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ghostdriveIts probably been made pretty clear that I love Avatar: The Last Airbender since I dedicated an entire week of posting just to babble over the final 10 episodes, but I fucking love this show. I've basically spent the past few weeks in a blissful post-finale haze, looking at Avatar icons, listening to Avatar music from water-bender (download Peace Excerpt; its fantastic!), reading Avatar episode transcripts, saying the word Avatar so many times that I'm probably driving you all crazy. Avatar, Avatar, Avatar!
But, most of all, I've been reading as much fic as I can stand; good fic, bad fic, crack fic, anything that draws my attention from its summary. I'm reaching sensory overload! So I thought I'd share some of my favorites.
Disclaimer: I quite possibly have bad taste in fic!
Note: I hope I'm not stepping on any toes by including the author's own summary for some of these, but honestly, sometimes that brief statement of what the fic is about can say much more than my own blathering can. So ... yeah. Oh! And here's my reccing format: Fic + author | Summary, and then my own commentary. Enjoy!
× The Usual Reasons by ali_wildgoose/wildgoosery | Sokka would swear, later on, that it was completely innocent when it started.
Okay, before I say anything about the fic, I'd like to say this: I love Avatar fics set post-The Western Air Temple. Love, love, love. Nothing makes me happier than reading how the team dynamics shift once Zuko comes into the picture. ♥ I want to read about Zuko and Aang settling down into their firebending sessions. I want to read about the tension between Katara and Zuko before they finally make up. I want to read about silly field trips that Sokka and Toph have with Zuko.Basically, I want Zuko + [insert Gaang member] in some random situation that showcases Zuko's totally inept social skills. (I mock you because I love you, Zuko~.) I want him to be totally bff with everyone! I just want to read about those moments of bonding before the final battle. This is one of my weak points, people! Bonding.
This fic has everything I could possibly want. The characters feel like they just stepped out of an episode; Zuko is awkward and dweeby and grumpy, and Sokka is a lovable jerk. I like the slow build up of their relationship (both as friends and into something more) and all the interactions they have. The sword fighting! The bantery dialogue! The ... Sokka being Sokka, and Zuko being Zuko! (I'm not making sense now!) They aren't in love; its friendship, but they're also two guys exploring the physical attraction between one another. It just feels so real.
Plus, the comment about Haru's mustache was epic. You speak the truth, Zuko! (Sokka/Zuko, spoilers up through The Firebending Masters)
× Male Bonding by rawles & ali_wildgoose | As much as she intensely dislikes it, Katara understands why Zuko had to join them. What she doesn't understand is why he and Sokka have to spend every waking moment in each other's company.
While I have a terrible soft spot for the Sokka/Zuko pairing(yaoi has eaten my braaaaaaain), buddy fics are even better. This is a fic about boys being boys and guy talk and, as the title suggests, bonding. AJFDKFJLDFJL. You already know how I feel about bonding fics. I love it! I love this fic! And the highlight of this has to be Zuko and Sokka trying to one-up each other by giving reasons for why their girlfriend is the best. Its just ... so them. (mentions of Sokka/Suki and Zuko/Mai, spoilers for The Day of Black Sun)
× "Three Chores" series: Mending, Cooking, and Gathering by fandomme
This trio of fics was written before the finale aired so there are obvious departures from canon that don't sit well with me (mostly with the appearance of Ursa in 'Gathering'), but I still found them quite enjoyable. These are also set post-The Western Air Temple and the common thread for all is Katara and her growing understanding of Zuko. I like that the complexities and relationships of the Gaang are explored through everyday chores. I know I mentioned I didn't really like the inclusion of Ursa, but she inspired my favorite line from the whole series: "Zuko does lots of things," Sokka said. "He cooks, he sews, he makes pottery, he dances with dragons." Sokka turned to her. "I'm sorry, but your son has turned into a complete girly-man." Like I said before, mocking Zuko is one of my things. XD
Plus, these include two of my favorite scenarios ever: 1.) Zuko carrying Toph around because he burned her feet (as seen in The Western Air Temple), and 2.) Zuko being the Gaang's second 'mother' (besides Katara, that is). I like the former because, in my head, Toph is the little sister Zuko never had. He may act like she's forcing him to carry her around (even though her feet have healed, lol), but secretly he enjoys it. They bicker, but its affectionate. Its just, you know, a relationship totally different from the one he has with his actual sister, Azula. If you could see me now I'd be swooning at the thought of Zuko and Toph's platonic love. [happy sigh] I like the latter because, well, Zuko is the oldest of the kids. I just like the thought of him looking out for everyone. Its probably not a realistic opinion of him, since he is a hot head [cough] and socially awkward, but hey, in my head he's opened himself up to the group more. (Zuko/Katara, spoilers up through The Western Air Temple)
× Another Brother by avocado_love | It was a mission of revenge. There weren't supposed to be any survivors, but Chief Hakoda couldn't bring himself to kill the Fire Nation boy. Against his better judgment, he brought him home.
Its a 'Zuko joins the Water Tribe' type of story! This concept makes me so happy, you wouldn't even believe. Since Ozai is such an utter bastard of a father in canon, I've always wondered how Zuko would be with someone like Hakoda. In this AU fic Zuko is banished sooner than he is in the series, so he's younger (obviously) and not an anger filled boy. He's lost some of the memories he's had living in the Fire Nation (mostly in regards to his family) through a traumatic experience--he was left to die with his throat slit open. Gruesome, right? I really like this story since it gives Zuko a chance to be a boy, to be a part of a family. There's some obvious tension within the Water Tribe since he is a Fire Nation boy, but I enjoy reading about his growing relationship/friendship with Katara and Sokka. Chapter three ends in a tense moment, with Zuko hearing that he might possibly be taken to an Earth Kingdom family, so I'm lookin forward to more chapters from this. Besides, I wonder how everyone will react once his firebending comes into the picture? (gen fic, AU, in progress)
× A Swifter Appraisal by Jeccelo | Katara and Sokka are the wealthy children of Count Hakoda, forced to befriend the distasteful royal brats Zuko and Azula. But many things change when instead Katara befriends a mysterious boy in a blue mask.
AU fics can be pretty hit or miss, but this one set in the 1700s is fairly interesting. Its slow moving, particularly with the relationship between Katara and Zuko/The Blue Spirit, but its nice sort of slow moving. I truly appreciate that its not a 'BAM, I love you' type of storyline. The characters have such depth and the world they live in, completely different from the normal Avatar-verse, is told in such detail. Its like Avatar set in the Victorian era. I enjoy the tension and the mystery and oh how I wish for more chapters! That's the problem with reccing fics that are still in progress: I read all the available chapters and then I'm itching for more. (Blue Spirit/Katara, eventual Zuko/Katara, AU)
× Memories from the Western Air Temple by DarthAnimus | The amazing thing about openly caring about the people around you, is that you learn to care about yourself as well. Zuko had never truly known companionship before he joined the Avatar.
A series of ficlets about Zuko's life at the Western Air Temple. As expecting, he's quite angsty. XDD "Sparring Partner" is probably my favorite since its basically about Toph and Zuko and their special relationship.
I've read a few more chapters on the author's lj (here's the index if you're interested) and some of them just break my hear (particularly When the Cries Are Silenced). ;_; And I mean that in the best way possible. Oh, Zuko. Sometimes I wish I could reach out and hold you. (implied Zuko/Aang, in progress)
× Sleeping Close by Swiss Army Knife | Hakoda witnesses a strange phenomenon; the gaang has a sleepover and Sokka manages to reforge bonds between the four nations while he’s unconscious.
Surprise, surprise - another bonding fic! I'm so predictable. asdfjkljlasl. The summary pretty much tells you everything you need to know: Sokka sleeps and the others are sort of pulled toward him. I love that even though he has, like, two lines in the whole thing he still manages to be a major part of the storyline; even while sleeping he the caring brother, he's the supportive friend, he's the fierce protector. Only you, Sokka. Only you. I also like that its told through the eyes of Hakoda and how he, himself, slowly discovers the bond all of them have. I found Zuko's confession to Hakoda particularly moving when Hakoda was trying to see what was so special about Sokka. (gen/friendship fic. takes place after The Boiling Rock)
× Hide and Seek by Swiss Army Knife | The gaang hones theirs skills through a game of Hide and Seek. Sokka and Zuko are accidentally well-suited to working together.
Lather, rinse, repeat, its more male-bonding between Zuko and Sokka! I love seeing them team up (and win) against a hide and seek battle with Katara, Toph, and Aang. (gen/friendship fic, spoilers through The Western Air Temple)
× Our Own Walls by Swiss Army Knife | Sokka decides that taking Zuko with him to infiltrate a small village makes good sense since Zuko grew up in the Fire Nation. Unexpected realizations lurk within the walls.
Have you gotten tired of me reccing these bonding fics yet? Well guess what--here's another one! This is probably my favorite of all the ones here by Swiss Army Knife since its has the right amount of drama and comedy and warmth and action and AHHH, I love it ever so much. Its about Sokka and Zuko going on what seems to be a routine trip into a Fire Nation town and somehow getting into themselves into quite a mess.
...Man, do I suck at convincing you to check out this fic. D: Its great, honestly (especially the ending since it turns me into a pile of fangirly mush). (gen fic)
× Transference chapter 1, chapter 2, chapter 3 by scuttlebuttincx
Let it be known that my favorite type of AU fic is one set in a modern high school setting. So cliche, so wonderful. Despite Avatar being set in its own little world and at an unknown period of time, the characters' personalities transfer well into the present day. Aang is still upbeat and friendly and prone to looking for the good in people, Zuko is that emo rich kid who tries to act invisible but by doing so totally draws attention to himself, Sokka is the protective big brother type, etc, etc. This fic is still in progress, but so far it looks promising. (eventual Sokka/Zuko, Jet/Zuko, AU, in progress)
If you enjoy "Transference" you should probably check out Borderlines by the same author. Its a post-series fic in which Sokka and Zuko slowly discover their feelings for one another. Angst and hilarity ensue.Sorry for the lame summary. I'm tired of all this reccing!
Eventually I'll make a similar post with Ironman (movie-verse) fic recs. Maybe. I suck at these sorts of posts.
------
Links.
What an awesome Super Mario Bros. afghan I wish I knew someone who did this sort of craft.
From Etsy: Final Fantasy White Mage Fleece Jacket. Its kinda cute, though I wouldn't buy it. [is a total dork who would prefer to wear the full robe]
Parasite Eve 'sequel', The Third Birthday, is coming out for PSP! Oh, and Final Fantasy Agito XIII as well. But I'm more excited about PE since I remember being quite irritated back when it was going to be released as a cell phone game only.
But, most of all, I've been reading as much fic as I can stand; good fic, bad fic, crack fic, anything that draws my attention from its summary. I'm reaching sensory overload! So I thought I'd share some of my favorites.
Disclaimer: I quite possibly have bad taste in fic!
Note: I hope I'm not stepping on any toes by including the author's own summary for some of these, but honestly, sometimes that brief statement of what the fic is about can say much more than my own blathering can. So ... yeah. Oh! And here's my reccing format: Fic + author | Summary, and then my own commentary. Enjoy!
× The Usual Reasons by ali_wildgoose/wildgoosery | Sokka would swear, later on, that it was completely innocent when it started.
Okay, before I say anything about the fic, I'd like to say this: I love Avatar fics set post-The Western Air Temple. Love, love, love. Nothing makes me happier than reading how the team dynamics shift once Zuko comes into the picture. ♥ I want to read about Zuko and Aang settling down into their firebending sessions. I want to read about the tension between Katara and Zuko before they finally make up. I want to read about silly field trips that Sokka and Toph have with Zuko.
This fic has everything I could possibly want. The characters feel like they just stepped out of an episode; Zuko is awkward and dweeby and grumpy, and Sokka is a lovable jerk. I like the slow build up of their relationship (both as friends and into something more) and all the interactions they have. The sword fighting! The bantery dialogue! The ... Sokka being Sokka, and Zuko being Zuko! (I'm not making sense now!) They aren't in love; its friendship, but they're also two guys exploring the physical attraction between one another. It just feels so real.
Plus, the comment about Haru's mustache was epic. You speak the truth, Zuko! (Sokka/Zuko, spoilers up through The Firebending Masters)
× Male Bonding by rawles & ali_wildgoose | As much as she intensely dislikes it, Katara understands why Zuko had to join them. What she doesn't understand is why he and Sokka have to spend every waking moment in each other's company.
While I have a terrible soft spot for the Sokka/Zuko pairing
× "Three Chores" series: Mending, Cooking, and Gathering by fandomme
This trio of fics was written before the finale aired so there are obvious departures from canon that don't sit well with me (mostly with the appearance of Ursa in 'Gathering'), but I still found them quite enjoyable. These are also set post-The Western Air Temple and the common thread for all is Katara and her growing understanding of Zuko. I like that the complexities and relationships of the Gaang are explored through everyday chores. I know I mentioned I didn't really like the inclusion of Ursa, but she inspired my favorite line from the whole series: "Zuko does lots of things," Sokka said. "He cooks, he sews, he makes pottery, he dances with dragons." Sokka turned to her. "I'm sorry, but your son has turned into a complete girly-man." Like I said before, mocking Zuko is one of my things. XD
Plus, these include two of my favorite scenarios ever: 1.) Zuko carrying Toph around because he burned her feet (as seen in The Western Air Temple), and 2.) Zuko being the Gaang's second 'mother' (besides Katara, that is). I like the former because, in my head, Toph is the little sister Zuko never had. He may act like she's forcing him to carry her around (even though her feet have healed, lol), but secretly he enjoys it. They bicker, but its affectionate. Its just, you know, a relationship totally different from the one he has with his actual sister, Azula. If you could see me now I'd be swooning at the thought of Zuko and Toph's platonic love. [happy sigh] I like the latter because, well, Zuko is the oldest of the kids. I just like the thought of him looking out for everyone. Its probably not a realistic opinion of him, since he is a hot head [cough] and socially awkward, but hey, in my head he's opened himself up to the group more. (Zuko/Katara, spoilers up through The Western Air Temple)
× Another Brother by avocado_love | It was a mission of revenge. There weren't supposed to be any survivors, but Chief Hakoda couldn't bring himself to kill the Fire Nation boy. Against his better judgment, he brought him home.
Its a 'Zuko joins the Water Tribe' type of story! This concept makes me so happy, you wouldn't even believe. Since Ozai is such an utter bastard of a father in canon, I've always wondered how Zuko would be with someone like Hakoda. In this AU fic Zuko is banished sooner than he is in the series, so he's younger (obviously) and not an anger filled boy. He's lost some of the memories he's had living in the Fire Nation (mostly in regards to his family) through a traumatic experience--he was left to die with his throat slit open. Gruesome, right? I really like this story since it gives Zuko a chance to be a boy, to be a part of a family. There's some obvious tension within the Water Tribe since he is a Fire Nation boy, but I enjoy reading about his growing relationship/friendship with Katara and Sokka. Chapter three ends in a tense moment, with Zuko hearing that he might possibly be taken to an Earth Kingdom family, so I'm lookin forward to more chapters from this. Besides, I wonder how everyone will react once his firebending comes into the picture? (gen fic, AU, in progress)
× A Swifter Appraisal by Jeccelo | Katara and Sokka are the wealthy children of Count Hakoda, forced to befriend the distasteful royal brats Zuko and Azula. But many things change when instead Katara befriends a mysterious boy in a blue mask.
AU fics can be pretty hit or miss, but this one set in the 1700s is fairly interesting. Its slow moving, particularly with the relationship between Katara and Zuko/The Blue Spirit, but its nice sort of slow moving. I truly appreciate that its not a 'BAM, I love you' type of storyline. The characters have such depth and the world they live in, completely different from the normal Avatar-verse, is told in such detail. Its like Avatar set in the Victorian era. I enjoy the tension and the mystery and oh how I wish for more chapters! That's the problem with reccing fics that are still in progress: I read all the available chapters and then I'm itching for more. (Blue Spirit/Katara, eventual Zuko/Katara, AU)
× Memories from the Western Air Temple by DarthAnimus | The amazing thing about openly caring about the people around you, is that you learn to care about yourself as well. Zuko had never truly known companionship before he joined the Avatar.
A series of ficlets about Zuko's life at the Western Air Temple. As expecting, he's quite angsty. XDD "Sparring Partner" is probably my favorite since its basically about Toph and Zuko and their special relationship.
I've read a few more chapters on the author's lj (here's the index if you're interested) and some of them just break my hear (particularly When the Cries Are Silenced). ;_; And I mean that in the best way possible. Oh, Zuko. Sometimes I wish I could reach out and hold you. (implied Zuko/Aang, in progress)
× Sleeping Close by Swiss Army Knife | Hakoda witnesses a strange phenomenon; the gaang has a sleepover and Sokka manages to reforge bonds between the four nations while he’s unconscious.
Surprise, surprise - another bonding fic! I'm so predictable. asdfjkljlasl. The summary pretty much tells you everything you need to know: Sokka sleeps and the others are sort of pulled toward him. I love that even though he has, like, two lines in the whole thing he still manages to be a major part of the storyline; even while sleeping he the caring brother, he's the supportive friend, he's the fierce protector. Only you, Sokka. Only you. I also like that its told through the eyes of Hakoda and how he, himself, slowly discovers the bond all of them have. I found Zuko's confession to Hakoda particularly moving when Hakoda was trying to see what was so special about Sokka. (gen/friendship fic. takes place after The Boiling Rock)
× Hide and Seek by Swiss Army Knife | The gaang hones theirs skills through a game of Hide and Seek. Sokka and Zuko are accidentally well-suited to working together.
Lather, rinse, repeat, its more male-bonding between Zuko and Sokka! I love seeing them team up (and win) against a hide and seek battle with Katara, Toph, and Aang. (gen/friendship fic, spoilers through The Western Air Temple)
× Our Own Walls by Swiss Army Knife | Sokka decides that taking Zuko with him to infiltrate a small village makes good sense since Zuko grew up in the Fire Nation. Unexpected realizations lurk within the walls.
Have you gotten tired of me reccing these bonding fics yet? Well guess what--here's another one! This is probably my favorite of all the ones here by Swiss Army Knife since its has the right amount of drama and comedy and warmth and action and AHHH, I love it ever so much. Its about Sokka and Zuko going on what seems to be a routine trip into a Fire Nation town and somehow getting into themselves into quite a mess.
...Man, do I suck at convincing you to check out this fic. D: Its great, honestly (especially the ending since it turns me into a pile of fangirly mush). (gen fic)
× Transference chapter 1, chapter 2, chapter 3 by scuttlebuttincx
Let it be known that my favorite type of AU fic is one set in a modern high school setting. So cliche, so wonderful. Despite Avatar being set in its own little world and at an unknown period of time, the characters' personalities transfer well into the present day. Aang is still upbeat and friendly and prone to looking for the good in people, Zuko is that emo rich kid who tries to act invisible but by doing so totally draws attention to himself, Sokka is the protective big brother type, etc, etc. This fic is still in progress, but so far it looks promising. (eventual Sokka/Zuko, Jet/Zuko, AU, in progress)
If you enjoy "Transference" you should probably check out Borderlines by the same author. Its a post-series fic in which Sokka and Zuko slowly discover their feelings for one another. Angst and hilarity ensue.
Eventually I'll make a similar post with Ironman (movie-verse) fic recs. Maybe. I suck at these sorts of posts.
------
Links.
What an awesome Super Mario Bros. afghan I wish I knew someone who did this sort of craft.
From Etsy: Final Fantasy White Mage Fleece Jacket. Its kinda cute, though I wouldn't buy it. [is a total dork who would prefer to wear the full robe]
Parasite Eve 'sequel', The Third Birthday, is coming out for PSP! Oh, and Final Fantasy Agito XIII as well. But I'm more excited about PE since I remember being quite irritated back when it was going to be released as a cell phone game only.
