary Air Commodore to RAF Brize Norton, reviewed members of the Squadron on parade in front of invited guests to mark their proud history.

The parade marched to the music of The Central Band of the Royal Air Force with a background of two static Hercules.

The Hercules will retire from RAF service on 30 June, and concurrently No.47 Squadron will be stood down and its Standard laid up for a period at College Hall Officers’ Mess, RAFC Cranwell, until formed up again.

The expertise acquired operating the Hercules and its broad range of capabilities is transitioning to the 22-strong Atlas (A400) fleet and other flying platforms in RAF service, thereby ensuring the Hercules’ legacy forged over the past 56 years will continue.

Read the full story 👉 https://ow.ly/lRyj50OKeTn

📸: Royal Air Force

[mylifeisalieandididntknow]

Atla Au outlines

Road Trip Au Atla Verse

Zuko realizes early on in his banishment the truth, doubts his uncle cares because adults can't be trusted and sends a letter to azula to let her know that he is still her big brother and he cares about her but he is not going to go on a fool's quest.

He sees that the fire nation is wrong and decides he will put a stop to it, that when he is strong enough he will come back for her and get rid of their father, that she is welcome to take the throne. He'll be her second hand.

He becomes the blue spirit full time and just… goes to town. 

Freedom fighters scout zuko out but zuko is awkward turtleduck. 

Does not speak or remove his mask for anything. Has more than once stabbed jet with a knife by accident because he gives him azula vibes.

Freedom fighters are convinced he is feral. (he is)

Helps Teo and his group clean up the northern air temple, runs off the fire nation for them and leaves. He is not aware that he drew their attention even more, thus the mechanic ends up under the fire nation. 

Meets hama and nopes the hell out after saving the fire nation people. Hama ends up having to move.

He ends up with the swamp benders for a cool minute. Does not appreciate the swamp visions. 

(Avatar Roku/Aang give him a visit)

Competes in an earth rumble for money, loses to toph.

Zuko sees a small vicious child falls in love a little. Just like his sister.

They hang out whenever he's in town.

Visits the other air temples and buries the dead left behind.

Breaks into several fire nation strongholds.

Even rescues a few prisoners from prisons.

Meets Hakoda's fleet.

Runs from Hakoda's fleet.

Stabs Bato twice.

Has a record of stabbing adults (jet is the only exception)

Accidentally stows away on their ship once.

Bato does not let him forget it.

Meets Long Feng and gets creeped out.

Meets Zhao and goes for the eyes.

Chills in Omashu and meets Bumi.

Bumi takes in feral blue spirit and makes him play messenger for him and the order of the white lotus- Zuko's completely oblivious to the secret society.

He gets along with Flopsie, has been found sleeping with flopsie more than once.

By the time of aang's awakening Zuko has achieved spirit status 

He's practically a legend.

First time he meets aang he falls out of a tree.

And falls in love with appa

[runwayrunway]

No. 44 - FedEx Express

If you have ever sent or received a package, particularly if you live in the United States, you may be familiar with FedEx, and @magic-gps requested that I discuss their airplanes!

FedEx (founded and formerly known as Federal Express) is a massive network for transportation of mail and cargo, and Federal Express Express (okay, no, I can't call it that, FedEx is legally the full name even though we all know what it's really short for) is its airborne branch, making up the largest cargo airline by fleet and freight tonnes conveyed in the entire world. Their largest customer is the US Postal Service, with whom they have an exclusive contract - any USPS air mail is carried by FedEx Express - but they also fly for countless other clients. They cover so much ground (air) that they not only have a dozen hubs but an additional SUPERHUB, located in Memphis. They're what DHL is for Europe but doing bigger numbers, and that's with UPS, Atlas Air, and Kalitta Air to compete with. Although they're based in the US, their website claims that their destinations include every US zip-code, plus "over 220" countries and territories. There are 195 internationally recognized countries at present. I don't think saying they fly everywhere is even really hyperbole at this point.

FedEx's fleet is massive and eclectic. They have the world's largest cargo fleet, with 650 planes (which are named by employees, frequently after their children). Add in FedEx Feeder, a second fleet of small propeller airplanes dry-leased to local carriers for use ferrying small loads to the full-size jets, and there's a total of 699 FedEx liveries in the skies with 88 more on order. They occupy whole swathes of tarmac. They're everywhere. Like snails after the rain.

Oh, and apparently this livery was designed by Lindon Leader (what a name) of Landor Associates, the prolific and highly regarded design firm responsible for hits like the SAS belly stripe livery and misses like JAL's two previous designs. I have higher standards for liveries that are just absolutely everywhere, so let's see if Landor was able to live up to them.

I'm going to be specifically talking about, because I presume this is what the requester meant, the livery FedEx adopted in 1994. The timeline of this is interesting, because the name of the airline stayed Federal Express until 2000, when the entire company rebranded from Federal Express to FedEx and added the redundant 'Express' to the airline's name. I've always thought that was very funny, and while that's charming to me I don't think I should be encouraging things like this. It's just sloppy and a bit weird to say.

Before they adopted the livery they did briefly trial a new logo. From 1991 to 1994 they had this!

Boy do I not like that! It's significant to the history of the company in that it shifted the colorscheme from indigo and burgundy to purple and orange, except that the difference in brightness here is really almost upsetting and the logo itself is...it looks like that. It's very TRON somehow. I don't find the tackiness pleasant. It's just ugly. The typeface they chose is bad. The wriggly X is nice but every other letter looks a unique sort of hideous, with the E in particular looking like a rake made of sponge which has been placed in water and left to soak. Thankfully they moved on quickly, replacing this logo at the same time as their livery.

The fact that there's six years between the visual rebrand and official renaming is interesting. Federal Express was already colloquially known as FedEx before the official renaming, and used it in their branding, but they weren't legally FedEx yet, so for that little span their planes bore both names.

This adolescent period in the life of modern FedEx featured the 'Federal Express' subtitle in this serif mystery font which I haven't seen mentioned at all anywhere. I couldn't find many more pictures with the full 'Federal Express', but there's a scattering of seriffed planes out there, it seems. It looks a lot better with the 'Federal' taken out just by virtue of legibility, and I have to say I'm very keen on the way the subtitle is offset to align with the start of the E. It looks nice and aerodynamic. When the first word is taken out it has the extra benefit of lining 'Express' up with the 'Ex' that stands for it.

But there it is! The FedEx logo. Adopted in 1994, considered a contender for the best logo ever made, winner of over 40 awards.

I want to disclaim for a moment. I think it's always been somewhat implicit that my opinions are just one manifestation of the infinite variability of human thought and inevitably subjective but I do need to re-stress this now: these are my own hot takes. My opinion is not legally binding. Lindon Leader is an incredibly accomplished designer and I'm not even a designer at all. There is a reason that FedEx's logo is so widely acclaimed. My criticism of it is not an attempt to contest its legacy, and is - again - just my opinion. And it is an opinion colored not only by the fact that I'm an amateur, and by the fact that my tastes are different from other people's, but by the fact that this logo is quite literally older than I am, and tastes have most certainly evolved since then.

I think the FedEx logo is...okay. I certainly do not despise it, but I would stop very short of calling it the best logo ever. I'm going to talk about why I'm so underwhelmed by it, and it's going to sound like I don't like this logo for a bit, but if you power through that you will see that my opinion about it isn't as straightforward as the sum of my opinions about its parts.

The fantastic thing about this particular logo is that it's easily the most-discussed and best-documented bit of branding I've yet covered, so it was a delight to research. I didn't even have to call in my font wizard, for example, because Leader explicitly states what it is in this interview - a proprietary typeface heavily inspired by Univers 67 Bold Condensed and Futura Bold. I actually like Futura (the Cyrillic version is one of my favorite Cyrillic typefaces) but don't love Univers 67 - it reminds me way too much of the handwriting style I was drilled in at school. US schools have truly heinous taste in the penmanship they teach, and much like how Parker cursive inherently reminds me of third grade, Univers 67 feels to me like an adult version of something I've long since outgrown. The design of the letterforms here, with the exaggerated x-height and all the lines (crossbars included) having a uniform thickness of 'very', reminds me of the posters on the walls of elementary school classrooms.

Take a look at this. The green line is hypothetically where the baseline should be, but the E and D descend slightly below it. According to my font wizard this is fairly common as an attempt to some sort of visual trick, but I don't like it. I can make it out from a distance and it significantly bothers me.

Speaking of misaligned, I've always felt like the vertical line on the E was slightly wider than that on the D, but had dismissed this line of thought as an optical illusion - the darker color and the lack of detail at the top, plus the lack of gaps at any point in the E, artificially make the D look narrower than it is. I tried lining them up, and I was right, it's an optical illusion. I still hate it. What isn't an optical illusion is that the middle line on the E is thicker than the second line on the F - again, hate it!

And I just don't like this font! It's like if they fed different fonts to a neutral network and had it invent a weight bolder than bold, like the neural-network generated upperer and lowerer cases. I'm aware of the existence of ultra bold weights, and I'm not talking about those, because those are regular ugly and clearly made by humans. This looks like an algorithm expanded the letters until they were touching.

But the touching bit is intentional. The FedEx logo is hiding a little secret, perhaps the most frequently cited reason for why it's so beloved. Between the E and X, Leader slipped in an inconspicuous arrow.

And I can't pretend this isn't really clever. It's subtle but once you see it you can never unsee it. My problem is that one feature doesn't make something good on its own, particularly when it's something you can easily miss at first. The Sneeze interview linked earlier sort of implies Leader built the font in large part around the idea of the arrow, and I find that a little problematic. Sometimes an idea is so fantastic you just can't let go of it, but when you're designing something you just can't be myopic like that. And, to be clear, I don't think Leader sacrificed the aesthetics of the wordmark to accommodate the arrow. I'm sure he personally thinks this font is beautiful. But when I evaluate it for myself, I can't allow one good feature to overpower my own dislike for the font overall, even if it is legitimately clever.

I do have some nice things to say, though. Well, mostly one nice thing. I love the color scheme. I think the purple and orange shades here are a wonderful choice, an uncommon one but one that manages to be a visually pleasing combination. If either of the shades were less saturated, or the purple were brighter, it would lose its cohesion, but Leader chose the perfect shades to bring out the best in each other. The old red and purple shades were absolutely hideous, but he transformed them into something great.

But at the end of the day my opinion of the logo on a granular scale is irrelevant. And I don't say that because I'm in the minority here or because I'm not allowed to have an opinion or anything else of the like. It doesn't matter because the FedEx logo is older than me and it is FedEx. When I see something purple and orange, I think of FedEx first. Let me use an example by invoking something better left dead.

In 2018 the Overwatch League, an esports league based around the maelstrom of poor decisions which is Blizzard's video 'game' Overwatch, played its first season. A charter member was the Florida Mayhem, a team which was in all honesty sort of a joke (though not exciting enough to live up to their name). I stopped following OWL after the first season, so I'm not sure if any of this has changed, but they finished second-to-last, made some very questionable choices on the management end, and were representing Florida. All of these facts are ontologically comedic. But above all, these were their team colors.

So, this creates the clear issue demonstrated above. Certain brands are so culturally entrenched that even a passing similarity in visual identity makes you immediately look like a pastiche, even if you're otherwise distinct. Mayhem's branding is, in my opinion, way better than McDonalds's, but it was still the right move when they changed to a completely unrecognizable color scheme in 2020. You just see some things and immediately recognize them.

The cultural specter of the FedEx logo is very useful to the FedEx livery. As long as you do not royally mess up - which they have not - a FedEx plane will immediately resemble a FedEx package, even if it doesn't actually look like one, since they're mostly white.

...well, okay, the planes are also mostly white. And I'll be honest, on the 727? This plane isn't half bad. The clean line of the t-tail makes this sort of straight-line-down livery look so much better, and the placement of the wordmark in front of the heavily swept wings keeps the white tube from looking quite so much like a white tube.

But the 727 isn't the only airframe they fly. They're the largest operator of six separate types, most of which are fully retired from passenger service, including the MD-11. Their MD-11s are literally the only trijets you'll see around in the US these days - they only started retiring their DC-10s in 2021, nearly ten years after they flew their last passenger flight. They're pretty unusual among large cargo airlines in that they flew the 747 for just over five years, and not particularly on their own initiative, having acquired a few from a merger with the Flying Tiger Line. So the way the livery looks on the 727 doesn't tell the whole story.

Okay. So that...is a couple of white tubes. That's somewhat unfortunate.

I want to clarify that, while this style of livery has become increasingly popular over time, culminating in its codification as an outright trend in the late 2010s and early 2020s, FedEx adopted this livery in 1994. It is wrong to say that the FedEx livery resembles TAM, Lufthansa, or Icelandair, and more correct to say that all of the above carriers are wearing a style similar to FedEx (though Qantas and MALÉV came first). Despite the fact that I've been known to call these 'Lufthansesque', Lufthansa didn't invent this style and didn't do it best. Still, doing it earlier doesn't excuse it.

FedEx in particular suffers from the rear-heaviness issue. Though they have a larger logo which balances it out better than some (Lufthansa), it's kind of countered by the fact that FedEx exclusively operates planes I'd consider on the long and thin side. It makes the white look all the more dominant on the airframe.

FedEx does take one measure to mitigate this - the undersides are painted grey (in a style I've been calling 'Deltalike' to myself even though Delta absolutely did not do it first) instead of being the same white as the rest of the fuselage with the purple fully wrapping around. Also, they have the line remain straight on the third engine of trijets, instead of committing to one shade or the other, as older trijet liveries frequently did.

Compared to an ASL Airlines lease which keeps the underside white and the purple as a contiguous loop, this creates a much more streamlined look. But it's not enough to save this.

And I think what bothers me the most is how at odds this is with the thing people say is so brilliant about the logo - the arrow.

Arrows are, as Leader pointed out in his interview, definitely not a new phenomenon in airline liveries. Hell, we even had Arrow Air.

But there's a reason for that. Arrows represent forward movement. They're fundamentally indicative of speed, efficiency, and polish. And airplanes are more or less shaped like arrows, when you think about it.

Something being done very frequently doesn't make it somehow creatively bereft. And it's not like only painting the tail and the big of fuselage directly below it is reinventing the wheel either.

Cheatlines, and hockey sticks especially, were not a particularly new thing when my perennial example of 'boring idea, good execution', Kalitta Air, rolled out in the 1980s. In fact, they were done to death. But Kalitta Air's choice in color and shape, use of proportions, and stylish logo set it apart from every other airline to use this style.

There is a reason arrows are so common. They are speed and precision and kinetic energy. When you refuse to consider making something common your own, you often shoot yourself in the foot. With the logo constructed, with the motto 'the world on time' written on the nose of each plane, absolutely nobody would turn up their nose at FedEx having an arrow motif on its livery.

Ultimately, I'm a bit sad, because the FedEx logo, while I don't like a lot of the choices made in regards to the font, would provide a truly fantastic jumping off point for a livery that would elevate it beyond the point anyone could ever dismiss it as being part of a crowd of very similar designs, the way I have by lumping it in with Lufthansesques. Arrows, being a fundamentally long and tall shape, would also avoid the pitfalls of a livery type which I have already on multiple occasions critiqued for inherently creating a look of rear-heaviness, particularly on longer and thinner airframes, especially when the color used is a dark shade to contrast a white base.

That said, the FedEx livery gets a bit of a free pass where something like Lufthansa doesn't. FedEx's logo is so ubiquitous that unless you actively interfere with or muddle it, any plane bearing it will immediately be recognizable as a FedEx plane the same way a truck or package is. As a branding exercise it is certainly successful. It looks clean, it's by no means exceptionally ugly, it does its job...but it is so rich with potential and so impoverished in execution. Doesn't it just look like this plane isn't taking off, but being pulled by the weight of its purple slice towards the ground?

I'm giving FedEx a D+.

I don't feel good about doing this. I think this is an opinion which is not only contentious but downright unpopular. But as I've mentioned a few times my grades take into account more than just broad aesthetic appeal. Branding and environment factor in, but what also factors in is, as I said in discussing Saudia, wasted potential and a refusal to capitalize on what you have that's clearly good. When I graded Air Astra down for not reaching its potential I meant it as a kind gesture, not even a sort of tough love but an acknowledgment that I like what they have and I know they'll do better.

FedEx, however, is just disappointing. For the frequently cited best logo of all time, this is just unacceptable. This verdict brings me no joy, but the fact that this logo is so beloved doesn't mean I can go easy on it - to the contrary, it had a lot to live up to, and it just didn't.