#ursa was a boy mom

[bubbleberri]

I have a deep understanding and appreciation of Azula as a character because I also got favored by a Psychopathic Father and neglected by a Boy Mom

[ssreeder]

Hi! I have read a lot of LIAB and I loved it but it was honestly getting a bit too much for me and I had to stop reading cuz I was way too lost in the depressive feels. Your writing is so brilliant though!

I was just wondering how you think Azula would feel if she saw Zuko’s scars? I’m not even sure if you’ve already written this as the story continued or if you plan to soon and so won’t be able to answer, but the thought intrigues me!

haha yeah I have had NUMEROUS people say they started LIAB & couldn’t finish because it got to be too much, which is totally fine!! That’s why I love fanfic because there’s so many options for what different people wanna read. When I started liab I wanted to write a really dramatic emotionally dark and tragic love story - which I know some people aren’t into haha especially with how it’s written. (It was my first time writing ive learned a lot haha)

Seriously though! Thank you so much for complimenting my writing!!<3

ok that’s so crazy you asked this because we’re just at the part in the story where azula will be in the same city as zuko. But in ANY liab situation, I do think her initial reaction would depend on if she was prepared to see zuko or not and how much she knows about where he’s been.

Azula doesn’t enjoy not having control over people and situations- and we all know that when azulas not having a good time no one else is either. So if zuko pops up alive and she’s not expecting it I’m sure she’s going to be annoyed

But no matter what, I do think seeing his scars would surprise her, whether she expected them or not the sheer destruction that was done to zukos body would shock anyone. That’s also her brother, like she knows him he’s not just some extra in the background. she grow up with him and watched him throw tantrums and whine about his mommy and they played in the garden sometimes - & yeah she was prepared to see the SCAR but not all the Scars.

Since she’s rarely caught off guard I think her initial response would be to say something mean and clever to try and overcompensate for the shake in her voice and tremble in her hands. I’m sure she’d have a physical reaction - elevated heartbeat wandering eyes increased breathing but she wouldn’t wanna give zuko the satisfaction of catching her off guard (especially not if she thinks he’s working with his uncle to overthrow her)

she’d play it off but I think it’d haunt her, even if she had zuko in her clutches as a prisoner or ally his scars would stick with her. she’d see them in her dreams and when she closed her eyes, they’d burrow into her consciousness and if she starts to mentally unravel in liab like she did in canon and I’m sure zukos scars would be a significant part of pushing her into that insanity. Especially if she doesn’t know what the fuck happened to her brother lol. sorry I started rambling! I hope I answered the question lol! Thanks for the ask!!

[direwolfrules]

Ya know how some of the most reserved, serious people just turn absolutely feral when 90’s boy bands start to play?

This stupid idea just popped in my head and I can’t get rid of it.

The Mandalorian Resistance is planning a strike or something, everyone’s being all serious, when the Rebel Pirate Radio show they had on in the background starts playing Space Backstreet Boys. Imagine the chaos as the former Nite Owls all descend into madness. People are singing along, someone’s scream singing, I imagine if Korkie’s hanging around he’s pulling some funky little dance moves. Bo and Ursa’s old debate about who’s better, Space Backstreet Boys or Space *NSYNC, has once again started (Alrich is of the opinion that actually, Space New Kids On The Block is pretty good, and Fenn lost speaking privileges after saying he only likes Space Limp Bizkit. Fenn was lying, he just wanted to make everyone else suffer).

And then, when it looks like the Rebellion is gonna shatter, the song ends. And everyone just. Stops. They pretend nothing happened. Back to business as usual.

Sabine and Tristan are horrified and confused.

[phoeeling]

you know when I was making that analysis on ursa I forgot that she actually did give Azula a gift in canon! i couldn’t find any screenshots, so I had to recreate it with art.

[punkeropercyjackson]

Trans girl Zuko moments

Her liking pretty things(such as that seashell)because 'girls like that stuff'

Growing out her hair after a buzzcut as visual character development

'The son my father wanted.But i wasn't me'

Being heartbreakingly jealous of her ideallic sister and wishing she could be perfect like her while hating her for it at the same time

And Ozai perfering Azula for living up to standards while Ursa loved and nurtured both of them equally but payed extra attention to Zuko because of all the degradation she faced

Comparing herself to Ty Lee by saying she's not as optimistic or pretty

Misandrist queen(Her instant reaction to a guy getting near Mai was rage at him potentially being a sleaze,her insults to Iroh,her arc culmenating in coming for her abusive dad's entire life including jumping his ass,etc)

Dragon-coded

All her friends pre-Gaang were girls

Her and Aang=Tween dorky boyprotagonist and late teens mean goth older sister who learn to love eachother trope

She's really maternal to him but also in general

Sokka is the Team Dad to her Team Mom and their dynamic is 'Mean hotheaded girl and chill goofy guy start off thinking the other is annoying asf and picking on eachother until they go on an adventure together and now they're sickeingly lovey dovey best friends totally not lovers'

Chose the Kyoshi Warriors as her bodyguards

This panel in general

But also these that make her look like the second girl mc in a Nickelodeon girl power sitcom

Jet talks to and treats her the same way he does Katara and he's got Smellerbee on his team so He Knows What She Is(and is being an annoying cocky bisexual about it)

Had TWO secret identities-First one was pretending to be an ordinary boy to hide her royalty status and her first instinct on picking a name was after her childhood best friend who's a girlypop and the second one was a hero persona that included baggy ass clothes that hid her entire figure

Baby butch(Toph)immediately adopted her as her older sister

Got 1 taste of living as a daddy's boy prince praised by everybody for manliness after months of living on the run and interacting with the Gaang and went 'I need to get my ass outta here,i can't fucking live like this,I WAS WRONG BEING A REAL MAN FUCKING SUCKS,AANG WHERE ARE YOU!!!!!!!!'

[utterlyunawarewriter]

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY~

Inspired by the Katy Perry song (if you couldn't tell -_-). Feedback appreciated :D

1. Summer after high-school when we first met

You woke up with an ache in your head and the sharp smell of antiseptic. Sunlight from an open window hit your eyes, causing you to shield them with your hand. Memories of your mom's car driving at a neck breaking speed, weird birds with golden beaks and the revelation of your fellow classmate being a half goat hit you as you sat up in bed.

Someone grabbed your arm, and you recoiled form the contact.

A voice coming from somewhere on your left said, "Hey, I'm not gonna hurt you."

You turned to face the voice. "That's something someone who's gonna hurt me would say."

You looked over, only to see a boy with bright blue eyes, wearing scrubs. He looked way too young to be in them.

"Welcome to Camp Half-Blood, a place for demigods. You-"

"Sorry to interrupt, but i know. Mum gave me the basics before I came here."

You got up, slowly blinking at your surroundings. You were in an infirmary filled with empty beds, except for one, occupied with a scowling girl. Another guy, who looked similar to the one next to you, seemed to be scolding her about something.

You stretch your arms above your head and let out a sigh. After being given a small rundown of how things worked, you left the infirmary and stepped out into the blazing sun. Around you camp bustled with life.

Kids of all ages--from young middle schoolers to people who looked like they belonged in college--rushed from one place to the other. Some stood in small groups, talking and laughing loudly. Golden weapons glinted in the sunlight from where they were kept. As you explore the camp, you saw fellow demigods practicing archery, engaging in sword fights and even participating in hand-to-hand combat.

Amidst the lively crowd, a figure stood out--a young man with striking features that seemed to effortlessly draw the gaze of onlookers. A sense of charm and grace seemed to surround him as he made his way through the crowd. With each step, his presence seemed to command attention, turning heads and causing whispers to emerge.

You saw quite a few people stop whatever they were doing when they saw him coming. Some girls let out high giggles. You watched the people part around him....till you realised he was walking toward you.

You quickly tried to hide the fact that you were staring, but unluckily, he noticed. A blush rose up your throat as you desperately tried to play it cool.

"Hey, I'm Luke", he said extending a hand toward you.

"(Name)."

***

2. We made out in your mustang to Radiohead

"Luke"

Kiss

"Luke-"

"I love you, but please shut up (name)."

You laughed as his lips met yours again.

Both of you had sneaked into one of the camp vans after lunch. Both of you had blown off camp duties. Luke had bribed Chris to teach a few sword fighting lessons, and you practically begged Michael to take your shift at the infirmary.

And now, after a week of not seeing Luke, you finally had your boyfriend all to yourself.

It still felt weird, calling him that. You had been a couple for only two months-despite the fact that you had been friends since the moment you stepped into camp-and you could still remember the moment when it happened.

Both of you laid on a blanket near the lake. Like had planned a picnic for just the two of you, and your nerves couldn't settle no matter how hard you tried. He was right next to you. Right there.

He had been doing things and planning cute little dates like this for quite sometime now, which often left you wondering if there was any meaning behind them, other than being friendly.

Your nervousness still wouldn't leave you, so you began pointing out various constellations in the night sky. "That's Hercules, and there's Ursa Major, and thats-" you turned to look at him, only to see his gaze already on you. If heart eyes were a real thing, that was probably the best way to describe the way he looked at you.

You stopped speaking and both of you just stared at each other. You didn't know who moved first, you or Luke. All you knew was that one moment he was next to you, and the other his lips were upon yours.

He pulled back a second later, an apology already leaving his mouth when you grabbed his shirt collar and kissed him again. He moved above you and rested his hands on your waist. Yours wove into his curls.

When you finally broke apart, he smiled. You laughed at that, and his smile got a little brighter.

The memory brought a smile on your face, and Luke noticed.

"What's on your mind, sunshine?"

The nickname caused a flush to rise on your face. "Thinkin' bout you."

"Oh really?"

"Mhmm."

He kissed the corner of you lips, before moving down your neck. You let out a content sigh and drew mindless patterns on the back of his shirt with your finger.

Just then somebody knocked on the van door.

"Guys, you might wanna hurry this up. Chiron's looking for the two of you."

***

3. And on my 18th birthday, we got matching tattoos

You stifled a laugh as you watched your boyfriend trip over a tree root because he was too busy looking at you.

His face held an expression on mock hurt as you grinned at his fall. You reached an arm out to help him up, and he took it, only to pull you down with him.

You landed on top of him, and winced. A wave of pain shot up from your upper arm, where underneath your shirt lay a brand new tattoo. Luke noticed your discomfort and moved. He also got one, but his was on his chest.

He lifted your shirt and pressed a soft kiss to the design. "Does that make it better, birthday girl?"

The corner of your mouth lifted. "Much better."

In honour of your 18th birthday today, the two of your snuck out of camp to get matching tattoos, something you always wanted. Now after successfully sneaking out of camp, reaching a tattoo parlor with running into trouble, getting a tattoo, and sneaking back into camp, you were on your way back to your respective cabins.

You looked at your watch. "Actually, my birthday ended, like two and a half hours ago."

"That doesn't count."

"I'm pretty sure it does.....We should get back, Luke. Someone might notice."

"Let them." He kissed you, making tremors run up and down your spine.

***

4. Used to steal you parents liquor, and climb to the roof. Talk about our future like we had a clue

The cheap whiskey burned as you downed it in one go. Luke watched you with amusement.

"What?"

"Nothing, nothing." He had that stupid look on his face, the one that made you want to kiss it off. He poured you another glass and you brought it to your lips again.

Empty bottles of gods-know-what lay on the roof of cabin 1, with empty glasses scattered around them.

"It can't be nothing, Luke." Your words slurred together as the alcohol took effect. You would definitely be regretting these desicions in the morning, but for now, you reveled in drunken glory.

"Okay, okay, hear me out," he waved his hands dramatically. "We should buy a van when we leave camp. Like, a big one. And travel the world. Just you, me, and the open road."

You giggled, your cheeks flushed from the wine. "A van? We’d look ridiculous!"

"Exactly!" Luke laughed, leaning closer. "We’d be the coolest couple ever. Imagine it—waking up on a beach, cooking breakfast in the back of our van, and just… living."

You bit your lip, your heart swelling at the thought. "That does sound amazing. But what about monsters? Money? You can’t just live off love and good vibes."

"We’ll figure it out! We can be like those mortal influencers or something. Post pictures of our adventures, and people will pay us to travel!"

You rolled your eyes playfully but couldn’t help the smile creeping onto your face. "And what if no one wants to pay us? What then, Mr. Influencer?"

"Then we’ll just sell the van and live in a treehouse!" he declared, raising his glass in a toast. "To treehouses and adventures!"

"To treehouses and adventures!" You echoed, clinking your glass against his. The warmth of the whiskey and the excitement of your dreams made everything feel possible.

As the two of two sipped, you leaned your head on Luke’s shoulder, feeling safe and content. "You know, I really like this idea. Just us against the world. But… what if we don’t want to live in a van forever?"

Luke paused, considering your words. "Then we’ll find a home. A cozy little place with a garden. We can grow our own vegetables and have a dog. Maybe a cat too. We can name them… uh, what’s a good name?"

"Definitely not 'van'," you teased, nudging him playfully. "But I like that idea. A home."

"Exactly!" he said, his eyes lighting up. "We’ll make it happen, (name). I can feel it."

You sat in comfortable silence, both lost in thoughts and away from the worries that came with being a demigod.

***

5. Never thought that one day, I'll be losing you...

"I-what?" You couldn't believe what you heard. You didn't want to believe what you heard.

"The gods are terrible people (name)! Think about all those unclaimed campers in cabin 11! They don't care about us. They never did and never will!"

"Luke, I know. Trust me, I know. But what you are suggesting...thats-thats crazy! The gods aren't perfect but-" the titan lord's name died on your tongue"-he'll be so much worse!"

You paced around the forest, leaves crunching under your feet. Luke brought you there being extremely secretive. You thought he might have planned a cute date, but you never expected this.

"(Name), just listen." He begged. You never saw him like this before. He looked at you with such desperation ypu didn't have any choice other than to hear him out.

"I know you're hesitant, but the Olympians have had they're chances so many damn times! And look where its gotten us! They treat us like pawns in their games!

"But with the Titans." He paused, and a hint of pride seeped into his voice. "We can forge our own path. Imagine a place where you’re not just a demigod, but a force to be reckoned with. You’d have the chance to prove yourself, to rise up and be part of something greater than any of us." Luke's voice softened slightly, as if sharing a secret. "I believe in you. I know you have what it takes to join us. Together, we can make a difference—one that will echo through history. (Name), will you stand with me and fight for our future?" His gaze held yours, waiting for your response, the weight of the decision heavy in the air.

"I...." You didn't know what to say. Luke said everything with such confidence that for a moment--but only a moment--you believed him. Your choice was already made.

Your hands found your blade, the one hidden inside your pocket. One moment, you stood infront of him defenceless, and the other you had pinned him against a tree, you dagger at his throat.

"Luke, please. You don't have to do this." Tears stung your eyes, but you didn't let them fall.

Luke's eyes hardened. "You know, Percy said the same thing."

Your eyes widened is shock. "Luke...what did you do?"

"He's near the creek. You should hurry, he doesn't have much time."

This time ypu couldn't stop your tears. A few escaped your eyes as you turned in the direction of the creek, leaving Luke Castellan to his fate. Whatever it would be.

____________________________________

My masterlist

[transboysokka]

the fire lord allowed his transition because of this connection. at least the kid could bend now, and at least he had a male heir. ozai had been so embarrassed by zuko up to now, he still wasn't well-known in public.

also, ursa begged for it

fuck but zuko realizing he's trans and finally unlocking his bending are 100% related

i feel like you've gotta be pretty connected with yourself to connect to your inner fire

and zuko growing up definitely felt like there was something off about himself

the day he realized who he was, was the first day he made fire

[evenmorefatallyobsessed]

How would Professor Kali deal with Cardin if see saw him bullying Jaune?

Also how would she deal with Jaune's issues about getting help?

Detention proceeded by scolding, which... Isn't too effective as Cardin doesn't doesn't care much but is pissed most of his time is spent getting lectured by a freaking animal.

What does change however is Jaune, because when Cardin speak out about Kali he gets just as pissed as Blake but unlike her is much more vocal about it.

I can see Jaune fighting Cardin several times over it resulting in him, well... Losing the fight, but getting in a enough good hits each time. The two would get more detention which would result in something Cardin finds even more annoying.

Having to sit there while Jaune is being pampered and flustered over by Kali. She may be a animal, but she is a pretty one and Cardin hates feeling like a cuck.

Plus a worse fear he has is now that Jaune is actively challenging him to fights in Glynda's class (She stopped pitting them against each other after Kali talked to her) He's noticing how it's been getting harder and harder to win... What if Jauney Boy ends up beating him...

As for what she'd do in a situation where Jaune needs help... Honestly Kali isn't a big factor her, because she lacks the understanding of combat to the level where she truly recognizes how bad Jaune needs it. He can kill Beowulves and Ursa, that already league apart more then she is capable of.

It would be Prof. Athena (Pyrrha's mom) who'd be more inclined to rectify that issue.

[sokkastyles]

"I didn't say Zuko was wrong [for calling Azula sick in response to her being cruel to him] but he's not right, either."

Yes, he is right.

He is right.

He is right.

And he calls the earthbender bullies terrorizing a poor town, in the same episode, "sick" for the same reason.

I'm glad that little boy, who knew exactly how powerless he was in that moment, grew into a teenager who would stand up to bullies.

Because Zuko could have taken the lessons he learned as a child and internalized that no one would help him, so why should he help others? Why should he protect other abused kids since no one protected him?

This fandom makes A LOT of Ursa and Iroh protecting Zuko, especially when they want to try and argue that he was better off than Azula, but seem to forget that once Zuko's mother was banished, the show makes it clear how little protection he has. Azula herself mocks Zuko with this when Zuko tries to get his knife back from her, saying "who's going to make me, mom?"

Iroh couldn't do anything for Zuko until he was already banished.

Zuko could have taken those lessons and become even more angry and bitter and hardened than what he is at the beginning of the series. He could have seen those kids being bullied by soldiers with much more power than them and said "well, nobody could protect me, so why should I protect them?"

(He could have also responded to Katara telling him about the loss of her mother with "well, my mother was taken from me, so why should I care about your pain and your mom?")

But he doesn't.

I think the fandom tends to downplay this because of all endless wank about how much Zuko had Ursa and Iroh, but they could only do so much and Zuko very much had an opportunity to become just as bitter and selfish as Azula, and he was already on the way there at the beginning of the series.

But it's not Iroh who encourages him to defend that earth kingdom village. It's not his mother who taught him to stand up to bullies. He does it because he remembers what it's like to be a victim, and chooses to break that cycle instead of continuing it.

And he is right for that.

Also, inb4 someone responds to this post to tell me that the word sick is ableist or something, it's also extremely ableist to criticize the words an abused child uses to describe their abuse, so don't do that.

[your-local-femboy-bitch]

I HATE IT!!!

When fanfics write Zuko to say "son of Ozai AND Ursa" MFER ZUKO WOULD EVERY SINGLE TIME PUT HIS MOM'S NAME FIRST!!!

HE IS A MOMMA'S BOY HE WOULD SAY "Son of Ursa and dumbass"

[better-call-mau1]

@jessicas-pi honestly I wasn’t sure if I was hoping you’d read all the tags or not (because Sabezra Remote-Conceived Midichlorian Baby might be the crackiest thing my brainrot has ever produced 😅) but I am very very happy you did — not least of all because of THESE tags!!! 🤣🤌

After several polls of coming in second or third or fourth or whateverth place, Bo-Katan's Obitine Flashbacks finally won!

Bo-Katan doesn’t know specifics, but she does know it hasn’t been more than a month.

She lowers her voice. “I’m sorry for your loss, Wren. I know you and the Jedi were… close…”

And Sabine Wren drops her face into her arms, bursting into tears and then apologizing through her hysterical sobs, which tells Bo-Katan exactly how close they were.

Bo-Katan is hit with a feeling of deja vu, like she’s done this before.

Wait.

No.

She has.

Ha ha. Fun.

This is just exactly what she needed right now, another woman brokenhearted over a Jedi.

And she thought the time with her sister had been awkward.

Wren is still rambling, half-incoherently as she rubs her eyes and tries to pull herself together, a mix of excuses and explanations and aching, soul-deep pain.

She says enough to give Bo-Katan another realization.

Unless Bo has entirely misheard—not only did Wren have feelings for the Jedi boy—not only did the Jedi boy have feelings for Wren in return—not only did they confess to each other—they also said the vows, which is, Bo is pretty sure, farther than Satine ever got with her Jedi, and then the thought of Satine and Kenobi gives Bo-Katan the most horrifying notion yet.

“Oh, my gods, are you pregnant?”

Sabine sits up, eyes huge, mouth hanging open in speechless bewilderment.

“Am I… no!”

Her answer is entirely sincere, and Bo-Katan slumps in relief.

Manda be praised. We don’t need more Korkies.

[waterfire1848]

Maybe an au where Ursa flees with Azula and Zuko?

Hello, anon!!!

The night that Ozai asks for the throne, Azulon doesn't call for Zuko's head but for Azula's. Like before, Azula is the only one there when Azulon orders Ozai to kill her. Terrified, she flees to her mother (because she literally has no where else to go) and Ursa is quickly able to see that something is really scaring Azula, this clearly isn't an act. Ursa eventually finds out what Ozai has agreed to and still provides him with a way to kill Azulon and get himself the throne. (Ozai: What do you want in return? Ursa: The children come with me. Ozai: Fine. Take the boy, but Azula remains. Ursa:...Fine. I will leave Azula here, but I'm taking Zuko. Ozai: I hope you two find a nice little peasant village to live in.) Of course Ursa is lying through her teeth because that night she takes both of her children out of the palace and runs away in the dead of night. (Ozai literally agreed to kill Azula a few hours ago. She's not just leaving her there). She gets them down to the boats and then has to deal with them screaming and demanding to know where they're going (but they're also 8 and 10 years old and very easy move) so Ursa gets them on the boat and they leave. (Yes, Azula does try to jump into the water and swim back to shore and yes, Ursa is very tired by the end of the night).

The three end up in the Earth Kingdom, near Omashu, and take refugee in a small village for a few days to get themselves together. Ursa's main plan is to just figure out where to go next because she has no doubts that Ozai knows that she took Azula is coming after them so she needs to get somewhere safe: Ba Sing Se. The only problem is that none of them have passports that'll get them into the city (actually they do have passports but it would look really weird if they showed up with Fire Nation passports saying they were members of the Royal Family). This means to Ursa that she has to either steal passports from another family or buy fake ones to get them all into the city. She opts for the first option as they're on a bit of a time crunch. (Ursa: I packed enough money to get us to the Huaxi Village. That'll get us half way to Full Moon Bay where we can catch a ferry and- Azula: I'm not going. I'll stay here and wait for dad. Ursa: Azula- Azula: I'm not going with you! I never wanted to come! Ursa: I wasn't going to just leave you there! Azula: I would have been fine! Ursa, who is tired: Ozai was ready to kill you, Azula!! Azula:....Ursa: Do you think he wouldn't act on it?! Because he was going to! Would you have preferred I leave you behind with a man who doesn't love you and wanted you dead just for the throne!?! Azula: *Runs off and hides in the bathroom* Ursa: Azula... Zuko:... Ursa:... Zuko:...These are good dumplings.)

The next day, Ursa takes both the kids and they start walking to Huaxi. It's a long, long walk, especially with two young kids, but they eventually make it there. Huaxi, because it's so close to Full Moon Bay, is filled with refugees, all of whom have passports. Ursa doesn't love the idea of stealing passports from another family but no one else has the Fire Lord coming right after them. She waits until Zuko and Azula are asleep then sneaks out (Yes, she has the Blue Spirit mask) and steals three passports, one for a woman and two children passports. (Zuko: Mom? Ursa: Zuko, you should be asleep. Zuko: Did you steal those? Ursa: Sweetie, we'll talk- Zuko: Did you steal those? Ursa: Yes. Zuko: I thought we weren't supposed to steal. Don't other people need those. Ursa: I don't like it anymore than you do, but if it's a choice between you and your sister and a random family, I'm going to make sure you and your sister are safe. These passports will get us to Ba Sing Se and you two will be able to live there in peace. Zuko: But- Ursa: You'll understand when you're older. Now, go to bed.) The next morning, Ursa is thankful for firebenders rising with the sun because the three of them are gone before anyone can realize their passports are missing.

They make it to Ba Sing Se and get inside the city with little issue, but are placed in the lower ring. Ursa doesn't care as much about that as her only real worry now is getting the kids inside and situated safety. Azula and Zuko, of course, do not like going from a Royal Palace to a tiny apartment that they aren't allowed to firebend in. Zuko kind of understands why his mom did what she did but he also hates the change just as much as Azula does. Ursa is too tired to deal with her kids anger so kind of ignores them which gets them, especially Azula, even more angry. One day, while Ursa is out looking for a job and a school for the kids, Azula and Zuko run away. Their plan is to go back to the Fire Nation because Ozai needs to have heirs so of course he'll take them back. Ursa arrives home that night and, when she finds, no one there, panics and starts running around the entire lower ring looking for her children. (Zuko: Azula, are you sure this is a good idea? Azula: I'm sure, dum-dum. We'll be fine. Zuko: It's just that...mom wouldn't have brought us here unless she thought- Azula: She stole us from the palace and dumped us in this chicken-pig sty! If you want to be a baby and cry about it, be my guest, but I'm going home. Zuko: I'm not a baby! I'm a prince! Azula: Then prove it and let's go home.) (Would you believe that yelling about how you belong in a palace and are royalty attracts attention?) Zuko and Azula are jumped by people who hear them yelling and the siblings are forced to firebend at them. However, these men are grown men and Zuko and Azula are children. The men are about to hand them over to the Dai Li (for a handsome reward) when Ursa jumps in (again Blue Spirit mask) and gets the kids out. Ursa and the kids have a heart to heart where she apologizes for not noticing how big a change this is for them and ignoring them. And the kids agree to give the city a shot, especially after Ursa promises that she'll make them traditional Fire Nation food and get them some red clothes.

Years go by, Ursa is working at the local library, Zuko is working at a tea shop and Azula is working at a combat studio. They've created a small life form themselves there, away from the Fire Nation, and are starting to finally break free of Ozai's abuse when they get word that the Avatar is in the upper ring. Getting curious, Azula and Zuko decide to go visit him where it's revealed that they're firebenders and the two admit to being Ozai's children. Aang, desperate for a firebending master, asks them to come along (who better to teach him how to defeat the Fire Lord then his children?). Zuko and Azula are hesitant to go, both because they don't want to return to their father and because they don't want to leave their mother, but when the issues with Long Feng start up, the three person family realize that they can't just stay hidden in the city forever and agree to help. (Yes, Ursa is coming with them because why don't these children have any kind of adult supervision?). After the fight with Long Feng and the Dai Li, Azula and Zuko start to train Aang as best they can while unaware that Long Feng spent a very interesting letter to Ozai about how two teenagers and a woman, claiming to be his wife and children, are in Ba Sing Se and helping the Avatar.

[somewhereincairparavel]

omfg I just watched "Zuko alone" (season 2 ep7) for the first time and it's so fucking good holy I'm getting goosebumps rn. The flashbacks, Zuko saying "I'm the son of Ursa and fire lord ozai" right after he got a flashback of his mom, the boy Zuko helped saying "I hate you!" After Zuko tried giving him the knife he got when he was younger, UGHH the angst, the feels I'm sobbing 😭💔

I also like how they showed azula being cunning even as a kid, not mourning her grandfather's death, wanting iroh to die so ozai can be king, not caring about lu tens death, etc. Also, how much her dad favoured her over Zuko, and how Zuko inherited his mom's gentleness. Zuko shows empathy so many times throughout this season. The most prominent one being refusing to steal food as soon as he found out it belonged to a pregnant woman. These little stuff show that his empathy, a character trait he always had, was slowly coming back to him and had never left him even after all the abuse he went through.

it also shows how much Azula has been influenced as a child by her own dad's cruelty and becoming just like him, to please him. The firenation is genuinely the best written segment of atla imo, and I'm saying this as a first time watcher.

The earthkingdom family being so quick to turn on Zuko after they found out he's the prince is so realistic but sad at the same time :( it shows how much a hundred year long war affects people. I'd say this is the episode Zuko truly realized the damage his nation, and his father had done to the world.

[darksaiyangoku]

RWBY: Grim Tales

Calling of the Witchblade

Jaune and Sage waited outside the Rose-Xiao Long house wearing their costumes. Sage wore a dark blue suit and had prop pistol attached to his waist. Jaune, meanwhile, was dressed as a barbarian, complete with a black headband, leather boots and furred loincloth. Sage giggled slightly as he saw him shiver.

Sage: See, this is why I told you that going shirtless was a bad idea.

Jaune: I'm not cold, I'm just nervous. I've never met a girlfriend's parents before. What do I even say?

Sage: Dude, relax. I've already met Mr Xiao Long and Miss Rose before and they're totally cool. I'm sure they'll love you. Well, if you aren't too much like yourself.

Jaune: *deadpan look* Gee, thanks. *rings doorbell*

Sage/Jaune: Trick or treat!

The door opened and inside stood Yang and Ruby. Yang wore a stylish yellow dress, black waist ribbon, black stockings, yellow boots and a witch's hat. Ruby was dressed as a werewolf, with red fake wolf ears and tail, red paws and red furred boots. They looked at their boyfriends and smirked delightfully.

Yang: Looks it's treats for us.

Ruby: Yep! *playful growl*

Jaune: *blushes* H-Hi Ruby, happy birthday. *hugs her*

Sage: *small laugh* Hey there, babe. *kisses Yang*

Taiyang: Ah, so the boys have finally arrived.

Taiyang walked into the hallway holding 3 large pumpkins. He had grey zombie facepaint and wore a ripped shirt and jeans.

Sage: Great to see you again, Mr Xiao Long.

Jaune: Um, nice to meet you sir. I'm Jaune. Jaune Arc.

Taiyang: Pleasure. *shakes Jaune's hand* Oooh, quite a grip.

Yang: Hey day, you need a hand with those pumpkins?

Taiyang: It's all good, sweetheart. Besides, you better save those hands for the Carving Contest.

Yang: Aw yeah! You're so going down this year! *points at Tai*

Ruby: Has anyone heard from mom yet?

Yang: Beats me. She's never this late.

Taiyang: She probably got held up at work. It's probably nothing.

* * *

[City of Vale- Murk District]

Summer Rose wandered into a dingy, slimey alleyway. On her right hand was a silver bracelet with a ruby at the center and it faintly glowed as she continued walking.

Summer: You'd better show yourself. It's my daughter's birthday and I do NOT intend on being late!

Low growling could be heard from all corners and 3 Beowolves peered from the shadows. Summer's bracelet glowes brighter and her red leather jacket and black jeans transformed into scarlet armour that exposed most of her voluptuous body. The Beowolves snarled and lunged towards her. Summer smirked and made quick work of them. She threw several punches and kicks at the Grimm, sending them flying across the alleyway. They gave pained moans before crumbling to ash.

Summer: Was that it? Give me a break.

Her short lived victory was interrupted by a loud roar coming from behind her. She turned around to see an Ursa raising its claw. She managed to block the attack just in time, yet was still knocked back slightly. Summer regained compsure and a long blade protruded from her right arm. The Ursa roared fiercely and got on all fours. They stared at each other intensely before making the charge.

SLASH!!!

A chunk of the Ursa's arm was torn off and it toppled over. Summer turned and leaped onto its stomach and stabbed it in the neck. Black blood seeped out and, like its Beowolf bretheren, the Ursa crumbled to ash. Summer transformed back to her street clothes and left the alleyway.

Summer: What a waste of time. I spent hours trying to search for clues and all I get are low-level Grimm.

Suddenly, the caws of crows filled the air and Summer looked up to find a murder of them flying above her.

Summer: Hmph. What the hell do you want, Qrow?

[stardust948]

Sequel to this post

Sokka: I'm here to pick up Azula for our date.

Ozai: And you came dressed in jeans and a T-shirt? Haven't you ever heard of the expression dress to impress?

Sokka: We're going to a Kaui ball game.

Ozai: Hm. Very well. *lets him in*

Ozai: Look here. I like you son. Always have.

Ozai: But if you break my daughter's heart one more time, I will break you.

Sokka, laughing nervously: Mr. Sozin, actually she was the one who broke my heart.

Ozai: And you came back for more? What's wrong with you boy? Get some self-respect and move on!

Ursa: Ok! What my husband is trying to say is have a nice time.

Sokka: Thank-

Ursa: But if Azula's not home by 11 you're gonna be in jail by 12.

Ozai: Have you ever been to jail boy?

Ursa: I don't think he has.

Azula, coming downstairs: Mom! Dad! *getting between them and Sokka* I do not need you to embarrass me in front of my date! I can do that all on my own!

Sokka, nervous: Should we just-

Azula: Yeah let's go.

Azula: *gives her parents a dirty look on the way out*

Ozai: We're good parents.

Ursa: Mmhmm.

[zvtara-was-never-canon]

https://www.tumblr.com/sokkastyles/635072206757560320/azula-and-the-mirror?source=share

I love your analysis, I'm very interested to hear your thoughts on this post.

As usual with this motherfucker, their bias shows pretty fast.

"People read it as a sympathetic moment for Azula, but I'd say it's toxic" Newflash: it's both. Yes, she made Ty Lee cry by being mean. But she holds all the power in that relationship. She can just tell Ty Lee to stop making a scene and Ty Lee would obey.

Instead Azula apologizes, something she rarely does, because she genuinely felt bad. And while Azula likes being praised, she does NOT like being comforted, because comfort implies that she failed somehow or was weak enough to let something get to her. There's a reason she immediatelly dismisses her own confession about her issues with her mom with "she was right of course" and saying that she "doesn't have sob stories.

Azula. Doesn't. Like. Pity. How could she? She was raised by freaking Ozai. Her admiting her jealousy towards Ty Lee is part of the episode's theme of "Ember Island reveals your true self." Behind that selfish, cruel, egotistical princess, there's a confused, lonely, insecure child, much like there's a frightened, hurt young boy hiding behind Zuko's hostile exterior.

"We will never know what Ursa herself really, truly thought about Azula"

Except we do. We see her spending alone time with Zuko, but not with Azula. We see her explaining to Zuko what he did wrong when he threw a huge chunk of bread at a turtleduck, hurting it, but with Azula is just "We don't speak like that" and "Not another word" followed by "What is wrong with this child?" Ursa's character description even full on states Zuko is her FAVORITE.

If we take the comics into account, it's even worse. We see Azula burning flowers to anger her mother so she would stop paying attention solely to Zuko, and Ursa reacts like she just killed someone.

Ursa woke Zuko up to say goodbye, but didn't do the same to Azula, letting her daughter think she wasn't worthy of something so basic as one last moment with her mom.

It's pretty clear that, in Ursa's eyes, Azula was the "problem child." Does that mean she'd ever treat her the way Ozai treated Zuko? No, but there's a clear unwillingness to ask herself why Azula is the way she is, if there's something she can do about it, if she's contribuiting to it somehow, etc. There's a reason Zuko, the one never hesitates to pick up a fight, doesn't argue when Azula says their mother liked him more and thought of her as monster.

Questioning whether Azula's feelings about her mom felt about her are connect is the on the same level as questioning if Zuko was right about their dad favoring Azula and hating him. The problem is staring everyone in the face.

"That part of herself with the part of herself that was taught right and wrong by her mother" Casual reminder: while Ursa didn't approve of hostility and violence within the family, she was as much of an imperialist as Ozai. She laughed at Iroh's joke or burning Ba Sing Se to the ground. She never questions the war. Ursa might be a better person than Ozai, but she was still DEEPLY flawed, and it's not surprising that Azula, a CHILD, could not understand why her mom was totally okay with genocide, but would be horrified if Azula said "Grandpa is old and will die soon."

Ursa's teachings are contradictory. Ozai's are vile, but consistent. Azula is 14-years-old, raised in a society that normalized violence so much that even her mom, descendent of an Avatar, was affected by it deeply.

Being raised solely by Ursa, with no contact with Ozai ever, would not magically make Azula a saint because Ursa was no saint. She did NOT always know right from wrong, and her inconsistent stance on what counted as "bad behavior" made it nearly impossible for Azula to figure out what the fuck her mom expected from her - once again, making Ozai look better by comparisson because what he wanted was vile, but was crystal clear.

"She blames her mother for the person she is, instead of herself" She doesn't. She literally says Ursa is RIGHT about her, but merely admits that she is sad that meant she couldn't be loved. How the fuck is that saying "She made me the way I am"?

Azula would blame herself a billion times before blaming either of her parents - even though, as the adults who taught VERY poorly, they hold far more responsibility than she does, because she's still a child.

Why is Zuko recognizing that his father's abuse messed him up a winning moment of him coming into his own, but Azula trying to process her trauma about her mom needs to twisted into "blaming her for who she is"?

"Azula doesn't want responsibility or redemption" Neither did Zuko for most of the show. They're characters. They go through ARCS. Not wanting her to have redemption is a valid narrative choice, but acting like it's IMPOSSIBLE when the show itself says that even freaking Ozai could potentially change someday is ridiculous. Ehasz himself said they were toying with the idea of redeeming Azula. People didn't pull that out of thin air just because she had a sad story.

"She is harming the image of herself due to self-loathing" *one sentence later* "She imagines her mom again because she never blames herself for anything and always takes her rage out on others instead" I don't even need to point out the blatant contradiction here, do I?