#i fucking adore Bumi too

[saijspellhart]

Things I liked about the Netflix ATLA and some critiques:

Before you read. Please go watch the series, take off your blinders and keep an open mind. It’s surprisingly good. This review has spoilers.

They reordered some scenes so that emotional moments would have a larger pay off. Like getting to see and experience Aang’s relationship with Monk Gyatsu, and seeing his tribe before it was destroyed. So when he has his breakdown in the air temple with Sokka and Katara later, you really feel and understand his agony.

Azula is introduced earlier, with a story running simultaneously with the Aang’s journey but not involved with his. So she has a chance to be more fleshed out and explored before she becomes a major threat. Only time will tell if this more complicated Azula comes close to the animated one. Big shoes to fill, but not a bad start.

Fire Lord Ozai plays a more sinister and oppressive role. Not a faceless boogeyman anymore. You get to see his machinations and the cruel games he’s playing with his family, and see the emotional abuse that warps them.

Appa is adorable as fuck, and so is Momo. So well animated, such gorgeous care put into them.

Kyoshi, Kuruk, and Roku make more of an appearance. With Kyoshi narrating the prologue. And if you loved the novels you’ll see they incorporated more of Kyoshi and Kuruk’s backstory from the novels than what we saw in the animated cartoon.

The acting was competent, even if a little wonky at times. I found Sokka very endearing, I loved the kid they cast as Aang and you can tell they really tried to find a balance between serious and playful. They didn’t always hit it, but the effort was there.

Zuko was great. I think they nailed him and he had great chemistry with the actor playing Iroh.

King Bumi was great, I love how they made his internal struggles more complex. He wasn’t just a crazy old man anymore. He was a crazy old man who was weary and worn down by the horrors of loss and war. A crazy old man who struggled to reconcile that the best friend he lost is the avatar and wasn’t there for him.

I loved the costume and set design. It was like stepping into the actual world of ATLA. Cities were complex and well constructed. Every setting was incredible and the attention to detail was intense.

Zuko’s boat is full of artifacts he pilfered from the Air Nomads while hunting for the avatar.

They changed how Aang got the bison whistle so it makes more sense and fits more seamlessly into the story. It never made sense why a random peddler would be selling a bison whistle if air nomads and bison have been gone for 100 years. Not impossible for a peddler to do, but not probable. The Netflix series actually gave more meaning for the artifact and changed how Aang received it.

Emotional points in the show are now more intense and brought me to tears.

Commander Zhao is more competent and conniving, and his presence felt more dangerous and less comedic.

Sokka’s outright sexism was changed from putting girls down, to just manly machismo, talking himself up. Not gone, but not degrading. They decided to let the sexism message shine more prominently with the northern water tribe, rather than tackle it twice with Sokka too. (Sokka’s sexism being solved in one episode was never well written to begin with. And the animated series quickly forgot about it and moved on to him tackling more important issues, like his being a non bender inadequacy, his leadership journey, his physical combat journey, and him finding himself as more than just the funny sarcastic guy.) For time constraints, it was better the Netflix series did not to tackle the same problem twice, especially when you might not have the resources to give both sexism issues the gravity it deserves. By focusing the sexism problem to the northern water tribe they were able to give Katara more attention.

We got to see Katara’s water-bending go from being ultra sloppy and weak to badass. It feels like they are spending more time focusing on her developing into a warrior rather than being the mom of the group. I’m honestly not sad about it. She’s still the hope ridden, emotional glue, but now it feels like she explores that warrior side a little deeper. It felt so earned when she got the title of master at the northern water tribe finale.

The actor playing uncle Iroh nailed the role. I couldn’t think of a better live action adaptation of Iroh. I love him so much.

The shirshu looks fucking phemonal.

Koh was scary as fuck and I love it. They really nailed his horror elements. Even if I’m a little sad that they changed some things about his face stealing. (He eats faces now to steal them, rather than stealing when someone shows emotion.)

The three actresses who play Mei, Azula and Tailee actually look appropriate for their age. Since they are introduced earlier, they are clearly younger, and since this show is intended to get more seasons, the casting choice made sense as we are intended to watch these girls grow up over the course of the entire show. These actors will get older, and the characters will get more menacing and sharper. It’s great. It’s thoughtful. I love it.

We get to see Zuko’s dynamics with his crew more. And find out that he did more than just speak out against his father at that meeting. His outburst at that meeting saved an entire squad of soldiers, and they don’t even know it. Zuko feels such disdain and bitterness because of the situation, and his crew doesn’t even know why. It’s so complex, you can see how the abuse Zuko endured causes him to take out his anger on his crew, and in turn they are bitter back. And it’s this cycle, that festers. But the crew also grows with Zuko, they change and evolve as he evolves. And it’s such a delight to watch.

They could have cut the Secret Tunnel minstrels altogether, given the time constraints and that the episode was mostly fluff in season two. A fun romp, but not necessary. But the creators knew people loved the minstrels so they found a way to use them anyway. Because they knew they were special. I am thankful for that, even if they show up waaay earlier than they should.

I was honestly more sold on Sokka and Suki’s relationship in the live action. It’s was so adorkable. Do I wish it had more time to develop? Yeah, of course I love a good slow burn. But that didn’t mean it wasn’t fun as hell watching the two flirt so badly with each other. Sokka being a buffoon, and Suki overstepping and being too rough, before realizing she was being too hard.

Some Critiques:

They reordered some episode storylines to happen at the same time, and while it does bloat some episodes. it’s understandable due the episode and budget limitations. In the cartoon, during the inventor episode Katara didn’t have a lot to do, and during the freedom fighters episode Sokka didn’t have a lot to do. So they ended up combining both stories into one hour long episode in the live action, so that both Katara and Sokka would be involved in something. Is it the best? No. But it makes sense. I get it.

Katara starts off bland in the first episode and it takes a bit for her to grow into the character.

The past avatars can be a bit strong with the doom and gloom, and I wish they’d toned that back.

Koh and Heibei (I dunno how to spell the panda spirit’s name) got combined to the same episode, and Koh stole Heibei’s spotlight. Again, I understand why these got combined, but I think it could have been handled a little better and Heibei should have gotten more closure.

There should have been a ninth episode, placed between the two episode Koh storyline, and the Northern Water Tribe storyline. Why? Because the Koh storyline was really heavy and intense. And it leads right into the season finale. An extra ninth episode should have been added with a more lighthearted tone. Something to ease the tension between the two very intense storylines.

Aang should have been using a glider to flit about the temples in the first episode. But it’s not something that ruins the whole show. It was a dumb that only happens in a single episode in the season.

I really missed Momo and Appa’s presence. They appeared atleast once in every episode, but it was still sad they weren’t more of a presence. Again I understand why. They were so beautifully animated that everytime they were on screen it (without a doubt) cost the production thousands of dollars. They were generous including as many of the unique animals and creatures as they had.

I still don’t think Sokka had enough time to develop a relationship with Yue at the northern water tribe. It was rushed and contrived in the animated version, and it was rushed and contrived in this Netflix version. There also wasn’t any of the chemistry like Sokka had with Suki to make the whirlwind romance work. I never liked the romance from the original, and I wasn’t a fan of it here. But that’s ok, because it’s such a small and insignificant thing.

In conclusion most of the changes I can see made were due to budget, and episode limitations. The creators were clearly trying to bring theater-cinematic quality to what was essentially an eight hour long film. And you cannot deny that this show is stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. Most of the episodes cut were filler, and while hilarious and mostly loved by fans, were stories not as necessary in the grand scope. You could feel the love and appreciation the creators included in this series. It wasn’t soulless, it wasn’t a heartless cash grab, it wasn’t a shot for shot (thank god) but it also didn’t butcher the source material.

I understand that the animated show creators had creative differences with the live action Netflix adaptation creators. But that doesn’t mean that the Netflix series completely failed. As every fanfic writer out there knows, the original authors are not going to love what you create based on their works. Tolkien hated every adaptation of his works, HATED them. But no one is going about saying that the Lord of the Rings trilogy movies were hot garbage. A creator doesn’t have to endorse a project for it to be good.

Netflix ATLA is good, it’s not perfect. And it never was going to be perfect. The cartoon it was based on wasn’t perfect either. But the ATLA cartoon was definitely some huge shoes to fill that set a bar very high. Any adaptation was going to struggle to be just as good.

I think the Netflix adaptation was a treat and a pleasure to watch. I think people should go into it with an open mind and see that it’s not trying to replace the cartoon. It’s a love letter to the cartoon.

PS: According to behind the scenes commentary on the Nickelodeon ATLA cartoon, the reason we didn’t get a season 4 was because the creators wanted a live action film. Nickelodeon offered the original cartoon creators the option to make season 4 or to spend the budget meant for season four on a live action ATLA film. The original creators chose the live action film directed by M. Night Shamalan. They wanted a live action for their show over a 4th season. They had no idea M. night would butcher their baby with his pathetic film all those years ago.

This show was a second chance after the M. night abomination. And you know what? It’s a pretty decent adaptation. And guess what? With a resurgence of interest in the series, we are getting more animated content for the original animated series. There’s definitely something for everyone on the horizon if this succeeds.

[wilcze-kudly]

Of course, Appa will never be replaced but I do adore the bisons in tlok for what they are.

Oogi

Oogi is a wonderful big ole family vehicle and he carries the family and Tenzin around and even made his tail into a ramp for the kids to skate down. And he's very brave, even when latched onto by evil spirits which looked incredibly painful he still kept going, until he was eventually made to crash.

He also gets along great with Naga and he seemed to love the airship. Which makes sense since its probably his first time in the air where he doesn't have to be the one flying which has to be an experience.

Also I love the theory that Oogi's name was inspired by Sokka saying that Katara and Aang's affection for each other gave him "the oogies"

Lefty

Lefty is Kai's bison and he is a fucking trooper.

After Kai and the airbenders save Lefty from the poachers, Lefty returns the favour by saving not only Kai, but also Tenzin, Asami, Mako and Bolin. He also helped Kai track the Red Lotus' airship which helped the group find Korra and the kidnapped airbenders!

He carried 5 whole people on his back as a fucken baby put some respect on his name!

Tragically he was stolen by the evil Bumi and Meelo at least once. But they took him for an adventure so ig its ok

Also he loafs

Pepper

Freckles. That is all but I think it's important nonetheless

Juicy

Ill be honest I fucking love Juicy. I know he's meant to be gross and all but I think he's probably thw most distinctive air bison we've seen ever and I can't help but find him endearing.

Like look at him! I know he's a snotty boi but he's so cute

And he loves Opal so much! He's constantly nuzzling her and is particularly affectionate. Ans I like that while Opal good naturedly jokes about having checked if she can swap, she's still petting him and cuddling him and seems very loving of him too!

Ans this is really realted to him but I am not over the fact that Opal had an Air Bison picture in her room when she was a kid

Ita very important to me

[blodgmonster]

Thoughts on live action Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Not that anyone actually wants my take.

It's solidly in the middle. Not as horrible as that wrteched movie. Obviously, it's not as amazing as the original series. It was never going to be. It was NEVER going to be as good as the original. You can't top perfection. I don't hate it. I don't love it. Below the cut (for spoiler free...ness) are my likes and dislikes. Probably not all of them. I'm sure I forgot some.

LIKES

Iroh. His characterization was good and I like that it kind of addressed the fact that he's a war criminal. Our beloved war criminal.

Azula. I've always adored her and was worried they'd wreck her. Obviously, I want to see her blue fire, but she was clever and badass, and we saw her insecurities. And went she lightning bent? * chef's kiss * That's my girl. Also, glad they didn't have her grinning like a sociopath when Zuko got burned.

Kyoshi. They leaned HEAVILY into the fanon interpretation of her and she wouldn't have yelled at Aang but she was badass.

Aesthetics. The show looked good.

Jun and Nyla. Perfect

The line "You are the fire in which her iron was forged." Fantastic.

Yue. Less wishy washy, more proactive. Also, a waterbender who sometimes chills in the spirit world. Good for her. And no love triangle.

Big fish fuckin things up!

Sokka. The actor did a good job.

"Kick his ass." Sokka being fully supportive of Katara

Katara bringing all the women to the battle.

Having Zuko's crew be the division he got his scar for was a cool touch.

DISLIKES

Zuko fought back against Ozai in the Agni Kai? I think NOT. That's the whole point. Ozai attacked a CHILD who refused to fight back. That shows the depth of his evil. Why erase that?

Did Aang just...leave my boi Hei Bai raging and in pain?

Aang never learned waterbending!? Didn't even try? Why???

Where was Katara's rage? Yes she's hopeful and motherly and in touch with her feelings but she's also fucking angry and she's right and it's great. But cutting that, they made her one dimensional.

Cutting Sokka's character growth, wherein he learns to respect women. "It was problematic." Yeah, dude, that's the point. He was in the wrong and had to learn that.

Suki. They made her...less than somehow. Less capable. Less strong. Ogling Sokka? Unnecessary. Saying he brought the world to her? Lame.

BUMI. WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT? Bumi was so BITTER and CRUEL to Aang! It made me so mad. Yes, he's unhinged but he's also a playful genius

Aang was kind of wooden. They cut his joyful, playful nature. But that's at Aang'd core. Why cut that? And he sides with PAKKU when he says Katara can't fight? EXCUSE YOU? No. He calls him Master Poophead and teaches her himself.

Cramming all the spirit world stuff into one episode was weird. Koh, Wong Shi Tong, and Hai Bei all in one go? And having Gyatso there only to have him leave? What was that? And they stripped Koh of his purpose, telling Aang who Tui and La were.

What was Mai's wig? Good Lord. The wigs in general were meh, but hers was particularly heinous.

Kyoshi and Kuruk yelling at Aang. Too much yelling.

[rllymilerlly]

Holy shit I’ve never been more excited in my life. This was SO GOOD

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Aang & Bumi (Avatar), Aang & Gyatso Characters: Aang (Avatar), Bumi (Avatar), Gyatso (Avatar) Additional Tags: Charlie Bone AU, (But No Knowledge Of The Books Is Required), Relationship/Character Tags Will Be Added Once They Become Relevant, Alternate Universe - No Bending (Avatar TV), Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic Summary:

“I didn’t fly”, Aang repeated with a sigh. "Sure you didn’t", Bumi retorted without looking at him. – Aang falls out of a tree, and his life changes irreversibly. 

—

Thanks to @rllyjohnrlly for showing interest in this AU, because I don’t think I’d have ever written it otherwise.

[ashdoesfandomarchieved]

Modern au zukki being awesome aunt and uncles

“Say Sokka.”

“‘uki!”

“Sokka,” the boy in question emphasizes. “Sokka.”

Bumi giggles, head butting Sokka’s chest. “‘uki, uki, uki!” Sokka groans dramatically, falling back onto the ground. His nephew sits on his chest, happily laughing. “I can’t believe the betrayal. Fuck you,” he says to the ceiling.

“Maybe he just likes me more,” Suki says from her seat on the couch, pretending like she’s not snapping about a million pictures of her boyfriend and his nephew. Sue her, it’s adorable. Ever since Sokka agreed to babysit for Aang and Katara this weekend, it’s been nonstop shenanigans between the two. Shenanigans that have been equally annoying and adorable, if Zuko has anything to say about it. Speaking of which-

“Sokka, what are you doing?” Zuko sighs, showing his face for the first time that morning. It’s a rare occurrence that the guy ever sleeps in, but exams week seems to be the exception. Her other boyfriend looks terrible, greasy black hair pulled back into a messy bun, dark circles under his eyes. His face softens though, when he sees Sokka on the carpet.

“I’m trying to teach Bumi how to say my name,” Sokka replies, sitting up. Bumi collapses against his chest, whining. “The little traitor will only say Suki’s and Toph’s name though. How can you even pronounce Toph?” he lamantes at the toddler.

“What it sounds like is you’re cussing at a baby.” Ooh, and there’s Zuko’s judgmental face.

“The baby can’t understand!”

“The baby is learning how to speak! How do you think Katara’s gonna react when her kid drops an f-bomb after staying here for two days?”

“Whatever,” Sokka mutters sulkily. “You’re just jealous you don’t have a baby to indoctrinate.”

Zuko challenges this by dropping on the ground across from Sokka, cross-legged. Bumi perks up, immediately cooing at Zuko.

“Hey, baby,” Zuko says, in the same soft voice he uses with scared animals, his baby sister, and Suki after a bad night. Something sentimental in Suki’s heart twists at the sound. “Is Uncle Sokka teaching you bad words?”

“Zzz-uko,” Bumi says.

Sokka gapes. “Are you serious, right now?”

Zuko holds his arms out. Bumi, unsteadily, stands up and stomps over to him, falling into his lap with a gurgle. Sokka looks up at Suki. And then back down at the adorable picture the sleep-deprived Zuko and happy toddler make.

“I don’t know whether to feel betrayed or not. Why is that so cute?”

“I’m not cute,” Zuko says, bouncing Bumi.

“Uh-huh,” Suki agrees, saving the video on her phone and sending it to Katara. “Sokka, stop saying bad words in front of Bumi.”

“You’re only saying that because Zuko’s here and you want him to make you coffee,” Sokka accuses.

“Maybe so,” Suki defiantly says.

“Make your own coffee, I’m busy,” Zuko sniffs. He’s now progressed to playing peek-a-boo with Bumi. Ugh, there’s only so much sweetness Suki’s heart can take before she fucking dies of cuteness. She slides onto the floor, next to her partners.

“Say Suki,” she says to Bumi, holding out her hands. Bumi, now the center of everyone’s attention, lets out a high-pitched happy shriek, hiding his face in Zuko’s shoulder. “‘uki,” he says, muffled.

“Ss-uki,” Suki emphasizes the s.

“Thhssss,” Bumi repeats. “Thhss-uki!”

Suki grins triumphantly as Sokka groans. Bumi peeks out, looking really fucking smug for a baby.

“This is-this is clear favoritism,” Sokka sputters. “Why do I even- this is the opposite of nepotism-”

“Say Toph,” Zuko coaxes.

“Ophf.” Bumi grins, flapping his hands.

Sokka groans, burying his face in Suki’s shoulder. Both Suki and Zuko laugh.

“Katara says to stop antagonizing her child,” Suki says, grinning at her phone. “And for Zuko to please go take a shower,” she adds.

“Tell Katara she's not the boss of me,” Zuko says back.

“Ka-aat,” Bumi repeats.

“Are you kidding me?!” Sokka flops on the ground, face down. “That's not even what he calls Katara.”

Suki and Zuko exchange a look. Then,

“Hey, Bumi, say Aang,” Suki whispers. Sokka sits straight up.

Bumi bounces in Zuko’s hold. “Aang!”

Sokka throws his hands up in the air. “Oh for the love of-”

“Fff-uck,” says Katara’s child. All three adults freeze.

“Sokka-”

“Katara is going kill us-”

“Can you delete language?” Sokka whispers, horrified. “She's never going to let us watch him again.”

All three of them exchange matching panicked expressions. Then,

“Toph,” Zuko says.

“Toph did it,” Suki agrees.

“Absolutely,” Sokka gives a thumbs up. “She fucking owes us for the weed thing anyway.”

“Stop swearing in front of him!” Zuko groans.

“It's too late now, we might as well!”

Suki shakes her head as they dissolve into childlike bickering. Bumi looks adorably amused, making happy laughs at Sokka’s over dramatic outrage. Suki grins at him.

Toph probably wouldn't collaborate their story. And Sokka was definitely getting reamed out in the near future. Oh well, that was a problem for future them.

She snaps another picture, sending it to Katara. Both Sokka and Zuko are clearly arguing, with Bumi looking on entertained.

i dread the day they get their own baby, she captions it.

jesus they better not be fucking up his development, Katara sends back a minute later.

Suki grins and pockets her phone. “Alright, losers, who's making me coffee?”

[anothertimdrakestan]

Batfam Reactions To Watching Avatar The Last Airbender

req: “Hi I was wondering if you could write the boys reactions to watching Avatar: The last airbender for the first time?” (anon)

YES! THIS IS TOO CUTE!

- long story short, Dami got hurt during patrol and to make sure he didn’t sneak out the entire family had to settle in for a movie night

- you made the epic recommendation to watch ATLA and yall basically binge watched it for a week while Dami healed, here are each of the boys reactions

Damian

- this mfer grumbled that it was stupid and gave Katara shit for being a bad waterbender at the beginning, especially the first episode

- he was hardcore crushing on her at the end specifically her fire nation outfit and that she learned how to blood bend, he’s a simp for powerful women what can i say

- during the first season he was pretty stoic and annoyed, blame it on the painkillers

- second season he was gettin’ into it, flinching with the epic fight scenes, calling himself the batfamily Toph, he let a rogue tear slip during leaves from the vine and no one noticed but you and Dick

- he got extra cuddles that night

- he lost his fucking shit during appas lost days- like full on screaming about appa and burrying his head in your chest while you quietly tell him appa will be okay

- he denies all of this too this day though (of course) but he loved it, and you’ll hear him humming leaves from the vine when he thinks his comm is off now on patrol

Cass

- she wasn’t really paying attention to the show at the beginning,  more soaking in the family bonding moment and spending each night sitting next to a different person to understand more about them

- she liked watching tim because he gets really into it but steph is also a fun watching buddy because her reactions are sooo intense it’s like watching a movie watch a movie

- a month after showing Cass she came up to you with all these epic fan canon ideas for the future or the past, talking about what the avatar state meant and spewing crazy little facts you thought no one noticed

- turns out it’s her comfort show now, she watches it to remind her of Jason’s shitty sex jokes, Dick’s screeches, you’re silent tears, Babs failed plot predictions, and everything else from the week were for one you were all just kids

Tim

- For some reason I just think Tim’s seen it before

- he’s your buddy for laughing at his sibling’s reactions when you both know what’s coming

- the giddy smile he gives you before Katara does the epic water frozen save on Azula or Aang yeets into the avatar state

- him and cass are your lore buddies, you’ve all got all these crazy awesome ideas about the plot and what-not

- Tim crushes on Zuko hardcore, like that scene where he throws off his robe Tim’s cheeks are completely flushed, eyes stuck to the screen and you’re dying laughing

- sometimes you’ll come into the batcave and tim will be working while ATLA plays in the background and you’ll both silently rewatch it together making little quips about a funny moment from when the family watched it together it’s all so wholesome

Steph:

- Steph is a Sokka simp and you can’t tell me otherwise

- she’d pass out when his hair is down and everyone would roll their eyes

- she’d buy a boomerang for patrol and bruce would give a hard no but you can find her throwing it at shrubbery when bruce is out

- She also thinks Tai Lee is adorable and deserves the world

- “EVERYONE SLEEPS ON THE NON BENDERS OKAY SUKI COULD GET IT”

- “steph you came into my room at 5am for this?”

- steph honestly just says the thoughts we all have, when watching she’s totally immersed and falls for all the jumps and scary moments- her and dick are constantly being told to shut up while you die laughing at their reactions

Jason:

- dick basically had to chain him to the couch to watch at the beginning, he’d claim he had better stuff to do but eventually he’d be the one dragging people to the couch for the next episode

- would develop a bromance with zuko in season three

- convinced he’s a firebender and plays with wayyy too many lighters for a week to bruce’s concern

- thinks Mai is hot as fuck but claims he wouldn’t date her “cuz bro code” with his new imaginary best friend

- Roy comes by actually asking if he can meet zuko that’s how much jason talks about him it’s so cute

Babs:

- she’d slip in and out of watching while doing research or helping bruce during patrol, so she’d always sit next to you while you refreshed her during the episodes she caught

- she’d think aang was adorable and would try to convince dami to shave his head and get an arrow tattoo cuz he’d be cute

- she’d be the one to bring everyone water and sandwiches from alfie when you’ve all been binging for hours

- everyone needs a babs when they do a 3 season binge in a week, everyone say thank you babs RIGHT NOW hehehe

Dick:

- he’d be the one who got everyone there and he’d love being surrounded by his family

- granted, it was painful at first, giving constant death glares to dami and jason when they tried to get up and trying to get you to reveal plot secrets while you giggle, but in the end he was loving it

- he’d be crying 24/7

- when Mai and Tai Lee attack Azula and give the speech about loving Zuko more than Mai feared Azula he’s be screeching “GO OFF QUEEN YEAH SIS” while everyone tells him to shut up

- he’s a cabbage man stan and I love him for it

- his favorite season was season 2 because he loves toph because she reminds him of his siblings and he likes bumi and is convinced he’ll be a bumi when he’s older even though everyone tells him he’s such an iroh

- Dick would look back fondly on that week, surrounded by family who wasn’t fighting and could each have their own personality highlighted while all being together, he’d forever be thankful you brought up the idea : )

Bruce:

- it was a tough week for bruce, he hadn’t actually been alone on patrol for a long time

- it made it all worth it when he got to tiredly plop onto the couch with his kids

- he wasn’t watching the show he was watching them, the way they were invested in the show but also still took the time to bond even if they didn’t quite know it

- he got the best sleep of his life that week, passed out on the couch while his kids cuddled him, his white noise was Tim screaming at Damian and Steph babbling about Sokka, it was truly perfect. They were his family : )

I hope you enjoyed!!! Love you!

[krastbannert]

My favorite fic of yours

That lovely Bumizumi celebrity prompt you wrote!

2. My favorite chapter in my favorite fic of yours

Chapter one of 'Burn on the Pyre'. The way in which the emotions came across in that chapter was was beautiful!

3. The best character you've written for

Izumi! I love how you write her!

4. The best ship you've written for

Maiko and Bumizumi!

5. A fic I haven't read yet from you, but I want to

Wash These Stones!

6. Something I remember vividly from reading one of your fics

About how Bumi found a girlfriend in that fic. Y'know.

7. What made me the most emotional after reading

The entirety of that fic. Fuck you.

8. What I like the most about your writing

The way in which you write everything so sincerely! Also the emotions and descriptions of what people are thinking!

9. A fic i'm excited for you updating/posting

Not really a fic but the Bumizumi NSFT ask game I sent in lol.

10. A character/ship I didn't enjoy/think about as much before you wrote about them

Smellershot!

11. Something I wish/hope you write

Maybe a little Bumizumi with Taeyeon and Jun drabble??? I'll see myself out- but seriously I like everything you write!

12. A fic of yours that i've re-read

The Bumizumi and Giving Thanks and Other Things!

13. If i've ever shared/talked about your fic to someone else

I cried about your Bumi fic to half the world.

14. A fic I didn't expect to like so much

The Bumi fic. I have it bookmarked.

I...do not even know where to begin. I was not expecting this at all. Umm....I guess we'll do this top to bottom?

That one was a fun prompt to write. Took me way longer than it should have to think of it, but once you started talking about transmasc!Mizuki, it just sorta clicked.

I'm super proud of that fic, even if it only has one chapter right now. The gears are still turning on it, just...incredibly slowly. Like, mind-bogglingly slowly. I want to finish it someday, because there's a hell of a story to tell there, just...don't when that day will come.

I basically shitposted my way through writing Izumi, I'll be honest. I have no idea how I should write her. But I'm glad you like it!

:fingerguns:

Yeah, that's a sad one. If you haven't read 'to that loyal heart, you're forever sixteen', read that one first. 'Wash These Stones' is a sequel to that one, and you don't technically need to read 'to that loyal heart' first, but I think it makes it better.

& 7. Yep. That fic was a gut punch for me, too.

8. It took me a long time to get good at that; I'm glad you like the way I write those. They were always my biggest weakness and suddenly it's like they're my biggest strength.

9. ...oh yeah. I keep forgetting to do that😅

10. No one ever thinks about Longbee even though they're so good. They're adorable and they're perfection and the world needs to see it. Now if only I would actually write for them.

11. Hmm...I'll have to think about that one.

12. Bumizumi, I get, but GTAOT? That one is...wow. I don't even like that fic very much😅. I'm glad you do, though!

13. & 14. As in...the Bumi fic? As in the first one I ever wrote? Like the one you've spent a year and change yelling at me about? ...wow. I'm surprised, to be honest. Grateful that you liked it so much, but surprised, too.

------

Asks came from this list!

[aprettyweirgirl]

Imagine Izumi being super disgusted with toddler Lin eating dirt and Bumi trying to make her even more uncomfy, dares Lin to eat a sand cake, she did eat the whole thing, saying that he should never doubt her, Katara got mad at him, Kya just laughs her ass off, Tenzin thinks that she's going to die and years later Izumi remembers that moment with the realization, oh fuck, that's my wife now .. 😳😂

Izumi: you ate too much dirt as a child...

Lin: you ate too little

Lin: dirt makes you strong

Izumi:

besides of this, Izumi thinks it's kind of adorable, the tough Chief Beifong is not just actually a very soft woman and an amazing wife but also probably adorable child who ate dirt out of fun

and as a bonus, I think we all can agree Izumi has been burning her mouth with hot tea in accident since very little so now she can eat/drink anything hot without burning

[prismaticquartz]

Mfbdngdnsganm my he A R T

LOK x Family portraits

[hebescus]

hmmm,,,,,, matsuda/sayu, drukkari and i know you dont know shit abt this ship but i talk abt them enough- bumi ii/izumi?

matsuda/sayu - idk man i got second hand embarassment everytime i watch/read that scene, it's almost painful. being in sayu's shoes at that moment must be very uncomfortable. like, seriously ohba was that part really necessary? tbh i don't really ship sayu with anyone in dn anyway. they're all too shitty for her /hj

druig/makkari - ah this is good shit. i've never been attached to an mcu ship/couple as much as i am with them. they're fucking adorable? they have the black/red aesthetic, the grumpy + sunshine, the i hate everyone but you, and the sunshine goes batshit when other gets hurt trope. don't expect me to not fall in love. i am desperate to see more of them.

bumi/izumi - oh this one is yours! idk who they are but i've heard them a lot from you, flame. obviously. i think it's cute! i dig the idea, def a rarepair material of you ask me.

ty flame!!!

[tev-the-random]

What it Ursa took her children with her? - Pt.2

As we were saying:

Little over year has passed since the family arrived in Hira’a, and fateful news gets to them: Ozai remarried. His new wife is someone who is honoured to marry the Firelord and doesn’t mind the fact that his head is so deep up his own arse- anyway, and they are expecting a child, who is to be the Firelord’s legitimate heir.

Azula’s hopes and dreams are shattered. At age ten, she is quite literally being replaced in her beloved father’s life. It’s like she’s never even existed, and she can’t help but wonder what she did wrong.

Zuko is also upset, of course. All those years when Ozai told him he was unfit and worthless come flooding back. But somehow, he already expected things to turn out like this. Unlike Azula, he wasn’t so deeply feeding on hopes that things would go back to normal. He sees it more as a situation that was out of everyone’s control.

He convinces Azula it’s not her fault, and these kids will still be trying to understand and defend their father later down the road. There must be a reason for all of this, right? They start thinking of a reasonable scenario…

Ursa just feels sorry for the poor woman who has to deal with Ozai now.

So we get a timeskip: about three years came and went. Zuko and Azula – treated as kids and not as weapons – lead a peaceful and happy life whenever they’re not thinking of their father and everything they could be doing out there.

They have become known local troublemakers in their spare time. Kids know better than to challenge them, people know not to leave flammable goods out in the open – a strict policy regarding fireworks has been established after a chaotic incident – and failure to keep an eye on them this one time led to… well, let’s just say that the town is still unsure of whether or not they’re is being haunted by evil spirits.

They aren’t allowed anywhere near Forgetful Valley, but bold of you to assume they never tried. In-jokes arise.

‘No, I’m serious: that tree’s face looked exactly like yours, Zuzu. You really should befriend it,’ Azula mocks, remembering a particularly ugly tree they encountered in their adventure.

‘Sorry, I wasn’t looking at it. I was busy looking for whoever it was that asked you,’ Zuko retorts. ‘Since Forgetful Valley has all the kinds of crazy stuff.’

‘Maybe we should go back and look for your impulse control, then.’

‘None of you are going back in there,’ Ursa reprehends. ‘It was very irresponsible of you. Forgetful Valley is a dangerous place, you could have gotten hurt!’

‘Your mother is right, you know?’ Noren comments. ‘I’ve been to that jungle before, and it’s definitely not a playground. But I swear…’ He makes a dramatic pause. ‘I once saw Ursa’s sense of humour in there.’

The kids burst out laughing while Ursa sighs. ‘Since you can find such amazing things in the valley, dear, why don’t you go back there and find yourself actual funny jokes? I’m sure my sense of humour will be around the same corner.’

*More laughter*

(IDK, I write crappy comedy, ok?)

They still have a bit of a hard time making friends. I wouldn’t say they are shy, but they definitely have a talent to say the wrong things at the wrong times, and it’s hard to make deep connections. Sure, they would play with other kids from time to time, but in the end, Zuko and Azula are each other’s best friend.

They’ve cleared an area by the beach that any Hira’a resident knows to stay away from when they’re training.

Azula discovered a great passion for theatre. Not only are her acting skills fantastic, she also seems to be naturally aware of what makes a good scene. People say she’s Noren’s Little Assistant.

She hates being called Noren’s Little Assistant. She would much rather be called Ursa’s Little Star, because goddamn is she a good actress and she needs everyone to know that.

Zuko is more of a plant-lover guy. Unfortunately, he hasn’t inherited his grandmother’s green thumb, and despite Ursa’s best efforts to teach him, it seems like everything he touches dies.

He has grown to show a way with animals, however. Any variety of frogs and toads love him; lizards of all kinds are attracted to him like he’s a magnet; furry animals big and small adore him and any type of bird-like creature seems to think he is the best human being in existence. But his favourite animals are still the turtleducks.

Back in the palace, Iroh eventually learns of Ozai’s bullshit and how he got the throne in the first place. And you know what? The time has come for Iroh to draw a line in the sand. He confronts his little brother, who confronts him back by telling him that, should he try to tell anyone in the Fire Nation the truth – that Ozai was a top-grade traitor who actually had no right to the throne –, no one would believe him. Since his brother won’t be sensible, Iroh decides that’s it: he’s fucking out.

Now a fugitive from the Fire Nation, he somehow winds up owning a lovely traveling tea shop called the Jasmin Dragon. Most people don’t even suspect he is the fearful Dragon of the West, because he’s just so nice?

You can bet he serves blends of tea from all across the nations.

The tea shop is also a good cover up for his exchanges with the Order of the White Lotus. He gives and receives information, and does his best to help villages to either defend themselves or evacuate during Fire Nation attacks.

One day a member of the White Lotus travels to Hira’a for one reason or another and finds Zuko and Azula. This person then sends a letter to Iroh.

Iroh comes to Hira’a to visit the family. He’s glad to see they’re ok, even if he can’t stay for too long. But long enough for some Quality Time – these kids have grown so much!

Iroh doesn’t know of Ursa’s part in Azulon’s assassination, and only assumes she knew of Ozai’s plan. But now, it’s time that her children learned a couple of things, and he is willing to teach them, so that when the time arrives for them to meet their destiny, they should be able to choose wisely and face whatever comes their way. So he asks the children to accompany him in his travels.

Ursa doesn’t want to let them go. They’re children, they should be here living a peaceful life, not meeting some grand, dangerous destiny! What if something horrible happened to them?

Iroh understands the pain of losing a child. He doesn’t want to make Ursa spend her time worrying about losing two, so he respects her decision and soon leaves the town.

But the siblings are not about to just sit here when they know they’re destined for something greater. What incredible knowledge did their uncle hold? Did their father have something to do with this? They always knew there was more to their fate than just living in Hira’a for the rest of their lives, and this is their chance; it’s now or never.

Zuko and Azula are about to sneak out and follow Iroh when Noren spots them. But instead of trying to stop them – he is well aware that he can’t – he gives them two masks and some advice about never forgetting who they were.

Why yes, I am saying that they eventually take the masks and become partners in crime, Zuko as the Blue Spirit and Azula as the Red Spirit, because parallels.

They catch up with their uncle and adventures and shenanigans issue as Zuko, Azula and Iroh cross the Earth Kingdom.

Now imagine this trio: two of the most awkward firebending teenagers travelling with their old tea-loving uncle, who spits proverbs like he’s made of them. The possibilities for both hilarious and heart-warming moments are endless.

Iroh thinks himself a matchmaker. Whenever he thinks he sees some romance going on, he encourages his nephew or niece to make a move. His flaming cupid arrows do more damage than good, yet he only has good intentions at heart. Teens all around the kingdom encourage you to stop, sir.

Their new life is even more humbling than in Hira’a, since they are constantly travelling. But they manage, and they know their uncle is nothing but wise… even if Azula is still quite arrogant and manipulative, and Zuko is impatient and hot-headed, which can lead to a lot of conflict.

Iroh teaches them both how to create and redirect lightning. Zuko is better at redirecting than Azula. Creating it, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated, and both of them get their fair share of explosions while learning. Neither of them really gets a hang of it – although Azula is better at it than Zuko, that’s not saying much – for they still have a lot of identity-related turmoil inside them that won’t let them grasp the energy.

Guess who else teaches them? Other members of the White Lotus. Both Zuko and Azula get some swordsmanship Skills™ from Piandao, some different (and somewhat unwillingly taught) firebending technics from Jeong-Jeong and a lot of things from Bumi, including but not limited to: creative thinking, the art of patience, strategic planning, dealing with pirates and a surprising amount of rocks-related knowledge.

Bumi adopted Zuko and Azula and gave himself the role of Second Uncle. You cannot convince me otherwise.

So one day, little over a year after the siblings joined Iroh, they wind up in a city where this big circus is performing. Uncle Iroh decides to take his niece and nephew to see it. And oh, aren’t they surprised by who they see performing?

Even though Ty Lee was essentially the only one between her sisters to befriend Azula – and consequentially, the only one to periodically spend time in the palace with her –, Zuko and Iroh still have a hard time distinguishing her from the six other girls who look exactly like her, uncertainly calling her all different names before Azula snaps ‘you idiots, that’s Ty Lee!’.

The acrobat is so glad to see her friend again, because damn: it’s been nearly four years since they last saw or even heard from each other! And Zuko, I thought you were dead? This is such a neat reunion, there’s so much for them to talk about! And sure, the circus has to leave soon and so do the siblings, but Ty Lee reassures them that, if they ever needed her, she wasn’t hard to find. This isn’t the last we’ll see of Ty Lee.

Azula doesn’t let it show, but she resents Ty Lee a little bit for choosing to abandon her noble life. She really wishes she could have had a choice.

Uncle Iroh tells the siblings stories about the war that would have some day mesmerized them. But now, his opinions about those events and what he did as a prince general have changed; that, along with what the family sees in their journey – all the horrors brought to innocent people – gives Zuko and Azula a new perspective on what they used to think was a greater good. It will still take a while for Azula to understand that no, these people are no lesser than her and for Zuko to understand why any of that matters.

Iroh eventually tells them the truth about Azulon’s death. Or at least, what he knows of it: their father killed Azulon, banished them, took the throne by force and planned to gain more power at the expense of everyone. This is a lot to take in, and the siblings don’t quite believe it.

After four years thinking about it, Zuko and Azula decided to take their mother’s early words – they went to Hira’a to be safe – and formulate what for them was a reasonable scenario. They believe that Ozai never actually wanted any of this to happen. The whole family had to have been in danger, be it due to some political, social or personal threat, and Ozai wanted to take it all by himself to protect them. So he sent his wife and children away, concocted a plan with Azulon to cover for them and, once Azulon died and left him the throne, remarried to keep appearances. To Zuko and Azula, this makes perfect sense. And they thoroughly convince themselves of that.

They initiate an argument, thinking that Iroh is jealous of Ozai.

Their uncle sees these children are starting to stray from their path, but he knows this is a necessary journey for them. They will never be able to deal with reality unless they face it.

The siblings leave Iroh, planning to head straight to the Fire Nation capital and find out what really happened. Maybe now that they are older, it would be a perfect time to come back home; they surely could defend themselves from any threats.

Of course, they’ll be very disappointed to know that Ozai was just a bitch and never actually cared for any of them.

I don’t have a full formed idea about how their reencounter with their father would go down, but I say Ozai would officially banish both his children from the Fire Nation for trying to cause a commotion – which could easily be perceived as a threat. Not only that, but Zuko and Azula are the children of a traitor; cue for Ozai revealing what happened that night four years ago, confirming that he was the one to kill Azulon with Ursa’s help.

I also think that, after that day, the Firelord would have discreetly helped spread rumours about Ursa that would drag her name through the mud in the Capital – was she cheating on Ozai? Was she selling Fire Nation information to the Earth Kingdom? Was she planning a coup against the Firelord? Her crimes change from mouth to mouth. In the end, no one would take Zuko or Azula back unless Ozai wanted it. But he doesn’t. Not now, at least…

But Ozai also decides to play with his options: he plants a seed of doubt in his children’s minds; should they prove themselves useful later on, it would only take pulling a few strings for them to come crawling back to him. So he tells them that they needed to prove themselves for everyone to see that they weren’t traitors like their mother. They needed to prove their worth so that he could accept them.

Ozai goes a step further with Azula and tells her that, before his demise, Firelord Azulon had a plan. A plan to bring her back and put her in the leading, prestigious role she was always meant to get. But they needed to wait for the right time. There is a right time, Princess Azula. Your hopes were right all along, they will come for you eventually if you prove yourself.

The siblings have a lot to think about while they’re leaving the Fire Nation. They idolized Ozai so much all these years. But the undeniable truth came crashing down on their heads, spoken by the man himself. What would they do now? They didn’t think it possible, but their harsh actions made things so much worse: they couldn’t come back to their mother, they didn’t have many hopes of running into Iroh again, they can’t even set foot in their homeland anymore; Zuko and Azula are all on their own.

Maybe it’s time to turn a new leaf. It starts with them being fairly neutral, not completely loyal to either the Fire Nation or to the rest of the world. During this period, they would argue a lot about what to do or where to go next, getting separated and going their own ways before destiny makes them stick together again, over and over.

They manage to get a few deals and own a few favours here and there, become known thieves as the Spirits, and maybe meet up with Ty Lee’s circus every now and again. Life is hard.

But there is one thing that is about to be a beacon in their darkness…

Time to catch up to the show. Oh, you thought I wouldn’t go there?

Part 3 coming right up!

(I know I said this would be a two-parter, but it got ridiculously long, so I split it again. Three-parter now.)

[torterragarden]

Aang

Okay so I reblogged two different “send me a character” things today so I have to guess o which one you want lol but I’m going with the first one so

How I feel about this character: Adorable! Precious! My son! I think he’s a lot more interesting than he’s usually given credit for, he has a really unique arc for a protagonist, especially an all-powerful chosen one type of protagonist, and I think he’s really important rep for young boys too. Like, that he can be strong and brave and still have a lot of “feminine” characteristics but that’s never made into a dumb joke, Aang just is who he is idk it’s good. Also much as we all like to make fun of heroes not killing their villains because of weak “it would make me just as bad” reasoning I will always defend Aang from such jokes/criticisms because Aang is like, the best example of that trope being done right because it’s not about Aang being “just as bad” it’s about Aang wanting to preserve the beliefs and values of the people he lost to fucking genocide and if you can’t appreciate how beautiful and powerful that is then you’re WRONG anyway stan Aang

All the people I ship romantically with this character: I never got super into shipping in ATLA but like, I think the canon ships are cute and I like them so I guess I ship Kataang, and the way people keep disrespecting Kataang (and also Aang and Katara as individuals in the process), it’s made me pretty defensive of the ship lmao

My non-romantic OTP for this character: All of the gaang! So many good friendships!

My unpopular opinion about this character: He’s a good and interesting and well-written character and he gets way too much slander from this undeserving fandom. If you hate Aang you’re embarrassing and I hope you get well soon

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon. All right look. Look. That whole idea of Aang favoring Tenzin to the point that some people don’t even know Kya and Bumi exist? That’s bullshit. Aang would never and Katara would never let him. Aang brought Bumi and Kya to the air temples along with Tenzin regardless of their bending abilities and that’s that on that

[carnistcervine]

Twin Avatars AU

Randomish AU idea I’ve been thinking about for a while. Then this morning I just figured, fuck it, wynaut? ;D

~x~

*Instead of one Avatar, there's two. And the Avatar Spirit is a set of twin spirits.

*A light spirit named Chiaro, and a dark spirit named Scuro. The Light Avatar has Chiaro and the Dark Avatar has Scuro.

*Yes, their names are based on Chiaroscuro. It refers to the contrast of light and dark values, so I thought it would be fitting. c: Plus it's like my favorite painting style/technique!

*No, Chiaro and Scuro are not like Raava and Vaatu where one is good and one is evil. The dark and light spirit's dynamic is more like this: Chiaro is extremely stubborn, but level headed and clear minded, and Scuro is mad, but open-minded and a creative thinker. The best comparison I can think of off the top of my head is Chiaro is more like Pakku, and Scuro is more like Bumi.

*The cycle of the Light Avatar is the traditional water, earth, fire, air. The cycle for the Dark Avatar runs in reverse, air, fire, earth, water.

*The two avatars can always recognize the current or previous incarnations of the other.

*Also, seeing as Chiaro and Scuro are twins, the Light and Dark Avatars are basically platonic soul-mates. Their friendship has transcended thousands of lifetimes. It goes back all the way to the first two Avatars, Wan and Chiro. (I consider LoK and ATLA to be different canons, but Wan is cute so he can stay.)

*Aang is the Light Avatar, and Yume(OC doughnut steel) is the Dark Avatar.

*Aang is a twelve year old airbender and Yume is a sixteen year old firebender.

*While Aang was born to pure-blooded airbenders, Yume is a half-breed who was born in the Northern Water Tribe.

*In fact, she was recognized as the Dark Avatar when she wandered up to Light Avatar Roku as a two year old. She had gotten separated from her Mom, and recognized him. He recognized her as the re-incarnation of Mina(the previous airbending Dark Avatar) immediately. Side note: Now I wanna draw Roku playing with tiny Yume. So cute! <3

*Funny thing about the twin spirits, Chiaro re-incarnates as pure-blooded benders, and usually into families of note. While Scuro tends to re-incarnate into unexpected places and into half-breed bodies. It's completely like Scuro to re-incarnate as a swampbender, or a half-breed, or even pureblooded bender born into a non-native nation.

*Scuro is just tricky like that.

*Naturally, after Roku passes, Yume and Aang eventually meet and become fast friends. Neither realize that the other is an avatar at the time, but feel a strange connection.

*Much how like Aang has Appa, and Roku had Fang, Yume has a dragon named Draco. Yume met Draco when he was still an egg, and he and Aang are two of the only friends that Yume had.

*When Yume turns five, she starts to show serious firebending talent and is sent to the Fire Nation to master firebending. She ends up living with the Fire Sages(who take her in as they sense doom looming in the horizon and wish to protect the young avatar.) The Fire Sages do not tell her she is the Avatar until her sixteenth birthday.

*The sages fears are realized when Yume is spirited away soon after turning sixteen.

*When Aang froze himself, the spirits dragged Yume into the void between the spirit and mortal realm. Mercifully, they drag Draco into the void too.

*In the void, the previous Dark Avatars taught Yume the other elements and helped her become a fully realized Dark Avatar.

Side note- I actually can’t decide between Yume being a fully realized avatar, and being an ava-noob like Aang. Because I could have her with Aang bumbling around, learning how to properly utilize an ancient, powerful spirit and being adorable as two besties learn the elements together. Or I can have her contrast with Aang who is untrained but more emotionally stable. And also, she would absolutely feel completely responsible for him and feel like a complete failure when a certain terrible thing happens.

*In the void, time does not exist, so Yume doesn't age. Physically or mentally. No, she just becomes lonelier and more eccentric.

*When Aang breaks out of the iceberg, Yume is released from the void. Resulting in Yume and Draco crashing right into a sleeping Appa.

*Appa's a little salty about having his nap disturbed but is happy to see Draco.

*Yume is extatic to see Aang, and Aang is also quite excited to see Yume.

*It's only in that moment that Aang and Yume realize that the other is an avatar.

*Even though Yume knows that Aang is the Light Avatar, she doesn't reveal his secret. She opts to let him come clean on his own terms.

*At first Katara and Sokka(mostly Sokka) are suspicious of Yume. Seeing as she's wearing Fire Nation clothes(and is technically half-Fire). However they don't know that she's a half-breed and assume she's just Fire Nation.

*Yume is surprised by the amount of hostility she gets over being Fire Nation.

*"Look, I know there's something off about Sozin, but we're not all like that." "...What do you mean he died decades ago??"

*Both Aang and Yume have a hard time wrapping their heads around the fact that a century had passed.

*Katara is quicker to warm up to Yume, because she doesn't act like the fire-bugs that raided her village. Yume's actually quite nice, if a little strange. Also, she's the Dark Avatar, a force a balance and bringer of hope to the world.

*Despite Yume's strangeness, Sokka can't help but warm up to her as well.

*Both Aang and Yume convince Katara to go into the abandoned Fire Nation ship, and trigger boobie traps. Yume takes full responsibility(even though it was Aang's idea), and is kicked out. Aang decides to go with her, because he feels bad about getting her kicked out.

*While away, Aang and Yume have a heart to heart about why Aang lied about being the Avatar.

*When Zuko comes, both Aang and Yume come to the villages rescue. When they ask why she came back, Yume just says that it's her duty to protect the innocent.

*Because Yume is technically 116, she uses outdated Fire Nation slang. It pisses Zuko off to no end, and she enjoys every second of it. In fact, when she first sees him, she greets him with "Flameo, hotman!" and he gets really fuckin mad. :'D

*Zuko is about to take on a fully realized Avatar, and Yume thinks that so adorable. The difference in power between the two is so great, that Yume can hardly take him seriously.

*Even though Yume knows she can take this pissy Prince and his little squad, she doesn't argue when Aang opts to surrender.

*Of course she and Aang escape easily.

*The first time Yume sees Aang go into the avatar state, she freezes up. Something in her twists painfully at the sight of him in such distress.

*Even though Yume is a fully realized Avatar, she cannot defeat the Fire Lord alone. She needs Aang. And Aang is still untrained.

*Yume is horrified and disgusted by what the Fire Nation has become. And despite being the Dark Avatar, is often given the side-eye by the very people she and the rest of the Gaang try to help.

*Yume helps supplement Aang's training, but even she realizes that he needs to learn from real masters.

*When shit goes down at Wan Shi Tong's library, both Appa and Draco are stolen. Yume is completely devastated, but pretends like it isn't affecting her.

*She drinks cactus juice along with Sokka! :'D Although, she actually knew what it would do to her.

*Even though Yume puts on a brave front, Katara can sense just how much loosing Draco is hurting her. But unlike Aang, Yume refuses to open up and show her true feelings.

*At least until Draco comes back and she sobs into his fluffy dragon mane.

*When Aang gets shot down in Ba Sing Se, it wasn't just Yume watching her childhood friend die. It was thousands of lifetimes watching their platonic soul-mate die right in front of them, it was Scuro watching their twin perish right before their eyes.

*Yume was consumed by a blinding, inescapable rage. For the first time, a fully realized Avatar completely lost control. Yume completely leveled Ba Sing Se before Draco was able to calm her down. She only barely escaped.

*In that night, the world lost both it's Avatars once again.

*Aang felt like he failed the world, and Yume was too afraid of loosing control again.

*When the time came to face Ozai on the day of the comet, Aang went to the lion-turtle alone. Yume doesn't know where he went and is afraid that she'll have to face Ozai alone. That she'll lose control again.

*She goes with Sokka, Suki, and Toph to stop the warships and face Ozai.

*When she and Aang face off against the Fire Lord, she holds back and is shot down. When she comes too, she sees what she thinks is Ozai finishing off Aang(when his fire breaks through Aang's protective earth sphere and he slams against that rock). And immediately goes full on avatar state, but Aang is fine, and now also in the avatar state.

*The two of them completely curbstomp Ozai.

*Yume is about to deliver the final blow, when Aang comes out of the avatar state and stops her. She yields, and restrains Ozai instead. Aang then does his thing and takes Ozai's bending away.

*When the war is over, and it's time to have meetings to make peace, Yume is a terrible diplomat.

*She keeps putting her feet up on the table, pretending to fall asleep during meetings(while making an obnoxious snoring sound), and is actively hostile towards most of the old, stubborn generals and government officials that refuse to make the diplomacy process easy.

*There is even one incident where one Earth Kingdom general is giving Fire Lord Zuko shit about not just letting him kick people out of the Fire Nation colonies. Zuko argues that it's not fair to just kick people out of the only home they've known and make them homeless. The general isn't empathetic. Yume is visibly annoyed, and openly glaring at the man.

*"Is there something you have to say to me, Avatar?"

*"Yeah. You're a bitch."

*Zuko is horrified, Toph is laughing. Aang is struggling to remain composed.

*"Excuse me??"

*"Oh, I'm sorry. Let me rephrase that. You're a cunt."

*"I don't have to take this. If you do not expel your people from my land, there will be consequences."

*"Are you trying to start another war?"

*"I'll do what I have to."

*"You better not, I know where you live."

*The room goes silent.

*"Are you threatening me?"

*"It's not a threat, it's a promise~" ;)

[theotherace]

Hi Der! I saw the art you made for Bumi (adorable, btw) and I was curious about the change to his story.

Since he's born without his arm, how does that affect Aang and Toph (if at all) since he's their first baby? Do they (or Katara) know he's going to be born without it? What things about his story/personality change since he's born without his arm instead of losing it?

Hey, Stitch!

Nobody knows Bumi's going to be born with a limb difference. They know when they see him, and then it's like: "Well, this isn't quite the disability we were prepared for ...", because obviously they've talked about the possibility of the kid being blind. They'd be worried until someone (Katara) checks him out, about him maybe being in pain, about something being wrong, but once it's clear he's fine (just ... missing a hand), the worry would ease a bit.

Aang is painfully careful with the baby, anyway. I had him be a terribly worried, nervous new dad before deciding on this change in backstory, so that doesn't change too much. And Toph would go: "Is this because of his arm?", and he would go: "It's because he's fucking tiny. He's all floppy and new and breakable. Frankly, I'm glad I have a hand less to worry about, because he keeps sticking things in his mouth with the other one, and what if he chokes and and and-" So for him, adjusting to the baby goes about the same.

Toph is ... a little different? She's also a very nervous new parent, though a bit less headless than Aang is in the early days (man doesn't sleep), but she was worried about things going wrong throughout the whole pregnancy, and ... well, things turned out alright. Bumi's a happy baby, he doesn't fuss much, he's easily soothed, but he also has a disability that will affect his life. The same way she does. Except not at all, because it isn't the same, and she wasn't prepared for this. And what if it's her fault, what if she could've done something differently, handled herself differently, ate different food, would he have been abled, then? Would she want him to be? She remembers her mother putting a similar blame on herself, though, before she falls to deep into those thoughts. And she remembers that it was useless blame, and that it made her feel bad, because there was nothing about her that could be changed, and it often felt like her parents wanted to change a lot about her. She doesn't want to change her kid; he's perfect the way he is. And she never wants him to feel bad about himself for something he can't change, for something that's just ... him. Doesn't make the thoughts go away, but does stop her from letting them take control, and helps to work through them.

They're a bit closer, I think, in this version. Toph and Bumi, I mean. He's always been close to both his parents, but him and Aang share a lot of philosophies and a similar outlook on life, so that makes them close. Toph didn't face the exact challenges he did, but she still understands certain things better than Aang does now.

Personality-wise, I don't think too much about him changes. He's still Bumi, open-minded, easy-going but responsible, quick to make friends and a terrific older brother. He learns a little sooner that kids can be dicks. He learns a little sooner not too care to much about opinions nobody asked for, even if they do sting and he does need an extra hug sometimes, and that he doesn't owe anyone an explanation for anything. He has less trouble with his prosthetic when he gets it, even if he doesn't like it too much until he figures out how to bend it. He's in less pain as he gets older, because he doesn't have a giant scar. (Though I might still give him some scars.) He doesn't have to re-learn and re-adjust, there's no trauma involved, he doesn't lose anything this time around. Takes a lot of angst out of his late teens, honestly. Puts a little bit of it into his early years, but nothing so overwhelming.

So yeah. Less drama in his life story right now, but I'm sure I'll come up with more at some point in the future.

In the grand scheme of things, this changes very little, honestly. He still grows up to be himself, a traveller, a kind man, he still marries the same woman and ends up being a kind-of prince. The change is in the small things (that might eventually become big things), and those, I haven't thought all the way through yet. I've got nothing but time, though, so we'll see.

Thank you very much for the ask, because these are things I need to consider, anyway, if I ever do get back to wrting the most important mark. Might still take a while, though, lol, because I'm just ... always tired right now. Once that changes, I'm back to my favourite stupid, little story.

[pyxyystyxx]

ATLA Highlights

Okay so things I really feel are underappreciated in ATLA are as follows: 

{[(This is a long post so read under the cut)]}

Season One

-When Sokka implies that being an optimist makes you a liar (as a cynic/realist I found this hilarious)

-When Sokka gets his ass handed to him by the Kyoshi warriors and is super sexist but then realizes he’s wrong and apologizes all in one episode (that's growth and we love to see it)

-Zuko breaking into a fortress undetected (sneaking back out not so much but kudos for trying lol)

-Katara being a thief (seriously though stealing from pirates is cool)

-Katara fighting Master Pakku  (seriously he’s a master and she’s been bending for how long? like two weeks? fucking amazing)

-Zuko diving in after the turtle seals because obviously they have to come up for air somewhere (but dude, how long can they hold their breath for? you’re working under the assumption that you can hold your breath as long as they can? in freezing cold water? in something that doesn’t help keep out the water or the cold? while moving? he, in this moment establishes that he is a bad ass (and persistent) motherfucker)

-Zuko dragging all of Aang’s dead weight a couple of miles through a blizzard (presumably while still soaking wet from his trip through ice cold fucker water)

-Zhao being killed by a vindictive La is everything honestly (why Zuko tried to save him is beyond me (I suppose that this established that he is a compassionate person despite his intentions and words))

Season Two

-The hippie nomads were funny (and very irritating)

-King Bumi (everything about him)

-Toph (enough said)

-The entire Zuko Alone episode (my poor angry baby)

-Foo Foo Cuddlypoops

-Wan Shi Tong’s library is what I imagine The Library of Alexandria to look like in this world

-Sokka continues to impress with his strategist mentality in The Drill

-The City of Walls and Secrets is a horrifying episode that I somehow manage to forget every time and very much regret rediscovering

-The entire Tales of Ba Sing Se episode

-Katara and Toph having a spa day is so wholesome (and the fact that they put those snobby noble girls in their place is just an added bonus)

-Iroh coaching those boys on how to face consequences like an upstanding citizen (and how to run away from the consequences when the consequence can crush you like a soda can) | Iroh teaching the would-be-robber how to properly mug someone is hilarious (also good on him for wanting to pursue a career as a masseur | Iroh being knowledgeable on flowers and spreading that knowledge to others, and singing to the fussy baby is sweet | Lu Ten’s birthday segment always make me cry (and if you tell me you don’t cry at that scene I will call you a liar, don’t at me)

-Sokka being surprisingly good at Haiku poems (yay for bonus character depth)

-Aang letting wild animals loose in the city is fucking hilarious (the fact that all the domestic animals ended up in his makeshift zoo just adds to that)

-Zuko’s (valid if not somewhat awful) attempt at dating (Iroh why did you do that to his hair, why?!)

-Momo bonding with the pygmy pumas after freeing them is so wholesome (and the pygmy pumas leading Momo to Appa’s footprint was amazing too)

-Zuko freeing Appa

-(yay for the Earth King finding a spine)

-(of all the godforsaken food combinations why banana and onion juice, that sounds like a pregnancy craving if I ever heard one)

-The catacomb scene with Katara and Zuko (was the beginning of my descent into shipper hell)

-You were this 👌 close Zuko, why did you do that? (what happened to Azula always lies)

Season Three

-Aang going to school like a normal twelve year old (why would you make up words to an anthem you don’t know? instead of just not talking which is far less noticeable that getting it wrong? (also getting into fights on your second day is bad Aang (but Katara and Sokka pretending to be his parents is funny, I wonder if it was awkward for them? I imagine it was)))

-Katara continuing to be a bad ass motherfucker in The Painted Lady

-Sokka in Sokka’s Master was monumental for Sokka’s character growth, I really don’t feel the need to add anything to it, the episode speaks for itself

-The Beach is (for me at least) the cringiest fucking episode like jfc how did this get past everyone (the writers had to get this past editing, producers, directors, animation department, and the sound department, and for some reason no one saw anything wrong with any of it (”I don’t hate you”, “I don’t hate you too” and then they kiss, like for fuck’s sake man how?!))

-(also Zuko, jealousy is an ugly look on everyone, you’re not exempt from that)

-(sparky sparky boom man, really Sokka, that’s what you’re going with?)

-The Puppetmaster was another horrifying episode (cool but horrifying, like thanks I hate it)

-(I’m going to reiterate the point that all of us having been making for years... why the fuck are the adults letting children fight their battles? who does that? like ‘oh I’m fourteen and ready to fight in a war that I am wholly unprepared for’ like I don’t fucking think so, go sit your ass down in a corner somewhere and color or something)

-(Aang kissing people when you think you might die is cliche)

-(Zuko breaking up with someone in a letter is the modern equivalent of breaking up over text (which is a shitty thing to do))

-Toph inventing metal bending is the most bad ass thing I’ve ever seen

-(hooray Zuko, for standing up for yourself to your father though, I’m proud of you)

-(Iroh breaking out of a max security prison is fucking bad ass)

-Zuko making that speech to the frog was priceless honestly (he’s so awkward it’s adorable)

-Toph being the only pragmatic person in the group

-(”why am I so bad at being good?!”)

-(pettiness isn’t a good look on anyone Katara (says the pettiest person on the planet))

-The Firebending Masters was a very cool (du du tssss) episode (like visually speaking)

-(you should probably plan things out a little more than that Sokka)

-Sokka and Zuko being awkward turtle ducklings

-(that scene with Zuko in the cooler, when he looks up and exhales fire and smirks? I was dead, big sexy)

-Suki being a bad ass motherfucker

-(Shout out to Mai and Ty Lee for standing up to Azula, but being imprisoned doesn’t sound fun)

-The Southern Raiders episode (my shipper heart melts a little every time I watch it)

-The Ember Island Players (*side eye* *cringe* yikes)

-(Aang, kissing people when they don't give you explicit permission or when they say they're confused is... wait for it... shitty (I'm gonna be nice and not call it r@pist behavior even though I could))

-Everyone (except for Aang) being realistic about what it is they’re doing (or about to be doing rather)

-(glue bending? really Aang? also thanks for fucking off to nowhere in the middle of a war Aang, that’s super helpful)

-June and her shirshu Nyla are fucking amazing (also June, among a few others, should have tipped me off to the fact that I wasn’t straight, but small me was super oblivious)

-The Order of the White Lotus (enough said)

-(time for you to grow the fuck up Aang, even your past lives agree)

-Iroh and Zuko’s tearful reunion is so heartwarming

-Lion Turtles are fucking amazing and I want like eight of them

-Azula’s descent into madness is both revealing and sad

-Sokka, Suki, and Toph on the airship is amazing (airship slice!)

-The Agni Kai between Azula and Zuko is one of the greatest fucking scenes in cinematographic history, the graphics are truly awe inspiring (no I will not be taking any criticism at this time nor is this open to debate)

-The scene on the airship with Sokka and Toph is honestly so gut wrenching | like when they fall and Sokka breaks his leg and he catches Toph with one arm while on his back looks so painful | and when he throws his boomerang and sword but then more fire benders come rushing out and Toph starts slipping and they’re both crying (like goddamn it would be less painful to just rip my heart out and stomp on it)

-Aang in the avatar state is (visually speaking) really awesome

-When Zuko dives in front of the lightning to save Katara (him shouting no like that kills me) | The fact that Katara immediately tries to rush to Zuko (even though Azula was standing right there also kills me)

-Katara defeating Azula (who is at her most powerful, along with every other fire bender) proves that she truly is a master and in a league all her own

-Azula after her defeat was heart wrenching to watch (what did Ozai do to you Azula?)

-(Katara crying over Zuko as she heals him)

-Aang defeating Ozai by taking his bending away is amazing (seriously, spirit bending is cool)

Honorable Mentions:

-Aang and his dedication to mastering earth bending and also him learning spirit bending

-Katara learning to stand up for what she believes is right | Katara learning to forgive (those who deserve it) | Katara mastering her element in less than a year | Katara being a beacon of hope to everyone around her | Katara allowing herself to be human and make mistakes

-(Katara and character growth)

-Sokka unlearning his misogynistic bullshit | Sokka becoming a humble and thoughtful young man, but never losing his sense of humor | Sokka learning to apologize and forgive

-(Sokka and character growth)

-Toph inventing metal bending (it’s worth mentioning twice) | Toph learning when to apologize | Toph learning it’s okay to be vulnerable

-(Toph and character growth)

-Zuko learning to stand up for himself (to his father and Azula) | Zuko unlearning his biases | Zuko learning to own up to misdeeds and apologize | Zuko learning to forgive (himself) | Zuko learning to accept help from others | Zuko learning it’s okay to be vulnerable | Zuko learning how to love people again (starting with his uncle and the small group of kids he helped end the war with)

-(Zuko and character growth across the whole fucking board)

-(Mai and Ty Lee for learning to stand up to Azula, and for what they believe in)

-(Ty Lee joining the Kyoshi Warriors)

Dishonorable Mentions: 

-Azula for being a monster (even if I really (heavily) blame Ozai)

-Ozai for being the shittiest dad in the whole world (though admittedly his father was worse for wanting him kill his own son (then again the fact that he was absolutely and without hesitation willing to do so makes him even worse so never mind))

-(Zuko what on earth made you pick Mai as someone you wanted to date? who told you that was a good idea? cause they lied)

-Aang, when someone says they’re confused that is not the time to kiss them, I don’t care that he’s only twelve that is a shitty move (and you’re not allowed to be upset when you’re rejected either (that makes you even shittier))

-Also Aang had absolutely no character growth or development whatsoever in this series (don’t at me, I love Aang, but he didn’t grow as a person, like at all) | Aang on a consistent basis runs away from things that are difficult or that upset him | Aang thinks he’s entitled to people (no, just because you’re the avatar doesn’t mean anyone owes you their affection, attention, or their time) | Aang never learned how to face his demons head on (him learning spirit bending was just a cop out so Aang could stay this “perfect and pure child” with all his innocence and naiveté in tact), but that’s not how the real world works (sometimes you have to do hard things that you don’t like or agree with, life isn’t always fair.)

TL;DR

Avatar: The Last Airbender was a staple of my childhood that I love dearly. And though there are faults (personally for me they were faults, this won’t be the case for everyone obviously), it was a key foundation of my sense of self, like I’m sure it was for so many others.

[briefly-perfect-world]

EPISODE 5

Omashu looks so pretty

Leave the man and his cabbages alone you asshats

THE LEMUR IS IN THE HAIR FROM APPA FHSKSGAKDH I LOVE IT

Bumi looks like kirishima from boku no hero academia a little bit

Do something use your air bending

Ah yes let's go faster

The lemur just pushing a cat was a mood

Fucking stellar joke about kangaroo island and no one laughs

This man is fucking puny I love him

Who has a key for they're lunch box??? Also why did this old man creat a dnd ish scenarios for his challenges?

Flopsy your ears are bigger then my will to live, your body is too but that's besides the point.

Old man's fucking buff wtffffffff

He's also bonkers but meh

Aang got bitch slapped by some rocks

It's over aang, I have the entire fucking door in the air and I'm meeting it to you

Fuck what is the old man's name, have the actually said anything about it

HOLY FUCK ITS BUMI, HES OLD I ADORE HIM BABY BOIIIII

BUMIIIIIIIIII GOING IN THE SLIDE AGAIN YEEEEEHAAAW

First time watching the avatar, I'm excited and I'm going to live blog the entire thing, obviously not in one day it's going to be a long ride.