Burned Out Former Gifted Kid Hits HARD

burned out former gifted kid hits HARD

My personality really went from School Nerd to Bookworm to Greek Mythology Enthusiast to Burned Out Former Gifted Kid to Sapphic Dark Academic

#zutara will still be my ship after all this time, people

I keep forgetting to post this (mostly because I’ve worked 80 to 100-hour weeks for the last 7 months without any time off haha~) but here, FINALLY, is my contribution to the first ever Zutara fanzine, Eclipse. I am so, so honored to have been given the opportunity to contribute to such a special project. 

I went for a very simple comic style here, but even so, I’ve never put so much time into a piece before. So much respect for all comic and animation artists out there, seriously, not at all my forte. Even so, if I had a choice, this would’ve been longer, but I can’t take up the whole zine! My only hope is that this delivers all the intended feels. 

wow, satan's hits HARD

If I'm being honest with myself...what my favorite Obey Me! characters say about me:

What's that? You have a slightly repressed urge to be dominated by an older man? Can't imagine why.

Oh look, it's your much older, but very cute youth instructor who used to buy you ice cream and tell you how important you are. It is here you start to notice a pattern. But I can't imagine why.

What's that? You're also not completely submissive and like the thought of being somewhat dominant in your relationships? Well, look no further:

You've always liked a man who's a bit of a tease. And...is that a corruption kink I'm noticing?

A love for cats and books? Check. A profound appreciation for the Arts and humanities? Double check. Is he your old college algebra tutor who may or may not had sexual tension towards you? Absolutely.

You like them painfully thick, both in muscle and cognitive function.

Brat tamer in the making.

True, it is something as being a tool or an icon for the continued beliefs of their people, or upbringing. Azula strives for perfection, she does not believe she, herself, is perfect.

What motivated Azula

In the "Women of Avatar" DVD segment, the narrator described Azula with "This power-hungry princess is motivated by greed and ego". I decided to make this post so fans wouldn't be gaslight with what being said: (since it becomes clear now that the creators and writers did not have a unified message/plan for Azula. The Headwriter and the other writers' writing (part) vs Bryke's vision (Mike and Bryan are more concerned about Azula's 'aesthetics' than about the actual 'writing' behind it). But oddly enough this does NOT affect Azula's consistency in the original franchise. The fact she got her own POV book and chapters in ATLA novelization has solidified her writing.)

First of all, Azula is not power-hungry. I'm not even trying to defend her. But what was written versus what the offical video on Azula said is not consistent or coherent. Writing comes above comments. I made a detailed post about this cover the entire series (include "The Lost Adventures" comics which are complementary, secondary stories and "ATLA Official Novelization" based on the original screenplays written for ATLA as it confirmed on the cover and Bryke. Both are canon and all were released while the show was still airing, 2006-2008... the original franchise).

Second, what Azula is motived by:

1. Azula is motivated by a Drive for Excellence and constant self-improvement. Bending lightning isn't enough, fully master lightning is enough. Conquering Ba Sing Se isn't enough, capturing Iroh, Zuko and the Avatar along with the Earth Kingdom throne is enough. Becoming Fire Lord isn't enough, be THE best Fire Lord is enough.

That what Azula is, she's obsessed with perfection, because of her naturally competitive nature and possibly upbringing as well (to be by her father's side; be the perfect heir, while Ursa's upbringing affects is much more subtle because it exists in canon territory that was not explored).

She respects skill anywhere she sees it; appreciated Mai, Ty Lee, Sokka, the Dai Li, Lo and Li's wisdom. She tries to adopt these skills into her own skillset and team as well, highlighting their efficiency -- proves that she's resourceful and not a Firebending supremacist.

2. Azula is motived by a sense of responsibility and team mentality.

First, Azula is ambitious (though IMO not that much) and it is not a negative trait per se, what's more important is what power means to her (which was discussed here throughoutly so to save the length of this post).

Second, she's serving Ozai not because he's her father only but because her Fire Lord too. She's calling him "the Fire Lord" and assert his authority and expectations upon his subjects:

- "My brother and my uncle have disgraced the Fire Lord, and have brought shame on all of us."

- "Anyone who harbors these traitors will face the wrath of the Fire Lord!"

- "My Father has trusted you with this city and you're making a mess of things![emphasizing her words with a wave of her arm]

- The Lost Adventures comics, after the takeover Ba Sing Se succeed:

- In the Day of Black Sun, keeping Ozai safe was one of Azula's main priorities. She specifically organized a strategy by changing his original location in secret (the Fire Lord's Room Underground) to a more secure, hidden place (War Minister Qin wasn't aware of this when the Gaang and Toph questioned him) and she assured the success of this plan personally until Ozai regains his powers.

When Azula conquered Ba Sing Se, she did it for the Fire Nation ("We've done it, Zuko. It's taken a hundred years, but the Fire Nation has conquered Ba Sing Se.") she did not declare it for herself like Admiral Zhao did when he darkened the moon ("I am... a legend now. The Fire Nation will, for generations, tell stories about the great Zhao who darkened the moon. They will call me Zhao the Conqueror. Zhao the Moonslayer! Zhao the Invincible!") or when Ozai did when he declared his plan to rule the world ("From our airships, we will rain fire over their lands, a fire that will destroy everything; and out of the ashes, a new world will be born, a world in which all the lands are Fire Nation and I am the supreme ruler of everything!"). She doesn't support her father and country any less than any other Fire Nation citizen in the mainland and colonies, she lives up to fulfill their goal and the divine right to rule.

Worth noting too, I noticed that Azula using "group" pronouns more than she uses "I" pronouns highlighting her team mentality:

[Glances around.] Tell me, what is the daughter of a nobleman doing here? [Looks back at Ty Lee.] Certainly our parents didn't send us to the Royal Fire Academy for Girls to end up in ... [Looks to her side.] places like this."

"It's not just Zuko and Iroh anymore. [Cut closer to Azula who continues on a serious tone.] We have a third target now." (After Mai and Ty Lee joined the team, it's not only her mission, but all the three of them, like a team should. Azula kept using group pronouns ever since)

"We have been presented with an extraordinary opportunity, girls [...] we're on the inside, and we can take it by ourselves [...] we're in perfect position to organize a coup and overthrow the Earth King."

"We’ve done it, Zuko. It’s taken a hundred years, but the Fire Nation has conquered Ba Sing Se.”

“Keep serving the ball to her left, and we'll destroy her and the rest of her team.”

“Yes! We defeated you for all time! You will never rise from the ashes of your shame and humiliation!”

[Azula approaching. Slightly angered.] “Uh … What about me and my brother? Aren’t you going to invite us? [Frontal view of Chan and Ruon-Jian, who look at each other.] You don’t know who we are, do you?” (despite she was offended, Azula addressed 'her brother')

“I guess I was intrigued. [Frontal view of Azula and Ty Lee from between Zuko and Mai.] I’m so used to people worshiping us.” (Note us not ‘me’)

“I headed to the Earth Kingdom where, with the help of Mai and Ty Lee, we tracked down the Avatar and his ragtag band.” (novelization) Mai and Ty Lee roles were mentioned in Ember Island Players, too.

“We are the perfect party guests. We arrive right on time, because we are very punctual.”

“The Earth Kingdom will be ours and the war will be over quickly— with my Father in his rightful position as the ruler of the entire world.” (novelization)

“My Father, Fire Lord Ozai, and I are about to make history together! Side by side we will burn the Earth Kingdom to the ground. Now that’s what I call quality father-daughter time.” (novelization)

“…this glorious day in Fire Nation history, and the only way we win is together.” (maybe this was said for manipulating but she was meaning what she said nevertheless)

“But I thought we were going to do this together.”

“But it was my idea to burn everything to the ground! I deserve to be by your side!”

“Your Princess Azula, clever and beautiful, disguised herself as the enemy and entered the Earth Kingdom’s Capital. In Ba Sing Se, she found her brother Zuko, and together they faced the Avatar …”

“Together, you and I will be the strongest couple in the entire world! We will dominate the Earth!” (not sure if anyone take it seriously as it played for comic relief but it’s pretty much consistent)

est...

3. Azula motived by a need to be loved by someone, to be guided when she makes mistakes instead of being judged, preferably by a parent figure. The mirror scene proven this motivation. Words of being there for her "I didn't want to miss my daughter's coronation". Words of guidance and putting her feelings into words "I think you're confused. All your life you used fear to control people, even with your friends Mai and Ty Lee". Words of love. "I love you, Azula. I do." (Sadly, Azula couldn't even bring herself to believe that her mother would be there for her much less love her. She didn't even reconsider the love words like she did on how she treated her friends)

Ah, I feel so jealous of those who got Satan's SSR card 😭

LIKE NO! I! DON'T! REALLY! LIKE! THE UR+ cards (no offense meant to Luci's and Dia's simps, they're hot, BUT SATAN---)!

You're not even in the rewards section so I can't get your card pieces but just have to rely on my almost non-existent sheer luck 😣

MC who is obsessed with cats (Short cannons)

Lucifer

Lucifer: MC, I'm sorry to inform you but you can't keep a pet cat in here.

MC: *standing at the doorway holding two cats* ...Why not?

Lucifer: One of my brothers has a problem.

MC: He doesn't like cats?!!!

Lucifer: No, quite the opposite. He will bring home twenty if I allow him one. So cats are banned.

MC: ....

MC: I don't see how that's his fault.

Satan: Thank you, MC.

_______________________________________

Mammon

MC: I'm getting one of those. *points at cat plushie*

Mammon: Oi! Don't you already have three of these, MC?

MC: *looks at him deadpan* You can never have too many cat plushies.

Mammon: ....

Satan: *holding five cat plushies* They're not wrong.

_____________________________________

Leviathan

Levi: What's your fav kinda anime husbando/waifu MC?

MC: CATPEOPLE SUPREMACY!

Levi: Ehhh?!

MC: Basically characters who are smart enough to single handedly destroy the world but just choose to be kind and cute to that one person...

Levi: That's quite a specific type.

MC: ...and characters with cat ears.

Levi: I can't even argue with that. *glances at Ruri's Chan cat ear design*

Satan: MC has good taste.

______________________________________

Satan

MC: Did you know people who hate cats and love dogs tend to be manipulative, controlling and power hungry?

Satan: *glances at Lucifer* Yes.

MC: And that cat people are more likely to understand concepts of consent and space? That's why I love people who love cats.

Satan: *blushes* I feel the same way, MC.

MC: Also have you noticed how cats have distinct personalities? I feel like no two are the same. Such lovely animals. *hugs her cat plushies*

Satan: ....

Satan: Please marry me, MC.

_______________________________________

Asmodeus

Asmo: MC, for the last time, there are more accessories other than CAT EAR HAIRBANDS.

MC: *wearing cat ears and pouting*

Asmo: Ugh... MC, this won't work on me a third time.

MC: *wiggles their butt and curls up their hands* Nyaaa~

Asmo: .... Kinky.

Satan: *heart eyes and nosebleeding*

_______________________________________

Beelzebub

Beel: The food at this cat cafe is delicious. Thank you bringing me here MC!

MC: Beel...that's cat food. You're eating cat food.

Beel: Ah really? I can see why they like it! *feeds some of it to a cat sitting on his lap*

MC: ....

Satan: *sigh* That's why I told you not to bring him, MC.

_________________________________________

Belphegor

Belphie: *walks into MC room* MC I can't sleep, I need cuddles.

MC: Um maybe not today, Belphie. The bed is kinda full.

Belphie: What...why? *yanks her blanket*

Satan: *cuddled up with MC and their 9 cat plushies* Get out.

Belphie: ....

_______________________________________

Bonus: Solomon

Solomon: So MC did you have a pet cat?

MC: I wish I did. My parents didn't like any sort of animals in the house.

Solomon: So how did you learn how to act around cats?

MC: Books and internet. I follow so many cat channels.

Solomon: All of that even if you couldn't keep one?

MC: Sometimes knowing equates to loving. Like when you know exactly what your loved ones love or hate or how they would react to certain situations.

MC: Like I know how much you love experimenting with magic and discovering new spells. Same with your recipes. And you don't like it when people call you shady just cause you are confident and curious in your ways.

Solomon: .....

MC: Or like I know that you love the mischievous kind of cats. And Satan likes the more affectionate types.

Solomon: ...Can I marry you, MC?

Satan: Get in line, Solomon.