luckyrave

[luckyrave]

I have soo many doodles of them😭

[luckyrave]

Wrapped up The Legacy of Yangchen

Finished reading The Legacy of Yangchen, and woah it was quite the tale to continue off the journey with Yangchen and Kavik after the events of Dawn (Book 1). There was a lot of inner turmoil that Yangchen had to go through from the betrayal alongside the political aspect of the situation with the Zongdu, The Anonymity, The Order of The White Lotus, and especially with her own standing as an Air Nomad and as The Avatar.

Kavik continues to play the perfect parallel to Yangchen with his own personal stance after the revelation that came with his older brother, and how that one decision created a rift between himself and The Avatar. Everything that Kavik tries to do throughout the story is not only be in the good graces of the team again, but more importantly prove himself to be a worthy companion, a worth friend, or maybe even something beyond friendship with Yangchen once again.

The layout for The Legacy of Yangchen is similar to Dawn (Book 1) in that you are always left on your toes wanting to know what happens next with Yangchen and Kavik whether or not they are gonna be okay by the very end of the journey. The impact that Yangchen leaves on the world during her era and the trials she places on Kavik to earn back what was once lost before. It was also just so meaningful to see how things came to an end with their personal dynamic and that even though what they went through was over, there was still more stories to be told with Yangchen and Kavik in the future.

As far as negatives go, There is one particular story thread with The Zongdu particular with Chaisee and Kalayaan that could've been more explored. The same thing could also be said when it pertained to Jujinata's side of the story too. More than anything, The Legacy of Yangchen would've really benefitted with an epilogue like how The Dawn of Yangchen had one in a more conclusive sense.

Now that I have read This duology I can happily say that it really made love and appreciate Yangchen's character so much with everything she had to go through from Dawn to Legacy. How decisions she made weren't ultimately easy and that despite being so powerful she was still human that needed to rely on others, and that's the benefit of Kavik being there to help her throughout it all. Which yes, Yangvik all the way they are just so great and a lot can be told of their journey in the future at some point whether its a future novel, a comic, or an animated series... Legend of Yangchen < - now that has a nice ring to it.

Rating: Amazing

Overall Rating (The Yangchen Duology): Amazing

[luckyrave]

Avatar The Last Airbender Episode 23 (Book 2: Episode 3) Highlights: Return to Omashu

Aang couldn't believe the sight that stood before him with The City of Omashu which he believed was untouchable until now, and it led both Sokka and Katara to suggest they find someone else for Aang to learn Earthbending. A statement that didn't exactly go so well because they had little faith about Bumi's fate, but Aang wants to know what really happened. It wasn't just about him to seek out an Earthbending Teacher, but rather to know whether or not his oldest friend was still alive.

They were able to use a method to sneak into the city with a very different method than the one used previously. This one pertained to the usage of the sewer system for them to enter Omashu which came with a case of pentapox for Sokka. A situation that really benefited them once approached by a few fire nation soldiers because Katara advised them that Sokka had Pentapox which was considered to be highly contagious and it led the soldiers to flee in fear of getting sick and to even burn their clothes in the process.

On the other hand, Azula was left contemplated with her approach in capturing Zuko and Iroh which left her to one particular idea. She needed to gather a small team that is the elitest of the elite, and how it would be best to run into some old friends. One of these friends happened to be a circus girl who was really great at Gymnastics and chiblocking which was none other than Ty Lee whom Azula wanted to recruit and wanted to see her show.

During the search for his missing friend, Aang and the others were spotted by a Fire Nation royal family that occupied Omashu under their rule, and before any chance was made to be struck by Mai and her daggers. They were brought to safety and hid underground and discovered refugees along with ressistence fighters who wanted to fight to take back their city. That was when Aang, Katara, and Sokka learned that the day Omashu had been invaded by The Fire Nation that Bumi had surrendered without even a single fight.

The leader of the Ressitence had told Aang they were still ready to fight to secure freedom even if it meant death, but The Avatar provided a different option. An oppertunity to leave Omashu so that they could live to survive another day. This would ultimately ensure the safety of the civilians from being harmed and a question to be raised. How exactly would they have been able to help everyone escape from the City unharmed.

It is all thanks to Sokka's plan to make sure everyone was covered with dozens of Pentapox so that they could be provided a safe passage out of Omashu without harm. The Governor was left appalled by the commotion that occured in the city till one of his soldiers explained the situation regarding Pentapox, and he ordered the men to make sure each of the people of the city were driven out so that the disease would cease.

Aang used this distraction as a means to locate Bumi all throughout the city and that led him to finding an old friend. Bumi's favorite pet Flopsy who had been in chains, but thanks to The Avatar's skills in waterbending he had been able to free him. Which only meant that things would be easy for Aang to try once more in locating Bumi.

In midst of all the commotion between Aang trying to find Bumi and the citizens escaping from Omashu, Momo was left in his own little endeavour. An endeavour to seek out something to eat because a Lemur needs to find something to satisfy it's stomach which led to The Governor's baby son to chase him around outside the city of Omashu simply by Momo's tail.

Azula had her own little method to make the show a bit more enticing by setting the net on fire and telling the ringmaster to release all the animals that are present. When the show came to an end, Ty Lee told The Fire Nation Princess that she will be happy to join her mission which leaves Azula pleased by the fact.

That same night, A messenger hawk was sent to the Resistence because The Governer believed that they had kidnapped his son in the commotion of Sokka's plan to escape. Thus, he offered a little terms of negotiation in exchange for returning his son, the ressistence will be given their king back. A scenario in which Aang was more than content with because it meant that his friend was safe and would be even more so if he got to live with the others.

Things would have gone well with the negotiations if it hadn't been for Azula who stepped into the City of Omashu, and told the Governor that she will handle the matters of the negotiations so that nothing went wrong. Just as the trade was about to be made with King Bumi for Mai's little brother, Tom Tom, Azula advised her friend that just didn't seem fair. This ultimately left Mai with a sense of conflict about the matter and called off the deal, but Aang wasn't gonna let that happen with how close Bumi had been.

Azula goes after Aang after discovering the arrow on his head while Katara and Sokka deal with Mai and Ty Lee. A battle that goes in one particular direction with Katara feeling victories until Ty Lee steps in to chi block the pressure points that renders her waterbending useless.

Aang was able to keep some distance between himself and Azula on his rescue to get Bumi to safety, but once she caught up to him The King of Omashu used earthbending to throw her off course. More than anything it came as a surprise to Aang that he could earthbend all this time, but this also left him confused in frustration at Bumi’s decision to surrender Omashu when it was invaded. That was where his old friend bright up the concept of Jing, but Aang knew of these concepts already. Positive jing which meant a person was on the offensive, and negative jing when a person retreats. However, Bumi introduces to Aang another concept behind Jing which was Neutro Jing where the person did nothing.

That was the key to basic key to earthbending a means to wait and listen before striking which was why Bumi can’t leave things the way they are now. Which also meant that Aang had to find a new Earthbending Teacher, but he tells him that they will be someone who waits and listens before striking. He gives his promise to Aang that they will see each other again when the time is right before forcing himself back up of where he had been.

Right as Azula and Ty Lee leave the city of Omashu, Mai makes a decision to join them because life had been boring. It also meant that things will be interesting when she sees Zuko again which left Mai with a smile by Ty Lee’s comment, but Azula notes that there was another target on their list to deal along with Zuko and Iroh. None other than going after Aang himself.

Finally, Aang peacefully brought Tom-Tom back on the porch where his parents had been. The Avatar hid above the roof to avoid being seen when the young baby reunited with The Governer and his wife and smiled away before he took off, but that brings an end to my highlights for Avatar The Last Airbender Episode 23. Catch you all again for my highlights on the next episode.

[luckyrave]

Avatar The Last Airbender Episode 22 (Book 2: Episode 2) Highlights: The Cave of Two Lovers

On their travels to Omashu, Aang, Katara, & Sokka are approached by a traveler of nomads from The Earth Kingdom who are Chong, Lily (his wife), & Moku. They display a care free spirit nature that allows one to feel very soothing to the soul. This was just a little after Aang had been in a middle of waterbending training with Katara. A training session that left him feeling flustered by her beauty in his eyes.

Zuko and Iroh had tried to survive their new lives as the fugitives who struggle to search for food to the point of starvation. During this instance, Iroh comes across a plant that could be used for herbal tea or be a deadly poison. A risk that he had taken which was revealed to be the latter and that prompted him to use some berries that will either cure him or blind him.

Zuko doesn't wanna take the risk of relying on plants and need to seek out help. Should it come to The Earth Kingdom, they would be executed, but it came to The Fire Nation than they'd be turned over to Azula. So they both came to a decision to travel to the Earth Kingdom instead.

All the while, Aang, Katara and Sokka tell Chung and the other Nomads that they are headed for Omashu where they learn of a secret passage to get there, but it has this mysterious curse in the the myths that initially draws them away from that short cut. Their mind however quickly changes when The Fire Nation had persued them as it led the trio with the other nomads to take that forbidden approach, and it was then that they were trapped in the caves thanks to The Fire Nation sealing the entrance.

On the flip side of the spectrum, Zuko awaits in a nearby town where his uncle is being treated from the poison he had consumed thanks to a girl named Song who she invites them over to dinner after they were asked about their names. Zuko went by the name of Lee and quickly gave Iroh the name of Mushi. He came to learn that Song seen her father since The Fire Nation captured her father, and comes to her that his father is also fighting in the war as well.

Aang and Katare are seperated from Sokka, Momo, Chung and the other Earth Kingdom Nomads after they were sealed in The Cave of Two Lovers, but that more was caused after Appa panicked by the approach of a wolfbat. The Bison had been along with Aang and Katara that they need to make it out of the cave together. Despite the fact that The Water Tribe Warrior isn't pleased to stuck with Chung, Lily and Moku, he swallows his pride with the same belief as Aang and Katara. They needed to find a way to make it out of the caves alive.

That night, Zuko had been on the porch outside of the house when Song sat beside him, and knew how much The Fire Nation hurt him from the scar on his face. This was something that Zuko holds her hand back from the tender touch, but she understood the reason completely after revealing burned scars on her leg. A sight that just took him by surprised because it was the first time Zuko got to see the harm his country had inflicted to someone from another nation.

In the mean time, Aang and Katara come stumbled upon a tomb that was spoken about in the mythos. The tale of two lovers who came from conflicted towns, and they both just wanted to escape from the danger. The man and the woman formed an intimate relationship and met secretly in a cave where they learned Earthbending by observations of the Badgermoles. A labyrinth was built so that nobody from either town could discover the sacred spot they found together, but one day the man died in the middle of the war.There had been so much pent rage that was within the woman who had the power to put an end to the conflict once and for all.

It was through her actions that the the two towns came together in peace and built a city in honor of the love that the man and woman held for one another. The man was known as Shu and the woman known as Oma, and together the city of Omashu was formed, and it inspired Katara with the idea that if her and Aang shared a kiss than they could find their way out. Which doesn't exactly go super well because Aang had missed the chance to go with her suggestion which led Katara to storm out ahead of him.

Later on that night, Zuko and Iroh had bid their farewells to Song and her mother after they shared an excellent meal with them. The Earth Kingdom Girl encourages Zuko to not give up on hope because The Avatar had returned which was a fact that he was fully aware of. It wasn't long after they a bit of ways from Song's house did Zuko make the decision to steal the ostritch horse from the family which was something Iroh was against but ultimately gave in when he insisted. Song peaked through the door to have witnessed the incident which left her with a sense of disspointed and sadness in Zuko before she closed the door.

Sokka, Chung, Lily, and Moku are approached by giant Badgermoles who were relentless and vicious, and it seemed things weren't gonna go well for them until Sokka accidently stepped onto an instrument. The sounds of the instruments left the creatures astounded when Sokka attempted to sing a song along with Chung and the other nomads to tame them so that they could find their way out of the labyrinth. A harmonizing method that does wonders for all of them who get aboard the creatures and begin to make their way out.

Aang and Katara were also met in a situaton only their torch was about to run out, and that meant the two would've trapped in darkness. Time was of the essence for the young lovers who knew exactly what needed to be done at last while their torch was still till lit. A single gaze into the other's eyes before they embraced in a heartfelt kiss that caused crystals to be illuminated on the cave's sealing and that meant one thing. Aang and Katara could finally see daylight at last once they made it to the exit of the tunnel.

Finally, The gang had been able to reunite with one another and shared the methods that were used to for them to make it out alive, but also bid their farewells to Chung, Lily and Moku who went off in another direction. It was a little after this Aang, Katara and Sokka made their way up the ridge to The City of Omashu, and that meant Aang's earthbending training with Bumi can happen at last. Until they were left in horror at the sight of Omashu now being under the reign of The Fire Nation, but that brings an end to my highlights for Avatar The Last Airbender Episode 22. Catch you all again for my highlights on the next episode.

[luckyrave]

Avatar The Last Airbender Episode 21 (Book 2: Episode 1) Highlights: The Avatar State

Coming off from The Siege of The North, Aang is dealt with a terrifying nightmare where he witnessed himself in The Avatar State doing the immense destructive power that was displayed from him at three distinct points of time. The first that happened at The Southern Air Temple after he was Gyatso’s remains along with the second instance at the Temple Of Roku, and then his most recent victory after he merged with The Ocean Spirit.

It gives him a moment to catch his breath before Katara notices Aang being alone where he confides in her about his nightmare. The dangers of what The Avatar State could hold when he witnessed it from the outside since he’s never conscious of what unfolds when he’s in that state during a battle. Katara does give a sense of comfort before they both head back in to sleep for the rest of the night on the ship before bidding farewell to Master Paku the following morning.

Zuko had left with a sense of silence because it had been the anniversary of three years since his banishment from The Fire Nation. Everything had changed for Zuko since the day he lost his honor in the Agni Kai against his father Firelord Ozai. A duty in which he can only recover if he’s able to capture Aang. It is also very telling that a span of 3 weeks had passed since the North Pole.

Which brings us over to the topic of the prodigy little sister of The Fire Nation, Azula. She knows exactly the objective at hand that needs to be done which is to have Zuko and Uncle Iroh captured because of the events that transpired at The North Pole. A royal decree she announces to members on her ship so that they are prepared for what’s to come should they hesitate against her in the slightest.

Aang, Katara, and Sokka are greeted by General Fong and his soldiers at The Earth Kingdom Capitol where they’d be provided with an escort to Omashu. All so Aang could begin his Earthbending training with Bumi, but Fong believes Aang is ready to face The Firelord because of the force he represented in The Avatar State. A sheer sense of power that Aang could only trigger if his eyes and tatoos glowed, but even up to this point it was something Aang wasn't so sure of how to activate.

Katara even tried to vouch for him that the plan was for him to master all four elements so that he could defeat Firelord Ozai, and that was something Aang agreed with. The General understood where he had come from and showed him the infirmary of wounded soldiers that were lucky to have survived, but with each day more and more are dying. It was all up to Aang to put an end to everything.

Meanwhile, Zuko and Uncle Iroh are visited by Azula who attempts to persuade them that their father regrets the banishment place on The Prince and wants them to return home immediately. This turn of events left the two members of the royal family appalled by Azula's statement and needed time to ponder about the news given. Zuko couldn't believe the news that Ozai had sent out and felt so thrilled about the situation, but Iroh doesn't believe that to have been the case because it didn't seem like something his brother would ever do. It leaves Zuko with an outburst with listening to the potential warning that might come their way.

At the same time, Aang had given thought to what General Fong had said and agreed to take on The Firelord, and that leads to them to a couple methods to trigger The Avatar State. The first was for Aang to take in a special herbal tea which would maximize his aura to a tenfold degree except for the fact that it just made him super hyperactive. The second attempt was for a ritual that would showcase Aang depicting cloths from each of the four nations, but the result of it only caused him to sneeze.

The following evening. Katara had a heart to heart chat with Aang on the balcony when it came to the day he found Gyatso's remains at The Southern Air Temple. When that caused him to into Avatar State out of rage and frustration which left Katara sense with fear and worry for his wellbeing. Even though he was glad to hear her words, Aang still felt this decision has to be done by defeating The Firelord, and Katara tells him that it's a choice she can't see him to this to himself.

The following day, Zuko and Iroh had gotten their things ready to board the ship with Azula so they could head back home. Zuko could feel the sense of weight being lifted off his shoulders the closer he approached the ship, but his uncle felt something was suspicious about the whole situation without making it known. Azula's plan almost came to fruition had it not been for Captain to address Zuko and Iroh as prisoners which led a huge domino effect for the Uncle and Nephew to fight off The Princess and her soldiers.

In midst of everything, Aang tried to talk to the General about the conclusion he came to with The Avatar State, and how the only way to trigger it is if he was put in true anger. A conclusion that led to Fong with only one possible answer which was to attack Aang at all cost even if it meant putting Sokka and Katara in danger. All of this would come to an end if Aang entered The Avatar State which would mean the safety of Katara.

By the time, Katara completely sank in front of Aang did things take a turn as he finally entered The Avatar State and took huge heavy blow to The Earth Kingdom Capitol to Fong and his soldeirs, but in midst of all this Aang was brought into The Spirit World where he communicated with Avatar Roku where he was told the truth. The capabilities of The Avatar State where indeed unimaginable in terms of raw strength for an Avatar, but it also meant they were very vunerable too. If there were ever a situation where The Avatar was killed in The Avatar State it would mean the end of the Reincarnation cycle thus the end of The Avatar as a whole.

Shifting back over to the situation with Zuko to square off against his younger sister was something to behold, and Iroh also did what was best to take on her soldiers. It was here where Azula revealed to Zuko the truth that Ozai didn't really care about him, and would rather have him locked up to prevent any further embarassment. A statement that left him even more annoyed at the fact where Azula was about to generate lightning to deal with finishing blow to him had it been for Iroh to deflect the attack, and by a miracle escape the clutches of Azula along with the ship.

In the aftermath of the damage Aang had unleashed in The Avatar State left him with a such of dread and sadness over the situation, but Katara gave him comfort to ensure it wasn't his fault. General Fong couldn't be more than pleased over the results and claimed that a situation had to be made to keep Aang in control, but Sokka knocks him out with his club after the statement about heading to The Fire Nation came into play.

Sokka looked to the other soldiers that General Fong had ordered during the test to see if anyone had a problem with that remark, but they all declined nervously after seeing Aang's destructive power. When asked about whether an escort to Omashu was needed for them to be in place, Aang, Katara, and Sokka were okay of heading straight for Omashu themselves without the assistence of an escort.

Finally, Zuko and Iroh had been able to make enough ground away from Azula and her guards which led them to pause for a moment near a pond. They both looked to one another and knew exactly what needed to be done since they were wanted fugitives from here on out. Zuko had drawn out a knife to remove his top knot and passed it over to Iroh for the same reason because they both know things would difficult from here on out, but that brings an end to my highlights for Avatar The Last Airbender Episode 21 which is only just the beginning of Book 2: Earth. Catch you all again for my highlights on the next episode.

[luckyrave]

Next on Deck: The Kyoshi Novels (The Rise of Kyoshi & The Shadow of Kyoshi)

All I’m gonna say is that I am so loving this immersion lately with my rewatch of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and lately with my read through of The Dawn of Yangchen along with currently in my reading for The Legacy of Yangchen.

I just couldn’t contain my excitement to learn another Avatar’s journey and since chronologically it only makes sense… I’ll be jumping into The Kyoshi Duology Novels next starting on Saturday April 5th! 😁

[luckyrave]

Yangvik admiration and love thanks to Legacy of Yangchen

Been so immersed into Legacy of Yangchen that I haven’t had the time to mention some highlights when it’s come to the moments between Yangchen and Kavik.

Which just wanna mention this right now that currently I am super close to wrapping up the story, but not entirely rushing it either. It’s been a read at my own pace which each chapter I’ve read has made me like I need to read the next one but also I placed a 3 chapter per day rule that way I don’t exactly rush my reading lol

That all said, I will say that I really thought I loved the Yangchen & Kavik’s relationship from the 1st book (Dawn), but so far in Legacy of Yangchen i’vd really loved Yangvik even more!!

[luckyrave]

why do they compel me so

[luckyrave]

Reliving The Journey of Avatar: The Last Airbender Book 2: Earth

It's finally that time to continue the rewatch journey of Avatar: The Last Airbender once again with Aang, Katara, Sokka, Suki, Zuko in Book 2: Earth.

Things went well throughout the course of Book 1: Water, but the events to unfold here will say so much more.

[luckyrave]

Wrapped up The Dawn of Yangchen

Finished reading The Dawn of Yangchen last Sunday, and it was so fascinating to read about the journey Yangchen goes through because it was so unexpected for all the right reasons. Being a fully realized Avatar at the age of 17 really spoke a lot about Yangchen, but at the same time the contrast between her skills as bender and who she is deep down was so special.

Kavik was such a huge surprise because I didn't think that he would be super interesting as a character, but getting his perspective during the era of Yangchen as The Avatar was so crucial. It also just speaks so much when you get to witness where he starts off at the very beginning of the novel and where The Waterbender is at the very end.

There's so much nuance in Dawn of Yangchen that would be lost had the story not been told from a dual perspective between Yangchen and Kavik. I say that because they are both able to compliment one another so well when together, but also witness where they both stand individually which is always great. What is even more remarkable about their dynamic is the subtlety in the chemistry they both share throughout the book that just feels so organic and realistic especially by the end. Yangchen and Kavik are without a doubt the heart and soul of this novel, and I can't wait to see where their journey goes in the next one: The Legacy of Yangchen.

Now as far as negatives are concerned many have said there is not a lot of bending action, and I could see that to a degree. However, the minimal action in the novel is made up greatly by the spy thriller which just keeps you at the edge of the seat. I will say there were brief instances in the 2nd third of the book that did drag on, but nothing that hurt the the story.

Rating: Amazing

[luckyrave]

Avatar: The Last Airbender Book 1 - Water Retrospective Rating

I may have finished my highlights on all the episodes for Avatar: The Last Airbender Book 1: Water, but one thing still remains. My full retrospective thoughts on the the first season as a whole after having rewatched it recently, and all I'm gonna do is discuss briefly on my thoughts for each episode unless it's a two part.

So let's go ahead and begin this once and for all with:

Episodes 1 & 2: The Boy in The Iceberg & The Avatar Returns

One could easily group the first two episodes seperately as their own thing, but given that they were aired together as a 1 hour special when the show debuted it only makes sense to group them together.

There was a lot of intrigue and wonder when it pertained to the world of Avatar The Last Airbender, and it really did an incredible job to establish Aang as the protagonist, but also set up what it is Katara aims to be for her goal, and of course with Sokka along with the establishment of The Fire Nation as the adversaries. Most importantly what it does for The Prince of The Fire Nation, Zuko with his own personal motives that sets up a lot for a journey.

Rating: Pure Perfection

Episode 3: The Southern Air Temple

Listen I've already said my piece when it came to what the contents of the episode, but considering how Aang felt from what he discovered one just couldn't help but feel for The Avatar that despite the loss his people , Katara and Sokka now taking the place as his family. At the same time there was still a lot to be said once more Zuko wanting to keep things a secret about Aang because he didn't want anyone to get in his way, and that led to Zhao discovering what the damages. That led Zuko down to a declaration of an Agni Kai against Zhao to prove his point despite what happened the last time he took part in an Agni Kai in the past against The Master. There was just a lot to say when it came to both our hero and of course the antagonist who was set up.

Rating: Pure Perfection

Episode 4: The Warriors of Kyoshi

On the surface one could say that The Warriors of Kyoshi doesn't really add too much to the overall narrative of Book 1 as whole. That statement isn't necessarily entirely wrong because it's very self contained, but that isn't to say that The Warriors of Kyoshi isn't important. This episode actually add a lot of value for Aang when it came to the attention he received being The Avatar two generations after Kyoshi along with how that affects his bond with Katara, and of course with Sokka coming to terms with his mindset about Suki and the warriors. Most importantly its the seeds from this episode that are planted here that bloom into the series as a whole.

Rating: Amazing

Episode 5: The King of Omashu

This one is very much similar to the previous one in the sense that it is very much a self contained story that doesn't do a lot for the overall importance for Book 1 as whole, but does a lot for what's to come for the future of the series. Aang being met with a series of trials by The King of Omashu and having to think about what ahead really set worth a lot when it comes to his intellect, and that plays a heavy part into the revelation pertaining to The King himself.

Rating: Amazing

Episode 6: Imprisoned

Another episode that falls into the similar list as the previous two that came before, and one might ask "So is there anything to say here?" There's a lot that it does for Katara's character in trying to help Haru and the other imprisoned Earthbenders to get their spirit back against The Fire Nation. Aang and Sokka don't play too much of a heavy role which is fine, and for the importance of Book 1 it doesn't much overall. However, what is demonstrated here with Katara does play a bigger role in the future of the series as a whole.

Rating: Great+

Episodes 7 & 8: The Winter Solstice

There is a lot I've already spoken about when it comes The Winter Solstice, and given that this is a two parter it only makes sense to group together as one. The concept of The Spirit World being introduced and what it means for Aang as The Avatar, but more importantly his first direct conversation with his predecessor, Roku of The Fire Nation. One in which sets up so much for Aang's journey moving forward when it comes to his eventual battle against Fire Lord Ozai and the relation a comet Fire Lord Sozin used to initiate The 100 Year War.

Rating: Pure Perfection

Episode 9: The Waterbending Scroll

This one really sets the mark up for Aang and Katara when it comes to the essence of waterbending. Katara having felt like a novice at her skills in comparison to Aang's natural gifts as The Avatar really was a great thing to be explored, and does so much for their overall relationship especially when The Waterbending Scroll comes into play. It could be viewed as a little lesser than Imprisoned (Episode 6), but The Pirates do play a brief minor part towards the end which helped keep it relevance to Book 1 as a whole.

Rating: Great

Episode 10: Jet

A very self contained tale that is centered around Jet and his freedom fighters whom Aang, Katara, and Sokka come across after being nearly ambushed by a group of Firebenders. It has a lot of interesting themes when exploring beliefs and ideologies of good and really does so much for Sokka's character as a warrior in contrast to what Jet stands for as a character. Now given the nature of the episode, Jet and The Freedom Fighters don't play a huge role in the rest of Book 1, but their importance to the future says otherwise.

Rating: Great+

Episode 11: The Great Divide

I'm not even gonna beat around the bush when it comes to Episode 11 known as The Great Divide. The reason being is because this was one that had been talked to death in the Avatar community, and all I'm gonna say is it is the one episode doesn't add too much to the overall series. Mostly because The Gan Jins and The Zhangs don't really ever appear again in the rest of the series. It does however provide an interesting stance on perspectives which is cool, but that's really it.

Rating: Okay

Episode 12: The Storm

Wow what a contrast from the previous episode, and going straight into One of the best episodes in Avatar: The Last Airbender period. The definition of two sides of the same coin perfectly describes the essence of Aang and Zuko's personal upbringing. Each starting out with a sense of curiosity and being led to a decision that shapes where our hero and our villain stands in the series. The day Aang become The Avatar, and the day Zuko received the scar on his eye. In fact, one could even say that things really change an outlook on how Zuko is viewed as a character. He is still the antagonist but not necessarily in the sense of the villian, but more of the anti-hero, and the way both Aang and Zuko parallel one another is so master class.

Rating: Pure Perfection

Episode 13: The Blue Spirit

The definition of being kept on your toes is a great way when it pertains to The Blue Spirit. Aang trying to find some herbs to cure Katara and Sokka from their sickness due to the events from the Storm which led to him being captured by Zhao who had been promoted to Admiral. It is also where you are introduced to The Blue Spirit character and you are just unsure as to what their goal to save The Avatar and the reveal behind the mask is so genius. The perfect followup coming off from The Storm.

Rating: Pure Perfection

Episode 14: The Fortuneteller

The big importance to The Fortuneteller is further solidifying the chemistry and budding romance between Aang and Katara. All that pertains ot the future was in store for the eventual couple to be, and it is without a doubt a sweet episode, but one could say this was more tell than show, and that could be a hinderance especially since Aunt Wu doesn't really play anything critical in the story beyond this episode.

Rating: Good

Episode 15: Bato of The Water Tribe

It's always great to learn more about Sokka and Katara's culture in the Water Tribe especially with Bato who grew up their father Hakoda. Very similarly to some of the other episodes like Imprisoned, and Jet it can be considered self contained, but on with a lot of importance. ritual to dictate where the trio is marked on their trial and that provides a valuable lesson to Aang, Katara, and Sokka. Not to mention it does bring one plot thread to a close in regards to Katara's necklace that belonged to her mother, and also June is such an interesting character.

Rating: Great

Episode 16: The Deserter

Fire can be a very dangerous thing to handle, and that was something Aang learned first hand upon his excitement to learn from Jeong Jeong who deserted from The Fire Nation Army a long time ago. He knew that learning Firebending needed to be done and in midst of his excitement that came with consequences that just stuck with The Avatar in a belief that The Deserter warned him about. A simple fact that Aang just wasn't ready to learn Firebending. Yes, it is a self contained tale, but much like some of the others The Deserter does a lot when it comes to Aang's growth as the main protagonist.

Rating: Amazing

Episode 17: The Northern Air Temple

The idea of revisit an ancient relic that comes from Aang's past in particular his heritage as an Air Nomad is really sweet. The opportunity for him to revisit The Northern Air Temple again after so many years really threw him for a surprise that was similar to what happened at his home in The Southern Air Temple. The Fire Nation was involved in particular to the Past when it came to the eradication of The Air Nomads, but even now currently at The Northern Air Temple towards a group of refugees seeking shelter. Aang had a lot to come to terms with when it came to his beliefs and accepting what lies in the present for the refugees which is great for his growth, but like many other episodes it's very much self contained that sets up so much for the future.

Rating: Good+

Episode 18: The Waterbending Master

The Waterbending Master has a lot to say for Aang and Katara since after a long journey they finally arrived at The Northern Water Tribe, and of course Sokka finding himself in a trance of love for The Princess of The Northern Tribe. They learn that things aren't exactly what they seem to be due to cultures and beliefs in particular with Katara in proving herself as a worthy Waterbender to be trained under the same guidance as The Avatar. A result in which comes with an interesting revelation about her heritage and connection to The Waterbending Master himslf. Not to mention, what it means for the impending battle that is about to be ensued by The Fire Nation.

Rating: Amazing+

Episodes 19 & 20: The Siege of The North

There is a lot ways to consider the closure to a particular book in this case to a season, and Avatar: The Last Airbender demonstrated this through it's two part finale The Siege of The North. It gave Aang a chance to shine especially when it came to his display of being The Avatar in the battle that The Water Tribe had to face against The Fire Nation. It's also a great parallel in that Book 1 begins with Southern Water Tribe, and it ends here at The Northern Water Tribe. A battle that wasn't particular an easy victory, and it came with a cost on both sides of the spectrum. Especially for what it does Zuko's journey moving forward, and as they say the battle may have been victorious, but the war still wages on.

Rating: Pure Perfection

So with this now being said, and done after viewing all the episodes of Water as a whole. There's a lot to be said about the journey Aang, Katara, and Sokka have went through from where they started off and where they've ended up by final moments of The Book. Especially when you get to witness what the journey had been for Zuko early on in the season and to see that there's more to him than meets the eye by the end of this Book.

Overall Rating: Great+

[luckyrave]

Avatar The Last Airbender Episodes 19-20 Highlights: The Siege of The North

The Siege is about to be underway between The Waterbenders of The Northern Water Tribe and Zhao's command of Fire Nation Fleet in order to in act his plan to destroy the last of the Water Tribe civilization. He is aware that Aang was also there, but isn't afraid in the slightest.

Master Paku is quite impressed with how advanced Katara had gotten in the time he spent when it came to waterbending training. He also pointed out how raw talent alone wasn't exactly enough when in reference to Aang who had just relaxed for the time being, and even asked that he take part in the sparring circle before he prompted to do something goofy.

Sokka and Yue had been on a little activity which mostly centered around a ride on Appa, and it was one that The Princess very much enjoyed a lot. She even went on to say that despite how great of a time they had it was too confusing of a situation to be around him before they sooted the soot mixed with snow and that meant The Fire Nation had been close. Given the past history Sokka had when The Southern Water Tribe attacked, he could tell that there was a lot of them on their shoreline.

When it came to the approaching threat, Aang did note how he wasn't there for his people when The Fire Nation attacked each of the Air Temples, and vowed that he would now make a difference. Next to Katara at his side that he would fight alongside with her and the rest of the Waterbenders of The North to take on impending threat of Zhao's army of Fire Nation soldiers.

On the other hand, Zuko had been ready to take off into The North so he could get his hands on Aang before being confronted by Iroh who had came to give him a bit of a nag on purpose. A purpose that deeply affected the old retired General because since the death of his son he had seen Zuko as his own. One that came with a promise in which they'll see each other again after Aang had been captured.

Near the end of the first night of conflict, Aang had begun to feel worn out because of how many ships had been along the sea, and that he had only been one kid. The bright side behind all of this was simply that that moon gave the waterbender a massive boost which only caused a temporary ceasefire from The Fire Nation till the brink of dawn rose next. When the topic of the Moon spirit came up it gave Aang an idea that perhaps he could get in contact with them for some assistance in the battle that had unfolded currently, and that led Yue to escort both Aang and Katara to The Spirit Oasis where he could enter The Spirit World.

In midst of all of that taking place, Zuko shows himself in the Oaasis where he quicky took on Katara who vouched to defend Aang while he had been in The Spirit World. A delicate situation that would've worked well in Zuko's favor because it meant that The Avatar had been vulnerable and be taken captured. Even so, Katara refused to back down and nearly had the situation under control by keeping The Prince of The Fire Nation in a tight bind.

A bind that only lasted til the rise of the next morning sun, and that gave Zuko just the advantage he needed to take Katara down. The obvious reason was that a Waterbender always rises with The Moon, but a Firebender always rises with The Sun. Due to this incident, Zuko is able to escape with Aang and make his way up far enough away from being spotted, and led for The Fire Nation to have begun their next assualt on The Northern Water Tribe.

Now that Aang had been in The Spirit World he had been able to find a way to communicate with Avatar Roku once more about the recent events. A matter in which he needed great guidance from both The Moon Spirit and The Ocean Spirit to which his predecessor told him there had only been one who had been old enough to remember. A spirit named Koh, but a dangerous one who would steal faces if the being showed any ounce of emotion.

Back on Zhao's ship, Iroh expresses some concern to The Admiral about The Waterbenders being virtually unbeatable when it comes to the rise of The Full Moon. A situation that Zhao remained rather calm because he found a way to remove the moon after he had discovered a hidden library underground in The Earth Kingdom when it pertained to the spirit of the moon and the spirit of ocean. A discovery that led him to believe it was destiny to destroy the mortal forms of both spirits. This didn't exactly sit will for Iroh as the spirits shouldn't be trifled with of any regard.

Back in the Spirit World, Aang confronts Koh The Face Stealer in order to learn about The Moon Spirit and Ocean Spirit. In a sense he shared the same situation that was already given to Avatar Roku, and Aang desperately needed their help. Koh quickly refuted his statement by saying it was incorrect he didn't need their help at all. The situation was quite the opposite because the truth of the matter was that The Moon Spirit and Ocean Spirit needed his help, and how their mortal forms are always within an eternal dance. Everything quickly fell into place for Aang once he realized where the spirits had been this entire time all before returning back to The Physical World thanks to Hei Bai.

Unknown to him that Zuko had kept his body close by after being trapped in a blizzard, and it was then he referenced the struggles that's happened in his life thus far. Even if it was a case of Aang being stuck in the spirit world during that period, Zuko briefly talked about his sister of how everyone adored her for being a firebending prodigy, and how his father said Zuko was lucky to be born. A fact that Zuko never really agreed with because he didn't need lucky because all the struggles he's endured in his life had made him the person that he is in the moment.

It's not long after that Aang returns back to physical world and finds himself next to Zuko only to be confronted by Katara, Sokka, and Yue. All of which leads to a rematch between Katara and Zuko once more only this time it favors well with the Water Bender who left The Fire Nation Prince knocked out. Only as they are about to take off does Aang decide to take Zuko with him because should he have been left then it would mean his death. A scenario in which Aang didn't want to get his hands dirty in the slightest.

Thus, a return to The Spirit Oasis comes into play with Zhao who had gotten his hands on The Moon Spirit only to be confronted by Aang, and company who pleaded The Admiral to not destroy the spirit. It also goes without saying that General Iroh even vouched for what Aang asked because The Fire Nation needed the moon just as much the other nations do. At first, it appeared as if Zhao had done the right thing until he struck a cord against The Moon Spirit which left Iroh to unleash a tenfold on the soldiers who accompanied him while he made a run for it. A result that had led him to darken the moon.

Hope seemed like it was at a great loss, but Aang became in tune with The Avatar State where he merges with The Ocean Spirit as they make their assault onto the battlefield. One single sight of the massive Koi Spirit led to The Waterbenders bowing in respect, and The Firebenders to fight back which doesn't go well for them at all.

At the Oasis, Katara attempted to do everything in her power to revive The Moon Spirit however nothing exactly worked in their favor. A scenario in which Hope itself seemed like it was lost, but Iroh realized that Yue had been touched by Moon Spirit and some of it's life energy lives inside of her. A decision that The Princess had content to make because it had gave her life as a baby and now she could give it back, but Sokka refused to let that happen because he promised her father to keep Yue safe. Even with his plea, Yue went through with decision to transfer her life force to The Moon Spirit which revived the fish as it resulted in The Princess's death. Her pyhsical body faded away into nothingness to which now Yue herself became The Moon Spirit and gave her farewell to Sokka with a kiss and promised to always be with him.

Zuko had confronted Zhao prior to those events because he knew from the start that The Admiral wanted him dead. The reason was simply put that Zuko had been The Blue Spirit which made hm an enemy of The Fire Nation who freed The Avatar, but Zuko had no choice in the matter. The two Firebenders found themselves in a clash for a period of time before The Ocean Spirit seperated himself from Aang after he had been worn out, and taken Zhao captive into The Spirit World for all eternity never to be seen or heard again. Even though, Zuko tried his best to saved The Admiral out of the kindness of his heart, Zhao ultimately excepted his fate.

The battle had came to an end with The Fire Nation Fleet led by Zhao in full retreat and a huge blow in The Siege, and Zuko laid against a raft next to General Iroh as they had begun to leave The Northern Water Tribe. A slight jab was made about Zuko not feeling motivated to chase after Aang as he usually does, but In complete exhaustion from his battle against Katara and Zhao, Zuko was exhausted which left Iroh to give him the advice of rest and recovery.

Master Paku gave his regards to Katara about his plans for The South Plan in hopes that other benders and healers would join him, and when it came to Aang's waterbending training he figured that The Avatar was in safe hands with Katara as his master. Sokka had a moment share with Yue's father when it came her fate which he had seen coming. He was the proudest father but at the same time dealt with sadness since Yue longer existed.

All of which leads to Aang and Katara having a moment to embrace at last in peace followed by Momo, and with Sokka who gave a simple pat to him alongside Appa came in as they looked over The horizon beyond the city. Relieved by the notion that with the battle at close, Aang, Katara, and Sokka were still able to live another day.

Everything looked as if they were in place for a good send off till we ventured off into The Fire Nation where Ozai gave his knowledge of Iroh's betrayal and Zuko's failure to his daughter who had been given a task. This special task would've only been carried out by his daughter and only her alone, but that brings an end to my highlights for Avatar The Last Airbender Episodes 19 & 20: The Siege of The North. That also wraps up my full highlights on Avatar The Last Airbender Book 1: Water, and next time it will be the start of my rewatch highlights for Book 2: Earth.

[luckyrave]

Yangvik - “Nujian’s Name!” Dawn of Yangchen Chapter 16

Gosh the Yangvik moment with Nujian’s namesake is just so fun and so good! 🥹

Kavik stopped himself, his hands already reaching and to touch the fluffy hair, “Can I?”

Yangchen nodded. “He stroked the bison’s beaming white topcoat and got an appreciative rumble in response, “Nujian thinks you’re all right,” she said. “That’s a good sign.”

“You named your bison ‘Arrow’? A little unimaginative don’t you think?”

“I was eight! Shut up about it!” In a huff, she used a small tornado to lift herself onto her bison’s withers, landing with a plop as her rhobes settled around her. “ Are you getting on or what?” 🤭

[luckyrave]

The more I read & know about Yangchen, the more I’ve began adoring her! She’s really getting up there in being my 2nd favorite Avatar in the series, and so far it’s been based on her first book The Dawn of Yangchen. 🥰🍃🌊🪨🔥

[luckyrave]

Good thing I’ve got The Dawn of Yangchen to keep me occupied while being away until the next couple days. ☺️🍃🌊🪨🔥

[luckyrave]

Avatar The Last Airbender Episode 18 Highlights: The Waterbending Master

Aang, Katara, and Sokka have finally made it to The Northern Water Tribe after having been on a long journey which meant one specific thing for both Aang and Katara. A Waterbending Master where they both could hone their skills to be even better benders and especially the benefit for Aang to have master Waterbending since he is The Avatar. Sokka also found him in a bit of a crush by the sight of a beautiful girl who had passed by on a river boat.

Zuko had quickly lost every member of his crew due to direct orders and a personal visit from Admiral Zhao who needed all the resources that were needed for his operation to head straight for The North Pole. The sole reason being that Aang could've finally been in his grasp and because he didn't want Prince Zuko to have gotten in his way until his eyes noticed The Bronze Swords that The Blue Spirit had. One that draws direct attention to The Prince and he slowly began his operation to have eliminate Zuko in a tragic accident.

Aang and the others were given a proper ceremonial celebration since The Avatar had finally made an appearance after such a long time. This led to the Tribe's Chief Arnook to have introduced Aang to Master Paku where he could begin his waterbending training. Plus, Aang making a remark to The Waterbending Master about Katara in directly about being excited to finally begin their waterbending training together.

That following morning, things don't exactly the way that Aang and Katara had imagined because upon the introduction from Aang to Master Paku there had been a misunderstanding. He had forgotten to inform his new master that his friend was a girl because accordng to tribes and customs of The Northern Water Tribe all the woman were forbidden to learn waterbending. A notion that left Aang and Katara furious over the matter because they couldn't believe their travel across the world would've led to this statement, and despite that Aang reluctantly stayed to learn under Paku on Katara's behalf.

Katara went ahead to the healing classes that were held by Yagoda where their other girls who were much younger than her, but after the session ended the healer had asked Katara who the lucky boy was when it came to the betrothal necklace she had around her neck. A statement that was quickly explained by the fact that it had belonged to her grandmother then passed onto her mother and eventually it was passed onto her. Yagoda had taken a closer look and the necklace and recognized as Kanna who had been great friends with her since they were both born in The Northern Water Tribe. A revelation that wasn't known to Katara at all, and it left her to wonder why she had left The North Pole all those years ago.

Sokka had spent his entire time with Princess Yui whom he had taken a very sweet liking towards, and she also had felt the same as well. Even by being so interested in doing an activity together with The Warrior from The Southern Water Tribe where she had told him they would meet at the bridge. When that night eventually came, Yui had second thoughts and ran away as if a mistake had been made.

That same night, Aang, Katara, and Sokka share stories about how their day went. Sokka feeling annoyed about what happened with Yui because it felt like she was into him and the next minute she had second thoughts. When it came to the topic of Waterbending training both Aang and Katara had explained the fallout that happened with Master Paku, and Sokka came up with a solution for Aang to teach Katara what he learns and that way things are okay. A great idea in theory to where Aang and Katara try out that specific method in the middle of the night until they were caught by Master Paku who declares that he won't train Aang any longer since he broken customs of The Water Tribe.

Meanwhile, Iroh had joined aboard Admiral Zhao as his general to The North Pole after he witnessed Zuko's ship burnt to smithereens with his nephew on board during his walk out the night after Zhao came to visit, and vowed that The Pirates would face justice for what happened. This led the general to a point where he had communicated with a soldier on the ship about the plan that had ben in place, and where it was shown that Zuko had kept his face hidden within a mask while he remained unnoticed. All in hopes that Zuko could get his hands on Aang once they reach The North Pole.

Katara was given the oppertunity to forgive Master Paku for Aang to have broken The The Tribe's custom for her sake, but when he eagerly awaited for her response it was then decided. Katara vowed that she would challenge Master Paku to a match to prove his entire point wrong, and even in the following morning he wasn't phased. That is until Katara provoked The Waterbending Master with a first strike which prompted him to fight back. She had done so much in the skirmish against Master Paku that he had been impressed by her skills, but still there'd be no way Katara could've been trained.

Finally, everything came to an end with Master Paku who bested Katara in a icicle prison, and as he walked way did his eyes witness the necklace on the ground that once belonged to Katara's grandmother. When Katara asked for the necklace back The Waterbendng Master told her that he had made the necklace for Kana over 60 years ago, and despite the love he felt for Katara's grandfather she didn't wanna let the Northern Tribe's customs rule over life. In that same vein, Yui was brought to tears because she did really like Sokka a lot, but their future together was impossible because she was engaged to someone.

Things come to a peaceful resolution with Master Paku as Katara takes part in the lesson alongside with Aang unknown to them that Zhao and his fleet are about to head for The North Pole, but that brings an end to my highlights for Avatar The Last Airbender Episode 18. Catch you all again for my highlights on the next episode.

[luckyrave]

Avatar The Last Airbender Episode 17 Highlights: The Northern Air Temple

Aang, Katara, and Sokka had heard stories that were told of the airbenders which had really moved the young Avatar's spirit about of what the man mentioned from his great grandfather who must've seen them over a hundred years ago. The thing which came to Aang's surprise was that the man's great grandfather had seen them last week which left curious to visit The Northern Air Temple.

A sight in which Aang wasn't too particular fond once the sight of people gliding in the sky came into the picture. He felt it had dishonored what it was to be an airbender and that the people on these newly constructed gliders had no spirit and decided to dive straight in for a little competitive gliding race against a young man named Teo who was surprised by Aang's moves and realized he was The Avatar whom he had stories about.

While Aang had explored through the temple it left him appalled by the machinery work that was done over what stood to be the history of his people. It only got worse for the young airbender when he witnessed an untouched room that was destroyed by Teo's Father who had wanted to build a bathhouse for the refugees.

One thing led to another for Aang when it came to The Northern Air Temple, but Teo did reassure him that there was one part which remained intact and that was The Temple's Sanctuary. A place that Teo always wanted to witness what it was on the inside, but Aang initially wanted to leave this part untouched because it was what remained for his people. His mind however quickly changed after a Katara took a bit of a glider flight test, and that led him shocked to see Teo's father who had made weapons for The Fire Nation.

Teo's Father explained to them that sometime after he had brought the refugees to The Northern Air Temple for Shelter did The Fire Nation make a scene and he was forced to over his services. Even though Aang was annoyed by the notion of what was told, he did offer to help draw The Fire Nation from stepping forward to harm him and the other refugee. A plan that was constructed by Sokka who came up with an method to use a War Ballon that Teo's father initially used as an experiment and implemented his own thought process which allowed for them to succeed in the battle.

After everything was said and done, Aang made amends with Teo and his father when it came to The Northern Air Temple. He felt content with how his father and the people have made their temple their own, and hoped that they would continue to protect it till the end of time. In midst of the defeat that Qin and his soldiers to Aang and the others it also left him pleased by what could be accomplished in the future with the War Ballon that had been used as a diversion, but that brings an end to my highlights for Avatar The Last Airbender Episode 17. Catch you all again for my highlights on the next episode.