#now for some non atla mentions

[navajja]

If you where wondering about my fat Sokka (and Katara) thoughts, i most say they are fat for me all the time, like there don't get fat as they grow up, they are always fat, just different.

[dailyrothko]

So here's the deal:

I just want to be transparent with my tumblr Rothko lovers. I applied and got fiscal sponsorship as a non-profit through Fractured Atlas.

Sadly, "Fiscal Sponsorship" is not what it sounds like, I pay them, they don't pay me. What it allows me to do is take donations and make them tax deductible and secure. I hope it's worth it.

I don't expect my poor pals on tumblr to donate, I don't think most of us have any money or we probably wouldn't be here, however, I am letting you know this because there's now a donate button on the blog.

I'm very poor and needed to do this to realize certain projects Rothko related projects. This is just a voluntary thing, i'm not going behind a paywall. Nothing is changing.

I mention this because their tacky donate button makes it look like I made a deal with the devil, but in actuality it's just for everyone's security.

I hate doing this at all but I am spread very thin. I spend a lot of time and money on this project and that's fine when i can do it, it's a labor of love. But some of it is just becoming impossible for me to maintain and so it goes.

Future projects include-

-I am writing a series of (three) articles I would like to publish about Rothko's impact in the modern world. Scholarly material on Rothko from art historians is good and I don't wish to retread old ground. However, there are some sides of the Rothko legacy I would like to cover based on my experiences, including interviews I have done with people on how they have come to the work (some of you guys), coverage of fakes and misattributions, and biographical impressions based on numerous interviews I have read with his family and friends.

-A bigger and ongoing project would be to create a website and central database that art enthusiasts can use to locate travelling Rothko exhibits and find which paintings are in which museums. Many people ask me these questions personally but if there was a place where all this information lived and someone to update it, people could look up available Rothko works in different cities they are travelling to.

We are living in a troubled world with many humanitarian concerns that should rightly take precedence over my little project, but I am trying to survive myself and lately it's pretty hard.

Thanks to all for 9 years of Rothko love.

(I realized no one can donate on the mobile app, so if you wish to, use this link below.)

[03jyh23]

🌏⌇atlas┆song mingi

│part of goes to waste the series based on my favourite keshi songs

│listen here

rapper!mingi x non-celebrity!reader

│synopsis: in the heart of bustling seoul, you and mingi shared a luxurious penthouse apartment. despite the grandeur, loneliness consumed you as mingi's skyrocketing fame distanced him from the loving boyfriend you once knew.

│genre: lovers to strangers, angst

│trigger warnings:  heartbreak (obviously), mature language, mention of past trauma and pain

│words: 8.9 k

│playlist: empty box an album by song mingi, tracklist: after hours, too late, killing me (english), wait, paranoid, drunk, lonely heart, empty box (english)

│reminder: what you’re about to read is purely fiction, so let’s keep it separate from reality.

!minors do not interact!

— hi there! finally, here's the next part of goes to waste series. i had to take some time off after publishing 2soon (check it if you haven't yet), which was a truly personal piece, but now i'm back! atlas is very loosely inspired by the song; it's more about the vibe the song gave me than the actual lyrics. i also changed the original synopsis quite a bit because i honestly didn't feel like sticking with the first version. same as with 2soon, i spent some time creating a playlist, and if you do decide to listen, i hope you enjoy the songs i've chosen. oh! and if you read through my small author notes, then you're lucky because i can finally reveal that both the reaper (jongho) and right here (yeosang) will be published as a mini-series (but only after finishing finding our way back)!

love, monika ♡

i’d be so grateful for a little love – a tagged reblog or comment would truly make my day!

│taglist: @skittyneos │@kyeos4ng │ @vcutparis │@hoeforalbedo

You were sitting on a bed in the bedroom you shared with Mingi in your very own luxurious penthouse apartment in the bustling center of Seoul. It hasn't been long since you moved in here, but the vastness and elegance of the place made you feel even lonelier than ever. Mingi was out, performing at a sold-out arena show, and the glaring reality was that you weren't there to support him. It wasn't that you didn't want to attend; the painful truth was that he simply forgot to invite you—his girlfriend of the last 4 years, someone who had stood by his side through thick and thin. You looked at the floor, your eyes catching the sight of your suitcases and bags packed meticulously with your belongings, ready to move out of this once cherished home. The thing was, you couldn't quite leave without seeing Mingi one last time. Your heart ached at the thought of parting without a final goodbye, and it didn't let you go. You didn't know life without Mingi, and the prospect left you shit scared. The very thought of navigating through your days without his presence was enough to send shivers down your spine. However, you couldn't pretend any longer that Mingi hasn't changed. The boy you once fell in love with, who was caring, attentive, and always made you feel like the center of his universe, seemed to have vanished. In his place was someone distant, preoccupied, and seemingly indifferent to your feelings. You tried to rationalize his behavior, blaming it on the stress of his career and the constant pressure he was under, but deep down, you knew it was more than that. The connection you once shared felt like a distant memory, and the reality of who he had become was impossible to ignore. 

It all started not even a year ago. Mingi's song went viral on the internet, and he gained a massive following in a span of three days. From being an independent artist playing in clubs for maybe a couple of hundred fans, he went straight to signing a contract with a major company, making huge checks and selling out arenas in a span of minutes. The transformation was almost surreal. One day, you were cheering him on from small, dimly lit venues where you could see the sweat on his brow and the fire in his eyes as he performed. The next, he was being whisked away to luxurious studios and high-profile meetings with industry moguls. It felt like you were living in a dream—or a nightmare, depending on the moment. Suddenly, the simplicity of your shared life was replaced by a whirlwind of glitz and glamour. Mingi's phone never stopped buzzing with calls, texts, and notifications. Invitations to exclusive parties, collaborations with big names, and interviews with top media outlets flooded in. While his career skyrocketed, your relationship seemed to plummet into an abyss of neglect and misunderstanding. As he became more entrenched in his new world, you noticed changes in him. The boy who once couldn't wait to spend a quiet night in, watching movies with you was now constantly on the go, his calendar filled with events that didn't include you. The intimate conversations you used to have, were replaced by strained, hurried phone calls and text messages that felt more like obligations than genuine connections. Despite your best efforts to be supportive and understanding, the growing distance between you became an insurmountable chasm. Mingi's success had come at a steep price, and it felt like you were the one paying for it. The man you had known and loved for years was slowly slipping away, replaced by someone who seemed more like a stranger with each passing day. 

The night was getting later, and there was still no sign of Mingi. Maybe he wasn't planning to come back today; maybe he was too busy with his new rapper friends to even care to come back. You couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment and frustration. You glanced at your phone, hoping for a message or a missed call, but there was nothing. Well, it wouldn't be the first time he had left you waiting, feeling like an afterthought in his increasingly busy life. You tried to occupy yourself, turning on the TV and flipping through channels, but nothing could distract you. The boy who once couldn't stand to be away from you was now someone who seemed to have forgotten you existed.  

With every passing minute, the reality of your situation became clearer. Mingi might not come back tonight, tomorrow, or even the day after that. He was out there, living his life, while you were stuck in a place that no longer felt like home. You still vividly remember your first day in this apartment; it was a momentous occasion. Mingi had received his significant check from the tour ticket sales, as well as the royalties, just a week passed since, and you were moving into the luxurious space. The excitement and anticipation were palpable as you both looked forward to starting this new chapter in your lives together. You left your one-bedroom apartment with a tingle of sadness, each corner filled with cherished memories of the life you had built together. However, the excitement and anticipation of creating a new home in a spacious, luxurious penthouse overshadowed any melancholy you felt. You both dreamed of this moment, envisioning a future filled with endless possibilities and new adventures. The thought of decorating the new place, hosting friends, and building new memories brought a sense of joy and hope. It was a new chapter, a fresh start, and despite the nostalgia for your old apartment, the promise of what lay ahead made the transition feel like the beginning of something wonderful. So, you never thought you would be leaving this place like this. Heartbroken. The walls that once echoed with laughter and joy now felt cold and distant. Every corner of the penthouse, which had been a symbol of Mingi’s dreams and aspirations, now seemed to mock your pain. The spacious rooms that once brought a sense of freedom now felt like a labyrinth of sorrow. You recalled the countless evenings spent planning your future together, the whispered promises of forever, and the dreams you had woven into the very fabric of this home. Now, those dreams lay shattered, scattered like fragile pieces of glass. The weight of your decision to leave pressed heavily on your chest, making it difficult to breathe. You never imagined that the place which once brought you so much happiness would be the same place you'd have to walk away from. 

You promised yourself you wouldn't wait longer than 3 AM, and as the hour approached, you picked up all your belongings and took them to the hallway. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of your decision sinking in deeper with every passing second. You glanced once again across the apartment, taking in the memories etched into every corner of the space that once felt like a loving home. With a heavy heart, you left your keys on the kitchen counter. As you put your shoes on, you paused for a moment, feeling the finality of your actions. You were ready to turn off the lights and walk out of the door, the silence of the apartment echoing your own sense of abandonment. Just as you reached for the switch, the doors opened with a soft creak that seemed to reverberate through the entire space. 

There stood Mingi, his face pale and eyes wide with a mixture of shock and disbelief, as if he had seen a ghost. His presence, so unexpected and surreal in that moment, made your heart skip a beat. The silence between you was deafening, filled with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved emotions. For a split second, neither of you moved, as if frozen in time. 

"What is going on?" he asked, his eyes finding your gaze as he swallowed hard. 

You took a deep breath, feeling a lump form in your throat. "I can't do this anymore," you replied, your voice trembling. 

His expression shifted from confusion to concern. "What do you mean? What are you talking about?" 

"I mean us, Mingi. I'm not even a part of your life anymore," you said, tears welling up in your eyes. "I packed my bags. I'm leaving." 

Mingi's eyes widened in shock, and he took a step closer. "Leaving? No baby, you can't just leave." 

You shook your head, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on you. "I deserve more than this. I'm done. We're done," you said, almost out of breath, your voice trembling with a mix of anger and sorrow. 

Mingi's face contorted with emotion, his eyes pleading as he reached out to you. "Please, let's talk about this," he said, desperation lacing his voice. 

You looked at him, your heart breaking all over again. "It's too late, Mingi," you responded, trying to keep your resolve strong even as tears streamed down your face. "I'm so sick of pretending everything's alright, that you haven't changed," you continued, your frustration bubbling to the surface. 

Mingi stepped closer, his hands reaching for yours, desperation evident in his voice. "What are you talking about? I'm still the same, I’m still your boyfriend who would do anything for you." 

You took a deep breath, your voice trembling as you confronted him. "Are you even aware my birthday was a week ago and you haven't showed up to the party?" 

Mingi's face fell, a look of guilt and realization washing over him. "I... I didn't know. I'm so sorry," he stammered, but the damage was already done. 

"So no, Mingi, you are not the same. My boyfriend would show up to my birthday party, hell he would organize it himself. And you know what you did that night? You were sitting in a fucking club with your fellow rappers doing God knows what," you spat, the pain in your words cutting through the air. "My boyfriend loved me, he wanted to spend time with me, he cherished me, he would never leave without kissing me and telling me he loves me," you said, your voice cracking. "You are not him." 

Mingi's shoulders slumped, the weight of his actions finally seeming to hit him. "I messed up. I know I did, and I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice cracking. 

‘’Sorry is not enough,’ you took a deep breath, your eyes filling with tears. "I'm so sick and tired of justifying your shitty behavior in front of my parents, our friends, and most definitely myself. Every time they ask me where you are or why you're not around, I must come up with excuses. It's exhausting, and honestly, I'm tired of lying for you." 

Mingi's eyes filled with tears, his voice breaking as he whispered, "I never wanted to let you down. I know I've been distant, but I never stopped loving you." 

You shook your head, "You don’t love me, Mingi. Actions speak louder than words, and your actions have clearly shown me where I stand in your life. When was the last time you took me out, huh? When was the last time you asked me how I was doing? When was the last time you made love to me, not just fucked me after your show, huh?" you demanded, each question hitting him like a blow. 

Mingi's face crumpled as he absorbed your words. "I didn't realize... I thought you understood how busy I've been," he mumbled, his voice tinged with regret. 

"Busy? We all have busy lives. But love means making time, no matter what," you said, wiping away your tears. "I can't keep waiting for you to remember that." 

Mingi's tears began to flow freely, his voice barely a whisper. "Please, don't go. I promise I'll change, I'll make things right," he pleaded, but you could see the doubt in his eyes. 

"Since you went viral, you haven't even taken me to your shows, to the afterparties. I don't know your new friends. Do they know about me?" you asked, your voice rising with each word. Mingi's hesitation spoke volumes, and you felt another crack in your already shattered heart. "That's what I thought," you murmured, more to yourself than to him. "If they don't know about me, then maybe you don't want them to. Maybe that's why it's easier for you to forget I exist." 

Mingi's eyes widened, realization dawning on him. "No, it's not like that," he tried to argue, but the conviction in his voice was gone. The silence between you grew heavier, filled with all the things left unsaid over the past months. 

"Tell me honestly, now. You're rapping about fucking bitches and maybe that's really what you're doing in those clubs, huh?" you spat, the accusation hanging heavily in the air. 

Mingi's face paled, his eyes wide with shock and hurt. "How could you even accuse me of that?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mixture of anger and pain. "I would never do something like that to you. You mean everything to me." he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. He took a step closer, desperation in his eyes. "I swear, it's not what you think. Those lyrics, they're just part of the persona. They don't mean anything." 

You let out a bitter laugh, the sound echoing through the silent apartment. "Is that supposed to make me feel better? That it's all just an act? Because it doesn't. It just makes me feel like I don't even know who you are anymore," you retorted, your voice trembling with emotion. "You spend all your time with these people, living this life that I'm not a part of. How am I supposed to believe you when you say it's not real?" 

Mingi's shoulders slumped, the weight of your words pressing down on him. "I know I've made mistakes. I know I've been distant, but I never wanted to hurt you. I thought you understood how much pressure I'm under," he said, his voice cracking. 

"Being under pressure doesn't give you the right to treat me like I don't matter," you shot back, wiping away the tears from your rosy cheeks. "You used to make me feel like I was the most important person in the world. Now, I feel like I'm just another obligation, something you can push aside when it suits you." 

Mingi's eyes lit up with a sudden realization. "Please give me a moment, I know what will make you stay," he said, his voice filled with a newfound sense of urgency. Before you could respond, he turned and rushed towards the bedroom. You stood there, your heart pounding in your chest as you listened to the sounds of Mingi frantically ruffling through drawers and opening cabinets. The noise grew louder, punctuated by the occasional clatter of objects being moved aside. After what felt like an eternity, Mingi emerged from the bedroom, his face flushed and his breath heavy. Clutched tightly in his hand was a small, elegant box. He walked towards you, his eyes never leaving yours, and with shaking hands, he opened the box to reveal a stunning, custom-made Tiffany engagement ring. 

"This... this is what I was waiting for," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I wanted everything to be perfect before I asked you. I know I've messed up, but please, give me one more chance. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Tears welled up in his eyes as he held the ring out to you, his entire being pleading for forgiveness and another chance. You stared at the ring, the weight of the moment pressing down on you as you tried to process everything. Mingi took a deep breath and then, in one fluid motion, he dropped to one knee, holding the ring up towards you. His eyes were filled with desperation and hope, the tears streaming down his face reflecting the sincerity of his words. "Y/N please, marry me," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I know I've been distant, and I know I've hurt you, but I want to make it right. I want to spend the rest of my life making it up to you, showing you how much you mean to me. Please, give me another chance." You stood there, your heart pounding in your chest as you looked down at Mingi, the man you had loved for so long, now kneeling before you with a ring in his hand. The future you have always dreamed of was right there in front of you, and you cried harder at the sight. The ring, a symbol of the life you had envisioned together, glittered in the dim light of the penthouse. It was everything you had ever wanted, yet the weight of the disappointments and heartbreaks made it difficult to embrace. The tears streamed down your face, mixing with the raw emotions that had been building up inside you. You couldn't help but think of all the broken promises, the lonely nights, and the feeling of being forgotten. The ring was beautiful, but it couldn't erase the pain that had accumulated over time. 

Mingi kneeled there in front of you, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and desperation, waiting for your response."Now we have enough money to book the beach venue you dreamed of," Mingi started, trying to control his own tears. "I will order you a custom dress from the designer you told me about, inspired by the Disney princess you loved since you were little," he added, his voice trembling with desperation. "And we will go to Belize for our honeymoon," he continued, his words coming out in a rush. "We will rent a whole house by the beach, just like you always wanted. Every morning, we'll wake up to the sound of the waves, and every night, we'll fall asleep under the stars. There won't be a single day when I won't prove to you how much I love you," Mingi's voice cracked, his eyes pleading. "Please, give me another chance. Please marry me. I promise I'll be the man you fell in love with, the one who would move heaven and earth just to see you smile. We’ll make new memories, beautiful ones that will overshadow all the pain I’ve put you through. I swear, I'll spend every moment making it up to you, showing you that my love is real and unwavering. So please, please say yes." The image he painted was truly everything you ever wanted, the plans you made together on countless nights, dreaming of a future filled with love and happiness. The beach venue, the custom dress, the honeymoon in Belize—all of it was exactly what you had envisioned. It was as if he had taken every whispered wish, every secret hope, and turned them into a tangible reality. His words, filled with desperation and promise, tugged at your heartstrings, making you yearn for the life you had once believed was possible. The thought of waking up to the sound of waves, falling asleep under the stars, and creating new, beautiful memories was almost too tempting to resist. In that moment, you saw a glimpse of the life you had always wanted. You closed your eyes, taking a deep breath as you tried to steady your racing heart. The weight of the moment felt almost suffocating, but you knew you had to make a choice. When you opened your eyes again, you looked at Mingi, your voice barely above a whisper, 

"I can't," you choked out, your voice barely above a whisper. The words felt like shards of glass slicing through the air. You saw the hope in Mingi's eyes flicker and fade, replaced by a look of utter devastation. His shoulders slumped as he dropped completely to the floor, the ring slipping from his grasp and falling to the floor with a loud echo. You heard him cry out in agony, and it broke your heart all over again, shattering it completely. For a moment, the silence was deafening, filled only with the sound of your ragged breaths and Mingi's soft sobs. You stood there, frozen, the weight of your decision pressing down on you like a physical force. Every fiber of your being wanted to rush to him, to take back the words and make everything alright, but you knew deep down that it was too late. 

Mingi's tears flowed freely now, his face a portrait of anguish. "Please, don't go," he pleaded, his voice raw with desperation. "I need you. I don't know what I'll do without you." 

"I'm so sorry, Mingi," you said, your voice trembling as you took a step back. "I wish things could be different, but I can't keep living like this." 

Mingi looked up at you, his eyes red and swollen with tears. "Please, don't leave me," he pleaded, his voice cracking with desperation. "I can't lose you. I'll do anything to make it right, I swear." 

You shook your head, "It's not about what you can do, Mingi. It's about what you haven't done." With a heavy heart, you turned towards the door, picking up your bags. Each step felt like a thousand, the weight of your decision making it almost unbearable to move. As you reached the door, you paused, looking back at Mingi one last time. The sight of him, broken and pleading, was almost too much to bear. "Goodbye, Mingi," you whispered, your voice barely audible. "I hope you come across something more than better, something that brings you true happiness and fulfillment. And I’m so sorry it’s not me." With those final words, you turned the knob and stepped out into the hallway, closing the door softly behind you. The echo of the door click reverberated through the empty penthouse, a stark reminder of what you were leaving behind. 

eight months later

It was a Saturday evening, and you were lying in your bed, scrolling through TV channels because apparently your best friend forgot to pay for your Netflix subscription. These past months, you were figuring your life out from the base. With your breakup, everything changed. You were now living in a small apartment, shared with two of your friends to make the rent cheaper. You hadn't saved up much while being with Mingi, mainly taking part-time jobs to be available whenever Mingi needed your help with his career—booking a venue, simply helping around with scanning tickets or delivering merch. You used to spend your days running errands and managing small tasks that kept his career afloat, and in return, he assured you that you didn't need to worry about your own income. Then, when the money came, he simply wouldn’t let you work, claiming what was his was yours, and he had more than enough. His generosity was comforting, but it also left you unprepared for the financial independence you now had to face. So apart from dealing with the heartbreak, you’ve also been struggling a bit with a reality without him. 

Now, as you lay in your small bedroom, you couldn't help but reflect on how drastically your life had shifted. The luxurious apartment you once shared with Mingi was now a distant memory, replaced by this compact space that you now called home. It was filled with laughter and companionship from your two friends, but it also served as a constant reminder of Mingi’s absence. 

The breakup had not only shattered your heart but also forced you to reevaluate your priorities and rebuild your life from scratch. Every day was a struggle to find your footing, to rediscover who you were without Mingi, and to carve out a path for yourself. Despite the challenges, you were slowly learning to embrace this new reality, one step at a time. 

After a long search, you finally stumbled upon a music award show where a band you liked was performing, and you found yourself intrigued. A few other performances passed; the MC announced they would reveal the winner for the Album of the Year in the rap category. Despite trying to ignore all updates about Mingi, you knew he had released a new album earlier this year, so seeing him being nominated didn’t surprise you. You couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions as his name was mentioned. You saw him through your TV screen, his hair now cut short and dyed a vibrant pink, a stark contrast to his previous look. His nose was pierced, and you must admit it made him look even hotter. He was wearing a sleek black blazer with nothing underneath, the simplicity of his outfit highlighting his confidence. He looked absolutely gorgeous, his features as handsome as ever, capturing your attention completely. You couldn’t help but smile, a wave of nostalgia and admiration washing over you. Your heart began to beat faster with the excitement and joy of seeing him again. 

And of course, Mingi won. You didn’t know exactly why, but you couldn’t help yourself—you clapped your hands enthusiastically. You were so incredibly proud of him and his achievement. With a wide smile on his face, he stood up from his seat, took a deep breath, and confidently hopped on stage. He walked over to the microphone, adjusted it to his height, and paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. "Thank you, everyone," Mingi began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "This album means the world to me, and it wouldn't have been possible without the incredible team behind me and the fans who have supported me through everything." He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I want to dedicate this award to someone very special to me, someone who was with me since my early days." Mingi's words hung in the air, and you felt a lump form in your throat. You knew he was talking about you. The memories of your time together, the sacrifices you made, and the dreams you shared all came rushing back. Despite the pain and heartbreak, a part of you was deeply touched by his acknowledgment. He continued, "I know I've made mistakes, and I've hurt the only person I have ever loved. But this album represents a journey of growth and redemption. It's about learning from those mistakes and becoming a better person." The audience applauded, but your mind was elsewhere, lost in the whirlwind of emotions Mingi's speech had stirred within you. You couldn't help but wonder if he truly had changed, if he had finally realized the impact of his actions. As the applause died down, Mingi took a step back, holding the award close to his chest. He looked directly into the camera, his eyes seemingly searching for yours through the screen. "You know," Mingi continues, "this special person told me that since I gained popularity, I’ve been only rapping about fucking bitches, and she hated that." Mingi smiled and looked at the award in his hands. "So, with this album, I came back to my roots, to lyrics that truly mattered and reflect who I am." As the applause echoed around him, Mingi took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words and the emotions they carried. He remembered the countless nights he spent writing, the struggles he faced, and the moments of doubt. "I don’t know where she’s at now, what she’s doing," he paused, running a hand through his hair, his eyes filled with regret "I wanted to be a man and respect her decision to leave me, so I never reached out." His voice cracked, the weight of his words sinking in "Because the truth is she deserves way better than me." He swallowed hard, his eyes glistening with unshed tears "I don’t even know if this will reach her, but if it does, I just want her to know that I still, very much love her." A tear finally escaped, rolling down his cheek "And that life without her is shit." He took a deep breath, his voice barely a whisper. He glanced around, seeing familiar faces of fellow artists and friends who knew his story then he looked straight at the camera. "So, to my ex, to the one I prayed to end up with, thank you for breaking my heart. This one is for you." He raised his award and bowed. As he left the stage, you couldn't help but feel a surge of mixed emotions. The love you once shared was still there, buried beneath the pain and heartbreak, but his words made you wonder if there might still be a chance for redemption and healing. You sat there, stunned and overwhelmed, tears streaming down your face. The raw emotion in Mingi's speech had reopened old wounds, but it also made you question if there was a possibility for a new beginning. 

Too caught up in your thoughts, you didn't notice when the cameras started to broadcast live from backstage. An elegant reporter, dressed in a chic green dress, stood waiting with a microphone in hand. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she spotted Mingi approaching, clutching his award tightly. She greeted him with a warm smile and a nod, gesturing for him to join her on a plush, cream-colored couch set up for the interview. As Mingi took his seat next to her, the reporter's smile widened. "Congratulations, Mingi, on your incredible win tonight!" she began, her voice smooth and professional. "How does it feel to take home the Album of the Year award?" 

Mingi took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. "It feels surreal," he admitted, his voice slightly hoarse from the whirlwind of emotions he had experienced on stage. "This album was a labor of love and a journey of self-discovery. Winning this award means the world to me." 

The reporter nodded; her expression empathetic. "You've mentioned that this album, Empty Box, holds a lot of personal significance. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind it?" 

"The title of the album, Empty Box, symbolizes a metaphorical space where I have placed all the love I couldn’t give, oh god I hate to call her that but, to my ex-girlfriend." Mingi's eyes welled up with tears, and he swallowed hard. "It encompasses not just the love, but also our unfulfilled dreams, the cherished memories we created together, and the mistakes we made along the way." He paused, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, his emotions visibly overwhelming him. This album reflects my journey, regrets, and lessons I've learned. Each song is a chapter of that story, a piece of my heart that I hope resonates with those who listen." He took a deep breath, his voice cracking as he continued, "I wanted to create something that speaks to the pain of losing someone you love, the guilt of not being able to give them what they deserve, and the hope that maybe, just maybe, we can all find a way to heal from our past mistakes." Mingi's eyes were filled with a mix of sorrow and determination as he spoke, his words carrying the weight of his emotions. He looked directly into the camera, his eyes searching for a connection with those who might be watching. "To anyone out there who feels like they've messed up, like they've lost their way, I want you to know that you're not alone. We all make mistakes, we all have regrets, but that doesn't mean we can't find a way to move forward. This album is my way of reaching out, of saying that it's okay to feel broken, it's okay to struggle, but it's also okay to hope for a better tomorrow." 

The reporter nodded, her eyes reflecting the depth of Mingi's words. "Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with us, Mingi. Your honesty and vulnerability are truly inspiring." She paused for a moment, letting his words resonate with the audience. "What's next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or plans you'd like to share?" 

Mingi took a deep breath, a small smile breaking through his tear-streaked face. "Right now, I just want to take some time to reflect and reconnect with myself. But I promise, there's more music to come, and I hope to continue growing both as an artist and as a person." 

The reporter's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned in slightly. "Is this album some type of closure for you? Are you ready to go out there and find love again? I bet there's plenty of girls, or guys who would die to have a chance with you." 

Mingi took a moment to reflect, his eyes distant. "In many ways, this album has been therapeutic for me. It's allowed me to process my emotions and come to terms with my past. As for finding love again, I think it's important for me to focus on healing and personal growth first. Love is a beautiful thing, but it requires a strong foundation." 

The reporter nodded, her smile warm and understanding. "Thank you for your honesty, Mingi. Your journey is truly inspiring, and I'm sure your fans appreciate your openness." 

Mingi smiled back, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Thank you. I'm grateful for the support." With that, the interview concluded, and Mingi stood up, shaking the reporter's hand before walking away. As the camera panned out, you turned off the TV, your mind racing with thoughts and emotions. And you knew you needed to see him again. You've been staying strong since you left him, but now, the wall crashed down and you couldn't stop your racing heart, you couldn't prioritize your mind screaming at you not to do it. The memories of your time together flooded back with an overwhelming force, each one more vivid than the last. The late-night conversations, the shared dreams, the laughter, and even the fights—they all played in your mind like an old movie reel. Despite the pain and the heartbreak, you couldn't deny the love you still felt for him, a love that had been buried but never truly extinguished. Your emotions were a tangled mess, a mix of longing, fear, hope, and regret. You thought about the life you once envisioned with him, the future that seemed so bright and full of promise. Would it still be possible? Could you find a way to rebuild what was broken, to heal the wounds that had festered for so long? As you sat there, your heart pounding in your chest, you knew that you couldn't ignore these feelings. It was as if something was pushing you towards him, giving you a nudge to take a step towards reconciliation. The thought of seeing him again both terrified and excited you, but you knew that you had to follow your heart. With trembling hands, you picked up your phone and stared at the screen, your mind racing with a thousand thoughts. Should you call him? Text him? Show up at his door? You took a deep breath, trying to steady your nerves, and made your decision. You were going to see him. 

You run to your closet, your heart racing with anticipation and anxiety. You put on a hoodie as the autumn air was getting colder, layered a denim jacket on top for extra warmth, and decided to go. Living on the opposite side of the city now, getting to Mingi's place would take more than an hour, but you didn't mind the long journey. As you left your room, one of your roommates looked at you, her eyes filled with curiosity. 

"So, I guess you heard the speech?" she asked, a knowing smile playing on her lips. You could feel the pride welling up inside you, making you even more determined to reach Mingi and share your feelings with him. 

"Yeah, I did," you replied, your voice trembling with emotion. "I need to see him." 

"Honey, I know you want to, but don't forget why you left him in the first place," she said gently, her eyes filled with concern. "You were heartbroken and exhausted. It took so much strength for you to walk away and start rebuilding your life." She paused, her expression softening. "I understand that his speech stirred up a lot of emotions, but please, think carefully about this. Remember all the nights you cried yourself to sleep, all the broken promises. Just don't lose sight of why you made the decision to leave. You deserve to be happy and to find someone who truly values and respects you." 

You nodded, taking her words to heart. "I know, and I won't forget. But I need to know if things can be different now. It's just, I am so proud of him, and I just wish he knew that" you whispered to your roommate, your voice filled with a mix of hope and determination. Your roommate, who had been silently listening, came closer, her eyes reflecting concern and empathy. "I know we've been through so much, and the pain was unbearable at times. But seeing him up there, pouring his heart out, made me realize that a part of me still cares deeply for him. I can't ignore these feelings. I spent so many nights crying myself to sleep, feeling hurt and abandoned, but maybe he's changed. Maybe he's truly learned from his mistakes. I need to see for myself if there's a chance for us to rebuild what we once had, to heal together and find a way back to each other." 

Your friend reached out, gently squeezing your hand, her touch offering a silent reassurance. Her eyes softened as she spoke, "I understand why you feel this way. It's not easy to let go of someone you love, especially when there's still a part of you that believes in him. But you need to be sure that he's really changed, that he's willing to put in the effort to make things right this time." 

You nodded, feeling a lump form in your throat. "I just wish he understood that despite everything, I don't hold any grudges. I want him to know that I forgive him and that I'm willing to give him another chance if he's ready to make things right." Your voice trembled slightly, the weight of your emotions making it difficult to speak. 

Your roommate gave you a warm, encouraging smile. "You have a big heart, and it's clear that you still care about him deeply. Just make sure you protect yourself too. If he's really changed, he'll show you through his actions, not just words. Take it one step at a time and trust your instincts. You deserve to be happy, and if giving him another chance feels right to you, then follow your heart." Her words offered a sense of comfort and clarity, helping to ease the turmoil inside you. You took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of hope. 

"Thank you," you said, your voice filled with gratitude. "I need to do this for myself, to know if there's still a chance for us." With that, you hugged your best friend and stepped out into the autumn night. 

The journey to Mingi's place felt like an eternity, each passing moment filled with a mixture of anticipation and fear. As the bus drew closer to his building, you couldn't help but feel a surge of doubt. What if this was a mistake? What if you were setting yourself up for more heartache? But the memory of Mingi's heartfelt speech and the love you still felt for him pushed you forward. 

When you finally arrived, you stood outside his door, taking a deep breath to steady your nerves. With a trembling hand, you knocked, the sound echoing through the hallway. To your surprise, the door is opened by an elderly man, dressed in an elegant suit. His eyes widen in surprise as he sees you standing there. "Good evening, sir," you say hesitantly, trying to mask your confusion. "I’m sorry for the late visit but I'm here to see Mingi. Is he already back?" The man's expression shifts from surprise to bewilderment. 

"I'm sorry," he replies, his voice carrying a hint of confusion. "But I believe you have the wrong address. Nobody by the name of Mingi lives here." He looks at you sympathetically, as if trying to help you figure out your mistake. 

Your heart sank, and you felt a wave of confusion wash over you. "But this was his address," you murmured, feeling lost. 

The elderly man gave you a kind smile, "I moved in here few months ago, maybe he was a previous owner of this apartment?" 

Your heart sank even further as you realized that Mingi had moved. "Thank you," you said softly, turning away from the door, feeling a mix of disappointment and confusion. As you walked back to the bus stop, the doubt began to creep in again. Maybe meeting with him would be a mistake? The universe seemed to be throwing obstacles in your path, as if trying to tell you something. Perhaps it was a sign that some things are better left in the past, that moving forward meant leaving certain chapters closed. You couldn't help but think about all the reasons you left in the first place, the pain and the heartbreak that led you to this very moment. Was it worth reopening old wounds for a chance that things might be different? As you boarded the bus, you decided to give it one last shot, you took your phone out. You scrolled through your contacts and found Mingi's number, your finger hovering over the call button. Taking a deep breath, you pressed it and held the phone to your ear, your heart pounding as it began to ring. After a few moments, you heard a familiar message on the other end, "The number you have dialed no longer exists." 

The automated message echoed in your ear, a stark reminder of the distance that now separated you from Mingi. You pulled the phone away, staring at the screen in disbelief. How could it be? You had been so certain that reaching out to him was the right thing to do, but now, it felt like the universe was conspiring against you. You tried calling again, but the same message played, confirming that Mingi's number had indeed been disconnected. A sense of finality washed over you, making the reality of the situation sink in even deeper. It felt as if a door had been firmly closed, leaving you standing on the outside, unable to reach the person you once held so dear. As you sat back on the bus, the city lights blurring past the window, you couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Disappointment, sadness, and a lingering sense of what could have been. The memories of your time together replayed in your mind, each one a bittersweet reminder of the love you had lost. Deep down, you knew that this might be the universe's way of telling you to let go, to move forward with your life. With a heavy heart, you put your phone away and leaned back in your seat, taking a deep breath. As the bus continued its route, you gazed out at the city, the lights flickering like distant stars.  

six months later

You just started your shift; the day was going to be long and tiring. With holidays fast approaching, people were buzzing to buy new goods. You were working as a manager in one of the luxury shopping centers, a position that demanded a great deal of patience and resilience. The opulence of the surroundings was a stark contrast to the stress that came with the job. The elegant displays and high-end brands attracted a clientele that was demanding and often indifferent to the staff's efforts. Managing a team in such an environment was no small feat. You had to ensure that everything ran smoothly, from inventory management to customer service. The rich customers, with their endless requests and high expectations, often tested the limits of your endurance. They seemed to suck the life out of you, leaving you drained by the end of the day. Yet, you couldn't afford to show any signs of fatigue. Your role required you to maintain a calm and composed demeanor, addressing complaints with a smile and ensuring that every shopper left satisfied. The holiday season only amplified the challenges. The influx of customers meant longer hours and heightened pressure. Each day felt like a marathon, with waves of shoppers flooding in, eager to make their purchases. The store was a hive of activity, with sales associates rushing to assist customers, restock shelves, and manage transactions. Amidst the chaos, you had to keep a watchful eye, ready to step in whenever issues arose. 

You were on your way to the staff area to take a break for lunch, feeling exhausted from the busy morning shift. The holiday rush had turned the shopping center into a whirlwind of activity, and you were grateful for a brief break. Just as you were about to reach the staff area, one of your co-workers called out your name. You rolled your eyes, already anticipating another request or issue that needed your immediate attention. With a deep breath, you turned to face her, trying to mask your frustration with a polite smile. 

"I'm really sorry to bother you, but we have a situation that requires your expertise. There's a particularly demanding customer, and the supervisor has tried everything but just can't seem to handle it. She asked me to find you because we really need your help with this. Would you mind stepping in to assist? I know you're on your way to lunch, but it would mean a lot to us." 

You sighed internally, knowing that this was part of the job. "Alright, lead the way," you replied, forcing a reassuring smile. Following your co-worker, you mentally prepared yourself for yet another challenging interaction, hoping that it wouldn't take too long so you could finally enjoy your much-needed break. 

She led you to one of the private dressing rooms. From a distance, you could hear a female voice demanding something from her, you supposed, boyfriend. "Oh baby, what do you think about this one?" you heard as you approached the door. Your heart skipped a beat when you recognized the voice that responded—it was Mingi. You stopped in your tracks, your mind racing. The reality of seeing him again, and with someone new, hit you like a ton of bricks. But you took a deep breath, steadied yourself, and pushed forward, opening the door to the dressing room. Inside, you saw Mingi standing next to a woman who was examining herself in the mirror, holding up an elegant dress. The room was filled with an awkward tension as Mingi's eyes met yours. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the memories of your past flooding back with a vivid intensity. 

Mingi's expression shifted from surprise to a mix of emotions—confusion, regret, and perhaps a hint of longing. The woman, oblivious to the charged atmosphere, continued to admire herself in the mirror, adjusting the dress and waiting for Mingi's opinion. 

You felt like the air was taken out of your lungs. He was here, standing before you, after so much time had passed. Memories of your time together flooded back, each one more vivid and overwhelming than the last. You had to swallow hard and clench your fist to keep the act up, to maintain your composure in front of him and his new girlfriend. The mix of emotions inside you—shock, longing, regret—threatened to break through, but you knew you had to stay professional. This was your job, your life now, and you couldn't let the past disrupt it. "Excuse me madam, I’m a manager here," you said, your voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "Is there anything I can assist you with?" 

"Oh yes, we've been looking forward to buying the limited-edition shoes from the new collection," she said, her eyes lighting up with excitement. 

You took a deep breath at her words, trying to maintain your professionalism. "I'm really sorry to inform you about this, as my coworker already told you, madam, the shoes I believe you are referring to are only available for special order." 

Her enthusiasm faltered slightly, replaced by a look of disappointment. "Special order? Is there any way we can place one now?" 

"Unfortunately, the special-order period for those shoes has already ended," you explained gently. "They were available for a limited time, and we are currently out of stock. However, we do have a selection of other exclusive items that might interest you." 

You caught Mingi's eyes boring into you, his face pale and expression frozen. He stood still, as if rooted to the spot, and he seemed to not even breathe. The intensity of his gaze sent a wave of emotions crashing over you, each one more overwhelming than the last. You felt your eyes watering, a rush of emotions threatening to spill over. You blinked quickly, trying to get rid of the tears and maintain your composure. This was neither the time nor the place to let your feelings show, but the sight of him, so close yet so distant, made it nearly impossible to hold back the tide of emotions. 

The girl in front of you sighed, clearly disheartened by the news. Mingi, sensing her disappointment, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's all right," he said softly. "Let's take a look at what else they have. I'm sure you can find something you'll love." 

She turned to you with a sharp expression, her tone shifting to one of impatience. "Do you even know who my boyfriend is?’’ 

You swallowed hard, forcing a polite smile despite the tension. "Yes, madam, I'm well aware. Please allow me to show you some other exclusive items that might catch your interest."  

"Baby, won't you do something about it?" She once again turned to Mingi, her voice carrying a hint of frustration, but his eyes never left yours, the unspoken words hanging heavily in the air between you. 

Mingi shifted uncomfortably, his eyes meeting his girlfriend for a brief moment before he turned to you again. "I'll see what I can do," he said softly, trying to soothe her. 

You took a deep breath, gathering your professionalism. "As I mentioned earlier, the special-order period has ended, and we are out of stock for the limited-edition shoes. However, if you'd like, I can take your contact information and notify you if any new limited editions become available in the future." 

The woman sighed, clearly not satisfied, but nodded reluctantly. "Fine, let's do that then." She handed you her information, and you quickly jotted it down, aware of Mingi's gaze still lingering on you. 

"Thank you for your understanding," you said, handing back her details. "Is there anything else I can assist you with today?" 

She shook her head, her disappointment evident. "No, that's all. Come on, baby, let's go." As they turned to leave, Mingi hesitated for a moment, his eyes locking with yours one last time. You could see the unspoken words and the regret in his gaze, you silently hoped he would say something, anything. You gave him a small, professional nod, and without a word, he turned away, following his girlfriend out of the dressing room. Once they were gone, you let out a breath you hadn't realized you were holding. 

You realized that the man you loved was no more. Instead, you met with someone who wore his face, who had his voice. Someone who was a stranger. The warmth that once radiated from his eyes was now replaced by an unfamiliar coldness. It was as if time had reshaped him into a different person, one that you could no longer recognize. The memories of your past seemed like a cruel illusion, a reminder of what once was and what could never be again. You realized with a heavy heart that the essence of the man you fell in love with had faded, leaving behind a mere shadow of who he used to be. 

Don't talk to strangers, they say, or you might fall in love. And when that love fades, those familiar faces turn into strangers once more. The irony of it all stung deeply. The very person who once knew you inside and out had become an enigma, a puzzle with pieces that no longer fit. As you watched him walk away, hand in hand with someone new, you couldn't help but feel a profound sense of loss. The man you once knew, the man you once loved, was gone. And in his place stood a stranger who bore his likeness but none of the familiarity. 

The journey of love had taken you full circle, bringing you back to a place of solitude and reflection. The lessons learned were etched deeply into your soul, a testament to the transient nature of relationships. You couldn't help but wonder if you would ever recognize that familiar face again, or if he would forever remain a stranger, a fleeting memory in the tapestry of your life. 

[blue-jisungs]

SO BEAUTIFUL

author's note. can u tell what i was hyperfixation on when i wrote this?! a cookie for those who answer correctly (emoji) btw this song is one of my faves when it comes to ian :( right after violet crazy and scaredy cat.......... however his whole discography is just mindblowing so its hard to have a 1 fav song ngl <//3

summary. idk man just whipped prince!joshua ...

genre. atla-ish !! its not the main plot but there's mention of element benders lolzies, royal setting (prince!joshu, army general!y/n), situationship/non-established relationship between them

warnings. blood, wounds (kinda descriptive, im sorry), fighting, mention of war and killing people (i mean yn is in army so....), cursing, one suggestive joke but i mean,, it was there like... it was stronger than me..., not a warning but emphasis on fem reader, yn kinda has a breakdown :(

word count. 3878

joshua ran his hand through his hair, letting out a small sigh. he was reading a book but his mind seemed unable to focus as the words and sentences didn’t make sense in his head. 

“you’ve been reading this one single page for ten minutes now, your highness” he heard seungkwan’s teasing voice and just looked up at his friend. 

“i’m aware of that, seungkwan” joshua mumbled and put the bookmark between the pages, leaving the item on a small table. 

he bit his lip and looked outside the window, the sight of mountains bringing him some peace.

joshua’s mind was uneasy due to the late return of his army. and his absence at the battlefield. 

the news of victory brought by his right hand and good friend, minghao, definitely caused him to sleep better. but before that, there had been weeks of days filled with stress and anxiety. and now, for  unknown reasons the army’s arrival was postponed – and there was no message. 

“i’m sure general l/n has everything under control” seungkwan’s voice brought joshua back to reality and he subconsciously smiled upon hearing your last name. 

maybe that was the reason why he was constant concern. he was worried about you. no, it wasn’t like he doubted your fighting abilities it’s just… anything could happen on the battle ground. besides, you weren’t a bender. obviously, every caring prince would be worried about his subordinates. the matter was that it was your first serious battle all alone. usually he was there too. or at least seungcheol, who was his father’s military advisor – also very skilled in combat. but due to his injury and the medics sharp warning he wasn’t able to go. 

joshua sighed quietly and stood up, lazily walking up to his balcony. the cold air hugged his face, a refreshing breeze filling his lungs.

another cause of his stress was… well, you’re a woman. it’s not like women don’t hold high positions in society and are well respected in the water kingdom but… army was mostly men. who knew if any of the soldiers didn’t cause you trouble. 

“i don’t think that the ball is a good idea…” joshua mumbled, tracing shapes on the marble railing. 

“whether you like it or not, your mother had already decided. majority of our alliances arrived” seungkwan shrugged and turned around upon the sound of knocking. joshua looked through his shoulder, expectant. 

it was minghao. 

it must have been good news since he was shining. 

“they’re here” 

before the prince could pass him in the door, minghao cleared his throat. 

“y/n is resting though” 

joshua stopped in his tracks, not even realising there's a smile that appeared – dropped now slowly. 

“is she hurt?” he asked, worry in his voice. seungkwan closed the balcony door and joined the water kingdom’s prince's side. 

“no, no. not as far as i know. she’s just exhausted and needs to prepare for the ball. and the paper work, losses and such… it’d be better if you didn’t bother her” minghao suggested softly. “wonwoo is to your disposal though”

wonwoo, the lieutenant general. that’s fine, he’ll just ask about you. 

joshua nodded and left in silence. seungkwan and minghao exchanged playful looks. 

joshua could not sit still. his mother sent him numerous looks but his eyes weren’t focused at her at all. he scanned the crowd in search of you. 

his mother was oh so kind to postpone the ball to the next day, letting the soldiers rest. as he noticed, most of them made it. you surely would be here too, right? you were the general after all. 

then it struck him like thunder. 

there you were, in the midst of people. a flowy, light blue dress on your body gently falling onto the floor. he knew you got the access to the best sewers in the kingdom but this time… your dress really reminded him of water. maybe it was the silver linings in it? or just the lightness of the fabric? either way, you looked angelic. and with your hair loose, falling like waterfalls on your shoulders. 

as the great warrior you were, you sensed his gaze on you. sending him a small smile, looking from above your companion’s shoulder, joshua sighed dreamily. 

your lips moved and then you walked past the man you talked to, stepping directly into joshua’s direction. he cleared his throat, his sight on you. 

“my queen” you hummed and bowed gently to his mother first, then you held eye contact with him with another bow “my prince”

“general l/n, you’re truly the shining star of our army. we’ve heard the tales and i must say, i admire your vigour and dedication” his mother said. you bowed again.

“thank you, my queen. i’m proud i can serve our country” you nodded, smiling gently. joshua adored your face, not being able to get enough of it. especially after your three-months long absence. 

“mother if you don’t mind, you’ll hear the stories later. now i’m going to kidnap general l/n for a minute” 

before you knew it, his hand tenderly interlocked with yours as he lead you to the dance floor. landing in the middle, below the silver chandelier that lit up your face in the prettiest ways possible, the prince placed a feather-light kiss atop of your hand. 

the music started, the royal sounds of cello and violins ripping through air; joshua led the dance, his ebony eyes scanning your face. his features were overtaken by the look of how much he missed you, you could tell it by his eyes only. the soft curve of his smile made your heart melt, fingers brushing against his neck. 

“so beautiful” he hummed deeply, heart almost aching with joy. why was it like this? he thought he thought it through but now he was just confused; why does his heart hurt when you’re finally within his reach? 

”so, so beautiful” joshua repeated, daring to glance at your lips “i missed you dearly” 

you huffed, letting him sway to the rhythm of music. because he was an excellent water bender, he was one with the flow – whether it was his element or music. he guided you through the sounds of instruments, which made you emotional. hearing the sound of them after months away from your homeland… 

“aren’t you tired? are you fine?” joshua asked, care in his voice. he had you so close yet so far. in his arms but unable to caress your cheek or kiss your lips. 

you shook your head, scanning his face. maybe you missed him too, after all. 

“i’m perfectly fine now” you whispered and his look was more expressive than words; he understood what you meant: you missed him too. 

the melody came to a halt and it was like a string snapped in front of your eyes, the sudden sound of chatter making you go back to reality. 

“i’m sure there’s plenty of young ladies willing to dance with you. i shall not keep you busy” you said. joshua opened his mouth, protesting. 

“let’s take a trip down a darker place, the garden has really improved when you were absent” he almost whined, begging with his eyes so you’d spare him even a mere moment alone. 

suddenly, wonwoo approached you. he leaned in to whisper something in your ear, concern on his face. you nodded, features getting colder than snow blasting in the harshest of winters. he knew that look, it meant trouble; it meant an approaching threat.

“i’d be more than willing to. however, there happened to be an urgent matter that needs to be taken care of. i…” you hesitated and sent a look to wonwoo. he understood since he left right away. only then quiet words left your mouth “i’ll meet you in your chamber later, shu” 

his heart skipped a beat, nodding. his eyes followed your figure, finally at peace that you’re back.

an outsider would never think that you’re a general, one of the skillest people in the kingdom when it came to combat. whilst being a non-bender, which was quite impressive. you were just so… flowy, glowing and gentle. oh, gentle you truly were… 

“...the fuck you mean we had a tail?” you hissed, poking wonwoo’s chest and then taking a deep sigh “well fuck me, that’s just fucking great!”

“i bet your highness would want to do that” wonwoo cleared his throat, your hand slapping his arm in an instant.

“lieutenant general jeon, i ask you to behave accordingly to the situation. there is a risk of coup, the life of the royal bloodline is on the line and you dare to make a joke?” you said coldly, making wonwoo shiver. then, you suddenly snickered “i do admire your timing though. and now tell me more” 

you and wonwoo were close, it’s not like it was out of his manner to joke like this. but the fact that there might be a spy in the castle right now… 

“chan came across the traces and him and others made an assumption we’re followed by an fire nation soldier who survived the battle” wonwoo gave you the details. 

your light dress rustled on the late afternoon wind, breeze running through its fabric. you closed our eyes, fingers tightening on the marble railing of a terrace. 

there were two choices in this situation: announce there might be a spy and transport the royal family into a guarded place, which may result in panic and rumours spreading (including those about your incompetence). however, the spy might run off or give in. the second option: stay silent and don’t let anyone suspect a thing, take care of the spy with your own hands. risks: people getting hurt, especially the king or queen. or prince. 

“do we know where they might be now?” you asked, looking through your shoulder at the crowded ballroom. chatter, dancing, music… people living to the fullest. and joshua being there too. 

“we do have suspicions that they might be nearby, we found some traces near your… your, um, house” wonwoo answered, your eyes shifting. 

“so they want me, huh?” you sighed. that was far better than the royals getting hurt. staring at the sunset, a wide palette of oranges and yellows melting into one, you nodded. “inform the guards, keep an eye on any suspicious activity. i’ll go check if they’re still around my place. report immediately if anything happens”

“yes, general” wonwoo saluted and walked away, feeling the breath of urgency on his neck. 

adoring the sunset for a little longer, watching it morph into a navy night sky; you decided to go before it got too dark. 

joshua was walking around his chamber, footsteps echoing due to the largeness of it. it was past midnight, almost 6 hours since you left the ballroom… did you change your mind? you didn’t want to come? 

he let out a deep sigh, plopping on his bed and staring at the book he was reading. 

joshua was a prince and enjoyed literature, he has read countless and countless books and genres. he especially found an interest in old romance but all of them had a similar scheme when it came to relationships: the woman was the one to be head over heels whipped for the guy. she’d blush when someone mentioned his name, she’d miss him dearly when he’s on his adventurous voyages, she’d dream of him even in her sleep. he never read a book with an opposite order of things. and yet… here he was, waiting for you like a lost puppy. while his heart sought after you, his mind was worried about your wellbeing during your army shenanigans, he longed to hear, see or touch you even for a mere moment longer. 

huffing like an displeased child, he laid on the bed. if you come, you come. and he’ll be asleep. that way, you’ll know he doesn’t cares that deeply—

knock knock. knock knock knock knock. 

joshua frowned, sitting up. it could be you but… it wasn’t your usual knock.

the door opened with a quiet creak. you were leaning against the doorframe , upper body leaning forward with hair falling on your face.

“took you long enough” joshua mumbled and stood up, when you suddenly started sliding down the doorframe lifelessly. he ran up to you, kneeling down and grabbing your hands. frighteningly cold hands “what’s wrong?”

his voice remained strong unlike his heart. you gathered all your willpower and raised your head, fighting the dropping eyelids. 

“my back…” you croaked out, leaning forward but only ending up in his embrace. 

he did not image your reunion like that. 

joshua gently moved his hands to your back and his fingers met with something… sticky…? the flowy material of your dress was ripped, the warmth of the liquid contrasting with the low temperature of your body.

“y/n, what happened?” he asked, voice stern yet revealing a hint of worry. 

“i’ll explain later just… help me, shu. please” you breathed out, the air tickling his neck. joshua gulped, his adam’s apple bobbing, and he grabbed you in bridal style. 

placing you on his queen sized bed, rolling gently to the side, his mind was racing with thoughts. what happened? were you attacked? was it a fresh wound? 

“i’ll rip the dress, only on the back. i apologize, ill buy you thousands of new ones just… breathe for me, alright?” he stuttered, putting on some light. 

only then his eyes saw how serious was your wound. he took a sharp inhale, throat going dry. 

there was a deep wound going across your back, left arm to almost the side of your right hip. it looked like a sword left such a mark. 

joshua quickly opened the handy tap he had in his chamber and didn’t bother to pour it into bowl. 

he bent water straight from the tap, focusing deeply. trying to connect with his inner peace and energy but his rapid heartbeat seemed to disturb him too much.

“focus, jisoo” he grunted to himself, slender fingers shaking “y/n, talk to me. you need to stay conscious” 

“won’t talking take my oxygen that i desperately need–” you started.

“yeah, you’re right. be quiet” he scoffed, trying to light up the mood. then he moved his hands slowly from the beginning to your wound to the end of it. very slowly, surely. still like water, his palms flat but fingers directing the stream of liquid. you groaned, curling your back. 

it wasn’t the first time joshua was patching you up but it definitely was the first time he knew it’s dead serious… and seeing you in such pain. 

another thing was that at the back of his mind there was a sprouting thought that he won’t be able to close the wound completely. not with his heart all over the place. 

joshua took a deep breath, focusing on the element flowing through his body. not on you… in pain… bleeding out on his bed… 

“’m sorry” 

at first, he didn’t hear it. only when he heard a sob, he realized that it’s you. 

“hey, no. don’t apologize, that’s an order. it’s a deep wound, i know it hurts but im trying my best and we’ll talk it out later. 

inch by inch, millimetre by millimetre, thanks to his healing abilities your skin started clasping the wound. he wasn’t sure which technique to use – layer by layer or pieces at once but the crimson liquid pouring out of your pale back made him chose the first one. which will lead to leaving a scar. 

joshua began to feel worn out, despite all the hours of training that prepared him for such situations. but he knew that if he stopped now, you could die. 

“shu…” you mumbled, shaking like a leaf. your voice was quiet, weak. he felt time slipping through his fingers. 

brows knitting, sweat dripping down his temple, joshua shook his head. despite strength leaving him, he promised himself to restore as much as possible. 

you looked through your arm, pearly tears shimmering in the moonlight. joshua’s heart ached, as if someone put a needle right through it.

“i know, i’m sorry but i beg, a few more minutes…” he croaked, feeling lightheaded. 

“you’re exhausting yourself, stop it” a whisper escaped your lips “shu, please” 

“no, you need to live” he grunted. you frowned and tried to sit up, causing him to gasp “are you insane?”

“give me the bandage and go call the medics. i don’t want you to pass out” you ordered, reaching for his hand. 

joshua put the last ounces of water and energy into your body, leaning to close the tap. then, he dug in one of his drawers.

you were still bleeding but far less than when you barged in. he handed you the material and wiped the tears, sweat and blood off your face. 

“i’ve got this now. go get some help, please” you sent him a weak smile. 

joshua cursed mentally and left quickly. you were probably right.

once he was back with jun, jihoon and seokmin, they took care of you. the oldest one gave you some herbs that would put you to sleep as they worked on your wound. joshua insisted that it all took place inside his chamber. 

they were done around 3am, leaving you two alone. the prince managed to get rid of the blood stained duvet and covered you in a blanket that was on his couch. 

them, he laid down next to you. the moonlight shone on your pale face, parted lips making an escape for soft snores. your chest was rising up and down a lot more calmly, joshua could feel your energy being more vivid that before. it was stable now, like a steam of water in the woods rather than dried out lake. 

“you always have to cause some trouble, huh?” he scoffed and reached his hand out, caressing your cheek gently. even in deep slumber after getting hurt you were so beautiful. 

he noticed your brows furrowing and fingers twitching. your breathing sped up, yet you remained asleep. joshua observed you cautiously.

“no… don’t… don’t kill him” you mumbled, shifting in your sleep. his eyes widened, realizing you’re having a nightmare “anyone but… but my shu”

joshua’s heart melted on spot, pleasant warmth flooding his insides.

“you can’t even get a rest, can you?” he huffed and shuffled closer, guiding your head onto his chest. you instantly nuzzled closer, arms instinctively wrapping around his body. 

with an uneasy mind, he caressed your hair. your breathing calmed down so he wondered if the nightmare went away. 

joshua stuck his gaze into the open window, unable to relax. stars barely shone on the navy horizon, covered by clouds. it seemed like the sky couldn’t sleep either. 

upon stirring awake you instantly knew (even without opening your eyes) that you’re in joshua’s bed. it was much more softer than your bed but above all, it had the comfort. you felt warm and secure; cozy in his hold. joshua had his arm wrapped around you, fingers tracing shapes on your skin. 

peeking an eye open you noticed he’s holding a book with his other hand, eyes tracking the text. 

you wanted to stay like this forever. 

then, a stinging pain ran through your back and you trembled, causing him to shift his worried gaze at you. he gasped softly. 

“you’re awake” joshua hummed and leaned closer, placing a gentle kiss on your forehead. 

you melted because of the gesture, nuzzling further into his neck. 

“how do you feel?” he asked, worry in his voice. 

“better, much better. thank you, shu. i apologize for the mess i made” you mumbled, resting his palm on his chest. he put his hand over it, caressing your skin. 

joshua missed this so much. he missed you. 

silence was hanging between you two, an unspoken question of “what happened?” hanging above your head. 

“may i see wound?” he asked suddenly. you nodded, your hair tickling his skin. 

he helped you sit straight and handed you one of his sleeping cloth to cover the front of your body. 

joshua gently moved your hair from your back, his fingertips ghosting over your skin. goosebumps covered your arms.

“you know… you always say i’m so beautiful” you started quietly. joshua hummed in acknowledgment to let you know that he’s listening. then, he shuffled something closer and put it on the bed “but i’m not. i’m so ugly, joshua. my soul is ugly”

“that is not true, y/n” he protested sternly as his delicate fingers worked on removing the bandage. his touches were soft, almost as if he was afraid to touch you.

“i’m a soldier, shu. i hurt people. and yesterday… there was a spy. he sneaked up on me, threatened to kill you. and that triggered me i just… couldn’t bare that thought. and i saw red… he used my distraction and tripped me, slicing in the back” you stuttered, throat going dry “i’m a failure. i almost let him escape, your life was at risk and i couldn’t control my emotions…”

his movement halted for a while, the quietness od the room making your soft pants sound much more louder than you’d like to. 

“you are not a failure. you had led our army to victory, several times” joshua resumed and you felt the calming stream of water. then, you felt a soothing sensation spreading over your wound. 

joshua was bending to recover your wound, or at least make it heal quicker and more effectively. 

“yeah but… i’m a bad person” you mumbled, playing with your fingers. 

he stopped bending and put a new bandage over your wound, it still not being clasped fully.  

joshua patted your arm and you put his shirt on, turning around. 

“you know why i always say you’re so beautiful?” joshua asked and once you faced him, he grabbed your chin gently “obviously i mean your looks too but above all, i treasure your soul. you’re such a pure, dedicated human”

you swallowed, his soft features warming your heart. 

“this situation must have made you feel upset and not worthy but you’re so appreciated. my your subordinates, friends… by me. as much as i admire your readiness to sacrifice for me but please, i beg, don’t do it next time” joshua hummed, his thumb moving in soothing manner “i’d rather die myself than live without you”

“don’t say that” you scoffed, shaking your head gently “our country needs a leader”

“and i need you” joshua replied, moving his hands to cup your face “please, y/n. you’re so precious to me… so–“

“if you say beautiful i’ll smack you” you let out a laugh and he couldn’t help but share a smile. 

“but it’s true” he grinned and closed the gap between you two, lips crashing on yours. you shared a passionate kiss, a one that lovers after reunion share. 

but truth be told, you were like all those lovers in old tales. 

and maybe this time, there’s going to be a flawless ending: making it official.

main masterlist | event masterlist

taglist. @mirxzii ,, @primoppang ,, @l3visbby ,, @nicholasluvbot ,, @planetkiimchi ,, @weird-bookworm ,, @slytherinshua ,, @kazmura ,, @laylasbunbunny ,, @dazzlingligth ,, @eternalgyuuu ,, @rubywonu ,, @haecien ,, @mine-gyu

[survivalove]

debunking lies zutara shippers say about the atla creators & writers

disclaimer: this is in no way an endorsement or defense of bryke or anyone mentioned. literally just debunking false statements i see spread throughout and outside the fandom as it pertains to kataang

1. that bryke made kataang endgame because the nice guy should get the girl

this is something I see often usually linked with this video of a man ⬇️ who they claim to be bryan/mike echoing this sentiment.

this man is in fact john o’bryan, one of the three known zk shippers in the writers’ room (we’ll expand on this in point 5) talking about how he saw aang. not the creators. so of course it shouldn’t surprise anyone that he doesn’t even like kataang in the first place.

2. that bryke made kataang endgame last minute and zutara was the original pairing

bryan and mike (notice how i’m using both of their names separately. this too will be important in the next point) have talked about how kataang was planned since they originally wrote the show.

they have also talked ad nauseam in a video (which I will not share here cuz it made a lot of ppl angry) about why they do not like zutara and its shippers, so this entire point is bogus.

++ the reason why they say zk was the original pairing is because of one of the zk writers (joshua hamilton) wrote this in the atla fun facts that used to run on tv. (we’ll get into him later) those atla fun facts contain a lot of inaccurate/non canon “facts” which you can check and verify on avatar wiki if you know what i’m talking about.

3. that aang is bryke’s self insert (specifically mike)

yeah, here’s where the separation becomes important. bryan (L) and mike (R) are two different men. mike has never said that aang was his self-insert, nor has he directly talked about relating to aang. bryan, however, constantly talks about how much he relates to zuko. even, going as far to say he tries to think like zuko when he writes characters and shows.

the only time mike has come close to saying he relates to aang is when dante said he thinks mike is more like aang while bryan is more like zuko, and they, mostly bryan, agreed. (mike has actually said he relates to korra more than aang but hey) bryan also is the one who drew mike’s beard on adult aang because he considered it a nice reference to his friend. this is the main reason why shippers ran with that self-insert narrative because half the time, they think bryke is actually one person ☠️

++ in fact, aang’s original character design is based off the mixed black-chinese son of sifu kisu

4. that atla was supposed to have a season 4 where katara and zuko got together

this is mostly something that has come out of a fabricated interview by the head writer, aaron ehasz. he was allegedly asked what he would have liked to do if given the chance to write a fourth season of the show and talked about an azula redemption arc among other things. zutaras then made up a whole fake interview including that he wanted to make the two characters endgame.

ehasz then came out to say that most of these “interviews” were faked and that he has never talked about having a preference for any ship. if you go on his twitter, you will see him talking about an azula redemption arc tho.

as for atla having a 4th season at all, it was never intended. the creators, the music composers have all said at various points in time, the show was written and pitched as three seasons, three elements.

5. that most of the other writers shipped zutara and bryke’s authoritarianism shut it down

as I said above, only three writers on the original show have come out to say they preferred zk at some point. atla has had a total of 21 staff writers. 3 out of 21 is not most if you ask me.

as for bryke (yes now i’m using the shorthand cuz i proved my point earlier) being authoritarians, no writer or staff that has worked with them on the show has said this so…? idk where that came from but i’m not here to back them up just mention facts.

6. that all the women who worked on the franchise shipped zutara while only men shipped kataang

atla has very few female staff as it is:

5 writers (elizabeth welch: zk; others: unknown)

1 director (unknown)

5 storyboard/character artists (lauren montgomery: ka; elsa garagarza: ka; angela song mueller: zk; others: unknown)

1 comic writer (faith erin hicks: ka)

2 comic artists (gurihiru: ka)

++ mae whitman (katara’s voice actress) has expressed her like for both ships throughout the years.

so i’m not sure what defines all and only for some ppl but those definitions are not in my dictionary. disclaimer: i’m not declaring anyone here as a shipper in any official sense. this is just based off statements they have made that you can google!

7. that katara is written poorly in post-atla content because of kataang/bryke

I mean the first part isn’t really a lie, more of an opinion which I can agree with to an extent.

why I mention this here is because zks will not only go on a tangent and link the misogyny in the writing to a m/f ship and say the other m/f ship would have been more feminist…

but they also refuse to hold all the men involved accountable. like I said, 3 known atla writers shipped zk and 2 of them (joshua & john) were men (who would’ve thought men could like a ship and it could still be considered feminist 😃). they were also 2 out of only 4 atla writers that came back for legend of korra, outside of the creators. (19 to 4 ☠️ no comment). these shippers very well know this and instead of holding these men accountable for the misogynistic writing, they instead brag about them shipping it and ask them about zk whenever they have the chance.

another example is gene luen yang, a comic writer who again shipped zk (another man GASPPPPP) responsible for the first 5 comic books. everyone knows his comics suck in terms of characterization, particularly katara’s. in fact zutaras have made multiple threads on how poor the writing is. funnily enough, they always fail to mention that gly was the script writer or acknowledge his part in this mischaracterization, while bragging about him shipping zk in other posts. ironic.

meanwhile, bryke have never offered writers’ commentary on any of gly’s comics besides the search - mike (because they were mostly writing legend of korra during his run.)

basically these shippers don’t care about misogyny or holding male writers accountable if they ship zk which is funny because I thought it was… for the female gaze? why are you hyping men shipping it anyway? confusion.

[rwbyrg]

Hello again! I was wondering, in your own opinion, what moment(s) for both Oscar and Ruby, really implied that there was much more going on with the two character, in the sense that their relationship was starting to evolve? Also what do you like about those moments? To add, do you think we will see it much more in volume 10?

Hello!! I think, generally speaking, all of their focused scenes imply there's more going on or that their relationship is evolving in some way. RWBY doesn't have filler. So when characters - especially ones as central to the narrative as these two - get focused screen time together (and romance-y tropes), it's done with intention.

Ruby's arc is about many things, but especially about how she's pretty much the last silver eyed warrior that can face Salem. Meanwhile, Oscar's arc is about defining who he is while under a curse that robs him of his identity. And in their first meeting, Oscar comments on Ruby's eyes, and she asks him who he is. Even their first lines to each other are mirrored in how they're spoken!

This scene really shows that their character arcs linked from the very beginning.

We get all the stuff I mentioned in my last post and more and none of it is necessary to do if it's not building up to something. Which it very clearly is.

I have no doubts we'll get to see more of their shared story in V10 onward. The V9 epilogue - what was supposed to be the final episode of the season - works as both a closing point for the Atlas arc, and a kick off for the Vacuo one. It's setting the stage for what is to come. A non-extensive list of what we know we're getting so far:

Nora's and Winter's character arcs; both of them struggling with responsibility, grief, and guilt.

Weiss will almost certainly be getting some focus by extension of that as well. Especially because her arc has always been about her family.

Ren being more open and trying harder to support those around him.

Qrow, more hopeful than he's ever been before and how much it's propelling him forward.

And then we have Oscar.

Oscar and the merge. Oscar Pine, Little Prince, pining at Ruby's grave in the desert. I talk about this set up a lot, and it's difficult to explain succinctly because it's got a lot of complex pieces at play (and has been going on since their meeting, as mentioned above). But if I were to try and break it down as simply as possible:

Ruby's fatal flaw is her grief. Her silver eyes are powered by, and the embodiment of, the preservation of life. She doesn't want to lose anyone else that she cares about and cannot bear the weight of responsibility that comes with it alone. So much so that she almost abandons her own identity via ascension because she is offered the choice to do so. She stays true to herself in the end as someone that fights, not for those she's lost, but for those she hasn't lost yet. And the narrative, through all their interactions, but especially the Tea Party, has placed Oscar front and centre in the position of who Ruby hasn't lost yet. Oscar, who wants nothing more than to be a part of the team that he keeps pushing away. Oscar, who just wants to be who he is, to preserve himself, but is being robbed of that choice via the merge. Something Ruby, can't protect him from.

RWBY loves to make its pairings thematically complimentary and it loves pushing characters to their limits. There is no way that the scenes and setup between Oscar and Ruby haven't been intentionally building to something big with how much their respective and shared conflicts are directly playing off of each other. There is no way CRWBY - with their limited budget and resource constraints - dedicated all that screen time to these two for it to not pay off at some point. And given this arc is the last one... now's a good a time as any for it to happen.

[vintagegeekculture]

So even though it's kind of the Marvel line, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby didn't really quite reignite Superheroes, the Flash was around a good bit before. But nothing would have been the same without Marvel breathing new life into the genre. What state do you think comics would have been in if instead of writing the Fantastic Four Stan Lee had quit to go sell used cars? Was it inevitable someone would have paired with Jack to do it? What would comics and pop culture look like now instead?

I'm a Marvel True Believer first and foremost, but I think you're underselling how enormously successful Justice League of America was from 1960-1969. Marvel books, especially Fantastic Four (at the time, the "flagship" Marvel comic of the 1960s) regularly topped the polls as favorites for the serious fans in 60s fanzines like Alter Ego, but they were not top sellers until 1970, when Marvel acquired their own distributor. Prior to that, Marvel published their books through DC, who made sure Marvel's runs were lower. They also limited the amount of books that Marvel could print, which is why books like Tales of Suspense had two characters in them (Captain America and Iron Man shared a book). As soon as Marvel got their own distribution, they pushed DC out of the top selling lists.

Justice League of America was a huge success when it came out, for a reason that may surprise people: nostalgia. Essentially a revival of the 1940s heroes, it was a huge hit because the adult audience bought it.

It's interesting how nostalgia itself as a cultural concept with actual power is a kind of recent phenomenon. Prior to the 1980s, there were huge volumes of books aimed at old people like Hallmark's "Remember When?" books.

I do think the single greatest what-if of the Marvel Age is one you didn't mention: what if Joe Maneely had lived to work on the Marvel Universe?

Whenever Stan Lee was asked who the greatest artist he ever worked with was, his response was unexpected: Joe Maneely, a name that even some serious fans of the Silver Age may find unfamiliar. But Joe Maneely worked with Stan extensively in the 1950s in Marvel's non-superhero comics like Black Knight and Yellow Claw. He was a beautiful artist, a professional who was always punctual, and even more so, he understood and developed the "language" of comics, and had an even better relationship with Stan than Jack Kirby did, who, by all accounts, was a genius artist but was, interpersonally, a difficult, sullen wound collector who had difficulty keeping friendships (as his Captain America co-creator Joe Simon can attest; he and Jack had a "breakup" long before he ever met Stan).

Meanwhile, contrast all those interpersonal problems with the difficult to get along with Kirby, with how Joe Maneely used to draw him and Stan holding hands and walking through the park together and so on.

The downside is that Joe Maneely died at a young age, 1958, in a tragic accident where he fell between railway cars, all 3 years before Fantastic Four. He was the biggest Atlas-era Marvel artist to never work on the Marvel Universe.

A Marvel Universe with Joe Maneely as the major creative force alongside Stan Lee is a change so deep and fundamental I have no idea what it even would look like.

[imagines--galore]

||The Thread of Fate|| Part Thirty-Six

Summary: Soulmate AU. They say the Thread of Fate connects you to your one true love. It may tangle. It may stretch. But it will never break. Wrapped around your little finger it tightens when it feels your soulmate is close and loosens when they are far. And becomes visible with the colors of your soulmate’s Nation when you finally fall in love with them.

Pairing: Zuko x OroraOC (ATLA)

Rating || Genres || Warnings: T+ Romance. Adventure.

Previous Chapters - Masterlist

A/N: I had WAY too much fun writing this chapter :3

Their walk down to the local market area was uneventful.

To anyone watching, it would be a rather normal sight to see several teenagers laughing and talking as they went about enjoying themselves.

No one would ever suspect that the small group of children were actually rather lethal when it came to a specific set of skills. Not to mention the raw power and talent each of them carried within them.

There was Aang, the Avatar who was well on his way to mastering all four elements, an unassuming young boy of thirteen who was smiling from ear to ear as he walked behind the hooded figure of Zuko, Crown Prince of the Fire Nation, a skillful firebender, not to mention a prodigy when it came to sword fighting. He was leading the group because he knew the way to the Market.

Though he would've much preferred to walked beside his soulmate even if it meant being teased mercilessly by the rest of the group.

Then again, Aang wasn't exactly letting up either. He nudged Zuko, a playful smile on his lips. "You sure firebenders don't burst into flames Zuko?" He asked, to which the Prince frowned in confusion. "No, they do not. Why would you ask that?" He said, to which Aang simply grinned wider, if that were even possible.

"I was afraid I'd have to find a new firebender teacher there, you looked like you were about to go up in flames when you saw Orora." Zuko's nostrils flared, and Aang was almost sure he saw steam coming out of the older boy's ears. His entire face turned red, and he opened his mouth to tell the grinning boy off.

As if on cue, the two laughing figures of Katara and Orora raced past the two boys, with the former having teasingly flicked the latter with some ice cold water. The two boys followed their soulmate's playful and giggling figures, watching as Orora tackled Katara and began to mess up her hair in retaliation.

Though she was unaware of it, Orora had reached the same level of Mastery over waterbending as Katara. They were both talented and powerful benders in their own right. Though their fighting styles were distinctly different. Katara was always more on the defensive side, seeking to cause minimum damage while she protected herself as well as those around her who needed aid. Orora, meanwhile, was the opposite. She wasn't afraid to attack first and neutralize the threat if she had the opportunity. The two girls complimented one another, with Katara and her more nurturing side, and Orora with her more protective side.

"Get off Orora!"

"Make me!"

Though their childish tendencies did tend to come out every now and then, since well, they were still children.

Zuko and Aang were standing there transfixed, for lack of a better word. It was rare to see the two girls just laugh and be themselves without the worries of the world weighing down on them. The adoration in Zuko's molten gaze, and the longing in Aang's stormy eyes was evident as the two girls linked arms and began to lead the way instead, chattering non-stop as they went.

"Are you two gonna keep staring at them all day?" Came the gloating voice of the World's Greatest Earthbender. "Cuz if your heartbeats go any faster then they already are, I'm gonna assume we ran into the Fire Lord on his shopping spree or something." Toph's voice seemed to snap them out of whatever reverie they were experiencing. Zuko reached up to pull the hood even tighter around his face, while Aang pushed his hat down further, nearly covering his eyes. The blind girl let out a cackle as she lightly punched both boys in the arm as she passed by. "Keep walking Lover Boys." She teased,

Though she missed The Duke fiercely, a realization that had surprised her more then anything, Toph was happy that her friends were finally starting to relax and enjoy the companies of their soulmates. Honestly, in her opinion, they were all making issues out of nothing. Except Sokka and Suki.

Still, she was willing to nudge Twinkletoes and Sugar Queen in the right direction if the need arose. And Toph was sure the need would rise. As for Ice Princess and Firebug? Well Toph was happy with simply teasing them both whenever she felt like it.

And that was all the time.

Who knew a girl like her, who had been treated as an invalid and had been kept in isolation her entire life would be part of a group of people who were just as extraordinary as she was.

Well maybe not exactly as she was, because lets face it, she was still the best out of them all, the girl figured smugly.

Though she was glad for every single one of them.

Bringing up the rear of their small group, Suki and Sokka walked hand in hand, with the former simply enjoying the scenery around her. She'd been locked up for way too long, and had missed the landscape she had gotten so used to seeing. Now though, after all those months at the Boiling Rock, Suki wasn't about to take the beautiful scenery around her for granted.

From the well worn dirt path they walked on, to the plants and foliage on either side, to the beach that ran along the right side, the waves crashing against the shore. The wind carried the smell of the sea, yet she had never felt something so free. A ridiculous notion, air having the scent of freedom, and yet for Suki it fit.

The leader of the Kiyoshi Warriors was an intimidating and formidable warrior, Anyone would testify to that. She could take down opponents bigger then her, and do so without breaking a sweat. Extracting information from those unwilling to speak was a skill that had come quite easily to her.

And yet, in that moment, she was just a girl, holding hands with her soulmate, as they followed after their friends. "You're not gonna go and join Toph?" She asked, knowing just how much Sokka adored any and all opportunities he could get to annoy Zuko. The Water Tribe Warrior shrugged. "I'll get to him later. Let Toph have her fun first." He chuckled, glancing at Suki with a smile. "Besides, I like walking with you more." He admitted, squeezing her hand lightly as he did.

If any of the others heard him, Sokka was sure he would never hear the end of it. And yet, he didn't really care. Ever since Azula had told him of Suki's capture, he had been beating himself over and over for not going to her rescue. But then where would he have even begun?

Not like he could go to every single prison in the Fire Nation to try and see if she was there.

And though he could've used his string for guidance, other more pressing matters had stopped him from doing his heart's bidding. So he had waited and fate smiled on him that day at the Boiling Rock. The Sokka from just a few months ago would hit him over the head for wasting time and not continuing his training as a Warrior. But then during his travels Sokka had seen just how badly some soulmate destinies could turn out. Look at what had happened to all his friends, even his sisters.

Toph, who was separated from The Duke until the foreseeable future.

Aang and Katara, who were refusing to even speak of their bond, just because they were too scared of being a distraction to the other.

Zuko and Orora, who had been on the opposite sides of the war, were only just beginning to find themselves with one another.

As he glanced at Suki's smiling face, Sokka couldn't help but thank Yue for sending her to him.

Turning a corner, the small group came to a halt at the sight of the market that sprawled in front of them. They were mostly stalls and tents, set up by the merchants who were passing by. Ember Island was a good source of income for merchants who brought goods from all over the world. The food stalls were run by the locals though, dabbling in local cuisine mostly.

And since Zuko had been there before, all eyes turned to him, looking to him for guidance. A rather uncomfortable notion for the Prince since all his life he'd been sidelined and told to keep his opinions to himself. By everyone other then Iroh and Orora of course.

A brief brush of a familiar warmth against his fingers, had the boy glancing briefly at Orora, who was smiling at him in an encouraging manner.

He cleared his throat. "We can split up and get what we need, or we can travel in a group." He shrugged. "I vote we stick together, so we can keep an eye out for one another." Aang said, to which the others quickly agreed. Nodding Zuko continued. "Alright then."

Reaching underneath his cloak, the young Prince pulled out a large coin purse that was filled to the brim with Fire Nation currency. "I took the liberty of taking some money out of the safe back at the house." He explained, as he showed everyone the money.

Toph cackled. "We get to spend the Fire Lord's money." Sokka smiled gleefully as he clapped his hands like an excited child. "I can't wait to visit the weapons shop."

                                            ————————–

Suki wasn't exactly picky with what she wanted to buy for herself. It was just that she was a little sad about not wearing the colors she was familiar with. The others could at least wear the clothes of their Nation whenever they felt like it because they had that option.

While she was stuck wearing red.

Seriously the Fire Nation had so many varying shades of red it was ridiculous.

Holding up two blouses she glanced at one, then at the other. "Er....what exactly is the different between these two?" She asked, glancing at the shopkeeper from the seemingly similar items of clothing. The shopkeeper looked at her as if she had frown two heads. Or perhaps three, depending on his imagination.

"How can you not see the difference?" He chided her, prompting Katara to lift an eyebrow at his sudden change in tone. As if he were speaking to someone beneath him. "This is carmine, while this is ruby red." He clarified, pointing to each blouse as he named the colors. The two girls glanced at each other out of the corner of their eyes. Clearly they shared the sentiment that neither of them could see any difference.

Still, best not to aggravate someone they would be haggling with soon.

Picking up the items of clothing she would need, in varying shades of red, Suki disappeared into the changing room that had been set up. Katara was still browsing through the different clothing materials on display, Orora at her side.

Running her fingers through the fabric of one of the clothing material Suki had rejected, Orora couldn't help but marvel at the silkiness of it. A figure came up to stand next to her, enveloping the hand that rested atop the silk.

"The last time we were at a dress shop, I distinctly remember you complaining about there being not enough red around." She said, turning her head so she could smile at Zuko. "Is this red enough for you?" The girl gestured to the various stalls and racks around them, all stacked high with rolls and bundles of red with her free hand.

Zuko looked around, though his gaze was half-hearted before he was looking back at her again. "I kind of miss the greens and brown." He admitted, the fingers of the hand covering hers locking with her fingers. "And I do prefer the reds, but," He paused, bringing their joined hands up.

All so he could whisper against her skin.

"More so when you're wearing it."

She may have rendered him speechless with her new appearance. However, Zuko returned the favor with just his words. Her cheeks darkened and she could feel her blush travel down along her neck as she swallowed, lips parted slightly, unable to break away from the intensity of his eyes.

"Didn't know your skin could change colors Orora."

The two teenagers snapped out of their intimate moment, only to see Aang standing just beside Orora, checking out the different robes on display as nonchalant as any other buyer. The barest hint of a smile was the only indication that he had heard the entire exchange between them both.

Their hands unglued, with Zuko turning slightly away, a little embarrassed that they'd been overheard. Orora pushed Aang's hat down over his eyes in retaliation. "Just like yours did when you first saw Katara in her Fire Nation clothes Lover Boy." She teased, though her words had the opposite effect.

Where she had been expecting Aang to smile in embarrassment or even blush, he did neither of those things. Instead, his shoulders dropped and his eyes darted to where Katara was standing, waiting for Suki to come out. Orora frowned slightly.

"You alright there Little Brother?" She asked, the concern in her voice prompting Zuko to pay full attention to the conversation. Aang sighed before nodding. "Yeah, I'll be alright. Its just soulmate stuff." He admitted, to which the Prince raised an eyebrow. "What you still haven't told her? Even after you told me you kissed her?"

The new information had Orora gasping sharply, her ice blue eyes holding Aang in place. "You kissed Katara, and you told Zuko before me?" She hissed, looking just a little angry at having being kept out of the loop.

"No offense." She quickly added.

"None taken." He responded with a shrug.

"Whats this I hear?" Toph spoke up from where she had been passing by. "Twinkletoes kissed Sugar Queen?"

"Shhhh!!!!!!!!" Aang hissed, slapping a hand over Toph's mouth as he looked around his gaze frantic. Spying Katara a good ways away from their little group, he relaxed before removing his hand from Toph's mouth before she licked him.

It had happened to Sokka before.

"Could we not talk about this?" He pleaded, looking every bit as forlorn as Momo did whenever someone refused to share their food when he asked for it. If Aang had big floppy ears, Orora was sure they would be drooping now. "Wait so, when did you kiss her?" Toph asked, a little too invested in the new piece of information. Then again, Orora looked just as expectantly at the younger boy who pursed his lip, glancing at Zuko, blaming him for the situation he had put him in.

"Before the Invasion." The boy muttered. The revelation had the waterbender wincing. "That long and you still haven't spoken to her about it?" She asked. Toph shook her head. "I'm new at the whole soulmate thing, but even I know that that's way past the point of talking it over."

Aang shrugged. "We've had so many things happen that I haven't had the time to do anything about it! I mean first, we lost the Invasion, then Orora sacrificed herself, then Zuko came back, and so did Orora." He was gesticulating wildly as he recounted all that had occurred the past few weeks or so. "Then Katara was unsure about Zuko being around, and then I had to learn firebending from dragons. Then Orora and Katara had their fights, and then Katara's dad came back, and then Azula attacked and she went off to find the man who killed her Mother, and now we're here."

During his tirade Orora glanced at Zuko out of the corner of her eyes, meeting his gaze as he did the same. He shrugged, and she nodded. Best not to stop Aang and allow him to let it all out. Once he was finished, the young Avatar breathed deeply, trying to catch his breath as he panted.

Though as soon as he was done, Zuko stepped forward. "Look Aang, I told you before while we were trapped at the Sun Warriors Temple, its never a good thing to leave things unresolved." His golden gaze flitted briefly to Orora. "You can still talk to her about it." He urged, softness in his eyes as he regarded the younger boy.

Had he grown a soft spot for the annoying yet bright student he was training?

Yes he had.

Would he admit it out loud?

He would rather eat bland food for the rest of his life.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but Zuko is right." Toph said. "Who knew you could give some good advice Firebug?" She quipped, before turning her attention back to Aang. "And really Twinkletoes, every single thing you just said, has been one excuse after the other. I mean look at Sokka and Suki." She waved an arm in the general direction of the duo in question. Suki had appeared wearing her new clothes, and was being admired by her soulmate, with Katara standing by, pretending she wasn't related to her brother. "They found each other despite Suki being in jail." Pressing a hand against her chest, Toph continued. "I'm blind, and I had no hopes of ever finding my soulmate, but I still did."

Her hand shot out to gesture at Zuko and Orora as they stood side by side. "And then take these two. I mean they were enemies at one point, but now they're together, and stronger then ever." The compliment had a proud smile rising to Orora's lips as she gently nudged Zuko with her shoulder who responded with a gentle nudge of his own.

"So don't give me the 'there was never a right moment' excuse." Toph said, pausing as Zuko took over. "There is never a right moment Aang. Trust me, if I waited for that, I would never be where I am now."

Finally, Orora spoke up. "Aang? You've waited a hundred years for your soulmate. Even though they were spent in a catatonic state, that doesn't mean your soul wasn't waiting for her. Yearning for your other half." She reached out to rest a comforting hand on the younger boy's shoulder. "You deserve to be happy with your soulmate." She urged as he looked up at her.

Aang glanced over his sister's shoulder, seeing Katara standing beside Suki as the latter paid for her clothing items.

He nodded.

"I'll try and talk to her." He said as a way of promise, as he looked around at his three friends who smiled back in response.

Toph nodded. "That's the spirit!" She urged, wrapping an arm around Aang's shoulders. "You guys come on! We're going to the armor stalls next!" Sokka called out where he was waiting with Suki and Katara. Toph began to drag Aang with her as Orora and Zuko followed, with the former turning to the latter and stating with a laugh.

"Who'd have thought you would be giving love advice to the Avatar?"

                                            ————————–

If Sokka had to choose one aspect of shopping he loved more then anything, he'd have to pick weapons shopping.

There was just something about browsing through the weapons display that had him feeling excited. And since he had someone who shared his love for weapons, Zuko, he could make comments that someone actually understood.

"Woah! Look at these!" He called to Zuko as he leaned forward to examine a display of several razor sharp looking Uchigatanas. Zuko whistled under his breath as he moved closer. "These look so light to handle." He observed, his eyes roving over every single detail of the gorgeous piece of weapon. "Bet they can cut through steel." Sokka gushed, stars in his eyes as he admired the sword.

That is before his eyes fell on the price and he winced. "Katara and Orora will kill me for spending that much money." He muttered under his breath, glancing to where the two girls were riffling through an entire stall of leather arm gauntlets. "Maybe once we defeat my Father we can have access to the treasure volt of the Fire Nation and buy whatever we want?" Zuko suggested, to which Sokka grinned. "I'll take you up on that offer!" He exclaimed.

Just a few steps away, Katara glanced up at her brother's voice, before returning her attention to the black leather gauntlet she had picked up and was weighing in her hands. "I don't know, they feel a bit too heavy Orora." She mused while her older sister browsed with interest.

"I dunno, I kinda like the feel of them." The waterbender admitted, as she pulled out a pair of them that were hidden well under the pile. "Oooooo these are gorgeous!" The girl muttered to herself. Immediately she pulled off the arm bands she had been wearing and pulled on the gauntlets.

"Mind tying them up?" She requested Katara, who quickly did up the laces along the length of the gauntlets as they ran up Orora's forearms. The insides were soft against her skin, but the leather outside was sturdy. They leather split into two colors, with the more dominant color being a deep crimson, with an added hint of gold along the edges as well as the laces that kept the gloves firm around her arms.

Orora flexed her fingers, trying out the stretch of the leather. "How do they look?" She asked, turning to show them off to Katara who smiled and nodded. "They look amazing! You should get them!" She urged, grabbing Orora by the shoulder, turning her around and marching her towards the owner of the shop.

The two girls passed Suki and Aang as they stood observing a contraption they had never seen before. They both had their heads tilted to one side, and had identical expressions of curiosity on their faces. "What do you suppose it does?" Suki asked, her fingers itching to reach out and touch the contraption, just to see how it worked. But she held her hand, a trait Aang had not yet mastered as his hand darted out to run his fingers along the smooth metal.

"It looks too....innocent to be a weapon." He said, leaning down so he could look underneath the weapon. "And yet here it is, in a weapon's shop." Suki murmured as Toph came up behind them. "What're you two looking at?" She asked, feeling the strange shape of metal in front of her.

Aang shrugged. "We don't know. Some sort of weapon." He admitted, his exploring fingers finding a small indent in the metal overlay. An indent that pressed down. "Hey, what does this do?" He asked, even as he pressed down against it.

The reaction was instantaneous.

Whatever weapon it was, it was one that shot some sort strange iron darts out of it. They flew through the air with deadly precision, before coming in contact with the skins of several other patrons as they milled about.

The three of them watched, dumbfounded, as the people who were hit dropped to the ground after a bit of swooning.

Reaching out, Toph quickly swatted Aang's hand away from the weapon. Aang and Suki glanced nervously at one another, before they quietly, and as sneakily as they could, stepped away from the contraption.

Toph stayed where she was.

Until Suki's arm darted out and grabbed Toph's hand before she yanked the earthbender away from the scene of the crime.

                                            ————————–

"Are they still following us?" Orora asked Suki out of the corner of her mouth as the two girls pretending to be entranced by a truly horrendous piece of art that depicted the Fire Lord. The Kiyoshi Warrior nodded, her eyes never wavering from their pretend distraction. "And from what I heard, they're rather persistent when it comes to their conquests. And yes, that was the exact word I heard them use." She added with a look that had Orora rolling her eyes.

No sooner had she stopped speaking, when the two girls found themselves flanked on either side by very two people concerning their conversation.

"Don't think we've seen you two around before." The boy at Suki's side said, grinning a little too smugly for someone who looked like he had never seen a good fight before. He had too much muscle for either of the girl's tastes. "You probably haven't." Suki replied in a tone of complete indifference as she lifted a stage mask and examined it with more interest then she was giving Muscles.

His friend, whom Orora dubbed Earring, on account of the several earrings he wore in one ear, sought to add to the conversation by saying. "May we ask where you lovely ladies are from?" He asked, grinning down at Orora, who's fingers itched to embed an ice dagger somewhere on his person.

Preferably where the sun don't shine.

"You just did." Orora responded, her tone mirroring Suki's. "And where we are from is none of your business because I doubt you will see us again." With that Suki looped her arm through Orora's and the two girls began to walk away.

But the boys were persistent.

Something the two girls had noticed, when they had been harassing some other girls just half an hour earlier, before their attention was diverted towards them.

Muscles quickly stepped in their path, blocking them. "Woah! Woah! Come one girls. We're just being friendly." He said with a chuckle and a wink in Suki's direction. The Warrior only glared back. "Leave us alone." She said as a way of warning them to back off. But of course, in the eyes of the two idiots, they didn't appear to be a threat.

Earring chuckled. "Awww, don't be rude. We just wanna show you girls a good time." He drawled as he moved to wrap an arm around Orora's shoulder.

Only to find himself on the floor, with the same arm twisted behind his back in a painful hold that had him whimpering. His friend blanched, taking a step forward to try and help him, but stopped at the look of sheer disgust and anger that was directed towards him by the two girls.

Suki, standing to the side, arms crossed over her chest.

And Orora , holding Earring down in a painful hold.

"We'll be staying here for a few weeks." Suki said, adopting the very drawling tone Earring had used moments ago. "So it would do the both of you some good if you were to disappear for those time period." She added as a friendly suggestion.

Orora smiled maliciously, her ice blue eyes glittering, promising pain. "Because if either of us see you again, our little vacation will be ruined." Her hold on Earring didn't let up. "And trust me, you don't want to annoy us."

She stepped away, allowing the boy to scramble to his feet and scurry to his friend. "Plus if we see either of you harassing any other girl." Suki continued with a sweet smile on her lips. Her eyes, however, were another story.

Just as Orora, they promised pain.

And perhaps death.

"We'll be sure your kind doesn't.........spawn."

The idiots ran.

Leaving Orora a little surprised. "I didn't think they would understand that last threat." She commented, the look of pure ice and anger melting away. Suki shrugged. "I don't think they did. They were just cowards."

So saying, the two girls moved to where Katara was busy haggling over the price of a new waterskin, completely missing their other halves as they stood just a little ways away, having just seen what had happened.

"That was......scary."

"Was it?"

"No not really. That was....."

"Hot."

"So hot."

Oblivious to their inner turmoil, Aang grinned at the mask he had found. "Hey Zuko! Look what I found!" He called out to the Prince, who snapped out of his reverie to glance at the Avatar.

As he stood there, proudly wearing the mask of the Blue Spirit.

"Look familiar!" He said, his voice muffled behind the mask. Zuko rolled his eyes, moving to ignore Aang so he would drop the subject. However, Sokka was quick to pick on Zuko's annoyance. "Whats that?" He asked Aang to which the boy grinned as he removed the mask. "Its the mask Zuko used to wear as the Blue Spirit." He explained to which Sokka raised an eyebrow at his friend.

"You know, Orora wasn't exaggerating when she said that you lived for the drama." He said, feeling that maybe his sister had been right in judging the Prince for what he was. Zuko shot the water tribe boy and annoyed look. He wasn't even fazed as Aang handed over a few coins and bought the mask.

Zuko blinked. "Did you actually buy it?" He asked, to which Aang responded with a shrug. "What? I didn't say it wasn't a cool mask." Placing it within the shoulder bag Sokka had purchased, Aang glanced at a figure approaching them.

"Er.... Zuko? How much money did you give Toph?" He asked, prompting both him and Sokka to turn and look at what he had spied.

And sure enough there was Toph. Barely able to walk under a staggering pile of......well......things.

"Where did you get all of this?" Sokka asked, the amazement coloring his tone as Toph dropped everything at the boys' feet. The girl grinned. "This blockhead bumped in to me, and I played the blind card. Next thing I know, everyone was offering me free stuff." She shrugged, looking much too proud and smug. "And who was I to ignore their kindness and charity?"

Zuko looked over the knick-knacks Toph had been donated. "I don't think Orora is gonna be happy about this." He muttered, glancing in the direction of his girlfriend who was still busy with Suki and Katara. Sokka nodded. "Yeah, and neither will Katara."

Toph raised an eyebrow. "Why? Are you two scared of them?"

A beat of silence.

And then:

"Yeah that was a stupid question. Of course you're scared of them both." She answered her own question, to which Aang added with a shrug. "Aren't we all?"

The four of them made small noises of agreement. "What're you gonna do about all this junk?" Zuko asked, to which Toph shrugged. Taking a look around the inventory Toph had accumulated, Sokka hummed. "Well most of it could be used at the beach." Suddenly his eyes brightened and he grinned wide. "Why don't we have a beach party?" He suggested.

His words were meant with quite the enthusiasm on Aang's and Toph's part. Zuko however, was remembering the last party he had been invited to, and how disastrous it went.

"A beach party?" Katara said, once Sokka had raced over to his sisters and soulmate and told them the plan. Suki shrugged, smiling. "That sounds fun. And with all the extra stuff Toph was donated we can have a really good party."

Orora narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Yeah." She said, not believing the story for a second even as Toph gave her an innocent smile.

"Donated."

                                            ————————–

"Now! For the final and most important items on our list. The food!" Katara declared as the group finally made it to the food section of the market. The air was heavy with the spices and scents of the various items being cooked. There were many stalls set up that sold produce, but the majority of them offered cooked meals.

"And since we're having a party, I think its best if we get double. That means we'll need to buy twice as much meat, thrice as much as vegetables and fruits since that is what Aang and Momo eat." The boy smiled in relief, prompting Katara to smile back at him. Sokka, already excited about the prospect of a party, was barely able to contain his emotions over the fact that they would be buying and eating meat that night.

And so their final task began.

Katara was in charge of haggling, making sure they only paid enough and didn't overpay just because they were children. She was ruthless in her tactics too. Orora and Suki were in charge of picking up and putting away the best of the produce. Aang joined them once they reached a vegetable and fruit vendor. Sokka and Toph were taste-testing. Or rather they were eating whatever they could until they had the chance to reach the stalls where they were selling food that sold cooked food. Zuko was simply standing to the side and holding whatever Orora, Suki or Aang would pile into his arms.

The young Prince also made sure that an extra few moon-peaches were packed. Because he knew they were Orora's favorite.

Maybe they could share some later.

Having slapped Sokka's hand from taking yet another fruit to devour, a strange smell wafted through the air, that had Katara crinkling her nose. "What is that smell?" She asked Zuko, who was standing right next to her, Sokka have sulked away to nurse his red hand. The scarred Prince looked up from where he had been putting everything in one of the many shopping baskets Toph had been gifted.

"Burned Jasmine." He admitted, his eyes finding the source. A tea vendor nearby had apparently boiled the brew for far too long and was now being scolded by the customers. "He should've stepped it for only four minutes over a steady flame. That's when you can get the proper scent and taste of the tea leaves." He added, as if the knowledge of making tea was common and everyone should know it.

The girl grinned. Yanking at his arm, she began to pull him towards the flustered looking tea vendor who looked up at them in confusion. "Tell him what you just told me." She urged him. Zuko looked uncomfortable for only a minute before he glanced at the desperate looking tea vendor and sighed.

A few minutes later, the entire group was standing a little ways away from the small tea stall and sipping on a freshly made brew of perfect jasmine tea. They had to move away from the stall because it suddenly got too crowded.

Mostly because the scent of the jasmine tea, after the tea vendor brewed it under Zuko's instructions, had attracted more then a fair share of the customers. The tea vendor had been in tears when he offered the entire group a cup of jasmine each for free to thank Zuko for his help.

"I always knew you were paying attention to Master when he would give he tea brewing lessons." Orora teased as she stood beside Zuko, enjoying her own cup of tea. The boy shrugged in response. "I just wish I had paid more attention." He admitted in a low voice, his gaze trained to his own reflection within the cup he now held.

Reaching out to pat his shoulder, Katara smiled. "I'm sure your Uncle would be really happy to know that even when you weren't paying attention you still actually listened to him." She reassured him as Aang nodded. "Katara's right. This is really the best tea I've had, and I'm a hundred and twelve years old." He added with a grin, no one mentioning how he had been trapped in ice for a hundred of those years.

"I don't normally like tea." Sokka said, looking down at his cup of tea with a critical eye. Suki rolled her eyes at him. "What he means to say is he liked it." Sipping from her cup, Toph made sure to add her opinion in as well. "Out of all of us, I'm the only one who's had tea made by Zuko's Uncle, other then Orora."

She pointed towards the girl. "And since Ice Princess is a compromised, what with her being head over heels for Firebug here." Both teenagers blushed at the words, unable to meet the other's eyes as they sipped their tea. "I can tell you that this is a close interpretation of his tea making skills."

Despite her teasing, Zuko couldn't help but glance around at the smiling, open and encouraging faces of his friends. "Thanks." He muttered, unable to say anything more as he felt Orora reach out to take his free hand in her own and gave it a squeeze.

This.

This was what she had always wanted. People who supported and encouraged one another. Who helped lift each other up and help however they could. People who loved one another unconditionally because they genuinely cared, not because it was a necessity. Who teased and made fun of you, but would not hesitate to lay down their life if the situation called for it. People who had your back no matter what.

A family.

"You alright there Orora?"

She blinked, not realizing she had started to follow Zuko when he began to lead her away, once the group started to move. Blinking away the suspicious moisture that had gathered at the corner of her eyes, the girl smiled up at her boyfriend. "I'm alright." She said with a nod.

Zuko glanced around him, seeing their group disperse slightly as they began to go over the different food stalls to try and find something to eat before the beach party.

Now was his chance.

He had been meaning to ask Orora before, while they had been shopping for Suki's outfit. Then Aang had gone and interrupted them, he was still a little miffed about that because it had been the perfect moment. With his soulmate flustered and him with the upper hand feeling confident and sure of himself.

Now though, his heart began to pick up speed, and he could actually feel his hands start to feel clammy. Which was ridiculous because what he was about to ask had been a long time coming.

So why in Agni was he so nervous?!

He opened his mouth. "Orora?"

Just then a loud scream cut him off, followed by a loud cackle.

The two teenagers looked to the source. Only to be greeted by the sight of Toph rolling around on the floor, laughing her head off, while Sokka screamed and yelled, clutching at his throat, his tongue hanging out, tears streaming down his face.

Spying the stall they were standing in front of Zuko groaned. "He ate the fire flakes." He muttered to a confused looking Orora, who winced in sympathy. Katara quickly handed Sokka the waterskin to try and quench the heat.

"Why'd you go and eat the whole bag?" Suki scolded her boyfriend as she watched him gulp down the water, though most of it spilled from the sides. "Becauth Thopth tholdh mthe ith wath thweeth." Sokka responded, or at least tried to.

His attempt to speak around the spice had the rest of the group laughing as well. Toph, who had only just begun to sober up, began anew. "Come on Sokka! They can't be that hot." Aang said, reaching out for a couple of fire flakes which he put in his mouth. The boy chewed, and instantly his face turned red and steam came out of his ears.

"On second thought." The Avatar said, wiping the heat sweat from his forehead. "Maybe Sokka's reaction isn't an exaggeration." Both Suki and Katara tried a few fire flakes as well, only to agree with Aang and sympathize with Sokka.

Orora rolled her eyes. "Oh come on! They're not that bad." So saying she reached out and grabbed a handful. Despite the loud protests, the girl threw the flakes into her mouth and chewed.

No reaction.

The entire group, minus Zuko, stared dumbfounded.

If Orora were honest, he looked a little proud even.

"How are you not crying from the spice?!" Aang demanded to know, to which Orora shrugged. "Firebenders love spicy food, and I traveled and stayed with two of them for months." She gestured to Zuko who was standing beside her. "Guess I built up a spice tolerance." She grinned, and reached for another handful.

"And a Zuko tolerance." Sokka muttered darkly under his breath, glaring at the flakes as if they had done him some personal offense.

Where she would've been insulted at the comment, Orora tilted her head. Contemplating.

"Huh! I guess I did."

                                            ————————–

Tag List - @wavesofchaos​ @violet-potter​ @rennysketch​ @emma-andrea1 @lovesammikinzz @fuzzyfestcat @msrawog @notsaelty @lust-for-pan @aces-tattooartist @jinxxangel13 @lotr-got @bitterspoons @realrintaro @gatorgirl151 @inutheangel @heartfully10 @lucaaahhh @juniper-july19 @anuttellaa @gfksz @bussyvussy @punksnotdeadbutiam @ablofftoneverland-blog-blog @slut-for-menn @vyliie @army-moa75 @juwhls @aqlodun @lovelybaka @glowyruby @niktwazny303 @ladystrawberry

[britishmuffin]

hi! your face studies from April 4th for the Gaang seemed really influenced by Chip Trillino’s art, and I was wondering if you might want to credit them on the post or a reblog?

I DO love Chip's beautiful art, it's genuinely an honour to be compared!! but I promise I've never directly referenced her designs (though it wouldn't surprise me that mine have some similarities since I've spent time swooning over hers 💕), or anyone else's interpretations for that matter.

I don't know if it would be fair to credit just one source of inspiration, when in reality I'm surrounding myself with so many incredible creators that serve to stir the brain soup and fuel me to make art of my own. I certainly never set out to copy anyone, and rest assured I would credit if I ever posted any directly referenced studies.

I will happily share a non-exhaustive list of a few ATLA artists who regularly floor me with their interpretations! @chiptrillino-art you've mentioned, @sevrinve, @aakiwa, @soncee, @beelze0-0, @fioleespring, @fanfic-gremlin-ft-trauma, @bleekay, @petricorah, @ash-and-starlight, @comradekatara, @dickpuncherdraws, but there are lots of others too, there's a bit of an ATLA renaissance going on atm!

And that's not even mentioning fic writers, whose brilliant ideas have also seeped into my subconscious. The real-world-culture perspectives are incredible. I've read so many now...

[atla-confessions]

ambassador katara became a famous trope in early 2014, with "Once Around The Sun" on Ao3. that fic also set the tone for zutara fics that came after it, the anti aang and ant mai sentiment, assassination attempts (on katara's life, for the most part) and zuko's council refusing to accept katara as zuko's lover. i've been in the fandom since 2010, not in the last four years, I worded my rant not in the best way, sorry for that. the four years I talked about are referring to zukka's rise in popularity. If you check Ao3, the first zukka fic there is from 2008. lt's a ship that did exist but not since the beginning and not with the popularity of nowadays. After that 2008 fic, the next one is from the same year and then another one is published in 2009. And then other three during 2010. And then nine during 2011. And the number goes up in next years but really rises in 2020 (atla was added on netflix that year and we were in quarantine, that gave people a lot of time to watch and create content). Also, the majority of the 2008-2013 are accessible only to registered users, probably in light to the fact the homophobia in the fandom was ery strong. fire lady katara was more prevalent, yes, but any fic (and fanart) you check from 2014 and foward will be more kely to have ambassador katara rather than ire lady katara and when they do have her as fire lady, is really towards the end of the fic or in sequences of ambassador katara. i honestly think the first ambassador fanfic was a zutara fanfic, before OATS, on fanfiction.net on 2007. the earliest ambassador sokka fic as you stated is from 2008, but I don't know which site you're using as a metric poor little zuko is a common trope in non-zukka fics (since the majority of atla fics are zuko-centric), even zutara ones, but the majority of the ones i see with katara being "meaner" than she was in the series and sokka "needing to intervene, are zukka. a good portion of "the gaang learns how zuko got his scar" also fall under that label i don't care how "homophobic katara" got started and this isn't me being rude, just honest. It's out of hand and it's an annoying fucking trope (don't now if I can even call it that) and while it isn't common as "mean katara and savior sokka'" it's just as misogynist. Some authors really tried to keep as a little saint and then dunk prejudice on katara I recognize there are zutara shippers who are misogynist to mai but I never denied that. I was talking about zukka and their treatment of katara, I don't see why I would mention mai when she isn't even included in most of zukka fics. If you want to talk about mai hate, be my guest, you're probably more well versed than me since I don't engage with mai related content, being it anti or pro someone before you mentioned suki tho and that's something i wish i had included in my original ask. the show really disregards suki as does the fandom, it's annoying as hell to read a fic and they diminish sokka's feelings or her or make her jealous bc he's dating zuko

Okay, so I did further research into this. And I was right in the sense that Ambassador Sokka was not just a Zukka thing. The earliest Ambassador Sokka fic I have found is a 2006 fic on fanfiction.net. It is a Sokkla fic. There seem to be a few of them, it might actually be originally a Sokkla trope. I also found an Ambassador Toph/Zuko also from 2008. I think it might have just been popular across most ships at the time. A popular trope in general as opposed to one assigned to a specific ship, however it seems to have started with Sokkla unless you can find an earlier one. (The fic is on fanfiction.net).

I was in the fandom in 2014 but I still don't recall a lot of Ambassador Katara fics. Maybe this is because I was not a hardcore Zutara shipper. I remember I saw a lot of Fire Lady Katara stuff but maybe that was mostly from before. I genuinely saw the ambassador trope with Zukka first. Also, the first 'Zukka' fic I found was from 2005 on fanfiction.net but it also used to be referred to as SoZu at one point by some people. (Ao3 was created in 2008 btw, you can just backdate fics to when they were originally created/posted since it is an archive)

Honestly, I do not know how you are encountering so much homophobic Katara, I have not seen it that much and I like Zukka a lot. I have definitely seen these 'mean Katara' whump fics a lot with various characters needing to intervene. Even Hakoda in some. But most I have encountered have been gen fics.

I just brought up the general misogyny in the fandom because I believe it is a huge problem that goes largely unaddressed (or at least not properly addressed). People just seem to like to point the finger at various parts of the fandom but it's everywhere and it's very upsetting. You pointed out the Homophobia in the Zutara fandom, so I brought up that they also have a misogyny problem as well. Because the whole fandom has one. (Also, I love Mai.)

I have never encountered a Zukka fic villainizing Suki but maybe I just got better at identifying when a fic is going to be like that after my experiences with the Zutara fandom in the earlier days when there was a lot of bitterness over the ship not being made canon. (Fanfiction to vent is valid, I just wish it was easier to filter out. No hate to Zutara shippers, being upset about your ship and making content to vent is completely normal)

It's normal to diminish the feelings of the canon ship when doing your own ship. They usually do that, otherwise the characters would be with their canon love interest. I can't think of a non-canon ship where at least one of the people in the ship has a canon relationship where they haven't done that. Zutara does that. Zukka does that. Azutara does that. Ect. It's kinda par for the course

X

[princess-of-the-corner]

Tried to think of some Miraculous Gaang names! You may want to Google a few of these, fair warning.

Ladybug!Sokka - Captain Harmonia/Harlequin/Beetle

Black Cat!Katara - Painted Jaguar

Turtle!Aang - Lion Turtle, Tortiseshell

Snake!Suki - Pythonic, Tealtime, Naga, Aspen, Tock Viper, Medusa/Stheno/Euryale, Teal Gorgan

Tiger!Toph - The Blind Tiger

Dragon!Zuko - Seiryu 

Fox!Azula - Inari, Kistune, Silver Reynard, Kuma Lisa, Blue Ren (“the tale of Miss Ren”)

Pig!Jin - Babirusa

Bee!Ty Lee - Bumblebee (there is literally a “Dance of the Bumblebee” music score), Honeycomb

Mouse!Mai - Rat Queen (based on the “Rat King” from the Nutcracker Ballet. Kind of as a slide parallel to her canon thing, here, Mai’s parents signed her up for ballet, where she met Ty Lee and Azula.)

Ox!Haru - Oxenfree (all I got right now)

Horse!Teo - got nothing but “Pegasus” which is taken

Rabbit!Yué - Luna Lapine, Luna Angora, Satin Moon, Velvet Moon

Monkey!Kuzon - a bit more explanation here. Mostly, I was trying to fill out the miraculous roster, cause AtLa only has a few “main” characters, I was trying to find some named characters the Gaang is shown being friends with who are roughly their age. I didn’t list Jet or his friends, cause, honestly, what exactly would their story be?? How do they integrate? Like, I’m sure you could do something, I just couldn’t really think of anything at the time. But also, I realized all the friends of the Gaang belong to Katara, Sokka, or Suki, later Zuko - Aang and Toph don’t really have any that are unconnected from them. In Toph’s case, she was raised super sheltered, and never got a chance to meet anyone, while Aang HAD friends, but they’re all mostly dead, except Bumi, because of the 100 years in ice thing. And we already have Bumi here being an old man. The only other friend Aang really mentions is Kuzon, the Fire Nation kid who … I think there’s a short story about the pair of them fighting off poachers? Anyway, I was basically imagining Kuzon as “Le Chien Kim, but Animal Lover and Environmentalist Advocate”. He would have grown up next door to Aang and Gyatso, and that’s how the pair are friends. As for names … I want to say Tarzan or Mowgli, but I feel like, even in universe, those would get him visits from lawyers.

Now, briefly into ships - this is just me spitballing my random headcanons, PLEASE TO ALL READING THIS, WE ARE HAVING FUN, LET’S NOT BRING THE ATLA SHIPWARS HERE! THIS IS JUST ME SPITBALLING! THEY CAN ALL BE CHANGED!

so, Katara/Aang. Aang I see as non-binary - they don’t mind which pronouns you use, but mostly uses he/they when referring to himself. Katara believes she is straight, but is actually bi with a bigger attraction to males.

Sokka is poly-pansexual. His relationships start with Sokka/Yue, until Yué realizes she’s actually AroAce, and they break up. Then later Sokka/Suki, which morphs into Zuko/Sokka & Sokka/Suki, which changes to Zuko/Sokka/Suki. Suki’s bi, while Zuko is … Zuko (demi-pan, but never has the words for it till WAY later).

Toph is Aro, or at least grayromantic, as is Teo. Teo I also see as trans, but that might just be me.

Mai/Ty Lee eventually becomes Mai/Ty Lee/Azula. (Sexuality uncertain, but my cousin does call them the “Deadly Lesbians”.) There’s a brief Mai/Zuko, but only to get Mai’s parents to back off and leave her alone.

Haru is our only totally straight guy, congrats man, you are our cishet+!

Thoughts, Feelings, Opinions, New/Different Ideas?

(Also, side note. We still have Cabbage man, right?)

-

OH SO

Loving the names! I think I’m gonna make a masterpost of the names here once I finalize them.

Totally get the thing on Kuzon. Like yeah I’m trying to think of other characters to fill out the Hero team and other than Jet’s group there aren’t a lot. There’s a reason I dragged Jin into this(other than the fact that I love her)

And yeah I’ve been turning Jet and co over in my head trying to think of what they’d be and I can’t think of anything for them because there’s so many changes to the base setup.

AS FOR SHIPS

I have my ships I like and while I do take suggestions it’s my au and I get the nonsense!

Obvs the Aang/Katara stays.

I see the Zuko/Sokka/Suki and raise you adding Jin in there.

Swinging to Yue: I always have mixed feelings in some AUs because I love her and Sokka in Canon but most AUs they never really work out. And in this one idk why they wouldn’t exactly? Like nothing gets in the way. Maybe if I write Sokka starting the Suki relationship first and then while they’re poly they’re not at a ‘hey how do you think about another person?’ discussion stage when they meet Yue? And then by the time they are at that stage either they’ve moved on or Yue has her own partner?

That said. Yue/Azula. Any time I have the chance for them I take it. Like the equal opposite you see my vision.

I also have this weird soft spot for Toph/Ty Lee. Probably has something to do with that post of ‘Ty Lee teaches Toph to walk on her hands’ thing because as funny as that post is these two are menaces it’s great, the amount of trust involved in it!

Haru is def our token straight though.

My one original thought:

So like. The Gaang has a range of ages. And in atla that’s fine due to the circumstances. But here it’s kind of a question of ‘how do they all meet/become friends/etc if they never really meet’? so I’m gonna make shit up to squish them into the same grade in school. 

Aang and Toph skipped a grade. Homeschooling put them a bit ahead of their peers in public school so they just got placed ahead.

On the flipside, Zuko got held back a grade due to the whole ‘being kicked out and horrifically scarred’ thing. Like between the mental and physical care he’d need he missed a lot of class that year so just. Repeat the year.

[mask131]

Some info that might interest you, taken from an article about Medusa by Dimitris Karakostas - from the "Dictionary of Feminine Myths" (or "Female Myths" depending on how you translate) (I wanted to continue my "Myth of" series, but I realize not many people are interested in huge paragraphs so I'll focus on a bullet-list format from now on)

The first time Medusa gets an actual individuality is on Hesiod's Theogony, where she is described as "Medusa with the atrocious fate", one of the three Gorgons. It is the first time we have her proper name, and not just her called as a "Gorgon", and this denotes how unlike her sisters Stheno and Euryale who will forever stay flat and background characters, Medusa will be the only one with a lasting heritage and developed character (while the only mortal of the sisters, it is her who stayed immortal through the art).

In all the other Greek texts, she is usually just a monster or monstrous head whose presence is an ornament or accessory in the tales of other heroes. In The Odyssey (XI), Odysseus and his companions dread the arrival of Gorgo's head, a "dreadful monster" that Persephone sends after them to punish their trespassing - for they are living beings in the realm of the dead. Pindar, in his 12th Pythic, describes the sinister music/melody of the wild Gorgons, and the "chubby-cheeked" or "fair-cheeked" (depending on how you translate) of Medusa, but no mention of Perseus. In Euripides' tragedy Herakles, the Gorgon is described as "daughter of Night, with a hundred noisy vipers", but she is here a metaphorical/comparativ figure tied to a "music of delirium" and the ecstasy caused by a dance. Plato, in his Phaedre tragedy, uses the Gorgons (just like the Pegasuses, in plural) as part of a larger description of all sorts of strange monsters, all "unconceivable": they are beings that mankind's logic or reason cannot reach or even understand.

If we want an actual story for Medusa, not just her appearing as a little detail in stories, our first record is from the first half of the 5th century BCE. Pherecyde of Leros, wrote in the second book of his "Histories", the tale of Perseus defeating Medusa. Pherecyde of Leros was a great scholar of Antiquity who was known to have created an enormous compendium of many of the myths of Greece, a true encyclopedia - unfortunately, most of his work is lost today, we have only fragments preserved. Hopefully, Pherecyde's treatment of the story of Perseus and Medusa was preserved thanks to a scholia of Apollonios of Rhodes. But it should be noted that this story misses two elements that would prevail in later versions: A) there is no tale of a metamorphosis or transformation of Medusa, implying she always was an ugly monster B) There is no record of Perseus delivering or even encountering Andromeda.

These elements come with the second version we have of "Medusa's story": Apollodorus, inspired by Pherecyde's text, wrote his own record of the Medusa story. However the problem here is that we cannot exactly localize in time Apollodorus' story. Study of his writing proved that he was NOT Apollodorus of Athens, but rather a man who lived at a later date, and all we can say is that his "Bibliotheca" was written between the 3rd century BCE and the 3rd century CE. In his version of the story, Perseus does encounter Andromeda, and Medusa is said to have been once beautiful but turned into a monster by Athena - however, here it is said she was transformed as her punishment for her vanity, as she got into a fight with the goddess, claiming she was more beautiful than her.

The most "complete" version we have of the Medusa story is also non-Greek: it is the story told in the fourth book of Ovid's Metamorphosis, a Latin text written between years 2 and 8. Fascinatingly, as with earlier texts, Medusa is not a primary character or focus-character in this text: the story written by Ovid is the one of Perseus, of Andromeda and of Atlas. Medusa appears as a head, first as an object belonging to Perseus, both a trophy and adeadly weapon ; then as a mean of deliverance, setting free from their torments both Andromeda and Atlas. It isn't until the very end of the story that Perseus reveals the backstory of Medusa and the reason why she was transformed into the monster she is now: and this tale, which closes the hero's adventures, changes the reason of the metamorphosis, so that now Athena punished the beautiful Medusa for having sex with Poseidon inside the goddess' temple.

While it seems that Medusa was always just a detail or ornament in other people's story, a side-character in the legend of Perseus and Andromeda, there is another version defended by Karakostas, and first brought forward by Jean-Pierre Vernant: the legend of Perseus and Andromeda is actually the mythical "background", the setting invented to explain why the entire power and character of Medusa, a key element of Greek mythology, is focused in a disembodied head.

Karakostas notes that Medusa is actually "stronger" of a character than Perseus due to this fact: Medusa's powers and intensity, her supreme beauty or abominable ugliness, makes her autonomous, identifiable and memorable on her own. In reverse, Perseus' story is entirely defined by his relationshp to Medusa, how he kills her and what uses he has of her head - Medusa both opens and closes Perseus' story (at least by Ovid's account).

Medusa is the Other. She is Other towards men, because she is the dangerous and threatening female. Yet, she is other towards women, because art depicted her hairy or even bearded. She is other towards humanity, because she is an animal being (snake for hair, bird wings, tusks of a boar, sometimes she appeared as half-woman half-mare). She is also other towards living beings, because her gaze kills and she belongs to the underworld.

Dante, in his "Inferno", reused Homer's apparition of Medusa in the Underworld and highlight the meaning of such appearance: Medusa arrives when the one who visits the Underworld, the realm of the dead, starts being paralyed with fear. Dante, just like Ulysses, dreads Medusa when he arrived far enough/deep enough into Hell that he starts fearing he might never return to the "above", to the world of light. In a sense, Medusa embodies there the despair of living beings in front of an all-destroying, supremeky-ruling death.

It was Freud, through his text "Das Medusenhaupt" (The Head of Meduse) who brought the idea of Medusa as the "phallic mother". His psychanalytic reading of the legend led to an entire symbolism of the Gorgon as a sexual and erotic symbol throughout the 20th century, tied to how the women of the century redefined the norms of sensuality and the relationships between the two genders: the Gorgon bcame the castrating mother, or the castrating woman. Though the irony of it is that, in the texts of Antiquity, Medusa is not at all a motherly figure. Yes she does have children, she births Pegasus and Chrysaor, but it is almost by accident and in the most un-motherly way possible.

[asocial-inkblot]

Things I Hope/d to See in the New ATLA Live Action Show

A source material-accurate Azula (duh) and Aang (the show's namesake!) with something extra added to both. See #7 and #8 for more on that.

Tweaked war-related plans that come across like they could reasonably be implemented in real life and which may be based on/allude to actual battle proposals from throughout history. I know little about these sorts of things but others have pointed out before that one of Sokka's plans, for example, may not have actually made much sense. And Ozai's plan near the end? Yeeaaahhhhh... I mean, I kinda get it in hindsight. But still. Let's have him come up with something better than that.

Appearances and clothing that call back to the ethnic groups and cultures that the show takes inspiration from (things are looking great on this front so far), but also

Eye colors like the ones from the original cartoon. This may seem petty but I find that it's actually important to use the right hues for each character and not just make everyone's eyes brown or black or gray (looks to me like that's exactly what they did). The reason being that, although I personally tend to dislike when non-white characters are given what I now call "white qualifiers" (meaning traits often used to make them still appeal to whiteness, such as light hair, light eyes, bone-straight hair, round eyes, etc.), in the context of the show, the eye colors are actually by and large ethnic characteristics and differentiators themselves. As I've noted before in a previous post from a while back: Ocean blue eyes = Water Tribes, brown and gray = usually Air Nomad or Earth Kingdom, amber or light tan = Fire Nation, with few exceptions for all of them.

Enough similarities for it to feel like ATLA but with enough differences that it's actually its own story. Again, duh, but we all know how often adaptations tend to get this part wrong.

An age rating that won't be used as just another excuse to shoehorn in as much violence, gore and sexual content as possible but instead to allow for the full illustration of the impact that war can have on a people and their society/traditions. We saw, imo, only little hints of this throughout the cartoon (when Aang found Monk Gyatso's remains is one extremely devastating example), but not near enough. I know the reason why, of course. However, things like that only helped sell the show short by not allowing it to fully flesh out into a world with true, viewable consequences.

An Azula who, from day one, is unquestionably made out to be exactly what she is: A child soldier who is also a victim of the war in a similar way to how the Gaang is. I want to see her allowed to show worry, even fear, either during or after a situation. Not because I don't love how kickass she is, but because at her age, level of trauma and amount of risk to her life everyday, she has all the reason to be more stressed from the get-go. Not to mention her family issues. I want Azula to clearly have anxiety or depression, something many of us can relate to. I also want that scene of her mental breakdown to STAY in some capacity, but be seen in-universe and hopefully—eventually—irl, too, as what it really was: A teenage girl pushed to her limits until she had no where left to step. Real, living people have had anxiety/panic attacks and meltdowns before and that didn't make them evil or any less worthy of sympathy. It only makes it that much more obvious how real Azula herself is, and how much she needed and deserved understanding.

I want an Aang who's allowed to cry, not once, not twice but over and over again as the weight of the burden of what it means to be a child avatar during a world war—and one who was out-of-commission for a century—start to take their toll on his mind, body and eventually spirit. After he reaches his breaking point, I want him to learn to forgive himself and even forgive others, and come back from it, stronger than ever.

A Toph who's tough but maybe a little less...umm... She should be/feel affected by the war too, okay? And have some level of guilt, fear or self-awareness at all times. So she should be like her original self, but deeper.

More Ursa pleeeaaaaaaassse. We know next to nothing about this woman and what we do know, still involves a lot of inferring. I need to know just what her beliefs were about the war and her family/relatives. I need to know if she...if she often feared for her or her children's lives!

A little less romance and a little more danger, planning and large platonic relationship growth as well as character growth.

Zuko actually learning something from his travels; early on, every time he meets someone/some new people, and on a regular basis. I also kinda want to see him have consequences for his actions. Not just that one time, where he was only a clueless 13 year old boy anyway. Doesn't have to be huge or bloody, but he needs to lose something every time he gains at the expense of another. The ATLA world (if not within the cartoon then definitely within the live action show) should have a real, tangible concept of Karma present, if it doesn't already. That would make so. much. sense.

If possible, a little more fleshing out of characters like Jet and the Freedom Fighters, Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors, Hama, Mai, Ty Lee, etc. And can we not demonize or shrug off victims anymore?

A still sexy Hakoda, Ozai and June. (I'm so sorry, don't hate me...)

An ending that won't make me break out in hives plez.

(That's it for now. I may come back here to add more.)

[extravagantliar]

REPOST AND LIST 6 SONGS THAT INSPIRE YOU TO WRITE YOUR MUSE:

do better - say anything

Your life is always the post of something else / Where's the present? The way that you present yourself / And it's disgusting how little that you try / The existential equivalent of pink eye / Drink alone and watch TV / You're expecting harmonies /To tap your tune with silver spoons / The anthem of impending doom / Guiding Satan's steady hand / Forcing Beatles to disband /It's eco-freaks and drama queens / The young at heart know what I mean

i'm not calling you a liar - florence & the machine

I'm not calling you a liar / Just don't lie to me / I'm not calling you a thief / Just don't steal from me / I'm not calling you a ghost / Just stop haunting me /And I love you so much / I'm gonna let you / Kill me

as it was - prep ( a harry styles cover )

Seems you cannot be replaced / And I'm the one who will stay / oh In this world, it's just us / You know it's not the same as it was / In this world, it's just us / You know it's not the same as it was / As it was / You know it's not the same

pale white horse - the oh hellos

It was a pale white horse / With a crooked smile / And I knew it was my time / It was the raging storm of a foreign war / And a face I'd seen before

what's the use? - mac miller

All the way in with no exit plan / Already left and the jet don't land / Yeah, the time is ticking / Come take a ride, get inside, this is highly different / I'm talking fly, got the pilot with me / Can I mind my business? / Why you trippin'? / Give you somethin' that your eyes can witness / Ooh, too close / I don't understand why you doing the most

non stop - hamilton original broadway cast

Why do you assume you're the smartest in the room? / Soon that attitude may be your doom / Why do you write like you're running out of time? / Write day and night like you're running out of time? /Everyday you fight, like you're running out of time / Keep on fighting in the meantime / Non-stop

honorable mentions ( some are scores ):

northwest passage - stan rogers hey look ma I made it - panic! at the disco can you hear the music? - ludwig göransson thumbnail - louie zong & brian david gilbert he sleeps - james newton howard and macro velocci I'm a wanted man - royal deluxe

& LIST 6 QUOTES THAT INSPIRE YOU TO WRITE YOUR MUSE:

I am not a brave man. I believe I am starting to come to terms with that fact, but I am, in certain circumstances, a very stubborn one. - the magnus archives

People who claim that they're evil are usually no worse than the rest of us... It's people who claim that they're good, or any way better than the rest of us, that you have to be wary of. - gregory magurie - wicked

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. - nelson mandela

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past - f scott fitzgerald - the great gatsby

What is a champion? For me, I don't know when I was finally smart enough to understand this, but for me now, it's got less to do with gloves on your hand and how hard a punch you can take, than how great of endurance you have, both emotionally, psychologically, and physical endurance. - teddy atlas

I have read my books by many lights, hoarding their beauty, their wit or wisdom against the dark days when I would have no book, nor a place to read. I have known hunger of the belly kind many times over, but I have known a worse hunger: the need to know and to learn - louis l'amour

tagged by @hoboblaidd

tagging. everyone has done it so - @extravagantrook you're up.

[sokkastyles]

How do you feel about the live action so far? Personally, I like some of the changes they made but I miss Katara’s whole character and I don’t think Ozai’s characterization works very well.

I'm enjoying it as an adaptation. There are also things that disappoint me about it as an adaptation, but I still think I am enjoying it as an adaptation more than i would have if I had just watched it as if were an original story, with no knowledge of the original series. It lacks a lot of the things that made the original series stand out. It kind of pains me to say it, because they tried, they really did. They tried with the bending, and a lot of it is impressive and clearly inspired by the original. But it still is not as impressive as the original. Part of that is because of the fact that it's not new, part of it is the change in medium. Part of it is just that the magic isn't there.

I keep thinking about, for example, Aang's fight scenes. Don't get me wrong, the LA does a great job. They clearly thought everything out. Gordon is great. The martial arts moves are nicely choreographed and clearly inspired by the original. The effects are nice. But Aang still doesn't feel like an airbender the way he did in the original. A large part of this is that they are working with real people and a more realistic medium. The actors just can't be as naturally dynamic as animated characters. Every airbending move Aang does has to be done with special effects and deliberate shots and there's just so much work that needs to go into it that a lot of the casual airbending Aang does in the original is gone. And this isn't so much a criticism because I recognize that this has to come with the change of medium. But, as I said, it does diminish some of the magic of the original. The same reason we don't get, for example, Zuko blowing smoke through his nostrils. The side effect is that he doesn't feel as connected to his element.

I'm a big fan of animation as an art form, and the things I mentioned about the original ATLA? That is animation as an art form at its essence. We get a sense of who a character is just by their stance, or how they move, and the artist uses their medium to convey it without words. The actors do a lot to try and make up for it, but you're still inevitably going to lose something in the translation.

See my previous post for my thoughts about Ozai based on the first four episodes I've seen. Katara is another sore point for me. She feels like such a non-character here, there's nothing really memorable about her. She's not offensive, but she's not anything special, either, and it is a shame since she's such an iconic character for the series as a whole. I'm not here for discourse about how she needs to be more feminine or more angry or more etc. etc. etc. But what they've given us is just so bland that if I didn't already know the character I probably would think nothing of her at all.

As an original story, the live action series seems to lack direction. As I said, if I hadn't watched the original show I would probably have gotten bored by now because of having no real sense of who a lot of these characters are or where they are going or what the stakes of this story are.

I'm mostly enjoying the show as an adaptation that can bring me some new perspectives on these characters, the way I would a fanfic that has its hit or miss moments. Then I can take those things and add them to my own fanfics and metas and thoughts about these characters and this world.

[howlingday]

I just realized: If we look at all three arcs, the heroes only got one solid win. The first arc ends with the Fall of Beacon. The Second arc had them win. The Third arc ended with the Fall of Atlas and Mantle. I would like to think the Vacuo Arc would have ended in a win, but I'm not sure.

Alright, let's break it down, Volume by Volume, big fight by big fight.

Volume 1: Emerald Forest, Jaundice, Dock Fight

Three wins and plenty of room to grow.

Volume 2: Paladin Fight, Beacon Dance, Mountain Glenn

Win with collateral damage (that everybody was pissed about), one loss for the good guys with the data stolen by a disguised Cinder Fall, and one win for everybody at Beacon Academy, this time with somehow more and less collateral damage? I guess it was more contained than entire highways and bridges being damaged.

Volume 3: Vytal Tournament, Battle OfBeacon

Oh boy... This is where the losses start to stack... RWBY and JNPR made into the finals, but... Well, by the end, Penny and Pyrrha died, Team RWBY got separated, Yang lost an arm, and Beacon Academy and the CCT network was disabled. This coming from a previous volume where there was a joke about Ruby getting words wrong.

Volume 4: Volume 4...

This is the point where we learn the dynamic of RWBY Volumes, which is with the flow of seasons. Volume 1 was spring fresh with new beginnings, Volume 2 was action-packed summer adventures, and Volume 3 was drastic and horrible changes like the leaves in autumn, leading us to Volume 4, which hit us non-stop with L after L after L. Yangst, Weiss being abused, Blake having her kitty pity party, and Team RNJR (IT'S JNRR) having to survive Tyrian Callows, the Nuckelavee, and the harsh reality of being huntsmen and huntresses... Oh, and also the Brother gods are real.

Volume 5: Battle for Haven, Menagerie

By the end of Volume 5, everything starts looking up. The White Fang disbands after failing to assassinate the Belladonnas, Ruby and her friends manage to fend off Cinder's group, the good guys learn new abilities and limitations, and Cinder gets dropped off a cliff by Raven. Overall, a good Volume. A couple losses, but still a lot more wins.

Volume 6: Knock, knock! Who's there? It's REALITY!

And... it's gone. The wins. They're gone. Sure, we end this Volume with Adam's death and Ruby's group escaping to Atlas, but... this was also when RWBY stopped looking like young heroes and more like trouble-maker teens with good intentions doing more harm than good. And they don't get any punishment, really. Not to mention that we also learn the truth about Salem and Ozpin. Not many Ls, but only because they're still cooking.

Volume 7: You lost, but you won, but you still lost

Starting off, we have Team RWBY and group getting captured by the Ace-Ops, serving as a sort of marker for where they'll by Volume end. Until then, we have Team RWBY failing to stop a public massacre, a rigged election, and end with martial law being established over all of Atlas. But hey, at least we stopped Jacques Schnee, got out licenses to kill, and some sick-ass upgrades to our old gear!

Volume 8: I want off General Ironwood's Wild Martial Law

OKAY! So we start off with Penny being pressured to do something she doesn't want to and NOBODY is talking about it like adults. Even fucking General Ironwood isn't backing down. But then again, he's probably still riding the high of shooting a child and suffering from the low that it wasn't a kill shot. But yeah, this entire Volume was just low after low after low after LOW. There is no positive to this Volume. No Ws for anyone. Now get back on the bus. It's time to go to Saturday detention.

Volume 9: Guide~! My~! Way~! Out~! I'm what inspired the fairy tales~...

Real talk. You listening? Okay... I will say that V9 isn't the best Volume. Compared to V2 or V5, it's barely squeezing in at third. However, THIS is my absolute favorite Volume. In terms of Ls and Ws, there's definitely a couple Ls, biggest of all to Ruby, but she also gets the biggest W of the entire Volume. V9 has the best moments, the best music, and even the best villain of the entire series, even if they weren't even main antag level. Everything about Volume 9 served it's purpose as a spring chapter. It's coming out of the cold winter and into the new beginnings of spring.

That said, I understand that this being said AFTER RT already announced their shutdown, but I think the show says it best. Never lose hope, keep moving forward, and remember that victory is in the simple soul.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!