#azula's journey of fine

[gloomybadger4life]

We need Azula redemption where she technically does objectively good things but with questionable methods.

- She changes the law to ban the draft of anyone under 18. But to have that power she defeats a general in an agni kai and takes his title.

- She forbids dragon hunting and enforces the law personally. Anyome caught trying to hunt a dragon gets hunted by Azula.

- When someone breaks out Ozai and their forces storm the palace, she zaps them all, Ozai included.

- Zuko orders her to work at her uncle's tea shop in BSS. Azula does well at the job. Iroh realizes he is no longer tailed by the Dai Li. Iroh then realizes that there is no Dai Li at all.

When questioning Azula all she says is: you told me to clean up and take out the trash.

- She is then sent to the SWT. She is subsequently banned from fishing with lightning. As efficient as it is it makes the fish taste funny.

- She is sent to the NWT. She stages a feminist uprising out of boredom.

- Azula is sent back to the fire nation. Zuko asks her to help the avatar find airbenders in hiding. Aang politely refuses the offer for help.

- Azula journeys to the swamp out of boredom. She ends up in the spirit world. She meets wang shi tong. She has a fight with wang shi tong.

- Out of the ground the library returns. Wang shi tong apologizes to Aang.

- Aang realizes Azula literally beat up a spirit. He does not want to know how.

@chaosmagetwin @krista-kritical @local-enby @wingchunwaterbender @ziezii

[the-badger-mole]

I've seen people criticize Zuko for not taking the opportunity to kill Ozai during the eclipse but expecting Aang, a 12 y.o. pacific monk to do that instead. He was called hypocritical for being unsympathetic towards his unwillingness to take a life when he himself couldn't. I do like Zuko and tend to side with him ( post redemption ofc ) over Aang, but that seems like a valid take, I don't think I have a counter-argument to that.What is your opinion on It ? Also, what do you think was the in-universe reason for Zuko to make such a decision? He said that It's not his destiny, do you think there was any other reason for It? Is he not wrong for not doing It just bc of destiny since It's just an abstract concept and the stakes were really high ( plus It's against the show's message about shaping your own destiny) ?

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but it sounds like the people criticizing Zuko for not killing Ozai when he had the chance wanted Aang to do it? That doesn't sound like a contradiction, so I'm not sure if that's how you meant it?

Aside from that, I can only speak for myself. I understand why Zuko didn't kill Ozai. I also understand why Aang didn't want to. What my problem with the resolution for that was that it was the first time Aang seems to have even thought about what ending the war would entail. It doesn't make him look noble, or idealistic. It just makes him look stupid. What do you mean? What do you mean that he took this entire journey to get him to master all the elements on a deadline so he can end the war, and he had no idea what ending the war would even look like? He didn't even consider it? It had to be told to him. He really goofed off this entire series and didn't think about his project until the night before it was due. And don't anyone try to use his age to excuse this to me. First of all, Aang isn't a 12 year old. He's a fictional character who was created by writers. Writers who were telling a story. THEY are the ones who didn't consider how Aang would end the war. Second, within the story, Aang's age is never used as an excuse for why he did this. In fact, not only is an excuse not given, it's treated like a virtue on his end and not a lack of forethought on his part. He's rewarded for it.

Listen, I hate the Lionturtle/Rock of Destiny double deus ex machina, and I have made no secret of it. It was a cop out. It cheapened the finale. It made everything Aang was supposed to learn irrelevant, because no, he didn't have to make sacrifices and hard choices for his victory. He won because he was supposed to win (and how's that for shaping your own destiny?). Here's the thing, though. The Lionturtle, at least, could have worked. If Aang had to come up with the solution himself, go find the Lionturtle and ask for help (and maybe have to perform some challenge to earn it), then it would've been a satisfying ending while still not making Aang himself have to shed blood (nevermind that keeping his hands clean was a privilege most of the heroes in this story couldn't have).

I didn't necessarily want Aang to kill Ozai, and definitely didn't want him to kill Ozai just because it would look cool (although...). I would have been fine with a no-kill ending, if it had been set up right. I just think having Aang kill Ozai given the set up of the rest of the story would've been more satisfying than the cop-out ex machina double team. Or someone else could've faced Ozai, because he was never the main villain of the series. Azula was. And that fight was both satisfying and didn't end with her death, either (because it's a kids' show). It wouldn't even have to change. Aang was not the real hero of this story. Katara was the hero of the first half, and Zuko was the hero of the second. Aang was just the McGuffin. He could've sat this one out and been the one to make the "Real Hero" speech instead of Zuko. That would have been a good ending.

[marymary-diva17]

Kindhearted princess

fire nation royal family x reader

The fire nation love their royal family as they had ruled the nations with pride and strength, making the fire nation proud and strong over the many years. From fire lord azulon to his sons and his grandchildren, everyone in the royal family had the respect of the nation. There had been someone in the royal family that seem to burn by her own candle flame, the youngest grandchild of fire lord and youngest daughter or ozai and ursa. The princess that seem to be called by her people and other the kindhearted princess.

y/n " ......" you are walking down the hallway of the palace heading towards, someone chambers. You had walked passed some servants and guards who are carrying some stuff, and stop and bow when they see you. You had give them a smile as you kept on walking until you reached the chambers of your older brother zuko.

????? " y/n"

y/n " zuko I came to see you ... you are really leaving I can go speak with father and he ..."

zuko " no I wish for you not to be brought into my issues anymore"

y/n " Zuzu you are my brother I will do anything for our family"

zuko " it will be okay if I return with the avatar everything will be fine"

y/n " ......."

zuko " it all will be okay if have all my stuff and anything else I will needed packed, come on we can go to dock together"

y/n " okay" you and zuko had walked towards the dock together making some small talk.

zuko " I will miss you"

y/n " I will miss you as well big brother"

iroh " wait up you two"

y/n " uncle"

zuko " uncle what going on here"

iroh " well I'm coming with you zuko as you will need all the help out there, and guidance as well and don't worry I spoke with my brother about this already"

y/n " uncle are you really going"

iroh " yes my niece but don't worry we will all stay safe"

y/n " good and I will pray for the safe return of you two and the whole crew, and hope you both come back with good stories to tell"

iroh " we will and I think the crew will be high hopes hearing, you wish us luck on our trip away from home"

y/n " thank you"

zuko " stay strong my sister and don't only our sister and anyones else, to break you spirt"

y/n " yes Zuzu"

iroh " yes remember my lessons with you and the advice I have given you, I will be hoping you will be doing well here as well when we are gone"

y/n " thank you uncle and brother I will make sure to make you both, proud and I will make sure I do well when I'm here" you had hugged your brother and uncle, right before they left the nation on their journey to find the avatar. It will be a very long time until you saw your brother and uncle once again.

many years later

y/n " ......" you are feeding the turtle ducks you had gotten sick of being stuck inside all day, the ducks seem to be having a good time with you until someone came behind you soon scaring the ducks away.

y/n " azula" you soon got up and hugged her you are the only few people that she only to hug her.

azula " hello little sister now may you tell me why you are feeding these annoying creatures"

y/n " they are not annoying azula I think they are cute and I love feeding them"

azula "sure"

azula " so how was the meeting with father what did he tell you"

azula " that choi failed him and now it my time to take matters into my own hand"

y/n " I didn't like the idea of the raid on North Pole"

azula " i don't get you my sister you are from one the most important and powerful family here, and you decide to be always peaceful even towards our enemies"

y/n " azula they are just like us and I don't like the who idea of using my title and bending to get people to do anything"

azula " so I will have to worry about you as well"

y/n " azula"

azula " i will be leaving to go look for the avatar and Zuzu along with uncle"

y/n " azula please don't hurt them they are still family"

azula " don't worry"

y/n " I have many reasons to worry azula I know you"

azula " i will be good for now but I still going after the avatar anyways I will tell Zuzu and uncle you say hello"

y/n " I wish I could come but father will not let me"

azula " we all know why you are not ready and you will be good here, father will make sure you stay safe and that means staying here ... but hey I will bring you back any gift I get on my travels"

y/n " yes sister please be safe out there and with anyone else who joins you"

azula " i will be good but I will come home vicarious"

y/n " yes sister" azula and you had spent some time together as she was planning her trip to leave, the next day she had left home to go after the avatar and the rest of the family.

ozai " my daughter I have called you here so we can speak"

y/n " yes father"

ozai " now that your brother and sister are gone, thing around here will be changing"

y/n " I understand father"

ozai " good as your duty if being princess of the fire nation, you have a image to uphold and duties as well ... I know you will do them well being their for the family and nation, but you need to know that your ability of kindness could be seen a weakness you can't always let your kindness rule over you when you are in changer of stuff my daughter"

y/n " I know father but this how I'm"

ozai " I know I know my child but I need you to know, that you can't always be kind when it come to our people or anyone else"

y/n " yes father but I will always make sure our family and people are good, even if they are fire nation or not"

ozai " that what I love to hear my daughter now you are free to go, as I have a meeting with the generals and sages"

y/n " yes father take care"

ozai " you as well my daughter" you soon bowed to your father as you soon left the throne room, as the meeting was getting ready to start. You are walking down the hall way of the palace looking at the portraits, of the royal family member past and present. You had thought about everyone words, and you were going to stick to being yourself as that is something you love dearly no matter what everyone else had to say about it.

[melzula]

The Search

part two

pairing: Zuko x princess!reader

notes: part two is finally here! hope you enjoy, and reminder that not everything from the comics is covered in these pieces so i suggest reading the search to better your experience :) also if you’d like to be removed from the taglist pls let me know!

summary: the group arrives in Hira’a where the Princess’s patience is tested by Azula

~ part of the fire lilies series~

It had been an eventful morning to say the least.

Azula’s frenzied outburst had led to your group having to put out the fires left in her wake, and though it was obvious she was clearly unfit to travel, Zuko insisted that everything was fine. You would continue your journey to Hira’a as planned, and without further discussion you found yourself back on Appa’s saddle flying towards the small town.

This trip was turning out to be much more eventful than you had originally anticipated, but still you tried your best to mask your apprehensions in support of Zuko’s search for his mother. However, you could sense that there was now something different about Zuko, as if a change had occurred overnight while you were sleeping, but if there was such a change he said nothing of it.

“You missed breakfast this morning,” you remind him as you place a mango in his lap and sit beside him on the saddle. “Is everything alright?”

“I’m not sure,” he laments quietly, staring down contemplatively at the fruit. “So far this trip isn’t going the way I pictured it.”

“It hasn’t been perfect,” you agree with a shrug, “but it could be worse. There’s still time to turn it around.”

“I wish I had your optimism.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” you counter with a teasing smile, “to balance out your negativity.”

“Two halves of a whole,” he replies with a quiet laugh. Despite the events of this morning and the contents of Azula’s scroll, Zuko’s mood is already beginning to improve. Maybe you’re right, and things will get better before the trip is over, but there’s still work to do, so your group will just have to wait and see.

After finally arriving to Hira’a, Zuko suggests you all work to conceal your identities in order to avoid drawing attention to your group, and so you put on a Fire Nation style dress and remove any trace of your water tribe identity. The act is reminiscent to your time hiding in the Fire Nation after your breakup, but you try not to think too much about that as you attempt to tie a top knot in your hair.

“Allow me,” Zuko offers with a fond smile, taking the ribbon from your hands and carefully pulling back your hair before beginning to style the knot. His movements are gentle in order to avoid pulling your hair, and you’re immediately able to relax at the feeling of his touch.

“Thank you,” you say, ignoring the look of disgust Azula sends your way. It’s obvious she still isn’t very fond of your relationship with her brother, but you try your best to pay her no mind and focus on the task at hand.

“I thought Hira’a was supposed to be a small town,” Aang notes curiously as your group begins to walk into the bustling community, “why is it so crowded?”

“Looks like they’re performing some kind of play!”

“I recognize that scene!” Zuko exclaims with a smile. “It’s the final battle in Love Amongst the Dragons.”

You smile as a wave of nostalgia washes over you at the mention of the play. Though you’d never seen the performance yourself, Zuko often took it upon himself to reenact it for you during his visits to the South when you were children. If she was in a good mood and had nothing better to do, Azula too would sometimes join in on the reenactment as the part of the Dragon Emperor. It was their mother’s favorite play, and it was something Zuko felt he could share with you so that you could know her the way he did. You never got the chance to meet her, but you felt like you knew her from all the times he had talked about her.

When the play is over and the crowd begins to disperse, your group begins asking the remaining locals about any information they may have concerning Ursa. Though you’re mostly given pure rumors and speculation, a man by the name of Noren seems to be your best bet at discovering her whereabouts.

“I’m the director of the Hira’a acting troupe,” he says as he shakes Zuko’s hand. “Ursa was once a member.”

“Really?” Zuko asks with a surprised smile.

“That’s right!” A nearby local exclaims, clearly eavesdropping on the conversation. “She always wanted to play the Dragon Empress, but she never got the chance!”

“We should find a quiet place to talk, away from the crowds,” Noren suggests in response to the eavesdropper. “You’re all welcome to my home. We’ll share some tea and I’ll tell you everything I know.”

“It would be an honor. Thank you,” Zuko says gratefully before your group begins to follow the man to his home.

It seems you were right about still being able to turn this trip around for good. Because of Noren, Zuko is one step closer to finding his mother.

Thank the spirits for your optimism.

~~~

Noren’s home is the perfect place to relax after the eventful morning you’ve had, and you’re grateful for his wife Noriko’s tea and hospitality. Your friends sit spread out around the home conversing and enjoying their drinks, and you find yourself being kept company by the couple’s adorable daughter Kiyi and her doll little Kiyi.

“I like little Kiyi’s dress,” you tell her with a sincere smile, “you both match beautifully.”

“Thanks! She likes your dress too! She thinks you’re pretty.”

“Why thank you, little Kiyi,” you giggle. “You’re a wonderful hostess.”

“Hey, do you think your boyfriend would wanna meet my doll?”

“I’m sure he’d love to,” you smile, and when Kiyi holds out her little hand for you to take you graciously accept her invitation to get up and follow her to where Zuko and Azula are seated on the floor.

“Wanna meet my doll?” She asks as you sit yourself beside him.

“Of course,” he replies as Azula answers with a “No” at the same moment.

“This is Kiyi!”

“I thought your name was Kiyi,” Zuko notes with a chuckle as the little girl proudly displays her doll for him to see.

“It’s such a good name I used it twice!”

“It certainly is a lovely name,” you agree fondly much to Kiyi’s joy.

“Yes, but I must admit that little Kiyi has a very interesting… haircut,” the Fire Lord notes with an amused smile, carefully running his finger along doll’s the frayed strands of hair.

“I wanted to make her prettier, but it didn’t turn out very good,” the girl says with a frown.

“I still think she’s pretty,” you console with a genuine smile, “you just need to style her hair is all.”

“Really? Could you do that?” Kiyi asks in astonishment.

“My sister used to do stuff like that,” Zuko says in passing, prompting a sly smirk to form on Azula’s face at the mention.

“That’s right. Only I didn’t give them haircuts, I gave them headcuts!” She remarks snidely. “Would you like me to show you?”

“No!” Kiyi cries, immediately clutching her doll close to her chest and hiding behind you for protection.

“Azula, stop it!” Zuko scolds.

“Haven’t you terrorized enough dolls?” You accuse, recalling how she had beheaded your favorite doll when you were children. It had crushed you, and you weren’t about to let her do the same to poor Kiyi.

“That was ages ago, y/n. Don’t be so dramatic,” Azula dismisses you with a wave of her hand.

“You really haven’t changed,” you huff much to Zuko’s dismay. He feels guilty for having to put you through all of this, and though he had hoped this trip would be a chance for Azula to redeem herself it seemed now that that was unlikely.

“Kiyi,” Noren says as he enters the room with Sokka following close behind him, “are you being hospitable to our guests?”

"I’m trying!” She insists exasperatedly prompting you to frown.

“She’s the perfect hostess, Noren,” you assure him with a smile, your compliment alleviating some of Kiyi’s stress.

“Will you play dolls with me? I have an extra one you can borrow,” she asks.

“Of course, I’d be honored,” you smile, laughing quietly at the way she immediately bolts out of the room in search of her spare doll.

“You’re so… good with her,” Zuko notes quietly. “It almost seems to come naturally for you.”

“Well, teaching a new generation of children to water bend is certainly good practice,” you explain fondly.

The mention of your students has you feeling homesick, and you can’t help but wonder how your tribe was doing without you. You left them in the care of Hakoda and Pakku, so you knew they were in good hands, but a part of you still worried. The last time you’d been away from home things hadn’t gone so well, but you hoped this time would be different.

“I guess that’s true,” he notes with a chuckle, but his heart is full of admiration for you. Your gentle nature and kind heart are what he loves most about you, and seeing you interact with Kiyi only strengthens the adoration he has for you. He briefly begins to imagine what you’d be like as a mother, but he’s quick to remind himself to stay focused on the task at hand.

Your group learns from Noren and Noriko that Ursa was once a famous member of the Hira’a acting troupe, but her career was cut short when she was taken away to the Capital City and married into the royal family. No one truly knows what happened to her or her boyfriend Ikem, but some believe the two ran off to the Forgetful Valley. The story is pure speculation, but it’s enough to give Zuko a sense of what his next step in finding his mother should be.

You all are sure to thank the couple for their help and hospitality, and as you turn to leave a tug at your dress has you halting in your tracks.

“Will you and Zuko come again?” Kiyi pleads. “Please, please, please!”

“I really hope so, Kiyi,” he says with a smile.

“I promise I will do my absolute best to come and visit you again,” you assure her, and with that you and your friends depart from the family’s home and head for Appa.

“Ugh, more than once tonight I was tempted to burn that whole place down!” Azula scoffs in disgust. “But I resisted for you, Zuzu. I hope you appreciate it.”

“Azula!” You exclaim in shock at her words. “What an awful thing to say!”

“How could you even think that about such a lovely family?!” Katara cries angrily.

“Oh please, their charade disgusted me. Nobody’s that happy!”

“Aang and I are that happy!” Katara rebuffs only for Azula to scoff.

“Because you two are idiots,” she states plainly as if it’s the most obvious observation.

“Does that make Zuko and I idiots as well?” You counter, arms crossing over your chest indignantly.

“No, you and Zuko are a mistake,” she corrects you with a snide smirk. “Unnatural and unfit for each other.“

Though you’d learned early on to have a thick skin when it came to Azula, there was something about her words that got to you in a way she hadn’t been able to do since you were children. Your eyes zero in on her cruel smile and your hands begin to clench at your sides as you stare the girl down.

“What did you say?” You utter through gritted teeth, your sudden change in demeanor surprising even Katra.

“You must not be as smart as I thought if you honestly think you’re meant to be together,” she taunts with a sneer. “A Water Tribe Chief and the Fire Lord? What a joke.”

“Azula, that’s enough,” Katara attempts to intervene to no avail as you feed right into Azula’s mind games.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about. Zuko loves me.”

Your body feels as if it’s on fire as a result of her words, your chest tightening and fingertips beginning to curl instinctually for a fight. You know she’s just trying to get a reaction out of you, and yet you can’t help the anger and despair they bring you. Could it be the reason you were reacting so strongly to her words was because you knew there was some ounce of truth to them?

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Azula shrugs with a passive smile that only infuriates you further.

Sensing the rising tension amongst his friends and Azula, Sokka is quick to approach Aang and Zuko who are having a conversation a ways ahead of the group. “How much longer do you plan to keep this crew together, Zuko? I give it another two minutes tops before something’s either on fire or encased in ice!”

“One more place to visit and then we’re done,” he assures his friend. “We’re going to Forgetful Valley.”

Katara is sure to separate you from Azula as you climb onto Appa’s saddle and attempt to cool off from your spat. Across the way the fire bender sits with a smug smile on her face, clearly aware that she’d gotten under your skin like she’d been trying to do since seeing you again.

“You know she’s just trying to get a reaction out of you, don’t listen to her,” Katara consoles. “Zuko adores you, and nothing’s going to change that.”

“Do you really think the Fire Lord and the Chief can be together?” You ask, a sense of defeat in your tone. “Is it really possible?”

Your lack of usual optimism and confidence catches Katara off guard. She hadn’t heard you sound this despondent since you joined their team after your breakup with Zuko in Ba Sing Se. It worried her, and she wasn’t exactly sure what to say to make it better. Azula really had gotten under your skin.

“You and Zuko are meant to be together,”she says with a reassuring smile, “you wouldn’t have made it this far through everything that’s been thrown your way if you weren’t.”

Sensing her sincerity and acknowledging the truth to her words, your nerves begin to dissipate and you finally find yourself able to relax. Katara was right, you and Zuko had managed to overcome every hurdle in your relationship, and nothing was going to change that.

“Princess,” Zuko calls gently, and Katara takes this as her cue to leave. Taking her place beside you, he removes his cloak and drapes it carefully over your shoulders to ensure you stay warm during the flight to Forgetful Valley. “I’m sorry about my sister, I should have stopped her from speaking to you that way.”

“It’s alright,” you reply with a meek smile. It really isn’t, but Zuko has a lot on his plate and the last thing you want is to pile onto it. You can swallow your hurt and your anger for his sake.

“We should be arriving to Forgetful Valley by morning,” he informs you, “I think you should try and get some rest.”

“I don’t think I can sleep,” you admit dejectedly, contemplatively staring down at your scars. “Too much excitement at once, I suppose.”

“Then I’ll keep you company,” he insists with a gentle smile. “And when you do fall asleep I’ll be here to chase the nightmares away should they come.”

“Thank you, my love,” you utter gratefully, immediately melting into his touch when he cups your face in his hands and pulls you in for a tender kiss.

And unbeknownst to either of you, Azula looks on from across Appa’s saddle with a scowl on her face and a vengeful glint in her eyes.

| atla taglist: @rainteslerrrr @simpinforsukka @sirkekselord @protect-remus @chronic-daydreamer

| zuko taglist: @oddment-niwit-blubber-tweak @thebluelcdy @royahllty @the-firebender-girl @coldlilheart @ilovespideyyy @yiyibetch @eridanuswave @lammello @a-monsters-love @knaite-solo @zukh03s @taeeemin @user12345321

| fire lilies taglist: @titaniafire @dekahg @emberislandplayers @kikaninchen-2 @lozzybowe @izzieserra @melacholy @music-geek19 @thia-aep @thyunnamed @haylaansmi @nataliahaslosthershit @idkdude776 @aangsupremacy @thirstyforsometea @ihaveaproblem98 @brown-eyed-thang @djskfkdkkf @xapham @yeetletzgetitjae @misnmatchedsox @chewymoustachio @that-bucket-hat-gal @chilifrylizard2 @kyomihann @kaylove12 @kiwihoee @freggietale @neighborhoodpansexualdisaster @noodlesfluffy @moon-spirit-yue @bubblegum-bee-otch @zukoslosthishonor @ibelievein2dmensupremacy

*if your user is crossed out it means i couldn’t tag you*

[fuzzykidney]

So reckoning of Roku… I liked Gyatso. And the story of a twin brother was a great twist. But overall I did not like the book all that much. At least one follower wanted to hear my thoughts, so I’ll share them but I’m willing to bet someone will have an issue with this.

The writing style was a bit odd. I can’t explain it but it didn’t feel as good as FC. The flow was all just off to me too.

Some storylines and information seemed out of place.

For example the air temples and genders thing. I’m all for the air nomads being accepting of everyone. It fits their philosophy and their style. Gender fluidity would absolutely be no issue there. But the mention of it in the context seemed so forced to me. Like it was a dire need to be included somewhere in the book but not anywhere specific or relevant.

These abilities Sozin is looking for for firebenders? Flight, prolonged life, blue fire, lightning, and jets from the feet? Those are all abilities that were well known and possible but somehow considered ancient now and not known. And the idea of flight and living forever is odd and pulling away from other elements.

And what’s up with “finding a way to redirect lightning”? I was pretty ticked off at this one because that was supposed to be a development of Iroh. His journey around the world and learning from other cultures. Now it’s not his anymore but something that was already there…

Blue flames thing. Was it that hard? Hard enough that Sozin and Roku needed enhanced steroid spirits to achieve it? Rangi with her white flames and Azula with her blue ones were then officially outclassing those two. Which is fine by me but still odd.

But the most frustrating has to be the portrayal of Kyoshi. I love that she was literally un-killable and only died cause she felt like it, but her being a person who started to devalue human life or whatever completely takes away from what she was. Sure the sweet girl learned to harden the outside and do what needed to be done but she wasn’t supposed to be a killer of any inconvenience…. And to the point air nomads refused to work with her? She sounds like she lost her entire being and what we watched her become. Not my favorite…

But as usual I will take the content I am given and read it. But this will probably get a lot less re reads then Yangchen and kyoshi novels. Not to mention Kuruk gets some time in there. Poor guy. But that’s another post.

Just my thoughts. Wanted to share. Don’t want to argue or fight. But I don’t have anybody who reads these damn books to talk to so yall have to hear it instead.

[seetangus]

Ember island - Azula x reader os

[masterlist]

Azula x gn reader, warnings: jelously, heavy arguing/fighting

1.844 words, this is not entirely proofread, so please point out mistakes!

This was requested, but since something went wrong with answering to the request directly I'm going to pop in a screenshot:

I hope I got the request right, enjoy :)

Ty Lee looked at Azula. She sat on her chair, wanting to look more confident than ever, and she was succeeding at it. She always wanted to look even more confident when y/n was present. Why? Well, why would she? Everything was perfectly normal, wasn't it? And she surely did not have feelings for anyone at all, and even more surely she wasn't insecure about them not being mutual. No, everything was fine.

Then Ty Lee looked at you. You sat there, also wanting to look confident, failing quite miserably, but nobody present dared commenting on it, as everyone knew the reason for your misery; out of all the persons it could have been, your princess had for quite some time been the center of your tender love and admiration, but since she seemed pretty well off only admiring herself and not you, and since you did not feel worthy of being with royalty, you had yet to dare making your feelings official.

Ty Lee couldn't help but acknowledge how well the two of you fit together. She had rarely seen a duo emit such silence together, especially on a journey to beautiful Ember island where victory would be celebrated. Ty Lee decided to say something to rescue you from this situation. If it continued to be so silent, she feared you might lose your ability to speak.

But somehow talking in this atmosphere was hard even for Ty Lee, so her talking wasn’t much more than a few comments about how sunny it was. Still, you really appreciated her effort and responded by saying that it was indeed a very sunny day. Even Azula confirmed that the sun did shine more brightly than usual.

It was a delightful conversation.

Anyhow, once you arrived at Ember Island things got much easier, since you and Azula weren’t so close to one another now. You still were close, after all you somehow wanted to be, but it wasn’t the “it’s-awkward-if-we-don’t-talk” kind of close.

You had to say, this island really was pretty. You couldn’t wait for fun things to happen! Like, how funny would it be if Azula confessed to you, wouldn’t that be, like, really funny? You quickly got rid of that thought, as that would never happen, sadly. You shouldn’t let yourself go with these dangerous thoughts.

Luckily there were many other things to think about, such as the party everyone would go to this evening. You had been told that it would be in a beautiful villa next to the beach and lots of people your age would be there. It surely would be fun!

But since there was lots of time left until the party would start, the three girls and you decided to visit the beach. It really was a wonderful experience, especially after having fought against the Avatar for many months.

After some time you noticed that Ty Lee was being more and more blocked from your sight by an ever growing pile of dudes who held a biceps-competition of sorts to impress her. If they only knew she could defeat them in a heartbeat. You chuckled about the thought.

Throughout the day and much to your surprise quite a few girls wandered to your beach mat and started some kind of smalltalk, but since your only interest in a romantic way, Azula, laid only a few meters away from you on her beach mat and, unbeknownst to you, was giving you jealous looks, the girls all left when they realised you wouldn’t react to their hints.

< • ◇ • >

Then the party came.

Azula, Mai, Ty Lee and you were amongst the first ones to arrive. That probably had something to do with your training during the war, but you didn't really think about it.

Much more important was Azula. She wore a beautiful red dress with golden embroidery today, and the dim lights of the room made it seem as if it was glowing. And she was paying attention to you, making you wait eagerly for an opportunity to talk to her.

As more and more guests arrived and the general mood got more party-like, you dared starting a conversation with her. You very, very, very carefully tried to get the topic to be more intimate, and you noticed her giving some reluctant hints that she would like that.

But somehow, the two of you didn’t manage to warm up enough to get the conversation rolling, always ending up in small moments of silence. In one of these moments, a few girls who stood beside you in the now completely filled room, started talking to you.

You were hesitant in responding to them because you didn’t want to ruin the ‘conversation’ with Azula, but since neither of you said anything anymore or tried to get away from the girls your talk was now over. After a few moments, Azula walked away and the girls surrounded you completely.

You very much did not like what was happening. There probably were many people who would have rejoiced in your position; surrounded by pretty ladies, every single one of them seemingly wanting you, but you reacted quite reserved, to say the least.

Firstly, you never had something like this happen to you before. Well, except for the thing that had happened on the beach, but the crowd surrounding you there and the people who stood around you here probably consisted largely of the same members. Secondly, this went strictly against the intentions of your heart. Even if it was hopeless, you were devoted to Azula, and you were not going to become an unfaithful lover before any relationship even started.

So, turning down an ever increasing amount of gestures and advances from the people around you, you looked for Azula.

You made your way through the masses of people who attended the party, looking everywhere. Finally, you saw her red dress! She stood on the balcony, with a boy your age by her side.

You had been introduced to him, his name was Chan. They stood there, way closer than you had ever stood to her. The fabric of her dress shined under his fingers as he shamelessly touched her. And she was enjoying it! Feelings of pride and dignified contempt you had long not felt tried to cover up the deep cuts that opened up in your heart. Blind jealousy and despair flushed your consciousness to hide the pain you felt as Chan leaned in and … kissed her.

You were furious. Azula was wasting her first kiss on someone like this! Azula was a work of art, she was perfect, and now she let herself be tainted by the frivolous touch of this man? The purpose of your life, which Azula was, now was being held by the hands of that person and used to their liking. Your eyes burnt from what they saw; you couldn’t endure this horrible picture any longer.

You turned away, throwing your now pointless self into the pit of temptations that the party represented, hoping for them to make you forget what you saw; hoping to wash away the gruesome sight from your memory by letting yourself go.

< • ◇ • >

What felt like hours had passed, the party was now at its height. You had tried to let yourself go like Azula had. To show her that you were well off alone. You had flirted with anyone that came to your sight, but it had not worked. Even if they responded well to you, it did not feel right. You had underestimated your feelings for Azula… you did not only have a crush on her, you loved her! Your whole heart was aching for her, even after (maybe even more than before) you had seen her with Chan!

And it made you sick. You wanted to get fresh air, get away from all the people around you. You went to the balcony - Azula and Chan wouldn’t be there anymore. They had probably long ago gone to a more comfortable place. You scoffed.

You had finally reached the balcony. You inhaled the fresh air when stepping outside, but your breath hitched when you saw who stood before you.

She was here. Azula. Alone.

Suddenly, you did not hear the noise from the party anymore. Only the sound of the waves from the beach and your breath. Sometimes you thought you heard her breath too. The silence was deafening.

The looks you gave eachother were dreadful too. Her eyes resembled gemstones not only in how beautiful they were, but also in how clear and cold they were. She did not look at you, she looked inside of you.

“Alone again? Did that boyfriend of yours leave you for another girl?” You should not talk like that, but your blind jealousy made you say these words with a tremble in your voice.

“Like you are the one to talk,”, Azula immediately snapped back, taking a step towards you, “surrounded by a crowd of little lovers the whole day!”

You both were angry. The words you threw at eachother were hurtful, but something like this was predetermined; months of tension dissolved in this fight.

“Why should you care who tries getting my attention?”, you responded, mimicking her and also taking a step in her direction. “It's not like you wanted it instead! You don’t even appreciate me enough to talk to me properly!”, you continued, thinking about your conversation at the start of the party.

“Oh yeah?” Azula was furious to a dangerous extent. Normally she would have shown it by setting things ablaze, but this time her anger showed by her talking very emotionally: “I am the one who doesn’t talk properly? I am the one who doesn’t invest enough into our connection? Pah! Of course I don’t appreciate you; I love you, and if you even had the guts of a turtle-duck you would have kissed me before Chan got the chance, Idiot!”

In an instant, you forgot every thought of fighting. “You do?”, you asked very hesitantly, not wanting to believe your ears. Azula simply took another step forward and nodded. You felt her breath on your skin and her gaze resting upon your face.

Every bit of anger that had been in the atmosphere before had now been transformed to tender love; “I love you too, Azula” was everything you had to say to complete the moment.

Azula and you finally embraced eachother. After months of uncertainty you finally held her in your own arms. You only pulled out of the embrace for a very brief moment to look at her face - her crystal eyes were more beautiful than any star the firmament had to offer and her lips made yours feel incomplete without being connected with them.

Azula felt the same way and, having regained her usual demanding attitude, she looked up from your lips directly into your eyes. “Y/n, kiss me.”

Not only the lips of her and you, but also your souls united in this moment of love.

[blackbullet99]

What do you think of this discourse.

https://www.tumblr.com/allnewalldifferentwildspider/748861203442434048/what-do-you-think-of-zuko-and-aangs-friendship?source=share

Alright, fine. I generally don’t know if I wanna read posts like these much, but alright. Considering this is coming from the-badger-mole, who has no understanding of A:TLA and makes it her life‘s mission to hate on a fictional 12 year old, and the other guy throws a hissy fit the moment a book brings up that the imperialist nation that would commit genocide doesn’t put women in many positions of power, their opinions really don’t matter.

Of this person thinks Aang isn’t a good friend who never supported anyone. Ignoring how Aang literally saved Zuko’s life, was the one who allowed him to join the group because he came to believe he had changed, the two go on a whole journey to re-discover Firebending, Zuko literally trained Aang. They both discuss their feelings to each other several times. Their parallels and interactions were a key part of each season. Honey, you blatantly don’t understand A:TLA beyond your middle-school crack ship.

This idiot don’t understand A:TLA either. “Bryke wanted Zuko in the gang as little as possible cuz Zutara”. If the Zuko joined the gang too soon, it would’ve diminished his arc. The reason why Zuko’s arc works so well is because he actually gets what he wanted in Book 3, to go home, to get his father’s approval, only to realize that isn’t what he wanted and he lost sight of who he was. I think Book 3 - Part 2 should’ve been longer, but this has nothing to with Zutara, get a life.

“If ANYONE was Zuko's "best friend" in the gang, it would be Katara. And that's not zutara glasses talking”. Yes it is the Zutara glasses talking. You’re another braindead ZK fanatic who clearly can’t even take Fire Nation criticism and treat Aang like he’s an abusive horndog. Your opinion means nothing.

I’ll say this much, Zuko and Katara are close friends, but only at the very end of the show, and I wouldn’t say they’re the closest in The Gaang. One they become friends, nothing about their relationship stands out especially from the others. Especially seeing as Sokka and Zuko had a close bond, they have a good amount of similarities, they share a two parter and Zuko goes to him asking for advice about Katara.

Once again this moron proves they don’t understand or care about the story of A:TLA beyond their Wattpad ship. Lemme set the record straight, Zuko and Katara’s dynamic is a notable part of the show yes, but Aang and Zuko are two of the key cornerstones of the show. Aang asking Zuko if they could be friends is important because it brings up the fact that the Fire Nation was more peaceful back then, it also shows that Aang is willing to show kindness and offer friendship even to this enemies and Zuko’s expression and the fact that Zuko thinks about many months later shows that despite wanting to capture Aang, it’s something that Zuko did consider, adding more depth to their dynamic. But then again, the-badger-mole thinks Aang didn’t go out of his way for anyone and spends their whole life hating Aang, so of course they’d wouldn’t notice this.

“Aang and Zuko are friends because Bryke said they are. Same reason Mai is a good guy, or Katara was always in love with Aang.” No we see Aang and Zuko as friends several times, we see that Mai is a anti-heroine but isn’t a villain, especially in Book 3 and when she stands up to Azula, we see that Katara has feelings for Aang, multiple times throughout the whole show, but because this has nothing do with Zutara you’re either blind, delusional, stupid or all of the above.

“Very little involving Aang's development or his relationships is important enough to be shown on screen, and as a result, Aang isn't that important to the development of the plot.” Oh boy, we got another “Aang had no importance to the story, he’s a plot device”. F*ck off. You objectively don’t understand this show and don’t care about it at all beyond your crack-pairing, stop making your lack of media-literacy everyone else’s problem, know your place and stick to Wattpad Zutara fics fitting for someone like you.

There are a total of three episode where Aang admires Katara’s beauty and even then it’s a minor thing, that hardly changes anything. It’s painfully obvious you’re just a bitter loser who upset that Bryke didn’t give into your petty entitlement and make your self-insert middleschool Wattpad good girl/bad boy ship canon. Whiny ZK fanatics like you will complain if Aang so much as looks as Katara, but their pants will be soaked if Zuko touches Katara’s necklace and forcefully grabs her. Y’all have issues.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is the greater cartoon of all time (after SpongeBob SquarePants of course). But lost on media-illiterate obsessively Aang hating Zutara obsessed fake fans like y’all who don’t care about this show, nor do they have the capacity to understand it because their pissy that their dumb@$$ ship ain’t canon, so all they can do is cope and seethe for the rest of their lives.

Hope you appreciate my response anonymous asker. Have a nice day.

[attackfish]

5 hcs for any Avatar AU, idc which, all of the ones I've read from you are great!

I have chosen my airbender Mai universe. Continued from: [Link], [Link], [Link], [Link], [Link], [Link], and [Link].

1. Azula does not keep Mai and Ty Lee at the Boiling Rock. The Warden is Mai's uncle, after all, and her treason saved his life no less than Zuko's. The two are instead taken to the tower prison at the capital. Azula does not visit them on the journey back to the capital, spent, perversely, locked in their shared well appointed cabin. For all they have committed treason, Mai and Ty Lee are left with the trappings of their noble, privileged childhoods, locked in their room like naughty schoolgirls. It gives them time to think on what will happen to them, on the enormity of the choice they both made. It gives them time to wonder when, if, their trial will take place, whether they will be sentenced to death, what will Azula do? So they wait and they worry, and Azula doesn't come.

2. They are marched up to the prison tower, stripped, searched, Mai's less obvious knives are finally taken from her, and they are handed the prison rags which will serve as their uniforms. Mai's brain is buzzing and spinning with a thousand thoughts, a thousand ways she could break out, shove themselves to the forefront of her mind, nearly all of which would involve airbending. The prison feels like it's made out of paper. But she can't airbend. She doesn't know what is happening to her family. She can't risk them. But she doesn't know what Azula is doing to them. This whole time she has traveled with Azula, the threat that she would hurt them, kill them, if Mai stepped out of line, has hung over her, and now, well, she sure stepped out of line. But she can't escape, because what if they're fine? The prison is made of paper, and Mai has to be careful not to tear it.

3. They are locked in their cell, together, which feels like an oversight. Wouldn't it be better to keep them alone and isolated? But no, they are together. And one room over, that Ty Lee can hear through the window at the back of their cell, are the Kyoshi Warriors. Predictably, Ty Lee starts trying to make friends. With the people who they helped Azula capture and imprison. Of course she does. And because she's Ty Lee, she succeeds. She weathers their anger, and self-righteous well-what-did-you-think-would-happens, and smiles and laughs until they soften to her. She's a wonder, honestly. Mai has no idea how she does it, only that she never would be able to pull it off, not in a million years.

4. Through it all, Azula doesn't come. She stays away, and Mai is glad for it. But she also isn't. It scares her. She didn't expect it. It leaves her on edge. She paces their little cell long into the night. Then, one evening, Azula turns up like a bad coin, disheveled, hair ragged, looking like neither of them have ever seen her, her air of untouchable perfection nowhere to be seen. She yells at them and blames them for everything that happened since she put them in there, her voice more and more... out of control. Her tone, her volume, the pitch, are as wild as her hair and her eyes, and as she rants, she lets more and more slip about the world outside the prison, and Ty Lee tries to soothe her, practically on instinct, and Mai doesn't. She tries to stay quiet and in the back. It's also on instinct. But Azula never mentions their families, and Mai starts to hope that Azula forgot their families exist. Either way, after Azula leaves, Mai feels even more on edge than before. That night, she whispers her secret to Ty Lee. When Ty Lee gasps in the darkness, that soft little sound is as loud as a thunderclap. And then Ty Lee squeezes her, and Mai tries to push her away and tell her she doesn't like hugs, but just this once, Ty Lee holds her, and tells her she will never tell.

5. And then the world turns on its axis once again, and Mai, Ty Lee, and the Kyoshi Warriors are set free, and Ozai takes their place. The prison guards scramble around like termite-ants whose mound have been kicked over, and Mai, Ty Lee, and the rest beat a hasty exit before anyone can change their mind. Mai runs to her family townhouse while Ty Lee goes off with the Kyoshi Warriors to meet Suki, their leader. She stands in her room in an empty house, and washes and dresses as quickly as she can, her hands putting her hair into order with quick, practiced motions she doesn't have to think about. Zuko knows. Zuko is Firelord now, and he knows about her airbending. Zuko's friends know. The Avatar knows. And in a few minutes, she's going to have to walk out the door and deal with that. The metal knob is cold and hard under her fingers as she turns it open.

[ultfreakme]

Okay, I finished NATLA. Overall, I think it was like, a solid 6.5 to a 7.5 out of 10. There were a lot of changes, and they fast forwarded a few character arcs. I loved the extra characterization for Ozai and Azula's own journey to power. We got an explanation for WHY Azula is the way she is.

I wish Katara was given more focus and direction, idk why but I feel like I didn't see enough of her. Aang too. They split up the gaang a little too much but individually, I think they did pretty well with each character arc. I liked Katara's character arc, especially in Omashu.

I do wish she got to rely on others more and Pakku did actually teach her. This time around she's somehow...slower, but still a prodigy? Her character growth made sense, her power growth was kinda iffy. The Gaang seem to get along pretty well so hopefully IF we get a season 2, they don't get split up as much.

I think they got a bit too ambitious in trying to add SO MUCH MORE to the story that we didn't have enough time despite taking out all the side quests. Frankly....I don't really remember the stuff they took out and didn't find myself missing anything so that's fine. The Omashu storyline was pretty good and spanned like, 2-3 episodes. But I think it was just, a LOT to make into one plot.

I liked the backstory for all of them, loved June, loved all the different takes each Avatar had on being an Avatar. I think...splitting up the Gaang so often kinda worked, like a little bit, because I think the main arc for Aang here is that he'll choose to rely on friends.

All the Avatars keep telling Aang that dragging other people into his responsibilities is dangerous for the people around him, that this job is best done alone. He's just lost everyone so he's terrified to lose the two people he's just gotten to know and therefore he puts himself in positions where HE'S the one taking on all the danger. So in that way, it makes sense, but there were definitely places it was unnecessary for them to split up.

Loved Suki, Azula, Mai, Ty Lee and DDK. ADORED ZHAO!! No joke he turned out pretty freaking AMAZING! Idk why people were saying Kanna's acting was bad, she did really well and I didn't notice anything off.

I think if you watch this with an open mind without trying to nitpick and compare it to the original the entire time, you'll have a fun time. It had a lot of sincere and heartfelt moments and I think it enhances the OG's lore.

Fun time! Might rewatch some day, there's lots of places to improve and I think it has the potential to be so much better if the cast and crew are being serious about taking criticism and they do work on it. ATLA is....a difficult beast to tame, and for a first, sincere effort, it ended up being very fun.

[reyxa]

can't we just get oolong? ch. 4

AO3

title: can’t we just get oolong? author: Reyxa rating: T summary: au where zuko and iroh settle in ba sing se post-banishment. when a pretty water bender start frequenting the jasmine dragon, zuko’s world turns upside down.

Chapter 4: Ginseng

“Zuko!”

“Wh–” he jolts awake, smacking his head on the doorframe of the teashop’s backroom as he whips around. “What, Uncle?”

“You’re falling asleep standing!” Iroh presses a large cup into Zuko’s hand, a wide grin etched into his face. “Stayed up quite late, did you?”

Zuko rubs the smarting pain out of the side of his head, chugging down the drink in his head. The sleep weighing heavy on his shoulders lifts a bit as he drinks. He’s had his fair share of sleepless nights, but none so tumultuous. His brain is foggy with thoughts of Azula’s oppressive presence in the city, and the way Katara’s fingers had brushed against his wrist as she undid the knot of her necklace.

Grinning, Iroh slides the cup out of Zuko’s hand and places it on the table. He places a large hand on Zuko’s shoulder. “You are lucky, waterbending inspires inner harmony. You could learn much from her, Prince Zuko. I hope she bends you into shape!”

Iroh laughs just as loudly as Zuko groans. “I’m never gonna see her again anyway, leave it alone!”

His uncle continues laughing. “Go take some rest, Prince Zuko. Can’t have you drooling into the tea, can we?”

~

Katara awakens to pain shooting up her spine, rattling her teeth.

“Wake up, lazy bones!” Toph’s grating voice, accompanied by the reverberations of her earthbending cleave into Katara’s consciousness. “It’s past noon!”

“Ow!” Katara yelps, rubbing her lower back as she clambers up from the hardwood floors of their apartment. “Toph!”

“Oh good, you’re up! You’ve got plans tonight,” Sokka passes her a piece of parchment. She squints at it, an extremely detailed drawing of some kind of bear-creature swims into view. “A party!”

Katara rubs her eyes and blinks again at the parchment. ’Please join us this evening in celebrating the Earth King’s bear, Bosco.’ “Bear?”

“Are you feeling okay, Katara? You slept in more than usual.” Aang frowns at her while he feeds Momo.

Last night floods back into her memories. She still isn’t sure how smart it was to reveal their whole journey here to someone from the Fire Nation. The banished prince, no less. But she remembers his breath brushing gently against the nape of her neck, the shy tone of his voice as he had invited her back.

“Katara?” Aang pokes her. “Maybe you should rest tonight. You seem out of it.”

She laughs nervously. “I’m fine! Just… adjusting to Ba Sing Se life, that’s all! So, the Earth King will be at this party, huh?”

“You and Toph will go in as noblewomen and get the Earth King’s attention! Me and Aang will sneak in and Aang will dazzle him with his Avatar-ness and we’ll be on our way out of this city.” Sokka snatches the invitation from her. “Then it’s bye bye Fire Lord!”

‘We’ll be on our way out’. She musters a cheerful smile. It’s better to put distance between herself and Zuko as soon as possible, she tells herself. Can’t have another Jet situation, she’s learned her lesson this time.

read on ao3

[sunlightnmoonshine]

I'm just thinking about zuko (the live action has unearthed too much lol) and how once he chose the right path and was free of his inner turmoil, he was so easily and awkwardly just a good boy??

1. Boy put everything aside, his pride, honour whatever and awkwardly went hello, zuko here and got trashed by the gang and instead of being angry (cuz he could have easily been frustrated that he was being misunderstood), he's just mad at himself and his approach and doesn't blame them at all. It's funny cuz he actually yells about being so bad at being good, if only he knew

2. Didn't hesitate to nearly die for them fighting combustion man

3. Went on a field trip/life journey with aang was awkward, kind, was more concerned about aang not having a teacher than anything else, did a little dance, thought about his place in the universe

4. Went on a field trip/life journey with sokka, didn't need to follow him to the boiling rock but did, because he wanted to help and then throughout helped sokka deal with everything that was going on. Literally got arrested saving sokka, thrown in the cooler, nearly got left behind because he wanted to make sure they didn't catch up and wasn't fazed by this

5. Nearly died once again for the gang when azula attacked and didn't hesitate for a second

6. Tried very hard to fix things with katara, sitting outside her tent, speaking to sokka, finding out what he needed to do to fix it and then going on that field trip/life journey and doing what she wanted. Boy was fine with being a doormat to make sure katara got what she wanted.

7. Hanging out with the gang at the play even though he despised it lol.

He was just so effortlessly good because once he decided to be just that it came so easily to him because he's a good kid.

[sokkastyles]

I find Zuko's relationship with his scar pretty interesting. Do you think he would like to have it healed now? Perhaps he is fine with it because it was part of his journey, but it's also hard to live with a mark of your father's abuse forever.

I think there will always be a part of him that wishes he didn't have it, but thinking about if Zuko post-redemption would want it healed, if, let's say, he was offered spirit water again? I feel like he would say no, because there are plenty of other people who could use that spirit water.

I think an important aspect of Zuko's arc is the fragility of life. Katara points out when Zuko's telling Aang about how dangerous lightning bending is and Aang suggests she can just heal a lightning wound with the spirit water that she doesn't have any more, and this is foreshadowing for what happens during the agni kai with Azula and reminding the audience how severe the stakes are. Zuko knows that Katara's healing isn't a magic fix, and it was incredible that she was able to heal him in the finale the way she did.

I also think that during his reign as firelord, traveling to places in the Earth Kingdom to help heal the damage his nation caused, Zuko encounters many other people with burn scars, old men and women and even young children. It would be wrong of him, as the firelord, to ask for the use of spirit water when there are so many others who don't have the privileges he had who could use that.

More importantly, though, he learns that his mark is not a mark of shame, but of survival. It means that he lived and that he thrived, and it means that he is not his father. When he looks in the mirror he doesn't see Ozai, and he doesn't see shame and disgrace anymore, either. He sees someone who stood up for what was right, someone who found their way back to goodness even if it took him the long way.

And he sees his mark as a connection to the people he will lead, a world wounded and scarred like him, but a world thriving in spite of it. He shows the world that he isn't afraid of his imperfections, that he won't hide from the past or the future. He wears it like a badge of honor. Because a scar isn't a wound, it means you've healed.

[highfantasy-soul]

Omg I just finished the Netflix ATLA live-action and omg omg omg. It was SO GOOD!!! I genuinely did NOT expect to cry as much as I did, but damn, the character moments hit SO HARD!

All the characters are so accurate to the animated series (Iroh I did feel was a bit different, but I still enjoyed how he was portrayed), and the show really added a lot more depth to some of the backstories - like including more Gyatzo and Aang, Katara and her mother, and Sokka and his dad. Yeah, some of that hurt and I know making characters (specifically parents) not-perfect rubs some people the wrong way, but I really think it brought to the forefront the issues the characters face and set up the journey to overcoming it.

The bending was phenomenal, while they did rely on CG for some body-doubles during the movements, I'm fine with it. It's magical martial arts, people physically cannot do the things benders do, so it didn't really take me out of the story at all. The sets and costumes and FOOOOODDDD that they had just looked so good - I wanted to eat EVERYTHING on Kyoshi island!

And for how they combined several storylines and expanded the roles past Avatars played, I really, really loved it. They combined the stories in a way where there could be a common theme (really, several themes) weaving throughout and really sit with character moments and motivations that I think worked really well for an adaptation that didn't have 20 episodes with 20 full stories told per episode.

I was honestly shocked, too, at how many episodes/story arcs were almost directly, 1-1 translated to screen! The whole blue spirit arc was done so well and the siege of the north was just about as accurate to the animated as you could get it - while adding just the right amount of extra in there to really tighten some of the themes.

I loved how they expanded Azula's story by showing her in the capitol before being sent out for the Avatar in season 2 - it really gives us an idea about her personality and what expectations are on her instead of just introducing her as 'Zuko's crazy little sister'. The animated series does a good job making her a massive threat, and we see bits of her motivations ('almost perfect isn't good enough') and it's later that we get to see a more fleshed out side of her - which takes time the live-action doesn't have. Azula's mind-space definitely deserves a multi-episode run. And the clarification that Ozai was just pitting his kids against each other to make the stronger one push to the front - so so so good!

Just honestly, this was a fantastic adaptation and I can't think of a way they could have done better. No piece of media is perfect (contrary to the Azulas in every fandom demanding perfection or else it's terrible and awful and 'you're SETTLING for this??') but this is as near as I can imagine it could be. I definitely felt the heart of the animated series shining through.

I'm so looking forward to season 2 and seeing how they remix the stories there to tug at my heartstrings even more.

[wholesomefluffdaddy]

Azula has made no progress since she was sent back to the asylum. Ty Lee believes she can help her, with proper disciple. Tyzula.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

CH21: Assurances

The tension in the palace was palpable. Ursa repeatedly tried to smooth the wrinkles out of her dress, not so much for appearance's sake but as something to do. Ikem shifted his weight uneasily. Zuko folded his hands and closed his eyes as he waited. Kiyi glanced up at him and hurried to imitate what he was doing. Mai looked the most at ease, though she fidgeted with a small throwing knife behind her back.

The doors to the main palace room slowly swung inward and Zuko opened his eyes. The Kyoshi Warriors filed in first with a chained and shackled Azula following behind. A frown creased Zuko's brow.

"Why is she chained?" He asked sternly.

"Appearances, Zuko." Mai answered for him.

"She is my sister and this is her home." He said indignantly. Mai sighed as if she were explaining the obvious.

"And how would you explain to the Fire Sages that she was given free reign again after what happened last time?" She said, waving a hand. "Plus didn't you read the report Katara sent?" She said in a lower voice.

"Of course I did." Zuko scowled. "She was protecting herself against assassins." He returned his attention to the Kyoshi Warriors. "You have my deepest gratitude for protecting my sister and delivering her safely to me." He nodded and they bowed. "Please unchain her and take your leave." The Kyoshi Warriors did so and filed out. Ty Lee hesitated. She wasn't sure if Zuko wanted a private moment together with just family. She took a step back.

"No, you can stay." Zuko said with a small smile as he approached. Azula stared at the ceiling, looking bored. "I heard how you protected her with great sacrifice to your own personal well being." He said embracing her. "Thank you." He whispered.

"Can we cut the theatrics, Zuzu?" Azula complained as she looked over at him dryly. "No one in this room aside from her actually cares if I had died."

"Azula!" Ursa said, sounding distressed.

"That's not true." Zuko said, letting go of Ty Lee and turning to her with a grimace. "You are family."

"Am I?" Azula said, raising her eyebrows as her eyes lingered over Kiyi. Zuko followed her gaze. "I see you already have my replacement."

"Azula." Ty Lee admonished. Kiyi looked between Zuko and Azula.

"She doesn't mean that." Zuko said, shaking his head. "Azula just isn't used to being a big sister yet." Azula rolled her eyes. Kiyi stepped forward.

"I'm happy you're safe." She said, staring at Azula determinedly.

"I can assure you that I am very much not safe." Azula said with a smirk. Her eyes widened suddenly as Kiyi hugged her. "What are you doing!?" She demanded but before she could pull away Zuko joined in hugging her. Azula hissed as she recoiled from the contact. She managed to squirm free and ducked behind Ty Lee.

"Azula…" Ty Lee said tiredly.

"I told you to stop with the performances!" Azula said, narrowing her eyes. Zuko sighed and Kiyi looked confused. She really wasn't sure how to feel about Azula but she knew Zuko cared about her dearly. That was enough for her to try liking Azula too but it was clear it wouldn't be easy.

"You must be tired from your journey." Zuko said, accepting that Azula wasn't in the mood to socialize. "I know you said you didn't want your old room but I have it prepared just in case you changed your mind."

"I haven't." Azula said, furrowing her brow. Zuko nodded.

"Very well." He said. "Kiyi, could you show our sister to the room we prepared for her?"

"I don't need to be shown. Just tell me-" Azula began heatedly but Ty Lee took her hand and gave it a squeeze. Azula huffed. "Fine." Zuko smiled and Kiyi led the way out of the room. Ursa opened then and closed her mouth. Azula hadn't looked at her once before leaving. Ikem put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"That went better than expected." Mai said, finally relaxing.

"So how long are you home for?" Kiyi asked as they walked down the long halls.

"This isn't my home." Azula said bluntly. Kiyi looked at her.

"Zuko says you've been in the hospital for a long time because you've been sick." She stated.

"Is that so?" Azula snorted. Ty Lee elbowed her.

"She's getting better." She said to Kiyi. Azula looked offended.

"Zuko also said a bunch of people want to hurt you because you're sick." Kiyi continued.

"That is… an accurate assessment." Azula shrugged.

"Mai also says you hurt a lot of people." Kiyi said, chewing her lip.

"I still do." Azula said, huffing out a small threatening flame from her nostrils. Kiyi raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"Oh! I can do that too!" She said excitedly and demonstrated. Azula blinked and felt taken aback. Kiyi smiled and continued on. "Anyway, this is your room." She said, pushing a door open and gesturing proudly. Azula stepped inside and looked around.

"I guess this will do." She said dismissively.

"Your room is over here." Kiyi said, tugging on Ty Lee's sleeve before pulling her over. Azula stepped back outside and watched Kiyi lead Ty Lee to a room next door. "I hope you like it." She said with a warm smile. Azula huffed and stomped over. She grabbed Ty Lee's hand and pulled her back over to her room. Kiyi tilted her head to one side looking confused. "What?"

"Leave us." Azula hissed as she started to pull the door closed behind them. "And tell our dear brother he can shove his prudish ideals up his-"

"Azula!" Ty Lee scolded.

"-up his you-know-what." She said, snapping the door shut.

"Azula!" Ty Lee said, crossing her arms. Azula turned to look at her with large eyes.

"Peppermint?" She asked with a pout. Ty Lee smacked the top of her head with her fan lightly.

"I don't know how you manage to keep that chakra open." She said as Azula cursed softly and rubbed her head.

"Ty Lee!" Azula complained. "It's been such a long day!"

"I know." Ty Lee sighed and sat down on the edge of a large four-poster bed. Azula wandered over cautiously. "Yes, peppermint." She said as a smile tugged at her lips. Azula hid her excitement poorly as she leaned in for a kiss. Ty Lee cupped her face and slowly brushed her lips against hers. Azula shivered as she accepted the light teasing kiss.

"More." She begged in a whisper as she wrapped her arms around Ty Lee's neck.

"Azula." Ty Lee said, running a hand up the back of her head.

"Please." Azula said then gasped as Ty Lee grabbed her top knot. She climbed into her lap and pressed their foreheads together. There was a sudden knock at the door before it swung open, making them both jump.

"Seriously?" Mai asked, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose at the sight before her. "Spirits, it's just like- Nevermind." She said, closing the door behind her and striding over.

"Get out!" Azula hissed.

"Get your hands off her top knot." Mai said, peeling Ty Lee's hand back. "You're going to give Zuko a conniption if he sees this."

"What?" Ty Lee asked, her eyes widening.

"I don't care if-" Azula began.

"And you know better." Mai scowled as she smacked the back of Azula's head. Azula yelped then hissed at her.

"Knows what better?" Ty Lee asked, sounding worried.

"No one is supposed to touch a noble's hair outside of close family, especially their top knot." Mai said, waving a hand.

"Then you should be ashamed of touching mine by striking me." Azula said, narrowing her eyes.

"I'm married to Zuko, stupid. Which unfortunately means we're family." Mai said, frowning. "But you-" She looked over at Ty Lee, who held her hands up.

"She can touch me however she wants!" Azula hissed.

"Spirits above, can you get off her lap?" Mai said exasperatedly. "You're making this awkward enough already." Azula pulled closer to Ty Lee as she glared at her.

"Azula…" Ty Lee said in a whisper as she looked away in embarrassment.

"Why is everyone so impertinent as to think they can tell me what I should and shouldn't do?" Azula snarled softly as she slowly climbed off Ty Lee's lap.

"Because you lack social skills and social awareness for that matter." Mai said without hesitation. Azula crossed her arms.

"Is there a reason for your intrudence?" She demanded rudely.

"Yes." Mai said, fidgeting absently with one of her throwing knives. "I want assurance that you won't attempt anything while you're staying here."

"Attempt what, Mai?" Azula said, raising her eyebrows mockingly. Mai suddenly raised the knife to her throat. Ty Lee gasped. Azula didn't flinch but instead started to grin.

"I read what you did to that waterbender assassin while they were incapacitated." Mai said, as her eyes flashed dangerously.

"Then do you really think it's wise to come in here and threaten me?" Azula whispered as she pushed the blade of Mai's knife away with a single finger. It began to heat rapidly and Mai dropped it with a hiss before immediately retrieving another.

"Stop!" Ty Lee said, shoving herself between them and pushing them both back.

"You didn't see what she did, did you?" Mai asked Ty Lee. Ty Lee bit her lip. "You didn't. Because why else would you stand here and defend her?"

"She doesn't need to know." Azula spat.

"Why?" Mai asked. "Afraid she'll see what a monster you truly are?"

"Mai that's enough!" Ty Lee said, looking at her resentfully.

"He's going to lose his hands because of you." Mai said, ignoring Ty Lee.

"I'm surprised I left enough that they could still be considered hands." Azula said with a cruel smirk. Ty Lee covered her mouth.

"You're sick." Mai said, with undisguised revulsion.

"Azula?" Ty Lee said in a frightened whisper. Azula's smile faltered.

"He almost killed Ty Lee!" Azula said, her face contorting with rage. "Had he succeeded I would have burned the world to the ground."

"Is this true?" Mai said, turning to Ty Lee.

"He was trying to kill Azula-" Ty Lee began quickly.

"And she recklessly threw herself in the way." Azula finished. Her heart was thundering against her ribs as she was forced to recall the memory. "You have no idea the self control I practiced."

"Self control?" Mai snorted.

"I could have cremated him on the spot but instead I merely removed the weapons he had used to hurt her." Azula said, gesturing to Ty Lee. Mai narrowed her eyes but considered her statement. After a moment she relented. She couldn't argue with the fact that Azula had shown remarkable restraint in not simply killing the man.

"Fine." Mai said, stowing her knife. "I believe you."

"I didn't come here because I wanted to." Azula snapped. "I came here because I was forced to. Because someone took my home." She said as her eyes burned with angry tears. "Why would I want to come here? I was happy there!" She said, balling up her fists. Mai closed her eyes.

"I'm sorry." She said. Azula huffed as she cracked her knuckles. Ty Lee turned to Azula and pulled her into a hug. Azula melted into it eagerly and after a moment pulled away.

"You want assurances I won't hurt anyone." Azula said. Mai opened her eyes and looked at her. "I want assurances that Ty Lee will be safe and respected."

"I will ensure that is arranged." Mai said seriously. They locked eyes. "I'll have dinner sent to your rooms tonight but we'll expect you at breakfast tomorrow." She said then continued as Azula raised an eyebrow. "Zuko said he wants to be able to eat a meal together like a full family again." Azula nodded and shrugged. Mai glanced between her and Ty Lee before heading back to the door. She paused with her hand on the frame.

"I'm glad you didn't die." Mai said, without looking back before leaving. There was a stretch of silence. Azula glanced over at Ty Lee, who was chewing her lip.

"I-" Azula swallowed.

"How badly did you burn him?" Ty Lee whispered as she looked at her own hands. Azula's face hardened. She knew Ty Lee was trying to imagine what she had done.

"I don't regret it." She said savagely. Ty Lee looked up. "I meant what I said about burning the world down." Azula flexed her hands. "But I'm not a monster."

"I know." Ty Lee said. "You're a dragon." She half smiled as she touched her cheek. Azula closed her eyes and leaned into it.

"I'm your dragon." She corrected as she placed her hand over Ty Lee's. "And I'll always be your dragon." She said, getting down on her knees and opening her amber eyes to look up at her imploringly. "Always." She repeated as she took her hand and kissed it. Ty Lee's breath froze in her chest as the full weight of the implications settled on her.

"My dragon…" She breathed as her heart raced. Azula's eyes sparkled as she hugged Ty Lee around the waist and looked up at her adoringly. Ty Lee pet the top of her head gently.

[peony-pearl]

(this was part of a discussion from another post that I wanted to move to it’s own post bc this right here is the crux of my emotions for Iroh and Zuko and Azula; it does end kind of abruptly but yeah this is me wordvomiting my feels)

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Man the Iroh and Azula relationship in atla breaks my heart because, yes, there is favoritism - but the situations that built up to it are so specific and tragic on both ends (this is more of me rambling bc I have brainworms for this fam oughghghg if you read this thank you)

I do believe that Iroh did what he could to maintain a good relationship with both Zuko and Azula before he left for BSS. Zuko was 8, Azula was 6. That’s YOUNG. I almost wonder if she could remember what he looked like, because after Lu Ten’s death, I think he immediately took that journey before returning to the Fire Nation, thus there could have been another year or two+ until she saw him. She potentially went from ages 6-10 years old without seeing her uncle. Not to mention that even before Ursa left, Azula was already parroting Ozai’s rhetoric. Now with her mother gone, Azula had her father’s full attention and her friends (until the three were separated).

Zuko on the other hand, after his mother’s disappearance, didn’t have any friends from what we saw, nor did he have his father’s approval, and his relationship with Azula? We’re unsure of at this time, but all things considered, he’s had a resentment towards her because of the trauma Ozai is putting him through (which is also trauma to Azula by emotionally excluding her and putting her on a pedestal that he himself will topple). When Iroh returns, Zuko, who is most likely lonely AF, gives his uncle some attention, who then in turn, gives Zuko attention he’s wanted from one of his elders for a long time.

Azula, entrenched in Ozai’s teachings, resents Iroh for abandoning Ba Sing Se, and sees how he overindulges with tea and food to cope with the pain. She won’t be like him; and to even be seen near him by her father is embarrassing. But I’m almost certain she would see the relationship Zuko and Iroh were forging and it HURT. Iroh probably doesn’t force her to talk; that’s not the conversation he wants to have is to force her to spend time with someone she doesn’t want to be around. Besides, to anger Azula could lead to angering his brother, and he’s not at all ready for that mess. He of all people knows the almighty power of the Fire Lord; he was prepared to carry that glorious burden his whole life until it slipped from his fingers.

Ultimately Iroh is fine talking to just Zuko; but no one sees the seeds that are being planted. Iroh doesn’t realize how he’s still playing the game his father embedded in their minds. Iroh leaves Azula to her devices, unaware of how she is living the life that created and destroyed Iroh himself, while he can put his misplaced fatherhood upon Zuko. At this point, Zuko still just sees him as uncle.

And then the Agni Kai. Zuko is burned, and Iroh goes with him. I’m not entirely versed in the manga about Azula getting Zuko his ship, but I think it says a lot that Azula, even when upset that Zuko and Iroh had a relationship, made sure Iroh was part of the team because she knew Iroh could ensure Zuko’s survival. Plus it got him out of the palace so she wouldn’t have to keep seeing him or hearing his dumb laugh, or be invited to Pai Sho games (Which she did want to play but Uncle is SO ugh you know?)

And then three years pass. 3 long years in which Iroh and Zuko may not expect to go home. Iroh probably comes to terms with this; he’s older, jaded, still messed up from losing his son and everything that came with it. Zuko, however, wants his birthright (aka his father’s approval and love). Zuko and Iroh are waging this part of their lives together while Azula and Ozai are holding down the fort; she is becoming stronger and smarter, and has every ounce of her father’s approval.

I have a couple of headcanons as to why Iroh’s demeanor had a bit of a big change once we get to season 2. Nearly losing Zuko to the pirates made him realize how much he saw the boy as his surrogate son. So yes, the favoritism is there; they have endured things together for 3 years that have forged a bond that gives Zuko a father figure (that he didn’t really ask for) and Iroh a surrogate son (that he is more than willing to guide and smother) and this topic alone is enough to make me want to scream and wail because Iroh wanting nothing more than a second chance than to guide a son who wants his actual father who cares nothing for him and yet Iroh CONTINUES to try with Zuko? brain goes BRRRR

(but I also heavily headcanon Iroh’s presence during Yue’s sacrifice to have been a game changer in the way he carries himself and continues to live; but that’s just a headcanon; but the way that he watches a princess from a nation he has waged war upon sacrifice her life for a world she’s never seen when he’s lost his son and he almost lost Zuko and watching her fade away gives him stronger convictions to be a true father figure to Zuko; even if he’s still kind of bad at it for a while, his dedication to Zuko as a son really takes flight in the following season and I think this all ties together)

and then when Azula comes to collect them to take to Ozai and lies to Zuko about the thing he’s been wanting for 3 years. The thing that’s kept him up, ate away at him, the thing that SHOULD be natural - his father’s love. It’s a lie.

And Iroh defends his nephew unflinchingly from his sister - who is also just a pawn and a soldier, just like Iroh was. I personally like to imagine he taught her some of her skillset (but would she have retained it since she was last willing to learn from him around the age of 6? She is very smart after all).

But could Iroh have looked at Azula, realizing it was her that shot that lightning and, after Zuko called him a ‘shallow old man’, gone to Azula and asked what Ozai had put her through over the years? Or did he still revere the power of the Fire Lord, and the magnitude of power Azula holds.

This leads to one big problem with the family - communication. Especially for Iroh. Communication SUCKS in this family. Zuko is so volatile that Iroh often cannot bring himself to really explain things to Zuko in a clear way, which doesn’t help because Zuko NEEDS to be spoken to clearly because he does not get metaphors and proverbs - but is Iroh really even the best person to explain to Zuko that his father is hurting both him and his sister? When Zuko wants so desperately to go home and be loved? And yet hearing that his sister is suffering would enrage him when she’s only been adored by Ozai. And even then, if Iroh acknowledges Azula’s suffering, he doesn’t act to help her. Could he though? He doesn’t give up on Zuko (who struggled for validation) but he never attempts with Azula (who had the Fire Lord’s entire approval).

For Season 2, everything about Zuko and Iroh is the path to stay alive and stay free… which they’re not free. They never will be again because the Fire Nation wants them and in order to stay safe they must seek refuge indefinitely in BSS. Thus, they must avoid Azula, who is willing to enact on her father’s orders (he IS the Fire Lord, after all). Azula has also shot Iroh with fire. Yes, Iroh is much older and Azula is 14; but I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a point that Iroh looks at her and sees her traveling with her friends, facing the Avatar, besting Iroh himself in a situation and as he wakes up from his injuries after she attacks him, he goes ‘I’m done.’ He would continue to put all of his efforts on Zuko. There is a very potential life or death situation with them being wanted, and Iroh won’t relive losing a child under his care.

And yet he would know where Azula’s life is eventually going to lead her, because he was once her. But he left the Fire Nation to escort Zuko and to keep him safe. Zuko did everything he could to try and finish his father’s task, and now his efforts have only landed him a wanted poster. Azula has the Fire Lord’s blessing and her crown - Zuko and Iroh are all each other have, and they also have the bounty on their heads. The efforts Azula put through to ensure that Iroh kept Zuko safe have now reversed, and they are actively evading her as enemies. The painful irony.

Had Ozai never sent her out to collect them, I absolutely think Iroh would still remain open to his niece. Unfortunately, Ozai continues to task her with ways to divide her from her family and therefore keep her closer to his will. By entrusting her with their capture, he alienates her from her shamed brother and uncle, and then gives them reason to have grief with her and not want to be in her life as she actively and willingly serves her father, not once hearing them out on their side of the story. They are rushing to find a way to stay out of chains and survive while she flawlessly continues her family’s goals.

What if she was never tasked with capturing them? But was still traveling the Earth Kingdom to broaden the Fire Nation’s reign? What if there had been a point when she wasn’t poised to capture them or attack them? I can still see Zuko naturally being bitter that she’s there. Iroh may still even be wary, as having her around after they have not achieved a goal means failure and capture (which is what I reason their reactions to her showing up in The Avatar State to be; they immediately know something is off because without a letter, without warning, Azula shows up in full armor after they have not achieved their goal of capturing the Avatar; and Iroh heard lightning earlier, and if it wasn’t Ozai and he deduces it was Azula? Oh lord she knows how to conjure lightning now which means they’re in deep sludge); but imagine if she’s just there to start her overseas military career, not to capture them. What if she knew they were wanted? What if they saw her, knowing they’re wanted, and they avoid her until they come face to face with her and she’s even more hurt that they immediately believed she would be cold enough to turn them in? They really thought that low of her? lol okay HEY GUARDS. Or what if she was like ‘Zuzu I made sure you had that ship and crew, you really think I’d turn you in?’ Or the opposite? In which Zuko sees Azula and knows they can trust her, but the more they get help from her the more she worries that Ozai is going to learn that she’s been secretly helping them through their escapades as wanted men? What if it had been Azula that got them their passports to BSS and was like ‘go here and stay out of my hair I am BUSY and I can’t keep risking my neck for you like this’.

[unnursvanablog]

Avatar: the Last Airbender / tv show review.

This is a pretty much spoiler free review of the first season of Avatar the Last Airbender on Netflix.

I knew as I was going into this series that not every storyline from the original animation was going to be included in the new netflix adaptation and the plot would be at risk of stretches itself too thin, there would be some cramming and mixing of plot points to move the story along in only eight episodes. But it certainly felt a bit painted by numbers and without too much care. Sort of like they had a list they needed to check off some plot-boxes and didn't really care how they did it.

This netflix adaptation does manage to look cool and be action packet (even if the actions that was used for the bending didn't really seems to be very distinct between nations), which is truly what people seem to want out of fantasy tv these days. But any action doesn’t hit as hard without the quiet moments where we build on the characters and let the plot slowly breathe and build. Because in order for the action to have stakes you need to make the audience care for the characters. And therefor Avatar the last Airbender fails a bit with it's very well choreographed action, because so much of it felt rushed.

A good majority of the character’s backstories was shown way too early and then the show having a bunch of characters like Fire Lord and Azula have scenes way to early and it ruins the suspense and fails to make the story build up to something in the end. I can understand that with a lot of the fat trimmed of the now very bare-bone plot they needed that focus to the story, but the mystery behind that 'big bad fire lord' is no longer there and I think it's because the people who made the show didn't trust the audience to get it without showing it to us.

You can tell how little the show actually trust its audience with the way the show very badly infodumps the backstory and the lore onto you and the sheer amount of tell but not show storytelling of the main characters. The characters talk endlessly about things that plague them as characters, how they can't be kids and have fun or the pressure of becoming a leader at a young age, the responsibility they have and the consequences of the war but for all the talk about it we rarely get to see it in action. It's like they don't have the time or the trust in the audience to making the characters too flawed and then go on a journey to change. Because they need to get from a to c and tick all those other plot boxes in x amount of time.

There is a sprinkle fun bits here and there that will undoubtedly excite the original fan of the story because you loved those moments the original animated series. The cast is doing an admirable job and manage to make Avatar: The Last Airbender into a fine, if somewhat mindless TV spectacle. The series never destroys the original story, but there is little there that is a refreshing new approach to the story. It's easy to get the impression that the people behind the scenes only saw the fun action and a story that is still popular on the Internet but did not understand the essence of Avatar: the Last Airbender.

I'm still very surprised how Sozin's comet won't have as much significance in the story in this show, not only because it was such a crucial part of the story in the animated series but because we see the firenation destroy the airnomads and therfor becoming the lords of that universe because of that comet and from such from a narrative point of view, it would be an ideal opportunity to build up to that storyline and go full circle. Letting the power of the comets be what will ultimately cripple the firenation in the end.

But many producers and media executives know nothing about how to tell a story or have much media literacy and just see "Game of Thrones was a hit... because it was gory, full of action and people like to see characters die unexpectedly in a brutal ways" and not because Martin worked hard to buildup the characters and their flaws and make sure that the complex characters made mistakes that they then had to deal with (which the show did well in the first three seasons) and mistakes that often lead to their deaths instead of the plot saving them because they are the main character.

Avatar the Last Airbender is an action-packed little fantasy show that seems to be able to be some surface level fun and an introduction to new audience to the this fantasy universe. You can certainly have fun with it, marvel at the costumes and the CGI and it has its good moments and enjoyable callbacks to the original source material to keep you going all the way to the end. But it lacks care and heart and the warmth of the original that came with its very strong character arcs and fun adventures that this adaptation let's fall on the sidelines for some action and rushed plotting.