#like yes i want to get to azula arriving but.

[galaxythreads]

i'm a meticulous planner and i didn't plan Scar Tissue at all and have just let the vibes take me to my heart's desire, so I'm sitting here banging my head against the same 3k over and over because I have no idea where I'm going and this a reminder kids, that if you don't have anything you want to get to, that's WHY you end up abandoning stories.

[zukosdualdao]

to leave the sun behind

summary: the gaang is about to leave the sun warrior civilization after aang spends a few weeks learning there. katara has a goodbye to make. she really doesn't want it to be goodbye.

other notes: didn't come up in the fic itself but this is an au in which ozai never gave the stipulation that zuko could be un-banished if he captured the avatar, which is why he did not do All That. instead, iroh took him to the sun warriors. also, yes there is a work study joke in here. if atla can make jokes about not qualifying for vacation time then i can do this also! (i think i am much funnier than i am.)

It's their final night staying at the ruins of the Sun Warriors—not so ruined, as it turns out. They had planned to stay for longer, and Katara still thinks maybe they should—Aang has been training every day, with the warriors and with the dragons, but there's still so much more he could learn. With the comet still months away, though, Sokka had finally pointed out that there were people searching for them, and if they didn't want this secret, ancient civilization to be destroyed for real as Azula and company pursue the Avatar, then it’s time for them to leave.

There's a banquet being held in honor of their departure tonight. They pull out a large table of stone and set with golden and orange gems, and the rice and kimodo chicken is piled high atop it.

It's genuinely a lovely evening—she smiles as she watches Sokka and Aang try their best to pretend the spices aren't getting to them, and as Toph answers questions about badgermoles from Iroh—but Katara can't help but notice someone missing and ducks out a little early, making an excuse out of an imaginary headache.

Really, though, Katara is making her way to a familiar room of stone, preparing to say a final goodbye to the Sun Warriors' apprentice.

When she and the others first arrived, it was him that found them stranded after Aang first set off a floor of spikes and looked back at the rest of their group with alarm.

The apprentice had looked at them with an unimpressed, quirked brow but didn't seem otherwise perturbed, reversing the trap and leading them to the warriors and to his uncle. From there, Aang had been judged worthy to study under the dragons and the warriors themselves.

Zuko trains with them, too, every day, diligent. All these weeks, he'd barely said three words in front of the others, but the second night, unable to sleep, Katara had stumbled across him late in the evening, practicing on his own. When he'd spotted Katara, she had reeled back at first—he seemed like too much of a loner to want company—but he'd raised his brow again, like a challenge. They'd spent the evening sparring with their respective elements, water meeting fire blow for blow, the blood in her veins soaring as they did.

After, they'd spoken until the sun was nearly risen. She'd regaled him with the stories of her travels, and he was mostly quiet, still, but when she asked questions, he answered.

Yes, he and his uncle used to be royalty, and his father was the Fire Lord as the Warriors said. No, he didn't leave home because he wanted to; he was banished. No, he no longer wanted to go back. No, he didn't want to talk about it. Yes, he'd been training with the Warriors for years.

Katara didn't ask about the scar, but her thumb ran gentle circles over it when she first kissed him.

Things have gone on like that for a handful of weeks they've been here, sparring and learning new moves from each other, talking, and kissing, sneaking away moments in the dead of night or when the others are distracted.

And now...

"I'm going to miss you," she sighs against his lips after he lets her in. His eyelashes flutter open.

"Don't say that," Zuko says wryly. "You'll give me the wrong idea." He leans back down.

"Maybe it isn't so wrong," Katara says, a little breathless as he kisses down her neck. "You could come with us, you know." She pauses. Wait. That's brilliant. Then, Aang could keep learning, and it wouldn't feel like half her soul was being torn in half as she left. (How did things happen this quickly? How does it feel like she aches wherever and whenever he's not touching her?) "You should come with us!"

Zuko freezes, looking into her eyes searchingly.

"What? Why?"

"I'm serious," Katara insists, placing her hands against his chest. Maybe he doesn't want that. "Aang's learned a lot while he's been here, training with you and the other sun warriors," she adds, feeling a little pathetic even as she hopes the argument convinces him. Zuko now looks unsure and rigid.

"I'm not a teacher," Zuko insists, his voice sounding sort of hollow. "I'm not even officially a Sun Warrior yet."

"Oh, you are in everything but name; all the elders say it," she points out. "You're just not old enough yet. You'll be of age soon, and then you will be." Katara purses her lips as he takes in her words. "Maybe this will help. You know. Hands-on experience. Like a work-study?"

Zuko laughs, some of the tension bleeding out of his gaze as he does. The sound of it is light and breathy and lovely. Katara likes that she can make him laugh. She's only ever seen his uncle accomplish it, otherwise.

"You can teach Aang," Katara promises. "You're better than you know."

His eyes don't quite meet hers, but they haven't let go of each other's embrace. "Don't say things you don't mean."

"Zuko?" She uses her fingertips to tilt his chin up, though he still avoids her gaze. "I mean it."

His eyes swim with an emotion she can't name. Katara waits for his answer, hopefully seeming more patient and less desperate than she feels.

"I'll come," Zuko says finally, the words wrapping around her like a promise. "I'll teach the Avatar. If that's... if that's what you want."

She sighs. Oh. He thinks that's all she wants. That's easily solved, then.

Katara leans her forehead against his. Time dwindles down. It is just them in here. "I want you with me," she admits as his hands tighten ever so slightly against her waist. "That's what I want."

Zuko captures her mouth in a long, gentle kiss before pressing their foreheads together again.

"I'll go wherever you are."

[newtthetranswriter]

Hi, I saw that your ATLA requests are open again! Could I get a Zuko x f/reader, where they were childhood best friends until he was banished? The reader joined the avatar after running away and now they meet again for the first time? And they kinda hate each other and fight but at the same time avoid hurting each other? Thanks!!

Word Count: 1388

Paring: Zuko x reader

Warnings: Canon typical violence, probably ooc zuko (it’s my first time writing for him)

A/n: I’m so sorry it took so long for me to finish this. I kept trying and had to rewrite it multiple times cause I wasn’t happy with how it was turning out, but I think it’s good now. I hope you enjoy and remember to hydrate or diedrate.

A/n2: I just wanted to add that I changed the timeline slightly. Zuko was still banished at 13 but instead of Aang being found when Zuko is 16, he’s found when Zuko is 18.  Also, yes I know they run into Zuko after the fortune teller episode but it was just the best spot I could work reader into joining the Team.

    Being the daughter of Ozai’s closest advisor gave some pretty great perks, like growing up alongside Prince Zuko. Zuko and I were as close as two friends could get, we would spend most of our time together avoiding Azula and feeding the turtle ducks. When we weren’t playing we were practicing our fire bending together, again being a high ranking advisor's kid got you a lot, including lessons with the royal families firebending  teachers. For the longest time it was me and Zuko against the world, but alas all good things come to an end. Shortly after we turned thirteen, Zuko was invited by his father to a war council meeting where he spoke up against a general’s plan. Having offended his father Zuko was subject to an Agni Kai where Ozai burned him and then banished the young prince, sending him on a wild goose chase for the Avatar.

    I tried to go with him but Zuko pushed me away telling me I need to stay safe in the walls of the Palace. I had, at the time, agreed, but after two years of watching the ‘Great Fire Nation’ destroy the world, I had enough. One night when I knew ships bound for the Earth Kingdom were docking to pick up new soldiers, I snuck out of my room in the palace with only a change of clothes and snuck onto one of the mini ships. I stayed hidden on the ship for days, sneaking food from the kitchen when it was empty at night. The first stop the ship made outside of the Fire Nation, I took my chance and fled into the Earth Kingdom.

   I spent three years moving around different villages in the Earth Kingdom, mostly avoiding any signs of the Fire Nation. If a village I had been staying in got attacked I would leave. It may sound bad but if I stayed to help, I’d only end up back in the Fire Nation and likely executed for treason so the best choice was to keep moving whenever they got close. Although that plan changed when rumors of the Avatar’s return started to surface. Taking the information as a sign to start fighting back, I packed up what little things I owned and left the town I had been staying in.

  Spending a few weeks following sightings of the Avatar hoping to catch up with him eventually. I miraculously managed to catch up with him and his friends when they were helping to protect a village from an erupting volcano. After assisting them, I explained that I had run away from the Fire Nation and wanted to help them end the war. It took a lot of convincing but they eventually agreed to let me join them on their journey to the Northern Watertribe.

   After a couple of weeks of flying, making stops for food and letting Appa rest, we eventually made it to the Northern Tribe. Not long after our arrival in the north, the Fire Nation attacked. After trying to take out the ships on his own, Aang decided he needed to go into the spirit world in search of help. Joining Aang, Katara, and Yue, I positioned myself near the entrance of the Spirit Oasis ready to be the first line of defense in case anyone tries to stop Aang. 

   I zoned out of the conversation Katara was having with the Princess as she was just explaining that as long as no one moved Aang’s body everything would be fine. Right as I was about to agree with Katara for saying we could protect him, I heard a voice that I thought I would never hear again.

   “Well, aren’t you a big girl now.” Sure, his voice was deeper and void of any emotion other than anger. I knew it was him. Moving closer to Katara, I motioned for Yue to run and continued to watch my old friend’s confrontation with my new friend. I could hear a quiet ‘no’ leaving Katara as she realized someone was here to take Aang. “Yes. Hand him over and I won’t have to hurt you.” Zuko said, getting in a fighting stance.

   Katara responded by also taking a fighting stance. Using the distraction of the two of them fighting I moved to place myself in front of Aang so no stray attacks could hit him. Normally when fighting firebenders I would step in, but seeing as it’s currently the night I know waterbending is more powerful and so I let Katara deal with Zuko. I watched in amazement as Katara used a wave of water to push Zuko up a wall and then freeze him there. 

   After trapping Zuko, Katara ran to make sure Aang was ok. While she was distracted, I felt a slight increase in energy come from my bending, knowing that it was likely day break I turned back to where Zuko had been trapped. “Katara stand back and keep an eye on him.” I said getting in my own fighting stance. She let out a confused sound as a blast of fire was sent directly at her. Acting quickly I deflected the attack.

  “You rise with the moon … I rise with the sun.” Zuko said not paying attention to the fact his attack missed.

   Taking his momentary pridefulness as an opening, I sent my own attack his way kicking a stream of fire at his legs effectively knocking him down. “So do I dipshit.” I said as he jumped back to his feet, confusion written across his face. “Surprised to see me? Now if you want to get to Aang you have to go through me.” Getting ready for a counter attack. When one didn’t happen I took another shot, sending a ball of fire towards him.

   Snapping out of his confusion, Zuko quickly deflected. “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be safe, back in the Fire Nation.” He asked, not bothering to fight back. 

   “I haven’t been in the Fire Nation for three years, Zuko. I left after all that happened to you and then watching the Fire Nation kill thousands of innocent people, I couldn’t sit and watch them destroy the world for no reason.” I explained, sending attack after attack his way. “You of all people should understand that your father doesn’t care about the innocent lives lost and just wants to keep this war going.”

   Up until mentioning his father, Zuko only deflected my attacks. But as soon as the Fire Lord was mentioned, he sent his own volley of attacks my way, though for some reason it felt like he wasn’t giving it his all. “How dare you speak poorly about my father. He gave you so much, let you learn fire bending from the same masters who only teach royalty, let you live in his palace, and here you are saying he just wants an endless war.” 

   Rolling my eyes, I continued to send attacks his way. After what felt like hours, but was probably only twenty minutes, Zuko got the upper hand. He sent a well timed blast at my stomach as I was trying to catch my breath. It wasn’t strong enough to burn or leave any lasting damage but just enough to knock what little air I had out of my lungs and send me tumbling to the ground. While I was down I heard Katara start to fight back but it was quickly followed by the sound of her also hitting the ground. Still trying to catch my breath I sat up and watched as Zuko grabbed Aang and ran.

   When Sokka and Yue entered the Oasis, I couldn’t help but feel that it was my fault Aang was taken. I listened as Katara explained that we had both tried to fight him off but he got the upper hand and knocked us both down. When Sokka turned to look at me, I just shook my head. Not wanting to face the fact they all now knew I have history with Zuko and were probably thinking I pulled my punches because of it. Turning away from the group as they decided it was best to go after him and find Aang, I declined, not wanting to be caught pulling my punches against Zuko again.

[waterfire1848]

Sokkla au where both are non benders but azula is a sword Prodigy from the start while sokka goes more like the original show

Hello, @primeslayer23 !!!

When Azula is born as a nonbender, Ozai is beyond furious. His son is a weak firebender and his second born daughter is a nonbender. Ursa, desperate to protect her baby, begs Ozai to spare her and let her live. He agrees but declares that she is not part of the royal family anymore. He sends her away to Piandao with nothing more than a basket and blanket. Piandao agrees to take her and raises her in his home as his surrogate daughter-student.

On day, while he was training, Piandao sees a tiny set of pure golden eyes staring at him from behind a tree and invites the child to come learn with him. Much to his surprise, Azula is amazing with her wooden tiny sword and gets his movements down in seconds. It takes some time (because Piandao is not going to hand a deadly weapon to a five year old child) but Azula is quickly recognized by him to be a sword prodigy.

When Sokka arrives to meet with Piandao, he sees a young girl, his sister's age, sitting next to the man. Despite appearances, she calls him father and follows him while he's training Sokka. Piandao notices his looks a few times and introduces Azula as his daughter. After the waterfall painting, Piandao also notices Azula and Sokka catching glimpses of one another and sees them having a lighthearted sparing match in the late evening. Sokka is no where near Azula's level but he's not horrible for a beginning. When Piandao starts fighting Sokka (even though Azula knows what he's doing) she can't help but grow concerned over Sokka's safety.

Sokka and Azula get some time to talk before his final test. During so, Sokka admits to her that he's on a mission in the Fire Nation but can't say what. Azula tells him that she knows she isn't Piandao's real child. He says that her bio parents gave her to someone who could give her a better life but nothing more no matter how much Azula asks. She also confirms that she knows he's Water Tribe because of his name and his blue eyes. (Azula: I might have never left this island but I know Fire Nation's don't have blue eyes like that. Sokka: I...dyed them. Azula: You dyed your eyes? Sokka, committed now:...Yes)

After Sokka's final test, Azula says she wants to join Sokka on his mission, fully knowing that he's fighting against the Fire Nation. Piandao raised Azula to not be completely absorbed with Fire Nation ideals---to question things---so she's on board with a plan to take down the Fire Lord. The Gaang agree with Azula bringing her special dragon blade (a blade that she can lit on fire. Very similar to Hiccup's in HTTYD) and the group sets out. During the Boiling Rock, Azula and Sokka officially get together and during the DOBS Azula is told that she's Ozai's daughter.

[jubilantmedusa]

Untitled Zukka Hurt/Comfort Ficlet #2

“It was good of you to bring him here,” Piandao said.

They were gathered in his library, dried and warmed and fed after their long flight through a misting sky. Night had fallen, the world lit now by torches and candles, casting strange shadows on their drawn faces.

Sokka’s arms felt empty. He had held Zuko through the flight as Zuko had shivered and shivered.

“Zuko’s inner flame has gone out.” Piandao’s voice was even, but the pinch of his mouth betrayed upset. “Not many people know the old ways, the healing of the Firebenders. But Zuko’s uncle does. I have the means to contact Iroh. There is hope yet.”

The silence in the room didn’t feel hopeful. “I thought the ‘inner flame’ thing was a metaphor,” Sokka said, bursting it.

“It’s more spiritual than physical, but it is very real,” Piandao explained. “Our bodies and spirits are entwined. Spiritual damage often manifests physically.”

“Like when you’re upset so you have nightmares,” Aang said.

Piandao gave a curt nod. “Similar,” he said. “This is more severe.”

“It still doesn’t make sense,” Sokka said. His stomach was churning. “Firebenders have an extra spirit part? And if that part is damaged they just waste away?”

That’s what’d been happening ever since Zuko’d thrown himself in front of Aang, taking an arrow laced with something sinister. A gift from Azula by way of the assassins that had been perusing them since they left the Western Air Temple.

At first Zuko’d been hyped up, unable to stop moving for hours and hours. When he crashed, Sokka thought it might actually be a good thing. Get some sleep. Be better in the morning.

But Zuko’d woken up disoriented, confused. And every time he’d woken since there was less of him.

He was growing colder. Sokka didn’t know what that meant. All he knew was that his arms were itching with emptiness.

“We all have inner flames of a sort,” Piandao said. His turned towards Sokka. “Even you and I. But Firebending… to create an element from the spirit’s own energy…” He swirled his hand, then winced, shaking his head. “Iroh will explain when he arrives.”

“When will that be?” Toph asked, leaning forward, harsh torchlight light shining directly in her sightless eyes. “Is he far away?”

“Iroh’s been in hiding since he escaped from Caldera, but I can reach him,” Piandao said, pointedly not answering the question. So they had where Iroh was then. He could be half a world away.

To Sokka’s right, Katara shifted, leaning forward, shadow dancing across her cheek. Sokka could see her eyes and… he knew that look. She had an answer on the tip of her tongue, but she didn’t want to ask the question. “Master Piandao,” she said. Katara would push through anything, even this. “This has happened before.”

“Yes,” he said. “Though it’s exceedingly rare.”

Katara nodded, eyes coming in and out of view as she did. “It’ll kill him,” she said, and Sokka could see Aang sinking at her side, head bowing down until his forehead was pressed into the wooden table.

Now it was Sokka turn. He didn’t want to, but he had to, mouth choking on the words. “How long?”

Piandao’s mouth pinched further. “I’ve only read accounts,” he said, “Some say as long as two weeks. Others, three days.”

Sokka was on his feet before he could breath, his footfalls echoing impossibly loud as he thundered across the tatami floor.

It had already been four days.

—

The room where they put Zuko was small and square, usually used as a dormitory for Piandao’s students. It had a simple bed with plain gray sheets, a sturdy but unremarkable desk. Flames roared in its large fireplace, making the room almost uncomfortably warm.

That’s the reason they chose it. It was easy to keep warm.

A wooden chair had been pulled up beside the bed. In it, Fat sat, an empty bowl held in his hands. “You got him to eat?” Sokka said, stomach fluttering.

Fat responded with a single nod. “Zuko was always a dutiful student,” he said. “You’ll be staying with him a while?”

When Sokka nodded Fat rose to his feet. “He’ll rally,” Fat said, voice affectionately stern. “Food, rest, warmth. It will go a long way.” Sokka wasn’t sure if Fat actually believed that or if he, if all of them, were trying to will something into existence, trying to project onto Zuko a strength that wasn’t there.

The only light in the room came from candles and the fire. Maroon curtains were open but it was only black outside, moonless. Shadows danced on Zuko’s face as he lay still and quiet, dressed now in loose pajamas. He looked comfortable at least. Lying on his side, wrapped in a thick, red blanket, with only his head and his toes poking out.

He’d be lost without that blanket, Sokka thought. The red was the only color in the room.

Sokka hesitated for only a moment before kicking off his own boots and settling himself down on the bed, his empty arms reaching, wrapping around the boy in the red blanket. His leg too, so desperate for touch. And maybe Zuko needed it, because he nuzzled forward, pushing his nose into Sokka’s cheek, his hands into Sokka’s chest. Even his feet shifted until the soul of his left foot was somehow pressed into Sokka’s right ankle.

They'd never gotten to touch like this, not really, during the strange flirtation they’d had since returning from Boiling Rock. Everything was stolen glances, lingering conversations, arms pressed together even though they didn’t have to be. A lingering hug. Everything fleeting. Everything discreet. Like it was half real and half a dream.

One stolen kiss. Arms shaking. Lips frantic. In the misting rain.

Now Sokka was living a nightmare. Zuko smelt like sweat and leather. His arms still shook from the memory of holding Zuko while Appa flew, Zuko’s body cold and trembling. The longest Sokka’d ever been able to hold him, and it was because he was dying.

But he wasn’t dead.Zuko was warmer than he’d felt in days.

“You’re going to be alright,” Sokka said, even though he didn’t believe it. But maybe Fat had it right. Maybe it was best to pretend Zuko was strong, even if it was a fiction. Maybe it’d be true if they lied. If Zuko believed them.

Sokka took a deep breath as it let his eyes close, holding Zuko as closely as he could.

[zukkaart]

YAY YOU LIKED MY IDEA ☺️☺️☺️ you’re so right about Zuko too I can totally see it. Azula slipping back into her scary persona when Zuko arrives because he’s from her old life and everyone in the tribe going ??? Azula what’s wrong 🥺 and Zuko being madhappy that Azula got to get away (and he didn’t). I think Sokka and Azula would have become friends (maybe he reminds her of Ty Lee) and when Zuko comes to visit he gets super protective of Azula and it’s a Zuko/Sokka standoff while Azula’s in the middle trying to convince both of them that she’s the mastermind in control (she’s not and her ocean kumquats are burning). Eventually Sokka and Zuko realize they want the same thing and then zukka obviously because of course.

Also I go feral for the hair symbolism in Atla and it’s canon that Azula doesn’t know how to tie her topknot and the water tribe doesn’t wear their hair like that so she would Have to wear it another way. Perhaps a symbolism for forced vulnerability. Maybe Hakoda walks in on her trying to tie her topknot and he offers to help her. She begrudgingly says yes and he ends up tying her hair like his because it’s closest to what Azula is trying to do. His hair is sort of half down half up which I think symbolizes how he’s offering to her an out from vulnerability but it like only half works because he’s so kind to his children and children in general and she’s so disoriented by the new customs and kindness that she does let her guard down a little bit. (Also I think Azula would refer to hakoda as “my husband” when she feels threatened because he’s the chief and being his wife implies protection even though they don’t act (or think) married at all. And maybe eventually this turns into just a joke when Azula realizes she’s not actually being threatened in the SWT). Cue Sokka seeing Azula’s wolf tail for the first time:

Sokka: hey! You’re stealing my hairstyle! Get your own!

Azula: MY HUSBAND DID THIS >:/

(Also because I love when Zuko says “the fatherlord” so much I think Azula absolutely has to refer to hakoda as hakodad or my husdad at least once.)

So late responding to this but i genuinely couldn’t think of a good enough thing to say or add so I’m just gonna leave it here for the people to enjoy x

[kigozula]

As Long As We’re Together - Sokkla Saturdays 2024

Day 6: Part One

FF.net & AO3

Due to the rules of this event, I decided to split this story in two parts. Otherwise the word count was twice as much. The sequel will be posted next week. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!=)

The moment she sat foot on the ship she wondered if she made a mistake. More so when she arrived at the gates to Ba Sing Se. She knew she needed to escape, but part of her was very aware that she was all alone. Without protecting guards or friends who guided her, even if she did what she wanted in the end. But a princess must do what a princess must do.

When she arrived in Ba Sing Se, she actually wanted to cry out of anger. The weather was different, the air smelled weird, and the clothing was nowhere near the level of quality she was used to. She was here years ago, when she conquered the city. But back then she didn't notice these things, busy with another goal in mind.

Her brother wouldn't find her that easily here. Fire Lord Zuko wouldn't think his sister would land here. Thanks to her lies and pretense and her connections, she made it into the gates. Her true identity is unknown to most of the people here in the middle ring.

She was given a small apartment. She needed to be careful not to spend her money on unnecessary luxuries. Even if they seemed necessary for her. But the money she brought from home was limited. She had to accept a job at a teashop unwillingly. But what choice did she have at the time? This was a start, and she would set a final goal step by step.

After her first day of work, she didn't make it far from the tea shop. Tears started to slip her eyes as she leaned at a nearby wall, hugging herself. She held back for too long. She cried and cried and cried.

"Hey, are you okay?" a concerned male voice reached her ears.

Azula immediately straightened, wiping away her tears with the back of her hands.

"Yes." she answered trying not to sound fragile, which was easier said than done with her puffed eyes. When her vision cleared, she saw the stranger.

"Azula?!"

Out of all the people on this earth, it was him who found her crying.

"Sokka?"

Time seemed to stand still for long minutes. They just kept watching each other. Confused. Surprised. Uncomfortably.

Azula couldn't let her guard down now around this man. She had to react, for Sokka was a friend of her brother. Could it be possible that the reason he was there was to capture her?

"Did you follow me?" Azula asked, taking a threatening step forward.

"No!" Sokka didn't mean to yell, but it came out like that. Yet Azula didn't stop her threatening steps.

Just minutes ago, she was crying bitterly. Now her sorrow seemed to be flown away, replaced by anger. Though, he needed to give her credit. Her eyes were still red from crying, and she was just protecting herself for whatever reason. He needed to convince her that she certainly didn't need to fear him.

"Then why are you here?" Azula was about to use her firebending, but Sokka was faster. He turned her around in a flash and pressed her chest to the wall, trapping her hands behind her back, his grip firm on her wrists. Yet he tried to be gentle, he tried not to hurt her. Experience told him he had to do this, because the woman in front of him wasn't to be taken lightly.

Azula didn't stop moving so he did what he had to do. Sokka pressed his chest to her back. No one talked. Only heavy breaths were heard.

Sokka was a strong man. A proud warrior. Azula struggled against him in the past. Even more than she did against the Avatar.

"Get your hands off me!" Azula said. But her voice came out gasping.

"I will, if you promise me not to attack." Sokka replied. His breath touched her ear.

Azula left out a breathy snicker, "Why would you trust my promise?"

"I would have thought you were a princess who'd keep her promises." Sokka replied.

"I promise." Azula said.

"You have to mean it Azula!" Sokka said.

"What's with you pinning me to walls every time?" she tried to tease.

Sokka turned back in time to the day of black sun. It was good to know she didn't forget about that moment either. The memory was buried inside of him clearly. Especially the moment when she flew over him. He was glad she couldn't see his light blush.

"I wouldn't have to if you didn't give me reasons." he replied, trying not to sound affected.

"Or you look for reasons to press me against walls."

"Hehe, maybe you are looking forward to it every time." Sokka smirked.

"Did Zuko send you to capture me?" Azula asked now, focusing on the present, for she had bigger problems now.

She actually didn't genuinely believe Sokka was here to capture her. But it wouldn't hurt to be sure, just in case.

"For what?" Sokka's confusion grew.

Azula didn't answer.

"I have been working at this teashop for two days. Except for today I needed a day off but came here to fetch my apron. I haven't heard anything from your brother for the last three months." Sokka said earnestly.

Azula believed him. It was true that he had been in the palace three months ago. Sokka let go. She didn't turn around immediately, still processing the latest happenings.

"Azula?" Sokka asked worried. This situation was beyond confusing.

He had questions. But she looked sad. Her eyes swollen from her crying and he wanted to make her feel better.

"Let's go somewhere else and talk. These streets are creepy." he said.

Azula complied. She didn't realize how much she needed a familiar face.

[lazyveran]

omg i just read the Ty Lee Azula Katara situationship. Well now of course you need to elaborate on Mai. What's her relationship with Azula and Katara like? does Ty Lee have a similar thing with Zuko and Mai, as her other besties? What is wrong with Mai, bc i get the feeling you've tossed her in a salad spinner as well?

thank you so much. mai is also being whirled around in the salad spinner. miserably, might i add.

mai for me is someone is who is clinging very VERY tightly to the past, and absolutely refuses to deviate from it. ty lee, azula and zuko are her childhood friends? thats IT. thats all the friends she wants or needs. in her mind any change from that past is bad, wrong, and must be reversed back to safe, normal comfort. this is in part because she was happy and innocent and free right up until tom-tom was born - then she was the spare, seen not heard, not understood by her mother, choked into silence, captivity and an intense depressive state. tom-tom's arrival into her life is so bad that mai goes "ah yes, new people? or My People changing into something i didnt expirence before the age of 12? BAD. KILL WITH HAMMERS." and even though she does love her baby brother, she despises the circumstance he brought her. (she's far more like azula than either of them want to admit. they keep seeing glimpses of themselves in the other, like a shattered reflection of what they could have become - silent and meek, or unloved and monsterous. they never talk about it.)

the fire squad is her one and only support network, and she becomes uncomfortably co-dependant. no one else will do. no one else understands. they're comfortable, normal, the shining happy past that she wants to claw back to. she's loved by them, and understood implicity bc of their shared past. thats all she wants. so she's very, very intensely devoted to them, and especially to zuko. her and azula aren't emotional supports to each other, but they are indeed best friends. they both apprieciate each other's loyalty and stability. mai is comfortable with any change that happens around azula - or Her People - because azula is this steadfast, unmoving pillar in her life. azula values mai highly for her skill, intelligence and general disposition. they're the bitchest besties ever who murder for fun.

SO. if she literally cant handle ty lee, azula or zuko changing into something else. at all. then you can imagine her reaction to katara barrelling in and changing up the vibe of their foursome. mai is outright hostile to katara. she's irritable, grouchy, and does her utmost to pretend katara doesnt exist at all. in her mind, katara is forcing their group to change, taking azula away from their terrible little co-dependency circle. change? bad. threaten the new woman with knives. and quickly. make sure azula is apart from that new woman and back in the safe co-dependency circle. if anything changes - if azula changes - she'll turn into dust.

and on ty lee! she DOES. zuko and mai dating isnt too big a deal for her because they still pay attention to her, and the afformentioned co-dependant stability thing overrides her annoyance that they're not looking and seeing her. but if someone flirts with zuko, or mai? its over. shes throwing a tantrum, getting the person to flirt with HER instead, or flirting with zuko/mai. bc WHY is no one looking at her? helloooo???

mai and ty lee get along famously because mai hates change and people, and ty lee gets to hoard mai greedily to herself. its the perfect arrangement, she can farm all the attention she wants from mai and is guaranteed to it. and mai doesnt care about ty lee wandering off to other friendgroups because she always comes back. and it's funny, ty lee makes things not boring.

[drpoisonoaky]

Katara is sick (Part 5)

Part 1 - Part 4

Katara: Achoo! Ty lee: Bless you! Katara: Oh, thanks.  Ty lee: Be careful, maybe you’re catching a cold or something. Katara: Yeah, Sokka got one last week.  Katara: Oh wait, maybe you could help me, Suki ask me to help in- Ty lee: Wait. You’re sick?! Katara: I only have a runny nose, nothing to worry about. Ty lee: Oh Agni. Katara: Ty lee I’m fine. Thank you for being worried but I’m totally fine. Ty lee: Yes you are, I see that. But the people around you are gonna pay for your crimes. Katara: What? Ty lee, deeply focused: Katara, does Azula know about your illness? Katara: No?  Ty lee: Okay we have time, you need to hide until you fully recover or the people surrounding you are gonna to suffer. Katara: It’s not that serious a day in bed and a good soup and I’ll be as good as new. Ty lee: Katara you are not understanding me. I am not worrying about you. No offense. It’s your girlfriend. Katara: Oh no, another childhood trauma. Ty lee: Well, maybe, I’m not sure. But definitely Azula doesn’t like people she cares about getting sick. Katara: What did she do? Ty lee: Well when we were dating, there  was this one time I also caught a cold but we weren’t in the fire nation yet, so she made every colonel or soldier or whatever strip and gave me their clothes cause me being cold was forbidden. And I said “‘Zula but you are a firebender and you keep me warm”, no double meaning intended, and she said “I do, but what if a sneeze or I don’t know we have to fight, I am not taking risks” Ty lee: And let me tell you I had seen that woman jet fly and conquer places so I wasn’t sure about what risks but I wasn’t going to fight.  Ty lee: So everybody ended up catching a cold but when we arrived at the fire nation I was good as new but that people hated me until this day. Katara: I see. Ty lee: So we need to- Katara: No. Ty lee: No? Katara: Look, I’m not hiding something from Azula, that’s not how we work. So I’m going to go back and sneeze if I have to. If she finds out I’m going to watch the show and enjoy how she is unnecessarily worried. Because I think it is cute, even though we will address that trauma part after. Ty lee: *starts to cry* Katara: Wha-Ty lee what’s wrong?! Ty lee: YOU BOTH ARE SO CUTE AND FIT SO WELL TOGETHER  I- Katara: Achoo. Ty lee: Okay it’s cute but I definitely don’t want to be sick so bye bye. I warned ya! Katara: Sniff.

[bellatrixobsessed1]

I Am Blackened Bones (Part 30)

It is strange to see her again. The real Azula. The Azula that he has always known.

It is stranger still to talk to her again. Without the spirit to intervene. 

And strangest yet to see the Azula that he has always known with her rigid, stiff posture and her well-articulated speaking patterns. But at the same time see someone else, with a more welcoming aura and a twinkle of curiosity in her eye—he can see it every time she spots one of the Fire Nation’s newer innovations, a building with a different material make, a new type of machine, newer forms of firebending…

“What do you think?”

Azula gives the street another up and down glance. “It’s different.” She replies. “That building wasn’t there before. And those statutes.” 

He wonders if it stings at all for her to see that there isn’t one of her standing near the other golden likenesses of he and his friends. If it does she makes no mention of it. “I can probably have them make one of you…”

“Huh?” 

“The statues. I could have one made…”

“What for?” 

“What do you mean? To commemorate your memory…”

“I’m still alive.”

“Your legacy.” He corrects. 

“I’m still making that?” She tilts her head. 

He almost laughs. He can’t believe that enough time has passed for him to forget that she has such a blunt manner of speaking. That she thinks so differently than the way he does. He holds that laugh back lest she get the wrong idea. 

“At any rate, statues are creepy. I don’t understand the appeal.”

“How so?”

“Why do people enjoy staring at their own faces so much? It’s uncanny. That barely even looks like you.” She pauses. “Well it does but there is something off about it. Something that isn’t quite right. That doesn’t bother you?”

Zuko shakes his head. “I never really saw it that way. I think that it’s a nice gesture of respect. A way to remember my accomplishments.”

“You can’t just remember them in your own brain?” She pauses. Before he can speak she adds, “I suppose that I am the wrong person to speak about remembering things that are important.” She pauses again. “From a historical standpoint I suppose that means of commemoration are useful.” She nods more to herself than him. “I’d rather just have a my accomplishments inscribed and then that scroll can hang in a pretty little frame on a wall somewhere.”

“What about portraits?” He asks. “You never minded those.”

“As far as you were aware. I don’t like having to sit for them; there are better uses for my time. Especially since I don’t look at them often.” She sighs. “But it would be quite bizarre if there isn’t a face to put to inscribed stories. I should probably go for an updated portrait, lest future historians think that I died as a child.”

“But no statues?”

“If you erect a statue of me I will personally see to it that it is taken down. If I want to look at my face I will do so in a reflection in a pond as nature had intended.” 

“You have a mirror at home… you’re joking right now.” He states. “You made a joke?”

“I am capable of doing that now and again, yes.” She replies. “I was not, however, joking about getting rid of any statute that resembles me.” 

This isn’t the way that he imagined that his first conversation with her since her arrival would go. Frankly he had imagined stress. He had imagined shouting and scowls and maybe tears. He hadn’t imagined jokes and laughing. He hadn’t imagined feeling a flutter of joy upon seeing her curiously observing the town that she had been deprived of for too long.

And he realizes that he doesn't need an apology just yet. Not vocally, anyways. She has her own way about apologizing. A way that makes her feel safe and he supposes that he shouldn’t push her to do it his way.

It is rather nice talking to her now that father isn’t whispering in her ear.

Now that father isn’t whispering in his ear.

Now that she has had at least a little bit of time to become Azula instead of just an extension of their father. He supposes that he should share this with Mai. Ask her to be patient with Azula. She’ll find the words eventually. Right now, her ability to joke with him and speak mundanely is good enough.

“Are you ready for your homecoming ceremony tonight?” He asks. “I figured that while we were here we can find something new for you to wear.” 

Azula shrugs. “It’s just a homecoming ceremony, there isn’t too much to worry about.” 

He knows that she is lying. If only because his homecoming after three years had been one of the most stressful moments of his life. He puts a hand on her shoulder. “I saw this one hair piece that I thought that you’d like.”

“Alright.” 

.oOo.

Azula smooths her hand down the front of her silks. And she is decorated under layers and layers of it. Pretty red and gold fabrics in varying patterns that drape her arms and flow out and voluminously from beneath the golden sash a her hip. A large ruby with a gold filigree frame pins it in place. 

She hadn’t realized just how long her hair had grown until a team of servants, mostly new faces but one or two that she recognizes, begin pilling it up and fixing it in place with ribbons and hair sticks. The style is quite elaborate, more so than she is used to. And they assure her that they will have it styled twice as elegantly—with hair sticks with dangling crystals and dragon accents and golden hair combs—when it comes time to reinstate her title and place a crown back on her head. She can only imagine what the robes will look like then. There will probably be enough layers and components to make walking a challenge. 

They promise the same of her makeup. Of which they currently tint her lips with. The look is quite simple, they wing her eyeliner the way that she likes and add a touch of red to make it pop. The pat color onto her cheeks. They insist that she has grown quite pale since her trip to the Water Tribe and that they need to add some sunlight back to her complexion. 

It is more lavish than she had been dressed in a very long time, she had forgotten that these dresses make her feel uncomfortable. As terribly as she had missed her spa and the pampering that came with it, she very much does not enjoy the heavy robes. 

It shouldn’t be so hard, Lo and Li will do the talking for her. All she has to do is stand and look poised and presentable. Has to make it look as though she had been through nothing extraordinary.

It is a rather dull affair in spite of the pomp. Lo and Li are enthusiastic and speak with life in their voices but tend to draw speeches out just long enough for the excitement to start to wane. Azula looks down upon the crowd. It is more colorful with a dotting of blue and green with a field of red. It isn’t just her own people that welcome her back home. And maybe some people in the crows are also being welcomed home, for some of them this very well could be their first time standing in Royal Plaza. Their first time seeing Fire Nation royalty in person. 

Everything is so different now. She has been gone for so long. 

But she thinks that she is finally ready to be back. 

Yes, looking down upon the crowd, she thinks that she is. 

If an entire nation can change and change so beautifully then so can she. 

Lo and Li fall silent and revel fills the plaza. Cheers. Claps. Lively chatter. 

Her nation welcomes her with more warmth than the Fire Nation had ever had in the past. She finds herself smiling if only slightly. 

“Welcome home, Azula.” Zuko drapes his arm around her neck. 

“Thank you.” 

He holds his arms out and she sighs. “Fine. Once. Just this once.” He gives her a small squeeze. Just a quick little hug. She supposes that she didn’t hate it. The crowd certainly didn’t. Their claps begin a new. And that is how she knows the long time citizens from the newcomers; a good many of them had probably been waiting for a good long while to see the royal family whole and undivided. 

Whole and undivided like herself. 

.oOo.

“How do I look, Katara?”

“I told you that…”

“I look great.” Azula finishes. “But are you just saying that to get me to relax and move on or do you actually mean it. I don’t enjoy it when people say things just to spare my feelings.” Maybe it is comparison that does her in; she had been dressed so lavishly the night before that the outfit that she has picked for herself feels frumpy and dull. Her hair, loose and unstyled save for the brush she had let Katara run through it, falls to her hips. At least it looks nice.

“While I am very much hoping that we can move on with this, I also actually do mean it. You’ve always been really good at dressing yourself and taking care of yourself.”

“But I was in a jungle for years.” Moreover she was crawling around on all fours, covered in fire for a good portion of those years. She imagines that at least one or two crucial details about Caldera city fashion, she certainly isn’t up to date on the latest styles in Caldera City. Frankly she thinks that she has stuck too rigidly to the way that she used to dress. 

Katara pulls her in and kisses her on the cheek. “We’re having a double date with Zuko and Mai, you’re not making a big speech.”

Azula grimaces. “Not yet.” She is almost angry that she is so nervous. She has never had a problem with speeches and public appearances in the past. 

She had always been so deeply integrated in societies norms, had always been prepped and coached on exactly what to say, what people wanted to hear. Her words were seldom her own and now they want her to, in a sense, speak from the heart. 

Katara massages her shoulders. “You’re getting really tense again; don’t think about that right now.”

“But this speech is going to be a very pivotal one. It is going to shape how everyone views me going forward.” And she is going to need one mighty eloquent, competent, and pretty speech if she is going to undo the damage done to her reputation on the day of the comet.

“They seemed perfectly happy with you during your homecoming ceremony. And besides you have two whole weeks to prepare. One thing at a time, okay.” She offers Azula’s shoulders a firm squeeze. “Tonight let’s get through dinner and making up with Mai.”

Azula cringes.

Making up with Mai…

The prospect is thrice as intimidating as the prospect of making a re-coronation speech. At least she has some framework for what a good speech will sound like.

“You’re going to do fine. Tonight and during your coronation speech.” Katara promises. “Now let’s head out. I know that you like to be punctual.” In a grumble she adds. “And by that you usually mean at least an hour early.”

She does indeed. “I would like to leave ample time in case I see something that catches my eye. Caldera has changed so much.” 

“Are you admitting that you might get distracted?”

“I am admitting that it would only be proper to adequate re-familiarize myself with the city that I rule over…but yes perhaps there might be one or two things that I simply find fascinating.”

Katara flashes her a smile. “Alright then. Fair enough.”

They will probably still arrive an hour early. She had accounted for that.

.oOo.

She hasn’t been to this restaurant since she was a child. It had been her favorite at some point or another. It was always a delight when they handed her the ingredients and let her do some of the cooking. Not that she was particularly good at it. Mostly she liked watching the flames dance. Zuzu’s meals alway came out burnt. Hers did too…probably worse. And so it was up to mother and father to make an edible meal. Most of the time father burned his food too and they were one torched chunk of hippo-cow meat away from calling their chef back to do all of the work.

Mother was good at cooking…

Azula wraps her arms around herself. She is starting to wish that she and Katara hadn’t arrived first. Starting to wish that she had let herself get more distracted. Or that the two of them should have joined Mai and Zuko at the botanical garden but she needed the time to get dressed. Needed time to prepare herself to see her former friend. It is admittedly overwhelming to do, having just gone through her homecoming ceremony and the accompanying dinner the night before. Not that she isn’t pleased to be having plenty of fine Fire Nation cuisine again with all of the spices and all of the richer flavors. It tastes like home. It tastes like normalcy. It is nice to have at least a touch of that after so very long.

Just when Azula is getting comfortable, the figures of Mai and Zuko appear in the doorway. Azula finds herself relieved to know that Mai hasn’t changed all that much. Her hair is longer but she hasn’t changed the way that she puts it up and her bangs are cut exactly the same way. She still has the same somewhat downcast gaze. But she is taller now, much taller. Taller than Zuko even. And she wears dark lipstick. She stands with her hands in her pockets and her lips pressed together. 

“So you got yourself turned into some type of spirit.” Mai says in a way of a greeting. Azula swears that there is a hint of humor in her voice. “That must be quite a story.” 

Azula thinks for a moment. “I don’t remember it all too well.” She thinks that she may never recall all of the details. And maybe that is for the best. Maybe she isn’t supposed to know exactly who or what had put the spirit curse on her. She can’t imagine that the memory would be all too friendly. “Just that it had been storming one night and I came by this old, abandoned temple. It had a spirit protecting it…or it could be that the temple was made for that spirit. Either which way it wanted an offering of some sort for intruding in its temple. I didn’t have anything to give…” She trails off. 

“And…?”

Azula shrugs. “And then a blank space where a memory should be. I think that I had argued with the Spirit. Possibly.” 

Zuko pulls out a chair. “How was your walk?”

“I found this shop that sells little handmade dragon egg sculptures…”

“I thought that you said that you didn’t like…”

“Statutes, Zuzu. Those are unsettling. Sculptures are fine. Especially the egg shaped ones that would make for a very lovely homecoming gift.” She reaches for her tongs as their server places raw ingredients on the table. At its center is a somewhat large pit full of coals. “I understand that you enjoy honor…”

“I do not talk about honor that much.”

“...So I invite you to do the honor of lighting our cooking fire.”

“I haven’t seen you firebend in ages, you can light the fire, the blue would create a nice ambiance.”

“Yes. About that…” 

“Your fire is orange now?” Mai frowns slightly. 

Azula ignites the coals in a brillant flare of white.

“When did that happen?” Mai asks. 

“When I merged with the fire spirit.” This, of course requires a lengthy explanation that she gives while the four of them fight to make an at least semi-appetizing looking meal.

“I think that your fire is too hot, Azula.” Katara frowns. 

“That or you aren’t a good chef.”

“I have never burnt a single meal in my life! Not until now!” She insists. 

Azula rolls her eyes. “Alright, fine.” She snuffs her own flames and gestures for Zuko to set the pit ablaze once more. “But don’t blame the spices when you still can’t create a good meal.”

“Some of these Fire Nation dishes are more complicated then what I’m used to cooking.” Katara insists. 

“We’re going to be eating poorly tonight, aren’t we?” Zuko grumbles.  

“So, why Katara?” Mai asks. “I never imagined that the two of you would get on so well.” 

“Katara can tell you that one. My throat is growing sore. Unlike Katara’s brother, sometimes I get tired of talking.” By the end of Katara’s recanting of their adventure, she finds herself picking at her plate with slightly pinkened cheeks. 

Zuko’s mouth hangs agape so it is up to Mai to confirm, “so the two of you are…dating?

Azula nods. 

“Good luck.” Mai mutters. 

“Who are you wishing luck to, Mai? And why would Katara need it?”

“And good luck to you, Mai. That whole family is a handful.”

“Trust me. I know.” 

They are laughing. All four of them are laughing. She had never imagined that she would be laughing with Mai again. With Mai and Zuzu. To be frank, there had been a time when she didn’t think that she would be able to laugh or smile again. Let alone, mostly untroubled. Maybe next time TyLee will be sitting with them too. Katara cups her hand over Azula’s.

They never do make an edible looking meal.

[impossiblycolorfulpanda]

Azulaang - dignity

ATLA AU where Azula captures the avatar and all of Ba Sing Se.

Aang was in a fire nation room almost similar to the one where he was captured by Zhao. His wrists were chained but on the floor this time.

Mai walked in with a plate of food.

Mai: "(unenthused) Here's some stuff to fatten you up. Hope you enjoy it."

Aang took a deep breath and exhaled, which sent a huge gust of wind at her, covering Mai in the food. This infuriated Mai, she charged at him and raised up her fist.

Mai: "Why you little-"

Azula quickly grabbed Mai's forearm.

Azula: "What seems to be the problem?"

Mai: "I tried feeding this punk but then pulled a stunt and made a mess!"

Azula: "(To Aang) Now why would you go and do that for?"

Aang: "I'm not giving you people the satisfaction of giving up what's left of my dignity!"

Azula: "(To Mai) Leave us."

Mai gave Aang a quick death glare and complied. Aang and Azula's faces were 10 inches away from each other.

Azula: "We both know that Miss Peasant quickly used a water vial to revive you from my lightning only to abandon you when she realized you were dead weight."

Aang: "You used that same line before, and I already told you she'd never do that. Katara and the others will come back for me."

Azula: "Be that as it may, you were given a second chance, and I could've taken it way in an instant, but I didn't. I even allowed you to get patched up and healed. That doesn't mean I can't still end you at any time. As of now, your life is in my hands, so you'd be wise to appreciate my generosity."

Aang: "You kill me, then I'll just be reborn, and you'll have to search for the avatar all over again."

Azula: "If I had to take a guess, you'd be born at one of the water tribes. I understand that the South tribe isn't doing so well, and its best warriors have all gone away. Wiping them out would be easy. I understand that the north is much more resilient but not when our comet returns."

Aang: "You might as well finish me off now because when the comet does arrive, you're just gonna take out the remaining nations and destroy the cycle anyway. But wouldn't you be surprised to know that, in doing so, you'll just unleash a dark and chaotic force from the spirit world that'll wipe your nation from existence next."

Aang noticed a mild flicker of concern in her bright eyes, her eyebrows were raised slightly, and her arrogant smug vanished. This is due to the fact she can tell he's not lying, and she knows of the news about the avatar summoning a giant fish-like creature that killed Zhao and most of his entire fleet. Aang started focusing on every inch of her face. He found her cute and attractive, in a dangerous warrior kind of way. He began to let go of his anger and defiance and started to feel empathetic towards her.

Aang: "I know you love your nation. It's in grave danger and the only way to save it is to end this pointless war before it's too late."

She closed her eyes for a second and retreated to her usual aloof expressions. She placed her pointy-fingered hand on Aang's face.

Azula: "If you want to be treated with respect and dignity and have no harm inflicted on you, then you must do what I say and when I say it, no questions asked. You can start by keeping that nonsense to yourself."

Aang realized he wasn't gonna get through to her so easily. His best options were to cooperate and get to know her and her motives, at least until he's rescued by the team during day of black sun.

Azula: "Now, as my special prisoner, you'll constantly be bound and supervised but I will allow you to be in more comfortable environments, maybe even give you a tour around the homeland at some point, so long as you behave yourself and accept our offerings for any of your needs. Can you do that?"

Aang: "Yes."

Azula nodded her head with approval removed her hand.

Aang: "My name is Aang by the way."

Azula: "Hmph. Good to know."

[hojichasunrise]

Finally finished NATLA. Thoughts:

They ruined Yue's character. Why would a princess be helping casually in the kitchen. Why would a princess display 0 manners around someone she just met. personality completely different.

They had Yue faint repeatedly just to magically sit back up when they needed an exposition dump, then faint again.

They made Hahn a good person? Why is Yue suddenly a waterbender and traipsing around the spirit world? It doesnt add anything and feels out of place.

The interactions between Pakku and Katara were stilted and forced. In the cartoon she had a training period and earned his trust, but here it was just instantly granted that she was the person to report to during battle, yet she doesnt know AQa's defense layout or anything else because she just arrived.

battle pacing in Agna Qel'a is weird. too much standing around talking.

The dialogue is so Marvelized. quip quip quip quip quip.

Aang is joyless and talking like Iron Man. (not the actor's fault.)

Zuko is perfect, 11/10. Every change they made is perfect.

Combining arc beats (e.g. Jet + mechanist) worked surprisingly well.

They made Bumi into an asshole and his dialogue was repetitive, that arc dragged out way too long.

Wasn't atmospheric enough. everything felt like a set.

How did Momo, half the size of a housecat, push that girl out of the way? physics are not mathing.

Why did they take Momo to the spirit oasis to heal but not any of the battle participants or injured civilians. Scene ate too much screen time and sapped urgency from the battle. Makes AQ'a look stupid.

Jet was perfect.

Multiple issues with logic, too long to post. Writing is shallow.

Azula is snarking to her father too much considering she just watched her brother get half his face melted off for one instance of disrespect.

Pecs. 🙏

not enough in-series justification for why Ozai wanted Zuko out of the way in favor of Azula. We know why, but they aren't standing on their own for this beat and have to lean on the cartoon.

Katara and Sokka getting btfo by Koh felt... really strange. they were just there to job and create stakes.

Kuruk and Kyoshi were great inclusions.

Jee/the 41st was a great detail, best part of series.

Azula being the puppetmaster behind Zhao is strange. She knows things by magic I guess, they made a 14 year old girl not just plausibly cunning but straight up omniscient. Logic breaking keikaku doori with her and Ozai.

Ozai using AQ'a as a distraction to take Omashu makes zero logical sense and I don't want to write an essay so just think about this for 5 minutes. I almost screamed.

bf's contribution: "this feels like it was written during the writer's strike."

Visually it was beautiful and the scenery and costumes were great. Other than Yue and Pakku the actors were all fine. Zuko's actor was beyond perfect and his firebending was next level gorgeous.

Sokka's new backstory was a good inclusion. Sokka got a lot of great scenes and the actor is a perfect fit.

Gyatso was also astonishingly perfect. chef's kiss to the actor, his performance was beautiful.

Very much noticing the Kataang scenes were all removed and we got some Zutara allusions. I ship that so yay.

The Sokka/Suki scenes were spicy. However she removed her makeup in 3 seconds flat and that broke my immersion. Please ask a woman next time. otherwise yes I ship that. Just kiss already!

I like the beautiful older lady they put in charge of Kyoshi Island. Nice to see more females in leadership positions.

The lack of the Azula chime is criminal. Her using feminine charm to lure rebels into a trap was a great scene to introduce her. Glad to see rebels, it makes it feel more politically realistic.

The opening scene in ep 1 had Mulan's opening scene vibes in a good way.

Overall: enjoyable with a few caveats but writing quality falls apart upon critical inspection. Much better than I expected, rewatch-worthy. 8/10.

[dragons-i-guess]

Fic idea that I may or may not ever write #1: Zuko in Westeros

Feel free to use any or all of these ideas in your own fic if you want.

Shortly after the events of Zuko Alone, Zuko sees a flash of blinding white light and falls unconscious. In the Riverlands, around the time Robb is returning from his campaign in the West, Beric, Thoros, and the Brotherhood Without Banners are marching along a back road when there's a flash of of blinding white light. Once they blink the spots out of their eyes, they see a ring of fire and lying unconscious inside it is a certain scar-faced teenager. Seeing as he appeared accompanied by fire and light, they immediately assume he was sent by the Lord of Light and is special somehow.

Their certainty only increases when Zuko wakes up and reveals 1) that he's a firebender 2) he's the son of the Fire Lord and Fire Lady and a prince, and 3) he knows the Lord of Light/R'hllor by a secret name, which they take to be a super-special secret name as of yet unrevealed to the unworthy masses (Zuko asks them if they are referring to Agni when they first mention the Lord of Light). Take all this together, they immediately dub him the Prince of Light and Champion of Agni/R'hllor/the Lord of Light, and swear their undying allegiance to him.

Zuko is very confused.

He tries convincing them that, yes, he's a prince, and yes, he can make fire with his hands, but he's not that special, but Beric and co just respond with some vague, significant sounding proverb about how the Lord of Light works in mysterious ways or something like that (Zuko yells something about them sounding too much like Uncle).

So Zuko is stuck with this band of outlaws following him proclaiming him a prince (some even think he must be Azor Ahai). Having figured out by now that he's definitely not in Kansas anymore, Zuko doesn't really know what to do, but taking care of the Smallfolk seems like a decent thing to be doing, right? Oh hey, who's this girl we've captured that reminds me of my little sister in some (scary) ways? Apparently someone important named Arya Stark. She's a king's little sister or something. And she really wants this Hound guy dead because he killed her friend, which, fair (also reminiscent of Azula). The Hound guy is being given a trial by combat to prove his innocence. Hmm. I bet I could take him.

Zuko fights the Hound instead of Beric. Between being a prodigy with his dual dao and also having firebending, he wins and kills the Hound for Arya. He throws up afterwards, this being the first man he's actually killed himself, and he and Arya have a discussion about their first kills (this girl has killed how many people? Definitely very Azula like). Zuko basically imprints on Arya and decides to help her out. So instead of just ransoming her to her brother, he asks her what she actually wants. After some discussion, she decides she does want to go see her brother and family again, so they set off for Riverrun. Except along the way they find out Robb's actually going to the Twins for a (Red) wedding, so they head there instead, arriving just in time to fish all the bodies of the river, including Arya's mother.

Arya wants vengeance.

Zuko takes a look at the Twins and thinks, I managed to sneak into Pohuai stronghold, this place can't be much harder. Having conveniently had both his swords and his Blue Spirit mask on him when he got transported to Westeros, he puts them on and Blue Spirits all the prisoners the Freys took out of the Twins (and also sets the place on fire and kills a great many Freys in the process). (Arya wanted to come to, but Zuko put his foot down. This girl might be just as scary as Azula, but she's also even younger than Azula. No way. No how.)

And that's about as far as I've thought this through. Arya gets declared the new Queen of the North by her brother's rescued bannermen, Zuko decides to stick around to take care of her, and by extension the Brotherhood also now sign on with the Starks, although they continue to be not-quite in the chain of command and still go about lynching looters regardless of what house they're sworn to.

[waterfire1848]

Sokkla living in the south pole and vacationing in Ember Island head canons?

Hello, @dangeroflove !!!

1. A year after the war, Sokka went to visit Azula in the asylum and learned about the truly horrible conditions there. Azula assumed he would do nothing except laugh, especially when he learned that she couldn’t control her firebending anymore, but he comes back with Zuko that night and Zuko is arguing with the staff until he practically loses his voice to let Azula out. Much to Azula’s shock, they do. (Azula: Why….why help me? Sokka: Because no one deserves to suffer like this). Azula doesn’t want to return to the palace because it holds too many memories for her. She stays there for a week and is constantly hearing her mother’s voice everywhere and thinks she sees Ozai every once in a while. She doesn’t say anything to Sokka or Zuko because she doesn’t want to risk being sent back to the asylum but they can tell something is wrong. Sokka, having to return to the South Pole, suggests that Azula come with him for some time away from the palace. She agrees and they head off the next week.

2. The people of the South Pole aren’t overly welcoming to the daughter of the Fire Lord. A couple people even call her the crazy princess because of stories they’re heard. (Sokka: I’m so sorry. I didn’t- Azula: In the asylum, I wouldn’t be able to move my arms and legs all day. They can call me whatever they want as long as I get to stay here.) It’s not a good mentality but it’s the one Azula has. Kanna and Hakoda are the only ones who give her a chance upon first meeting her. Kanna is very much a grandma to Azula which, since Azula never had a grandparent, is very weird to her. Azula is stiff around Hakoda and doesn’t really know what he’ll do. It takes her time to realize he won’t hit her or yell at her for failing a chore or job. Over time, she proves herself to be more and more useful. Everyone kind of assumed she’d be like the Fire Nation or Earth Kingdom nobility they’d heard of and not want to do anything, but Azula is helping fish, make igloos, make spears, hunting, etc she really is putting in the work to show the tribe that she’s not the crazy princess and it works. By the end of her first year there, Azula has been accepted by the Southern Water Tribe and, by the end of her first year there, her hallucinations have stopped.

3. Much to Sokka’s shock, Azula’s favorite chore to help with is watching the kids. Most of the kids flocked to Sokka when they first arrived because he was the one who was their main babysitter/‘trainer’ and they want to hear stories from him. They’re scared of Azula when she first arrives but after she tells them some stories of her experience in the war (Sokka: The Firelord had no chance! I raised my weapon and- Azula: Am I misremembering? Sokka: It totally happened! Azula: You got no where near my father on the Day of Black Sun. Sokka: Yeah. We fought and subdued you. Azula, barking out a laugh: Oh? That’s what happened? I remember it a bit different. Sokka, laughing: Nope. That’s exactly what happened. Little boy: What are you talking about? Azula: May I? Before you poison these children’s minds. Sokka: You’re no fun.) and, upon getting full control of her bending back, Azula shows off different shapes and styles of her bending to the kids, who are mesmerized by the light blue flames. Sokka has gone to visit Azula numerous times when she’s watching the children and she’s always having the best time. (Sokka: It’s so weird to see you with kids. Azula, shrugging: I’m good at everything. Including watching children.) It’s actually when Sokka goes to get Azula and bring her back for dinner that he asks her out on a date for the first time. News travels fast through the village that she said yes because one of the kids hears and tells everyone. (It only took a year😂)

4. Azula and Sokka’s dates quickly turn into spending almost everyday together. They grow closer and closer as a couple and start to make more and more progress within the tribe by helping them get back on their feet and advocating for the Southern Water Tribe’s place with other nations. Working together, and after many years (10 to be exact), the Southern Water Tribe is stronger than ever before. At the 8 year marker, Sokka takes Azula out one night, during the southern lights display, and asks her to marry him. Azula happily agrees but that night admits to him that she does miss home. Sokka suggests having the wedding there and Azula does agree but inside she feels like it isn’t enough to just do that. While preparing for the wedding, Azula grows sick and asks to be examined by Katara. (Katara: Good news! Azula: It’s just a bug? Katara: I wouldn’t call my future niece or nephew a bug. Azula: I…. Katara: You’re pregnant). Azula has a mini breakdown then because she knows a baby will mean remaining in one location for stability and she can’t ask Sokka to stay away from the South Pole for the next 6-7 years, especially when he’s going to be the next chief, but at the same time she doesn’t want to stay in the South Pole continuously for 6-7 years. (Katara: This would be a great conversation to have with your soon to be husband.)

5. That night, Azula does talk with Sokka about the baby and how she’s feeling. They don’t really know what to do for a while until Sokka comes to her one day with an idea. Live in the South Pole and vacation on Ember Island. Aang is in the South Pole all the time, so when he’s there they could ask him if they could borrow Appa and fly to Ember Island. That way, Azula gets a taste of home but Sokka doesn’t have to be gone for more than a week or two. (Azula: I love it). When the wedding is done and the baby(a boy) born, that’s exactly what they do. They go back and forth between the South Pole and Ember Island both with and without their son. Azula loves bringing Hakoda(their son) to Ember Island because it’s one of the few places where she and her family were last happy so being there with her new family lets her make her memories. Sokka takes the time to fall asleep under the sun (to the day he dies he says Azula let him cook one time and get a sunburn all over his body and Azula denies the whole thing). Hakoda loves the ice cream there and will always order cherry flavored to go along with his mom. Sokka gets dragged along on their quests for cherry flavored ice cream because it’s not always at certain stores and he’s a fan of chocolate so he’s fine wherever they go. Sadly though, Hakoda is a fan of the Ember Island Players so Azula and Sokka have to suffer through their plays. (Sokka: I blame your mother. Azula: You’re probably right.) When Azula gets pregnant with their second child, she ends up giving birth on the island because they mistimed when she was due. The baby girl is named Ursa because she’s born when they’re at one of the plays.

[theowritesfiction]

‘The Day of Black Sun Part 1: Invasion’

Okay, here we are with the big mid-season double header! Right off the bat, I have to remark on another sweet Water Sibling moment, with Katara slipping a drink into Sokka's hand as he's pouring over the maps. Aww <3

The invasion force arrives... and no, I can't think of anything else but Haru's facial hair committing crimes against all common decency. 30 Jerk Points for that mustache. Also, Aang getting a new glider just in time... that snack compartment sounds like a Sokka idea, though. I loved Appa's armor - okay, I guess the scam money was put to good use. I don't love Aang shaving his hair - 10 Jerk Points.

Poor Sokka choking up right before it was time to present his big idea was kind of mean... but Hakoda's explanation of the plan really underlines how desperate it is. Most of the fighting is still being done without the aid of the eclipse. Also, there are some very serious flaws in the plan that I can see right away, and I will probably do a more serious meta about it, but I will immediately challenge the assertion that 'once the Avatar has defeated the Fire Lord, the war will be over'. Like... why would you expect the war to be over at that point? Why wouldn't the Fire Nation keep fighting back against an invading force striking into the heart of the capital? The Fire Lord isn't the only one keeping this war going. The moment the eclipse is over, every firebender in and around the capital will be looking to kick these invaders out, because there is no way in hell they will be viewed as 'liberators'.

And yes, I think this invasion plan was terrible and is one of the reasons why I don't subscribe to the genius Sokka theory. But even if the overall plan is not good, I can still give Sokka credit for his awesome inventions that individually performed as intended. <3

Okay, the Kataang stuff... let's get that out of the way quickly, I don't really blame Aang for wanting to kiss Katara before heading into what they believe is the decisive battle, even if Katara just wanted another big sister moment. I still find the framing of this whole 'romance' very badly done. The last Kataang moment was way back in The Headband, which was pretty much the only clear time where Katara showed romantic interest in Aang, and yet it had no follow-up and here Katara once again acts confused and uncertain, and knowing what we know about Katara and how free she is with her affections... once again, she is clearly far less interested in Aang than Aang is interested in her. Sorry, facts only. Also, since I was still subjected to Kataang kiss which I find gross, I give the culprit (Aang) 20 more Jerk Points.

I think Mai actually spent a lot of effort trying to be supportive for Zuko during these Book 3 episodes. I think she deserved better than a crappy letter. 30 Jerk Points for Zuko. Also, Zuko, saying farewells to Mai and Ursa, but not to your sister who brought you back, gave you what you wanted and kept your ass safe? Boo, 20 more Jerk Points to a bad brother.

The action in the harbor is appropriately epic, but I don't have too much to say about that. It's action, what do you want me to say? I'm a bit sad that Hakoda's injury put Katara out of the final confrontation, and she wasn't there to face off against Azula... robbed again :(

The ending actually felt very satisfying to me. Aang's despair at having been tricked and the viewer realizing that Azula has outsmarted everyone... ah, how does Azula manage to be the best even when she doesn't appear on screen? <3

Anyway, see you soon in Part 2, but meanwhile, here are the updated Jerk Points for Book 3:

Zuko - 460 Aang – 280  Roku - 100 Hide, Sokka - 80 King Kuei - 60 Toph - 50 Haru - 30  

[rinstrumental]

all the wrong places

zutara

# not proofread, mutually pining idiots, part 1 here

part 2 - giveaway

“Zuko loved parties.

“They were few and far in between, thanks to his father’s natural aversion to… any kind of fun. So when they happened, nobody was more excited than the little prince. He would run around the palace grounds, already in his evening attire hours before the guests were due to arrive. As his teacher, I’d reprimand him and remind him he had homework to finish… but as his auntie, I did love seeing him happy.”

Tai Lu was a distant relative of Zuko’s who had moved to the palace many years ago to become his governess. She continued working there in the library after his banishment, and now Zuko was back for good, she couldn’t help but dote on him every second of the day.

It had been two weeks since his return, and today Tai Lu had invited Katara and Zuko for tea. The former listened attentively to the older woman’s anecdotes while the latter sipped on his tea quietly, pink from embarrassment.

“He was terrible!” Tai Lu cried. “Always stealing sweets from the kitchen and not studying for his spelling tests, and he could hardly lie about it. His ears would go pink, and he would be looking everywhere. So naughty.”

She turned to Zuko, who was perched awkwardly on the edge of his chair. She leaned over and shook his shoulder. “But I could never stay angry at you. You were so cute, and now you’ve gotten so tall and handsome. You and Katara make a beautiful couple!”

Katara’s heart lurched. Zuko choked on his tea. She wanted so badly to snatch a look at the expression on his face, but she didn’t dare. She laughed awkwardly, waving her hands as if to clear the misunderstanding out of the air. “Oh, no, Auntie, you’ve got it all wrong. Zuko is dating Mai.”

“Yes. I’m dating Mai. Mai is my girlfriend,” Zuko spluttered, recovering from the burning hot tea that had scalded his throat. “Not Katara.”

Tai Lu looked surprised. “Mai… Azula’s friend? The one whose uncle is the warden at the Boiling Rock?”

“Yes, we’ve been… on and off.” He was flustered, unsure of the right thing to say to his inquisitive amd perspective aunt. “But we’re doing well now.”

Tai Lu hummed wistfully. “Of course.”

“Okay, Auntie, I think we should go get ready for the ball now,” Zuko spluttered, standing up abruptly. “Come on, Katara.”

The older woman got up from her seat to look out the window. “Yes, it’s almost sunset! Time flies. I will see you both tomorrow at the ceremony.” She exchanged a grin with Katara, then reached over to pinch Zuko on the cheek for the last time.

“You coming?” Katara was already at the doorway when she threw a look over her shoulder at Zuko, who was still lingering by his auntie.

“Yeah, go ahead, I’ll catch up,” he said.

She left the room.

“I’m glad you remember our little code,” Tai Lu said fondly.

“Mostly because it usually meant I was in trouble…” Zuko mumbled, rubbing his neck. “What is it that you want to tell me?”

“Why is it that I had no clue about you and Mai until five minutes ago?”

Zuko’s eyes widened in surprise at her sharp tone. “I… suppose I didn’t think my love life was that important.”

“You didn’t think it was ‘that important’? Zuko, you are going to be crowned as Fire Lord tomorrow. You do realize that both your private and public life is going to be the concern of the entire nation, don’t you?” She held her hand up to cut off his protests, already knowing what he was going to say. “Even if it’s none of their business.”

He was at a loss for words. With one sentence, Tai Lu had brought the crushing weight of reality down on him. He knew that, but he didn’t realize it. He remembered the countless scandals of his father’s advisors, the journalists crowding near the palace gates, the not-so-discreet gossip amongst the servants.

“It’s not just that. How restrictive have you been keeping this relationship to the point that nobody has heard of it? You know what it’s like here - everybody knows everything. Secrets don’t exist here.”

“I know, I know. And the relationship’s not… restrictive,” Zuko said flatly. “That is a strange way to describe it. We just keep it very private.”

“And that’s what she wants?”

“We both agreed it’s for the best.”

Tai Lu stared disdainfully at him, not convinced. “When was the last time you were intimate with her in any way?”

Zuko cringed at the bluntness of her question, but answered it anyway. “When I returned to the Fire Nation. Two weeks ago. It’s normal, she- we’re just not that affectionate.”

“Zuko, I don’t think Mai is right for you. She’s not the one your heart lies with.”

He looked away, feeling stupid. Like a little boy who got caught up in a fib. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he snapped. “I love Mai. We are happy together. Thank you for your concern, Auntie, but I have to go get ready for the party now. Excuse me.”

Zuko walked swiftly out of the room, face warm. He walked out of the workers’ quarters, out into the garden, and continued pacing around the pond. He needed to take a cold shower. He needed water. He needed to tell someone to get his clothes ready. He needed to calm down. He couldn’t help but wonder where Katara was.

“You look hot.”

He’d never turned around so fast. Katara was sitting by a tree, already regretting her choice of words.

“What?”

“Temperature-wise. Sorry.”

“Yeah, I am. Fuck.” Zuko rubbed his temples and shut his eyes, trying to slow his racing heart. “I need to take a bath. You should be getting ready too, I told you to go ahead.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m sorry for making you wait,” he mumbled, eyes darting between the family of turtleducks sitting by the pond, to the flowering bushes, to the sky. Anywhere but Katara. “I’ll see you at the party. Thanks for spending the afternoon with me.”

As he hurriedly walked past her to leave, Katara noticed the bright blush on the tips of Zuko’s ears.

He’s a bad liar.