awkwardvikingace

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I love this

autumn road

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As a member of the 30s club, I relate to this.

It’s important to stay informed

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Shippuden 🗯️

La esencia de una Obra de Arte

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I miss the days when the most complicated aspect was making sure the TV was on channel 3.

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Ace’s Massive Zuko Whump FanFic Rec List

My Must Reads:

Second Chances by lazyartisen

Summary: Destiny is a funny thing-Zuko’s season 2 story arc takes a radical turn after he is captured at the North Pole. One event can change so much- and so little. 

Becoming Zuko - A Prince’s Demise by ystv.

Summary:  After escaping Azula with the help of Iroh, the team seeks out a town to recuperate. Toph talks to a mistreated captive at the marketsquare, not realizing his identity as the missing Fire prince. without the others consent, she brings him along. He won’t be able to hide forever though. 

Holding this Breath by attackfish

Summary: The problem with Zuko’s exile is that every ocean has become enemy waters for a Fire Nation Prince, and when his ship is captured by the Northern Water Tribe, he has nowhere to turn for help.

Stealing from Pirates by Dyce

Summary: Without Zuko to rescue her from the pirates, Katara is captured… and finds that they already have a prisoner in desperate need of her help.

A Misunderstanding of Sides by Somariel

Summary: When the Gaang takes a trip to the Earth Kingdom after EIP, Zuko gets captured by Earth Kingdom soldiers while away from the others.

Hope in the Dark by Lazy8

Summary: A mere year after the end of the Hundred Year War, an assassination attempt leaves Zuko fighting for his life and his friends fighting to save him, but this time, his luck may have finally run out…

Do No Harm by Lazy8

Summary: Sequel to Hope in the Dark. The crisis might be over, but the work is far from finished. Zuko is still recovering, and his best hope of doing that is with Katara’s aid… but before she can help him, she has some demons of her own to face.

Grounded by Danny Phantom SG-1

Summary: Injured in a battle, Zuko must rely on Toph to keep him grounded. 

Dreams of Nightmares Past by Automail-gHost

Summary: When the Assassin attacks, Zuko takes a hit meant for Aang. Shortly after, he collapses. As a horrible fever ravages the Firebender’s body and he begins to hallucinate, they know that this is no ordinary sickness. When the poison begins to make Zuko see his worst fears and relive his tragic past the Gaang realizes…Maybe Zuko’s a victim of the Fire Nation too.

The Monster That You See by SoBadAtBeingGood

Summary: AU. A hundred years after the genocide, Anil is an airbender just trying to protect his enclave. His only family is his son, Aang, for whom he’d do anything for. However, his life will change forever when he saves a Fire Nation boy from the torturous hands of his Earth Kingdom captors. 

Illusion by Abandonedrry

Summary: Zuko is captured by a group of ruthless Earth Kingdom soldiers, and when he is retrieved by the Gaang, Sokka can’t help but notice the change in his personality. 

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My Other Favorites:

In Darkness by prepare4trouble

Summary: Zuko was blinded during the Agni Kai against Azula. As he considers refusing the throne, he is given hope that the healers of the North Pole might cure him, and together with his friends he makes the journey.

Little Soldier Boy by chiaraherondale

Summary: The day had to come eventually. Iroh’s funeral takes place at the Royal Palace and the old Team Avatar along with Mai are there for Zuko, trying to help him on this sad day.

Antebellum by Lise

Summary: Zuko doesn’t understand any of this. A scar, an Avatar, and a slightly concerned Firebender.

Li by Dracze

Summary: Everyone knows the old story about how the five-year-old Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation went missing. Hakoda knows it too and doesn’t particularly care. Not until he finds a young golden-eyed boy in a brothel in Ba Sing Se.

A Matter of Trust by Somariel

Summary: After their escape from the Boiling Rock, Hakoda must decide if he can trust Zuko

Fever by Amy Cherryclaw (ameliette)

Summary: In which nothing goes according to anyone’s plan because Zuko was an incompetent firebender right after the eclipse and gets Katara’s sympathies first.

Perspective by waterandsilver

Summary: Events at the Boiling Rock put Zuko in a different kind of danger, and force to light a secret that he’s been holding onto for far too long.

Rising Phoenix by deathmallow

Summary: Zuko tries to fit into ‘The Gaang’. Meanwhile, his arrival means Aang starts firebending lessons, Katara takes up stalking, and Appa stays slobbery. Gone AU as of 3x13, “The Firebending Masters”.

Twilight’s Edge by inkcharm

Summary: An innocent training session leads to grave misunderstandings with dire consequences for Zuko.

What You’re Seeing On That Stage by knittedace

Summary: ‘The Boy In The Iceberg’ runs five minutes short. Fortunately the playwright has plenty of material for a flashback to Zuko’s banishment.

The Chains of Honor by inkspot_fox

Summary: If the Yu Yan had not stopped firing, if Aang had been a little slower in deciding to take Zuko with him, and if Zhao’s garrison had been a little quicker on their feet, then Zuko’s rescue of Aang in “The Blue Spirit” might not have gone quite as well.

Understanding the Enemy by TheTimelessCycle

Summary: Because understanding is the first step towards forgivness. Set post the Boiling Rock. AU to the Southern Raiders

No Sleep When it’s Wicked by Pilsur

Summary: Zuko wakes screaming and the gang want to know why

The Thing About Fire by Dracze

Summary: The Boiling Rock is a horrible place

That Intangible Feeling by joyster

Summary: Zuko is plagued with nightmares but this time it’s different.

A Lover of the Lights by euphorella

Summary: Zuko comes to terms with the aftermaths of the war.

The Most Ragged Edges by twinfinite

Summary: In hindsight, Zuko really should have seen this conversation coming. He can almost hear Li and Lo chanting wickedly about the magic of Ember Island, about waves smoothing away rough edges…

Suspension by Somewei

Summary: My heart dropped into my stomach as his body collapsed to the ground, the lightning disappearing into him. Zuko was not moving and could be dead. That was a heavy weight to carry.  (Katara witnesses Zuko’s fall to Azula’s lightning)

Pulse by isnt_it_pretty

Summary: Everybody is faced with decisions that can change their life. For Zuko, it was a crumpled suicide note, a bottle of pills, and a call to 911. Now, with the help of his caring uncle and new friends; the disgraced son of Senator Ozai must learn to cope with the after math, along with the years of abuse and suffering he has endured.

One by AvacadoLove

Summary: Chained and imprisoned, Zuko’s only escape is in his own memories. 

Friends or Acquaintances? by MastaDrumma22

Summary: Post Firebending Masters. Zuko struggles to find friendship in the gang. 

Only One Word by Arielen

Summary: After the flight from prison Hakoda has to decide, if he could trust the son of the firelord so easy as his children. But only one word can balance the scales. Set shortly after Episode 3.14/15 “The Boiling Rock”.  

Giving Back by AvacadoLove

Summary: When Zuko takes what should be Sokka’s punishment, it’s up to Sokka to heal him again. 

Scars by Luna Maria Boulevardes

Summary: “Maybe next you to feel like doing that, we could, I don’t know, talk. Or something.” Zuko has scars. Sokka has questions.  

Zuko: The Traitor’s Story by Thomson

Summary: When the Gaang goes to see the Ember Island Players, Zuko faces an unpleasant surprise: The play includes the story of his burning and banishment, still unknown to the others. The past is back to haunt-and mock-him. 

Scars That Do Not Heal by XrhiaX

Summary: Set between The Southern Raiders and The Ember Island Players, where the gang find out how Zuko got his scar. If Ozai doesn’t suffer at Aang’s hands, Zuko vows he will at his own son’s. 

Sorting the Skeins by Absenthe Wrae

Summary: In Ba Sing Se, while caring for Zuko during his metamorphosis, Iroh recollects the past and discovers one of his son’s secrets while sorting through the skeins of his memories. 

Stories Around the Fire by FirePony16

Summary: I pretend not to listen as they laughed around the fire…’ Zuko is feeling disconnected from the gang, he envies their close friendship with each other. Set after Firebending Masters but before Boiling Rock. 

What If by XrhiaX

Summary: What if Zuko hadn’t betrayed Katara in Ba Sing Se? 

A Voluntary Prisoner by Somariel

Summary: What if the Gaang had accepted Zuko’s offer to become their prisoner? 

Fever by Written Parody

Summary: A slightly AU moment that takes place between Zuko and Katara between the Ember Island Players and the finale. Zuko’s feeling a bit under the weather and Katara, being Katara, is there to help. 

Straight Answers by Em Dixon

Summary: All Hakoda wanted to know was why his daughter was so mean and nasty to Zuko. Why was it so hard to get a straight answer from that boy? Set after The Boiling Rock. 

One of Them by TheOneHope

Summary: Life at the Western Air Temple was hard enough, or so Zuko thought. Until one day a mysterious man abducts the injured prince. The Gaang will need to race against the clock if they are to save their friend in time.

Fragile by Galimeril

Summary: He was Fire Nation. The enemy. Something made of nightmare that deserved everything he got, right? Then why was Toph acting like he was…a person?  

Lost Boy by Mynerva

Summary: Takes place after the episode “The Western Air Temple”. Zuko is eager to please but runs into some trouble and ends up being taken prisoner by a group of men hired by the Fire Lord himself. 

Healing by ShenYue

Summary: Training at the Western Air Temple goes wrong and Zuko is injured. Katara is forced to examine her feelings before she is ready and the rest of the GAang continues to struggle coming to terms with the realities of war. 

Night Terrors by ErgoMaria

Summary: What if Ozai’s abuse of Zuko went beyond harsh words and a burned face? What if the abuse occurred every night, with atrocities committed beneath the cover of darkness? Zuko’s tale of anger, fear, frustration, and perhaps even moving beyond. 

Bitter Taste by paracosim

Summary: What if the Agni Kai hadn’t just scarred Zuko, but took his sight away almost completely? 

Stuck in a Hole by VickyVicarious

Summary: Mid-season one Zuko and Sokka are trapped in a hole by corrupt Earth Kingdom soldiers and have to work together to get out. Only problem is, they’re feeling less than cooperative. …Especially Zuko. “Make no mistake, Water Tribe; the enemy of my enemy is still my enemy." 

Long Live The Prince by Julia451

Summary: Set just after "The Boiling Rock.” Aang and the others learn the story of how Zuko got his scar from the newcomer Chit Sang, who thought the prince had been killed three years ago. 

Not Your Enemy by FireLordFrowny

Summary: After a battle gone wrong, Prince Zuko finds himself stranded, hideously and helplessly injured, and the only person around or willing to help him is the Avatar. This is a story of conflict, compassion, and understanding, as the two boys each learn to appreciate the other’s motives. 

Scarred and Accepted by theoriginalbookthief07

Summary: Set later in the night during the episode The Ember Island Players. Zuko opens up about his past and Sokka is there to listen…and give a surprising offer. 

In Silence by Floranna

Summary: The young man was standing in the back with Chit Sang while he and Suki greeted the others. 

Falling Slowly by Relik

Summary: AU season 2. Katara finds that it is difficult to hate someone when you know them, and harder still to hurt them when you are responsible for healing them. Zuko discovers forgiveness and understanding taste sweet, even coming from an enemy. 

Dona Nobis Pacem by SoBadAtBeingGood

Summary: The Fire Nation Royal Family is hated around the world. Princess Izumi knows this. But will she be able to handle the pressures and dangers of her position, especially when so many want to attack her father through her. 

Melting Fire by Gbuggie

Summary: “He doesn’t care!” Zuko roared, his voice echoing around the temple. “He doesn’t care that you’re the Avatar, and he doesn’t care that I’m his son!” He shocked himself as well as the others at his outburst. Katara suddenly realized that the conversation wasn’t just about war.

Burns by Slumberdore

Summary: The Gaang investigates the mysterious burns on Zuko’s chest. Set on Ember Island, just after they arrive and settle in.

Burned Roots by DWGolondor

Summary: When Sokka and Aang one day finds a portray of Zuko’s family, they can’t help but wonder what happened to them. With this thought in their minds the gang finds out about Zuko’s darkest secrets. 

A Prisoner of Your Own Mind by pearlynn

Summary:  After becoming Azula’s prisoner, Zuko finds himself losing all sense of anything. When the Gaang rescues him and see the damage inflicted, can Katara help him regain himself?

A Prisoner of Your Own Mind: Continuation by Ahnnxah

Summary: My take on what happened after PearLynns story A Prisoner of Your Own Mind. In her story, Azula captured Zuko and Uncle after the battle in the Earth Nation town. This picks up where that one left off. 

The Crown Hangs Heavy by mon-petit-pois

Summary: “They asked if we’d heard the news… about the Fire Nation prince. He was thirteen. Sokka’s age. I was… fascinated.” Hakoda does not know Zuko, but he knows of him. 

Come Marching Home by SoBadAtBeingGood

Summary: Modern AU. After the death of his son, Iroh decides to become a foster parent. But when he takes in a troubled young teenager named Zuko, he may find that it was more than he bargained for.  

Aftermath of War by Melting Angels

Summary: In the aftermath of war, Zuko is unable to celebrate the victory over the Phoenix King. Lying in a comatose state, Zuko is watched over by Katara, who cannot help but feel guilt, after he shielded her from Azula’s fateful lightning strike. Recalling the event, she vows to bring Zuko back to health, no matter the cost. After all, he had been ready to die for her. 

Escape From the Boiling Rock by TheKingsHorseAndTheKingsMen

Summary: Zuko attention was pulled from his sister for just a second, which he knew was one of the worst mistakes he could have made at that moment. When his eyes when back to his sister, the first thing he became aware of was blue fire hitting his chest and burning through his clothes and skin as he was thrown back. 

Another Brother by: AvacadoLove

Summary: 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. A Zuko joins the Water Tribe story. 

[awkwardvikingace]

The fact that both of zukos abusers used lightning against zuko and instead of learning to use lightning himself like he could have he learned how to redirect the lightning and let it pass through him and then straight clean out of him… Do you ever think about how that is literally physically representing how instead of absorbing his father and sisters abuse he lets it pass through him and instead of soaking it in and letting it destroy him he redirects it away from himself… I just want some peace in my life

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That is an excellent point

Zuko going into an angst coma because he made the right decision.

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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, from a letter featured in The Life & Letters of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

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if u are weird and unlikeable u need 2 survive…

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The Fallen Angel (1847) by Alexandre Cabanel vs Anakin Skywalker: Revenge of the Sith (2005) Dir. George Lucas

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[ Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith | Behind the Scenes ]

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I work as an administrator under a board of trustees. A couple of them were voicing their displeasure at the rise in minimum wage and blaming it alone for the rise in costs. They were wanting to use that as a reason to not give raises at all this year. You should have seen the look on their faces when I said that people shouldn't have to work 80 hours to afford to pay bills AND eat.

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Before the computing era, ILM was the master of oil matte painting, making audiences believe that some of the sets in the original Star Wars and Indiana Jones trilogy were real when they weren’t. They were the work of geniuses like Chris Evans, Michael Pangrazio, Frank Ordaz, Harrison Ellenshaw and Ralph McQuarrie ! Forever thank you, to their handmade art and the work of their colleagues, that made us dream of impossible worlds and fantastic places across Earth and the Universe.

There are more background paintings on this article, featuring comments by the masters/artists themselves ! 

Some of the following pieces were made by other artists 2:

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Another "oh SHIT" moment I had while watching Revenge of the Sith in the theaters was that I always had trouble with Palpatine revealing himself to Anakin like that, it felt so clunky and awkward and I just chalked it up to George Lucas saying so himself, that he writes scenes to move the story along. I love his work, but he's not always the smoothest writer. "But why would Palpatine reveal himself like that? Just blurt it out, knowing that Anakin wants to kill him? Because Anakin very much did want to kill the Sith Lord they'd been searching for! Knowing that Anakin might very well go tell the Jedi about him and they'd have an excuse to fight him directly?? He's usually so much more careful than that! This is just silly!" But thinking about Palpatine's masterful manipulation of Anakin in the other scenes (his story about Plagueis being designed to crack Anakin's moral foundation, his forcing the Jedi to put Anakin on the Council knowing they would object and use it to spy on him because he's aware they don't trust him, he says right to Anakin that he knows they're plotting against him and asked Anakin to spy on him, he knew that was what was going to happen, his suggesting Anakin be the one to go to Utapau knowing that they would choose someone better suited to it, etc.) I had a sudden brick to the face moment. Oh, shit, wait, no, he wanted Anakin to go to the Jedi! He wanted them to try to arrest him and then fight him, so he could say they were planning a coup and to force Anakin into a chaotic moment where he had no time to think, only to react, knowing that he would side with Palpatine out of fear of losing Padme. EVERYTHING Palpatine does with Anakin in that movie is a manipulation to get him right where Darth Sidious wants him. Even the parts that seem like he's suddenly overplaying his hand, no, he's doing that on purpose because he's setting up the dominoes so he can knock them down. And he needs Anakin to at least not be against him because, as he says, Anakin will be more powerful than all of them one day. No one can stand against him if Anakin is either with him or off the board by staying behind at the Temple. Because Palpatine has to get rid of the Jedi, it's not just revenge, it's because they're the only ones who can actually rival him. He may be one of the strongest Force users in the galaxy, but even he couldn't stand against 10,000 of them, especially not if Mace may very well have actually won that fight without Anakin's interference. Whatever happened, he needed to force that confrontation and he did it in the way that appealed to Anakin to save him, because he knew the Jedi wouldn't let him live, and Anakin might fight him, but he wouldn't do so whole-heartedly if Palpatine was making sad grandpa eyes at him and saying, "I beg you, use my knowledge to save Padme." That reveal isn't a scene written just to move the movie along, it's another chess move by Palpatine to force the situation into the end game, now that Dooku and Grievous were dead and he wanted his Empire to rise now.