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sokkathebluewolf 2 days
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Fic-to-Art #39: Gladiator's ELEVENTH Anniversary! (+ BONUS: Fic-to-Art #36...)
And here we are! March 26th arrived and I did not forget about it, but I paid for my ambitious madness with my wrist and forearm. Somehow, I finished my intended pieces on time, but I do not advise that you ever try to make 9 artworks in 3 days. No, sir. Bad life decisions, that's what that was... but this fic, as anyone knows, moves me to do things I never thought possible, starting with writing the fic itself!
It's really crazy every time it hits me that I've been doing this for as long as I have. It's been a complicated, chaotic journey, with its many ups and downs, but ultimately, it has been our journey. For some people, this is just one more fic in the pile: for me, it's been the best adventure of my life so far. Everyone who has ever been touched by Gladiator, who has ever cherished this story, who's looking forward to the big conclusion, who wants to see how the chaotic war is going to end... you're all part of this crazy adventure along with me, and I can only thank you for joining me.
This year, I had no time to make as big a project as I usually go for. Thus, I did a sort of free-for-all edition of Fic-to-Art over at Patreon and challenged myself to draw as many scenes as I could, out of their suggestions. I even sprinkled in a few scenes I impulsively wanted to draw because I loved writing them or because I look forward to writing them... and this is the result!
In order, the scenes are as follow:
Sokka combing Azula's hair, a common occurrence throughout the story.
Azula watching over a convalescing Sokka in the Chase of Jeong Jeong arc.
The outcome of Sokka's final battle in the Superior Gladiator League, namely a moment where Sokka and Azula more or less gave away their relationship's true nature to the public by raising their hands towards each other...
And now, spoiler territory! Some were by my choice, some by Patreon requests:
An important moment shortly after Sokka and Azula reunite.
Azula confronting her father, with a LOT of backup.
Xin Long's long-awaited freedom.
The aftermath of the final battle.
The full-blown confirmation of their relationship to the general Fire Nation populace.
Sokka, Azula and Hotaru's first night together
And the big final one is ACTUALLY Fic-to-Art #36 but hahaha woops I didn't post it here on time because it was super hard to finish since I had a LOT of things going on... but here it is now! :'D it's a glimpse VERY far into the future of this fic's timeline!
Alright, that should be enough talking and explaining. Some things are vague, some things aren't, but ultimately I really hope you guys will be looking forward to the scenes you haven't seen yet, and to Gladiator's eventual outcome.
So now... with all this being said and done, I'm gonna go take a trip down memory lane and watch my Tenth Anniversary video once more! Feel free to do the same thing if you'd like to commemorate the fic, I think it's a good way to experience Gladiator all over again, hahaha.
Thank you if you read all this, and if you read all THAT: 5 million word landmark, here we come! Thanks for hanging out with me across ELEVEN years of Gladiator!
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sokkathebluewolf 3 days
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 343
As the north recovers from the battle, a wounded Sokka is asked to explain his circumstances and situation to the leaders of the Northern Water Tribe. All hopes of aid for the Gladiator's campaign are severely dampened by the Water Tribe's current circumstances.
After accompanying Sokka back to the healers' ward, Yue joins Kino as he searches for the letter meant for Anorak's family. Katara finds them before long, as do Yue's three children, all of whom come as a surprise to the weary foreign warriors, providing a moment of respite for the pair while Aang remains scarce...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 10 days
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 342
The Northern Water Tribe reels from the damage caused by the Fire Nation's attack: Princess Yue succeeds at finding the healers just in time for them to help save Zuko, who, despite Katara's best efforts, appears to be at death's doors.
Sokka, also wounded, is left to recover under Yagoda's care. Anguished by his actions, Aang takes off on his own to find survivors, and before long, a guilt-ridden Kino follows his example. Alone, shocked and shaken by the harrowing experience of that battle, Katara will find solace in an unexpected place...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 17 days
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 341
Katara keeps up with the northern waterbenders, collaborating with their techniques to stop the Fire Nation's army from breaking into the city. After Zuko makes a grand move in the defense of the Northern Water Tribe, an area of the wall, further away from their group, is finally breached.
Zhao's insulting words over Azula, as well as Hotaru, push Sokka to the edge, but try as though he might, he fails to claim Zhao's life. The injured, disgraceful Admiral manages to retreat to his airship, and after Sokka fails to climb aboard to follow him, the Admiral levels the machine's weapon straight at the Blue Wolf...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 24 days
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 340
The violent clash between Sokka and Zhao is not as direct and straightforward as the Gladiator initially expects: the spirit water's power provides Zhao with an advantage that takes Sokka by surprise, allowing the firebender to briefly escape from his wrath.
With Princess Yue providing what information she can, the group sets out from the Oasis: Katara, Zuko, Kino and Yue will join the frontlines' forces, in a bid to stop the invasion of the Fire Nation army, while Sokka and Aang fly together to track down Zhao...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 1 month
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 339
The attack on the Northern Water Tribe begins: with the airships' new weapons of volatile gas, Admiral Zhao finally progresses across the North Pole, his sights set on reaching the oasis while his forces continue to fight the Northern Water Tribe's defenses.
In the oasis, a brave princess attempts to defend the Moon Spirit: Zhao's initial sacrilege by Tui and La's pond catches Yue off guard. When all seems lost for the northeners, the arrival of unexpected allies may just be the sole salvation possible for a terrified Princess Yue...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 1 month
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 338
Toph's triumph in Gaoling leads her to be open to her parents about important realizations and changes, not only in her personal life, but for the future of their nation. By the Earth Kingdom's northern shores, Sokka and his group are finally on the brink of reaching the Northern Water Tribe.
In the Fire Nation, Aonu joins his first war meeting, taking War Minister Qin's place. General Bujing's return, halfway through Aonu's explanations, reveals that Zhao has retaken his place at the head of the Fire Nation's navy and airship fleet, and his attack on the north is imminent...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 1 month
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 337
The battle in Gaoling has been waged by local rebels well before Toph's arrival: even so, the Blind Bandit's forces can turn the tides of a stalemate under her leadership. The earthbender makes a grand display of her power, and with it, she will seek to set her hometown free.
Aonu arrives in Harbor City, taking in the changes in Fire Nation society before reaching the Palace: Princess Azula has summoned him, for she has a challenging proposal for him, one that might just allow the stubborn earthbender to fulfill his grandest ambitions...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 2 months
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 336
Azula returns to training, gradually regaining her fitness after almost a year without a proper exercise regime. After her session ends, two guests she has invited to the Palace make an appearance: the Mad Alchemist and his sponsor, Goro.
On the road through the Earth Kingdom, conversations with fellow former gladiators provide Toph with new perspectives regarding her purpose. Intent on finding her own path forward, knowing what kind of leader she wishes to be, Toph and her troops will come across a rather unexpected development upon reaching Gaoling...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 2 months
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 335
Toph's arrival in the Fortress, and the dark days in which she only found companionship and solace in Jet, come to mind before she wakes up on the day of her departure to her new mission. After allowing herself to be vulnerable around Jet for once, Toph is ready to lead her troops to Gaoling.
Merely a few days later, Sokka's team is due to leave for the Northern Water Tribe as well: before they do, Zuko receives an unexpected gift from his uncle, one that he will intend to repurpose and create a new legacy for. Once all goodbyes are done, and Ursa reiterates her request to Sokka, the Blue Wolf will set course for his next battle...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 2 months
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 334
Ursa reminisces on Zuko and Azula's younger years: the child Prince's insecurities urge her to find a solution to quell his fears of falling behind his sister's prodigious skills. The family journeys to Shu Jing, in hopes of convincing the renowned Master Piandao to train Zuko in the art of the blade.
In the present, Ursa comes back to herself with Piandao's support. The swordsman shares his own story with the fallen noblewoman, and they join the rest of the group for Toph's strange game in the bonfires of Ba Sing Se's gardens...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 2 months
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 333
After an explosive argument with Azula, Song takes time to herself in the Palace gardens, where she is joined by Renkai. Their conversation helps her find calm and comfort, as well as the resolve to endure the challenges that they will face once Azula retakes her place at her father's side.
In Ba Sing Se, Sokka and Kino witness a training bout between Anorak and Unnuaq. They share a conversation afterwards, but it will be interrupted by the Blind Bandit: Toph wishes to have a final, memorable day in Ba Sing Se before she takes off to her new quest of reconquering Gaoling.
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 3 months
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 332
A month after Hotaru's birth, Azula's placid day with her daughter will be interrupted by her father's latest summons: despite suspecting that the subject of that meeting will alter her life for the worse, the Princess decides to attend the meeting, fearful of the consequences of refusing.
The civil conversation Azula shares with her father nonetheless demands that she makes a choice for her immediate future, determining with which side she will throw her lot in the coming days of the war. Her decision will elicit a new confrontation with one of her closest allies...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 3 months
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 331
Sokka's closest associates will be bask in celebration over Hotaru's birth, but as they enjoy a peaceful night, Ursa and Zuko's private conversation will take an unforeseen turn once the Fire Lord's wife refuses her son's offer for her to return to the Fire Nation.
On the next day, a new meeting among the highly ranked members of the Gladiator Army fully consolidates their plans for the next days: afterwards, Jeong Jeong will seek to speak with Sokka, to ascertain that he will be ready to face the greatest challenge Ozai will prepare for him...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 3 months
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 330
Azula chats with her friends as she awaits the impending arrival of her baby: when the intensity of the contractions surges, Song determines that it's time for Azula to give birth. Ty Lee and Rei will wait anxiously outside, as Song and Mai support Azula through the last legs of this ordeal...
The Princess's soul will seek out comfort in that of the man she loves: a brief connection allows them to speak, and Sokka's encouragement strengthens Azula further once it's time for her to push... and finally deliver their child.
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 3 months
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 329
What starts as another day of preparation for Azula's impending labor takes a wild turn when the Princess confesses something quite embarrassing to her midwife: Song must recalculate Azula's due date with this new information, finding her baby might arrive far sooner than they expected.
Rei is tasked with rushing out of the Palace to find Mai and Ty Lee while Song attempts to calm down a panicking Azula: the Fire Lord, too, must be informed of his daughter's current state sooner than later...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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sokkathebluewolf 4 months
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Preview: Gladiator Chapter 328
After meeting his mother and Piandao, Zuko joins the sword master in a discussion with Jeong Jeong and Iroh. Meanwhile, Ursa will surprise Sokka and his group by welcoming them back to Ba Sing Se, and she will be astounded upon recognizing Sokka's new prisoner.
Rui Shi and the guards meet Ursa for the first time: the Fire Lord's estranged wife will also share the latest news about Zuko with Sokka, who immediately sets out to unravel the true intent behind Jeong Jeong's recruitment of the Exiled Prince into the White Lotus...
Read Gladiator HERE or HERE
For a snippet of the new chapter, support me on Patreon!
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