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punkinroses · 4 years

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Soooo. This part has been a lot of work to try and figure out and while I'm still working on the storyline aspect, I did want to start presenting the characters of the Avatar Lian story/the Zutara grandkid is the Avatar au. Some may play bigger roles than others but it's still important to know the family dynamic of everyone so here we go. And we're gonna start with the first family;

Zutara kids

Fire Lord Iroh: The eldest son of Zuko and Katara, affectionately named after his great uncle. Many assumed with such a powerful namesake and with being the heir to the longstanding dynasty, he would be a Firebender. However, the nation was shocked when he demonstrated Waterbending abilities. This leads to a lot of conflict from other nobles of if he should be the Fire Lord or if that role should be passed onto the next in line. Katara and Zuko were both firm that their son was more than capable of being ruler, no matter his bending ability. He has become a man of resilience, patience and understanding, who wants what is best for his nation, though he has his mothers spirit and will not let others try and treat him as lesser. He also tells the corniest Dad jokes, he got that from both sides of that family. Appearance wise, he actually has shorter, dark brown hair than most fire lords before him but still drops down to his chin. While he wears it in the traditional top knot for political meetings and public outings, if he is just relaxing with his family he likes to keep most of it down with a small part pulled into a ponytail. He has a deep tan that's just slightly lighter than his mothers complexion and deep blue eyes. He favors a lot of his father's facial features, but has Kataras smile. His clothes are primarily reds, but still bears some blue and purple in his clothes.

His wife is Fire Lady Tae, the daughter of a prominent noble family and a Firebender. She's someone who sees the healing the nation needs after spending so much time in a strict and rigid order and falling toeards propaganda, even after her father in laws time as Fire Lord. She and Katara also get rather close. She loves tea and the arts and wants to see her home and family prosper. Iroh knew she was the love of his life when she actually laughed at his super horrible jokes. I imagine that scene actually kinda plays out like the one in Mulan 2, where Ling and TingTing are together and she admits she's embarrassed by her laugh and Ling was like "I just thought you had no sense of humor". Like that scene. She has fair skin and long, wavy black hair with a thick topknot that she keeps a gold decorative comb in, a present from Iroh. Her eyes are a paler gold color. Her outfit is actually one that tends to be more common and subtle, rather than extravagant and the gold comb is the only extravagant jewelry she keeps.

Crown Princess Tomoe is the eldest daughter of their union. She is a nonbender and has chosen to learn how to wield swords, as taught to her by her Grandfather. She is a loving older sister to her younger siblings and is also a big supporter of the arts, like her mother. She has an undercut and keeps her dark brown hair flipped to the side or up in a ponytail to show it. Her eyes are gold and her skin is a lighter olive color. She keeps up with the most up and coming fashion trends and dresses the most stylish out of all of the family, but always keeps to outfits she can move freely in.

The secondborn is more than just a princess. Born on the day that Avatar Aang passed, Avatar Lian is an adventurous Waterbending prodigy. She is extremely close to both of her grandparents and wishes to explore like they did in their youth and has always been considered a free spirit. Her animal guide is a Snow Leopard Caribou named Lumi, who was gifted to her by Sokka. She has long, jet black hair she keeps in a half up ponytail with some locks braided back into the ponytail (I always kinda pictured a more viking hairstyle for her) and blue eyes with gold flecks, and her skin is a bit darker than her sisters. She likes wearing a combination of dark blues, golds and blacks, with certain bits of red that accentuate her outfit. I'm also debating on if she is actually given her grandmother's necklace as a parting gift before she goes and travels.

The only firebender out of his siblings, Prince Roku has always been a wild child. He is a very active young boy who loves practicing his firebending as an extension of himself and playing games. He is also very much a tea snob, like his great great uncle before him. His hair is still shorter, nearing his chin and he's like two steps away from either shaving it or going into the new up and coming hairdye products that have been hitting shelves. He's paler than both of his sisters and is a very light olive skinned boy and he has bright gold eyes. Theres also a scar going through his brow from an accident involving him taking a Dragon Moose for a joyride.

Princess Kya: The youngest daughter of Zuko and Katara, affectionately named after her grandmother. As a child, her fire bending abilities came at a young age and very unexpectedly. Many tried to push her into the role of Firelord, something she very quickly rejected. She has instead found herself a role as a diplomat in Republic City and is helping in efforts to fight poverty in the city and helping improve life not only there, but in the Water Tribes and the Fire Nation. She also has been running an academy with the aid of the White Lotus to teach children fromm all nations and heritages to learn bending, weaponry mastery and philosophy. She has long black hair pinned back with bangs framing her face and she's lighter skinned than her brother, but not by much. Her eyes are a dark gold and she's actually the taller of the two siblings. She has a full tattoo sleeve, with the top part of it being a sun and moon combined and the rest of it being differing things from her two cultures, i.e. a dragon, a wave, water tribe designs and a fire symbol at the wrist.

Kya is someone who never focused on romances and was very dedicated to her own work. She's had a couple of failed relationships but has stopped actively looking for love. She wants to focus on her career.

She does, however, adopt two siblings, Gen and Rohan, who had been orphaned after their parents were killed by one of the gangs that had been forming in Republic City.

Gen is the elder of the two and he is an Earthbender. He's very confident in his abilities and is a bit of a jock. His ego is jokingly and lovingly kept in check by his adoptive mother, but she always encourages him to keep doing his best. He's a bit thickheaded but he is very loyal and he absolutely loves messing with his cousins. Hes got short brown hair that's spiked up a bit, tan skin and emerald green eyes.

Rohan loves messing with his cousins as much as his brother does, but he's a bit more of the subdued sibling. He loves reading and philosophy and finds something poetic in his earthbending, wanting to use it to help build and create. He also has a strong sense of justice and wantd to use his gifts and what he's been taught to be put to good use in Republic City and help find who killed his parents. His brown hair is a bit longer than his brothers, his eyes more a green-gray color.

Edit: sharing the link to the other kids list down here!

Sukka Kids; Taang Kids

#zutara #zutara au #zutara kids #atla #avatar #avatar lian #avatar the last airbender #atla au #atla oc #im being vague about the outfits bc aha i have no idea what theyre all wearing #like #part of me also wants some traditionalism in certain standards #but also #also i have no idea if the styles are gonna matxh the 20s #or the 40s and 50s #send help pls

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foryoumyheroes · 4 years

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Dekusquad reacts to ATLA

Izuku Midoriya:

He loves this show. Loves it so much. It’s so near and dear to his heart, and it has such great messages and as he sees the characters progress, improve their bending, and mature from being just regular teenagers; the Gaang just screams “I am here!” to him.

He has cried more than once.

Favorite characters: Toph, Iroh, and Aang

Toph is so inspirational to him in the way that she’s blind, but is so incredibly strong and has that power and confidence that he looks up to and sees in Kacchan.

And his favorite color is green.

Iroh kind of reminds him of his mom, because Iroh is easily one of the strongest characters in the series (and his mom is the strongest person he knows! Even over All Might!) and is gentle and kind like her.

He wasn’t a major fan of Aang (but still liked him a lot!) in the beginning because he “didn’t want to be the Avatar” and Izuku didn’t understand that very much.

But later on in the series, Aang becomes more mature and Izuku really came to love Aang when he refused to kill the Fire Lord.

A person that values peace and well-being over all is a true hero to Izuku.

Favorite Scene: the last one where everyone is happy and laughing at Sokka’s picture.

Least Favorite Scenes: when Appa was kidnapped, and when Azula was chained to the grate.

That scene shook him to the core, because while he never liked her it kinda made him realize that she was a human too.

And when he found out that she was fourteen to sixteen like he was? He was so heartbroken for her even if she was a bad person.

Todoroki Shouto:

He’s never watched a lot of cartoons when he was younger, but when all of Class 1-A started to binge it during their free periods and classes, he watched it with them.

Favorite Character: Katara

Everyone wants him to like Zuko the most, and he does admire the Fire Prince in a way that they’re so similar: the scar, the parents, the fire abilities. He was just really turned off from Zuko’s character in the beginning.

He didn’t like how Zuko went to such lengths just to get his honor back and to please the dad that scarred him, and he doesn’t like how Zuko treated Iroh on multiple occasions.

They way Zuko is easily riled up and yells a lot makes him better for someone like Bakugou.

He likes Katara because she values her mother, and is a strong character, and he can at least relate to her through her water/ice ability.

He also admires how she uses her water ability to heal, and he wonders if he could use his Quirk to heal too.

He likes Iroh, but doesn’t get the man’s silliness or jokes.

Favorite Scene: Iroh’s Leaves From The Vine or Katara’s Painted Lady moments

Least Favorite Scene: When Aang attempted to show off his new firebending and ended up hurting Katara.

That’s the absolute worst thing that Aang did, Todoroki believes.

After Class 1-A finishes watching it Kaminari and Mina occasionally tell Todoroki that his “scar is on the wrong side.”

“I get that reference.”

Uraraka Ochako

Was OBSESSED with it as a child.

Watched it ever since it was originally aired on TV. If an episode was playing, she wouldn’t be doing what she’s supposed to do and just watched ATLA.

The type that woke up super early or stayed up super late when Nick was doing the reruns years later after the series finished.

Definitely has an old Aang costume somewhere in her closet from her childhood.

Pretended to be an airbender and an earthbender with her Quirk more than once.

I headcanon that even though her parents are working hard and busy, they used to watch ATLA together on the couch and bonded over that, so it has a lot of good memories.

Favorite characters: The entire Gaang, but especially Sokka and she likes Ty Lee and Suki.

She loves how funny and silly Sokka is and his antics just bring a smile to her face. She also admires how talented and intelligent he is. Sokka’s the type that attempted to do everything for his family and the Southern Water Tribe, and she definitely some of herself in him. Uraraka wants to support her family too!!

And she thinks Sokka >>>> Zuko

Suki and Ty Lee are just so incredibly powerful and determined without losing their femininity. They’re incredible role models!

Yes, when she was in elementary school and had to write down what she wanted to be when she grew up she put down Kiyoshi Warrior and cried when the teacher told her that it didn’t exist.

Yes, being a Pro Hero was her second choice.

Yes, she tried to do some of Ty Lee’s flips and handstands when she saw it for the first time and still has scars from it.

Yes, when she was interning under Gunhead she got to finally live out her dreams.

Favorite Scene: when Mai and Ty Lee betray Azula. It was an incredible moment of realization of what they truly wanted and what they valued. Also the cinematography and choreography was great. It was POWERFUL.

And she loves every scene with the cabbage man in it.

Also the Ember Island Play. She is one of the students that jokingly tell Todoroki that his scar’s on the wrong side.

Least Favorite Scene: Every scene where Appa is struggling when he was kidnapped and when Aang yelled at Toph when she “lost” him.

It wasn’t so much the actual scene where Appa was being taken away, but the aftermath of how hurt everyone was from his loss that go to her.

And yes, the two longer strands of hair on the sides of her face are inspired by the ATLA girls’ hairstyles. She got to the hair salon and was like, you know Azula from Avatar?

Iida Tenya

Has never heard of it before he watched it with the rest of Class 1-A, but he has heard of the term “waterbender,” “firebender,” “earthbender,” and “airbender” before.

Thought of the blue people if you said “Avatar.”

Didn’t think much of it until later in the series, around the time when things got more serious like the scenes with Haru and the Northern Water Tribe.

At first he watched it with his classmates because they chose it, but soon enough he was shushing everyone so that he could watch it.

Favorite characters: Zuko and Haru.

Haru was who originally got him hooked into the series and his story of finally standing up against the people who put him in prison is something that he admires. Even though Haru was scared to save the old man, he did it in the end because it was the right thing to do, even if the repercussions weren’t right.

I headcanon that Iida secretly likes the more wild characters. People expect him to like the more strict, uptight characters, but I think that since this man was willing to just throw everything to go after his brother’s almost-killer to get his revenge, Iida likes the characters who freely do what they want if that is what they believe is right.

He hated Zuko when the series started, but loved his long and tiring story of doing the right thing until he finally reached redemption. The scene where Zuko decided to spare the pregnant woman when he was out on his own just stuck with him.

Favorite Scene: The scene where Iroh escapes from prison and accepts Zuko back after he left.

The Day of the Black Sun was just a well-done arc that showed the intricacies of warfare and thinking out battles and the importance of planning things out.

He also loves the scene when Iroh opens the Jasmine Dragon.

Least Favorite Scenes: when Aang discovers that his people all died in a genocide, whenever Azula abuses her power, and especially when she struck Aang down with lighting.

He was so stressed when he first saw the scene when it happened he stood up immediately and screamed, “WHAT?!” at the TV. Continually asks Uraraka if Aang’s going to live, if the Avatar line ends here, etc. when he’s going to know in a couple of minutes.

He also hates Zuko’s origin and the story of how he got the scar. He got so enraged at Fire Lord Ozai for fighting and scarring his own son that you’ve thought that he was a real person.

Before he watched ATLA, he thought that the line, “There’s no war in Ba Sing Se,” was a powerful piece of old Chinese Literature. Legit used it in one of his essays back in Soumei Junior High.

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7team7 · 4 years

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Keeping rocks from crushing you

Rather than gifting Fire Lord Zuko a wife, the Southern Water Tribe bestowed upon him a bodyguard by the name of Katara.

At first, Zuko was insulted. Bodyguard AU

A/N: another story where Ozai kind of just goes away without the canon story LOL how else will we make zutara strangers to friends to lovers in this context!! While the arranged marriage fire lady katara trope is Very Good I hope you enjoy this take too :)

It was after Iroh lost count when he snapped.

He had full faith in his nephew, but the number of assasination attempts against him was too high for comfort. It was natural, expected that not everyone would agree with Zuko’s rise to power after taking down his father once and for all. Even though the Avatar, aged as he was, played an integral role in defeating Ozai, loyalists still saw Zuko as the true villain. They were loyal to Ozai, but not the rest of his bloodline.

Zuko had managed to win over many skeptics, but that didn’t stop fanatic traitors from making attempts on his life. It was only through Zuko’s own skill and discipline that they avoided some close calls. Even though many of the assassins were clumsy in their plans, the fear of a more organized resistance plotting to take down his beloved nephew kept Iroh awake at night.

So in the interest of keeping Zuko in power and by extension, maintaining international peace, he called upon the help of another nation.

Rather than gifting Lord Zuko a wife, the Southern Water Tribe bestowed upon him a bodyguard by the name of Katara. Their greatest treasure, the chief insisted.

At first, Zuko was insulted.

Not only did his uncle not believe in his ability to defend himself, but he brought in a Water Tribe girl to be his personal bodyguard?

“Why would you hire an outsider?” he demanded. All Katara did was show up and he was already angry. What was wrong with Fire Nation troops? How could he be sure if she was trustworthy? And how old was she anyway?

“I would not be so hasty as to complain, nephew. Not only will the Southern Water Tribe take great offense, but she puts me at ease, more so than any of our own troops.”

Zuko settled down, muttering. If it made Uncle more comfortable, he supposed it couldn’t be too terrible having her around. Still, it seemed excessive. He wondered if he really needed her around; wasn’t there another way to improve his relations with the Water Tribes? Wouldn’t this show the world that he was weak?

But then Zuko watched her display impressive skills time and time again, and successfully do her job: keep him safe.

Unlike his usual palace guards, she was better at being stealthy and unassuming. A woman clearly from the Water Tribes looked more like a visitor than anything.

“Fine, she stays,” he conceded after he only realized she had taken someone out when she asked politely what to do with the unconscious body.

“At your service,” she bowed. Personally, she was looking forward to all the adventures she was sure to encounter in the Fire Nation. A dramatic Fire Lord was nothing she couldn’t handle.

Those adventures came more quickly than she expected. As the nations grew at a staggering rate, it seemed like Zuko was always being pulled in a different direction to attend to something or other.

This time, a lucrative new trade agreement was to be signed with a group of travelers. At least, that was what was reported to the palace. Zuko’s presence was requested because apparently they were being difficult. He had the power to either make them comply or tell them to sail away.

But in what was a running theme, this group of travelers had ill intentions and quickly drew up arms as soon as the Fire Lord arrived. Why did everyone want to pick a fight?

Zuko, practically dead on his feet from constant exhaustion, was slow to react. He felt his face grow hot in embarrassment when one of them nearly managed to land a hit on him.

But before he could take action, Katara blocked his body with her own, making him look totally uncool.

“Katara!” There was no way she could take on all these guys by herself?! She had to let him fight too. He could at least use his swords; he knew his guards had to hold back from using fire lest they wanted to destroy all the precious goods aboard the wooden ship the rogues came in on.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll save you from the pirates,” she smirked right before spinning away and taking out a handful of men in the process. They were expecting fire, but near the sea, near her element, it didn’t matter what they expected because they wouldn’t win.

Zuko spluttered, too shocked to move. All he could do was watch as she rounded them up and froze them in place.

She turned around to face him as the royal guards moved to apprehend the band of pirates. “I didn’t get you wet did I?” she asked, all sweetness and sunshine. She waved her hand lightly and wicked any moisture out of his clothing, moisture he didn’t even realize was there.

“Nothing I can’t handle,” he muttered, mostly to himself because Katara had turned her attention back to the pirates, giving orders to the guards like she owned the place. He straightened his crown. Spirits, this girl.

They traveled more now that, again, things outside the palace required Zuko’s attention and Katara had proven herself extremely capable. On the way there, she talked and talked and talked. He didn’t mind, though. She had so many stories from and about the Southern Water Tribe; her eyes took on a certain sparkle when she talked about her people. He could tell she really loved her family, but that being able to do something besides heal and cook was invigorating for her.

Good, he thought privately, this arrangement is working out for the both of us.

They were examining precious gems near the entrance of an Earth Kingdom cave when they heard a huge boom.

The Earth King jumped, immediately hiding behind Zuko. He turned back to face the cowering man, but in doing so he didn’t notice the way the side of the mountain had started to shake and crack. Zuko ordered him to get back to his carriage; he would take care of the attackers. Katara, as his appointed eyes and ears, of course noticed.

Right as the Earth King and his men scurried away to relative safety, Zuko looked to see who was causing the trouble. He didn’t get a clear view because suddenly, Katara tackled him from the side and rolled with him until they landed out of the way of the massive rock that rumbled down the mountain.

“What are you doing?!”

“Keeping rocks from crushing you.” Her eyes darted all over, checking to see if there was so much as a scratch on him.

“Well I’m fine,” he said, more softly than he anticipated, but he felt a strange need to make it better, to make her stop worrying.

“You’re fine thanks to me,” she said with a shit-eating grin as she offered a hand to help him up.

“Congrats, you’re doing your job,” he rolled his eyes, trying to ignore the way his heart was racing.

She grabbed his hand and hauled him towards the Earth King, planting him a safe distance away from the mountain. She dusted off his clothing, “Look alive, Fire Lord. Make sure to stay alert this time, I’m gonna finish up in there.”

As his guards and attendants started fawning all over him, he grumbled, “Why does she get to do all the fun stuff without me?”

Back at the palace, he challenged her to a spar. He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought to do so earlier, but once they started, they sparred whenever they had a chance. Sure, Katara was protecting him perfectly, but he didn’t want to get lazy or for his own skills to diminish. She gave him a huge smile when he first pulled out his broad swords, saying they reminded her of her brother. Then she nearly knocked him off his feet with a water whip.

She always kept him on his toes, but she wasn’t like other firebenders, always pushing to the limit. She maintained balance during their sparring sessions, they were almost like training sessions than anything. She made sure to give him time to meditate and stretch. And if she seriously hurt him, she was by his side ready to heal him in an instant. Iroh approved, of course.

“I’m a package deal,” she once joked.

Above all, it was just plain fun seeing each other incorporate different bending forms into their attacks. Since they spent so much time together, they had to get creative in an attempt to surprise the other. He always smirked remembering the way Katara’s eyes widened when he first set his swords on fire.

“We’re in the Fire Nation, remember?” he provoked.

She was poised to attack. “Of course I do. And water beats fire, remember?”

The hiss of steam when one element met another made the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

“Katara,” he said very seriously, “we need to talk.”

She sighed. They had just sat down for breakfast and he was already worried about something? Upon further examination, she noticed his eye bags were darker than normal — something must have kept him up all night. She went for a gentler approach and asked, “About what? Is everything okay?"

“People have been talking.”

“People tend to do that, Zuko.”

“Well, they’re talking about us!” He must have been really bothered because he was already waving his arms around and clearly getting worked up.

“Oh, do tell? I thought you didn’t like palace gossip.”

“They think you’re my girlfriend or something,” he spit out. Well, concubine was the word some had used. He wasn’t sure what was more uncomfortable to think about: sex or emotional intimacy with Katara. He shuddered.

“Let them,” she shrugged nonchalantly. “They’ll think that if you have enough time and energy to run around with a girl, you’re not worrying about other things like, you know, your personal safety. Live a little, Fire Lord.”

She went back to eating and left him with his jaw hanging open loosely. This seemed to placate him for a while, though, because he actually paid attention to his food.

But the spirits would never let her know peace because he spoke up again with great panic, “Have you been telling people that I’m your boyfriend?”

“No way! Why would I do that? I literally work for you. There’s no time for dating when I’m always saving your royal butt.”

“Because you like to mess with me,” he mumbled.

This made her laugh, seeing him blush. “Oh, Zuko. You’re so cute sometimes.”

“What’s that supposed to mean!”

A/N: chapter 2? Maybe? Also I hope katara isn’t too ooc here?? I just wanted her to be Confident and sometimes when writing her jokes/quips I’m like this is a sokka-ism...LOL we stan funny and confident katara!! happy start to zutara week, posting early bc i need to focus on my real work now T_T

#zutara #my writing #fan fic #zutara week 2020

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carnistcervine · 5 years

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Avatar Azula AU(Concept)

I say concept, because at the moment, I have no intention to write this. It was just a fun thought experiment. (But I mean if any of ya’ll like it, you’re welcome to use it :’D)

Here's my interpretation of Azula being the Avatar.

-First things, first. My poor bby Aang must die. ;^; Yes, it is mighty sad, but the Avatar is a reincarnating shithead, so there can only be one at a time(AUs notwithstanding wink wonk). I imagine that he still runs away, because him dying with the Air Nomads would include the chance that he dies in the avatar state... But when he is thrown underwater by the storm, instead of going into the avatar state to save himself, he just drowns with Appa. :c There is a water Avatar, but she is disowned by her village for firebending and dies alone and afraid. Then the earth Avatar after her is born into obscurity and dies from a plague. (Or basically just, two other Avatars are born and fail to stop the Fire Nation before they eventually die) When Azula is born, there has been no confirmed Avatar for a century.

-From a young age, Azula knew she was the Avatar. How? The past Avatars, not wishing for the Fire Nation to corrupt or kill their newest incarnation attempt to consul her and sway her to their side. She does not listen to them, and at first dismisses them as nothing more than her imagination. Her first ability as an Avatar is the ability to: splash water and startle the turtle-ducks. She tells her father of her ability in confidence, hoping to gain his favor. It works! Kinda... Ozai views his children as tools for him to use, and what better than an obedient Avatar daughter? However, he always keeps in the back of his mind, the story of how Roku, the last fire Avatar, nearly killed Sozin. So Ozai keeps an order at the ready, to execute Azula if she ever shows any inkling of treachery. Ozai also uses his Avatar daughter to gain an in with Azulon. Ozai has the Avatar under his control, he may be of use to Azulon after all.

-So rather than killing the remaining captured waterbenders, Azulon keeps them for training his granddaughter. He also sends out soldiers and scouts to capture earthbending masters, and find any air scrolls. Seeing as, Sozin's lack of foresight means the fire Avatar doesn't have an air master to learn from.

-I know that the traditional idea is that Azula's a prodigy, so she must be a prodigy at all elements right? :'D Yeaaaaaahhhhhh, about that... Azula is a firebending prodigy, and very determined. Now, determination is a great thing to have when trying to master any discipline, but Azula lacks the right mindset to master the other elements. She has the drive and will to dominate opponents that makes her a great (corrupt)firebender. In fact the reason she excels in the corrupted firebending style is because she perfectly embodies the drive to crush and destroy others. She's like Zhao, if Zhao had some fucking self-control(and intelligence). However, the other elements do not submit to domination. Air requires freedom, Azula is not free. She is very much under the oppressive thumb of her father and fully within his control. Water requires adaptability and a willingness to bend and flow with change. While Azula is a great strategist, who can adapt her fighting strategies on the fly, she lacks the mental and spiritual fluidity to control water. Azula is rigid in her ways and does not flow. A good example of this being how she broke down completely when her world changed. And I know that traditionally the Avatar has the most difficulty with their opposite element, I feel like she would have the most dificulty with earth. Earth requires stability, and even some stubbornness to control. Azula is most definitely not stable. Her mental and spiritual foundations are shaky at best. Also, I would venture to say that Azula is not stubborn. She often gets what she wants, because she has the ability to dominate others into giving her what she wants. Power and intimidation do not equate to stubbornness. Rather than taking the bull by the horns, Azula would find another angle, and probably scare it off. This is particularly exemplified in her relationship with Ozai. She cannot stand her ground against Ozai, she already knows from Zuko that doing so would earn her a face full of fire. So Azula has two options, intimidate others into following her along, or stand down and admit she's weaker. She's powerful enough that she can overpower(or at least believes she can overpower) most opponents, but the one she feels she cannot, she immediately folds to.

*By contrast, I would like to point out why Aang was an overall bending protegy. He's a free spirit, which allows him to easily master air. He's very adaptable, and his teachings from the monks about pacifism gives him the perfect mindset to flow and seek out other pathways like water. Making him a natural at water as well. Also, there's the fact that he's adaptable enough that he takes on the role of Avatar without too much resistance. Despite his initial greivences. He isn't able to budge earth at all, until he learns to put his foot down. But again, he's open-minded enough that he's a quick study for adapting to other mindsets. He's determined enough to master all four elements in less than a year, so that alone gives him what it takes to take on fire.

*Katara and Toph are a good example of stubborn women. Katara knew she couldn't take down a waterbending master, but refused to back down. Toph's refusal to be helpless fuels her stubborn determination. In fact, she's so stubborn, that she stubborned her way into metal bending.

-Azula soon finds that unlike fire, the other elements will not submit to her will. The previous Avatars are completely unhelpful. They constantly rant in her head, scolding her or pleading for her to do the right thing. She initially tries to bite back, but there's far too many of them and they aren't intimidated by her. So eventually, she learns to tune them out. Their voices resolving to a constant, dull roar in the back of her head. Like a headache that won't cease. Forced to face the fact that she is not perfect, and steadily loosing her father's good grace, Azula's grip on her sanity steadily loosens. As her mental state declines, she starts to see the ghostly forms of the past Avatars haunting her in the background. Their faces are stern, lips set into a thin line. When Ozai realizes that Azula cannot master the four elements, he calls her a failure and dismisses her. Soon after that, Ursa joins the other Avatars, watching her from the background, face soaked in pity rather than contempt. Azula breaks.

-Seeing as Azula can no longer be used as an in to claim the throne, Ozai tosses his daughter aside and opts to have her imprisoned and executed.

-Azula cannot believe that her own father completely turned against her like this. At first, she's deeply hurt and nearly unable to do anything. Then, she's angry. How DARE Ozai abandon her, his own loyal daughter. All the sacrifices she made for him, and he tosses her aside like yesterday's leftovers. She starts to rebuild herself, using her desire for revenge against Ozai as the base. Seeing an opportunity, the past Avatars open up to Azula and help her escape.

-Zuko is completely shook by Azula's downfall. She was Ozai favorite, the golden child. And he just tossed her aside when she stopped being useful to him. Zuko starts to doubt his father. But it isn't until Ozai burns his face and banishes him, sending him to track down his sister, that Zuko finally accepts that his father is an awful, unpleasable man.

-Iroh joins Zuko on his Avatar quest, not to capture Azula, but to join her. They want to help her take down Ozai.

-The past Avatars lead Azula to the Order of the White Lotus. Azula isn't thrilled to be surrounded by kooky old people, and has no interest in being a creature of balance. But taking out Ozai sounds mighty delicious, so she's willing to play along. She also has no interest in the Fire Nation's conquest or war machine, she used to only care about pleasing Ozai, and now she only cares about killing him. Painfully.

-She learns the other three elements as she recovers from Ozai's abuse. Now that she has cut her ties to her father, she is free and masters air. Without the strict regime of her nation looming over her head, she slowly begins to open her mind and masters water. She learns how to stand up for herself without putting others down and masters earth.

-Her initial relationship with the members of the White Lotus is very strained. It's basically the same energy of two cats staring each other down from across the room. As she recovers and starts to open her mind, their relationship improves and she becomes more of a salty/bitter, sass-talking companion.

-She'd never admit it, but she does slowly grow to love those stupid old people and her dum dum of a brother.

-As she slowly recovers, Azula starts to wonder if vengeance is the right path. She's quick to dismiss the thoughts of course, but it's an idea that lingers in her mind.

-On the day of the comet, she confronts Ozai and nearly hesitates at the look of pure fear in her father's eyes. Instead she looks away as she strikes the final blow. Finding that she's unable to look him in the eyes as she kills him. Ozai's death is swift and painless. Not the horrible death Azula originally imagined. Afterwards, Azula initially feels vindicated, then she feels hollow. On the surface she blames the past Avatars for softening her, but deep inside, she realizes that the true reason is because vengeance is empty. Also, she finds that now her fire has lost it's power. She lost the thing driving her, so now she must find another source for her flame.

-With Ozai gone, Zuko ascends the throne, with Iroh as his regent. Zuko tries to reconcile with his sister, but she blows him off and goes to re-master firebending in solitude.

-Ozai goes down gloriously in the history books, a martyr for his cause. Many try to rise up and follow in his footsteps, several attempt to challenge the throne. They're mysteriously picked off by an unknown assailant. (coughAzulacough)

#ATLA #Avatar #avatar the last airbender #Azula #AU #Avatar Azula AU #ATLA AU #My Take

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her-culture · 4 years

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Why AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER and THE LEGEND OF KORA Are So Popular

Recently, Netflix added both Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. If you know little about these Nickelodeon-animated series, they focus on a figure named the “avatar” who has the ability to bend, AKA control, all four elements: water, earth, fire, and air. They have been trending on Netflix for weeks, and the whole Internet is talking about these shows even though they initially premiered years ago. I wanted to take a look at why they’re so popular and the appeal behind these stories!

Let’s start with Avatar: The Last Airbender. I watched this show growing up, rewatched it three years ago, and then rewatched it again recently. It’s one of my favorite shows of all time, and thousands of people across the world agree. The series focuses on twelve-year-old avatar, Aang, a fun-loving and spiritual kid who goes on a journey to master all four elements. He’s accompanied by nurturing waterbender Katara and her funny brother, Sokka, who does not have the ability to bend an element. The three of them go on an adventure to help Aang learn how to control the elements and ultimately defeat the tyrant known as the Fire Lord from the nation of people who can bend fire.

The Legend of Korra is set seventy years after the finale of Avatar, with an updated world. Korra is an older avatar who joins firebender Mako, earthbender Bolin, and Asami, who can’t bend, on many crazy missions to defeat an onslaught of different villains.

These are some of the reasons I believe they are so popular:

Character Development

Avatar is character-driven, with a strong plot line that supports such dynamic and compelling characters. Most of the characters we root for are also extremely relatable. In the beginning, many of the characters have one way of thinking, are less open, or do not possess very much skill. By the end of the series, the characters have explored many different facets of their personalities, have formed strong bonds, and improved their talents tenfold. One of the best examples of character development is Zuko. He starts off hunting the avatar to regain honor he lost and prove himself to his father, the Fire Lord. However, he eventually learns what real acceptance and kindness is, realizes his past mistakes, and understands the life he wants to live for himself, not his father.

The Legend of Korra has similarly brilliant character development, though no character comes close to the character arc of Zuko. Still, Korra, the avatar, shows a lot of development from beginning to end. She deals with a lot of pressure, PTSD, loss, etc. She learns a lot throughout the series and overcomes immense adversity. I think this character development contributes greatly to the appeal of both Avatar and The Legend of Korra. The way these shows are character-driven makes it feel personal and easy to connect with every character and their changing relationships. These shows are great at drawing emotion from the audience because we are so invested in the people on screen.

World Building

Both of these shows have incredible world building, making the universe immersive. The shows also take inspiration from different countries in Asia. Every component of the universe is explained, easy to understand, and it’s unique. The concept of bending different elements, combined with the different nations (for example the Water Tribe or the Earth Kingdom) make the shows more interesting because there isn’t a lot of other content like it out there.

In Avatar, it’s the first time we get to see this world which makes it a magical experience. However, in The Legend of Korra, they manage to make it feel brand new. Seventy years later, the technology has developed immensely, and the nations have been transformed into new cities. I love what they do with the world building each time, whether it be explaining “the spirit world,” past world history, or establishing a whole new place that I hadn’t even thought of before.

Visuals and Soundtracks

The animation in Avatar and Korra is one of the best parts. In the original series, it’s a little less developed but improves immensely by the third season. Even then, the colors and shots are aesthetically pleasing and make the story come alive. In The Legend of Korra, the animation is on a new level, and it makes the bending look incredibly smooth and epic. There are some incredible shots in both series. The art makes the story even better, taking the viewer into the world with the characters. It makes me wish this world existed in real life.

One of my favorite parts is the music of both series. It moves the story along in a seamless way and adds to the fun and excitement. The soundtrack has a way of touching the viewer’s heart. One example is “Leaves from the Vine,” which is a sad song one of the characters sings to their dead son. Other songs that give me chills each time are “Agni Kai,” in Zuko and Azula’s final battle, or “Avatar: The Last Airbender Theme” because of how well it captures the essence of the show. These songs tell a story in themselves. Music makes the show captivating and connect with the audience on a deeper, emotional level.

These are some of the reasons Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra are so well done and popular today. I think the stories they tell are some of the best I have ever seen. And every question that you have about the world in Avatar gets expanded upon in The Legend of Korra. Both series are worth watching for different reasons, and if you’ve never seen them I highly recommend them. They are now streaming on Netflix!

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ignisleo-ill · 6 years

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The fall

“Hiyah!” An ecstatic scream pierces the air behind Kuzon, startling the young boy. In an instant, he is caught in the arms of his childhood and still best friend, Ty Lee. She lifts him up, hugging him tightly. “It is so nice to see you again, Kuz,” Ty Lee’s eyes are glittereng with joy. Kuzon laughs in her arms, relaxing. His dark brown hair is tied into a tight bun at the top of his head, of which his friend immediately pulls out. “Hey!” Kuzon abruptly wiggles free from his friends arms, his hair falling down to his shoulders. It frames his face and makes him look younger than his thirteen years. “You know father doesn’t like it when I have my hair loose,” He pulls away, putting his hair back up with one of the extra ribbons he always keep in his pockets. Ty Lee’s smile falters. “I know, but you never cared earlier? You always had it loose when we were together before,” she pulls off the decorative piece from the fabric in her hands, handing it back to Kuzon. He carefully puts it back on top of his bun, shaking his head. “I know. I’d still like to have it loose, but...” He sighs heavily. “I don’t think father would like another break in tradition,” He quickly starts walking into the forest, toward the hills behind the Fire Nation’s Capital. He hears Ty Lee following him close, but he doesn’t talk to her. He is not in the mood. Kuzon knows his place. He is the adopted son of fire lord Ozin, and a failure. His bending abilities are way below average, and he really doesn’t want to disappoint any further by not honouring one of the Fire Nation’s most famous traditions.

He doesn’t notice Ty Lee putting the ribbon in a pocket in her outfit.

As the pair reach the top of one of the nearby mountains, Ty Lee is panting heavily. “All right, I believe I have been way more active than you the last months. Why aren’t you tired?” Kuzon shrugs absentmindedly. He simply sits down on the ledge, watching his feet dangle underneath him. This is one of the smaller mountaintops in the area, but there is at least 150 feet down to the forest at the other side. Ty Lee sits down beside Kuzon, taking in the view. “Well, Kuz, tell me how you’ve been! I need to know. I promised Azula to tell her if you have been doing anything suspicious.” The last comment is said with a wink, but Kuzon still feels a shiver down his spine. His older sister, Azula, is a prying hawk. She wants to know everything Kuzon does. Luckily for him, both she and his older brother Zuko has been out chasing the avatar, so the only glares he’s had to feel is his fathers. He has more or less only practiced his firebending in the months when his siblings were away, but he still hasn’t improved much. A snapping finger disturbs his train of destructive thought. “Earth calling Kuzon! I asked you a question,” Kuzon snaps back, quickly reciting his life for the past months. “I have been reading and practicing bending. I have been present in some of fathers meetings.” “And?” “That’s it. Nothing else.” Ty Lee lies down on her back, sighing loudly. “Booring.” Kuzon shrugs again. He can’t help that his father never lets him do anything. “Well, I have been doing lots of interesting things. We have been tracking someone we believe to be the avatar, and we have been tracking Zuko, too. We have met a lot of people, but none of them can say anything about the whereabouts of the avatar. The fire lord believes they died when he exterminated the air nomads, but then there would have been born a waterbender avatar,” She throws her hands upwards to the blue sky. “There must have been an airbender who got away or something, but we have no ideas. I wonder if the avatar is cute.” Ty Lee smiles, sitting back up when Kuzon doesn’t respond. She sighs heavily. “Okay, I see. Why don’t we head back to the palace, hm? Azula probably wants to see you again,” Kuzon nods, getting up from his position in the ledge. He is about to apologize to Ty Lee for his behaviour when he feels the ground give underneath him. He screams and watches as Ty Lee whips around with horror in her eyes. She reaches out for him, but it is too late. Kuzon is falling, towards the ground far below him.

They find him huddled on the ground, hidden behind a patch of shrubbery. A frightened Ty Lee throws herself at the boy, holding him in her arms for the second time in a few hours. Kuzon lies unconscious, but he is breathing. The medic will later tell the fire lord and his subjects that the young prince will heal, that a miracle has been bestowed upon him for surviving the fall. Later, Kuzon will pull himself away from his family and his friends, huddling himself in his room and not coming out for anything. Maybe he survived thanks to a miracle, he thinks, but that miracle is not a good one. When he fell, he finally felt free. He felt like he belonged in the air. When the ground came hurling towards him, he caught himself with airbending, something that came to him as easily as breathing. He lost control of his bending ten feet above the ground, but he survived. But he cannot tell anyone, because he knows what his adopted family will do if they find out.

—-

This short story is set in my own ATLA AU where Aang falls into the sea from a flying bison when he is very young. His avatar instincts kick in, and he encapsules himself in a small patch of ice.(He is one of the most powerful avatars, after all.) But the ice melts after almost a hundred years, washing toddler Aang onto the shore of the fire nation capital in the year 89 AG. The young boy quickly gains fame and catches the attention of fire lord Ozai, who, to please his subjects and show how good of a leader he is, adopts the boy. He names him Kuzon and raises him as a third wheel (literally) among his two older siblings. He is not really accepted by the royal family, but he is Ozai’s last hope for an heir if Azula shoud die or something before her time has come. The fire bending masters see great potential in Kuzon, but due to fir being the LITERAL LAST element he is supposed to learn, he is terribly bad at it. He doesn’t realize what he is doing wrong, and only finds out why he is so bad at firebending in this text.

Ty Lee and Kuzon has grown up as the outcasts (kind of). Azula is better friend with Mai, although she still includes the acrobat in most activities. They are best of friends, but something seems to have gotten on Kuzons mind after his accident. Wonder what it is?

#daily #writingpractice #ATLA #avatarAU #avatar #AU #Ty Lee #Kuzon #Firebending #Airbending #Realization #Aang #Fire nation #Fire bender! Aang #short story

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