#atla:zuko joins the gaang early

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

Zuko's Tiny Dilemma

Fandom: Avatar The Last Airbender

Author: boogum​, @botherkupo

Rating: Teen

Word Count:  126,753

Pairings: Zutara, Yukka

Characters: Katara, Zuko, Aang, Sokka, Yue

Warnings: Canon Typical Violence

Tags: Humor, Friendship, Age Regression/De-Aging, Spirit Curses, AdventureZuko is an Awkward Turtleduck, Drama, Tiny Zuko is Grumpy, Season 1 canon divergence, Crack Treated Seriously, lots of gaang bonding, premise is ridiculous but this will suckerpunch your heart, Romance, Appa gives best cuddles

It was the kind of thing that happened in folktales: a cursed prince, a transformation that could not be broken. Except those princes usually became monstrous-looking creatures who needed true love's kiss to return to normal. They did not get stuck as a six-year-old boy depending on a bald runt and two Water Tribe siblings.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

(life happens) wherever you are

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: howlikeagod, @eternalgirlscout​

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Violence, Character Death, Imprisonment

Word Count:  159,933

Pairings: Sukka, Mailee, Bato/Hakoda, 

Characters: Zuko, Iroh, sundry OCs for plot reasons, Toph Beifong, Katara, Sokka, Mai, Aang, Hakoda, Azula, Ty Lee, Haru, The Duke, Teo, Chit Sang

Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, technically a canon divergence coffeeshop au, Canon-Typical Violence, The Jasmine Dragon, )POV Changes, so many POV changes, Customer Service, propaganda and brainwashing, Zuko's Morality Coma, Give Zuko A Pet 2k19, not exactly cruelty to animals. more like rudeness to animals, Canonical Child Abuse, Ozai Being a Terrible Parent, Ba Sing Se, Zuko's mommy issues and other things that can be seen from space, the violence inherent in the system, Minor Character Death, AtLA says Prisons Are a Tool of the Oppressor, Toph's life-changing field trip, the power of bi polyamory saves the day

On the day before Ba Sing Se falls, Katara decides two things: 1) not to stop for a cup of tea; 2) consequently, the fate of the world.

Behind the walls, Zuko loses sleep, runs errands, contemplates treason, and drinks a lot of hot leaf juice—not necessarily in that order.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

With Agni on Our Side

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: fanficreader5

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Imprisonment, Child Abuse, Strong Language, 

Word Count:  42,927

Characters: Zuko, Original Characters, Azula, Iroh, Ozai, Sokka, Katara, Aang

Tags: Ozai just wants to keep his son out of the way but in sight, Zuko just wants to prove he's learnt to be humble, But he's gonna learn more about cooking than keeping his mouth shut, Ozai's A+ Parenting, Zuko is an Awkward Turtleduck, who doesn't get that there might be people who begrudgingly care about him, (enter OCs), (and later Gaang), Zuko Joins The Gaang Early, Hurt/Comfort, Awkward sprinkling of bad jokes, the author doesn't sleep enough and this is what her mind finds funny at 2am, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, no beta we die like men, The Gaang has one braincell, and Katara has it most of the time

After the fateful Agni Kai, instead of sending him off on a ship, Fire Lord Ozai decided to remove his son's title and relegate him to being part of the Palace staff.

Zuko's pretty sure he's going to go back to being Crown Prince any day now.

Just a few more days.

And then the Avatar and his companions are captured.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

The Element of Change 

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: quarantineddreamer @quarantineddreamer​

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Violence, Strong Language

Word Count: 135,191

Pairings: Zutara

Characters: Katara, Zuko,  Iroh, Azula, Sokka, Aang, Hama, Jet, Huu, Toph Beifong, Jin, Mai, Ty Lee, Smellerbee, Longshot

Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Book 2: Earth, first attempt at a longer fanfic, wish me luck guys, Slow Burn, with some guest appearances that may surprise you, aka redemption arcs we deserved, Angst, Spirits, Gaang, Canon Rewrite

When Katara, Aang, and Sokka leave the Earth Kingdom Military Base they stumble upon a desperate Iroh who is watching Zuko fight for his life. What follows is a canon-divergent adventure...

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

Just An Act

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author:  LongingForRain

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Mentions of Child Abuse

Word Count: 5,507

Pairings: Zutara

Characters: Katara, Zuko, Aang, Sokka, Toph Beifong, Headmaster

Tags: Episode: s03e02 The Headband, Alternate Universe, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Silly, Jealousy, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, (comes with the territory when writing Zuko), Mutual Pining

Aang is in trouble in Fire Nation school and needs some fake parents...who could pull it off?

An alternate universe in which "The Headband" takes place after Zuko joins the group.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

Skipping Stones

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: ShivaVixen 

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Violence, Child Abuse, Strong Language

Word Count: 113,991

Characters: Iroh, Zuko, Aang, Toph Beifong, Sokka, Suki, Katara, Yue, Mai, Ty Lee, Azula

Tags: The Gaang - Freeform, Found Family, Zuko joins earlier, Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Zuko is an Awkward Turtleduck, replacing canon issues with all new ones, Protective Zuko, Protective Aang, Suspicious Sokka, Ozai is a horrible parent, Canon Typical Violence, Suki joins early, Rotating Point of View, Misunderstandings, There is a line of people who want to adopt Zuko, Adopt Zuko and you also adopt the gaang, package deal adoption, political maneuvering, Diplomacy, Political Alliances, political marriages are discussed, look ending the war will go easier if Zuko makes political allies now, Fantasy Politics, Cultural differences are also a thing, propaganda is a thing, unlearning propaganda is a slow process, All journeys start with a step, Episodes have been rearranged for plot purposes, What Have I Done, Cultural References, Using real world cultures to patch up the holes in the cultural landscape of Avatar, Mentions of Myth & Folklore

In which a helpful sea monster rescues an injured human hatchling (read: kidnaps a recently banished Zuko) and causes headaches for the rest of the world.

Not that the Gaang cares. They now have a portable heater that is just slightly vague on how he, a fire bender, ended up on an island and exiled.

Book 1, Water: Chapter 1-20 Book 2, Earth: Chapter 21-40 Book 3, Fire: Chapter 41-61

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

Mountains and Badgermole Hills

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: Glass_Onion

Rating: General

Warnings: Torture, Violence

Word Count: 142,042

Characters: Zuko, Sokka, Katara, Aang, The Gaang

Tags: Friendship, Secret Identity, Hurt/Comfort, Enemies to Friends, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fluff and Angst, Beautiful Escape Plans, Stupid Escape Plans, Bad Puns, Good Intentions, Force Fed Friendship, Zuko Joins The Gaang Early, The Gaang Learns How Zuko Got The Scar

After the Blue Spirit frees the Avatar from the Pohuai Stronghold, Admiral Zhao captures Prince Zuko under suspicion of treason. Isolated from his Uncle and his crew, Zuko has only one ally: the chatty prisoner one cell over.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

Dragon of the Yuyan Series

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: theawkwardpenguin @awkwardpenguinproductions

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Violence, Character Death, Child Abuse, Strong Language, Major Injury, Suicidal Thoughts, Racism, Colonialism, Alcohol

Word Count: 137, 313

Characters: Zuko,  Commander Toshiaki (OC), Kai, (OC), unnamed OCs, Ozai, Iroh, Azula, Commander Atsuko (OC), Yuyan Archers, Chihese Squad (OCs), Captain Hiroki (OC), Sergeant Mika (OC), Private Jiyoti (OC), Master Ryoichi (OC), Various tertiary OCs, Jet, Sokka, Katara, Aang, The Gaang,  Freedom Fighters, Smellerbee, Pipsqueak, Toph Beifong, Joo Dee, Haili Squad (OCs), OCs out the wazoo, Zhao, Appa, Momo, Bato, Pakku, Arnook, Yue, General Fong, Mai, Ty Lee, Bumi, Toph Beifong's Parents, The Dangerous Ladies, Wan Shi Tong, Professor Zei, Suki, Gansu, Sela, Lee, Than, Ying, Than's Sister, Piandao, Jin, Lao Beifong, Long Feng, Dai Li, The Blue Spirit,  Hakoda, Aang, Jee, Zuko's Crew, The Duke, Huu, Foggy Swamp Waterbenders, The Mechanist, Teo, Tyro, Haru, The Boulder, The Hippo, The Painted Lady, Order Of The White Lotus, Fat, Hama

Tags: POV Zuko, Yuyan Raise Zuko, Semi-Feral Child, Ozai is an Asshole, Flashbacks, some instances of suicidal thoughts, Zuko is a hurtin' puppy, Pre-Series, One F-Bomb, that might become a thing, because it amuses me, Inspired by MuffinLance's Tumblr, Alternate Universe-Canon Divergence, Discussion of child abuse and abandonment, Ozai Being a Terrible Parent, Zuko is an Awkward Turtleduck, OC-centric, Past Abuse, baby steps to badassery, OC is an asshole, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, bad days suck, but your Yuyan Archer squad always has your back, Zuko Angst, Panic Attacks, Hijinks & Shenanigans, this part is almost entirely "teenagers doing stupid shit", what did you expect when you put a bunch of highly skilled teenagers in a military base?, plot is minimal but existent, handwaving Fire Nation war tech because I can't find satisfying answers, Zuko-centric, Zuko meets Jet, and is completely turned off, S1Ep10 "Jet", slightly out of continuity, both in terms of canon and this series, but someone asked on tumblr, and this came out, Zuko's just joined the Gaang and is still figuring things outs, 2e14 City of Walls and Secrets, Ba Sing Se is SUPER CREEPY, and Zuko HATES IT, inspired by @muffinlance's lovely AU concepts, just a little peek into a new AU I'm working on, dear G-d what have I done, just in case, TW: military action, TW: Vomiting, TW: hunting animals for food, none of this is hugely graphic,  but just in case, if I miss anything please please please let me know, Zuko being a curious bean, is it treason?, or is it "reasonable response"?, based on a throwaway line in THAT episode, WARNING: this one's gonna hurt, sorry, No happy ending here, Beware ye who enter here, Hurt No Comfort, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat, TW: mistreatment of prisoners of war, TW: forced suicide, trauma aftermath, disillusioned former prince plots treason, Toshiaki unleashes his inner Commander Dad, Nightmares, Kai is a good bro, Midnight Rooftop Discussions, oblique references to canon events, based on MuffinLance's YuyanAdoptZuko Tumblr post, IT BEGINS, Episode: s01e13 The Blue Spirit, Zhao is a jerk, lots of f-bombs in this one, because Zuko is a soldier, and he's also really really done with Zhao's bull, shit, tried really hard not to just rewrite the whole episode, hope it worked, Zuko is actually really competent, Aang is a child, LITERALLLY, he's TWELVE, And tinybased on MuffinLance's Tumblr series #Yuyan Raise Zuko, in case I haven't said it before: THIS SERIES WILL NOT CONTAIN ROMANTIC SHIPS, I'm a little gen sailboat and like it that way, (apologies to maychorian for stealing her blog title), but it is EXTREMELY relevant, anyway, introductions, Sokka needs more sleep, dammit Aang stop picking up strays, Sokka is a nerd, Katara is conflicted, THIS IS THE ONE YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR, Zuko meets the Gaang, do I need to keep using that tag? it's pretty obvious at this point, Zuko loves animals, POV Bato, Episode: s01e15 Bato of the Water Tribe, another one I wasn't planning on writing but did anyway, Bato needs therapy, Zuko needs THERAPY, Everyone Needs Therapy, Guys. Sokka is actually an authority figure. He's the SON OF THE CHIEF, everyone can have a tiny bit of world building. as a treat, Post-Episode: s01e16 The Deserter, Zuko has ISSUES with Jeong-Jeong, and firebending as it is currently taught, LOTS of ASL grammar, Aang is still learning sign, he's not quite code-switching yet, Zuko talks to himself in sign, Sokka has no fear, short and sweet, nearly drove myself crazy with this bullshit, my beta reader is a goddess and she saved my ass, all the fish ever for all time to her, Firebending & Firebenders, Episode: s01e18 The Waterbending Master, it's been a whopping five minutes and Zuko already hates the North Pole, it's freaking cold, the people are not nearly as friendly as they first appear, Katara challenges the patriarchy and Zuko suffers, Katara and Zuko like to giggle at Sokka being a dork, Episode: s01e19-20 The Siege of the North, Zhao's here to fuck shit up, Zuko does not have a good time, nobody has a good time, get y'all some tissues, remember how I've been saying that I'm not changing major canon events?, Yeah I'm sorry, Pyrrhic Victory, all hail Koizilla, Episode: s02e01 The Avatar State, this is basically just a chance for Zuko to meet the disaster human that is Fong, not really much to tag here, honestly if I keep going the tags list might end up being longer than the fic itself, just let me know if you want me to tag anything here, Short & Sweet, ummm.... this might be really sad?, an interlude, very short, Episode: s02ep03 "Return to Omashu", in which Zuko's past comes back to kill him, enter the Dangerous Ladies, Aang is a dumbass sometimes, the Gaang has one braincell between them, most of the time Zuko's the one who holds it, he really would rather not thanks, Omashu is basically a ninja's playground, who WOULDN'T want to go parkouring through that place???, Episode: s02e04 The Swamp, Shor, tshort and weird, Zuko can't get over how creepy this place is, not much else to add, special guest star, TOPH SMASH!!!, Toph Being Awesome, Badass Toph Beifong, Episode: s02e06 The Blind Bandit, HERE SHE IS Y'ALL, i hope i did her justice!, Toph is done with everyone's bullshit, I tried really hard not to use visual descriptions guys let me know if it worked,   how does one communicate when one can't talk and the other can't see?, LET'S FIND OUT, Let Toph Say Fuck 2020, Episode: s02e08 The Chase, SHIT HITS THE FAN Y'ALL, Azula is her own warning, Major Character Injury, Sokka is sleep deprived, the babies are fighting, Zuko is done with everyone's shit, Episode: s02e09 Bitter Work, lots of talking, and Toph kicking butt, Zuko is the worst patient, commiserating about shitty families, finding yourself through getting your ass kicked by a twelve year old, Toph Beifong and Zuko are Siblings, i don't make the rules, Hurt Zuko, Zuko is a firebending master, and Toph is an earthbending master, Zuko Has PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, (need to think of an in-universe name for it), Episode: s02e10 The Library, I know it's been a while, but everyone should remember that Zuko is in fact a prince, with all of the training in diplomacy that implies, Wan Shi Tong isn't unreasonable, he just wants to be left alone with his books, Sokka's a moron but we love him anyway, yes y'all can have a little canon-divergance, as a treat, Rating for Language, (Zuko's a former soldier after all), Episode: s02e12 The Serpent's Pass, guest starring the family from Zuko Alone, enter: Suki!, hey hey the Gaang's all here!, honestly this is more exposition and backstory than real plot, but hopefully now things are a little more clear, TW: Profound Grief, tw: perceived character death, TW: suicidal thoughts, Iroh does not have a good time, at least for the first part, POV Iroh, Iroh is a Good Uncle, Iroh Loves Tea, Let me know if I missed any tags, Episode: s02e14 City of Walls and Secrets, or rather elements thereof, Iroh meets the Gaang, Iroh adopts the Gaang, honestly this one's pretty chill, not much going on past Zuko and Iroh catching up and Zuko dragging Iroh home to meet his friends, ONCE AGAIN: FAKE DATING AU, Fake/Pretend Relationship, I swear the Zutara is only like 30 seconds and neither characters are happy about it, Fake dating for infiltration purposes, someone want to come up with an ATLA version of James Bond?, cause this is it, Episode: s02e15 Tales of Ba Sing Se, fluff and nonsense, and a tiny bit of plot, wait, how did PLOT get into my FLUFF???, that's frustrating, Iroh's living out his teashop au, Aang and Zuko stop in to help, and get some wisdom, and some tea, everybody loves iroh, including the gaang, some dialogue taken from Episode: s02e09 Bitter Work, I'm sure you can guess what dialogue, Episode: s02e17 Lake Laogai, the Blue Spirit strikes again!, co-starring: the Little Badgermole!, Mission: IMPOSSIBLE (ATLA edition), Zuko finally puts his training to use, are you telling me Toph can SEE UNDERGROUND, and canon DIDN'T PUT THIS INFORMATION TO USE????, in an UNDERGROUND FORTRESS????, Toph gets her life-changing field trip with Zuko, Episode: s02e20 The Crossroads of Destiny, Canon Temporary Character Death, if you've seen the episode you know what happens, Protective Sokka,  Big Brother Sokka,  basically just Sokka processing the events of Sacrifice, which means run on sentences and a lot of cursing, honestly not super thrilled with this one but it's done and it needed to be written, Episode: s03e01 The Awakening, Episode Tag, remember how in The Awakening, Katara had said that Aang had been asleep for "a few weeks"?, I'm taking that literally, ie potentially murdering prisoners, Hakoda's a nice guy but he IS the leader of an army/nation, please let me know what else I should tag, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, also language, pretty much every character in this fic is some kind of combatant, and therefore there is swearing, a lot of swearing, Racism, Colonialism, Alcohol, Episode: s03e02 The Headband, what was the gaang doing while Aang was at school?, Fire Nation Cuisine, my inner foodie comes out in this, Mostly Fluff, there's a brief instance of Zuko/Katara but they're undercover and it's NOT REAL, Episode: s03e03 The Painted Lady, Pollution,  Effects of Pollution, Starvation, Ozai Being an Asshole,  Ozai is a BAD leader, this has effects on his nation, Protective Zuko, Zuko will be a GOOD leader, Zuko cares about his people A LOT, Environmental Terrorism, ecoterrorism, Episode: s03e04 Sokka's Master, that feeling when your friend walks up to a random castle, and knocks on the door, and the answering butler addresses him by the name that has a warrant out for his arrest, just a fun little thing, I love this episode, Let The Gaang Stay at Piandao's 2k21, Episode: s03e06 The Avatar and the Fire Lord, you cannot tell me that everyone just sat around while Aang was chatting with Roku, volcanic beach vacay, pure fluff, no redeeming nutritional value whatsoever, Episode: s01e17 The Northern Air Temple, zuko is conflicted, but only for a little bit, sokka and the mechanist are science bros, zuko gets to be a big brother, fist bumps are a fire nation thing???, one of those instances where I didn't expect the characters to react the way that they did, Episode: s03e08 The Puppet, mastertried to keep it creepy, dunno how well I succeeded, also this was really hard to write and if it's crap I apologize, like don't be mean about it but seriously tell me what I screwed up and how so I can fix it, this fic is not Hama friendly, it is not SUPPOSED to be Hama friendly, if you're here just to yell at me for not being Hama friendly then you can just scoot on out, Bloodbending,  Hama Is Her Own Warning, why is that not a tag?, Episode s03e09: Nightmares and Daydreams, Episode: s03e10 The Day of Black Sun Part 1: The Invasion, Aang is sleep deprived and aangsty, Zuko is a Good Brother, Toshiaki returns!, Episode: s03e11 The Day of Black Sun Part 2: The Eclipse, War, Canon-Typical Violence, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Badass Zuko

Inspired by MuffinLance's #Yuyan Raise/Adopt Zuko on Tumblr.

In which Zuko is fostered/adopted/raised/recruited by the Yuyan Archers of Pouhai Stronghold, and destiny hiccups.

Updates Saturdays, unless it doesn't

Now posted: Part 39- Rendezvous

Notes:

ALL CREDIT FOR THIS CONCEPT GOES TO MUFFINLANCE AND HER TUMBLR AND EVERYONE WHO ADDED TO THE TAG.

ALL NAMED OCS IN THIS SERIES BELONG TO ME (00AwkwardPenguin00 and @awkwardpenguinproductions)

Part 1: Anchor Point

Zuko is so freaking hungry, and the Pouhai Stronghold is the only sign of civilization he's seen in six months. Sneaking inside is hilariously simple, until it's not. At least he's not a pincushion (yet), but it'd be really nice if he could understand what the bow-toting security guards were saying.

In which Zuko is adopted by a troop of silent ninja-archers.

Inspired by MuffinLance's #Yuyan Raise Zuko.

Part 2: Conflict of Interest

Toshiaki, Troop Commander of the Yuyan Archers, has been a soldier for fifteen years. He has served his Fire Lord and his Nation loyally and faithfully. But when Commander Atsuko, CMO of Pouhai Stronghold, brings to light a shocking revelation, it opens the floodgates to questions Toshiaki isn't sure he knows how to answer.

Inspired by MuffinLance's #Yuyan Raise Zuko on Tumblr

Part 3: Melee

Zuko may not have had much going for him during those six months in the wilderness, but he had a knife. And now that he's eating better and more regularly, he's got fire. He's ready to start training with the Yuyan, but are the Yuyan ready for him?

Part 4: Camaraderie

Zuko's life seems to be turning around--things are really looking up, and life at the Stronghold is settling into a predictable routine. And then he looks at the mess hall calendar.

Part 5: Stealth

The first time is because of a prank.

The second time is because of a dare.

The third time is because of an injustice.

or

Three times Zuko wears the Blue Spirit mask.

Part 6: Mission

Zuko is finally going on a mission with Chihese Squad! Yeah, it's a simple (boring) escort mission, but it's his very first military action, and not even Kai's oversleeping is going to ruin it for him!

It doesn't, but something else does.

Part 7: Debrief

It's been two weeks since the events at Huzhen, and Zuko can't stop thinking. Commander Toshiaki helps, and plans are made.

Part 8: Rebellion

The prisoner is tiny, and Zuko is filled with rage at the sight. The time he's been waiting for has arrived.

Time to break out of the Stronghold, instead of breaking in.

Part 9: Alliance

Sokka and Katara are confronted with the idea that not everyone in the Fire Nation wants to destroy the world. Tui and La, Aang, stop picking up strays!

Part 10: Nemesis

Something about Jet is just off. Yeah, he's got skills, and a flair for the dramatic that Zuko can appreciate, but seriously, the guy is weird. Can they go now?

Zuko meets Jet, and is not impressed.

Part 11: Perspective

Bato is nearly healed from the skirmish with a Fire Nation patrol, and is just hanging around the Abbey until he hears from his Chief. Then his Chief's kids show up out of nowhere with the Avatar, and a mysterious scarred teenager armed to the teeth.

Part 12: Education

Aang asks a question. Zuko wants to strangle a man. A discussion on the nature of firebending ensues.

Part 13: Ascent

Teo and his people are pretty cool, even if they did completely screw up an ancient Air Temple. But opening doors reveals secrets, and presents Zuko with a conflict he hadn't quite anticipated when he'd left Pohuai.

Part 14: Confrontation

The North Pole is freaking cold, and Zuko is not enthused. Add in the fact that even the culture is as opposite to everything Zuko knows as anything could ever be, and he's in for a rough time.

It doesn't help that Katara's challenge to the patriarchy brings back some bad memories.

Part 15: Seige

In which the Northern Water Tribe is under attack.

Part 16: FUBAR

The fortress may be a joke, but Zuko's not laughing when the general in charge of it proposes a Bad Plan.

Part 17: Anniversary

Three years later.

Part 18: Occupation

Omashu has been conquered.

King Bumi is missing.

And of course now is the perfect time for Zuko's past to come roaring back.

Part 19: Mirage

The swamp is dark, and gross, and creepy as all get out. Zuko would really like to leave please.

Part 20: Miscommunication

Toph can't see.

Her new friend can't talk.

This may be a problem.

Part 21: Pursuit

There's a scary-looking tank train chasing them.

The kids are constantly fighting.

Sokka just wants to sleep, for spirits' sake.

Part 22: Exposure

In the aftermath of Azula, Zuko learns some stuff.

Part 23: Justification

Zuko would like to make it clear for the record that this entire thing is Sokka's fault.

Part 24: Escort

Zuko gets an up close and personal look at the effect the Fire Nation is having on the Earth Kingdom.

It's not pretty.

Part 25: Reconnaissance

Zuko hates Ba Sing Se. And the creepy lady that's following them everywhere is being disturbingly obstructionist. The sooner they do what they came here to do, the sooner they can freaking leave. Time to break out some of his special skills.

Inspired by MuffinLance's glorious #Yuyan Raises Zuko on Tumblr.

Part 26: Reconstruction

Three years ago.

Part 27: Contact

They've been in this dump for a week, and still no sign of Appa. Then Zuko stumbles upon a very familiar tea maker.

Part 28: Manipulation

A party. For a bear.

Zuko knows that the Yuyan are experts of infiltration and espionage, but this was NOT what he'd had in mind.

Part 29: R and R 

Where do you go when you need a break from the secret dystopian drama that is your life? Your uncle's tea shop of course.

Part 30: Extraction

They've spent way longer in this spirits-cursed city than they really should have, and Zuko's had enough. When Ba Sing Se's ridiculous bureaucracy shuts down their attempts to find Appa, he decides it's time to take matters into his own hands.

Part 31: Sacrifice

Their family is scattered, and somehow Azula has entered Ba Sing Se. Katara doesn't know how things can get much worse.

And then they do.

Part 32: Shock

Sokka is trying to wrap his brain around what just happened. He's not entirely sure he's successful.

Part 33: Recruitment

Gathering allies for a certain-to-be-suicidal attack on the capital of the Fire Nation is not a straightforward task.

Part 34: Infiltration

Katara didn't really know what to expect when they snuck into the Fire Nation, but somehow delicious food and a dance party were not it.

Part 35: Homefront

Zuko has known for years that Ozai does not have their nation's best interests at heart... so he's not sure why he's surprised to find a village in his own nation barely clinging to life.

Part 36: Materiel

Sokka wants to become a master sword fighter. Zuko knows exactly where to go.

Part 37: Message  

Avatar Roku has summoned Aang to join him for the Summer Solstice. The Gaang takes an opportunity for a break.

Part 38: Terrorism

In the forest on Kong Xin Island, no one can hear you scream.

Part 39: Rendezvous

Reassurances are given.

Preparations are made.

The Invasion is about to begin.

Part 40: Invasion

It is the Day of Black Sun, and the fate of the world comes down to a choice.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

Cheating at Pai Sho

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: MuffinLance @muffinlance​

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Violence, Child Abuse

Word Count: 34,680

Characters: Zuko, The Gaang, Zuko's Crew, Iroh, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph Beifong

Tags: Just an average day in Zuko's banished life, Aang is totally just an airbender honest, Avatar what Avatar, Zuko is an Awkward Turtleduck, If a turtleduck was really angry and on fire, Zuko has a cat, The cat has tentacles, Season One Zuko is Best Zuko, Season One Toph is EVEN BETTER, Sokka is living in the horror genre, Everyone else gets a buddy fic

"You said you were the Avatar!" "...I lied?" Aang doesn't get rescued from Zuko's ship, and no one's seen him go glowy yet... so he starts bluffing. Hard. Or: "The Avatar joins Zuko's quest to find the Avatar." In which Zuko doesn't join the Gaang, the Gaang joins Zuko.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

Blue Series

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: FabularumScriptorem217 @fabularumscriptorem​

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Character Death, Child Abuse

Word Count: 30,039

Characters: Zuko, Iroh, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph Beifong, Zuko's Crew, Yue, Azula, Ozai, Hakoda, Bato, Original Characters, Zhao, The Blue Spirit, Agni, Tui, La

Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Zuko-centric, Blue Spirit Zuko, Spirits, Character Death, Trauma, Past Child Abuse, Zuko Joins The Gaang Early, Azula, Redemption, Zuko is an Awkward Turtleduck, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, POV Alternating

Blue Waves of Change

Crown Prince, banished, captain of this vessel this-very-much-Fire-Nation-vessel on a hunt for the Avatar—a child—the Fire Nation’s greatest threat.

A threat, that Zuko had freed. Zuko hadn’t meant to, but like most things in his life that didn’t really matter. Because he still did. He had rescued the Avatar and maybe his friends…and a little Earth Kingdom girl. It just sort of happened.

Now Zuko, is kind of friends with the Avatar, may have started a religion, and could possibly be dead and a spirit-the Blue Spirit. Well if he is, then may as well do his best because you Never Give Up Without A Fight.

Blue is the Bird that Sings

The world shifts, they are standing and the world is colorful, rainbowed hues, pulsing through the trees, the ground. They look up and it is dark (there is no sun, no moon). 

Little Flame. They turn. 

Blue Spirit, they are the Blue Spirit.

Blue that Blossoms Brightly

“Blue…” They know it is time.“Blue Spirit…” They run— “Blue Spirit, please let my…”Words whispered reverently to them and only them. They had just wanted to help— and so they did.

Blue Lost to the Tides

In the North, the waters are frozen. Tui's light touches down on glistening waves of frozen white. Frozen, as it has been for eighty years now, eighty out of one hundred years now.

The Avatar has returned.

And the waves grow larger, and the tides grow stronger, and the ice will burn as surely as the water will drown.

They had waited for him, they had waited one hundred years for him.

Seasons change and—

The gaang has made it North with Fire trailing in their wake. Red and Black and...Blue.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

Fear the Dragon, Not the Flame

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: Des98

Rating: General

Warnings: Violence, Strong Language

Word Count: 16,411

Characters: Zuko, Azula, Zuko's Crew, Aang, The Gaang, Toph Beifong, Katara Sokka

Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Azula has no bending, Azula is still a psycopath but she loves her brother, This does not make her any less terrifying, Azula Redemption, Protective Azula, Zuko is an Awkward Turtleduck, Zuko is Metaphorically Baby, Aang is such a precious little agent of chaos, Toph Beifong is a Menace, An absolute gremlin, we ADORE her, "this is mine now. I'm adopting him", Sokka looks at Zuko and goes "this is shaped like a friend.", Aang looks at Zuko and goes "this is shaped like a friend and a firebending teacher and I love him", Adopt a local firebender and get his terrifying sister for free!, also one must always pay tribute to the muffin, Muffinlance is a spirit and spirits demand tribute, also she basically singlehandedly built the lore of the crew, for modern atla fics, Also noodle, bunny bc I love their zuko art and picture him like that for a lot of my fics, their handle on tumblr is pack, choy check them out, Aang uses he/they pronouns because he's just a chill lil vibin dude

Azula is born without bending. It doesn't change who she is, but it does change everything else.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

And You Saved Me, Maybe

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: Bfly1225

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Child Abuse, Strong Language, Violence

Word Count: 60,076

Characters: Zuko, Aang, The Gaang, Sokka, Katara, Yue, assorted brief OCs

Tags: Zuko joins early, Book one Zuko, toph swears like a lot, iroh is a sweet sweet man, zuko tries to pull an azula and it backfires, Zuko joins the gaang and they teach him what real friendship and love is, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Past Child Abuse, Its a zuko fic so..........u know, Yue has Character, Got up to book 2 and lost steam so this piece is on indefinite hiatus, No cliffhanger though its just not completed

Zuko is getting nowhere with his approach to hunting the Avatar- Every single time he thinks he has that slipperly little kid, he gets away somehow. He needs a new approach.

This new approach. . . Well, it wasn't supposed to involve cuddle piles, good jokes, friendly travels, helping people, seeing the fire nation's true impact. . . Zuko might have to change the plan a bit more than originally intended.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

White Lotus Zuko Series

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: calcliffbas @calcliffbas

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Violence, Strong Language

Word Count:  585,207

Pairings: Kataang, Zutara, Yukaa, Sukka

Characters: Iroh, Zuko, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Zhao, Other Avatar Characters, Toph Beifong, Suki, Azula, Mai, Ty Lee, Jet

Tags: Alternate Universe - Pre-Canon, The Order of the White Lotus, Pai Sho, Iroh is a Good Uncle, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Book 1: Water, Friendship, Secret Identity, The Blue Spirit - Freeform, Identity Reveal, Precious Aang,  White Lotus Zuko, Protective Katara, Big Brother Sokka, Zuko Joins The Gaang Early, One-Sided Aang/Katara, Pre-Katara/Zuko, POV Multiple, Book 2: Earth, Sokka & Zuko Friendship, Toph Beifong and Zuko are Siblings, Minor Sokka/Suki, Minor Katara/Zuko, Book 3: Fire, Avatar Aang, Honorable Zuko, Toph Beifong Being Awesome, Badass Suki,  Eventual Katara/Zuko, Gaang as Family, Fluff, Post-Canon, Fire Nation Politics,  Poetry, Literary References & Allusions, Historical References

Seventy-two to nil

When Zuko is banished, Iroh decides to teach him Pai Sho. Zuko learns a few other things along the way, too.

No Reason You Can’t Do It

When King Bumi and his friend Iroh ask Aang to take Iroh’s grumpy nephew with him to the North Pole, Aang thinks it’ll be pretty cool. But when the Gaang's new friend Zuko turns out to be a firebender, that’s just the beginning of their problems.

Your Plans Can Change

The Gaang are making their way through the Earth Kingdom to look for an earthbending master, but it’s no easy task when Princess Azula is after them. As Aang struggles with keeping the balance, and Zuko struggles with keeping his secrets, how long will it be before the cracks begin to show?

You Have to Stand Firm

After fleeing Ba Sing Se, Aang and the others know that the Day of Black Sun is their last chance to defeat the Fire Nation and win the war. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Zuko has returned home in triumph, but it’s nothing like he’d planned it. Our heroes will face hard choices and impossible odds, but one thing’s for sure: they’ll never give up without a fight.

Who Knows What Happens Next

It’s been three years since the end of the Hundred Year War, and the Gaang are back in Ba Sing Se for peace talks, Pai Sho, and group hugs.

and the journey itself is home

A collection of scenes that spun out from my Avatar AUs.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

Always Trust Sokka’s Instincts Series

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: Thisisentertaining

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Violence, Child Abuse, Imprisonment, Strong Language

Word Count:188,824

Characters: Sokka, Jet, Zuko, Smellerbee, Longshot, Pipsqueak, The Duke, Katara, Aang, Chey, Jeong Jeong, Gan Jin leader, Zhang Leader, Canyon Guide, The Gaang, Yue, Pakku, Arnook, Iroh, Zhao, Aunt Wu, Meng, The Fisherman, Zhao, Teo The Mechanist,  Bato, June, The Sun Warriors, Ran and Shaw, General Fong,  Song , OCs, Chong, Lily, Mai, Azula, Ty Lee, Tom-Tom, Mai's Parents, Bumi, Gansu, Sela, Sensu, Toph Beifong, Toph Beifong's Parents, Lee, Jet's freedom fighters

Tags: Jet is crazy, Sokka's instincts, Season 1 Ep 10, Hurt Zuko, Captivity, Non-Graphic Violence, No pairings, Angst, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Zuko and the Gaang bonding, Avatar: The Deserter, Fire Nation, Canon Divergence, Friendship, Bending, Fire Days Festival, Fire Flakes, The Great Divide, yeah that episode, Canyons, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Zuko is an Awkward Turtleduck, Claustrophobia, Northern Water Tribe, Water Tribe(s), Fighting, Zuko does not like being locked up, Canon-Typical Violence, canon typical sexism, Badass Katara,  Just found that as a tag, That seems repetitve, Episode: s01e19-20 The Siege of the North, Pai Sho, the fortune tellerS1 Ep 14 The Fortune Teller, Sokka is dobtful, Zukos destiny, Basically a character, Ozai's A+ Parenting, Sokka and Zuko Friendship, Firebending  World, bending, Volcano, Avatar: S1 E12Avatar: The Storm, Boats and Ships, Backstory, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, The Blue Spirit, Atla: Season 1 Episode 13, Pohuai Stronghold, Yuyan archers, The Yuyan, Zuko doesn't know how to be good, but hes trying, the northern air temple, theatre nerd!zuko, Angry!Aang, Discussion of destoying relics, Destruction of the air temples, Hurt/Comfort, Bato of the Water Tribe, Daddy Issues, ice dodging, Pouting Aang, Discussions of dead parent, discussions of child abuse, The Avatar State, The Firebending Masters, yup, Two episodes in one,  Kinda, Dragons, Ozai's A+ Fire Lord-ing, Worldbuilding, Sun Warriors, Secret tunnel, season 2 episode 2The Cave of the Two Lovers, Zuko suffers as usual, White Jade Tea, ostrich-horses, Return to Omashu, Omashu, Discussion of contagious disease, Pentapox, The bumi box, Episode: s02e04 The Swamp, Episode: s02e07 Zuko Alone, Episode: s02e05 Avatar Day, Episode: s02e06 The Blind Bandit, The Swamp, Zuko kicks butt, Zuko Alone but he isnt alone, Episode: s02e08 The Chase, Pursuit, Slight Mai/Zuko, Girlfight, Tea, Blue Spirit, Sleep Deprivation, Arguing

Instinctual

Sokka's instincts had screamed at him ever since Jet showed his smarmy, smug, wheat chewing face, but without evidence he couldn't convince Katara and Aang to listen to him. Honestly, as time went on and he couldn't find anything to support his unease he started to doubt it himself.

Then Jet let him in on the Freedom Fighter's biggest secret.

Sokka should have known better than to ignore his instincts.

Divided Instincts

Part of the Instinctual Verse - Please read that first.

The last thing Zuko wants after years of being stuck in that cave is to see any more rocks. Unfortunately, he hadn't had luck since the day he's been born so here they were, staring at world's largest canyon.

Oh well, at least they're flying over it and he won't actually be surrounded by rock walls, right?

...right?

Instincts to Guide in the Storm

Maybe it's the possible impending doom.

Maybe it's the novelty of having someone to tell who might care.

Maybe it's just that kind of storm. The one that makes you want to curl up around a fire to tell stories, and he and Sokka aren't exempt from that even on a perilous ship.

Regardless of the reason, Zuko begins to tell the story that the Freedom Fighters never bothered to even ask about.

A Spirit’s Instincts

Aang should be the one taking care of a sick Katara and Sokka, not Zuko, but the airbender insisted that he be the one to find the medicine.

Now it's been hours, and Zuko is painfully aware that there is a Fire Nation Stronghold nearby that he hadn't been able to warn Aang about.

When the lights of Pohuai light up in victory, he knows without having to be told that Aang has been captured.

Now Zuko has a decision to make.

Could he allow his maybe-friend to be captured by the Fire Nation?

Or was he ready to be the traitor his father had branded him as.

A Fortune Teller’s Instincts

Zuko may be free from Jet, but he is struggling to earn the full trust of the Gaang.

More than that, he isn't sure what do do with his life now that he is no longer crown prince and is no longer facing a life in chains. He used to know his destiny, now he has no clue where his life should go.

Maybe the famous Aunt Wu will be able to help.

Bato’s Instincts

Katara still hates him.

Sokka is following some Water-Tribe-Father-Figure around with stars in his eyes.

Aang is pouting because his friends are paying more attention to the Water-Tribe-Father-Figure than him.

Oh, and there is a Water-Tribe-Father-Figure now. And Zuko has a wonderful track record with Fathers.

Overall, this is a /great/ time to be Zuko.

A Deserter’s Instincts

Part of the Instinctual Verse, please read that first.

It had been weeks since Sokka had freed Zuko from Jet's clutches, and Zuko... he still can't make a spark. He's spent every available moment in the sun, and while his chi is growing stronger, he can do no more than manipulate an existing flame. He's trying not to let on how... concerned he is, but since Sokka maintains that he's a 'terrible liar', he doesn't think it's particularly effective.

He knows that going to the Fire Days festival was probably a bad idea, after all there is a whole wall of wanted posters featuring them right outside the city wall. But honestly, if Zuko never made a bad decision, he'd never do anything, and he wants a taste of home so badly.

What's the worse that could happen?

The Instinct’s of the Airwalkers

Zuko wasn't sure what to think about the tales of modern day figures living and flying in the Northen Air Temple. His people are... thorough. He doesn't want to let Aang down, but he finds it hard to believe that anyone not stuck in an iceberg had escaped the eradication.

When he got to the temple, he hated being proven right. What's more, he hated seeing Earth Kingdom strangers destroying what little of Aang's heritage survived the attack of his people. But the day that the Fire Nation launches a second attack on this once idyllic temple, Zuko hates the most that he has to finally make a clear choice.

He'd thought he'd made this choice already, thought he'd made it several times over, but the question remains when he'd least like it to: Is he willing to fight against his Nation?

Cold Hard Instincts

Part of the Instinctual Verse, please read those first!

Zuko is glad that he had started getting his bending back before they hit the frigid North Pole, but it turns out that the Northern Water Tribe doesn't feel the same way.

They hadn't even gotten close to the city yet and he was half frozen in a block of ice, freezing and bound as his captors ignore Katara, Aang, and Sokka's protests. He really should have known something like this would happen, but as usual he'd underestimated his luck and now he had to come up with a way to convince the Northern Chief to allow a firebender to walk free in his village.

He HAD to, because he wasn't going to let himself become a prisoner. Not again.

The Instincts of the Sun Warriors

Zuko... may have been hasty, when he got on that raft instead of finding his friends and at least seeing if he needed to pull this disappearing act. It was day three of sitting of a raft in the middle of the ocean though, and a little too late for him to do anything about his regrets.

He had other stuff he could focus on, like perfecting the Dancing Dragon and trying to figure out why Uncle was steering them to the northern tip of the Fire Nation.

Meanwhile, the Gaang have left the North Pole and are on their way to pick up Bumi and round out the gaang, they just had to stop and talk to the General Fong guy first. This shouldn't lead to any complications, right?

The Instincts of Healers and Nomads

Zuko is, surprise surprise, on the run once again. At least this time he has Uncle, someone to watch his back and someone he can trust to know absolutely everything about his past, his identity.

Now he just has to find his friends before they do something stupid.

He isn't holding his breath.

Especially since apparently, Uncle is no better than him at identifying what plants are good to make tea out of, and which ones are poison.

Instincts in Omashu (not Bumi’s instincts)

Being on the run is bad enough, but at least they have an Ostrich Horse now. Unfortunately, that doesn't help them make money, and Zuko has to endure begging with Uncle on the streets and put up with jerks who swing swords at (seemingly) defenseless old men.

Or does he?

Meanwhile, the Gaang is braving a very different Omashu than they remember. Aang is faced with the realization that his last old friend had fallen to the Fire Nation, just like everyone else he had remembered. He does have new friends now though, and new promises. He told Zuko that he would remember that the Fire Nation soldiers were people too, and as much as he didn't want to, this was a good place to start.

Zuko’s Instincts

Zuko and the Gaang are separated.

Yes, Zuko knows that it's his fault. Now though, he is travelling with Uncle throughout the Earth Kingdom to find them, all while trying to avoid the sister hunting him down. The way is treacherous and littered with friends and enemies alike. The hot headed teen is faced time and time again with danger, both natural and born of his own making.

At least he isn't alone.

The Instincts of the Chased

Katara thought that Zuko was one of the most stubborn, heard headed people she'd ever meet.

Enter Toph Beifong.

Meanwhile Iroh is trying to figure out how to approach his nephew about his habit of running off alone, which would be easier to do if the younger firebender hadn't run off alone the instant he saw a bit of bison fur.

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

To End a War (Series) 

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: ChickadeeChickadoo

Rating: General

Warnings: Brainwashing, Child Abuse

Word Count:  43,803

Characters: Zuko, Iroh, Zuko's Crew, Hakoda, Aang, Katara, Azula, Sokka, Suki, Pakku, Ozai, Toph Beifong, Ursa, Mai, Ty Lee, Long Feng, Kuei

Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Everyone Needs Hugs, Some people get hugs, War sucks, Ozai Being a Terrible Parent, Azula being halfway decent, Iroh a Good Uncle, Iroh Loves Tea, Merchant Zuko, What's even going on, NO ONE KNOWS, it's fun though, Angst, Do the pirates come back?, probably, Does Azula hunt them?, of course, Does everyone need a hug?, yes, that's a thing, Zuko is an Awkward Turtleduck, Who's them?, Long Feng is a horrible human, Azula gets some help, Zuko is really not the best at negotiations, Mostly he just wants to yell at people, Toph is amused, Da Li, They try to brainwash people, It would work better if Katara didn't keep healing them

To Protect

Zuko tried to protect the 41st division- he failed. He was banished. They died anyway. Now he has a crew. And he'll protect them if it kills him. Or the pirates chasing them.

To Betray

Zuko wasn't a traitor. Exactly. He was just going behind his father's back to end a war. That wasn't really treason. Probably.

Actually it was treason. Zuko wasn't exactly sure how much he cared about that.

To Compromise

Iroh has sent letter after letter to Ba Sing Se, looking to end the war permanently. They haven't responded... until now.

Zuko is an Ambassador.

Azula is a spy.

And Long Feng wonders... why rule one kingdom when you can have three?

[awanderingmuse-ficrec]

A Hundred Golden Suns

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: orphan_account

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Child Abuse, Strong Language, Violence

Word Count: 70,072

Characters: Zuko, Iroh, Hakoda, Katara, Sokka, Ozai, Bato, Aang, Toph Beifong, Agni, Azula

Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Pre-Canon, Hakoda adopts zuko, thats it thats the fic, Ozai Being a Terrible Parent, Ozai is an Asshole, Hakoda is a Good Parent, Zuko is raised in the Southern Water Tribe, ozai kills zuko and agni says try me again motherfucker, Canonical Child Abuse, Iroh: I may have committed some light treason

Zuko does not survive that first fateful Agni Kai.

But no matter how much Ozai strives to pretend otherwise, the Old Gods are not dead.

And the Old Gods are angry.